Chapter 41 - Puzzled Connections

At Times, we have to wait and watch years flash by,hoping to Connect with someone, or some people in the way we wanted too.Sometimes, all it takes is a short while, to establish the connection thats both pure and intense,and thats probably because, sometimes, it really does feel like, you are just pieces of a same jigsaw puzzle,and have now finally come together to complete a picture.But just like how as kids, building a jigsaw puzzle with hundreds of pieces was a job that required a lot of effort and patience, the connections that we build with people in our lives,requires equal amount of effort and patience.

You may often find yourself irritated and impatient,because of the same, but while you are at it, its important to remember, that the more you nurture the connection,the more it will blossom,and so sometimes, you just have to go with arranging the pieces as they come your way, with the faith that the complete picture will be complete soon.

And at times, its also important to disconnect from the connection, to actually be able to realise the true meaning it holds in your life.Its an amusing fact though, that Love essentially is that service provider, whose connection the heart will always succeed in establishing, no matter how weak or strong the signal is.

As we walk down our Life,we all will surely look back one day and smile at the realisation, that some puzzles were thrown are way with some pieces missing, so they could never really be all fit into a big picture, because it wasn't meant to be, then some puzzles were big , some were small, some were brain teasers, and some were heart-warming.And all the stories of our lives, no matter how different they are , have this one common factor ,that - Each of our lives is an independent tale of several puzzled connections.

..........................

Shanitivan 12.15 AM

Arnav walked back from the washroom,and lied down in bed,and he smiled to himself,as he put his hand underneath his head,and thought about his conversation with Khushi.

He couldn't believe the conversation Asad and Khushi had, had about him,he could only imagine, how Khushi would have controlled her laugh,because he was finding it difficult to control his grin.So the good thing here, was that Asad did really think that he had changed for Love for good this time around, and it made him feel really good to know that, it narrowed the chances of Asad punching him hard in the face, once he found out about him and Khushi.He was going to be mad surely for how they both had hidden it, but from the looks of it, he was sure, he would understand and come around, and the best part was that he could sense that no matter how mad Asad would be, he would surely not ask Khushi to keep away from him.Asad was a good brother, and given the scenario, his concern for his sister was justified,after everything Khushi had been through because of the murderer.

He felt his blood boil,and he reminded himself that Farhaan had vanished into thin air never to return.

He nudged the thought aside,and let Khushi's thoughts flood through his mind,as he closed his eyes, she was his own sparkle, she was his own peace.God he loved her so much, it did really seem like, she had been the only and perhaps the most important missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle that was needed to complete the picture in his heart.And he had often lost that piece himself,in the past, but this time around, he had been patient and had been successful in fixing the piece into the place it rightly belonged,and now that she was back plugged into his being,it did really feel like that the picture was finally complete.

They were both,exactly where they belonged.

He smiled at the thought, and sleep started to take over.

...................

Khushi shivered as she heard the voice through the phone - " Khushi, you there?? Khushi?? its Arhaan, please dont hang up, Khushi, say something, please...."

But she felt like she had lost her voice,and she sat frozen on her bed,and she heard him say again - "Khushi, can you hear me??"

She finally took a deep breathe as she finally spoke in a curt tone - " Yes, i can hear you Arhaan, but what i dont comprehend is that why are you calling me when you promised you wouldn't...and I'm hanging up this instant...",and she was about to hang up as she heard his voice on the other end - " Khushi, please don't, just hear me out, i only called because i needed to hear your voice once, to know that you are fine, you are alright, aren't you??"

Khushi answered curtly - "im fine Arhaan, never been better...and I'm hanging up now..."

And just as she was about to, she heard his voice on the other end - " i didn't know until i was here that he shot you...im sorry Khushi,i really am,but thank god you'r off life support and are back home now...."

Khushi felt her insides freeze as she asked in a curt voice - "how do you know Arhaan?? are you keeping an eye on me??"

Arhaan - " no I'm not keeping an eye on you Khushi, i just have my sources, don't you understand, i had to know that you were ok, you have no idea how i felt when i got to know you were shot...",and he paused as he spoke - "i would do anything to not hear that fear in your voice for me Khushi, i promised you that i wouldn't harm you in anyway, then why are you still so scared off me??"

Khushi felt her insides churn as she spoke - "then do something please, dont ever call me again, the only reason why bhaijaan and Arnav aren't coming after you and your uncle,is because iv asked them too,please don't do anything that will make me change my mind..."

Arhaan - " thank you Khushi..."

Khushi - " don't thank me, for i didn't do it for you, i did it because you already are sentenced to the biggest punishment, this guilt that you have Arhaan is your punishment,and also because id rather have bhaijaan and Arnav live in peace, i do not want them to chase the past,its not going to get us anything..."

Arhaan - " you really love him don't you? Arnav?"

Khushi took a deep breathe - " more than my Life...."

Arhaan - " i know, uncle told me that he had aimed at Arnav and you took the shot yourself to save him...."

Khushi spoke curtly - " ok thats it, are you giving me your word that you are never going to call me again?"

Arhaan spoke in a tone that was dejected - " i love you Khushi....im just glad you'r safe and sound..."and Khushi immediately hung up,and she kept her phone aside, and she immediately drank a glass of water.

The jitters were back again, as everything that had happened flashed back in her mind, and she knew the only thing she needed right now was to feel Arnav's arms around her, she checked her watch it was 12.30 am,it was late, but she didn't care, it did really feel as if she was going to have a panic attack if she didn't see him,and so she picked up her phone and she called him, hoping that his phone wasn't on silent.

.............................................

Arnav heard his phone ring,and he had just fallen off to sleep, but he turned in bed nonetheless, to see who it was,what if it was Zoya and she needed something, and so he picked up his phone sleepily,and the minute he saw Khushi's name flashing on the screen,he picked it up in an instant as he said - " hey, missing me already??"

"Arnav..."

Andthe minute he heard her say his name in a blank tone, he felt his sleep vanish through the window,and he felt worry creep over as he spoke - " Khushi...whats wrong??"

He heard that blank voice again on the other end - " can you please come see me?? ill sneak out and meet you at the end of the road like I once had before..."

He asked worried - " Khushi, ok, I'm coming, ill be on my way in five minutes, but will you atlas tell me whats wrong?? what happened?? you are worrying the hell out of me...tum theek ho??"

He heard that blank voice again - " I'm fine, I just need to see you, and i need to see you now....how long will it take you to reach me??"

Arnav - "at this time of the night, 20 minutes..."

Khushi - " ok, ill be waiting out for you in fifteen minutes..."

Arnav jumped out of bed as he spoke - "no, dont wait on the road, its not safe, ill message you once im there, come then ok??"

Khushi - " Ok...please come soon...."

Arnav - " I am....",and he made his way down the stairs at the speed of light, he didn't know what this was about,and he had no idea why was she sounding so blank,devoid of any emotion on the phone,but if Khushi needed him now, then he was going to be there,hed damm everything else right now.

.........

