Chapter 3✔

"We meet again!"

"...Its not nice to see you."

"Likewise,"

Alizey's Nikkah

The farmhouse was overflowing with the décor stuff and flowers. Zoya was amazed by the splendor. The hanging flowers, the fairy light's it was dream wedding for many. But for Zoya it was too much. She preferred a small wedding, with all the loved one around. Only the closed to heart one would be invited. People who were going to be genuinely happy for her and would be there to bless her. She would wear her Amma ka jora(mother's dress) for the nikkah and not some designer lehnga, with a cost that could at least feed 500 families. Maybe she was exaggerating with the expenses.

Zoya had tried her mom's golden lengha once or twice, when she was a kid. Don't all desi kids wear their mother's dupatta and pretend to be brides? She knew it would look great with light makeup and all. And that pushatani nath (heirloom nose pin) which was given her mother by her Nani.

Yes, that is what my dream wedding is going to look like. She concluded as she imagined a small intimate outdoor wedding.

"Earth to Zoya", Kainat called, pulling Zoya out of her imaginary wedding preparation. "You still haven't changed much. You still space out in the middle of conversations." Kainat told her and Zoya gave her a tight smile in return.

Yes, its same old me while you guys are just wonderfully successful. Did Kainat get a nose job? Zoya wondered as she stared at her nose perfectly straight nose which used to be slightly slanted before. Okay, she wasn't jealous. No, she wasn't. She was happy for them and glad how far they had come. She just hated how they sometimes looked down at her. Like when Kainat had said, " Life is tough on you. We thought you'd be the first one to apply in some German university for Masters. I mean look at you. You screamed Master student with that exceptionally high cGPA of 3.75, extra curriculars, dean's list and all. How's life at university though?" All that mention of her achievements had felt like a slap in her face.

A slap that led her to focus on how her life hadn't turned out how she had expected and hoped it to be. No, I am content with what I have become. I teach at the government University, even if I am still on prohibition. Its huge. I am writing my research papers at the same time. Its huge. Right? So what, if I am not an influencer who rants about the blocked chakras and spiritual awakening. So what, if I don't get pr packages? Right? I am successful? Am I not? She thought trying to put that insecurity back into the box but no matter how hard Zoya tried, Kainat's words did sting. Maybe she hadn't mean to hurt her sentiments. Maybe Zoya was looking too much into the situation like she usually did.

"I lost my glasses and 4 extra kilos. I think I have changed." Zoya told her, pride evident in her tone. She may not be proud of her career, but she was proud of how she had changed physically. Straight out of university, she got her laser operation done and said "bye" to the nerdy glasses. And the kilos she lost, made her feel like a completely different person. Confident in her skin! Sometimes.

"Yeah Zoe. You look good, Heinaa? I never noticed how thick and curly your lashes were before...MashAllah" Fazeela-who was busy curling Alizey's hair said, making Zoya blush.

I love you too Fazeela.

Alizey's makeup was done. Aunty had called this beautician from a well-known parlor. The makeup did cost heaps but after seeing how pretty Alizey looked, it was worth every penny Aunty had spent on it. Alizey who had went with the natural glam, was a sight to sour eyes. Pretty like a picture.

"All the gifts and mithai baskets are ready, I will just go and change now." Zoya declared as she got up, placing that mithai ki thaal (sweets baskets) on the table safely. She had been adding sonay ka warq on the laddos. It wasn't much of a job, but Zoya pretended that it was. It needed a delicate touch otherwise the laados would have been de-shaped. She thought, giving them a final glance satisfied with the job she had done.

"God Zoya, go get ready quickly. Barat annay wali hai (the wedding party is going to arrive)!" Kainat said dismissing her. Unlike Kainat who was busy with herself, her makeup, her hairstyle and her mani-pedi, Zoya had been helping with the shadi work. But by the way Kainat had said 'get up' sounded like Zoya was the lazy brat who was busy playing video games instead of getting cleaned up and ready.

Zoya was going to wear a ghara, her Nani(grandmother) had cut and stitched for her with the embellished shirt that her mother had gotten from Anarkali. They nearly searched the whole market for hours and finally found that shirt. Her outfit was perfect. Designer perfect.

Alizey was freaking rich. Born with a silver spoon rich kind of rich. Her father was a bureaucrat while her mother was some heiress who had inherited mango gardens. Now anyone who could do the math knew that all the designer wedding wasn't costing arms and legs for them.

But being a middle class, Zoya couldn't afford to go buy designer clothes for each and every function nor she had a loaded husband like Kainat did. So, Zoya had to utilize what she had and spent wisely on her clothes. She did get her barat ka jhora (Barat's suit) ready made from a designer and it had costed her, her whole salary. In her defense and to give some credit, the barat jhora she got was to kill for.

