Writer of the Week9-Yaadein?Lamhe?HarPal?-03/03/13 - Page 11

The ETf was on a mission now. The mission that was a life and death event for many of them. for Arjun its time to avenge his love's death. And for Sameer... it was not so different. They were moving in a fast pace in the SUV. All had the strategy in my mind. But the team didn't fail to notice the face of their seniors. They were on a kill mission this time.

3 days back:

He walked into a local police station. He was there to get some files regarding a case from inspector over there. As he came in, the incharge officer was speaking to a lady whose back was towards him. She had a familiar figure... but how can she be here??

As the inspector saw him, he lead the lady to hawaldar, to give her statements. The inspector came to Sameer and welcomed him in to his cabin. They spoke for a while about the case. Then someone knocked the door and the hawaldar came in. "Sir, wo madam ke statements." He handed over some file.

Ins: ok. Kuch aur bathaya unhone?

Haw: nahi sir, wo kaafi pareshan lag rahe the...

Ins: hm... I could get it. (to Sameer) patha nahi sir, log aise kaise gir sakthe hai? wo bichari tho usse pyaar karthe hai' and he is just using her. Unke haal dekhke I feel like killing that man.

Sam: hm... uss admi pe ache se investigation karna. Koi bhi baath math chod na... kuch bi hojaye, usse saza zaroor milna chahiye.

Ins: sure sir.

Sam: ok ab mien chal raha hu.

He got up and shook his hand. He reached the door when he heard the inspector speaking to the hawaldar. "kya naam bathaya uss lady ke?"

Haw: FIZA

Sam lost his steps and turn to the policemen. "Aur wo admi ka naam??"

Haw: SIKANDER!!!

Sam: what??

He comes in and takes the file from the officer. He reads it. it said that her BF Sikander was beating her and was torturing her. She was afraid that even he could kill her and she don't have any chance to run away from him. As the BF could catch her any time.

Sam was furious now. "call her back now!!"

Ins: what happened sir??

Sam: I said call her now.

Ins: ok sir'

They try but her phone is switched off. "sir, she told before that she would keep it switched off so that the man wont trace her. She was too frightened. But she promised to come here somehow, to bring some evidence against him."

Sam: ok I'll leave now. If you get any information, call me ok?? And when she comes tomorrow don't allow her to go before I come here.

Ins: yes sir.

He went back that day. He was too worried and didn't say anything to Arjun. he knew that one name, Sikander would bring havoc. He needed to confirm it before speaking up.

He reached the police station. The inspector had a worried face.

Sam: kya hua? Did she come?

Ins: sir wo...

Sam: wo.. wo.. kya ?? bolo!!

Ins: she came but she went'

Sam: what?? I told you to keep her here na?

Ins: sir she came. She was too tensed. When we told about you waiting for her, she was shocked. She immediately took back her complaint. We tried our best. But we couldn't stop her. I'm sorry sir.

Sam was so angry and sad now.

Ins: sir, par ek baath hai. its seems that she was hurt recently. Though she tried to hid it with her hair... there was a slap mark on her cheeks.

That was enough for Sam. "don't worry inspector. We'll carry it on from here. Just give those files. The case is not closed. The ETF just opened it now!!!"

He walks away with the file. first of all he needed to speak to Arjun. that was mission impossible!!!

He came to the room with the whole team. He needed them now together.

Arj: kya hua Rathod?

Sam: we have a case. And this time its... Sikander!!

All just turned to Arjun to see the volcano rising from him

Arj: WHERE IS HE??

Sam: relax Rawte... mere baath tho suno.

Arj: I ASKED WHERE IS HE??

Sam: in Mumbai. But this time be careful Arjun... its her with him.. and she is in danger.

Arj: kaun??

Sam: you forgot her? How could you?? She was your friend. FIZA'

Arj: you said it right!! She WAS my friend. Not anymore. Even last time it was partly because of her... but not this time'

Sam: don't say that... you know I still..

