I have added some conversation of Anubhav and commissioner sir try not to ignore it coz it has several hints related to the upcoming chapters....

Continued...

Anubhav sat on his chair and looked at Haseena's face and then followed her gaze towards the bouquet.... But before Anubhav could explain, Amar spoke....

Amar:  Sir.... Lagta hai Aayushi ji kaafi emotional ho gayin..... I mean shayad isiliye unhone Thank You ke saath flow flow mein hug kar liya hoga.... Kyu Haseena??? 

Amar said this to support Anubhav and ease the tension in the cabin but unbeknownst to him he had increased it by reminding anuseena of the moment of their first hug..... 

Haseena: Tajurba kehta hai humara ki sach humesha gusse, mazak ya flow flow mein nikal hi aata hai....

Amar looked at Haseena, confused, as though trying to piece together the subtext..... He interjects a second later with his usual humor....

Amar: Haseena.... Tajurba hua pura ab hai logic ka zamana.... Aur vaise bhi sir ka asar sab jagah hai—professional aur personal dono....

Without giving Haseena a chance to catch the terms personal and professional Anubhav asserts calmly yet his tone carried a firmness  to give enough weight to his words...

Anubhav (calmly): Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai Amar..... Aur Ms. Mallik, apna aabhaar prakat karne ka har vyakti ka apna ek tareeka hota hai.... Aayushi bas apna aabhaar apne shabdo aur aur apne kratyo (actions) dono se jatana chahti thi..... 

Haseena raises an eyebrow, her faint smile unwavering.....

Haseena (lightly, with a hint of sarcasm): Bilkul, Sir.... Aur kuch log toh gratitude jitne personal tareeke se dikhate hain, woh toh aur bhi yaadgaar ban jaata hai.... Nahi

Amar (to Haseena): Hum samjhe nahi....

By saying this Amar chose to give Haseena a chance to explain herself, not wanting her to fall into the bad books of DSP Anubhav Singh.....

What he didn't realize was that the bond between Haseena and Anubhav was far deeper than he could imagine..... She wasn't just another officer to Anubhav—she was his lady love, a part of his life that continuously lingered in his heart, no matter how much he tried to bury it..... 

Haseena (smiling faintly at Amar): Hum toh bas yeh keh rahi the ki kuch connections kaafi khaas hote hain.....

Anubhav, now leaning back slightly in his chair, folds his arms and meets Haseena's gaze directly. There's a flicker of something between them—unspoken tension and a hint of frustration....

Anubhav (with a pointed tone): Waise Ms. Mallik, vishwaas bhi apne aap mein ek khaas rishta hota hai..... Lekin kabhi-kabhi kuch logon ko woh rishta banane aur kayam rakhne mein kaafi waqt lag jata hai..... 

Haseena stiffens slightly but doesn't lose her composure.... Her smile dims just a fraction, but she doesn't look away....

Haseena : Sir.... Inn sab ke liye pehle clear intentions aur saaf baatein hona zaroori hota hain..... Jinn insaano ki kathni aur karni mein antar hota hai unke na shabdo pe bharosa karna aasan hota hai, na unki harkaton pe....  

This time it was Haseena who was hurt.... Did she not promise him last night to make everything alright??? She was trying to make things normal between them.... Trying so hard that every night she used to finish her duty then take care of Maa at home and then drive for 1 hour to go to Anubhav's place.... To sit with him, to eat food together, to provide him with some comfort.... 

To sum up, Haseena was trying her best to mend her relation with Anubhav, but she still knew and agreed to the fact that, this, was not enough.... 

But seeing Anubhav hugging some other girl didn't made Haseena jealous.... This time she was hurt.... Hurt that all her efforts are in vain.... Hurt by the feeling that she was not enough.... And hurt because she was slowly loosing her strength to fight for their relation all alone...

The tension between anuseena thickened, but before it escalates further, Amar, oblivious to the underlying history, laughs awkwardly....

Amar (trying to lighten the mood): Arey waah, lagta hai aaj DSP Sir aur Haseena ka discussion thoda philosophical ho gaya hai..... Sach kahu toh aap dono ki baate mere sar ke upar se gayi hai....

Haseena's lips twitch into a brief smile.... And she decided to focus on the matter in their hand ... She placed a file on Anubhav's desk, her professionalism taking over.....

Haseena: Yeh kal ke case ki file hai Sir....  Aap ik baar check kar lijiyega....

Anubhav was left with no other choice  than to switch back to his professional mode.... 

Anubhav: Kal raat uss aurat ke vishay mein kuch pata chala??

Amar: Sir voh jo koi bhi hai badi shatir hai.... Pehele toh ussne bhagne ke liye aisa rasta chuna jaha cameras bahut kam hai phir jab taq police uss taq pahuch paati ussne apni hoodie aur voh chaku ik sharabi aadmi ke haath mein de diya.... Humari force ne aurat samjh ke uss sharabi aadmi ko pakada..... Aur sharabi aadmi ko uss aurat ka chehera bilkul bhi yaad nahi hai....

Haseena: Itna hi nahi sir uss shaqs ne vaha ke ilaake ke sabhi cameras mein se pichle 24 ghante ki CCTV footage delete kar di....

