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Epilogue
Armaan apne office mein ek important conference mein baitha hua tha. Uske company ke alge project ka plan discuss ho raha tha.
Uske phone par ek text message aaya.
Pankhudi – Aaj special din hai. Jaante ho aaj kya hai?
Armaan woh text padhke muskuraya. Woh nahi jaanta tha ki aaj kya special hai. Usne reply kiya.
Armaan – Kya hai aaj Pankhudi?
Pankhudi – Tumhe sach mein yaad nahi?
Armaan – Sorry, I am bad at remembering dates. Aaj bata do, agli baar ke liye phone mein reminder laga dunga.
Pankhudi – Phone mein reminder *sigh* Theek ek saal pehle, aaj ke din hum pehli baar mile the.
Armaan muskurata hua soch mein pad gaya. Phir use yaad aaya ki ek saal pehle isi din woh Pankhudi se uske office ke lift me mila tha. Kitni darr gayi thi woh bechari uske chhune se. Aur aaj wh usi din ki yaad mein khush hai.
Armaan – Aaj ke din to tumne mujhe pehli baar dekha tha Pankhudi. Jaanti ho maine tumhe pehli baar kab dekha tha?
Pankhudi – Kab? Batao na!
Armaan – Milke bataunga.
Shaam ko kahin bahar chalein? 
Pankhudi – Aaj shaam ko tumhare liye kuch special banane ka mann hai dinner mein. Ghar aaoge?
Armaan – Of course sweetheart! I’ll be there, 9 pm.
Pankhudi – Fish banana chah rahi hun.
Tum vegetarian to nahi ho na?
Armaan – Vegetarian? *LOL* Aise aise jaanwar kha chuka hun jo tum soch bhi nahi sakti. Aur jyada bhookh lage to insaan bhi kha sakta hun
Pankh – Yikes!
Armaan – Just kidding sweetheart. Fish is fine.
Pankhudi uska reply padhke khushi se ucchal padi. Usne jaldi se apni ghar ki safai ki aur bazaar chali gayi samaan laane.
Armaan ka uske baad meeting mein dhyaan hi nahi lag raha tha. Uska poora din shaam ke intezaar mein beeta.
Shaam ko jab woh Pankhudi ke ghar pahuncha, Pankhudi ne table itna sundar saza rakha tha, phoolon aur candles se. Bahot saara khana banaya tha usne, jisme uski favorite fish curry aur rice bhi shaamil the. Salads se leke dessert tak, saara khana saza rakha tha table par. Armaan apne saath ek mehengi red wine ki bottle laaya tha. Usne woh bottle kholi aur do glasses mein thodi si wine daali.
“Cheers!” Armaan ne kaha.
Pankhudi ne bhi sharmate hue “Cheers!” kaha aur ek ghoont liya.
“Tumne kapde kyun pehen rakhe hai Pankhudi?” Armaan ne muskurate hue poocha.
Pankhudi uska ishara samajh gayi aur shamate hue apne saare kapde utar diye aur Armaan ke taraf badhne lagi. Armaan ne uski kalai thaam ke use apni goad mein kheench liya. Armaan apne haath uske nange badan par pherta raha aur Pankhudi sharam ke maare pighalti rahi.
Dono ne red wine pi aur saath mein khana khane baithe. Pankhudi bina kapdon ke use khana paroste hue bahot sharma rahi thi. Uske gaalon par ek haseen lali aa gayi thi jis se uska roop khil utha tha.
“This is the most delicious fish curry I’ve ever tasted,” Armaan ne Pankhudi ke haathon ko chumte hue kaha, “Tumhare haathon mein jaadu hai.”
“Sach mein acchi hai ya bas yun hi keh rahe ho?” Pankhudi ne nervously poocha. Use woh cupcakes wala kissa yaad aa raha tha.
“Is baar sach mein bahot yummy bana hai khana,” Armaan ne muskurate hue kaha.
Pankhudi sharma gayi. “Thank you,” usne kaha.
“Thank YOU, Pankhudi,” Armaan ne use apni goad mein bithate hue kaha, “Mere liye itna sab kuch karne ke liye. I really appreciate this.”
Armaan mein Pankhudi ko apne haathon se khana khilaya. Khane ke baad dono bedroom mein chale gaye. Armaan ne apne kapde utare aur Pankhudi ko apni baahon mein le liye. Aaj uska kuch laga hi mood lag raha tha. Woh sex karne ke mood mein nahi tha, woh bas khel raha tha Pankhudi ke saath ek gudiya ki tarah, uske baalon mein se haath pher raha tha, use chum raha tha, uske gaalon ko sehlate hue uski aankhon mein pyaar se dekh raha tha.
“Tumne kab dekha tha mujhe pehli baar?” Pankhudi ne poocha.
Armaan muskuraya. Usne apne phone mein ek video chalaya. Pankhudi curiously woh video dekhne lagi. Woh Armaan ki car mein lage dashcam ki footage thi. Video mein Pankhudi dikh rahi thi apni scooty chalate hue. Ekdum se woh hadbadakar ek taraf mudi aur barricade se takrakar gir gayi aur Armaan ne ekdum se brake laga diya.
“Woh accident...” Pankhudi ne hairani se poocha, “Woh tum the?”
“Haan,” Armaan ne uski julfon se khelte hue kaha, “Aur phir maine tumhari zindagi mein keher barsaya...bahot bura hun na main...”
Pankhudi ne pyaar se Armaan ko gale lagaya. Armaan uske seene pe sar rakh kar let gaya. Pankhudi ki dhadkan sunai de rahi thi use.
“Jaanti ho tum mere liye itni special kyun ho Pankhudi?” Armaan ne kaha, “Because I trust you. You are such a pure soul...aur mujhe bharosa hai tumpar, ki tum mujhe hurt nahi karogi...mere khane mein kabhi zeher nahi milaogi...main jab tumhari baahon mein jo jaunga to neend mein mujhpar khanjar nahi chalaogi...”
Pankhudi Armaan ki behki behki baaton se hairaan ho gayi.
“Kitna sukoon milta hai tumhari baahon mein...jaanti ho...” Armaan ne bhari awaz mein kaha, “I feel safe...”
Pankhudi ne dekha ki Armaan ki aankhon se ek aansu gir pada.
“Humesha dhokha hi mila hai mujhe Pankhudi,” Armaan ne use apni baahon mein lete hue kaha, “Meri daulat meri sabse badi dushman hai. Meri sauteli maa...main unhe apne sagi maa mannta tha, main to jaanta bhi nahi tha ki main unka beta nahi hun, unhe hamesha pyaar kiya...aur jab papa videsh chale gaye, sab kuch badal gaya...usi aurat ne itne julm kiye mujhpar, mujhe zabardasti nashe ki lat lagwayi, mujhe jaan se maarne ki koshish kari sirf paison ke liye...”
Pankhudi Armaan se lipatkar uski kahani sun rahi thi. Pehli baar Armaan use apne baare mein kuch bata raha tha.
