The previous day -
"You know what I feel sorry for you Mr. Chaudhary.. Really sorry." A big fat man in his mid 60's said with a wrinkled smile. His eyes were twinkling with a victorious shine.
Sahir left out a small laugh which shocked and irked Ramnath Goyal, the CEO of Goyal industries.
"What is so funny Sahir?" He asked visibly annoyed.
"Everything. Everything about life is funny but you know what Mr. Goyal, irrespective of anything NEVER feel sorry for Sahir Azeem Chaudhary."
Sahir said looking at him.
"Huh! Amazing it is my boy.. that you are still dumb and stupid. You are that one little lost child who believed that his life was all beds of roses but well how did your queen serve you.?" Ramnath took a pause to look at Sahir who was now avoiding his gaze.
"Ohh wait.. I know. She gave you the treatment you deserved. Right? " Ramnath's voice was full of sarcasm.
Sahir was now fuming with anger. If it was possible he would have strangled Ramnath to death but he knew all that was being said was true.
"Aww.. look at that face Sahir. Remember what I said when you made this deal."
Flashback
"Sahir.. hum aapse keh rahe hai na yeh deal Saiyaara ke liye perfect hai." Aarzoo said in a convincing tone.
"Lekin Aarzoo.. humara iss samay yeh deal karna zaroori hi nahi hai. Saiyaara ko abhi marketing par zyada focus karna hai. Goyal industries ki deal unko zyada aur hume kam fayda degi." Sahir tried to reason.
" Sahir, woh humare abbu jaise hai. Unhe abhi help chaiye aur waise bhi fayda toh ho raha hai na humara." Aarzoo was in no mood to give up .
"Nahi Aarzoo.. this deal is all crap. I dont even know the man and if we keep helping others why not shut Saiyaara and open a charity?" Sahir said.
"Theek hai. Hum sab samjhte hai. Aapko hum par bharosa hi nahi hai. Koi baat nahi Sahir. Hume pata tha ki yeh pyaar aur yeh trust sab ek naatak hai." Aarzoo used the master card she had. She knew this was that one weapon that would never fail.
"Trust kaha se aaya beech mein?"
Sahir looked at Aarzoo who now had eyes full of tears.
Sahir could bear anything but not the sight of those beautiful eyes glistening with tears. He took a deep breath and said, "accha theek. Ab rona band karo. Tum jo kahogi.. wahi hoga.."
She quickly wiped her tears and tightly hugged Sahir.
" Sahir humpar yakeen kare.. yeh deal sahi hai."
They together left for Saiyaara's office where Ramnath Goyal was already waiting for them.
"So Mr. Goyal my wife and the executive director of Saiyaara has convinced me for the deal." Sahir announced.
"Mr. Sahir.. I cant even begin to explain how greatful I am for this. I knew Aarzoo could do this."
He said looking at Aarzoo.
"Ok Mr. Goyal.. we will take a leave now. Contract will reach your office tomorrow." Sahir said.
"Ok Sahir. Since we are now partners would give you a free advice. An important rule of business is to use your own mind and make your own decisions. I am glad you placed your trust in the right place." Ramnath said.
Flashback ends.
"Chehra dekh kar toh lag raha hai ki yaad aa gaya. Use your own mind Sahir. Tum pyaar mein itne andhe ho gaye the ki Aarzoo ki har farmaish poori kar rahe the. You didnt even realise the conspiracy planned against you."
Sahir stood there silently. He hated himself for being so naive. He hated himself for loving her so much.
"Well.. well.. that has got me benefits you see." The devlish smile returning to Ramnath's face.
"Ok so let me talk business here. Seems your new legal advisor has got nothing in her except beauty. "
Sahir's face instantly turned in his direction. His statement somehow made Sahir uncomfortable. "Kahi Isne Zoya ke saath kuch..?" His expression was changing every second with the thoughts. Perhaps it was so evident that Ramnath could read it.
