A/n : Thank you readers for review on previous story. I was very skeptical while writing it thinking if anybody would like it or not. Glad to know that it was liked by you.
To those readers expecting an update on it, please be informed there is no update to it. It was just one chapter story.
Hope you like this too.
Lets start :
21 Oct, 11am
A simple day for all but still keeping them busy with work. Hearing the familiar footsteps, everybody turns the head towards the door. All soon as the figure comes in sight, everybody stands up in respect.
"Good Morning, Sir", wished Freddy.
"Good Morning Freddy. Abhijeet, Daya, Rajat cabin me aao", commanded Acp calmly and stepped inside without waiting for reply.
Duo with "ab kya hua" look move inside the cabin.
"Abhijeet, tumhe mere sath Delhi chalna he 3 din k liye ek conference attend karne. Jaruri he aur me chahta hu ki tum sath raho. Daya, Rajat tum dono yaha sambhal lena 3 din" said the head and noticed the fallen face of his emotional officer. Asking him seriously, "Koi problem he Daya"?.
"Nahi Sir", he said half-heartedly.
"Thik he fir me tumhe 3 din baad milunga. Abhijeet 7am ki flight he. Ready rehna. Me pick kar lunga tumhe kal. Jao ab", politely.
"Ok Sir", in chorus replied all 3 and stepped out to get back to their work.
Rest of the day is passed normally. At night, duo reached home. Have dinner and are now sitting in the hall watching Tv.
Abhijeet decided to start the conversation. "Kya hua Daya? Kyu udas he subah se".
"Kya Boss, ab tum toh ye na pucho na. Tumhe pata he" said sadly.
"Ha Daya. Lekin kaam b toh jaruri he. Tumhe toh pata he agar jaruri nahi hota toh Sir nahi lekar jate mujhe. Apne level par handle kar lete." consoling his buddy. "Hmm.. pata he, isiliye toh me kuch keh nahi paya".
"Ab udas mat ho, mere lautne k bad kuch plan karte he. Ab sojate he late ho raha he". After getting a positive reply from other one, both get up wish each other good night with a set if instructions for next days and leave towards their room.
Next day morning 22 Oct
Abhijeet leaves with Acp for the conference and later Daya goes to bereau. A regular day again for all.
At night, both of them return to their room, completing dinner they are lying on the bed but sleep is far. Both of them tossing thinking something.
12am 23 Oct
Phone rings but the caller is not surprised to know it being received on 1 ring.
"Happy Birthday Boss", as soon as he heard the receiver's voice. "Thank You, Daya" said Abhijeet happily. "Soye nahi, abitak? Kya kar rahe the Boss?", he asked naughtily. Feeling mischievousness in brothers tone, Abhijeet replied, "Bas kisika wait kar raha tha".
"Kya, kiska wait?"
"Kyu tuje nahi pata?"
"Nahi Abhi..." (innocently)
"Thik he fir. Jane de.."
"Hmm.. Ab hum he hi kaun jise tum batao. Jane diya" smirking.
"Abee, drame baaz.. Tere hi phone ka intezar kar raha tha".. said Abhijeet happily.
With fake disappointment in his tone , Daya replied"Muje laga mere gift ka wait kar rahe hoge". Unknowingly the birthday boy replied, " Ha woh b he" in casual tone. Realizing what he said he immediately tried to cover it with "Mera matlab tha..". His statement gets cut from the other end.
"Pata he mujhe Abhi. Ab jao apne bag ki talashi lo" instructed Daya. Confused on what he heard, Abhijeet asked "kya". Daya said again but slowly, "yehi ki senior inspector abhijeet jayiye aur apni bag ki talashi lijiye". Confused he does as instructed.
"Hello, Abhi, Boss, hello.., kisne kaha ye sharpshine he? Phone toh speaker par dal deta... sab kuch batana padta he" grumped Daya.
" Ha dal diya ab bol", as he had heard his line.
Daya asked excitedly, "kaisa laga, Boss"?
"Bahut mitha he".
