I can't get over them, guys!!!!

LUCKNOW, 1956

Dear Asif,

I am proud of you for taking up the older woman's case. You are still learning, yet you dared to take up the poor widow's case. I will pray that you win this. God is with those who help others. It's been a few months, since we are talking so freely, and getting to know you better is a delight. I am honored to be your friend.

Do tell me the outcome of the case.

On a lighter note, my cousin Preethi, and her husband is from Lucknow, Brijesh. He says the tehzeeb of the place is out of this world, such sweet people. She was also complimenting the famous Paans. You should try it. It seems interesting. And tell me your opinion, I really want to know.

Yours,

Anahita

Asif folded the parchment and looked up at his reflection in the mirror. A soft melody played from the gramophone.

❝ Ankhon hi ankhon mein ishaara ho gaya

Baithhe baithhe jeene ka sahaara ho gaya ❞

His smile grew. He could imagine her writing to him, her every expression. It has been a few months as she rightly stated, yet she has housed in his heart. The way she talked to him, in a mature and encouraging manner, made him emotionally dependent on her.

❝ Gaate ho geet kyon, dil pe kyon haath hai

Khoye ho kis lie, aisi kya baat hai

Ye haal kab se tumhaara ho gaya ❞

His letter to Nausheen mostly goes blank, but with Anahita, there was always something to share, something to talk about. Asif let out a breath, leaning back in the chair. He re-read her words. Then, looked at a small ivory casket that contained her letters. It amazed him, why did he save these letters?

❝Chalate ho jhum ke, badali hai chaal bhi

Naino men rng hai, bikhare hai baal bhi

Kis dilaruba ka najaara ho gaya ❞

But was this right? His heart was leading him on an uncertain road. Anahita was his sister's best friend, a naïve and impressionable seventeen-year-old. Also, she didn't belong to the same community as him. This wasn't going to end well. This attraction, this pull was dangerous. A heartbreak was eminent.

"No, I am not in love with her, of course. She is sweet and loveable and—I adore her. That's it." He spoke out loud to discourage the flames that flickered in his heart. He looked back into those letters. She shares with him, because she trusts him, like an elder brother perhaps. Asif gulped. It would be morally incorrect to think of her and her gesture as more than friendship. Could he dare?

❝ Apana wo jor hai, apana wo shor hai

Hamako hai sab pata, dil men jo chor hai

Ye chor kaise gawaara ho gaya❞

Indeed! He thought.

❝Kaisa ye pyaar hai, kaisa ye naaz hai

Hum bhi to kuchh sune, hum se kya raaz hai

Acha to ye dil humaara ho gaya ❞

Could he dare to call his growing feelings love? Or was it infatuation?

"Are you flirting with me?" She clenched her books tightly against her chest. Asif blinked at her and then began to laugh again. His guffawing at her annoyed her even more but she stayed quiet.

After his laughter died down, he clenched his stomach and huffed, - "Please. I don't flirt with kids." He turned around and was about to take a step when Anahita interrupted him,

- "I am not a kid." She twisted her lips, stomping her feet. Asif climbed down so now, they were only a step away from each other.

"Then, what is a seventeen-year-old if not a kid?"

Anahita stared boldly into his eyes, - "A woman. I am a woman. You know my mother is looking for alliances for me. Soon, I will be wedded. Then, how am I a kid? You are a lawyer, right? Don't you know, the marriageable age of a girl is now fifteen plus. So, after fifteen we are no longer a kid."- she raised a finger at him, - "So, you better not think I am a kid." She huffed and looked away. Swishing her dupatta she began to climb up the stairs. In hurry and anger, she tripped and fell on the stair.

"Ouch!"

Asif laughed at the recollection.

"What is, that you are laughing to heartedly, my dear Vakil Sahab."

A feminine voice caught him off guard.

"Husna." He adjusted his Kurtha collar as he straightened in his chair.

"Please be seated." Husna protested as he stood up.

Asif smiled his usual charming, dimpled smile, - "A lady walks in my room, and I will be seated. Not the Asif Rahman Khan's way." He helped her with the porcelain tray she carried.

"Some biscuits and tea."

"Wow!"

"It is just parle-g." Husna blushed.

Asif kept his smile, - "That is no problem. By the way, Husna, can you help me with Lucknow's most famous Paan?"

"Paan?"- She was amused, - "Since when you started eating paan?"

Asif had a dreamy look on his face, as he answered, - "Since today."

Dearest Anahita,

I have tasted the Banarasi Zarda Paan, my impression was—eee--- but my friends said that the first time it happens, then I will start liking the taste.

The case is going well, Senior Advocate Ravi Tyagiji is my mentor, he is excellent.

Days are passing well and keeping myself busy. Still, I think of you, my dear friend. It will be a delight to meet you again. I might ask for a week's leave. I cannot guarantee, I will get it. But I am counting the days to be back in Jaipur.

Yours,

Asif Rahman Khan

Asif carefully slipped the letter into an envelope. As soon as he finished writing the address, a group of lawyers came to him.

"Hello, Asif yaar, why are you being so nerdy?" One of the men sat on the table, next to his stationaries, and slapped his shoulder.

"Indeed, Suresh is right. Come, Asif with us to Dil-jaan's mujra." Another man added with a smile and the other men laughed. Asif looked at them and shook his head. He refused but with a smile.

"Arey, yaar. She is a fine courtesan. Much like Chandramukhi." Suresh commented in a mischievous tone. The others hooted, but Asif kept calm.

He smiled politely, - "I am no Devdas." He chuckled. The others shared a dejected look.

"You always do this, such a spoil-sport."

Suresh dropped his voice in a hushed whisper so that only the group could hear, - "By the way, Afzal was talking about these pleasure girls. Beautiful ones. Join us Asif. There are ones who we can afford. After all, we are barristers and lawyers, we have standards."

Asif clicked his tongue, and dragged his chair back, - "I am not interested." He stood and so did Suresh.

He seemed persistent, - "Come on, yaar. We will get you some ravishing beauties who will help you transform into a man."- He winked and then nudged him, - "If you know what I mean."

Asif turned away; Suresh was testing him now. He knew, so he kept his cool.

"I have seen my father being wasted away in alcohol and these so-called pleasure girls. I am not stupid to repeat his mistakes." He replied in a calm but firm tone and ended the conversation.

After posting the letter, he took a rickshaw and comfortably sat. As he lit his cigarette he thought of lust and love. With lust, the first thing that came to his mind was a courtroom. Perhaps he lusted to be a judge and hold high power. To help others, her voice spoke in the back of his head. With Love, the first thing that crossed his mind was Anahita's letters and her words. Asif sighed, smiling to himself.

These feelings, whatever it was, were very serene. He liked it. It comforted him.

❝ Dil Ki Main Tujhko Sajawat Bana Loon

Kuchh Bhi Na Bolun Muskurahat Bana Loon

Barse Khuda Ki Woh Barkat Bana Loon

Aa Shiddat Bana Loon Tujhe❞

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