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Tu Hi Tu

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Chapter 13

Manav has absolutely no knowledge of how he came down the stairs and barged into the kitchen. He only knew that he heard Nisha scream and the next thing he realizes he is in the kitchen with both his arms wrapped tightly around Nisha’s shivering body: shshhhh..kuch nahi hua. I am here Nisha. I am right here with you.

Nisha’s terrified eyes continue to stare at the other kitchen door which lead to the utility as it continues to swing slightly: Kkkoi tha..(Her trembling finger points at the door.)

Manav gives a quick look around the kitchen and the windows before pulling her away a little to look at her face: Tumne dekha usse?

Nisha nods jerkily. Her forehead is beaded with sweat: Haan. He was wearing a mask kind of a thing..

Manav pulls her away from the kitchen, grabs the water bottle on the way and makes her sit in the sofa before going and closing and bolting the kitchen door. He gives a quick look around the rest of the doors and windows before running up the stairs to get his phone. His quick strides once again bring him downstairs: Rohan! You need to come. Someone broke into our house. No. Nisha screamed and he ran off. Ok. (And cuts the call before sitting down in front of her on his hunches and taking her balled fists into his) I called Rohan. He is on his way. Lo yeh paani peelo (She gulps down almost half the bottle before taking a breather.)Tum yahi baito mein baahar dekhke aata hoon.

Nisha immediately grips his wrist: Nahi. Tum kahi nahi jaaoge. He..that guy had a knife. No.

Manav grits his teeth. Who is this bastard? Why is he after Nisha? Thank God she saw him first and surprised him by screaming. If he had seen her first!? (His whole body shudders at the thought and he gets up to start pacing) Nisha ne kissi ka kya bigaada hain? And if Rohan is right and she is being targeted because of me then..try as I might, I can’t ever think of anyone who was that obsessed with me. Nahi. Kuch toh gadbad hain..kuch aur baat hain. There is something that we are missing here .

The sound of sirens and the tyres screeching to a halt is heard a moment before his phone buzzes again. Rohan: Manavji, open the door. It’s me.

Manav rushes and opens the door. Rohan and his team of cops enter. Rohan first looks for Nisha and on spotting her, he goes to her and gets down on his hunches just like Manav did a few minutes before: Nisha..meri taraf dekho Nisha.

Nisha looks at Rohan and tries to smile: Hi

Rohan smiles: Hi. You ok? (She nods) Meine suna HK nahi hain. Toh dinner mein kya banaya?

Nisha swallows: Pasta

Rohan’s smile turns into a small grin: Wow..white one? (She nods and starts to visibly relax) Kya yaar mujhe bhi bulaliya hota! So you guys had dinner and went up right?

Nisha: Yeah. Later I was feeling thirsty so I came down.

Rohan: Did you switch on the lights on the way?

Nisha: No. I got used to the house now so I just came down.

Rohan: And you went straight into the kitchen?

Manav can’t help but appreciate the meticulous way of questioning and at the same time he observes Rohan’s fisted palms and locked jaw..the way he is holding on to his anger by a thread but making sure it doesn’t show on his face and scare Nisha.

Nisha: Yes. I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge.

Rohan: You didn’t switch on the kitchen light there either?

Nisha shakes her head: No. But the small bed lamp kind of a thing is always on. Kaka has a Bappa idol in the kitchen toh humesha woh light on karke hi rakhte hain.

Rohan: Ok. You opened the fridge and took the bottle out.

Nisha: And I was about to close the door when I saw him. He had..had that long carving knife kind of a thing in his hand. That was the first thing I saw and I screamed. He turned and ran towards the other door.

Rohan gestures Sharma to go and look in the kitchen: Did you see his face?

Nisha: No. He was wearing a mask

Rohan: Like a winter monkey cap kind of a thing?

Nisha shakes her head: Nahi..the one like..you remember that guy in school who tried to..(She quickly glances at Manav and swallows before turning back to Rohan) Remember he wore a mask?

Rohan’s face reddens in remembered anger: Yes. I remember. Can you tell if it was a male or a female?

Nisha: Male. He was tall..not very tall but the built was that of a man. No mistaking it.

Rohan pats her hand: Don’t worry. I will look into it. (Then deliberately tries to lighten the situation) Kisi ki himmat hain jo policewale ki dost par humla kare? Hmmm? (One of the policemen comes down from the stairs and shakes his head subtley indicating that there was no one up in the terrace or any of the rooms.) Tum apne kamre mein jaao aur aaraam karo. Ok?

Nisha looks at Manav: Nahi. Mein teek hoon. I just panicked for a minute that’s all. I will stay with Manav. (Rohan nods and goes in the direction of the kitchen.)

Sharma gets up from his position: Sir..this lock is broken in. I called in the team to check out for finger prints. Pehle woh chandelier ab yeh..kya horaha hain sir?

Rohan crouches in front of the door and checks out the lock: Wahi toh pata karna hain Sharma. Koi foot prints hain kya near the door or outside? (Sharma shakes his head) Its weird come to think of it. If he has indeed come to attack Nisha then why didn’t he? He had ample time before she turned saw and screamed. (He frowns some more.) And even on the day of the party, initially, Anu pulled Nisha down for the dance and Manav was on the dias and then he got a call so he got down and she got on it because she didn’t want to dance. (His mind starts running in another direction) Aur woh bus wala case. Manav was driving..

Sharma: So you are saying all these are aimed at Mr Mathur and not his wife?

Rohan: Could be. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes. But I spoke to Yog uncle and as far as he knows there is no business rivalry kind of a thing either. I checked that angle. So this one is personal Sharma. Yeh jo koi bhi hain he has some personal score to settle with Manav. And if that is right then Aditi’s murder and the current attacks might not be related either. (He gets up just as Manav walks into the kitchen.)

Manav: Rohan, I don’t want to take any more chances where Nisha’s safety is concerned. So until all this is resolved, we will stay with Verma uncle in their house. That way she will always have someone with her.

Rohan nods: Achcha idea hain Manavji. Pack whatever is needed. We will leave right away. (He turns to Sharma) Sharma, go check out and see if both the cars are safe. (Sharma nods and leaves) Manavji, you need to tell her at least briefly so that she will be more careful.

Manav runs a distracted hand through his hair and nods before frowning and looking at Rohan: What was Nisha talking about? What boy? What mask?

Rohan looks away: News paper mein woh sab aane ke baad guys had started misbehaving with her..rude crude comments and a few tried to touch her..(Manav squeezes his eyes shut and smashes his fist on the kitchen counter.) One of the guys had a mask and it scared her big time. I pulled the mask away, sent Nisha home with Anu and..(He sighs) I guess it’s a good thing that guy didn’t report me. Beeti baaten hain Manavji. Dohraake koi faayda nahi hain. Lets take care of your packing first.

Manav nods before giving Rohan an impulsive hug: Thank you Rohan..thank you for being there for her when I was not..for being her true friend. (And leaves.)

Things move at a fast pace after that. Their luggage packed, both of them along with Sharma leave in Manav’s car while another cop drives Nisha’s car and follows them behind. Rohan stays back along with the rest of the team to see if the intruder had left any clues behind.

Verma Residence: Nisha’s bedroom:

Manav looks around at the feminine room with a small smile: You changed it from the last time I saw.

Nisha comes and hugs him from behind: Considering the fact that I had spiderman wall posters the last time you saw it..

Manav huffs out a small laugh and pulls her arms further around him making her completely stick to his back: Yeah I know..girls usually want flowers or barbies and doras but not you! You had to have spiderman! (Then he sighs and turns. He looks into her eyes silently for a few moments before hugging her tightly. Apne Tiger ko bachanekeliye bahut badi keemat chukaana pada tumko..hain na? I not only left you alone but when I returned, I became one of them..mujhe apni Chulbuli waapas chahiye Nisha. He forcibly brings himself to the present matter at hand.) I want to tell you something but I don’t want you to worry about it. Ok? (Nisha nods.) Rohan thinks all these attacks are deliberate. Someone is trying to harm you specifically. He and I are going to make sure that doesn’t happen. But I want you to be very careful. Ok? That is another reason I brought you here..so that you will always have someone with you. No matter how urgent or important, don’t go anywhere alone or go with someone you don’t trust your life with. Promise me.

Nisha: I promise. But why would..who would..

Manav: We don’t know anything yet. (Seeing her biting her lip and at the fear clouding her eyes, he cups her cheek.) You trust me, don’t you? (She nods without hesitation.) Then don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you. I swear. I told you this just so that you will be extra careful. Ok? (He pats her cheek in a deliberate attempt to lighten the atmosphere.) Chalo. Let’s get some sleep now. Its almost 3.

Nisha smiles: I guess it’s a good thing I changed the bed too. The previous one was a single one. (She gives him a small wink)

Manav gives an innocent look: That wouldn’t have been a problem at all. We anyway sleep one on top of the other na..well..almost (He blocks her mock punch with a grin..his eyes fairly devouring the twinkle in her eyes.)

The next day evening:

Manav: Aunty, ek cup chai milegi?

Nandini turns to look at her son in law with a smile: Haan beta. Abhi banaati hoon. Kya hua Manav, bahut thake hue lagrahe ho?

Manav walks into the kitchen: Kuch nahi aunty. Aaj kuch zyaada hi kaam tha. I am fine.

Nandini: And now I think you all are going out na. Anu ka bday celebration pe?

Manav rubs his forehead: Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that.

Nisha: Tum aagaye?

Manav turns at the sound of her voice: Haan buss..(The rest of his sentence gets cut off as he stares at his wife who is looking stunning in a lavender and baby pink short sleeved top and a full length dark violet skirt with a shiny black belt to go with it and her hair in a long ponytail. He clears his throat before trying to speak) Uh..where are we going?

Nisha’s excitement is too high to contain: Pub.

Nandini’s eyes take in her daughter’s joy filled face while giving the tea cup to Manav: Bahut pyaari lagrahi ho Nisha..hain na Manav?

Manav nods while his eyes take in the expectant look on Nisha’s face and he swallows down the painful groan at the mention of clubbing: Give me 10 minutes and I will get ready. Ok?

Soon after that Vishaal, Anu and Rohan come in Rohan’s scorpio and start honking from outside. With a wave at Yog and Nandini, they leave for the evening’s celebration. The pub is full of typical loud and boisterous crowd amidst blaring music and lights. All 5 of them find a corner table and settle down. Rohan and Manav go to get the drinks for everyone while Anu, Vishaal and Nisha catch up. Nisha’s eyes follow Manav and continue to gaze at his back until Anu shakes her out of her reverie: O Madam..aur log bhi hain yahaa. And its been more than a month since you guys got married. Stop giving him those besotted looks.

Nisha’s smile includes both Anu and Vishaal: It’s not that re. Its just..tu nahi samjhegi.

Vishaal: Aap ki khushi aap ka chehra hi bataraha hain Nishaji. Kuch aur kehne ki zaroorat bhi nahi hain.
 
Nisha: Some times words seem inadequate na.

Anu gives her a one armed hug: What you can’t express in words, you can express it with music and dance. Ek baar try karke dekh Nisha. Just let yourself go and show him AND yourself what you feel..how you feel. (Nisha looks at Manav, who is conversing with Rohan as they wait for drinks and back at the dance floor.)

Manav: You think it’s a good idea to get her here in this crowd? May be we should have gone somewhere else.

Rohan gives a quick look around: Don’t worry Manavji. My team is here with us. Then his gaze halts and with a smile, he taps Manav’s shoulder and gestures him towards the dance floor where Nisha is at the centre twirling, clapping and dancing in beat to the music. With a loud whoop and a whistle, Rohan gestures to Anu and Vishaal and they join Nisha on the dance floor. Rohan and Vishaal dance along with Anu and Nisha twisting and turning them and passing them from one to another matching to the beat of the music while Manav just stands and looks at his wife come alive on the dance floor. Her gaze meets his and her feet take wings in his direction as the rest of the world falls away. She catches his arm and pulls him on to the dance floor with her eyes locked on to his and he follows her as if mesmerized. The rest of the dancers move away to give her more space and she circles around him with arms held high until he suddenly turns catching her by the waist and pulling her plush against his body. Her smile turns brighter than before as she runs her palm from the back of his head to his neck to his shoulder before sliding it along his arm and joining her palm to his. They dance with each other, for each other..lost in each other as the beat of the music takes over them. When the song draws to a close, she arches her back and he pulls her up before twirling her and lifting her up in his arms and turning once along with her. Anu’s whistle this time beats that of Rohan’s a few minutes back. It’s a little after midnight by the time Rohan drops Manav and Nisha back at Verma residence: Manavji, are you sure you don’t want me to send a driver? Trust me, I have handpicked that guy.

Nisha looks at Manav: May be we should..

Manav shakes his head: Nahi Rohan. I will take care of it. Don’t worry. (He gives a tired sigh) Chalo goodnight. Am off to bed. I think you also should go and get some sleep.

Rohan smiles: Abhi kahaa Manavji..I still have some work to do. We caught one guy yesterday in another case. Abhi uska interrogation chalraha hain. I am headed out there now. Goodnight.

Nisha also waves him a goodnight. CS opens the door for them with sleep blurry eyes and both of them quietly make their way to their room where Manav practicalls falls on the bed face down: I am done.

Nisha crawls beside him and slides her hand inside his t shirt: Abhi kahaa? Abhi mujhe aur kaam hain tum se. If you sleep I am going to be very disappointed.

Manav doesn’t move his head but squints his eyes open with difficulty: You got to be kidding me. Forget it.

She quickly masks her disappointment with a smile and kisses his lips softly but realizes he really is down for the night. Poor guy! He had looked so tired in the evening yet came to the party just to make her happy. She ruffles his hair, kisses him once again before getting up to change.

The next 4 days pass uneventfully for both of them. Work pressure at VM increases for Manav and Nisha starts getting concerned as he continues to insist on dropping and picking her up irrespective of the hour and day. Twice she and Rohan suggest getting a cop as a driver and twice he refuses. She puts down his irritability and snapping temper to the increased work load and the discomfort of staying at his in-laws place. She fails to notice the way his alert eyes follow her and Rohan whenever he came home to discuss the break in case and stayed on to chat some general mutually favourite topics with her. She fails to realize that try as he might, he is not able get the disappointed look she had that night on her face from his mind. His silent struggle with himself finds relief only in her arms turning the nights more aggressive. She meets his aggression with her own passion and tries to soothe him out of his restlessness with her lips and body. On the 5th consecutive day as she observes him once again getting ready early to drop her at CGH, she softly inserts: Manav..I think we should take up on Rohan’s offer of the driver. Tum aise roz roz..

