Adhura Alviida 2

illusions and delusions

"Congratulations, Zoya! We're pleased to offer you the position in our marketing department at Saiyaara!" The HR manager, Riya, smiled at Zoya as she got up from her chair. "We're so glad to have you on board."

"Thank you!" Zoya smiled back pleasantly as the woman shook her hand.

"One second, I'll just get you situated at your desk. But first, let's meet your boss...Mr. Sahir Azeem Chaudhary."

Zoya walked with confidence as she entered his cabin. Her dressing style of anarkali suits and palazzo pants had now been replaced by a rather classic styled fitted black pencil skirt with a satin white shirt tucked inside. Her black pumps clicked against the floor with each step as she entered his office. Her once wildly curled blonde hair was now straightened and darkened reflecting the night sky. She was simply a fleeting vision of her past. All that remained was her face.

Sahir was walking around his office one hand in his trouser pocket and the other on his phone, as he grunted in frustration at the partnering company's demands. He immediately stopped as his door swung open, the wind from the intruder's action making the file on his desk flutter into the air as her hair whisked against her face, as if in attempt to cover her. His mouth unknowingly remained open as she removed the strands of hair on her face. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen in his entire life. Eyes lined with kohl, minimal makeup allowing her natural skin to peek through. Pink lips that resembled roses. And the most gorgeous long, thick hair framed her face, accentuating her cheekbones as she came in with the most gorgeous breath-taking smile.

She peered over at him before Riya took the lead. "Sir, this is our new marketing director, Zoya H—"

"Zoya Siddiqui!" Zoya quickly spoke before she could complete her words.

"Hi, sir. Nice to meet you." She said extending her hand out to Sahir.

"Oh um, Mr. Mehta's files need to be faxed, I'll get them sent quickly!" Riya said before rushing out.

Sahir nervously shook her hand as Zoya looked at him as if waiting for him to say something while he stood there quietly, shaking her hand.

"Umm..."

"Uh-Sorry! What were you saying?"

"I'm Zoya Siddiqui, your company's new marketing director, sir."

He shuddered as she called him sir. He was simply a 38-year old man, not a damn 60 year old history professor.

"Please just call me Sahir." He said, as their hands broke apart.

"Um...it feels a little weird." Zoya chuckled. "You're my boss, not my friend."

"So...then make me your friend." Sahir said as if he solved the missing piece to a puzzle.

"Excuse me?" Zoya said as she felt shocked at his words.

"I-I mean all the employees here are pretty straightforward with each other and there's no need to be all formal. I assure you there's no need to not call anyone by their name." He smiled. "I'm assuming Riya has gotten your office set up. Let me know if you need anything, don't hesitate."

"Thank you so much!" Zoya smiled before exiting his cabin.

Sahir looked on as she walked out.

"Zoya." He whispered. She too had a Persian name. Just like his.

He smiled before zoning out of his thoughts.

**

Zoya smiled as she arrived back to the Hooda house, she had finally gotten a job. This job was a huge stepping stone for both her and Aadhya. She knew they both needed to get out of this place as soon as possible before Aditya made their lives hell, but if she was going to do that, she needed money and that was not easily attainable. Her father surely had tons of money that could have taken care of their needs, but this was her responsibility. She did not want to depend on her father's wealth to survive nor did she want Aadhya to grow up like that. Zoya wanted to be independent and take the responsibility of her daughter up on her own, with or without a man.