Incest Baadshah ~ The Tales of Debauchery

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Latest Update ~ Update 213 ​

 

[Dhakad boy]

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

Bhut hi badhiya update Bhai
Kya hi jabardast update diya hai

Veer ke gharwalo aur ava, garofano, aur erica ke scenes ko bhut hi badhiya tarike se likha gaya hai

Suman Veer ke sath bacha chahti hai aur isi liye vo Abhilasha ke pass gayi hai ki ye sahi hai ya nahi puchne
Aur suman ko lag raha hai ki Veer bacha paida nahi kar sakta ab use kon bataye ki Veer ke pass iski ability hai

Bhavna ko Veer aur purvi ke relationship ke bare me pata chal gaya
Lagta hai ye Veer aur Bhavna ke relationship ke bich chingari ka kaam karega

To politics bhi officially enter ho gayi hai
Aur Veer Rohan ko apni side karne ke liye uska transfer rukva sakta hai
Aur iske liye vo ruling party ka phatta saf karne ka kuch plan bhi bana liya ho

 

[Rexd]

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

Oh my god! What did we just see? Interesting update. Veer ka Ragini ke liye khada hona - loved it. Interesting build up. This chapter shows all 3 ladies talking about Veer as main alpha / leader. His actions from last few chapters are also similar. Like a lion hunting prey, but sharp and calculating - maybe giving manipulative vibes at some point.

The problem is that these system holders levels are close right now- like 8, 9, 10 or 11. Is there really such a big gap between them and veer that all 3 ladies (system holders) are almost giving submissive vibes? Well, not Garofano - she seems to have some mysterious motive.

That last scene with Purvi - never saw it coming. Damn!

Looking forward to where next chapter goes.

 

[Rexd]

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

Oh my god! What did we just see? Interesting update. Veer ka Ragini ke liye khada hona - loved it. Interesting build up. This chapter shows all 3 ladies talking about Veer as main alpha / leader. His actions from last few chapters are also similar. Like a lion hunting prey, but sharp and calculating - maybe giving manipulative vibes at some point.

The problem is that these system holders levels are close right now- like 8, 9, 10 or 11. Is there really such a big gap between them and veer that all 3 ladies (system holders) are almost giving submissive vibes? Well, not Garofano - she seems to have some mysterious motive.

That last scene with Purvi - never saw it coming. Damn!

Looking forward to where next chapter goes.

 

[Rajesh]

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

Bahut hi shandaar update hai bhai maza aa gaya


Waiting for next update bro

 

[CG]

Awesome update

3no ka ghar aana matlab apni apni taraf se setting karna ghar walon se and ending me maa ka apni best friend ka

 

[RAAZ]

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

Nice update dear. Bohat acchi tarah se veer ki professional and personal uthal puthal ko show kia hain.
Har ek kaam per laga hua hai Minister Gaurav ki wajah se Veer n Rohan ke peechay hai jabki Veer n Rohan cooking something strange aur sath me 3 devian uski bharpoor madad ke liye tayyar hai magar unki presence ne ghar me naya bhuchal macha ke rakh diya hai udhar dismblower ka kuch ata pata nahi ki woh aage kia karne wala hai aur kaha chupa hua hai.

 

[ayush01111]

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

104 likes are pending

 

[sam21003]

Adbhut

Update - 213 ~ Power. Pressure. Panic.​

Ab tak...

Jab tak Veer ghar lauta, kaafi raat ho chuki thi. Ghar me andhera aur sannaata chhaaya hua tha. Shayad sabhi so chuke the. Usne spare key se gate ko unlock kiya and andar pravesh kiya.

Jaise hi woh hallway se guzar ke muda, woh achanak ruk gaya.

Uski maa ke kamre ka darwaaza khula hua tha. Andar ek light bulb jal raha tha. Bhavna darwaaze ke paas hi khadi thi. Intezaar kar rahi thi. Uski shaant nigaahein Veer par tiki. Aur, boli-

“Andar aao!”

Ab aage...

27th Jan, Morning ~

Digvijay Shekhawat ke ghar par hall me TV chal raha tha jis par taaza samachaar aa raha tha.

BREAKING NEWS

“Bharat ki mashoor tech companies me se ek - Globerays ke CEO, Mister Gaurav ko kal raat apni patni ki janmdin party ke dauraan unke ghar se giraftaar kar liya gaya. Sutro ke anusaar party ke dauraan Veer Singh, jo ki Prestige hotel ke maalik hai, ne hi Mister Gaurav ke khilaaf saari janta ke saamne saare saboot live pesh kiye the, jiske chalte unhe on the spot hi arrest kar liya gaya.”

News channels par alag-alag clips me Gaurav ko le jaate hue police karmi, Veer Singh ke dwaara pesh kiye saboot ki kuchh alag-alag footages chal rahi thi jo kisi ne kahi se record kari hui thi.

“Janta do bhaago me bati hui hai. Kya Veer Singh ek rakshak hai? Ya phir kanoon todne waala ek yuvak? Charcha jaari rahegi.”

Digvijay sahab apni kursi par peechhe jhuke. Ek haath me phone tha jo kaan ke paas laga hua tha, aur ghanti lagataar jaa rahi thi. Tabhi, doosri orr se kisi ne call uthaaya.

Digvijay : Kisne karwaaya? Pata laga. Veer Singh? Haan. Jaanta hu thoda. Prestige waala na? Haan. Suna hai! Par, isme itna gooda kaise ki DGP ko direct influence kar diya?

Doosri orr se uske assistant ki awaaz phone me use sunaayi di.

Assistant: DGP aur Veer Singh ka koi aapas me connection lag raha hai, Sir. Kal raat, Veer Singh ne direct DGP Rohan ko inform kiya tha shayad. Warna achanak se DGP kyun aayega jab usi raat Gaurav ke khilaaf saboot pesh kiye jaane waale ho? Iska matlab use ye baat pehle se pata thi.

Digvijay (sighs) : Dikkat woh nahi hai. Dikkat ye hai ki Gaurav ke paas jo saboot hai… mere kuchh investments, political deal aur Globerays ke internal transfers. Sab ab police ke haatho lag chuka hai. Agar, ye sab baahar aaya, toh mera political career toh jaayega hi, itne saal ki mehnat bhi aur meri izzat alag. Samjha?

Assistant : Ji Sir! Ab vikalp bahut hi kam hi. Pehla yeh ki DGP se baat-cheet kar, use ghoos de kar agar maamla rafa-dafa ho jaaye. Par, woh DGP Rohan ek number ka ziddi aur imaandar hai. Dusra upaay yahi hai ki higher authority se seedhe uss DGP ka transfer karwa dijiye. Naya officer jo bhi appoint hoga, use toh hum apni side phir kar hi lenge.

Digvijay : Woh DGP baat-cheet se samajhne waalo me se nahi. Samay aa gaya hai ki uska patta saaf kiya jaaye. State ke Home department me baat karni hogi. CM saahab se bhi. Woh meri baat nahi taal paayenge. *smirks* Akhirkar, NDP (Nayi Disha Party) ke liye maine itna kuchh kiya hai.

Assistant : Jald se jald baat kariye, Sir. Emergency transfer ki appeal kariyega, tabhi kuchh ho paayega. Warna, transfers me samay lag jaata hai. Emergency transfer ek din ke andar hi andar ho jaayega. Aur, thoda sambhal ke- Vipakshi party JVD (Jan Vikas Dal) ke log bhi active hai.

Digvijay : Hmph! Satta humaari hai. Sarkaar humaari hai. Woh behanchod kya kar lenge? Tum phone rakho. Mein higher authority se baat karta hu. Aur, koi nayi khabar mile toh turant pahuchaana.

Assistant : Ji Sir!

*call ends*

Digvijay khada hua aur aage badh khidki ke paas se Mumbai ki sadko ko dekhne laga. Woh apne aap me hi budbudaaya.

‘Veer Singh… DGP… Har jagah ungli nahi kari jaati. Ye baat tumhe ab pata lag jaayegi.’

***

Bijaipur, Rajasthan,
Night - 8:05 PM ~

Handpump ka handle neeche kheechte hi charmara utha. Ek baar. Do baar.

Aur, paani usme se ufaan maarte hue neeche rakhi tooti-footi lohe ki baalti me bharne laga. Chhote se aangan me wire se latka hua ek peela bulb timtima raha tha.

Suman puraani khaat ke kinaare neeche zameen par apne haatho ko ghutno par rakhi baithi hui thi. Uski aankhein Abhilasha ki baaho par tiki hui thi, jo itni mehnat kar ke paani nikaal rahi thi.

Abhilasha ne jab se use ghar me andar bulaaya aur baithaaya uske baad se use ek baar bhi mudkar nahi dekha.

Suman : Maine kaha tha mein bhar deti hu, thak jaogi aap.

Abhilasha : Apne ghar ke kaam na kar pau, itni bhi boodhi nahi hui hu.

Suman kuchh na boli. Abhilasha ne baalti uthaayi aur bathroom ke kinaare se raat ke istemaal ke liye rakh di. Phir, woh phatti me paanv pochh choolhe ke paas aayi aur maachis se choolhe ko jalaate hue chai ke danke ko uss par paani daalte hue chadhaayi.

Abhilasha : Chai teen cup bana lu na?

Usne bina dekhe hi poochha. Suman ki nazrein kuchh qadam door baithi Vandna ki orr padi, jo na jaane kidhar dekh rahi thi, kaha khoyi hui thi. Kisi bejaan laash ki tarah deewar se tik ke bas sthir baithi hui thi.

Suman : Mujhe nahi lagta woh piyengi. Par, aap bana lijiye.

Abhilasha : Hmm! *pauses* Bechaari. Jo hua theek nahi hua.

Suman (nods) : Sadma gehra hai. Aulaad ki maut ki khabar sunane ke baad koi bhi maa ye dukh bardaasht nahi kar sakti.

Vandna ko apne bete Dhananjay ki maut ke baare me pata lag chuka tha. Jab Garofano Trisha ko Patna ke case me Raman ko pakadne ke liye guide kar rahi thi, tab khud Trisha ne hi Garofano ke kehne par Dhananjay ki body ki details bataayi thi.

Aur, Garofano ne Veer ko. Aur, phir Veer ne Vandna ko- Jaisa ki usne vaada kiya tha ki woh uske bete ke baare me pata laga ke rahega. Yahi kaaran tha ki kyun Suman Vandna ko lekar pehle Patna lekar gayi thi.

Laash ka antim sanskaar toh pehle hi ho chuka tha. Ghatna ko kaafi din jo ho chuke the. Vandna ko agar kuchh mila toh wo thi apne bete ki kuchh cheezein jinhe woh aashram me rakha karta tha. Aur, isi sadme ke chalte woh tabse hi poori yaatra me maun bani hui thi.

Abhilasha : Sab niyati ka khel hai bitiya. Kahi na kahi, uski iss haalat par mein khud ko bhi iska doshi maanti hu.

Suman : Aapka isme koi dosh nahi. Aapne wahi kiya, jo maalik ke parivar ke liye zaroori tha. Dwesh toh uss Harikiran Singh me tha. Agar, usne hi sambandh achhe banaaye hote toh kya aaj ye sab hota? Nahi!

Abhilasha ne chai chadhaate hue wahi kinaare dur rakhe apne chhote se mandir me ek diya jalaaya.

Suman : Aulaad se yaad aaya… Mujhe aapse kuchh prashn poochhne hai.

Abhilasha : Mujhse? Kaise prashn?

Suman ne ek gehri saans li. Woh Bihar se yaha Rajasthan mehez chai peene nahi aayi thi.

Suman : Ateet ke parijaat ghar ke reeti-riwaazo ko aur jaanana chaahti hu.

Iss baar Vandna ke kaan khade hue, woh apne shok se baahar aate hue pehli baar kisi cheez par dhyaan di. Par, mudi nahi. Bas chup-chap sunti rahi.

Abhilasha : Reeti-riwaaz? Kaun se? Mein toh sab kuchh bata chuki hu tum logo ko.

Suman : Mein… Agar… K-Kya ye sambhav hai ki kisi Parijaat ghar ki aurat aur maalik ki koi santaan ho?

Aur, itni derr baad akhirkar Abhilasha ne mudkar uski orr dekha.

Abhilasha : Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : H-Huh? M-Mein? K-Kuchh bhi nahi. Jo maalik ki ichha rahegi, uska hi paalan mein karungi-

Jalte diye ki lau halki si fadki, theek usi samaan jaise Suman ka mann abhi andar se fadfada raha tha.

Abhilasha : Jhooth mat bolo!

Suman beech me hi chup ho gayi. Abhilasha uthi, aur choolhe ke paas wapas aate hue chai ke danke ko uthakar use ghumaate hue khaulne se roki.

Abhilasha : Agar, tumhari ichha nahi hoti, toh tum yaha mere saamne nahi baithi hoti. Ab sach bolo.

Suman (sighs) : M-Mujhe nahi pata. Aap pehle ye bataiye ki kya Bhavna didi ke parivar ke vansh aur Parijaat ki aurto ke milan se koi santaan paida ho sakti hai?

Abhilasha : Ho sakti hai.

Suman : Huh?

Abhilasha : Kyun nahi ho sakti? Maalik agar Parijaat ki aurton ko pait se karna chaahenge toh bhala kyun nahi santaan hoyegi?

Suman : P-Par- Aise me uss santaan ka kya? Woh santaan ek sevak aur maalik ke milan se paida hogi. Toh, uska adhikaar kya rahega? Kya woh maalik ke khandaan me wahi varchasv paa kar unke saath baraabri se uth-baith paayegi? Ya phir ek sevak hi rahegi?

Abhilasha : Mein phirse wahi poochhungi. Tum kya chaahti ho?

Suman : A-Aap- Aap mere sawaal ka jawaab dijiye na.

Abhilasha : Uske liye mujhe tumhari mansha jaanana bhi zaroori hai.

Maano woh jaise Suman ke saath khel rahi thi. Aur, Suman zaahir taur se ab chidhan mehsoos kar rahi thi.

Suman : Agar, mein kahu ki mein maalik aur apni santaan chaahti hu toh-? Kya ab batayengi aap?

Abhilasha dheere se muskurayi aur chhanni se chai chhaante hue wo glass me bharne lagi.

Abhilasha : Ab aayi na tum mudde par. *Glances* Kyun? Kya hua? Kya tum sach me maalik se santaan chaahti ho?

Suman : Maine aapke sawaal ka jawaab de diya na. Toh, ab bataiye. Sawaalon me mat uljhaaiye, kaaki. Mere liye ye jaanana bahut zaroori hai.

Abhilasha (sighs) : Haan, kar sakti ho.

Suman : !!?

Abhilasha : Koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat maalik se santaan ki praapti kar sakti hai, agar maalik swayam unhe garbh se karte hai toh. Lekin-

Suman : Lekin-?

Abhilasha : Lekin, ye sirf aur sirf maalik ki ichha se hi hona chaahiye. Chhal se nahi. Yaad rakhna.

Suman : Maan lijiye ki maalik ne iss baat par vichaar nahi kiya ki unhe aulaad chaahiye ya nahi aur uske bawajood unhone kisi Parijaat aurat ko garbh se kar diya toh-!?

Abhilasha : Pehli baat toh yeh ki, inn sab baato ka dhyaan tum aurton ko rakhna hai ki kahi tum sab ke tez din toh nahi chal rahe? Uss dauran veerya ko garbh me nahi lena hai. Tum samajh rahi ho na mein kya keh rahi hu?

Suman (nods) : H-Haan!

Abhilasha ne use chai ka glass thamaaya aur ek glass Vandna ko diya jisne dheere se neeche rakhe glass ki orr dekha par koi pratikriya nahi ki.

Abhilasha : Pee le bitiya. Aise kuchh khaogi-piyogi nahi toh, shareer kamzor ho jaayega.

Vandna kuchh na boli. Khaaye piye? Kiske liye? Uska sab kuchh toh khatam ho chuka tha. Ek bete ke jeevit hone ki aas thi. Aas aur beta, ab dono hi marr chuke the. Abhilasha use thodi derr akela chhorte hue wapas Suman ke saamne aake baithi.

Abhilasha : Kehne ka matlab yeh hai ki jab zameen ekdum upjau ho, tab hal nahi jutwaana hai. *smiles* Samajh gayi na?

Suman (nods) : Wo sab mein jaanti hu, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Mujhe pata hai tum kis cheez ki baat kar rahi ho. Aa rahi hu uss par bhi. Ab agar kisi kaaranvash koi bhi Parijaat ki aurat garbh se ho bhi jaati hai toh-

Suman : Toh!?

Abhilasha : Toh, aam taur par humne humesha hi santaan ko janm dilwaaya hai.

Suman (frowns) : 'Aam taur' se aapka kya matlab hai?

Abhilasha : Kyunki... Poorv me aisa kayi baar hua hai ki- kabhi-kabhi aurto ka garbhpaat karwa diya jaata tha.

Suman (gasps) : Kya!!?

Abhilasha : Tab ki maansikta alag thi, bitiya. Tab, wo santaan ek sauteli santaan toh maani jaati hi thi, saath hi ek daasi ke garbh se janmit santaan ki mauhar bhi uss par lag jaati thi. Aur, isliye- kayi baar aurton ka garbhpaat bhi hua hai. Baad me haal hi ke maalik ke poorvajo ne iss shaili ko band karwa diya.

Suman : Aur, jin santaano ko janm diya gaya, unka kya?

Abhilasha : Wo poorv ke maaliko ki ichhaa se hi hua tha.

Suman : Mein wahi poochh rahi hu. Unn santaano ka kya? Unka- unka kya adhikaar hota tha? Kya wo bhi ek sevak the ya phir maalik ke-

Abhilasha : Ek sevak!

Suman : Hhuh!!

Abhilasha : Ek baat gaanth baandh lo, bitiya. Maalik kitne hi oonche padd par kyun na baithe ho. Parijaat ka kaam hai seva karna. Chaahe tum apni kokh se khud maalik ki santaan ko hi kyun na janm dedo. Akhir, uski rago me toh tumhara hi aadha khoon daudega na? Ek daasi ka! Toh, aise me wo gaddi par kaise baith sakta hai?

Suman ne dheere se apna sarr neeche jhuka liya.

Suman : Mein samajh gayi, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Shuddh me tanik bhi ashuddh mila do toh phir wo shuddh nahi reh jaata, beti. Tum jis cheez ki aas me ho, wo sirf tabhi sambhav ho sakti hai jab-

Sunte hi Suman ke kaan khade hue aur woh upar sarr kar use dekhi.

Abhilasha : Jab maalik ke parivar ka vanshaj samaapt ho gaya ho, aur keval unki daasi se hui santaan hi bachi ho. Tabhi- woh santaan phir aage varchasv badhaane ke liye gaddi par baith sakti hai. Lekin, jaisa ki maine kaha-

Suman : !?

Abhilasha : Akhir, uski rago me khoon toh aadha daasi ka hi hai. Isliye, woh apni aane waali peedhiyo ke liye- Singh parivar ki shuddh nasl qayam nahi rakh sakta. Waha se parivar ki nasl nimn hoti jaayegi. Isliye-

Suman : ...

Abhilasha : Bhalaayi isi me hai ki jitna jaldi ho sake, maalik ki jald se jald shaadi karwa ke ek uttaradhikari paida karwa liya jaaye.

Suman : Jo ki meri doosri samasya hai, kaaki.

Abhilasha : Huh??

Iss baar Abhilasha ne use hairat me dekha. Usne apna chai ka glass neeche rakha. Suman ne ek gehri saans li.

Suman : Meri aisi koi ichha nahi hai kaaki ki mein maalik se hui santaan ko unki gaddi par bithwau. Hargiz nahi. Mein toh bas- bas ye soch rahi thi ki kya meri kokh maalik ki ek santaan ko janm de sakti hai ya nahi. Jiska uttar mujhe mil gaya. Lekin, iss se bhi gehri samasya kuchh aur hai-

Abhilasha : Kya?