Anubhav: Yeh kaise sambhav ho sakta hai Ms. Mallik??? Yeh karne ke liye adhikrt anumati (authorized permission) ki avashyakta hoti hai jo keval department ke ginne chunne logo ke paas hai.... 

Haseena: Sir maybe kissi ne system ko hack kiya ho???

Anubhav (worriedly): Yeh asambhav hai Ms. Mallik.... Abhi haal filhaal mein hi kuch takniki parivartan kiye gaye hai jiss se keval ve log hi recording ko hata sakate hain jinake paas system tak ki adhikrt pahunch hai....

Amar: Toh sir iska matlab yeh hua ki koi department se hi milla hua hai....

Anuseena looked at Amar in shock.... This one statement was enough to create a havoc in their mind.... It reminded them of Mission Behrupiya.... The one which ruined their lives.... And yet again destiny had brought them on the same path.... A quest to find who is the real traitor..... A challenge where they would definitely loose far more than what they'll gain....

Haseena decided to focus on this current situation instead of dwelling back again in their painful past....

Haseena: Itni jaldi kissi bhi conclusion pe aana thik nahi hoga.... Ho sakta hai ki vakayi uss shaqs ne kissi tarah se system ko hack hi kar liya ho.... Par inn sab ke bawjood sir hum jaan na chahate hai ki department mein yeh permission kis ke paas hai.....

Amar looked at anuseena and wondered how these two people were able to switch to such a professional tone and conversation when they were taunting each other a few moments ago..... Perhaps it was the understanding between them or the common love towards their nation.... Whatever it was Amar appreciated it from the bottom of his heart.....

Anubhav: Iss prakaar ki anumati keval IG sir, Commissioner Sir aur humare paas hai.....(He thought for a moment) Aur shayaad cyber department ke kuch officers ke paas bhi hai.... Hum unki suchi mangwa lenge.....

Haseena nodded

Amar: Sir kal uss aurat ke khoon ki boondo ko humne lab mein test ke liye bhej diya hai..... 2-3 din mein reports aa jayengi....

Anubhav: Atti uttam.... Ab yaha se aage ki jaanch hum khud karenge..... Yadi kissi sahayta ki avashyakta hogi toh hum aap dono ko suchit kar denge....

Anubhav spoke in a calm yet firm tone..... One that carried a sense of finality in it.... He didn't want Amar or Haseena to be involved in this mess.... This case was related to his father and was far more sensitive than either of them can imagine..... One wrong step and they can loose their lives like his friend Avinash.... Anubhav couldn't bear the thought of being responsible for the death of another innocent person.... Not anymore....

Haseena sensed the slight traces of vulnerability in Anubhav's tone but decided to address them later....

Haseena: Jaisa aap thik samjhe Sir..... 

Anubhav: Jab taq hum aap dono ke dwara di hui inn files ko check karte hai tab taq aap dono yaha baithiye, hum chai coffee mangwa dete hai....

Haseena: Sir hum dono bina chai coffee ke hi thik hai.... Humara pet bhara hua hai aur Mr. Vidrohi ka aaj upvaas hai.... (Looked towards Amar) Hai na??? 

Amar: Upvaas???? (Haseena gave a stern look) Ha.... Ha Sir upvaas hai humara toh.... 

Anubhav shook his head slightly.... He had made that offer to pacify Haseena's anger but it seemed as if this method will not work.... Anubhav too understood Haseena's feelings.... He too knew that Haseena needed his love, his warmth and his trust but how could he give that to her when their was a constant threat to her life....

A threat that would only intensify if that person discovered that Anubhav had already forgiven Haseena for her actions..... So, for the time being, he had no choice but to pretend that things were still tense between them.....

 Haseena was about to speak something when her phone rang.... 

Haseena: Excuse me sir.... Humari Maa ka call aa raha hai....

Anubhav: Aap yahi utha ke baat kar lijiye.... (Amar looked towards Anubhav with confusion ) Humara kehene ka taatparya yeh hai ki mukhyalay mein kaam chal raha hai toh bahar network ki samasya ho jaati hai

Haseena gave a slight nod.... Although she was still angry with Anubhav but the least he deserved was to hear his mother's voice....

Haseena received the call 

Haseena: Hello.... (Haseena put the call on speaker) Hello.... Ha Maa kahiye....

Maa: Kehna kya hai kaam vaali ne phir se chutti maar li.... Aaj khaana bahar se mangana padega.... Iss umar mein bahar ka ulta seedha ka ke bahut jaldi hospital pahuch jaana hai maine....

Haseena: Kya Maa hospital jaaye aapke dushman.... Aap chinta mat kijiye hum din ke khaane ke liye Malika ko bol denge aur raat ka khaana hum khud bana denge.... 

Maa: Bas isiliye toh hume tu uss Nalayak se zayada pasand hai.... Accha beta hum rakhte hai tu apna kaam kar le....

Before Haseena could speak something Maa hanged up.... Haseena sat down beside Amar and then looked at Anubhav across the table, his eyes were fixed on the file but a smile of satisfaction lingered on his face 

*******

 After a while when their work got over then Amar and Haseena came out of the headquarter only to realize that Haseena has forgotten the car keys on Anubhav's table

Haseena: Hum chabhi leke aate hai....

