Mish' Fiction

The announcement of the promotions made everyone happy. Ananya was promoted to be a senior reporter. She had the option of being an editor, but she preferred to be on the ground, especially for the investigative stories. With his editor-in-chief’s reposnibilities, Manav was happy to let Richa own his popular “Aath ki baat” bulletin. Ronnie was made the chief producer. And many other people also received promotions and raises, including Sunny. The announcement of Malvika’s exit elicited a reaction of surprise; everyone was used to her being there;  and as the owner’s daughter nobody ever expected her to leave, but she noticed that it didn’t displease anyone. Even Kabir’s predecessor, whose utter failure at his job had been for all to see, had evoked more emotional reaction from people. Trisha, who was only a weather news reader, had also had more people regretting her exit than Malvika seemed to be having.

“Yahi problem hai na meri, Kabir?” she asked him later, “Ki main kissi ko positively affect nahin karti.”

“Koi deliberately kissi ko affect karne ki soch kar roz subah ghar se nahin nikalta, Mavika. Lekin jab hum kuchh constructive karte hain, and it doesn’t have to be something big, something professional, kuchh aisa simple sa bhi jisse log ek baar khul kar hans dein, to apne aap log positively affect ho jaate hain.”

“Aur main yahan kuchh constructive kar nahin payi.”

“Kyonki shayad yahan ke kaam mein kabhi tumhara dil nahin laga.”

“Bade baap  ki bigdi hui aulaad hoon na,” she laughed, “Anyway. Thanks for the insight, Kabir.”

“Malvika. Tum smart ho, young ho. Poori zindagi hai tumhare saamne aur tumhein kabhi resources ki kami nahin hone waali hai. Tumhein kuchh constructive karne se kaun rok sakta hai?”

She nodded, then planted a chaste kiss on Kabir’s cheek and left.

Ananya came soon afterwards.

“Malvika ko kya hua?”

He told her about his two recent interactions with Malvika and added, “Kya pata, uski life ki bhi kya story hai? Kis cheez se dissatisfied hai woh? Bahar se to hamein yahi dikhta hai ki use kissi cheez ki kami nahin hai. Lekin ho sakta hai ki poori zindagi udane ke layak paise hone ke bawzood koi bahut badi kami ho uski life mein.”

“Hmm…” Ananya looked thoughtful, then added cheerfully, “Khair. Main abhi Malvika ke baare mein philosophize nahin karna chahti. I will be selfish and say that I am happy she is going away. Ab woh mujhe pareshaan nahin karegi.”

“That is enough for me too, Ananya.”

“Finally! Things are falling in place.”

“Finally yes.”

They sat smiling, gazing at each other for a few moments.

Then Kabir broke the silnce, “Achcha suno. Ma ko bol do ki dinner na banayen. Aaj hum sab bahar jayenge aur enjoy karenge. Apne doston ko bhi bol do.”

“Okay Boss!”

“Kya hua, Ananya?” he asked when she kept sitting there without speaking anything, only fiddling with a paperweight on his table.

“Maine abhi promotion meeting ke pahle Bhabhi ko phone kiya tha.”

“Kyon?”

“Aise hi. Socha, ek baar haal-chaal poochh loon. Woh log itni raat mein gaye the.”

A slight frown appeared on his face. “Kuchh kaha unhone?”

She sighed, “To mujhe galat nahin laga. Aap bhi jaante hain. Woh mujhe pasand nahin karti?”

“Tumhein uski chinta karne ki zaroorat nahin hai, Ananya. Itni formalities ki bhi zaroorat nahin hai–”

“Formalities ki baat nahin hai, Kabir, lekin agar kuchh problem hai to mujhe pata to honi chahiye. Aapki family kya meri family nahin hai?”

“Kya kaha unhone?”

“Kuchh kaha nahin, really, lekin aisa laga ki woh mujhse baat karna nahin chahti. Kal to ghar par mujhe kuchh aisa nahin laga… Ya shayad maine ye socha ki pahli mulaquaat ki awkwardness hai.”

Kabir looked relieved. “To phir theek hai na, Ananya. Kuchh baat aisi hai nahin. Thoda mood erratic hota hai, Bhabhi ka, kabhi-kabhi. Tumhein unki chinta karne ki zaroorat nahin hai.”

“Aap mujhse shaadi karne waale hain na? Main aapki wife banne waali hoon.”

“Ismein kya shaq hai?”

“To aap mujhe bachchon ki tarah treat nahin karte rah sakte. Har cheez se mujhe protect nahin karte rah sakte. Kam-se-kam apni family ke issues ya aapki kareebi kissi bhi cheez se to bilkul nahin. Share to karna padega aapko mere saath.”

“Kitni ziddi ho tum!”

“Main zidd kar rahi hoon? Aap itne evasive kyon ho rahe hain? Batate kyon nahin mujhe? Ab agar nahin pasand karti woh mujhe, to nahin karti. Lekin iske baare mein baat na karna kahan ki samajhdaari hai?”

“Ananya! Bhabhi to tumhein theek se jaanti bhi nahin hain. Unki pasand-napasand ka tumse koi lena-dena nahin hai.”

“Phir?”

“Woh ek bahut hi seedhi-saadi aurat hain. Unki duniya unke bete, unke pati, unke pariwaar tak seemit hai. Unke apno par koi aanch nahin aaye, isse zyada unhein kissi cheez se koi matlab nahin hai. And it is understandable. Hum sab chahte hain ki hamare apne safe rahein, khush rahein. Lekin iski wajah se shayad baaki ki duniya ko lekar woh koi responsibility feel nahin karti. Unhein mera kaam, meri zidd – sach ko saamne laane ki – kabhi samajh mein nahin aati thi. Aur jab Sudhir ji – I mean Papa – ke case mein unke bete ki jaan par khatra aa gaya to phir unhein is cheez se matlab nahin tha ki kiski galti hai, kiski nahin. Woh bas in sabse door rahna chahti thi. Itne saalon baad bhi unki woh feelings nahin gayi hain aur unki anxiety tumhare oopar bhi transfer ho jaati hai.”

“Hmm…”

“Lekin Ananya, na to ismein tumhari koi galti hai, na hi tum iske liye kuchh kar sakti ho. Kissi ki bhi galti nahin hai, koi kuchh nahin kar sakta hai. Aur isse koi farq nahin padta. Main to ghar jaata nahin.” He stopped for a moment and added with a smile, “Aur Ananya. Woh tumhari saas nahin hain. Tumhein unhein khush karne ke liye tension lene ki zaroorat nahin hai.”

She also smiled at that. “Sab kuchh clear hai na aapke dimaag mein? Kaise handle kar lete hain itni complications? Ek din mein Shreya, Malvika, Bhabhi, aur mujhe bhi?”

“Sab mera hi create kiya hua mess hai. Clear aur kaun karega?”

“Woh ghar aapke parents ka hai na? Jahan bhaiya-bhabhi rahte hain?”

“Haan. Kyon?”

“Aapko wahan jaane ka man nahin karta?”

“Diwaron se mujhe koi pyaar nahin hai, Ananya. Logon se main ab bhi pyaar karta hoon. Lekin us ghar ko meri koi zaroorat nahin hai.”

She knew how much it mattered to him. So she reiterated for him, “Lekin mujhe – aur meri family ko bhi – aapki bahut zaroorat hai.”

“Aur mujhe tumhari. Aur isliye tumhein apni zindagi mein rakhne ke liye, tumhein khush rakhne ke liye, main kissi ko bhi handle kar loonga.”

“Mujhe dar lagta hai kabhi-kabhi.”

“Kaisa dar?”

“Ki main utna pyaar deserve nahin karti jitna aap mujhse karte hain. Aur ek din aapko ye pata chal jayega–”

“Apni taareefein sunna chahti ho?”

“Kabir!”

“To phir tum kitna pyaar deserve karti ho, ye decision tum mujh par chhod do. Aur tum bas ye socho ki main kitna pyaar deserve karta hoon.”

“Achchha! Aap apni taarefein sunna chahte hain?”

“Nah! Mujhe pata hai ki main deserve karoon ya na karoon, jitna pyaar koi bhi kissi se kar sakta hai, usse zyada tum mujhse karti ho.”

She sat back, “Aapse baaton mein kab jeetungi?”

“Kabhi nahin. Ab chalo, jao apni desk par. Aaj hi office mein logon ko hamare baare mein officially pata chala hai. Kahin unhein ye na lagne lage ki hum kaam dhang se nahin kar rahe.”

“Kya ek din bhi Malvika ka departure celebrate nahin kar sakte?” Ananya feigned disappointment.

“Nahin, Ms. Kashyap. Go now.”

“Kitne khadoos hain aap,” she let out an exaggerated sigh, “Abhi se ye haal hai. Pata nahin shaadi ke baad kya karenge. Shakal bhi dekhnege meri ki nahin?”

He leaned back and grinned, “Shaadi ke baad, Ms. Kashyap, aapki shikayatein kuchh different hongi.”

“Kya different hongi?”

“Neend na poori hone ki.”

She blushed furiously as he had expected, then left without any retort. He couldn’t savor his victory though. The sudden change in her coutenance had reminded him how passionately she responded to him in bed.  And now he was taut with desire. But a long working day stretched before him. And the evening was booked with with her family and friends.

Could he possibly whisk her away for a while in between?

– The End –

When he came back, Mrs. Kashyap and Armaan quickly made their excuses and left him alone with Ananya. He led her to the balcony and held her in silence for a long time.

“Abhi tak ghabrai hui ho, Ananya.”

He wasn’t asking. She bowed her head and stared at the floor.

“Talk to me,” he urged.

She took his injured hand in hers and said, “Aapka haath to theek ho jayega. Lekin agar aaj aap nahin aate to…”

“To woh tumhara chehra kharaab kar deti. Use bharosa hai ki agar woh successful ho jati to hamein alag karne ka uska aim achieve ho jaata. Woh sure hai ki phir main tumse shaadi nahin karta.”

Ananya kept silent and stood with her eyes glued to the floor. He lifted her chin and made her look into his eyes.

“Kya tumhein bhi aisa hi lagta hai?” he asked.

Her eyes brimmed over. “Main kabhi khud ko aap par thop nahin sakti.”