Alizey was having a theme nikah. Every man of her family was going to wear black Sherwani with a white pajama while the ladies were going to go with pastel pink. It was actually baby pink. But since the designer called it 'Pastel pink' everyone was supposed to call it pastel pink and not baby pink if they wanted to live long enough to attend the rest of the functions.

After changing into her outfit, Zoya stepped out of the dressing room. "Zoyeeeeee, I love your dress. You look like an angel" Fazeela exclaimed, who herself had changed into her pastel pink organza suit with a mirror work on it. Zoya blushed at the compliment. Fazeela was a sweetheart. Full of the compliments but sort of slow like Bubbloo (Bubblo tumhara sabon slow hai kya).

Fazeela missed every snarky, sassy insult that was thrown her way(jokes too) . Although Zoya was happy to explain the jokes, she hated how Fazeela missed the insults, which was why Zoya had assumed the duty of the knight for Fazeela and only Fazeela.

Alizey who was busy taking selfies of herself in her nikah jhora and probably sending them to Hashim, turned and focused her eyes on her. "Planning to snag a groom for yourself, are you?" Alizey asked as she smiled at Zoya.

After blushing, the deepest shade of red floored by those compliments, Zoya playfully replied with a "Maybe" making everyone laugh. It felt like old times, Kainat snorted with laughter while Fazeela snickered. It looked like one of the scenes from the movies, where all the girlfriends gather for the wedding and have fun.

"Zoya, let me braid your hair. It will go with the gharrara." Fazeela offered and Zoya settled on the stool in front of dressing table. Kainat finally decided to put herself to some use and offered to do Zoya's makeup.

Zoya didn't know what they were doing to her face. She just sat patiently for 10 minutes. Her mind kept wondering about the stranger she had spilled her secrets too. It nearly had been a week since she had seen him, still he never left her mind. Thinking about that made her palm sweat and heart rate accelerate. "Done!" Kainat declared as she stepped aside.

Is that me? I do really look pretty. Maybe I should get more clothes in this Pastel pink. It does suit me. Yeah, I mean look at me? Should I pinch myself? Mann, I really do look pretty. Let's hope there are pretty boys to have that Kushi kabhi gham moment with. Zoya thought as she stared at her reflection, in the mirror.

"Come on let's take a squad picture! Barat anay wali hai (the wedding party is going to arrive soon)" Alizey said.

Alizey being such an Instagram it, called the photographer from downstairs took of pictures. But none of them was good enough in the sight of Alizey and the poor guy had to redo every single shot. Zoya rolled her eyes as she complied to Alizey's order who had instructed her to sit on the sofa with her, while Fazeela and Kainat stood at the back.

Zoya had expected Alizey to be less Alizey at least on her wedding. But she was just as bossy as she was normally. Actually, she was bossier now. Zoya was exhausted with all the pictures and the poses. The function hadn't even begun yet. Sabr karo ( have patience)

Zoya was done, she was going to relieve the photographer guy of the duty when they all were interrupted by Sara, Alizey's 10-year-old niece who informed them that Barat was here. It meant that they had to go down and welcome the groom and his family.

"Zoya, ask Ahmad if he had given the entrance song to the DJ! I swear if someone mess ups my entrance, I'll strangle them" Alizey ordered as she raised her hands strangling an imaginary person. It was not an imaginary idle threat. Alizey had spent months planning her wedding. A slight mistake and she'd literally strangle the culprit responsible for it.

May Allah save us all from Alizey's wrath. Ahmad, I hope you hadn't messed up. Please!

"I will check", Zoya told Alizey after giving her a comforting smile as she left the room with her girl gang.

After welcoming the groom's side, it was time for Alizey's bridal entry. Sara was her flower girl. Kainat, Zoya and Fazeela were the bridesmaid. They were going to walk ahead of Alizey, while Alizey was going to be accompanied by her father. A thousand years by Christina Perry was supposed to play when the bridal party entered. And her cousins and brother had those pastel pink color bombs which they had to pop when she entered.

"I swear Ahmad, mess it up and I will mess your life." Alizey warned her little brother as she took her place beside her father. Zoya felt bad for Ahmad in times like these. The poor boy was an emotional wreck and Alizey was giving him a tough time. "Alizey, we got this. Stop glaring at him. Otherwise, you are going to ruin the pictures." Zoya told her and Alizey sobered up at the mention of ruin....

"It's your cue, Sarah. Let's go" Zoya instructed Sarah who began marching towards with the flower bucket that had pastel flower's, the stage which too was decorated with baby pink roses! No pastel roses. Her alter ego corrected.