“Bachpan mein bachpan jaisa kuch raha hi nahi mere,” Armaan ne kaha, “Lekin jaise taise sambhala apne aap ko maine...zindagi ki ek nayi shuruvat karni chahi. Shalini mili, us se shaadi hui, Priya ka janam hua...kuch saalon tak sab kuch theek tha. Shayad meri zindagi ke sabse khusnaseeb pal the woh jo Priya ke saath beethe. Lekin Priya ke jaane ke baad mein bikharne laga tha. Shalini aur mere beech tanaav badhne laga tha. Aur ek din usne...”
Armaan bolte bolte ruk gaya. Uski aankhon se aansu behne lage the. Pankhudi ne uske aansu pooche aur use gale laga liya.
Ek dardnaak yaad Armaan ki aankhon ke saamne jaag uthi.
*******
“Khana pine bilkul hi chhod rakha hai tumne,” Shalini ne Armaan ke sar par haath pherte hue kaha, “Kamjor pad jaoge aise tum. Kab tak anti depressants ke sahare jioge?”
“Kuch accha nahi lagta Shalini,” Armaan ne kaha.
“Hey sweetheart,” Shalini ne use gale lagate hue kaha, “I know Priya tumhare liye sab kuch thi. Aur maine jo buri baatein kahin uske liye us din, uske liye mein bahot sharminda hun. Uske jaane ke baad ehsaas ho raha hai kitni galat thi main. Mujhe maaf kar paoge?”
Armaan use dekh kar halke se muskuraya. Shalini us se lipatkar rone lagi.
“Ab bas ek doosre ka sahara hai,” Shalini ne uske kandhe par rote hue kaha.
“I’ll try to be a good husband Shalini,” Armaan ne kaha, “Main poori koshish karunga tumhe woh saari khushiyan dene ki jo aaj tak nahi de paaya. Bas mera saath dena sweetheart...I know I haven’t been the best husband, but is waqt mujhe tumhari zaroorat hai...tumhare saath ki, tumhare pyaar ki...please mujhse choti choti baaton ke liye mat ladho...”
“I am always there for you darling,” Shalini ne apne aasnu pochte hue kaha, “I am sorry agar meri wajah se koi takleef hui tumhe to.”
Armaan ne Shalini ko gale lagaya.
“Let me make you something to eat,” Shalini ne Armaan ka maatha chumte hue kaha, “Subah se kuch nahi khaya hai tumne.”
Armaan halke se muskuraya aur Shalini kitchen mein chali gayi. Ek garam soup ka bowl lekar woh lauti. Usne pyar se woh soup Armaan ko khila diya.
Phir woh uthi aur muskurakar Armaan ka phone uthakar kamre se bahar jaane lagi.
“Shalini,” Armaan ne poocha, “Mera phone kahan le jaa rahi ho?”
“Ek call karni hai,” Shalini ne muskurakar jawab diya aur apne peeche darwaza band kar diya.
Thodi der mein Armaan ke gale mein kuch jalan si hone lagi. Phir use khasi aane lagi. Dekhte hi dekhte woh khasi itni tez ho gayi ki uske muh se khoon nikalne laga.
“Shalini!” Armaan ne awaz lagai.
Shalini ne koi jawab nahi diya. Armaan ne darwaza kholne ki koshish kari lekin Shalini ne bahar se band kar diya tha. Armaan pagalon ki tarah darwaza peetne laga. Armaan samajh gaya tha ki Shalini ne jaan boojh kar use kamre mein band karke uska phone le gayi taaki woh kisi ko madad ke liye na bula sake. Woh uska naam lekar pagalon ki tarah darwaza peet ta raha.
Zeher Armaan ke poore badan mein phailne laga aur woh dheere dheere kamjor hone laga aur zameen par gir pada. Uski nazar dhundhli pad gayi aur naak muh se khoon beh raha tha. Uske poore badan mein itna dard ho raha tha maanon haazaron bicchuon ne kaat liya ho. Use wahin marne ke liye chhodkar Shalini darwaza band karke kahin chali gayi thi.
Armaan ko zameen par pade dard mein tadapte hue kayi ghante beet gaye. Bahot dard ke bawajood uski saansein chal rahi thi.
Darwaza khula aur Shalini ke saath ek aadmi andar aaya. Woh uska boyfriend Rakshit tha. Woh Armaan ko dekh kar muskuraya.
“Badi karari jaan hai iski,” Rakshit ne kaha, “Saala abhi tak zinda hai.”
“Jitna dose tumne bataya tha, utna to diya tha maine,” Shalini ne kaha.
“To kya aise aadha maarogi kya use?” Rakshit ne kaha, “Jao jaake zeher ke sheeshi le aao.”
Armaan samajh gaya tha ki Shalini use jaan se maarna chahti thi. Uske badan mein jitna dard ho raha tha us se jyada uske dil mein ho raha tha, Shalini ke is dhokhe se.
Shalini zeher ki sheeshi le aayi aur Rakhsit ne Armaan ka muh pakadkar woh zeher use zabardasti pilaya. Armaan ne ladhne ki koshish ki lekin woh pehle hi bahot kamjor ho chuka tha. Rakshit ne Armaan ki naak dabakar use muh kholne par majboor kiya.
“Shhh easy easy,” Rakhsit ne kaha, “Bas thodi der aur, phir yeh dard hamesha ke liye khatam ho jayega.”
Armaan ki aankhon se bebasi ke aansu nikal gaye.
“I know I look like a monster to you,” Rakshit ne Armaan ki taraf dekhte hue muskurate hue kaha, “Lekin yeh poora plan tumhari brilliant wife ka tha. Tumhari will mein tumne likhwaya hai ki agar tumhari akal mrityu accident ya murder se hoti hai to tumhari saari daulat kisi NGO ko milegi. Lekin usme suicide ka koi zikr nahi hai.”
Armaan dard se tadapte hue uske khilaaf ki gayi ki ghinauni saazish ki details sun raha tha.
“Yeh tumhare hi signature hai na?” Rakshit ne Armaan ko ek suicide note par kiye gaye uske signature dikhaye, “Tumhe pata bhi nahi chala kab tumhari biwi ne is par dhokhe se tumhare sign karwaye.”
Armaan ne Shalini ko gusse bhari nazar se ghoora.
“Chalo ab note bhi padhke batata hun,” Rakshit ne kaha, “Warna tumhari aatma bhatkegi.”
Rakshit suidice note padhne laga.
“Meri pyari Shalini,
Mujhe maaf kar dena maine tumhe is duniya mein akela chhod jaa raha hun. Priya mere liye sab kuch thi. Uske jaane ka baad mera kisi cheez mein mann nahi lag raha. Aisa lagta hai uske bina mere jeevan mein kuch nahi bacha. Tumne mujhe bahot pyaar diya, lekin tumhara pyaar bhi bacche ko khone ka dukh nahi mita paaya. Aakhir kyu Bhagwaan ne cheen liya meri phool ki bacchi ko mujhse? Mere jeene ki iccha khatam ho chuki hai. Meri maut ke liye koi zimmedar nahi hai...
Mujhe maaf kar dena Shalini.
