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vn vya (nfvl)

lyKk: hrjIq atvfl

iek

sMn iCafht dIaF grmIaF. aYqvfr df idn. sLfm dy sfZy iqMn vwjy sn. sUrj hfly duiphr vFg KVf sI. surjn pMj-mMjLlI iemfrq ivcoN inkilaf. iek vfr qF bfhrlI Duwp ny Aus dIaF awKF cuMiDaf mfrIaF. lgfqfr Cy GMty aMrdly blbF dI rosLnI ivc rih ky qyjL Duwp df sfhmxf krnf musLkl ho irhf sI. Aus ny GVI dyKI, hflF ik vkq df aMdfjLf Aus nUM hY hI sI. sVk Aupr ikMny hI lok ieDr AuDr qury iPr rhy sn blik Bwjy iPrdy sn. surjn vI AuhnF ivc rlL igaf. ‘ruafiel zIn’ dI ivsLfl iemfrq qoN pryH huMdf hI Auh phfV-kwd iemfrqF ivc iGr igaf. hr iemfrq hI pwg izgvIN AuWcI sI. hOlbOrn aMzrgrfAUNz stysLn nUM ipwCy Cwz Auh strYNz vl qurdf igaf. ieMzIan hfeI kimsLn dI iblizMg df iqrMgf hlkI hlkI hvf ivc lihrf irhf sI. hfeI kimsLn suMnf ipaf sI. CuwtI ijAuN sI. Duwp ivc GsmYlI ijhI iblizMg vI cmk rhI sI. Aus dy brfbr jf rhy aMgryjL dy hwQly trFsijstr Aupr bItljL df gfxf pUry jLor nfl vwj irhf sI. gorf gfxy dI qfn nfl isr ihlf irhf sI. kdy lwk vI ihlfAux lgdf. surjn jybFH ivc hwQ pfeI ‘d mfl’ Aupr af puwjf. ievyN jybFH ivc hwQ pf ky qurn dI Aus dI afdq hfly vI kfiem sI. ‘d mfl’ Aupr astrylIan hfeI kimsLnr df dPqr dyK ky Aus dy aMdr iek apxwq ijhI AuT afeI. astrylIaf; amFzf df dysL. amFzf df iKafl afAuNidaF hI Aus dy pYr kfhly pY gey. iek dukfn dy sLIsLy ivc Aus ny iek pl leI afpxI pwg nUM dyiKaf, TIk sI. dfhVI vI bYTvIN. BfvyN ies sLIsLy ny shI aks nhIN sI idqf pr Aus nUM qswlI sI. tRPflgr sukYar ivc aj BIV afm nfloN sMGxI sI. ijsm hI ijsm sn. iek dUjy nfl KihMdy iPrdy ijsm. mrd afpxIaF kmIjLF-bnYxF kwiCaF ivc PsfeI iPrdy sn. aOrqF vI Gwt qoN Gwt kpVy pihn ky inklIaF sn. kbUqr vI afm nfloN cusq sn. QoVy ijhy dfxy hwQylI ‘qy rwKo ik JuMz df JuMz moiZaF Aupr af bYTdf. BIV ivc ajIb ijhI cmlfht sI. gBryt Aumr dy muMzy-kuVIaF iek dUjy ipwCy cIkF mfrdy Bwj rhy sn. bwcy hwQF ivc gubfry PVI alwg sLor pf rhy sn. kuJ ku lok Qkfvt dy BMny sfh lYx leI PuhfiraF dy bnyiraF Aupr bYTy sn. ies BIV ivc afm qOr qy XfqrI hI sn. iek dUjy dIaF qsvIrF iKwcIaF jf rhIaF sn. koeI sLyrF dI Poto lY irhf sI qy koeI sLyrF nfl KV ky qsvIr iKcvf irhf sI. koeI koeI lft dy Dur Aupr KVy nYWlsn dy buwq dI Poto lYx dI koisLsL vI kr irhf sI. prFh do ispfhI hYtF ivcdI coNdy muVky nfl KVy gwlF kr rhy sn. surjn Ausy ryhVI kol af KiVaf ijQy ruk ky amFzf Aus dI AuzIk kiraf krdI sI. ryhVI vflf XfqrIaF nUM vycx leI kfrz, topIaF, bYj afid leI KVf sI. aj Aus ny surjn nUM dyK ky ‘ivsL’ nhIN sI kIqI ijvyN kiraf hI krdf sI. aj Auh ivasq hI bhuq sI. surjn iek pfsy jLrf ku AuWcI QfvyN jf

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KiVaf. Auh Puwtvya ‘qy af rhI BIV ivcoN amFzf lwBx ligaf. lMG rhy keI lok Aus vl Aucycf dyKdy. pUrI BIV ivc AuWcf lMmf srdfr Auh iekwlf hI sI. Aus dI bdfmI pwg Duwp nfl ilsLk-ilsLk pY rhI sI. keI ichry Aus vl dyK ky ievyN vI ho jFdy ijvyN nPrq nUM Quwk nfl ingl rhy hox. amFzf ikDry nhIN sI. iqMn vjy kMm Cwz ky Auh surjn qoN pihlF hI ieQy puwj jfieaf krdI sI. awj qf cfr vwj cuwky sn. surjn nUM iPkr hox ligaf ikAuNik amFzf lyt hox vflI nhIN sI. Aus ny iek vfr iPr GVI dyKI qy ibRitsL imAUjLIam vl qur ipaf. amFzf rfh ivc ikqy nf imlI. imAUjLIam vI bMd hox nUM sI. Aus ny jybH ivcoN sLilMg kwiZaf aqy nfl dy Pon bOks ivc jf viVaf. amFzf dy Gr df Pon iqMnF PlYtF df sFJf Pon sI. surjn nUM sdf iJjk rihMdI ik koeI hor hI Pon nf cuwk lvy. ievyN hI hoieaf. Qwly dy PlYt vfly mfeIkl ny Pon AuTfieaf. surjn ny amFzf bfry puwiCaf. mfeIkl muqfbk amFzf Gr hI sI. Auh amFzf nUM bulfAux cly igaf pr jd qk surjn df pfieaf sLilMg Kqm ho igaf. Aus ny jybH ivc hwQ mfiraf, hor Bfn nhIN sI. sfhmxy hI aMzr grfAUNz stysLn nUM pOVIaF AuqrdIaF sn. Auh kfhlI nfl pOVIaF Auqrn ligaf. Aus soc irhf sI ik jd qk Bfn df ieMqjLfm krygf qd qk qF Auh amFzf dy Gr dy awD ivc puwj cuwkf hovygf. gwzI df pfs qF Auhdy pfs hY hI sI. sLYPRz buwsL stysLn qoN bfhr inkl Auh AuvyN hI jybHF ivc hwQ pfeI qurn ligaf. lfeItF lMG ky Auh hOlYNz-pfrk aYivinAU ivc pY igaf. dUj dy cMn vrgI moVvIN sVk Aupr muV ky amFzf df Gr sI. Aus ny sYNqI nMbr dy drvfjLy Aupr lgy ivckfrly btn nUM dbf idqf. ies btn dy muhry iliKaf sI; imsjL amFzf rfeIzr. kuJ dyr ivc pqlI lMmI gorI drvfjLf Kohl Aus df sfhmxy af KVI. Aus ny vfl Aupr nUM krky bMny hoey sn. Aus dy nwk dI lfl krUMbl ds rhI sI ik Aus dI ishq vwl nhIN hY. Auh surjn nUM dyK ky iKV geI. Aus nUM bFhF ivc lYNdI hOly ijhy bolI, “zfrilMg, myrf qF burf hfl aY, kMm ‘qy vI nhIN jf skI.” kihMidaF Aus ny surjn dI dfhVI nUM cuMimaF qy Aus df hwQ PV pOVIaF cVHn lgI. surjn kuJ khy ibnF Aus dy mgr ho pOzy cVHdf igaf. pihlI mMjLl ‘qy hI PlYt sI. iek bYWz rUm, iek bYTk qy nfl hI rsoeI qy guslKfnf. iesy sfeIjL df iek PlYt hyTF sI ijs ivc mfeIkl qy Aus dI pqnI norIn rihMdy sn. amFzf qoN AuprlI mMjLl ivcly PlYt ivc PrYSc kuVI eIl dI irhfiesL sI. surjn df ieQy afAuxf-jfxf afm sI pr Auh iksy nfl GuilLaf-imilLaf nhIN sI. pOVIaF cVHdy-Auqrdy kdy ‘hYlo’ ho geI qF ho geI. amFzf Aus nUM iswiDaF bYWz rUm ivc hI lY geI. Auh ibsqr Aupr jf izgI. surjn nfl peI kursI Aupr bYT igaf. amFzf bolI, “eynI Qkfvt hoeI peI aY ik kuJ nf puwC! [[[rfqIN acfnk ieh sB sLurU ho igaf, bhuq hI jLordfr, aYqkIN lwqF vI nhIN duKIaF, bs[[[, sfrf idn hI bhuq qklIP ivc rhI aF.” “cfh bxf ky dyvF?” “nhIN srj, mYN kuJ nhIN pIxf, [[[hF, qUM afpxy leI bxf lY, jF Pirwj ‘coN kuJ lY lY.” “bfhr eynf vDIaf mOsm aYN, aijhy mOsm ivc aMdr bYTxf pfp huMdf, mYNzI.” “srj, mYnUM kuJ vI cMgf nhIN lg irhf.” “iek vfrI bfhr inkl ky dyK qF shI.” afKdf hoieaf surjn rsoeI ivc jf viVaf. ibjleI kYtl clf idqI. do kwpF ivc iek iek tI-bYg qy iek iek cmcf KMz dy pfey. imMt ku ivc hI pfxI Aublx ligaf. kwpF ivc pfxI pfxI pfieaf qy QoVf QoVf duwD vI. cmcy nfl ihlf ky cfh iqafr kr leI. hux qk surjn nUM aijhI cfh pIx dI afdq pY cuwkI sI. Gr ivc bldyv kfVH kfVH ky cfh bxfAuNdf. surjn nUM Auh cfh svfd lgxoN hI ht geI sI. Aus ny afpxI cfh leI kYtl alwg ilaf ky rwK leI hoeI sI. ievyN cfh bxfAuxI sOKI vI sI. pfxI ny Aubflf KfDf nhIN ik cfh bxI nhIN.

