Chapter : 19

Story cont...

Tarika : " Usne mujhe thappad mara?Uski itni himmat ! Mujhe uske saath ,uske gharme ek palbhi nehi rehna hai."

Tarika went upstairs and was about to pack her stuffs. Then suddenly she stopped.

Tarika's mind : " Ruk jao, Tarika ! Chali jana chahti ho? Beshak chali jao. Usne tumhe thappad mara , tumhari swavimaan ko thes pohochaya. Tumhe jana hi chahiye. Aise pati ke saath kya rehna jisko tumpe jara bhi bishwas nehi hai . Jo sirf gusse me akar apni patni par haat utha sakta hai, wo apni patni ki ijjat kya karega ! Lekin ek baat ka jawab do. Jo tumne kiya , kya wo sahi tha? Tum acchi tarhase janti ho , Mahi tumhare pati ke pichhe padha hai , aur usko tumse chhinne ki har mumkin koushish karega . To tumne wo 'chitthi' sach kaise maan liya? Agar Abhijeet ko uss chitthike bareme pata hota, to wo kyu uss chitthiko jeb me leke ghumta? Tumhe dikhane ke liye? Tumhari logic kaha gayi ,Tarika?"

Tarika:" Mai manti hu , maine unko kuchh jyada hi bol diya. Mujhe aisa nehi karna chahiye tha. Par phirbhi , isse uska thappad marna justified to nehi hota na?Mai iske liye usse kabhi maaf nehi karungi."

Tarika's mind: " Maat karo. Mai tumhe usko maaf karne keliye kahungi bhi nehi. Lekin Tarika , kya usne tumhare liye kabhi kuchh nehi kiya ? Tum bhul gayi , kiss tarhase usne tumhari ek ek khushiyon ka khayal rakkha , ek dost banke hamesha tumhara saath diya , ek teacher banke tumko guide kiya ? Usne tumhari har ek chahat puri karneki koushish kiyi , tumhari har ek nakhre usne khushi khushi saha hai."

Tarika : " To kya maine unse pyaar nehi kiya? Usne mujhe kitna daanta , phir bhi mai unke dilme jagah paneki koushish kiyi na? Unko khush karneki koushish kiyi na maine? Phir bhi usne mujhpe haat utha diya!"

Tarika's mind : "Tum ekbaar sochke dekho ,tumne uspar kitna ganda iljaam lagaya , jab ke ye tumbhi janti ho ki wo aisa nehi kar sakte ."

Tarika:" To , usne kya kiya? Usne ye socha bhi kaise ke Vaibhabne mujhe chhua, aur maine usko chhune diya...Chhi ! Kaise soch liya usne? Bolo?"

Tarika's mind:" Tum ye kaise bhul gayi ke ye sab uske dimagme dala kisne hai. Uss Mahi ne. Usne shayed Abhijeet ko kuchh aisa kaha , jiske karan wo gusse se pagal ho gaya , aur tumhare saath istarha ka behave kiya . Abhijeet tumko leke possessive hai , aur uss Mahi ne issi baat ka faida uthaya. Tum Abhijeet ke zindegi se chali jao ,yehi to wo chahti hai. Akhir haar hi gayi na tum Mahise?"

Tarika:" Tum jo bhi kaho , mai uss thappad ko nehi bhul sakti , mai uske saath nehi rehna chahti. "

Tarika's mind: " Thik hai. Tum chali jana. Par pahle uspe bewajah ganda iljaam lagake jo galti tumne kiya , uske liye usko sorry bolke jao."

Tarika : " Tum sahi kahteho. Mai chali jaungi , par usse baat karne ke baad. Mai usko phone kartihu."

Tarika called Abhijeet , but his phone was switched off. She tried again and again , but the result was same.

Tarika thought..." Abhijeet disturbed hai. Wo shayed Daya sir ke paas gaya ho ? Daya sir ko ekbar phone karke dekhti hu."

Tarika called Daya and Daya picked up the phone.

"Hello ,Tarika."

"Daya sir , kya Abhijeet apke saath hai ?"( In low tone)

Daya : " Baat kya hai ,Tarika? Tum bohot low sound kar rahiho . Abhijeet to ghar chala gayatha na? Kya wo phirse bahar nikla hai ? Tum donome jhagda to nehi hua na?"

Tarika Kept silence for sometimes , then decided to tell about the incidence. She told him everything except the 'slap' part. She mentioned about the letter, but avoided the conversation which was occured between Abhirika about Mahi. She didn't want to inform Daya about Mahi's evil deeds.