Amar: Nahi nahi Haseena hum jaate hai.... Aap gayi toh aap aur DSP sir phir ladne lagenge....

Haseena: Hum kab ladte hai Anubhav.... Anubhav Sir se...

Amar: Kabhi.... Kabhi bhi toh nahi.... Hum bas yu gaye aur yu aaye....

Saying this Amar rushed inside..... He was about to enter Anubhav's cabin when he heard commissioner' sirs frustrated voice....

Commissioner: Pagal hai aap Anubhav.... Uss ladki ki fikr kar rahe hai jissne aap se pyaar toh kiya lekin shayad aaj taq kabhi dil se bharosa hi nahi kiya....

Anubhav: Voh isliye kyuki humne har baar khud unka vishwaas toda hai.... Unka dil toda aur-

Commissioner: Yeh ghisi petti kahani na kissi aur ko jaake sunana.... Hum sab sach jaante hai.... Aapne jo bhi kiya uske peeche har baar koi bahut badi wajah thi.... Hum yaha ke Commissioner hone ke saath saath aapke dost bhi hai Anubhav aur hum nahi chahate ki aap dubara voh galti kare jo aapne 6 mahine pehele ki thi.... 

Anubhav: Hum aapki bhawnaye samajh rahe hai Digvijay parantu hum humare iss dil ka kya kare jo aaj bhi unhi ke liye dhadakta hai.....

Commissioner: Jab bhi tumhara dil aisa kuch kahe na toh sheeshe ke saamne khade ho jana aur apne uss dil pe laga goli ka inshaan dekhna jo tumhare apno ne tumhe diya tha....

Amar couldn't help but stand by the door and listen to their conversation with a hope to know something about Anubhav's love life.... Anubhav was about to speak when Commissioner spoke again.... 

Commissioner: Dekho Anubhav tum jaante ho hum Bakshi sir jaise bilkul bhi nahi hai..... Hume na aapki behan se koi dikkat hai na aapke pyaar se.... Arre hum ne toh balki khud aapko sikhaya tha na pichle saal Holi ke vakt ki kissi ladki ko kaise propose karte hai.... Toh zara sochiye ki hum kyu aapko uss ladki se dur karna chahenge???

Anubhav opened his mouth to reply but Commissioner Sir spoke again this time earning a slight eye roll from Anubhav...

Commissioner: Voh iss liye Anubhav kyuki humne aapko dekha hai uss vakt jab aapke seene mein teen goliyan lagi thi.... Hum jaante hai kaise inn choto ke bawjood gaav gaav bhatke hai RAW aur IB ki agencies se chupne ke liye.... Hum nahi chahate ki aisa kuch dobara ho.... 

Anubhav offered him a glass of water....

Anubhav: Vaise Sandhya kitne dino ke liye gayi hai???

The care in Digvijay's eyes got replaced by confusion....

Commissioner: Aapko kaise pata???

Anubhav (chuckled): Saalo se jaante hai hum aapko.... Jab bhi aapki unnse ladaai hoti hai ya voh mayke chali jaati hai toh aap humare paas aa jate hai aur humare jeevan ke gadhe murde ukhadne lagte hai....

Amar got a call and so went into a corner to receive it....

Commissioner: Aisa.... Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai.... Aapko pata hai kal raat in fact kal shaam se Sandhya kuch alag sa bartav kar rahi hai.... 

Anubhav: Kaisa ajeeb bartav???

Commissioner: Zayda kuch nahi bas kaafi dino se chup chup si rehti hai.... Kal shaam ko jaise hi hum ghar aaye vaise hi voh chali gayi yeh bolke ki usse kahi bahar jana hai..... Phir jab voh aayi toh seeda humare room mein chali gayi.... Humare laptop ko check kar rahi thi.... 

Anubhav: Parantu kyu???

Commissioner: Pata nahi.... Shayad uski kissi dost ne usse humare khilaff bhadka  diya ho.... Like hum usse cheat toh nahi kar rahe.... Hume koi dikkat nahi hai usske laptop ko dekhne se but baat yeh hai ki usne kaafi time baad aisi typical biwiyo vali harkat ki hai

Anubhav: Aapne unse baat ki?

Commissioner: Kaha.... Uski chaal bhi kuch alag thi.... Humne pucha toh boli ki raaste mein gir gayi thi aur paav mein moch aa gayi hai..... And you know what Anubhav usne humein paav chune se bhi mana kar diya.... Humne Sandhya se yaha taq bhi pucha ki humse koi galti ho gayi hai kya par usne kaha ki usse bas thodi space chahiye....

Anubhav: Aisa hona swabhavik hai aap itni chinta mat kijiye-

Commissioner: Arre aage toh sunno.... Hum bhi unhe space de ke Divi ko sulane chale gaye, socha Sandhya ko aaram milega, par jab divi ke kamre se bahar aaye toh dekha ki na Sandhya ghar pe thi na uska bag....