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Aus ny cfh vflf kwp amFzf dy hwQ ivc PVfieaf qy Aus dy mwQy ‘qy hwQ rwKdf Aus dy qfpmfn df aMdfjLf lgfAux ligaf. Auh ibsqr Aupr hI amFzf dy nfl lwg ky bYT igaf qy boilaf, “mYNzI, aMdr bYT ky hor ibmfr ho jfvyNgI. cwl, ikDry bfhr cldy aF.” amFzf Aus vl dyKdI cfh dy Guwt Brn leI. cfh mukf ky Aus ny surjn nUM klfvy ivc lYNdI bolI, “iek idn ivc eI myry sfh sUqy gey, bYWz ‘qy peI peI PYWz-awp hoeI peI aF.” “qFhI ikhf ik cl ikqy cwlIey, Qkfvt jLrUr aY pr TIk ho jfvyNgI.” gwl kridaF surjn AuiTaf qy do aYnfzIn dIaF golIaF amFzf nUM PVf idqIaF. afm qOr qy Auh sdf hI amFzf nUM dvfeIaF Kfx qoN vrjdf rihMdf pr hux Aus nUM lgdf sI ik amFzf nUM dvfeI dI loV sI. ibsqr-Zoa dy zrfa ivc pey hvfeI Kq nUM dyKdf puwCx ligaf, “GroN afieaf lgdf.” “hF, jOrj df ey, [[[kihMdf kuJ pypr sfeIn krn vfly ny qy kuJ Pfrm bfry vI slfhF puwCIaF, [[[jUnIar jOrj mYnUM bhuq Xfd krdf, [[[bs.” “vYsy, ipE-pwuq TIk ny?” “TIk eI hoxgy, [[[nfl dy Pfrm vfly nfeIjl dI pqnI sLYrl df bhuq ijLkr kIqf hoieaY, [[[inrI cuzyl aY, jOrj nUM PsfAux dI koisLsL krdI hoeygI, [[[koeI gwl nhIN, vfps jf ky sbk dyvFgI.” Auh hwsdI hoeI bolI qy AuT ky iqafr hox lgI. lMmI skwrt pf ky hlkf ijhf myk-awp kr ilaf. skwrt nUM iek pfisEN cuk JUldI ijhI surjn nUM pwuCx lgI, “ikvyN lgdI aF?” “bhuq KUbsUrq! [[[hmysLf dI qrFH, lok myry nfl qurI jFdI nUM dyK ky eIrKf krngy!” Auh bfhr inkly qF swq vwjx nUM sn pr Duwp dI kft hfly vI qyjL sI. myn roz ‘qy af ky AuhnF ny bws PV leI qy lMzn birwj af gey. QymjL kMZy tihldy Auh diraf ivc KVy iek rYstorYNt qk puwj gey. ieh iek purfxf jhfjL sI ijs nUM rYstorYNt ivc ZflL ilaf igaf sI. kMZy qoN qYrdy rYstorYNt ivckfrlf puwl lMG Auh rYstorYNt aMdr cly gey. AuprlI mMjLl ivc pwb bixaF sI aqy hyTlI mMjLl ivc rYstorYNt. Auh Auprly zYWk ivc cly gey. vfeIn dy glfs Brf ky bfhr af KVy. pfxI dIaF lihrF jhfjL nUM izwky-zoly Kvf rhIaF sn. surjn bIar jF ivskI qoN prhyjL krn dI koisLsL krdf pr amFzf dI kMpnI ivc vfeIn pIxI Aus nUM cMgI lgdI sI. vfeIt vfeIn Aus nUM mihPl ivc cMgI lgdI qy rYWz vfeIn Kfxy nfl. ieh sLONk Aus ny amFzf qoN hI ilaf sI. hvf jLrf ku qyjL ho geI. amFzf dI skwrt AuVn lgI. Aus dIaF inwgr lwqF nMgIaF hox lgIaF. awj Aus ny brfa vI nhIN sI pfeI. mjLbUq lwqF qy pwQr ijhIaF CfqIaF surjn nUM nisLaf rhIaF sn. Auh ajIb ijhy suK-anMd ivc sI. Auh bhuq KusL sI pr kuJ aijhf sI jo rVk irhf sI. ieh rVk amFzf dI hfjLrI ivc pYNdI hI rihMdI sI. Auh socx lgdf; ieh sB kI hY? [[[hvs, [[[jF iksy aiqRpqI dI iqRpqI? [[[pfsLI nfl byvPfeI, DIaF nfl dgLf, [[[jF kuJ hor? Auh koeI PYslf nf kr skdf. Auh afpxy afp nUM smJfAux leI koeI dlIl GVn lgdf pr GVI nf jFdI. kdy kdy jd Aus dy aMdr gunfh Bfvnf pRbl hox lgdI, Auh Ausy GVI afpxy afp nUM kihx lgdf ik Auh ikhVf koeI dyvqf hY, iek sDfrn afdmI hI qF hY; kmIaF-pUrqIaF, guxF-aOguxF df puqlf. keI vfr Aus df idl krdf ik sB kuJ ievyN hI Cwz ky ieMzIaf muV jfvy. nhIN cfhIdI Aus nUM aijhI ieMglYNz. amFzf Aus nUM ievyN gvfcy nUM dyK ky Aus dy aMdrly KOrU nUM smJ jFdI qy Aus dy moZyH ‘qy isr suwt idMdI. surjn socxf bMd kr idMdf. Auh iek lwK rupey kmfAux vfsqy ieMglYNz afieaf sI. Aus kol hY hI kI sI; nf Gr, nf jLmIn. bs iek mfstrI sI ijs nfl Gr df gujLfrf vI musLkl nfl huMdf. afpxf Gr bMnHx leI Aus ny afpxy afp

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nUM pMj sfl df bxvfs idqf sI. iek lwK kmfAux leI Aus ny pfsLI qy DIaF nUM iekwlIaF Cwzx df jyrf kIqf sI. ieMglYNz ivclI aOKI ijLMdgI df Aus nUM pihlF hI pqf sI. Auh afpxIaF DIaF dy cMgy BivwK leI kMizaF Aupr vI rih skdf sI. koeI ryigsqfn vI pfr kr skdf sI. iesy ryigsqfn ivc hI amFzf Aus nUM TMzI CF bx ky imlI sI qy iek imwTf csLmf vI. amFzf nfl qF Aus dI rfsLI hI iml geI sI nhIN qF Auh Auh aOrqF ipwCy Bwjx vflf bMdf nhIN sI. kdy kdy Aus nUM ieh iKafl vI qMg krdf ik jy iksy ny Aus nUM amFzf nfl ievyN dyK ilaf qF kI hovygf, lok kI socxgy Aus bfry. srdUl kI khygf. srdUl Aus df ikMnf moh krdf sI. ivafh qoN pihlF hI Aus ny ikhf sI ik Aus dI BYx bhuq sfdI hY, cMgI qrHF soc ky ivafh krfvy. Aus ny sfdI kuVI nfl ivafh vI krfieaf sI qy Aus nUM sfrI Aumr KusL vI rwiKaf sI. BfvyN pfsLI Aus dy suPinaF dy hfx dI nhIN sI pr Aus ny kdy ies gwl df mlfl vI nhIN sI kIqf. amFzf nfl Aus dI rfsLI acfnk kilwk kr geI sI. amFzf nfl pihlf vfrqflfp kridaF hI Aus nUM mihsUs hox ligaf sI ik ieh hY Auh kuVI ijhVI Aus dy suPinaF ivc afAuNdI rhI hY. ijLMdgI nfl BrI hoeI amFzf, hr gwl ivc adf, hr adf dy mihny, hr mihny ivc smoey keI keI arQ. afpxI gwl kihMdI amFzf ijvyN surjn nUM AuNgl lf ky nfl qor lYNdI. dUjy pfsy pfsLI sI; ijLMdgI qoN iekdm axjfx. surjn dI hr gwl nUM ievyN mMn lYNdI ijvyN koeI rwbI hukm nUM mMndf hY. koeI bihs krnI qF bhuq dUr dI gwl sI. surjn kol pfsLI nfl krn vflI koeI vI gwl nf huMdI pr amFzf nfl gwlF mukdIaF hI nhIN sn. iek ivsLy nUM lY ky keI keI GMty qk gwl kr skdy sn Auh. amFzf dy kol bYT ky surjn nUM afpxf afp BrpUr lgdf, sMpUrn jfpdf. ajIb gwl ieh sI ik amFzf vI ieMglYNz pMj sflf plfn lY ky hI afeI sI, dunIaF dy dUjy ihwsy dy mulk astrylIaf qoN. ijQy surjn ny pMj sfl ivc iek lwK kmfAuxf sI AuQy amFzf ny pMj sfl ieMglYNz rih ky afpxIaF jVHF KojxIaF sn. afpxy puriKaF dIaF kbrF Aupr Puwl cVHfAuxy sn. ieh Aus df afpxy mrdy bfp nfl kIqf hoieaf vfadf sI. nfl dI nfl afpxy pqI qy puwq qoN dUr rih ky afpxy afp dI qlfsL vI krnI sI. ievyN iek dy pMj sfl mjbUrI dy sn qy dUjy dy sLONk dy. surjn nUM amFzf df ieh qjurbf ajIb ligaf qy ipafrf vI. Aus nUM aMgryjLF dI aijhI hfdisaF BrI ijLMdgI bhuq cMgI lgdI.[[[ amFzf ny surjn nUM bfhoN PV ky ihlfieaf qy puwCx lgI, “ikQy cly igaf eyN srj?” “ieQy hI aF, diraf dIaF CwlF dyK irhF.” “nhIN, diraf dIaF CwlF ‘qy qF isrP qyrIaF njLrF Kyz rhIaF ny, qUM qy ikqy hor eyN, afpxIaF DIaF kol?” amFzf ny Aus dy ichry Aupr awKF gwzidaF afiKaf. surjn ny Aus dy ichry Aupr afey Bury vflF dI ilt htfeI qy boilaf, “AuQy qF mYN AudoN jfnF jdoN iekwlf hovF, qUM nfl hovyN qF ikqy hor jfx kfrn mYnUM pfp nhIN lgygf!” kihMidaF surjn ny Aus nUM klfvy ivc lY ilaf. amFzf vI bwcy vFg Aus dy nfl lwg geI. QymjL pUrf ciVHaf hoieaf. pfxI bMinHaF dIaF kMDF dy Aupr qk pwuijaf ipaf sI. surjn acfnk boilaf, “mYNzI, mYnUM lMzn dI hr sLYa BfAuNdI aY pr ieh QymjL nhIN.” “ikAuN?” “ikAuNik ieh sLihr nUM do ihwisaF ivc vMzdf aY.” “ikQoN vMzdf aY ivcfrf! ieh qF pulF df gulfm hoieaf ipaY.” “Pyr vI vMzI qF vMzI eI huMdI aY. [[[[iehdf tfeIzl hox vI mYnUM psMd nhIN, ieh vihMdf Gwt qy cVHdf Auqrdf ijLafdY, mYnUM Auh diraf psMd nhIN ijhVf vfps muVy.” “ieh qF lMzn df gMd hUMJx leI muVdY.”

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“kuJ vI hovy, diraf df kMm kI hoieaf vfps muVnf! [[[diraf leI XU-trn TIk nhIN.” “smuMdr dy nyVy jf ky sfry diraf hI tfeIzl ho jfieaf krdy af, nfly XU-trn vI ijLMdgI dI qor df iek aMdfjL aY.” “mYNzI, ijLMdgI tyzI-myzI cwl skdI aY, Aupr Qwly vI pr ipCFh nUM muVnf? [[[nhIN, mYN iehnUM ijLMdgI nhIN kihMdf.” “qurdy hoey quhfnUM ipCFh nUM Jfkxf hI pYNdf keI vfr.” “mYNzI, ipCFh Jfkx nfl ijLMdgI dI rPqfr hOlI pY jFdI aY.” amFzf ny Aus dy dovyN kflr PVy qy Aus df ichrf afpxy ichry dy nyVy ilaf ky bolI, “imstr cYhl, qUM ikQy nUM dOV irhYN? [[[hYN! [[[ds mYnUM jLrf.” rfq dy igafrF vjy dy krIb surjn Gr, lyatn ston, puwijaf. sfry hI Aus dI AuzIk kr rhy sn. bldyv ny Aus dI rotI bxf ky iek pfsy rwK idqI sI. sfry hI rlL ky kMm nbyVdy. bldyv rotIaF df mfhr sI ies leI ieh ijLMmyvfrI AuhI inBfAuNdf. aYqvfr dI rfq dy Kfxy ivc koeI Aucyc nf huMdI. nf hI rMm jF ivskI dI boql KulHdI. sB ny svyry kMmF Aupr ijAuN jfxf huMdf. arjn isMG df isLPtF df kMm sI. bnfrsI dfs vI bhuq vfrI kMm Aupr lyt hI sLurU huMdf. bfkI sB ieko vkq GroN inkldy sn. ieko vkq iqafr hox krky gusl jfxf vI iek smwisaf bx jFdf. surjn qF keI vfr ievyN hI GroN inkl jFdf aqy kMm Aupr jf ky hI bursL afid krdf. ‘ruafiel zIn’ ivc vDIaf guslKfny bxy hoey sn. sLincrvfr df idn AuhnF leI Kfsm-Kfs huMdf. Aus sLfm rsoeI ivc gihmo-gihmI huMdI. ieh qF hoxI hI sI, ds bMdy rihMdy sn Aus Gr ivc. iehnF ivcoN avqfr sLONkI bMdf sI. bOks rUm Aus ny iekwly ny lY rwiKaf sI. bldyv qy surjn iek kmry ivc sONdy sn. bnfrsI dfs qy gurnfm iek kmrf sFJf krdy. arjn qy vicwqr df iek kmrf sI. hyTlf muhrlf kmrf do pfiksqfnIaF; alI qy jvyd kol sI. Auh dovyN afps ivc sfly-BxoeIey sn. AuhdI BYx Auhdy Gr qy AuhdI Auhdy. sfry hI hwsdy hoey AuhnF nUM CyVdy ik Auh qF iek dUjy nUM BYx dI gflL kwZx jogy vI nhIN hn. Auh bfkI sB nfl vfhvf rlLy-imly sn. sfB ivc vfhvf TwTf-mjLfk cldf. iehnF muslmfnF nUM hlfl-hrfm df bhuq Prk vI nhIN sI. jykr avqfr kdy koeI aOrq lY afAuNdf qF Auh dovyN lflHF sutdy Aus dy drvfjLy muhry hI KVy rihMdy. jd qk AuhnF ny pfiksqfn vfps muVn df progrfm nf bxfieaf ieQy hI itky rhy. Gr ivc iek hor bMdf vI rihMdf sI; cmn lfl. cmn lfl surjn df dosq sI, jmfqI vI sI qy pyNzU vI. iPr iekwTy hI aiDafpk vI bxy. cmn lfl pihlF df ieMglYNz afieaf hoieaf sI. ieh cmn lfl hI sI ijs ny surjn nUM ieMglYNz afAux leI AuqsLfihq kIqf. cmn lfl iksy PYktrI ivc rfqF ‘qy kMm krdf sI. Auh svyry af ky surjn dy ibsqr ivc sON jFdf. vicwqr qy gurnfm nUM ieh gwl cMgI nhIN sI lgdI. Auh Aus dy cmfr hox krky Aus nfl iBMn-Byd krdy sn BfvyN cmn lfl dy sfhmxy ies gwl df iejLhfr nhIN sn krdy. kuJ vI sI cmn lfl ies gruwp ivc pUrI qrHF iPwt sI. sLincrvfr nUM mihPl lgdI. keI boqlF KflI ho jFdIaF. surjn BfvyN kdy kdfeIN hI pINdf pr afpxf ihwsf pUrf pf idMdf. ies idn mIt dI vI vwzI hFzI cVHdI. jvyd mIt bxfAux df mfhr sI. jd qk Auh irhf, mIt AuhI bxfAuNdf. koeI lsx iCwl irhf huMdf qy koeI gwTy. avqfr myjL dI ZolkI bxf ky gIq suxfAuNdf. alI lqIiPaF dI JVI lf idMdf. arjn BfvyN KfmosL ijhf bMdf sI pr mihPl df pUrf luqP lYNdf. bnfrsI dfs pYsy Krcx ivc sB qoN cIpV sI. BfvyN ieh mkfn Aus df hI sI qy ikrfieaf vsUlx vyly iek idn dI mohlq nf idMdf pr sLrfb ivc ihwsf pfAux qoN sdf hwQ iKcdf rihMdf. surjn vfeIn df sLOkIn hox

