Part 8
Soon Tarika came back into the living room and found Abhijeet lost in his own world. He was anxious, she could see but as much as it was hurting her to see him in such a state, she needed answers.
Placing the steaming cup of coffee in front of him while making a sound of the cup against the table, She took her seat opposite him.
The sound did pull Abhijeet out of his thoughts and he gave her a deep glance. He let the fragrance of coffee fill his senses, before he leaned forward, keeping his hands joined while his elbows rested on his thighs.
"App ka teaching experience kaisa raha Tarika G?" Abhijeet chose a safe topic to begin the discussion. He genuinely wanted to know about her life.
Tarika was feeling tired. The forensic work along with her lectures in University.... Above that, this constant anger seemed to have drained her today. She could see his pure concern, could figure out that plain inquisition and so, didn't have strength to reply curtly. Taking a sip of her coffee, she replied in a plain tone.
"It's going well. Sach mano Abhijeet...Tau I think k maine phir se khud ko paya hai..... Apne students ka forensic k parati waisa hi utsah dekh k..... jaise k aik waqt main mujh main tha ... .. I finally feel k mera itna experience bekar nahi gaya....." She said ruefully before adding. "Akhir kar kissi ko tau meri zaroorat hai..." Hurt could be heard by her tone. Her eyes lingered on him for a bit before she looked away.
She had shared her feelings with someone, especially him after a long time.
Though she was in contact with everyone, she hardly got time to meet. Purvi, with whom she felt closest after Salunke Sir and Abhijeet, would visit her once or twice in 6 months. Daya would only message her on special occasions like Diwali and Holi to which she would reply, Pankaj would forward her jokes in the CID group that Purvi had created. Sachin would sometimes send pics of the areas he visited in vacations. Purvi would update pics and selfies of her CID family. For years, Tarika had seen many people getting added to the group, making it livelier. She got hints about the personalities of different officers. But Abhijeet stayed silent throughout. No wishes, no messages.
Total silence from his side, making her feel in-existence.
"Zaroorat......Zaroorat tau appki hamesha se sab ko rahi hai....." Abhijeet murmured.
"Aisi baat mat kaho Abhijeet jiss main koi sach nahi.......(she said agitatedly) Abh tau mujhe lagta hai k shayad main kabhi kissi k liye koi maynay nahi rakhti thi....." Her throat clogged as her eyes teared up.....
"Tarika...." Abhijeet got up feeling hurt by her statement but Tarika looked away, feeling her emotions spilling all over the place.
"Tau or main kia kahoon Abhijeet.....CID k itnay saal ki job main........ mujhe laga tha k shayad apnay pariwar se dour hi sahi....likin maine aik or pariwar banaya hai......jahan Salunke Sir mere pita, Purvi Shreya meri behnain, Daya Sachin or baqi sab mere dost hain....or Tum....." She glared at him. "Tumhare saath mera jo bhi rishta tha...Kahin na kahin laga k wo khaas hai....likin shayad meri galat fehmi thi...." All her pent up thoughts were finally finding a voice.
Approaching her, Abhijeet kneeled down in front of her but she didn't dare look at him, perfectly knowing that one look at him and she would lose her morale, her confidence.
"Aisa nahi hai...Hamara rishta khaas tha or khaas hai ... .Tum janti ho k main tumhare liye kia mehsoos karta hoon" Abhijeet uttered, trying to make her believe each word he said which was not doing anything but burning her up even more. She finally looked at him with anguish.
"Issi baat ka tau dukh hai.....k ye jantay, samjhtay howay bhi....tumne koi kadam agay kyun nahi barhaya....(She sounded utterly disappointed before she raised her brow in askance)....Kia main sirf Salunke Sir ko chir-anay ka aik mohra thi--- yaan sirf tumhare liye entertainment ka zariya?"
"TARIKA" Abhijeet growled as he looked at her with fury. He couldn't bear these allegations.
"Tau or main kia samjhoon...Batao mujhe.....Kaho" She too got up after him in anger and held the lapels of his shirt. "Akhir kyun tumhain in 5 saalon main meri yaad nahi aye....Kyun tumne aik bar nahi kaha k tumhain meri kami khalti hai, kyun nahi kaha k mere tumharay pass na honay se tumhain farak parta hai, Abhijeet" She was on the verge of a bitter cry.
