[Greenwood]

Update 28


Monday, 8:36 AM | Flat 303
"Sir, aapki coffee thandi ho rahi hai!"
Shalu ki awaaz kitchen se aayi.
Reyansh dining table par baitha apne laptop ki screen dekh raha tha. Uski coffee saamne rakhi thi aur phone par office ke messages aa rahe the.
"Coffee thandi nahi ho rahi. Main use emotional support de raha hoon."
Shalu kitchen se bahar aayi. "Coffee ko?"
"Haan. Itni subah-subah kisi ko bhi attention chahiye hoti hai."
"Toh phir pee lijiye. Attention ke saath breakfast bhi thanda ho jayega."
Reyansh ne laptop band kiya aur coffee ka cup uthaya.
"Shalu, tumhari language mein ab confidence aa gaya hai."
"Ji. Ab main sirf English nahi seekh rahi, aapki baaton ka jawab dena bhi seekh rahi hoon."
"Ek din tum meri job le logi."
"Sir, aapki job mein salary kitni hai?"
Reyansh ne use dekha.
"Yeh interview kaun le raha hai?"
Shalu hans padi aur kitchen mein wapas chali gayi.
Kuch der baad woh apna bag uthane lagi. Usne apne course ke pamphlets bhi sambhal kar rakhe the.
"Sir, maine ek institute mein phone kiya tha. Unhone kaha ki weekend batch bhi hai."
"Achha. Timing poochhi?"
"Ji. Fees bhi aur syllabus bhi."
"Trial class hai?"
"Agli Saturday ko."
Reyansh ne sir hilaya. "Attend kar lena. Sirf brochure dekhkar admission mat lena."
Shalu ne muskurakar kaha, "Aapko har cheez mein practical answer hi dena hota hai?"
"Emotional answer bhi hai."
"Kya?"
"Trial class mein samosa milta ho toh admission turant le lena."
Shalu ne uske haath se coffee ka cup lene ka natak kiya.
"Bas, aap rehne dijiye."
Dono hans pade.
Shalu kaafi der tak uske ghar mein kaam karti rahi thi, lekin ab unki baaton mein ek naya badlav tha. Pehle woh har chhoti cheez ke liye Reyansh se poochhti thi. Ab apne options khud research karti, sawaal taiyaar karti aur phir usse salah leti.
Reyansh ne apna bag uthaya.
"All the best for Saturday."
Shalu ne darwaze ke paas se kaha, "Thank you, sir."
Reyansh lift ki taraf badh gaya.
Monday shuru ho chuka tha.


Monday, 10:15 AM | Office
"Good morning, team."
Reyansh conference room mein aaya toh Neha pehle se laptop kholkar baithi thi. Uske saamne do coffee cups aur presentation ke printouts rakhe the.
Reyansh ne cups ki taraf dekha.
"Do coffee? Kisi ka intezaar hai?"
Neha ne ek cup apni taraf kheench liya.
"Ek meri hai. Doosri us insaan ke liye thi jo subah-subah time par aane ka natak karta hai."
"Main time par aaya hoon."
"Meeting das baje thi."
"Abhi 10:15 hain."
"Exactly."
Reyansh kursi par baith gaya.
"Monday ko fifteen minutes late hona professional culture ka hissa hai."
"Yeh line HR ko bhej doon?"
"Please. Mere naam se."
Neha ne laptop uski taraf ghumaya.
"Jokes apart, client ne campaign ke opening visuals approve kar diye hain. Bas final copy aur do product shots revise karne hain."
Reyansh ne slides dekhin.
"Yeh wala shot rehne do. Ismein product clear hai aur background bhi clean hai."
"Agreed. Lekin headline thodi generic lag rahi hai."
"Do alternatives try karte hain. Ek simple, ek thoda playful."
Neha ne notes banana shuru kiya.
Agla aadha ghanta kaam mein guzra. Dono ne headlines par discussion kiya, ek visual replace kiya aur presentation ka flow thoda better banaya.
Meeting khatam hone par Neha ne laptop band kiya.
"By the way, Saturday kaisa raha?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Saturday?"
"Calendar mein Saturday naam ka din hota hai. Usmein log office ke alawa bhi kuch karte hain."
"Main old market gaya tha."
"Kis ke saath?"
"Aarohi."
Neha ke chehre par halki si smile aayi.
"Achha. Kaisa raha?"
"Achha tha. Purani buildings dekhin, bookstore gaye, coffee pi."
"Sounds nice."
"Haan."
Neha ne papers sambhale.
"Good. Tumhe office ke bahar bhi kisi cheez mein interest lete dekhna achha hai."
Reyansh ne eyebrow uthayi.
"Main office ke bahar kuch nahi karta?"
"Mainne aisa kab kaha?"
"Tumhare sentence ka hidden meaning tha."



"Har sentence mein hidden meaning nahi hota, Reyansh."
"Yeh baat tumne hidden meaning ke saath hi kahi hai."
Neha hans padi.
"Bas karo. Client ko final copy bhejni hai."
Woh apni desk ki taraf chali gayi.
Reyansh ne presentation dobara kholi. Uske chehre par abhi bhi halki si smile thi.
Office mein Monday ka apna hi rhythm tha. Emails, revisions, calls aur deadlines.
Aur in sabke beech chhoti-chhoti baatein, jinse din thoda aasaan ho jaata tha.



Tuesday, 7:20 PM | Flat 304
Jheel laptop ke saamne baithi assignment submit karne ki koshish kar rahi thi.
Usne document upload kiya, phir ek baar preview dekha.
File uploaded successfully.
Jheel ke chehre par khushi aa gayi.
"Finally!"
Usne turant Ritu ko message kiya.
Jheel:
Assignment submit ho gaya!
Ritu:
Congratulations! Ab next assignment ke liye ready rehna.
Jheel:
Tum congratulations de rahi ho ya warning?
Ritu:
Dono. Friendship package.
Jheel hans padi.
Usne laptop band kiya aur paani lene kitchen mein gayi. Wapas aate waqt uski nazar table par rakhe postcard par padi. Purani Bengaluru street ki photograph ab bhi uske table ke paas lagi thi.
Usne use seedha kiya.
Tabhi phone par Reyansh ka message aaya.
Reyansh:
Assignment war jeet li?
Jheel muskurayi.
Jheel:
Ji. Successfully submit kar diya.
Reyansh:
Congratulations. Ab tum officially ek dangerous category mein aa gayi ho.
Jheel:
Kaunsi category?
Reyansh:
Jo log kaam khud kar lete hain aur phir help maangna band kar dete hain.
Jheel:
Toh aapki tension badh gayi?
Reyansh:
Bilkul. Meri free advice service ka future khatre mein hai.
Jheel:
Main kabhi-kabhi aapko pareshaan karne aa sakti hoon.
Reyansh:
Permission granted. Lekin appointment lekar.
Jheel hans padi.
Kuch pal baad usne ek aur message bheja.
Jheel:
Waise thank you.
Reyansh:
Kis liye?
Jheel:
Pichhle kuch dino mein aapne mujhe kaafi encourage kiya. Jab main English bolne mein nervous hoti thi, tab aapne galtiyon par hansne ke bajaye correct karna sikhaya.
Reyansh ne message padha.
Usne turant koi funny reply nahi diya. Kuch seconds baad type kiya.
Reyansh:
Credit tumhara hai, Jheel. Practice tumne ki, assignment tumne complete kiya. Main bas beech-beech mein lecture deta raha.
Jheel ke chehre par ek narm si smile aa gayi.
Jheel:
Lecture kabhi-kabhi useful bhi hota hai.
Reyansh:
Yeh screenshot karke rakh raha hoon. Future mein tumhari kisi complaint ke waqt kaam aayega.
Jheel:
Good night, Reyansh.
Reyansh:
Good night, Jheel. Aur kal class mein confidence ke saath bolna.
Jheel ne phone side mein rakha.
Usne apni notebook kholi aur aaj ki date ke neeche likha:
I can learn new things if I keep trying.
Woh sentence padhkar kuch pal ruki.
Phir notebook band kar di.
Uski zindagi mein abhi koi bada badlav nahi aaya tha. Lekin har guzarte din ke saath woh apne aap par thoda aur bharosa karna seekh rahi thi.


Wednesday, 8:05 PM | Arshad Ka Apartment
Arshad laptop ke saamne baitha tha. Screen par freelance client ke liye banaya gaya proposal khula tha.
Usne ek baar document padha, phir apne aap se kaha, "Theek hai. Is baar client ko magician nahi, copywriter hi milega."
Phone vibrate hua.
Sakshi ka message tha.
Sakshi:
Presentation bhej rahi hoon. Jab free ho, ek baar dekh lena.
Kuch der baad presentation aa gayi.
Arshad ne use khola aur slides dekhne laga. Sakshi ne apne portfolio ke liye ek chhota sa professional project tayyar kiya tha. Usmein uske ideas, research aur design references the.
Arshad ne use message kiya.
Arshad:
First impression: kaafi clean hai. Do slides par text thoda zyada hai. Baaki flow achha hai.
Sakshi:
Thanks. Main kal revise karungi.
Arshad:
Aur trip ki preparation?
Sakshi:
Almost done. Bas kuch documents aur presentation final karni hai.
Arshad:
Excited?
Kuch pal baad reply aaya.
Sakshi:
Haan. Nervous bhi hoon. Lekin achha opportunity hai.
Arshad ne screen ki taraf dekha aur smile kiya.
Arshad:
You’ll do well. Apni preparation par trust rakhna.
Sakshi:
I will. Tum bhi apne freelance project ke liye overthink mat karna.
Arshad:
Main overthink nahi karta. Main possibilities ka detailed analysis karta hoon.
Sakshi:
Same thing, better vocabulary.
Arshad hans pada.
Usne laptop par proposal final kiya aur client ko bhej diya.
Send button dabane ke baad woh kuch seconds screen dekhta raha.
Pehla freelance proposal.

Chhoti si baat thi, lekin uske liye important thi.
Usne Reyansh ko message kiya.
Arshad:
Proposal sent.
Reyansh ka reply turant aaya.
Reyansh:
Good. Ab laptop band kar aur dinner kar.
Arshad:
Tu mera dost hai ya meri mother ka outsourced version?
Reyansh:
Dono ka combined subscription.
Arshad ne phone rakh diya aur khud hi hansne laga.
Uski zindagi mein bhi kuch cheezein dheere-dheere apni jagah bana rahi thi.
Abhi sab kuch clear nahi tha.
Lekin har cheez ko clear hone se pehle shuru toh karna hi padta hai.


Friday, 6:35 PM | Bengaluru, Ek Chhota Sa Bookstore
Office se nikalte waqt Reyansh ko Aarohi ka message mila.
Aarohi:
Kal free ho?
Reyansh:
Depends. Kya mujhe kisi aur building ki history yaad karni hai?
Aarohi:
Is baar building nahi. Ek small photography exhibition hai. Architecture aur street photography dono hain.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Timing?
Aarohi:
Saturday, 4 PM. Agar tum free ho toh mil sakte hain.
Reyansh ne calendar dekha. Subah koi office meeting nahi thi. Shalu ki trial class ke baare mein bhi use yaad tha, lekin woh agle Saturday thi.
Reyansh:
4 PM works. Milte hain.
Aarohi:
Great. Main details bhej dungi.
Reyansh ne phone pocket mein rakha aur lift ki taraf badha.
Tabhi Neha uske saath aa mili.
"Weekend plan?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Tum logon ne meri personal calendar committee bana rakhi hai?"
Neha hans di.
"Nahi. Bas tum pehle Friday ko office ke baad seedha ghar chale jaate the. Ab kabhi bookstore, kabhi old market, kabhi exhibition."
"Main ab bhi ghar jaata hoon."
"Bilkul. Bas ab ghar jaane se pehle duniya mein do-teen jagah aur bhi hain."
Reyansh ne lift ka button dabaya.
"Ismein problem kya hai?"
"Koi problem nahi. Achhi baat hai."
Lift aa gayi.
Neha andar gayi aur uske baad Reyansh bhi.
"Waise," Neha ne kaha, "Monday tak client ke final comments aa jayenge. Tab tak weekend enjoy kar lo."
Reyansh ne sir hilaya.
"Tum bhi."
Lift ground floor par ruki.
Dono apne-apne raaste nikal gaye.


Saturday, 3:52 PM | Photography Exhibition
Exhibition ek renovated building ke andar thi. White walls par Bengaluru ki purani galiyon, balconies, markets aur street life ki photographs lagi thi.
Aarohi entrance ke paas khadi thi. Usne dark-green kurta aur straight-fit jeans pehni thi, saath mein small silver earrings. Baal khule the aur haath mein exhibition ka brochure tha.
Reyansh ko dekhkar usne kaha, "Aaj time par."
"Main apni reputation improve kar raha hoon."
"Good. Progress visible hai."
Dono andar chale gaye.
Pehli gallery mein purane residential areas ki photographs thi. Ek picture mein baarish ke baad gali ke beech paani jama tha, aur dono taraf ki buildings ki balconies usmein reflect ho rahi thi.
Aarohi kuch der uske saamne ruki.
"Yeh photograph mujhe bahut pasand hai."
Reyansh ne frame dekha.
"Ismein toh aadhi building paani mein hai."
Aarohi ne uski taraf dekha.
"Reflection hai, genius."
"Main check kar raha tha ki tum attentive ho ya nahi."
"Of course."
Dono hans pade.
Aage ek photograph mein ek purani dukaan ke bahar teen buzurg aadmi baithe the. Unke peeche ek nayi glass building dikh rahi thi.
Aarohi ne kaha, "Mujhe aisi photographs pasand hain. Ek hi frame mein shehar ke do alag waqt dikh jaate hain."
Reyansh ne tasveer ko gaur se dekha.
"Purana shehar khatam nahi hota. Bas uske aas-paas naya shehar ban jaata hai."
Aarohi ne uski taraf dekha.
"Yeh line tumne abhi banayi?"
"Haan."
"Not bad."
"Main apni creative services bhi offer karta hoon."
"Payment?"
"Ek coffee."
Aarohi muskurayi.
"Approved."
Dono agle room ki taraf badh gaye.
Wahan ek young photographer apne kaam ke baare mein visitors ko bata raha tha. Uski photographs ordinary streets aur everyday people par thi. Reyansh kuch der uski baat sunta raha.
Baad mein Aarohi ne poochha, "Tumhe kya lagta hai, ordinary life interesting hoti hai?"
Reyansh ne kaha, "Depend karta hai ki kaun dekh raha hai."
"Matlab?"
"Ek hi din kisi ke liye boring ho sakta hai aur kisi aur ke liye memorable. Kabhi-kabhi event se zyada important hota hai ki us waqt tumhare saath kaun tha."
Aarohi ne uski baat suni, phir muskurayi.
"Yeh bhi abhi banaya?"
"Is baar nahi. Experience se aaya hai."
Usne uske chehre ko dekha, jaise samajhna chahti ho ki woh kitna serious tha.
Phir usne baat badal di.
"Chalo, ab coffee. Mujhe tumhari philosophical speech ke liye caffeine chahiye."

Reyansh hans pada.
"Finally, meri asli audience mil gayi."
Exhibition ke baad dono paas ke café mein baith gaye.
Unhone photographs, work aur apni pasand ki jagahon ke baare mein baat ki. Aarohi ne ek baar apne college ke project ka funny incident sunaya, jisme uske group ne galti se ek purani building ka entrance hi galat identify kar liya tha.
Reyansh itna hansa ki coffee ka cup table par rakhna pada.
"Tum log poori research ke baad galat building par presentation de aaye?"
"Humne presentation nahi di. Humein galti samajh aa gayi thi."
"Achha hua. Warna tumhari consultancy ka naam hota: Confidently Incorrect."
Aarohi ne tissue uski taraf phenka.
"Shut up."
Reyansh hansne laga.
Kuch der baad Aarohi ne poochha, "Tumhari family Bengaluru mein hi hai na?"
"Haan. Parents aur meri sister. Sab apni-apni jagah."
"Weekend par milte ho?"
"Kabhi-kabhi. Shivani toh call karke bhi meri attendance laga leti hai."
Aarohi muskurayi.
"Older sister?"
"Haan."
"Meri bhi ek cousin sister hai jo bilkul aisa hi karti hai. Bas uske hisaab se main apni life ke saare decisions galat time par leti hoon."
Reyansh ne cup uthaya.
"Family ka kaam hi hota hai tumhe yaad dilana ki tumhari life unke management ke bina chal nahi sakti."
Aarohi hans di.
Dono ne apni coffee khatam ki aur café se bahar nikle.
Shaam dhal rahi thi.
Aarohi ne kaha, "Aaj bhi achha laga."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Mujhe bhi."
Is baar unke beech kuch zyada familiar sa tha. Pichhli outing ki tarah sirf ek nayi jagah explore karne ki excitement nahi, balki ek-doosre ke saath waqt bitane ki aadat banne ki shuruaat.
Lekin dono ne uska koi naam nahi rakha.
Aarohi ne cab book ki.
"Next time tumhari choice."
Reyansh ne kaha, "Done."
"Ab sach mein koi achhi jagah suggest karna."
"Main har baar achhi jagah hi suggest karta hoon."
Aarohi cab mein baithte hue boli, "Yeh confidence ka course mujhe bhi karna padega."
Reyansh ne haath hilaaya.
"Discount mil jayega."
Cab chali gayi.
Reyansh ne apni gaadi ki taraf kadam badhaye. Uske chehre par halki si smile thi.
Saturday achha guzra tha.
Aur ab uske paas agle weekend ke liye ek aur plan banane ka reason tha.


Sunday ki subah Reyansh apni balcony mein coffee lekar khada tha.
Phone par Shivani ka message aaya.
Shivani:
Next Sunday lunch par aa raha hai?
Reyansh:
Invitation hai ya attendance notice?
Shivani:
Dono. Mummy ne poochha hai.
Reyansh:
Aa jaunga.
Shivani:
Good. Aur is baar late mat hona.
Reyansh ne aankhein ghumayi.
Reyansh:
Tum sabne milkar meri punctuality ke khilaaf campaign chala rakha hai.
Shivani:
Campaign nahi. Public awareness.
Reyansh hans pada.
Usne phone side mein rakha aur coffee ka sip liya.
Neeche parking mein ek delivery van aakar ruki. Mrs. D'Souza apne balcony ke paudhon ko paani de rahi thi. Do bachche cycle lekar gate se bahar nikle.
Building mein zindagi apne usual rhythm mein chal rahi thi.
Kahin kisi ko office jaana tha, kahin kisi ko grocery laani thi, kahin kisi ki weekend ki planning chal rahi thi.
Flat 304 mein Jheel apni next class ke notes dekh rahi thi. Flat 404 mein Gungun apne phone par kisi se baat karte hue balcony ka darwaza band kar rahi thi. Shalu apne ghar par course ke trial class ki details dobara check kar rahi thi.
Aur Reyansh?
Woh bas apni coffee pee raha tha.
Uske saamne abhi koi bada sawaal nahi tha jiska jawab usi din dena zaroori ho.
Uski zindagi mein kuch log the, kuch plans the, kuch responsibilities thi aur kuch aise din the jo bina kisi dramatic event ke bhi achhe guzar sakte the.
Usne cup khali kiya aur andar chala gaya.
Phone screen par Aarohi ka ek aur message tha.
Aarohi:
Next time tumhari choice. I'm trusting you.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Risky decision.
Aarohi:
I know.
Reyansh muskuraya.
Phir phone table par rakh diya.

[Greenwood]

Update 29


Monday, 8:42 AM | Flat 303
Reyansh ki gaadi apartment ke basement mein khadi thi, lekin woh abhi tak usmein baitha phone dekh raha tha.
Screen par teen notifications the.
Neha ka message:
“Client ne kal raat revised brief bheja hai. Please tell me tumne padha hai.”
Arshad ka message:
“Proposal bhej diya. Ab client ka reply aane tak main officially berozgaar hone ki practice kar raha hoon.”
Aur Aarohi ka:
“Next outing tum plan kar rahe ho. Main bas itna bata doon ki mujhe bheed, loud music aur bina matlab ki lambi drives se allergy hai.”
Reyansh ne Aarohi ko reply kiya.
Reyansh: “Tumhari requirements dekh kar lag raha hai outing nahi, government tender bhar raha hoon.”
Aarohi: “Reject ho sakta hai.”
Reyansh: “Mere proposals reject nahi hote.”
Aarohi: “Achha? Divorce ke baad bhi itna confidence?”
Message bhejne ke baad Aarohi ne turant ek aur message bhej diya.
Aarohi: “Sorry. Thoda personal ho gaya. Mujhe woh line nahi bolni chahiye thi.”
Reyansh ki ungliyan screen par ruk gayin.
Usne message do baar padha. Phir phone lock kar diya.
Kuch der baad usne dobara phone khola.
Reyansh: “It's okay. Bas tumhari government tender wali application abhi pending hai.”
Aarohi: “Application withdraw kar doon?”
Reyansh: “Ab itni mehnat se form bhara hai toh interview toh do.”
Aarohi: “Fine. Lekin interview mein personal questions allowed nahi hain.”
Reyansh: “Phir toh tumhari selection pakki hai.”
Reyansh muskura diya.
Baat khatam ho gayi thi, lekin uske dimaag mein Aarohi ka sawaal thodi der tak raha.
Usne us sawaal ko koi khaas naam nahi diya. Na use bura kehkar hataaya, na uska matlab nikaalne baitha.
Bas gaadi start ki aur office ki taraf nikal gaya.
Har baat ka jawaab usi waqt dena zaroori nahi hota.
Kabhi-kabhi jawaab se pehle insaan ko khud samajhna padta hai ki sawaal ne use roka kyun.


Monday, 10:15 AM | Office
Conference room mein presentation khuli thi. Neha laptop ke paas baithi thi, jabki Reyansh whiteboard par campaign ke teen options likh raha tha.
“Option one is safe,” Neha ne kaha. “Option two is interesting, but client ko thoda risky lag sakta hai.”
“Option three?”
“Option three tumhara favourite hai, isliye tum mujhe bolne hi nahi doge.”
Reyansh ne marker band kiya.
“Tum mujhe itna galat samajhti ho?”
“Main tumhe itna jaanti hoon.”
“That's worse.”
Neha hans padi.
Meeting ke dauraan client ne ek nayi condition rakh di. Presentation ka poora structure badalne ki zaroorat nahi thi, lekin unhe campaign ka central idea aur simple karna tha.
Pehle Reyansh ko irritation hui. Phir usne Neha ki taraf dekha.
“Ek kaam karte hain. Jo cheez hum client ko samjhaane mein paanch minute laga rahe hain, shayad woh idea hi zyada complicated hai.”
Neha ne use dekha.
“Tum khud apne idea ko simplify karne ko keh rahe ho?”
“Haan. Is moment ko record kar lo. Agle appraisal mein kaam aayega.”
“Main toh isse framed certificate banwaungi.”
Dono ne presentation dobara kholi.
Is baar Reyansh ne apna favourite concept bachane ki koshish nahi ki. Usne uska woh hissa rakha jo sach mein kaam ka tha aur baaki hata diya.
Meeting khatam hui toh client ne revised direction approve kar di.
Neha apna laptop band karte hue boli, “Aaj tumne apne idea se shaadi nahi ki.”
“Har achhi cheez ko zindagi bhar nibhana zaroori nahi hota.”
Neha ki muskurahat ek pal ko halki si badli.
“Fair point.”
Phir usne bag uthaya aur apni desk ki taraf chali gayi.
Reyansh ko baad mein ehsaas hua ki usne ek aam si line keh di thi. Neha ne bhi use wahin chhod diya.
Har conversation ko gehra banana zaroori nahi tha.
Kabhi ek simple baat bhi apni jagah poori hoti hai.


Monday, 7:10 PM | Flat 303
Shaam ko Reyansh ghar aaya toh dining table par khana rakha tha. Shalu kitchen ka kaam samet rahi thi.
“Shalu, tumhara Saturday wala trial class confirm hai?”
“Haan. Message aa gaya.”
..

“Achha. Kya seekhne ko milega?”
“Pehle din toh shayad basic computer aur documents. Unhone bola hai notebook le aana.”
“Fees bata di?”
“Trial free hai. Uske baad poora course samjhayenge.”
Reyansh ne sir hila diya.
“Good. Pehle dekh lena ki teacher kaise samjhata hai, class mein kitne students hain aur jo sikhane ka promise kar rahe hain, woh actual mein sikhate bhi hain ya nahi.”
Shalu ne haath ponchkar use dekha.
“Main itni bhi bewakoof nahi hoon.”
“Main kab bola?”
“Tumhara chehra bol raha tha.”
“Tum mere chehre ki language bhi seekh rahi ho?”
“Woh toh bina fees ke seekh li.”
Reyansh hans diya.
Shalu ne table par rakha glass uthaya, phir kuch sochkar ruk gayi.
“Ek baat poochun?”
“Poochho.”
“Agar course karne ke baad bhi mujhe koi achhi job nahi mili toh?”
Reyansh ka jawab turant nahi aaya.
Woh kursi par baith gaya.
“Toh tumne ek course kiya hoga. Usse tumhe pata chalega ki kya aata hai aur kya nahi. Phir doosra step decide karogi.”
“Matlab time waste ho sakta hai.”
“Ho sakta hai. Lekin bina try kiye bhi toh tum isi sawaal mein phansi rahogi.”
Shalu chup ho gayi.
Uski aankhon mein abhi bhi darr tha, lekin us darr ke saath ek aur cheez aa gayi thi. Apni zindagi mein pehli baar woh kisi faisle ke liye permission nahi, information jama kar rahi thi.
“Saturday ko class se aakar bataungi,” usne kaha.
“Main result ka wait karunga.”
“Result exam ka nahi hai.”
“Tumhare liye hai.”
Shalu ne nazar jhuka kar muskurahat chhupayi.
“Achha, ab khana kha lo. Thanda ho raha hai.”
Woh kitchen mein chali gayi.
Reyansh ne plate apni taraf kheench li.
Uske liye yeh ek chhoti si conversation thi. Shalu ke liye shayad woh apne future ki taraf badhaya gaya pehla kadam tha.
Dono ek hi ghar mein the, lekin unki zindagiyan alag-alag dishaon mein chal rahi thi.
Aur filhaal, dono ko yahi theek lag raha tha.


Tuesday, 6:35 PM | Arshad ka office
Arshad apne monitor ko aise dekh raha tha jaise screen ke andar baitha client uska paisa nahi, uski personal khushi rok kar baitha ho.
Kabir uski desk ke paas aaya.
“Reply aaya?”
“Nahi.”
“Follow-up?”
“Draft kiya hai.”
“Bheja?”
“Draft kiya hai, Kabir. Bhejne aur draft karne ke beech ek emotional process hota hai.”
Kabir ne uske kandhe par haath rakha.
“Tu client ko follow-up bhej raha hai ya rishta maang raha hai?”
Arshad ne use ghoora.
“Ja. Apni zindagi mein jaakar pareshaan ho.”
Kabir hanskar chala gaya.
Arshad ne follow-up message dobara padha. Usmein koi desperate line nahi thi, na extra flattery. Bas project ke baare mein ek seedha sawaal aur agle step ke liye availability.
Usne send kar diya.
Phir phone uthakar Reyansh ko call kiya.
“Ek professional sawaal hai.”
“Tumse?”
“Dekho, isliye main tujhe call karta hoon. Tu mere talent ki kadar hi nahi karta.”
“Bolo.”
“Client reply nahi kar raha. Kitna wait karna chahiye?”
“Kitna time hua?”
“Ek din.”
“Arshad.”
“Haan?”
“Ek din.”
“Main bas market dynamics samajh raha tha.”
“Market dynamics ya apni anxiety?”
Arshad kursi par peeche hua.
“Dono ka merger ho gaya hai.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Do-teen working days de. Phir ek follow-up. Uske baad aage badh. Ek client ka reply tumhara career decide nahi karta.”
Arshad kuch pal chup raha.
“Tu sahi keh raha hai.”
“Is baat ko record karun?”
“Bilkul. Tere ghar mein certificate ka frame hoga. Mere ghar mein teri baaton ka museum banega.”
“Entry ticket rakhna. Income generate hogi.”
“Dekh, yahi wajah hai ki main tujhe dost maanta hoon. Business partner nahi.”
Call khatam hone se pehle Arshad ne poochha, “Aur tu? Life mein kuch naya chal raha hai?”
“Office, ghar, khana.”
“Boring.”
“Tumhara client reply nahi karta, meri life boring hai. Dono ke paas problems hain.”
“Ek din tu maanega ki main teri zindagi mein entertainment department hoon.”
“Budget cut karne ka soch raha hoon.”
Arshad zor se hans pada.
Call ke baad usne apne proposal ki file dobara nahi kholi.
Usne ek purane contact ko message kiya jiske saath woh pehle ek chhota campaign kar chuka tha. Usne seedha poochha ki kya agle mahine koi freelance requirement ho sakti hai.
Reply aaya:
“Possibly. Next week call karte hain.”
Arshad ne phone table par rakha.
Koi badi jeet nahi thi.
Bas ek darwaaza band hone ka intezaar karne ke bajaye usne doosre darwaaze par knock kar diya tha.


Wednesday, 8:20 PM | Flat 304 ke bahar
Jheel ke flat se halki si awaaz aa rahi thi. Kabhi woh ek sentence bolti, kabhi ruk jaati, phir use dobara bolti.
Reyansh apne ghar ka darwaaza band kar raha tha, tabhi uski nazar Jheel par padi.
Woh phone ko haath mein pakde hue thi aur screen par kuch dekhkar bol rahi thi.
“Good evening. Today I want to talk about…”
Woh ruk gayi.
Phir usne apna sir halka sa jhatka.
“No. Again.”
Reyansh ne muskurate hue kaha, “Audience difficult hai kya?”
Jheel ekdam palti.
“Tum kab aaye?”
“Jab tumne apne audience ko doosra chance diya.”
Uske gaal halki si laali se bhar gaye.
“Main speaking practice kar rahi thi.”
“Pata chal raha hai.”
“Tum mazaak uda rahe ho?”
“Nahi. Bas yeh soch raha hoon ki tumne practice ke liye mirror choose kiya ya phone?”
“Phone. Ismein recording hoti hai. Main baad mein dekh sakti hoon ki kahan galti hui.”
Reyansh ki muskurahat thodi badli.
“That's actually smart.”
Jheel ne phone ki screen lock kar di.
“Course mein humein ek short video introduction banana hai. Apne baare mein bolna hai. Main likh leti hoon toh theek hota hai, lekin camera on hote hi sab bhool jaati hoon.”
“Kitni der ka video?”
“Do minute.”
“Abhi kitna hua?”
“Ek minute se kam.”
“Perfect. Pehle ek minute ko achha karo. Do minute apne aap aa jayenge.”
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumhe kabhi camera ke saamne bolna pada hai?”
“Client presentations mein. Lekin wahan slides hoti hain, aur agar main bhool jaun toh blame karne ke liye PowerPoint hota hai.”


Jheel hans padi.
“Tum serious baat bhi mazaak mein karte ho.”
“Har waqt nahi.”
“Achha? Kab serious hote ho?”
Reyansh ne ek pal uski aankhon mein dekha.
“Jab zaroorat hoti hai.”
Jawab seedha tha. Jheel ne uske chehre par kuch aur padhne ki koshish nahi ki.
“Ek kaam karo,” Reyansh ne kaha. “Mujhe apna introduction suna do. Main bataunga ki kya clear hai aur kahan tum khud ko unnecessary difficult bana rahi ho.”
Jheel ne hichkichakar phone khola.
“Abhi?”
“Tum practice hi toh kar rahi thi.”
“Lekin tum saamne khade ho.”
“Main camera nahi hoon. Mere paas recording ka button bhi nahi hai.”
“Tumhare paas comments ka button hai.”
“Woh permanent feature hai.”
Jheel phir hans di.
Usne phone side mein rakha, saans li aur bolna shuru kiya.
“Hello. My name is Jheel. I am learning communication and digital skills because I want to become more confident…”
Pehli baar uski awaaz thodi dheemi thi. Doosre sentence mein woh ek shabd par atak gayi. Usne khud ko roka, phir sentence dobara bola.
Is baar usne apni galti par maafi nahi maangi.
Introduction khatam hua toh Reyansh ne sir hilaya.
“Achha tha.”
Jheel ne aankhein sikodi.
“Bas achha?”
“Tumne teen baar apni baat khud correct ki. Pehle tum ruk jaati thi. Aaj tumne continue kiya. Mere liye woh important hai.”
Jheel ka chehra dheere-dheere khil gaya.
“Main kal phir practice karungi.”
“Kal camera ke saamne.”
“Pehle mirror.”
“Deal.”
Woh dono apne-apne darwaazon ki taraf badhe.
Phir Jheel ne use awaaz di.
“Reyansh?”
Woh palta.
“Thank you. Tum mujhe galti karne par awkward feel nahi karwate.”
Reyansh kuch pal use dekhta raha.
“Galti karna awkward nahi hota, Jheel. Galti ke baad khud ko chhota samajhna awkward bana deta hai.”
Jheel ne uski baat chupchaap suni.
“Good night,” usne kaha.
“Good night.”
Reyansh apne flat mein chala gaya.
Jheel kuch pal darwaaze par khadi rahi, phir andar jaakar apne phone mein ek naya video record karne lagi.
Is baar usne pehle se likha hua introduction saamne nahi rakha.


Thursday, 9:40 PM | Reyansh ka bedroom
Raat ko Reyansh ne phone charging par lagaya aur alarm set kiya.
Usne kal ke kaam ki list dekhi. Do meetings, ek presentation, aur Friday tak complete karna wala review.
Sab kuch seedha tha.
Phir woh light band karke let gaya.
Neend aane mein waqt laga.
Aakhirkaar aankhein band hui toh woh ek aise kamre mein tha jise pehchaanne ki koshish karte hi tasveer dhundhli hone lagi.
Kahin paas se kisi ki awaaz aayi.
Kuch kaha gaya tha.
Woh lafz pakad nahi paaya.
Phir ek halki si awaaz, jaise table par rakhi koi cheez hil gayi ho.
Reyansh ne sapne mein palatkar dekha.
Saamne ka chehra saaf nahi tha.
Usne kuch kehna chaha, lekin uski awaaz jaise gale mein hi atak gayi.
Agle hi pal uski aankh khul gayi.
Kamra andhera tha.
Phone par waqt tha: 2:46 AM.
Reyansh seedha letkar chhat ko dekhta raha. Dil ki dhadkan kuch tez thi, lekin dheere-dheere normal hone lagi.
Usne paani piya.
Phone uthaya, phir wapas rakh diya.
Kisi ko call karne ki zaroorat nahi thi. Kisi ko message bhejne ka bhi mann nahi hua.
Woh dobara let gaya.
Is baar neend jaldi nahi aayi.
Subah jab alarm baja, usne use band kiya aur kuch der tak bistar par hi pada raha.
Phir khud ko uthaya.
Bathroom ki light on ki, chehre par paani maara aur mirror mein apni aankhon ko dekha.
“Bas neend poori nahi hui,” usne khud se kaha.
Woh sentence bolna aasaan tha.
Aur filhaal, usne usi ko maan liya.


Friday, 6:05 PM | Bengaluru, ek chhota sa bookstore café
Aarohi ka message dopahar ko aaya tha.
Aarohi: “Tumhari outing application ka kya hua?”
Reyansh: “Shortlisting chal rahi hai.”
Aarohi: “Kitne candidates hain?”
Reyansh: “Ek.”
Aarohi: “Phir itna time kyun lag raha hai?”
Reyansh: “Candidate bahut sawaal poochti hai.”
Aarohi: “Candidate ko clarity pasand hai.”
Reyansh ne use ek jagah ka naam bheja. Ek chhota bookstore café, jahan woh pehle ek baar office ke baad gaya tha. Wahan kitabon ka section tha, lekin log sirf coffee peene nahi, thodi der baithkar padhne bhi aate the.
Aarohi ka reply aaya:
“This sounds acceptable.”
“Acceptable? Main itni mehnat kar raha hoon.”
“Final approval location dekhne ke baad milega.”
Friday shaam ko dono wahan mile.
Aarohi ne simple blue shirt aur cream trousers pehne the. Baal khule the, aur uske kandhe par ek bada sa tote bag tha. Reyansh ne use dekhkar kaha, “Tum apna ghar saath laayi ho?”
Aarohi ne bag neeche rakha.
“Notebook, laptop, charger, wallet, book.”
“Bas ghar ki chaabi reh gayi.”
“Woh bhi hai.”
Reyansh hans pada.
Dono ne coffee order ki. Aarohi ne bookstore ke ek shelf se kitab uthayi aur cover dekhne lagi.
“Tum fiction padhte ho?” usne poochha.
“Kabhi-kabhi.”
“Kabhi-kabhi matlab?”
“Jab koi mujhe book recommend karta hai aur phir poochhta hai ki padhi ya nahi.”
“Tum book padhte ho ya accountability se bachne ki koshish karte ho?”
“Dono.”
Aarohi ne kitab uski taraf badha di.
“Yeh try karna.”
Reyansh ne cover dekha.
“Tumne padhi hai?”
“Haan.”
“Achhi hai?”
“Tum padhkar bata dena.”
“Tum bhi na, review ka kaam reader par daal deti ho.”
“Main design karti hoon. Review tumhara department hai.”
Reyansh ne kitab khareed li.
Phir dono café ke ek kone mein baith gaye. Is baar unki baat architecture ya exhibition ke baare mein nahi thi. Aarohi ne apne kaam ke ek naye project ka zikr kiya, jahan client usse har baar design badalne ko keh raha tha, magar yeh nahi bata pa raha tha ki use chahiye kya.
“Sabko pata hota hai ki unhe kya pasand nahi,” Aarohi boli. “Lekin jab poochho ki kya chahiye, toh jawab nahi hota.”
Reyansh ne coffee ka cup uthaya.
“Corporate duniya mein welcome.”
“Tumhare clients bhi aise hi hain?”
“Some of them. Lekin kabhi-kabhi hum bhi wahi karte hain. Humein kisi cheez se problem hoti hai, lekin hum khud nahi samajh paate ki asal mein chahiye kya.”
Aarohi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tum apne baare mein bol rahe ho?”


“Main general statement de raha hoon.”
“Convenient.”
“Professional habit.”
Aarohi muskurayi, magar is baar usne uski baat ko aage nahi kheencha.
Kuch der baad usne poochha, “Tumhe yahan aakar achha laga?”
Reyansh ne café ke aas-paas nazar ghumayi. Do students ek hi kitab ko lekar behas kar rahe the. Ek aadmi window ke paas baitha tha aur har kuch minute mein apni coffee bhool jaata tha. Counter par kaam kar rahi ladki kisi customer ke liye kitab dhoondh rahi thi.
“Haan,” Reyansh ne kaha. “Yahan kisi ko jaldi nahi hai.”
“Tumhe jaldi rehti hai?”
“Kaam mein, haan.”
“Kaam ke bahar?”
Reyansh ne cup table par rakh diya.
“Kaam ke bahar kabhi-kabhi pata hi nahi hota ki jaana kahan hai.”
Aarohi ne uska chehra dekha. Is baar usne koi personal sawaal nahi poochha.
Bas kaha, “Toh kabhi-kabhi aisi jagah aa jaana chahiye jahan pahunchkar kuch karna zaroori na ho.”
Reyansh ne halki si muskurahat ke saath sir hilaya.
“Yeh recommendation bhi tumhari list mein add kar leta hoon.”
“Book ke saath?”
“Book ke saath.”
Jab woh café se nikle toh raat hone lagi thi.
Aarohi ne apna bag kandhe par rakha.
“Next time tumhe koi aur jagah choose karni hogi.”
“Tumne abhi approval diya hi kahan hai?”
“Location approved. Host under review.”
“Review kab tak complete hoga?”
“Depend karta hai.”
“Kis par?”
Aarohi ne gaadi ki taraf badhte hue palatkar kaha, “Agli outing par.”
Reyansh hans diya.
Unke beech abhi koi waada nahi tha. Na kisi ne doosre ko apni zindagi mein koi jagah dene ka elaan kiya tha.
Lekin unki mulaqatein ab sirf pehli mulaqat ki formalities nahi rahi thi.
Dono ko ek doosre ki company pasand aane lagi thi.
Filhaal itna kaafi tha.


Saturday, 11:30 AM | Shalu ka trial class
Shalu ne apna notebook bag mein rakha, phir use nikala, phir dobara rakha.
Reyansh breakfast ke baad apni watch pehen raha tha jab usne use dekha.
“Notebook ghar par chhodkar jaana hai kya?”
Shalu ne use ghoora.
“Check kar rahi hoon.”
“Teesri baar?”
“Tum apna kaam karo.”
Reyansh ne haath upar kar diye.
“Best of luck.”
Shalu darwaaze tak gayi, phir palatkar boli, “Agar mujhe kuch samajh nahi aaya toh?”
“Toh teacher se poochhna.”
“Agar teacher ko bura laga toh?”
“Toh doosra sawaal poochhna.”
Shalu ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumhare liye sab itna simple kyun hota hai?”
“Simple nahi hota. Main bas har problem ka answer pehle se imagine karke pareshaan nahi hota.”
Shalu ne ek lambi saans li.
“Achha. Main ja rahi hoon.”
“Jaao.”
Woh chali gayi.
Reyansh ne darwaaza band kiya aur kuch pal wahin khada raha.
Usse yaad aaya ki jab Shalu ne pehli baar English practise karni shuru ki thi, tab woh ek sentence bolne se pehle kai baar rukti thi. Ab woh course dhoondh rahi thi, fees compare kar rahi thi, aur class attend karne ja rahi thi.
Usne apne phone par koi motivational quote nahi khola.
Na hi Shalu ko doosra message bheja.
Uska kaam ab Shalu ke liye har kadam aasaan banana nahi tha.
Kabhi-kabhi uska kaam sirf itna tha ki jab woh khud kadam badhaye, toh koi usse wapas na kheench le.


Saturday, 8:15 PM | Arshad ka message
Shaam ko Reyansh apne laptop par ek report dekh raha tha jab Arshad ka message aaya.
Arshad: “Client ne reply kar diya.”
Reyansh: “Congratulations. Kya bola?”
Arshad: “Call next week. Brief discuss karna hai.”
Reyansh: “Good. Ab overthink mat karna.”
Arshad: “Main overthink nahi karta. Main possibilities ka detailed analysis karta hoon.”
Reyansh: “Haan. Anxiety ka corporate naam.”
Arshad ne ek voice note bheja. Usmein woh client call ke liye teen alag introductions practise kar raha tha. Pehle mein woh bahut formal lag raha tha, doosre mein aisa jaise client se paise udhaar maang raha ho, aur teesre mein woh apni hi line par hans pada.
Reyansh ne voice note poora suna aur reply kiya:
“Doosra wala mat use karna. Baaki dono ko mila kar natural bolna.”
Arshad: “Tu dost hai ya unpaid consultant?”
Reyansh: “Invoice bhej dunga.”
Arshad: “Sakshi ko bolunga. Woh tumhara invoice audit karegi.”
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Kuch hi der baad usne apni desk par rakhi Aarohi ki recommend ki hui kitab uthayi. Pehle do pages padhe, phir teesra.
Usne phone silent kar diya.
Kaafi waqt baad use ehsaas hua ki woh bina kisi ka message check kiye, bina kisi plan ke, bas baitha hua tha.
Aur us pal use is khaali waqt ko bharne ki zaroorat mehsoos nahi hui.
Shayad sukoon hamesha kisi bade badlav ka naam nahi hota.
Kabhi woh ek shaant shaam bhi hoti hai, jahan insaan ko khud se bhaagne ki zaroorat nahi padti.
Lekin Reyansh ki zindagi ab sirf uski apni raftaar se nahi chalne wali thi.
Kuch log apni zindagi mein naye darwaaze khol rahe the.
Kuch log apne liye pehli baar khade ho rahe the.
Aur kuch rishte, bina kisi elaan ke, dheere-dheere apni jagah bana rahe the.

[Greenwood]

Update 30


Monday, 7:35 AM | Flat 303
Alarm bajne se pehle hi Reyansh ki aankh khul gayi.
Kuch seconds tak woh seedha leta raha. Parde ke kinaare se dhoop ka ek patla sa tukda bedroom ki deewar par pad raha tha. Bahar se traffic ki halki awaaz aa rahi thi.
Usne phone uthaya.
Saat bajkar paintis minute.
“Wah. Aaj toh zindagi mein kuch achha ho gaya.”
Woh bistar se utha, bathroom gaya aur taiyaar hone laga. Kitchen mein Shalu breakfast rakh chuki thi. Table par poha, chai aur ek chhoti plate mein kate hue fruits the.
Reyansh kursi par baitha hi tha ki Shalu ne apne bag se ek folded paper nikala.
“Yeh kya hai?” usne poochha.
“Trial class ka feedback.”
“Tumne khud ko feedback diya?”
“Wahan se diya hai.”
Shalu ne paper uske saamne rakh diya.
Class mein use basic computer interface dikhaya gaya tha. Trainer ne students ko ek simple document banane aur use save karne ko kaha tha. Shalu ko kuch cheezein samajh aayi thi, kuch mein madad leni padi thi.
“Achha laga?” Reyansh ne poochha.
“Haan. Lekin mujhe laga tha computer chalana seekhna aasaan hoga.”
“Seekhna aasaan tha ya tumne socha tha aasaan hoga?”
Shalu ne use dekha.
“Dono mein kya farq hai?”
“Bahut. Pehli cheez seekhne ke baad pata chalti hai. Doosri cheez seekhne se pehle.”
Shalu ne paper fold kar liya.
“Teacher achhe the. Unhone bola ki agar main regular rahun toh documents, email aur basic office work seekh sakti hoon.”
“Phir?”
“Fees aur timing ghar jaakar decide karungi.”
Reyansh ne poha khate hue kaha, “Sahi hai.”
Shalu ne uske chehre ko gaur se dekha.
“Tumhe sach mein lagta hai main kar paungi?”
Reyansh ne is baar mazaak nahi kiya.
“Mujhe lagta hai tum seekh sakti ho. Lekin kitna aage jaogi, woh tumhari practice, waqt aur maukon par depend karega. Main guarantee nahi de sakta.”
Shalu ne dheere se sir hilaya.
“Yahi answer chahiye tha.”
“Guarantee wala?”
“Nahi. Sach wala.”
Woh apna bag lekar jaane lagi, phir darwaaze ke paas ruk gayi.
“Waise, maine document save bhi kar liya tha.”
Reyansh ne haath jod diye.
“Madam, yeh toh breaking news hai.”
“Tum hans lo. Ek din tumhari saari files main hi theek karungi.”
“Us din se mujhe darr lag raha hai.”
Shalu hanskar chali gayi.
Reyansh ne chai ka aakhri sip liya aur apni watch pehen li.
Subah bilkul aam thi.
Lekin Shalu ke liye ek nayi cheez ab sirf khwaab nahi rahi thi. Usne use chhoona shuru kar diya tha.


