Hello everyone😊, hope everyone is doing good.
Updating after a long time, just got chance to use Chachu's laptop, mine will reach back to me in November, and so, I don't know when I would be online next.
Mishkat's bday is also approaching but I won't be able to contribute this time sadly🤔...Thanks to all in advance🤗😳
I don't know kaisa lagega ye sorry in case I didn't live upto your expectation
Thanks again.
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NiBir SS: Let's Football !
Chapter2
I was patiently waiting for him since past 15 minutes. Nope, he wasn't late but I was early. Well there was nothing new in it for me because I've always been before time in all my endeavours. Although it always lands me in boredom of endless waiting, yet old habits seldom die.
I suspired and looked out of the deserted cafe through the wall of glass. It's still ten minutes to six o'clock but the light of the day has shaded down. So, the nature seems to be in a different mood today. I rubbed my arms with my hands as cool breeze that filled the atmosphere brought chills. Sitting just near the window, oscillation of treetops and rustling of leaves seemed very enchanting. I was engrossed in nature's beauty when euphony of a wind chime caught my attention.It corresponded a herald welcoming Kabir.
I saw him approaching with a smile shining on his face and so I too spread my lips getting up.
"Please remain seated" he urged. I sat down and he too settled himself pulling a chair in front.
"2 hot coffee please" he told a waiter who stood nearby. The waiter nodded and left.
He then turned his eyes to me and smiled, "It's still 5 minutes to six"
"Yeah" I smiled back.
We sat in silence surrounded with nature's peace. He often ran his hands through his hair while I tugged mine behind my ears again and again as the winds played with them.
"Weather has suddenly turned cold today" he said.
"Hmm chilling rather" I beamed.
"Probably it would rain" he looked outside.
"Surely it would" I agreed.
This time silence between us felt comfortable... I glanced at him and unaware our glimpses met. I looked down the next instant grabbing the menu card.
He spoke , "Thanks for coming Nisha"
I looked at him and smiled, "Thanks for invitation Kabir"
He grinned,"Hum kuch jyada hi formal nahi ho rahe?"
"Bohot jyada" I kept the menu card aside.
"To Miss intelligent kaisa lag raha hai?" He asked keeping his hands on the table leaning forward.
"Jaisa aapko lag raha hai Mr. Khiladi"
He chortled "'aapko'? Itni izzat?"
"Ha national player banne wale ho so" I smiled wide.
"Yeah- but 'aapko' mat bolo yaar, it makes me feel as if I'm an aged man" he shook his head.
"Okay" I chuckled.
"How did you celebrate your win and selection?" I questioned.
"With parents,teammates and my coach" he proudly smiled.
"And yeah you're invited for party day after tomorrow. Please grace the occasion with your parents" his eyes shone.
"I'll try"
"No trying okay, you'll have to come" he demanded.
"I'm personally inviting you" he spoke affectionately.
I displayed a half smile.
"Ik munda Punjabi jide nain sharaabi"
I got startled at the sudden sound. Kabir's eyes flared wide.
"Ohnu love u love u aankh di"
He hastily took out his mobile.
"O dil le gayi kudi...dil le gayi kudi Gujarat di"
And he almost tossed his phone making it silent in uneasiness.
He displayed a nervous smile and I too.
A waiter placed a tray with two cups of coffee on our table.
"Thanks" we both acknowledged and waiter left. Our fingers struck as we went on to take the same cup. I slowly drove my eyes upward and he supressed his grin.
"Err you take it" he lifted the other cup.
While having coffee I asked,"Kabir how do you manage to pass exams? You hardly attend classes"
"There are some people called friends who are there to help me nights before exam"
"Yeah but still... poora syllabus ek raat me ho jaata hai? "
"Kisne kaha mai poora syllabus padhta hu" he simpered.
I shook my head.
"Mai bhi kise bol raha hu...89%" he jutted out his lower lip raising his brows.
"Kya 89% 89% laga rakha hai...tumhare kitne bane last sem me?"
He coughed hard and kept his cup aside. I suggested him to look up. After he got back to normal he averred,"Jaise ladkiyo se unki age and ladko se unki salary nahi puchi jaati, vese hi students se unke percentage nahi puche jaate "
I rolled my eyes.
"Accha 90%" he chuckled.
I flew my wide eyes to him,"What?"
"Yeah" he nodded vigorously.
"Maine top kiya tha okay! jhoot mat bolo!" I glared.
