Were We Written in the Sand

...

"Mamma, we enjoyed so much today na?" Abhika asked her mother lying on her lap at night.

"Hmm." Tarika replied shortly.

"And you were so awesome." Abhika sat up and took Tarika's mobile. She entered into the gallery section and showed Tarika her pic. "See, Abhijeet uncle took such nice photos of yours. You are looking so pretty while skating."

Tarika smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm.

"Yeah yeah.. now come sleep. You have school tomorrow." She made Abhika lie down.

"I wish Abhijeet uncle never leaves us."

"He will leave in a couple of weeks Abhika. He's a guest."

"But he said he's your old friend."

"He is. But he has come here for work. He will be gone after his work."

"Should I ask him to stay? He will stay if I ask him to."

"Abhika! No. We are his no ones. He has his family and friends in Mumbai. You wont ask him to stay. You get it?" Tarika said sternly.

"But mama.."

"No but.. now sleep."

Abhika turned her head other side, angry with her mom and slept. Tarika sighed ruffling her daughter's hair.

She shouldn't be angry with Abhika. It'd come very easy for everyone to love Abhijeet, specially kids. Kids were always fond of Abhijeet. She had seen it previously. But Tarika didn't want him to hold back in her shattered life. She knew he also had a shattered life. But they didn't have any place in each other's life anymore. She neither did have the interest nor the need. And may be it's same with Abhijeet. Yes. there's a kind of pleading in his eyes, a kind of pain which Tarika knew would subside with time once he got to know that she's doing fine. Life was going on.

Brushing her thoughts away she took her phone and went through the gallery. Abhijeet had taken a lot of pictures of her and Abhika. Not in a single picture Abhijeet was present. Tarika chuckled. He did it deliberately. Tarika sighed. Although she agreed to go with them she was reluctant to do the skating. She wore saree. But Abhijeet managed the skating suit for her somehow at spot and also guided her for the skating. Tarika closed her eyes and travelled through the moments. She imagined herself speeding up down the ice hills. Her stomach lurched. She felt free. She felt alive. She felt like flying away. She felt normal, herself. She felt like Tarika. She remembered Abhijeet's assuring smile and jerked off from her thoughts. And now she felt guilt.

She walked to the window and looked outside. Abhijeet was walking in the garden talking over phone in his T shirt and trouser. She chuckled again. This man used to give her butterflies every time he was around her. She used to observe his every activities closely. She used to cherish them. He still gave her a feeling every time she looked at him but this feeling is different. It ached, somewhere in her chest. Not wanting him to see her she went to her bed and sat down. She looked at Abhika and ruffled her hair. She remembered her own words. Yes, she knew and she wanted Abhijeet leave as soon as possible but only thinking about it gave her a void feeling in her heart. But it's her destiny and she had stopped fighting with her fate long time ago. Now, she accepted everything without any question.

Morning at Tarika's House:

Tarika was packing Abhika's bag when the land line phone rang. She picked it up.

"Hello."

"Hello, Dr Tarika."

"Da.. Daya!"

"Oh, so you remembered my voice? Strange!"

"What are you talking about Daya." Tarika said sadly. "How are you?"

"You better not asking me this question." Daya was angry.

"I know you are angry. And its justifiable too."

"Tarika, I'm hurt."

"I can understand."

"No, you don't damn it! I didn't protest when you leave. I didnt search about your whereabouts. I didnt question your decisions but I didn't expect this from you Tarika." Daya said helplessly. "Why didn't you tell any of us? Just why? We are nothing to you?" Daya cried.

"No Daya.. please don't say this." Tarika cried. "You know that you all are my everything. But... how could I just go back after doing all those! I couldn't Daya. I just couldn't gather courage to contact you."

"You did it very wrong Tarika. You know, Salunke sir was coming to Shimla right away. ACP sir stopped him. It could have affect Abhijeet's case there."

"Why would Abhijeet tell Salunke sir Anything!" Tarika was furious.

"He didnt. I did. Because he has the right to know. And also Abhijeet didn't give me your land line number. I managed. Salunke sir still uses his old number. If you can please talk to him."

"I.. I will Daya. Thanks. And please don't be hurt. I am fine."

"I know how fine you are. Abhijeet's voice was enough for me to know this."

"You know him.. he exaggerates everything.." Tarika stopped.

"Yeah, he exaggerates everthing related to you." Daya completed her sentence.

Tarika stayed quiet.

"Okay, I am getting late for Bureau. Talk to you later." Daya said.

"Take care Daya. Bye."

Tarika cut the call and turned to see Abhijeet at the threshold.

"Daya called?" He asked.

