Tanhayian(SaJan FF)-DISCONTINUED (Note on Pg. 73) - Page 52

Originally posted by: gnaneswari

Awesome ff. I liked it. U r concept is very nice. Gunjan had a baby! Thats awesome. Plz add me to ur pm list. Plz plz plz... Do cont soon. Don't forget to pm me. ADD ME TO UR PM LIST.

Originally posted by: SajanRox

Chapter 8 was so cute! Finally Samrat and Pinky's encounter! Loved the update to the core! Update Soon... And thanks for the PM, Pm me for the next too... ~Love, Nivriti

Originally posted by: kavya.b

ohhh u were being a good gal n replying to everyone

good good

but update soon...we r waiting

Originally posted by: DiyaS

Just one question ... when are your "few hours" gonna be over????

In other words, where is the update?????And remember, I'm not gonna update WUAS till I read the next chapter of Tanhaiyan! 😡

Originally posted by: ayesha_80

I was not BEING a good girl...I AM a good girl...right, partner? 😳🤣

And you're wait's gonna be over soon...finally 😃

Originally posted by: kavya.b

^^ diyaaa - those hrs will end only when she replies to everyone

so remember, the more we comment, the more the delay 🤣

Originally posted by: VioletScarf

Thank you, thank you, Anu! Hain na...i hit a sixer here?? *pats myself proudly* 🤣🤣

Aww!! Ok, doll...all the best for your studies. 🤗

And...from chapter 1??? I'm sure, you have better things to do, Anu! 😆😆

Chapter 9

Samrat waved his hand in front of her, "Chasmishhh..."

She was still lost in her thoughts, but somehow managed to look into his eyes'her face yet blank.

"Kya hua, Chasmish...are you okay?"

Still there wasn't any response from her.

Samrat was getting extremely worried now. Something had terribly bothered Gunjan, but he didn't know what it was. He wanted to make her feel better, but had no idea how to do it.

His face was showing all the signs of worry now...worry for her! Looking at her like this was making him very uncomfortable. He gently put his hand on her shoulder and slightly shook her and turned her to face him.

"Gunjan, kya hua?! Tum theek toh ho na?"

His touch sent a shiver through her body...but thankfully, this shiver brought her back to senses.

"Chashmish, kya ho gya tha tumhein?! Are you okay now?"

This was the third time he was repeating this question, with the hope of getting an answer this time alteast.

Gunjan took a while to respond, and finally spoke up.

"Samrat..."d-a-a-a-t-..." She was looking in his eyes, her face void of any expressions. Samrat couldn't comprehend what was going on in her mind. What all he knew was, that the mention of going on a date had left her numb. He wanted to make her feel better, to comfort her...he HAD to make her feel better.

The eye contact didn't break, as he said, "relax Chashmish...if you don't feel comfortable, hum lunch per nahin jayenge'.but please, relax. Tumhein toh pata hai, meri mazaak ki adat hai...main ne toh wo date aisey he keh dia tha. Main toh lunch pe canteen chalney ke liye keh raha tha. I'm sorry, Chashmish. Mujhey nahin pata tha ke tum itni distrub ho jaogi, aur is terha se react...I mean, tumhein bura lagey ga! Please, Chashmish...", and he gently pressed her shoulders to comfort her.

Gunjan saw genuine concern, regret, apology and worry in those dark brown eyes, filtering through her with that soft gaze. She knew it wasn't Samrat's fault. It was her own sensitivities that made her go numb. She wanted to assure him that he need not apologize to her...nor through any words, neither through his eyes.

Thus, she managed to join some words and spoke..."Please, Samrat...aisey sorry mut kaho. Tum ne thodey hi kuch kiya hai ke tum itna sorry bol rahey ho. Main toh waise hi...mera matlab hai, main ab bilkul theek hun", and she gave him a smile...though a pale one.

Her smile eased him a bit. He knew Gunjan was hiding something from him...but he didn't want to ask her. After all, it could be because of some personal reason and he was no one to investigate it from her. He also smiled back at her and the tensed situation took a turn towards normalcy.