30 Minutes Later

Arnav stood leaning against the front door, as he waited for Khushi,he had messaged her when he had arrived,and all through the way he had a zillion thoughts running through his head as to what the matter could be,but he instructed his mind to stop conjuring stupid thoughts and asked it to wait patiently to listen to what Khushi had to say, and right then, he spotted her,walking to wards him,and the minute she saw him, she ran towards him at the speed of light,and before he knew it,she had hugged him tight, and he hugged her back immediately,and he brushed her hair tenderly as he kissed her head - " khushi, whats wrong....",and he realised that she was shivering, she was literally trembling in his arms and he asked - "Khushi, will you please something, anything....", but she didnt, and he was just about to pull back, but she didn't let him,as she held him back tightly as she said - " no, please, don't....please just hold me...."

And so he held on to her,as he tightened his arms around her, waiting for her to calm down a little,and what seemed to be many minutes later,he finally felt her shivering stop,something wasn't right here, and once she had stopped trembling,she pulled back,and he cupped her face tenderly - " will you talk to me please??",and he brushed her cheek tenderly - "please say something, you have no idea the thoughts my mind was conjuring up on my way here...what happened??"

Khushi kissed his hand tenderly as she said - " thank you for coming, i know it was impulsive, so impulsive off me too call you here like this in the middle of the night....but i needed to see you..."

Arnav held her hands as he opened the door to his front seat,and she sat inside and he kissed her hands - " I'm going to be there whenever you need me, i dont care about anything else...Khushi..."

Khushi smiled as she spoke - "can you take me for a drive somewhere, please??"

Arnav smiled as he nodded,and he got into the driving seat and he started to drive.

.......................

1.20 AM (Near a Random Tea Stall)

Khushi finished her tea,and she watched Arnav hand over the glass to the man from the window,and he paid him,and he rolled back the window as he asked looking at her - " feel better now??"

Khushi gave him a small smile and she nodded,and she saw him hold her hand as he spoke softly- " are you going to tell me what happened now??

Khushi took a deep breathe, ever since they had gotten into the car, she had just held on to his hand and remained silent,for the short 15 mins drive,until Arnav had halted near this tea stall,and ordered her a big glass of tea, he knew her well, a cup of hot tea, had the power to refresh her senses, no matter what.She noticed that he was still gazing at her intently and there was a lot of worry in his eyes,and she held his hand as she spoke - " i was about to sleep, when my phone rang, it was private number, i thought maybe it was you, but...."

Arnav looked at her confused as he asked - "but?? who was it??"

Khushi took a deep breathe as she said - " It was him.Arhaan...he called me..."

Arnav felt his insides freeze as those words left her mouth,and his hand immediately tightened on the wheel as he asked - " whaaaaaat???please tell me you hung up the minute you knew it was him, khushi please tell me you didn't speak to him..."

Khushi looked into his eyes as she spoke honestly - " i was going to...but he stopped me as in he said he wanted to know if i was fine...and that was what alarmed me, Arnav he knows everything, he knows I was shot, he got that news from his uncle, but that isn't what I'm worried about, he knew i had been on Life support, he knows that i am now back home, and when i asked him if he was keeping an eye on me, as in how would he know?? he said, he had his sources....",and she immediately hugged Arnav as she said - " I'm sorry, i shouldn't have probably spoken to him at all, but i was frozen in shock and not just that...",and she felt him hug her back and she continued - " the minute i heard his voice, i was reminded of everything that happened, at the farmhouse,the gunshots,and i felt fear like i had never felt before as those moments flashbacked in my head...i had to see you...",and she hugged him tighter as she spoke - " the only thing i needed was to feel your arms around me, for i know I'm safe here, in your arms...",and she felt him tighten the hug as he held on to her, and he pulled back a few minutes later as he cupped her face gently and she asked - " you aren't mad at me , are you??"

Arnav sighed as he spoke - "no im not mad, im worried Khushi....",and he rubbed her cheek softly as he asked - " ok, will you please tell me everything? what exactly did he say??"

Khushi nodded,as she started to tell him.

..............

Arnav felt his insides burn in fury as he heard Khushi finish - "and then he said, i love you Khushi, im just glad you'r safe and sound,and then before he could say anything further,i hung up...",she paused as she looked at his taut face and then she said - " i don't think he will call again Arnav...."

Arnav looked at her in surprise and in shock,she really was naive and innocent,and he immediately got out of the car, and he walked a little ahead towards a sideroad where he saw a bench,and he kicked a few stones around in fury and in restlessness,and right then he felt Khushi's hand on his shoulder as she spoke - " Arnav....whats wrong??

He immediately pulled her by the arm closer,as he spoke both furious and worried - " whats wrong is that I let that filth of a murderer get away, i should have killed him, how dare he call you?? how dare he have the guts to ask you if you were ok, how dare he keep a tap on you, how dare he tell you that he loves you, and how can you be so naive to think that he isn't going to bother you again Khushi??"

His hold was a little hard on her arm, but she knew it was stemming out of love and worry and she tried to cup his face but he didn't let her,as he held her hand mid air as he spoke, his voice now full of emotion - "do you have any idea, how it felt seeing these hands go limp in my arms, when blood was oozing out of your gunshot wound?? do you have any idea how i was a living corpse for the days you were fighting for your life, and were on that damm life support, do you know how it felt to live the fear of actually loosing you Khushi??? and its all because of that murderer, why don't you just allow me and Asad to finish him off..."

Khushi immediately stepped into him holding his hand with her's which he yanked away in anger,and she held onto him again, this time tightly, not letting him yank away as she cupped his face and made him look at her, and she was moved by the love that shone in his eyes and she spoke softly - " even your tears sparkle with the love that you feel for me....",and she immediately pulled him into a hug, and brushed her hand over his heart to calm him down.

She pulled back a few minutes later, once his heartbeats were a little steady and she took his hand as she made him sit on the bench and she sat next to him as she spoke - " I love you, and i do not want you or bhaijaan to chase the past, its for our peace, theres no point Arnav, its not going to get us anything...."

Arnav looked at her and he asked furious - "and its ok with you if that murder tries to get in touch with you??"

Khushi held his hand - "did i ever tell you, you look like the enigmatic devil himself, with that kind of wrath on your face..."

Arnav rolled his eyes - "im in no mood for a joke Khushi...answer me dammit...you are ok with this criminal trying to get in touch with you, keeping a tap on you??"

Khushi clutched his hand as she spoke - "are you even listening to yourself, of course I'm not ok with this, i don't want to live with the thought that he's watching over me,its creepy,but like i said, the minute he tries to get in touch with me ever again, i will tell you and bhaijaan both myself, i will not stop you then, but like i said, i sensed he wouldn't,lets just give this a benefit of doubt for the last time, please?? Arnav, I'm sorry, look i promise i wont ask you for this again..."

