PART 52:
A night with the breeze that move through out hair. Waves that bubbled at our legs. A companion to stand by, even if silent. A feel of security around.
That was more than enough for the thoughts to wander. Time lost its value at those moments when mind was so free.
The silence as such was soothing. Aman and Sakshi were just living in that moment.
The days that passed by seemed like a motion picture. For Aman, it was just like a dream sequence. His mission to Allahabad. Unexpected meet with Nadiya. A beginning of a long forgotten tingling at heart. The dance that brought in a different picture. A tear that struck somewhere deep at heart. The start of days at ETF. The pain in every eye with a mere mention of a name. A new comradeship with Rathod, Sree and all. Her return, the relevation. The pain of lost love. Some understandings. Sakshi. Her mystery filled words. The truth. The outburst. The first day of reunion. The meet of friends. The new relation with an unknown man. The fight for life and trust. The fight to come back to life. The fight for some unknown souls. The final truth.
How fast the days passed by? He never knew. Even the tag line "go with the wind" doesn't come true here. As the wind had different flow at different times. Sometime soothing. Sometime as strong as to take away oneself with it. Sometimes it was not even there, giving the eerie for a life time. Still this life goes on. And it will too...
He felt a sound of the clinking of some bangles. There she stood with a scarf that fluttered with the breeze. Her hands that wore the bangles were trying to hold back the loose hair strands that came in front of her eye. Those eyes looked deep today. As if she saw something very deep in those tides that were coming to shore. She looked peacefull. Her forehead didn't crease of tensions. She had a smile on her lips on an unknown secret. He turned to her.
"kya hua Sakshi? Kya soch rahe ho?"
"kuch nahi Aman, soch raha hu ke ye rishte kitne ajeeb hothe hai. Khoon ka rishta fir bhi samajh me athe hai. lekin baki sab?"
He let her silent for a while until she opened up again. "Arjun ke bare me meine bohot suna tha. Ek aisa officer jo apne duty ke samne kuch bhi nahi rakthe. Fir wo incident ke bare me suna. Thab patha chala ke unka ek family bhi tha. Fir wo aise gayab hogaya ke kisiko kuch bhi patha hi nahi chala. Samay ke sath sab apne yadonse wo sab nikaal diya. Mien bhi... par Kisine ye nahi socha ke aise bhi log hai jinhe har pal unn yadonke sahare jeena padtha tha. Aur fir ek aise din wo mere samne aye. Thab wo, Arjun tha hi nahi. Uske ateeth, uske pehchan sab badal gaya tha. Fir dheere dheere mien usse samajhne lage. Fir mili Aisha se. kya kahu? Zindagi me pyaar ka ithna bada haath hoga, ye mujhe nahi patha tha. Shayad patha karne keliye wajah hi nahi tha. Fir aaye ETF office me. Ek aise duniya, jaha log apne liye kam, aur baki logon keliye zyada jeethe hai. aur fir mere safar shuru hua. Mujhe patha tha ke ye asaan nahi hoga. Aman, I had seen both of them very closely. And I knew they were to be together. Aur aise hi hua. Unke pyaar unhe paas le aya. Fir unke jang apne apse tha. Aur mujhe patha hai ke wo bhi bohot jald teekh hoga. Hai na?"
She turns to Aman who had stood silent listening to all these. She felt awkward. She lowered her eyes. "sorry meine kuch zyada hi kehdiya"
He smiled and nodded no. "nahi Sakshi. It was not. I agree with all your thoughts. And yes its really difficult to understand them"
She accepted it with another smile. "aur Arjun-Baba. Even that is a hard one to understand"
"kabhi labhi, kuch rishtonko na-samjhe wahi teekh hoga."
He said it in a deep voice that showed of some hidded thoughts. She didn't understand it. "matlab?"
He felt awkward as if caught red handed. "kuch nahi. Chale?"
She nodded but was still thinking of what he might have meant. While he himself was not sure of what he meant. A long day was over. Now they needed to head to home.
***
Aisha and Arjun couldn't sleep much last night. The time they spent with Baba did take away all their sleep and other thoughts.
