Ariya OS contest(3ed prompt given) - Page 4

Love Doesn’t Scare

The mansion of Damsingh Rathore was abuzz with activity. After all, it was the day of the engagement of their beloved daughter, Roshni. Sameer was running around, wanting it all to be perfect for his little sister. The in-laws too were present, helping out with the preparations.

The bride was the happiest person on the planet. She kept checking her dress and jewellery every two minutes much to the amusement of her mother and to be mother-in-law.

The Rawte’s and Rathore’s had been family friends since 25 years now. Living in the same neighbourhood,the three children were the best of friends which was a result of their parent’s relations and had also led to the alliance.

Amongst all this chaos, Arjun was in the garden sitting alone on a bench. A million thoughts were running in his mind. He was to be engaged in the evening yet he did not have an ounce of happiness on his face or in his heart despite him and Roshni being close friends.

His phone pinged with a message bringing him out of his thoughts. He reluctantly checked it. Arjun stared at the screen for a few minutes, his mind racing again. Gathering all the courage he could at the moment, he stood up and went towards the gate.

His father called out to him from behind: are Arjun!!!

He stopped in his tracks and turned: ha papa?

Suryakant: kaha jaa rahe ho? Roshni ki ring kaha par rakhi hai?

Arjun: maa ke paas hai

Suryakant: Naina ko nahi mil rahi, usne kaha ki tumhare paas hai

Arjun: mere paas?…(thoughtfully)ha woh maine safe mein rakhi thi

Suryakant gave him a look: tum ghar par bhul aaye?

Arjun: Papa please ab….

Suryakant: jao jaldi lekar aao

Arjun: aap kisi aur ko bhej dijiye, mujhe zaroori kaam hai

Suryakant: kya bol rahe ho? abhi kaunsa…

Arjun: papa mein aata hun, bye!

Before Suryakant could protest further, Arjun ran out.

Police Training Academy-

Arjun hopped out of the cab and ran inside. Their IPS had been cleared, interviews had happened a few days before. Classes were happening for namesake due to which he had no idea where she would be. He ran around the academy trying to find her. He was going towards the canteen when he almost crashed into his mentor.

Arjun(balancing himself): sorry sir!!!

Raghu smiled: sambhal ke Arjun, abhi tak toh placement bhi nahi hui, abhi se haath-pao todne ka plan hai?

Arjun smiled half-heartedly: sorry sir, jaldi mein tha isliye

Raghu: koi baat nahi 4 din se aaye kyun nahi?

Arjun somehow controlled the disappointment: woh sir…ghar pe thoda achanak kaam aa gaya tha

Raghu chuckled: oh….waise tum galat disha mein jaa rahe ho

Arjun: ji?

Raghu: Riya apne doston ke saath ground ke side par time pass kar rahe hai

Arjun(relieved): thank you so much sir!! you’re the best!

He ran off leaving behind an amused Raghu. He shook his head, well aware of the duo’s antics.

A group of friends were sitting below the trees by the training ground, laughing and joking around. Arjun marched upto them and grabbed Riya’s arm.

Riya(surprised): tum aaj aaye ho?

Arjun: mujhe tumse baat karni hai, chalo!

He was about to take her when Vivek spoke up.

Vivek: are Arjun dheere, tumhari Riya kahi nahi bhaag rahi hai

Riya blushed and the rest of them laughed.

Arjun: shut up Vivek, dimag mat kha!

He dragged Riya along with him away from them and deeper into the trees. A tint appeared on Riya’s face recalling all their intimacy in the same place.

Riya: oho Arjun, kya hua? Batao bhi

Arjun(his courage suddenly vanished): Riya main….main…(closing his eyes in frustration) Dammit!

Riya took his hands in hers: Arjun relax, kya hua?

Arjun hung his head, gripping her hands. He collected himself and looked up.

Arjun: Riya I….we…we have to break-up

Of all things that she was expecting, this was nowhere on the list. She was completely thrown off-guard.

Riya: kya?...tum kya bol rahe ho?

Arjun: wahi jo sach hai

Riya(hurt): you…ye…what….kyun?!? aise kya ho gaya? kya tum mujhse pyaar…

Arjun cupped her face: I love you Riya, main tumse bahot pyaar karta hun but…ye, we have to…please,don’t make this more difficult than it already is

She pushed his hands off(angrily): difficult for you? Arjun Suryakant Rawte Meri Bhi Feelings Hai!!!(Grabbing His Collar) Teen Saal Ke Rishte Ko Teen Second Mein Khatam Karte Hue Sharam Nahi Aati Tumhe? YOU OWE ME A GODDAMN EXPLANATION!! SAMJHE YA SAMJHAU?!?!

