Ok so here is a long update and a sweet one. Its all Sahir Zoya chapter. After all amidst all the chaos they deserve some moments of happiness. Please dont skip and read. So here is a treat to you all as Yash passed away. Oops.. I am sorry, didnt mean to. My heart felt condolences to Mr. Yash Arora. 😂
And by the way, this is what I am talking about in the chapter.👇

Sahir was engrossed in his files. Today has already been a terrible day for him and it was just 11 am.
He hears a knock at his door.
"Get out. I am busy right now." He said visibly annoyed without even looking at who it was. The knock was heard again.

"Cant you see I am..." He started in an angry tone but went quiet seeing the woman standing at his door. His eyes softened . "Zoya." He said softly still trying to figure out whether she was real or not. Yes Sahir had been having hallucinations since days now. Everywhere he went, he saw Zoya around.

It had been a month since the news of Yash's death broke out. Sahir knew Zoya needed time and no matter what he still didnt feel it was appropriate to invade her personal space. He still didnt feel that Zoya considered him a friend. That was unfortunate though. He absolutely had no idea how much Zoya missed him. How much she wanted him to talk to her once. If he did, he would have actually pressed the call button atleast once out of those 100 times he looked at her name in his contact list. He hated to admit it but he missed her. It was strange and very new for Sahir but well it was justified, after a very long time, he had found his solace in some one.

"Zoya" he repeated again to confirm that it was'nt just another hallucination. It was not. It was real. After giving up all hopes of Sahir calling her, Zoya had decided to meet him. It was such an unsettling feeling. She thought he may not have heard about Yash or least would have bothered to pay heed to it after all he is Sahir Azeem Chaudhary. This hurt Zoya even more because this meant that she probably meant nothing to him except his business associate. However, today she was unable to control herself. She wanted to see him. She needed to see him. So, she decided to visit Saiyaara and make some business thing her shield.

Sahir stood up from his chair and gestured her to sit. "Come have a seat, I wasnt expecting you." He said. "Oh yes why would he expect me, he isnt in love. You are in love.. idiot. " a voice inside her head spoke. Zoya quickly took a seat and lowered her gaze. Seeing her quiet, Sahir initiated the conversation, " So Zoya, what brings you here?"
"You" she wanted to say but couldnt.
"Actually, I was going through some last details of the transactions made by the company to Goyal industries and associates and I found some things missing so I thought.." Zoya said .
"So you could have asked Linda. I asked what brings you here?" Sahir said with a small smile playing on his lips. Sahir had been a pro in understanding body languages and he knew Zoya was not here for work.
"I couldnt find Linda so I walked in your cabin." Zoya managed a lie. She really didnt want seem a love stricken teenager.

The silence around was broken by Zoya's ringtone. It flashed Noor's name. She thought of rejecting it but then Zoya thought what if she is in trouble. "Excuse me." She took a quick look at Sahir and moved at a distance. Though Sahir pretended that he was engrossed in his files, his ears were all glued to her conversation.
"What..? How could you Noor?" Zoya said in sad tone.
"You know I so wanted to go there. Arshad is also not in the city and you are ditching me for some friend of yours?" Zoya's tone was full of anger.
Though Sahir couldnt hear the other side of the conversation, he assumed apologies raining on the other side. He saw Zoya returning to his table. He saw a certain sadness that was evident on her face. He couldnt resist himself and asked, "what happened?"
"Nothing." Zoya said.
"Zoya.. kya hua?" Sahir asked a little more affectionately now.
"I so wanted to go to this yearly fair ' Lucknow Mahotsav'.Today is the last day and Noor just ditched me. We had plans for today. " Zoya said innocently. Sahir couldnt control himself and let out a small laugh.
"Why the hell are you laughing?" Zoya asked pissed .
" I am sorry. Itni choti si baat aur tum itna dukhi ho gayi." Sahir said.
"Sorry. Hum jaa rahe hai." Zoya got up to leave. Sahir stood up and rushed towards her. He stood just in front of her to stop her.
"Aree wait. I will come with you." Sahir said unable to believe his own words. He remembered how much he  hated such places but something in him made him say that. Zoya looked at him with eyes wide open in shock.
"What?" She asked again unable to believe it.
"I said I will accompany you. Lets go there by 4 pm. ok? I will finish my work in the meanwhile." He said.  She nodded in response.

