Thank you for the appreciation and love.Here I am back with Part-13.
Silent members ek like aur chotu sa comment to kardo.Encouragement is what keeps a writer going.
So that's said and done,here is Part-13.Read On.
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Part-13
Year 1996
Bangalore Literary Fest
"Sameer! Jaan chalo na.Kya baith ke samosa kha rahe ho?'' Varsha frowned as she pulled Sameer out of the food court.
"Varsha! Main subah se kuch khaya nahin hun.Khane do'' Sameer spoke in desperation as he held on to the half eaten samosa.
"Uff!Khaana aur kaam ke sivay tumhe kuch dikhta nahin na.Chalo.'' She snatched the piece of samosa and placed on the plate while pulling Sameer out of the food court ,this time successfully.
"Par Varsha,main bhooka hun.'' Sameer complained utterly disgusted with Varsha's stubbornness.
"Mujhe kha lena.'' Varsha made a passing comment and went to greet somebody at far leaving Sameer alone.
"Kya?'' Sameer could not fathom what the last line actually meant. Sometimes he felt she meant a double entendre.He only brushes those off.
Varsha could be stubborn, grumpy and a girl with attitude but she was a girl who can be tagged as 'beauty with brains''. Sameer didn't know when he started liking her in between major fights over everything. .everything nearly. Be it classes,exams,trips,projects.. anything under the universe and these two start fussing, arguing and finally fighting like dogs and cats.
"Varsha!'' He called seeing they getting late for the event in the auditorium.
"Han bolo.Kya hua?'' Varsha asked while muttering something under breath as if memorising something.
"Auditorium jana hai na tumhe?Tum kahin pe bi gappe ladane baith jaati ho.'' Sameer spoke with a tinge of sarcasm in his tone.
"Acha main gappe ladane baith thi hun to tum kya karte ho?Kahin pe bhi khanna khane baith jaate ho..Ek baat batao itne khate ho phir bhi aise malnourished dikhte ho..Kaise?Please share your secret tip Mr.Sameer Maheshwari,Core Security team member,Bangalore Literary Fest.'' Varsha spoke placing an imaginary microphone infront of him.
"Drama queen..Exercise is the only secret and option.'' Sameer spoke and headed towards the auditorium where the prize distribution was to be held.The Prize winners list was with the event manager and was being handled by the other section of their batch.He had no job there but it was Varsha who was interested in attending the event.So anything for Varsha.
"Sameer!'' Varsha called and he halted turning back.
"Naanu ninnannu Preethisutthene'' She spoke as she planted a kiss on his cheek.Sameer was certainly surprised by her public display of affection but not shocked because this was not the first time she had kissed him out in public without any hint of shyness.
"Varsha!Kya kar rahi ho..Sab dekhenge.Control.Aur yeh kounsi language tha?'' Sameer asked crossing his arms.
"Dekhne do.Main kisisse nahin darti..Varsha naam hai meri.Kab kis pe baras jaun bharosa nahin meri.Aur Sameer ..''Hawa ka jhonka'' ji wo Kannada mein 'I love you'' ko yehi bolte hein. ''Varsha spoke flashing her widest smile of victory and passed him a flying kiss before running inside the auditorium.
"Pagal!'' Sameer face palmed and followed her.
If asked how they fell in love they could never pin point how but Sameer can atleast pin point when he started losing his heart to her.Two incidents happened fortunately or unfortunately which changed their dynamics , relationships and lives in all. First was for Munna and the other one was for Somani.She saved Munna from a road accident and treated him while she defended Sameer when Somani played a cheap trick.
"I request all the core team members and students of IIMC to please gather near the stage while all other delegates kindly take your seats. ''The host announced and Varsha pulled Sameer to the back stage.
"Sameer!Ek promise karo ''Varsha spoke fixing her eyes in his while Sameer knew she was going to ask something very crazy demand which he would not like but had to agree anyway.Though she was crazy and always pulled him into her crazy antics,he somehow enjoyed them and lived the life to the fullest in those moments.
"Jo bhi aaj ke prize winners honge unka autograph lene unke pass jayenge.Please please ''Varsha pleaded while Sameer gave her an 'impossible'' look.