Tumhara
Armaan”
Armaan cheekhna chata tha lekin woh zameen par pada apni aakhri saansein gin raha tha. Woh andar hi andar toot chuka tha yeh jaankar ki Shalini ne uske saath itna bura kiya bas uski daulat paane ke liye.
“Ab mar bhi jao sweetheart,” Shalini ne muskurate hue kaha, “Tumhara dard dekha nahi jaa raha mujhse.”
Rakshit ne Shalini ke haath pakadke use apne paas kheench liya.
“Dayan kahin ki,” Rakhshit ne use muskurate hue chidhaya, “Pati ko kha gayi apne.”
“Aur tumhe isi dayan se ishq hai,” Shalini ne muskurate hue jawab diya.
Rakshit ne use bistar par letakar aur uske kapde utare.
“Mauka to do janeman,” Rakshit ne apne pant ki zip kholte hue kaha, “Dikhata hun kitna ishq hai.”
Armaan ko haara hua zameen par tadapta hua dekha kar muskuraya aur Shalini ke saath sex karta raha. Shalini bhi khoob maze le rahi thi.
Armaan haar maan ne waalon me se nahi tha. Usne dekha ki Shalini ne apna phone ek table par chhoda tha. Woh dheere dheere sarakakr us phone tak pahuncha. Rakshit aur Shalini sex ke nashe mein doobe hue the. Armaan ne Shalini ke hi phone se police ko phone kiya.
“Mere patni ne mujhe zehar dekar maarne ki koshish kari hai, woh abhi yahin hai ghar par. Address wahi hai jispar yeh phone registered hai,” Armaan ne kaha, “Mere paas jyada waqt nahi hai. Woh kisi bhi waqt meri jaan le sakti hai. Please police aur ambulance bhejiye mere ghar par.”
Armaan ki awaz sunkar Rakshit aur Shalini ekdum se chaunk gaye.
“Bewakoof aurat!” Rakshit chillaya, “Phone itne paas kyu rakh di uske?”
Shalini gusse mein Armaan ki taraf badhi aur dono haathon se uska gala dabane lagi. “Just fucking die already!” woh gusse mein chillai. Armaan itna kamjor pad chuka tha ki usme ladhne ki takat nahi thi.
“Kya kar rahi ho chhodo use!” Rakshit ne Shalini ka haath kheenchte hue kaha.
“Zinda mat chhodna ise Rakshit!” Shalini ghabrakar chillai, “Maar daalega yeh hum dono ko!”
“Police kisi bhi waqt yahan pahunchti hogi,” Rakshit ne kaha, “Police ke haath lage to saari zindagi jail mein sadenge. Abhi yahan se bhagna jyada zaroori hai, is se baad mein niptenge.”
Rakshit Shalini ka haath pakadkar darwaze se bahar bhaagne laga. Shalini ne mudkar Armaan ki taraf dekha. Armaan zameen par pada tha, maut ki kagar par, lekin woh Shalini ko is kadar ghoor raha tha, ki woh kaanp uthi. Armaan ki aankhon mein badle ki aag thi. Shalini ke chehre par darr saaf dikhai de raha tha. Armaan ki nazar zeher ke asar se tezi se dhundhli pad gayi aur uski aankhon ke saamne andhera chha gaya.
************
Pankhudi ki baahon mein Armaan kaanp raha tha is dadnaak yaad ko yaad karke. Usne Pankhudi ko gale lagaya aur apni aankhon se aansuon ko behne diya.
“I loved her, Pankhudi,” Armaan ne rote hue kaha, “I trusted her...and she poisoned me...”
Armaan ki kahani sunkar Pankhudi ki aankhon mein bhi aansu aa gaye. Ab Pankhudi ko yakeen ho gaya ki Priya ki jaan bhi Shalini ne hi li thi. Lekin Armsan us pal itni tooti hui halat mein tha ki is waqt us se Priya ki maut ki baat karna Pankhudi ko theek nahi laga.
“I have a strange resistance to poisons,” Armaan ne apne aap ko sambhalte hue kaha, “Pata nahi kyu lekin mere shareer par zeher ka asar kam hota hai. Lekin Shalini ke dhokhe ne mujhe is kadar tod diya ki dobara kisi par bharosa nahi kar paaya.”
Armaan ne Pankhudi ka chehra apni hatheliyon mein thama aur pyaar se uski aankhon mein dekh.
“Phir tum aayi meri zindagi mein,” Armaan ne muskurate hue kaha, “Aaj ka din sach mein khaas hai. Itni pyari Pari aayi meri zindagi mein. Priya ke baad sirf ek tum ho jiski aankhon mein mujhe apne liye pyaar nazar aata hai. Itne julm kiya maine tumpar phir bhi nafrat nahi karti tum mujhse. You are such a beautiful soul Pankhudi.”
Pankhudi ne muskurakar kaha, “You have always been a mystery to me. Aaj tumhe jaana hai. Lekin jabse maine tumhe pehli baar dekha, tab se dekh rahi hun yeh dard aur tadap tumhari aankhon mein. I don’t know why, I feel drawn towards you. Meri duniya bahot choti si hai, Armaan, lekin mere paas mere sapne hai, umangein hai, chhoti chhoti khushiyan hai, jo main tumhare saath baantna chahti hun.”
“Gunehgaar hun main tumhara, Pankhudi,” Armaan ne kaha, “Tumhare inhi sapnon aur khushiyon ko lootne ki koshish ki thi maine. Ab ehsaas ho raha hai kitna galat tha main. Meri gunahon ki zo saza dena chaho mujhe de sakti ho. You could punish me as you wish...”
Pankhudi ne Armaan ke hoothon par ungli rakh ke use chup karaya.
“I don’t believe in hurting,” Pankhudi ne kaha, “Pehle hi itna kuch seh chuke ho. I just want to...heal you...”
Armaan ne use paas kheench liya aur apne seene se laga liya. “Kuch nahi hone dunga main tumne,” Armaan ne kaha, “Meri sweet Pankhudi, tumhe duniya ki saari khushiyan dene ki koshish karunga.”
********************
Nishant kayi mahino se pagal khane mein qaid tha. Ilaj ke naam par uspar lagatar zulm kiya jaa rahe the. Anvit ka complete control tha uspar. Uske order ke bina khana bhi nahi diya jaata tha Nishant ko.
2 dino tak use bhookha rakhne ke baad ek nurse khana lekar aayi Nishant ke paas. Lekin Nishant bas chup chaap kamre ke ek kone mein baitha raha.
Nurse ne woh plate uske paas rakhi aur chali gayi. Kayi ghanton baad woh lauti lekin usne dekha ki Nishant ne khane ko chhua bhi nahi tha.
“Abhi tak nahi khaya?” nurse ne kaha, “Kha le chupchaap, warna aur do din tak khana nahi milega.”
Nishant ne uski taraf dekha bhi nahi. Woh bas chup chaap baitha zameen ko takta raha.
“Sunai nahi de raha hai kya behre?” woh nurse boli, “Kha le warna tere haath pair baandhkar nalli se thoosenge khana tere pet me.”
Nishant ne ab bhi koi jawab nahi diya. Nurse wahan se chali gayi.
