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Aman confidently removed his shades and stepped into the cafe. Her cafe. Roshni's cafe.
The board read: The Nankhatai House.
He rolled his eyes and chuckled. She and her fantasy of baking perfect nankhatais! 😆
There was a poster of Shah Rukh Khan with his arms wide open in welcome. So Roshni hadn't changed one bit, except that, sigh, she had forgotten him. It was difficult for him to digest the fact, let alone accept it and deal with it. He didn't allow the misery of his heart to come in his way of achieving the single goal of his life - to bring back her memories.
He got a table for himself and ordered the first thing on the list - Chocolate Nankhatais.
The pantry door flung open and she emerged from within, with cheeks painted in flour and her apron smelling of vanilla essence. She looked ridiculously gorgeous and that's how she had always been - crazy at mind and a gem at heart. He remembered his baking stint and how she had so uniquely accomplished the task of wiping flour off his cheeks!☺️
She walked passed him, not noticing his awestruck face and went on to serve some poor children huddled up on the drinks counter. She fed them lovingly and patted their heads.
After about 10 minutes she was back again, this time, for him. Her eyes widened as soon as she spotted him.
"Ji aap mera peecha karte karte yahan bhi pohoch gaye?"
"Samjhate kya hain apne aap ko?"
He felt embarrassed and dejected. But he had to endure it, for her.
"Aankhein cute hain iska matlab yeh thodi na hain ki kuch bhi karenge!" She blurted.
His face gleamed up with hope.
She herself felt puzzled at her own words.
"Kya kaha aapne?" He said, feeling a little better. "Please phirse kahiye?"
"Main kya aapko lorie suna rahi hoon? Dafaa ho jao yahan se aur meri permission ke bagair yahan ek kadam bhi mat rakhna."
He turned away after nodding. Teary eyed, he couldn't help but recall all insults she had faced at his hands. He had hurled similar words at her and now it was his turn.
He felt as if he was groping in darkness. He could feel her essence but couldn't clutch it and hold on. His restlessness was troubling him but he had to maintain his calm and just patiently wait for her to come back.
"Roshhnniii!" someone called her from the kitchen. "Aayi Kabeer!" She responded and went back.
His heart broke all over again. She was working with that twin of his, whom he didn't even know about till two days ago. He stepped back and away.
"Mujhe intezaar rahega aapka, Roshni" he mumbled before leaving, not losing heart and hope.
Bindi
Udne Ki Aasha
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