"CID team chorne se pehle, maine kai baar tumse baat karne ki koshish ki ... (hiccup)....kai baar tumhain batana chaha k mere mann main kia chal rah hai..... Likin tum apni job or Daya main itnay uljhay k tumhain or kuch dikhai nahi diya.....Jab maine tumhain CID chorne ka bataya....Mujhe laga shayad abh tum kuch kaho gay.....karo gay....likin... tumne aik baar bhi mujhe roknay ki koshish nahi ki......" Keeping her hand on his arm, she turned him around forcefully.
"Kia meri koi jagha nahi hai tumhari zindagi main? Bolo....Bolo Abhijeet....Kia mera hona.....na hona.....bewajha hai" Her tears rolled down her cheeks. She was literally shaking him now by holding the lapels of his shirt. Her eyes were describing her agony which was also engulfing him in their trance. Her legs were about to give up on her when his hands caught her arm. And before she knew it, she was in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder. Her chest was rising and falling with the hiccups of cry. His hands moved at her back, trying to calm her down. His own tears rolled down and were absorbed in her curly tresses.
Her cry of misery, of loneliness, was making him miserable. The one person he always wished to see smiling, always wished himself to be the reason for her curved lips, was now crying because of his own stupidity. Cursing his ownself, he let her cry her heart out,
At last, when her sob subsided, he pulled her away from himself and made her sit down. Getting down on his knees, he raised her chin up and cleared the left over traces of her tears by his fingers.
"Meri bewaqoofi or khudgarzi ki saza maine jantay boojhtay tumhain di...Mujhe maaf kar do Tarika." Abhijeet murmured with an honest apology.
"Tum shayad yaqeen na mano...(sarcastic chuckle)...or Meri harqatoon se bhi shayad tumhain yaqeen ho bhi gaya hai k tum mere liye kuch nahi....likin Tum mere liye kia ho, ye main tumhain kabhi khul k bata hi nahi paya hoon......Or shayad main ye lafzon main bata bhi nahi sakta" Tarika looked down at him with a lost stare.
"Aik hi shehr main ho k tumse na milna, koi call yaan message na karna.... Chahte howay bhi samne na ana......Kia kahon k kitna mushkil tha ye sab mere liye...." He expressed finally. Tarika's eyes were wide open in shock as reality dawned on her. He was trying to stay away.
"Tumhain khonay ka khayal mujhe aj bhi bohut takleef deta hai ... .likin ye bhi sach hai k main...main...(Closing his eyes, He braced himself for what he was about to say) Main chahta tha k tum mujhe bhool kar apni zindagi main agay bharh jao"... Another bomb exploded in Tarika's ears. She was unable to believe whatever she was hearing.
"Matlab...Matlab kia hai tumhara....." She said in bewilderment. "Or Kia tumhain lagta hai k hamare itnay saloon ka saath..... tumhare aik faisle se khatam ho sakta hai?" Abhijeet turned his face away seeing the accusation and hurt on her face but Tarika was not relenting now.
"Is rishte main hum Do thay Abhijeet ... .Tau bina mujhse poochay, bina kuch kahay.... tum akele faisla kaise lay sakte ho......" Tarika complained in anger.
"Main kia karta Tarika...kia karta..... Daya ko ghut ghut k jeeta dekh k...din ba din mera guilt bharta ja raha tha.......Shreya k taraf usko maine hi jhukaya tha...socha tha k wo khushi jo mujhe tumharay saath se milli....Shreya wohi khushiyaan mere dost ki zindagi main la sakti hai......Likin-----meri hi wajha se wo dono alag ho gaye". And then he explained all that had occurred between Daya And Shreya and the role he had played in between all of this. And also, what he couldn't do, letting her in the guilt that he was carrying alone from the last 8 years.
"Daya sab k samne normal rehne ki koshish tau karta raha.....Likin usko din ba din toot-ta maine dekha hai......Shreya k baad mano, usne apnay appko, apnay dil ko agay bharne se rok liya ho......Uski aisi halaat dekh k, main kaise apni khushiyon ki taraf bharhta....." Abhijeet sat down on the sofa helplessly. His hands covered his face as if feeling ashamed of himself.
"Meri yaadain tau agay hi mera saath nahi detin......Or wo dost, jisne hamesha mera saath diya....main uska saath bhi nahi day paya........Meri Ma meri wajha se duniya chor gaye....Or rahi sahi kasar mere behrupiye ne poori kardi........Aise main main khud ko tumhare kabil kaise samjhta" He raked his fingers angrily from his hairs. His jumbled up torn feelings and fears were finally founding a voice.