Arjun: Riya mera woh matlab….

Riya: Toh Kya Matlab Tha?!?!

Arjun(distressed): Riya Meri Shaadi Honewaali Hai!

She got hit by another bolt: What?!?!

Arjun ran a hand over his hair in frustration: sab milkar Roshni se meri shaadi karwa rahe hai aur mujhe karni pad rahi hai…

Riya: Karni Pad Rahi Hai Ka Kya Matlab Hai? Tumhari Marzi Ke Khilaaf Woh Tumhari Shaadi Kaise Karwa Sakte Hai?!!? You Lying Ba…

Arjun: Riya Mujhe Nahi Karni Hai Usse Shaadi!! Usne Suicide Attempt Kiya Mujhse Rishta Jodne Ke Liye!!

Riya was completely taken aback now: su…suicide? Hold on! Tum puri baat bataoge mujhe?!!?

Arjun sighed: tumhe yaad hai pichle hafte academy ke baad main Roshni ke saath baahar jaane waala tha and then tumhe use milwaane waala tha?

Riya: ha?

Arjun: tumhe toh jaana pada lekin she still saw us

Flashback

Arjun and Riya were walking away from the academy after their classes to a café nearby. Their handswere tightly entwined as they walked leisurely.

Arjun: you know, jab hum chote the na toh Sam Rosh ko bahot pareshaan karta tha, humesha bada bhai hone ka rob jamata rehta hai, toh humesha main hi uski side lekar use Sam se badla lene mein help karta hai

Riya giggled: dost ko chod kar dost ki behen ki side lete the?

Arjun: are yaar, mujhe us par daya aati thi, faaltu mein bichari ko tang karta rehta tha woh. Dheere-dheere humari bhi dosti kaafi gehri ho gayi, I’m sure woh tumse mil kar bahot khush hogi

Riya was about to say something when her phone rang. They stopped as she picked it up.

Riya: hello?....ha main Riya hu…ji?....oh….abhi?....main 10 minute ke andar aati hu…ok, bye!

Arjun: kya hua?

Riya: are admin office se phone tha, placement ke liye documents diye the na humne? (Arjun nodded) toh usme use kuch confusion hai, mujhe jaana padega

Arjun: abhi?

Riya: ha yaar

Arjun: chal theek hai, tu nipta le use, tujhe kisi aur din milwa dunga use

Riya smiled: woh toh tumhe milana hi padega

He chuckled as he hugged her: kal milte hai

Riya: ya

He kissed her forehead making her blush. She bid goodbye and headed back to the academy. Both of them were unaware of a pair of eyes that were watching them through the glass wall of the café.

She couldn't believe her eyes, the man she has always loved was hugging someone else. Tears flew out of her eyes at the feeling jealousy and betrayal but most of all hurt. His affectionate kiss only added fuel to the fire. She saw her going back and Arjun moving towards the café. She quickly wiped her tears and sat straight as he entered.

Flashback Ends

Arjun: woh tab bilcul normal thi, usne kuch pucha bhi nahi hai lekin fir agle din jab main academy se ghar gaya toh uski family bhi wahi thi, maine seriously nahi liya, ye sochkar ki yun hi free time mein mil rahe honge lekin fir…

Flashback

Arjun freshened up and skipped downstairs where everyone was chatting. He sat beside Sameer.

Sameer: hey, tere placement ka kya hua?

Arjun: are aaj toh khaali interview tha, woh bhi sirf aadhi class ka hua but acha tha, I just hope ki pehli posting interior mein na kar de

Sameer was about to say something when his mother, Sheetal spoke up.

Sheetal: ko baat nahi beta, posting kahi bhi ho, akele nahi jaoge

Arjun: kyun kaki? Aap mere liye ghevar banane mere saath aayenge?

She laughed: nahi beta, main nahi aaungi lekin ghevar tumhe zaroor milenge

Arjun made a face: are kaki mujhe aapke haath ke ghevar khaane hai

Naina: ha, ha yaha hoge toh bana legi, damad ki itni khaatir toh banti hai

Everyone laughed but Arjun was confused.

Arjun: damad? Matlab?

Suryakant: hey bhagwan, ye aaj kal ke bache, are tumhari agar Roshni se shadi hogi toh tum unke damad hi toh hue

Everyone burst into laughter as Roshni blushed. Arjun took a moment to process the information and then…

Arjun: WHAT??!?! SHAADI?!?! Meri aur Roshni ki?!?!

