Recap: Randhir and Sanyukta came face to face after 6 months when Randhir auditions for a play in Prithvi theatre which is written by Sanyukta. Sanyukta has a changed personality while Randhir struggles to find his Chashmish in her. Randhir signs the contract and they both become colleagues.

Randhir signed the contract and handed it over to Sanyukta and stood up to shake hands with Sanyukta.

Randhir (forwarding his hand): I hope we will make a good team Ms. Aggarwal!

Sanyukta (shaking his hand): I hope so too Mr. Shekhawat!

That was a firm handshake between two former best friends and current professional co-workers!

After his meeting with Sanyukta, Randhir gave a final look test with the female lead and finally the female protagonist also signed the contract. After that, Randhir went to meet the director and producer of his show to discuss about his schedule and they were fine with negotiating his schedule. So now, he had shooting from morning 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM in the evening....so that Randhir can join the workshops for his play on weekdays as well. His workshops would be starting from next-to-next week. So, he would have to give more hours to his show in the coming week.

Monday, 2 PM, Sadda Haq Sets

Randhir was having lunch when Parth entered his room.

Randhir: Oh....so enjoyed your late morning sleep today?

Parth: Yup....all thanks to you that they are shooting maximum scenes with you...so my call time was in the afternoon.

Randhir (sarcastically): Good for you!

Parth: By the way bro.....you won't believe who I saw today in front of Xavier's College!

Randhir: Who? And don't tell me you saw some actor....you know we live in Mumbai dude....its not a big deal to come across some star!

Parth (snorting): Yeah right! That person might be a star in your eyes....not mine bro!

Randhir (curiously): Who are you talking about?

Parth: Your dearest Chashmish!

Randhir was drinking water and he choked on hearing Parth's words!

Randhir (coughing): Wha....What?

Parth: Yup....I am pretty sure...she was Sanyukta! And anyways she worked in Xavier's college in Delhi.....so maybe she just got transferred! What's so shocking about it?

Randhir (composing himself): Yeah...its no big deal....

Randhir (in mind): So, Chashmish still works as a professor here in Mumbai apart from Prithvi theatre.....but why did she come to Mumbai? Maybe Parth is right....she might have got transferred to the Mumbai branch....

Randhir came out of his thoughts on hearing a knock. It was the Assistant Director.

Assistant Director: Randhir sir....your scenes for today are completed. The rest of the scenes will be shot tomorrow! You can go home.....Parth sir, you have a scene in 10 minutes!

Randhir: Ok....thanks!

Parth (leaving for his scene): Chal bro...see you!

Randhir: Bye!

Randhir packed his stuff and moved towards his car. He took his car out of the parking and started driving towards his home. However, he didn't know what came upon his mind that half an hour later, he found himself standing in front of St. Xavier's College. It was 4 PM and the college hours were almost over. Randhir was sitting inside his car and was keenly looking at the gate. He recalled the last time he drove to St. Xavier's College....

Flashback

Randhir drove the car on his way to St. Xavier's college......on the way he switched on the radio and an RJ's voice boomed in the car......

RJ: Good Morrrrrning Mumbai.......Aamchi Mumbai.......words are less to describe this city of dreams......people are running, vada pav is frying.......its weekend ,guys so keep chilling.......and never say NO.....always be Willing........That's What Mumbai is.....its not only a city....its an emotion.........Well emotions are many.....happiness, sadness, aggression, hatred and the most beautiful emotion.... "Love". All these emotions are something that we share with someone whom we know or with whom we share a relationship. However I believe ......the most unique emotion of all is that of "Humanity"......it is the only emotion that we share with everyone....even with those with whom we don't have any relation....yet this emotion embeds a deep connection. Love and Hatred is expressed by many.....Different are those who express Humanity.......On this note guys.....I RJ Sumeet will leave you with a romantic song so that you have a romantic weekend morning with your loved one.....and then a romantic and sensual song starts....."Aaj Phir tum pe pyaar aaya hai....."

Sanyukta(smiling): Its truly beautiful.....

Randhir(confused and smirking): Chashmish.....I didn't know you like all this.....I mean you are the last person I thought would like such things.....but I am glad you are opening up on your choices....I mean girls have such choices but I didn't know you were this wild I mean....

Sanyukta(frowning and confused): Randhir what are you talking about?

Randhir(smirking): Come on Chashmish.....as if you don't know.....this sensual song that you like so much

Sanyukta(widening her eyes): Randhir .....(slapping his shoulder).....you dirty mind.....god tumhara brain unidirectional hai....it is focussed on such things only...

Randhir(innocently): What did I do....?

Sanyukta(frustratingly): I was talking about the RJ's views on humanity....but tumne woh toh suna nhi hoga na.....you are too focussed on this song.....its a waste of time talking to you on something sensible.......

Randhir: Come on Chashmish....its not like that.....I heard what the RJ said.....

Sanyukta(upping her eyebrows): Really....then tell me what did he say?

Randhir: He said that ........today is a "Romantic morning" ..... and saying this he started laughing loudly and Sanyukta just slapped her forehead.......

After about an hour driving....they reached St. Xavier's and Sanyukta got down the car.....

Randhir: Chashmish.....most probably I will be free by the time your workshop gets over but if by any chance you get free early then please take a cab ok.....I'll try to come but just in case.....

Sanyukta(smiling): That's fine Randhir and anyways you have texted me your exact address ....so I will reach safely.....

Randhir: Ok Chashmish....bye and all the best for your conference...

Sanyukta: Bye.....

Flashback Ends

Randhir smiled remembering his sweet memories with Sanyukta. As soon as he came out of his thoughts, he saw Sanyukta coming out of the college with her colleague. Seeing her in those spectacles and black kurti....he remembered the strict and sincere professor "Sanyukta Aggarwal". Randhir was just admiring her when his phone rang breaking his trance. It was Parth!

On Call

Parth: Hey bro....reached home?

Randhir: Umm no.....actually I....

Parth: Why....traffic bahut tha kya? (jokingly) or you went to see your so-called best friend like a creepy stalker!

Randhir was baffled by Parth's words. He looked around in fear of getting caught.....

Parth laughed loudly on the phone.

Randhir: Are you crazy Parth!

Parth: Dude I was just joking!

Randhir: Let it be....I am just stuck in traffic....I gotta go now!

Parth: Arrey Sun toh....

But before Parth could say anything....Randhir hanged up.

Call Ends

Randhir looked back at the college gate but he could neither see Sanyukta nor her colleague.

Randhir (hitting the steering wheel in frustration): Damn it! (thinking something) so Chashmish goes college in the day and works at the theatre in the evening!

Randhir drove back home after that. The whole week went by with Randhir shooting tirelessly for his show while simultaneously doing self preparation for the character of his play. He was also working on his fitness and so he spent one or two hours in gym. Finally, it was Saturday and he went to the theatre for his workshop.

Saturday, 11 PM, Prithvi Theatre

Randhir reached the auditorium and met rest of his team. He met the director and Sanyukta as well as the creative director gave everyone a lengthy character sketch to help them understand it more deeply. They tried to enact a very few scenes in a very raw manner. Sanyukta and the director had deep discussions regarding each and every scene that had to be played out. They decided to have the two protagonists enact a scene and so the stage was being set with the props and lighting to give the exact feeling of how the scene should be finally played out. Randhir went to change his clothes for the scene.