Anubhav: Kya??? Parantu yu achanak-

Commissioner: Vahi toh yaar.... Hume message kar diya ki maa ki yaad aa rahi hai isliye Bhopal ja rahi hu..... Isiliye toh keh raha hu ki yeh auratein humari samajh se pare hai.... Meri maan shaadi mat kar.... Shaadi matlab full barbaadi....

Anubhav: Yeh baat aap keh rahe hai jissne sawyam prem vivah (love marriage) kiya hai.....

Commissioner: Toh hume kya pata tha prem vivah mein bhi biwiya chod ke chali jaati hai.... 

Anubhav: Aap yeh sab chodiye.... Yaad hai aap humse kya kehte the??? "A wise man knows, in love's pure art, the wife's command is where to start."....... Unhe do din ka samay dijiye, phir beech mein chahe toh durbhash pe unse prem purvak vartalap kijiye.... Aa jayengi....

Commissioner: I hope so....

Anubhav: Divya kaha hai???

Commissioner: Yahi headquarters mein hai.... Voh nanny vale incident ke baad I couldn't take any risk..... (Anubhav nodded) Vaise maana padega, aap sach mein chakri aadmi hai.... Hume Haseena ke topic se deviate karke Sandhya pe le aaye na.... Humari maaniye usse bhul jaiye and start fresh.... 

Amar came back but was stopped in his tracks by Anubhav's words

Anubhav: Yeh hona asambhav hai.... Hum unnse bahut prem karte hai aur chah kar bhi unhe bhula nahi sakte.... Humari aakhiri saans taq hum keval unhi se prem karenge...

Never in his wild dreams Amar thought that Anubhav would love a girl.... He was so professional, so calm, so mature.... How could a person like Anubhav fall head over heals for a girl??? 

Commissioner sir got up from his seat and seeing him Anubhav too stood up....

Commissioner: Fine.... Jo mann aaye karo par yeh baat humesha yaad rakhna Anubhav ki jo ladki ik baar aapko gooliyan maar ke marne ke liye akela chod ke ja sakta hai voh aisa dubara bhi kar sakti hai.... 

Amar's eyes widened in shock..... Commissioner sir came out of Anubhav's cabin and immediately spotted Amar....

Commissioner: Shaadi hui hai???

Amar: N.... Nahi sir-

Commissioner: Karna bhi mat.....  Aur bacche toh bilkul mat karna 

Saying this he went away leaving behind an astonished Amar who was still trying to process things....

Anubhav: Unki baaton pe dhyaan mat dijiye.... Aaj akele Divya ko sambhalna pad raha hai isliye aisa chidchide savbhav ho rakha hai parantu voh aise nahi hai....

Amar: Hum samjhte hai sir..... Sir voh shayad hum apni gaadi ki chabi yaha bhul gaye the-

Anubhav: Kisi mahapurush ne saho hi kaha hai ki jo hota hai acche ke liye hi hota hai.... Hume aapke aur Ms. Mallik ke hastakshar ik file pe chahiye the.... Aap unhe bula lijiye.....

Amar nodded..... He called Haseena and asked her to come back to DSP sir's cabin.... Anubhav found Amar blankly looking at the flowers on his desk....

Anubhav: Kal ratri aapki premika ko phool beth savroop dene mein safal ho paye???

Amar: Nahi.... (Amar realised that Anubhav said his lover and not his friend's) Hum.... Humara matlab hai ki humare dost ki-

Anubhav: Satya aap bhi bhli bhanti jaante hai aur hum bhi.... Dost toh bas ik bahana hai....

Amar (nods slightly): Maaf kijiyega sir hume aapse jhut bola-

Anubhav: Iss mein maafi mangne ki koi avashaykta nahi hai.... Hum samajhte hai.... Vaise unhone aapse bhet kyu nahi li???

Amar: Sir humne unki facebook profile check ki thi toh vaha unki photo gerbera ke saath thi..... Humne bhi gerbera kharid liya, yeh soch ke ki unhe pasand aayega.....

While listening this, Anubhav picked up a glass of water, his hand slightly trembling..... He somewhere knew where this was heading to..... Maybe Amar likes his Haseena ji..... Just maybe....

Amar: Par aapko pata hai sir unhe gerbera ke phoolo se allergy hai....

His throat suddenly felt dry.... An unknown feeling crept into his heart..... One that was mix of shock, anger, sadness, possessiveness, helplessness and..... Fear.... 

Anubhav: Aap Haseena Mallik se prem karte hai....

It was not a question but a statement which was meant for Anubhav's ears.... Meanwhile Amar's eyes widened in shock

Anubhav took a slow sip of water, but as the shocking statement sank in, he coughed abruptly, nearly spilling the water.....

 Karishma Singh, who came inside the cabin a moment ago, rushed towards Anubhav and rubbed his back..... She took the glass from his hand asking his to look up towards the ceiling....

Anubhav: Hum.... (coughs) Hum bache nahi hai Karishma Singh.... (coughs again)

Karishma: Upar dekhiye chipkali (Anubhav looked up in slight fear)..... (Karishma murmured) Harkatein baccho jaisi hai aur kehte hai ki hum bacche nahi hai....