"Kya, Chasmhish...tum ne toh mujhey darra hi dia. Per ab tum theek ho na?", his hands were still on her shoulder.

"Haan, Samrat...main bilkul theek hun. Tum please pareshan mut ho..."

Their eyes were every now and then locking with each other's, and those brief glances were raising sensations throughout their bodies.

He was too occupied in reading her face, and as soon he realized her eyes on his hands on her shoulders, holding her as if preventing her from falling, he withdrew them.

As an instant reaction, they both looked down for a few seconds, and then finally started walking towards their offices.

What happened a few minutes ago was still running in their minds and they both didn't speak at all during these last few steps towards their respective doors. The breeze, though it was warm, yet it eased their senses, giving them the space to breathe.

They were at Samrat's office now'and just as he was going to say bye to her...Gunjan said, "Samrat, ek baat kahun?!"

"Bolo na, Chashmish. Kya baat hai?"

She hesitated a bit, looked down at her hands that she was pressing now, and again looked back at him.

"Umm...Woh...actually...main keh rahi thi keh, mujhey bhi bohat bhook lag rahi hai. Toh...", and she smiled shyly and looked down again.

Her smile made his heart take a strong beat, just like the one of a drum when its gets a hard blow with a stick on its centre. For a second, Samrat couldn't get what Gunjan had just said. Just as his heart recovered from the blow of her smile, his confusion got replaced by a huge grin, as he got the "underlying" meaning of what she said. Gunjan had agreed to go for lunch with him...and his feelings were beyond his own understanding and comprehension.

Excited and enthralled, he looked at her with his jaws making an "O" in shock, and eyes wide open. He thus, had to take a while before responding,

"What'I mean, kyaa'I mean, tum lunch pe'merey saath'(moving his hand through his hair), really Chashmish?". Her sudden aaceptance of his lunch invitation was no less than a shock for him...a very pleasnt shock. He was trying to let this feel sink in that Gunjan had agreed to join him for lunch.

She slightly nodded. The smile on their lips wasn't going away, as they both made their way to the canteen.

_____________________________

The canteen was almost empty. Lunch time was over and at this time of the day, very few students were seen here. The calm and quiet environment of the canteen was appreciated by both, Samrat and Gunjan, as they walked towards the table that was placed in one corner of the huge hall, next to the window.

For Gunjan, this feeling was new, it was different...but she was liking it. It was the first time she was getting all this attention. Though, it felt a bit awkward, yet it was very satisfying and exciting.

They both took their seats and for a few minutes, there was silence. They were absorbing the feel of this whole atmosphere, as well as of their togetherness. Brief smiles were exchanged in these moments of silence, and the remaining minutes were spent in looking sometimes out of the window, and sometimes at the empty benches and chairs in the cafeteria. Their hearts were inhaling the calmness from the environment and the hustle bustle of the view from the window also wasn't able to disrupt this calmness.

Time passed like this...in silence...in feeling each other's presence...in getting acquainted with the warmth of being together.

No words were spoken all this while, and finally, the silence was broken by Samrat.

"Chashmish, mujhey yun chup bethney mein koi problem nahin hai...per tumhein nahin lagta ke agar hum thodi deir aur yunhi chup chap bethey rahey toh lunch ki jagah humein dinner kerna padey ga?!" and his mischievous smile was back.

Gunjan was glad to see the naughty Samrat again, after that unusually quiet and thinking one...and she smiled back at him.

"Sorry...wo main, soch...I mean..."

"Chashmish, tum kitna sorry bolti ho? Thakti nahin ho her baat pe sorry keh keh ke?"

Gunjan slightly blushed. Sorry, indeed was the word that was always at the tip of her tongue. She never wanted to hurt anyone, and this word was her defensive weapon. And as she had no reply for Samrat's question, she just smiled.

"Chashmish, please, jab tum merey saath hoti ho toh is word ko apney drawer mein lock ker dia kero. Wasiey bhi, ...ye duniya itni achi nahin hai ke tum her kisi se her waqt maafi mangti raho, especially tab, jab tum ne koi ghalti bhi na ki ho", his voice was soft when he said this.