Tarika : " Daya sir , wo letter milneke baad mai bohot upset ho gayithi , uparse unhone atehi Vaibhab aur meri rishtey ko leke mujhe charge karna shuru kiya. Issliye mai unse kuchh jyada hi bol gayi. Mujhe unse baat karni thi , par wo gharse bahar nikal gaye. Unka phone bhi band hai. Aap bata sakte hai , ki wo kaha gaye honge?

Daya : " Mere paas aya nehi hai. To phir shayed beach par gaya hoga , ya bureau me. Mai dhundta hu usko. Mil jayega to tumko khabar kar dunga. Tum gharpe hi rehna."

Tarika : " Aap unko dhundke ghar leke ana plz. Mai intezaar kar rahi hu."

Daya cut the call and went out to search for Abhijeet. He went to the beach ,where Abhijeet used to go when he remains upset. But he was not there. Then he moved towards the bureau.

Here , Abhijeet's side...

Abhijeet drove the car as fast as he could. Suddenly , he stopped the car on a deserted road , kept his head on the steering wheel and cried out loudly.

Abhijeet's mind : " Ye kya kiya tumne? Apni patni par haat utha diya? Kya tum insaan kehlane ke layek ho? Mana ki usne tumhe jo kaha , wo bohot galat tha , lekin kya uska reaction ye hona chahiye tha? Tum usko samjha sakte the , usse gussa kar sakte the , uske saath baat karna band kar sakte the . Par tumneto sara had hi paar kar diya ! Kya tumko uspar haat uthane ka license issliye mil gaya , kyun ki wo tumhari patni hai ? Salunkhe sahabse nazre kaise milaoge tum? Kya kahoge? Istarha se khayal rakkha uske beti ka? Unki ful si bachchi par haat uthake? Wo nadan hai , na samajh hai , gusseme ake do char baatein bol diya tumhe. Lekin tumto usse bhi jyada na- samajh nikle. Ekto kissi aur ke kehne pe apni patni par barbar shak kiya tumne , uparse apne pati honeka rop jharke ayeho uss bechari par haat uthake ! Mujhe ghin ati hai tumpar. Chhi ! Chhi! Chhi !"

Abhijeet : " Pata nehi , mujhe kya ho gaya tha ! Maine apni Tarika pe haat utha diya ! How could I ? Maine dusre ki baaton me ake apni patni par shak kiya , usko kitni budi tarhase treat kiya , gusse me ake maine ye tak nehi dekha , wo kitni khush thi mere ghar lautne par. Aur maine , maine ghar pohochte hi uspar toot padha ! Uski koi baat maan ne ko taiyar nehi tha mai . Aur jab gusseme ake usne palatke do karwi baat kehdi , to maine uspar haat... Wo mujhko maaf karegi ki nehi , ye mujhe nehi pata. Par mai kaise khudko maaf karu ! Kaise?"

He suddenly started driving fast and reached at the bureau parking area . It was 10: 30 p. m. Advik and Mahi were also at the parking area. They were about to leave. They were the last persons to leave the bureau. Mahi saw Abhijeet getting down from his car and moving towards the bureau.

Mahi : " Advik , mujhe bureau wapas jana hai. Abhijeet bureau ki taraf gaya hai. Mujhe lagta hai , wo upset hai. Mujhe unke saath hona chahiye. Tum ghar chali jao. Mai baadme chali jaungi."

Mahi was about to move towards bureau , suddenly Advik held her hand.

Advik : " Ruko ! Mai bhi chalta hu tumhare sath. Itni raat ko tum akeli ghar nehi jaogi. Hum dono jake Abhijeet sir ko dekhte hai , phir mai tumhe ghar chhod dunga."

Mahi : " Tum apne kaamse kaam rakkho na. Mere har cheeze pe dakhal dena jaroori hai kya? Mujhe meri Abhijeet ke saath akela chhod do ."

" Wo tumhare Abhiheet nehi hai ,damn it ! Abhijeet sir Tarika ki pati hai !" Advik said in extreme angry tone.

Mahi : "Jyada din tak nehi rahenge. Mai un donoko alag karkehi rahungi. Aur phir, meri Abhijeet mujhe mil jayega."

" Sachme? Kya sachme tumhe wo mil jayenge ? Tumhari karan shayed unn donoka rishta toot bhi jaye , lekin jaha tak maine Abhijeet sir ko samjha hai , wo Tarika se itna pyaar karte hai ki tumhari taraf dekhenge bhi nehi. Mahi , tumhe dusre ki pyaar chhinne ki kya jaroorat hai ? Kya tumhe kabhi mehsoos nehi hota , ke koi tumse bhi bohot...Khair chhodo , tum pyaar ko samajhti kaha ho ! Tum par to sirf Abhijeet sir ko paneka junoon sawar hai !"

