The Last leaf: Adiya story

Spill the colours if not the secret

Colours when spilled in a white sheet of paper emanates vibrant energy that can be closely associated to life force, trying to give life a second chance. Little Aaliyah had successfully taught her new student how not to colour outside the line and her student being a diligent learner picked up her instruction in no time. Zoya was watching them engrossed in their drawing for a while now,

"Can I have a look at your drawings too?" Hearing her phupi's voice Aaliyah gasped wheareas Adi quickly folded his sheet of paper. 

"What were you two making? Please let me have a look too" Zoya insisted playfully.

'It's a secret phupi, Adi uncle has a surprise for you'

"Aaahhh. Aaliyah" Adi cleared his throat making Aaliyah giggle.

When Dr Naushad called his daughter to go home the little cherub, to Zoya's surprise, hugged and kissed Aditya goodbye just as affectionately as she did it with Zoya.

"I told you a decent hair cut and a shave will eventually make her like you" Zoya teased him.

Aditya just smiled and continued to pick the colour pencils that Aaliyah had forgotten to take. 

'But I thought some people like my rugged look, Noor and Arjun had even come up with the name Sufi Rockstar'. Both of them bursted out laughing at this revelation. Perhaps, this was what made them special, to withstand every awkwardness and smile and talk once the storm had passed.

'I wish I could see you laugh forever' his tone was deep and husky. Adi instantly realised that his statement was out of line for Zoya's uncomfort was sketched all over her face.

'Zoya, I am sorry for what happened near the pond a few days back. It was very rude on my part and I know it's unpardonable. You were right when you said that I need to return to Mumbai to my family, I will leave but not without you.'

"Aditya..." Zoya's feeble attempt to stop him from one of his emotional outburst only led to her physical exhaustion, her small frame was caught in his strong arms right on time. Her sobs was the only sound in the room, she tightly clung to his shirt and pressed her face deep in his chest. Aditya for the first time in his life felt so much at peace with himself for he knew at the moment that Zoya Siddiqui did love him but was too afraid to admit due to the scars of the past and her illness. His large hands suddenly turned rough on her waist making her tremble at his touch. His breathing was ragged and his voice  was urgent,

"Promise me that when all of this will be over you will come to Mumbai with me".

Their foreheads were joined together, Zoya's delicate fingers traced his jawline,

'First you tell me what did you and Aaliyah paint so secretly?'

Her radiant smile warmed his heart,

"It's a secret" he smiled back mischievously.

Outside the wind blew violently causing more Chinnar leaves to depart from the tree.