She was deeply touched by his concern. The feeling of being cared by someone was knocking at the door of her heart...she wanted to open the door...break the wall around her heart...and drench in this feeling, but she was scared...not beacuse of anything else...she was just scared of her own self. That wall was her most priced possession and it had protected her for more than two decades of her life. She was quite content, comfortable and always felt protected by this wall...so, she was just listening to his knocks on her heart and was very apprehensive whether to respond or not.

But it wasn't the time to think about the fears. She was enjoying being with him and his soft voice and concern was giving her every reason to be at ease.

"Chodo na, Samrat! Duniya ki baatein chodo...meri baatein chodo. Aur waisey bhi, tumhein toh bohat bhook lagi thi na?", she moved a bit forward, placed her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her hand. Smile on her lips, as well as in her eyes accompanied her words. Samrat gazed back at her and his lips also widened with a smile.

"Haan, Chashmish...mujhey toh bohat bhook lagi thi...aur tumhein bhi. Kyaaa, Chashmish...tumharey saath raha toh issi terha baaton se peit bherna padey ga!" He grinned, while her eyes widened in denial, as if scolding him.

"Acha, baba...ghussa mut ho...mujhey ye batao ke tum ne khana kya hai?", his eyes seeking apology, which was granted to him after a few attempts of persuasion from his eyes.

"Samrat, main...main bus ek cup coffee lun gi".

"Arey, ye kya, Chashmish? Abhi toh tumhein bohat bhook lag rahi thi...aur ab sirf coffee...?".

"Haan, per ab bhook nahin hai. Waisey bhi, itna late lunch...mera matlab hai...ab thodi dair mein ghar hi jana hai...toh aj ka lunch cum dinner apni bet---..."

Before she could complete the word "beti", someone disrupted them..."arey, tum donon yahan?"

They looked up to see Chinu standing at their table, with a huge smile on his face, disclosing his amusement on seeing his favorite people in his canteen.

"Bhai wah...ab toh Chinu bhi a gya hai...Chinu, ab tum hi apni beti ko pocho ke wo kya le gi. Mujhey toh ye kuch batati hi nahin hai", Samrat pouted and conveyed his complaint to her via Chinu.

"Nahin, Samrat...seriously...mujhey bilkul...", she tried again to tell him that he need not feel bad'but Samrat didn't let her complete

"Janta hun...tumhein ab bhook nahin hai", Samrat completed the sentence for her and pouted yet again.

She felt bad for refusing to take something, but this whole thing was getting too much for her system. Maybe, her hunger hadn't died...her heart was retaliating against it.

They were looking at each other, when Chinu interrupted them...again!

"Tum bhi na, Samrat baba! Kyon meri beti ko tung ker rahey ho? Aur Gunjan beti, tumhein is terha canteen mein betha dekh ker mujhey bohat khushi hui hai. Ye kaam toh sirf Samrat baba hi ker sakta tha. Aj tum pehli baar meri canteen pe is terha lunch kerney ayi ho...toh aj toh Chinu ke liye sub se special day hai..."

Gunjan stopped him from going further, "kya Chinu...itna emotional ho gaye ho! Mujhey rula ke yahan se bhaganey ka irada hai kya?" and she smiled.

Samrat was getting amused seeing Gunjan's in this jovial mood.

"Tauba, beti...kaisi baatein ker rahi ho...mein bhalla..."

Before Chinu could complete, he was cut off by Samrat..."agar ap dono bura na mano toh main kuch kahoon?"

Gunjan and Chinu, both knew that some sarcastic comment was in their way now...so, they looked at Samrat to see what was coming from his mixed bag now.

Samrat leaned a bit forward on the table and in a low voice, said..."Chashmish, agar tumhein yaad ho toh hum yahan lunch kerney aye the aur us ke baad humein apney offices mein ja ke kaafi kaam bhi kerna hai" he raised his eyebrows...and before Gunjan could respond, he titled more towards her and in an even softer...rather husky voice, that was good enough to capture Gunjan's senses, said..."Though I don't mind sitting here with you all day long, but''." With this, he shrugged his shoulder and winked at her.