Monday, 11:20 AM | Office
Reyansh apni desk par ek presentation dekh raha tha jab Neha uske paas aayi.
“Ek favour chahiye.”
“Pehle batao favour hai ya extra work.”
“Dono ho sakte hain.”
“Phir toh rate double.”
Neha ne uske saamne laptop ghuma diya.
Unki team ko agle mahine ke campaign ke liye ek junior team member ki zaroorat thi. Ek internal transfer ke liye kisi employee ka naam suggest karna tha, lekin Neha ko lag raha tha ki candidate ko uski current role se alag kaam mein interest hai.
“Main ise recommend karna chahti hoon,” Neha boli. “Lekin usne abhi tak apne manager se baat nahi ki.”
Reyansh ne profile dekhi.
“Usne tumse khud kaha?”
“Haan. Woh creative work karna chahti hai, lekin use lagta hai ki manager mana kar dega.”
“Tumne use kya kaha?”
“Ki pehle manager se baat kare. Agar main bina uski permission ke naam aage badhaungi toh uske liye situation awkward ho sakti hai.”
Reyansh ne laptop band kiya.
“Phir tumne sahi kaha.”
Neha ne use dekha.
“Tumhe nahi lagta humein talent ko push karna chahiye?”
“Push karna aur kisi ke liye faisla kar dena alag cheezein hain. Tum use opportunity dikha sakti ho. Lekin uski taraf se bolne ki zaroorat nahi.”
Neha ne kuch pal socha.
“Tum aajkal kaafi sensible baatein kar rahe ho.”
“Main hamesha karta hoon. Tum pehle sunti nahi thi.”
“Main tumhe credit dene ki galti nahi karungi.”
Woh laptop lekar wapas jaane lagi, phir ruki.
“Waise, mujhe bhi ek naya project mila hai. Client ke saath direct coordination karna hoga.”


“Congratulations.”
“Bas? Koi joke nahi?”
“Har baat par joke zaroori nahi.”
Neha ne aankhein sikodi.
“Tumhari company mein kuch toh badal raha hai.”
“Company mein nahi. Main coffee kam pee raha hoon.”
“Impossible.”
Woh hanskar chali gayi.
Reyansh ne dobara presentation khol li.
Use Neha ke naye project ke baare mein aur jaanne ka mann tha, lekin usne usse wahi poochhne ka faisla kiya jab woh khud batana chahe.
Har dost ko apni har baat batana zaroori nahi hota. Kabhi-kabhi dosti ka matlab yeh bhi hota hai ki saamne wale ko apni jagah di jaaye.


Monday, 8:10 PM | Flat 304
Jheel apne laptop ke saamne baithi thi. Screen par uska video introduction khula tha.
Usne record button dabaya.
“Hello, my name is Jheel. I am learning communication and digital skills because…”
Woh ruk gayi.
Video band kiya.
Phir dobara shuru kiya.
Is baar usne poora introduction bol diya, lekin aakhri sentence mein uski awaaz dheemi ho gayi.
Usne video save kiya aur kursi par peeche ho gayi.
Pehle woh apni awaaz sunne se bhi ghabraati thi. Ab woh khud apni recording dekhkar galtiyan dhoondh rahi thi.
Usne notebook kholi aur likha:
“Aaj maine poora introduction bina ruke record kiya. Kuch galtiyan hain, lekin main dobara kar sakti hoon.”
Usne pen rakh diya.
Phone par Reyansh ka message aaya.
Reyansh: “Aaj practice hui?”
Jheel: “Haan. Video bhi record kiya.”
Reyansh: “Kaisa raha?”
Jheel: “Theek. Lekin apni recording dekhna ajeeb lagta hai.”
Reyansh: “Sabko apni awaaz pehli baar sun kar ajeeb lagta hai.”
Jheel: “Tumhari awaaz tumhe ajeeb lagti hai?”
Reyansh: “Meri awaaz se zyada meri recordings mein meri shakal disturb karti hai.”
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel: “Tum serious baat ko bhi apne upar le aate ho.”
Reyansh: “Main versatile hoon.”
Kuch der baad Jheel ne ek aur message bheja.
Jheel: “Tumne kabhi kuch naya seekhne ki koshish ki thi, lekin beech mein chhod diya?”
Reyansh ne message padha.
Usne socha ki kya jawab de.
Phir likha:
Reyansh: “Haan. Kaafi cheezein.”
Jheel: “Phir bura nahi laga?”
Reyansh: “Kabhi laga. Lekin har chhodi hui cheez failure nahi hoti. Kabhi woh tumhare liye sahi cheez nahi hoti. Aur kabhi tum bas mehnat karne se pehle hi ruk jaate ho.”
Jheel ka reply kuch der baad aaya.
Jheel: “Mujhe lagta hai main pehle hi ruk jaati thi.”
Reyansh: “Ab nahi ruk rahi.”
Jheel ne message padha aur phone apne paas rakh diya.
Usne video ek baar aur chalaya.
Aakhri sentence par awaaz ab bhi thodi dheemi thi.
Lekin is baar usne video delete nahi kiya.
Usne notebook mein ek aur line likhi:
“Agli baar aakhri sentence bhi confidence se bolna hai.”


Tuesday, 6:45 AM | Airport
Sakshi ne suitcase ki zip band ki aur ek baar apne documents check kiye.
Flight mein abhi kaafi waqt tha, lekin woh ghar se jaldi nikalna chahti thi. Business trip uske liye routine assignment nahi tha. Is baar use ek client ke saath presentation deni thi aur agle phase ke liye unki team ko coordinate karna tha.
Arshad ne use airport par drop karne ki zid nahi ki thi. Sakshi ki flight subah jaldi thi, aur Arshad ka apna kaam tha.
Usne raat ko hi Sakshi ko message bheja tha:
“Presentation, charger, documents, confidence. Kuch bhoolna mat.”
Sakshi ne jawab diya tha:
“Tumne sabse important cheez bhool di.”
“Kya?”
“Passport.”
“Woh toh documents mein aata hai.”
“Tumhare saath travel karna pade toh alag checklist banani padegi.”
Ab airport ke waiting area mein baithi Sakshi ne Arshad ko call kiya.
“Main pahunch gayi.”
“Good. Sab hai?”
“Passport, laptop, presentation, documents.”
“Confidence?”
Sakshi muskurayi.
“Thoda sa.”
“Baaki wahan pahunchkar khareed lena.”
“Confidence airport par milta hai?”
“Business class mein free hota hoga.”
Sakshi hans padi.
Phir kuch pal dono chup rahe.
“Arshad?”
“Haan?”
“Main wahan sirf presentation dene nahi ja rahi. Main dekhna chahti hoon ki main kitna handle kar sakti hoon.”
Arshad ki awaaz is baar narm thi.
“Tu handle kar legi.”
“Bas itna?”
“Tu chahti hai main speech doon?”
“Nahi.”
“Toh phir. Tu handle kar legi. Aur agar kuch gadbad hui toh usse seekh legi.”
Sakshi ne khidki ke bahar khade aircraft ki taraf dekha.
“Thanks.”
“Trip se lautkar treat teri taraf se.”
“Main business trip par ja rahi hoon. Holiday par nahi.”
“Client se bill kar dena.”
“Tumhe kabhi serious hona aata hai?”
Arshad kuch pal chup raha.
“Jab tu sach mein mujhse kuch poochhti hai, tab.”
Sakshi ke chehre par halki si muskurahat aayi.
“Achha. Ab phone rakho. Boarding hone wali hai.”
“Safe flight.”
Call kat gaya.
Sakshi ne phone bag mein rakh diya.
Uske saamne ek naya shehar tha, naye log the aur ek aisa kaam tha jahan use apni baat khud rakhni thi.
Woh nervous thi.
Lekin is baar usne apne darr ko kisi aur ke bharose chhupane ki koshish nahi ki.
Usne apni presentation kholi aur pehli slide dekhne lagi.



Tuesday, 1:30 PM | Client Office
Sakshi ne meeting room mein apni presentation shuru ki.
Pehle kuch minute usne apne notes par nazar rakhi. Phir jaise-jaise discussion aage badha, usne laptop se nazar uthakar saamne baithe logon se baat karni shuru kar di.
Client ne ek sawaal poochha jiska jawab uski presentation mein seedhe taur par nahi tha.
Sakshi ek pal ko ruki.
Woh chahti toh koi general jawab de sakti thi. Lekin usne seedha kaha, “I don't have the exact figure with me right now. I can confirm it after checking the latest report.”
Client ne sir hilaya.
“That's fine. Please send it tomorrow.”
Meeting khatam hone ke baad Sakshi apne documents samet rahi thi, jab uske saath aaye senior colleague ne kaha, “You handled the questions well.”
“Thank you.”
“Next phase mein tumhe coordination ka zyada kaam milega. Agar interested ho toh main tumhara naam recommend kar sakta hoon.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Definitely. I'd like to take that up.”
“Good. We'll discuss it tomorrow.”
Woh aadmi apne agle meeting ke liye chala gaya.
Sakshi kuch der wahi khadi rahi.
Uske dimaag mein pehli baar sirf aaj ki presentation nahi, agle project ki zimmedari bhi ghoomne lagi.
Woh ghar par aksar apne kaam ke baare mein sochti thi, lekin yahan use apni capability ka ek naya pehlu dikh raha tha. Use logon se baat karna pasand tha. Woh planning kar sakti thi. Pressure mein apne jawab sambhal sakti thi.
Shayad woh sirf apna kaam achhe se karne tak seemit nahi rehna chahti thi.
Shayad woh aage badhna chahti thi.
Usne apna laptop band kiya aur hotel ke liye nikal gayi.
Raaste mein usne Arshad ko ek chhota sa message bheja:
“Presentation achhi gayi. Unhone next phase mein bhi involve karne ki baat ki hai.”


Arshad ka reply aaya:
“I knew it. Ab treat ka budget badha de.”
Sakshi muskurayi.
Phir usne phone rakh diya aur car ki khidki se shehar ko dekhne lagi.
Uski khushi mein ek naya rang tha.
Yeh sirf is baat ki khushi nahi thi ki meeting achhi gayi.
Yeh is baat ki bhi khushi thi ki usne apne liye ek aisi possibility dekhi thi jiske baare mein pehle itna nahi socha tha.



Wednesday, 9:15 PM | Reyansh aur Arshad
“Bhai, ek sawaal hai.”
Reyansh ne phone speaker par rakha aur laptop band kiya.
“Tumhare sawaal ka subscription kab khatam hoga?”
“Jab tak tu jawab deta rahega.”
“Bolo.”
“Client ne call schedule kar di. Agle Tuesday.”
“Achha hai.”
“Lekin ab mujhe actual proposal banana padega.”
“Woh toh hona hi tha.”
“Main jaanta hoon. Lekin ab tak idea bhejna tha. Ab deliverables, timeline, revisions, payment sab likhna padega.”
Reyansh ne kursi par peeche hote hue kaha, “Toh likh.”
“Tu har problem ka solution ek verb mein kyun deta hai?”
“Tum problem ko das paragraph mein kyun samjhate ho?”
Arshad hans pada.
“Achha, sun. Maine socha hai ki agency ke kaam ke saath ek client le lunga. Agar manage hua toh doosra.”
“Pehle ek ko achhe se manage kar. Apni capacity se zyada kaam mat lena.”
“Haan, professor.”
“Payment advance ya milestone ke hisaab se clear rakhna. Aur revisions unlimited mat likh dena.”
Arshad ne turant kaha, “Unlimited revisions? Main pagal hoon?”
“Tumne pichhle hafte ek client ko teen extra versions free mein bheje the.”
“Woh relationship building thi.”
“Woh free labour thi.”
Arshad kuch pal chup raha.
“Yeh baat mat bol. Dil dukhta hai.”
“Contract likh. Dil baad mein sambhalna.”
Dono hans pade.
Phir Arshad ne poochha, “Waise, Jheel kaisi hai?”
Reyansh ne laptop dobara kholte hue jawab diya, “Achhi hai. Course kar rahi hai. Video introduction banana tha, practice kar rahi thi.”
“Tu uska personal trainer ban gaya?”
“Bas help ki.”
“Accha hai. Kisi ko aage badhne mein help karna achhi baat hai.”
Reyansh ne uski awaaz mein mazaak ki kami notice ki.
“Tum theek ho?”
“Main bilkul theek hoon. Main toh ab businessman banne wala hoon.”
“Businessman banne se pehle invoice banana seekh lo.”
“Dosti mein aise taane?”
“Professional development.”
Arshad hans diya.
Phir usne ek pal rukkar kaha, “Sakshi ki presentation bhi achhi gayi. Usne message kiya tha.”
“Good.”
“Woh apne kaam ko lekar serious hai. Main chahta hoon woh aage badhe.”
“Phir support karna.”
“Kar raha hoon.”
“Bas.”
Arshad ne kuch der baad kaha, “Kabhi-kabhi lagta hai, hum dono apni-apni zindagi mein kuch badalne ki koshish kar rahe hain.”
Reyansh ne screen par khuli file ki taraf dekha.
“Haan. Shayad waqt aa gaya hai.”
“Tu itni seedhi baat kaise kar leta hai?”
“Tumhari wajah se practice ho gayi.”
Arshad hans pada.
Call khatam hua toh Reyansh ne apna kaam dobara shuru kiya.
Us raat usne na koi purani chat kholi, na kisi ko message kiya.
Usne bas apna kaam poora kiya, laptop band kiya aur so gaya.


Thursday, 7:00 PM | Ek chhota sa badlav
Jheel building ke neeche se grocery bags lekar aa rahi thi. Ek bag ka handle haath mein chubh raha tha aur doosre mein doodh ka packet tha.
Lift khuli toh Reyansh andar tha.
“Help?” usne poochha.
“Ek bag pakad loge?”
Reyansh ne bag le liya.
“Tumne aaj poora supermarket khareed liya?”
“Offer tha.”
“Offer ka naam batao. Main bhi kal wahi jaunga.”
Jheel hans padi.
Lift mein dono kuch pal chup rahe. Phir Jheel ne kaha, “Mera video submit ho gaya.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Achha? Kaisa raha?”
“Teacher ne kaha introduction clear tha. Bas main end mein bahut jaldi bolne lagti hoon.”
“Yeh toh practice se theek ho jayega.”
“Unhone ek aur baat kahi.”
“Kya?”
“Ki mujhe class ke discussion mein zyada participate karna chahiye.”
“Karogi?”
Jheel ne bag ka handle theek kiya.
“Karne ki koshish karungi.”
Lift unki floor par ruki.
Dono bahar nikle. Reyansh ne grocery bag Jheel ko diya.
Woh apne flat ke darwaaze par pahunchi, phir palatkar boli, “Reyansh, Sunday ko tum free ho?”
“Abhi tak toh hoon. Kyun?”
“Mere course ke kuch students milkar ek chhota sa practice session kar rahe hain. Hum log ek doosre ke saamne introductions aur questions practise karenge. Mujhe laga main bhi jaaun.”
“Achha idea hai.”
“Lekin mujhe wahan kisi ko nahi jaanti.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumne pehle din class mein bhi kisi ko nahi jaana tha.”
Jheel ne halki si muskurahat ke saath kaha, “Haan.”
“Phir?”
“Phir bhi gayi thi.”
“Exactly.”
Jheel ne darwaaza khola.
“Main jaungi.”
“Good luck.”
Woh andar chali gayi.
Reyansh apne flat mein aaya toh uske phone par Aarohi ka message tha.
“I finished the book you recommended me.”
Reyansh ne message dobara padha. Phir use yaad aaya ki usne Aarohi ko koi kitab recommend nahi ki thi.
Usne reply kiya:
Reyansh: “Maine tumhe koi book recommend nahi ki.”
Aarohi ka jawab aaya:
Aarohi: “I know. Main tumhari reaction check kar rahi thi.”
Reyansh: “Tumhare paas kaam nahi hai?”
Aarohi: “Hai. Lekin tumhe irritate karna side project hai.”
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: “Side project ko abhi tak approval nahi mila.”
Aarohi: “Main next meeting mein proposal present karungi.”
Reyansh ne phone table par rakha.
Usne mehsoos kiya ki Aarohi ke saath baat karna ab use pehle se zyada aasaan lagne laga tha.
Woh uske sawaalon se bach sakta tha, usse mazaak kar sakta tha, aur kabhi-kabhi bina kisi khaas wajah ke uske message ka intezaar bhi kar sakta tha.
Lekin usne abhi tak apne liye is connection ka koi naam nahi chuna.
Har achhi mulaqat ko turant rishta banana zaroori nahi hota.
Kabhi-kabhi do logon ko pehle ek doosre ki company pasand aani chahiye.
Baaki baatein baad mein samajh aati hain.


Friday, 11:55 PM | Sakshi ka hotel room
Sakshi ne apna laptop band kiya.
Agle din ek aur meeting thi. Usne calendar check kiya, alarm set kiya aur phone charging par laga diya.
Arshad ka message screen par tha.
“Kal ki meeting ke liye all the best. Aur haan, khana kha lena. Sirf presentation se energy nahi milti.”
Sakshi ne smile emoji bheja.
Phir usne hotel ke desk par rakha apna notebook khola.
Usmein usne agle chhe mahine ke liye kuch professional goals likhe the. Kuch bade, kuch chhote. Ek course, ek naya project, aur apne kaam ka portfolio behtar banana.
Usne ek naya point add kiya:
“Take more ownership.”
Woh kuch der us line ko dekhti rahi.
Phir usne notebook band kar diya.
Uske paas Arshad tha. Unke beech pyaar tha, hasi thi, apni baatein thi. Lekin uski apni zindagi bhi thi, jise woh ab aur zyada jagah dena chahti thi.
Yeh dono baatein ek doosre ke khilaaf nahi thi.
Filhaal.
Usne light band ki aur bistar par let gayi.
Uske dimaag mein agle din ki meeting thi, presentation ke points the, aur woh nayi zimmedari jiske liye usne haan kaha tha.
Arshad ke baare mein usne socha, toh uske chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Lekin us raat uske sapnon mein koi romantic scene nahi tha.
Usne khud ko ek meeting room mein dekha, jahan woh table ke doosri taraf baithkar apni team ko direction de rahi thi.
Aur uske saamne baithe log uski baat dhyaan se sun rahe the.

[Greenwood]

Update 31



Sunday ki shaam thi.
Reyansh apna laptop bag lekar building se bahar nikla hi tha ki uski nazar gate ke paas khadi Jheel par padi.
Woh phone par cab ki location check kar rahi thi. Aaj uski communication class ke kuch students ka practice session tha, lekin jis student ke saath use jaana tha, usne aakhri waqt par mana kar diya tha.
Jheel ne cab cancel kar di.
“Sab theek?” Reyansh ne poochha.
Jheel ne phone neeche kiya. “Haan. Bas meri partner nahi aa rahi. Ab soch rahi hoon jaun ya nahi.”
“Tumhara session uske saath hai ya tumhare saath?”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Tum har baat ka aisa jawab kyun dete ho?”
“Taaki tum khud hi jawab de do aur mujhe mehnat na karni pade.”
Woh hans padi.
“Achha, Mr. Smart. Main jaa rahi hoon.”
“Good decision.”
Jheel ne cab dobara book ki. Reyansh apni gaadi ki taraf badha, phir ruk gaya.
“Waise, jagah kahan hai?”
Jheel ne location batayi. Woh jagah Reyansh ke raaste se zyada door nahi thi.
“Main tumhe drop kar deta hoon. Mujhe bhi us taraf jaana hai.”
Jheel ek pal hichkichayi.
“Tumhe sach mein wahin jaana hai?”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Jheel, main itna bhi free nahi hoon ki har Sunday kisi ko drop karne nikal jaun.”
“Achha!”
“Lekin aaj hoon.”
Uski aankhon mein shararat thi.
Jheel muskura di.
“Fine. Lekin petrol ke paise nahi dungi.”
“Main tumse maang bhi nahi raha.”
“Good. Kyunki mere paas chhutte nahi hain.”
Dono hans pade.
Gaadi mein baithne ke baad Jheel ne apna bag peeche rakha aur seat belt laga li.
Reyansh ne gaadi start ki.
“Waise, tum nervous ho?” usne poochha.
“Thoda.”
“Kis baat ka?”
“Wahan sab log mujhse English mein baat karenge. Mujhe samajh aa jaata hai, lekin kabhi-kabhi jawab dete waqt words nahi milte.”
Reyansh ne road par nazar rakhte hue kaha, “Toh unhe thoda waqt lene do.”
“Aur agar woh hans diye toh?”
“Phir samajh jaana ki tumhari English se zyada unki maturity kamzor hai.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Tumhare saath baat karna aasaan hai.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf ek nazar dekhi.
“Achha?”
“Haan. Tum mujhe har baat par judge nahi karte.”
Is baar Reyansh ne turant koi joke nahi kiya.
“Shayad isliye kyunki main jaanta hoon ki har insaan ki apni speed hoti hai.”
Jheel khidki se bahar dekhne lagi.
“Kaash main bhi apni speed ko lekar itni patient ho paun.”
“Ho jaogi.”
Gaadi practice centre ke saamne ruki.
Jheel ne bag uthaya, phir darwaaza kholne se pehle uski taraf dekha.
“Thank you.”
“Session ke baad bhi thank you bolna. Ho sakta hai tum mujhe phir se drop karne ko keh do.”
“Tumhe toh main driver bana kar hi chhodungi.”
“Pehle apni English improve karo. Phir meri job chheen lena.”
Jheel hanskar gaadi se utar gayi.
Reyansh use andar jaate hue dekhta raha.
Use khud nahi pata chala ki uske chehre par muskurahat kab tak rahi.

Practice session mein chhe students the.
Sabne apna introduction diya. Jab Jheel ki baari aayi, usne notebook kholi, phir use band kar diya.
Woh kuch pal chup rahi.
Phir bolna shuru kiya.
“Hello, everyone. My name is Jheel. I am learning communication and digital skills because I want to become more confident and independent.”
Pehle sentence ke baad uski awaaz thodi kaanpi, lekin woh ruki nahi.
Usne apne interests ke baare mein bataya, apni learning ke baare mein baat ki aur aakhir mein kaha ki woh ab pehle se zyada logon se baat karne ki koshish kar rahi hai.
Jab woh baithne lagi, trainer ne poochha, “Jheel, what do you find most difficult about learning something new?”
Jheel ne socha.
“Sometimes, I feel that other people are already better than me. Then I become afraid of making mistakes.”
“And what do you do now?”
Jheel ne halki si muskurahat ke saath jawab diya.
“I try anyway.”
Trainer ne sir hilaya.
“That's a good start.”
Session ke baad ek student uske paas aaya.
“Your introduction was nice. You spoke clearly.”
“Thank you,” Jheel ne kaha.
Pehle woh shayad is tareef ke jawab mein khud hi apni kamiyaan ginane lagti. Aaj usne bas thank you kaha.
Centre se bahar nikalte hi usne Reyansh ko message kiya.
Jheel: “Session achha gaya!”
Reyansh: “Mujhe pata tha.”
Jheel: “Tumhe kaise pata tha?”
Reyansh: “Kyunki tum gayi thi. Agar ghar par baithkar nervous hoti toh result bhi nahi milta.”
Jheel ne phone dekhkar muskurate hue reply kiya.
Jheel: “Aaj ek student ne meri tareef bhi ki.”
Reyansh: “Bas? Abhi toh tumhe meri taraf se bhi certificate milna baaki hai.”
Jheel: “Kis baat ka?”
Reyansh: “Mujhe Sunday ko itni jaldi ghar se nikalne par majboor karne ka.”
Jheel: “Maine toh tumse help maangi hi nahi thi.”
Reyansh: “Exactly. Tumhari company mein rehkar meri generosity badh rahi hai.”
Jheel hans padi.
Usne message band kiya aur cab book karne lagi.
Tabhi ek aur message aaya.
Reyansh: “Cab cancel kar do. Main paas hi hoon. Drop kar deta hoon.”
Jheel ne aas-paas dekha.
Sadak ke doosri taraf Reyansh apni gaadi ke saath khada tha.
Woh use dekhkar muskurayi.
Aur is baar usne khud se yeh sawaal nahi poochha ki use itni khushi kyun ho rahi thi.

“Tumhara office ka kaam khatam ho gaya?” Jheel ne gaadi mein baithte hue poochha.
“Almost.”
“Matlab?”
“Matlab agar main abhi office jaata toh kaam karta. Lekin main tumhe pick karne aaya hoon, toh abhi kaam nahi kar raha.”
Jheel ne aankhein sikodi.
“Tumne mujhe pick karne ke liye office miss kiya?”
“Jheel, meri company ka business mere bina band nahi hoga.”
“Achha. Mujhe laga tum bahut important ho.”
“Main hoon.”
Dono hans pade.
Kuch der baad Reyansh ne gaadi ek café ke saamne rok di.
Jheel ne board padha.
“Yahan kyun?”
“Coffee.”
“Maine toh ghar jaana tha.”
“Ghar bhaag nahi raha.”
Jheel uski taraf dekhne lagi.
“Tum mujhe coffee pilane ke liye itna ghooma rahe ho?”
Reyansh ne seat belt kholi.
“Tum aa rahi ho ya main akele coffee peeker tumhari English ki burai karun?”
Jheel ne bag uthaya.
“Tum meri English ki burai nahi kar sakte.”
“Dekhte hain.”
Café mein unhe window ke paas ek table mil gayi.
Jheel ne coffee order ki aur menu dekhte hue ek dessert bhi choose kar liya.
Reyansh ne eyebrow uthayi.
“Madam, coffee ke saath dessert?”
“Tumne kaha tha coffee.”
“Maine yeh nahi kaha tha ki poora café order kar lo.”
Jheel ne menu band kiya.
“Tumne mujhe invite kiya. Ab bill se darr rahe ho?”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Tum dheere-dheere bahut dangerous hoti ja rahi ho.”
“Good.”
Coffee aane tak dono apne din ke baare mein baat karte rahe. Jheel ne session ki chhoti-chhoti baatein batayi. Kaun nervous tha, kisne funny introduction diya, aur kaise ek student apna naam bolkar hi atak gaya tha.
Reyansh uski baat dhyaan se sun raha tha.
Jheel ne achanak poochha, “Tum bore toh nahi ho rahe?”
“Nahi.”
“Sach?”
“Jheel, agar main bore ho raha hota toh main apne phone mein busy ho jaata. Main tumhari baat sun raha hoon kyunki mujhe sunni hai.”


Jheel chup ho gayi.
Coffee table par aa chuki thi.
Usne cup uthaya, lekin uski nazar Reyansh par hi thi.
“Kya hua?” Reyansh ne poochha.
“Kuch nahi.”
“Tumhare kuch nahi mein kaafi kuch hota hai.”
Jheel muskura di.
“Tum kabhi-kabhi bahut achhi baat keh dete ho.”
“Main roz kehta hoon. Tum notice aaj karti ho.”
“Overconfidence.”
“Natural talent.”
Dono hans pade.
Lekin us hansi ke beech Jheel ko ek baat samajh aane lagi thi.
Reyansh ke saath waqt bitana ab uske liye sirf achha nahi tha. Woh us waqt ka intezaar bhi karne lagi thi.
Aur shayad yahi badlav tha jise woh ab tak naam dene se bach rahi thi.


Dessert khatam hone ke baad Jheel ne apna cup table par rakh diya.
“Reyansh, ek baat poochhun?”
“Poochho.”
“Tum mere saath itna waqt kyun bitate ho?”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Sawaal kaafi seedha hai.”
“Jawab bhi seedha chahiye.”
Woh kuch pal chup raha.
Jheel ko laga shayad usne kuch zyada hi poochh liya.
“Chhodo. Rehne do.”
“Nahi,” Reyansh ne kaha. “Tumne poochha hai toh jawab deta hoon.”
Usne apni coffee ka cup table par rakh diya.
“Mujhe tumhare saath achha lagta hai, Jheel. Tumhari baatein sunna, tumhara chhoti-chhoti cheezon par khush hona, tumhara mujhse bina dare sawaal karna. Tumhare saath mujhe har waqt kuch prove nahi karna padta.”
Jheel uski taraf dekhti rahi.
“Bas isliye?”
Reyansh halka sa muskuraya.
“Abhi ke liye itna bhi kam nahi hai.”
Jheel ki ungliyan cup ke kinaare par ruk gayin.
Usne nazar neeche kar li.
“Tumhare saath mujhe bhi achha lagta hai.”
Reyansh ne kuch nahi kaha.
Woh uski baat ko mazaak mein nahi udaana chahta tha. Na hi us pal ko kisi bade elaan mein badalna.
Kuch feelings ko bolne ke baad thodi jagah chahiye hoti hai.
Dono kuch der khamoshi se baithe rahe.
Phir Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
“Ab ghar chalein?”
Reyansh khada ho gaya.
“Chalo.”
Café se bahar nikalte waqt Jheel ka haath uske haath se halka sa takraya.
Dono ek pal ko ruke.
Jheel ne haath peeche nahi kheencha, lekin Reyansh ne bhi uska haath pakadne ki jaldi nahi ki.
Woh bas uske saath gaadi tak chala.
Kuch dooriyan aisi hoti hain jinhe kam karne ke liye ek kadam kaafi hota hai.
Lekin us kadam ka matlab dono ke liye ek jaisa hona chahiye.


Building mein lautkar dono lift se apni floor par aaye.
Reyansh ne Jheel ke haath se uska bag lene ke liye haath badhaya.
“Main le lungi,” Jheel ne kaha.
“Pata hai.”
“Phir?”
“Offer karna mana hai kya?”
Jheel ne bag uske haath mein de diya.
“Achha, le jao.”
Woh dono uske darwaaze tak pahunche.
Jheel ne chaabi nikaali, phir Reyansh ki taraf dekha.
“Aaj ka din achha tha.”
Reyansh ne sir hilaya.
“Haan. Tha.”
“Tumhare saath.”
Is baar usne apni nazar nahi hatayi.
Reyansh ka chehra narm pad gaya.
“Mere liye bhi.”
Jheel ne chaabi lock mein lagayi, lekin darwaaza kholne se pehle ek pal ruk gayi.
“Good night, Reyansh.”
“Good night, Jheel.”
Woh andar chali gayi.
Reyansh apne flat mein aaya aur bag se nikli hui ek chhoti receipt dekhi. Café ki receipt uske pocket mein reh gayi thi.
Usne use table par rakh diya.
Phir phone uthaya.
Jheel ka message tha.
Jheel: “Aaj mujhe nervous hone ke bawajood achha laga.”
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh: “Mujhe bhi.”
Kuch seconds baad usne ek aur message likha, phir mita diya.
Dobara likha.
Reyansh: “Agli baar coffee tumhari taraf se.”
Jheel ka reply turant aaya.
Jheel: “Agli baar bhi?”
Reyansh screen ko dekhta raha.
Phir usne likha:
Reyansh: “Haan. Agli baar bhi.”
Jheel ne message padhkar phone apne seene ke paas rakh liya.
Uske chehre par ek aisi muskurahat thi jise woh khud bhi poori tarah samajh nahi paa rahi thi.
Woh ab Reyansh se sirf milna nahi chahti thi.
Woh chahti thi ki yeh mulaqatein jaari rahen.
Aur Reyansh bhi pehli baar is baat se bachne ki koshish nahi kar raha tha ki uske dil mein Jheel ke liye kuch badal raha hai.


Raat ko Reyansh apni balcony mein khada tha.
Saamne Bengaluru ki lights chamak rahi thi.
Usne phone par Jheel ki chat kholi. Aakhri message ab bhi screen par tha:
“Agli baar bhi?”
Usne woh message dobara padha aur muskuraya.
Use abhi nahi pata tha ki woh Jheel ko kab apne dil ki baat kahega.
Lekin pehli baar usne khud se yeh nahi kaha ki use kisi naye rishte ki zaroorat nahi.
Aur Jheel ne bhi apne notebook mein aaj ki practice ke baare mein likhne ke baad ek chhoti si line aur likhi:
“Kuch logon ke saamne galti karne se darr nahi lagta.”
Usne pen band kiya.
Dono apne-apne gharon mein the.
Dono ke beech abhi koi relationship nahi thi.
Lekin ab unki agli mulaqat sirf ek padosi se milne jaisi nahi hone wali thi.
Kabhi-kabhi pyaar shuru hone se pehle, insaan bas kisi ek shakhs ke liye apne din mein jagah banana shuru karta hai.

[Greenwood]

Update 32



Reyansh ki meeting expected time se pehle khatam ho gayi thi. Woh office se nikalne hi wala tha ki phone par Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: “Aaj tum busy ho?”
Reyansh ne turant reply kiya.
Reyansh: “Depends. Kaam poochh raha hai ya koi mujhe coffee pilana chahta hai?”
Jheel: “Tumhe har baat mein coffee kyun chahiye?”
Reyansh: “Kyunki tumne abhi tak pichhli coffee ka badla nahi diya.”
Jheel: “Mujhe laga tum bhool gaye.”
Reyansh: “Main dessert ka hisaab bhi rakhta hoon.”
Kuch seconds baad Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: “Theek hai. Aaj shaam mere saath chaloge?”
Reyansh ne screen dekhi.
Is baar usne mazaak karne se pehle socha.
Reyansh: “Kahan?”
Jheel: “Surprise.”
Reyansh: “Tum mujhe kidnap toh nahi kar rahi?”
Jheel: “Agar kar rahi hoti toh location nahi poochhne deti.”
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: “Seven baje lobby mein.”
Jheel: “Done.”
Usne phone pocket mein rakha aur lift ki taraf badh gaya.
Pichhle kuch hafton mein usne kai logon ke saath waqt bitaya tha. Aarohi ke saath uski conversations interesting thi, Arshad ke saath har mulaqat mein mazaak tha, aur office mein apni jagah bani hui thi.
Lekin Jheel ke message ka intezaar karna alag tha.
Usmein koi badi baat nahi thi. Bas ek chhota sa invitation.
Phir bhi Reyansh ne apne baaki kaam jaldi nipta diye.


Shaam7:05 PM | Surprise
Jheel lobby mein khadi thi.
Usne dusty-pink kurti ke saath white trousers pehne the. Baal khule the, kaanon mein chhote silver earrings the aur haath mein ek chhota sa sling bag.
Reyansh uske paas aaya toh uski nazar ek pal ko Jheel par thehar gayi.
“Tum aaj kahin jaane ke liye taiyaar hui ho ya mujhe impress karne ke liye?”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Tumhare paas har waqt itna confidence kahan se aata hai?”
“Natural talent.”
“Tumhara talent thoda kam ho sakta hai?”
“Tum try karke dekh lo.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Chalo.”
“Ab bataogi bhi ki jaana kahan hai?”
“Ek art market hai. Wahan kuch handmade cheezein aur paintings hoti hain. Mere course ki ek friend ne bataya tha.”
“Tumhe art pasand hai?”
“Bahut zyada samajh nahi aata. Lekin dekhna achha lagta hai.”
Reyansh ne gaadi ki chaabi ghumayi.
“Perfect. Mujhe bhi art ke baare mein zyada nahi pata. Hum dono milkar galat opinions denge.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Tumhare opinions toh bina art ke bhi galat hote hain.”
“Madam, aaj tum bahut bold ho rahi ho.”
“Tumhari company ka asar hai.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel ko apne hi lafz ka ehsaas hua. Usne turant gaadi ki taraf rukh kar liya.
Reyansh muskurata hua uske peeche chal diya.


Market chhota tha, lekin har taraf rang the.
Ek stall par handmade jewellery thi, doosre par paintings aur teesre par ceramic mugs. Kahin log tasveerein le rahe the, toh kahin ek artist apni painting par aakhri brush strokes laga raha tha.
Jheel ek painting ke saamne ruk gayi.
Usmein ek khidki bani thi. Khidki ke bahar baarish thi aur andar ek chhoti si table par jalti hui lamp rakhi thi.
“Tumhe yeh pasand aayi?” Reyansh ne poochha.
Jheel ne sir hilaya.
“Pata nahi kyun. Ismein sab kuch itna shaant lag raha hai.”
Reyansh ne painting dekhi.
“Baarish ho rahi hai, phir bhi shaant?”
“Baarish ka matlab hamesha pareshani nahi hota.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel ko uski nazar mehsoos hui.
“Kya?”
“Kuch nahi. Tumhari baat achhi thi.”
“Tum mazaak nahi udaoge?”
“Har achhi baat par mazaak udaana zaroori hai?”
Jheel muskurayi.
Woh aage badhne lagi, lekin kuch kadam baad ek stall par ruk gayi. Wahan chhote handmade bookmarks the. Ek bookmark par neele aur safed rang se aasman banaya gaya tha.
Jheel ne use haath mein uthaya.
“Yeh kitna achha hai.”
“Kitab padhne ke liye ya kitab ko sundar banane ke liye?” Reyansh ne poochha.
“Dono ke liye.”
“Tum khareedogi?”
Jheel ne price tag dekha aur bookmark wapas rakh diya.
“Nahi. Bas dekh rahi thi.”
Reyansh ne kuch nahi kaha.
Woh dono market ke aakhri hisse tak gaye, jahan ek chhota sa food counter tha. Jheel ne lemonade li aur Reyansh ne coffee.
Wapas aate waqt Reyansh ne wahi neela bookmark khareed liya.
Jheel ko pata nahi chala.
Parking ke paas pahunchkar usne bookmark uski taraf badha diya.
Jheel ne hairani se dekha.
“Yeh mere liye?”
“Tumhe pasand aaya tha.”
“Lekin maine toh khareeda nahi.”
“Notice kiya tha.”
Jheel kuch pal chup rahi.
“Tum itni chhoti-chhoti baatein yaad rakhte ho?”
Reyansh ne kandhe uchkaye.
“Jab koi cheez important lage toh yaad reh jaati hai.”
Jheel ne bookmark apne haath mein liya.
Uske chehre par muskurahat aayi, lekin is baar woh pehle jaisi halki muskurahat nahi thi.
“Thank you, Reyansh.”
“Welcome.”
Jheel ne bookmark bag mein rakh liya.
Woh gift mehenga nahi tha. Na usmein koi badi romantic baat likhi thi.
Lekin Jheel ko laga ki Reyansh ne uski baat sirf suni nahi thi. Usne use yaad bhi rakha tha.
Aur kabhi-kabhi kisi ka yaad rakhna hi dil ko chhoo jaata hai.


Ghar lautte waqt traffic zyada tha.
Gaadi ek signal par ruki toh Jheel ne khidki ke bahar dekhte hue poochha, “Reyansh, tum hamesha akele ghoomne chale jaate ho?”
“Har baar nahi.”
“Lekin tumhe akele rehna pasand hai?”
Reyansh ne kuch pal socha.
“Pasand hai. Lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki mujhe har waqt akele rehna hai.”
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumhare dost hain, family hai. Phir bhi?”
“Haan. Dost aur family apni jagah hain. Aur kabhi-kabhi kisi ke saath waqt bitana bhi achha lagta hai.”
“Jaise aaj?”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Bilkul jaise aaj.”
Jheel ki nazar uski nazar se mili.
Woh kuch kehna chahti thi, lekin shabd nahi mile.
Signal green ho gaya.
Reyansh ne gaadi aage badha di.
Kuch minute baad Jheel ne dheere se kaha, “Mujhe bhi tumhare saath achha lagta hai.”
Reyansh ne uski baat suni.
“Yeh toh tum pehle bhi keh chuki ho.”
“Tum har baar yaad dilaoge?”
“Jab tak tum dobara nahi kehti.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Tum impossible ho.”
“Lekin tumhare saath hoon.”
Jheel ne khidki ke bahar dekhna shuru kar diya, lekin uske chehre par muskurahat bani rahi.
Usne pehli baar apne dil ki baat ko sirf ek friendly compliment samajhkar taalne ki koshish nahi ki.
Uske liye Reyansh ab ek aisa insaan ban raha tha jiske saath woh apni khushi baantna chahti thi.
Aur shayad apni udaasi bhi.


Building pahunchkar Reyansh ne gaadi park ki.
Dono lift se apni floor par aaye.
Jheel ne apna bag sambhala aur darwaaza kholne lagi, phir ruk gayi.
“Reyansh?”
“Haan?”
“Agli baar tumhe mujhe invite karne ka wait nahi karna padega.”
Reyansh ne use dekha.
“Matlab?”
Jheel ke gaal laal hone lage, lekin is baar usne nazar nahi churayi.
“Matlab… tum jab chaho poochh sakte ho. Agar main free hui toh aa jaungi.”
Reyansh ki muskurahat dheere-dheere badhi.
“Achha. Toh ab invitation system mutual ho gaya?”
“Bilkul.”
“Terms and conditions bhi hain?”
“Haan.”
“Batao.”
Jheel ne ungli uthayi.
“Pehli baat, har baar tum hi jagah decide nahi karoge.”
“Accepted.”
“Doosri baat, tum meri choice ka mazaak nahi udaoge.”
“Yeh difficult hai.”
“Reyansh!”
“Achha baba, accepted.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Teesri baat…”
Woh ruk gayi.
Reyansh uski taraf dekh raha tha.
“Teesri baat?”
Jheel ne uski aankhon mein dekha.
“Tum mere saath aise hi rehna.”
Reyansh ki muskurahat halki pad gayi. Usne us baat ko mazaak mein nahi badla.
“Kaisa?”
“Jaise abhi ho. Bina mujhe badalne ki koshish kiye. Bina mujhe kam samjhe.”
Reyansh ne dheere se kaha, “Main tumhe badalna nahi chahta, Jheel.”
Woh kuch pal chup raha.
“Main bas tumhe aur achhe se jaan-na chahta hoon.”
Jheel ki aankhon mein ek narmi aa gayi.
“Main bhi.”
Dono kuch der ek doosre ko dekhte rahe.
Phir Jheel ne darwaaza khola.
“Good night.”
“Good night.”
Is baar Jheel andar jaane ke baad turant darwaaza band nahi kar paayi. Usne ek baar peeche mudkar Reyansh ko dekha.
Woh apne flat ki taraf ja raha tha.
Jheel muskura di.
Phir usne darwaaza band kiya aur bag se bookmark nikaal kar apni kitaab mein rakh diya.


Reyansh apne flat mein aakar sofa par baith gaya.
Usne phone uthaya. Jheel ki chat kholi.
Woh use message karna chahta tha.
Kuch aisa jo uske dil mein chal raha tha, lekin jise abhi tak usne lafzon mein nahi kaha tha.
Usne likha:
“Aaj tum bahut achhi lag rahi thi.”
Phir ruk gaya.
Message delete kar diya.
Dobara likha:
“Aaj ka din achha tha.”
Yeh message usne bhej diya.
Jheel ka reply aaya.
“Mujhe bhi.”
Kuch seconds baad ek aur message aaya.
“Aur bookmark ke liye thank you. Main ise apni favourite book mein rakhungi.”
Reyansh ne reply kiya:
“Phir mujhe tumhari favourite book bhi jaan-ni padegi.”
Jheel:
“Kyun?”
Reyansh:
“Taaki agli baar tumhe uske baare mein baat karte hue sun sakun.”
Jheel phone ko dekhti rahi.
Uske chehre par muskurahat thi, lekin is baar uske dil mein ek nayi si ghabrahat bhi thi.
Woh Reyansh ko pasand karne lagi thi.
Sirf isliye nahi ki woh uski madad karta tha, ya uski baatein sunta tha.
Balki isliye ki uske saath woh apne aap ko chhupane ki koshish nahi karti thi.
Usne reply likha:
“Kabhi-kabhi tum bahut sweet ho jaate ho.”
Reyansh ka jawab aaya:
“Kisi ko toh hona padega.”
Jheel hans padi.
Phir usne phone side mein rakh diya.
Us raat usne apni notebook mein course ke notes nahi likhe.
Usne bas ek line likhi:
“Mujhe lagta hai, main Reyansh ko sirf apna dost nahi samajhti.”
Woh line likhne ke baad kaafi der tak use dekhti rahi.
Phir notebook band kar di.


Agli subah Reyansh ko Jheel ka message mila.
Jheel: “Good morning. Sunday ko tum free ho? Is baar main plan banaungi.”
Reyansh ne muskurate hue jawab diya.
Reyansh: “Tum plan banao. Main aa jaunga.”
Jheel: “Pakka?”
Reyansh: “Pakka.”
Jheel ne phone rakh diya.
Ab woh usse milne ke liye sirf mauka nahi dhoondh rahi thi.
Woh khud mauke bana rahi thi.
Aur Reyansh bhi uske har invitation ko sirf padosi ki taraf se aayi hui ek friendly request samajhkar accept nahi kar raha tha.
Dono ke beech abhi tak pyaar ka izhaar nahi hua tha.
Lekin ek baat badal chuki thi.
Ab mulaqat ka intezaar sirf Jheel nahi kar rahi thi. Reyansh bhi kar raha tha.

[Greenwood]

Update 33


Sunday ki subah thi. Bengaluru ki sadkon par abhi bheed poori tarah nahi utri thi, lekin Reyansh ke phone par notifications ki bheed lag chuki thi.
Woh bed par aadha leta, aadha baitha apna phone dekh raha tha. Ek haath mein coffee ka mug tha, doosre mein phone.
Screen par Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: Good morning.
Reyansh: Good morning, neighbour ji.
Jheel: Aaj neighbour nahi. Aaj aapko mere saath chalna hai.
Reyansh: Hukm ki tameel hogi. Lekin pehle destination toh bata do, madam.
Jheel: Surprise.
Reyansh: Mujhe surprises se problem nahi hai. Bas unmein subah-subah running ya trekking nahi honi chahiye.
Jheel: Aapko dekhkar lagta nahi ki aap itne aalsi honge.
Reyansh: Main apni personality ke kai raaz chhupakar rakhta hoon.
Jheel: Theek hai. Ek ghante mein ready ho jaiye.
Reyansh: Dress code?
Jheel: Normal.
Reyansh: Mere normal ke alag-alag versions hain. Thoda specific ho sakta hai?
Jheel: Reyansh!
Reyansh: Ji, Jheel ji. Ek ghante mein hazir.
Usne phone side mein rakha aur coffee ka aakhri sip liya.
Pichhle kuch hafton mein Jheel uski zindagi ka ek aisa hissa ban gayi thi jiske liye use koi khaas wajah nahi chahiye hoti thi. Na koi kaam, na koi zaroorat. Kabhi lift mein do minute ki baat, kabhi messages, kabhi saath mein bahar jaana.
Aur ab Sunday ki subah uske paas ek plan tha jiske baare mein woh khud bhi nahi jaanta tha.
Reyansh muskuraya.
Phir almari kholkar kapde nikaalne laga.


