Amour à Paris- a rekindled Romance

Chapter 9

Shirin couldn't go too far from there. She found a corner and just sat there on the footpath. She needed to start counting and normalize her breathing. Shirin put her head into the knees, her breathing was gradually returning to normal, and her palpitations slowing down. She finally got back on her feet after a few minutes and saw Zain standing at a few feet distance, looking at her. For a second, she thought his face looked worried and not cruel like it did just a few minutes ago. She suddenly felt embarrassed and started walking when he came from behind and held her forearm. She always felt wobbly for some time after every panic attack, and she didn't have the strength to physically protest. So, she stopped and kept looking at her shoes.

:- Look up. You wanna talk here or somewhere else?

:- I don't wanna talk to you. (She lit up a cigarette, again)

:- Okay. We still have time for the cruise if you want.

:- We?

Shirin suddenly got pulled by her hand and she realized they were both running towards where they came from. Zain's ticket was crushed as if he got it from the footpath or somewhere. She saw it but didn't ask anything. All this time, Zain didn't let go of her hand and finally, she had to pull her hand from his grip. Zain didn't let go off her hand easily, "are you okay?" "Yes, I am. I am not dying and even if I am I'll not die with you alone. Don't worry".

They went to the deck and the breeze washed over her face, and she was finally calm and composed. Zain stood beside her, and coughed slightly before asking her,

:- You smoke like a Chimney!

:- Thank you for the judgement.

:- Since when do you have anxiety?

:- Why do you care?

:- I am trying to have a conversation, am I not?

:- Out of pity. You think I have anxiety and maybe I am sick, and you don't want our last meeting to be like this. It was just a panic attack. My body and mind are both restless and a few other things might have triggered it. Don't you worry okay? I am living with it for a few years now. It is under control. If you google my name, you will know I am not a useless person. (She was toying with a cigarette and lighter in her hand but didn't light it this time).

Zain let her talk first. Then chuckled.

:- Who said Shirin Roy, the journalist is useless? And I already know a thing or two about you. I just want to know, is this because of me?

:- Chill. It is not because of our breakup. Panic attacks are not like that for heaven's sake!

:- Then?

:- Can we change the topic now? I am curious about how...

Zain suddenly turned her head and she saw the view. The guide was talking about the next Bridge. She never realized so many bridges were there in Paris. People around them were all clicking photos and Shirin wanted that too. "You used to be such a great photographer. Do you still remember how to click photos? Could you click some of mine?" Shirin jokingly asked. Zain obliged. They did not speak much initially. The night beauty of Paris was casting its magic on them, and they didn't even realize that. They were happy and they let the illusion of happiness linger a bit longer.

Zain decided to drop her off at the Hotel. After reaching there Shirin thanked him before leaving the car, just when he grabbed her wrist. Shirin was a bit taken aback at this. She pulled her hand back and said "I'll send the interview manuscript to Alex tomorrow".

:- "He'll do his job. You don't need to tell me that."

:- Good Night, Zain.

:- Good Night, Rini.

:-!!!!

Before Shirin could react, Zain's car went off. Shirin stood still in front of the Hotel lobby for a few more minutes. Shirin went to her room in a daze and sat on the Bed. Her mind wandered off...

7 years ago...

Under the blanket, they were both reading different things. She was engrossed in a Thriller while he was reading something on his iPad. Shirin's neck started hurting so she got up and stretched her neck and shoulder a bit and then she tried to cuddle Zain, who was a bit unmindful towards her at that moment. Shirin pushed herself on him and took away his iPad. "Shirinnnn, I was doing something important!!!" Zain was agitated and tried to get the iPad back from her. Shirin was adamant and refused to give it to him back. The fake argument turned into a fighting as Zain pulled her beneath him, and snatched the iPad from her.

:- Sometimes you just don't listen to anyone, Shirin. You will definitely be a good journalist one day.

:- Stop calling me Shirin.

:- I call you Rini when you are adorable and not annoying. Right now you are not adorable.

:- Aww.... Are you angry?

Zain didn't reply to her and let her loose when Shirin suddenly asked,

:- Why were you reading about XYZ group? Are you planning to join them? Their interest probably won't align....ummm

Zain put his hand on her mouth.

:- Rini, sometimes you talk too much. Don't...

Before she could talk back Zain stopped her with a kiss. One thing lead to another and she completely forgot to ask Zain about it again. 

Present day

Suddenly the name Rini triggered something inside her. She remembered how Zain always had expensive gadgets and how he always kept an eye on the news about XYZ group. She felt like a fool and her anger was rising. He has a girlfriend now, and he can still make her feel so angry. She couldn't calm herself and decided to take a shower to cool down. She wanted to confront him. No, she wanted to Kill him! Yes!

"Entrepreneur Zain Khurrana killed by Journalist Shirin Roy!" That would make a brilliant headline in every leading news portal.

She came out of the shower, a bit calmer than before, just when her phone pinged.

 

"Save my number. Zain."