If you find this cringy.. blame yourselves 😒 not me.. you people asked me to. 😂
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She looked straight into those eyes. The eyes that enchanted her. For a moment the world stood still for her. She kept looking into his eyes as if there was no tomorrow. Her breathing became slow as if her heart has finally found what it was looking for. It was as if it had rained after years. Every little corner of her soul was rejoicing. She was lost in his eyes just like a pearl in the deep wide ocean.

"Zoya" he whispered into her ears bringing her out of trance. She suddenly became aware of the proximity between them. They were standing extremely close. His hair was touching her cheeks and her hand was still under his tight hold.  "Leave my hand." Zoya said in a low but stern tone.
"No. Not now." He replied.
"What the hell Sahir? Koi aa jaayega." Zoya said trying to get free from his hold.
"Koi nahi aayega." Sahir was still looking at her face.
"What are you doing here? And why were you helping my family?" Zoya asked unable to keep questions inside her.
"No reason." He replied without the change in expression.
Zoya let out a small sarcastic laugh.
"You know its really amusing that you never have a reason for anything." She said in a sarcastic tone.

"Zoya..I know tum gussa ho and its justified. Just listen to me once." Sahir pleaded.
"I have got nothing to tell and nothing to hear. You asked me to leave forever and I am doing the same." Tears started filling her eyes. With a jerk she freed herself and started walking towards the door only to be pulled back by him with much greater force. Due to the impact, her body collided with his . He placed his other hand on her bare waist. Zoya went into a state of momentary shock. The contact of his skin to her's did something to her. She felt butterflies in her stomach. If only Sahir could enter her head right now, he would know the amount of strength Zoya was putting to keep herself standing on her feets. This mere contact was enough to make her faint.

"Zoya.. kahi nahi jaaogi tum." Sahir's intense gaze was now locked with her soft eyes that had tears in it.
"Kya sune hum Sahir." Anger and pain were evident from her voice. Her eyes were red . She was finally loosing herself in his touch. All the things that she had kept inside her all these years were about to break open.
"Zoya. I am sorry." Sahir spoke.
"Sorry? Sorry for what Sahir? Sorry for leaving me when I needed a friend. Sorry for breaking all the promises? Sorry for not even asking me once what I felt? Sorry for what Sahir?" Zoya was now crying. Sahir was breaking seeing her in this state. Sahir really had no idea that his one stupid impulsive decision had such profound effect on her.

Zoya wiped her tears and continued, "You know Sahir.. I was so lost when I didnt have you around me. Everything was falling apart. I was handling it all alone. "
"Zoya..I know.." Sahir said in a soft tone.
"NO..YOU DONT KNOW ANYTHING SAHIR.! " Zoya said almost screaming between her tears.
"You dont know how much I missed you all these years. You dont know how much I craved for your presence. YOU DONT KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. You dont know..." Zoya was interrupted by the touch of his lips on her's.

Sahir knew that Zoya was in love with him. Noor had already told him that but when he heard Zoya confess it unknowingly, he didnt want to hear anything else. He bent forward and took her lips into his. Zoya was shocked and taken aback with this sudden movement. This was something she wouldnt have ever expected. However, she was soon lost into it. She closed her eyes and felt every bit of it. She didnt know whether it was a dream or not. At that moment she didnt even want to know.

His hands on her waist pulled her close. She slowly moved her hands from his neck and then to his hair without breaking the kiss. If there was one wish that Zoya had now was to freeze this moment forever. It was not lustful or rough. It was gentle. Just when Sahir was about to pull back and break the kiss, Zoya gently pushed him harder into her making her desires clear. It was all Sahir needed, a green signal. He pulled back only to take a breath and then crashed her lips again, this time it was full of intensity.

He picked her up holding her from waist and placed her on the bed not breaking the kiss even for a moment. The heat of the moment was really taking them over. They laid there on the bed and kissed, Zoya on top of Sahir and his arms wrapped around her. They finally broke the kiss and looked at each other. They broke into laughter.
They got up and sat on the bed.
"Woah.. that was good! What was that?" Zoya asked her cheeks were deep red now.
Sahir made her face him and cupped her face "Zoya I love you so so much. These years have been a nightmare. I was too stupid and I am sorry I made you go through all this."
"Shh." She placed her index finger on his lips.
"We are not wasting anymore time. We can talk about all this later." she smiled and placed a quick peck on his lips.
Sahir looked at her as if she was the most precious thing ever, he vowed never to leave her again no matter what. Suddenly Zoya started laughing. Sahir gave her a bewildered look.
She wiped his lips with her hands and said, "My lipstick is all over your lips."