Mahi : (With surprised tone) " Advik , tum pagal ho kya ? Tum acchi tarhase jante ho , mai Abhijeet se pyaar karti hu. Phir bhi tum... Tumse to baat karna hi bekar hai ! Mai bureau ja rahi hu. Tumhe ghar jana hai to jao , ya phir jo jeeme aye karo."

Mahi moved towards bureau and soon followed by Advik.

Mahi and Advik entered inside the bureau and found Abhijeet in his cabin. Advik stood near his desk and Mahi peeped inside the cabin and saw a horrible scene. Abhijeet was holding a broken glass in his right hand with extreme pressure . Profuse bleeding was occuring from his hand. Abhijeet was sitting silently with angry expression in his face. Mahi rushed towards him.

Mahi : " Sir , ye k...k..kya kar rahe hai ? Chh...chh...chhodiye uss glassko. Apke haatse kitna khoon beh raha hai."

Abhijeet looked at Mahi with blood- shot eyes and said with extreme angry tone ,

" Tum yaha kya kar rahi ho ? Jao yahase ! Mujhe akela chhod do."

Mahi : ( With teary tone)" Sir , aap pahle uss glassko chhodiye. Mujhe lagta hai apki naas kat gayi hai . Aap hospital chaliye mere saath."

Abhijeet : " Tumhe meri fikar karneki koi jaroorat nehi hai. Pata nehi kis manhoos gharime mai tumse mila tha. Nehi , nehi. Tumhari kya kasoor hai ? Kasoor to meri taqdeer ka hai. Na mai tumhari baaton me ata , na mai Tarika pe shak karta , aur na mai uspar haat uthata. Maine apni patni par haat uthaya hai Mahi , uss Tarika par jisko mai apni jaan se jyada pyaar karta hu. (Looking at his right hand)Issi haat se mara maine apni Tarika ko. Saja to iss haat ko milna hi chahiye. Tum jao yahase. Mujhe akela chhod do. (He shouts) JAO !"

Mahi : ( With tears in her eyes)" Sir ,mai chali jaungi. Sab kasoor mera hai. Maine jaan bujhkar aap donoke beech aag lagane ki koushish kiyi. Meri galti ka saja aap khudko maat dijiye. Plz, glass ko chod dijiye , khoon to rook hi nehi raha hai. Mai apke haat jodti hu ,apke pair padti hu . Plz glass chhod dijiye ,aur mere saath hospital chaliye."

Abhijeet : " Maine apni patni par shak karke ,uspar haat uthake ' Gunah' kiya hai ,Mahi. Tum kya , koi bhi chahe kuchh bhi kahe ,par mai to apni Tarika ko janta hu. Maine kaise uspe iljaam laga diya ! Kaise ek chhoti si 'shak' ki karan apni uss patni par haat utha diya , jiske zindegime pyaar ka matlab hi 'Abhijeet' hai. Meri gunah ki koi maafi nehi hai. Tum mujhe mere haal pe chhod do AND GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE !"

Mahi moved out of the cabin and rushed to Advik. Advik became tensed looking at Mahi. She was crying badly .

"Kya hua ,Mahi?" Tensed voice of Advik.

"Advik , jaldi unke cabinme chalo ! Kuchh bhi karke unhe bachalo. Wo apni jaan dene par tula hai. "( With teary tone)

Mahi and Advik rushed towards Abhijeet. Meanwhile , Mahi called the ambulance. Advik entered inside the cabin and forcefully removed the broken glass from Abhijeet's hand . He also got some cuts in his hand. Profuse bleeding was occuring from Abhijeet's hand and he got fainted. Meanwhile , Daya entered inside the bureau and was shocked to see what happened. He held Abhijeet in his arms. Mahi tied Abhijeet's wrist tightly with her scarf.

Advik : " Daya sir , Abhijeet sir ne gusseme ake apni haaton se glass tod liya hai. Shayed kanch ke tukde se unki haat ki naas kaat gayi hai , khoon ruk nehi raha hai . Hum ambulance ka intezaar nehi kar sakte. Unhe abhi hospitalize karna padega. Chaliye, hum dono milke unhe gadise hi le chalte hai. "

Advik , Daya and Mahi took him to the parking area. Watchman came running towards them and asked about the incidence.

Daya : " Abhijeet ko chot lagi hai. Tum abhi ACP sir ko maat batana. Wo pareshan ho jayenge. Tum yehi pe ruko. Mai Sachin ko bhejta hu bureau. Filhaal hum hospital ja rahe hai."