"Ab wo log prize winners hein Nobel laureates nahin.Kya soch ke aise demands karte ho?'' Sameer said fidgeting with his wrist watch.
"Uff!Tum ek number ke budhu ho..Far sightedness tumhari hai hi nahin.Socho kal ko agar yeh established writers ban gaye to..Unko milna bhi muskil ho jayega..Ab to ache se aur beautiful handwriting mein autograph miljayega.Jaan samjha karo na.''Varsha tried making him understand her strategy.
"Acha acha thik hai.Jayenge aur beautiful autograph lenge'' Sameer promised as he saw Varsha's eyes twinkle with happiness.
"The Creative Nib Writing Contest winners list is here. I request Manoj to kindly come up on the stage to set the microphone. I request the Director of the Fest Shri M.P.Narayan Rao, Members of the company of Sponsors Two Eagles Company, Bright Homes and Masala Trails and Co. to kindly come up on the dais. The host announced while Sameer looked worried on not finding Munna in near vicinity.
"Varsha!Shayad Munna nahin hai,main stage ke upar chala jaata hun.Tum yahin ruko.'' Sameer spoke up in haste and went up on the dais without listening to her reply.
"Our second runners up is Mr. M.Vinayak.He is being awarded with a bronze trophy and cash prize of 20,000''.The host announced while cheers burst out and the hall resounded with claps.
"So the winner of the nation wide writing contest is Ms.Naina Agarwal.She is being awarded with a golden trophy and cash prize of 60,000.She is also being offered a scholarship of 5000 per month for 3 years.A huge round of applause for the winner''. The host announced while Naina came upon the dais with her one of the brightest smiles and Sameer looked at her in disbelief in his eyes.
The same Naina Agarwal whom he had once wronged,The same Naina Agarwal whom he loved just for the sake of a bet and the same Naina Agarwal who left him in guilt for couple of years.
The same Naina Agarwal is here.She is here for writing the best story in the nation.What had she written?Was it about her?Was it about some one else?Or was it about him?About them?
"So Ms.Naina.I request you to kindly speak a few words about the whole occasion.''The host requested while Naina saw the tormentor of her heart,the once beloved memory of her past,the life changer Sameer standing right there holding the microphone.
Their eyes met and it spoke of pain,betrayal and accusations.She moved away taking the mic and successfully stopped everyone from noticing the salty tears that had started pooling in her eyes by flashing a wide smile.
She talked about the story and the inspirations while he listened engrossed and knew that he was one of the characters in the story.It didn't take him much time to guess who the grey shaded devil was..Ofcourse that was he for her..A devil ,an evil.
"Excuse me!Hi! I am Varsha'' Varsha came and blocked Naina's way while Naina looked at her in bewilderment.
"Hi!''Naina spoke respecting etiquette.
"Can I have your autograph please.''Varsha requested folding her hands while Naina smiled at her craziness.
"Okay sure''.Naina spoke with a smile and took out her pen.
"Wait.Let me call my boyfriend.He would be very happy to meet you.You know?He is a good poet even.''Varsha spoke excitedly and called 'SAMEER''.
"Sam..eer!'' Naina asked to clarify if she heard it right.
"Haan..Sameer.I mean Sameer Maheshwari.''Varsha clarified while Naina felt something wrench in her heart.For years together she had wondered how Sameer would be and what the devil would be doing.
And finally she was getting the answers and she didn't know why those jolted and unsettled for few seconds.Yes! She hates him for what he did ,he should suffer for the wrong he did to an innocent girl,he should burn every nano second of his life for deceiving a girl and making her confess infront of school bringing defame to her name.
"Haan..Jaan.''Sameer came running and spoke only to realise Naina present there.
"Sameer! Meet Naina..Our winner and Naina meet Sameer.My jaan and the shayar'.Wow.I am standing between a 'lekhika'' and 'shayar''. Fortunate me.'' Varsha spoke and beamed with joy as she introduced both to each other without knowing that the two souls had already been introduced by destiny first,Principal Sir next, through bet again and became strangers again by bet,by Principal Sir,by destiny.
As they stood transfixed ;with eyes fixed into each other Varsha thought to break the tension and silence that was growing enough to her dis comforture.
"Sameer! Hi bolo aur handshake karo ''Varsha whispered in his ear.