Director: Umm Sanyukta.....can you please ask Anjali to go and inform Randhir that the hair stylist is back stage only....so its better he comes here only. The stylist will roughly style his here for the time being!

Sanyukta: Sir, Actually I have sent Anjali out to get some props....

Director: Then can you please inform him....we have a lot to do and there is not much time!

Sanyukta wanted to avoid Randhir as much as possible but the more she tried, the more she had to confront him. She sighed and left to inform him.

Sanyukta knocked the door of the green room allotted to Randhir.

Randhir: Come in....

Sanyukta entered the room and saw that Randhir was standing there shirtless with his blue jeans and was examining the shirt that was provided by the production house. Sanyukta immediately turned around and kept her hands on her eyes.

Sanyukta: You shameless flirt.... don't you have any shame.....

Suddenly this very moment felt Déjà vu for both Randhir and Sanyukta as they remembered the first day Randhir was shooting in Delhi for his show....

Flashback

Sanyukta had to inform Randhir about the location of his make up room and so she went to the green room and knocked the door

Randhir: come in.....

Sanyukta entered the room and was shocked because Randhir was just wearing a Black jeans and was standing shirtless in front of her

Sanyukta(turning around and putting her hands on her eyes): you shameless flirt....tumhe zara bhi sharam nhi hai.....

Randhir(realizing that its Sanyukta.....and then he thinks something and smirks naughtily): Arre mujhe kya pata tha ki tum ho....vaise bhi tum yaha mere green room mein kya kar rhi ho

While talking to her he moves close to her and stands very closely behind her

Randhir : waise tumne ab tak muh kyun moda hua hai.....maine toh kabki shirt pehen li

Sanyukta: pakka na....

Randhir(smirking): haan haan....pakka

Sanyukta turns around...and her eyes widened...as Randhir was still shirtless and was standing very close to her.....Randhir immediately puts his arms around her waist and pulls her closer

Sanyukta(struggling to free herself from his hold): How dare you....tumne mujhse jhut bola......aur chodo mujhe

Randhir(Putting his forefinger on her lips): shhh....(huskily) chashmish kitna bolti ho tum.....tumhe kuch feel nhi hota jab main tumhaare paas aata hun....tumhaari dhadkane nhi badti jab meri saasein tumhaari saason se takrati hai....bolo..hmm tell me...don't you feel anything for me

Sanyukta(widening her eyes): yeh tum kya keh rhe ho.....

Randhir suddenly leaves her and picks up a paper and starts reading it

Randhir: Mujhe director ne romantic scene ka ek sample diya tha ...woh hi practice kar rha tha

Sanyukta: what....toh yeh sab jo tum kar rhe the...woh acting thi?

Randhir(smirking): Of course chashmish...tumne kya socha?...Tum kaho toh hum yeh sab reality main bhi kar sakte hain...I don't mind it (He winked at her)

Flashback ends

Suddenly, they both came out of their memories and Sanyukta broke the silence.

Sanyukta (still with her back to him): Mr. Shekhawat, your hair stylist is waiting for you backstage....so please change and come fast.

Saying this Sanyukta went away, while this was the second time that he saw a glimpse of his 'naïve and innocent' Chashmish in Sanyukta. He just smiled sadly and changed and went backstage for his hair and make up.

Randhir and the female protagonist were prepared to do the rough rehearsal of the scene. They were right on the centre of the stage and the spotlight was on them. They were told to cover the whole stage as theatre requires the stage to be covered completely. The scene was going on smoothly. Sanyukta and the director were trying to explain their vision to the actors. In the next scene, only Randhir was required.

The scene was going on. In the scene Randhir had to walk up to a man and talk to him and buy a product from him. Sanyukta was standing just at the corner of the stage when she noticed that the Chandelier fixed for the above lighting was moving a lot. She noticed that Randhir was standing right under the Chandelier and it was about to fall.

Sanyukta (Running towards Randhir and pushing him aside): Randhir!!!!!

The chandelier came crashing down while Randhir and Sanyukta fell just inches away from it. They escaped death narrowly. Both Randhir and Sanyukta were breathing heavily.

Sanyukta (whispering and shaking lightly): Are you Ok?

Randhir (looking intensely in her eyes): I thought that I won't ever hear my name in your voice again.....

Randhir's words brought Sanyukta back to reality and she immediately got up. Randhir also got up and dusted his arms. He saw that Sanyukta got a little injury on her elbow.

Randhir (holding her hand): Sanyukta you are hurt! Let me dress this wound...

Sanyukta (snatching her arm away from his hold): I can help myself....thanks for the concern!

Saying this Sanyukta moved to her cabin. She took out the first aid box and tried to do her dressing herself but it was paining her terribly. She wasn't able to dress her wound. She was just trying to put Dettol on the wound when she heard knock on her cabin.

Sanyukta (thinking that its Randhir): How many times do I have to tell you that I don't need your help Mr. Shekha....(she looked up and saw it was Anjali and gulped her next words).....Umm Anjali what are you doing here?

Anjali: umm....mam I came to keep these edited parts of the script in your cabin.

Sanyukta (still trying to put Dettol): Ok keep them....

Anjali: Mam...may I please help you?

Sanyukta: I can do it myself Anjali....

Anjali: Mam if it would have been me who would have got hurt, then you wouldn't have helped me?

Sanyukta was silent and then she allowed Anjali to do the dressing of her wound. Anjali very carefully put Dettol on the wound and dressed her wound.

Sanyukta: Thanks Anjali!

Anjali: Your most welcome Mam!

Saying this Anjali came out of her cabin and saw Randhir hiding behind the door.

Anjali: Sir, she is alright now!

Randhir: Thanks for helping me out Anjali.....she wouldn't have let me help her....

Anjali: You knew Sanyukta mam before being a part of this play, right?

Randhir: Yeah....

Anjali: You care about her a lot....!

Saying this Anjali went away smiling while Randhir also went back to the stage after ensuring that Sanyukta was fine.

The director and producer were yelling on the prop team who were responsible for the lighting.

Producer: Do you have any idea.....what a blunder it was!.....someone could have died....who would have been responsible for this....you are fired right now....

Light man: Sir.....please forgive me....I don't have money to afford even two time meals for my family.....I really need this job sir....

Producer (yelling): I said you are fired.....

Sanyukta: Excuse me sir! But please don't fire him.....

Producer: You are saying this Sanyukta? Seriously....the only person who got hurt in all this is defending this man.....I can't believe this!

Sanyukta: Yes sir...I am saying this.....please don't fire him!

Producer (angrily): And what is the guarantee that he won't make the same mistake again and someone else won't get hurt?

Sanyukta: Sir....I take guarantee for him but please don't fire him sir!

Producer (exasperated): Unbelievable...! Fine....I am keeping him on your guarantee Sanyukta.....(looking towards the light man) Make sure that such a mistake won't happen again!

Lightman (joining hands): Thank you sir....!

Everyone left the stage and Sanyukta was also about to leave when the light man called her.

Lightman (joining his hands in gratitude): Madam....thank you so much for saving my job....I don't know how to thank you for this.....

Sanyukta: Its Ok dada.....just be careful next time...and (taking out some cash from her purse and giving it to him) here take this....your daughter is in the hospital right....keep this....it will help you!

Lightman: Thank you so much madam.....may god give you all the happiness in the world!