Gunjan blushed and moved her eyes from him in the flash of a second. She could never predict this man...he was always a bag full of surprises for her and this time also, he made her heart beat take a dip and look back into his dark brown eyes that were glued on her face, noticing the deepening of pink color on them.

Chinu was seeing all this happening and there was a smile on his face. Was he drawing any conclusions...should he draw any conclusion? Knowing Samrat and Gunjan so well, he thought it better not to go that far. Nevertheless, it was great seeing these two people getting along so well and enjoying in each other's company. Though he restricted his mind from going into any long routes of assessing their relationship...he couldn't control himself from saying...a bit loud; "kisi ki nazar na lagey".

Chinu's words shook them both and for the next few minutes, they avoided each other's eyes. Samrat, who was now getting expert in handling this situation, quickly reverted back to Chinu and asked him the reason of this smile on his face. Chinu, very successfully avoided his question and told them both that they leave the lunch to him. He'll bring their favorite things ' coffee and sandwiches...and Samrat and Gunjan were more than happy for this help from him.

Again there was silence after Chinu left. It was like a custom now that whenever things started becoming normal between them...their eyes played spoilsport and they ended up being all silent, reasoning with their hearts and defining their own logics. Similar thing was happening again and in between these thoughts, quick glances and brief smiles were exchanged.

Samrat knew that he wouldn't find an answer to this stock of questions, so there was no point in pondering over them at this time. He thus, broke the silence again.

"Chashmish...ye tum baat baat pe kahan kho jati ho?!" More than a question to her, he didn't realize that he was describing his own state. Whenever he looked into that deep ocean of her dark hazel eyes, every time, he happily and willingly dived into them to explore more and them and each time. they managed to make him drown in them.

"Kahin bhi toh nahin...main yaheen pe hi hoon...", what else could she answer?

"Pata nahin, Chashmish...mujhey aisa lagta hai, jaisey meri baaton se tum kuch upset ho jati ho...kisi soch mein padh jati ho..."

"Samraaat...", she tried to interrupt him, but in vain.

"Chashmish...mera kehney ka matlab ye tha ke tum please meri baaton pe itni serious na ho jaya kero. Main aisa hi hoon. Haan, lekin agar tumehin meri koi baat buri lagey ya lagti ho, toh usko sochney ke bajaye...pareshan hone ke bajaye, tum mujhey please bata dena. Chashmish, main ye sab mazaak mein kehta hun. I don't mean to hurt you. I can never even think of doing that. Waisey bhi bhalla apni itni cuuute si friend to koi hurt ker sakta hai?" he felt like pulling her cheeks and only he knew how he restrained himself from doing so.

His voice had all the required concern, which went straight to strike the chords of her heart, creating a soothing and soft jingle. She looked at him...in his eyes...to thank him for giving her this gift of friendship. She also wanted to express herself...but words weren't coming to her. She had never been very expressive, but for some reason, she wanted to share her feelings with Samrat. Thus, she was trying to muster up the courage to bring her own emotions to the forefront, maybe for the very first time.

"Samrat...ummm..."

"Bolo, Chasmish...tum kuch kehna chahti ho?", he folded his arms on the table and leaned slightly forward. He could see that Gunjan wanted to talk, but something was stopping her. He wanted to make her comfortable, and give her the assurance that she can talk to him about anything and everything. Looking at her confused state, he said:

"Chashmish, main janta hun tum mujh se kuch kehna chahti ho...magar shayad tum kisi wajah se bol nahin pa rahi ho. Chashmish, main ye toh nahin janta ke tum kyon hesitate ker rahi ho, main tumhein sirf itna yakeen dilana chahta hun ke main tumhara friend hun...aur tum koi bhi baat mujh se bila jhijak (without any hesitation) share ker sakti ho. Abhi agar mushkil lagta hai, toh koi zarorat nahin hai apney ap ko itni pareshani main dalney ki. Jub bhi tumhara dil chahey, tum mujhse baat ker sakti ho...merey paas a ker...mujhey apney paas bula ker...phone pe...email ke through...fax pe...telegram ke through...kabootar..."