Arnav felt his anger vanish under her touch and he didn't know how to stay angry at the thought that this woman liked to see the best in people, even if they were criminals, she believed in the fact that people could turn into new leaves,and certainly for sure she believed that this Farhaan had turned into a new leaf,and he pulled her into a crushing hug as he spoke - " promise me that you will be careful, dont pick up calls from unknown numbers, dont accept any new requests on social media, and definitely dont make any new friends for atlas a while, we have no idea who his sources are...im very serious Khushi, his uncle is very dangerous, and i will not have you put your life in danger...."

Khushi nodded as she pulled back - " yes, i know....honestly i did feel fear like id never felt before, the minute i heard his voice...",and she was pulled in for a hug as she heard him say, kissing her head - " i will not let anything happen to you,ever again...."

Khushi hugged him as she spoke,trying to make the moment light - " I know....im safe here...in your arms...and honestly i always feel them in my head even though when you aren't around me..."

Arnav gave her a small smile as he asked - "really??"

Khushi nodded - "ofcourse.....",and she held his hand as she spoke - "cmon now, take me home...i don't want anyone to spot that I'm missing..."

Arnav got up as he laced his fingers through her's and he said - " Asad has to know this..."

Khushi nodded - "ofcourse, i will tell him tomorrow at the office, maybe, i dont want ammi,to know, and especially not Zoya, she cannot know, she has too much going on..."

Arnav nodded and he got in behind the wheel,and he felt khushi's hand over his on the automatic gear,as she looked out the window,as he drove and he felt the worry creep up his being again.

He had to protect Khushi no matter what, and he would with his Life.

.............................

Interlaken (The next day)

The Physiotherapy Centre - 1.00 PM

Zoya ate her croissant and she sipped her iced tea, whilst she browsed through her phone,and she immediately opened the gallery,and went to the album that held the pictures of Asad and her,and she started to browse through them, there were so many of them, so many pictures from their time back in Boston, then over the last few months,she continued to swipe through them,and before she knew it her vision had blurred,which only signalled that those silent tears were back again, she immediately closed her eyes,and the tears fell out,and she wiped them off her cheeks,as she stared at the picture of Asad on her phone, she wondered about what he must be doing now, it was around 430 Pm in India right now,which meant that he would be at work.She had, had a sleepless night, because everything about him was haunting her in and out, the minute she closed her eyes, his face had been revolving around in front of her, the minute she opened them,she had been imagining him him in front of her, and she really did she would go mad with the longing,she had almost called him in that emotional disturbed state at 3am in the night,but she had stopped,just in time before the call went through.

God, this was very difficult, way more difficult than she had imagined.This separation was her decision, then why was it getting so excruciatingly painful to deal with.She looked at her hands, and she immediately saw a flash of his hand in hers in her mind, and she dismissed it,because of the pain it brought along.

His voice rang in her ears - " I Love you Zoya, always did, always will..."

Love,ofcourse she loved him,infact this puzzled love connection that she felt towards him was only heighten more in his absence,it was crazy, it was insane, for she was imagining him everywhere, his memories were flooding in her mind and hearts,and she felt like she was drowning in them,and the tears were falling off her eyes on their own record, telling the tale of the pained situation her heart was in.And it had just been what two -three days,and she had planned in her head to go on like this, forever??

It would be so much easier if she killed herself, for the pain of death would surely be less painful than this heartache,Asad had been right, it was impossible to let go of the marks they had left on each other, of both the love and the pain, and yet,she had those memories that were making her smile and cry both at the same time,she couldn't even think about starting to forget thinking about them, because that was all that was left of Asad with her.

Right then she saw someone pull a chair in front of her and she looked up to see Abir and as she saw him take a seat,she wiped her tears as she asked with a small smile - " whats up with you and your startling me with pulling a chair in front of me all the time...huh??"

Abir smiled as he folded his hands on the table - " well, good afternoon to you too Zoya..."

Zoya smiled, his grin was infectious - " good afternoon, how come you are here??at this time??"

Abir smiled - " well, while im in town, i do make it a point to join Dad for lunch every once in a while, it gives us the much needed time alone, you know its really difficult at home, with my mom around, unknowingly we shower all our attention on her..."

Zoya smiled - " you are very lucky, Abir..."

Abir gave her a small smile - " i will get more lucky if you talk to me,and tell me about why you'v been crying, looking at your phone...",and before she could say anything, he immediately picked up her phone from the table and he saw a picture of a man and Zoya hugging,and he said - "aha...arent we all the prisoner's of Love, nice picture though...",he said handing the phone back to Zoya and he spoke - " its obviously clear that you miss him, call him, cmon..."

Zoya took the phone and she put it back in her bag as she sighed - " i can't..."

Abir took out his phone as he said with a wink - " well if you are such a miser, use mine..."

Zoya rolled her eyes - "very funny, everything isn't a joke Abir..."

Abir nodded - "and why is that?? dude, im telling you we take ourselves very seriously all the time, and we shouldn't....",but he paused as he saw the serious look on her face and he asked in a soft tone - " why dont you talk?? i mean take it out, trust me its so much easier...."

Zoya sighed - " i did talk , i mean i told you all about myself, yesterday, all that theres to tell...."

Abir raised his eyebrow - "and what about all that there's to hide, you know there are only two reasons we dont open about certain things, either its of no significant or it really is very important, and i can sense its the latter in you case, so cmon, shoot...tell me all about the Zoya you were, before this accident happened....and also this guy in the picture"

Zoya sighed - "Abir...im exhausted....and my session is done for the day, because i started at 7 am this morning, and I'm just going to head home for now...."

Abir - "no ways..."

Zoya - "yes way..."

Abir - " whats his name??"

Zoya - "whose??"

Abir - "the man in the picture..."

Zoya sighed,she knew there was no point in arguing with him - "Asad..."

Abir - "good, you love him right??"

Zoya nodded - "ofcourse, very much..."

Abir - " then why the tears Zoya??"

Zoya sighed - " its a long story Abir..."

Abir smiled - "then we are lucky for i dont have any meetings lined up...cmon let me take you to this amazing place near the Lake, its amazing,and we can talk...cmon cmon it'll freshen you up...you wouldn't want to just confine yourself to the walls of your cottage and miss out on the mesmerising Interlake??cmon dont you want to have any tales to tell to your family and friends...??"

Zoya looked at him amused - " you really are one of a kind...",and she got up,as she started to walk,and he gestured the way out towards the parking lot and he grinned - "ofcourse, they just don't make the likes of me anymore...."

Zoya laughed,and she got in the car and she saw Abir give her a smile and she thought,maybe it would be ok to talk to him,sometimes a different perspective was what probably one needed to hear.

................................

Two Hours Later

Abir sipped his coke as he heard Zoya finish with a sigh - "so the next thing i did was get on the plane and come here....i had to get away, from it all, from him, the only way i would succeed in keeping away..."

Abir sat deep in thought as he processed everything Zoya had just told him and he heard Zoya speak with a small smile - " i cant believe you'v gone on a thinking trip,Mr Abir Raichand can think too...."

Abir broke into a grin as he said - "ofcourse, what makes you think the Raichand empire runs on, surely not on just my charm,although i would say my charm has a lot to do with it..."

