Adultery AZTARAAB

[Greenwood]

Update 14


Subah ke 8:10 baj rahe the.
Reyansh dining table par baitha breakfast kar raha tha. Shalu kitchen mein bartan saaf karte hue apne phone par koi video dekh rahi thi. Video mein ek ladki confidently English bol rahi thi aur neeche subtitles chal rahe the.
Reyansh ne chai ka cup uthaya.
"Shalu, kya dekh rahi ho?"
Shalu ne turant phone lock kar diya.
"Kuch nahi, sir."
"Achha. Toh phone khud hi hans raha tha?"
Shalu ne use ghoora.
"Aapko har baat mein taang adaani zaroori hai?"
"Bilkul. Ghar mera hai, entertainment mera adhikaar hai."
"Phir toh aapko TV khareed lena chahiye. Mere phone par tax kyun laga rahe hain?"
Reyansh hans pada.
"Chalo, batao. Kya dekh rahi thi?"
Shalu ne phone unlock kiya.
"English speaking ka video tha. Yeh madam bata rahi thi ki bina dare English kaise bol sakte hain."
Reyansh ne video dekha.
"Achha hai. Tum seekhna chahti ho?"
"Chahti toh hoon. Lekin samajh nahi aata ki shuru kahan se karun."
"Yahin se shuru karo. Roz das minute suno, phir jo suna hai use khud bolne ki koshish karo. Galti hogi toh hone do."
Shalu ne socha.
"Aapko lagta hai main seekh jaungi?"
"Shalu, tumne kabhi seekhne ki koshish ki hi nahi toh tumhe kaise pata chalega ki tum seekh sakti ho ya nahi?"
Woh kuch pal chup rahi, phir usne phone par video dobara chala diya.
"Achha sir, aaj se das minute."
"Good."
"Waise aap bhi seekh sakte hain."
Reyansh ne bhaunhein chadhaayin.
"Main kya seekhun?"
"Subah time par uthna."
Reyansh ne chai ka cup table par rakh diya.
"Shalu, tumhara confidence din-ba-din badhta ja raha hai."
"Practice kar rahi hoon, sir."
"English ki?"
"Nahi. Aapko jawab dene ki."
Dono hans pade.
Breakfast khatam karke Reyansh office ke liye taiyaar hone chala gaya.
Jaate waqt usne Shalu ko yaad dilaya ki woh apna das minute wala target poora kare.
Shalu ne haath hila diya.
"Ji, sir. Aap office mein apna target poora karna."
"Kaunsa?"
"Time par pahunchne ka."
Reyansh darwaze se hi bola, "Is ghar mein meri koi izzat nahi hai!"
Shalu ki awaaz kitchen se aayi.
"Izzat hai, sir. Bas punctuality nahi hai!"


Office pahunchkar Reyansh ne laptop khola hi tha ki Arshad ka phone aa gaya.
Reyansh ne call receive ki.
"Ji, bataiye. Aapki complaint department ki taraf se kaun bol raha hai?"
Doosri taraf se Arshad ki gambhir awaaz aayi.
"Main hoon, tumhari zindagi ka woh sach jise tum roz nazarandaaz karte ho."
Reyansh kursi par peeche hua.
"Arshad, subah-subah kiski shaadi mein shayari suna kar aa raha hai?"
"Shayari nahi, mere dost. Yeh alfaaz hain ek toote hue kalakaar ke."
"Kalakaar toh tu hai. Toota hua tera client hoga, jisne tera last campaign dekha tha."
Arshad zor se hans pada.
"Saale, isi liye tujhe phone karta hoon. Office mein log mere ideas ki tareef karte hain aur tu meri zindagi ka post-mortem kar deta hai."
"Free service hai. Dosti mein GST nahi lagta."
"Galat. Teri dosti mein toh mental tax lagta hai."
Reyansh ne laptop par mail kholte hue poochha, "Achha, bol. Kaam tha ya meri awaaz sunne ki talab uth rahi thi?"
Arshad ne turant apni awaaz badal kar SRK ki nakal ki.
"Mere dost, kuch rishte awaaz se nahi, ehsaas se pehchaane jaate hain!"
Reyansh ne apna chehra haath se dhak liya.
"Bas kar. Mere office mein log hain."
"Toh unhe bhi gyaan milne de."
"Ek kaam kar. Apne client ko bhi yehi line suna dena. Campaign approve ho gaya toh mujhe bata dena."
Arshad phir hansne laga.
Phir uski awaaz normal hui.
"Achha sun, Saturday ko free hai?"
"Kyun?"
"Ek jagah jaana hai. Mere saath chal."
"Kahan?"
"Abhi bataunga toh tu mana kar dega."
"Toh phir abhi bata de. Mana karne ke liye mujhe zyada waqt nahi chahiye."
Arshad ne naatak karte hue lambi saans li.
"Ek din meri dosti ko samjhega, Reyansh. Us din tujhe meri qadar hogi."
Reyansh ne seedha jawab diya.
"Us din ka calendar invite bhej dena."
"Tu sudhrega nahi."
"Tu bhi nahi."
Call khatam ho gaya.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakha. Uske chehre par muskurahat thi.
Usne Arshad ke Saturday wale plan ke baare mein dobara nahi socha. Filhaal office ka kaam uska intezaar kar raha tha.

