Your Smile Is My Gift
It was a fresh morning at ETF...a new but fairly simple case was hovering over the entire ETF!
There was something more special regarding the day..It was ETF's darling Riya's b'day'..and of course, the day before Christmas ''
Shree and Chotu had special plans for her..of course, surprise ones...But they wished her with flowers the moment she entered the office...It hadn't gone unnoticed from the super cop...he gave one of his "what the hell" stares in their direction when they made noises'Immediately, she hushed them up'
Riya: [stealthily glancing at Arjun and then turning away before he could notice] shhh...woh ghurr rahe hai..
Shree: chill yaar Ri''unke aankhen aise hi hai...jab dekho aisa lagtha hai ke aankhon se goli maar denge..[grins]
Riya: [chuckling] tum bhi na Shree...kuch bhi bolthe rehthe ho unke baare mein
Chotu: nahi Riya'Shree bilkul teek keh raha hai'waise bhi, aaj tumaari b'day hai..toh tum kuch bhi kar satkthe ho...koyi kuch nahi kahega...[smiles sweetly at her..she smiles back and quickly adds]
Riya: yeh ETF office hai Chotu'yahaan yeh sab emotions ya feelings ka koyi value nahi hai...discipline aur work hi sab kuch hai!!
Shree: kya baat hai Ri, kahi tum ETF join karne ke decision ko rethink toh nahi kar rahi, huh???
Riya: nahi yaar..bas aise hi keh rahi thi''humaare dho dho senior officers hai..par kisi ne bhi abhi tak mujhe wish nahi kiya..isiliye bol rahi thi...unn dono ko toh yeh sab important hi nahi hai, right?
Chotu: Riya, Rathod sir se expect kar sakthe ho..woh tumhe zaroor wish karenge..par Arjun sir...woh kabhi nahi karenge..expect bhi matth karna..
Shree: aur nahi toh...Arjun sir keliye unke revolver aur criminals se hi matlab hai...
Riya knew that it wasn't true..She understood Arjun too well now that she could see him through...All these courtesies, emotions, feelings were all in him but lay dormant in the deepest corner and bringing them out required time, utmost patience and care...She had been trying to do it ever since she saw him, and started knowing him, understanding him as a person rather than a strict ruthless senior officer''He was a good person, in fact a great human being at heart but he never showed that side of him!
But at times like this, she also regretted a bit for having known him to that extent because it hurt her when he posed such indifference and distance'his cold vibes hurt her very much''A simple b'day wish was all that she wished for and he hadn't even passed a feel good glance to her direction''
All she could see was an ever fuming angry look on his stern face...what had she done to get this? She thought to herself and let out a deep sigh!
Shree sensed her silence and shook her up "kya hua? Tum teek tho ho na?"
Riya: haan main teek hoom'
Before they could talk further, Rathod stepped out of his cabin''"Team"
His loud call brought them all around the conference table'..Before the case briefing, Rathod looked at Riya "Happy B'day Riya!"
Riya: [smiling back sweetly] thanks sir...[she looked at Arjun in anticipation but he didn't seem to be bothered about it...it looked as if he didn't even hear Rathod wishing her..she looked away the same instant regretting the very thought or the expectation of being wished by him!]
Rathod: ab case ke baare mein baat karthe hai..ek widow aur unke teen bacchon ke khatal hua hai'..yeh toh clear hai ke koyi pehchaan waala hi khooni hai par kaun?
Arjun: [putting the file in his hand on the table] murder planned nahi tha''lagtha hai kuch argument hui aur usi ghusse mein khoon bhi hua hai..
Rathod: haan shaayad bacchon ne unke maa ko maarthe hua usse dekha hoga..sapoot mitaane ke chakkhar mein sabko behrehmi se maar dhi ussne...
Riya: sir..aise cases mein khoon ka reason money hi hota hai...shaayad paison ke wajeh se hi yeh sab khoon bhi hua hai...
Rathod: ho saktha hai..aur nahi bhi ho saktha...anyways, humme ek baar phir se uss ghar ki talaashi leni hogi..aur unke advocate aur neighbours se baat karni hogi'..Shree, Riya tum dono unke kareebi rishtadhaaron aur advocate se baat karke dekho kya kuch patha chaltha hai! phir seedhe crime scene pe aa jaana..Chotu Rawte tum dono mere saath chalo...crime scene aur wahaan ke baaki baatein cover karenge...
Arjun: [looks a bit lost but immediately shrugged out] haan chalo!
[The day passes slower than usual or it seemed to be slow for Riya...May be because in every passing moment, she expects a call, a message or the times when they came face to face, a simple smile which could just brighten up her whole day and make her the happiest girl in the world on her birthday but nothing of the sort happened''
At the end of the day, like Chotu and Shree said, she was disappointed after expecting it from him!... maybe she expected too much''
The case was almost solved except for a few glitches'..The team was returning after a long day..Shree suggested that the trio go for a dinner treat'...Riya was with Arjun..Shree and Chotu were with Rathod..
Riya wasn't excited much about Shree's plan but she didn't want to reject it and hurt him..Afterall he was her best friend and a source of moral support always'...
She was continuously on her phone typing away messages to Shree discussing about the plan'..Arjun was really annoyed by her behavior but he opted to remain in his own "I don't care a damn" attitude''
Reading a message, she giggled which irritated him out of bounds but his ego made him fume in silence...She ignored him completely and dialed Shree's number to talk "haan Shree, yeh kya yaar??? This is not done, huh? Mujhe change karni hai..obviously yaar...i cant go for dinner in these worn out clothes..subah se bhaag dhod karke'[she stopped mid way because Shree said something from the other side...Arjun couldn't help but smirk hearing that...]..i mean..come on Shree'mere b'day hai aur Christmas eve bhi''hum ETF office chalthe hai...change karthe hai'phir chalenge...thats ok'haan thoda late hoga'par koyi baat nahi...yeah ok..[smiling into the phone] chal..see ya...
Shree and Chotu had initially decided to get down on their way to ETF and head straight to the restaurant for dinner as it was already late..but Riya was stubborn that she changed before going''She always kept spare clothes at office..in fact formal, casual and even a party wear!]
Arjun was relieved for a moment that she stopped talking and was about to say something to her when her phone buzzed again much to his annoyance..it was some friend of hers and had called to wish her...their banter didn't cease till the SUV turned into the ETF complex...
She got down after voicing a faint bye and sprinted up into the building..she didn't even wait for the lift'She ran up the stairs to the 2nd floor where their office was'...By the time Arjun reached, she had already gone to change her clothes''She had promised Shree and Chotu to make it real quick'...
Arjun waited near the conference hall as if to catch hold of her as soon as she stepped out but to his ill luck, Shree, Chotu and Rathod walked in before that'..Arjun was pissed off and walked away into his cabin!
He saw them leaving shortly...She was dressed in a black party gown which reached till her knees...She looked absolutely gorgeous in black...but that sight did very little to cool him down..instead it blew his fuming self even more'..Was she doing all this on purpose? He couldn't help wonder!
It was almost 2 hours and there was no sign of her...but something in him told that she would come back'So he waited..pacing down the room, swirling in his chair, but he waited!'
About an hour back, Rathod left...He had come to his cabin to give him some details regarding the case..Once done, he enquired "Rawte, main ghar jaa raha hoom'.." And looked at him for his response...
That look always meant "aur tum??" those were some common understood communications between the duo''no words, more of expressions and looks...which spoke more than the words between them!
Arjun replied "mujhe kuch aur kaam hai''thodi dher aur rukhunga!"