Arj: still what SAM?? Love her??? If you had, you would never had allowed her to go with him.

Sam: that's because she loved him Arjun!! tum hi kehthe ho na ke pyaar cheena nahi chahiye!!! I did the same. She loved him. So I let her be.

Arj: par that HIM was Sikander for god's sake. kash tum usse Sikander se dur kiya hotha... kash uss Sikander ko hamare kareeb ane nahi diya hotha...tho wo hamare friendship aur viswas pe ke kabhi nahi khelthe. Uss file ko dhundne mere ghar nahi jathe... mere samne mere Roshni ko... Tum mano ya na mano Sam, she had some role in all this...

Sam: usne sirf ek galthi ki hai Arjun, ke wo usse pyaar ki thi... jiski saza wo abhi bhi bhukath rahi hai!! she is suffering under him.

He throws the file to Arjun. "padho isse!! Aur fir bathao. Ke usne sach much koi galthi ki hai ya nahi!! Because I don't think so, and because I still love her."

Arjun and team reads the file and is shocked. She had indeed gone through a worse life. he pitied her. He walks to Sam who was at the window and places his hand on Sam's shoulder. "I'm sorry Sam. I didn't want to hurt you. I just couldn't control myself."

Sam: its ok Arjun

Arj: lets go for her Sam. Lets bring her back. Lets finish this soon.

They planned for 2 days and went for them on the 3^rd day. They reached the spot and spread out. It was huge mansion like building. There were men waiting for them but nothing could stop them today. At last they reached a big hall with a huge chandelier over the head. It was as if from a movie set. They held their guns tight and searched around. There was a long staircase that parted in between and curved to 2 side and reached the upper floor. And then came a loud voice.

"Hello ETF!! Kaise ho??"

And there he was with Fiza held infront of him with his hand around her shoulder and a knife on a hand!! Sam froze for a moment. She looked so weak.

She saw him and there was something in her eyes. As if she had wished to see him once before dying.

Chaahe Kuch Na Kehna
Bhale Chup Tu Rehna?
Mujhe Hai Pata Tere Pyaar Ka
Khamosh Chehra ?Aankhon Pe Pehra
Khud Hai Gawah Tere Pyaar Ka
Teri Jhuki Nazar Teri Har Ada?
Mujhe Keh Rahi Hai Ye Dastan?
Koi Shakhs Hai Jo Ki In Dino
Tere Zehan-O-Dil Pe Hai Chaa Gaya?
Teri Jhuki Nazar Teri Har Ada
Mujhe Keh Rahi Hai Yeh Dastaan

Sik: kya hua Arjun? why don't you shoot me? And you Sam? You always had a soft corner to her na? ab kya hua? Is it already over?

Arj: just shut up and let her go Siaknder. We have matters to settle.

Sik: well this is my Queen of my game. Usse aise kaise chod du? Dum hai tho yaha ake khel.

Arjun had already asked Chotu to come upstairs taking another way. But Sikander never knew that! he came from behind and hit Sikander. In the force the knife give Fiza a cut near to her neck. Sikander loses his balance and loosens Fiza's hold. And she falls from the stairs.

Sam: FIZA...

He gets up to the stairs were she had rolled off a few steps down. He catches her and turns her to him. There was blood at her neck. He keeps a hand over it and tries to control it.

Mean while Arjun and team tries to get Sikander. In between Arjun screams. "Sam take her now!! We will see him.!! Liza help him!!"

Sam takes her in his arms and rushes out of the place with Liza behind him. She starts the SUV and he sits with Fiza behind. he was keeping pressure on the cut. "Fiz... get up please.."

She opens her slowly. She saw him with teary eyes. "Sam... I knew you would come.. I knew it'"

Sam: sh... Just keep your eyes open. Don't speak. I'm here. You are gonne be fine. mujhpe bharosa rakho!!

Fiz: I always had trust in you Sam. But its me whom you should not trust. I hurt you na??