"Hmm.Hi Naina.Congratulations.''Sameer spoke as he forwarded his hand for a handshake.
"Thanks and Sorry.Main ajnabee logon ke saath handshake nahin karti.''Naina spoke while crossing her hands.
"Aap log ek dusre ko pehle se jaante ho kya?'' Varsha asked seeing the heated exchanges of glances.
"Haan..Nahin ''Sameer and Naina spoke while Varsha looked confused.
"Haan ya Naa?Sameer! ''Varsha asked Sameer while Sameer chose to keep his mouth shut.
"Anyways..Tumse mein baad mein baat karlungi.Naina!Can I now have your autograph please.'' Varsha spoke as she passed her spiral bounded autograph diary to Naina.
"With love and best wishes Varsha ..''Naina cocked her eyes at Varsha asking her surname'.
"Varsha Mehrotra'' Varsha replied understanding her question.
" Varsha Malhotra'' Naina nodded and proceeded to sign.
"NAHIN!Malhotra nahin Mehrotra.Tum dono dost ho kya?'' Varsha asked while both Sameer and Naina looked at her in shock.
"Tumhe kaise maloom?'' Sameer asked widening his eyes.
"Arey maloom kya karna hai?Mujhe pata chal raha hai.Tum bhi to mujhe Mehrotra ki jagah Malhotra bulate ho..aur dekho ab Naina bhi yehi bol rahi hai.To huye na dost tum dono.''Varsha spoke while Sameer took quick breaths in relief.
"Naina!Tum Likh do Varsha Mehrotra and Sameer Maheshwari.''Varsha quipped while Naina nodded and her fingers quivered.
"Thank you!'' Varsha hugged Naina and as her usual attitude has been of PDA ;hugged Sameer too.
Sameer could once again 'Bet'' that he somewhere saw a hurt that flicked through Naina's eyes and he saw her leaving..leaving once again.
"Varsha..ek minute.Main ata hoon.'' Sameer broke away from the hug and followed her while Varsha looked in dismay.
"Naina!Naina!.. ''Sameer called as he saw her entering inside the elevator.He rushed before the elevator shut close.
"Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?'' Naina asked completely miffed with his presence.
"SORRY'' Sameer spoke as he pressed the buttons of the elevator to the top most floor.
"Tum pagal hogaye ho? Kya chal raha hai?'' Naina nearly yelled with the shocks Sameer had been giving her.
"Sorry Naina..Kya tum mujhe ab tak maaf nahin kiya hai?'' Sameer asked holding his ears.
"Kya kiya hai maafi paane ke liye?'' Naina asked cocking eyes with hint of sarcasm laced in tone.
"Tumne mauka hi nahin diya maafi pane ke liye'' Sameer spoke while looking down at the floor.
"Do mahine the tumhare pass ''Naina spoke as she turned away her face from her.
"NAINA! ''Sameer called and she turned around with questioning gaze.
He ditched the world for a moment and his sub conscious ruled over.He hugged her.
She was taken aback and felt her heart nearly burst with the rush of feelings, all of them deep and strong like a swift river swirling inside her. She hugged him tighter, reaching her hands around his shoulders and leaning her cheek against his. His cheeks were hot to the touch, and instantly the two of them blended together into a single figure as they held onto each other, trying to find some way to hold onto the moment forever.
All were not false promises and all were not false pretences...They both knew and had realised long back.
The elevator halted with a jerk and both jerked from the hug. She broke away and blushed into a deeper shade of crimson.She rushed out to the bar and dining area that was arranged on the top floor.
He kept looking at her retreating figure suddenly feeling at peace.
"Varsha!''Munna called while she was shocked to see Sameer not with him.
"Munna! Kahan the tum?Aur Sameer kahan hai?'' Varsha asked in one breath.
"Wo Satish ne kuch kaam diye the..Sameer to tumhare saath tha na.Main to subah se use nahin mila.Waise ek help karoge? ''Munna said while Varsha's mind had already started possible assumptions.
"Okay batao.Kya hai?'' Varsha replied clearing her mind.
