21-07-2025, 05:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 21-07-2025, 05:16 PM by Greenwood. Edited 1 time in total. Edited 1 time in total.)
Update 62
Sunday ki ek subah or Mohalle ke kone wali gali mein ladko ka street cricket chal raha tha. Patli si gali, dono taraf gharon ki deewar, ek end pe dustbin ka stump, dusre end pe ek rang birangi chhoti si gully crowd. Har shot ke saath loud cheer, thaliyon se bajti awaazein aur peechhe radio pe bajta purana song.
Arjun batting kar raha tha. Sleeveless tee, messed-up hair, aankhon mein wo hi usual intense calmness. Ball aayi, usne full swing me maara — aur ball seedha chali gayi Zaheer ke ghar ki chhat par.
Taz
Arrey gaya re gaya! Ball gaya upper!
Arjun thoda casually bola
Arjun
Main le aata hoon... Zaheer ki chhat pe hi gaya hai
Wo bat ko ek side rakh ke chhat ki seedhi chadh gaya. Sabko laga 2 minute mein wapas aa jaayega...
Lekin chhat par jaate hi uska kadam ruk gaya.
Neeche chhat ke kone mein, Ammu jhuki hui, kapde dhoti dikh gayi. Kaala cotton kurta uske gile kapdon se chipak gaya tha. Dupatta ek side latak gaya tha... uske bal gardan se chipak gaye the... ghutno ke bal jhuki Ammu ek white kurta rinse kar rahi thi, aur Arjun ke aankhon ne moment ko pause kar liya.
Wo thoda sa jakar gaya — usne ball uthaya, lekin nazar nahi hata paaya. Chest ka curve jahan se kurta thoda loose ho gaya tha, uske upper boobs pahle se hi thoda show ho rahe they or jaise hi ammu kapda nichodne ke liye thoda jhuki uske sine se kamiz loose hoke niche latakne laga or uske bra me qaid gol mote chuche arjun ki aankho ke samne they, aur uske collar bone se girti paani ki boondein...
Ammu ko maloom bhi nahi tha ki is Arjun kya experience kar raha tha uske body par or yaha Arjun ne ek deep sa breath liya aur ball niche fenk di.
Arjun (neeche cheekhta hua)
Khelo bhai! Abhi aaya... chacha ne upar se kaam de diya!
Ammu, bina dekhe bhi samajh gayi.
Ammu
Jhute... chacha dikh kahan rahe tujhe?
Arjun uske paas aa kar ek purani plastic stool pe baith gaya. Thoda lean hokar uske paas bola
Arjun
Chacha nahi dikh rahe... lekin tumhare paas zaroor kuch important kaam hai... help kar doon?
Ammu uski taraf dekhe bina, kapda nichodti rahi. Lekin uske hont pe ek halki si teasing smile aa chuki thi.
Ammu
Tujhe na... bas mauka chahiye hota hai flirt karne ka...
Arjun thoda aur paas hote hua, uski elbow pe tickling sa touch kar ke bola
Arjun
Mauka hota hai ya tum mauka ban jaati ho... mujhe abhi tak samajh nahi aaya...
Ammu ne thoda fake gussa dikhaya, lekin aankhon mein sharmahat thi. Kapda thoda zor se nichoda, aur paani ka chhidka Arjun ke pairon par chala gaya.
Ammu
Bas kar... nahi to ball ke sath tujhe bhi niche fenk dungi!
Arjun hansa... stool se uthte hue bola
Arjun
Kya karoon... tum jab paani mein hoti ho na... to main poora bheeg jaata hoon...
Ammu ab taar pe ek freshly washed white shirt sukha rahi thi. Uske haathon se paani tapak raha tha, aur hawa mein kapde flutter kar rahe the. Arjun abhi bhi stool par tha, lekin uski aankhen sirf Ammu par.
Thoda casually, jaise mazaak mein kuch yaad aaya ho, usne phir ek baat chhedi.
Arjun
Waise… cuddle acha kar leti hai tu
Ammu ka haath ruk gaya. Usne halka sa ghoor ke dekha us taraf. Narrow eyes, thoda sa warning tone.
Ammu
Har waqt kya cuddle cuddle... har waqt hi mangta rehta hai tu!
Arjun sarcastic smile ke sath bola
Arjun
Abhi mangi hi kaha hai… jo tu itna uchal rahi hai?
Ammu ne ek sharp breath li, Sirf uski aankhon ka expression badla thoda confused, thoda react karne ke liye ready… lekin wo wapas shirt ko taar pe tangane lagi.
10 seconds ke andar…
Uski aankhon mein realization aayi… fir cheek pe halki si muskaan… wo halki si blush karte hue apna muh neeche jhuka leti hai. Hairline pe chhoti si muskurahat, jaise Arjun ki baat finally dimaag tak pahunchi ho.
Uski peeth Arjun ki taraf thi… aur Arjun ne bas wahan se, bina kuch bole, use dekha.
Uske gile baalon ke neeche se gardan ki halki si chamak, uska blush karte hue halkasa hilta hua kandha, aur ek chhupi si sharam jo sirf Arjun hi dekh sakta tha.
