Incest Baadshah ~ The Tales of Debauchery

[Werewolf]

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Latest Update ~ Update 213

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[ashishpyarka]

Update - 210 ~ The Man between the rooms​

Sonia wahi khadi thi jaha Suhana use chhor kar gayi thi. Lobby ki lights jagmaga rahi thi. Andar hall se hasi-khushi ki awaazein aa rahi thi, taaliyon ki gadgadahat abhi bhi kahi na kahi rafta-rafta sunaayi pad rahi thi, jaise ye tay tha ki aaj ki raat toh keval aur keval Elite Motors ki aan, baan aur shaan ki raat thi.

Kintu, Sonia ke vichaar kahi aur hi the.

“You lost the biggest deal of your life.”

Kya matlab tha iska? Ve shabd Sonia ke seene ko chhalni kar gaye. Suhana ne iske pehle kabhi uss se aise baat nahi ki thi. Woh toh humesha taali bajaati, galey lagti, uska protsaahan badhaati, aur yeh kehne waali pehli hoti thi ki- ‘Tumne kar dikhaaya, Sonu.’

Tab bhi jab Sonia ko khud par yakeen nahi hota tha. Har qamyabi par woh uske bagal se khadi hoti thi.

Magar, aaj-

Woh bhaag nikli. Use akela chhor. Sonia tezi se mudi aur main hall ki taraf wapas se daudi.

‘N-No-!’

Uski saansein tez thi. Main hall logo se abhi bhi khacha-khach bhara hua tha. Bade-bade diggaj uske mata-pita ke chaaro orr khade hue the, apne chehro par saji-dhaji muskaan liye. Uske pita ki hasi garv se bharpoor zor se goonj rahi thi. Maa shaleenta banaaye hue chehre par muskaan bikhere sabhi se mil rahi thi.

Shailendra : Sonia beta, idhar aao. Inse milo zara!

Uske pita ne use pukaara. Woh ruki. Lagataar kayi haath uski orr badhe.

“Congratulations. Your presentation was just impeccable.”

Sonia : Th-Thank you!

Jawaab uske muh se apne-aap baahar aa gaya, kyunki aankhein toh hall me chaaro orr Suhana ki talaash me mandra rahi thi.

Hall ke uss paar, bheed ke peechhe, usne dekha-

Suhana corridor se guzar kar washroom ki taraf jaate hue use dikhi. Qadam bahut tez the. Jaise shayad woh nahi chaahti thi ki koi uska peechha kare ya use dekhe.

‘D-Dii-!’

Sonia ki saans atak gayi. Uski badi behan iss qadar kyu bhaag rahi thi? Use akela chhor ke kyu? Akhir, usne aisa kya kho diya tha jiska Suhana zikr kar rahi thi?

Woh aage badhi.

Namrita : Sonia-!

Uski maa ne dheere se use pukaara, aur apni ungliyaan uski kalaayi par baandh use pakda.

Namrita : Aao! *smiles* Tumhe kisi se milwaana hai.

Sonia : M-Mom, ek second please, mein-

Namrita use apne saath laate hue kuchh logo ke ghere ke beech le gayi, jaha ek se badhkar ek businessman aur unki patniya maujood thi. Usi ghere me koi aur bhi khada hua tha, jiske hontho par muskaan, Sonia ko aata dekh ke hi phel chuki thi.

Namrita : Ye… Inhe toh tum jaanti hi hogi, hai na? Tanishq. Mister Malhotra ji ka beta hai ye, mujhe toh aaj pata chala haha. *smiles* Tum dono pehle bhi toh mil chuke ho na? Aao na beta, Tanishq. Tum dono jaake baat kyu nahi karte?

Tanishq wahi tha jiski wajah se Sonia ne Casa Belle me hi pichhli baar Veer ko chhor deal sign kari thi. Wahi aadmi jo Autoshield jaisi company ko sambhaal raha tha. Autoshield India me ek jaana-maana naam tha. Elite Motors ke baad agar koi naam aata tha toh woh Autoshield ka hi hota tha. Aur, khaas baat yeh ki Tanishq Malhotra Sonia ke suitors me se ek tha.

Sonia ki nigaahein Tanishq par phiri aur Tanishq ki Sonia par.

Tanishq (smiles) : Ji, aunty. Inhe kaun nahi jaanta? *smiles* By the way, hum partners bhi hai. Maine invest kiya hua hai. Miss Sonia? Aapne bataaya nahi kya apni mom ko?

Sonia : M-Mein-! H-Hello!

Sonia ne Tanishq se haath milaaya, Tanishq ka haath kuchh zyaada hi derr tak Sonia ke haath ko thaam ke rakha raha. Tanishq ka uski company ke saath tie-up tha. Ve dono partners the. Casa Belle me pichhli baar Unicard launch ke function ke dauraan dono ke beech bahut badi 120 crore ki deal bhi sign hui thi. Aise me Sonia use nazar-andaaz nahi kar sakti thi. Aaj ki iss prastuti ke baad toh bilkul bhi nahi. Sahi maayno me dekha jaaye toh yahi ek uchit nirnay tha.

Magar, aaj Tanishq bhi- ya yu kahe ki 120 crore ki deal bhi Suhana ke saamne haar chuki thi.

Tanishq : Miss Sonia! Shall we-

Sonia : I’m- I’m sorry! Mujhe abhi jaana hoga.

Kehte hue woh waha se palti aur seedhe washroom ki orr bhaagi.

Tanishq : ???

Namrita : Um… Shayad… Washroom gayi hai. *smiles* Tum baitho na beta.

Qadam-qadam par koi use rokta. Ek aur badhaayi. Ek aur muskaan. Magar, uska dhyaan sirf aur sirf abhi Suhana ki orr hi khich raha tha. Uski badi behan bina matlab ke kabhi aisi baatein nahi kehti thi.

Sonia ne akhirkar khud ko bheed se alag kiya, woh logo ke beech se nikalte hue kinaare corridor ki orr badhi, qadam ab tezi se badh rahe the. Dhairya tootata jaa raha tha.

“Dii-!”

“Dii-!”

Theek usi kshan hall ke ek dusre chhor se Ruchika bhi chillaate hue aage badhi. Sonia aur Ruchika, dono ek-dusre ke bagal se aakar jhatke-se ruk gayi.

Ruchika (surprised) : A-Aap-!?

Sonia : Tum-!?

Unn dono ke muh se nikla. Sonia ki nigaahein theek Ruchika ke haath par gayi, jo kuchh thaame hue tha. Suchika ka mask.

Yeh ehsaas hote hi Sonia ka seena bhaari ho utha. Suchika ka mask Ruchika ke haath me? Shayad, iska matlab- Suchika ka cover blow ho chuka tha. Par, sawaal tha, kaise?

Aur, jawab tha : Nishaan aur harqat.

Deal mil jaane ke baad jab jashn shuru hua, taaliyon ne hall ko apne shor se dhaka, tab Ruchika ki nigaahein keval ek ladki par tiki hui thi, aur woh thi : Sonia ki nayi-naveli secretary.

Use Casa Belle ke Unicard launch ke function par hui woh pehli mulaqat yaad aa gayi. Uss raat jab Ruchika ne use pehli baar dekha tha-

Ruchika (eyes profusely) : Who are you?

Suchika : *raises eyebrow*

Sonia : Where are your manners? Don't you know that before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first.

Kaera : !!??

Ruchika (bows) : I'm sorry Miss! I was just wondering, who might be this new person?

Sonia (smiles) : Woh meri secretary hai. Private secretary. I don't think ki mujhe uske baare me sabhi ko batana zaroori hai. Right?

Ruchika : I understand!

Sonia : Good!

Pichhli baar, kuchh iss tarah se Sonia ne Suchika ke baare me bataane se taal diya tha. Aur, tab se hi woh Ruchika ke radar me chadhi hui thi. Bas, yahi ek kaaran nahi tha. Suchika ki qad-kaathi, uska rang, baal, pehanane-odhne ka dhang, uski aankhein, ye sab aur bhi cheezein baya kar rahi thi.

Isliye, jab jashn ke dauraan sabhi ki nazrein ICONGLOBE aur Elite Motors ke logo par jami, tab-

Ruchika baaz ki tarah apni aankhein Suchika par gadaaye hue thi, aur beshaq tabhi-

‘Huh?’

Achanak, Suchika kuchh neeche gire samaan ko uthaane ke liye jhuki, uski dress ki collar ke aas-paas ka hissa halka-sa gravity ke chalte neeche latka aur uske seene par laga ek nishaan Ruchika ko nazar aa gaya.

Ek gehra nishaan. Ek ajeeb-sa nishaan jo janm se hi use praapt hua tha. Yahi nahi, use uthaate hi woh apni jagah par jyo ki tyo khadi ho gayi. Lekin, uski mudra-

Uski mudra ajeeb thi. Ek taang halki-si peechhe, uske ek haath ki kalaayi dusre haath me aur ek ajeeb harqat. Kalaayi ko ungliyon se ragadna. Yeh ek aisi harqat thi jo Suchika ko shayad khud bhi nahi pata thi ki woh yeh karti thi.

A subconscious habit. Ek aisi aadat jo insaan bina jaane bhi karta hai, uska shareer uss se karwa deta hai, ek muscle memory ke roop me. Aur, Suchika ki aadat thi, woh khushi me aur chinta me, dono hi avsar par woh yeh harqat karti thi. Kalaayi ko ragadna.

Ek aadat jo Ruchika humesha-se hi apni behan ki gaur kiya karti thi. Parantu, kabhi tokti nahi thi. Aur, uska na tokna hi aaj kaam aaya. Agar ateet me kabhi usne iss aadat ko lekar sawaal poochha hota toh shayad Suchika aaj iss baat ka yaha dhyaan rakhti aur Ruchika use pakad nahi paati.

Nishaan aur harqat. Dono teer sahi jagah par lage the. Isme koi shaq nahi tha ab ki Miss Sonia ki secretary koi aur nahi, uski apni badi behan, Suchika hi thi.

Aur, yahi jaan ke woh uski orr bhaagi. Apni orr apni chhoti behan ko aata dekh Suchika seedhe mudi, aur washroom ki taraf bhaagi. Qadam pehle tez hue, aur jab usne dekha ki Ruchika theek uski orr hi badh rahi hai toh qadam daud me tabdeel ho gaye.

“Wait-!!!”

Ruchika peechhe se zor se chillaayi. Woh apni poori taaqat se bhaagi. Iske pehle ki Suchika washroom me ghus paati, Ruchika ne uski kalaayi pakad use kheencha, use moda aur ek hi jhatke me-

*Snatch*

Usne Suchika ke chehre se wo kaala mask kheench liya. Mask hatate hi saari ki saari sacchaayi jo ab tak sanshay ke bhaav me thi, woh pukhta sach bann kar saamne aa gayi.

Ruchika ki aankhein vismay me chaudi ho gayi. Use yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Uski apni badi behan? Woh jo ghar chhor ke bhaag gayi thi woh Miss Sonia ki secretary thi?

Iske pehle ki woh apni hairangi se baahar aa paati, Suchika mauka dekh washroom me ghus chuki thi.

“Nahiiii-!!! Rukiye-!!”

Theek usi samay, Suhana, Suchika ke bagal waale washroom cubicle me ghus gayi. Aur, aise hi dono badi behne apni chhoti behno se nazrein churaate hue washroom me aa kar khud ko chhipa baithi.

Sonia : Dii-!!! Dii, gate kholiye.

Sonia ki awaaz Ruchika ko apne vichaaro se baahar laayi.

Sonia (shouts) : Dii!!

Usne phir se pukaara, iss baar aur bhi zor se.

Ruchika (yells) : Dii! Dii, baahar aaiye. Ab chhipne se kuchh nahi hone waala. Mein kehti hu baahar aaiye.

Suhana. Suchika. Do naam. Do behne. Dono ek-dusre ke bagal se band cubicle me, maano niyati ne unhe yaha ek saath fasaane ki saazish ki ho.

Sonia ekdum sthir khadi thi, ungliyaan mutthi me bhinchi hui. Hall me pehle uske chehre par jo muskaan thi, woh ab gaayab ho chuki thi, uski jagah ab shikan ne leli thi.

10 billion dollars. Baahar har koi iska jashn mana raha tha. Toh, phir uske seene me yeh jakdan kyun mehsoos ho rahi thi?

“You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu.”

Shabd uske dimaag se nikal hi nahi rahe the. Ve theek nahi baith rahe the. Suhana kabhi betuki baat karti hi nahi thi. Kabhi naatak ya iss tarah ka mazaak bhi nahi. Aur, na hi woh iss tarah se rokar bhaagti thi.

Dusri orr, Ruchika ek pal ke liye idhar se udhar tehli, phir ruk gayi. Uska dil itni tezi se dhadak raha tha ki ab toh chhaati me bhi dard uthne laga tha. Mask, uske haath me abhi bhi jakda hua, sikuda hua, maano ab bhula diya gaya ho.

Kyu aayi ho ab yaha?
Kaha thi itne saal?
Wapas kyun nahi aayi?
Jab maa rote-rote apni raatein kaatati rahi, tab kaha thi?
Jab baba ka samaaj me apmaan hua, tab kaha thi?

Bahut saare sawaal the Ruchika ke andar. Magar, na hi Suchika aur na hi Suhana, dono hi baahar aake apni chhoti behan ka saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Washroom ke cubicle ke andar sannata chhaaya hua tha.

Suhana tiles ki deewar se tek laga kar khadi hui thi, aankhein laal, palkein aasuon se bheegi aur chipchipi, gaalon par aasuon ke nishaan jo saboot the ki unhe zor se pochha gaya tha. Usne apne honth kasskar band kiye, apni saanson ki sthir karne ki koshish ki. Abhi nahi. Yaha nahi. Woh yaha aur koi drishya nahi khada karna chaahti thi.

Uske bagal ke cubicle se, Suchika band toilet lid par baithi, kohniyaan ghutno par rakhe, zameen ko ghoor rahi thi. Royi toh woh bhi thi. Chupchaap. Aaj bas nahi. Saalo-saal. Varsho tak bhaagne, chhipne, dikhaava karne ne use kathor bana diya tha, lekin itna bhi nahi ki veh iss dard ko seh sake.

*Knock* *Knock*

Darwaaze par khat-khatahat hui.

Sonia : Suhana di-! Please, baahar aaiye.

Usne phir kaha, ab awaaz thodi dheemi thi, lekin ab zidd bhi shaamil thi.

Ruchika : Di-! Baahar aaiye. Mein jaanti hu aap andar ho. Bas bhi karo ab. Baahar aao! Abhi!!!

Thodi derr ki khamoshi. Phir, darwaaze ke khulne ki awaaz aayi. Aur, dono hi darwaaze lagbhag ek saath khule.

Sonia ne sehej roop se pehle qadam uthaaya. Usne Suhana ki orr haath badhaaye aur uski baahein pakad li.

Sonia : Di-!! Kya tha yeh sab, huh? What was that? Aapne baahar lobby me wo sab kya kaha? Tell me!!! Answer me!!

Suhana ne nazrein pher li aur jaldi se apni aankhein mal li.

Suhana : K-Kuchh bhi toh nahi, Sonu. Mera dhyaan kahi aur tha. M-Mere dimaag me kuchh aur chal raha tha.

Usne bahut hi jaldi me jawaab diya.

Suhana : M-Mein itna khush thi ki- ki kuchh ka kuchh bol gayi. Mein kisi aur deal ke baare me soch rahi thi aur uss baare me wo-

Sonia (frowns) : That’s not it! Mein bewakoof nahi hu, di!!

Uske sawaal jaari the jab yaha bagal se Ruchika maano jamm si gayi. Suchika uske saamne khadi hui thi, chehra iss baar bina kisi naqaab ke, nirjeev sa aur asahaay. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi bhi nahi bola. Phir-

Suchika (smiles weakly) : Ruchi!

Ruchika ki saans jaise galey me hi atak gayi.

Woh naam. Saalo se kisi ne use iss naam se nahi pukaara tha. Iss tarah se toh kabhi bhi nahi. Uska gussa pal bhar ke liye choor-choor ho gaya. Ek bebasi ne balki jagah leli.

Aankhein namm ho chali. Lekin, woh ek baar zor se hasi. Hasi lagbhag tooti hui si thi.

Ruchika : Toh, aapko yeh naam bhi yaad hai, huh?

Usne jhallate hue kaha aur aage badhkar Suchika ki kalaayi jakad li.

Ruchika : Itne saalo baad bhi? Kyun? K-Kidhar thi aap? Ab yaha kyun aayi ho? Itne saalo ke baad bhi ab kyu mujhe aap uss naam se-

Suchika (naazuk muskaan liye) : Mein kabhi bhooli hi nahi thi, Ruchi.

Ruchika (yells) : Aapko aise kehne ka haq nahi!! *sniff* Aap saalo tak gaayab rehkar phir mujhe aise nahi bula sakti jaise kuchh hua hi na ho.

Suchika ne halki si muskaan di aur akhirkar uski aankhon se aansu behne lage.

Suchika : Maine tumhe bahut yaad kiya. Har din.

Ruchika hasi. Ek bedum hasi. Lagbhag siski jaisi.

Ruchika : M-Mujhe yaad kiya? *sniff*

Usne mask ko Suchika ki chhaati me dhakelte hue dohraaya.

Ruchika (shouts) : Aap bhaag gayi!!! Ghar se bhaagi ho aap!! Kabhi lauti bhi nahi! Kisi ko yeh tak nahi pata tha ki aap zinda bhi ho ya-!? *sniff* Aur, ab aap yaha ho? *glances* Miss Sonia ke liye kaam kar rahi ho?

Uske shabd tezi se nikle. Bahut tezi se. Sawaal ek ke baad ek aaye. Kaha thi aap? Wapas kyun nahi aayi? Koi andaaza bhi hai ki maa-baba ka kya haal hua hoga?

Suchika ne haath aage badhaaya, thoda jhijhaki, phir dheere se Ruchika ke gaal ko sehlaayi.

Suchika : M-Mein sharminda thi. *sniff* Dari hui thi. Aur, jab akhirkar aana chaahti thi… tab himmat nahi hui.

Ruchika ne Suchika ka haath jhatak diya. Uski bhavnaaye ek-saath umad padi. Usne agle hi pal Suchika ko kasskar apne galey se laga liya, phir utni hi zor se peechhe bhi dhakel diya.

Ruchika (quivers) : Paagal ho aap! Ek number ki paagal ho. I hate you! Aapko zara bhi andaaza hai ki- *sniff* ki aapne hum sabke saath kya kiya? Kabhi aisa dobaara karne ki sochna bhi mat! I swear warna mein-

Suchika (smiles) : Nahi karungi. Kasam khaati hu.

Sonia ne bagal se dekha, Suchika-Ruchika ke milan ki teevrata ne use pal bhar ke liye vichlit kar diya tha. Lekin, Suhana ke dur jaane ki koshish karte hi uska dhyaan waapas se uski orr laut aaya.

Sonia : Di! Aap iss tarah se mujhe bina kuchh bataaye nahi jaa sakti. Kya kho diya maine? Kaun si deal? Kya nuksaan hua? Kya baat kar rahi thi aap? Aur, aap ro kyu rahi thi?

Suhana ne ek gehri saans li. Woh kuchh kehti ki tabhi-

“Suhana!!!”

Hall me se washroom corridor tak aate hue ek jaani-pehchaani awaaz goonji. Suhana ka badan thitur gaya. Raungte khade ho gaye. Awaaz Gaurav ki thi.

“Suhana!!!” Usne phir se awaaz lagaayi. Abki baar corridor ke aur qareeb aate hue.

Suhana peechhe hati, uske chehre par ghabrahat jhalak rahi thi.

Suhana : B-Baad me, Sonu. M-Mujhe jaana hoga.

Woh mudi, lekin Sonia ne uski kalaayi thaam li. Kasskar.

Sonia : Bina mujhe sach bataaye aap kahi nahi jaane waali, di! Meri taraf dekhiye!

“Suhana!” Gaurav ne phir pukaara.

Suhana : Let it go, Sonu!!!

Sonia : Bilkul nahi. Jab tak aap mujhe bata nahi deti, mein aapko nahi chhorne waali. Tell me! What was all that about? Kyu rote hue aap aayi aur mujhse yeh boli ki- ‘You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu!’ Kya matlab tha iska? Answer me, di!

Suhana ne ek pal ke liye apni aankhein band kar li. Ek pal ke liye laga jaise woh toot jaayegi aur sach bol degi. Magar, phir usne aankhein kholi, darr par dridh sankalp haawi ho gaya.

Suhana : Bata dungi. Par, abhi nahi. Yaha nahi.

Usne Sonia ki ungliyon ko dheere se chhuraaya, waha se nikli aur corridor me uski heels ki awaaz goonjti chali gayi.

Sonia wahi khadi reh gayi. Stabdh. Uska haath abhi bhi aadha hawa me utha hua tha, jisey Suhana ne pakad ke alag kiya tha. Uski nazar bagal me gayi.

Ruchika aur Suchika ab paas khadi thi. Dabi awaaz me, bhaavukta se bhari behas kar rahi thi. Aansu, gussa, raahat, saalo ki kasar ek naazuk pal me nikal rahi thi.

Sonia unhe dekhti rahi, uske seene me bechaini aur gehri hoti chali gayi. Jaha ek taraf do behne varsho baad ek ho rahi thi, toh wahi iss orr lag raha tha jaise do humesha se ekta me rehne waali behne juda ho rahi ho.

Suhana ka jo bhi iraada raha ho, jo bhi kehna raha ho, woh zubaan phisalne se nahi hua tha. Aur, aaj raat yaha jo kuchh bhi shuru hua tha, woh khatm nahi hua tha.

***

Jab Kaera ghar lauti toh waha sannaata pasra hua tha. Galiyaare me battiyaan halki-halki jal rahi thi. Khuli khidkiyo se raat ki hawa ki halki-halki mehek aa rahi thi. Skylight ke ground floor par awaazein goonj rahi thi, kyunki uske pita, bhai aur baaki sabhi Casa Belle se laut kar aa chuke the.

Kaera pehle hi apne kapde badal chuki thi. Woh apne kamre ki lambi kaanch ki khidki ke paas khadi hui thi aur ghar ke bageeche ke paar sheher ki raushni ko nihaar rahi thi, tabhi usne apne peechhe ek halchal mehsoos ki.

Julia.

Woh abhi-abhi uski floor me uske kamre me aayi thi, aasteene upar chadhi hui thi, baal humesha ki tarah bun me bandhe hue, maano raat uske liye kuchh khaas na rahi ho, woh wapas se apne ghar ke kaam-kaaj me lautne ke liye taiyaar thi, jab-

“Julia,” Kaera ne pukaara.

Julia ne turant hi apni miss ki taraf dekha.

Julia : Ji, miss?

Kaera mudi nahi. Uski nigaahein abhi bhi baahar tiki hui thi.

Kaera : I kissed.

Bas ek seedha vaakya. Julia wahi sthir jamm ke reh gayi.

Julia : Huh?

Uski aankhein chaudi ho gayi, uske chehre par taajub jhalak raha tha.

Julia : What? Young miss you… you kissed?

Kaera ne ek baar haami bhari.

Julia : W-Who? K-Kiske saath, miss?

Woh poochhte hue anjaane me paas aayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaha? Kaise? Young miss… kya hua?

Uska reaction dekh Kaera ke hontho par halki si muskaan aa gayi. Ek jigyasa se bhari muskaan.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na? Just seal your lips with your partner. And, when you do kiss someone, don’t forget to tell me how it felt. *smiles* Tum mere thoughts jaanana chaahti thi na?

Julia apni miss ki peeth ko ghoorti rahi, use woh din yaad aaya jab usne waqai aisa kuchh Kaera se kaha tha.

Julia : H-Haan par miss… K-Kisey?

Uske mann me kuchh bhi nahi soojh raha tha tabhi use dhyaan aaya ki uski miss keval ek hi insaan ko kiss kar sakti thi. Aur, iski sambhaavna me bhi use poora aatmvishvas nahi tha.

Julia (mutters) : Y-Young master Veer?

Kaera ne uski taraf dekha tak nahi. Bas sirr hilaaya. Aur, Julia ki aankhein aur chaudi ho gayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaise? Kab hua ye? Mein toh poore time aapke saath thi, miss.

Kaera : Hall ke baahar. Jab mein waha se jaa rahi thi tab. Baahar driveway me…

Julia ne ek gehri saans li.

Julia : How?

Kaera : What? It just happened. I wanted to kiss him. And, you know what Julia…? Veer ne… mere saath cheat kiya.

Julia : Huhhhh???

Kaera : I mean not in the literal sense. Lekin, haan- usne mujhe dhoka toh diya.

Usne seedhe-saade shabdo me kaha.

Julia : Ch-Cheat? Kaise?

Kaera (sighs) : Woh Suhana ki wajah se gala me aaya tha. Woh uski help kar raha hai. Kuchh zyaada hi. Mujhe nahi pata unke beech kya arrangement hua hai but- he owes her something. Itna toh saaf hai.

Julia ne use gaur se dekha. Bahut gaur se. Aur, use bhi sab kuchh samajh aane laga.

Julia : Aur, iske baad bhi miss- aapne unhe kiss kiya? Kyun?

Kaera (smiles) : Because of him… the betrayal felt real.

Julia ki saansein tham gayi. Asli baat use ab samajh aayi. Kaera palti aur usne Julia ki aankhon me dekha.

Kaera : I felt it, Julia. Sadness. Pain. Disappointment. Being betrayed… Aaj raat maine ye feel kiya. Aur, mein royi bhi.

Julia : Whaaatt???

Kaera (nods) : Hmm. Aankhon me paani tha. Use rona hi kehte hai, hai na? I felt it so strongly because it was him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have cared at all. Aur, isliye- I kissed him. Because I don’t want to let him go.

Kamra ekdum shaant ho gaya.

Julia ne thodi raahat ki saans li, uske mann me baat samajh me aa gayi. Veer ka iraada koi nuksaan pahuchaane ka nahi tha. Agar, hota toh uski miss itna shaant nahi khadi hoti. Woh soch-vichaar nahi kar rahi hoti. Woh muskura nahi rahi hoti. Shayad Veer kisi anchaahe daldal me phasa hua tha. Julia iss paristhiti se itna bhaanp chuki thi.

Julia : Then? H-How did it feel, miss?

Kaera ki nigaahein abki baar prashn par kahi aur bhatak gayi, usne apni ungliyaan uthaayi aur unhe apne honth par aise chhua jaise maano uss pal ko dobaara mehsoos karne ki koshish kar rahi ho.

Kaera : Magnetic! *nods* Yes. That’s the word.

Julia ne palkein jhapkaayi. Usne jitne bhi jawaab soche the, unme se yeh toh bilkul bhi nahi tha.

Julia : Magnetic?

Kaera (nods) : Hmm! Aisa mehsoos hua jaise mujhe kuchh kheench raha tha. Maine apne aap se kuchh nahi kiya tha. Tumne sahi kaha tha. Baad me sab kuchh hota chala jaata hai.

Julia haule se muskuraayi. Chehre par ab raahat thi. Phir, Kaera ne sirr jhukaaya, aur jigyasa uske andar phir se janm leli.

Kaera : Julia. Ab jab maine use kiss kar liya hai, toh iska matlab yahi hai na ki… woh ab mera ho gaya?

Julia : Huh????

Woh Kaera ko hairaani aur darr se dekhi.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na uss din ki- Miss, when you kiss someone that means… they belong to you.

Sunte hi Julia ke badan ke rue khade ho gaye aur use achanak hi woh pal yaad aaya jab waqai ek din-

Kaera : Julia kiss kisey karte hai?

Julia : Hmm? Jis se aap pyaar karte hai, miss.

Kaera : Pyaar huh? Kaisa hota hai pyaar?

Julia : Pyaar ko samjhaana toh bahut mushqil hai, miss.

Kaera : Toh, kya hum sirf unhi ko kiss kar sakte hai jinhe pyaar karte hai? Maine logo ko apne pets ko kiss karte dekha hai. Toh iska matlab wo unhe pyaar karte hai, hai na?

Julia : Bilkul sahi, miss. Lekin, aisa zaroori nahi hai ki aap kiss sirf apne lover ke saath hi karo. Koi bhi cheez ya insaan jisey aap pyaar karti ho, aap use kiss kar sakti ho.

Kaera : Friend ko bhi?

Julia : Hmm? Haan. It depends. See. When you kiss someone that means they belong to you. Tabhi, toh kiss kiya na?

Kaera (murmurs) : O-Ohh! So, you kiss someone and then… they belong to you. I see.

Julia apni yaado se baahar aayi, phir usne apni young miss ki aankhon me kuchh bhaav dekhe. Calm. Possessive. Certain.

Aur, bas woh mann me hi sochti reh gayi.

‘Oh god! Lagta hai… shayad mujhe miss ko love par lessons dene band karne honge.’
Kyunki, uski kahi gayi baat ka galat interpretation Kaera ne patthar ki lakeer maan ke apna liya tha.

Kaera : After all… he did it with me. Uss raat. Cafe me. Mujhe yaad nahi ki maine use kiss kiya tha ya nahi, lekin- mujhe yaad hai mein uske saath kamre me thi. Aur, mein uske upar thi. Itna mujhe yaad hai.

Julia : …

Kaera ka haath achanak hi uske pait ke nichle hisse ki orr gaya.

Kaera : My hymen is gone. I got it checked. Iska matlab Veer ne uss raat mere saath- we had sex, hai na Julia?

Julia apna muh phaade bas apni miss ko dekhti reh gayi. Bolne laayak koi bhi shabd nahi the uske paas.

Kaera : And now… He belongs to me. Wait! Julia! What does sex feel like?

Jab agla sawaal aaya toh Julia ke paseene chhootne shuru ho gaye.

‘Oh god noooo-!’

***

Casa Belle ke bhavya corporate gala ke baad sheher ne ek raahat ki saans li. Rohan ki car hotel me hue samaroh ke baad raat ke andhere me aise bhaag rahi thi jaise maano sadak uski gulaam ho. Do police vaahan uske aage chal rahe the, do peechhe. Koi siren nahi, koi jaldbazi nahi, koi shor machaane ki zaroorat nahi.

Mumbai central jagmagata hua, bheed aur halchal se bhara nazar aa raha tha.

Rohan sabse pehle baahar nikla. Station me pravesh kiya aur platform par turant halchal mach gayi. Vardi-dhaari adhikari seedhe khade ho gaye. Aam naagrik beech raaste me hi ruk gaye. Uske andar aate hi sabne ek salaami di, uski upasthiti ne sabka dhyaan apni orr kheench liya.

Baat-cheet dheemi pad gayi. Sabki nigaahein uska peechha karne lagi. Pradesh ka DGP akhir aaya hua tha. Rohan ne koi jaldi nahi ki. Woh chupchaap platform par aake ek jagah khada hua.

Saamne lagi train ka ek AC coach ka darwaza halki si sarsarahat ke saath khula. Kuchh police karmi neeche utre, thake hue lekin satark. Aur, unke theek peechhe : Trisha.

Trisha ki nazrein turant hi utarne ke baad Rohan par padi. Uske chehre par kshanik ashcharya jhalak utha. Phir, saiyyam laut aaya. Usne kuchh nahi kaha. Na hi kuchh poochha. Usne bas apne bag ka patta theek kiya aur Rohan ke saamne aa kar ruk gayi. Anya police karmiyo ne Rohan ko salaam kiya.

Rohan ne bas sirr hilaaya. Bas itna hi. Bina kuchh bole woh muda aur baahar nikalne ke liye chal pada. Trisha uske peechhe-peechhe aayi. Dekhne waalo ko yeh ek samaanya drishya lag raha tha ki ek senior adhikari apni team ko le jaane aaya tha. Par, maamla iss se kayi guna gambheer tha.

Baahar, gaadiyon ka kaafila intezar kar raha tha. Rohan ne Trisha ke liye darwaza khola, driver seat par baitha aur Trisha uske bagal se passenger seat par sawaar ho gayi. Engine chaalu hua, aage ki gaadiyaan pehle nikli, Rohan ke liye raasta saaf karte hue aur phir Rohan unke peechhe apni gaadi laga diya.

Kuchh palo ke liye, sheher se guzarne ki awaaz aur gaadi ki halki si sarsarahat ke alawa aur kuchh sunaayi nahi diya. Phir, Rohan ne sadak par nazrein gadaaye hue hi khamoshi ko toda.

Rohan : Kya hua tha?

Trisha ne turant uski orr nahi dekha. Woh car ki windshield par baahar ke nazaare ko ghoor rahi thi. Phir, kshan bhar baad woh boli.

Trisha : Matter almost solve ho gaya hai. Lekin, aur layers jud gayi hai. Kaafi complex case bann gaya hai.

Rohan : Go on!

Trisha : Patna me jis aadmi ko maine pakda, woh waisa tha hi nahi jaisa woh dikhta tha. Ek dhongi tha woh. Baba ke vesh me. Dikhawa kar raha tha. Ghaato par jaata, pravachan deta, adhyatmik baatein karta. Log uss par aankh band kar ke bharosa karne lage the.

Rohan : …

Trisha : Magar, uska asli dhandha shoshan tha. Woh paise waalo ko nishaana banaata tha. Unhe yakeen dilaata tha ki daulat ka koi matlab nahi, phir peeth peechhe apne hi aadmiyo ka istemal kar ke unke parivar ki sampatti lutwa leta tha.

Rohan (frowns) : Naam?

Trisha : Raman!

Akhirkar, woh uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Humne use raaste me pakda. Clean arrest.

Rohan (nods) : Good work. Aur, isliye tumhara transfer-

Trisha : ???

Rohan : Radd kar diya gaya hai.

Trisha ki aankhon ki chamak wapas laut aayi. Chehre par humesha maujood rehne waali kathorta kahi gaayab ho gayi. Raahat uski aankhon me jhalak aayi.

Mumbai. Ghar. Rohan. Pihu. Woh ye sab chhor ke nahi jaana chaahti thi. Aur, usne unhe khone se bacha liya. Sab kuchh waisa hi, pehle jaisa.

Trisha : Thank you~

Rohan ne koi jawab nahi diya. Trisha jaanti thi ki ye transfer yuhi nahi cancel hua hoga. Patna ke case solve hone par appeal Rohan ne hi rakhi hogi. Isliye, waha se uski baat ko suna gaya aur ye tabaadla akhir radd hua.

Kuchh derr ruk kar usne aage kaha.

Trisha : Raman, woh akela kaam nahi kar raha tha. Woh Ranjeet ke saath juda hua tha. Team ne Raman ke phone ko khangaala. Messages. Call log. Paiso ka hisaab-kitaab. Raman use orders deta tha. Operations ko fund karta tha. Ranjeet wahi… Prestige par attack karne waala. Remember?

Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par kass gayi.

Trisha : Raman saare gandey kaam Ranjeet se karwaata tha. Properties seize karna. Daraana-dhamkaana. Violence. Sab kuchh Ranjeet karta tha. Yaha tak ki…

Rohan : ??

Trisha : Ranjeet ne ek Dhananjay naam ke ladke ki hatya bhi kari hai kuchh samay pehle.

Rohan (frowns) : Body?

Trisha (nods) : Mili. Lekin, bahut hi bekaar haalat me. Ranjeet ne Dhananjay ko thikaane laga ke uski alias create ki aur iss tarah se woh Mumbai me aaya.

Rohan (nods) : Aur prestige ka kya kaha?

Trisha : Haan. Ranjeet ke aadmiyon ne hi Prestige par shootout ko anjaam diya tha.

Unke beech phir sannaata chhaa gaya.

Rohan : Agar, Raman sab kuchh tay kar raha tha, theek hai maan liya. Agar, Ranjeet sab kuchh follow kar raha tha, theek hai ye bhi maan liya. Par, Ranjeet Mumbai me aakar akhir… Veer ke peechhe kyu pada?

Trisha thodi derr ke liye jhijhaki.

Trisha : Humne kuchh calls ka data nikalwaya. Jitna pata chala, uss se lagta hai ki Ranjeet Dhananjay ko lootne nikla tha aur phir, waha se Mumbai aa gaya. Achanak. Veer ke hotel par phir wo humla. Call tracing se yahi andaza laga hai ki, woh Veer ko lootne ki firaaq me tha, shayad? Usne socha hoga ki Veer ko side target banaana koi badi baat nahi? Asaan kaam hoga.

Rohan ke maathe par shikan ubhar aayi.

Rohan : Nahi!

Usne sapaat swar me kaha. Trisha uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan (frowns) : Ranjeet itne saalo se agar ye kar raha tha toh woh koi bewakoof nahi jo achanak se Mumbai aa jaayega aur hotel par attack kar dega. Hum kuchh andekha kar rahe hai, Trisha.

Trisha : K-Kya?

Rohan : Koi ek link hai jo hum miss kar rahe hai. *frowns* Ranjeet ka achanak Mumbai aana. Ye hi turning point hai. Dhananjay… Ye aadmi-

Trisha : Aadmi nahi, ladka.

Rohan : Haan! *nods* Yeh kaha maara gaya?

Trisha : Patna me hi.

Rohan : Aur, ye Dhananjay tha kaha se?

Trisha : Jaanch chal rahi hai. Ranjeet ke calls ko trace kare toh shayad Dhananjay Rajasthan ke kisi gaanv se belong karta hai. Shayad mayra. Kyunki, Mumbai aane se pehle ye Ranjeet wahi par tha.

Rohan (nods) : Exactly. Dhananjay ko lootne ke vaaste hi Ranjeet udhar gaya hoga. Aur, uska achanak se phir Mumbai aa jaana. Ye hai turning point. Matlab, uss beech- kuchh hua hai, Trisha.

Trisha ki reedh ki haddi me ek sihran daud gayi. Usne suraag ka peechha kiya tha. Kadiyo ko jodne ki koshish ki thi. Aur, use laga tha ki wo kuchh zyada hi soch rahi thi. Lekin, Rohan ki antar-aatma kabhi galat nahi hoti thi. Aur, agar usne kaha ki kuchh kami hai-

Toh zaroor kuchh kami thi.

Car ka kaafila aage badhta raha, raat ke andhere ko cheerta hua, apne saath ek ansuljha sawaal liye ki iss khel ka mastermind bhala kaun tha?

Gaadi ne flyover ke paas ek sehej mod liya, sheher dheere-dheere lambi sadko aur jagmagati raushni me tabdeel hota chala gaya. Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par ek baar phir thap-thapaayi. Kisi soch-vichaar me.

Rohan : Hum har jagah ghoom rahe hai. Siwaaye ek naam ke.

Trisha ki reedh akad gayi, ek pal ke liye Rohan ne use dekha.

Rohan : Humne uske baare me zyaada baat tak nahi ki. Asal me, humne uss se mushqil se hi koi sawaal kiya hoga.

Trisha : …!?

Rohan : VEER SINGH!

Car ke andar woh naam kisi bhaari-bharkam bhaar ki tarah baith gaya. Trisha ke badan me ek thandi leher daud gayi. Rohan ne uske jhunjhlaate badan par dhyaan nahi diya. Ya yu kahe ki usne dhyaan na dene ka naatak kiya.

Rohan : Hotel Prestige. Ranjeet. Shootout. Underground lair. Aur… serial killer. Sab aapas me kahi na kahi juda hua. You did good work in Patna.

Trisha ki ungliyaan uski goad me simat gayi. Ek taraf uska dil keh raha tha ki apne pati ka saath do. Sacchaayi ke saath khadi raho. Niyamo ka paalan karo.

Toh wahi dusri orr dimaag cheenkh raha tha. Woh tasveer, jo anjaan aadmi dwara use lifaafe me bheji gayi thi. Wahi tasveer jo kisi ne uske Ranjeet par goli chalaate hue li thi. Woh slaughterhouse. Hook par latka uska bebas, dum ghotata shareer. Uski bandook. Goli. Flash. Khoon. Koi dekh raha tha.

Aur, isi wajah se- woh yeh sach saamne nahi rakh sakti thi. Kyunki, Ranjeet ka encounter ek failed operation tha. Usne police vibhaag ko yahi bataaya tha ki yeh ek muthbhed thi. Saaf-suthri. Aavashyak muthbhed. Duty ke dauran ek khatre ko bas nishkreeya kar diya gaya. Khud ko bachaane ke liye ek banaaya gaya jhooth.

Haan. Jhooth. Lekin, Rohan ke liye bhi. Badge ke liye bhi. Parivar ke liye bhi. Agar, woh tasveer kabhi saamne aayi- toh uski naukri hi nahi, balki aur bhi bahut kuchh daav par lag sakta tha.

Rohan ne laal batti par gaadi dheemi kar di. Uske saath ki cars uske aage-peechhe gher kar khadi ho gayi.

Rohan (glances) : Tum kahi aur khoyi hui ho!?

Trisha : Huh? N-Nahi! Tumne kaha Veer Singh?

Rohan (nods) : Hmm! Aaj raat uss se mein mila.

Trisha : Kyaaaaa?

Rohan : Haan! Tumhe bataya tha na maine? Meri behan ko business me madad chahiye thi. Ek businessman meri pehchaan me tha. Toh uss se meri behan ki ek business deal set karwaayi thi maine aaj. Casa Belle me abhi hi corporate gala khatam hua hai kuchh derr pehle. Wahi pe Veer mila mujhe.

Trisha (frowns) : Veer jaisa ladka bhala aise gala me kya kar raha tha? Uska business itna bada hai? Mujhe nahi pata tha woh itna influential hai.

Rohan : Mujhe bhi nahi pata. Lekin, agar woh iske bawajood, paise aur dabdabe se ghire uss hall me ghus sakta hai, toh woh waisa nahi hai jaisa ki woh khud ko dikhaata hai.

Batti hari hui aur gaadi punaah chal padi.

Rohan : He plays invisible Trisha. And, people let him.

Trisha : T-Toh… Tumhe kya lag raha hai?

Rohan : Mujhe lagta hai humein use bilkul bhi nazarandaz nahi karna chaahiye. Bilkul bhi nahi.

Trisha : …

Rohan : Pihu ko serial killer se bacha kar laane waala, underground lair se laane waala… Wahi tha na?

Sunte hi Trisha stabdh reh gayi. Usne Rohan ko ghoora. Jis baat ka darr tha use, wahi ghatit ho gaya. Sach saamne aa chuka tha.

Trisha : T-Tumhe kaise-

Rohan : Tum bhool rahi ho. Mein sirf tumhara pati nahi hu. Mein state ka DGP bhi hu.

Trisha : …!!?

Rohan : Tumhare sage officers kitne hi loyal kyu na ho, wardi nahi chhor sakte. Usne toh mujhe sach bataaya hi saath hi Pihu ne bhi mujhe sab ugal diya.

Trisha ke kandhe jhuk gaye. Usne dheere se sirr hilaaya. Hataash hokar.

Trisha : Hmm! *nods* W-Wahi tha.

Car ka mahaul achanak badal gaya.

Rohan : This changes everything. Kyun? Kyun chhipaaya tumne mujhse Trisha?

Trisha : Kyunki… Kyunki, usne humaari bacchi ko bachaaya, Rohan. Jab mein apni ummeed kho chuki thi tab- tab woh humaari Pihu ko goad me laad ke, khoon se sann kar, mujhe saupne aaya tha. Aur, bas isliye- bas isliye maine yeh baat chhipaayi. Kyunki, mein nahi chaahti thi ki uss waqt mein use kisi pareshani me daalu.

Rohan : Aur, agar wahi serial killer hua toh?

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan : Gaur karo. Uss raat uski khud ki hotel par attack ho raha hota hai aur woh kaha hota hai? Pihu aur wo… Juhi ko bachaane me laga hota hai? Use uss underground lair ke baare me kaise pata chala?

Trisha : N-Nahi! Tum kuchh ka kuchh assumption le raho ho, Rohan. Agar, aisa hota toh pichhle saare murders uski orr point out karte. Aur, uss lair ka kya? Kya lair se koi suraag nahi mila? Research team toh tumhe ab tak bata hi deti na ki Veer inn sab me involved hai ya nahi.

Rohan (frowns) : Theek hai, maan liya abhi ke liye ki woh serial killer nahi hai. Par, woh shaq ke ghere me zaroor hai. Rahi baat lair ki toh haan… woh kisi criminal ne nahi banaayi thi. Originally… woh ek bunker tha. Second world war ke baad 1950s ya 60s me bana hua. Ek private Indian defense team thi jo German bunkers se inspired ho kar India me waisa kuchh war ki paristhiti me banaana chaahti thi.

Trisha (shocked) : B-Bunker!? I-Itna puraana?

Rohan (nods) : Ab tak ka sabse puraana. Founders ki kuchh deaths ke baad baaki team ne seal kar diya tha. Abhi jaanch jaari hai. Akhir, kyu use public ki aankhon me nahi laaya gaya? Kyu ab tak wo neeche hi dafn raha. Inke uttar samay ke saath mil toh jaane chaahiye.

Trisha : Phir?

Rohan : Phir, sealed ho jaane ke baad, jab team ke sabhi log guzar gaye, toh kisi doctor ne ek-do dashak ke baad use khoj nikaala.

Trisha : Doctor?

Rohan : Nahi! Ek pagal! Koi sarfira. Usne bunker ko ek laboratory me badla. Human experiments. Apne hi jaise kuchh maniac logo ke saath wo waha ajeeb experiments karne laga. Puraane dashak ke kuchh saboot mile hai research team ko.

Trisha sihar uthi.

Trisha : Y-Ye baat kab ki hai?

Rohan : Researchers andaaza laga kar yahi bataaye hai ki 1980s me ye sab kiya gaya tha. Par, exact date bata paana abhi mushqil hai.

Trisha : !!?

Rohan : Lekin, iss se bhi bhayanak baat yeh hai ki- abhi jo team ne dhoondha hai, laboratory ke andar se jo decay aur dead animals, bodies ki jaanch hui hai, uss se ye pata laga hai ki- ki wo dashako puraane nahi hai. Wo haal hi ke the.

Trisha (gasps) : Matlab-

Rohan (nods) : Matlab koi underground lair ko istemal kar raha tha. Aur, woh koi aur nahi-

Trisha (gasps) : Serial killer!

Rohan : You got that right!

Sannaata phir chhaa gaya. Pehle se zyada gehra.

Rohan : Jo ki humaari pakad me abhi tak nahi aaya hai. Veer Singh ek rehesyamayi ladka hai. Aur, mein uss par nazar rakhne waala hu. Pichhli baar meri beti iska shikaar ho chuki hai, mein ab apni ya kisi ki bhi beti par ye aanch nahi aane dunga.

Trisha khidki se baahar dekhti rahi, sheeshein me uska chehra dhundhla sa dikh raha tha. Veer ka naam uske dimaag me goonj raha tha. Darr aur ek aise sach ke saath uljha hua jisey woh sweekar karne ke liye taiyaar nahi thi.

***

Sonali ne hall ka darwaza dhakka dekar khola, apni jootiya baahar utaari aur andar aayi. Woh thaki hui thi, ghanto tak food trucks me kaam karna, chidchide graahako se nipatna, aur lagataar aate orders ne use buri tarah thaka diya tha. Lekin, saamne ka nazara dekh kar woh ruk gayi. Table par naashte ki plates saji rakhi thi, aur vatavaran me hi ek ajeeb si khamoshi chhaayi hui thi, jisey bhaanp woh bhi thoda bechain ho gayi.

Sonali : Hmm? Kya chal raha hai?

Usne budbudaate hue apna bag neeche rakha aur table ki orr badhi. Jawaab ka intezaar kiye bina hi usne kuchh pakore apne muh me thoos liye.

Sonali : Mmm~ Kya gazab baney hai. Kisne banaaye? Aaj kuchh tha kya? Agal-bagal pados ki aunty log aayi thi kya? Ya kitty party? Hmm?

Sofe par baithi Bhumika ne use dekha aur boli.

Bhumika : Nahi. Shaadi ka prastaav aaya tha. Veer ke liye.

Sonali pakore khaate-khaate atak gayi, pakora lagbhag uske galey me phaste-phaste bacha. Woh khaansi aur jaldi se jug se hi paani muh me udelte hue khud ko sambhaali.

Sonali : K-Kyaaaaa? Kaamchor ke liye rishta aaya?

Tej ki aankhein uski baaton par turant hi sikud gayi. Sonali ne fauran ghabrakar ek halki si hasi has di aur apni hasi chhipaane ki koshish karne lagi.

Sonali : Ah...ha...ha... namumkin. Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Maine kaamcho- m-mera matlab maine use kabhi kisi ladki ke saath aise romance karte nahi dekha. Kabhi nahi. Kisi ne bhi nahi dekha hoga. Hai na?

Kamre me chaaro orr nazar ghumaate hi uski hasi beech me hi ruk gayi. Har kisi ka chehra gambheer tha — Bhavna, Bhumika, Shweta, Tej. Sab bauhe sikode alag-alag jagah aise baithi thi jaise maano rishta nahi pralay aa gaya ho.

Sonali : Ah! K-Kaun? Kaun hai... Ladki?

Bhumika (sighs) : Nidhi madam ki chhoti behan. Shreya. Unhi ke mata-pita aaye the. Poora ghar aaya tha. Siwae Nidhi madam aur Shreya ke.

Sonali ne soch-vichaar me sirr jhukaaya. Use kuchh baatein yaad aa rahi thi.

Sonali : Achha! Woh!? Hmm, meri do-teen baar baat toh hui hai unse. J-Jab humne food truck khola tha na, tab udhghatan ke samay woh aayi thi. Tab baat hui thi meri. Phir, beech me ek do baar aur hui hai. Lekin, woh aur kaamch- matlab Veer!? Ek saath? Mujhe nahi lagta unke beech kuchh chal raha tha? Achha. Aise hi aa gaye wo log?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki Veer jaisa ladka hi unki Shreya ke liye sabse achha hai. Na sirf Veer ne uski naukri lagwaayi thi balki, uske sapne ko bhi haqeeqat me badalne me madad ki.

Sonali : Oh! Hotel me itna bada kaand hua uske baad bhi ladki ka haath dene ki himmat ho gayi?

Bhumika (nods) : Hmm! Yahi sawaal Tejal ne kara tha.

Bhumika ki nazrein bolte hue Tej par phiri. Sonali ne bhi use ek kshan dekha magar shaant rahi.

Sonali : T-Toh kya kaha unn logo ne?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki wo inn sab baaton par dhyaan nahi dete. Khushi me toh har koi khada hota hai. Jab Veer unke dukh me khada hua tha, toh unka bhi farz banta hai ki wo bhi humaare saath khade hoye. Aisa unka kehna hai.

Sonali : Oh! Ah! Ek minute. Rukiye rukiye! Kya iska matlab? Shaadi pakki ho gayi? Kab hai tareekh?

Bhumika : Rishta nahi hua.

Kehte hue usne Tejal ko phirse dekha. Sonali ne bhi punah Tej ko ghoora jaise kuchh gadbad mehsoos kar rahi ho.

Tej achanak khadi hui aur andar apne kamre ki orr chal padi. Sonali ki nazrein andar jaati Tej aur Bhumika ke beech ghoom rahi thi.

Sonali : L-Lagta hai koi kharab mood me hai!?

Bhumika (sighs) : Haan. Tejal ne prastaav thukra diya. Usne saaf keh diya ki Veer ki shaadi abhi kisi se nahi hogi.

Sonali : Ahh! Toh, iska matlab kuchh nahi ho raha? Matlab... Roz ki tarah mujhe phirse food truck me hi time bitaana padega? Hmph! Maine socha tha badhiya chhutti mil jaayegi aur mein-

"Aur, mein badhiya kaam chhor ke mazey karungi, hai na?"

Uske peechhe se jaani-pehchaani ek awaaz aayi.

*Bonk*

"Aaaahhh!!!"

Sonali cheenkhi aur apna sirr sehlaane lagi jaha Veer ne use peechhe se tapli maari thi. Woh mudi, apni gussail aankhon se use dekhte hue.

Sonali : T-Tum-!?? Y-Ye galat hai! Hmph!

Kamre me halchal mach gayi. Veer ke aate hi sabhi satark ho gaye.

Bhavna : Veer-!

Shweta : Aa gaye beta? Aao jaldi. Tumhe kuchh bataana hai-

Veer me turant hi haath uthaate hue unhe rok diya.

Veer : Suna maine. Sab pata chal gaya mujhe.

Shweta : T-Toh-!? Kya karna hai? Hum tumhari raay sunana chaahte hai.

Veer : Pehle ye bataaiye ki Teju di kaha hai?

Bhumika : Apne kamre me.

Veer ne bina kisi bhaav ke sirr hilaaya aur Tej ke kamre ki orr chal pada. Uske peechhe-peechhe Sonali bhi andar jaane lagi.

Jaise hi dono hall se nikal kar andar gaye, Veer ka ek haath chataak se Sonali ki gaand par aake laga.

*Spank*

"Nnnghhaaaaahhh~"

Sonali bechaari apni chuttad ko sehlaati reh gayi.