"Hmm.." Tarika nodded.

"I.. I asked him not to.. I mean..."

"He told me."

"Salunke sir wanted to talk to you too."

"I will talk to him later."

"You will?" Abhijeet asked hopefully.

"Yeah." Tarika smiled. Abhijeet smiled back.

Abhika ran to Abhijeet.

"Uncle, will you drop me to school? I dont wanna go with mama." Abhika said with cute anger.

Abhijeet looked at Tarika and realized Abhika was angry with her.

"But, I don't have car here and your mama is driving me to Bureau. You can come with us."

"Huh! Can't we go in taxi?"

"Umm... I dont have money for Taxi."

"What? But you are so big and you do job.."

"I didn't get paid." Abhijret said cutely.

"Huh! Okay.. But you and me are sitting at back seat while mama is driving. Because Abhika dont want to talk to her."

"Fine with me." Said Tarika. "Now have breakfast."

"Come uncle." Abhika lead Abhijeet to dining table and they had their breakfast.

/-/-/-/- /

Abhirika dropped Abhika to school. Now Tarika was driving the car and Abhijeet was at passenger seat.

"I'm sorry if you didnt like me coming with you. I was just trying to melt Abhika's anger."

"She doesn't forget easily. It will take a while. And I dont mind you coming with me."

"Thanks."

"Abhijeet, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure?"

"How long you are going to stay here?"

Abhijeet looked hurt.

"No.. dont take me wrong. It's just Abhika you know.." Tarika added.

"You want me to leave?" Abhijeet asked.

"No.. i just want to know how long you gonna stay."

"I dont know." Abhijeet looked away. "I am not even close to my target."

"You don't concentrate in your work." Tarika said looking in front.

Abhijeet sighed. She was right. He could hardly concentrate in his work.

"I am trying."

"You are not trying enough Abhijeet. Btw, if you need any help you can ask me."

"How do you know I might need help. Did Daya tell you something?"

"No." Tarika laughed a little, "ACP sir won't send her brilliant officer here for a mere murder case and you don't need so much time to solve this simple case. Yet, you are wasting your time. It's simple Abhijeet."

"Is it this obvious?"

"Relax, not for others."

"Thank God. But I really do need hints. Strong hints to clear my doubt."

"You think I can help?"

"I dont want you to get involved but i would keep this in mind."

Tarika smiled. Abhijeet was confused with her smiles. She wanted to show him she's doing great but she should know Abhijeet wasn't that dumb. He could read her eyes.

They reached Bureau and went to their respective offices.

Later that Day Abhijeet was accompaning the team to the forensic when the head of the Shimla CID forensic joined them at the corridor.

"Hello everyone." The lady at her mid fifty greeted them.

"Hello Dr Sinha.. We were on our way to lab only." Said the ACP of Shimla CID.

"Yeah. yeah I know."

But they stopped hearing a glass breaking door and seconds later fumes came out of the lab.

"Dr Tarika is there." Dr Sinha was panicked.

The blood drained from Abhijeet's face rapidly and he became pale. Without thinking anything he jumped into the fume filled lab with everyone shouting at him and then following him. Abhijeet saw Tarika lying on ground with blood coming out of her forehead. He ran to her without wasting any second.

"Tarika..." he patted her cheek, panicked.

"The fume is toxic. Everybody out of the room now." Dr Sinha shouted.

Everybody followed her order. Abhijeet hesitated for a few second but picked Tarika up in his arms and followed others out of the lab.

Tarika's hands were dangling on either side. She was unconcious. Abhijeet was looking at her face, tension written all over his face clearly.

Everybody stopped at Bureau enterance.

"Abhijeet, take her inside." ACP ordered.

Abhijeet took her in the bureau and made her sit on a chair. Raj spat water on her face. Dr Sinha checked her.

"We should take her to the hospital." Abhijeet suggested.

"No need. She will be fine." De Sinha said.

Abhijeet closed his eyes in irritation but didn't say anything as he saw Tarika regaining conciousness. He sighed with relief.

"How.. How I'm.. Here?" Tarika was confused.

"Dr Tarika you fainted in Lab. What happened?" ACP asked.

"Sir.. I was checking some chemicals. Perhaps I mixed wrong chemicals. I'm sorry. The room filled with fume and within seconds I got fainted. I don't remember anything."

"What rubbish! You should be careful around chemicals." Abhijeet said roughly. For everbody it sounded completely rude but only to Tarika it sounded nothing but caring.

"Inspector Abhijeet, it happens. Don't be so rude with her." Dr Sinha snapped.

Abhijeet controlled his overflowing emotions and walked away. Tarika looked at his way while dr Sinha do her dressing.