Meanwhile , ambulance also reached at the bureau and they took Abhijeet to city hospital by ambulance. Daya followed them by his car. Advik and Mahi was with Abhijeet in the ambulance . As soon as they reached at hospital ,doctor took him inside the operation theatre.

Meanwhile , Sachin and Purvi reached there along with Shreya. Daya informed Sachin about Abhijeet over telephone , but he forgot to tell them to bring Tarika with them. Daya noticed 10 missed calls of Tarika in his phone. He called her back.

Tarika : " Daya sir , aap phone kyu nehi utha rahe the? Abhijeet mila apko ? Wo kaha hai ? Pata nehi kyu , par mujhe bohot ghabrahat ho rahi hai. Wo thikto hai na ?"

Daya : " Tarika , mujhe Abhijeet mila hai. Tum shant ho jao. Wo thik hai. Baas uska ek chhotasa accident hua hai. Mai Advik ko bhej raha hu . Tum uske saath hospital ajao."

" What ? Accident ? Wo kaise hai ab ? Ghabrane ki koi baat to nehi hai na? Kisiko bhejne ki jaroorat nehi hai. Mai khud aarahi hu. Wo kounsi hospitalme hai?"( Tensed teary tone of Tarika)

Daya : " Tarika , Tarika tum shant ho jao. Kuchh nehi huya hai Abhijeet ko. Doctors dekh rahe hai usse. Tum itni raatko akeli nehi aogi. Advik abhi pohoch jayega. You just relax."

Daya: " Advik , tumhe Abhijeet ka ghar pata hai ?"

Advik : " Ha sir , mai pehchanta hu unka ghar."

Daya : " Tum meri gadi le jao , aur Tarika ko yahape le ao. Usko jyada kuchh maat batana. Wo nehi seh payegi. Aur ha ek baat aur , tum dono kisiko nehi bataoge ke ye kaise huya. Abhijeet ne bhawnaon me behkar ek bachpana kiya hai ,aur wo bhi bureau ke andar. Sachin ,mai ,Shreya ,Purvi ,Tarika aur tum donoki elawa kisiko pata nehi chalna chahiye ki asalme kya huya tha. Sabko batana ki cabin ka kanch tootne ki bhajaise accidentally uska haat kaat gaya hai."

Advik went to bring Tarika to the hospital. Mahi accompanied him. She was continuously crying on the way.

Mahi : " Mujhse kitna bada paap ho gaya , Advik. Magar meri paap ki saja Abhijeet sir ko kyu mil raha hai ? Batao na ,wo thik to ho jayenge na? Unhe kuchh hoga to nehi na? Agar unhe kuchh ho gaya ,to mai zindegi bhar khudko maaf nehi kar paungi. Kaas maine tumhari baat suni hoti ,to aaj ye nowbaat hi nehi ati."

Advik kept his left hand over her right hand.

"Shant ho jao , unhe kuchh nehi hoga. Unke saath Tarika ka pyaar hai , unki doston ki , hum sabki Dua hai unke saath. Unhe kuchh nehi ho sakta. "

Mahi : " Koi kisise itna pyaar kaise kar sakta hai , ki usko apni khud ki jaan ki bhi parwa na ho. Kya pyaar aisa hota hai ?"

Advik : " Ha Mahi. Sachcha pyaar aisa hi hota hai. Jab koi kisise sachcha pyaar karta hai , to uske agey khud ki zindegi bhi chhoti lagne lagti hai. Abhijeet sir aur Tarika ka pyaar shayed aisa hi hai."

Soon they reached at Abhijeet's residence. Tarika saw blood marks over Advik and Mahi's cloths. She started crying silently but she didn't ask them anything and silently sat on the car. Advik rushed the car towards hospital.

Tarika : ( With cold voice) " Advik , mujhe sach sach batao , Abhijeet ke saath hua kya tha. Mind it ! Mujhe koi jhut nehi sunni hai. Jo bhi hua hai sab kuchh sach sach batao."

Mahi narrated everything which was happened at the bureau. She also told about the conversation held between Abhijeet and her. Then she apologized to Tarika by joining her hands together.

Mahi : " Tarika , meri gunah to maafi ki layek nehi hai. Phir bhi agar ho sake to mujhe maaf kar dijiye. Abhijeet sir ko aapke khilaf bhadkane me maine koi kasar nehi chhodi , unki jebme dhokese wo letter bhi mainehi daali thi. Mujhe pata nehi apko wo mila ki nehi. Magar mujhe ye pata hai ki aap dono ki beech ki sade missunderstandings ka karan mai hu. Plz , meri gunah ki saja aap Abhijeet sir ko maat dena. Mai khudki nazron me gir chuki hu. Lekin agar aap dono alag ho gaye ,to mai khudko kabhi maaf nehi kar paungi."