Veer : Kaam par dhyaan do. *Smiles* Warna saza milegi.

Sonali : Hmph! Kaamchor kahi ke...!

---

Veer seedhe Tej ke kamre ke baahar aakar ruka.

*Knock* *Knock*

Tej ne mudkar nahi dekha. Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi thi, apne dupatte me ungliyaan gadaaye, kahi taktaki lagaaye.

Tej : Darwaza khula hua hai.

Usne thaki hui si awaaz me kaha. Darwaza khula. Phir, band ho gaya. Aur, phir chatakni ke lagne ki awaaz aayi.

Kamre me wo awaaz kisi bandook se nikli goli ki tarah goonj uthi. Tej jhatpat mudi. Aur, saamne shaks ko dekhte hi uski saans atak gayi.

Tej : V-Veeru!?

Naam apne aap uske mukh se nikal aaya. Ek pal ke liye woh khadi reh gayi, hazaaro bhavnao ke beech jamm si gayi. Raahat, ki woh akhirkar uske paas aaya. Ghabrahat, ki woh yaha kyun aaya? Darr, ki woh kya kahega? Ummeed, jisey woh zaahir karne ki himmat nahi kar paa rahi thi. Uska dil itni zor se dhadak raha tha ki use yakeen tha ki shayad Veer bhi sunn sakta tha.

Veer shaant dikh raha tha. Lagbhag befiqr.

Veer : Sab log neeche maujood hai. Aap yaha akeli kya kar rahi ho?

Tej turant hi nazrein hatakar uski taraf peeth karke khadi ho gayi.

Tej : Kuchh nahi. Bas kuchh derr akele rehna tha.

Veer : Kyun?

Tej ke kandhe tann gaye.

Tej : A-Aise hi. Mera mood theek nahi.

Veer ek qadam aage badha. Bas ek qadam.

Veer : Kya hua?

Tej : Bataya toh... K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Yuhi. Mein theek hu. Don't worry.

Usne jaldi se kaha. Kuchh zyada hi jaldi me. Aur, do qadam laanghte hi Veer uske peechhe tha. Theek peechhe. Usne Tej ki kalaayi pakad use apni orr ghuma diya.

Tej haanfi, aankhein chaudi, shabd uske galey me hi atak gaye.

Veer ki bauhe upar tani, gusse me nahi, bas gambheer bhaav me.

Veer : Aapko kya lagta hai? Kya mein samajh nahi sakta ki kab meri Teju di mujhse kuchh chhipa rahi hai? Haan?

Tej : N-Nahi, mein-

Veer : Jawaab do!

Tej ka muh khula, parantu woh na bata saki. Kya bataati?

-ki apne bhai ke bagal se kisi aur stree ke hone ke khayaal se hi uska seena jal raha tha?

-ki shaadi ke prastaav aane se use laga jaise uske bhai ko uss se chheena jaa raha ho?

-ki usne uski shaadi ka prastaav apni jalan ke chalte thukraaya?

Nahi. Woh yeh kaise bata sakti thi? Isliye, chup rahi. Iske bajaaye, usne upar uski aankhon me dekha aur dheere se poochha.

Tej : K-Kya neeche sabne bataaya?

Veer ne haami bhari.

Tej : A-Aur? Aur kya bataaya? Kya yeh bhi ki... Maine shaadi ka prastaav-

Veer ne punah haami bhari. Ab Tej kaanp rahi thi.

Tej : T-Toh? K-Kya hua? Kya mujhe ye bataane aaye ho ki mujhse gussa ho?

Usne apne nichle honth ko daanto taley zor se dabaaya, ek aas me ki kaash Veer uss se naraaz na ho.

Veer : Kisliye?

Tej : U-Unhe reject karne ke liye. Tumse poochhe bina. Tumhari sehmati ke bina hi maine-

Woh kisi doshi bacche ki tarah uske chehre ko nihaar rahi thi, maano use uski galti ki saza milne waali ho.

Kintu, Veer muskuraaya. Dheere se.

Veer : Nahi toh?

Aur, Tej ko ek jhatka laga. Kya matlab?

Tej : P-Par, maine-

Veer (smiles) : Aapne jo kuchh bhi kiya, sahi kiya. Mere aur Shreya ke beech aisa kuchh bhi nahi hai. Hum sirf achhe dost hai. Maanta hu ki woh ek achhi ladki hai, lekin maine use kabhi uss nazar se nahi dekha.

Jab Veer ne ye kaha, toh Tej ke kandhe achanak hi dheele pad gaye, maano jaise unn par koi adrishya bhaari bojh lada ho.

Usne ek raahat mehsoos ki aur turant apna chehra dusri taraf mod liya. Darr tha ki kahi Veer dekh na le. Darr tha ki kahi woh yeh na dekh le ki ye sunana uske liye kitna maayne rakhta tha.

Aur, phir aasu nikalte hi uska sabr toot gaya.

Tej : M-Mein tumse baat karne ki koshish kar rahi thi, Veeru. *sniff* Kayi dino se. *sniff* Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki kaise baat karu.

Usne ladkhadati awaaz me kaha. Kandhe kaanp rahe the.

Tej : M-Mujhe maaf kar do, Veeru. *sniff*

Veer : Huh? Kisliye?

Tej : Tumhe niraash karne ke liye. *hic* T-Tumje chot pahuchaane ke liye. Tumne mujhe ek zimmedari saunpi thi. *sniff* Yarnia ki ek zimmedari. Aur, maine kya kiya? Mein use bacha tak nahi paayi. Jo hua mein use rok nahi paayi. *sniff* I'm... I'm sorry. *hic*

Veer : Aap ab tak uss baat ko lekar soch rahi ho?

Tej : HAAAAAN!! Kyunki, tumne mujhpar bharosa kiya tha, Veeru.

Veer uske qareeb aaya.

Tej : M-Mujhe aur alert hona chaahiye tha. *sniff* Aur, samajhdaar hona chaahiye tha. Mujhe rokne ke liye kuchh karna chaahiye tha.

Veer :Teju di, bas karo. Wo sab-

Tej : NAHIIII! M-Mujhe kehne do, Veeru. *sniff* Mein chaahti thi ki tum jaano maine kitni koshish ki... Mein tumhare liye apna best karna chaahti thi bhai.

Uski awaaz dheemi hokar fusfusahat me badal gayi. "I don't want to lose my place beside you."

Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi.

Veer : Ye aapki wajah se nahi hua, di. Wo mere peechhe the. Wo shootout. Wo meri wajah se tha. Aur, woh hona hi tha. Use roka nahi jaa sakta tha.

Pehli baar Veer ki awaaz bhi ladkhadayi.

Veer : Usme koi bhi kuchh nahi kar sakta tha. Aapne kitna kuchh kiya. Wo decoration, hosting, managing. Aap aur baaki sabhi ne kitna kuchh kiya tha.

Tej (rote hue) : Par, sab toh bikhar gaya na? *sniff*

Veer ne uske gaalo ko thaama. Aasuon ko apne anguthe se poochha.

Veer : Par, aap toh sahi salaamat ho na? Aur, kya chaahiye mujhe!?

Tej (sobs) : Veeru-!!! *sniff*

Veer : Aapne mujhe niraash nahi kiya, di. Aur, ahinda se ye bojh uthaane ki zaroorat nahi. Carefree rahiye.

Tej ki siskiyaan phoot padi. Veer ne use galey se laga liya. Kasskar.

Tej ne uski shirt ko aise jakda jaise maano agar woh use chhoregi toh woh kahi gaayab ho jaayega. Woh apna chehra Veer ki chhaati me daba kar beqaabu hokar rone lagi. Itne saal. Itni doorie. Aur, apne bhai ko phirse khone ka ek darr.

Tej : Bees saal, Veeru! *sniff* Bees saal tak maine intezar kiya. Aur, mom ne bhi. *hic* Mein ab tumhe dobaara khona nahi chaahti. Ab jaakar toh maine tumhe paaya hai- *sniff* T-Tum rooth gaye toh mein toh jeete-jee marr jaungi.

Veer (mutters) : Teju di!

Tej ne use aur kasskar pakad liya.

Veer (smiles) : Don't worry. Aisa kabhi nahi hoga. Di, aap mere liye bahut maayne rakhti ho. Maine bhi toh aapko 20 saal ke baad paaya hai. Toh, mere liye kya zaroori hai? Yarnia ya phir aap? *smiles* Yarnia jaise hazaar business mein dobaara khade kar lunga. Par, aapko kho diya toh dobaara thodi paa lunga. Samjhi ab?

Tej ne upar dekha, aankhein laal thi.

Tej (nods) : Mmm~

Veer muskuraaya aur neeche jhuka. Tej ke honth kaanpe aur khul gaye. Woh apne panjo ke bal upar uthi.

Aur, uske honth Veer ke hontho se jaa mile. Chumban komal tha. Kam se kam shuruat me.

Uske baad-

Achanak hi teevrapann aa gaya. Tej ke haath Veer ke kandho par chale gaye, ungliyaan shirt me gadd gayi. Aasuon se uske gaal geele the.

"Nnnghh~ mmmm~ V-Veeru-!"

*Slurp* *slurp*

"I-I love you~ llhhhmm~ schkk~"

Tej ne use phir chooma. Iss baar zyaada derr tak. Woh Veer ke sparsh aur uski chumban me doobti chali gayi.

Akhirkar, dono alag hue. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi nahi hila. Phir, Veer ne apna maatha Tej ke maathe se tika diya. Aur, Tej ki aankhein band ho gayi.

Tej : Stay. Just stay, Veeru.

Veer : Hmm!

Veer ne jab use thaam liya toh Tej ki saansein dheere-dheere sthir ho gayi. Uska chehra Veer ki chhaati me dhasa hua tha, tabhi use woh ehsaas hua jis par usne pehle itna gaur nahi kiya tha.

Ek halki si khushbu. Nahi. Mardaana khushbu nahi. Kuchh feminine si. Yeh Veer ki khushbu nahi thi.

Usne ek do baar aur zor se soongha. Aur, uski bauhe tann gayi. Woh thoda peechhe hati, bas itna ki upar uski orr dekh sake. Uski nigaahein Veer ke hontho par tik gayi.

Waha...

Kuchh laal si parat dikhaayi di. Spasht nahi. Lekin, Tej ko kuchh na kuchh samajh aa gaya tha. Uska dimaag tezi se chalne laga. Tej ki ungliyaan uski shirt par kass gayi. Veer ne bhi uska yeh badlaav mehsoos kiya.

Veer : Kya hua?

Woh jhijhaki. Ek pal ke liye, jalan uske seene me teevr aur khatarnak roop se bhadak uthi. Lekin, usne use daba liya.

Tej : Kaha gaye the tum? Itna saj-dhaj kar?

Veer ne apne kapdo ki orr dekha. Woh seedhe gala se hi ghar lauta tha.

Veer : O-Oh! Ye? Ek corporate gala tha. Udhar hi gaya tha.

Tej ke dil me achanak hi dard utha. Zordaar. Usne khud se kaha ki sochna band kar do. Dilaasa di ki sab theek hai. Imagine mat karo. Sawaal mat karo.

Par, shaq gehra hota jaa raha tha.

[Stupid Master, She saw the lipstick of Kaera on your lips. She smelled her perfume on your body. Run for your life.]

'H-Huh? Wtf!? Pari? Tum kab sleep mode se baahar aayi?'

Kintu, Tej ne abhi poornta yakeen nahi kiya tha. Bhaagne ki bajaaye woh aur qareeb aayi. Agar, uske bhai par kisi aur ka koi nishaan tha, toh woh use mita degi.

Uske haath Veer ki chhaati par upar ki orr sarke, ungliyaan uski gardan ke peechhe lipat gayi. Aur, ek hi jhatke me-

Veer : Huh? Teju di!? Woah-

Iss baar jab Tej ne use chooma toh ye ekdum hi alag tha.

Dheere. Gehraayi se. Apna adhikaar jataate hue.

Veer thoda jhep gaya magar phir apni pratikriya di. Tej use aise choom rahi thi, uske muh ko aise kha rahi thi jaise use darr tha ki agar woh ruki toh Veer ko koi aur le jaayega.

*Slurp* *Slurp*

"Nnghhhh~ Veeru!!! Mmmllhmmm~"

Kayi minute ke baad jab woh alag hui, toh uski aankhon me adhikaar ki bhaavna jhalak rahi thi. Aur, Veer ne pehli baar kuchh aisa mehsoos kiya.

---

Veer jab apne kapde badal kar neeche aaya, toh sabhi kha-pee ke TV dekhne me lage hue the.

Aaj socha tha usne ki din jaisa bhi gaya ho, kam se kam kuchh baatein toh achhi hui.

Kaera ne use dhutkaara nahi. Sonia ko deal akhirkar mil hi gayi. Suhana ko diya gaya vachan bhi poora ho gaya. Aur, uski Teju di uske aur bhi qareeb aa gayi.

Magar, woh jab ye sab soch hi raha tha tabhi use kuchh aisa sunaayi diya jisey sunn uske perr wahi jamm gaye.

Veer : Bhumika di! Channel badalna zara.

Bhumika jo apne haatho me remote liye TV par channels palat rahi thi woh wahi ruk gayi.

Bhumika : Huh? K-Kya hua?

Veer : Channel change kariye na.

Bhumika ne haami bhar channel badla toh ek gaana bajne laga.

Veer : Y-Ye waala nahi. Peechhe. International news waala.

Usne dobaara jab channel badla toh saamne TV par ek international news channel par khabar chal rahi thi.

International News | Breaking

Anchor : Coming up is Breaking news from Spain.

"The Prime Ministerial candidate of Spain, named 'Rafael Ibanez' has died today in Madrid. He was 56."

"Officials confirm the cause of death as progressive organ failure caused by a rare, slow-developing neurological condition, undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Medical authorities have stated there are no signs of external involvement."

"The Spanish government has announced national mourning. All campaign activity has been suspended."

"More updates to follow."

[Master-!]

Veer ki bauhe chinta me sikud gayi.

'Pari!'

[Kya mein overthink kar rahi hu, Master? Ye bas koi mamooli news nahi ho sakti. Kuchh hua hai, hai na?]

'Tum akeli nahi ho, Pari! Mera dimaag bhi yahi keh raha hai.'

[I'm feeling agitated all of a sudden.]

***

At the same time,
A few minutes ago,
FBCC Headquarters,
New York, Noon - 1:07 p.m.

Headquarters ki oonchi imaarat par X khada hua tha, hawa se uske kapde zor se lehra rahe the.

Uska ek perr terrace ki chhoti boundary par tika hua tha. Uske peechhe terrace ka darwaaza halka sa khula aur koi upar aaya.

Rebecca kuchh qadam dur aakar ruki.

Ek kshan ke liye woh keval uski peeth ko dekhti rahi. Uska coat. Uski khamoshi. Rebecca ki hat neeche jhuki hui thi, uski aankhein chhaaya se dhaki hui thi, aur bauhe kasi hui.

Rebecca (frowns) : Are you releasing it?

X halka sa muda. Usne peechhe khadi Rebecca ko dheere se dekha. Aur, phir ahista se ek haami bhari. Rebecca ne zor se saans kheenchi.

Rebecca : K-Kya abhi hi? Kya time ho gaya? K-Kya aur nahi ruk sakte?

X : NO!

Ek chhota sa shabd kabhi itna wazandaar nahi laga tha Rebecca ko.

X : Agle kuchh din humaare liye nahi hai. It's for them. Unhe prepare karne ke liye time toh chaahiye hi hoga. Before the SUMMIT begins.

Rebecca ke honth dheere se thar-tharaaye. Ek pal ke liye usne bhi nazar hatakar sheher ki orr dekha. Phir, wapas se X ki peeth ki orr.

Rebecca : Ek baar agar tumne aisa kiya, toh ise badla nahi jaa payega. You know that, right?

X (smirks) : Isn't it applicable to everything? Aur, isliye hi... Yeh abhi hoga.

Unke beech ek gehra sannaata chhaa gaya.

X seedha khada hua, boundary par se perr hataate hue, uske haath uski jeb me chale gaye.

X : Tumhe pata hai na kya karna hai?

Woh hichkichaayi. Phir, haule se sirr hilaayi.

Bina kuchh kahe, woh tezi se mudi aur darwaaze ki orr chal padi. Uski chaal tez thi. Jaise hi woh darwaaze se baahar nikli, uska haath pehle se hi apni kamar me khuse ek walkie-talkie ki orr chala gaya.

"Hello? Damian...!"

Uske nikalte hi darwaza uske peechhe band ho gaya. Tez hawa ke jhonke ne ek baar phir X ke kapdo ko lehra diya.

X ne ek baar phir sheher ki orr dekha. Sab kuchh shaant prateet ho raha tha.

[What are you waiting for???]

Ek aurat ki awaaz uske mann me goonji.

[Don't interrupt.]

Iss baar ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji. Aur, mann me khamoshi chhaa gayi. Kuchh derr X yuhi khada raha. Jab dobaara mann me koi shor nahi hua, koi hastakshep nahi hua tabhi uske honth khule aur-

"TIME RELEASE!"

Shabd dheere se uske muh se nikal gaye.

***

At the same time...
Madrid, Spain,
Evening 7:11 PM ~

Madrid me abhi poori tarah raat nahi chhaayi thi. Rafael Ibanez ki maut se Spain achraj me zaroor tha.

Krodh me nahi, na hi sadme me. Bas, taajub me. Kyunki, maut medical kaarano ki wajah se hui thi. Shaant. Bina kisi virodh ke, bina kisi haadse ke.

Aur, maut ki khabar abhi bas baahar aayi thi. Abhi poore Spain ke logo tak ise pahuchne me samay tha. Jaise-jaise khabar aag ki tarah felni waali thi, waise-waise hi aakrosh, afwaaho ke janm lene ki sambhavnaaye bhi zyada thi.

Lekin, koi tha aaj jo poornta iss vishay ko lekar sunishchit tha. Kael chhato se hote hue aise daud raha tha maano jaise woh sadak par daud raha ho. Aur, phir usne chhalaang lagaayi.

Teen manzil ki building ki uchaayi se woh yuhi kood gaya. Aur, uski nazar saamne kayi acre ke andar pheli uss imaarat par tik gayi. Vishal. Jagmagati raushniyo se raushan. Agal-bagal khule maidaan se ghiri.

Alejandro ki khud ki zameen. Uska ghar.

Chappe chappe pe bhayanak pehra laga hua tha. Security andar se lekar baahar gates tak tainaat thi. Aur, andar Alejandro. Yaani ki Spain ke naye PM candidate ka ab ekmaatr daavedaar. Kyunki, Rafael Ibanez, uska virodhi kuchh kshan pehle hi mrityu ke ghaat utar chuka tha.

Kael ke haath sehej gati se chale. Usne apna ajeeb sa hathiyaar, jo uski peeth par bandha hua tha, use kheench ke baahar nikaala.

Taraazu jaisa dikhne waala woh hathiyar do badi-badi gol discs se bana tha, jaha dono hi discs ek lambi chain se bandhi hui thi.

Usne apne haath jhatke, aur uske trenchcoat ke andar aasteen me bandhi aur adhik chain neeche gir gayi. Phir, usne chain pakad-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Dono bhaari bharkam discs hawa me ghumaayi. Discs aur zanzeer hawa ko cheerte hue sarsara rahi thi.

*Fwoosh* *Fwoosh*

Usne ek jhatke me unn dono discs ko upar hawa me feka, dono discs gol ghumti hui uchaayi me udi, boundary wall ko paar karte hue andar gayi aur andar ki deewar se bhidte hue, upar ki tek se lagte hue phass gayi.

Kael ne zanzeer ko kass ke pakda. Aur, woh phir kooda.

Zanzeer zor se awaaz kari aur Kael aage ki orr khinch gaya. Hawa me. Usne apni dono discs ko hooks ki tarah deewar me phasaate hue khud ko upar kheench liya. Aur, palak jhapakte hi woh boundary wall ke upar tha.

Uske upar aate hi-

Sirens aur alarms turant hi baj uthe.

Poore ilaake me laal battiyaan chamak uthi. Floodlights ghoomne lagi. Neeche maujood security harqat me aa gayi, hathiyaar upar uth gaye aur sankshipt aadesho me awaaz goonjne lagi.

Sab ne use dekha. Unki aankhein aashcharya me feli hui thi. Kyunki, upar deewar par khada shaks koi aam shaks nahi tha.

Poora Madrid use 'Kael, the saviour' ke naam se jaanta tha. Ye baat zaroor thi ki kisi ko bhi yeh gyaat nahi tha ki Kael ek systems holder bhi tha. Siwaaye, Alejandro ke.

Kael unki tani hui bandook dekh ke bhi tass se mass nahi hua.

Woh deewar par khada raha, hawa me uska kaala trench coat lehra raha tha, raushni me kaale-safed ka uske chehre ka paint chamak raha tha. Spain ka shaant nyayadheesh, akhirkar sabke saamne tha.

Rafael Ibanez ki maut ki khabar uske dimag me goonj rahi thi. Kael ne Alejandro ko kayi mahino se gaur kiya tha. Uske paapo ko gina tha. Saiyyam bhi barta tha. Magar, Alejandro ne uski chetaavniyo ko har baar ansuna kar diya tha.

Magar, aaj hui Rafael ki maut ne paasa palat diya. Building ke andar monitors on the. Kayi saare cameras Kael par kendrit the. Aur, Alejandro andar se sab kuchh dekh raha tha. Chehre par koi bhaav nahi the.

Kael ki oonchi awaaz poore ilaake me goonj uthi.

Kael : ALEJANDRO!!! Maine tumhe kayi baar andekha kiya. Tumhare paap. Tumhare bure karam. Tumhari deals. Tumhari khamoshi. Sab kuchh.

Rifles uski chhaati ki orr tik gayi. Security ke logo ki ungliyaan bandook ke trigger par jamm gayi.

Kael : Maine tumhe chetaavni di thi!! Uss X se dur raho. Baar-baar. Par, tumhare paapo ka ghada bhar chuka hai, Alejandro! Aur, mein Spain ko iski qeemat nahi chukaane dunga.

*Silence*

Agle hi kshan ek intercom se Alejandro ki awaaz aayi, tez aur gusse se bhari hui.

Alejandro : Nikal jao, Kael! Aur, ek official PM candidate par aarop lagaana band kar do. Khaaskar, bina kisi saboot ke. Humaare 'Rafael Ibanez' ke guzar jaane ke dukhad samachar se hum sab shok mana rahe hai. Abhi bhi mauka hai. Chale jao yaha se.

Kael : Mein sab jaanta hu... ki tum kitne doodh ke dhule hue ho.

Usne apni chain uthaayi aur use apni ek ungli par tikaaya. Dono bhaari discs ek samaan swatantra roop se latak rahi thi. Ekdum sthir.

Ek pal ke liye dono hi discs ka waza baraabar tha. Tabhi-

*Ding*

"JUDGEMENT!!!"

Kael ke mukh se shabd nikalte hi, achanak hi, uski ungli par chain ki madad se latak rahi baayi disc neeche jhuk gayi. Kisi taraazu ki tarah.

Jaadu se nahi. Parinaam swaroop. Uss bhaar ke peechhe Alejandro ka bura karm chhipa hua tha.

Alejandro : Dekh kya rahe ho murkho!!? Humla karo!!! YE SARASAR TERRORISM HAI!!!

Uske kehte hi uski security ne-

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Goliyaan barsaani shuru kar di. Par, Kael apni jagah se gaayab ho chuka tha.

Achanak hi-

*Boom*

Woh itni zor se neeche aake land kiya ki neeche ke patthar ukhadte hue hawa me udd gaye. Uski nazar baaj ki tarah unn sab par tik gayi.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Woh apni jagah se gaayab hua-

*Swoosh*

Jaise hi kuchh bullets uske badan par lagne ko aayi-

*Clang* *Clang*

Usne apne hathiyaar ki discs shield ki tarah kheenchi aur sabhi bullets uss par lagte hi ricochet ho gayi.

"Huh?? K-Kya???"

Security waale taajub theek se dikha paate ki uske pehle hi-

*Ding*

"AUTHORITY ZONE!!!"

Usne apne muh se kuchh kaha. Aur, uski discs hawa me ghoomte hue aayi.

"Aaarghhh!"

" Bluerghh!"

" Ughhh!"

Ek saath teen logo ko hawa me udaate hue discs saaye-saaye ghoomte hue kohraam machaane lagi.

*BAAAMMMMM* *BAAAMMMMM*

Unhe zameen par patakte hue woh unhe zameen ke andar dhasa deta, aur grip banaate hue chain ko kheench apne aap ko launch karta.

"Aaarghhh!!!"

Imaarat cheekhon se goonj uthi. Kael ki chained discs aisa hahakaar macha rahi thi jaise maano kisi daitya ko khula chhor diya ho.

Uski disc hawa me sarraate-daar tareeke se ghoomte hue ek aadmi ki orr aayi.

"Bluerghh"

Aadmi ke muh se khoon nikla, woh disc se bhida aur kayi feet dur jaake gir pada.

Kael ne jaise hi uss disc ko wapas kheencha, disc hawa me ghoomte hue uski orr waapas aane lagi. Par...

Woh uchka. Hawa me wapas aati disc par hi apni laat rakh, use kisi foothold ki tarah istemal kar woh ek aur chhalaang laga diya.

Maano double jump ka usne asli tareeka dhoondh liya tha. Aur, apni doosri disc ko upar phekte hue usne pehli manzil ki khidki par phasaaya aur-

*Schling*

Khud ko seedhe pehli manzil ke andar le gaya jaha Alejandro andar maujood tha.

Jab Alejandro ne cameras me ye dekha toh woh ek pal ke ghabra utha.

'Nahi nahi! Sab plan ke according jaa raha hai. Mujhe darrna nahi hai.'

[Run. This is the right time, Alejandro.]

Uske mann me ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

'Huh? Abhi?'

[Haan, abhi! Warna-]

Kael ke daaye-baaye lambe-lambe corridor the. Aur, baayi taraf hi Alejandro baitha hua tha.

Kael muda. Aur, baayi orr chalne laga. Chalte-chalte hi usne apni disc itni zor se deewar ki orr pheki ki-

*Swish*

Disc deewar ke upar se lag ke kisi frisbee ki tarah ghoomti hui aage badhi. Kael khud bhi iss dauraan daanav ki tarah aage badh raha tha.

Corridor ke mod par disc aate hi mod ke andar ghus gayi aur usi dauraan Kael ne ek jhatke me apni disc kheench li.

Na jaane kis dhaatu ki woh disc bani thi, jaise hi Kael ne use apni orr kheencha, mudte waqt deewar se takraane ke chalte-

*BAAMMMMMMM*

Deewar ke parchhatte udd gaye. Aur, aadhi deewar hi dhass gayi. Dhool, dhua hawa me udd gaya.

Aur, giri hui deewar se hi use nazar aaya- Alejandro ka dara hua chehra.

"ALEJANDRO!!!!"

Kael dahaada. Magar, Alejandro taiyaar tha. Woh ek jhatke me bhaaga.

Kael uske peechhe dauda...! Alejandro jaise sab kuchh taiyaar kar ke baitha hua tha.

Jaise hi Kael uski orr Alejandro khidki ki taraf dauda.

[Nahi. Use jaane nahi dena, Kael!]

Andar se ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

Kael ne zor se apni disc pheki-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Magar-

*Craaaashhhhhhh*

Disc khidki ko cheerte hue baahar nikal gayi. Lekin, Alejandro pehle hi khidki se kood chuka tha.

Kael jaise hi khidki ke nazdeek pahucha toh use ab tak ka sabse bada jhatka laga.

[We lost. It was a trap.]

Uske andar se awaaz aayi.

Kyunki, saamne-

Janta ka dher saara samooh uss orr badh raha tha. Neeche Alejandro ek rescue jump cushion par land kiya tha.

Logo ko jamawda? Wo cameras sirf Kael par nazar rakhne ke liye nahi the. Woh cameras livestreaming kar rahe the.

Kael ne jo kuchh bhi kiya, woh porre Spain me broadcast ho chuka tha. Aur, ab Spain hi nahi, shayad poore vishwa me bhi.

Kya hoga agar ek PM candidate ki maut ke baad, agle PM candidate ke upar bhi humla ho jaaye?

Wahi hua tha.

Jo Rafael Ibanez ki maut ka aarop Alejandro par lagna chaahiye tha, woh Alejandro ne chalaaki se Kael ki upar thop diya tha. Aur, na sirf itna balki use janta ke saamne ye bhi dikha diya tha ki Kael uski khud ki jaan bhi lene aaya hua tha.

[Run! Kael!]

Ek system holder hone ke naate Kael ab logo ki nazro me aur bhi achhe se aa gaya tha. Uska iss hisaab se ladna, koodna, goliyon se bachna.

Na chaahte hue bhi-

Kael ke paas ek hi vikalp tha.

Yaha se bhaagna.

Aur, usne wahi kiya. Security, police uske peechhe bhaagi par bhala ek system holder ko wo kaise pakad sakti thi?

'Kael, the saviour' jo social media par kaafi charchit tha, ab 'Kael, the maniac' ke naam se mashoor hone laga. Ye raat Kael ke liye bahut kuchh badalne waali thi.

Jaise hi woh apne hideout par lauta...

Toh uska phone baj utha. Bhaagne se Kael ki saansein tez thi. Phone par naam dekhte hi usne ek jhatke me hi call utha liya.

Kael : Bolo!

Damian : Pata lag gaya woh kaun hai.

Kael : Kaun?

Damian : Veer Singh! From India.

Aur, bas itna sunn, Kael ne call kaat diya. Usne apni peeth se apne hathiyaar ko hataaya toh wo zor se neeche zameen par gir gaya.

Usne apni mej par rakhe uss khat ko dekha.

SUMMIT ka invitation.

Jidhar na jaane ka usne faisla kar liya tha. Magar, Damian ke muh se naam sunte hi-

Woh faisla ab badal chuka tha.

***

26th January,
Suhana's house,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Ghar ke baahar aake ek gaadi ruki, headlights bujhi, aur Veer sabse pehle baahar nikla. Proper neat and clean suit me. Haav-bhaav shaant.

Darwaaza band karne se pehle usne peechhe dickey se ek gift packed hua nikaala aur haatho me liya. Erica bhi baahar aa chuki thi.

Woh toh maano damak rahi thi, perro par thirak rahi thi, uski aankhein chamak rahi thi. Woh Suhana ke ghar ko dekhti aur phir Veer ko, phir ghar ko aur phir Veer ko, maano kehna chaah rahi ho ki hum kab andar chalenge?

Veer : Sab taiyaar hai na?

Erica me turant hi, thoda jaldi me hi sirr hilaaya.

Erica : Sab taiyaar hai. Every detail. Maine do baar check kiya hai. Nahi, balki teen baar hehe.

Veer ne apne cufflinks theek kiye aur ek baar gate ki orr dekha.

Veer : We got one shot at this. Don't mess it up.

Erica dheere se hasi.

Erica : Yes boss! Don't worry hehe. Mein sab sambhaal lungi.

Veer : Yeah. Kyunki, hum dono hi hai. Media aur company ke saamne sab kuchh reveal karne ke baad Ava busy hai. Aur, Garofano business clients se deal kar rahi hai. It's just you and me.

Erica : Kuchh bhi gadbad nahi hogi. You just have to believe in me. *winks*

Veer (smiles) : Alright! Let's go!

Erica : Yesss boss~

Aur, dono hi andar ki orr chal pade.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
Dhanyavad. Target remains the same as previous one. Note iske neeche mention hai, padhna mat bhoolna.

लाजवाब है

 

[My143mysweet]

Update - 210 ~ The Man between the rooms​

Sonia wahi khadi thi jaha Suhana use chhor kar gayi thi. Lobby ki lights jagmaga rahi thi. Andar hall se hasi-khushi ki awaazein aa rahi thi, taaliyon ki gadgadahat abhi bhi kahi na kahi rafta-rafta sunaayi pad rahi thi, jaise ye tay tha ki aaj ki raat toh keval aur keval Elite Motors ki aan, baan aur shaan ki raat thi.

Kintu, Sonia ke vichaar kahi aur hi the.

“You lost the biggest deal of your life.”

Kya matlab tha iska? Ve shabd Sonia ke seene ko chhalni kar gaye. Suhana ne iske pehle kabhi uss se aise baat nahi ki thi. Woh toh humesha taali bajaati, galey lagti, uska protsaahan badhaati, aur yeh kehne waali pehli hoti thi ki- ‘Tumne kar dikhaaya, Sonu.’

Tab bhi jab Sonia ko khud par yakeen nahi hota tha. Har qamyabi par woh uske bagal se khadi hoti thi.

Magar, aaj-

Woh bhaag nikli. Use akela chhor. Sonia tezi se mudi aur main hall ki taraf wapas se daudi.

‘N-No-!’

Uski saansein tez thi. Main hall logo se abhi bhi khacha-khach bhara hua tha. Bade-bade diggaj uske mata-pita ke chaaro orr khade hue the, apne chehro par saji-dhaji muskaan liye. Uske pita ki hasi garv se bharpoor zor se goonj rahi thi. Maa shaleenta banaaye hue chehre par muskaan bikhere sabhi se mil rahi thi.

Shailendra : Sonia beta, idhar aao. Inse milo zara!

Uske pita ne use pukaara. Woh ruki. Lagataar kayi haath uski orr badhe.

“Congratulations. Your presentation was just impeccable.”

Sonia : Th-Thank you!

Jawaab uske muh se apne-aap baahar aa gaya, kyunki aankhein toh hall me chaaro orr Suhana ki talaash me mandra rahi thi.

Hall ke uss paar, bheed ke peechhe, usne dekha-

Suhana corridor se guzar kar washroom ki taraf jaate hue use dikhi. Qadam bahut tez the. Jaise shayad woh nahi chaahti thi ki koi uska peechha kare ya use dekhe.

‘D-Dii-!’

Sonia ki saans atak gayi. Uski badi behan iss qadar kyu bhaag rahi thi? Use akela chhor ke kyu? Akhir, usne aisa kya kho diya tha jiska Suhana zikr kar rahi thi?

Woh aage badhi.

Namrita : Sonia-!

Uski maa ne dheere se use pukaara, aur apni ungliyaan uski kalaayi par baandh use pakda.

Namrita : Aao! *smiles* Tumhe kisi se milwaana hai.

Sonia : M-Mom, ek second please, mein-

Namrita use apne saath laate hue kuchh logo ke ghere ke beech le gayi, jaha ek se badhkar ek businessman aur unki patniya maujood thi. Usi ghere me koi aur bhi khada hua tha, jiske hontho par muskaan, Sonia ko aata dekh ke hi phel chuki thi.

Namrita : Ye… Inhe toh tum jaanti hi hogi, hai na? Tanishq. Mister Malhotra ji ka beta hai ye, mujhe toh aaj pata chala haha. *smiles* Tum dono pehle bhi toh mil chuke ho na? Aao na beta, Tanishq. Tum dono jaake baat kyu nahi karte?

Tanishq wahi tha jiski wajah se Sonia ne Casa Belle me hi pichhli baar Veer ko chhor deal sign kari thi. Wahi aadmi jo Autoshield jaisi company ko sambhaal raha tha. Autoshield India me ek jaana-maana naam tha. Elite Motors ke baad agar koi naam aata tha toh woh Autoshield ka hi hota tha. Aur, khaas baat yeh ki Tanishq Malhotra Sonia ke suitors me se ek tha.

Sonia ki nigaahein Tanishq par phiri aur Tanishq ki Sonia par.

Tanishq (smiles) : Ji, aunty. Inhe kaun nahi jaanta? *smiles* By the way, hum partners bhi hai. Maine invest kiya hua hai. Miss Sonia? Aapne bataaya nahi kya apni mom ko?

Sonia : M-Mein-! H-Hello!

Sonia ne Tanishq se haath milaaya, Tanishq ka haath kuchh zyaada hi derr tak Sonia ke haath ko thaam ke rakha raha. Tanishq ka uski company ke saath tie-up tha. Ve dono partners the. Casa Belle me pichhli baar Unicard launch ke function ke dauraan dono ke beech bahut badi 120 crore ki deal bhi sign hui thi. Aise me Sonia use nazar-andaaz nahi kar sakti thi. Aaj ki iss prastuti ke baad toh bilkul bhi nahi. Sahi maayno me dekha jaaye toh yahi ek uchit nirnay tha.

Magar, aaj Tanishq bhi- ya yu kahe ki 120 crore ki deal bhi Suhana ke saamne haar chuki thi.

Tanishq : Miss Sonia! Shall we-

Sonia : I’m- I’m sorry! Mujhe abhi jaana hoga.

Kehte hue woh waha se palti aur seedhe washroom ki orr bhaagi.

Tanishq : ???

Namrita : Um… Shayad… Washroom gayi hai. *smiles* Tum baitho na beta.

Qadam-qadam par koi use rokta. Ek aur badhaayi. Ek aur muskaan. Magar, uska dhyaan sirf aur sirf abhi Suhana ki orr hi khich raha tha. Uski badi behan bina matlab ke kabhi aisi baatein nahi kehti thi.

Sonia ne akhirkar khud ko bheed se alag kiya, woh logo ke beech se nikalte hue kinaare corridor ki orr badhi, qadam ab tezi se badh rahe the. Dhairya tootata jaa raha tha.

“Dii-!”

“Dii-!”

Theek usi kshan hall ke ek dusre chhor se Ruchika bhi chillaate hue aage badhi. Sonia aur Ruchika, dono ek-dusre ke bagal se aakar jhatke-se ruk gayi.

Ruchika (surprised) : A-Aap-!?

Sonia : Tum-!?

Unn dono ke muh se nikla. Sonia ki nigaahein theek Ruchika ke haath par gayi, jo kuchh thaame hue tha. Suchika ka mask.

Yeh ehsaas hote hi Sonia ka seena bhaari ho utha. Suchika ka mask Ruchika ke haath me? Shayad, iska matlab- Suchika ka cover blow ho chuka tha. Par, sawaal tha, kaise?

Aur, jawab tha : Nishaan aur harqat.

Deal mil jaane ke baad jab jashn shuru hua, taaliyon ne hall ko apne shor se dhaka, tab Ruchika ki nigaahein keval ek ladki par tiki hui thi, aur woh thi : Sonia ki nayi-naveli secretary.

Use Casa Belle ke Unicard launch ke function par hui woh pehli mulaqat yaad aa gayi. Uss raat jab Ruchika ne use pehli baar dekha tha-

Ruchika (eyes profusely) : Who are you?

Suchika : *raises eyebrow*

Sonia : Where are your manners? Don't you know that before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first.

Kaera : !!??

Ruchika (bows) : I'm sorry Miss! I was just wondering, who might be this new person?

Sonia (smiles) : Woh meri secretary hai. Private secretary. I don't think ki mujhe uske baare me sabhi ko batana zaroori hai. Right?

Ruchika : I understand!

Sonia : Good!

Pichhli baar, kuchh iss tarah se Sonia ne Suchika ke baare me bataane se taal diya tha. Aur, tab se hi woh Ruchika ke radar me chadhi hui thi. Bas, yahi ek kaaran nahi tha. Suchika ki qad-kaathi, uska rang, baal, pehanane-odhne ka dhang, uski aankhein, ye sab aur bhi cheezein baya kar rahi thi.

Isliye, jab jashn ke dauraan sabhi ki nazrein ICONGLOBE aur Elite Motors ke logo par jami, tab-

Ruchika baaz ki tarah apni aankhein Suchika par gadaaye hue thi, aur beshaq tabhi-

‘Huh?’

Achanak, Suchika kuchh neeche gire samaan ko uthaane ke liye jhuki, uski dress ki collar ke aas-paas ka hissa halka-sa gravity ke chalte neeche latka aur uske seene par laga ek nishaan Ruchika ko nazar aa gaya.

Ek gehra nishaan. Ek ajeeb-sa nishaan jo janm se hi use praapt hua tha. Yahi nahi, use uthaate hi woh apni jagah par jyo ki tyo khadi ho gayi. Lekin, uski mudra-

Uski mudra ajeeb thi. Ek taang halki-si peechhe, uske ek haath ki kalaayi dusre haath me aur ek ajeeb harqat. Kalaayi ko ungliyon se ragadna. Yeh ek aisi harqat thi jo Suchika ko shayad khud bhi nahi pata thi ki woh yeh karti thi.

A subconscious habit. Ek aisi aadat jo insaan bina jaane bhi karta hai, uska shareer uss se karwa deta hai, ek muscle memory ke roop me. Aur, Suchika ki aadat thi, woh khushi me aur chinta me, dono hi avsar par woh yeh harqat karti thi. Kalaayi ko ragadna.

Ek aadat jo Ruchika humesha-se hi apni behan ki gaur kiya karti thi. Parantu, kabhi tokti nahi thi. Aur, uska na tokna hi aaj kaam aaya. Agar ateet me kabhi usne iss aadat ko lekar sawaal poochha hota toh shayad Suchika aaj iss baat ka yaha dhyaan rakhti aur Ruchika use pakad nahi paati.

Nishaan aur harqat. Dono teer sahi jagah par lage the. Isme koi shaq nahi tha ab ki Miss Sonia ki secretary koi aur nahi, uski apni badi behan, Suchika hi thi.

Aur, yahi jaan ke woh uski orr bhaagi. Apni orr apni chhoti behan ko aata dekh Suchika seedhe mudi, aur washroom ki taraf bhaagi. Qadam pehle tez hue, aur jab usne dekha ki Ruchika theek uski orr hi badh rahi hai toh qadam daud me tabdeel ho gaye.

“Wait-!!!”

Ruchika peechhe se zor se chillaayi. Woh apni poori taaqat se bhaagi. Iske pehle ki Suchika washroom me ghus paati, Ruchika ne uski kalaayi pakad use kheencha, use moda aur ek hi jhatke me-

*Snatch*

Usne Suchika ke chehre se wo kaala mask kheench liya. Mask hatate hi saari ki saari sacchaayi jo ab tak sanshay ke bhaav me thi, woh pukhta sach bann kar saamne aa gayi.

Ruchika ki aankhein vismay me chaudi ho gayi. Use yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Uski apni badi behan? Woh jo ghar chhor ke bhaag gayi thi woh Miss Sonia ki secretary thi?

Iske pehle ki woh apni hairangi se baahar aa paati, Suchika mauka dekh washroom me ghus chuki thi.

“Nahiiii-!!! Rukiye-!!”

Theek usi samay, Suhana, Suchika ke bagal waale washroom cubicle me ghus gayi. Aur, aise hi dono badi behne apni chhoti behno se nazrein churaate hue washroom me aa kar khud ko chhipa baithi.

Sonia : Dii-!!! Dii, gate kholiye.

Sonia ki awaaz Ruchika ko apne vichaaro se baahar laayi.

Sonia (shouts) : Dii!!

Usne phir se pukaara, iss baar aur bhi zor se.

Ruchika (yells) : Dii! Dii, baahar aaiye. Ab chhipne se kuchh nahi hone waala. Mein kehti hu baahar aaiye.

Suhana. Suchika. Do naam. Do behne. Dono ek-dusre ke bagal se band cubicle me, maano niyati ne unhe yaha ek saath fasaane ki saazish ki ho.

Sonia ekdum sthir khadi thi, ungliyaan mutthi me bhinchi hui. Hall me pehle uske chehre par jo muskaan thi, woh ab gaayab ho chuki thi, uski jagah ab shikan ne leli thi.

10 billion dollars. Baahar har koi iska jashn mana raha tha. Toh, phir uske seene me yeh jakdan kyun mehsoos ho rahi thi?

“You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu.”

Shabd uske dimaag se nikal hi nahi rahe the. Ve theek nahi baith rahe the. Suhana kabhi betuki baat karti hi nahi thi. Kabhi naatak ya iss tarah ka mazaak bhi nahi. Aur, na hi woh iss tarah se rokar bhaagti thi.

Dusri orr, Ruchika ek pal ke liye idhar se udhar tehli, phir ruk gayi. Uska dil itni tezi se dhadak raha tha ki ab toh chhaati me bhi dard uthne laga tha. Mask, uske haath me abhi bhi jakda hua, sikuda hua, maano ab bhula diya gaya ho.

Kyu aayi ho ab yaha?
Kaha thi itne saal?
Wapas kyun nahi aayi?
Jab maa rote-rote apni raatein kaatati rahi, tab kaha thi?
Jab baba ka samaaj me apmaan hua, tab kaha thi?

Bahut saare sawaal the Ruchika ke andar. Magar, na hi Suchika aur na hi Suhana, dono hi baahar aake apni chhoti behan ka saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Washroom ke cubicle ke andar sannata chhaaya hua tha.

Suhana tiles ki deewar se tek laga kar khadi hui thi, aankhein laal, palkein aasuon se bheegi aur chipchipi, gaalon par aasuon ke nishaan jo saboot the ki unhe zor se pochha gaya tha. Usne apne honth kasskar band kiye, apni saanson ki sthir karne ki koshish ki. Abhi nahi. Yaha nahi. Woh yaha aur koi drishya nahi khada karna chaahti thi.

Uske bagal ke cubicle se, Suchika band toilet lid par baithi, kohniyaan ghutno par rakhe, zameen ko ghoor rahi thi. Royi toh woh bhi thi. Chupchaap. Aaj bas nahi. Saalo-saal. Varsho tak bhaagne, chhipne, dikhaava karne ne use kathor bana diya tha, lekin itna bhi nahi ki veh iss dard ko seh sake.

*Knock* *Knock*

Darwaaze par khat-khatahat hui.

Sonia : Suhana di-! Please, baahar aaiye.

Usne phir kaha, ab awaaz thodi dheemi thi, lekin ab zidd bhi shaamil thi.

Ruchika : Di-! Baahar aaiye. Mein jaanti hu aap andar ho. Bas bhi karo ab. Baahar aao! Abhi!!!

Thodi derr ki khamoshi. Phir, darwaaze ke khulne ki awaaz aayi. Aur, dono hi darwaaze lagbhag ek saath khule.

Sonia ne sehej roop se pehle qadam uthaaya. Usne Suhana ki orr haath badhaaye aur uski baahein pakad li.

Sonia : Di-!! Kya tha yeh sab, huh? What was that? Aapne baahar lobby me wo sab kya kaha? Tell me!!! Answer me!!

Suhana ne nazrein pher li aur jaldi se apni aankhein mal li.

Suhana : K-Kuchh bhi toh nahi, Sonu. Mera dhyaan kahi aur tha. M-Mere dimaag me kuchh aur chal raha tha.

Usne bahut hi jaldi me jawaab diya.

Suhana : M-Mein itna khush thi ki- ki kuchh ka kuchh bol gayi. Mein kisi aur deal ke baare me soch rahi thi aur uss baare me wo-

Sonia (frowns) : That’s not it! Mein bewakoof nahi hu, di!!

Uske sawaal jaari the jab yaha bagal se Ruchika maano jamm si gayi. Suchika uske saamne khadi hui thi, chehra iss baar bina kisi naqaab ke, nirjeev sa aur asahaay. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi bhi nahi bola. Phir-

Suchika (smiles weakly) : Ruchi!

Ruchika ki saans jaise galey me hi atak gayi.

Woh naam. Saalo se kisi ne use iss naam se nahi pukaara tha. Iss tarah se toh kabhi bhi nahi. Uska gussa pal bhar ke liye choor-choor ho gaya. Ek bebasi ne balki jagah leli.

Aankhein namm ho chali. Lekin, woh ek baar zor se hasi. Hasi lagbhag tooti hui si thi.

Ruchika : Toh, aapko yeh naam bhi yaad hai, huh?

Usne jhallate hue kaha aur aage badhkar Suchika ki kalaayi jakad li.

Ruchika : Itne saalo baad bhi? Kyun? K-Kidhar thi aap? Ab yaha kyun aayi ho? Itne saalo ke baad bhi ab kyu mujhe aap uss naam se-

Suchika (naazuk muskaan liye) : Mein kabhi bhooli hi nahi thi, Ruchi.

Ruchika (yells) : Aapko aise kehne ka haq nahi!! *sniff* Aap saalo tak gaayab rehkar phir mujhe aise nahi bula sakti jaise kuchh hua hi na ho.

Suchika ne halki si muskaan di aur akhirkar uski aankhon se aansu behne lage.

Suchika : Maine tumhe bahut yaad kiya. Har din.

Ruchika hasi. Ek bedum hasi. Lagbhag siski jaisi.

Ruchika : M-Mujhe yaad kiya? *sniff*

Usne mask ko Suchika ki chhaati me dhakelte hue dohraaya.

Ruchika (shouts) : Aap bhaag gayi!!! Ghar se bhaagi ho aap!! Kabhi lauti bhi nahi! Kisi ko yeh tak nahi pata tha ki aap zinda bhi ho ya-!? *sniff* Aur, ab aap yaha ho? *glances* Miss Sonia ke liye kaam kar rahi ho?

Uske shabd tezi se nikle. Bahut tezi se. Sawaal ek ke baad ek aaye. Kaha thi aap? Wapas kyun nahi aayi? Koi andaaza bhi hai ki maa-baba ka kya haal hua hoga?

Suchika ne haath aage badhaaya, thoda jhijhaki, phir dheere se Ruchika ke gaal ko sehlaayi.

Suchika : M-Mein sharminda thi. *sniff* Dari hui thi. Aur, jab akhirkar aana chaahti thi… tab himmat nahi hui.

Ruchika ne Suchika ka haath jhatak diya. Uski bhavnaaye ek-saath umad padi. Usne agle hi pal Suchika ko kasskar apne galey se laga liya, phir utni hi zor se peechhe bhi dhakel diya.

Ruchika (quivers) : Paagal ho aap! Ek number ki paagal ho. I hate you! Aapko zara bhi andaaza hai ki- *sniff* ki aapne hum sabke saath kya kiya? Kabhi aisa dobaara karne ki sochna bhi mat! I swear warna mein-

Suchika (smiles) : Nahi karungi. Kasam khaati hu.

Sonia ne bagal se dekha, Suchika-Ruchika ke milan ki teevrata ne use pal bhar ke liye vichlit kar diya tha. Lekin, Suhana ke dur jaane ki koshish karte hi uska dhyaan waapas se uski orr laut aaya.

Sonia : Di! Aap iss tarah se mujhe bina kuchh bataaye nahi jaa sakti. Kya kho diya maine? Kaun si deal? Kya nuksaan hua? Kya baat kar rahi thi aap? Aur, aap ro kyu rahi thi?

Suhana ne ek gehri saans li. Woh kuchh kehti ki tabhi-

“Suhana!!!”

Hall me se washroom corridor tak aate hue ek jaani-pehchaani awaaz goonji. Suhana ka badan thitur gaya. Raungte khade ho gaye. Awaaz Gaurav ki thi.

“Suhana!!!” Usne phir se awaaz lagaayi. Abki baar corridor ke aur qareeb aate hue.

Suhana peechhe hati, uske chehre par ghabrahat jhalak rahi thi.

Suhana : B-Baad me, Sonu. M-Mujhe jaana hoga.

Woh mudi, lekin Sonia ne uski kalaayi thaam li. Kasskar.

Sonia : Bina mujhe sach bataaye aap kahi nahi jaane waali, di! Meri taraf dekhiye!

“Suhana!” Gaurav ne phir pukaara.

Suhana : Let it go, Sonu!!!

Sonia : Bilkul nahi. Jab tak aap mujhe bata nahi deti, mein aapko nahi chhorne waali. Tell me! What was all that about? Kyu rote hue aap aayi aur mujhse yeh boli ki- ‘You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu!’ Kya matlab tha iska? Answer me, di!

Suhana ne ek pal ke liye apni aankhein band kar li. Ek pal ke liye laga jaise woh toot jaayegi aur sach bol degi. Magar, phir usne aankhein kholi, darr par dridh sankalp haawi ho gaya.

Suhana : Bata dungi. Par, abhi nahi. Yaha nahi.

Usne Sonia ki ungliyon ko dheere se chhuraaya, waha se nikli aur corridor me uski heels ki awaaz goonjti chali gayi.

Sonia wahi khadi reh gayi. Stabdh. Uska haath abhi bhi aadha hawa me utha hua tha, jisey Suhana ne pakad ke alag kiya tha. Uski nazar bagal me gayi.

Ruchika aur Suchika ab paas khadi thi. Dabi awaaz me, bhaavukta se bhari behas kar rahi thi. Aansu, gussa, raahat, saalo ki kasar ek naazuk pal me nikal rahi thi.

Sonia unhe dekhti rahi, uske seene me bechaini aur gehri hoti chali gayi. Jaha ek taraf do behne varsho baad ek ho rahi thi, toh wahi iss orr lag raha tha jaise do humesha se ekta me rehne waali behne juda ho rahi ho.

Suhana ka jo bhi iraada raha ho, jo bhi kehna raha ho, woh zubaan phisalne se nahi hua tha. Aur, aaj raat yaha jo kuchh bhi shuru hua tha, woh khatm nahi hua tha.