Arjun apne stool se khada nahi hua… bas dono haathon se stool ke edge pakad ke halka sa jhuka… aankhon mein wo lazy, lamba stare…
Ammu taar pe shirt sukhakar ab apna dupatta dhoondh rahi thi, lekin Arjun ab bhi stool par tha, cheek pe halka sa lazy smile leke… aankhon se uska har reaction capture karte
Ammu ne halki si thap thap apne haathon se chest cover karte hue Arjun ko warning wali aankhon se dekha
phir neeche jhuk ke dupatta uthaya aur jaise hi usne shoulder pe daala—
Tabhi chhat ke chhote se gate ki kunchi khulne ki awaaz aayi…
Asma (casually, bina kuch mehsoos kiye)
Ammuuu…chal baba samose laye hai
Ammu literally freeze ho gayi. Uske haathon mein abhi bhi aadha lapeta hua dupatta tha… aur aankhon mein ek chhupi si guilt plus embarrassment.
Ek second mein dupatta ache se lehrate hue shoulder pe daalti hai, baal sambhalti hai… aur Asma ki taraf ek awkward sa smile.
Ammu
Haan… aa rahi hoon… tu jaa, main bas ek minute mein…
Asma (bina kuch samjhe, seedha seedha)
Waise bhaiya ko bhi bula le, cricket abhi khatam nahi hua…
Arjun, jise ab tak Asma ne notice tak nahi kiya tha, stool par casually baithe-baithe thoda cough kar deta hai.
Arjun
Main aa raha hoon, Asma madam… pehle ball chacha ke kaam se wapas lana zaroori tha…
Asma aankhon ko thoda sa squint karti hai, jaise kuch sense banane ki koshish kar rahi ho. Phir shoulders ucha ke seedhi neeche chali jaati hai.
Asma (jaa kar bolti hai)
Weird log.
Ammu ne ek lambi saans li, aur phir Arjun ki taraf dekhte hue phusphusa kar boli
Ammu
Yeh sab tere chakkar mein ho gaya, warna main toh shaanti se kapde sukhane aayi thi…
Arjun khada hota hai, dupatta ko halki si nazar se dekhte hue teasing tone mein
Arjun
Shaanti toh abhi bhi hai… bas thoda “hot” ho gayi hai…
Ammu ne uski taraf ek kapda uthake maar diya
Ammu
Uff shut up Arjun!
neeche se Asma ki awaaz aati hai
Asma
Ammu jaldi kar! samose thande ho rahe hain!
Ammu
Aa rahi hoon!!
Ek last glance dono ke beech… ek halka blush aur smile share hoti hai… phir Ammu jaise hi seedhi hoti hai, Arjun uske balon ke beech se ek halki si finger se pull karta hai
Arjun
Cuddle baad mein yaad dilaa dena…
Ammu ka muh khula reh jaata hai, lekin usse kuch kehne ka mauka nahi milta — wo bas hamesha ki tarah uski baat pe blush karke neeche bhaag jaati hai.
Sunday evening — Zaheer’s house, drawing room
Ghar ke drawing room mein shaam ki ek halke narangi roshni thi. Chai ke cup table par rakhe ja chuke the, aur TV ka volume low tha. Zaheer ek purani file dekh raha tha, jisme kuch previous competitions ke papers aur notes the. Tabhi uska phone baja screen pe naam tha: Prof. Menon (HoD).
Zaheer ne turant phone uthaya, thoda formally.
Zaheer
Hello sir… good evening.
Prof. Menon (phone pe, calm but direct)
Good evening Zaheer. Tumse ek important baat karni thi. Is hafte Delhi mein ek National General Study & Awareness Quiz Competition ho raha hai. Har saal ki tarah humara college bhi participate kar raha hai.
Zaheer ne turant thoda sa lean karke suna, uske chehre pe alertness aa gayi.
Prof. Menon
Waise to humne is saal Anushka se contact kiya tha, but unfortunately she’s dropped out — kidney stone issue. So now, we’ve unanimously decided to send you as the lead contestant.
Zaheer (thoda stunned, but quietly thrilled)
Me, sir?
Prof. Menon
Yes. Kal subah college aana, mujhe office mein milna. Forms, travel brief aur coordination sab karwa dena hai. Ek aur baat… yeh quiz individual nahi, team format mein hota hai. Tumhe ek junior partner chahiye hoga smart aur reliable. Uska bhi decide karke batana kal.
Zaheer
Yes sir… I’ll be there sharp.
Prof. Menon
Good. Don’t disappoint us.
Phone cut hota hai.
Zaheer ne kuch seconds ke liye phone ko dekha… fir dheere se rakh diya. Uski aankhon mein ek halki si chamak aa gayi thi woh excitement jo sirf kisi unexpected mauke ke milne par aati hai. Usne seedha ho kar deep sa breath liya.
Apne haathon se table pe rakhi ek pen uthayi, aur soch mein doob gaya. Dimaag me ab sawal ghoomne lage the
Kaun ho sakta hai mera partner? Kisko le jaaun Delhi?
Phir usne ek chhoti si confident smile di… jaise kisi ek naam par dil aur dimaag dono ek ho gaye ho.
wo quietly apne room ki taraf chala gaya, darwaza band karte hi uski silhouette disappear ho gayi.
Monday Morning – College Campus, HoD Office
College ki chhoti si pathway par Zaheer steady steps mein chal raha hota hai. Subah ka time hai, students apne classes ke liye idhar-udhar ja rahe hain. Uske haathon mein ek file hai — neatly packed, ready for whatever is ahead. Uske chehre par calm seriousness hai… lekin aankhon mein ek focused sparkle.
HoD Prof. Menon ka room college ke academic block ke pehle floor par hai. Zaheer knock karta hai.
Prof. Menon (andar se, without looking up)
Come in.
Zaheer
Good morning, sir.