Sam: chup please... please...

Fiz: tell me Sam, why did you come for me?

Sam: because I love you.

Fiz: firse bolo.

Sam: I love you Fiz

Fiz: kabse?

Sam: patha nahi.

Fiz: pagal!! tho pehle kyi nahi bathaya?

Sam: wo.. mien..

Fiz(smiling) : mere marne ka wait kar rahe the??

He close her mouth. "don't say that. you belong to me. And nothing will happen to you. Did you get it?"

Fiz nods and winces. "I know. I am safe now. I'm with u. and now we'll live..."

Sam: sure my dear. Happily and for ever after.

He hugs her tight and takes her to the OT.

Teri Zulf Jab Bhi Bikhar Jati Hai
Aye Haseen Tu Haseen Aur Ho Jaati Hai
Jo Kitabon Mein Padhte Rahe Aaj Tak
Woh Pari Humko Tujh Mein Nazar Aati Hai

Teri Hi Baahon Mein Panahon Mein?
Rehna Mujhe Har Dam Sada
Teri Hi Yaadon Mein Nighaon Mein
Rehna Mujhe Har Dam Sada
Teri Hi Baahon Mein Panahon Mein?
Rehna Mujhe Har Dam Sada ?Har Dam Sada

There at the mansion, Arjun completes his mission by killing Sikander. He lets out a loud cry after that. Sree, Aisha and Chotu supports him. After a while he composes himself and goes to Sam. he knew that his friend needed him.

Sam was tensed outside the OT. Arjun comes and hugs Sam. That was great moment for the team. They had never seen such a scene before.

After a few hours doc comes out.

Sam: hows she?

Doc: nothing to worry sir. She is absolutely fine. we'll shift her to ICU now. But will be shifted to room soon..

Sam feels so happy. Arjun hugs him again and this time Sam cries out his heart.

Arj: congrats yaar!! And all the best for a new start of your life with your love, Fiza.

Chaahe Kuch Na Kehna
Bhale Chup Tu Rehna
Mujhe Hai Pata
Tere Pyaar Ka
Khamosh Chehra?
Aankhon Pe Pehra
Khud Hai Gawah?
Tere Pyaar Ka

Teri Jhuki Nazar Teri Har Ada?
Mujhe Keh Rahi Hai Yeh Dastan?
Koi Shakhs Hai Jo Ki In Dino
Tere Zehan-O-Dil?Pe Hai Chha Gaya?
Teri Jhuki Nazar Teri Har Ada?
Mujhe Keh Rahi Hai Yeh Dastaan

10 pm: ETF office:

The team was doing the paper works of the day. The day had began with a tight case of a multiple murder mystery but solved very efficiently by the team. Another golden feather in their already rich hat.

Sree was typing frantically on his lap. Through the side he looks at Chotu. He face read that he was hungry. They exchanged a sad glance. Sree looked at Aisha who was immersed in her file. "As usual..." he thought. He saw Liza juggling with her locket while reading her finished work. He snorted a bit receiving a glare from her. Then his eyes went to the chief and usual he was going through the completed works of Aisha, rubbing his chin. Then the supercop himself… ACP Rawte was sitting side ways twisting his pen with one hand and looked as if he byhearting that file in his hand. "yaar ye class 10^th ke student lag rahe hai!! ithne concentration!!!" he smiled imagining Arjun in school uniform.

"specky!!! Tum pagal hogaye ho kya??" the silent room burst out in that chirpy voice. All look at Sree and then Liza. Sree was embarrassed now.

Sam: kya hua Liza?? Achanak koi brain wave aya kya??

Liz: nahi Sir, ye Specky tho Arjun sir ghur ghur kre dekhke smile kar rahe the.

Sree close his eyes. "god kaha bhas gaya mien?"

Arj: kya hua Sree?

Sre: nahi sir.. kuch nahi…

Sam: I think its time. lets call it a day.

