Phir Ek Baar

Kuch Kadam

The people in the party were looking at Naina and Sujal who were dancing together gracefully. Some of them were appreciating them and few were not happy. Kashish didn't like how they were swaying and Sujal had not glanced at her once. She still believes he only likes her while Vasu was thinking if Sujal has moved on then how will throw Kashish out of the house. When the business is recovered then there is no use of Sujal and he can take this woman with him but now she has to bear her that makes her more angry and irritated. Sujal's mother and Rishi were most happy to see them together.

The dancing partners got switched, Naina was dancing now with Piyush and Sujal with Kashish. Sujal didn't want to dance with her but there is no other way. He maintains a distance between them. Kashish didn't like his ignorance as was continuously looking at Naina's direction. Sujal was feeling uncomfortable and thought there was a time when he tried to find an excuse to be with her. Now, he just wants to be with Naina as feels peace. Sujal frowned when saw Piyush and Naina smiling on something and face stiffened when thought comes into mind that he will also lose her to him.

Kashish (irritatingly said) : "Tum usko pasand karte ho, Sujal".

Sujal (shockingly looked at her) : "Kya...bol rahi ho tum".

Kashish (in loud voice) : "Jo dikh raha hain. Jabse Naina aayi hain, tum sirf usko hi dekh rahe ho. Tum us din bhi iski baat kar rahe the na".

Sujal (angrily) : "Hum sirf dost hain".

Kashish (disappointedly) : "Main tumhari aakhae parh sakti hu. Usmae Naina kae liye woh jazbaat hain jo mere liye bhi nahi the. I know you".

Sujal (dryly chuckled) : "Tum mujhe nahi jaanti Mrs. Raheja. Agar jaanti toh itne saal pehle mere jazbato ki beizzati na karti aur mera vishwaas karti. Naina tum jaisi bilkul nahi hain, woh apno kae liye jeeti hain, unka saath nahi chorti aur unke liye apni jaan bhi dao pe laga deti hain. Aur koi use pyaar kare toh uska intezar saalo saal karti hain. (inhaled a breath) Mujhe pehle shak tha par uske saath kuch dino mae ye toh pata chala ki jo bhi tumhare liye maine mahsoos kiya woh pyaar nahi tha. Tum kabhi sache pyaar ko nahi samjhogi".

Music got changed and they were back with their original partners. Naina noticed that there was something between Sujal and Kashish as he was avoiding her at the party but Kashish kept looking at him. She felt Sujal's grip was getting more tight while staring at her. Naina got uneasy and went out of the room as doesn't want to be in his presence. Sujal went after her and said

Sujal : "Kya ho gaya Naina".

Naina : "I need to go. Please apne ghar walo ko bye kah dena".

Sujal (checked the watch and said) : "Abhi toh 10 bhi nahi baje hain".

Naina (irritatingly) : "Mr. Grewal, mujhe kal important meeting attend karni hain".

Sujal was not able to understand why she wanted to leave as they were enjoying the party.

Sujal (in a loud voice) : "Let me drop you".

Naina : "I can manage, Thanks".

Sujal (with distress) : "It's late Naina".

Naina (frustratingly) : "Mr. Grewal, I am in the army and can take care of myself".

Naina's phone rang and smilingly picked it up. She turned and said

Naina : "Ha Alekh, abhi nikal rahi hu. Thik hain...Phone par hi rahungi jab tak base nahi pauch jaati".

Sujal with pain looks at her retreating figure as she doesn't allow him to drop but letting her friend be on the phone till reaches the base. He realise she just doesn't want to have any kind of relation with him even if it's friendship. Why Naina doesn't like him, is there is something more which he doesn't know. He felt a hand on a shoulder and saw his mother standing with him. She brings him to an empty corner of the garden and both are now sitting on a bench.