Prof. Menon (smiling lightly, glasses utarte hue)
Ah… Zaheer. Punctual as always. Baitho.
Zaheer file table pe rakhta hai aur saamne wali kursi par bait jaata hai.
Prof. Menon
Toh… Delhi ke liye tayyar ho?
Zaheer
Yes, sir. Completely.
Prof. Menon
Good. Aur partner?
Zaheer (directly, bina hesitation)
Shanu… Shanaya Singh. She’s in second year, Political Science.
Prof. Menon (thoda surprised, fir thoughtful)
Interesting choice. Bright student hai. Sharp bhi. Tum dono ki wavelength milti hai?
Zaheer (halka sa smile karta hai)
Yes sir. We’ve worked together before on some college events. She’s quick and composed under pressure.
Menon sir kuch seconds ke liye uske expression ko padte hain. Fir ek approval mein sir halate hain.
Prof. Menon
Theek hai. I trust your judgment. Main Shanu ko bhi inform karwa deta hoon. Tum usse khud bhi brief kar lena — yeh dono ka preparation time limited hoga.
Zaheer
Yes sir. I’ll take care of that.
Menon table se ek printed schedule nikaalte hain aur uske saamne rakh dete hain.
Prof. Menon
Yeh raha poora schedule. Kal tak tumhara train ticket aur ID pass ready ho jaayega. Tum, tumhara partner, aur humare history department se Mishra sir jaa rahe hain as academic coordinator. Saath mein college ke ek admin staff bhi hoga — that’s it.
Zaheer casually paper ko glance karta hai. Dates, timings, quiz rounds — sab clearly mentioned.
Prof. Menon (leaning back in chair)
You know Zaheer… jab tum pehli baar fresher ke quiz mein first aaye the, mujhe laga tha ki tumhara potential sirf academics tak simit nahi. Tum leadership mein natural ho.
Zaheer thoda sa awkwardly smile karta hai.
Zaheer
Thank you, sir… aapka guidance bhi toh mila hamesha.
Prof. Menon
Guidance tabhi kaam karta hai jab student me seekhne ki bhookh ho. Aur tum woh ho.
Ek chhota sa pause hota hai. Fir Menon sir thoda informal tone mein bolte hain.
Prof. Menon (chuckling)
haan… don’t let distractions interfere. Delhi is a big opportunity. Show them what our college stands for.
Zaheer (confidently)
We won’t disappoint, sir.
Menon sir uski file band karke wapas dete hain.
Prof. Meono
Acha nahi laga tumhe football team se bahar hote huye, khair... Ab yeh chance hai tumhe fir se captian banne ka
Pause...
Alright. You’re dismissed, captain.
Zaheer khade hoke ek formal nod karta hai. Room se nikalta hai — lekin andar se kaafi charged feel kar raha hota hai. Corridor ke end tak chalte hue uske dimaag me ek hi thought repeat ho raha hota hai:
Kal tak Shanu ko batana hoga… uska reaction kya hoga?
College Campus – Back Garden Area (Lunch Break Time)
Garmi thodi mild ho gayi thi, aur college ke garden area mein peepal ke ped ke neeche chhoti si stone bench par Shanu apna lunch box khol kar baithi thi. Aas-paas students idhar-udhar ghoom rahe the, lekin un dono ke beech ek chhoti si private bubble jaisa feel ho raha tha.
Zaheer apne hands pocket mein daal ke uske saamne khada hota hai, halki si mischievous smile ke sath.
Zaheer
Chalegi mere saath?
Shanu (eyebrow utha kar)
Kaha?
Zaheer (shoulders ucha kar casually bolta hai)
Dilli.
Shanu (thoda sarcastic laugh karte hue)
Tu… aur Dilli? Tu to mere ghar par aane me darta hai. Aur mujhe Dilli le jayega?
Zaheer kuch nahi bolta. Sirf ek faint smile deta hai, jaise ki uske expression me kuch secret chhupa ho.
Tabhi Shanu ka phone ring karta hai. Screen pe flash hota hai — Prof. Menon (HoD)
Shanu confused expression ke sath call receive karti hai.
Shanu
Hello, sir?
Prof. Menon (phone ke us paar se)
Hello, Shanaya. Tumhe inform karne ke liye call kiya hai. Is hafte Dilli me ek General Studies & Awareness quiz ho raha hai. Tumhare senior Zaheer uska part ban rahe hain aur unhone tumhara naam suggest kiya hai as partner. College tum dono ko nominate kar raha hai officially. Kal final briefing hogi, be ready.
Shanu speechless ho jaati hai. Uski aankhein naturally wide ho jaati hain. Wo dheere se phone ka speaker side karti hai aur Zaheer ki taraf dekhti hai jo ab full smug expression ke saath usse dekh raha hota hai, jaise keh raha ho: tadaaaa.
Prof. Menon (phone pe)
Aur haan… tum dono ke sath Mishra sir aur ek admin staff jaayenge. That’s all. See you tomorrow in my office.
Shanu
Y-yes sir… okay.
Wo call cut karti hai. Phone dheere se neeche rakhti hai… fir aankhon me narrow glare ke sath bolti hai
Shanu
Zaherrrrr…
Zaheer (bina hile, teasing tone me)
Kya hua? Tujhe nahi jaana to bol de… main kisi aur ko puchh leta hoon. Saima — haan, first year wali. Badi tez hai. Notes bhi uske top notch hote hain…
Shanu turant gusse se uska gola pakad leti hai — lekin has bhi rahi hoti hai.
