Once Upon A Time, A Thousand Tears Ago #Wattys2017

Chapter 38: The official announcement

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Zara's POV:

"How could you do that?"

"We doubt your fans would ever accept it."

"New music. Hah. You think bringing her in the band will bring an air of fresh new music when she knows nothing about music itself?"

"Is it a game being played by your management? If yes, then tell your fans about it. We are sure they will find a way to help you guys out."

"Another muslim. Why a muslim is being added to the band."

"Why a girl? Why not any boy?"

"Did you hold any audition. Why did you choose this girl?"

Questions are being thrown at us by the Press during the Press Conference after we gave them the news of an additional member in the band. The moment Louis uttered the words of a new member, no one; literally no one in the hall took the news happily. Everyone is angry; bombarding questions; it's like truly if questions were a thing, they would have thrown it on us now and nearly killed us.

I am nervous; God nervous is not the exact feeling that I feel. I feel like my decision to think that singing can work for me was the biggest lie I told myself. All this time, I was happy that the boys had accepted me well but never thought that the real judges are out there in the world. Now, when I realize the seriousness of the situation, all I can think about is running away. If we could only turn back time, I would like to run away from this Press Conference where the journalists are already planning my murder.

We six are sitting one this long rectangular table where microphones are held in front of every single one of us. Zayn is sitting on my right and Niall is accompanying me on left. My palms are getting sweaty and my throat has dried down now. The anger, the frustration that I see in the eyes of these people is killing my senses.

"Why did you choose this ordinary looking girl? You could have chosen a Victoria's Secret model. Why she?"

Another rude remark was thrown my way. I clench my fists to absorb the hatred from directly reaching my nervous system. I think today when I will walk out of this hall, I will be lacking sanity. The bubble that I was in was now being popped up by the Paparazzi. Harry, Liam, Louis, Zayn and Niall were answering all the questions. We had planned earlier that I will answer a few questions too. But later when the output wasn't good enough, Liam signaled me to be quiet and patient. The boys are protecting me now but this is not what we had aimed. This is not what I wanted. I can't sit under the wings of these boys. Truth be told, the world has rejected me. My heart is pacing at an abnormal rate and I know nothing can help me out now..... but....

A feeling of protection suddenly takes over all my senses. The coldness of the world is getting filtered off. The intensity of the situation is getting reduced and I realize that all this that happened in an instance is due to something..... someone.

A hand; a hand is there at the top of my worthless hand, holding it, securing it, energizing it. I figure that the coldness was now turning into warmth due to the presence of this hand; the hand that touched my skin and brought me back to my senses where I can compete with the hatred; The hand that is so assuring and caring; the hand that belonged to Zayn. He lightly caresses my fingers without making any eye contact with me. We both are totally focused on the Press in front but behind this table which acts as a cover, no one knows that Zayn is holding my hand in his and is putting in all his effort so that I don't face a break down. He knew it; he knew that I was at the point of breaking down. He felt it. He knew exactly what to do in this situation. He knew what I needed. I needed assurance. I needed someone who could understand that I was going to run away. I needed someone to stop me.

I am not sure if still I am going to be anywhere near strong but I am positive that I won't start crying.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen. We have an award function to attend. So we are signing off for today. Have a great day." Louis announces our sudden departure and then in the spur of a moment we all hastily make our way to the exit area.

Phew. Now I don't have to act strong. Now I can actually run away. I should tell the boys that the Press was right. I do not belong to this place. I do not belong to this world. I look at the boys who are all flustered and sweaty.

"Boys. I want to say something." I speak shyly.

" NO" a strong 'no' echoes in the room when the five boys simultaneously blurt it out.

"Listen, do you even know what I am about to say?" I try again.

"We know what you are thinking. It's a 'no' from our side. No, you are not leaving the band. No, the press isn't right about anything." Harry speaks with gritted teeth.

"Guys, I respect your emotions but the fact is...."

"You don't know what the fact is." Louis angrily interrupts. "The Paps don't know who you are. But we do. Any sane mind would never agree to your decision."

"Really? Then what do you plan next? Want to get drowned with me? Want to flush your career just because of me?" the toxic anger that was piling up inside me from so long was now making its way out.

"We will find a way, together." Zayn calmly looks into my eyes and says the words. I think he knows that the words are going to affect me in the manner he wants. How does he know me so much?

"I have a plan." Liam cocks an eyebrow and then a wicked smile takes its position at his lips. "Let us show the world what we saw in her."

"What do you mean?" Niall inquires.

"Now we have to head towards the Teen Choice Award function, right? Instead of performing our songs there, let her perform a song. Let her show the world what she is capable of. Let them see, what we saw. Let them experience what we felt. After that, we won't have to answer any question. Her singing will answer all questions and will clear all doubts. What say boys?" Liam's statement was a shock for me.

"How can she perform like that? No rehearsals, nothing planned out. How can she...." Niall ruffles his hair with his hand.

"She hadn't rehearsed when we heard her. She had no plan of singing that day. But she did. Plus, the raw singing quality that she has is her trump card. Let the world see it." Louis agrees to Liam's ideas and I feel like my soul is about to leave my body. How can I sing suddenly in front of a huge crowd? I know the profession that I have chosen now includes this but I wasn't prepared for it too soon; that too, on the same day when I had received rejection from a crowd who got the news of a new band member.

"Guys, I think it's a bad idea." I hesitantly state my fear.

"I think it's a great idea." Zayn dominantly takes over my statement.

"Zayn, I can't do that. Paparazzi already hate me. I don't want the world to hate me now." I protest.

"So isn't that great?" Zayn smirks. "They already hate you. So there isn't any chance of hating you more. But there is a chance that they might like you. Hmmm?" Zayn's words leave me with no answers. I have never in my life experienced hatred getting converted into love. But is that possible? If Zayn's words are true, is there a chance that their hatred can be remodeled into love, or at least liking?

"I suggest we take a chance." Harry nods his head.

"Those in the favor, raise their hands" Louis raises his and the other four boys raise theirs too.

I glance up with the least confidence.

"C'mon girl. You can do this." Zayn winks at me and slowly I raise my hand too.

Let's wait for today's award ceremony then.