Arj: ok. Sab teekh tharah se soke aana.( he said looking at Sree)

Others were hiding their smile. All went to their respective cabins. All were dead exhausted. On the way Sree and Liza started their usual fight which was silenced by Rathod's glare. They took their bags and were in the corridor. There was a single light from a cabin.

Sre: yaar ye Arjun sir akhir sothe kab hai?? firse night out ka plan hai shayad.

Liz: yahi rukh ke socho Specky. Shayad wo tumhe bhi unke thinking group me include karwa denge.

Sre: you…

Ais: chup, chup.. ab ek shabd nahi. already I am tired. Ab mere dimag math khao. You both go and sit in the SUV. Mien abhi ayi.

Sre: tu kaha jarahe ho?

Arj: ye files Arjun sirko dene. Ab jo fight karna hai karo. Par jab mien au, tho mujhe gadi me shanty chahiye. That's why I'm giving you a head start.

Liz: mien kaha fight karthi hu?

Sre: tho kya main…

Ais: I said stop… go to the SUV now!!!

They walk off. Aisha bangs her head with the file and walks to Arjun's sir's cabin and knocks.his voice comes from within.

She goes in. "sir wo file jo apne complete karne ko kaha tha…." She gives him the file.

"ok Aisha… good. Jao aur aaram karo"

"sir … aap nahi ja rahe hai…"

"nahi mujhe thode aur kaam hai…"

"par sir…"

"jao Aisha…" she knew that was the full stop to his talks.

"ok sir. Good night sir." He nods at her and she leaves. Once she left he places the file back at the table.

"good night" he says to himself and leans back to the chair with his eyes closed. A good night…. That was his dream now. How he wished to have a sound peaceful sleep, without anyone any disturbance. Without any haunting dreams.

Sleep, it was as if removed from his dictionary.

He sighed heavily and stayed in his chair with his eyes closed. And there she was with her smile, her naughty face…

He opened his eyes. No, not again.

He took the file again that Aisha had brought. She had indeed done a great job. He mentally congratulated her. The file took his half an hour. But not more. He wished it did take a bit more of his night time.

He signed it and placed it on the table. The next resort was the tv. He switched on. The news of the solved case was flashing up and down. At last media got something to celebrate. Good for them. there was nothing special. He juggled through the channels. Reached a slow song that stopped his fingers for a while. the song was in its half way.

In Saanso Ka Dekho Tum Paagalpan Ke
Aaye Nahi Inhe Chain
Mujhase Ye Boli Main Raahon Mein Teri
Apne Bichhaa Du Ye Nain
In Uunche Pahaadon Se Jaan De Dunga Main
Gar Tum Naa Aai Kahi
Tum Udhar Jaan Ummeed Meri Jo Todo
Idhar Ye Jahaan Chhodu Main
Maut Aur, Zindagi, Tere Haathon Mein De Diya Re

He listened to the words. It was having a soothing effect though the words were directly hitting his heart.

Aayi Re, Aayi Re, Le Main Aayi Hu Tere Liye
Toda Re, Toda Re, Har Bandhan Ko Pyar Ke Liye
Jaan Re, Jaan Re, Aajaa Tujhamein Sama Jaau Main
Dil Re Dil Re, Teri Saanson Mein Bas Jaau Main

He wished with his whole heart for it to be true…

He switched off the tv. And took out his keys and walked off to the SUV.

Time : 11 30 pm.

Still there was time to end the worst time for him. He gets into the SUV and drives not deciding his destination. Not to the room any way. What was the use of the room if it never gave him any peace.

He reached the main streets. Mumbai being Mumbai itself, never slept. He could relate to the city well. It never slept like him. He drove through the not so tight traffic zone. But had to stop at a red light. He was just looking out when a boy's smiling face flashed in his memory. Now he had a destination to go.

At the green light he went to meet Satish who carried on the night classes for the street kids. (the same one from the episode) he reached there. Satish was about to call it a day when Arjun walked in.