Both Sanyukta and Lightman left the stage while Randhir smiled seeing the same Selfless Chashmish in front of him again. She might have changed a lot from outside but from inside she was the same selfless and kind person he knew. Maybe his mom was right.....there was a reason for her change to a hard exterior.

After everything was settled down, the crew returned to the stage. It was already very late, so they decided to enact one last scene for the day and then pack up. The scene was very intense as the female protagonist had to deliver a very emotional dialogue. However, she was not able to bring the right expression and emotion to the scene. It was looking too artificial and the feel was not there.

Director: No...no.....its not going right at all.....it feels too much artificial Neha....it should come out very naturally....Lets take it one more time from the beginning .....ok?

Neha (female protagonist): Alright sir....

However, she was not able to deliver it correctly.....

Director (frustrated): If you can't act out this simple scene then why are you even an actor.....?

Sanyukta (trying to calm the director): Sir I think she just needs a reference to perform it....I know she can do it....

Director (angrily): Reference....now what reference she needs after such an elaborate explanation....!

Sanyukta: Sir maybe someone can act it out a little to show her what we are exactly looking for.....

Director: That might work.....why don't you show her the scene by acting it out, Sanyukta?

Sanyukta (surprised): Sir...Me? But how can I do it? I am not an actor sir.....

Director: But you are the writer of this play and its your vision that we are enacting out on stage.....so no one can explain it better than you.....

Sanyukta (Sighing): Alright sir.....

Scene

The name of Randhir's character in the play was 'Aditya' while the female character's name was 'Sanjana'.

Randhir (as Aditya): Sanjana why are you making such a big deal about it. You know that I can't babysit you all the time....I have a career as well!

Sanyukta (as Sanjana): (very emotionally) You are right.....you can't babysit me all the time but the least I expected was for you to stand by my side when I needed you the most.....when we became friends....I thought that there is someone with whom I can share everything....my happiness.....my problems but the truth is that 'you were never there for me'. Expectations always hurt and you hurt me! You don't know what I have gone through or for that matter still going through..... you never even called me.....you never thought that I am dead or alive....(clutching his collars with tears in her eyes) Tell me.....just tell me ......am I nothing to you Ran....

Suddenly Sanyukta realized that she was about to take Randhir's name. So, she stopped right there and everyone applauded her.

Director: Sanyukta....that was fantastic.....you see that Neha....that's the kind of emotion I want in the scene!

Everyone was applauding her but Randhir was just looking at Sanyukta. He somewhere felt that Sanyukta was not really acting....in fact her real emotions and feelings came out in the scene.

After that, the scene was finally properly rehearsed with female protagonist and they finally packed up.

Everyone left for home but the director, Randhir and Sanyukta had to discuss a few parts of the script, so they stayed for one more hour.

It was already 11 PM when they finally completed the work. The director lived nearby so he left for his home.

Randhir: Chashmish....

Sanyukta: Its Sanyukta, Mr. Shekhawat.....you learn long scripts....my 8 letter name is not that difficult to learn I guess.....

Randhir (sighing): Fine....Sanyukta, its already very late, let me drop you....

Sanyukta (coldly): I can manage to go by myself....

Randhir: Why are you being so stubborn? It's very late Sanyukta....its not safe!

Sanyukta: I am 24, Mr. Shekhawat....I can manage to reach home by myself!

Randhir (sarcastically): I am sorry....I didn't know that criminals are sympathetic towards girls who are 24 years of age.....

Sanyukta (booking a cab): I am booking a cab and I will reach safely!

Randhir: Sanyukta....trust me its not....

Sanyukta (interrupting him): I don't think so I can trust you Mr. Shekhawat!

For a moment, Randhir was silent. It hurt him when she said that she didn't trust him.

Soon, the cab arrived which Sanyukta had booked. She sat in the cab and zoomed away.

The next week went by very quickly with Randhir being extremely busy with his show and play. He never expressed it but the work pressure was too much on him. If it was some other situation, he would have not done the play considering its working hours on weekdays but he couldn't lose his only chance of getting his best friend back. Sanyukta talked to him only when it was required. Their working dynamic was good but it was very distant.

Finally, it was Sunday today and the play rehearsals got over in the afternoon only as today Sanyukta was not present at the theatre. Randhir asked Anjali and got to know that Sanyukta was busy today and she had to go somewhere. Since the writer was not there, so they packed up the rehearsals early today.

Sunday, 7 PM

Randhir was resting at home, while his parents were out for dinner. He was just playing game on his mobile when he received a call from Parth.

On Call

Parth: Hey bro....what's up?

Randhir: Nothing much....you tell!

Parth: I was thinking...let's hit the club today yaar.....its been a long while since we chilled out together....If you are free.....then join us!

Randhir: Is Ayesha gonna be there?

Parth: No dude....!

Randhir: fine I will be there!

Parth: Great....let's meet at 9 PM at City Club!

Randhir: Ok...

Call ends

Randhir took a shower and got ready to go to the club. He wore a white shirt with a black blazer and black jeans. He set his hair with gel and sprayed a little cologne and he was ready to go. He thought that maybe some time off from work would be great and maybe he could take his mind off Sanyukta....

City Club, 9 PM

Randhir entered the club with Parth and two more of his friends. As soon as they entered, their ears were filled with blaring loud music. They went to the bar area and ordered beers.

Parth: It's been such a long time since we chilled out like this....

Randhir: Yeah.....

Parth (raising a toast): To a well-deserved weekend to all of us!

Everyone clanked their beer bottles together and cheered up with the music. Soon their other friends went to hit the dance floor, while Randhir and Parth enjoyed their drinks....

Parth: Kya yaar Randhir.....you will keep standing here....be a sport....go hit the dance floor...meet some girls....destress yourself.....

Randhir (bored and taking a sip of his drink): Parth you can go and do whatever you want....I am enjoying here.....

Parth: Really....you won't even flirt with girls....come on you believe in healthy flirting....its harmless!

Randhir (understanding his intentions): I am not gonna be your wingman to help you meet girls here Parth....

Parth: Randhir since when did you become such a bore....and helping me meet girls will also help you meet someone.....

Randhir (interrupting him): You are on your own today buddy....I just wanna relax and enjoy my drink here.....

Parth (looking around the club): Arrey......at least take a look around yaar....(spotting a girl in black dress but her back was facing them)....look....that girl in black dress looks hot...don't you want to go and introduce yourself.....

Randhir took a look at the girl Parth was pointing. She indeed looked hot but soon he saw a guy clutching her waist and pulling her close.

Randhir: Dude....it seems she is already taken.....anyways I am not interested....!

Parth: You just keep sulking here....I am going....!

Parth also went on the dance floor to hit on girls while Randhir continued to have his drink. He was just looking around and his eyes fell on the girl in the black dress again. He felt that she seemed very familiar.....however, when she turned around, he felt the earth slip beneath his feet. He couldn't believe his eyes. Right there in front of his eyes, standing in a knee length black dress with high heels and curled hair was his naïve and innocent Chashmish.

The "Sanyukta Aggarwal" in a night club wearing a hot dress was the last scenario that Randhir couldn't have even imagined. He rubbed his eyes 2-3 times to make sure that he was not hallucinating her. Hell....he was just having his first beer of the night....he couldn't have been so drunk to hallucinate her in a city club setting.

