Tumhari Amanat- AR Part26 - pg45 - Page 31

kitney din ho gayyee...
it was said to be a daily updated story.. :-/

Heyy vibha...
Dis z such z beautiful n emotional story...
Jst read it all...
Plz do continue it...

PART 25:

THE NEXT ONE YEAR:

ARMAAN IN THE US:

After Armaan realized what and whom he was really missing, he decided to go to India for summer after all. He called the Ford Motor Co regarding his summer job, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that they were really keen on him joining this summer.

"Mr Mallik...we are very impressed with some of the designs you have come up with. In fact these energy efficient cars would be ideal for a country like India. We are really looking forward to working with you this summer, and hopefully train you well so when you eventually move back to India, you could lead this program at our new facility in Gurgaon. But if you need to go to India for personal reasons, we will understand. There are a few other candidates for this summer job."

That was too attractive a carrot that they dangled in front of him. How could he miss out on this opportunity of a life time? Riddhima and his family would understand, he thought, "waise bhi Riddhima abhi college mein busy hogi...main jaaoonga tho aur distract ho jaayegi...ek saal baad hi mil loonga us sey...wo waise bhi Patiala chhod kar kahan jaayegi?" he reasoned with himself

"Well sir...I accept your offer, my personal issues can certainly wait another year," Armaan had made his decision.

So, Armaan worked all summer at the world renowned Ford Motor facility near Detroit. Most of the other students had decided to go back home for at least part of their summer break, but Armaan wanted to make the best use of his summer employment. He learnt a lot and easily impressed a lot of his managers.

"You have a great future Mr Mallik."

"You are the ideal choice for this project in India."

"India would be lucky to have a sharp mind like yours."

Armaan's ego could not have asked for much more. He had dreamt to do something like this all life, "aaj sach much mere sapne poore hote nazar aa rahe hain," he thought.

Armaan decided to call Riddhima one day, "theek hai Riddhima...tu naaraaz hai tho main hi phone karta hoon."

"This phone has been disconnected!" he heard the message on the other line.

"Disconnected? Matlab?" he called home, "Papa? Main Armaan...yeh Gupta uncle ka phone disconnect kyun ho gaya?"

Billy had no answer; he hesitated, but Naina snatched the phone from him, "arre puttar? Badhe dino baad yaad kiya humein? Sab theek hai na?"

"Haan mama...bas summer job mein busy tha...par yeh Riddhima ka phone disconnect kyun ho gaya?" he asked.

"Arre puttar kya bataaoon? Aaj kal phones saare kharaab padhe hain...hamara bhi aaj hi theek hua hai...itni monsoon tho kabhie nahin dekhi," she lied through her teeth.

"Oh! Aap Riddhima ko bula sakti hain? Main us se baat karna chaahta hoon...main hold kar loonga," he said anxiously. His heart beat rapidly in anxious anticipation of hearing her voice after a long time. Naina pretended she had gone to call Riddhima, "abhi hold kar puttar."

Naina went to her room and adjusted her hair and sari as she was on her way out to a party. She came back after a few minutes, "puttar...wo bahar apni doston ke saath picture dekhne gayi hai...Shashank Bhaisaheb bhi kahin bahar gaye hain," she lied again.

Armaan sighed, "theek hai mama...jab aap us se miley, tho keh dena maine phone kiya tha...please us se keh dena ki main usey aaj kal bahut miss kar raha hoon," he blushed a little and hung up.

Naina reassured him but before hanging up, "suno jee," she called Billy, 'lagta hai hamare puttar ki matth maari gayi hai phir...aaj kitne dino baad phir Riddhima ke baare mein poonch raha tha...soch rahi hoon usey keh doon ki Riddhima ki shaadi ho gayi aur kahin door chali gayi hai...phir saara jhanjhat hi khatam ho jaayega."

"Bhaagwan! Matthi tho teri maari gayi hai...Rahul ki tarah doosra ladka bhi khona hai kya? Abhi usey padhai khatam karne de...jab wapas aayega tab keh denge ki Riddhima ki shaadi ho gayi...abhi bataa diya tho kahin wo padhai chhod kar wapas na aa jaaye," Billy explained.

