~The Fear Within~ Part 29 Pg. 44 2-27-10 - Page 3

Part 2

~~The doubtful dark night seemed never ending for Muskaan, but as the universal law of day and night followed its regular path, the dawn was finally starting to show evidence of its presence through the soft sun rays that filtered through the window…Although she had rested her eyelids for the sake of her tired eyes momentarily, the sleep that she was in much need of didn't find its way back to her…one could hear no sound except for the clock that ticked as it went along reminding Muskaan of the time and it's fast pace…she looked at the clock as she sat up in the bed and noticed it was 6:15 in the morning, Armaan's usual office time was about 7:30, but before that she knew he would go for a morning run, then have his preference of breakfast, and finally would get dressed and get going for work…she looked over her shoulder to see if he was awake, but to her dismay he wasn't. She sat there in silence for a couple of moments just observing her husband's facial features while he slept, "he is perfect" she thought…"How can a person look so perfect in all ways and forms only when he is asleep?" her conscience questioned her but without giving it an answer or any assurances she got up and went to the bathroom, wrapping herself in the robe that she hanged on her nightstand before going to bed~~

Muskaan: Armaan….wake up…(she softly said as she noticed he isn't up even after she came out the bathroom after good 10 minutes)

Armaan: (covers himself with the blanket) I got five mins…let me sleep a while longer…(he muttered as she brushed her hair and pulled it into a neat bun)

Muskaan: you'll be late for your morning jog….

Armaan: (rubbing his eyes, he sits up in the bed and stretches) Ghawd…Muskaan…aik minute extra soney nahi de sakti….

Muskaan: Per app late hojatey toh? (she came to him and smile)

Armaan: Nahi honga…tum jo ho mujhay utha nay kay liye….my annoying alarm clock…(he smiled back)

Muskaan: well, good morning to you to Armaan…

Armaan: yeah whatever…every morning is the same…(he got up and looked into her eyes)

Muskaan: Kya hua? (looks up at him)

Armaan: (pulls her closer towards him by force as he grips her waist) So I am guessing tumney mujhay maaf kiya? Waisey good decision… Aur this way, we can start fresh since I am pretty sure you have forgotten all about that argument as well…?

Muskaan: (nods her head only, not making eye contact as she feels uncomfortable)

Armaan: I knew it…Mujhse tum zayaada din naraaz reh he nahi sakti…it's so hard to resist me… (he cupped her face in his hands and told her)

Muskaan: (smiles faintly) hmmm…abb jao aur fresh hojao…I'll have your orange juice and breakfast ready once you come back from you morning run…

Armaan: (hugs her, as she stands still ) Thanks…and we'll talk about all this later…(he lets go and she watches him go towards the bathroom, then she fixes the bedding, puts on her slippers, and makes her way towards the kitchen still with her robe on)

~In 20 Minutes~

Armaan: Muskaan! I am home… (comes in the front door, and starts to make his way into the kitchen where she has the table set up and everything)

Muskaan: wahin ruk jaoo kareeb mat ana.......Gym se seedha kitchen mein aane ka kya matlab banta hai...

Armaan: tumhein prob kya hai mujhe woh samjh nahin ata

Muskaan: yeahh..right...aaj mujhe bahut kaam hai...

Armaan: yeah your usual…Jaogee library, phir park mein fazool mein annoying bacho kay saath kehlnay beth jao gee,…I am sure bahut kaam hain…

Muskaan: Hey…meray routine mein no interference…

Armaan: acha aur mera kya hoga ( moves close Muskaan she pushes him back..)

Muskaan: Armaan please...phele naha ke aao..

~Armaan goes and comes back fresh in 10 mins as Muskaan sips her cup of coffee while reading the newspaper~

Armaan: (taking a seat) Muskaan bread basket pass karo please…

Muskaan: (passes the basket while Armaan notices the bandage on her hand from the burn that was his fault) Yeh lon..kuch aur pass karo…

Armaan: Muskaan yeh wound abb tak gaya nahi?

Muskaan: (looks up from the newspaper then to her bandaged hand) Nahi…per don't worry chala jaye ga…(she sensed bit of guilt in his tone so didn't make any eye contact with him as she didn't know what the right answer to his question would be)

Armaan: (while eating) Waisey library kay baad kya kar rahi hoon?

Muskaan: Kuch plan toh nahi kiya…kyun? (she folds the newspaper and puts it away)

Armaan: Lunch per chalo gee…?

Muskaan: Lunch?

Armaan: haan kya koi problem hain?

Muskaan: Nahi…per kahaan…

Armaan: Pata nahi…per main tumhay library sekhus pick up karney ajao ga…

Muskaan: Theek hain toh phirmain ridzi se kehdeyti hoon kay ajj voh mujhay pick karley, voh bhi saath jaati hain na library…

Armaan: As you wish, per uss ko baata dena tum meray saath lunch kar rahi hoon…(he instructed taking the last of bite of his omelet)…Okay I have to get going now…(he stood up and muskaan followed)

Muskaan: Wallet, keys, aur yeh file (she handed him his necessities)

Armaan: (Smiles) Thanks…aur I am sorry again for…(he looks at her bandaged hand)

Muskaan: Armaan aik baar saachey dil se maafi maang chukay ho baar baar maafi kyun maang rahey hoon?