Randhir looked at her keenly and she was looking scared and clueless in that club. Of course, she was scared. Club is the last place on earth Sanyukta could be. But what was she doing here? Was she here with some friend of hers but who is he kidding.....Sanyukta wouldn't have come to the club even on insistence of any friend. Then it struck him that a few minutes back, a guy was dancing very closely with her. Who the hell was that guy?

He was just looking at her standing alone in the midst of the dance floor, when he saw the same guy coming to her again and dancing closely with her. Seeing Sanyukta dancing closely with that guy boiled Randhir's blood up to a great extent. Moreover, he could clearly sense Sanyukta's uncomfortable body language.....the way she was stretching her dress down. But why the hell, she was in such a situation?

Randhir was just looking at them with an unsaid emotion. He himself felt very uncomfortable seeing Sanyukta dancing with a guy in such a close proximity. He was lost in his thoughts when he heard the bartender calling him out.

Bartender: Sir, can I get you anything else?

Randhir (looking at Sanyukta in that guy's arms): One Scotch please!

Bartender (making the drink): One scotch coming right up sir!

The bartender passed him the glass and Randhir drank the whole glass in one go. He closed his eyes when that bitter liquid went down his throat. Somehow that loud music and extremely bitter liquid which used to give him pleasure earlier were not able to give him peace.

Randhir (to the bartender): One more....!

The bartender passed him one more scotch when he heard the voice of the person who caused a storm in his heart a few minutes back. She had not noticed Randhir sitting just by her side.

Sanyukta (to the bartender): Can I please have one orange juice please?

Suddenly those few words from Sanyukta's mouth brought a smile on Randhir's face.

Randhir (in mind): I don't understand you Chashmish....first you do the most unimaginable things in the world and then your little eccentricities and your quirkiness just makes me believe that you are still that innocent professor who called me a shameless flirt on our very first meet. I mean standing in a night club, dressed in a hot black dress and then requesting the bartender for an orange juice.....you are truly one of a kind Chashmish.....!

Suddenly Randhir was brought out of his thoughts by the Bartender....

Bartender: Sir would you like more ice for your drink....

Randhir (Coming out of trance): Yeah....sure....

When Randhir's voice fell on her ears, it was then that Sanyukta noticed that Randhir was sitting right there at the bar....

Sanyukta (looking at Randhir): You....what are you doing here.....(noticing the drink in his hands and looking elsewhere angrily and mumbling to herself).....Some things never Change!

Randhir (clearly getting her words and her snide remark on him drinking): True.... Some things never change but "you" surely have changed a lot.....haven't you?

Sanyukta looked at him keenly.....

Randhir (bitterly): Don't look at me as if I have said something wrong. The saint nerdy Sanyukta Chashmish Aggarwal who hates parties and alcohol is standing at a bar in a night club in the middle of the night dancing....sorry "dancing closely" with a guy....

Sanyukta (angrily): Randhir.....just mind your own business!

Randhir (taunting): Why? The truth goddess Sanyukta Aggarwal can't accept that she is nothing but a big hypocrite!

Sanyukta (looking elsewhere): People change Randhir.....!

Randhir (looking keenly at her): Seriously....you out of all the people in this world is saying this!

Sanyukta just looked elsewhere when Randhir continued.

Randhir: "Main kya hun...kaisi hun....aur mujhe kaisa hona chahiye......yeh mujhe tumse jaane ki zarurat nhi hai......tum yeh sab enjoy karte hoge...parties, social life.....friends ke saath get together and all.....but meri khushi inn sab mein nhi hai....mere liye apni company hi kaafi hai mujhe.....tum ek actor ho aur uss point of view se main yeh keh sakti hun ki tumhe logon ki taaliyan......unke compliments ....yeh sab bahut pasand honge.....par meri khushi meri books ke palat te hue pages mein hain.....kisi social networking site par time waste karne se zyada main ek nayi book ko padna prefer karti hun.....because har book mere liye ek exploration journey ki tarah hai.....aur main jaisi bhi hunk hush hun.....I believe that every person has his/her own individuality and perceptions...and one should never loose his/her individuality......this is what makes every person different from the other person.....meri individuality hi mera sabse important ornament hai.....aur main isse kisi ke liye bhi change nhi karungi..........." Are these not the exact words spoken by you, Chashmish?

Sanyukta (shocked that he remembered everything so aptly): All rules have exceptions, Randhir....

Randhir (raising his eyebrows): Really? What or should I say "Who" is your exception, Chashmish?

Sanyukta (thinking of someone): Sometimes you just have to change for the people you love! (Looking at Randhir) and anyways you yourself suggested me to change....so why is it bothering you now?

Randhir (looking deep in her eyes): True! I had told you to change, Chashmish but not at the cost of losing yourself.....and you know what Chashmish.... 'Love is Freedom'!......change is good only till the time it does not suffocate you and believe me nothing is worth losing yourself!

Sanyukta (smiling sadly): You are wrong Randhir!.....Some people are just worth losing everything in life....sometimes, even yourself!

Randhir was just looking at her when that same guy came near Sanyukta who was dancing with her a few minutes back. That guy was drunk out of his wits and was stumbling. He was about to fall when Sanyukta held him and helped him stand. However, Sanyukta was not able to support his weight, so, Randhir came forward and provided him support. The guy seemed very familiar to Randhir but he couldn't really remember where he had seen him.

Randhir: Come I will drop you and your....(changing his words) I will drop you and him.

Sanyukta (stubbornly): I can manage....

Randhir (raising his eyebrows): Really?

Sanyukta: Definitely

Randhir (leaving the guy and letting his all weight on Sanyukta): Go ahead then....

Sanyukta couldn't really handle his weight. She was about to fall when Randhir came to her rescue and held the guy again....

Randhir (taunting): Next time think before you speak Chashmish.... Confidence is great but Over confidence is just not cool.

Sanyukta just looked elsewhere and then they silently came out of the club with the guy. They moved towards his car and Sanyukta settled the guy in the backseat, while Randhir messaged Parth that he left for his house.

The drunk guy (holding Sanyukta's hand tightly): Sanyu.....baby I need you....just come here!

Sanyukta: Sid....please leave my hand....!

Sid: No....you come here!

Sanyukta: Ok....ok I am sitting with you only.....

On the other hand, Randhir's blood boiled seeing them. So, when Sanyukta was about to sit in the back seat with Sid, Randhir stopped her.

Randhir: Oh hello!.....I am not your personal chauffeur that you guys will sit in the backseat and I will drive you to your home....

Sanyukta: Randhir please.....

Randhir (tauntingly): What did I hear?.....Thank you so much for helping me out Randhir....I will respectfully sit in the front seat with you....

Sanyukta huffed angrily and moved towards the passenger seat and Randhir very chivalrously opened the door for her.

Randhir (gently): After you, my highness!

Sanyukta just sat inside the car and Randhir closed the door for her and sat in the driver's seat. He put on his seat belt and started driving. Sid was already unconscious by that time. The drive was filled with silence, awkwardness, unsaid questions and some unsaid and indecipherable feelings. Sanyukta was looking out the window and soon she also felt asleep keeping her head on the window. It was a red light when Randhir got the chance to admire her sleeping face. He was just admiring her when his eyes fell on the front rear view mirror where he saw the reflection of that Sid. Somehow that scenario of him and Sanyukta being so close came back to his mind and he felt angry again. He started the car and started driving on the 5th gear at a very high speed. Due to the jerks and speed of the car, Sanyukta's sleep broke.