"Waise yeh kaam to Sameer ka hai phir bhi tum uski ...girlfriend ho to tumhe mein bharosha kar sakta hoon.Tum abhi security room mein jao aur yahan ke elevators ke CCTV check karke batao ki kounsi lift ki camera kharab hai.Wo Satish ne bataya hai use dekh ke inform karne ke liye.Please mera itna madad kar doge? Bada bhukh lag raha hai to main thoda pet puja karke aata hun''
.Munna informed and left while Varsha found the task assigned easy because she knew where to look for what.After all she was with Sameer the whole time while he set the security room since he was core security incharge.
"Elevator-1,2,3,4,5,6,7...Isme recorded kya hai? Rewind button kahan hai..Here it is.''Varsha spoke to herself while her index finger pressed the rewind button.The pixelated image of two familiar individuals appeared on screen.The two people bickering over something and finally hugging.
"Sam...ee.r Nai..na! Hug!'' Varsha's eyes remained glued to the image of them hugging while two drops of tears trickled down her cheeks.She was deceived,cheated and lied to.They knew each other and are lovers.LOVERS?
Varsha felt she would go deranged if she would not talk to Sameer then and there.He owes some serious explanations and even that National winner Naina Agarwal too.
"SAMEER!'' Varsha's voice travelled across the dining area where the felicitation dinner party was slowly getting into mood.
Sameer looked up to her and saw the feisty Varsha marching towards him with a yellow envelope clasped tightly in her fist.
"Sameer!Naina kahan hai?''She straight asked while Sameer looked at her as if she had grown horns suddenly.
"Mujhe kya pata.Ati hogi abhi to party shuru hi hua hai...Yeh lo..aagayi tumhari Naina''. Sameer said seeing Naina coming from the front door animatedly engaged in a conversation with some delegate.
"NAINA AGARWAL'' Varsha called while Naina looked at the source of the voice and found Varsha waving at her from the other end of the room.
She excused herself and presented herself before Varsha not before throwing a questioning glance at Sameer.
"Kya hua Varsha?Ab ek aur autograph leni hai kya?Ya phir photograph?''Naina asked throwing the possible suggestions.
"Explanation leni hai. ''Varsha spoke with a tone which made Sameer uncomfortable for he knew this tone of Varsha indicated of impending storm.
"Kiski explanation chahiye tumhe?'' Naina asked maintaining a grim smile on her face.
"ISKI! ''Varsha said as she threw the photographs of both Sameer and Naina hugging on the table lying nearby.Sameer peeked at them and stood startled while Naina felt the ground beneath her slipping away.
"YEH KYA HAI SAMEER?KYA HAI NAINA?''Varsha spoke in a pitch which turned few heads.
"Varsha!Let me explain..this ..was. like I mean..we know each other from school.''Sameer fumbled with words while Naina kept on looking at those photos which seemed to be captured from a moving video.
"Ohh..Childhood sweethearts.THEN WHO AM I MR.SAMEER MAHESHWARI? ''Varsha fisted her hand as she demanded an explanation.
"Varsha! Thodi si mis understanding ho gayi hai..I will explain you ..''Sameer tried pacifying Varsha while Naina didn't know what to answer.She was once again in a mess and didn't know whom to blame..
"MISUNDERSTANDING?THIS IS PLANNED SAMEER!YOU CHEATED ME.YOU DON'T LOVE ME.RIGHT?'' Varsha asked while Sameer tried in vain in coaxing her to keep the voice low and talk about that later.
"Sameer!Tumhe pata tha lift mein CCTV hai?''Naina asked while she sat with a thud on the nearby chair as Sameer nodded in affirmation.
Naina decided something in between and got up.She went to the food counter and filled her plate.Taking her filled plate she left without throwing even a glance at anyone.
Sameer saw her leave and perhaps again she had gone away from him...This time forever again without clearing the misunderstanding.
"ANSWER MY QUESTION SAMEER!Kya main uski jitni khubsoorat nahi hun?'' Varsha asked while Sameer tried brushing off the questions.He wanted some peace to night. Just some PEACE.
"Mujhe do minute akele chod do Varsha.Tumhari saare sawal ka jawab main kal batadunga.PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE FOR THE NIGHT.''Sameer pleaded and went to the bartender and ordered a drink.
"SORRY SAMEER!Mujhe itna gussa nahin hona tha.'' Sameer heard faint voice of Varsha asking an apology.