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krky afpxI alwg hI boql lY afAuNdf. AuhdI iek awDI boql hr vyly hI Pirwj ivc peI rihMdI. keI vfr gurnfm mjLfk krdf Aus dI boql ieko sfhy pI jFdf qy afKdf, “mfstrf, qUM jwt aYN, jwt eI rih. afh sflLf gorIaF vflLI zirMk pInF! [[[sfnUM vI sMg aOx lgdI aY.” surjn hws Cwzdf. hux avqfr vI surjn nfl vfeIn pIx ligaf sI. svyry Bfn nfl sB dy isr duK rhy huMdy qy qrFH qrFH dy ielfj kr rhy huMdy. aKIr gIns dy zwby pI ky TIk huMdy.[[[ surjn dy Gr vVidaF hI sfry afpxy kmiraF ivcoN inkl afey ijvyN Auh bhuq iPkrvMd hox. jvyd puwCx ligaf, “mIaF, dws dy Xfrf jy koeI nwZI PsfeI sU, [[[asF nUM qF qyrf iPkr eI mfr jfsI, [[[ieMJ eI iek idn jfn inkl jfsI.” jvyd dI gwl ‘qy sfry hws pey. Aus dy mgr hI alI boilaf, “agr iekwly Kfx vflI cIjL AU qF iekwlf eI KfvI jf pr BYiVaf swc qF dws Cwz, BfeIaF df sInf ikAuN kohnF vyN!” “mIaF, aOrq qoN ibnF vI koeI gwl kr ilaf kro.” surjn iJVkx vFg kihx ligaf. agoN alI ny ikhf, “BfeI jfn, awlf-pfk dI ksm! aOrq ibnF hor hY vI kI AU! kMm qoN muVidaF agr iek lwCI iml jfsI qF goiraF dIaF gflHF Buwl jfsx.” bnfrsI dfs vwzf bxdf roab pfAuNdf afKx ligaf, “E vwizE qImINaF dy sLOkIno, ikAuN PjLUl bolI jfny EN, svyry kMmF qy vI jfxF, hux sON jfE.” vicwqr isMG AuproN dI tkor lfAuNdf bilaf, “bfhmxf, qUM qF sfrf afpf isMGf pur dIaF cInxF ‘qy zolH afieaYN, hux qYnUM qF ieh sB PjLUl lgxf eI aY.” sfry hwsdy hoey muV afpxy kmiraF ivc jf vVy. surjn pihlF rsoeI ivc igaf. Aus ny pfxI pIqf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Aus dy ihwsy df Kfxf ipaf hovygf pr Aus nUM BuwK nhIN sI. Auh amFzf nfl bfhr hI Kf afieaf sI. bfQrUm jf ky Auh bYWzrUm ivc af igaf. bldyv ibsqr ivc ipaf Aus vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. surjn ny Aus nfl awKF nf imlfeIaF. ibsqr Aupr bYT afpxIaF jurfbF Kohldf kihx ligaf, “awj mYN jLrf sLYPRz buwsL dy gurdvfry cly igaf sI.” “qUM kdoN ku df Bgq bx igaf?” “ieqhfsk gurdvfrf aY, AUDm isMG vrgy bMdy af ky Tihrdy rhy af EQy, sfzf juJfrU ivrsf vsdf EQy.” surjn ny sPfeI idqI. bldyv agy kuJ nf boilaf. Aus nUM dflL ivc kuJ kflLf jfp irhf sI. bldyv df bMigaF kol ipMz sI; iJwkf. Auh kfmryz irhf sI. surjn nUM Auh ieMzIaf qoN hI jfxdf sI. Aus nUM pqf sI ik surjn df iksy aidwK qfkq ivc XkIn nhIN hY, gurdvfry qoN Aus ny kI lYxf sI. jy AuQy jfxf vI huMdf qF Auh pihlF koeI gwl jLrUr krdf. surjn vI bwqI buJf ky pY igaf. Auh bhuq hI horvyN mihsUs kr irhf sI. JUT nUM nPrq krn vflf Auh JUT df shfrf lY irhf sI. swc sfhmxy KVHn dI afpxI ies byihMmqI Aupr Aus nUM bhuq guwsf af irhf sI. Auh geI rfq qk sON nf sikaf. kdy kdy Aus df idl krdf ik amFzf nUM ieQy ilaf ky sB nUM imlfvy qy ies JUT ivcoN bfhr inkl jfvy pr iPr socdf ik ieh bhuq vwzf skYNzl bx jfvygf. iehnF lokF leI gorI df mqlb vysvf hI hY. ieh soc vI nhIN skdy ik amFzf vrgI vI koeI aMgryjL aOrq ho skdI hY. iek idn arjn isMG ny cldIaF gwlF ivc iesLfrf kridaF kih vI idqf sI, “cfhl sfb, afpF kbIldfr bMdy aF, PUk PUk ky pYr Drn dI loV aY, ieh gorIaF qF sfzy bMidaF dy Pwty cuwk idMdIaF.”

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kdy kdy Aus df idl krdf ik ikAuN nf Auh amFzf nfl hI jf rihx lgy. amFzf ikMnI vfr kih vI cuwkI sI. iek vfr Auh gwlF gwlF ivc dws bYTf sI ik Auh iek Gr ivc ds bMdy rihMdy hn qF amFzf BuVkdI hoeI bolI sI, “qusIN bMdy ho ik jfnvr! ieMnI jgfh ivc qF eyny jfnvr vI nhIN rwKy jf skdy, qUM awj hI smfn cuwk ilaf, bysLwk mYnUM ikrfieaf nf dyvIN.” surjn ny keI iksm df JUT bol ky amFzf qoN ipwCf Cuzfieaf sI ik ieh eyny lokF dI irhfiesL afrjLI hY, ijvyN ijvyN agy itkfxf bxdf jfvygf, ieh iCVdy jfxgy. amFzf nfl Aus ny afpxI irhfiesL bfry muV kdy gwl nhIN sI kIqI pr mn hI mn Aus nUM kihx lgdf, “qUM kI jfxy amFzf, cMgy BivwK leI inkly sfzy lokF df kI hfl aY, ijvyN kMm dIaF iqMn isLPtF huMdIaF ievyN hI ibsqr qy sOx dIaF vI isLPtF huMdIaF, ibsqr kdy TMzy nhIN huMdy. iek idn dI bxI sbjLI nfl pUrf hPqf kwZxf huMdf. ikrfey dy GrF ivc hIitMg vI nF-mfqr hI huMdI aY. hor vI bhuq kuJ kflK Biraf aY jo qyrI pkV ivc nhIN sf skdf, sfzI smwisaf nUM qUM pUrI qrFH nhIN smJ skyNgI.”

do ikRsms dIaF CuwtIaF sn. iek qF isafl dy idn AuvyN hI Coty sn AuproN bwdlvfeI hox krky iqMn ku vjy hI sVkF dIaF bwqIaF jg peIaF sn. jd Auh dovyN brmIGMm Auqry qF hnyrf ijhf ho cuwikaf sI. ieMnI BIV vI nhIN sI. surjn dI pwg sihjy hI lokF df iDafn iKwc rhI sI. keI afdr nfl Aus vl dyKdy qy keI nPrq BrI njLr nfl vI. ievyN hI huMdI sI Aus nfl. pwg kfrn Auh swB qoN awzrf ho jFdf. awz idsx leI qF dysI rMg hI kfPI sI, AuproN dI pwg vI. ieho kfrn sI ik bhuq sfry lok dfhVI-pwg qoN ivhly ho gey sn. iehdy kfrn kMm lwBx ivc vI musLklF pysL afAuNdIaF sn. surjn BfvyN Dfrimk iblkul nhIN sI pr pwg Aus nUM afpxy siBafcfr df ihwsf lgdI. Auh dfhVI-pwg qoN ibnF afpxy afp nUM dyK hI nhIN sI skdf. iek gwl hor vI Aus dy mn ivc bYTI sI. Auh ieh sI ik Aus ny ikDry piVHaf hoieaf sI ik iensfn nUM afpxI idwK ieko ijhI rwKxI cfhIdI hY ik koeI quhfnUM AumrF bfad vI imly qF pwCfx lvy. ieh vI ik bMdy nUM afpxI idwK dy mfmly ivc smJOqf nhIN krnf cfhIdf. bws, Auh smJOqf krn leI iqafr nhIN sI. gwzI AuqridaF hI isLvrfj sfhmxy KVf ids ipaf. Auh iek blb hyT AuhnF dI AuzIk kr irhf sI. Auh cmn lfl qy surjn nUM jwPI ivc lY ky imilaf. isLvrfj dy mUMh ivcoN bIar df musLk af irhf sI. surjn ny mjLfk ivc ikhf, “sfjHry hI cfVI iPrdYN!” “qYnUM sfjHrf idsdY, afh dyK rfq peI hoeI aY, mYN qF afieaf eI pwb ivcoN aF, sfry AuQy eI AuzIkdy pey af.” iek pl leI surjn Buwl hI igaf sI ik imwzlYNz ivc pwb jfxf lokF dy rutIn ivc sLfml hY. Auh iqMno lMmy kot pfeI bws stOp ‘qy af gey. kuJ imMtF ivc hI hYNzjLvrQ vflI bws af geI. bs ivc bYTidaF hI isLvrfj ny cmn lfl nUM puwiCaf, “qUM qF iPr sfAUQfl mUv ho igaYN?” “afho, afpxy bMdy AuQy bhuq mUv ho rhy af. mYnUM surjn dy nfl hI ruafiel zIn post aOiPs ivc kMm iml igaf. keI bMdy sfAUQfl qoN kMm qy jFdy af, kfr sLyar kr leIdI af.” iPr Auh sfAUQfl ivc KulH rhIaF dysI dukfnF qy ZfibaF bfry gwlF krn lgy.