Armaan thought about calling Rahul and Muskaan on several occasions, but felt ashamed for his behavior on the phone a few months ago. He had gotten really upset with Rahul when he heard that he was planning to elope with Muskaan. Armaan had always mocked at Rahul for being so impatient and desperate to get married. That day, in his usual sarcastic and with his laser sharp tongue, had gotten upset with Rahul. He was probably more upset about not receiving calls from Riddhima, and had inadvertently taken out his anger on Rahul. Rahul had resolved to break off all relations with Armaan and his parents that day. Armaan never heard from Rahul again. Now that he had remorse over his unjustified anger, he really wanted to call but decided to mend fences with his brother face to face rather than on the phone.

Shilpa came back from India after the break and called Armaan, "Hey Mr Engineer...what about our dinner date?"

"Sure Shilpa...I owe you one...let's meet at 8 at Gino's," he replied

AT GINO's:

"So, Armaan how was your summer? Hope you took a break?" Shilpa asked once they were seated.

"It was great! I have an excellent offer from Ford...basically I have a great job waiting for me in India after I graduate," he sipped his drink and said proudly.

"What a bore! Well...I should not say that...I am sure you still had a horde of girlfriends every weekend," she smiled

"Actually no," he said softly, "I have to thank you for that."

Shilpa's eyes popped wide, 'don't tell me you have fallen for me?"

Armaan laughed, "No way...you are not my type."

Shilpa teased him, "Really? Main tho kitni umeedon se aayi thi yahan," she chuckled and then became a little serious, "so you realized that you DO really love her."

Armaan blushed a little, "Yes Shilpa...thanks to you...I am really grateful to you for opening my eyes...jab se mujhey yeh ehsaas hua hai ki main Riddhima se pyaar karta hoon, mere dil ko bahut sukoon mila hai."

"Aww...ek photo tho dikhao apni sweetheart ki," she asked

"Photo? I don't have a photo...in fact I don't think I have any photos of her even at home," he said

"Tho iska matlab sachha pyaar hai tumhara...uski tasveer tumhare dil mein basi hai...kyun?" she said

Armaan lowered his eyes and smiled, "shayad tum theek kehti ho Shilpa...itney saal uske saath raha tho yeh ehsaas nahin hua, lekin ab door reh kar ho raha hai...God I really miss her."

Shilpa squeezed his hand, "Good for you Armaan...ab jaldi se usey bhi yeh khush khabri de do kahin wo aur kisi se pyaar na kar baithe."

"Nahin Shilpa...she loves me a lot...wo kabhie kisi aur ki nahin banegi," he said confidently.

"How can you be so sure?" Shilpa was surprised.

"Because she told me so...she even asked me to get married to her," he said.

"WHAT? WOW! Patiala ki ladkiyan itni forward hoti hain? She actually proposed to you and tum uska dil thod kar yahan aa gaye?" Shilpa was appalled.

Armaan looked down guiltily, "shayad iss liye mujhse thodi naaraaz hai...but don't worry, main usey manaa loonga...she has always looked up to me...wo zyaada der mujhse naaraz nahin reh sakti."

"You are a bit presumptuous Armaan...kisi ladki ka toota dil itni aasaani se nahin jodh sakte," Shilpa's voice cracked as she said that.

Armaan did not notice the mist in Shilpa's eyes; he was too preoccupied thinking about Riddhima, "No you are wrong here Shilpa...Riddhima aisi nahin hai...hum ek doosre ko bahut achhi tarah samajh te hain...main jaanta hoon jab wo mujhey dekhegi tho saara gussa bhool jaayegi."

"Armaan...at least drop in a nice card or something for her...she needs to have some hope," Shilpa said

"Nahin Shilpa...ab main usey seedha propose hi karoonga...I really want to see that million dollar expression on her face when I ask her to get married to me...she has the brightest smile in this world...and I want to be the first one to see it...iss liye main usey surprise doonga...come on let us order!" he said happily.

"Excuse me...I just need to visit the ladies' room," Shilpa got up and walked away. She had tears in her eyes; the conversation with Armaan reminded her of her first heartbreak. It had been years, but she had still not forgotten her first love. Armaan was of course too oblivious of what emotions Shilpa was going through while he was dreaming about Riddhima.