"9 out of 10 calculates to 90%"
I blinked my eyes in confusion so he clarified "9 wins out of 10 matches" he possessed a lopsided grin.
I flared my nostrils "I was asking about semester exams"
"Don't lie okay! Tumne kaha tha ki kitne % bane last sem me...to maine bata diya" he jumped his shoulders a little.
"Alright fine" I smiled taking the final sip and put the empty cup down.
"Nisha"
"Hmm"
"Do you have any boyfriends?" he asked with pursed lips.
"What do you mean by boyfriends?" I asked emphasizing the 's'.
"89% naa,to mujhe laga bohot honge" he chortled.
"Shut up yaar!" I sulked.
"So...erm...Interested?" He flashed his brows keeping his cup down.
Interested in him? As boyfriend?
"Huh?" I asked dazed.
"Interested in having coffee tomorrow too? Same time?" He rubbed his hand over his neck.
Question changed!
"Ohkay" I smiled awkwardly.
"Bill" he told a waiter who brought it.
I kept a fifty Rupee note.
"I'm paying" he asserted taking out his wallet.
"Tumhare 25 kal k the bhulakkad"
He tilted his head with narrowed eyes. I laughed quietly and he folded his hands noisily slamming his palms giving in.
Both of us raised ourselves smiling and reached the exit door
"I am going for football practice now" he lowered his tone looking down "if you would like to come along," he said.
"It's erm already 7"
"It's...it's okay...I was just asking" he said looking straight.
"Hmm bye"
"Bye"
I surpassed him and he called me"Nisha!"
I swirled "ha"
"You came via bus?"
"No, my scooty" I showed him the key.
I added,"It got repaired before the expected time"
"Oh, Can I get a lift?" He showed his teeth.
I chuckled "Sure"
"Thanks" he smiled wide nearing me.
He sat behind and I asked wearing the helmet "Where do I drop you?"
I got no reply so I swirled my neck and found him talking soundlessly facing up the sky. He then brought his head down. He quickly shut his mouth.
"Kya hua?"
"kaha chodu tumhe?"
"Mat chodo please"
"Kya?"
"Ma..ma..mrunaal stadium chod do please"
"Magar vo to cricket ka hai"
"Hehe...mazaak kar raha tha mai" he spoke with a nervous face.
"football stadium lena" he spoke to which I nodded since there was single football stadium in the city.
The weather started to sprinkle.
"Arey!" "Wow!"
We expressed simultaneously.
"Tumhe baarish pasand nahi?" he asked.
"Pasand hai but yaar driving me problem aati hai" I stated.
"Mai karu drive?"
"Nai, mai chala lungi"
The next I took a sharp turn. He held me in reflex.
I thought he would leave me as I slowed after a little while but he still held me.
I spoke hesistantly, "Kabir"
"Ha"
"Tumne mujhe kyu pakda hai?"
He removed his hand the next instant.
"Vo...vo...vo itni speed me koi chalaata hai kya? Khud marogi aur mujhe bhi marwaaogi"
"30 ki speed hai... isse slow karungi to cycle wala bhi aage nikal jaega"
He laughed, "Joke bade acche maarti hai tu"
"Purana joke tha"
"Mere liye naya tha" he sulked.
I shook my head.
I stopped my scooty as we reached the stadium.
"It has started drizzling, why don't you wait for some time?" He uttered getting down my scooty.
I wiped the glass of my helmet and said "it's just a drizzle now what if it starts raining? I'm going bye"
"Hmm...thanks bye" he dug his hands in pockets.
I pushed the key and he closed his eyes smelling the petrichor.
"You like rains?"
He spoke in excitement "Very much"
"Okay bye" I waved my hand.
"Nisha a request"
"What?"
"Please don't tell anyone about our dat...meeting" he gupled.
"Why?" I asked puzzled.
"My girlfriend would dump me then"
"What!"
He nodded.
"But you had said after the match that you don't have girlfriend!"
"You remembered?" He smiled.
"You doubt my memory ?" I sulked.
"No no not at all!" He showed his palm.
"Then?" I flared my nostrils.
And ball drops began to splatter my helmet pane answering me the reason behind his illogical chat.
He hurriedly uttered "Nisha let's go inside otherwise you will get drenched"
His statement confirmed that he wanted to spend more time with me.I nodded having no other option.
Once inside,I dialled home and informed my parents of getting late. I wondered standing in front of the opening of ground as there were people inside the stadium of different ages. All of them: kids, young boys, few girls, parents,coaches... everyone stood under the large shed.