Agle din jab woh lauti, usne dekha ki khana abhi tak nahi chua tha Nishant ne aur use position mein baitha zameen ko tak raha tha. Doctors ke orders the ki Nishant agar na khaye to use sedative injection lagakar use tube se khilaya jaye. Anvit ka order tha ki Nishant kisi bhi haal mein marna nahi chahiye.
Nurse ne sedative injection ready kiya aur Nishant ki taraf badhi. Nishant ke haath pair janjeeron mein jakde hue the. Nurse ne Nishant he haath ko pakda use injection lagane ke liye, lekin Nishant ne achanak jhapatkar uske pakada liya aur sui uski gardar mein ghused di. Nurse pagalon ki tarah cheekhne lagi.
Nishant ne plunger par ungli rakhte hue kaha, “Chilla, aur chilla,” Nishant ne kaha, “Chillakar guard ko bula aur usko bol meri janjeerein khole. Agar aisa nahi hua, to ye sui teri aankhon mein ghusedkar teri dono aankhein phod dunga.”
Nurse ke cheekhne se guards wahan aa gaye. Nishant ne gusse bhari aankhon se unhe ghoora aur nurse ne rote hue unhe Nishant ko kholne ke liye kaha. Guard ne kaanpte hue haathon se Nishant ki janjeerein kholi. Haath khulte hi Nishant ne guard ko ghusa maara aur uski gun chhen li. Woh gun usne us nurse ki kanpatti par lagai aur use ghaseeta hua apne saath le gaya. Us nurse ko jaan se maarne ki dhamki dete hue usne pagalkahne ke ek ke karke saare gate khulwaye.
Ek guard ne Nishant par sedative shot ka nishana saadha. Nishant ne uspar goli chala di. Woh guard cheekhta hua neeche gira.
“Koi aur hai jo marna chahta hai?” Nishant chillakar bola.
Nishant ne us nurse ko pakad rakha tha aur uski kanpatti par gun taan rakhi thi. Isiliye kisi ne use rokne ki koshish nahi kari.
Main gate par ambulance khadi thi. Nishant ne uski chabi chhen li aur us nurse ko jabardasti ambulance mein bithaya. Nishant ne ambulance start kari aur wahan se farar ho gaya.
**************
Armaan Pankhudi ki baahon mein soya hua tha. Subah ki sunehri kiranein khidki se andar aakar uski palein khatkhatane lagi. Usne aankhein kholi aur dekha ki Pankhudi abhi tak so rahi hai.
Usne pyaar se chumkar use jagaya. Pankhudi ne aankhein kholi aur Armaan ko dekh kar sharma gayi. Subah ki dhoop mein uske gaalon ki lali bahot sundar lag rahi thi.
Achanak Armaan ka phone baja. Raghav ka call tha. Armaan subah subah se se baat karne ke mood mein nahi tha. Woh bas Pankhudi ke saath kuch pal bitana chahta tha. Lekin Raghav baar baar call kar raha tha.
“Nishant has escaped the asylum,” Raghav ne kaha, “Wahan ki CCTV footage mili hai, aapko bhej raha hun.”
Armaan bistar par uth baitha. Usne bina kuch kahe phone kaata aur ghambhir bhav se woh footage dekhne laga. Pankhudi bhi uske bagal mein baithkar woh footage dekhne lagi thi.
“Kya hua?” Pankhudi ne poocha.
“We need to get you back to the safehouse,” Armaan ne kaha.
“Phir se?” Pankhudi ne poocha.
“Haan,” Armaan ne kaha, “Yeh jo beemari ka aadha ilaj hua hai, bada khatarank hai. Is baar to jad se ukhadna hai is bawasir ko.”
*********
Anvit ko bhi khabar lag gayi Nishant ke bhagne ki.
“Security ko alert kar do,” Anvit ne kaha, “Ghar mein ghusne ki kosish kare to acche se swagat hona chahiye unka.”
“Ji Sir,” Sumit ne kaha.
“Aur ek search team ready karo,” Anvit ne muskurakar kaha, “Bade bhai hai mere, bhatak gaye hain bechare. Akele kahan dar dar ki thokre khate phirenge. Unhe jald se jald khojkar sambhalkar wapas hospital pahunchaya jaye aur unka ilaj jaari rahe.”
Sumit ne haan mein sar hilaya aur wahan se chala gaya.
Anvit ke phone par Armaan ke text aaya. Ek loction pin aur time likha tha. Anvit muskuraya.
Nirdharit samay par Anvit us location par pahuncha. Iss baar Armaan pehle se uska intezaar kar raha tha.
“You summoned me, big brother,” Anvit ne muskurakar kaha, “Here I am.”
Armaan uski muskaan dekh kar hairaan reh gaya. Nishant khula ghum raha hai yeh jaankar bhi Anvit ke maathe par zara bhi shikan nahi tha.
“How the fuck did he escape?” Armaan ne gusse se poocha.
“CCTV footage to dekha hi hoga aapne,” Anvit ne kaha, “You know exactly how he escaped. I don’t think I can explain it any better.”
“Tumhe nahi lagta tumne laparwahi ki hai?” Armaan ne Anvit ko gusse se ghoorte hue poocha.
“Laparwahi staff se hui hai,” Anvit ne kaha, “But it’s ok. I’ll handle it. Nishant ke paas ab kuch nahi hai, na paisa na power. Akela kya hi ukhad lega woh?”
“He has loyal associates, Anvit,” Armaan ne kaha.
“Speaking of which,” Anvit ne muskurakar kaha, “Aapko pata hai jail men Shadab ke saath kitna bura hua? Baaki inmates ne usko itna torture kiya ki aaj raat woh apne zindagi se pareshan hokar suicide karne wala hai. Kal subah uski laash latki milegi uske cell mein police waalon ko. Aur Nishant, his head is all messed up, I’ve ensured that.”
“Nishant is a fucking snake,” Armaan ne kaha, “Usko underestimate karne ki galati mat karna. Aur dimag bikul salamat hai uska. Dekha nahi kitna sateek nishana tha uska jab guard par goli chalayi? Us nurse ko bhi hostage banakar le gaya hai woh. I don’t know about you, Anvit, lekin main bilkul risk nahi le sakta.”
“I understand your concerns,” Anvit ne kaha, “Baat jab ladkiyon ko hoti hai to mamla sensitive hota hai. Us nurse ki family ko bhi protection dilwaya hai maine. And trust me, jyada din tak khuli hawa mein saans nahi la payega.”
“You called me big brother a while ago. So here’s a piece of advice for you,” Armaan ne Anvit ki aankhon mein ghoorte hue kaha, “Don’t get overconfident.”
Armaan apni car mein baitha aur wahan se chala gaya. Anvit akela wahan khada Armaan ko jaate hue dekh raha tha. Uske dimag mein ek toofan tha. Woh apne chehre par dikhne nahi de raha tha, lekin woh jaanta tha ki Nishant uske liye kitna bada khatra tha.
Armaan apne office mein ek important conference mein baitha hua tha. Uske company ke alge project ka plan discuss ho raha tha.
