Zoya never thought she would meet Sunil here. But the reality spoke differently, the man who once filled her days appeared suddenly from the middle of nowhere. She had forgotten about him, throwing away all memories of him. And she succeeded. But why was he here?
Uh, of course Ramya invited him. They went to the same school including the girl with Sunil, Sharmila Swetha. At least, the girl used to be Zoya's friend.
Sharmila, a girl who was not only smart but also beautiful. Her intelligence was from her father, a leading Professor and internist in Mumbai. Supposedly Sharmila also completed her studies in medicine.
Sunil affectionately brought Sharmila towards her. They both smiled although in Zoya's eyes looks like artificial smile.
"Hi Zoya, how are you?" said Sunil. Zoya couldn't help but smile back and replied, "Good. How are you guys?"
"As you can see." It was Sharmila who answered.
"Back from Boston?" Sunil asked.
"Yeah, just a few days ago."
"On vacation or what?"
"I've graduated."
"Well, congratulation then!" Sharmila said.
"You look more beautiful," said Zoya looking at Sharmila's appearance. The girl who became Sunil's lover did look different. Now her body looked more proportional if you can't say sexy.
"You also look more beautiful and mature. But your appearance hasn't changed much huh, always simple. I like it," Sharmila also complimented. Zoya only smiled a little. She knew that this kind of praise was useless, but also important in socializing, especially among people like them. The mouth often talks nicely, but the heart is often the opposite. They even drop each other. Feel who was the greatest among them. The proof was Sharmila shamelessly still being nice even though the man she holding was Zoya's ex-lover. But Zoya actually wasn't angry at Sharmila at all. Sunil was the playboy, betraying her.
Zoya already have known the man's character. He has an affair and likes to play with girls. Luckily, she was free from Sunil.
The man in front of her knew very well how to take advantage of his potential. His good looks and the status of his parents, the rulers of Mumbai were his weapons to attract girls. Zoya once fell in his trap. Formerly.
But it's been four years and now Sunil is still sticking with Sharmila. How can their relationship last that long? Had Sunil changed?
Sunil was restless. Men, when they hear women praising each other must be like that as if there was nothing else to talk about.
"What are you doing now? I heard you're working on the TV, huh?" Said Zoya
"Who said that?"
"I heard so."
"I've been in the world of television for a while, played in several soap operas but my parents didn't really approve of it. They'd rather I join the police academy."
"Oh yeah?"
"Now I'm an officer."
"Oh yeah?" Zoya repeats the same words out of her shock. She did not think at all the career chosen by his ex.
"I'm sure your career will be as fast as your father's."
"Thank you."
Zoya remembered all the careers chosen by her friends not far from the profession of their parents. She was no exception. Even though the world is progressing and developing, many children still following their parents' patronage.
They engaged in small talk until soon the show began. They separated from each other. Sunil and Sharmila went to a table near the stage while Zoya not far from the entrance.
Ramya's birthday seemed a bit formal, although there was live music as well. And also there was a lot of food served.
During the event Zoya found out Sunil occasionally glanced at her so she wondered what was wrong with that man. Wasn't he satisfied with his girlfriend now? Why glanced at her?
Their relationship was long over almost four years. Sunil was a thing of the past, no need to remember anymore. Their relationship was just friends.
Zoya was more focused on Ramya's birthday. She felt that this event was not just a mere birthday, but also a gathering place for the at bourgeoisie to interact and find relationships as well as introducing themselves. She knew because Ramya was aspiring politician. She wanted like her father. After all, she thought, why would Ramya hold a birthday party like this, she wasn't a child anymore to have a birthday party like this, if there was no specific purpose?
Ah, never mind! What was she thinking about. What is clear now she wanted to enjoy her best friend's birthday party. Eat and have fun after 3 days of being confined at home.
She looked around. She felt this was not like in India seeing the concept that carried out. The western atmosphere. Neither the decorations, the appearance of the guests, the musical accompaniment that sings western songs – none of the Indian songs, not even the food served on the table. Everything was western.
The cake-cutting ceremony was over.