Her sentence gets cuts off as he throws the hair brush on the table and the car keys on the bed and snaps out: You know what? I think you are right. Your husband is 40 years old. Not strong enough to keep up. He does not have the energy of a 27 yr old strong young man. So please..go ahead and tell Rohan to send the driver. (He leaves the room but comes right back after a moment and snatches back the keys before looking at the stunned Nisha.) But for now, you have no choice. I won’t allow you to go alone. So even if it is tiring out my old bones, I am going to drop you now. Chale?

Nisha finally finds her voice: Par meine toh sirf..

Manav: Are you coming or not? Mujhe office bhi jaana hain. (Without giving her further chance to respond, he leaves the room.)

Is that what he thinks? Is that why he has been disturbed the last few days? Is the age factor playing so much in his mind? (Nisha’s mind goes back to all the events in the last one week and she starts looking at things in a new light.) He thinks he is too old for me. 27 yr old strong young man? He is comparing himself to Rohan? Doesn’t he know yet that for me, there is only him?how do I tell him? She quickly picks up her bag and goes out.

VM Industries: Manav’s cabin:

Manav calls Rohan as soon as he reaches: Rohan? You have a minute?

Rohan: Ji kahiye. Good morning

Manav: Good morning. That offer for the driver is still on?

Rohan smiles: Of course. I will send him right away. Nisha is at CGH?

Manav: Yes. I just dropped her.

Rohan: Ok. I am going that way anyway. So I will take the guy and introduce him. that way..

Manav nods: She will know that she can see who it is. Thanks Rohan.

Rohan: Not a problem. See you.

Manav: Bye (He cuts the call and sighs. The rest of the day passes without incident. Yog and Manav share the car on their way back home that night with Manav in the driver seat and Yog sitting beside him.)

Manav: Uncle, ek baat poochu?

Yog: Haan poocho.

Manav: Why didn’t you get Nisha married before? I mean I understand the talk was bad but surely it would have died down slowly and had you searched, you would have found someone, right? May be someone not from Ahmedabad, a good guy who is closer to her age..why?

Yog looks out of the window in silence for a few moments: Woh maane tab na Manav. Kissi aur se shaadi karna toh door ki baat thi woh toh kissi aur ke baare mein sochti bhi nahi thi. Kasam diya tha usne hum dono ko ki uske shaadi ki baat kabhi nahi chedenge. I guess that was the day that I finally accepted that my daughter is the kind who can love only once and you were that one for her. (Then he gives Manav a slightly quizzical look) Par yeh sab ab kyon poochrahe ho?

Manav tries to swallow the lump in his throat and replies: Nahi..kuch nahi..buss aise hi.

Does the age gap really matter so much? Let me be frank with myself here. I was jealous..more than jealous, I was insecure. Whenever I saw her with Rohan, all I could see was that he was there when I was not..he literally placed himself between her and harm.. He was probably better suited to her than he himself every would be..closer to her age, similar tastes and preferences, no past hang ups..and he never hurt her. (Then he remembers something that she told him a few days back. “Aur agar mein kabhi waapas nahi aata toh?” “Toh mein zindagi bhar aap ka intezaar karti.”) I guess there is a difference between knowing and completely believing. And if SHE thinks I am good enough for her..if her PARENTS think I am the one for her, why should I question it? (The car reaches home.)

That night: Nisha’s bedroom:

She throws the bag on the table and plops down on the bed with a tired sigh. Manav comes out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist: Hi.

Nisha: Hi. Rohan said you called and asked for the driver.

Manav nods: Haan. (Then frowns.) He came to pick you up, right?

Nisha: Yeah. Rohan came and introduced me and all that.

Manav starts rubbing his hair with another towel: I felt that was more practical. Kal se naya campaign shuru honewaala hain. I probably won’t be able to adjust my timings with yours. (He sits beside her on the bed.) Tired?

Nisha puts her head on his shoulder and cuddles closer to him: Hmmm..poocho mat. Had to monitor 3 surgeries and a full OPD aur jab baahar niklne waali thi toh 2 accident cases.

Manav starts rubbing her shoulders and neck: What do you normally do to relax then? When the days are hectic or bad..(He shrugs.) Go on a run..cycling..talking to friends kuch toh hota hoga na.

Nisha nods: Cycling aur uske baad music. (Then she looks up at him. Here is the opening that she has been waiting for since morning and she takes it up.) But you know the best way that always worked for me? (He gives her a questioning look. She hesitates for a second before going to her wardrobe and pulling out his t shirt that she had always treasured with her. She rubs her cheek to it..an almost instinctive gesture before passing it on to him.) Yeh shirt tumhe yaad hain?

Manav frowns and turns it this way and that before realization dawns on him: This is mine? This is mine! How did you..when did you..holi!

She nods and takes the shirt back from him: Hmmm..whenever things got bad over the years, I used to put this on. It was almost like you were hugging me. I used to forget everything then. (Her eyes fill up and a lone tear rolls down her cheek.) Even when uncle and aunty passed away, I wanted to come to you but..(She gives an awkward shrug.) So that whole night I hugged this t shirt..I know silly but..

Manav pushes her back on the bed smothers her face and neck with kisses before locking his lips to hers. He drinks deeply from her mouth as his tears mingle with hers wetting both their faces. His breath shudders out of his chest: Nahi..nahi Nisha. It was not silly. A couple of my colleagues from Mumbai had come, uncle and aunty were there but..I felt so alone. Uss din Tiger Chulbuli ke bina bahut akela padgaya tha re.

Nisha cups his face with trembling hands. Her eyes hold both pain and joy: I missed you too Tiger. (Both of them laugh and cry and hug and roll on the bed.)

Manav finally sits up and wipes his eyes with the back of his hand before laughing softly: Lagta hain hum dono kuch zyada hi senti hogaye. (He pulls her up into a sitting position.) Go and freshen up. (Seeing her fiddling with the t shirt.) Kya hua?

Nisha: I have a photograph of yours and mine..(She inserts hastily.) Uss raat waale nahi..(Seeing him patiently waiting for her to continue, she gets up and brings a book and extends to him.) It was actually a group photograph but..(He sees the photograph of just the two of them with the rest of the group been cut off. His face splits into a grin as he sees her young chubby face with short bob hair making faces at the camera and leaning towards him. He gives it back to her.) Isse sambhalke rakhna. Or better yet, give it to me and I will make a soft copy of it. I will show it to our kids one day and tell them stories of how naughty their mom used to be.

Nisha blinks before her entire face lights up and turns pink: Kids?

Manav: Yeah..you don’t want kids?

Goosebumps raise all over her at the mere thought: But..but..I thought..I mean..you use..

Manav gets up and starts getting dressed in a t shirt and track pants: I didn’t want to involve a kid with so many unresolved issues surrounding us..(He shrugs.) So what do you say? You want kids? (She starts nodding repeatedly even before he could complete his sentence making him raise his eyebrow.) Now? (Her smile turns a little shy as she looks away from him.) Ek kaam karte hain. Lets get past all this and in a few months things will also pick up at VM and then we will talk about it. Ok? (She nods happily and with a joyous screech pounces on him with arms wrapped tight around his neck and legs around his waist. The dinner that night got delayed but neither cared.)

Next day morning: CGH: Sruti’s cabin:

Sruti’s cell phone pings on an incoming sms: Reached Ahmedabad Just now. On my way home. – Armaan.

She quickly types her reply: Ok. I need to talk to you about something important. Will come by your house this evening..say 6?

Reply is almost immediate: Sure. Will be waiting.

Sruti sighs and puts the phone away. After her talk with Abhi, she wanted to go straight to Armaan and ask him what all that was about but her work load didn’t permit that day and the next day morning he had to attend a VIP surgery in Delhi and had left the next day. The child had developed some complications and his two day trip got extended to 5 days. Finally he is back and she is going to go and have that talk. There is a soft knock on the door and after her “come in”, Rohan enters: Hello Ma’am.

Sruti smiles: Hello. Have a seat. You were asking me about some 10 yr old case, right?

Rohan extends a file: Yes. I finally could get the case file from Metro Hospital. I just want you to look into it and see if you remember anything about her..anything significant.

Sruti reads the first page and looks up with a frown: Aditi Malhotra. This is the same girl who was murdered, right? (Rohan nods.) I remember that because she had an appointment for an MTP..abortion and she didn’t turn up. when the police questioned me, that’s when I came to know that she was killed the previous night.

Rohan leans forward: Yes, it was in the report that she was to have an abortion. Did you interact much with her? Can you recall any of your conversations?

Sruti thinks back and shakes her head: No. She was unmarried and pregnant. I understood and didn’t question her much although I did advice her that she needs to be careful. (She leans back in her chair and fiddles with her pen.) But I did find one thing unusual. She was hell bent on getting the MTP but the baby’s father wanted the child. He came with her and kept pleading and arguing with her to think one more time and all that. It stuck in my mind because its usually the other way around in these cases..you know..women want the child but men don’t..

Rohan nods: So Dr Armaan was with Aditi when she came for the check up?

Sruti gets totally confused: Dr Armaan? Why would Dr Armaan be with Aditi?

Rohan frowns: But you just said the baby’s father was with her.. (She nods still confused.) Dr Armaan was the baby’s father. (It comes out like a part statement and part question.)

Sruti’s mouth drops open: What?
 
Chapter 14

Rohan nods with a frown: Yeah. That’s what he said in his statement to the police all those years ago.

Sruti shakes her head as if to clear it: ARMAAN was the father? But the guy I met was some body else Mr. Rohan.

Rohan leans forward: Kya? Aap poora yakeen ke saath yeh kehsakti hain?

Sruti nods still dazed and confused but sure: Of course. I have known Armaan for the past 6-7 years and he is most definitely NOT the guy who came along with Aditi Malhotra.

Rohan: Can you tell me his name? Yaad karne ki koshish keejiye please?

Sruti: No. I can’t remember the name. I don’t even think he explicitly introduced himself..when he started trying to convince her, she just gave me an awkward smile and said that he was the baby’s father. That’s all. (Her face is still a mixture of shock and confusion.) But I don’t understand. Why did Dr Armaan say..

Rohan sighs in apparent frustration: I don’t know Dr Sruti. This tangle is just getting worse. Did you tell this to the police then?

Sruti nods: I asked them if they had spoken to the father of the baby and they said yes and that he was on clear because he was out of town that night. I didn’t ask further and they didn’t expand.

Rohan taps his fingers on the table before looking up: Dr Sruti, if I get some snaps or something of that kind, would you be able to pick the guy?

Sruti: I can try. I will definitely try but its 10 years old and the image I have of that guy is quite hazy.

Rohan gets up: Ok. I will see what I can do. thank you. Phir milte hain.

Sruti picks up the intercom phone and cancels all her appoitments for the day and leaves to Armaan’s house. This issue is not going to wait till evening. Within 15 minutes, she reaches Armaan’s residence and rings the bell.

Armaan opens the door: Sruti? Aao andar aao. You said you would be coming in this evening na.

Sruti: Yes. But I could not wait till the evening. Armaan, I think its time we talked. I mean really talked. No beating around the bush and no monosyllabal answers. (Armaan sighs and nods before gesturing her to have a seat.) Armaan..Aditi kaun hain? And if you and Manav Mathur were friends once, why aren’t you now?

Armaan closes his eyes and shakes his head: I wanted to tell you..I honestly did. But..

Sruti takes his hand in hers: Then talk now. I am listening. Aur itne saalon ka saath aur dosti ke baad tumhe itna vishwaas toh hogayahoga na ki I am not a judgemental kind of a person? (Armaan looks into her appealing wide brown eyes and nods.) Toh batao aisa kya hua jo tumhe itne saalon se andar hi andar khaaye jaaraha hain?

Armaan: Manav and I were friends since school days. (His lips stretch into a reluctant smile as a memory teases him.) When we were in school, our friends used to sing “Mere do anmol ratan ek hain Raam toh ek Lakhan.” When we walked by. Abhi and I used to fight over everything all the time and Manav used to come as a peacemaker. Our parents knew that if one of us was not at home, that means we were with each other. Then we lost our mother to cancer. I honestly don’t know how I would have coped had it not been for Manav. Uss sadme se baahar aaya hi nahi tha ki 3 weeks later my dad got killed in a freak automobile accident. (He lowers his head and grips his hair with both hands.) God! Sometimes I still see myself standing in the corridor of CGH as I saw my dad being wheeled in all bloodied and lifeless.

Sruti puts her hand on his shoulder: I am sorry. I never knew their deaths were so close. Where was Abhi then?

Armaan: He was doing his M.L. He had just gone back to the hostel after mom’s death.

Sruti: Aur..Manav? Manav tumhaare saath tha?

Armaan nods: He was my rock during that time. Never moved from my side..used to stay at my house as much as he could. And I betrayed him in the worst possible way. (Sruti remains silent and waits for him to continue.)

Abhi parks his car and gets down. Srutiji ka car yahaa? (He smiles.) May be I should back off and give them both some time. Khaamakha beech mein jaake kabab mein haddi kyon banoo? I will just collect my file, say hello and come off. He tiptoes to the main door and opens it slowly and soundlessly to peek inside. What meets his eye wipes the smile off his face and he takes an involuntary step forward in concern but stops himself. Sruti is standing facing the window hence he is unable to see her expression. And his brother is sitting in the sofa completely lost and dejected: I am sorry Sruti. I am really sorry. I tried..believe me..I really did. But I just can’t seem to get past this guilt..the fact that he trusted me and I betrayed his trust. I can’t move on..can’t seem to look past that. I tried talking to him..par woh toh meri shakl se bhi nafrat karta hain..and Sruti..I can’t ask you to share my life with this guilt hanging around my neck. I love you. I really do..but..its not..it won’t be fair to you..

Abhi looks at his brother as tears gather in his eyes. Aur kitne saal bhai? Aur kitne saal tu apne aap ko isstarah sazaa dega? everyone has moved on. (He grits his teeth.) Even Manav has moved on..but you!! He backs off from the door as silently as he had come.