Zoya laughed,and she immediately felt light,it really did feel good taking it all out,and she heard Abir say in a serious tone - "no, but seriously, man, thats some story....clearly you both messed up at some points, but seriously can you really not forgive him for the annulment if you love him so much, then why dont you just give him the chance, im telling you Zoya, from experience, people who let Love walk out of their lives are the most stupidest ones,and trust me thats heavy a regret you wouldn't want to live with Zoya...."

Zoya sighed as she spoke softly, gazing at the beautiful waters of the lake - "the annulment, the anger, none of that even matters anymore Abir..."

Abir - "you are ready to forgive him then??"

Zoya looked at him - " i have already forgiven him in my heart Abir, this isn't about holding onto grudges,i mean my love isn't so shallow that it can't look past one mistake, although it was a terrible blunder, but like you said, we both made mistakes we both hurt each other....but iv forgiven him,and i continue to love him as i did before,if not more...you know thats why the tears..."

Abir looked at her confused - "stop talking in riddles and explain please....what do you mean?? why did you lie to him saying that it was too late for you both, when you clearly love him so much still, why the tears??"

Zoya felt her vision blur as those tears returned and she quickly wiped them off as she said - " i wish, my love was enough Abir, but right now, i just feel so lost and dazed and I'm too affected by the accident, im not the same anymore, even if i wished, i couldn't go back to being the Zoya he fell in love with...."

Abir looked at her - "and you are clearly de-meaning and belittling the love you both share by even thinking for a second that he wouldn't love you just because you now have a condition with your leg..."

Zoya sighed - " i know, i know I am and i hate to do it, but i have to Abir, this is something i have to fight alone, because theres so much anxiety, frustration,insecurity,sooner or later im just going to lash out at him, for no fault of his,i know he loves me, i could see it in his eyes, but you know what else i could also see, a lot of guilt, and also a tad bit of sympathy,probably he didn't even know he was reflecting it to me,and its natural,but no, I wouldn't have it that way, nothing is the same anymore Abir, and not just that,im never going to be able to give him the family he dreamed off,and do i expect him to give up on his dreams only because of my selfishness, only because i cant live without him??"

Abir rolled his eyes - " bullshit, Zoya, this is a era of scientific developments, you know there are various other ways you can go about that...so i don't buy that..."

Zoya - "yeah, but its not the same...."

Abir nodded - "ok yes, but how about if you believed in a miracle, it could happen right, its not impossible...."

Zoya shook her head - " and give myself hopes which will only shatter later, no, i cant do so...Abir, as much as it hurts me, Asad is better off without me in his Life...."

Abir rolled his eyes - "there you go, bullshit again, trust me the only thing better off here would be, if you picked up your phone and called him...",he paused and he continued - "tell him Zoya, how much you love him,and trust me you will feel like the strength back inside for real, you do realise that all this hollowness inside is going to be a big hindrance in your recovery..."

Zoya looked at him - " i will not...i have to stick by my decision...no matter what..."

Abir rolled his eyes - " god you are stubborn..."

Zoya - "is a Singh Raizada gene trait my friend...."

Abir leaned back as he asked - "ok, imagine if Asad meets someone, will you be ok with it?? for real?? i mean you would know since your families are back to being friends again, what was all the rivalry about anyway??"

Zoya had not revealed the gruesome details of the past of course,had only termed it as a misunderstanding and so she said - "there was a misunderstanding between him and my brother after the accident that killed our father's, but like i told you, its now all sorted, infact our families are now even closer than before..."

Abir - "ok, but you didn't answer my question, will you be seriously ok if lets say a gorgeous woman enters Asad's life??"

Zoya took a deep breathe, because her insides burned at the thought but she spoke - "ofcourse, i would be thats the reason why i left, he deserves to start afresh....he needs to move on..."

Abir smiled,and Zoya looked at him as she asked - "whats with the smile?"

Abir smiled - "well let me tell you, you think its easy, but trust me it isnt, you wont be able to see it, or accept the fact that someone else has entered his life, without burning yourself in the process...."

Zoya looked at him - "really?? you speak as if you'v...wait wait wait...theres someone in your life?? Abir??"

Abir sighed - "well there was, and I was an idiot, to not realise the importance of true love at the right time, my loss, because, she's married now,and trust me when i got to know that she was getting married, it burned me so bad, i was not the jovial Abir you see in front of you for a good three months, it was terrible...so Zoya, trust me i know what its like to truly love, whats it like to truly loose, i just hope you would see what you are doing differently before its too late...."

Zoya could only give a brieif nod but she spoke - " thank you though, for listening, i didn't know i needed to vent it out, but now that i have, i know how important it was too..."

Abir grinned - "anytime, what are friends for?? haan??",and he looked around as he spoke - "ironical isn't it?? we are sitting in one of the most romantic cities in the world, and exchanging stories of our broken hearts...."

Zoya nodded as she looked around - "ironical it is...."

Abir picked up his Coke as he said - "cmon, lets raise a toast...."

Zoya picked up her can of Ginger ale,for a toast but she asked - "to what??"

Abir grinned - "to broken hearts ofcourse...."

Zoya laughed and she heard Abir say - "i wonder why people dont raise a toast to that ever, i mean its still a celebration of Love that once used to be..."

Zoya nodded - "yeah right, in the most sadistic of ways...."

Abir smiled - "ofcourse...",and he watched Zoya sip her drink,well it was a pity to know about everything that had happened to this beautiful girl.And he had seen often, heard often and experienced it often that shit happened all the time, in the world of love, and maybe Zoya would learn with time just like he had that if you truly loved, you cant really let go,for your heart would always find a way to stay connected to the one it beats for, if not through happiness then surely through pain.

.........................................

Meanwhile - The Oberoi,New Delhi (8.10 PM )

Arnav waited for Asad and Yana,and he wondered how come Asad was late, Asad was never late for a meeting,and this dinner meeting was very important regarding the collective branding promotional strategy they would need to undertake, after the merger,and Asad did mention that his new marketing director Yana, had a excellent strategy in mind, which would be in the best interests of both the companies.This meeting had been scheduled for Noon,but had to be postponed, since Asad had a important videoconference with his joint venture company in Boston.And he had been a little surprised when Asad had rescheduled the meeting from 7 at Khan Constructions,to 8 at the Oberoi.

It was right then his phone beeped.It was Khushi.

Khushi : I just reached home, and guess what Kkusum aunty is here,will be having dinner with her.Where are you?Will you come to pick up aunty?? I havent seen you today and if you do come Ill get to see you.please do come, Pretty please...!!

Arnav smiled, his mother and Dilshaad had gone shopping this afternoon and then a movie, was only obvious that aunty took his mother home for dinner,and he almost could imagine Khushi making the most adorable face as wrote that pretty please bit and he quickly wrote : I was going to come anyway,the minute you mentioned Maa was there, i had already decided upon it, didn't have to wait till your adorable pretty please to convince me,Khushi. Jokes apart,you often forget that my need to see you exceeds your need to see me.

His phone beeped : Yayiiee, happy dance.Where are you?? at office for the meeting??