Uske phone par ek text message aaya.
Pankhudi – Aaj special din hai. Jaante ho aaj kya hai?
Armaan woh text padhke muskuraya. Woh nahi jaanta tha ki aaj kya special hai. Usne reply kiya.
Armaan – Kya hai aaj Pankhudi?
Pankhudi – Tumhe sach mein yaad nahi?
Armaan – Sorry, I am bad at remembering dates. Aaj bata do, agli baar ke liye phone mein reminder laga dunga.
Pankhudi – Phone mein reminder *sigh* Theek ek saal pehle, aaj ke din hum pehli baar mile the.
Armaan muskurata hua soch mein pad gaya. Phir use yaad aaya ki ek saal pehle isi din woh Pankhudi se uske office ke lift me mila tha. Kitni darr gayi thi woh bechari uske chhune se. Aur aaj wh usi din ki yaad mein khush hai.
Armaan – Aaj ke din to tumne mujhe pehli baar dekha tha Pankhudi. Jaanti ho maine tumhe pehli baar kab dekha tha?
Pankhudi – Kab? Batao na!
Armaan – Milke bataunga.
Shaam ko kahin bahar chalein? Pankhudi – Aaj shaam ko tumhare liye kuch special banane ka mann hai dinner mein. Ghar aaoge?
Armaan – Of course sweetheart! I’ll be there, 9 pm.
Pankhudi – Fish banana chah rahi hun.
Tum vegetarian to nahi ho na?Armaan – Vegetarian? *LOL* Aise aise jaanwar kha chuka hun jo tum soch bhi nahi sakti. Aur jyada bhookh lage to insaan bhi kha sakta hun
Pankh – Yikes!
Armaan – Just kidding sweetheart. Fish is fine.
Pankhudi uska reply padhke khushi se ucchal padi. Usne jaldi se apni ghar ki safai ki aur bazaar chali gayi samaan laane.
Armaan ka uske baad meeting mein dhyaan hi nahi lag raha tha. Uska poora din shaam ke intezaar mein beeta.
Shaam ko jab woh Pankhudi ke ghar pahuncha, Pankhudi ne table itna sundar saza rakha tha, phoolon aur candles se. Bahot saara khana banaya tha usne, jisme uski favorite fish curry aur rice bhi shaamil the. Salads se leke dessert tak, saara khana saza rakha tha table par. Armaan apne saath ek mehengi red wine ki bottle laaya tha. Usne woh bottle kholi aur do glasses mein thodi si wine daali.
“Cheers!” Armaan ne kaha.
Pankhudi ne bhi sharmate hue “Cheers!” kaha aur ek ghoont liya.
“Tumne kapde kyun pehen rakhe hai Pankhudi?” Armaan ne muskurate hue poocha.
Pankhudi uska ishara samajh gayi aur shamate hue apne saare kapde utar diye aur Armaan ke taraf badhne lagi. Armaan ne uski kalai thaam ke use apni goad mein kheench liya. Armaan apne haath uske nange badan par pherta raha aur Pankhudi sharam ke maare pighalti rahi.
Dono ne red wine pi aur saath mein khana khane baithe. Pankhudi bina kapdon ke use khana paroste hue bahot sharma rahi thi. Uske gaalon par ek haseen lali aa gayi thi jis se uska roop khil utha tha.
“This is the most delicious fish curry I’ve ever tasted,” Armaan ne Pankhudi ke haathon ko chumte hue kaha, “Tumhare haathon mein jaadu hai.”
“Sach mein acchi hai ya bas yun hi keh rahe ho?” Pankhudi ne nervously poocha. Use woh cupcakes wala kissa yaad aa raha tha.
“Is baar sach mein bahot yummy bana hai khana,” Armaan ne muskurate hue kaha.
Pankhudi sharma gayi. “Thank you,” usne kaha.
“Thank YOU, Pankhudi,” Armaan ne use apni goad mein bithate hue kaha, “Mere liye itna sab kuch karne ke liye. I really appreciate this.”
Armaan mein Pankhudi ko apne haathon se khana khilaya. Khane ke baad dono bedroom mein chale gaye. Armaan ne apne kapde utare aur Pankhudi ko apni baahon mein le liye. Aaj uska kuch laga hi mood lag raha tha. Woh sex karne ke mood mein nahi tha, woh bas khel raha tha Pankhudi ke saath ek gudiya ki tarah, uske baalon mein se haath pher raha tha, use chum raha tha, uske gaalon ko sehlate hue uski aankhon mein pyaar se dekh raha tha.
“Tumne kab dekha tha mujhe pehli baar?” Pankhudi ne poocha.
Armaan muskuraya. Usne apne phone mein ek video chalaya. Pankhudi curiously woh video dekhne lagi. Woh Armaan ki car mein lage dashcam ki footage thi. Video mein Pankhudi dikh rahi thi apni scooty chalate hue. Ekdum se woh hadbadakar ek taraf mudi aur barricade se takrakar gir gayi aur Armaan ne ekdum se brake laga diya.
“Woh accident...” Pankhudi ne hairani se poocha, “Woh tum the?”
“Haan,” Armaan ne uski julfon se khelte hue kaha, “Aur phir maine tumhari zindagi mein keher barsaya...bahot bura hun na main...”
Pankhudi ne pyaar se Armaan ko gale lagaya. Armaan uske seene pe sar rakh kar let gaya. Pankhudi ki dhadkan sunai de rahi thi use.
“Jaanti ho tum mere liye itni special kyun ho Pankhudi?” Armaan ne kaha, “Because I trust you. You are such a pure soul...aur mujhe bharosa hai tumpar, ki tum mujhe hurt nahi karogi...mere khane mein kabhi zeher nahi milaogi...main jab tumhari baahon mein jo jaunga to neend mein mujhpar khanjar nahi chalaogi...”
Pankhudi Armaan ki behki behki baaton se hairaan ho gayi.
“Kitna sukoon milta hai tumhari baahon mein...jaanti ho...” Armaan ne bhari awaz mein kaha, “I feel safe...”
Pankhudi ne dekha ki Armaan ki aankhon se ek aansu gir pada.
“Humesha dhokha hi mila hai mujhe Pankhudi,” Armaan ne use apni baahon mein lete hue kaha, “Meri daulat meri sabse badi dushman hai. Meri sauteli maa...main unhe apne sagi maa mannta tha, main to jaanta bhi nahi tha ki main unka beta nahi hun, unhe hamesha pyaar kiya...aur jab papa videsh chale gaye, sab kuch badal gaya...usi aurat ne itne julm kiye mujhpar, mujhe zabardasti nashe ki lat lagwayi, mujhe jaan se maarne ki koshish kari sirf paison ke liye...”
Pankhudi Armaan se lipatkar uski kahani sun rahi thi. Pehli baar Armaan use apne baare mein kuch bata raha tha.