Damsingh: are ha baba tumhari aur Roshni ki

Arjun straightened immediately: lekin…ye sab achanak kyun? Aur…

Naina: are tum dono bachpan ke dost ho, Roshni tumhe pasand karti hai aur tum bhi, isse zyaada aur kya chahiye?

The laughter returned but Arjun froze. He didn’t how to react. He got up and went into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. However, it did nothing to soothe his senses mv “shaadi?Roshni se? no way! Mujhe usse baat karni hogi, isse pehli ki uska dil tute.”

He called out to her: Roshni!!!

Sheetal: lo ye toh abhi se shuru ho gaye

Roshni blushed as they teased her.

Sameer: are khadi kyun ho ab, jao warna tumhe lene yaha tak aa jaayega

Roshni(going inside): bhai shut up!

Arjun was pacing up and down when she came.

Roshni: Arjun

He stopped to look at her: Rosh woh, mujhe tumse baat karni hai

She lowered her eyes: ha bolo na

Arjun: Rosh main, main tumse shaadi nahi kar sakta, please is rishte ke liye mana kar do, main bhi kahunga par…

Roshni: main mana nahi karungi

Arjun(taken aback): sorry?

Roshni: main tumse shaadi karna chahti hu, toh mana kyun karu?

Arjun: Rosh, dekho samajhne ki koshish karo, main kisi aur se pyaar karta hun, in fact main tumhe use milane bhi waala tha kal lekin use…

Fire erupted in her eyes: wahi ladki jise tum beech sadak par kiss kar rahe the, right?

Arjun(surprised): tumhe pata tha? (she didn’t respond, but that gave him the answer) Fir Bhi Tumne Ha Kaha?

Roshni: maine ha nahi kaha Arjun, main ha karwayi hai

Arjun(shocked): tum…tumne jaan buchkar ye sab kiya? (angrily) How Could You?!?

Roshni: because I love you!(he was stunned) humesha se tumse pyaar kiya hai aur main tumhe kisi kal ki aayi hui ladki ka nahi hone dungi!

Arjun: ROSHNI HO KYA GAYA HAI TUMHE?!? SAB KUCH JAANTE HUE BHI TUM MERE SAATH AISA KAISE KAR SAKTI HO??!!? Dost ho tum meri!!

Hearing the commotion, the elders turned up there to see Arjun fuming in anger and fists balled up.

Suryakant: Arjun kya hua? Kyun chilla rahe ho?

He somehow managed to tame the tone of his voice a little: papa, maa , I’m sorry main Roshni se shaadi nahi kar sakta

His declaration shocked all of them. Roshni stared at him in shock, she hadn’t thought he would actually refuse their parents.

Sheetal: Arjun ye tum kya keh rahe ho?

Naina: dekho Arjun, agar koi jhagda hua hai toh shaanti se…

Arjun: hal sirf ek hai, main ye shaadi nahi karunga, nahi karni mujhe, sorry kaka, sorry kaki but mujhse nahi hoga, acha hoga agar aap Roshni ke liye koi aur acha ladka dhundhe

He left to his room without giving anyone else a chance to reason with him leaving Roshni to shed tears.

He remained in his room the rest of the night and left early in the morning without interacting with his parents. He thought of telling this to Riya but refrained not wanting to disturb her preparation. She was still in the interview when a call from home shocked him and he rushed to the hospital.

Roshni had gulped down sleeping pills. Fortunately, she was discovered soon by Sameer and he had alerted the house. The doctor was able to easily treat her and she was declared out of danger. The two families heaved a sigh of relief but the doctor warned them to not let her take stress lest she attempted suicide again.

Arjun went into the room with a heavy heart. He still couldn’t believe she had tried to commit suicide.Though nobody blamed him, he was filled with guilt for being responsible of the state of his childhood friend.

Arjun: Rosh?

She slowly opened her eyes: Arjun? (trying to get up) tum..

Arjun: leti raho (she obeyed) Roshni kyun kiya aisa?

Roshni teared up: because I love you, nahi jeena mujhe tumhare bina

Arjun sighed: Roshni please baat ko samajhne ki koshish karo, I love someone else

Roshni: kya main tumhare liye koi maayine nahi rakhti?

Arjun: of course mayine rakhti ho Rosh, tum meri best friend ho (holding her hand) and main chahta hunki tumhe zindgi ki har khushi mile lekin…woh khushi main nahi de sakta tumhe

Roshni: meri khushi tum ho…please Arjun, maan jao

Arjun: Roshni I can’t do this, please try to understand

She looked away, tears dripping from her eyes. Arjun sighed and stood up to leave.