After dinner, they walked back to their respective apartments. It was raining once again, but this time Armaan was not sad or distressed. The rain fall elevated his spirits; he whistled all the way back as this

song plays in the background:

"Baarish" by "Adnan Sami"

baarish baarish baarish...

baarish ki rim jhim kuchh gaa rahi hai

BETAABI DIL pe mere chha rahi hai

khushbu hawa bhi teri la rahi hai, la rahi hai

armaano pe sitam dha rahi hai

teri KHABAR na koi aa rahi hai

shama ki roshani bhi ja rahi hai

teri yaad aa rahi hai, aa rahi hai

meri jaan ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai

saare nagame, saare MAUSAM, DIL JALAAYE abb toh hardam

milane julane ki majboori dard ban gayi abb yeh DOORI

teri khabar na koi aa rahi hai

shama ki roshani bhi ja rahi hai

teri yaad aa rahi hai, aa rahi hai

meri jaan ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai

rim jhim... baarish... rim jhim...

He dreamt about getting married to Riddhima. They would move to Delhi after marriage; he would work at the new Ford facility there, she would take care of him and their household...he would make love to her every night...he sighed as he remembered her lips he had so eagerly kissed...no wonder I was always attracted to her...I have always loved her...since we were kids...kaash pehle yeh ehsaas hota tho uss din uski birthday par rulata nahin...I will make it up to her...we will have at least 3...no 4 kids...meri punjaban kudi...he jumped up in the air just thinking about his life with her...

umidon ke deep jalaaye baitha hoon main khwaab sajaaye

yeh furkat ka ghum tadpaaye, ik lamha bhi chain na aaye

teri KHABAR na koi aa rahi hai

shama ki roshani bhi ja rahi hai

teri yaad aa rahi hai, aa rahi hai

meri jaan ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai

baarish ki rim jhim kuchh gaa rahi hai

betaabi dil pe mere chha rahi hai

khushbu hawa bhi teri la rahi hai, la rahi hai

armaano pe sitam dha rahi hai

teri khabar na koi aa rahi hai

shama ki roshani bhi ja rahi hai

(teri yaad aa rahi hai, aa rahi hai, aa rahi hai

meri jaan ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai, ja rahi hai) - 4

THE NEXT ONE YEAR IN MUMBAI:

Kumud continued to work at Prem and Lovely's restaurant day and night. A regular group of customers started visiting the restaurant, not only because of her cooking skills, but also her looks. They would make snide remarks directed at her:

'Punjabi kudi'

'Dekh tho sahi bilkul malai si hai'

'pata hai pehle Naina bai ke *cough*cough* mein bhi kaam karti thi...'

'aaj kal apne Asad bhai ke saath ghoomti hai...'

'arre sirf ghoomti hi nahin...saath saath rehte bhi hai...aur na jaane kya kya karti hai...'

'Asad ki tho masti hai...'

Kumud would try to ignore their comments and continue with her work and serve the customers. Once she complained to Prem and Lovely, but they were helpless, "Kumud beti...hum logon ka mooh tho bandh nahin kar sakte...aur waise bhi wo regular customer hain...unhey hum naaraaz nahin kar sakte."

Kumud was getting restless at this restaurant now; the snide and malicious remarks kept escalating as more young men got wind of 'Naina bai's call girl' working at the restaurant. Kumud was unaware that this rumor mill was started by Amar!

Sid had gotten upset with Amar after Kumud had escaped their clutches almost a year ago. He had been on the lookout for Amar. Once he got hold of him, he had threatened to kill him and wanted all his money back. Amar had been badly assaulted by Sid's men a few months ago.

Amar decided to avenge his humiliation and through the police station was able to find out about Asad and Kumud. Once he found out where Kumud worked, he started sending the men to the restaurant to harass her.

One day, while Kumud was returning home after a late night at the restaurant, she thought someone was following her. She hurried through the quiet streets, but the footsteps became louder. She started running as fast as she could, but the footsteps ran as fast as she did. She did not dare to look behind. Her heart was beating rapidly; she had flashbacks of that ill fated night at the train station with Amar and the brothel. She tried to hide behind a pillar and saw the profile of the man following her- IT WAS AMAR!

She fumbled through her purse and found her cell phone. She pressed the one touch dial for Asad's number and tried to escape again. Suddenly, she felt her braids being pulled by someone.

"Apne pyaare bhaiyya ko chhod kar kahan chal di ?" Amar yelled.

"Chhodo mujhey!" Kumud tried to pull away, but Amar grabbed her neck, "main tujhey nahin chhodunga...teri wajah se mujhey kitni taqleef sehni padhi hai...chal mere saath...apne pyaare bhaiyya ke saath."

"NAHIN!" she yelled as she winced in pain from her scalp being pulled apart.