“Bachpan mein bachpan jaisa kuch raha hi nahi mere,” Armaan ne kaha, “Lekin jaise taise sambhala apne aap ko maine...zindagi ki ek nayi shuruvat karni chahi. Shalini mili, us se shaadi hui, Priya ka janam hua...kuch saalon tak sab kuch theek tha. Shayad meri zindagi ke sabse khusnaseeb pal the woh jo Priya ke saath beethe. Lekin Priya ke jaane ke baad mein bikharne laga tha. Shalini aur mere beech tanaav badhne laga tha. Aur ek din usne...”
Armaan bolte bolte ruk gaya. Uski aankhon se aansu behne lage the. Pankhudi ne uske aansu pooche aur use gale laga liya.
Ek dardnaak yaad Armaan ki aankhon ke saamne jaag uthi.
*******
“Khana pine bilkul hi chhod rakha hai tumne,” Shalini ne Armaan ke sar par haath pherte hue kaha, “Kamjor pad jaoge aise tum. Kab tak anti depressants ke sahare jioge?”
“Kuch accha nahi lagta Shalini,” Armaan ne kaha.
“Hey sweetheart,” Shalini ne use gale lagate hue kaha, “I know Priya tumhare liye sab kuch thi. Aur maine jo buri baatein kahin uske liye us din, uske liye mein bahot sharminda hun. Uske jaane ke baad ehsaas ho raha hai kitni galat thi main. Mujhe maaf kar paoge?”
Armaan use dekh kar halke se muskuraya. Shalini us se lipatkar rone lagi.
“Ab bas ek doosre ka sahara hai,” Shalini ne uske kandhe par rote hue kaha.
“I’ll try to be a good husband Shalini,” Armaan ne kaha, “Main poori koshish karunga tumhe woh saari khushiyan dene ki jo aaj tak nahi de paaya. Bas mera saath dena sweetheart...I know I haven’t been the best husband, but is waqt mujhe tumhari zaroorat hai...tumhare saath ki, tumhare pyaar ki...please mujhse choti choti baaton ke liye mat ladho...”
“I am always there for you darling,” Shalini ne apne aasnu pochte hue kaha, “I am sorry agar meri wajah se koi takleef hui tumhe to.”
Armaan ne Shalini ko gale lagaya.
“Let me make you something to eat,” Shalini ne Armaan ka maatha chumte hue kaha, “Subah se kuch nahi khaya hai tumne.”
Armaan halke se muskuraya aur Shalini kitchen mein chali gayi. Ek garam soup ka bowl lekar woh lauti. Usne pyar se woh soup Armaan ko khila diya.
Phir woh uthi aur muskurakar Armaan ka phone uthakar kamre se bahar jaane lagi.
“Shalini,” Armaan ne poocha, “Mera phone kahan le jaa rahi ho?”
“Ek call karni hai,” Shalini ne muskurakar jawab diya aur apne peeche darwaza band kar diya.
Thodi der mein Armaan ke gale mein kuch jalan si hone lagi. Phir use khasi aane lagi. Dekhte hi dekhte woh khasi itni tez ho gayi ki uske muh se khoon nikalne laga.
“Shalini!” Armaan ne awaz lagai.
Shalini ne koi jawab nahi diya. Armaan ne darwaza kholne ki koshish kari lekin Shalini ne bahar se band kar diya tha. Armaan pagalon ki tarah darwaza peetne laga. Armaan samajh gaya tha ki Shalini ne jaan boojh kar use kamre mein band karke uska phone le gayi taaki woh kisi ko madad ke liye na bula sake. Woh uska naam lekar pagalon ki tarah darwaza peet ta raha.
Zeher Armaan ke poore badan mein phailne laga aur woh dheere dheere kamjor hone laga aur zameen par gir pada. Uski nazar dhundhli pad gayi aur naak muh se khoon beh raha tha. Uske poore badan mein itna dard ho raha tha maanon haazaron bicchuon ne kaat liya ho. Use wahin marne ke liye chhodkar Shalini darwaza band karke kahin chali gayi thi.
Armaan ko zameen par pade dard mein tadapte hue kayi ghante beet gaye. Bahot dard ke bawajood uski saansein chal rahi thi.
Darwaza khula aur Shalini ke saath ek aadmi andar aaya. Woh uska boyfriend Rakshit tha. Woh Armaan ko dekh kar muskuraya.
“Badi karari jaan hai iski,” Rakshit ne kaha, “Saala abhi tak zinda hai.”
“Jitna dose tumne bataya tha, utna to diya tha maine,” Shalini ne kaha.
“To kya aise aadha maarogi kya use?” Rakshit ne kaha, “Jao jaake zeher ke sheeshi le aao.”
Armaan samajh gaya tha ki Shalini use jaan se maarna chahti thi. Uske badan mein jitna dard ho raha tha us se jyada uske dil mein ho raha tha, Shalini ke is dhokhe se.
Shalini zeher ki sheeshi le aayi aur Rakhsit ne Armaan ka muh pakadkar woh zeher use zabardasti pilaya. Armaan ne ladhne ki koshish ki lekin woh pehle hi bahot kamjor ho chuka tha. Rakshit ne Armaan ki naak dabakar use muh kholne par majboor kiya.
“Shhh easy easy,” Rakhsit ne kaha, “Bas thodi der aur, phir yeh dard hamesha ke liye khatam ho jayega.”
Armaan ki aankhon se bebasi ke aansu nikal gaye.
“I know I look like a monster to you,” Rakshit ne Armaan ki taraf dekhte hue muskurate hue kaha, “Lekin yeh poora plan tumhari brilliant wife ka tha. Tumhari will mein tumne likhwaya hai ki agar tumhari akal mrityu accident ya murder se hoti hai to tumhari saari daulat kisi NGO ko milegi. Lekin usme suicide ka koi zikr nahi hai.”
Armaan dard se tadapte hue uske khilaaf ki gayi ki ghinauni saazish ki details sun raha tha.
“Yeh tumhare hi signature hai na?” Rakshit ne Armaan ko ek suicide note par kiye gaye uske signature dikhaye, “Tumhe pata bhi nahi chala kab tumhari biwi ne is par dhokhe se tumhare sign karwaye.”
Armaan ne Shalini ko gusse bhari nazar se ghoora.
“Chalo ab note bhi padhke batata hun,” Rakshit ne kaha, “Warna tumhari aatma bhatkegi.”
Rakshit suidice note padhne laga.
“Meri pyari Shalini,
Mujhe maaf kar dena maine tumhe is duniya mein akela chhod jaa raha hun. Priya mere liye sab kuch thi. Uske jaane ka baad mera kisi cheez mein mann nahi lag raha. Aisa lagta hai uske bina mere jeevan mein kuch nahi bacha. Tumne mujhe bahot pyaar diya, lekin tumhara pyaar bhi bacche ko khone ka dukh nahi mita paaya. Aakhir kyu Bhagwaan ne cheen liya meri phool ki bacchi ko mujhse? Mere jeene ki iccha khatam ho chuki hai. Meri maut ke liye koi zimmedar nahi hai...
Mujhe maaf kar dena Shalini.
Tumhara
Armaan”
Armaan cheekhna chata tha lekin woh zameen par pada apni aakhri saansein gin raha tha. Woh andar hi andar toot chuka tha yeh jaankar ki Shalini ne uske saath itna bura kiya bas uski daulat paane ke liye.