With the end of the press conference, Baba was in a state of defeated soul. As if he had lost the reason to live. Arjun knew that it was a wrong track. He had the personal experience of what happens when one gets to those thoughts. Aisha too knew it.
Then began the talk. Arjun started speaking to Baba. He didn't say anything about Aryan or him. But Arjun spoke about himself. The past life that Baba never knew. He sat silent at first not knowing why he was saying all these. In the inner mind he knew Arjun was trying to sooth him.
But no. it didn't take long Baba to realize that he was hearing to something way beyond his imagination. The man that lay in front of him for 2 years had a past- sweet and sour, pain and love, tragedy and hope. He was a mixture of all that he could have seen.
Arjun continued to his thoughts to where he met Nadiya soon to be turned to Aisha. He spoke the transition that he had gone through.
This part was news for not only to Baba, but also to her. She never knew what his thoughts were back then. Unknown to her, her eyes filled when she heard his thought.
The words went to the accident, the thought that came to his mind when he felt for the first time that this was the end. The last memory of her face just before he saw the flame.
Baba held her palms when she gave out a sob that escaped her lips unknown to her. Arjun took a moment to compose himself and his cracking voice. And then he continued. Next 1 year is a blank slate for him. If it was the flame he saw the last, then it was Baba's face that he saw next.
He spoke of all that he had wished to say to this man ever since he woke up. What he felt whenever he called him Aryan or beta. Feeling the father he had missed long back. Feeling that he too had a family. He spoke words that went to straight to the heart.
Words went to when he met her again. The life was taking a new meaning. It restarted. It was going ahead.
He was happy.
He looked at Baba who had listened to him patiently all the way. Their eyes met for a brief time at the end when Baba smiled.
"aapke kehne ka matlab mere samajh me araha hai Arjun. Yahi hai na... ke meine Aryan ko khoya nahi hai... balke usse firse paya hai?"
Arjun didn't reply. For which Baba continued.
"Aryan ko mere sath khelne me bohot maza atha tha. Iss bar wo kuch zyada hi der mujhse chup gaya tha. Ab shayad wo bhi thak gaye hoge. Ab use araam karna chahiye... hai na?"
Arjun nodded his head. He was feeling all tight at his throat. The suffocation was too much to handle.
Baba looked at the setting sun through the window. He gave a deep sigh.
"Aryan ko azaad karana chahiye. Par usse pehle mere ek aur kaam hai."
Arjun keeps on looking at him.
"meine apne aapse wada kiya tha ke jab aap uthege thab aapko apke duniya wapas bhej denge. Hum dono ke zidd se wo ithne der thak nahi hua. (turns to Aisha) ab ek aur aasu ke bhoj me seh nahi saktha Arjun. (to Arjun) tumhe uthna hi hoga. Aur ussi din mere Aryan ko sukoon milega."
Arjun kept on looking at this man, who had lost everything in his life, but still standing still on his feet. "how are you doing it?" he couldn't help his thought come to his lips.
Baba smiled at him. "iss zindagi me mere kuch farz hai Arjun. I can't afford to be selfish. I have many who need me. Fir mein apne aapko kaise chupa saktha hu?"
They had stayed for a longer time after which Baba retired to his cabin. They knew he needed this alone time to shed his unshed tears. Aisha sat by Arjun and took him in her arms. She knew he needed her. After all the emotional turmoil of the day, he was truly exhausted. She sat by him for a long time, letting each other sooth them.
The morning brought in another start. After the daily chores they were greeted by Baba who came to inform them about the walking exercise. Baba had a face that said he was tired. But the usual smile was there, though its glow was a bit dim. After seeing their shocked face, Baba smiled again.
"mujhe patha hai ke aap kya soch rahe ho. I need to move ahead Arjun. Warna jiska dar kal apko tha, wahi hoga. I will lose myself. But I can't afford that. Its not easy. I know. But I will have to try."
Arjun felt proud of the man in front of him again. He agreed to go with them to the treatment area. They had the regular session.
***
Sam had an early morning flight. By the time he was in Sneh Bhavan, Arjun was back from the session. Sam was worried about how to face Baba. But he was surprised to see the transformation. He had expected to see a broken man. What he saw was a man with a broken heart, but it was mending, even though slowly.