"Even today you can't hide your emotions for me Abhijeet." Tarika spoke on mind and her yes got teary.

"Is it hurting?" Dr Sinha asked with outmost care seeing her eyes moist.

Tarika just shook her head.

Abhijeet reached the parking lot and hit his hand with a Car.

"Damn it!" He cursed his emotions. All the time here he tried his best to hide his emotions, his feelings, his relation with Tarika here. He didn't want to make any kind of troubles for her. And what did he do today? He remembered how he picked her up in front of everyone. Damn it! Really.

Controlling his overpowering emotions he entered into the Bureau after 30 minutes and found both the Dr present there. Dr Sinha was talking with ACP on a desk. Tarika was sitting in her previous position. Abhijeet moved near her.

"Are you feeling okay?" He asked, as normally as he could manage.

"I was so scared Dr Tarika... I panicked." Raj joined them.

"I'm fine." Tarika smiled.

"Abhika... Its time to pick her up from school. Your driver is on leave." Abhijeet reminded her.

"Oh Abhijeet... How will she go to school? I'll pick Abhika.. Dont worry Dr Tarika." Raj said.

"No Raj, its fine. I can manage." Tarika smiled at Raj and looked at Abhijeet who was looking visibly angry with her stubbornness. Tarika gulped seeing the same old fire in his eyes after so long. And she knew she couldn't disobey his next words.

"It's okay Raj. I have some works outside the bureau. I will drive Tarika's car to her house and also will pick up Abhika." Abhijeet said sternly.

Raj looked at Tarika knowing her stunborn nature but was surprised with her soft gaze which indicated she was okay with Abhijeet's offer.

"Okay then. Call me if you need anything." Raj said. "And Take care.'

"Thanks." Tarika smiled. Raj walked away.

"Let's go." Abhijeet said. "You need help?" Abhijeet asked as Tarika stood up.

Tarika shook her head.

"Rashi.." Abhijeet called the junior.

"Yes sir." Rashi immediately responded.

"Can you please help Dr Tarika to her Car?"

"Sure sir." Rashi lead Tarika outside the Bureau.

Abhijeet went to talk to ACP.

Later,

Abhijeet take the driving seat. Tarika was already present in passenger seat. He strarted the car.

"Abhijeet..." Tarika started.

"I know I shouldn't have behaved like this. I'm sorry." Abhijeet apologized without looking at her.

"Are you?" Tarika asked playfully.

Abhijeet sighed and chose not to answer her.

"Let me buy some chocolates for Abhika." Abhijeer stopped the car and got down.

They picked Abhika from her school. She was hell happy to see Abhijeet there. Getting into the car she saw her mother with a bandage around her head and all her morning anger evaporated.

"Mama... what happened to you?" Abhika cried.

"Nothing beta. Just a small wound." Tarika kissed her daughter and hugged her as Abhijeet drove towards their house. All the while on road Abhika kept asking Tarika about her health. Abhijeet felt all awe towards the little angel.

Abhijeet dropped Abhika and Tarika at their House and drove off for his work explaining everything to Abhika's grandmother.

He returned when it's almost evening. As he was parking the car he saw Abhika at terrace alone. Abhijeet panicked and rushed inside. He met her grandmother.

"Aunty, I think Abhika is on terrace alone."

"Relax beta, the railings are high. But as you are here will you please call her for me."

"Sure Aunty." Abhijeet ran upstairs with fast steps.

As he stepped into the terrace he found Abhika sitting on a low bench with her teaddy looking gloomy. She saw Abhijeet but her face didn't lit up like other times. Abhijeet sat beside her with a sigh.

"What happened to the princess?" Abhijeet asked fondly.

"Umm hm.." Abhika shook her head.

"But I thought we were friends. And friends share everything."

"You don't share anything with me." Abhika looked away.

"I will. You can ask me anything."

"Anything?"

"Yes, anything. But first tell me why you are so saddy saddy?"

"I am thinking."

"You are too yound to think and make yourself upset." Abhijeet said with a chuckle.

"I am thinking about mama."

"She will be fine Abhika. It's not a big wound." Abhijeet assured the little girl.

"But uncle, there's no one to take care of her. When I'm sick or grandma is sick mama takes care of us. But I'm too young and Grandma is too old to take care of her."

"Abhika. You two can still take of her."

"No uncle. You know one time she felt sick and she slept with fever whole night. We didn't even know. And at morning grandma was crying what to do when mama got unconcious." Abhika cried.