Rathod nodded "okay!" and left
The day was almost getting over...it was 11:45 PM when he heard footsteps''and he could also hear their laugh..their jokes and nhok jhok sessions were never ending'..he sighed'"yeh teenon baat karthe karthe dhakthe nahi kya?"
As soon as he saw them stepping in, he strained his eyes to see her''there, he caught a glimpse of her''she was laughing uncontrollably''he wondered "aisa kya joke tha, ke hassthe hi jaa rahi hai!"
He stood mesmerized by her and her charming beauty for a long moment..and finally swore to himself firmly..its now or never...not a second more to be wasted!
He walked to her...The trio were quick to see him advance in their direction'..
Shree: [low voice] ab yeh Arjun sir ko kya chahiye??? Abhi tak gaye nahi..
Chotu: [low voice] haan mujhe lagaa office khaali hoga''shaayad humaara shorr sunn kar warn karne aa rahe hai!
Riya was silent and was intently looking at him..Something was different'his eyes and body language looked very different! What was he upto? She looked at him puzzled
He ignored Shree and Chotu and stood facing her "chalo mere saath..mujhe kuch kehna hai!"
Riya snubbed him "kahiye Sir...kuch kaam hai tho bathaayiye.."
Arjun: [looking at Shree and Chotu and then at her] nahi yahaan nahi''akele mein!
Riya wasn't willing to give up so easily "Shree aur Chotu hi hai Sir...aap unke saamne keh sakthe hai.."
Arjun nearly let out a fume "RIYAAA...iss waqt behas matth karo...chalo mere saath!"
Shree and Chotu decide to leave them alone...but Riya holds Shree back.."tum dono'yahi rukho..hilna bhi matth..[sarcastically].yeh khudko bohat superior samajhthe hai''humein unke ishaare pe nachaana chahthe hai'[turning to Arjun]'lekin Sir, that's only in official matters''humaara personal time bhi hai...uss waqt aap apna hukhum humaare uphar nahi chalaa sakthe'..[in an irritated tone, she turns to Shree and CHotu] chalo guys, hum nikhalthe hai [but Shree and Chotu could feel their senior officer's glare at them'so they didn't move one step with RIya'Riya noticed it and shrugged her shoulders] fine..main akele hi chali jaathi hoom...Bye!
Riya stomps off to the elevator and as she gets in and before the door closes, he keeps his foot in between and gets in too''She had pressed G...but he instantly stops the lift and presses 12..the top most floor which led to the terrace...She was really furious now'What was he doing? Was he in his senses?? She tried to switch it back but his grip on her hands was stronger for her to resist or do something against him...He was silent throughout the ascend and so was she''though she struggled a bit, she chose to be silent when he glared at her and signaled her to be quiet''
He didn't let go of her hand till they reached the far end of the terrace...
[The sky looked picture perfect like a beautiful painting with a crescent shaped moon and stars which gave them company! The cool breezy tranquil night was adding charisma to the entire scene too!]
He twirled her around to stand facing him and let go of her wrist..She rubbed her wrist and looked at him angrily " What are you doing Sir??? Mujhe aise yahaan laane ka kya matlab hai??"
Arjun: [looks at her intently for a few second and speaks out] tumhe nahi pathaa, huh???
Riya: [looking away from him posing an uninterested attitude] nahi..mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha''
[Her indifferent uninterested attitude of ignoring him angered him boundlessly]
Arjun: [stepping dangerously close to her, forcefully making her face him and looking directly into her eyes] don't ever do that to me Riya''main tumhe aakhri baar warn kar raha hoom...
Riya: [stepping back away from him] What the hell! Aap mujhse ladne ke liye yahaan laaye hain kya??? [muttering under her breath] ek toh mere b'day hai aur wish karna toh dhoor, ek smile tak nahi kiya..uphar se yeh bewajah dhaant!!!
Arjun: [his ears were sharp enough to catch that] tum maukha dhogi tab wish karunga na?? har waqt ek beedh mein ghoomti rehti ho..[a smirk visible on his face'she is amused by his reply'she couldn't believe if he really said that]
Riya: [taking a second to understand what he just said] What??? Shree aur Chotu aapko beedh hai??? waise bhi unn dono ke saamne wish kar sakthe teh na??
Arjun: [sarcastically] acchaa??...bohat mazaa aatha hai na unn dono ko humaare beech laane mein?? Tumhe kya lagtha hai, mujhe yeh sab nahi dikhtha??? yeh sab karke kya prove karna chahthi ho?
Riya: dekhiye sir'mujhe samajh nahi aa raha ke aap kya bole jaa rahe ho!! aur mujhe samajhna bhi nahi hai..[she tries to leave when he grabs her and pulls her to him''she falls into his arms with a jerk..their faces close to each other...his eyes locking hers as if forever]
Arjun: [as she struggles to free herself] don't you dare move Riya''[takes a deep breath and speaks in a husky yet mellowed voice]...tumaara harr waqt muskuraana, peeche mudhkar sharmaana...beedh mein bhi nazare chukhaakar chori chori mujhe dekhna.. tumhe lagtha hai ke yeh sab mujhse chupi hai??
Riya: sir plss chodiye mujhe..[she struggles but he continues without any impact]
Arjun: [not giving up] Shree aur Chotu ke saath zyaadha time spend karna mujhe irritate karne keliye hai na?
Riya: [as if in a hypnotized state] nahi!
Arjun: [running his fingers over her cheek]tumaare pyare se smiles, [tucking the lock to the back of her ears with his fingers] yeh baalon ko aise chehre pe lehraanae keliye chodh dena, inn khoobsurat aankhon se sharaarat karna...sab kuch mujhe dikhaane keliye hai na??
Riya: nahi..
Arjun: mujhe dekhne ke, mujhse baatein karne ke, mere saath rehne ke bahaane dhoondna''...kaho yeh sab bhi mere wehem hai??
Riya: haan'sab aapke wehem hi hai!...waise bhi aap harr waqt mujhe galath hi samajhthe hai Sir!
[Their eyes were locked again and faces just inches away while they continue their cute bickering]
Arjun: toh tum mujhe sahi baat samjhaavo na Riya!
Riya: aap samajhna chahthe tho kab ka samajh jaathe Sir..
Arjun: main toh bohat pehle samajh gaya Riya...lekin shaayad tum mujhe abhi tak samjhi nahi!
[A wide cheeky grin crops up lightening up the entire scene''his hands find their rightful place around her waist and she is locked to him]
His grin relaxed her a bit'She was getting the whole point..he was just posing all this angry acts''It was something else that was in his mind'..She couldn't control further, she hit his chest in false anger and sobbed like a kid...
Arjun: Happy B'day Riya! [just a minute was left for the day to get over..he realized that and wished her before it was late...She stopped her sob and looked up at him...]
Riya: [not able to believe if its all really happening or just a dream, hesitantly gathers courage and speaks up] aur meri b'day gift???
Arjun: gift??? Inn sab tensions mein gift ke baare mein bhool hi gaya..
Riya: [smiling] aaap bas ek pyaari si smile deh dijiye..YOUR SMILE IS MY GIFT!!
Arjun smiles automatically hearing it and that smile was enough to fill her with joy and happiness...she had yearned the whole day to see it...
Arjun adds romantically "yeh mera smile tumaari hi diya hua gift hai Riya..tumne hi iss smile ko mujhe waapas kiya hai..."
She blushes and lowers her gaze from him
He speaks up naughtily "mere smile itna pasand hai tumhe???"
Riya: [nodding] hmmm''[then adds sarcastically] woh kya hai na? mujhe rare cheezen bohat pasand hai''jaise yeh aapka smile..
Arjun: [coming closer to her] aur kya kya cheezen pasand hai?