Their little eye contact moment was interrupted by Zoya's call.
"Appi.. kaha hai aap? " Noor asked.
"Woh hum.. hum bas aa rahe hai." She said.
"Appi.. ab darne ki baat nahi hai, Sahir shayad chale gaye. Kaafi samay se nahi dikh rahe." Noor said oblivious to what had just happened.
Zoya looked at Sahir , smiled and said, "ab hume darne ki zaroorat bhi nahi hai." Zoya hung up the phone leaving Noor wondering what her sister meant.

Zoya got up and stood in front of the mirror to adjust her hair and makeup. She saw Sahir's reflection in the mirror. He stood behind her and held her wrapping his arms around. "Sahir, its Noor's mehendi. Control" Zoya said when Sahir tried to nuzzle.
"Ok yeah whatever." He said pouting. Zoya smiled.
After a moment she said complaining, "you ruined my makeup and hair."
"Ohh how about we stay here and complete the task." Sahir said with a mischievious smile.
"Just go." Zoya said trying to fake anger.

It was crazy how everything changed for Zoya in just one moment. She had everything she ever wanted. Ideally you would wonder that Zoya should have asked for an explanation but she didnt. You know why? Because it didnt matter. Zoya wasnt one of those people to dwell on past and it made no sense if the present was so beautiful. You may wonder about her insecurities, No, she had none. Sahir had his reasons and though not justified but he was with her all the time. He took care of her family without even letting her know. No, he wasnt trying to win her heart. Just like Zoya had surrendered herself to him long back, he had done the same. This isnt an ideal behaviour but that is what love is. Its imperfect and different for all. Everybody doesnt share the same journey, same problems, same insecurities. However, one thing is constant in all the journeys of love- In this world of imperfection, there is someone just right for you.

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"Beta kaha thi aap?" Roshnaq had a worried look on her face as soon as she saw Zoya.
"Ammi woh kuch nahi." Zoya smiled recalling the sensation of touch still lingering onto her lips.
"Zoya.. hum aapse kuch batana chahte hai.. jab aap nahi thi toh.." Roshnaq started.
"Toh aap Sahir se mili. Jee Ammi. Noor ne sab bataya hume." Zoya said .
"Zoya.. aap naaraz toh nahi hai na humse?" Roshnaq asked.
"Hum kyu naraaz honge Ammi, Sahir ek acche insaan hai. "  Zoya said smiling.

The function had just begun and two ladies were filling Noor's hand. She looked at it with eyes that reflected happiness. Zoya sat beside her and gave her a side hug. Her kohinoor was really a grown up now.

"Sahir, did you talk to Zoya?" Arjun asked.
"Hmm." Sahir replied.
"Hmm.. matlab kya?"
"Haan Arjun, baat ki maine usse." Sahir said trying to hide the blush on his cheeks.
"Toh kya bola usne?" Arjun asked getting all excited.
Sahir couldnt really tell Arjun. So he kept quiet.
"Wait a second." Arjun said in a teasing tone with his eyes twinkling. Sahir passed him a confused look.
"Whats that on your lips, is it lipstick?" Arjun said.
"Kaha ?" Sahir got all alert and started rubbing his lips.
Arjun passed him a devlish smile.
"Kahi nahi. I was just checking matlab you people did it."
"Shut Up! " Sahir said.
"Itni kya jaldi thi yaar?" Arjun said teasing him.
"Arjun just shut up, we didnt do anything. Ok? It was just a kiss." Sahir said practically whispering the last word.
"You what?!!" Arjun said aloud loud on purpose.
"Arjun.I swear I am going to kill you before your nikaah if you open your mouth." Sahir said threatening him.
"Calm down bro. Seriously, bade fast nikale. 2 saal baad pehli baar baat ki woh bhi kiss." Arjun was in no mood to stop.
"Ruk abhi Noor ko batata hun tum kal kis ladki se phone pe baat kar rahe the." Sahir said and started walking.
"Accha sorry sorry. I will be quiet." Arjun pleaded.
Sahir smiled and walked away.