While Zoya enjoying her meal, she almost choked when the singer on stage sang Gloria Gaynor song. I Will Survive. It was her favorite song when she broke up with Sunil after finding out that the man was having an affair with Sharmila What a coincident moment!
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Keep thinking I coud never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how did me wrong
And I grow strong and I learned how to get along
And you're so back from outer space
I Just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made You leave your key
If I'd known for just one second You'd be back to bother me
The female singer who was on the small stage seemed excited to sing the song, even though it didn't match the atmosphere of the birthday party, but it seemed to represent Zoya's feelings. Her voice quite powerful and there was a feeling of anger when she sang the song. Had she ever felt the pain of being left by her lover and tried to survive and move on? Zoya didn't know, it's clear that she was happy to hear that song.
She tried to glance at Sunil, it turned out that Sunil was also watching her enjoying the song. From afar Zoya threw a smile. Not a seductive smile, but more an expression of satisfaction.
Yes, she managed to survive and forget about Sunil. The proof was that she was fine even though there was no more man to fill her days after Sunil.
She was a strong woman, daughter of Narendra Prasadh. If she wanted she could have gotten more from Sunil, but she learned to be more mature and focus on her education rather than building relationships again. She thought, if she can't just deal with love affairs, how will she deal with all the big problems in her life? Isn't she heir to the throne of his father's business empire?
Sunil was the loser! Throwing diamonds to chase agate.
A small incident occurred. From a distance she saw Sharmila arguing with Sunil. It was seen from Sharmila's gesture. What happened to them? Zoya doesn't know what they were talking about. Sharmila seemed angry. She got up from her seat, hurriedly walked towards the exit. Sunil chased trying to hold her.
It was just a small incident, none of the other guests knew their little fight, because everyone was busy with their own business and the music was quite loud.
Sharmila continued walking towards the exit door, that means she would definitely pass where Zoya sitting and Zoya chosed to pretend to be relaxed while sipping her drink.
She raised her head as Sharmila passed her and smiled. But the girl didn't even respond and looked away.
Zoya had no idea what they were arguing about. But what really happened was Sharmila caught Sunil always stealing glances at Zoya. That's what made her angry, especially when Zoya smiled at Sunil during the singer's rendition of I will Survive.
Sharmila was suddenly jealous.
"Are you crazy?" Choletti Sai Kumari scolded his only daughter. There was no cause suddenly she asked to be married to a man who had been making her heart flutter wildly. That man was none other than Praveen Jayachandran.Since getting to know Praveen, Ranjana had fallen in love with him. Every moment the young man's face haunted her, dancing in her eyes. Make her heart always pounding, and blood flow faster. In her mind, Praveen was so charming.Praveen before leaving for Mumbai, worked at Choletti's pottery factory. For four months he worked there secretly to raise money. He worked so diligently, from morning to evening making various clay tools. Starting from taking clay, processing and shaping it to the burning process, he did it. Although at first he was not very skilled, but he learned quickly so he was able to make pottery in greater numbers than other workers.Choletti, the business owner, liked Praveen. At first he didn't expect the young man to work hard at his place, but se
The memorial service of his mother was only a few days to come. Nearby neighbors had been invited. Of course, no one would refuse because they would be served with many foods and drinks. Some poor people had also been invited. Auntie Neha had been shopping for necessities at the market using the of Praveen's mother savings and also donations from mourners on the day of death. She bought more than enough that she came home with a bajaj almost full of all kinds of groceries. Rice, flour, sugar, chicken meat, eggs, various vegetables, and spices. Enough for a hundred people. They invited only dozens, but just in case there would be more than that. Luckily the money was more than enough and there were a few thousand rupees left. Later it would be the women who cook. Usually in cooking events, they also use it as a gathering for residents. They chatted and joked with each other to increase their intimacy. Praveen had also collected a lot of firewood for cooking. At that time he took a sh