Hashim who was wearing a white sherwani, stood as he saw them approach.

Don't fall. Don't fall. Watch your steps. Deep breaths Zoya, you don't want to mess it up. Alizey will kill you and bury you in the farmhouse. Don't trip over the gharara. Zoya repeated the mantra to herself till they all reached the stage. She was so busy with her pep talk that she didn't look at the guests.

Reaching the stage, bridesmaids stepped aside while Alizey took the outstretched hand of Hashim. Everyone cheered and OOOOOO-ed as the nikkah still wasn't done and Molana sahab had yet to arrive.

Look at them. MashAllah what a sweet couple they made. May Allah grant Hashim strength and patience to tolerate Alizey's bossy attitude. Zoya made a silent prayer for her best friend as she stood there getting all teary eyed.

Zoya was standing beside Kainat and Fazeela busy chatting with them while the photo session with the newly wed was going on. "Hey Zoye, did you check the hottie at 9 o clock" Kainat asked Zoya. "If you are referring to Hashim's brother, Moiez I think I have. Jeez K have you already forgotten my type. " Zoya told him in not interested undertone without glancing in the direction Kainat had just pointed out.

Zoya was busy checking her emails, and clearly not interested right now. Being an instructor, it was important to check them regularly for updates. Plus, she was expecting a reply from a professor to whom she had emailed her research papers.

Moiez was the Hashim's younger brother. He was well built around 5'9. Had a beard that covered his not so prominent jaw. His most striking, features were his dimples. He was the boy next door, kind of cute. But not the manly kind Zoya preferred.

"Get yourself out of this phone. I am not talking about Moiez. I am talking about this other guy in white kurta and pajama with a waistcoat on. Man, you have to look. He is just your type. 6 something, broad shoulders, vein popping out of the arms, still have hair, thick black hair if I might add and a stubble. Just like you want them. Brooding, at the same time boyish. I remember it all. " Kainat told her. She made it sound as if Zoya was missing out bigtime. Spiking her curiosity and forcing her to look upwards in the direction of the guy she was referring to.

Zoya stared in fascination. The guy had his back towards her. But by his tall frame of around 6'1 and well-built strong shoulders, she could tell that Kainat was right. She was clearly missing out bigtime. Waiting for him to turn, Zoya glared holes in his back. By his physique she could tell that he maintained a healthy lifestyle.

She felt like ShahRukh from Dilwale Dulhaniya lay jain gay whispering "Palat palat(turn turn)", staring at some random guy's back.

Finally, he heard her silent plea. And then he turned. Maybe he had felt her heated gaze. And as the image formed in her head, she felt a thud. As if someone had dropped a heavy boulder on her chest squashing the air out of her.

Oh my God.

It's him.

The realization was enough to kill her. It was HIM. The cucumber rude jerk. The same dark eyes. The same lines etched around them. The stubble had grown thicker and darker which made him a little more attractive than before. The changes weren't striking enough to confuse her. It was definitely him. A week had passed, and although he looked different in kurta and a prince coat, she could still recognize that face from miles. He had been haunting her dreams since past week, where he would announce her secrets and people would erupt into laughter. Of course, she had and would recognize him in a heartbeat.

It was the man from the plane. And not just any man. HE was the one she wanted to avoid forever!

What's he doing here? Zoya thought.

She blinked rapidly and then rubbed her eyes twice, hoping that he was just a figment of her imagination. She prayed that he would disappear as soon as she blinked. But no. He stood there in his glory talking to some guy while she was losing her calm. "Told you, he is a hottie. Look at you. You are already gaping at him like a fish. I think he is from Hashim's side of family." Kainat arched her left eyebrow in a told you so signal....

No no no!!!! You got it all wrong Kainat. I am panicking. I am not getting flustered by his beauty. I am getting embarrassed thinking about the upcoming scenarios when he decides to tell everyone about our flight experience. An image of everyone laughing and holding onto their stomach's flashed though her mind.

Zoya closed her eyes in fear and then opened them just in time to watch him turn in their direction. Zoya instinctively ducked behind Kainat trying to keep out of his sight.

What's he doing here?

Attending the wedding, DUH!

He can't be related to Hashim?

That can't be—

He can't possibly be —

Can it get any worse?

These and billions other questions occupied her mind as Zoya began losing her sanity.

Finding this sudden change of behavior strange Kainat turned towards Zoya with a questioning look. Her hands were resting on her hip in a motherly 'you-tell-me-what's-going-on-missy' posture.