***

Jab Kaera ghar lauti toh waha sannaata pasra hua tha. Galiyaare me battiyaan halki-halki jal rahi thi. Khuli khidkiyo se raat ki hawa ki halki-halki mehek aa rahi thi. Skylight ke ground floor par awaazein goonj rahi thi, kyunki uske pita, bhai aur baaki sabhi Casa Belle se laut kar aa chuke the.

Kaera pehle hi apne kapde badal chuki thi. Woh apne kamre ki lambi kaanch ki khidki ke paas khadi hui thi aur ghar ke bageeche ke paar sheher ki raushni ko nihaar rahi thi, tabhi usne apne peechhe ek halchal mehsoos ki.

Julia.

Woh abhi-abhi uski floor me uske kamre me aayi thi, aasteene upar chadhi hui thi, baal humesha ki tarah bun me bandhe hue, maano raat uske liye kuchh khaas na rahi ho, woh wapas se apne ghar ke kaam-kaaj me lautne ke liye taiyaar thi, jab-

“Julia,” Kaera ne pukaara.

Julia ne turant hi apni miss ki taraf dekha.

Julia : Ji, miss?

Kaera mudi nahi. Uski nigaahein abhi bhi baahar tiki hui thi.

Kaera : I kissed.

Bas ek seedha vaakya. Julia wahi sthir jamm ke reh gayi.

Julia : Huh?

Uski aankhein chaudi ho gayi, uske chehre par taajub jhalak raha tha.

Julia : What? Young miss you… you kissed?

Kaera ne ek baar haami bhari.

Julia : W-Who? K-Kiske saath, miss?

Woh poochhte hue anjaane me paas aayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaha? Kaise? Young miss… kya hua?

Uska reaction dekh Kaera ke hontho par halki si muskaan aa gayi. Ek jigyasa se bhari muskaan.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na? Just seal your lips with your partner. And, when you do kiss someone, don’t forget to tell me how it felt. *smiles* Tum mere thoughts jaanana chaahti thi na?

Julia apni miss ki peeth ko ghoorti rahi, use woh din yaad aaya jab usne waqai aisa kuchh Kaera se kaha tha.

Julia : H-Haan par miss… K-Kisey?

Uske mann me kuchh bhi nahi soojh raha tha tabhi use dhyaan aaya ki uski miss keval ek hi insaan ko kiss kar sakti thi. Aur, iski sambhaavna me bhi use poora aatmvishvas nahi tha.

Julia (mutters) : Y-Young master Veer?

Kaera ne uski taraf dekha tak nahi. Bas sirr hilaaya. Aur, Julia ki aankhein aur chaudi ho gayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaise? Kab hua ye? Mein toh poore time aapke saath thi, miss.

Kaera : Hall ke baahar. Jab mein waha se jaa rahi thi tab. Baahar driveway me…

Julia ne ek gehri saans li.

Julia : How?

Kaera : What? It just happened. I wanted to kiss him. And, you know what Julia…? Veer ne… mere saath cheat kiya.

Julia : Huhhhh???

Kaera : I mean not in the literal sense. Lekin, haan- usne mujhe dhoka toh diya.

Usne seedhe-saade shabdo me kaha.

Julia : Ch-Cheat? Kaise?

Kaera (sighs) : Woh Suhana ki wajah se gala me aaya tha. Woh uski help kar raha hai. Kuchh zyaada hi. Mujhe nahi pata unke beech kya arrangement hua hai but- he owes her something. Itna toh saaf hai.

Julia ne use gaur se dekha. Bahut gaur se. Aur, use bhi sab kuchh samajh aane laga.

Julia : Aur, iske baad bhi miss- aapne unhe kiss kiya? Kyun?

Kaera (smiles) : Because of him… the betrayal felt real.

Julia ki saansein tham gayi. Asli baat use ab samajh aayi. Kaera palti aur usne Julia ki aankhon me dekha.

Kaera : I felt it, Julia. Sadness. Pain. Disappointment. Being betrayed… Aaj raat maine ye feel kiya. Aur, mein royi bhi.

Julia : Whaaatt???

Kaera (nods) : Hmm. Aankhon me paani tha. Use rona hi kehte hai, hai na? I felt it so strongly because it was him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have cared at all. Aur, isliye- I kissed him. Because I don’t want to let him go.

Kamra ekdum shaant ho gaya.

Julia ne thodi raahat ki saans li, uske mann me baat samajh me aa gayi. Veer ka iraada koi nuksaan pahuchaane ka nahi tha. Agar, hota toh uski miss itna shaant nahi khadi hoti. Woh soch-vichaar nahi kar rahi hoti. Woh muskura nahi rahi hoti. Shayad Veer kisi anchaahe daldal me phasa hua tha. Julia iss paristhiti se itna bhaanp chuki thi.

Julia : Then? H-How did it feel, miss?

Kaera ki nigaahein abki baar prashn par kahi aur bhatak gayi, usne apni ungliyaan uthaayi aur unhe apne honth par aise chhua jaise maano uss pal ko dobaara mehsoos karne ki koshish kar rahi ho.

Kaera : Magnetic! *nods* Yes. That’s the word.

Julia ne palkein jhapkaayi. Usne jitne bhi jawaab soche the, unme se yeh toh bilkul bhi nahi tha.

Julia : Magnetic?

Kaera (nods) : Hmm! Aisa mehsoos hua jaise mujhe kuchh kheench raha tha. Maine apne aap se kuchh nahi kiya tha. Tumne sahi kaha tha. Baad me sab kuchh hota chala jaata hai.

Julia haule se muskuraayi. Chehre par ab raahat thi. Phir, Kaera ne sirr jhukaaya, aur jigyasa uske andar phir se janm leli.

Kaera : Julia. Ab jab maine use kiss kar liya hai, toh iska matlab yahi hai na ki… woh ab mera ho gaya?

Julia : Huh????

Woh Kaera ko hairaani aur darr se dekhi.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na uss din ki- Miss, when you kiss someone that means… they belong to you.

Sunte hi Julia ke badan ke rue khade ho gaye aur use achanak hi woh pal yaad aaya jab waqai ek din-

Kaera : Julia kiss kisey karte hai?

Julia : Hmm? Jis se aap pyaar karte hai, miss.

Kaera : Pyaar huh? Kaisa hota hai pyaar?

Julia : Pyaar ko samjhaana toh bahut mushqil hai, miss.

Kaera : Toh, kya hum sirf unhi ko kiss kar sakte hai jinhe pyaar karte hai? Maine logo ko apne pets ko kiss karte dekha hai. Toh iska matlab wo unhe pyaar karte hai, hai na?

Julia : Bilkul sahi, miss. Lekin, aisa zaroori nahi hai ki aap kiss sirf apne lover ke saath hi karo. Koi bhi cheez ya insaan jisey aap pyaar karti ho, aap use kiss kar sakti ho.

Kaera : Friend ko bhi?

Julia : Hmm? Haan. It depends. See. When you kiss someone that means they belong to you. Tabhi, toh kiss kiya na?

Kaera (murmurs) : O-Ohh! So, you kiss someone and then… they belong to you. I see.

Julia apni yaado se baahar aayi, phir usne apni young miss ki aankhon me kuchh bhaav dekhe. Calm. Possessive. Certain.

Aur, bas woh mann me hi sochti reh gayi.

‘Oh god! Lagta hai… shayad mujhe miss ko love par lessons dene band karne honge.’
Kyunki, uski kahi gayi baat ka galat interpretation Kaera ne patthar ki lakeer maan ke apna liya tha.

Kaera : After all… he did it with me. Uss raat. Cafe me. Mujhe yaad nahi ki maine use kiss kiya tha ya nahi, lekin- mujhe yaad hai mein uske saath kamre me thi. Aur, mein uske upar thi. Itna mujhe yaad hai.

Julia : …

Kaera ka haath achanak hi uske pait ke nichle hisse ki orr gaya.

Kaera : My hymen is gone. I got it checked. Iska matlab Veer ne uss raat mere saath- we had sex, hai na Julia?

Julia apna muh phaade bas apni miss ko dekhti reh gayi. Bolne laayak koi bhi shabd nahi the uske paas.

Kaera : And now… He belongs to me. Wait! Julia! What does sex feel like?

Jab agla sawaal aaya toh Julia ke paseene chhootne shuru ho gaye.

‘Oh god noooo-!’

***

Casa Belle ke bhavya corporate gala ke baad sheher ne ek raahat ki saans li. Rohan ki car hotel me hue samaroh ke baad raat ke andhere me aise bhaag rahi thi jaise maano sadak uski gulaam ho. Do police vaahan uske aage chal rahe the, do peechhe. Koi siren nahi, koi jaldbazi nahi, koi shor machaane ki zaroorat nahi.

Mumbai central jagmagata hua, bheed aur halchal se bhara nazar aa raha tha.

Rohan sabse pehle baahar nikla. Station me pravesh kiya aur platform par turant halchal mach gayi. Vardi-dhaari adhikari seedhe khade ho gaye. Aam naagrik beech raaste me hi ruk gaye. Uske andar aate hi sabne ek salaami di, uski upasthiti ne sabka dhyaan apni orr kheench liya.

Baat-cheet dheemi pad gayi. Sabki nigaahein uska peechha karne lagi. Pradesh ka DGP akhir aaya hua tha. Rohan ne koi jaldi nahi ki. Woh chupchaap platform par aake ek jagah khada hua.

Saamne lagi train ka ek AC coach ka darwaza halki si sarsarahat ke saath khula. Kuchh police karmi neeche utre, thake hue lekin satark. Aur, unke theek peechhe : Trisha.

Trisha ki nazrein turant hi utarne ke baad Rohan par padi. Uske chehre par kshanik ashcharya jhalak utha. Phir, saiyyam laut aaya. Usne kuchh nahi kaha. Na hi kuchh poochha. Usne bas apne bag ka patta theek kiya aur Rohan ke saamne aa kar ruk gayi. Anya police karmiyo ne Rohan ko salaam kiya.

Rohan ne bas sirr hilaaya. Bas itna hi. Bina kuchh bole woh muda aur baahar nikalne ke liye chal pada. Trisha uske peechhe-peechhe aayi. Dekhne waalo ko yeh ek samaanya drishya lag raha tha ki ek senior adhikari apni team ko le jaane aaya tha. Par, maamla iss se kayi guna gambheer tha.

Baahar, gaadiyon ka kaafila intezar kar raha tha. Rohan ne Trisha ke liye darwaza khola, driver seat par baitha aur Trisha uske bagal se passenger seat par sawaar ho gayi. Engine chaalu hua, aage ki gaadiyaan pehle nikli, Rohan ke liye raasta saaf karte hue aur phir Rohan unke peechhe apni gaadi laga diya.

Kuchh palo ke liye, sheher se guzarne ki awaaz aur gaadi ki halki si sarsarahat ke alawa aur kuchh sunaayi nahi diya. Phir, Rohan ne sadak par nazrein gadaaye hue hi khamoshi ko toda.

Rohan : Kya hua tha?

Trisha ne turant uski orr nahi dekha. Woh car ki windshield par baahar ke nazaare ko ghoor rahi thi. Phir, kshan bhar baad woh boli.

Trisha : Matter almost solve ho gaya hai. Lekin, aur layers jud gayi hai. Kaafi complex case bann gaya hai.

Rohan : Go on!

Trisha : Patna me jis aadmi ko maine pakda, woh waisa tha hi nahi jaisa woh dikhta tha. Ek dhongi tha woh. Baba ke vesh me. Dikhawa kar raha tha. Ghaato par jaata, pravachan deta, adhyatmik baatein karta. Log uss par aankh band kar ke bharosa karne lage the.

Rohan : …

Trisha : Magar, uska asli dhandha shoshan tha. Woh paise waalo ko nishaana banaata tha. Unhe yakeen dilaata tha ki daulat ka koi matlab nahi, phir peeth peechhe apne hi aadmiyo ka istemal kar ke unke parivar ki sampatti lutwa leta tha.

Rohan (frowns) : Naam?

Trisha : Raman!

Akhirkar, woh uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Humne use raaste me pakda. Clean arrest.

Rohan (nods) : Good work. Aur, isliye tumhara transfer-

Trisha : ???

Rohan : Radd kar diya gaya hai.

Trisha ki aankhon ki chamak wapas laut aayi. Chehre par humesha maujood rehne waali kathorta kahi gaayab ho gayi. Raahat uski aankhon me jhalak aayi.

Mumbai. Ghar. Rohan. Pihu. Woh ye sab chhor ke nahi jaana chaahti thi. Aur, usne unhe khone se bacha liya. Sab kuchh waisa hi, pehle jaisa.

Trisha : Thank you~

Rohan ne koi jawab nahi diya. Trisha jaanti thi ki ye transfer yuhi nahi cancel hua hoga. Patna ke case solve hone par appeal Rohan ne hi rakhi hogi. Isliye, waha se uski baat ko suna gaya aur ye tabaadla akhir radd hua.

Kuchh derr ruk kar usne aage kaha.

Trisha : Raman, woh akela kaam nahi kar raha tha. Woh Ranjeet ke saath juda hua tha. Team ne Raman ke phone ko khangaala. Messages. Call log. Paiso ka hisaab-kitaab. Raman use orders deta tha. Operations ko fund karta tha. Ranjeet wahi… Prestige par attack karne waala. Remember?

Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par kass gayi.

Trisha : Raman saare gandey kaam Ranjeet se karwaata tha. Properties seize karna. Daraana-dhamkaana. Violence. Sab kuchh Ranjeet karta tha. Yaha tak ki…

Rohan : ??

Trisha : Ranjeet ne ek Dhananjay naam ke ladke ki hatya bhi kari hai kuchh samay pehle.

Rohan (frowns) : Body?

Trisha (nods) : Mili. Lekin, bahut hi bekaar haalat me. Ranjeet ne Dhananjay ko thikaane laga ke uski alias create ki aur iss tarah se woh Mumbai me aaya.

Rohan (nods) : Aur prestige ka kya kaha?

Trisha : Haan. Ranjeet ke aadmiyon ne hi Prestige par shootout ko anjaam diya tha.

Unke beech phir sannaata chhaa gaya.

Rohan : Agar, Raman sab kuchh tay kar raha tha, theek hai maan liya. Agar, Ranjeet sab kuchh follow kar raha tha, theek hai ye bhi maan liya. Par, Ranjeet Mumbai me aakar akhir… Veer ke peechhe kyu pada?

Trisha thodi derr ke liye jhijhaki.

Trisha : Humne kuchh calls ka data nikalwaya. Jitna pata chala, uss se lagta hai ki Ranjeet Dhananjay ko lootne nikla tha aur phir, waha se Mumbai aa gaya. Achanak. Veer ke hotel par phir wo humla. Call tracing se yahi andaza laga hai ki, woh Veer ko lootne ki firaaq me tha, shayad? Usne socha hoga ki Veer ko side target banaana koi badi baat nahi? Asaan kaam hoga.

Rohan ke maathe par shikan ubhar aayi.

Rohan : Nahi!

Usne sapaat swar me kaha. Trisha uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan (frowns) : Ranjeet itne saalo se agar ye kar raha tha toh woh koi bewakoof nahi jo achanak se Mumbai aa jaayega aur hotel par attack kar dega. Hum kuchh andekha kar rahe hai, Trisha.

Trisha : K-Kya?

Rohan : Koi ek link hai jo hum miss kar rahe hai. *frowns* Ranjeet ka achanak Mumbai aana. Ye hi turning point hai. Dhananjay… Ye aadmi-

Trisha : Aadmi nahi, ladka.

Rohan : Haan! *nods* Yeh kaha maara gaya?

Trisha : Patna me hi.

Rohan : Aur, ye Dhananjay tha kaha se?

Trisha : Jaanch chal rahi hai. Ranjeet ke calls ko trace kare toh shayad Dhananjay Rajasthan ke kisi gaanv se belong karta hai. Shayad mayra. Kyunki, Mumbai aane se pehle ye Ranjeet wahi par tha.

Rohan (nods) : Exactly. Dhananjay ko lootne ke vaaste hi Ranjeet udhar gaya hoga. Aur, uska achanak se phir Mumbai aa jaana. Ye hai turning point. Matlab, uss beech- kuchh hua hai, Trisha.

Trisha ki reedh ki haddi me ek sihran daud gayi. Usne suraag ka peechha kiya tha. Kadiyo ko jodne ki koshish ki thi. Aur, use laga tha ki wo kuchh zyada hi soch rahi thi. Lekin, Rohan ki antar-aatma kabhi galat nahi hoti thi. Aur, agar usne kaha ki kuchh kami hai-

Toh zaroor kuchh kami thi.

Car ka kaafila aage badhta raha, raat ke andhere ko cheerta hua, apne saath ek ansuljha sawaal liye ki iss khel ka mastermind bhala kaun tha?

Gaadi ne flyover ke paas ek sehej mod liya, sheher dheere-dheere lambi sadko aur jagmagati raushni me tabdeel hota chala gaya. Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par ek baar phir thap-thapaayi. Kisi soch-vichaar me.

Rohan : Hum har jagah ghoom rahe hai. Siwaaye ek naam ke.

Trisha ki reedh akad gayi, ek pal ke liye Rohan ne use dekha.

Rohan : Humne uske baare me zyaada baat tak nahi ki. Asal me, humne uss se mushqil se hi koi sawaal kiya hoga.

Trisha : …!?

Rohan : VEER SINGH!

Car ke andar woh naam kisi bhaari-bharkam bhaar ki tarah baith gaya. Trisha ke badan me ek thandi leher daud gayi. Rohan ne uske jhunjhlaate badan par dhyaan nahi diya. Ya yu kahe ki usne dhyaan na dene ka naatak kiya.

Rohan : Hotel Prestige. Ranjeet. Shootout. Underground lair. Aur… serial killer. Sab aapas me kahi na kahi juda hua. You did good work in Patna.

Trisha ki ungliyaan uski goad me simat gayi. Ek taraf uska dil keh raha tha ki apne pati ka saath do. Sacchaayi ke saath khadi raho. Niyamo ka paalan karo.

Toh wahi dusri orr dimaag cheenkh raha tha. Woh tasveer, jo anjaan aadmi dwara use lifaafe me bheji gayi thi. Wahi tasveer jo kisi ne uske Ranjeet par goli chalaate hue li thi. Woh slaughterhouse. Hook par latka uska bebas, dum ghotata shareer. Uski bandook. Goli. Flash. Khoon. Koi dekh raha tha.

Aur, isi wajah se- woh yeh sach saamne nahi rakh sakti thi. Kyunki, Ranjeet ka encounter ek failed operation tha. Usne police vibhaag ko yahi bataaya tha ki yeh ek muthbhed thi. Saaf-suthri. Aavashyak muthbhed. Duty ke dauran ek khatre ko bas nishkreeya kar diya gaya. Khud ko bachaane ke liye ek banaaya gaya jhooth.

Haan. Jhooth. Lekin, Rohan ke liye bhi. Badge ke liye bhi. Parivar ke liye bhi. Agar, woh tasveer kabhi saamne aayi- toh uski naukri hi nahi, balki aur bhi bahut kuchh daav par lag sakta tha.

Rohan ne laal batti par gaadi dheemi kar di. Uske saath ki cars uske aage-peechhe gher kar khadi ho gayi.

Rohan (glances) : Tum kahi aur khoyi hui ho!?

Trisha : Huh? N-Nahi! Tumne kaha Veer Singh?

Rohan (nods) : Hmm! Aaj raat uss se mein mila.

Trisha : Kyaaaaa?

Rohan : Haan! Tumhe bataya tha na maine? Meri behan ko business me madad chahiye thi. Ek businessman meri pehchaan me tha. Toh uss se meri behan ki ek business deal set karwaayi thi maine aaj. Casa Belle me abhi hi corporate gala khatam hua hai kuchh derr pehle. Wahi pe Veer mila mujhe.

Trisha (frowns) : Veer jaisa ladka bhala aise gala me kya kar raha tha? Uska business itna bada hai? Mujhe nahi pata tha woh itna influential hai.

Rohan : Mujhe bhi nahi pata. Lekin, agar woh iske bawajood, paise aur dabdabe se ghire uss hall me ghus sakta hai, toh woh waisa nahi hai jaisa ki woh khud ko dikhaata hai.

Batti hari hui aur gaadi punaah chal padi.

Rohan : He plays invisible Trisha. And, people let him.

Trisha : T-Toh… Tumhe kya lag raha hai?

Rohan : Mujhe lagta hai humein use bilkul bhi nazarandaz nahi karna chaahiye. Bilkul bhi nahi.

Trisha : …

Rohan : Pihu ko serial killer se bacha kar laane waala, underground lair se laane waala… Wahi tha na?

Sunte hi Trisha stabdh reh gayi. Usne Rohan ko ghoora. Jis baat ka darr tha use, wahi ghatit ho gaya. Sach saamne aa chuka tha.

Trisha : T-Tumhe kaise-

Rohan : Tum bhool rahi ho. Mein sirf tumhara pati nahi hu. Mein state ka DGP bhi hu.

Trisha : …!!?

Rohan : Tumhare sage officers kitne hi loyal kyu na ho, wardi nahi chhor sakte. Usne toh mujhe sach bataaya hi saath hi Pihu ne bhi mujhe sab ugal diya.

Trisha ke kandhe jhuk gaye. Usne dheere se sirr hilaaya. Hataash hokar.

Trisha : Hmm! *nods* W-Wahi tha.

Car ka mahaul achanak badal gaya.

Rohan : This changes everything. Kyun? Kyun chhipaaya tumne mujhse Trisha?

Trisha : Kyunki… Kyunki, usne humaari bacchi ko bachaaya, Rohan. Jab mein apni ummeed kho chuki thi tab- tab woh humaari Pihu ko goad me laad ke, khoon se sann kar, mujhe saupne aaya tha. Aur, bas isliye- bas isliye maine yeh baat chhipaayi. Kyunki, mein nahi chaahti thi ki uss waqt mein use kisi pareshani me daalu.

Rohan : Aur, agar wahi serial killer hua toh?

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan : Gaur karo. Uss raat uski khud ki hotel par attack ho raha hota hai aur woh kaha hota hai? Pihu aur wo… Juhi ko bachaane me laga hota hai? Use uss underground lair ke baare me kaise pata chala?

Trisha : N-Nahi! Tum kuchh ka kuchh assumption le raho ho, Rohan. Agar, aisa hota toh pichhle saare murders uski orr point out karte. Aur, uss lair ka kya? Kya lair se koi suraag nahi mila? Research team toh tumhe ab tak bata hi deti na ki Veer inn sab me involved hai ya nahi.

Rohan (frowns) : Theek hai, maan liya abhi ke liye ki woh serial killer nahi hai. Par, woh shaq ke ghere me zaroor hai. Rahi baat lair ki toh haan… woh kisi criminal ne nahi banaayi thi. Originally… woh ek bunker tha. Second world war ke baad 1950s ya 60s me bana hua. Ek private Indian defense team thi jo German bunkers se inspired ho kar India me waisa kuchh war ki paristhiti me banaana chaahti thi.

Trisha (shocked) : B-Bunker!? I-Itna puraana?

Rohan (nods) : Ab tak ka sabse puraana. Founders ki kuchh deaths ke baad baaki team ne seal kar diya tha. Abhi jaanch jaari hai. Akhir, kyu use public ki aankhon me nahi laaya gaya? Kyu ab tak wo neeche hi dafn raha. Inke uttar samay ke saath mil toh jaane chaahiye.

Trisha : Phir?

Rohan : Phir, sealed ho jaane ke baad, jab team ke sabhi log guzar gaye, toh kisi doctor ne ek-do dashak ke baad use khoj nikaala.

Trisha : Doctor?

Rohan : Nahi! Ek pagal! Koi sarfira. Usne bunker ko ek laboratory me badla. Human experiments. Apne hi jaise kuchh maniac logo ke saath wo waha ajeeb experiments karne laga. Puraane dashak ke kuchh saboot mile hai research team ko.

Trisha sihar uthi.

Trisha : Y-Ye baat kab ki hai?

Rohan : Researchers andaaza laga kar yahi bataaye hai ki 1980s me ye sab kiya gaya tha. Par, exact date bata paana abhi mushqil hai.

Trisha : !!?

Rohan : Lekin, iss se bhi bhayanak baat yeh hai ki- abhi jo team ne dhoondha hai, laboratory ke andar se jo decay aur dead animals, bodies ki jaanch hui hai, uss se ye pata laga hai ki- ki wo dashako puraane nahi hai. Wo haal hi ke the.

Trisha (gasps) : Matlab-

Rohan (nods) : Matlab koi underground lair ko istemal kar raha tha. Aur, woh koi aur nahi-

Trisha (gasps) : Serial killer!

Rohan : You got that right!

Sannaata phir chhaa gaya. Pehle se zyada gehra.

Rohan : Jo ki humaari pakad me abhi tak nahi aaya hai. Veer Singh ek rehesyamayi ladka hai. Aur, mein uss par nazar rakhne waala hu. Pichhli baar meri beti iska shikaar ho chuki hai, mein ab apni ya kisi ki bhi beti par ye aanch nahi aane dunga.

Trisha khidki se baahar dekhti rahi, sheeshein me uska chehra dhundhla sa dikh raha tha. Veer ka naam uske dimaag me goonj raha tha. Darr aur ek aise sach ke saath uljha hua jisey woh sweekar karne ke liye taiyaar nahi thi.

***

Sonali ne hall ka darwaza dhakka dekar khola, apni jootiya baahar utaari aur andar aayi. Woh thaki hui thi, ghanto tak food trucks me kaam karna, chidchide graahako se nipatna, aur lagataar aate orders ne use buri tarah thaka diya tha. Lekin, saamne ka nazara dekh kar woh ruk gayi. Table par naashte ki plates saji rakhi thi, aur vatavaran me hi ek ajeeb si khamoshi chhaayi hui thi, jisey bhaanp woh bhi thoda bechain ho gayi.

Sonali : Hmm? Kya chal raha hai?

Usne budbudaate hue apna bag neeche rakha aur table ki orr badhi. Jawaab ka intezaar kiye bina hi usne kuchh pakore apne muh me thoos liye.

Sonali : Mmm~ Kya gazab baney hai. Kisne banaaye? Aaj kuchh tha kya? Agal-bagal pados ki aunty log aayi thi kya? Ya kitty party? Hmm?

Sofe par baithi Bhumika ne use dekha aur boli.

Bhumika : Nahi. Shaadi ka prastaav aaya tha. Veer ke liye.

Sonali pakore khaate-khaate atak gayi, pakora lagbhag uske galey me phaste-phaste bacha. Woh khaansi aur jaldi se jug se hi paani muh me udelte hue khud ko sambhaali.

Sonali : K-Kyaaaaa? Kaamchor ke liye rishta aaya?

Tej ki aankhein uski baaton par turant hi sikud gayi. Sonali ne fauran ghabrakar ek halki si hasi has di aur apni hasi chhipaane ki koshish karne lagi.

Sonali : Ah...ha...ha... namumkin. Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Maine kaamcho- m-mera matlab maine use kabhi kisi ladki ke saath aise romance karte nahi dekha. Kabhi nahi. Kisi ne bhi nahi dekha hoga. Hai na?

Kamre me chaaro orr nazar ghumaate hi uski hasi beech me hi ruk gayi. Har kisi ka chehra gambheer tha — Bhavna, Bhumika, Shweta, Tej. Sab bauhe sikode alag-alag jagah aise baithi thi jaise maano rishta nahi pralay aa gaya ho.

Sonali : Ah! K-Kaun? Kaun hai... Ladki?

Bhumika (sighs) : Nidhi madam ki chhoti behan. Shreya. Unhi ke mata-pita aaye the. Poora ghar aaya tha. Siwae Nidhi madam aur Shreya ke.

Sonali ne soch-vichaar me sirr jhukaaya. Use kuchh baatein yaad aa rahi thi.

Sonali : Achha! Woh!? Hmm, meri do-teen baar baat toh hui hai unse. J-Jab humne food truck khola tha na, tab udhghatan ke samay woh aayi thi. Tab baat hui thi meri. Phir, beech me ek do baar aur hui hai. Lekin, woh aur kaamch- matlab Veer!? Ek saath? Mujhe nahi lagta unke beech kuchh chal raha tha? Achha. Aise hi aa gaye wo log?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki Veer jaisa ladka hi unki Shreya ke liye sabse achha hai. Na sirf Veer ne uski naukri lagwaayi thi balki, uske sapne ko bhi haqeeqat me badalne me madad ki.

Sonali : Oh! Hotel me itna bada kaand hua uske baad bhi ladki ka haath dene ki himmat ho gayi?

Bhumika (nods) : Hmm! Yahi sawaal Tejal ne kara tha.

Bhumika ki nazrein bolte hue Tej par phiri. Sonali ne bhi use ek kshan dekha magar shaant rahi.

Sonali : T-Toh kya kaha unn logo ne?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki wo inn sab baaton par dhyaan nahi dete. Khushi me toh har koi khada hota hai. Jab Veer unke dukh me khada hua tha, toh unka bhi farz banta hai ki wo bhi humaare saath khade hoye. Aisa unka kehna hai.

Sonali : Oh! Ah! Ek minute. Rukiye rukiye! Kya iska matlab? Shaadi pakki ho gayi? Kab hai tareekh?

Bhumika : Rishta nahi hua.

Kehte hue usne Tejal ko phirse dekha. Sonali ne bhi punah Tej ko ghoora jaise kuchh gadbad mehsoos kar rahi ho.

Tej achanak khadi hui aur andar apne kamre ki orr chal padi. Sonali ki nazrein andar jaati Tej aur Bhumika ke beech ghoom rahi thi.

Sonali : L-Lagta hai koi kharab mood me hai!?

Bhumika (sighs) : Haan. Tejal ne prastaav thukra diya. Usne saaf keh diya ki Veer ki shaadi abhi kisi se nahi hogi.

Sonali : Ahh! Toh, iska matlab kuchh nahi ho raha? Matlab... Roz ki tarah mujhe phirse food truck me hi time bitaana padega? Hmph! Maine socha tha badhiya chhutti mil jaayegi aur mein-

"Aur, mein badhiya kaam chhor ke mazey karungi, hai na?"

Uske peechhe se jaani-pehchaani ek awaaz aayi.

*Bonk*

"Aaaahhh!!!"

Sonali cheenkhi aur apna sirr sehlaane lagi jaha Veer ne use peechhe se tapli maari thi. Woh mudi, apni gussail aankhon se use dekhte hue.

Sonali : T-Tum-!?? Y-Ye galat hai! Hmph!

Kamre me halchal mach gayi. Veer ke aate hi sabhi satark ho gaye.

Bhavna : Veer-!

Shweta : Aa gaye beta? Aao jaldi. Tumhe kuchh bataana hai-

Veer me turant hi haath uthaate hue unhe rok diya.

Veer : Suna maine. Sab pata chal gaya mujhe.

Shweta : T-Toh-!? Kya karna hai? Hum tumhari raay sunana chaahte hai.

Veer : Pehle ye bataaiye ki Teju di kaha hai?

Bhumika : Apne kamre me.

Veer ne bina kisi bhaav ke sirr hilaaya aur Tej ke kamre ki orr chal pada. Uske peechhe-peechhe Sonali bhi andar jaane lagi.

Jaise hi dono hall se nikal kar andar gaye, Veer ka ek haath chataak se Sonali ki gaand par aake laga.

*Spank*

"Nnnghhaaaaahhh~"

Sonali bechaari apni chuttad ko sehlaati reh gayi.

Veer : Kaam par dhyaan do. *Smiles* Warna saza milegi.

Sonali : Hmph! Kaamchor kahi ke...!

---

Veer seedhe Tej ke kamre ke baahar aakar ruka.

*Knock* *Knock*

Tej ne mudkar nahi dekha. Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi thi, apne dupatte me ungliyaan gadaaye, kahi taktaki lagaaye.

Tej : Darwaza khula hua hai.

Usne thaki hui si awaaz me kaha. Darwaza khula. Phir, band ho gaya. Aur, phir chatakni ke lagne ki awaaz aayi.

Kamre me wo awaaz kisi bandook se nikli goli ki tarah goonj uthi. Tej jhatpat mudi. Aur, saamne shaks ko dekhte hi uski saans atak gayi.

Tej : V-Veeru!?

Naam apne aap uske mukh se nikal aaya. Ek pal ke liye woh khadi reh gayi, hazaaro bhavnao ke beech jamm si gayi. Raahat, ki woh akhirkar uske paas aaya. Ghabrahat, ki woh yaha kyun aaya? Darr, ki woh kya kahega? Ummeed, jisey woh zaahir karne ki himmat nahi kar paa rahi thi. Uska dil itni zor se dhadak raha tha ki use yakeen tha ki shayad Veer bhi sunn sakta tha.

Veer shaant dikh raha tha. Lagbhag befiqr.

Veer : Sab log neeche maujood hai. Aap yaha akeli kya kar rahi ho?

Tej turant hi nazrein hatakar uski taraf peeth karke khadi ho gayi.

Tej : Kuchh nahi. Bas kuchh derr akele rehna tha.

Veer : Kyun?

Tej ke kandhe tann gaye.

Tej : A-Aise hi. Mera mood theek nahi.

Veer ek qadam aage badha. Bas ek qadam.

Veer : Kya hua?

Tej : Bataya toh... K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Yuhi. Mein theek hu. Don't worry.

Usne jaldi se kaha. Kuchh zyada hi jaldi me. Aur, do qadam laanghte hi Veer uske peechhe tha. Theek peechhe. Usne Tej ki kalaayi pakad use apni orr ghuma diya.

Tej haanfi, aankhein chaudi, shabd uske galey me hi atak gaye.

Veer ki bauhe upar tani, gusse me nahi, bas gambheer bhaav me.

Veer : Aapko kya lagta hai? Kya mein samajh nahi sakta ki kab meri Teju di mujhse kuchh chhipa rahi hai? Haan?

Tej : N-Nahi, mein-

Veer : Jawaab do!

Tej ka muh khula, parantu woh na bata saki. Kya bataati?

-ki apne bhai ke bagal se kisi aur stree ke hone ke khayaal se hi uska seena jal raha tha?

-ki shaadi ke prastaav aane se use laga jaise uske bhai ko uss se chheena jaa raha ho?

-ki usne uski shaadi ka prastaav apni jalan ke chalte thukraaya?

Nahi. Woh yeh kaise bata sakti thi? Isliye, chup rahi. Iske bajaaye, usne upar uski aankhon me dekha aur dheere se poochha.

Tej : K-Kya neeche sabne bataaya?

Veer ne haami bhari.

Tej : A-Aur? Aur kya bataaya? Kya yeh bhi ki... Maine shaadi ka prastaav-

Veer ne punah haami bhari. Ab Tej kaanp rahi thi.

Tej : T-Toh? K-Kya hua? Kya mujhe ye bataane aaye ho ki mujhse gussa ho?

Usne apne nichle honth ko daanto taley zor se dabaaya, ek aas me ki kaash Veer uss se naraaz na ho.

Veer : Kisliye?

Tej : U-Unhe reject karne ke liye. Tumse poochhe bina. Tumhari sehmati ke bina hi maine-

Woh kisi doshi bacche ki tarah uske chehre ko nihaar rahi thi, maano use uski galti ki saza milne waali ho.

Kintu, Veer muskuraaya. Dheere se.

Veer : Nahi toh?

Aur, Tej ko ek jhatka laga. Kya matlab?

Tej : P-Par, maine-

Veer (smiles) : Aapne jo kuchh bhi kiya, sahi kiya. Mere aur Shreya ke beech aisa kuchh bhi nahi hai. Hum sirf achhe dost hai. Maanta hu ki woh ek achhi ladki hai, lekin maine use kabhi uss nazar se nahi dekha.

Jab Veer ne ye kaha, toh Tej ke kandhe achanak hi dheele pad gaye, maano jaise unn par koi adrishya bhaari bojh lada ho.

Usne ek raahat mehsoos ki aur turant apna chehra dusri taraf mod liya. Darr tha ki kahi Veer dekh na le. Darr tha ki kahi woh yeh na dekh le ki ye sunana uske liye kitna maayne rakhta tha.

Aur, phir aasu nikalte hi uska sabr toot gaya.

Tej : M-Mein tumse baat karne ki koshish kar rahi thi, Veeru. *sniff* Kayi dino se. *sniff* Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki kaise baat karu.

Usne ladkhadati awaaz me kaha. Kandhe kaanp rahe the.

Tej : M-Mujhe maaf kar do, Veeru. *sniff*

Veer : Huh? Kisliye?

Tej : Tumhe niraash karne ke liye. *hic* T-Tumje chot pahuchaane ke liye. Tumne mujhe ek zimmedari saunpi thi. *sniff* Yarnia ki ek zimmedari. Aur, maine kya kiya? Mein use bacha tak nahi paayi. Jo hua mein use rok nahi paayi. *sniff* I'm... I'm sorry. *hic*

Veer : Aap ab tak uss baat ko lekar soch rahi ho?

Tej : HAAAAAN!! Kyunki, tumne mujhpar bharosa kiya tha, Veeru.

Veer uske qareeb aaya.

Tej : M-Mujhe aur alert hona chaahiye tha. *sniff* Aur, samajhdaar hona chaahiye tha. Mujhe rokne ke liye kuchh karna chaahiye tha.

Veer :Teju di, bas karo. Wo sab-

Tej : NAHIIII! M-Mujhe kehne do, Veeru. *sniff* Mein chaahti thi ki tum jaano maine kitni koshish ki... Mein tumhare liye apna best karna chaahti thi bhai.

Uski awaaz dheemi hokar fusfusahat me badal gayi. "I don't want to lose my place beside you."

Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi.

Veer : Ye aapki wajah se nahi hua, di. Wo mere peechhe the. Wo shootout. Wo meri wajah se tha. Aur, woh hona hi tha. Use roka nahi jaa sakta tha.

Pehli baar Veer ki awaaz bhi ladkhadayi.

Veer : Usme koi bhi kuchh nahi kar sakta tha. Aapne kitna kuchh kiya. Wo decoration, hosting, managing. Aap aur baaki sabhi ne kitna kuchh kiya tha.

Tej (rote hue) : Par, sab toh bikhar gaya na? *sniff*

Veer ne uske gaalo ko thaama. Aasuon ko apne anguthe se poochha.

Veer : Par, aap toh sahi salaamat ho na? Aur, kya chaahiye mujhe!?

Tej (sobs) : Veeru-!!! *sniff*

Veer : Aapne mujhe niraash nahi kiya, di. Aur, ahinda se ye bojh uthaane ki zaroorat nahi. Carefree rahiye.

Tej ki siskiyaan phoot padi. Veer ne use galey se laga liya. Kasskar.

Tej ne uski shirt ko aise jakda jaise maano agar woh use chhoregi toh woh kahi gaayab ho jaayega. Woh apna chehra Veer ki chhaati me daba kar beqaabu hokar rone lagi. Itne saal. Itni doorie. Aur, apne bhai ko phirse khone ka ek darr.

Tej : Bees saal, Veeru! *sniff* Bees saal tak maine intezar kiya. Aur, mom ne bhi. *hic* Mein ab tumhe dobaara khona nahi chaahti. Ab jaakar toh maine tumhe paaya hai- *sniff* T-Tum rooth gaye toh mein toh jeete-jee marr jaungi.

Veer (mutters) : Teju di!

Tej ne use aur kasskar pakad liya.

Veer (smiles) : Don't worry. Aisa kabhi nahi hoga. Di, aap mere liye bahut maayne rakhti ho. Maine bhi toh aapko 20 saal ke baad paaya hai. Toh, mere liye kya zaroori hai? Yarnia ya phir aap? *smiles* Yarnia jaise hazaar business mein dobaara khade kar lunga. Par, aapko kho diya toh dobaara thodi paa lunga. Samjhi ab?

Tej ne upar dekha, aankhein laal thi.

Tej (nods) : Mmm~

Veer muskuraaya aur neeche jhuka. Tej ke honth kaanpe aur khul gaye. Woh apne panjo ke bal upar uthi.

Aur, uske honth Veer ke hontho se jaa mile. Chumban komal tha. Kam se kam shuruat me.

Uske baad-

Achanak hi teevrapann aa gaya. Tej ke haath Veer ke kandho par chale gaye, ungliyaan shirt me gadd gayi. Aasuon se uske gaal geele the.

"Nnnghh~ mmmm~ V-Veeru-!"

*Slurp* *slurp*

"I-I love you~ llhhhmm~ schkk~"

Tej ne use phir chooma. Iss baar zyaada derr tak. Woh Veer ke sparsh aur uski chumban me doobti chali gayi.

Akhirkar, dono alag hue. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi nahi hila. Phir, Veer ne apna maatha Tej ke maathe se tika diya. Aur, Tej ki aankhein band ho gayi.

Tej : Stay. Just stay, Veeru.

Veer : Hmm!

Veer ne jab use thaam liya toh Tej ki saansein dheere-dheere sthir ho gayi. Uska chehra Veer ki chhaati me dhasa hua tha, tabhi use woh ehsaas hua jis par usne pehle itna gaur nahi kiya tha.

Ek halki si khushbu. Nahi. Mardaana khushbu nahi. Kuchh feminine si. Yeh Veer ki khushbu nahi thi.

Usne ek do baar aur zor se soongha. Aur, uski bauhe tann gayi. Woh thoda peechhe hati, bas itna ki upar uski orr dekh sake. Uski nigaahein Veer ke hontho par tik gayi.

Waha...

Kuchh laal si parat dikhaayi di. Spasht nahi. Lekin, Tej ko kuchh na kuchh samajh aa gaya tha. Uska dimaag tezi se chalne laga. Tej ki ungliyaan uski shirt par kass gayi. Veer ne bhi uska yeh badlaav mehsoos kiya.

Veer : Kya hua?

Woh jhijhaki. Ek pal ke liye, jalan uske seene me teevr aur khatarnak roop se bhadak uthi. Lekin, usne use daba liya.

Tej : Kaha gaye the tum? Itna saj-dhaj kar?

Veer ne apne kapdo ki orr dekha. Woh seedhe gala se hi ghar lauta tha.

Veer : O-Oh! Ye? Ek corporate gala tha. Udhar hi gaya tha.

Tej ke dil me achanak hi dard utha. Zordaar. Usne khud se kaha ki sochna band kar do. Dilaasa di ki sab theek hai. Imagine mat karo. Sawaal mat karo.

Par, shaq gehra hota jaa raha tha.

[Stupid Master, She saw the lipstick of Kaera on your lips. She smelled her perfume on your body. Run for your life.]

'H-Huh? Wtf!? Pari? Tum kab sleep mode se baahar aayi?'

Kintu, Tej ne abhi poornta yakeen nahi kiya tha. Bhaagne ki bajaaye woh aur qareeb aayi. Agar, uske bhai par kisi aur ka koi nishaan tha, toh woh use mita degi.

Uske haath Veer ki chhaati par upar ki orr sarke, ungliyaan uski gardan ke peechhe lipat gayi. Aur, ek hi jhatke me-

Veer : Huh? Teju di!? Woah-

Iss baar jab Tej ne use chooma toh ye ekdum hi alag tha.

Dheere. Gehraayi se. Apna adhikaar jataate hue.

Veer thoda jhep gaya magar phir apni pratikriya di. Tej use aise choom rahi thi, uske muh ko aise kha rahi thi jaise use darr tha ki agar woh ruki toh Veer ko koi aur le jaayega.

*Slurp* *Slurp*

"Nnghhhh~ Veeru!!! Mmmllhmmm~"

Kayi minute ke baad jab woh alag hui, toh uski aankhon me adhikaar ki bhaavna jhalak rahi thi. Aur, Veer ne pehli baar kuchh aisa mehsoos kiya.

---

Veer jab apne kapde badal kar neeche aaya, toh sabhi kha-pee ke TV dekhne me lage hue the.

Aaj socha tha usne ki din jaisa bhi gaya ho, kam se kam kuchh baatein toh achhi hui.

Kaera ne use dhutkaara nahi. Sonia ko deal akhirkar mil hi gayi. Suhana ko diya gaya vachan bhi poora ho gaya. Aur, uski Teju di uske aur bhi qareeb aa gayi.

Magar, woh jab ye sab soch hi raha tha tabhi use kuchh aisa sunaayi diya jisey sunn uske perr wahi jamm gaye.

Veer : Bhumika di! Channel badalna zara.

Bhumika jo apne haatho me remote liye TV par channels palat rahi thi woh wahi ruk gayi.

Bhumika : Huh? K-Kya hua?

Veer : Channel change kariye na.

Bhumika ne haami bhar channel badla toh ek gaana bajne laga.

Veer : Y-Ye waala nahi. Peechhe. International news waala.

Usne dobaara jab channel badla toh saamne TV par ek international news channel par khabar chal rahi thi.

International News | Breaking

Anchor : Coming up is Breaking news from Spain.

"The Prime Ministerial candidate of Spain, named 'Rafael Ibanez' has died today in Madrid. He was 56."

"Officials confirm the cause of death as progressive organ failure caused by a rare, slow-developing neurological condition, undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Medical authorities have stated there are no signs of external involvement."

"The Spanish government has announced national mourning. All campaign activity has been suspended."

"More updates to follow."

[Master-!]

Veer ki bauhe chinta me sikud gayi.

'Pari!'

[Kya mein overthink kar rahi hu, Master? Ye bas koi mamooli news nahi ho sakti. Kuchh hua hai, hai na?]

'Tum akeli nahi ho, Pari! Mera dimaag bhi yahi keh raha hai.'

[I'm feeling agitated all of a sudden.]

***

At the same time,
A few minutes ago,
FBCC Headquarters,
New York, Noon - 1:07 p.m.

Headquarters ki oonchi imaarat par X khada hua tha, hawa se uske kapde zor se lehra rahe the.

Uska ek perr terrace ki chhoti boundary par tika hua tha. Uske peechhe terrace ka darwaaza halka sa khula aur koi upar aaya.

Rebecca kuchh qadam dur aakar ruki.

Ek kshan ke liye woh keval uski peeth ko dekhti rahi. Uska coat. Uski khamoshi. Rebecca ki hat neeche jhuki hui thi, uski aankhein chhaaya se dhaki hui thi, aur bauhe kasi hui.

Rebecca (frowns) : Are you releasing it?

X halka sa muda. Usne peechhe khadi Rebecca ko dheere se dekha. Aur, phir ahista se ek haami bhari. Rebecca ne zor se saans kheenchi.

Rebecca : K-Kya abhi hi? Kya time ho gaya? K-Kya aur nahi ruk sakte?

X : NO!

Ek chhota sa shabd kabhi itna wazandaar nahi laga tha Rebecca ko.

X : Agle kuchh din humaare liye nahi hai. It's for them. Unhe prepare karne ke liye time toh chaahiye hi hoga. Before the SUMMIT begins.

Rebecca ke honth dheere se thar-tharaaye. Ek pal ke liye usne bhi nazar hatakar sheher ki orr dekha. Phir, wapas se X ki peeth ki orr.

Rebecca : Ek baar agar tumne aisa kiya, toh ise badla nahi jaa payega. You know that, right?

X (smirks) : Isn't it applicable to everything? Aur, isliye hi... Yeh abhi hoga.

Unke beech ek gehra sannaata chhaa gaya.

X seedha khada hua, boundary par se perr hataate hue, uske haath uski jeb me chale gaye.

X : Tumhe pata hai na kya karna hai?

Woh hichkichaayi. Phir, haule se sirr hilaayi.

Bina kuchh kahe, woh tezi se mudi aur darwaaze ki orr chal padi. Uski chaal tez thi. Jaise hi woh darwaaze se baahar nikli, uska haath pehle se hi apni kamar me khuse ek walkie-talkie ki orr chala gaya.

"Hello? Damian...!"

Uske nikalte hi darwaza uske peechhe band ho gaya. Tez hawa ke jhonke ne ek baar phir X ke kapdo ko lehra diya.

X ne ek baar phir sheher ki orr dekha. Sab kuchh shaant prateet ho raha tha.

[What are you waiting for???]

Ek aurat ki awaaz uske mann me goonji.

[Don't interrupt.]

Iss baar ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji. Aur, mann me khamoshi chhaa gayi. Kuchh derr X yuhi khada raha. Jab dobaara mann me koi shor nahi hua, koi hastakshep nahi hua tabhi uske honth khule aur-

"TIME RELEASE!"

Shabd dheere se uske muh se nikal gaye.

***

At the same time...
Madrid, Spain,
Evening 7:11 PM ~

Madrid me abhi poori tarah raat nahi chhaayi thi. Rafael Ibanez ki maut se Spain achraj me zaroor tha.

Krodh me nahi, na hi sadme me. Bas, taajub me. Kyunki, maut medical kaarano ki wajah se hui thi. Shaant. Bina kisi virodh ke, bina kisi haadse ke.

Aur, maut ki khabar abhi bas baahar aayi thi. Abhi poore Spain ke logo tak ise pahuchne me samay tha. Jaise-jaise khabar aag ki tarah felni waali thi, waise-waise hi aakrosh, afwaaho ke janm lene ki sambhavnaaye bhi zyada thi.

Lekin, koi tha aaj jo poornta iss vishay ko lekar sunishchit tha. Kael chhato se hote hue aise daud raha tha maano jaise woh sadak par daud raha ho. Aur, phir usne chhalaang lagaayi.

Teen manzil ki building ki uchaayi se woh yuhi kood gaya. Aur, uski nazar saamne kayi acre ke andar pheli uss imaarat par tik gayi. Vishal. Jagmagati raushniyo se raushan. Agal-bagal khule maidaan se ghiri.

Alejandro ki khud ki zameen. Uska ghar.

Chappe chappe pe bhayanak pehra laga hua tha. Security andar se lekar baahar gates tak tainaat thi. Aur, andar Alejandro. Yaani ki Spain ke naye PM candidate ka ab ekmaatr daavedaar. Kyunki, Rafael Ibanez, uska virodhi kuchh kshan pehle hi mrityu ke ghaat utar chuka tha.

Kael ke haath sehej gati se chale. Usne apna ajeeb sa hathiyaar, jo uski peeth par bandha hua tha, use kheench ke baahar nikaala.

Taraazu jaisa dikhne waala woh hathiyar do badi-badi gol discs se bana tha, jaha dono hi discs ek lambi chain se bandhi hui thi.

Usne apne haath jhatke, aur uske trenchcoat ke andar aasteen me bandhi aur adhik chain neeche gir gayi. Phir, usne chain pakad-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Dono bhaari bharkam discs hawa me ghumaayi. Discs aur zanzeer hawa ko cheerte hue sarsara rahi thi.

*Fwoosh* *Fwoosh*

Usne ek jhatke me unn dono discs ko upar hawa me feka, dono discs gol ghumti hui uchaayi me udi, boundary wall ko paar karte hue andar gayi aur andar ki deewar se bhidte hue, upar ki tek se lagte hue phass gayi.

Kael ne zanzeer ko kass ke pakda. Aur, woh phir kooda.

Zanzeer zor se awaaz kari aur Kael aage ki orr khinch gaya. Hawa me. Usne apni dono discs ko hooks ki tarah deewar me phasaate hue khud ko upar kheench liya. Aur, palak jhapakte hi woh boundary wall ke upar tha.

Uske upar aate hi-

Sirens aur alarms turant hi baj uthe.

Poore ilaake me laal battiyaan chamak uthi. Floodlights ghoomne lagi. Neeche maujood security harqat me aa gayi, hathiyaar upar uth gaye aur sankshipt aadesho me awaaz goonjne lagi.

Sab ne use dekha. Unki aankhein aashcharya me feli hui thi. Kyunki, upar deewar par khada shaks koi aam shaks nahi tha.

Poora Madrid use 'Kael, the saviour' ke naam se jaanta tha. Ye baat zaroor thi ki kisi ko bhi yeh gyaat nahi tha ki Kael ek systems holder bhi tha. Siwaaye, Alejandro ke.

Kael unki tani hui bandook dekh ke bhi tass se mass nahi hua.

Woh deewar par khada raha, hawa me uska kaala trench coat lehra raha tha, raushni me kaale-safed ka uske chehre ka paint chamak raha tha. Spain ka shaant nyayadheesh, akhirkar sabke saamne tha.

Rafael Ibanez ki maut ki khabar uske dimag me goonj rahi thi. Kael ne Alejandro ko kayi mahino se gaur kiya tha. Uske paapo ko gina tha. Saiyyam bhi barta tha. Magar, Alejandro ne uski chetaavniyo ko har baar ansuna kar diya tha.

Magar, aaj hui Rafael ki maut ne paasa palat diya. Building ke andar monitors on the. Kayi saare cameras Kael par kendrit the. Aur, Alejandro andar se sab kuchh dekh raha tha. Chehre par koi bhaav nahi the.

Kael ki oonchi awaaz poore ilaake me goonj uthi.