"Mitha? (In Confusion). Kya mila tumhe?"
"Dairy milk." came the innocent reply.
" Aree Abhi.. kis ne tumhe senior inspector bana diya. Ek kaam b pura nahi kar sakte. Dubara apna bag check karo aur specially tumhara wo favourite wala coat."
"Coat? Kyu usme kya he".
"Karo na"
"Mil gaya he mujhe Daya. Me bas tumhe tang kar raha tha. Box toh beautifully wrap kiya he sahab ne". Replied Abhijeet happy and smiling.
"Abhiii.. kholo ise ab", controlling his excitement and happiness.
"Ha ha kholta hu baba. Ek minute"
After 3 mins, "Abhiii.. kitne slow b ho tum. Itna waqt lagta he kya?". No response received. "Bossssss... kya hua.. tum thik ho?".
Abhijeet holding a delicate, glittering golden pendant with the word "BHAi" carved intricately in its center replied, "Ha Daya me thik hu.. bahut bahut jyada sundar he ye. Thank you bhai". Feeling relaxed that his bhai is happy, Daya replied, "Abhi, us pendant ko ulte side dekho ab, uske rim k andar".
Abhijeet did as instructed and was left mesmerized with what he saw. He could see "DAY"A"BHI" written on the rim in circular design with the alphabet "A" as the connecting letter between the 2 names.
Abhijeet replied, " Me bahut jyada kush hu meri bhai. Ye sabse sundar taufa he". Feeling happiness in his words and tone, Daya replied, "Love you bhai". Abhijeet too did the same.
"Chalo ab sojao, late horaha he, jaldi milenge".
"Thik he Daya. Good Night" and both disconnected the call.
Daya slept feeling happy within minutes. Here, Abhijeet wrapped the gift again placed it in his bag and took the letter that he found with the pendant on the bed to read. Lying he opened the letter and read.
Dearest Abhi, Boss, Bhai,
Happy Birthday!
Aj me tumse jo kehene wala hu shayad maine pehle kabi kisi se nahi kaha. 20 saal hogaye apni dosti ko, pata hi nahi chala kaise ye time bith gaya.. Mujhe toh family k bare me kuch pata hi nahi tha lekin tumne mere har rishte ki khawish puri kar di. Tum hi meri family ho. (Abhijeet was feeling overwhelmed with emotions and would have cried if he not read the next line). Toh isiliye me chahta hu ki tum, mere liye Delhi se aate waqt 20 gifts lekar aao. (Wink).
Yours Daya!
The change in Abhijeet's reaction was worth noticing. "Pagal, kahika" thought he and smiling folded the letter, kept it on the table and slept saying "Thank you God".
"God gives very few strangers the ability to provide love, care , trust same as family and they are called friends and strange thing is they all meet us unexpectedly".
Morning.. Birthday boy got up and ready to leave for conference. Before stepping out , he checked his messages. Almost everybody had wished him for the day. Disappointed he moved out and greeted his senior "Good Morning, Sir".
"Good Morning, Beta", came the reply that confused Abhijeet.
He knows Acp sir will never merge personal relations on a proffesional trip unless very necessary. He thought , " Kya sir ko yaad he?... Toh wish kyu nahi kar rahe he?... May be aise hi muh se nikal gaya hoga... Ha aisa hi hua hoga... " His train of thoughts got interrupted by his father who said, " Kya hua Abhijeet. Kaha kho gaye?.. chalo late ho raha he".
" Jee Sir.. " but Acp noticed his son's confusion but ignored.
In car, his mobile was continously beeping with messages. "Kya hua Abhijeet, bahut messages aa rahe he aj?".. "wo customer care wale pareshan kar rahe he Sir", hiding it from his senior. His senior nodded with "thik he" look.
They reached the venue. Day passed with regular stuff..
At 7pm
Both of them stepped out of conference hall.