Shaam ko ghar lautte waqt Reyansh building ke entrance par Jheel se takra gaya.
Woh grocery bags lekar lift ki taraf ja rahi thi.
Aaj usne halka lavender kurta pehna tha, saath mein white trousers aur simple flats. Uske lambe, dark-brown baal dheele se bandhe hue the. Chehre par bahut halka makeup tha, aur aankhon mein wahi shaant si narmi.
Woh grocery bag sambhalte hue lift ka button daba rahi thi.
Reyansh ne paas aakar kaha, "Aaj toh poori dukaan khareed laayi hain."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
"Sirf grocery hai."
"Achha. Mujhe laga Flat 304 mein restaurant khulne wala hai."
"Restaurant khulega toh aapko menu bhej dungi."
"Menu ke saath complimentary tasting bhi honi chahiye."
"Bilkul. Aapko ek plate khaana milega aur uske baad aapko bartan dhone honge."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Business model kaafi dangerous hai."
Lift aa gayi. Dono andar chale gaye.
Jheel ne bags ko ek taraf rakha.
Reyansh ki nazar kuch pal uske chehre par thehar gayi. Lavender colour us par achha lag raha tha. Uske baal kaan ke paas se thode nikal aaye the, aur woh unhe baar-baar peeche karne ki koshish kar rahi thi.
Reyansh ne khud ko uski taraf se hatate hue lift ke display par nazar daali.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
"Kya hua?"
"Kuch nahi."
"Aap kuch kehne wale the?"
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, "Soch raha tha ki aaj aap thodi alag lag rahi hain."
Jheel ek pal ke liye chup ho gayi.
"Alag matlab?"
"Achhe waale alag."
Uske gaalon par halki si laali aa gayi.
"Yeh kaisi category hoti hai?"
"Jismein explanation dena mushkil hota hai."
Jheel ne nazar hata kar lift ke darwaze ki taraf dekha.
"Aap har baat ko itna complicated kyun bana dete hain?"
"Main toh simple aadmi hoon."
"Ji haan. Aapki simplicity ke toh alag hi kisse hain."
Lift third floor par ruki.
Reyansh ne grocery bag uthane ke liye haath badhaya.
"De dijiye. Darwaze tak rakh deta hoon."
"Main le ja sakti hoon."
"Pata hai. Main bhi do haath lekar paida hua tha."
Jheel hans padi aur usne ek bag use de diya.
Dono corridor mein aaye. Flat 304 ke saamne pahunchkar Jheel ne chaabi nikali.
"Thank you."
"Welcome."
Woh darwaza kholne lagi, phir palatkar boli, "Waise aapne aaj compliment diya hai. Main yaad rakhungi."
Reyansh ne bhaunhein uthaayin.
"Achha? Toh ab mujhe sambhal kar baat karni padegi."
"Bilkul."
"Phir toh aaj se main sirf sach bolunga."
Jheel muskurayi.
"Yeh toh aapke liye aur bhi mushkil hai."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Good night, Jheel."
"Good night, Reyansh."
Darwaza band ho gaya.
Reyansh apne flat ki taraf badha, lekin uske chehre par muskurahat abhi bhi thi.
Usne pehli baar Jheel ke kapdon ya appearance ko bas ek passing detail ki tarah nahi dekha tha. Usne notice kiya tha ki woh kaisi lag rahi thi, kaise muskurayi thi aur compliment sunkar kaise nazar hata li thi.
Yeh koi badi baat nahi thi.
Lekin attraction kabhi-kabhi isi tarah apni jagah banata hai.
Bina kisi announcement ke.
Scene 4: Ek Recipe, Do Padosi Aur Thodi Si Galibazi
Raat ko dinner ke baad Reyansh sofa par baitha laptop par kuch padh raha tha.
Shalu dinner bana kar ja chuki thi. Kitchen saaf tha aur agle din ke liye kuch zaroori cheezein bhi set karke rakhi thi.
Reyansh ka phone vibrate hua.
Jheel: Aapne poha banane ka plan cancel toh nahi kar diya?
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh: Abhi toh maine plan banana bhi shuru nahi kiya.
Jheel: Aapke plans se zyada toh mere grocery bags productive hain.
Reyansh: Aapko har conversation mein mujhe neecha dikhana zaroori lagta hai?
Jheel: Nahi. Aap khud hi kaafi achha kar lete hain.
Reyansh muskuraya.
Reyansh: Aapki shayari ka level improve ho raha hai.
Jheel: Shayari nahi, reality check.
Reyansh: Toh phir ek sher arz hai.
Jheel ka reply turant aaya.
Jheel: Ab kya karne wale hain aap?
Reyansh ne kuch der socha aur likha.
Reyansh:
Unki baaton mein ek ajeeb si baat hai,
Har jawab mein chhupi ek chhoti si mulaqat hai.


Jheel ne message padha.
Kuch seconds tak koi reply nahi aaya.
Phir uska message aaya.
Jheel: Aapko lagta hai isse aap shayar ban gaye?
Reyansh: Main paidaishi hunar ki baat kar raha hoon.
Jheel: Toh paidaishi hunar ko thoda aur practice ki zaroorat hai.
Reyansh: Aap teacher ban jao. Main student ban jaunga.
Jheel: Fees lagegi.
Reyansh: Kitni?
Jheel: Pehle poha banana seekhiye. Phir decide karungi.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Theek hai, Madam Jheel. Challenge accepted.
Jheel: Good. Recipe kal bhej dungi.
Reyansh: Aur agar kharab ban gaya toh?
Jheel: Toh aapko hi khana padega.
Reyansh: Aap bahut cruel hain.
Jheel: Nahi. Main practical hoon.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakh diya.
Kuch der baad woh phir laptop par kaam karne laga.
Uski zindagi mein koi dramatic badlav nahi aaya tha. Jheel abhi bhi uski padosi thi, unki baatein abhi bhi chhoti-chhoti thi aur unke beech koi relationship shuru nahi hua tha.
Lekin unki conversations mein ab ek naya comfort aa raha tha.
Woh ek-doosre ko chhed sakte the. Compliments de sakte the. Bina kisi khaas wajah ke message kar sakte the.
Aur sabse achhi baat, dono ko har baat ka matlab nikaalne ki zaroorat nahi padti thi.

Raat ke kareeb 10:15 baje Reyansh ka phone baja.
Screen par naam tha: Shivani Didi.
Reyansh ne call receive ki.
"Haan, Maharani. Aaj praja ko kis baat par bulaya gaya hai?"
Shivani ki awaaz aayi.
"Bahut funny. Phone utha liya hai toh ab do minute meri baat bhi sun lena."
"Ji, hukm kijiye."
"Kal mummy ka phone aaya tha."
Reyansh seedha baith gaya.
"Kya hua? Sab theek hai na?"
"Haan, sab theek hai. Tumhari chinta kar rahi thi."
"Main unhe call kar lunga."
"Kar lena. Lekin pehle meri baat suno."
Reyansh ne aankhein sikodi.
"Ab kya kaand ho gaya?"
Shivani hans padi.
"Kaand tumhare bachpan mein hote the. Yaad hai, jab tumne papa ke naye shoes pehenkar ghar ke bahar cricket khela tha?"
Reyansh ne turant kaha, "Didi, woh incident ab historical record se delete hona chahiye."
"Historical record? Papa ke shoes par ball ka nishaan tha!"
"Main chhota tha."
"Jab bhi tumhari galti pakdi jaati thi, tum chhote ho jaate the."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Achha, ab kitni der tak meri purani file kholni hai?"
"Jab tak tum apni zindagi ki nayi file kholna nahi seekh jaate."
Kuch pal dono hanste rahe.
Phir Shivani ne poochha, "Waise kaam kaisa chal raha hai?"
"Theek hai. Office mein sab normal hai."
"Khana time par kha rahe ho?"
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, "Didi, mere ghar mein Shalu hai. Mujhe bhookha rehne ka mauka hi nahi milta."
"Achha hai. Kam se kam kisi ko toh tumhari fikr hai."
"Excuse me. Tumhari bhi hai."
"Main toh bachpan se tumhari barbaadi dekh rahi hoon. Ab aadat ho gayi hai."
Reyansh zor se hans pada.

