Zoya had just arrived that morning at Doorna Kindergarten. The principal, Mrs. Fateema, didn't seem as enthusiastic as usual. She looked gloomy, in contrast to the faces of the students who came with cheerful faces. During the morning exercise, she just stood in the corner watching the children. The other two teachers, Harshida and Shanti, seemed busy arranging the children in a line. They also wondered what was wrong with Mrs. Fateema, but they were reluctant to ask. Zoya approached Mrs. Fateema. "Mrs. Fateema, you look down this morning. Are you unwell, or is there a problem with our school?" Zoya asked carefully. She looked at Zoya with a sad look. "Yeah, I'm having a problem. It's a bit heavy for me to handle on my own." She said frankly. "Is it a personal matter?" "I never bring personal matters to school." "Does it have anything to do with school? May I know? Who knows I can help?" Mrs. Fateema looked at Zoya again, then took a deep breath. "I don't really want to let
Mrs. Fateema's steps were fast. Zoya continued to follow her through the winding alleys of the densely populated Dharavi neighborhood. The summer air was as hot as ever. "Is It still far?" Zoya asked slightly out of breath. It's been fifteen minutes they walked from school to Mrs. Fateema's house. This was Zoya's first visit to her house. "We will be there in a minute," said Mrs. Fateema. The lunch time was past. Her stomach was growling. Earlier she had asked her to eat first, but Mrs. Fateema refused. She said, just having lunch at her house. The alley was getting narrower because the houses on both sides of the alley. Maybe not more than half a meter wide. Let alone motorbike passed, pedestrians only have to pull over in the opposite direction. The funny thing was there were so many doors that directly face the alley. Zoya didn't expect Mrs. Fateema to live in an area like this. She must have passed through this alley every day so that she memorized the alley like a maze.
"You don't have to sell the goat, ma'am. It's too bad because it was already intended for sacrifice!" Zoya said. "Never mind! I think I can sacrifice next year. Helping to add payment for the building rent so that the children can go to school as well as worship. Both have benefits for many people," said Mrs. Fateema again, still staring at the goat tied up in the vestibule. Zoya was speechless. How noble the woman's heart. In the simplicity of her life, still thinking about the interests of others. "Miss Fateema, I promise, I will do my best to keep Doorna's school from eviction, even if we have to move, I will try to find a better building. This school cannot be closed, lest their learning process be disrupted because of this!" Zoya said confidently. "How can you be so sure?" asked Mrs. Fateema looking at Zoya. "Trust me, I will move as fast as I can to raise funds. At Gondia I was successful whenever I was appointed to raise funds," Zoya lied. Her brain had begun to arrange
Zoya came to school early that morning with the file that Mrs. Fateema asked for. She brought quite a lot of proposal letters which she would later deliver to agencies and companies. Everything was ready for delivery. Last night she also sent an email to her college friends in Boston. She hoped that there would be friends who were willing to help through the fundraising page she created yesterday. Mrs. Fateema was amazed at Zoya's apt work. Yesterday she had doubted whether Zoya could do it, but that morning her doubts suddenly disappeared. Everything in the proposal was appropriate, no need for further revision. She even wondered how the girl could do it in less than a day. "How did you get it done so fast, Ashita?" asked Mrs. Fateema. "I'm used to doing assignments quickly, Mrs. Fateema. I'm used to working to deadlines and under pressure. I even sacrificed my sleeping time," Zoya said casually. "Is this proposal ready for submission?" "Just the school stamp and your signature
Zoya was slightly thumped entering the building. For some reason, she was little bit worried that she would be recognized. It would ruin everything but this was her own will. Once again she looked at herself. Was this appearance enough to cover up her true identity? Suddenly she had an idea to cover her face with a face mask. It seems the glasses were not enough to disguise. She took out a face mask from her bag and pretended to cough. "What's the matter with you, Ashita?" asked Mrs. Fateema wondering why Zoya was coughing all of a sudden. "I don't know. My throat feels ticklish. Maybe it's the air," Zoya said as she put the mask on her face. "Does It happen to you often?" "Sometimes!" Zoya replied. At the entrance gate, they were met by security with probing eyes. "What are you here for?" "I want to meet Mr. Narendra Prasadh's secretary. We have appointment!" said Zoya trying to convince the security with high confidence. Actually she was nervous if the security would conta
In the restaurant Zoya ate voraciously. They ordered quite a lot for the two, but Mrs. Fateema didn't seem to be in the appetite. Maybe influenced by what she was thinking. Only three proposals that they spread, still not seen any tesult. Maybe tomorrow it happen again, will be rejected again. Her mind was racing and what if their efforts failed? She needed a lot of money to be able to rent a new building. The students will lose their place to study. One hundred children was not a small number, and that was her responsibility. Her reputation will certainly be at stake. She had been building this school for years. She had sacrificed a lot of money and time to build a school, but just because the building was taken by the owner, should it stop? What would happen to the students? "What are you thinking of?" asked Zoya. "I don't know why I feel pessimistic we don't get funding anytime soon. Submitting a proposal doesn't seem to get the funding quickly. We only have two weeks from now.