She was about to leave when something tickled her nose and she sneezed. The impact was so that she dropped her purse on the floor. She had almost bent down to pick it up when he spoke loudly but in a panicked tone, "ZOYA..STOP."  she looked at him confused. He then took two steps back and then picked up her purse and handed it to her. It took her a while to realise why he did this and she burst into laughter.
"Oh God Sahir, you really thought I will touch your feet?" Zoya said between her laughs. Sahir was amused looking at her smile. He couldnt help but smile with her. "Tumhara koi bharosa nahi hai." He said.
"Accha theek hai hum chalte hai." Zoya said and left him alone with his thougts in the cabin.
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Zoya and Sahir were in the fair now. No matter how much Sahir hated it, his heart warmed seeing Zoya so happy. She would look around like a 9 year old who was excited to see so many toys, swings and eatables around. While Zoya looked around, Sahir couldnt remove her gaze from her. She was dressed in a baby pink kurti that had a front slit and exposed her navel. Not that Sahir was that kind of man but it was hard not to notice. Her hair was left open and kohl as usual highlighted her already beautiful eyes. Her dress perfectly was in combination to his deep blue shirt. His sleeves were rolled up and they were paired with black jeans

"Sahir!" Zoya said excited as she spots something of her interest. She holds Sahir's wrist and drags him with her. Zoya in the moment was so excited that she didnt notice that she was still holding his hand. Sahir didnt mind though. It was a game stall. The curtain in front of them was filled with large number of small differently coloured balloons in a circular pattern. They were supposed to strike and burst the balloon with the help of a special rifle except that the rifle was loaded with pins instead of bullets. "Sahir aapko pata hai, hum humesha se yeh karna chahte the par Abbu kabhi nahi maane. He thought I would be hurt." She said.
"Tum yeh utha bhi paaogi?" Sahir said teasing her.
"Huh? Just wait and watch." Zoya asked the man at the stall to give her the rifle. She picked it up and looked at it like a child who had got his best toy. She tried aiming the gun but it wasnt as easy as she thought. She struggled to hold it up.

Sahir saw this and chuckled. He got near her and held the gun placing his hand beside hers to keep it steady. He aimed at the balloon, took her index finger to the trigger and pressed it. Her fingers were totally wrapped by his. It was not until then that they realised how close they were with their heads and cheeks touching each other. Zoya turned to the right to look at Sahir with gun in their hand in the very same position. Her eyes met his and both of them experienced a certain wave running through their body. It was Sahir who broke the eye contact and jolted backwards with a quick movement. Zoya looked at the ground awkwardly leaving the gun on the table, she nervously tucked her hair behind the ear."Woah.. what was that? I havent experienced this feeling in years." She thought.

"Sahir.. I want to go on that swing." Zoya demanded.  Sahir looked at the swing and gulped a lump in his throat.
"Zoya.. tum.. tum bacchi ho kya?" Sahir tried to convince her not to go.
" Haan.. aur hume uss jhoole par baithna hai." Zoya was adamant. She walked towards the ticket counter. "Ohh God! Save me please." Sahir whispered. It was one of those huge swing called 'AIR SHIP' . It was in the shape of large ship and it swayed to and fro in the air. If there was one thing that Sahir was afraid of,  it was this. He hated these swings. He remembered how he chanted prayers once when he was made to sit in one of those during childhood. As they waited in queue, Sahir heard people screaming in excitement as the ship swayed to one side. He looked at Zoya who was intently watching the swing go to and fro.

"Zoya.. listen.. uss waale pe chalte hai na. This is dangerous." Sahir pointed at a normal train ride which would take them around this ground. He was careful to not show fear in his tone. He really didnt want the girl he liked to know that The Sahir Azeem Chaudhary was scared of a swing. "Wait! did I just say I like her?" Sahir questioned himself. He would think about this later. Right now he had to deal with that monster swing. Soon, it was their turn to sit. He froze at his place. Zoya looked at him and asked, " some problem?" "No" Sahir gestured her to move. He took a deep breath as soon as as he took a seat beside her. He closed his eyes and murmered, "listen God , If I die please take care of Zoya."
On the other hand, Zoya was completely oblivious to Sahir's state of mind. She was too busy looking around. The entire area seemed so tiny from that height. Though Zoya was scared of heights surprisingly, this was her favourite swing.  "Sahir see , it all looks so beautiful." Zoya said making Sahir open his eyes to look around . However, he shut his eyes as soon as the swing started its movement. He could hear Zoya's excited scream beside him and he so wanted to look beside him and see that beautiful happy face but he couldnt open his eyes. He was really scared. "Ohh can you end it already?"