Saat-aath minute baad Reyansh Flat 304 ke saamne khada tha.
Usne bell bajayi.
Darwaza khula toh saamne Jheel thi. Aaj usne halka pista-green kurta, off-white palazzo aur chhote silver jhumke pehne the. Baal khule the, jinmein se kuch lattein chehre ke paas aa rahi thi. Makeup bahut halka tha, bas aankhon mein kajal.
Reyansh ki nazar ek pal ke liye us par ruki.
Jheel ne uske chehre ko dekh liya.
Jheel: Kya hua?
Reyansh: Kuch nahi.
Jheel: Toh dekh kya rahe hain?
Reyansh: Main bas check kar raha tha ki surprise ke saath aapka mood bhi aaya hai ya woh ghar par reh gaya.
Jheel hansi.
Jheel: Aap na, seedha compliment de hi nahi sakte.
Reyansh: Compliment dene ki zaroorat hai?
Jheel: Nahi.
Reyansh: Toh phir problem kya hai?
Jheel ne nazrein jhuka kar darwaza band kiya.
Jheel: Chaliye.
Reyansh: Ek minute. Aapne bataya nahi ki jaana kahan hai.
Jheel: Aapko bhookh lagi hai?
Reyansh: Yeh sawaal meri zindagi ke sabse aasaan sawaalon mein se ek hai. Jawab hamesha haan hota hai.
Jheel: Toh bas.
Woh parking ki taraf badh gayi.
Kuch der baad Reyansh ki car Bengaluru ki ek busy street par pahunchi. Wahan weekend food festival laga hua tha. Chhote-chhote stalls, rang-birange banners, live music aur har taraf khaane ki khushboo.
Reyansh ne car park karte hue uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Madam, aap mujhe khilane laayi hain ya meri diet barbaad karne?
Jheel: Aapki diet hai?
Reyansh: Dil par mat lijiye. Sawal meri izzat ka hai.
Jheel: Aapki izzat ko pehle ek plate momos ki zaroorat hai.
Woh hans pada.
Reyansh: Aaj toh aap kaafi dangerous mood mein hain.
Jheel: Aapke saath rehkar thoda seekh gayi hoon.
Yeh sunkar Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Achha? Toh meri sangat ka asar hone laga hai?
Jheel: Abhi itna khush mat hoiye. Bura asar bhi ho sakta hai.
Dono hanste hue festival ke andar chale gaye.
Jheel ne pehle ek Gujarati food stall ki taraf ishara kiya. Wahan dhokla, khandvi, fafda aur jalebi rakhi thi.
Reyansh: Gujarat ki yaad aa gayi?
Jheel ek pal ke liye ruki, phir muskurayi.
Jheel: Haan. Kabhi-kabhi kuch khaane ki khushboo se purani jagah yaad aa jaati hai.
Reyansh: Aur kabhi kisi jagah se koi insaan yaad aa jaata hai.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Aap har baat mein aisi line kyun maarte hain?
Reyansh: Kyunki har baat mein aap sun rahi hoti hain.
Jheel ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi. Usne turant stall wale se do plates order kar di.
Jheel: Aapko pata hai, jab main chhoti thi na, toh mujhe lagta tha ki bade hone ke baad life bahut simple ho jaayegi.


Reyansh: Aur ab?
Jheel: Ab lagta hai ki bade hone ke baad bas problems ke naam badal jaate hain.
Reyansh ne uski baat ko mazaak mein udaane ke bajaye dhyaan se suna.
Reyansh: Yeh baat toh sahi hai.
Jheel: Lekin ek cheez achhi hai.
Reyansh: Kya?
Jheel ne plate uski taraf badhai.
Jheel: Ab main apni problems ke beech bhi aise din plan kar sakti hoon.
Reyansh ne plate le li.
Reyansh: Aur mujhe bula sakti ho.
Jheel ne uski aankhon mein dekha.
Jheel: Haan. Aapko bhi.
Bas do lafz the. Lekin is baar Jheel ne nazrein nahi churayi.


Khaane ke baad dono festival ke doosre hisse mein ghoomne lage.
Wahan ek chhota sa carnival zone tha. Ring toss, shooting games aur kuch stalls par ajeeb se prizes latak rahe the.
Jheel ek stall ke saamne ruk gayi. Wahan ek soft, cream-coloured teddy bear rakha tha, jiski gardan mein neela ribbon tha.
Jheel: Yeh kitna cute hai.
Reyansh ne teddy ko dekha, phir Jheel ko.
Reyansh: Aapko teddy bear pasand hain?
Jheel: Pasand toh hain. Lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki main khareedne wali hoon.
Reyansh: Maine khareedne ki baat kab ki?
Jheel: Aapke chehre par likha hai ki abhi koi joke aane wala hai.
Reyansh: Aap mujhe bahut achhe se samajhne lagi hain.
Woh stall wale ke paas gaya.
Reyansh: Bhaiya, yeh game kaise khelna hai?
Stall wale ne rules samjha diye. Kuch bottles par rings daalni thi. Jeetne par prize milta.
Reyansh ne paise diye aur pehli ring uthayi.
Pehli ring seedha bottle ke paas se nikal gayi.
Jheel ne hansi rokne ki koshish ki.
Doosri bhi miss.
Teesri bhi.
Jheel: Brand manager sahab, aapka aim itna kharab hai?
Reyansh: Main brands manage karta hoon, bottles nahi.
Jheel: Bahut achha excuse hai.
Chauthi ring bhi miss hui toh Jheel zor se hans padi.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Aapko bahut maza aa raha hai?
Jheel: Bahut.
Reyansh: Toh ab aap try kijiye.
Jheel: Main? Mujhse nahi hoga.
Reyansh: Aapne try kiye bina decide kar liya?
Jheel ne ring le li.
Usne pehli baar nishana lagaya aur ring bottle ke gale mein atak gayi.
Dono kuch pal chup rahe.
Phir Reyansh ne taali bajayi.
Reyansh: Wah! Yeh toh unfair hai. Main paise dekar bhi nahi jeeta aur aap free mein jeet gayi.
Jheel: Maine kab kaha ki main aapse kam hoon?
Usne doosri ring uthayi. Woh bhi lag gayi.
Stall wala muskura kar teddy bear le aaya.
Jheel ne use haath mein liya. Uski aankhon mein ek bachchon jaisi khushi thi.
Reyansh: Toh yeh aapka hua.
Jheel: Maine jeeta hai.
Reyansh: Bilkul. Main toh bas moral support dene aaya tha.
Jheel teddy ko pakde hue chalne lagi.
Kuch door jaakar usne teddy Reyansh ki taraf badha diya.
Jheel: Pakdenge?
Reyansh: Main?
Jheel: Nahi, peeche khade uncle se keh rahi hoon.
Reyansh ne teddy le liya.
Reyansh: Aapko pata hai, kisi ne mujhe itna cute gift aaj tak nahi diya.
Jheel: Yeh maine aapko diya hi nahi.
Reyansh: Lekin ab mere paas hai.
Jheel: Temporary custody mein hai.
Reyansh: Main isse sambhal kar rakhunga.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha. Woh teddy ko aise pakde hue tha jaise sach mein koi keemti cheez ho.
Uske chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Dono ek bench par baith gaye. Aas-paas music baj raha tha, log hans rahe the, aur bachche apne prizes lekar bhaag rahe the.
Jheel ne teddy apni god mein rakha.
Jheel: Reyansh, aapko kabhi aisa lagta hai ki aapne apni life mein bahut kuch miss kar diya?
Sawaal achanak tha.
Reyansh kuch der saamne dekhte raha.
Reyansh: Kabhi-kabhi.
Jheel: Kis tarah ka?
Reyansh: Pata nahi. Kabhi lagta hai ki main kaam mein busy raha. Kabhi lagta hai ki jo waqt kisi ke saath bitana chahiye tha, woh kahin aur nikal gaya. Aur kabhi lagta hai ki abhi bhi waqt hai, bas samajh nahi aata ki uska karna kya hai.
Jheel chupchaap sunti rahi.
Jheel: Mujhe bhi kabhi-kabhi lagta hai ki main bahut si cheezein baad ke liye chhod deti hoon.
Reyansh: Jaise?
Jheel: Jaise khulkar hasna. Bina soche kuch karna. Kabhi kisi ko khud se milne ke liye kehna.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Aakhri wali cheez toh aapne kar li.
Jheel: Haan.
Reyansh: Aur kaisa laga?
Jheel ne teddy ke ribbon ko seedha kiya.
Jheel: Achha laga.
Ek chhota sa pause aaya.
Jheel: Shayad isliye kyunki aapne mana nahi kiya.
Reyansh: Mujhe mana karne ki wajah hi nahi mili.
Jheel: Har cheez ke liye wajah zaroori hoti hai?
Reyansh ne halka sa sar hilaaya.
Reyansh: Nahi. Kabhi-kabhi kisi ke saath waqt achha guzarta hai, toh bas utna hi kaafi hota hai.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.

Jheel: Aur agar waqt achha guzarna band na ho toh?
Is baar Reyansh ke paas turant koi funny jawab nahi tha.
Woh uski aankhon mein dekhta raha.
Reyansh: Toh shayad us insaan ko apni zindagi mein thodi aur jagah deni chahiye.
Jheel ki ungliyan teddy ke ribbon par ruk gayin.
Usne dheere se kaha.
Jheel: Mujhe bhi aisa hi lagta hai.


Dopahar tak festival mein bheed badhne lagi thi. Dono ne wapas jaane ka faisla kiya.
Parking tak pahunchte-pahunchte aasman par baadal ghane ho gaye. Pehli boondein girne lagi.
Reyansh ne car unlock ki, lekin Jheel ne use rok diya.
Jheel: Ek minute.
Reyansh: Kya hua?
Jheel: Baarish.
Reyansh: Ji, woh toh dikh rahi hai.
Jheel: Aapko kabhi baarish mein chalna achha lagta hai?
Reyansh: Jab ghar paas ho aur kapde expensive na hon.
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel: Aap har romantic moment ka insurance kyun karwa dete hain?
Reyansh: Experience hai.
Jheel: Toh aaj experience badaliye.
Usne apna haath aage kar diya.
Reyansh ne pehle uske haath ko dekha, phir uske chehre ko.
Reyansh: Aap sure hain?
Jheel: Haan.
Usne Jheel ka haath thaam liya.
Dono parking ke paas bani covered walkway se aage badhe. Baarish tez nahi thi, bas halki boondein thi jo hawa ke saath chehre ko chhoo rahi thi.
Jheel ka haath uske haath mein tha.
Na koi dramatic music tha, na duniya ruk gayi thi. Paas se gaadiyan guzar rahi thi, koi apni chhatri sambhal raha tha, aur ek bachcha baarish mein apni maa ko kheenchkar le ja raha tha.
Lekin Jheel ke liye us waqt sabse khaas cheez Reyansh ka haath tha.
Usne apni ungliyan uski ungliyon mein thodi aur mazbooti se phansa di.
Reyansh ne mehsoos kiya, lekin kuch kaha nahi.
Kuch kadam baad Jheel khud hi ruk gayi.
Jheel: Reyansh?
Reyansh: Hmm?
Jheel: Main aapse ek baat poochun?
Reyansh: Aaj aap jitne sawaal poochna chahein pooch sakti hain.
Jheel ne ek gehri saans li.
Jheel: Kya aap mere saath aise hi milte rahenge?
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Aise hi matlab?
Jheel: Bina kisi expectation ke. Bina yeh soche ki mujhe jaldi kisi decision par pahunchna hai. Bina mujhe badalne ki koshish kiye.
Uske chehre par ab mazaak nahi tha.
Reyansh ne uska haath chhoda nahi.
Reyansh: Jheel, main aapse koi jaldi nahi karwana chahta. Main khud bhi kisi race mein nahi hoon.
Jheel: Aur agar kabhi mujhe lage ki main aapse zyada waqt maang rahi hoon?
Reyansh: Toh maang lena.
Jheel: Aur agar aap busy hue?
Reyansh: Toh bata dunga. Lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki aap poochna band kar do.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Aap har baat ko itna simple kaise bana dete hain?
Reyansh: Main simple nahi banata. Bas aapko har sawaal ka jawab akele dhoondhne ki zaroorat nahi hai.
Jheel ki aankhon mein ek narmi aa gayi.
Woh uske thoda kareeb aayi.
Jheel: Thank you.
Reyansh: Kis baat ke liye?
Jheel: Mere saath itna achha hone ke liye.
Reyansh ne halki muskurahat ke saath kaha.
Reyansh: Aapke saath achha rehne ke liye mujhe koi extra effort nahi karna padta.
Jheel ki nazar uske chehre par tik gayi.
Kuch pal dono ke beech khamoshi rahi.
Phir Jheel ne uska haath dobara thaam liya.
Jheel: Chaliye. Warna aapke expensive kapde kharab ho jaayenge.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Romance ka postmortem karna zaroori tha?
Jheel: Bilkul.
Woh dono car ki taraf badh gaye, haath ab bhi ek-doosre mein tha


Shaam hone se pehle Reyansh ne car building ke parking area mein laga di.
Jheel ke haath mein teddy bear tha. Usne car se nikalte waqt use apne seene se laga liya.
Reyansh: Iska naam rakha?
Jheel: Nahi.
Reyansh: Itni der se saath hai, abhi tak introduction bhi nahi hua?
Jheel: Aap rakh dijiye.
Reyansh ne kuch socha.
Reyansh: Professor.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Professor?
Reyansh: Haan. Iska kaam hai aapko yaad dilana ki kabhi-kabhi life mein serious hone ki zaroorat nahi hoti.
Jheel: Aapko lagta hai teddy bear mujhe yeh samjhayega?
Reyansh: Mere samjhane se toh aap samajhti nahi hain.
Jheel hans padi.
Lift se nikal kar dono apne flats ki taraf badhe. Flat 304 ke saamne pahunchkar Jheel ne chaabi nikali, lekin darwaza kholne se pehle ruk gayi.
Jheel: Reyansh?
Reyansh: Ji?
Jheel: Aaj ka din achha tha.
Reyansh: Sirf achha?
Jheel ne sar halka sa tedha kiya.
Jheel: Bahut achha.
Reyansh: Better.
Woh darwaza kholne lagi, phir palatkar uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Aur ek baat.
Reyansh: Aaj aapke paas baaton ka stock khatam nahi hoga?
Jheel: Nahi.
Usne teddy ko ek haath mein sambhala aur doosre haath se Reyansh ki ungliyon ko halka sa chhoo liya.
Jheel: Agli baar outing aap plan karenge.
Reyansh: Done.
Jheel: Aur is baar main surprise nahi poochungi.
Reyansh: Main bhi nahi bataunga.
Jheel: Dekhte hain.
Woh muskurayi aur andar chali gayi.
Darwaza band hone se pehle Reyansh ne kaha.
Reyansh: Jheel!
Woh palti.
Jheel: Haan?
Reyansh: Aaj aap bahut khush lag rahi thi.
Jheel ne use dekha. Is baar usne apni muskurahat chhupane ki koshish nahi ki.
Jheel: Kyunki main thi.
Darwaza dheere se band ho gaya.
Reyansh kuch pal wahin khada raha.
Phir apne flat ki taraf mud gaya.
Uske chehre par ek aisi muskurahat thi jise kisi message, kisi joke ya kisi khaas wajah ki zaroorat nahi thi.


Raat ko Jheel apne bed par baithi thi. Professor naam ka teddy uske takiye ke paas rakha tha.
Usne phone uthaya.
Jheel: Ghar pahunchkar kya kar rahe hain?
Reyansh ka reply turant aaya.
Reyansh: Ghar pahunchkar? Main toh ghar par hi tha.
Jheel: Matlab apne flat mein jaakar.
Reyansh: Abhi dinner ka intezaar kar raha hoon. Shalu ne khana rakha hai. Aapne khaya?
Jheel: Haan. Aur aaj ka din yaad kar rahi hoon.
Reyansh ne message padha aur kuch pal screen dekhta raha.
Reyansh: Kya yaad aa raha hai?
Jheel ne type kiya, phir delete kar diya.
Dobara type kiya.
Jheel: Baarish.
Reyansh ne jawab diya.
Reyansh: Mujhe bhi.
Jheel ne phone apne seene par rakh liya aur takiye se tek laga li.
Uske dil mein ab ek naya sawaal tha. Woh Reyansh ke saath waqt bitana chahti thi, usse aur jaan-na chahti thi, uske saamne apni khushi aur pareshani dono rakhna chahti thi.
Lekin ab sirf uski company achhi lagne ki baat nahi thi.
Woh uske kareeb aana chahti thi.
Aur pehli baar, is khayal se use darr se zyada khushi ho rahi thi.
Doosri taraf Reyansh dinner ke baad balcony mein khada tha. Bengaluru ki sadkon par lights chamak rahi thi. Usne Jheel ka message dobara padha.
Baarish.
Woh halki si muskurahat ke saath phone lock karne laga, phir ruk gaya.
Usne khud message type kiya.
Reyansh: Jheel?
Jheel: Ji?
Reyansh: Aaj haath pakadna achha laga.
Jheel ne message dekha toh uske gaal par muskurahat phail gayi. Usne kuch pal socha, phir jawab diya.
Jheel: Mujhe bhi.
Kuch seconds baad uska ek aur message aaya.
Jheel: Isliye toh haath chhoda nahi tha.
Reyansh screen dekhkar hans diya.
Reyansh: Good night, Jheel.
Jheel: Good night, Reyansh.
Dono ne phone rakh diya.
Us raat kisi ne apne dil ki poori baat nahi kahi.
Lekin ab dono ko yeh samajhne ke liye kisi aur ishare ki zaroorat nahi thi ki unke beech kuch badal raha tha.
Dosti ab bhi thi.
Bas uske saath ek naya ehsaas bhi jud gaya tha.

[Greenwood]

Update 34


Monday ki shaam thi.
Reyansh office se ghar laut chuka tha. Laptop par ek presentation khuli thi, lekin uska dhyaan baar-baar phone ki taraf ja raha tha. Aaj poore din Jheel se baat nahi hui thi. Subah sirf ek chhota sa message aaya tha, jismein usne bataya tha ki woh apni class ke assignment mein busy rahegi.
Reyansh ne presentation band ki.
Reyansh (khud se): Assignment uska hai, bechain main kyun ho raha hoon?
Phone uthaya aur message type kiya.
Reyansh: Madam student, assignment ne aapko kidnap toh nahi kar liya?
Kuch der tak reply nahi aaya.
Woh phone table par rakhkar paani lene gaya. Wapas aaya toh screen par notification chamak raha tha.
Jheel: Nahi. Lekin aapka message aane se concentration zaroor kharab ho gaya.
Reyansh: Matlab meri importance badh rahi hai.
Jheel: Matlab aap disturb kar rahe hain.
Reyansh: Achha, main chala jaata hoon.
Jheel: Maine aisa kab kaha?
Reyansh muskuraya.
Reyansh: Toh phir kal shaam mere saath dinner par chaliye.
Is baar Jheel ne turant jawab nahi diya.
Usne phone haath mein liya aur message dobara padha.
Dinner.
Sirf woh dono.
Pichhli baar ki tarah koi food festival nahi, koi game nahi, koi aisi activity nahi jiske peeche baat chhup jaaye.
Yeh ek proper date jaisa lag raha tha.
Usne reply type kiya.
Jheel: Kahan?
Reyansh: Yeh sawaal poochkar aapne haan bol di hai ya abhi interview chal raha hai?
Jheel: Pehle jagah bataiye.
Reyansh: Ek achhi jagah hai. Quiet, achha food, aur saamne ek aisi ladki jiske sawaal khatam hi nahi hote.
Jheel: Toh aap kisi aur ko le jaiye.
Reyansh: Koshish ki thi. Woh ladki aap hi nikli.
Jheel apni hansi nahi rok paayi.
Jheel: Theek hai. Kal milte hain.
Reyansh: Seven?
Jheel: Seven.
Phone rakhne ke baad Jheel kuch der chup baithi rahi.
Uske saamne assignment ki notebook khuli thi, lekin ab uske dimaag mein English ke sentences nahi, kal shaam ke khayal ghoom rahe the.
Usne almari kholi.
Do kurtiyan nikaali.
Phir ek teesri.
Aur khud hi apni harkat par hans padi.
Jheel (khud se): Bas dinner hai, Jheel. Shaadi nahi ho rahi.
Woh ruk gayi.
Phir dheere se muskurayi.
Jheel: Lekin achha lag raha hai.


Agli shaam office se nikalne se pehle Reyansh ne Arshad ko phone kiya.
Arshad apne agency office mein ek client ke liye copy likh raha tha. Screen par teen headlines khuli thi aur chauthi likhne ka uska bilkul mann nahi tha.
Arshad: Bol, zindagi mein kya naya kaand kiya?
Reyansh: Kal nahi, aaj ka kaand hai. Dinner par ja raha hoon.
Arshad: Akela?
Reyansh: Nahi.
Do second ki khamoshi.
Arshad: Oho! Toh apne janab ab dinner bhi calendar mein block karne lage hain.
Reyansh: Bas dinner hai.
Arshad: Haan, aur main advertising copywriter nahi, shayar hoon.
Reyansh: Arshad, please.
Arshad: Achha bata, pehen kya raha hai?
Reyansh: Shirt aur trousers.
Arshad: Kamaal hai. Main itne saalon se tujhe jaanta hoon aur tu aaj bhi kapdon ke naam par government form bhar raha hai.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Dark blue shirt, beige trousers. Happy?
Arshad: Bahut. Ab ek baat yaad rakh.
Reyansh: Kya?
Arshad: Uske saamne apni poori personality ek hi shaam mein mat khol dena. Thoda suspense bhi zaroori hota hai.
Reyansh: Teri personality mein suspense nahi, pending updates hain.
Arshad zor se hans pada.
Arshad: Ja, ja. Aur haan, agar ladki achhi lage toh usse bata dena. Har cheez ka trailer nahi chalate rehna chahiye.
Reyansh ki muskurahat halki pad gayi.
Reyansh: Haan. Soch raha hoon.
Arshad: Bas. Ab phone rakh aur jaakar ready ho. Client ka kaam mujhe karne de, romance ka kaam tu kar.
Call cut ho gaya.
Reyansh kuch pal phone dekhta raha.
Arshad ki baat seedhi thi.
Lekin kisi ko pasand karna aur uske saamne yeh maan lena ki woh tumhare liye khaas hai, dono alag baatein hoti hain.
Reyansh ko ab doosri baat karni thi.



Restaurant Bengaluru ke ek shaant hisse mein tha. Warm lights, badi khidkiyan aur background mein halki instrumental music.
Reyansh saat bajne se kuch minute pehle pahunch gaya.
Usne corner table choose ki, jahan se khidki ke bahar sadak ki lights dikh rahi thi.
Saat bajkar do minute par uska phone vibrate hua.
Jheel: Main aa gayi hoon. Entrance par hoon.
Reyansh uthkar entrance ki taraf gaya.
Jheel wahan khadi thi.
Aaj usne deep blue kurti ke saath ivory trousers pehne the. Baal aadhe pin kiye hue the aur baaki kandhon par khule the. Chhote silver earrings, aankhon mein kajal aur chehre par halki si nervous smile.
Reyansh kuch pal use dekhta raha.
Jheel: Kya hua?
Reyansh: Aapko ek baat bataun?
Jheel: Kya?
Reyansh: Aaj main apne outfit ko lekar bahut confident tha. Ab lag raha hai ki mujhe thodi aur mehnat karni chahiye thi.
Jheel ke gaal halki si laali se bhar gaye.
Jheel: Aap na, kabhi seedha bol diya kijiye.
Reyansh: Seedha bolunga toh aap sharma jaayengi.
Jheel: Main nahi sharmati.
Reyansh: Achha?
Jheel: Bilkul nahi.
Reyansh: Theek hai. Aap bahut khoobsurat lag rahi hain.
Jheel chup ho gayi.
Reyansh ki muskurahat gehri ho gayi.
Reyansh: Kya hua? Network chala gaya?
Jheel: Aap baithiye.
Woh aage badh gayi aur Reyansh uske peeche.
Dono table par baith gaye.
Shuruaat khaane aur rozmarra ki baaton se hui. Jheel ne apne assignment ke baare mein bataya. Reyansh ne office mein ek client presentation ke dauraan hui chhoti si funny situation sunayi.
Jheel hans rahi thi, lekin aaj woh pehle se zyada chup bhi thi.
Reyansh ne notice kiya.
Reyansh: Aaj kuch soch rahi hain?
Jheel: Haan.
Reyansh: Bata sakti hain.
Jheel ne glass se paani piya.
Jheel: Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ki aapke saath cheezein itni aasaan kyun lagti hain.
Reyansh ne apna fork table par rakh diya.
Reyansh: Aasaan lagna buri baat hai?
Jheel: Nahi. Bas... main har kisi ke saath itni comfortable nahi hoti.
Reyansh: Mujhe pata hai.
Jheel: Aur jab aap mere saath hote hain na, toh mujhe baar-baar yeh sochna nahi padta ki mujhe kya kehna chahiye, kaise baithna chahiye, ya saamne wala mere baare mein kya sochega.
Woh thoda ruki.
Jheel: Main bas apne jaisi reh sakti hoon.
Reyansh use dekhta raha.
Reyansh: Toh phir mere saath apne jaisi hi rahiye.
Jheel: Itna simple hai?
Reyansh: Mere liye toh hai.
Jheel ne muskurakar nazrein jhuka li.
Khaana aa gaya, lekin ab table par ek alag hi khamoshi thi. Aisi khamoshi jismein dono ko pata tha ki kuch kehna baaki hai.
Aur dono mein se koi bhi use phir se mazaak mein badalna nahi chahta tha.


Dinner ke baad restaurant se bahar nikle toh hawa thandi thi. Baarish nahi ho rahi thi, lekin sadak par din ki nami ab bhi thi.
Reyansh ne car ki taraf jaane ke bajaye footpath par chalne ka ishara kiya.
Reyansh: Thoda walk karenge?
Jheel: Haan.
Dono saath chalne lage.
Kuch door tak baat nahi hui. Phir Jheel ne khud hi khamoshi tod di.
Jheel: Reyansh, aapne kabhi socha hai ki do logon ke beech relationship shuru kaise hota hai?
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Bahut baar.
Jheel: Aur aapke hisaab se?
Reyansh: Mujhe lagta hai, jab do log ek-doosre ke saath rehna chahte hain aur dono ko pata hota hai ki woh sirf waqt nahi guzaar rahe, tab shayad relationship shuru hota hai.
Jheel ne dheere se sar hilaaya.
Jheel: Aur agar unmein se ek ko darr lagta ho?
Reyansh: Toh doosre ko uska darr samajhne ki koshish karni chahiye.
Jheel: Aur agar dono ko darr lagta ho?
Reyansh halki si hansi hansa.
Reyansh: Toh dono milkar thoda darr sakte hain.
Jheel hans padi, phir uski hansi dheere-dheere shaant ho gayi.
Jheel: Main aapse kuch kehna chahti hoon.
Reyansh ruk gaya.
Reyansh: Kahiye.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha. Aaj woh nazrein chhupana nahi chahti thi.
Jheel: Mujhe aapka intezaar rehne laga hai.
Reyansh ka chehra shaant raha, lekin uski aankhon mein ek pal ke liye kuch badla.


Jheel ne baat jaari rakhi.
Jheel: Jab aapka message aata hai toh achha lagta hai. Jab aap saamne hote hain toh main chahti hoon ki baat jaldi khatam na ho. Aur jab hum alag hote hain toh main kabhi-kabhi sochti hoon ki agli baar kab milenge.
Usne halki si saans li.
Jheel: Mujhe nahi pata ki is sab ko kya naam dena chahiye. Lekin main yeh nahi keh sakti ki aap mere liye bas ek dost hain.
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Jheel ki aankhon mein ab nervousness thi.
Jheel: Aap kuch bolenge?
Reyansh ne ek kadam uski taraf badhaya.
Reyansh: Main soch raha hoon ki aapne meri baat keh di.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Matlab?
Reyansh: Matlab, main bhi aapke message ka intezaar karta hoon. Aapke saath waqt guzarta hai toh mujhe achha lagta hai. Aur jab koi plan nahi hota, toh kabhi-kabhi main khud hi sochne lagta hoon ki aapse milne ka koi bahana dhoondhun.
Jheel ki aankhon mein muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Aur ek baat.
Jheel: Kya?
Reyansh: Main aapko pasand karta hoon, Jheel.
Woh lafz aakhirkaar keh diye gaye.
Na kisi bade speech ke saath, na kisi dramatic andaaz mein.
Bas seedhe, saaf aur bina kisi bahane ke.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Kitna?
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Abhi se measurement?
Jheel: Important sawaal hai.
Reyansh: Itna ki aapke saath agli baar milne ka plan banane ke liye mujhe kisi festival, market ya assignment ki zaroorat nahi hai.
Jheel ne muskurakar nazrein jhuka li.
Jheel: Mujhe bhi aap pasand hain.
Reyansh ne dheere se uska haath thaam liya.
Is baar Jheel ne uski taraf dekha aur apni ungliyan uski ungliyon mein phansa di.
Kuch pal dono bas wahin khade rahe.
Phir Jheel ne dheere se kaha.
Jheel: Toh ab kya?
Reyansh: Ab?
Usne ek pal socha.
Reyansh: Ab hum yeh decide kar sakte hain ki hum is rishte ko ek mauka dena chahte hain ya nahi.
Jheel ne uska haath thoda aur mazbooti se thaam liya.
Jheel: Main dena chahti hoon.
Reyansh ki muskurahat badh gayi.
Reyansh: Main bhi.


Car tak pahunchne se pehle Jheel ruk gayi.
Jheel: Reyansh?
Reyansh: Ji?
Jheel: Aaj mujhe ghar jaane ka mann thoda der se hai.
Reyansh ne use dekha.
Reyansh: Toh thodi der aur chal lete hain.
Dono footpath ke paas ek chhote se garden area ki taraf badh gaye. Wahan ek bench khaali thi. Woh baith gaye, unke kandhe ek-doosre ke kareeb the.
Jheel ne apne haath god mein rakh liye.
Reyansh uski taraf dekh raha tha.
Jheel: Kya?
Reyansh: Kuch nahi.
Jheel: Aaj aap bahut dekh rahe hain.
Reyansh: Aaj kuch naya hua hai.
Jheel: Kya?
Reyansh: Aaj mujhe pata chala hai ki aap mere liye kya mehsoos karti hain.
Jheel muskurayi.
Jheel: Aur ab?
Reyansh: Ab main yeh soch raha hoon ki aapko gale laga sakta hoon?
Jheel ki muskurahat ek pal ko thami. Usne uski aankhon mein dekha, phir dheere se sar hila diya.
Jheel: Haan.
Reyansh ne apna haath uske kandhe ke gird rakha aur use apni taraf kheench liya.
Jheel uske kareeb aa gayi.
Usne apna sar Reyansh ke kandhe par rakh diya. Reyansh ki baahon mein use ek ajeeb si rahat mehsoos hui. Na use kuch kehna tha, na kuch saabit karna tha.
Bas kuch pal aise hi rehna tha.
Reyansh ne dheere se poochha.
Reyansh: Comfortable?
Jheel: Bahut.
Kuch der baad Jheel ne apna sar uthaya.
Dono ki nazrein mili.
Unke chehre ab pehle se kaafi kareeb the.
Reyansh ne uski aankhon mein dekhte hue dheere se poochha.
Reyansh: Kya main aapko kiss kar sakta hoon?
Jheel ke gaal surkh ho gaye.
Usne nazrein nahi churayi.
Jheel: Haan.
Reyansh dheere se uske kareeb aaya.
Unke hoth ek narm, chhote se kiss mein mile.
Koi jaldi nahi thi. Reyansh ne use waqt diya aur Jheel ne bhi uske kareeb rehna chuna.
Jab woh alag hue, Jheel ki aankhon mein sharmili si muskurahat thi.
Reyansh ne uske chehre se ek lat ko dheere se kaan ke peeche kiya.
Reyansh: Ab aap kuch nahi kahengi?
Jheel ne halki si hansi ke saath uske kandhe par ek chhoti si thapki di.
Jheel: Aapko har moment mein commentary karni zaroori hai?
Reyansh: Nahi. Lekin aapko sharmate hue dekhna achha lagta hai.
Jheel: Main sharma nahi rahi.
Reyansh: Bilkul nahi.
Jheel ne apna chehra uske kandhe mein chhupa liya.
Reyansh hans pada aur use phir se apni baahon mein le liya.
Is baar dono ko pata tha ki unke beech ki nazdeeki sirf ek pal ki baat nahi thi.
Woh ek nayi shuruaat thi.


Raat thodi aur gehri ho chuki thi jab Reyansh ne Jheel ko uske flat ke saamne chhoda.
Flat 304 ke darwaze ke paas dono kuch pal khade rahe.
Jheel: Aaj ka din main yaad rakhungi.
Reyansh: Sirf aaj ka?
Jheel: Aage ke din achhe rahe toh woh bhi.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Toh phir koshish karte hain ki aage ke din achhe rahein.
Jheel ne muskurakar haan mein sar hilaaya.
Darwaza kholne se pehle woh uski taraf palti.
Jheel: Good night, Reyansh.
Reyansh: Good night, Jheel.
Woh andar chali gayi.
Kuch minute baad Reyansh ke phone par message aaya.
Jheel: Ek baat poochun?
Reyansh: Aaj bhi?
Jheel: Last question.
Reyansh: Poochiye.
Jheel: Toh ab hum relationship mein hain?
Reyansh screen dekhkar muskuraya. Usne is baar mazaak mein baat taalne ki koshish nahi ki.
Reyansh: Agar aap chahti hain, toh haan. Main aapke saath relationship mein rehna chahta hoon.
Jheel ne message padha.
Uske chehre par ek gehri, sukoon bhari muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel: Main bhi chahti hoon.
Reyansh: Toh officially, Miss Jheel, you are my girlfriend.
Jheel hansi.
Jheel: Aur aap mere boyfriend.
Reyansh: Yeh title mujhe suit karta hai?
Jheel: Abhi trial period hai.
Reyansh: Wah! Corporate duniya se relationship mein bhi appraisal aa gaya.
Jheel: Performance achhi rakhiye.
Reyansh: Ji, madam.
Phone rakhne ke baad Jheel ne apni notebook kholi.
Kuch pal sochne ke baad usne likha:
“Aaj maine kisi ko apne kareeb aane diya. Aur pehli baar mujhe laga ki shayad kisi ke kareeb aana apne aap se door jaana nahi hota.”
Usne notebook band ki aur Professor teddy ko apne paas kheench liya.


Doosri taraf Reyansh apne flat ki balcony mein khada tha. Bengaluru ki lights door tak phaili hui thi.
Usne phone par Jheel ka naam dekha.
Ab woh sirf ek padosi nahi thi.
Na hi bas woh ladki jiske saath uska waqt achha guzarta tha.
Ab unke beech ek rishta tha, ek vaada tha ki woh ek-doosre ko jaanne ki koshish karenge, aur ek naya safar tha jiska agla mod abhi kisi ko nahi pata tha.
Reyansh ne phone lock kiya aur halki si muskurahat ke saath andar chala gaya.
Uski zindagi mein ek naya rishta shuru ho chuka tha.

[Greenwood]

Update 35



Subah ke 8 baj rahe the.
Reyansh ki aankh alarm se pehle khul gayi. Woh kuch der bed par leta raha, phir phone uthaya. Screen par sabse pehle Jheel ka naam dikhai diya.
Koi naya message nahi tha.
Usne kal raat ki conversation kholi aur aakhri message padha.
Jheel: Good night, boyfriend ji. ❤️
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Usne message type kiya.
Reyansh: Good morning, girlfriend ji. Umeed hai aap apne naye boyfriend se khush hongi.
Kuch hi der mein reply aa gaya.
Jheel: Abhi tak toh theek lag rahe hain.
Reyansh: Sirf theek?
Jheel: Thoda overconfident hain.
Reyansh: Lekin handsome bhi toh hain.
Jheel: Kisne kaha?
Reyansh: Aapki aankhon ne.
Jheel: Meri aankhon ko beech mein mat laaiye.
Reyansh: Achha, aaj milkar pooch leta hoon.
Jheel: Aaj?
Reyansh: Haan. Girlfriend banne ke baad boyfriend ko milne ka haq toh milta hai.
Jheel: Haq milta hai, lekin appointment lena padta hai.
Reyansh: Appointment kab milegi, madam?
Jheel: Shaam ko. Saat baje.
Reyansh: Itni der?
Jheel: Office jaiye. Kaam kijiye. Desh ko aapki zaroorat hai.
Reyansh: Desh ko pata nahi, mujhe toh aapki zaroorat hai.
Jheel kuch pal phone ko dekhti rahi. Uske hothon par muskurahat thi aur gaalon par halki si laali.
Jheel: Aap subah-subah bahut bolte hain.
Reyansh: Aur aap subah-subah bahut achhi lagti hain. Ab kya karein?
Jheel ne phone side mein rakh diya.
Uska mann hua ki woh use call kare, uski awaaz sune aur phir kuch der bina kisi wajah ke baat karti rahe.
Lekin usne khud ko roka.
Abhi toh din shuru hua tha.
Aur aaj pehli baar use mehsoos ho raha tha ki kisi se milne ka intezaar bhi din ka hissa ban sakta hai.


Office mein Reyansh apni desk par baitha tha. Ek client presentation ka final version check kar raha tha. Neha uske paas kuch documents lekar aayi.
Neha: Reyansh, client ne campaign ke second concept ko approve kar diya hai. Bas tagline mein ek minor change chahiye.
Reyansh: Achha. Change bhej do, main dekh lunga.
Neha ne documents table par rakhe, lekin jaane ke bajaye wahin khadi rahi.
Reyansh: Aur kuch?
Neha: Haan. Aaj aap bahut khush lag rahe hain.
Reyansh ne laptop se nazar uthayi.
Reyansh: Main roz khush lagta hoon.
Neha: Nahi. Roz aap aise lagte hain jaise duniya ko manage kar sakte hain. Aaj lag raha hai ki duniya mein koi aisa bhi hai jo aapko manage kar raha hai.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Aapka observation department kaafi active hai.
Neha: Main sirf keh rahi hoon.
Reyansh: Toh kehna complete ho gaya ho toh kaam bhi complete kar lein?
Neha muskurayi.
Neha: Bilkul, sir.
Woh jaane lagi, phir palatkar boli.
Neha: Waise, aapki smile achhi hai. Isse office mein thoda zyada use kiya kijiye.
Reyansh: Aap performance review likh rahi hain ya compliment de rahi hain?
Neha: Dono mein farq hota hai?
Reyansh: Mere department mein hota hai.
Neha hanskar chali gayi.
Reyansh ne dobara laptop ki taraf dekha, lekin uska dhyaan ek pal ke liye phir phone par chala gaya.
Usne khud ko yaad dilaya ki office mein kaam bhi hota hai.
Jheel uski zindagi mein aayi thi, lekin iska matlab yeh nahi tha ki baaki zindagi ruk jaaye.
Woh apne kaam par laut aaya.
Aur pehli baar use laga ki zindagi ke do alag hisse ek saath achhe chal sakte hain.


Saat bajne mein das minute baaki the jab Reyansh Flat 304 ke saamne pahuncha.
Usne bell bajayi.
Jheel ne darwaza khola. Aaj woh simple white top aur blue jeans mein thi. Baal khule the aur chehre par halki si muskurahat.
Reyansh ne use dekha.
Reyansh: Hello, girlfriend ji.
Jheel: Hello, boyfriend ji.
Dono ek pal ek-doosre ko dekhte rahe. Kal tak jo baat unke beech ek naya ehsaas thi, aaj use kehna zyada aasaan lag raha tha.
Jheel ne use andar aane ka ishara kiya.
Jheel: Aaj bahar nahi jaana.
Reyansh: Kyun? Boyfriend ka budget pehle din hi khatam ho gaya?
Jheel: Aapko sirf khaane ki padi rehti hai?
Reyansh: Bilkul nahi. Kabhi-kabhi dessert ki bhi.
Jheel hansi.
Usne bataya ki woh ghar par hi kuch simple khaana mangwa legi. Dono living room mein baith gaye.
Reyansh ki nazar shelf par rakhe teddy bear par padi.
Reyansh: Professor sahab bhi ghar par hain.
Jheel: Aapko inse kya problem hai?
Reyansh: Koi problem nahi. Bas soch raha hoon ki inki jagah ab mujhe milni chahiye.
Jheel: Aapko har jagah jagah chahiye?
Reyansh: Aapki life mein thodi si jagah mil jaaye, toh kaafi hai.
Jheel ki hansi dheemi pad gayi. Usne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: Aap kabhi-kabhi bahut achhi baat keh dete hain.
Reyansh: Kabhi-kabhi?
Jheel: Zyada khush mat hoiye.
Dono hans pade.
Kuch der baad khaana aa gaya. Unhone saath dinner kiya, phir Jheel ne chai banayi. Woh cups lekar aayi toh Reyansh sofa par thoda side hokar baith gaya, taaki uske liye jagah ban sake.
Jheel uske paas baith gayi.
Unke kandhe halki si chhoan ke saath mile.
Jheel: Reyansh?
Reyansh: Hmm?
Jheel: Ek baat poochun?
Reyansh: Aapko permission kab se chahiye hone lagi?
Jheel: Main serious hoon.
Reyansh ne cup table par rakh diya.
Reyansh: Poochiye.
Jheel ne apni ungliyon ko cup ke handle par ghumaya.
Jheel: Hum dono ek-doosre ko pasand karte hain. Lekin main chahti hoon ki hum ek-doosre ko samajhne ka waqt bhi dein. Sirf relationship mein aa jaane se sab kuch automatically achha nahi ho jaata.
Reyansh ne uski baat dhyaan se suni.
Reyansh: Main bhi yahi chahta hoon.
Jheel: Aur agar kabhi hum mein se kisi ko koi baat buri lage?
Reyansh: Toh batayenge. Chup rehkar doosre se mind-reading ki umeed nahi rakhenge.
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel: Yeh rule aapke liye zyada zaroori hai.
Reyansh: Mujhe kyun?
Jheel: Kyunki aap kabhi-kabhi joke ke peeche serious baat chhupa dete hain.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha. Uski muskurahat halki si kam ho gayi.
Reyansh: Ho sakta hai.
Jheel: Main aapko badalna nahi chahti. Bas jab aapko kuch kehna ho, toh aap mujhse keh sakein.
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Phir usne apna haath uske haath par rakh diya.
Reyansh: Main koshish karunga.
Jheel ne uski ungliyan thaam li.
Jheel: Bas. Mujhe itna hi chahiye.
Woh dono kuch der aise hi baithe rahe.
Na koi badi declaration, na koi filmy promise.
Bas ek chhoti si understanding, jo unke naye rishte ki pehli buniyad ban rahi thi.


Chai khatam hone ke baad Jheel ne phone uthaya.
Jheel: Ek photo lein?
Reyansh: Kis khushi mein?
Jheel: Aise hi.
Reyansh: Nahi, nahi. Yeh toh important moment hai. Caption bhi sochna padega.
Jheel: Caption nahi chahiye.
Reyansh: Toh photo kaise pata chalegi ki important hai?
Jheel ne uske haath se phone le liya.
Jheel: Aap bas idhar dekhiye.
Woh dono sofa par paas baith gaye. Jheel ne camera khola. Reyansh ne uski taraf dekhte hue muskuraya, lekin shutter dabane se pehle hi woh uski taraf mud gaya.
Click.
Photo mein Jheel ki hansi aadhi capture hui thi aur Reyansh use dekh raha tha.
Jheel ne tasveer dekhi.
Jheel: Aap camera mein kyun nahi dekh rahe?
Reyansh: Main dekh raha tha.
Jheel: Camera mein nahi. Meri taraf.
Reyansh: Toh problem kya hai?
Jheel ne photo dobara dekhi. Uske chehre par narmi aa gayi.
Jheel: Kuch nahi.
Usne photo save kar li.
Reyansh ne apna haath uski taraf badhaya.
Reyansh: Dikhao.
Jheel ne phone uske saamne kar diya.


Kuch pal dono tasveer dekhte rahe.
Reyansh: Achhi hai.
Jheel: Haan.
Reyansh: Send karogi?
Jheel ne tasveer uske phone par bhej di.
Kuch seconds baad Reyansh ke phone par notification aaya.
Jheel: Sirf apne paas rakhna. Abhi kahin post nahi karni.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Bilkul. Yeh hamari hai.
Jheel ne phone apne paas rakh liya.
Uske liye yeh sirf ek photo nahi thi. Yeh us din ki nishani thi jab usne kisi ko apne kareeb aane diya tha aur us nazdeeki ko chhupane ki zaroorat mehsoos nahi ki thi.
Abhi duniya ko kuch batana zaroori nahi tha.
Un dono ko pata hona kaafi tha.


Raat hone lagi toh Reyansh uth khada hua.
Reyansh: Chalta hoon. Kal office bhi hai.
Jheel use darwaze tak chhodne aayi.
Dono ke beech ek chhoti si khamoshi aa gayi.
Reyansh ne muskurakar poochha.
Reyansh: Hug milega ya abhi bhi appointment leni padegi?
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel: Aapko toh har cheez ka haq chahiye.
Reyansh: Sirf woh jo aap khushi se dena chahein.
Jheel ki muskurahat narm ho gayi.
Woh uske kareeb aayi aur use gale laga liya.
Reyansh ne bhi apni baahon mein use le liya. Jheel kuch pal uske seene se lagi rahi, phir dheere se alag hui.
Usne uske gaal par ek chhota sa kiss kiya.
Reyansh ek pal ke liye hairaan reh gaya.
Jheel ne uska chehra dekha aur hans padi.
Jheel: Kya hua? Network chala gaya?
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Nahi. Bas aaj girlfriend ne surprise de diya.
Jheel: Aadat daal lijiye.
Reyansh: Ji, madam.
Woh apne flat ki taraf chala gaya.
Kuch hi der baad dono ke beech messages shuru ho gaye.
Jheel: Ghar pahunch gaye?
Reyansh: Haan. Aapke saamne wale flat mein hoon.
Jheel: Phir bhi pooch rahi thi.
Reyansh: Achha lagta hai jab aap poochti hain.
Jheel ne message padha aur muskurayi.
Jheel: Good night, Reyansh.
Reyansh: Good night, Jheel. Kal milenge?
Jheel: Kal bhi?
Reyansh: Abhi toh aapne kaha tha aadat daal loon.
Jheel: Dekhenge.
Reyansh: Iska matlab haan hota hai na?
Jheel: Good night!
Reyansh hans pada aur phone side mein rakh diya.