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Guests have all left. Zoya was now putting things into order along with Roshnaq and Sahir who had stayed to help them, well not really. Both of them avoided looking at each other and saying anything so that Roshnaq has no chance to doubt. After observing silence for long,  Roshnaq called them, "Zoya - Sahir idhar aao aap dono."  They looked at each other with frightened looks.
"Mujhe pata hai kya hua hai." Roshnaq said. Colors faded from her face. How could she know? She wondered.
"Ammi.. ky..kya?" Sahir managed to ask.
"Yeh jo tum log kar rahe ho, mujhe sab pata hai. Both of them gulped a huge lump in their throat.
"Ammi.. woh.." Zoya started speaking.
"I dont want to hear anything. Bacche ho kya tum log? Abhi bhi baat nahi kar rahe. Kab tak ladte rahoge. Zoya I am going in my room. You stay here and clear all the misunderstandings with him. Puraani baaton ko chhodh do Zoya. He had his reasons of not turning up on the engagement day but even you didnt want to marry him. I know you worked for him for few days and waha par kuch problem huyi hai but thats a professional issue and its over. Just clear all the misunderstandings. I want both of you to handle nikaah ceremony properly together. " Saying this Roshnaq started climbing the stairs leaving Sahir and Zoya shocked.

For a moment, their heart beats have stopped. "Aur haan.. Sahir beta.." Roshnaq said after she had gone half the way.
"Jee Ammi." Sahir replied.
"Raat kaafi ho gayi hai, aaj yahi ruk jao." Roshnaq said and went away.
"Wow! Ammi toh kuch zyada hi close ho gayi hai Sahir se." Zoya thought. Sahir passed her a mischievious smile. Zoya knew exactly what it meant.
"Aaj raat mai yahi hun Zoya." He winked at her and moved to her room.
"Wait.. thats my room Sahir, guest room waha hai." Zoya said.
"I know." He said and went inside.
Zoya followed him inside.

She locked the door from inside.
Sahir smiled, "what do you think I am going to do Zoya that you are locking the door?" He asked with a naughty smile and started taking steps towards her.
Zoya felt her heart would burst out because of excitement. He walked to her until there was no space left between them. Zoya closed her eyes anticipating his next move. Sahir placed his right hand on her cheek and pulled her head close and placed a soft but long kiss on her forehead. Zoya slowly opened her eyes. This was definitely not what she was expecting but it was so much more calm. It felt like she was wanted and loved and not just an object to satisfy lust.

Sahir intertwined his hand with her's and looked at her, "Zoya. You dont exist to fulfil anybody's needs. You are the most priced thing and nothing holds more worth than you. You are the one who should decide everything for yourself. Dont give the right to anybody not even me to dominate myself over you. Zoya anything that happens between us it will be by your consent and I will never be crossing any boundaries. I am here to protect you Zoya but that doesnt give me any right over you or your body. You are my everything Zoya and I wont let you go anywhere but I wont touch you without your permission even if its forever."

Zoya's eyes started brimming with tears. Was this man even real? Do such men even exist? Her entire life she has been treated like objects to please and satisfy desires. She never felt like she was loved. She never felt like someone craved for her and not for her body. Somewhere, she thought Sahir would not be different when it comes to needs but oh how wrong was she. She felt guilty of even categorizing him in the same group. Here the man in front of her was ready to stay by her side forever even when if she doesnt allow him close to her.

She hugged him tight and whispered, "Thank you Sahir." Sahir stoked her hair gently.
"No. Thank you Zoya." He said.
They broke the hug and he wiped her tears and said, "Now take rest and I will go to my room." He smiled. Just as he was about to leave, he felt soft hands hold his wrist. He looked at her innocent face. "Dont go." She said.
"Zoya you need rest. I will come to meet you tommorow morning."
"Please. Aaj jaane ki zid na karo." He felt the need in her.
"Accha ok, you change till then I will also go in my room and change. I will be back." He smiled and left the room.

He returned to her room and found her dressed in night shirt and pyjamas. She looked like an adorable goofball. She smiled at him ,held his hand and took him to the bed. She quickly jumped to her side and gestured him to lay down beside her. He did as he was instructed. As soon as he laid his head on the pillow, she came close to him and placed her head on his chest. He too wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer. He placed a small kiss at her head and got comfortable. Soon both of them fell to sleep. For the first time in many years both of them slept peacefully and the universe above them let out a small smile as it saw two broken souls fitting each other's jigsaw puzzle perfectly.
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I really need you all to comment on this one. How was it? do let me know. Thank you.
Love,
Shivja 💖