Zaroorat

Chapter 14

Recap:

As Saira embraced Zoya to thank her some more, she whispered some words into Zoya's ear that took her breath away.

'Zoya listen, I have a question for you about Aditya

Chapter 14

As those words left Saira's mouth, Zoya's brain went into overdrive. A question about Aditya?! What did she want to know? Would Saira ask her about her feelings for Aditya? Did Saira see something between Aditya and Zoya? But how could she know? Did Aditya tell her?

Despite all the thoughts that had run through her mind and what she had been noticing all evening, she was still stunned by what Saira actually said.

'Actually it's about Aditya and Kirti.'

Saira looked over at them as she spoke and Zoya followed her gaze. Aditya had returned to Kirti with a drink in hand. Kirti was now clinging to Aditya's arm like her life depended on it while she introduced him to her distant relatives.

While Saira smiled at what she saw, Zoya had the exact opposite reaction, however, Saira didn't notice. She turned back to Zoya to look at her.

'Zoya, everyone knows you're Aditya's best friend and Kirti is my best friend. She spoke to me this morning and told me she really likes him but she doesn't know if he's single or not. As her best friend I told her I would ask you and find out. Don't they look cute together!'

Zoya was unable to speak. She even forgot to breathe as she heard Saira's little speech. After a few moments of silence, when Saira shook her arm, Zoya finally found her voice.

'Zoya, what happened? Why are you so silent?'

Zoya finally responded,

'What...how...I don't understand...'

Zoya's stomach was in knots, her voice started to shake and tears began welling in her eyes but she had to control herself . She was at work and she had to remember to stay composed. Saira attempted to respond to Zoya's question.

'Ah I understand. You're trying to ask how this happened? You know Zoya all that time when you were helping me out with my outfits, the decor, catering etc, Aditya was helping Kunal right.'

Zoya nodded her head to show she comprehended.

'Well while Aditya was helping out Kunal, Kirti was with them quite often. She told me she's met Aditya several times and she had gotten to know him. Kunal also thinks he's a great guy and from a good family and so when Kirti expressed her interest, I thought you would be the best person to ask about him. So tell me, does he have a girlfriend?'

Zoya looked back at Aditya and noticed that he had finally left Kirti's side after Shaun had asked him for some help. Zoya steeled herself and answered,

'No he doesn't.' The words tasted like bitter medicine in her mouth as she spoke.

Saira squealed in delight.

'Oh my god that's amazing! I'm going to go tell Kirti right now, thanks Zoya!'

Zoya was in a daze as she saw Saira run up to Kirti and give her the good news. Kirti's face lit up and she hugged Saira as they both walked away together, conspiring about their next steps.

Zoya turned away from the guests abruptly and started walking towards her hotel room. She walked into the hotel lawn, far enough away from the guests that she could no longer be spotted. Or so she thought. She didn't get very far into the lawn area before her breathing became rapid and she huffed to catch a breath. Her tears finally fell as her legs gave way and she fell to the ground.