Nine pegs and counting drinks in his system and he saw Varsha smiling as he nodded accepting her apology.
He saw Varsha offering her a drink of her favourite which they always shared and he could not refuse.He felt he could see stars shine brighter than moon in the sky.
He saw Naina with her dazzling bright smile taking him somewhere.He found his feet following her to somewhere whose address he didn't care to know.He saw Naina closing the door and freeing her locks from the tight clutch.Her wavy locks had their own shine too. He saw her smiling and next moment found her lips on his.Before he could register anything he was being thoroughly kissed and he gave away too. Their lips found each other again before they shrunk to the bed. Intoxicated and enchanted they reached out to each other and found their PEACE.
He moaned 'NAINA'' before collapsing on Varsha.
Sameer jerked from the chair as the mobile went on ringing for the third time.Thinking about Varsha and the eventful day in their lives he had fallen asleep on the chair only.He threw a sleepy glance at the clock and checked for the caller who called at the wee hours of morning.His eyes widened seeing Rishav's number flash on screen.
"Hello!Rishav !Itni subah?'' Sameer asked with a tone of urgency in situation.
"Uncle!Aap mujhe lene aao.Mujhe jana hai''.Rishav spoke while Sameer could not make out the head and tail of Rishav's lines.
"Kya hua hai?Aur tumhe kahan jana hai?Details mein batao.''Sameer said as he applied tooth paste onto the toothbrush.
"Nisha ko kuch hogaya hai.Mummy,Papa aur Naina Aunty use hospital leke gaye hein.Pata hai Nisha ke ghar wo ambulance bhi aya tha.Mujhe jana hai uske pass.Aap mujhe le chaloge?Please'' Rishav requested Sameer while Sameer's remaining drowsiness had gone for a toss.
She was fine yesterday night and what transpired suddenly? Did it get so serious that she had to be rushed to hospital?
More than Rishav he now had the urge to rush to hospital and find about her condition.
"Tum ghar mein akele ho?''Sameer asked.
"Nahin.Pados ke ek didi mere saath hai.Aap aaoge na?''Rishav asked stressing the last words.
"Haan zaroor.Tum ready ho jao.Main bas 10 minute mein pahunch raha hun.''Sameer said as he hung off and braced himself for a supposedly unpleasant day.
In the hospital
"Niru!Meri Nisha ''Naina sobbed hard as Nirupama took her in a comforting embrace.
"Naina!Ro mat.Kuch nahin hoga use.Hum sab hein na.''Nirupama consoled her while trying hard to be strong.
"Use kuch hogaya to ..main jee nahin paungi.''Naina hiccupped while Nirupama tried to pacify her in vain.
"Aisi baatein nahin karte.Tum khud ko pehle sambhalo.Sab theek ho jayega.Nahin Naina aise rot e nahin''.Nirupama consoled as she wiped the fresh batch of tears that trickled down Naina's eyes.She could not help wiping out the tears that leaked from her eyes too.
"Niru! ''Raunak called as he found the two ladies huddled together in a hug.
"Niru! Yeh lo tumhare aur Naina ji ke liye khan eke packets.Office walon ne chhuti dene se mana kar diya hai.To main office jaa raha hun.Aur Naina ji aapko Doctor bula rahen hein.''Raunak informed while handling both the food packets to Nirupama.Naina got up to leave wiping the tears while Nirupama collected the card and saved few numbers from Raunak before he went away to office.
"Doctor!Kya baat hai?Kuch serious hai kya?''Naina asked with finger crossed.
"Humein Nisha ko 48 hours ki observation mein rakhna hoga. Ab wo unconscious hai to hum use vomiting nahin kara sakte.Ab bas tube ke jariye uski airway exchange monitor kar sakte hein.Bas yehi baatana tha aapko.Aap use dekhna chahte hein to ek ghante mein hum use shift kar lenge bed pe. ''The doctor informed while Naina's mind could barely register anything.She could only imagine her Nisha surrounded by tubes and stitches and that was enough to break the sanity in her.
"Rishav!Kounse hospital leke gaye hein use?''Sameer asked while Rishav climbed unto the back seat of his bike.
"Pata nahin.Mumma ne kuch bataya nahin hai.Mujhe lagta hai City Hospital.''Rishav said as he tried thinking hard.