"Tarika....kaise bataoon k kitna kosa hai maine khud ko........Ye jantay howay bhi k tum meri rah dekh rahi ho.....ye jantay howay... k hamare rishta us maqam pe tha..... jahan usay poora karne main bus aik kadam ka fasla tha...Bus Aik kadam or.....Main...Main wo kadam nahi utha paya...Maine us rah main tumhain akela chor diya..." He confessed.
"Likin kyun....Kia tumhain mujhpe bharosa nahi tha Abhijeet.....Tumhare past k bare main jantay howay bhi maine tumhain choose kia tha Abhijeet.....Tau kia tumhain lagta hai k mujhe in baaton se koi farak parta........Aik bar....Bus aik bar...keh k tau dekhte....." Tarika too broke down and sat near his feet.
"Kia tumhain maine kabhi aisa mehsoos karwaya k main tumhara saath nahi doon gi..... Tum kehte tau......Bus aik bar......saath mang k tau dekhte"
Her accusations cut him deeply. Not being able to stay away from her anymore, Abhijeet too slid down on the floor and brought her in his strong arms with "I am so sorry". Her face struck his chest as she cried openly for the first time in the last 5 years. Her fingers curled into his shirt. Her pillow no longer needed to be the only viewer of her tears as now, his shirt was also the witness. She cried and cried, letting all the pain of the past 5 years, of their separation, of their pining, flow out of her and Abhijeet could do nothing but say "I am sorry Tarika ... .I am so sorry.....Mujhe maaf kar do" crying along with her.
------------------------------
Two Days Later:
Shreya and Daya were out on the lawn of the hospital. Daya was asked to move around so as to ascertain if he feels any tenderness around his wound.
They walked slowly on the dewy grass, letting the coolness of night enveloped them. Their hands were lightly brushing each other every few steps but none pulled away nor joined them. They let the moment take its course, not rushing it but neither running from it.
Reaching a bench, Shreya settled down on it as Daya took place beside her. There was no one to witness this peaceful moment between them except the moon, which was shining brightly tonight and the stars, twinkling around as if dancing.
Everything: the cool wind, the moonlit sky, the sweet fragrance of flowers which was spread all around, the dewy leaves ... .the sparkling water of fountain...the yellow light of the night lamps....the fireflies that were visible near dense areas of the garden.....seems to be celebrating their closeness.
Daya took a deep breath of content and turned his body towards her, keeping one leg curled under him. His elbow rested above the backrest as his eyes filled themselves with her pure beauty. She was wearing light makeup, not that it was much obvious at nighttime, but the natural blush that was appearing on her cheeks was hard to ignore. Her fingers were playing with the edge of her dupatta in nervousness, the corner of her lips kept on getting bit by her teeth. Her eyes were focused on nothing but the grass below. The lamp behind was casting a shadow on it. Of them, together and just that thought brought a sweet smile grace her lips.
"Kia soch rahi ho?" His fixed eyes were catching each expression, each emotion of her face and wondering what might be the reason for those blooming lips.
"Kuch nahi.....bus hamari parchai dekh rahi hoon......." Daya too looked down for a moment, a smile appeared on the corner of his lips, before looking back at her.
"Is parchai main aisa kia khaas hai?"
An earnest expression covered her face before replying. "Yehi k Hum saath hain..."
Daya was floored by the simplicity of her answer. Just the thought of them being together in a frame was enough to make her happy. How can this woman, who has fought the hard and harsh battles of life still found happiness in these small bits.
"Saath tau hum hain Shreya.....(his strong voice didn't let the room for any negation or doubt) Likin in Parchaiyon main sach ko mat dhondo.....Ye saye na....sakht roshni main gum ho jatay hain, dhundla jatay hain......saath chor jatay hain....Or abh jo tumhain paya hai, main nahi chahta k zindagi k kissi bhi rah main.... main tumhain kho doon...chahay wo rah phir andheeron ki ho yaan ujaloon ki".
Shreya was amazed to hear his thoughts. He was never this outspoken with her, about something which isn't related to a case, a crime or suspect. They had never discussed emotions like this.....He never bared his heart to her, never let her see this side of him which is afraid of something. But it seems like things are going to change between them. For betterment.
"Agar app rehnuman hoon tau rahain chahain jaisi bhi hoon......app mujhe hamesha apnay saath paiyein gay..."
Her words were sprinkled with honesty and clarity.
"Waise Daya Sir, aapse aik baat pochoon?" She asked hesitantly.
"Hmmm...haan...poocho na"
"Kia appne....Mera matlab hai.....us din jo apne kaha....." She closed her eyes feeling angry on herself. Her eloquence always betray her when something concerns the matter of heart.
