Next Morning, they left Kufri and went back and went back to shimla. The remaining days passed in a blur. It was now their time to go back. She was packing the stuff and seemed sad. He was on a call when he glanced at her. She zipped the bags and stood near the window. It was around 5 in the evening and the winds turned cold. She smiled as she felt the cool breeze caressing her face.

He went to her and hugged her.

“Why are you sad? “ he asked.

She looked at him…

“These days passed so quickly. “ she replied.

“tum toh aise sad ho rahi ho jaise tumhe ab school jana ho! “ he said with a smile on her face.

She eyed him…

“ Baat toh aisi hi hai na. Tum toh chale jaoge duty pe. Main akeli reh jaungi. “ she said sadly.

He smiled and pulled her closer.. “akeli kahan ho, Maa aur papa rahenge na. “ he said.

She slapped his arm… “Uffo Sachin! I know that. But you will be missed na. I wish ye din khatam hi na ho aur hum yahin rahe. “ she said.

He smiled…

“Hmm! But what can I do! Kaam hi aisa hai. Lagta hai tumne mujhe chun ke galti kar di. “ he said.

She slapped his cheek lightly…

” Shut up Sachin! Maine koi galti nahi ki. Mere liye tumse acha koi ho hi nahi sakta. “ she said.

“but time? “ he said but was cut by her…

“Time hi kam hoga na. Chalega mujhe. Wo toh maine aise hi kaha tha. In 10 dinon mein mujhe aadat jo ho gayi tumhari. “ she said.

He smiled and kissed on her forehead…

“jab mujhe yaad karogi na, mujhe apne paas paogi. “ he said softly.

“main tumhe yaad hi nahi karungi, kyunki tum toh yahan ho” she said keeping his hand on her heart.

He smiled and so did she.

“But haan you need to promise one thing. “ she said.

He glanced at her… “ and what is that? “ he asked.

“Yahi ki mujhse door rehke bhi mere Sachin ka khayal rakhoge, kyunki wo na bahut laaparwaah hai. Bilkul dhyan nahi rakhta apna. “ she said.

He smiled… “i promise! “ he said.

She smiled and hugged him, after which they left for the airport.

Next morning

They reached home. Neerav welcomed them and they relaxed for a while, after which Ruhana made tea for all of them and called her mother to tell about her arrival. They were sipping their tea when he informed Ruhana and Neerav that a friend of his was throwing a party and he wished to attend it. Neerav asked both of them to go as he had other plans with an old pal.

RuChin Room

Ruhana was setting some things. She was keeping some things aside on the bed. Sachin entered in and saw her busy.

“ye kya kar rahi ho? “ he asked.

“samaan ki setting aur tumhari packing ki taiyari. “ she said.

“Main aaj thodi ja raha hoon. “ he said hugging her.

“par jaoge toh sahi.. Mujhe akela chhod ke. “ she said sadly.

He smiled.. “ koi udaas hai is baat se?” he asked.

“kyun nahi hona chahiye? Maana ki main army officer ki beti hoon aur ab ek officer ki biwi hoon aur usey kisi cheez se darna nahi chahiye, lekin ye dil nahi samajhta na. Isko kaise samjhaun?“ she said, water brimming her eyes.

He pulled her in his embrace and she broke into tears. She wasn't this weak but a fear was pondering in her heart which flew out in form of tears.

He smeared her head…

“Shant ho jao Ruhana. Mujhe kuch nahi hone wala. Tum mujhse itna pyar jo karti ho. “ he said.

She smiled while in the hug. He smeared her head and parted the hug. She wiped off her tears. He cupped her face..

“Meri chinta mat karo. Ab jaldi se taiyar ho jao. Hame party mein jana hai. “ he said.

She nodded and went to get ready. He began getting ready. Ruhana changed into a peach color suit.

Her hair were left open with light makeup. Sachin was mesmerised to see her. He held her from her waist and looked at her in the mirror…

“you look beautiful. “ he whispered.

She smiled… “Aapke pyar ka asar hai. “ she replied.

“really! “ he asked.

She turned to him… “haan! Tum itna pyar jo karte ho mujhse. “ she said and pecked a kiss on his cheek.

He smiled and slid his hand in her waist…”Let's go! “ he said.

They left the party and were enjoying it when a call on his phone disturbed them and he was left worried and tensed.

To be continued.