PART 53:
It was early morning. The air was cool and calm. Aisha opened the door for him. Clad in a white cotton kurta pyjama, he tried to step out of his seat from the car. She helped him to adjust to his feet and crutches. Always the first step is the hardest. He stood up with a bit shaky leg owing to be sitting in the car for a long time. The trip was long one starting before the sunrise.
Once adjusted to his feet, she helped him to put a shawl around himself. He tried to protest only to get a mild glare from her. He smiled and let her wrap him.
He looked ahead. The sunrise has already begun. Baba was along with the pujari who was doing special offerings. It was time to let Aryan free.
Standing by the side of the holy river, Arjun and Aisha witnessed a father doing his final rights for his son. The boy who was to be his future was set free to rest now.
Aisha asked Arjun if he needed a seat as he had to stand for a long time. He nodded no and stood watching the procedure.
After the ritual, Baba stood watching the rising sun for a while. He took his time and then returned back to Arjun. Baba was not crying, nor was he upset. There was blank expression in that face.
He kept a hand on Arjun's shoulder to support himself. "ab wo azaad hai, Arjun. Mere Aryan ab azaad hai."
Arjun supported him silently.
Baba took his moment to take in the calmness of the surrounding and then faced Arjun and Aisha again. "its time to go..."
They went back to Sneh Bhavan. The flight was due next morning. Aisha had to do her packing. Arjun had visits from many of the staffs who had looked after him. He along with Aisha made sure to meet everyone before leaving next day. He visited all the therapy session areas, the place where he took his first step, the corner where he used to sit in his wheel chair to watch the sunset... memories were linked with every point of this building. After a tour around on his crutches and Aisha by his side, he returned to his room. She made him relax for a while when she continued the packing.
She saw him looking around. "kya hua Arjun?"
"do sal se yahi meri duniya thi. Ab uss Lodge room ke tharah, iss room se bhi ek connection lag raha hai"
That reminded her something. She went to him along with her hand bag. She opened it to show a key. The same key of Room 121.
"ye yaha kya kar raha hai?"
"Sameer do saal se uss room ko bachake rakha tha. Jab mein wapas aya tho mujhe diya" he knew that much as Sakshi had updated about it long back. "aur ab ye mere paas hai. I used to go there... jab aapke yaad..."
He held her palms. "I know... its ok... we will go there once we get back."
She nodded agreeing. "kuch jagah aise hai jaha se jaane ke baad bhi, waha se judi hui yadein bohot athe hai..."
"you miss her? Swati..."she smiled to realize that he remembered what she told him about her past. "haan kabhi kabhi..."
"then why don't you call her? Uske number tho hoga na?"
"haan ghar ka number hai. Par mein waha se aane ke baad kabhi use contact nahi ki hai"
"then do it now. Use acha lagege."
She agrees and checks for the number and calls her. The phone was taken at first by Swati's dad, who passed it to Swati. "hello..."
"hello Swati..."
The person on the other side took a moment. "Di?? Aap?? Ithne time baad? Yaha se jaane ke baad mujhe bhool hi gaye na? chal katti..."
The phone which was on speaker let Arjun also listens to it. Aisha was leaning to Arjun's chest, who was holding her around. He could see her happiness and a small glitter in her eyes.
"nahi Swati, mein kabhi bhi aapko bhula nahi tha. Par yaha kuch aise hua ke... call nahi kar paya"
"Its ok. Kaha ho aap? Mumbai me? Meine bathaya tha na, ke jabthak uss party se mein wapas ayega thab thak aap waha se chale gaye hoge... see I am genious"
Aisha and Arjun smiled at it. "of course. Aap tho meri Sherlock jo hai. Genious tho hoga hi."
"tho fir bathao Mumbai me kaise ho?"
"ab mein Mumbai me nahi, Kerala me hu. Kal wapas chalege."
"Kerala me kyu?"
"bathathi hu. Pehle kisi aur se bath karlo."she hands the phone to Arjun.
He took the cell. "hello..."
Swati heard a man's voice. "hello... aap kaun?"
"um... agar chahu tho jiju bula sakthe ho..."
"really?? Wow... Di ne kabhi bathaya hi nahi. Hi I am Swati."
"haan aapke Di mere bare me nahi bathaya hoga. But I know you. I am Arjun"
There was an instant bonding between all of them. By the end of the call, Swati made Arjun promise to come to Allahabad when everythimg settles in Mumbai.