"Relax Sahir.. maine Zoya ko kuch nahi kiya hai. Mai toh bas keh raha tha ki she couldnt get you out of this." Ramnath continued without leaving his sarcastic tone.
"So here it is..let me tell you about the proccedings of the court. As we speak now, fraud charges are confirmed against Saiyaara. You will be arrested by tomorrow and well Saiyaara will be seized within 15 days." He said almost declaring a victory.
"Are'nt you stupid Mr. Goyal.? You know what apne se saamne waale ko kam nahi samjhana chaiye." Both Sahir and Ramnath turned to look in the direction of the voice. There stood Zoya Siddiqui with a smile on her face.
She walked up to Sahir and gave a gentle push to him placing her hands on his chest indicating him to step aside. Sahir followed her directions. She now stood between Ramnath and Sahir.
"What do you mean Zoya?" Ramnath asked now getting nervous.
"Its Miss Siddiqui. We are professional. Arent we?" Zoya said.
"Mr. Goyal, sad but true. I had idea about all the devlopments of conspiracy that was being planned against Saiyaara. So, I have been working, you see. Looks like you are late because I have just been to court and it seems that not my client but YOU are going to jail tomorrow for accusing Mr. Chaudhary and lodging a false fraud case against Saiyaara. Aage ki details aapko aapka lawyer bata dega." Zoya simply narrated the orders of the court.
Sahir stood there still. He was shocked. Yes he was happy that Saiyaara was finally free of all the accusations but mostly he was shocked the way Zoya handled it all.
God knows how many legal advisors ,Sahir has consulted. All of them said that it was practically impossible to save Saiyaara. He didnt really hope Zoya to do much since she was new in the field. However,this girl had surpassed all his expectations. Today she just didnt win a case, she won his confidence. He still couldnt believe she was the very same woman , he met years ago. Sahir couldnt help but smile.
"Now enjoy your last day out of the prison and yes try everything you can but Saiyaara has won the case." She said.
Ramnath tried to shove her and went on to hold Sahir's collar but Zoya stood there firmly between them with eyes burning with different kind of rage.
Before he could get hold of Sahir, she stopped him and warned,"DONT DARE COME NEAR SAHIR." Sahir saw that rage burning in her eyes. It almost felt like she could murder anyone for him.
"Stop making stories in your head.Focus." Sahir told himself.
There was something about the tone that made Ramnath stop.
"Now leave before I call the police." She said. Ramnath left without a word.
Sahir cleared his throat to speak something but before he could Zoya spoke, "So sir, We have won. Saiyaara is under no threat now."
"But how did you..?" He was interrupted by her.
"Well that was what you were paying me for. Right?" She said with a smile.
"Now that my work here is done,I think I better leave. I will see you one last time tomorrow, there are some formalities that are yet to done." It literally killed her to say 'one last time' .She didnt want to leave Saiyaara. She was enjoying her work. Obviously that was her side of the story. Deep down somewhere she knew it was because of Sahir. She didnt want to leave him. However, she denied it. The battle fought in her head was won by the side that would run away from any kind of emotion.
"Ok Miss Siddiqui. It was a great experience working with you. See you tomorrow then." He said.
Half heartedly, she turned to leave when she heard him call her name.
"Uhh.. I was thinking Miss Siddiqui, if you are free today evening ,we can actually go for dinner. This calls for celebration. dont you think?" He said trying to sound normal.
Zoya was surprised. Out of everything else, this was the last thing, she would expect Sahir to do. "Was he asking her on a date?" Zoya's mind would often pop up wrong questions on wrong times.
Sahir could see the hesitation. He continued, "It will all be professional. I just need some more legal advice for few deals. Its ok though if you are not free."
He said.
"I will come." Zoya was quick to answer. She mentally kicked herself for showing her eagerness to him.
"Ok great then. I will pick you up at 7 then. Be on time miss Sifdiqui." He said without a change of expression.
Zoya turned to leave. Her heart seemed to be racing.
Just when she was about to reach the door, she hit the table and the vase fell on the floor and shattererd into pieces.
