Zaroorat

Chapter 10

Aditya woke up early the next morning, itching to get the next chapter of his life started. He was at the airline offices 30 minutes early, ready for his day.

Zoya too started her day early, already excited for all that was to come. Just as she was at the door leaving for the office she heard her Abbu beckon her. She turned to look at him and noticed he seemed incredibly displeased.

'Zoya, Arshad called me just now. He said that you both met last night and he didn't think you were compatible and so that's why he doesn't want to marry you.'

Wasim crossed his arms as he spoke, clearly unconvinced by the explanation he was provided.

'What do you want me to say Abbu? What Arshad said is true. We are not compatible and so we shouldn't get married.'

'Zoyaaa' he raised his voice. 'Tell me what you said to him? What made him refuse so quickly?'

'Abbu I told you I wasn't ready to get married but you didn't listen. I told him the same thing and fortunately he listened to me. He realised that if my heart wasn't ready, he would never be able to make his place in it.'

Wasim pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

'Zoya Zoya why don't you understand. Arshad is the best man for you! Why don't you listen to your Abbu for once!?'

'Abbu why aren't you listening to me? Yeh humari life hai. Aap humein force na karen please.'

She looked down at her watch and cut him off before he could argue,

'Abbu I'm getting late. I need to leave.'

She rushed out while her Abbu kept calling out to her.

Wasim continued looking at the door as Zoya ran out and closed it behind her.

'Roshnaq! Roshnaq! Where are you?'

His wife came running out of the kitchen at her husband's call.

'Roshnaq, pack our bags. We're going to Mussoorie today. We have to go speak to Salim and apologise. I will not allow Zoya's stubbornness to end my friendship. Maybe after I talk with him, we can find a solution and convince Zoya to marry Arshad.'

Roshnaq shook her head in disagreement but could do little about it. She followed her husband's instructions and packed their bags. They were on their way to the airport in an hour and texted Noor on their way to inform her.

*** 

On her way to the office, there was only one person on Zoya's mind, Aditya. She had prayed for his success and was hopeful her prayers would be answered.

When he told her he was going to be doing his test today, she was confident he would pass and the first thought in her mind was to celebrate. She had spoken to Arjun and he had told her that their parents had been very excited to hear the news but were out of town for the weekend at a friend's daughter's wedding and so a family celebration had been delayed. Zoya had wanted his family to attend the celebration she planned but since they weren't around, she decided to throw a party at the office for the entire staff.

The office had a large terrace at the top of the building and she thought it would be the best place to host this party so she began to plan it the minute she came into the office.

She had called a meeting in the morning and told Akanksha, Shaun, Mona, Vinod and Mithilesh ji to help her prepare everything. Nour also helped out as Zoya oversaw all the arrangements. She ordered his favourite food, chose his favourite colour for the decorations and curated his favourite music to be played at the party.