As she tried her best to escape, she suddenly felt his grip loosen on her. Kumud turned around and saw Asad grab Amar by his collar and punch him to the ground. The two men had quite a scuffle. Finally, Amar was overpowered by the taller and much stronger Asad. Before Asad could mince him further, Amar ran away as fast as he could.

Kumud was trembling with fear. As soon as Amar ran away, she ran and hugged Asad tightly. She sobbed loudly on his chest as he comforted her. He picked her purse and dupatta from the ground and put his arm around her. Without saying a word, they took a cab and got a ride back home.

Kumud was still in shock when they reached home. Dadi was worried to see Kumud's state, "kya hua beta? Aur tere bhi khoon nikal raha hai!" she cleaned Asad's wounds and prepared some hot dinner for both of them. Shashank walked into the kitchen and was shocked to see Kumud and Asad battered and bruised. He hugged both of them and became tearful.

Once they were all settled, Asad announced, "Kumud...kal se tum wahan kaam nahin karogi."

"Lekin Asad...main kaam ke bina kaise..kaise?" she asked

"Beti...koi aur kaam dhoondh lena...teri zindagi zyaada pyaari hai," dadi said. Shashank nodded his head in agreement.

"Nahin dadi...main aisa nahin kar sakti...aakhir iss ghar ka kiraaya...aur daddyji ki dawaaiyan...aur...aur," she did not mention anything about her debt as Shashank was unaware of her sending money to the Malliks. Kumud did not mention that it was Amar who had followed her as she did not want Shashank to regress with his progress.

"Kumud...main tumhari help karoonga...tumhein kahin ghar ke paas ya mere garage ke paas naukri mil jaayegi," Asad suggested.

Kumud ran to her room; she was very distraught from the whole incident, scared that Amar had found her, and upset as she did not want to stop working.

Asad followed her, "Kumud...Kumud...kaun tha wo aadmi?"

Kumud sobbed and looked at him tearfully; she told him about all the harassment and humiliation she had undergone over the last few weeks at the restaurant, and told him about Amar. Asad was furious; he knew it was hard for a young single girl in Mumbai. As long as Amar was at large, Kumud's life and safety was in danger. He was even more upset about the harassment she had gone through the last few weeks.

"Kumud...mujhsey shaadi karogi?" he looked into her eyes and asked directly.

She was shocked, "kya kaha? Shaadi? Lekin...lekin aap mujhse shaadi kyun karna chaahte hain? Sirf is ghatna ki wajah se?"

"Nahin Kumud! Main tumse pyaar karta hoon...aur chaahta hoon ki tumhein kabhie koi taqleef na ho...kabhie koi tum par ungli na uthaa sake...ek pati ki tarah tumhari raksha kar sakoon...aur tumhein wo saari khushiyan de sakoon, jiski tum haqdaar ho," he held her hand and kissed it, "yeh haath mere haath mein jab tak rahega Kumud, main tumhara saath kabhie nahin chhodunga...I love you Kumud...I promise I will keep you happy...aur kisi ki buri nazar tum par nahin padhne doonga," he gazed into her eyes expectantly.

Kumud was speechless...who could understand the pain of rejection better than her?...She knew Asad meant every word he just said...just like she had asked someone the same question on her 18th birthday. She saw the same hope...the same expectation...the same anticipation in his eyes as she had from Armaan one day. It had not been easy for her to ask that question that day...and it was probably not easy for Asad either...what was she going to do???

Guys I know it's quite late but gonna update from now 😛...didn't pm anyone do check :)

Thank god you updated. And it was

Amazing update

Res
edited*

Omg that amar guy 😡 i could kill him ri8 nw 😡 harrassing his own sister..kameena 😡 🤬


and asad proposed her 😲

di it was nikki nt shilpa 😛 nikki/shilpa is in luv wid whom??? ❓

hopefully armaan comes back soon... I knw armaan has a lot to repent and regret later..can't see asad's heart broken... I hope kumud asad ka proposal accept na kare


di ab gayab mat ho jana

Heyy di
Dis update ws a pleasant surprise
After I had read it few days back I cdnt frgt it n keep chkng on fr updates n finally got one
Dis part ws amazing
Itz really good dat Armaan hs realized his feelings...but poor nikki...it wsnt Shilpa 😉
But bst part ws d Mumbai scene...
Asad proposed her...woww...I really want kumud to say yes...Asad here z such a sweetheart n he lives her a Lott n hs always protected her...I don't want asadz heartbreak
N moreover I think Armaan Shd realise what he hs lost Bcz if his ego n blind trust on his selfish parents...n kumud deserves all d happiness...plzzz lt her say yes...
L b waitng fr nxt part
Lv
Jasmine

Vibha Di...
V want an update...plzzz
So so excited to knw abt kumuds ans...