"Oh damn! Not again." She closed her eyes and muttered. She turned to look at Sahir with an apologetic face and to her surprise Sahir was smiling this time.
"I better remove that table from there else probably half of the income of Saiyyara will be lost in buying new vases." He said chuckling.
"Sorry Sir." She said. She really was sorry.
"Sahir it is." He said.
"Huh?" Zoya tried to confirm again.
"You already called me by my name today in front of Mr. Goyal. You can call me Sahir." He said now shifting his gaze from her towards the window.
It hadnt really occurred to her until now that she had called him by his name in front of him. She left without speaking anything else.
"Ya Allah Zoya! Aap bhi na? Kya ho jaata hai aapko? Kya zaroorat thi aapko unka naam lene ki.?" Zoya scolded herself on her way out. She had bigger problems to deal with right now like what will she wear in the evening.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was almost 6:45 pm and unlikely of Zoya she was ready before time. Sahir effect? Maybe.
After a great thought she decided to put up something that wasnt so heavy and neither did look that she was dressed extra.
She wore a black anarkali suit with golden borders. She had placed a matching ear piece and had used a light makeup.
Her eyes were all more highlighted with kajal and eyeliner. She had straightened her hair for a change. God! She looked like a goddess. Probably many would slaughter each other to win her heart if they looked at her right now. However, that was not what she wanted. She wanted to be noticed definitely but not by all. She wanted to be noticed by Sahir. She wanted Sahir to compliment her once. No it was not love. Zoya kept repeating everyday to herself. She cant love. Yet,Sahir's mere presence warmed her heart. She worked non stop for a two weeks when she got to know about Goyal's plan for Saiyaara. She worked really hard not for Saiyaara but for Sahir. Today when Goyal tried to get hold of Sahir, she felt sudden rage in her to protect him. She knew he is very well capable of protecting himself but Zoya couldnt control the emotion built inside her. "No, it isnt love." Zoya told herself one more time.
The door bell brought her out of trance. She rushed to the door only to find herself lost.
There he was, dressed perfectly. He was wearing a black tux with a blue shirt. His hair was perfect and well not to lie he was giving Zoya a tough competition.
Zoya couldnt resist staring at him. She could feel her blood rushing at a faster pace in her veins. Sahir saw her standing silently.
"Chale Miss. Siddiqui. Its time." He said.
"Zoya it is." She replied with a smile.
She quickly locked the door and started walking with him. It was a silent walk. Honestly, she didnt even want to ruin it. She was enjoying it. She was enjoying his presence. While walking her hands slightly brushed against his. Obviously it was unintentional so went unnoticed by Sahir but that little moment was enough to give an unknown happiness to her. They reached the car. The weather was pleasant. There was nice calm breeze aroiund and sky was covered with clouds. "It would probably rain." She said. Sahir didnt reply. They got inside the car.
"May I?" She asked his permission to turn on the radio.
He nodded. She turned the radio on.
"Tu hi haqeekat.. khwab tu.. dariya tu hi pyaas tu.. tu hi dil ke bekarari. Tu sukoon.. tu sukoon."
"I love this song." She said.
She closed her eyes and was lost in the song.
" Jau Mein Ab Jab Jis Jagah..Pau Mein TujhkoUs Jagah..
Saath Ho Ke Na Hoon
Tu Hai Roobaru Roobaru"
She got flashbacks of her meeting Sahir for the first time. She recalled how he took care of her when she was injured.She recalled the day they tripped on bed and she looked into those two eyes that turned her world upside down. She recalled his how his hair fell on his face when he talked. She recalled how his one rare smile would brighten up her day.
" Tu Humsafar
Tu Humkadam
Tu Hamnava Mera
Tu Humsafar
Tu Humkadam
Tu Hamnava Mera"
Suddenly she opened her eyes in shock. She was not supossed to think of Sahir. It was wrong. They have barely interacted.
"Whats wrong with you Zoya? Kya kar rahi aap?" She tried to divert her mind. She felt guilty of thinking about some man. She felt scared. Last time this happened, her soul was shattered into pieces.