"Shreya.. ghabrao nahi......Poocho" His assurance gave her some courage to be out-spoken.
"Jo apne kaha tha wo app ne dil se kaha....yaan..." She stopped abruptly, suddenly feeling a fear gripping her as she looked around.
Although Daya nearly got what she meant to ask but still playing oblivious, he forced her to complete by saying "Yaan ... .Kia?"
"I mean......app...appne kahin bhawnaoon main beh k tau nahi kaha wo sab......... main chahti hoon k app aik bar phir se soch lain...."
After their confession, Shreya had gotten so busy with the aftermath and wrapping up the case that they hardly ever talked about it. She would just wish him a good day in the morning and would arrive back late at night, share the it-bits of her day, ask for his routine along with a take out dinner before both settled down to sleep. Just today, she had wrapped up all the case details and was now free. They had shared evening tea and dinner before she suggested a walk out and he agreed. But somewhere today, an apprehension started to raise a doubt in her mind. Their avoidance or to say lack of communication was making her judge the reality.
What if he no longer desires her? What if he had only expressed his love to emotionally stabilise her? What if his love has now become more of a Duty or Need than a Want? He is a man of honor. What if he is just supporting her for Mihika, to give her a better childhood, a family?
Her self-confidence in her own being was badly shaken by the name-sake relationship she had shared with Siddhart. With Daya, she was just emotionally connected. But with Siddhart, she had shared each aspect of herself. But still, what had she gotten? Nothing, Zilch.
And after being with a man, does she even deserve Daya's affection?
His tentative fingers moved up and clasped hers strongly which, a moment ago, were gripping the bench in a hard clasp. Her gaze found her hand lifted up to his heart as he kept it there.
"Shreya.....Bhawnaoon main tau main baha tha......" He spoke softly, his words laced with deep profound love that he felt for her. Shreya just heard the words and not the emotions and tried to pull her hand back but Daya held it tightly. "Likin un bhawnaoon k main jo k or kuch nahi balke meri zindagi ka sab se bara sach hain....Tumse maine jo bhi kaha, wo kissi majbori yaan dabao yaan rishte ki maan maryada rakhne k liye nahi kaha......balke is liye kaha k main kehna chahta tha" And all the defences of Shreya broke down.
"Shreya, Is ehsaas ko chupa chupa k thak chuka hoon main......jab tum ye sun-na chahti thi, tab mujh main himmat nahi howi k kuch keh sakoon....Or aj jab bol raha hoon, tau tum yaqeen nahi kar pa rahi...Main aisa kia karoon jo tum mujhpe bharosa karo?" He questioned in a defeated tone of a helpless lover. His fingers loosened on her hand.
Shreya was spell bound with his words. She had seen his bravado, his anger, his patience, his care, his softness, his worry but had never experienced such an amalgamation of emotions at once in his tone. She felt the loss of his touch and her fingers automatically reached out before she curled them back in diffidence.
Daya kept looking at her, trying to convey that whatever he had said earlier or today was from his heart. It was a sacred and a very dear feeling for him. It wasn't something that can be forced out of his mouth. But he also knew that he had never let her get this close to himself, never let her know the intensity of his feelings for her and so, her reservations are justified. Thinking for a moment, he rushed through the pages of his memories until a very specific one grabbed his attention.
"Yaad hai Shreya, jab wo green chemical k case main... signal dhoondte dhoondte tum jungle main agay nikal gaye thi?" This abrupt change in topic though startled her but also took her back in time. Yes, she remembers the case clearly.
"Tum jab kaffi dair tak wapis nahi aye tau bohut darr gaya tha main......Maine Abhijeet se bhi kaha tha k agar tumhain kuch ho gaya tau main khud ko kabhi maaf nahi kar paoon ga....Akhir tumhain Forest Department ko phone karne ko maine hi kaha tha" He reminisced.
"Sir, appki galti nahi thi.......Main hi...."
"Nahi Shreya....Main wo baat nahi kar raha....." Daya cut her in between.
"Main tau bus yeh kehna chahta hoon k us din pehli bar.... tumhain khonay k khayal se main bokhla gaya tha.....Jab tak tum mill nahi gaye...tab tak chain ki saans nahi lay paya main"
Shreya was deeply touched to know that he cared enough for her at that time. He was finally letting her In.
She smiled and continued her side of story.