Sanyukta: Are you out of your mind Randhir? You are driving at 90 km/hr speed on Mumbai roads. Slow down.....Are you drunk out of your wits?

However, Randhir was not listening to Sanyukta at all. He continued driving at high speed. After 20 minutes he stopped the car in front of St. Xavier's College staff quarters.

Randhir: We reached....

Sanyukta looked out and saw that they were in front of the staff quarters. She looked at her watch and saw that it was already 1:30 AM in the night. The guard won't even open the gate for her. Moreover, she had to ensure that Sid reaches safely back.

Sanyukta: Let it be....the guards won't open the gates now. Its already 1:30 AM...the gate closes at 9:30 PM. There's no way I can get in now....I am sorry to bother you but can you take us to Bandra....Sid lives there!

Randhir (starting the car): Fine!

It was on the way to Bandra that Sanyukta realized that she never told Randhir that she lived in staff quarters of the college.....in fact she never even told him that she worked at the college at all.

Sanyukta (curiously): Randhir.....I never told you that I lived in the college staff quarters.....why did you take us there? How did you know that I am living there?

Randhir's face colour drained. What he will tell to her? That he knows where she lives because he used to follow her cab to ensure that she reached back safely on the days when she used to stay late in the theatre for work and used to travel alone at night.

Randhir (wiping sweat beads from his forehead): Umm.....I assumed that since you work in the college....so you might be living in the staff quarters!

Sanyukta: And how did you know that I work in college apart from the theatre?

Randhir: Well, you were a professor in St. Xavier's college, Delhi.....so, I just took a hunch that you might still be working there in the Mumbai Branch....

Sanyukta: That's very strange of you to make assumptions......you could have asked me....!

Randhir remained silent while Sanyukta looked out the window. After reaching Bandra, Randhir put on the GPS to locate Sid's apartment. Soon they reached there. Randhir and Sanyukta supported Sid to come out of the car and helped him reach his apartment. Sanyukta took out the keys of his apartment from her purse. While Randhir was astonished to see that Sanyukta had the keys to Sid's apartment. The realization that they were that close was difficult for him to gulp.

Randhir helped Sid to lie down on the bed, while Sanyukta removed his shoes and helped him adjust on the bed properly.

Randhir: Chashmish....come....you can stay at my house today!

Sanyukta (not looking at him): Thanks for helping us out Randhir but I will manage from here!

Randhir: What do you mean...you will manage?

Sanyukta (Coldly): What I mean is that you can return back to your house....I am staying here!

Suddenly Randhir's heart broke in thousands of pieces. He felt a piercing pain in his heart when Sanyukta asked him to leave and said that she will stay with Sid. He opened his mouth to say something but no words came out of his mouth. He was not needed there anymore!

Randhir (gulping and stammering out of emotions): o...Okk....I will le...leave then!

Without any further ado, Randhir left the apartment leaving Sanyukta alone with Sid.

Randhir sat in his car and started driving towards his house. On the whole way, flashes of Sanyukta with Sid were coming in front of his house. Sanyukta's cold and changed demeanour was hurting him. However, nothing could match the hurt he felt when she asked him to leave and stayed back with Sid.

With all these emotions and thoughts, Randhir reached home. He unlocked the door with his keys and went straight to his bedroom. He didn't know what he was feeling at that moment. He felt very suffocated. He went for a shower. The shower didn't really give him any peace, but just gave him a chance to hide his emotions which fell from his eyes and got mixed with water droplets from the shower.

Monday, 9 PM, Prithvi theatre

After finishing the shoot for his show, Randhir had reached Prithvi theatre and was rehearsing for his scenes. He was moving around with the script while memorizing his dialogues when he collided with someone and all his script pages fell down. He started picking up the pages of his script, when his hand landed on another hand while picking up the page. He looked up and saw that it was Sanyukta.

The flashes of last night came in front of him and he immediately removed his hands from her and started picking up other pages. Sanyukta collected a few pages and handed them to him. It was while taking the pages from her hand that he noticed her closely. There were dark circles under her eyes and her face looked extremely pale. Randhir was not able to look in her eyes....so he immediately collected his copy of the script and went backstage, while Sanyukta kept looking at his retreating back.

They did a few rehearsals and then Randhir had a workshop with his dialect coach for his character. After he was done with the workshop, he was going towards his car in the Parking when he saw Sanyukta and Naina standing there.....maybe waiting for cab. He thought that since it was very late in the night.....he thought to offer them a ride home. He was coming towards them but stopped hearing their conversation.

Naina: Sanyu....who are we waiting for?....let me book a cab na!

Sanyukta: Sid is coming to pick me up.....he will drop you home as well!

Naina: Is Sid your boyfriend Sanyu?

Sanyukta didn't say anything.....while Naina continued to nag her!

Naina: Tell na Sanyukta....please!

Sanyukta (angrily): Just shut up Naina....not everything is funny!

Naina: Sanyu I was just....

Sanyukta (yelling): Just what..? Everything is not what meets the eye, Naina!

Naina: Am sorry Sanyu...I...

Sanyukta just kept hand on her forehead and looked away and gulped. Soon a car arrived and they sat and went away. For a moment, Randhir thought that he might have misunderstood Sanyukta but her silence on Naina's question somehow made things clear to him. He sat back in his car and drove back home.

The next few weeks went by and Randhir and Sanyukta's interaction became minimal. It seemed like Randhir had just backed off and was just focussing on his work. Sanyukta, on the other hand was often lost in her own world. She would often get lost in her thoughts. She hardly interacted with anyone. Randhir would often notice her sitting absolutely alone but he didn't know what to do. One day Sanyukta was just walking lost in her thoughts and she didn't notice that the floor was wet. She stepped on the floor and her foot twisted and she fell right there.

Randhir came running to her.

Randhir (examining her foot): Oh my god Chash...(realising what he was saying)...Sanyukta....are you Ok?

Sanyukta (wincing in pain and crying): Ouch! My foot...Aaaah!

Randhir (examining her ankle): It seems like you have sprained your ankle!

Before Sanyukta could say something, Randhir picked her up in his arms. Sanyukta clutched his arm in pain.

Randhir: Let me take you to the medical room.....it will be alright!

Randhir was just about to take her to the medical room when he was stopped by someone.

Sid (entering the auditorium and keenly seeing Sanyukta in Randhir's arms): What is going on here?

Seeing Sid, Sanyukta's eyes got widened and she immediately asked Randhir to put her down.

Sanyukta (looking at Sid): Randhir put me down....!

Randhir: I will not put you down.....you are hurt Sanyukta!

Sanyukta (angrily piercing her nails in his shoulder): Just put me down right now Randhir!

Randhir (bearing the pain of her nails piercing in his skin): I will not put you down!

Sid cleared his throat looking at them!

Randhir: Sanyukta slipped on the floor and sprained her ankle....so I was just taking her to the medical room.

Sid (coming running to Sanyukta and cupping her face): Baby....are you Ok? Come....I will take you to the medical room....

Sid took Sanyukta away from Randhir's arms and carried her in his arms.

Sid: Thanks for your help buddy....but I am here now and I am very much capable of taking care of my 'girlfriend'....Right Sanyu?