After call, she was so happy that he stayed closer to him. He wrapped her in his arms where she stayed for a longer time.
"thanks Arjun. Swati se bath karke bohot achi lagi"
He just pulled her closer to him and rested his chin over her head. She noticed he was silent. "kya hua? Kya soch rahe ho?"
"kal wapas jaana hai. Bohot ajeeb lag raha hai. I mean, ithne samay se yaha se bahar gaya hi nahi. Tho... kya sab pehle ke tharah hoge? How long will it take to let everything fall in sequence?"
"are you nervous Arjun?" he didn't say anything and that gave her reply.
"don't be. We are going to our world. Hamari duniya. Hamari pariwar ke paas. Waha koi nervousness ke kya zaroorath hai?"
He agrees to it. "baba ke stay?"
"wo Sree arrange kar raha hai. Filhal wo Sree ke waha rahenge. Fir hamare ghar me shift karenge. But on the whole wo kuch ek hafta hi hoga. Fir unhe wapas ana hai. Yaha bhi sambhalna hai na?"
He agrees again. She cuddles closer to him. A smile comes to his lips. "hamari duniya... sounds good Mrs. Rawte."
"Arjun... chup..."
"kyu? Aisha... (he chins her up) mujhe hamari duniya bilkul waise chahiye, jaise pehle tha. Haan, ab kuch problems hai. Par we will make it up na?"
"have we not already started to make it up, Arjun?" She had a crimson touch at her cheeks, which made him smile more. He kissed her making her blush more.
***
All at ETF office was waiting for the next day when Arjun would be back to Mumbai. For some days Sree arranged Baba's stay with him so that Aisha and Arjun could settle back at their home peacefully.
Aman helped Sakshi to get Arjun's wish fulfilled. Though she was showing a happy face, she was feeling a bit upset too. Aman never showed it, but he knew he had to move on.
That night might have been the longest night for many of them.
Early next day, Aisha woke up with a different glow around her. She knew her life that had already taken the new track from the day when she met him again, was going to be brighter. And he had said and proved it too.
She helped Arjun to get ready, who was as eager as a kid for his school trip. Bags were taken out after a breakfast and a final goodbye to all. Baba had already given charges to his team of doctors and instructed them to call him back at the time of emergency.
His flight to Mumbai was like going back to his home after ages.
Mumbai:
It took time for him to be back on his legs again after the trip. So with the help of Baba and Aisha he took his slow steps to his life in Mumbai. In the visitors lounge was the ETF team who was eagerly waiting for him. The team was here for a long time now.
Sam was the first one to spot him, who came forward first for a hand shake and then after a reluctant second, to a hug. The team had not much witnessed it before. Liza and Chotu were the only people who had not seen him yet, except on screen. So they stood with glittering eyes. Aman too welcomed Arjun back. Sakshi first hugged Aisha and then shook hand with wink. He gave a soft glare. Baba loved the welcome back and Sree took good care of him, introducing to Liza and Chotu. Baba had a small fear when Chotu hugged Arjun, but then smiled when the huge man blew his nose on a towel, with tears streaming down. Liza was a silent spectator. Arjun beckoned her and gave a side hug too, joking that he was alive.
Coehlo joined them soon with Raghu Sir. Arjun got a warm welcome from both of them too. After small pleasentries, they decided to move on.
It was decided to go home, which was negated by Arjun who wanted to go to office first. Soon all gave in for him.
ETF office:
The whole office welcomed him whole heartedly. He walked in with his crutches,and with a smile which they had missed for a long time now. He was weak, but his energy was shown in his smile and words.
Baba was happy to see the welcome back and was glad to witness it himself. He was also given a warm welcome, as the team mates knew what he had done for Arjun.
They moved to the hall. He took a moment for himself looking around the hall, which he had missed a lot. When Aisha nudged a bit, he moved forward to his position. Upon reaching there he stood with a smile. He looked at Aman.
Aman returned the smile. "Welcome back Arjun, to your rightfull place"
Arjun smiled and looked at Sam who smiled assuring that the secret was still intact. Arjun nodded to go on.
Sam cleared his throat to get attention. "well ek news hai... team me do second in commands ko rakhna mushkil hai... tho socha ke wo title hi hatalu..."
Except for Arjun and Aisha all, looked surprised. "matlab??"Aman couldn't help from voicing out.