"Jantay hain, jab mujhe hosh aya tau sab se pehle app ka hi khayal aaya......Issi liye kuffa(cave) main un larkon ko tarapta dekh k bhi main wahan se bahir nikal aaye....ta k main jal az jald app tak pohanch sakoon". Shreya too added her memories of that time.
Daya enjoyed hearing her thoughts, the shine in her eyes was back which was lost a few moments back due to her self-doubt and so, Daya tried to lighten the environment by teasing her.
"Or atay saath hi tumne pehle kuffa dhoondne k bahanay humain chala chala k thakaya....or phir jab mouqa milla, tau mujh pe ghoonson ki shuruwat kar di....Kyun?"
"Wo tau main chemical k influence main thi na......" Shreya tried to retort.
"Jo bhi ho.....Abhijeet kitne din tak mera mazak urata raha k jo Daya doosron k moun say piano bajata hai....khud guitar ban k baj raha tha wo bhi aik larki k haathon.......(the teasing glint in his eyes was hard to ignore) Yaad karo.....Sab se zyada muqay(punches) tumne mujhe hi maray thay....." He faked a hurt expression.
"I am so sorry Sir...Mujhe kitna guilt raha us baat ka.... appko andaza bhi nahi" Shreya bent down her head, in mortification of her previous action but Daya was thoroughly enjoying it.
"Shayad issi liye tum baar bar mujhe sorry bolti rahi jab k maine tumhain kaha bhi k its alright.......haha.....Rajat kitna jealous ho gaya tha....Yaad hai" Daya reminiscenced and laughed as Rajat words 'Hmmm Shreya, Waise appne hum sab pe hamla kia tha or Sorry sirf Daya Sir ko?....Humain bhi bol do yaar' circled his mind.
"Mujhe tau yaqeen hi nahi aa raha tha k maine APP pe haath uthaya......(Shreya still couldn't believe it and then poutingly asked) Likin appko mujhe rokna chahiye tha na.....I am sure appka aik thapar parta tau mujhpe se chemical ka sara effect khudi utar jata" She complained, giving glimpse of an earlier nutkhat Shreya.
Daya smiled at her innocence. He had always loved and admired this softness, this childishness that her personality possessed.
"Tumpe haath uthanay ka tau main soch b nahi sakta" And Shreya quickly looked at him to find his eyes filled with love but this time, instead of hiding it or making a joke out of his statement like he used to do, he let his feelings shine brightly in front of her. She was the only one whom his heart desired to be free with. The one, who deserved all of his kindness, his love and his care in all of its faces.
Shreya was feeling such a tingling sensation after a long time. Though she had always loved this towering man, whose personality made others feel afraid, Shreya always knew that he possessed the heart of a kid. His love was as deep and fierce as his anger.
She shuddered by his intense gaze and looked away. Rubbing her hand over her sleeves to let the goosebumps go away, she asked tentatively. "Ander chalain, Thand bhar rahi hai".
Daya agreed and they walked back to the warm confines of the hospital. Shreya moved ahead to press the lift button while Daya looked back at the garden, the scenery and the moon.
"Zindagi main janay kitni hi raatain ayein hain.....Likin lagta hai, is se khoobsurat raat kabhi nahi aye" He thought and smiling, moved towards the lift, towards Shreya hoping to have many more such nights in his future.
--------------------
It's been 5 days now since the CID team left Daya in Delhi under the care of Shreya. And what a transformation has taken place.
The hard, broody officer was now a walking ad for Colgate. A soft subtle but constant smile was always gracing his lips. From the last two days, Shreya's consistent company had raised his morale to a new level.
"Inspector Daya ... .Main appki progress se kaffi satisfied hoon......I think app aj sham main discharge ho sakte hain...But please make sure k app abhi koi extraneous workout na karain or na hi koi weight uthain. Jo mild exercises appko batai gae hain, unhain follow karain.....take things easy....alright" The doctor gave his advice and left the couple.
Shreya was extremely happy with the turn of events and started to pack all the things spread around.
"Main aj sham ki hi flight book karwa leyti hoon" She said with a broad smile while neatly folding his shirt and keeping it in a bag.
"Nahi Shreya...Please kal ki.....wo...aik kam hai jo abhi baqi hai ... .ussay aj raat kar loon...phir kal chalte hain" He told her evasively without going much into details. Though she wanted to inquire and even opened her mouth but stopped herself at the last moment. She didn't want to be a nuisance. Daya noticed her hesitance but kept quiet.
In the evening, around 4:30, he was discharged and after completing all formalities, Daya booked a cab for Shreya that could take her back to the hotel.