Sanyukta just looked down at the floor while Randhir stared at them with an unsaid emotion. Sid took Sanyukta to the medical room while Randhir kept staring at him taking Sanyukta away from him. He felt very uneasy and suffocated looking at them. He just gulped his emotion and went back to rehearsal when he heard some girls talking.

Neha: Yaar....Sanyukta is so lucky na that she got such a caring boyfriend!

Naina: Right.....in fact he is so sweet that he dropped me and Sanyukta home, last night just because we were getting late.....

Randhir just turned around and tried to focus on the script. He was going towards the green room allotted to him when his eyes fell on the medical room. He thought to check up on Sanyukta. However, when he came close to the door, he heard some voices....

Sanyukta: Sid please don't....please this is not the right place......Aaah...ouch!

Randhir was about to enter inside when someone stopped him.

Naina: Randhir where are you going....?

Randhir: To check up on Sanyukta.... didn't you hear her voice....?

Naina: I don't think you should go inside....(blushing a little) maybe they are just getting busy with each other and need some privacy....you know what I mean...!

Randhir's heart just synced on Naina's words. He immediately took two steps back and then went inside his green room.

After an hour, Randhir was going back to the stage for rehearsal when he saw that the door of medical room was open. He peeped inside and saw that it was empty. He sighed and was about to leave when he saw that a glass was broken by the bedside table. Then he remembered Naina's words.....

Naina: I don't think you should go inside....(blushing a little) maybe they are just getting busy with each other and need some privacy....you know what I mean...!

Randhir just sighed and returned back to the stage. He was going through the script and had some doubts as well as suggestions. So, he thought to discuss it with Sanyukta......although he just wanted to ensure that she was alright. He entered her cabin but she was not there and only Anjali was there.

Randhir: Anjali....where is Sanyukta? I wanted to discuss something with her!

Anjali: Mam was not feeling well.....so she left with Sid Sir!

Randhir (gulping): Alright....!

Tuesday, 8:30 PM, Prithvi Theatre

Everyone was having dinner before having the last rehearsal for the day. Randhir thought to discuss his previous day's doubts with Sanyukta. He knocked on her cabin.

Sanyukta: Come in!

Randhir entered inside and saw that Sanyukta was having dinner. It was then he noticed that she was having dinner with left hand and her right hand was wrapped in a band-aid. She was having difficulty while eating with left hand.

Randhir: I thought you had just sprained your ankle yesterday. What happened to your right hand?

Sanyukta (Concentrating on her food): Its none of your business Mr. Shekhawat....!

Randhir (irritated): Why are you being so cold and mean to me? I was just concerned about you!

Sanyukta (wiping her mouth): I don't need your fake concern or sympathy....if your purpose for coming here was to show me your so-called concern only, then you can leave!

Randhir: I am here to discuss something about the script!

Sanyukta: Go ahead......!

After that Randhir and Sanyukta discussed about the script for an hour. They were still discussing some points when someone barged in Sanyukta's cabin.

Sid: Sanyu....let's leave....(then he saw Randhir sitting in her cabin) Ohh....I hope I did not disturb you guys....(looking at Sanyukta) I did not disturb you with your colleague na Sanyu?

Sanyukta: Umm....no Sid....we were just done with the discussion!

Sid (looking at Randhir): You won't introduce me to your extremely caring colleague of yours?

Sanyukta: Umm Sid.....he is the male protagonist of our play.....Mr. Randhir Singh Shekhawat!

Sid (forwarding his hand towards Randhir): Hi I am Siddharth Sharma....Sanyukta's boyfriend!

Randhir (shaking hands with him): Randhir....

Sid: I feel like we have met before!

Randhir: Really....I don't think so! Although it was nice meeting you.....Umm Excuse me Sanyukta....I will take your leave now!

Randhir came to the backstage for the final rehearsal, when after a few minutes, he heard the director yelling.

Director: Sanyukta, the final rehearsal for today is still left....you can't leave now!

Sid: I am sorry but Sanyu is not your slave....She is not feeling well and we are leaving right now. We were not asking for permission but were just informing you!

Saying this Sid took Sanyukta's hand and dragged her away from there, while Randhir kept looking at them. Randhir knew Sanyukta was very dedicated towards her work and this right there was her dream come true. She was not the one to walk out so casually....but seeing her behaviour from the last few days....he himself wasn't sure if knew her at all.

The next few weeks were the final rehearsal weeks before they started the live shows for the audience. However, each and every day, Siddharth created a drama and did not let Sanyukta work properly. The director was fed up of him as well as Sanyukta. So, today when Siddharth wasn't there, he called Sanyukta and the whole crew was listening to their conversation.

Director: Sanyukta....I need to talk to you!

Sanyukta: Yes Sir....

Director: Sanyukta this is the last week of rehearsals and we need to give our 100% now.....and so I need no distractions at all especially from your side!

Sanyukta: Sir I understand.....

Director (tauntingly): I really hope you do....because I don't need that boyfriend of yours to show up every day and interfere in my work....Please try and keep your personal and professional life separate Sanyukta!

The director was just talking when they heard someone clapping. It was Siddharth who was entering the theatre. He had heard the director's words about him....

Sid (clapping sarcastically): Wow! I didn't know that my girlfriend works in such a toxic place where she is not allowed to even breathe peacefully!

Director (mumbling): Not this drama again....(to Sanyukta) Sanyukta you and your boyfriend can leave for the day. Everyone here is waiting for the final rehearsal and then to go home. I don't have time for this drama!

Sanyukta (holding Sid's arm): Sid lets leave please.....

Sid (being stubborn): No....I am not leaving...

Sanyukta (getting embarrassed and pleading): Sid please....

After that they left and everyone got back to the final rehearsal for the day. After the rehearsal, Randhir was going towards his car in the parking when he heard some shouting sounds. He moved towards the voice and saw Sanyukta and Sid fighting.

Sanyukta (crying): Sid please listen to me....its just the last week of this project....please let me do it!

Sid (holding her shoulder tightly): Didn't you hear that director of yours insulting me Sanyukta?....does that not bother you at all?....why would that bother you haan....?

Sanyukta (with tears in her eyes): Sid...I will talk to him but please....

Sid (shouting): Didn't you hear me.....you are quitting this shitty play of yours!

Randhir (interrupting): No....She will not quit and you have no right to tell her to quit!

Sid (moving angrily towards Randhir): I am sorry who the bloody hell are you to get involved between me and my girlfriend?

Randhir was silent for a few moments but then he gathered up some words!

Randhir: Sanyukta is an independent individual and she is very much capable of taking her own decisions and this is her dream.......!!!!

Sid (tauntingly): It seems you know her very well haan.....(clutching Sanyukta's shoulder angrily) Sanyu do you have anything to say to your so-called colleague?

Randhir clenched his fist in anger on seeing him clutching Sanyukta's shoulder tightly!

Randhir: Just leave her right now....!!

Sid (clutching her even more tightly and challenging him): Or what?

Randhir was about to move forward to beat the hell out of him when Sanyukta's next words halted him at his place.

Sanyukta (coldly): Randhir just leave....!

Randhir (stammering): Sanyukta but I was just.....

Sanyukta (not looking at him): This matter is between me and Sid....you don't need to get involved in it.....So, please leave.....!!

Randhir: But Sanyukta.....

