NO MATTER HOW FAR WE ARE, I AM NEAR

They say that some battles are to be fought alone. It was one of those days…when she was alone – all by herself. She didn't have many friends. She had always been that introverted scientist lost in her work, talking to others only when required. She kept to herself and never really opened up to others. Heck, she didn't even know if she believed in love. But that was until he came along. To say it say that it was magical would be an understatement. She got butterflies in her stomach every time he flirted, blood gushing to her cheeks even at the smallest of compliments, a smile creeping up her face by just the mention of his name – not just her days, he dominated her dreams too. Yes, she was head over heels in love with this man.

But he had been away for 3 days. They talked everyday…but that was different. He sensed pain in her voice, even she knew that. But he couldn't help it…their jobs were keeping them away from each other. No matter how much they wanted to see each other – there were times they had to stay away. This was one of those times.

After a tiring day, she made her way towards the garden near her house. She removed her coat, not bothering to change into a more comfortable attire and sat in the grass, burying her head between her knees. From gentle drizzles the rain became heavy but she didn't move. She let it pour on her…she let her tears mix with those raindrops; she let her sorrow into the air that surrounded her. But she wasn't feeling better….it was her brother's 4th death anniversary. She had been tortured and abused as a child, all her relatives had abandoned her – when there was no one she could turn to, he was there. That is why Raksha bandhan had been so important for her…she made it a point to fly to Hyderabad – come what may. After he died, a vacuum was left inside her.

She didn't know that her wet white shirt had become the centre of attraction in the park that was devoid of children and women due to the heavy rain.

"Maal hai," she heard a contemptible voice.

"Tarika don't go alone in that park," his voice echoed in her ears.

Guilty and heart pounding , she got up to leave when she was stopped by another voice.

"Arrey madam, aise kaise jaa rahi hai akele akele."

She was surrounded by a gang of 3 rowdy men. One of them stepped forward and almost touched her hand.

"Don't touch me," she yelled, "CID se hu."

Mustering courage she took her gun out and continued speaking.

"Aaj shayad tum teen ho aur mein akeli hu lekinagar tum logo ne kuch bhi kiya toh kal puri CID team tumhare peeche lag jaayegi. Tumhare liye yahi acha hoga ki patli gali se nikal jao."

However, the man who had been bold enough to step towards her didn't seem to be affected. Had it not been for the other two, he would have not stopped. After the gang left, she was about to make her way towards her house when she was engulfed into a hug. She was startled but she later melted in those familiar arms.

"Tumne itni der laga di," she said and cried her heart out.

He rubbed her back and continued showering her with kisses while consoling her. After she stopped crying, he made her look into his eyes.

"Aap ko mana kiya tha na Tarika ji."

"wo Abhijeet," she was scared. His anger was the last thing she needed.

"Chaliye ghar," he said, covering her with his coat while his bloodshot eyes quickly scanned the entire area.

"Kya dekh rahe ho?"

"ki kisi ki jurrat toh nahi meri Tarika ko galat nazro se dekhne ka," his grip on her waist tightened while she smiled, mustering courage to ask him the actual question.

"Abhijeet…."

"Bolo na"

"wo…wo….tum gussa"

He made her look at him and put on a serious face. Little did she know that he enjoyed her childish fear.

"haan gussa toh mein hu, aur saza bhi milegi tumhe."

"tum mujhe – "

Before she could say another word, her lips were sealed with his. It was perfect, a stormy day, heavy rain and him kissing her – in the middle of a busy street, in the rains. They fell in love, all over again. She closed her eyes, cherishing the moment. And then in a streak of naughtiness, she bit his lower lip.

"mmm…" he moaned while she laughed between the kiss, drawing air and deepening it.

"kata kyun?" he pouted cutely.

"Punishment."

"acha acha….galti aap karein –aur saza bhi aap dein?"

"u senior inspector," she poked the tip of his nose with his finger, "made me miss you."

They walked back, hand in hand…in perfect peace. Then suddenly…..gunshot.