Suman : Maalik ne mere saath na jaane kitni baar sambhog kiya hai. Aur, har baar- matlab, lagbhag har baar unhone veerya mere garbh me giraaya hai. Par, nateeja? Mein abhi tak pait se nahi hui, kaaki.

Abhilasha (frowns) : Tumne-

Suman : Haan, maine apne garbh theherne waale samay me bhi andar hi girwaaya hai, kaaki. Par, kuchh nahi hua.

Abhilasha : N-Nahi-! Ye kaise ho sakta hai? Kahi tumhare mahine-

Suman : Nahi kaaki. Mere mahine band nahi hue hai. Mein doctor ke paas jaake khud ka check up bhi karwa chuki hu. Mujhme koi kami nahi hai. Aur, baat yahi nahi hai-

Abhilasha : ??

Suman (anxiously) : Baaki aurton ke saath bhi maalik ne yahi kiya hai. Chaliye, ek pal ke liye maana ki- hum ab javaan nahi rahe lekin, Sonali? Woh toh abhi ekdum hi javaan hai na?

Abhilasha : Sonali ke saath bhi maalik ne-?

Suman : Haan, kaaki. Garbh me ande banane ke samay hi usne maalik ke saath sambhog kiya tha. Galti se. Baad me usne bataaya tha toh maine use khoob daata bhi tha. Lekin... Kuchh bhi nahi. Har aurat ke garbh me toh dikkat nahi ho sakti na, kaaki?

Abhilasha ka badan ye sunte hi thanda pad gaya. Uske chai ka khaali glass hadbadi me gir gaya.

Abhilasha : H-Hey, bhagwaan. N-Nahi! Aisa nahi ho sakta.

Suman : Darasal, maalik ne mujhse ek baat boli thi.

Abhilasha : ??

Suman : -ki Suman, mein jab chaahunga tab aurat ko garbhwati bana sakta hu.

Abhilasha : U-Unhone aisa kaha?

Suman ne dheere se sarr haan me hilaaya.

Suman : Lekin, isme kitni sacchaayi hai, mujhe nahi pata, kaaki. Koi bhala inn sab par apna niyantran kaise rakh sakta hai? Dikkat toh kahi na kahi... veerya me hi hui na?

Abhilasha : N-Nahi! Y-Ye gambheer mudda hai, bitiya. Agar, kuchh gadbad rahi toh- toh parivar ka vansh khatre me pad jaayega.

Suman : T-Toh, ab?

Abhilasha : Badi maalkin ke kaan me ye baat bharni hogi.

Suman (gasps) : Bhavna didi-!

Abhilasha (nods) : Haan!

***

Same day,
Veer's home, Mumbai,
Evening - 7:50 PM ~

*Ding Dong*

Ghar ke shaant mahaul ko darwaaze ki ghanti ne bhang kar diya. Andar maujood Kavya ne sabse pehle pratikriya di aur kisi ke kuchh kehne se pehle hi lagbhag daudte hue darwaaze ki orr badhi.

Kavya : Mein dekhti hu!

"Araam se!" Peechhe se wahi baithi Tej ki awaaz aayi.

Darwaaza khula. Aur, ek pal ke liye, Kavya bas apni jagah par jamm gayi.




Jaise uska dimaag ek pal ke liye samajh hi nahi paaya ki saamne jo khadi hai… woh sach me yahi hai.

Uske saamne koi aisi shaksiyat khadi thi jaha uska iss jagah se koi lena-dena tak nahi tha.

Ava, urf Natalia Martin.




Spasht roop se. Iss baar chehre par koi mask nahi. Wahi Natalia Martin jo haal hi me kuchh dino se media me chhaayi hui thi. Wahi celebrity aur singer jo mahino tak gaayab rahi aur phir ICONGLOBE ke corporate gala me kisi toofan ki tarah sabke saamne prakat ho gayi.

Aur, tabhi-

"Hello~"

Kinaare par se achanak hi Erica bhi uske saamne prakat hui. Kavya ki aankhein hairat ke maare fel gayi. Use yaad aaya... Hospital ke dauraan Renshu naamak ek bada sa aadmi Veer ko apne kandho par laad ke leke aaya tha. Tab, ye ladki wahi par thi. Toh, yeh thi uss Renshu ki beti!?

Magar, jaise aagman ka ant abhi nahi hua tha. Iske pehle ki woh apni nabz ko shaant kar paati-

Tabhi, uski nazar zara si hili… aur use ehsaas hua ki Natalia Martin akeli nahi thi.

Ava ke peechhe se koi aur phirse nikal kar aaya.

Garofano.



Kavya : Huh?

Mehez ek naam nahi tha Garofano. Brand tha.

Wahi Garofano jiske products Kavya ki make-up kits me aadhe se zyada jagah bator ke rakhe hote the. Veer jab China se lauta tha toh uske liye 'Garofano products' ka hi gift pack laaya tha, jise woh aaj bhi istemal kar rahi thi.

Use yaad aaya ki Garofano bhi hospital ke samay maujood thi. Nahi... Casa Belle me bhi.

Aur, aaj dhyaan se saamne se dekhne par-

Woh ab dhoka nahi kha sakti thi. Yeh beshaq 'Garofano products' ki owner khud Garofano hi thi. Aur, woh uske ghar ke saamne ek aam mehmaan ki tarah khadi thi!?

Erica (smiles) : Hi!

Erica ne sabse pehle sahajta se khamoshi todi. Magar, sannaata aur gehra ho gaya. Kavya ne palkein tezi se jhapkaayi. Use apni aankhon par yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Phir-

Kavya : E-Eh-!? H-Hi! A-Aap sab... I... I mean... P-Please come!?

Bechaari ki awaaz ladkhada gayi. Garofano aur Erica dono hi josh me aage badhi. Peechhe khadi reh gayi toh sirf... Ava.

Uski mutthi kass ke bandhi. Veer ne use nimantran diya tha. Inn dono kalmuhiyo ko nahi. Phir, bhala woh kyu inhe apne saath-?

[Ab khadi mat raho, dear. This is the perfect opportunity. Take it. Warna, woh Garofano aur Erica tumse pehle baazi maar jaayengi.]

Mann me uske system ki awaaz aayi.

'Lily...'

[Even though I'm not fully convinced with Veer being your romantic partner, mein jaanti hu tumhara dil use dekhte hi kitni zor se dhadakta hai.]

'Lily, stop! Maine tumhe-'

[Stop the excuses. I know that you love him. You accepted it. Lekin, iss tarah se bas door se hi nihaarti rahogi toh ho gaya kaam. Koi aur phool tod le jaayega. Isliye-]

'STOP!'

Woh mann me hi zor se chillaayi. Uske gaal halke laal the. Aur, bina kuchh soche woh andar daakhil ho gayi.

Unhe andar aata dekh Shweta sofe par se uthi, chehre par aashcharya spasht jhalak raha tha. Bhumika bhi seedhi hoke khadi ho gayi.

Bhavna ahista se kursi par se uthi, uski aankhein aaye hue mehmaano par phir rahi thi. Uske andar hairaani kam thi, soch-vichaar zyaada.

Ragini... couch par hi virajmaan thi. Koi harqat nahi. Mehmaano ka aaklan kar rahi thi. Khaaskar, Ava ka. Phir, usne Garofano aur Erica ko dekha. Lekin, nazrein wapas se Ava par tik gayi. Uske seene me ek ajeeb si jakdan use mehsoos hone lagi thi.

Tej, unn sab se thoda alag, dining table ki chair par baithi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi.

Kavya ne darwaza band kiya, peechhe mudi aur ab jab woh jhatke se thoda baahar aayi tab use asliyat ka ehsaas hua. Usne Garofano ko ghoora.

Kavya : Ahhh! It's... It's really you. A-Aap... Aap Garofano ho na?

*Silence*

Garofano ne uski orr dekha. Bas, ek halki si saiyammit muskaan.

Garofano : Yes, my dear.

Aur, bas itna hi kaafi tha. Kavya ka saara dhairya toot gaya.

Kavya (shrieks) : OH MY GOD!

Woh beech vaakya me hi ruk gayi, Tej, Bhavna aur Shweta ki orr dekhte hue apne jazbaato ko qaabu me karne ki koshish karne lagi. Jaise poochhna chaah rahi ho ki aap sab log ye dekh rahe ho na? Humaare ghar kaun aaya hua hai?

Kavya : Oh! I-I mean... I use your products... like — I didn’t expect... h-here —

Uske shabd ladkhada rahe the.

Uske reaction par Erica dheere se hasi. Garofano ne ek-ek kar sabhi parivar jano ko dekha. Check kiya. Aur, uske hontho par muskaan aur adhik fel gayi.

'Interesting.'

---

Teeno living room me apni-apni jagah khoj ke baithi. Garofano ne jaan boojh kar single sofe par baithna tay kiya, aisa kona jaha se woh poore kamre ko ek nazar me dekh sake.




Ava aur Erica, ek bade sofe par saath me baith gayi. Ek saath lekin... Dono ke beech ek halka sa faasla.

Kitchen ki dehleez par khadi Sonali bas unhe hi dekh rahi thi — thodi si ghabrahat, thodi si hairaani. Itni alag-alag duniya ki ladkiyaan... Itni khubsurat... Ek hi chhat ke neeche.

Bhavna ki nazar uss par padi. "Sonali?"

Sonali jhatke se sambhal ke awaaz ki orr mudi, Bhavna ko dekhi, aur samajh gayi ki use kya karna tha. Woh kitchen me fauran hi andar ghus gayi.

Kuchh pal ki khamoshi chhaayi rahi. Phir-

Bhavna : Aap sab-? Yaha? Agar, mein galat nahi hu toh-

Tej : Mom. Ye- Ye foreigners hai.

Bhavna : Oh! Right! *nods* What I meant was-

Erica (smiles) : Humein 'Hindi' aati hai, aunty. Please, comfortable rahiye humaare saath. Hai na, ladies?

Ava (hesitates) : J-Ji aunty!

Garofano (smirks) : Bilkul!

Maano jaise iss baar bhaari bomb phoota unn sab par. Mehez unka yaha aana hi apne aap me kisi chamatkaar se kam nahi tha jo ab unka ye kehna ki unhe 'hindi' bhi aati thi?

Thodi der ke liye kamre me sannaata chhaa gaya.

Kavya (blinks) : Ah? A-Aap ko hindi aati hai?

Erica (smiles) : Dad se seekhi hai. Aap sab unse toh mile hi honge? Li Renshu? Mein unki beti, Erica.



Baat ekdum sahi baith rahi thi. Kyunki, Renshu jab Veer ko behoshi ki haalat me hospital laaya tha tab usne hi parivar jano se 'hindi' me baat ki thi. Aise me, Erica ko 'hindi' bolna aana swabhavik tha.

Kavya (nods) : Oh, that makes sense.

Sonali itni derr me andar se tray me unke liye paani lekar aayi. Aur, baari-baari unhe serve ki.

Lekin, Erica maano itne se santusht nahi thi. Usne dheere se glass uthaaya aur apna sarr Garofano ki orr ghumaaya.

Erica : Waise mujhe toh hindi aati hai. Lekin, aapko kaise aati hai?

Usne use chhedte hue poochha. Kamre me sabhi ka dhyaan Garofano ke upar chala gaya.

Garofano ne paani ka glass uthaaya. Erica ke sawaal par uske maathe ki nass phadki.

'I'll kill this bitch!' Aur, tabhi-

*Crack*

Kuchh chatakne ki awaaz. Bhavna ki bauhe fadki.

Garofano ne glass ko dekha. Phir, ekdum halki awaaz me-

Garofano : Umm, shayad glass toota hua hai!?

Kehte hue usne kaanch ke glass ki orr ishaara kiya, jispar waqai me ek lambi daraar aayi hui thi.

Bhavna ne turant hi Sonali ki orr dekha, "Sonali?"

Sonali (gasps) : Ah! M-Mein dekh ke hi laayi thi. Tab, toh ye sahi tha. M-Mein-

Garofano (smiles) : It's okay! Happens.

Sonali : S-Sacchi, mein dekh ke hi laayi thi aur-

Bhavna : Mujhe tum par yakeen hai, Sonali. *smiles* Glass badal lao.




Sonali (nods) : J-Ji!

Bhavna ki nigaahein Garofano ke haath par tiki. Aur, Garofano ki Bhavna par. Use laga usne Erica ka prashn taal diya, magar woh peechhe hatne waalo me se kaha thi.

Erica : Haan, toh aap bata rahi thi ki aapko hindi kaise aati hai?

Garofano : ...

Erica (smirks) : Bataiye! Bataiye! Itna kya sharmaana?

Garofano : ...

'This bloody-!'

Usne ek gehri saans li. Phir boli.

Garofano : Business. Business ke liye seekhna padta hai. India is an important market.

Erica : Oh! I see! Aur, aapko kaise aati hai? Miss Ava? *smirks*

Ava : H-Huh?

Kavya : Ava? Par, unka naam toh Natalia hai na?

Ava : Natalia is my stage name, Kavya.

Kavya : Ahhh!? Aapko... Aapko mera naam kaise pata chala?

[Oh dear!]

Ava, ek pal ke liye ruki. Ungliyaan ghutno par halki si kas gayi.

Ava : I-I- mean... Veer ne bataaya tha. Sabke baare me.

Kavya : O-Ohh!

Ava (nods) : Hmm! Mein Mumbai se hi hu originally. Tum Kaera aur Sonia ko toh jaanti hi hogi na?

Kavya : Ah! Haan! Unhe kaun nahi jaanta.

Ava (smiles) : Mein unn dono ki bachpan ki dost hu. I mean... Hum pehle friends hua karte the. Bahut achhe.

Kavya : Ohh!

Usne bas itna hi bataaya. Zyada koi vistaar nahi. Aur, na hi kisi ko prabhaavit karne ka koi prayaas. Magar, itni saadagi itni badi celebrity me? Thoda prashn uthaane waali baat thi.

Bhumika ne haami bhari, uske chehre ke bhaav me kuchh badlaav aaya, maano jaise abki baar wo jawaabo se kuchh hadd tak santusht thi.

Bhumika : That's fair! *nods*



Parantu, Tej ke bhaav jyo ke tyo the. Woh tass se mass tak nahi hui. Nigaahein sthir thi. Unn teeno par. Woh gaur kar rahi thi.

Teeno ka accent ekdum aisa tha jaise bachpan se hindi bolti aa rahi ho. Ava ka toh samajh aata hai ki woh asal taur se Mumbai se hi thi. Magar, Garofano aur Erica? Ye kahi se bhi aisi nahi lag rahi thi jinhone hindi seekhi ho.

Prateet ho raha tha ye hindi bolte hue hi pali badhi hai. Usne iss vichaar ko bas apne mann me hi rakha.

Ava ne jaise Tej ki shanka ko bhaanp liya, woh halka sa peechhe jhuki aur apne ek perr ko dusre ke upar rakhi.

Ava : Inn dono ko kaafi experience hai. It’s not that surprising.

Aur, uske iss kathan se Tej ki shanka halki-fulki hi sahi, magar kam ho gayi.

Baat-cheet aage badhi. Bhavna, Tej, aur Bhumika, teeno hi unse jawaab nikalwaane ki poori koshishe kar rahi thi. Mumbai me kaise aana hua? Yaha kaise aana hua? Kya ve teeno ek dusre ko jaanti hai? Agar, haan toh kab se-? Veer se unka kya lena-dena hai? Wagarah wagarah.

Aur, unka har jawaab bas Veer ki orr ishaara kar deta ki usi ki wajah se ve sab mile hai. Garofano ne yeh keh ke taal diya ki woh business ke chalte Veer se parichit thi. Toh wahi Erica ne apne pita Renshu ko Veer ka business partner bataate hue khud ko sawaalo ke vaar se bacha liya.

Rahi baat Ava ki, toh usne bhi business ka bahaana dete hue, yeh baat bhi jod di ki choonki, Veer Kaera aur Sonia se pehle se hi parichit tha, isliye uska aur Veer ka aapas me milna ghulna swabhavik bhi tha aur asaan bhi, kyunki woh khud Kaera aur Sonia ki bachpan ki dost rahi hai. Upar se France me hui galat-fehmi ke baad, ve dono ab aur bhi parichit the. Vishay par virhaam lagaane ke liye itna kaafi tha.

Lekin, mahaul abhi poori tarah shaant nahi hua tha.

Kavya phir se aage jhuki, uska utsaah khatam hi nahi ho raha tha, lekin uske agle prashn ne sabhi ke kaan khade kar diye.

Kavya : Toh… umm… aap sab Veer bhaiya se kaise mili?

*Silence*

Sabse pehle Erica ne hi shuru kiya.

Erica : Hum pehli baar China me hi mile the. Mere hi ghar me. You know… business.

Tej (frowns) : Kaisa business?

Erica : Veer ne aapko nahi bataaya?

Tej : Bataaya bhi hoga, tab bhi… mein zara… aapke muh se sunnana chaahungi.



[Oh, she’s quite a feisty one haha.]

‘It’s okay, Genie! Wo Veer ki badi behan hain. She’s protective. Nothing else. I kinda like it. Mein unhe niraash nahi karna chaahti.’

Erica : Actually, automobiles se related hai. Veer ne dad se vehicles me use hone waali batteries ke raw materials ki deal ki hai.

Tej (surprised) : Raw materials?

Ragini (shocked) : Lithium!?

Bhavna : !!?

Tej : Veer ne-?

Erica (smiles) : Yes. Ab zyada nahi bataungi. Aapko toh- pata hi hai, I guess?

Tej : You-

Erica : Aur, aise hi hum mile the. *softens* That was… intense.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uske dupatte par kass gayi. Automobiles ko lekar agar ghar me kisi ki samajh achhi thi toh Vivek ke baad uska hi naam aata tha. Veer ne lithium ki deal ki thi? Kis liye-? Kahi na kahi use kuchh abhaas ho chuka tha.

Veer gharwaalo se bahut saari baatein chhipa raha tha. Shweta aur Bhavna ke mann ke vichaar bhi ek hi the. Unhe pata chal gaya tha ki ‘Veer’ naam ki jis paheli ko ve ab tak samajhte aa rahi thi, usme kahi zyaada aur bhi kuchh chhipa hua tha.

Kshan bhar ki khamoshi ke baad Garofano ne bolna shuru kiya.

Garofano : Veer aksar problematic situations me fass jaata hai. *chuckles* Unexpected situations me. Mujhe yaad hai mein Casa Belle me kisi client se milne gayi thi jab meri mulaqat-

Kavya : Ah, mujhe yaad hai- mujhe yaad hai! Hehe! Tab, aapne aake udhar Veer bhaiya ko insult se bachaaya tha. Hai na?

Garofano (smiles) : That’s right, sweetie~

Tej ki bauhe phir se kasi. Yaad toh use bhi tha. Bhala kaise nahi hota? Uss raat woh bhi toh akhir wahi thi. Jaate-jaate usne uss Aadesh Jaisinghani ki secretary, jisne uske bhai ke upar wine feki thi, use kheench ke tamaacha jo maara tha usne. Woh raat bhala woh kaise bhool sakti thi?

Tej (frowns) : Kya ye kuchh zyaada hi coincidence nahi ho gaya ki jis raat mera bhai beizzat ho raha tha, tabhi waha aap aa gayi, uski beizzati hone se use bachaayi aur uss se familiar bhi ho gayi? Aur, ab baat yaha tak aa gayi ki business deals bhi casually ho gayi? Ghar aana jaana? Huh!?

Garofano : Oh? *grins* Kya aap kuchh suggest kar rahi hai?

Tej (stares) : Nothing. Just pointing it out.

Garofano : Haha~ Good. Waise, woh kya hai na ki- mein akeli nahi hu jo ye kari baithi hu. Kyun, hai na? Ava? *grins*

Tej : Huh?

Ava : …!!

