Phir Ek Baar

Phir Wahi Sham

Sujal entered the hall and saw people dancing, enjoying and having drinks. He spotted Naina and Huda dancing on the floor closely. He felt a strange emotion when saw their bodies moving together and Huda holding her tightly. He ignored it and went to the bar for a drink. Sujal looked here and there to find the Colonel, so, that shows his face and can leave. He glanced at them again, Huda looking at her intensely while Naina lowered her eyes. The song ended, Sujal moved away from the crowded bar when saw Huda coming towards it. He went near Naina who was standing in the corner of the room.

Sujal (in low voice) : "Good Evening, Major Ahuluwalia".

Naina with wide eyes looked at him as wasn't expecting him.

Naina : "Mr. Grewal, aap yaha".

Sujal (smilingly) : "Yes, Colonel Sinha invited me. (regretfully) I wanted to apologise for my brother's behaviour. He shouldn't have done that".

Naina : "It's fine Mr. Grewal. Let's forget it".

She wanted to go away as his presence always made her weak and wants to believe that her Rajveer Sir is alive. She looked at the floor while taking deep breaths to control her heartbeats and mind which was running at high speed, bringing back her guilt that Rajveer Sir is not here because of you. She felt a gaze on her and saw him staring at her intently. Sujal was not able to move his eyes as found the same pain and loneliness that is in his heart. He was not getting the strength to speak. Naina took a step to leave but stopped when Sujal called her

Sujal (stammering) : "Major Ahuluwalia...Can I call you by first name".

Naina (angrily) : "Mr. Grewal, I have told you earlier as well that we are working on a project. So, let's keep it like that".

Sujal (nervously) : "Par abhi toh hum koi kaam nahi kar rahe. Can we call each other by name and be friends".

Naina was getting irritated as this man is pushing himself in the boundary which she has created for herself. She hasn't allowed anyone to enter it except her close friends. How can she let him in as he always reminds her of Rajveer Sir whom she misses every day.

Naina (frustratingly) : "Mr. Grewal, I already have few friends and don't make new easily. So, please let us be professionals only".

Sujal got hurt as why it's so difficult to be friends with her.

Sujal (loudly) : "Major Ahuluwalia, I don't know what problem you have with me as have noticed that you get uncomfortable when I am around. Problems life mae sabh ko hoti hain, kuch dard aise hote hain jo aap kisi se nahi baat sakte, pachtawa humesha saath rehta hain aur chah kae bhi piche nahi jaa sakte. (exhaled a breath when noticed tear in her eyes) Main bhi aise hi dard ke saath roz jeeta hu. Please trust me, you can't escape the guilt and if you know how then do let me know. Main saalo se is zakhm ki dawai dhoondh raha hu aur aisa koi dost jo meri baat ko samjhega bina koi judgement kae. I think you need it too".

Naina gulped down her tears and realised he just told her what she is feeling from all these years. She had friends who helped and supported her but still needed someone who listens to her without knowing about the past. A person who can tell her where she was wrong or right and scold for the mistakes. Naina felt maybe he is the one and he also needs that same person. But will she be able to tell him about what is in her heart as Sujal looks like Rajveer Sir or can do it easily as she may be speaking to him. She had also seen loneliness and emptiness in his eyes like looking for something which he has lost or loved.

Sujal didn't like when shouted and maybe saw her tears but felt it was required as both needs a person with whom can share what's in heart. They can become friends and may help each other to live. He has found that person after so many years to whom can trust, who will understand or can help him. He always feels that she makes him forget his and think about her pain. There is something in which they could make other free or open the knot that is not letting them to breathe.