I saw Kabir coming with a football in his hands.
"How would you practice now? It's raining"
He happily rotated the ball on his index finger and walked towards the ground.
"Hey!" I called him out but he didn't cease.
In the white lights spanning the damp green grass, he gave light touches to the ball with his foot. With transparent sparkles falling down the sky, I saw him race and swiftly thrust the ball that landed on the net. People exhorted him with loud cheers. He bowed down and my lips curved up as kids swarmed upto him leaving their places to meet their ideal.
He was playing happily with them. My mobile rang and I took the call.
"Ha Maa"
"Nisha 8 baj raha hai"
"Mai bas 20 minute me aa rahi"
"Tu hai kaha?"
"Mai... vo... Kirti...Kirti ke saath hu"
"Jhoot mat bol"
"Jhoot kyu bolungi mai Maa?"
"Vo mujhe kaise pata hoga? Kirti abhi ghar aayi thi"
"Kya?"
"Haa, chal bata ab kya chupa rahi hai tu Nishu?"
Oh God! Why Kirti had to come home today and that too at this time?
"Maa vo mai...mai football stadium me hu" I uttered in a low voice.
"Kya is waqt?"
"Hmmm"
"Baarish ho rahi hai Nishu itni tez! Tu vaha kya kar rahi hai?"
"Maa mai ghar aake batati hu"
"Kuch problem hai kya Nisha? Kya hua? Tu thik to hai na? Kahi-"
"Oho! Relax Maa. Mai bilkul thik hu. Kaha naa mene ghar aake batati hu aur don't worry baarish me pehli baar nahi chala rahi hu scooty"
"Magar-"
"Maa aap phone rakhogi tabhi mai scooty start kar paungi"
"Hmm dhyaan se karna drive aur sun agar kuch lage to phone karna aur ha-"
"Maa maa maa mai sab samaj gayi ok now ghar pe milti hu bye love you"
I cut the call.
"Love you too" I heard Kabir's voice and swirled.
He stood smiling there running his hands over his wet hair.
"Kya bola?"
"Kya?"
"Tune kya bola?"
" 'Kya' aisa bola maine"
"Arey! uske pehle kya bola?"
"Uske pehle kahan kuch bola maine"
I gave an angry stare at him.
"Raat ko yahi rukne ka irada hai?" He lifted his brows.
"Kya matlab?"
"Dekh sab ghar jaa rahe hai. Tujhe nahi jaana?"
"Jaana hai naa. Mai to pehle hi chali jaati magar tune rok liya yaha"
"Maine kab roka?"
"Nisha let's go inside" I mocked his words in his tone.
"To tu bheeg k bimaar pad jaati isliye kaha tha maine"
He sneezed.
"Bimaar to tu dikh raha hai mujhe"
"Nai vo-" he sneezed again.
"Chal take care bye"
"Sun-" and he sneezed for the third time.
"Change kar le kapde, varna tujhe hospital le jaana padega yaha se"
"Very funny!" he mocked.
I chuckled, "Sach me...jaa ab...ye geele kapde mat pehen itni der tak"
"Utaar to lunga mai, magar pehenunga kya?" he chortled.
"Huh?"
"Ghar nai hai ye mera, stadium hai, dusre kapde kaha se lau? Online shopping ki delivery bhi nai aayegi itni jaldi" he chuckled.
"To gadhe ye bheegne k pehle sochna tha na"
"Tu 89% hai matlab ye nai ki baaki log gadhe hai"
"Tu jab dekho tab 89% kyu bol raha hai? Koi dushmani hai teri 89% se?"
"Ha to kitne ajeeb % hai...89... 1% aur le aati, 90 ho jaate"
"Tu kyu nahi le aata 90%?"
"Hai to mere, bataya to tha...9 out of 10... kaaheki intelligent hai tu? Itni jaldi bhul gayi"
"Oh hello! Mai semester exam ki baat kar rahu tabse samjha"
"Agar hum yahi khade khade ye %-% ki baat karte rahenge naa to ghar pe hume 100% daant padegi"
"Mai to ghar jaa hi rahi thi, tu hi mera time waste kar raha hai"
I strode out to my scooty in rain.
"Bye" He said with an extra wide smile and irkedly said"bye"
And then I got a shock. A thunder rolled in complementing my dumbfoundness.
"Idhar hai chaabi" I heard his smirk.
He stood with the keys rotating the chain with his index finger.
"Tere paas kese? De naa"
"Nope"
"Kya matlab?"