Kael : ALEJANDRO!!! Maine tumhe kayi baar andekha kiya. Tumhare paap. Tumhare bure karam. Tumhari deals. Tumhari khamoshi. Sab kuchh.

Rifles uski chhaati ki orr tik gayi. Security ke logo ki ungliyaan bandook ke trigger par jamm gayi.

Kael : Maine tumhe chetaavni di thi!! Uss X se dur raho. Baar-baar. Par, tumhare paapo ka ghada bhar chuka hai, Alejandro! Aur, mein Spain ko iski qeemat nahi chukaane dunga.

*Silence*

Agle hi kshan ek intercom se Alejandro ki awaaz aayi, tez aur gusse se bhari hui.

Alejandro : Nikal jao, Kael! Aur, ek official PM candidate par aarop lagaana band kar do. Khaaskar, bina kisi saboot ke. Humaare 'Rafael Ibanez' ke guzar jaane ke dukhad samachar se hum sab shok mana rahe hai. Abhi bhi mauka hai. Chale jao yaha se.

Kael : Mein sab jaanta hu... ki tum kitne doodh ke dhule hue ho.

Usne apni chain uthaayi aur use apni ek ungli par tikaaya. Dono bhaari discs ek samaan swatantra roop se latak rahi thi. Ekdum sthir.

Ek pal ke liye dono hi discs ka waza baraabar tha. Tabhi-

*Ding*

"JUDGEMENT!!!"

Kael ke mukh se shabd nikalte hi, achanak hi, uski ungli par chain ki madad se latak rahi baayi disc neeche jhuk gayi. Kisi taraazu ki tarah.

Jaadu se nahi. Parinaam swaroop. Uss bhaar ke peechhe Alejandro ka bura karm chhipa hua tha.

Alejandro : Dekh kya rahe ho murkho!!? Humla karo!!! YE SARASAR TERRORISM HAI!!!

Uske kehte hi uski security ne-

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Goliyaan barsaani shuru kar di. Par, Kael apni jagah se gaayab ho chuka tha.

Achanak hi-

*Boom*

Woh itni zor se neeche aake land kiya ki neeche ke patthar ukhadte hue hawa me udd gaye. Uski nazar baaj ki tarah unn sab par tik gayi.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Woh apni jagah se gaayab hua-

*Swoosh*

Jaise hi kuchh bullets uske badan par lagne ko aayi-

*Clang* *Clang*

Usne apne hathiyaar ki discs shield ki tarah kheenchi aur sabhi bullets uss par lagte hi ricochet ho gayi.

"Huh?? K-Kya???"

Security waale taajub theek se dikha paate ki uske pehle hi-

*Ding*

"AUTHORITY ZONE!!!"

Usne apne muh se kuchh kaha. Aur, uski discs hawa me ghoomte hue aayi.

"Aaarghhh!"

" Bluerghh!"

" Ughhh!"

Ek saath teen logo ko hawa me udaate hue discs saaye-saaye ghoomte hue kohraam machaane lagi.

*BAAAMMMMM* *BAAAMMMMM*

Unhe zameen par patakte hue woh unhe zameen ke andar dhasa deta, aur grip banaate hue chain ko kheench apne aap ko launch karta.

"Aaarghhh!!!"

Imaarat cheekhon se goonj uthi. Kael ki chained discs aisa hahakaar macha rahi thi jaise maano kisi daitya ko khula chhor diya ho.

Uski disc hawa me sarraate-daar tareeke se ghoomte hue ek aadmi ki orr aayi.

"Bluerghh"

Aadmi ke muh se khoon nikla, woh disc se bhida aur kayi feet dur jaake gir pada.

Kael ne jaise hi uss disc ko wapas kheencha, disc hawa me ghoomte hue uski orr waapas aane lagi. Par...

Woh uchka. Hawa me wapas aati disc par hi apni laat rakh, use kisi foothold ki tarah istemal kar woh ek aur chhalaang laga diya.

Maano double jump ka usne asli tareeka dhoondh liya tha. Aur, apni doosri disc ko upar phekte hue usne pehli manzil ki khidki par phasaaya aur-

*Schling*

Khud ko seedhe pehli manzil ke andar le gaya jaha Alejandro andar maujood tha.

Jab Alejandro ne cameras me ye dekha toh woh ek pal ke ghabra utha.

'Nahi nahi! Sab plan ke according jaa raha hai. Mujhe darrna nahi hai.'

[Run. This is the right time, Alejandro.]

Uske mann me ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

'Huh? Abhi?'

[Haan, abhi! Warna-]

Kael ke daaye-baaye lambe-lambe corridor the. Aur, baayi taraf hi Alejandro baitha hua tha.

Kael muda. Aur, baayi orr chalne laga. Chalte-chalte hi usne apni disc itni zor se deewar ki orr pheki ki-

*Swish*

Disc deewar ke upar se lag ke kisi frisbee ki tarah ghoomti hui aage badhi. Kael khud bhi iss dauraan daanav ki tarah aage badh raha tha.

Corridor ke mod par disc aate hi mod ke andar ghus gayi aur usi dauraan Kael ne ek jhatke me apni disc kheench li.

Na jaane kis dhaatu ki woh disc bani thi, jaise hi Kael ne use apni orr kheencha, mudte waqt deewar se takraane ke chalte-

*BAAMMMMMMM*

Deewar ke parchhatte udd gaye. Aur, aadhi deewar hi dhass gayi. Dhool, dhua hawa me udd gaya.

Aur, giri hui deewar se hi use nazar aaya- Alejandro ka dara hua chehra.

"ALEJANDRO!!!!"

Kael dahaada. Magar, Alejandro taiyaar tha. Woh ek jhatke me bhaaga.

Kael uske peechhe dauda...! Alejandro jaise sab kuchh taiyaar kar ke baitha hua tha.

Jaise hi Kael uski orr Alejandro khidki ki taraf dauda.

[Nahi. Use jaane nahi dena, Kael!]

Andar se ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

Kael ne zor se apni disc pheki-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Magar-

*Craaaashhhhhhh*

Disc khidki ko cheerte hue baahar nikal gayi. Lekin, Alejandro pehle hi khidki se kood chuka tha.

Kael jaise hi khidki ke nazdeek pahucha toh use ab tak ka sabse bada jhatka laga.

[We lost. It was a trap.]

Uske andar se awaaz aayi.

Kyunki, saamne-

Janta ka dher saara samooh uss orr badh raha tha. Neeche Alejandro ek rescue jump cushion par land kiya tha.

Logo ko jamawda? Wo cameras sirf Kael par nazar rakhne ke liye nahi the. Woh cameras livestreaming kar rahe the.

Kael ne jo kuchh bhi kiya, woh porre Spain me broadcast ho chuka tha. Aur, ab Spain hi nahi, shayad poore vishwa me bhi.

Kya hoga agar ek PM candidate ki maut ke baad, agle PM candidate ke upar bhi humla ho jaaye?

Wahi hua tha.

Jo Rafael Ibanez ki maut ka aarop Alejandro par lagna chaahiye tha, woh Alejandro ne chalaaki se Kael ki upar thop diya tha. Aur, na sirf itna balki use janta ke saamne ye bhi dikha diya tha ki Kael uski khud ki jaan bhi lene aaya hua tha.

[Run! Kael!]

Ek system holder hone ke naate Kael ab logo ki nazro me aur bhi achhe se aa gaya tha. Uska iss hisaab se ladna, koodna, goliyon se bachna.

Na chaahte hue bhi-

Kael ke paas ek hi vikalp tha.

Yaha se bhaagna.

Aur, usne wahi kiya. Security, police uske peechhe bhaagi par bhala ek system holder ko wo kaise pakad sakti thi?

'Kael, the saviour' jo social media par kaafi charchit tha, ab 'Kael, the maniac' ke naam se mashoor hone laga. Ye raat Kael ke liye bahut kuchh badalne waali thi.

Jaise hi woh apne hideout par lauta...

Toh uska phone baj utha. Bhaagne se Kael ki saansein tez thi. Phone par naam dekhte hi usne ek jhatke me hi call utha liya.

Kael : Bolo!

Damian : Pata lag gaya woh kaun hai.

Kael : Kaun?

Damian : Veer Singh! From India.

Aur, bas itna sunn, Kael ne call kaat diya. Usne apni peeth se apne hathiyaar ko hataaya toh wo zor se neeche zameen par gir gaya.

Usne apni mej par rakhe uss khat ko dekha.

SUMMIT ka invitation.

Jidhar na jaane ka usne faisla kar liya tha. Magar, Damian ke muh se naam sunte hi-

Woh faisla ab badal chuka tha.

***

26th January,
Suhana's house,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Ghar ke baahar aake ek gaadi ruki, headlights bujhi, aur Veer sabse pehle baahar nikla. Proper neat and clean suit me. Haav-bhaav shaant.

Darwaaza band karne se pehle usne peechhe dickey se ek gift packed hua nikaala aur haatho me liya. Erica bhi baahar aa chuki thi.

Woh toh maano damak rahi thi, perro par thirak rahi thi, uski aankhein chamak rahi thi. Woh Suhana ke ghar ko dekhti aur phir Veer ko, phir ghar ko aur phir Veer ko, maano kehna chaah rahi ho ki hum kab andar chalenge?

Veer : Sab taiyaar hai na?

Erica me turant hi, thoda jaldi me hi sirr hilaaya.

Erica : Sab taiyaar hai. Every detail. Maine do baar check kiya hai. Nahi, balki teen baar hehe.

Veer ne apne cufflinks theek kiye aur ek baar gate ki orr dekha.

Veer : We got one shot at this. Don't mess it up.

Erica dheere se hasi.

Erica : Yes boss! Don't worry hehe. Mein sab sambhaal lungi.

Veer : Yeah. Kyunki, hum dono hi hai. Media aur company ke saamne sab kuchh reveal karne ke baad Ava busy hai. Aur, Garofano business clients se deal kar rahi hai. It's just you and me.

Erica : Kuchh bhi gadbad nahi hogi. You just have to believe in me. *winks*

Veer (smiles) : Alright! Let's go!

Erica : Yesss boss~

Aur, dono hi andar ki orr chal pade.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
Dhanyavad. Target remains the same as previous one. Note iske neeche mention hai, padhna mat bhoolna.

Highly appreciated your work on this update mind blasting ️

 

[kamlesh 12]

Update - 210 ~ The Man between the rooms​

Sonia wahi khadi thi jaha Suhana use chhor kar gayi thi. Lobby ki lights jagmaga rahi thi. Andar hall se hasi-khushi ki awaazein aa rahi thi, taaliyon ki gadgadahat abhi bhi kahi na kahi rafta-rafta sunaayi pad rahi thi, jaise ye tay tha ki aaj ki raat toh keval aur keval Elite Motors ki aan, baan aur shaan ki raat thi.

Kintu, Sonia ke vichaar kahi aur hi the.

“You lost the biggest deal of your life.”

Kya matlab tha iska? Ve shabd Sonia ke seene ko chhalni kar gaye. Suhana ne iske pehle kabhi uss se aise baat nahi ki thi. Woh toh humesha taali bajaati, galey lagti, uska protsaahan badhaati, aur yeh kehne waali pehli hoti thi ki- ‘Tumne kar dikhaaya, Sonu.’

Tab bhi jab Sonia ko khud par yakeen nahi hota tha. Har qamyabi par woh uske bagal se khadi hoti thi.

Magar, aaj-

Woh bhaag nikli. Use akela chhor. Sonia tezi se mudi aur main hall ki taraf wapas se daudi.

‘N-No-!’

Uski saansein tez thi. Main hall logo se abhi bhi khacha-khach bhara hua tha. Bade-bade diggaj uske mata-pita ke chaaro orr khade hue the, apne chehro par saji-dhaji muskaan liye. Uske pita ki hasi garv se bharpoor zor se goonj rahi thi. Maa shaleenta banaaye hue chehre par muskaan bikhere sabhi se mil rahi thi.

Shailendra : Sonia beta, idhar aao. Inse milo zara!

Uske pita ne use pukaara. Woh ruki. Lagataar kayi haath uski orr badhe.

“Congratulations. Your presentation was just impeccable.”

Sonia : Th-Thank you!

Jawaab uske muh se apne-aap baahar aa gaya, kyunki aankhein toh hall me chaaro orr Suhana ki talaash me mandra rahi thi.

Hall ke uss paar, bheed ke peechhe, usne dekha-

Suhana corridor se guzar kar washroom ki taraf jaate hue use dikhi. Qadam bahut tez the. Jaise shayad woh nahi chaahti thi ki koi uska peechha kare ya use dekhe.

‘D-Dii-!’

Sonia ki saans atak gayi. Uski badi behan iss qadar kyu bhaag rahi thi? Use akela chhor ke kyu? Akhir, usne aisa kya kho diya tha jiska Suhana zikr kar rahi thi?

Woh aage badhi.

Namrita : Sonia-!

Uski maa ne dheere se use pukaara, aur apni ungliyaan uski kalaayi par baandh use pakda.

Namrita : Aao! *smiles* Tumhe kisi se milwaana hai.

Sonia : M-Mom, ek second please, mein-

Namrita use apne saath laate hue kuchh logo ke ghere ke beech le gayi, jaha ek se badhkar ek businessman aur unki patniya maujood thi. Usi ghere me koi aur bhi khada hua tha, jiske hontho par muskaan, Sonia ko aata dekh ke hi phel chuki thi.

Namrita : Ye… Inhe toh tum jaanti hi hogi, hai na? Tanishq. Mister Malhotra ji ka beta hai ye, mujhe toh aaj pata chala haha. *smiles* Tum dono pehle bhi toh mil chuke ho na? Aao na beta, Tanishq. Tum dono jaake baat kyu nahi karte?

Tanishq wahi tha jiski wajah se Sonia ne Casa Belle me hi pichhli baar Veer ko chhor deal sign kari thi. Wahi aadmi jo Autoshield jaisi company ko sambhaal raha tha. Autoshield India me ek jaana-maana naam tha. Elite Motors ke baad agar koi naam aata tha toh woh Autoshield ka hi hota tha. Aur, khaas baat yeh ki Tanishq Malhotra Sonia ke suitors me se ek tha.

Sonia ki nigaahein Tanishq par phiri aur Tanishq ki Sonia par.

Tanishq (smiles) : Ji, aunty. Inhe kaun nahi jaanta? *smiles* By the way, hum partners bhi hai. Maine invest kiya hua hai. Miss Sonia? Aapne bataaya nahi kya apni mom ko?

Sonia : M-Mein-! H-Hello!

Sonia ne Tanishq se haath milaaya, Tanishq ka haath kuchh zyaada hi derr tak Sonia ke haath ko thaam ke rakha raha. Tanishq ka uski company ke saath tie-up tha. Ve dono partners the. Casa Belle me pichhli baar Unicard launch ke function ke dauraan dono ke beech bahut badi 120 crore ki deal bhi sign hui thi. Aise me Sonia use nazar-andaaz nahi kar sakti thi. Aaj ki iss prastuti ke baad toh bilkul bhi nahi. Sahi maayno me dekha jaaye toh yahi ek uchit nirnay tha.

Magar, aaj Tanishq bhi- ya yu kahe ki 120 crore ki deal bhi Suhana ke saamne haar chuki thi.

Tanishq : Miss Sonia! Shall we-

Sonia : I’m- I’m sorry! Mujhe abhi jaana hoga.

Kehte hue woh waha se palti aur seedhe washroom ki orr bhaagi.

Tanishq : ???

Namrita : Um… Shayad… Washroom gayi hai. *smiles* Tum baitho na beta.

Qadam-qadam par koi use rokta. Ek aur badhaayi. Ek aur muskaan. Magar, uska dhyaan sirf aur sirf abhi Suhana ki orr hi khich raha tha. Uski badi behan bina matlab ke kabhi aisi baatein nahi kehti thi.

Sonia ne akhirkar khud ko bheed se alag kiya, woh logo ke beech se nikalte hue kinaare corridor ki orr badhi, qadam ab tezi se badh rahe the. Dhairya tootata jaa raha tha.

“Dii-!”

“Dii-!”

Theek usi kshan hall ke ek dusre chhor se Ruchika bhi chillaate hue aage badhi. Sonia aur Ruchika, dono ek-dusre ke bagal se aakar jhatke-se ruk gayi.

Ruchika (surprised) : A-Aap-!?

Sonia : Tum-!?

Unn dono ke muh se nikla. Sonia ki nigaahein theek Ruchika ke haath par gayi, jo kuchh thaame hue tha. Suchika ka mask.

Yeh ehsaas hote hi Sonia ka seena bhaari ho utha. Suchika ka mask Ruchika ke haath me? Shayad, iska matlab- Suchika ka cover blow ho chuka tha. Par, sawaal tha, kaise?

Aur, jawab tha : Nishaan aur harqat.

Deal mil jaane ke baad jab jashn shuru hua, taaliyon ne hall ko apne shor se dhaka, tab Ruchika ki nigaahein keval ek ladki par tiki hui thi, aur woh thi : Sonia ki nayi-naveli secretary.

Use Casa Belle ke Unicard launch ke function par hui woh pehli mulaqat yaad aa gayi. Uss raat jab Ruchika ne use pehli baar dekha tha-

Ruchika (eyes profusely) : Who are you?

Suchika : *raises eyebrow*

Sonia : Where are your manners? Don't you know that before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first.

Kaera : !!??

Ruchika (bows) : I'm sorry Miss! I was just wondering, who might be this new person?

Sonia (smiles) : Woh meri secretary hai. Private secretary. I don't think ki mujhe uske baare me sabhi ko batana zaroori hai. Right?

Ruchika : I understand!

Sonia : Good!

Pichhli baar, kuchh iss tarah se Sonia ne Suchika ke baare me bataane se taal diya tha. Aur, tab se hi woh Ruchika ke radar me chadhi hui thi. Bas, yahi ek kaaran nahi tha. Suchika ki qad-kaathi, uska rang, baal, pehanane-odhne ka dhang, uski aankhein, ye sab aur bhi cheezein baya kar rahi thi.

Isliye, jab jashn ke dauraan sabhi ki nazrein ICONGLOBE aur Elite Motors ke logo par jami, tab-

Ruchika baaz ki tarah apni aankhein Suchika par gadaaye hue thi, aur beshaq tabhi-

‘Huh?’

Achanak, Suchika kuchh neeche gire samaan ko uthaane ke liye jhuki, uski dress ki collar ke aas-paas ka hissa halka-sa gravity ke chalte neeche latka aur uske seene par laga ek nishaan Ruchika ko nazar aa gaya.

Ek gehra nishaan. Ek ajeeb-sa nishaan jo janm se hi use praapt hua tha. Yahi nahi, use uthaate hi woh apni jagah par jyo ki tyo khadi ho gayi. Lekin, uski mudra-

Uski mudra ajeeb thi. Ek taang halki-si peechhe, uske ek haath ki kalaayi dusre haath me aur ek ajeeb harqat. Kalaayi ko ungliyon se ragadna. Yeh ek aisi harqat thi jo Suchika ko shayad khud bhi nahi pata thi ki woh yeh karti thi.

A subconscious habit. Ek aisi aadat jo insaan bina jaane bhi karta hai, uska shareer uss se karwa deta hai, ek muscle memory ke roop me. Aur, Suchika ki aadat thi, woh khushi me aur chinta me, dono hi avsar par woh yeh harqat karti thi. Kalaayi ko ragadna.

Ek aadat jo Ruchika humesha-se hi apni behan ki gaur kiya karti thi. Parantu, kabhi tokti nahi thi. Aur, uska na tokna hi aaj kaam aaya. Agar ateet me kabhi usne iss aadat ko lekar sawaal poochha hota toh shayad Suchika aaj iss baat ka yaha dhyaan rakhti aur Ruchika use pakad nahi paati.

Nishaan aur harqat. Dono teer sahi jagah par lage the. Isme koi shaq nahi tha ab ki Miss Sonia ki secretary koi aur nahi, uski apni badi behan, Suchika hi thi.

Aur, yahi jaan ke woh uski orr bhaagi. Apni orr apni chhoti behan ko aata dekh Suchika seedhe mudi, aur washroom ki taraf bhaagi. Qadam pehle tez hue, aur jab usne dekha ki Ruchika theek uski orr hi badh rahi hai toh qadam daud me tabdeel ho gaye.

“Wait-!!!”

Ruchika peechhe se zor se chillaayi. Woh apni poori taaqat se bhaagi. Iske pehle ki Suchika washroom me ghus paati, Ruchika ne uski kalaayi pakad use kheencha, use moda aur ek hi jhatke me-

*Snatch*

Usne Suchika ke chehre se wo kaala mask kheench liya. Mask hatate hi saari ki saari sacchaayi jo ab tak sanshay ke bhaav me thi, woh pukhta sach bann kar saamne aa gayi.

Ruchika ki aankhein vismay me chaudi ho gayi. Use yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Uski apni badi behan? Woh jo ghar chhor ke bhaag gayi thi woh Miss Sonia ki secretary thi?

Iske pehle ki woh apni hairangi se baahar aa paati, Suchika mauka dekh washroom me ghus chuki thi.

“Nahiiii-!!! Rukiye-!!”

Theek usi samay, Suhana, Suchika ke bagal waale washroom cubicle me ghus gayi. Aur, aise hi dono badi behne apni chhoti behno se nazrein churaate hue washroom me aa kar khud ko chhipa baithi.

Sonia : Dii-!!! Dii, gate kholiye.

Sonia ki awaaz Ruchika ko apne vichaaro se baahar laayi.

Sonia (shouts) : Dii!!

Usne phir se pukaara, iss baar aur bhi zor se.

Ruchika (yells) : Dii! Dii, baahar aaiye. Ab chhipne se kuchh nahi hone waala. Mein kehti hu baahar aaiye.

Suhana. Suchika. Do naam. Do behne. Dono ek-dusre ke bagal se band cubicle me, maano niyati ne unhe yaha ek saath fasaane ki saazish ki ho.

Sonia ekdum sthir khadi thi, ungliyaan mutthi me bhinchi hui. Hall me pehle uske chehre par jo muskaan thi, woh ab gaayab ho chuki thi, uski jagah ab shikan ne leli thi.

10 billion dollars. Baahar har koi iska jashn mana raha tha. Toh, phir uske seene me yeh jakdan kyun mehsoos ho rahi thi?

“You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu.”

Shabd uske dimaag se nikal hi nahi rahe the. Ve theek nahi baith rahe the. Suhana kabhi betuki baat karti hi nahi thi. Kabhi naatak ya iss tarah ka mazaak bhi nahi. Aur, na hi woh iss tarah se rokar bhaagti thi.

Dusri orr, Ruchika ek pal ke liye idhar se udhar tehli, phir ruk gayi. Uska dil itni tezi se dhadak raha tha ki ab toh chhaati me bhi dard uthne laga tha. Mask, uske haath me abhi bhi jakda hua, sikuda hua, maano ab bhula diya gaya ho.

Kyu aayi ho ab yaha?
Kaha thi itne saal?
Wapas kyun nahi aayi?
Jab maa rote-rote apni raatein kaatati rahi, tab kaha thi?
Jab baba ka samaaj me apmaan hua, tab kaha thi?

Bahut saare sawaal the Ruchika ke andar. Magar, na hi Suchika aur na hi Suhana, dono hi baahar aake apni chhoti behan ka saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Washroom ke cubicle ke andar sannata chhaaya hua tha.

Suhana tiles ki deewar se tek laga kar khadi hui thi, aankhein laal, palkein aasuon se bheegi aur chipchipi, gaalon par aasuon ke nishaan jo saboot the ki unhe zor se pochha gaya tha. Usne apne honth kasskar band kiye, apni saanson ki sthir karne ki koshish ki. Abhi nahi. Yaha nahi. Woh yaha aur koi drishya nahi khada karna chaahti thi.

Uske bagal ke cubicle se, Suchika band toilet lid par baithi, kohniyaan ghutno par rakhe, zameen ko ghoor rahi thi. Royi toh woh bhi thi. Chupchaap. Aaj bas nahi. Saalo-saal. Varsho tak bhaagne, chhipne, dikhaava karne ne use kathor bana diya tha, lekin itna bhi nahi ki veh iss dard ko seh sake.

*Knock* *Knock*

Darwaaze par khat-khatahat hui.

Sonia : Suhana di-! Please, baahar aaiye.

Usne phir kaha, ab awaaz thodi dheemi thi, lekin ab zidd bhi shaamil thi.

Ruchika : Di-! Baahar aaiye. Mein jaanti hu aap andar ho. Bas bhi karo ab. Baahar aao! Abhi!!!

Thodi derr ki khamoshi. Phir, darwaaze ke khulne ki awaaz aayi. Aur, dono hi darwaaze lagbhag ek saath khule.

Sonia ne sehej roop se pehle qadam uthaaya. Usne Suhana ki orr haath badhaaye aur uski baahein pakad li.

Sonia : Di-!! Kya tha yeh sab, huh? What was that? Aapne baahar lobby me wo sab kya kaha? Tell me!!! Answer me!!

Suhana ne nazrein pher li aur jaldi se apni aankhein mal li.

Suhana : K-Kuchh bhi toh nahi, Sonu. Mera dhyaan kahi aur tha. M-Mere dimaag me kuchh aur chal raha tha.

Usne bahut hi jaldi me jawaab diya.

Suhana : M-Mein itna khush thi ki- ki kuchh ka kuchh bol gayi. Mein kisi aur deal ke baare me soch rahi thi aur uss baare me wo-

Sonia (frowns) : That’s not it! Mein bewakoof nahi hu, di!!

Uske sawaal jaari the jab yaha bagal se Ruchika maano jamm si gayi. Suchika uske saamne khadi hui thi, chehra iss baar bina kisi naqaab ke, nirjeev sa aur asahaay. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi bhi nahi bola. Phir-

Suchika (smiles weakly) : Ruchi!

Ruchika ki saans jaise galey me hi atak gayi.

Woh naam. Saalo se kisi ne use iss naam se nahi pukaara tha. Iss tarah se toh kabhi bhi nahi. Uska gussa pal bhar ke liye choor-choor ho gaya. Ek bebasi ne balki jagah leli.

Aankhein namm ho chali. Lekin, woh ek baar zor se hasi. Hasi lagbhag tooti hui si thi.

Ruchika : Toh, aapko yeh naam bhi yaad hai, huh?

Usne jhallate hue kaha aur aage badhkar Suchika ki kalaayi jakad li.

Ruchika : Itne saalo baad bhi? Kyun? K-Kidhar thi aap? Ab yaha kyun aayi ho? Itne saalo ke baad bhi ab kyu mujhe aap uss naam se-

Suchika (naazuk muskaan liye) : Mein kabhi bhooli hi nahi thi, Ruchi.

Ruchika (yells) : Aapko aise kehne ka haq nahi!! *sniff* Aap saalo tak gaayab rehkar phir mujhe aise nahi bula sakti jaise kuchh hua hi na ho.

Suchika ne halki si muskaan di aur akhirkar uski aankhon se aansu behne lage.

Suchika : Maine tumhe bahut yaad kiya. Har din.

Ruchika hasi. Ek bedum hasi. Lagbhag siski jaisi.

Ruchika : M-Mujhe yaad kiya? *sniff*

Usne mask ko Suchika ki chhaati me dhakelte hue dohraaya.

Ruchika (shouts) : Aap bhaag gayi!!! Ghar se bhaagi ho aap!! Kabhi lauti bhi nahi! Kisi ko yeh tak nahi pata tha ki aap zinda bhi ho ya-!? *sniff* Aur, ab aap yaha ho? *glances* Miss Sonia ke liye kaam kar rahi ho?

Uske shabd tezi se nikle. Bahut tezi se. Sawaal ek ke baad ek aaye. Kaha thi aap? Wapas kyun nahi aayi? Koi andaaza bhi hai ki maa-baba ka kya haal hua hoga?

Suchika ne haath aage badhaaya, thoda jhijhaki, phir dheere se Ruchika ke gaal ko sehlaayi.

Suchika : M-Mein sharminda thi. *sniff* Dari hui thi. Aur, jab akhirkar aana chaahti thi… tab himmat nahi hui.

Ruchika ne Suchika ka haath jhatak diya. Uski bhavnaaye ek-saath umad padi. Usne agle hi pal Suchika ko kasskar apne galey se laga liya, phir utni hi zor se peechhe bhi dhakel diya.

Ruchika (quivers) : Paagal ho aap! Ek number ki paagal ho. I hate you! Aapko zara bhi andaaza hai ki- *sniff* ki aapne hum sabke saath kya kiya? Kabhi aisa dobaara karne ki sochna bhi mat! I swear warna mein-

Suchika (smiles) : Nahi karungi. Kasam khaati hu.

Sonia ne bagal se dekha, Suchika-Ruchika ke milan ki teevrata ne use pal bhar ke liye vichlit kar diya tha. Lekin, Suhana ke dur jaane ki koshish karte hi uska dhyaan waapas se uski orr laut aaya.

Sonia : Di! Aap iss tarah se mujhe bina kuchh bataaye nahi jaa sakti. Kya kho diya maine? Kaun si deal? Kya nuksaan hua? Kya baat kar rahi thi aap? Aur, aap ro kyu rahi thi?

Suhana ne ek gehri saans li. Woh kuchh kehti ki tabhi-

“Suhana!!!”

Hall me se washroom corridor tak aate hue ek jaani-pehchaani awaaz goonji. Suhana ka badan thitur gaya. Raungte khade ho gaye. Awaaz Gaurav ki thi.

“Suhana!!!” Usne phir se awaaz lagaayi. Abki baar corridor ke aur qareeb aate hue.

Suhana peechhe hati, uske chehre par ghabrahat jhalak rahi thi.

Suhana : B-Baad me, Sonu. M-Mujhe jaana hoga.

Woh mudi, lekin Sonia ne uski kalaayi thaam li. Kasskar.

Sonia : Bina mujhe sach bataaye aap kahi nahi jaane waali, di! Meri taraf dekhiye!

“Suhana!” Gaurav ne phir pukaara.

Suhana : Let it go, Sonu!!!

Sonia : Bilkul nahi. Jab tak aap mujhe bata nahi deti, mein aapko nahi chhorne waali. Tell me! What was all that about? Kyu rote hue aap aayi aur mujhse yeh boli ki- ‘You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu!’ Kya matlab tha iska? Answer me, di!

Suhana ne ek pal ke liye apni aankhein band kar li. Ek pal ke liye laga jaise woh toot jaayegi aur sach bol degi. Magar, phir usne aankhein kholi, darr par dridh sankalp haawi ho gaya.

Suhana : Bata dungi. Par, abhi nahi. Yaha nahi.

Usne Sonia ki ungliyon ko dheere se chhuraaya, waha se nikli aur corridor me uski heels ki awaaz goonjti chali gayi.

Sonia wahi khadi reh gayi. Stabdh. Uska haath abhi bhi aadha hawa me utha hua tha, jisey Suhana ne pakad ke alag kiya tha. Uski nazar bagal me gayi.

Ruchika aur Suchika ab paas khadi thi. Dabi awaaz me, bhaavukta se bhari behas kar rahi thi. Aansu, gussa, raahat, saalo ki kasar ek naazuk pal me nikal rahi thi.

Sonia unhe dekhti rahi, uske seene me bechaini aur gehri hoti chali gayi. Jaha ek taraf do behne varsho baad ek ho rahi thi, toh wahi iss orr lag raha tha jaise do humesha se ekta me rehne waali behne juda ho rahi ho.

Suhana ka jo bhi iraada raha ho, jo bhi kehna raha ho, woh zubaan phisalne se nahi hua tha. Aur, aaj raat yaha jo kuchh bhi shuru hua tha, woh khatm nahi hua tha.

***

Jab Kaera ghar lauti toh waha sannaata pasra hua tha. Galiyaare me battiyaan halki-halki jal rahi thi. Khuli khidkiyo se raat ki hawa ki halki-halki mehek aa rahi thi. Skylight ke ground floor par awaazein goonj rahi thi, kyunki uske pita, bhai aur baaki sabhi Casa Belle se laut kar aa chuke the.

Kaera pehle hi apne kapde badal chuki thi. Woh apne kamre ki lambi kaanch ki khidki ke paas khadi hui thi aur ghar ke bageeche ke paar sheher ki raushni ko nihaar rahi thi, tabhi usne apne peechhe ek halchal mehsoos ki.

Julia.

Woh abhi-abhi uski floor me uske kamre me aayi thi, aasteene upar chadhi hui thi, baal humesha ki tarah bun me bandhe hue, maano raat uske liye kuchh khaas na rahi ho, woh wapas se apne ghar ke kaam-kaaj me lautne ke liye taiyaar thi, jab-

“Julia,” Kaera ne pukaara.

Julia ne turant hi apni miss ki taraf dekha.

Julia : Ji, miss?

Kaera mudi nahi. Uski nigaahein abhi bhi baahar tiki hui thi.

Kaera : I kissed.

Bas ek seedha vaakya. Julia wahi sthir jamm ke reh gayi.

Julia : Huh?

Uski aankhein chaudi ho gayi, uske chehre par taajub jhalak raha tha.

Julia : What? Young miss you… you kissed?

Kaera ne ek baar haami bhari.

Julia : W-Who? K-Kiske saath, miss?

Woh poochhte hue anjaane me paas aayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaha? Kaise? Young miss… kya hua?

Uska reaction dekh Kaera ke hontho par halki si muskaan aa gayi. Ek jigyasa se bhari muskaan.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na? Just seal your lips with your partner. And, when you do kiss someone, don’t forget to tell me how it felt. *smiles* Tum mere thoughts jaanana chaahti thi na?

Julia apni miss ki peeth ko ghoorti rahi, use woh din yaad aaya jab usne waqai aisa kuchh Kaera se kaha tha.

Julia : H-Haan par miss… K-Kisey?

Uske mann me kuchh bhi nahi soojh raha tha tabhi use dhyaan aaya ki uski miss keval ek hi insaan ko kiss kar sakti thi. Aur, iski sambhaavna me bhi use poora aatmvishvas nahi tha.

Julia (mutters) : Y-Young master Veer?

Kaera ne uski taraf dekha tak nahi. Bas sirr hilaaya. Aur, Julia ki aankhein aur chaudi ho gayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaise? Kab hua ye? Mein toh poore time aapke saath thi, miss.

Kaera : Hall ke baahar. Jab mein waha se jaa rahi thi tab. Baahar driveway me…

Julia ne ek gehri saans li.

Julia : How?

Kaera : What? It just happened. I wanted to kiss him. And, you know what Julia…? Veer ne… mere saath cheat kiya.

Julia : Huhhhh???

Kaera : I mean not in the literal sense. Lekin, haan- usne mujhe dhoka toh diya.

Usne seedhe-saade shabdo me kaha.

Julia : Ch-Cheat? Kaise?

Kaera (sighs) : Woh Suhana ki wajah se gala me aaya tha. Woh uski help kar raha hai. Kuchh zyaada hi. Mujhe nahi pata unke beech kya arrangement hua hai but- he owes her something. Itna toh saaf hai.

Julia ne use gaur se dekha. Bahut gaur se. Aur, use bhi sab kuchh samajh aane laga.

Julia : Aur, iske baad bhi miss- aapne unhe kiss kiya? Kyun?

Kaera (smiles) : Because of him… the betrayal felt real.

Julia ki saansein tham gayi. Asli baat use ab samajh aayi. Kaera palti aur usne Julia ki aankhon me dekha.

Kaera : I felt it, Julia. Sadness. Pain. Disappointment. Being betrayed… Aaj raat maine ye feel kiya. Aur, mein royi bhi.

Julia : Whaaatt???

Kaera (nods) : Hmm. Aankhon me paani tha. Use rona hi kehte hai, hai na? I felt it so strongly because it was him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have cared at all. Aur, isliye- I kissed him. Because I don’t want to let him go.

Kamra ekdum shaant ho gaya.

Julia ne thodi raahat ki saans li, uske mann me baat samajh me aa gayi. Veer ka iraada koi nuksaan pahuchaane ka nahi tha. Agar, hota toh uski miss itna shaant nahi khadi hoti. Woh soch-vichaar nahi kar rahi hoti. Woh muskura nahi rahi hoti. Shayad Veer kisi anchaahe daldal me phasa hua tha. Julia iss paristhiti se itna bhaanp chuki thi.

Julia : Then? H-How did it feel, miss?

Kaera ki nigaahein abki baar prashn par kahi aur bhatak gayi, usne apni ungliyaan uthaayi aur unhe apne honth par aise chhua jaise maano uss pal ko dobaara mehsoos karne ki koshish kar rahi ho.

Kaera : Magnetic! *nods* Yes. That’s the word.

Julia ne palkein jhapkaayi. Usne jitne bhi jawaab soche the, unme se yeh toh bilkul bhi nahi tha.

Julia : Magnetic?

Kaera (nods) : Hmm! Aisa mehsoos hua jaise mujhe kuchh kheench raha tha. Maine apne aap se kuchh nahi kiya tha. Tumne sahi kaha tha. Baad me sab kuchh hota chala jaata hai.

Julia haule se muskuraayi. Chehre par ab raahat thi. Phir, Kaera ne sirr jhukaaya, aur jigyasa uske andar phir se janm leli.

Kaera : Julia. Ab jab maine use kiss kar liya hai, toh iska matlab yahi hai na ki… woh ab mera ho gaya?

Julia : Huh????

Woh Kaera ko hairaani aur darr se dekhi.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na uss din ki- Miss, when you kiss someone that means… they belong to you.

Sunte hi Julia ke badan ke rue khade ho gaye aur use achanak hi woh pal yaad aaya jab waqai ek din-

Kaera : Julia kiss kisey karte hai?

Julia : Hmm? Jis se aap pyaar karte hai, miss.

Kaera : Pyaar huh? Kaisa hota hai pyaar?

Julia : Pyaar ko samjhaana toh bahut mushqil hai, miss.

Kaera : Toh, kya hum sirf unhi ko kiss kar sakte hai jinhe pyaar karte hai? Maine logo ko apne pets ko kiss karte dekha hai. Toh iska matlab wo unhe pyaar karte hai, hai na?

Julia : Bilkul sahi, miss. Lekin, aisa zaroori nahi hai ki aap kiss sirf apne lover ke saath hi karo. Koi bhi cheez ya insaan jisey aap pyaar karti ho, aap use kiss kar sakti ho.

Kaera : Friend ko bhi?

Julia : Hmm? Haan. It depends. See. When you kiss someone that means they belong to you. Tabhi, toh kiss kiya na?

Kaera (murmurs) : O-Ohh! So, you kiss someone and then… they belong to you. I see.

Julia apni yaado se baahar aayi, phir usne apni young miss ki aankhon me kuchh bhaav dekhe. Calm. Possessive. Certain.

Aur, bas woh mann me hi sochti reh gayi.

‘Oh god! Lagta hai… shayad mujhe miss ko love par lessons dene band karne honge.’
Kyunki, uski kahi gayi baat ka galat interpretation Kaera ne patthar ki lakeer maan ke apna liya tha.

Kaera : After all… he did it with me. Uss raat. Cafe me. Mujhe yaad nahi ki maine use kiss kiya tha ya nahi, lekin- mujhe yaad hai mein uske saath kamre me thi. Aur, mein uske upar thi. Itna mujhe yaad hai.

Julia : …

Kaera ka haath achanak hi uske pait ke nichle hisse ki orr gaya.

Kaera : My hymen is gone. I got it checked. Iska matlab Veer ne uss raat mere saath- we had sex, hai na Julia?

Julia apna muh phaade bas apni miss ko dekhti reh gayi. Bolne laayak koi bhi shabd nahi the uske paas.

Kaera : And now… He belongs to me. Wait! Julia! What does sex feel like?

Jab agla sawaal aaya toh Julia ke paseene chhootne shuru ho gaye.

‘Oh god noooo-!’

***

Casa Belle ke bhavya corporate gala ke baad sheher ne ek raahat ki saans li. Rohan ki car hotel me hue samaroh ke baad raat ke andhere me aise bhaag rahi thi jaise maano sadak uski gulaam ho. Do police vaahan uske aage chal rahe the, do peechhe. Koi siren nahi, koi jaldbazi nahi, koi shor machaane ki zaroorat nahi.

Mumbai central jagmagata hua, bheed aur halchal se bhara nazar aa raha tha.

Rohan sabse pehle baahar nikla. Station me pravesh kiya aur platform par turant halchal mach gayi. Vardi-dhaari adhikari seedhe khade ho gaye. Aam naagrik beech raaste me hi ruk gaye. Uske andar aate hi sabne ek salaami di, uski upasthiti ne sabka dhyaan apni orr kheench liya.

Baat-cheet dheemi pad gayi. Sabki nigaahein uska peechha karne lagi. Pradesh ka DGP akhir aaya hua tha. Rohan ne koi jaldi nahi ki. Woh chupchaap platform par aake ek jagah khada hua.

Saamne lagi train ka ek AC coach ka darwaza halki si sarsarahat ke saath khula. Kuchh police karmi neeche utre, thake hue lekin satark. Aur, unke theek peechhe : Trisha.

Trisha ki nazrein turant hi utarne ke baad Rohan par padi. Uske chehre par kshanik ashcharya jhalak utha. Phir, saiyyam laut aaya. Usne kuchh nahi kaha. Na hi kuchh poochha. Usne bas apne bag ka patta theek kiya aur Rohan ke saamne aa kar ruk gayi. Anya police karmiyo ne Rohan ko salaam kiya.

Rohan ne bas sirr hilaaya. Bas itna hi. Bina kuchh bole woh muda aur baahar nikalne ke liye chal pada. Trisha uske peechhe-peechhe aayi. Dekhne waalo ko yeh ek samaanya drishya lag raha tha ki ek senior adhikari apni team ko le jaane aaya tha. Par, maamla iss se kayi guna gambheer tha.

Baahar, gaadiyon ka kaafila intezar kar raha tha. Rohan ne Trisha ke liye darwaza khola, driver seat par baitha aur Trisha uske bagal se passenger seat par sawaar ho gayi. Engine chaalu hua, aage ki gaadiyaan pehle nikli, Rohan ke liye raasta saaf karte hue aur phir Rohan unke peechhe apni gaadi laga diya.

Kuchh palo ke liye, sheher se guzarne ki awaaz aur gaadi ki halki si sarsarahat ke alawa aur kuchh sunaayi nahi diya. Phir, Rohan ne sadak par nazrein gadaaye hue hi khamoshi ko toda.

Rohan : Kya hua tha?

Trisha ne turant uski orr nahi dekha. Woh car ki windshield par baahar ke nazaare ko ghoor rahi thi. Phir, kshan bhar baad woh boli.

Trisha : Matter almost solve ho gaya hai. Lekin, aur layers jud gayi hai. Kaafi complex case bann gaya hai.

Rohan : Go on!

Trisha : Patna me jis aadmi ko maine pakda, woh waisa tha hi nahi jaisa woh dikhta tha. Ek dhongi tha woh. Baba ke vesh me. Dikhawa kar raha tha. Ghaato par jaata, pravachan deta, adhyatmik baatein karta. Log uss par aankh band kar ke bharosa karne lage the.

Rohan : …

Trisha : Magar, uska asli dhandha shoshan tha. Woh paise waalo ko nishaana banaata tha. Unhe yakeen dilaata tha ki daulat ka koi matlab nahi, phir peeth peechhe apne hi aadmiyo ka istemal kar ke unke parivar ki sampatti lutwa leta tha.

Rohan (frowns) : Naam?

Trisha : Raman!

Akhirkar, woh uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Humne use raaste me pakda. Clean arrest.

Rohan (nods) : Good work. Aur, isliye tumhara transfer-

Trisha : ???

Rohan : Radd kar diya gaya hai.

Trisha ki aankhon ki chamak wapas laut aayi. Chehre par humesha maujood rehne waali kathorta kahi gaayab ho gayi. Raahat uski aankhon me jhalak aayi.

Mumbai. Ghar. Rohan. Pihu. Woh ye sab chhor ke nahi jaana chaahti thi. Aur, usne unhe khone se bacha liya. Sab kuchh waisa hi, pehle jaisa.

Trisha : Thank you~

Rohan ne koi jawab nahi diya. Trisha jaanti thi ki ye transfer yuhi nahi cancel hua hoga. Patna ke case solve hone par appeal Rohan ne hi rakhi hogi. Isliye, waha se uski baat ko suna gaya aur ye tabaadla akhir radd hua.

Kuchh derr ruk kar usne aage kaha.

Trisha : Raman, woh akela kaam nahi kar raha tha. Woh Ranjeet ke saath juda hua tha. Team ne Raman ke phone ko khangaala. Messages. Call log. Paiso ka hisaab-kitaab. Raman use orders deta tha. Operations ko fund karta tha. Ranjeet wahi… Prestige par attack karne waala. Remember?

Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par kass gayi.

Trisha : Raman saare gandey kaam Ranjeet se karwaata tha. Properties seize karna. Daraana-dhamkaana. Violence. Sab kuchh Ranjeet karta tha. Yaha tak ki…

Rohan : ??

Trisha : Ranjeet ne ek Dhananjay naam ke ladke ki hatya bhi kari hai kuchh samay pehle.

Rohan (frowns) : Body?

Trisha (nods) : Mili. Lekin, bahut hi bekaar haalat me. Ranjeet ne Dhananjay ko thikaane laga ke uski alias create ki aur iss tarah se woh Mumbai me aaya.

Rohan (nods) : Aur prestige ka kya kaha?

Trisha : Haan. Ranjeet ke aadmiyon ne hi Prestige par shootout ko anjaam diya tha.

Unke beech phir sannaata chhaa gaya.

Rohan : Agar, Raman sab kuchh tay kar raha tha, theek hai maan liya. Agar, Ranjeet sab kuchh follow kar raha tha, theek hai ye bhi maan liya. Par, Ranjeet Mumbai me aakar akhir… Veer ke peechhe kyu pada?

Trisha thodi derr ke liye jhijhaki.

Trisha : Humne kuchh calls ka data nikalwaya. Jitna pata chala, uss se lagta hai ki Ranjeet Dhananjay ko lootne nikla tha aur phir, waha se Mumbai aa gaya. Achanak. Veer ke hotel par phir wo humla. Call tracing se yahi andaza laga hai ki, woh Veer ko lootne ki firaaq me tha, shayad? Usne socha hoga ki Veer ko side target banaana koi badi baat nahi? Asaan kaam hoga.

Rohan ke maathe par shikan ubhar aayi.

Rohan : Nahi!

Usne sapaat swar me kaha. Trisha uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan (frowns) : Ranjeet itne saalo se agar ye kar raha tha toh woh koi bewakoof nahi jo achanak se Mumbai aa jaayega aur hotel par attack kar dega. Hum kuchh andekha kar rahe hai, Trisha.

Trisha : K-Kya?

Rohan : Koi ek link hai jo hum miss kar rahe hai. *frowns* Ranjeet ka achanak Mumbai aana. Ye hi turning point hai. Dhananjay… Ye aadmi-

Trisha : Aadmi nahi, ladka.

Rohan : Haan! *nods* Yeh kaha maara gaya?

Trisha : Patna me hi.

Rohan : Aur, ye Dhananjay tha kaha se?

Trisha : Jaanch chal rahi hai. Ranjeet ke calls ko trace kare toh shayad Dhananjay Rajasthan ke kisi gaanv se belong karta hai. Shayad mayra. Kyunki, Mumbai aane se pehle ye Ranjeet wahi par tha.

Rohan (nods) : Exactly. Dhananjay ko lootne ke vaaste hi Ranjeet udhar gaya hoga. Aur, uska achanak se phir Mumbai aa jaana. Ye hai turning point. Matlab, uss beech- kuchh hua hai, Trisha.

Trisha ki reedh ki haddi me ek sihran daud gayi. Usne suraag ka peechha kiya tha. Kadiyo ko jodne ki koshish ki thi. Aur, use laga tha ki wo kuchh zyada hi soch rahi thi. Lekin, Rohan ki antar-aatma kabhi galat nahi hoti thi. Aur, agar usne kaha ki kuchh kami hai-

Toh zaroor kuchh kami thi.

Car ka kaafila aage badhta raha, raat ke andhere ko cheerta hua, apne saath ek ansuljha sawaal liye ki iss khel ka mastermind bhala kaun tha?

Gaadi ne flyover ke paas ek sehej mod liya, sheher dheere-dheere lambi sadko aur jagmagati raushni me tabdeel hota chala gaya. Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par ek baar phir thap-thapaayi. Kisi soch-vichaar me.

Rohan : Hum har jagah ghoom rahe hai. Siwaaye ek naam ke.

Trisha ki reedh akad gayi, ek pal ke liye Rohan ne use dekha.

Rohan : Humne uske baare me zyaada baat tak nahi ki. Asal me, humne uss se mushqil se hi koi sawaal kiya hoga.

Trisha : …!?

Rohan : VEER SINGH!

Car ke andar woh naam kisi bhaari-bharkam bhaar ki tarah baith gaya. Trisha ke badan me ek thandi leher daud gayi. Rohan ne uske jhunjhlaate badan par dhyaan nahi diya. Ya yu kahe ki usne dhyaan na dene ka naatak kiya.

Rohan : Hotel Prestige. Ranjeet. Shootout. Underground lair. Aur… serial killer. Sab aapas me kahi na kahi juda hua. You did good work in Patna.

Trisha ki ungliyaan uski goad me simat gayi. Ek taraf uska dil keh raha tha ki apne pati ka saath do. Sacchaayi ke saath khadi raho. Niyamo ka paalan karo.

Toh wahi dusri orr dimaag cheenkh raha tha. Woh tasveer, jo anjaan aadmi dwara use lifaafe me bheji gayi thi. Wahi tasveer jo kisi ne uske Ranjeet par goli chalaate hue li thi. Woh slaughterhouse. Hook par latka uska bebas, dum ghotata shareer. Uski bandook. Goli. Flash. Khoon. Koi dekh raha tha.

Aur, isi wajah se- woh yeh sach saamne nahi rakh sakti thi. Kyunki, Ranjeet ka encounter ek failed operation tha. Usne police vibhaag ko yahi bataaya tha ki yeh ek muthbhed thi. Saaf-suthri. Aavashyak muthbhed. Duty ke dauran ek khatre ko bas nishkreeya kar diya gaya. Khud ko bachaane ke liye ek banaaya gaya jhooth.

Haan. Jhooth. Lekin, Rohan ke liye bhi. Badge ke liye bhi. Parivar ke liye bhi. Agar, woh tasveer kabhi saamne aayi- toh uski naukri hi nahi, balki aur bhi bahut kuchh daav par lag sakta tha.

Rohan ne laal batti par gaadi dheemi kar di. Uske saath ki cars uske aage-peechhe gher kar khadi ho gayi.

Rohan (glances) : Tum kahi aur khoyi hui ho!?

Trisha : Huh? N-Nahi! Tumne kaha Veer Singh?

Rohan (nods) : Hmm! Aaj raat uss se mein mila.

Trisha : Kyaaaaa?

Rohan : Haan! Tumhe bataya tha na maine? Meri behan ko business me madad chahiye thi. Ek businessman meri pehchaan me tha. Toh uss se meri behan ki ek business deal set karwaayi thi maine aaj. Casa Belle me abhi hi corporate gala khatam hua hai kuchh derr pehle. Wahi pe Veer mila mujhe.

Trisha (frowns) : Veer jaisa ladka bhala aise gala me kya kar raha tha? Uska business itna bada hai? Mujhe nahi pata tha woh itna influential hai.

Rohan : Mujhe bhi nahi pata. Lekin, agar woh iske bawajood, paise aur dabdabe se ghire uss hall me ghus sakta hai, toh woh waisa nahi hai jaisa ki woh khud ko dikhaata hai.

Batti hari hui aur gaadi punaah chal padi.

Rohan : He plays invisible Trisha. And, people let him.

Trisha : T-Toh… Tumhe kya lag raha hai?

Rohan : Mujhe lagta hai humein use bilkul bhi nazarandaz nahi karna chaahiye. Bilkul bhi nahi.

Trisha : …

Rohan : Pihu ko serial killer se bacha kar laane waala, underground lair se laane waala… Wahi tha na?

Sunte hi Trisha stabdh reh gayi. Usne Rohan ko ghoora. Jis baat ka darr tha use, wahi ghatit ho gaya. Sach saamne aa chuka tha.

Trisha : T-Tumhe kaise-

Rohan : Tum bhool rahi ho. Mein sirf tumhara pati nahi hu. Mein state ka DGP bhi hu.

Trisha : …!!?

Rohan : Tumhare sage officers kitne hi loyal kyu na ho, wardi nahi chhor sakte. Usne toh mujhe sach bataaya hi saath hi Pihu ne bhi mujhe sab ugal diya.

Trisha ke kandhe jhuk gaye. Usne dheere se sirr hilaaya. Hataash hokar.

Trisha : Hmm! *nods* W-Wahi tha.

Car ka mahaul achanak badal gaya.

Rohan : This changes everything. Kyun? Kyun chhipaaya tumne mujhse Trisha?