"Dad, I'm really bored at home. I want to start working, dedicating myself to the company as well as practicing the skill I have. Why didn't you ask me to join the company?" Zoya asked Narendra Prasadh that morning at the family dining table.Narendra Prasadh took a sip of his black coffee and put the cup back on the saucer. He looked his eldest daughter straight in the eye. Looks like she really bored at home, without doing any thing productive."Maybe I should look for a job at another company, if you don't give me a position. I'll just apply at the Central Bank then. There is a job vacancy there," Zoya said more like a threat.Narendra smiled hearing that."I sent you to the best campus in the world, how can someone else take advantage of your intelligence? No way!""Then why until now you make me unemployed?""So you feel unemployed now, My Dear?""Exactly! That is what I feel right now!""Don't worry, there's no way I won't give you an honorable position in the Vishaya Group. I'm
Zoya jumped onto the bed. Suddenly the bed shook. She did not accept his father's decision. Dharavi? Why go there? Even though her father had explained why she was sent there, Zoya still didn't accept it. This was a really crazy idea, it didn't make any sense. If it's to galvanize her sense she don't have to go to Dharavi. Asked her to stay there for three months would be like living in hell. She never thought whether she could survive or not. Why bother if only perceive life of the lower classes? After all, she had a high level of sympathy and empathy for the poor. At school, she often involved in social actions. Even while studying in Boston, she also participated in charity activities. She thought her father's idea was too ridiculous. How dare to galvanize his daughter in such a way? Moreover, she was a girl. Sending her to Dharavi could clearly threaten her safety especially if people knew she was Narendra Prasadh's daughter. She can be a target for extortion and even kidnapping
Praveen stared sorrowfully at the small river where his mother's ashes dispersed. It's been ten days since she died and only memories remain in his head. All the memories with his mother from childhood to leaving her three months ago swirled in his head. Like the fragments of a mosaic that broken up and he tried to put them back together, into a whole picture.He knew, the remnants of the ashes that he dispersed, had no trace at all. Only the brownish-colored of water flow not far from he stood.He wanted to say goodbye to his mother because tomorrow he would return to Mumbai. Memorial event had been held and went well. As a child he had fulfilled his responsibilities. Nothing else was left.Praveen also wanted to overcome the sadness he felt. He wanted to be a new person, a better new man. He wished to throw away the dream of becoming a Bollywood star, and live the live according to reality. Never mind to bury that dream here, no need to be realized in Mumbai there.In front of the
The river was shallow, but due to a lot of mud at the bottom the water surface was as high as Ranjana's neck. She seemed to be gasping for air to keep her head above the water but the mud seemed to swallow her feet.Praveen was already in the water alone with Ranjana. He swiftly tried to grab Ranjana's big arm, but he couldn't because it was too big to hold. Finally he grabbed her wrist."Let go! Let go of me! I'd rather die than not be able to marry you!""What are you doing? Don't be a fool to end your life in such a ridiculous way!" Praveen shouted with difficulty dragging Ranjana. But the huge body didn't move at all. Ranjana continued to struggle and the muddy water splashed down her head and Praveen's head.With all his strength Praveen dragged her out and she struggled even more trying to get out of Praveen's grip and desperately threw herself into the water and made her drowning. Praveen was panic. He tried to lift her up, but the body was so heavy. It's like lifting a hippo
"Hey, why do you look like a drowned rat? Did you fall into the river or something?" asked Auntie Neha seeing Praveen coming home bedraggled. Praveen ignored her, just went to the room to get a towel and change of clothes.In the living room the spinster auntie still waiting for him. Ten minutes passed, her nephew had not yet come out of the bathroom behind the house. Actually this afternoon he had taken a shower but the incident earlier, he had to take a bath again."Praveen, I want to talk to you," she said when Praveen had come out of the bathroom.Praveen stopped his steps and looked back at his aunt with a surprised look."Auntie, what do you want to talk about?""Someone was here looking for you this afternoon. A woman named Ranjana. I said you were out.""I've met her," Praveen replied curtly."So then she looked for you all the way to the riverside field?""Yes.""Who's she? Is she your lover?" Aunt Neha asked for an explanation."My lover?" Praveen raised his eyebrows."She