Arjun patted Aman's shoulder. "matlab ye ke hamare chief ko ek Rawte se kaam nahi chalega. Use tumhe bhi chahiye... ab kuch samjhe ya samjhau??"
All was surprised and smiling but poor Aman was still in shock. Arjun patted his back again. "ab ek seating position me kya rakha hai? Sit where ever you want. He moves to the next seat and sits down and extends his legs. He was tired though the excitement never went down by a notch. He looked at Aisha who winked at him. He could see she was so happy. But all were still watching him.
"ab ithna bhi respect math do yaar. Have a seat. Baba... ye hai hamare discussion hall."
All took their seat; still Aman was digesting whats going on. Sam saw it. "kya hua Aman?"
"lagtha hai Aman sir ko zor ka jhatka mila hai.."Chotu remarked to give a good laugh to all.
"Aman, there is nothing to be surprised. I wished you to be in this team. Isliye tumse puche bagair, decide kar diya. Hope you don't mind."
"Are you kidding me Sameer?"Aman blurted out like a kid.
All had a good laugh for it too. Now all knew how much he was hiding all these days. But Aisha was quick to notice something else too. Arjun noticed a special smile on Aisha's face. When their eyes met briefly, he enquired about it. She nodded no.
Soon after the initial chat, Arjun said that he will take it slowly. Baba also wanted the same. He asked Sam not to let him do more movement for some time. Arjun was full on negating. But Baba had an upper hand. And above all, he was not yet officialy joining. He can join only after he clear fitness test which will surely take weeks if not month. Until then he may come to office and join team for cases.
The team and Baba had a lunch together. After lunch Arjun was made to relax in the recliner in his old cabin as he was still not in a mood to leave the office. Aisha went to get the medicines from the bag which was in the vehicle and Sakshi walks in. Arjun who was leaning back on the recliner looked up to her. "do you have it?"
"ahaan... someone is so eager... Arjun kya plan hai? Bathana..."
He gave a look that meant "none of your business for now"
She acted frustrated and said it's in his home as she had the key already and have kept it in the cupboard. Aisha walked in with medicines. She had a naughty smile again which Arjun noticed again.
"Aah... medicine time... lage raho... bye"
"ek minute Sakshi..."Aisha stopped her and handed Arjun the medicines. After making sure he had it, she turned to her. "kafi khush dikh rahe ho?"
"matlab??"
"matlab ye ke kisike na jaane se kafi khush dikh rahe ho"
Now Arjun gets a small hint. He looks at Sakshi and Aisha. Sakshi was already flushed. "no no aise kuch nahi. Mein tho bas... Aisha... don't you have any other work? Chal... mein tho chali..."
She goes away from there and Aisha has a good laugh. Arjun looks at her open laugh. She feels caught red handed again. "muh tho band karo uncle..."she sits by his side and pats his cheeks.
He holds her wrist in his palm. "ab jaake asli jungle billi bahar ayi. You ladies are awesome. Kya kya dekhthe ho?"
She puls her imaginary collar. "wahi tho hamare kamaal hai"
He pulls her closer. "acha??"
She pushes him and gets up. "bas bas, office me hai. Bhoolna math"
After sometime Arjun agrees to go back. But before that Aisha goes to Aman's cabin. "so you are going to stay back, sir?"
Aman was so happy today. "haan. It seems all like me so much that they don't want to miss me"
"So true sir... that includes some one special too."
"excuse me?"
"apne ankhen khule rakhiye sir. Kahi kuch miss na kare... bye". She smiled and walked putting him more conufsed.
Aisha, Arjun leave office with others. Sakshi and Liza had already started before hand. Aisha was happy that they had seen to arranging the home before they come. After reaching the front gates, Arjun was feeling a lump in his throat. This was the same home where he brought Aisha as his bride. Where they promised to be there forever. The same home that gave her a suffofaction when he left. And now he was back home.
He felt her press his palm. She had noticed his change in expression. She smiled and assured him everything.
They reached at the door. Sakshi did the aarti for them. Arjun was leaning onto his crutches and Aisha by his side.
They took the first step in together. He looks around remembering what he had left behind. He was surprised to see that nothing much changed. He took his seat in the couch. "Welcome home Arjun" Baba was happy to let him in his own world.