Riya: [blushing by his intimate closeness] bohat hai...fursat mein bathaavungi..par aap kuch bhool toh nahi rahe? [he looks up at her enquiringly] aapne abhi tak woh teen lafz nahi bathaaye'
Arjun: [giving a confused expression] teen lafz?? "I am Sorry", huh?? par kyun??? main kyun sorry kahunga??
Riya: ohhh no...aap bhi na...aapko mujhse "I love you" kehna hai na??
Arjun: ek baar phir se kaho..kya kehna hai mujhe??
Riya : [not understanding his prank, adds loudly] I LOVE YOU!
Arjun: [hugging her tightly and voices loudly as if a reply to her] I LOVE YOU TOO RIYA!
Riya: [a slight shiver goes down her spine as he did that'she blushes pink and holds him tightly and speaks in a mellowed voice, a shiver showing up in it] aapne banaaya hai iss raat ko magical!
Arjun: [smiles feeling her uneasiness and shiver] Sirf main nahi Riya..hum saath hai..isiliye yeh raat magical hai! [Caressing her hair to make her comfortable to his touch and the intimacy]
It was the first time a man was touching her so intimately and in fact even standing so close to her and Arjun could feel it in her body language..But he knew well how to handle his RIYA with utmost care and boundless love!
The magical night, the sky, the stars, and the moon stood silent witnesses to their romantic union''As they begin their beautiful happy, love filled life together!
As if to mark the day forever, something very unusual happened'It started snowing merrily'an angel from the heaven was showering all her blessings on them!
[THE END]
Riya stood on the sea beach watching the waves, fuming in anger. She had taken leave early today, no, scratch that... She was forced to take an early leave today...all thanks to the one and only ACP Arjun Raute.
"samajhta kya hai apne aap ko ? thodi si chakkar aane se kya koi ghar jaakar baith jaata hai kya? ya phir unhe yeh lagta hai ki uss hadse ki wajah se ab main desk work ke liye bhi unfit ho gayi hu ?" Riya argued with herself for the umpteenth time, being royally irritated with the extreme care and attention being showered on her post her return from the hospital.
What happened actually was this: Flashback
ETF have been working hard on a case that involved a series of murders and was under a lot of pressure to solve the case quickly. They have been doing paperwork for a long time. Riya wanted to get a cup of coffee for herself; she tried to get up but her head immediately spinned, owing to the extreme workload throughout the day. She staggered and was about to fall, when a pair of strong arms held her tightly.
"Tum thik ho?" asked a familiar voice.
Riya blinked her eyes open to see four worried faces looking at her.
"main..main thik hu "
"woh toh dikh hi raha hai ". This time it was Chottu.
"lekin main sach mein thik hu. Woh bas thoda sa chakkar aa gaya tha isliye ..." Riya tried to convince them.
"Rathore, ab jab Riya ne khud confess kiya hai ki usse chakkar aaya tha, toh mere khayal se usse ghar jaakar aaram karna chahiye . Chottu, Riya ko ghar drop kar do." Arjun passed his orders even before Rathore could utter a word. And the next moment, Riya Mukherjee found herself being taken away by her best and dearest friend regardless of her protests.
Once on the way to home, Riya had given a sound scolding to Chottu and literally ordered him to drop her at the beach instead, threatening him not to tell about it to the seniors. And he complied.
Present
"upar se aaj main jaldi nikal aayi ..pata nahi waha office mein kya chal raha hoga ".
Little did she know that the team had called it a day an hour after she had left, unable to find any lead on the case they were currently working.
*******
"DAMMIT!! " Riya heard Rathore yell as she walked into the office, almost half an hour late the next day. She looked around...Arjun was sitting in his chair, his jaws set while Chottu and Shree looked at each other and gulped. Ria took her place and asked Shree in a whisper, "kya hua?"
Shree: sab gadbad ho gayi Ri, woh log humare aankhon mein dhul jhok kar bhag nikla hai aur informers ki khabaro ke mutabik, aakhri baar unlogo ko CST station par dekha gaya hai, Nasik ka train pakadte huye.
Rathore: time nahi hai humare paas, hume abhi Nasik ke liye nikal na hoga. Riya tum chal sakti ho na?
Riya was more than happy at this question. "Yes sir"she replied with a smile.
"Tum nahi ja rahi ho Riya "...came a voice and all heads turned to look at the speaker who was none other than Arjun Raute himself. "Tum abhi puri tarah fit nahi ho aur ..."
Riya was more than pissed by now. (in mind)"yeh phir shuru ho gaya?"(aloud) "Of course main jaa rahi hu, aur main puri tarah se fit bhi hu ".
Arjun: Riya maine kaha na..
Rathore: enough Raute..bandh karo yeh behes, main manta hun ki Riya kal thodi beemar ho gayi thi, lekin yeh case bhi kaafi pechila ho chukka hai aur aise mein, hum paanch se chaar ki team banana afford nahi kar sakte, Riya (turning to her) apni saari medicines pack karlo, tumhara puri tarah se fit rehna bahut zaroori hai ..hum log aadhe ghante mein nikal rahe hai.
Arjun tried to open his mouth in protest.
Rathore: am I clear guys?
Shree and Chottu tried to hide their smiles while nodding a "yes "and Riya looked at Arjun with a victorious look on her face.
Half an hour later, the SUV zoomed through the busy streets of Mumbai carrying the officers to their destination.
*******
Once the team reached Nasik, the case turned out to be more critical than it had seemed initially. The case that started with a series of murders and appeared as a case of contract killing now indicated to a major terrorist attack aimed at the Fighter Planes Production Unit that manufactures fighter planes for the Defense Ministry of the country. The revelation had left the team baffled and as much as the team tried to nab a couple of suspects, Asfaq and Sayeed, who were excellent sharpshooters as well, succeeded in fleeing from the city and escape to Nasik where their base camp lay.
But team ETF succeeded in busting the entire terrorist gang in a few days, killing many of them and taking the rest into custody, including Asfaq and Sayeed. But the best thing of all had been Riya's performance on the field; she had managed to gun down several men during the fight which impressed even her seniors... Everyone had applauded her including Rathore but Arjun Raute being the akdu he is, didn't bother to say anything about it.
The team returned back to Mumbai the next day and Rathore declared a couple of days off for the team. Actually he had declared only one day off initially but looking at the grumpy faces of his juniors, he took pity on them and added another day to it.
Shree, Chottu and Riya literally jumped up in joy at his declaration... Its Christmas time and they badly wanted to celebrate it. "THANK YOU SIR!!!" they shouted in unison and ran out of the office while Rathore looked at their exiting figures in amazement and Arjun shook his head with an "unbelievable "look on his face. Soon they too left the office and retired for the day.
********
The next day was Christmas Eve. Shree, Chottu and Riya had already made plans to attend the Midnight Mass of the Church. Accordingly, they reached the Church at around 11pm night. They entered the Church premises and started looking around...The place was brightly lit with candles, people are gathering in numbers to attend the services and choir singers are getting ready before starting the hymns.
Suddenly Chottu nudged Shree. Shree looked at him, he was pointing to a girl in the crowd.
Chottu: woh rahi, woh departmental store wali!
Riya : chal Chottu, aaj mauka hai..jaake baat kar usse!
Chottu: m-m-m-main, main kya baat karu?
Riya rolled her eyes, "Chottu tera na kuch nahi ho sakta, chal main hi baat karke aati hu ".
Chottu gasped in fright while Riya swiftly moved past the crowd and reached her in a moment. After a good twenty minutes of chatting with her, she came back and joined her team. Immediately, Shree and Chottu jumped in with their curious questions, "Ri, bata na kya baat hui?"
