Phir Ek Baar

Kuch Naya Sa

Sujal didn't attend the last two meetings as was busy in his other businesses. Naina was relieved not to see him and happily finished some important work with Mr. Bhandari. The production has started for the drones and will see the first batch in a month. She shared the news with Colonel and Lt. Colonel and they were happy with the progress. Shalini was busy in the conference from the last few days and met Naina only in the morning when was leaving her room. They decided to eat outside as tomorrow is the last day of Shalini in Shimla.

Naina was in her cabin finishing some important work and Shalini was back early as the conference got over. She was going towards Naina's cabin as they would be late for their plan but her feet stopped when saw him walking in the lobby. She was looking at him shockingly and thought Naina was right as anyone can mistakenly consider him as Rajveer. She has seen his photo, still seeing physically is different as he looks like her best friend. Sujal waved his hand across her face as she was not listening to him. Shalini came out of her shock when saw a weird reaction on his face.

Sujal was there to meet Naina as Mr. Bhandari has forgotten to ask an important point and decided not to call her as it was sensitive. He was trying to find Naina's cabin for a few minutes but got uncomfortable when seeing a woman who was looking at him with wide eyes. He thought why it's happening again and again, strangers giving him curious looks like trying to confirm something.

Sujal (said in a loud voice) : "Why are you staring at me".

Shalini (blurted) : "Because you look like one of my old friends, maybe who is not alive".

Sujal (surprisingly) : "What".

Shalini (realised what she had spoken and nervously said) : "Sorry, I mean I haven't seen him for the last few years. I have to go, please excuse me".

Shalini rushed out as didn't want to say anything more which can't explain properly without telling him about Rajveer. She went back to the quarter and will wait for Naina there. Sujal felt odd by this woman's behaviour and wanted to call her to ask about it but she has already run away. He ignored it as maybe she mistakenly considered him as her friend. He saw a staff member who was about to pass and asked him for Major Ahluwalia's cabin. He told him to follow.

Naina was reading a file but remembered her discussion with Shalini. So, decided to call Huda, to tell him about Alekh, his mother's proposal and her decision. She picked up the phone for Huda's number. After a few rings, he answered her call.

Huda (in happy tone) : "Mujhe kaise yaad kiya, Phoolan".

Naina (smilingly said) : "Teri yaad aa rahi thi".

Huda (stood up from the chair quickly) : "Sach mae".

Naina : "Ha, kaisa hain tu".

Huda (surprisingly) : "Yakeen nahi ho raha. Main acha hu, tu kaisi hain".

Naina (in low voice) : "Main thik hu. Tu kya agle hafte ek ball mae aa sakta hain. It's a yearly ball and needs a partner".

Huda (excitedly) : "Ha jaroor aaunga, Phoolan. Date, time aur dress code bata diyo".

Naina (smilingly) : "Thanks Huda.....Ek baat bhi karni hain tujhse. Ball kae time se kuch der pehle aa jaio, please".

Huda (worriedly) : "Kya hua, kuch problem hain".

Naina (nervously) : "Nahi...Bas kuch puchna hain tujhse".

Huda thought she always talked to Alekh, if needs to share or ask for a suggestion. So, then why is she asking him today. Her voice breaks his thoughts.

Huda (in low voice) : "Ha...Thik hain. Main tujhe waha aa kae milta hu. Tu sach mae thik hain na".

He was getting scared for her as maybe she is getting weak in facing Sujal alone.