Anubhav (looked at Karishma): Hume kya kiya....

Karishma: Paani peete hue dhyaan paani pe hona chahiye na sirrr..... Yeh baccho vali hartein nahi hai toh ka hai???

Anubhav looked at Karishma.... After such a long time she felt like his beloved sister Karishma Singh..... Indirectly expressing her care in her anger.... 

Amar: Sir.... 

Anubhav looked at Amar but his mind was still wondering what would happen if Haseena said yes to Amar's proposal??? 

Amar: Sir aapko kaise pata ki voh ladki....

Anubhav (absentmindedly): Haseena ji ko gerbera se phoolo se allergy hai 

Karishma smiled after hearing Haseena ji from his mouth after so long.... All she wanted now was a peaceful life for her brother and her madam sir..... 

But Karishma Singh was quick to notice the suspicion on Amar's face.... She didn't want Amar to know the truth.... Not because of Pushpa ji but because she could sense that storm that would come to destroy their lives.....

Amar (suspiciously): Aapko kaise pata sir???

Amar asked as he recalled Karishma's previous words "Bahut kam logo ko madam sir ki allergy ke baare mein pata hai"

Karishma: DSP sir darasal madam sir ke saath pehele bhi kaam kar chuke hai na toh isiliye..... Ik case ke doran inhe pata chala tha..... Haina sir????

Anubhav nods, but before anyone of them could speak, a gentle knock interrupts the serious moment.... Anubhav signalled Haseena to come inside.....

Haseena: Jai Hind Sir...

Anubhav: Jai Hind Ms. Mallik....

Haseena: Karishma Singh aap yaha??

Anubhav: Humne kuch karya hetu unhe bulaya tha.... Thodi der mein vapas thaane bhej denge..... Aap dono (Amar and Haseena) Iss file pe hastaqshar (sign) kar dijiye....

Haseena picked up a pen and started signing when Amar spoke in a suprized tone....

Amar (surprised): Aap lefty hai??? 

Haseena: Aa... Ji ha hum lefty hai....

Without another word Haseena signed the remaining papers but there was a slight tension in her demeanor....

When Haseena and Amar got up, saluted Anubhav and started to move, Anubhav noticed a slight limp in Haseena's leg..... He noticed this now because earlier when Haseena came in his cabin, he was with Aayushi and when Haseena left his cabin he was thinking about that psycho....

Anubhav: Ik minute (Amarseena stopped in their tracks)....  Aapke paav mein kya hua Ms. Mallik???

Haseena: Aa.... Sir voh aaj subah subah thaane mein paav phisal gaya tha.... Halki si hi moch hai.... Ik do din mein thik ho jayegi.... Sir hum log thaane ke liye nikalte hai.... Jai Hind 

Anubhav knew that Haseena was clearly lying but decided to ask her later on.... He blankly looked at the retreating figures of Amar and Haseena

Karishma: Ka soch rahe hai.... Hum aapko batane hi vale  the ki Amar sir madam sir ko pasand karte hai....

Anubhav (casually): Iss baat pe shaq toh hume pehele bhi tha aaj bas yakin ho gaya.... 

Karishma: Aapko irsha nahi ho rahi???

Anubhav: Hume sabhi bhawnao ka anubhav ho raha hai parantu irsha ka nahi....

Karishma: Par kahe bhaiya???

Anubhav: Hume aaj taq kabhi irsha hui hi nahi hai jo hume gyat ho ki irsha karna kaisa lagta hai.... 

Karishma: Aap kaisi topa insaan jaisi baate kar rahe hai aapko Amar sir ko rokna chahiye.... Ya phir madam sir se baat karni chahiye....

Anubhav: Prem ko kabhi kaid nahi kiya ja sakta Karishma Singh.... Yadi Haseena ji ne Amar ko ha keh diya toh hum unke nirnay ko swikaar kar lenge.... Yeh maan lenge ki shayad hum dono ki kismat yahi chahati hai....

Karishma: Aap madam sir ke liye ladenge nahi??? Aur aap kabse yeh kismat ko maan ne lag gaye???

Anubhav: Tab se jab kismat ne hume humare jeevan ki sabse badi shiksha di, ki vakt aane pe apne bhi aapka saath nahi dete.... Uss vakt jo hua humne usse bhi kismat maan liya aur aage bhi jo hoga usse bhi kismat hi maan lenge.... 

Karishma was at a loss for words..... What could she say when the damage was so plainly visible? Her brother, who had always dismissed destiny as a mere excuse to justify failure, was now using it himself. ..... Time, it seemed, had a way of changing people—whether for better or for worse.....

Anubhav decided to break this awkward silence....

Anubhav: Aapko humne ik karya diya tha voh hua???

Karishma:  Nahi (looked down)

Anubhav: Koi vishesh karan???

It took a minute for Karishma to respond.... And this time her voice was heavy laden with several pent up emotions.... 

Karishma: Hum.... Hum unse.... Hum chachi ji se nahi mil sakte....

Anubhav: Parantu kyu??? Aap unse kayi baar durbaash pe vartalaap karti hai toh ab kaisi samasya hai

Karishma: Samasya hai Bhaiya.... Baat karne  aur unnse nazre milane mein bahut bada antar hai... Hum.... Humne jo kiya uske baad hum unki aakhon mein nahi dekh sakte.... 