Riya: uska naam Jennifer Gomes hai, Jenny for short, aur Christian hai. Tere liye philhaal yahi information kafi hai ki abhi tak woh engaged nahi hai, lekin gharwale shaadi ke liye rishte dhoondne lage hai. Isliye Mr.Chandrakant Patil ji, aapke paas time bahut kam hai...ya toh kuch kijiye ya phir usse bhul jaiye.
Chottu's face fell as he heard these words; Riya couldn't help but smile at him.
Riya: sunna, woh jaanti hai tere bare mein, tujhe dekha hai usne departmental store ke bahar uspe dore daalte huye...
Chottu looked at her shocked. Riya continued, "toh maine usse apni number de diya hai...kal woh apne bade bhai ko tumse milwane wala hai, agar tum pass ho jaate ho, toh well and good, phir agla interview uski family ke saath, warna …
Chottu: lekin Ri, woh Christian aur main Hindu, phir yeh sab..?
Shree: tu chinta mat kar, woh sab humari zimmedari hai..arre yaar, kisiki itni himmat jo ek ETF officer ki rishtey ko naa kahe ?" Riya nodded. "tu bas kal ki interview ki taiyyari kar ".
Chottu nodded his head in agreement although he didn't seem convinced of their words and felt extremely nervous, all the more because he had managed to catch a glimpse of Jenny's family with her. Thankfully the Midnight Mass began soon after and the trio concentrated on that and when they went back home after the services ended, it was already 2.00am of the next day.
********
At around 11 am, Sameer Rathore received a call from Riya and Arjun Raute received a call from Shree wishing them "Merry Christmas " and requesting them to join them at a nearby disco for Christmas party celebrations. Both refused directly and Riya and Shree had a tough time trying to convince them... in fact Shree had to literally beg Arjun, before they finally gave in and agreed to join them.
Actually it was all Riya's plan, she was genuinely concerned when Chottu mentioned that their religious differences might create a problem and hence decided to bring in Rathore and Arjun into the frame to add weightage to their side and also to provide necessary support and back-up in case of any emergencies. But she hadn't forgotten Arjun's rudeness towards her on the field and hence told Shree to talk to him instead of herself.
At around 7pm in the evening, the trio walked into the disco. Shree was looking cool, Chottu looking quite dashing as Shree and Riya had spent a considerable amount of time working on his looks and wardrobe the entire day. And as for Riya, she was looking ravishing and all eyes refused to move from her as she set her foot into the disco.
Soon Jenny came in with her brother; she was looking quite pretty in a purple dress. Actually theirs was a conservative family but the fact that Chottu was an ETF officer in the first place made things a bit easier for her and her family had agreed to send James, her elder brother for the initial meeting. Of course, Shree and Riya had done their bit too; they had talked to her family over the phone and convinced them enough to agree for the meet.
The introductions were done... and at around 7.40pm Rathore arrived followed by Arjun. Riya immediately took them aside and explained everything to them, leaving Chottu in Shree's care. When she had finished explaining, Arjun commented, "yani ab tumlog ETF chod kar shaadi ka jugad bhi bithane lage ho ".
Rathore glared at him and Riya decided to ignore him, at least for the time being. She turned to Rathore,"Sir please, Chottu Jenny se pyaar karta hai, hume bhi Jenny pasand hai lekin agar religious differences ki wajah se uski family iss rishte se inkaar kar de toh...aapko humari help karni padhegi sir."
Rathore looked at the small group, Chottu was indeed looking nervous. "theek hai, tum log tension mat lo, hum log hai help karne ke liye." Rathore said in an assuring way. "Chalo chalke ek baar baat kar lete hai unse".
They joined the team and found that a new member, a girl, had also joined them in the meanwhile. Jenny introduced her as Uttara Roy, her college friend who happened to be in the same disco that night to celebrate Christmas with her office colleagues. She had coincidentally bumped into Jenny and had decided to stay back with her.
Chottu introduced his seniors to Jenny and her brother and James naturally felt quite relieved to meet the entire team, his dear little sister is in safe hands, he thought. After sometime, Rathore suggested that the two of them should spend some time together so that they get to know each other better. James initially tried to resent, but then he couldn't say "NO" to the ETF chief and decided to give in.
********
Once the lovebirds left the scene, Riya, Shree and Uttara decided to hit the dance floor and dragged in James to accompany them. Riya paired up with James and Shree with Uttara, while Arjun and Rathore moved aside to the bar counter and enjoyed the ambience from there.
Till now, Arjun was looking disinterested in all that had transpired, but the moment he saw Riya with James, he felt uneasy for reasons best known to him. He wished to drag her away from him but just then the song started,
There's something about tonight
Something very special
Something about the way you move that thing
Something very special
Something about the way you lookin' at me
Something very special yeah
Something about tonight
Something very special (x2)
Here we go..
Saari ki saari duniya bhula ke
Main tto tere naal nachna
Baby you're so sexy!
Boy you could be my one and only
Main toh tere naal nachna
Then I see you lookin' on me
Aaja baat kar le dil ki
Hone lagenge afsaane
You know it so sing it
Now do your hands up and say
Disco Deewane
Aahaan ahaan
Ho Disco deewane
Aahaan ahaan
Ho nasheelee hai raat
Ho Haathon mein haath
Naachein-gaayein saath
Disco Deewane
Aahaan.. ahaan
There's something about tonight
Something very special
Something about the way you move that thing
Something very special
Something about the way you lookin' at me
Something very special yeah
Something about tonight
Something very special
Arjun saw Riya dancing happily with James, smiling and laughing, as if oblivious to the entire world around her and unknowingly he transpired into a world of dreams where only he and Riya existed, dancing together hand in hand.
Ishq wala love..
Ishq wala love..
Disco Deewane
Aahaan.. ahaan
Arjun snapped back to the present and saw her still dancing with James... she was dangerously close to him and seemed to be enjoying his company and the very thought of it made something snap inside him.
There's something about tonight
Something very special
Something about the way you move that thing
Something very special
Something about the way you lookin' at me
Something very special yeah
Something about tonight
Something very special
White powdery stuff representing snow filled the air making the ambience even more magical. Without a second thought to what he was doing, Arjun walked up to them and dragged Riya away with him, not caring about her protests, leaving an astounded James behind.
********
Once they were out of the disco, Arjun started blasting her off. "Kya kar rahi thi tum uske saath?" he yelled.
Riya was dumbfounded by his act but snapped back at him at the next moment, "Kya kar rahi thi matlab? Dance kar rahi thi!"
Arjun: dance? Yeh dance tha ? tum chipak rahi thi !
Riya had a WT? expression all over her face as Arjun spoke these words. Finally she lost her cool, "matlab? Kehna kya chahte hai aap? Mujhe goli chalana nahi aata tha tab problem, maine goli chalana seekh li toh aapko meri field pe jaane se problem, aur ab main kisi ke saath dance karu toh bhi problem? aakhir ho kya gaya hai aapko?"
Riya's words resonated in his ears... that's exactly he wanted to know too, what's gone wrong with him? why he's getting so over-protective about her? He tried hard to find answers but failed.
"Pata nahi!" he said softly. He really didn't have any answers at that moment.
Riya was surprised by his soft voice, she never heard it before. But it didn't douse her anger and they continued with their heated argument, unaware of the fact that they are being keenly observed by Sameer Rathore himself from a distance. Finally after sometime, an exasperated Riya gave up the fight and walked off from there.
Arjun too turned in the opposite direction hoping to walk away and bumped into Rathore.