Tarika : " Mahi , mujhe iss waqt sirf aur sirf Abhijeet ki zindegi ka parwa hai. So plz , iss bareme abhi koi baat na kare to hi accha hoga. Ek baat aur. Tum dono ki elawa kisi aur ko pata hai ki unhone mujhpar haat uthaya ? Daya sir ko pata hai kya?"

Mahi : " Nehi. Daya sir ko nehi pata. In fact ,hum teeno ke sibah kisiko nehi pata."

Tarika : " Aur kisiko pata chalna bhi nehi chahiye. Mai nehi chahti ke unpar koi ungli uthaye."

Soon , they reached at hospital. Tarika rushed to Daya and asked about the condition of Abhijeet. At the same time doctor came out of the OT. He was tensed. Daya and Tarika asked him about Abhijeet.

Dr. : " Dekhiye , unke haat ka naas kaat gaya tha. Humne operation karke naas judto diya hai. Par bohot khoon beh chuka hai. Unka blood group O ve hai. Humne blood bank se 2 units blood diya hai unko. Par jald se jald aur khoon dena padega unko. Par iss waqt blood bank me iss group ka khoon available nehi hai. Adhe ghante ke andar ek aur unit khoon ka intejaam karna hi padega. Hum koushish kar rahe hai . Aap bhi koushish kijiye ,aur unke liye Dua kijiye."

Mahi rushed to the doctor and said ,

"Doctor sahab , meri blood group O ve hai. Aap mera khoon le lijiye. Plz, Abhijeet sir ko bacha lijiye."

Dr. : "That's great !Aap jaldise aiye mere saath."

Mahi turned to Tarika and said in low tone,

" Tarika , apko koi aitraaz to nehi ? Plz, mere paap ka ye chhota sa praishchit mujhe karne dijiye . Plz, plz"

Tarika nodded in ' Yes' .

Mahi rushed to the doctor and she was followed by Advik.

Daya went to Sachin and said,

Daya : " Sachin , tum jara bureau jao. Plz, clear the mess occured in Abhijeet's cabin. Watch man ko saath le lena. Wo toota huya glass waha se hata dena. Dhyan rahe watch man ko pata na chale. Watchman ko bulane se pahle Abhijeet ki cabin ka kaanch tod dena. Lagna chahiye ussise accident hua hai. Mai nehi chahti uska ye bachpana ACP sir ke samne aye. Tum samajh gaye na?"

Sachin: " Ha sir , mai abhi jata hu. Purvi, tum yehi Tarika ke paas ruko. Mai bureau hokar ata hu. "

At the blood bank of the hospital. Mahi was lying on a bed and Advik was sitting beside her. 1 unit blood was taken from her body and nurse left with the blood for post- operative room.

Mahi was trying to get up , but Advik stopped her.

Advik : " Mahi , thodi der leti raho. Abhi uthogi to sadh ghumne lagega."

"Mujhe parwa nehi hai . Mujh jaisi paapi ko to mar jana chahiye. Ek bag khoon denese mera praishchit nehi honewala."

Advik : ( With angry tone)"Bakwas band karo ! Tumhe na sahi , par mujhe parwa hai tumhari. Hamesha manmani karti rehti ho ! Jab tak mai na kahu , bed se hilna bhi nehi ,samjhi."

Mahi : " Tumto mere ku-karmo se wakif ho. Phir bhi tumhare dil me mujh jaisi shatir ladki ke liye itni humdardi bachi hai abhi tak?"

Advik : ( With angry tone)" Humdardi ? Tum andhi ho kya? Tumhe kuchh dikhayi nehi deta? I Love You , damn it ! Shayed tumne kabhi mehsoos na kiya ho , par training ke waqt se hi mai bohot pyaar karta hu tumse. Tum mujhse pyaar karo ya na karo , isse mujhe koi farak nehi parta. Par mai pyaar karta hu tumse. Ab chupchap 10 minutes tak leti raho."

Mahi kept silence. Only tears were rolling down from her eyes. She was continuously looking at his eyes.

After one hour , Abhijeet was shifted to the cabin. He regained consciousness. All went to meet him.

Daya : " Kya bachpana hai ,Abhijeet? Tum bachche ho kya?Pati patni me jhagda nehi hote? Kya meri aur Shreya ke beech jhagda nehi hota? Aisi chhoti chhoti baaton pe itna react karta hai koi ? "

Abhijeet looked at Tarika and she nodded her head in' No'.