“Ye maine nahin poochha, Ananya. Tum bahut khoobsoorat ho. Tum ye jaanti ho. Maine kaha hai tumse, auron ne bhi kaha hi hoga. Lekin khoobsoorat logon ki kami nahin hai duniya mein. Maine pyaar tumse kiya hai, Annie, tumhare chehre se nahin. Kya ye baat tum hamesha yaad rakhogi?”

She nodded. He bent and kissed her full on the lips.

“I love you, Ananya.”

She only hugged him tight in response.

“Chalo ab,” he said after a while, “Main bahut thak gaya hoon. Kal office bhi jaana hai. So jaate hain. Mere change karne ke liye kuchh kapde nikaal do.”

“Ma ke kamre mein honge–”

“Mujhe lagta nahin hai ki woh soyi hain. Lekin phir bhi dheeme se jana,” he said, smiling, and she nodded in understanding.

—

When Ananya came to the breakfast table, Armaan was already there and was speaking to their mother. “Ma. Waise mujhe khushi to bahut hai Didi ki shaadi ki. Lekin main use miss bhi bahut karunga.”

“Woh to hona hi hai,” Mrs. Kashyap replied.

“Kaun miss karega mujhe?” Ananya said as she sat down. Kabir also came there just then. “Main kya tum logon se alag rahne waali hoon?”

Mrs. Kashyap smiled, “To kya shaadi ke baad tu Kabir ko chhod kar yahan rahegi?”

“Nahin. Tum aur Armaan hamare saath rahoge. Kyon Kabir?”

“Of course. Aap log akele kaise rah sakte hain?” Kabir agreed.

Mrs. Kashyap looked from Ananya to Kabir and back, then said, “Aise thode hi na hota hai, Ananya. Hum log yahan theek hai.”

“Agar main tumhara beta hoti to bhi tum mere saath nahin rahti?”

“Ananya. Chhod abhi. Ye bahut major decision hoga. Baad mein baat karte hain. Baitho Kabir. Naashta thandha na ho jaye.”

“Lekin–” she stopped when she noticed Kabir. He silently motioned her to keep quiet.

Armaan left for school after quickly finishing his breakfast. Mrs. Kashyap resumed the conversation then.

“Ananya, meri baat sun. Main bete-beti mein farq nahin karti. Aur Kabir ko bhi maine dil se accept kiya hai. Mujhe tum logon ke saath rahne mein koi dikaat nahin hai. Lekin abhi to main itni boodhi ya kamzor nahin ho gayi hoon. Ye ghar chala sakti hoon. Armaan ka khayaal bhi rakh sakti hoon. Abhi main chahti hoon ki tum log apni nayi zindagi ki shuruat shaanti se karo, apne tareeke se jio. Mera yakeen kar, Ananya, jab Armaan ki shaadi hogi to main use bhi kahungi ki woh apni zindagi jiye. Rishte nibhane ka ye matlab nahin hai ki hum hamesha ek-doosre ke sar par chadhe rahein. Thodi duriyon se rishte zyada meethe hi hote hain. Haan – jab samay aayega ki main kamzor ya beemar pad jaungi, jab ye zaroorat hogi ki tum log mere paas raho, tab main ek baar bhi mana nahi karoongi. I promise.”

Ananya looked at Kabir.

“Tumhein sahi lage ya na lage, Ananya,” Kabir said after a while, “Lekin hamein Ma ki wishes ko respect karna chahiye. Hamein bhi unhein apne tareeke se unki life jeene deni chahiye.”

Ananya nodded, then asked, “Lekin ab ye to nahin kahogi na, Ma, ki meri salary nahin logi ya ghar ke kharche mujhe nahin chalane dogi?”

From the way her mother averted her eyes for a moment, Kabir knew that she had planned for exactly that. But she looked back smiling, “Nahin kahungi. Ab khush?”

—

“Mujhe yahan utaar to dijiye,” Ananya said when Kabir didn’t stop in front of the mall where she usually got down while coming to the office with him.

“Nahin, Ananya. Ab bahut ho gaya caution. Ek mahine mein hamari shaadi hone waali hai. Don’t you think it is time ki office mein bhi sab official ho jaye?”

“Haan. Ho to jaana chahiye. Bas Malvika mujhe naukri se na nikaal de.”

“I hope ki mujhe uske liye headmaster na play karna pade. Woh thodee maturity se kaam le aur mujhe uske Papa se baat na karni pade.”

“Good luck!”

Kabir ran into Ronnie and Richa on his way to Malvika’s office. They looked unnerved.

“Kya hua?” Kabir asked them.

“Malvika humse aapke aur Ananya ke baare mein poochh rahi thi.”

“Huh? Kyon aise? Achanak?”

“Agar aapko Malvika aur Shreya jaise logon se deal karna hai,” Richa said, “To tabloids padhan shuru kar dijiye. Usmein Shreya ki arrest ki news hai – poore details ke saath.”

“Hmm… Kya kaha tum logon ne use?”

“Maine bola ki aapki personal life ke baare mein unhein aapse poochhna chahiye,” Ronnie said, “She wasn’t happy.”

“Theek hai. Thanks, Ronnie. And sorry – hamari wajah se tumhein is pachde mein padna pada. I will handle it now.”

—

“Malvika?”

“Hi Kabir. Haath kaisa hai tumhara?”

“Theek hai, Malvika. Saari khabar rakhti ho tum.”

“Bade logon ke bade affairs. Khabar to rakhni padegi na.”

“Well…”

“And congratulations, Kabir. Tum apni personal life ko kuchh zyada hi secret rakhte ho.”

“Secret nahin, discreet rakhta hoon, Malvika.”

“Bas ek baat bata do. Aisa kya hai usmein?”

“Kuchh bhi nahin jo tumhein impress kare, Malvika. Hota to dikh jaata tumhein. Lekin hum sab different cheezein dhoondh rahe hote hain life mein. Jo mujhe chahiye woh Ananya mein hai. Aur jo tumhein chahiye, woh bhi kissi din tumhein ek sahi insaan mein mil jayega. Trust me, woh mujhme nahin hai.”

“Discreet, eh?” she laughed, then added, “Khair. Main kuchh soch rahi thi kai dinon se. Finally decision le liya hai. Main Singapore ja rahi hoon. KKN mein meri zaroorat nahin hai. Yahan ek capable team hai.”

“KKN mein har capable insaan ki zaroorat hai, Malvika. Lekin agar tumhein yahan satisfaction nahin mil raha hai, to tumhein zaroor kuchh aur try karna chahiye.”

“Yahi sahi. Tumhein kya lagta hai, kise handover karna chahiye mujhe operations?”

“I think tumhein pata hai,” he smiled.

“Ronnie.”

“Maine promotions waali meeting mein bhi kaha tha ki he is ready for more reponsibilities. Capable hai, dependable hai, smart hai, aur hard-working bhi.”

“Theek hai. To hum ek meeting mein promotions announce karte hain, aur wahin par mera jaana bhi.”

“Khalid se baat kar li hai?”

“Abhi hi kar leti hoon.”

—

To be continued

Rajvir Sharma shot a triumphant glance at his wife. She had not been elated that Kabir had deicded to marry Sudhir Kashyap’s daughter. “Us insaan ki wajah se hamare sar par bas museebatein hi aayi hain,” she had said.

When Rajvir had first heard about it, he had also felt anxious. Could his brother find no other woman? But after only a brief meeting with her, he had known that she was the woman for her. She possessed the same spark that he had so often noticed in his baby brother.

But Sandhya had been cribbing non-stop since Ananya had called to tell them about the accident. “Ab agar ye manhoosiyat nahin hai,” she had grumbled, “To aur kya hai?”

In Ananya’s distress at the potential danger Kabir faced and her insistence of being at his side, Rajvir found the most befitting reply to Sandhya’s objections.

“Nahin. Tumhein real khatra hai,” Kabir told Ananya, “Aur tumhein Dada aur Bhabhi ko ghar le jaana hai. Okay? Main thodi hi der mein wapas aa jaunga. Ma – hum sab log dinner ghar par karenge jaisa ki plan tha.”

Mrs. Kashyap nodded, although she shared her daughter’s concern.

“Ronnie. Sab log kaise aaye hain?”

“Cab se, Sir.”

“Tum car chala lete ho?”

“Car to nahin chalata main, Sir. Lekin kyon? Richa chalati hai.”

“Meri car mall mein khadi hai. Aur wahan bahar jo soft drinks ka stand hai, unko do water-bottles ke paise bhi dene hain. Tum aur Richa baaki logon ko cab mein bitha do. Aur meri car le kar ghar chale jao. Us bande ko paise bhi de dena.”

“Ji, theek hai.”

“Ananya. Spy cam?”

“Ji?”

“Tumhare purse hoga. Hamesha rahta hai,” he said, smiling.

Ananya was not amused. But she rummaged through the purse and handed him the camera.

“Jao Ananya. Sabko le kar jao. Dada aur Bhbhi thake hue bhi honge. Ghar par aaraam rahega. Aur Khurana. I think tumhein apni kissi female colleague ko bulana padega.”

Ananya was visibly reluctant, but she acquisced. After writing down Shreya’s address for Kabir, she left with the rest of them.

—

“Kabir! Tum yahan kaise?” Shreya feigned surprise on seeing Kabir at her door. But Kabir didn’t miss her quick glance at his bandaged hands.

“Mujhe laga ki tumhein meri chinta ho rahi hogi. To tumhein inform kar doon ki mujhe kuchh nahin hua.”

She sighed. “Andar aaoge?”

“Nahin. Yahin clear kar lete hain. Ananya par acid phenk kar kya achieve karna chahti thi tum?”

“Agar tum mere nahin hoge, Kabir, to main tumhein kissi aur ka bhi nahi hone doongi.”

“Uske liye to tumhein mujhe maarna padega, Shreya. Ananya par acid phenk kar tumhein kya milta?”

She smirked, “Kise bewkoof bana rahe ho, Kabir? Kya mujhe nahin pata hai ki why men like you go after younger women.”

He didn’t flinch and asked calmly, “To tumne Ananya par acid phenka taki uska chehra kharaab ho jaye aur main use chhod doon, right?”

“Haan. Aur agar woh tumse door nahin gayi to uska isse bhi bura haal hoga.”

“Wonderful. Khurana. Over to you,” Kabir announced and retreated, finally letting his anger and disgust show on his face.

On seeing Shreya’s blanched face at Khurana and a woman inspector emerging from their hiding place and her ineffective struggle to avoid arrest, Kabir felt a vicious pleasure whose intensity scared him. He needed to return to better people. He needed to feel tender, honest feelings. He needed to return to Ananya. He ignored Khurana’s offer of a ride back in the police jeep, ran to the main road and hailed a taxi.