Kehte hue Garofano ki nigaahein Ava par zara si tik gayi. Ahista se. Aur, iska asar bhi hua. Ava ki ungliyaan uske ghutno par halki si mud gayi. Woh jaanti thi uske kehne ka matlab kya tha. Usne apne daant meese. Use yaad aaya. Woh pal-

Jab Jaw Long se bhidte waqt Veer musibat me tha. Tab, woh bhi toh gayi thi na waha? Uski madad ke liye? Aur, phir ab uske saath deals karna? Uske ghar aana-jaana?

Garofano : Veer ka tareeka... thoda alag hai. You know... Log ya toh door rehte hai ya phir paas aa jaate hai. And- *smiles* I chose the second.

Tej (frowns) : Kya matlab?

Ava ki mutthi kasi. Garofano ke shabdo ka arth woh bhali bhaanti samajh chuki thi. Aur, ek aur pal uske zehen me kaundh gaya.

Jaw Long se ladaayi ke baad jab Veer Renshu ke ghar me ghaayal tha aur theek ho raha tha tab Garofano ka uss se milna aur uske saamne uske gaal ko choomna. Woh bhooli nahi thi.

Ava : Aur, mein-

Kavya : Hmm?

Ava : Usne mujhe France me bachaaya tha. Udhar Government ne use terrorist maan liya tha.

Kavya : Haan, phir aapke statement ki wajah se hi bhaiya chhoote the. Th-Thank you~

Ava (smiles) : Thank you toh mujhe kehna chaahiye use. Usne mere liye- *sigh*

Ragini ka seena unki baatein sunn kass gaya. Kya Veer unn sab ke liye bhi apni jaan jokhim me daal chuka tha? Kyun?

Tej ke bagal se khadi Sonali apne hisaab se sab kuchh dekh rahi thi aur kahi na kahi uska aaklan bhi sahi tha.

Sonali (mutters) : D-Didi! M-Mujhe ye teeno theek nahi lag rahi. I-Itni badi shaksiyat ka humaare ghar me yu aana-?

Tej (murmurs) : Hmm! Kuchh baat zaroor hai, Sonali. Bas chup-chap abhi notice karo sab kuchh.

Maamlo ki gehri parto se anibhigya Kavya abhi bhi sab kuchh samajhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.

Kavya : Toh… Toh, aap sab India bhaiya se milne aayi ho?

Ava (smiles) : Veer ne hi mujhe kal-

Garofano : Humein! *smiles* Veer ne hi kal humein invite kiya tha.

Ava ne Garofano ko kha jaane waali nazro se ghoora aur Garofano bas muskuraati rahi.

Kavya : O-Oh! Par, bhaiya ne toh humein kuchh nahi bataaya. Aur, upar se abhi woh ghar par bhi nahi hai.

Bhumika ne unke kuchh kehne se pehle hi apna prashn rakha.

Bhumika : Aap sab… kaafi busy personalities ho. Right? This visit must be important?

Garofano (chuckles) : Such an interesting family!

Bhumika : Hmm!?

Ek pal ke liye kisi ne jawaab nahi diya. Phir, Garofano ne ek gehri saans li.

Garofano : Yes. Some visits are important!




Usne seedhe taur par kaha. Koi bahaana nahi. Aur, na hi koi ishaara ye bataane ke liye ki bhala Veer ne unn sab ko yaha kyun bulaaya tha.

Tabhi, Bhavna ki thodi sakht awaaz ne sab kuchh shaant kar diya.

Bhavna : Bas. Kaafi sawaal ho gaye.

*Silence*

Bhavna : Mehmaan hai ya poochh-taachh chal rahi hai yaha? Veer ne inhe ghar par aamantrit kiya hai. Aur, tum sab aise pesh aa rahe ho humaare unse-?

Bagal me baithi Shweta use ghoor ke dekhi. Ye kya? Kya plan ye nahi tha ki hum unse sawaal kar kar ke sacchaayi baahar nikalwayenge? Phir ye-?

Shweta : Tum-

Kintu, Bhavna ne tapaak se uski kalaayi pakad kar use chup karwa diya. Aur, Shweta jaise samajh gayi ki Bhavna ki rann-neeti yaha par kya thi.

Shweta : O-Oh!

Bhavna (smiles) : Tej, Sonali, Bhumika! Ye sab Veer ki dost hai. Bina khaana khaaye humaare ghar se nahi jaayengi.

Tej : Hmph!

Sonali : J-Ji!

Bhumika (nods) : Ji! Sonali, Tejal! Chalo!

Bhumika unn dono ko kitchen me le gayi.

Garofano : Iski koi zaroorat nahi, aunty.

Bhavna (smiles) : Zaroorat kaise nahi hai? Agar, maine khaali pait apne bete ke dosto ko ghar se yuhi jaane de diya toh mein kya jawaab dungi use? Aur, aap sab pehli baar humaare ghar aaye ho. Bina khaana khilaaye mein aap sab ko nahi jaane dungi.

Veer ke ghar par khaana? Teeno me se iska koi virodh nahi karna chaahta tha. Balki, ve sabhi iske liye aatur bhi thi. Lekin, inn sab ke beech-

Ava wahi baithi rahi, ummeed se kahi zyaada shaant. Dekh rahi thi. Sunn rahi thi. Mehsoos kar rahi thi. Yeh keval uska pal hona chaahiye tha. Uska nimantran hona chaahiye tha. Sirf, uska judaav Veer ke gharwaalo se, magar ab-

Garofano unke saath hasste hue baatein kar rahi thi. Erica sehejta se sabhi ke saath ghul-mil rahi thi, khaaskar Kavya ke sang.

Kavya : Ah! M-Mujhe- Mujhe aap sab ke autographs mil sakte hai?

Garofano (chuckles) : Hahaha~ Autographs hi nahi sweetie, mein aapke liye bahut saare gifts bhi laayi hu. Just for you.

Erica : Autographs are boring! Hum pictures click karenge, videos banayenge hehe~

Kavya : Oh my god~ ( ω ) I can’t believe it! I’m soooo luckkyyyy~ I love you, Veer bhaiya~ Unki wajah se mein aaj aap sab ke saath… hehe~

Ve sab khush thi, aur Ava ko aisa laga jaise woh bas… maujood thi. Uski nazar ek baar darwaaze ki orr gayi.

‘Where are you… Veer?’

“Shayad aap bore ho rahi hain?” Ek awaaz uske kaano me padi. Dekha toh paaya ki Ragini sofe par se uthkar, ladkhadaate hue apni wheelchair par baith use hi ghoor rahi thi.

Ava : J-Ji?

Ragini : Want a home tour?

Bina uska jawaab jaane hi Ragini apni wheelchair ko haatho se chalaate hue ghoomi aur andar jaane lagi, jab kuchh doorie tay karne ke baad hi use peechhe se wheelchair par dhakka mehsoos hua.

Ava uski wheelchair ko peechhe se thaame aage badha rahi thi.

Ragini : Iski koi zaroorat-

Ava : I insist!

Ragini : …

Ek ke baad ek, Ragini kamro ko dikhaate hue Ava ko apne ghar ka tour karwa rahi thi, aur Ava badi hi dilchaspi se sab kuchh nihaar rahi thi, jab ek jagah Ragini ruki aur bina uski taraf mudey hi shaant awaaz me poochhi.

Ragini : Veer… achha ladka hai, hai na?

Ava : Huh? J-Ji?

Ragini : Poochh rahi hu. Veer ek achha ladka hai na?

Ava : M-Mein-

Ragini : You like him, don’t you?

Iss baar woh mudte hue uski aankhon me dekh boli. Uske chehre par ek adrishya sakhti thi.

Ava : Huh? N-Nahi, aapko koi-

Ragini : Aurat hu. Dekh ke bata sakti hu. Lekin-

Ava : ??

Ragini : Apni aankhon se chhipaana mushqil hota hai. Baahar baithi unn dono ke mann me bhi kuchh hai. Lekin... I don’t trust them.

Kehte hue woh apni wheelchair ko aage badhaayi.

Ragini : Ye neeche mera room hai. Agal-bagal ke rooms Veer ki mom, Bhavna ji aur Shweta tai ji ke hai. Tej aur Bhumika bhi unke saath hi soti hai. Yaha se upar first floor ke rooms hai. Veer ka room bhi upar hi hai. Terrace ke do raaste hai. Ek first floor se aur ek baahar porch se. That’s it!

Kehte hue woh baahar nikli, porch ki orr, aur Ava uske peechhe-peechhe chalti gayi.

Ragini : Agar, terrace dekhna hai toh yaha se jaa sakti ho. Iske aage mein nahi chadh paungi.

Ava ne use ek jhalak dekha. Phir, achanak hi use apni goad me utha liya.

Ragini (shrieks) : Ahhh? Wh-What? What are you doing?

Ava : Mein aapko upar leke chal sakti hu.

Ragini : N-Nahi! N-Neeche! Put me down! Now!

Ava ne use wapas baithaaya. Ragini ki saansein tez thi. Chehre par achambhav.

Ragini (mutters) : Weird-

Tabhi-

Ek gaadi theek Veer ke ghar se door aa kar
ruki. Ava ke kaano ne dhwani ko sunn liya, usne turant hi andar Garofano ko awaaz lagaayi aur Garofano jaise ishaara samajh gayi. Usne Erica ko dekh haami bhari.

Garofano : Kavya sweetie~ Humein terrace se view dekhna hai. Kya humein nahi dikhaogi?

Kavya : Ah! Sure! Kyun nahi?

Aur, Kavya ke sang Erica, Garofano aur Ava teeno hi upar chali gayi.

---
Jaise hi ladkiyaan upar ki orr gaayab hui, Bhavna ek dheemi saans chhorte hue sofe par baith gayi. Shweta, uske theek saamne do-chaar baar aage-peechhe tehli. Phir, ruki.

Shweta : Ye chal kya raha hai? Haan? Itni badi-badi personalities… Ye ladkiyaan… Apne ghar me? Aur, Veer ne humein bataaya bhi nahi ki inn sab ka uss se kya lena-dena hai?

Uske mann me avishvas tha. Shayad, kuchh aur bhi.

Shweta : Ek taraf mann karta hai… ki mera betu itna… itna aage nikal gaya hai… aur doosri taraf-

Uski awaaz ladkhadaayi. Bhavna kuchh na boli. Bas use dekhti rahi. Ungliyaan armrest par tiki. Thap-thapaati hui. Gadna karti hui.

Bhavna : Filhaal, jo bhi hai… chehre par mat lao.

Shweta ne uski orr dekha.

Bhavna : Unhe agar mehsoos ho gaya ki hum unn par zyaada shaq kar rahe hai toh… baat hum par hi aayegi. Aur, na hi humein kuchh jaanane ko milega. *sighs* Veer mujhpar gaya hai. Ziddi hai. Agar, humne koi galat qadam uthaaya toh woh sach aur chhipaata chala jaayega.

Shweta : Toh kya kare?

Bhavna : Sabr. Saare jawaab Veer ke paas hai. Aur, mujhe jawaab hi chaahiye hai. Bhram me nahi ulajhna.

Shweta ne dheere se saans chhori.

Shweta : Theek hai!

Unki nazrein ek baar phir seedhiyon ki orr ghoom gayi.

---

Idhar baahar jo car ruki thi, uska darwaza khula aur Rohan baahar nikla.

*Thud*

Zaroorat se zyaada zor se usne darwaaze ko band kiya. Usne saamne dekha. Veer ka ghar. Theek waisa hi jaisa usne tasveero me dekha tha. Usne ek gehri saans li.

‘Pointless…’

Usne mann hi mann socha. Na jaane woh yaha kyun aaya tha. Aaj jo kuchh bhi uske saath hua, uske baad yaha aane ka koi arth nahi tha. Lekin, pata nahi kyun-

Woh aage badha. Kyunki, ‘Veer’ naam ki iss paheli ko suljhaana kahi na kahi dilchasp tha.

Use ghanti bajaane ki zaroorat bhi nahi padi. Darwaza khula hi hua tha. Usne dastak di. Khule darwaaze par usne thoka.

*Knock*

Bhavna aur Shweta ne ek saath upar dekha. Aur, dono hi use pehchaan gayi. Aaj subah hi samachaar ke channels me unhone use dekha tha. Wahi aadmi jo Globerays ke CEO, Gaurav ko giraftar karne ke liye sansani me bana hua tha.

Jiske peechhe Veer ka bhi haath tha. Ve sab jaanti thi. Kya kuchh ghatit hua tha kal raat. Tanaav phirse laut aaya.

Rohan : Namaste! Mein, Rohan!

Usne apna parichay keval naam se diya. Ye soch ke ki woh unhe pata nahi lagne dega, kyunki Veer ne bhi use bina wardi ke liye aane ko kaha tha. Woh uske mutabik sadharan kapdo me hi tha. Lekin, woh nahi jaanta tha ki ve sabhi use jaanti thi.

Rohan : Veer hai ghar par?

Iske pehle ki unme se koi jawaab de paata-

“You finally showed up!?”

Peechhe se ek awaaz aayi. Sehej. Thodi si mazaakiya. Rohan palta. Veer, car ki chaabhi ungli me ghumaate hue aa raha tha. Prateet ho raha tha woh kisi kaam se laut raha tha.

Rohan ko bina wardi ke dekhte hue uske hontho par muskaan saj gayi.

Veer (paas aate hue) : Mujhe laga nahi tha ki aap aaoge.

Kehte hue woh Rohan ke paas se aise guzra jaise maano woh hawa ke samaan ho.

Veer : Come! Upar chalte hai!

Shweta : Betu-?

Woh jald se pukaari. Veer muda bhi nahi.

Veer : Chhoti maa! Chai-paani le aaiyega! Aur, koi disturb na kare.

Usne seedhiyo ki orr badhte hue kaha. Uske lehze me koi ahankaar nahi tha. Aur, yahi sabse badi samasya thi. Usne sab kuchh pehle hi soch rakha tha. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi. Uski aankhein thodi sikud gayi.

Darwaza band hua. Veer araam se ek perr doosre par rakhkar bistar par tika. Saamne ek kursi rakhi hui thi. Bina shabdo ka aamantran. Jo zaahir taur se Rohan ne sweekar kiya.

Woh kursi par baitha. Nazrein ek baar kamre me ghoomi, phir Veer par tik gayi.

*Silence*

Phir-

Veer : Toh? Kaisa tha aapka din, DGP Sir? *smirks*

Rohan ka jabda sawaal sunte hi kass gaya. Aur, Veer ki muskaan dekhte hi-

Rohan : Tum-! *grits* Tumhe pata tha?

Veer ne koi jawaab nahi diya.

Rohan : Kahi tum hi toh iske peechhe nahi ho?

Veer : Mein? Hahahaha~

Woh hasa.

Veer : Come on, DGP Sir. Agar, meri itni pakad hoti, toh maine ye kaam pehle hi nahi kar diya hota jab aap mere liye adanga bann rahe the?

Rohan (frowns) : T-Toh kaise-? Tumhe kaise pata chala ki- ki-

Veer (smiles) : -ki aapka transfer ho gaya hai?

Rohan : ...

Veer : I saw it coming! *smiles* Aap toh jaante hi hai ki-

Rohan : -tumhare kuchh spies hai.

Veer : Hahaha! Exactly! Toh? Kab nikalna hai?

Rohan : Kal raat!

Veer (nods) : Emergency transfer huh!?

Rohan : Haan!

Veer : Aur, reason kya bataaya gaya?

Rohan : Serial killer capture failure. Slaughterhouse case mismanagement. Aur… Gaurav ki custody bina dusre suspect Nik ko pakde. Zaahir taur se ye sab karwaaya gaya hai.

Veer : Toh? Kya socha aapne?

Rohan : …

Veer : Itni jaldi haar maan gaye aap?

Rohan : Higher authority se order aa gaya hai. Aur- Trisha ne mujhe sab kuchh bata diya hai.

Veer : Ohh?

Rohan : Woh tum hi the, hai na? Kyun kar rahe ho ye sab? Mujhe nahi pata mere transfer me tumhare haath hai ya nahi. Khair, ab kuchh nahi ho sakta. Mujhe toh ye bhi nahi pata ki mein yaha ab kyun aaya hua hu-

Veer : Ek seedha sawaal poochhta hu, Sir!

Rohan : !!?

Veer uske qareeb halka sa jhuka.

Veer (whispers) : Apni gaddi bachaani hai???

Rohan maun reh gaya. Ek pal ke liye usne koi jawaab nahi diya. Phir-

Rohan : Meri gaddi? S-Saaf saaf kaho-

Veer (smiles) : Kisi ko uthaane ke liye na… kisi ko giraana padta hai.

Rohan : K-Kya matlab-?

Veer (whispers) : Matlab ye ki- Takhta palat hone waala hai!!!

Sunte hi Rohan ke badan me raungte khade ho gaye.

---

“Takhta palat hone waala hai.”

Ava ne bina Erica aur Garofano ki orr dekhte hue kaha.

Garofano : Right! Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai. Veer ne Spain ki news dekhi hai?

Ava (nods) : Woh har taraf apni nazrein rakhta hai. He’s sharp. Dekhi hi hogi. Tumne dekha tha na? That Alejandro guy…

Garofano : Yeah. He’s a system holder.

Ava : That Kael as well…!

Garofano : It’s such a disgusting feature. Screen se bhi hum system holders ko check kar sakte hai. Guess, mujhe bhi baakiyo ne ab tak check kar hi liya hoga. Wait- tumhe bhi haha~

Ava (smiles) : Not really. I have ‘Camouflage.’

Garofano : Argh! Again, another disgusting skill.

Ava : *smiles*

Erica : I’m glad mein aap dono ki tarah famous nahi.

Garofano : Hmph! One day you will. Waise, Veer bhi news me kaafi bana hua hai, use bhi check kar hi liya hoga. I mean… karne waale kar hi lete hai.

Ava : Humein sirf X aur uski gang se savdhaan rehna hai.

Garofano : Don’t generalise. Kya pata koi aur bhi system holder humaare liye musibat saabit ho jaaye? Koi kya intentions rakhta hai, humein nahi pata.

Tabhi, darwaza charmaraate hue ek baar phir khula aur Kavya ne peechhe se jhaanka.

Kavya : Umm, wo… mein ye poochhne aayi thi ki kya lemonade chal jaayega?

Garofano (smiles) : Anything dear! But it should be chilled, okay? And, take your time. Koi jaldi nahi hai.

Kavya : Okayyy~ (*^_^*)

Jaise hi woh gaayab hui-

Terrace par mahaul palak jhapakte hi phirse gambheer ho gaya. Garofano ke chehre se muskaan aise gaayab hui jaise kabhi thi hi nahi. Usne ek cigarette nikaali aur jalaayi.

Garofano : Dexter ke baare me bhi kuchh haath nahi laga.

Ava : Aisa kaise ho sakta hai?

Garofano : Jis raat maine use maara tha, uske paas kuchh bhi nahi tha. Siwaaye kuchh cash aur weapons ke. Koi phone nahi. Koi ID nahi.

Erica (frowns) : Matlab… dead end?

Garofano ne halki si, haasya-heen hasi di.

Garofano : Kinda… Uski cashier ki job ke baare me pata laga. Waha se uske residence ke baare me. Dummy phone number use kar raha tha woh. Uski IDs aur asli phone abhi bhi gaayab hai. Shayad usne ye sab kahi aur secure karke rakha hua tha.

Ava (baahein modte hue) : He was prepared.

Garofano : Exactly. Shayad maine use maarke galti ki? But then again, kise pata tha ki Veer ke culprit ko dhoondhne ke mission ke liye uski zaroorat padegi?

Kehte hue usne muh se dhua chhora jo raat ke andhere me gubaar utha.

Ava : Veer ke mission ko abhi time hoga, hai na?




Garofano : Seems like it. Kuchh din baaki hone chaahiye. Par, mujhe nahi lagta ki bina Dexter ke phone ke ye mission complete hone waala hai.

