Kismet Ki Kahani

**Chapter 13: Raat Ki Sair**

**Chapter 13: Raat Ki Sair**

Raj's departure left a noticeable void in Ayesha's life. She threw herself into her work at the fashion magazine, using the hectic schedule to distract herself from missing Raj. Yet, in quiet moments, she found herself wondering what Raj was doing in New York and how he was coping with the new challenges.

---

One evening, after a particularly long day at work, Ayesha received a call from Raj.

"Ayesha, kya kar rahi ho?" Raj's voice sounded cheerful but tired.

"Raj! Tumhara phone aaya! Main toh bas office ka kaam nipta rahi thi," Ayesha replied, feeling a rush of warmth at hearing his voice.

Raj chuckled. "Yahan New York mein sab kuch different lagta hai. Tumhe bohot miss karta hoon."

Ayesha smiled, leaning back on her couch. "Main bhi, Raj. Tumhari absence kaafi feel hoti hai yahan."

"Toh phir thoda time nikaalo aur meri awaz sun lo," Raj said playfully. "Tumhe yaad hai humari raat ki sair? Mumbai ki sadkon pe ghoomna, woh thanda pani ke golgappe?"

Ayesha laughed, her mind drifting back to those cherished memories. "Haan, Raj. Woh din toh main kabhi nahi bhool sakti."

Raj's tone turned serious. "Main yahan bohot busy hoon, lekin jab bhi free hota hoon, tumhare baare mein sochta hoon. Tumhare bina sab kuch adhoora lagta hai."

Ayesha felt a lump in her throat. "Mujhe bhi, Raj. Par main khush hoon ki tum apne sapne ka peecha kar rahe ho."

---

Meanwhile, in New York, Raj was adjusting to his new life. The film school was everything he had hoped for and more, with its cutting-edge technology and inspiring professors. However, the cultural differences and the intense workload often left him feeling overwhelmed.

One night, after a grueling day of classes and assignments, Raj decided to take a walk to clear his mind. The city was alive with lights and sounds, but Raj's thoughts were miles away in Mumbai.

He found a quiet spot in Central Park and called Ayesha. She answered almost immediately.

"Ayesha, mujhe tumse baat karni thi," Raj said, his voice betraying his fatigue.

"Raj, tum theek ho?" Ayesha asked, worry creeping into her voice.

"Haan, bas thoda tired hoon. Yahan sab kuch naya hai, aur kabhi kabhi lagta hai ki main yahan fit nahi ho raha," Raj confessed.

Ayesha's heart ached at his words. "Raj, tumne itna bada step liya hai. Tum strong ho, aur main jaanti hoon tumhe sab kuch handle kar loge."

Raj took a deep breath. "Tumse baat karke mujhe hamesha strength milti hai, Ayesha. Tum mere liye inspiration ho."

Ayesha felt tears welling up. "Raj, main humesha tumhare saath hoon. Tum apne sapne ko pura karo, aur jab bhi mushkil ho, yaad rakho ki main tumhe support kar rahi hoon."

Raj smiled, feeling a surge of determination. "Thanks, Ayesha. Tumse baat karke mujhe hamesha acha lagta hai."

---

Back in Mumbai, Ayesha's life continued to revolve around her job and her family. Her parents noticed the change in her, seeing how she had matured and become more responsible. One evening, her mother, Saira, approached her.

"Ayesha, beta, tum Raj ke bina kaise manage kar rahi ho?" Saira asked gently.

Ayesha sighed. "Maa, Raj aur main ek doosre ke sapno ko support karte hain. Yeh doori temporary hai, aur hum dono yeh jaante hain."

Saira nodded, impressed by her daughter's resolve. "Beta, tumne hamesha apni zindagi apne terms pe jeeni hai. Main tumhari strength pe proud hoon."

Ayesha smiled, feeling a sense of comfort. "Thanks, Maa. Mujhe bas Raj ka intezar hai, aur main jaanti hoon woh wapas aayega."

---

As the weeks turned into months, Ayesha and Raj continued to navigate their long-distance relationship. They shared their daily lives through calls and video chats, finding solace in each other's voices. Raj's film school journey was challenging but rewarding, and he often shared his experiences with Ayesha, who listened with enthusiasm and encouragement.

One evening, as Ayesha was wrapping up her work, she received an unexpected visitor at the office. It was Vikram, her colleague who had always harbored feelings for her.

"Ayesha, tumhe thoda time milega? Mujhe tumse kuch zaruri baat karni hai," Vikram said, his expression serious.

Ayesha frowned, sensing something was off. "Haan, Vikram. Bolo, kya baat hai?"

Vikram hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Ayesha, main tumhe pehle hi keh chuka hoon ki mujhe tumse pyaar hai. Raj yahan nahi hai, aur tumhari life mein abhi bohot changes ho rahe hain. Main chahta hoon tum ek baar socho mere baare mein."

Ayesha was taken aback by his directness. "Vikram, main tumhe appreciate karti hoon as a friend. Lekin main Raj se pyaar karti hoon, aur yeh badal nahi sakta."

Vikram's face fell, but he nodded, accepting her words. "Main jaanta hoon, Ayesha. Bas, tumhe yeh kehna zaruri tha. Tumhari khushi meri priority hai, aur main tumhe hamesha support karunga."

Ayesha smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Vikram. Tum bohot achhe insaan ho, aur main tumhari dosti ko value karti hoon."

---

As Ayesha and Vikram's conversation ended, Ayesha couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She valued Vikram's friendship, but her heart belonged to Raj. She decided to share this with Raj later that night during their call.

When Raj called, he sounded more upbeat than usual. "Ayesha, guess what? Meri film school mein pehli short film complete ho gayi!"

Ayesha's face lit up with excitement. "Raj, that's amazing! Mujhe details batao. Kaisi thi film?"

Raj laughed, his excitement palpable. "Film ka title hai 'Sapne'. Yeh humari story se inspired hai, tum aur main. Tumhe zarur pasand aayegi."

Ayesha felt a swell of pride. "Raj, main bohot proud hoon tumpe. Tumhara talent aur dedication sabko dikh raha hai."

Raj's voice softened. "Tumhari encouragement ke bina main yeh sab nahi kar pata, Ayesha. Tumhara pyaar mujhe aage badhne ki strength deta hai."

Ayesha hesitated, then decided to share about Vikram. "Raj, mujhe tumse ek baat share karni thi. Aaj Vikram aaya tha, aur usne apni feelings express ki. Lekin maine usse clear kar diya ki meri life mein sirf tum ho."

Raj listened quietly, then spoke with a calm assurance. "Ayesha, mujhe tumpe pura bharosa hai. Vikram tumhara dost hai, aur main jaanta hoon tum apne pyaar mein loyal ho. Humare beech yeh distance zarur hai, lekin humara connection bohot strong hai."

Ayesha felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Raj. Tumhara trust aur support hi mujhe strong banata hai."

---

As Raj continued to excel in his film studies, and Ayesha navigated her career and personal challenges, they both grew individually while staying connected through their love. They knew that their journey was far from over, and that the future held many more twists and turns.

Their love story, filled with dreams, sacrifices, and unwavering support, was a testament to the power of true love and the strength of their bond. And as they looked forward to reuniting one day, they held onto the belief that their kismet, their fate, would always bring them back to each other.