Trisha : Kyunki… Kyunki, usne humaari bacchi ko bachaaya, Rohan. Jab mein apni ummeed kho chuki thi tab- tab woh humaari Pihu ko goad me laad ke, khoon se sann kar, mujhe saupne aaya tha. Aur, bas isliye- bas isliye maine yeh baat chhipaayi. Kyunki, mein nahi chaahti thi ki uss waqt mein use kisi pareshani me daalu.

Rohan : Aur, agar wahi serial killer hua toh?

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan : Gaur karo. Uss raat uski khud ki hotel par attack ho raha hota hai aur woh kaha hota hai? Pihu aur wo… Juhi ko bachaane me laga hota hai? Use uss underground lair ke baare me kaise pata chala?

Trisha : N-Nahi! Tum kuchh ka kuchh assumption le raho ho, Rohan. Agar, aisa hota toh pichhle saare murders uski orr point out karte. Aur, uss lair ka kya? Kya lair se koi suraag nahi mila? Research team toh tumhe ab tak bata hi deti na ki Veer inn sab me involved hai ya nahi.

Rohan (frowns) : Theek hai, maan liya abhi ke liye ki woh serial killer nahi hai. Par, woh shaq ke ghere me zaroor hai. Rahi baat lair ki toh haan… woh kisi criminal ne nahi banaayi thi. Originally… woh ek bunker tha. Second world war ke baad 1950s ya 60s me bana hua. Ek private Indian defense team thi jo German bunkers se inspired ho kar India me waisa kuchh war ki paristhiti me banaana chaahti thi.

Trisha (shocked) : B-Bunker!? I-Itna puraana?

Rohan (nods) : Ab tak ka sabse puraana. Founders ki kuchh deaths ke baad baaki team ne seal kar diya tha. Abhi jaanch jaari hai. Akhir, kyu use public ki aankhon me nahi laaya gaya? Kyu ab tak wo neeche hi dafn raha. Inke uttar samay ke saath mil toh jaane chaahiye.

Trisha : Phir?

Rohan : Phir, sealed ho jaane ke baad, jab team ke sabhi log guzar gaye, toh kisi doctor ne ek-do dashak ke baad use khoj nikaala.

Trisha : Doctor?

Rohan : Nahi! Ek pagal! Koi sarfira. Usne bunker ko ek laboratory me badla. Human experiments. Apne hi jaise kuchh maniac logo ke saath wo waha ajeeb experiments karne laga. Puraane dashak ke kuchh saboot mile hai research team ko.

Trisha sihar uthi.

Trisha : Y-Ye baat kab ki hai?

Rohan : Researchers andaaza laga kar yahi bataaye hai ki 1980s me ye sab kiya gaya tha. Par, exact date bata paana abhi mushqil hai.

Trisha : !!?

Rohan : Lekin, iss se bhi bhayanak baat yeh hai ki- abhi jo team ne dhoondha hai, laboratory ke andar se jo decay aur dead animals, bodies ki jaanch hui hai, uss se ye pata laga hai ki- ki wo dashako puraane nahi hai. Wo haal hi ke the.

Trisha (gasps) : Matlab-

Rohan (nods) : Matlab koi underground lair ko istemal kar raha tha. Aur, woh koi aur nahi-

Trisha (gasps) : Serial killer!

Rohan : You got that right!

Sannaata phir chhaa gaya. Pehle se zyada gehra.

Rohan : Jo ki humaari pakad me abhi tak nahi aaya hai. Veer Singh ek rehesyamayi ladka hai. Aur, mein uss par nazar rakhne waala hu. Pichhli baar meri beti iska shikaar ho chuki hai, mein ab apni ya kisi ki bhi beti par ye aanch nahi aane dunga.

Trisha khidki se baahar dekhti rahi, sheeshein me uska chehra dhundhla sa dikh raha tha. Veer ka naam uske dimaag me goonj raha tha. Darr aur ek aise sach ke saath uljha hua jisey woh sweekar karne ke liye taiyaar nahi thi.

***

Sonali ne hall ka darwaza dhakka dekar khola, apni jootiya baahar utaari aur andar aayi. Woh thaki hui thi, ghanto tak food trucks me kaam karna, chidchide graahako se nipatna, aur lagataar aate orders ne use buri tarah thaka diya tha. Lekin, saamne ka nazara dekh kar woh ruk gayi. Table par naashte ki plates saji rakhi thi, aur vatavaran me hi ek ajeeb si khamoshi chhaayi hui thi, jisey bhaanp woh bhi thoda bechain ho gayi.

Sonali : Hmm? Kya chal raha hai?

Usne budbudaate hue apna bag neeche rakha aur table ki orr badhi. Jawaab ka intezaar kiye bina hi usne kuchh pakore apne muh me thoos liye.

Sonali : Mmm~ Kya gazab baney hai. Kisne banaaye? Aaj kuchh tha kya? Agal-bagal pados ki aunty log aayi thi kya? Ya kitty party? Hmm?

Sofe par baithi Bhumika ne use dekha aur boli.

Bhumika : Nahi. Shaadi ka prastaav aaya tha. Veer ke liye.

Sonali pakore khaate-khaate atak gayi, pakora lagbhag uske galey me phaste-phaste bacha. Woh khaansi aur jaldi se jug se hi paani muh me udelte hue khud ko sambhaali.

Sonali : K-Kyaaaaa? Kaamchor ke liye rishta aaya?

Tej ki aankhein uski baaton par turant hi sikud gayi. Sonali ne fauran ghabrakar ek halki si hasi has di aur apni hasi chhipaane ki koshish karne lagi.

Sonali : Ah...ha...ha... namumkin. Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Maine kaamcho- m-mera matlab maine use kabhi kisi ladki ke saath aise romance karte nahi dekha. Kabhi nahi. Kisi ne bhi nahi dekha hoga. Hai na?

Kamre me chaaro orr nazar ghumaate hi uski hasi beech me hi ruk gayi. Har kisi ka chehra gambheer tha — Bhavna, Bhumika, Shweta, Tej. Sab bauhe sikode alag-alag jagah aise baithi thi jaise maano rishta nahi pralay aa gaya ho.

Sonali : Ah! K-Kaun? Kaun hai... Ladki?

Bhumika (sighs) : Nidhi madam ki chhoti behan. Shreya. Unhi ke mata-pita aaye the. Poora ghar aaya tha. Siwae Nidhi madam aur Shreya ke.

Sonali ne soch-vichaar me sirr jhukaaya. Use kuchh baatein yaad aa rahi thi.

Sonali : Achha! Woh!? Hmm, meri do-teen baar baat toh hui hai unse. J-Jab humne food truck khola tha na, tab udhghatan ke samay woh aayi thi. Tab baat hui thi meri. Phir, beech me ek do baar aur hui hai. Lekin, woh aur kaamch- matlab Veer!? Ek saath? Mujhe nahi lagta unke beech kuchh chal raha tha? Achha. Aise hi aa gaye wo log?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki Veer jaisa ladka hi unki Shreya ke liye sabse achha hai. Na sirf Veer ne uski naukri lagwaayi thi balki, uske sapne ko bhi haqeeqat me badalne me madad ki.

Sonali : Oh! Hotel me itna bada kaand hua uske baad bhi ladki ka haath dene ki himmat ho gayi?

Bhumika (nods) : Hmm! Yahi sawaal Tejal ne kara tha.

Bhumika ki nazrein bolte hue Tej par phiri. Sonali ne bhi use ek kshan dekha magar shaant rahi.

Sonali : T-Toh kya kaha unn logo ne?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki wo inn sab baaton par dhyaan nahi dete. Khushi me toh har koi khada hota hai. Jab Veer unke dukh me khada hua tha, toh unka bhi farz banta hai ki wo bhi humaare saath khade hoye. Aisa unka kehna hai.

Sonali : Oh! Ah! Ek minute. Rukiye rukiye! Kya iska matlab? Shaadi pakki ho gayi? Kab hai tareekh?

Bhumika : Rishta nahi hua.

Kehte hue usne Tejal ko phirse dekha. Sonali ne bhi punah Tej ko ghoora jaise kuchh gadbad mehsoos kar rahi ho.

Tej achanak khadi hui aur andar apne kamre ki orr chal padi. Sonali ki nazrein andar jaati Tej aur Bhumika ke beech ghoom rahi thi.

Sonali : L-Lagta hai koi kharab mood me hai!?

Bhumika (sighs) : Haan. Tejal ne prastaav thukra diya. Usne saaf keh diya ki Veer ki shaadi abhi kisi se nahi hogi.

Sonali : Ahh! Toh, iska matlab kuchh nahi ho raha? Matlab... Roz ki tarah mujhe phirse food truck me hi time bitaana padega? Hmph! Maine socha tha badhiya chhutti mil jaayegi aur mein-

"Aur, mein badhiya kaam chhor ke mazey karungi, hai na?"

Uske peechhe se jaani-pehchaani ek awaaz aayi.

*Bonk*

"Aaaahhh!!!"

Sonali cheenkhi aur apna sirr sehlaane lagi jaha Veer ne use peechhe se tapli maari thi. Woh mudi, apni gussail aankhon se use dekhte hue.

Sonali : T-Tum-!?? Y-Ye galat hai! Hmph!

Kamre me halchal mach gayi. Veer ke aate hi sabhi satark ho gaye.

Bhavna : Veer-!

Shweta : Aa gaye beta? Aao jaldi. Tumhe kuchh bataana hai-

Veer me turant hi haath uthaate hue unhe rok diya.

Veer : Suna maine. Sab pata chal gaya mujhe.

Shweta : T-Toh-!? Kya karna hai? Hum tumhari raay sunana chaahte hai.

Veer : Pehle ye bataaiye ki Teju di kaha hai?

Bhumika : Apne kamre me.

Veer ne bina kisi bhaav ke sirr hilaaya aur Tej ke kamre ki orr chal pada. Uske peechhe-peechhe Sonali bhi andar jaane lagi.

Jaise hi dono hall se nikal kar andar gaye, Veer ka ek haath chataak se Sonali ki gaand par aake laga.

*Spank*

"Nnnghhaaaaahhh~"

Sonali bechaari apni chuttad ko sehlaati reh gayi.

Veer : Kaam par dhyaan do. *Smiles* Warna saza milegi.

Sonali : Hmph! Kaamchor kahi ke...!

---

Veer seedhe Tej ke kamre ke baahar aakar ruka.

*Knock* *Knock*

Tej ne mudkar nahi dekha. Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi thi, apne dupatte me ungliyaan gadaaye, kahi taktaki lagaaye.

Tej : Darwaza khula hua hai.

Usne thaki hui si awaaz me kaha. Darwaza khula. Phir, band ho gaya. Aur, phir chatakni ke lagne ki awaaz aayi.

Kamre me wo awaaz kisi bandook se nikli goli ki tarah goonj uthi. Tej jhatpat mudi. Aur, saamne shaks ko dekhte hi uski saans atak gayi.

Tej : V-Veeru!?

Naam apne aap uske mukh se nikal aaya. Ek pal ke liye woh khadi reh gayi, hazaaro bhavnao ke beech jamm si gayi. Raahat, ki woh akhirkar uske paas aaya. Ghabrahat, ki woh yaha kyun aaya? Darr, ki woh kya kahega? Ummeed, jisey woh zaahir karne ki himmat nahi kar paa rahi thi. Uska dil itni zor se dhadak raha tha ki use yakeen tha ki shayad Veer bhi sunn sakta tha.

Veer shaant dikh raha tha. Lagbhag befiqr.

Veer : Sab log neeche maujood hai. Aap yaha akeli kya kar rahi ho?

Tej turant hi nazrein hatakar uski taraf peeth karke khadi ho gayi.

Tej : Kuchh nahi. Bas kuchh derr akele rehna tha.

Veer : Kyun?

Tej ke kandhe tann gaye.

Tej : A-Aise hi. Mera mood theek nahi.

Veer ek qadam aage badha. Bas ek qadam.

Veer : Kya hua?

Tej : Bataya toh... K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Yuhi. Mein theek hu. Don't worry.

Usne jaldi se kaha. Kuchh zyada hi jaldi me. Aur, do qadam laanghte hi Veer uske peechhe tha. Theek peechhe. Usne Tej ki kalaayi pakad use apni orr ghuma diya.

Tej haanfi, aankhein chaudi, shabd uske galey me hi atak gaye.

Veer ki bauhe upar tani, gusse me nahi, bas gambheer bhaav me.

Veer : Aapko kya lagta hai? Kya mein samajh nahi sakta ki kab meri Teju di mujhse kuchh chhipa rahi hai? Haan?

Tej : N-Nahi, mein-

Veer : Jawaab do!

Tej ka muh khula, parantu woh na bata saki. Kya bataati?

-ki apne bhai ke bagal se kisi aur stree ke hone ke khayaal se hi uska seena jal raha tha?

-ki shaadi ke prastaav aane se use laga jaise uske bhai ko uss se chheena jaa raha ho?

-ki usne uski shaadi ka prastaav apni jalan ke chalte thukraaya?

Nahi. Woh yeh kaise bata sakti thi? Isliye, chup rahi. Iske bajaaye, usne upar uski aankhon me dekha aur dheere se poochha.

Tej : K-Kya neeche sabne bataaya?

Veer ne haami bhari.

Tej : A-Aur? Aur kya bataaya? Kya yeh bhi ki... Maine shaadi ka prastaav-

Veer ne punah haami bhari. Ab Tej kaanp rahi thi.

Tej : T-Toh? K-Kya hua? Kya mujhe ye bataane aaye ho ki mujhse gussa ho?

Usne apne nichle honth ko daanto taley zor se dabaaya, ek aas me ki kaash Veer uss se naraaz na ho.

Veer : Kisliye?

Tej : U-Unhe reject karne ke liye. Tumse poochhe bina. Tumhari sehmati ke bina hi maine-

Woh kisi doshi bacche ki tarah uske chehre ko nihaar rahi thi, maano use uski galti ki saza milne waali ho.

Kintu, Veer muskuraaya. Dheere se.

Veer : Nahi toh?

Aur, Tej ko ek jhatka laga. Kya matlab?

Tej : P-Par, maine-

Veer (smiles) : Aapne jo kuchh bhi kiya, sahi kiya. Mere aur Shreya ke beech aisa kuchh bhi nahi hai. Hum sirf achhe dost hai. Maanta hu ki woh ek achhi ladki hai, lekin maine use kabhi uss nazar se nahi dekha.

Jab Veer ne ye kaha, toh Tej ke kandhe achanak hi dheele pad gaye, maano jaise unn par koi adrishya bhaari bojh lada ho.

Usne ek raahat mehsoos ki aur turant apna chehra dusri taraf mod liya. Darr tha ki kahi Veer dekh na le. Darr tha ki kahi woh yeh na dekh le ki ye sunana uske liye kitna maayne rakhta tha.

Aur, phir aasu nikalte hi uska sabr toot gaya.

Tej : M-Mein tumse baat karne ki koshish kar rahi thi, Veeru. *sniff* Kayi dino se. *sniff* Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki kaise baat karu.

Usne ladkhadati awaaz me kaha. Kandhe kaanp rahe the.

Tej : M-Mujhe maaf kar do, Veeru. *sniff*

Veer : Huh? Kisliye?

Tej : Tumhe niraash karne ke liye. *hic* T-Tumje chot pahuchaane ke liye. Tumne mujhe ek zimmedari saunpi thi. *sniff* Yarnia ki ek zimmedari. Aur, maine kya kiya? Mein use bacha tak nahi paayi. Jo hua mein use rok nahi paayi. *sniff* I'm... I'm sorry. *hic*

Veer : Aap ab tak uss baat ko lekar soch rahi ho?

Tej : HAAAAAN!! Kyunki, tumne mujhpar bharosa kiya tha, Veeru.

Veer uske qareeb aaya.

Tej : M-Mujhe aur alert hona chaahiye tha. *sniff* Aur, samajhdaar hona chaahiye tha. Mujhe rokne ke liye kuchh karna chaahiye tha.

Veer :Teju di, bas karo. Wo sab-

Tej : NAHIIII! M-Mujhe kehne do, Veeru. *sniff* Mein chaahti thi ki tum jaano maine kitni koshish ki... Mein tumhare liye apna best karna chaahti thi bhai.

Uski awaaz dheemi hokar fusfusahat me badal gayi. "I don't want to lose my place beside you."

Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi.

Veer : Ye aapki wajah se nahi hua, di. Wo mere peechhe the. Wo shootout. Wo meri wajah se tha. Aur, woh hona hi tha. Use roka nahi jaa sakta tha.

Pehli baar Veer ki awaaz bhi ladkhadayi.

Veer : Usme koi bhi kuchh nahi kar sakta tha. Aapne kitna kuchh kiya. Wo decoration, hosting, managing. Aap aur baaki sabhi ne kitna kuchh kiya tha.

Tej (rote hue) : Par, sab toh bikhar gaya na? *sniff*

Veer ne uske gaalo ko thaama. Aasuon ko apne anguthe se poochha.

Veer : Par, aap toh sahi salaamat ho na? Aur, kya chaahiye mujhe!?

Tej (sobs) : Veeru-!!! *sniff*

Veer : Aapne mujhe niraash nahi kiya, di. Aur, ahinda se ye bojh uthaane ki zaroorat nahi. Carefree rahiye.

Tej ki siskiyaan phoot padi. Veer ne use galey se laga liya. Kasskar.

Tej ne uski shirt ko aise jakda jaise maano agar woh use chhoregi toh woh kahi gaayab ho jaayega. Woh apna chehra Veer ki chhaati me daba kar beqaabu hokar rone lagi. Itne saal. Itni doorie. Aur, apne bhai ko phirse khone ka ek darr.

Tej : Bees saal, Veeru! *sniff* Bees saal tak maine intezar kiya. Aur, mom ne bhi. *hic* Mein ab tumhe dobaara khona nahi chaahti. Ab jaakar toh maine tumhe paaya hai- *sniff* T-Tum rooth gaye toh mein toh jeete-jee marr jaungi.

Veer (mutters) : Teju di!

Tej ne use aur kasskar pakad liya.

Veer (smiles) : Don't worry. Aisa kabhi nahi hoga. Di, aap mere liye bahut maayne rakhti ho. Maine bhi toh aapko 20 saal ke baad paaya hai. Toh, mere liye kya zaroori hai? Yarnia ya phir aap? *smiles* Yarnia jaise hazaar business mein dobaara khade kar lunga. Par, aapko kho diya toh dobaara thodi paa lunga. Samjhi ab?

Tej ne upar dekha, aankhein laal thi.

Tej (nods) : Mmm~

Veer muskuraaya aur neeche jhuka. Tej ke honth kaanpe aur khul gaye. Woh apne panjo ke bal upar uthi.

Aur, uske honth Veer ke hontho se jaa mile. Chumban komal tha. Kam se kam shuruat me.

Uske baad-

Achanak hi teevrapann aa gaya. Tej ke haath Veer ke kandho par chale gaye, ungliyaan shirt me gadd gayi. Aasuon se uske gaal geele the.

"Nnnghh~ mmmm~ V-Veeru-!"

*Slurp* *slurp*

"I-I love you~ llhhhmm~ schkk~"

Tej ne use phir chooma. Iss baar zyaada derr tak. Woh Veer ke sparsh aur uski chumban me doobti chali gayi.

Akhirkar, dono alag hue. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi nahi hila. Phir, Veer ne apna maatha Tej ke maathe se tika diya. Aur, Tej ki aankhein band ho gayi.

Tej : Stay. Just stay, Veeru.

Veer : Hmm!

Veer ne jab use thaam liya toh Tej ki saansein dheere-dheere sthir ho gayi. Uska chehra Veer ki chhaati me dhasa hua tha, tabhi use woh ehsaas hua jis par usne pehle itna gaur nahi kiya tha.

Ek halki si khushbu. Nahi. Mardaana khushbu nahi. Kuchh feminine si. Yeh Veer ki khushbu nahi thi.

Usne ek do baar aur zor se soongha. Aur, uski bauhe tann gayi. Woh thoda peechhe hati, bas itna ki upar uski orr dekh sake. Uski nigaahein Veer ke hontho par tik gayi.

Waha...

Kuchh laal si parat dikhaayi di. Spasht nahi. Lekin, Tej ko kuchh na kuchh samajh aa gaya tha. Uska dimaag tezi se chalne laga. Tej ki ungliyaan uski shirt par kass gayi. Veer ne bhi uska yeh badlaav mehsoos kiya.

Veer : Kya hua?

Woh jhijhaki. Ek pal ke liye, jalan uske seene me teevr aur khatarnak roop se bhadak uthi. Lekin, usne use daba liya.

Tej : Kaha gaye the tum? Itna saj-dhaj kar?

Veer ne apne kapdo ki orr dekha. Woh seedhe gala se hi ghar lauta tha.

Veer : O-Oh! Ye? Ek corporate gala tha. Udhar hi gaya tha.

Tej ke dil me achanak hi dard utha. Zordaar. Usne khud se kaha ki sochna band kar do. Dilaasa di ki sab theek hai. Imagine mat karo. Sawaal mat karo.

Par, shaq gehra hota jaa raha tha.

[Stupid Master, She saw the lipstick of Kaera on your lips. She smelled her perfume on your body. Run for your life.]

'H-Huh? Wtf!? Pari? Tum kab sleep mode se baahar aayi?'

Kintu, Tej ne abhi poornta yakeen nahi kiya tha. Bhaagne ki bajaaye woh aur qareeb aayi. Agar, uske bhai par kisi aur ka koi nishaan tha, toh woh use mita degi.

Uske haath Veer ki chhaati par upar ki orr sarke, ungliyaan uski gardan ke peechhe lipat gayi. Aur, ek hi jhatke me-

Veer : Huh? Teju di!? Woah-

Iss baar jab Tej ne use chooma toh ye ekdum hi alag tha.

Dheere. Gehraayi se. Apna adhikaar jataate hue.

Veer thoda jhep gaya magar phir apni pratikriya di. Tej use aise choom rahi thi, uske muh ko aise kha rahi thi jaise use darr tha ki agar woh ruki toh Veer ko koi aur le jaayega.

*Slurp* *Slurp*

"Nnghhhh~ Veeru!!! Mmmllhmmm~"

Kayi minute ke baad jab woh alag hui, toh uski aankhon me adhikaar ki bhaavna jhalak rahi thi. Aur, Veer ne pehli baar kuchh aisa mehsoos kiya.

---

Veer jab apne kapde badal kar neeche aaya, toh sabhi kha-pee ke TV dekhne me lage hue the.

Aaj socha tha usne ki din jaisa bhi gaya ho, kam se kam kuchh baatein toh achhi hui.

Kaera ne use dhutkaara nahi. Sonia ko deal akhirkar mil hi gayi. Suhana ko diya gaya vachan bhi poora ho gaya. Aur, uski Teju di uske aur bhi qareeb aa gayi.

Magar, woh jab ye sab soch hi raha tha tabhi use kuchh aisa sunaayi diya jisey sunn uske perr wahi jamm gaye.

Veer : Bhumika di! Channel badalna zara.

Bhumika jo apne haatho me remote liye TV par channels palat rahi thi woh wahi ruk gayi.

Bhumika : Huh? K-Kya hua?

Veer : Channel change kariye na.

Bhumika ne haami bhar channel badla toh ek gaana bajne laga.

Veer : Y-Ye waala nahi. Peechhe. International news waala.

Usne dobaara jab channel badla toh saamne TV par ek international news channel par khabar chal rahi thi.

International News | Breaking

Anchor : Coming up is Breaking news from Spain.

"The Prime Ministerial candidate of Spain, named 'Rafael Ibanez' has died today in Madrid. He was 56."

"Officials confirm the cause of death as progressive organ failure caused by a rare, slow-developing neurological condition, undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Medical authorities have stated there are no signs of external involvement."

"The Spanish government has announced national mourning. All campaign activity has been suspended."

"More updates to follow."

[Master-!]

Veer ki bauhe chinta me sikud gayi.

'Pari!'

[Kya mein overthink kar rahi hu, Master? Ye bas koi mamooli news nahi ho sakti. Kuchh hua hai, hai na?]

'Tum akeli nahi ho, Pari! Mera dimaag bhi yahi keh raha hai.'

[I'm feeling agitated all of a sudden.]

***

At the same time,
A few minutes ago,
FBCC Headquarters,
New York, Noon - 1:07 p.m.

Headquarters ki oonchi imaarat par X khada hua tha, hawa se uske kapde zor se lehra rahe the.

Uska ek perr terrace ki chhoti boundary par tika hua tha. Uske peechhe terrace ka darwaaza halka sa khula aur koi upar aaya.

Rebecca kuchh qadam dur aakar ruki.

Ek kshan ke liye woh keval uski peeth ko dekhti rahi. Uska coat. Uski khamoshi. Rebecca ki hat neeche jhuki hui thi, uski aankhein chhaaya se dhaki hui thi, aur bauhe kasi hui.

Rebecca (frowns) : Are you releasing it?

X halka sa muda. Usne peechhe khadi Rebecca ko dheere se dekha. Aur, phir ahista se ek haami bhari. Rebecca ne zor se saans kheenchi.

Rebecca : K-Kya abhi hi? Kya time ho gaya? K-Kya aur nahi ruk sakte?

X : NO!

Ek chhota sa shabd kabhi itna wazandaar nahi laga tha Rebecca ko.

X : Agle kuchh din humaare liye nahi hai. It's for them. Unhe prepare karne ke liye time toh chaahiye hi hoga. Before the SUMMIT begins.

Rebecca ke honth dheere se thar-tharaaye. Ek pal ke liye usne bhi nazar hatakar sheher ki orr dekha. Phir, wapas se X ki peeth ki orr.

Rebecca : Ek baar agar tumne aisa kiya, toh ise badla nahi jaa payega. You know that, right?

X (smirks) : Isn't it applicable to everything? Aur, isliye hi... Yeh abhi hoga.

Unke beech ek gehra sannaata chhaa gaya.

X seedha khada hua, boundary par se perr hataate hue, uske haath uski jeb me chale gaye.

X : Tumhe pata hai na kya karna hai?

Woh hichkichaayi. Phir, haule se sirr hilaayi.

Bina kuchh kahe, woh tezi se mudi aur darwaaze ki orr chal padi. Uski chaal tez thi. Jaise hi woh darwaaze se baahar nikli, uska haath pehle se hi apni kamar me khuse ek walkie-talkie ki orr chala gaya.

"Hello? Damian...!"

Uske nikalte hi darwaza uske peechhe band ho gaya. Tez hawa ke jhonke ne ek baar phir X ke kapdo ko lehra diya.

X ne ek baar phir sheher ki orr dekha. Sab kuchh shaant prateet ho raha tha.

[What are you waiting for???]

Ek aurat ki awaaz uske mann me goonji.

[Don't interrupt.]

Iss baar ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji. Aur, mann me khamoshi chhaa gayi. Kuchh derr X yuhi khada raha. Jab dobaara mann me koi shor nahi hua, koi hastakshep nahi hua tabhi uske honth khule aur-

"TIME RELEASE!"

Shabd dheere se uske muh se nikal gaye.

***

At the same time...
Madrid, Spain,
Evening 7:11 PM ~

Madrid me abhi poori tarah raat nahi chhaayi thi. Rafael Ibanez ki maut se Spain achraj me zaroor tha.

Krodh me nahi, na hi sadme me. Bas, taajub me. Kyunki, maut medical kaarano ki wajah se hui thi. Shaant. Bina kisi virodh ke, bina kisi haadse ke.

Aur, maut ki khabar abhi bas baahar aayi thi. Abhi poore Spain ke logo tak ise pahuchne me samay tha. Jaise-jaise khabar aag ki tarah felni waali thi, waise-waise hi aakrosh, afwaaho ke janm lene ki sambhavnaaye bhi zyada thi.

Lekin, koi tha aaj jo poornta iss vishay ko lekar sunishchit tha. Kael chhato se hote hue aise daud raha tha maano jaise woh sadak par daud raha ho. Aur, phir usne chhalaang lagaayi.

Teen manzil ki building ki uchaayi se woh yuhi kood gaya. Aur, uski nazar saamne kayi acre ke andar pheli uss imaarat par tik gayi. Vishal. Jagmagati raushniyo se raushan. Agal-bagal khule maidaan se ghiri.

Alejandro ki khud ki zameen. Uska ghar.

Chappe chappe pe bhayanak pehra laga hua tha. Security andar se lekar baahar gates tak tainaat thi. Aur, andar Alejandro. Yaani ki Spain ke naye PM candidate ka ab ekmaatr daavedaar. Kyunki, Rafael Ibanez, uska virodhi kuchh kshan pehle hi mrityu ke ghaat utar chuka tha.

Kael ke haath sehej gati se chale. Usne apna ajeeb sa hathiyaar, jo uski peeth par bandha hua tha, use kheench ke baahar nikaala.

Taraazu jaisa dikhne waala woh hathiyar do badi-badi gol discs se bana tha, jaha dono hi discs ek lambi chain se bandhi hui thi.

Usne apne haath jhatke, aur uske trenchcoat ke andar aasteen me bandhi aur adhik chain neeche gir gayi. Phir, usne chain pakad-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Dono bhaari bharkam discs hawa me ghumaayi. Discs aur zanzeer hawa ko cheerte hue sarsara rahi thi.

*Fwoosh* *Fwoosh*

Usne ek jhatke me unn dono discs ko upar hawa me feka, dono discs gol ghumti hui uchaayi me udi, boundary wall ko paar karte hue andar gayi aur andar ki deewar se bhidte hue, upar ki tek se lagte hue phass gayi.

Kael ne zanzeer ko kass ke pakda. Aur, woh phir kooda.

Zanzeer zor se awaaz kari aur Kael aage ki orr khinch gaya. Hawa me. Usne apni dono discs ko hooks ki tarah deewar me phasaate hue khud ko upar kheench liya. Aur, palak jhapakte hi woh boundary wall ke upar tha.

Uske upar aate hi-

Sirens aur alarms turant hi baj uthe.

Poore ilaake me laal battiyaan chamak uthi. Floodlights ghoomne lagi. Neeche maujood security harqat me aa gayi, hathiyaar upar uth gaye aur sankshipt aadesho me awaaz goonjne lagi.

Sab ne use dekha. Unki aankhein aashcharya me feli hui thi. Kyunki, upar deewar par khada shaks koi aam shaks nahi tha.

Poora Madrid use 'Kael, the saviour' ke naam se jaanta tha. Ye baat zaroor thi ki kisi ko bhi yeh gyaat nahi tha ki Kael ek systems holder bhi tha. Siwaaye, Alejandro ke.

Kael unki tani hui bandook dekh ke bhi tass se mass nahi hua.

Woh deewar par khada raha, hawa me uska kaala trench coat lehra raha tha, raushni me kaale-safed ka uske chehre ka paint chamak raha tha. Spain ka shaant nyayadheesh, akhirkar sabke saamne tha.

Rafael Ibanez ki maut ki khabar uske dimag me goonj rahi thi. Kael ne Alejandro ko kayi mahino se gaur kiya tha. Uske paapo ko gina tha. Saiyyam bhi barta tha. Magar, Alejandro ne uski chetaavniyo ko har baar ansuna kar diya tha.

Magar, aaj hui Rafael ki maut ne paasa palat diya. Building ke andar monitors on the. Kayi saare cameras Kael par kendrit the. Aur, Alejandro andar se sab kuchh dekh raha tha. Chehre par koi bhaav nahi the.

Kael ki oonchi awaaz poore ilaake me goonj uthi.

Kael : ALEJANDRO!!! Maine tumhe kayi baar andekha kiya. Tumhare paap. Tumhare bure karam. Tumhari deals. Tumhari khamoshi. Sab kuchh.

Rifles uski chhaati ki orr tik gayi. Security ke logo ki ungliyaan bandook ke trigger par jamm gayi.

Kael : Maine tumhe chetaavni di thi!! Uss X se dur raho. Baar-baar. Par, tumhare paapo ka ghada bhar chuka hai, Alejandro! Aur, mein Spain ko iski qeemat nahi chukaane dunga.

*Silence*

Agle hi kshan ek intercom se Alejandro ki awaaz aayi, tez aur gusse se bhari hui.

Alejandro : Nikal jao, Kael! Aur, ek official PM candidate par aarop lagaana band kar do. Khaaskar, bina kisi saboot ke. Humaare 'Rafael Ibanez' ke guzar jaane ke dukhad samachar se hum sab shok mana rahe hai. Abhi bhi mauka hai. Chale jao yaha se.

Kael : Mein sab jaanta hu... ki tum kitne doodh ke dhule hue ho.

Usne apni chain uthaayi aur use apni ek ungli par tikaaya. Dono bhaari discs ek samaan swatantra roop se latak rahi thi. Ekdum sthir.

Ek pal ke liye dono hi discs ka waza baraabar tha. Tabhi-

*Ding*

"JUDGEMENT!!!"

Kael ke mukh se shabd nikalte hi, achanak hi, uski ungli par chain ki madad se latak rahi baayi disc neeche jhuk gayi. Kisi taraazu ki tarah.

Jaadu se nahi. Parinaam swaroop. Uss bhaar ke peechhe Alejandro ka bura karm chhipa hua tha.

Alejandro : Dekh kya rahe ho murkho!!? Humla karo!!! YE SARASAR TERRORISM HAI!!!

Uske kehte hi uski security ne-

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Goliyaan barsaani shuru kar di. Par, Kael apni jagah se gaayab ho chuka tha.

Achanak hi-

*Boom*

Woh itni zor se neeche aake land kiya ki neeche ke patthar ukhadte hue hawa me udd gaye. Uski nazar baaj ki tarah unn sab par tik gayi.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Woh apni jagah se gaayab hua-

*Swoosh*

Jaise hi kuchh bullets uske badan par lagne ko aayi-

*Clang* *Clang*

Usne apne hathiyaar ki discs shield ki tarah kheenchi aur sabhi bullets uss par lagte hi ricochet ho gayi.

"Huh?? K-Kya???"

Security waale taajub theek se dikha paate ki uske pehle hi-

*Ding*

"AUTHORITY ZONE!!!"

Usne apne muh se kuchh kaha. Aur, uski discs hawa me ghoomte hue aayi.

"Aaarghhh!"

" Bluerghh!"

" Ughhh!"

Ek saath teen logo ko hawa me udaate hue discs saaye-saaye ghoomte hue kohraam machaane lagi.

*BAAAMMMMM* *BAAAMMMMM*

Unhe zameen par patakte hue woh unhe zameen ke andar dhasa deta, aur grip banaate hue chain ko kheench apne aap ko launch karta.

"Aaarghhh!!!"

Imaarat cheekhon se goonj uthi. Kael ki chained discs aisa hahakaar macha rahi thi jaise maano kisi daitya ko khula chhor diya ho.

Uski disc hawa me sarraate-daar tareeke se ghoomte hue ek aadmi ki orr aayi.

"Bluerghh"

Aadmi ke muh se khoon nikla, woh disc se bhida aur kayi feet dur jaake gir pada.

Kael ne jaise hi uss disc ko wapas kheencha, disc hawa me ghoomte hue uski orr waapas aane lagi. Par...

Woh uchka. Hawa me wapas aati disc par hi apni laat rakh, use kisi foothold ki tarah istemal kar woh ek aur chhalaang laga diya.

Maano double jump ka usne asli tareeka dhoondh liya tha. Aur, apni doosri disc ko upar phekte hue usne pehli manzil ki khidki par phasaaya aur-

*Schling*

Khud ko seedhe pehli manzil ke andar le gaya jaha Alejandro andar maujood tha.

Jab Alejandro ne cameras me ye dekha toh woh ek pal ke ghabra utha.

'Nahi nahi! Sab plan ke according jaa raha hai. Mujhe darrna nahi hai.'

[Run. This is the right time, Alejandro.]

Uske mann me ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

'Huh? Abhi?'

[Haan, abhi! Warna-]

Kael ke daaye-baaye lambe-lambe corridor the. Aur, baayi taraf hi Alejandro baitha hua tha.

Kael muda. Aur, baayi orr chalne laga. Chalte-chalte hi usne apni disc itni zor se deewar ki orr pheki ki-

*Swish*

Disc deewar ke upar se lag ke kisi frisbee ki tarah ghoomti hui aage badhi. Kael khud bhi iss dauraan daanav ki tarah aage badh raha tha.

Corridor ke mod par disc aate hi mod ke andar ghus gayi aur usi dauraan Kael ne ek jhatke me apni disc kheench li.

Na jaane kis dhaatu ki woh disc bani thi, jaise hi Kael ne use apni orr kheencha, mudte waqt deewar se takraane ke chalte-

*BAAMMMMMMM*

Deewar ke parchhatte udd gaye. Aur, aadhi deewar hi dhass gayi. Dhool, dhua hawa me udd gaya.

Aur, giri hui deewar se hi use nazar aaya- Alejandro ka dara hua chehra.

"ALEJANDRO!!!!"

Kael dahaada. Magar, Alejandro taiyaar tha. Woh ek jhatke me bhaaga.

Kael uske peechhe dauda...! Alejandro jaise sab kuchh taiyaar kar ke baitha hua tha.

Jaise hi Kael uski orr Alejandro khidki ki taraf dauda.

[Nahi. Use jaane nahi dena, Kael!]

Andar se ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

Kael ne zor se apni disc pheki-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Magar-

*Craaaashhhhhhh*

Disc khidki ko cheerte hue baahar nikal gayi. Lekin, Alejandro pehle hi khidki se kood chuka tha.

Kael jaise hi khidki ke nazdeek pahucha toh use ab tak ka sabse bada jhatka laga.

[We lost. It was a trap.]

Uske andar se awaaz aayi.

Kyunki, saamne-

Janta ka dher saara samooh uss orr badh raha tha. Neeche Alejandro ek rescue jump cushion par land kiya tha.

Logo ko jamawda? Wo cameras sirf Kael par nazar rakhne ke liye nahi the. Woh cameras livestreaming kar rahe the.

Kael ne jo kuchh bhi kiya, woh porre Spain me broadcast ho chuka tha. Aur, ab Spain hi nahi, shayad poore vishwa me bhi.

Kya hoga agar ek PM candidate ki maut ke baad, agle PM candidate ke upar bhi humla ho jaaye?

Wahi hua tha.

Jo Rafael Ibanez ki maut ka aarop Alejandro par lagna chaahiye tha, woh Alejandro ne chalaaki se Kael ki upar thop diya tha. Aur, na sirf itna balki use janta ke saamne ye bhi dikha diya tha ki Kael uski khud ki jaan bhi lene aaya hua tha.

[Run! Kael!]

Ek system holder hone ke naate Kael ab logo ki nazro me aur bhi achhe se aa gaya tha. Uska iss hisaab se ladna, koodna, goliyon se bachna.

Na chaahte hue bhi-

Kael ke paas ek hi vikalp tha.

Yaha se bhaagna.

Aur, usne wahi kiya. Security, police uske peechhe bhaagi par bhala ek system holder ko wo kaise pakad sakti thi?

'Kael, the saviour' jo social media par kaafi charchit tha, ab 'Kael, the maniac' ke naam se mashoor hone laga. Ye raat Kael ke liye bahut kuchh badalne waali thi.

Jaise hi woh apne hideout par lauta...

Toh uska phone baj utha. Bhaagne se Kael ki saansein tez thi. Phone par naam dekhte hi usne ek jhatke me hi call utha liya.

Kael : Bolo!

Damian : Pata lag gaya woh kaun hai.

Kael : Kaun?

Damian : Veer Singh! From India.

Aur, bas itna sunn, Kael ne call kaat diya. Usne apni peeth se apne hathiyaar ko hataaya toh wo zor se neeche zameen par gir gaya.

Usne apni mej par rakhe uss khat ko dekha.

SUMMIT ka invitation.

Jidhar na jaane ka usne faisla kar liya tha. Magar, Damian ke muh se naam sunte hi-

Woh faisla ab badal chuka tha.

***

26th January,
Suhana's house,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Ghar ke baahar aake ek gaadi ruki, headlights bujhi, aur Veer sabse pehle baahar nikla. Proper neat and clean suit me. Haav-bhaav shaant.

Darwaaza band karne se pehle usne peechhe dickey se ek gift packed hua nikaala aur haatho me liya. Erica bhi baahar aa chuki thi.

Woh toh maano damak rahi thi, perro par thirak rahi thi, uski aankhein chamak rahi thi. Woh Suhana ke ghar ko dekhti aur phir Veer ko, phir ghar ko aur phir Veer ko, maano kehna chaah rahi ho ki hum kab andar chalenge?

Veer : Sab taiyaar hai na?

Erica me turant hi, thoda jaldi me hi sirr hilaaya.

Erica : Sab taiyaar hai. Every detail. Maine do baar check kiya hai. Nahi, balki teen baar hehe.

Veer ne apne cufflinks theek kiye aur ek baar gate ki orr dekha.

Veer : We got one shot at this. Don't mess it up.

Erica dheere se hasi.

Erica : Yes boss! Don't worry hehe. Mein sab sambhaal lungi.

Veer : Yeah. Kyunki, hum dono hi hai. Media aur company ke saamne sab kuchh reveal karne ke baad Ava busy hai. Aur, Garofano business clients se deal kar rahi hai. It's just you and me.

Erica : Kuchh bhi gadbad nahi hogi. You just have to believe in me. *winks*

Veer (smiles) : Alright! Let's go!

Erica : Yesss boss~

Aur, dono hi andar ki orr chal pade.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
Dhanyavad. Target remains the same as previous one. Note iske neeche mention hai, padhna mat bhoolna.

Lajavab bahut jada dhamakedar

 

[aliwafadr]

Update - 210 ~ The Man between the rooms​

Sonia wahi khadi thi jaha Suhana use chhor kar gayi thi. Lobby ki lights jagmaga rahi thi. Andar hall se hasi-khushi ki awaazein aa rahi thi, taaliyon ki gadgadahat abhi bhi kahi na kahi rafta-rafta sunaayi pad rahi thi, jaise ye tay tha ki aaj ki raat toh keval aur keval Elite Motors ki aan, baan aur shaan ki raat thi.

Kintu, Sonia ke vichaar kahi aur hi the.

“You lost the biggest deal of your life.”

Kya matlab tha iska? Ve shabd Sonia ke seene ko chhalni kar gaye. Suhana ne iske pehle kabhi uss se aise baat nahi ki thi. Woh toh humesha taali bajaati, galey lagti, uska protsaahan badhaati, aur yeh kehne waali pehli hoti thi ki- ‘Tumne kar dikhaaya, Sonu.’

Tab bhi jab Sonia ko khud par yakeen nahi hota tha. Har qamyabi par woh uske bagal se khadi hoti thi.

Magar, aaj-

Woh bhaag nikli. Use akela chhor. Sonia tezi se mudi aur main hall ki taraf wapas se daudi.

‘N-No-!’

Uski saansein tez thi. Main hall logo se abhi bhi khacha-khach bhara hua tha. Bade-bade diggaj uske mata-pita ke chaaro orr khade hue the, apne chehro par saji-dhaji muskaan liye. Uske pita ki hasi garv se bharpoor zor se goonj rahi thi. Maa shaleenta banaaye hue chehre par muskaan bikhere sabhi se mil rahi thi.

Shailendra : Sonia beta, idhar aao. Inse milo zara!

Uske pita ne use pukaara. Woh ruki. Lagataar kayi haath uski orr badhe.

“Congratulations. Your presentation was just impeccable.”

Sonia : Th-Thank you!

Jawaab uske muh se apne-aap baahar aa gaya, kyunki aankhein toh hall me chaaro orr Suhana ki talaash me mandra rahi thi.

Hall ke uss paar, bheed ke peechhe, usne dekha-

Suhana corridor se guzar kar washroom ki taraf jaate hue use dikhi. Qadam bahut tez the. Jaise shayad woh nahi chaahti thi ki koi uska peechha kare ya use dekhe.

‘D-Dii-!’

Sonia ki saans atak gayi. Uski badi behan iss qadar kyu bhaag rahi thi? Use akela chhor ke kyu? Akhir, usne aisa kya kho diya tha jiska Suhana zikr kar rahi thi?

Woh aage badhi.

Namrita : Sonia-!

Uski maa ne dheere se use pukaara, aur apni ungliyaan uski kalaayi par baandh use pakda.

Namrita : Aao! *smiles* Tumhe kisi se milwaana hai.

Sonia : M-Mom, ek second please, mein-

Namrita use apne saath laate hue kuchh logo ke ghere ke beech le gayi, jaha ek se badhkar ek businessman aur unki patniya maujood thi. Usi ghere me koi aur bhi khada hua tha, jiske hontho par muskaan, Sonia ko aata dekh ke hi phel chuki thi.

Namrita : Ye… Inhe toh tum jaanti hi hogi, hai na? Tanishq. Mister Malhotra ji ka beta hai ye, mujhe toh aaj pata chala haha. *smiles* Tum dono pehle bhi toh mil chuke ho na? Aao na beta, Tanishq. Tum dono jaake baat kyu nahi karte?

Tanishq wahi tha jiski wajah se Sonia ne Casa Belle me hi pichhli baar Veer ko chhor deal sign kari thi. Wahi aadmi jo Autoshield jaisi company ko sambhaal raha tha. Autoshield India me ek jaana-maana naam tha. Elite Motors ke baad agar koi naam aata tha toh woh Autoshield ka hi hota tha. Aur, khaas baat yeh ki Tanishq Malhotra Sonia ke suitors me se ek tha.

Sonia ki nigaahein Tanishq par phiri aur Tanishq ki Sonia par.

Tanishq (smiles) : Ji, aunty. Inhe kaun nahi jaanta? *smiles* By the way, hum partners bhi hai. Maine invest kiya hua hai. Miss Sonia? Aapne bataaya nahi kya apni mom ko?

Sonia : M-Mein-! H-Hello!

Sonia ne Tanishq se haath milaaya, Tanishq ka haath kuchh zyaada hi derr tak Sonia ke haath ko thaam ke rakha raha. Tanishq ka uski company ke saath tie-up tha. Ve dono partners the. Casa Belle me pichhli baar Unicard launch ke function ke dauraan dono ke beech bahut badi 120 crore ki deal bhi sign hui thi. Aise me Sonia use nazar-andaaz nahi kar sakti thi. Aaj ki iss prastuti ke baad toh bilkul bhi nahi. Sahi maayno me dekha jaaye toh yahi ek uchit nirnay tha.

Magar, aaj Tanishq bhi- ya yu kahe ki 120 crore ki deal bhi Suhana ke saamne haar chuki thi.

Tanishq : Miss Sonia! Shall we-

Sonia : I’m- I’m sorry! Mujhe abhi jaana hoga.

Kehte hue woh waha se palti aur seedhe washroom ki orr bhaagi.

Tanishq : ???

Namrita : Um… Shayad… Washroom gayi hai. *smiles* Tum baitho na beta.

Qadam-qadam par koi use rokta. Ek aur badhaayi. Ek aur muskaan. Magar, uska dhyaan sirf aur sirf abhi Suhana ki orr hi khich raha tha. Uski badi behan bina matlab ke kabhi aisi baatein nahi kehti thi.

Sonia ne akhirkar khud ko bheed se alag kiya, woh logo ke beech se nikalte hue kinaare corridor ki orr badhi, qadam ab tezi se badh rahe the. Dhairya tootata jaa raha tha.

“Dii-!”

“Dii-!”

Theek usi kshan hall ke ek dusre chhor se Ruchika bhi chillaate hue aage badhi. Sonia aur Ruchika, dono ek-dusre ke bagal se aakar jhatke-se ruk gayi.

Ruchika (surprised) : A-Aap-!?

Sonia : Tum-!?

Unn dono ke muh se nikla. Sonia ki nigaahein theek Ruchika ke haath par gayi, jo kuchh thaame hue tha. Suchika ka mask.

Yeh ehsaas hote hi Sonia ka seena bhaari ho utha. Suchika ka mask Ruchika ke haath me? Shayad, iska matlab- Suchika ka cover blow ho chuka tha. Par, sawaal tha, kaise?

Aur, jawab tha : Nishaan aur harqat.

Deal mil jaane ke baad jab jashn shuru hua, taaliyon ne hall ko apne shor se dhaka, tab Ruchika ki nigaahein keval ek ladki par tiki hui thi, aur woh thi : Sonia ki nayi-naveli secretary.

Use Casa Belle ke Unicard launch ke function par hui woh pehli mulaqat yaad aa gayi. Uss raat jab Ruchika ne use pehli baar dekha tha-

Ruchika (eyes profusely) : Who are you?

Suchika : *raises eyebrow*

Sonia : Where are your manners? Don't you know that before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first.

Kaera : !!??

Ruchika (bows) : I'm sorry Miss! I was just wondering, who might be this new person?

Sonia (smiles) : Woh meri secretary hai. Private secretary. I don't think ki mujhe uske baare me sabhi ko batana zaroori hai. Right?

Ruchika : I understand!

Sonia : Good!

Pichhli baar, kuchh iss tarah se Sonia ne Suchika ke baare me bataane se taal diya tha. Aur, tab se hi woh Ruchika ke radar me chadhi hui thi. Bas, yahi ek kaaran nahi tha. Suchika ki qad-kaathi, uska rang, baal, pehanane-odhne ka dhang, uski aankhein, ye sab aur bhi cheezein baya kar rahi thi.

Isliye, jab jashn ke dauraan sabhi ki nazrein ICONGLOBE aur Elite Motors ke logo par jami, tab-

Ruchika baaz ki tarah apni aankhein Suchika par gadaaye hue thi, aur beshaq tabhi-

‘Huh?’

Achanak, Suchika kuchh neeche gire samaan ko uthaane ke liye jhuki, uski dress ki collar ke aas-paas ka hissa halka-sa gravity ke chalte neeche latka aur uske seene par laga ek nishaan Ruchika ko nazar aa gaya.

Ek gehra nishaan. Ek ajeeb-sa nishaan jo janm se hi use praapt hua tha. Yahi nahi, use uthaate hi woh apni jagah par jyo ki tyo khadi ho gayi. Lekin, uski mudra-

Uski mudra ajeeb thi. Ek taang halki-si peechhe, uske ek haath ki kalaayi dusre haath me aur ek ajeeb harqat. Kalaayi ko ungliyon se ragadna. Yeh ek aisi harqat thi jo Suchika ko shayad khud bhi nahi pata thi ki woh yeh karti thi.

A subconscious habit. Ek aisi aadat jo insaan bina jaane bhi karta hai, uska shareer uss se karwa deta hai, ek muscle memory ke roop me. Aur, Suchika ki aadat thi, woh khushi me aur chinta me, dono hi avsar par woh yeh harqat karti thi. Kalaayi ko ragadna.

Ek aadat jo Ruchika humesha-se hi apni behan ki gaur kiya karti thi. Parantu, kabhi tokti nahi thi. Aur, uska na tokna hi aaj kaam aaya. Agar ateet me kabhi usne iss aadat ko lekar sawaal poochha hota toh shayad Suchika aaj iss baat ka yaha dhyaan rakhti aur Ruchika use pakad nahi paati.

Nishaan aur harqat. Dono teer sahi jagah par lage the. Isme koi shaq nahi tha ab ki Miss Sonia ki secretary koi aur nahi, uski apni badi behan, Suchika hi thi.

Aur, yahi jaan ke woh uski orr bhaagi. Apni orr apni chhoti behan ko aata dekh Suchika seedhe mudi, aur washroom ki taraf bhaagi. Qadam pehle tez hue, aur jab usne dekha ki Ruchika theek uski orr hi badh rahi hai toh qadam daud me tabdeel ho gaye.

“Wait-!!!”

Ruchika peechhe se zor se chillaayi. Woh apni poori taaqat se bhaagi. Iske pehle ki Suchika washroom me ghus paati, Ruchika ne uski kalaayi pakad use kheencha, use moda aur ek hi jhatke me-

*Snatch*

Usne Suchika ke chehre se wo kaala mask kheench liya. Mask hatate hi saari ki saari sacchaayi jo ab tak sanshay ke bhaav me thi, woh pukhta sach bann kar saamne aa gayi.

Ruchika ki aankhein vismay me chaudi ho gayi. Use yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Uski apni badi behan? Woh jo ghar chhor ke bhaag gayi thi woh Miss Sonia ki secretary thi?

Iske pehle ki woh apni hairangi se baahar aa paati, Suchika mauka dekh washroom me ghus chuki thi.

“Nahiiii-!!! Rukiye-!!”

Theek usi samay, Suhana, Suchika ke bagal waale washroom cubicle me ghus gayi. Aur, aise hi dono badi behne apni chhoti behno se nazrein churaate hue washroom me aa kar khud ko chhipa baithi.

Sonia : Dii-!!! Dii, gate kholiye.

Sonia ki awaaz Ruchika ko apne vichaaro se baahar laayi.

Sonia (shouts) : Dii!!

Usne phir se pukaara, iss baar aur bhi zor se.