Abhijeet : " Sorry yaar , mai gusse me ake glass tod diya tha. Pata nehi tha ,itna khoon nikalne lagega. Bohot pareshani uthani padhi tum sabko. I'm sorry. Mai ab thik hu. Raat ke 3: 30 baaj chuke hai. Tumlog plz ghar jao. Aur ha , itni raatko ACP sir ko pareshan maat karna. Unhe kaal subah bata dena."

Daya : " Wo aapko kehne ki jaroorat nehi hai. Aur ha , apni bachpane ki bareme ACP sir ko batane ki jaroorat nehi hai. Mai keh dungi ke accidentally tumhare cabin ke kaanch tootne ki bhajaise ye hadsa hua. Aur ha , tum dono( looking at Abhijeet and Tarika) Vagwaan ke liye apni apni insecurities se bahar niklo. Pati patni ke rishtey me trust hona bohot jaroori hai. Sirf pyaar se rishtey nehi nibhaye jatey , ek dusre par bishwas aur ek dusre ke liye samman ka hona bhi jaroori hai. "

Abhijeet and Tarika both remained silent.

After sometimes , all the officers left the hospital leaving behind Abhirika alone. Tarika was sitting silently on a stool beside Abhijeet's bed. Abhijheet couldn't meet Tarika's gaze. After sometimes , Tarika broke the silence.

Tarika : " Tumko aisa nehi karna chahiye tha. You could have lost your life."

Abhijeet : " Maar jata to hi accha tha. Tumhari nafrat leke zinda rehnese to maar jana hi accha hai mere liye. Bohot nafrat karti ho na mujhse ab ? Daya se thappad wali baat chhupayi tumne , hai na?"

Tarika : " Batane layek koi baat to hai nehi ye. Shayed meri nafrat tum seh bhi loge , par apni sabse acche dost ki ankhome apne liye nafrat nehi dekh paoge. Sirf Advik aur Mahi ko ye baat pata hai. Mai nehi chahti kisi aur ko iss bareme pata chale. Maine un dono ko bhi kisiko batanese mana kiya hai."

Abhijeet : " Kyu ? Kyu na batau ? Karne do sabko nafrat mujhse. Maine jo paap kiya hai , uske liye mujhe yehi saja milni chahiye , ke saab mujhse nafrat kare."

Tarika : " Maine hamesha tumhare liye sabki ankhome pyaar aur ijjat hi dekha hai . Tum shayed seh bhi lo , par tumhare liye sabki nafrat bhari nigahe mai nehi seh paungi."

Abhijeet held Tarika's hand with his left hand.

Abhijeet : " Itni parwa hai tumhe meri ijjat ki? Itna pyaar maat karo mujhse, Tarika. Layek nehi hu mai tumhari pyaar ki. Kya maaf kar sakogi mujhe ? Maine jo kiya hai , wo maafi ke layek to nehi hai. Par phir bhi , humarey pyaar ki khatir , mujhe maaf kardo."

Tarika : " Bohot ganda iljaam lagaya maine tumpe. Par mera yakeen mano , iss baat pe mujhe bhi bishwas nehi tha. Uss letter ne pahle hi mera dimaag kharab kar rakkha tha , jab tum ghar ake Viabhab ko leke mujhe charge karne lage ,tab mujhe bohot gussa aya. Aur ,pata nehi kaise itni gandi baat meri jubaan se nikal gayi. Gunehgaar to mai bhi hu. Plz mujhe maaf kardo. "

Abhijeet : " Tumne chahe jo bhi kaha ho , par maine tumpe haat uthake sadi hade par kar diya hai. Tum meri patni ho. Kisi bhi haalme mujhe tumpar haat nehi uthana chahiye tha. Plz Tarika , mujhse nafrat maat karo. Mujhe maaf kardo. Tum mujhe chhodke chali to nehi jaogi na?"

Tarika : "Abhijeet , tumhari tabiyat thik nehi hai. Tum thodi der so jao. Tum puri tarha thik ho jao , phir hum iss bareme baat karenge. Tum bohot kamjor ho. Tumhe nind ki jaroorat hai. Abhi tum sone ki koushish karo .Thik hai?"

Abhijeet : " Tarika , tum ekbaar mujhse bass itna kehdo , ke tum mujhe chhodke nehi jaogi. Tum jo saja dena chaho , mujhko dena. Par bass ekbaar kehdo , jaan."

Tarika : " Plz Abhijeet , iss bareme abhi baat nehi karte hai. Tum so jao. Mai yehi hu tumhare paas."