Shanu
Aisa socha bhi to… dekh lena tu. Dilli ke ticket se pehle hospital ka discharge slip leke aana padega tujhe.
Zaheer (halki hansi ke sath, uske haath se gala chhudate hue)
Pagal hai kya… main kisi aur ke sath quiz jeet bhi gaya to maza nahi aayega. Tu nahi ho to sab bekar.
Phir wo uska haath pakadta hai aur apni baahuon me kheench leta hai. Light sa hug, jisme dosti aur chhed-chhad dono ghuli hoti hai.
Zaheer (softly)
Chalegi na?
Shanu (apni cheek uske shoulder pe rakhte hue)
Tu saath ho… to kahin bhi chalungi.
Dono ek dusre ki taraf dekhte hain… aur hasi phoot padti hai.
Peeche se kisi ladki ki awaz aati hai
Arre Shanu! Tu yahan hai? Class start hone wali hai!
Shanu turant zaheer ko halki si elbow maar ke chhup hone ka signal deti hai.
Shanu (zaheer ko aankhon se dhamkati hai)
Tu chupp rehna… mujhe bhi thoda serious dikhna hota hai college me.
Zaheer (whisper karta hai)
Haan, haan. Miss Delhi.
Aur wo dono haste hue alag ho jaate hain — lekin ek nayi excitement ke sath. Quiz se zyada… shayad ek naya safar shuru ho raha tha.
Arjun's House – Drawing Room, Early Evening
Madhu kitchen se fresh fruit juice lekar aayi thi jab Shanu casually couch par baith kar mobile scroll karte hue bolti hai
Shanu
Maa… ek good news hai.
Madhu (excited ho kar)
Bata na, kya hai?
Shanu
Is hafte Dilli jaa rahi hoon. Quiz competition ke liye select hui hoon.
Madhu khush ho jaati hai aur turant Pratap ko bulaati hai. Pratap newspaper fold karke aata hai.
Pratap
Accha! Wah! Kis ke saath jaa rahi hai?
Shanu (thoda sa ruki)
Zaheer ke saath. College ne jodi banaayi hai.
Madhu to smile kar ke haan mein haan milati hai, lekin Arjun jo pass hi dining table ke corner par laptop leke baitha tha, uska expression turant change ho jaata hai.
Arjun (sar uthakar)
Kaun? Zaheer?
Uski aankhon mein wohi purana tension ubhar aata hai. Voice calm hai, lekin tone thoda tight.
Arjun (under his breath)
Great. Ab wo saala Dilli bhi ghoomega…
Shanu ne turant Madhu aur Pratap ki taraf dekha jo kuch nahi samajh paaye, fir casually bola
Shanu
Maa, papa main thoda Arjun se baat kar leti hoon.
Shanu Arjun ke room ke taraf jaati hai. Arjun already waha aa chuka hota hai aur apne room ka darwaza thoda sa khula chhod kar andar aata hai. Shanu uske peeche.
Arjun's Room – Private Moment
Arjun ne apne table ka pen uthakar idhar-udhar ghumate hue poocha
Arjun
Tu seriously uske saath jaa rahi hai?
Shanu (folding arms, calmly)
Haan. Kyun?
Arjun
Kuch nahi. Just... mujhe woh banda pasand nahi hai.
Shanu (gentle tone)
Mujhe pata hai. Par tujhe yeh bhi pata hai, mujhe kaun pasand hai, kis par bharosa hai… woh mai khud choose karti hoon.
Arjun thoda relax karta hai, lekin abhi bhi completely convince nahi hai.
Shanu
Tu chahta hai main jeetun na? Toh mujhe meri marzi ke partner ke saath jaane de. Baaki sab... sambhal lungi.
Arjun aankhon se uski baat accept kar leta hai, lekin bolta kuch nahi. Shanu uske kandhe pe haath rakh kar smile karti hai aur nikal jaati hai.
Scene 2: Zaheer’s House – Drawing Room, Night Time
Zaheer ghar aate hi full energy me hota hai. Asma TV dekh rahi hoti hai, Ammu sofa pe diary likh rahi hoti hai, aur Azhar newspaper padh rahe hote hain.
Zaheer
Sunna sab log! Badi news hai!
Ammu (bina uthe hue)
Tu captain ban gaya kya? Ya Arjun ko boxing me hara diya?
Zaheer
Usse bhi badi baat. Dilli jaa raha hoon. Quiz ke liye.
Asma
Whaaat! Quiz? Tu?
Zaheer (hans kar)
Haan. College ka naam roshan karne. Aur guess karo partner kaun hai?
Ammu
Shanu?
Zaheer aankhon se blink karta hai — bilkul dramatic tareeke se.
Azhar
Arre wah… yeh to badiya khabar hai. Mubarak ho!
Asma turant kitchen ki taraf bhaagti hai.
Asma
Ek minute! Main kuch laati hoon.
Woh rasoi se kuch meetha nikaal ke laati hai — besan ke laddu.
Ammu (laddu lete hue smile karti hai)
meri bas yehi dua hai ki tum dono jeet kar aao zaheer
Zaheer(emotional smile)
jrur... Ammu... Or tu tayar rakhna party mere liye
Ek light, warm, family moment ban jaata hai jisme Asma laddu ka ek tukda uske muh me daalti hai, Azhar uske sir par pyaar se haath rakhte hai, aur Ammu aankhon me mischievous sparkle ke sath taana maarte hue bolti hai
Ammu
Tu quiz jeet lena, warna wo hitler tujhe dauda kar rakh degi
Zaheer kehta hai
Zaheer
Is baar Shanu nahi… Dilli mujhe yaad rakhegi.