"Bus, bus, Samrat..." and she laughed. "How can he be so good...how can he always manage to bring a smile on my face", her thoughts were raising these questions for her, while her eyes were affectionately looking at him for understanding her, for giving her so much of support, and for being there for her as her true friend...but was he really just a true friend?

His words brought her back to reality again..."Arey, Chashmish...tum ne mujhey roak kyon dia? Abhi toh meri list bohat lambi thi...bohat options hain merey paas...", he laughed aloud and asked.

"Tum bhi na, Samrat...", and she smiled...this time, a bigger one!

"Chashmish, aisey hi hasti raha kero...bohat achi lagti ho. Jub tum hasti ho na, toh tumhari smile tumhari aankhon tuk jati hai...aur unhein aur bhi beautiful bana deti hai", his voice was soft again and his eyes had all the desired concern in them.

She bit her lip and blushed at his words. To cover up for it, she tucked the errand strand of her hair falling on her face, behind her ear. She didn't know how to react. She always used to get compliments for her work...and handling them was something very difficult to her. And here, Samrat was admiring her ... calling her beautiful...her mind had stopped working, and her heart wasn't helping either. She could feel its strong beats, as they were getting out of her control. She held on to the corner of her chair tightly, and the edges of her duppatta were crushed in this tight grip.

He kept looking at her and that was enough to make her blush more. Though after what he just said, she couldn't look back into his eyes, yet she could feel his eyes focused on her and this was making the butterfly in her stomach do all sorts of somersaults. What kind of a feeling was this...she didn't know.

She wanted to ask him to remove his eyes off her face, so that she could also breathe normally and properly...but she was not in a position to utter a word.

Samrat was looking at her face and assessing how true he was when he said that her smile made her look even more beautiful. He was observing how her smile shone in her eyes...and glowed on her face. This shine and glow was enhancing the softness and beauty of her face. In one word, he was mesmerized by her smile...and he wanted to see her always like this.

Finally, she got the courage to ask him, "aisey kya dekh rahey ho, Samrat?"

His voice was husky...eyes still on her, when he replied, "kuch nahin, Chashmish...main..."

And... suddenly, the softness was gone and the pitch of his voice slightly raised, with a tinge of naughtiness in it..."tumehein kya laga, main tumehin dekh raha hun? Main toh wo...udher...udher dekh raha hun", pointing towards someone, standing at the other end of cafeteria. Samrat got up from his chair and grinned.

Gunjan's mouth dropped open, as she turned back to see where he was pointing. Samrat enjoyed her expressions, which were clearly showing Gunjan's confused and slightly disappointed state to him.

She saw Chinu with the tray and smile replaced her shocked expression. The next moment, she saw Samrat rushing towards Chinu and trying to take the tray from him. Chinu was using every force and argument to carry the tray himself to their table...but who could win from Samrat? And exactly the same happened. After a mini fight, Samrat succeeded in holding the sandwiches platter, while Chinu walked towards the table with coffees on his tray...and continuously complaining about something.

Gunjan was getting amused by this sight...especially by seeing how concerned and considerate Samrat was for everyone. He was so humble, down to earth and friendly with everyone...that no one could help getting attracted toward him. Was she also getting attracted towards to him...this mere thought sent shivers down her body, as she stopped her mind from even going in that direction.

Soon enough, both Samrat and Chinu were at the table. Samrat's smile was conveying a "you can't win from me" message, while Chinu's ranting were clearly showing that he had to give up to Samrat's stubbornness.

Gunjan had an idea about the reason for these extreme reactions ...and she was proved right, as Chinu opened his complaint box while putting the coffee mugs on the table.

"Baba, tum abhi bhi utney hi ziddi ho. Main jab la raha tha tum logon ki cheezein, toh tumhein kya zaroorat thi aney ki aur mujh se cheezein pakdne ki? Student time ki baat aur thi...per ab tum yahan ke boss ho. Ab toh humein humara kaam kerney do. Tub tum khud apni cheezein counter se letey the, koi baat nahin...per ab toh nahin na. Phir bhi, tum ho ke zid ker ke mujh se sandwiches cheen hi laye ho?"