Ruchika (yells) : Dii! Dii, baahar aaiye. Ab chhipne se kuchh nahi hone waala. Mein kehti hu baahar aaiye.

Suhana. Suchika. Do naam. Do behne. Dono ek-dusre ke bagal se band cubicle me, maano niyati ne unhe yaha ek saath fasaane ki saazish ki ho.

Sonia ekdum sthir khadi thi, ungliyaan mutthi me bhinchi hui. Hall me pehle uske chehre par jo muskaan thi, woh ab gaayab ho chuki thi, uski jagah ab shikan ne leli thi.

10 billion dollars. Baahar har koi iska jashn mana raha tha. Toh, phir uske seene me yeh jakdan kyun mehsoos ho rahi thi?

“You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu.”

Shabd uske dimaag se nikal hi nahi rahe the. Ve theek nahi baith rahe the. Suhana kabhi betuki baat karti hi nahi thi. Kabhi naatak ya iss tarah ka mazaak bhi nahi. Aur, na hi woh iss tarah se rokar bhaagti thi.

Dusri orr, Ruchika ek pal ke liye idhar se udhar tehli, phir ruk gayi. Uska dil itni tezi se dhadak raha tha ki ab toh chhaati me bhi dard uthne laga tha. Mask, uske haath me abhi bhi jakda hua, sikuda hua, maano ab bhula diya gaya ho.

Kyu aayi ho ab yaha?
Kaha thi itne saal?
Wapas kyun nahi aayi?
Jab maa rote-rote apni raatein kaatati rahi, tab kaha thi?
Jab baba ka samaaj me apmaan hua, tab kaha thi?

Bahut saare sawaal the Ruchika ke andar. Magar, na hi Suchika aur na hi Suhana, dono hi baahar aake apni chhoti behan ka saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Washroom ke cubicle ke andar sannata chhaaya hua tha.

Suhana tiles ki deewar se tek laga kar khadi hui thi, aankhein laal, palkein aasuon se bheegi aur chipchipi, gaalon par aasuon ke nishaan jo saboot the ki unhe zor se pochha gaya tha. Usne apne honth kasskar band kiye, apni saanson ki sthir karne ki koshish ki. Abhi nahi. Yaha nahi. Woh yaha aur koi drishya nahi khada karna chaahti thi.

Uske bagal ke cubicle se, Suchika band toilet lid par baithi, kohniyaan ghutno par rakhe, zameen ko ghoor rahi thi. Royi toh woh bhi thi. Chupchaap. Aaj bas nahi. Saalo-saal. Varsho tak bhaagne, chhipne, dikhaava karne ne use kathor bana diya tha, lekin itna bhi nahi ki veh iss dard ko seh sake.

*Knock* *Knock*

Darwaaze par khat-khatahat hui.

Sonia : Suhana di-! Please, baahar aaiye.

Usne phir kaha, ab awaaz thodi dheemi thi, lekin ab zidd bhi shaamil thi.

Ruchika : Di-! Baahar aaiye. Mein jaanti hu aap andar ho. Bas bhi karo ab. Baahar aao! Abhi!!!

Thodi derr ki khamoshi. Phir, darwaaze ke khulne ki awaaz aayi. Aur, dono hi darwaaze lagbhag ek saath khule.

Sonia ne sehej roop se pehle qadam uthaaya. Usne Suhana ki orr haath badhaaye aur uski baahein pakad li.

Sonia : Di-!! Kya tha yeh sab, huh? What was that? Aapne baahar lobby me wo sab kya kaha? Tell me!!! Answer me!!

Suhana ne nazrein pher li aur jaldi se apni aankhein mal li.

Suhana : K-Kuchh bhi toh nahi, Sonu. Mera dhyaan kahi aur tha. M-Mere dimaag me kuchh aur chal raha tha.

Usne bahut hi jaldi me jawaab diya.

Suhana : M-Mein itna khush thi ki- ki kuchh ka kuchh bol gayi. Mein kisi aur deal ke baare me soch rahi thi aur uss baare me wo-

Sonia (frowns) : That’s not it! Mein bewakoof nahi hu, di!!

Uske sawaal jaari the jab yaha bagal se Ruchika maano jamm si gayi. Suchika uske saamne khadi hui thi, chehra iss baar bina kisi naqaab ke, nirjeev sa aur asahaay. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi bhi nahi bola. Phir-

Suchika (smiles weakly) : Ruchi!

Ruchika ki saans jaise galey me hi atak gayi.

Woh naam. Saalo se kisi ne use iss naam se nahi pukaara tha. Iss tarah se toh kabhi bhi nahi. Uska gussa pal bhar ke liye choor-choor ho gaya. Ek bebasi ne balki jagah leli.

Aankhein namm ho chali. Lekin, woh ek baar zor se hasi. Hasi lagbhag tooti hui si thi.

Ruchika : Toh, aapko yeh naam bhi yaad hai, huh?

Usne jhallate hue kaha aur aage badhkar Suchika ki kalaayi jakad li.

Ruchika : Itne saalo baad bhi? Kyun? K-Kidhar thi aap? Ab yaha kyun aayi ho? Itne saalo ke baad bhi ab kyu mujhe aap uss naam se-

Suchika (naazuk muskaan liye) : Mein kabhi bhooli hi nahi thi, Ruchi.

Ruchika (yells) : Aapko aise kehne ka haq nahi!! *sniff* Aap saalo tak gaayab rehkar phir mujhe aise nahi bula sakti jaise kuchh hua hi na ho.

Suchika ne halki si muskaan di aur akhirkar uski aankhon se aansu behne lage.

Suchika : Maine tumhe bahut yaad kiya. Har din.

Ruchika hasi. Ek bedum hasi. Lagbhag siski jaisi.

Ruchika : M-Mujhe yaad kiya? *sniff*

Usne mask ko Suchika ki chhaati me dhakelte hue dohraaya.

Ruchika (shouts) : Aap bhaag gayi!!! Ghar se bhaagi ho aap!! Kabhi lauti bhi nahi! Kisi ko yeh tak nahi pata tha ki aap zinda bhi ho ya-!? *sniff* Aur, ab aap yaha ho? *glances* Miss Sonia ke liye kaam kar rahi ho?

Uske shabd tezi se nikle. Bahut tezi se. Sawaal ek ke baad ek aaye. Kaha thi aap? Wapas kyun nahi aayi? Koi andaaza bhi hai ki maa-baba ka kya haal hua hoga?

Suchika ne haath aage badhaaya, thoda jhijhaki, phir dheere se Ruchika ke gaal ko sehlaayi.

Suchika : M-Mein sharminda thi. *sniff* Dari hui thi. Aur, jab akhirkar aana chaahti thi… tab himmat nahi hui.

Ruchika ne Suchika ka haath jhatak diya. Uski bhavnaaye ek-saath umad padi. Usne agle hi pal Suchika ko kasskar apne galey se laga liya, phir utni hi zor se peechhe bhi dhakel diya.

Ruchika (quivers) : Paagal ho aap! Ek number ki paagal ho. I hate you! Aapko zara bhi andaaza hai ki- *sniff* ki aapne hum sabke saath kya kiya? Kabhi aisa dobaara karne ki sochna bhi mat! I swear warna mein-

Suchika (smiles) : Nahi karungi. Kasam khaati hu.

Sonia ne bagal se dekha, Suchika-Ruchika ke milan ki teevrata ne use pal bhar ke liye vichlit kar diya tha. Lekin, Suhana ke dur jaane ki koshish karte hi uska dhyaan waapas se uski orr laut aaya.

Sonia : Di! Aap iss tarah se mujhe bina kuchh bataaye nahi jaa sakti. Kya kho diya maine? Kaun si deal? Kya nuksaan hua? Kya baat kar rahi thi aap? Aur, aap ro kyu rahi thi?

Suhana ne ek gehri saans li. Woh kuchh kehti ki tabhi-

“Suhana!!!”

Hall me se washroom corridor tak aate hue ek jaani-pehchaani awaaz goonji. Suhana ka badan thitur gaya. Raungte khade ho gaye. Awaaz Gaurav ki thi.

“Suhana!!!” Usne phir se awaaz lagaayi. Abki baar corridor ke aur qareeb aate hue.

Suhana peechhe hati, uske chehre par ghabrahat jhalak rahi thi.

Suhana : B-Baad me, Sonu. M-Mujhe jaana hoga.

Woh mudi, lekin Sonia ne uski kalaayi thaam li. Kasskar.

Sonia : Bina mujhe sach bataaye aap kahi nahi jaane waali, di! Meri taraf dekhiye!

“Suhana!” Gaurav ne phir pukaara.

Suhana : Let it go, Sonu!!!

Sonia : Bilkul nahi. Jab tak aap mujhe bata nahi deti, mein aapko nahi chhorne waali. Tell me! What was all that about? Kyu rote hue aap aayi aur mujhse yeh boli ki- ‘You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu!’ Kya matlab tha iska? Answer me, di!

Suhana ne ek pal ke liye apni aankhein band kar li. Ek pal ke liye laga jaise woh toot jaayegi aur sach bol degi. Magar, phir usne aankhein kholi, darr par dridh sankalp haawi ho gaya.

Suhana : Bata dungi. Par, abhi nahi. Yaha nahi.

Usne Sonia ki ungliyon ko dheere se chhuraaya, waha se nikli aur corridor me uski heels ki awaaz goonjti chali gayi.

Sonia wahi khadi reh gayi. Stabdh. Uska haath abhi bhi aadha hawa me utha hua tha, jisey Suhana ne pakad ke alag kiya tha. Uski nazar bagal me gayi.

Ruchika aur Suchika ab paas khadi thi. Dabi awaaz me, bhaavukta se bhari behas kar rahi thi. Aansu, gussa, raahat, saalo ki kasar ek naazuk pal me nikal rahi thi.

Sonia unhe dekhti rahi, uske seene me bechaini aur gehri hoti chali gayi. Jaha ek taraf do behne varsho baad ek ho rahi thi, toh wahi iss orr lag raha tha jaise do humesha se ekta me rehne waali behne juda ho rahi ho.

Suhana ka jo bhi iraada raha ho, jo bhi kehna raha ho, woh zubaan phisalne se nahi hua tha. Aur, aaj raat yaha jo kuchh bhi shuru hua tha, woh khatm nahi hua tha.

***

Jab Kaera ghar lauti toh waha sannaata pasra hua tha. Galiyaare me battiyaan halki-halki jal rahi thi. Khuli khidkiyo se raat ki hawa ki halki-halki mehek aa rahi thi. Skylight ke ground floor par awaazein goonj rahi thi, kyunki uske pita, bhai aur baaki sabhi Casa Belle se laut kar aa chuke the.

Kaera pehle hi apne kapde badal chuki thi. Woh apne kamre ki lambi kaanch ki khidki ke paas khadi hui thi aur ghar ke bageeche ke paar sheher ki raushni ko nihaar rahi thi, tabhi usne apne peechhe ek halchal mehsoos ki.

Julia.

Woh abhi-abhi uski floor me uske kamre me aayi thi, aasteene upar chadhi hui thi, baal humesha ki tarah bun me bandhe hue, maano raat uske liye kuchh khaas na rahi ho, woh wapas se apne ghar ke kaam-kaaj me lautne ke liye taiyaar thi, jab-

“Julia,” Kaera ne pukaara.

Julia ne turant hi apni miss ki taraf dekha.

Julia : Ji, miss?

Kaera mudi nahi. Uski nigaahein abhi bhi baahar tiki hui thi.

Kaera : I kissed.

Bas ek seedha vaakya. Julia wahi sthir jamm ke reh gayi.

Julia : Huh?

Uski aankhein chaudi ho gayi, uske chehre par taajub jhalak raha tha.

Julia : What? Young miss you… you kissed?

Kaera ne ek baar haami bhari.

Julia : W-Who? K-Kiske saath, miss?

Woh poochhte hue anjaane me paas aayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaha? Kaise? Young miss… kya hua?

Uska reaction dekh Kaera ke hontho par halki si muskaan aa gayi. Ek jigyasa se bhari muskaan.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na? Just seal your lips with your partner. And, when you do kiss someone, don’t forget to tell me how it felt. *smiles* Tum mere thoughts jaanana chaahti thi na?

Julia apni miss ki peeth ko ghoorti rahi, use woh din yaad aaya jab usne waqai aisa kuchh Kaera se kaha tha.

Julia : H-Haan par miss… K-Kisey?

Uske mann me kuchh bhi nahi soojh raha tha tabhi use dhyaan aaya ki uski miss keval ek hi insaan ko kiss kar sakti thi. Aur, iski sambhaavna me bhi use poora aatmvishvas nahi tha.

Julia (mutters) : Y-Young master Veer?

Kaera ne uski taraf dekha tak nahi. Bas sirr hilaaya. Aur, Julia ki aankhein aur chaudi ho gayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaise? Kab hua ye? Mein toh poore time aapke saath thi, miss.

Kaera : Hall ke baahar. Jab mein waha se jaa rahi thi tab. Baahar driveway me…

Julia ne ek gehri saans li.

Julia : How?

Kaera : What? It just happened. I wanted to kiss him. And, you know what Julia…? Veer ne… mere saath cheat kiya.

Julia : Huhhhh???

Kaera : I mean not in the literal sense. Lekin, haan- usne mujhe dhoka toh diya.

Usne seedhe-saade shabdo me kaha.

Julia : Ch-Cheat? Kaise?

Kaera (sighs) : Woh Suhana ki wajah se gala me aaya tha. Woh uski help kar raha hai. Kuchh zyaada hi. Mujhe nahi pata unke beech kya arrangement hua hai but- he owes her something. Itna toh saaf hai.

Julia ne use gaur se dekha. Bahut gaur se. Aur, use bhi sab kuchh samajh aane laga.

Julia : Aur, iske baad bhi miss- aapne unhe kiss kiya? Kyun?

Kaera (smiles) : Because of him… the betrayal felt real.

Julia ki saansein tham gayi. Asli baat use ab samajh aayi. Kaera palti aur usne Julia ki aankhon me dekha.

Kaera : I felt it, Julia. Sadness. Pain. Disappointment. Being betrayed… Aaj raat maine ye feel kiya. Aur, mein royi bhi.

Julia : Whaaatt???

Kaera (nods) : Hmm. Aankhon me paani tha. Use rona hi kehte hai, hai na? I felt it so strongly because it was him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have cared at all. Aur, isliye- I kissed him. Because I don’t want to let him go.

Kamra ekdum shaant ho gaya.

Julia ne thodi raahat ki saans li, uske mann me baat samajh me aa gayi. Veer ka iraada koi nuksaan pahuchaane ka nahi tha. Agar, hota toh uski miss itna shaant nahi khadi hoti. Woh soch-vichaar nahi kar rahi hoti. Woh muskura nahi rahi hoti. Shayad Veer kisi anchaahe daldal me phasa hua tha. Julia iss paristhiti se itna bhaanp chuki thi.

Julia : Then? H-How did it feel, miss?

Kaera ki nigaahein abki baar prashn par kahi aur bhatak gayi, usne apni ungliyaan uthaayi aur unhe apne honth par aise chhua jaise maano uss pal ko dobaara mehsoos karne ki koshish kar rahi ho.

Kaera : Magnetic! *nods* Yes. That’s the word.

Julia ne palkein jhapkaayi. Usne jitne bhi jawaab soche the, unme se yeh toh bilkul bhi nahi tha.

Julia : Magnetic?

Kaera (nods) : Hmm! Aisa mehsoos hua jaise mujhe kuchh kheench raha tha. Maine apne aap se kuchh nahi kiya tha. Tumne sahi kaha tha. Baad me sab kuchh hota chala jaata hai.

Julia haule se muskuraayi. Chehre par ab raahat thi. Phir, Kaera ne sirr jhukaaya, aur jigyasa uske andar phir se janm leli.

Kaera : Julia. Ab jab maine use kiss kar liya hai, toh iska matlab yahi hai na ki… woh ab mera ho gaya?

Julia : Huh????

Woh Kaera ko hairaani aur darr se dekhi.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na uss din ki- Miss, when you kiss someone that means… they belong to you.

Sunte hi Julia ke badan ke rue khade ho gaye aur use achanak hi woh pal yaad aaya jab waqai ek din-

Kaera : Julia kiss kisey karte hai?

Julia : Hmm? Jis se aap pyaar karte hai, miss.

Kaera : Pyaar huh? Kaisa hota hai pyaar?

Julia : Pyaar ko samjhaana toh bahut mushqil hai, miss.

Kaera : Toh, kya hum sirf unhi ko kiss kar sakte hai jinhe pyaar karte hai? Maine logo ko apne pets ko kiss karte dekha hai. Toh iska matlab wo unhe pyaar karte hai, hai na?

Julia : Bilkul sahi, miss. Lekin, aisa zaroori nahi hai ki aap kiss sirf apne lover ke saath hi karo. Koi bhi cheez ya insaan jisey aap pyaar karti ho, aap use kiss kar sakti ho.

Kaera : Friend ko bhi?

Julia : Hmm? Haan. It depends. See. When you kiss someone that means they belong to you. Tabhi, toh kiss kiya na?

Kaera (murmurs) : O-Ohh! So, you kiss someone and then… they belong to you. I see.

Julia apni yaado se baahar aayi, phir usne apni young miss ki aankhon me kuchh bhaav dekhe. Calm. Possessive. Certain.

Aur, bas woh mann me hi sochti reh gayi.

‘Oh god! Lagta hai… shayad mujhe miss ko love par lessons dene band karne honge.’
Kyunki, uski kahi gayi baat ka galat interpretation Kaera ne patthar ki lakeer maan ke apna liya tha.

Kaera : After all… he did it with me. Uss raat. Cafe me. Mujhe yaad nahi ki maine use kiss kiya tha ya nahi, lekin- mujhe yaad hai mein uske saath kamre me thi. Aur, mein uske upar thi. Itna mujhe yaad hai.

Julia : …

Kaera ka haath achanak hi uske pait ke nichle hisse ki orr gaya.

Kaera : My hymen is gone. I got it checked. Iska matlab Veer ne uss raat mere saath- we had sex, hai na Julia?

Julia apna muh phaade bas apni miss ko dekhti reh gayi. Bolne laayak koi bhi shabd nahi the uske paas.

Kaera : And now… He belongs to me. Wait! Julia! What does sex feel like?

Jab agla sawaal aaya toh Julia ke paseene chhootne shuru ho gaye.

‘Oh god noooo-!’

***

Casa Belle ke bhavya corporate gala ke baad sheher ne ek raahat ki saans li. Rohan ki car hotel me hue samaroh ke baad raat ke andhere me aise bhaag rahi thi jaise maano sadak uski gulaam ho. Do police vaahan uske aage chal rahe the, do peechhe. Koi siren nahi, koi jaldbazi nahi, koi shor machaane ki zaroorat nahi.

Mumbai central jagmagata hua, bheed aur halchal se bhara nazar aa raha tha.

Rohan sabse pehle baahar nikla. Station me pravesh kiya aur platform par turant halchal mach gayi. Vardi-dhaari adhikari seedhe khade ho gaye. Aam naagrik beech raaste me hi ruk gaye. Uske andar aate hi sabne ek salaami di, uski upasthiti ne sabka dhyaan apni orr kheench liya.

Baat-cheet dheemi pad gayi. Sabki nigaahein uska peechha karne lagi. Pradesh ka DGP akhir aaya hua tha. Rohan ne koi jaldi nahi ki. Woh chupchaap platform par aake ek jagah khada hua.

Saamne lagi train ka ek AC coach ka darwaza halki si sarsarahat ke saath khula. Kuchh police karmi neeche utre, thake hue lekin satark. Aur, unke theek peechhe : Trisha.

Trisha ki nazrein turant hi utarne ke baad Rohan par padi. Uske chehre par kshanik ashcharya jhalak utha. Phir, saiyyam laut aaya. Usne kuchh nahi kaha. Na hi kuchh poochha. Usne bas apne bag ka patta theek kiya aur Rohan ke saamne aa kar ruk gayi. Anya police karmiyo ne Rohan ko salaam kiya.

Rohan ne bas sirr hilaaya. Bas itna hi. Bina kuchh bole woh muda aur baahar nikalne ke liye chal pada. Trisha uske peechhe-peechhe aayi. Dekhne waalo ko yeh ek samaanya drishya lag raha tha ki ek senior adhikari apni team ko le jaane aaya tha. Par, maamla iss se kayi guna gambheer tha.

Baahar, gaadiyon ka kaafila intezar kar raha tha. Rohan ne Trisha ke liye darwaza khola, driver seat par baitha aur Trisha uske bagal se passenger seat par sawaar ho gayi. Engine chaalu hua, aage ki gaadiyaan pehle nikli, Rohan ke liye raasta saaf karte hue aur phir Rohan unke peechhe apni gaadi laga diya.

Kuchh palo ke liye, sheher se guzarne ki awaaz aur gaadi ki halki si sarsarahat ke alawa aur kuchh sunaayi nahi diya. Phir, Rohan ne sadak par nazrein gadaaye hue hi khamoshi ko toda.

Rohan : Kya hua tha?

Trisha ne turant uski orr nahi dekha. Woh car ki windshield par baahar ke nazaare ko ghoor rahi thi. Phir, kshan bhar baad woh boli.

Trisha : Matter almost solve ho gaya hai. Lekin, aur layers jud gayi hai. Kaafi complex case bann gaya hai.

Rohan : Go on!

Trisha : Patna me jis aadmi ko maine pakda, woh waisa tha hi nahi jaisa woh dikhta tha. Ek dhongi tha woh. Baba ke vesh me. Dikhawa kar raha tha. Ghaato par jaata, pravachan deta, adhyatmik baatein karta. Log uss par aankh band kar ke bharosa karne lage the.

Rohan : …

Trisha : Magar, uska asli dhandha shoshan tha. Woh paise waalo ko nishaana banaata tha. Unhe yakeen dilaata tha ki daulat ka koi matlab nahi, phir peeth peechhe apne hi aadmiyo ka istemal kar ke unke parivar ki sampatti lutwa leta tha.

Rohan (frowns) : Naam?

Trisha : Raman!

Akhirkar, woh uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Humne use raaste me pakda. Clean arrest.

Rohan (nods) : Good work. Aur, isliye tumhara transfer-

Trisha : ???

Rohan : Radd kar diya gaya hai.

Trisha ki aankhon ki chamak wapas laut aayi. Chehre par humesha maujood rehne waali kathorta kahi gaayab ho gayi. Raahat uski aankhon me jhalak aayi.

Mumbai. Ghar. Rohan. Pihu. Woh ye sab chhor ke nahi jaana chaahti thi. Aur, usne unhe khone se bacha liya. Sab kuchh waisa hi, pehle jaisa.

Trisha : Thank you~

Rohan ne koi jawab nahi diya. Trisha jaanti thi ki ye transfer yuhi nahi cancel hua hoga. Patna ke case solve hone par appeal Rohan ne hi rakhi hogi. Isliye, waha se uski baat ko suna gaya aur ye tabaadla akhir radd hua.

Kuchh derr ruk kar usne aage kaha.

Trisha : Raman, woh akela kaam nahi kar raha tha. Woh Ranjeet ke saath juda hua tha. Team ne Raman ke phone ko khangaala. Messages. Call log. Paiso ka hisaab-kitaab. Raman use orders deta tha. Operations ko fund karta tha. Ranjeet wahi… Prestige par attack karne waala. Remember?

Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par kass gayi.

Trisha : Raman saare gandey kaam Ranjeet se karwaata tha. Properties seize karna. Daraana-dhamkaana. Violence. Sab kuchh Ranjeet karta tha. Yaha tak ki…

Rohan : ??

Trisha : Ranjeet ne ek Dhananjay naam ke ladke ki hatya bhi kari hai kuchh samay pehle.

Rohan (frowns) : Body?

Trisha (nods) : Mili. Lekin, bahut hi bekaar haalat me. Ranjeet ne Dhananjay ko thikaane laga ke uski alias create ki aur iss tarah se woh Mumbai me aaya.

Rohan (nods) : Aur prestige ka kya kaha?

Trisha : Haan. Ranjeet ke aadmiyon ne hi Prestige par shootout ko anjaam diya tha.

Unke beech phir sannaata chhaa gaya.

Rohan : Agar, Raman sab kuchh tay kar raha tha, theek hai maan liya. Agar, Ranjeet sab kuchh follow kar raha tha, theek hai ye bhi maan liya. Par, Ranjeet Mumbai me aakar akhir… Veer ke peechhe kyu pada?

Trisha thodi derr ke liye jhijhaki.

Trisha : Humne kuchh calls ka data nikalwaya. Jitna pata chala, uss se lagta hai ki Ranjeet Dhananjay ko lootne nikla tha aur phir, waha se Mumbai aa gaya. Achanak. Veer ke hotel par phir wo humla. Call tracing se yahi andaza laga hai ki, woh Veer ko lootne ki firaaq me tha, shayad? Usne socha hoga ki Veer ko side target banaana koi badi baat nahi? Asaan kaam hoga.

Rohan ke maathe par shikan ubhar aayi.

Rohan : Nahi!

Usne sapaat swar me kaha. Trisha uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan (frowns) : Ranjeet itne saalo se agar ye kar raha tha toh woh koi bewakoof nahi jo achanak se Mumbai aa jaayega aur hotel par attack kar dega. Hum kuchh andekha kar rahe hai, Trisha.

Trisha : K-Kya?

Rohan : Koi ek link hai jo hum miss kar rahe hai. *frowns* Ranjeet ka achanak Mumbai aana. Ye hi turning point hai. Dhananjay… Ye aadmi-

Trisha : Aadmi nahi, ladka.

Rohan : Haan! *nods* Yeh kaha maara gaya?

Trisha : Patna me hi.

Rohan : Aur, ye Dhananjay tha kaha se?

Trisha : Jaanch chal rahi hai. Ranjeet ke calls ko trace kare toh shayad Dhananjay Rajasthan ke kisi gaanv se belong karta hai. Shayad mayra. Kyunki, Mumbai aane se pehle ye Ranjeet wahi par tha.

Rohan (nods) : Exactly. Dhananjay ko lootne ke vaaste hi Ranjeet udhar gaya hoga. Aur, uska achanak se phir Mumbai aa jaana. Ye hai turning point. Matlab, uss beech- kuchh hua hai, Trisha.

Trisha ki reedh ki haddi me ek sihran daud gayi. Usne suraag ka peechha kiya tha. Kadiyo ko jodne ki koshish ki thi. Aur, use laga tha ki wo kuchh zyada hi soch rahi thi. Lekin, Rohan ki antar-aatma kabhi galat nahi hoti thi. Aur, agar usne kaha ki kuchh kami hai-

Toh zaroor kuchh kami thi.

Car ka kaafila aage badhta raha, raat ke andhere ko cheerta hua, apne saath ek ansuljha sawaal liye ki iss khel ka mastermind bhala kaun tha?

Gaadi ne flyover ke paas ek sehej mod liya, sheher dheere-dheere lambi sadko aur jagmagati raushni me tabdeel hota chala gaya. Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par ek baar phir thap-thapaayi. Kisi soch-vichaar me.

Rohan : Hum har jagah ghoom rahe hai. Siwaaye ek naam ke.

Trisha ki reedh akad gayi, ek pal ke liye Rohan ne use dekha.

Rohan : Humne uske baare me zyaada baat tak nahi ki. Asal me, humne uss se mushqil se hi koi sawaal kiya hoga.

Trisha : …!?

Rohan : VEER SINGH!

Car ke andar woh naam kisi bhaari-bharkam bhaar ki tarah baith gaya. Trisha ke badan me ek thandi leher daud gayi. Rohan ne uske jhunjhlaate badan par dhyaan nahi diya. Ya yu kahe ki usne dhyaan na dene ka naatak kiya.

Rohan : Hotel Prestige. Ranjeet. Shootout. Underground lair. Aur… serial killer. Sab aapas me kahi na kahi juda hua. You did good work in Patna.

Trisha ki ungliyaan uski goad me simat gayi. Ek taraf uska dil keh raha tha ki apne pati ka saath do. Sacchaayi ke saath khadi raho. Niyamo ka paalan karo.

Toh wahi dusri orr dimaag cheenkh raha tha. Woh tasveer, jo anjaan aadmi dwara use lifaafe me bheji gayi thi. Wahi tasveer jo kisi ne uske Ranjeet par goli chalaate hue li thi. Woh slaughterhouse. Hook par latka uska bebas, dum ghotata shareer. Uski bandook. Goli. Flash. Khoon. Koi dekh raha tha.

Aur, isi wajah se- woh yeh sach saamne nahi rakh sakti thi. Kyunki, Ranjeet ka encounter ek failed operation tha. Usne police vibhaag ko yahi bataaya tha ki yeh ek muthbhed thi. Saaf-suthri. Aavashyak muthbhed. Duty ke dauran ek khatre ko bas nishkreeya kar diya gaya. Khud ko bachaane ke liye ek banaaya gaya jhooth.

Haan. Jhooth. Lekin, Rohan ke liye bhi. Badge ke liye bhi. Parivar ke liye bhi. Agar, woh tasveer kabhi saamne aayi- toh uski naukri hi nahi, balki aur bhi bahut kuchh daav par lag sakta tha.

Rohan ne laal batti par gaadi dheemi kar di. Uske saath ki cars uske aage-peechhe gher kar khadi ho gayi.

Rohan (glances) : Tum kahi aur khoyi hui ho!?

Trisha : Huh? N-Nahi! Tumne kaha Veer Singh?

Rohan (nods) : Hmm! Aaj raat uss se mein mila.

Trisha : Kyaaaaa?

Rohan : Haan! Tumhe bataya tha na maine? Meri behan ko business me madad chahiye thi. Ek businessman meri pehchaan me tha. Toh uss se meri behan ki ek business deal set karwaayi thi maine aaj. Casa Belle me abhi hi corporate gala khatam hua hai kuchh derr pehle. Wahi pe Veer mila mujhe.

Trisha (frowns) : Veer jaisa ladka bhala aise gala me kya kar raha tha? Uska business itna bada hai? Mujhe nahi pata tha woh itna influential hai.

Rohan : Mujhe bhi nahi pata. Lekin, agar woh iske bawajood, paise aur dabdabe se ghire uss hall me ghus sakta hai, toh woh waisa nahi hai jaisa ki woh khud ko dikhaata hai.

Batti hari hui aur gaadi punaah chal padi.

Rohan : He plays invisible Trisha. And, people let him.

Trisha : T-Toh… Tumhe kya lag raha hai?

Rohan : Mujhe lagta hai humein use bilkul bhi nazarandaz nahi karna chaahiye. Bilkul bhi nahi.

Trisha : …

Rohan : Pihu ko serial killer se bacha kar laane waala, underground lair se laane waala… Wahi tha na?

Sunte hi Trisha stabdh reh gayi. Usne Rohan ko ghoora. Jis baat ka darr tha use, wahi ghatit ho gaya. Sach saamne aa chuka tha.

Trisha : T-Tumhe kaise-

Rohan : Tum bhool rahi ho. Mein sirf tumhara pati nahi hu. Mein state ka DGP bhi hu.

Trisha : …!!?

Rohan : Tumhare sage officers kitne hi loyal kyu na ho, wardi nahi chhor sakte. Usne toh mujhe sach bataaya hi saath hi Pihu ne bhi mujhe sab ugal diya.

Trisha ke kandhe jhuk gaye. Usne dheere se sirr hilaaya. Hataash hokar.

Trisha : Hmm! *nods* W-Wahi tha.

Car ka mahaul achanak badal gaya.

Rohan : This changes everything. Kyun? Kyun chhipaaya tumne mujhse Trisha?

Trisha : Kyunki… Kyunki, usne humaari bacchi ko bachaaya, Rohan. Jab mein apni ummeed kho chuki thi tab- tab woh humaari Pihu ko goad me laad ke, khoon se sann kar, mujhe saupne aaya tha. Aur, bas isliye- bas isliye maine yeh baat chhipaayi. Kyunki, mein nahi chaahti thi ki uss waqt mein use kisi pareshani me daalu.

Rohan : Aur, agar wahi serial killer hua toh?

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan : Gaur karo. Uss raat uski khud ki hotel par attack ho raha hota hai aur woh kaha hota hai? Pihu aur wo… Juhi ko bachaane me laga hota hai? Use uss underground lair ke baare me kaise pata chala?

Trisha : N-Nahi! Tum kuchh ka kuchh assumption le raho ho, Rohan. Agar, aisa hota toh pichhle saare murders uski orr point out karte. Aur, uss lair ka kya? Kya lair se koi suraag nahi mila? Research team toh tumhe ab tak bata hi deti na ki Veer inn sab me involved hai ya nahi.

Rohan (frowns) : Theek hai, maan liya abhi ke liye ki woh serial killer nahi hai. Par, woh shaq ke ghere me zaroor hai. Rahi baat lair ki toh haan… woh kisi criminal ne nahi banaayi thi. Originally… woh ek bunker tha. Second world war ke baad 1950s ya 60s me bana hua. Ek private Indian defense team thi jo German bunkers se inspired ho kar India me waisa kuchh war ki paristhiti me banaana chaahti thi.

Trisha (shocked) : B-Bunker!? I-Itna puraana?

Rohan (nods) : Ab tak ka sabse puraana. Founders ki kuchh deaths ke baad baaki team ne seal kar diya tha. Abhi jaanch jaari hai. Akhir, kyu use public ki aankhon me nahi laaya gaya? Kyu ab tak wo neeche hi dafn raha. Inke uttar samay ke saath mil toh jaane chaahiye.

Trisha : Phir?

Rohan : Phir, sealed ho jaane ke baad, jab team ke sabhi log guzar gaye, toh kisi doctor ne ek-do dashak ke baad use khoj nikaala.

Trisha : Doctor?

Rohan : Nahi! Ek pagal! Koi sarfira. Usne bunker ko ek laboratory me badla. Human experiments. Apne hi jaise kuchh maniac logo ke saath wo waha ajeeb experiments karne laga. Puraane dashak ke kuchh saboot mile hai research team ko.

Trisha sihar uthi.

Trisha : Y-Ye baat kab ki hai?

Rohan : Researchers andaaza laga kar yahi bataaye hai ki 1980s me ye sab kiya gaya tha. Par, exact date bata paana abhi mushqil hai.

Trisha : !!?

Rohan : Lekin, iss se bhi bhayanak baat yeh hai ki- abhi jo team ne dhoondha hai, laboratory ke andar se jo decay aur dead animals, bodies ki jaanch hui hai, uss se ye pata laga hai ki- ki wo dashako puraane nahi hai. Wo haal hi ke the.

Trisha (gasps) : Matlab-

Rohan (nods) : Matlab koi underground lair ko istemal kar raha tha. Aur, woh koi aur nahi-

Trisha (gasps) : Serial killer!

Rohan : You got that right!

Sannaata phir chhaa gaya. Pehle se zyada gehra.

Rohan : Jo ki humaari pakad me abhi tak nahi aaya hai. Veer Singh ek rehesyamayi ladka hai. Aur, mein uss par nazar rakhne waala hu. Pichhli baar meri beti iska shikaar ho chuki hai, mein ab apni ya kisi ki bhi beti par ye aanch nahi aane dunga.

Trisha khidki se baahar dekhti rahi, sheeshein me uska chehra dhundhla sa dikh raha tha. Veer ka naam uske dimaag me goonj raha tha. Darr aur ek aise sach ke saath uljha hua jisey woh sweekar karne ke liye taiyaar nahi thi.

***

Sonali ne hall ka darwaza dhakka dekar khola, apni jootiya baahar utaari aur andar aayi. Woh thaki hui thi, ghanto tak food trucks me kaam karna, chidchide graahako se nipatna, aur lagataar aate orders ne use buri tarah thaka diya tha. Lekin, saamne ka nazara dekh kar woh ruk gayi. Table par naashte ki plates saji rakhi thi, aur vatavaran me hi ek ajeeb si khamoshi chhaayi hui thi, jisey bhaanp woh bhi thoda bechain ho gayi.

Sonali : Hmm? Kya chal raha hai?

Usne budbudaate hue apna bag neeche rakha aur table ki orr badhi. Jawaab ka intezaar kiye bina hi usne kuchh pakore apne muh me thoos liye.

Sonali : Mmm~ Kya gazab baney hai. Kisne banaaye? Aaj kuchh tha kya? Agal-bagal pados ki aunty log aayi thi kya? Ya kitty party? Hmm?

Sofe par baithi Bhumika ne use dekha aur boli.

Bhumika : Nahi. Shaadi ka prastaav aaya tha. Veer ke liye.

Sonali pakore khaate-khaate atak gayi, pakora lagbhag uske galey me phaste-phaste bacha. Woh khaansi aur jaldi se jug se hi paani muh me udelte hue khud ko sambhaali.

Sonali : K-Kyaaaaa? Kaamchor ke liye rishta aaya?

Tej ki aankhein uski baaton par turant hi sikud gayi. Sonali ne fauran ghabrakar ek halki si hasi has di aur apni hasi chhipaane ki koshish karne lagi.

Sonali : Ah...ha...ha... namumkin. Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Maine kaamcho- m-mera matlab maine use kabhi kisi ladki ke saath aise romance karte nahi dekha. Kabhi nahi. Kisi ne bhi nahi dekha hoga. Hai na?

Kamre me chaaro orr nazar ghumaate hi uski hasi beech me hi ruk gayi. Har kisi ka chehra gambheer tha — Bhavna, Bhumika, Shweta, Tej. Sab bauhe sikode alag-alag jagah aise baithi thi jaise maano rishta nahi pralay aa gaya ho.

Sonali : Ah! K-Kaun? Kaun hai... Ladki?

Bhumika (sighs) : Nidhi madam ki chhoti behan. Shreya. Unhi ke mata-pita aaye the. Poora ghar aaya tha. Siwae Nidhi madam aur Shreya ke.

Sonali ne soch-vichaar me sirr jhukaaya. Use kuchh baatein yaad aa rahi thi.

Sonali : Achha! Woh!? Hmm, meri do-teen baar baat toh hui hai unse. J-Jab humne food truck khola tha na, tab udhghatan ke samay woh aayi thi. Tab baat hui thi meri. Phir, beech me ek do baar aur hui hai. Lekin, woh aur kaamch- matlab Veer!? Ek saath? Mujhe nahi lagta unke beech kuchh chal raha tha? Achha. Aise hi aa gaye wo log?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki Veer jaisa ladka hi unki Shreya ke liye sabse achha hai. Na sirf Veer ne uski naukri lagwaayi thi balki, uske sapne ko bhi haqeeqat me badalne me madad ki.

Sonali : Oh! Hotel me itna bada kaand hua uske baad bhi ladki ka haath dene ki himmat ho gayi?

Bhumika (nods) : Hmm! Yahi sawaal Tejal ne kara tha.

Bhumika ki nazrein bolte hue Tej par phiri. Sonali ne bhi use ek kshan dekha magar shaant rahi.

Sonali : T-Toh kya kaha unn logo ne?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki wo inn sab baaton par dhyaan nahi dete. Khushi me toh har koi khada hota hai. Jab Veer unke dukh me khada hua tha, toh unka bhi farz banta hai ki wo bhi humaare saath khade hoye. Aisa unka kehna hai.

Sonali : Oh! Ah! Ek minute. Rukiye rukiye! Kya iska matlab? Shaadi pakki ho gayi? Kab hai tareekh?

Bhumika : Rishta nahi hua.

Kehte hue usne Tejal ko phirse dekha. Sonali ne bhi punah Tej ko ghoora jaise kuchh gadbad mehsoos kar rahi ho.

Tej achanak khadi hui aur andar apne kamre ki orr chal padi. Sonali ki nazrein andar jaati Tej aur Bhumika ke beech ghoom rahi thi.

Sonali : L-Lagta hai koi kharab mood me hai!?

Bhumika (sighs) : Haan. Tejal ne prastaav thukra diya. Usne saaf keh diya ki Veer ki shaadi abhi kisi se nahi hogi.

Sonali : Ahh! Toh, iska matlab kuchh nahi ho raha? Matlab... Roz ki tarah mujhe phirse food truck me hi time bitaana padega? Hmph! Maine socha tha badhiya chhutti mil jaayegi aur mein-

"Aur, mein badhiya kaam chhor ke mazey karungi, hai na?"

Uske peechhe se jaani-pehchaani ek awaaz aayi.

*Bonk*

"Aaaahhh!!!"

Sonali cheenkhi aur apna sirr sehlaane lagi jaha Veer ne use peechhe se tapli maari thi. Woh mudi, apni gussail aankhon se use dekhte hue.

Sonali : T-Tum-!?? Y-Ye galat hai! Hmph!

Kamre me halchal mach gayi. Veer ke aate hi sabhi satark ho gaye.

Bhavna : Veer-!

Shweta : Aa gaye beta? Aao jaldi. Tumhe kuchh bataana hai-

Veer me turant hi haath uthaate hue unhe rok diya.

Veer : Suna maine. Sab pata chal gaya mujhe.

Shweta : T-Toh-!? Kya karna hai? Hum tumhari raay sunana chaahte hai.

Veer : Pehle ye bataaiye ki Teju di kaha hai?

Bhumika : Apne kamre me.

Veer ne bina kisi bhaav ke sirr hilaaya aur Tej ke kamre ki orr chal pada. Uske peechhe-peechhe Sonali bhi andar jaane lagi.

Jaise hi dono hall se nikal kar andar gaye, Veer ka ek haath chataak se Sonali ki gaand par aake laga.

*Spank*

"Nnnghhaaaaahhh~"

Sonali bechaari apni chuttad ko sehlaati reh gayi.

Veer : Kaam par dhyaan do. *Smiles* Warna saza milegi.

Sonali : Hmph! Kaamchor kahi ke...!

---

Veer seedhe Tej ke kamre ke baahar aakar ruka.

*Knock* *Knock*

Tej ne mudkar nahi dekha. Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi thi, apne dupatte me ungliyaan gadaaye, kahi taktaki lagaaye.

Tej : Darwaza khula hua hai.

Usne thaki hui si awaaz me kaha. Darwaza khula. Phir, band ho gaya. Aur, phir chatakni ke lagne ki awaaz aayi.

Kamre me wo awaaz kisi bandook se nikli goli ki tarah goonj uthi. Tej jhatpat mudi. Aur, saamne shaks ko dekhte hi uski saans atak gayi.

Tej : V-Veeru!?

Naam apne aap uske mukh se nikal aaya. Ek pal ke liye woh khadi reh gayi, hazaaro bhavnao ke beech jamm si gayi. Raahat, ki woh akhirkar uske paas aaya. Ghabrahat, ki woh yaha kyun aaya? Darr, ki woh kya kahega? Ummeed, jisey woh zaahir karne ki himmat nahi kar paa rahi thi. Uska dil itni zor se dhadak raha tha ki use yakeen tha ki shayad Veer bhi sunn sakta tha.

Veer shaant dikh raha tha. Lagbhag befiqr.

Veer : Sab log neeche maujood hai. Aap yaha akeli kya kar rahi ho?

Tej turant hi nazrein hatakar uski taraf peeth karke khadi ho gayi.

Tej : Kuchh nahi. Bas kuchh derr akele rehna tha.

Veer : Kyun?

Tej ke kandhe tann gaye.

Tej : A-Aise hi. Mera mood theek nahi.

Veer ek qadam aage badha. Bas ek qadam.

Veer : Kya hua?

Tej : Bataya toh... K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Yuhi. Mein theek hu. Don't worry.

Usne jaldi se kaha. Kuchh zyada hi jaldi me. Aur, do qadam laanghte hi Veer uske peechhe tha. Theek peechhe. Usne Tej ki kalaayi pakad use apni orr ghuma diya.

Tej haanfi, aankhein chaudi, shabd uske galey me hi atak gaye.

Veer ki bauhe upar tani, gusse me nahi, bas gambheer bhaav me.

Veer : Aapko kya lagta hai? Kya mein samajh nahi sakta ki kab meri Teju di mujhse kuchh chhipa rahi hai? Haan?

Tej : N-Nahi, mein-

Veer : Jawaab do!

Tej ka muh khula, parantu woh na bata saki. Kya bataati?

-ki apne bhai ke bagal se kisi aur stree ke hone ke khayaal se hi uska seena jal raha tha?

-ki shaadi ke prastaav aane se use laga jaise uske bhai ko uss se chheena jaa raha ho?

-ki usne uski shaadi ka prastaav apni jalan ke chalte thukraaya?

Nahi. Woh yeh kaise bata sakti thi? Isliye, chup rahi. Iske bajaaye, usne upar uski aankhon me dekha aur dheere se poochha.

Tej : K-Kya neeche sabne bataaya?

Veer ne haami bhari.

Tej : A-Aur? Aur kya bataaya? Kya yeh bhi ki... Maine shaadi ka prastaav-

Veer ne punah haami bhari. Ab Tej kaanp rahi thi.

Tej : T-Toh? K-Kya hua? Kya mujhe ye bataane aaye ho ki mujhse gussa ho?

Usne apne nichle honth ko daanto taley zor se dabaaya, ek aas me ki kaash Veer uss se naraaz na ho.

Veer : Kisliye?

Tej : U-Unhe reject karne ke liye. Tumse poochhe bina. Tumhari sehmati ke bina hi maine-

Woh kisi doshi bacche ki tarah uske chehre ko nihaar rahi thi, maano use uski galti ki saza milne waali ho.

Kintu, Veer muskuraaya. Dheere se.

Veer : Nahi toh?

Aur, Tej ko ek jhatka laga. Kya matlab?

Tej : P-Par, maine-

Veer (smiles) : Aapne jo kuchh bhi kiya, sahi kiya. Mere aur Shreya ke beech aisa kuchh bhi nahi hai. Hum sirf achhe dost hai. Maanta hu ki woh ek achhi ladki hai, lekin maine use kabhi uss nazar se nahi dekha.

Jab Veer ne ye kaha, toh Tej ke kandhe achanak hi dheele pad gaye, maano jaise unn par koi adrishya bhaari bojh lada ho.

Usne ek raahat mehsoos ki aur turant apna chehra dusri taraf mod liya. Darr tha ki kahi Veer dekh na le. Darr tha ki kahi woh yeh na dekh le ki ye sunana uske liye kitna maayne rakhta tha.

Aur, phir aasu nikalte hi uska sabr toot gaya.

Tej : M-Mein tumse baat karne ki koshish kar rahi thi, Veeru. *sniff* Kayi dino se. *sniff* Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki kaise baat karu.

Usne ladkhadati awaaz me kaha. Kandhe kaanp rahe the.

Tej : M-Mujhe maaf kar do, Veeru. *sniff*

Veer : Huh? Kisliye?

Tej : Tumhe niraash karne ke liye. *hic* T-Tumje chot pahuchaane ke liye. Tumne mujhe ek zimmedari saunpi thi. *sniff* Yarnia ki ek zimmedari. Aur, maine kya kiya? Mein use bacha tak nahi paayi. Jo hua mein use rok nahi paayi. *sniff* I'm... I'm sorry. *hic*

Veer : Aap ab tak uss baat ko lekar soch rahi ho?

Tej : HAAAAAN!! Kyunki, tumne mujhpar bharosa kiya tha, Veeru.

Veer uske qareeb aaya.

Tej : M-Mujhe aur alert hona chaahiye tha. *sniff* Aur, samajhdaar hona chaahiye tha. Mujhe rokne ke liye kuchh karna chaahiye tha.

Veer :Teju di, bas karo. Wo sab-

Tej : NAHIIII! M-Mujhe kehne do, Veeru. *sniff* Mein chaahti thi ki tum jaano maine kitni koshish ki... Mein tumhare liye apna best karna chaahti thi bhai.

Uski awaaz dheemi hokar fusfusahat me badal gayi. "I don't want to lose my place beside you."

Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi.

Veer : Ye aapki wajah se nahi hua, di. Wo mere peechhe the. Wo shootout. Wo meri wajah se tha. Aur, woh hona hi tha. Use roka nahi jaa sakta tha.

Pehli baar Veer ki awaaz bhi ladkhadayi.

Veer : Usme koi bhi kuchh nahi kar sakta tha. Aapne kitna kuchh kiya. Wo decoration, hosting, managing. Aap aur baaki sabhi ne kitna kuchh kiya tha.

Tej (rote hue) : Par, sab toh bikhar gaya na? *sniff*

Veer ne uske gaalo ko thaama. Aasuon ko apne anguthe se poochha.

Veer : Par, aap toh sahi salaamat ho na? Aur, kya chaahiye mujhe!?

Tej (sobs) : Veeru-!!! *sniff*

Veer : Aapne mujhe niraash nahi kiya, di. Aur, ahinda se ye bojh uthaane ki zaroorat nahi. Carefree rahiye.

Tej ki siskiyaan phoot padi. Veer ne use galey se laga liya. Kasskar.

Tej ne uski shirt ko aise jakda jaise maano agar woh use chhoregi toh woh kahi gaayab ho jaayega. Woh apna chehra Veer ki chhaati me daba kar beqaabu hokar rone lagi. Itne saal. Itni doorie. Aur, apne bhai ko phirse khone ka ek darr.

Tej : Bees saal, Veeru! *sniff* Bees saal tak maine intezar kiya. Aur, mom ne bhi. *hic* Mein ab tumhe dobaara khona nahi chaahti. Ab jaakar toh maine tumhe paaya hai- *sniff* T-Tum rooth gaye toh mein toh jeete-jee marr jaungi.

Veer (mutters) : Teju di!

Tej ne use aur kasskar pakad liya.

Veer (smiles) : Don't worry. Aisa kabhi nahi hoga. Di, aap mere liye bahut maayne rakhti ho. Maine bhi toh aapko 20 saal ke baad paaya hai. Toh, mere liye kya zaroori hai? Yarnia ya phir aap? *smiles* Yarnia jaise hazaar business mein dobaara khade kar lunga. Par, aapko kho diya toh dobaara thodi paa lunga. Samjhi ab?

Tej ne upar dekha, aankhein laal thi.

Tej (nods) : Mmm~

Veer muskuraaya aur neeche jhuka. Tej ke honth kaanpe aur khul gaye. Woh apne panjo ke bal upar uthi.

Aur, uske honth Veer ke hontho se jaa mile. Chumban komal tha. Kam se kam shuruat me.

Uske baad-

Achanak hi teevrapann aa gaya. Tej ke haath Veer ke kandho par chale gaye, ungliyaan shirt me gadd gayi. Aasuon se uske gaal geele the.

"Nnnghh~ mmmm~ V-Veeru-!"

*Slurp* *slurp*

"I-I love you~ llhhhmm~ schkk~"

Tej ne use phir chooma. Iss baar zyaada derr tak. Woh Veer ke sparsh aur uski chumban me doobti chali gayi.

Akhirkar, dono alag hue. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi nahi hila. Phir, Veer ne apna maatha Tej ke maathe se tika diya. Aur, Tej ki aankhein band ho gayi.

Tej : Stay. Just stay, Veeru.

Veer : Hmm!

Veer ne jab use thaam liya toh Tej ki saansein dheere-dheere sthir ho gayi. Uska chehra Veer ki chhaati me dhasa hua tha, tabhi use woh ehsaas hua jis par usne pehle itna gaur nahi kiya tha.

Ek halki si khushbu. Nahi. Mardaana khushbu nahi. Kuchh feminine si. Yeh Veer ki khushbu nahi thi.

Usne ek do baar aur zor se soongha. Aur, uski bauhe tann gayi. Woh thoda peechhe hati, bas itna ki upar uski orr dekh sake. Uski nigaahein Veer ke hontho par tik gayi.

Waha...

Kuchh laal si parat dikhaayi di. Spasht nahi. Lekin, Tej ko kuchh na kuchh samajh aa gaya tha. Uska dimaag tezi se chalne laga. Tej ki ungliyaan uski shirt par kass gayi. Veer ne bhi uska yeh badlaav mehsoos kiya.

Veer : Kya hua?

Woh jhijhaki. Ek pal ke liye, jalan uske seene me teevr aur khatarnak roop se bhadak uthi. Lekin, usne use daba liya.

Tej : Kaha gaye the tum? Itna saj-dhaj kar?

Veer ne apne kapdo ki orr dekha. Woh seedhe gala se hi ghar lauta tha.

Veer : O-Oh! Ye? Ek corporate gala tha. Udhar hi gaya tha.

Tej ke dil me achanak hi dard utha. Zordaar. Usne khud se kaha ki sochna band kar do. Dilaasa di ki sab theek hai. Imagine mat karo. Sawaal mat karo.

Par, shaq gehra hota jaa raha tha.

[Stupid Master, She saw the lipstick of Kaera on your lips. She smelled her perfume on your body. Run for your life.]

'H-Huh? Wtf!? Pari? Tum kab sleep mode se baahar aayi?'

Kintu, Tej ne abhi poornta yakeen nahi kiya tha. Bhaagne ki bajaaye woh aur qareeb aayi. Agar, uske bhai par kisi aur ka koi nishaan tha, toh woh use mita degi.