—

“Ananya. Beta thoda paani aur la de,” Kabir heard Mrs. Kashyap’s voice on entering.

“Haan?” Ananya sounded startled. She had not been listening to the conversation going on in the room.

“Paani, Ananya. Jug mein paani khatam ho gaya hai.”

“Main la deta hoon,” Armaan said, but Ananya stopped him.

“Nahin. Main jaati hoon.”

But she forgot all about it as soon as she got up and spotted Kabir at the door. She ran to him. “Kitni der laga di aapne? Aap theek to hain? Dard to nahin ho raha phir se? Aapko pain-killers lete rahna hai–”

“Ananya!”

He regarded her. She was still in the saree and the makeup, although she looked nothing like the radiant princess he had seen stepping out of the mall. She was dishevelled and appeared shrunken.

“Main theek hoon. Really. Dekho. Aur ab chinta ki koi zaroorat nahin. Shreya custody mein hai.”

“Kaise?” Rajvir asked.

Kabir held Ananya’s hand walked where all of them were sitting.

“Use pata nahin tha ki mere saath police thi, chhipi hui. Aur usne confess kar diya ki usne hi acid phenka tha.”

“Ananya par?” Mrs. Kashyap asked.

“Plan wahi tha uska.”

“Lekin kitne din custody mein rahegi woh?” Ronnie asked.

“Abhi mujhe nahin pata. Lekin ab hamare paas proof hai aur hum use Ananya se door rakh sakte hain. Ab please hum sab dinner karein? Mujhe bahut bhookh lagi hai.”

“Haan. Zaroor. Tum baitho,” Mrs. Kashyap stood up, “Paani – are – Armaan tu hi paani le aa Kabir ke liye. Main bas paranthe senk deti hoon garam-garam. Phir hum dinner karte hain.”

“Main aapki help kar deti hoon,” Sandhya offered, but Mrs. Kashyap didn’t let her.

“Bilkul nahin. Pahli baar aap ghar aayi hain. Aur kaam hi kitna hai? Baaki ka khaana to taiyaar hi hai. Aap please baithiye.”

“Jiju, paani,” Armaan handed him a glass of cold water.

“Thank you, Armaan. Ananya, tablet bhi de do, please. Dard wakai wapas shuru ho raha hai.”

“Ji.”

—

“Aap sab log itne morose se kyon baithe hain,” Kabir said as they started eating, “Ananya, tum? Itna kharcha kar ke aayi ho parlour mein. Lekin aisi shakal par kaun sa makeup aur kaun si saaree achchhi lagegi, haan? Tumhein aise dekh kar to kissi ko bhi lagega ki woh tumhari shaadi ki nahin, kurbaani dene ki baat karne baithe hain. Isliye aap log is baare mein koi baat nahin kar rahe, right Dada? Ma?”

Everyone laughed and the atmosphere relaxed. To his relief even Sandhya joined the conversation in the right spirit. “Hum log poore time itne tense baithe rahe ki maine tumhein complement bhi nahin kiya, Ananya. Bahut achchi lag rahi ho tum.”

“Thank you, Bhabhi,” Ananya smiled and blushed, but Kabir felt that it wasn’t the unhesistant, genuine smile that reached her eyes and that made his heart flutter.

“To kab shaadi karna chahte ho tum log?” Rajvir asked.

Kabri only smiled in reply and Armaan answered for him, “Jaldi se jaldi. Hain na, Jiju?”

“Taiyaariyon mein thoda to time lagega,” Mrs. Kashyap said.

“Aur kya. Dhoom-dhaam se shaadi honi chahiye Ananya ki,” Richa added.

“Aapko aur Ananya ko jitni taiyaar chahiye,” Kabir said, looking first at Mrs. Kashyap, then at Ananya, “Utna hi kaafi hai. Mujhe koi taiyaariyan nahin chahiye, Ma. Main to court mein ya mandir mein bhi shaadi karne ko taiyaar hoon.”

“Muhurt to agle mahine kai hain,” Sandhya said, “Maine pata karwaya tha.”

“Theek hai. Ek mahine ka time rakh kar koi bhi date fix kar lete hain. Main kissi pandit se yahan baat kar loongi,” Mrs. Kashyap decided.

After they had finished dinner, Sandhya gifted a pair of gold earrings to Ananya.

“Iski kya zaroorat thi, Bhabhi?”

“Shagun ke hain, Ananya. Zaroorat nahin, shauk hota hai,” Rajvir said, “Hum apna shauk poora kar rahe hain.”

Mrs. Kashyap also had gifts for Kabir’s brother and sister-in-law. And after the usual drama of refusal, all the gifts were gracefully accepted by everyone.

Richa offered to drive Kabir and his family to his house, “Aap car chala nahin payenge shayad, Sir. Agar zaroorat ho to main drive kar sakti hoon.”

“Nahin Richa. Dard control mein hai. Aur koi dikkat nahin hai. Main drive kar loonga. Thanks for the offer, though.”

After Ronnie and Richa left, Kabir asked, “Dada, Bhabhi, ghar chalein?”

“Nahin Kabir. Mujhe subah office jaana hai. Tu hamein bas bus stop tak chhod de. Hum wapas jayenge.”

“Itni raat mein?”

“Buses bahut der tak chalti hain, Kabir. Mushkil se dedh ghante ka safar hai. Tu chinta mat kar.”

“Ab aapki zid hai to chahliye.” He saw Ananya looking at him with pleading, expectant eyes. “Ma,” he addressed Mrs. Kashyap, “Main abhi wapas yahin aaunga. Aap log sone to nahin ja rahe?”

“Nahin, Kabir.”

He saw Ananya relax, nodded at her almost imperceptibly and then went out.

—

To be continued

Ananya stopped in her tracks while stepping out of the mall. Her eyes widened in surprise. Kabir stood there, smiling.

“Kabir!” the voice barely escaped her throat. She had missed him for a week; still the intensity of her emotions on unexpectedly seeing him in front of her surprised her. She ran to him, unmindful of the careful pleats of her saree that her stylist had spent hours on, and hugged him with all her might. He reciprocated with the same passion and buried his face in her tresses as his hands wound tight around her.

She felt slightly embarrassed when she stepped back at last. They were in public and their embrace had been more intimate that she would have allowed in her right mind.

“Aap… aap to seedhe ghar aane waale the na?”

“Tumhein sabse pahle main khud dekhna chahta tha. Taiyaar hone ke baad.”

She chuckled, embarrassed, “Mera makeup to kharaab hi ho gaya hoga.”

“Mujhe bharosa nahi tha ki tum aur khoobsoorat lag sakti ho, lekin… Ek kaam karte hain. Shaadi ki baat nahin, shaadi hi kar lete hain.”

She blushed and looked away.

He let his hands gently caress her cheek, then said, “Do minute ruko. Main car nikaal kar laata hoon.”

She nodded.

He had taken a few steps and he sensed danger more than actually seeing the tall, hooded figure with a glass bottle in his hand.

“Ananya!” he screamed and made a dash for her.

He managed to push her in time to safety, but a splash of the liquid aimed at her face landed on the back of his hand instead.

He let out a cry of agony.

“Kabir! Kya hua? Kya hai ye?”

“Acid. Acid attack,” he hissed through his gritted teeth. The pain was unbearable.

For a few moments, Ananya lost her head and could not recall what she knew about the first aid for acid attack. But then she gathered herself together, looked around and spotted a stall selling soft drinks. He also had packaged water, neatly arranged on one side of the stall. She made a run for it and came back with two bottles ignoring the startled cry of the shopkeeper. She poured the water on his burning hands. It seemed to provide him some relief.

His scream had atracted the mall security.

“Ye acid hai,” Ananya pointed to the small pool of liquid on the floor to the befuddled security guard, “Dhyaan rakhiyega ki kissi se touch na ho jaye. And for God’s sake,” she suddenly took to shouting, “Ek cab bulaiye. Hamein hospital jaane ki zaroorat hai.”

Occasionally sprinkling water on his hands during the cab ride to the nearest hospital. She also made a call to Inspector Khurana telling him about the incident. He promised to meet them at the hospital immediately.

—

“Kabir? Ananya?” Mrs. Kashyap rushed into the emergency room, followed by Ronnie, Richa and Armaan. Inspector Khurana was already there.

“Ma!” Ananya had managed to stay calm till now, but on seeing her mother, all the fear she had kept suppressed came bubbling up. She fell into her mother’s embrace and sobbed like a child.

“Ananya!” Kabir called her, himself slightly dizzy from the pain as well as the strong pain-killer injections the doctor had administered him, “Tum Ma ko bekaar mein dara rahi ho. Chhota sa burn hai, Ma. Theek ho jayega thode dinon mein. Aur Ananya ko kuchh nahin hua hai.”

Ananya broked the embrace, but tears refused to obey her will and continued falling down her face, “Ma. Woh acid mer oopar phenka gaya tha. Kabir mujhe bachate hue…”

“Bas Ananya,” Kabir interjected again, “Tum baith jao, please. Tum shock mein ho.”

Looking listless, she obeyed and sat down on a chair nearby. Richa went to her and pressed her shoulders.

“Tum theek ho, Kabir?” Mrs. Kashyap finally got a chance to ask after the patient.

“Superficial burn hai. Jaldi hi theek ho jayega. Ananya abhi aise bachchon ki tarah ro rahi ahi. But usne bahut bravely sab handle kiya. Immediately paani daala mere burns par. Isliye zyada skin damage bhi nahin hua. The doctor was impressed.”

“Haan. Aur jo thoda bahut jo skin damage hai bhi woh ek simple skin grafting surgery se normal ho jayega,” Khurana added, “Doctor confident tha.”

“Bhagwaan ka lakh-lakh shukr hai, Kabir.”

“Are! Dada, Bhabhi? Aap log  kab se khade hain darwaaze par?” Kabir stood up on seeing the.

“Bas do minute se, Kabir. Tu theek hai?”

“Main bilkul theek hoon. Ananya ne bekaar mein aap sab logon ko phone kar ke pareshaan kar diya.”

“Ananya,” Kabir’s sister-in-law turned to her and asked sharply, “Tum abhi kah rahi thi ki attack tum par targeted tha.”