"Uff, kitne sawal jawab, kitne sare vips. Smile karte karte muh dukne laga. Ap kaise manage kar lete he Sir har mahine in sabko?" asked Abhijeet curiously to Acp. Acp smiled at his officers curiousity and said, " Tumhe b adat ho jayegi jab tum ACP ban jaoge. Chalo aj kahi bahar dinner karne chalte he". In confusion Abhijeet asked,"bahar kyu? Yaha par toh arangement he sab".
"Kal hum waise b Mumbai jane wale he toh socha thoda gum liya jaye" said Acp. Getting convinced, Abhijeet nodded positively and both boarded the cab.
After 30 minutes, Abhijeet was surprised standing infront of the hotel where they were staying from last 2 days.
"Sir ye?"
"Ha. Maine suna he yaha ek special chef ata he har tuesday ko. Aur aj tuesday he toh kyu na taste karle", trying to convince his sharpshine and quickly started walking towards the dining hall.. Abhijeet followed quickly.
After reaching the desired door, "Tum chalo me 2 min me ata hu.". Abhijeet nodded and entered inside. First he thought he has come in wrong hall as all lights were off and it was complete dark. Not a single sound.. He turned and was about to open the door.
A voice over the speaker, " Senior Inspector Abhijeet, kaha ja rahe ho?", Feeling a familiar voice but overriding it with thoughts like "aise kaise ho sakta he wo to mumbai me he", he asked "kaun ho tum?". In reply he got, " thoda sabre karo.. batate he batate he.. pehle andar toh aao thik se.." in a different tone...
Feeling something suspicious , he is hesitant to move. Again " Aree socho mat .. aajao... kuch nahi hoga.. aur ho b gaya toh tum toh Senior Inspector Abhijeet hona.. itne me dar gaye".. This was enought for him.. he slowly moved ahead.
As soon as he reached in the centre, lights came ON... It took a minute to adjust himself and realize where he was standing.. He noticed, a beautifully decorated hall with Happy birthday banners everywhere.. A round cake on the center table. On the left , a lavish buffet including his favorite dishes. On the right a collage of photo frames showing his journey from Inspector to Senior Inspector, his award ceremonies including duo-trio and team pictures. His happiness knew no bounds when he saw all of his team members standing behind him waiting to wish him. "Ap sab?" In surprising tone. "Ha.. jab boss ka order aye toh ana hi padhega".. said dr. Salunkhe. He was confused with this statement but thought to ignore it for now.
"Happy birthday Sir", greeted Freddy, Purvi, Rajat and Sachin. "Happy Birthday Abhijeet", said Dr. Salunkhe. He stepped forward to hug everyone but wait . His mind is asking to him, "where is his soul?, why is he not here?" He wanted to ask but did not have courage. He understands and knows he is important for everyone but he doesnt not want to spoil their happiness by asking about that one person. He hugs everyone. "Tum apne Acp Sir ko kaha chod aye?".
"Me yaha hu", and entered inside. All looked at him but he looked only at his son's face that was glittering with happiness. He came forward and wished "Happiest Birthday, my son!" and hugged him. Abhijeet also responded with same love and affection.
" Chaliye Sir, ab cake katthe he", requested Freddy.
He moved towards the cake but now he cannot resist asking. He knows his father would not mind him asking this question so he asked, "Sir, Daya nahi aya?".
"Wo me batana bhul gaya. Usse dcp ke sath jana pada kyuki hum dono yaha he". He felt sad but nodded ok as he understands work. Anyways he had already made him special in midnight.
He grabbed the knife and was about to cut when a voice over speaker, "mere bina cake kat raho... not fair yaar.. ". Abhijeet stops and thinks "Ye awaj..."..
Acp(smiling): Kya hua Abhijeet
Abhijeet : Sir ye awaj..
Acp: Kaunsi Awaj?
Rajat: Ha sir, Kaunsi Awaj?
Abhijeet(thinking) : shayad me jyada miss kar raha hu.. isliye awaje sunai de rahi he.. and he again attempts to cut the cake..
Voice : Boss..
Abhijeet stops again.
Voice : Kya hua.. Miss kar rahe ho..