"Achha sun, Sunday ko ghar aa jaana. Mummy-papa bhi honge."
"Kitne baje?"
"Dopahar mein. Aur is baar bahana mat banana."
"Main bahana kab banata hoon?"
"Jab bhi tumhe aana nahi hota."
Reyansh ne kuch socha.
"Theek hai, aa jaunga."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Achha, ab so jaana. Raat bhar laptop lekar mat baithe rehna."
"Ji, Didi."
"Good night."
"Good night, budhiya."
Shivani ne turant kaha, "Kya kaha?"
Reyansh ne call kaat diya.
Do seconds baad uska message aaya.
Shivani: Sunday ko milna. Tumhari khair nahi.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh: Love you too, Didi.
Shivani ne ek heart emoji bhej diya.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakh diya.
Kuch rishte aise hote hain jahan fikr aur mazaak ek hi sentence mein reh sakte hain. Jahan saamne wala tumhari taang bhi kheenchta hai aur zaroorat padne par sabse pehle tumhare saath khada bhi hota hai.
Shivani ke saath Reyansh ka rishta aisa hi tha.
Usne laptop band kiya, living room ki light off ki aur bedroom ki taraf chala gaya.
Kal phir office tha.
Phir building ke log honge, apne-apne kaam honge, chhoti-chhoti mulaqatein hongi.
Aur shayad Jheel ki taraf se poha ki recipe bhi aa jaaye.

[Greenwood]

Details of Jheel

Overall look: Graceful, feminine aur naturally attractive.
Face: Soft features, expressive aankhein aur ek gentle smile.
Body type: Slim-to-curvy, proportionate figure.
Body figure: 34-28-34
Dressing style: Simple kurtis, cotton suits, dupatta aur kabhi-kabhi traditional Gujarati outfits.
Overall impression: Ek aisi ladki jo pehli nazar mein quiet aur reserved lage, lekin dheere-dheere uski personality ki warmth saamne aaye

[Greenwood]

Update 15


Saturday ki shaam thi.
Reyansh office se lautkar abhi shoes utaar hi raha tha ki uska phone baj utha.
Arshad Calling...
Reyansh ne call uthaya.
"Bol, advertising ke Amitabh Bachchan. Aaj kis brand ki barbaadi karni hai?"
Arshad ne bina greeting ke kaha, "Saat baje ready rehna." ( Amitabh style)
"Kyun?"
"Bahaar jaana hai. (Amitabh styl)
"Kahan?"
"Bataya toh tha. Surprise."(Amitabh styl)
"Arshad, pichhli baar tune surprise bola tha toh hum tere ek dost ke birthday par gaye the, jahan birthday wale ko khud nahi pata tha ki uska birthday hai."
"Planning mein thodi gadbad thi."
"Thodi?"
"Achha, theek hai. Is baar pakka maza aayega."(Amitabh style)
Reyansh ne shoes rack mein rakhe aur kitchen ki taraf dekha. Shalu dinner ki taiyaari kar rahi thi.
"Main ghar par hi kha lunga. Tu bata, kitne baje aayega?"
"Main neeche hoon."
Reyansh ruk gaya.
"Kya?"
"Neeche, mere sher! Tere building ke bahar. Jaldi aa."
Call kat gaya.
Reyansh ne phone dekha, phir darwaza.
"Is aadmi ko ek din kisi building ki security pakadkar bahar nahi nikaalegi, toh mujhe hairani hogi."
Shalu ne kitchen se awaaz lagayi, "Sir, dinner bana doon?"
"Haan, bana do. Main dost ke saath bahar ja raha hoon."
"Achha. Kitne baje aaoge?"
Reyansh ne socha.
"Yeh sawaal Arshad se poochhna chahiye tha."
Shalu ne sir hila diya.
"Phir toh khana garam karne ka kaam bhi mujhe hi karna padega."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Emergency ke liye thoda khana rakh dena."
"Ji, sir."
Woh taiyaar hokar neeche utar gaya.
Arshad apni gaadi ke paas khada tha. Dark jeans, casual shirt aur chehre par wohi muskurahat jo aksar kisi bewakoofi bhare plan se pehle nazar aati thi.
Reyansh paas aaya.
"Chal, bata. Kahan ja rahe hain?"
Arshad ne gaadi unlock ki.
"Ek jagah jahan log khud ko bahut interesting samajhte hain."
"Matlab tere office ki party hai?"
Arshad ne seene par haath rakh liya.
"Ek din meri creativity ki izzat kar lena."
"Karunga. Pehle creativity dikha."
Arshad ne darwaza khola.
"Baith, Professor. Raaste mein samjhata hoon."
Reyansh baith gaya.
Gaadi chal padi.
Use abhi tak nahi pata tha ki Arshad use kahan le ja raha hai. Lekin use itna zaroor pata tha ki shaam shaant rehne wali nahi hai.