Ananya got up, wiping her eyes and replied, “Ji.”

“Kaun tha attacker phir?”

“Mujhe nahin pata.”

“Lekin aise attack to aksar ex-boyfriends hi karte hain.”

Anaya was startled at the accusation implied in that.

“Bhabhi, please. Ananya waise hi bahut pareshaan hai.”

“Ananya,” Inspector Khurana spoke now, “I understand ki tum pareshaan ho. Lekin jo baat Mrs. Sharma ne kahi hai, woh poori tarah galat nahi hai. Acid attackers ka most common profile yahi hota hai – jilted lover. Kya tumhein koi idea hai ki woh kaun ho sakta hai?”

Ananya looked from Khurana to Kabir and back, her face puzzled as if she was unable to comprehend what was going on.

“Baith jao, Ananya. Richa, please,” Understanding what was expected of her, Richa took Ananya’s hand and forced her back in a chair.

“Jilted lover to involved hai, Khurana,” Kabir said, “Lekin Ananya ka nahin.”

“Phir?”

“Ananya! Tum jaanti ho ki Shreya kahan rahti hai, right?” Kabir asked.

She nodded absently, then looked up with a start, suddenly realizing what he was implying. “Shreya? Lekin woh to koi… koi ladka tha na?”

“Jo bhi tha ya thi, usne jeans aur hooded sweatshirt pahan rakhi thi. Hoodie aur full-sleeves ke liye ye mausam thoda zyada warm nahin hai? Aur uski height… Mujhe uska address do.”

“Agar woh Shreya thi to I am sure hum mall ke CCTV footage se evidence nikaal lenge,” Khurana said

“Woh to karna hi hoga tumhein. Lekin main tumhein supporting evidence bhi dilwa deta hoon, Khurana. Ananya, address do please.”

“Aapne hi kaha tha na, Kabir, ki woh kitni khatarnaak hai. Agar woh acid attack kar sakti hai to—Please mat jaiye.”

“Ananya. Tumhein pata hai ki woh mere saath kuchh nahin karegi. Aur Khurana bhi hai mere saath. Address, please?”

“Main bhi chalungi aapke saath.”

—

To be continued

“Ma?” Kabir picked up the phone immediately when he saw the caller id.

“Kabir, kaise ho?”

“Ji. Main theek hoon. Aap– Koi problem hai kya?”

“Shreya…”

“Ma. Mera ek past hai. Ye sach hai aur ise main badal nahin sakta. Lekin mera bharosa kijiye ki maine Ananya se kuchh nahin chhipaya hai–”

“Main tumhein lekar pareshaan nahin hoon, Kabir. Woh video dekha maine.  Lekin Shreya – usne mujhe kitni aasaani se deceive kar diya tha. Woh bahut khatarnaak aurat hai, Kabir. Mujhe uski wajah se Ananya ke liye dar lag raha hai.”

He sighed and stayed silent for a moment. Then said, “Mujhe khud bhi yahi chinta hai. Aur mujhe aapki help chahiye. Kya aap kuchh dinon ke liye ye koshish kar sakti hain ki Ananya akeli zyada bahar na aaye-jaye. Har waqt main kahunga to bhadak jayegi. Aap kahengi to…”

“To bhi bhadkegi. Lekin koshish karoongi, Kabir.”

“Jab tak main hoon uske aas-paas tab tak koi chinta nahin hai, Ma. Lekin mujhe shayad–” He was interrupted by a knock on the door. “Maine ek meeting rakhi hui hai abhi. Main aapko baad mein phone karoon?”

“Theek hai, Kabir.”

—

“Guys! Hamari last story almost ready hai,” Kabir addressed his group of investigative reporters in the meeting, “Abhi next one week ke liye kissi ko hamari investigative stories ke liye field mein jaane ki zaroorat nahin hai. Kuchh leads hain, jo maine aap logon se individually discuss kiye hue hain. I want you all to do as much secondary research as possible. Kal se main ek hafte ke liye out of town hoon. I will be doing my bulletin from different cities for a week. Wapas aa kar, depending on the results of your research, we wiill pick up the next story to follow. Meanwhile, naye programmes ki wajah se hum thode understaffed hain. Naye recruits ko up to speed aane mein time lagega. So, if Manav wants any of you in the field for any stories, please cooperate with him.”

He answered questions some of the reporters had and then dismissed the meeting. Ananya stayed behind and charged at him.

“Ab mujhe meetings mein pata chalega ki aap bahar jaane waale hain?”

“Are, Ananya!” he held up his hands in front of him in a defensive gesture, “Bataya to tha tumhein ki ye plan discuss kar raha tha main Khalid aur Malvika ke saath.”

“Lekin aap kal hi ja rahe hain…” she suddenly lost her aggression and seemed close to tears.

“Hey!” he said softly, “I am sorry. Bas abhi-abhi dates finalize hui local teams ke saath coordinate kar ke.”

“Aapko do minute meeting se pahle time nikaal kar mujhe bata dena chahiye tha,” she said in a small voice.

“Tum meeting mein—“

“Rona aa raha tha mujhe. Kitni mushkil se maine control kiya. I know, Kabir, ki shayad ye over-reaction hai–”

“But I love it. Sorry, really, dekho kaan pakad kar bol raha hoon–”

She was startled and looked around, concerned. The glass walls of the cabin provided only so much privacy despite the frosted strips.

“Kya kar rahe hain aap?”

He brought his hands down and said, “Mera bhi tumhein chhod kar jaane ka zara bhi man nahin hai. Main tumhein bahut miss karoonga. I wish ki tum mere saath chal sakti. Shaadi ke baad tumhein chhod kar jaane ki zaroorat nahin padegi.”

“Aapne Ma se baat ki hai shaadi ke baare mein?”

“Main wapas aa kar Dada aur Bhabhi ko Ma se milwaunga. Unse baat kar li hai.”

Finally, she smiled.

“Ananya?”

“Ji?”

“Ghar chalogi?”

She knew that voice by now. Even in his simplest of the questions it coveyed his desires and demands unambiguously.

“Abhi?” she croked through her dried throat.

“Itna to hamare employers hamein owe karte hain. Main mall waale mod par rahunga. Tum dus minute baad nikalna.”

She nodded and left the cabin.

—

He propped himself up on his elbows and pushed a strand of hair away from her sweaty forehead. She was still caught in the post-coital haze and was breathing heavily.

“Ananya!” his sibilant voice poured in her ears like a the sonorous sound of water from a faraway river.

“Hmm..” she responded languidly, her eyes only half-open.

“Ek promise karogi?”

“Kya?”

“Meri absence mein please akele idhar-udhar mat jaana.”

Her eyes shot open.

“Aapko pata hai ki in moments mein main kitni kamzor ho jaati hoon aapke saamne. Isliye abhi bol rahe hain na?”

“Ananya! Main–”

“Kya tension hai? Shreya ko le kar pareshaan hain aap? Woh kya kar legi mera?”

“Kuchh nahin kar paayegi woh tumhara. Lekin meri aur Ma ki man ki shanti ke liye?”

“Ma se baat ki aapne is baare mein?” she frowned, the haze had completely disappeared now.

“Unhone mujhse baat ki. Please? Please is baare mein bahas mat karo?”

She pouted, but acquisced “Theek hai. Koshish karoongi.”

He bent down and bit her lower lips drawing a slight moan from her.

“I can’t have enough of you, Ananya,” he groaned as he positioned himself on top of her again, “Main pagal na ho jaun.”

—

“Hello, Mr. Sharma!” Ananya chirped on phone.

“Hello, Ms. Kashyap. Kahan hain aap?”

“Main parlour mein hoon.”

“Akele?”

“Offo. Nahin. Ronnie ne drop kiya tha.”

“Wapas kaise jaogi?”

“Cab kar loongi. Aapko kya lagta hai ki parlour mein paise kharch kar ke main scooter par dhool aur dhoop ke maze lene ke liye ghoomne jaungi?”

“Ronnie tumhara wait kar sakta tha na?”

“Mujhe abhi yahan ghanton lagne waale hain.”

“Ghanton? Irada kya hai tumhara?”

“Ki jab Bhaiya-Bhabhi ghar aayen to main thodee theek-thaak dikhoon.”

“Haan. Magar woh hamari shaadi ki baat karne aa rahe hain, shaadi karwane nahin.”

“Aapko kharche ki chinta ho rahi hai?”

Kabir let out a mock sigh. “Ab thodi chinta to karne padegi na, Ananya. Shaadi karne ja raha hoon tumse.”

Ananya replied in the same vein, “Wahi to. Mujhe bhi tab tak hi jitni pampering karwani hai apni karwa leni hai. Shaadi ki baad kaun papmper karne waala hai?”

Kabir smiled, “Tumhein main saari zindagi pamper karoonga, Ananya.”

She also smiled, “I know.”

“Achcha batao. Kaun se parlour mein ho? Kahan hai ye?”

“Kyon?” she teased, “Aap mujhe follow karwayenge? Kyonki main akeli hoon yahan?”

“Ananya!” Kabir was mildly irritated, “Bas aise hi poochh raha hoon. Maine tumhein kabhi follow nahin karwaya. Bas Armaan aur Ronnie ki help li thi.”

“I know, Kabir. Mazaak kar rahi thi. Office ke paas waale mall mein hoon. Wahan top floor par parlour hai. Thoda mehanga hai. But kabhi-kabhi to indulge kar sakte hain na?”

“Tum jab chaho indulge kar sakti ho. Chalo, mere airport ke liye nikalne ka time ho raha hai. Milte hain shaam mein?”

“Aap airport se seedhe ghar pahunchenge?”

“Haan. Dada aur Bhabhi bhi seedhe wahin pahunchenge.”

“Bye Kabir.”

“Bye sweetheart.”

—

To be continued

“Tum? Yahan kya karne aayi ho?”

“Andar to aane do, Kabir.”

“I don’t think so. Jao yahan se.”

“Please. Mujhe tumse kuchh baat karni hai. Ek baar, please?”

He wasn’t persuaded by Shreya’s pleading, but he feared that she will create a scene if he didn’t let her in. Reluctantly, he stepped aside.

“You have done so well in your career, Kabir. I feel so proud of you.”

He didn’t respond, instead just stood before her with folded hands and regarded her coolly.

“I know your predilection for your young subordinates, Kabir. But I still love you.”

“Tum mujhse kya expect kar rahi ho, Shreya?”

