Asya FF ~ Now That I've Found You

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Gods Too Conspire

The ride out of town was sublime.

Windows down, Zoya let the wind flirt with her hair, a gentle thrill humming through her veins.

Her heart finally felt at ease. Maybe it was the city, maybe the company or just the magical breeze kissing her face, heart's hollowness gradually alleviated.

Meanwhile, Asad replayed phrases of poetry – again – getting lost in the words driving.

'I miss the way he would look at me' He glanced at her through the rear-view mirror, corners of mouth turning up at her cheerful figure tuning up the antakshari with the ladies.

She looked at him then. Gaze held and dispersed a second later. When hearts jumped, he thought, oh well!

So did she.

Forcing herself to notice something other than him, she shoved her mind outside the vehicle.

.

.

.

"Zoya? Zoya." Aapi shook her awake. "We're here honey."

Zoya looked around with heavy eyelids and noticed the car was empty. Rest of the gang stood at the hotel entrance chatting while the men unloaded baggage.

"We are just going to rest a bit here, though you already did your part I guess."

"Aapi, do not underestimate me."

"Right, I almost forgot! Zoya Faaroqui doesn't sleep, she hibernates."

"Ha-ha Aapi, you're so witty."

"That I am, now come on sleepy head." she lovingly tapped her head.

The hotel lobby was immaculate and rooms luxurious, just like she'd guessed. The girls shared a knowing look.

"Alright, I think we should meet in about two hours, that'd be enough time for everyone to rest. Though Miss Faaroqui already did her part I guess" Asad couldn't resist.

"Why does everyone keep saying that" She threw her hands in the air "You sleep they have a problem, you don't they have one" she whined dragging her luggage inside the room, laughter following her.

"You heard me didn't you" An amused Zeenat turned to him. He gave her an embarrassed look of agreement "I like your style, young man".

Asad settled on giving in return a charming smile.

***

They had tried to make it before the evening prayers. The spiritual shrine boasted beautiful carvings and exquisite splendor. Doors made of pure silver transported a sense of peace and serenity as soon as one stepped in.

The whole dargah lit up with thousands of string lights made you forget everything besides itself. Everybody was shoulder to shoulder; an overwhelming crowd come home to receive blessings. There were voices and people everywhere you looked, but somehow in the din of chaos, there was palpable serenity you could breathe in.

Shortly after offering their prayers, Zoya walked adrift her mannats and shikayats she had laid out in front of her Allah Miyan tonight. Many answers she had asked for.

Asad walked behind her seeing but unseeing, pondering on the questions he had raised with the pious thread he tied. The many answers he seeked.

Step to step now without realizing, their families left behind, both were lost in contemplations and wishes of their own.