Erica : Tch. It’s true. Device ke bina… mein ‘Part Vision’ use nahi kar sakti. Aur, culprit ka pata nahi lag paayega.

Ava : We need more clues.

Erica : Par, kaha se laaye aur clues? Dad aur maine lair me jo dekha tha, udhar Disembowler ke weird experiments ke alaawa aur kuchh nahi mila tha. SHB already dad ne secure kar liya hai. I mean… jitne bhi samples humein waha se mil paaye. Lekin, Disembowler Prestige incident ke peechhe nahi tha.

Ava (sighs) : Jo bhi ho, par- without clues hum zara bhi aage nahi badhne waale.

Garofano : We must find that damn phone. Call logs, contacts, sab usi me hoga. ‘Past illustration’ me ye baat zaahir thi ki use kisi ka call aaya tha. Aur, uss dexter ke paas koi doosra phone tha tab. I saw it. Iska matlab saaf hai usne apna wo phone kahi aur chhipa rakha hai.

Ek pal ka sannaata. Phir-

Erica : So, basically… humein aur chhaan-been karne ki zaroorat hai?

Garofano : Hmm!

Ava ne terrace ki boundary se neeche khadi Rohan ki car ko dekha.

Ava : DGP aur Veer ki baat chal rahi hai lagta.

Garofano ne apni aadhi jali cigarette ko door feka.

Garofano : Veer is playing an important game. We must help him out in any way we can.

Ava : Uss Ranjeet ka kya?

Garofano : Hmm?

Ava (frowns) : Jaise Dexter ko kisi ka calla aaya tha aur usne Veer aur uski family ko target kiya. Toh… target toh Ranjeet aur uski gang ne bhi usi time Veer ko kiya tha na?

Garofano : Huh!!

Ava : Iska matlab-

Erica : Ahh!? Matlab use bhi call aaya hoga?

Ava (nods) : Probably.

Garofano : I see! You are right! Kehte hue achha toh nahi lag raha but… very impressive. Lekin, Ranjeet ki belongings police ke paas hongi, aur unhe breach kar ke phone confiscate karna- huh? Wait! Kya isliye Veer-?

Ava : !!?

Garofano : Kya isliye Veer DGP ko apne side karna chaahta hai?

Ava : Might be... Lekin, jitna mein use jaanti hu. He must have planned something more.

Garofano : Veer… oh veer! *grins* He’s always ten steps ahead haha~

Ava (frowns) : Humein Veer ke aage ke plan ke liye wait karna chaahiye.

Erica : Right!

***

Bhavna ne apne kamre ka darwaza kuchh zyada hi zor se band kiya. Ek pal ke liye woh bas khadi rahi… Bina hile-dule. Ava, Erica, Garofano aur Rohan ke jaane ke baad ghar me sannaata chha gaya tha, lekin iss sannaate se use shaanti nahi mili thi. Balki, dimaag aur pareshaan ho chuka tha.

Bahut kuchh ghatit hua tha.

Bahut si cheezein sahi nahi baith rahi thi.

Usne dheere se saans chhori, aur apni ungliyon ko gardan par dabaate hue almaari ki orr chal padi. Ab uski harqate lagbhag aalasya se bhari, masheeni si thi. Usne apni saree badli aur raat ke liye ek gown badan par daala.

Woh bistar ke kinaare baithi. Tej pehle hi thakaan ke chalte bistar par dhunang kar so chuki thi. Uske bagal se woh bhi laiti aur chhat ko ghoorne lagi.

Kuchh bhi samajh nahi aa raha tha.

Na Veer, na uske aas-paas maujood aurtein. Use samajh nahi aa raha tha ki ye sab aakhir shuru kaise hua aur kisliye. Aur, phir-

Beeti raat. Kal raat ki vardaat ekdum se use chubhi. Uski reedh me sihran daud gayi. Usne apni chaadar ko kas ke bheencha.

Ye sab akhir kaise ho gaya?

Akhir galti kaha hui?

Uski aankhein dheere-dheere band hui. Aur, beeti raat ki ghatna punah uske mastishq me kaundh gayi.

---

Kal raat...

Veer jaise hi andar aaya, usne dekha ki uski maa ke kamre ka darwaza khula hua tha. Andar ek chhota sa night bulb jal raha tha. Aur, uski maa-

Wahi saamne khadi hui thi. Intezar kar rahi thi.

“Andar aao.”

Bas, itna hi kaha usne. Veer aage badha. Kamre me daakhil hua. Aur, phir ruk gaya. Kyunki-

Bhavna waha akeli nahi thi. Ragini, apni wheelchair par bistar ke paas hi baithi thi, usne ek maroon rang ki nightdress pehen rakhi thi.

Kintu, Veer ke achraj ka kaaran woh nahi thi. Usne apna sarr ghumaaya aur nazar Ragini se hatkar kahi aur gayi.

‘Huh?’

Purvi.

Bistar ke kinaare se baithi hui. Badan par Bhavna ka ek night gown. Veer ki bauhe tani.

Veer : Maasi?

Purvi ne apna sirr jhuka liya, maano uske dwara dekhe jaane maatr se hi kuchh aisa saamna aa gaya ho jiska woh saamna nahi karna chaahti thi.

Tabhi, peechhe se-

*Click*

Bhavna ne darwaza band kar diya. Veer ne apni maa ko dekha. Bhavna uske paas se guzri, baahar se shaant aur saiyammit lag rahi thi. Lekin, andar kya chhupa tha? Koi nahi jaanta tha.

Bhavna : Tumhari maasi paise lautaane aayi thi. Usi AC ke liye jo tumne unke ghar par lagwaaya tha.

Veer ne avishvas me palkein jhapkaayi.

Veer : Kya???

Usne turant hi Purvi ko dekha.

Veer : Maasi??? K-Kyun?

Purvi ka sirr aur neeche jhuk gaya. Uski ungliyaan gown par kas gayi.

Purvi : Mein- Maine socha ki-

Veer : Kya socha? -ki maine aapse paise wapas lene ke liye ye sab kiya?

Bhavna : Meri bhi yahi pratikriya thi.

Purvi : Lalla, tum jaante hi ho ki tumhare mausa ji kaise hai. Jab hotel me itni badi kshati pahuchi toh- Arun ko ye pasand nahi aaya ki maine tumse itni badi raqam ka AC ghar me-

Veer : Maasi-

Purvi : Dekho, unhe dosh mat dena. Woh sahi hai. Kisi ka ek rupaya ka bhi udhaar nahi rakhte. Isliye- unhe bas laga ki ye sahi nahi tha. Khaaskar, tab jab lalla itne bade nuksaan se guzra ho. Bas, yahi kaaran tha ki unhone mujhe-

Veer : Maasi, kitna hi bada nuksaan kyun na ho gaya ho, kya mere itne laale pade hai ki meri maasi agar kisi cheez ki iccha rakhe toh mein wo bhi poori na kar saku? Aur, rahi baat karz ki toh kya aap mujhe paraaya maanti ho? Agar, paraaya maanti ho toh de dijiye paise! Laaiye!

Purvi : NAHI! Lalla nahi! Kabhi nahi! Mein- Mujhe maaf kar de. Lekin, mein inki baat bhi toh nahi taal sakti thi na? Theek hai. Mein nahi lautaane waali. Par, ye baat tum apne mausa ji ko samjha dena. Mein samajhti hu. Ki mere lalla ne mujhe tauhfa diya hai. Lekin, wo nahi samajhte.

Veer ne ek gehri saans li aur baalo me haath ferte hue aage badhkar bistar ke kinaare, Purvi ke bagal se baith gaya.

Veer : Maasi, aap chinta mat kariye. Bas, befikr rahiye. Aapke chehre par chinta achhi nahi lagti. Mausa ji ko mein samjha dunga.

Bhavna ne kuchh pal tak unki baat-cheet suni, phir boli.

Bhavna : Tumhe yaha ye bataane ke liye nahi bulaaya hai, Veer.

Veer ke kandhe thode sakht ho gaye. Uski nazar Ragini par padi. Aur, tabhi use kuchh samajh aaya.

Bhavna chalkar uske paas baithi, uska haath Veer ke sarr tak pahucha aur ungliyaan uske baalo ko dheere se sehlaayi.

Bhavna : Ragini ne mujhe sab bata diya hai. Woh tumhare baare me kaisa mehsoos karti hai, kitne samay se woh ise apne andar dabaaye hue thi, tum dono kabse ye baat humse chhipa rahe the, aur kaise ye sab hua. Sab. Aur, ye bhi ki tumne uske saath-

Veer ka jabda kass gaya. Bhavna ne vaakya ko wahi adhoora chhor diya. Kyunki, rikt sthaan ko bharne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Woh toh spasht tha.

Ragini ka sarr neeche jhuk gaya.

Aasu chup-chap jama hote gaye aur behkar uski jaangho par girey. Veer ne use dekha. Phir, apni maa ko.

Veer : Toh? Ab kya? Mujhe yaha bulaane ka kaaran?

Bhavna ka haath ek pal ke liye uske baalo me ruka, phir wapas se phirna chaalu ho gaya.

Bhavna : -kyunki, ye galat hai, beta! Ye bahut galat hai. Ragini, tumhari bhabhi hai, Veer. Aur, apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna-

Veer ki aankhon me thodi sakhti jhalki.

Veer : Wo ab meri bhabhi nahi hai, maa!

Bhavna : Haan! Jaanti hu. Lekin, bhale hi uska talaak ho gaya ho- iss se uska ateet ya parivar ke saath sambandh nahi badal jaata. Woh tumhare bade bhai Vivek ki patni rahi hai.

Veer : Thi. Ab nahi. Pehle thi. Ab wo sirf aur sirf- Ragini hai.

Bhavna (exhales) : Maine tumhari Shweta maa se iss baare me baat ki hai. Aur, tumhari Purvi maasi se bhi.

Veer ne Ragini ko kuchh pal ke liye dekha. Jis hisaab se woh ekdum shaant baithi hui thi, lag raha tha jaise uske yaha aane se pehle uski maa ne uski jamkar class li hui thi.

Bhavna : -aur, hum sab ki ek hi pratikriya rahi hai. Samajhdaari isi me hai agar tum-

Usne apni baat poori nahi ki. Use karne ki zaroorat bhi nahi thi. Matlab saaf tha.

Rishta khatam karo. Uss se door ho jao. Iss se pehle ki baat aur aage badh jaaye.

Veer ne phir Ragini ko dekha. Uske aasu. Jis tarah se woh chup rehne ki koshish kar rahi thi, sabke saamne toot kar bikharne se bachne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Usne sab dekha.

Iske pehle ki Bhavna kuchh keh paati-

Veer khada hua. Chalkar Ragini ke paas aaya. Jhuk kar uske saamne baitha. Uska haath badha… aur usne Ragini ka haath thaam liya.

Bhavna ki aankhein thodi chaudi ho gayi.

Veer : Inhone mujhe tab sahaara diya tha jab dad ne mujhe ghar se nikaal diya tha. Theek Nidhi ma’am ki tarah, inhone mujhe apne ghar me panaah di.

Ragini ki ungliyaan uski ungliyon me kas gayi. Ab aasu aur zor se beh rahe the.

Ragini : *sniff*

Veer : Inhone mujhe aashray diya. Apne haatho se khaana khilaaya. Meri dekh-bhaal ki… majboori me nahi… balki, isliye ki- ki, woh dil se ye chaahti thi.

Uski awaaz thodi si dheemi ho gayi.

Veer : Meri parvaah ki- theek waise jaise ek jeevansaathi karta hai. Aur, maine bhi ise mehsoos kiya. Yeh ektarfa nahi tha.

Bhavna : Veer-

Veer : Inhone meri behan ke liye apni jaan jokhim me daali. Inhone aap sabko bina kisi maang ke apne ghar me rehne diya. Jo bhi musibat meri zindagi me aayi, ye tab-tab mere saath khadi thi. Maine bhi inhe bahut kasht diya hai. Lekin, ab nahi-

Bhavna : !?

Purvi : Lalla-

Veer : Aap dono ke meri zindagi me aane se pehle se- ye mujhe sambhaal rahi thi. Kaha thi tab aap dono? Mujhe hidaayat dene ke liye?

Bhavna : …

Veer : Aur, ab jab… jab unhe sabse zyaada meri zaroorat hai… aap chaahti hai ki mein inse door chala jau? Inhe iss tarah se chhor ke?

Bhavna ke honth halke se khule. Woh jaanti thi ki Ragini ke saath bhi anyaay ho raha tha, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki apni hi bhabhi ke saath sambandh rakhna sahi tha.

Bhavna : Dekho Veer-

Veer : Mein peechhe nahi hatne waala, maa!

Usne use beech me hi rok diya.

Veer : Ragini mujhse pyaar karti hai. Aur, mein bhi uss se pyaar karta hu.

Sannaata chha gaya. Bhaari. Sthir. Bhavna ne gehri saans li. Phir, usne woh sawaal poochha jis se use pata tha ki maamla aur bigad jaayega.

Bhavna : Aur, baakiyo ka kya haan? Suman? Sonali? Parijaat ki aurtein? Tum bolo, Ragini! Kya tum ise bardaasht kar paogi? Jis se tum pyaar karti ho, use… dusri aurton ke saath dekhna?

Ragini ke honth kaanpe. Magar, usne apne honth kaskar daba liye. Uski awaaz baahar aana chaahti thi virodh karne ke liye. Na kehne ke liye.

Lekin-

Veer : Ye humaare beech ki baat hai, maa! Iss mudde par hum baat kar lenge. Waise bhi wo sab kuchh jaanti hai mere baare me.

Ragini ki awaaz galey me hi atki reh gayi, usne apna sarr phirse neeche kar liya. Iss samay… yahi sabse zyada zaroori tha. Khaaskar, tab jab veer uske liye khada ho. Iss pal ko woh khona nahi chaahti thi.

Bhavna ek baat samajh gayi. Ye koi asthaayi sthiti nahi thi. Na hi bhram tha. Veer pehle hi faisla kar chuka tha. Aur, ab uss par dabaav daalna… use aur door dhakelna tha. Uski nazar Purvi par padi, jisne thodi der pehle kaha tha ki woh samjhayegi Veer ko. Lekin, Purvi kuchh na boli.

Bas baithi rahi. Chup-chap.

Bhavna : Kuchh toh bolo tum!

Purvi ne gehri saans li, phir akhirkar boli, awaaz komal, aur narm thi.

Purvi : Lalla~ Ye- Ye sach me galat hai-

Veer (yells) : Toh bane rehne dijiye!

Uski awaaz ki kathorta ne bechaari Purvi ko sehma diya. Bhavna ne ek aah bhari. Aur, apni ungliyon se maathe ko mala. Ye tareeka kaam nahi kar raha tha. Iss tarah toh bilkul hi nahi.

Bhavna : Bas! Iss vishay par baad me baat karenge!

Kisi ne bhi asahamati nahi jataayi. Woh khadi hui, Ragini ki wheelchair ke peechhe jaakar uske handle ko pakdi.

Bhavna : Sone ka waqt ho gaya hai! Aur, aaj raat tum yahi mere aur Purvi ke saath sone waale ho!

Veer (palke jhapkaate hue) : Huh? Kya? Kyun?

Bhavna : Ye jo tum Globerays ke CEO ko pakadwa ke aaye ho… Iske baare me kuchh nahi ugalna?

Veer (sighs) : Fucking news channels-

Bhavna (frowns) : VEER!

Veer (nods) : Ji, maa! Theek hai!

Woh bina kuchh aage kahe khada hua aur kapde badalne ke liye baahar chala gaya. Bhavna use jaate hue dekhti rahi.

---

Kamre me Bhavna, Veer aur Purvi ek saath bistar par laite hue the. Itni der tak Gaurav aur Nik ke baare me samjhaate-samjhaate raat ke 2:30 baj chuke the.

Veer dono ke beech me laita hua tha. Usne Purvi ki orr apna rukh kiya.

Veer : Maasi?

Usne fusfusaate hue pukaara.

Purvi : Hmm?

Veer : Soyi nahi!

Purvi : Neend nahi aa rahi, lalla.

Veer : Kyun?

Purvi : Bistar badal gaya na. Phir… abhi jo kuchh bhi hua, wo alag. Wahi sab mann me chal raha.

Veer : Kya… Kya mein maa ke saath zyada hi kathorta se pesh aaya?

Purvi ke komal haatho ne uske baalo ko sehlaaya.

Purvi : Woh tumhari maa hai, lalla. Tumhe uski bhavnao ka bhi khayaal rakhna chaahiye. Use ye ehsaas mat dilao ki woh tumhare liye thi hi nahi kabhi- Maine use dekha hai, joojhte hue, peeda me. Woh na jaane kitna tadpi hai tumse milne ke liye. Par, woh majboor thi. Tum uski dukhti rag par chot mat karo.

Veer : Aage se dhyaan rakhunga, maasi. Aur, maine aapse bhi oonchi awaaz me baat ki. Uske liye- sorry!

Purvi ne uske gaal ko sehlaaya aur phir uske maathe par ek chumban bhar diya. Maano jaise usne use turant hi maaf kar diya.

Veer ka ek haath uski kamar par aaya, phir dheere-dheere upar badhne laga.

Veer : Maasi~

Aur, Purvi ki aankhein bhay ke maare fel gayi.

Purvi (gasps) : Lalla… nahi!! Nahi! Yaha nahi! Ssss~

Veer : Maasi, please~

Usne gidgidaate hue guhaar lagaayi. Purvi ka virodh teevra tha.

Purvi : Veer… lalla… bhavna yahi hai nghh~ Kuchh toh sharam kar! Nahi! Maine kaha na! Chhor lalla! Woh jaag jaayegi-! Aaahnnn! Paglao nahi lalla, mein yaha nahi- nghh~

Veer ki ungliyaan, jo pehle se hi Purvi ke stann ko pakad ke unhe raund rahi thi, woh aur adhik kas gayi. Purvi ki saansein tez ho gayi.

Usne khudse vaada kiya tha ki woh Veer ko dobaara dheel nahi degi. Pichhli baar kitna pacchtaayi thi woh, magar-

Jab usne Veer ko dekha… Use iski zaroorat thi.

Veer : Mein kab se- *breathes in* kab se wapas se- maasi~

Purvi jo virodh kar rahi thi, akhirkar uske haath dheele pad gaye. Kaanpte haatho se usne apna… nahi, Bhavna ka pehna hua gown ka gala neeche kheencha, bra kheenchi, jis se uska ek stann baahar ko aa kar jhool gaya. Poora nagn.

Veer ek jhatke me uske sakht nipple par toot pada. Purvi ne fufkaarte hue Veer ke baalo ko jakda aur use apni orr zor se kheench liya.

Purvi : Nhhaaah~ lalla… Ahhh~ Mmnn~ Aise hi… Pee mere lalla~ sssss~ Ahista se… araam se… haaahhhh~ pee le… apni maasi ka doodh…

Veer ke haath uske doosre doodh ki thaili ke saath khelne me lag gaye. Veer uske doodh ko choosne ke aanand me tha toh wahi Purvi uss se apne stann ko chuswaane ke aanand me.

Par, dono ye nahi jaante the ki-

Bhavna soyi nahi thi.

Uski aankhon se aasu uske gaalo se hoke beh rahe the. Aankhein hairat me feli hui thi. Kab? Kaise? Kyun?

Uski kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha. Peechhe ghat raha drishya use dikhaayi nahi de raha tha, lekin jaise woh har ek drishya ko unki fusfusaati awaaz se dekh paa rahi thi.

Uske har ek aasu ki boond uske maa ke roop me uski vifalta ka teekha pramaan tha.

Lekin, sadme aur aakrosh ki bajaaye, kuchh aur tha jo uske hriday me basa hua tha. Kya uska beta… maa ke pyaar ke liye itna betaab tha? Kya itni laalsa me tha ki use Purvi ka sahaara lena pada? Kya woh itna besabr tha ki apni maas ke saath uss seema ko bhi laangh gaya?