Just in one of those moments, when swing was at its maximum speed, Sahir felt his heart popping out of his body. He sure was going to die. That is what he felt. Out of fear, he unknowingly  held Zoya's hand with a quick action. It was then that Zoya looked at him and saw him chanting something with his eyes closed. Zoya was quick to understand that Sahir was scared. A smile formed on her lips. "God can this man stop from making me fall for him more." She left out a chuckle. She could feel him pressing her hand. It was strange but even Zoya didnt realise why and how, she placed a quick peck on his cheeks. She instantly regretted but it was already done. Sahir's eyes flung open on the feel of soft lips on his cheek. He could feel himself turning red. He looked at Zoya who was now looking the other side. It was evident that she was embarrassed and he decided not to talk about it. He turned to look at the other side as well. However, their hands were still intertwined and none of them tried to pull back. The fear was all gone for the rest of the ride, his thoughts were now occupied with the soft feathery touch of her lips on his cheeks. It was wrong but for some unknown reason, he craved for that touch to last longer.

It had been quite a few minutes since they had got of the swing and none of them spoke anything. It was Sahir who broke the awkward silence, "great ride. Haan?" He said. He saw a smile forming on her lips which soon turned into a laugh. "Sahir.. you are afraid of that swing?" She spoke between her laughter.
"Ok stop it. Yes I am." He said sternly.
Zoya was unable to hold the laugh. Suddenly, Sahir took a hault which made Zoya stop too. She stopped laughing and and looked at him with serious expression. Sahir quickly took her hands , held it into his and brought it close to their faces. Zoya was confused. "What is he trying to do?" She thought.
"Zoya." He said softly. She nodded. "Suno please kisi ko mat batana I am scared of that swing." He said pleading. Zoya pulled her hands back and broke into another laugh. "I am serious." Sahir said annoyed. "Aree hum kisi ko nahi batayenge." She chuckled. They smiled looking at each other and continued to walk.

"Ok Zoya.. lets have something. I am really hungry." Sahir said placing his right hand on his stomach.
"Yes.. woh dekhiye. Paani ke batashe." Zoya's eyes beamed as she spotted the stall. She literally ran to the place. "Zoya.. ruko.. aaram se.. gir jaogi!" Sahir tried following her but all in vain.
"God that girl is way too excited for paani puri." Sahir smiled.
"Bhaiya, do plate." Zoya ordered the man at the stall.
"Ek plate." Sahir said. He looked at Zoya, " Mai nahi khaunga. I will have something else."
"Haan toh aapke liye kon keh raha hai.. humne toh apne liye 2 plate order kiya hai." Zoya said with a mischievous smile. Sahir was left dumbfounded. He stood there silently, adoring the little goofball munching on paani puri.
Zoya took one in her hands and brought it near Sahir's mouth. "Taste kijiye.. its really good." Zoya said. Sahir couldnt reject it. He opened his mouth and Zoya stuffed it with paani puri. Sahir could help but smile while eating.He saw Zoya's eyes looking at him expecting him to say somethin.
"Accha hai." He said.
"Sirf accha hai? Aap bohot boring hai." Zoya pouted. Sahir chuckled.

"Yeh kya hai?" Sahir asked curiously as he looked at a long slender card board box that Zoya had just handed him. Zoya had went to purchase something from the shop while Sahir was checking mails on his phone. She returned with this box and handed it to him.
"Open and see." She smiled.
Sahir opened the box and found a very beautiful vase in it. It was aqua blue and marine green coloured with fishes engraved on it. He looked at Zoya surprised. "Woh humne aapke 3 vase todh diye the na.. so isliye. Hum nahi chahte ki aap apne cabin mein vase na rakhe. I will be careful next time" She said shyly. Sahir was awestruck. This woman was just so different.  "Zoya.. this was not required." He said calmly.
"Its ok. Please take it as a 'thank you' gift for accompanying me today. She smiled. There was something so beautiful about her smile. Everytime he would look at it, his heart would say a silent prayer for the smile to stay like that forever. He could only nod in response.

"Aree Aree Zoya..tum udd jaaogi." Sahir said with a laugh. He saw Zoya holding a festival of helium balloons in her hands. Zoya gently hit his arm. "Itne saare balloons ka karogi kya?" He asked. She walked towards a group of poor kids who were looking at the balloons with a twinkle in their eyes. She quickly handed each one of them a balloon and next Sahir saw them all smiling and thanking her. Zoya looked no less than an angel holding those balloons, smiling with her hair falling on her face. Unable to resist, Sahir pulled out his phone and clicked her picture without her notice. He looked at it and smiled.

