Destiny|تقدیر

Chapter 3.

3 years ago, Zaviyar's cousin's wedding

The garden echoed with hoots, cheers, claps and music. Girls ran here and there, the lively atmosphere adding a bright smile to everyone's face. In between the crowd, stood Zaviyar, with his family surrounding him, every eye following his charming presence. He usually hated events like this, but since it was a family event, he didn't mind being there. 

Zaviyar was enjoying his time, only smiling with friends and cousins when his eyes landed on a woman, who was standing with her husband. She was laughing with her family, her happiness having no bounds. 

His jaw tightened at the sight of her laughing and enjoying her life. Her gaze locked with his, causing him to look away and her to come his way. His heart, that he had killed a long time ago, started pounding really fast. He hated her presence and had gotten rid of her by becoming the emotionless beast he was, but seeing her where he was, made the wounds on his heart become fresh again. 

"Zav-," She began, only to be cut off rudely by Zaviyar

"DON'T! I threw you out of my life with immense difficulty, don't try to ever be a part of it again." He snarled at her

Having no choice, the woman left, though her gaze was still on him. Zaviyar's father stood at a distance, watching the encounter between the woman and Zaviyar. He knew his son hated her presence and wanted to never see her again. Seeing him leave the garden, he knew he was recalling everything from his past. He was about to go inside when Zaviyar's cousin stopped him.

"Mamu, let him vent out his anger and frustration alone. He needs time," 

Zaviyar rushed inside the living room of the farmhouse, his forehead sweating and his head throbbing. His past came rushing into his mind, the brutal words of his past echoing in his ears uncontrollably. He looked disturbed when he heard a sweet, melodious voice, more like music to his ears. 

"Excuse me, you're sitting on my dupatta..." the soft voice of Zoya was all he heard as she asked him to give her dupatta back. He looked up to see the most gorgeous hazel eyes looking innocently into his deep brown ones. They weren't as dark as they were now, but they definitely reflected some part of her inner turmoil. He was lost in them, the emptiness and coldness they held reflecting part of what he had within his. He quickly gave her her dupatta but it was too late as she had seen his eyes.

She saw unshed tears in his eyes, showing the frustration he held in him. Concerned, she asked him politely "Are you okay?"

Zaviyar found genuine care in her eyes and voice, something which he had only received from his dad. However, he didn't like any extra attention and so he nodded 'yes' and looked down again. She knew at once that this man was lying and was probably gonna hurt himself mentally if he isn't talked to. 

She sighed and said, "Here's some water. Drink it. Now listen. I've faced much more than what you think a 21 year old could bear, but I don't let it get to me. You know why? Because when life's unfair, it is a test for us to see how we cope with it. I don't know why you're here or stressed, but have faith in Him, He plans for the best. I know that your reason would be valid, probably even disturbing for you, but if you are ungrateful, He'll be upset with you, and that's the last thing we want in our lives. If you think crying or showing your distress will make you look weak, it won't, but only if you show it to Him. Cry for peace, and he'll make your life peaceful. I'll be attending the event and I'm in this farmhouse for the next 2 weeks, share it if you need help," She finished

Zaviyar sat there, stunned by her. He felt peaceful after listening to her comforting words. She was different from all those girls he had ever met, creating a soft spot in his heart for her unknowingly. He felt attracted to her as well as wanted her to be there for him. Coming to his senses, he realized he had been thinking of a random girl from the past fifteen minutes. Why did he feel a sense of longing for her, who was she to him? A girl who tried to comfort his disheveled state? 

"Longing? Never!" He snapped, trying to compose himself, got up and left. 

Present day

Zaviyar's POV:

So that's where I've seen her, no wonder why I felt at peace when I looked into the hazel orbs of hers. Who is she to me? No. I don't have the time to love anyone. And besides, what is the purpose of relationships? Like each other, spend time, fall in love and then break up again? I don't have the time, nor the patience to fall in love. But then...why does it make a difference to me whenever I see the darkness in her eyes. My eyes hold the same darkness, but hers hold a more painful story. Why do I care? It's not like she's gonna be related to me in any way, at any time in our lives. She's just an ally, that too in business only. But...?

Shut up! You've barked and ranted enough for one night  I hate my subconscious sometimes.

I tried to sleep, but got a call.

I looked at my phone and found the name 'Zoya Mir'

It's literally 3 am...is she okay?

I picked it up to hear her crying, her voice hushed and scared...

✤Author here

Zaviyar has met Zoya before, but is unaware of the soft spot she has created in his heart. 

Who is she to him? Even he doesn't know :(

She calls him, that too in the middle of the night... 

Mein samandar, parinda hai ye ishq re

Mann maatam aur zinda hai ye ishq re... 

Until next time

♡