Crossroads of the Heart

Copyright © 2024 TwinklingFairy

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                    CHARACTERS

                       Zara

• A soft - hearted girl .

• Only child in her family.

• Have a 6 friends but introvert.

• successful cardiologist with zero failure in her career and scientist .

                 Nadeem khan

•  AZ company's chairman whose net wroth is 500 billion.

•  A kind -hearted person whose parents died early when he was 9 years old .

•  He has one younger sister who  is one   and a half years younger than her . He always treats her as a child.

• Both are grown up in an orphanage.

•  He is best friend of zara.

                      Ayeza khan

•  Younger sister of Nadeem .

• Always chill, honest .

• Zara's 2nd best friend and colleague.

• Loves zara more than her brother.

               Rihan Sayyad

•  Zara's 4th best friend

• RS company CEO ( pharmaceutical company) .

•  Always support Ayeza and zara .

                    Meera Aziz

•  zara 5th best friend .

•  work in RS company as a manager.

•  A chill and carefree girl.

           Mysterious friend

• Zara's 6th best friend.

• Help Zara secretly.

        Aarish Zayyan Malik

• Chairman of JM company Country's 2nd biggest investment company.

•  Soft - Hearted .

• family is his first priority

• Respect Elders

• Father died at the age of 5

                    CHAPTER - 1

        CROSSROAD OF THE HEART

In the bustling corridors of the hospital, amidst the steady hum of activity, Zara found herself caught between her professional duties and a surprise encounter that would change the course of her day.

As Zara attended to her patients, a call disrupted the routine. "Hello, hi mom, what's up?" Zara greeted eagerly, her voice laced with curiosity. Her mother's request for her to return home earlier than usual piqued her interest, setting the stage for an unexpected twist in her day.

Upon her arrival home, Zara's mother hinted at a task awaiting her attention, urging her to change first. Obliging, Zara retreated to her room, only to be interrupted by the chiming of the doorbell.

To her surprise, a diverse group awaited her in the living room-a seasoned woman, a woman in her forties, a young lady around twenty-one, and two young men, likely in their early twenties. Intrigued, Zara joined the gathering, exchanging pleasantries with her family and their guests.

Engaging in polite conversation, Zara fielded inquiries about her profession as a doctor with grace, assuring everyone of her well-being amidst the demands of the hospital. Amidst the chatter, one of the women inquired about Zara's opinion on a potential match, subtly nudging her towards the young man present.

Uncomfortable with the sudden attention, Zara requested a moment alone with the young man, seeking clarity amidst the unexpected turn of events. Secluded in another room, Zara and the young man.

With a hesitant yet genuine exchange, Aarish revealed his name, opening the door to a conversation that transcended formalities. Amidst the uncertainty of the moment, a sense of serendipity hung in the air, as Zara and Aarish navigated the intricacies of newfound connection amidst the backdrop of familial .

Zara hesitated for a moment before broaching the delicate subject, Aarish, I don't really know you, so how can I say yes to marriage?

Aarish, taken aback, assured her, Zara, we will get to know each other better over time. Sensing Zara's unease, Aarish pressed on, Zara, do you not like me? Zara quickly clarified, "It's not that, but I have certain conditions."

Curious, Aarish inquired, "Conditions? What are they?" Zara explained, Aarish, you must never restrict my freedom, allow me to maintain contact with my friends, support my career even after marriage, permit me to work abroad if necessary .

Without a moment's hesitation, Aarish smiled warmly and said, " I accept all your conditions." With that, they both agreed to the marriage proposal. Outside, amidst the jubilant celebrations, they announced their decision, receiving warm wishes and congratulations from their loved ones.

A few days later.....

On the appointed day, the couple exchanged vows, sealing their engagement into a joyful marriage, much to the delight of both families.

On their wedding night, she sat on the couch instead of the bed. He entered the room, his eyes widening at the sight of her in the stunning wedding gown. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as he took in her beauty, his heart skipping a beat.

Approaching him slowly, she suggested they take some time to get to know each other better. He nodded eagerly . But just as they began to settle into conversation, his phone rang, breaking the moment.

With a sigh, he explained that it was a work emergency and he had to leave immediately . You sleep on the bed," he said apologetically, quickly changing into more casual clothes before rushing out of the room .She too changed into more comfortable clothes and slipped beneath the covers of the large, empty bed.

Zara, accustomed to rising early, greeted the dawn with her usual routine. But her morning took an unexpected turn when her mother-in-law entered the room, visibly shaken.

"Where is Aarish?" she exclaimed before Zara could even utter a word.

"Oh! I'm really sorry. " He can be a bit disobedient at times, never listening. But don't worry. I'll talk to him about leaving his newlywed bride alone on wedding night. I understand how awful you must feel.

Zara's mother-in-law sighed, her worry evident. "I'm truly sorry on his behalf," she apologized once more. Zara reassured her, "It's okay. Don't worry."

As they talked, Zara mentioned her plans to go to work. Her mother-in-law agreed, with the condition that she returned early because it was Zara's first day in the kitchen.

Zara nodded, appreciating her mother-in-law's concern. Little did she know, this unexpected morning conversation would set the tone for the day ahead, filled with understanding, forgiveness, and the beginning of new responsibilities in her married life.

In the bustling corridors of the hospital, congratulations filled the air as Zara returned to work after her wedding. Her friends couldn't resist teasing her about her wedding night, but Zara simply smiled and immersed herself in her work.

Meanwhile, Aarish returned home to find his mother scolding him for leaving his newlywed wife alone on her first day back to work. Aarish, feeling a bit conflicted, muttered to himself about what he could have done differently, but ultimately decided to take a shower and retire to his room.