PART 26:

RECAP: Kumud was speechless...who could understand the pain of rejection better than her?...She knew Asad meant every word he just said...just like she had asked someone the same question on her 18th birthday. She saw the same hope...the same expectation...the same anticipation in his eyes as she had from Armaan one day. It had not been easy for her to ask that question that day...and it was probably not easy for Asad either...what was she going to do????


Kumud gazed at Asad's expectant eyes. There was just love and genuine affection in them; no pretense...no, he was not taking advantage of the situation...he had probably thought about this decision for a while, he was just waiting for an opportunity.


Kumud lowered her eyes and did not say anything.


"Koi baat nahin Kumud...yeh waqt shayad aisi baatein karne ka nahin hai...aaj ki shaam bahut lambi thi...tum aaraam kar lo...jab tumhey theek waqt lage, mere sawaal ka jawaab de dena...Good night," he turned around to leave. Kumud grabbed his wrist, "Asad...thanks for saving me once again," she had tears in her eyes.


He looked at her and smiled a little, "kaha tha na tumse...yeh thanks wanks ki bhasha mujhey samajh nahin aati...ab so jao...subah baat karenge."


Riddhima stayed up all night. Her head throbbed with the events of the evening. She had been shaken up by Amar's near assault on her, and then Asad's proposal had completely surprised her.


She was in a fix. Her conscious (Kumud) and sub-conscious (Riddhima) mind debated all night as she tossed and turned in bed.


Kumud: Asad ne tumhari kitni help ki hai...aaj tak wo tumhare saath chattaan bankar har jagah khada raha hai...yadi Asad tumhari zindagi mein nahin hota tho aaj tum barbaad ho gayi hoti.

Riddhima: Barbaad tho main usi din ho gayi thi jab Armaan ne mere pyaar ko thukraaya tha


Kumud: Armaan...Armaan...Armaan...aakhir kab tak uss berehem insaan ke liye tum aansoo bahaati rahogi? Kya usey tumhari bilkul bhi chinta hai? Kya yehi dosti nibhaayi hai Armaan ne? 2 saal hone waale hain...par ek baar bhi khabar li tumhari?


Riddhima: Lekin main sirf Armaan ki hoon...main kisi aur se shaadi kaise kar sakti hoon?


Kumud: Tum sirf apne baare mein soch rahi ho Riddhima. Asad kitna chaahta hai tumhey...kya tum uska dil thodna chaahti ho? Tumhey tho pataa hai na ki dil tootna kisey kehte hain? Asad ko kya phir uss sharaab ke andhere mein dhakel na chaahti ho? Usney tumhare liye aur daddyji ke liye kitna kuch nahin kiya? Kya uska dil thodna hi uska inaam hoga?



Riddhima: Lekin main Asad ko pyaar nahin karti...usey kaise ek patni ka pyaar de paaoongi?


Kumud: duniya mein kitni auraton ki shaadi aise logon se hoti hain jinhey wo jaanti bhi nahin hain...yeh tho Asad ki baat ho rahi hai...jo tumhey jee jaan se chaahta hai...kya uske liye thoda pyaar nahin juta paaogi?


Riddhima: Lekin wo pyaar nahin...ek samjhauta hoga


Kumud: Samjhauta nahin...balki dosti nibhaaogi tum Riddhima...aur Armaan jaise insaan ke liye tum Asad ko thukra dogi? Armaan ne na kabhie tumhari izzat ki, aur na hi tumhare pyaar ki kabhie kadar ki...Asad tumhari izzat bhi karta hai aur kadar bhi...wo tumhey hamesha khush rakhega...Armaan sirf pehle apne aap ko khusk rakhega, aur phir tumhare baare mein sochega...Asad hamesha tumhare baare mein pehle sochega.


Riddhima: Nahin mera dil nahin maanta...mera Armaan aisa nahin hai...wo kehta nahin hai, par wo mujhey sach much pyaar karta hai...main uski amaanat hoon...kisi aur ki kabhie nahin ho sakti.