Tarika started ruffling his hair. She seemed not in a mood to have any more conversation on this topic. Abhijeet was very tensed. He was feeling so much restless. But due to effect of Medicine , soon he drifted into sleep. Tarika held his hand lightly and passed the whole night crying silently .

Next day , ACP sir, Dr. Salunkhe and all the CID officers came to visit Abhijeet. ACP sir scolded Abhijeet for being careless and having the accident. He , Dr. Salunkhe and rest of the CID officers who were not present previous night were informed that Abhijeet had accidentally cut his hand by broken glass of his cabin. At noon , he was discharged from the hospital and went back to home along with Tarika. Tarika took him to the bedroom and made him sit comfortably on the bed. Then , she was about to leave the room. Abhijeet held her hand and said ,

Abhijeet : " Mere paas baitho na Tarika. Kaha ja rahi ho?"

Tarika : " Tumhare liye thoda soup bana deti hu. Tumhare sehat ke liye achha hai. Tumhe thodi takat milegi."

Abhijeet : " Kuchh nehi chahiye mujhe. Tum bohot thaki huyi lag rahi ho. Mere paas baitho na thodi der ."

Tarika : " Abhijeet , tum thoda rest karlo. Soup banake mujhe nahane bhi jana hai. Baadme baithti hu tumhare paas."

Abhijeet : " Tum mujhe avoid to nehi kar rahiho na ,Tarika ?"

Tarika didn't give any answer and left the room. Abhijeet took a sigh. He thought..." Tumhare mann me kya chal raha hai , mujhe baata do, plz. Tumhari khamoshi bardast nehi ho raha hai mujhse." He was so much exhausted and soon drifted into sleep. After 2 hours , he wake up and Tarika feed him a small bowl of soup. She was silently doing household works. Abhijeet was keenly observing her. She was looking like broken from inside.

At night , Abhijeet held her hand and made her sit beside him.

Abhijeet : " Tarika , plz mujhe batado tumhari dil me kya chal raha hai. Iss tarha khamosh maat raho ,plz. Mai andarse maar raha hu , Tarika. Tum mujhpe chillao , gussa karo , kuchh bhi saja dedo. Par iss tarha khamosh maat raho. Tumhari khamoshi mujhse aur bardast nehi ho raha hai."

Tarika smiled lightly and said ,

" Itna bechain kyu ho rahe ho ? Maine kuchh kaha tumse ? Nehi na ? Tum abhi ye sab maat socho. Tum abhitak kamjor ho. So jao. Kal subah baat karte hai."

Abhijeet kept his head on her lap and embraced her waist. He was silently crying. Tarika kept her head on the head rest of the bed , tears were also rolling down from her eyes. Soon , both of them fell asleep.

Next morning...

Tarika got up from bed keeping Abhijeet's head on a pillow with great care. He was still sleeping. She made light breakfast for him. Then she packed her stuffs and was waiting for him to wake up. After sometimes , Abhijeet woke up , got freshen up. He was feeling better. Abhirika had their breakfast and back to the bedroom.

Abhijeet : " Aaj accha mehsoos kar raha hu. Soch raha tha bureau chala jayu. Tum lab nehi jaogi?"

Tarika : " Maine do din ki chhutti liyi hai. Tum dopaher ko bureau chale jana. Maine tumhare liye lunch prepare karke rakkhi hai . Lunch karke chale jana. Abhi thodi der baitho mere paas. Mujhe tumse baat karni hai."

Abhijeet became tensed. Tarika was looking so much quiet. Abhirika sat on the bed side by side.

Abhijeet : " Tarika , mujhe bohot ghabrahat ho raha hai. Tum mujhse kya kehnewali ho?"