dheere-dheere aage badh rahi thi.
Reyansh passenger seat par baitha phone dekh raha tha. Arshad steering sambhalte hue gaana gaa raha tha, lekin sur ka uske driving licence se koi sambandh nahi lag raha tha.
Reyansh ne phone se nazar uthayi.
"Ek request hai."
"Bol."
"Gaana band kar de. Gaadi mein music system hai, emergency siren nahi."
Arshad ne gaana aur zor se gaana shuru kar diya.
Reyansh ne khidki se bahar dekhna behtar samjha.
Kuch der baad Arshad ne kaha, "Aaj mere ek college friend ki house party hai."
"Naam?"
"Kabir."
"Kaun Kabir?"
"Wahi jo college mein mere saath tha."
"Arshad, tere college mein aadhe Bengaluru ke ladke honge. Thoda specific ho."
"Woh jo annual fest mein stage par chadhkar principal ki mimicry karta tha."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Achha! Woh Kabir!"
Arshad ne muskurakar poochha, "Yaad aaya?"
"Bilkul. Principal ne uski mimicry ke baad use stage se utara nahi tha. Seedha stage hi band karwa diya tha."
Dono hans pade.
Arshad ne gaadi ka indicator diya aur ek side road par mud gaya.
"Usne naya apartment liya hai. Housewarming ke naam par party rakh raha hai."
"Housewarming mein log ghar dekhne jaate hain ya ghar walon ko pareshan karne?"
"Hum dono doosri category mein aate hain."
"Kam se kam apni category ka toh tujhe pata hai."
Arshad ne uski taraf dekha.
"Waise, Sakshi bhi aa rahi hai."
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, "Toh tune mujhe bulaya kyun? Tujhe toh apni girlfriend ke saath waqt bitana chahiye."
Arshad ka expression badla nahi, lekin usne ek pal ke liye road se nazar hata kar Reyansh ko dekha.
"Uske dost bhi honge. Main har jagah sirf uska boyfriend bankar nahi ghoomna chahta. Aur tu mera dost hai. Tere saath bhi waqt bitana hai."


Reyansh ne mazaak mein kaha, "Yeh baat kisi recording mein rakhni chahiye. Kal ko tu mukar gaya toh?"
"Tu rakh le. Main bhi tere khilaaf evidence jama kar raha hoon."
Gaadi apartment complex ke entrance par pahunch gayi.
Arshad ne parking mein gaadi laga di.
"Welcome to the world of educated idiots."



Apartment ke andar music chal raha tha.
Living room mein kuch log baatein kar rahe the, kuch balcony mein khade the aur kitchen ke paas snacks ki plates rakhi thi. Mahol lively tha, lekin itna shor nahi tha ki baat karna mushkil ho.
Kashi ne Arshad ko dekhte hi awaaz lagayi.
"Oye copywriter! Aa gaya tu!"
Arshad ne dono haath phaila diye.
"Main toh aa gaya. Ab party ka standard badhega."
Kashi ne use gale lagaya.
"Standard badhega ya neighbours complaint karenge, woh raat batayegi."
Reyansh ne haath milaya.
"Kashi, congratulations."
"Thank you, bhai. Aao, andar aao."
Arshad ne Reyansh ka kandha pakda.
"Yeh Reyansh hai. College ka sabse seedha ladka."
Kashi ne Reyansh ko dekha.
"Tu? Seedha?"
Reyansh ne Arshad ki taraf dekha.
"Isne apni reputation bachane ke liye meri bali chadha di."
Kashi hans pada.
"Achha hai. Aaj purane doston ki beizzati hogi."
"Bas ek request hai," Reyansh ne kaha, "Arshad ko mic mat dena."
Arshad ne turant jawab diya, "Mic mil gaya toh teri poori biography suna dunga."
"Biography mein facts hone chahiye."
"Tere case mein imagination ki zaroorat padegi."
Teenon hans pade.
Arshad kisi se milne chala gaya. Reyansh ne ek drink li aur living room ke kone mein khada hokar logon ko dekhne laga.
Tabhi Sakshi uske paas aayi.
"Reyansh! Tum aa gaye."
"Arshad ne kidnapping ke tareeke mein bulaya tha. Mana karne ka mauka nahi mila."
Sakshi hans di.
"Usne mujhe bhi bas itna bataya ki tum dono aa rahe ho."
"Toh hum dono hi uske plan ke victims hain."
"Main toh ab aadat daal chuki hoon."
Sakshi ne uske haath mein glass dekha.
"Enjoy kar rahe ho?"
"Abhi toh investigation chal rahi hai. Party ka verdict baad mein dunga."
"Please, apni report Arshad ko mat dena. Woh phir agle hafte bhi kisi party mein le aayega."
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, "Usse rokna mushkil hai."
Sakshi kisi aur se milne chali gayi.
Reyansh ne drink ka ek sip liya aur balcony ki taraf badh gaya. Wahan comparatively kam shor tha.
Balcony mein do log baat kar rahe the. Ek ladki railing ke paas khadi phone par kisi ko message kar rahi thi.
Usne black sleeveless top aur dark trousers pehne the. Baal khule the aur ek haath mein phone tha. Uske chehre par aisa expression tha jaise party mein hone ke bawajood uska dhyaan kisi aur hi baat mein ho.
Reyansh uske paas se guzra hi tha ki uske phone se ek chhota sa card neeche gir gaya.
Usne card uthaya.
"Excuse me. Yeh aapka hai?"
Ladki palti.
"Haan. Thank you."
Usne card le liya aur phone wapas haath mein pakad liya.
Reyansh ne bas itna kaha, "You're welcome."
Woh wapas andar jaane laga.
"Wait."
Reyansh palta.
Ladki ne card par nazar daali.
"Yahan itna shor hai ki main phone par baat karne ke liye bahar aayi thi. Ab lag raha hai andar hi chali jaun."
Reyansh ne balcony se living room ki taraf dekha.
"Yeh toh party ka success hai. Log shor se bachne ke liye ghar ke andar se balcony mein aa rahe hain."
Ladki hans di.
"Good point."
"Waise, aap Kashi ki friend hain?"
"Haan. Aur aapki bhi,
If you remember

Usne halka sa sir hilaya.
But I couldn't remember

Chalo yaad aa jaye to batana
Reyansh hans pada.
"Phir toh aapko uski baat par bilkul bharosa nahi karna chahiye."
Ladki ne phone apne bag mein rakh liya.
"Main generally logon ki baat par jaldi bharosa nahi karta"
"Achhi policy hai."
"Har baar kaam nahi karti."
Uski awaaz mein mazaak tha, lekin ek pal ke liye uska expression badal gaya.
Reyansh ne usse kuch poochha nahi.
Andar se Arshad ki awaaz aayi.
"Reyansh! Idhar aa, bhai!"
Reyansh ne mudkar dekha.
"Coming!"
Woh ladki ki taraf palta.
"Enjoy the party."
"You too."
Reyansh andar chala gaya.
Dono ne naam nahi poochhe.
Na number exchange hua.
Na kisi ne peeche mudkar doosre ko dekha.
Woh bas ek chhoti si mulaqat thi, jo kuch der baad dono ki yaadon mein shayad dhundhli pad jaati.


Living room mein Arshad kisi ko apne college ke dinon ka kissa suna raha tha.
"...aur phir professor ne mujhse poochha ki assignment kahan hai. Maine kaha, sir, assignment apki ass me."
Kashi hans-hanskar dohra ho raha tha.
Reyansh paas aaya.