Praveen was out of station with his backpack. The backpack felt heavy on his back because of clothes he was carrying. He brought a lot because he didn't know when he would come back here again. He stepped out of the station while carrying a bag of food containing his meals.In front of the station was quite crowded that afternoon. There were many private vehicles parked carelessly mixed with street vendors selling various food and other necessities. There were also many beggars who raised their hands asking for begging to passers-by.For some reason his eyes fell on an old man in shabby clothes sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk across the street. Although sitting cross-legged but still holding a stick in a standing position. The turban he was wearing also looked shabby. His beard and mustache were left long and unkempt.He was silent when Praveen approached him. Praveen only realized when he looked closely at his white eyeballs. He was blind. What a pity, a blind old man had to beg
Praveen was still lying in bed that morning. Even though the hotel room was so comfortable, he had not been able to sleep at all since last night.This was a very decisive moment in his life, preparing himself to carry out the plan he had made as best he could.He had thought about it down to the smallest detail so that this plan would succeed. There should be no gaps or opportunities for him to fail.If he failed, he could end up in prison.Taking away the prospective bride who is none other than the daughter of a prominent conglomerate and the prospective daughter-in-law of the number one person in the Mumbai police?It would definitely create a scene and become national news. More sensational than the kidnapping that Zoya experienced before!If he failed, his face would adorn the front pages of newspapers and even television, not as an actor or model, but as a criminal. The career he had built with great difficulty would end tragically.No, that couldn't happen!He immediately got
It was late afternoon when they returned from Dharavi, but nothing happened. Praveen's room was empty just like when Sunil visited earlier. There was no sign of him coming here. Nothing had changed at all.It was just that Zoya felt a different atmosphere when she saw the room. There was a longing that enveloped her, imagining when she and Praveen were alone in the room.She remembered the time she slept over during the heavy rain that caused flooding due to the moonson. Even though the lights were out and it was raining outside, she felt at peace in Praveen's arms all night. The man really took good care of her.There were indeed many memories in Dharavi. If not with Sunil, she would have gone to school to meet the teachers there, Mrs. Fateema and her two other friends, Harshida and Shanti. Or if necessary she would go to her rented house.Had everything remained the same or changed? She really didn't know."Where have you been? Why are you home at this hour?" Mrs. Pratyusha asked wh
A surprise for Zoya, but not for Sunil as they headed to the AMA office. A large billboard on the side of the road caught the attention of passersby.An advertising billboard starring Praveen. Apparently the advertisement had spread to several strategic places.Zoya was happy to see the billboard. She wanted to take out her cellphone and take a picture of it as memorials. But she didn't because didn't want to offend the man beside her. She didn't say a word, even trying to divert attention by pretending not to see it."Damn it! I don't want to see that billboard!" said Sunil."Isn't he the person you want to meet now?""Right, but not with his poster!""Okay! Just look away!" said Zoya indifferently. She tried not to look at the billboard as if it wasn't important.Sunil's gut feeling told him that she deliberately pretended unwilling to see the billboard. He was sure, deep down in her heart, she was happy to see it. It made Sunil even more annoyed.If only he could find him, he woul
Sunil still stared at Zoya with an uncertain look in his eyes. His intuition said otherwise. The girl still had a secret that she kept tightly.Sunil was sure that Zoya knew where Praveen was. They were still in touch until now.Even though their wedding day was getting closer, he felt that something was going to happen.He had to make sure that it didn't happen. He had to find that man right now!"I have to meet him, Zoya!" said Sunil.The beautiful girl frowned, but said nothing."Help me find him!" he said in a deep, commanding voice.Zoya took a deep breath."I told you, since I was kidnapped, we've only been in touch by phone, only a few times. I don't know where he is now. All I know is that he lives in Dharavi. Isn't it clear what I said?""I know you're lying!""I don't know how to convince you anymore! Rather than keep talking, I'd rather go home! I don't want us to fight, Sunil! I don't want to spoil my mood before our wedding day. That's much more important than finding him
