TAWAIF {तवायफ} Ek Pyaar Ek Dard

Tara Aur Pratap

Gulab Kothi

Tara was lying on her bed, engrossed in a book, when she heard the sound of someone entering the room. She looked up and immediately broke into a smile. Setting the book aside, she got up and walked towards the person with an air of excitement.

She hugged him lightly and said with a playful tone, “Itna din bada Pratap Sahab, mujhe laga ki aap toh Gulab Kothi ka raasta hi bhool gaye.”(“long time no see Pratap Sahab. I thought you had completely forgotten the way to Gulab Kothi.”)

The man standing before her was none other than Pratap Surayvanshi, the family patriarch, father to Abhimanyu’s father, and husband to Sajal. Despite his age, he carried an aura of authority and pride that was impossible to miss.

Pratap replied with a subtle smirk, his voice laced with pride and attitude, “Bhala apne jaana ko kaise bhool sakta hoon?”( “How could I forget my jaana ko?)

The room filled with an air of warmth and familiarity as Tara chuckled but deep down she feel little upset, knowing well that Pratap’s presence always brought an undeniable arrogance to Gulab Kothi.

Tara smiled mischievously as she said, “Aaj yahaan kaise?”( “What brings you here today, Pratap Sahab?”)

Pratap leaned back slightly, his signature pride and humor evident in his tone. “Bas dekhne aaya tha ki hum yahaan nahi hote toh aap hamare peechhe kisi aur ke saath toh nahi...”(“I just came to see if, in my absence, you’ve found someone else to keep you company.”) he let his words trail off, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Tara’s laughter rang out as she quickly retorted, “Nahi Pratap Sahab, aapke alawa kisi ki himmat nahi jo Tara ko haath laga sake.”(“No, Pratap Sahab. Who would dare lay a hand on Tara apart from you?”)

Her response was as sharp as ever, laced with a touch of affection and loyalty that she reserved only for Pratap. The warmth in her eyes said it all—while their banter was playful, her devotion to him was unshakable.

Tara tilted her head slightly, her tone teasing as she asked, “Aap yeh chhodiye, humein toh yeh suna hai ki aapke bete Abhimanyu ki shaadi ho gayi hai. Sach hai?”(“Let’s leave this aside for now. I’ve heard some news about your son Abhimanyu’s marriage. Is it true?”)

Pratap’s expression hardened slightly, though his pride remained intact. “Aapko kab se hamare ghar ke maamle mein dakhal dena pasand aane laga, Tara?” (“Since when did you start taking an interest in matters of my household, Tara?”) he shot back, his voice tinged with subtle authority.

Tara feigned innocence, her hands raised in mock surrender. “Nahi, Pratap Sahab, aisa kuch nahi. Main toh bas puch rahi thi, bas yunhi... warna meri itni himmat kahan ki main aapke ghar ke maamle mein bolun,” (she replied, her face a perfect mask of fake innocence, complete with wide eyes and a soft pout.

She tilted her head slightly, the playful smirk returning to her lips. Her words, though harmless on the surface, carried just enough cheekiness to keep the banter alive.

Tara leaned slightly closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she spoke with feigned casualness. "Yeh sab chhodiye, Pratap Sahab. Aap batayiye, aap aur Sajal ke beech sab kaise chal raha hai?" She paused for effect, her smirk widening. "Mera matlab, aap achhe se samjhate hain, hai na?(“Alright, forget about that. Tell me, how are things going between you and Sajal? I mean... you understand what I’m asking, don’t you?”)

Pratap narrowed his eyes at her, his expression a mix of amusement and irritation. He knew Tara’s playful digs all too well. "Tara, tumhari yeh chhoti si jeebh hamesha aage kaise rehti hai? Tumhare sawaalon ka koi ant hai bhi ya nahi?" (“Tara, your tongue is sharper than your wit. Is there no end to your questions?”)he replied, his tone sharp yet laced with a faint smile.