Arshad ne Reyansh ko ghura.
"Tu mere character assassination ke liye hi aaya hai?"
"Main toh tere character ko pehchaan kar aaya hoon."
Sakshi paas aa gayi.
"Kya hua?"
Reyansh ne kaha, "Arshad apni academic achievements suna raha tha."
Sakshi ne Arshad ki taraf dekha.
"Achha? Kaunsi?"
Arshad ne turant kaha, "Maine college mein ek baar debate competition jeeta tha."
Reyansh ne sir hilaya.
"Debate nahi. Tujhe time khatam hone par stage se hata diya gaya tha."
Kashi zor se hans pada.
Sakshi ne Arshad ka haath pakda.
"Baby, tumne mujhe yeh story nahi batayi."
Arshad ne bahut masoom chehra banaya.
"Har kahani ka ek villain hota hai."
Reyansh ne apni taraf ishara kiya.
"Main toh sach ka killer hoon."
Sakshi ne kaha, "Nahi. Tum dono ek doosre ki zindagi ke unpaid fact-checkers ho."
"Exactly!" Arshad ne kaha. "Aur is fact-checker ki wajah se meri zindagi mein privacy naam ki koi cheez nahi hai."
Reyansh ne uske kandhe par haath rakha.
"Dosti mein privacy nahi, ladaivacy hota hai."
Sakshi hans padi.
Kuch der baad music badal gaya. Kashi ne Arshad ko dance floor ki taraf kheench liya.
Arshad ne Reyansh ko ishara kiya.
"Tu bhi aa!"
Reyansh ne haath utha kar mana kar diya.
"Main apni izzat ke saath yahin theek hoon."
Arshad ne door se chillakar kaha, "Teri izzat toh college mein hi khatam ho gayi thi!"
Reyansh ne jawab diya, "Kam se kam meri dance video viral nahi hui thi!"
Arshad ne turant apni dance moves aur kharab kar di.
Sakshi hansi se dohari ho gayi.
Reyansh ne phone nikaala aur video banane laga.
Arshad ne door se use dekh liya.
"Reyansh! Phone neeche!"
"Yeh historical documentation hai!"
"Delete kar!"
"Kal dekhte hain!"
Party mein hansi aur music ke beech waqt nikalta raha.
Reyansh ne kisi se zyada baat nahi ki, lekin woh bore bhi nahi hua. Kabhi Kashi ke saath college ki baatein, kabhi Sakshi ke saath chhoti-chhoti conversations aur kabhi Arshad ki harkaton par hansna.
Usne balcony wali ladki ko ek baar aur door se dekha. Woh kisi group ke saath baat kar rahi thi.
Reyansh ne apna dhyaan wapas Arshad par kar liya.
Aaj ki shaam ka maqsad kisi naye rishte ki talaash nahi tha.
Woh bas apne dost ke saath waqt bitane aaya tha.
Aur filhaal, itna kaafi tha.


Raat kaafi ho chuki thi jab Reyansh aur Arshad apartment se bahar nikle.
Parking mein aate hue Arshad ne poochha, "Kaisi lagi party?"
Reyansh ne gaadi ki taraf badhte hue kaha, "Theek thi."
Arshad ruk gaya.
"Bas theek?"
"Achhi thi."
"Bas achhi?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Tu review chahta hai ya Google rating?"
Arshad ne haath jod liye.
"Main ek dost ke liye itni mehnat karta hoon aur mujhe sirf theek milta hai."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Achha, paanch mein se chaar stars."
"Ek star kyun kaata?"
"Host ke dost ki dance performance ke liye."
Arshad ne uske kandhe par mukka maara.
"Saale!"
Dono gaadi mein baith gaye.
Raaste mein Arshad ne music chala diya. Is baar woh gaana nahi gaa raha tha.
Kuch der baad usne kaha, "Waise, aaj tujhe kisi se baat karte dekha tha balcony mein."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Ek ladki ka card gir gaya tha. Utha kar diya."
"Bas?"
"Bas."
Arshad ne muskurakar sir hilaya.
"Achha. Main toh soch raha tha ki aaj koi nayi kahani shuru ho gayi."
Reyansh ne khidki se bahar dekhte hue kaha, "Har mulaqat kahani nahi hoti, Arshad."
Arshad ne is baar mazaak nahi kiya.
"Haan. Lekin kabhi-kabhi kahani ek mulaqat se shuru bhi hoti hai."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Tu aaj zyada philosophical ho raha hai. Ghar jaakar paani pee aur so ja."
Arshad hans pada.
"Chal, nikal."
Gaadi apartment ke paas ruki.
Reyansh utarne laga toh Arshad ne awaaz di.
"Oye, Professor!"
Reyansh palta.
"Kal video bhejunga."
"Kaunsi?"
"Teri dance ki."
Reyansh ne gaadi ka darwaza band karte hue kaha, "Bhej. Main teri shaadi mein projector par chalaunga."
Arshad ka chehra badal gaya.
"Shaadi tak kyun le gaya baat ko?"
Reyansh hans pada.
"Good night, Arshad."
Woh building ke andar chala gaya.
Arshad kuch pal gaadi mein baitha raha, phir muskurakar nikal gaya.
Us raat Reyansh ghar lauta toh Shalu ja chuki thi. Dinner kitchen mein dhak kar rakha tha. Usne khana garam kiya, khaaya aur kitchen saaf karke bedroom mein chala gaya.
Phone par Arshad ka message aaya.
Arshad: Aaj ki party ke liye thank you, Professor.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh: Agli baar invitation ke saath location bhi bhejna.
Arshad: Surprise ka concept samajh.
Reyansh: Surprise aur kidnapping mein farq hota hai.
Arshad ne laughing emoji bheja.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakh diya.
Usne aaj ek party attend ki thi, dost ke saath hansa tha aur ek anjaan ladki se kuch minute baat ki thi.

[Greenwood]

details of sakshi

Sakshi ek attractive, fashionable aur confident ladki hai. Uski personality modern hai aur woh apni appearance ko lekar conscious rehti hai. Uske expressions aur body language mein confidence nazar aata hai.
Face: Expressive features aur confident expressions.
Eyes: Expressive, playful aur kabhi-kabhi emotionally distant.
Hair: Lambe, well-maintained baal, aksar khule ya stylish hairstyle mein.
Figure: Fit aur curvy appearance. 32-26-34
Overall Look: Glamorous, fashionable aur attention-grabbing.