Samrat let Chinu vent and he listened to him quietly while settling on his chair. When Chinu took a pause, Samrat looked at him..."ho gya, Chinu? Ab tum meri baat suno! Main ab bhi wohi Samrat hun. Yahan ka HoD banney se mein koi different insaan nahin ho gya hun. Aur mujhey ye room service or ye tray pe cheezein serve kerwaney ka koi shauk nahin hai (pointing towards the tray). Main jaisey pehley khud se counter pe aa ke apni cheezein le leta tha...ab bhi wohi kerun ga. (He said very firmly). Aur Mister Chinu, aapko kaam kerney sey kaun roak raha hai? Tum apna kaam kero aur merey liye...aur apni Gunjan beti ke liye...yummy yummy sandwiches, coffee, burgers, fries, etc. etc. banaya kero...aur hum unhein kha ker khoob motey ho jayein. Ye kaam koi kum hai kya?" And he laughed, while saying the latter part of his sentence.

Gunjan was enjoying every bit of this conversation. She was getting more and more impressed by Samrat and his sweet and modest nature. He was different...very different from the people she had seen. Every time they met, she explored more of his personality, each trait of which touched her heart and brought a smile on her face.

Samrat had succeeded yet again. Chinu was smiling now, as he lovingly said, "Samrat baba...tum se jeetna namumkin hai. Tumharey jaisey loag bohat kum hein. Aur itefaq ki baat hai, ke tum do ek jaisey loag ek saath a gaye ho. Na tum kisi ko apna kaam kerney detey ho, aur na hi Gunjan beti. Tum dono bilkul aik jaisey ho. Shayad isi liye kismet tumhein ek saath le ayi hai. Khush raho hamesha"

Chinu got very emotional on seeing the same modesty in Samrat even after years. Nothing had changed him and that made his eyes moist as he turned to go back.

Not only Chinu was touched, but what he said about destiny bringing Samrat and Gunjan together hit them both like a storm. Was it really a plan of destiny that these two people, belonging to different worlds, were together now...and had entered into a beautiful relationship of...maybe, friendship? Whatever it was, in the brief moment of silence, Samrat and Gunjan were thanking destiny for making it happen and bringing them together.

"Kya soch rahi ho, Chasmish?"...Samrat broke the silence and asked Gunjan taking a sip of his coffee.

"Kuch nahin, Samrat.! Soch rahi hun, jo Chinu ne kaha wo kitna sahi hai na? Kismet humein kub kis se milwa dey, humein kuch nahin pata. Kuch mulakatein itni painful hoti hein, ke un ke jaaney ke baad bhi insaan saari zindagi un ke diye huey zakhmon ke nishaan dekhta aur bardaasht kerta rehta hai..."

Samrat couldn't take another sip from his coffee. There was pain in Gunjan's voice when she was describing the game of destiny to him. For the first time, Gunjan was sharing her feelings with him. He always wanted her to talk, but when she started to, her words were more like stabbing his heart. He knew that Gunjan had always covered herself beneath many layers, where she felt secure from the world. But he wanted to remove these layers. He wanted to freed her from the self imposed shell she had created around her. For the rest of the world, she was a sweet girl, always willing to help everyone...and not demanding and expecting anything in return. Samrat, was the first one to peep into the heart of this young girl which obviously must be having some desires and wishes of its own.

Gunjan had never shared her life with anyone...her happiness, her sorrows, her joys, her pain...everything was her own priced possession. And she liked it to be that way. She was one of those people, who even were thankful for the pains and sorrows of life, as according to her, they were the learning experiences for her. Nupur was the closest to her...she was her confidant...but Gunjan was never the type who crib and cry about their own issues. She didn't like to share herself with anyone, be it Nupur. And in their case, Nupur was always seeking help and guidance from Gunjan. Also, after her marriage, obviously, her priorities had changed and she did not have much time for Gunjan.

For the first time, Gunjan was talking about "life" with Samrat. Though, she was giving a general description, yet, the pain of her heart was quite visible in this talk. But what pain she had? Apparently, she was living a happy, independent and content life...with her most precious possession, her daughter. Then why this mention of pain...what pain...and whose pain?

