Sapno Ka Shaher

51. Tussle is Inevitable!!

The night breeze in the Sea Queen Society ruffled the leaves of the bushes in the garden slightly, producing soothing whispers as if the bushes talked their hearts out. Some children continued to play even after getting called by their mothers, their game of pakdam pakdai was at its peak. While some of the society members continued to walk in the area amidst the disturbances by the children.

On the other end, near the society office, Vanita and Sahiba were instructing Dhondu about decoration for the Republic Day celebration tomorrow. As the country was celebrating its 50th year of independence, it was Mr. Gadkari who proposed to celebrate the National Day in the society.

Sameer and Aditya sat on a bench, both leaning back and crossing one leg on the other. They found this peaceful time to chat after a long gap. Aditya was occupied in his shoot for the whole month; they did get to see each other on some or the other day but never had a time to sit and relax.

Aditya had a subtle smile on his face as he shared his experience on the sets, covering what all he learnt. His words came in a low and stable manner, but the smile on his face often wavered.

As the silence prevailed in the talk, Sameer asked, "kya baat hai Aditya? Tu khush nahi lag raha hai..." looking at the way Aditya kept toying his fingers.

Aditya strengthened, turning defensive, "nahi nahi... apan toh bahot khush hai... aur... aai-baba bhi ekdum khush hai..." he replied with a chuckle.

Aditya's half-hearted smile struck a thought in Sameer's mind. Naina had told him about the situation at Preeti's home, about how Tanvi was getting pressurized for marriage.

He placed his palm on Aditya's shoulder, "Aditya, kuchh aisa hai jo tu mujhe batana chahta hai?" he hinted.

Naina was right. They can't keep pushing the talk with Tanvi and Aditya as they're pretty sure something is cooking between the later couple. Though Naina and Sameer had decided to hear it directly from them instead of catching them off guard and unprepared.

"Kuchh nahi yaar..." Aditya fixed his gaze on the grass, "bass, thoda tension chal raha hai."

Sameer observed as Aditya kept on shaking his leg. He too must be feeling the pressure from Tanvi. "Tu mujhe bata sakta hai..." Sameer pressed his palm slightly on his shoulder, with an assuring smile on his face.

Aditya raised his eyes from the grass towards his friend. All this time he had spent with Sameer, Sameer never gave him judgemental vibes. He always felt he could trust him regarding anything.

He turned towards Sameer slightly, slightly hesitating, slightly positive. "Sameer yaar..." he started.

"Sameeerrrr....."

Both the men looked at the source of the voice. It was Naina in the balcony. "Munna ka phone hai..." she informed.

Sameer switched his gaze from Naina to Aditya to Naina again. Aditya was probably opening up to him, but he couldn't let Munna wait over the call either.

"Ja Sameer... apan baad mein baat karte hai... " Aditya patted Sameer's knee.

Sameer only nodded with a tight smile before leaving.

It had been a while since Sameer talked to Munna the last time. 'Life' has caught everyone off-guard. Doesn't matter how much you make promises of daily calls, the struggle of keeping up with the speed of life makes one forget the promises.

However, if the friendship is deep and pure, things like distance and time gap fall flat on the ground, affecting none. Sameer and Munna too always caught up from the last time they talked, as if it was just yesterday.