Agli subah dono apni-apni zindagi mein busy the.
Reyansh office ke liye nikla, Jheel apne assignment par kaam karne baithi. Beech-beech mein messages aate rahe. Kabhi koi funny photo, kabhi khaane ka sawaal, kabhi sirf ek chhota sa “Miss you”.
Dopahar mein Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: Aaj shaam ko thoda free hain?
Reyansh: Aapke liye time nikal sakta hoon. Kyun?
Jheel: Mujhe kuch dikhana hai.
Reyansh: Kya?
Jheel: Surprise.
Reyansh ne screen dekhkar muskuraya.
Reyansh: Ab mujhe samajh aa gaya hai ki aapko surprises dene ka shauk hai.
Jheel: Aur aapko unke peeche aane ka.
Reyansh: Sirf aapke.
Jheel ne phone rakh diya, lekin uske chehre par muskurahat bani rahi.
Usne apne assignment ke papers samete aur shelf par rakhe teddy ko dekha.
Jheel (dheere se): Professor, ab meri life mein ek aur pareshani aa gayi hai.
Woh hans padi.
Jheel: Aur yeh wali mujhe achhi lagti hai.
Doosri taraf Reyansh office ki khidki ke paas khada tha. Usne phone par Jheel ka naam dekha aur use message bheja.
Reyansh: Ek baat bataun?
Jheel: Kya?
Reyansh: Mujhe lagta hai ki main aapke saath khush rehna seekh raha hoon.
Jheel ne message padha.
Is baar usne koi mazaak nahi kiya.
Jheel: Aur mujhe lagta hai ki main aapke saath khud ko aur achhe se jaan rahi hoon.
Reyansh ne message dobara padha.
Phir phone rakhkar kaam par laut gaya.
Unka rishta abhi naya tha. Aage dates hongi, chhoti nok-jhonk hogi, ek-doosre ki aadaton se pyaar bhi hoga aur kabhi unhi aadaton se pareshani bhi.
Lekin filhaal, dono ek-doosre ko chun rahe the.
Har din, thoda aur.
Aur kabhi-kabhi zindagi ko badalne ke liye kisi bade waade ki zaroorat nahi hoti. Bas kisi ka message aana, uska intezaar rehna, aur uske saamne apne jaisa reh paana hi kaafi hota hai.

[Greenwood]

Update 36


Subah ke 7:18 baj rahe the.
Reyansh ka alarm pichhle paanch minute se baj raha tha, lekin uska alarm band karne ka koi iraada nahi tha. Woh kambal ke andar aankhein band kiye pada tha, jaise duniya ke saare corporate clients ko ek saath message bhejkar keh sakta ho ki aaj unki meetings cancel hain.
Aakhirkaar usne haath badhakar phone uthaya.
Alarm band hua.
Screen par ek notification tha.
Jheel ❤️
Good morning, boyfriend ji.
Reyansh ke chehre par neend ke beech hi muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Good morning, girlfriend ji.
Jheel: Uth gaye?
Reyansh: Haan.
Jheel: Jhooth. Tum abhi bhi bed mein ho.
Reyansh ne turant kambal hata kar baithne ki acting karte hue selfie bhejne ke liye camera khola. Phir khud hi ruk gaya.
Reyansh: Tumhe kaise pata?
Jheel: Kyunki tumhari good morning ka reply usually teen minute baad aata hai. Aaj do minute mein aa gaya. Matlab alarm band karke phone dekha hai, lekin uthe nahi ho.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Madam, aap relationship mein aate hi meri investigation karne lagi hain?
Jheel: Ab boyfriend ho. Thoda haq toh banta hai.
Reyansh: Achha ji. Toh girlfriend hone ke kya duties hain?
Jheel: Tumhe time par uthana.
Reyansh: Aur boyfriend ki duties?
Jheel: Woh baad mein bataungi.
Reyansh: Mujhe abhi se darr lag raha hai.
Jheel: Lagna bhi chahiye. Ab uth jao. Office nahi jaana?
Reyansh ne message padha, phir bed se uthkar khidki ka parda hata diya.
Bengaluru ki subah dheere-dheere jaag rahi thi. Sadak par traffic badhne laga tha aur aas-paas ki buildings ki khidkiyon mein roshni nazar aane lagi thi.
Usne ek baar phir phone dekha.
Reyansh: Uth gaya. Khush?
Jheel: Bahut.
Reyansh: Ab ek baat batao.
Jheel: Kya?
Reyansh: Aaj shaam free ho?
Jheel ne message padhkar phone ko kuch pal dekha.
Phir uske chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel: Kyun?
Reyansh: Girlfriend ke saath date par jaana hai.
Jheel: Hum toh kal hi mile the.
Reyansh: Toh?
Jheel: Kuch nahi. Kitne baje?
Reyansh: Saat baje. Main tumhe pick kar lunga.
Jheel: Theek hai, boyfriend ji.
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Aaj office jaane ki wajah sirf Monday ki meeting nahi thi.
Shaam ko uski girlfriend uska intezaar karne wali thi.
Aur filhaal, uske liye itna hi kaafi tha.


Reyansh conference room mein baitha presentation dekh raha tha. Screen par campaign ke naye concepts the aur saamne team ke kuch members apne suggestions discuss kar rahe the.
Meeting usual thi.
Client ki requirements, revised copy aur agle hafte ki deadlines.
Reyansh apne kaam ko lekar serious tha. Usne do suggestions reject kiye, ek mein correction karwaya aur teesre concept ko aage badhane ki permission de di.
Meeting khatam hui toh Neha uske saath corridor mein aa gayi.
"Ek baat poochhun?" Neha ne kaha.
"Poochho."
"Tum aajkal kaafi khush rehne lage ho."
"Achha? Pehle kya tha?"
"Pehle tum meeting ke baad seedha apne cabin mein jaate the. Ab meeting ke baad bhi phone dekhkar muskuraate ho."
"Main apne phone par smile bhi nahi kar sakta?"
"Kar sakte ho. Bas reason jaanne ka mann karta hai."
"Reason private hai."
Neha ne bhaunhein uthayi.
"Private? Matlab koi hai!"
Reyansh ne jawab nahi diya.
Uski khamoshi hi kaafi thi.
Neha hans padi.
"Oh baap re! Reyansh ki life mein koi aa gaya!"
"Neha, please. Office hai."
"Main toh sirf khush ho rahi hoon. Waise congratulations in advance."
"Kis baat ke?"
"Jab tum officially bataoge, tab congratulations dungi."
Neha apne desk ki taraf chali gayi.
Reyansh ne sir hila diya.
Use apni personal life ko office gossip banana pasand nahi tha. Lekin woh yeh bhi jaanta tha ki uske chehre ki muskurahat ab pehle se zyada aasani se nazar aane lagi thi.

Jheel ka ek aur message aaya tha.
Jheel: Date ke liye kya pehenkar aaun?
Reyansh ne kuch pal socha.
Reyansh: Jo tumhe achha lage.
Jheel: Wah! Kya creative suggestion hai.
Reyansh: Main creative department mein hoon. Fashion department mein nahi.
Jheel: Achha. Toh aaj main tumhe surprise karungi.
Reyansh: Ab shaam saat baje tak intezaar karna mushkil ho jayega.
Jheel: Office par dhyan do, boyfriend ji.
Reyansh ne phone lock kar diya.
Lekin uske chehre ki muskurahat kuch der tak bani rahi.


Shaam 5:42 PM | Jheel ka Flat
Jheel apni almari ke saamne khadi thi.
Bed par do outfits rakhe the. Ek simple kurti aur doosra dark-green top, jiske saath usne black jeans nikaali thi.
Usne dono ko dekha.
Phir phone uthaya.
Reyansh ka message screen par tha.
Jo tumhe achha lage.
"Bahut helpful hain aap," woh khud se boli.
Aakhirkaar usne dark-green top aur black jeans choose ki. Baal khule rakhne ka faisla kiya, kaanon mein chhote silver earrings pehne aur bas halka sa kajal lagaya.
Woh mirror ke saamne khadi hokar apne baal theek karne lagi.
Uske chehre par ek alag si khushi thi.
Pichhle kuch hafton mein uski zindagi mein bahut kuch badla tha. Communication class mein confidence badha tha, naye logon se baat karna aasaan hua tha aur ab uski zindagi mein Reyansh bhi tha.
Reyansh ne kabhi usse aisa mehsoos nahi karwaya tha ki use kisi aur ki tarah banne ki zaroorat hai.
Woh jaisi thi, uske saath rehkar waise hi reh sakti thi.
Aur shayad isi wajah se uska saath Jheel ko itna achha lagta tha.
Phone par message aaya.
Reyansh: Main nikal raha hoon. Das minute.
Jheel ne turant jawab diya.
Jheel: Theek hai.
Phir kuch sochkar usne ek aur message bheja.
Jheel: Aur haan, aaj dinner main choose karungi.
Reyansh: Mujhe koi problem nahi.
Jheel: Aur bill?
Reyansh: Woh main pay karunga.
Jheel: Maine kab kaha?
Reyansh: Tumne poochha nahi, phir bhi bata diya. Experience hai mujhe.
Jheel: Mujhe apna bill khud pay karna pasand hai.
Reyansh ne kuch pal baad jawab diya.
Reyansh: Theek hai. Apna bill tum pay karna. Lekin dessert meri taraf se.
Jheel muskurayi.
Jheel: Deal.

Reyansh ki gaadi building ke bahar ruki.
Jheel kuch hi der mein neeche aa gayi.
Reyansh ne use dekha toh ek pal ke liye chup ho gaya.
Dark-green top, black jeans, khule baal aur chehre par wohi shaant si muskurahat.
Jheel ne gaadi ka darwaza kholte hue poochha, "Kya hua?"
"Kuch nahi."
"Tum mujhe aise kyun dekh rahe ho?"
Reyansh muskuraya.
"Bas dekh raha hoon."
"Kya?"
"Apni girlfriend ko."
Jheel ki muskurahat aur gehri ho gayi.
"Achha? Toh dekh liya?"
"Nahi. Abhi toh date shuru hui hai."
Woh gaadi mein baith gayi.
Reyansh ne seat belt lagayi aur gaadi aage badha di.
Kuch minute tak dono Bengaluru ki shaam ko dekhte rahe. Sadkon par traffic tha, dukaanon ke boards roshan the aur restaurants ke bahar logon ki bheed badh rahi thi.
Jheel khidki se bahar dekh rahi thi.
"Ek baat bataun?" usne kaha.
"Haan."
"Mujhe pehle lagta tha ki relationship mein aane ke baad sab kuch bahut alag ho jaata hoga."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Aur ab?"
"Ab lagta hai ki kuch cheezein alag hoti hain, lekin kuch cheezein waise hi rehni chahiye."
"Jaise?"
"Jaise humara aise baat karna. Ek-doosre ko chhedna. Apni baat keh paana."
Reyansh ne sar hilaya.
"Main bhi chahta hoon ki hum aise hi rahein."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
"Promise?"
Reyansh ne uska haath pakadne ke liye apna haath aage badhaya. Jheel ne apni ungliyan uski ungliyon mein phansa di.
"Promise."
Gaadi restaurant ke parking area mein jaakar ruki.


Restaurant zyada formal nahi tha. Warm lights, wooden tables aur halki music ke beech ek comfortable sa mahaul tha.
Dono ko window ke paas table mil gayi.
Jheel ne menu uthaya aur bade dhyan se dishes dekhne lagi.
Reyansh use dekhkar muskuraya.
"Kya padh rahi ho? Menu hai, competitive exam ka paper nahi."
Jheel ne menu neeche kiya.
"Tumhe har cheez mein joke karna zaroori lagta hai?"
"Har cheez mein nahi."
"Achha, batao kis cheez mein nahi?"
Reyansh ne kuch pal socha.
"Jab tum mujhse naraaz hoti ho."
Jheel hans padi.
"Main tumse naraaz nahi hoti."
"Abhi tak."
"Reyansh!"
"Achha, achha. Order karo."
Jheel ne do dishes choose ki aur waiter ko order de diya.
Kuch der baad baat unki relationship par aa gayi.
Jheel ne apna glass table par rakhte hue kaha, "Reyansh, mujhe tumse ek baat kehni hai."
"Haan, bolo."
"Main chahti hoon ki hum relationship ko lekar ek-doosre se honest rahein. Agar kabhi kisi baat se problem ho, toh hum baat karein. Chup rehkar assume na karein."
Reyansh uski baat dhyan se sun raha tha.
"Main bhi yahi chahta hoon."
"Main perfect nahi hoon. Kabhi overthink kar sakti hoon, kabhi kisi baat par chup ho sakti hoon. Lekin main chahti hoon ki tum mujhse poochho. Main koshish karungi ki tumhe bata sakun."
Reyansh ne halka sa sar jhukaya.
"Deal."
Jheel ne uski taraf haath badhaya.
"Deal?"
Reyansh ne uska haath pakad liya.
"Deal."
Kuch pal dono chup rahe.
Phir Jheel ne muskurakar kaha, "Waise ek aur baat hai."
"Ab kya?"
"Tum mujhe girlfriend toh bana chuke ho, lekin abhi tak mujhe koi achha nickname nahi diya."
Reyansh ne bhaunhein sikodi.
"Tumhara naam Jheel hai. Usse achha nickname kya hoga?"
"Yeh toh cheating hai."
"Achha, sochta hoon."
"Abhi socho."
Reyansh ne use kuch der dekha.
"Jheel."
"Yeh mera naam hai!"
"Pata hai. Lekin mujhe tumhara naam pasand hai."
Jheel chup ho gayi.
Uske chehre par ek halki si sharmili muskurahat aa gayi.
Kabhi-kabhi seedhi si baat bhi dil ko chhoo jaati hai.
Aur Reyansh ko yeh baat dheere-dheere samajh aa rahi thi.



Dinner ke baad waiter dessert menu lekar aaya.
Reyansh ne menu Jheel ki taraf badha diya.
"Madam, apni pasand ka dessert choose kijiye. Bill meri taraf se."
Jheel ne menu dekha.
"Ek chocolate brownie with ice cream."
"Bas?"
"Haan."
Reyansh ne waiter ko order diya.
Jab dessert aaya toh Jheel ne pehla spoon liya aur khushi se aankhein band kar li.
Reyansh use dekhta raha.
"Kya hua?" Jheel ne poochha.
"Kuch nahi. Tum dessert khaate waqt bahut khush lagti ho."
"Kyuki mujhe chocolate pasand hai."
"Noted."
Jheel ne spoon uski taraf badhaya.
"Tum bhi khao."
Reyansh ne ek bite li.
"Achha hai."
"Maine kaha tha na."
Dono ne dessert share kiya. Beech-beech mein chhoti-chhoti baatein hoti rahi. Kisi ne agle weekend ka plan poochha, kisi ne movie ki recommendation di aur phir baat ek funny video par pahunch gayi jo Jheel ne pichhle din dekha tha.
Date kisi film ke grand romantic scene jaisi nahi thi.
Na koi bada surprise tha, na expensive gift.
Bas dinner, kuch hasi-mazaak aur do log jo ek-doosre ke saath rehna seekh rahe the.
Aur kabhi-kabhi relationship ki khoobsurati isi mein hoti hai.


Raat ke kareeb 9:20 baje Reyansh ne gaadi building ke bahar roki.
Jheel ne seat belt kholi, lekin utarne se pehle uski taraf dekha.
"Aaj achha laga."
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, "Mujhe bhi."
"Thank you."
"Kisliye?"
"Date ke liye."
Reyansh ne uska haath apne haath mein le liya.
"Thank you tumhe bhi."
"Kyun?"
"Meri life mein aane ke liye."
Jheel ki aankhon mein ek pal ke liye narmi aa gayi.
Woh uske kareeb hui aur uske gaal par ek chhota sa kiss diya.
"Good night, boyfriend ji."
Reyansh muskuraya.
"Good night, girlfriend ji."
Jheel gaadi se utarkar building ki taraf chal di.
Lift ke andar pahunchkar usne phone nikala.
Jheel: Ghar pahunch gayi.
Reyansh: Main abhi parking mein hoon. Tum toh mujhse pehle pahunch gayi.
Jheel: Main fast hoon.
Reyansh: Haan, especially jab dessert khane ke baad ghar jaana ho.
Jheel: Good night, Reyansh.
Is baar usne nickname ya mazaak nahi kiya.
Bas uska naam likha.
Reyansh ne message dekha aur jawab diya.
Reyansh: Good night, Jheel. ❤️
Jheel ne phone apne seene ke paas rakh liya aur kuch pal muskurati rahi.
Uske liye yeh raat ek achhi yaad ban chuki thi.
Aur Reyansh ke liye bhi.
Dono ko abhi nahi pata tha ki zindagi mein aage kitne mod aane wale hain.
Filhaal, unke paas ek-doosre ka saath tha.
Aur dono us saath ko samajhne ki koshish kar rahe the.


Reyansh apne flat mein laptop band kar raha tha, jab phone par Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: So gaye?
Reyansh: Nahi. Tum?
Jheel: Main bhi nahi.
Reyansh: Date ke baad neend nahi aa rahi?
Jheel: Shayad.
Reyansh: Shayad?
Jheel: Achha laga aaj.
Reyansh ne message padha.
Reyansh: Mujhe bhi, Jheel.
Kuch pal baad ek aur message aaya.
Jheel: Reyansh?
Reyansh: Haan?
Jheel: I'm happy.
Reyansh ne screen ko dekha.
Usne koi lamba jawab nahi likha.
Reyansh: Me too. ❤️
Us raat dono apne-apne flats mein soye.
Ek hi building mein, kuch hi kadmon ki doori par.
Unki kahani abhi shuru hi hui thi.
Aur filhaal, dono ke dil mein ek hi baat thi.
Shayad zindagi har baar aasaan nahi hoti, lekin kisi ke saath usse jeena thoda aasaan ho sakta hai.

[Greenwood]

Update 37


Bengaluru | Tuesday | Subah 7:32 AM
Reyansh ke bedroom mein alarm baj raha tha.
Pichhle kuch dino se uski subah mein ek naya element jud gaya tha. Alarm band karne ke baad woh phone zaroor check karta tha.
Aaj bhi usne aankhein khole bina phone uthaya.
Koi naya message nahi tha.
Usne screen par waqt dekha aur phir khud se kaha, "Kal toh good night ke baad bhi baat kar rahi thi. Aaj madam so rahi hain."
Woh bed se utha, bathroom ki taraf gaya aur taiyaar hone laga.
Kuch der baad kitchen se Shalu ke bartan rakhne ki awaaz aayi.
"Sir, chai table par rakh di hai."
Reyansh drawing room mein aaya. Shalu kitchen saaf kar rahi thi.
"Shalu, tumne kabhi notice kiya hai ki subah-subah chai insaan ko kitna important bana deti hai?"
Shalu ne palatkar dekha.
"Sir, chai banane wala important hota hai ya chai peene wala?"
Reyansh ruk gaya.
"Yeh sawaal tumhare computer course mein padhaya ja raha hai kya?"
"Nahi sir. Yeh mera apna experience hai."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Achha, tumhari comedy bhi improve ho rahi hai."
Shalu ne muskurakar apna kaam jaari rakha.
Reyansh chai lekar sofa par baith gaya aur phone khola.
Is baar Jheel ka message aa chuka tha.
Jheel: Good morning.
Reyansh: Good morning, sleeping beauty.
Jheel: Main abhi-abhi uthi hoon.
Reyansh: Mujhe pata tha.
Jheel: Kaise?
Reyansh: Kyunki tumne mujhe good morning bolne se pehle apni neend poori karna zaroori samjha.
Jheel: Tumhe problem hai?
Reyansh: Bilkul nahi. Main toh tumhari neend ki izzat karta hoon.
Jheel: Bahut achhe boyfriend ho.
Reyansh: Certificate WhatsApp par bhej dena.
Jheel ki taraf se laughing emoji aaya.
Reyansh ne chai ka aakhri sip liya.
Uske din ki shuruaat achhi ho chuki thi.


10:20 AM | Reyansh ka Office
Reyansh apne cabin mein ek presentation review kar raha tha.
Client ke liye agle hafte ka campaign final karna tha. Usne team ko kuch changes bheje aur laptop band karne hi wala tha ki Neha cabin ke darwaze par aa gayi.
"Free ho?"
"Do minute ke liye."
"Bas do minute hi chahiye."
Neha saamne wali chair par baith gayi.
"Kal tum jaldi nikal gaye the."
"Haan."
"Kahin gaye the?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Neha, tum meri colleague ho ya building association ki secretary?"
Neha hans padi.
"Main bas pooch rahi hoon."
"Dinner par gaya tha."
"Kiske saath?"
Reyansh ne kuch pal uski taraf dekha.
"Ek dost ke saath."
Neha ne aankhein chhoti kar li.
"Ladki dost?"
Reyansh ne jawab nahi diya.
Neha ki muskurahat badh gayi.
"Samajh gayi."
"Kya samajh gayi?"
"Ki mujhe ab tumse kuch poochhne ki zaroorat nahi."
Reyansh ne laptop dobara khol liya.
"Great. Toh ab kaam kar lein?"
Neha uthkar darwaze tak gayi, phir palatkar boli, "Waise, tum khush lag rahe ho. Achha hai."
Is baar Reyansh ne mazaak nahi kiya.
"Thanks, Neha."
Neha chali gayi.
Reyansh ne kuch der screen dekhi, phir phone uthaya.
Jheel ko message bhejne ka mann hua.
Reyansh: Lunch kiya?
Jheel: Abhi nahi.
Reyansh: Kyun?
Jheel: Kaam tha.
Reyansh: Khana kha lo. Baaki duniya thodi der ruk sakti hai.
Jheel ne message padha.
Uske chehre par halki si muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel: Ji, sir.
Reyansh: Good girl.
Jheel: Zyada khush mat ho.
Reyansh: Main toh pehle se khush hoon.
Jheel ne phone rakh diya.
Usne apna lunch nikala aur khana shuru kar diya.
Kabhi-kabhi kisi ka chhota sa message bhi yaad dilata hai ki tumhari fikr karne wala koi hai.


Jheel apne laptop par communication course ka assignment complete kar rahi thi.
Pichhle kuch hafton mein uska confidence kaafi badha tha. Pehle woh English mein koi sentence bolne se pehle kai baar sochti thi. Ab woh galti hone ke darr se rukti nahi thi.
Usne assignment submit kiya aur kursi par peeche tik gayi.
Tabhi phone par Reyansh ka message aaya.
Reyansh: Aaj shaam kya plan hai?
Jheel: Kuch khaas nahi.
Reyansh: Toh walk par chalein?
Jheel ne kuch pal socha.
Jheel: Haan, lekin ek condition hai.
Reyansh: Phir se?
Jheel: Aaj main jagah choose karungi.
Reyansh: Done.
Jheel: Aur tum complain nahi karoge.
Reyansh: Abhi se terms and conditions?
Jheel: Relationship hai, contract nahi. Lekin thodi conditions toh hongi.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: Madam, aap location bhejiye. Main haazir ho jaunga.
Jheel ne Bengaluru ke ek lakeside walking area ka naam bhej diya.
Jheel: Saat baje.
Reyansh: Ji, madam.
Jheel ne phone rakh diya.
Aaj usne khud plan banaya tha.
Chhoti si baat thi, lekin uske liye important thi. Woh nahi chahti thi ki unke relationship mein har baar Reyansh hi plans banaye ya saari zimmedari uthaye.
Use apni taraf se bhi kuch karna tha.


Reyansh parking se nikla toh Jheel thodi door khadi uska intezaar kar rahi thi.
Aaj usne light-blue kurti aur white trousers pehne the. Baal khule the aur chehre par shaam ki halki hawa ka asar tha.
Reyansh uske paas aaya.
"Madam, aapne toh poora Bengaluru choose karne ke baad yeh jagah select ki hai."
Jheel muskurayi.
"Achhi hai na?"
"Haan."
"Bas haan?"
Reyansh ne aas-paas dekha.
"Bahut achhi hai."
"Ab theek hai."
Dono lakeside path par chalne lage.
Kuch log jogging kar rahe the, kuch families bench par baithi thi aur door paani par shaam ki roshni pad rahi thi.
Jheel ne kaha, "Mujhe yahan aana pasand hai."
"Akeli aati ho?"
"Kabhi-kabhi. Jab ghar mein zyada der baithne ka mann nahi karta."
Reyansh ne sar hilaya.
"Achhi jagah hai thoda dimaag clear karne ke liye."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
"Tum bhi kabhi akele aate ho?"
"Kabhi. Lekin ab shayad company mil jayegi."
Jheel ne nazrein hata kar muskurahat chhupane ki koshish ki.
"Achha, toh main tumhari walking partner ban gayi?"
"Temporary appointment hai."
"Excuse me?"
"Permanent appointment ke liye application deni padegi."
Jheel ne uske haath par halka sa maara.
"Bahut bolte ho."
Reyansh hans pada.
Phir usne apna haath aage badhaya.
Jheel ne bina kuch kahe uska haath pakad liya.
Dono kuch der khamoshi se chalte rahe.
Is khamoshi mein koi awkwardness nahi thi.
Unhe har pal baat karne ki zaroorat nahi thi.


Kuch der baad dono lake ke paas ek bench par baith gaye.
Jheel ne apne haath mein pakdi water bottle ka dhakkan band kiya.
"Reyansh?"
"Hmm?"
"Ek baat poochhun?"
"Poochho."
"Tum relationship mein sabse important kya samajhte ho?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Sach bolun?"
"Obviously."
"Comfort. Trust. Aur yeh feeling ki saamne wala insaan tumhare saath rehna chahta hai, kisi majboori ki wajah se nahi."
Jheel kuch pal chup rahi.
Phir usne poochha, "Aur agar kabhi kisi ko apni feelings samajhne mein time lage toh?"
"Toh time dena chahiye."
"Har baar?"
"Jab tak dono log honestly try kar rahe hon."
Jheel ne uski baat dhyan se suni.
"Achha jawab hai."
Reyansh muskuraya.
"Interview khatam?"
"Haan."
"Selection ho gaya?"
Jheel hans padi.
"Abhi probation period chal raha hai."
Reyansh ne seene par haath rakhkar nakli dukh dikhaya.
"Relationship mein bhi probation!"
"Bilkul."
"Yeh toh employment law ke khilaaf hai."
Jheel ki hansi ruk nahi rahi thi.
Reyansh use dekhkar muskurata raha.
Use Jheel ki yeh baat pasand thi ki woh uske saamne apni baat kehne se darti nahi thi.
Aur Jheel ko pasand tha ki Reyansh uski baat ko chhota samajhkar taal nahi deta tha.
Unke beech yahi chhoti-chhoti baatein ek rishta bana rahi thi.


Raat 8:35 PM | Apartment Lobby
Reyansh aur Jheel building mein wapas aaye.
Lift ka intezaar karte hue Jheel apne phone par kuch dekh rahi thi.
Tabhi lobby ke doosre kone se ek awaaz aayi.
"Excuse me! Yeh parcel mera nahi hai."
Gungun delivery counter ke paas khadi thi. Uske haath mein ek medium-sized box tha aur chehre par wahi jaana-pehchaana irritation.
Delivery boy receipt dekh raha tha.
"Madam, address toh yahi hai."
"Address yahi hai, naam mera nahi hai!"
Prakash Bhatia bhi wahan aa gaye.
"Please, lobby mein awaaz mat uthaiye. Aap logon ko building ke rules follow karne chahiye."
Gungun ne unki taraf dekha.
"Mr. Bhatia, parcel mera nahi hai. Main isse apne ghar le jaakar kya karungi?"
Prakash ne chashma theek kiya.
"Main keh raha hoon na, procedure follow kijiye."
Gungun ne thandi saans li.
"Procedure ke naam par aap logon ko aur koi kaam nahi hai?"
Reyansh ne Jheel ki taraf dekha.
Jheel ne dheere se kaha, "Humein beech mein nahi padna chahiye."
"Bilkul," Reyansh ne jawab diya. "Main apni girlfriend ke saath peaceful evening enjoy kar raha hoon. Main apni marzi se kisi aur ke parcel mein kyun padun?"
Jheel ne use kohni maari.
"Chup raho."
Gungun ki nazar un dono par pad gayi.
"Achha! Aap log bhi yahin hain."
Reyansh ne polite smile di.
"Hello, Gungun."
Gungun ne Jheel ko dekha, phir Reyansh ko.
"Kahin ja rahe the?"
"Bas walk se aaye hain," Jheel ne kaha.
Gungun ne box delivery boy ko wapas de diya.
"Isse sahi address par bhejiye. Aur please, agli baar parcel dene se pehle naam check kar liya kijiye."
Woh apna phone uthakar lift ki taraf chal di.
Prakash ab bhi delivery boy ko procedure samjha rahe the.
Reyansh ne dheere se Jheel se kaha, "Dekha? Humari date ka extension lobby mein mil gaya."
Jheel hans padi.
"Har jagah tumhe joke mil jaata hai."
"Talent hai."
Lift aa gayi.
Dono andar chale gaye.
Gungun ka chhota sa scene khatam ho gaya, lekin uske chehre ki irritation ke peeche ki zindagi abhi bhi kahin anjaani thi.


Lift se nikalne ke baad dono apne flats ki taraf badhe.
Jheel ke darwaze ke paas pahunchkar Reyansh ruk gaya.
"Aaj achha laga."
Jheel ne muskurakar kaha, "Mujhe bhi."
"Kal milenge?"
"Kal bhi?"
"Relationship mein daily attendance zaroori hai kya?"
Jheel hans padi.
"Nahi. Lekin kal main busy ho sakti hoon."
Reyansh ne nakli serious expression banaya.
"Samajh gaya. Meri appointment cancel."
"Drama mat karo."
"Main toh bas apne emotions express kar raha hoon."
Jheel ne uska haath pakadkar ek pal ke liye apni taraf kheencha aur uske gaal par kiss kar diya.
"Good night."
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Phir muskuraya.
"Good night, Jheel."
Jheel apne flat mein chali gayi.
Reyansh apne darwaze tak aaya, lekin andar jaane se pehle usne phone check kiya.
Jheel ka message aa chuka tha.
Jheel: Aaj ki walk achhi thi. ❤️
Reyansh: Walking partner ka probation successful?
Jheel: Filhaal.
Reyansh: Main is result ke khilaaf appeal karunga.
Jheel: Kal office jao. Appeal baad mein karna.
Reyansh hans pada.
Phone rakhkar woh andar chala gaya.



Raat 11:16 PM | Reyansh Ka Flat
Reyansh bed par baitha phone dekh raha tha.
Jheel se good night ho chuki thi. Usne alarm set kiya aur phone rakhne hi wala tha ki ek notification aaya.
Unknown Number:
Bengaluru mein sab kuch badal raha hai, ya tum bhi badal rahe ho?
Reyansh ka haath ruk gaya.
Usne message dobara padha.
Number pehchana hua nahi tha.
Kuch mahine pehle bhi ek unknown number se use ajeeb se messages aaye the. Woh us ladki ko nahi pehchaan paaya tha, aur phir messages band ho gaye the.
Usne conversation kholi.
Purane messages wahin the.
Unknown Number: Tum abhi bhi waise hi ho?
Reyansh: Aap kaun hain?
Us waqt koi jawab nahi aaya tha.
Reyansh ne naya message type kiya.
Reyansh: Aap phir se aa gayi?
Message send ho gaya.
Woh kuch der screen dekhta raha.
Koi reply nahi.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakh diya.
"Jo bhi hai, saamne toh aao kabhi," woh dheere se bola.
Usne light band kar di.
Uske paas ab ek naya rishta tha, ek nayi khushi thi aur ek purana sawaal phir se uske phone par laut aaya tha.
Lekin us unknown number ke peeche kaun tha, iska jawab abhi kisi ke paas nahi tha.

[Greenwood]

Update 38


Scene 1: Subah Ka Pehla Attack
Bengaluru | Wednesday | 8:06 AM
Reyansh office ke liye taiyaar ho raha tha, tabhi phone par Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: Good morning, Mr. Busy!
Reyansh: Good morning, Miss Missing Me!
Jheel: Maine kab kaha ki main tumhe miss kar rahi hoon?
Reyansh: Tumne nahi kaha. Tumhare message ke timing ne bata diya.
Jheel: Wah! Ab tum messages ka analysis bhi karte ho?
Reyansh: Brand manager hoon, madam. Har cheez ka pattern pakad leta hoon.
Jheel: Achha? Toh mera pattern batao.
Reyansh ne muskurate hue type kiya.
Reyansh: Tum subah good morning bhejogi. Phir poochhogi ki maine breakfast kiya ya nahi. Phir kahogi ki main kaam mein busy rehta hoon. Aur phir khud hi mujhe miss karogi.
Jheel ne message padha aur hansi rokne ki koshish ki.
Jheel: Tum bahut overconfident ho.
Reyansh: Tumhari wajah se.
Jheel: Meri wajah se?
Reyansh: Haan. Girlfriend itni cute ho toh boyfriend ka confidence badh hi jaata hai.
Jheel kuch pal screen dekhti rahi.
Jheel: Subah-subah shuru ho gaye!
Reyansh: Abhi toh sirf trailer hai.
Jheel: Picture cancel kar dungi.
Reyansh: Ticket non-refundable hai, madam.
Jheel zor se hans padi.
Phir usne phone rakh diya aur apne kaam mein lag gayi.
Lekin uske gaalon par aayi muskurahat kuch der tak nahi gayi.
Scene 2: Ek Hug Ki Demand
Shaam 6:25 PM | Flat 303
Reyansh ghar lauta toh kaafi thaka hua tha.
Din bhar meetings aur client revisions ke baad uska dimaag bilkul khaali ho chuka tha. Usne shirt ki sleeves fold ki, sofa par baitha aur aankhein band kar li.
Kuch minute baad doorbell baji.
Darwaza khola toh saamne Jheel thi.
"Hi," usne muskurakar kaha.
Reyansh ke chehre par bhi muskurahat aa gayi.
"Hi, girlfriend ji. Aaj kaise yaad kiya?"
Jheel ne bhaunhein uthayi.
"Matlab main tumse milne bhi nahi aa sakti?"
"Arre, aa sakti ho. Main toh chahta hoon ki tum aati raho."
"Achha?"
"Bilkul. Lekin ek problem hai."
"Kya?"
Reyansh ne apne dono haath thode se khol diye.
"Entry ke saath ek hug free milta hai kya?"
Jheel use dekhti rahi.
Phir hans padi.
"Tumhe har baat mein hug kyun chahiye?"
"Kyuki tumhare hugs kaafi achhe hain."
Jheel ka chehra halka sa laal ho gaya.
"Reyansh!"
"Ji?"
"Darwaza band karo pehle."
Reyansh ek taraf hat gaya. Jheel andar aayi aur usne darwaza band kar diya.
Phir Jheel khud uske paas aayi aur apni baahen uske gird rakh di.
Reyansh ne bhi use pyaar se gale laga liya.
Kuch pal dono waise hi khade rahe.
Koi joke nahi.
Koi teasing nahi.
Bas ek shaant sa hug.
Reyansh ne dheere se kaha, "Aaj ka din bahut lamba tha."
Jheel ne uske kandhe par apna sir tikaya.
"Ab kaisa lag raha hai?"
"Better."
"Bas?"
Reyansh muskuraya.
"Kaafi better."
Jheel ne use thoda aur kas kar gale laga liya.
"Toh jab bhi din bura ho, bata dena."
Reyansh ne uske baalon par halka sa haath phera.
"Tum bhi."
Us pal dono ko kisi badi romantic baat ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Kabhi-kabhi kisi apne ke paas khade rehna hi kaafi hota hai.


Kuch der baad dono sofa par baithe the.
Jheel ne phone par ek video dikhaya. Ek ladka apni girlfriend ke liye poora kamra balloons se saja raha tha.
Jheel ne kaha, "Kitna cute hai!"
Reyansh ne video dekha.
"Main bhi tumhare liye aisa kar sakta hoon."
Jheel ne turant uski taraf dekha.
"Sach mein?"
"Haan. Bas ek condition hai."
"Kya?"
"Tum safai karne mein meri help karogi."
Jheel ne cushion uthakar uski taraf badhaya.
"Reyansh!"
Woh hans pada.
"Achha, achha! Main mazaak kar raha hoon."
Jheel ne cushion apni god mein rakh liya.
"Tumhe pata hai, romantic log aise nahi hote."
"Romantic log kaise hote hain?"
"Jo apni girlfriend ke liye kuch special karein."
Reyansh ne use kuch pal dekha.
Phir usne apna haath aage badhaya.
"Idhar aao."
"Kyun?"
"Ek baat batani hai."
Jheel thoda kareeb aayi.
Reyansh ne uska haath pakda aur muskurakar kaha, "Mujhe decoration karna nahi aata. Lekin tumhare liye waqt nikalna aata hai."
Jheel ki muskurahat dheemi ho gayi.
Woh kuch pal use dekhti rahi.
Phir usne apna sir uske kandhe par rakh diya.
"Yeh line achhi thi."
"Note kar loon? Agli baar kaam aayegi."
Jheel hans padi.
"Bilkul nahi. Har baar nayi line chahiye."
Reyansh ne gehri saans li.
"Girlfriend rakhna aasaan hai. Girlfriend ko impress karna full-time job hai."
Jheel ne uske kandhe par halka sa mukka maara.
"Resignation allowed nahi hai."
"Contract mein likha tha kya?"
"Ab likh diya."


Raat ko Jheel apne flat mein thi aur Reyansh apne.
Dono ne dinner kar liya tha.
Reyansh: Ghar pahunch gayi, madam?
Jheel: Main toh apne ghar mein hi hoon!
Reyansh: Haan, lekin abhi kuch der pehle mere ghar par thi.
Jheel: Toh?
Reyansh: Toh ab ghar thoda khaali lag raha hai.
Jheel ne message padha.
Uske chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel: Itni jaldi meri aadat pad gayi?
Reyansh: Tumhe kya lagta hai?
Jheel: Mujhe lagta hai tum bahut filmy ho.
Reyansh: Aur mujhe lagta hai tumhe meri filmy baatein pasand hain.
Jheel: Kisne kaha?
Reyansh: Tum abhi bhi reply kar rahi ho.
Jheel: Main bas tumhari galatfehmi door kar rahi hoon.
Reyansh: Achha. Toh kal milkar door kar dena.
Jheel: Kal kya karoge?
Reyansh ne jaanbujhkar kuch seconds rukkar reply kiya.
Reyansh: Pehle hug. Phir chai. Phir dekhenge madam ka mood kya kehta hai.
Jheel ne takiye mein chehra chhupakar hansi.
Jheel: Tum bahut naughty ho.
Reyansh: Sirf apni girlfriend ke saath.
Jheel: Aur agar girlfriend sharma gayi toh?
Reyansh: Toh usse aur nahi chhedunga.
Jheel kuch pal chup rahi.
Phir usne likha:
Jheel: Good answer. ❤️
Reyansh ne phone dekha aur muskuraya.
Use Jheel ko chhedna pasand tha, lekin usse bhi zyada zaroori tha ki Jheel uske saath comfortable rahe.
Unki masti tabhi khoobsurat thi jab dono usmein khush hote the.



Raat 10:47 PM
Jheel apne bed par baithi thi.
Usne phone uthaya aur Reyansh ko message kiya.
Jheel: Reyansh?
Reyansh: Haan, bolo.
Jheel: Tum mere saath itna comfortable kaise ho gaye?
Reyansh ne message padha.
Is baar usne turant joke nahi kiya.
Reyansh: Shayad kyunki tumhare saamne mujhe har waqt strong banne ki zaroorat nahi lagti.
Jheel ki ungliyan screen par ruk gayin.
Jheel: Matlab?
Reyansh: Matlab, kabhi din kharab ho toh tumhe bata sakta hoon. Kabhi chup rehna ho toh tumhare saath chup reh sakta hoon. Har waqt entertaining banna zaroori nahi lagta.
Jheel ne message dobara padha.
Jheel: Mere saath bhi aisa hi hai.
Reyansh: Sach?
Jheel: Haan. Tumhare saath mujhe har baat par perfect answer dene ki zaroorat nahi lagti. Galti ho jaaye toh bhi main bol sakti hoon. Aur agar kabhi bas gale lagkar baithna ho, toh woh bhi keh sakti hoon.
Reyansh ke chehre par halki muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Toh kal ek aur hug reserve kar loon?
Jheel: Tum sudharoge nahi.
Reyansh: Tum chahogi bhi nahi.
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel: Good night, Mr. Naughty.
Reyansh: Good night, Miss Blushing.
Jheel: Main blush nahi kar rahi!
Reyansh: Maine dekha hi nahi, phir bhi pata hai.
Jheel: Pagal.
Reyansh: Tumhara.
Jheel kuch pal screen dekhti rahi.
Phir usne phone side mein rakh diya aur kambal odh liya.
Uski muskurahat dheere-dheere shaant ho gayi.
Woh khush thi.
Reyansh ke saath use sirf excitement nahi milti thi. Use ek aisa comfort bhi mil raha tha jahan woh apni baat keh sakti thi, hans sakti thi aur kabhi-kabhi bina wajah chup bhi reh sakti thi.
Aur Reyansh ke liye bhi Jheel ke saath bitaye gaye yeh chhote pal uski rozmarra ki zindagi ka ek khoobsurat hissa ban rahe the.
Dono ko abhi bahut kuch seekhna tha.
Lekin filhaal, unke beech pyaar tha, masti thi aur ek-doosre ke paas lautne ki khushi thi.

[Greenwood]

Update 39



Ek Message, Aur Reyansh Ki Smile Gayab Hone Ka Naam Hi Na Le!
Raat ke kareeb 11 baj rahe the.
Bengaluru ki sadkon par gaadiyon ki awaaz ab dheere-dheere kam ho rahi thi. Flat 303 mein Reyansh sofa par aadha letkar phone chala raha tha. TV par koi random show chal raha tha, lekin uska dhyaan screen par kam aur phone par zyada tha.
Kyunki phone par ek khaas insaan online thi.
Jheel ?
Reyansh:
Madam, so gayi kya?
Jheel:
Nahi.
Reyansh:
Achha. Toh reply karne mein itna time kyun laga?
Jheel:
Main tumhari tarah poora din phone lekar nahi baithi rehti.
Reyansh:
Bilkul. Tum toh bas har do minute mein mera last seen check karti ho.
Jheel:
Jhooth!
Reyansh:
Achha ji?
Jheel:
Haan ji.
Reyansh:
Toh abhi mera last seen kya hai?
Kuch seconds tak Jheel ka reply nahi aaya.
Reyansh ke chehre par dheere-dheere shararti muskaan aa gayi.
Phir notification aaya.
Jheel:
Tum bahut irritating ho.
Reyansh:
Aur phir bhi boyfriend main hi hoon. Kya karein, kismat achhi hai tumhari.
Jheel:
Tumhari zyada achhi hai. Itni pyaari girlfriend mili hai.
Reyansh seedha hokar baith gaya.
Reyansh:
Ek minute.
Jheel:
Kya hua?
Reyansh:
Screenshot le raha hoon. Zindagi mein pehli baar tumne meri tareef ki hai.
Jheel:
Rehne do! Delete karo!
Reyansh:
Ab toh family group mein bhejunga.
Jheel:
REYANSH! ?
Woh hans pada.
Uski hansi mein aajkal ek alag hi aasani thi. Use har waqt kisi baat ka jawaab dhoondhne ki zaroorat nahi padti thi. Kabhi-kabhi bas kisi ka message padhkar muskura dena bhi kaafi hota hai.
Phone phir vibrate hua.
Jheel:
Waise…
Reyansh:
Ji, girlfriend sahiba?
Jheel:
Kal miloge?
Reyansh ne bina soche type kiya.
Reyansh:
Kal? Main toh abhi bhi mil sakta hoon.
Jheel:
Raat ke gyarah baje?
Reyansh:
Pyaar mein waqt nahi dekha jaata.
Jheel:
Aur neend?
Reyansh:
Woh tumhare saath aayegi toh so jaaunga.
Jheel ne phone apne chehre ke saamne kar liya.
Jheel:
Tum na… ?
Reyansh:
Main kya?
Jheel:
Tumhari baaton ka koi ilaaj nahi hai.
Reyansh:
Ilaaj mat karwana. Mujhe aisa hi rehne do.
Jheel muskurate hue takiye par gir gayi.
Usne phone side mein rakha, lekin kuch hi seconds baad phir utha liya.
Jheel:
Good night, Mr. Naughty.
Reyansh:
Good night, Miss Blushing.
Jheel:
Main blush nahi karti!
Reyansh:
Achha. Kal milkar check kar lunga.
Is baar Jheel ne reply nahi kiya.
Bas ek red heart bhej diya. ❤️
Aur Reyansh ko laga ki uska din achhe note par khatam hua hai.


Agli Subah: Darwaze Par Jheel, Aur Chehre Par Shararat
Subah Reyansh abhi apni coffee lekar dining table par baitha hi tha ki doorbell baj gayi.
Ding-dong!
Usne darwaza khola.
Saamne Jheel khadi thi. Simple top, jeans, baalon ko dheele se baandha hua, aur chehre par woh seedhi-si muskaan jise dekhkar Reyansh ko aksar shak hota tha ki madam kuch na kuch sochkar aayi hain.
Reyansh ne darwaze se hatne ke bajaye wahin khade rehkar use dekha.
Reyansh:
“Good morning, girlfriend.”
Jheel:
“Good morning.”
Reyansh:
“Bas?”
Jheel:
“Kya bas?”
Reyansh:
“Kal raat toh badi-badi baatein kar rahi thi. Aaj saamne aakar formal good morning?”
Jheel ne aankhein sikodi.
Jheel:
“Tumhe subah-subah kya chahiye?”
Reyansh ne apni baahen halka sa khol di.
Reyansh:
“Ek hug. Aur kuch nahi.”
Jheel ne ek pal use dekha.
Phir bina kuch kahe uske paas aayi aur use gale laga liya.
Reyansh ke chehre par turant muskaan aa gayi. Usne bhi use aaraam se baahon mein le liya.
Kuch seconds tak dono waise hi khade rahe.
Phir Jheel ne dheere se kaha, “Ab chhodoge bhi?”
Reyansh:
“Main toh chhod doon. Dil ko kaise samjhaun?”
Jheel:
“Tumhara dil bahut filmy hai.”
Reyansh:
“Tumhari wajah se hua hai.”
Jheel peeche hati aur uske seene par halki si thapki maari.
Jheel:
“Achha, bas. Mujhe kuch kaam hai.”
Reyansh:
“Kaisa kaam?”
Jheel:
“Tumse milna tha.”
Reyansh ne use dekha.
“Matlab… sirf mujhse milne aayi ho?”
Jheel ne apni muskaan chhupane ki koshish ki.