Rathore: kyun ACP Arjun, puri duniya ko samjhate phirte ho aur khud hi apni dil ki baat samajh nahi paye? ETF ka chief hu, koi bewakuf nahi, jo Riya ki prati tumhara bartav main dekh na pau. Jab se woh hospital se lauti hai tabse tumhara yeh over-protectiveness…jiske chalte tum usse field work ka stress bhi lene nahi dena chahte the…aur aaj jo kiya tumne, yeh toh protectiveness bhi nahi, total jealousy hai Raute!
Arjun tried to open his mouth to protest.
Rathore: ab please, mujhe kuch samjhane ki koshish mat karna…mujhe jo samajhna tha woh main samajh chukka hu…aur tum ek baat samajhlo, tumhe Riya se pyaar ho gaya hai!
Arjun could hold himself no longer, "are lekin woh.."
Rathore smiled at his words, surprisingly Arjun wasn't speaking about his love and loyalty to Roshni at that moment, and he was only bothered about Riya…he had already moved on.
Rathore: woh bhi tumse pyaar karti hai, dekha hai maine uski aankhon mein, bas tumhari harqaton ne usse thoda chidchida bana diya hai. Ab dekh kya rahe ho, jao uske paas aur batao usse ki tumhe uski parwah kyun hai. Phir kya pata, tumhari aur Chottu ki shaadi ek hi din pe pakki ho!
Arjun didn't waste a single minute after that and ran off to do as he was told. Because he may be at loggerheards with his friend at work, yes Arjun and Rathore had been best friends once, but one thing he knew for sure, Sameer Rathore was the best person around when it came to taking advices.
Next day when the team assembled in the conference room of the ETF office, the difference was clearly visible in their attitudes. Reason? Arjun and Riya had sorted out their differences and are now a happy couple, Chottu's wedding have been fixed on the next month itself, Shree had fallen for Uttara and Sameer Rathore was simply happy to see his team happy and together.
THE END.
WADA RAHA…!
"For your information SIR, wo operation meri wajah se nahi balki aapke wajah se fail hue the. Ab aap samje ya samjhao" she roared in front of him and then left his cabin slamming the door. She moved out and stood in front of 3 people who were standing like statues. "WHAT??" she roared again. All 3 nodded negative. She shrugged her shoulders and went to her cabin.
Chotu: are yaar, mujhe laga tha ke world war 3 tho Arjun Sir aur Rathod Sirke beech mien hoga. Par now I think its going to be between him and Aisha.
Shree: sahi kaha tumne Chotu. attitude dene mien tho Arjun Sirke baap lagtha hai. kahi ye dono bhai-behen tho nahi?
Riya: Shree, tum kuch bhi bola jarahe ho. Aise kuch nahi ahi. She is just angry with him and that's all. After all uske 8 mahine ke kaam jo barbad hua hai?
Shree and Chotu were about to pull her legs when Rathod told them to meet immediately in the hall. They all assemble.
"So guys its Christmas eve, aur commissioner Sir ne party pe invite kiya hai. I hope you all remember ke waha dress code hai. be ready by 8 and reach the venue. Aur Rawte don't make scene now ye kehke tum dress code follow nahi karenge.
Arjun: meiene aisa kab kaha SIR?
Aisha: oh tho inhe dress code se bhi problem hai? not only with others work.
Arjun: Aisha tum fir shuru hogaye? Tum jaate ho ke uss din..(frustrated) forget it. mien bhi kisse samjha raha hu. Riya, Shree come to parking lot, soon.(he goes out)
Rathod: kya hai ye Aisha. Why do you do that always? Shree tum ready hojana, we'll pick you up.
Shree: its ok Sir, I'll come with Chotu to the party. Haina Chotu?(chotu confused. Still he nods the head. Rathod and Aisha leaves)
Riya: are yaar, in dono ke jhagda kab khatham hoga? (she goes to her cabin to get her bag)
Chotu: ye pick up karne wala idea kyu?
Shree: budhu, hum kabaab mien haddi kyu bane.
Chotu: matlab?
Shree: we all know about Arjun Sir and Riya. But did you notice Rathod sir and Aisha? Kuch chal raha hai kya waha pe?
Chotu: yaar thu marwayega. Un dono ke beech kya hai?
Shree: wait and see brother.(Riya also come in by that time.)
Chotu leaves with Rathod and Aisha. Shree goes with Ariya.
Ariya's SUV:
Riya: kya hua Sir? Tensed lagrahe ho?
Arjun: ye Aisha apne aapko samajthe kya hai? meine jaan bhujke thode na kiya tha.
Riya: its ok Sir, she will calm down
Shree sitting behind was listening to all these. He messaged Chotu: waha kya haal hai? here Ri manaufying Sir
Chotu smiled from Rathod's SUV. Aisha was fuming. Rathod was trying to relax her. "relax Aisha. Tum janthe ho usse. Uska attitude kabhi control karna mushkil hai."
Chotu messaged: Same here. Atom bomb and AK 47 together.
Shree: unme bomb kaunsa hai?
Chotu: your choice. For me its Aisha. (Chotu smiles again. Aisha notices it. rathod stops SUV near Chotu's home.)
Aisha: what happened Chotu? Kiska message hai?
Chotu: wo Shree
Aisha: tell me Chotu, you and Shree are just friends right?
Chotu: of course Aisha. Aur nahi tho kya? (he notices Rathod smiling) Si aap smile kyu kar rahe ho? even you too? Mere ghar aagaye hai. c u in party (Chotu rushes out. Aisha is laughing aloud. Rathod is lost in her smile)
"Aisha tum bhi na? kuch bhi bol datha ho?( he was just gazing at her)
Ariya's SUV reached Shree's home and he went in.
Riya: tho chalen Arjun?
Arjun: (first lost In her words) tumhe dual personality syndrome hai kya? Sabke ssamne SIR, aur akele hothe hi Arjun?
Riya: you prefer SIR ya Arjun?
Arjun: your choice mam. (he smiles and tries to touch her face)
Riya: Arjun hum abhi bhi Shree ke gharke samne hai. I think we should go.
He sighs and starts again and reach Riya's home.
Arjun: ab koi problem nahi hai na? ( he cups her face) waisa aaj teekhse batha nahi paya. Merry xmas.
he kisses her forehead. She blushes and closes her eyes. he is amused at her submission so he slowly moves to her lips. Riya opens her eyes and pushes him aside. "hey that's not fair!"
Riya: everything's fair in love Arjun.(she opens the door) jaldi aajana. I don't like to wait(she tells in his tone and he raises his eyebrows. She winks and goes to her home, while he drives to his home)
After 2 hours, Arjun is honking his SUV. "hm.. aaj firse late. Of course aaj ithna taiyyar bhi hona hai?" he honks again. Within a few seconds, he lets out a gasp. There in front of him was an angel in a cute white gown. She looked so beautiful that he couldn't take his eyes off her. She moved to him, she too was amazed by his looks. He looked dashing in that black 3 piece suit. But what she loved was the love that he had in his eyes. "kya hua Arjun mien achi nahi hu?"
Arjun closed her lips and moved closer to her. "kuch kami hai"
"what?" she looks at her dress worried. Suddenly she feels his hands over her waist pulling her close to him. She was shocked at the proximity. He looked tenderly at her yes and moved closer to her. Slowly he kissed her lips. She was numb for a while, but later she responded. Within a few minutes, she was blushing and catching up her breath. He raised her chin and looked at the color in her face. "hm.. ab kuch missing nahi hai" the air was so cold, there was a slight snow in the air. She hugged him gently and he wrapped his arms around her for a while. she loved him warmth. "ab chale?" she nodded and drove to the party.