"Are you hiding from someone?" Kaiant asked. God, she had already smelt that something was off. If she came to know about her secrets, she'd tell everyone and then everyone would lose their sh*t.

Zoya thought about the stuff she had told the stranger about Kainat. Zoya knew that if Kainat came to know about her views on the chakras and spiritual awakening, she would disown her. Damination and hell, Zoya was already a disappointment to her parents, she didn't want to be one to her friends.

Think Zoya think. Think of some excuse before you have to explain.

Zoya ransacked her mind for an excuse and then finally her eyes found it. "Is that Abdullah?"

"What are you kidding? The shortie Abdullah from college who wrote you poems. I didn't know Abdullah was invited. Zoya, you did a number on him. You crushed his poor soul when you told him that you didn't do relationships. Khair acha kiya that you turned him down. Do you know he is a misogynist with an "Aurat ki kamai main barkat nai hai" (Women's earnings aren't blessed by Allah) thoughts?"

Zoya was already in a turmoil. And Kainat had to make her feel like shit for rejecting Abdullah. But it was true. She didn't do relationships. Well, she could have made an exception if he wasn't that short. No actually. She wouldn't. Relationships were haram. Abdullah would have to ask for her hand in marriage and she would have accepted that if he wasn't that short.

The revelation about his mindset made her feel better. Actually glad that she had rejected him. As they say 'inch inch bachi hai' (Saved by an inch). If only Abullah was an inch taller she would have accepted his proposal and married his misogynist self. Consequently, all her dreams of financial independency and her career would have went down into gutter.

People who go, "women's earnings aren't favored in the sight of Allah", do they even know that the first Islamic campaign was funded by a woman? Hazrat Khadija (A.S) funded everything. Spent all her money on Islam. Zoya definitely would give Abdullah her peace of mind if he said that kind of disgusting stuff in front of her. Right now, she had better things to focus on. Abdullah was a distraction enough for Kainat, who bought her lie and didn't question her further.

Zoya glanced at the airplane guy's direction and her light brown eyes met his black. It felt like forever. She stared into his black eyes completely unaware of the surrounding. Breaking the gaze after getting hold of herself, Zoya searched his face for any sign of recognition, and he smirked.

Kamina, was her first thought. Followed by questions.

Did he recognize me?

It was a short flight. He probably doesn't remember me. If I take his calm cucumber attitude in consideration, it means that he probably takes a lot of flights. Which means that he will hopefully not remember me. Plus, don't I look different with this makeup on, and my hair done? He is probably smiling at me in curtesy. Like one-guest-to-other-guest smile. Not that, I-know-you-from-airport smile. Zoya now stared at the floor after getting caught as she stared him shamelessly.

I need to get away from here.

He is probably from the event management.

Yes! I won't see him tomorrow. He is not from the bride sides. Or from the grooms side. Alizey had introduced me to everyone who she thought was a suitable match except for Hashim's cousin who still hadn't arrived yet. So, he was definitely a one-time guest. Hide Zoya hide. Zoya thought to herself.

"Kainat, I think I forgot to lock my suitcase. I'll just go check." Zoya made an excuse. But it was a sucker one and she got caught. "You locked it Zoya. Stop fretting." Kainat told her.

Everyone was aware of her anxiety disorder. Zoya was busy thinking about another excuse to get away from there as soon as possible when Kainat's words registered in her mind.

"He is coming our way." Kainat says.

"Who?"

"The hottie, dark hair, dark eyes"

THE HOTTIE. She said and Zoya swallowed. HARD!

"I need to go to washroom" Zoya said as she tried to escape from there, running in the opposite direction from where the cucumber guy was coming while Kainat stared at her back, surprised by her strange display of behavior.

Zoya for heaven's sake you can't hide forever. You are an instructor at PU. You are an independent woman with a career. You can do it. You don't have to hide. Get grip over yourself. The guy probably doesn't remember you. You can't hide on Alizey's wedding because if she comes to know about it, you'd be dead. Embarrassed is better than dead.

Zoya gave herself the pep talk for the 20th time. She had been doing that for last 10 minutes, when she came to the room to hide. Her phone kept blazing with the "It's been a hard day's night" by 'The Beetles'. How ironic. She had missed calls from Kainat and then Fazeela.

"It's been a hard day's night, and I've been working like a dog

It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log" blasted through the speaker it wasn't Kainat or Fazeela who were calling her to inquire why she had disappeared.

Looking at the caller ID Zoya stared at the "Alizey" which was glowing on the screen.

She couldn't ignore this one. Gulping the bile and gathering every shred of courage she had, she answered.

"Assalam-Alikum Umm hi Alizey" she said.