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aj duiphry Auh XUstn stysLn ‘qy iekwTy ho gey sn. surjn lyatn ston qoN af igaf sI qy cmn lfl sfAUQfl qoN. CuwtIaF sn qy Auh ivhly, ies leI isLvrfj nUM imlx cly afey. surjn isLvrfj nfl koeI jLrUrI gwl vI krnf cfhuMdf sI. isLvrfj ny surjn nfl ieko skUl ivc keI sfl qk pVHfieaf sI. Aus df ipMz vI surjn dy ipMz dy njLdIk hI sI. cwk qoN aYvyN kuJ ku mIl hI sI BgqU purf. cmn lfl df vI Auh cMgI qrFH vfkP sI. ijvyN cmn lfl ny surjn nUM ieMglYNz swidaf sI ievyN hI surjn ny isLvrfj nUM ieMglYNz afAux dI pRyrnf idqI sI. isLvrfj ieMglYNz af ky kuJ idn surjn kol irhf pr iPr afpxy mfmy dy muMzy bKsLI kol brmIGMm cly igaf sI. bKsLI sMn bvMjf df ieMglYNz afieaf hoieaf sI. Aus dy pYr bwJy hoey sn. Gr ilaf hoieaf sI. brmIGMm ivc Gr bhuq ssqy sn qy ikrfey vI QoVyH. PfAUNzrIaF ivc kMm afm iml jFdf. PfAUNzrIaF ivc kMm BfvyN Bfrf huMdf pr ryt vDIaf imldf. sfzy bhuq sfry lokF nUM jfpdf ik brmIGMm ivc rih ky ijLafdf pYsy bcfey jf skdy hn. isLvrfj brmIGMm af igaf qF surjn nUM cMgf nhIN sI ligaf. Auh socdf ik lMzn df rihxf vDIaf hY. Aus nUM qF lMzn nfl moh ijhf ho igaf sI. bwsoN Auqr ky Auh iqMnoN do ku imMt qury qy do sVkF dy KUMjy bxy pwb ivc vV gey. BIV df axsmJvF ijhf sLor AuhnF dy kMnF ivc pYx ligaf. isgrtF df sfh GuwtvF DUMaF ijvyN AuhnF df svfgq kr irhf hovy. pwb ivc sfry rMgF dy lok sn; kfly, gory qy dysI vI. iek pfsy kuJ bMdy zfRt Kyz rhy sn, nfl hI pUl df tybl vI ligaf hoieaf sI ijs duafly vI BIV juVI KVI sI. ieh mhOl AuhnF leI Eprf nhIN sI. pwb ivc Auh keI vfr cly jfieaf krdy sn. vwzy hfl ivc dI lMG Auh iek hor kmry ivc puwj gey. ieQy sfry lok dysI hI sn. pwb dy mflk ny smJ ilaf hoieaf sI ik pMjfbI lok bIar Aupr bhuq pYsy Krcdy hn ies leI AuhnF nUM vwKrI ijhI shUlq dy idqI hoeI sI. sMgIq vI pMjfbI cl irhf sI. iek pfsy qfsL KyzI jf rhI sI. iksy nUM h uxy hI ‘BfbI’ bxfieaf igaf sI qy sfry Aus nUM CyV rhy sn. iek myjL Aupr kuJ bMdy gflH-m-gflLI vI ho rhy sn, koeI pyNzU mslf hI sI. iek hor myjL duafly bYTI ZfxI bOldF dIaF gwlF kr rhI sI. iek bMdf bhuq huwb ky dws irhf sI ik AuhnF kol ielfky dI sB qoN vDIaf jog hY. huxy ijhy hI Auh afpxy ipE nUM bhuq mihMgy bOldF dI joVI KrId ky idqI sI. iek bMdf pwb dy mYnyjr nUM Xmly df koeI gIq lfAux dI PrmfiesL kr irhf sI. iek bMdf kfAUNtr qy Juikaf glfs Brn vflI gorI nfl gwlF kr irhf sI. Aus nUM iksy ny AucI avfjL ivc ikhf ik krimaF, ieh muPq ivc nhIN PsxI, pYsy Krcxy pYxy ny. ies pfsy isgrtF df DUMaF qF bhuqf nhIN sI pr kfvF rOlI ijLafdf sI. isLvrfj nfl afAuNdy bMdy dyK ky iek myjL qoN do ku jfxy jybHF ttoldy AuTy qy glfs BrfAux leI kfAUNtr ‘qy jf KVy. surjn qy cmn lfl BfeIvMdF nfl hwQ imlfAuNdy, sfhb-slfm krdy bYT gey. bIar dy glfs af gey. ieQy ‘mfeIlz’ ijLafdf pIqI jFdI sI. imwzlYNz dI mfeIlz hI msLhUr sI. lMzn ivc ieh pIx nUM nhIN sI imldI. surjn muhry glfs rwiKaf qF Auh nFh nukr krn ligaf. bKsLI boilaf, “E sLihrIE, pI lE imwzlYNz dI mYlH, EQy nhIN lwBxI ieh.” imwzlYNz vl dy lok lMzn vfsIaF nUM sLihrIey hI kihMdy sn ik Auh syvf krn vyly hwQ Gwutdy sn. qfhny idMdy sn ik nsLy-pfxI ivc, mihmfn invfjLI ivc Auh pUry nhIN Auqrdy. iek pfisEN iek BfeIvMd AuiTaf qy surjn dy kol af bYTf qy boilaf, “ikAuN BfeI sfb, grMQI dI jOb lwBdy iPrdy aF?” surjn ny kftvIN ijhI njLr nfl Aus vl dyiKaf pr Auh bMdf svfl puwC ky imMnf imMnf muskRfeI jf irhf sI. Aus ny svfl iPr duhrfieaf. dUjI vfr bolx ‘qy surjn ny A uhnUM pwCfx ilaf qy boilaf, “Eey bcinaF, qUM aYN! [[[afh kI Gon-mon ijhf bxIN iPrdYN!” “qyry aFgUM afh jMg-plMgf mYQoN nhIN sI sFB huMdf, [[[hux iek POVI ieDr mfrdI aY qy iek EDr, bws Jwt iqafr ho jfeIdf kMm qy jfx leI.” bcnf surjn nUM jwPI pfeI bYTf sI. Auh cmn lfl nUM vI bhuq ipafr nfl imilaf, AuhnF df pyNzU ijAuN sI. AuQy hI AuhnF nUM afpxf iek hor pyNzU cMnx isMG vI iml ipaf ijhVf jdoN df ieMglYNz afieaf

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vfps nhIN sI igaf. vfhvf mhOl bwJ igaf. aijhf mhOl lMzn dy pwbF ivc Gwt dyKx nUM imldf hY. surjn nUM bIar nf pINdy dyK bcnf boilaf, “mfTrf, jf AuT ky tOlt jf ieaf afpy iZwz ‘c jgfH bx jAU.” hfsf mjLfk cldf irhf. ieDr EDr dIaF gwlF huMdIaF rhIaF. jd pwb bMd hox dI GMtI vwjI qF iek jfxy ny AuT ky sB leI afKrI glfs Brf ley. do jfxy rotI iqafr krn leI qur gey. bKsLI df Gr pwb dy nyVy hI sI. surjn nFh-nFh kridaF vI iqMn glfs pI igaf sI. cmn lfl sB dy brfbr pINdf irhf sI. imwzlYNz dy lok lMzn vfsIaF dy mukfbly ikqy ijLafdf bIar pI jFdy sn. surjn hYrfnI nfl dyKdf jf irhf sI ik keI lok ds ds glfs bIar dy sihjy hI pI gey sn. pwb dI afKrI GMtI dy nfl Auh sfry glfs mukfAuNdy AuT KVy. Gr af ky ivskI dIaF boqlF KulH geIaF. bKsLI rOlI pfeI jf irhf sI; murgI ilafE, murgI ilafE. ‘murgI’ sLbd surjn qy cmn lfl leI kuJ Eprf sI. lMzn ivc ‘ickn’ vriqaf jFdf. do ku zONigaF ivc sFJf ijhf mIt pf ilaFdf igaf qy nfl hI vwzIaF vwzIaF duwpVF. sfry iekwTy hI Kfx lgy. iek dUjy Aupr hor ivskI pIx leI dbfa pf rhy sn Kfs qOr qy donF mihmfnF Aupr. Gr ivc ikMny bMdy sn surjn igx nf sikaf. TMz bhuq sI. imwzlYNz ivc vYsy hI lMzn dy mukfbly ijLafdf TMz huMdI. qyl dy hItr kmiraF nUM grmf rhy sn pr iPr vI surjn qy cmn TMz mMn rhy sn. isLvrfj AuhnF donF nUM iek kmry ivc svfAux leI lY igaf. AuQy pihlF hI kuJ bMdy suwqy pey sn. isLvrfj AuhnF nUM kihx ligaf, “afh KUMjy bfltI peI af, pRYsLr bixaF qF ieQy eI[[[.” “eydF cMgf lgdf Xfr!” “ieQy surjn isaF, imwzlYNz ‘c eydF eI cldf, tuafielt bfhr af, bfhr jfeyNgf qF TMz nfl juV jfeyNgf.” isLvrfj cly igaf. surjn sOx dI koisLsL krn ligaf. cmn lfl ijLafdf sLrfbI hox krky bYWz ‘qy izgdf hI sON igaf. surjn nUM vI nINd afAux lgI. jd vI Aus nUM jfg afAuNdI qF bfltI ivc Dfr pYx dI afvfjL af rhI huMdI. Aus nUM hfjq hoeI qF Aus ny vI bfltI df shfrf hI ilaf. kmry ivc ajIb ijhI boa AuT rhI sI. surjn df isr duKx ligaf sI. ijvyN ikvyN krky rfq kwtI. Auh AuiTaf qF kmrf jl-Ql hoieaf ipaf sI. bKsLI hrnfmy nUM gflLF kwZx ligaf hoieaf sI, “sfilHaf, hrfmIaF, qyrf eI ksUr aY, qUM eI tuwty Qwly vflI bfltI pRfhuixaF dy kmry ivc rwKI sI.” isLvrfj kol jfx df AuhnF df mwuK mksd qF ieh sI ik Aus nUM Auh iksy qrHF lMzn lY afAux. ruafiel zIn ivc aj klH BrqI KulHI hoeI sI. ieh bhuq vwzf zfkKfnf sI. ieQy BrqI hmysLf nhIN sI KulHdI. loV muqfbk hI bMdy rwKy jFdy. ajklH postmYnjL dIaF kfPI jgfvF KflI sn. bldyv, cmn, gurnfm, arjn afid sfry hI ruafiel zIn ivc af gey sn. iek qF nOkrI pwkI sI dUjy Evr tfeIm ieMnf imldf ik BfvyN swqy idn hI kMm krI jfE. cfr GMty qF rojLfnf dI isLPt nfl imldf hI sI. isLvrfj df PfAUNzrI df kMm bhuq Bfrf qy grm sI. syk ieMnf pYNdf sI ik bMdy df aMdr bfhr jlL jFdf. iesy leI PFAUNzrI ivc kMm krn vfly bIar bhuq pINdy sn. isLvrfj vI bhuq pIx ligaf sI. surjn ny lMzn cwlx leI jLor pfieaf qF Auh boilaf, “Xfr, hux kMnH pY cuwkI aY, ijhVy cfr sfl hor lgdy af ieQy eI lf lYNny aF. afpF ikhVf ieQy pwkf Gr bxfAuxY, Pyr kI Prk pYNdf, lMzn rho jF brmIGMm, PYktrI ivc kMm kro jF zfkKfny ivc[[[.” “isLvrfj, bMdy dI iek mfniskqf huMdI aY, gwlbfq krn df iek pwDr huMdY, iek vyv-lYNgQ. afh bKsLI dI mihPl rfqIN afpF dyKI eI aY, pqf nhIN qUM ikwdF srvfeIv krdF!” “surjn, gwl qF qyrI TIk aY pr mYN socdF ik ieh tYNpryrI eI aY.”