He quickly typed : No, at Oberoi.Asad rescheduled the meeting over dinner.Wonder why though.

He got a quick reply.Khushi : Maybe because he wants to talk to you about Arhaan i guess, i told him around 6,and he was pretty freaked out about it,and maybe he doest want to walk about at office,you know incase anyone overhears,a lot of our teams are working late to ensure that everything goes smoothly for the merger.

Arnav : Good you gave me a heads up, although i will act surprised and shocked don't worry.When are we going to tell Asad about us? I hate to lie to him longer.

Khushi : I hate it too,we will do it soon, i promise.See you at home then? Don't stare at me shamelessly ok?

Arnav grinned as he wrote quickly : we will see about that.

And right then he spotted Asad enter the restaurant and he assumed that the lady next to him was Yana.

Asad walked upto him as he said - "sorry about that, what can I say about the traffic of delhi,getting worse day by day..."

Arnav smiled as he hugged Asad - "no bother..."

Asad introduced Yana as he said - "this is Arnav Singh Raizada, yana...", he paused and he continued - "and Arnav, this is Yana Mehra.."

Yana smiled - "since to meet you Mr.Raizada..."

Arnav smiled - "call me Arnav, please..."

Yana nodded,as they all took their seats.

Asad smiled - "lets get the meeting started....but how about we order some food first...im famished..."

Arnav grinned - "well so am i..."

........................

9.20 PM

Yana smiled as she said looking at Asad and Arnav - "well, thank you for the lovely dinner gentlemen, but ill take your leave now....",and she got up and shook hands with both of them.

Arnav nodded - " we will implement the strategy you laid out as soon as we announce the merger ..."

Yana smiled - "that would be great...",and she turned to Asad - " ill see you at office tom, i will work over the few things we discussed tom..."

Asad nodded,and Yana said - "cmon two of you, ill see myself out, you two please continue..."

Arnav and Asad nodded,and they watched Yana leave.

Arnav looked at Asad as he gestured him to sit back,and he said - "sweet girl..."

Asad nodded - "yeah, she just moved back here with her parents,after her divorce...."

Arnav - "she looks like a tough nut though, holding up well i guess.."

Asad nodded - "yeah..."

Arnav looked at him as he asked - " whats up?? why are you so worried??

Asad took a deep breathe as he said - " because there something to be worried about ofcourse, Arhaan called khushi last night..."

Arnav put on surprised expression as he asked - "whattttt???what did he want??

Asad started to fill him in about the things he already knew, and Arnav let him finish and then he asked - " so what now??have you thought about it?? i mean do you want to do anything??"

Asad sighed - "well honestly, i was freaked out the minute khushi told me , i mean even though Khushi would like to believe that Farhaan has changed,but what about his uncle, from whatever iv heard from Zoya and Khushi, hes evil that man, and hes dangerous,and as much as id like to have a private investigator hunt them down,and killed in an accident, I won't,because i will not let my darkness take over me ever again,iv ruined too much because of it both in the past and the present, and there isn't much we can do legally, because we'v always framed everything differently ourselves, what complaint can we register in the police for something that we ourselves have claimed happened differently, in both the cases the past and Khushi abduction....",and he paused.

Arnav nodded as he spoke, hiding his one emotion with regards to Khushi in particular- " i understand, i mean the man killed dad and Najma,it burns me to think hes free out there....and even though this Private investigation and a framed accident is only justice to their evil crimes, i agree with you on the fact that acting out of darkness is not going to get us anything....this isn't who we are..."

Asad nodded - "exactly,and iv been thinking, i mean what if by doing so I end up putting Khushi in danger..."

Arnav felt his insides twist in anxiety but he masked his emotions as he asked sipping his water - "what do you mean??"

Asad - " i mean, what if his uncle catches a hint if we go after him, and that could only put Khushi in danger again,he has shot her before right...and i don't want to do anything to have them come after us, and even Zoya is all by herself right now...theres too much risk...."

Arnav nodded - " i agree, too much risk....so what do you suggest?"

Asad - " iv asked Khushi to be alert ofcourse, and she does believe strongly that Arhaan wouldn't get in touch with her again, so lets just stay silent for a while, incase he does, then ill think about how to file charges against him, he is in a different country after all, i mean it just seems wise to silent for a while,if his intentions aren't harmful,then..."

Arnav nodded - "then its better to just let it be..."

Asad nodded - "exactly, although i never thought ill be letting the murderer free Arnav, to be honest, it isn't what i want, but at the moment its just about even more important for me to know when to butt in and when to back off,and i will back off for our family's safety if i have to..."

Arnav gave him a small smile - " you just spoke my mind honestly,it isn't worth putting our loved ones in danger, but if they meddle again, we can think about it then..."

Asad nodded - " ofcourse, i will surely change my decision then, but lets hope it doesn't get down dirty to that, lets hope that Khushi's instincts are right....",and he paused as he smile fondly - " i worry for her sometimes, she's so innocent, so naive...",and he paused as he spoke being reminded of the horrific incident - "also the reason why he used her as his pawn to get to us...."

Arnav felt his insides stiffen at the reminder and he spoke - "thats probably as much as a strength and a weakness,happens to all of us, very often our biggest strength become our biggest weakness, don't worry Asad, you asked Khushi to be alert and careful, lets hope she is..."

Asad nodded and he asked - " spoken to Zoya today??"

Arnav nodded - "yes, i did while on my way here, she's good",and he paused as he saw the longing back on Asad's face and he asked - "she hasn't messaged you at all??"

Asad rolled his eyes - " nope, not even a single text, so a phonecall is a dream beyond reach...its like she wants to tell me, Asad iv vanished into thin air, forget about me..."

Arnav - "call her yourself, i mean im sure you have her number..."

Asad - "ofcourse, khushi gave it to me the first thing, and honestly, i almost did call her last night, but i stopped because i dont want to force myself upon her, i mean as much as im dying to just listen to her voice, i dont want to cause her any discomfort that will be a hindrance in her recovery...her health is my first priority..."

Arnav smiled as he said - " she's being stupid to blindfold her eyes to your love, but trust me she will come around, i know surely because she's a lot like me..."

Asad raised his eyebrow - " oh really? did you also blindfold yourself to this girl you love?? I'm sure you did, your big fat ego wouldn't have digested that the great Arnav Singh Raizada has fallen in love, easily.."

Arnav laughed as he said - " yeah i kind off did, its a complicated tale..."

Asad - "but all good now?? i can guess by that smile on your face..."

Arnav nodded - " iv never felt happier..."

Asad smiled - "im happy for you brother, atlas one of us is happy..."

Arnav - " you will be too, very soon..."

Asad smiled - "hope so....i mean I'm not going anywhere,the minute i see any positive sign from Zoya, shell find me right where she left me...",and he paused as he asked - "whats her name atleast?? is it someone i know??"

Arnav - "you will know, very soon...",and right then his phone rang, it was his mother,and he spoke for a minute and he put down as he said - "that was Maa, she's at your place, id messaged her that ill come pick her up,she called to ask if i would be late...cmon lets go then..."