"Ssh.. shhe beta. Don't cry." Abhijeet hugged her. His own eyes were getting teary. It's only one time. She had to go through situations like this multiple times in her life. Why couldn't she just go back to Mumbai. She had no rights to punish herself and this little soul like this. He felt ragged but controlled.

"Will you take care of my mama?" Abhika asked sweetly, breaking the hug. She had hopes in her eyes.

"I'm not worth of it Abhika." Abhijeet choked on his own words.

"What do you mean?" Abhika was confused.

"Nothing." Said Abhijeet wipping away the small tear drop from the corner of his eyes. "As long as I'm staying here I will definitely take care of your mama. Okay?" Abhijeet smiled. "Now, come on give me a smile. The brightest one."

Abhika smiled big with happiness and hugged Abhijeet with her small hands.

"Let's go donwstairs now." Abhijeet said taking Abhika in his arms.

Abhijeet let Abhika stood up in front of Tarika's room. Tarika was talking with Abhika's grandmother.

"Maa, why have you come upstairs? Your knee pain will get worse. I'm absolutely fine."

"Yeah yeah... I can see how fine you are."

Abhika ran to Tarika.

"Be careful." Her Grandmother suggested but Abhika jumped into Tarika's lap.

"Abhijeet, come inside. Why are you standing there?" Tarika said.

Abhijeet walked in with slow steps. He took a look around the room. It's decorated with Tarika's choice with simple furnitures and curtains. He tried to find photos of her with Abhinash but there weren't any. He sighed. He still couldn't except it wholeheartedly. It's always hard to see her with someone else. Even in pictures.

"Abhijeet?" Tarika called him.

"Umm.. I.. I have got some medicines for you." He forwarded an envelope from his coat's pocket.

"You didn't have to. I have medicines."

"I thought you might need them."

"Thank you." Tarika smiled.

"Take care." Abhijeet said and left the room with small steps. Tarika felt his behaviour weirder than usual.

0_0_0_0

--

/-/-/-/

Mujhe tumhe khona toh nahi tha,

Pana tha..

par sayad,

haad se jayada chahat na kiya tha.

Abhijeet was sitting on the garden chair looking at the bright stars on sky. He was wearing his casual T shirt and trousers. His heart was aching after talking with Abhika. He was remembering the old times with Tarika in his life, and also the ones he spent with her memories.

Khushiya du ya na,

Gaam toh na dena tha..

Dard ko tera hamnawa toh na banana tha.

Perhaps, pain was all that he offered to her when he was with her and when he wasn't. And she endured every pain with smile, just for him. She didn't complain. She didn't fight. She simply chose to live in pain. But this wasn't what he had planned for her.

Khud ke khushi ke badle

tere daman mei kuch toh dena tha..

Kya pata tha,

gaam ke elaba kuch tere nasib mei na tha.

Placing a stone over his heart he let her go, only for her to lead a happy life. But happiness weren't written for her.

He rememberd everytime he cursed his pain when it was unbearable. He used to tell himself, 'endure it Abhijeet, at least its making her life better.' This wasn't a better life! He didn't wish it for her.

Ab maafi bhi kya mangu?

Bahane bhi kya du?

Sath toh kabhi diya nahi

Sahara bhi ab kya banu!

He cursed himself now for not searching about her whereabouts. He could break her promise just like he had broken all the promises before. He wish he had. And the funny part was he couldn't be his support anymore. He couldn't offer her anything. And it killed him. He couldn't be her partner or a friend. How could he become a soother for her? He couldn't.

Dua mei bhi kya yaad karu

Kismat ko bhi kya dosh du

Khud ne hi jo mukammal na kiya

wo ishq ko kya ab kamil karu.

"I don't even know what to pray for you Tarika. I don't even blame the fate anymore. Everything could have been easier if I didn't act like a moron. If I were a little patient and unexpressive, like I always was, life could have been a bit easier for you. You wouldn't have left. I shouldn't have let you leave. I couldn't fullfill my love. At least I could have been a good friend. Not only you walked away from me Tarika. I walked away from you too, thinking that it would be a bit easier if you weren't around me. I conceeded my part of pain and I deserved it. But you didn't Tarika. Not even once, even in the hight of my pain I ever wanted nature to have a revenge on you. You did nothing wrong to me Tarika. You didn't." Abhijret cried burring his face in his palms.

The clear sky was covered with clouds now. Soon it started raining. the rain washed away his tears. Only if it could wash away the pains from them. Like it helps the wolrd grow, it could help them to grow as well.

.

KK: And this long update is dedicated to the queen of long update Shubhangi. Many many happy returns of the day dear. Jug jug jiyo aur abhirika likhte raho. Haha..

And everybody else kindly review to motivate me so that I can finish it asap.