Armaan: I just…(sighs) tum toh jaanti ho na jub mera ghussa control mein nahi rehta toh main apnay hosh koh deyta hoon…I just hope kay tumhay dard nahi hua hoon…that's all…

Muskaan: Galti meri thi, mujhay tumse uss baarey baat nahi karni chiyay thi… Khair choro abb office jao warna late hojao gay…(she smiled and opened the front door for him)

Armaan: Okay bye…(he hugs her slightly and leaves as she watches him reverse his car out the driveway)

~~Closing the door behind her she goes and cleans up in the kitchen then realizes the grocery list that was on the refrigerator for 3 days now~

Muskaan: (to herself) Uff! Abb yeh grocery bhi toh karni hain…kahir meray pass purey 2 horus hain before ridzi comes to pick me up…itnay main jaldi se jaakey grocery kar leyti hoon… (she gets dressed and drives over to the supermarket near the neighborhood)

~Checking off her list as she shops, Muskaan was completely unaware of her surroundings as if the only important thing get at the moment were fruits and vegetables. She finishes shopping for household items in about 35 minutes and makes her way towards the cashier, glancing at her watch to make sure she is not wasting single minute anywhere…Obviously with 20 and more hand bags to carry out to her car she needed help, and so she asked for help from cashier who kindly obliged to her request, and around 10:45 she was back home with tons of grocery bags in her car trunk~

Muskaan: (opens the trunk and takes a couple heavy bag out) Uff! abb inko ander lay kay jaana hain…aik kaam karti hoon pehlay darwaza khol deyti hoon, then I'll come get these…(she puts the bags down, and goes towards the front door with her keys to open it, then goes back to the car)

~ As she made her way back towards the car she noticed a moving trunk standing next door, she knew that the house had been empty for some time now and as she watched the truck unload furniture and such she figured someone might have moved in. She was standing trying to see who was it that decided to move in the beautiful house next door, when someone approached her~

Girl: Excuse me?

Muskaan: (turns around and finds a pretty girl with a bright smile on her face looking at her) Yes…

Girl: Hi…umm main Sukriti..

Muskaan: Hello… I am Muskaan…Muskaan Malik…

Sukriti: Nice to meet you Muskaan… App yahaan rehti hain? (She points towards the house)

Muskaan: (Smiles as she places her sunglasses on her head) Jee…main yahi rehti hoon, aur iam sure app next door move in huye hain?

Sukriti: (Smiles) Nahi main nahi mera dost move in hua hain, main toh agaey waaley Apartments mein rehti hoon, actually abhi abhi iska transfer hua hain Delhi se..He is a Head of Neuro Surgey in Sanjeevani…

Muskaan: Oh wow!…that's great… (she says as the name "Sanjeevani" jocks back memories of her past)

Sukriti: I know..he is great at his work…Waisey I think you could use a hand…(She notices the bags in her trunk and politely offers her help)

Muskaan: Nahi, it's fine I can manage…

Sukriti: Arey itna formal kyun…it's not a problem, in fact it's my pleasure..(She says picking up the bags with muskaan)

Muskaan: Thanks… (she walks in the front door leading her in the house)

Sukriti: (Places the groceries on the counter and looks around) Wow what a beautiful house… Zaroor appki pasand ho ge…Hain na?

Muskaan: (smiles) Haan meri aur meray husband ki pasand hain yeh ghar…(she looks at the frame that held Armaan and her picture)

Sukriti: Oh wow…lucky guy…!(she smiles and teases muski)

Muskaan: (Smiles) Hmmm and I am sure tumhara bhi koi hoga "lucky guy"…

Sukrirti: Haan hain toh sahi..Karan naam hain uska…Per voh yahaan nahi hain..he is in Boston, main toh apni residency ki wajah se yahaan hoon, actually we are engaged… (she blushed, lowering her head)

Muskaan: Oh I see..I wish you all the best..(she says lifting up her chin and smiling) Tum bahut sweet hoon, I am sure Karan is lucky to have you in his life…

Sukrirti: Oh no! Rahul toh mujhay maar he dega... Uski help karnay aaye thi aur app say baton mein time ka pata he nahi chala…

Muskaan: Rahul? Kaun…

Sukrirti: Oh Rahul mera best friend…vohi hain jo apka new neighbor hain…as a matter of fact voh app se mil kar bahut khush hoga…chaley na please..

Muskaan: Nahi Sukriti iss waqt…

Sukriti: Please…I promise bus two minutes lagay gay…he is not as talkative as me…

Muskaan: Okay fine…(she gives in on her humble request and they both make their way back out again)

~As muskaan and sukriti cross over to the house next door they hear someone instructing the movers to place the furniture and paintings in a certain way…~

Sukrirti: (gestures muskaan to keep quiet as she places a finger on her lips and very softly steps forwards towards someone who is standing facing his back towards muskaan and sukriti busy in settling his furniture) Oye Raaaaaaahul!!! (sukrirti jumps on rahul from behind, surprising rahul but he manages to carry her as she clings on to him from behind, like a little child on a piggy back; while muskaan watches them from a distance )

Rahul: Suku! Yeh kay mazaaq hain! Kahaan thi tum?! Itni der se wait kar raha tha tumhara…

Sukrirti: (still hanging onto him) Voh main toh yahi thi, tumhara new neighborhood explore kar rahi thi…actually I have someone I would like you to meet…

Rahul: Kaun…Suku?