[Greenwood]

Update 16


Sunday, dopahar ke kareeb 12:40 baje.
Bengaluru ki sadkon par weekend wali susti thi. Reyansh apni car mein baitha Shivani ke ghar ki taraf ja raha tha. Ek haath steering par tha aur doosre mein phone, jiski screen par Arshad ke teen messages chamak rahe the.
Arshad: Oye, kal raat ghar pahunch gaya tha ya kisi aur party mein ghus gaya?
Reyansh: Ghar pahunch gaya tha. Subah uthte hi tu kyu phone kar deta hai
Arshad: bad dekh liya tera pyaar, har baat meri izzat ka janaja nikalta hai
Reyansh: Teri izzat thi kahan jo janaza nikalta?
Arshad: Wah! Dosti ke naam par zehar. College mein bhi aisa hi tha tu.
Reyansh: Aur tu tab bhi itna hi bolta tha. Kuch log degree ke saath badhte hain, kuch sirf volume.
Arshad ka reply turant aaya.
Arshad: Chal nikal. Aur haan, agli party mein main dance nahi karunga.
Reyansh: Achha hai. Public safety ke liye zaroori hai.
Reyansh hans pada. Signal green hua toh phone side mein rakh diya.
Kuch hi der mein woh Shivani ke ghar pahunch gaya.
Door khulte hi saamne Shivani thi. Haath mein kitchen towel, chehre par wohi badi behen wali nazar, jo insaan ko dekhte hi uski aadhi pol khol deti hai.
"Janab aa gaye!"
Reyansh ne sunglasses utaarte hue kaha, "Ji haan. Aapke invitation ki izzat rakhne aa gaya."
"Invitation ki izzat? Maa ne subah se chaar baar pooch liya ki tu kab aayega. Papa ne toh ek baar balcony se road bhi check kar li."
Peechhe se papa ki awaaz aayi, "Maine road nahi check ki thi. Bas dekh raha tha traffic kaisa hai."
Reyansh ne andar aate hue kaha, "Haan, aur traffic mein meri shakal dikh gayi hogi."
Papa hans diye.
"Mere bete ko apni shakal kaafi pasand hai. Isliye har baat mein wahi le aata hai."
"Papa, aap meri side hain ya opposition mein?"
"Main toh bachpan se opposition mein hoon. Teri mummy ruling party hain."
Drawing room mein baithe sab hans pade.
Maa kitchen se bahar aayi.
"Achha, ab baap-bete ki parliament band karo. Reyansh, haath-muh dho le. Khana lagne wala hai."
Reyansh ne maa ke pair chhuye aur unke gale lag gaya.
"Kaisi ho, Maa?"
"Main theek hoon. Tu bata, chehra kyun utara hua hai?"
"Chehra utara hua nahi hai. Ye mera natural handsome look hai."
Shivani ne uske kandhe par halki si chapat maari.
"Isko dekho! Do minute ghar mein aaya nahi aur apni tareef shuru."
"Di, talent ko chhupana bhi toh talent ki beizzati hai."
"Talent?" Shivani ne use upar se neeche tak dekha. "Kal raat ke photos dekhe maine."
Reyansh ek pal ke liye ruk gaya.
"Kya photos?"
Shivani ne phone nikala aur Arshad ki story khol di. Screen par Arshad dance floor par ajeeb se expressions ke saath haath hila raha tha. Peechhe Reyansh bhi nazar aa raha tha, jo hans-hanskar dohra hua ja raha tha.
Shivani ne screen uske saamne kar di.
"Tu apne dost ko bachane ke bajaye uska mazaak uda raha tha?"
"Di, main uski performance dekhkar emotional ho gaya tha."
"Kis baat par?"
"Ki itna confidence insaan mein aata kahan se hai?"
Papa zor se hans pade.
Maa ne sir hila diya. "Tum dono abhi bhi college mein hi atke hue ho."
Reyansh sofa par baith gaya.
"College ke din achhe the, Maa. Tab Monday se pareshani hoti thi. Ab toh Monday khud ghar aa jaata hai."
Shivani ne uske saamne paani ka glass rakh diya.
"Achha, Mr. Monday Se Pareshan, ab bata. Office kaisa chal raha hai?"
"Badhiya."
"Bas? Ek shabd?"
"Office mein poora din bolta hoon. Ghar aakar meri battery low ho jaati hai."
Shivani uske paas baith gayi.
"Achha hai. Kabhi-kabhi chup bhi raha kar. Teri battery ke saath humari bhi jaan bach jayegi."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Di, aapko pata hai na, main aapse kitna pyaar karta hoon?"
"Jab tujhe mujhse kuch kaam hota hai tab pata chalta hai."
"Galat. Main toh bina kaam ke bhi aapko yaad karta hoon."
"Kitni baar?"
Reyansh ne sochne ka natak kiya.
"Jab-jab kisi ko paise dene hote hain aur mere paas nahi hote."
Shivani ne cushion uthakar uski taraf phenka.
"Chup kar!"
Ghar mein hansi phir se goonj uthi.
Kuch pal aise hote hain jahan kisi ko kuch samjhana nahi padta. Saamne wale ko bas itna pata hota hai ki tum apne ho.
Reyansh ke liye yeh ghar unhi jagahon mein se ek tha.