Sunday ki ek subah or Mohalle ke kone wali gali mein ladko ka street cricket chal raha tha. Patli si gali, dono taraf gharon ki deewar, ek end pe dustbin ka stump, dusre end pe ek rang birangi chhoti si gully crowd. Har shot ke saath loud cheer, thaliyon se bajti awaazein aur peechhe radio pe bajta purana song.
Arjun batting kar raha tha. Sleeveless tee, messed-up hair, aankhon mein wo hi usual intense calmness. Ball aayi, usne full swing me maara — aur ball seedha chali gayi Zaheer ke ghar ki chhat par.
Taz
Arrey gaya re gaya! Ball gaya upper!
Arjun thoda casually bola
Arjun
Main le aata hoon... Zaheer ki chhat pe hi gaya hai
Wo bat ko ek side rakh ke chhat ki seedhi chadh gaya. Sabko laga 2 minute mein wapas aa jaayega...
Lekin chhat par jaate hi uska kadam ruk gaya.
Neeche chhat ke kone mein, Ammu jhuki hui, kapde dhoti dikh gayi. Kaala cotton kurta uske gile kapdon se chipak gaya tha. Dupatta ek side latak gaya tha... uske bal gardan se chipak gaye the... ghutno ke bal jhuki Ammu ek white kurta rinse kar rahi thi, aur Arjun ke aankhon ne moment ko pause kar liya.
Wo thoda sa jakar gaya — usne ball uthaya, lekin nazar nahi hata paaya. Chest ka curve jahan se kurta thoda loose ho gaya tha, uske upper boobs pahle se hi thoda show ho rahe they or jaise hi ammu kapda nichodne ke liye thoda jhuki uske sine se kamiz loose hoke niche latakne laga or uske bra me qaid gol mote chuche arjun ki aankho ke samne they, aur uske collar bone se girti paani ki boondein...
Ammu ko maloom bhi nahi tha ki is Arjun kya experience kar raha tha uske body par or yaha Arjun ne ek deep sa breath liya aur ball niche fenk di.
Arjun (neeche cheekhta hua)
Khelo bhai! Abhi aaya... chacha ne upar se kaam de diya!
Ammu, bina dekhe bhi samajh gayi.
Ammu
Jhute... chacha dikh kahan rahe tujhe?
Arjun uske paas aa kar ek purani plastic stool pe baith gaya. Thoda lean hokar uske paas bola
Arjun
Chacha nahi dikh rahe... lekin tumhare paas zaroor kuch important kaam hai... help kar doon?
Ammu uski taraf dekhe bina, kapda nichodti rahi. Lekin uske hont pe ek halki si teasing smile aa chuki thi.
Ammu
Tujhe na... bas mauka chahiye hota hai flirt karne ka...
Arjun thoda aur paas hote hua, uski elbow pe tickling sa touch kar ke bola
Arjun
Mauka hota hai ya tum mauka ban jaati ho... mujhe abhi tak samajh nahi aaya...
Ammu ne thoda fake gussa dikhaya, lekin aankhon mein sharmahat thi. Kapda thoda zor se nichoda, aur paani ka chhidka Arjun ke pairon par chala gaya.
Ammu
Bas kar... nahi to ball ke sath tujhe bhi niche fenk dungi!
Arjun hansa... stool se uthte hue bola
Arjun
Kya karoon... tum jab paani mein hoti ho na... to main poora bheeg jaata hoon...
Ammu ab taar pe ek freshly washed white shirt sukha rahi thi. Uske haathon se paani tapak raha tha, aur hawa mein kapde flutter kar rahe the. Arjun abhi bhi stool par tha, lekin uski aankhen sirf Ammu par.
Thoda casually, jaise mazaak mein kuch yaad aaya ho, usne phir ek baat chhedi.
Arjun
Waise… cuddle acha kar leti hai tu
Ammu ka haath ruk gaya. Usne halka sa ghoor ke dekha us taraf. Narrow eyes, thoda sa warning tone.
Ammu
Har waqt kya cuddle cuddle... har waqt hi mangta rehta hai tu!
Arjun sarcastic smile ke sath bola
Arjun
Abhi mangi hi kaha hai… jo tu itna uchal rahi hai?
Ammu ne ek sharp breath li, Sirf uski aankhon ka expression badla thoda confused, thoda react karne ke liye ready… lekin wo wapas shirt ko taar pe tangane lagi.
10 seconds ke andar…
Uski aankhon mein realization aayi… fir cheek pe halki si muskaan… wo halki si blush karte hue apna muh neeche jhuka leti hai. Hairline pe chhoti si muskurahat, jaise Arjun ki baat finally dimaag tak pahunchi ho.
Uski peeth Arjun ki taraf thi… aur Arjun ne bas wahan se, bina kuch bole, use dekha.
Uske gile baalon ke neeche se gardan ki halki si chamak, uska blush karte hue halkasa hilta hua kandha, aur ek chhupi si sharam jo sirf Arjun hi dekh sakta tha.