Damn I sound hoarse. And my throat feels scratchy. Alizey, please don't look to much into it.

"Zoya, where the hell are you. Molana Sahab anay wale hain nikkah k liye(Molana Sahab is about to come), and here I am calling you! You are dead if you don't show up before the Molana Sahab. And why is your voice strained?" Alizey asked.

We just needed that. Now explain. Think of something. Anything. Lie!! lie !!! lie!!!

"Oh, that...... I choked on water. Couldn't breathe, coughed like I had real bad pneumonia. So, I excused myself before I could embarrass myself more. Maybe that is why my voice sounds different. I am on my way back right now." Zoya said adding that nervous laughter which meant 'you-know-silly-me".

"Get here as soon as possible, Zoye. I want you by my side." Alizey said. Her voice was commanding and had a hidden warning which Zoya could clearly see. She had known Alizey since pre-school. She knew the difference between "Okay. I am waiting for you." which meant "No problem, take your time. I am waiting on the other side" while plain "Get here" followed by an "asap" meant that she'd get in trouble bigtime if she didn't make it quick.

Zoya took deep breaths as she rushed through the farmhouse to the garden. She counted to settle her galloping heart while she took huge steps to the garden where the function was taking place.

Easy Zoya. It can't be worse than your first day at university as a teacher, when everyone thought you were a student. Boys had whistled as you made your way to the podium and girls glared at you jealous of the attention you were getting. No, it can be that bad. It shouldn't be that bad.

Zoya stepped on the stones which were placed in the middle of the freshly moved lawn. She was a nervous wreck but still she avoided the lawn as it was the lava, and the only safe path was the marble placed in the middle.

Alizey was sitting on one side, while Hashim was seated on the other with a flower partition between them. Taking a breath of relief that Molana Shahab wasn't there, Zoya marched towards the stage and sat beside Alizey who gave her a stink eye as she sat down.

When the Moulana Sahab arrived, Zoya had forgotten all about the guy from plane. Her mind was filled with those old conversations she had had with Hashim when Alizey had befriended him.

I am her new best friend! He had boosted.

You aren't! I am and forever will be her best friend. She had said, giving Hashim a paws-off-bitch glare.

You don't believe me? Ask her.

"Hashim don't be an ass. Zoe please", was Alizey's failed attempt at truce.

"I am the older best friend. Alizey is Rahul and I am Anjali. They were best friends until Tina. Who comes and steals Rahul and then dies. DON'T BE TINA." Zoya warned.

Hashim had laughed at that. "Are you saying you are going to murder me?"

"Maybe! Hurt her and you'd see for yourself." Zoya had replied haughtily.

"Don't mind her Hashim, she is kinda possessive about me."

"Alizey Zulfiqar binte Zulfiqar Ahmad, apka nikkah Hashim Riaz bin Khawar Riaz k sath, bil az waqt haq mehar 2 lac rupay sika rajul waqt, parhaya jata hai. Kya apko Qabool hai?"

(Alizey Zulfiqar, daughter of Zulfiqar Ahmad do you take Hashim Riaz, son of Khawar Riaz as your husband)

"Qabool hai(I do)" She replied.

No Zoya! Don't cry. You will ruin the makeup.

But no matter how many times she repeated the mantra, she couldn't steer her mind away from the song "Tere jese yaar kahan, kaahan ase yaarana". (There is no friend like you and no friendship like ours) She was feeling like Sonu from Sonu ki Teetu ki Sweety. And damn it was hurting. She didn't know why. But it was. She was happy for Alizey and Hashim, but her throat was getting clogged. When Hashim said his "Qabool hai" and the partition of flower dropped, Alizey gave Hashim one of the warmest smile as she left Zoya's hand and held his.

Zoya shouldn't be staring at her empty hand and blinking away the tears. But she was. It was a happy moment but being a sucker sentimental fool, she knew she was going to erupt into tears and create a scene. Deciding to disappear into the crowd of people exchanging Mubarakbad's(congratulations) Zoya fled from the stage and the place.

Leaning against the tree, away from the crowd, she cried. Alizey was beginning her new life. Hashim really did end up stealing her. She was happy, smiling as his words kept playing like a tape in her mind. She was really going to miss Alizey. Alizey who had always been there for her in form of messages, and audio notes. Alizey who understood her like no one did. Alizey who was more than a sister. From texting Alizey at 2 am asking "How to politely turn down a guy who says he is in love with you" to 2 pm talks about, " I can't decide what to eat."

They had been friends since forever and now, it just felt like a full stop. THE END! Alizey wasn't going to call her when JK Rowling replied to her tweet, it was going to be Hashim from now on. The thought just made her heart burst. And to calm her heart she began singing a song which Ayan sang for his Alizey.