Dining table par ghar ka bana khana laga tha. Maa ne Reyansh ki pasand ki sabzi banayi thi aur papa apni usual aadat ke mutabik TV par chal rahe cricket match ki commentary ka zikr kar rahe the, jabki match khatam hue ghante bhar se zyada ho chuka tha.
"Papa, aapko match ki har ball yaad rehti hai," Reyansh ne roti todte hue kaha, "bas ye yaad nahi rehta ki aapne chashma kahan rakha hai."
Papa ne turant jawab diya, "Tera bachpan bhi yaad hai mujhe. Jab tu college mein apna lunchbox bhool jaata tha."
Shivani beech mein boli, "Lunchbox? Ek baar toh apni notebook ghar par chhodkar college pahunch gaya tha aur teacher se keh raha tha ki aaj homework notebook mein hi nahi tha."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Di, aap meri biography likh rahi ho ya lunch karne aayi ho?"
"Biography likhungi toh title hoga Ek Ladka, Hazaar Bahane."
Papa ne ungli uthayi. "Ismein ek chapter mera bhi hoga. Maine Isko Itna Sar Par Kyun Chadhaaya."
Maa ne sabko daantne ka natak kiya.
"Bas bhi karo. Bechare ko khana toh kha lene do."
Reyansh ne maa ki taraf kritagyata se dekha.
"Thank you, Maa. Is ghar mein aap hi meri izzat karti ho."
Maa ne uski plate mein ek aur roti rakh di.
"Roti kha. Izzat ka baad mein dekhte hain."
Sab phir hans diye.
Khana khatam hone ke baad papa balcony mein chale gaye. Maa kitchen mein thi. Shivani aur Reyansh drawing room mein chai lekar baith gaye.
Shivani ne cup table par rakhte hue poochha, "Waise, teri weekend life mein aajkal chal kya raha hai?"
"Weekend life?"
"Haan. Office, ghar, Arshad. Iske alawa bhi duniya hai."
Reyansh ne chai ka ghoont liya.
"Di, aapko lagta hai main ghar mein band rehta hoon?"
"Maine aisa kab kaha? Main bas pooch rahi hoon."
"Toh jawab bhi simple hai. Kabhi doston ke saath nikal jaata hoon. Kabhi akele coffee peene. Kabhi ghar par aaram."
Shivani ne uske chehre ko gaur se dekha.
"Aur kabhi kisi padosi ke saath chai?"
Reyansh ka cup hothon tak jaate-jaate ruk gaya.
"Ye padosi wala department aapko kisne kholne diya?"
Shivani ne masoom chehra bana liya.
"Maine toh bas chai ki baat ki."
"Di, aapki aankhon mein sawal hai aur zubaan par chai."
"Achha ji! Toh chai peene wale logon ki list ban gayi hai?"
Reyansh hans diya.
"Ek neighbour hai. Jheel. Achhi ladki hai. Humari building mein rehti hai."
"Achha."
Bas ek shabd.
Lekin Shivani ke chehre par jo chhoti si muskurahat aayi, Reyansh ne use dekh liya.
"Di!"
"Kya?"
"Ye jo aapne 'achha' bola na, iske peeche poora paragraph tha."
Shivani ne chai uthayi.
"Tujhe har baat mein paragraph kyun nazar aata hai?"
"Corporate aadmi hoon. Har chhoti baat ko presentation bana deta hoon."
Shivani hans padi.
"Chal, theek hai. Main kuch nahi poochti."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Do second baad woh phir boli, "Waise, Jheel naam achha hai."
Reyansh ne aankhein band kar li.
"Di, aapka promise bhi aapki tarah zyada der nahi tikta."
Shivani ki hansi ruk hi nahi rahi thi.
Reyansh ne bhi muskurate hue chai khatam kar di. Usne Jheel ka naam pehli baar ghar mein liya tha aur baat bas itni hi thi. Uske liye woh abhi bhi pados mein rehne wali ek ladki thi, jiske saath baat karna dheere-dheere aasaan ho raha tha.
Kam se kam, filhaal toh itna hi.


Shaam dhalne lagi thi jab Reyansh apne parents ke ghar se nikla.
Maa ne gate tak aakar kaha, "Agli baar itni jaldi mat jaana. Raat ka khana kha kar jaana."
Reyansh ne unhe gale lagaya.
"Agli baar pakka."
Maa ne uski peeth thapthapayi.
"Har baar yahi bolta hai."
"Is baar sach mein."
Peechhe se Shivani ki awaaz aayi, "Maa, iske 'pakka' ko likhkar mat rakhna. Warranty nahi milti."
Reyansh ne mudkar kaha, "Di, aapko main ek din apni life se block kar dunga."
Shivani ne haath hila diya.
"Kar dena. Phir Maa ke phone se call karungi."
Papa gate ke paas khade muskura rahe the.
"Chal beta, dhyaan se jaana."
Reyansh car mein baitha aur unhe haath hila kar nikal gaya.
Kuch door jaane ke baad usne music chala diya. Gaana purana tha, lekin use pasand tha. Woh gaane ke saath dheere-dheere gungunane laga.
Signal par car ruki toh phone ki screen jagmagayi.
Arshad calling...
Reyansh ne Bluetooth par call receive ki.
"Bol, copywriter saab."
Arshad ki awaaz aayi, "Kya haal hai, parivaar ke laadle? Maa ne kitne dabbe pack kar diye?"
"Ek bhi nahi."
"Jhooth. Teri mummy ko pata hai tu akele rehta hai. Unhone kuch na kuch toh diya hoga."
"Do parathe diye hain."
"Bas do?"
"Ek tere liye bhi rakhun?"
Arshad ne turant kaha, "Dosti mein aisi baatein nahi karte. Dono de de."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Tu kabhi sudhrega nahi."
"Main kyun sudhrun? Duniya ko mere jaise original pieces ki zaroorat hai."
"Original piece toh hai. Bas thoda defective."
"Defect hi toh personality hai, mere bhai."
Reyansh ne sir hila diya.
"Achha sun, aaj shaam ka kya plan hai?"
"Abhi toh ghar ja raha hoon. Aage dekhenge."
"Free hai toh mil lete hain."
"Aaj nahi, ustad. Aaj ghar par hi rahunga."
Arshad ne awaaz mein nakli udaasi bhar li.
"Samajh gaya. Ab doston ki jagah padosiyon ne le li hai."
Reyansh ne turant jawab diya, "Tujhe kisne bataya? Teri building mein bhi koi nayi neighbour aayi hai kya?"
"Tu topic mat badal."
"Main topic nahi badal raha. Teri research weak hai."
Dono hans pade.
Call khatam hui toh Reyansh ne music ki volume badha di.
Ghar jaane ka matlab hamesha kisi khaas jagah pahunchna nahi hota. Kabhi-kabhi bas din ke shor se nikal kar apni raftaar par lautna hota hai.
Aur aaj Reyansh ko shaam aaram se guzaarni thi.
Lekin Bengaluru mein uski building ke corridor mein ek aur chhoti si kahani uska intezaar kar rahi thi.