"How about tomorrow afternoon?" "What's the time?" "What time can you come?" asked Zoya. "What about at one o'clock?" "All right! We'll meet at the Taj Mahal cafe in Bandra West." "Okay, I'll wait for you there. Who am I talking to?" "Zoya Bipasha." "Okay Miss Zoya, see you tomorrow at the Taj Mahal cafe," said Mr. Vinay ending the conversation. He cut the phone call. Zoya put her phone beside her bed. She thought quickly to arrange a plan. She was not the one who directly meet the owner of the building. It was risky for her to meet him in person. She need someone to represent her. She quickly grabbed the phone again, and called someone. "Good evening, Miss Zoya. Are you calling me? Is there anything I can do for you?" a male voice greeted. "Uncle Rajesh, I need your help. Can we meet tomorrow morning?" "What kind of help, Miss? Just tell me!" asked Rajesh Kumar. "I can't tell you by the phone. I want to see you. But don't tell Dad we meet." "How can I meet you? I have t
Rajesh felt Zoya wanted to overcome her problem without anyone's help. If only she wanted to beg her father, surely he would help her. She wouldn't sell that car.It was strange to hear Zoya's decision, as strange as her father was. He sent his daughter to Dharavi before giving her an important post in Vishaya.Ah, sometimes the rich's way of thinking was difficult to understand."Okay, if that's what you want. I'll help you. May I have the vehicle ownership document?""You need it now?""Yeah, I'll take it to the car dealer. After that, I'll meet the building owner at the Taj Mahal cafe.""Wait a minute, I'll get it."Zoya got up from her seat and leaving Rajesh alone by the pool.Zoya went inside the house towards her room. She immediately took the car ownership document in a small safety box in her room. There was not the slightest sad feeling whatsoever to re-sell the luxury car. For some reason, she just felt flat. From the beginning she didn't feel 'clicked' with the car, unlik
“They’re coming! You should stay in your room! Don’t go anywhere!” Rajesh said over the phone.Rajesh was still in the cafe across from the hotel monitoring the situation.As he watched Narendra’s family group enter the hotel, he swallowed his saliva and felt a bitter sensation in his throat.He cursed his fate for no longer being a part of Narendra’s family. Ten years of devoting himself to Narendra and being his confidant, did not end his life well. Instead he ended up as a loser.It was so easy for Narendra to dump him.Just because of Sunil Chakraborty.But he did not regret it because now he had the chance to get back at him.He would embarrass Narendra and Sunil. He swore that the wedding party would end in vain.He would help the bride run away with another man. A man Narendra hated.He never imagined that he would end up in a reverse position like this. He still remembered how Narendra ordered him to get rid of Praveen. With the power he had, he beat the young man until he alm
“They’re coming! You should stay in your room! Don’t go anywhere!” Rajesh said over the phone.Rajesh was still in the cafe across from the hotel monitoring the situation.As he watched Narendra’s family group enter the hotel, he swallowed his saliva and felt a bitter sensation in his throat.He cursed his fate for no longer being a part of Narendra’s family. Ten years of devoting himself to Narendra and being his confidant, did not end his life well. Instead he ended up as a loser.It was so easy for Narendra to dump him.Just because of Sunil Chakraborty.But he did not regret it because now he had the chance to get back at him.He would embarrass Narendra and Sunil. He swore that the wedding party would end in vain.He would help the bride run away with another man. A man Narendra hated.He never imagined that he would end up in a reverse position like this. He still remembered how Narendra ordered him to get rid of Praveen. With the power he had, he beat the young man until he alm
Praveen was back in the hotel room when Narendra Prasadh's family troupe arrived. Two luxury cars entered the hotel grounds in a convoy and stopped in front of the entrance. Not far behind were five more SUVs carrying employees and servants.Narendra Prasadh was in the first car. He got out of the car after the hotel staff opened the car door for him.He appeared to be wearing traditional clothing instead of a suit, and that did not diminish his authority as a wealthy businessman.His wife, Pratyusha Beniwal followed after him. She also appeared to be wearing a saree with gold ornaments. Precious stone jewelry in the form of a necklace and bracelet added to the luxury of her appearance. Truly extraordinary. Then followed by her youngest son Rahul.Before entering, the graceful woman stood for a moment waiting for the next car. The sedan carrying Zoya and her sister Danishka.The hotel staff also swiftly opened the car door for Zoya. She got out of the car carefully while fixing her sa
That morning at Amaneesh Chakraborty's residence, there was also a lot of activity.They would perform Ganesh puja, a ritual to ask the god for blessings.The procession will be held this afternoon. Many of Mr. Amaneesh's extended family had also attended.The joy radiated from the face of the Mumbai Police Chief. Of course, this was a happy day because his proud son, Sunil Chakraborty, was getting married.As a father, he could imagine how lucky Sunil was. Having a good career in the police force and also having a beautiful wife who was the daughter of a rich man in Mumbai.It felt like a dream.All preparations had been done well by a third party. They just went through it. Everything went smoothly according to expectations.Sunil should have also been very happy that day. But it was as if something was bothering him, and it was visible on his face. He was not completely happy because of one problem that had not been resolved until now.He should have been able to overcome Praveen a
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