Sunil had tried various ways to find Praveen, but to no avail. The man could no longer be contacted. Although he contacted him via Zoya's cellphone, it never connected.He was sure that Praveen already knew everything.***The next day.He had appeared at Narendra Prasadh's residence."I'll take you out, Zoya!" said Sunil when asked the purpose of his visit."I don't feel like going anywhere today!""Come on! I'll take you again to see the preparations for our wedding party!""For what? Didn't we see it yesterday? Just let the hotel and WO finish it! Don't bother them again!""No. We're just looking around! I promise not to bother them even if it's just to give input! Besides, there's something I want to talk to you about," replied Sunil."Why don't we talk about it here?""I want to talk outside.""About what?""You'll find out later!"“There’s no one here! You’re free to talk about anything, don’t worry!” said Zoya.There was indeed no one at home except the servants. Her two younge
Sunil drive his car at above average speed. He felt like a hunter chasing prey, and he didn't want to lose that prey.I have to get him now! He hissed and checked again for the firearm slung at his waist.'Get ready, Praveen! Maybe this is your last day to breathe the air. You escaped death before, but not this time!' He muttered.He accelerated his car. Coincidentally, that afternoon the street was not very busy. Maybe it's not time for people to get home from work so he drive without a hitch.Forty-five minutes later he was on the edge of northern Mumbai. He checked Praveen's hiding location again. It turned out not far away.Without much difficulty he finally arrived. With a faster heartbeat, he got out of the car he had parked three hundred meters from the house where Praveen was thought to be hiding.He wore a baseball cap and covered his face with a face mask. Several people passing by seemed to stare intently at him, but he didn't care. He just kept walking.Then he arrived a
Sunil gestured to Sania to end the call. The girl frowned.That fast?"Prav, I'll call later when it's safe!" she said, still covering her mouth so her voice was still unclear."What?" asked Praveen. Before he got an answer, the phone had already been turned off.“Zoya! Zoya!” he called, of course, he was in vain.His feelings immediately turned bad. Was it really Zoya just called? Why did her voice sound weird?"Who did call?" Rajesh asked.“Zoya! But her behavior was so strange. She doesn't usually act like that.""Didn't you promise not to receive calls from anyone?"“How could I refuse her call?”"This is for your own safety!”Praveen was silent. He had already decided not to receive calls from anyone, but not from Zoya.He tried to contact the girl again but couldn't connect. He tried several times but in vain.Ah, what's wrong with her? Hopefully, she's okay. He put his phone in his pocket.Meanwhile, Sunil has kept the device again. His feelings were filled with joy. He succeed
Of course the target was Zoya's phone. The phone was next to the wallet in the bag.He immediately took it out in the hope that the phone was unlocked.Sure enough, after he pressed the side button and the screen turned on, he swiped the screen and went straight to the menu display.He didn't want to think about why Zoya didn't lock her phone. It makes it very easy.He immediately pressed the gallery icon and checked the photo collection stored there.He was shocked to see several photos of Praveen. It looked like the photo was taken while she was at a fashion show. There were also several other videos.What surprised him was that the photos were actually taken a few days ago!Sunil tried to remember what happened at that time. Weren't the photos taken when Zoya was out with her bodyguard?That means she's lying! She came out to watch the man perform! They were still in touch!Sunil tried again to check the WA messages, but he didn't find anything suspicious.He then switched to call
Sunil called Praveen several times but to no avail. The call continued to be rejected."God damn it! Come on, answer the phone!” Sunil cursed as he looked at the tracking device. Everything had been installed properly but it didn't work because the number he dialed hadn't been connected.Did that damn guy know his number? Impossible! How could he know because he never once tried to contact him?Or could it be the wrong number? Could it be that the receptionist gave the wrong number?He tried to remember. No way! He copied the number from the man's portfolio.What could he do? Did he have a number other than the one he got?Finally Sunil changed his number. He also had several other numbers, and again tried to contact Praveen.But whatever the effort, it still didn't work. He became increasingly annoyed and cursed again.That's all he could do!He had been trying to contact him for more than an hour and a half, but to no avail.***After lunch, Praveen tried to check his phone. He was