Shaam ke kareeb saat baje.
Reyansh lift se nikla toh uske haath mein car ki keys aur phone tha. Corridor mein halki si khushboo thi, shayad kisi ke ghar mein chai bani thi.
Flat 304 ke saamne Jheel jhukkar apne grocery bags se kuch nikaal rahi thi. Usne light blue cotton kurti aur off-white palazzo pehna tha. Baal dheele se bandhe hue the, kuch lattein chehre ke paas aa rahi thi. Kaam karte waqt uske maathe par halki si shikan thi, jaise kisi packet ne uski planning kharab kar di ho.
Reyansh apne flat ki taraf badha, phir ruk gaya.
"Madam, aapke grocery bags ne phir se ghar ke bahar protest shuru kar diya?"
Jheel ne palatkar dekha.
"Main bas samaan nikaal rahi hoon."
"Achha. Mujhe laga building association se permission nahi mili hogi, toh aapne samaan corridor mein rakh diya."
Jheel ke hothon par muskurahat aa gayi.
"Aapko har cheez mein joke kaise mil jaata hai?"
"Practice. Bachpan mein ghar wale serious hone hi nahi dete the."
"Toh aap kabhi serious nahi hote?"
"Salary aane ke baad hota hoon. Woh bhi paanch minute ke liye."
Jheel hans padi.
Reyansh ne grocery bags ki taraf dekha.
"Kaafi samaan hai."
"Haan. Kuch cheezein khatam ho gayi thi."
"Main help kar doon?"
Jheel ek pal ko ruki, phir boli, "Agar aapko problem nahi hai toh ye wala bag andar rakh denge?"
"Bilkul."
Reyansh ne bag uthaya. Usmein sabziyan, kuch packets aur ek bada sa cereal box tha.
"Madam, aap akele rehti hain ya kisi restaurant ka stock manage karti hain?"
Jheel uske peeche flat ke andar aayi.
"Main akele rehti hoon, lekin iska matlab ye nahi ki main roz hawa khaungi."
"Bilkul nahi. Hawa bhi aajkal mehengi ho gayi hai."
Jheel ne bag kitchen counter par rakhwaya.
"Thank you."
"Welcome. Waise aapne mujhe recipe dene ka promise kiya tha."
Jheel ne palatkar use dekha.
"Kaunsi recipe?"
"Poha. Aapne kaha tha na ki mujhe sikha dengi."
Jheel ne aankhein sikodi.
"Aapko sach mein poha banana seekhna hai?"
"Seekhna nahi, bas apni reputation bachani hai. Aapke saamne har baar cooking ke naam par meri beizzati ho jaati hai."
"Toh aapko lagta hai recipe seekhne se reputation bach jayegi?"
"Kam se kam mere paas jawab toh hoga."
Jheel ne hansi rokne ki koshish ki.
"Achha, theek hai. Main aapko message kar dungi."
Reyansh ne phone ki taraf ishara kiya.
"Recipe WhatsApp par? Ya phir aap mujhe handwritten notes dengi, taaki main future generations ko bata sakun ki poha kaise banta hai?"
"WhatsApp par hi bhej dungi. Future generations ko aap khud sambhal lena."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Fair enough."
Woh darwaze ki taraf badha, phir palatkar bola, "Waise, aapko pata hai na ki poha banane ke baad uski photo bhi bhejni padegi?"
Jheel ne hairani se poochha, "Kyun?"
"Proof. Aajkal kisi par bharosa nahi kar sakte."
"Reyansh ji, aapko poha banana hai ya audit karna hai?"
"Corporate aadmi hoon. Documentation zaroori hai."
Jheel phir hans padi.
"Achha, jaaiye ab. Aapki documentation baad mein karenge."
"Ji, madam."
Reyansh apne flat mein aa gaya.
Darwaza band karte waqt uske chehre par halki si muskurahat thi. Jheel se baat karna ab kisi formal introduction jaisa nahi lagta tha. Unke beech chhote-chhote jokes banne lage the, aur dono ko pata tha ki saamne wala baat ko samajh lega.
Kabhi-kabhi dosti ki pehli seedhi koi badi baat nahi hoti.
Bas itna hota hai ki saamne wale ke saath khamoshi se zyada baat karna achha lagne lagta hai.


Raat kareeb nau baje.
Reyansh sofa par baitha laptop par ek email dekh raha tha. Kaam khatam karne ka irada tha, lekin uski nazar baar-baar phone ki screen par ja rahi thi.
Aakhir phone vibrate hua.
Jheel: Recipe bhejne wali thi, yaad hai na?
Reyansh ne turant reply kiya.
Reyansh: Mujhe laga aap bhool gayi hongi.
Jheel: Aapko lagta hai main har baat bhool jaati hoon?
Reyansh: Nahi. Bas mujhe surprise dena pasand hai.
Jheel: Toh ye raha surprise. Poha banane ke liye pehle poha chahiye hota hai.
Reyansh screen ko dekhkar hans diya.
Reyansh: Wah. Aisi knowledge ke liye toh cooking classes join karni padengi.
Jheel: Aap mazaak uda lijiye. Kal ko jab achha poha banayenge na, toh yaad karenge.
Reyansh: Kal? Itni jaldi meri capabilities par bharosa?
Jheel: Bharosa nahi hai. Bas dekhna hai ki aap kitni jaldi haar maante hain.
Reyansh: Aap toh kaafi dangerous teacher nikli.
Jheel: Aur aap kaafi difficult student.
Kuch der baad Jheel ne sach mein recipe bhej di. Saath mein ek chhota sa note bhi tha:
Jheel: Namak apne taste ke hisaab se. Aur please, pehli baar mein poore ghar ke liye mat banana.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh: Aapko meri cooking par itna kam bharosa kyun hai?
Jheel: Experience ke bina bharosa karna risky hota hai.
Reyansh: Toh experience dilane ki zimmedari teacher ki hai.
Jheel ne message padha. Uske chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel: Pehle student toh homework kare.
Reyansh ne phone sofa par rakh diya aur laptop ki taraf mud gaya. Email ab bhi khula tha, lekin uska mood pehle se halka tha.
Doosri taraf Jheel ne phone side mein rakha aur kitchen mein jaakar apne grocery bags se samaan nikaalne lagi. Woh bhi muskurati rahi, phir khud hi apne aap se boli, "Kitna bolte hain!"
Lekin usne chat delete nahi ki.
Na hi phone ko silent karke door rakha.
Bas kuch der baad ek baar phir screen check kar li, jaise shayad koi naya message aa gaya ho.
Us raat koi badi baat nahi hui thi.
Na kisi ne apne dil ki baat kahi, na kisi ne koi waada kiya.
Bas ek padosi ne doosre padosi ko poha ki recipe bheji thi.
Aur phir bhi, dono ki raat mein ek chhoti si muskurahat jud gayi thi.