Samrat was holding the mug in his hand, but after that first sip, he couldn't take any further. The sandwiches laid on the table in their original condition, as none of them had even started eating them.

Before Samrat could say anything...respond to Gunjan...she continued:

"Aur Samrat, kuch loag zindagi mein asiey miltey hein, jin ke atey hi dard ka ehsaas kum honey lagta hai. Zindagi mein kuch rang se bhartey dikhayi deti hein...aur zindagi ki tanhayian kum hoti dikhti hein. Ye sub loag, in ka ana, jana...khushiyan, gham'.saath, tanhayian...sub kismet ki hi taraf se hota hain".

Gunjan was looking into the empty space...her eyes were moist, not because of some pain...but sharing the phenomenon of life...the pains and gains, sorrows and happiness... was giving her an inner relief and that was expressed in the form of moisture in her eyes. There was a smile on her face, and there were no signs of any pain or agony. She was as calm as ever...and it seemed as if, she was at peace after opening this small hole of her shell.

Samrat took a while to respond. He kept the mug back on the table and was outlining its rim with his fingers now.

"Chashmish, janti ho...duniya main her insaan kahin na kahin, kisi na kisi terha tanha hai. Bohat se loag bheed main bhi akeley hotey hain. Humari zindagian rishton ki dor se bandhi hoti hain...humari family, humarey friends, sub us dor ko bandhtey hein...per un sub ke bawajood, humarey heart ke kisi koney main tanhaiayan apna ghar bana ke rakhti hain. Lekin, Chashmish, the beauty of life is, ke her kisi ko kabhi na kabhi un tanhayion ko bantney ke liye ek companion mil jata hai..."

"Her kisi ko nahin, Samrat! Sirf khush kismet logon ko! Khush kismet hotey hain wo loag, jinhein apni life main sacha companion milta hai...", she cut him mid way.

Samrat had no answer to this, because he knew that Gunjan was right. Not everyone is fortunate enough to find a true companion...and who better than him would know this. All his life, he saw his parents living in their own separate worlds, because, they couldn't be the true companions of each other. Maybe, this is why, he himself also always feared getting into any relationships. His life revolved around friends, as according to him, friendship was the only relation which doesn't demand any commitment as such.

Silence crept in again. Gunjan was shocked at herself for being so vocal with someone. But there was a feeling of satisfaction also. She knew, if she could talk with anyone, it was only Samrat.

After a while, he looked back to this girl sitting in front of his eyes, and he knew that he had to lock his own emotions back in the corner of his heart, and smile...not for himself, but for HER!

This is exactly what he did. He managed to smil at her and said, "Chodo na ye philosophy ki baatein. Ab toh humarey sandwich bhi humein ghussey se dekh rahey hein. Dekho toh, becharey humari boring baatein sun sun ke soukhtey ja rahey hein. Aur kuch nahin, toh inhi ka khyal kero", and he made an innocent face, followed by a grin, which was more of a failed attempt to cover his own state.

Gunjan knew that Samrat was trying to divert the discussion and she was amazed at how easily and quickly, he could shift a completely serious environment to an utterly lighter one. Still, she had seen signs of pain in his eyes. It was not just Samrat who could feel Gunjan hiding inside her shell...Gunjan could also sense Samrat's vulnerability, and she knew that there was a serious Samrat behind this jovial one...one, who had a lonely corner in his heart...courtesy, the roller coaster ride of "life".

Gunjan smiled back and nodded her head in agreement. They both enjoyed their sandwiches and coffee (that had now turned cold from hot). Light discussions were underway as they had their snacks.

"Chashmish...tumhein nahin lagta ke humhein ye exercise roz kerni chahiye?" Samrat asked, while taking a big bite into his mouth.

"Kaunsi exercise, Samrat?", Gunjan had no idea what Samrat meant by "exercise"

"Mera matlab tha, ke humein lunch roz ikathey hi kerna chahiye. Kya khyal hai?", he raised his eyebrows and smiled.