Uske haath Veer ki chhaati par upar ki orr sarke, ungliyaan uski gardan ke peechhe lipat gayi. Aur, ek hi jhatke me-

Veer : Huh? Teju di!? Woah-

Iss baar jab Tej ne use chooma toh ye ekdum hi alag tha.

Dheere. Gehraayi se. Apna adhikaar jataate hue.

Veer thoda jhep gaya magar phir apni pratikriya di. Tej use aise choom rahi thi, uske muh ko aise kha rahi thi jaise use darr tha ki agar woh ruki toh Veer ko koi aur le jaayega.

*Slurp* *Slurp*

"Nnghhhh~ Veeru!!! Mmmllhmmm~"

Kayi minute ke baad jab woh alag hui, toh uski aankhon me adhikaar ki bhaavna jhalak rahi thi. Aur, Veer ne pehli baar kuchh aisa mehsoos kiya.

---

Veer jab apne kapde badal kar neeche aaya, toh sabhi kha-pee ke TV dekhne me lage hue the.

Aaj socha tha usne ki din jaisa bhi gaya ho, kam se kam kuchh baatein toh achhi hui.

Kaera ne use dhutkaara nahi. Sonia ko deal akhirkar mil hi gayi. Suhana ko diya gaya vachan bhi poora ho gaya. Aur, uski Teju di uske aur bhi qareeb aa gayi.

Magar, woh jab ye sab soch hi raha tha tabhi use kuchh aisa sunaayi diya jisey sunn uske perr wahi jamm gaye.

Veer : Bhumika di! Channel badalna zara.

Bhumika jo apne haatho me remote liye TV par channels palat rahi thi woh wahi ruk gayi.

Bhumika : Huh? K-Kya hua?

Veer : Channel change kariye na.

Bhumika ne haami bhar channel badla toh ek gaana bajne laga.

Veer : Y-Ye waala nahi. Peechhe. International news waala.

Usne dobaara jab channel badla toh saamne TV par ek international news channel par khabar chal rahi thi.

International News | Breaking

Anchor : Coming up is Breaking news from Spain.

"The Prime Ministerial candidate of Spain, named 'Rafael Ibanez' has died today in Madrid. He was 56."

"Officials confirm the cause of death as progressive organ failure caused by a rare, slow-developing neurological condition, undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Medical authorities have stated there are no signs of external involvement."

"The Spanish government has announced national mourning. All campaign activity has been suspended."

"More updates to follow."

[Master-!]

Veer ki bauhe chinta me sikud gayi.

'Pari!'

[Kya mein overthink kar rahi hu, Master? Ye bas koi mamooli news nahi ho sakti. Kuchh hua hai, hai na?]

'Tum akeli nahi ho, Pari! Mera dimaag bhi yahi keh raha hai.'

[I'm feeling agitated all of a sudden.]

***

At the same time,
A few minutes ago,
FBCC Headquarters,
New York, Noon - 1:07 p.m.

Headquarters ki oonchi imaarat par X khada hua tha, hawa se uske kapde zor se lehra rahe the.

Uska ek perr terrace ki chhoti boundary par tika hua tha. Uske peechhe terrace ka darwaaza halka sa khula aur koi upar aaya.

Rebecca kuchh qadam dur aakar ruki.

Ek kshan ke liye woh keval uski peeth ko dekhti rahi. Uska coat. Uski khamoshi. Rebecca ki hat neeche jhuki hui thi, uski aankhein chhaaya se dhaki hui thi, aur bauhe kasi hui.

Rebecca (frowns) : Are you releasing it?

X halka sa muda. Usne peechhe khadi Rebecca ko dheere se dekha. Aur, phir ahista se ek haami bhari. Rebecca ne zor se saans kheenchi.

Rebecca : K-Kya abhi hi? Kya time ho gaya? K-Kya aur nahi ruk sakte?

X : NO!

Ek chhota sa shabd kabhi itna wazandaar nahi laga tha Rebecca ko.

X : Agle kuchh din humaare liye nahi hai. It's for them. Unhe prepare karne ke liye time toh chaahiye hi hoga. Before the SUMMIT begins.

Rebecca ke honth dheere se thar-tharaaye. Ek pal ke liye usne bhi nazar hatakar sheher ki orr dekha. Phir, wapas se X ki peeth ki orr.

Rebecca : Ek baar agar tumne aisa kiya, toh ise badla nahi jaa payega. You know that, right?

X (smirks) : Isn't it applicable to everything? Aur, isliye hi... Yeh abhi hoga.

Unke beech ek gehra sannaata chhaa gaya.

X seedha khada hua, boundary par se perr hataate hue, uske haath uski jeb me chale gaye.

X : Tumhe pata hai na kya karna hai?

Woh hichkichaayi. Phir, haule se sirr hilaayi.

Bina kuchh kahe, woh tezi se mudi aur darwaaze ki orr chal padi. Uski chaal tez thi. Jaise hi woh darwaaze se baahar nikli, uska haath pehle se hi apni kamar me khuse ek walkie-talkie ki orr chala gaya.

"Hello? Damian...!"

Uske nikalte hi darwaza uske peechhe band ho gaya. Tez hawa ke jhonke ne ek baar phir X ke kapdo ko lehra diya.

X ne ek baar phir sheher ki orr dekha. Sab kuchh shaant prateet ho raha tha.

[What are you waiting for???]

Ek aurat ki awaaz uske mann me goonji.

[Don't interrupt.]

Iss baar ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji. Aur, mann me khamoshi chhaa gayi. Kuchh derr X yuhi khada raha. Jab dobaara mann me koi shor nahi hua, koi hastakshep nahi hua tabhi uske honth khule aur-

"TIME RELEASE!"

Shabd dheere se uske muh se nikal gaye.

***

At the same time...
Madrid, Spain,
Evening 7:11 PM ~

Madrid me abhi poori tarah raat nahi chhaayi thi. Rafael Ibanez ki maut se Spain achraj me zaroor tha.

Krodh me nahi, na hi sadme me. Bas, taajub me. Kyunki, maut medical kaarano ki wajah se hui thi. Shaant. Bina kisi virodh ke, bina kisi haadse ke.

Aur, maut ki khabar abhi bas baahar aayi thi. Abhi poore Spain ke logo tak ise pahuchne me samay tha. Jaise-jaise khabar aag ki tarah felni waali thi, waise-waise hi aakrosh, afwaaho ke janm lene ki sambhavnaaye bhi zyada thi.

Lekin, koi tha aaj jo poornta iss vishay ko lekar sunishchit tha. Kael chhato se hote hue aise daud raha tha maano jaise woh sadak par daud raha ho. Aur, phir usne chhalaang lagaayi.

Teen manzil ki building ki uchaayi se woh yuhi kood gaya. Aur, uski nazar saamne kayi acre ke andar pheli uss imaarat par tik gayi. Vishal. Jagmagati raushniyo se raushan. Agal-bagal khule maidaan se ghiri.

Alejandro ki khud ki zameen. Uska ghar.

Chappe chappe pe bhayanak pehra laga hua tha. Security andar se lekar baahar gates tak tainaat thi. Aur, andar Alejandro. Yaani ki Spain ke naye PM candidate ka ab ekmaatr daavedaar. Kyunki, Rafael Ibanez, uska virodhi kuchh kshan pehle hi mrityu ke ghaat utar chuka tha.

Kael ke haath sehej gati se chale. Usne apna ajeeb sa hathiyaar, jo uski peeth par bandha hua tha, use kheench ke baahar nikaala.

Taraazu jaisa dikhne waala woh hathiyar do badi-badi gol discs se bana tha, jaha dono hi discs ek lambi chain se bandhi hui thi.

Usne apne haath jhatke, aur uske trenchcoat ke andar aasteen me bandhi aur adhik chain neeche gir gayi. Phir, usne chain pakad-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Dono bhaari bharkam discs hawa me ghumaayi. Discs aur zanzeer hawa ko cheerte hue sarsara rahi thi.

*Fwoosh* *Fwoosh*

Usne ek jhatke me unn dono discs ko upar hawa me feka, dono discs gol ghumti hui uchaayi me udi, boundary wall ko paar karte hue andar gayi aur andar ki deewar se bhidte hue, upar ki tek se lagte hue phass gayi.

Kael ne zanzeer ko kass ke pakda. Aur, woh phir kooda.

Zanzeer zor se awaaz kari aur Kael aage ki orr khinch gaya. Hawa me. Usne apni dono discs ko hooks ki tarah deewar me phasaate hue khud ko upar kheench liya. Aur, palak jhapakte hi woh boundary wall ke upar tha.

Uske upar aate hi-

Sirens aur alarms turant hi baj uthe.

Poore ilaake me laal battiyaan chamak uthi. Floodlights ghoomne lagi. Neeche maujood security harqat me aa gayi, hathiyaar upar uth gaye aur sankshipt aadesho me awaaz goonjne lagi.

Sab ne use dekha. Unki aankhein aashcharya me feli hui thi. Kyunki, upar deewar par khada shaks koi aam shaks nahi tha.

Poora Madrid use 'Kael, the saviour' ke naam se jaanta tha. Ye baat zaroor thi ki kisi ko bhi yeh gyaat nahi tha ki Kael ek systems holder bhi tha. Siwaaye, Alejandro ke.

Kael unki tani hui bandook dekh ke bhi tass se mass nahi hua.

Woh deewar par khada raha, hawa me uska kaala trench coat lehra raha tha, raushni me kaale-safed ka uske chehre ka paint chamak raha tha. Spain ka shaant nyayadheesh, akhirkar sabke saamne tha.

Rafael Ibanez ki maut ki khabar uske dimag me goonj rahi thi. Kael ne Alejandro ko kayi mahino se gaur kiya tha. Uske paapo ko gina tha. Saiyyam bhi barta tha. Magar, Alejandro ne uski chetaavniyo ko har baar ansuna kar diya tha.

Magar, aaj hui Rafael ki maut ne paasa palat diya. Building ke andar monitors on the. Kayi saare cameras Kael par kendrit the. Aur, Alejandro andar se sab kuchh dekh raha tha. Chehre par koi bhaav nahi the.

Kael ki oonchi awaaz poore ilaake me goonj uthi.

Kael : ALEJANDRO!!! Maine tumhe kayi baar andekha kiya. Tumhare paap. Tumhare bure karam. Tumhari deals. Tumhari khamoshi. Sab kuchh.

Rifles uski chhaati ki orr tik gayi. Security ke logo ki ungliyaan bandook ke trigger par jamm gayi.

Kael : Maine tumhe chetaavni di thi!! Uss X se dur raho. Baar-baar. Par, tumhare paapo ka ghada bhar chuka hai, Alejandro! Aur, mein Spain ko iski qeemat nahi chukaane dunga.

*Silence*

Agle hi kshan ek intercom se Alejandro ki awaaz aayi, tez aur gusse se bhari hui.

Alejandro : Nikal jao, Kael! Aur, ek official PM candidate par aarop lagaana band kar do. Khaaskar, bina kisi saboot ke. Humaare 'Rafael Ibanez' ke guzar jaane ke dukhad samachar se hum sab shok mana rahe hai. Abhi bhi mauka hai. Chale jao yaha se.

Kael : Mein sab jaanta hu... ki tum kitne doodh ke dhule hue ho.

Usne apni chain uthaayi aur use apni ek ungli par tikaaya. Dono bhaari discs ek samaan swatantra roop se latak rahi thi. Ekdum sthir.

Ek pal ke liye dono hi discs ka waza baraabar tha. Tabhi-

*Ding*

"JUDGEMENT!!!"

Kael ke mukh se shabd nikalte hi, achanak hi, uski ungli par chain ki madad se latak rahi baayi disc neeche jhuk gayi. Kisi taraazu ki tarah.

Jaadu se nahi. Parinaam swaroop. Uss bhaar ke peechhe Alejandro ka bura karm chhipa hua tha.

Alejandro : Dekh kya rahe ho murkho!!? Humla karo!!! YE SARASAR TERRORISM HAI!!!

Uske kehte hi uski security ne-

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Goliyaan barsaani shuru kar di. Par, Kael apni jagah se gaayab ho chuka tha.

Achanak hi-

*Boom*

Woh itni zor se neeche aake land kiya ki neeche ke patthar ukhadte hue hawa me udd gaye. Uski nazar baaj ki tarah unn sab par tik gayi.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Woh apni jagah se gaayab hua-

*Swoosh*

Jaise hi kuchh bullets uske badan par lagne ko aayi-

*Clang* *Clang*

Usne apne hathiyaar ki discs shield ki tarah kheenchi aur sabhi bullets uss par lagte hi ricochet ho gayi.

"Huh?? K-Kya???"

Security waale taajub theek se dikha paate ki uske pehle hi-

*Ding*

"AUTHORITY ZONE!!!"

Usne apne muh se kuchh kaha. Aur, uski discs hawa me ghoomte hue aayi.

"Aaarghhh!"

" Bluerghh!"

" Ughhh!"

Ek saath teen logo ko hawa me udaate hue discs saaye-saaye ghoomte hue kohraam machaane lagi.

*BAAAMMMMM* *BAAAMMMMM*

Unhe zameen par patakte hue woh unhe zameen ke andar dhasa deta, aur grip banaate hue chain ko kheench apne aap ko launch karta.

"Aaarghhh!!!"

Imaarat cheekhon se goonj uthi. Kael ki chained discs aisa hahakaar macha rahi thi jaise maano kisi daitya ko khula chhor diya ho.

Uski disc hawa me sarraate-daar tareeke se ghoomte hue ek aadmi ki orr aayi.

"Bluerghh"

Aadmi ke muh se khoon nikla, woh disc se bhida aur kayi feet dur jaake gir pada.

Kael ne jaise hi uss disc ko wapas kheencha, disc hawa me ghoomte hue uski orr waapas aane lagi. Par...

Woh uchka. Hawa me wapas aati disc par hi apni laat rakh, use kisi foothold ki tarah istemal kar woh ek aur chhalaang laga diya.

Maano double jump ka usne asli tareeka dhoondh liya tha. Aur, apni doosri disc ko upar phekte hue usne pehli manzil ki khidki par phasaaya aur-

*Schling*

Khud ko seedhe pehli manzil ke andar le gaya jaha Alejandro andar maujood tha.

Jab Alejandro ne cameras me ye dekha toh woh ek pal ke ghabra utha.

'Nahi nahi! Sab plan ke according jaa raha hai. Mujhe darrna nahi hai.'

[Run. This is the right time, Alejandro.]

Uske mann me ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

'Huh? Abhi?'

[Haan, abhi! Warna-]

Kael ke daaye-baaye lambe-lambe corridor the. Aur, baayi taraf hi Alejandro baitha hua tha.

Kael muda. Aur, baayi orr chalne laga. Chalte-chalte hi usne apni disc itni zor se deewar ki orr pheki ki-

*Swish*

Disc deewar ke upar se lag ke kisi frisbee ki tarah ghoomti hui aage badhi. Kael khud bhi iss dauraan daanav ki tarah aage badh raha tha.

Corridor ke mod par disc aate hi mod ke andar ghus gayi aur usi dauraan Kael ne ek jhatke me apni disc kheench li.

Na jaane kis dhaatu ki woh disc bani thi, jaise hi Kael ne use apni orr kheencha, mudte waqt deewar se takraane ke chalte-

*BAAMMMMMMM*

Deewar ke parchhatte udd gaye. Aur, aadhi deewar hi dhass gayi. Dhool, dhua hawa me udd gaya.

Aur, giri hui deewar se hi use nazar aaya- Alejandro ka dara hua chehra.

"ALEJANDRO!!!!"

Kael dahaada. Magar, Alejandro taiyaar tha. Woh ek jhatke me bhaaga.

Kael uske peechhe dauda...! Alejandro jaise sab kuchh taiyaar kar ke baitha hua tha.

Jaise hi Kael uski orr Alejandro khidki ki taraf dauda.

[Nahi. Use jaane nahi dena, Kael!]

Andar se ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

Kael ne zor se apni disc pheki-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Magar-

*Craaaashhhhhhh*

Disc khidki ko cheerte hue baahar nikal gayi. Lekin, Alejandro pehle hi khidki se kood chuka tha.

Kael jaise hi khidki ke nazdeek pahucha toh use ab tak ka sabse bada jhatka laga.

[We lost. It was a trap.]

Uske andar se awaaz aayi.

Kyunki, saamne-

Janta ka dher saara samooh uss orr badh raha tha. Neeche Alejandro ek rescue jump cushion par land kiya tha.

Logo ko jamawda? Wo cameras sirf Kael par nazar rakhne ke liye nahi the. Woh cameras livestreaming kar rahe the.

Kael ne jo kuchh bhi kiya, woh porre Spain me broadcast ho chuka tha. Aur, ab Spain hi nahi, shayad poore vishwa me bhi.

Kya hoga agar ek PM candidate ki maut ke baad, agle PM candidate ke upar bhi humla ho jaaye?

Wahi hua tha.

Jo Rafael Ibanez ki maut ka aarop Alejandro par lagna chaahiye tha, woh Alejandro ne chalaaki se Kael ki upar thop diya tha. Aur, na sirf itna balki use janta ke saamne ye bhi dikha diya tha ki Kael uski khud ki jaan bhi lene aaya hua tha.

[Run! Kael!]

Ek system holder hone ke naate Kael ab logo ki nazro me aur bhi achhe se aa gaya tha. Uska iss hisaab se ladna, koodna, goliyon se bachna.

Na chaahte hue bhi-

Kael ke paas ek hi vikalp tha.

Yaha se bhaagna.

Aur, usne wahi kiya. Security, police uske peechhe bhaagi par bhala ek system holder ko wo kaise pakad sakti thi?

'Kael, the saviour' jo social media par kaafi charchit tha, ab 'Kael, the maniac' ke naam se mashoor hone laga. Ye raat Kael ke liye bahut kuchh badalne waali thi.

Jaise hi woh apne hideout par lauta...

Toh uska phone baj utha. Bhaagne se Kael ki saansein tez thi. Phone par naam dekhte hi usne ek jhatke me hi call utha liya.

Kael : Bolo!

Damian : Pata lag gaya woh kaun hai.

Kael : Kaun?

Damian : Veer Singh! From India.

Aur, bas itna sunn, Kael ne call kaat diya. Usne apni peeth se apne hathiyaar ko hataaya toh wo zor se neeche zameen par gir gaya.

Usne apni mej par rakhe uss khat ko dekha.

SUMMIT ka invitation.

Jidhar na jaane ka usne faisla kar liya tha. Magar, Damian ke muh se naam sunte hi-

Woh faisla ab badal chuka tha.

***

26th January,
Suhana's house,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Ghar ke baahar aake ek gaadi ruki, headlights bujhi, aur Veer sabse pehle baahar nikla. Proper neat and clean suit me. Haav-bhaav shaant.

Darwaaza band karne se pehle usne peechhe dickey se ek gift packed hua nikaala aur haatho me liya. Erica bhi baahar aa chuki thi.

Woh toh maano damak rahi thi, perro par thirak rahi thi, uski aankhein chamak rahi thi. Woh Suhana ke ghar ko dekhti aur phir Veer ko, phir ghar ko aur phir Veer ko, maano kehna chaah rahi ho ki hum kab andar chalenge?

Veer : Sab taiyaar hai na?

Erica me turant hi, thoda jaldi me hi sirr hilaaya.

Erica : Sab taiyaar hai. Every detail. Maine do baar check kiya hai. Nahi, balki teen baar hehe.

Veer ne apne cufflinks theek kiye aur ek baar gate ki orr dekha.

Veer : We got one shot at this. Don't mess it up.

Erica dheere se hasi.

Erica : Yes boss! Don't worry hehe. Mein sab sambhaal lungi.

Veer : Yeah. Kyunki, hum dono hi hai. Media aur company ke saamne sab kuchh reveal karne ke baad Ava busy hai. Aur, Garofano business clients se deal kar rahi hai. It's just you and me.

Erica : Kuchh bhi gadbad nahi hogi. You just have to believe in me. *winks*

Veer (smiles) : Alright! Let's go!

Erica : Yesss boss~

Aur, dono hi andar ki orr chal pade.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
Dhanyavad. Target remains the same as previous one. Note iske neeche mention hai, padhna mat bhoolna.

Superb post

 

[supersonic12345]

Assume whatever you think is possible.
Rebecca bhi toh ek system holder hone ke baad X ke under hi kaam kar rahi hai na?

rebecca to majboor hai ... dhe is unwilling to work under X

 

[ayush01111]

F

Update - 210 ~ The Man between the rooms​

Sonia wahi khadi thi jaha Suhana use chhor kar gayi thi. Lobby ki lights jagmaga rahi thi. Andar hall se hasi-khushi ki awaazein aa rahi thi, taaliyon ki gadgadahat abhi bhi kahi na kahi rafta-rafta sunaayi pad rahi thi, jaise ye tay tha ki aaj ki raat toh keval aur keval Elite Motors ki aan, baan aur shaan ki raat thi.

Kintu, Sonia ke vichaar kahi aur hi the.

“You lost the biggest deal of your life.”

Kya matlab tha iska? Ve shabd Sonia ke seene ko chhalni kar gaye. Suhana ne iske pehle kabhi uss se aise baat nahi ki thi. Woh toh humesha taali bajaati, galey lagti, uska protsaahan badhaati, aur yeh kehne waali pehli hoti thi ki- ‘Tumne kar dikhaaya, Sonu.’

Tab bhi jab Sonia ko khud par yakeen nahi hota tha. Har qamyabi par woh uske bagal se khadi hoti thi.

Magar, aaj-

Woh bhaag nikli. Use akela chhor. Sonia tezi se mudi aur main hall ki taraf wapas se daudi.

‘N-No-!’

Uski saansein tez thi. Main hall logo se abhi bhi khacha-khach bhara hua tha. Bade-bade diggaj uske mata-pita ke chaaro orr khade hue the, apne chehro par saji-dhaji muskaan liye. Uske pita ki hasi garv se bharpoor zor se goonj rahi thi. Maa shaleenta banaaye hue chehre par muskaan bikhere sabhi se mil rahi thi.

Shailendra : Sonia beta, idhar aao. Inse milo zara!

Uske pita ne use pukaara. Woh ruki. Lagataar kayi haath uski orr badhe.

“Congratulations. Your presentation was just impeccable.”

Sonia : Th-Thank you!

Jawaab uske muh se apne-aap baahar aa gaya, kyunki aankhein toh hall me chaaro orr Suhana ki talaash me mandra rahi thi.

Hall ke uss paar, bheed ke peechhe, usne dekha-

Suhana corridor se guzar kar washroom ki taraf jaate hue use dikhi. Qadam bahut tez the. Jaise shayad woh nahi chaahti thi ki koi uska peechha kare ya use dekhe.

‘D-Dii-!’

Sonia ki saans atak gayi. Uski badi behan iss qadar kyu bhaag rahi thi? Use akela chhor ke kyu? Akhir, usne aisa kya kho diya tha jiska Suhana zikr kar rahi thi?

Woh aage badhi.

Namrita : Sonia-!

Uski maa ne dheere se use pukaara, aur apni ungliyaan uski kalaayi par baandh use pakda.

Namrita : Aao! *smiles* Tumhe kisi se milwaana hai.

Sonia : M-Mom, ek second please, mein-

Namrita use apne saath laate hue kuchh logo ke ghere ke beech le gayi, jaha ek se badhkar ek businessman aur unki patniya maujood thi. Usi ghere me koi aur bhi khada hua tha, jiske hontho par muskaan, Sonia ko aata dekh ke hi phel chuki thi.

Namrita : Ye… Inhe toh tum jaanti hi hogi, hai na? Tanishq. Mister Malhotra ji ka beta hai ye, mujhe toh aaj pata chala haha. *smiles* Tum dono pehle bhi toh mil chuke ho na? Aao na beta, Tanishq. Tum dono jaake baat kyu nahi karte?

Tanishq wahi tha jiski wajah se Sonia ne Casa Belle me hi pichhli baar Veer ko chhor deal sign kari thi. Wahi aadmi jo Autoshield jaisi company ko sambhaal raha tha. Autoshield India me ek jaana-maana naam tha. Elite Motors ke baad agar koi naam aata tha toh woh Autoshield ka hi hota tha. Aur, khaas baat yeh ki Tanishq Malhotra Sonia ke suitors me se ek tha.

Sonia ki nigaahein Tanishq par phiri aur Tanishq ki Sonia par.

Tanishq (smiles) : Ji, aunty. Inhe kaun nahi jaanta? *smiles* By the way, hum partners bhi hai. Maine invest kiya hua hai. Miss Sonia? Aapne bataaya nahi kya apni mom ko?

Sonia : M-Mein-! H-Hello!

Sonia ne Tanishq se haath milaaya, Tanishq ka haath kuchh zyaada hi derr tak Sonia ke haath ko thaam ke rakha raha. Tanishq ka uski company ke saath tie-up tha. Ve dono partners the. Casa Belle me pichhli baar Unicard launch ke function ke dauraan dono ke beech bahut badi 120 crore ki deal bhi sign hui thi. Aise me Sonia use nazar-andaaz nahi kar sakti thi. Aaj ki iss prastuti ke baad toh bilkul bhi nahi. Sahi maayno me dekha jaaye toh yahi ek uchit nirnay tha.

Magar, aaj Tanishq bhi- ya yu kahe ki 120 crore ki deal bhi Suhana ke saamne haar chuki thi.

Tanishq : Miss Sonia! Shall we-

Sonia : I’m- I’m sorry! Mujhe abhi jaana hoga.

Kehte hue woh waha se palti aur seedhe washroom ki orr bhaagi.

Tanishq : ???

Namrita : Um… Shayad… Washroom gayi hai. *smiles* Tum baitho na beta.

Qadam-qadam par koi use rokta. Ek aur badhaayi. Ek aur muskaan. Magar, uska dhyaan sirf aur sirf abhi Suhana ki orr hi khich raha tha. Uski badi behan bina matlab ke kabhi aisi baatein nahi kehti thi.

Sonia ne akhirkar khud ko bheed se alag kiya, woh logo ke beech se nikalte hue kinaare corridor ki orr badhi, qadam ab tezi se badh rahe the. Dhairya tootata jaa raha tha.

“Dii-!”

“Dii-!”

Theek usi kshan hall ke ek dusre chhor se Ruchika bhi chillaate hue aage badhi. Sonia aur Ruchika, dono ek-dusre ke bagal se aakar jhatke-se ruk gayi.

Ruchika (surprised) : A-Aap-!?

Sonia : Tum-!?

Unn dono ke muh se nikla. Sonia ki nigaahein theek Ruchika ke haath par gayi, jo kuchh thaame hue tha. Suchika ka mask.

Yeh ehsaas hote hi Sonia ka seena bhaari ho utha. Suchika ka mask Ruchika ke haath me? Shayad, iska matlab- Suchika ka cover blow ho chuka tha. Par, sawaal tha, kaise?

Aur, jawab tha : Nishaan aur harqat.

Deal mil jaane ke baad jab jashn shuru hua, taaliyon ne hall ko apne shor se dhaka, tab Ruchika ki nigaahein keval ek ladki par tiki hui thi, aur woh thi : Sonia ki nayi-naveli secretary.

Use Casa Belle ke Unicard launch ke function par hui woh pehli mulaqat yaad aa gayi. Uss raat jab Ruchika ne use pehli baar dekha tha-

Ruchika (eyes profusely) : Who are you?

Suchika : *raises eyebrow*

Sonia : Where are your manners? Don't you know that before asking someone's name, you should introduce yourself first.

Kaera : !!??

Ruchika (bows) : I'm sorry Miss! I was just wondering, who might be this new person?

Sonia (smiles) : Woh meri secretary hai. Private secretary. I don't think ki mujhe uske baare me sabhi ko batana zaroori hai. Right?

Ruchika : I understand!

Sonia : Good!

Pichhli baar, kuchh iss tarah se Sonia ne Suchika ke baare me bataane se taal diya tha. Aur, tab se hi woh Ruchika ke radar me chadhi hui thi. Bas, yahi ek kaaran nahi tha. Suchika ki qad-kaathi, uska rang, baal, pehanane-odhne ka dhang, uski aankhein, ye sab aur bhi cheezein baya kar rahi thi.

Isliye, jab jashn ke dauraan sabhi ki nazrein ICONGLOBE aur Elite Motors ke logo par jami, tab-

Ruchika baaz ki tarah apni aankhein Suchika par gadaaye hue thi, aur beshaq tabhi-

‘Huh?’

Achanak, Suchika kuchh neeche gire samaan ko uthaane ke liye jhuki, uski dress ki collar ke aas-paas ka hissa halka-sa gravity ke chalte neeche latka aur uske seene par laga ek nishaan Ruchika ko nazar aa gaya.

Ek gehra nishaan. Ek ajeeb-sa nishaan jo janm se hi use praapt hua tha. Yahi nahi, use uthaate hi woh apni jagah par jyo ki tyo khadi ho gayi. Lekin, uski mudra-

Uski mudra ajeeb thi. Ek taang halki-si peechhe, uske ek haath ki kalaayi dusre haath me aur ek ajeeb harqat. Kalaayi ko ungliyon se ragadna. Yeh ek aisi harqat thi jo Suchika ko shayad khud bhi nahi pata thi ki woh yeh karti thi.

A subconscious habit. Ek aisi aadat jo insaan bina jaane bhi karta hai, uska shareer uss se karwa deta hai, ek muscle memory ke roop me. Aur, Suchika ki aadat thi, woh khushi me aur chinta me, dono hi avsar par woh yeh harqat karti thi. Kalaayi ko ragadna.

Ek aadat jo Ruchika humesha-se hi apni behan ki gaur kiya karti thi. Parantu, kabhi tokti nahi thi. Aur, uska na tokna hi aaj kaam aaya. Agar ateet me kabhi usne iss aadat ko lekar sawaal poochha hota toh shayad Suchika aaj iss baat ka yaha dhyaan rakhti aur Ruchika use pakad nahi paati.

Nishaan aur harqat. Dono teer sahi jagah par lage the. Isme koi shaq nahi tha ab ki Miss Sonia ki secretary koi aur nahi, uski apni badi behan, Suchika hi thi.

Aur, yahi jaan ke woh uski orr bhaagi. Apni orr apni chhoti behan ko aata dekh Suchika seedhe mudi, aur washroom ki taraf bhaagi. Qadam pehle tez hue, aur jab usne dekha ki Ruchika theek uski orr hi badh rahi hai toh qadam daud me tabdeel ho gaye.

“Wait-!!!”

Ruchika peechhe se zor se chillaayi. Woh apni poori taaqat se bhaagi. Iske pehle ki Suchika washroom me ghus paati, Ruchika ne uski kalaayi pakad use kheencha, use moda aur ek hi jhatke me-

*Snatch*

Usne Suchika ke chehre se wo kaala mask kheench liya. Mask hatate hi saari ki saari sacchaayi jo ab tak sanshay ke bhaav me thi, woh pukhta sach bann kar saamne aa gayi.

Ruchika ki aankhein vismay me chaudi ho gayi. Use yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Uski apni badi behan? Woh jo ghar chhor ke bhaag gayi thi woh Miss Sonia ki secretary thi?

Iske pehle ki woh apni hairangi se baahar aa paati, Suchika mauka dekh washroom me ghus chuki thi.

“Nahiiii-!!! Rukiye-!!”

Theek usi samay, Suhana, Suchika ke bagal waale washroom cubicle me ghus gayi. Aur, aise hi dono badi behne apni chhoti behno se nazrein churaate hue washroom me aa kar khud ko chhipa baithi.

Sonia : Dii-!!! Dii, gate kholiye.

Sonia ki awaaz Ruchika ko apne vichaaro se baahar laayi.

Sonia (shouts) : Dii!!

Usne phir se pukaara, iss baar aur bhi zor se.

Ruchika (yells) : Dii! Dii, baahar aaiye. Ab chhipne se kuchh nahi hone waala. Mein kehti hu baahar aaiye.

Suhana. Suchika. Do naam. Do behne. Dono ek-dusre ke bagal se band cubicle me, maano niyati ne unhe yaha ek saath fasaane ki saazish ki ho.

Sonia ekdum sthir khadi thi, ungliyaan mutthi me bhinchi hui. Hall me pehle uske chehre par jo muskaan thi, woh ab gaayab ho chuki thi, uski jagah ab shikan ne leli thi.

10 billion dollars. Baahar har koi iska jashn mana raha tha. Toh, phir uske seene me yeh jakdan kyun mehsoos ho rahi thi?

“You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu.”

Shabd uske dimaag se nikal hi nahi rahe the. Ve theek nahi baith rahe the. Suhana kabhi betuki baat karti hi nahi thi. Kabhi naatak ya iss tarah ka mazaak bhi nahi. Aur, na hi woh iss tarah se rokar bhaagti thi.

Dusri orr, Ruchika ek pal ke liye idhar se udhar tehli, phir ruk gayi. Uska dil itni tezi se dhadak raha tha ki ab toh chhaati me bhi dard uthne laga tha. Mask, uske haath me abhi bhi jakda hua, sikuda hua, maano ab bhula diya gaya ho.

Kyu aayi ho ab yaha?
Kaha thi itne saal?
Wapas kyun nahi aayi?
Jab maa rote-rote apni raatein kaatati rahi, tab kaha thi?
Jab baba ka samaaj me apmaan hua, tab kaha thi?

Bahut saare sawaal the Ruchika ke andar. Magar, na hi Suchika aur na hi Suhana, dono hi baahar aake apni chhoti behan ka saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Washroom ke cubicle ke andar sannata chhaaya hua tha.

Suhana tiles ki deewar se tek laga kar khadi hui thi, aankhein laal, palkein aasuon se bheegi aur chipchipi, gaalon par aasuon ke nishaan jo saboot the ki unhe zor se pochha gaya tha. Usne apne honth kasskar band kiye, apni saanson ki sthir karne ki koshish ki. Abhi nahi. Yaha nahi. Woh yaha aur koi drishya nahi khada karna chaahti thi.

Uske bagal ke cubicle se, Suchika band toilet lid par baithi, kohniyaan ghutno par rakhe, zameen ko ghoor rahi thi. Royi toh woh bhi thi. Chupchaap. Aaj bas nahi. Saalo-saal. Varsho tak bhaagne, chhipne, dikhaava karne ne use kathor bana diya tha, lekin itna bhi nahi ki veh iss dard ko seh sake.

*Knock* *Knock*

Darwaaze par khat-khatahat hui.

Sonia : Suhana di-! Please, baahar aaiye.

Usne phir kaha, ab awaaz thodi dheemi thi, lekin ab zidd bhi shaamil thi.

Ruchika : Di-! Baahar aaiye. Mein jaanti hu aap andar ho. Bas bhi karo ab. Baahar aao! Abhi!!!

Thodi derr ki khamoshi. Phir, darwaaze ke khulne ki awaaz aayi. Aur, dono hi darwaaze lagbhag ek saath khule.

Sonia ne sehej roop se pehle qadam uthaaya. Usne Suhana ki orr haath badhaaye aur uski baahein pakad li.

Sonia : Di-!! Kya tha yeh sab, huh? What was that? Aapne baahar lobby me wo sab kya kaha? Tell me!!! Answer me!!

Suhana ne nazrein pher li aur jaldi se apni aankhein mal li.

Suhana : K-Kuchh bhi toh nahi, Sonu. Mera dhyaan kahi aur tha. M-Mere dimaag me kuchh aur chal raha tha.

Usne bahut hi jaldi me jawaab diya.

Suhana : M-Mein itna khush thi ki- ki kuchh ka kuchh bol gayi. Mein kisi aur deal ke baare me soch rahi thi aur uss baare me wo-

Sonia (frowns) : That’s not it! Mein bewakoof nahi hu, di!!

Uske sawaal jaari the jab yaha bagal se Ruchika maano jamm si gayi. Suchika uske saamne khadi hui thi, chehra iss baar bina kisi naqaab ke, nirjeev sa aur asahaay. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi bhi nahi bola. Phir-

Suchika (smiles weakly) : Ruchi!

Ruchika ki saans jaise galey me hi atak gayi.

Woh naam. Saalo se kisi ne use iss naam se nahi pukaara tha. Iss tarah se toh kabhi bhi nahi. Uska gussa pal bhar ke liye choor-choor ho gaya. Ek bebasi ne balki jagah leli.

Aankhein namm ho chali. Lekin, woh ek baar zor se hasi. Hasi lagbhag tooti hui si thi.

Ruchika : Toh, aapko yeh naam bhi yaad hai, huh?

Usne jhallate hue kaha aur aage badhkar Suchika ki kalaayi jakad li.

Ruchika : Itne saalo baad bhi? Kyun? K-Kidhar thi aap? Ab yaha kyun aayi ho? Itne saalo ke baad bhi ab kyu mujhe aap uss naam se-

Suchika (naazuk muskaan liye) : Mein kabhi bhooli hi nahi thi, Ruchi.

Ruchika (yells) : Aapko aise kehne ka haq nahi!! *sniff* Aap saalo tak gaayab rehkar phir mujhe aise nahi bula sakti jaise kuchh hua hi na ho.

Suchika ne halki si muskaan di aur akhirkar uski aankhon se aansu behne lage.

Suchika : Maine tumhe bahut yaad kiya. Har din.

Ruchika hasi. Ek bedum hasi. Lagbhag siski jaisi.

Ruchika : M-Mujhe yaad kiya? *sniff*

Usne mask ko Suchika ki chhaati me dhakelte hue dohraaya.

Ruchika (shouts) : Aap bhaag gayi!!! Ghar se bhaagi ho aap!! Kabhi lauti bhi nahi! Kisi ko yeh tak nahi pata tha ki aap zinda bhi ho ya-!? *sniff* Aur, ab aap yaha ho? *glances* Miss Sonia ke liye kaam kar rahi ho?

Uske shabd tezi se nikle. Bahut tezi se. Sawaal ek ke baad ek aaye. Kaha thi aap? Wapas kyun nahi aayi? Koi andaaza bhi hai ki maa-baba ka kya haal hua hoga?

Suchika ne haath aage badhaaya, thoda jhijhaki, phir dheere se Ruchika ke gaal ko sehlaayi.

Suchika : M-Mein sharminda thi. *sniff* Dari hui thi. Aur, jab akhirkar aana chaahti thi… tab himmat nahi hui.

Ruchika ne Suchika ka haath jhatak diya. Uski bhavnaaye ek-saath umad padi. Usne agle hi pal Suchika ko kasskar apne galey se laga liya, phir utni hi zor se peechhe bhi dhakel diya.

Ruchika (quivers) : Paagal ho aap! Ek number ki paagal ho. I hate you! Aapko zara bhi andaaza hai ki- *sniff* ki aapne hum sabke saath kya kiya? Kabhi aisa dobaara karne ki sochna bhi mat! I swear warna mein-

Suchika (smiles) : Nahi karungi. Kasam khaati hu.

Sonia ne bagal se dekha, Suchika-Ruchika ke milan ki teevrata ne use pal bhar ke liye vichlit kar diya tha. Lekin, Suhana ke dur jaane ki koshish karte hi uska dhyaan waapas se uski orr laut aaya.

Sonia : Di! Aap iss tarah se mujhe bina kuchh bataaye nahi jaa sakti. Kya kho diya maine? Kaun si deal? Kya nuksaan hua? Kya baat kar rahi thi aap? Aur, aap ro kyu rahi thi?

Suhana ne ek gehri saans li. Woh kuchh kehti ki tabhi-

“Suhana!!!”

Hall me se washroom corridor tak aate hue ek jaani-pehchaani awaaz goonji. Suhana ka badan thitur gaya. Raungte khade ho gaye. Awaaz Gaurav ki thi.

“Suhana!!!” Usne phir se awaaz lagaayi. Abki baar corridor ke aur qareeb aate hue.

Suhana peechhe hati, uske chehre par ghabrahat jhalak rahi thi.

Suhana : B-Baad me, Sonu. M-Mujhe jaana hoga.

Woh mudi, lekin Sonia ne uski kalaayi thaam li. Kasskar.

Sonia : Bina mujhe sach bataaye aap kahi nahi jaane waali, di! Meri taraf dekhiye!

“Suhana!” Gaurav ne phir pukaara.

Suhana : Let it go, Sonu!!!

Sonia : Bilkul nahi. Jab tak aap mujhe bata nahi deti, mein aapko nahi chhorne waali. Tell me! What was all that about? Kyu rote hue aap aayi aur mujhse yeh boli ki- ‘You lost the biggest deal of your life, Sonu!’ Kya matlab tha iska? Answer me, di!

Suhana ne ek pal ke liye apni aankhein band kar li. Ek pal ke liye laga jaise woh toot jaayegi aur sach bol degi. Magar, phir usne aankhein kholi, darr par dridh sankalp haawi ho gaya.

Suhana : Bata dungi. Par, abhi nahi. Yaha nahi.

Usne Sonia ki ungliyon ko dheere se chhuraaya, waha se nikli aur corridor me uski heels ki awaaz goonjti chali gayi.

Sonia wahi khadi reh gayi. Stabdh. Uska haath abhi bhi aadha hawa me utha hua tha, jisey Suhana ne pakad ke alag kiya tha. Uski nazar bagal me gayi.

Ruchika aur Suchika ab paas khadi thi. Dabi awaaz me, bhaavukta se bhari behas kar rahi thi. Aansu, gussa, raahat, saalo ki kasar ek naazuk pal me nikal rahi thi.

Sonia unhe dekhti rahi, uske seene me bechaini aur gehri hoti chali gayi. Jaha ek taraf do behne varsho baad ek ho rahi thi, toh wahi iss orr lag raha tha jaise do humesha se ekta me rehne waali behne juda ho rahi ho.

Suhana ka jo bhi iraada raha ho, jo bhi kehna raha ho, woh zubaan phisalne se nahi hua tha. Aur, aaj raat yaha jo kuchh bhi shuru hua tha, woh khatm nahi hua tha.

***

Jab Kaera ghar lauti toh waha sannaata pasra hua tha. Galiyaare me battiyaan halki-halki jal rahi thi. Khuli khidkiyo se raat ki hawa ki halki-halki mehek aa rahi thi. Skylight ke ground floor par awaazein goonj rahi thi, kyunki uske pita, bhai aur baaki sabhi Casa Belle se laut kar aa chuke the.

Kaera pehle hi apne kapde badal chuki thi. Woh apne kamre ki lambi kaanch ki khidki ke paas khadi hui thi aur ghar ke bageeche ke paar sheher ki raushni ko nihaar rahi thi, tabhi usne apne peechhe ek halchal mehsoos ki.

Julia.

Woh abhi-abhi uski floor me uske kamre me aayi thi, aasteene upar chadhi hui thi, baal humesha ki tarah bun me bandhe hue, maano raat uske liye kuchh khaas na rahi ho, woh wapas se apne ghar ke kaam-kaaj me lautne ke liye taiyaar thi, jab-

“Julia,” Kaera ne pukaara.

Julia ne turant hi apni miss ki taraf dekha.

Julia : Ji, miss?

Kaera mudi nahi. Uski nigaahein abhi bhi baahar tiki hui thi.

Kaera : I kissed.

Bas ek seedha vaakya. Julia wahi sthir jamm ke reh gayi.

Julia : Huh?

Uski aankhein chaudi ho gayi, uske chehre par taajub jhalak raha tha.

Julia : What? Young miss you… you kissed?

Kaera ne ek baar haami bhari.

Julia : W-Who? K-Kiske saath, miss?

Woh poochhte hue anjaane me paas aayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaha? Kaise? Young miss… kya hua?

Uska reaction dekh Kaera ke hontho par halki si muskaan aa gayi. Ek jigyasa se bhari muskaan.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na? Just seal your lips with your partner. And, when you do kiss someone, don’t forget to tell me how it felt. *smiles* Tum mere thoughts jaanana chaahti thi na?

Julia apni miss ki peeth ko ghoorti rahi, use woh din yaad aaya jab usne waqai aisa kuchh Kaera se kaha tha.

Julia : H-Haan par miss… K-Kisey?

Uske mann me kuchh bhi nahi soojh raha tha tabhi use dhyaan aaya ki uski miss keval ek hi insaan ko kiss kar sakti thi. Aur, iski sambhaavna me bhi use poora aatmvishvas nahi tha.

Julia (mutters) : Y-Young master Veer?

Kaera ne uski taraf dekha tak nahi. Bas sirr hilaaya. Aur, Julia ki aankhein aur chaudi ho gayi.

Julia : K-Kab? Kaise? Kab hua ye? Mein toh poore time aapke saath thi, miss.

Kaera : Hall ke baahar. Jab mein waha se jaa rahi thi tab. Baahar driveway me…

Julia ne ek gehri saans li.

Julia : How?

Kaera : What? It just happened. I wanted to kiss him. And, you know what Julia…? Veer ne… mere saath cheat kiya.

Julia : Huhhhh???

Kaera : I mean not in the literal sense. Lekin, haan- usne mujhe dhoka toh diya.

Usne seedhe-saade shabdo me kaha.

Julia : Ch-Cheat? Kaise?

Kaera (sighs) : Woh Suhana ki wajah se gala me aaya tha. Woh uski help kar raha hai. Kuchh zyaada hi. Mujhe nahi pata unke beech kya arrangement hua hai but- he owes her something. Itna toh saaf hai.

Julia ne use gaur se dekha. Bahut gaur se. Aur, use bhi sab kuchh samajh aane laga.

Julia : Aur, iske baad bhi miss- aapne unhe kiss kiya? Kyun?

Kaera (smiles) : Because of him… the betrayal felt real.

Julia ki saansein tham gayi. Asli baat use ab samajh aayi. Kaera palti aur usne Julia ki aankhon me dekha.

Kaera : I felt it, Julia. Sadness. Pain. Disappointment. Being betrayed… Aaj raat maine ye feel kiya. Aur, mein royi bhi.

Julia : Whaaatt???

Kaera (nods) : Hmm. Aankhon me paani tha. Use rona hi kehte hai, hai na? I felt it so strongly because it was him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have cared at all. Aur, isliye- I kissed him. Because I don’t want to let him go.

Kamra ekdum shaant ho gaya.

Julia ne thodi raahat ki saans li, uske mann me baat samajh me aa gayi. Veer ka iraada koi nuksaan pahuchaane ka nahi tha. Agar, hota toh uski miss itna shaant nahi khadi hoti. Woh soch-vichaar nahi kar rahi hoti. Woh muskura nahi rahi hoti. Shayad Veer kisi anchaahe daldal me phasa hua tha. Julia iss paristhiti se itna bhaanp chuki thi.

Julia : Then? H-How did it feel, miss?

Kaera ki nigaahein abki baar prashn par kahi aur bhatak gayi, usne apni ungliyaan uthaayi aur unhe apne honth par aise chhua jaise maano uss pal ko dobaara mehsoos karne ki koshish kar rahi ho.

Kaera : Magnetic! *nods* Yes. That’s the word.

Julia ne palkein jhapkaayi. Usne jitne bhi jawaab soche the, unme se yeh toh bilkul bhi nahi tha.

Julia : Magnetic?

Kaera (nods) : Hmm! Aisa mehsoos hua jaise mujhe kuchh kheench raha tha. Maine apne aap se kuchh nahi kiya tha. Tumne sahi kaha tha. Baad me sab kuchh hota chala jaata hai.

Julia haule se muskuraayi. Chehre par ab raahat thi. Phir, Kaera ne sirr jhukaaya, aur jigyasa uske andar phir se janm leli.

Kaera : Julia. Ab jab maine use kiss kar liya hai, toh iska matlab yahi hai na ki… woh ab mera ho gaya?

Julia : Huh????

Woh Kaera ko hairaani aur darr se dekhi.

Kaera : Tumhi ne toh kaha tha na uss din ki- Miss, when you kiss someone that means… they belong to you.

Sunte hi Julia ke badan ke rue khade ho gaye aur use achanak hi woh pal yaad aaya jab waqai ek din-

Kaera : Julia kiss kisey karte hai?

Julia : Hmm? Jis se aap pyaar karte hai, miss.

Kaera : Pyaar huh? Kaisa hota hai pyaar?

Julia : Pyaar ko samjhaana toh bahut mushqil hai, miss.

Kaera : Toh, kya hum sirf unhi ko kiss kar sakte hai jinhe pyaar karte hai? Maine logo ko apne pets ko kiss karte dekha hai. Toh iska matlab wo unhe pyaar karte hai, hai na?

Julia : Bilkul sahi, miss. Lekin, aisa zaroori nahi hai ki aap kiss sirf apne lover ke saath hi karo. Koi bhi cheez ya insaan jisey aap pyaar karti ho, aap use kiss kar sakti ho.

Kaera : Friend ko bhi?

Julia : Hmm? Haan. It depends. See. When you kiss someone that means they belong to you. Tabhi, toh kiss kiya na?

Kaera (murmurs) : O-Ohh! So, you kiss someone and then… they belong to you. I see.

Julia apni yaado se baahar aayi, phir usne apni young miss ki aankhon me kuchh bhaav dekhe. Calm. Possessive. Certain.

Aur, bas woh mann me hi sochti reh gayi.

‘Oh god! Lagta hai… shayad mujhe miss ko love par lessons dene band karne honge.’
Kyunki, uski kahi gayi baat ka galat interpretation Kaera ne patthar ki lakeer maan ke apna liya tha.

Kaera : After all… he did it with me. Uss raat. Cafe me. Mujhe yaad nahi ki maine use kiss kiya tha ya nahi, lekin- mujhe yaad hai mein uske saath kamre me thi. Aur, mein uske upar thi. Itna mujhe yaad hai.

Julia : …

Kaera ka haath achanak hi uske pait ke nichle hisse ki orr gaya.

Kaera : My hymen is gone. I got it checked. Iska matlab Veer ne uss raat mere saath- we had sex, hai na Julia?

Julia apna muh phaade bas apni miss ko dekhti reh gayi. Bolne laayak koi bhi shabd nahi the uske paas.

Kaera : And now… He belongs to me. Wait! Julia! What does sex feel like?

Jab agla sawaal aaya toh Julia ke paseene chhootne shuru ho gaye.

‘Oh god noooo-!’

***

Casa Belle ke bhavya corporate gala ke baad sheher ne ek raahat ki saans li. Rohan ki car hotel me hue samaroh ke baad raat ke andhere me aise bhaag rahi thi jaise maano sadak uski gulaam ho. Do police vaahan uske aage chal rahe the, do peechhe. Koi siren nahi, koi jaldbazi nahi, koi shor machaane ki zaroorat nahi.

Mumbai central jagmagata hua, bheed aur halchal se bhara nazar aa raha tha.

Rohan sabse pehle baahar nikla. Station me pravesh kiya aur platform par turant halchal mach gayi. Vardi-dhaari adhikari seedhe khade ho gaye. Aam naagrik beech raaste me hi ruk gaye. Uske andar aate hi sabne ek salaami di, uski upasthiti ne sabka dhyaan apni orr kheench liya.

Baat-cheet dheemi pad gayi. Sabki nigaahein uska peechha karne lagi. Pradesh ka DGP akhir aaya hua tha. Rohan ne koi jaldi nahi ki. Woh chupchaap platform par aake ek jagah khada hua.

Saamne lagi train ka ek AC coach ka darwaza halki si sarsarahat ke saath khula. Kuchh police karmi neeche utre, thake hue lekin satark. Aur, unke theek peechhe : Trisha.

Trisha ki nazrein turant hi utarne ke baad Rohan par padi. Uske chehre par kshanik ashcharya jhalak utha. Phir, saiyyam laut aaya. Usne kuchh nahi kaha. Na hi kuchh poochha. Usne bas apne bag ka patta theek kiya aur Rohan ke saamne aa kar ruk gayi. Anya police karmiyo ne Rohan ko salaam kiya.

Rohan ne bas sirr hilaaya. Bas itna hi. Bina kuchh bole woh muda aur baahar nikalne ke liye chal pada. Trisha uske peechhe-peechhe aayi. Dekhne waalo ko yeh ek samaanya drishya lag raha tha ki ek senior adhikari apni team ko le jaane aaya tha. Par, maamla iss se kayi guna gambheer tha.

Baahar, gaadiyon ka kaafila intezar kar raha tha. Rohan ne Trisha ke liye darwaza khola, driver seat par baitha aur Trisha uske bagal se passenger seat par sawaar ho gayi. Engine chaalu hua, aage ki gaadiyaan pehle nikli, Rohan ke liye raasta saaf karte hue aur phir Rohan unke peechhe apni gaadi laga diya.

Kuchh palo ke liye, sheher se guzarne ki awaaz aur gaadi ki halki si sarsarahat ke alawa aur kuchh sunaayi nahi diya. Phir, Rohan ne sadak par nazrein gadaaye hue hi khamoshi ko toda.

Rohan : Kya hua tha?

Trisha ne turant uski orr nahi dekha. Woh car ki windshield par baahar ke nazaare ko ghoor rahi thi. Phir, kshan bhar baad woh boli.