Karishma wanted to say more, but her voice caught in her throat, and her eyes brimmed with tears..... She looked away in a far of corner to avoid Anubhav's eyes

Anubhav: Karishma Singh....

Karishma shook her head, as if to reassure herself that she was fine.... But in the process, a fresh tear betrayed her, slipping down her cheek...

Anubhav handed her a fresh glass of water, and Karishma took it without hesitation, gulping it down in one swift motion.....

Anubhav: Shaant ho jaiye....

Karishma: Kaise shaant ho jaye bhaiya, aapko pata hai har baar jab chahi ji humse baat karti hai toh voh humse ik hi sawaal puchti hai, "Humara Nalayak kab aayega?"

Anubhav's lips tipped a in small smile....

Karishma: Aapko bata hai jab doctor ne humse kaha tha ki chaachi ji ko kissi bhi tarah ki chaukane vaali khabar nahi de sakte hai.... Isliye hume aur madam sir ne unhe kuch nahi bataya.... Voh toh aaj taq  yahi sochti hai ki aap sagaai ke vakt ke baad se aaye hi nahi hai.... Aise mein humare andar ki glani hume unke saamne jaane nahi deti.... Hum madam sir jaise majbut nahi hai jo apne dukh ko apne seene mein daba sake.....

Anubhav stood up, and seeing him rise, Karishma followed suit.... He walked over to her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering a quiet reassurance....

Anubhav: Jo kuch bhi uss din hua Karishma Singh uss mein aapki koi galti nahi hai..... Aapne toh keval apna daitv apna farz nibhaya aur uske liye hume aapke garv hai....

Karishma: Aap yeh sab humse isliye keh rahe hai na taaqi hume accha lage aur hum roye nahi???

 Anubhav: Nahi Karishma Singh..... Haseena ji aapki ik kareebi salahkaar hai, aapki mitr hai aapne uss vakt jo kiya voh krodh mein kiya..... Yadi hum aapki jagah hote toh shayad hum bhi yahi karte.... Parantu hume dukh toh keval iss baat ka hai ki aapne ik baar mud kar humari disha mein nahi dekha.... Yeh bhi nahi jaanna chaha ki hum jeevit hai ya...... (Took a deep breath) Chodiye..... 

Karishma: Bhaiya hum.... Hum usse din vapas laute the (Anubhav looked at Karishma in shock) Par aap tab taq vaha nahi the.... Humne aapko bahut dhundhne ki koshish ki bhaiya kyuki.... Kyuki uss vakt humara gussa kam hone ke baad humari chati indri humse keh rahi thi ki kuch choot raha hai..... Bhaiya hum.... Hum kuch bhi karenge aapki maafi aur vishwaas jitne ke liye....

Anubhav: Sach mein aap kuch bhi karengi???

Karishma: Ji.... Ji bhaiya kuch bhi.... Hum vada karte hai.... 

Anubhav: Aap maa se milke aayengi..... 

Karishma: Par hum-

Anubhav: Yadi aap aisa karti hai toh  hum aapko kshama kar denge.... Hum nahi chahate ki aap iss glani ko apne hriday mein rakh kar apne jeevan ke eham rishto ko tutne de....

Anubhav said this because he really wanted Karishma to rekindle her relationship with Maa.... Even though his mother didn't give birth to Karishma but both of them were connected by heart, she was like a mother figure to Karishma.... And Karishma being the youngest child was Maa's favorite.... 

Karishma (heavy voice): Hum puri koshish karenge bhaiya.... 

Anubhav (nods in approval): Ik aur baat.... Yadi aap roti bhi hai toh hume aapko chup karana aata hai..... Bas aapki bhaukaal vali chavi ko hum bacha nahi paate....

A natural smile spread across Karishma's face as a few tears slipped from her eyes.... She wasn't sure whether they were tears of joy or sorrow, but one thing was certain—her heart held onto the hope that her brother would forgive her.... And that hope, however uncertain, was enough to make her day.....

******

Singh Niwas

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the house in a warm, dusky glow..... Inside, the aroma of gajar ka halwa, Maa's favorite desert, filled the air..... Haseena stood at the kitchen counter, stirring the halwa with a spoon under the soft yellow light of a hanging bulb..... The sound of her spoon against the metal was steady, soothing in the otherwise quiet home.....

In the living room, Maa sat in her old armchair, a soft shawl draped around her shoulders..... She gazed out the window, her eyes distant, lost in thoughts of her son.... The faint rustle of Haseena's movements in the kitchen brought her back to the present....

Maa: Haseena, beta....

Maa called out, her voice gentle but tinged with longing....

Maa: Subah se daud bhaag kar rahi hai.... Aaja do pal shaanti se humare paas baith.... 

Haseena peeked her head out of the kitchen, a bright smile lighting up her face. 

Haseena: Maa bas do paach minute mein aaye.... Abhi chod diya toh halwa kadhhai mein lag jayega....

Maa chuckled softly, shaking her head. 