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“tYNpryrI qF hovy jy do cfr idn dI gwl hovy, ieh sflF dI gwl aY, nfly hux ruafiel zIn ivc mfstr, klrk, pRoPYsr, vkIl bgYrf afsfnI nfl iPwt hoey pey af, mhOl bhuq vDIaf, qUM psMd kryNgf.” “mYN qF ikhf sI ik hux bs TIk aY.” “TIk qF hY vI pr ieQy qYnUM bhuqy smJOqy krny pY rhy af qy AuQy ieh pIV Gt jfvygI.” cmn lfl kih irhf sI. smJOqy qoN Aus df mqlb sI ik ijhVy smJOqy ieMglYNz af ky pVHy ilKy lokF nUM afpxI pwDr dy iKlfP jf ky kMmF dy mfmly ivc krny pYNdy hn. isLvrfj bI[ ey[ bI[ aYWz[ aiDafpk sI qy PfAUNzrI ivc kMm kr irhf sI ijs ivc suafh cuwkx df kMm vI afAuNdf sI. sB kuJ socdf isLvrfj AuhnF dI gwl mMnx leI iqafr hox ligaf. iPr vI lMzn afAux ivc jko-qkI kridaF isLvrfj ny do mhIny lgf idqy pr AudoN qk ruafiel zIn ivc BrqI bMd ho cuwkI sI. isLvrfj brmIGMm qoN kMm Cwz lMzn af igaf pr muhry koeI kMm nhIN sI. surjn ny Aus leI Bwj dOV sLurU kr idqI ijs dy Pl srUp jldI hI Aus nUM lMzn trFsport ivc zrfievr dI nOkrI iml geI. zrfeIvrF dy GMty vI Gwt sn qy qnKfh vI cMgI. ieQy dosqF dI ZfxI df mhOl vI vwKrf sI, aflf duaflf vI iek dm iBMn. Auh KusL sI. hfrvy roz, lyatn ston. bnfrsI dfs dy Gr rihMdy lok Cxn lgy. cmn lfl sfAUQfl cly igaf. bldyv hMslo jf visaf. vicwqr isMG df sflf sfAUQYNpn rihMdf sI, Auh AuQy jf puwjf. alI qy jvyd pihlF pfiksqfn muV gey sfl ku bfad vfps af ky bRYzPorz jf vsy. isLvrfj hux AuhnF nfl af itikaf sI. Auprlf muhrlf kmrf isLvrfj qy surjn kol sI, ipClf kmrf gurnfm qy arjn isMG kol sI. avqfr kol hfly vI bOks rUm sI. Auh hfly vI iekwlf rihMdf sI. hyTlf PrMt rUm AuhnF ny sFJy qOr qy vrqx leI rwK ilaf hoieaf sI. hyTly ipCly kmry ivc bnfrsI dfs iekwlf rihMdf sI. asl ivc Aus dI pqnI hux ieMzIaf qoN afAux vflI sI ies leI hux Auh bhuqy ikrfeydfr Aus nUM nhIN sn cfhIdy. jdoN lfjvMqI dy afAux dI gwl df pqf cilaf qF lgBg sfry hI bnfrsI dfs dy GroN jfx leI iqafr ho gey sn pr bnfrsI dfs ieh nhIN sI cfhuMdf. ikrfieaf vI qF afAuxf cfhIdf sI. iPr ieh ikrfeydfrF dy ikrfeydfr sn qy dosqF dy dosq. avqfr qoN ibnF bfkI sB twbr-tIr vfly sn. avqfr vI bIbf ijhf muMzf sI. bnfrsI dfs vI qy bfkI vI Aus nUM bhuq psMd krdy sn. avqfr aflzgyt ivc iek kpVy dI PYktrI ivc kwtr df kMm krn jf ligaf sI. Aus nUM Kud nhIN sI pqf ik Aus ivc ieh hunr ikvyN qy ikQoN af igaf ik Auh ieMnf vDIaf kwtr bx igaf. kpVy nUM kwtdI Aus dI kYNcI pfxI ivc iPrn vFg lMG jFdI qy iblkul shI. jfh qF sUq Br ieDr EDr ho jfvy. sfry aflzgyt ivc Aus dy nF dIaF DuMmF sn. kpVy dIaF PYktrIaF vfly Aus nUM vwD qnKfh dy ky afpxy vl iKcx dI koisLsL krdy. avqfr sI ik Aus nUM iehnF gwlF dI prvfh nhIN sI. cIry hrn vFg AulHFGF Brdf Auh ikqy df ikqy jf rihMdf. Auh kdy vI itk ky kMm nhIN sI krdf pr mflk Aus dI ieMnI kdr krdy ik nOkrI qoN Aus nUM QoVy kIqy koeI jvfb nhIN sI idqf jFdf. bnfrsI dfs vI Aus Aupr ikrfey leI bhuqf dbfa nhIN sI pfAuNdf, jd Aus nUM nOkrI vfps imldI qF Auh sfrf ikrfieaf adf kr idMdf. bnfrsI dfs duafby dy ipMz mukMd pur qoN sI. dUjy mhF-XuwD ivc Auh POj ivc sI, brmf dy PrMt Aupr. jdoN POjI nyqf sLuBfsL cMdr bos dy pRBfv hyTF af ky afjLfd ihMd POj ivc BrqI hox lgy qF bnfrsI dfs vI AuhnF ivc rlL igaf. hflFik isafsq dI Aus nUM ieMnI smJ nhIN sI. jMg qoN bfad Auh brmf ivc hI itk igaf. Auh keI sfl AuQy irhf. cInx aOrqF nfl iek do ivafh vI krfey. iPr sB kuJ Cwz Czf ky ieMglYNz af igaf. ieQoN ieMzIaf jf ky ivafh krf afieaf. ivafh vyly Auh pMjfh sflF nUM Zuwk irhf sI. Auh afp anpVH hI sI. ilKf-pVHI dy Aus dy sfry kMm surjn kiraf krdf. Gr dI iksLq, ibwl afid surjn hI idMdf. hor inwky moty Pfrm Brny huMdy jF kuJ hor, ieh surjn dI ijLMmyvfrI hI sI. bnfrsI dfs

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Aus Aupr pUrf XkIn krdf sI. surjn QoVHf gMBIr ijhf rihMdf, iksy nUM bhuqI itwcr-msLkrI nf krdf. jykr AuhnUM koeI krdf qF Auh hws Cwzdf. aglf afp hI dubfrf kuJ nf kihMdf. ies dy Ault bnfrsI dfs bfkIaF nfl vfhvf KuilHaf hoieaf sI. gurnfm qy vicwqr horIN jd rlH ky iek rfq leI aOrq ilafAuNdy qF bnfrsI dfs dI iBaflHI vI puaf lYNdy. kMjUs hox krky bnfrsI dfs keI vfr afpxf ihwsf dyxoN nFh kr idMdf. Auh Zfh ky AuhdI jybH ivcoN pYsy kwZ lYNdy. gurnfm afKdf, “asIN bfhmxF nUM KIr qF muPq Kvf skdy aF pr ieh cIjL nhIN.” jdoN qoN vicwqr sfAUQYNpn cly igaf, gurnfm ny kdy aOrq nhIN sI ilaFdI. jy bhuqf hI huMdf qF afp jf ky rYWz lfeIt eyrIey df cwkr mfr afAuNdf. ikMgjL krOs, ipkfzlI, arljL koRt, mYrlIbon; sfry ielfikaF dI Aus nUM vfkPI sI, Quh itkfixaF df vI pqf sI. bnfrsI dfs rMm dy do hfVy lf ky pwuCdf, “isMGf, hux kdy jlsf nhIN krnf?” “pMzqf, kr lYnyN af kusL, awD ‘c KVyNgf qF.” “afh qyry eyny dosq af, rlHf lY iehnF nUM.” “pMzqf, iehnF sB nUM sokf mfr igaf, afpF do eI aF ijhVy hry aF, ijhnF ivc dm-Km hYgf.” gurnfm afKdf qy iPr Auh dovyN KcrI ijhI hfsI hsdy qy jy koeI kol bYTf hovy qF Aus vl izMgf izMgf dyKdy. surjn qF aijhI iksy gwl ivc afAuNdf hI nhIN sI. arjn isMG vI Gwt bolx vfly suBfa df sI. isLvrfj cfhuMdf rihMdf sI ik aijhf kuJ hovy pr afp kihxoN iJjkdf sI. Auh dwbI ijhI jLubfn nfl gurnfm nUM kih idMdf, “BAU, dyKIN beI, aYvyN irsk nf lY, [[[ikqy koeI ibmfrI nf luaf bYTIN!” gurnfm kol bYTy surjn vl dyKdf qy awK dwbdf afKdf, “jy qF sfzf vwzy BAU vFgUM inwq zuwgU lgdf hovy qF qy irsk nf vI leIey, hux kI krIey, BuwKf bMdf qF drKq nUM vI dMdI vwZx nUM jFdf.” sfry hwsdy. surjn vI ies gwl nUM axgOlLI kr jFdf. surjn CuwtIaF ivc kuJ idnF leI amFzf kol cly jFdf. bhfnf lfAuNdf ik iksy dUr dy irsLqydfr kol jf irhf hY. Auh sfry smJdy sn ik surjn JUT bol irhf hY pr bhuqI GoK nf krdy. Aus dy gMBIr rihx krky vI gwl bhuqI agy nhIN sI iKwcI jFdI. Auh iksy hwd qk XkIn krI bYTy sn ik surjn dy kol koeI aOrq jLrUr hY. avqfr iehnF sB ivcoN Aumr qoN Cotf sI. Auh aijhIaF gwlF nUM lukfAuNdf nhIN sI. jy Auh lMzn ivc huMdf qF Aus kol grl PRYSz huMdI qF Auh sLryafm leI iPrdf. iksy dI pRvfh nhIN sI krdf, nf koeI icMqf. ipwiCEN avqfr cfr BrfvF df ivgiVaf hoieaf Cotf Brf sI. jLmIn KulHI sI ies krky ipwCy nUM pYsy Byjx df koeI iPkr nhIN sI. jo kmfAuNdf, Kf Cwzdf. Aus nUM aYktr bxn df bhuq sLONk sI. kflj smyN vI zrfimaF ivc ihwsf lYNdf irhf sI. gf vI lYNdf sI. kMm krdf, cfr pYsy juVdy qF bMbeI Bwj jFdf. pYsy muk jFdy qF muV afAuNdf. kMm dI Gft Aus nUM hY nhIN sI. ijs PYktrI qk phMc krdf kMm iml jFdf. aYkitMg dy nfl nfl Aus nUM kfrF rwKx df sLONk vI sI. afpxy afly-duafly Auh pihlf ieMzIan sI ijs ny kfr leI sI. dysI bMdy kfr nhIN sn KrIddy. kfr qF KVI hI pYsy KFdI sI qy dysI lokF df muwK AudysL pYsy joVnf sI. avqfr sI ik kfr bdlI hI rKdf. keI vfr afp hI mjLfk ivc kihx lgdf, “avqfr kI kmfeI; bMby, gorI aOr kfr ny KfeI.” avqfr surjn dI bhuq iejLq krdf sI. ieh avqfr hI sI ijs dI ijLd kfrn surjn ny vI zrfeIivMg tYWst pfs kr ilaf sI. avqfr afp surjn nUM lYWsn dyx lgdf. do ku vfr Pyhl vI ho igaf pr avqfr ny qd qk afpxI ijLd PVI rwKI jd qk surjn ny tYWst pfs nf kr ilaf.

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ieh sfry dosq jd kdy mOkf bxdf qF bnfrsI dfs dy Gr muV iekwTy ho lYNdy. sfrI sfrI rfq gwlF cldIaF rihMdIaF. awjkwlH AuhnF dIaF mihPlF ivc bihs cldI ik ieMzIaf vfps muVnf hY jF nhIN. Bhuq sfry gory aijhy sn jo kfly rMg dy lokF nUM ieMglYNz ivc dyK ky KusL nhIN sn. kuJ nslvfdI sMsQfvF bhuq hI zrfAuxy ibafn dy rhIaF sn. eysLIan qy kfly lokF Aupr nslI hmly bhuq vD gey sn. koeI afKx lgdf, “asIN pYsy dI Kfqr sYikMz klfs istIjLn bx ky rih gey aF. ieh g ory qF sfnUM bMdy hI nhIN smJdy, dUroN hI dyK ky Quwkx lgdy af.” “prsoN dI aKbfr ivc Kbr sI ik iehnF rMgdfr lokF nUM jldI hI ieQoN kwZ idqf jfvygf.” “myrf qF iKafl aY beI ies qoN pihlF ies sfnUM PV ky kwZx, sfnUM afp hI cly jfxf cfhIdY.” hr iksy dI afpxI hI rfey huMdI. cmn lfl afpxI rfey idMdf afKdf, “gory rysLIailst jLrUr aY pr sfry gory nhIN, iehnF dI igxqI QoVI eI aY, [[[iPr asIN ikqy QoVHy rysLIailst aF; aKy Auh cUhVf aY, Auh nfeI, JIr, cmfr aY. [[[mYN qF kihMnf ik ieh mulk blfeI vDIaY. hux dyKo iksy gorI ny mYnUM eys krky ikws dyxoN nFh nhIN krnI ik mYN cmfr aF, gorI nUM myry cmfr hox nfl koeI mqlb nhIN, hF, koeI jwtI kdy mYnUM ikws nhIN dyx lgI, Auh qF myrf Coihaf BFzf vI awg ivc pf ky sfP krU.” Aus dI jwtI vflI gwl ‘qy gurnfm guwsy ivc af jFdf qy kihMdf, “sfilLaf! qUM jwtIaF qoN eI ikwsF lYxIaF? kusL hor nf lY lvIN!” “mYN qF Xfr suBYkI gwl kIqI af, guwsf ikAuN krdF! ieQy myrI jnfnI afAU qF aYNjlf, sUjI qy mYrI nfl kMm krU, AuQy ivcfrI quhfzy iksy bMny ‘qy Gfh KoqdI hoAU, [[[mYN qF kihMnf ijhny mYnUM pfkI kihxf kih lvy, sgoN mYnUM qF pfkI khfAuxf cmfr khfAux qoN sOKf lgdf, so BfeIE, mYN vfps ieMzIaf nhIN jFdf.” surjn isMG cmn lfl dI gwl sux ky hYrfn ho jFdf qy socx lgdf ik Aus dI gwl iblkul swcI hY. asIN lok vI Gwt nslvfdI nhIN hF. jfqF-pfqF kfrn hI mnF ivc jLihr BrI iPrdy hF. bnfrsI dfs afpxI rfey idMdf boldf, “beI, sfry gory mfVy nHIN. hux myrf PormYn aF nOrmn, myry nfl bQyrf hws Kyz lYNdf, [[[nflyL ieMzIaf ivc hY eI kI, BuwK mrI! DoKf! hyrfPyrI!” “kusL vI hovy Xfro, afpxf dysL aY, afpxI jnm BUmI aYN.” “dyKo beI, sfry gory mfVy nhIN, jy koeI iek gorf sfzy iKlfP ibafn idMdf qF ds gory sfzy hwk ivc qF idMdy af, nslvfdIaF dI igxqI afty ivc lUx brfbr hI aY.” “E nhIN beI, jd hvf cldI af qF cMgy vI mfVy bx jFdy af, afh pfiksqfn bxn dI gwl qF hfly kwl dI af, jdoN sfnUM lfielpur ivcoN kwiZaf qF sfzy Brf bxy lok hI sfzy jfnI dusLmx bx gey sI.” bihs jLrf BfrU hox lgdI qF bnfrsI dfs gwl df ruwK bdlx leI kihMdf, “E beI, jdoN kwZxgy, dyKI jfAU, qusIN huxy eI ikAuN BIV ivc twtU BjfeI iPrdy E.” “pMzqf, qyrf bksf ieQy hI bxUM pr ieh dyKlf beI qyrI Enf icr gqI nhIN hoxI ijMnf icr qyry Puwl gMgf ivc nhIN pYNdy.” gurnfm afpxf qoVf JfVdf boldf. Aus dy mgr hI bldyv afK idMdf, “beI, eydF dy kMjUs dI gqI qF gMgf ivc Puwl pYx qy vI nhIN hoxI. [[[mYN qF kihMnf, pMzqf, beI jy gqI krfAuxI aF qF awj dI sfrI dfrU df Krcf afpxy isr lY lf.” sfry bldyv nfl sihmq huMdy bnfrsI dfs dy ipwCy pY jFdy pr Auh iksy dy hwQ nf afAuNdf. surjn iehnF sB ivc hfjLr ho ky vI ikqy hor huMdf. Auh soc irhf huMdf ik moty qOr ‘qy ieMglYNz afAux vfly lok do iksm dy hn. iek pVHy ilKy qy dUjy anpVH. anpVHF nUM qF ipCl Jfq hY hI nhIN. AuhnF nUM qF hY ik jy goiraF ny jLbrdsqI kwiZaf qF hI jfxgy ies leI Auh vwD qoN vwD pYsy joVn dy afhr ivc