Asad nodded,and they made their way out.

.......................

Barkat -10.00 PM

Khushi sat on the floor in front of the sofa her ammi,and kkusum aunty had been sitting on and she grinned she leaned against her mothers knees, and listened to her mother tell another story of their childhood and she heard Kkusum aunty laugh as she said - " my chotte,always been the naughtier one...i still remember how he and Asad got into this fight..god they were all of what ten, and i cant believe how they would act like wwf champions..."

Dilshaad laughed - " ofcourse,and Arnav still has that scar over his eye..."

Kkusum laughed and she looked at Khushi as she asked - " I hope we oldies haven't bored you khushi..."

Khushi smiled as she touched her hand - "ofcourse not aunty...iv enjoyed myself thoroughly imagine the things iv got my hands on, I'm going to tease bhaijaan crazily,and i will happily share the information with Zoya,so she can tease her brother..."

Kkusum smiled - "ofcourse, she wouldn't miss a single chance,to tease her brother...we spoke to her on our way back here..."

Dilshaad sighed - "she talks to all of us , only if she would speak to Asad..."

Kkusum held her hand - " have faith Dilshaad, i can spot that hollowness in her voice as she talks,im sure you can talk, she needs Asad,and she needs to realise this on her own, because the more we try to make her see it, the tighter her blindfold will get...."

Khushi nodded as she held her mother's hand - "aunty is right ammi,she almost asked about bhaijaan twice whilst she was talking to me but she quickly changed the topic,its only a matter of time, before she sees the truth...",and with that she excused herself as she said - " i want some tea, ill make us all some...",and she heard the car honk outside and she heard her mother say - "looks like Asad and Arnav are here too,Khushi also ask riskier to make these two their black coffees..."

Khushi nodded and she smiled to herself,as she made her way to the kitchen.

.....................

Asad entered through the main door,and he quickly walked up as he hugged his mother and Kkusum Maa and then sat on the sofa,and he watched Arnav hug them both as he sat next to him and he said looking at his mother - " Maa, i hope you had a nice day...."

Dilshaad grinned - "a lovely day, we shopped, we watched a movie, then we came back home..."

Kkusum grinned - "had an amazing dinner,and then we'v just been boring Khushi with our talks..."

Arnav's eyes searched for her, and right then he heard Asad ask, and he mentally thanked him for the question - "really?? wheres Khushi??

Dilshaad smiled - " in the kitchen , you know her random love for her tea's...and we'v also got your black coffee's prepared..."

Kkusum smiled as she said - " i need to have a word with Asad anyway..."

Arnav smirked as he said - " just a reminder Maa, I'm your son..."

Kkusum grinned - "and so is Asad...stop being jealous..."

Dilshaad immediately said looking at Arnav - "just like you are mine...."

Khushi entered right then,and she smiled for a second,for the happy sight did warm her heart,and she gestured Ruksaar to place the tray with tea and coffee,and she hugged her brother as she greeted him and she picked up her tea,as her eyes locked with Arnav's for a brief second,and she said softly - "hello...Arnavji...",and she hid her smile,and she decided to tease him a little as she said looking at her mother - "ammi,ill just be in my room, i had a long day, am tired..."

Dilshaad nodded,and Khushi hugged Kkusum aunty and then her brother from the side,and she saw Arnav literally glare at her,but she turned as she made her way up the stairs.

Arnav couldn't believe it, had she called him here so that he could see her for what like a minute,and he smiled at everyone as he took out his phone as he texted Khushi : what the hell was that??why did you call me here, if you were so sleepy.

His phone beeped quickly.

Khushi : I love it when you glare at me sometimes.You are funny, i called you here, so that i can see you,and i cant have my gaze on you longer than a few seconds in front of everyone.Meet me in the garden at the back,at that trail near the waterbody.Make a excuse for a call or something, bhaijaan will ask you to come here I'm sure, the signal reception is best in our garden.

Arnav controlled his smile as he quickly wrote : you are crazy.ill see you in 2 mins.

And right then he looked at everyone as he said - " ok maa , i just have to have a conference with Andy from London office...its important..."

Kkusum nodded - "no issues, take your time, we have to talk to Asad anyway..."

Asad looked at Arnav as he said - " the garden at the back has the best signal range..."

Arnav nodded as he said, hiding his smile, khushi knew her bhaijaan well - " ill see you in 15..."

........................

Khushi watched the various coloured lights play through the water,as she waited for Arnav,and she grinned as she thought about how he had glared at her while she had fled the scene,and right then she felt strong arms go around her waist, hugging her from behind,and she leaned back into him and she said, softly - " hey you..."

Arnav enjoyed the feel of her in his arms and he kissed her shoulder as he asked, now pulling her into a corner,and he cupped her face as he asked - "whats with this arnavji, Khushi...you know i never liked it...even when you called me that in the beginning remember..."

Khushi chuckled - "ofcourse, i very well remember how you asked me to not call you that, but like i told you already, until everyone knows thats what i will call you in front of everyone....just play along cmon...."

Arnav rolled his eyes as he said - "do i have a choice...??ofcourse not..."

Khushi immediately brushed the scar over his eye as she whispered - "well aunty told me the tale of this scar today..."

Arnav groaned - "oh did she?? maa, gotta stop her from spilling all my secrets...."

Khushi tiptoed as she kissed his scar - " i can only imagine how much the stitches would have hurt, you were only ten afterall..."

Arnav was overwhelmed by the emotion,and he hugged her as he chuckled - " I feel better, thank you..."

Khushi hugged him as she asked - "what did bhaijaan say?? about arhaan??"

Arnav hugged her tighter as he said - "lets just say, we decided to be silent for now, its for the best..."

Khushi sighed - " I know.....and i promise to be very alert...".

Arnav pulled back,as he looked around - "look at me, sneaking around your house to get these few minutes with you, its crazy...Khushi, i want to be able to call you mine, in front of everyone..."

Khushi's eyes glinted with mischief - "and id like that too...but you cant deny this is exciting....cmon now...look at my goosebumps..."

Arnav touched her arm - "you are crazy, really crazy..."

Khushi grinned - " i know...",and she felt him whisper as he pushed her back into the wall,and he cupped her face as he said kissing her cheek - " god, i love you...."

Khushi grinned as she looked into his eyes and she said - " I love you too arnavji...",and before she knew it,he had sealed her lips over his, for a passionate kiss, that stole her breath away,and she felt herself go weak in her knees,and she held onto him for balance,as she started to respond with equal urgency and passion.

10 Minutes Later

Khushi broke apart from his lips,and she took a deep breathe as she opened her eyes and looked into his as she whispered - " i should get going, before..."

Arnav cupped her face as he whispered huskily - "before I kiss you again..."

Khushi nodded hazed,as she looked at her phone,and she put it back in her pocket - "its been a while Arnav..."

Arnav shoved her hair aside at the back as he kissed her on the side of her neck ,and then bit her gently- "really??"