Arjun: I’m sorry Rosh, I really am

Saying so, he went outside. He wasn’t able to make eye contact with anyone. Sameer looked at their parents. They were all worried but didn’t know how to address the issue and to who? He walked upto Arjun.

Sameer: Arjun (forget answering he could barely look back at him) dekh, main ye nahi jaanta ki tum dono ke beech kya problem hai lekin…

Arjun: Sam…

Sameer: nahi Arjun ruk! Tumhe jo karna hai karo, usse shaadi karo ya nahi, use na karne ke liye manao but please (cracking) main apni behen ko marte hue nahi dekh sakta…please Arjun

Arjun: Sameer!!

A lump formed in his throat as he hugged him tightly. They had barely gotten a few minutes to comfort each other when a nurse came running out of the room.

Nurse: Doctor!! Mr. Rathore!!! Doctor!!

Damsingh: kya hua?

Nurse: aapki beti firse suicide karne ki koshish kar rahi hai

The statement swept the ground from beneath everyone’s feet. They ran inside. Roshni had grabbed a scalpel and had placed it to her wrist.

Sheetal: Roshni!! Kya kar rahi ho tum?

Roshni(crying): maa please…mat rokiye mujhe, nahi jeena mujhe

Suryakant: Roshni beta, dekho, tum use neeche rakh do, hum…hum baat kar sakte hai

Sameer: ha Rosh…please tu…

Roshni: nahi!! mujhe koi baat nahi karni, agar Arjun mujhse shaadi nahi kar sakta toh mere jeene ka koi matlab nahi

Arjun went numb. Their brains were firing at an enormous speed.

Damsingh: Beta dekho, aise zid nahi karte, tum….tum pehle chaku neeche…

Roshni: NAHII!!!

She started cutting and Arjun screamed.

Arjun: ROSHNI MAIN TUMSE SHAADI KARUNGA!!! (all of them stared at him, Roshni stopped) please…just…just stop…scalpel neeche rakh do

Roshni: sach?

His eyes were fixed on the blood dripping from her hand: ha…please use neeche rakh do, main…main tumse shaadi karunga

Flashback Ends

Arjun slumped to the ground:I love you Riya…(hanging his hand in his hands) but I can’t let her die…I can’t!!

Riya’s anger had vanished by now. His vulnerability made her heart ache. She slowly went on her knees and took his hands in his. Her eyes moistened seeing him in tears.

Riya: Arjun please sambhalo khud ko

He wiped his tears and gripped her hands: I’m sorry, main tumhe….

Riya: Arjun relax, please sorry mat kaho…tumhari koi galti nahi hai

Arjun took a deep breath and somehow controlled himself: uske baad, Roshni ne kaha ki woh engagement kar dena chahti hai taaki…taaki

Riya(angrily): taaki tum back out na kar sako aur ye suicide? ye toh sarasar blackmail hai

He nodded and hung his head: mujhe kuch samaj mein nahi aa raha tha ki sab kuch itna jaldi ho raha hai, isliye 4 din yaha bhi nahi aaya aur tumhe adhure message bhej raha tha

Riya: toh…(fearfully) tumhari…tumhari sagayi ho gayi?

Arjun nodded negatively: nahi…aaj shaam ko hai (he sighed) ghar pe sab log normal ho gaye hai, bas mujhechod kar, unhe nahi pata ki maine kyun mana kiya tha bas ye lagta hai ki main generally hi usse shaadi nahi karna chahta tha isliye na bol raha tha aur fir maan gaya….Sam ko bhi, maa se bhi kuch kehne ki himmat nahi hui

They sat in silence for a few moments. He was feeling even more guilty for breaking her heart while she was trying to make sense of the entire thing.

Riya: Arjun? (he looked up)kya koi raasta nahi hai? main tumhe nahi khona chahti (tearing up) kya hum ek aakhri koshish nahi kar sakte?

Arjun: par kya karenge Riya? mujhe bhi tumse alag nahi hona lekin hum aisa kya kare ki woh firse suicide na kare?

Riya: socho na, kuch toh socho, koi toh tareeka hoga

He ran a hand through his hair: itne din se wahi karne ki koshish kar raha hun, lekin aisa lagta hai jaise dimag hi band ho gaya hai mera

Her mind raced for a solution: agar…agar hum bhaag jaaye toh?