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sn. ijhVy dUjI iksm dy pVHy ilKy lok sn, ijhnF ny surjn vFg pMj sfl ivc iek lwK lY ky muVnf sI, ieh lok nOkrIaF Cwz ky afey sn, hux ieh vI nhIN sI pqf ik iehnF nUM vfps nOkrIaF imlxgIaF ik nhIN. iehnF ivcoN koeI vI iek lwK rupey nhIN sI joV sikaf. Auh pYsy lgfqfr ieMzIaf Byjdy rhy sn qy Auh pYsy GrF dIaF zuwzF ivc vVdy gey sn so pYsy vloN sfry KflI hI sn. iek lwK joVn df tIcf AuvyN df AuvyN KVf sI. ies krky vfps muVnf ieMnf sOKf nhIN sI. surjn mn hI mn qswlI sI ik Aus dy twbr dy isr Aupr Cwq qF sI. Gr clfAux leI Auh pYsy Byj hI idMdf sI. iehnF ivcoN isLvrfj aijhf sI ijhVf kihMdf ik iek lwK juVy jF nf pr Aus ny pMj sfl qoN iek idn vI vwD nhIN lfAuxf. Aus leI pYsy dI vwzI smwisaf nhIN sI. ipE df iekwlf puwqr sI. duafby dy ihsfb nfl KulHI jLmIn sI; ieko twk dy vIh Kyq. ipE isrVI sI, afp hI KyqI krdf sI pr isLvrfj dyh-rwK sI, KyqI qoN Bwjdf hI qF mfstrI krn jf ligaf sI qy iPr ieMglYNz af igaf sI. hux KyqI krn dy nvyN nvyN qrIky eIjfd ho rhy sn. pMjfb ivc tfvyN tfvyN trYktr afAux lgy sn. Auh socdf ik hux jf ky trYktr KrIdygf qy nOkr rwK ky KyqI krfeygf. iehnF ivcoN avqfr iksy bihs ivc nhIN sI pYNdf. Auh hwsdf hoieaf kih Czdf, “Brfvo, XfrF ny qF aYsL eI krnI aF, ijMnf icr eyQy ho skI eyQy nhIN qF ieMzIaf jf ky shI.” iehnF ivcoN arjn isMG aijhf sI ijs ny Gr lYx leI pYsy joVny sLurU kr idqy hoey sn. jd Aus ny Gr dyKxy sLurU kIqy qF gurnfm Aus nUM kihx ligaf, “E BAU arjn isMaF, Ps jfvyNgf, [[[Gr lY ky Ps jfvyNgf. Gr qF bMdy dI jVH huMdY, Gr lY ilaf qF qUM muV ky nhIN jf skxf. myrI mMndf qF eys cwkr ivc nf pY.” gurnfm dIaF gwlF ny arjn df mn iek vfr iPr muV ivcfrF ivc Psf idqf. ijs idn srUp Aus qoN pYsy AuDfr lYx afieaf qF iek vfr iPr Aus ny Gr KrId lYx df mn pwkf kr ilaf. srUp arjn isMG dI pqnI gurbMs kor df BFxjf sI qy Aus ny qyry-myry qoN hwQ-AuDfr lY ky afpxf Gr lY ilaf sI. arjn isMG Aus nfl slfhF krn ligaf qF srUp boilaf, “mfsV jI, do gwlF hYgIaF, pihlI gwl qF gory sfnUM QoVHy kIqy ieQoN kwZx nhIN lwgy ikAuNik ieh vRz pOvr aY qy dunIaF ivc afpxf rYpUtysLn qF Krfb nhIN krn lgy. ieh afp dunIaF Br ivc ihAUmn rfeIts df ZMzorf ipwtdy iPrdy af, afpxy Gr ivc qF eydF df kMm nhIN krn lgy. dUjI gwl jy iehnF sfnUM kwZxf vI hoieaf qF Gr vycx df mOkf qF dyxgy hI. [[[nfly mfsV jI, Gr qf afpxy afp ivc hI iek aYst aY, vyc ky iekwTy pYsy iml jfxgy, hux iksLq qF ikrfey ny cuwk lYxI aF. [[[hux qusIN bnfrsI dfs vl dyKo, quhfzy isr ‘qy ikqy iehny QoVHy pYsy bxfey af!” arjn isMG ny iksy nfl bhuqI slfh kIqy ibnF iqMn bYWzrUm Gr KrId ilaf. pihlF Auh vYNbly dy ielfky ivc Gr dyK irhf sI ijQy srUp ny ilaf sI pr iPr Aus ny eIst lMzn ivc hI KrIidaf ikAuN ik hux Auh ies ielfky df cMgI qrFH vfkP bx cuikaf sI. Aus dy ikMny hI dosq qy pyNzU iesy ielfky ivc rihMdy sn. lfjvMqI nUM afAuNidaF-kridaF do sfl lg gey. jy Auh iekwlI huMdI qF jldI vI af jFdI pr Aus dy iek bwcf vI ho igaf sI. ies krky bnfrsI dfs nUM keI vfr pypr Byjxy pey sn. hfeI kimsLn vfly kdy koeI pypr mMg lYNdy qy kdy koeI. pihlF lfjvMqI df pfsport hI bhuq musLkl nfl bixaF iPr bwcy df alwg bxfAuxf ipaf. keI mhIny lflcI eyjMtF ny Krfb krf idqy. iPr lfjvMqI dy Gr dy lok vI iZwly ijhy sn, bhuqI dOV-Bwj vfly nhIN sn. lfjvMqI afeI qF Gr df mhOl iek dm bdl igaf. AuWcI AuWcI bolxf bMd ho igaf. hr koeI sucyq rihMdf ik Gr ivc aOrq vI hY. koeI vI sLrfb pI ky hYq-hUq nhIN sI krdf. CwutI vfly idn iekwTy pINdy qy

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cuwp krky ky afpxy kmiraF ivc jf vVdy. lfjvMqI df muMzf qoqlIaF gwlF krdf sfry hI kmiraF ivc quiraf iPrdf qy sB df idl lfeI rwKdf. bnfrsI dfs vI hux tihkx ligaf sI. rsoeI df kMm lfjvMqI ny sMBfl ilaf sI qy iksy vI mrd nUM afp rotI nhIN sI bxfAuxI pYNdI. lfjvMqI sB dI rotI-sbjLI bxf idMdI sI pr Auh AuhnF dy mIt nUM hwQ nhIN sI lfAuNdI. Aus dI sbjLI hI ieMnI suafd huMdI ik mIt bxfAux dI koeI loV vI nf smJdf. pihlF Auh afp motIaF motIaF duwpVF Qipaf krdy sn pr hux lfjvMqI dy inwky inwky ieko burkI ijMny Pulky huMdy. AuhnF nUM bhuq cMgf lgdf. surjn socdf ik iek aOrq dy afAux nfl Gr df mhOl ikvyN bdl jFdf hY. lfjvMqI bhuq sicafrI aOrq sI. sLkl vloN BfvyN Auh iblkul sohxI nhIN sI. kflf rMg qy motf ijhf nwk, Aumr dI vI kuJ cVHI hoeI sI. asl ivc bnfrsI dfs ny bhuq soc ky ies kuVI dI cox kIqI sI. afpxI Aumr nUM iDafn ivc rwKdy hoey Auh bhuqI sohxI qy Gwt Aumr dI kuVI nfl ivafh nhIN sI krnf cfhuMdf. lfjvMqI afeI qF iksy nUM vI psMd nhIN sI afeI. gurnfm ny qF iek idn bnfrsI dfs nfl bYT ky pINidaF kih vI idqf sI, “pMzqf, afh tuwtI ijhI bfHmxI ikQoN lwBI Eey?” “ikAuN isMGf, qYnUM kI qklIP aY?” “beI jy qYN buwZy bfry ivafh krfAuxf hI sI qF rMn qF ZMg dI lwB lYNdf. eys hfrI ijhI qIvIN qoN qYN kI krOxf!” “afho, [[[suhxI qIvIN ilaONdf qF qyry arigaF ny muwCF nUM qfa dyxoN nhIN sI htxf.” “asIN kI Kf lYxf sI! [[[jLrf awKF qwqIaF kr ky mn prcfvf kr lYNdy, bs hor kI.” “isMGf, iek gwl pwly bMn lf, iesLk kro suhxI qIvIN nfl qF ik sfry eIrKf krn pr ivafh kro bdsLkl aOrq nfl qF ik koeI quhfzI qIvIN vl dyKxf vI psMd nf kry qy qusIN mjLy nfl dUijaF dIaF jnfnIaF ijwdF mrjLI qfVo.”

iqMn ‘ruafiel zIn’ brqfnIaF df swB qoN vwzf post aOiPs. brqfnIaF hI nhIN sgoN pUry XOrp ivcoN vwzf sOritMg aOiPs. ieQy isrP icwTIaF CFtIaF hI jFdIaF sn agy vMzIaF nhIN sI jFdIaF. zfk CFtI krky ky dysL dy vwK vwK ihwisaF nUM Byj idqI jFdI. ieh bhuq vwzI iemfrq sI; pMj mMjLlI. ies dy do kfr pfrk sn. iemfrq dy duafly vn vya isstm nfl sVk lMGdI sI. ies iemfrq dy bysmYSt Bfv jLmIndojL mMjLl ivc bYg-rUm sI. zfk vfly KflI bory ieQy sMBfly jFdy, sMvfry jFdy qy muV vrqx Xog bxfey jFdy. bysmYSt ivc hI vrijsL leI ijwm vI bixaf hoieaf sI. ruafiel zIn dy kfimaF leI hor vI bhuq sfrIaF shUlqF AuplBD sn ijvyN ik bysmYSt ivc hI iek vfeIn klwb vI sI ijQy krmcfrI afpxI vfeIn bxf skdy sn, iek Poto klwb vI sI. pyitMg krn vfilaF dI idlcspI leI vI sB kuJ sI. ievyN hI sMgIq, buwq qrfsLI jF iksy hor klf ivc sLONk rwKx vfilaf leI vI keI iksm dy sfDn muhweIaf sn. ieQy hI sLfvr vI lwgy hoey sn. tuafieltF qF iemfrq dy hr kony ivc sn. grfAuNz Plor Bfv jLmIn dy smquwl mMjLl Aupr iemfrq df ies dy muwK dvfr sn. cfroN idsLfvF ivc cfr dvfr sn. iehnF dvfrF ivc pUrI sikAurtI df ieMqjLfm sI. ies post afiPs dy do plyt Pfrm sn iek iemfrq dy Auqr ivc qy iek dwKx ivc. Auqr vl dy plyt Pfrm ‘qy zfk dy Bry bYg lOrIaF ivcoN Auqrdy sn qy dwKx vl dy plyt Pfrm ‘qy CFtI hoeI zfk dy Bry bYg trwkF vYnF ivc lwdy jFdy. iesy mMjLl ‘qy icwTIaF CFtx vfly KVy Prym sn qy pYkt jF pfrsl CFtx vfly lmkvyN Prym vI. vwzy pYktF leI ivsLysL Zol ijhy vI sn. iesy mMjLl qy nvIN afeI zfk Aupr mohrF vI lgdIaF. awDy-pcwDy isrnfvyN vflIaF