Later that afternoon, Zara returned home from work and quietly made her way to her room. Just as Aarish was about to say something, his mother entered and reassured him that she had spoken to him and there was no need to worry.

Zara apologized for causing him trouble by not locking the door to their room. "It's okay," Aarish replied, "Mom is just a bit possessive, that's all."

After a few hours ....

Her sister-in-law entered the room. She delivered a message: it was Zara's turn to step into the kitchen, a rite of passage for any newcomer.

In the kitchen, Zara whipped up a delightful batch of kheer, a traditional dessert. With each spoonful, the family's praise echoed her success. Her mother-in-law, impressed by her culinary skills, bestowed upon her a token of appreciation - a shagun, accompanied by blessings from the elders.

Zara retreated to her room to catch up on work, where she was pleasantly surprised by Aarish's unexpected visit. He praised her kheer and offered her a small box, containing a pendant with the letters "AZ" delicately engraved.

Zara refuses to accept the gift, but Aarish keeps insisting, and eventually, she agrees. She accepted the gift graciously. Aarish, ever the gentleman, offered to help her wear it. Though reluctant at first, Zara relented, allowing him to fasten the pendant around her neck.

Upon closer inspection, Aarish noticed another pendant adorning Zara's neck - an old one. Curious, he suggested replacing it with the new one, but Zara adamantly refused. Sensing her discomfort, he relented, respecting her decision.

However, as Aarish innocently inquired over again about the old pendant's significance, Zara felt a sudden urge to excuse herself. With a hurried excuse, she left the room, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

As she stood alone, the weight of the old pendant seemed heavier than ever, a silent reminder of secrets buried deep within her heart. 

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the streets, Zara prepared herself for the pagfera rasam, a solemn ritual at her parental home. Aarish, her steadfast companion, offered to drive her there, his presence a comforting reassurance amidst the bustling chaos of the day.

Zara's heart raced as she received an urgent call on the following evening. Without hesitation, she hurried to her parents, her voice trembling as she declared it was an emergency and she had to go abroad. Her parents, concerned, quickly relayed the news to their in-laws.

Zara rushed to the bungalow, her heart racing with concern. She found her friend Rehan waiting anxiously for her. "Why did you summon me here so urgently? Is everything alright?" Zara's voice quivered with worry.

Rehan, though nervous, managed a reassuring smile. "Everything's alright, don't worry. Let's have something to eat first. You must be tired." But Zara was not convinced. "No, tell me what's going on. You both look worried."

Rehan hesitated, "Actually... actually..." But before he could continue, Ayeza interrupted. "Let me tell her, Rehan. Yesterday, we saw him in a terrible state on the street. He was bleeding profusely and is now in the hospital. His condition is critical, and we want you to see him .We know you don't want to see him but please last time see him . Please come with us to see him."

Zara's expression turned angry. "You called me here for this? You've forgotten what he did, haven't you? Whatever is happening to him is his own doing. I won't go to see him, and don't call me for such things again."

Rehan tried to reason with her, "Zara, just go once. You might not see him again after this." Ayeza added, "Please, Zara, go see him once. We don't want you to regret it later."

But Zara was adamant. "I have no relation with him. Stop bothering me and let me go." With that, she stormed out of the bungalow, leaving Rehan and Ayeza looking at each other in concern.

One fateful night, while Zara was on duty with the rescue team at the hospital due to a shortage of doctors, a man involved in a car accident was brought in. With no senior doctors available, Zara took the  charge of the situation. Tragically,  as She  watches, he has already died. Still, She  tries to resuscitate him, but to no avail ,  leaving her shaken.

Zara was completely shattered because it was her first unsuccessful case; she had seen the man die in front of her eyes. She cried a lot. The entire staff tried to reassure her that it wasn't her fault; the patient was already dead before she arrived. But Zara wasn't ready to understand. Finally, she composed herself so that her family wouldn't worry because of her.

Returning home, Zara found her family in distress. Upon inquiring, she learned that Aarish's company had suffered significant losses, possibly leading to bankruptcy. Aarish had locked himself in his room since the evening. Zara stood outside Aarish's room, the spare key in her hand. She hesitated for a moment before unlocking the door. As she entered, Aarish's voice echoed through the room, filled with anguish, "Leave me alone, Zara. Just go, please."

But Zara stood her ground, her voice steady as she replied, "This is my room too, Aarish." She approached him, carrying a tray of food. Sitting beside him, she gently urged, "You're not just hurting yourself, you know. Your family is worried sick about you. Do you realize that?"

Tears streamed down Aarish's face as he implored Zara to leave. However, instead of complying, Zara enveloped him in a warm embrace, whispering, "Don't shut me out, Aarish. I'm here for you. Please, don't push me away. Eat something."

Aarish's sobs intensified as he confessed, "Zara, this company is my entire life. It's my father's last legacy. What am I supposed to do?"

Zara held him tighter, her voice soothing, "Don't worry, Aarish. Everything will be okay. I'll help you figure it out." She then proceeded to feed him, her presence a source of comfort amidst his turmoil.

Zara sprang into action, calling her investors and tirelessly working throughout the night to save Aarish's company without his knowledge.

The following evening, Aarish discovered that his company had not only stabilized but also gained  5% profit overnight.

In a meeting with his colleagues, Aarish's friend revealed that it was Zara who had orchestrated the turnaround by investing in their company's medicine.

Realizing Zara's selfless efforts, Aarish felt a surge of gratitude and admiration for his wife. His colleagues, too, acknowledged Zara's incredible dedication and success. They toasted to Aarish's company's success and credited Zara for her integral role in it.

Later that afternoon, Aarish invited Zara to a celebration party, recognizing her as the driving force behind their triumph. Zara, humbled by the recognition, accepted, knowing that her actions had made a meaningful difference in Aarish's life .