Aur, Purvi khud? Uski saheli? Uske apne bete ke saath aisi harqat karte hue-?

Yeh ehsaas use kisi shareerik aghaat ki tarah laga. Uss poori raat… woh soyi nahi.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
The update consists of 11k words. Another big update. Ava ka visit waala part thoda lamba ho gaya. Utna dikhaane ka plan nahi tha. Par, likhte time laga ki ye bhi dikha do. Wo bhi dikha do. Isliye, scene thoda lamba ho gaya. Anyways, this update introduces the politics now. Yes. Politics will be there. Not majorly. But where it's necessary. Can't ignore such a big trope. Let me know Ava aur baaki sabhi ki visit ka scene kaisa laga. Maine koshish ki hai poora logically aur realistically dikhaane ki. Har kisi ko ek saath sametne ki. Anyways, milte hai agle bhaag me.
Dhanyavad.

Akalpaniya atulya
Ek ek carecter ko itna deeply likhna ye sirf aap hi kar sakte ho dil to karta hai update khatam hi na ho magar bahut bahut shukriya bhai 11 के Ka update Dene ke its so big update

 

[sam21003]

Adbhut

Akalpaniya atulya
Ek ek carecter ko itna deeply likhna ye sirf aap hi kar sakte ho dil to karta hai update khatam hi na ho magar bahut bahut shukriya bhai 11 के Ka update Dene ke its so big update

We all thank you very much for presenting such a beautiful creation and eagerly wait for further updates.

 

[Jasdil]

Update - 209 ~ The Corporate Gala — ICONGLOBE (2)​

Ab tak...

‘Haan haan! Bolo!’

[Mein bas ye bataane ke liye aayi thi ki-]

‘??’

[Ava ne bhi Kaera aur Sonia ki tarah red dress pehni hai. Good luck.]

*Ding*

[The system has gone into sleep mode.]

‘Fuuuuuucccckkkkkkk!!’

Ab aage...

Kya kabhi socha hai ki agar kisi vyakti ko ek se adhik chaahne waali streeyaan ek hi jagah par ekatrit ho jaaye, toh kya hoga?

Shaanti ke alaawa sab kuchh.

Ava, Garofano aur Erica ka Hotel Casa Belle me chal rahe iss Corporate Gala me pravesh karna kisi yuddh ki ghoshna se kam nahi tha. Veer ki haalat kisi junglee sher ke pinjre me feke gaye lakadbaghhe ki tarah thi, jo bhaagna toh chaahta tha, magar bhaag nahi sakta tha.

Erica, Veer ko dekh aise muskura rahi thi jaise koi teenager school fest me apne crush ko dekh kar muskurati hai. Yeh toh Kaera ne bhi swayam dekha tha.



Kaera : Hey! Tumne bataya nahi? That girl… Woh tumhe aise kyu ghoor rahi hai? Tum dono ek dusre ko jaante ho?

Veer ne muh khola, lekin koi awaaz nahi nikli. Aur, bhala bolta bhi kya? Shukr ho, ICONGLOBE ka, jinke Mr. Ward turant hi bol pade.

Mr. Ward : Miss Kaera! Shall we proceed?

Kaera ne Veer ki taraf se muh fera, maano Erica se jude sawaal ko baad me poochhne ke liye rakh diya ho.

Kaera (nods) : Of course!

Mr. Ward : The commotion was… unexpected haha.

Kaera (smiles) : It’s India, Mr. Ward! Here, the unexpected is normal.

Mr. Ward : Sure thing hahaha!

Normal? Agar, Veer se iss paristhiti ke baare me poochha jaaye toh uske muh se shayad yahi niklega ki - lawde ka normal hai. Yaha normal jaisa kuchh bhi nahi tha. Woh toh bas apni kursi par dhasta jaa raha tha. Aur, Erica? Erica poora lutf utha rahi thi.

Woh aate-jaate starters ko khaati, agal-bagal baithe logo se baatein karti, har thodi derr me Veer ko dekh muskurati, haath hilaati aur logo ka dhyaan uss par kendrit kar deti.

‘Damn it!’

Veer mann hi mann kheej utha. Iss waali Pari ki speciality hi uski intelligence thi, magar Pari khud hi sleep mode me jaa chuki thi, jaise kehna chaah rahi ho ki iss musibat se tum khud hi nipto.

Mr. Ward : We have already discussed with Miss Sonia, let’s be very clear Miss Kaera, what are you offering? Because ICONGLOBE will only partner with those who give us not only the best deal but best results along with a secured innovative vision.

Kaera (leans in) : I agree, Mr. Ward. Nexacom doesn’t plan to enter the automotive sector as a follower. If we step in, we step in with technology that changes the manufacturing curve entirely.

Mr. Ward : Such as?

Ruchika, jo abhi bhi thoda ghabrayi hui thi, woh mauka dekh apna tab dikhaate hue aage aayi.

Ruchika : Nexacom has the best tech all over India, Sir. You can see the numbers here. With our collaboration, we can shake the whole automobile sector. ICONGLOBE will provide the internal parts, and we will assemble them with our tech. Imagine the vehicles we can design…! We are also very actively working on AI.

Mr. Ward : Oh? I mean, it’s for sure that Nexacom is better in tech when compared to ELITE Motors. But what about the functioning? Factories? Manufacturing? Staff? Workers? ELITE motors have all of that…! How will you tackle that?

Kaera : We will establish!

Mr. Ward (smiles) : And, it will take time.

Kaera : Yes!

Ek thehraav. Mr. Ward Kaera ko dekhte rahe aur Kaera bina jhijak ke aatmavishvas ke saath baithi uttar de rahi thi.

Mr. Ward : And, you are serious about this?

Kaera : I wouldn’t have been here otherwise, right Mr. Ward!? *smiles*

ICONGLOBE ko chahiye thi ek aisi company jo turant ke turant unhe market me utaar sake. Aur, yeh kaam ELITE Motors se behatreen aur koi nahi kar sakta tha, kyunki ve khud hi market me top position par the.

Wahi Nexacom iss industry me abhi qadam rakh rahi thi. Unke paas factories, employees, jaisi cheezein abhi nahi thi jo ek automobile sector me lagti thi. Inhe set karne me samay lagne waala tha.

Lekin, Kaera ki best bet yahi thi. Woh iss se adhik aur kuchh bhi offer nahi kar sakti thi. Bas, intezar hi kar sakti thi ki kaash ICONGLOBE uske vision aur uski legacy ko dekh yeh deal use dede.

Idhar Kaera aur Mr. Ward aapas me baat karne me lage hue the aur udhar se Erica Veer ke mazey le rahi thi. Garofano bhi kuchh guests ke sang vartalaap me lag gayi. Bhala use kaun nahi jaanta tha? Uski maujoodgi yaha baaki companies ke liye ek sunehre awsar me badal chuki thi.

Aur, Ava? Woh apna mask pehni, shaant, ek kone me murti ki tarah khadi hui thi. Uski nigaahein Sonia aur Kaera par fir rahi thi.

Kabhi inhi dono ke sang wo bachpan me khela karti thi, aaj wahi dono aapas me ek deal ko lekar ladd rahi thi. Kya hoga jab unhe pata chalega ki trinity ka ek hissa unke sang yahi maujood tha?

Uski nazrein fir Veer par tik gayi. Veer ne bhi jaise use abhaas hote hi dekha. Uske mann me bas yahi vichaar chal raha tha ki bhala ye sab yaha kyu aayi hui thi?

Ava ki nazrein narm pad gayi, uski aankhein thodi namm ho chali. Veer ko toh woh baad me samjha sakti hai, lekin Kaera aur Sonia ka kya? Kya ve dono use ab bhi apna dost maanti hai?

‘What are they planning?’

Veer ne mann hi mann socha.

‘Erica ko dekh ke lagta hai jaise use kisi ne behka ke yaha aane ke liye manaaya ho. She looks happy. She’s fucking enjoying it. Ava…! Kyu??’




Uski nigaahein Ava par tiki.

‘Kya tum yaha kahi… Sonia aur Kaera ke liye toh nahi-!?’

Usne ek-ek jhalak Kaera aur Sonia ki orr bhi dekha.

‘But then… Violet…!’

Aur, ant me usne Garofano ko dekha jo kuchh companies ke owners ke sang baat kar rahi thi.

‘No wonder…! Ye plan zaroor tumhara hi hoga. But why here? Looking for a collaboration with other companies?’

Veer haule se muskuraaya.

‘Right! Akhirkar, sabki sab businesswomen hai. Ye opportunity bhala kaise chhor sakti hai? *sighs*I hope ye bas koi problem na create kar de. Mein already koi achhi situation me nahi hu.’

Dur se Suhana bhi Veer ki table ki orr hi nazrein gadaaye baithi hui thi. Woh soch rahi thi ki akhir Veer bhala kya karega? Kaise ye deal Sonia ko dilwaane me madad karega? Agar, Veer naqamyab bhi hota hai toh bhi woh hairaan nahi hone waali thi. Kyunki, uski ye demand hi vichitr thi.

Idhar Kaera aur Mr. Ward aapas me baat kar rahe the ki tabhi, Mr. Ward ka secretary kisi parchhaayi ki tarah peechhe se aaya, thoda jhuka aur unke kaan me kuchh fusfusaana shuru kar diya.

Mr. Ward ne Kaera par se nazrein nahi hataayi. Unhone suna. Aur, jaise-jaise woh sab kuchh sunn rahe the, unki nazrein Veer par sthit hoti chali gayi. Veer ne ye turant hi bhaanp liya.

Uska posture akad kar seedha ho gaya. Na chaahte hue bhi uske senses apne kaam par lag gaye. Jo Mr. Ward ke alaawa kisi ko bhi nahi sunaayi de raha tha, woh Veer ne sunn liya. Aur, utna kaafi tha yeh jaanane ke liye ki aage kya hone waala tha.

“So, that’s it! I see!”

Mr. Ward haami bharte hue sirr hilaaye aur apni ungliyon ke halke ishaare se apne secretary ko jaane ka ishaara kiya. Woh akad kar seedhe baithe aur apne dono haath saamne table par rakhte hue Kaera ko dekhe. Kuchh derr pehle ka dostaana corporate andaaz ab unke andar se gaayab ho chuka tha.

Mr. Ward : Ms. Kaera! I’d like to ask a few questions. I expect honest answers.

Kaera ki bauhe pal bhar ke liye tann gayi.

Kaera : Proceed!

Mr. Ward ki nazrein phir se Veer par gayi, aur phir wapas se Kaera par.

Mr. Ward : Care to explain who this gentleman is, Ms. Kaera?

Unhone Veer ke baare me poochha. Veer ne ek gehri saans li. Sawaal aa chuka tha. Usne jawaab dene ke liye apna muh khola ki tabhi-

Kaera : He’s... Veer Singh! Mister Veer Singh!

Parantu, Kaera ne uss se pehle hi uttar de diya. Uski awaaz shaant thi.

Kaera : A young entrepreneur.

Mr. Ward (nods) : And, what business does Mr. Veer run?

Kaera ne ek jhalak Veer ki orr dekha. Veer se uski nazrein mili. Woh kuchh soch rahi thi. Phir, wapas se woh Mr. Ward ki orr mudi.

Kaera : I think this is disrespectful, Mr. Ward, you know… to ask about him from me when he’s sitting right here. Your questions should be directed to him. Am I right!?

Dekha jaaye toh Kaera ka virodh ekdum sahi tha. Jab Veer ke baare me hi poochhna hai, toh seedhe-seedhe uss se hi kyu nahi poochh lete jab woh yahi baitha hua hai? Ye toh beizzati karne waali baat ho gayi.

Lekin, Mr. Ward ne apna sarr naa me hila diya.

Mr. Ward : No! ICONGLOBE is here to negotiate with either Nexacom or Elite Motors, Ms. Kaera. You are Nexacom’s owner. And, I’m asking you. It’s your responsibility to answer. We are not here to deal with Mister, Veer. What business does Mister Veer run?

Mahaul tanavpoorn ho gaya.

Kaera ne phir se Veer ko dekha, woh kuchh nahi bola. Usne bas halka-sa sirr hilaaya, jaise kehna chaah raha ho ki wo jawab de dega, magar-

Kaera wapas se Mr. Ward ki orr mudi.

Kaera : He owns a luxury hotel. He also runs other food businesses. Several food trucks. Hospitality. Various investments. Operations are stable.

Kaera ne Veer ke businesses ke baare me batlaaya, siwaaye ek cheez ke : Yarnia! Usne Yarnia ka zikr nahi kiya. Koi bhi zikr nahi. Na Yarnia ke clothing brand ki charcha, na koi launch event, na Hotel Prestige ka zikr, aur na hi waha khoon se saney farsh ka koi ullekh.

Woh jaanti thi. Yarnia ke baare me bataana matlab khud ke perr par kulhadi maarna. Saath hi… woh Veer ki image bhi bachaana chaahti thi.

Mr. Ward kuchh na bole. Bas chupchap sab sunte rahe. Phir, unhone aage kehna jaari kiya.

Mr. Ward : -And, if it’s not too personal, may I know what your relationship with Mister Veer is?

Veer swabhavik roop se aage jhuka. Yahi woh pal tha, jo iske rukh ko dusri disha me mod sakta tha. Agar, woh bas ye keh de ki woh aur Kaera ek dusre ko nahi jaante toh-

Veer : Mr. Ward, I-

Iske pehle ki woh samjha paata-

‘???’

Kaera ka haath achanak hi uske haath ke upar aa gaya. Garm. Mazboot. Adhikaar jataane waala. Shabd Veer ke galey me hi atke reh gaye. Usne hairanagi me Kaera ko dekha.

Kaera : Veer is my close friend. A partner. Perhaps… what do people call it… *pauses* right… Buddies!?

Mr. Ward ki nazrein table ke upar tiki. Kaera ke haath par, jo Veer ke haath ke upar rakha hua tha. Phir, wapas se Kaera ke chehre par.

Hall ke uss orr, Sonia akad ke reh gayi. Yeh sab kya ho raha tha? Kaera bhala sabke saamne Veer ke haath ko iss tarah se-!? Kaera toh kisi bhi mard ko apne nazdeek bhi nahi bhatakne deti thi. Phir, bhala Veer ke saath woh aise kyu-?




Toh wahi, yeh nazaara dekh Suhana ki ungliyaan glass ke chaaro orr kass ke jakad gayi. Uski saansein atak gayi. Aankhein unn dono ke haatho par jami hui. Table par.

Kaera ke bagal se baitha Karan bhi ek pal ke liye jamm gaya. Usne unke haatho ko dekha. Phir, Kaera ko aur phir Veer ko. Phir, wapas haatho ko.

Uske chehre ke haav-bhaav bina kuchh kahe hi chillaa rahe the ki : Bhai, wtf??? Tum aur di…!? Kab se???

Uske honth fadfadaaye, jaise maano woh koi aisa vaakya na bolne ke liye khud ko rok raha ho, jisey bolne par uski behan pakka use jaan se maar sakti thi.

Uski aankhein keh rahi thi : Maine tumhe 10 minute ke liye akela kya chhora, tum meri behan, Nexacom ki owner ka hi haath le gaye?

‘Fuckin’ hell, Veer-!!! Tumhare aur dii ke beech..!? The fuck is going on?’

Lekin, ye saari baatein uske mann me hi chal rahi thi. Woh samajhdar tha jo chup raha.

Mr. Ward thoda peechhe jhuke.

Mr. Ward : I see! So, Mister Veer isn’t a part of Nexacom. Then, why is he seated here?

Kaera ne Veer ke haath ko zorr se dabaaya. Na gusse me aur na hi darr me. Ek pakke iraade se… woh Mr. Ward ki aankhon me dekhi.

Kaera : Because… he’s important to me. And, I feel… better… when he’s beside me. Does that answer your question?

Veer (mutters) : Kaera…

Kaera ne dheere se Mr. Ward se kaha. Koi leepa-poti waala jawaab nahi. Na hi pehle se socha gaya jawaab. Bas… dil ko jaisa mehsoos hua, woh usne keh diya.

Veer ki aankhein narm pad gayi. Kaha woh yaha Kaera se deal chhinwa ke Sonia ko deal dilwaane aaya tha aur yaha Kaera use apne paas bula kar tohfa dete hue sabke saamne uski izzat ka maan rakh rahi thi. Yeh jaante hue ki agar woh Veer ko iss waqt dur kar deti hai, toh yeh deal milne ke chances badh jayenge.

Lekin, usne aisa nahi kiya. Ek taraf Sonia thi, jo emotions hone ke bawajood Veer ko chhor deal ko chuni thi, aur ek taraf Kaera thi, jo theek se emotions na hone ke bawajood bhi itni badi deal ke saamne, Veer ko nahi chhorna chaahti thi.

Aur, uska yu Veer ka haath thaamna… Yeh ek statement tha. Statement of ownership.

Hall ke uss paar-

Ava ki chhaati kass ke reh gayi. Uski ungliyaan mutthi me bhinch ke reh gayi. Yeh nazara uski ummeed se bhi zyada use peeda de gaya. Thodi jalan, thodi niraasha aur thoda dard.

Erica ki muskaan pehli baar feeki pad gayi. Uski aankhein aashcharya me badi ho gayi. Woh toh samajh rahi thi ki keval Ava aur Garofano hi uska competition thi par yaha toh yeh Kaera-!? Veer aur uske beech kya chal raha tha?

Garofano ki bhi paini nazrein unn par tiki hui thi. Woh halka-sa muskuraayi. Lekin, uski muskaan ke peechhe kuchh soojh-boojh thi.

Toh, wahi Veer shaant baitha hua tha. Kaera ka haath abhi bhi uske haath me tha. Hall ka atmosphere bhi badal chuka tha. Lagbhag sabhi unki taraf dekh rahe the, lekin kisi ne bhi shor karne ki himmat nahi ki.

Mr. Ward ne kaafi derr tak Kaera ko dekha.

Mr. Ward : Well, that answers more than I asked.

Woh turant hi khade ho gaye. Farsh par unki kursi ke khisakne ki awaaz ne sabhi ka dhyaan uss orr kheench liya.

Mr. Ward : Alright then! It’s decided! ICONGLOBE will not be proceeding with any business with Nexacom.

Shabd bhaari the. Kaera ki aankhein hairat me fel gayi.

Veer bhi turant khada ho gaya. Kursiyaan khisakne lagi. Table ke aas-paas baithe sabhi log khade ho gaye. Mr. Ward ke shabd kisi bade se patthar ki tarah the jo seedha aa kar unn par gir pade.

Mr. Ward Kaera ki orr mudey, unka lehza professional tha, lekin ab kahi na kahi thodi sakhti jhalak rahi thi.

Mr. Ward : Miss Kaera, you deliberately omitted a crucial detail that Mister Veer… is the owner of Hotel Prestige!

Ek gehra sannaata chhaa gaya.

Mr. Ward : The same hotel that was destroyed a few weeks ago. A targeted attack. A shootout. Blood. Fire. Casualties. The launch of a new brand. Destroyed on day one.

Logo ke beech fusfusaahat shuru ho gayi, jo chingaari ki tarah felti chali gayi. Jo Veer ko nahi bhi jaante the, ab woh bhi jaanane waale the.

Mr. Ward : Associating with someone surrounded by this level of instability poses unacceptable risk. ICONGLOBE will not entangle itself with businesses that attract… trouble.

Unhone kaha, bina apni awaaz oonchi kiye, kyunki uski zaroorat hi nahi thi.

Nazrein ghoom gayi, sirr mudey, fusfusaahat jaari…

“Achha, ye toh wahi Veer hai… Wahi jo news me aaya tha!”

“Hotel Prestige? Wahi na jis par hamla hua tha??”

“No wonder… Kyu ICONGLOBE ab Nexacom ke saath deal nahi kar rahi.”