Sanyukta (shouting angrily): I said just leave Randhir.....just leave right now!

Randhir's heart broke into a million pieces. He felt like someone stabbed him right in the heart. He took his steps back and moved to his car and drove away. Randhir accelerated the car and drove in speed. Sanyukta's words were echoing in his ears again and again. His heart ached with an unbearable pain. He somehow reached home and entered straight in his room. He was taking shower and all the bitter flashes of Sanyukta and Sid came in front of his eyes.

Randhir (keeping his hands on the glass wall while taking shower): Where are you Chashmish? I keep searching for you but it seems you are lost inside the bitter, cold and extremely weak Sanyukta....I want my friend back....I want Chashmish Back!

The next day when Randhir reached the theatre, he couldn't find Sanyukta anywhere! He asked Anjali about her.

Randhir: Anjali, where is Sanyukta?

Anjali: Sir....Sanyukta Ma'am quit...!

Randhir (shocked): What? But it was matter of just one more week....I mean from next Sunday we will have live shows. How come she quit right before the premiere?

Anjali: I don't know sir.....she just mailed her resignation to the director!

Randhir knew that Sid must have forced her to leave the play but he couldn't believe that Sanyukta just quit....she quit right before she could see the product of her hard work. He just sighed in frustration and got back to work. He knew that how hard Sanyukta had worked on this script. If anything, he could at least perform his best to bring success to her very first play!

The next week went by pretty quickly and finally it was Sunday night. The grand Premiere of their play. The tickets were already sold out for the show and so the theatre would be filled with the audience. Randhir was all ready with his make up and hair. He was going through the script just one last time, when his eyes fell on his table where a dairy milk silk was kept and a note was kept under it.

Note

"I know you don't need any luck or wishes to perform well today....but still.... All the very best! I know you will rock and will knock it out of the park with your performance today!"

Randhir clearly recognized the writing on the note.

Randhir (caressing the note): I wish you were here to say these words of encouragement in person to me. However, your wishes are all that matter Chashmish....even if you are not here with me!

Randhir went on stage and thus began one of the best performances of his life. Randhir literally rocked the stage with his performance. After the show ended, everyone gave a standing ovation to the whole team. He could see the proud look on his parents' face after his performance. He was really very happy. He wished that Sanyukta was there and could see her vision turning into reality on stage but he knew that we can't get everything we wish for!

After the premiere of the show, the producer had thrown a grand after party for the cast and crew. Randhir after changing and getting ready went for the party. He had already informed his parents that he would be late. He saw Naina standing at the entrance.

Naina: Hey Randhir.....there's our Rockstar for tonight.....you were great tonight!

Randhir: Thanks a lot Naina....(going inside) you are waiting for somebody?

Naina: Actually, I personally invited Sanyukta to the party. She might have quit the project at the last moment but this play wouldn't have been a success without her....after all she is the writer! I really hope that she shows up today!

Randhir (mumbling): I hope so too!

Naina: You said something?

Randhir: Umm....no....I will see you inside then....

Naina: Yeah....!

Randhir entered and everyone congratulated him as well as Neha for their phenomenal performance. The producer thanked the whole crew for their team work and applauded their hard work and efforts. Everyone raised a toast and started enjoying the party with drinks and food.

Randhir was looking towards the door in hope of seeing just a glimpse of Sanyukta. It was as if God heard him and there Sanyukta entered the party venue adorned in a black saree. A smile came on Randhir's lips but that smile vanished as soon as Sid entered and held Sanyukta's waist. Everyone from the cast and crew came and met her and congratulated her as well. Randhir just turned his head and ordered a drink. Soon music started and lights were dimmed. Randhir was standing alone having a drink when Neha came to him.

Neha: Randhir come on let's dance na.....!

Randhir: I am not really in the mood Neha....!

Neha: Come on yaar Randhir....don't be a spoil sport....please come on....just one dance.

Randhir was about to deny her when he saw Sid and Sanyukta dancing on the floor closely and his hand on her bare back as she was wearing a backless blouse. Randhir clenched his fist for a moment and then took Naina's hands and went to the dance floor.

Please plug into the song "Kahin Toh Hogi Who" from the movie "Jaane Tu ya Jaane Na"

Credits: Film Jaane tu ya Jaane Na; Youtube

Kahin toh.. kahin toh.....Hogi wo, (Randhir was dancing with Naina but his eyes were on Sanyukta)

Duniya jahan tu mere saath hai.. (He was getting nostalgic and was wishing for a world where they were best friends again)

Jahan mein, jahan tu, (where there were smiles and laughter between them rather than distant silences)

Aur jahan, bass tere mere jazbaat hai, (where nothing exists but their pure emotions for each other)

Hogi jahan subah teri, (He remembered their moments together)

Palko ki, kirano mein, (When they used to have lunch together)

Lori jahan chand ki, (when he dropped her home in his bike and they became friends)

Sune teri baahoin mein..(When they hugged during their low moments)

Jaane naa kahan wo duniya hai, (He was wondering where those days and that world went)

Jaane naa wo hai bhi ya nahi, (He was wondering if everything between him and Sanyukta was just an illusion)

Jahan meri zindagi mujhse, (He was wondering where did that world go)

Itni khafa nahi..(where Sanyukta was not so distant from him)

Jaane naa kahan wo duniya hai, (He kept looking at her)

Jaane naa wo hai bhi ya nahi,(wondering if he would ever get)

Jahan meri zindagi mujhse, (his Chashmish back)

Itni khafa nahi..(His friend Chashmish, who was a fighter, back to him)

Saasein kho gayi hai kiski aahon mein, (Sanyukta was lost in her own world)

Mein kho gayi hu jaane kiski baahon mein, (She was wondering where and with whom has she ended up)

Manzilon se raahein doodhti chali, (She felt lost and alone)

Kho gayi hai manzil kahin rahon mein.. (She felt like she has lost her destination and ended up somewhere unknown....where she is not even sure about her own existence anymore)

Kahin to, kahin to, (They were just dancing when Siddharth twirled Sanyukta with a little force and she twirled)

Hai nasha..Teri meri har mulaqaat mein, (Sanyukta landed right in Randhir's arms and Randhir very respectfully placed his arms on the patch of her blouse....not touching her back at all)

Hoton se, hoton ko, (Randhir and Sanyukta were lost in each other's eyes)

Chumti, o rehte hai hum har baat pe, (Both had a lot of things to say)

Kehti hai fiza jahan,(yet there was a prolonged silence between them)

Teri zamin aasmaan.. (they were just coming close, when Siddharth pulled her)

Jahan hai tu, meri hassi, (Randhir let her go because)

Meri khushi, meri jaan...(he wanted only her happiness)

Jaane naa kahan wo duniya hai, (He kept looking at her)

Jaane naa wo hai bhi ya nahi, (remembering their moments together)

Jahan meri zindagi mujhse, (He wanted a world)

Itni khafa nahi..(where Sanyukta was not so cold and distant from him)

Jaane naa kahan wo duniya hai, (He wondered where that time went away)

Jaane naa wo hai bhi ya nahi, (He wondered if it was nothing but an illusion)

Jahan meri zindagi mujhse, (He wished for nothing but a world)

Itni khafa nahi..(Where Sanyukta and he were not so distant from each other)

After dancing and having fun.....everyone moved forward for dinner. Randhir was looking around. He couldn't spot Sanyukta anywhere after the moment they shared on the dance floor. He couldn't even see Sid anywhere. Maybe, they just left the party. Randhir was not feeling hungry.