Satish was quick to recognize him. "are Sir aap yaha? Sab teekh tho hai?"

Arj: ha. Mien bas idhar se guzar raha tha, socha ake milu. So sab teekh hai na?

Sat: ha sir. Bas night class hogaye hai. sare bache chale gaye.

Arj: Raju kaise hai?

Sat: ache hai Sir. Padhayi bhi kaafi ache thareh se kar rahe hai. kuch din baad wo apne gaav bhi jarahe hai. unke ma-baap se milne. Tho bohot khush bhi hai.

Arj: acha news hai. mien bas Raju se milne aya tha. Raath kafi hogaye. Patha hi nahi chala. Kal sabere keh dena. Kuch madad ke zaroorath ho tho zaroor bula dena.

Sat: ji sir.

Arj: acha chaltha hu.

He travelled out again.

He reached the Juhu beach. Though it was late, still it was not empty. He parked his vehicle at a corner and walked off to the road side. The wind was fine with a saline touch in it. it flow through his waving hair. He chose a spot for himself and sat down in the sands. The sea was calm from outside like him. But from inside it grumbled its thoughts. He kept on looking at the waves.

A few feet away a couple was walking hands in hands. She had placed her head on his shoulder while walking close to him. The red bangles showed that they were newlywed. he tried to take eyes off them.

She used to love her chudi. and at any moment he could bring a smile on her lips with a small bunch of roses or a set of bangles. She never had big demands in her life. Those small moments were precious in her small life. He felt a burn in his eyes. May be due to the salty air. He told himself. Making himself believe it.

He sat there for a long time.

1 am:

He somehow reached near to the lodge. A late night chai wala would have been welcomed. But this late?? Who would sit up this late? He walked to his room.

A mere bed looked at him, teasing him. He placed his keys , revolver, phone and the glasses on the table. He then sat on the bed and just lied back on it closing his eyes. He was trying to provoke a sleep. But it was as adamant as him. He pulled down the bandage on his arms. The torn name that was hidden whole day got some air.

He gently stroked the name. "Roshni" it was torn on his flesh but not in his heart. As he touched it he could hear her.

"mere naam tho apke dil me hai Arjun.. aur roz padthi hu main apke ankhon me…"

There was a pearl drop in those eyes. She hugged him with all her love.

He closed his eyes feeling her in his arms. This was his only way to cherish her presence. The fate had pulled her apart from him. And the same fate never gave him the liberty to meet her in his dreams. As for a dream, a sleep was necessary. And that was again his forbidden zone.

He opened his eyes at her scream… it was banging loud on his eardrums. He was panting now. He sat up and wiped his sweet from his fore head. He looked his watch.

Its 2 45 am now. WOW … her thoughts took a good time from him. He got up and went to fresh up and came back in a gray t-shirt and a night pants. He sat on his seat at the table, looking out through the window. After all the Mumbai was not completely like him. It too gets tired at times. The rush was minimum now.

His hands went to the usual place… the usual file… Roshni Arjun Rawte Murder case.

He didn't know what he was searching in it. he knew every line in that file. Every word, every punctuation in it. still he read every night. May be he left any point. Maybe he had missed something. Maybe… it would give him some peace…

He reread it again. Her description was just superficial. No record showed the smile in her face, her gentle eyes. Her smooth curly hair. Her baby pink blush at his touch. Her soft skin. Her innocence…

The file was incomplete… it never described her. It just said how it saw her. Not his Roshni…

He could feel a hand over his hair. It was caressing his hair. His eyes fell heavy. He wished to hold her in his arms. And now she was just a file in front of him… he hugged it.

He closed his eyes…

But would he have the liberty of that so-called sleep??

His mobile beeped. Rathod's name flashed. "ha Rathod…(listen for a few seconds) ok mien araha hu…"

He cut the call and kept the file back in place. He looked his watch… its 3 30 am.