RAJVEER

When he got up next morning, he found the bathroom door ajar. Happily he went in and took his peaceful bath. Later he fixed a light breakfast for himself. A huge part of him was not keen but still for a small of him he left one sandwich and one cup coffee for her. He was not that cold hearted after all. And the way she had left his space for himself only, he was happy.

But where was she? The door was locked so was his bedroom. Where she could be! Was she again hiding somewhere injuring herself? He just for his insecurities decided to check. And felt kinda light after watching her curled up on couch in study. His Study was not a big spaced room. It was small. Three cases and couch in middle. Fourth wall had door and nothing except it. In fact the table was also small and chairs were absent.

He contentedly left for his daily routine and classes.

He met shal who was suspicious about lock-breaking in infirmary. He held his tongue from abruptly uttering his own truth. He was the one who had stealthily intruded into her area of work. He talked with her little and left for his room soon.

Scenario  was same as morning. Empty room with no traces of her. He got refreshed and went to kitchen. There was food. And today he believed it was not shal' courtesy at all. It was she who was cooking.   Without a second thought he dug into his decorated plate and emptied it.

When he turned to fridge for getting a bottle, he spotted something.

Thanks. I know you'll not consider it worthy but still I want to thank you. I have a request. Next time if you see me like this, dont bother. There are only small cuts. And bleeding cant be severe to kill me. Its not like I am being ungrateful. Its just.....I dont want to add up your already heavy tensions.

Who could write this? Nobody but her...ofcourse.

He after reading the note scowled. Look at her attitude! He had not expected for a thanks. He had not even thought about it. But she being sophisticated modern woman was not going to leave this opportunity when she could show him her attitude again.

He went to his bedroom and fetched a sticky note. He wrote his reply and thought of some excuse to convey it to her.

Earlier there were agitation, anger and disgust between them but after last night it was just vacuum. Empty space with nothing in it. His suspects were proved. And there was nothing he could do about it. Hence the perfect way for living with less burden was not spotting her anymore. Hence neither he dared to go out of his bedroom nor she dared to come out of study when both were alone.

But he needed to send his reply. She had to see it.

Hence he brewed coffee for himself and after filling one more cup he left for study. She was standing in the south corner of room. With support of book case. She was lost somewhere.

Sensing the perfect opportunity he put the cup down and left as soon as possible.

He soon engrossed himself in his files and work. Ministry had viewed his report and within next week he was going to have a reply. KMA needed extension be it in faculty or tools. He had written to ministry about it. And BC being aware of this had requested him to prepare a list for necessary essentials.

He started working....but soon his mind drifted towards her.

The way she had reacted after his confrontation was really surprising and kind of strange. She had hurt herself. As if she was trying to scrub herself. Too rub off something...because there was no scratch on her hands. And perhaps she had struck her head with something in bathroom. Though band aid had helped in healing but still there was something left. And she never bothered about her injuries.

How did he know? Because first aid box was in bedroom and he knew she never had been there. Everything was untouched.

She was so strange. So different. She would never explain herself twice. She would gladly drift to secluded corner of room but never come across him. Why?

Her own truth! Why would she explain herself when she knew he was aware of her truth! It must be hate that she injured herself. What could be other reason?

He tried to satisfy his questions and again got involved with his files and laptop.

When he git up around midnight for having water he again heard her faint cries. But he couldn't dare go and ask her.

A huge part of him had believed her truth and registered it as conclusion but still there was something in his heart that urged him to go and see her. What if she hurt her again!

He put the bottle down and went to study. It was locked. He tried to overhear what was going inside. But nothing came except muffled cries. For a second he almost called her out. But soon his feet dragged him to his bedroom where whole night he was pondering why he felt there were skeletons in her cupboard. Though silently she had accepted herself as a wench but still he wanted her to tell him loud and clear.

But she wouldnt. Because she was the person who never believed in second chance. Whether it be about explanation or accusation.

Gurudaspur military jail

Naveen was tensed. He was roaming to and fro in his cell. Neither annie had returned after her first meeting nor Raj had called him. Perhaps both were busy with his case. He prayed silently for someone come and meet him. He was getting anxious day by day. His doubts, tensions, insecurities, fears were increasing with each passing day. He had asked the guard about Raj and Naina but he told him they never called. Perhaps it was about his security. Whatever. He was dying to hear about his sister. His sister waa his most precious possession in this world. She meant world to him. And his eyes welled up remembering how his world once came down crashing.

Naina was his baby girl. He had never left a chance to pamper her. But she was a mischievous and ambitious girl who wanted to copy her brother' footsteps. She was born when he was able to stand up and walk. Naina was not planned child hence for some years Naveen was jealous of her. But the day she had come with tear filled orbs compalinning about other girl teasing her about her brother, Naveen had found out how much she loved him despite him being stubborn jealous big brother. Their relation was not typical big protective brother and timid sister relation. Theirs was an equal one. Naina'd confide in him and he in her about everything. Their care for each other had given their parents ample time for setting up their so called business and acquire assets. Naina never cared of money. For her Naveen was her world...and for naveen...she was his.

But......

He had to come out of his thoughts when he felt someone calling him out.

It was annie.

He felt a rush of relief washing over his concerns. Annie was his life saver today. He could have died in anticipation.

'Thank god. You came. Rat ko neend aur din ka karar ud gya he. I want to talk with her. Kaisi he gudiya? Aur wo sala nikamma raj jo jeeja ban gya mera, haramkhor phone bhi nahi karta he. Kahne ko to ye 6 feet ka guard chhod kar gya he. Lekin me iska kya karu? Kis kaam ka he? Koi dhang ki khabar nahi sunata....aur khana jarur kam kar deta he...food tasting ke bahane. Thank god annie.. tu aa gayi. Meri jaan wapas aa gayi tere sath...Tjank you yar...thank you so much.'