They were walking silently close to each other, both of them immersed in thoughts. Just then two guys coming in the opposite direction bumped into Zoya. It was an intentional move. "Aree sorry madam." One of them said and pretending to balance her, brushed their palms across her stomach through the slit. Zoya very well knew the intention behind the touch. She had been experiencing it almost daily in the past when Yash would bring his business associates home and then leave them with his wife. They would all touch her, play with her body and would do everything that could be the worst nightmare for someone. They would leave her lifeless on the floor after they were satisfied. Zoya shuddered at the touch and went numb with memories of those nights coming back. This did not go unnoticed by Sahir. He could feel the blood shooting up to his eyes. While that guy was still holding Zoya, Sahir clenched his fist and the very next moment a punch landed on his face. It was that reaction that brought Zoya back to her senses and realised that Sahir was hitting him mercilessly. She looked around to see people gathering around and enjoying the drama. She pulled Sahir back, "SAHIR.. STOP IT."
However, Sahir had lost his senses. He held the guy's collar and brought his bleeding face close to him.
"DONT EVER DARE TO DO THAT AGAIN"  The tone was dangerous almost like a death threaten. Sahir left that guy and he ran as fast as he could, for his life.

Zoya looked into Sahir's eyes. They were blood red. His knuckles were all bleeding because of the hard hitting he did. At that moment, Zoya felt too overwhlemed. For the first time in her life, a man stood for her in her protection rather than touching her or using her.  Zoya's eyes were brimming with tears. She didnt know what to do.
She heard him shout at people around, "tamasha khatam. Apne ghar jao sab." His voice was full of wrath as if he would murder someone. Zoya quickly reached to him and pulled him into a tight hug. All of a sudden, he felt his anger melt away. He hugged her back and gently stroked her hair. Sahir knew what Zoya must be feeling. He knew how what she had been through and how such incident could affect her. Zoya slowly loosened the grip. Sahir looked into her eyes that was full of tears, "Zoya, tum theek ho?" He asked softly. She nodded and managed a smile. "Chalo fir ice cream khaate hai aur chalte hai ghar." Sahir said with a smile.

Zoya now felt better. Moreover with Sahir on her side, she felt safe. It had been half an hour since the incident and since then Sahir had not left her hand even for a moment. Even when they had the ice cream, he stood extremely close to her almost shielding her so that nobody could touch her even by mistake. Zoya smiled. Her heart was so full. This man may or may not love her but surely this man was worth dying a thousand lives. She thought.

They were finally in the car. It indeed was a tiring day. They had walked the entire day and their feets hurt. Zoya's mind was completely out of the trauma now. All thanks to Sahir. She was now smiling again looking outside the window. Sahir took a quick glance at her and felt at peace. If it wasnt a public area, that guy would have been dead by now. However, seeing Zoya smiling, he felt it was this smile that mattered the most.  They were passing by some restaurant that some sound reached Zoya's ears.

"Sahir stop the car?" She said.
Sahir instantly applied the brakes and asked, "What happened ?"
"Lets eat before we go home." She said. Sahir couldnt say a no. Though it was already 11 at night , he agreed. They went inside . It was not a very fancy one but it seemed calm. The lights were dim and there was a small place to dance. There were tables all around. A slow tune was playing there and it wasnt much of hush. They took a seat and ordered for food. Zoya kept looking at the couples who were swaying in each other's arms. The music changed and it was then that Zoya couldnt stop herself. She got up and held Sahir's wrist asking him to join her. Sahir wasnt sure but he followed her.
" Tu Hi Haqeeaqat
Khawwb Tu
Dariya Tu Hi
Pyaas Tu
Tu Hi Dil Ke Beqarari
Tu Sukun Tu Sukun..

And Zoya placed her one hand on his shoulder and intertwined the other hand with his. After today's incident, Sahir was hesitant to hold Zoya. He want sure, whether she would be ok with his touch or not. It was as if Zoya read his mind,
"Sahir its fine." She whispered. Getting her assurance, he gently placed his hand on her waist. They swayed to the tunes of the song, looking into each other's eyes.

Aa Tujhe In Bahon Mein Bharke
Aur Bhi Kar Loon Main Kareeb
Tu Juda Ho To Lage Hai
Aata Jata Har Pal Ajeeb

She gently placed her chin on his shoulders. "Thank you." she said softly. Sahir could only feel his heaven with her arms wrapped around him. It was calm. After years, his burning heart was finally at peace.

Tere Bina Na Saans Loo
Tere Bina Na Main Jeu
Tere Bina Na Ek Pal Bhi
Reh Saku Re Saku.
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So yes a long update. I was smiling throughout writing it and I hope it was same with you. It was all Sahir and Zoya.

Just a few things.. for those who dont know..Paani ke batashe is same as paani puri or golgappe. Here is Lucknow, it is called paani ke batashe. Also festival of balloons is a collective noun used for group of balloons.

Ok so..what do you think will happen next? Will Sahir accept his feelings for Zoya or will continue to deny. Will Zoya confess her feelings in front of him or was this just the calmness before the storm? Do let me know your views. Please

P.S - I am hell scared of that swing. What Sahir did was exactly what I did once when I sat in one of those. It was a personal experience 🌚
Ok bye.. do comment and vote.
Love
Shivja ! ❤