Sukriti: uff ho muro toh sahi…

Rahul: Fine…(he is still holding her like a little kid on his back, they were true best friends even muskaan who was standing at a distance could tell from the way they acted)

Suku: chalo na…she is waiting…

Rahul: (moves forwards holding her) Uffo Suku aik toh meray upper chari huyi hoon aur phir itni demanding ho kay bus…! Tum bhi na…

Suku: there she is…

Rahul: Yeah I can see…

Suku: (gets off rahul as he puts his hand forward towards Muskaan) Rahul meet Mrs. Muskaan Malik, and Muskaan meet Rahul Garewal My best friend and your new neighbor…

Rahul: Bus bus madame…abb main khud apna introduction karwala loon…

Muskaan: (smiles as she shakes his hand) Hi, It's nice meeting you…

Rahul: (notices the bandage on her hand) Oh I am so sorry…app ka hath toh injured hain…

Muskaan: (She looks down and notices the bandage but to her surprise she felt no pain while he shook her hand, she was a little shocked at herself and the fact that her hand felt nothing at all when it was in his grip, instantly she drew it back from him) ..umm it's fine…kuch nahi hua hain…

Rahul: well I hope it is okay…Waisey I am sorry about Suku yeh kahein bhi shuru hojati hain…don't mind her…(he smiles as sukriti glares at him)

Muskaan: Nahi bahut sweet hain…Anyways I am glad that we finally have a neighbor kafi akelay parr gaye thi yeh jagah…Aur kabhi bhi kissi bhi cheez ki zaroorat ho toh please ask…

Rahul: Thank you so much…

Muskaan: No problem… (she didn't know why but she couldn't make straight eye contact with him, there was something about him that stopped muskaan from being completely herself, but she shrug that feeling off as she heard ridzi's car horn blare outside).. Voh mujhay abb jaana hoga…per hum phir mile gey…

Rahul: Yeah abb toh ana jana laga rahey ga..amin kafi annoying type neighbor ho...cheeni nahi hogi toh app ka he darwaaza knock karo ga…(he laughs)

Muskaan: You will always be welcome…and you too sukriti…(She says turning to her)

Sukrirti: please app kay liye sirf Suku,,,

Muskaan: okay then Suku and Rahul…I'll see you…

Rahul: Bye, apnay haath ka kahyaal rahkheyay ga please…

~~Muskaan turns and waves back to both of them, then leaves as ridzi continue to honk outside…she Rushes outside and goes toward Ridzi's car and gets in~

Ridzi: Oh wow…mujhay nahi pata tha tumne ghar change karliye…

Muskaan: Nahi voh new neighbor ajj he move in huye thay so I just went to welcome them…

Ridzi: interesting…new neighbor, Armaan bhi gaya tha?

Muskaan: Nahi ridzi Armaan toh office mein hain na…

Ridzi: Oh haan Armaan apni pehli wife kay saath hain…his work…

Muskaan: Oh madame…abb app library chlay gee ya yahi per sari baatein hongee...

Ridzi: (Driving forward) Haan chalo cahley…

Muskaan: Maine tumhay iss liye ajj pick karnay ko kaha hain kyunki Armaan mujhay library se pick kar kay kahein lunch per laykay jaana cahraha hain…so I thought main apni car kahaan park karogee and all, I am sorry for the trouble…

Ridzi: Muski seriously this is no trouble, waisey main bhi library he toh jarahi hoon tumharey saath…and Armaan ney tujhay lunch per invite kiya that's obviously a big improvement…

Muski: hmm…per voh itna bhi bura nahi hain…

Ridzi: Oh Muski teray liye toh burey se bura bhi kissi na kissi tarah acha he hain…

~~The pulled into the Library parking lot and made their way in talking about random things~~

Precap: Armi Muski at Lunch…

Part 3

~~Time in the library went by quickly, as Muskaan got deeply engrossed in her favorite novel, while Ridzi sketched and researched upon some new designs for her boutique…And at exactly 12:15 Muskaan noticed her phone vibrating in her purse and without a doubt it was Armaan – As always punctual about his time… She picks up the phone and gets up gesturing Ridzi that she'll head out now~

Muskaan: Hello

Armaan: Hello my dear wife.

Muskaan: Hellooo my dear husband.

Armaan:kya kar rahi ho ?

Muskaan: Bus library kay kuch rule tor kar tumse phone per baat kar rahi hoon…

Armaan: (laughs) Acha I am outside aur waisey bhi library ke aas pass koi dhang ki jagah nahin hai..aur jis position per mein hoon na..its 5 star all the way...

Muskaan: (sighs) Acha main bahir arahi hoon give me a min…

Armaan: Theek hain… I am waiting… make it quick…

~Muskaan and Armaan in the restaurant~

Muskaan: Kya view hai... (looking out the lake that was next to the restaurant)

Armaan: isliye toh in hotels mein aate hain...everything is like so perfect.