Sruti turns and comes to crouch in front of Armaan. She takes his hand in hers: Armaan..meri taraf dekho Armaan. whatever happened, just happened. Tumne jaan boochkar toh kuch nahi kiya na. Aur tumhi toh kehrahe ho ki tumhe kuch yaad nahi. So how can you even say that something happened? Yeh bhi toh hosakta hain na ki uss raat kuch hua hi nahi. Yeh bhi toh hosakta hain na ki Aditi ke bachche ka baap tum ho hi nahi?

Armaan can’t hide his incredulity: What? What are you saying? No. Aditi was not like that. She was..she was a nice girl.

Sruti tightens her grip on his palm: Did she come and tell you that you were the father?

Armaan: No. I was a coward. I did not..I could not face her for a lot of days after that. I could not face Manav either. And then..then..Manav came one day and told me that he and Aditi were getting engaged..I thought..I hoped..but then the news came that she was pregnant..

Sruti opens her mouth as if to say something but closes it. Nahi. Abhi nahi. Pehle poori sachchai ka pata toh chale. Armaan needs hope but not false hope. And I don’t want to raise it only to bring it crashing back down again. I will talk to the SP again. She puts her palm on his cheek: And you didn’t tell me all this until now..why? You thought I would judge and condemn you for being a human?

Armaan, for the first time leans in on another person..on the woman..on the only woman he had ever loved in his life. His arms close around her as he pulls her into a hug while tremours wrack his body. She holds him in her arms and provides the only thing that she can at that point..solace.

That evening: around 7 pm: Verma residence: Nisha’s room:

Nisha is running around the bed trying to catch Manav: Tiger..Mujhe dekhna hain..dikhaona please..woh kya hain..mere liye laaye ho na..

Manav goes off to the other end of the room with the paper wrapped rectangular box in his hand: Haan..Tere liye hi laaya hoon..tabhi toh kehrahan hoon..aake lelo na.

Nisha tries to jump and catch only to have him raise up his hand and back another step. She finally stomps her foot in frustration and folds her hands with a pout: Jaao mujhe nahi dekhna hain.

Manav comes and wraps his arms around her from behind: Nahi dekhna hain? (She shakes her head with a sulk) Sachchi mein nahi dekhna hain?

Nisha pushes his arms away: Nahi. Apna gift apne paas hi rakho.

Manav comes to stand in front of her: dekhoo toh meri Chulbuli gusse mein kaise dikhti hain..hmmm..dekhoo toh..(she whirls away from him in anger) Achcha teek hain. Yehlo

Nisha smiles and makes a move to take it from his hand only to have him change it to another hand. She turns that way and he once again shifts it to this hand. Frustrated, she starts punching his chest: TIGER! Seedha seedha dedo warna tumse baat nahi karoongi.

Manav raises his eyebrow: Uh huh..for how many seconds? 2 or 3? (Nisha stops hitting him and flaunts off to go and sit on the bed. He comes and sits beside her only to have her move away a little. He moves closer again with a perfectly straight face and she growls and moves away again. Before she could move away again, he holds her hand and puts the box in it and grins at the enthusiasm with which she tears off the paper. She comes to a complete stand still as she sees whats inside. It’s a beautiful photo frame..similar to the ones that hang over the wall in their house..but this one held a digital mastered photograph of both of them with his arm around her taken during the Manali trip on the right side and on the left side is the one that Nisha had showed him the other day. The total effect is endearing..both of them together then and now..yet in a totally different way. His voice softly inserts from beside her) This one will look beside those two photographs in our hall na.

Nisha nods and her tremulous smile quickly turns into a huge grin as she hugs the photo frame tightly to herself and bounces on the bed nodding at the same time bringing out amused chuckles from him. She looks at his laughing face for a few moments before carefully putting the frame on the table beside the bed and climbing on him until she is sitting astride on his lap, leans forward and gives a smacking kiss on his lips: Thank you Tiger. I love it.

Before he could say anything, his phone rings and he picks it up still with one arm wrapped around her: Hello?

Abhi: Manav..This is Abhimanyu.

Manav’s smile vanishes but he remains cordial: Hello Abhi.

Abhi: Manav, the bank has forward your loan papers for some verification. Can you pass on the property documents stated in them?

Manav frowns: Uh..ok. Sure. The papers are at my house right now. I am at Nisha’s place. So just give me half an hour and I will go and collect the papers. I can send them across to you first thing tomorrow morning, right?

Abhi: Yeah..any time before 9 am is fine.

Manav: Ok. Thank you Abhi.

Abhi: Not a problem. Bye.

Manav cuts the call and looks at Nisha’s enquiring face: I need to go to our house to get some papers.

Nisha frowns: Now?

Manav nods: Kal subah ki bhaag daud mein time nahi milega Chulbuli..I will just go and get them now.

Nisha doesn’t move from her position on top of him: Raat honeko aayi hain. No. Go tomorrow morning. I will wake you up early.

Manav tweaks her nose: YOU will wake ME up?

Nisha scowls: Haan toh alarm rakhke utke tumhe uta doongi na.

Manav sighs: Uto. Mujhe jaana hain. Buss yu gaya aur yu aaya.

Nisha: You don’t allow me to go out alone. Now why are you going? Aur woh bhi raat ko! Nahi (She realizes she is sounding actually petulant but she doesn’t care. Something about him going out now is not sounding good to her.)

Manav: Zidd mat karo Nisha..

Nisha: Toh mein bhi chalti hoon tumhaare ke saath. I don’t want you to go alone.

Manav: Nisha..(He pushes back her hair that has fallen over her forehead.) Its not safe buddy. I don’t want to take any chances where you are concerned. Achcha teek hain..I will get your kulfi icecream on my way back ok?

He rolls her on the bed, kisses her within an inch of her life before getting up to change his shirt. She comes behind him and helps him remove his shirt. But before he could pull out a fresh one from inside, he feels the touch of her lips on his bare back. They start at one shoulder and travel down to his waist and lower back before coming back up on the other side and ending it at the other shoulder. Her hands, unwilling to be idle, start tracing delicate patterns over his abdomen and chest. His breath hitches and his pulse rockets up at the feel of her fingers over his flat nipples. His thought process comes to a shuddering halt as she moves under his arm without her lips leaving his body until she is standing in front of him. Her lips replace her fingers and with a rough groan, he digs his fingers in her hair as if unable to decide whether to tell her to stop or beg her to continue. Her palms make a path over his back before coming forward to slowly touch and grip his hardness. His growl of “Nisha..” goes unheaded as she continues to pay homage to him which soon has him leaning against the wardrobe cabinets because there is no way in hell that his legs are going to support this onslaught of hers. She locks her eyes with his as she completes undressing him and continues to look at him as she kneels in front of him. His eyes flare up as he realises her intention. His thumb rubs her lower lips as he manages to blurt out: You sure? Her softly uttered “Please” smashes all his defences and he surrenders himself to her as she takes him heaven.

Next day morning:

Manav continues to speak on the phone while getting dressed for work: Yes. I want those papers ready. And did you email the customer explaining the delay?..Why? (Steel enters his voice) No Bhavna. It is NOT his responsibility. It is YOURS. Whoever makes the mess gets to clean it up themselves..(He cuts in when the person on the other end starts saying something.) I don’t care what your job description says. There is such a thing called basic people skills and at the level you are in, I expect you to have them. (He collects his wallet and keys before making his way out of the room with a distracted wave to Nisha.)

Just as he is at the main door after shaking his head at kaka when asked for breakfast, Nisha calls him from behind: Manav? (He turns to find her walking gracefully towards him with his jacket in her hand. Wordlessly she helps him don it on, picks up a couple of bananas from the fruit bowl on the dining table and puts them in his bagpack along with his laptop. He thanks her with a soft pat on her cheek and a smile, gestures HK to make sure she eats, before going out, his mind already back with whoever he is talking over the phone and his face a tight mask of anger and impatience.) You owe it not only to the customer but also to your team Bhavna so move on with it.

She waits until he backs his car out of the gate before turning towards HK and her mom with a smile: Good morning mom. Good morning kaka. Breakfast mein kya hain?

Nandini: Tera favourite. Aa bait beta. (She puts her hand on Nisha’s head.) Rohan ka kuch phone aaya? Woh intruder kaun tha kuch pata chala?

Nisha: Nahi ma. He is still looking into it. Manav said he will talk to him again today.

Nandini: Chalo issi bahaane beti aur damaad thode din humaare saath rahenge. Manav is comfortable here, right?

Nisha nods: Yes mom. Don’t worry. But once Rohan gives his ok, we will go back to our home. Kaka was there yesterday evening to clean up the house and water the plants. So..

Nandini smiles and nods. Soon Yograj joins them and everyone have their breakfast before Nisha and Yog leave for their work.

Rohan’s jeep screeches to a halt in front of Manav’s residence and he fairly leaps out of it: Manavji..what happened?

Manav, who is sitting on the front porch steps talking to someone over the phone, cuts the call abruptly and gets up: Hi Rohan..another break in..I think last night. The window pane in the study room is broken and the papers are scattered all over.

Rohan’s gaze sharpens: How do you know it was last night? Were you here?

Manav: No. Yesterday evening HK was here to clean up and all. Tab toh sab kuch teek tha. (He runs a distracted hand through his hair) Rohan..I think our initial theory is wrong. Whoever it is, I think, is after ME not Nisha.

Rohan nods: I had the same doubt the night Nisha saw the intruder in your house. If he wanted to harm her, he would have done so before she screemed.

Manav nods: And I was supposed to come here last night.

Rohan frowns: Why? (Manav explains Abhi’s call and the request for property papers and Rohan’s frown deepens. Why would ABHIMANYU want the property papers? He is a criminal lawyer na..why would he deal with.. Rohan looks up.) Did anyone know that you were coming here to collect the papers?

Manav: No. Abhi asked for papers and I said I will collect them right away and send them across first thing in the morning. But I couldn’t come so came in early today..so..someone knew that I was going to be here and was waiting for me! (Rohan nods..his mind working in various directions. The bus incident..a criminal lawyer could collect some favours or know whom to hire for such a job..the chandelier..lack of finger prints or any kind of evidence at all the crime scenes..what if..what if its ABHIMANYU who has a score to settle with Manav? ) Rohan? I want to suggest something. (Rohan nods as if to say go ahead) How about we give this guy a chance to get to me..I can make sure I am alone at some point and..

Rohan: You want to set yourself as a bait Manavji? (Manav nods.) Aap jaante hain na some times, the animal manages to get the bait without getting caught? High risk and at this point we don’t know what is it that’s triggering this guy.

Manav smiles: Tum ho na. And frankly, I don’t see any other option.

Rohan: Let me think on this some more and I will call you. Lekin jab tak mein na kahoo aap kuch mat keejiye. (He smiles a little.) Nisha will kill me if she comes to know about this.

Manav also smiles: Then don’t tell her. (A slight pause and then) I was supposed to come here last night. Lekin usne mujhe jaane nahi diya. She kept saying she has a bad feeling about it..

Rohan: Never discount intuition Manavji..especially a woman’s. Did you take the papers that you need? (Manav nods) Toh chaliye. I will follow you in my jeep till your office.

Same day evening around 3 pm: At CGH: Sruti’s cabin:

Sruti looks up at Manav: Please don’t worry Mr Manav. Dr Palash is one of the best. She is a specialist in female reproductive cancer, who has recently moved here from US. And we will take all precautions for Menakaji before, during and after the surgery. Uske baad chemotherapy hoga aur uske baad regular complete physical check up every 2-3 months for the first two years followed by every 6 months for 3 years and then annually from there on.

Manav: But this cancer..its just in the ovaries, right? It has not spread anywhere else?

Sruti: Abhi tak toh nahi. We did a complete CT of chest, abdomen and pelvic area and we also did a chest x ray. So let’s hope for the best.

Manav nods: When is the surgery? I mean..what time?

Sruti: Tomorrow around 11 am.

Manav nods and gets up: I will try to be here. aap..aap rahengi na Menakaji ke saath..OT mein?

Sruti nods: Yes. I will be there. (She smiles.) It’s good to see someone so concerned about their employee.

Manav: She has been with the company almost all her life Srutiji..taught me a lot when I was raw and fresh out of college..(He shrugs and leaves it at that before making a move to leave.)

Sruti thinks for a moment before speaking: Ek baat kahoo aapse? (Manav nods.) I probably don’t have any right to say this but..I think you should hear Armaan’s side of the story before passing judgement on him. (Manav looks away and remains silent but Sruti gets a glimpse of his pain, anger and hurt in his eyes before they frost over.) I know it was not a small triffle that we are talking about here but..Manavji..don’t you think you should at least listen to what he has to say? What if you come to know that he actually might not have done anything? (He takes his leave from her without a word, leaves a note in Nisha’s cabin that he had come by since she is in the OT and makes his way out, with Sruti’s words still playing in his mind. What if you come to know that he actually might not have done anything.. )

Around the same time: Armaan’s residence:

Armaan opens the door: Hello Rohan. please..come in.

Rohan: I went by CGH and they said you were on leave today.

Armaan nods: Aaj mere ma ki barsi hain toh..(Just then Abhi also walks into the room.)

Rohan nods a hello to Abhi before turning back to Armaan: I can come back tomorrow if it’s not a good time sir.

Armaan: No no. nothing like that. Both of us just spend some time together today. We used to fight like cats and dogs when we were younger and mom always used to worry about us..(He gives a small smile.) Anyway, tell me..whats it about?

Rohan: We think that the attacks on Nisha were actually meant for Manav..she just got in the way. We think HE is the main target. (Rohan takes in the total shock on Armaan’s face along with a slight stiffening of Abhi’s body. But he doesn’t shift his eyes from Armaan giving out the impression that whatever he has to say, is only for him.) There have been a couple of break ins at his home recently.

Armaan: Kuch pata chala kaun hain? Is it some kind of business rivalry?

Rohan leans back in the single seat sofa: Investigation jaari hain. I asked Manav if he suspects anyone. (He gives a slight pause before striking.) He said he can’t think of anyone other than YOU Dr Armaan.

Both Armaan and Abhi get up. Armaan is stunned: ME?

Abhi shouts: WHAT THE HELL! HOW DARE HE!

Rohan also gets up: Please calm down. We don’t have any proof but I just wanted to ask you if you want to say something at this point of time. (Abhi opens his mouth but Rohan raises his hand asking him to be quiet without taking his eyes off Armaan’s pale face.) Mein sirf Armaan se baat kar raha hoon. (If looks could kill, Rohan is sure he would have turned to ashes by now from the way Abhi is looking at him.)

