Saiyyan - Adiya FF

Chapter 19

The next day, the gang reached Hooda mansion to be greeted by Harshvardhan, Anjana, Wasim, and Roshnaq. Noor had asked her parents to come to Hooda mansion that morning, so her and Arjun could share the good news.

Aditya hasn't mentioned the pool incident to Zoya and so Zoya never brought it up either. It was probably for the best to forget the whole thing anyways, Zoya convinced herself. Nothing really happened between them...so there was nothing to talk about. Reminding herself that, Zoya stepped out of the van and was greeted by her parents.

Wasim greeted both his daughters. When he hugged Zoya, however, he held on a little tighter. It was definitely an adjustment not having Zoya live in Siddiqui house anymore...and he missed his eldest daughter.

Zoya, understanding her father's emotions, held on to him as well. When Wasim pulled back, he studied Zoya's face. She looked better...happier wasn't quite the term...but better. Zoya looked more like herself then she had in the last month.

"How are you beta?" Wasim asked. This time, Zoya genuinely smiled back, "I'm doing good abbu." Zoya replied. And it was the truth. She was going to be alright.

Wasim knew his daughter well and knew when she was speaking the truth. He smiled, feeling the tension from the last month lessen from his shoulders.

Once the bags were unloaded, the whole family settled into the dining room for some lunch. Arjun caught Noor's eye and decided that now was the best time to make the announcement.

"Can I have everyone's attention?" Arjun asked, politely. When he saw the four adults turn to look at him, he felt like a little kid and started getting nervous.

"Woh....ummm....I...Noor...Noor has an announcement!" Arjun exclaimed, chickening out. Noor's jaw dropped at being thrown into the lion's den by her fiancé.

"Uhhh....." Noor stammered, now seeing the four elders staring at her curiously.

Aditya coughed into his hand, trying to mask his chuckle. "Aditya...shhh..." Zoya whispered, trying to hold the laughter in herself.

Aditya bit his lip and turned his head so he was facing away from the elders, trying to stay calm and suppress his laughter.

"Arre koi kuch bataye gaa bhi!" Harshvardhan exclaimed, annoyed that no one was speaking up.

Taking pity on Arjun and Noor's pale faces, Zoya spoke up, "Papa...Arjun and Noor are engaged. He proposed when we were at the farmhouse." Zoya announced.

There was complete silence around the dining table. The elders all exchanged looks. Arjun gave Aditya a desperate look and Aditya slightly held up his hand, assuring him that everything will be alright.

Anjana stood up and started walking away. "Arre...tum kaha chali?" Harshvardhan asked his wife.

"Mithai lane..." Anjana replied, "...mujhe meri doosri beti jo mill gayi" She said, smiling.

The tension in the air dissolved and the elders all broke out in laughter. "This is great news beta!" Wasim exclaimed and engulfed Noor in a hug, followed by Roshnaq.

Just as excited, Harshvardhan engulfed Arjun in a hug as well, feeling extremely happy for his youngest son. When Anjana came back with the sweets, they all sweetened each other's mouths at the good news. This moment was filled with so much excitement and happiness. The Siddiquis and the Hoodas truly were a family now...in every which way.

Zoya stood to the side and observed her family. There was so much love there. After Yash left on their wedding day, things have been very somber between the Siddiquis and the Hoodas. This moment held pure joy and Zoya wished that these two families always stayed like this.

When Zoya felt a presence next to her, she turned to see Aditya standing there, a smile on his handsome face. He was looking at the scene unfold before them as well.

"Aaj itne dino badh ghar mein kushi ka mahaul phir se hoga...hai naa?" Aditya asked, still looking the elders exchange sweets with Arjun and Noor, grinning at the scene.

Zoya looked at Aditya's profile, taken a little by surprise. He managed to say exactly what she was thinking. Zoya then looked back at their family and smiled, nodding in agreement with Aditya.

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A few days later, Anjana asked Zoya to come to her bed chambers. Zoya knocked on the large wooden doors, and when she heard Anjana's voice, she entered the large bedroom suite.

Anjana smiled, seeing Zoya walk in. Zoya has been smiling more lately. She didn't know what magic Aditya did...but Zoya was finally going back to her old self. Zoya talked more during their family meals, she laughed at Arjun's antics, and helped Anjana with the house duties as much as she could. It was wonderful to see. Anjana had a feeling that even Zoya didn't realize how beautifully she was making her place in the Hooda household.

"You called me Anjana maa?" Zoya asked, entering further into the room.

"Yes beta...come in...have a seat." Anjana said gesturing to the bed as she walked towards the joined sitting room.

Zoya sat down and patiently waited for Anjana to come back, curious as to why she was called. She then saw Anjana walk back into the bedroom holding a thaali, the contents of it covered in a red velvet cloth.

"What is this?" Zoya asked, curiously.

Anjana sat down and placed the thaali between them, removing the velvet cloth to reveal different kinds of sweets, dried fruits, nuts, other snacks, decorated bangles, and a sari. Zoya traced a finger over the delicate sari material.

"Yeh sab kya hai Anjana maa?" Zoya asked again, trying to figure out why she was receiving this.

"Kal karva chaut hai..." Anjana said simply.

Zoya blinked in surprise. Was Anjana maa expecting her to fast for Aditya tomorrow? Zoya knew that karva chaut was an important day for married women...to pray for a long and healthy life for their husbands...but it was also no secret that Aditya and her marriage wasn't like other marriages. They didn't share the same relationship other married couples shared.

Anjana heard the questions and the hesitation in Zoya's silence. Anjana took the sari and placed on Zoya's lap. "Yeh sargi hai..." Anjana said, gently.

"Sargi?" Zoya asked, confused as to what that is.

"Every mother-in-law gives 'sargi' to their daughter-in-law for karva chaut. Iss mein badaam hai...mithai...phal...kuch tohfe...aur saath saath...dher saara pyaar." Anjana explained, her voice soothing.

When Zoya stayed quiet, Anjana continued, "Mein jaanti hoon...keh tumhara aur Aditya ka rishta baaki logo ke tarah nahin hai...lekin karva chauth ek prathna hai...uss insaan ke liye...joh tumhare sabse kareeb hai."

Zoya looked at Anjana, though her voice was soft, her word held immense power. Was Aditya the closest person to her right now? Zoya remembered Aditya hold her hand has he walked around the sacred fire, marrying her. She remembered his presence around her...never in her way...but always there...taking care of her. She remembered the moment he gave her the piano, somehow knowing that it was what she needed...to finally feel peace. And she started smiling again...all because of him. Zoya swallowed, trying to keep the ball of tears down as she quietly listened.

Anjana saw the emotions in Zoya's eyes and tried to keep her own voice steady. "Aditya aur tumhara rishta shayad pati patni ka naa ho...lekin tum dono ke beech aab dosti ka rishta ban gaya hai...ek aisa rishta...jo vishwas par tikka hai...uss dosti ke khatir...yeh vrath rak lo." Anjana insisted gently.

Zoya gave Anjana a watery smile and wiped a tear that slipped from the corner of her eye. "Anjana maa this isn't fair...you always give me gifts and then make me cry after." Zoya said, trying to lighten the mood.

Anjana laughed. Understanding exactly what Zoya meant by that, Anjana gently placed the thaali on Zoya's waiting hands. As Zoya walked out, Anjana looked after her daughter-in-law's retreating back. She knew that Zoya always did the right thing...and her faith in Zoya wasn't broken tonight either.

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Credit for the sargi scene goes to kabhi kushi kabhi gham. I take no credit for that line.