(Waiter comes)

Armaan: After 5 mins plz ( he leaves)

Muskaan: 5 mins ka kya chakkar tha ?

Armaan: tumhein nahin pata style lagta hai...

Muskaan: office mein dayer bhi lagti hai…tum late hogaye toh?

Armaan: acha nahin lag raha mera saath bethna

Muskaan: aisa nahin keh rahi...but you have to get back to work...

Armaan: no ifs or buts...lets order the food.

(waiter comes )

Armaan: mere liye # 34..aur yeh juices bhi please...madam ke liye Orange.

Muskaan: mere liye ek # 12 ...( waiter leaves)

Armaan: yeh kya order karlia hai

Muskaan: Armaan mujhe palak paneer passand hai...

Armaan: tum pata nahin kab badaloogi! (a little agitated by her and her middle class choice)

Muskaan: daantne ke liye laye ho ?

Armaan: nahin khana khilane laya hun..aur baatein karne laya hun...so how was library?

Muskaan: Haan bahut achi thi…jaantey hoon Armaan humarey neighbors mein koi naya move hua hain…

Armaan: What? Tumhay kaisey pata…

Muskaan: Nahi yunhi jub subah main grocery kar kay waapis aaye toh they were moving in and all…

Armaan: Oh… ok…Kaisey loog hain?

Muskaan: sirf aik he hain…koi loog nahi hain…

Armaan: Intresting…waisey aisey neighborhoods mein busy loog he rehtay hain…you know status conscious types…

Muskaan: Armaan per…(she was about to counter his argument but stopped as the food arrived and they started to eat, talking about the random, non debatable issues)

~~The following day as muskaan sat at home alone she decided to clean out her storage that had been closed for a long time now. With the necessary cleaning equipment and accessories, she opened the closed door and without a doubt dust blew out along with the old moist air. Moving aside the boxes she proceeded inside the closed room that seemed thirsty for sun and oxygen, she noticed how there were so many antiques that she had locked in here when they moved into the house…one of the boxes that she was trying to move was labeled Muskaan's stuff…and reading that her mind went back to playing the same old memories that she has seem to be forgotten or perhaps forced herself to forget…she kneels right there next to the box and starts to look into it…~~

~Flashback~

Some days after Armaan and Muskaan came back from their honeymoon.., It was a bright morning, a new beginning…Muskaan was excited about today…she had kept it as a surprise for Armaan…she wanted him to know only when she was ready to go for her first day at her job as the head of Oncology in Sanjeevani…she got up early, As Armaan was still asleep. With new hopes brewing in her hopeful eyes, she got the best sari out the wardrobe and got dressed, looking professional and very elegant. Her lab coat was ironed and starched,her stethoscope was laid out on the table for her, and her file case was awaiting for its first case to be neatly tucked into it…

Armaan: (Wakes up and notices Muskaan is not on her side of the bed) Muskaaan?...Muskaan…?

Muskaan: (hears him from the kitchen) Aik minute Armaan main agaye… (she grabbed her lab coat as she placed her finished cup of coffee in the sink, wore it and decided to surprise Armaan, she made sure she looked exactly like a professional doctor)

Armaan: (comes out the bathroom, drying off his hair)

Muskaan: Surprise….! (she smiled confidently looking at Armaan)

Armaan: (turns around and looks at her and laughs) Kya baat hain ajj doctor doctor kehlna ka mood hain kya? (he comes and grips her by her waist)

Muskaan: Nahi ajj Doctor. Muskaan Armaan Malik ka pehla din hain sanjeevani mein as the head of Oncology…

Armaan: What! (He lets go of her abruptly and turns away)

Muskaan: Kya hua Armaan? Aren't you excited… ajj mera pehla din hain… tum surprise hogaye…

Armaan: (lifts his hand firmly to stop her mid sentence) Muskaan tumne yeh sub kyun kiya I will not bother to ask…kyunki mujhay pata hain it's just a mistake…

Muskaan: (Shocked) Armaan ajj meray career ka pehla din …tum yeh kya…

Armaan: Tumharey career ka? (Scoffs, turning to her)

Muskaan: Haan Armaan yeh sapna maine kub se apni aknhoon mein saja kar rakha tha…I..

Armaan: Kuch sapnay agar sapnay he rahey toh behtar hoga..Tumhay job karnay ki koi zaroraat nahi hain…!

Muskaan: (scared by the fierce tone he is using) Per..Arm…

Armaan: (turns to her and holds her by her shoulder tightly) Aik baar keh diya na….Tum job nahi karogee…iss ghar mein sub kuch hain…jo chiyay main tumhay khud la kay donga…per job is out of question…

Muskaan: (Crying due to his tight grip) Main yeh job kissi zaroorat ki wajah se nahi kar rahi Armaan…yeh mera passion hain…tumhay yaad hain na shaadi se pehlay main intern thi Sanjeevani mein…

Armaan: Jaanta hoon sub yaad hain…aur yeh bhi jaanta hoon kay tum aik doctor hoon…bus phir isse agay aur kya chiyay… huh…? I will not allow my wife to be employed! Do you understand me Muskaaan! (he shouted fiercely at her, this time completely making muskaan tremble as tears started to flow from her innocent eyes)