“Ab mar bhi jao sweetheart,” Shalini ne muskurate hue kaha, “Tumhara dard dekha nahi jaa raha mujhse.”
Rakshit ne Shalini ke haath pakadke use apne paas kheench liya.
“Dayan kahin ki,” Rakhshit ne use muskurate hue chidhaya, “Pati ko kha gayi apne.”
“Aur tumhe isi dayan se ishq hai,” Shalini ne muskurate hue jawab diya.
Rakshit ne use bistar par letakar aur uske kapde utare.
“Mauka to do janeman,” Rakshit ne apne pant ki zip kholte hue kaha, “Dikhata hun kitna ishq hai.”
Armaan ko haara hua zameen par tadapta hua dekha kar muskuraya aur Shalini ke saath sex karta raha. Shalini bhi khoob maze le rahi thi.
Armaan haar maan ne waalon me se nahi tha. Usne dekha ki Shalini ne apna phone ek table par chhoda tha. Woh dheere dheere sarakakr us phone tak pahuncha. Rakshit aur Shalini sex ke nashe mein doobe hue the. Armaan ne Shalini ke hi phone se police ko phone kiya.
“Mere patni ne mujhe zehar dekar maarne ki koshish kari hai, woh abhi yahin hai ghar par. Address wahi hai jispar yeh phone registered hai,” Armaan ne kaha, “Mere paas jyada waqt nahi hai. Woh kisi bhi waqt meri jaan le sakti hai. Please police aur ambulance bhejiye mere ghar par.”
Armaan ki awaz sunkar Rakshit aur Shalini ekdum se chaunk gaye.
“Bewakoof aurat!” Rakshit chillaya, “Phone itne paas kyu rakh di uske?”
Shalini gusse mein Armaan ki taraf badhi aur dono haathon se uska gala dabane lagi. “Just fucking die already!” woh gusse mein chillai. Armaan itna kamjor pad chuka tha ki usme ladhne ki takat nahi thi.
“Kya kar rahi ho chhodo use!” Rakshit ne Shalini ka haath kheenchte hue kaha.
“Zinda mat chhodna ise Rakshit!” Shalini ghabrakar chillai, “Maar daalega yeh hum dono ko!”
“Police kisi bhi waqt yahan pahunchti hogi,” Rakshit ne kaha, “Police ke haath lage to saari zindagi jail mein sadenge. Abhi yahan se bhagna jyada zaroori hai, is se baad mein niptenge.”
Rakshit Shalini ka haath pakadkar darwaze se bahar bhaagne laga. Shalini ne mudkar Armaan ki taraf dekha. Armaan zameen par pada tha, maut ki kagar par, lekin woh Shalini ko is kadar ghoor raha tha, ki woh kaanp uthi. Armaan ki aankhon mein badle ki aag thi. Shalini ke chehre par darr saaf dikhai de raha tha. Armaan ki nazar zeher ke asar se tezi se dhundhli pad gayi aur uski aankhon ke saamne andhera chha gaya.
************
Pankhudi ki baahon mein Armaan kaanp raha tha is dadnaak yaad ko yaad karke. Usne Pankhudi ko gale lagaya aur apni aankhon se aansuon ko behne diya.
“I loved her, Pankhudi,” Armaan ne rote hue kaha, “I trusted her...and she poisoned me...”
Armaan ki kahani sunkar Pankhudi ki aankhon mein bhi aansu aa gaye. Ab Pankhudi ko yakeen ho gaya ki Priya ki jaan bhi Shalini ne hi li thi. Lekin Armsan us pal itni tooti hui halat mein tha ki is waqt us se Priya ki maut ki baat karna Pankhudi ko theek nahi laga.
“I have a strange resistance to poisons,” Armaan ne apne aap ko sambhalte hue kaha, “Pata nahi kyu lekin mere shareer par zeher ka asar kam hota hai. Lekin Shalini ke dhokhe ne mujhe is kadar tod diya ki dobara kisi par bharosa nahi kar paaya.”
Armaan ne Pankhudi ka chehra apni hatheliyon mein thama aur pyaar se uski aankhon mein dekh.
“Phir tum aayi meri zindagi mein,” Armaan ne muskurate hue kaha, “Aaj ka din sach mein khaas hai. Itni pyari Pari aayi meri zindagi mein. Priya ke baad sirf ek tum ho jiski aankhon mein mujhe apne liye pyaar nazar aata hai. Itne julm kiya maine tumpar phir bhi nafrat nahi karti tum mujhse. You are such a beautiful soul Pankhudi.”
Pankhudi ne muskurakar kaha, “You have always been a mystery to me. Aaj tumhe jaana hai. Lekin jabse maine tumhe pehli baar dekha, tab se dekh rahi hun yeh dard aur tadap tumhari aankhon mein. I don’t know why, I feel drawn towards you. Meri duniya bahot choti si hai, Armaan, lekin mere paas mere sapne hai, umangein hai, chhoti chhoti khushiyan hai, jo main tumhare saath baantna chahti hun.”
“Gunehgaar hun main tumhara, Pankhudi,” Armaan ne kaha, “Tumhare inhi sapnon aur khushiyon ko lootne ki koshish ki thi maine. Ab ehsaas ho raha hai kitna galat tha main. Meri gunahon ki zo saza dena chaho mujhe de sakti ho. You could punish me as you wish...”
Pankhudi ne Armaan ke hoothon par ungli rakh ke use chup karaya.
“I don’t believe in hurting,” Pankhudi ne kaha, “Pehle hi itna kuch seh chuke ho. I just want to...heal you...”
Armaan ne use paas kheench liya aur apne seene se laga liya. “Kuch nahi hone dunga main tumne,” Armaan ne kaha, “Meri sweet Pankhudi, tumhe duniya ki saari khushiyan dene ki koshish karunga.”
********************
Nishant kayi mahino se pagal khane mein qaid tha. Ilaj ke naam par uspar lagatar zulm kiya jaa rahe the. Anvit ka complete control tha uspar. Uske order ke bina khana bhi nahi diya jaata tha Nishant ko.
2 dino tak use bhookha rakhne ke baad ek nurse khana lekar aayi Nishant ke paas. Lekin Nishant bas chup chaap kamre ke ek kone mein baitha raha.
Nurse ne woh plate uske paas rakhi aur chali gayi. Kayi ghanton baad woh lauti lekin usne dekha ki Nishant ne khane ko chhua bhi nahi tha.
“Abhi tak nahi khaya?” nurse ne kaha, “Kha le chupchaap, warna aur do din tak khana nahi milega.”
Nishant ne uski taraf dekha bhi nahi. Woh bas chup chaap baitha zameen ko takta raha.
“Sunai nahi de raha hai kya behre?” woh nurse boli, “Kha le warna tere haath pair baandhkar nalli se thoosenge khana tere pet me.”
Nishant ne ab bhi koi jawab nahi diya. Nurse wahan se chali gayi.