So, he silently exited the party and moved towards his car. He drove the car on empty roads of Mumbai. He felt really alone at that moment. He thought to go to his favourite place. Maybe he will not feel alone there! Before that he stopped at a beer shop and bought two beers. He then drove to his favourite place!

Marine Drive, 2:30 AM (Night)

Randhir parked his car and came to his favourite corner to have his beer. He reached the corner and saw a girl sitting there all alone. He came near and saw that it was Sanyukta.

Randhir (Sitting beside her and taking a sip of his beer): Hey....today you came early!!....you usually come to talk to me only after I have had two beers....but great that you are early today!

Randhir thought that he was talking to his hallucination of Sanyukta.....while Sanyukta looked at him confused.....

Sanyukta (clicking her fingers in front of her): What is wrong with you Randhir? What are you even saying?

Suddenly everything felt very real to Randhir and then he rubbed his eyes two to three times but Sanyukta was still there. He surely was not that drunk.

Randhir: Are you really here?

Sanyukta (irritated): Have you lost it, Randhir? I think you are crazy....!!

Randhir: What are you doing here?

Sanyukta (Coldly): Is this your house that I have to take permission before coming here?

Randhir (raising his hands): Ok....Chill!

There was a silence between them for a few minutes. Sanyukta was looking elsewhere and Randhir was drinking his beer. They both were internally enjoying each other's company and the aura of Marine drive. A few minutes later, Randhir tightly pinched Sanyukta's cheeks.

Sanyukta: Ouch....What are you doing?

Randhir (releasing her cheeks and being a little drunk): Sorry....I was just checking if you are real!

Sanyukta: Should I slap you to bring you back to reality?

Randhir (scared): No...no...I believe you...!

Randhir was just looking at her keenly and Sanyukta could feel his gaze on her and so she turned towards him.

Sanyukta (sternly): What?

Randhir (slurring): Noth...nothing....!

Sanyukta just sighed and looked away when Randhir tapped her shoulder again....

Sanyukta (irritated): What is it Randhir?

Randhir: Can...can I ask you just...just one question....I promise just one question!

Sanyukta (Sighing and gulping): What?

Randhir: Who...who are you?

Sanyukta: What?

Randhir: Who are you? I mean I knew Chashmish, who was and will always be my best friend. You look a lot like her. In fact, you resemble her a lot, yet you are not her. I feel like I don't know you at all. The Chashmish I knew was smart, kind, strong and a fighter. She was not cold and bitter like you. She was also not someone who would give up her individuality for someone. I keep searching for my "Chashmish" inside of you. I feel kahin toh hogi woh.... She must be somewhere inside of you but I am not able to find her back....so, tell me.....who are you?

Sanyukta felt very emotional listening to Randhir. She was silent for a few moments.....

Sanyukta (mumbling slowly and gulping): Honestly.....I don't know who I am anymore.....Maybe Chashmish is just lost forever......!

Randhir: Hey.....I know she is inside you only. You know just like the moon hides completely once in a fortnight.....similarly she also has hidden herself somewhere inside you and I know she will be back when the time is right.....

Sanyukta (gulping and looking longingly at him): How can you be so sure, Randhir? What if she is just lost forever? What if she never pulls up the...the courage to come back? What if she just loses....or has lost herself?

Randhir: I just know that she will come back from wherever she is hiding inside of you! And you are saying how am I so sure? Then let me tell you..... My Chashmish is a fighter....she always comes back stronger! In fact, you want a demo of her.... you want to meet her right now? Wait let me call her.... give me your purse!

Sanyukta looked at Randhir confusingly when he snatched her purse from her!

Sanyukta (trying to take her purse back): What are you doing, Randhir? Give me my purse back!

Randhir (taking out her spectacles and giving her purse back to her): Finally, found them!

Sanyukta: Randhir, what are you doing with my spectacles? Give them back!

Randhir (facing Sanyukta and making her wear her spectacles): See now you look like my Chashmish!

Sanyukta: Things are not that easy Randhir...(mumbling) I wish things were that easy!

Randhir (examining his beer can): You know what, Chashmish....(smiling at her)this is my 5th beer of the day! Isn't it great?

Sanyukta (angrily): 5th beer.....I can't believe this Randhir. You never listen to me at all. How many times have I told you that I hate this drinking habit of yours but you never listen to me at all? Why would you listen? You take pleasure in drinking right. I don't understand how can you get pleasure in something which just gives you headache the next day with loads of vomit to spill. But why am I saying all this to you....? Saying something to you is like banging my head on a wall. How many times will I tell you that it is not good for your health. What is it that you like in this bitter liquid anyways?

Sanyukta was going on and on about his drinking habit while Randhir just smiled admiring her. Suddenly, Sanyukta saw him looking at her and stopped her rant.

Sanyukta: Now, why are you smiling? Did you even listen to what I was saying?

Randhir (smiling and caressing her cheek): You were saying na that my Chashmish might have been lost.....well she is right here in front of me....giving me a lecture on my bad habits and looking ever so sincere in her spectacles. I told you that she lives right inside of you. Its just a matter of time that you find her back! Come on now....its very late. I will drop you....!

Randhir got up while Sanyukta followed him stunned at his words and his antics. In that moment, she really felt like she had found her real self behind this cold exterior that she had created for herself. She smiled and followed Randhir to the car!

Randhir (Driving the car): Where should I drop you? The staff quarters must have closed by now!

Sanyukta: Just drop me at Naina's house....she lives two blocks away from your apartment only.....

Randhir felt really relieved that she was not going to stay at Sid's house tonight. He happily drove the car and soon they reached in front of Naina's society.

Sanyukta (getting out of the car): Thank you Randhir!

Randhir (Smiling): Your welcome!

Randhir drove back to his home while Sanyukta went to Naina's apartment for the night. It had been indeed a very long night for both of them!

My POV

In search of Chashmish......Randhir has been searching for his Chashmish and finally he found a little glimpse of her tonight! Sometimes we often go through an existential crisis. We often forget the person we were. Same thing happened with Sanyukta. We don't really know the reason behind her loosing herself....her identity but it is something we all can relate to. Sometimes, it's the people and circumstances around us which leads us to losing our own self in fighting the odds. Adversities are a part of life....in fact they are a part of everyone's lives.....what is important is to hold onto yourself.....the feeling of "self and individuality" is very important. However, sometimes just little nuances....little moments are enough to rejuvenate and acquire the feeling of your 'real self'. I know I went a little too deep in this part but I hope that each one of you could relate to it at some level.

This part is of around 11,000 words. This is the longest part I have written till now and believe me it took every part of my heart to write it. I hope you guys like this part. I know that its very long but I could not have divided this part into two....because it would have lost its essence then. I really hope that you guys don't get bored while reading it. It's a very important part in terms of the plot.

A very big thank you to all my commenters and silent readers. I am glad that you guys like this story and are still reading it. Its always a pleasure writing for you guys and I love reading your comments which help me feel very motivated. I am glad that you find this story worth your precious time and I hope you will continue reading it.

All your comments motivate me to write. Please try and comment more. Please vote, comment and continue reading my story. Hope this update is worth your time and patience. Have a great day and stay safe guys!!