Muskaan: Armm…

Armaan: Bus muskaan Mujhay bahut kaam hain office mein…iss liye please hum iss topic per abb kabhi nahi baat karay gay…

Muskaan: Armaan meri baat toh sun…

Armaan: Muskaan jo jiska kaam hain na voh ussi per suit karta hain…Mujhay apna kaam karnaydo aur tum apna kaam karo..iss ghar mein reh kar…(he abruptly lets go off her and leaves the room as she sinks down the wall she was pushed against..her tears were unstoppable)

Flashback Ends

~~That day was the first time muskaan saw rage in Armaan's eyes, his grip that gave her a bruise on her upper arm that one could still see, her lab coat that she had worn so proudly that morning became an object of torture for her, she took it off and threw it away from her body and her existence, the stethoscope that she kept next to her bag and file was of no use any longer…she sat in the same position for a long time… not knowing what to do in a situation like this…that day she cried her heart out and tears seemed to find a permanent place in her eyes regarding her dreams and shattered aspirations… she buried her head in her knees and felt the numb arm that was bruised badly by his strong grip, she tried to look at it but the pain was too much to endure and so she left it like it was…and that was the day she took her shattered dream and packed in the box that she was sitting next to at the moment..Looking at the filthy lab coat that was now eating up dust and the old stethoscope that looked antique, her eyes were moist again…~

Ting…Tong…Ting… (Doorbell)

~The bell brought muskaan back to the present and she found herself hiccupping from her excessive crying again, but she quickly stuffed back everything into the box and got up wiping her tears…she placed the box just like it was stacked before and closed the door behind…she wiped the moisture once again and rushed towards the main door where the bell was still ringing~

Muskaan: Agaye… aik second… (She opened the door)

Rahul: Hi… Muskaan!

Muskaan: Rahul tum?

Rahul: Haan main…(Smiles) ander nahi bulao gee?

Muskaan: Oh! of course, come in…(She invites him in)

Rahul: Suku was right…apka ghar toh bahut he sunder hain…(he looks around the decorative place)

Muskaan: Thanks…kuch lo gaye? Coffee… Juice...?

Rahul: No I am good…bus agar aik glass paani mill jaye toh it'd be great…

Muskaan: Tum behto main abhi laye…(she smiles as she leaves to get him water)

Rahul: (looks around the living room and notices the pictures of her and Armaan on the wall, he walks over to them and looks at them more intently)

Muskaan: (comes in with the glass of water and hands it to him) Here you go…

Rahul: Thanks…Is Mr.Malik home?

Muskaan: Nahi Armaan toh office mein hain…kyun?

Rahul: Nahi unko picture mein dekha toh yunhi milney ko dil kiya…(he smiles)

Muskaan: Rahul…you are absolutely mad…come sit…(she says shaking her head then sits at the couch across from Rahul)

Rahul: Yeah… Kaafi loog yahi kehtay hain…voh kya hain na patients kay brain ki surgeries kartey kartey kahein na kahein khud apna brain damage karliya hain…

Muskaan: (laughs lightl) So you are a Neurologist?

Rahul: Hmmm yahi kehtay hain na demaag ko shai karney waaley ko medicine world mein…

Muskaan: Haan… per tum kissi kay demag ko sahi kar saktey ho ya nahi voh toh main Suku se he poocho ge…I am sure I'll get a better opinion…

Rahul: Ha ha you are funny… Waisey Suku bhi neurology mein residency kar rahi hain….i am sure uska opinion meray favor mein he hoga…after all I am her attending…

Muskaan: Hmmm…yeh toh hain…

Rahul: Abb apka haath kaisa hain? (he looks at her hand that was still bandaged)

Muskaan: Abb behtair hain, kuch din mein bandage ki zaroraat nahi paray gee…

Rahul: Kaisey hurt hua tha?

Muskaan: (thinking of an excuse while looking uncomfortable) voh..umm..main… yeh choot

Rahul: Arey it's okay… App toh darr gaye…it's okay, in fact app ko mujhay bataney ki zarorat he nahi hain…main bhi yunhi sawaal kar leyta hoon…

Muskaan: (Smiles faintly) Nahi voh…

Rahul: Voh sub chorey, actually main appko aur aapkay husband ko invite kar nay aaya tha…(he hands her the invitation) Suku ne choti se house warming plan ki hain, just some close friends and dinner…please do come and tell Mr.Malik the same…

Muskaan: (Smiles) It's Armaan aur I am sure he'll love to meet you…thanks…

Rahul: (smiles) No thank you… Actually Di aur unkay husband bhi delhi se Arahey hain, I thought it'd be nice agar app unn se mille…

Muskaan: Of course, akhir meray neighbors ki family kuan hain yeh jaanay ka haq toh mera banta he hain…(She puts down the card on the table)

Rahul: Yeah that's true… bus aik choota sa favor hain…

Muskaan: Hmm bolo kya…?

Rahul: Actually Suku ne saara menu khud he handle karliya hain except for the sweet dish which is my responsibility, app please mujhay ghajhar (carrot) halva ki recipie likh de gey…

Muskaan: Bus itna sa kaam…

Rahul: Nahi yeh itna sa kahan hain…mujhay sub kay liye sweet dish prepare karni hain, isse banay kay liey toh pura day off leyna parey ga Sanjeeavni se…

Muskaan: Kaho toh main banado?