Arjun explained what happened the previous night and soon Sam knew that it was not Baba who needed help, but Arjun and Aisha.
Sam: ab tumhe jald se jald teekh hona hi hai Arjun. Aur waise bhi, I have something for you.
He gave an envelope. Arjun took it confused.
"ye kya hai?"
"naye order hai. Socha pehle tumhe hi bathadu. Ab mere team me koi Second in command nahi hoga."
Arjun and Aisha looked shocked. Aisha was feeling worried too. All her effort to get him back on legs was slipping. Seeing the serious face of them, Sam smiled.
"are yaar, ab agar do-do ACP mere sath ho tho dono ladne lagege na? so no more Second in command. I want you both. Arjun and Aman. So get back soon to Mumbai Arjun. Thera chutti khatam hone wale hai. Ab there bhasha me samjhe ya samjhau??"
That was a happy note. Arjun was so happy and so was Aisha. Arjun opened the envelope and it was a letter of permission of his re-entry once he was cleared with the physical fitness.
They had the day together. Even Baba was happy to know that he would be welcomed back when he was ready. Now he had extra job to do.
Sam had to leave that evening. Before going he talked to Baba in private, giving papers that cleared Aryan's name. He assured that his team was always there when he needed them. It was an extended family now.
***
In next 2-3 days, everything was getting back to the track. The ETF was back in action. Aman was not yet known to the fact that he would be staying back even after Arjun return. As par Arjun's wish, Sam had kept it under wrap. But Aman was already missing the team. He knew he will have to leave once Arjun was back. He was not upset with it. He knew it was the right place of Arjun. But he was getting used to the air, and now he knew he would have to move ahead soon.
In an after case discussion, Aman mentioned it too.
Aman: nahi Sree, I don't think that will be happening. Kyu ki, by that time I won't be here?
Sre: kyu sir? Aap kahi jarahe ho?
Aman: haan. Jab Arjun wapas ayega, thab mujhe dusri assignment milege na?
Now that brought in a silence. All were thinking except for Sam who had the secret wih him.
Sam noticed everyone. He could clearly see that his idea of keeping Aman back in the team was a good choice. He had spoken to Coehlo asking permission for having Aman back in team. Even though when Arjun would be back, he may not be assigned for the field works at the start. And that was not the only reason for having Aman back in team. He was indeed an asset to the team. And now the sad faces said it loud too.
Aman: come on guys. Aise emotional math bano. Lets finish this work. Warna mein Chotu ko hi kha lunga. Bade bhook lagi hai.
He tried to lighten the mood and all went ahead with a bit heavy heart.
After dinner drive by Sam, Sakshi and Aman to their home was silent.
Sam: so you decided you will leave?
Am: not decided. Its already known right?
Sam: hm...
Aman: Baba ne kuch kaha?
Sam: 1 month maximum. He may be back. Baki ke physiotherapy session yahi se bhi hosaktha hai.
Aman: that's great news.
Sakshi was listening to all these silently. She was happy that Arjun and Aisha are coming back. But still...
Sameer was dropped at his home and Aman was driving away in the SUV with Sakshi.
"kya hua? Aaj kal kafi chup dikh rahe ho?" Aman has noticed her silence.
"kuch nahi, bas aise hi"
"now that's a lie. Bolo koi problem hai?"
She nods no. he could see her face down through the rear view mirror. He stops the SUV and asks her to come forward. Then they carry on with their trip.
"so yaha se jaane ke baad... kya karoge?"
"um... kuch socha nahi hai. Maybe a leave for a few days. Ammi kafi mahine se mere peeche padi hai, ke mujhe unke parwah nahi hai"
"hm... uss din bhi teekh se kaha nahi tha ke ghar pe kaun kaun hai"
"ghar pe Ammi hi hai. Abbu tho bohot pehle hi... khair, wo bichari waha akeli hai. Kafi baar kaha tha ke yahi Mumbai me raho. Par wo Abbu ke yadonko chodke nahi aana chahthi. Tho wahi hi hai..."