"Mai karunga drive"
He came forward.
"Nahi! Meri chaabi de!"
"Teri chaabi?" he smirked again.
"Matab mere scooty ki chaabi"
Lightning flashed.
"Dekh kitni tez ho rahi hai baarish, mujhe chalaane de"
"Tujhe aati bhi hai chalaani?"
"Ha vo bhi tujse better" he stated dragging me to the back seat and settled in front.
"Bata kaha hai tera ghar"
"MG Road"
"Waah road pe rehti hai tu?"
"Waha se mai chali jaaungi samjha, jyaada mat bol" I warned.
"Thik hai miss intelligent"
After a while, I asked, "Ye kaha le jaa raha hai? Mai police ko phone kar dungi samjha!"
"Shortcut nahi pata kya tujhe?"
"Rok! Rok meri scooty abhi k abhi!"
He applied the brakes all of a sudden making me fall on his back.
"Kitna ghatiya drive karta hai tu!"
"Tune hi bola rok abhi k abhi! Inertia ka knowledge tujhe nai hai to isme meri kya galti?"
"Idiot! Abhi k abhi matlab aise nai hota hai!"
"Accha, hindi nai aati tujhe iska matlab you idiot!"
"Argh! mai kya isse batolebaazi kar rahi hu" I spoke to myself irritated getting down.
"Utar chal"
"Mujhe aise akele chod degi sunsaan ilaake me" he pouted.
I sneezed.
"Haww! dekh tu bimaar hai. I shouldn't let you drive. Aaj hi selection hua hai, zinda rehna hai mujhe"
I was going to argue but my phone rang. I looked at the ID and cut it hastily as it was from my home.
"8:30 ho gaya hai, mera dimaag kharaab mat kar"
He sighed, "Ek shart pe"
"Kya?"
"Smile first"
I glared at him.
"Arey smile I said"
I looked away tapping my foot.
He got down and whispered in my ear, "Maine kisi bheegi hui ladki ko itne gusse me nai dekha aaj tak"
I shifted my eyes to him slowly.
"Accha ek joke sunau phir hasegi?"
"Tu isi duniya ka hai?"
"Naa...Ye duniya to kabki chod di"
"Paagal hai tu"
He sighed, "Pehle nai tha"
"Tujhse baat karti rahi naa to yahi khade khade subah ho jaegi" I sat down on my scooty.
"Haaye itna pasand aaya mai?" he chuckled.
"Baithega ya jaau?" I glared.
"Ha ha baith raha hu"
I drove to my residence.
"Mera ghar aa gaya...tera kitna dur hai yaha se?" I asked.
"Bas 10 minute, walking distance"
"Oh, bye"
"bye"
"Nishu ye kaun hai?" my mother questioned standing at the entrance gate.
I gulped.
"Nishu?" she asked again with stern voice.
In order to avoid her question, I thought to divert her mind. And the best idea would be to portray that you are unwell. Hmm.. so let's start with a fake sneeze.
"Aachoo"
I looked at Kabir who too sneezed simultaneously. His was also fake. I could make out as I had heard him sneezing already three times at the stadium. We looked at each other puzzled.
"Tu thik hai Nishu?" My mother started towards me.
Phew! My idea worked.
"Aunty mai Kabir, Nisha ka friend"
"Gadhe! Abhi bolne ki kya zaroorat thi" I whispered to him angrily.
"Kyu?" he questioned.
My mother touched my forehead in worry.
"Tujhe to bukhaar hai! Ramesh ko kehti hu doctor ko bulaaye. Ramesh! Ramesh!"
"Arey arey maa...koi bukhaar nai hai" I held her arm.
"Accha.. hai to! Kitni garam hai tu" Kabir said after he touched my forehead.
What! Why is he saying that?
I touched my forehead myself comprehending both these people are wrong.
"Nai hai mujhe koi bukhaar" I asserted.
"Kya hua Lakshmi?" my father came.
"Aur ye kaun hai?" he asked eyeing Kabir.
"Namaste Uncle, mai Kabir, Nisha ka new friend" Kabir introduced smiling.
I sharply nudged him and shook my head.
"Accha mai chalta hu, ise aap kisi acche doctor ko dikha dijiyega, bye Nisha, kal milte hai" and he left grinning at me.
My father touched my forehead, "Ise nai hai bukhaar Lakshmi"
"Vai to mai itni der se keh rahi hu" I spoke.
"Chal jaldi kapde badal le" my mother dragged me inside.