Rahul: Kya?

Muskaan: Halva…

Rahul: app aisa kar sakti hain?

Muskaan: Haan…if you want me to…

Rahul: Per aik condition hain…hum Suku ko nahi bata saktey…

Muskaan: (laughs) Fine…

Rahul: Promise…! (he offers his hand)

Muskaan: (puts forwards her non injured hand) Haan promise…

Rahul: theek hain phir I'll come for the halva before the party starts aur app please Mr.Malik..I mean Armaan kay saath zaroor ayega… (he gets up and starts to head towards the front door)

Muskaan: Sure…Thanks again…

Rahul: No problem..kal Shaam 7 bajey be there… (he says stepping down the front steps)

~~Muskaan closes the door behind him and smiles as she makes a mental note of 7 of clock in the evening next day. Finishing up the daily cooking and cleaning of the house she awaits Armaan for dinner. And exactly at 8 in the evening Armaan's car pulls up in the driveway~~

Muskaan-Armaan having dinner

Armaan: had a good day today?

Muskaan: hmm….kafi kaam kar liye ghar kay…

Armaan: that's good…

Muskaan: Armaan voh…

Armaan: Haan bolo?

Muskaan: Voh maine bataya tha na kay humarey saamne waaley ghar mein new neighbor aaya hain…

Armaan: haan toh?

Muskaan: voh usney hum duno ko house warming part kay liye invite…

Armaan: Kya naam hain iss neighbor ka?

Muskaan: Rahul..Rahul Garewal…voh Sanj..

Armaan: Bus sirf naam he pooch tha… (he looks up at her then continues eating) kitney bajey…?

Muskaan: Kal sham 7 baajey? (she hesitantly tells him the time)

Armaan: Oh ok…kal meri aik client kay saath early meeting hain subah mein but I'll be back around 6:30

Muskaan: toh tum chalo gay meray saath?

Armaan: Of course… I might leave early per haan chalo ga tumharey saath…

Muskaan: Thanks…

Armaan: Haan no problem…

The Following day

~~Muskaan wakes up early as usual, Armaan gets ready for work and leaves after having breakfast. Today was different for her, she was actually looking forward to staying at home and cooking the promised halva for Rahul's party. She had brought 4 dozen carrots from the market and was now ready to get to work by peeling them first. It was indeed a lot of work, but she felt happy at the fact that after a long time she has something to look forward in her bland days and nights. She turned on the radio while she worked in the kitchen…singing along old melodies was something she loved doing while working. She stood working in the kitchen while singing along with "lag ja gale se kay phir haseen raat ho na ho" when the power goes off~

Muskaan: (to herself) Tsk! Abb yeh light ko bhi abhi he jana tha? (she puts down the carrots and the peeler, then goes to open the windows and front door so she could get some air and ventilation in the house, after opening the doors and windows she makes her way back to the kitchen humming and singing the song herself)" hmmm..mmm…Humko mille hain ajj yeh ghariyaan naseeb se, hmmmmm… jee bhar kay dekh lay jeeyay humko kareeb se…phir app kay naseeb mein…hmm.mm…kya tha agay…?(she stops to think while peeling the carrots as she couldn't remember the next line to the song)

Voice from behind: "yeh baat ho na ho….shayad phir iss janam mein mulaqat ho na ho…hmmm mmm…"

Muskaan: (turns around, upon a familiar voice which completed her song) Rahul tum?!

Rahul: (walks towards her) Haan mein…

Muskaan: tum kub aaye..?

Rahul: Jub app mera favorite song gaa rahi thi…

Muskaan: Oh voh…main toh yunhi…

Rahul: Maine soocha ajj koi surgeries toh hain nahi iss liye app ki help he kar do halva bana nay mein?

Muskaan: (gets back to work) Nahi kaam toh almost done hain…

Rahul: Jhoot! voh bhi itna bara!

Muskaan: Nahi main jhoot toh nahi…

Rahul: Toh phir yeh intni saari carrots kya khudi peel hojaye gee..? (he looks over to the pile of carrots on the counter)

Muskaan: Nahi per main khud kar loon gee…

Rahul: You know I might not be as great as you in cooking but peeling I can do like a pro…

Muskaan: (Smiles) Really? Toh phir deal hojaye?

Rahul: Deal? (looks confused)

Muskaan: haan tumhay peeling kay saath saath gaanay bhi gaaney parey gay? Bolo manzoor hain?

Rahul: Madame ghulam Hazir hain…hukum kejeyay…(he bows down to her like a servant)

Muskaan: Bus bus, sirf singer banay ko kaha tha doctor, app toh purey actor ban gaye…

Rahul: (laughs lightly) toh kaun sa gaana sunay gee app..(he grabs a carrot and starts to peel while talking to muskaan)

Muskaan: Koi bhi… jo tumhay pasand ho…

Rahul: hmmm..Toh phir theek hain how about… "Mera dil bhi kitna pagal hain…yeh pyaar toh tumse karta hain..hmmm..mmm..hmmm….Per saamne jub tum aatey hoon kuch bhi kehnay se darta hain…o meray saajan…meray saajan..meray saajan… saajan..saajan …hmmm mmm…"

Muskaan: Not bad…(she smiles remembering her favorite movie) Meri favorite movie kaise jaani…?