Khushi felt herself shiver,and she pushed him a little back as she said playfully - "you gotta stop with these love bites, you have no idea how much concealer i had to use to conceal the one you gave me yesterday...."

Arnav grinned naughtilt,as he shoved her hair back and he brushed her neck gently - "really?? no wonder i couldn't spot it, i mean i was sure it wouldn't fade so soon..."

Khushi smacked his hand away as she grinned - "very funny....",and she nudged him aside as she said - "goodnight....Arnavji..."

Arnav pulled her back by the arm and he shoved her back into the wall gently - "you haven't kissed me goodnight yet...Khushi..."

Khushi groaned - "god you are going to get us caught....",and she saw him give her a serious no nonsense - i-wont-budge-without-a-kiss look and she tiptoed as she smacked his lips briefly - " there you go...",and before she could run away, he had kissed her again,and turned it into yet another passionate encounter.

Arnav pulled back,several minutes later, because he now knew, it was time to go back inside, and he opened his eyes,and he saw her face,she had her eyes closed,and she was clearly as affected as he was,she was trembling,and he kissed her eyes gently as he said - " you are trembling..."

Khushi opened her eyes and she blushed - " and whose fault is that..."

Arnav chuckled as he whispered huskily - "only makes me wonder, how will you react,when i actually make love to you...."

Khushi gaped at him as she said - " i cant believe you just said that, god you'r shameless..."

Arnav smirked - "am i????really??"

Khushi smiled,as she tiptoed and whispered in his ears - "yes,but anyway, id like you to know, that I'm sure, i would literally melt in your arms when we would make love...",and before he could react, she ran away from his reach,back into the house, through the backdoor,and he was sure she had run away because shed be blushing furiously.

He smiled,as he replayed what shed just said to him.

He would love to feel Khushi melt in his arms.

And his phone rang, breaking his thought,and he took it out, it was Anjali di.

He smiled as he picked it up,making his way back in.

.....................

.................................

Kkusum touched Asad's hand as she said - " i hope you'v understood what we'v said...we understand this isn't easy...and its probably asking you too much to still hold on when Zoya is being difficult...."

Asad kissed her hand as he said - "but i know its going to be worse if i let go of this string too,and i know its difficult but i won't Maa, Zoya will find me where she left me....whenever she is ready to look my way...."

kkusum hugged Asad as she said looking on Dilshaad - "mind you Dilshaad, he's a gem, my Asad, and trust me its because of the likes of him, that love is spoken about in all its glory, thank you beta, for loving my daughter the way you do..."

Dilshaad smiled through her tears as she hugged Asad - "Zoya doesn't want to talk to you, and theres nothing more torturous than that, but I'm sure you both can endure this, its as difficult for her Asad..."

Asad looked at both of them as he said softly - "probably even more difficult, ammi, atlas i have all of you, and she is all alone...i have no idea whats going through her mind...but i can vouch for her heart, she's in much more pain than i am, for sure..."

Dilshaad - "god, unite my children,please....."

Kkusum - "the time will soon come....Dilshaad hold on, this too shall pass, like the rest of the worse that is now over...."

Asad smiled - "have faith ammi..."

Right then Arnav entered through the main door as he said looking at his mother - "well di just called, wondering if we were going to be more late, lets go Maa..."

Kkusum nodded as and she hugged Dilshaad and Asad,and Arnav hugged Dilshaad and then looked at Asad - "ill see you tom then, at the board meeting..."

Asad nodded,and he watched them leave,and then he looked at his mother as he said - " ill retire for the night ammi, its been a long day..."

Dilshaad nodded and he kissed her son on the forehead - "sure....sleep well beta..."

Asad looked at his mother as he said honestly - " ill try my best to Ammi..."

......................

2.00 AM

Asad twisted in bed,sleep wasn't going to come easily ofcourse,he had spent the last few hours just listening to his music, and thinking about everything that had happened,from the start.The memories of how he had met Zoya, how they had fallen in love, had brought a smile on his face, and then the memories of how they had both ruined it had brought tears to his eyes.

The strange thing about these memories was that they were etched so clearly in his mind,heart and being and it did seem for a second as he was reliving them, that he was back in that time,his heart used to beat with happiness.But now, he couldn't really feel anything except for that aching longoing and blankness.He couldn't believe that Zoya had actually walked out of his Life and had apparently cut all ties with him,and he was sure that she was in as much pain as he was, then how was she surviving this damm pain,was she twisting in bed too unable to sleep.

Was she being haunted by their memories of the time together, just like he was?? Was she drowning in that pool of love and pain, just like him??

This distance that was now marked in between them was getting excruciatingly painful to deal with,and it didn't seem to be diminishing soon, their paths stood starkly apart for now, but he knew that they would have to diminish soon,for he would walk this path alone no matter how far he would have to bear it all alone, but he would because he had made a terrible mistake by giving up on them and Zoya once because of that darkness inside of him,and he was now paying the price, but he knew he would never give up on Zoya ever again.

There were so many things going on in his heart, the things no one could imagine, and he wanted to pour it all out to Zoya, he wanted to tell her that ever since she had left, he was only drowning more and more in the moments of the past he had spent with her, the moments that were his Life.

He wanted to tell her that he was dreaming again about the dreams they had seen together,of their happily ever after because he had that hope in his heart,the hope that defied every darkness right now,and in that flame of light he could clearly see what he had gained,and what he had lost, along with the reason why it was the time to lay awake in longing,because that peaceful sleep was really far from his reach for now.He quickly wiped the tears that were threatning to leave his eyes, as he composed his emotions, he didn't want to be too harsh on himself, after all his dreams lay shattered in front of him, his love far from his reach, but he would be strong, he would hang in there no matter what, and he promised himself that the more the difficulties and the pain increased, he would bear it all with a smile,and dream of Zoya overnight and keep that flame of hope alive in his heart,because no matter how far she was from him right now, he was still close to her, he always would be.

He really had no other way out,he had to be strong for both of them right now,because he had learnt from his Life, that that single flame of love and hope, had the power to both define and defy darkness,and despite of everything that had happened,he still preferred to believe in his heart.

Strange though, how Life is nothing but a circle of our own choices,because first we make our choices, and then its those choices that make us.

He picked up his phone,and he calculated in his head, it would be around 11.00 PM in Switzerland,and he wondered if Zoya was awake right now?

The Longing returned,and he knew it would continue to haunt him until he dialled that number on his screen,and so he took a deep breathe,as he dialled it.

.............................

Interlaken - 1045 PM

Zoya lay in bed, and she tried to move her left leg a little,and she smiled,as she could lift it a little,a tiny winy bit, but it was a good sign,and she knew it was all because of her intense aqua therapy session in the water today,and she had a early session tomorrow too, so it did seem wise to get some sleep now.

She picked up her phone,as she opened that folder of Asad's pictures and she started to browse them.

She stopped at one of just him - He did really have a wonderful smile,and god those small dimples,she touched the screen on her phone lovingly.

She switched to another picture of them,and she smiled looking at the way he was looking at her, the love shone in his eyes,and that grin on her face spoke volumes.