Tarika : " Abhijeet , meri baaton ko dhyan se sunna , aur samajhne ki koushish karna, plz. Pahle mai tumse meri muse nikla huya unn gande shabd ke liye maafi mangti hu. Mujhe tumse wo sab nehi kehna chahiye tha. Mujhe maaf kar dena. Abhijeet,humarey rishtey me pyaar to bohot hai ek dusre ke liye. Lekin shayed wo samman aur bishwas nehi hai jo har pati patni ke rishtey ki buniyad ko majboot karta hai. Jab tumse meri shaadi huyi , tab mai bohot nadan thi. Mujhe iss rishtey se koi ummid nehi thi. Mere liye 'Pati' ek dehsat ka naam tha , jo mujhe mere papase alag karnewala tha. Mere dilme 'pati' ki jo tasveer thi ,wo bohot budi thi , jo apni patni ko samajhta nehi hai , usko torture karta hai ...wagera wagera. Phir tum meri zindegime aye. Meri sari soch hi badal gayi. Tum mere liye sirf mere pati nehi , balki mere ' pati parmeshwar' ban gaye. Apni ek nadaani ke bhjaise mai tumse dur ho gayi. Tumse dur janeke baad mujhe tumhari keemat ka ehsaas hua. Mai pagalo ki tarha koushish karti rahi tumhe pane ki , tumhara dil jitne ki. Aur tabhi ek andhi ki tarha Mahi humarey zindegime ayi. Usne humarey rishteh me darar dalne ki koushish kiyi. Ek tarah se yeh accha hi huya. Uski iss koushish ne humarey rishtey ki khokhlepan se parda hata diya. Hum dono ke beech ek dusre ke liye wo respect aur trust nehi tha , jo ek atoot rishtey ke liye bohot jaroori hota hai. Na mai tumhe ankh mundke bishwas kar saki , aur nahi tum mujhpe bharosa rakh paye. Phir bhi shayed humarey beech sab kuchh thik ho sakta tha. Lekin , ek pati agar apni patni par haat uthaye , to ye uss patni ki self respect ki jhaziya udake rakh deti hai. Yehi mere saath bhi hua hai. Karan chahe jo bhi ho , kisi pati ko uske patni pe haat uthane ki adhikar nehi hota. Mai tumse bohot pyaar karti hu , tumhare liye apni jaan bhi de sakti hu. Lekin apni swavimaan , apni atmasamman ki bali nehi charha sakti. Mai tumhare saath nehi reh paunga Abhijeet. Mujhe tumhe chhodke janahi hoga."

Abhijeet :( With pleading tone)" Aisa maat kaho ,Tarika. Mujhe maaf kardo. Mai zindegi me kabhi dobara ye galti nehi karunga. Mujhe akhri baar maaf kardo ,plz. Maine gusse me ake aisa kiya. Bharna mai tum par haat uthane ke bareme soch bhi nehi sakta hu."

Tarika : " Ek baat ka jawab do , Abhijeet. Kayi baar ACP sir , Daya sir aur junior officers ke saath bhi kisi na kisi baat ko leke tumhara annbann huyi hogi . Hai na? Tab tum gusse me bhi hote hogey?( Abhijeet nodded in'Yes') To kya tum tab unpe haat utha dete ho ? Unhe thappad maar dete ho ? Nehi na? Mai tumhari patni hu , sirf iss bhajaise tumhe mujhpar haat uthane ki license to nehi mil jata na? Mujhe galat maat samjho Abhijeet .Tumhe chhodke jana mere liye asaan nehi hai. Lekin apni dignity ke saath mai samjhota nehi kar sakti. Kisiko maat batana ke maine alag rehne ka faisla kiya hai. Pahle hi humarey rishtey ko leke bohot majak ban chuka hai. Aur majak nehi banana chahti mai. Papa ko mai kuchh bhi bol dungi. Phir dhire dhire sabko samajhme ahi jayega. Tum zindegime agey badh jana chaho , to badh sakteho. Tumne mere liye jo kiya hai ,wo mai kabhi bhul nehi sakti. Mai hamesha zindegi ke har moor pe tumhara saath dungi , magar ek dost banke , patni banke nehi. Mai chalti hu, Abhijeet. Tum khush rehna."

Tarika was about to get up . But Abhijeet held her hand and said with tears in his eyes ,

" Ek akhri baar mujhe maaf nehi kar sakti tum ? Humarey pyaar ke liye ? Plz?"

Tarika hugged him tightly and said with teary tone ,

" Mai tumse dur nehi jana chahti , Abhijeet. Par mai majboor hu. Mujhe jana hi parega. Phir bhi ek akhri koushish karte hai. (With sad smile)Bachchowala koushish.(She forwarded her 2 index fingers ) Inn dono ungli me se ek chuno."

Abhijeet choose the right one and looked at her face with full of expectation. Tarika looked into his eyes and slowly nodded in' NO'

Tarika : " Humarey kismaat me juda hona hi likkha hai. Bye."

Tarika took her luggage and slowly moved towards the door. Abhijeet called her from back...

" TARIKA , TUMHE ROOTHNE KA PURA ADHIKAR HAI. MAGAR TUMHE MANANE KA ADHIKAR TUM MUJHSE CHHIN NEHI SAKTI."

Tarika stopped for a moment and then proceeded towards the exit..

End of the chapter..

[ KK ji - meri shart maat bhulna. I'm serious. ][ Apko kya lagta hai , jo hua sahi hua? Ya phir Abhijeet ko ek akhri mouka milna chahiye tha ? Mai meri story ke sade readers se iss baatpe unki soch janna chahti hu. Plz review.]