Kumud; Theek hai tho karti rehna zindagi bhar uska intezaar...aur Asad ka jab dil toot jaaye, tho uske liye kuch sharaab bhi khareed dena...shayad tumhein shanti milegi...kam se kam tum Armaan ki yaad mein tho reh logi...Asad bechara pehle apne maa baap ke ghum mein aur phir tumhari wajah se bilkul toot jaayega.


Riddhima shut her ears: Nahin! Main kuch nahin jaanti...jab tak Armaan America se wapas nahin aa jaata...main Asad se shaadi karne ki soch bhi nahin sakti


Kumud: Tho itni meherbaani zaroor karna Asad par...usey Armaan ke baare mein sab kuch bataa do...kam se kam wo ek jhoothi aas mein tho nahin jeeyega.


She finally dozed off, as her mind swirled like a twister all night.


NEXT DAY:


Asad insisted on accompanying Kumud to work and told her that he would pick her up that evening too. She resisted the help, but Dadi and Shashank (by his gestures) agreed with Asad.


On their way to work, Kumud never talked about his proposal from last night.


He dropped her at work and then instead of heading to the garage, went to meet a friend who worked at a bank and dealt with small business loans.


"Yaar Josh...mujhey bataa yadi main apna business kholna chaahoon, tho kya loan mil sakta hai?" Asad asked.


"Haan yadi koi guarantee dene ko tayaar ho tho ho sakta hai," Josh said


Asad talked to Veer about his plan. Veer had run a taxi business for a few years and had a reasonable credit history with the banks. Veer agreed to help out his dear friend. He was happy that Asad was serious about his future and had stopped drinking now. Veer knew that Kumud played a big role in his friend's transformation.


By the end of the day, his loan was approved. Asad had a plan- he wanted to tell Kumud about it before anyone else found out.


He picked Kumud after her shift, "Kumud...ek khush khabri hai...chalo tumhey ek baat bataani hai." Kumud was worn out and tired after the long day. The only redeeming factor was that the rowdy men did not bother her that day. She really did not want to talk about the proposal either.


They took an auto to the beach and sat on the sand next to each other. Asad purchased some chana from a vendor, "yeh lo Kumud," he offered her some.

"nahin mera mann nahin hai," she said

"OK...Kumud...mujhey tumse kuch kehna hai," he said excitedly

"Pehle mujhey kuch kehna hai," she interjected; she was afraid he would ask about the proposal.


Asad's eyes twinkled in anticipation, "shayad shaadi ke baare mein kuch kehna chaahti hai," he thought.


"Asad...aapko meri pichli zindagi ke baare mein bahut kam pataa hai," she said softly


"Jitna jaan na zaroori hai...jaanta hoon...mere chote se bheje main zyaada information store nahin ho sakti," he chuckled


"Mazaak ki baat nahin hai Asad," she sounded a little annoyed


"Achha baba...batao...dekhta hoon mere dimaag ke spark plugs kaam kar rahe hain ya nahin?" he laughed as he popped one chana after another in his mouth.


"Asad...Patiala mein...wahan mera ek achha...ek bahut kareeb," she paused


"Dost tha...jo tumhein bahut pasand hai?" he said mischievously


She was stunned, "aapko kaise pataa?"


Asad's color drained-he was stunned at her response; he became a little serious and turned his face away, "main tho aise hi mazaak kar raha tha," he tried to hide the disappointment in his eyes.


"Sorry Asad...lekin yeh sach hai," she added softly.


Asad kept his gaze away; he swallowed hard and then said, "phir tho shaadi us se hi karni chaahiye Kumud...itna soch kyun rahi ho?"


Kumud lowered her eyes, "wo...wo...mujhse shaadi nahin karna chaahta...ab wo America mein hai."


Asad was stunned; he looked at her, "kaun pagal aadmi hai jo tum jaisi ladki se shaadi nahin karna chaahta?"


Kumud had tears in her eyes, "main hi shayad pagal hoon Asad, jo ab tak uski umeed par rehti hoon."


Asad felt sorry for her. He hated to see her in tears. He turned the packet of chana on her head.


"AHHH! Asad! Yeh kya kar diya?" she screamed as all the spicy chanas and masala covered her head. She brushed it off her hair as best as she could.


Asad enjoyed watching her struggle with the chanas and spices on her scalp and hair.


"Baal kho lo...tho aasaani ho jaayegi," he whispered in her ear, "chaaho tho main help kar doon?" he grinned.