Arjun gave her a look: humare peeche woh suicide karegi aur hum dono par abetment to suicide ka charge lagega aur either way, woh meri dost hai, main use aise marte hue nahi dekhsakta

She went back to her thoughts. Arjun mv “hold on, abetment to suicide”

Arjun: Riya! agar hum…hum police complaint kare toh? Blackmail is punishable by law woh bhi aise jaan ki dhamki dena

Riya: puri family ko involve karoge khamakha? Aur kya gurantee hai police station mein suicide nahi karegi? Waha toh gun ka bhi access milega use

Arjun: ha woh bhi hai

Riya: ek minute!

Arjun: kya?

Riya: complaint nahi lekin…tumhe pata hai blackmail ke case study mein aksar hum ye dekhte hai ki woh sirf dar ko apna hatyar banata hai

Arjun gave her a look: dar ko hatyar banane ko hi blackmail kehta hai Riya

Riya: are shut up! Mere paas ek idea hai

Arjun: kya?

She smiled and filled him in on her details. He looked at her as if she was crazy.

Arjun: isse toh better hai ki hum police complaint kare

Riya squinted at him: gurantee kaun dega?

Arjun(tensed): lekin Riya isme risk hai

Riya: kya risk hai? kuch nahi hoga (she stood up and dragged him along) chalo!!

Rathore Mansion-

Naina and Sheetal were laying the table for lunch as the men sat to eat. Roshni came out of the kitchen with the plates and realised Arjun was nowhere to be seen….quite for some time now.

Roshni: Arjun kaha hai?

Naina: are ha, dekha hi nahi, ghar par hai kya? Sameer?

Sameer was clueless: nahi kaki, main toh decoration wagera dekh raha tha, subah mila tha but fir nahi

Suryakant: are woh thoda baahar gaya hai

Roshni: kaha?

Suryakant: ye toh nahi bataya, kaha ki kuch zaroori kaam hai lekin ab tak toh aa jaana chahiye tha, mera bhi dhyaan nahi gaya, mail call karta hun

A female voice intervened: uski zaroorat nahi hai

All eyes turned to the door.A girl in her early twenties stepped in. Roshni froze seeing her. She recognized her instantly. Fury raged through her veins but she calmed herself.

Sameer: excuse me?

The girl came forward and talked straight to Roshni: tum Arjun ki mangetar ho na?

Roshni: ha…ha kyun?

Girl: sorry to inform lekin woh nahi aayega

Naina snapped at her: nahi aayega ka kya matlab hai? Aur Tum Kaun Ho?

Girl: Riya, uski girlfriend

They were shocked. Something started to make sense about Arjun’s refusal but they didn’t know whether to trust her or not.

Sameer: what nonsense! Arjun ki koi girlfriend nahi hai! agar hoti toh mujhe zaroor batata

Riya: woh tum usse pucho,agar zindgi mein kabhi mile toh

Damsingh: ho kya raha hai ye sab?!?! Tum yaha kyun aayi ho? aur Arjun kaha hai?

Riya: uncle Arjun nahi aayega (staring at Roshni) use Roshni pe vishwas nahi hai

Roshni(angrily): Kya Bakwas Kar Rahi Ho? Tum Hoti Kaun Ho Humare Beech Bolne Waali?

Riya: main wahi bol rahi hu jo sach hai aur agar aap sab ko mujh par bharosa nahi hai toh khud phone karke dekh lijiye, uske phone band hoga

They exchanged glances amongst themselves. Roshni glared at her and immediately grabbed her phone. She dialled Arjun’s number and put it to her ear. Riya’s eyes fell on her hand.Anger rose in her as she saw the mark of the scalpel. The operator greeted her with the information that the phone was off. Her eyes widened as she stared at Riya.

Riya: kya hua? Band haina? Maine toh pehle hi kaha tha… mila tha woh mujhse, keh raha tha ki tum naatak kar rahi ho, tum usse pyaar karti hi nahi aur woh zabardasti shaadi nahi kar sakta isliye shehar chod kar jaa raha hai, woh kisi se milna bhi nahi chahta isliye main aayi hun aapko inform karne

Her words stunned them. Roshni started feeling insecure.

Sheetal(astonished): shehar chod kar?!?!

Roshni: nahi…Arjun aisa nahi kar sakta, usne mujhse waada kiya tha ki woh mujhse shaadi karega, (tearing up)woh aise kaise keh sakta hai ki main usse pyaar nahi karti? woh kabhi apna waada nahi tod ta….Tum Jhoot Bol Rahi Ho!!

Naina placed a comforting hand on her shoulder in an effort to calm her trying to ignore her own inner turmoil.

