Fᴀʟʟᴇɴ

Chapter 32: Wretched

Aditya departed along with Arjun from Mussoorie. Throughout the journey he was silent. His world had fallen. Arjun knew everything. Aditya was devastated when he came to room last night after meeting Zoya. He cried miserably and good gracious Arjun was there to handle him. He said Arjun everything.

Seeing his brother's condition Arjun's heart broke.
"Bhai" he called. Aditya turned to him.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked. Aditya nodded .

"I have to Arjun. Maybe this was meant to happen." Aditya said looking at the flight window.

"You really think she will agree to fresh start everything? Is it a good idea bhai" Arjun asked .

"I have promised someone to move on." Aditya smiled sadly thinking about Zoya .

"Yes you have and that's because of Zoya di . You're doing this just for her and not for yourself. She lies everywhere bhai. Now you have decided to move on and the reason is ... Zoya di. It's her and only her everywhere. When you know you love her then why are you punishing yourself bhai. You very well know you don't love Pooja." Arjun stated.

"I know it's because of her that I took this decision. But I didn't have any genuine reason to go against her. Arjun I've realised she's right and that's better for us. I know I can't replace her from my heart with Pooja . I just can't and I don't think I'll be able to. Pooja is my friend. But ... you see I and zoya have committed a mistake which broke Pooja's heart. We deserve this . I'll try my best to get Pooja forgive me . I know it's difficult but I will because that's...that's better you know and I feel at some point maybe ... maybe I'll move on with her." Aditya spoke the last sentence with pain.

"Aap kitni bhi koshish karlein.... Zoya di ki yaad aapko humesha satate rahegi. Kyunki bhai, maine aapko aisa kabhi nahi dekha. Aap mein junoon hai , paagalpan hai, bepannah mohabbat hai jo mujhe pooja ke liye kabhi nahi dikha. Ye sirf Zoya di ke liye hai." Arjun said . Aditya closed his eyes finding hard to listen .

"Whatever it is I'll always be there for you." Arjun consoled him.

"I know Arjun. That's why I want to tell you, please let me move on. Please. With great difficulty I have prepared myself to take this step." Aditya said.

"Yes bhai." Arjun nodded and there was silence. Both of them knew it was not supposed to happen the way it is .....but this was better for Aditya and Zoya.

"I'll listen to everything you say. Your happiness matters. I'll try to move on. I'll try my best..." Aditya said to himself closing his eyes.

*********

She was leaning to the balcony door tilting her head lost in thoughts. Tears were silently dripping down her cheeks.

"Zoya?" She quickly wiped her tears as she heard Roshnaq's voice.

"Yes Ammi." She replied in a low voice still not looking at her.

Roshnaq was worried observing her behaviour since yesterday. She came beside keeping her hands on Zoya's shoulders.
When Zoya faced her she knew she was crying.

"Zoya... beta... Kya hua?" She asked getting more worried. Zoya tried to control her tears after getting the motherly concern.

"Kuch nahi Ammi. Bas aankhon mein kuch chubh raha hai." Zoya said looking down.

"Ammi hai hum aapke. Humse jhooth bolengi?" Roshnaq asked holding her chin.

"Kyun ro rahe ho beta, batao?" She asked. Zoya held her hands and brought it near her cheeks.