She looked up and saw him staring at her braided hair. His hand was stretched out as if offering to help her loosen the hair. She suddenly remembered the incident in her room when Armaan had unbraided her hair- of course he never took permission to do so...she still had goose bumps as she remembered his sensuous touch on her skin.



"Main apne aap kar loongi," she hesitated and loosened her hair.


Asad was in a trance with her beautiful face lit up in the moonlight as her thick tresses fell over her shoulders all the way to her waist. She untangled her hair and brushed off the chanas from her hair.


He stared at her lovingly and said softly, "sach much tumhara dost bahut bad naseeb hai...shayad usney tumhey is roop main kabhie nahin dekha hoga Kumud...usey zameen par baithe chaand mil raha tha...aur wo saat samunder paar baitha hai?"



Kumud turned red with the compliment. Asad had said everything in that one sentence. Kumud realized for the first time how differently the two men perceived her in their lives.


"Aap...aap bhi mujhey kuch bataana chaahte the na?" she tried to distract him.


Asad sighed and smiled, "arre kya Kumud?...Chaand par baitha tha...ab boring baatein karne ko keh rahi ho," he chuckled.


Kumud felt her cheeks flush again with his comment; Asad definitely had a way with words, "boring baatein?" she was amused.


Asad grinned, "chalo is baat par hansi tho aayi tumhey...Kumud mujhey bank se loan mil raha hai...main chaahta hoon ki uss loan se hum apna business start karein."


"Business?" she asked.


"Haan...business...Mumbai Pune highway par 2 cheezon ki bahut demand hai...ek acche car mechanics ki aur doosra acche restaurants ki...aaj kal bahut NRIs business karte hain is highway ke zariye...tho main soch raha tha ki ek Kumud da dhaba aur bagal mein Asad ka garage ek saath khul jaayein, tho kaisa rahega?...Wahan paas mein ek flat bhi le sakte hain...kiraya bhi Mumbai se kam hi hoga...kyun idea kaisa raha?" Asad asked


"Lekin aap yeh kyun karna chaahte hain?" she asked


"Kumud...zindagi bhar doosre logon ke liye kaam kyun karein? Hum dono itne talented hain tho kyun na khud apna business start karein?" Asad looked at her inquisitively.
"Lekin loan wapas kaise hoga? Mujhpar pehle hi bahut karz hai," she inadvertently told him about her debt.


"Karz? Kaun sa?' he asked


Kumud had to tell him the whole story about their house in Patiala, her mother's illness and the money that they had borrowed. Now he knew why she mailed a money order every month.


"Tho tumhara wo bachpan ka dost, inhee logon ka beta hai?" he asked


She nodded her head.


"Aisa kya hai usmein Kumud?" he asked softly, "tumhein kitna zaleel kiya hai in logon ne...aur tum phir bhi? Akhir kyun? Tum tho bahut self respecting ladki ho na? Phir kyun intezaar kar rahi ho uska?" his eyes searched for answers in her eyes.


She stayed quiet. He pulled away, and said, "shayad pyaar ka doosra naam hi pagalpan hai...haina?" he wiped a tear from the corner of his eyes and walked away, "chalo Kumud...ghar chalte hain."


Kumud followed him silently.


As they headed home, Kumud's thoughts kept disturbing her again, "Asad hamesha hum dono ke baare mein hi sochte hain...business ka idea bhi hum dono ke liye soch rahe hain...Armaan ne aaj tak kabhie apne sapno mein mujhey thodi si jagah bhi nahin di hai...aur Asad ka harr sapna mere saath juda hai...kyun? Aisa kyun ho raha hai mere saath devi maa? Main kya karoon? Asad theek kehte hain main Armaan ke intezaar mein pagal ho gayi hoon...kyun aise insaan ki raah dekh rahi hoon jo mujhey apna samajhta hi nahin hai?"



Asad was tearful himself; his eyes glistened in the dark, but he turned his head away from Kumud, "Kumud...bhagwan jaanta hai ki mera pyaar kitna sachha hai...lekin main yeh jaanta hoon ki tum kisi aur se pyaar karti ho...tumhari khushi mein hi meri khushi hai...mujhey tumhara harr decision manzoor hai."



Sorry for being late once again...but here's the next part
Some demand AR while some AsMud...Do let me know ur views :D
If u need I can change it a bit :)
Priyu here it is 😛
Rihu i tried to mail u ...but it isn't going :(((
I won't be able to pm u all...sorry for that too