Riya: main sach keh rahi hu, usne khud mujhse kaha ki tum usse pyaar hi nahi karti

Roshni: Ye Jhoot Hai! woh aisa kaise soch sakta hai? Kaise Soch Sakta Hai Ki Main…main usse pyaar nahi karti? main toh…

Riya(sympathetically): tumne toh suicide bhi karne ki koshish ki haina? (Roshni stared at her) main bhi chouk gayi thi, lekin woh kehna laga ki, agar tum sach mein uske liye suicide karti toh aise chote-mote tareeke nahi apnati, chaar tablet khaane se kuch nahi hota aur naahi haath katne se, kaatna hi tha toh gala kaat deti

Suryakant(infuriated): BAS!! BAHOT HUA!! Woh Aisa Soch Bhi Kaise Sakta Hai? kisi ki jaan ki koi parwah hai ya nahi?!?! Kaha Hai Woh?!?! Abhi Do Thapad Laga Kar Seedha Karta Hun!!

Roshni’s tears were flowing freely now.

Riya: pata nahi uncle, woh bolkar kahi chala gaya

Sameer(shocked): maine kabhi socha nahi tha ki Arjun aise bol sakta hai lekin woh…woh aise kyun

He slumped into the chair not knowing what was right anymore. Riya took advantage of everyone’s shock.She turned to Roshni.

Riya: you know, mujhe bhi bahot bura laga jab usne aise kaha (lowering her eyes) ek ladki ke dil mein pyaar ki kya ehmiyat hoti hai ye sirf ek ladki hi jaan sakti hai, mujhe bahot gussa aaya us par fir socha ki aise admi se baat karke koi faayda nahi

She stepped forward and hugged her. Roshni hesitated for a second but then gave in. He mind could barely think straight. Riya whispered into her ear.

Riya: agar tum sach mein Arjun ko paana chahti ho toh ek tareeka hai

She separated a little, with a question mark on her face. Riya smiled lightly and shifted her jacket to reveal a gun. Roshni’s eyes widened in shock.

Riya: agar isse suicide karogi toh Arjun ko zaroor yakeen ho jaayega ki tum usse sacha pyaar karti ho,ye tablet ya scalpel ki tarah chance nahi hai, sure shot maut hai

Roshni jumped away: TUMPAAGAL HO GAYI HO?!?!?!?! GUN SE SUICIDE KARNE KI KOSHISH KARUNGI TOH MAR JAUNGI!!!

All eyes and ears snapped to them in surprise. They had barely comprehended what Roshni said.

Riya: main toh tumhari bhalayi ke liye keh rahi thi, Arjun ko zaroor vishwas ho jaayega ki tum…

Roshni: BHAAD MEIN JAAYE USKA BHAROSA!!! Agar Mujhe Suicide Karna Hi Hota Toh Bhai Ke Ghar Aane Ke Time Tablets Nahi Khaati!!!

Sameer: ROSHNI?!!

She froze. Riya smirked as Roshni realized what she had uttered.

Naina: tumne jaan buchkar, sirf Arjun ko darane ke liye naatak kiya?

She turned defensive: na…nahi kaki…woh…main…

Riya took her hand and held it up for everyone to see: aur sirf woh nahi, dekhiye scalpel ka nishaan kaha hai? kalayi ke paas bhi nahi hai, kam se kam 5 inch door hai

Roshni jerked her hand away(angrily): How Dare You!!

Damsingh marched forward: SHUT UP ROSHNI!! HOW DARE YOU?!?! Tumhe Ye Sab Karne Se Pehle Thodi Si Bhi Sharam Nahi Aayi?!!?

He raised his hand to slap her when a man came rushing inside the house.

Arjun: Kaka Nahi!!! (they were shocked yet relieved to see Arjun) please….us par haath mat uthaiye

Damsingh: Ye Tum Keh Rahe Ho Arjun? Usne Tumhare Saath Itna Ganda Khel Khela, Fir Bhi?!?!

Arjun: ha main keh raha hun,main bas…main bas Roshni ko uski galti ka ehsaas dilana chahta tha

Sheetal(angrily): Aur Galti Ki Hai Toh Saza Bhi Milegi!!

Naina: Hum Sab Tumhare Liye Itne Pareshaan The Aur Tum…Tum Hum Sab Ki Feelings Ka Faayda Utha Rahi Thi?!?!

Arjun: maa, kaki please aap dono shaant ho jayiye, maine kaha na main sirf use apni galti ka ehsaas dilana chahta tha

Suryakant: toh…ye...ye sab tum dono ka naatak tha?