“Haan. Koi problem?”
“Problem toh hai.”
Uska chehra ekdum badal gaya.
“Kya problem?”
Reyansh uske kareeb jhukkar bola, “Ab roz tumse milne ki aadat pad gayi toh?”
Jheel ke gaal gulaabi ho gaye.
Jheel:
“Tum jaan-boojhkar aisi baatein karte ho!”
Reyansh:
“Bilkul. Mehnat karta hoon apne relationship par.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Tum impossible ho!”
“Lekin tumhare hoon.”
Is baar Jheel ke paas koi funny jawaab nahi tha. Usne bas muskurakar uska haath pakad liya.
Aur Reyansh ne bhi uska haath nahi chhoda.


Jheel kitchen ki taraf badhi toh uski nazar dining table par padi.
Ek coffee mug. Do bread slices. Aur ek plate mein aadha kata hua apple.
Usne Reyansh ko dekha.
Jheel:
“Tumne breakfast kar liya?”
Reyansh:
“Kar raha hoon.”
Jheel:
“Yeh breakfast hai?”
Reyansh:
“Haan. International breakfast.”
Jheel ne plate uthakar dekhi.
“International? Do bread aur aadha apple?”
“Minimalism, madam.”
“Tumhari cooking bhi minimal hogi.”
Reyansh ne seene par haath rakh liya.
“Dil tod diya tumne.”
Jheel ne fridge khola aur andar jhaanka. Kuch basic groceries, doodh, eggs aur kuch vegetables rakhi thi.
Jheel:
“Tum ghar par kuch dhang ka banate bhi ho?”
Reyansh:
“Main bahut kuch banata hoon.”
Jheel:
“Jaise?”
Reyansh:
“Coffee.”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Bas?”
“Achhi coffee.”
“Reyansh!”
Woh hans pada.
Jheel ne bread toaster mein rakhi aur eggs nikaal liye.
“Baitho. Main bana deti hoon.”
Reyansh kitchen counter ke paas aakar khada ho gaya.
“Ek baat poochun?”
“Poocho.”
“Tum meri girlfriend ho ya meri personal chef?”
Jheel ne spatula uthakar uski taraf ishara kiya.
“Zyada bole toh aaj tumhe sirf coffee milegi.”
Reyansh ne turant dono haath upar kar diye.
“Ji, chef sahiba. Main chup hoon.”
Lekin woh chup rehne waalon mein se tha hi nahi.
Jab Jheel eggs bana rahi thi, usne peeche se kaha, “Waise tum kitchen mein bhi achhi lagti ho.”
Jheel ne palatkar dekha.
“Main har jagah achhi lagti hoon.”
Reyansh do seconds ke liye chup ho gaya.
Phir usne taali baja di.
“Confidence! Wah! Yeh meri girlfriend hai!”
Jheel khud bhi hans padi.
“Tumne hi toh kaha tha ki mujhe apne aap par confidence rakhna chahiye.”
Reyansh ki muskaan thodi naram ho gayi.
“Haan. Aur tum rakh sakti ho.”
Jheel ne plate mein breakfast rakha aur uske saamne rakh diya.
“Lo. Ab khaao.”
Reyansh ne pehla bite liya.
Jheel uske chehre ko dhyaan se dekhne lagi.
“Kaisa hai?”
“Achha hai.”
“Sach?”
“Bahut achha.”
Jheel ke chehre par khushi aa gayi.
Phir Reyansh ne agla sentence bola.
“Ab roz banaogi toh aur practice ho jayegi.”
Jheel ki smile gayab.
“Khud bana lena!”
Reyansh zor se hans pada.
“Arre, mazaak kar raha hoon!”
“Tumhara mazaak kabhi khatam nahi hota?”
“Tumhari smile ke saamne toh bilkul nahi.”
Jheel ne nazrein jhuka li.
Uske liye compliments ab bhi thode naye the. Lekin Reyansh ke saath woh dheere-dheere unse bhaagna band kar rahi thi.


Breakfast ke baad dono living room mein baithe the.
Jheel sofa ke kone par pair sametkar baithi thi, jabki Reyansh uske paas baitha coffee pee raha tha.
“Kal kahaan chalna hai?” Jheel ne poochha.
Reyansh ne cup table par rakha.
“Tum batao.”
“Main?”
“Haan. Har baar main hi plan banaun?”
Jheel kuch der sochti rahi.
“Bookstore?”
“Bookstore?”
“Haan. Mujhe wahan jaana achha lagta hai.”
Reyansh ne sir hila diya.
“Done.”
Jheel ne hairani se use dekha.
“Bas? Tumhe boring nahi lagega?”
“Tumhare saath bookstore boring kaise hoga?”
“Wahan toh bas books hongi.”
Reyansh thoda uski taraf jhuka.
“Aur tum hogi.”
Jheel ne apna chehra haathon se chhupa liya.
“Please! Har baat par flirt karna zaroori hai?”
“Bilkul nahi.”
“Good.”
“Lekin tum saamne ho toh control mushkil hai.”
Jheel ne cushion uthakar uske kandhe par maara.
Reyansh hansne laga.
Phir usne cushion side mein rakha aur Jheel ka haath apne haath mein le liya.
“Sach mein, tum plan banao. Mujhe achha lagta hai jab tum apni pasand batati ho.”
Jheel ki hansi dheere-dheere shaant ho gayi.
“Pehle main itna nahi sochti thi,” usne kaha. “Kahin jaana ho toh lagta tha ki pata nahi doosre ko pasand aayega ya nahi. Phir main apni choice batati hi nahi thi.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Ab bata diya karo.”
“Aur agar tumhe pasand nahi aaya?”
“Toh hum doosra plan bana lenge.”
“Bas itna simple?”
“Har baat ko complicated karna zaroori thodi hai.”
Jheel ne uski ungliyon ko apni ungliyon mein phansa liya.
“Tumhare saath kabhi-kabhi cheezein sach mein simple lagti hain.”


Reyansh ne uske haath par apna angutha dheere se phiraya.
“Achha hai. Mujhe bhi tumhare saath aisa hi lagta hai.”
Kuch pal dono chup rahe.
Kisi ko kuch prove nahi karna tha. Na koi bada promise, na koi dramatic dialogue.
Bas ek sofa, do coffee mugs aur do log jo ek-doosre ke paas baithkar apne din ka shor bhool sakte the.
Shayad sukoon hamesha kisi badi jagah ya badi khushi mein nahi milta. Kabhi-kabhi woh kisi ke paas chupchaap baithne mein bhi mil jaata hai.


Dopahar ke aas-paas Reyansh ka phone baja.
Screen par naam chamka.
Arshad Calling…
Reyansh ne call uthaya.
Reyansh:
“Haan, bol.”
Arshad:
“Bade busy lag rahe ho aajkal.”
“Kaam hai.”
“Kaam ya koi aur kaam?”
Reyansh ne aankhein band karke gehri saans li.
“Tu seedha baat karega?”
“Main toh seedha hi hoon. Teri awaaz tedhi ho gayi hai.”
Jheel paas baithi apni hansi rokne lagi.
Arshad ne phone par poochha, “Tu akela hai?”
Reyansh ne Jheel ki taraf dekha.
“Ky—”
Jheel ne turant apne hothon par ungli rakhkar use chup rehne ka ishara kiya.
Reyansh ne muskurate hue kaha, “Haan.”
Arshad kuch seconds chup raha.
Phir bola, “Jhooth bolte waqt teri awaaz itni seedhi kyun ho jaati hai?”
Jheel ka control chhoot gaya. Woh hans padi.
Phone ke doosri taraf Arshad ne turant pakad liya.
“Ek minute! Yeh hansi kiski thi?”
Reyansh ne maatha pakad liya.
“TV chal raha hai.”
“Achha? TV par ladkiyan bhi hansne lagi hain?”
Jheel ne apna chehra cushion ke peeche chhupa liya.
Arshad ki awaaz mein shararat badh gayi.
“Reyansh sahab, Bengaluru mein hawa badal gayi hai ya aapki zindagi?”
“Tu apna kaam kar.”
“Kar raha hoon. Lekin ab samajh aaya ki tu phone par itna kyun muskura raha tha.”
Reyansh ne call khatam karne ke liye phone kaatne ka natak kiya.
Arshad turant bola, “Achha sun! Ek freelance client ka kaam mil sakta hai. Proposal bhejna hai. Shaam ko baat karte hain.”
Reyansh ka andaaz turant normal ho gaya.
“Sure. Details bhej dena. Main dekh lunga.”
“Wah! Kaam ki baat par asli Reyansh wapas aa gaya.”
“Arshad…”
“Achha, achha. Ja. Apna international breakfast kha.”
Call kat gaya.
Jheel zor se hans padi.
Reyansh ne use dekha.
“Bahut maza aa raha hai?”
“Bahut!”
“Achha. Toh ab tumhe bhi ek naam diya jaayega.”
Jheel ne bhaunhein utha di.
“Kya naam?”
Reyansh:
“Mrs. International Breakfast.”
Jheel ne cushion seedha uske chehre par maar diya.
“Tum bilkul pagal ho!”
Aur Reyansh ke liye shayad yahi us dopahar ka sabse achha pal tha.



Kuch der baad Jheel ko apne flat mein jaana tha.
Woh darwaze ke paas khadi hokar apna bag theek kar rahi thi, jab Reyansh uske paas aaya.
“Kal bookstore pakka?”
Jheel ne sir hila diya.
“Pakka.”
“Time?”
“Shaam ko.”
“Kitne baje?”
“Reyansh, hum mil rahe hain. Court hearing nahi hai.”
Woh hans pada.
“Bas schedule clear kar raha hoon.”
Jheel ne darwaza khola, lekin jaane se pehle ruk gayi.
“Ek baat kahun?”
“Bolo.”
“Tum jab mere saath hote ho na… toh mujhe har waqt kuch bolna zaroori nahi lagta.”
Reyansh ki shararat bhari muskaan dheere se halki ho gayi.
Jheel ne baat aage badhai.
“Main chup bhi rahun, toh tumhe lagta nahi ki main bore ho rahi hoon. Aur main kuch galat bol doon toh tum mera mazaak udaate ho, lekin mujhe bura feel nahi hota.”
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, “Kabhi-kabhi toh tum khud hi mujhe mauka deti ho.”
Jheel ne aankhein ghumayi.
“Main serious hoon!”
“Achha, sorry. Bolo.”
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Bas… thank you.”
“Kis liye?”
“Pata nahi. Mere saath aise rehne ke liye.”
Reyansh kuch pal use dekhta raha.
Phir usne dheere se use apni baahon mein le liya.
Is baar hug mein koi naughty line nahi thi. Koi teasing nahi. Koi jaldi nahi.
Jheel ne apna sar uske kandhe par rakh diya.
Reyansh ne uski peeth par pyaar se haath phiraya.
“Thank you tum bhi,” usne dheere se kaha.
Jheel ne sar uthaya.
“Kis liye?”
“Tumhare saath main har waqt funny banne ki koshish nahi karta. Kabhi chup rehne ka mann ho toh chup reh sakta hoon.”
Jheel ki aankhon mein ek naram si chamak aa gayi.
“Tum chup bhi reh sakte ho?”
Reyansh ne use dekha.
“Ek minute pehle emotional moment tha. Tumne khud barbaad kiya.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Sorry, Mr. Naughty.”
“Maafi tab milegi jab ek aur hug milega.”
“Tumhari demands kabhi khatam nahi hongi?”
“Relationship mein negotiation zaroori hai.”
Jheel ne muskurate hue use dobara gale laga liya.
“Lo. Ab khush?”
Reyansh ne use baahon mein sambhalte hue kaha, “Kaafi.”


“Kaafi?”
“Kal bookstore ke baad review dunga.”
Jheel ne use peeche se halki si thapki maari aur darwaze se bahar nikal gayi.
“Bye, Reyansh!”
“Bye, girlfriend!”
Darwaza band hone se pehle Jheel ne palatkar use ek flying kiss di.
Reyansh ek second ke liye wahin khada reh gaya.
Phir usne hawa mein kiss pakadne ka natak kiya aur apne seene par haath rakh liya.
“Gaya main.”
Flat mein ab phir se khamoshi thi.
Lekin is baar khamoshi khaali nahi lag rahi thi.
Reyansh ne darwaza band kiya aur muskurate hue apne phone ki taraf badha.
Uski screen par ek naya message aaya tha.
Unknown Number:
Lagta hai aajkal aapke paas muskurane ki wajah hai.
Reyansh ki muskaan ek pal ke liye ruk gayi.
Usne message dobara padha.
Phir type kiya.
Reyansh:
Aapko meri muskurahat se itni dilchaspi kyun hai?
Message deliver ho gaya.
Is baar saamne se turant reply nahi aaya.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakh diya.
Woh abhi us paheli ko suljhaane ke mood mein nahi tha.
Aaj uske paas ek bookstore date thi, ek shararti girlfriend thi, aur ek aisi shaanti thi jise woh bina naam diye bhi pehchaan sakta tha.
Usne coffee ka aakhri sip liya.
Aur khud se kaha:
“Filhaal, itna kaafi hai.”

[Greenwood]

Update 40


Shaam ke chaar baj rahe the.
Jheel apne flat mein almari ke saamne khadi thi. Bed par do outfits rakhe hue the. Ek simple kurti aur jeans, doosra ek casual top aur trousers.
Usne pehle outfit ko dekha, phir doosre ko.
“Bookstore hi toh jaana hai,” usne khud se kaha. “Koi fashion show nahi.”
Phir bhi usne doosra outfit uthaya.
Kuch der baad mirror ke saamne khadi hokar baal theek kiye, aankhon mein halka sa kajal lagaya aur lip balm laga liya.
Phone par message aaya.
Reyansh:
Madam, taiyaar hain ya bookstore band hone ka wait kar rahi hain?
Jheel:
Main time par hoon.
Reyansh:
Tumhare time par ya duniya ke time par?
Jheel:
Main aa rahi hoon. Zyada smart mat bano.
Reyansh:
Boyfriend hoon. Thoda smart toh hona padega.
Jheel muskura di.
Usne bag uthaya aur darwaza band karne se pehle ek baar mirror mein khud ko dekha.
“Bas bookstore jaana hai,” usne phir kaha.
Lekin is baar uski muskaan kuch aur keh rahi thi.


Reyansh building lobby ke paas khada phone dekh raha tha.
Aaj usne casual shirt aur jeans pehni thi. Baal usual se thode zyada set the, aur chehre par woh confident expression tha jo Jheel ko dekhte hi shararat mein badal jaata tha.
Jheel lift se bahar aayi.
Reyansh ne phone neeche kiya.
Kuch pal use dekhta raha.
Jheel uske saamne aakar ruk gayi.
“Kya hua?”
“Ek problem hai.”
Jheel ka chehra serious ho gaya. “Kya problem?”
Reyansh ne halka sa sir tedha kiya.
“Tum itni achhi lag rahi ho ki ab mujhe bookstore jaane ka mann nahi kar raha.”
Jheel ne aankhein ghumayi.
“Tumhe toh waise bhi books padhne ka mann nahi karta.”
“Dekho, personal attack mat karo.”
“Sach bol rahi hoon.”
Reyansh uske paas aaya aur dheere se bola, “Achha, toh aaj tum mujhe books padhne ki aadat lagwaogi?”
“Pehle tum ek page bina phone dekhe padh lena. Phir aage sochenge.”
“Ek page?”
“Haan.”
“Tum bahut demanding girlfriend ho.”
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Chalo, Mr. Complaining Boyfriend.”
Reyansh ne unke haathon ki taraf dekha, phir uski taraf.
“Yeh toh achha hai.”
“Kya?”
“Tum ab khud mera haath pakadne lagi ho.”
Jheel ne uska haath chhodne ka natak kiya.
Reyansh ne turant uski ungliyan dobara thaam li.
“Arre, mazaak kar raha tha!”
Dono hanste hue parking ki taraf chal diye.


Bookstore zyada bheed-bhaad wala nahi tha.
Andar halki music chal rahi thi. Shelves par novels, biographies, self-help books aur travel guides lagi hui thi. Ek kone mein chhota sa reading area tha, jahan kuch log coffee lekar baithe padh rahe the.
Jheel andar aate hi thodi khush ho gayi.
Uski nazar alag-alag shelves par ghoomne lagi.
Reyansh ne uska chehra dekha.
“Tumhe sach mein yahan aana pasand hai?”
Jheel ne sir hila diya.
“Bahut.”
“Yahan itni saari books hain. Tum decide kaise karti ho ki kaunsi padhni hai?”
“Jo book mujhe apni taraf kheenchti hai.”
Reyansh ne ek shelf se book nikali.
“Yeh mujhe kheench rahi hai.”
Jheel ne cover dekha.
“Yeh toh cooking ki book hai.”
“Tumhare liye research kar raha hoon.”
Jheel ne book uske haath se le li.
“Tumhe cooking seekhne ki zaroorat hai.”
“Main seekh lunga. Lekin tum teacher banogi.”
“Main kyun?”
“Tumhe mere saath rehna hai na? Toh meri training bhi tumhari responsibility hai.”
Jheel ne book shelf par rakh di.
“Tumhare saath rehne ka contract kab sign kiya maine?”
Reyansh ne ek second ke liye uski taraf dekha.
Phir uski muskaan naram ho gayi.
“Abhi toh bas girlfriend-boyfriend ka contract hai.”
Jheel ke gaal gulaabi ho gaye.
“Tum har baat ka kuch aur matlab nikaal lete ho.”
“Main? Bilkul nahi.”
“Jhooth.”
“Proof?”
Jheel ne uski taraf ungli dikhayi.
“Yeh jo tumhare chehre par smile hai na, wahi proof hai.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Madam, aap mujhe bahut achhe se samajhne lagi hain.”
Jheel ne shelf se ek novel nikali.
“Tumse bachne ke liye zaroori hai.”


Kuch der baad Jheel ek shelf ke saamne ruk gayi.
Usne ek novel uthayi aur pichhle cover par likha description padhne lagi.
Reyansh uske paas aa khada hua.
“Kaunsi hai?”
“Ek relationship story.”
“Happy ending?”
“Abhi nahi pata.”
“Toh phir kyun padhogi?”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Har kahani sirf ending ke liye thodi padhi jaati hai. Kabhi-kabhi safar bhi achha lagta hai.”
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Phir bola, “Yeh line achhi thi.”
Jheel muskurayi.
“Book ki line hai.”
“Lekin tumne boli.”
Usne novel apne haath mein le li.
“Tum har baat ko compliment mein kyun badal dete ho?”
“Talent hai.”
“Overconfidence hai.”
“Dono mein farq bahut kam hai.”
Jheel hans padi.
Woh reading area ki taraf badhe aur ek table par baith gaye. Jheel novel ke kuch pages padhne lagi, jabki Reyansh saamne baithkar use dekh raha tha.
Kuch der baad Jheel ne nazar uthayi.
“Tum padh kyun nahi rahe?”
“Padh raha hoon.”
“Kya?”
“Tumhare expressions.”
Jheel ne book band kar di.
“Reyansh!”
“Achha, achha. Ab sach mein padhta hoon.”
Usne saamne rakhi ek book kholi.
Do minute baad usne phone nikaal liya.
Jheel ne bina kuch kahe apna haath aage badhaya.
Reyansh ne phone uske haath mein de diya.
“Yeh kya?”
“Phone confiscated.”
“Madam, main adult hoon.”
“Lekin harkatein collegeboy wali hain.”
Reyansh ne kursi par peeche hote hue kaha, “Mujhe apne hi relationship mein freedom nahi mil rahi.”
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumhe freedom bahut pasand hai na?”
Reyansh ki muskaan ek pal ke liye halki pad gayi.
Usne Jheel ki taraf dekha, phir aaraam se kaha, “Haan. Lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki main har waqt akela rehna chahta hoon.”
Jheel ka expression badal gaya.
Reyansh ne baat ko bhaari nahi banaya. Usne bas saamne rakhi book kholi.
“Kabhi-kabhi achha lagta hai ki koi paas baitha ho. Apni book padh raha ho, aur tum apni. Har waqt baat karna bhi zaroori nahi.”
Jheel ne kuch nahi kaha.
Bas apni kursi thodi uski taraf kar li.
Phir usne novel dobara khol li.
Kuch der dono chupchaap padhte rahe.
Aur is baar Reyansh ne phone nahi nikala.


Bookstore ke andar hi chhota sa café tha.
Dono coffee lekar khidki ke paas wali table par baith gaye.
Jheel apni coffee mein sugar mila rahi thi, jab Reyansh ne poochha, “Ek baat batao.”
“Haan?”
“Tum mujhe pehli baar kab pasand karne lagi thi?”
Jheel ka haath ruk gaya.
“Yeh achanak kya sawaal hai?”
“Boyfriend hoon. Kuch rights toh hain.”
“Tumhe har baat ka answer chahiye?”
“Har baat ka nahi. Bas important baaton ka.”
Jheel kuch der sochti rahi.
“Shayad jab mujhe laga ki tum mere saamne mujhe impress karne ki koshish nahi karte.”
Reyansh ne bhaunhein utha di.
“Main toh tumhe roz impress karta hoon.”
“Woh toh ab karte ho.”
“Pehle nahi karta tha?”
“Pehle tum bas… tum the.”
Reyansh ne coffee ka sip liya.
“Yeh compliment tha ya insult?”
“Tum decide kar lo.”
Woh hans pada.
“Ab meri baari. Tumhe kya lagta hai, main tumhe kab pasand karne laga?”
Jheel ne turant jawab diya, “Jab tumhe pata chala ki main tumhare next-door flat mein rehti hoon.”
“Galat.”
“Jab tumne pehli baar meri help ki?”
“Galat.”
“Jab humne pehli baar saath time spend kiya?”
Reyansh ne sar hila diya.
“Tumhe yaad hai jab tum kisi baat par nervous ho jaati thi aur phir bhi koshish karti thi?”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Tumhe woh yaad hai?”
“Of course.”
“Lekin woh toh koi badi baat nahi thi.”
“Har important cheez badi nahi hoti, Jheel.”
Uske chehre par ek shaant muskaan aa gayi.
“Tum kabhi-kabhi bahut achhi baat kar lete ho.”
Reyansh ne turant coffee table par rakh di.
“Screenshot le loon? Tumne doosri baar tareef ki hai!”
Jheel hans padi.
“Tumhara kuch nahi ho sakta.”
“Tum ho na. Tum dekh lena.”
Jheel ne uske haath par apna haath rakh diya.
“Dekh lungi.”


Udhar Arshad apne office ke baad ek café mein baitha laptop par kaam kar raha tha.
Uske saamne ek freelance project ka brief khula hua tha. Client ko ek naye lifestyle brand ke liye campaign concept chahiye tha.
Arshad ne do ideas likhe, phir teesra.
Usne pehla draft padha aur khud hi sar hila diya.
“Yeh toh client ko bhi samajh nahi aayega.”
Usne lines delete kar di.
Phir phone uthakar Reyansh ko message bheja.
Arshad:
Proposal ka brief bhej diya. Jab free ho dekh lena.
Kuch hi der mein Reyansh ka reply aa gaya.
Reyansh:
Bhej. Aaj raat dekhunga.
Arshad ne laptop band nahi kiya.
Woh kuch seconds screen ko dekhta raha.
Agency ki job uske liye buri nahi thi, lekin use lagta tha ki woh sirf doosron ke ideas ko polish karte-karte apne ideas ko peeche chhod raha hai.
Freelance kaam shuru karna aasaan nahi tha. Time bhi chahiye tha aur risk bhi tha.
Lekin pehli baar usne sirf sochne ke bajaye kuch karna shuru kiya tha.
Usne document save kiya.
Campaign_Concept_Draft_01
Phir khud se kaha, “Chalo, Arshad miyaan. Dekhte hain tumhare lafzon mein kitna dum hai.”
Usne laptop dobara khol liya.
Is baar woh kaam ke liye baitha tha, sirf waqt guzaarne ke liye nahi.


Bookstore se nikalte waqt Jheel ne ek shelf ke saamne rukkar apni book haath mein pakdi.
“Reyansh, ek photo lein?”
Reyansh ne turant phone nikaal liya.
“Finally! Meri girlfriend ko yaad aaya ki boyfriend ke saath photos bhi leni chahiye.”
“Tum har baat par commentary kyun karte ho?”
“Natural talent.”
Jheel uske paas khadi ho gayi.
Reyansh ne phone upar kiya.
Pehli photo mein Jheel camera ki taraf dekh rahi thi aur Reyansh uski taraf.
Doosri mein dono hans rahe the.
Teesri photo mein Jheel ne jaan-boojhkar funny face banaya.
Reyansh ne phone dekhkar kaha, “Yeh wali delete karo.”
“Nahi!”
“Main ismein ajeeb lag raha hoon.”
“Tum hamesha aise hi lagte ho.”
Reyansh ne use hairani se dekha.
Jheel hansne lagi.
“Achha, sorry!”
“Ab tumhari photos ka bhi badla liya jaayega.”
Usne ek aur photo kheench li, jab Jheel hans rahi thi.
Is baar Jheel ne phone lene ki koshish nahi ki.
Usne photo dekhi aur muskurayi.
“Yeh achhi hai.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Haan. Yeh wali rehne dete hain.”
Bookstore ke bahar aakar dono kuch der khade rahe.
Jheel ne apni book bag mein rakhi.
“Thank you. Aaj achha laga.”
Reyansh ne kaha, “Mujhe bhi.”
“Sach?”
“Jheel, agar mujhe achha nahi lagta toh main tumhe batata.”
Usne ek pal rukkar kaha, “Main chahta hoon ki hum dono ek-doosre ke saath apni pasand ki cheezein share karein. Sirf isliye nahi ki saamne wala khush ho jaaye. Balki isliye ki hum ek-doosre ki duniya ko thoda aur samajh sakein.”
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Phir agle weekend meri choice.”
“Done.”
“Is baar main decide karungi ki kahaan jaana hai.”
“Done.”
“Aur tum complain nahi karoge.”
Reyansh ne sochne ka natak kiya.
“Is condition par ek clause add karna padega.”
“Kya?”
“Har date ke end mein ek hug compulsory.”
Jheel ne muskurakar kaha, “Yeh clause pehle se approved hai.”
Reyansh ne use dekha.
“Achha?”
“Haan.”
“Phir toh contract kaafi achha hai.”
Jheel hans padi aur uske kareeb aakar use gale laga liya.
Sadak par log apni-apni manzil ki taraf ja rahe the. Gaadiyon ki awaaz, dukaanon ki roshni aur shehar ki roz ki bhaag-daud unke aas-paas thi.
Lekin us chhote se hug mein dono ko kuch der ke liye kahin aur jaane ki zaroorat nahi thi.


Raat ko apne flat mein lautkar Reyansh ne bookstore wali photos dekhin.
Ek photo par uski nazar ruk gayi.
Jheel hans rahi thi. Uski aankhon mein woh khulapan tha jo Reyansh ko uske saath waqt bitaate hue dheere-dheere dikhne laga tha.
Usne photo Jheel ko bhej di.
Reyansh:
Yeh meri favourite hai.
Jheel:
Ismein main hans rahi hoon.
Reyansh:
Exactly.
Jheel:
Tumhe meri hansi itni pasand hai?
Reyansh:
Tumhari hansi, tumhari baatein, tumhara mujhe daantna…
Jheel:
Aur?
Reyansh:
Tumhara mujhe hug karna.
Jheel ne message padha aur muskura di.
Jheel:
Tumhari list bahut lambi hai.
Reyansh:
Abhi toh shuru ki hai.
Jheel:
Good night, naughty boy.
Reyansh:
Good night, pretty girl. Kal milte hain?
Jheel:
Kal bhi?
Reyansh:
Problem?
Jheel:
Nahi. Bas pooch rahi thi.
Reyansh:
Toh phir kal bhi.
Jheel ne ek heart bheja.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakha aur sofa par aaraam se baith gaya.
Kuch hi pal baad phone phir vibrate hua.
Wahi unknown number.
Unknown Number:
Kabhi socha hai, kuch log zindagi mein aakar humein badal dete hain?
Reyansh ne message padha.
Usne kuch der socha, phir jawab diya.
Reyansh:
Haan. Lekin har badlaav bura nahi hota.
Is baar reply jaldi aaya.
Unknown Number:
Aur har achha lagne wala badlaav hamesha rehta bhi nahi.
Reyansh ki ungliyan screen par ruk gayin.
Usne reply type kiya, phir mita diya.
Dobara type kiya.
Reyansh:
Aap kehna kya chahti hain?
Message deliver ho gaya.
Kuch seconds.
Ek minute.
Phir paanch minute.
Koi jawab nahi aaya.
Reyansh ne phone lock kar diya.
Woh aaj apni khushi ko kisi anjaan sawaal ke hawale nahi karna chahta tha.
Usne Jheel ki bheji hui heart emoji dobara dekhi.
Aur uske chehre par halki si muskaan laut aayi.

[Greenwood]

Update 41



Subah ke kareeb 10 baje Reyansh apne office ke liye nikalne ki taiyaari kar raha tha.
Shirt ki sleeves fold karte hue usne phone uthaya aur Arshad ko message bheja.
Reyansh:
Bhai, aaj shaam free hai?
Arshad ka reply kuch hi seconds mein aa gaya.
Arshad:
Paise udhaar chahiye ya emotional support?
Reyansh:
Tujhse dono nahi chahiye.
Arshad:
Toh phir zaroor koi serious baat hai. Bol, kya hua?
Reyansh:
Shaam ko mil. Dinner karte hain.
Arshad:
Tu aur main?
Reyansh:
Nahi, main aur tera laptop.
Arshad:
Badtameez. Time aur location bhej.
Reyansh hans pada.
Usne phone rakh diya, lekin phir kuch sochkar Jheel ko message kiya.
Reyansh:
Madam, aaj shaam ka kya plan hai?
Jheel:
Abhi toh koi plan nahi hai.
Reyansh:
Dinner par chalogi?
Jheel:
Tumhare saath?
Reyansh:
Nahi, restaurant ke waiter ke saath.
Jheel:
Reyansh! ?
Reyansh:
Haan, mere saath. Aur ek dost bhi hoga.
Jheel kuch pal ruki.
Jheel:
Kaunsa dost?
Reyansh:
Arshad. College ka dost hai. Bahut bolta hai, lekin dil ka achha hai.
Jheel:
Tumhari tarah?
Reyansh:
Main toh limited edition hoon.
Jheel:
Achha ji.
Phir Jheel ka ek aur message aaya.
Jheel:
Theek hai. Milte hain.
Reyansh ne smile karte hue reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Good. Waise woh meri taang kheenchne mein expert hai.
Jheel:
Toh main bhi tumhari kheench lungi. Competition barabar ka rahega.
Reyansh ne phone ki screen dekhi aur muskura diya.
Madam abhi se Arshad ki team mein jaane ki taiyaari kar rahi hain.


Dopahar ko office mein lunch break ke waqt Arshad ka phone baja.
Reyansh calling.
Arshad ne call uthaya.
Arshad:
“Haan, bol. Restaurant book kar diya?”
Reyansh:
“Kar dunga. Ek baat aur hai.”
Arshad:
“Ab kya? Teri shaadi ki date bhi bata de, main calendar block kar loon?”
Reyansh kuch seconds chup raha.
Phir seedha bola, “Meri girlfriend hai.”
Doosri taraf khamoshi chha gayi.
Arshad ne phone screen dekhi, jaise use yakeen hi nahi hua ho ki call sach mein Reyansh ka hai.
“Ek minute.”
“Kya?”
“Tu dobara bol.”
“Girlfriend hai meri.”
Arshad ne kursi par seedha baithkar kaha, “Bhai, network toh theek hai na? Teri awaaz aa rahi hai, lekin baat samajh nahi aa rahi.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Drama band kar.”
“Drama main kar raha hoon? Tu itne mahino se single-life ka brand ambassador bana ghoom raha tha!”
“Main abhi bhi apni life enjoy kar raha hoon.”
“Achha! Toh madam ka naam kya hai?”
“Jheel.”
Arshad ne naam dohraya.
“Jheel…”
Phir uski awaaz thodi naram ho gayi.
“Achha naam hai.”
“Haan.”
“Kab se?”
“Kuch time se mil rahe the. Ab relationship mein hain.”
Arshad kuch pal chup raha, phir bola, “Aur tune mujhe ab bataya?”
Reyansh ne khidki se bahar dekha.
“Yaar, pehle sab naya tha. Khud bhi samajh raha tha ki kya feel kar raha hoon. Ab laga tujhe bata dena chahiye.”
Arshad ne halki si saans chhodi.
“Samajh gaya.”
Phir agle hi second uski awaaz badal gayi.
“Lekin ek baat bata, bhai. Girlfriend banne ke baad tu aur zyada irritating toh nahi ho gaya?”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Tu shaam ko mil. Khud pata chal jayega.”
“Milunga zaroor. Mujhe apni hone wali bhabhi se milna hai.”
“Bhabhi nahi. Jheel.”
“Achha, achha. Jheel bhabhi.”
“Arshad!”
“Bas kar, khush hoon tere liye!”
Is baar Reyansh chup ho gaya.
Arshad ne uski khamoshi samajh li.
“Sach bol raha hoon, Rey. Achha laga sunke.”
Reyansh ne halki si muskaan ke saath kaha, “Thanks, bhai.”
“Ab emotional mat kar. Restaurant achha hona chahiye. Main apni izzat ka sawaal samajhkar aaunga.”
“Tu bas time par aa jaana.”
“Woh toh main aa jaunga. Dekhna hai teri girlfriend kitni himmatwali hai jo tujhe jhel rahi hai.”
Call katne se pehle dono hans pade.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakh diya.
Usne apne dost ko apni zindagi ka ek naya hissa bata diya tha.
Aur use achha lag raha tha.


Shaam hone se kuch pehle Arshad apne apartment mein tha, jab uska phone vibrate hua.
Screen par naam tha:
Sakshi ❤️
Usne call uthaya.
“Madam! Aakhirkaar yaad aa hi gayi meri?”
Doosri taraf se Sakshi ki hansi sunayi di.
“Hello to you too, Arshad.”
“Business trip kaisi rahi?”
“Kaafi hectic. Meetings, deadlines, travel. Ab ghar aakar bas aaraam karna hai.”
“Good. Toh main tumhe aaraam karne deta hoon.”
Sakshi ne turant kaha, “Tum kuch chhupa rahe ho.”
Arshad hans pada.
“Main? Kabhi nahi.”
“Arshad.”
“Achha, sun. Aaj shaam dinner ka plan hai. Reyansh ke saath.”
“Reyansh? Tumhara college wala dost?”
“Haan.”
“Kaafi time se tum dono ki proper meeting nahi hui.”
“Is baar ek khaas wajah hai.”
Sakshi ki awaaz mein dilchaspi aa gayi.
“Kaisi wajah?”
Arshad ne jaan-boojhkar ek second rukkar kaha, “Reyansh ki girlfriend hai.”
Sakshi kuch pal chup rahi.
“Really?”
“Ji haan. Mere dost ki zindagi mein romance aa chuka hai aur mujhe khabar aaj mili hai.”
Sakshi hans padi.
“Tum log bhi na!”
“Ab tum bhi aa jao. Chaar log milkar dinner karenge.”
Sakshi ne apne schedule ke baare mein socha.
“Main aa sakti hoon. Bas mujhe thoda fresh hone ka time chahiye.”
“Bilkul. Main location bhej deta hoon.”
Call khatam hone ke baad Arshad ne Reyansh ko message kiya.
Arshad:
Ek update hai. Sakshi bhi aa rahi hai.
Reyansh:
Perfect. Jheel ko bhi bata deta hoon.
Arshad:
Aur haan, aaj main tum dono ki love story ka interview loonga.
Reyansh:
Pehle apni love story sambhaal.
Arshad:
Woh toh sambhali hui hai, mere sher.
Arshad ne message bhejkar phone rakh diya.
Sakshi wapas aa gayi thi.
Aur uske aane se shaam ka plan ab sirf do doston ki mulaqat nahi raha tha.


Shaam ke kareeb 8 baje restaurant ki lights jal chuki thi.
Jagah zyada shor-sharaabe wali nahi thi. Warm lighting, comfortable seating aur halki music ke beech chaar logon ke dinner ke liye ek achha sa table reserve tha.
Reyansh pehle pahunch gaya tha.
Kuch minute baad Jheel aayi.
Usne use dekhte hi haath hilaya.
Reyansh khada hua aur uske paas aaya.
“Hi, girlfriend.”
“Hi.”
“Ready?”
Jheel ne restaurant ki taraf dekha.
“Thodi nervous hoon.”
Reyansh ne hairani se poochha, “Kyun?”
“Pata nahi. Tumhare dost se pehli baar mil rahi hoon.”
Reyansh ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Jheel, Arshad koi interview panel nahi hai. Woh bas bahut bolta hai.”
“Tum bhi toh bahut bolte ho.”
“Haan, lekin main charming hoon.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Chalo, Mr. Charming.”
Dono table ki taraf badhe.
Arshad abhi nahi aaya tha, lekin kuch hi der mein woh restaurant ke entrance par dikhai diya. Uske saath Sakshi bhi thi.
Arshad ne door se hi Reyansh ko dekhkar haath hilaya.
“Rey!”
Reyansh khada hua.
Dono dost gale mile.
Arshad ne use peeche hatkar dekha.
“Bhai, tu toh sach mein khush lag raha hai!”
Reyansh ne uske kandhe par haath maara.
“Ab shuru mat ho jaana.”
“Main toh abhi warm-up kar raha hoon.”
Phir Arshad ki nazar Jheel par gayi.
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, “Jheel, yeh Arshad. College ke time se dost hai. Aur Arshad, yeh Jheel.”
Arshad ne friendly smile ke saath haath badhaya.
“Hi, Jheel. Aakhirkaar mil hi liye.”
Jheel ne haath milaya.
“Hi. Reyansh ne aapke baare mein bataya hai.”
Arshad ne turant Reyansh ki taraf dekha.
“Achha? Kya bataya? Sirf achhi baatein ya meri asli personality bhi?”
Jheel muskurayi.
“Usne kaha tha aap bahut bolte hain.”
Arshad ne apne seene par haath rakh liya.
“Bas? Itni si information? Reyansh, yeh toh meri personality ka sirf introduction hai!”
Jheel hans padi.
Reyansh ne chair kheenchkar uske liye rakhi.
“Baitho, warna yeh apni autobiography shuru kar dega.”
Arshad bhi baithte hue bola, “Autobiography ka title hoga: Ek Dost, Ek Girlfriend Aur Ek Bewakoof Reyansh.”
“Bewakoof kaun?” Reyansh ne poochha.
Arshad ne seedhe uski taraf ungli kar di.
“Tu.”
Jheel ki hansi chhoot gayi.
Aur Reyansh ne mann hi mann socha ki shayad dono ko ek saath laana galti nahi thi.



Introductions ke baad Arshad ne Sakshi ki taraf ishara kiya.
“Jheel, yeh Sakshi. Meri girlfriend, meri critic aur meri unpaid life consultant.”
Sakshi ne use dekha.
“Unpaid? Pichhle hafte tumne mujhse apne client ka proposal review karwaya tha.”
Arshad ne turant kaha, “Woh relationship ka benefit tha.”
“Relationship ka benefit nahi, meri mehnat thi.”
Jheel hans padi.
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha aur muskurayi.
“Tum iski baaton mein mat aana. Yeh har cheez ko joke bana deta hai.”
Jheel ne Reyansh ki taraf dekha.
“Yeh bhi.”
Reyansh ne hairani se kaha, “Main? Main toh bahut serious insaan hoon.”
Chaaron ek saath hans pade.
Dinner order karne ke baad Sakshi aur Jheel ki baat shuru ho gayi.
“Tum Bengaluru mein kab se ho?” Sakshi ne poochha.
Jheel ne apne baare mein basic baatein batayin. Shehar mein rehna, apni routine, aur apni pasand ki kuch cheezein.
Sakshi dhyaan se sunti rahi.
“Achha hai. Naye shehar mein apni jagah banana aasaan nahi hota.”
Jheel ne sir hila diya.
“Haan. Kabhi-kabhi thoda waqt lagta hai.”
“Lekin jab achhe log mil jaate hain, toh shehar thoda apna lagne lagta hai.”
Jheel ne anjaane mein Reyansh ki taraf dekha.
Sakshi ne uski nazar pakad li aur muskurayi.
“Samajh gayi.”
Jheel ne turant nazrein hata li.
“Kya?”
“Kuch nahi.”
Arshad ne saamne se awaaz lagayi, “Sakshi, tum Jheel ko mere khilaaf toh nahi kar rahi?”
Sakshi ne bina palte jawab diya, “Abhi toh introduction chal raha hai. Chargesheet baad mein banegi.”
Reyansh ne table par ungliyon se halki tapping ki.
“Arshad, mujhe lagta hai aaj hum dono minority mein hain.”
Arshad ne uski taraf dekha.
“Kaise?”
“Yeh dono mil gayin na, toh humari sunwai band.”
Sakshi ne muskurakar kaha, “Tumhe pehle se aadat daal leni chahiye.”
Jheel ne dheere se Reyansh ke kaan ke paas kaha, “Tumhare dost ki girlfriend kaafi smart hai.”
Reyansh ne bhi dheere se jawab diya, “Abhi toh tumne trailer dekha hai.”


Khaana aane ke baad baat-cheet kuch der chaaron ke beech chalti rahi.
Phir Sakshi aur Jheel menu ke ek dessert ko lekar baat karne lagin, toh Arshad ne Reyansh ko mauka dekhkar side mein kheench liya.
“Achha, ab sach-sach bata.”
“Kya?”
“Jheel ke saath sab kaisa chal raha hai?”
Reyansh ne ek nazar Jheel ki taraf dekha.
Woh Sakshi ke saath hanskar kuch bata rahi thi.
“Achha chal raha hai.”
Arshad ne use gaur se dekha.
“Sirf achha?”
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, “Bahut achha.”
Arshad ka expression halka sa serious ho gaya.
“Tu khush hai na, Rey?”
Is baar Reyansh ne turant mazaak nahi kiya.
Usne kuch pal socha.
“Haan. Main khush hoon.”
Arshad ne sir hila diya.
“Good.”
Phir usne ek halki si muskaan ke saath kaha, “Aur agar kabhi kuch pareshani ho, toh batana. Main sirf teri taang kheenchne ke liye dost nahi hoon.”
Reyansh ne uske kandhe par haath rakha.
“Pata hai, bhai.”
Arshad ne uski peeth thapthapayi.
“Bas. Ab emotional quota khatam. Warna dessert se pehle dono ro padenge.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Tu ek minute bhi serious nahi reh sakta.”
“Reh sakta hoon. Lekin phir tu mujhe boring bol dega.”
Dono wapas table par aa gaye.
Reyansh ke liye Arshad ko Jheel se milwana sirf ek formal introduction nahi tha.
Yeh uski zindagi ke do alag hisson ko ek hi table par laane jaisa tha.
Aur use achha lag raha tha ki dono ke beech koi deewar khadi karne ki zaroorat nahi thi.


Dinner ke baad dessert order hua.
Jheel ne chocolate dessert choose kiya, jabki Reyansh ne kaha ki woh share karega.
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
“Maine apne liye order kiya hai.”
“Relationship mein sharing hoti hai.”
“Tum apna order kar lo.”
“Lekin tumhare wale ka taste zyada achha hoga.”
Arshad ne turant beech mein kaha, “Sakshi, note karna. Isko apni plate se zyada doosron ki plate pasand hai.”
Sakshi ne kaha, “Tumhe bhi.”
Arshad chup ho gaya.
Jheel hansne lagi.
Reyansh ne dessert ka ek chhota sa bite liya aur Jheel ki taraf badha diya.



“Lo.”
Jheel ne bite le liya.
Arshad ne dono ko dekha aur sir hila diya.
“Bhai, yeh wahi Reyansh hai jo college mein kisi ke notes bhi share nahi karta tha?”
Reyansh ne kaha, “Waqt ke saath insaan badalta hai.”
Arshad ne Sakshi ki taraf dekha.
“Tumne suna? Isne khud accept kar liya ki yeh badal gaya hai.”
Sakshi ne smile ke saath kaha, “Achha badlaav ho toh hone dena chahiye.”
Jheel ne bhi sir hila diya.
“Bilkul.”
Reyansh ne dono ko dekha.
“Tum logon ki meeting pehle hui thi kya?”
Arshad ne jawab diya, “Nahi. Lekin lagta hai hum dono ko aaj se sambhal kar rehna padega.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumhe toh waise bhi sambhalne ki zaroorat hai.”
Chaaron phir hans pade.
Dinner ka aakhri hissa halki-phulki baaton aur mazaak mein guzra.
Kisi ko jaldi nahi thi.
Aur Reyansh ko mehsoos hua ki Jheel ka uske dost se milna uske liye jitna important tha, usse kahin zyada aasaan bhi raha.


Restaurant se bahar nikalte waqt Arshad ne Reyansh ko gale lagaya.
“Achha laga, bhai.”
Reyansh ne kaha, “Mujhe bhi.”
Arshad ne Jheel ki taraf dekhkar kaha, “Jheel, isko zyada sar par mat chadha dena. Pehle hi bahut hawa mein rehta hai.”
Jheel ne muskurakar jawab diya, “Main koshish karungi.”
Reyansh ne turant kaha, “Tum dono ki dosti kuch zyada hi jaldi ho gayi.”
Sakshi hans padi.
“Reyansh, ab tumhe bhi aadat daalni padegi.”
Chaaron ne ek-doosre ko bye kaha.
Arshad aur Sakshi apni taraf chale gaye. Reyansh aur Jheel parking ki taraf badhe.
Kuch der dono chup rahe.
Phir Jheel ne kaha, “Tumhara dost achha hai.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Haan. Thoda pareshan karta hai, lekin achha hai.”
“Usne tumhare baare mein bahut kuch bataya.”
Reyansh ruk gaya.
“Kya bataya?”
Jheel ne shararti muskaan ke saath kaha, “Abhi nahi bataungi.”
“Jheel!”
“Ghar jaakar message karungi.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Tum dono ne milkar meri life difficult kar di.”
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Lekin interesting toh bana di.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Woh toh hai.”
Dono gaadi tak pahunche.
Jheel baithne se pehle uske paas aayi aur ek chhota sa hug diya.
“Thank you. Aaj achha laga.”
Reyansh ne use baahon mein lekar kaha, “Mujhe bhi. Aur ab tum officially meri life ke important logon mein se ek se mil chuki ho.”
Jheel ne dheere se kaha, “Aur tum meri life mein important ho.”
Reyansh ne uske maathe par ek halka sa kiss diya.
“Chalo, Miss Blushing. Ghar chalte hain.”
Jheel muskurayi.
“Chalo, Mr. Naughty.”