“Miss Kaera akhir soch kya rahi thi? Veer jaise failed small businessman ke saath uthna-baithna-!?"

"Businessman? Arey bhai businessman hai hi kaha woh!? Hotel khol lene se koi businessman thodi bann jaata hai."

“She’s far above someone like him. He doesn’t even deserve to even stand next to her!”

“Ye toh Miss Kaera ki modesty hai jo use friend ki tarah treat kar rahi hai. Warna koi aur hota toh-”

Logo ki baatein khus-pusaate hue aapas me hone lagi. Aur, Veer ne sab kuchh suna. Har shabd uske ek kaan se guzarta hua dusre kaan se nikal gaya. Kintu, uske chehre par koi bhaav nahi the, aankhein adh-khuli.

Aur, akhirkar Kaera ko ab jaake samajh aaya.

Mr. Ward ke secretary ka beech me aake unke kaan ke paas jhukna. Phir, Mr. Ward ka uss se ye saare sawaal karna.

Mr. Ward ka secretary figures bataane nahi aaya tha, woh Veer ki sacchaayi sunaane aaya tha. Ek secretary hone ke naate yeh uski zimmedari thi ki woh saari research karke baithe. Aur, shayad itni derr me usne Veer ke baare me kaafi kuchh dhoondh liya tha.

Koi bhi company bhala uss company ke saath kyu deal karegi jiske owner ka uthna-baithna ek aise shaks ke saath ho jiske business par kuchh din pehle hi ek targeted attack hua ho!? Aur, yaha toh Kaera Veer ko apna close friend ghoshit kar chuki thi. Upar se uska haath thaamna… ye bahut tha anumaan lagaane ke liye.

Yahi kaaran tha ki kyu Mr. Ward sawaal par sawaal kar rahe the. Aur, Kaera imaandari ke saath saare jawaab deti chali gayi. Kuchh zyaada hi imaandaari se.

Nateeja?

ICONGLOBE ka Nexacom se deal cancel karna.

Veer ko mehsoos hua, uske seene me ek ajeeb-sa bharipann aaya. Kuchh chubh raha tha. Usne toh thaan liya tha ki woh iss matter me apne qadam nahi rakhega, lekin phir bhi-

Sirf uski maujoodagi hi kahi na kahi Kaera ke loss ka kaaran bann gayi.

Woh Kaera ki orr muda.

Veer : I… I shouldn’t have been here, right? I’m sorry… Miss Kaera! Meri maujoodagi ki wajah se… ye sab hua.

Kehte hue woh peechhe hata, jaane ke liye muda ki tabhi-

Kaera ki ungliyaan uske haath par kass gayi.

Kaera : Kya kaha tha maine abhi-abhi?

Usne sthir dheemi awaaz me poochha. Veer wahi jamm ke reh gaya. Kuchh derr pehle Kaera ke shabd bina bulaaye hi uske mastishk me goonj gaye.

“Because… he’s important to me. And, I feel… better… when he’s beside me.”

Yahi toh shabd the Kaera ke, jo usne Mr. Ward se kahe the. Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi.

*Badump*

Kaera ne apna sarr uthaaya. Mr. Ward pehle hi mud chuke the, jaane ki taiyaari kar rahe the. Kaera ne unki peeth ki taraf dekhte hue hi kaha.

Kaera : I stand by my words! If ICONGLOBE refuses a partnership because my friend is seated beside me, then so be it!!! From today onward, there will be no future partnerships between Nexacom and ICONGLOBE . Ever.

Poora ka poora hall shaant pad gaya. Kaera ke bol udhar goonj ke reh gaye. Mr. Ward pal bhar ke liye ruke. Bas ek kshan ke liye, phir wo waha se guzre aur Sonia ki table ki orr chal diye.

Mr. Ward : My congratulations! *smiles* ICONGLOBE has decided to proceed with Elite Motors, Miss Sonia!

Aur, taaliyo ki gad-gadahat waha goonj uthi. Sab agle hi kshan Kaera ke diye hue statement ko bhool gaye kyunki, 10 billion dollar ki deal ka mehatva hi itna zyada tha.

Sonia apni seat se khadi ho gayi, uske chehre par pehle hairanagi nazar aayi, phir jeet ki bhavna umad aayi. Usne Mr. Ward se turant hi haath milaaya, use yakeen nahi ho raha tha ki woh Kaera ko hara kar ye deal jeet rahi thi.

Suchika mask ke peechhe muskura rahi thi, par uss muskaan ke peechhe kahi na kahi ek dard bhi chhipa tha. Uski nigaahein dur hataash khadi Ruchika par pal bhar ke liye tik gayi.

Peechhe baithi Suhana ka haath uski goad par tha, kaanp raha tha. Usne Veer ko dekha, jo abhi bhi Kaera ke bagal se khada hua tha, aur abhi bhi chup tha. Raahat, hairat aur dard sab saath me mil gaye. Jab tabhi uske bagal se baithe uske pati, Gaurav ne ek tippani ki-

Gaurav : Hmph! Ye jagah waise bhi pickpockets ke liye nahi hai. Akhir, soch kya rahi thi Kaera? Veer jaiso ke saath uthne-baithne ka nateeja yahi hota hai!

Uski aankhein Veer par tiki, gusse me uski mutthi kasi hui thi. Kaaran aur bhi kuchh tha. Prestige ke tabaah hone waali raat ko Veer ne Nik aur uske chamcho ki kutaayi jo ki thi. Aur, Nik thehra Gaurav ka param mitr. Bhala Gaurav iss baat ko kaise jaane de sakta tha. Usi ki security me Nik ab tak Mumbai me thehra hua tha.

‘Bas do-teen din aur mazey kar le bhosdike! Phir, mein tujhe bataunga ki Gaurav se panga lena kitna bhaari padta hai. Tu jaanta nahi mujhe, Veer!’

Apne pati ke ghatiya bol sunn, Suhana ne apni dress ke kapde ko itni zorr se bheencha ki usme silvatein pad gayi. Ek pal ke liye toh aisa laga jaise woh wahi use thappad maar degi.

Lekin, woh aisa nahi kar sakti thi. Chaah ke bhi nahi.

Gaurav : Dekh rahi ho na tum? Veer jaiso ke saath rehne ka kya anjaam hota hai? He’s fucking cursed. Khud ki hotel bhi dubwa liya aur dusro ki deals bhi bigadwa di. Aas-paas dikhna nahi chahiye woh mujhe tumhaare!

Suhana : Shut up, Gaurav! Veer ki isme koi galti na- ahh-!

Iske pehle ki woh poori tarah se keh paati, Gaurav ka haath uski kalaayi par kass ke jakad gaya, Suhana ke haath ka bangle use itni zorr se chubha ki uske muh se ek halki siski nikal gayi. Woh dehshat me agal-bagal dekhi, par sabhi ka dhyaan Sonia ki table ki orr kendrit tha.

Gaurav : Tumhari himmat kaise hui mere bolne ke baad bhi uska favor karne ki, huh? Tum kya mujhe bewakoof samajhti ho?

Woh achanak hi uske kaan ki orr jhuka.

Gaurav (mutters) : Agar, tum uski aur apni bhalaayi chaahti ho na? Toh, aaj se uss se dur rehna. Warna-

Suhana ghabraate hue Gaurav ko mud ke dekhi-

Gaurav (smiles) : Warna kahi aisa na ho ki Veer kisi din akhbhar me ek khabar bann kar reh jaaye.

Suhana (darrte hue) : Y-You won’t-!

Gaurav (smirks) : Of course, I won’t! But Nik can-!

Suhana : H-Huh-!??

Suhana ki samajh nahi aaya. Bhala Nik kaha se beech me aa gaya?

Gaurav : Oh? Tumhe nahi pata?

Wo dheere se naa me sarr hilaayi aur Gaurav ki muskaan chaudi ho gayi. Woh phir uske kaan ki orr jhuka aur ahista se bola.

Gaurav : Tumhari dear friend, Divya yaha kayi hafto pehle Mumbai aayi thi, apne husband, Nik se jhooth bol kar, bina bataaye. Veer ke sang rang reliya mana rahi thi. Aur, Nik ne unn dono ko raat me ek saath car me pakda. Kya lagta hai? Kya hua hoga unke beech?

Ek bada jhatka Suhana ko laga. Woh thitak ke reh gayi. Divya Mumbai aayi thi? Toh, bhala usne use bataaya kyu nahi? Aur, Veer ke saath-!? Uska dimaag kaam karna band ho chuka tha.

Gaurav : Aur, Veer mister ne kya kiya? Nik aur uske aadmiyo ko peeta. *smiles* Ab Nik gusse me hai. Maine use shaant kara rakha hai. Lekin, kab tak meri baat maanega, iski bhala kya guarantee, right?

Suhana ka sarr soch-vichaar aur darr me neeche jhuk gaya. Usne fatafat Divya ko messages daalne shuru kar diye. Toh, wahi Gaurav muskuraate hue uth kar Sonia ki table ki orr chal diya.

---

Taaliyo ki gadgadahat abhi bhi sunaayi de rahi thi, magar tabhi-

*Click* *Click* *Click*

Cameras ki shutters ki awaaz goonj uthi, hall me halchal ki ek aur leher fel gayi. Sabke sirr ghoom gaye. Hall ke darwaaze se ek aadmi andar aise aaya jaise maano yeh uski hi hotel ho.

Shailendra. Sonia aur Suhana ke pita. Aur, saath me unn dono ki maa — Namrita.

Bodyguards aur security ke kadey ghere ke beech, unka secretary unse do qadam peechhe chalte hue, sab ke sab andar aane lage.

*Clap* *Clap* *Clap*

Shailendra taali bajaate hue, khulkar hasste hue aage aaye, unki hassi dumdar aur befiqr thi. Veh aadmi jisne Elite Group ko asal taur par Elite banaaya tha.

“Adhbhut!” Shailendra zorr se bole, unki aankhein apni beti Sonia par tiki. “Bahut khoob meri bacchi!”

Sonia ka chehra turant hi khil utha. “Dad!?”

Woh sab kuchh bhulkar unki taraf badhi. Shailendra ne apni baahein kholi aur hall me maujood vyaktiyo ki parvah kiye bagerr apni beti ko galey se laga liya. Aur, agle hi kshan unke peechhe se Namrita saamne aayi.

Sonia murti ki tarah jamm gayi. “Mom aap-!?”

Namrita dheere-se muskuraayi aur apni beti ko kass kar galey se laga li. Sonia ki aankhein khushi ke maare namm ho gayi. Usne iski kabhi bhi ummeed nahi ki thi. Aaj nahi. Yaha toh bilkul hi nahi.

Prakash Uncle bhi uth khade hue, ve aage badhe aur Suhana ke paas pahuche.

Prakash Uncle : Miss Suhana? Aaiye! Chaliye!

Suhana (gazes) : U-Uncle-!?

Prakash Uncle : Yeh roz-roz nahi hota ki aapke mummy papa kisi corporate deal me hissa le. Aaiye!

Suhana khadi hui, aur Prakash Uncle ke sang woh bhi apne mata-pita se jaa kar mili, unke galey se lagi.

Sonia chupchap khadi rahi, sabko galey milte dekh rahi thi. Hall me abhi bhi taaliyo ki goonj thi. Cameras ke flashes abhi bhi chamak rahe the. Log abhi bhi tareef ke saath Elite group ki charcha kar rahe the. Lekin, ek pal ke liye yeh sab ek dheeme-se shor me badal gaya.

Uske pita ka haath uske kandhe par tha. Mazboot. Garv se bharpoor. Jaise kehna chaah rahe ho ki ‘tumne kar dikhaaya meri bacchi.’

Kaera. Humesha academics me first. Sports me first. Business me first. Lagbhag har cheez me woh humesha se hi uss se aage rehti thi. Aur, Sonia? Humesha uske peechhe. Saari zindagi woh bas Kaera ki ek parchhaayi bann kar reh gayi, jo hazaar koshisho ke baad bhi kabhi aage na nikal saki.

“Tum humesha second par hi kyu rehti ho, Sonia?”

“Tum kadi mehnat karti ho, uske bawajood woh tumse… aage hai.”

“Tumhe uss se seekhna chaahiye, beta!”

“Kaera ko dekho. Usne kaise kar liya? Jab woh kar sakti hai toh tum kyu nahi?”

“Kabhi toh apne maa-baap ka naam raushan karo beta! Kab tak Kaera se humesha maat khaati rahogi?”

Yahi sunn sunn ke woh pali badhi thi. Second. Humesha second number par. Comparison ka shikaar. Parantu, aaj raat-!?

Woh shabd jaise mit gaya. Aaj raat woh akeli nahi thi. Uske mata-pita uske saath the. Nuksaan ki bharpaayi karne ke liye nahi, saantvna dene ke liye nahi, formality ke liye nahi.

Ve muskuraate hue, taali bajaate hue, use galey lagaane aaye the, uski qamyabi par. Uski maa ki aankhein bhi namm thi. Aur, pita ki awaaz me toh bina kisi rok-tok ke garv jhalak raha tha.

Iss se pehle ki woh aasuon ko rok paati, wo aankhon ko bhigote hue umad aaye. Usne tezi se palkein jhapkaayi, hontho ko dabaaya aur khud ko sambhaalne ki koshish ki.

Phir, nigaahein kahi aur chali gayi. Hall ke uss paar. Kaera, jo apni table ke paas khadi hui thi, ungliyaan bagal me bhinchi hui. Dono ki nazrein aapas me takraayi. Bas khamoshi.

Aaj pehli baar Sonia ko Kaera… badi hi chhoti prateet ho rahi thi.

Tabhi, Kaera ke hontho par ek badi hi bareek-si muskaan ubhri, jisey dekh Sonia ki aankhein phelti chali gayi.

‘Huh???’

Lekin, wo muskaan ek kshan me hi kahi gaayab bhi ho gayi. Sonia ki chhaati zorr se garv me upar hui. Lagbhag ek taane ke samaan. Neecha dikhaane ke liye nahi. Bas… thoda raub zaahir karne ke liye.

Mann me ek vichaar ki…

Toh tum bhi aakhir haar sakti ho. Koi namumkin nahi ye. Tumhe giraana bhi sambhav hai.

Uski nazar phir Veer par gayi aur use kuchh samajh aaya. Kaera isliye nahi haari thi kyunki usme ya uski approach me koi kami thi. Woh isliye haari thi kyunki, Veer uske saath tha. Kyunki, woh uske bagal se khada hua tha.

Yeh ehsaas dheere-dheere uske andar badhne laga.

Use woh raat yaad thi. Woh nirnay jo usne liya tha. Veer ke badle woh deal jo usne Casa Belle me pichhli baar ki thi. Usne Veer ki dosti ki jagah deal ko ahamiyat di thi.

Uske baad se hi, Veer ka swabhav uske prati thanda ho chuka tha. Woh kayi raato ko yeh socha karti thi kya usne kuchh galat kiya tha?

Aaj raat use uska jawab mil chuka tha.

Nahi! Hargiz nahi!

Uske kandhe araam me dheele pad gaye, ek ajeeb azaadi dene waala sukoon uss par chhaa gaya. Yeh… Yeh hoti hai safalta. Aisi dikhaayi deti hai qamyaabi.

Uske mata-pita ko uss par garv tha. Uski apni company jeet chuki thi. Raat ki sabse badi deal par uska naam tha.

Use Veer ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Use uski manzoori ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Use aise kisi ke saath khade hone ki zaroorat nahi thi jo jaha bhi jaata tha waha musibatein khadi kar deta tha.

Uske hontho par ek chhoti par santushti bhari muskaan saj gayi.

Hall ke dusri taraf, Kaera shaant thi. Sonia use dekh mudi. Pehli baar, woh aaj second number par nahi thi. Aaj raat woh wahi khadi thi, jaha use lagta tha ki use hona chaahiye tha.

Idhar ICONGLOBE ka staff Shailendra ke aate hi apne aap seedha khada ho gaya. Bhala use kaun nahi jaanta tha. Yahi woh vyakti tha. The man behind the ELITE GROUP.

Haath milaaye gaye. Badhaayi baanti gayi. Jab Shailendra ne Mr. Ward ka haath thaama toh unki hasi phir goonj gayi.

“You chose well haha,” unhone Mr. Ward se kaha. “Elite Motors won’t disappoint you.”

Sonia ki table ke ird-gird ka mahaul behad joshila tha. Jeet ka mahaul tha. Jashn ka mahaul tha.

Aur, phir thi uss paar… Kaera ki table, jaha thi bas-

Khamoshi.

Kaera bina hiley khadi rahi. Nazrein neeche, chehre par koi bhaav nahi. Koi shabd nahi. Koi reaction nahi. Bagal se Veer tha, hall me ghat rahe poore scene ko dhyaan se dekh raha tha, uski aankhein kayi baar Kaera par phirti.

Udhar ki table ke mahaul me aur idhar ki table ke mahaul me… farq bahut zyada tha.

Phir, achanak hi-

“Let’s not get too excited, shall we!?”

Ek awaaz peechhe se aayi. Buland. Teekhi. Aur, tez.

Hall me sannaata chhaa gaya. Cameramen phirse apne cameras liye dhadadad photos click karne lage, iss baar aur bhi zyaada maatra me.

Kyunki, andar aane waala shaks tha — Kishore. Nexacom ko sahi taur se NEXACOM banaane waala aadmi. Bharat ka sabse bada business group.

Ek haath jeb me, aur dusra dheele tareeke se phone ko pakde hue. Koi faaltu ki dress nahi. Grey suit me woh iss umr me bhi proper gentleman lag raha tha.

Shailendra muda. Kishore kuchh qadam dur ruk gaya. Ek pal ke liye dono diggaj bas ek-dusre ko dekhte rahe. Phir, Kishore halke-se muskuraaya.

Kishore : Congrats! *smiles* Well played.

Shailendra hasa, halanki aankhon me kahi na kahi savdhani jhalak rahi thi.

Shailendra : Thank you! It’s been a good night!

Kishore : Indeed! Lekin, yeh mat bhool jaana Shailendra ki… maidaan me aur bhi khilaadi abhi bhi hai.

Woh muskuraate hue palta. Shailendra ko uska message saaf-saaf samajh aa chuka tha. Kishore ka dhyaan dusri taraf gaya. Uski nazrein Shailendra se hatkar seedhe Kaera par gayi. Woh uski table ki orr badha.

Karan akad ke reh gaya. “D-Dad-!?”

Woh apne aap hi ek taraf hatt gaya, aur apne pita ko jagah di. Kishore Kaera ke saamne ruka. Akhirkar, Kaera ne apna sirr upar kar use dekha.

Aankhon me hairaani thi. Kabhi bhi uske pita iss tarah se corporate meetings me beech me nahi aate the. Aur, aaj na sirf Sonia, balki uske khud ke pita bhi aaye hue the, jo iss deal ki mahatvata ko aur bhi badha chuke the.

Kaera : F-Father…!

Kishore ne bas ek shabd kaha. Bas ek sawaal poochha.

Kishore : Kaise?

Aur, poora hall dhyaan se sunane laga. Kaise? Uska prashn tha. Kaise ye deal haath se nikli?

Kaera : M-Mujhe… Mujhe nahi pata.

Kishore : Aisi koi situation aaj tak paida nahi hui jaha meri beti ko yeh na pata ho ki usne billion dollars ki deal kaise gawa di.

Woh ek qadam aur qareeb aaya.

Kishore : Jawab do!

Kaera ki ungliyaan bagal me mud gayi.

Kaera : Maine kaha na mujhe nahi pata. I need time. Then, I’ll analyse. Fir, samajh aayega ki kaha galti hui.

Kaera ne jhooth kaha. Woh Veer ko bachaana chaahti thi. Kishore ki bauhe ye sunn halki-si sikudi.

Kishore : Tumhari pareshani mein kam kar deta hu!

Woh achanak hi muda aur seedhe Veer ki taraf dekha. Uski ungli Veer par uthi.