Arjun: ha papa, ye sab naatak tha

Sameer: aur ye gun?

Arjun: are ye bhi mere saath academy mein hai, uski training gun hai

Sameer: Arjun, agar tumhe sab pata tha toh mujhe kyun nahi bataya?

Arjun lowered his gaze: mujhe…exactly pata nahi tha

Sheetal: kya matlab?

Arjun: woh darasal main…uh, Roshni ko mere aur Riya ke baare mein pata tha, toh hume laga ki shayad woh sirf hume darane ki koshish kar rahi hai toh humne ye plan banaya

Riya: jab Roshni ne Arjun ko phone kiya tab mera dhyaan uski chot par gaya aur use dekhkar mera shak yakeen mein badal gaya

Suryakant: matlab…ye sach mein tumhari girlfriend hai?

Arjun and Riya looked at each other and then at him. She shied away, refusing to make eye contact with him.

Arjun: woh…uh…ha

Sheetal: Arjun, tumne kaha ki Roshni ko tum dono ke baare mein pata tha?

Arjun looked at Roshni. Her head was hung in shame with tears flowing down her face.

Arjun: kaki, rehne dijiyena, ab sab theek hai toh kyun khamakha baat ko kheenchna

Damsingh: sab theek kaise ho sakta hai beta? (ashamed) humari beti ki wajah se tumhe itna kuch sehna pada(he tried to join his hands) please hume…

Alarmed, Arjun immediately held his hands: kaka aap kya kar rahe hai? main aapse chota hun aur waise bhi is sab mein aapki kya galti? Please is baat ko yahi khatam kijiye, (turning to his father for help) papa

He sighed but accepted: ha Damsingh, jo hua so hua, sachayi sabke saamne hai aur ek murde ke liye humari saalon ki dosti par aanch nahi aa sakti (staring at Roshni) kisi ek ki nadaani ki wajah se humare beech shikwe kyun aaye?

Damsingh glared at Roshni: tum sahi keh rahe ho, itne bhi kamzor nahi hai hum

They hugged each other and Arjun heaved a sigh of relief. He glanced at Riya with an appreciative nod. She smiled lightly.

Riya cleared her throat: toh uh…main…(avoiding eye contact) main chalti hu, class ka time ho raha hai

Arjun: main...uh tumhe baahar tak chod deta hu

She nodded and almost ran off. Arjun picked up after her much to the amusement of the elders.

Suryakant: hum bhi ghar jaate hai

Sameer: main bhi aata hun kaka, Arjun se baat karni hai

Suryakant nods. Roshni tries to speak.

Roshni: bhai…

Sameer stops her by showing his hand: Don’t You Dare!!!

He leaves with Suryakant and Naina as Roshni runs to her room crying. Only this time, no one went behind her.

Outside-

She let out a deep breath glad to be out of everyone’s scrutinizing gaze. Arjun ran upto her. She had barely turned when he bent to wrap his arms around her legs, picking her up in the air and twirling her.

Riya(shocked): Arjun!!!

Arjun: Oh My God Riya!! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You! I Love You So Much!!!! Tumne Toh Sach Mein Kamaal Kar Diya!!!

Riya: Arjun mujhe chakkar aa rahe hai, neeche utaro

He laughed and placed her feet back on the ground.

Riya: Arjun tum bhi na…

He cupped her face and kissed her cheek repeatedly: I love you yaar!!! You’re the best!! Kya hota mera tumhare bagair? You’re such a darling!!! I just love you!!!

She giggled and decided to pull his leg: bas kya? Tumhari toh setting ho gayi, mera kya?

Arjun: tumhara kya hua?

Riya: kya hua? Kaun apne boyfriend ke parents se pehli baar aise milta hai? pata nahi woh kya soch rahe honge mere baare mein

Arjun happily pulled her into his arms: are yaar chodo tum woh sab, usme kya sochna? Agar na bola toh bhaag ke shaadi kar lenge uske baad kaun na bolega? Faaltu mein tension leti rehti ho

He leaned in and was about to kiss her when a loud cough made them jump apart. They were astonished to see Suryakant, Naina and Sameer standing behind them. Riya wanted the ground to swallow her whole.

Arjun fumbled for words: pa…pa…woh…(clearing his throat) main….uh…

Riya (in one breath): Arjun do din baad interview ke result hai, main class ke liye ja rahi hu, bye!

Without wasting another millisecond, she ran out of the gate.

Arjun mv “dhokebaaz! Bhaag gayi mujhe chodkar, tumhe toh main academy mein dekh lunga!”