"City hospital kyun lagta hai?'' Sameer asked while he searched for Nirupama's mobile number.
"Wo..Ambulance pe City Hospital likha tha.'' Rishav informed while Sameer was clearly impressed with Rishav's observation skill.
"Very good..To phir chalte hein''.Sameer spoke as he drove fast since the roads were almost empty due to early morning.
In the hospital
"Uncle! Yehi hospital hi sahi hai.''Rishav whispered in Sameer's ear while Sameer drove to the parking.
"Kyun pehle galat lag raha tha tumhe? ''Sameer asked as he switched off the ignition and pulled the stand.
"Udhar dekho..Papa jaa rahen hein.Bulaun unko?Aap miloge unse?''Rishav asked while Sameer saw Raunak talking on phone and driving away.
"Nahin mujhe nahin milna ab.Chalo jaldi.Nisha se milna hai na.''Sameer spoke as he lifted Rishav in his arms.
"Excuse me!Can I know where Ms.Nisha has been allocated? ''Sameer asked with gentleman ness while the receptionist took her own sweet time to find out the room number.
"Room no- 110.First floor to the left.''The receptionist informed while Sameer rushed to the stairs throwing a smile and not even uttering a 'Thank You'.
"Arey Rishav!Tum..Oh!Sameer ji ke saath aye ho.Unko kyun pareshan kyun kiya?'' Nirupama asked as she hugged her child.Though she had left Rishav at home because she didn't want him to see Nisha in such condition,somewhere along seeing Nisha's condition had made her long for her child's presence.
"Nahin Nirupama ji.Usne acha kiya jo mujhe bata diya.Waise Nisha kaise hai?Naina kahan hai?''Sameer asked looking around while Nirupama looked up at Sameer perplexed.How comfortable he sounded while taking Naina's name.Did he know her before hand?They had met only once at her house and ...She tried resting her assumptions.
"Mera matlab Naina ji kahin dikh nahin rahi hai'' Sameer corrected realising his slip and the question mark evident on Nirupama's face.
"Wo..doctor ke pass hein.Room mein kuch arrangements chal rahe hein na.Aap baithiye.''Nirupama spoke as she made some space on the bench.
"Mumma!Mujhe toilet jana hai.Aap chalo mujhe leke''.Rishav pulled Nirupama's Saree's pallu while she was keen on learning the current condition of Nisha.
"Sameer! ''Naina halted in her tracks to see Sameer pacing down the hallway of the hospital.
"Naina!Nisha kaisi hai?Kya hua?Tum to bol rahi thi do tin mein thik ho jayegi.Phir achanak yeh sab?''Sameer fired Naina with questions in a single breath while Naina thumped onto the bench with exhaustion clearly written all over her face.
Sameer understood that she was completely drained and went to fetch a glass of water. As she helped herself with the glass of water he saw red bruises running parallel to the veins of her wrist.He instantly knew something disastrous happened after he left.
"Kal raat kya hua hai Naina? '' He asked as he plopped himself down on the floor while she sat on the chair.He looked up directly into her eyes while her eyes screamed helplessness and intense fear.
"Wo..kal raat phir wapas aagaya...Meri Nisha ke ..pass'' Naina tried controlling her sobs but failed. Hot tears trickled down her cheeks and that somewhere pained him.He had never seen her so helpless and moreover broken.
"Koun aa gaya?''He asked deciding to know every single detail about the previous night.
"Sudip'' Naina replied and heard her name being called by the nurse."Naina ji! Zara andar aaiye''
She stood up wiping any trace of tear while he got up too. As both entered inside the room Sameer felt numb with the scene he viewed.An endotracheal tube inserted may be upto her larynx and several other stitches on her delicate small wrists.The swelling on her head has not decreased a bit.He didn't realise when his eyes pooled and a fresh tear trickled down on to the cheeks.He found Naina slowly caressing Nisha's legs and looked completely shattered with no hope left.With her face puffed up, red,swollen eyes and swollen lips, she looked terrible.
He put his hand over her shoulder as a mark that these testing times shall pass and he was happy to see she was fine with his support. He knew that tough times will not last, but tough people would do.
(To be continued)
P.S.:Thank you for reading.😃 Would love to read all your feedbacks.😳