Raat ko Arshad aur Sakshi apne ghar pahunche.
Sakshi sofa par baithkar apne shoes utaarne lagi, jab Arshad kitchen se paani lekar aaya.
“Thak gayi?”
“Thodi. Lekin dinner achha tha.”
Arshad uske paas baith gaya.
“Jheel achhi lagi?”
Sakshi ne sochkar jawab diya, “Haan. Woh comfortable hone mein thoda waqt leti hai, lekin genuine lagti hai.”
Arshad ne sir hila diya.
“Reyansh ke liye achha hai.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tum apne dost ke liye khush ho.”
Arshad ne halki muskaan ke saath kaha, “Haan. Kaafi time baad use itna relaxed dekha.”
Sakshi ne apna sar uske kandhe par rakh diya.
“Kabhi-kabhi kisi apne ko khush dekhna bhi achha lagta hai.”
Arshad ne uska haath thaam liya.
“Tum wapas aa gayi ho. Ab main bhi thoda khush ho sakta hoon.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Main sirf kuch din ke liye gayi thi.”
“Pata hai. Lekin tumhare bina ghar thoda khaali lagta hai.”
Sakshi ne uska haath daba diya.
“Main yahin hoon.”
Arshad ne use apne kareeb kar liya.
Dono kuch der waise hi baithe rahe.
Unki zindagi mein bhi sab kuch perfect nahi tha. Arshad apne career ko lekar naye faisle lene ki koshish kar raha tha, aur Sakshi apne kaam mein aage badh rahi thi.
Lekin aaj ki raat unhone kisi problem ko solve karne ki koshish nahi ki.
Bas ek-doosre ke saath waqt bitaya.
Aur filhaal, itna kaafi tha.


Raat ke kareeb 11:30 baje Reyansh apne flat mein tha.
Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel:
Ghar pahunch gayi.
Reyansh:
Good. Aaj ki date kaisi lagi?
Jheel:
Achhi thi.
Reyansh:
Bas achhi?
Jheel:
Bahut achhi thi, Mr. Needy.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh:
Main needy nahi hoon.
Jheel:
Achha ji.
Reyansh:
Tumhe Arshad pasand aaya?
Jheel:
Haan. Woh tumhari bahut taang kheenchta hai.
Reyansh:
Woh uska janamsiddh adhikaar hai.
Jheel:
Aur tumhara?
Reyansh:
Tumhe pareshan karna.
Jheel ne ek laughing emoji bheji.
Phir uska message aaya.
Jheel:
Good night, Reyansh. Aaj tumhe apne dost se milte dekhkar achha laga.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Good night, Jheel. Mujhe bhi achha laga ki tum meri zindagi ke us hisse se mili jo mere liye important hai.
Jheel ne ek heart bheja.
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Aaj ki shaam mein koi badi ghatna nahi hui thi.
Na koi dramatic confession, na koi jhagda, na koi naya vaada.
Bas ek dost ne apne dost ko apni girlfriend se milwaya tha. Ek purani dosti ke beech ek naya rishta aaya tha. Aur ek door se lautkar aayi girlfriend ne bhi us shaam ka hissa banne ka faisla kiya tha



“Lo.”
Jheel ne bite le liya.
Arshad ne dono ko dekha aur sir hila diya.
“Bhai, yeh wahi Reyansh hai jo college mein kisi ke notes bhi share nahi karta tha?”
Reyansh ne kaha, “Waqt ke saath insaan badalta hai.”
Arshad ne Sakshi ki taraf dekha.
“Tumne suna? Isne khud accept kar liya ki yeh badal gaya hai.”
Sakshi ne smile ke saath kaha, “Achha badlaav ho toh hone dena chahiye.”
Jheel ne bhi sir hila diya.
“Bilkul.”
Reyansh ne dono ko dekha.
“Tum logon ki meeting pehle hui thi kya?”
Arshad ne jawab diya, “Nahi. Lekin lagta hai hum dono ko aaj se sambhal kar rehna padega.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumhe toh waise bhi sambhalne ki zaroorat hai.”
Chaaron phir hans pade.
Dinner ka aakhri hissa halki-phulki baaton aur mazaak mein guzra.
Kisi ko jaldi nahi thi.
Aur Reyansh ko mehsoos hua ki Jheel ka uske dost se milna uske liye jitna important tha, usse kahin zyada aasaan bhi raha.


Restaurant se bahar nikalte waqt Arshad ne Reyansh ko gale lagaya.
“Achha laga, bhai.”
Reyansh ne kaha, “Mujhe bhi.”
Arshad ne Jheel ki taraf dekhkar kaha, “Jheel, isko zyada sar par mat chadha dena. Pehle hi bahut hawa mein rehta hai.”
Jheel ne muskurakar jawab diya, “Main koshish karungi.”
Reyansh ne turant kaha, “Tum dono ki dosti kuch zyada hi jaldi ho gayi.”
Sakshi hans padi.
“Reyansh, ab tumhe bhi aadat daalni padegi.”
Chaaron ne ek-doosre ko bye kaha.
Arshad aur Sakshi apni taraf chale gaye. Reyansh aur Jheel parking ki taraf badhe.
Kuch der dono chup rahe.
Phir Jheel ne kaha, “Tumhara dost achha hai.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Haan. Thoda pareshan karta hai, lekin achha hai.”
“Usne tumhare baare mein bahut kuch bataya.”
Reyansh ruk gaya.
“Kya bataya?”
Jheel ne shararti muskaan ke saath kaha, “Abhi nahi bataungi.”
“Jheel!”
“Ghar jaakar message karungi.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Tum dono ne milkar meri life difficult kar di.”
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Lekin interesting toh bana di.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Woh toh hai.”
Dono gaadi tak pahunche.
Jheel baithne se pehle uske paas aayi aur ek chhota sa hug diya.
“Thank you. Aaj achha laga.”
Reyansh ne use baahon mein lekar kaha, “Mujhe bhi. Aur ab tum officially meri life ke important logon mein se ek se mil chuki ho.”
Jheel ne dheere se kaha, “Aur tum meri life mein important ho.”
Reyansh ne uske maathe par ek halka sa kiss diya.
“Chalo, Miss Blushing. Ghar chalte hain.”
Jheel muskurayi.
“Chalo, Mr. Naughty.”


Raat ko Arshad aur Sakshi apne ghar pahunche.
Sakshi sofa par baithkar apne shoes utaarne lagi, jab Arshad kitchen se paani lekar aaya.
“Thak gayi?”
“Thodi. Lekin dinner achha tha.”
Arshad uske paas baith gaya.
“Jheel achhi lagi?”
Sakshi ne sochkar jawab diya, “Haan. Woh comfortable hone mein thoda waqt leti hai, lekin genuine lagti hai.”
Arshad ne sir hila diya.
“Reyansh ke liye achha hai.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tum apne dost ke liye khush ho.”
Arshad ne halki muskaan ke saath kaha, “Haan. Kaafi time baad use itna relaxed dekha.”
Sakshi ne apna sar uske kandhe par rakh diya.
“Kabhi-kabhi kisi apne ko khush dekhna bhi achha lagta hai.”
Arshad ne uska haath thaam liya.
“Tum wapas aa gayi ho. Ab main bhi thoda khush ho sakta hoon.”
Sakshi ne uski taraf dekha.
“Main sirf kuch din ke liye gayi thi.”
“Pata hai. Lekin tumhare bina ghar thoda khaali lagta hai.”
Sakshi ne uska haath daba diya.
“Main yahin hoon.”
Arshad ne use apne kareeb kar liya.
Dono kuch der waise hi baithe rahe.
Unki zindagi mein bhi sab kuch perfect nahi tha. Arshad apne career ko lekar naye faisle lene ki koshish kar raha tha, aur Sakshi apne kaam mein aage badh rahi thi.
Lekin aaj ki raat unhone kisi problem ko solve karne ki koshish nahi ki.
Bas ek-doosre ke saath waqt bitaya.
Aur filhaal, itna kaafi tha.


Raat ke kareeb 11:30 baje Reyansh apne flat mein tha.
Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel:
Ghar pahunch gayi.
Reyansh:
Good. Aaj ki date kaisi lagi?
Jheel:
Achhi thi.
Reyansh:
Bas achhi?
Jheel:
Bahut achhi thi, Mr. Needy.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh:
Main needy nahi hoon.
Jheel:
Achha ji.
Reyansh:
Tumhe Arshad pasand aaya?
Jheel:
Haan. Woh tumhari bahut taang kheenchta hai.
Reyansh:
Woh uska janamsiddh adhikaar hai.
Jheel:
Aur tumhara?
Reyansh:
Tumhe pareshan karna.
Jheel ne ek laughing emoji bheji.
Phir uska message aaya.
Jheel:
Good night, Reyansh. Aaj tumhe apne dost se milte dekhkar achha laga.
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Good night, Jheel. Mujhe bhi achha laga ki tum meri zindagi ke us hisse se mili jo mere liye important hai.
Jheel ne ek heart bheja.
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Aaj ki shaam mein koi badi ghatna nahi hui thi.
Na koi dramatic confession, na koi jhagda, na koi naya vaada.
Bas ek dost ne apne dost ko apni girlfriend se milwaya tha. Ek purani dosti ke beech ek naya rishta aaya tha. Aur ek door se lautkar aayi girlfriend ne bhi us shaam ka hissa banne ka faisla kiya tha

[Greenwood]

Update 42


Subah Reyansh ki aankh alarm bajne se kuch minute pehle khul gayi.
Usne phone uthaya. Jheel ka koi message nahi tha.
Reyansh ne waqt dekha.
7:12 AM
Usne khud se kaha, “Abhi tak madam so rahi hain.”
Woh bed se utha, curtains khole aur kitchen ki taraf chala gaya. Coffee banane ke baad phone lekar sofa par baith gaya.
Aakhir usne message kar hi diya.
Reyansh:
Good morning, Miss Blushing.
Koi reply nahi.
Do minute baad:
Reyansh:
Madam?
Phir ek minute baad:
Reyansh:
Zinda hain ya kal ke dessert ke baad coma mein chali gayi?
Aakhir notification aaya.
Jheel:
GOOD MORNING!
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh:
Itne capital letters? Gussa ho?
Jheel:
Nahi.
Reyansh:
Phir chill kyun rahi ho?
Jheel:
Tum subah-subah itne messages kyun karte ho?
Reyansh:
Tumhara attention lene ke liye.
Jheel:
Mil gaya attention. Ab khush?
Reyansh:
Thoda aur mil jaaye toh din ban jaaye.
Jheel ne ek heart bhej diya.
Reyansh ne phone se nazar uthakar coffee ka sip liya.
“Din ban gaya,” usne khud se kaha.
Lekin agla message aate hi uski smile ruk gayi.
Jheel:
Aaj shaam tum free ho? Mujhe tumse ek kaam hai.
Reyansh ne turant reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Kaisa kaam?
Jheel:
Shaam ko bataungi.
Reyansh:
Yeh suspense kyun?
Jheel:
Boyfriend ho. Thoda patience rakho.
Reyansh ne phone ko dekha.
“Patience toh rakhta hoon. Lekin girlfriend ne suspense de diya toh din bhar dimaag chalega.”
Phir bhi usne sirf itna likha:
Reyansh:
Theek hai, madam. Shaam ko milte hain.


Office mein Reyansh apne desk par baitha ek presentation dekh raha tha.
Neha paas aayi aur ek file uske desk par rakh di.
“Yeh revised brief hai. Client ne do points change kiye hain.”
Reyansh ne file li.
“Thanks. Main dekh lunga.”
Neha jaane lagi, phir rukkar boli, “Waise aaj bade shaant lag rahe ho.”
Reyansh ne screen se nazar nahi hatayi.
“Main roz shaant rehta hoon.”
“Bilkul. Aur main roz tumhari baatein maan leti hoon.”
Reyansh hans pada.
Neha chair kheenchkar baith gayi.
“Dinner kaisa tha?”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Kaunsa dinner?”
Neha ne bhaunhein utha di.
“Wahi jiske baad tum kal poore din phone dekhkar muskura rahe the.”
“Tumhare paas aur koi kaam nahi hai?”
“Kaam hai. Lekin tumhari shakal par jo smile chipki hai, woh bhi office ki productivity ko affect kar rahi hai.”
Reyansh ne file band ki.
“Dinner achha tha.”
“Girlfriend ke saath?”
“Girlfriend aur dost ke saath.”
Neha ke chehre par halki si surprise wali smile aayi.
“Achha! Toh ab dost ko bhi introduction mil gaya?”
“Haan.”
“Good. Waise, tumhe dekhkar lagta hai ki tum finally apni personal life mein kuch time de rahe ho.”
Reyansh ne kuch pal socha.
“Shayad.”
Neha ne uski taraf dekha.
“Bas, isi tarah. Har cheez ko kaam ki tarah manage karne ki zaroorat nahi hoti.”
Reyansh ne mazaak mein kaha, “Tum meri manager ho ya life coach?”
“Dono ka bill alag bhejungi.”
Woh hans padi aur apni desk ki taraf laut gayi.
Reyansh ne dobara presentation khol li.
Kaam ab bhi zaroori tha. Lekin ab use yeh bhi samajh aane laga tha ki din ke aakhir mein kisi ka intezaar hona kitna achha lag sakta hai.


Doosri taraf Arshad apne agency office mein laptop par kaam kar raha tha.
Uske saamne freelance client ka brief khula tha. Usne kuch lines likhin, unhe padha aur phir do lines delete kar di.
Phone par Sakshi ka message aaya.
Sakshi:
Kal raat ghar pahunchkar so gayi thi. Tumse properly baat nahi ho paayi.
Arshad:
Koi baat nahi. Thak gayi thi tum.
Sakshi:
Aaj shaam free ho?
Arshad ne apna calendar khola. Ek taraf agency ka kaam tha, doosri taraf freelance proposal ki deadline.
Usne kuch pal socha.
Arshad:
Thoda kaam hai. Lekin raat ko free ho jaaunga.
Sakshi:
Theek hai. Phir baat karte hain.
Arshad ne phone rakh diya.
Usne apne kaam ki taraf dekha.
Pehle woh har nayi opportunity ke baare mein sochta rehta tha, lekin ab use ek decision lena tha. Freelance work ke liye waqt nikaalna hoga. Iska matlab kabhi-kabhi apne personal time ko bhi plan karna padega.


Usne document save kiya aur ek naya message client ko bheja.
I’ll share the first draft by tomorrow evening.
Message send karne ke baad usne kursi par peeche hokar saans li.
“Chalo, ab commitment kar hi diya.”
Phir usne Sakshi ko message kiya.
Arshad:
Kal dinner ke baad thoda walk karein? Sirf hum dono.
Sakshi ka reply aaya.
Sakshi:
I’d like that.
Arshad muskuraya.
Kabhi-kabhi relationship ko chalane ke liye bade gestures nahi, bas waqt nikaalne ka sachcha iraada chahiye hota hai.



Shaam ko Reyansh ghar lautkar fresh hua hi tha ki doorbell baj gayi.
Usne darwaza khola.
Jheel saamne khadi thi.
Aaj uske haath mein ek chhota sa paper bag tha.
Reyansh ne use dekha, phir bag ko.
“Hello, girlfriend. Yeh kya hai?”
“Pehle hello toh bol do.”
“Hello, girlfriend.”
“Good.”
Woh andar aayi aur bag dining table par rakh diya.
Reyansh ne darwaza band kiya.
“Ab bataogi ki yeh suspense kya tha?”
Jheel ne bag khola. Andar ek chhota sa board game tha.
Reyansh ne use dekha.
“Yeh kya hai?”
“Game.”
“Woh toh mujhe bhi dikh raha hai. Lekin kyun?”
Jheel ne uske saamne baithkar kaha, “Tum hamesha kehte ho ki hum saath waqt bitayein, lekin har baar bahar jaana zaroori nahi hai. Toh aaj ghar par hi kuch karte hain.”
Reyansh kuch pal use dekhta raha.
Phir uske chehre par muskaan aa gayi.
“Tum mere ghar par date plan karke aayi ho?”
Jheel ne seedha jawab diya, “Haan.”
Reyansh ne apna haath seene par rakha.
“Madam, aap toh badi dangerous nikli.”
Jheel hans padi.
“Game khelna hai ya nahi?”
“Bilkul. Lekin ek condition hai.”
“Kya?”
“Jo haarega, woh winner ki baat maanega.”
Jheel ne turant kaha, “Manzoor.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tumne itni jaldi haan kyun kar di? Tumhe pata bhi hai main kya maang sakta hoon?”
Jheel ke gaal gulaabi ho gaye.
“Tum kuch bhi maang sakte ho, lekin main sirf wahi karungi jo mujhe theek lage.”
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha, phir muskurakar sir hila diya.
“Fair enough.”
Jheel ne game khola.
“Chalo. Ab dekhte hain kaun jeetega.”
5. Game Kam, Taang-Khinchai Zyada
Pehle kuch rounds mein Reyansh jeet gaya.
Woh har baar jeetne ke baad apni imaginary trophy hawa mein uthata.
“Thank you, thank you. Main apne fans ka shukriya ada karta hoon.”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Tumhe khud par itna confidence kahan se aata hai?”
“Talent.”
“Overconfidence.”
“Dono ka combination.”
Phir agla round Jheel jeet gayi.
Usne dono haath upar kar diye.
“YES!”
Reyansh ne hairani se kaha, “Yeh kaise ho gaya?”
Jheel ne use dekha.
“Talent.”
Reyansh hans pada.
“Achha, madam. Batao, winner ki demand kya hai?”
Jheel ne sochne ka natak kiya.
“Hmm…”
Reyansh uski taraf jhukkar bola, “Zyada mat sochna. Main bahut gareeb aadmi hoon.”
“Tumne khud hi condition rakhi thi.”
“Ab pachhta raha hoon.”
Jheel hansne lagi.
Phir usne kaha, “Mujhe ek hug chahiye.”
Reyansh kuch pal use dekhta raha.
“Bas?”
“Haan.”
“Yeh toh bina game ke bhi mil sakta tha.”
Jheel ne muskurakar jawab diya, “Lekin jeetkar lene ka maza alag hai.”
Reyansh ne baahen khol di.
Jheel uske paas aayi aur use gale laga liya.
Usne bhi use pyaar se baahon mein le liya.
Kuch seconds baad Reyansh ne dheere se kaha, “Ek baat bataun?”
“Haan?”
“Tum game haarne ke baad bhi hug maang sakti thi.”
Jheel usse alag hokar boli, “Lekin phir tum jeetne ka credit le lete.”
Reyansh ne hanskar kaha, “Madam, tum toh bahut smart ho gayi ho.”
“Tumhari company ka asar hai.”
“Achha hai. Ab tumhe koi aasani se bewakoof nahi bana sakta.”
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
“Tum toh bana hi nahi sakte.”
Reyansh ne eyebrow utha di.
“Challenge?”
Jheel ne turant game board apni taraf kheench liya.
“Nahi. Agla round!”
Dono hans pade.


Game ke baad Jheel sofa par baith gayi. Reyansh kitchen se do glasses paani lekar aaya.
Ek glass use dete hue usne poochha, “Jheel, tumhe mere saath ghar par aise waqt bitana pasand hai?”
Jheel ne glass table par rakha.
“Bahut.”
“Bahar jaana bhi achha lagta hai?”
“Haan.”
“Dono?”
“Dono.”
Reyansh uske paas baith gaya.
“Good. Main bas yeh nahi chahta ki hum har baar kuch special karne ke pressure mein rahein. Kabhi date, kabhi movie, kabhi game… aur kabhi bas aise hi baithna.”
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
“Mujhe bhi aisa hi relationship chahiye. Jahan har mulaqat ko yaadgaar banane ki zaroorat na ho. Kuch din normal hon, kuch din funny, kuch din boring bhi.”
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha, “Boring days mein bhi main tumhe pareshan karta rahunga.”



“Woh toh mujhe pata hai.”
Dono kuch pal chup baithe rahe.
Phir Jheel ne apna sar uske kandhe par rakh diya.
Reyansh ne uska haath thaam liya.
TV par koi comedy show chal raha tha, lekin dono ka dhyaan us par nahi tha.
Woh bas saath baithe the.
Aur us waqt unhe kisi aur cheez ki zaroorat nahi thi.


Jheel apne flat laut chuki thi.
Reyansh ne use message kiya.
Reyansh:
Ghar pahunch gayi?
Jheel:
Haan.
Reyansh:
Aaj ki date ka review?
Jheel:
Achhi thi.
Reyansh:
Bas achhi?
Jheel:
Bahut achhi thi.
Reyansh:
Better.
Jheel:
Tumhe har baat mein rating chahiye?
Reyansh:
Girlfriend ki rating se motivation milta hai.
Jheel:
Toh 10/10.
Reyansh ne turant reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Aur boyfriend ko?
Jheel:
9/10.
Reyansh:
EK NUMBER KAM KYUN?
Jheel:
Kal bataungi.
Reyansh:
Jheel!
Jheel:
Good night, Mr. Naughty.
Reyansh:
Good night, Miss Trouble.
Phone rakhte hue Reyansh muskura diya.
Kal usse pata chalna tha ki ek number kyun kam mila.
Aur woh is baat ko lekar zaroor pareshan hone wala tha.




Raat thodi aur gehri ho gayi.
Reyansh ne living room ki lights band ki aur bedroom ki taraf badha.
Phone par koi naya message nahi tha.
Usne use side table par rakh diya.
Aaj ka din achha tha. Office ka kaam, Jheel ke saath game, uski hansi aur woh aaraam jo uske paas hone se mehsoos hota tha.
Reyansh bed par let gaya.
Kuch der tak woh chhat ko dekhta raha.
Phir usne aankhein band kar li.
Aaj raat uska dimaag shaant tha.
Aur kabhi-kabhi, bina kisi wajah ke, aisi raat mil jaana bhi ek chhoti si jeet hoti hai.

[Greenwood]

Update 43


Bengaluru ki subah apni raftaar pakad rahi thi.
Flat 303 mein alarm bajne se pehle hi Reyansh ki aankh khul gayi. Woh kuch der seedha chhat ko dekhta raha, phir side mein rakhe phone ko uthaya.
Screen par Jheel ka koi message nahi tha.
Reyansh ne waqt dekha.
7:18 AM.
Usne phone takiye par rakha, aankhein band ki aur dobara sone ki koshish ki.
Do second baad aankhein khol di.
Reyansh: "Kal raat khud keh rahi thi ki boyfriend ko kal ek important baat batayegi. Aur ab madam gayab."
Usne phone uthaya aur Jheel ki chat khol li.
Pichhli raat ka aakhri message ab bhi wahi tha.
Jheel: Kal bataungi ki tum 10/10 kyun nahi ho.
Reyansh ne message padhkar sar hilaya.
Reyansh: "Ek point ke liye insaan ki neend kharab karna koi inse seekhe."
Usne message type kiya.
Reyansh: Good morning, Miss Judge.
Message bhejkar woh bathroom ki taraf chala gaya.
Brush karte waqt phone ki notification sunai di.
Reyansh ne turant bathroom se jhaankkar phone dekha.
Jheel: Good morning, Mr. Nine Out Of Ten.
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Mujhe lagta hai tumne rating dene mein calculation mistake ki hai.
Jheel: Achha?
Reyansh: Obviously. Main minimum 9.8 deserve karta hoon.
Jheel: Kis baat ke?
Reyansh: Good looks, intelligence, humour, caring nature... list lambi hai.
Kuch seconds tak koi reply nahi aaya.
Phir Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: Aur modesty?
Reyansh ne brush karte-karte phone ki taraf dekha.
Reyansh: Woh premium feature hai. Subscription lena padta hai.
Jheel: Cancel kar do. Tumhare budget mein nahi hoga.
Reyansh zor se hans pada.
Reyansh: "Madam, ab toh personal ho rahi hain."
Usne reply kiya.
Reyansh: Theek hai. Aaj milo. Apni complaint register karwa dena.
Jheel: Aaj milna possible nahi hai.
Reyansh ki muskurahat halki si kam hui.
Reyansh: Kyun?
Jheel: Kaam hai. Aur waise bhi, har baat milkar hi thodi hoti hai.
Reyansh: Bilkul. Kuch baatein phone par bhi ho sakti hain.
Jheel: Jaise?
Reyansh: Jaise tum mujhe bata sakti ho ki main 10/10 kyun nahi hoon.
Jheel ne laughing emoji bhej diya.
Jheel: Office jao, Reyansh.
Reyansh: Tum mujhe avoid kar rahi ho.
Jheel: Main tumhe kaam par bhej rahi hoon.
Reyansh: Same thing.
Jheel: Bye!
Reyansh phone ko dekhta raha.
Phir muskurakar bola, "Yeh ladki ek din meri saari arguments jeet jayegi."
Usne phone pocket mein rakha aur taiyaar hone laga.
Usse kya pata tha ki aaj ki subah ka asli surprise abhi baaki tha.

Kuch der baad doorbell baji.
Reyansh ne darwaza khola.
Shalu saamne khadi thi, apna bag sambhalte hue.
Shalu: "Good morning, sir."
Reyansh: "Good morning, Shalu. Aaj jaldi aa gayi?"
Shalu: "Haan, sir. Aaj mujhe shaam ko thoda jaldi jaana hai."
Reyansh: "Koi problem?"
Shalu: "Nahi sir. Bas ek jagah jaana hai."
Reyansh ne raasta chhod diya.
Reyansh: "Theek hai. Aaj ka kaam time se nipta lena. Aur haan, nashta kar lena pehle."
Shalu: "Ji, sir."
Shalu kitchen ki taraf chali gayi.
Reyansh apni watch pehente hue bedroom se nikla, toh uski nazar dining table par padi.
Wahan uski diary khuli hui thi.
Kal raat Jheel ke saath board game khelte waqt usne kuch likhne ke liye diary nikali thi, lekin phir dono baaton mein lag gaye aur diary wahin reh gayi.
Shalu table saaf karne aayi toh uski nazar diary ke paas rakhe ek chhote se paper par padi.
Us par Reyansh ne kal raat mazaak mein likha tha:
BOYFRIEND PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Looks: 10/10
Humour: 10/10
Cooking: 6/10
Patience: Depends on the person
Overall: Under review
Neeche usne ek line aur likhi thi:
Final score pending.
Shalu use padhkar halki si muskura di.
Shalu: "Sir, aap apni bhi rating karte ho?"
Reyansh ne coffee ka cup uthaya.
Reyansh: "Haan. Har insaan ko apna performance review karna chahiye."
Shalu: "Phir cooking mein six kyun diye?"
Reyansh: "Kyunki mujhe cooking mein six se zyada milne ka koi haq nahi hai."
Shalu hans di.
Shalu: "Aap seekh lo toh ten bhi aa sakte hain."



Reyansh: "Main seekh sakta hoon. Lekin phir log mujhse khana banwane lagenge. Itni badi responsibility nahi chahiye."
Shalu ne diary aur paper ek taraf rakh diya.
Uski nazar paper par ek baar phir gayi.
Shalu: "Sir, aap log apne kaam ki bhi aise rating karte ho?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: "Kabhi-kabhi. Kyun?"
Shalu kuch sochne lagi.
Shalu: "Aise hi pooch rahi thi."
Reyansh ne uske chehre par aayi halki si jhijhak notice ki, lekin zyada sawaal nahi kiya.
Reyansh: "Achha, ek baat batao. Agar tumhe kisi cheez mein achha banna ho, toh tum kaise pata karogi ki tum achha kar rahi ho ya nahi?"
Shalu ne sochkar jawab diya.
Shalu: "Shayad kisi se poochungi. Ya dekhungi ki main pehle se behtar kar rahi hoon ya nahi."
Reyansh ne coffee ka sip liya.
Reyansh: "Bas. Wahi toh. Har cheez pehle din perfect nahi hoti."
Shalu ne sir hila diya.
Woh dobara kitchen mein chali gayi, lekin is baar uske chehre par ek chhoti si soch thi.
Kuch banne ka khayal abhi bhi uske liye dhundhla tha.
Magar pehli baar usne yeh socha tha ki shayad uska raasta bhi kisi din saaf ho sakta hai.


Office pahunchte hi Reyansh ne apna laptop khola.
Inbox mein kuch routine emails the. Ek client update, ek campaign review aur do meetings ke reminders.
Usne pehle zaroori emails niptaaye aur phir apni team ke saath chhoti si meeting ki.
Meeting ke baad Neha uske desk ke paas aayi.
Neha: "Aaj bade khush lag rahe ho."
Reyansh: "Main roz khush rehta hoon."
Neha: "Haan, aur main roz tumhari baat sach maan leti hoon."
Reyansh hans diya.
Reyansh: "Tumhe mujh par bharosa karna chahiye."
Neha: "Professional matters mein karti hoon."
Reyansh: "Personal matters mein?"
Neha: "Wahan tumhare against evidence collect kar rahi hoon."
Reyansh: "Kis baat ka?"
Neha: "Ki tumhare phone par message aate hi tumhari smile kyun badh jaati hai."
Reyansh ne laptop ki screen ki taraf dekhne ka natak kiya.
Reyansh: "Tumhe apne kaam par focus karna chahiye."
Neha: "Aur tumhe apni smile par control."
Reyansh: "Meri smile se company ko koi nuksaan nahi ho raha."
Neha: "Abhi tak."
Neha apni file uthakar chali gayi.
Reyansh ne sir hilaya.
Reyansh: "Office mein bhi privacy naam ki koi cheez nahi hai."
Usi waqt phone vibrate hua.
Jheel ka message tha.
Jheel: Lunch kiya?
Reyansh ne turant reply kiya.
Reyansh: Abhi nahi.
Jheel: Kyun?
Reyansh: Tumhari rating ke baare mein soch raha tha.
Jheel: Mere paas tumhare liye ek suggestion hai.
Reyansh: Finally! Bolo.
Jheel: Lunch time par lunch karna seekho.
Reyansh ne message padhkar aankhein band kar li.
Reyansh: "Yeh girlfriend hai ya meri college principal?"
Usne reply kiya.
Reyansh: Tumhe pata hai na, main tumse bada hoon?
Jheel: Haan. Isliye toh samjha rahi hoon.
Reyansh hans pada.
Is baar Neha ne door se hi use dekh liya.
Neha: "Evidence number two!"
Reyansh: "Neha!"
Neha: "Main kuch nahi boli."
Woh apni desk par laut gayi.
Reyansh ne phone pocket mein rakha aur lunch order kar diya.
Kisi aur ke kehne par apni aadat badalna uski fitrat nahi thi.
Lekin Jheel ke kehne par woh kam se kam ek baar soch toh leta tha.
Aur shayad uske liye filhaal itna hi kaafi tha.


Dopehar ke baad Arshad apne ghar ke chhote se work corner mein baitha laptop ki screen ghoor raha tha.
Uske saamne ek advertising campaign ka proposal khula tha.
Client ko agle din tak initial concept chahiye tha.
Arshad ne ek line type ki.
Phir delete kar di.
Doosri line likhi.
Woh bhi delete.
Usne chair par peeth tika di.
Arshad: "Creative industry mein creativity se zyada creativity ki deadline hoti hai."
Phone vibrate hua.
Sakshi ka message tha.
Sakshi: Proposal kaisa chal raha hai?
Arshad ne reply kiya.
Arshad: Excellent. Client ko abhi tak pata nahi ki main genius hoon.
Sakshi: Client ko kab pata chalega?
Arshad: Jab main proposal bhej dunga.
Sakshi: Aur proposal kab bhejoge?
Arshad screen ko dekhta raha.
Arshad: Tum relationship mein ho ya project management mein?
Sakshi: Dono mein deadlines hoti hain.
Arshad ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Usne laptop ki taraf dekha aur phir phone par message type kiya.
Arshad: Aaj shaam free ho?
Sakshi: Kyun?
Arshad: Tumhe yaad hai na, humne walk ka plan banaya tha?
Sakshi: Yaad hai. Tumhe bhi yaad aa gaya?
Arshad: Main bhoolta nahi. Bas kabhi-kabhi meri priorities laptop ke peeche chhup jaati hain.
Sakshi ka reply aane mein thoda waqt laga.
Sakshi: Theek hai. Kaam khatam karke bata dena.
Arshad ne message padha.
Usne kuch aur likhne ke liye keyboard par haath rakha, phir ruk gaya.
Woh jaanta tha ki Sakshi uske kaam ko samajhti hai.
Lekin samajhne aur hamesha intezaar karne mein farq hota hai.
Usne laptop ki screen dobara apni taraf kheench li.
Is baar usne line delete nahi ki.
Usne likhna shuru kar diya.


Shaam ke kareeb saat baje Reyansh ghar laut aaya.
Din zyada thaka dene wala nahi tha, lekin office se nikalte waqt uske dimaag mein ab bhi Jheel ki rating ghoom rahi thi.
Usne shoes utaare, paani piya aur sofa par baith gaya.
Phone uthaya.
Reyansh: Madam, aaj ka din khatam hone wala hai.
Jheel: Toh?
Reyansh: Mere 10/10 hone ka faisla kab hoga?
Jheel: Tumhe sach mein itni fikr hai?
Reyansh kuch pal screen dekhta raha.
Phir usne jawab diya.
Reyansh: Sach bolun? Haan.
Jheel ne message padh liya.
Is baar usne turant koi mazaak nahi kiya.
Kuch seconds baad uska reply aaya.
Jheel: Achha. Toh ek sawaal ka sach-sach jawab dena.
Reyansh: Poochho.
Jheel: Jab main tumse koi baat share karti hoon, toh tum chahte ho ki tum uska solution do ya bas meri baat suno?
Reyansh ne message dobara padha.
Sawaal ajeeb nahi tha.
Lekin uska jawab dene se pehle use sochna pada.
Reyansh: Depends. Agar tumhe solution chahiye toh main help karunga. Agar bas baat karni hai toh sununga.
Jheel: Aur tumhe kaise pata chalega ki mujhe kya chahiye?
Reyansh ne phone haath mein ghumaya.
Reyansh: Pooch lunga.
Jheel ka reply aaya.
Jheel: Good answer.
Reyansh ne muskurakar likha.
Reyansh: Toh ab 10/10?
Jheel: Nahi.
Reyansh ne sar peeche tika diya.
Reyansh: "Maine aakhir kiya kya hai?"
Jheel: Tum kabhi-kabhi baat ko mazaak mein uda dete ho.
Reyansh ki muskurahat dheemi pad gayi.
Usne message ko dhyan se padha.
Reyansh: Kab?
Jheel: Jab tumhe samajh nahi aata ki saamne wala kya kehna chahta hai. Ya jab tumhe lagta hai ki baat serious ho jayegi.
Reyansh ne turant jawab nahi diya.
Use apne andar kisi baat ka inkaar karne ki aadat thi. Khaaskar tab, jab koi uski kisi kamzori ko uske saamne rakh deta.
Lekin Jheel us par ilzaam nahi laga rahi thi.
Woh bas use bata rahi thi ki usne kya mehsoos kiya.
Reyansh ne dheere se type kiya.
Reyansh: Ho sakta hai. Main kabhi-kabhi uncomfortable ho jaata hoon toh joke kar deta hoon.
Jheel ne jawab diya.
Jheel: Mujhe pata hai.
Reyansh: Tumhe mere baare mein bahut kuch pata chal raha hai.
Jheel: Abhi toh shuruaat hai.
Reyansh ke chehre par phir muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Aur mere 10/10 hone ki shuruaat kab hogi?
Jheel: Jab tum apni rating khud dena band kar doge.
Reyansh: Impossible. Main apna favourite person hoon.

Jheel: Mujhe pata hai.
Reyansh: Tum jealous ho?
Jheel: Bilkul nahi. Tumhare favourite person ko meri taraf se sympathy.
Reyansh hans pada.
Lekin is baar us hansi ke beech ek baat uske dimaag mein reh gayi.
Kabhi-kabhi mazaak karne se pehle sunna bhi zaroori hota hai.
Yeh koi badi seekh nahi thi.
Na hi koi dramatic realization.
Bas ek chhoti si baat thi, jo usne Jheel se seekhi thi.
Aur Reyansh ko dheere-dheere samajh aa raha tha ki kisi ke saath rehna sirf uske saath achha waqt guzaarna nahi hota.
Kabhi-kabhi us waqt ko samajhna bhi hota hai, jab saamne wala hans nahi raha hota.


Raat ke kareeb aath baje doorbell baji.
Reyansh ne darwaza khola.
Jheel saamne khadi thi.
Haath mein ek chhota sa paper bag tha aur chehre par wohi shaant si muskurahat.
Reyansh: "Madam! Aapne toh kaha tha aaj milna possible nahi hai."
Jheel: "Maine kaha tha aaj milna possible nahi hai. Yeh nahi kaha tha ki bilkul nahi ho sakta."
Reyansh: "Matlab tumne jaan-bujhkar mujhe tadpaya?"
Jheel ne aankhein ghumayi.
Jheel: "Tum har baat ka galat matlab kyun nikaalte ho?"
Reyansh: "Talent hai."
Jheel hans di aur andar aa gayi.
Usne paper bag table par rakha.
Reyansh: "Yeh kya hai?"
Jheel: "Tumhare liye."
Reyansh ne bag khola.
Andar ek chhota sa chocolate box tha.
Usne Jheel ki taraf dekha.
Reyansh: "Mujhe chocolate dekar meri rating badhwana chahti ho?"
Jheel: "Nahi. Tumhari rating badhane ke liye chocolate kaafi nahi hai."
Reyansh: "Tumhari baatein kabhi-kabhi bahut hurt karti hain."
Jheel: "Tum survive kar loge."
Dono hans pade.
Reyansh ne chocolate box table par rakha aur Jheel ke paas aa gaya.
Reyansh: "Waise, aaj jo tumne kaha... uske baare mein socha."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: "Kis baare mein?"
Reyansh: "Ki main kabhi-kabhi serious baat ko mazaak mein uda deta hoon."
Jheel ka chehra naram pad gaya.
Reyansh: "Main promise nahi karunga ki ab kabhi aisa nahi hoga. Kyunki ho sakta hai main phir kar doon. Lekin agar tum mujhe bataogi, toh main koshish karunga ki tumhari baat ko samjhun."
Jheel kuch pal use dekhti rahi.
Uske chehre par ek aisi muskurahat aayi, jo kisi joke ka jawab nahi thi.
Jheel: "Bas, mujhe itna hi chahiye."
Reyansh ne apna haath uski taraf badhaya.
Jheel ne uska haath pakad liya.
Phir Reyansh ne use apni taraf kheenchkar ek pyaar bhara hug diya.
Jheel uske seene se lag gayi.
Kuch pal dono chup rahe.
Koi romantic dialogue nahi.
Koi badi kasam nahi.
Bas ek aisa pal, jahan dono ko kuch saabit karne ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Thodi der baad Jheel ne usse alag hote hue kaha:
Jheel: "Achha, ek baat bataun?"
Reyansh: "Agar rating ke baare mein hai toh main mentally prepare hoon."
Jheel: "Tum 9/10 isliye ho kyunki tumhare saath mujhe achha lagta hai."
Reyansh ki muskurahat halki si gehri ho gayi.
Jheel: "Aur ek point isliye kam hai kyunki tum abhi seekh rahe ho."
Reyansh: "Kya?"
Jheel: "Kisi ke saath hona aur kisi ko samajhna. Dono alag cheezein hain."
Reyansh ne kuch pal uski aankhon mein dekha.
Reyansh: "Toh jab seekh jaunga, 10/10?"
Jheel ne sochne ka natak kiya.
Jheel: "Dekhenge."
Reyansh: "Yeh relationship hai ya government exam?"
Jheel: "Dono mein patience chahiye."
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: "Tum mujhe barbaad kar dogi."
Jheel: "Nahi. Bas thoda better bana dungi."
Jheel ki baat sunkar Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Phir usne uske maathe par ek halka sa kiss kiya.
Jheel sharma kar muskurayi.
Jheel: "Ab zyada khush mat ho. Rating abhi bhi 9 hi hai."
Reyansh: "Koi baat nahi. Agle review mein appeal karunga."
Jheel: "Rejected."
Reyansh: "Tumne suna bhi nahi!"
Jheel: "Mujhe apne decision par bharosa hai."
Dono ki hansi flat ke shaant kamre mein goonj gayi.
Aur Reyansh ne mehsoos kiya ki use Jheel ke saath har pal ko special banane ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Kabhi-kabhi ek chhota sa chocolate box, thodi si nok-jhok aur ek sachchi baat bhi kaafi hoti hai.


Kuch der baad Jheel apne flat mein laut gayi.
Reyansh ne darwaza band kiya, chocolate box khola aur ek piece nikaal liya.
Phir usne phone uthaya.
Reyansh: Ek baat poochun?
Jheel: Poochho.
Reyansh: Tumne mujhe 9/10 diya. Lekin tum khud apne aap ko kitni rating dogi?
Jheel ne message padhkar muskuraya.
Jheel: Main apni rating nahi deti.
Reyansh: Kyun?
Jheel: Kyunki main abhi khud ko samajh rahi hoon.
Reyansh ne message ko kuch der dekha.
Phir likha:
Reyansh: Fair enough.
Jheel ka aakhri message aaya.
Jheel: Good night, Mr. Nine Out Of Ten.
Reyansh: Good night, Miss Under Review.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakha.
Uske din mein aaj kuch extraordinary nahi hua tha.
Na koi grand date.
Na koi expensive surprise.
Na koi aisa pal, jise woh duniya ko dikhana chahta.
Lekin ek chhoti si baat uske andar reh gayi thi.
Kisi ko pasand karna aasaan ho sakta hai. Lekin uske saath khud ko behtar banana, shayad wahi asli kaam hai.
Usne light band ki aur aankhein moond li.
Us raat uske chehre par ek sukoon bhari muskurahat thi.
Aur filhaal, Reyansh ko kisi perfect score ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Use bas yeh achha lag raha tha ki uski zindagi mein koi aisa tha, jiske saamne woh dheere-dheere apna asli roop rakh sakta tha.

[Greenwood]

Update 44


Sunday ki subah thi.
Bengaluru ki sadkon par traffic roz ke muqable kam tha. Kahin log morning walk par nikle the, kahin chai ki dukaanon par din ki pehli charcha shuru ho chuki thi.
Flat 303 mein Reyansh apne bistar par aaram se pada tha.
Uska phone vibrate hua.
Ek baar.
Do baar.
Teesri baar vibration hui toh usne takiye ke neeche haath daalkar phone nikaala.
Shivani Calling...
Reyansh ne screen dekhi aur phone wapas rakh diya.
Do second baad phir phone baja.
Reyansh: "Sunday ko insaan ko jeene bhi nahi dete."
Usne call receive ki.
Reyansh: "Good morning, Didi."
Shivani: "Good morning? Janab, tumhari subah ho gayi?"
Reyansh: "Nahi. Main toh raat se hi jaag raha hoon."
Shivani: "Bahut funny. Aaj ghar aa rahe ho na?"
Reyansh ne aankhein band kar li.
Use yaad aaya ki Shivani ne pichhle hafte Sunday lunch ke liye bulaya tha.
Aur usne haan bhi kaha tha.
Reyansh: "Aa raha hoon."
Shivani: "Kitne baje?"
Reyansh: "Lunch ke time."
Shivani: "Reyansh!"
Reyansh: "Achha baba, batao kitne baje aana hai?"
Shivani: "Ek baje. Aur please, is baar last minute par mat pahunchna."
Reyansh: "Main hamesha time par pahunchta hoon."
Shivani: "Tumhare time par ya duniya ke time par?"
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: "Theek hai, ek baje."
Shivani: "Aur haan, Mumma-Papa bhi honge."
Reyansh: "Didi, tum mujhe lunch par bula rahi ho ya family court mein pesh hone?"
Shivani: "Tum aa jao, phir pata chal jayega."
Call kat gayi.
Reyansh kuch pal phone dekhta raha.
Phir usne chhat ki taraf dekhte hue kaha:
"Ek taraf girlfriend ki rating, doosri taraf family ki attendance. Meri zindagi mein appraisal season chal raha hai kya?"
Usne phone uthaya aur Jheel ko message kiya.
Reyansh: Good morning, Miss Under Review.
Kuch der baad reply aaya.
Jheel: Good morning. Aaj kya plan hai?
Reyansh: Family lunch. Didi ne bulaya hai.
Jheel: Achha! Enjoy karna.
Reyansh ne message padha.
Woh kuch seconds tak screen ko dekhta raha, phir type kiya.
Reyansh: Tum kya karogi aaj?
Jheel: Abhi kuch khaas nahi socha.
Reyansh: Toh mere saath chalogi?
Message bhejne ke baad usne phone side mein rakh diya.
Do minute baad reply aaya.
Jheel: Tumhare family lunch par?
Reyansh seedha baith gaya.
Use ehsaas hua ki usne bina soche message kar diya tha.
Reyansh: Nahi, mera matlab lunch ke baad kahin coffee peene chal sakte hain.
Jheel ne laughing emoji bheja.
Jheel: Main samajh gayi thi.
Reyansh: Toh phir poochha kyun?
Jheel: Tumhe thoda nervous dekhna tha.
Reyansh muskuraya.
Reyansh: Tumhari himmat kaise hui apne boyfriend ko nervous karne ki?
Jheel: 9/10 boyfriend ko thodi practice chahiye.
Reyansh: Tum meri rating kabhi nahi bhoologi, hai na?
Jheel: Kabhi nahi.
Reyansh ne phone rakha aur bistar se uth gaya.
Sunday ab itna boring nahi lag raha tha.


Taiyaar hote waqt Reyansh ko almari mein ek purani shirt mili, jo usne kaafi waqt se nahi pehni thi.
Usne shirt nikaali, pehenkar mirror mein dekha aur collar theek kiya.
Phir phone uthaya.
Reyansh: Ek sawaal.
Jheel: Tumhare sawaal kab khatam honge?
Reyansh: Jab tum mere saath coffee pe chalogi.
Jheel: Main toh pehle hi haan bol chuki hoon.
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Sach mein?
Jheel: Nahi. Main tumhari tarah har baat ka double meaning nikaal rahi hoon.
Reyansh hans pada.
Usne message type kiya.
Reyansh: Shaam ko six?
Jheel: Theek hai.
Reyansh: Aur dress code?
Jheel: Normal kapde.
Reyansh: Tum itni difficult kyun ho?
Jheel: Tum itne simple kyun nahi ho?
Reyansh ne phone pocket mein rakha.
Uski muskurahat kuch der tak bani rahi.
Kabhi-kabhi kisi ka ek chhota sa message bhi poore din ke liye kaafi hota hai.
Aur Reyansh ko yeh baat ab samajh aane lagi thi.