Arjun apne stool se khada nahi hua… bas dono haathon se stool ke edge pakad ke halka sa jhuka… aankhon mein wo lazy, lamba stare…
Ammu taar pe shirt sukhakar ab apna dupatta dhoondh rahi thi, lekin Arjun ab bhi stool par tha, cheek pe halka sa lazy smile leke… aankhon se uska har reaction capture karte
Ammu ne halki si thap thap apne haathon se chest cover karte hue Arjun ko warning wali aankhon se dekha
phir neeche jhuk ke dupatta uthaya aur jaise hi usne shoulder pe daala—
Tabhi chhat ke chhote se gate ki kunchi khulne ki awaaz aayi…
Asma (casually, bina kuch mehsoos kiye)
Ammuuu…chal baba samose laye hai
Ammu literally freeze ho gayi. Uske haathon mein abhi bhi aadha lapeta hua dupatta tha… aur aankhon mein ek chhupi si guilt plus embarrassment.
Ek second mein dupatta ache se lehrate hue shoulder pe daalti hai, baal sambhalti hai… aur Asma ki taraf ek awkward sa smile.
Ammu
Haan… aa rahi hoon… tu jaa, main bas ek minute mein…
Asma (bina kuch samjhe, seedha seedha)
Waise bhaiya ko bhi bula le, cricket abhi khatam nahi hua…
Arjun, jise ab tak Asma ne notice tak nahi kiya tha, stool par casually baithe-baithe thoda cough kar deta hai.
Arjun
Main aa raha hoon, Asma madam… pehle ball chacha ke kaam se wapas lana zaroori tha…
Asma aankhon ko thoda sa squint karti hai, jaise kuch sense banane ki koshish kar rahi ho. Phir shoulders ucha ke seedhi neeche chali jaati hai.
Asma (jaa kar bolti hai)
Weird log.
Ammu ne ek lambi saans li, aur phir Arjun ki taraf dekhte hue phusphusa kar boli
Ammu
Yeh sab tere chakkar mein ho gaya, warna main toh shaanti se kapde sukhane aayi thi…
Arjun khada hota hai, dupatta ko halki si nazar se dekhte hue teasing tone mein
Arjun
Shaanti toh abhi bhi hai… bas thoda “hot” ho gayi hai…
Ammu ne uski taraf ek kapda uthake maar diya
Ammu
Uff shut up Arjun!
neeche se Asma ki awaaz aati hai
Asma
Ammu jaldi kar! samose thande ho rahe hain!
Ammu
Aa rahi hoon!!
Ek last glance dono ke beech… ek halka blush aur smile share hoti hai… phir Ammu jaise hi seedhi hoti hai, Arjun uske balon ke beech se ek halki si finger se pull karta hai
Arjun
Cuddle baad mein yaad dilaa dena…
Ammu ka muh khula reh jaata hai, lekin usse kuch kehne ka mauka nahi milta — wo bas hamesha ki tarah uski baat pe blush karke neeche bhaag jaati hai.
Sunday evening — Zaheer’s house, drawing room
Ghar ke drawing room mein shaam ki ek halke narangi roshni thi. Chai ke cup table par rakhe ja chuke the, aur TV ka volume low tha. Zaheer ek purani file dekh raha tha, jisme kuch previous competitions ke papers aur notes the. Tabhi uska phone baja screen pe naam tha: Prof. Menon (HoD).
Zaheer ne turant phone uthaya, thoda formally.
Zaheer
Hello sir… good evening.
Prof. Menon (phone pe, calm but direct)
Good evening Zaheer. Tumse ek important baat karni thi. Is hafte Delhi mein ek National General Study & Awareness Quiz Competition ho raha hai. Har saal ki tarah humara college bhi participate kar raha hai.
Zaheer ne turant thoda sa lean karke suna, uske chehre pe alertness aa gayi.
Prof. Menon
Waise to humne is saal Anushka se contact kiya tha, but unfortunately she’s dropped out — kidney stone issue. So now, we’ve unanimously decided to send you as the lead contestant.
Zaheer (thoda stunned, but quietly thrilled)
Me, sir?
Prof. Menon
Yes. Kal subah college aana, mujhe office mein milna. Forms, travel brief aur coordination sab karwa dena hai. Ek aur baat… yeh quiz individual nahi, team format mein hota hai. Tumhe ek junior partner chahiye hoga smart aur reliable. Uska bhi decide karke batana kal.
Zaheer
Yes sir… I’ll be there sharp.
Prof. Menon
Good. Don’t disappoint us.
Phone cut hota hai.
Zaheer ne kuch seconds ke liye phone ko dekha… fir dheere se rakh diya. Uski aankhon mein ek halki si chamak aa gayi thi woh excitement jo sirf kisi unexpected mauke ke milne par aati hai. Usne seedha ho kar deep sa breath liya.
Apne haathon se table pe rakhi ek pen uthayi, aur soch mein doob gaya. Dimaag me ab sawal ghoomne lage the
Kaun ho sakta hai mera partner? Kisko le jaaun Delhi?
Phir usne ek chhoti si confident smile di… jaise kisi ek naam par dil aur dimaag dono ek ho gaye ho.
wo quietly apne room ki taraf chala gaya, darwaza band karte hi uski silhouette disappear ho gayi.
Monday Morning – College Campus, HoD Office
College ki chhoti si pathway par Zaheer steady steps mein chal raha hota hai. Subah ka time hai, students apne classes ke liye idhar-udhar ja rahe hain. Uske haathon mein ek file hai — neatly packed, ready for whatever is ahead. Uske chehre par calm seriousness hai… lekin aankhon mein ek focused sparkle.
HoD Prof. Menon ka room college ke academic block ke pehle floor par hai. Zaheer knock karta hai.
Prof. Menon (andar se, without looking up)
Come in.
Zaheer
Good morning, sir.
Prof. Menon (smiling lightly, glasses utarte hue)
Ah… Zaheer. Punctual as always. Baitho.