"Mehfil main teri hum na rahain jo gham tu nai hai

Gham tu nai hai

Kisse humari nazikiyon k kam tu nai hain, kaam tu nai hain

Kitni dafaaa, subha ko meri tere agan main bethe mainay sham kiya

Channa meraya, channa meraya beliya...."

(

TRANSLATION :if I am not there in your gathering,

there is no sadness,

there is no sadness..

stories of ours, of our closenesses,

aren't less,

they are plenty.

so many times I have turned

my mornings into evenings sitting in your courtyard.

[that is I have so many times passed my time there.]

)

When she came at the end of it, tears were dripping down her eyes like Nigara falls.

"Damnn chocolate fudge!!! Uff Ayaan was wrong. Bohat gham hai! Bohat ghamm hai mujhe.(Too much sadness?) I am happy for them. I am sad for myself. I feel like I ... lost a friend." She told herself as she wiped those tears. The minimal makeup that Kainat had done was ruined, it was better to wash her face than to go back to the function looking like what she was. Turning in the direction of farmhouse, Zoya walked towards it completing oblivious of the fact that someone else was there. Who might have heard her.

Irtaza had drifted apart from the crowd to attend the video call from his secretary in London who was briefing him about case that he had won before coming to Pakistan. Apparently, the prosecution didn't take the defeat well and had requested for a retrial. When the call ended Irtazaa was in really foul mood.

He was about to curse like a sailor when someone's mumbling made him, self-conscious. Looking around, he spotted a figure. It was a woman, leaning against the tree in baby pink few meters from him. Her back was towards him. He was about to turn and go back from where he had come when he heard someone singing.

The soft voice of that angel filled his ears, and he was captured by it. It was soothing and he could feel the emotions. By the rawness he could tell that the girl was crying. She paused as she sniffed. Irtaza didn't want that Channa Mereya to end. Her voice so beautiful, was inducing emotions in him. God damn he would have cried if she hadn't ended when she did. He heard some more sniffs which were followed by her confession.

Her confession made him smile, reminding him of the stranger that he had meet on flight.

Weird! How his thoughts were going back to the stranger he didn't even like.

He shouldn't be overhearing her like some douche, but he couldn't help it. When she left in the opposite direction, Irtaza wanted to follow her and get a good look of her face. He wanted to give face to the beautiful voice, he knew was never leaving his mind. But the rationality in him stopped him. For the second time, he was about to leave her spot when he noticed something sparkle in the ground.

Moving towards her spot he found an earring.

Impressive? Ab choron ki tarhan say issay utha k jaib main daal lo?(Now put this in your pocket like a thief) His alter ego mocked him.

If I won't take it, someone else will. Plus, I am just going to safe keep it. And then give it to Alizey.

Yeah, right.

Crouching down he picked up that earing and put it inside the side pockets of his kurta.

When Zoya returned, her eyes were slightly puffy, and her cheeks were glowing. Her lips slightly plumped, thanks to all those tears. By now, she had realized that she had dropped her earing which had forced her to remove the other one.

Alizey was laughing at something Hashim had said, while Kainat and Fazeela were talking to Alizey's Mom. As soon as Alizey saw Zoya, she glared at her and signaled her to come forward. Giving her a tight smile, Zoya marched forward.

"Zoya yaar kidhar the tum? Come now. Humari ek bhi picture nai hoe"(Zoya where were you. We don't have a single picture together) Alizey said as Zoya stepped on the stage.

Sitting beside Alizey, Zoya nervously searched the crowd for the plane guy, who was nowhere to be seen. Taking a breath of relief, Zoya smiled. Shukar hai chala gaya. (Thank God he has left) She was about to get up from the sofa when she heard a not so unfamiliar voice. And she stopped dead in her track.

"Hashim, Jahangir's is on his way. His flight just landed", said a familiar voice. Zoya could recognize that voice anywhere. It was the same voice that had been haunting her dreams. Zoya, turned her face in direction of the source. And her heart begun thumping as that not so unfamiliar face emerged from the side. She was sinking into the sofa, trying to hide behind Alizey. Inadeptly trying to avoid facing him.

Too much wishful thinking. There is no escape. Now own your mistake. Who told you to be such a babble mouth?

"Irtaza, come here man." Hashim called him to sit beside him.

Just want we wanted. But maybe he won't recognize me. He'd surely won' recognize me. He won't—

Zoya was studying his face. And as soon as his eyes settled on her, a zap of surprise flashed through his eyes. His lips curved into an amused smile as he looked at her.

Fu*k. He recognizes me.