Rahul: Actual yeh meri favorite movie hain… per I don't mind sharing favorites… (He picks up another carrot to peel as the pile looked a lot less now) abb appki baari…

Muskaan: okay… here it is… "Kohya khoya chand rehta hain asmaan kay pass…kohay kohay hum bhi rehtay hain iss jahan kay pass…Kohya Kohya chand rehta hain Asmaan kay pass…Kohya Koyha kyun rehta hain ajj kal yeh dil..hmmm..mmm Saari saari raat jago mein chandini kay saath…hmmm mmm.."

Rahul: Wow…! App nay professional singing kabhi consider nahi ki… (now they were both on to grinding the carrots finely as the peeling was done)

Muskaan: Mazaak ura rahey hoon?

Rahul: No I am serious… Bahut acha gaya…

Muskaan: (smiles) Abb tumhari baari…

Rahul: ahem..ahem..(clears thorat) "Pal pal dil kay pass tum rehti hoon, jeevan mehti pyaas yeh kehti hoon, Pla Pal…dil kay pass tum rehti hoon…" (putting the final crushed carrots, milk, and sugar on the stove Muskaan covers the cooking pot with its top as rahul sings) "har sham ankhon per tera anchal lehraye, har raat yadoon ki barat lay aaye…mein saans leta hoon teri khusboo aati hain…aik mehka mehka sa pehghaam la ti hain…meri dil ki dhadkan bhi teray geet laati hain… "

Muskaan: (claps for rahul) Now that is what I call a song…good job Doctor..(she hands him a glass of juice and goes out the kitchen towards the living room where they both take a seat on different couches)

Rahul: Thank you…thank you…

Muskaan: Abb yeh light bhi na abhi tak nahi aaye…

Rahul: Hmmm… kafi der hogaye hain…

Muskaan: I am sorry tumhay garmi lag rahi ho gee?

Rahul: Nahi I am fine..thand thanda juice jo hain cool off karnay kay liye… (he sips it)

Muskaan: (doesn't know that her bandage had came off while she worked in the kitchen, her hand is bare and the cigarettes burns on it are visible) So do you like Mumbai?

Rahul: I do…(as he places the glass on the table he notices muskaan's hand which shocks him) Muskaan! Yeh appkay haath per…(he stands up seeing the wound)

Muskaan: (Startled by his reaction she looks down and finds her hand bare with visible injuries)

Rahul: (comes a little closer to her) Muskaan app se pooch raha hoon yeh kya hain?

Muskaan: (scared) Rahul voh jal gaya tha haath…garam paani…kitchen…

Rahul: Muskaan app janti hain these are 3^rd degree burns, aur garam paani kay girnay say yeh marks…

Muskaan: Please rahul abb tumhay chalna chiyay…tumhari party abb se kuch der main hain…

Rahul: Per app ka haath…

Muskaan: Rahul kuch nahi hain..zara si choot he toh hain…theek hojaye gee..

Rahul: doctor ko consult kiya tha? (he is not touching but observing the bad burns from a distance)

Muskaan: Nahi… I know how to take care of myself..main khud aik…(She stops mid sentence)

Rahul: App khud aik kya? (looking concerned)

Muskaan: (sighs) Mujhay first aid ata hain Rahul..aur please I beg of you yeh kissi ko mat bata na…

Rahul: Iss ka matlab app nay Armaan ko..apnay husband ko bhi nahi bataya hain?

Muskaan: (lowers her eyes and looks about, trying to find an excuse) Nahi… (it was easier for her to lie when she is not looking into his honest eyes) Aur please meri request hain kay tum bhi unko kuch nahi kaho gay…

Rahul: Muskaan per…

Muskaan: Please Rahul…(she had tears brewing in her eyes while rahul was just confused)

Rahul: Theek hain per please you have to be careful, these burn are very sensitive agar sepsis ya infection hogaya toh yeh nishaan kabhi nahi jaaye gay…

Muskaan: I will..thanks…and sorry…maine..

Rahul: No…sorry kehnay se na apka dard kam hoga na meri preshaani jo app ka haath dekh kar bhar gaye hain…iss liye please don't be sorry…aur agar kissi bhi cheez ki zaroorat ho toh I am just across the street mujhay bula liya karey..in fact yeh mera card hain iss per meray cell number hain, if I am not home call me on there…(he places it on the table)

Muskaan: (without saying a word just nods her head and tries her best to control her tears)

Rahu: (Sensing her fear and timid nature) Abb main chalta hoon per please apna bahut kahyaal rakheyay ga…aur kuch aur kaam karnay ki koi zaroorat nahi hain…everything is done..main appko party per milta hoon…

Muskaan: (smiles faintly) hmmm… (both walk towards the front door in silence, not knowing what to say or do in this kind of a situation. She was embarrassed, afraid, and scared. On the other hand he didn't have a clue about what she was hiding from him, he silently waved at her looking worried for her and she quickly turned the other way and closed the door behind him)