Dopahar ke kareeb ek baje Reyansh apni behen Shivani ke ghar pahunch gaya.
Darwaza khula toh Shivani saamne thi.
Usne Reyansh ko upar se neeche tak dekha.
Shivani: "Wah! Aaj toh time par aa gaye."

Lunch ke baad papa aur maa apne kamre mein chale gaye.
Reyansh living room mein sofa par baitha tha, jab Shivani do cups coffee lekar aayi.
Ek cup uske saamne rakhkar woh doosre sofa par baith gayi.
Shivani: "Lo, tumhari favourite."
Reyansh ne cup uthaya.
Reyansh: "Aaj itni service kyun mil rahi hai? Kuch kaam hai kya?"
Shivani: "Har cheez ke peeche koi kaam nahi hota."
Reyansh: "Tum meri behen ho. Main tumhe jaanta hoon."
Shivani hans di.
Kuch der dono coffee peete rahe.
Phir Shivani ne kaha:
Shivani: "Reyansh, ek baat bolun?"
Reyansh: "Bolo."
Shivani: "Mujhe achha lagta hai jab tum yahan aate ho. Lekin main chahti hoon ki tum sirf isliye na aao kyunki maine bulaya hai."
Reyansh ne cup neeche rakha.
Reyansh: "Matlab?"
Shivani: "Matlab jab mann kare, tab bhi aa jaya karo. Bina kisi occasion ke. Bina kisi reason ke."
Reyansh chup raha.
Shivani ne baat aage badhayi.
Shivani: "Har baar family ke paas aane ke liye koi special din zaroori nahi hota."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: "Tumhe lagta hai main tum logon se door ho gaya hoon?"
Shivani: "Mujhe lagta hai tum apni life mein busy ho. Aur busy rehna galat nahi hai."
Woh halki si muskurayi.
Shivani: "Bas kabhi-kabhi yaad rakhna ki tumhare paas kuch aise log bhi hain, jinhe tumhara sirf ghar aa jaana achha lagta hai."
Reyansh ne dheere se saans chhodi.
Reyansh: "Theek hai, Didi. Agli baar bina invitation ke aaunga."
Shivani: "Pehle message kar dena. Main ghar par hui toh tumhare liye khana bana dungi."
Reyansh: "Aur nahi hui toh?"
Shivani: "Fridge mein kuch na kuch mil jayega."
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh: "Wah. Kitna emotional invitation tha!"
Shivani ne cushion uski taraf phenka.
Shivani: "Chup karo!"
Dono phir hansne lage.
Lekin Reyansh ke dil mein uski behen ki baat reh gayi.
Zindagi mein kuch rishte aise hote hain jo har roz baat nahi maangte.
Bas itna chahte hain ki jab zaroorat ho, toh insaan unke paas laut sake.


Doosri taraf Arshad apne laptop ke saamne baitha tha.
Proposal ki deadline paas aa rahi thi.
Usne kaafi kaam kar liya tha, lekin presentation ka final section abhi bhi baaki tha.
Phone par Sakshi ka message aaya.
Sakshi: Walk ka plan yaad hai?
Arshad ne screen dekhi.
Arshad: Bilkul yaad hai.
Sakshi: Kitne baje?
Arshad ne laptop par nazar daali.
Uske dimaag mein turant calculation shuru ho gayi.
Agar abhi kaam karta raha toh ek ghante mein proposal complete ho sakta tha. Lekin agar kuch aur changes aaye toh waqt badh bhi sakta tha.
Usne message type kiya.
Arshad: Seven thirty?
Sakshi: Theek hai. Main ready rahungi.
Arshad ne phone rakha aur kaam mein lag gaya.
Saat baje tak proposal lagbhag complete tha.
Tabhi client ka email aa gaya.
Subject: One Small Change
Arshad ne email khola.
Uske chehre ka expression badal gaya.
Arshad: "One small change. Duniya ki sabse khatarnak line."
Usne changes dekhe.
Kaam karna zaroori tha.
Lekin usne Sakshi ko time bhi diya tha.
Usne phone uthaya.
Arshad: Sakshi, client ka last-minute change aa gaya hai. Mujhe thoda aur time lagega.
Kuch der baad reply aaya.
Sakshi: Kitna?
Arshad ne likha:
Arshad: Forty minutes, max.
Sakshi ne message padh liya.
Sakshi: Okay.
Bas ek shabd.
Na gussa, na lambi shikayat.
Arshad ko phir bhi samajh aa gaya ki woh use wait karwa raha tha.
Usne jaldi-jaldi changes kiye, presentation check ki aur file bhej di.
Saat bajkar pachaas minute par usne laptop band kiya.
Arshad: "Done!"
Usne turant Sakshi ko call kiya.
Sakshi ne call receive ki.
Sakshi: "Hello?"
Arshad: "Madam, aapka intezaar khatam hua. Main free ho gaya."
Sakshi: "Congratulations."
Arshad ko uske lehje mein halki si thakaan mehsoos hui.
Arshad: "Tum nikal gayi?"
Sakshi: "Nahi. Abhi ghar par hoon."
Arshad: "Toh main aata hoon. Das minute."
Sakshi kuch pal chup rahi.
Sakshi: "Arshad, aaj rehne do. Mujhe ab bahar jaane ka mann nahi hai."
Arshad ka chehra utar gaya.


Arshad: "Tum naraz ho?"
Sakshi: "Naraz nahi hoon. Bas ab thak gayi hoon."
Arshad: "I am sorry."
Sakshi: "I know."
Phir usne narmi se kaha:
Sakshi: "Kal baat karte hain, okay?"
Arshad: "Okay."
Call kat gayi.
Arshad kuch der phone haath mein liye baitha raha.
Uske paas kaam karne ki wajah thi.
Lekin Sakshi ke paas bhi apna waqt tha.
Aur use pehli baar mehsoos hua ki har baar sorry keh dena, kisi ke intezaar ki bharpai nahi hota.
Usne laptop band hi rehne diya.
Aaj ka kaam khatam ho gaya tha.
Lekin dimaag mein ek naya sawaal shuru ho gaya tha.
Woh apni zindagi mein sab kuch achieve karna chahta tha, lekin kya woh un logon ke liye bhi waqt nikaal paa raha tha jo uski zindagi ka hissa the


Shaam ke chhe baje Reyansh ghar pahunch gaya tha.
Usne shirt badli, fresh hua aur Jheel ko message bheja.
Reyansh: Madam, main ready hoon.
Jheel: Maine tumse poochha tha ready hone ko?
Reyansh ne phone ko dekha.
Reyansh: "Aaj phir shuru."
Reyansh: Tumne six baje coffee ke liye haan kaha tha.
Jheel: Haan toh?
Reyansh: Main punctual boyfriend hoon.
Jheel: Tum apni rating khud hi badha rahe ho.
Reyansh: Koi toh meri value samjhe.
Jheel ne location bhej di.
Ek chhota sa café, jahan dono pehle bhi ja chuke the.
Reyansh wahan pahunchkar ek corner table par baith gaya.
Kuch der baad Jheel aayi.
Aaj usne simple blue kurti aur white trousers pehne the. Baal khule hue the aur chehre par halki si muskurahat thi.
Reyansh use dekhkar khada ho gaya.
Reyansh: "Madam, aap aaj phir achhi lag rahi hain."
Jheel ne chair kheenchkar baithte hue kaha:
Jheel: "Phir?"
Reyansh: "Mera matlab, aap hamesha achhi lagti hain."
Jheel: "Recovery achhi thi."
Reyansh: "Thank you. Main practice kar raha hoon."
Dono hans pade.
Waiter aaya toh unhone coffee order ki.
Jheel ne table par apne haath rakhte hue poochha:
Jheel: "Family lunch kaisa tha?"
Reyansh: "Achha tha. Mumma ne bahut khana khilaya. Papa ne lecture diya. Didi ne meri insult ki."
Jheel: "Matlab normal family lunch."
Reyansh: "Exactly."
Jheel: "Tumhari family tumhe miss karti hai?"
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: "Haan. Shayad main unke paas utna nahi jaata jitna jaana chahiye."
Jheel ne sir hilaya.
Jheel: "Kabhi-kabhi hum sochte hain ki hum roz baat kar rahe hain, toh sab theek hai. Lekin saamne baithne ka apna alag hi sukoon hota hai."
Reyansh ne muskurakar kaha:
Reyansh: "Aaj meri behen ne bhi lagbhag yahi kaha."
Jheel: "Toh phir sun lena chahiye."
Reyansh: "Tum dono ne milkar mere khilaaf planning ki hai kya?"
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel: "Tumhe advice dene ke liye planning ki zaroorat nahi hai."
Coffee aa gayi.
Dono ne cups uthaye.
Kuch der tak woh apne-apne din ki chhoti-chhoti baatein share karte rahe.
Jheel ne bataya ki usne ghar par kuch pending kaam niptaaye. Reyansh ne office ki baatein sunayi. Beech-beech mein woh ek doosre ki baaton par hanste rahe.
Phir Jheel ne poochha:
Jheel: "Reyansh, tumhe kabhi aisa lagta hai ki din bahut achha guzra, lekin phir bhi kuch missing hai?"
Sawaal sunkar Reyansh ne coffee ka cup table par rakh diya.
Woh kuch pal sochta raha.
Reyansh: "Kabhi-kabhi."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha, lekin koi agla sawaal nahi kiya.
Reyansh ne khud hi baat aage badhayi.
Reyansh: "Pehle mujhe lagta tha ki agar kaam achha chal raha ho, friends ke saath time mil jaaye aur weekend free ho, toh life set hai."
Jheel: "Aur ab?"
Reyansh muskuraya.
Reyansh: "Ab lagta hai ki kabhi-kabhi bas kisi ke saath baithkar coffee peena bhi kaafi hota hai."
Jheel ki aankhon mein muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel: "Yeh line tumne kahin se copy ki hai?"
Reyansh: "Meri girlfriend meri sincerity par doubt kar rahi hai."
Jheel: "Main bas confirm kar rahi hoon."
Reyansh ne uska haath table par pakad liya.
Reyansh: "Nahi, madam. Original content hai."
Jheel hans di.
Usne apni ungliyan Reyansh ke haath mein aaraam se rehne di.
Unke beech kuch pal ki khamoshi rahi.
Lekin woh khamoshi awkward nahi thi.
Dono ko har waqt kuch bolne ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Kabhi-kabhi saath hona hi baat hoti hai.


Coffee khatam hone ke baad dono café se bahar nikle.
Bengaluru ki shaam mein halki si thandak thi. Sadak ke kinaare lights jal chuki thi aur log apne-apne gharon ki taraf laut rahe the.
Reyansh aur Jheel dheere-dheere chalne lage.
Jheel: "Aaj tum apni family se milkar khush lag rahe ho."
Reyansh: "Haan. Achha lagta hai unke saath."
Jheel: "Toh phir unse milte raha karo."
Reyansh: "Ji, madam."
Jheel: "Aur apni girlfriend ko bhi time diya karo."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh: "Uske liye toh main hamesha available hoon."
Jheel: "Achha? Agar main kal subah tumhe phone karun toh?"
Reyansh: "Uth jaunga."
Jheel: "Sunday ko bhi?"
Reyansh: "Jheel, tum mujhse pyaar karti ho ya meri neend se dushmani?"
Jheel zor se hans padi.
Reyansh bhi hansne laga.
Kuch kadam chalne ke baad Jheel ne uska haath dabaaya.
Jheel: "Ek baat sach mein keh rahi hoon."
Reyansh: "Bolo."
Jheel: "Mujhe tumhare saath achha waqt chahiye. Lekin main nahi chahti ki tum apni baaki zindagi se door ho jao."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel ne baat jaari rakhi.
Jheel: "Tumhari family, tumhare friends, tumhara kaam. Yeh sab bhi tumhara hissa hain. Main tumhari life ka hissa banna chahti hoon, tumhari poori life ki jagah nahi lena chahti."
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Phir usne Jheel ka haath apne dono haathon mein le liya.
Reyansh: "Aur main chahta hoon ki tum bhi apni life mein jo karna chahti ho, woh karo. Mujhe har waqt saath rehne ka proof nahi chahiye."
Jheel ki muskurahat gehri ho gayi.
Jheel: "Good."
Reyansh: "Toh ab 9.5?"
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel: "9.1."
Reyansh ne hairaani se munh khol diya.
Reyansh: "Sirf point one?"
Jheel: "Progress toh hui."
Reyansh: "Tumhare standards bahut high hain."
Jheel: "Tum kar loge."
Reyansh ne uske maathe par ek halka sa kiss kiya.
Reyansh: "Tumhare liye koshish karunga."
Jheel ne uske kandhe par sar tika diya.
Jheel: "Mere liye nahi. Apne liye bhi."
Reyansh ne use apni taraf kheenchkar hug kar liya.
Kuch pal dono waise hi khade rahe.
Phir Jheel ne dheere se kaha:
Jheel: "Ab ghar chalein? Mujhe bhookh lag rahi hai."
Reyansh peeche hata.
Reyansh: "Itna emotional moment aur end khane par?"
Jheel: "Emotions se pet nahi bharta."
Reyansh: "Madam, aapki honesty ek din mujhe le doobegi."
Dono hanste hue aage badh gaye.


Raat ko Reyansh apne flat mein tha.
Usne dinner kiya, kuch der television dekha aur phir phone uthaya.
Jheel ka message aaya hua tha.
Jheel: Ghar pahunch gaye?
Reyansh: Haan. Tum?
Jheel: Main bhi.
Reyansh: Aaj achha laga.
Jheel: Mujhe bhi.
Reyansh ne kuch pal socha aur phir likha:
Reyansh: Thanks.
Jheel: Kis liye?
Reyansh: Aaj ki coffee ke liye. Aur meri baatein sunne ke liye.
Jheel ka reply aaya.
Jheel: Tum bhi meri baatein sunte ho.
Reyansh: Main try karta hoon.
Jheel: Mujhe pata hai.
Reyansh ne phone ko seene par rakhkar aankhein band kar li.
Kuch waqt baad ek aur message aaya.
Jheel: Good night, Reyansh.
Usne phone uthaya.
Reyansh: Good night, Jheel. Sweet dreams.
Jheel ne ek chhota sa heart bheja.
Reyansh ne screen dekhi aur muskurate hue phone side mein rakh diya.
Uski zindagi mein sab kuch perfect nahi tha.
Uske paas har sawaal ka jawab nahi tha.
Lekin ab woh har khaali pal ko bharne ki koshish bhi nahi karta tha.
Kuch pal bas jeene ke liye hote hain.
Aur kuch log, bina koi bada vaada kiye, un palon ko khaas bana dete hain.
Aaj ka din bhi kuch aisa hi tha.
9. Udhar, Arshad Ke Phone Par...
Raat ke kareeb gyarah baje Arshad apne bed par baitha tha.
Usne din bhar ke emails check kiye, phir Sakshi ki chat kholi.
Aakhri message ab bhi wahi tha:
Sakshi: Kal baat karte hain, okay?
Arshad ne type kiya:
I am sorry about today. I know I made you wait.
Usne message bhejne se pehle ek baar padha.
Phir send kar diya.
Sakshi ka reply kuch der baad aaya.
Sakshi: Thank you for understanding.
Arshad ne message padha.
Woh chahta tha ki bas ek sorry se baat khatam ho jaaye.

Lekin use pata tha ki asal badlaav message se nahi, aadat se aayega.
Usne calendar khola aur agle din ke kaam ke beech ek waqt block kar diya.
Sakshi.
Koi meeting nahi.
Koi client call nahi.
Bas uske liye waqt.
Arshad ne calendar band kiya aur phone side mein rakh diya.
Kal kya baat hogi, use nahi pata tha.
Lekin is baar woh sirf sorry kehne ke liye nahi, sunne ke liye bhi taiyaar rehna chahta tha.

[Greenwood]

Update 45



Shaam ke saat baj chuke the.
Bengaluru ki sadkon par office se lautne walon ki bheed thi. Kisi ko ghar pahunchne ki jaldi thi, kisi ko traffic se ladne ki, aur kuch log aise bhi the jo gaadi chalate hue bas apne favourite gaane ke saath din bhar ki thakaan utaar rahe the.
Flat 303 mein Reyansh apni balcony mein khada tha.
Ek haath mein coffee ka mug, doosre mein phone.
Screen par ek message tha.
Jheel ❤️:
Ghar pahunch gaye?
Reyansh ne coffee ki chuski li aur reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Nahi. Bengaluru ke traffic mein meri gaadi ke saath meri aatma bhi phansi hui hai.
Kuch seconds baad reply aaya.
Jheel:
Tum ghar par ho. Maine tumhari balcony dekhi hai.
Reyansh ne saamne Flat 304 ki taraf dekha.
Jheel apni balcony mein khadi thi. Uske chehre par wohi chhoti si muskurahat thi jo Reyansh ko aksar apni baat ka jawab milne se pehle hi mil jaati thi.
Reyansh ne mug uthakar uski taraf dikhaya.
Jheel ne aankhon se poochha, Kya?
Reyansh ne mug ki taraf ishara kiya.
Jheel ne apne haath jodkar maafi maangne ka natak kiya, phir andar chali gayi.
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh (khud se):
"Madam ko lagta hai saamne wale ki balcony mein CCTV laga hua hai."
Phone vibrate hua.
Jheel:
Aaj dinner mein kya kha rahe ho?
Reyansh:
"Jo mil jaaye."
Jheel:
"Matlab order karoge?"
Reyansh:
"Matlab jo delivery wala le aaye."
Jheel:
"Very talented chef."
Reyansh:
"Thank you. Mere talent ki kadar karne wale bahut kam log hain."
Jheel:
"Talent aur tum? Dono ek sentence mein thode ajeeb lag rahe hain."
Reyansh hans diya.
Phir usne message type kiya.
Reyansh:
"Ek kaam karo. Aaj dinner mere saath kar lo."
Jheel ka reply turant nahi aaya.
Reyansh ne screen dekhi, phir coffee ka mug.
Kuch der baad message aaya.
Jheel:
"Kahan?"
Reyansh:
"Yahin. Flat 303. Main kuch banaunga."
Jheel:
"Tum?"
Reyansh:
"Ek minute. Tum girlfriend ho ya food inspector?"
Jheel:
"Dono ban sakti hoon."
Reyansh:
"Toh aa jao. Inspection ke liye sample bhi mil jayega."
Jheel:
"Thik hai. Dus minute mein."
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Phir use ek zaroori baat yaad aayi.
Woh seedha kitchen mein gaya aur fridge khola.
Andar doodh, aadha packet bread, do ande, kuch sabziyan, ek sauce ki bottle aur paani ki bottles thi.
Reyansh kuch seconds tak fridge ko dekhta raha.
Phir usne fridge band kar diya.
Dobara khola.
Jaise shayad doosri baar kholne se samaan badh jayega.
Nahi badha.
Reyansh:
"Shit."
Usne phone uthaya aur Arshad ko call kar diya.
SCENE 1: Ek Dost, Ek Emergency Aur Do Ande
7:27 PM | Phone Call
Arshad:
"Hello, mere bhai. Zinda ho?"
Reyansh:
"Ek important sawaal hai."
Arshad:
"Paise nahi hain."
Reyansh:
"Maine paise maange bhi nahi."
Arshad:
"Experience se bol raha hoon. Tumhari awaaz mein ya toh udhaar hota hai ya udhaar ki wajah."
Reyansh:
"Chup kar. Dinner banana hai."
Do second ki khamoshi.
Phir Arshad zor se hansa.
Arshad:
"Khud?"
Reyansh:
"Haan, khud."
Arshad:
"Kiske liye? Desh ke liye?"
Reyansh:
"Arshad."
Arshad:
"Achha, achha. Samajh gaya. Jheel aa rahi hai?"
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh:
"Haan."
Arshad:
"Toh bhai, aaj toh tumhare flat mein itihaas likha jayega. Ek taraf FMCG ka Senior Brand Manager, doosri taraf kitchen mein do ande."
Reyansh:
"Recipe bata."
Arshad:
"Order kar le."
Reyansh:
"Woh bhi kar sakta hoon. Lekin socha kuch bana loon."
Arshad ki awaaz is baar thodi normal ho gayi.
Arshad:
"Achhi baat hai. Kya-kya pada hai?"
Reyansh ne fridge ka haal bataya.
Arshad:
"Anda bhurji bana le. Pyaaz hai?"
Reyansh:
"Hai."
Arshad:
"Tamatar?"
Reyansh:
"Shayad."
Arshad:
"Shayad matlab?"
Reyansh:
"Ek laal cheez padi hai."
Arshad:
"Ufff teri domestic life. Woh tamatar hai, bhai. Koi chemical sample nahi."
Reyansh hans pada.
Arshad ne use seedhe-seedhe samjhaya ki pyaaz kaise kaatna hai, ande kab daalne hain aur namak kitna rakhna hai.
Phir achanak Arshad ruk gaya.


Arshad:

"Ek baat bataun?"
Reyansh:
"Bata."
Arshad:
"Jheel ko khush karne ke liye master chef banne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Bas jo bana raha hai, dhang se bana. Aur agar kharab ho gaya toh honestly bol dena."
Reyansh:
"Tu apni girlfriend ke saamne bhi itna hi samajhdaar banta hai?"
Arshad kuch pal chup raha.
Arshad:
"Koshish kar raha hoon."
Reyansh ne uske lehje mein chhota sa badlaav mehsoos kiya.
Reyansh:
"Sakshi ke saath sab thik hai?"
Arshad:
"Haan. Sab thik hai."
Jawab mil gaya, lekin usmein woh purani befikri nahi thi.
Reyansh ne baat ko kheenchna zaroori nahi samjha.
Reyansh:
"Achha. Kal milte hain."
Arshad:
"Haan. Aur sun."
Reyansh:
"Ab kya?"
Arshad:
"Anda jal gaya toh smoke alarm band mat karna. Building ke secretary ko waise bhi tumse personal problem hai."
Reyansh:
"Good night, Arshad."
Arshad:
"Best of luck, Chef Sahab!"
Call kat gayi.
Reyansh ne phone counter par rakha, sleeves chadhayi aur kaam shuru kar diya.
Aaj uski kitchen mein koi khaas cheez nahi banne wali thi.
Lekin use achha lag raha tha ki woh kisi ke aane ka intezaar kar raha tha.

7:51 PM
Doorbell baji.
Reyansh ne apron pehna hua tha.
Darwaza khola toh saamne Jheel khadi thi.
Simple kurti, khule baal aur chehre par halki si muskurahat.
Usne pehle Reyansh ko dekha, phir uske apron ko.
Phir dobara Reyansh ko.
Jheel:
"Tumne sach mein khana banaya hai?"
Reyansh:
"Nahi. Apron pehen kar cooking ka photoshoot kar raha hoon."
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel:
"Main andar aa sakti hoon?"
Reyansh:
"Madam, invitation aapko hi diya tha."
Woh andar aa gayi.
Flat mein halki si pyaaz aur masalon ki khushboo thi. Dining table par do plates rakhi thi. Ek taraf paani ke glasses aur doosri taraf sauce ki bottle.
Jheel ne table dekha.
Jheel:
"Tumne table bhi set kiya?"
Reyansh:
"Haan. Main sirf handsome nahi hoon."
Jheel:
"Yeh toh mujhe pehle se pata tha ki tum sirf handsome nahi ho."
Reyansh ne aankhen sikodi.
Reyansh:
"Matlab?"
Jheel:
"Matlab tumhare andar aur bhi bahut saari qualities hain."
Reyansh:
"Jaise?"
Jheel:
"Overconfidence."
Reyansh ne seene par haath rakh liya.
Reyansh:
"Ek din tum meri tareef karte hue pakdi jaogi."
Jheel:
"Us din ki date bata dena. Main calendar mein mark kar lungi."
Woh kitchen ki taraf badhi.
Counter par bhurji, toast aur ek chhota sa bowl salad ka rakha tha.
Jheel ne bhurji ko dekha.
Phir Reyansh ko.
Jheel:
"Yeh tumne banayi?"
Reyansh:
"Haan."
Jheel:
"Recipe?"
Reyansh:
"Secret family recipe."
Jheel:
"Reyansh!"
Reyansh:
"Achha, Arshad ne phone par batayi."
Jheel hansne lagi.
Jheel:
"Tumne apne dost se recipe poochhi?"
Reyansh:
"Main apni girlfriend ko bhookha nahi rakh sakta."
Jheel ki hansi dheere se tham gayi.
Usne Reyansh ki taraf dekha.
Yeh koi bahut badi baat nahi thi. Na hi koi dramatic confession.
Bas ek seedha sa sentence tha.
Lekin kabhi-kabhi rozmarra ki chhoti baatein hi kisi rishte ko apnapan deti hain.
Jheel:
"Thank you."
Reyansh ne uski aankhon mein dekha.
Reyansh:
"Kis liye?"
Jheel:
"Kuch nahi. Bas aise hi."
Usne nazar hata li.
Reyansh ne muskurakar plates uthayi.
Reyansh:
"Chalo, taste karke batao ki chef ko promotion milna chahiye ya termination."
Dono table par baith gaye.
Jheel ne pehla niwala liya.
Chehre par koi khaas expression nahi aaya.
Reyansh use dhyan se dekh raha tha.
Reyansh:
"Kaisa hai?"
Jheel:
"Achha hai."
Reyansh:
"Sach?"
Jheel:
"Haan."
Reyansh:
"Thoda aur soch kar batao. Tumhare ek answer par mera poora culinary future depend karta hai."
Jheel ne dobara khaya.
Jheel:
"Thoda namak kam hai."
Reyansh ne plate ki taraf dekha.
Reyansh:
"Bas?"
Jheel:
"Aur pyaaz thodi zyada hai."
Reyansh:
"Bas?"
Jheel:
"Toast thoda jal gaya hai."
Reyansh ne apni plate dekhi.
Reyansh:
"Tum dinner karne aayi ho ya meri annual performance review lene?"
Jheel itna hansi ki use paani peena pada.
Jheel:
"Sorry!"
Reyansh:
"Nahi, ab tumhe hi banana padega agli baar."

Jheel:

"Done."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh:
"Agli baar?"
Jheel ek pal ke liye ruk gayi.
Phir use samajh aaya ki usne kya keh diya.
Jheel:
"Haan, agli baar. Kya?"
Reyansh ke chehre par dheemi si muskurahat aayi.
Reyansh:
"Kuch nahi. Bas achha laga sun kar."
Jheel ne plate ki taraf dekhte hue apni muskurahat chhupane ki koshish ki.
Woh nakaam rahi.


Dinner khatam hote-hote aath bajkar tees minute ho gaye.
Jheel plates uthane lagi toh Reyansh ne uska haath rok diya.
Reyansh:
"Chhod do. Main kar lunga."
Jheel:
"Tumne khana banaya. Main plates le ja sakti hoon."
Reyansh:
"Hum dono kar lenge."
Jheel ne use dekha.
Jheel:
"Har cheez mein partnership?"
Reyansh:
"Relationship hai. Tender process nahi ki aadha kaam tumhara aur aadha mera."
Jheel hans padi.
Dono milkar kitchen saaf karne lage.
Reyansh bartan dho raha tha aur Jheel unhe sukha kar rack mein rakh rahi thi. Beech-beech mein unke haath takra jaate. Har baar koi na koi chhoti si baat keh deta.
Ek baar Jheel ne paani ke chheente se bachne ke liye haath peeche kiya.
Jheel:
"Reyansh! Kapdon par paani gir raha hai."
Reyansh:
"Toh paani se door raho."
Jheel:
"Main kitchen mein khadi hoon!"
Reyansh:
"Toh kitchen se door raho."
Jheel ne use ghoora.
Reyansh hansne laga.
Aakhir mein kaam khatam hua toh dono living room mein aa gaye.
Jheel sofa ke ek kone par baith gayi. Reyansh ne music chala diya. Kamre mein dheemi awaaz mein ek purana romantic gaana bajne laga.
Jheel:
"Tumhe purane gaane pasand hain?"
Reyansh:
"Kuch gaane purane hote hain, unki feeling nahi."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel:
"Yeh line tumne kahin se churayi hai?"
Reyansh:
"Nahi. Main naturally itna achha hoon."
Jheel:
"Phir se overconfidence."
Reyansh uske paas baith gaya.
Dono kuch der gaana sunte rahe.
Bahar sadak ka shor tha, kabhi kisi gaadi ka horn, kabhi kisi bachche ki awaaz. Lekin flat ke andar waqt dheema lag raha tha.
Jheel ne apna sir sofa ke backrest par tika diya.
Jheel:
"Aaj ka din achha tha."
Reyansh:
"Office mein?"
Jheel:
"Nahi. Tumhare saath."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel ne baat jaari rakhi.
Jheel:
"Matlab, kuch special nahi kiya humne. Bas dinner banaya, khaya, baatein ki. Phir bhi achha laga."
Reyansh:
"Har achhi shaam ka restaurant mein hona zaroori nahi hai."
Jheel:
"Haan."
Kuch pal dono chup rahe.
Phir Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
Jheel:
"Tum pehle bhi aise hi the?"
Reyansh:
"Kaise?"
Jheel:
"Matlab, aise hi. Kabhi serious, kabhi funny. Kabhi bahut baatein karte ho aur kabhi achanak chup ho jaate ho."
Reyansh ne socha.
Reyansh:
"Shayad. Har waqt ek jaisa rehna thoda boring nahi hai?"
Jheel:
"Main personality ki baat kar rahi hoon, mood swings ki nahi."
Reyansh:
"Achha. Toh tum mujhe samajhne ki koshish kar rahi ho?"
Jheel:
"Main tumhe samajhna chahti hoon."
Uski awaaz mein is baar mazaak nahi tha.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh:
"Toh samjho. Kabhi-kabhi mujhe khud nahi pata hota ki main kya soch raha hoon. Lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki main tumse baat nahi karna chahta."
Jheel ne dheere se sir hilaya.
Jheel:
"Thik hai."
Reyansh:
"Aur tum?"
Jheel:
"Main kya?"
Reyansh:
"Tumhe samajhna aasaan hai?"
Jheel ne halki si hansi ke saath kaha.
Jheel:
"Bilkul nahi."
Reyansh:
"Good. Matlab sirf main hi complicated nahi hoon."
Jheel:
"Tum complicated nahi ho. Tum bas kabhi-kabhi apne dimaag mein zyada rehte ho."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Woh baat usne pehle bhi suni thi, lekin Jheel ke munh se sunne par usne use thoda aur dhyan se liya.
Reyansh:
"Ho sakta hai."
Jheel ne apna haath uske haath par rakh diya.
Jheel:
"Jab bhi tumhara mann ho, mujhe bata sakte ho. Har baat ka solution dena zaroori nahi. Kabhi-kabhi main bas sun bhi sakti hoon."
Reyansh ne uski ungliyon ko apni ungliyon mein le liya.
Reyansh:
"Yeh offer permanent hai?"
Jheel:
"Terms and conditions apply."
Reyansh:
"Kya conditions hain?"



Jheel:

"Jab main bolun, tab tumhe bhi sunna padega."
Reyansh:
"Yeh toh kaafi expensive deal hai."
Jheel:
"Cancel kar doon?"
Reyansh:
"Nahi. Sign kar do."
Jheel hans padi.
Usne apna sir Reyansh ke kandhe par tika diya.
Reyansh ne apna haath uske kandhon ke gird rakh liya.
Koi jaldi nahi thi.
Kisi ko yeh prove nahi karna tha ki woh kitna pyaar karta hai. Na koi bada promise, na koi filmi dialogue.
Bas dono ek hi sofa par baithe the.
Aur is waqt, itna kaafi tha.


Bengaluru | 8:56 PM

Doosri taraf Arshad apne laptop ke saamne baitha tha.
Screen par ek advertising campaign ka draft khula hua tha. Client ne shaam ko kuch changes bheje the aur unka jawab dena zaroori tha.
Uska phone table par vibrate hua.
Sakshi ❤️:
Aaj walk par ja rahe hain?
Arshad ne screen ke kone mein waqt dekha.
Phir laptop par khule draft ko.
Usne type kiya.
Bas yeh kaam khatam kar loon, phir chalte hain.
Message bhejne ke baad woh dobara kaam mein lag gaya.
Paanch minute baad ek aur message aaya.
Sakshi:
Kitni der lagegi?
Arshad ne deadline dekhi.
Phir apne calendar mein agle din ka schedule.
Uske paas kaam khatam karne ke liye do raaste the. Ek, Sakshi ko phir intezaar karne ke liye keh de. Doosra, client ko message karke draft bhejne ka samay thoda aage karne ki baat kare.
Usne kuch der socha.
Phir Sakshi ko call kiya.
Sakshi:
"Hello?"
Arshad:
"Sun, aaj walk ke liye nikalne mein late ho sakta hai. Client ne changes bheje hain."
Doosri taraf kuch pal khamoshi rahi.
Sakshi:
"Kitna late?"
Arshad ne sach bataya.
Sakshi ne ek halki si saans chhodi.
Sakshi:
"Arshad, agar aaj nahi ho sakta toh seedha bol do. Main wait karte hue apna poora evening plan nahi rakhna chahti."
Arshad ne aankhen band karke sir peeche tika diya.
Woh uski baat samajh raha tha.
Arshad:
"You're right. Mujhe pehle hi bata dena chahiye tha."
Sakshi:
"Main tumhare kaam ko samajhti hoon. Lekin jab hum koi plan banate hain, toh mujhe bhi us plan par bharosa hota hai."
Arshad:
"I know."
Sakshi:
"Thik hai. Aaj rehne do. Main ghar par hi hoon."
Arshad:
"Kal dinner? Main time block kar deta hoon. Kaam ke liye nahi, tumhare liye."
Sakshi ki awaaz thodi naram hui.
Sakshi:
"Kal dekhte hain. Pehle apna kaam khatam karo."
Arshad:
"Okay. Aur Sakshi?"
Sakshi:
"Hmm?"
Arshad:
"Sorry. Sirf bolne ke liye nahi. Main try karunga ki tumhe baar-baar wait na karna pade."
Sakshi:
"Bas try karna. Mujhe perfect boyfriend nahi chahiye."
Arshad muskuraya.
Arshad:
"Achha hua. Us position ke liye applications bahut kam aayi hain."
Sakshi hans padi.
Sakshi:
"Good night, Arshad."
Arshad:
"Good night."
Call kat gayi.
Arshad ne laptop ki taraf dekha aur phir calendar khola.
Agli shaam ke liye usne ek ghanta block kar diya.
Usne koi bada vaada nahi kiya tha.
Bas ek chhota sa faisla liya tha ki is baar woh apne vaade ko schedule mein bhi jagah dega.


Jheel abhi bhi Reyansh ke saath sofa par baithi thi.
Music khatam ho chuka tha. Ab TV par koi random travel show chal raha tha, lekin dono mein se kisi ka dhyan usmein nahi tha.
Jheel ne ghadi dekhi.
Jheel:
"Mujhe chalna chahiye."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh:
"Abhi?"
Jheel:
"Haan. Kal kaam bhi hai."
Reyansh:
"Main tumhe rok nahi raha."
Jheel:
"Tumhara chehra kuch aur bol raha hai."
Reyansh ne jaan-boojhkar serious expression bana liya.
Reyansh:
"Mera chehra naturally expressive hai. Main kya karun?"
Jheel hans padi.
Woh uthkar darwaze ki taraf badhi. Reyansh uske saath aaya.
Darwaza khulne se pehle Jheel uski taraf mud gayi.
Jheel:
"Ek baat bolun?"
Reyansh:
"Permission granted."
Jheel:
"Aaj tumhare saath rehkar mujhe achha laga."
Reyansh ki muskurahat dheemi ho gayi.
Reyansh:
"Mujhe bhi."
Jheel ne uska haath pakda.
Jheel:
"Agli baar main kuch banaungi."
Reyansh:
"Thik hai. Lekin ek condition hai."
Jheel:
"Kya?"
Reyansh:
"Agar khana kharab hua toh main complain nahi karunga."
Jheel ne hairani se use dekha.
Jheel:
"Sach?"
Reyansh:
"Haan. Lekin order karne ka option open rahega."
Jheel ne uske haath par halki si thapki maari.
Jheel:
"Tum bahut bure ho."
Reyansh:
"Phir bhi boyfriend main hi hoon."
Jheel ke gaal halka sa laal ho gaye.
Usne aas-paas dekha, phir dheere se Reyansh ke paas aayi aur uske gaal par ek kiss kar di.
Reyansh ek pal ke liye chup ho gaya.
Jheel peeche hati.
Jheel:
"Good night."
Reyansh ne uski ungliyan pakad li.
Reyansh:
"Bas?"

Jheel ki aankhon mein shararat bhari muskurahat aa gayi.
Jheel:
"Kya matlab bas?"
Reyansh:
"Main toh soch raha tha ki dinner ke baad dessert bhi milega."
Jheel:
"Dessert khatam ho gaya."
Reyansh:
"Fridge mein ice cream hai."
Jheel hans padi.
Jheel:
"Tumhe sirf ice cream chahiye?"
Reyansh ne uski aankhon mein dekha.
Reyansh:
"Nahi."
Kuch pal dono ek-doosre ko dekhte rahe.
Is baar Jheel ne nazar nahi hatayi.
Woh dheere se uske kareeb aayi aur uske hothon par ek chhota sa kiss kiya.
Reyansh ne uski kamar par haath rakha, lekin use apni taraf kheenchne ki jaldi nahi ki. Jheel khud uske kareeb rahi.
Kiss khatam hua toh dono ke chehron par muskurahat thi.
Jheel:
"Ab dessert mil gaya?"
Reyansh:
"Quality achhi thi."
Jheel:
"Rating?"
Reyansh:
"Nine point nine."
Jheel ne aankhen sikodi.
Jheel:
"Point one kahan gaya?"
Reyansh:
"Agli baar ke liye motivation."
Jheel ne hanskar uske seene par halka sa haath maara.
Jheel:
"Good night, Reyansh."
Reyansh:
"Good night, Jheel."
Woh corridor mein nikal gayi.
Reyansh darwaze par khada use Flat 304 mein jaate hue dekhta raha.
Jheel ne apne darwaze se palatkar haath hilaya.
Reyansh ne bhi haath hila diya.
Phir usne darwaza band kar diya.
Flat mein wahi sofa tha, wahi TV, wahi kitchen aur wahi balcony.
Lekin shaam abhi bhi uske saath thi.
Woh kitchen mein gaya, bache hue bartan check kiye aur phir fridge se ice cream nikaal li.
Ek spoon liya.
Phir khud hi hans pada.
Reyansh (khud se):
"Chef sahab, tumhara future bright hai."
Usne ice cream wapas rakhi aur balcony mein aa gaya.
Saamne Flat 304 ki lights jal rahi thi.
Usne phone uthaya.
Reyansh:
Reached safely?
Jheel ka reply aaya.
Jheel:
Main saamne wale flat mein hoon, Reyansh.
Reyansh:
Safety confirmation is a professional habit.
Jheel:
Senior Brand Manager sahab, good night.
Reyansh:
Good night, girlfriend.
Jheel ne message par ❤️ react kiya.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakha.
Uske chehre par muskurahat thi.
Aur kaafi arse baad, ek aam si Monday ki raat ko usne mehsoos kiya ki zindagi ko khoobsurat banane ke liye har baar kuch bada hona zaroori nahi.
Kabhi-kabhi do plates, thodi si namak kam bhurji, ek gaal par kiss aur saamne wale flat mein jalti hui light bhi kaafi hoti hai.

10:03 PM

Reyansh bedroom mein jaane hi wala tha ki phone phir vibrate hua.
Is baar message Jheel ka nahi tha.
Unknown number.
Wahi number, jisse pehle bhi messages aaye the.
Screen par likha tha:
Unknown Number:
Kabhi-kabhi insaan ko woh mil jaata hai jiska intezaar hota hai. Phir bhi woh khud se ek sawaal poochhna nahi chhodta.
Reyansh ka chehra dheere-dheere serious ho gaya.
Usne message dobara padha.
Phir type kiya.
Reyansh:
Aapko aajkal meri zindagi mein bahut interest hai.
Message send ho gaya.
Woh kuch der screen dekhta raha.
Typing indicator nahi aaya.
Koi reply nahi.
Reyansh ne phone lock kar diya.
Reyansh (khud se):
"Jo bhi ho, madam ya sir, seedha bolne mein kya problem hai?"
Woh phone side mein rakhkar bed par let gaya.
Aaj ki shaam ki yaadein abhi bhi uske dimaag mein chal rahi thi. Jheel ki hansi, kitchen mein uski nok-jhonk, aur darwaze par woh chhota sa kiss.
Unknown number ka message kuch pal ke liye peeche chala gaya.
Lekin mita nahi.
Usne light band ki.
Kamre mein andhera ho gaya.
Aur Bengaluru ki raat apni raftaar se aage badhti rahi.

[Greenwood]

Update 46




Bengaluru | Tuesday | 8:12 AM
Alarm teesri baar baja.
Reyansh ne takiye ke neeche haath daalkar phone dhoondha aur bina aankhein khole alarm band kar diya.
Do second ki khamoshi.
Phir usne ek aankh kholi.
Screen par waqt dekhte hi woh seedha uth baitha.
Reyansh:
"Shit! Aaj phir late."
Woh bed se utra, bathroom ki taraf badha, phir achanak ruk gaya.
Kal raat ka dinner yaad aa gaya.
Jheel ka hansna. Kitchen mein uska mazaak udaana. Darwaze par woh chhota sa kiss.
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Phir uski nazar ghadi par padi.
Reyansh:
"Romance ke liye poori raat padi thi. Subah toh office jaana tha!"
Woh jaldi se tayyar hone laga.
Kitchen mein pahunchkar usne coffee machine chala di. Tabhi doorbell baji.
Darwaza khola toh Shalu saamne thi.
Usne Reyansh ko dekha. Phir uske haath mein coffee ka mug dekha.
Shalu:
"Sir, aaj toh aap jaldi mein lag rahe ho."
Reyansh:
"Aaj nahi, Shalu. Aaj toh main apni hi zindagi mein late guest hoon."
Shalu ko uski baat poori tarah samajh nahi aayi, lekin woh muskura di.
Shalu:
"Breakfast bana doon?"
Reyansh:
"Bas toast bana do. Aur coffee ready hai."
Shalu kitchen mein chali gayi.
Reyansh apna laptop bag lene bedroom mein gaya. Wapas aaya toh Shalu table par toast rakh chuki thi.
Usne ek bite liya aur phone check kiya.
Jheel ka message tha.
Jheel ❤️:
Good morning, sleepyhead.
Reyansh:
Good morning, Miss Food Inspector.
Jheel:
Aaj time par office jaana.
Reyansh:
Tum girlfriend ho ya meri attendance monitor?
Jheel:
Dono roles achhe se nibha sakti hoon.
Reyansh hans pada.
Reyansh:
Kal ke dinner ke baad tumhara confidence kaafi badh gaya hai.
Jheel:
Tumhari cooking ke baad mera confidence badhna hi tha. Kisi ko toh is relationship ko sambhalna padega.
Reyansh ne message padhkar sir hilaya.
Reyansh:
Shaam ko milte hain. Aur haan, aaj dinner order karunga.
Jheel:
Better decision.
Phone pocket mein rakhkar woh darwaze ki taraf badha.
Shalu ne peeche se awaaz lagayi.
Shalu:
"Sir, aapka wallet!"
Reyansh ruk gaya.
Phir palatkar wallet liya.
Reyansh:
"Thank you. Aaj tumne meri naukri bachayi hai."
Shalu:
"Sir, wallet bhoolne se naukri kaise jaati?"
Reyansh:
"Meri company ke clients ko payment kaun karta phirta?"
Shalu hans padi.
Reyansh bhi muskurate hue flat se nikal gaya.
Shalu ne darwaza band kiya aur table saaf karne lagi.
Uski nazar ek pal ke liye us notebook par padi jismein woh kabhi-kabhi naye English words likha karti thi.
Usne notebook uthayi, ek naya page khola aur likha:
"Confidence: Khud par bharosa."
Phir usne neeche ek chhota sa sentence likha.
I can learn new things.
Woh sentence use poori tarah yaad nahi tha, lekin usne do baar padhkar apne dimaag mein bithane ki koshish ki.
Uske liye abhi itna hi kaafi tha.


9:34 AM | Reyansh Ka Office
Reyansh lift se nikla toh Neha apne desk ki taraf ja rahi thi.
Usne Reyansh ko dekha aur muskura di.
Neha:
"Good morning, Mr. Late Entry."
Reyansh:
"Good morning, Ms. Unnecessary Commentary."
Neha:
"Meeting das baje hai. Presentation ready hai?"
Reyansh:
"Bilkul."
Neha ne uske haath mein coffee dekhi.
Neha:
"Breakfast kiya?"
Reyansh:
"Ji, mummy."
Neha ruk gayi.
Neha:
"Mummy?"
Reyansh:
"Office mein koi toh meri health ki fikr karega."
Neha:
"Main tumhari health ki nahi, presentation ki fikr kar rahi hoon. Bhookhe pet tum aur zyada ajeeb ideas dete ho."
Reyansh:
"Toh tum maan rahi ho ki mere ideas interesting hote hain."
Neha:
"Main maan rahi hoon ki tumhe har baat mein apni tareef sunni hoti hai."
Reyansh hans diya aur apne cabin mein chala gaya.
Meeting theek rahi.
Presentation mein kuch changes suggest hue, do points par discussion hua aur agle hafte ke liye action items decide kar liye gaye.
Koi badi problem nahi thi.
Koi dramatic announcement bhi nahi.
Bas kaam ka ek aam din.
Meeting ke baad Reyansh apne desk par baitha tha ki uska phone vibrate hua.


Screen par naam dekhkar usne call utha li.