Shree and Chotu were already in the venue both in black. When Ariya came in hand in hands, both of their mouths were hanging. "yaar kya couple hai?? aane do Riya ko, aaj usse nahi chodunga."
Chotu: bad luck Shree, aaj usse Arjun sirse koi alag nahi kar sakthe. Dekh kaise chipakke khada hai.
A few minutes later another couple entered. Even Arjun's mouth was wide open now. Rathod- in 3 piece black suit and Aisha- in a gorgeous white saree. They looked perfect.
An hour back, Rathod was waiting infront of Aisha's home. She came out in a while in a beautiful white saree and hair tied above. His eyes were glued on her. She missed a step as she came close to him but he caught her instantly. She could feel his hands around her shoulder and was looking with a new feeling in his eyes. He slowly raised his hands to her head and took out her clip. The hair fell down to her shoulders. He then put some strands of hair behind her ears. "you look good now" she was simply shocked. In a second, Rathod wope up and left her. Both were embarrassed. "chale?" he asked without looking at her. They drove to the party.
In the party, Asiha move towards Riya and Rathod towards Arjun. the 2 groups stand a bit far away.
Riya: wow Aisha, you look great. Aur waise kya entry maari hai tumne?
Aisha: chup karna Riya. (she blushes)
Riya: wow, Jhansi ke rani tho sharma bhi rahe hai. kahi Rathod sirke asar tho nahi? (Aisha is silent and smiles)
Arjun: Aisha ke saath kaafi ache lagrahe the tum.
Rathod: stop it Arjun, kya keh rahe ho tum.(he abruptly stops and moves towards commissioner).
Aisha goes towards Shree-Chotu and Riya to Arjun.
Riya: dal mien kuch kaala hai na?
Arjun: hm… mujhe bhi kuch aisa hi laga. Dakthe hai
The music fills the air. "ishq wala love…." The party begins. Arjun asks Riya's hand for a dance. She blushes and goes to the stage. They are lost in each other and forget the audience. The whole team is so happy for them.
Commissioner: are Rathod, why don't you enjoy the party. Tumhare team mien ek aur lady hai.
Both Rathod and Aisha are embarrassed again. He asks for a dance. She reluctantly take his hands and move to the dance floor.
Riya: Arjun, see baath aage bad rahe hai.
Arjun: good ab hamare kaam aur aasan hoga.
Riya: waise where is my xmas gift?
Arjun: xmas gift tho nahi hai. par ek new year gift. Aur uskeliye tumhe dec 31st midnight thak wait karna hoga.
Riya: that's not fair Arjun
Riya: all is fair in love dear. I promise it will be your best new year till now. (suddenly he stops) what's going on??
Riya: kya hua?
Arjun: ye Shree, Sheen ke saath kyu dance kar rahe hai? (its been a while that Shree was with Sheen. Riya knew about it)
Riya: ek dance hi tho hai. relax.(but she knew it was more. Shree and Sheen were lost in each others eyes)
Arjun comes back to her and all enjoy the party happily.
Dec 30:
"team we have a situation. Kal raat se new year celebration shuru honewale hai. har jagah party hoga, masti hoge. It's the best time when loads of drugs flow through the city. Khabar mile hai, ke kal raath keliye bohot khas stuffs Mumbai mei aaya hai. commissioner sirke orders hai, ke alag alag party mien jaake waha se unlogonko pakandna. Our team is assigned to Xperia Disco, jo is shahar ke sabse khas drug handling discos mien se ek hai."
Arjun: lekin waha jaake situation handle karna easy nahi hai. agar khas stuffs aarahe hai tho uska security ka bandobasth bhi kiya hoga.
Shree: ha sir, Xperia mien only selected members hi jasakthe hai. ya tho fir wo teanagers hona chahiye, ya fir bohot rich log.
Aisha: aur bhi log ja sakthe hai Shree. You missed a few.
Shree: matlab?
Aisha: matlab waha, club dancers, drug peddlers ke kuch khas log, jisse bohot zyaada connections hai, wo sab jasaktha hai.
Shree: and how do you know that Aisha?
Aisha: mujhe nahi, Nadiya ko sab patha hai( she gives a triumphant smile.)
Rathod: no way Aisha. I wont let you go there. Patha nahi kithne logonko ye patha hai ke tum Nadiya nahi,ek ETF officer ho. I cant take such a risk.
All are shocked at Rathod's concern. Even Aisha. But she handles well
Aisha: its ok Sir, yahi tho hamare kaam hai. trust me, I can handle this. Aur saare team bhi wahi hogi.
Rathod: we will be there, par tumhara Nadiya banna its risky. We won't be able to watch you always. Riya: wo akeli kyu jayega sir? I can help her. Mien bhi Aisha ketharah dancer banker jasakthi hu.
Arjun: don't talk rubbish Riya. Aisha inn sab halathonse kaafi experienced hai. and Nadiya did well in her work. She knows how this people work. Nadiya is the best person who can handle this situation. Bas, thode attitude sambhalna hoga. Baki sab teekh hai.
Aisha was shocked to hear it from Arjun. he had never praised her before. She was so happy.
Aisha: sir Nadiya nahi, waha Aisha kaam kar rahethe. Aap chaho tho Aisha ko bhi congratulate kar sakthe hai.
Rathod: ok tho Riya aur Aisha dancers banke jayenge. Shree kuch fake ID banao. Rawte aur mien, businessmen banke chalenge. Chotu be ready with backup.
Arjun: are you sure about this? Riya ke waha jaana??
Riya: don't worry sir. I can do this. Aur mere naam hoge Sheen.
Arjun-Shree: WHAT??
Riya: aap sabke attention milne keliye isse behthar koi naam nahi hai (she winks at Shree)
Arjun was not at all convinced to send Riya for the mission. "don't worry Arjun. I'll be fine. Aap sab haina mere saath. Aur Aisha bhi. Don't worry"
It was 31st evening. The team was ready. Riya was in a red frock and Aisha in a black sexy dress. Shree also were joining the party as a teenager and the seniors as well known businessmen.
A man: are Nadiya!! Agaye tum? Kaha the ithne din?
Aisha: kya karu Sam, uss din jab boss ka death hue tho chupna hi pada. Par ab aur nahi, ab Nadiya aagaye hai na, sab sambhalungi.
Sam: ye kaun hai?
Aisha: ye Sheen hai, mere khas dost. Pune mien badi naam hai iski. Aajse mere saath hogi.
Sam: boss ke baad ab ek naya aaya hai. usse factory ka direct access bhi hai. usse milonge?
Aisha: kyu nahi? Unse tho milna hi hoga.
Sam: ok jaise hi countdown khatam hoga lets meet him. Ek naye saal, aur ek naye shuruath. For now lets enjoy.
All goes to dancefloor. Riya and Aisha burns the floor with their moves. "Dummaro dum…." But all the words were heard by the team through the mics.
Arjun (in mic): Riya sambhalke. Concentrate. (Riya and Aisha smiles at his concern)
Aisha: relax sir, she is safe with me.
Rathod: Aisha its not a game. Focus. (now Aisha was blushing)
Arjun moves ahead. He hears a muffled voice. He listens to it.
Man: are Nadiya wapas aaya hai!
Man: Nadiya? Yaha? Wo Nadiya nahi ek ETF officer hai. agar wo hai tho team bhi yahi hoge!
Man: par uske ke saath sirf ek ladki hi hai.
Man: wo bhi ETF se hoge. Kuch honese pehle sab sambhalna hoga.
Man: matlab un donoko…?"
They move away. Arjun knows what they are planning. The countdown is about to begin. 20…19…18…
Arjun(in mic): Riya… Aisha.. listen move away from there. They know about us. Go away from there.