Abhijeet : Ha..
Others are entertaining themselves with the conversation but the birthday boy is so engrossed in his thoughts that he doesnt not notice this.
Voice: Bahut jyada miss kar rahe ho?
Abhijeet : Ha
Voice: Acha . Ankhe band karo..
Abhijeet closed his eyes.
Slowly Daya comes over there and takes him in his hug. Abhijeet recognizes the touch and says "Daya" with closed eyes. "Ab ankhe kholo" says Daya. Abhijeet does as instructed and his shocked and surprised. He immediately hugs him back tightly. He has no words.
Everybody starts clapping , making them aware of their presence and waiting to cut the cake... After separating from the hug, he looks his father who was full of love and happiness and says "thank you" with eyes. His father also is equally happy and comes forward indicating to cut the cake.
"Sometimes silence speaks more than words"
Finally, cake is cut and gifts are exchanged. All have dinner with casual chit chat after some games and music. Everybody returns to their rooms except duo and oldie duo.
Duo are standing in the attached balcony enjoying the breeze. Oldie duo are sitting in hall discussing some case.
Abhijeet : Kab aye tum log aur ye sab plan kab kiya?
Daya: ye sab sir ka plan tha unhone sara arrangement karva diya tha. Ya tak ki tickets b bhej diye the hume. Dopahar ko phone aya tha mujhe aur ye plan bataya..
Abhijeet: Aj me bahut khush hu. Sare gile shikwe dur hogaye. Pata he subah se Sir ne wish kiya hi nahi tha. Mujhe laga Sir bhul gaye hoge. Aur shaam ko ye sab... Bahut jyada khush hu..
Daya( double happy to see his souls happiness) : Boss, tumhe toh pata he .. Sir tumhe kuch b bol le lekin pyar b toh karte he tumse.. Sirf unka tarika jara sa alag he(winks). After all tum unke bade samajdar bete jo ho.. (he purposefully stressed on the samajdar word).
Abhijeet(nodded unknowingly) : ha wo toh he..
After realizing what he did, he recollected.. yeah this is the answer to this questions that he always gets when he is doubted by his strict father. Yes, he considers him most sorted, responsible and mature. Thats why although he doubts him he does not leave him or react to his responses.. he his always with him...
Daya: Boss, kaha kho gaye? Chalo chale, late ho raha he..
Abhijeet : Ha chalte he.. pehle Sahab batayenge, wo awaj wala drama kyu? Sidhe sidhe samne nahi aa sakta tha?
Daya : Wo kya he na, saal me ek hi din milta he mujhe jis din tang karne se tum daante nahi mujhe.. aur wo idea mera nahi Sir ka tha..
Abhijeet (surprised to understand how much his father understands him): Achaaa.. Aur wo 20 gifts?
Daya : Wo toh tume dene padhege.. varna me tumhe ghar nahi aane dunga.. wo mera return gift he.. and runs down..
Abhijeet : Achaa bachee.. deta hu tuje return gift...
Reaching down, Daya said , " chaliye dr. Saab hum lawn ka ek round lagakar aate he". nodded and both left.
Abhijeet : Me bahut jyada khush hu aj.. apne itna sab kiya.. Very Very Thank You... and hugs him..
Acp(hugs him) : Me janta hu Abhijeet tum mujh se naraz hoto ho kabi kabi lekin kuch bolte nahi. Lekin meri b majburi he jo shayad me abhi samja na saku. Jab tum meri jagah hoge aur daya tumhari toh tum apne ap samaj jaoge.. chahe jo b ho jaye tum mere liye hamesha special ho.. you are my eldest son.. Me hamesha tumhare piche hu.. and forwards his gift to him..
Abhijeet looks at him for a minute and then accpets the gift. He opens and is delighted to see a wristwatch with leather belt and a white dial and in the center its written as "With love, Dad"..
Abhijeet : Bahut khubsurat he..
Acp blesses him and both move towards their room and go to bed to prepare for a new day.
The End.