"Tum chalo, ja k fresh ho..... main bus thori dair main ata hoon.....hmmm .." The dazzling smile gracing his face disarmed her completely. Unwillingly, she left him behind with a heavy heart as the taxi moved towards the hotel.
Daya kept watching her for sometime before taking out his mobile and quickly moved away to execute his plan.
-------------------
Shreya has taken a warm bath and changed into a relaxing Kurta Shalwar before she laid down on bed for a siesta. Though she has been sleeping on the couch in hospital but what made her sleep at night was not the comfort but his presence. Although her neck ached with the unbalance posture as well as her back, she bared all that to stay in his vicinity. But still, a bed is a bed.
Laying down, she dialled up Mihika first to ask her about her day. Day by day, her daughter was achieving huge mile stones. As Mihika told her about the progress she made in her subjects, the mother in Shreya felt remorse for not being their to pat her back or hug her. And when she said "Mumma, App kab wapis aa rahi ho? Main appko miss kar rahi hoon" Shreya was about down right cry. It was the first time that Mihika had told her so. She had felt her absence and expressed it. "Mahi, Mumma kal hi wapis aa rahi hain......Mumma bhi appko bohut miss kar rahi hain.......(And then a fear gripped her as she asked with a bated breath) Koi baat howi hai kia Betu?....Kissi nay appko kuch kaha?" Shreya asked in a worried voice. "Nahi Mumma.....Kuch nahi howa.....Bus app yaad aa rahay ho....." Shreya took a sigh of relief and smiling give her assurance. "Ok chalo kal subah hum breakfast saath karain gay...ok Mahi....." Shreya promised and bidding bye to her daughter she cut the call before quickly making another one to the airport to book the earliest morning flight for tomorrow.
Being done with her task, Shreya layed down again on the bed wgile hugging the phone. Just now she realized how hard things are for working mothers. Balancing work as well as the family is not a small task. How many important events, moments and memories are lost by them in order to fulfill their responsibilities.
Unlocking her phone, she directed the screen towards Gallery and started to scroll through pictures of Mihika that she had taken. Some while watching TV, some during sleeping while holding her favourite plushie. One of the rarest was Mihika enjoying an Ice cream with pure delight visible in her eyes. This one was one of the most favourite picture of Mihika for Shreya. Kissing her daughter picture, Shreya scrolled to the next one which was taken on the beach by her. Of Mihika and Daya. With setting sun in the background.
A content smile bloomed on her face. How ...just how much she loves this unusual bond that is shared by Mihika and Daya. It is not based on blood, nor on responsibility. But on the most beautiful emotion that is witnessed by the world. Love.
Shreya's reminisced the huge change that has taken place in her life just in mere two months. Mihika's return and then, her meeting with Daya....Mission Chakarvyuh and then their confession, his amazing relationship with Mihika, her apprehensions, Daya's injury and their stay in hospital.
The nights they have spent chatting in the darkness of his hospital room have made them know each other once again. They have come to know about small habits of eachother. She was feeling herself more close to him then ever. And that thought brought her back to present.
"Patah nahi Daya Sir kahan gaye hain ... ", She took hold of the phone to check whether he had messaged her about his whereabouts but nothing. He had just gotton discharged from hospital. How can he roam around with informing. Just this thought was making her anxious. She decided to call him and even pulled out his number but stopped herself before pressing the Dial up button.
"Mujhe unhain pareshan nahi karna chahiye" She tried to keep herself at bay from disturbing him.
Her fatigue finally caught up to her and before she knew, she fall into a deep sleep.
It was around 8:30pm when the ringing of her cell took her out of sleep. She patted the bed around with closed eyes before her hand found the phone and accepted the call with hazy eyes before keeping it to her ear.
"Helllooo......" She said in a sleepy voice.
"Hello...Shreya....." Daya voice came from the other side that made her feel more comforted and she snuggled more into her pillow making "Hmmmm..."sound.
"Tum so rahi ho?" Daya smiled and asked on hearing her sweet hum.
"Hmmm....."
"Tau uthnay ka mood nahi?" He asked affectionately.
"Hmmmm......" Shreya smile broaden as she felt him enjoying this lazy conversation.
"Phir tau jo dinner maine plan kia....usay cancel kar doon?" He inquired with tounge in cheek.
And at once Shreya was alert and active. "Nahi.....kyun...app cancel kyun karain gay"
"Haha.....(Daya laughed)...chalo phir jaldi se ready ho k hotel k terrace pe aa jao ... .Main wait kar raha hoon" And he cut the call.