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icwTIaF nUM vI vficaf jFdf jF pfty hoey pfrslF jF hor zfk nUM vI. iesy mMjLl ‘qy Auh dPqr vI sI jo ruafiel zIn nUM clfAuNdf sI ijs nUM buwk rUm kihMdy sn. vYsy kMtrolr qy hor aPsrI amly PYly dy dPqr pMjvIN mMjLl ‘qy sn. pUry mulk nUM zvIXnF ivc vMz ky Aus nfl sbMDq zfk AuQy puwjdI ho jFdI. ieh zvIXnF sLihrF jF ielfikaF dI idsLf dy ihsfb nfl huMdIaF ijvyN ik skftlYNz dI alwg, vyljL, imwzlYNz, lMzn sLihr, hom kfAUNtIjL dIaF alwg alwg. ruafiel zIn dI pihlI mMjLl ‘qy ryVHIaF ivc peI zfk afpxI vfrI dI AuzIk kr rhI huMdI. iesy mMjLl Aupr XUnIPOrm sYksLn vI sI qy pya sYksLn vI. XUnIan vloN KohlI dukfn vI, kfimaF dy lOkr vI sn ijhnF ivc Auh afpo afpxf smfn rwKdy sn. qIjI mMjLl ‘qy kMtIn sI, pwb sI, kfimaF df rYWst rUm vI sI. vwzy vwzy kuwkrF vflIaF rsoeIaF vI sn ijQy kfmy GroN ilaFdf Kfxf grm krky KFdy. cfr vwzy hfl kmry sn ijhVy rYWst rUm sn, hr hfl kmry nfl rsoeI sI. iehnF rsoeIaF ivc lok rlL ky vI Kfxf bxf lYNdy sn. afm qOr qy dysI bMdy ihwsf pf ky mIt irMn ilaf krdy sn. iehnF hfl kmiraF ivc XUnIan mIitMgF vI kiraf krdI sI. vYsy XUnIan df dPqr cOQI mMjLl ‘qy sI. pMj hjLfr qoN vwD krmcfrI kMm krdf sI ruafiel zIn ivc. cOvI GMty, swqo idn, bfrF mhIny ieQy kMm cldf rihMdf sI. ies dIaF bwqIaF kdy bMd nhIN sn hoeIaF. krmcfrIaF dIaF isLPtF aijhIaF sn ik hr vyly kMm cldf rhy. brqfnIaF ivc zfkKfny dy kMm nUM vfhvf psMd kIqf jFdf sI Kfs qOr qy bfhrly mulkF qoN afey lok ieQy kMm krky bhuq KusL sn. iek qF qnKfh PYktrIaF dy mukfbly vDIaf sI qy dUjy Evr tfeIm vI bhuq imldf. ruafiel zIn dI bfkI dy zfkKfinaF nflo vwKrqf ieh sI ik ieQy zfk izilvr krn df kMm nhIN sI. sfzy lok zfk vMzx qoN bhuq iJjkdy sn. nslI hmilaF df zr vI hr vyly bixaF rihMdf sI. lMzn ivc aijhy hor vI sOritMg aOiPs sn pr ies qoN Coty sn. AuhnF ivc isrP lMzn dI zfk hI sMBflI jFdI sI. aijhy hI iek sOritMg aOiPs ivc arjn isMG df vfkP myjr isMG kMm krdf sI ijs ny bfad ivc ruafiel zIn ivc hI qbfdlf krf ilaf sI. dUjy sOritMg aOiPsF ivc ruafiel zIn vflIaF shUlqF nhIN sn.[[[ pihlIaF ivc surjn iek rbV PYktrI ivc kMm krdf sI. bfrikMg ivc siQq ies PYktrI ivc BfrqoN afey nvyN bMdy jf lgdy sn. qnKfh vI sfvIN hI sI qy kMm vI gMdf pr ivhly rihx nfloN TIk smiJaf jFdf sI. surjn ny vI ieQy kMm sLurU krky hor kMmF dI Bfl jfrI rwKI. Aus dy nfl hI rbV PYktrI ivc kMm krdf jY dyv copVf sosLl sikAUrtI ivc klrk jf ligaf. AuQy klrk dI qnKfh vI Gwt sI qy Evr tfeIm vI nhIN sI imldf. Evr tfeIm hI qF aijhf lflc sI ik sfzy lok Bfry qoN Bfrf kMm vI krn leI iqafr ho jFdy. jY dyv copVf BfrI kMm krn qoN zrdf rihMdf sI ies leI Aus ny QoVI qnKfh vflI dPqrI nOkrI hI mnjLUr kr leI sI. iehnF idnF ivc hI surjn nUM ruafiel zIn ivc nOkrI df pqf cilaf. Aus ny iek dm Pfrm mMgfey qy Br ky Byj idqy. do ku hPqy ivc hI Aus nUM swd ilaf igaf ik af ky tYWst idE. sfDfrx ijhI jfxkfrI vflf tYWst sI jo Aus ny sihjy hI pfs kr ilaf. ievyN hI hlkI ijhI ieMtrivAU sI. mhIny dy aMdr aMdr surjn nUM ruafiel zIn ivc kMm iml igaf. pihlF do hPqy dI tryinMg hoxI sI qy iPr kMm sLurU ho jfxf sI. surjn nUM ruafiel zIn ivc kMm imlx dI dyr sI ik Aus ny afpxy sfry vfkP qy dosq AuQy iKcxy sLurU kr idqy. hOlI hOlI arjn isMG, gurnfm, cmn lfl sfry hI ruafiel zIn ivc af gey. ikMgjL krOs stysLn dy sfhmxy zfkKfny vfilaF df tryinMg sYNtr sI. do hPiqaF ivc surjn nUM zfk vflf bYg Kohlx qoN lY ky, zfk CFtx, mohrF lfAux qy zfk nUM muV ky izspYc krn qk dI tryinMg dy dyxI sI. icwTIaF CFtx leI Prym dy awTqflI Kfny sn. vwizaF sLihrF dy alwg Prym sn, Coty sLihrF dy iekwTy. pMdrF sO kfrzF Aupr isKlfeI krnI sI qy ieh pMdrF sO kfrz pMdrF imMtF ivc pfAuxy sn. vyljL qy skOtlYNz dy ipMzF dy nF bhuq aOKy sn jo ik sihjy kIqy Xfd nhIN sn huMdy. surjn ny ieh tYWst asfnI

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nfl hI pfs kr ilaf sI. Aus ny iek vfr sfrf kMm hwQIN kwZ ilaf sI. ikDry vI koeI vwzI musLkl nhIN sI afeI. Aus dy bYj ivc kul pMdrF bMdy sn. iek kflf sI; vYWst ieMzIan, do aPrIkn muMzy sn. iek gujrfqI sI kFqI ptyl. iek pfiksqfnI pMjfbI sI; abduwlf. iek ielPorz rihMdf sohx isMG sI qy ievyN hI vUilc qoN kulqfr. bfkI sB gory sn. pwg vflf isMG Auh iekwlf hI sI. tryinMg qoN bfad ruafiel zIn af ky AuhnF nUM grya rMg df iek EvraOl dy idqf igaf. KwbIaF bfhF Aupr afrjI ijhf bYj bMn idqf igaf qy aglI isKlfeI sLurU ho geI. AuhnF nUM vwK vwK izvIXnF ivc purfxy krmcfrIaF nfl lgf idqf igaf. surjn dI pihly idn dI izAUtI nOrQ plyt Pfrm ‘qy lwgI ijQy zfk dy Bry bYg Auqrdy sn. kMm koeI musLkl nhIN sI. surjn dI pkV ivc asfnI nfl af irhf sI. sB qoN musLkl kMm Aus nUM afr[ aYl[ zI[ Bfv rijstrz lYtr izpfrtmYSt df ligaf. rijstr hoeIaF icwTIaF nUM bhuq hI iDafn nfl hYNzl kIqf jFdf. inwkI ijhI glqI df mqlb ik nOkrI vI jf skdI sI. kMm vI kfhlI krnf pYNdf sI. ieQy kMm krn leI ivsLysL arjLI BrnI pYNdI sI pr surjn nUM ies ivBfg ivc kMm krnf psMd nf afieaf. do ku hPiqaF ivc Aus nUM isLPt dI sLYizAUl iml geI. ijhVI isLPt Auh cfhuMdf sI Br skdf sI pr imlxI isinErtI dy ihsfb nfl sI. hPqy dy kuwl qrqflI GMty pUry krny pYxy sn. bhuqIaF isLPtF nfl sLincrvfr vI pYNdf sI. jykr aYqvfr dI izAUtI lYxI cfhoN qF iml skdI sI. iek aYqvfr Cwz ky Cy GMty lfAuxy pYxy sn. jy rfqF ‘qy hovoN qF hr qIjf aYqvfr lgfAuxf huMdf. rfqF dI isLPt df GMty dy ryt df qIjf ihwsf nfeIt alfAUNs vjoN imldf sI. vIk aYSz dy Evr tfeIm dy zwbl pYsy huMdy. idn dy Evr tfeIm dy pihly bfrF GMty dy df zyZf ryt huMdf qy iPr zwbl ho jFdf. surjn ny purfxy kfimaF qoN puwC-puCf ky sLYizAUl ivc isLPt Br idqI. ieh isLPt iek idn swq vjy sLurU huMdI sI qy dUjy idn igafrF vjy. ijs idn jldI isLPt sLuru hoxI huMdI qF ies dy aKIr ivc cfr GMty df Evr tfeIm huMdf qy ijs idn lyt sLurU hoxI huMdI qF iehdy sLurU ivc cfr GMty lg jFdy. sLincrvfr vfly idn vI Evr tfeIm iml jFdf sI. Evr tfeIm dI hI sfrI Kyz sI. ies isLPt ivc Evr tfeIm ijLafdf hox krky dysI lok ies nUM hI krky KusL sn ies leI gory ies nUM mjLfk ivc ieMzo-pfk isLPt afiKaf krdy. pihly idnF ivc hI surjn df dysI bMidaF dy nfl nfl zYrk nF dy gory nfl vI bYTxf AuTxf ho igaf. isKlfeI dOrfn zYrk ny Aus ny skOitsL izvIXn ivc izspYicMg isKfeI sI. iPr kMm dI izAUtI vI Ausy nfl hI pY geI. ies nOkrI ivc pUrf idn ieko QfvyN kMm nhIN sI kIqf jFdf. GMtf-zyZ GMtf iek jgfh, ieMnf ku hI aglI jgfh. ievyN hI zYrk nfl Aus dI izAUtI rojL hI rlL jFdI. AuhnF dI cfh dI bRyk qy Kfxy dI CuwtI vI iekwiTaF dI huMdI. zYrk swtf bfjLfrF ivc zUMGI smJ rwKdf sI. ‘iPnfsLIal tfeImjL’ Auh hr vyly jybH ivc rwKdf. Auh sLyar KrIddf qy vycdf rihMdf. surjn nUM vI sLyar KrIdx dI slfh idMdf rihMdf. surjn nUM ies DMdy ivc koeI idlcspI nhIN sI. Auh qF iek pYnI df vI irsk nhIN sI lYxf cfhuMdf. Auh zYrk nfl ‘vfl srtIt’ vl inkl jFdf. ‘vfl strIt’ swtf bfjLfr dI dunIaF df sB qoN vwzf awzf sI. surjn nUM hux qk lMzn GuMmx qy dyKx-GoKx df sLONk pYdf ho cuikaf sI. Auh ieqhfsk QfvF nUM vfr vfr dyKx jfieaf krdf. AuhnF bfry ikqfbF KrId ky pVHdf. zYrk qF jnm qoN hI lMzn df vfsI sI. Auh lMzn dIaF pRmuwK jgfvF bfry msfly lf lf ky khfxIaF suxfieaf krdf. ‘sLyar aYkcyNj’ ivc sqfrvI sdI ivc lgI awg bfry gwl krdf qF idRsL ievyN iKcdf ik awKF sfhmxy sB kuJ KVf kr idMdf. ieh awg keI idn lgI rhI sI qy arbF pONzf df nuksfn kr geI sI. mrn vfilaF dI Xfd ivc mOnUmYSt vI bxfieaf hoieaf sI. ipwCy ijhy hoey ‘krya’ BrfvF dy idl ihlfAU murjmfnf kfrnfmy qF sB dI jLubfn ‘qy sn. eIst lMzn hI krya BrfvF dIaF kfrvfeIaF df muwK awzf sI ieho ielfky zYrk df vI sI. zYrk AuhnF dy nyVy irhf hox krky AuhnF dIaF ikMnIaF hI khfxIaF suxfAuNdf.