Aisha: nahi sir, we cant. Hum usse miilnewale hai jisse factory se contact hai. don't worry we'll be fine.
Arjun: Aisha please for once listen to me.its risky. Riya samjha isse.
Riya: its ok sir, we'll be fine. She's right. We are so close to it.we can't leave it now
Rathod: dammit Aisha come back now!!!!
Aisha: no sir, we are going for it (she and Riya moves ahead)
Arjun: dammit. Rathod I'm going to them. give backup.
Arjun moves into the crowd towards the girls. 10…9….8…7….
2 men spot the girls and aim their guns them. 6….5….4…
Arjun moves ahead and see 2 guns pointed at them. he rushes to them and push them covering completely. 3….2…1…
A loud bang fill the air… Aisha and Riya falls with Arjun on top of them. Rathod and team comes in handles the situation. They catch the men red-handed and also the large amount of drugs. Aisha was irritated. "sir,,, kya kar rahe the aap? I told you we could handle it!!"
Riya: shut up Aisha…(she holds onto Arjun) Arjun… aap taakh kaina?Arjun….
Her hand feel something wet. She looks at it. there were 2 shots on his shoulders. He fell unconscious to her hands. "ARJUN…." she screamed.
They rushed him to the hospital and took him to OT. Riya was numb. She couldn't cry or speak. Aisha was feeling so miserable. "Riya, I'm sorry. Ye sab merehi bewkoofi ke wajahse hui hai. I'm sorry."Riya was still silent.
Rathod comes near to Aisha and places his hands on her shoulder. She turns to him. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry.." she cried out. Rathod is feeling miserable watching her tears. He gently hugs Aisha. Aisha couldn't hold anymore. She hugged Rathod more tightly and broke down on his shoulder. Rathod was holding onto her.
After a while a doctor comes out and all rushes to him. "Doc, how's he?"
"kaafi unstable hai. bohot blood loss hua hai. he will be shifted to ICU now. Agle 24 hours is critical for him."
Riya slowly gets up from her chair and tries to go inside. Doc tries to stop her but Rathod pleads to the doc and allows her to go in.
Arjun was lying sideways. He had bandages all over his shoulder. She sits by his side on the bed and holds his hand.
"Arjun.. uthiye please. You promised ke aap iss new year special banaoge. Please Arjun, fulfill your promise. Please Arjun, please don't frighten me. You promised you will be there forever. Then what happened? Please get up."
She holds his hand and weeps bitterly. Outside the room, the team was watching the scene. Aisha was feeling more guilty now. She was continuously weeping on Rathod's shoulders.
"Sh.. Aisha.. usse kuch nahi hoga…"
Riya felt a slight pressure over her fingers. She looks up and sees Arjun slowly stirring up. "Arjun… aap uth gaye?" she tries to move ahead but Arjun dosen't allow her to ahead.
"Riya I'm fine. Relax" her eyes welled of her joy.
"Arjun, aapne tho mujhe dara hi diya. Kya zaroorath the ya sab karne mien? Agar aapko kuch hojatha tho?
"aur agar tumhe kuch ho jatha tho? Tho kya mien zinda reh patha?"
Riya is silent. he slowly takes her hands to his lips. By a slight motion, a pain shoots up his shoulders. "Arjun… sambhalke…" he looks keenly at her.
"Riya apne new year gift nahi deknhonge?" Riya nods her eyes. he took her hands and kiss her palm.
"Riya Mukharjee… will you marry me?"
Riya is shocked. She was waiting this for a long time, and yet it came today. Arjun misunderstood her silence.
"I know Riya, this is not the way. I should have gone to my knees and asked your hand. Apne hathon mien ek ring bhi dalna chahiye tha. Believe me I planned it. I am sorry."
She closes his mouth and nods negative. She moved towards him and kissed his lips. He was shocked at her move and later he too responded. He knew her answer.
Rathod and team came and cleared his throat. Ariya was now embarrassed.
"kaise ho Rawte?"
"Fine"
Asha: I'm sorry sir… wo mien…
Arjun: Aisha… I told you to move. Kabhi tho mere baath suno!!
Chotu whisper to Shree: yaar!! Ye nahi sudrenge!!!
It was a snowy morning; the darkness of dawn had the morning confused.
A beautiful girl in her mid-twenties nudged little in her sleep, with the sudden chilling coldness that hit her upper body. In a fraction of a second she cuddled into her husband's warm shirtless chest. She moaned as he unconsciously welcomed her into his arm. She snaked her arm around him, letting out a naughty smile. An instant smile spread across his face unconsciously again, but soon she noticed his slowly widening smile, she pecked him just on his lips slowly consciously. The smile had widened completely into a grin yet his eyes were closed. She pecked for the last time on his cheek and got up from the bed quickly before he woke up.
She had freshened herself up after a beautiful night she spent with her dearie husband. Soon Arjun woke up from his 'beauty sleep' however he stayed cosily tight under his blanket.
'Sweetheart, tum bhi aajao na please' Arjun called her naughtily.
'Arjun, dekho I'm here for work purpose not pleasure!' She replied sheepishly
She dried her hair out, when Arjun suddenly winced in pain 'aaa something's gone into my eye' 'Help hurry'
She let out a smirk, continuing with her dressing ' 'Please please na sweetheart, I'm serious I'm hurt' Arjun spoke with an aching voice.
She ran to him, opened his eyes with help of her finger and her thumb. Slowly she blew into his eyes that had very quickly become red. 'I'm sorry she apologized' guilty.
Whilst Arjun couldn't help but stare back at her, as soon as she started apologizing his pain, his sadness everything was vanished in thin air. He stared at her, like it's their first meeting, like an angel just walked into his life. Just the way he would have seen her for the first time he fell in love. 'Arjun, are you alright? Are you ok' she questioned worrying. But there was no reply by Arjun. 'ACP Arjun Suryakant Rawte she exclaimed, suddenly he was out of his chain of thoughts.
'Kya soch rahe the aap' she asked sheepishly
'Yahi, ki tumhe aaj kaam pe jana zaruri hai kya?' he questioned back sheepishly
She tried to control the smile that played on her lips 'Haan maine baacho ko promise kiya hai ki aaj hum saath mai Christmas banayege'
'Tum bhi na Roshni, aise kyu karti ho?' Arjun complained
'I'm sorry baba, but kya karu we are here cause of my work right' she confirmed
Arjun nodded, while he said, 'Kya fayda Shimla mai aneka jab hum romance nahi kar sakte'
Roshni shockingly replied, 'What? Romance ke liye aye the aap, ufff Arjun' she pushed him lightly as she completed the sentence.
Soon Arjun caught her hand and pulled her towards him, crashing Roshni on his chest. He played around with the loose strands of her that partially covered her face, and claimed her lips. The kiss was turned out to be very passionate one while Arjun kissed Roshni's hand played with his hair. Soon she let out low moans in pleasure that Arjun enjoyed, but they parted their lips to get some air. 'Mmm,' he inhaled the freshly bathed scent from her body, while he kissed around her neck.
Roshni briskly found some strength hidden within her to push Arjun completely down on the bed while she got up.
Few hours had passed by.
Roshni came back during lunch to meet her dearie husband, and to have a lunch-date with him. As soon as she entered her bedroom in the Hotel she found Arjun fast asleep. 'Inhe kya hua' she wondered. As soon as she touched him, he was boiling hot, his heat was more than 100 degree Celsius for sure.
'Arjun are you alright baby' she questioned in an aching voice.
Slowly Arjun's eye lids fluttered, while Roshni slowly touched his forehead sending him an ease inside. 'Tum aa gayi Roshni' he muttered in a low voice.