Love seared through her, as she remembered the memory of the day this picture had been clicked, they were so happy, they had always been so happy with each other.

Well just because her Life wasn't the same anymore, did not mean that she would stop living in the memories that used to be, because honestly his memories were her only shot at happiness.

In all this while, she had learnt a strange new fact about Love, that harder you tried to shut it out of your mind, the harder it came bouncing back into your mind,heart and being,at the first drop of a hat.

She had also learned that she loved Asad in the ways that ran so deep in her being, that the only way of getting him out of her system in this life would be if she died,and probably not even then because her soul would live on with that love, thats what they usually say about such intense connections.

He was still the last thought on her mind as she slept,he was still always with her even though she hadn't spoken to him ever since she had come here.

She opened the Notes section on her phone and she started to write down, what she actually wanted to share with him,ever since she came here, and she started to feel better instantly, maybe this would help, writing things out to him, even though she would never send it, atlas she had a way of venting out her emotions.

And just as she finished,she immediately made up her mind, to buy a small diary for herself, tomorrow,in which she could write down everything she felt,because writing this note out definitely made her feel better,and there was nothing that could match up to a charm of a good old diary.

She smiled in both irony and amusement as she kept her phone aside,and she twisted in bed and she closed her eyes to catch some sleep,right when her phone rang, and she turned in bed,and picked it up,and she felt her heart bounce up her throat as she saw the number flashing on the screen.

It was Asad.

The phone rang, for a while and as much as she was dying to listen to his voice,she didn't pick up,instead she cut the call.

And she kept the phone aside, why was he calling her??

The curiosity got the better of her,as she picked up herself damming her emotions,as she opened her whtsapp and quickly typed to him : why are you calling me??

................

Asad put his phone aside dejected,right when it beeped,and he opened it instantly to see Zoya's whtsapp.

It read : Why are you calling me?

He quickly typed back : Because I want to listen to your voice.

He waited for a reply and it came ,tortourous three minutes later.

Zoya : what are you doing up so late in the night.Isn't it almost 230 am?

He groaned,Zoya was getting better at dodging the emotions he shared with her,these days.He quickly typed.

Asad : I couldn't sleep. I had to know from you even if it was just once, how are you?? are you ok there all by yourself??

His phone beeped five minutes later, she was probably thinking about what to say,and he felt a zillion things rush through him as he read what she had written.

Zoya : Despite all the pain iv caused you, you are still asking me about my well being.What are you made off Asad?? Cant you see, you are so much better off without me.But to answer you, I am good,all settled.I have a early morning session tomorrow,so I am now going to get some sleep.Please dont message me again,you promised, you wouldn't.

Asad took a deep breathe as he quickly typed : We both have broken a lot of promises we have both made to each other over time Zoya.

His phone beeped quickly.

Zoya : Please don't. Asad,please.

He quickly typed, because he could for real imagine that she was crying while she wrote that.

Asad : Fine, i wont.But dont cry,please.

Zoya : I am not.

He quickly typed : Youv forgotten the fact that i know you well,anyway try to remember me with a smile,for iv been doing that, you asked me too remember?

His phone beeped.

Zoya : How are you?

Asad : you already know the answer to that Zoya,but to answer you still, I'm doing fine.

Zoya : good,and it will get better.I do not want to hear from you again Asad.

Asad sighed as he wrote : I will not make a promise that you won't.

Zoya :Asad, please if you ever loved me, let me go.

He took a deep breathe, god this woman was surely going to drive him crazy but he wrote : Fine, you won't hear from me,but i want to make one thing cut and clear, I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE UP ON YOU or ON US, you will find me where you left me, the minute you are ready to look my way.

His phone beeped in an instant.

Zoya : No point.I am not coming back to you ever again.Its over.You can't change it.

He took a deep breathe as he typed : And you cant change the fact that I love you,or the fact that you still love me. I will always wait for the day you will look my way again,I will wait for the day you are ready to forgive me Zoya,and i know it will come.

He took a deep breathe,as he put his phone aside, for he knew he wasn't going to get a reply to that,he closed his eyes,he did feel a little light though,whatever this intense connection was between him and Zoya surely had the power to control his being,but he heard that often, they often did say that no one could actually ever understand the puzzled connections of the hearts.

.............................................

Fate grinned - " ofcourse, the puzzled connections even I cant wrap my finger around easily....ahaa but its amusing to watch..."

Destiny smiled - " ofcourse we all know that, you love the puzzles, the riddles..."

Fate smiled - " just like how you love it when the peieces come together, just like you write it down...but cmon we had a pact remember, you are going to be gentle here..."

Destiny smiled - " im trying my best, and only for you and Love..."

Love walked in with Misery as she said - "and thank you for that my friend...."

Hate got up his desk as he marched upto Misery and glared at Love - "what are you doing with her?? we had a meeting remember...?"

Misery smiled - "relax hate, what difference will a few minutes delay make, we can have it now, me and Love had gone out for lunch thats all..."

Hate rolled his eyes - " it will make all the difference...for you aren't aware of her cunning ways...she cooks up her way out in a second, she's clever...",and he glared at Love,as he took Misery's hand and walked to his desk.

Love looked at Hate amused as she said - "Well, ill take that as a compliment i guess...",and she turned to sit in her desk,right when she spotted Happiness sipping his Cola on the recliner as she was busy in her tablet,and Love asked sitting back - "whats up??"

Happiness grinned as she shut the phone - " oh just amusing myself,how was Lunch..."

Love smiled - "great...thank you for camping with us..."

Happiness grinned - "well, i may hover around here and there all the time, but I'm always with you Love..."

Love smiled - "I know...."

Happiness looked at Hate as she said getting up - " mind if I trouble him for a while?? I love to irritate him, its so easy to trouble him..."

Love laughed - "ofcourse, he's always been like that....",and she looked on amused as happiness marched her way upto Hate and sat on his desk,starting to sip his drink,was enough to irritate him,and she could see Hate scowl at happiness,and right then he looked at her,and their eyes Locked,and as usual Hate looked away and Love walked back to her desk and she heard Destiny ask - "how about if you actually sit down and explain this puzzled connection between you and him?"

Love looked up - "with whom? Hate??"

Fate grinned - " well ofcourse, you think we haven't noticed...he often catches your attention..."

Love shrugged - "yeahh, but its just too puzzled to explain, so let us just leave it that way..."

Fate grinned - "woohooo,another mystery to probably remain unsolved till the end of time..."

Love and Destiny laughed.

Hate scowled at Happiness,as she picked up books from his desk,and tossed them around one by one,stating how boring he was,and he heard a a sound of laughter,and he looked up to see Love,Destiny and Fate laugh with such ease,that almost made him wonder,why didn't it come to him easily? Why could he laugh like them??

His eyes stopped at Love as she talked amidst the laughter with her friends,and he felt something move inside of him again,he was sure he felt something as she laughed,and he dammed it already, but it did make him wonder, was he being blind to something that really existed??

Was there really a puzzled connection that existed between Hate and Love, that he couldn't probably ever comprehend??

........................