Armaan fairly staggers back under the blow of that statement: Manav..Manav said I would try to KILL HIM? (He looks up to see Rohan’s nod. his eyes fill up before he sternly controls himself) No Rohan. I do not want to say anything at this point of time.

Rohan nods and comes out of the house before making a fake call: Haan Anu..yes I remember and yes, I will be there. I spoke to Nisha and she will be at your house by 5 with uncle and aunty. Manavji..I don’t think so. Nisha batarahi thi ki unhe kuch client call kuch hain. He will probably stay back home. Arre chodna yaar..hum sab hain na tere saath. Chal mein abhi duty mein hoon. We will talk later.

He cuts the calls and starts his jeep and drives a couple of streets away from Armaan’s house before stopping and making a call: Sharma..I want you to do two things. One..keep an eye on both Armaan and Abhimanyu. I want to know every movement of theirs from this minute on. And two..make sure at least two of you are always around Manav. No matter where he is. Got that? (He cuts the call and makes another one.) Manavji..aap kahaa hain?

Manav: Office mein. I just got back from CGH. one of our employees is admitted there. Why?

Rohan: Nisha ne bataya hain ki aaj shaam ko sab log Anu ke yahaa jaarahe hain. Vishaal’s parents are going to come over and all that.

Manav: Yeah. Nisha is pretty excited about it. Currently I am trying my best to avoid going along. I mean..mein kissi ko teek se jaanta bhi nahi. Are you going?

Rohan: No. And I want you also not to go. Stay back at home Manavji.

Manav frowns: Why?

Rohan smiles: Since you so kindly offered yourself as a bait, I have decided to take you up on that. I have set the plan in motion. Now let’s see if it works. Make sure everyone is out of the house. HK aur CS ko bhi koi kaam se baahar bhejdeejiye. And give me a missed call once you are alone.

Manav: Ok. You really think this will work?

Rohan: Dekhte hain. Let’s hope so. And don’t worry. We will be watching you and the house. Trust me Manavji..koi aap ko choo bhi nahi paayega.

Manav grins: As you say SP saab. Par aap fikr mat keejiye. Baat Nisha ki hoti toh it would have been different. I probably would have killed you for even thinking of something like this. But I can take care of myself.

Rohan looks out at the passing traffic: Jaanta hoon. Chaliye..Good luck.

Manav: Good luck to you too.
 
Chapter 15

That evening: Nisha’s bedroom:

Nisha glares at Manav: Toh tum nahi aaoge!

Manav sighs: Chulbuli..I have work to do. Aur mein wahaa aake kya karoonga? I don’t know anyone there.

Nisha pouts: But I wanted to stand beside you and proudly introduce you as my husband. “Namaste. Mein Nisha Mathur..Anu ki dost aur yeh mere pati Manav Mathur.”

Manav laughs softly before pulling her close to him until she is standing in front of him and he is sitting on the bed. He puts his arms around her waist and nuzzles his face in her tummy: And if they say “Aapne iss budde se shaadi kyon ki?” Toh?

She pushes him away from her and growls out: I will tell them “Budda hoga tera baap” (Manav roars out his laughter.) Haso mat. I will really give them that reply.

Manav looks at her face: Hasu nahi toh aur kya karoo? Chalo ab zidd chodo aur jaldi se taiyar hojao..jao. (Seeing that she is about to stomp her foot and get more stubborn, he pulls her close, cups her cheeks and gives her a soft loving kiss on her lips) Please? Abhi toh bahut saare chances honge mujhe introduce karne keliye..hain na..Anu ki sagai, mehendi, sangeet, shaadi..

Nisha gets her smile back at that thought and her face lights up once again: Haan. But you should not skip any of those..ok?

Manav sighs in relief and nods: I promise. Ab jaao. (She grins and takes out her sari to get dressed.) Nisha..(She turns with a questioning look.) Kuch nahi..buss..apna khayaal rakhna ok? I want you to smile, laugh and enjoy yourself.

Nisha nods but her frown does not disappear: You will be working from home only, right? (Manav nods but senses her sudden unease..woman’s intuition indeed!) And you won’t go out alone? (He nods again and before she could add anything else, Nandini calls out to her asking her if she is ready and with a quick reply of “Almost done ma.” She runs off into the bathroom and Manav sighs in relief.)

30 minutes later Manav calls Rohan and informs him that everyone is out of the house except him. Rohan instructs him to close all the main doors, front and back and leave only the front main window open so that they can keep an eye on him and for him to stay in the hall itself. After about 15 minutes, Armaan parks his car beside the gate and gets down. Sharma turns towards Rohan: Sir..shall I close in?

Rohan shakes his head: Nahi Sharma. He would not go to the front door and knock if he wants to attack Manav na..but see..thats what he is doing. Lets wait and watch for now. Tell Vinod not to move his eyes from the back entrance. (Sharma nods and passes on the message.)

Manav frowns at the sound of the door bell and goes to open it only to stop dead and stare at Armaan who just stares back at him with his arms folded. For the first time Manav does not find guilt in his eyes. All he sees is deep pain and burning anger. Both of them just look at each other from either side of the open door. Finally Armaan breaks the silence: I am going to talk and you are going to listen. The only choice you are going to have is the place. You want me to come inside or do you want to stand here or do we go out somewhere. Decide Manav. (Manav takes a silent step back and opens the door wider) Thank you. (Manav closes the door and gestures Armaan to take a seat before seating himself in the opposite chair. Both of them remain silent. Armaan gathering his thoughts and Manav finally waiting to hear what he has to say) You banned me, my voice and my face for 10 years. Mein chup rahaa. You came back but refused to even look at me. Mein chup rahaa. You outright accused me of having dirty thoughts about your wife. Tab bhi mein chup rahaa. Jaante ho kyon? Kyon ki agar tumhaari jagah pe mein hota toh mein BHI shaayad WAHI karta. Lekin aaj tumne jo kahaa..jo kiya..mera sabr toot gaya hain Manav. Mein jaanta hoon ki jo meine kiya woh shaayad maafi ke laayak nahi but to think that I would plan and plot to KILL you..YOU!!

Manav by now looks completely taken aback: WHAT?

But Armaan once started, he does not stop: Since childhood, you were more than my friend. You were my brother. You were my anchor when I lost my parents. Par jiss din papa uss accident mein guzar gaye..mein toot gaya tha. Kuch samajh mein nahi aaraha tha ki mein kya horaha hain. It was too sudden..too unexpected. After the cremation, you wanted to stay with me in my house. You didn’t want me to be alone that night. You knew I was not close to Abhi and would not share my pain with him. But that night I could not share my pain with you either. So I told you to go. I told you that I wanted to be alone. And I could feel your reluctance in every step that you took away from me. (He swallows and fixes his gaze at one of the painting hanging on the wall although his thoughts are miles and years away.) I gave a sleeping pill to Abhi and told him to sleep. Then I got drunk. Rip roaring drunk. I wanted to forget..forget that now I neither had my mom nor my dad with me. That’s when Aditi had come. She got dinner for me and Abhi..she forced me to eat a few bites..that broke something in me..and I cried. I cried for the first time after my mom passed away..after I saw my dad bloodied and lifeless on the stretcher. She hugged me and let me get everything out. I remember begging her not to go..not to leave me alone..(He closes his eyes) I remember..hugging her. Next thing I know..its morning and I was in my bed with my clothes scattered all around. (There is just silence in the room..pin drop silence. Armaan as if unable to bear that silence gets up and starts pacing.) I don’t remember what I did..I did not know what happened..I was too ashamed to face you or Aditi. I wanted to ask her what happened..but how does one ask something like that? I kept quiet and hoped and prayed and avoided everyone and everything. Then a few weeks later you came and told me about your engagement to Aditi. I felt..I don’t know..relieved. I thought if she is going ahead with it that means probably nothing happened that night. (His pacing comes to a stop and he squeezes his eyes shut.) Then the news about her pregnancy came out and..(He whispers out) I wanted to die. (Manav rubs his face with his palms while his mind paints pictures what could have happened that night. He remembers his own state of mind soon after his parents had passed away..his friendship with the bottle the first few weeks..the hazy wild nights and the dazed days. Armaan and Aditi didn’t backstab me. They did not have an affair behind my back. So many years..so much pain..so much anger..could I have avoided all that if I had not been so judgemental? I condemned him for being human while I stood on some moral high ground which I don’t have the right to stand in the first place! Armaan opens his eyes to the feel of Manav’s hand on his shoulder. He turns to face him with tear filled eyes..only he sees Manav’s eyes also gleaming and wet. The next moment both of them hug each other tightly for the first time in over a decade.) Manav..mujhe maaf karde yaar. (Manav tightens his hug before pulling away and wiping his own eyes with the back of his hand) Manav..(Manav looks at Armaan) You really think I would try to kill you?

Manav frowns as he remembers how the whole conversation started: Yeh kya kehrahe ho Armaan..why would I even..I never..the thought didn’t even cross my mind.

Armaan frowns: Then why did Rohan say..(Both of them get startled at the sounds of shouts, running feet and the banging of the door followed by someone swearing.) Whats happening?

Manav: Don’t know. (Just then the back door opens and Rohan enters. Behind him a couple of cops along with Sharma almost drag Abhi into the hall. Everyone speaks at the same time) Rohan?

Armaan: Abhi?

Abhi: BHAI?

Rohan shows him the mask that he is holding: Our plan worked Manavji. We caught him while he was trying to break open the back door.

Armaan’s bewildered look passes from Rohan to Manav to Abhi. He seems completely incapable of comprehension and speech. Manav seems to be equally taken aback: Abhi? But..I don’t understand.

Rohan: Abhimanyu is a criminal lawyer Manavji. When you told me today that he called and asked for the property papers..I felt something is not right. So I went and deliberately provoked his anger this morning and made sure he knew about the fact that you would be alone at home in the evening.

Manav looks at Abhi, who continues to stare at him in blistering silence: Why?

Abhi pulls himself away from both the cops: WHY? You dare to stand there and ask me WHY? You keep hurting my brother time and again and you ask me WHY? I understood your anger all those years ago. So I kept quiet. I knew my brother was drowning in guilt but I didn’t say a word against you or come after you because you moved away from my brother’s life. You were not HERE. Then you came back. I thought now, he will talk and things will get cleared. Bhai can move on. You married Nisha. I thought ok..one step ahead. He will forgive Nisha and later be willing to talk to bhai too. But did you do that? NO! You forgave what she did..you were happily enjoying all the attention and love that she showered on you..and continued to look down on my brother. The day you created that scene in CGH and accused him..I was right there! I could not take it. My brother is NOT like that. Apne shaadi ka reception rakha and you invited every single person EXCEPT my brother. Then you take your pretty young wife out to dinner and openly snub at my brother in front of Srutiji..wohi Srutiji jo 6 saal se bhai se pyaar karti hain aur 6 saal se unka intezaar kar rahi hain..wohi Srutiji jisse bhai apne jaan se bhi zyaada pyaar karte hain par bolnahi pate. because all he keeps seeing is his betrayal to YOU. He can’t love because of YOU. He can’t move on because of YOU. He drinks because of YOU. He stopped laughing..doesn’t have friends..because of YOU. Then yesterday I heard bhai and Srutiji talking. Bhai told her he can’t move on past that night..he kept saying sorry to her..sab kuch TERI wajah se!

By now Armaan has reached his brother. He catches hold of his shoulders and shakes him out of his anger: ABHI! NO! It’s NOT because of Manav. It’s because of my own guilt. I could not face MYSELF Abhi.

Abhi pushes him away: And your guilt would not have smothered you if HE had listened to you in the first place. You told me what actually happened only a year ago bhai. (Abhi wipes his own tears with his sleeve.) Sab kuch akele hi sehte rahe..

Armaan gives Abhi a sad resigned look: So for that you wanted to..? What would have changed after that Abhi? (Then his look changes to one of utter horror.) Aditi..Abhi..did you..were you? (He stops as if unable to complete the thought and the sentence.)

Abhi shakes his head vigorously: Bhai NO! I didn’t kill Aditi. I didn’t even know she was murdered until I was at the airport that day to pick you up. One of my friend had called and gave me the news.

Armaan: Sach sach bata Abhi..

Abhi: Bhai..aap ki kasam..ma ki kasam bhai. I didn’t kill Aditi. I was in the library that whole night with 4 of my friends.

Rohan sighs and looks at Manav: Manavji..I need you to come and file the FIR at the police station. (Armaan closes his eyes at that.)

Manav continues to look at both the brothers before turning back to Rohan: Do you have any evidence to convict him..other than today’s attempt at breaking in?

Rohan: No. And you need to file the case and give your statement..

Manav continues to look at Rohan: No. Rohan. I will not file the FIR against Abhi. (It was tough to say who is more stunned. Armaan or Abhi or Rohan.)

Rohan’s eyes burn fire at Abhi: Nisha could have been badly hurt or died Manavji..

Manav: And I would have killed him myself if that happened. but it didn’t. Abhi is right in a way. (He walks up to Abhi.) Armaan spoke to me just now. He told me everything. I don’t blame him for what happened all those years ago. I know I should have given him a chance..heard him out..I can’t change the past. But I won’t cause him more pain by being the person who sends you to prison. But if anything you do from now on..ANYTHING..ever hurts Nisha again..I will tear you apart with my bare hands.

(Abhi looks at Manav silently for a few moments before giving a short nod.)

Rohan unwilling to let it go, gives another try: Mr Abhimanyu..did you have anything to do with the shooting of the school bus? The same incident which killed 2 kids and the driver?

Abhi looks away from the force of the glare: I was not even there in that area. I was out meeting a client whole of that morning. I can give you his contact details if you want to verify my alibi.

Rohan looks at Manav once again to see if he has changed his mind and Manav answers him with a slight shake of his head: You got away THIS time Mr Abhimanyu. But once I get my hands on the sniper..once the sniper opens his mouth..which I assure you he will..once that happens nothing and no one is going to help you. (Without taking his eyes away from Abhi, Rohan barks.) Sharma..chalo.

No one speaks until Rohan and his team pile out closing the door behind them. finally, Abhi turns to Armaan: Bhai..