Zoya had sworn not to cuss no matter how much the circumstances called for it. She had her alternatives. For example, she'd rather say fudge instead of 'Fu*k' or CheeseN'Rice or Oh ship and so on. But right now, she was so mind blogged that she had cussed. It was involuntary on her part. And she had a feeling that she was going to cuss a lot in the upcoming days.

Please go find Jahangir. Please don't come over for introduction. Please go!!!

Zoya was mentally pleading, but she knew she was doomed. And no matter how much she pleaded it was bound to happen.

'And who's this?' He asked Hashim as he settled besides Hashim on the other side of sofa. Zoya could feel the amusement and a touch of disdain in his voice.

"This is Alizey's best friend, Zoya." Hashim told him.

"Zoya, meet my cousin come best friend Irtaza" Hashim told her smiling. Pride was evident in his voice.

If only I had cousins who'd be this proud when introducing me to someone. But then for them to be proud while introducing, they'd first have to make introductions which they didn't. It was sick and manner less of her cousins to not to introduce her. But they were twisted like that. And thus, she felt this pang of envy.

Realizing that she was zoning out again Zoya focused her attention on what Hashim had just told her. God, he is a cousin. He is a cousin!!!! It meant he was not leaving anytime soon. It also meant she'd have to face him. Which meant she'd see him a lot often. Which meant he could expose her any day. Which meant that she was in serious trouble. It also meant that she was dead if Alizey found out that she wanted to ditch. God, she had told him everything. GOD DAMN, she hated being alive right now.

'Hello' he said pleasantly offering his hand. He had just said hello, but looking in his eyes, Zoya could read everything! Zoya stared at his outstretched hand until she was elbowed by Alizey.

Owww, it hurts. Dart it. Meri life he kharab hai. (My life sucks)

'Hey,' Zoya managed as she put her small hand in his extended one, 'Irtaza' he replied.

OK, so he recognizes me from the plane. But that doesn't necessarily mean he remembers everything I said. Can he? No, he can't. A few random uninteresting comments made by a nervous person in the next-door seat. Who would remember that? No one. Maybe he wasn't even listening. Plus, he had looked uninterested on flight. 50 rupees says he hadn't paid attention.

Why did her hand tingle when she put it in his? Wait! Were her hands wet from sweat? No please. Should have rubbed them dry before putting them in his hands. Now he will rub his hands on his kurta, feeling disgust. WHO LIKES SOMEONE ELSE SWEAT ON THEMSELVES?

The thought made Zoya pull her hand out of his. That and the fact that it was giving her butterflies. She was so quick in pulling her hand out that he stared at her, astonished. Thankfully, she wasn't sweating. Her hand was dry.

"Zoya, Irtaza did his law LLM from England. He practices there in case you need a lawyer." Hashim told her and winked.

Zoya couldn't help but redden as the judgement she passed about him flashed through her mind. God she was embarrassed.

Like a tape recording in her head, she could hear her stupid panic-stricken voice in her head.

".........When you spoke, I thought you were the rich kid who went to BSS and then abroad for further studies. It was your accent............"

If it were normal circumstance, Zoya would have Hurray-ed at being right but right now, she wasn't so excited. Or thrilled. She was embarrassed and just embarrassed in BOLD.

There was a spark of amusement in his eyes as he noticed her, and she found herself blushing some more.

"Yeah, me and Hashim went to 'The Roots' together and then I left for London"

"He is the star boy of the family.", Hashim added.

Did he mention his school just to tell me that it wasn't BSS? That I didn't get it all right. THAT HE REMEMBERS. Can we have a black hole for me? Like please. Like right now. Allahh Miyan!!!

Maybe he is just flexing like normal dudes? Maybe he is just a show-off. But Zoya, it was Hashim who mentioned the star boy thing.

Maybe, a shit load of maybe.

Zoya was staring at the floor, all awkward due to the sudden encounter with a not so unfamiliar face while on the other hand Alizey and Hashim were there lost in their own world, not giving a damn about anyone.

He remembers everything, doesn't he? Everything.

Oh my God, What the funk else did I say?

Zoya was standing perfectly still taking deep breaths, rooted to her spot. But back in her mind she was trying to remember all the sheet she had told him. She had legit told him a lot about herself.

Twice, she had used the f word in past 2 hours. She was really not liking having him around. He was a bad influence on her. YES, he was bad! Influence or not, she wasn't sure about it. But he was just plain bad for her mental health and her finances, for if she kept swearing like a sailor, all her salary would find its way to the swear jar she kept.

It's not that bad. Don't panic Zoya. You can do something. Yes, you can apologize for being judgmental. Just say you are sorry and get done with it. Yeah. I will say it was an error on my part and I deeply regret everything I have said.