Shreya felt rejenuvated and quickly got out from her bed to get ready. She wore her purple kurta with matching tights and wrapped a stole around her neck. Her eyes were blackened with kohl as she knew, he loves it ... .Her ears adored small silver tops, she quickly put on a little make up although usually, she wasn't so fussy about these things but today, she wanted to look good for him. A light dash of lip gloss on top of her matt brown lipstick and she was ready.
Getting out of the lift at the top floor, she took a deep breath before opening the door that separates the terrace of the hotel from the penthouse.
And there, at the end of the terrace, near the edge, a beautiful table for two was arranged. Shreya was mesmerized by the simple yet cozy atmosphere that was created by Daya in such a small time. Her feet automatically moved near the table in order to register every minute detail of this moment. Few strings of lights were wrapped around the metal bars. An oil lantern was placed on the table along with two glasses and cutlery. Another table beside it was holding covered glass dishes containing their dinner. Small candles were burning under the dishes to keep the food warm. A soft frangnance of vanilla and roses was spread in the air making the atmosphere more romantic. A kaleidoscope of butterflies seems to flutter inside her body as Shreya realized that all of these efforts were made for her. She had never felt so special in her life. Her hand covered her mouth in amazement, in sweetness of this gesture.
"Accha laga?" His voice came right from behind her, taking her out of the trance. She quickly turn around to find him standing in his white cotton shirt and blue jeans. A boyish smike gracing his lips. His fingers tucked into his pants pockets while his thumbs were out, patting his thighs, indicating nervousness.
"Wo actually, time kam tha.... is liye zyada kuch kar nahi saka....." Daya said with a bated breath.
But Shreya was elated with the efforts he made.
"Apne...Jo bhi kia....Jitna bhi kia....wo bohut accha hai...." She replied shyfully. Her genuine happiness brought a sense of fulfilment in him. Seeing her standing, looking around, Daya took initiative. Moving ahead, he pulled out a chair near her and wait for her to take place. After making sure she was comfortable, Daya moved towards the chair opposite to her and took his place. It was after a long time that he had planned something like this and that too without any help or suggestion. But if her tinted cheeks and shinning eyes were an indication, he knew he had succeed in making this night special for her.
"Magar ye sab.....Appko ye karne ki zaroorat nahi thi" Shreya said helplessly. "Abhi aj hi tau app hospital se discharge howay hain...."
"Kuch kaam zaroorat k liye nahi.....Maan ki khushi k liye kiye jatay hain....." Daya murmured. "Or fikar maat karo....maine koi strain nahi liya........Orders day k kam karwana mujhe acchay se ata hai" And both giggled at his statement. Both were feeling nervous and wired, not knowing how to start a conversation in such a setting.
Daya's gaze settled of her. Shreya's face, shining with the light thrown by lanterns and string lights, was looking exquisite. The pleasure that this small gesture of his has brought on her face, made him decide that he needs to plan such events much more in future. This woman has always stood by him, no matter what the issue was. She never demanded anything from him besides his care and love. She has always made him feel respected, needed, supported and somewhere loved too. Now it's his time to reciprocate.
Shreya too was lost in his manly charms. Though age had left an impact on his apperance and hers too, the magnetism of attraction he possessed is not lowered a bit. His smile could still leave girls drooling. Shreya had seen many girls going Ga-ga over his pics which were published in newspaper or online site. Once, she had dreamt to love and be loved by this enigma of a man but today, actually having his affections all for herself was making her feel incredible.
Leaning over, he took hold of her right hand in his large one, very delicately and carefully as he had finally decided to not beat about the bush anymore and come to the main topic, he wanted to discuss with her.
"Shreya, Maine mehsoos kia k....kahin na kahin.....main abhi tak tumhain wo security, wo assurance nahi day paya k jiss se tum mujhse kuch bhi haq se pooch sako...keh sako....(He questioned her softly) Maine aj bhi notice kia k mujhe kuch kehte kehte tum aik dum ruk gaye....Tum haath agay barhati ho likin aik dam se kuch soch k wapis kheench leti hoo------Shayad tumhain lagata hai k mujhe kuch poochne yaan kehne se tum meri zindagi main dakal day rahi ho yaan mujhe bura lagay ga...." His words probbed her gently. His thumb was constantly caressing the back of her hand in a soothing manner.
Shreya was shocked to hear him interpreting her thought process so appropriately. From when he had become so perceptive and alert to her feelings?
"Appko kaise patah...." She asked timidly.
