Resonance: A Book of Musical One Shots

Lost Dreams: Kyun Main Jagoon?

The wind was cold and the sky dark as Aarav walked aimlessly down a desolate street. His heart, once filled with passion and ambition, now felt empty—drifting like a boat without an anchor. He had always been full of dreams, aspirations that reached the heavens, but somewhere along the way, life had severed his connection with them. It felt like Khuda (God) had hidden away, leaving him lost and without answers.

His breath came slow, as if his body was merely functioning out of habit. "Jaane kahan chup ke baitha hai khuda," he whispered, staring at the sky, as if expecting some divine response. "Jaanu na main kab hua khud se gumshuda," he sighed, knowing he had become a stranger to himself. Every step he took felt heavy, like the earth itself was questioning him. "Kaise jiyun rooh bhi mujhse hai judaa," he muttered under his breath. His soul had departed long ago, leaving him just a hollow shell.

As he continued, he found himself standing at the edge of a park, looking at the swings swaying gently in the breeze. "Kyun meri raahein mujhse pooche ghar kahan hai?" he thought aloud, the memories of childhood play filling his mind. Those carefree days now felt like a distant dream, a life that belonged to someone else. He closed his eyes, yearning for the simplicity that had slipped through his fingers like grains of sand.

Just then, he heard a soft voice behind him. "Aarav?" It was Meera, his closest friend from years ago. She had moved away, but they had shared everything—dreams, fears, and hopes. "Mujhse aake dastak pooche dar kahan hai?" he thought, surprised to see her.

"Aarav," Meera's voice softened, her eyes full of concern as she stood next to him. "Kya hua tumhe? You look like a shadow of the person you used to be."

He looked away, not wanting her to see the tears threatening to spill. "Raahein aisi jinki manzil hi nahin," he said quietly. "I’ve been wandering for so long, but I don’t know where I belong anymore. Everything’s fallen apart, Meera. Dil hai kahin aur, dhadkan hai kahin. Saansien hai magar... kyun zinda main nahin?"

Meera’s heart broke at his words. She had never seen him this broken. She placed a hand on his arm. "Aarav, zindagi kabhi kabhi humein uss mod pe laati hai jahan sab kuch bikhar jaata hai. But that doesn’t mean you’re lost forever."

He shook his head. "Meri takdeer rait ki tarah haathon se beh gayi hai, Meera. How can I rebuild a life that’s already shattered? Kaise likhun phir se nai daastan?"

Meera took a deep breath. "You’re right, it’s not easy. Gham ki siyahi se zindagi kabhi kabhi itni dhaanvadhar ho jaati hai ki hum khud ko kho dete hain. But Aarav, it’s not the end. The ink may be dark, but the story isn’t over."

He frowned. "But why? Why did this happen to me? What khata did I commit that God decided to give me this punishment? Rehta hoon kyun phir khud se hi khafa?"

Meera looked at him, her eyes filled with an understanding that only someone who had faced her own demons could have. "Aarav, sometimes life isn’t about punishment or mistakes. Sometimes, it’s about strength. Maybe this is a test. Maybe this is how you’ll discover who you truly are."

He looked at her, tired and defeated. "But how do I even start again? Banday tere maathe pe hain jo kheenchay bas chand lakeeron jitna hai jahaan. My world feels so small, so empty."

Meera smiled softly. "You’re not alone in this. Aansu tere aate hain, mitate hain rahe—yes, tears have blurred your path, but you’re still here, Aarav. Rab ka hukm abhi baaki hai, kyunki yahan kuch bhi mit-ta nahi hai without reason."

He closed his eyes, letting her words sink in. The weight in his chest eased, just a little. "Raahein aisi jinki manzil hi nahin," he whispered again. "Maybe I don’t need to know the destination right now. Maybe I just need to keep walking."

Meera squeezed his hand gently. "Exactly. And you don’t have to walk alone."

The two stood in silence for a while, watching the swings in the distance. The night was still dark, but there was a sense of peace in that moment, a quiet understanding that even in the darkest hours, hope could be found if you had the courage to look.

"Kyun main jaagoon aur woh sapne bo raha hai?" Aarav murmured, half to himself.

Meera smiled. "Maybe because it’s time for a new dream. And this time, you won’t be dreaming alone."

Aarav looked at her, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to believe that perhaps, just perhaps, things could get better. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Meera by his side, he was willing to try again.