Reyansh:
"Madam Architect! Aaj Bengaluru ki kaunsi purani building ko nayi zindagi dene ka plan hai?"
Doosri taraf Aarohi ki hansi sunai di.
Aarohi:
"Good morning to you too, Mr. Corporate Hero."
Reyansh kursi par peeche ho gaya.
Reyansh:
"Finally kisi ne meri position ki izzat ki."
Aarohi:
"Position ki izzat hai. Tumhari nahi."
Reyansh:
"Dosti mein itna disrespect?"
Aarohi:
"Dosti mein hi toh asli feedback milta hai."
Reyansh muskura diya.
Aarohi se baat karna hamesha aasaan raha tha. Unke beech ab woh formal sa gap nahi tha jo naye logon ke saath hota hai. Dono ek-doosre ki baat kaat sakte the, mazaak uda sakte the aur phir agle hi pal normal conversation par aa sakte the.
Reyansh:
"Achha, batao. Phone kyun kiya? Koi kaam hai ya meri awaaz sunne ka mann kar raha tha?"
Aarohi:
"Apni khushfahmi ka ilaaj karwao."
Reyansh:
"Appointment tum book karwa dogi?"
Aarohi:
"Bilkul. Lekin fees tum bharna."
Dono hans pade.
Phir Aarohi ne apni baat batayi.
Uski design consultancy ek purani commercial building ke renovation proposal par kaam kar rahi thi. Building ka original structure kaafi dilchasp tha, lekin aas-paas ke naye construction ki wajah se uski pehchaan dheere-dheere khatam ho rahi thi.
Aarohi ko us jagah ki kuch photographs leni thi aur ek chhoti presentation ke liye visual references arrange karne the.
Aarohi:
"Main office ke baad udhar jaane wali hoon. Socha tumhe bhi poochh loon. Tumhe purani jagahon ki photographs lena pasand hai na?"
Reyansh:
"Mujhe pasand hai, lekin tumhe yaad kaise hai?"
Aarohi:
"Kyuki pichhli baar tumne ek coffee shop ke saamne khade hokar bees minute uski khidkiyon ki photographs li thi."
Reyansh:
"Architecture appreciate kar raha tha."
Aarohi:
"Tum coffee ka wait kar rahe the."
Reyansh:
"Architecture aur coffee ek doosre ke virodhi nahi hain."
Aarohi phir hans padi.
Aarohi:
"Chalo, shaam ko milte hain. Saat baje ke aas-paas?"
Reyansh:
"Done. Location bhej dena."
Aarohi:
"Aur haan, time par aana."
Reyansh ne aankhein band kar li.
Reyansh:
"Aaj meri zindagi ki har aurat meri attendance kyun check kar rahi hai?"
Aarohi kuch pal chup rahi.
Phir uski awaaz mein hansi ghul gayi.
Aarohi:
"Har aurat?"
Reyansh ko apni galti ka ehsaas hua.
Reyansh:
"Mera matlab... office mein Neha bhi subah se lecture de rahi hai."
Aarohi:
"Achha. Neha bhi."
Usne jaan-boojhkar bhi par zor diya.
Reyansh samajh gaya ki ab uski khair nahi.
Reyansh:
"Aarohi, koi zaroori kaam hai toh batao."
Aarohi:
"Haan. Saat baje. Late hue toh coffee tumhari taraf se."
Reyansh:
"Coffee toh waise bhi meri taraf se hoti."
Aarohi:
"Toh phir late hone ka koi faayda nahi."
Call kat gayi.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakha.
Uske chehre par ek purani, jaani-pehchaani muskurahat thi.
Aarohi uski zindagi mein kisi naye chapter ki tarah nahi aayi thi. Woh un logon mein se thi jinke saath kahani ke har page par kuch bada hona zaroori nahi hota.
Kabhi ek phone call hi kaafi hoti hai.


Shaam 6:42 PM | Bengaluru
Aarohi building ke bahar khadi photographs le rahi thi.
Purani imarat ke entrance par ab bhi kuch original design elements bache hue the. Darwaze ke upar bani hui patli geometric detailing aur side walls par purane stone panels, naye glass-fronted buildings ke beech alag hi nazar aa rahe the.
Aarohi ne camera neeche kiya aur apni notebook mein kuch points likhe.
Uske liye purani buildings sirf construction nahi thi. Unmein kisi waqt ke logon ki zarooratein, unki choices aur unki soch ka nishaan hota tha.
Woh apne kaam ko lekar serious thi, lekin har cheez ko office presentation ki tarah dekhna use pasand nahi tha.
Kabhi-kabhi woh bas kisi jagah ko dekhna chahti thi.
Usne phone nikala.
Aarohi:
Kahan ho?
Reyansh ka reply aaya.
Reyansh:
Parking.
Aarohi:
Tum sach mein time par aa gaye?
Reyansh:
Screenshot le lo. Aisa din baar-baar nahi aayega.


Aarohi hans di.

Kuch minute baad Reyansh uske paas aa gaya.
Aaj usne office ke kapde badal liye the. Simple shirt, dark jeans aur kandhe par bag.
Reyansh:
"Toh madam, dikhao apni historical property."
Aarohi ne uski taraf dekha.
Aarohi:
"Historical property nahi. Heritage value wali building."
Reyansh:
"Difference?"
Aarohi:
"Kaafi hai."
Reyansh:
"Achha. Aaj meri class bhi lagegi."
Aarohi:
"Free mein."
Reyansh:
"Tab toh main seriously nahi lunga."
Aarohi ne uske kandhe par halka sa dhakka diya.
Dono building ke andar ki taraf badh gaye.
Aarohi use original structure ke baare mein batati rahi. Reyansh kabhi dhyan se sunta, kabhi kisi chhoti detail par sawaal poochhta.
Uski khaasiyat thi ki woh har field ka expert banne ki koshish nahi karta tha. Agar use kuch nahi pata hota, toh poochh leta.
Aarohi ko yeh baat pasand thi.
Reyansh:
"Ek baat batao. Jab renovation hoga toh purani cheezein bachengi kaise? Naya design banate waqt sab kuch change karne ka mann nahi karta?"
Aarohi:
"Karta hai. Lekin har purani cheez hata dena solution nahi hota. Kabhi-kabhi jo pehle se achha hai, use samajhna padta hai."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh:
"Yeh baat building ke liye boli ya zindagi ke liye?"
Aarohi ne camera bag band kiya.
Aarohi:
"Main building ki baat kar rahi thi. Tum apni taraf se meaning nikaal rahe ho."
Reyansh:
"Meri creativity ka kya kasoor?"
Aarohi:
"Uski toh poori file bani hui hai."
Dono hans pade.
Kaam khatam karte-karte saat bajkar bees minute ho gaye.
Aarohi ne camera bag uthaya.
Aarohi:
"Coffee?"
Reyansh:
"Of course. Tumne mujhe bulaya hi coffee ke liye tha."
Aarohi:
"Main tumhe kaam ke liye laayi thi."
Reyansh:
"Aur main tumhari madad karne aaya tha."
Aarohi:
"Bilkul. Tumne teen photographs li aur baaki waqt sawaal poochhte rahe."
Reyansh:
"Intellectual contribution."
Aarohi ne hanskar sar hila diya.


7:38 PM | Café

Café zyada bheed wala nahi tha.
Khidki ke paas ek table khaali thi. Aarohi ne coffee order ki aur Reyansh ne cold coffee.
Dono baith gaye.
Aarohi apni photographs check kar rahi thi. Reyansh phone par Jheel ka message padh raha tha.
Jheel ❤️:
Aaj dinner ka kya plan hai?
Reyansh ne reply kiya.
Reyansh:
Aarohi ke saath hoon. Coffee ke baad kuch kha lunga.
Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel:
Achha. Enjoy your evening.
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Aarohi ne screen ki taraf jaan-boojhkar nahi dekha, lekin usne Reyansh ke chehre par aayi muskurahat zaroor notice ki.
Aarohi:
"Koi khaas baat hai?"
Reyansh:
"Kyun?"
Aarohi:
"Tum phone dekhkar muskura rahe the."
Reyansh:
"Main bina wajah bhi muskura sakta hoon."
Aarohi:
"Bilkul. Lekin tumhari bina wajah wali smile aur message wali smile alag hai."
Reyansh ne cold coffee ka glass uthaya.
Reyansh:
"Tum logon ko doosron ke expressions par research karne ka shauk kyun hota hai?"
Aarohi:
"Hum log?"
Reyansh:
"Matlab... tum."
Aarohi ne apni coffee table par rakhi.
Aarohi:
"Reyansh, tum kisi ko date kar rahe ho?"
Sawaal seedha tha.
Reyansh ne kuch pal use dekha.
Phir usne socha ki baat chhupane ka koi matlab nahi.
Reyansh:
"Haan."
Aarohi ke chehre par hairani aayi, lekin woh sirf ek pal ke liye thi.
Phir woh muskura di.
Aarohi:
"Achha!"
Reyansh:
"Bas achha?"
Aarohi:
"Toh kya main table par chadhkar announcement karun?"
Reyansh:
"Main toh thoda emotional reaction expect kar raha tha."
Aarohi:
"Naam?"
Reyansh:
"Jheel."
Aarohi ne naam dohraya.
Aarohi:
"Jheel. Achha naam hai."
Reyansh:
"Haan."
Aarohi:
"Kab se?"
Reyansh:
"Kuch waqt ho gaya."
Aarohi ne uski taraf dekha.
Aarohi:
"Aur tumne mujhe bataya nahi?"
Reyansh ne thoda sa kandha uchkaya.
Reyansh:
"Har baat turant announce karna zaroori nahi laga. Dheere-dheere chal raha hai."
Aarohi ne sir hilaya.
Aarohi:
"Fair enough."
Uske lehje mein koi naraazgi nahi thi. Na hi koi aisi curiosity jo Reyansh ko uncomfortable kare.
Woh bas uske dost ki zindagi mein aayi ek nayi baat ko samajh rahi thi.
Aarohi:
"Khush ho?"
Reyansh ka jawab is baar bina kisi mazaak ke aaya.
Reyansh:
"Haan. Uske saath achha lagta hai."
Aarohi ne uske chehre ko dekha.
Aarohi:
"Good."
Reyansh:
"Tumne toh interview khatam kar diya."
Aarohi:
"Abhi toh shuru bhi nahi kiya."
Reyansh:
"Aarohi!"
Woh hans padi.
Aarohi:
"Relax. Main bas itna poochh rahi hoon ki tum dono ek-doosre ko samajhne ki koshish kar rahe ho na?"
Reyansh:
"Haan. Hum baat karte hain. Kabhi mazaak, kabhi serious baatein. Abhi toh ek-doosre ko jaan hi rahe hain."
Aarohi:
"Bas phir. Kisi bhi rishte mein sab kuch pehle din samajh aa jaana zaroori nahi."
Reyansh ne coffee ka sip liya.
Reyansh:
"Yeh advice free hai ya iska bill aayega?"
Aarohi:
"Bill toh aayega. Tumhari cold coffee ka."
Reyansh:
"Main tumhe kabhi coffee nahi pilaunga."
Aarohi:
"Kal bhi yahi kaha tha."
Dono hans pade.
Phir Aarohi ne apni photographs uske saamne kar di.
Aarohi:
"Achha, ab kaam ki baat. Inmein se kaunsi photograph presentation ke cover ke liye achhi lagegi?"
Reyansh ne phone ki taraf dekha.
Usne ek photograph select ki jismein purane entrance ka ek hissa aur uske peeche nayi building ka glass façade dono dikh rahe the.
Reyansh:
"Yeh wali."
Aarohi:
"Kyun?"
Reyansh:
"Ismein purana bhi dikh raha hai aur naya bhi. Dono ek hi frame mein hain, lekin ek-doosre ko chhupa nahi rahe."
Aarohi kuch pal photograph dekhti rahi.
Phir usne Reyansh ki taraf dekha.
Aarohi:
"Not bad, Mr. Corporate Hero."
Reyansh:
"Thank you. Mere andar talent ki koi kami nahi."
Aarohi:
"Compliment wapas leti hoon."
Reyansh hans pada.
Usne phone table par rakha.
Dono ki coffee khatam ho chuki thi, lekin baatein abhi baaki thi.
Aarohi ne apne office ke ek funny incident ke baare mein bataya. Reyansh ne meeting mein hui ek chhoti si gadbad sunayi. Dono ne ek-doosre ki taang kheechi.
Unki dosti ko kisi naye naam ki zaroorat nahi thi.
Woh pehle se hi apni jagah par thi.
Aur Reyansh ko achha lag raha tha ki uski zindagi mein aise log bhi hain jinke saamne use har waqt apne mood ka explanation nahi dena padta.



Café se bahar nikalte waqt Aarohi ka phone baja.

Usne screen dekhi aur call utha li.
Aarohi:
"Hello, haan bolo."
Doosri taraf se kuch kaha gaya.
Aarohi ka chehra thoda serious ho gaya.
Aarohi:
"Abhi? Lekin maine toh file bhej di thi."
Woh kuch pal sunti rahi.
Aarohi:
"Achha, mujhe mail forward kar do. Main check karke batati hoon."
Call kat gayi.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
Reyansh:
"Sab thik?"
Aarohi:
"Office ka kaam hai. Client ko presentation mein ek change chahiye, lekin unhone jo reference diya hai woh original brief se match nahi karta."
Reyansh:
"Toh unse clarify kar lo."
Aarohi:
"Kar liya. Ab woh keh rahe hain ki kal subah tak revised version chahiye."
Reyansh ne sir hilaya.
Reyansh:
"Classic."
Aarohi hansne ki koshish karne lagi, lekin uske chehre par thakaan saaf thi.
Reyansh:
"Sun, main tumhe ghar tak chhod deta hoon. Raaste mein tum apna mail check kar lena."
Aarohi:
"Zaroorat nahi. Main cab le lungi."
Reyansh:
"Main tumhe chhod raha hoon, koi ehsaan nahi kar raha. Waise bhi mujhe usi taraf jaana hai."
Aarohi ne use dekha.
Aarohi:
"Tum sach mein usi taraf ja rahe ho?"
Reyansh ek pal ruka.
Reyansh:
"Thoda sa detour hai."
Aarohi:
"Matlab tum jhooth bol rahe ho."
Reyansh:
"Main ise friendship convenience kehta hoon."
Aarohi hans padi.
Aarohi:
"Chalo. Lekin petrol ka bill tumhara."
Reyansh:
"Coffee bhi meri, petrol bhi mera. Tum dost ho ya financial liability?"
Aarohi:
"Abhi toh tumne kaha tha dosti mein asli feedback milta hai."
Reyansh ne car unlock ki.
Reyansh:
"Baith jao, madam."
Aarohi passenger seat par baith gayi.
Raaste mein woh apne client ka mail check karti rahi. Reyansh gaadi chala raha tha aur beech-beech mein usse poochhta ki use kis jagah rukna hai.
Kuch der baad Aarohi ne phone neeche rakha.
Aarohi:
"Ek baat kahun?"
Reyansh:
"Bolo."
Aarohi:
"Achha lagta hai ki hum aise normal bhi reh sakte hain. Har baar milne par koi special plan ya badi baat zaroori nahi."
Reyansh ne sadak se nazar hataaye bina jawab diya.
Reyansh:
"Hum dost hain, Aarohi. Har mulaqat ko event banane ki zaroorat nahi."
Aarohi muskura di.
Aarohi:
"Exactly."
Gaadi uske apartment ke paas ruki.
Aarohi ne seat belt kholi.
Aarohi:
"Thanks for the ride."
Reyansh:
"Coffee aur petrol ka bill agle mahine bhej dunga."
Aarohi:
"Main payment kar dungi. Tum bas apni attendance improve karte rehna."
Reyansh:
"Good night, Aarohi."
Aarohi:
"Good night, Reyansh."
Woh gaadi se utar gayi.
Reyansh ne use building ke andar jaate dekha, phir gaadi aage badha di.
Uske phone par Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel ❤️:
Dinner ho gaya?
Reyansh:
Abhi karne ja raha hoon.
Jheel:
Coffee peene gaye the ya dinner bhool gaye?
Reyansh:
Dono alag departments hain.
Jheel:
Tumhare departments kabhi time par kaam karte hain?
Reyansh hans diya.
Reyansh:
Kal milte hain. Dinner tumhare saath.
Jheel:
Dekhte hain, Mr. Busy.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakh diya.
Aaj ki shaam achhi rahi thi.
Aarohi ke saath dosti ka apna sukoon tha. Jheel ke saath rishte ka apna nayaapan.
Dono alag the.
Aur Reyansh ko abhi kisi ek ko doosre se compare karne ki zaroorat mehsoos nahi hoti thi.

10:17PM
Reyansh ghar pahunchkar seedha kitchen mein gaya.
Fridge khola.
Andar kal ki bachi hui bhurji ka chhota sa container rakha tha.
Usne use bahar nikala, kuch der dekha aur phir microwave mein rakh diya.
Reyansh:
"Chef sahab ki legacy."
Dinner karte waqt usne Aarohi ki bheji hui photographs dobara dekhi. Usne ek message bheja.
Reyansh:
Presentation ke liye woh third photo use karna. Usmein story hai.
Aarohi ka reply aaya.
Aarohi:
Noted, Mr. Creative Consultant.
Reyansh ne phone rakh diya.
Kuch minute baad woh balcony mein aaya.
Saamne Flat 304 ki light jal rahi thi.
Usne Jheel ko message kiya.
Reyansh:
Good night, Jheel.
Jheel:
Good night. Aur kal time par uthna.
Reyansh:
Tumhe meri neend se personal problem hai?


Jheel:

Tumhare alarm se hai. Pichhli baar tumne itni baar snooze kiya tha ki mujhe bhi uthna pad gaya tha.
Reyansh ne aankhein band kar li.
Reyansh:
Okay. Kal se alarm silent.
Jheel:
Kal se tum khud time par uthoge.
Reyansh:
Impossible demands.
Jheel ne ❤️ react kiya.
Reyansh ne phone lock kar diya.
Woh kuch der balcony mein khada raha.
Aaj uska din kaafi normal tha. Office, dost, coffee, thoda sa kaam, thoda sa mazaak.
Lekin shayad zindagi ka ek achha hissa isi normalcy mein chhupa hota hai.
Har din koi naya mod nahi aata.
Kabhi bas purane doston se baat hoti hai, kisi ke saath coffee pi jaati hai, aur kisi ka message dekhkar chehre par muskurahat aa jaati hai.
Reyansh ne balcony ki light band ki aur andar chala gaya.
Usne phone bedside table par rakha.
Screen ek pal ke liye roshan hui.
Koi naya message nahi tha.
Is baar usne phone dobara check nahi kiya.
Woh let gaya aur aankhein band kar li.

[Greenwood]

Update 47



Subah ke 8:17 baj rahe the.
Bengaluru ki sadkon par roz ki tarah gaadiyon ka shor tha. Kahin office jaane ki jaldi, kahin college bus ke peeche bhaagte bachche, toh kahin footpath par khade log apni chai ke saath din ki shuruaat kar rahe the.
Flat 303 mein, lekin, duniya kaafi alag chal rahi thi.
Reyansh apne bed par leta hua chhat ko dekh raha tha.
Uska phone takiye ke paas pada tha. Screen par Jheel ka message chamak raha tha.
Jheel: Good morning.
Reyansh: Bas? Itni si greeting?
Jheel: Good morning, Mr. Complaints Department.
Reyansh: Better. Lekin girlfriend hone ke kuch toh benefits hone chahiye.
Jheel: Haan. Tumhe roz subah tang karne ka haq.
Reyansh: Woh toh tum bina girlfriend bane bhi kar sakti thi.
Jheel: Toh phir relationship mein aane ka fayda?
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Reyansh: Tum mujhe miss karti ho.
Jheel: Subah-subah apni imagination ko control karo.
Reyansh: Matlab raat ko karun?
Kuch seconds tak koi reply nahi aaya.
Reyansh ne phone ko dekha, phir muskurate hue khud se kaha, "Ab phansi."
Phone vibrate hua.
Jheel: Tum na, kabhi-kabhi bahut irritating ho jaate ho.
Reyansh: Aur phir bhi tum mujhe message karti ho.
Jheel: Galti ho gayi.
Reyansh: Milkar maafi maang lena.
Jheel: Kis baat ki?
Reyansh: Yeh toh milne ke baad decide karenge.
Jheel ne message padhkar aankhein ghumayi.
Woh apne flat mein breakfast ki taiyari kar rahi thi. Ek haath mein bread ka packet tha aur doosre mein phone. Usne kuch type kiya, phir delete kar diya.
Phir dobara type kiya.
Jheel: Aaj tumhara office nahi hai?
Reyansh: Hai. Lekin mera dil nahi hai.
Jheel: Tumhare dil ka HR department kaun hai?
Reyansh: Tum.
Jheel: Resignation bhej rahi hoon.
Reyansh: Notice period toh serve karna padega.
Jheel hans padi.
Usne phone kitchen counter par rakha aur apna breakfast banane lagi. Uske chehre par woh halki si khushi thi jo kisi bade surprise se nahi, balki kisi ke rozmarra ka hissa ban jaane se aati hai.
Kabhi-kabhi use khud bhi hairani hoti thi ki ek insaan ke kuch messages uske poore din ka mood badal sakte hain.
Aur phir usne apne aap ko samjhaya ki har khushi ka analysis karna zaroori nahi hota.
Kuch cheezon ko bas jeena chahiye.


Darwaze ki bell baji.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakha aur bed se uthkar darwaza khola.
Shalu saamne khadi thi, kandhe par apna bag latkaye.
"Good morning, sir."
Reyansh ne ghadi dekhi.
"Good morning? Shalu, tumne time dekha hai?"
"Ji. Aath bajkar pachis minute."
"Toh phir itni khushi se good morning kyun bol rahi ho?"
Shalu ne use dekha.
"Sir, aapko good morning bolne ke liye time bhi appointment lekar aayega?"
Reyansh ek pal use dekhta raha.
Phir hans diya.
"Waah. Aajkal jawab bhi dene lagi ho."
"Aapke yahan kaam karte-karte training ho gayi hai."
"Achha? Toh aaj se tumhari salary mein sarcasm allowance bhi add karna padega."
Shalu kitchen ki taraf badh gayi.
"Salary mein add kar dena, sir. Lekin pehle aap brush kar lijiye."
Reyansh ne hairani se use dekha.
"Excuse me?"
"Breakfast banane ke liye kitchen saaf chahiye. Aur aap coffee peene se pehle brush kar lijiye."
"Main ghar ka malik hoon ya college ka bachcha?"
Shalu ne peeche mudkar jawab diya, "Ghar ke malik ko bhi brush karna padta hai."
Reyansh ne dono haath utha diye.
"Theek hai. Is ghar mein meri koi izzat nahi hai."
"Ji, brush kar lijiye."
Woh bathroom ki taraf chala gaya.
Shalu apni hansi rok nahi paayi.
Kuch der baad Reyansh fresh hokar kitchen mein aaya. Shalu ne uske saamne toast aur omelette rakh diya.
Reyansh ne plate dekhi.
"Yeh kya hai?"
"Breakfast."
"Yeh toh mujhe bhi dikh raha hai. Main pooch raha hoon ki itna simple kyun hai?"
"Sir, aapko royal breakfast chahiye toh pehle royal timing par utha kijiye."
Reyansh ne ek bite liya.
"Waise taste achha hai."
"Thank you."
"Bas namak thoda kam hai."


Shalu ne plate ki taraf dekha.

"Mujhe toh theek lag raha hai."
"Har chef apne khane ko achha hi bolta hai."
"Har aadmi apni galti ka blame doosron par hi daalta hai."
Reyansh ka haath hawa mein ruk gaya.
"Shalu!"
"Ji, sir?"
"Tumhari personality develop ho rahi hai."
"Achhi baat hai na?"
"Bilkul. Bas mere saamne zyada mat karna."
Shalu muskura di.
Reyansh ne coffee ka mug uthaya aur phone check karne laga.
Office ke kuch emails the. Ek client ne presentation par comments bheje the aur Neha ka message bhi tha.
Neha: Aaj office time par aa rahe ho ya phir kisi ko tumhari attendance lagani padegi?
Reyansh: Main apni marzi ka malik hoon.
Neha: Client bhi apni marzi ka malik hai. Woh tumhara wait nahi karega.
Reyansh: Tum subah-subah itni practical kyun ho?
Neha: Kyunki tumhari tarah charming hone ke chakkar mein time waste nahi karti.
Reyansh hans diya.
Usne coffee khatam ki aur apna bag uthaya.
Darwaze ke paas pahunchkar use kuch yaad aaya.
"Shalu, tumhara computer course kaisa chal raha hai?"
Shalu ne apna bag theek kiya.
"Abhi toh main fees aur timings compare kar rahi hoon. Ek jagah weekend batch hai."
"Achha hai. Jaldi mein admission mat lena. Pehle dekh lena ki wahan sach mein seekhne ko milega."
"Ji, sir."
"Jab decide kar lo toh mujhe bata dena. Agar course ka schedule tumhare kaam ke time se takraya, toh hum timing adjust karne ki koshish karenge."
Shalu ke chehre par sachchi khushi aa gayi.
"Thank you, sir."
Reyansh ne haath se halka sa gesture kiya.
"Bas padhai karke meri English ki galtiyan mat nikaalne lagna."
Shalu hans padi.
"Uske liye toh mujhe course ki zaroorat hi nahi hai, sir."
Reyansh darwaze par ruk gaya.
"Yeh ghar mere khilaaf saazish kar raha hai."
"Sir, aap late ho rahe hain."
"Ja raha hoon!"
Aur woh nikal gaya.


Office pahunchte-pahunchte nau bajkar bees minute ho gaye.
Reyansh apni desk par baitha hi tha ki Neha coffee ka mug lekar uske paas aa gayi.
"Good morning, superstar."
"Good morning, office ki alarm clock."
"Kal raat der tak jaage the?"
Reyansh ne laptop khola.
"Kyuki?"
"Bas pooch rahi hoon. Aaj tumhare chehre par wohi smile hai jo pichhle kuch dino se gayab nahi ho rahi."
"Ab main smile bhi permission lekar karun?"
"Nahi. Lekin agar iska reason achha hai toh congratulations."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Tumhe har cheez ka reason chahiye?"
"Professional habit."
"Brand manager main hoon."
"Office mein. Meri observations par tumhara designation nahi chalta."
Reyansh hans pada.
Neha ne apni coffee ka sip liya.
"Waise presentation ke updated numbers aa gaye hain. Client ne bas do changes maange hain. Tum dekh lena."
"Send kar do."
"Kar diye."
"Thanks."
Neha jaane lagi, phir ruk gayi.
"Ek baat poochun?"
"Poochho."
"Jab tum kisi ke saath hote ho, toh kya tum waise hi baat karte ho jaise office mein karte ho?"
Reyansh ne bhaunhein sikodi.
"Matlab?"
"Yahan har problem ka solution nikaal lete ho. Har situation mein joke maar dete ho. Lekin kabhi-kabhi lagta hai tum apni baat poori karne se pehle hi uska punchline bana dete ho."
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
Use Jheel ki woh baat yaad aayi jo kuch din pehle usne kahi thi. Ki woh kabhi-kabhi serious conversation ko mazaak mein badal deta hai.
"Ho sakta hai," usne aakhir kaha.
Neha ne kandhe uchkaye.
"Bas observation thi. Tumhe badalne ka project nahi le rahi."
"Shukr hai. Meri zindagi mein pehle hi ek review committee hai."
Neha hans padi.
"All the best, Mr. Under Review."
Woh chali gayi.
Reyansh ne screen par nazar jama di, lekin kuch der tak uska dhyaan kaam mein nahi laga.
Usne pehli baar mehsoos kiya ki alag-alag log uski zindagi ke alag-alag hisse dekhte hain.
Office mein woh confident tha.
Arshad ke saamne uska mazaak aur shararat wala roop tha.
Jheel ke saath woh in dono ke beech kahin tha. Kabhi bilkul aasan, kabhi apne hi jazbaat ko samajhne mein uljha hua.


Aur shayad kisi ke kareeb aane ka matlab yahi tha ki woh tumhare woh hisse bhi dekhne lage jinhe tum khud se bachakar rakhte ho.

Usne laptop ki taraf dhyaan lautaya.
Aaj ka din abhi lamba tha.
3. Ek Chhota Sa Plan
Dopahar ke kareeb Jheel ka message aaya.
Jheel: Aaj shaam free ho?
Reyansh: Depends.
Jheel: Kis baat par?
Reyansh: Tum kya plan kar rahi ho?
Jheel: Kuch khaas nahi.
Reyansh: Toh main bhi free nahi hoon.
Jheel: Achha. Theek hai.
Reyansh ne message dekha.
Do minute beet gaye.
Koi naya message nahi.
Paanch minute beet gaye.
Ab bhi nahi.
Usne phone uthaya.
Reyansh: Tumne plan bataya hi nahi.
Jheel: Tum free nahi ho na.
Reyansh: Main busy hoon, unavailable nahi.
Jheel: Dono mein difference?
Reyansh: Busy aadmi kaam khatam karke mil sakta hai. Unavailable aadmi ko girlfriend ki yaad nahi aati.
Jheel: Tumhe meri yaad aa rahi hai?
Reyansh ki ungliyan screen par ruk gayin.
Woh seedha jawab de sakta tha.
Lekin uski aadat abhi poori tarah badli nahi thi.
Reyansh: Tum sawaal bahut karti ho.
Jheel: Aur tum jawab bahut ghumate ho.
Reyansh muskuraya.
Is baar usne koi mazaak nahi kiya.
Reyansh: Haan. Yaad aa rahi hai.
Jheel apne flat mein sofa par baithi thi.
Message padhkar uske chehre par ek naram si muskurahat aa gayi.
Usne phone ko seene ke paas nahi rakha, na kisi film ki heroine ki tarah aankhein band ki. Bas kuch pal screen ko dekhti rahi, jaise us chhote se jawab ko apne din ka hissa bana rahi ho.
Jheel: Mujhe bhi.
Reyansh ne message padha.
Phir usne type kiya.
Reyansh: Shaam ko milte hain?
Jheel: Kahan?
Reyansh: Tum decide karo.
Jheel: Mere ghar par chai?
Reyansh: Sirf chai?
Jheel: Reyansh!
Reyansh: Achha baba. Chai hi sahi.
Jheel: Aur kuch khaane ko bhi banaungi.
Reyansh: Tum banaogi ya hum order karenge?
Jheel: Tumhe mujh par bharosa nahi?
Reyansh: Khane par hai. Apni jaan par nahi.
Jheel ne zor se hansi chhodi.
Jheel: Shaam ko aana. Phir pata chalega.
Reyansh: Ji, chef sahiba.
Phone side mein rakhkar Jheel uth khadi hui.
Usne apne flat ko dekha. Sofa par ek cushion tedha pada tha. Coffee table par uski notebook khuli thi. Kitchen mein bartan rakhe the.
Aaj koi badi taiyari nahi karni thi.
Phir bhi usne socha ki shaam ko thoda sa achha lagna chahiye.
Woh almari ke paas gayi, kuch kapde nikale, phir wapas rakh diye.
Aakhir mein usne apna roz ka ek simple, comfortable outfit chun liya.
Kapde badalne se zyada use is baat ki khushi thi ki shaam ko Reyansh aane wala tha.
Aur is baar plan usne banaya tha.



Shaam ko Bengaluru ka aasman halka narangi ho gaya tha.

Office se nikalte waqt Reyansh ne Arshad ko call kiya.
"Zinda ho?"
Arshad ki awaaz aayi, "Nahi. Mera bhoot tumse baat kar raha hai."
"Achha, toh ek kaam kar. Bhoot bankar bata, dinner mein kya khaun?"
"Apni girlfriend ke ghar ja raha hai na?"
Reyansh ruk gaya.
"Tujhe kaise pata?"
"Kal se teri typing speed aur smile dono badh gayi hain. Main copywriter hoon. Patterns samajhta hoon."
"Tu apne clients ke patterns samajh. Meri life ka campaign mat bana."
"Campaign toh already chal raha hai. Title hai: Ek Ladka, Ek Ladki Aur Iski Overconfidence."
Reyansh hans pada.
"Chal, baad mein baat karta hoon."
"Ek minute."
"Kya?"
Arshad ki awaaz is baar thodi sanjeeda thi.
"Achha lag raha hai tujhe aise dekhkar. Bas uske saath rehna toh phone se zyada saamne rehna."
Reyansh kuch pal chup raha.
"Samajh gaya."
"Waise dinner mein kya hai?"
"Pata nahi. Jheel bana rahi hai."
"Toh phir dua karna ki—"
Arshad beech mein hi ruk gaya.
"Matlab, umeed karna ki achha bana ho."
Reyansh ne hanskar kaha, "Tu apni zubaan sambhal. Main baad mein call karta hoon."
Call khatam karke woh Jheel ke flat ki taraf badh gaya.
Lift mein khade hokar usne apni shirt theek ki, baal ungliyon se set kiye aur phone check kiya.
Jheel ka message aaya tha.
Jheel: Door unlocked nahi hai. Bell bajana.
Reyansh: Mujhe laga boyfriend ko special entry milti hai.
Jheel: Boyfriend ko bhi bell bajani padti hai.
Reyansh: Relationship mein itne rules?
Jheel: Aur bhi hain. Aana toh bataungi.
Reyansh ke chehre par muskurahat aa gayi.
Usne lift se bahar nikalte hi 304 ke saamne khade hokar bell bajayi.
Andar se halki si awaaz aayi.
"Ek minute!"
Kuch pal baad darwaza khula.
Jheel saamne thi.
Usne simple kurta pehna hua tha, baal khule the aur chehre par ghar ki shaanti wali ek alag hi softness thi.
Reyansh ne use dekha.
"Hello, chef sahiba."
Jheel ne uske haath dekhe.
"Khaali haath aaye ho?"
Reyansh ne apne haathon ko dekha, jaise use pehli baar pata chala ho ki woh sach mein kuch lekar nahi aaya.
"Main khud aaya hoon."
"Khud ko dessert samajh rakha hai?"
"Depends. Taste karke bata dena."
Jheel ne uske kandhe par halki si thapki maari.
"Chupchaap andar aao."
Reyansh hansta hua andar aa gaya.


Table par do plates rakhi thi.
Jheel ne simple vegetable pulao banaya tha, saath mein raita aur salad.
Reyansh ne table dekha.
"Yeh sab tumne banaya?"
"Haan."
"Order nahi kiya?"
"Nahi."
"Seriously?"
Jheel ne aankhein chhoti ki.
"Tumhe itna shock kyun lag raha hai?"
"Main bas soch raha tha ki tumne mujhe apne ghar bula kar food experiment karne ka faisla kiya hai."
"Abhi bhi wapas ja sakte ho."
Reyansh ne kursi kheenchkar baithte hue kaha, "Itni achhi company chhodkar? Bilkul nahi."
Jheel ke gaal halki si laali se bhar gaye.
Usne nazar hata kar plates mein khana serve kiya.
Reyansh ne pehla bite liya.
Jheel uska chehra padhne ki koshish kar rahi thi.
"Kaisa hai?"
Reyansh ne kuch nahi kaha.
Ek aur bite liya.
Phir paani piya.
Jheel ki aankhon mein shak aa gaya.
"Reyansh, batao na."
Usne dheere se plate neeche rakhi.
"Ek problem hai."
Jheel ka chehra utar gaya.
"Kya?"
"Ab mujhe tumhare ghar dinner ke liye aane ki aadat lag sakti hai."
Jheel kuch pal use dekhti rahi.
Phir usne cushion uthakar uski taraf phenka.
"Pagal!"
Reyansh hansne laga.
"Achha hai! Matlab khana pass ho gaya."
"Main agli baar kuch nahi banaungi."
"Phir main banaunga."
Jheel ne use dekha.
"Tum?"
"Haan, main."
"Last time tumne egg bhurji banayi thi."
"Arshad ki guidance mein."
"Toh tumne nahi banayi thi."
"Main present tha."
"Kitchen mein?"
"Emotionally."
Jheel itna hansi ki use paani peena pada.
Dinner ke dauran unki baatein kabhi khane par, kabhi office par, kabhi bachpan ki chhoti yaadon par jaati rahin.
Jheel ne bataya ki bachpan mein woh cooking videos dekha karti thi, lekin kabhi-kabhi recipe ke beech hi uska mann kisi aur cheez mein lag jaata.


"Ek baar maine cake banane ki koshish ki thi," usne kaha.

Reyansh ne dilchaspi dikhayi.
"Phir?"
"Phir cake nahi bana."
"Kya bana?"
"Ek ajeeb si cheez."
"Naam rakha tha?"
Jheel ne sharmate hue kaha, "Nahi."
"Galti ki. Har invention ka naam hona chahiye."
"Achha, tum hi batao."
Reyansh ne sochne ka natak kiya.
"Jheel's Mystery Cake."
"Bahut bekaar naam hai."
"Toh phir Reyansh's Last Meal."
Jheel ne hansi ke saath uski taraf napkin phenki.
"Bas karo!"
Uski hansi dheere-dheere shaant hui.
Reyansh use dekh raha tha.
Jheel ne mehsoos kiya toh poochha, "Kya hua?"
"Kuch nahi."
"Phir aise kyun dekh rahe ho?"
Reyansh ne nazar nahi hatayi.
"Achha lag raha hai."
"Kya?"
"Yeh sab."
Jheel ka expression badal gaya. Masti ke beech uske chehre par ek narmi aa gayi.
"Khane ki tareef kar rahe ho?"
"Khane ki bhi."
"Baaki?"
Reyansh ne halka sa saans liya.
"Baaki ke liye shayad mujhe aur words seekhne padenge."
Jheel ne uski taraf dekha.
"Har baat ko explain karna zaroori nahi hota."
"Yeh tum keh rahi ho? Tum toh har baat poochti ho."
"Main poochti hoon. Lekin jab tum jawab dete ho, toh sunna bhi chahti hoon."
Reyansh ki muskurahat halki ho gayi.
Usne apna haath table par rakha.
Jheel ne kuch pal baad apna haath uske haath ke paas rakh diya. Dono ki ungliyan halki si chhoo gayin.
Na koi bada gesture.
Na koi dialogue.
Bas ek chhota sa lamha, jahan dono ko ek-doosre ki maujoodgi ka ehsaas tha.


Dinner ke baad Jheel kitchen mein bartan rakhne lagi.
Reyansh ne plates uthayi.
"Main help karta hoon."
"Tum rehne do."
"Kyun?"
"Tum bartan dhote waqt bhi commentary karoge."
"Main constructive feedback deta hoon."
"Tum har cheez par review dete ho."
"Yeh meri personality ka important part hai."
Jheel ne uske haath se plate le li.
"Toh aaj personality ko sofa par baithne do."
Reyansh ne haath jodkar kaha, "Ji, madam."
Woh living room mein aa gaya.
Kuch minute baad Jheel bhi aa gayi. Usne lights dim kar di aur sofa ke doosre kone par baith gayi.
TV chala, lekin dono ka dhyaan us par zyada der nahi raha.
Jheel ne apne pair sofa par samet liye.
Reyansh ne poochha, "Thak gayi?"
"Thoda."
"Cooking se?"
"Nahi. Bas din lamba tha."
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Sab theek hai?"
Jheel ne sar hilaya.
"Haan. Bas kabhi-kabhi din ke end mein aisa lagta hai ki mujhe kuch karna chahiye, lekin samajh nahi aata kya."
"Kis tarah ka kuch?"
"Pata nahi. Apne liye. Apni life ke liye. Kabhi lagta hai main bahut kuch kar sakti hoon, phir kabhi lagta hai main abhi bahut peeche hoon."
Reyansh ne turant koi solution nahi diya.
Usne bas suna.
Jheel uski taraf dekhne lagi, jaise use aadat thi ki saamne wala abhi kahega ki sab theek ho jayega ya use kya karna chahiye.
Lekin Reyansh chup raha.
Aakhir usne poochha, "Tum kuch bologe nahi?"
Reyansh ne halki muskurahat ke saath kaha, "Tum chahti ho main bolun, ya tum chahti ho main sunun?"
Jheel kuch pal chup rahi.
Phir usne kaha, "Aaj sun lo."
"Theek hai."
Aur woh sunta raha.
Jheel ne apni chhoti-chhoti chintaon ke baare mein bataya. Apne kaam, apne future, aur is baat ke baare mein ki kabhi-kabhi use apni hi capability par bharosa karne mein waqt lagta hai.
Reyansh ne beech mein apne experiences thopne ki koshish nahi ki.
Na usne har baat ko joke mein badla.
Na hi usne har problem ka turant solution diya.
Jab Jheel ki baat khatam hui, toh kamre mein kuch pal ki khamoshi thi.
Phir Jheel ne uske kandhe par apna sar tika diya.
"Thank you."
Reyansh ne dheere se poochha, "Kis liye?"
"Aaj meri baat sunne ke liye."
Usne Jheel ke haath ko apne haath mein le liya.
"Main koshish kar raha hoon."
Jheel ne sar uthakar use dekha.
"Kis cheez ki?"
"Tumhe samajhne ki. Har baar perfect nahi hoga. Lekin koshish karunga."
Jheel ki aankhon mein ek halki si chamak thi.
"Mujhe perfect nahi chahiye."
"Achha hai. Kyunki main hoon bhi nahi."
"Yeh toh mujhe pehle se pata hai."
Reyansh ne nakli hairani dikhayi.
"Abhi toh emotional moment tha!"
"Tha. Tumne khud kharab kar diya."
Dono hans pade.
Lekin is baar hansi ke baad Jheel ne uska haath nahi chhoda.


Raat kaafi ho chuki thi.

Reyansh uthkar darwaze ki taraf badha. Jheel use chhodne aayi.
Darwaze ke paas dono ruk gaye.
"Achha laga aaj?" Jheel ne poochha.
Reyansh ne uski taraf dekha.
"Bahut."
"Food ke liye?"
"Food ke liye bhi."
Jheel muskura di.
"Good."
Reyansh ne dheere se kaha, "Aur next time main cooking karunga."
Jheel ne shak bhari nazar se dekha.
"Main fire extinguisher ready rakhungi."
"Bahut confidence hai mujh par."
"Experience bolta hai."
Reyansh hans pada.
Phir kuch pal ke liye dono chup ho gaye.
Jheel ne uska haath pakda.
"Kal miloge?"
Reyansh ne uski ungliyon ko apni ungliyon mein le liya.
"Kal bhi. Parson bhi. Jab tum chaho."
Jheel ne use dekha.
"Har baar itna achha jawab mat diya karo."
"Kyun?"
"Phir aadat lag jaati hai."
Reyansh ki muskurahat dheemi ho gayi.
"Shayad kuch aadatein achhi hoti hain."
Jheel ne apna sar halka sa jhuka diya.
Reyansh ne uske maathe par ek narm sa kiss diya.
Jheel ne aankhein band kar li.
Jab usne aankhein kholi, Reyansh ab bhi uske saamne tha.
"Goodnight," usne dheere se kaha.
"Goodnight, Jheel."
Reyansh corridor mein aa gaya.
Jheel darwaze par khadi rahi. Usne use lift ki taraf jaate dekha. Lift ke darwaze band hone se pehle Reyansh ne palatkar haath hilaya.
Jheel ne bhi haath hila diya.
Phir woh andar aayi aur darwaza band kar diya.
Uske flat mein ab phir wahi shaanti thi.
Lekin ab woh shaanti pehle jaisi nahi lag rahi thi.
Sofa par do cushions ab bhi tedhe the. Table par dinner ki ek chhoti si napkin reh gayi thi. Kitchen mein bartan sookhne ke liye rakhe the.
Sab kuch aam tha.
Bas us aam din ke andar ek aisa lamha jud gaya tha jise Jheel apne saath lekar sone wali thi.



Reyansh apne flat mein aaya, shoes utare aur sofa par baith gaya.

Usne phone nikala.
Jheel ka message pehle se aaya hua tha.
Jheel: Ghar pahunch gaye?
Reyansh ne aas-paas dekha, phir screen ki taraf.
Reyansh: Haan. Tumhare ghar se apne ghar tak bahut risky journey thi.
Jheel: Beech mein koi adventure hua?
Reyansh: Lift ne mujhe chhod diya tha. Main kisi tarah bachkar aa gaya.
Jheel: Tumhara dimaag kabhi theek nahi hoga.
Reyansh: Tum saath rahogi toh shayad ho bhi na.
Is baar Jheel ne turant reply nahi kiya.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakh diya aur paani peene chala gaya.
Jab wapas aaya, screen par naya message tha.
Jheel: Goodnight, Reyansh. Aaj achha laga.
Reyansh ne kuch der message dekha.
Phir type kiya.
Reyansh: Mujhe bhi. Aur Jheel?
Jheel: Haan?
Reyansh: Aaj tumne jo bhi share kiya, uske liye thanks. Main hamesha sahi words nahi dhoondh paunga, lekin tumhari baat sunna chahta hoon.
Jheel ne message padha.
Uski aankhon mein wohi naram si chamak aa gayi.
Jheel: Bas itna kaafi hai.
Reyansh ne phone side mein rakha.
Aaj uske paas koi grand plan nahi tha.
Koi bada promise nahi.
Koi dramatic confession nahi.
Bas ek shaam thi, do plates mein bana hua simple dinner tha, kuch bekaar jokes the aur ek aisi baat thi jo usne pehle se behtar tareeke se ki thi.
Kabhi-kabhi badlaav isi tarah shuru hota hai.
Insaan ko pata bhi nahi chalta ki woh kab kisi ke liye apni aadat ka ek chhota sa kona badalne lagta hai.


Raat ke kareeb gyarah bajkar chaalis minute par Reyansh apna phone charge par lagane hi wala tha ki ek naya message aaya.
Unknown number.
Usne screen dekhi.
Unknown Number: Aajkal aapki khamoshi bhi badli hui lagti hai.
Reyansh ke chehre ki muskurahat dheere-dheere kam ho gayi.
Usne message dobara padha.
Na koi naam.
Na koi explanation.
Bas ek aur line, jo uske dimaag mein sawaal chhodne ke liye kaafi thi.
Reyansh ne reply type kiya.
Reyansh: Aapko meri khamoshi se bhi problem hai?
Message send ho gaya.
Kuch nahi aaya.
Reyansh ne phone table par rakh diya.
Woh jaanta tha ki is number ke peeche koi aisa insaan tha jo uski zindagi ko door se dekh raha tha. Kabhi-kabhi uski baaton mein koi aisi baat hoti thi jo seedha uske dimaag mein atak jaati.
Lekin aaj Reyansh ne us sawaal ko apni shaam par haavi nahi hone diya.
Usne phone ki screen band ki.
Khidki ke paas jaakar kuch pal bahar dekha.
Bengaluru ki raat apni raftaar mein chal rahi thi.
Aur uske andar, bahut waqt baad, ek chhota sa sukoon tha.
Abhi poora nahi.
Abhi sthir bhi nahi.
Lekin maujood tha.
Reyansh wapas bed par aaya, lights band ki aur aankhein moond li.
Uske dimaag mein Jheel ki hansi thi.
Uska kandhe par sar rakhna.
Uska kehna, “Mujhe perfect nahi chahiye.”
Reyansh ke hothon par halki si muskurahat aayi.
Us raat usne apne aap se koi sawaal nahi poochha.
Bas sone ki koshish ki.
Aur kaafi der baad, bina kisi wajah ko samjhe, uska mann halka mehsoos hua.