Arjun looked at the happy man infront of him. "yahi apke duniya hai Arjun. I cant believe that we both tried to keep you away from this world. I am glad Aisha came for you. Warna mein shayad apne apko kabhi maaf nahi kar patha."
"Aise math kahiye baba. Ab wo sab ateeth hai. Use chod dijiye. Ab aage ke bare me sochiye"
Baba agreed to it. All knew it was time to let them alone. Sree took Baba to his home where he will stay for few days, until he come to Arjun's home before he leave back to Kerala.
They left with Sam. Aman and Sakshi left together. They both were a silent pondering over what Aisha told.
All reached back at office and acted normal.
Here at home, they were indeed happy to be back in their world. She sat by him in the couch with his hands around her. It was great to be back home, in the hands of one's love, who had a passionate look in the eyes.
***
Night came. All were taking off for the day. Aman was driving Sakshi back to her home. There was an awkward silence in the car.
Aman thought of breaking the ice. "um... kuch khaoge?"
She looks up and nodded no. That attempt failed.
"so... now I am not leaving..."he tried again and for that she smiled without loking at him. That's a good start.
"so there is no need of anyone missing me..."smile still as a return.
"but still I am not sure..."now she turned to him confused.
"I mean... koi kuch kaha tho nahi... par fir bhi..." he said with a bit hesitation.
She sat silent till he reached her place. She sat silent with eyes lowered. He heard a sigh. "kabhi kuch bathein kehne ke zaroorath nahi hai Aman... kuch bathein khud bahud hi samajh lena chahiye..."
She looked direct to his for a while and then smiled and walked out to her home. She saw him waiting for her until she opened the door and walked in. she had a brief look at him before closing the door and leaning onto it. After a moment she heard the car zooming away.
Sometime later Aman was out after his bath. He had a smile unkown to himself. He fell on his bed not thinking anything in particular. Still much was zooming about. His eyes fell on the cupboard. He went to it and opened the door.
A red shawl with silver embroidery was still over there. He touched in gently. Maybe... its time...
***
They had their cute moment for themselves. After feeding him the dinner that she had prepared and giving him his medicines, she could see he was impatient for something.
But he didn't say till the very end. At last she suggested going and taking rest. But he didn't allow.
"kamre me jao. Cupboard ke last wale shelf me kuch hai."
"what?"
"jao... you will know it yourself..."
She reluctantly goes in and opens the door. She search for it and finds a wrapped gift. Once she touched it, her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes filled. She wondered when he managed to do it. She felt that she was falling in love with this man all the more. She held the gift close to her heart. She knew what he wished.
She quickly freshed up and changed to a flowing white anarkali suit. Tried to plate her hair, bit then remembered that he love her open hair. So she combed it well. Accesorised with just her mangalsutr, earing and a few bangles, she went for the gift by him.
He was waiting impatient. After she had gone in, he had walked up to the music palyer and placed a CD. He came back to the couch and waited.
After what seemed like ages, he heard it.
Chimes of her ghungroo... that was now adorned in her legs. He turned to have a look at her. She stood at the doorway with her face blushing pink. Hair open and bangles in her hand. The minimal makeup made her look angelic.
She walked slowly with the chiming voice to be in front of him.
He looked at her for a while and then raised the control of the music player, hitting a play.
Music flooded the hall... she at first stood with a silent prayer of being back in front of him again. After that she moved with the music.
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
Udne laga kyon man baawla re
Aaya kahan se yeh hosla re
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
His eyes filed when she took the steps along with the musics. It seemed that the moment was just for them.
Nazrein bolen duniya bole
dil ki zaban haaye dil ki zubaan
Ishq maange ishq chahe koi toofan
Chalna aahiste ishq naya hai
Pehla yeh vada humne kiya hai
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
O re piya
Piyaaa...
He could see her suffocating with words that came in.
Nange pairo pe angaro
chalti rahi haaye chalti rahi
Lagta hai ke gairo mein
Palti rahi haaye
le chal wahan jo
Mulk tera hai
Jahil zamana
dushman mera hai
haaye
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
O re piya haye..
She stopped her dance by coming to her knees infront of him. He leaned forward to cup her face and wipe her tears. He pulled her up to his level.
She smiled with that glittered and hugged him tight by his neck, hiding her face in his shoulder.
It was just bliss to be back with him after a long journey of pain and fear. From helpless days to sleepless nights. From despair to suffocation.
It was over now.
Now as everyone says... "they lived happily ever after..."
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