Aakhirat

Peheli Nazar Ka Pyaar

The air was filled with a gentle warmth, a sign that spring had started to make its presence felt. After a long year buried beneath layers of snow, the town was finally basking in the soft glow of sunshine. Crisp leaves floated down from the trees, and the streets buzzed with quiet activity as everyone seemed to immerse themselves in their own world.

The tourists, having enjoyed their time in the winter wonderland, were beginning to pack their bags and head back to their respective homes. The winter fun was over, and so was the season.

"Pitaji, aap dawai lijiye. Aur room mein kuch reh toh nahi gaya, ek baar dekh lijiye. Hum hotel ke khane se pak chuke hain, isiliye paas mein ek achha restaurant dekha hai, wahaan se kuch achha khane ke liye le aate hain," Ms. Singh said, zipping up her bag after carefully organizing its contents.

Mr. Singh, busy with his own packing, looked up. "Sab pack ho chuka hai beta. Asa hai toh hum bhi chalen? Saath mein wahi garam-garam khana kha lenge." He asked.

Ms. Singh thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. It did seem more convenient that way. The father-daughter duo finished packing, checked out of the hotel to avoid any extra charges, and headed towards the nearby restaurant, luggage in tow.

"Tehzeeb se, Kasim miya! Kahin aisa na ho ke karchi chalane wale haath insano ko kaatne wale haatho se bhid jaayein," teased a lady, her voice light but playful as she spoke to the man behind the counter.

Kasim, a 30 years old man and the restaurant owner, smiled at her from behind the billing counter. "Haseena, ama, ab toh itni badi dakter ho gayi ho, ab toh sudhar jao aap! Thode din mein bachha hone wala hai hamara!"

Dr. Malik chuckled, rolling her eyes as she paid the bill. "Isiliye kehte hain, hamse paise ko leke anban mat kiya karo aap bhaijaan! Warna aapke bachhon ke bachhe ho jayenge, phir bhi hum chedenge aapko."

Kasim laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. He took the money and, as always, handed over her favorite cookie as a gift, a tradition that had started in her childhood. "Waise, hamara bachha sahi-salamat hai na?" he asked, concern laced in his voice.

Dr. Malik took the cookie with the enthusiasm of a child, munching on it as she responded, "Bas kuch din, Kasim miya... Phir hum dono apni aulad ki shakal saath mein dekhenge."

Kasim chided again, "Haseena ke bachi, rukko tum!"

Dr. Malik almost choked on the cookie, her laugh catching her off-guard. She noticed Kasim making his way towards her and decided to step back, moving away with a quick retreat. In her hurry, she didn't notice what—or rather, who—was behind her. Suddenly, she collided with someone's chest.

"Aahh..." she yelped, startled.

Strong hands caught her just in time, preventing them both from tumbling to the ground. "Aap theek toh hai?" a gentle, soft voice asked.

Kasim rushed over, worried. "Haseena, aap theek hain? Aap kyun itni shararati hain?"

Dr. Malik glanced at the person who had caught her, letting out a breath of relief as she offered Kasim a reassuring smile. But then, her eyes locked with her savior's, and everything around her seemed to pause. The hazel eyes staring back at her were filled with warmth and kindness, a tenderness that stirred something deep within her. She found herself captivated, unable to pull away from the gaze that felt as if it could see right into her soul.

"Lagta hai girne ke sadme se khuli aankhon mein behosh ho gayi hai yeh, Karishma beta," Mr. Singh commented, standing beside his daughter, who still had her arms wrapped protectively around Dr. Malik, even though they were both safe.

Karishma blinked, realizing what her father was saying, and gently helped Dr. Malik back onto her feet. The doctor, still lost in thought, was slow to respond.