Maa: Aapko pata hai, tu bhi uss nalayak jaisi jiddi hai....

Haseena's smile faltered for just a moment, but she quickly masked it. 

Haseena: Ab kissi ko toh unki gair majoodgi mein ziddi hona padega na maa....

Her tone was playful, but there was an undeniable tenderness beneath her words.

After finishing her preparations, Haseena brought a steaming cup of masala tea to Maa..... She placed it on the small side table and knelt beside her, taking Maa's hands into her own.....

Maa: Kitna kaam karti hai humari bacchi..... Aapko pata hai hume kaayi baar lagta hai ki aap hum se thak gayi toh??? Hum akele nahi rehna chahate

Haseena blinked back her own tears and rested her head on Maa's lap. 

Haseena: Hum aapko chod ke kahi nahi jaa rahe.... Yahi reh ke aapko pareshaan karenge.... Aur aapko apne haathon ka bana khanna khilayenge....

Maa: Bura mat maanna par khaana shanno zayada zayke daar banati hai.... (Haseena pouted her lips like a child) Kya sach sach hai.... Aapko humse khana bana na seekhna padega jaise sagai se ik hafte pehele humne Anu ko sikhya tha..... Ab Anu ko dekhiye, humne aisa seekhaya hai ki hotel vaale bawarji ki naukri pe aaram se rakh lenge....

Haseena chuckled but a moment later she grew serious on seeing Maa's sad expression....

Haseena: Aaj aaj manage kar lijiye phir hum aapse regular basis pe training lenge.... Vaise shanno ne acchanak chuti kyu li???

Maa: Subah toh kuch boli nahi thi bas message kar diya tha (Sipped her tea) Phir Ussne kaha uske bete ke school mein khel divas tha jaha voh gir gayi thi toh bechari ke paav mein lag gayi hai....

Haseena: Oh-

The doorbell rang, breaking their conversation..... 

Haseena: Hum dekhte hai...

Haseena hurried to the door.... 

When she opened it, she saw a figure cloaked entirely in a burkha, their face completely covered.... Haseena frowned, a flicker of unease crossing her face....

Haseena: Ji, aap kaun???

She asked cautiously, her voice steady but curious.

The figure didn't respond but instead lifted the veil just enough to reveal their face..... Haseena's eyes widened in shock, her breath catching. 

Haseena: Anubhav! Aap yahan??? Aur yeh kya... burkha? 

She whispered, her voice low but urgent.

Anubhav stepped inside quickly, letting the veil fall back over his face. 

Anubhav: Hume Maa se milna tha, (His voice heavy with emotion.) Parantu voh hume dekh nahi sakti.... Abhi nahi.... Savyam ko sambhal nahi paayengi, aur is waqt unhe jhooti umeed dena galat hoga..... Hum nahi chahate ki unn par koi khatra aaye paratu hum khud ko rok nahi paye.... Bas unhe dekh ke chale jayenge....

Haseena's heart softened at the vulnerability in his voice..... She saw the pain in his eyes, the longing to embrace his mother, and the fear of putting her in danger..... 

Haseena: Hum kuch sochte hai.... 

Haseena said softly but firmly. 

Before they could say more, the sound of Maa's approaching footsteps reached them. Anubhav stiffened, his eyes darting toward the hallway.... Haseena quickly grabbed the veil and covered his face again, her movements hurried but precise.....

Maa entered the hallway.... 

Maa (to Haseena): Beta, Yeh kaun hai....

She asked, looking curiously at the veiled figure standing awkwardly by the door..... Haseena forced a bright smile, though her heart raced.... 

Haseena: Maa, yeh humari bachpan ki dost hai, Anubh..... Anubhuti

She said, the words spilling out quickly. 

Haseena: Voh aaj yeh hume surprise dene aa gayi..... 

Maa raised her brows in surprise. 

Maa: Anubhuti? Humne toh inka naam kabhi aapke muh se suna nahi sunna.... Keval Anuradha beti ka suna hai....

Haseena: Voh yeh Anuradha se bhi purani dost hai.... Aur phir kaafi dur bhi rehti hai na isliye shayad kabhi aapke saamne baat nahi ki....

Haseena explained, trying to sound casual. 

Haseena: Hum dono khud bohot time baad mile hain.... Aur... yeh bol nahi sakti....

Maa's expression softened, and she stepped closer to Anubhuti, studying her intently. 

Maa: Achha... maun hai? 

Maa said thoughtfully..... She didn't inquired her with question like when did she lost her voice or whether she was born mute.... Why to remind someone about their past.... Instead Maa studied her eyes deeply....

Maa: Aankhon mein ek ajeeb si jaan-pehchaan lag rahi hai..... Jaise... Jaise humne ine kahin dekha ho.....

Anubhav froze under the veil, his chest tightening..... His hands trembled slightly, and he clenched his fists to steady himself..... Haseena, who was standing by his side, in a subtle way, held Anubhav's hand in reassurance....   

Haseena (laughing nervously): Maa aapne hume burke mein dekh liya hoga.... Hum dono kaafi similar hai.... (to Anubhav) Nahi???

Anubhav nodded....  Maa chuckled softly, though her gaze lingered on Anubhuti for a moment longer. 