Armaan takes a step back and puts his hand up to stop him..his face a tight mask of pain: Don’t. I can’t..I can’t think or talk right now Abhi. What you did..is not a small thing to forgive and forget. Anything could have happened and because of you..because of YOU Abhi..2 kids lost their lives along with that bus driver.

Abhi’s look turns pleading: But bhai..that was not my fault.

Armaan shouts: IT WAS YOUR FAULT!

Outside near the jeep, Sharma looks at Rohan: Ab?

Rohan: Ek kaam toh hogaya. Do aur bache hain. Aditi’s killer and the sniper.

Sharma: Are you really out to catch him sir? The sniper?

Rohan: Dosti apni jagah hain Sharma. Aur duty apni jagah. I will catch the guy and make him confess. Chalo. Lets go have a break for now. Bhook lagi hain.

That night: Nisha’s bedroom:

Nisha comes out of the bathroom after changing into her night dress and looks at Manav, who is lying down on the bed staring at the ceiling. When they had come home earlier, Armaan and Abhi were just on their way out and the atmosphere was so tense that it could be cut with a knife. Manav had explained about the attacks and everything that happened before and after in crisp concise words without going into details of how he had set himself as a bait, before excusing himself and going off into their room leaving behind a kind of stunned silence. Finally, with a nod at her parents that she would talk later, she had followed him up to the room. As if he had been waiting for her, Manav pushed her against the wall as soon as she entered, locked the door and taken her right there standing up. Whatever feelings he had suppressed all evening had erupted and took on a physical form as if he could not convey them with mere words..his realisation..his relief..it was as if a great weight has been lifted off his shoulders and he is flying and determined to take her along with him. She puts the now crumpled sari to the hanger before going and sitting beside him on the bed.

Manav feels her soft touch on his forehead a moment before her voice wraps itself around him: Kya sochrahe ho?

Manav takes her hand, kisses her palm before placing it over his heart: Kuch nahi..buss..

Nisha: You did the right thing, you know..in not filing the case against Abhimanyu..

Manav blinks: Yeah..I know..but Rohan is quite pissed off at me right now.

Nisha smiles: He will get over it. But he won’t give up Manav.

Manav: I know. (He looks at her.) He is a good guy..a true friend.

Nisha nods before entwining her fingers with his: You know..I think you should go and meet Armaan. One on one. Sit and talk..I think you should do that.

Manav looks at their entwined fingers: You think he will be at home now?

Nisha: You remember the basket ball court where you all used to play? (He nods.) Try there. I used to go there sometimes..Just to..you know..(She shrugs.) And I saw him a couple of times sitting on those benches..silent..lost.. I think he has missed you a lot too.

Manav: Shall I go?

Nisha nods and takes out her phone: I will sms you his number. If he is not there, you can always call him. Jaao Tiger.

Manav gets up quickly and exchanges his track pant with a pair of jeans and leaves the same t-shirt on. He grabs the keys and wallet before turning back to look at her: Uh..I didn’t hurt you, right? I mean..(He gestures to the wall where he had taken her a few minutes back.)

Nisha smiles with a naughty glint in her eyes: Go meet your friend and come. We can try it again just to make sure how much you..didn’t hurt me..(She gives a small wink which makes him come back to give her a long hard kiss that smothers her giggle.)

Armaan is sitting on one of the benches in the basketball court looking at a few kids playing a late night game. How many times did Manav and I do that? Park our cycles or bikes out and play irrespective of the hour and day.. He is startled out of his thoughts when Manav’s voice says the same thing a little behind him: I wonder how many times we came here and spent hours playing..kabhi cycles pe toh kabhi apne bikes pe. (He jumps over a couple of chairs before coming and sitting beside Armaan. Both of them for a while simply sit and watch the kids playing and shouting in between) You come here often?

Armaan shrugs: Kabhi kabhi. Tujhe kisne bataya? Nisha ne? (Manav nods.) I used to see her..sitting in one corner..(He gestures to the other end of the court.) Silent..as still as a statue..lost..
 
Manav: She told me the same thing about you. (Silence and then,) My mom was right..I am too judgemental.

Armaan: I was not here when uncle and aunty..

Manav nods: I know.

Both of them start at the same time: Toh..(Then give a small smile and Manav gestures Armaan to continue.) Toh tu khush hain? Nisha ke saath?

Manav nods: Haan. I was..angry at first but later..(He shrugs.) Now I just think about ways and means to make her smile and laugh like before.

Armaan looks at his friend: Pyaar karne laga hain usse. (It was part statement, part question.)

Manav shrugs: Meri chod apni suna..Srutiji se pyaar karta hain. (Part statement part question. Armaan smiles and shrugs.) Bataya kya unko?

Armaan: We never talked about it explicitly but..I guess both of us know what we feel for each other.

Manav: I met her through Nisha. Gave her lift once..she is treating one of our employees at VM. (Manav finally turns and looks at Armaan.) She is a nice person..and Nisha says she is one of the best OBG in Ahmedabad. (Armaan nods. Manav gives a small grin.) At least both of your professions are the same. Meri toh..Nisha agar kuch bolti hain toh phir usko ruk ke usse translate karna padta hain. And she starts yawning when I talk about the company shares and upgrading the technology.

A soft laugh escapes Armaan: I can imagine. Par mera situation kuch aur hain. No matter what the occasion we end up talking about CGH and the patients.

Manav leans back on the bench with both arms propped on either side: Achcha lagraha hain yahaa itne saal baad..I didn’t expect..

Armaan cuts in: I don’t know if I can get over what Abhi did. Why didn’t you file the FIR Manav?

Manav: One reason. He was with you when I was not. He stuck with you when I did not. (A heartbeat of silence and then,) Uske gunaah ki sazaa milega ya nahi mujhe nahi pata..but I didn’t want to be the instrument that would only end up hurting you.

Armaan looks at Manav: Thanks.

Manav gives a lopsided smile: I got the door repaired for our house this afternoon. Planning to move back tomorrow evening some time. Shifting mein madad karega?

Armaan has a twinkle in his eye as he replies: Kyon? 40 saal ke umr mein kamzor padgaya kya?

Manav grins: Kabhi match khelke dekh mere saath. Pata chaljaayega kaun kamzor hain. (Before they realize their grins turn to chuckles and chuckles turn to laughter. finally they just hug each other and pat each other’s backs.)

Next day afternoon CGH:

Sruti and a few of the staff come out of the OT to find Manav and Nisha standing and talking quietly in the corridor: Hello Nisha..hello Manav.

Manav: Srutiji..Menakaji?

Sruti nods: She is fine. We took out the tumour completely and sent it to the biopsy. Filhaal she is still under anaesthesia. Thodi der mein ICU mein shift kardenge where she will be under observation for 24 hrs. Barring complications, she will be shifted to the regular room later on.

Nisha: Oh that’s good. Chaliye mein aap logo se baad mein milti hoon. OPD is waiting. (She looks at Manav.) Shaam ka program fixed hain na? (Manav nods and with a final smile at Sruti, Nisha leaves.)

Manav: I..uh..I spoke with Armaan. (Sruti nods with a happy smile as if to say “I know”) Can I ask you something Srutiji? You said “What if I come to know that he didn’t do anything.” Why did you say that?

Sruti explains her talk with Rohan and the conclusion she had come to: I didn’t say anything to Armaan because..

Manav completes the sentence: You didn’t want to give him false hope. I will help you Srutiji. Let’s talk to Rohan and see what we can do.

Chapter 16

Armaan walks into his cabin removing his surgical cap, still in his surgical scrubs only to come to a sudden halt. He finds Manav standing with his back to him and staring at one of the wall hanging. Manav also turns at the sound of the door opening. Both look at each other and smile at the once again familiar tableau. All those years ago, when Armaan had recently joined at CGH, Manav used to come whenever he wanted, just to chat and catch up.

Armaan closes the door behind him: Kab aaya?

Manav: Buss abhi abhi. Employee ka surgery tha aaj..socha tum se bhi milta chaloo

Armaan: Bait. Chai peeyega?

Manav: Canteen mein chalte hain na. Chal.

Armaan looks at his scrubs: Arre par..

Manav pushes him towards the door: Abe chal na. Baad mein change karlo. Mujhe office bhi jaana hain.(both men reach the canteen and get their tea before sitting at one of the corner tables.)

Manav: Abhi se baat ki?

Armaan shakes his head: Thoda time lagega yaar. I am too angry right now.

Manav nods then grins: Srutiji ko batadiya (It’s a statement and Armaan smiles and nods.) Proposed her?

Armaan blinks: What? No.

Manav: Why? (Armaan looks away as if he has no answer.) Karo karo..what are you waiting for? Today..nahi aaj toh tu mere saath rahega. (Armaan blinks rapidly and takes a sip of the tea in an effort to dislodge the lump in his throat. Both men remain silent as if they want to say some many things but not sure if they would ever find the words. finally Manav runs a distracted hand through his hair, clears his throat and resumes.) Take her out to dinner tomorrow and do it Armaan. (Armaan nods his ok with a slight smile.) Achcha sunn..apni gaadi laaya?

Armaan frowns: Haan. Kyon?

Manav: Toh tu ek kaam kar. Shaam ko aate waqt Nisha ko bhi leke aaja. I dropped her today so she doesn’t have a car. Then from there on, we will take the luggage and stuff..go home and have dinner. Kya kehta hain? I will tell Nisha to cook your biryani.

Armaan looks at Manav’s face silently for a few moments before nodding: Tujhe yaad hain? (Manav’s smile of response says he never forgot making Armaan’s eyes sparkle with genine happiness.) Teek hain. Shaam ko milte hain. (Both of them slap each other’s backs and leave the canteen to go to their respective jobs.)

That evening: Verma residence:

Manav looks aghast at the food items spread on the table: Aunty..yeh sab kya hain?

Nandini comes out of the kitchen carrying two bottles of pickles: Kya hain matlab? Yeh mitai hain..aur kuch chatpati snacks..aur yeh..tumhaare favourite achaar.

Manav: Par itne saare..

Nandini: Chup. Bilkul chup. Mein de rahi hoon aur tum lejarahe ho. Buss.

Manav gives a tired sigh which turns into one of relief as Armaan and Nisha walk in: Oh hi..aagaye tum dono. Cool. I think we need to hire a truck or something. (He gestures to the display on the table making Armaan grin and Nisha smile.)

Nandini looks at Armaan: Chai peeyoge beta?

Armaan: Nahi aunty. Thanks.

Nisha: Aaplog baaten keejiye mein change karke aati hoon.

Manav: Your big carry on is already in the car. And I am not bringing it back up.

Nisha scowls which makes him grin at her devilishly but she refrains from picking a fight after a hasty glance at the others in the room: Teek hain. Mein fresh hoke aati hoon. Phir nikalte hain. (Soon enough they load the luggage in Manav’s and Armaan’s cars since Nisha’s car was already parked in their house that morning on the way to CGH. Manav closes the trunk and throws the car keys at Nisha who catches in reflexively before he goes and settles himself down in Armaan’s car. Nisha and Armaan exchange a smile of understanding and in a minute both the cars, one with Manav and Armaan and another with Nisha and HK, leave for Manav’s home waving bye to Nandini and Yog.)

After dinner: Manav’s house: In the hall:

Nisha comes out of the kitchen wiping her hands. She looks at Manav, who is sprawled on the sofa and chatting with Armaan, as if unable to keep her eyes away from his relaxed smiling laughing face. the weight is off his shoulders and its obvious on his face.

Manav gives Armaan a look of open astonishment: You really learnt how to cook?

Armaan: I didn’t have a choice. London mein roz roz baahar ka angresi khaana kaun khaayega yaar. Its not as tasty as what I just had but..(He shrugs.)

Nisha softly intervenes: Aap log baaten karo mein ooper jaarahi hoon. Goodnight Armaan.

Armaan looks at his watch: I will also make a move.

Manav: Arre baito na..whats the hurry? (Then he turns to look at the tired face of his Chulbuli and his eyes turn tender and soft.) Took the water bottle? (She nods and shows it) Teek hain. Jaake sojao. (With another nod at Armaan, Nisha goes up.)

Armaan gives Manav a thoughtful look: You love her (This time there is no question. It is just a statement of fact.)

Manav shrugs: I guess so..kabhi kabhi ajeeb lagta hain. I loved her before too..not “love” love but you know..(Armaan nods.) But now I love her like..like..(Again Armaan nods.) In some ways she is the same Chulbuli and in some ways she is not..(His eyes dull a bit.) She still doesn’t talk about whatever happened in the last decade Armaan.

Armaan: May be she doesn’t want to hurt you or make you feel guilty..may be with you in her life now, the past has seized to matter. I think you should tell her that you love her.

Manav: I think she knows. (Armaan just looks at him making Manav sigh out) Yeah ok I will tell her. Tu pehle Srutiji ko bolke propose kar phir mein batata hoon. Ab kuch aur baat kare? Yeh goey goey stuff ajeeb lagraha hain. (Armaan laughs and nods.)

Manav comes up almost an hour later and stretches himself before cuddling up to her by pulling her back to his front. She holds his palm to her cheek with a soft hmmm and settles down. Manav stays awake for a long while after that. How do I tell you that I love you Chulbuli. Pyaar karta hoon tumse. Bahut zyaada pyaar karta hoon. (A frown gathers on his brow) But you do know that, right? Or do you still think I see you only as my friend and companion? You are all that and more. I love you..the woman you have become..the woman you have made yourself to be..you make my brain go soft, my knees go weak and every time I look at you, all I want is to be inside you. When you walk into a room, my heart damn near jumps out of my chest and when you smile.. (His arm tightens around her involuntarily.) When you smile I feel as if I have won some Nobel prize, your laughter lights up my life and your eyes..your eyes reach inside and grab my heart every time you look at me. I can’t tell you how much or in how many ways I love you..I don’t know how. I just know that I love you. (He is jolted out of his thoughts when she turns and almost climbs on top of him in her sleep..her fingers once again gripping his t-shirt as if making sure he doesn’t move away from her. He smiles to himself at his body’s predictable reaction and his hands start wandering over her body.)

Nisha mumbles: Tiger..

Manav: hmmm?

Nisha: Thak gayi hoon. hanky panky nahi. Sone do na please.

Manav chuckles: Hanky panky? Woh word kahaa se mila re tujhe? (But he realizes that she has once again drifted off to sleep. With an indulgent smile, he wraps her in a bear hug, digs his fingers in her hair and closes his eyes on a blissful sigh.)