But his grateful words never succeeded in bringing smile on her lips. Something was off..

'Apni bakwas band karo. Damn! Jaisa mene socha tha...wahi huya.' She rubbed her temple.

Naveen tried to speak..but she dismissed him.

'Do you know who is biggest donater for Abbas? You cant imagine. Mere bhi hosh ud gaye the.jab mene uska profile khangala. Aur mamla sirf kuch cadets ko infiltrate karne ka nahi he...plan kuch aur hi he. I mean...dekho na..Jo cadets tumne point out kiye, wo without much hype expel kar diye. Lekin uske baad bhi you are framed. Naveen...i am telling you...History is repeating it self. Aur agar aisa huya....to I am going to be a murderer. Puarana hisab kitab bhi poora karna he.'

He saw her eyes blazing. And ahe was right. From the beginning his sudden posting at Gurudaspur when no one was expecting it, was really doubtful. But right now annie needed to be calm.

'Calm down. Aur agar history repeat ho rahi he....to....I am not going to let it have same ending. Again Naina cant be scape goat. But right now...tell me how is she? Theek he wo.'

She turned bit softer..

'Pichle teen dino me teen sau baar phone kar chuki he. She wants to get involved. Mene saaf mana kar diya. Uska kahna he ki usko apne bahan hone ka hak nibhana he. Damn you Naveen! Kitne bewkoof ho! Har bar trap ho jana...is it your habit? Aur price kaun pay kare? Hum sab. Usne apni duty se leave li he...aur har week extend kara rahi he. Apni bahan ka dimag thikane par le aao...At any cost i am not involving her. Agar tumhe umar kaid bhi hoti he tab bhi nahi...And what is Raj doing? Usko itni akal nahi he ki naina ka phone hi chheen le! Din bhar she is calling me...ki me aa rahi hu..Me apna transfer karwa rahi hu...Colonel Bhatiya'll recommend her. Dekho Mr. Naveen. You are well aware about reasons. And doesnt she have a new wedding to enjoy? Tumhari timing hi kharab he. Khud to kunware ho apni bahan ki shadishuda jindagi me bhi break maar ke rakha he. Bechari apni nayi life se adjust kare ya tumhari tension me pagal ho jaaye!'

She was right. He was the reason behind her miseries...no one else but her own brother.

'Ha sahi bola..' he wiped his eyes.   'Me raj se baat bhi to nahi kar sakta..Ek kaam karo..Chandra ko bolo ki Naina ka transfer KMA me hi kar de. Wese bhi buddhe ne aaj tak mujhe ek phooti leave nahi di..itna to kar hi lega. Aur ek baat- Never telk her about my case and its progress. Bas ye bol do ki I'll be out till next month. Warna sar kha jayegi tera. Ya phir no hi block kar de. Jhanjhat hi khatm.'

And he got a slap across his cheek.

'Ye kya he? Har baar thappad? Lawywr he biwi ni...jo jab dekho peet deti he.'

'Tum jaise chhichore se shadi karni bhi nahi. Bakwas karwa lo bas. How can i block her? She is one of my closest friend. In fact we are the closest. And your here talking nonsense. Sometimes I doubt how she can be your sister! She a brilliant one and you...a dumbass! Ab suno important baat-Next week tumhara trial he. Abbas ne hila kar rakh diya he base ko..Colonel Ke pas aur koi option nahi he. It is already decided. Isliye Koshish karna ki apna muh na hi kholo. Personal attack hoga. Keechad uchlega...But dont you dare open your mouth. Prosecutor captain Anmol he..sala bhikhari. Ise Abbas ne paise khilaye he..They want this case to get over soon. Aur upar se tumhara khan. Poora bag khali karwa liya...lekin main bhi koi doodh piti bacchi nahi..'  she plucked out something from her bun. 

'Ye lo...ye he transmitter. Ya to Isko kha lo...ya kahi bhi chipka lo...I dont care. I want it on your body no matter what. It'll be easy to keep up with you. Kya pata kaun  utha le jaaye tumko? Aur jaise tumhare lakshan he...I am sure you'll again create a mess. Isliye aapse nivedan he mahashay...apna dimag nahi chalana. Damn my life! Jab se case mila he...me Insan se Robot ban gayi hu...so much is to be done..Teen din se dhang se Soyi ni.. aur upar se-'

Rest of words died in her throat as he pulled her face to him and kissed her passionately.

'Itna muh mat khola karo ki samne wale ko muh band karana pade!' He smirked..

In reply he got punch and glares.

'Leechad aadmi! Sado yahi....me chali.'

She ran away...blushing hard. While he was calling her back...

'Are jaaneman! Fees waki he..leti jaao. Phir mat kahna free me yu hi case ladwa diya..Annie jaanu....Idhar aa naa.'

In reply all he got was guard' glares and annie calling him names.

He smiled sheepishly and turned back to his dark place. He adjusted transmitter in sewing of his sleeve and pushed inside. One thing was done....

He sat on the mat and lied down..thinking of her..

He felt light after meeting her. He hoped she'd come tomorrow. She had made his problems easy to deal with.  He prayed for her safety. May god save her from all problems. His case was enough. Not to forget his flirt behaviour. The way he had kissed her today he was sure, annie was going to kill him after this case. He smiled remembering her red face. Soon he dozed off....This was perhaps first time in three day when he got a good night sleep.