Maa: Shayad hum hi galat hai.... Budhapa bahut buri bala hai beta.... Aao andar chalke baitho....  

Anubhav nodded slightly, his emotions swirling.... Grief for the closeness he couldn't share.... Gratitude for the love his mother still radiated.... And relief that she hadn't recognized him.

Maa sat down on her favorite chair while Haseena and Anubhav lingered near the table at the center.... 

Maa: Beta, Aap chaho toh burkha utaar sakti ho.... Aapki dost ka hi ghar hai.....

Haseena: Maa, actually yeh bahut sharmilee hai toh shakal dikhane mein sharmati hai..... (Anubhav nodded vigorously) 

Maa smiled warmly....

Maa: Thik hai beta jaisa sahi lage vaise raho.... Bas kissi bhi cheez ke liye hichkichana mat.... Hum thodi der apne kamre mein jaa rahe hai.... Aap dono kaafi samay baad mile hai baate cheete kijiye.... 

Haseena nodded with a smile.... 

As Maa turned to settle herself, Haseena cast a glance at Anubhav, whose eyes were glistening behind the veil..... His voice, though silent, carried the weight of unspoken emotions..... He stepped closer to Haseena and whispered...

Anubhav: Hume Maa ke paas itne kareeb hokar unse door rehna atyant kathin lag raha hai..... Hum thodi der aur ruk jaye???

Haseena's heart ached at his words, but she pressed his hand lightly in reassurance..... 

Haseena: Anubhav.... (she whispered back) Aap jab taq chahe yaha reh sakte hai.... Aakhir yeh aapka ghar hai...

Anubhav nodded..... And anuseena headed towards the kitchen

The kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of ghee and cardamom as gajar ka halwa simmered on the stove..... Haseena stirred the pot slowly, her movements deliberate but her mind restless..... The events of the evening had left her unsettled, and the weight of their hidden truths lingered in the air....

Behind her, Anubhav stood silently, still cloaked in his burkha..... His sharp eyes, barely visible through the veil, stayed fixed on her..... 

The dim light softened her features, accentuating the quiet strength he admired so deeply.... His heart ached, a storm of emotions churning within him—longing, guilt, and a yearning for the peace her presence always brought......

Without a word, Anubhav moved closer, his steps soundless..... As he reached her, he hesitated for a moment, watching Haseena's slender frame sway gently with the rhythm of her stirring..... Then, with quiet determination, he slipped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her into his embrace.....

Haseena froze, her breath hitching at the unexpected warmth of his hold..... She didn't turn or protest, sensing the depth of his emotions in his touch..... Anubhav rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his cheek brushing against her cheek.... He exhaled a shaky breath, as if the act of holding her was both a comfort and a torment....

His hands moved over hers, gently guiding her away from the ladle..... She left it without resistance and turned around, watching as he took over with quiet precision..... His movements were steady and confident, as though the act of cooking gave him a rare sense of control in an otherwise chaotic life....

Haseena's gaze softened as she watched him. . Being trapped by between Anubhav and the kitchen counter, she reached up instinctively, brushing away the slight crease on his brow with her fingers....  He closed his eyes briefly at her touch, leaning into it like a man starved for solace......

 Anubhav kissed his forehead lightly....

Anubhav: Aayushi aur humare beech aisa kuch nahi hai jaisa aap soch rahi thi.....

 Haseena nodded.... Anubhav turned towards the opposite counter, picking up the knife to chop vegetables..... Still standing close, he worked efficiently, his hands moving with practiced ease......

Haseena stayed by his side, her own hands busy arranging the plates, but her eyes kept drifting to him..... His silent focus, the way his shoulders tensed as though carrying a weight he couldn't share, tugged at her heart.....

Unable to hold back, she placed her hand gently on his arm, stopping his movements..... He looked at her, his dark brown eyes meeting hers, and the unspoken grief there made her chest tighten.....

Haseena: Anubhav... 

She whispered, her voice trembling, though she didn't know what she wanted to say....

He shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips that didn't reach his eyes.... He reached up, cupping her face with one hand, his thumb grazing her cheek in a gesture so tender it made her heart ache.... His touch lingered, his silence speaking volumes of the battles he fought within himself.....

Haseena leaned into his palm, closing her eyes for a moment as if to absorb his warmth.... Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but she held them back, knowing this moment was fragile, fleeting.....

Anubhav finally broke the gaze, stepping back slightly to put back his veil..... His hands trembled as he secured it, but his movements were deliberate, as though reminding himself of the role he had to play....

Haseena took a deep breath, steadying herself before turning back to the stove....

Haseena (worriedly): Yeh dekhiye na kahi jal toh nahi gaya???

Anubhav came back towards her and stirred the halwa....

Anubhav (whispered in Haseena's ear): Nahi.... Paratu yadi aapko aur humare ko yu saath dekh ke yeh jal bhi jaata toh koi ashcharya ka vishay nahi hota..... 

Haash it was so tiring to write this big of a chapter after such a long time..... Haath dukh gaye mere.... Response bhi accha sa hi chahiye mujhe

So what do we think kaun hai voh gadaar???