“Let’s get back together, Kabir. Hum saath rahenge to kya kuchh nahin kar sakte hain. I have so many plans. A new channel. Our own. Mere contacts aur paise, aur tumhara journalistic talent. We are a formidable combination, Kabir.”

“Isliye tum wapas Delhi aayi?”

“Sirf tumhare liye.”

“Aur Ananya ko hamare raaste se hatane ki koshish kar rahi ho?”

“Woh hamare raaste se hat chuki hai.”

“Ananya meri fiancee hai.”

“Uski Ma tumhari shaadi kabhi nahin hone degi.”

“Kyonki tumne unke kaan bhar diye hain.”

“Bas tumhari sachchai batayi hai.”

“Hamara beta?”

“Ek chhota sa jhooth to banta hai love and war mein, Kabir.”

“Aur tumhein aisa kyon lagta hai ki main in sabse bahut khush hoon?”

“Come on, Kabir. Woh bachchi hai tumhare saamne. You are no more over me than I am over you. Tum Ananya ko us farmhouse mein nahin lekar gaye the jiske baare mein maine tumhein bataya tha?”

“Tum hamein follow karwa rahi thi?”

“Love and war, Kabir!”

“Agar Ananya tumhein us din pub se nahin le jaati to? Kaise dosti karti tum usse?”

“Tumhein pata hai Kabir ki mujhe jo chahiye hota hai woh main haasil kar leti hoon. Ananya se milne ka woh pahla plan nahin tha. Aur unsuccessful hota to aakhiri bhi nahin hota.”

“I am impressed, Shreya. So you still love me?”

“Itna sab maine kiske liye kiya?”

“Ye sab to tumne apni marzi se kiya, Shreya. Kya tum mera ek test dene ko taiyaar ho?”

“Koi bhi test le lo, Kabir.”

“Baitho. Main aata hoon.”

She sat down on the sofa, while Kabir went inside the bedroom.

On coming back he tossed something at her which made her jump up. It was a pistol. Before she could recover, she found him pointing another one at her.

“I play a fair game, Shreya. Pistol tumhare paas bhi hai. Safety latch off hai. Loaded hai. I want to kill you. Lekin tum mujh par pahle goli chala do to bach sakti ho.”

Shreya tried to talk some sense to him, but not before pointing her pistol at him. “Ye kya pagalpan hai, Kabir?”

“Love and war, Shreya. Dono hi pagal hote hain. Ek kaam karte hain. Hum coordinate kar ke fire karte hain. Dono log saath hi mar jaate hain. Saari great love stories ka yahi end hota hai. You know, Romeo and Juliet, Shiri-Farhad…”

“Kabir. Main tumhare saath jeena chahti hoon, marna nahin chahti.”

“Saath mein to ab mar hi sakte hain, Shreya. Jeena hai to chala do goli mujh par. Main teen tak ginta hoon aur tumhein pahla mauka deta hoon. Ek… Do…”

“Nahiiin!” Kabir didn’t know the source of the scream for a moment. Shreya had pressed the trigger and — Ananya was standing in front of him, shielding him from the bullet she expected to come his way.

“Ananya!” he turned her around and drew her sobbing form in his arms. “It’s okay. You are safe. We are safe. Pistols loaded nahin hai. Calm down. I’m sorry.”

He threw his pistol aside. Ananya recovered, but still continued to lean on him for support. Shreya was bewildered and stared wide-eyed at the scene unfolding before her.

Kabir helped Ananya to the sofa, then faced Shreya.

“I can’t die with you, Kabir,” Shreya said, scared but stubborn.

“And Ananya can die for me,” he hissed as he closed in on her, “So leave now. And leave both of us alone. Warna ab mujhe bhi games play karne aate hain, Shreya. It won’t end well for you.”

He came back to sit beside Ananya after seeing Shreya out of his house and bolting the door behind her. Ananya wasn’t crying, but was still shaken. He gathered her in his arms and she clung to him.

“Mujhe aapse jhagda nahin karna chahiye tha,” she said, her voice trembling, “Lekin main aapko chhod kar nahin gayi thi. Bas… I am sorry. Maine aap par bina soche-samjhe gussa kiya.”

“It’s okay. It’s okay, Ananya. Clam down.”

“Kya aap mujhse… Do you still love me?” She looked up, fearful.

“Pagal ladki. Ek baar gusse mein jhagda ho gaya to kya main tumse pyaar karna band kar doonga?”

She held him even tighter and mumbled, “Sorry.”

“Taali ek haath se nahin bajti. I am also sorry. Mujhe patiently deal karna chahiye the isse. Lekin zindagi, hopefully, lambi hai, Ananya. Abhi to aise kitne jhagde honge,” he made her look up at him and smiled, “Kabhi main tumhein manaunga, kabhi tum mujhe manana – nahin? – achchha main hi manaunga.”

She couldn’t help chuckling.

“Har chhote-mote jhagde se rishte khatam hone lagein to duniya bahut unbearable ho jayegi. Waise itni raat ko tum aayi kaise?” he suddenly remembered.

She just smiled, looking embarrassed.

“Scooter se? God! Ananya. Tum– Kya apni jaan dene ka soch kar nikli thi? Raaste mein bach gayi to yahan kood gayi pistol ke saamne.”

“Mujhe kya pata tha ki woh khali hai?”

“Yahi to baat hai na, Ananya,” his voice grew tender and reflective, “Tumhein nahin pata tha ki woh khali hai. Tum meri jaan bachane ke liye…” Rest of the words got stuck in his throat.

When Ananya looked at him, she had to avert her eyes. His amorous, yet fond gaze gave her goosebumps.

“Bedroom mein chalogi, Ananya?”

She knew what he wanted, but she couldn’t find her voice. She could only respond by nodding.

—

When he pulled up the car in front of her later at the night, they were both reluctant to let go. They remained seated in the car for a long time.

“Let’s get married,” Kabir said finally.

“Ma phir se tension mein hain aapko lekar. Shreya ne pata nahin unhein…”

“Taking a leaf from your book,” he grinned, “Maine ye lagaya hua tha aaj usse baat karte hue.” He held his hands out.

“Spy cam?”

“Spy cam. Ma ko dikha dena. I think it should be sufficient.”

She shook her head smiling, “I don’t believe it. Aapko pata tha ki woh aane waali hai.”

“Nahin. Lekin I am ready enough a reporter. Tha ek mere paas. Bas use sahi direction mein point karne ki zaroorat thi. Woh pistol waala part nahin hai recorded. So Ma won’t freak out.”

“Waise ye kya stunt soojha aapko bhi, Kabir? Aise pistols nikaalne ka?”

“She brings out the worst in me, Ananya.”

“Phir bhi–”

“Main use batana chahta tha ki uska obsession aur uski loneliness mere liye uska pyaar nahin hai. Tumne aur zyada achchhe se samjha diya.”

Ananya shook her head, unconvinced.

“I know, I know,” he conceded, “Dubara nahin hoga.”

“Aapke paas do pistols hain kyon?”

“Kabhi investigation karte-karte mil gaye the. Khali the, Ananya. Ab maaf kar do, please?”

“Theek hai,” she pouted.

“Aur Ananya!”

“Ji.”

“Tum bhi dekh lena woh clip.”

“Mujhe dekhne ki zaroorat nahin hai, Kabir. Mujhe aapki baat par kabhi shaq karna hi nahin chahiye tha–”

“No. Ananya. I want you to see it. Agar nahin dekhogi to mujh par to bharosa karogi, lekin ye bharosa nahin hoga tumhein ki Shreya kis hadd tak ja sakti hai. Aur mujhe dar hai ki woh chup nahin baithegi. So I want you to be prepared for it.”

She reached over the gearbox and gave him an awkward hug. “Aap bahut achchhe hain. Agar maine phir aapse kabhi jhagda kiya na to whack me on the head. Taki meri akal thikaane aa jaye.”

“Actually,” Kabir tapped his chin as if thinking seriously, “I think main jhagda hone doonga. Kyonki make-up waala part better hai.”

“Kabir!”

He gave her a quick peck on the lips and smiled. “Good night, sweetheart.”

“Good night, Kabir.”

—

To be continued

“Hey Richa!” Ananya called her friend, “Yahan hain hum.”

“Wow, Ananya! New dress, eh? Achcha to ye hain teri dost…” Richa’s voice drowned as she took in Shreya’s face, “Ananya ye…”

“Shreya. Shreya, ye hai Richa. Meri bachpan ki dost aur ab colleague bhi.”

“Hi Richa,” Shreya offered her hands, “Nice to meet you.” Richa took her hand and shook it weakly. Her face had gone pale.

“Ananya. Ek minute, tujhse baat karni hai.”

“Kya hua?”

“Please mere saath aa. Akele mein baat karni hai tujhse,” Richa dragged her.

“Are Richa. Wait. Dekh Kabir idhar aa rahe hain. Mujhe bas ek minute de…”

She shook herself free and went back.

“Kabir!”

Kabir shot her a lovelorn look and came closer. “Not bad, Ms. Kashyap,” he whispered in her ears, “I could eat you up right now.”

She gently pushed him away reminding, “Hum office party mein hain.”

When no rejoinder came she looked up to find him looking stiff and pale. She followed his eyes and found Shreya just behind them.

“Are haan. Kabir ye–”

“Tum! Tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?” Kabir ignored Ananya and growled at Shreya.

Confused, Ananya looked from one to the other.

“Kabir!” Shreya barely managed to whisper.

“Aap dono ek-doosre ko jaante hain?”

“Haan,” Kabir looked at Ananya angrily, “And I am not happy ki main ise jaanta hoon. Tum is party mein kya kar rahi ho, Shreya.”

“Kabir, please! Ye meri guest hain.”

“Tumhari?” Kabir was shocked.

Ananya hadn’t realized that Richa had followed her until she heard her whispering in her ear from behind, “Yahi bata rahi thi main tujhe. Shreya Kabir Sir ki ex-wife hai. Isse kahan mili tu?”

All color drained out of Ananya’s face on hearing that.

“Kabir! Kya kar rahe ho tum? Go and make your speech,” Malvika barged in.

“Malvika. Thodi der–”

“Bahur der ho chuki hai, Kabir. Plesae. Main kab se tumhein dhoondh rahi hoon.”

Glaring more at Ananya than Shreya, Kabir left.

Malvika noticed Shreya then.

“Shreya Sharma?” Her eyes widened in surprise.