Next day morning:

Rohan picks up his phone after checking the caller id: Hello Manavji boliye.

Manav: Hi Rohan. You have a minute?

Rohan: Ji kahiye.

Manav: Srutiji told me about Aditi being her patient and someone else being the father of her child.

Rohan: Ji. I am trying to contact her friends etc. Kyon? Aap ko kuch pata hain kya?

Manav: No. But I think I can help you. Why don’t we start with her college? I will email you the details of the year she attended, name of the college etc..she did her UG and PG at the same place. If you can get the year books of those years..they will have the class group photos etc, right? May be its one of her classmates..may be Srutiji can identify the person and we can go from there?

Rohan gets up: Achcha idea hain Manavji. Ok. Mail me the details and I will see what I can do.

Manav: Ok. Will do it right away. Thanks Rohan. Bye.

Rohan: Bye.

That night: In a restaurant:

Armaan looks at Sruti’s glowing face with unblinking eyes: You are looking beautiful today.

Sruti’s face becomes a cute mixture of surprise and shyness at the compliment: Thank you. Ek baat kahoo? (Armaan nods.) You are looking different today. Aaj tak meine tumhe aise pehle kabhi nahi dekha.

Armaan places his hand over hers on the table: Do I take that as a comment or a compliment?

Sruti looks at his hand on hers and slowly turns her palm so that their fingers get entwined: Tumhe sach mein nahi pata?

A few moments of silence and then Armaan says: Sruti..I want to ask you something.

Sruti: Haan poocho na. Waise today you are being very formal Armaan..opening doors, baat baat pe please..thank you..ab yeh..if I didn’t know you better, I would think you are nervous..aur sabse badi baat toh yeh hain ki..

Armaan cuts her: Sruti mujhse shaadi karogi? (Sruti blinks not sure if she has really heard what she thought she heard.) Mein tumse pyaar karta hoon. I love you. Will you marry me? (Sruti covers her mouth, blinks away her happy tears, nods her yes, laughs and nods again before managing a wobbly “yes”.) I know that you don’t like finger rings so..(he takes out a square box and extends it to her.) I got this for you. (Sruti takes it with slightly trembling fingers, fumbles with the catch before opening it. her slight intake of breath tells Armaan that he has succeeded in surprising her. inside is a thin platinum chain with a heart shaped diamond locket.) Its an engagement heart..instead of an engagement ring.

Sruti looks at him with her heart in her eyes: Thank you Armaan.

Armaan shakes his head: Thank YOU. For your love, your patience and your understanding. Thank you. Chale? (She nods, her smile still wobbly and both of them get up and leave the restaurant and Armaan guides her with his hand on her waist. A little while later, he stops his car in front of her house and turns to look at her in the dim light from the street lights. Wordlessly she extends opens the jewellery box and extends it to him. He smiles into her eyes before taking the chain, leaning forward and fastening it around her neck. She places a soft kiss on his cheek, whispers a “Goodnight. I love you” before getting down and running inside her house. Armaan remains sitting in his car silently for a few moments before smilingly taking out his phone and calling his best friend. No greeting. He just says,) She said yes.

Manav closes his eyes at the feeling of staggering relief before deliberately making his voice cheerful: Awesome. Congrats. Ab jaldi bol kaisi shaadi chahiye..grand one..simple one or register marriage?

Armaan: Woh sab baad mein. Meine boldiya toh ab teri baari hain.

Manav: Yeah yeah..I know. I will do it. Tomorrow. Kal uska birthday hain.

Armaan leans back so that the back of his head rests on the head rest. He closes his eyes: Achcha lagraha hain Manav.

Manav attempts to lighten the atmosphere: Kya? Shaadi ka idea?

Armaan: Nahi..buss..ab zindagi achchi lagne lagi hain.

Manav: Mujhe bhi. I will talk to you tomorrow. Ok?

Armaan: Goodnight.

Manav: Goodnight.

Armaan starts the car and drives home. Once inside his house, he stops near Abhi’s room as if undecided and then gives a decisive knock on the door. Abhi opens it, sees him and gives a hesitant smile: Bhai..

Armaan: Just wanted to tell you that I have proposed to Sruti and she has said yes.

Abhi’s whole face lights up and he gives an impulsive tight hug to his brother: Sach? Wow bhai! Congratulations! Tumhe pata nahi bhai ki mein kitna khush hoon..(The fact that Armaan is not hugging him back registers then. His arms slacken before falling away from him and he takes a step back. His smile slips off.) Congrats bhai. Sach mein aaj mein bahut khush hoon. (Armaan nods and turns towards his own room.) Bhai..mein bhi aapse kuch kehna chaahta hoon. I am going to shift to another apartment close by. (Armaan’s back stiffens but he doesn’t turn towards Abhi.) Galat mat samjhna bhai. I am not going to leave Ahmedabad or you. But I think for now, mera yahaa se jaana hi behtar hoga. (He forces cheer into his voice.) Lekin mein aata rahoonga. Aap se milne aur bhabhi ka haath ka khaana khaane.

Armaan swirls towards Abhi and slaps him hard across his face: Samjhta kya hain tu apne aap ko? You can do whatever you want and expect instant forgiveness for everything that you did and if you don’t get it you run away? NO. Tum YAHI rahoge. Issi ghar mein! You will live here and wait for my forgiveness. Is that understood Abhimanyu? (Abhi battles his shame and relief, bows his head and nods.)

Next day morning: AshNi’s residence: their bedroom:

Nisha stretches herself on the bed before rolling and flinging her arm towards her husband. She frowns and blinks open her eyes slowly when her fingers touch something soft. Her frown dissolves and in its place a beautiful smile dawns in her eyes and spreads to her lips. Then excitement takes over and she gives a small whoop and a squeal, almost jumps up to sit on the bed to look at the huge bunch of red roses and a greeting card under them. Tiger ko yaad hain!! Oh My God! Tiger ko yaad hain! He got me red roses! She bounces around on the bed a little before settling down and carefully picking up the flowers with both the hands. She smells them, rubs her cheek softly over the petals and kisses them before placing them back on the bed and opening the card. There is a swift intake of breath and it gets locked in her throat as she just stares at the card and her eyes take in the words.

You mean everything to me…

I love you..

Happy Birthday!

Have a day as special as you are!

Manav stands near the door and just watches the mirade of expressions chasing across her face one after the other. The slight frown, the smile, the slight disbelief and then the excitement. His feet had come to a shuddering halt at the sound of her whoop and her excited squeal almost had brought him to his knees. She brings the card to her lips and places a kiss where he has placed his signature in his bold scrawl:

Sirf tumhaara, Manav .

His measured steps slowly take him into the room until he is standing right in front of her. Her wide eyes slowly raise up until they meet his content and smiling ones. His eyes still locked with hers, he opens his arms. She gets up on the bed on her knees, puts her arms around his neck and homes into his embrace as if it’s the only place in the world that she has ever wanted to be.

Manav pulls her a little away from him by cupping her cheeks, leans forward and kisses her forehead: Happy birthday!

Nisha’s arms slide down and wrap themselves around his waist. She tightens her arms around him and lays her head over his beating heart: Thank you.

Manav: You don’t want to see your birthday gift?

Her arms tighten some more around him as she turns her head and kisses his chest right over his heart before lifting up her eyes to his: Aur bhi gift hain? (He nods and with one arm still wrapped around her, he stretches his other arm and pulls out a small square box from under the pillow. With a press of his thumb, the box opens revealing a beautiful diamond studded platinum finger ring. He removes it from the box and throws the box carelessly on the bed. Wordlessly, he opens the palm that’s wrapped around her waist and she places her left hand in his. He lifts it up and places a tender kiss on her palm before putting the ring on her middle finger.)

She wets her lips before saying: I love you too.

Manav’s fingers tighten around hers and his breath puffs out on a shudder: I know.

She looks at the ring that’s now gracing her finger and kisses it: Its beautiful Tiger. Her eyes become a little damp and she quickly blinks to clear her vision. Manav rubs his face in her hair as his lips search for the point where her neck meets her shoulder. Finally finding it, his lips pay homage before his tongue and teeth decide to join.

She tilts her neck to give him better access: Aaj office nahi jaana?

Manav: Jaana hain. Of course jaana hain. (He fingers start unbuttoning her night shirt.) Pehle birthday girl ko birthday suit mein dekhloo..

She pulls away from him with a laugh and hops down from the bed: Sirf dekhke kaam chaljaayega?

Manav raises his eyebrow and shrugs: Depends. What does the birthday girl have in mind?

Nisha’s eyes spark with pure mischief: Agar Tiger ne birthday girl ko pakaliya toh jo chaahe inaam milega..aur agar nahi..

She shrugs and jumps back with a shout just as he moves in to catch her. She puts her tongue out just to tweak the Tiger’s tail some more and runs towards the bathroom. But before she could close the door literally on his face, his palm stops it. His eyes glitter as he barges in right behind her and closes the door. Undettered by the fact that she has been effectively cornered, she picks up the hand shower spray and a second later the full blast of cold water hits his chest wetting his shirt and part of his face. But it doesn’t even slow him down. She keeps giggling and backing off alternately wetting his face and body with the shower spray. Uncaring, he closes in on her and before she could slip through, he catches hold of her hand that’s holding the shower spray and he turns it towards her own face. Her laughter gets cut off on a startled small scream and a moment later, the tussle is on: This is MY shower. I didn’t invite you.

Manav: Oh yeah? (he turns and calmly starts undressing.) So who is stopping you? Go ahead and have your shower na.

Nisha gives him a doubtful look: Game pause ok? (Manav shrugs and she puts the nuzzle on the floor and puts her foot on it just to make sure he doesn’t take it away from her before starting to hastily remove the wet clothes away from her body. She looks at his tightening features as each piece of clothing gets peeled off and she slows down to better relish his reaction.) I..I think this knot is stuck. (Wordlessly, Manav comes forward, picks up the scissors from the bowl at the sink and cuts the knot at her waist. She back up a step and completes her undressing.) Thank you. Now go. I need to have my shower. Kya dekhrahe ho? Jao na.

She knows she is challenging him with that statement and sure enough, a moment later, the whole bathroom is splattered with water and their wet naked bodies slide against each other. Neither of them can get a good grasp on any body part. At least, she can’t. She suspects he could have won the tussle at any time simply by using his size and strength and wrapping his arms around her. He holds back so that he can play at her level. But his hands are everywhere..on her breasts, the slight curve of her waist, her bottom while she laughs and tries to bat them away. The wrestiling match has a predictable effect on both them them and soon their laughter fades. Still anchoring her to him with one arm, he smooths a hand up her torso to cup her breasts and they both watch as his long fingers curve around the pale globes. He groans and bends his head, water dripping from his hair onto her skin as he kisses and sucks both breasts. She leans far back over his arm and her tight grasp on his shoulders conveys her own desperation. She trembles, not sure how long her legs would support her. Her soft moan of “Ma..nav” is answered by his own rough “I am here..I am right here!” He dips down and lifts her up until she has both her legs around his waist and her back to the wall. Instinctively, she bows back to aid his penetration, taking all of him deep within her. Her eyes flutter close but just then he gives her a small shake: Look at me. Nisha..I want you to look at me. (She opens them and locks them with his as he begins driving into her) Mine! Mine, aren’t you? (She nods jerkily and their movements pick up speed and climax hits them both almost simultaneously dissolving the world around them until its just the two of them and their love for each other.)

Later that day: At CGH: Nisha’s cabin:

Nisha picks up the phone: Hi Anu..

Anu starts an off key song making Nisha grin: Happy Birthday to you..happy birthday to you..happy Birthday dear Ni..sha..

Nisha: Thaaannkk you..

Anu: Jeejaji ne kya gift diya?

Nisha: Platinum finger ring. Tu shaam ko aayegi na toh dikhaadoongi. Waise tu aarahi hain na?

Anu: Of course aarahi hoon. Aunty called up this morning and invited all of us for dinner tonight at your maika. Ring kaisa hain? MMS karna yaar. Shaam tak kaun wait karega?

Nisha: Abhi I have to go to the OT. Baad mein kardoongi. Teek hain? Rakhti hoon.

Anu: Ok bye. Bhoolna nahi. Ok?

Nisha: Ok. Bye.

Anu: Achcha sunn..Rohan bhi aaraha hain kya?

Nisha: Yes. He called me this morning and I invited him. Mom ne bhi baat kihogi ab tak toh.

Anu: Cool. Ok. Bye.

About the same time: At VM: Manav’s cabin:

Manav picks up the phone: Haan bol Armaan

Armaan: Tu busy hain Manav?

Manav: Nahi. I have a call in 15 minutes. Bol kya baat hain

Armaan: Just wanted to ask..did you tell?

Manav grins: Haan boldiya. Tu bata tera kya situation hain? Shaadi ka date kuch fix hua?

Armaan: Nahi yaar. But neither of us want a grand wedding. Sruti ka koi khaas rishtedaar bhi nahi hain. Her mom died when Sruti was 3 years old and after her father passed away..

Manav nods: Hmmm..so two options left. register marriage or mandir mein shaadi.

Armaan: I was thinking register marriage and some kind of party for friends and staff of CGH..kya kehta hain?

Manav leans back and fiddles with his pen: Idea achcha hain. Less fuss. Par tu mujhse kyon poochraha hain? Apne dulhan se poochna.

Armaan also leans back in his chair: She says whatever I want is ok with her. (A bit of silence and then,) Manav..Abhi wanted to move away to another apartment somewhere.

Manav: Oh. You ok with that?

Armaan shrugs: I refused. I can’t think. Those 2 kids died in my OT Manav..and try as I might, I am not able to get over that. I feel..I feel responsible..but..it is Abhi and I can’t let him go like that.

Manav closes his eyes: May be I am responsible too. If I had heard you out, none of this would have happened.

Armaan: And if I had tried harder, I would have made sure you heard me..if I had paid more attention to him, I would have realised..

Manav: Enough Armaan. Stop thinking of ways and means to blame yourself some more. Ab buss. Aur nahi. Now just be happy. Be happy Armaan. Jo hoga dekha jaayega.

Armaan nods and sighs: Yeah..I guess so. Chal rakhta hoon. OT jaana hain.

Manav: Shaam ko aaraha hain na Srutiji ke saath?

Armaan: Haan. Aunty ne invite kiya hum dono ko. Will be there. Bada party hain kya?