Trisha : Matter almost solve ho gaya hai. Lekin, aur layers jud gayi hai. Kaafi complex case bann gaya hai.

Rohan : Go on!

Trisha : Patna me jis aadmi ko maine pakda, woh waisa tha hi nahi jaisa woh dikhta tha. Ek dhongi tha woh. Baba ke vesh me. Dikhawa kar raha tha. Ghaato par jaata, pravachan deta, adhyatmik baatein karta. Log uss par aankh band kar ke bharosa karne lage the.

Rohan : …

Trisha : Magar, uska asli dhandha shoshan tha. Woh paise waalo ko nishaana banaata tha. Unhe yakeen dilaata tha ki daulat ka koi matlab nahi, phir peeth peechhe apne hi aadmiyo ka istemal kar ke unke parivar ki sampatti lutwa leta tha.

Rohan (frowns) : Naam?

Trisha : Raman!

Akhirkar, woh uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Humne use raaste me pakda. Clean arrest.

Rohan (nods) : Good work. Aur, isliye tumhara transfer-

Trisha : ???

Rohan : Radd kar diya gaya hai.

Trisha ki aankhon ki chamak wapas laut aayi. Chehre par humesha maujood rehne waali kathorta kahi gaayab ho gayi. Raahat uski aankhon me jhalak aayi.

Mumbai. Ghar. Rohan. Pihu. Woh ye sab chhor ke nahi jaana chaahti thi. Aur, usne unhe khone se bacha liya. Sab kuchh waisa hi, pehle jaisa.

Trisha : Thank you~

Rohan ne koi jawab nahi diya. Trisha jaanti thi ki ye transfer yuhi nahi cancel hua hoga. Patna ke case solve hone par appeal Rohan ne hi rakhi hogi. Isliye, waha se uski baat ko suna gaya aur ye tabaadla akhir radd hua.

Kuchh derr ruk kar usne aage kaha.

Trisha : Raman, woh akela kaam nahi kar raha tha. Woh Ranjeet ke saath juda hua tha. Team ne Raman ke phone ko khangaala. Messages. Call log. Paiso ka hisaab-kitaab. Raman use orders deta tha. Operations ko fund karta tha. Ranjeet wahi… Prestige par attack karne waala. Remember?

Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par kass gayi.

Trisha : Raman saare gandey kaam Ranjeet se karwaata tha. Properties seize karna. Daraana-dhamkaana. Violence. Sab kuchh Ranjeet karta tha. Yaha tak ki…

Rohan : ??

Trisha : Ranjeet ne ek Dhananjay naam ke ladke ki hatya bhi kari hai kuchh samay pehle.

Rohan (frowns) : Body?

Trisha (nods) : Mili. Lekin, bahut hi bekaar haalat me. Ranjeet ne Dhananjay ko thikaane laga ke uski alias create ki aur iss tarah se woh Mumbai me aaya.

Rohan (nods) : Aur prestige ka kya kaha?

Trisha : Haan. Ranjeet ke aadmiyon ne hi Prestige par shootout ko anjaam diya tha.

Unke beech phir sannaata chhaa gaya.

Rohan : Agar, Raman sab kuchh tay kar raha tha, theek hai maan liya. Agar, Ranjeet sab kuchh follow kar raha tha, theek hai ye bhi maan liya. Par, Ranjeet Mumbai me aakar akhir… Veer ke peechhe kyu pada?

Trisha thodi derr ke liye jhijhaki.

Trisha : Humne kuchh calls ka data nikalwaya. Jitna pata chala, uss se lagta hai ki Ranjeet Dhananjay ko lootne nikla tha aur phir, waha se Mumbai aa gaya. Achanak. Veer ke hotel par phir wo humla. Call tracing se yahi andaza laga hai ki, woh Veer ko lootne ki firaaq me tha, shayad? Usne socha hoga ki Veer ko side target banaana koi badi baat nahi? Asaan kaam hoga.

Rohan ke maathe par shikan ubhar aayi.

Rohan : Nahi!

Usne sapaat swar me kaha. Trisha uski orr mudi.

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan (frowns) : Ranjeet itne saalo se agar ye kar raha tha toh woh koi bewakoof nahi jo achanak se Mumbai aa jaayega aur hotel par attack kar dega. Hum kuchh andekha kar rahe hai, Trisha.

Trisha : K-Kya?

Rohan : Koi ek link hai jo hum miss kar rahe hai. *frowns* Ranjeet ka achanak Mumbai aana. Ye hi turning point hai. Dhananjay… Ye aadmi-

Trisha : Aadmi nahi, ladka.

Rohan : Haan! *nods* Yeh kaha maara gaya?

Trisha : Patna me hi.

Rohan : Aur, ye Dhananjay tha kaha se?

Trisha : Jaanch chal rahi hai. Ranjeet ke calls ko trace kare toh shayad Dhananjay Rajasthan ke kisi gaanv se belong karta hai. Shayad mayra. Kyunki, Mumbai aane se pehle ye Ranjeet wahi par tha.

Rohan (nods) : Exactly. Dhananjay ko lootne ke vaaste hi Ranjeet udhar gaya hoga. Aur, uska achanak se phir Mumbai aa jaana. Ye hai turning point. Matlab, uss beech- kuchh hua hai, Trisha.

Trisha ki reedh ki haddi me ek sihran daud gayi. Usne suraag ka peechha kiya tha. Kadiyo ko jodne ki koshish ki thi. Aur, use laga tha ki wo kuchh zyada hi soch rahi thi. Lekin, Rohan ki antar-aatma kabhi galat nahi hoti thi. Aur, agar usne kaha ki kuchh kami hai-

Toh zaroor kuchh kami thi.

Car ka kaafila aage badhta raha, raat ke andhere ko cheerta hua, apne saath ek ansuljha sawaal liye ki iss khel ka mastermind bhala kaun tha?

Gaadi ne flyover ke paas ek sehej mod liya, sheher dheere-dheere lambi sadko aur jagmagati raushni me tabdeel hota chala gaya. Rohan ki ungliyaan steering wheel par ek baar phir thap-thapaayi. Kisi soch-vichaar me.

Rohan : Hum har jagah ghoom rahe hai. Siwaaye ek naam ke.

Trisha ki reedh akad gayi, ek pal ke liye Rohan ne use dekha.

Rohan : Humne uske baare me zyaada baat tak nahi ki. Asal me, humne uss se mushqil se hi koi sawaal kiya hoga.

Trisha : …!?

Rohan : VEER SINGH!

Car ke andar woh naam kisi bhaari-bharkam bhaar ki tarah baith gaya. Trisha ke badan me ek thandi leher daud gayi. Rohan ne uske jhunjhlaate badan par dhyaan nahi diya. Ya yu kahe ki usne dhyaan na dene ka naatak kiya.

Rohan : Hotel Prestige. Ranjeet. Shootout. Underground lair. Aur… serial killer. Sab aapas me kahi na kahi juda hua. You did good work in Patna.

Trisha ki ungliyaan uski goad me simat gayi. Ek taraf uska dil keh raha tha ki apne pati ka saath do. Sacchaayi ke saath khadi raho. Niyamo ka paalan karo.

Toh wahi dusri orr dimaag cheenkh raha tha. Woh tasveer, jo anjaan aadmi dwara use lifaafe me bheji gayi thi. Wahi tasveer jo kisi ne uske Ranjeet par goli chalaate hue li thi. Woh slaughterhouse. Hook par latka uska bebas, dum ghotata shareer. Uski bandook. Goli. Flash. Khoon. Koi dekh raha tha.

Aur, isi wajah se- woh yeh sach saamne nahi rakh sakti thi. Kyunki, Ranjeet ka encounter ek failed operation tha. Usne police vibhaag ko yahi bataaya tha ki yeh ek muthbhed thi. Saaf-suthri. Aavashyak muthbhed. Duty ke dauran ek khatre ko bas nishkreeya kar diya gaya. Khud ko bachaane ke liye ek banaaya gaya jhooth.

Haan. Jhooth. Lekin, Rohan ke liye bhi. Badge ke liye bhi. Parivar ke liye bhi. Agar, woh tasveer kabhi saamne aayi- toh uski naukri hi nahi, balki aur bhi bahut kuchh daav par lag sakta tha.

Rohan ne laal batti par gaadi dheemi kar di. Uske saath ki cars uske aage-peechhe gher kar khadi ho gayi.

Rohan (glances) : Tum kahi aur khoyi hui ho!?

Trisha : Huh? N-Nahi! Tumne kaha Veer Singh?

Rohan (nods) : Hmm! Aaj raat uss se mein mila.

Trisha : Kyaaaaa?

Rohan : Haan! Tumhe bataya tha na maine? Meri behan ko business me madad chahiye thi. Ek businessman meri pehchaan me tha. Toh uss se meri behan ki ek business deal set karwaayi thi maine aaj. Casa Belle me abhi hi corporate gala khatam hua hai kuchh derr pehle. Wahi pe Veer mila mujhe.

Trisha (frowns) : Veer jaisa ladka bhala aise gala me kya kar raha tha? Uska business itna bada hai? Mujhe nahi pata tha woh itna influential hai.

Rohan : Mujhe bhi nahi pata. Lekin, agar woh iske bawajood, paise aur dabdabe se ghire uss hall me ghus sakta hai, toh woh waisa nahi hai jaisa ki woh khud ko dikhaata hai.

Batti hari hui aur gaadi punaah chal padi.

Rohan : He plays invisible Trisha. And, people let him.

Trisha : T-Toh… Tumhe kya lag raha hai?

Rohan : Mujhe lagta hai humein use bilkul bhi nazarandaz nahi karna chaahiye. Bilkul bhi nahi.

Trisha : …

Rohan : Pihu ko serial killer se bacha kar laane waala, underground lair se laane waala… Wahi tha na?

Sunte hi Trisha stabdh reh gayi. Usne Rohan ko ghoora. Jis baat ka darr tha use, wahi ghatit ho gaya. Sach saamne aa chuka tha.

Trisha : T-Tumhe kaise-

Rohan : Tum bhool rahi ho. Mein sirf tumhara pati nahi hu. Mein state ka DGP bhi hu.

Trisha : …!!?

Rohan : Tumhare sage officers kitne hi loyal kyu na ho, wardi nahi chhor sakte. Usne toh mujhe sach bataaya hi saath hi Pihu ne bhi mujhe sab ugal diya.

Trisha ke kandhe jhuk gaye. Usne dheere se sirr hilaaya. Hataash hokar.

Trisha : Hmm! *nods* W-Wahi tha.

Car ka mahaul achanak badal gaya.

Rohan : This changes everything. Kyun? Kyun chhipaaya tumne mujhse Trisha?

Trisha : Kyunki… Kyunki, usne humaari bacchi ko bachaaya, Rohan. Jab mein apni ummeed kho chuki thi tab- tab woh humaari Pihu ko goad me laad ke, khoon se sann kar, mujhe saupne aaya tha. Aur, bas isliye- bas isliye maine yeh baat chhipaayi. Kyunki, mein nahi chaahti thi ki uss waqt mein use kisi pareshani me daalu.

Rohan : Aur, agar wahi serial killer hua toh?

Trisha : Huh?

Rohan : Gaur karo. Uss raat uski khud ki hotel par attack ho raha hota hai aur woh kaha hota hai? Pihu aur wo… Juhi ko bachaane me laga hota hai? Use uss underground lair ke baare me kaise pata chala?

Trisha : N-Nahi! Tum kuchh ka kuchh assumption le raho ho, Rohan. Agar, aisa hota toh pichhle saare murders uski orr point out karte. Aur, uss lair ka kya? Kya lair se koi suraag nahi mila? Research team toh tumhe ab tak bata hi deti na ki Veer inn sab me involved hai ya nahi.

Rohan (frowns) : Theek hai, maan liya abhi ke liye ki woh serial killer nahi hai. Par, woh shaq ke ghere me zaroor hai. Rahi baat lair ki toh haan… woh kisi criminal ne nahi banaayi thi. Originally… woh ek bunker tha. Second world war ke baad 1950s ya 60s me bana hua. Ek private Indian defense team thi jo German bunkers se inspired ho kar India me waisa kuchh war ki paristhiti me banaana chaahti thi.

Trisha (shocked) : B-Bunker!? I-Itna puraana?

Rohan (nods) : Ab tak ka sabse puraana. Founders ki kuchh deaths ke baad baaki team ne seal kar diya tha. Abhi jaanch jaari hai. Akhir, kyu use public ki aankhon me nahi laaya gaya? Kyu ab tak wo neeche hi dafn raha. Inke uttar samay ke saath mil toh jaane chaahiye.

Trisha : Phir?

Rohan : Phir, sealed ho jaane ke baad, jab team ke sabhi log guzar gaye, toh kisi doctor ne ek-do dashak ke baad use khoj nikaala.

Trisha : Doctor?

Rohan : Nahi! Ek pagal! Koi sarfira. Usne bunker ko ek laboratory me badla. Human experiments. Apne hi jaise kuchh maniac logo ke saath wo waha ajeeb experiments karne laga. Puraane dashak ke kuchh saboot mile hai research team ko.

Trisha sihar uthi.

Trisha : Y-Ye baat kab ki hai?

Rohan : Researchers andaaza laga kar yahi bataaye hai ki 1980s me ye sab kiya gaya tha. Par, exact date bata paana abhi mushqil hai.

Trisha : !!?

Rohan : Lekin, iss se bhi bhayanak baat yeh hai ki- abhi jo team ne dhoondha hai, laboratory ke andar se jo decay aur dead animals, bodies ki jaanch hui hai, uss se ye pata laga hai ki- ki wo dashako puraane nahi hai. Wo haal hi ke the.

Trisha (gasps) : Matlab-

Rohan (nods) : Matlab koi underground lair ko istemal kar raha tha. Aur, woh koi aur nahi-

Trisha (gasps) : Serial killer!

Rohan : You got that right!

Sannaata phir chhaa gaya. Pehle se zyada gehra.

Rohan : Jo ki humaari pakad me abhi tak nahi aaya hai. Veer Singh ek rehesyamayi ladka hai. Aur, mein uss par nazar rakhne waala hu. Pichhli baar meri beti iska shikaar ho chuki hai, mein ab apni ya kisi ki bhi beti par ye aanch nahi aane dunga.

Trisha khidki se baahar dekhti rahi, sheeshein me uska chehra dhundhla sa dikh raha tha. Veer ka naam uske dimaag me goonj raha tha. Darr aur ek aise sach ke saath uljha hua jisey woh sweekar karne ke liye taiyaar nahi thi.

***

Sonali ne hall ka darwaza dhakka dekar khola, apni jootiya baahar utaari aur andar aayi. Woh thaki hui thi, ghanto tak food trucks me kaam karna, chidchide graahako se nipatna, aur lagataar aate orders ne use buri tarah thaka diya tha. Lekin, saamne ka nazara dekh kar woh ruk gayi. Table par naashte ki plates saji rakhi thi, aur vatavaran me hi ek ajeeb si khamoshi chhaayi hui thi, jisey bhaanp woh bhi thoda bechain ho gayi.

Sonali : Hmm? Kya chal raha hai?

Usne budbudaate hue apna bag neeche rakha aur table ki orr badhi. Jawaab ka intezaar kiye bina hi usne kuchh pakore apne muh me thoos liye.

Sonali : Mmm~ Kya gazab baney hai. Kisne banaaye? Aaj kuchh tha kya? Agal-bagal pados ki aunty log aayi thi kya? Ya kitty party? Hmm?

Sofe par baithi Bhumika ne use dekha aur boli.

Bhumika : Nahi. Shaadi ka prastaav aaya tha. Veer ke liye.

Sonali pakore khaate-khaate atak gayi, pakora lagbhag uske galey me phaste-phaste bacha. Woh khaansi aur jaldi se jug se hi paani muh me udelte hue khud ko sambhaali.

Sonali : K-Kyaaaaa? Kaamchor ke liye rishta aaya?

Tej ki aankhein uski baaton par turant hi sikud gayi. Sonali ne fauran ghabrakar ek halki si hasi has di aur apni hasi chhipaane ki koshish karne lagi.

Sonali : Ah...ha...ha... namumkin. Aisa ho hi nahi sakta. Maine kaamcho- m-mera matlab maine use kabhi kisi ladki ke saath aise romance karte nahi dekha. Kabhi nahi. Kisi ne bhi nahi dekha hoga. Hai na?

Kamre me chaaro orr nazar ghumaate hi uski hasi beech me hi ruk gayi. Har kisi ka chehra gambheer tha — Bhavna, Bhumika, Shweta, Tej. Sab bauhe sikode alag-alag jagah aise baithi thi jaise maano rishta nahi pralay aa gaya ho.

Sonali : Ah! K-Kaun? Kaun hai... Ladki?

Bhumika (sighs) : Nidhi madam ki chhoti behan. Shreya. Unhi ke mata-pita aaye the. Poora ghar aaya tha. Siwae Nidhi madam aur Shreya ke.

Sonali ne soch-vichaar me sirr jhukaaya. Use kuchh baatein yaad aa rahi thi.

Sonali : Achha! Woh!? Hmm, meri do-teen baar baat toh hui hai unse. J-Jab humne food truck khola tha na, tab udhghatan ke samay woh aayi thi. Tab baat hui thi meri. Phir, beech me ek do baar aur hui hai. Lekin, woh aur kaamch- matlab Veer!? Ek saath? Mujhe nahi lagta unke beech kuchh chal raha tha? Achha. Aise hi aa gaye wo log?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki Veer jaisa ladka hi unki Shreya ke liye sabse achha hai. Na sirf Veer ne uski naukri lagwaayi thi balki, uske sapne ko bhi haqeeqat me badalne me madad ki.

Sonali : Oh! Hotel me itna bada kaand hua uske baad bhi ladki ka haath dene ki himmat ho gayi?

Bhumika (nods) : Hmm! Yahi sawaal Tejal ne kara tha.

Bhumika ki nazrein bolte hue Tej par phiri. Sonali ne bhi use ek kshan dekha magar shaant rahi.

Sonali : T-Toh kya kaha unn logo ne?

Bhumika : Unka kehna tha ki wo inn sab baaton par dhyaan nahi dete. Khushi me toh har koi khada hota hai. Jab Veer unke dukh me khada hua tha, toh unka bhi farz banta hai ki wo bhi humaare saath khade hoye. Aisa unka kehna hai.

Sonali : Oh! Ah! Ek minute. Rukiye rukiye! Kya iska matlab? Shaadi pakki ho gayi? Kab hai tareekh?

Bhumika : Rishta nahi hua.

Kehte hue usne Tejal ko phirse dekha. Sonali ne bhi punah Tej ko ghoora jaise kuchh gadbad mehsoos kar rahi ho.

Tej achanak khadi hui aur andar apne kamre ki orr chal padi. Sonali ki nazrein andar jaati Tej aur Bhumika ke beech ghoom rahi thi.

Sonali : L-Lagta hai koi kharab mood me hai!?

Bhumika (sighs) : Haan. Tejal ne prastaav thukra diya. Usne saaf keh diya ki Veer ki shaadi abhi kisi se nahi hogi.

Sonali : Ahh! Toh, iska matlab kuchh nahi ho raha? Matlab... Roz ki tarah mujhe phirse food truck me hi time bitaana padega? Hmph! Maine socha tha badhiya chhutti mil jaayegi aur mein-

"Aur, mein badhiya kaam chhor ke mazey karungi, hai na?"

Uske peechhe se jaani-pehchaani ek awaaz aayi.

*Bonk*

"Aaaahhh!!!"

Sonali cheenkhi aur apna sirr sehlaane lagi jaha Veer ne use peechhe se tapli maari thi. Woh mudi, apni gussail aankhon se use dekhte hue.

Sonali : T-Tum-!?? Y-Ye galat hai! Hmph!

Kamre me halchal mach gayi. Veer ke aate hi sabhi satark ho gaye.

Bhavna : Veer-!

Shweta : Aa gaye beta? Aao jaldi. Tumhe kuchh bataana hai-

Veer me turant hi haath uthaate hue unhe rok diya.

Veer : Suna maine. Sab pata chal gaya mujhe.

Shweta : T-Toh-!? Kya karna hai? Hum tumhari raay sunana chaahte hai.

Veer : Pehle ye bataaiye ki Teju di kaha hai?

Bhumika : Apne kamre me.

Veer ne bina kisi bhaav ke sirr hilaaya aur Tej ke kamre ki orr chal pada. Uske peechhe-peechhe Sonali bhi andar jaane lagi.

Jaise hi dono hall se nikal kar andar gaye, Veer ka ek haath chataak se Sonali ki gaand par aake laga.

*Spank*

"Nnnghhaaaaahhh~"

Sonali bechaari apni chuttad ko sehlaati reh gayi.

Veer : Kaam par dhyaan do. *Smiles* Warna saza milegi.

Sonali : Hmph! Kaamchor kahi ke...!

---

Veer seedhe Tej ke kamre ke baahar aakar ruka.

*Knock* *Knock*

Tej ne mudkar nahi dekha. Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi thi, apne dupatte me ungliyaan gadaaye, kahi taktaki lagaaye.

Tej : Darwaza khula hua hai.

Usne thaki hui si awaaz me kaha. Darwaza khula. Phir, band ho gaya. Aur, phir chatakni ke lagne ki awaaz aayi.

Kamre me wo awaaz kisi bandook se nikli goli ki tarah goonj uthi. Tej jhatpat mudi. Aur, saamne shaks ko dekhte hi uski saans atak gayi.

Tej : V-Veeru!?

Naam apne aap uske mukh se nikal aaya. Ek pal ke liye woh khadi reh gayi, hazaaro bhavnao ke beech jamm si gayi. Raahat, ki woh akhirkar uske paas aaya. Ghabrahat, ki woh yaha kyun aaya? Darr, ki woh kya kahega? Ummeed, jisey woh zaahir karne ki himmat nahi kar paa rahi thi. Uska dil itni zor se dhadak raha tha ki use yakeen tha ki shayad Veer bhi sunn sakta tha.

Veer shaant dikh raha tha. Lagbhag befiqr.

Veer : Sab log neeche maujood hai. Aap yaha akeli kya kar rahi ho?

Tej turant hi nazrein hatakar uski taraf peeth karke khadi ho gayi.

Tej : Kuchh nahi. Bas kuchh derr akele rehna tha.

Veer : Kyun?

Tej ke kandhe tann gaye.

Tej : A-Aise hi. Mera mood theek nahi.

Veer ek qadam aage badha. Bas ek qadam.

Veer : Kya hua?

Tej : Bataya toh... K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Yuhi. Mein theek hu. Don't worry.

Usne jaldi se kaha. Kuchh zyada hi jaldi me. Aur, do qadam laanghte hi Veer uske peechhe tha. Theek peechhe. Usne Tej ki kalaayi pakad use apni orr ghuma diya.

Tej haanfi, aankhein chaudi, shabd uske galey me hi atak gaye.

Veer ki bauhe upar tani, gusse me nahi, bas gambheer bhaav me.

Veer : Aapko kya lagta hai? Kya mein samajh nahi sakta ki kab meri Teju di mujhse kuchh chhipa rahi hai? Haan?

Tej : N-Nahi, mein-

Veer : Jawaab do!

Tej ka muh khula, parantu woh na bata saki. Kya bataati?

-ki apne bhai ke bagal se kisi aur stree ke hone ke khayaal se hi uska seena jal raha tha?

-ki shaadi ke prastaav aane se use laga jaise uske bhai ko uss se chheena jaa raha ho?

-ki usne uski shaadi ka prastaav apni jalan ke chalte thukraaya?

Nahi. Woh yeh kaise bata sakti thi? Isliye, chup rahi. Iske bajaaye, usne upar uski aankhon me dekha aur dheere se poochha.

Tej : K-Kya neeche sabne bataaya?

Veer ne haami bhari.

Tej : A-Aur? Aur kya bataaya? Kya yeh bhi ki... Maine shaadi ka prastaav-

Veer ne punah haami bhari. Ab Tej kaanp rahi thi.

Tej : T-Toh? K-Kya hua? Kya mujhe ye bataane aaye ho ki mujhse gussa ho?

Usne apne nichle honth ko daanto taley zor se dabaaya, ek aas me ki kaash Veer uss se naraaz na ho.

Veer : Kisliye?

Tej : U-Unhe reject karne ke liye. Tumse poochhe bina. Tumhari sehmati ke bina hi maine-

Woh kisi doshi bacche ki tarah uske chehre ko nihaar rahi thi, maano use uski galti ki saza milne waali ho.

Kintu, Veer muskuraaya. Dheere se.

Veer : Nahi toh?

Aur, Tej ko ek jhatka laga. Kya matlab?

Tej : P-Par, maine-

Veer (smiles) : Aapne jo kuchh bhi kiya, sahi kiya. Mere aur Shreya ke beech aisa kuchh bhi nahi hai. Hum sirf achhe dost hai. Maanta hu ki woh ek achhi ladki hai, lekin maine use kabhi uss nazar se nahi dekha.

Jab Veer ne ye kaha, toh Tej ke kandhe achanak hi dheele pad gaye, maano jaise unn par koi adrishya bhaari bojh lada ho.

Usne ek raahat mehsoos ki aur turant apna chehra dusri taraf mod liya. Darr tha ki kahi Veer dekh na le. Darr tha ki kahi woh yeh na dekh le ki ye sunana uske liye kitna maayne rakhta tha.

Aur, phir aasu nikalte hi uska sabr toot gaya.

Tej : M-Mein tumse baat karne ki koshish kar rahi thi, Veeru. *sniff* Kayi dino se. *sniff* Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha ki kaise baat karu.

Usne ladkhadati awaaz me kaha. Kandhe kaanp rahe the.

Tej : M-Mujhe maaf kar do, Veeru. *sniff*

Veer : Huh? Kisliye?

Tej : Tumhe niraash karne ke liye. *hic* T-Tumje chot pahuchaane ke liye. Tumne mujhe ek zimmedari saunpi thi. *sniff* Yarnia ki ek zimmedari. Aur, maine kya kiya? Mein use bacha tak nahi paayi. Jo hua mein use rok nahi paayi. *sniff* I'm... I'm sorry. *hic*

Veer : Aap ab tak uss baat ko lekar soch rahi ho?

Tej : HAAAAAN!! Kyunki, tumne mujhpar bharosa kiya tha, Veeru.

Veer uske qareeb aaya.

Tej : M-Mujhe aur alert hona chaahiye tha. *sniff* Aur, samajhdaar hona chaahiye tha. Mujhe rokne ke liye kuchh karna chaahiye tha.

Veer :Teju di, bas karo. Wo sab-

Tej : NAHIIII! M-Mujhe kehne do, Veeru. *sniff* Mein chaahti thi ki tum jaano maine kitni koshish ki... Mein tumhare liye apna best karna chaahti thi bhai.

Uski awaaz dheemi hokar fusfusahat me badal gayi. "I don't want to lose my place beside you."

Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi.

Veer : Ye aapki wajah se nahi hua, di. Wo mere peechhe the. Wo shootout. Wo meri wajah se tha. Aur, woh hona hi tha. Use roka nahi jaa sakta tha.

Pehli baar Veer ki awaaz bhi ladkhadayi.

Veer : Usme koi bhi kuchh nahi kar sakta tha. Aapne kitna kuchh kiya. Wo decoration, hosting, managing. Aap aur baaki sabhi ne kitna kuchh kiya tha.

Tej (rote hue) : Par, sab toh bikhar gaya na? *sniff*

Veer ne uske gaalo ko thaama. Aasuon ko apne anguthe se poochha.

Veer : Par, aap toh sahi salaamat ho na? Aur, kya chaahiye mujhe!?

Tej (sobs) : Veeru-!!! *sniff*

Veer : Aapne mujhe niraash nahi kiya, di. Aur, ahinda se ye bojh uthaane ki zaroorat nahi. Carefree rahiye.

Tej ki siskiyaan phoot padi. Veer ne use galey se laga liya. Kasskar.

Tej ne uski shirt ko aise jakda jaise maano agar woh use chhoregi toh woh kahi gaayab ho jaayega. Woh apna chehra Veer ki chhaati me daba kar beqaabu hokar rone lagi. Itne saal. Itni doorie. Aur, apne bhai ko phirse khone ka ek darr.

Tej : Bees saal, Veeru! *sniff* Bees saal tak maine intezar kiya. Aur, mom ne bhi. *hic* Mein ab tumhe dobaara khona nahi chaahti. Ab jaakar toh maine tumhe paaya hai- *sniff* T-Tum rooth gaye toh mein toh jeete-jee marr jaungi.

Veer (mutters) : Teju di!

Tej ne use aur kasskar pakad liya.

Veer (smiles) : Don't worry. Aisa kabhi nahi hoga. Di, aap mere liye bahut maayne rakhti ho. Maine bhi toh aapko 20 saal ke baad paaya hai. Toh, mere liye kya zaroori hai? Yarnia ya phir aap? *smiles* Yarnia jaise hazaar business mein dobaara khade kar lunga. Par, aapko kho diya toh dobaara thodi paa lunga. Samjhi ab?

Tej ne upar dekha, aankhein laal thi.

Tej (nods) : Mmm~

Veer muskuraaya aur neeche jhuka. Tej ke honth kaanpe aur khul gaye. Woh apne panjo ke bal upar uthi.

Aur, uske honth Veer ke hontho se jaa mile. Chumban komal tha. Kam se kam shuruat me.

Uske baad-

Achanak hi teevrapann aa gaya. Tej ke haath Veer ke kandho par chale gaye, ungliyaan shirt me gadd gayi. Aasuon se uske gaal geele the.

"Nnnghh~ mmmm~ V-Veeru-!"

*Slurp* *slurp*

"I-I love you~ llhhhmm~ schkk~"

Tej ne use phir chooma. Iss baar zyaada derr tak. Woh Veer ke sparsh aur uski chumban me doobti chali gayi.

Akhirkar, dono alag hue. Ek pal ke liye dono me se koi nahi hila. Phir, Veer ne apna maatha Tej ke maathe se tika diya. Aur, Tej ki aankhein band ho gayi.

Tej : Stay. Just stay, Veeru.

Veer : Hmm!

Veer ne jab use thaam liya toh Tej ki saansein dheere-dheere sthir ho gayi. Uska chehra Veer ki chhaati me dhasa hua tha, tabhi use woh ehsaas hua jis par usne pehle itna gaur nahi kiya tha.

Ek halki si khushbu. Nahi. Mardaana khushbu nahi. Kuchh feminine si. Yeh Veer ki khushbu nahi thi.

Usne ek do baar aur zor se soongha. Aur, uski bauhe tann gayi. Woh thoda peechhe hati, bas itna ki upar uski orr dekh sake. Uski nigaahein Veer ke hontho par tik gayi.

Waha...

Kuchh laal si parat dikhaayi di. Spasht nahi. Lekin, Tej ko kuchh na kuchh samajh aa gaya tha. Uska dimaag tezi se chalne laga. Tej ki ungliyaan uski shirt par kass gayi. Veer ne bhi uska yeh badlaav mehsoos kiya.

Veer : Kya hua?

Woh jhijhaki. Ek pal ke liye, jalan uske seene me teevr aur khatarnak roop se bhadak uthi. Lekin, usne use daba liya.

Tej : Kaha gaye the tum? Itna saj-dhaj kar?

Veer ne apne kapdo ki orr dekha. Woh seedhe gala se hi ghar lauta tha.

Veer : O-Oh! Ye? Ek corporate gala tha. Udhar hi gaya tha.

Tej ke dil me achanak hi dard utha. Zordaar. Usne khud se kaha ki sochna band kar do. Dilaasa di ki sab theek hai. Imagine mat karo. Sawaal mat karo.

Par, shaq gehra hota jaa raha tha.

[Stupid Master, She saw the lipstick of Kaera on your lips. She smelled her perfume on your body. Run for your life.]

'H-Huh? Wtf!? Pari? Tum kab sleep mode se baahar aayi?'

Kintu, Tej ne abhi poornta yakeen nahi kiya tha. Bhaagne ki bajaaye woh aur qareeb aayi. Agar, uske bhai par kisi aur ka koi nishaan tha, toh woh use mita degi.

Uske haath Veer ki chhaati par upar ki orr sarke, ungliyaan uski gardan ke peechhe lipat gayi. Aur, ek hi jhatke me-

Veer : Huh? Teju di!? Woah-

Iss baar jab Tej ne use chooma toh ye ekdum hi alag tha.

Dheere. Gehraayi se. Apna adhikaar jataate hue.

Veer thoda jhep gaya magar phir apni pratikriya di. Tej use aise choom rahi thi, uske muh ko aise kha rahi thi jaise use darr tha ki agar woh ruki toh Veer ko koi aur le jaayega.

*Slurp* *Slurp*

"Nnghhhh~ Veeru!!! Mmmllhmmm~"

Kayi minute ke baad jab woh alag hui, toh uski aankhon me adhikaar ki bhaavna jhalak rahi thi. Aur, Veer ne pehli baar kuchh aisa mehsoos kiya.

---

Veer jab apne kapde badal kar neeche aaya, toh sabhi kha-pee ke TV dekhne me lage hue the.

Aaj socha tha usne ki din jaisa bhi gaya ho, kam se kam kuchh baatein toh achhi hui.

Kaera ne use dhutkaara nahi. Sonia ko deal akhirkar mil hi gayi. Suhana ko diya gaya vachan bhi poora ho gaya. Aur, uski Teju di uske aur bhi qareeb aa gayi.

Magar, woh jab ye sab soch hi raha tha tabhi use kuchh aisa sunaayi diya jisey sunn uske perr wahi jamm gaye.

Veer : Bhumika di! Channel badalna zara.

Bhumika jo apne haatho me remote liye TV par channels palat rahi thi woh wahi ruk gayi.

Bhumika : Huh? K-Kya hua?

Veer : Channel change kariye na.

Bhumika ne haami bhar channel badla toh ek gaana bajne laga.

Veer : Y-Ye waala nahi. Peechhe. International news waala.

Usne dobaara jab channel badla toh saamne TV par ek international news channel par khabar chal rahi thi.

International News | Breaking

Anchor : Coming up is Breaking news from Spain.

"The Prime Ministerial candidate of Spain, named 'Rafael Ibanez' has died today in Madrid. He was 56."

"Officials confirm the cause of death as progressive organ failure caused by a rare, slow-developing neurological condition, undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. Medical authorities have stated there are no signs of external involvement."

"The Spanish government has announced national mourning. All campaign activity has been suspended."

"More updates to follow."

[Master-!]

Veer ki bauhe chinta me sikud gayi.

'Pari!'

[Kya mein overthink kar rahi hu, Master? Ye bas koi mamooli news nahi ho sakti. Kuchh hua hai, hai na?]

'Tum akeli nahi ho, Pari! Mera dimaag bhi yahi keh raha hai.'

[I'm feeling agitated all of a sudden.]

***

At the same time,
A few minutes ago,
FBCC Headquarters,
New York, Noon - 1:07 p.m.

Headquarters ki oonchi imaarat par X khada hua tha, hawa se uske kapde zor se lehra rahe the.

Uska ek perr terrace ki chhoti boundary par tika hua tha. Uske peechhe terrace ka darwaaza halka sa khula aur koi upar aaya.

Rebecca kuchh qadam dur aakar ruki.

Ek kshan ke liye woh keval uski peeth ko dekhti rahi. Uska coat. Uski khamoshi. Rebecca ki hat neeche jhuki hui thi, uski aankhein chhaaya se dhaki hui thi, aur bauhe kasi hui.

Rebecca (frowns) : Are you releasing it?

X halka sa muda. Usne peechhe khadi Rebecca ko dheere se dekha. Aur, phir ahista se ek haami bhari. Rebecca ne zor se saans kheenchi.

Rebecca : K-Kya abhi hi? Kya time ho gaya? K-Kya aur nahi ruk sakte?

X : NO!

Ek chhota sa shabd kabhi itna wazandaar nahi laga tha Rebecca ko.

X : Agle kuchh din humaare liye nahi hai. It's for them. Unhe prepare karne ke liye time toh chaahiye hi hoga. Before the SUMMIT begins.

Rebecca ke honth dheere se thar-tharaaye. Ek pal ke liye usne bhi nazar hatakar sheher ki orr dekha. Phir, wapas se X ki peeth ki orr.

Rebecca : Ek baar agar tumne aisa kiya, toh ise badla nahi jaa payega. You know that, right?

X (smirks) : Isn't it applicable to everything? Aur, isliye hi... Yeh abhi hoga.

Unke beech ek gehra sannaata chhaa gaya.

X seedha khada hua, boundary par se perr hataate hue, uske haath uski jeb me chale gaye.

X : Tumhe pata hai na kya karna hai?

Woh hichkichaayi. Phir, haule se sirr hilaayi.

Bina kuchh kahe, woh tezi se mudi aur darwaaze ki orr chal padi. Uski chaal tez thi. Jaise hi woh darwaaze se baahar nikli, uska haath pehle se hi apni kamar me khuse ek walkie-talkie ki orr chala gaya.

"Hello? Damian...!"

Uske nikalte hi darwaza uske peechhe band ho gaya. Tez hawa ke jhonke ne ek baar phir X ke kapdo ko lehra diya.

X ne ek baar phir sheher ki orr dekha. Sab kuchh shaant prateet ho raha tha.

[What are you waiting for???]

Ek aurat ki awaaz uske mann me goonji.

[Don't interrupt.]

Iss baar ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji. Aur, mann me khamoshi chhaa gayi. Kuchh derr X yuhi khada raha. Jab dobaara mann me koi shor nahi hua, koi hastakshep nahi hua tabhi uske honth khule aur-

"TIME RELEASE!"

Shabd dheere se uske muh se nikal gaye.

***

At the same time...
Madrid, Spain,
Evening 7:11 PM ~

Madrid me abhi poori tarah raat nahi chhaayi thi. Rafael Ibanez ki maut se Spain achraj me zaroor tha.

Krodh me nahi, na hi sadme me. Bas, taajub me. Kyunki, maut medical kaarano ki wajah se hui thi. Shaant. Bina kisi virodh ke, bina kisi haadse ke.

Aur, maut ki khabar abhi bas baahar aayi thi. Abhi poore Spain ke logo tak ise pahuchne me samay tha. Jaise-jaise khabar aag ki tarah felni waali thi, waise-waise hi aakrosh, afwaaho ke janm lene ki sambhavnaaye bhi zyada thi.

Lekin, koi tha aaj jo poornta iss vishay ko lekar sunishchit tha. Kael chhato se hote hue aise daud raha tha maano jaise woh sadak par daud raha ho. Aur, phir usne chhalaang lagaayi.

Teen manzil ki building ki uchaayi se woh yuhi kood gaya. Aur, uski nazar saamne kayi acre ke andar pheli uss imaarat par tik gayi. Vishal. Jagmagati raushniyo se raushan. Agal-bagal khule maidaan se ghiri.

Alejandro ki khud ki zameen. Uska ghar.

Chappe chappe pe bhayanak pehra laga hua tha. Security andar se lekar baahar gates tak tainaat thi. Aur, andar Alejandro. Yaani ki Spain ke naye PM candidate ka ab ekmaatr daavedaar. Kyunki, Rafael Ibanez, uska virodhi kuchh kshan pehle hi mrityu ke ghaat utar chuka tha.

Kael ke haath sehej gati se chale. Usne apna ajeeb sa hathiyaar, jo uski peeth par bandha hua tha, use kheench ke baahar nikaala.

Taraazu jaisa dikhne waala woh hathiyar do badi-badi gol discs se bana tha, jaha dono hi discs ek lambi chain se bandhi hui thi.

Usne apne haath jhatke, aur uske trenchcoat ke andar aasteen me bandhi aur adhik chain neeche gir gayi. Phir, usne chain pakad-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Dono bhaari bharkam discs hawa me ghumaayi. Discs aur zanzeer hawa ko cheerte hue sarsara rahi thi.

*Fwoosh* *Fwoosh*

Usne ek jhatke me unn dono discs ko upar hawa me feka, dono discs gol ghumti hui uchaayi me udi, boundary wall ko paar karte hue andar gayi aur andar ki deewar se bhidte hue, upar ki tek se lagte hue phass gayi.

Kael ne zanzeer ko kass ke pakda. Aur, woh phir kooda.

Zanzeer zor se awaaz kari aur Kael aage ki orr khinch gaya. Hawa me. Usne apni dono discs ko hooks ki tarah deewar me phasaate hue khud ko upar kheench liya. Aur, palak jhapakte hi woh boundary wall ke upar tha.

Uske upar aate hi-

Sirens aur alarms turant hi baj uthe.

Poore ilaake me laal battiyaan chamak uthi. Floodlights ghoomne lagi. Neeche maujood security harqat me aa gayi, hathiyaar upar uth gaye aur sankshipt aadesho me awaaz goonjne lagi.

Sab ne use dekha. Unki aankhein aashcharya me feli hui thi. Kyunki, upar deewar par khada shaks koi aam shaks nahi tha.

Poora Madrid use 'Kael, the saviour' ke naam se jaanta tha. Ye baat zaroor thi ki kisi ko bhi yeh gyaat nahi tha ki Kael ek systems holder bhi tha. Siwaaye, Alejandro ke.

Kael unki tani hui bandook dekh ke bhi tass se mass nahi hua.

Woh deewar par khada raha, hawa me uska kaala trench coat lehra raha tha, raushni me kaale-safed ka uske chehre ka paint chamak raha tha. Spain ka shaant nyayadheesh, akhirkar sabke saamne tha.

Rafael Ibanez ki maut ki khabar uske dimag me goonj rahi thi. Kael ne Alejandro ko kayi mahino se gaur kiya tha. Uske paapo ko gina tha. Saiyyam bhi barta tha. Magar, Alejandro ne uski chetaavniyo ko har baar ansuna kar diya tha.

Magar, aaj hui Rafael ki maut ne paasa palat diya. Building ke andar monitors on the. Kayi saare cameras Kael par kendrit the. Aur, Alejandro andar se sab kuchh dekh raha tha. Chehre par koi bhaav nahi the.

Kael ki oonchi awaaz poore ilaake me goonj uthi.

Kael : ALEJANDRO!!! Maine tumhe kayi baar andekha kiya. Tumhare paap. Tumhare bure karam. Tumhari deals. Tumhari khamoshi. Sab kuchh.

Rifles uski chhaati ki orr tik gayi. Security ke logo ki ungliyaan bandook ke trigger par jamm gayi.

Kael : Maine tumhe chetaavni di thi!! Uss X se dur raho. Baar-baar. Par, tumhare paapo ka ghada bhar chuka hai, Alejandro! Aur, mein Spain ko iski qeemat nahi chukaane dunga.

*Silence*

Agle hi kshan ek intercom se Alejandro ki awaaz aayi, tez aur gusse se bhari hui.

Alejandro : Nikal jao, Kael! Aur, ek official PM candidate par aarop lagaana band kar do. Khaaskar, bina kisi saboot ke. Humaare 'Rafael Ibanez' ke guzar jaane ke dukhad samachar se hum sab shok mana rahe hai. Abhi bhi mauka hai. Chale jao yaha se.

Kael : Mein sab jaanta hu... ki tum kitne doodh ke dhule hue ho.

Usne apni chain uthaayi aur use apni ek ungli par tikaaya. Dono bhaari discs ek samaan swatantra roop se latak rahi thi. Ekdum sthir.

Ek pal ke liye dono hi discs ka waza baraabar tha. Tabhi-

*Ding*

"JUDGEMENT!!!"

Kael ke mukh se shabd nikalte hi, achanak hi, uski ungli par chain ki madad se latak rahi baayi disc neeche jhuk gayi. Kisi taraazu ki tarah.

Jaadu se nahi. Parinaam swaroop. Uss bhaar ke peechhe Alejandro ka bura karm chhipa hua tha.

Alejandro : Dekh kya rahe ho murkho!!? Humla karo!!! YE SARASAR TERRORISM HAI!!!

Uske kehte hi uski security ne-

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Goliyaan barsaani shuru kar di. Par, Kael apni jagah se gaayab ho chuka tha.

Achanak hi-

*Boom*

Woh itni zor se neeche aake land kiya ki neeche ke patthar ukhadte hue hawa me udd gaye. Uski nazar baaj ki tarah unn sab par tik gayi.

*Bang* *Bang* *Bang*

Woh apni jagah se gaayab hua-

*Swoosh*

Jaise hi kuchh bullets uske badan par lagne ko aayi-

*Clang* *Clang*

Usne apne hathiyaar ki discs shield ki tarah kheenchi aur sabhi bullets uss par lagte hi ricochet ho gayi.

"Huh?? K-Kya???"

Security waale taajub theek se dikha paate ki uske pehle hi-

*Ding*

"AUTHORITY ZONE!!!"

Usne apne muh se kuchh kaha. Aur, uski discs hawa me ghoomte hue aayi.

"Aaarghhh!"

" Bluerghh!"

" Ughhh!"

Ek saath teen logo ko hawa me udaate hue discs saaye-saaye ghoomte hue kohraam machaane lagi.

*BAAAMMMMM* *BAAAMMMMM*

Unhe zameen par patakte hue woh unhe zameen ke andar dhasa deta, aur grip banaate hue chain ko kheench apne aap ko launch karta.

"Aaarghhh!!!"

Imaarat cheekhon se goonj uthi. Kael ki chained discs aisa hahakaar macha rahi thi jaise maano kisi daitya ko khula chhor diya ho.

Uski disc hawa me sarraate-daar tareeke se ghoomte hue ek aadmi ki orr aayi.

"Bluerghh"

Aadmi ke muh se khoon nikla, woh disc se bhida aur kayi feet dur jaake gir pada.

Kael ne jaise hi uss disc ko wapas kheencha, disc hawa me ghoomte hue uski orr waapas aane lagi. Par...

Woh uchka. Hawa me wapas aati disc par hi apni laat rakh, use kisi foothold ki tarah istemal kar woh ek aur chhalaang laga diya.

Maano double jump ka usne asli tareeka dhoondh liya tha. Aur, apni doosri disc ko upar phekte hue usne pehli manzil ki khidki par phasaaya aur-

*Schling*

Khud ko seedhe pehli manzil ke andar le gaya jaha Alejandro andar maujood tha.

Jab Alejandro ne cameras me ye dekha toh woh ek pal ke ghabra utha.

'Nahi nahi! Sab plan ke according jaa raha hai. Mujhe darrna nahi hai.'

[Run. This is the right time, Alejandro.]

Uske mann me ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

'Huh? Abhi?'

[Haan, abhi! Warna-]

Kael ke daaye-baaye lambe-lambe corridor the. Aur, baayi taraf hi Alejandro baitha hua tha.

Kael muda. Aur, baayi orr chalne laga. Chalte-chalte hi usne apni disc itni zor se deewar ki orr pheki ki-

*Swish*

Disc deewar ke upar se lag ke kisi frisbee ki tarah ghoomti hui aage badhi. Kael khud bhi iss dauraan daanav ki tarah aage badh raha tha.

Corridor ke mod par disc aate hi mod ke andar ghus gayi aur usi dauraan Kael ne ek jhatke me apni disc kheench li.

Na jaane kis dhaatu ki woh disc bani thi, jaise hi Kael ne use apni orr kheencha, mudte waqt deewar se takraane ke chalte-

*BAAMMMMMMM*

Deewar ke parchhatte udd gaye. Aur, aadhi deewar hi dhass gayi. Dhool, dhua hawa me udd gaya.

Aur, giri hui deewar se hi use nazar aaya- Alejandro ka dara hua chehra.

"ALEJANDRO!!!!"

Kael dahaada. Magar, Alejandro taiyaar tha. Woh ek jhatke me bhaaga.

Kael uske peechhe dauda...! Alejandro jaise sab kuchh taiyaar kar ke baitha hua tha.

Jaise hi Kael uski orr Alejandro khidki ki taraf dauda.

[Nahi. Use jaane nahi dena, Kael!]

Andar se ek aadmi ki awaaz goonji.

Kael ne zor se apni disc pheki-

*Swoosh* *Swoosh* *Swoosh*

Magar-

*Craaaashhhhhhh*

Disc khidki ko cheerte hue baahar nikal gayi. Lekin, Alejandro pehle hi khidki se kood chuka tha.

Kael jaise hi khidki ke nazdeek pahucha toh use ab tak ka sabse bada jhatka laga.

[We lost. It was a trap.]

Uske andar se awaaz aayi.

Kyunki, saamne-

Janta ka dher saara samooh uss orr badh raha tha. Neeche Alejandro ek rescue jump cushion par land kiya tha.

Logo ko jamawda? Wo cameras sirf Kael par nazar rakhne ke liye nahi the. Woh cameras livestreaming kar rahe the.

Kael ne jo kuchh bhi kiya, woh porre Spain me broadcast ho chuka tha. Aur, ab Spain hi nahi, shayad poore vishwa me bhi.

Kya hoga agar ek PM candidate ki maut ke baad, agle PM candidate ke upar bhi humla ho jaaye?

Wahi hua tha.

Jo Rafael Ibanez ki maut ka aarop Alejandro par lagna chaahiye tha, woh Alejandro ne chalaaki se Kael ki upar thop diya tha. Aur, na sirf itna balki use janta ke saamne ye bhi dikha diya tha ki Kael uski khud ki jaan bhi lene aaya hua tha.

[Run! Kael!]

Ek system holder hone ke naate Kael ab logo ki nazro me aur bhi achhe se aa gaya tha. Uska iss hisaab se ladna, koodna, goliyon se bachna.

Na chaahte hue bhi-

Kael ke paas ek hi vikalp tha.

Yaha se bhaagna.

Aur, usne wahi kiya. Security, police uske peechhe bhaagi par bhala ek system holder ko wo kaise pakad sakti thi?

'Kael, the saviour' jo social media par kaafi charchit tha, ab 'Kael, the maniac' ke naam se mashoor hone laga. Ye raat Kael ke liye bahut kuchh badalne waali thi.

Jaise hi woh apne hideout par lauta...

Toh uska phone baj utha. Bhaagne se Kael ki saansein tez thi. Phone par naam dekhte hi usne ek jhatke me hi call utha liya.

Kael : Bolo!

Damian : Pata lag gaya woh kaun hai.

Kael : Kaun?

Damian : Veer Singh! From India.

Aur, bas itna sunn, Kael ne call kaat diya. Usne apni peeth se apne hathiyaar ko hataaya toh wo zor se neeche zameen par gir gaya.

Usne apni mej par rakhe uss khat ko dekha.

SUMMIT ka invitation.

Jidhar na jaane ka usne faisla kar liya tha. Magar, Damian ke muh se naam sunte hi-

Woh faisla ab badal chuka tha.

***

26th January,
Suhana's house,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Ghar ke baahar aake ek gaadi ruki, headlights bujhi, aur Veer sabse pehle baahar nikla. Proper neat and clean suit me. Haav-bhaav shaant.

Darwaaza band karne se pehle usne peechhe dickey se ek gift packed hua nikaala aur haatho me liya. Erica bhi baahar aa chuki thi.

Woh toh maano damak rahi thi, perro par thirak rahi thi, uski aankhein chamak rahi thi. Woh Suhana ke ghar ko dekhti aur phir Veer ko, phir ghar ko aur phir Veer ko, maano kehna chaah rahi ho ki hum kab andar chalenge?

Veer : Sab taiyaar hai na?

Erica me turant hi, thoda jaldi me hi sirr hilaaya.

Erica : Sab taiyaar hai. Every detail. Maine do baar check kiya hai. Nahi, balki teen baar hehe.

Veer ne apne cufflinks theek kiye aur ek baar gate ki orr dekha.

Veer : We got one shot at this. Don't mess it up.

Erica dheere se hasi.

Erica : Yes boss! Don't worry hehe. Mein sab sambhaal lungi.

Veer : Yeah. Kyunki, hum dono hi hai. Media aur company ke saamne sab kuchh reveal karne ke baad Ava busy hai. Aur, Garofano business clients se deal kar rahi hai. It's just you and me.

Erica : Kuchh bhi gadbad nahi hogi. You just have to believe in me. *winks*

Veer (smiles) : Alright! Let's go!

Erica : Yesss boss~

Aur, dono hi andar ki orr chal pade.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
Dhanyavad. Target remains the same as previous one. Note iske neeche mention hai, padhna mat bhoolna.

FInaly 250 doen writer sir now can we get date for update sir please its a request

 

[Werewolf]

rebecca to majboor hai ... dhe is unwilling to work under X

But she's still working for X. Toh Damian Kael ke under kyu ni work kar sakta.

 

[Sidd19]

Readers sust ho gaye hai kaafi. Aaj se likhne baithata hu. Hopefully, ek do din me target poora ho hi jaayega. Update ki date abhi nahi bata sakta kyunki mujhe khud nahi pata abhi kab aayega. Aaj baithata hu blueprint banana padega pehle ek update ka. Kam se kam aaj wahi kar lunga.

Waiting

 

[Sushilnkt]

Bhai ab aap update de

Bahut lamba gep ho jata hai

 

[aj0088]

Waiting