Kishore : Ye hai woh galti… jo tumse hui.

Kaera (gasps) : Father-!!!

Kaera ki aankhein chaudi ho gayi. Bhala uske pita ko yeh sab kaise pata chala? Par, tabhi-

Uski nazar turant Ruchika par padi jo apne aap ko chhipaane ki koshish kar rahi thi.

‘Huh?’

Kaera se nazrein milaate hi Ruchika ka chehra peela pad gaya. Woh apni miss se aankhein na mila saki. Aur, yeh bodh Kaera ko kisi khanjar ki tarah laga.

Kaera : R-Ruchika… you-!??

Ruchika sharm aur glaani ke maare apna sirr jhuka li.

Ruchika : I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry, miss! L-Lekin… Jab sir ka message mujhe aaya aur unhone mujhse poochha, toh mujhe sab kuchh sach-sach bataana pada.

Aaj raat pehli baar Kaera ko laga ki kuchh uske andar toot gaya. Bharose ki neev!? Shayad!?

Kishore dheere-dheere, soch-samajhkar chalne laga, Veer ke chaaro orr aise chakkar laga raha tha jaise koi shikaari duri ka andaaza laga raha ho.

Kishore : Kaera! Tumne Nexacom ka naam ek aise insaan ke saath joda jiska khud ka hotel ek crime scene bann ke reh gaya. A total massacre. Ek nakaam brand launch. Ek failure.

Phir se logo me fusfusahat shuru ho gayi. Veer chupchap khada raha. Kishore ab bhi jaari tha.

Kishore : Mein tumhare deal haath se nikalne se naraaz nahi. 10 billion dollars koi badi baat nahi. Aisi deals aati rahengi. Par… tumne company ko khatre me daala, ek aise insaan ke saath associate hokar jo tumhare aas-paas bhatakna bhi deserve nahi karta.

Kaera : N-No! Father!

Hall ke dusri taraf, Suhana ki mutthiyaan kass gayi. Jab usne Veer ko waha khade bina kisi bachaav ke har taane ko sunte dekha, toh uska jabda kass gaya. Gusse me. Glaani me. Gaurav uska haath zorr se thaame hue tha.

‘Stop,’ woh mann hi mann guhaar lagaayi. ‘Just stop.’

Paas hi Ava ka naqabposh chehra jhuka hua tha. Uski aankhein krodh me jal rahi thi, mutthi itni zorr se bhichi ki table me crack pad gaya. Kishore ka har shabd aisa lag raha tha jaise uske apne seene par ukera jaa raha ho. Woh abhi jaa ke Veer ke saamne uska kavach bann kar khadi ho jaati lekin-

Use ek darr tha ki kahi woh Veer ke matter me koi khalal na daal de.

Kaera ka badan kaanpa.

Kaera : He’s not-! Father stop it! Mein-

Kishore : ENOUGH!!!

*Silence*

Shabd ki goonj abhi khatam bhi nahi hui thi ki ek dusri awaaz ne tanaav ko cheer ke rakh diya.

“That’s right! Enough of this bullshit!”

Halki, mazakiya awaaz.

“Is that all you can do??”

Koi chalte hue aaya. Sabke sirr punaah ghoom gaye.

Garofano!!!

Woh aage aayi, chehre par koi dushmani nahi, koi darr nahi. Sirf confidence.

Kishore ahista se muda. Baaki sab bhi wahi kiye. Erica apni kursi se itni tezi se uthi ki uske peechhe ki kursi hi neeche gir gayi. Uth ke toh woh usi waqt jaana chaahti thi jab Kishore Veer ko suna raha tha, magar woh kuchh bhi gadbad nahi khadi karna chaahti thi. Uski aankhein Garofano, Kishore aur Veer ke beech ghoomne lagi.

‘Eh? Ehh? Ehhhhhhhhh???’

Uska dimaag chakra gaya. Yeh sab kya chal raha tha? Yeh toh script me nahi tha. Script me toh yeh tha ki Casa Belle me jaa kar ghusenge jaha Veer gaya hua hai aur corporate gala enjoy karenge. Phir, ye sab kya ho raha tha?

Usne tirchhi nazar se Ava ko dekha, jo khud confused magar alert khadi hui thi. Tabhi, ek awaaz Erica ko mann me sunaayi di.

[Just observe, Erica. Don’t interfere.]

‘G-Genie!?’

Erica ne haami bhari aur khud ko shaant kiya.

Garofano aage badhi. Uski high heels marble ke farsh par tuck-tuck ki awaaz kar rahi thi, har qadam sateek aur bina jadbaazi ke. Aisi chaal jis se lag raha tha ki use pata tha ki woh kya kar rahi hai, aur iska kya asar hoga.

Woh Kishore ke paas se guzri. Usne Kishore ki taraf balki dekha bhi nahi. Aur, uski itni himmat se hi bheed me halchal mach gayi.

Jab woh Veer ke saamne ruki, toh sabki nazrein uss par thi. Kuchh kshan ke liye usne Veer ko dekha, halki muskaan ke saath, jaise aas-paas ke log uske liye astitva me hi na ho.

Phir, woh mudi. aur , Kishore ko dekhi.

Garofano : You know, for someone who runs the biggest conglomerate in the country, your decision making is… quite questionable. *smiles*

Kishore ki bauhe dheere-dheere upar uthi. Uske chehre ke bhaav aise the jaise keh rahe ho ki-

Tumhe andaaza bhi hai tum kis se baat kar rahi ho?

Magar, Garofano ko koi farq na pada. Iski bajaaye woh wapas Veer ki orr mudi, aur apne haath mod ke khadi ho gayi.

Garofano (smiles) : Mister Veer, I saw your Yarnia collection. Before everything went… you know… explosive.

Veer : !!?

Garofano : That French designer. What was his name? Louis, right? Brilliant man. Very creative. Sharp cuts. Great designs.

Veer ne use ghoora.

‘Ab ye kya tumhari nayi chaal hai, Violet?’

Garofano : I liked the collection. A lot. *grins* Enough to remember it weeks later.

Veer (dheere se) : Get to the point, Violet.

Garofano (smiles) : So… if you don’t mind, I’d like to collaborate.

Hall me sabhi ki saansein atak gayi.

Garofano ne ek haath aage badhaaya.

Garofano : Ten million dollars. How’s that for a starter deal? *smiles*

Khamoshi. Sonia ki muskaan poori tarah se gaayab ho gayi. Uski aankhein phel gayi, hairanagi saaf jhalak rahi thi. Suhana ka bhi yahi haal tha.

Kaera bhi dhadalle se mudi, aankhein Garofano par sthit. Uske aam taur par bina bhaav waale chehre par bhi aashcharya saaf dikhayi diya.

Kishore ki teekhi nazrein bhi Veer aur Garofano par tik gayi. Woh hisaab laga raha tha, akhir ye sab chal kya raha tha? Kya ye videshi Garofano apna sarr kahi khambe me de maari thi kya? Yeh jaante hue bhi ki abhi-abhi ICONGLOBE ne uss vyakti ki wajah se deal cancel kari hai aur yeh usi vyakti se deal karna chaahti hai?

Ava aur Erica ko ab jaake samajh aaya ki yaha aane ka maqsad kya tha.

Garofano : What do you say, Mister Veer? Shall we make something beautiful together? *winks*

Cameras ke flashes phir se tezi se chamakne lage. Aur, inn sab ke beech, Veer khada tha.

Garofano ne haath aage badhaaya, Veer use zaroorat se zyada derr tak dekhta raha. Phir, muskuraaya. Aur, use akhir kar sab samajh aa gaya.

Jis raat woh China se laut raha tha, tab Garofano se Veer ne kuchh maanga tha. Uss raat-

"Aur, mera kya? Kya mujhse kuchh nahi maangna Veer? Akhir, tumne hi mera case solve karwaya tha. *grins*"

"Mein, jald hi apni clothing brand ko market me utaarne jaa raha hu. So... Will you collab with me?"

"Ek guest ki tarah request kar rahe ho ya ek dost ki tarah haq se order de rahe ho?"

"Ek dost ki tarah haq se poochh raha hu."

"Then... *smiles* consider it done!"

Yahi woh sanvaad tha. Aur, aaj woh uske saamne thi. Apni baat ko poora karte hue. Veer ne uska haath thaama.

Veer : Are you sure? *smiles* you want to do business with someone like me?

Poochhte waqt uski aankhein Kishore par ghoomi, ek prakaar ka taana.

Veer : Not exactly the most successful name in this hall, right?

Garofano ne Kishore ki taraf dekha bhi nahi. Woh muskuraayi.

Garofano : I don’t do business with only successful people. I do it with people having the potential to become successful.

Uska angutha ek kshan ke liye Veer ke haath me phira, ek tarah ka ishaara, jo kisi aur ko dikhaayi na diya.

Garofano : -And, you… are already full of it. *winks*

Veer ki muskaan aur gehri ho gayi.

Veer : Then we’re aligned.

Dono ne haath milaaya aur tabhi-

“Then, are you ready for some other deals as well, Mister… Veer!?”

Ek behad madhur awaaz hall ke shor ko cheerte hue goonji. Punaah sabhi ke sirr awaaz ki orr mud gaye. Ek khubsurat ladki aage badhte hue aayi aur usne apna haath apne chehre tak uthaate hue apna mask alag kar diya.

Aadhe second ke liye, logo ko samajh nahi aaya ki kya hua, ve sab kya dekh rahe the. Par, phir-

Poore hall me hairani ki awaazein phel gayi. Phone upar uthe, cameras ke flashes chamakne lage.

Natalia Martin urf Ava…!




Woh gaayab awaaz. Woh laapata singer aur celebrity jo achanak hi fame par aate hue media se gaayab ho gayi thi. Jiski gerr-maujoodagi ne charts, headlines, aur laakho fans ko pareshan kar rakha tha.

Woh… saamne khadi hui thi.

Jo use nahi jaante the, woh sabhi uski khubsurti se dang the, aur jo jaante the, unke liye toh saans theek se lena hi mushqil ho raha tha.

Ava, seedhe Veer ki orr badhi. Veer khud hairaan tha. Ava ne jaan-boojh kar apni identity chhipaayi thi, magar aaj usne yaha aise me-!? Use kuchh samajh nahi aa raha tha ki bhala inn ladkiyo ne milkar aur kya-kya plans bana rakhe the?

Kintu, hairaan hone waalo me se sabse zyada dang thi do streeyaan — Kaera aur Sonia.

Kaera jaha apni jagah par jami hui thi toh wahi Sonia ki saansein bhi atak ke reh gayi.

Ava?

Yaha?

Abhi?

Kaise?

Kyun?

Tamaam sawaal unke mann me umad aaye. Ava aise chal rahi thi jaise woh humesha se hi cameras me rehne ke liye bani ho. Har qadam napa-tula. Nazar sateek. Kamra apne aap uske liye raasta bana raha tha, jaise paani ki dhaar waali chhuri se ho kar guzar raha ho.

Woh Veer ke bagal me aa kar ruki.



Ava : Music videos need brands that speak without words. *smiles* My music label… tunecrafts… collaborates often. Lead artists. Background performers. Sabhi ko ek achhe clothing brand se selected garments hi pehnaaye jaate hai.

Veer : !!?

Ava : Maine Yarnia ko dekha hai. Mein yahi thi tab…! The designs. Textures. Fabrics. Everything seemed good. So… I want to collaborate.

Ava ne casually ek amount bataaya. Aur, khamoshi phir hall me chhaa gayi.

Ava : So? What do you say, Mister Veer?

Usne haath aage badhaaya. Veer ne ek gehri saans chhori, apna sirr hilaaya aur use dekh muskuraaya.

Do khubsurat ladies. Powerful. Rich. Use chun rahi thi. Sabke saamne. Use, jisey dekh kar ICONGLOBE ne Kaera se deal cancel kar di thi. Veer ne turant hi uska haath bhi thaam ke mila liya.

Kaera aur Sonia ke bhaavo ka varnan karna iss samay asambhav tha. ‘Hairani’ unke bhaav ki vyatha ko bataane ke liye ek behad hi chhota shabd tha.

Aur, aaj itne varsho ke baad, akhirkar-

Trinity… ek hi jagah par ek saath maujood thi. Kaera. Sonia. Aur… Ava.

“Ava…!?” Sonia ke muh se dheere-se nikla. Use yakeen nahi ho raha tha. Ava bhi jaise kuchh mehsoos kar uski orr mudi. Dono ki nazrein takraayi aur dono ke badan me sihran daud gayi.

Mann toh kar raha tha ki woh abhi jaa ke Ava ke galey se lag jaaye. Lekin, nahi! Ab ve bacchiyaan nahi thi. Kayi varsho ka antar aa chuka tha unke beech.

Ava ne phir Kaera ko dekha. Dono ki chhaati gehri saans lete hue upar uthi. Magar, tabhi-

Kaera mudi aur waha se jaane lagi.

“Kaera-!!!”

Uske pita ne use awaaz di, magar woh nahi ruki. Kishore ki aankhein achambhav me badi ho gayi.

“Dii…” Karan bebas bas apni didi ko jaata hua dekhta raha. Kishore ke khade rehte, uski waha se hilne ki himmat hi nahi hui.

Aur, use iss tarah se jaata dekh, Veer ke qadam apne aap chal padey. Veer ko Kaera ka peechha karta dekh, Ava ke dil me bhi dard utha, magar woh apni jagah se nahi hili.

Kishore (yells) : Veeeeeeer!!! Khabardaar agar-

Magar, Kishore ki chetaavni ansuni hi reh gayi, kyunki Veer ne peechhe mudkar nahi dekha, woh aage nikal chuka tha.

Kishore (yells) : Raghu!!! Jassi!!

Uske chillaate hi dono hi Raghu aur Jassi saamne aa gaye. “Ji Sir!”

Jawaab dete hi ve turant hi aage badhe. Kuchh poochhne ki zaroorat hi nahi thi. Ve jaante the ki unhe kya karna tha. Unki aankhon ne pehle hi Kaera ko hall ki entrance se baahar nikalte dekh liya tha. Dono bodyguards mudey aur baahar nikalne ke liye badhe, lambe-lambe qadam, chehre par koi bhaav nahi.

Kaera chalti rahi, hall se baahar aayi, lobby me aur lobby se hote hue woh baahar nikal gayi. Uski chaal abhi bhi tez thi. Aur, usne mudkar peechhe tak nahi dekha.

“Shit-!!!” Veer chinta me dauda, uske qareeb pahuch hi raha tha jab achanak hi-

*Grasp*

“Huh?”

Uski kalaayi hawa me hi kisi ne pakad li. Veer ruka. Use pakda hua aadmi uske bilkul nazdeek khada tha, lagbhag kandhe se kandha milaakar, ekdum bagal se. Dono ka munh alag-alag dishaon me tha, jaise ve ajnabi ho jo galti se ek-dusre se takra gaye ho.

Woh aadmi haule se aage jhuka aur dheere se bola.

"Uss raat... Hotel Prestige me attack ke dauraan, ek aur incident hua tha. Abduction ka. Wo underground lair... Zameen ke neeche... Do masoom nanhi bacchiyaan... Jinhe bacha kar koi police ko saunpa tha. Ek naujavan. Woh... Tum hi the. Hai na?"

Veer ki reedh me thandi sihran daud gayi. Uski nazrein apne bagal me ghoomi aur usne dekha-

Rohan!!!

'Shit-!!'

State ka DGP. Aankhon me tej. Istree ki hui wardi. Use bataane ki bhi zaroorat nahi thi ki woh kis authority par baitha hua tha.

Veer ke chehre ke haav-bhaav nahi badle. Usne apne aap ko qaabu me rakha. Usne dheere se apni kalaayi peechhe kheenchne ki koshish ki.

"Lagta hai aapko koi galat-fehmi hui hai, Sir." Veer ne shaant awaaz me kaha. "Koi bhala kyu bina credit ke hero ka kaam karega?"

Woh muskuraaya. Lekin, Rohan ki ungliyaan aur adhik kass gayi. Itni zorr se nahi ki dard ho, magar chetaavni dene ke liye kaafi.

"Galtiyaan unn logo se hoti hai jo teh tak nahi jaate. Aur, mein... aisa nahi hu. Khaaskar tab jab meri apni beti isme shaamil ho."

---

Kuchh din pehle...

Rohan ne ek police officer ko uski collar se pakad ke deewar se sata rakha tha.

"Mein tumhe ek aur mauka deta hu." Woh gusse se gurraaya, uski aankhein jal rahi thi. "Aur, iss baar jhooth bolne ki galti mat karna."

"S-Sir-!" Police waala haklaaya, uske maathe se paseena beh raha tha, "W-Woh-!"

Rohan ne vinamrata se pehle iss mudde par baat-cheet karna chaaha tha. Magar, jab seedhi ungli se ghee na nikle, toh ungli tedhi karni hi padti hai.

Trisha ke sang ke police officers jab muh nahi khol rahe the toh Rohan ko akhirkar yeh tareeka apnaana pada. Aur, jab baat apni wardi par aa jaaye toh koi bhi police waala nahi chaahega ki woh apni wardi khoye.

Rohan ne uss police karmi ko aur zorr se dhakka diya.

"Jhooth bolne se tumhari wardi nahi bachegi officer. Iss se pehle ki mein official karyavaahi karu, sach sach batao sab. Kaun tha uss raat? Kitne log the?"

Police waala darrte hue haami bhara. "K-Koi team nahi thi, Sir. Koi unit nahi. B-Bas... Bas ek ladka."

"Sirf ek!?"

"H-Haan, Sir! Sirf ek. Dono bacchiyo ko usne utha rakha tha. A-Aapki beti Pihu ko usne madam Trisha ke haatho me saunpa aur phir-"

"Aur, phir???"

"Hum sabhi ne use jaane se rokna chaaha lekin... Lekin madam Trisha ne humein mana kar diya."

Rohan ne uski collar ki pakad thodi dheeli ki. "Kaun!? Kaun tha woh?"

"Woh... Woh-"

"Jawaab do!"

"Veer Singh!"

Sunte hi Rohan ki aankhein chaudi ho gayi.

"Ek naujavan ladka. Wahi Veer Singh jiske hotel par usi raat attack hua tha, Sir. Uske pehle bhi woh charcha me tha. France se jab woh sahi salamat laut ke aaya tha, tab news me chhaaya hua tha. Wahi hai woh-!"

Rohan ne uss police karmi ko chhora aur seedhe apni beti ke paas gaya. Use kuchh confirm karna tha.

Woh apni beti, Pihu ke saamne baitha, uski awaaz ekdum narm thi. "Pihu, beta-! Beta papa ko ek baat bataana zara. Uss raat aapko wo ganda badmaash utha ke le gaya tha na!? Uss raat aapko kaun bacha ke laaya tha?"

Yeh sawaal Rohan apni bitiya se kayi baar poochh chuka tha, parantu har baar Pihu aise dikhaati jaise use kuchh pata hi na ho. Woh humesha naa me sirr hila diya karti thi. Rohan jaanta tha ki Trisha ne Pihu ko kuchh bhi bataane ke liye mana kiya hua tha.

Lekin, ab uske paas ek clue tha.

Pihu abhi bhi khamosh thi. Dheere se woh naa me sirr hila di. Tabhi, Rohan ne apna paitra aazmaaya.

"Beta! Agar aap mujhe bataogi na ki woh kaun tha toh mein aapko aapki new friend Juhi aur unse milwaane le chalunga."

Pihu hairaan reh gayi. Woh apni jagah par uchhal padi. Uski aankhon me chamak aa gayi. "S-Sacchi papa?"

"Haan beta! Zaroor!"

"Wo... Wo... Wo Veer bhaiya the, papa. Juhi ke papa hai wo." Aur, usne ek baar me sab ugal diya.

Sunte hi Rohan ki saans atak gayi. Iska matlab... police officer sahi tha.

"Veer Singh...!" Woh budbudaya.