Agle din jab woh lauti, usne dekha ki khana abhi tak nahi chua tha Nishant ne aur use position mein baitha zameen ko tak raha tha. Doctors ke orders the ki Nishant agar na khaye to use sedative injection lagakar use tube se khilaya jaye. Anvit ka order tha ki Nishant kisi bhi haal mein marna nahi chahiye.
Nurse ne sedative injection ready kiya aur Nishant ki taraf badhi. Nishant ke haath pair janjeeron mein jakde hue the. Nurse ne Nishant he haath ko pakda use injection lagane ke liye, lekin Nishant ne achanak jhapatkar uske pakada liya aur sui uski gardar mein ghused di. Nurse pagalon ki tarah cheekhne lagi.
Nishant ne plunger par ungli rakhte hue kaha, “Chilla, aur chilla,” Nishant ne kaha, “Chillakar guard ko bula aur usko bol meri janjeerein khole. Agar aisa nahi hua, to ye sui teri aankhon mein ghusedkar teri dono aankhein phod dunga.”
Nurse ke cheekhne se guards wahan aa gaye. Nishant ne gusse bhari aankhon se unhe ghoora aur nurse ne rote hue unhe Nishant ko kholne ke liye kaha. Guard ne kaanpte hue haathon se Nishant ki janjeerein kholi. Haath khulte hi Nishant ne guard ko ghusa maara aur uski gun chhen li. Woh gun usne us nurse ki kanpatti par lagai aur use ghaseeta hua apne saath le gaya. Us nurse ko jaan se maarne ki dhamki dete hue usne pagalkahne ke ek ke karke saare gate khulwaye.
Ek guard ne Nishant par sedative shot ka nishana saadha. Nishant ne uspar goli chala di. Woh guard cheekhta hua neeche gira.
“Koi aur hai jo marna chahta hai?” Nishant chillakar bola.
Nishant ne us nurse ko pakad rakha tha aur uski kanpatti par gun taan rakhi thi. Isiliye kisi ne use rokne ki koshish nahi kari.
Main gate par ambulance khadi thi. Nishant ne uski chabi chhen li aur us nurse ko jabardasti ambulance mein bithaya. Nishant ne ambulance start kari aur wahan se farar ho gaya.
**************
Armaan Pankhudi ki baahon mein soya hua tha. Subah ki sunehri kiranein khidki se andar aakar uski palein khatkhatane lagi. Usne aankhein kholi aur dekha ki Pankhudi abhi tak so rahi hai.
Usne pyaar se chumkar use jagaya. Pankhudi ne aankhein kholi aur Armaan ko dekh kar sharma gayi. Subah ki dhoop mein uske gaalon ki lali bahot sundar lag rahi thi.
Achanak Armaan ka phone baja. Raghav ka call tha. Armaan subah subah se se baat karne ke mood mein nahi tha. Woh bas Pankhudi ke saath kuch pal bitana chahta tha. Lekin Raghav baar baar call kar raha tha.
“Nishant has escaped the asylum,” Raghav ne kaha, “Wahan ki CCTV footage mili hai, aapko bhej raha hun.”
Armaan bistar par uth baitha. Usne bina kuch kahe phone kaata aur ghambhir bhav se woh footage dekhne laga. Pankhudi bhi uske bagal mein baithkar woh footage dekhne lagi thi.
“Kya hua?” Pankhudi ne poocha.
“We need to get you back to the safehouse,” Armaan ne kaha.
“Phir se?” Pankhudi ne poocha.
“Haan,” Armaan ne kaha, “Yeh jo beemari ka aadha ilaj hua hai, bada khatarank hai. Is baar to jad se ukhadna hai is bawasir ko.”
*********
Anvit ko bhi khabar lag gayi Nishant ke bhagne ki.
“Security ko alert kar do,” Anvit ne kaha, “Ghar mein ghusne ki kosish kare to acche se swagat hona chahiye unka.”
“Ji Sir,” Sumit ne kaha.
“Aur ek search team ready karo,” Anvit ne muskurakar kaha, “Bade bhai hai mere, bhatak gaye hain bechare. Akele kahan dar dar ki thokre khate phirenge. Unhe jald se jald khojkar sambhalkar wapas hospital pahunchaya jaye aur unka ilaj jaari rahe.”
Sumit ne haan mein sar hilaya aur wahan se chala gaya.
Anvit ke phone par Armaan ke text aaya. Ek loction pin aur time likha tha. Anvit muskuraya.
Nirdharit samay par Anvit us location par pahuncha. Iss baar Armaan pehle se uska intezaar kar raha tha.
“You summoned me, big brother,” Anvit ne muskurakar kaha, “Here I am.”
Armaan uski muskaan dekh kar hairaan reh gaya. Nishant khula ghum raha hai yeh jaankar bhi Anvit ke maathe par zara bhi shikan nahi tha.
“How the fuck did he escape?” Armaan ne gusse se poocha.
“CCTV footage to dekha hi hoga aapne,” Anvit ne kaha, “You know exactly how he escaped. I don’t think I can explain it any better.”
“Tumhe nahi lagta tumne laparwahi ki hai?” Armaan ne Anvit ko gusse se ghoorte hue poocha.
“Laparwahi staff se hui hai,” Anvit ne kaha, “But it’s ok. I’ll handle it. Nishant ke paas ab kuch nahi hai, na paisa na power. Akela kya hi ukhad lega woh?”
“He has loyal associates, Anvit,” Armaan ne kaha.
“Speaking of which,” Anvit ne muskurakar kaha, “Aapko pata hai jail men Shadab ke saath kitna bura hua? Baaki inmates ne usko itna torture kiya ki aaj raat woh apne zindagi se pareshan hokar suicide karne wala hai. Kal subah uski laash latki milegi uske cell mein police waalon ko. Aur Nishant, his head is all messed up, I’ve ensured that.”
“Nishant is a fucking snake,” Armaan ne kaha, “Usko underestimate karne ki galati mat karna. Aur dimag bikul salamat hai uska. Dekha nahi kitna sateek nishana tha uska jab guard par goli chalayi? Us nurse ko bhi hostage banakar le gaya hai woh. I don’t know about you, Anvit, lekin main bilkul risk nahi le sakta.”
“I understand your concerns,” Anvit ne kaha, “Baat jab ladkiyon ko hoti hai to mamla sensitive hota hai. Us nurse ki family ko bhi protection dilwaya hai maine. And trust me, jyada din tak khuli hawa mein saans nahi la payega.”
“You called me big brother a while ago. So here’s a piece of advice for you,” Armaan ne Anvit ki aankhon mein ghoorte hue kaha, “Don’t get overconfident.”
Armaan apni car mein baitha aur wahan se chala gaya. Anvit akela wahan khada Armaan ko jaate hue dekh raha tha. Uske dimag mein ek toofan tha. Woh apne chehre par dikhne nahi de raha tha, lekin woh jaanta tha ki Nishant uske liye kitna bada khatra tha.
se gulab wali 
unme phir se apna hunter chalane ka....
to keep the consistency with other parts
also generally you post complete stories but iss bar flow ke sath likha so vo bhi thoda different experience raha hoga..