Phir Ek Baar

Anjana Ehsaas

Naina was ready for her first day as a teacher but nervous also. She locked the house and started walking for the institute wondering would be able to teach well like he used to. Will she justify her posting and make her brother and Rajveer Sir proud. When stepped out of the main gate saw Sujal standing near his car.

Sujal (took a step towards her and said excitedly) : "Naina, How are you? Settled ho gayi aap. You need any help".

Naina (smilingly) : "Mr. Grewal. I am fine. Aap kaise hain. I have already unpack the stuff and don't worry everything is fine. Shayad aap bhul rahe hain ki ye meri first posting nahi hain yaha.

Aapko maine raat ko message bheja tha ki aaj meri joining hain par aapko expect nahi kar rahi thi".

Sujal (scratched forehead by index finger) : "Ha, woh socha aapko mil ke puch lu ki aap koi madad chaiye. Sehar naya hain toh. Thanks for the message. I have saved your number".

Sujal still remembers how happy he was when saw her message at night "I have reached Shimla. Will join the new posting tomorrow". He leaves early from the house and was not sure when she would go to the military institute. The guard who was standing on the side of the gate was hiding the smile as this man is not telling her that was here in the evening also.

Naina excused herself as was getting late and Sujal let her go. He didn't want to push it further. She reached the office, completed the formalities and when enter the class then doesn't feel nervous. Maybe he diverted her mind and happily started the class. It went well, the cadets were taking interest and asked questions. When she was gathering the notes then noticed someone was sitting in the back seat. She steps right to check again and with glassy eyes stared in the direction as saw Rajveer smiling at her. She knows it's an illusion but a beautiful one which doesn't want to break. A noise from outside made her blink and saw him disappearing. Naina with sadness went out and continued with the rest of the day's work.

After taking the last class, she was passing the ground and saw cadets completing their drill. It makes her remember training days. If Rajveer Sir, her friends, Shalini Mam were not there then would have never been able to complete it. Suddenly her eyes found Rajveer again standing in a drill uniform, near the tent on the ground, gazing at her with pride and love. She didn't move continued to look at him as was missing him more today and kept doing till tears faded her vision. Naina gulped down and close eyes to take a breath. She opened it again with the wish to see him but found the place empty. With heaviness in the heart take long strides to leave the place.

In the, R&G office, Sujal explained the project details to Piyush, Rishi and Varun while both avoided each other. He didn't want to talk to him and Piyush was ashamed as has opened about his marriage and even asked him to have his wife, if still wants her. Piyush has seen how Kashish looks at Sujal like wanting him back. He gets jealous but doesn't want to fight for her like it doesn't matter, if she stays or leaves.

Sujal was sitting on a chair and was thinking for an excuse to talk to Naina again. Rishi came inside the cabin without permission and said

Rishi : "Big B, aapne Naina ko pucha Lohri kae function kae liye".

Sujal (angrily looked at him) : "Tum kabh tameez dar logo ki tarah andar aaoge kisi kae office mae, Rishi".

Rishi peeks at him apologetically and Sujal smiles at his reaction.

Sujal (exhaled a breath) : "Nahi abhi baat nahi ki hain".

Rishi (excitedly) : "Big B, kabh karenge. Kal Lohri hain, Mummy bhi puch rahi thi".

Sujal : "Tum Mumma ka naam leke mere par pressure mat dalo. She has joined today, let her settle. I will ask in the evening".

Rishi (with big grin) : "Jaldi baat karna aap. Main Bhabhi ko nahi khona chaahta".