---

Aur, aaj wahi Veer Singh uske bagal se khada tha.

Veer ne bina palkein jhapkaaye mud ke Rohan ki aankhon me dekha.

"Aur, agar... woh mein hi tha toh-!?? Toh kya?" Veer ne dheere se poochha. Ek ajeeb sa aura uske ird-gird fel gaya jisey Rohan ne bhi mehsoos kiya. Uski paini nazar Rohan ki rooh me ghus ke ghoor rahi thi.

Rohan ne ek kshan ke liye use dekha aur phir, kalaayi chhor di. Uska haath Veer ke kandhe par aaya aur dheere se thap-thapaaya.

"Toh badhayi ho, Mister Veer!" Woh bola. "You are officially under surveillance."

Aur, itna bol Rohan waha se aage badh gaya. Veer ne use jaate hue dekha. Tabhi, use dhyaan aaya ki woh Kaera ka peechha kar raha tha.

'Shit!'

Woh bhaaga, apni tez raftaar me. Kaera hotel ke baahar nikal chuki thi. Woh parking lot ki orr badh rahi thi. Raghu aur Jassi bhi lobby se daud kar baahar nikal kar aaye.

Kaera bina ruke aage badhti jaa rahi thi.

"Kaeraaaaaa-!!!"

Jab ek tez awaaz uss tak pahuchi. Aur, Kaera wahi ruk gayi. Isliye nahi ki kisi ne bhi awaaz di.

Isliye kyunki, Veer ne awaaz di.

Isliye, kyunki usne use uske naam se bulaaya.

Miss nahi. Ma'am nahi. Sirf... Kaera.

Woh dheere-se saans chhori aur mudi. Woh muskuraayi par kahi na kahi uss muskaan ke peechhe kuchh aur bhi chhipa tha.




Kaera : Toh... Akhirkar tumne mujhe bina honorifics ke bulaana seekh hi liya, hmm!?

Veer ne koi jawab nahi diya. Woh khada raha, kandhe taney hue, mutthiyaan bhinchi hui.

Veer : I... I'm so sorry!

Kaera : ...!?

Veer : Yeh sab kuchh... Meri wajah se hua. Mujhe waha nahi hona chaahiye tha. Aur, iss wajah se tumhe... *glances* Tumhe apne pita se rishte kharaab karne ki zaroorat nahi. Meri wajah se toh bilkul bhi nahi. Mein-

Kaera ne apna haath uthaaya, aur use chup rehne ka ishaara kiya. Veer turant hi shaant ho gaya. Woh aur qareeb aayi. Aur, phir Veer ne dekha. Kaera ki aankhein... namm thi.

'Huh??'

Nahi. Yeh namumkin tha. Kaera ki aankhein namm!? Veer ne kabhi use rote hue nahi dekha tha. Ek akhiri baar jab usne Kaera ko aise dekha tha toh woh Mirror Gallery ke waqt tha. Jab uski haalat dekh Kaera poori tarah se darr gayi thi.

Parking lot se lagi jhaadiyo ke peechhe do parchhaaiyaan jhuki hui thi.

Raghu aage jhuka, nazara dekh uski aankhein fati ki fati reh gayi. Woh uthne ke liye khada hua.

Raghu : Oi, oi, oi... Ye Veer aur miss ke beech akhir chal kya raha hai!?

Jassi ne uski collar ke peechhe se pakda aur use kheench kar wapas peechhe jhaadiyo me kheench liya.

Jassi : Pagla gaya hai kya? Kya kar raha hai?

Raghu : Mein kya kar raha hu? Abey tu kya kar raha hai? Bhale hi hum use jaante hai par uska miss ke itna paas rehna aur- agar uske iraade kuchh aur ho toh?

Jassi : Usne miss ko Slogan ke changul se bachaaya tha. Bhool gaya saale? Club waali raat bhool gaya?

Raghu : Abey mein jaanta hu. Par... Insaan ke iraade badal bhi toh sakte hai na? Aur, tu hi toh kehta hai na humesha ki humein kisi par bhi aankh band kar ke bharosa nahi karna chaahiye.

Jassi ne apni jacket thodi-si upar uthaayi taaki uski kamar ke andar khusa tranquilizer use dikhayi de.

Jassi : Agar, uske iraade zara se bhi badle toh ye hai mere paas. Ab khush?

Raghu ne use bemann se aur gusse se dekha.

Raghu : Hmph! Mujhe abhi bhi woh kuchh khaas pasand nahi.

Jassi (smiles) : Par, miss ko shayad hai.

Raghu : Sapne me. Hmph!

Jassi : Bas chupchap dekh.

Kaera ne Veer ko beech me hi rok use dekha. Aaj woh behad kamzor lag rahi thi.

Kaera : Shayad aaj mujhe samajh aaya thoda bahut, Veer.

Veer : !!?

Kaera : -ki sabse zyada taqleef kab hoti hai.

Usne dheemi awaaz me kaha, control karne ke bawajood uski awaaz kaanp rahi thi.

Kaera : Deal ka haath se nikal jaana... Yes... Unfortunate tha. Lekin, Ruchika ka mere hone ke baad bhi... Father ko sab kuchh bata dena, mujhe uss se bhi zyada bura laga.

Veer : !!

Kaera : Anyways. I get it now. Lekin... Mujhe tumse kuchh jaanana hai.

Veer : Huh?

Kaera : Tell me... Tum aaj raat yaha kya kar rahe the?

Veer thitak ke reh gaya.

Kaera : I'm not stupid, Veer. Without invitation, yaha aise gala me aana next to impossible hai. Unless... agar kisi ki backing ho. Aur, tumhari Aadesh Jaisinghani se purani history rahi hai. Bina support ke andar aana, lagbhag namumkin hai.

Woh uske aur qareeb aayi.

Kaera : So, tell me... Who backed you?

Veer ka muh khula. Par, kuchh nahi nikla. Woh bhala kaise Suhana ka naam le sakta tha?

Kaera Veer ki aankhon me hi jhaank rahi thi jab achanak hi uski aankhein Veer ke peechhe driveway ke paas deewar ke peechhe ek hilti hui aakriti par dhoke se chali gayi.

Ek aurat deewar ke peechhe chhipi hui thi. Dekh rahi thi. Aur, tabhi-

Dono ki aankhein ek dusri se takraayi. Woh aurat ghabraayi aur ek jhatke me wapas deewar ke peechhe chhup gayi.

Kaera ki aankhein achambhav me fel gayi.

Kaera (mutters) : Su..ha...na...!?

Aur, Veer kaanp utha. Bhala kaise? Kaera ko kaise-? Woh peechhe muda. Uske sense alert ho gaye. Aur, use abhaas hua ki waqai deewar ke peechhe koi chhipa hua tha.

'Shit!'

Yaha tak ki use Raghu aur Jassi ki presence bhi feel ho gayi.

Jab woh wapas se Kaera ki orr muda toh ek aur jhatka use laga. Woh murti ki tarah wahi jamm gaya.

Kaera ki aankhon se... jhar-jhar kar aasu beh rahe the. Usne apne nichle honth ko itni zorr se kaata ki khoon nikal aaya. Ve thar-thara uthe.

Kaera : I get it now! Toh isliye-

Veer : Kaera...!

Kaera aise hi nahi itni shreshtha thi. Bas, Suhana ki ek jhalak... aur use samajh aa chuka tha ki Veer ko back karne waala insaan kaun tha.

Kyu Veer yaha aaya tha. Kyu Veer uske saath baithne ko raazi hua. Kyu yeh deal uske haatho se nikli. Kyu yeh deal Sonia ko mili. Aur, kyu Suhana... waha deewar ke peechhe chhup ke ye sab dekh rahi thi.

Kaera : KYU?

Bas ek sawaal. Uski awaaz poochhte hue kaanp rahi thi. Kyu? Kyu kiya akhir Veer ne uske saath aisa? Kya Suhana ke liye? Ya Sonia ke liye?

Veer ne jawaab dene ki koshish ki, magar uska gala roondh gaya. Peechhe jhaadiyo me chhipe Raghu aur Jassi bhi hairaan the. Unhe yakeen nahi ho raha tha ki unki miss aasu baha rahi thi.

Raghu : M-Miss ro rahi hai? Ye... Ye namumkin hai. Mein iss Veer ko chhorunga nahi. Isne miss ko-

Jassi : Shhh!

Aur, tabhi Kaera haule se hassne lagi. Par, ye hassi ruwasi waali hi thi. Na hi naram, na hi khushmijaaz. Tooti hui hassi.

Kaera ko hassta dekh Raghu aur Jassi baukhla gaye. Yeh unki miss hi thi ya koi aur?

Raghu : Behanchod chal kya raha hai?

Jassi : Halla nahi. Shh!

Kaera Veer ke paas aayi. Bahut zyada qareeb.

Usne upar haath badhaaya, Veer ki tie pakdi, aur use halka-sa neeche kheencha. Gusse aur dukh se kaanpti awaaz me usne poochha.

Kaera : TELL ME, VEEEER!!! HOW ARE YOU GOING TO REPAY THIS... LOSS!?

Veer ki dhadkane tez ho gayi. Saans atak ke reh gayi. Kaera ki nazdeeki ne jaise uske fefdo se hawa chheen li thi. Uske badan ki khushbu, uske jism ki garmahat, uski garm saansein aur aankhein laal, aasuon se bhari hui.

Unn aankhon me toofaan tha. Kaise iski bharpaayi karega? Veer ke paas iske liye koi shabd nahi the.

Kaera ne uski tie ko apni kalaayi me ek baar lapeta.

Veer : !!?

Veer ka chehra uske qareeb aaya. Phir, Kaera ne ek aur baar tie ko apni kalaayi par lapeta. Teesri baar. Chauthi baar. Aur, har baar woh aisa karte hue Veer ko apni orr kheechte chali gayi.

Veer ki aankhein achraj me felti chali gayi.

Kaera : Agar, tumhare paas jawaab nahi... Then, I'll decide.

Woh fusfusayi. Aur, phir-

Usne tie kheench di. Zorr se.

Veer ke honth... uske hontho se takra baithe. Aur, duniya jaise uske liye wahi tham gayi.

*Badump*

Raghu : Iski maa ki ch-

Raghu baukhla gaya. Jassi ne turant hi uske muh par haath rakha.

Raghu : Mmm! Nnn! Mmll!!

Jassi : Kuchh nahi dekha tumne. Kuchh nahi!

Usne kehte hue apne dusre haath se uski aankhein bhi band kar di. Raghu Jassi ke haath me hi cheenkh maarta reh gaya.

Jassi : Bhosdike hilna band kar warna tranquilizer teri hi gaand me pel dunga. Shhh!

Jassi ne keh toh diya par uski khud ki haalat kharaab thi. Yeh pehli baar tha jab uski miss ne kisi ladke ko-

Jassi : Maine bhi kuchh nahi dekha.

Kehte hue usne aankhein band kar li.

Magar, udhar deewaar ke peechhe-

Suhana ko jaise saanp soongh gaya. Uska muh khula ka khula reh gaya. Uski chhaati andar dhasti chali gayi. Achanak itna tez dard uske dil me utha jaise maano kisi ne sui buri tarah se chubho di ho.

Uski ungliyaan uski dress me gadd gayi, mutthi seene par aise bhinchi jaise maano koi uska jee chura ke le jaa raha ho.

Uski aankhein aasuon se bhar gayi. Usne apne honth zorr se kaate aur waha se bhaag uthi.

Kaera ne kass ke Veer ko kheencha hua tha. Hontho ke beech ka yuddh kuchh kshan tak chalta gaya.

Ek pal ke liye awaazein gaayab ho gayi. Raushni maddham pad gayi. Aur, vartmaan paani me kisi syaahi ki tarah ghul gaya.

---

Kuchh din pehle...

Kaera apne sheeshe ke saamne kursi par baithi hui thi. Julia uske theek peechhe khadi hokar, apne haatho se uske baal bana rahi thi.

Kaera : Julia!?

Usne achanak hi pukaara. Julia beech me ruki.

Julia : Yes, miss?

Par, phir wapas se brush se uske baal banaane lagi. Kaera abhi bhi sheeshe me hi dekh rahi thi.

Kaera : Kya tumne kabhi... Kabhi kisi ko kiss kiya hai?

Aur, Julia ka brush wahi ruk gaya. Usne palkein jhapkaayi, phir dheere-se hassi.

Julia : Kiss? Ye toh bada hi unexpected question tha, miss fufu~

Kaera : Toh, iska matlab haan hai, hai na?

Julia (smiles) : Yes, miss. I have. Bas, kuchh hi baar.

Kaera : Oh!? Who???

Julia ki nazrein mazakiya andaaz me sheeshe par phiri.

Julia : You are terrible at respecting people's privacy, miss fufu~

Kaera : Mein sirf poochh rahi thi. Force nahi kiya.

Julia : Aapka poochhna bhi kisi order ki tarah lagta hai, miss.

Usne haar maante hue ek aah bhari.

Julia : Fine. I'll tell you, miss. Jab mein Russia me thi, tab maine kuchh ladko ko date kiya tha.

Kaera : Kiya tha!? Past tense. Matlab abhi tum single ho, right? Kyu? Kya hua?

Julia (smiles) : Right! Kyunki, unme se koi bhi husband material nahi tha, miss. And, that's why... I'm here. With you. And, yes. Single.

Kaera ne uski baat ko samajhte hue haami bhari.

Kaera : Toh... Toh kaisa tha?

Julia : Hmm? Kaisa kya tha?

Kaera : Wahi... Kisi ko... Kisi ko kiss karna. How did it feel?

Aaeene me, uski nazrein apne hontho par chali gayi. Julia muskurayi, jaise usa sab pata ho, woh aur qareeb aayi, awaaz narm aur saansein garm thi.

Julia (whispers) : It's a very beautiful feeling, miss.

Kaera ki ungliyaan apni dress ke kinaare me kass gayi.

Kaera : J-Jaise-!?

Julia aur qareeb aayi, uske honth Kaera ke kaan ke paas the.

Julia : Aap khud hi try kar ke kyun nahi dekhti, miss? Aapko pata lag jaayega.

Kaera shaant ho gayi.

Kaera : Try...!? Mein khud-!?

Julia (smiles) : Yes!

Kaera : Par... Mujhe nahi pata ki kaise-

Julia hassi.

Julia : Fufufu~ It's very simple.

Kaera : Simple?

Julia (whispers) : Just seal your lips with your partner.

Kaera : S-Seal the lips... Aur, phir?

Julia : Fir, baaki sab *smiles* Apne aap ho jaata hai.

Woh kehte hue seedhi hui aur wapas se Kaera ke baal banaane me lag gayi.

Kaera (budbudate hue) : A-Apne aap..!?

Julia : When you do kiss someone... Don't forget to tell me how it felt, miss.

Kaera ne bas dheere se apna sirr hila diya.

---

Kaera ne apni kiss todi. Woh achanak peechhe hatt gayi. Uski saansein tez thi. Usne apni kaanpti hui ungliyon se apne hontho ko chhua, jaise mehsoos kar rahi ho ki ve abhi bhi wahi hai ya nahi.

Uski nazrein Veer ke hontho par gayi. Phir, uski aankhon par. Uske chehre par ek aisa bhaav aaya jisey padhna mushqil tha.

Kaera (smirks) : Pata chal gaya...!

Veer : Huh?

Kaera (mutters) : Magnetic!!!

Iss se pehle ki woh rok paati, shabd uske muh se nikal gaya.

Veer ne apni ukhdi saans chhori, khud ko sambhaalne ki koshish karte hue. Uska dil itni zorr se dhadak raha tha jaise maano dil apni lay hi bhool gaya ho.

Veer : K-Kya matlab?

Usne hairaani me poochha. Kya magnetic?

Kaera bas muskuraayi. Kuchh alag hi khatarnak dhang se. Usne apna haath uske seene par rakha, aur use dheere se peechhe dhakel diya.

Veer : Wh-What!? K-Kaera...?

Kaera : You owe me one tonight, Veer. And, you have to tell me. Who was that girl. Mein tumse baad me poochhungi. Yaad rakhna. *smirks*

Veer avaak reh gaya. Kaera ko abhi tak Erica ko lekar woh baat yaad thi?

Aur, bas itna bol, woh palat gayi. Woh apni car ki taraf chal padi. Awaaz reh gayi toh bas uski heels ki jo zameen par takraate hue shor karti chali gayi.

Use jaata dekh, Raghu aur Jassi turant hi dusre raaste se uski orr bhaage.

Aur, sab kuchh shaant pad gaya. Reh gaya toh sirf Veer.

Hairaan.

Bhramit.

Aur-

Aakarshit.

'Goddamn!'

---

Hotel ki lobby ke andar, Suhana ladkhadaate hue aage badhi, uski saans phool rahi thi, aasuon ke chalte uski nazar dhundhli ho chuki thi.

Tabhi-

"Dii...??"

Sonia uski taraf bhaagte hue aayi. Apne haatho se uske kandho ko usne thaama.

Sonia : Dii??? Aap yaha kya kar rahi ho?

Sonia ki khud ki aankhon me bhi aasu the. Suhana ka rota chehra dekh use laga ki shayad uski behan bhi uski qamyaabi par khush thi. Aur, isliye woh use pakad zorr zorr se hilaate hue chehek uthi.

Sonia : Dii... I won. Mein jeet gayi. I finally won dii!! I can't believe it. I finally won. I got the biggest deal of my life.

Suhana ne uski taraf dekha. Ab aasu aur tezi se behne lage. Usne dheere se apna sirr hilaaya.

Suhana : N-No... Sonu... *sniff* You didn't win.

Sonia : Huh!?

Sonia ki muskaan feeki pad gayi.

Sonia : D-Dii? Y-Ye aap kya keh rahi ho?

Suhana : You lost, Sonu! *sniff* YOU LOST THE BIGGEST DEAL OF YOUR LIFE.

Kehte hue woh peechhe hatt gayi.

Suhana (sobs) : AND SO DID I-!! *sniff*

Iske pehle ki Sonia kuchh samajh paati, bol paati, Suhana mudi aur rote-rote hi bhaagti chali gayi, apni chhoti behan ko waha hairaan, pareshaan khada chhorte hue.

Sonia ke kaano me jashn ka shor achanak hi gaayab ho gaya. Woh, apni jagah par jami reh gayi.

Vismay me. Bhay me.

***

Iss orr corporate gala ki vilasita se koso dur Veer ke ghar me ek alag hi mahaul bana hua tha.

Ghar par ek aadmi, uski patni, uska beta aur bahu sofe par virajman the.

Aur, unn sab ke saamne Bhavna, Shweta, Bhumika aur Tej maujood thi. Unn sabke chehre ka rang uda hua tha, khaas kar Tej ka.

Tej : K-Kya kaha aapne? Aap kisliye aaye hai?

Aadmi : Beta, hum apni beti ka rishta leke aaye hai aapke bhai, Veer ke liye. Humaari beti... Shreya bitiya ka rishta.
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Aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
This update consists of 11.2k words. This marks the end of the whole corporate gala scene. Next update se focus Suhana ke b'day par rahega. I'll finish that in 2 updates as well. Ya agar ho paaya toh, ek me hi nipta dunga. Sab kuchh samet dunga (If possible.)
Iss update me kaafi jhanjhat hui mujhe kyunki, illness bhi thi aur phir itne characters waala update. I hope I did justice to it. Sabhi ke reactions hopefully maine qaid kiye honge. Btw, Veer's Aura farming has just begun (A hint.) After changing his way of approaching, Veer was surprisingly very calm here. The reasons : Kaera and Suhana.
Sirf kuchh hi updates baaki hai. I mentioned that by the end of this arc Veer's relationship will be established. (I think you guys can take the hint now.) Baaki, aaj ke liye itna hi guys.
Dhanyavad.

Bro sare ka sara hi update bhut bhut shandar or romanchak tha par last wali line boom hai.

Agge dekho kiya hota hai