~~Closing the door behind him, Muskaan sinks down against it and breaks down in muffled cries. She thinks about how stupid she was to let rahul in like that. Her badly bruised hand that she looked at in grief was mocking her, as it was no longer delicate or pretty or worth holding. It had burns that peeled her skin, marks that reminded her of the flaws that her marriage was built upon, the pain she got from the sight of the ugly wound was nothing compared to her 5 years of total hell. Her only hope was time, as she was a true believer in its healing abilities. She was once again giving Armaan the chance to improve, finding the goodness in him, instead of counting the many things that were wrong with their relationship. And just when she was getting carried away with the moment of happiness the ugly memory flashed itself again…it was as if her happiness was always meant to last only for a moment…she sat their resting her head on her knees and once again she cried like the first time she was hurt by the uncontrolled and fierce anger of her husband~

~Armaan's Office~

**Armaan is seen sitting in his office with a file in his hand, the delegates have left and he is just reviving the proposal they have made towards his company. He looks totally immersed in it. **

Knock… Knock…

Armaan: Come in…

Shilpa: Hi Armaan…! (beautiful, young, and talented looking girl walks in smiling)

Armaan: Hey you…where have you been…? (he puts down the files and invites her in)

Shilpa: Nowhere just around..were you missing your lawyer Mr.Malik?

Armaan: No I was just missing my friend…

Shilpa: well in that case how about a coffee?

Armaan: sure…I'll just call it in...

Shilpa: wait I want it to be with…

Armaan: I know…no milk, 2 table spoon of brown sugar, and Danish cookies… Right?

Shilpa: not bad..itnay saloon mein tumhay kuch toh yaad raha…

Armaan: (smiles and makes the call at the front desk to send in coffee and cookies) So how is life?

Shilpa: it's been well, Papa London mein khush hain aur main yahaan…tum batao how is your wife? Kya naam tha uska?

Armaan: Muskaan…

Shilpa: Yeah… A sweet girl…but thodi middle class types thi na?

Armaan: Yeah…voh toh shayad voh hameesha he rahay gee…(sound a bit disappointed)

Shilpa: Kyun…? Tumharey saath reh kar bhi…

Armaan: Problem toh yahi hain na…maine bahut koshish ki usko badal nay ki…per she doesn't get it…

Shilpa: Armaan kabhi kabhi life mein adjust aur compromise bhi toh karna parta hain…

Armaan: (handing her the coffe) haan per voh maaney tub na? I mean tum toh jaanti ho na mujhay yeh sub emotional crap nahi pasand hain…baachey, job, and all that bonding stuff…I mean kyun abhi se zindagi ko kahraab karo…

Shilpa: Haan I know…but tumhay uskay yeh baat shaadi se pehlay bata denai chiyay thi na…

Armaan: Tub mujahy pyaar hogaya tha…can you believe it mujhay "Pyaar" hogaya tha…

Shilpa: I hear regret in your tone…

Armaan: haan shayad voh bhi hain…uss galti ka jis kay saath main pechlay 5 saal say reh raha hoon…

Shilpa: You mean tum apni wife kay saath aik stranger hoon?

Armaan: Shayad...(he pauses)hum saath aik bedroom mein toh hotey hain per hum dono apnay he kahyaloon mein ghum hotey hain…jub main zabardasti kar kay usko apnay pass bulanay ki kohsish karta hoon toh, she just becomes quiet…I mean what kind of a husband would want a wife who is as cold as a dead body when we are intimate or close to each other…

Shilpa:I see… baat itni bigar gaye hain…

Armaan: haan…har baat mein voh sirf kitaboon aur kahniyoon waali fantasy dhoonti rehti hain…and I am sorry meray pass na hi itna waqt hain kay kissi lover boy ki tarah usko princess bana kar raho or na hi mujhay yeh sub karnay ki adat hain…shaadi karli kafi hain…

Shilpa: hmm…bola tha na thoda intezaar kar laytay toh shayad main tumhay mill jati…(she is saying it as a joke but means every bit of it)

Armaan: (laughs) haan maybe if only I have waited…

Shilpa: By the way business is going great…koi complaints ya cases nahi aaye kahi se bhi…

Armaan: Yeah it is going great…aur waisey bhi office is one thing I have all control over, ghar per aik living corpse kay pass janey se toh behtair hain…

Shilpa: Come on muskaan can't be that bad? Shayad ussey voh sub ata na ho…you know…"how to make your husband satisfied" is not in everyone's nature…Especially a girl like her..

Armaan: Oh talk about satisfaction, she'll love to have a "discussion" about that... (he scoffs)

Shilpa: Choro na yeh sub… Itni amazing coffee kay saath itna ghussa compliment nahi kar raha…

Armaan: Yeah you are right…kya fayeda uss kay baarey mein baat karney se… jo kuch hain theek he hain as long as she is not interfering with my life I could care less about hers… (he sips his coffee and continues to chat with Shilpa about different things, that are obviously so much more important than the promise he had kept with Muskaan to show up for Rahul's house warming party)

P.S: I have the next part ready for you guys i just need to see enough comments on this one to post the next part...is this entertaining? are you guys liking the plot?