I changed my clothes and dried my hair up. Then I reached the dining table.
My mom began,"Nisha, vo ladka kaun tha? aur tu kya kar rahi thi uske saath? tune kaha tha ki tu football stadium me hai? phir ye-"
"Maa vo Kabir hai, uska ghar paas me hai, lift di bas mene use aur kuch nai" I said casually having my dinner.
"Pucca na?"
"Haa meri maa"
"Hmm" she said and went to kitchen to bring jug of water.
"Nisha" my father spoke.
"Ha papa"
"Boyfriend hai tera?" my father beamed.
I hiccuped and my mother came and handed me a glass of water. I drank the whole glass and said, "N...Nai papa"
"Kya nai?" My mother asked.
"Vo mai Nisha se puch raha tha ki-"
"Kuch nai maa"
My father chuckled and concentrated back to my dinner.
After having dinner, I was going to my room when my father called me.
"Ha papa"
"Mai tera friend hu na?"
"Papa aap aise kyu keh rahe ho" I pouted.
"Matlab tere naye dost ban gaye to mujhe chod dia?"
"Papa..." I groaned.
He smiled, "Accha agar mai tera friend hu to mujhse apne boyfriend ke baare me kyu chipa rahi hai?"
"Kabir mera boyfriend nai hai papa"
"Maine to Kabir ka naam hi nai liya"
"Papa..." I groaned again.
"Nishu dekh, mai jaanta hu ki aise age me lagta hai ki apna bhi koi boyfriend ho ya girlfriend ho...magar beta ye sab time pass ke liye nai hona chahiye"
"Magar sacchi papa Kabir mera boyfriend nahi hai...mai to kal hi mili usse"
"To vo kaun hai tera?"
"Erm...friend"
He sighed, "Jo bhi ho, magar itni der raat mai nai chahta tu uske saath rahe"
"Next time nai hoga papa"
"Good girl" he smiled.
I smiled back.
"Papa kal classes nai hai, sports championship chal rahi hai, kal last day hai"
"Okay"
"Goodnight papa"
"Vese ek aur baat puchu"
"Ji papa"
"Tu kal nahi jaa rahi college naa?"
"Nai"
"To phir Kabir ne jaate time kal milte hai kyu kaha tujhe?"
I remembered Kabir's words of having a coffee again tomorrow. Oh no!
"P...pata nai papa. Kuch bhi bolta hai vo! Gadha hai!"
"Mai nai hu" he spoke raising his brow.
I sighed, "Vo actually papa..."
"Hmm bol"
"Vo kal na coffee ke liye invite kia tha usne"
"Date?"
"Nai!" I snapped.
"To kya cricket match dekhoge coffee peete peete?"
"Vo footballer hai"
"matl...matlab ki mai thode hi jaungi uske invitation pe" I continued awkwardly.
"Nisha, tujhe kaha jaana hai, kiske saath jaana hai, jaana hai ya nahi...maine kabhi kuch nai kaha magar, jo bhi karna soch samaj ke karna"
I nodded.
"Aur shaadi ka plan bane to pehle batane ki krupa karna" he chuckled.
"Papa, kya aap bhi" I complained in a childlike tone.
"Accha so ja ab good night"
"Goodnight"
I switched off the light and lay on bed.
My phone rang flashing an unknown number. I picked it up.
"Hello" I said
"Who's there?"
"Who are you? You called me"
"I'm Christiano Ronaldo" Kabir laughed.
He earlier talked in a different voice.
"Kabir, kya hai yaar? Phone kyu kia?"
"Batane ke liye ki ye mera dusra number hai"
"Bata dia naa ab, goodnight"
"Arey kam se kam ye to puch le ki mai ghar pohoch gaya na safely"
"Kyu gunde mile the beech me?"
"Haa"
"Kya?" I exclaimed shocked.
"Mazaak kar raha hu" he giggled.
"Tujhe stand up comedian hona chahiye, footballer nai"
"Tu keh rahi hai to part time vo bhi kar lunga"
"Koi aur nai mila kya tujhe?"
"Ladkiyo ki line lagi hai, dekha nai tha kya subah?"
"Tu kehna kya chahta hai?"
"Mera naam bolde bas"
"Kya?"
" 'Kya' nahi hai mera naam. Bol Kabir"
"Kabir" I spoke.
He let out a long breath and then said"Sweet dreams bye"
And the call was cut.
"Ye chal kya raha hai?" I questioned looking up asking God.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited by aNibirFan - 8 years ago