Naina: ghar chale?

Arjun came out of his shock:huh?? Ha…ha!

The four of them went to Rawte mansion and had lunch. Sameer tried to apologize to Arjun but he shook it off and told him to not bother about it anymore. It was all over and he intended to keep it that way. Sameer smiled and continued eating.

Suryakant: beta waise agar tumhe bhaagkar shaadi karne mein interest ho toh pehle se bata dena

Arjun stared at him in astonishment.

Naina: ha, ab hum budhe ho rahe hai toh baar-baar tumhari is tarah chinta nahi kar sakte, waise bhi acha hai, register marriage mein jo kharcha bachega usse ghumne chale jaana

Arjun was about to defend himself when Sameer popped in.

Sameer: are nahi kaki, register kyun? Usme witness ka jhamela bhi toh hota hai, (keeping a hand on Arjun’s shoulder) tu mandir mein shaadi kar lena, main taiyaari karwa dunga par ha ek do din ka time dena uske liye

Arjun blushed red now: main…mujhe academy jaana hai, class hai, bye!

Naina: are suno toh…

But Arjun rushed out the door, not caring to turn back at the laughter that erupted behind him.

Police Training Academy-

Raghu was addressing the batch in the classroom. The modules having being completed, they were all having a general discussion about the cases he was sharing with them. Riya was sitting on the first bench with three others.

Arjun came to the class.Easily spotting her, he entered and slipped beside her. She glared at  him for disrupting them.

Raghu(sternly): Arjun ye kya time hai class mein aane ka?

Arjun: are sir, class toh khatam ho gaye na?

Riya: Arjun, hum case review kar rahe hai aur use bhi class hi bolte hai

Arjun teased her back: are iske peeche kyun padi ho? review karna hai toh mera kar do, waise bhi meri life ek case review ho gayi hai

The students burst into laughter.

Riya(sarcastically): bina case ka case?

Arjun: are FIR nahi toh kya hua? Case toh case hota hai, victims ke beech kabhi discriminate nahi karna chahiye samjhi ya samjhau?

Riya rolled her eyes: bullshit Arjun tum….

Raghu: silence! Tum dono ki bak-bak mere class mein nahi chalegi niklo baahar!

Arjun(stood up): haina sir? main bhi toh yahi keh raha hu (taking Riya’s hand) chalo hum baahar jaate hai

She was about to protest when Raghu spoke up.

Raghu: woh kahi nahi jaayegi, baahar tum akele hi jaoge!

Arjun sat back: fir kya faayda sir? aap bolte raho!

Riya gave him a fake glare hiding her blush as the students laughed. Raghu shook his head in disbelief and continued the discussion. 10 minutes later, the bell rang. Arjun jumped out of his seat before anyone could process what was happening.

Arjun: class khatam!!! (grabbing Riya’s hand) bye, sir!!

He dragged her outside along with him, leaving a chuckling Raghu behind.

Riya: Arjun tum kya kar raheho? pagal ho gaye ho? aisa kaun karta hai? sir ke saamne…

Arjun: are Raghu sir hi toh hai, woh kabhi kuch nahi bolte

Riya: Arjun mujhe lagta hai tumhare sar par chot lagi hai, jaa kar check-up karwao dimag ka (he pulled her deep into the trees) subah se dimag kharab kar rahe ho mera

Arjun: are jaan, itni fikar mat karo, puri academy ko pata hai ki humara affair hai

Riya raised her eyebrow: affair? Tumhari jaankaari ke liye bata dun ki jo biwi ya pati ko dhoka dekar pyaar karte haina, use affair kehte hai

Arjun: are jo bhi ho! I don’t give a damn!

He pinned her to a tree and caressed her cheek.

Arjun(sadly): chaar din se theek se baat bhi nahi hui tumse, I missed you

She giggled: oh isliye breakup karne waale the?

Arjun(sheepishly): sorry na, maaf bhi kar do, mera dimag sach mein band ho gaya tha

Riya wound her hands around his neck: jao maaf kiya…lekin

Arjun: lekin kya?

Riya: ek shart hai

Arjun: kaisi shart?

Riya: agli baar, musibat mein pado toh problem batana, break up ka solution mat nikalna, samjhe ya samjhau?

Arjun smiled: promise, dobara aisa kabhi nahi karunga

Riya kissed his cheek: ye hui na mere Arjun waali baat

Arjun: woh toh main tumhara hi rahunga! Humesha ke liye!

She blushed and he kissed her making another memory underneath the tree.

The End………………….