Why did I have to open my stupid mouth? I'm just a stupid, stupid blabbermouth.

Irtaza was looking at her as if she was the 8th wonder of the world. Everyone was busy with getting food, and she would have been too, if this situation hadn't arisen.

Oh, my Kababs! Everyone is feasting on Kababs and damn the alo bukharay ki chutni! While I am stranded here with the stranger who wasn't even nice to me on the flight. Tough luck! She thought as she passed a quick glance over the food table everyone was gathered around.

"What a small world?" He spoke. He looked more pleasant now than he did at the airport. Actually, it wasn't him but his mood. His smile seemed genuine and not forced. And he was screaming positive energy instead of I-am-here-because-my-mother-forced-me.

"Yeahhhhhh....hahahha tell me about it" Zoya replied as she gave him that nervous forced laugh.

"No secrets to tell today?" His eyes were sparkling, and he looked as if he was biting his cheeks to stop from laughing. JERK!!! ABSOLUTE JERKKKK!!!!

"Okay so umm about that...... I didn't mean to be judgmental. It was an error on my part. If I remember, correctly I apologized for the BSS thing. But really, I am sorry. It was my fault. I was being this judgy person. I am really working on that flaw of mine. It's been a part of my NEW Year's Resolution since last three years. But I guess, I already told you that. I ramble a lot when I am nervous. Like now. Which brings me to, the point that why are you not stopping me from further embarrassing myself? "

"Firstly, because even if I stop you, I know you'd find another way to do that. This way at least I am getting entertained. Secondly, I hate to invest my energies in unproductive activities."

Zoya didn't know what to feel. She was utterly embarrassed for the first few seconds. Then she was infuriated at the subtle insult. Who the hell does he think he is? Bill Gates? Even Bill Gates don't have right to walk in on me and insult me like that, just because he happens to know my secrets. And .......and did he just say, I am prone to embarrassment.

Deep breaths Zoya. Deep breaths. He doesn't mean that.

You aren't an embarrassment.

You are good. A good instructor. A good friend. A good humane.

A good pet owner.

Yes, you are all that and definitely not an embarrassment.

Don't cry okay. Not in front of him. Your fake lashes will come off which is the only makeup left on your face.

The last part of her speech did her some good and she furiously blinked away the tears that were on the bay. Giving him a "lame" smile, she looked at him pointedly.

He gestured politely for her to walk towards the table where everyone was busy filling their plates with those yummy bbqs. "Now. Have you finished what you wanted to say or is there more?"

Actually, the real question was, was he done insulting her? OR was there more? But she wasn't going to ask that. She had to be polite for the sake of the manners and for the sake of the people who depended on the people like her. Nice people were already minute on this planet. And she wasn't going to let a jerk decrease the count by 1.

"I think I am done. Yeah. I apologized. That's it. I am going to go find my friends. Not so nice meeting you. This world works in mysterious ways. Who would have thought-" Zoya awkwardly put a hand on her mouth. She was rambling again. Smiling sheepishly, she excused herself and left him there.

"Likewise," she heard him. But didn't turn around.

After that not so fortunate meetup with Irtaza, Zoya avoided everyone. While everyone was busy chatting, discussing the day's function, looking at the pictures and all the cheery stuff Zoya sat in the corner, unable to believe what had just happened. Her heart was still pounding at the unlikeliness of all of it. At the injustice of it.

He was a stranger. He was supposed to stay a stranger. The whole point about strangers is, they disappear, and you never seen them again. They do not turn up at the wedding you are attending. The wedding you told them; you were avoiding. Definitely not turn out to be kind of best man of the wedding, you were avoiding.

LEASON OF THE DAY

A) No matter how bad the circumstances are never, ever hop on a flight. Let's repeat. NEVER.

B) don't ever talk to strangers. PERIOD. Ammi have always told me to never talk to strangers, and she was right. Kash Ammi ki baaton maan lee hoti. (If only I had listened to mother. )

Even Rapunzel from Tangled knows Mother's knows best.

I'm never telling a stranger anything again. Ever. And never ever in the million year, I am going to travel by air. She pledged.

Assalam Alikummm

So this story isn't going to focus on the lives of characters. It's just going to focus on the their (Zoya and Irtaza) meetings and their time together.

Tell me you loved it. (It's a longggg chapter. Wipes sweat)

فی امان اللہ

P.s I hope the wait was worth it.

Take care

♥ نور جہاں

( Somebody told me they love my name, and i ughhh just. Dilll garden garden ho gaya. And now I just feel like using it everywhere)