'Haan, Arjun I'm back' Roshni replied with a faint smile.
'I'm sorry for this' Arjun apologized but was cut off by Roshni 'Tumhe kaha tha na kal snow mai jyada mat kehlo ufff sunte hi nahi ho tum' 'Bacho se bhi gaye guzre ho' she complained and told off Arjun at the same time.
'I'm sorry' Arjun apologized lowering his eyes.
'No, don't be sorry. Come we'll go and have another snow fight now' she said sarcastically.
'Ohh come lets go' he said in an excited tone.
'Arjunnn'.' Roshni exclaimed.
A small smile played on Arjun's lips as soon as Roshni called him annoyingly. It was his sigh of relief that everything was alright.
Roshni was very emotional, she hugged her husband and tightened her grip around his neck. Arjun hugged her back tightening his grip a sign 'I'll never let you go'
Roshni kissed his forehead, as a sign of care and affection they parted. The duo had a fantastic lunch where Arjun had only tomato soup because of his hell high fever, whereas Roshni had her favourite Chinese. Roshni fed Arjun with some cold, fever relief tablets while she let him get back to his sleep and rest.
She kissed his forehead once again parting for a short farewell, 'I'm sorry Roshni mai aaj shyam ko tumhare bacha Christmas party mai nahi aa paunga' Arjun apologized holding her hand. 'It's okay dear, it's not your fault' 'I had thrown all the snowballs at you even when you asked me to stop' I continued' Roshni replied apologetically
'I should be back by 8:00 pm.' 'and haan please don't come looking for me if I don't get here on time' she strictly instructed Arjun
'Par' he interrupted, 'No par's and wings, you're and not getting out of this bed for the rest of the day' Roshni instructed.
'But toilet' Arjun said sheepishly
'Ufff'. I meant that please Room se bahar mat ghumna or your fever could get worse' she corrected and continued 'I wish I could have stayed back to look after you'
'No need, we'll meet soon and I'll be fine' Arjun tried to convince her pecking on her cheeks and forehead yet again.
'Okay bye, then' Roshni bided goodbye.
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It was almost past 6pm the setting sun and dawn was creating a dark ambience, as Arjun looked out of his window it snowed. 'What a beautiful evening that could be spent romantically' he thought. But as soon he looked inside he found himself standing all alone in the room. No one around except him and the darkness, it was just the light of the firewood that burnt in one corner.
Arjun moaned uneasily, shortly he got dressed wearing a sleeveless sweater over his shirt and a heavy cold resistant jacket over it.
He locked the hotel room and walked out, asked for his way to the function room. 'I know Roshni mera murder kar degi' he smiled as he talked to himself.
Arjun in about ten minutes reached the function room where the primary kids were celebrating their Christmas. 'Ufff ye Roshni ki picnic kuch jyada hi lambi ho rahi h' Arjun muttered annoyed as he stood near the door. He slowly pushed the door open, and sneaked in tippy toeing. He hid behind a pillar and carefully watched Roshni, 'She's so happy with the little kids' he thought and smiled at the same time. He couldn't help but smile at her being childish with kids. In a rapid moment he felt a pair of eyes staring at him, he looked around but couldn't find Roshni where she stood earlier. 'Damn I missed her' he muttered punching the pillar. Then again, he felt a pair of eyes staring at him intently soon he found Roshni beside him next to the pillar with her hands folded near her chest. However, her face expressed a very different story. 'Roshni' Arjun exclaimed worriedly. 'Ohh acha hai, aap mera naam nahi bhoole hai' Roshni replied in an annoyed tone.
'Kaisi baate kar rahi ho jaan' Arjun questioned placing his arm over her shoulder.
'Don't touch me, meri baat sun nahi sakte toh hume chuiye bhi mat aap' Roshni said pushing his hands off her shoulder. While she walked away from there, Arjun tried following her but was unsuccessful.
Roshni kept an eye on Arjun from a fair distance, while Arjun made sorry faces looking at Roshni. She suppressed her smile, trying to show off her anger to him. Soon she got engaged with the kids, and she stopped looking at Arjun.
'Little prince, and princesses, Ladies and Gentlemen's; it is about time the Santa came to spread smiles across the little angels face' the announcer said.
Roshni looked at the excited kids, few clapped while few jumped in excitement. Arjun was thrilled to see the Santa just to see the widening smile on his wife's face. The excitement was lessened as no-one came through the main door, neither did someone come out from behind. Roshni got worried she walked away from the kids to the other teachers present in the room. She looked worried, Arjun could read her face from a distance, the smile from Roshni's and the angels present there were very soon disappointed. 'I'm sorry kids the Santa's just on his way.' Said the announcer then he continued whispering 'I think he's re-checking your gifts'
The kids once again got excited and clapped loudly, and screamed 'Santa, Santa, Santa' until he arrived' The teachers including Roshni got worried, Roshni turned around to see Arjun but he was gone. Arjun was completely vanished in the darkness of the room.
Before it was too late the Santa had arrived, the kids clapped and danced around the Santa. Roshni sighed in relief, but the Santa danced around Roshni more than the kids. She was annoyed, but the Santa kept on smiling at her. Roshni was confused she didn't know what to do or to say. The Santa gifted all the kids with something they all loved, Roshni worriedly walked out of the function room to find Arjun biding goodbye to all her colleagues and kids while informing them to be ready by tomorrow morning 7am to leave Shimla. As their purpose in Shimla was over and it had been a successful trip, enjoying in the real ambience of Christmas, well as described in the history.
Roshni walked in the empty corridor of the hotel, she rubbed her plams in coldness, whilst she hugged her self. She felt someone following her, but when she turned around there was no one to be seen. She continued her lone walk, however she fastened her pace. Carefully listening to the footsteps that followed her, this time by the corner of her eye she saw it was the Santa following her but acted as if she didn't notice him.
Roshni walked and walked she walked up the stairs the footsteps followed her way up, she stopped in the corner with her heels in her hand just to catch the stalker. She was sweating in winter; it was her tension that got her body working more than anything. She waited for the footsteps to walk up completely. Roshni picked her hand up in the air, pushed the Santa against the wall and hit him with her heels twice. The Santa rapidly reacted to her reaction and fought with her lightly, 'Do you even know who's wife I am' Roshni questioned and continued 'I'm Acp Arjun Rawte's wife, I wont leave you' she almost yelled. But Santa Clause held her mouth tight with one hand while he stopped her other hand from hitting him. 'Ohhooo tum Acp Arjun Rawte ki wife ho, sahi insaan ko pakda maine' he spoke with a broad voice.
Roshni tried to release his grip, but was unsuccessful. Soon the santa laughed in amusement as he took his mask off. 'Tum' she exclaimed in shock.
'Haan biwi' said Arjun smiling hard at her. Roshni pushed him in anger and walked off to her room. 'I'm sorry sweetheart' apologized Arjun as he followed her. She sat on the corner of the bed with her hands folded to her chest, Arjun kneeled down in front of her and held her hand in his.
'I am sorry sweetheart, I didn't mean to scare you'
'But you did Arjun' 'Actually voh kya hai Roshni I couldn't see you worried, I don't like the tension lines on your face, you know it' he confirmed
'Isliye ye karna pada' Arjun continued. 'Roshni smiled involuntarily at Arjun..
Arjun slowly moved forward and kissed on her cheek, Roshni soon kissed him on his forehead with her palms holding his face. Arjun looked up cupped Roshni's face and sat next to her on the bed, he stared at her intently soon claiming her lips. They parted and hugged each other feeling complete and dozed off as the candles in the room faded off soon.
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| SATRISHI | 45 | 12598 | Gold.Abrol |
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