Phir Ek Baar

Kashmakash

Naina needed to go out the next day to get some woolen clothes and take Alekh with her. They went to a shop at a crowded Mall Road to buy some jackets as her stuff has not reached Shimla yet. After shopping, went to a restaurant to have dinner as wanted to skip the boring mess food. They were sitting on a corner table in front of the big window and could see the hustle and bustle of the market. There were a lot of people in the restaurant as it was a weekend. The waiter took their order and both were discussing other friends lives. Then Alekh asked her what he was waiting from morning.

Alekh (in low voice) : "Tune kuch socha Huda kae bare mae".

Naina lowered her eyes as didn't want to think about this. She was avoiding it but knows can't do it for long.

Naina (look at Alekh) : "Maine abhi nahi socha hain, par believe me main sochungi zaroor".

Alekh (in the concerned voice) : "Apun tere par koi dawab nahi dal raha par....".

Naina : "Mujhe pata hain par tu sahi bhi hain. Kuch din de mujhe, please".

Alekh smiled and the food was served. Naina felt relief when he didn't push her more. She will decide to let him and Huda's mother know about her decision. They were having dinner when heard a voice which she didn't want to. Naina stopped the spoon in the middle that was coming towards her mouth while Alekh was looking surprisingly at a man. She puts the spoon on the plate and tries to hide her tears. The man comes closer to them and said

Sujal (smilingly) : "Alekh tum yaha (glanced at Naina and she gave him a half smile) Aap bhi Major Ahluwalia. What a surprise. Itni ajeeb baat hain Alekh tumne mujhe Amardeep ke ghar par nahi bataya ki tum sabh army mae ho".

Alekh (in low voice) : "Apun isse milne kae liye aaya tha toh socha dinner kar le saath mae. Woh hum army mae hain ye batana jaroori nahi samjha".

Sujal : "Ha, pata nahi maine kyu pucha. Woh meri meeting cancelled ho gayi aur aap dono ko dekha to socha ki...".

Naina (said in a loud voice suddenly) : "Toh (Alekh and Sujal looked at her) hum jaa hi rahe the, kyu Alekh".

Alekh didn't know what to say as it was weird to see a man who is not Rajveer but they want to be. Also, he is trying to be friendly with them while Naina is avoiding him. Sujal felt bad when she reacted like this as just wanted to talk to them and tried to be civil as would be working together.

Naina (exhaled a breath to control her emotions and glanced at Sujal) : "Mr. Grewal, hum ek saath kaam kar rahe hain woh bhi ek official project par, so, let's keep it like that. I don't want people to think I approved your work because we were friendly".

Sujal (surprisingly nodded) : "Yes, you are right Major Ahluwalia. Let's keep official and private life separate. I will see you on Monday. (looked at Alekh) I will see you later, Alekh".

Alekh : "Mr. Sujal, apun kal wapas jaa raha hain toh phir kabhi milenge".

Sujal before leaving, glanced at Naina as felt that she wanted to stay away from him but was not able to understand its reason. He noticed that she has been uncomfortable around him since they met. So, have decided to find out why, as it's an important deal for him and doesn't want to ruin it because of some stupid reason. He also needs to know what she is trying to guard very hard.

Sujal went to walk on Mall Road as doesn't want to go to a lonely house. The cool air always relaxes him as he is fighting a war within after leaving that house which used to be his home. He was only close to his mother and brother. The father was not more than a person who lives with him in a big house with other people. He had a friend there but soon became a stranger when decided to marry his love.