Her thoughts were interrupted by screeching sound of the tyre.
"Ohh crap! " Sahir said in a frustrated voice.
"Kya ho gaya?" Zoya asked.
"Wahi jo nahi hona chaiye tha. I think there is some problem with the engine." Sahir said.
"Wait. Mai abhi Linda ko call karke bolta hun. This has become so frequent. She will send another car." Sahir said.
Zoya tried to control her laughter but couldnt help laughing out loud.
"What is so funny about this Zoya?" Sahir was already annoyed.
"Nahi woh kuch nahi. Aap Saiyaara ke owner hai. Aise itne bade aadmi ki gaadi kharab kaise ho jaati hai humesha. Hum toh keh rahe hai ki jab tak hum hai yaha.. ek case aapke car ki company par bhi kar dete hai." She said.
A smile escaped Sahir's lips.
"Haan ok. I got your taunt." He said smiling.
Sahir called Linda and told her the situation and asked her to send the car soon.
"Sahir??" Zoya called him. She was now sitting on the bonnet of the car .
"Haan?" He replied . Zoya gestured him to sit beside her and he followed.
"Pata hai Sahir.. hume aise akele baithna bohot pasand hai. Koi nahi hota aapke alawa. Aapko takleef dene wala aur aap sirf apni sunte hai. Ek ajeeb sa sukoon lagta hai." Zoya spoke a little lost.
Sahir only looked at her. For the first time in the evening, he noticed how beautiful she looked.
"Tum bachpan se Lucknow mein ho?" Sahir asked.
"Haan.. humne school, college yahi kiya fir kuch saal ke liye Chennai chale gaye the. Fir waapas aaye aur uske baad London, padhai poori karne ke liye." Zoya told Sahir.
"Aur aap?" Zoya asked.
"Nahi.. mai Mumbai mein Rehta tha. Saiyaara bhi wahi tha.. woh toh Aarzoo ki wajah se yaha shift ho gaye the." Sahir spoke without a thought and instantly regretted it. He really should'nt have mentioned Aarzoo. He remembered how he over reacted when Zoya asked him about her. What will he say this time. It was all his fault. To his surprise Zoya didnt speak a word. She heard him silently. This made him feel all more guilty of the way he treated her that day. Zoya had no idea how hard Sahir punished himself that day. He literally bruised his back with belt marks because he made that woman cry.
Both of them were brought back to present with a loud sound of thunder. It was hardly few seconds that it started raining. Zoya loved rain but that was when she loved Yash. She loved dancing with him in rain. After that nightmare chapter of her life, she lost interest in rains just like in everything else.
Zoya rushed inside the car in haste and was expectimg Sahir to do the same. However, to her surprise,he was still standing there in his place with his eyes closed. Perhaps taking in the feel of every rain drop that hit his face. Zoya was mesmerized. She couldnt help but feel a little tinge of pain and happiness looking at him.With every drop that dripped down his face, Zoya could feel her heart skipping a beat.After years,she stepped out in rain.  She was lost. She was lost in the man whose presence gave her peace. Unknowingly, she walked and stood close to him. Their clothes were all drenched in rain. His eyes were still closed. Maybe he didnt feel her presence so close to him. Zoya could feel something strange in her heart. That was when she placed her hand on his chest.
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Ok so here is the update. First of all thank you so much for all the votes comments and support. The love is overwhelming. This ff crossed almost  7.4 K views and 1.14K votes and I am really grateful to you all. I read so many ff here and I realised almost everybody writes better than me but its the constant update messages that I keep getting makes me feel that people are reading it. So thank you for that. ❤
So I know I ended the previous chapter in a cliffhanger and I was supposed to deal with it in this chapter but honestly I had no idea that the previous day events will take such a long update. So I will deal with it in the next chapter. Sorry. 🙈
So how was this chapter? I really put my heart into this. I hope you all like it. Do comment and vote. Will be waiting to know.
Love.
Shivja❤