Teri Ada

17|Khayal Tera Jagata Hai

Kartik's car stopped at the gates of Singhania house. He left a deep sigh as he switched the engine off and looked at Naira who was watching him. On catching his gaze she averted her eyes to the window.

"Wish the date had lasted a bit longer...ghar jaane ka mann hi nahi hai" she thought

"Tumhe jaane dene ka mann hi nahi hai Naira...kaash tumhe aise hi apne saath ghar leja saktha tha...tumse door jaane ka mann hi nahi" he thought

Yes the ice had started to break, yes things were shared between them yet there was this hesitancy that was left behind. Talking on phone, writing letters and chatting was different but the mere thought of sharing these feelings face to face made their stomach squirm. Neither of them had the guts to speak out what was going on in their minds. It wasn't the fear that stopped them but it was that untold feel which was incomprehensible that made it impossible for them to share their thoughts.

Minutes rolled on in silence. Naira was fidgeting the end of her top while Kartik was clutching the steering wheel with utmost pressure

"Kartik....thanks for this beautiful date evening" Naira spoke slowly thus breaking the silence which got heavy by the passing of every second

"Its my pleasure doctor sahiba...." He smiled and his dimples made it much more difficult for her to leave

"Kartik....woh....." she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words to complete

"Haan Naira...kuch kehna hai kya?" He asked

"Haan...woh....go carefully...." She said and turned to the door to open it but suddenly she turned to look at him. Kartik who had raised his hand to stop her is surprised by this sudden turn and guided his hand to scratch the back of his neck sheepishly. Naira knitted her eyebrows and looked at him intently and thats when he realised the reason for her turning back was his silence

"Ill...I'll go carefully Naira" he said making her nod

"Toh mein chalti hoon..." she sighed and opened the door.

"Good night Naira" he said in a hurry as she set her foot on the ground

"Good night Kartik" she smiled as she got down and closed the door

Kartik hurriedly opened the window and leaned over

"Convey my thanks to Gayu bhabhi" he said finding a way to hold her back for few more seconds

"Sure..." she said. Her feet weren't ready to leave and he wasn't ready to start the car. They were looking at each other in silence. Thats when Naira's mobile rang with a call from Gayu

"Bhabhi is calling" she said

"Tumhe andar jaana chahiye ...she must be worried..." he said

"Hmmm....Yeah.....Bye..." she said and turned to leave

Kartik watched her retreating figure and smiled to himself. He waited till she disappeared into the inner quarters of the gates and then started towards home.

****

Naira walked inside and found Gayu in the doorstep

"Naira...aagayi tum..." sighed Gayu

"Haan bhabhi....I was at the gates when you called thats why I didn't pick up the call" said Naira

"Naira aagayi tum?" Came Akshara's voice from the living room