Manav: Arre yaar nahi. Nisha hates them. Its just friends..hers and mine at Yog uncle’s house for dinner. That’s it. Teek hain phir. Milte hain shaam ko. Bye

Armaan: Bye.

Manav cuts the call, thinks for a bit before sending an sms to Nisha: Need to tell you something. Come home and we will go to the dinner from there.

Nisha replies: sure. Everything ok?

Manav: Yes. Nothing to worry.

Nisha: Will be home around 6.

Manav: Perfect. Ok. Love you

Nisha: :) love you too
 
Chapter 17

That evening: Around 5.30: Nisha Manav’s residence: Main hall:

HK walks into the hall from the kitchen: Bitiya mein jaau? CS ko wahaa pe madad ki zaroorat hogi na.

Nisha, who has plopped herself down on the sofa after coming from CGH nods: Teek hain Kaka. Aap auto mein jaayiye and we can come together on the way back. (HK’s exit and Manav’s entry coincide.) Hi..

Manav: Hi (He slings off the laptop bag on the chair before lying down on the sofa with his head in Nisha’s lap. Her fingers automatically run through his hair.) God! What a day boss! Honestly, I think now I understand why uncle could not manage this alone

Nisha: Kya hua? Koi problem?

Manav: Stupid problem. Client had some kind of technical snag on his end and the call that was supposed to last for all of 45 minutes took 3 hours.

Nisha: Why don’t you hire someone to help you out? I mean..your assistant or someone like that..

Manav smiles: Assistant nahi Dr Nisha..I have to hire a senior manager..and yes, I chose a guy yesterday. Zyaada experience toh nahi hain but he seems very flexible and hardworking. (Manav rubs his forehead.)

Nisha: Sar dukhraha hain?

Manav: Nahi..kuch khaas nahi..but feeling all drained out.

Nisha: Apna shirt utaaro (Manav raises his eyebrow and Nisha swats him on his chest) Uskeliye nahi. Take off your shirt and I will give you a massage.

Manav: But won’t we be late?

Nisha: No. We won’t. Now come on..move. I will go and get some baby oil. (And for the next 20 minutes, with him on the floor in the V of her legs and her sitting on the sofa, the only sounds in the room are his groans of pleasure as she first oils and massages his hair and then the forehead and then the shoulders and back.)

Manav, with his eyes still closed: Mom used to do this.

Nisha: I remember. One day when I was 10 years old, you were so tired after your basketball match that you made me stand on your back and walk.

Manav laughs: Yeah..dad was holding your hands so that you didn’t fall and mom kept scolding all 3 of us.

Nisha grins at that fond memory: You said you wanted to talk?

Manav sighs: I told Rohan that I would help him in Aditi’s case. I emailed him the details of her college, year of studying etc. (He tilts his head back to look at her patiently waiting expression. He turns and takes both her palms in his.) Nisha..I know that both you and Armaan..esp you, have suffered because I was too hot headed and judgemental to listen to your side of the story. You never told me but I know. I will always carry the guilt about that. I can’t change the past..but..I want to give Armaan a closure. With what Srutiji told Rohan..

Nisha nods: I think you need a closure too.

Manav once again puts his head in her lap and wraps his arms around her waist: I am not bitter any more Nisha. But yes, I would like to know what happened.

Nisha leans forward until her cheek is resting on his hair: I am happy that you have let the bitterness go. Now let your guilt also go Tiger. Whatever happened, happened. We can’t change it. Yes, I was hurt but now, wounds have healed and scars have faded. Mujhe tum milgaye..tumhaara pyaar milgaya..aur kuch nahi chahiye. Nothing else matters. You have time. You have already started rebuilding your friendship with Armaan. You are right. For all of us to let the past go completely, we need closure. We need to know what happened the night that changed all our lives.

Manav: You are ok with it, right? I mean..

Nisha nods: Yes Tiger.

Manav: Thank you Chulbuli.

Nisha pulls his head up and kisses his forehead just the way he does: You are welcome my hubby. Feel better now? (He nods. He really did look and feel better. 100 times better.) Toh chalo..you need a shower. Lets get ready and go. (She tries to lighten the atmosphere.) Mein kya pehnoo? Dress ya sari? (Manav smiles and shrugs. She pouts and pushes him away.) You never say anything! You never tell me “Yeh dress achcha hain or you look good in this sari” kuch nahi. So bad!

Manav tweaks her nose before getting up and pulling her up until both of them are standing: That’s because it doesn’t matter to me. hogi toh tum meri Chulbuli hi na (Seeing her getting ready for another temper tantrum he quickly adds on) Achcha teek hain..wear a sari today..wear that pink one.

Nisha rolls her eyes: Sari toh decide hochuka hain..but you come and choose the jewellery for me..come come come..arre chalo na..(She forcefully pulls an exasperated Manav along with her to their room.)

That night: Verma residence: After dinner:

Manav walks to Anu with the ice cream cup in his hand: Toh saali sahiba..aap ki sagaai kab hain?

Anu: After 10 days jeejaji..aaj hi decide hua hain. no excuses this time ok?

Manav grins: I promise..no excuses. (He looks at the smiling Vishaal.) Congratulations Dr Vishaal and..all the best!

Vishaal laughs and shakes Manav’s hand: Thank you Manavji. I think I am gonna need it..ouch..(He rubs his arm where Anu had just pinched him hard.) What did I say?

Manav grins and then turns towards Rohan: So Rohan how are things?

Rohan gives a quick look at Anu and Anu taking the hint nods and the couple move away: I got the year book from the college Manavji. The photographs have been enlarged digitally to get a better look. I think we should show them to Srutiji..(Both men look at Sruti, who is sitting and chatting with Nisha and Armaan.) I hope she recognises the guy. (Rohan turns to look at Manav.) I am tracing the foot steps of the sniper Manavji.

Manav nods: I won’t even try to dissuade you Rohan. Just remember that Abhimanyu himself is a criminal lawyer. You really think he won’t find a loophole?

Rohan ponders on that: He might. Depends on what and how that guy confesses and if there is any evidence that’s linking both of them. (A slight pause and then) We know that each of your confrontation with Armaan was followed by one attack but we might never get to know some of the details though..like the night he broke into your house..how did he know that HK won’t be there..

Manav thinks a bit: May be he didn’t..maybe he was just so pi..(With a quick look around) He was just so angry that he didn’t care and assumed that everyone would be asleep. Aur waise bhi kaka’s room is on the opposite side of the kitchen. Abhi knows the house layout..he came to our house enough number of times previously..he knows where the servant room is located..maybe that’s why he chose the kitchen entrance to break in.

Rohan nods: Makes sense. But all this thinking is pointless anyway. He won’t confess and we can’t implicate him in any of those cases for sheer lack of evidence. If you file a complaint for breaking in that day (Manav shakes his head. Rohan sighs with a mixture of frustration and resignation but nods. His eyes gleam in challenge.) I will get him Manavji. Once that guy confesses, I will get the court order to go through Abhimanyu’s bank accounts and stuff..everyone makes mistakes. Even a criminal lawyer!

Manav nods and extends his hand: Good luck Rohan. Now..Lets talk to Srutiji and fix up a time. We can come down to the station or..whatever works

Rohan: I will get the snaps..Let’s ask if we can come to her house some time tomorrow.

Manav: Will talk to her later and sms you. (Rohan nods and soon after that one by one everyone takes leave to go to their respective homes.)

Next day early morning: Sruti’s residence:

Both Manav and Rohan, in their track suits and knock on her door. She opens it almost immediately as if waiting for them: Hi. Good morning. Come in. (She gestures them towards the chairs and both men take their seats.) Sorry meine itni subah subah aap dono ko aanekeliye bola..I had a C section posted this morning and didn’t want to postpone this one.

Rohan: No problem Dr Sruti. (A slight pause and then) Before I show the snaps, I want you to close your eyes and try to think about the guy’s face. Think if there is anything specific that you remember seeing..like a scar or beard..something of that kind. koi jaldi nahi hain. Relax and take your time.

Sruti nods and closes her eyes with a frown. About a minute later, the frown deepens: Eyebrows. His eyebrows were joined in the middle. (She gestures to the area above her nose.) But I think if I can see the picture I will be able to tell you better.

(Rohan nods and extends the file. Sruti spends the next few minutes going through each and every face in that. Just when Rohan and Manav exchange looks as if to say this is not working, she points to one person.) I think this one. Haan. Yeh wohi hain. He had the same baby face with a pleading expression in it when he came to the hospital along with Aditi. (Rohan and Manav lean forward to get a better look. The boy really did have a baby face. Completely clean shaven, fair complexion, thick black hair and yes, bushy eyebrows. The name under it read “Suhaas Banerjee”.)

Rohan tilts the book towards Manav: Aap isse jaante hain?

Manav thinks and shakes his head: No. But then I didn’t know her classmates or even friends for that matter. I once went to her college and she introduced her close circle. (He shrugs.) I didn’t pay that close of an attention to their faces.

Rohan circles the snap and scribbles some notes before looking at Sruti: You want to see once again just to make sure?

Sruti shakes her head: No. I am almost 99% sure its this guy. Ever since you told me about this, I have been thinking and trying to remember his face.

Rohan closes the file and both men get up: Teek hain Srutiji. I will see if we can get the current address of this guy.

Manav: I will search in linked in and facebook. This guy did his MBA..his profile must be somewhere na..

Rohan nods: If anything pops up, let me know. Meanwhile I will go to the college and pull out some old records..see if some kind of permanent address is given. Chalte hain Srutiji.

Sruti: Sure you don’t want to have some tea or something?

Manav shakes his head but smiles: Abhi nahi. Once you and Armaan get married, expect me as a frequent guest at your place. (Sruti nods with a grin and soon both men leave.)

A couple of days later: One morning: Nisha-Manav’s residence:

HK looks up at the sound of running feet on the steps to see Nisha bounding over the steps: Arre arre bitiya sambhalke..(But his face splits into a happy smile as he sees Manav running right behind her.)

Manav: NISHA..ruk toh..listen to me..give me my keys. Nisha..der horahi hain mujhe..meeting keliye nikalna hain. Come on Chulbuli..(Nisha puts HK between her and Manav and just to be on the safe side, puts both the hands behind her back holding on the car keys. Manav sighs in irritation.) Kaka, apni bitiya ko boliye seedha seedha mere chaabi dede warna..

Nisha: Kaka..apne bete se boliye ki jab tak woh promise nahi karta mein keys nahi dene waali. (HK shakes his head with a grin and walks into the kitchen effectively removing himself from between them. Manav fairly leaps at her only to have her jump back immediately.) Pehle promise karo ki you won’t talk on the phone while driving.

Manav pulls out his headset to show her: I use THIS in case I have to talk.

Nisha: Not done. No phone while driving and that’s it. (Seeing him gritting his teeth she tries another track.) How long does it take to reach the office?

Manav: 15 minutes.

Nisha: Will VM collapse in that 15 minutes if you don’t lift the phone?

Manav: No but..

Nisha: Are your clients or whoever some kind of monsters who will eat you if you tell them that you are driving and hence could not pick up the phone?

Manav: No but..

Nisha pouts: Humaare shaadi ke baad pehli baar mein tumse kuch maang rahi hoon. Kya mere liye itna bhi nahi karsakte?

Manav rolls his eyes: Dr Nisha Mathur is resorting to emotional blackmail now? (Seeing her muted expression, he sighs in defeat.) Achcha ok FINE! I promise NOT to talk on the phone while driving. (She grins and extends the keys. He snatches them and pulls her ponytail) Ziddi ladki! (And almost runs out of the house on that note.)

That evening:

Manav gets a call from Rohan: Haan bolo Rohan.

Rohan: I found the permanent address of this Suhaas from the college records. Its 10 years old but I am going to give it a try. Ahmedabad ka hi hain. Sharma found out that only an old lady with the name of Vidya Banerjee is currently living there. I am going to go there now and talk to her.

Manav: I will also come Rohan (Then as if sensing Rohan’s hesitation.) I won’t open my mouth I swear. I just..Rohan..please.

Rohan: Ok. Meet me at the signal near your office at 6.30.

Manav sighs: Ok. Thanks.

Both of them meet at the assigned time and place and with Manav’s car following Rohan’s jeep, they reach the address which Sharma had given to Rohan earlier that day. There is no name board of any kind on the gate but since it has the house number displayed clearly, they open the gate and ring the door bell. After a few moments, the door is opened by an elderly lady of about 65 with a shock of grey hair and slightly bowed back.

Rohan: Ji Namaste. Mera naam Rohan hain. Yahaa ka SP. Kya mein aap se do minute baat karsakta hoon? (The lady nods and opens the door wider.)

“Baitiye.” (She carefully lowers herself to another chair..her expression almost resigned. Manav and Rohan take their seats.)

Rohan: Actually hum Suhaas Banerjee ke baare mein kuch information chahiye. Kya aap usse jaante hain?

“Woh mera beta hain”

Rohan nods: Aap Vidyaji hain? (She nods.) Kya aap bataasakti hain ki aap ka beta ab kahaa rehta hain? I need to talk to him about something that happened about 10 years ago.

She gets a faraway look on her face: Duss saal pehle?

Rohan: Ji. Daraasal tab Suhaas ki ek classmate ka khoon hua tha..

Vidya: Is this about Aditi?

Both Rohan and Manav get startled: Aap Aditi ko jaante hain?

Wordlessly, she gets up and goes inside and comes back after about 3-4 minutes and hands over a neatly folded A4 size paper and a dairy to Rohan. He takes it with a slight frown on his face and opens the letter to read. Manav also leans in.

May 2 nd

Meri maut ka mujhe koi ghum nahi hain. Jiss waqt mere gusse ne mujhse meri Aditi aur mere bachche ko cheenliya, mein toh ussi waqt mar gaya. Yeh toh sirf mera shareer hain jo ab jaaraha hain..unn dono ke paas..unse maafi maangne..unka saath dene.

-Suhaas.

Manav and Rohan look at each other’s faces. With a sigh, Rohan puts the letter aside and opens the book. It is obvious that it is some kind of dairy.

March 7 th .