“Shreya Bhagat,” Ananya said absently.

“I reverted to my maiden name,” Shreya muttered to Ananya, “I’m sorry, Ananya. I had no idea Kabir was your boss.”

Ananya was too bewildered to respond. But Malvika was not going to let go of an opportunity to take her to the task.

“Tum layi ho ise yahan? Ananya? Tumne logon ko outrage karne ka theka le rakha hai kya? What does it mean to invite your boss’ ex-wife to the office party?”

Ananya didn’t feel like explaining anything to Malvika. She tried to focus on Kabir addressing the gathering, congratulating the team of the channel achieving number one position, exhorting them to let their hair down for the party, but to get back to work the next day. But his words were blurred in the party noise. She was too far from him.

“Ananya,” she came to herself on hearing Shreya’s voice, “Main nikalti hoon. I am really sorry.”

“If this doesn’t opens Kabir’s eyes,” Malvika said threateningly, “I don’t know what will.” Then she walked away.

“Ananya!” Richa pressed her shoulders.

“Richa. Yaar maine kuchh jaan-boojh kar thode hi na kiya. Aur itni badi bhi kya baat ho gayi. Woh log divorced hain. Apne-apne raaste par ja rahe hain. Aamne-saamne aa jaana koi gunaah thode hi na hai.”

“Tu Kabir Sir se baat kar le ek baar. Achanak se dekha hoga unhone to–”

Kabir had finished speaking and Ananya saw him stepping out. She rushed after him.

“Kabir!”

“Kya professional life ke khatre tumhare liye kaafi nahin hain, Ananya. Jo ab tum dost bhi aise logon ko banane lagi ho? Bina unke baare mein kuchh jaane?”

“Aap please mujh par chillana band karenge? Mujhe nahin maaloon tha–”

“Aur woh tumhare ghar ja chuki hai? Kissi ko bhi ghar le jaogi tum? Kabhi kuchh poochha usse ki kaun hai woh?”

“Mujhe maaloon tha ki woh divorcee hain, lekin ab kya main har kissi se ye poochhti phiroon ki aap Kabir Sharma ki ex-wife hain kya?”

“Na to tumhein apne doston ke baare mein kuchh pata hota hai, na hi mere baare mein.”

“Kabir, please! Aapne kya mujhe photo dikhayi thi? Main tabloids follow nahin kar rahi thi aapke divorce ke samay. Jitna aapne bataya hai apne baare mein utna mujhe pata hai.”

“Good. To ab please door raho us naagin se.”

Ananya herself knew that her friendship with Shreya could not continue. But the way Kabir demanded it made her flare up.

“Main khud decide karoongi ki kisse door rahna hai mujhe aur kisse nahin. Aur aapne kya mujhe sab sach sach bataya tha? Bola tha na maine aapse ki aapki responsibilities ke raaste mein nahin aaungi. To aapne kyon nahin bataya mujhe ki Shreya aur aapka ek beta hai.”

“What? Ye kya bakwaas hai? Hamara koi bachchha nahin hai.”

“Mujhe nahin pata ki aap mujhse jhooth bol rahe hain ya khud se. Shreya divorce ke samay preganant thi.”

“Ye usne bola tumse?”

“To?”

“To ye ki main uski rag-rag se waakif hoon. Woh tumhare saath mess up kar rahi hai.”

“Use pata bhi nahin hai ki hamara rishta kya hai. Abhi bhi woh yahi samajhti thi ki aap mere boss hain, bas. Woh mere saath mess up kyon karegi?”

“Use kya pata hai, kya nahin, ye tum kaise jaanti ho?”

“Is paranoia ka koi jawaab nahin hai.”

“Main ek baar us aurat se deal kar chuka hoon, Ananya. Agar tum bhi usi ki zubaan bolna shuru kar dogi to main tumse deal nahin kar paunga.”

“Theek hai, phir. Koi zaroorat nahin hai aapko mujhse deal karne ki.”

She left in a huff.

—

“Ananya? Beta tu theek hai? Maine kitni baar phone kiya tujhe?” Mrs. Kashyap looked worried when she opened the door for her daughter.

“Phone silent tha, Ma. Kya hua? Tum aise kyon poochh rahi ho?”

“Ananya!”

Shreya was waiting for her in the hall.

“Aap?”

“I’m so, so sorry, Ananya,” she came to her and gave her a hug, “Mujhe koi idea nahin tha ki Kabir was your boss. Aur abhi-abhi Auntie se pata chala ki you and Kabir… Main bas yahan sorry kahne aayi thi. And if there is anything I can do to clear the air–”

“It’s okay. Thank you, Shreya. Aapki galti nahin thi.”

“Will you be fine, Ananya?”

“Yes.”

“Main chalti hoon.”

Mrs. Kashyap bolted the door after Shreya and turned to her daughter. “Jo Shreya kah rahi hai woh sach hai kya, Ananya? Woh Kabir ki ex-wife hai?”

“Usne aapse is baare mein baat ki?”

“Woh bahut pareshaan thi. Maine use baat karne par majboor kiya, Ananya. Aur mere liye bhi to ye sab janna zaroori hai.”

“Haan to theek hai na, Ma. Kya farq padta hai ki Shreya unki ex-wife hai ya koi aur…”

“But she is a wonderful woman. Usne jo mujhe bataya uske divorce ka reason, mujhe laga ki woh sach kah rahi thi.”

“Ma–”

“Aur uska beta?”

“Ma. Main bahut thaki hui hoon. Kal baat karein, please?”

“Ananya. Bas ek baat. Main is baat se inkaar nahin kar rahi ki Kabir ne hamare liye bahut kuchh kiya hai. Lekin ek jeevan saathi mein professional competence se zyada important hota hai uska personal moral. Ye dhyaan rakhna, Ananya.”

She nodded non-commitally and locked herself in her room.

Kabir was right about Shreya, she realized. She had come straight to her home and had blabbered everything before her mother. What was she hoping for if not to drive a rift between them? Ananya still had difficulty believing that it could all be a part of a plan, but as she realized that she was utterly wrong in accusing Kabir, a cold fear gripped her. Till now she was occupied with her anger towards him, but now she wondered what Kabir’s reaction would be. It was bad enough that he had come face to face with Shreya so unexpectedly. To top that she herself had accused him of lying instead of supporting and believing him.

“I’m sorry, Kabir,” she broken down and sobbed.  How disappointed he must be in her. After all he had done for her. All their happy moments played like a movie before her eyes. Kabir’s first day in the office, Kabir challenging her, Kabir complementing her, Kabir offering to drop her home, Kabir blurting that he loved her, Kabir proposing her on his knees, Kabir taking her for dinners and to the farmhouse, Kabir insisting on buying her a new dress and now…

—

To be continued

“This is wonderful, Kabir! Aapko is jagah ka pata kaise chala.”

“Reporter hoon, thoda to credit do.”

She leaned on him, smiling, as they walked around through the greenery. He had brought her to a farmhouse owned by a middle-aged couple, who served lunch to a small number pre-booked customers, all made from the organic produce of the farm. The customers were then free to spend the rest of the day on the property.

“Kaafi dinon se socha tha ki tumhein yahan launga, lekin…”

“Lekin?”

“Kabhi meri hichkichahat, kabhi tumhari naaraazgi, kabhi kaam…”

“I know. Kabhi-kabhi mujhe lagta hai ki kitna achchha hota agar hum Jane Austen ke novels ke characters jaise hote. Gentlemen and ladies of leisure. Jinhein kaam karne ki zaroorat nahin hoti thi.”

Kabir laughed, “Agar hum us duniya mein rah rahe hote, Ananya, to mere aur tumahre jaise log aristocracy ka part nahin hote. Hum shayad un logon ke ghar mein 24/7 kaam kar rahe hote, ya unke farmer tenant hote.”

“Offo! Aap bhi na. Kabhi romantic dreams ka bhi mazaa lena chahiye. Ye kya communist manifesto le kar chalu ho gaye.”

“Achchha–”

Her phone ringing interrupted them.

“Sorry. Pick kar leti hoon. Kahin kuchh important na ho.”

“Go ahead.”

“Hello… Kaun? Oh, right. Haan. Ji… Maine pahchaan gayi… Nahin, nahin koi baat nahin… Aaj to main shahar se bahar hoon… Main aapko wapas aa kar phone karti hoon? Okay… Sure. Bye. No problem. See you!”

“Kaun tha?”

“Woh bataya tha na ek aurat kal raat mein akeli thi pub mein, jise hotel chhoda tha hum logon ne. Woh thanks bolne ke liye phone kar rahi thi aur milna chahti thi.”

“Kyon?”

“I don’t know. Shayad mil kar thanks bolna chah rahi ho.”

“Fans bahut hain tumhare, Ananya.”

“Look who is talking!”

He laughed and embraced her.

“It was really good of you to help her even though she was a stranger. I am proud of you, Ananya.”

—

“Ms. Bhagat??”

“Hi Ananya. Thank you so much for coming.”

“Not a problem.”

“And please call me Shreya.”

They were meeting in a coffee shop. So they placed their orders before continuing their conversation.

“Mujhe pata nahin tumhein thanks kaise bolun us din…”

“Uski koi zaroorat nahin hai. Kabhi na kabhi hum sab ko help ki zaroorat padti hai.”

“That’s so sweet of you. Agar duniya mein sab log itne sweet hote to…”

“Kya baat hai?”

“Rahne do. Main apni sob story se tumhein pareshaan nahin karna chahti.”

“Aap Delhi mein rahti nahin hain? Kissi kaam se aayi hain?”

“Main wapas aayi hoon kai saal baad. Abhi ghar ka decide nahin hua hai, isliye hotel mein rah rahi hoon. Ek-aadh hafte mein hopefully kahin shift kar jaungi.”

“That’s good. Aapki family yahan hai? Ya job ke liye aayi hain?”

“Neither! Bas khud ko khojte hue yahan aayi hoon.”

“Aapke koi friends nahin hain yahan?”

“Kabhi the bhi to ab nahin hai. Tumhein kya lagta hai ki main akeli baith kar drink kyon kar rahi thi?”

“I’m sorry. Lekin phir aap yahan aayi kyon hai?”

“Apni zindagi dhoondhne. I admit ki shuruat achchhi nahin rahi. Lekin you saved me. Will you be my friend?”

Ananya smiled despite her hesitation, “Why not?”

“Tum job karti ho?”