Zaheer file table pe rakhta hai aur saamne wali kursi par bait jaata hai.
Prof. Menon
Toh… Delhi ke liye tayyar ho?
Zaheer
Yes, sir. Completely.
Prof. Menon
Good. Aur partner?
Zaheer (directly, bina hesitation)
Shanu… Shanaya Singh. She’s in second year, Political Science.
Prof. Menon (thoda surprised, fir thoughtful)
Interesting choice. Bright student hai. Sharp bhi. Tum dono ki wavelength milti hai?
Zaheer (halka sa smile karta hai)
Yes sir. We’ve worked together before on some college events. She’s quick and composed under pressure.
Menon sir kuch seconds ke liye uske expression ko padte hain. Fir ek approval mein sir halate hain.
Prof. Menon
Theek hai. I trust your judgment. Main Shanu ko bhi inform karwa deta hoon. Tum usse khud bhi brief kar lena — yeh dono ka preparation time limited hoga.
Zaheer
Yes sir. I’ll take care of that.
Menon table se ek printed schedule nikaalte hain aur uske saamne rakh dete hain.
Prof. Menon
Yeh raha poora schedule. Kal tak tumhara train ticket aur ID pass ready ho jaayega. Tum, tumhara partner, aur humare history department se Mishra sir jaa rahe hain as academic coordinator. Saath mein college ke ek admin staff bhi hoga — that’s it.
Zaheer casually paper ko glance karta hai. Dates, timings, quiz rounds — sab clearly mentioned.
Prof. Menon (leaning back in chair)
You know Zaheer… jab tum pehli baar fresher ke quiz mein first aaye the, mujhe laga tha ki tumhara potential sirf academics tak simit nahi. Tum leadership mein natural ho.
Zaheer thoda sa awkwardly smile karta hai.
Zaheer
Thank you, sir… aapka guidance bhi toh mila hamesha.
Prof. Menon
Guidance tabhi kaam karta hai jab student me seekhne ki bhookh ho. Aur tum woh ho.
Ek chhota sa pause hota hai. Fir Menon sir thoda informal tone mein bolte hain.
Prof. Menon (chuckling)
haan… don’t let distractions interfere. Delhi is a big opportunity. Show them what our college stands for.
Zaheer (confidently)
We won’t disappoint, sir.
Menon sir uski file band karke wapas dete hain.
Prof. Meono
Acha nahi laga tumhe football team se bahar hote huye, khair... Ab yeh chance hai tumhe fir se captian banne ka
Pause...
Alright. You’re dismissed, captain.
Zaheer khade hoke ek formal nod karta hai. Room se nikalta hai — lekin andar se kaafi charged feel kar raha hota hai. Corridor ke end tak chalte hue uske dimaag me ek hi thought repeat ho raha hota hai:
Kal tak Shanu ko batana hoga… uska reaction kya hoga?
College Campus – Back Garden Area (Lunch Break Time)
Garmi thodi mild ho gayi thi, aur college ke garden area mein peepal ke ped ke neeche chhoti si stone bench par Shanu apna lunch box khol kar baithi thi. Aas-paas students idhar-udhar ghoom rahe the, lekin un dono ke beech ek chhoti si private bubble jaisa feel ho raha tha.
Zaheer apne hands pocket mein daal ke uske saamne khada hota hai, halki si mischievous smile ke sath.
Zaheer
Chalegi mere saath?
Shanu (eyebrow utha kar)
Kaha?
Zaheer (shoulders ucha kar casually bolta hai)
Dilli.
Shanu (thoda sarcastic laugh karte hue)
Tu… aur Dilli? Tu to mere ghar par aane me darta hai. Aur mujhe Dilli le jayega?
Zaheer kuch nahi bolta. Sirf ek faint smile deta hai, jaise ki uske expression me kuch secret chhupa ho.
Tabhi Shanu ka phone ring karta hai. Screen pe flash hota hai — Prof. Menon (HoD)
Shanu confused expression ke sath call receive karti hai.
Shanu
Hello, sir?
Prof. Menon (phone ke us paar se)
Hello, Shanaya. Tumhe inform karne ke liye call kiya hai. Is hafte Dilli me ek General Studies & Awareness quiz ho raha hai. Tumhare senior Zaheer uska part ban rahe hain aur unhone tumhara naam suggest kiya hai as partner. College tum dono ko nominate kar raha hai officially. Kal final briefing hogi, be ready.
Shanu speechless ho jaati hai. Uski aankhein naturally wide ho jaati hain. Wo dheere se phone ka speaker side karti hai aur Zaheer ki taraf dekhti hai jo ab full smug expression ke saath usse dekh raha hota hai, jaise keh raha ho: tadaaaa.
Prof. Menon (phone pe)
Aur haan… tum dono ke sath Mishra sir aur ek admin staff jaayenge. That’s all. See you tomorrow in my office.
Shanu
Y-yes sir… okay.
Wo call cut karti hai. Phone dheere se neeche rakhti hai… fir aankhon me narrow glare ke sath bolti hai
Shanu
Zaherrrrr…
Zaheer (bina hile, teasing tone me)
Kya hua? Tujhe nahi jaana to bol de… main kisi aur ko puchh leta hoon. Saima — haan, first year wali. Badi tez hai. Notes bhi uske top notch hote hain…
Shanu turant gusse se uska gola pakad leti hai — lekin has bhi rahi hoti hai.
Shanu
Aisa socha bhi to… dekh lena tu. Dilli ke ticket se pehle hospital ka discharge slip leke aana padega tujhe.