I met Aditi today. Weird coincidence it was. I was just driving around and there she was coming out of someone’s house. I stopped my bike and asked if I could drop her home. she agreed with a smile and hopped on. For her, I am a friend. a good friend. She doesn’t know and I never told her how much I love her..or how crazy I am for her. Not once during all these 5 years. I asked her what she was doing so late at night. She told me one of her family friend had lost his father that day and she just came to make sure he is doing ok. But that guy was apparently drunk and completely out of it so she helped him to bed. I noticed her stumble while talking and I asked her if he misbehaved or anything..my anger boiled at the thought of someone..and she hesitated a bit and said all he did was throw away all his clothes and fall flat on the bed. It probably embarrassed the hell out of her so I didn’t press for more. I dropped her home safely and came back.

March 15 th .

Aditi came to my house today. I wanted to introduce her to my mom and dad but they had left for a wedding. She sat and talked about the results being out the next day and how nervous she was. Then somehow the topic went to boy friends and girl friends and who is having affair with whom in our class. She started teasing about how I never seem to look at anyone. “What you need now is a girl friend. a nice girl. I will choose one for you if you want.” she said. Something broke inside me when I heard that and before I knew I was on my knees before her and screaming and crying that I love her..have always loved her..I can’t think of anyone else because she is all I want. She cupped my cheeks and wiped my tears and before I knew, I was kissing her. I don’t know what she felt..surprise, shock or pity. All I knew was I was finally able to express my feelings and show her how much I love her. All I can remember now is the way she felt in my arms and the way I kept repeating “I love you Aditi..Aditi..i love you”

Guilt hit us both later. “It shouldn’t have happened Suhaas” she said and I agreed. She got dressed and left leaving behind memories that I think will last me a lifetime.

March 16 th .

Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man. I went and asked her if there was a chance that she and I..but her reply was very firm. “I love Manav. There has never been another person for me. I am sorry from the bottom of my heart but I really don’t know what had come over me yesterday. Please Suhaas. I want to forget it and move on. Please.” I nodded and backed off. I had no choice.

April 30 th .

I will never forget this day as long as I live. As soon as Vivek told me that Aditi’s engagement got cancelled the previous evening and that he had heard that she is pregnant, I went to meet her. She was on her way out. Said, she is going to meet her OBG. I walked along with her till the Metro Hospital. I asked her if what I heard is true. She said yes. I wanted to ask her if the child is mine..but hesitated. Then she looked at me and said “Its yours.” My feet took wings and I flew in the air. “My child! Mine and Aditi’s! A living breathing proof of everything that I felt for her. I am going to be a father! I will talk to Aditi’s father and somehow convince him for our marriage. I will be a good father and husband. I will never give her a reason to complain. Agreed, that she doesn’t love me now but friendship is a good foundation and with the child bonding us together, surely one day she will..” Lost in my own thoughts I did not realize that we had reached the hospital or that she went in for her appointment. I stood outside undecided whether to go in and talk to the doctor and make sure everything is alright or wait until she comes out, when her conversation with the doctor penetrated the dreamy fog of my mind. She doesn’t want to be pregnant. She wanted to abort! I barged into the consultation room and pleaded with her not to be hasty..to think it through before deciding. I knew I was creating a scene but I didn’t care. She can’t do this! I told her to relax, take a day’s time and think things through.

May 1 st .

I called Aditi just now. She said she is going to go ahead with the abortion. Nothing I say is making any difference to her. She says she doesn’t want her one mistake to ruin her whole life. I have to talk to her and convince her that what happened is not a mistake. The man she loves has abandoned her but I will take care of her and our child. She has to agree. She HAS to. She can’t kill our child. I won’t let her. I will convince her. We will be one happy family. She has to accept. I will go now..right away and talk to her in person.

That was the last entry which was made a day before Aditi’s death. Manav just closes his eyes and ploughs his fingers through his hair. Rohan closes the book before clearing his throat and asking: Aapne police ko yeh sab kyon nahi bataya Vidyaji?

Vidya looks at him with hopeless eyes: My husband had a heart attack and passed away two days after Suhaas committed suicide. I didn’t even know what was happening around me until much later. Then I came to know that there is no evidence against anyone and they could not make any arrest. Call me selfish but I didn’t want my dead son to be called a murderer. I would have come out if anyone was wrongly arrested but since that didn’t happen..I kept quiet.

Rohan: I would need to take this with me as an evidence Vidyaji. But I will try and keep the media out of it. (Vidya nods and both men make their way out of the house.)

Just before getting into his car, Manav turns to Rohan: I will tell Yog uncle to inform Aditi’s father. (Rohan nods and starts his own Scorpio.)

After about 20 minutes: At a coffee shop:

Rohan irritably looks at his watch and then again at the door. I told Sharma to meet me here in 10 minutes. Honestly, punctuality se iss insaan ka door ddor tak koi rishta hi nahi hain! Just when he is about the take his phone out and call Sharma again, a girl comes running into the coffee shop like whirlwind and her dupatta gets caught in one of the nails on the chair opposite to Rohan’s. With a startled squeak, she stumbles back and Rohan gets up and catches her with his arm around her shoulders, before she falls flat on her face. She blinks slowly and Rohan immediately straightens her and removes the dupatta from the nail: You ok Miss? (The girl nods but continues to stare at him, not bothering to hide her obvious interest.) Sambhalkar chaliye.

“Ji..woh..darasal meri friend mera wait kar rahi hain and I always like to be punctual and today I got late. But its not my fault you see..mein aahi rahi thi ki mere professor ne..”

Rohan smiles: I think you should be giving this explanation to your friend, not me.

She smiles: I know. (A slight pause and then she gestures her dupatta.) Thank you. (Rohan nods.) Oh..by the way, I am Aishwarya. (She extends her hand and Rohan shakes it.)

Rohan: Rohan.

Aishwarya gestures towards the college that’s right opposite to the coffee shop: Mein yahaa college mein student hoon. MA Econometrics.

Rohan nods: Mein yahaa ka SP.

Aishwarya’s eyes go round: Oh Wow! Really? (Before she could add more, Sharma walks up to them.)

Sharma salutes: Sir..sorry..aane mein thodi der hogayi. We got the driver we have been searching for sir.

Rohan’s whole demeanour changes. He looks at Aishwarya, who still has not moved from the spot..nor has she blinked: Ji..I have to go. It was nice talking to you.

Aishwarya nods: Same here. Take care.

Rohan gives a small wave followed by “You too” before walking away with Sharma. Another girl comes and taps Aishwarya on the shoulder: Oye..kya hua?

Aishwarya smiles: Pyaar

Her friend gets a disbelieving look on her face: KYA?

Aishwarya pulls her along: Chal chal mere saath chal..we have to find out more about Ahmedabad ka SP. Chai baad mein peelena. Chal yaar.

About an hour later:

Manav’s car comes to a halt in front of Sruti’s house. Armaan, who has been silent for the last 5 minutes finally looks at Manav..the disbelief still evident on his face: You mean..I didn’t do anything? (Manav nods. Armaan shakes his head as if the whole thing still hasn’t sunk into him. When Manav had gone to CGH and almost dragged him out of the paediatric ward, this wasn’t what he was expecting. Anything but..THIS!)
 
Manav puts a hand over his shoulder: Armaan..you held on to the guilt for 10 years for something that never even happened. Ab ek minute bhi waste mat kar yaar. Jaa..(He gestures towards the door, which is now open and Sruti standing there with a smile on her face.) Jaao Armaan..tumhaari zindagi tumhaara intezaar kar rahi hain. (Just then Manav’s phone starts ringing and his face lights up when he sees the caller id. He shows the phone to Armaan.) Aur mein chala apne zindagi ke paas. (He answers the phone.) Haan Nisha..yeah yeah..I am on my way..arre baba aaraha hoon na. Buss 10 minute. Ok?

And shuts the phone. Both friends slap each other’s back and smile before Armaan gets down from the car and walks towards Sruti. Manav backs out the car to go home with a wave at them both. The timing almost coinciding with Rohan striding towards Abhimanyu’s office with the arrest warrant in his hand.

------x------

Other books from the Author

“No. I am neither curious nor do I care. And since it’s a business deal we just signed, I won’t say thank you. I will check with my bank tomorrow evening.”

Being an illegitimate daughter, Nidhi has faced enough things in her life since her childhood which included being called a bastard in front of the whole class. So entering into some kind of contract marriage is the least of her worries…especially if it means getting the money for her mother’s treatment.

“Do you love me? I am ready to fight the world for you. But you need to tell me what’s in your heart. Do you love me?”

But she hadn’t counted on meeting Abhay Shrivastav...or falling in love with him. And it was not just the contract that was holding her back. Her past has the ability to destroy her future and the present, such as it was. The temptation to hide the shameful secret of her life gnaws her insides. But truth has a way of showing itself one way or the other.

Every scar tells a story. A story that says, “I survived”. But a few scars tell the story of a wound that never really healed.

Dr Avinash Singh has a scar from his past. A past that he got over by shutting himself off from his family, his friends and the world. Or he thought he got over, until...

Until he meets Dr Juhi, an intelligent, smart, vibrant girl whose middle name spelt ‘mischief’. Yet behind all that seemingly fun attitude lay a large heart and nerves of steel. All her strength may be required to heal Avinash’s wounds. But, will that be enough? Will Juhi be able to help Avinash really heal and get his scars to tell a different story?

After the death of her daughter, all Megha felt was a terrible emptiness. And a hope that she could one day see the child that she had given up in a desperate attempt to save her daughter from the terrible illness.

Then destiny sends Akash into her life. But what she didn’t know was that meeting him would resurrect the half-truths, secrets and unspeakable lies that surrounded the child’s birth. Because it really meant she had fallen for the man who had fathered that child of hers.

Is there anything called Perfect Love?

Gaurav Tagore, a guy with a dark past who scoffs at love. Nothing matters to him except the company he and his friends had built from ground up. He works his Lethal Magic on women to get what he wants – be it their warm, eager bodies or corporate secrets. Until Sanjana enters his office and his life.

Sanjana Sinha, a girl on the run from her past who is petrified at the word – Love. Her sole focus is not to draw anyone’s attention on herself while she painstakingly is rebuilding her life. Until Gaurav walks into her workspace and her life.

What do fates have in store for these two scarred souls? What would happen when they meet? When the past that they are both trying to escape from comes to stand in front of them?

“All I wanted was a son. A boy. An heir. To carry the family name and the company forward into the future. Instead I got you! Two daughters. Fit for nothing except to marry someone and walk away.”

Kajal Rathore had walked out of her home and her father after that confrontation, making a life and living it on her own terms. Away from the archaic chauvinism that made her father reject her because she was not the son he wanted.

Now her father’s flailing health has brought her back to her home. And to the company that had been in her family for generations. Once Kajal had had a dream of becoming a part of that company and now fates were handing over that dream. But to claim it, she will have to confront the father who denies her, the mother who never stood up for her, the sister who needs her and the man who wants her.

“I want you to marry Kajal. I don’t..I can’t trust her with Rathore Industries. But I don’t have a choice. But if you are beside her, I would never have to worry. Marry her and the company would be yours.”

Arjun Shekhawat was deeply indebted to his boss. The man who had been his godfather and his mentor. Refusing him was not on cards. Even when it was something as personal as marriage. After all, it was a win-win situation.

But keeping the promise meant getting close to his boss’s daughter. Close enough to win her trust, to appreciate the person that she was and the secrets that surrounded her. Close enough to realize that he had unwittingly agreed to become the weapon that would one day be used against her.

Dr Srikar Arora. One of the top neurosurgeons in the country. An exemplary doctor and a loner by nature. His heart was well and truly locked away behind the walls as thick as the Fort Knox. Only the man who raised him as his own knew the reason behind his life’s choices. Having been a victim of horrifying child abuse and having watched his mother bludgeoned to death by his own father, he vowed to himself that the circle of violence would end with him.

Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger. – Mehmet Oz

He was a loaded gun. And he was determined that there would be no victims like his mother. Or himself.

One fine day in walked Saanvi Grover. The vivacious intern who was fifteen years his junior, did the impossible. She infiltrated through the tight secure walls and reached his heart with astounding ease. He fought, he dodged but he was no match to her unconditional love and unwavering faith. Too tempted and too weak to resist, he made her his under the condition that they would have no children, natural or adopted, of their own.

But fate apparently had other plans. What would he do? Leave his pregnant wife because he had vowed to protect her and the baby from himself? Or prove that love was stronger than DNA?

Retired from IAF after an injury, fighter pilot Sidharth is looking for a new purpose to his life. Something meaningful he can impact and shape with his own hands. He takes up the wishes of his father that sets him on a course to be the CM of the state. With him is Avantika, his childhood friend. She joins his team as a campaign manager, unconvinced if Sidharth will do whatever it takes to win.

Avantika never loses at anything in life. Yet, gradually Sidharth wins over her and the team with his approach to life. As unknown forces start plotting to assassinate Sidharth, Avantika entwines her life with his, both professionally and personally.

Will they foil those plans? Will they succeed in navigating through the arduous path to power – full of betrayal and lies. Will their love survive the clash with power and loyalty? Will this change them to the core?

In the heat and dust of Andhra, Suvika spins a tale of lies, betrayal, power, loyalty and love.

Samaira Deshmukh wakes up from a coma with no memory of the last 6 years. Hidden in the depths of her mind are clues to a psychopathic killer she was tracking before the accident. She can stop the killer from striking again, if only she can remember her past. The only person that she trusts is her husband Dhruv. But are things truly as they seem? What was he hiding?

On the verge of getting divorced, Dr Dhruv Deshmukh finds his wife thinking they are just getting hitched. Now he is stuck between wanting to tell the truth of their marriage and seizing a second chance at rebuilding it. With Samaira recovering, how will Dhruv handle the unpleasant past that he himself wishes to erase?

DCP Prithvi Raval is sure that Samaira’s accident was no accident. But with her memories gone, she doesn’t recognize Prithvi anymore. For Prithvi she is not just a partner in the investigation, but someone he has fallen in love. He needs Samaira to remember before the killer’s trail goes cold. And rekindle the relationship he believes was developing between them.

As the trio team-up, trying to beat the maniac at his own game, Dhruv and Prithvi each begin to wonder if Samaira would ever be a part of their lives.

As Pune witnesses a string of horrifying crimes, Samaira holds the clue to catching the killer. Caught between the past and present, will she be able to unlock her memories in time?

In this gripping tale, Suvika takes her readers through a narrative of spine-chilling crime and intense passion where memories swim in time backward and forward!

end
 
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