“Ji. Main ek reporter hoon.”

“How wonderful! Bahut hectic job hai na?”

“Hectic to hai. But I enjoy my job. To theek hai.”

“To phir tum hi apne schedule ke hisaab se bata do ki hum dinner karne kab ja sakte hain.”

“Ji?”

“Meri itni help karne ke liye main tumhein ek baar dinner par to le hi ja sakti hoon. Aur ab to dosti bhi pakki karni hai.”

“Well… Theek hai. Maine batati hoon aapko.”

—

“Woh bahut lonely hain,” Ananya told her friends about Shreya, her new friend, “She is a divorcee aur unka ek six-years old beta hai, jise woh US mein apni sister ke saath chhod kar aayi hain.”

“Aur tu Agony Aunt hai,” Ronnie teased her.

“Aur tu devil’s advocate!” she replied back.

“Tere bhale ke liye kah raha hoon. Ab kya Kabir ko chhod kar apni ye nayi dost ke saath dinners par jayegi.”

“Kabhi-kabhi mil loongi, kya farq padta hai? Tu chhod. Chal chai peene chalte hain.”

“Tu apni is friend ko hamare saath hi hang out karne ke liye kyon nahin invite karti?” Richa asked.

“Bola tha maine, yaar. But she is so self-conscious. Woh nahin aana chahti zyada logon ke beech.”

“Tere ghar to gayi thi na, lekin?”

“Haan. Ma se khoob baatein bhi ki. Ma ko kaafi impress bhi kar diya usne.”

“I think use kissi counsellor se milna chahiye.”

“Mujhe bhi aisa hi lagta hai. Lekin aisi advice delicately deni hoti hai. I will try to slip it in sometime.”

—

“Nahin. Iske liye to aapko aana hi hoga, Shreya. Main kuchh nahin jaanti. Agar aap sach mein mujhe apna dost maanti hain to aap mere saath aayengi. Maine aapko guest ki tarah include bhi karwa diya hai…. Right. That’s good. Aapko logon se milne-julne ki zaroorat hai aur mere office ke log sab bahut cool hain. Aapko achchha lagega.”

“Kisse baatein ho rahi hain?” Kabir came to her room.

“Wahi meri nayi, depressed, sociophobic friend. Main use office ki party mein bula rahi hoon.”

“Good. Usse milne to padega hi. Mujhe to jealousy hone lagi hai usse. Kitni care karti ho tum uski?”

“Ab aap bhi Ronnie aur Richa ki tarah meri taang kheechenge?”

“Kyon nahin? Mujhe to lagta hai ki mera zyada hi haq hai tum par.”

“Aapse baaton mein nahin jeet sakti. Achchha bataiye, maine party mein kya pahnoon?”

Kabir pretended to consider the dresses she had laid out, then made a face.

“Aapko koi pasand nahin aa rahi inmein se?”

“Kuchh naya khareedne ki zaroorat hai.”

“Ab main abhi nayi dress nahin khareedne waali. Office party hi hai koi–”

“Main gift karoon phir bhi nahin?” his voice suddenly changed, hoarse and intimate.

“Aap–” she blushed and moved away.

“Chalo.”

“Kahan?”

“Dress khareedne.”

“Really?”

“Tum itni surprised kyon ho? Main kya tumhein shopping karane nahin le ja sakta?”

“Kabir,” she grew emotional, “Papa ki jaane baad… Aisi pampering ki aadat nahin rahi.”

“Hey!” he cupped her face, “To ab aadat daal lo. Haan?”

She blinked back her tears and nodded, smiling.

—

To be continued

Mrs. Kashyap tearfully hugged her daughter, then Kabir.

“Maine tumhein samajhne mein galti ki thi, Kabir. Teri choice ko samajhne mein galti ki thi, Ananya. Lekin agar Sudhir hote, to unhein teri choice par bahut garv hota.”

“Jiju to Papa ki choice the hi na, Ma,” Armaan added, leaning affectionately on Kabir’s hands.

Kabir spoke at last, “Mere oopar bharosa karne ke liye, aur mujhe is family mein accept karne ke liye, thank you Mrs…” he stopped and smiled before rectifying himself, “Ma!”

Mrs. Kashyap wiped her tears.

“Ab yahin khade rahoge kya tum log? Andar aao. Maine dinner banati hoon. Aur tere dost bhi aayenge na, Ananya?”

“Main unhein phone kar deti hoon, Ma, ki office se nikal kar yahin aa jayen.”

“Uski zaroorat nahin hai, Ananya,” Richa’s voice startled them, “Hamein to aaj yahan aana hi tha.” She went forward and hugged her childhood friend.

Then she turned to Kabir and said, “Maine aapse kabhi maafi nahin maangi, Sir. Maine aapko bahut galat samjha tha aur isliye Ananya ka bhi jeena haraam kar diya tha–”

“Uski zaroorat nahin hai, Richa. Mujhe khushi hai ki Ananya ke dost uski itni fikr karte hain.”

“I know ki main dubara poochh raha hoon, lekin kya main aur Armaan kuchh credit le sakte hain hamesha Kabir Sir ki tarafdaari karne ke liye?” Ronnie asked with a raised eyebrow and everyone laughed.

—

“Kya main aaj yahan ruk sakta hoon?” Kabir asked Mrs. Kashyap after everyone else had left.

“Aise formalities kar ke mujhe embarrass mat karo, Kabir. Tum yahan shift ho sakte ho, chaho to. Main tumhare change karne ke liye kapde nikaalti hoon.”

Later Mrs. Kashyap and Armaan retired to their rooms and Kabir and Ananya were finally left alone.

“Balcony mein chalte hain. Abhi wahan achchha lagega,” Ananya said.

Kabir followed her. He put his arms around her and they stood together for a long time.

“Aaj kya bolun Kabir? Kuchh bhi bolungi to sufficient nahin hoga.”

“Kuchh mat bolo, Annie,” he replied unthinkingly, then hesitated, “Kya main tumhein–”

“Bula sakte hain. Aapko haq hai. Papa ke baad sirf aapko haq hai.”

“Woh tumse bahut pyaar karte the,” Kabir said, “Aur main jaanta hoon ki unki kami kabhi poori nahin ho sakti. Lekin Annie, maine poori koshish karoonga ki tumhari life mein pyaar ki koi kami na rahe.”

She spoke after a pause, “Let’s get married, Kabir. Main aapse door nahin rahna chahti ab.”

“Chalein abhi? Kissi mandir mein? Koi pandit to uth hi jayega thode paise zyada denge to.”

She chuckled, “Nahin. Aur teenage harquatein karne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Ma karwa dengi hamari shaadi. Aur Bhaiya-Bhabhi ko bhi to hona chahiye.”

“Dada aur unki family to agle week wapas aa jayenge. Ma ko bolo ki jaldi karwa dein shaadi hamari.”

“Jab tak maine mention nahin kiya tha, aapne ek baar bhi baat nahin chhedi thi shaadi ki. Abhi itni jaldbaazi ho gayi hai aapko.”

“Tumhari Ma ko freak out nahin karna chahta. Isliye you have no idea ki mujhe kitni jaldbaazi hai.”

“Kabir?” she suddenly became serious.

“Kya hua?”

“Shaadi ke baad… Kya Ma aur Armaan hamare saath rah sakte hain?”

He frowned and Ananya grew nervous.

“Plan B kya hai tumhara?” he asked, “Kya woh log Sunny aur Baby ke saath rahenge?”

“Kabir! Jaan nikaal di thi aapne meri thodi der ke liye.”

“Ananya. Main bahut possessive hoon tumhein le kar. Tumhari har cheez ab meri hai. Relations bhi, responsibilities bhi, aur ye smile bhi… Aur khaas kar ke ye smile main kissi ke saath share nahin kar sakta. Exclusively for me.”

He closed in and pressed his lips against hers. Her arms went around him and rubbed his back. A low moan escaped her throat when he kissed her neck.

“Kabir. Mere kamre mein chalte hain,” she said in a sibilant voice.

“Nahin,” he stopped, panting, “Nahin. Aise nahin, Ananya.”

She looked embarrassed and he clarified, “Itna old-fashioned nahin hoon. Lekin yahan abhi Ma hain, Armaan hai. Main koi embarrassing situation nahin khadi karna chahta.”

“Yahi to sabse achchhi baat hai aapki, Kabir. Main aap par depend kar sakti hoon. For doing the right thing.”

“For you, Ananya, I try. Chalo ab tum apne kamre mein jao. So jao. Aur main apne, I mean Armaan ke kamre mein.” He kissed her on forehead and led her back into the house.

—

Ananya entered Kabir’s cabin in the evening and slumped on the chair with a loud sigh.

He looked up and smiled, “Kya hua? Tired?”

“Exhausted. Jab se RG Pharma ki story air hui hai, main khud news ban gayi hoon, reporter ki bajay.”

“Kal tumhara off day hai, right? Main bhi off le leta hoon. Aur tumhein is duniya se door kahin le chalta hoon. Relax karne ke liye,” he grinned.

“Achchha! Kahan le chalenge duniya se door?”

“Woh surprise hai.”

“Okay. Waise mere dost aaj pub jaane ki baat kar rahe hain. Aap join karenge?”

“Tumhare dost? Matlab Richa, Ronnie wagerah?”

“Aur kaun dost bache hain mere is job mein aane ke baad.”

“Phir tum jao. Ek to mere wahan hone se woh log relaxed nahin feel karenge. Aur phir mujhe aaj thoda kaam bhi hai.”

“Okay, Boss!” she got up.

“Ananya!”

“Ji?”

“Zyada drink mat karna. Aur agar kar lo to cab se ghar mat jaana. Mujhe call kar lena.”

She smiled fondly, “Don’t worry. Hum dance ke liye ja rahe hain. Drink ke liye nahin.”

“Aur kal subah hum 11 ‘o clock niklenge. Ghar par bata dena aur taiyaar rahna.”

“Can’t wait!”

—

“Madam! Excuse me… Please wake up, Ma’am….”

Ananya’s attention was drawn to the next table where a waiter was fretting over a drunk customer. She saw a woman who was sitting alone and had apparently passed out from drinking.

“Woh akeli hai kya?” Ananya whispered to Ronnie.

“Honge saath waale log dance floor par. Tu chhod na use. Aur dance karna hai?”

“Nahin, Ronnie. Actually ab chalte hain ghar. Richa bhi nikal gayi hai.”