Zaheer (halki hansi ke sath, uske haath se gala chhudate hue)
Pagal hai kya… main kisi aur ke sath quiz jeet bhi gaya to maza nahi aayega. Tu nahi ho to sab bekar.
Phir wo uska haath pakadta hai aur apni baahuon me kheench leta hai. Light sa hug, jisme dosti aur chhed-chhad dono ghuli hoti hai.
Zaheer (softly)
Chalegi na?
Shanu (apni cheek uske shoulder pe rakhte hue)
Tu saath ho… to kahin bhi chalungi.
Dono ek dusre ki taraf dekhte hain… aur hasi phoot padti hai.
Peeche se kisi ladki ki awaz aati hai
Arre Shanu! Tu yahan hai? Class start hone wali hai!
Shanu turant zaheer ko halki si elbow maar ke chhup hone ka signal deti hai.
Shanu (zaheer ko aankhon se dhamkati hai)
Tu chupp rehna… mujhe bhi thoda serious dikhna hota hai college me.
Zaheer (whisper karta hai)
Haan, haan. Miss Delhi.
Aur wo dono haste hue alag ho jaate hain — lekin ek nayi excitement ke sath. Quiz se zyada… shayad ek naya safar shuru ho raha tha.
Arjun's House – Drawing Room, Early Evening
Madhu kitchen se fresh fruit juice lekar aayi thi jab Shanu casually couch par baith kar mobile scroll karte hue bolti hai
Shanu
Maa… ek good news hai.
Madhu (excited ho kar)
Bata na, kya hai?
Shanu
Is hafte Dilli jaa rahi hoon. Quiz competition ke liye select hui hoon.
Madhu khush ho jaati hai aur turant Pratap ko bulaati hai. Pratap newspaper fold karke aata hai.
Pratap
Accha! Wah! Kis ke saath jaa rahi hai?
Shanu (thoda sa ruki)
Zaheer ke saath. College ne jodi banaayi hai.
Madhu to smile kar ke haan mein haan milati hai, lekin Arjun jo pass hi dining table ke corner par laptop leke baitha tha, uska expression turant change ho jaata hai.
Arjun (sar uthakar)
Kaun? Zaheer?
Uski aankhon mein wohi purana tension ubhar aata hai. Voice calm hai, lekin tone thoda tight.
Arjun (under his breath)
Great. Ab wo saala Dilli bhi ghoomega…
Shanu ne turant Madhu aur Pratap ki taraf dekha jo kuch nahi samajh paaye, fir casually bola
Shanu
Maa, papa main thoda Arjun se baat kar leti hoon.
Shanu Arjun ke room ke taraf jaati hai. Arjun already waha aa chuka hota hai aur apne room ka darwaza thoda sa khula chhod kar andar aata hai. Shanu uske peeche.
Arjun's Room – Private Moment
Arjun ne apne table ka pen uthakar idhar-udhar ghumate hue poocha
Arjun
Tu seriously uske saath jaa rahi hai?
Shanu (folding arms, calmly)
Haan. Kyun?
Arjun
Kuch nahi. Just... mujhe woh banda pasand nahi hai.
Shanu (gentle tone)
Mujhe pata hai. Par tujhe yeh bhi pata hai, mujhe kaun pasand hai, kis par bharosa hai… woh mai khud choose karti hoon.
Arjun thoda relax karta hai, lekin abhi bhi completely convince nahi hai.
Shanu
Tu chahta hai main jeetun na? Toh mujhe meri marzi ke partner ke saath jaane de. Baaki sab... sambhal lungi.
Arjun aankhon se uski baat accept kar leta hai, lekin bolta kuch nahi. Shanu uske kandhe pe haath rakh kar smile karti hai aur nikal jaati hai.
Scene 2: Zaheer’s House – Drawing Room, Night Time
Zaheer ghar aate hi full energy me hota hai. Asma TV dekh rahi hoti hai, Ammu sofa pe diary likh rahi hoti hai, aur Azhar newspaper padh rahe hote hain.
Zaheer
Sunna sab log! Badi news hai!
Ammu (bina uthe hue)
Tu captain ban gaya kya? Ya Arjun ko boxing me hara diya?
Zaheer
Usse bhi badi baat. Dilli jaa raha hoon. Quiz ke liye.
Asma
Whaaat! Quiz? Tu?
Zaheer (hans kar)
Haan. College ka naam roshan karne. Aur guess karo partner kaun hai?
Ammu
Shanu?
Zaheer aankhon se blink karta hai — bilkul dramatic tareeke se.
Azhar
Arre wah… yeh to badiya khabar hai. Mubarak ho!
Asma turant kitchen ki taraf bhaagti hai.
Asma
Ek minute! Main kuch laati hoon.
Woh rasoi se kuch meetha nikaal ke laati hai — besan ke laddu.
Ammu (laddu lete hue smile karti hai)
meri bas yehi dua hai ki tum dono jeet kar aao zaheer
Zaheer(emotional smile)
jrur... Ammu... Or tu tayar rakhna party mere liye
Ek light, warm, family moment ban jaata hai jisme Asma laddu ka ek tukda uske muh me daalti hai, Azhar uske sir par pyaar se haath rakhte hai, aur Ammu aankhon me mischievous sparkle ke sath taana maarte hue bolti hai
Ammu
Tu quiz jeet lena, warna wo hitler tujhe dauda kar rakh degi
Zaheer kehta hai
Zaheer
Is baar Shanu nahi… Dilli mujhe yaad rakhegi.
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