"Samraaat..."

Samrat didn't let her continue, "seriously, Chashmish...akeley lunch kerney se toh better hai ke hum ek saath hi lunch ker liya karein"

Gunjan didn't respond, but her raised eyes were enough for telling Samrat that she didn't buy his point.

"Acha, baba, roz nahin...per jab bhi possible ho, tub toh tumhein merey saath lunch kerney main koi problem nahin hai na?"

This time Gunjan smiled, and lowered her eyes.

Samrat took a sigh of relief..."Ahhh!!! Thank God! Tum bhi na, Chashmish! Tumhain lunch pe invite kerna kisi mission pe janey se kum nahin hai", he smiled. "Pehley bhi jub main ney tumhein lunch ke liye pocha, toh tum bilkul jaise freeze hi ho gayi thi...aur ab...ab tumhari ankhon ne mujhey achi khasi daant pila di", Samrat pouted and then grinned.

Gunjan looked at him...her eyes shining. How could he know her so well...to the extent of reading her eyes, her smile, her expressions? She was trying to figure this out while looking at him. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't see that he was getting equally mesmerized by her innocence and smile.

"Chashmish, aisey kya dekh rahi ho?", he asked gazing in the pool of her soft, yet deep eyes.

She chuckled, and looked down, as if she was caught doing something wrong.

He asked the same question again, wanting to get an answer this time...but what all he got was a smile and a horizontal nod from her, saying "kuch nahin".

He was amused seeing her blush, feel shy and smile. This definitely suited her face like anything and he wanted to tell her never to let this smile leave her face.

They were done with eating and now it was time to get back to work. Already, the lunch break had become a long one, and both of them had meetings to attend (separately). Gunjan also had a class in this later part of the day.

Samrat got up from his chair and while grabbing his keys, he murmured, "Chalein Chasmish...bohat late ho gaye hain".

He looked up to her, seeking a response, but what he saw was a lost Gunjan, looking out of the window. He looked at her confused, and then leaned forward to see what she was observing so deeply, with a smile on her face. The sight from the window didn't present any unusual thing that could be the reason of Gunjan's lost state.

He bit his lip thinking what it could be, and when he didn't find anything, he shook her...with his voice. "Chashmishhh...kya hua? Bahar aisa kya hai jo tum itney ghaur se dekh rahi ho aur jo tumhari face pe ye smile le aya hai?"

His voice had obviously brought her out of her frozen state and she looked up to see him standing.

"Hmm...kuch nahin, Samrat. Main ye phool dekh rahi thi. Dekho...kitna beautiful rose hai ye. Is khali flower pot main is ek phool ne kitni life bhar di hai..." she signaled him with her eyes to see the flower, swinging gently in the light breeze.

He was in awe of her, yet again. Her simplicity, her innocence, her sweetness...everything about her was very unique. She was different, very different from the rest. After looking in her shining eyes and smiling face for a while, he leaned forward to see out of the window again.

This time his smile also broadened seeing the flower and knowing how just a simple rose brought so much happiness for this girl.

He looked back at her..."tumhain flowers pasand hain, Chashmish?"...his voice was soft.

"Bohat..." she replied and her face glowed with her smile. "In ki khushboo, in ke colors, puri jagah ko mehka detey hain, rung bhar detey hain. Toh kaun ho ga jissey phool pasand na hoon?"

He smiled and nodded in agreement.

Samrat didn't want this lunch date to end, but duty was calling and being new in the setup, he still had loads of things to streamline. So, he sighed and asked her..."chalain, Chashmish, bohat dair..."

He hadn't completed when she lowered her eyes to see the watch in her hand and almost with a jerk, she stood up...

"Oh NO!!! Itni dair ho gayi hai. Samrat. Meri meeting...aur phir meri class...oh God! Ab main kya kerun?! Tum bhi na...mujhey aisa baaton main lagaya ke mujhey time ka idea hi nahin raha. Ye tumhara lunch ka plan toh bohat dangerous hai..." she said this all without taking any breath in between. Worry was written all over her shocked face, as she grabbed her diary and office keys from the table.