"hm... I think you should stay with her for a while. Kafi miss karthi hogi apko."
"I know..."
The ride was silent again. "tumhare Papa kaise hai?"
"wahi ke wahi hai. Doctors ne abhi thak kuch nahi kaha."
"hm..."
They had their own problems, still they knew about others too.
"I am glad that Arjun is coming back"she looked at him. He had said it even without a touch of upset. "he deserve to be back. Ab ek mahina koi bada time tho nahi hai..."
"hm... so... wont you miss here? I mean... pure team..."
"miss tho bohot karega. But still, it is needed. Life cannot have a fullstop till last breath, only put a coma and move ahead."
"wise thoughts, Aman." She said it with a smile.
"ab question ye hai ke koi mujhe miss karega ke nahi"
"ye kaisa sawal hai Aman? Of cource we will miss you." She said it without thinking much. He braked almost at the same time. She looked around and saw it was her place already. But he looked keenly at her. "We?? Right?"
She sat there for a while and then got down the SUV. She stood by the window for a while and walked away even without wishing goodnight.
It was a strange night for both of them.
***
As promised by Baba, Arjun was getting better with the passing days. Its almost 3 weeks past the talks. Now he didn't need much support to keep steady. Crutches and a side help from Aisha was enough. It was not just improvement in the physical fitness in his side. The life was improving too. They started spending more time together with each other. Every passing day was a renewal of their love. It was getting stronger with every breath.
Baba said that in a week, he will be walking with just one crutch. It was time for him to go to Mumbai.
It was a very sad time for Baba, but a very happy one too. Not only for Baba but for Arjun too.
He had a visit from Coehlo who was on leave for a few days. They had talks with baba, who said that Arjun was good to go, except for the fact that he may need a side crutch for a little more time and can be avoided very soon. Further physiotherapy session can be done once in a while from those who were at Mumbai.
Coehlo went back with a happy heart.
But Baba's new set of rules came, when he asked Arjun to practice yoga, especially to control his anger and stress. That was a great funny moment for Aisha, who saw the desperate looks that Arjun gave when he was asked to inhale and exhale slowly, feeling the breath. "feel the breath?? Agar nahi ki hothi, tho mar jathe na? ye Baba bhi na..."
Baba silenced him and asked him to continue.
Flight ticket were booked and as par Arjun's frequent request, Baba was accompanying them for a few days.
The days to get back home were getting closer, and Arjun was thinking something. On an evening he called Sakshi when Aisha was not around.
"bolo ACP saab, is nacheez ke yaad kaise aya?"
"Sakshi, I need your help"
"Am I speaking to ACP Ratwe itself?"
"Sakshi cut the drama. I am serious"
"tho mein kaha normal hu? Bolo"
Arjun mentions what help he wants. Sakshi's eyes were about to pop out when she heard it. "Are you sure Arjun?"
"Sakshi, can you do it or not?"
"ok ok... par kyu? I mean..."
"no questions. Please do it. I need it when I am back. Aur ye bath Aisha ko patha nahi honi chahiye"
"ok, par ek shart pe. You will tell me the reason later, after the surprise. What say?"
"ok... bye"
Sakshi was smiling thinking about the strange request by ACP Rawte. Aman noticed it. "ab kya hua?"
"lagtha hai Baba ne koi galath treatment diya hai. Arjun aise kaise behave kar sakthe hai?"
"kyu?"
"he wants something. It's a surprise for Aisha"
After constant asking by Aman, she says it. Their rapo was very good these days. "Agar Arjun ko patha chala ke meine ye bath tumse kahi hai, tho mein gayi kaam se"
"kuch nahi hoga. Infact, I can help you get it. I know exactly what he wants"
"wo kaise?"
"trade secret hai. Chalo..."
They went in for it.
***
While down at Sneh Bhavan he was waiting for her. She came by and held his upper arms, with her cheeks on shoulder.
"I can't believe this Arjun... hum bohot jald jane wale hai... wapas hamari duniya me..."
He gave her a side hug and held her close. It was true. He was ready to take the next step.
PRECAP:
Curtain falls down...
Edited by kunchu - 11 years ago
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