“Kal to off hai tera. Rukte hain na thodee der. Kya bolta hai, Sunny?”

“Aur kya?”

“Sunny, yaar. Mujhe kal kahin jaana hai. To sona zaroori hai.”

“Kahan? Kahan?” Ronnie wriggled his eyebrows mischievously.

“Tujhe kyon bataun?”

“Akele?”

“Shut up, Ronnie.”

“Achchha chal baba,” Ronnie stood up.

Ananya hesitated as they passed by the next table. Then she accosted the waiter who was trying to wake the woman up earlier. “Woh akeli hain kya?”

“Yes, Ma’am. Ab koi banda hota to hum to use closing time par bahar phenk dete. Inka kya karein?”

“Ronnie, Sunny. I don’t think inhein yahan aise chhodan achcha idea hai.”

“Pata chale kahan chhodna hai to cab mein bitha dein.”

“Aisi halat mein cab mein akele bithana bhi theek nahin hai, Ronnie. Won incident nahin yaad hai kya kuchh din pahle ka… Lekin pahle pata karte hain ki inhein jaana kahan hai.”

Ananya spotted her purse lying nearby and started rummaging through it.

“Are Ananya. Kya kar rahi hai?” Ronnie panicked, “Aise purse kissi ka…”

“Aur kaise pata chalega? Inki halat dekh. Ye dekh. Ye to kissi hotel ki chaabhi lag rahi hai.”

“ITC Maurya,” Ronnie read over her shoulders.

“Badi ameer hai, yaar!” Sunny commented.

“Ronnie. Ek cab bula le. Maine unhein hotel chhod kar usi cab se ghar chali jaungi.”

“Nahin, Ananya. Main tere saath chlunga. Phir usi cab se hum wapas yahan aayenge. Phir main apni humble motorcycle se tujhe drop karoonga.”

“Lekin–”

“Arre chal na. Tu hi bas ek Mother Teresa hai kya yahan?”

“Achchha Baba! Chal.”

The woman seemed to gain some sense once in a while during the cab ride, but they could not engage her in any lucid conversation. It was when they were relieving her to the care of hotel staff that she suddenly seemed to grow aware of what was happening.

“Kaun ho tum?” she asked Ananya.

“Ananya. Ab aap apne kamre mein aaraam kijiye.”

“You helped me, didn’t you? Main to hosh mein hi nahin hoon abhi,” she slurred through her words, but her thoughts seemed clear, “Please leave me your number. I will thank you tomorrow.”

“Uski zaroorat nahin hai–”

“Please!”

“Ye mera card hai. Good night.”

—

To be continued

“Kya hua?”

“Ye tumhari fingers kitni moti hain?”

“Kya!” she was flabbergasted, “Ye kya bol rahe hain aap?”

“Aur kya? Dekho, meri ungliyan.”

“Meri aapse patli hain.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Aap pagal ho gaye hain kya?”

“Bilkul nahin. Achcha chalo, ek dhaaga lao. Dono ki ungliyan naapte hain.”

Puzzled and irritated though she was, she fetched a thread anyway. Kabir tied a knot around her ring finger and then took it off. Then Ananya did the same for his ring finger. They measured the two circles.

“Haan. Dekho! Ye tumhara measurement hai na.”

“Ji nahin! Mera ye hai. Aapki ungliyan mujhse zyada moti hain. And obviously so.”

“Aisa hai kya? You are right. Sorry yaar.”

“Sorry? Sorry se kaam nahin chalega. Aap har samay mujhe ulta-seedha bolte rahte hain. Kabhi mujhe mota bolte hain, kabhi meri ungliyon ko.”

“Tumhein kab mota kaha?”

“Kyon? Us din? Apne do pairon par khadee ho jao. Tumhein car se andar tak laane mein meri heropanthi nikal gayi–”

“Mota nahin, heavy kahan tha tumhein.”

“Ek hi baat hai.”

“Nahin. Bones bhi heavy ho sakti hai.”

“Ye sab technical explanations nahin chalenge. Main koi court nahin hoon.”

“Achchha! Penance chalega? Dinner par le chaloon tumehin?”

“Mere saath dinner par chalna penance hai? Taqleef hogi aapko?”

“Arre ab aise baal ki khaal to mat nikalo.”

“To kya aap mujhe date ke liye poochh rahe hain?”

“Haan.”

“Ma ki permission leni padegi,” she teased him.

“Woh bhi le loonga. Tum to haan karo.”

“Sochti hoon.”

“I promise, ki hum dessert bhi order karenge.”

She smiled.

“Ye smile, Ananya, meri strength hai. Ise kabhi mat khatam hone dena.”

He gazed at her fondly for a moment longer, then said. “Chalo. Ab main ghar chalta hoon. Dinner tomorrow?”

She nodded.

“Main Mrs. Kashyap se bhi permission le leta hoon.”

“Uski zaroorat nahin hai, Kabir. Main mazaak kar rahi thi.”

“Zaroorat nahin hai. Lekin main phir bhi unhein bata dena chahta hoon.”

“Bade old fashioned hain aap,” she grinned, “Ma ko isliye pasand aa gaye.”

“You made a safe choice, Ms. Kahsyap!”

When he left after taking her mother’s permission for their dinner the next day, Armaan came out with him.

“Ek baat poochhon aapse?”

“Poochho, Armaan?”

“Aap Ma ko Mrs. Kashyap kyon kahte hain? Ab to unhone aapko accept kar liya hai. Aap unhein Ma bula sakte hain na?”

“Woh isliye, Armaan, ki abhi maine unko Ma kahne ka haq haasil kiya nahin hai. Lekin main promise karta hoon ki tumhare Papa ki sachchai ko saamne la kar jaldi hi haasil kar loonga.”

—

“Manav ne RG se contact kar liya hai.”

“Unki story kya hai?”

“Ki KKN ki ek team RG Pharma ke secrets ka pata laga rahi hai, but woh RG ke saath cooperate karne ko taiyaar hai is story ko dabane ke liye. For financial gains, obviously.”

“Bye Didi!” Armaan was leaving for school and greeted them all, “Bye Ronnie Bhaiya, Richa Didi, Sunny Bhaiya.”

“Bye Armaan.”

“Bye Jiju!” he blurted and then stood there embarrassed, “I mean, Kabir Sir. Waise main aapko jiju bula sakta hoon na?”

Kabir blushed, but replied sportingly, “Ye to tumhein apni Didi se poochhna hoga.”

“Woh kyon poochhega?” It was Ananya’s turn to blurt out.

Richa giggled, while Ronnie said with mock seriousness, “Correct. Armaan kyon poochhega?”

Ananya’s mother had also come in the hall. She was smiling at the drama.

“Theek hai,” Kabir sighed, “Main hi poochh leta hoon.”

Before anyone could fathom what was going on, he went down on his knees in front of Ananya and produced a ring from his pocket, “Ananya Kashyap! Mujhe pata hai ki maine tumhari life ka sabse important kaam abhi poora nahin kiya hai. Lekin agar tum saath dogi to ye, aur iske alaawa bhi kai kaam, main poore kar sakta hoon. So! Will you marry me?”

Ananya stared at him agape. When had he planned this? Mrs. Kashyap got tears in her eyes. Ananya’s friends and Armaan also stared open mouthed.

Slowly Ananya turned her eyes to her mother and after a slight assuring nod from her, she whispered, her voice croaking from emotions running high, “Yes!”

He slipped the ring on her finger and everyone clapped. He brought her hand up and kissed the ring.

“Ye moti ungliyon, patli ungliyon ka natak aap iske liye kar rahe the?” she asked in a low voice so that others didn’t overhear. He just gave a knowing smile in return.

Armaan rushed to them and hugged them both. “I am so happy!” he said.

—

All of them were gathered in PCR for Manav’s bulletin.

Ananya waited with bated breath for the clip Kabir had not let her see beforehand.

“Ek informer hai RG sahab,” Manav was telling the owner of RG Pharma, whose figure was dancing creepily in the spy camera’s video, “Jo kuchh zyada hi pareshaan kar raha hai.”

“Uski chinta aap mat kijiye. Bas uska naam aur photo hamare hawaale kar dijiye. Kaam ho jayega.”

“Kaisa kaam?”

“Uska munh hamesha ke liye band karwane ka kaam.”

“Are aisa mat kahiye RG Sahab,” Manav’s voice had the right amount of feigned shock and fear in it, “Iski zaroorat thode hi na padegi. Thodi purse strings aur loosen karni padegi. Jitne paise aap de rahe hain, uske baad is sab ki zaroorat thode hi na hai.”

“Are Manav Sahab. Hote hain kuchh usoolon waale log.”

“Itna usoolon waala koi nahin hota.”

“Hamara aath saal pahle ka case yaad hai. Ek employee pakda gaya tha – Sudhir Kashyap.”

“Haan, haan. Lekin usne to suicide kiya tha na.”

RG smiked, “Kitni aasaani se kahaniyon par bharosa kar lete hain aap, Manav Sahab. Hamara kaam aapko itna aasaan lagta hai kya? Bhej dijiyega hamein us informer ki detail agar uska munh nahin band hua to. Aur haan – ye aapke editor-in-chief ko pata nahin hai kuchh is baare mein?”

“Nahin. Bilkul nahin.”

“To ye ensure kijiyega. Unse thoda purana rishta hai hamara. Aur media waalon ko main marwaana nahin chata. Lekin woh bhi bada usulon waala insaan hai. To mere haath na chhoot jayen.”

Ananya clasped Kabir’s hands. Her hand was cold and sweaty.

“Ananya!” Kabir put his arms around her.

“Ye insaan…”

“Ghabrao mat, Ananya. Police ke paas already ye clips hain. Abhi tak shayad woh custody mein ja chuka hai. Kabhi bhi new aa sakti hai— Aa gayi!”

There was a commotion in the PCR. Manav was briefed about the breaking news of RG Pharma’s factories and offices being sealed by the police and its owner being arrested.

Kabir and Ananya walked out of the room while Manav read the news.

They went to his cabin.

“Satisfied ho?” he asked her.

She nodded, then grew tearful.

“Thank you, Kabir!”

“No. Thank you, Ananya. Tumhari wajah se meri sabse badi failure aaj revert ho gayi hai. Ab shayad main thoda kam guilty feel karoonga.”

“Mujhe Ma ke paas jaana hai.”

“Chalo.”

—

To be continued