He let out a soft chuckle, being surprized himself. "Tumhain kuch kuch samjhne laga hoon". Tilting his head, he gave her a deep affectionate look.
"Is liye jaise maine tumse wada kia tha k agar Mihika nahi chahay gi, ye relationship agay nahi bharay ga.....tau" With his free hand, he took out a simple ring from his pants pocket with which he had been toying for some time now.
Shreya was shocked to see the ring clapsed between his fingers. Her heart almost jumped to her throat seeing it. Was he proposing? Her mind has totally left the chat for a moment before rationality dawned.
They had just confessed their feelings. Wasn't it too soon? And so she frowned. His words were so not matching his actions.
He observed the series of expression and understood the question running through her mind and explained.
"Ye proposal nahi hai....Daro maat..(he chuckled before getting serious)..ye aik ......Promise ring hai.....Aik wada hai meri taraf se.....K chahay zindagi humain kahain bhi lay chalay....hamari rahain aik hoon yaan na hoon...Meri anay wali zindagi sirf tumhari hogi.....tumhare ilawa ye jagha na main kissi ko day saka hoon or na deyna chahta hoon..." His eyes were mirroring the truthfulness of his statement.
"Main chahta hoon k tum haq se mujhse sawal karo.....Tumhain mujhse kuch bhi kehne yaan poochnay k liye hich-kachanay ki zaroorat nahi ho......Balke mujhe tau accha lagay ga agar tum aisa karo gi tau". He wanted her to feel secure and equal in their relationship.
Shreya's heart filled with love to the brim for this amazing amazing man, sitting in front of her. How well he understood and cleared her doubts. From how long she desired such moments...such closeness with him, she couldn't even count it now.
"Ye haq main tumhain is ring ki surat main deyna chahta hoon...so May I?" Daya tapped her left hand twice with his thumb in askance and as she nodded, slipped the gold and platinum band nicely on her ring finger.
Shreya's eyes traced each pore of her finger from which the ring passed. It seemed like the knots of the ring were tieing the strings of her heart, her breath, her life with Daya's. The ring was beautiful. A double knot shaped ring with half and half gold and platinum. It suited and represented them aptly.
"Main kia...." Shreya was actually clueless, spell bound by his gesture.....not knowing what to say or do anymore. Her throat seemed to be clogged with so many emotions.
"Shhhh......Main tumse return main kuch expect nahi kar raha, Shreya...na koi ilfaz na hi koi wada-----Wapis janay se pehle....Main bus yeh chahta tha k tum befikar ho k louto....Kam se kam meri taraf se.....Apni zindagi main, apne liye faisle khud lo......Aur is baat ka bharosa rakho k zindagi k har kadam pe, har maqam p----main hamesha tumhare saath hoon....." A tear of fullfilment drop down her eyes. She was thankful to the God above for listening to all her wishes and prayers. She was feeling top of the world right now. If all the obstacles of her life had resulted in such an amazing conclusion, she was ready to face those hardships once again.
"Daya Sir, Abh jo app ka saath mujhe milla hai, main bhi wada karti hoon k kissi bhi keemat pe issay khonay nahi doon gi....". She silently promised herself while looking at the expression of tranquality and solace that appeared on his face.
"Khana khayein?" Daya popped up the question, making her get out from the trance of her thoughts.
"Jee", Shreya quickly got up to serve, making him stay at his place with a stern glance when he tried to move. He has already made all the arrangements and even though he said that he had done nothing but order around, Shreya still wanted to dote on him a little. And he let her.
After making sure he got all what he needed, Shreya filled a glass of water for him before she started to fill her plate. Daya silently thanked his stars for being kind enough with him to give him another chance. Another chance to make things right which he had awfully wronged once.
But never Again. He promised himself.
And as Shreya settled with her plate, they both fell into the comfortable silence. During dinner, their eyes kept stealing glances of each other, their lips refused to be apart from their smiles. Their hearts were feeling content to be able to breath the air of togetherness. Both of them feeling complete in their being, for once.
They were no longer angry with their lives. He no longer desires to carry the bitterness of his past. She no longer is restrained by the bounds of any relationship.
They are finally free. And they have finally chosen Each Other.
-------------------------
Ok, I know I took a lot of time to publish this part, first the exams of my students and home but to be honest, I couldn't get much ideas on how to continue this part. I really wanted Dareya to have a moment to themselves before getting back to Mumbai but how to give that moment, really recked my brains.
But now hopefully, As I am done with this part, next one will follow soon.
Do Read, Comment, Like
Love,
Ana
