Phir Ek Baar

Tum aur Main

Naina is avoiding Sujal's calls and messages from last week as believes disgracing Rajveer's love and memories. She is afraid that will give Sujal a place in her heart which will betray the love for Rajveer. So, has involved herself in work, leaves early in the morning and returns late. It's an attempt to not see him but the mind keeps reminding her, can't run from the feelings that have started growing. This makes her shiver to the bone and is forcing mind to shut off. Naina kept asking herself if she started liking him and if it is then because Sujal looks like him. The answer is scarier to the question and doesn't want to find it.

Sujal is trying to be patient with Naina but it's wearing off as need a response from her. He has seen a resistance in her eyes to accept him and promised himself that will help her to be free. He has gone to her house a few times and always finds it lock. The guard told him that Major Ahuluwalia is coming at a different time every day. He can guess its reason and decided to meet her today as need to clear a few things.

It was late evening and Naina was walking slowly for the house as the same thoughts were tormenting her which she was trying to duck. When she reached the house then was shocked to see Sujal waiting for her near the door.

Naina : "Mr. Grewal, aap yaha".

Sujal (happily said) : "Aap se kuch puchna tha".

Naina (unlocking the door) : "Chaliye andar chalte hain. Bahar bahut thand hain".

Naina entered in, switched on the main lights, lit up the fire then put bag and coat on the side table. Sujal followed her to the living room, which was modest but had few vintage chairs near the glass door, in middle there was sofa sets with a centre table. She went inside to make coffee while he removed the jacket and sat on the sofa. Sujal looked around, saw the garden from the window door and that tree where hid a few days ago. His eyes then fell on photo frames above fireplace's mantle. He stood up to see it from close, one was her friend's group in uniform, another was of Rajveer with a man and last one is of him dressed in black suit and her in red gown. Sujal thought it must be from academy days, the other man would be Naveen and their photo is from some official event. He felt jealous as Naina and Rajveer were smiling broadly in photo like they were happy to be together. He came back to his seat when heard footsteps.

Naina placed mugs on the table and sat on the opposite sofa. She was drinking the coffee but was glancing at him.

Sujal really liked the taste and trying to remember when last time tasted delicious coffee like this. There was peace to be sitting with her in one room and felt like home. Naina was feeling uncomfortable as he is not saying anything and why is smiling while drinking a coffee. Has he not had it before but it's his moods that irritate her more.

Sujal (moves eyes on her and said) : "Naina, Thanks for the coffee. It tastes very delicious. (Naina smiled) Mujhe aapse kuch baat karni thi (She attentively listens to him) Main kuch time se R&G mae kaam kar raha hu. I joined only to help as business was not going well. After a year, it's now profitable and time for me to hand it over. (exhaled a breath) Lalit Uncle aur Papa chahte hain main continue karu waha aur mujhe 20% shares bhi offer kar rahe hain. They are giving me the same power as Piyush and also want me to come home. But.....".

Naina (in low voice) : "But...".

Sujal (takes the last sip before placing the mug back on the table) : Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ki unka offer accept karu ya nahi. I like it there but can't forgive them for what they did to me. Itne saal mujhse koi baat nahi ki jab tak business bankrupt nahi hone wala tha. Abh jaroorat hain toh wapas bula rahe hain. I don't trust them as sure that they will again hurt me".

Naina (hesitatingly) : "Sirf yahi vajah hain ya kuch aur".

Sujal (understood what she wants to ask) : "Kashish doesn't matter to me. I don't want her and even she is trying to be close to me".