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dUjy mhFXuwD smyN dIaF vI Aus kol axigxq khfxIaF huMdIaF. Auh ‘sn’ aKbfr dIaF idlcsp KbrF pVH ky qy AuhnF bfry gwlF krky KusL rihMdf. zYrk Puwtbfl df vI bhuq sLOkIn sI. Puwtbfl df qF sfrf ieMglYNz hI sLOdfeI sI. ijhnF idnF ivc ‘vRlz kwp’ cl irhf huMdf qF sfrf ieMglYNz hI pwbF Bfr hoieaf rihMdf. jd ieMglYNz vRlz kwp ijiqaf qF aMgryjLF nUM iksy mhFXuwD ijwqx ijMnI hI KusLI hoeI sI. ivsLysL gwl ies mYc dI ieh sI ik ieMglYNz ny afpxy ieqhfsk dusLmx jrmnI dy iKlfP ieh mYc ijwiqaf sI. surjn nUM zYrk nfl bYTx df ieh Pfiedf huMdf ik Auh lMzn bfry aijhIaF gwlF jfx skdf ijhVIaF ikqfbF ivc nhIN sn imldIaF. iek idn surjn Prym sfhmxy bYTf icwTIaF CFt irhf sI. vwzy sfry iZwz vflf iek bMdf Aus dy nfl dy Prym ‘qy af ky icwTIaF CFtx ligaf. icwTIaF CFtdf Auh muV muV ky surjn vl apxwq BrI njLr nfl dyKx lgdf. surjn nUM pqf lgdf qF Aus vI muskRf idMdf. kuJ dyr bfad Auh bMdf puwCx ligaf, “qusIN surjn isMG cfhl ho?” “jI hF pr mYN quhfnUM nhIN pwCfixaF.” “qusIN mYnUM nhIN jfxdy, myrf nF vyd pRkfsL aY, klyrF qoN.” “E, afey sI!” “mYN quhfnUM jfxdF, jd quhfzf ivafh hoieaf qF mYN ipMz hI sI. quhfzy ivafh dI sfzy ipMz ivc hI nhIN pUry ielfky ivc hI crcf sI. qusIN dfj nf lY ky iek aYgjLYNpl kfiem kIqI sI.” surjn jLrf ku muskRfieaf qy mn hI mn socx ligaf ik clo Aus ny kuJ qF aijhf kIqf jo lokF leI Audfhrx bixaF hovy. iPr vyd pRkfsL afpxy bfry gwlF krn ligaf. Auh ieMglYNz af ky iswDf hI ruafiel zIn ivc af igaf sI. Aus dy mn ivc surjn pRqI bhuq afdr sI. hornF lokF nfl surjn bfry gwlF krdf kihx lgdf, “sfzy ipMz eI ivafieaf ieh, bfroN afieaf twbr sI, keI ipMzF ivc jLmIn sI AuhnF dI, mUMhoN mMigaf dfj idMdy pr ies bMdy dy puwq ny iek pYsy dI vI koeI cIjL nhIN leI.” koeI sLwk krdf kih idMdf, “sLrmf jI, gupq dfn lY ilaf hoAU, keI vfr pqf vI nhIN cldf ik aglf ikhVy vyly afpxf kMm kr jFdf.” “Eh nhIN beI, eydF df bMdf nhIN ieh, eydF df smfj suDfr krn dy pRcfrk krdy af, ieh qF skUl tIcr eI sI pr asUlF df pwkf!” ruafiel zIn surjn nUM sUq bih igaf qy ruafiel zIn nUM surjn. Auh vDIaf kfmf sI. icwTIaF CFtxIaF hox, mohrF lfAuxIaF hox, bYg iqafr krnf hovy, Auh hr kMm nUM pUry mn nfl krdf. keI lok afny bhfny krdy tuafielt jfx jF isgrt pIx dI CuwtI leI rwKdy pr Auh ibnF iksy gwl dy smF Krfb nf krdf. nf hI iksy dI gwl ivc ibnF mqlb dKl idMdf. ijho ijhI ZfxI ivc bYTf hovy Auho ijhf hox dI koisLsL krdf. afpxI bRyk ivc bhuqf smF Auh aKbfr pVH ky lMGfAuNdf. gfrzIan aKbfr Aus dy Evrafl dI jybH ivc huMdI. itAUb ivc sPr krdf vI aKbfr jF koeI ikqfb pVH irhf huMdf. Kfxy dI bRyk iek GMty dI qy cfh bRyk awDy GMty dI huMdI. iehnF bRykF ivc lok qIjI mMjLl vfly hfl kmiraF ivc jf bYTdy. rMg, mulk jF dosqIaF dy ihsfb nfl ZfxIaF bx jFdIaF. bhuqy lok qF kMtIn ivcoN hI Kfxf KFdy sn pr keI lok GrF qoN vI Kfxf lY afAuNdy. Kfxf grm krn leI Evn vI bxy hoey sn. hflF nfl dIaF rsoeIaF vI cfh afid leI vrqoN ivc ilaFdIaF jFdIaF. pMjfbI lok dysI ihsfb dI kfVH kfVH ky cfh bxfAuNdy. keI gurwp bxy hoey sn. hr gruwp ny afpxf bksf ijhf rwiKaf hoieaf sI ijs ivc cfh df smfn, aKbfrF, mYgjLIn, qfsL afid pey rihMdy. ivhly smyN qfsL afm KylHI jFdI. vYst ieMzIan rOlLf

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pfAuNdy hoey koeI gym Kyzdy. surjn vyd pRkfsL vfly gruwp ivc sLfml ho igaf. grwup ivc sLfml hox leI iek pONz hPqy df dyxf pYNdf sI. surjn pRIq lVI pVHn df sLOkIn sI. Aus ny lgvfeI hoeI sI. jd Auh pVH lYNdf qF Auh bksy ivc rwK idMdf qF jo hor vI pVH skx. ruafiel zIn ivc aYqvfr df idn sB qoN ivsLysL huMdf. grwupF ivcoN koeI jfxf GroN koeI Kfs cIjL bxf ky lY afAuNdf. keI mIt dy dygcy vI cfVH lYNdy. ijs dI bRyk huMdI af ky kVCI Pyr jFdf. boqlF KulHdIaF. keI vfr gory ienspYktr jF iencfrj vI dysI krI Kfx af bYTdy. sLfm dIaF isLPtF qy rfq dIaF isLPtF ivc sLrfb bhuq pIqI jFdI. pwb idny qF KulHdf hI sI pr rfq nUM bfrF qoN do vjy qk vI KulHdf. suMdr isMG klsI vrgy kuJ ivEpfrI vI sn ijhVy afpxy lOkrF ivc ivskI rwKdy qy vycdy vI. jd iksy gruwp dI sLrfb QuV jFdI Auh suMdr isMG klsI qk phuMc kr lYNdf. mfVI sLrfb Auh duwgxy Bfa vycdf. surjn sLrfb vflI ZfxI ivc kdy nhIN sI rilLaf. Aus dI ijLafdf vyd pRkfsL qy kulqfr nfl bxdI sI, ijhnF nfl Auh lMmIaF isafsI bihsF krdf rihMdf. hr dysL df qy hr Drm-rMg df bMdf ieQy kMm krdf sI pr lokF dy afps ivc sbMD cMgy sn. nslvfd vI mnF dy aMdro aMdr sI. BfrqI qy pfiskqfnI afps ivc moh krdy sn pr kdy kdy afps ivc iqV vI jFdy. jd sMn pYNht dI lVHfeI lgI qF bhuq sfry vqn-pRsqF iek dUjy nfl bolxF vI bMd kr idqf sI. ieho gwl iPr sMn iekwqr vflI lVHfeI vyly hoeI. sMn iekwqr qk ruafiel zIn ivc ieMny ku BfrqI qy pfiksqfnI ho cuwky sn ik mYnjmYSn zrn lgI sI ik ieh lok afps ivc hI nf lVH pYx. afps ivc qxfv hI ieMnf vD igaf sI ik Kqry dIaF GMtIaF vwjx lgIaF sn. pfiksqfnI ZfxI ivcoN koeI af ky Kbr suxfAuNdf, “lE jI, Kbr afeI ey ik sfzy jhfjLF ny idwlI df knft plys Zfh Cwizaf jy.” BfrqI ZfxI ivcoN koeI BVkdf hoieaf boldf, “Kfn, jy Zfhuxf eI aY qF koeI imltrI df awzf ZfE, knft plys qF iek sYrgfh aY, nfly iek gwl dws Kfn, idwlI qk dy sPr leI jhfjL nUM qyl ikMnf lgdf pqf kusL, eynf vI pqf ik lVfky jhfjL ivc ikMnI dyr qk AuVn jogf qyl Biraf jf skdf!” koeI hor BfrqI gwl krdf afKx lgdf, “pfiksqfnI jhfjLF nUM qF ieh vI nhIN pqf ik bMb ikqy suwtxf, kwl sfzy bfpU dI icwTI afeI ik pfiksqfnI jhfjL afey qy CwpV ivc bMb swut ky dOV gey, eydF eI nfl dy ipMz iek qokV ijhI mwJ mfr gey bMb nfl.” ievyN hI BfrqIaF df Qwlf lfAux leI pfiksqfnI vI khfxIaF GV lYNdy. ivcoN hI koeI AuTdf qy boldf, “Xfro, ikAuN bihsI jFdy E, ikAuN mhOl Krfb krn lgy E, ieh sfrI gOrimMtF dI isafsq aY, mrdy af ivcfry sfDfrn lok, qusIN bygfny mulk ivc afey E, BrfvF vFg rho.” iek idn rfm isMG sLrfbI hoieaf kihMdf iPry ik bMglf dysL bxy jF nf, ieMzIaf ijwqdf jF nhIN pr mYN cYlMj krdF beI ijhVf mrjLI pfiksqfnI myry nfl GulL ky dyK lvy. dosqF ny bVI musLkl nfl rfm isMG nUM TMzf kIqf. iehnF lokF ivc iek hor vI joVI sI; rmn BfeI qy mnsUr alI. donoN kwC dy rihx vfly sn. pfiksqfn bxn qoN bfad mnsUr alI df twbr krfcI jf visaf sI. donF dI hI sLfm dI isLPt sI. hryk bRyk ivc Guwt Guwt pINdy rihMdy qy sLugl krdy rihMdy. ijQy aijhf bihs-mubfsf ho irhf huMdf AuQy jf bYTdy. nklIaF vFg AuWcI AuWcI gwlF krn lgdy; “hF beI mnsUr BfeI.” “bol rmn BfeI.” “mYN soc rhf hUM ik ieMzIaf vyc dUM.” “qU TIk soc rhf hY, muJy vI pfiksqfn vyc dynf hY, bol KrIdygf.” “clo, mYN ny pfiksqfn KrIdf, Xy lo eyk pONz.”

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“sfly do pONz kImq hY pfiksqfn kI aOr qU isrP eyk dy rhf hY.” “nhIN mnsUr BfeI, do pONz bhuq ijLafdf hYN, do pONz myN qo mYN ieMzIaf vyc rhf hUM, dyKo ikqnf bVf mulk hY, sfQ myN ksLmIr vI.” “cl Xfr rmn BfeI, qU purfnf dosq hY, lf eyk pONz hI dy dy. rmn BfeI AuT ky iek pONz mnsUr alI nUM PVfAux lgdf qF kol bYTf koeI gflH kwZdf kihMdf, “clo Bfgy XhF sy, sfly pfgl khIN ky.” Auh dovyN ieko avfjL ivc boldy, “pfgl hm nhIN pfgl qum ho jo kOm aOr dysL ky nfm pr KfhmKfh kI tYNsLn krIeyt krqy ho, ary iks ieMzIaf, ikskf pfiksqfn, ary EvrtfeIm lgfE, krky ruafiel zIn myN kfm!” ijs idn BfrqI POj ny iek lwK pfiksqfnI POj nUM jMgI kYdI bxfieaf Aus idn mhOl bhuq Kqrnfk sI. koeI pfiksqfnI koloN dI lMGdf qF sLrfrqI lok avfjLy kwsx lgdy. kuJ idn qF BfrqI pMjfbIaF ny iesy Kbr nUM sLrfb pIx df bhfnf vI bxfieaf. lVfeI ijwqx dI KusLI ivc goiraF qy kfilaF nUM vI sLrfb iplfeI.

cfr srdUl dy Kq ny surjn nUM socF ivc pf idqf. Auh AuTdf bYTdf ieho socdf rihMdf ik hux kI kry. srdUl ny iliKaf sI ik klyrF ivc jLmIn dy do Kyq ivkfAU sn. ssqy iml rhy sn. surjn nUM jLmIn nfl bhuqf ipafr nhIN sI, Aus ny qF afpxy ihwsf vI ipE dy kihx ‘qy afpxy Brf nUM Cwz idqf sI. jy kuJ KrIdxf vI hovy qF afpxy ipMz cwk ivc hI KrIdxf sI. klyrF Aus dy ipMz qoN kuJ dUr sI, iPr suhrf ipMz vI. afpxy sLrIky ivc vsx df mjLf hor huMdf hY. srdUl dI gwl nUM moVnf vI nhIN sI cfhuMdf. srdUl dosq vI sI qy Aus dy Aus Aupr aihsfn vI sn. jdoN df Auh ieMglYNz afieaf, pfsLI bwcy lY ky klyrIN hI rih rhI sI. cwk vflf Gr vI Cotf ijhf sI qy iPr pfsLI BolI aOrq. Aus dy Brf dI qyjL pqnI ny qF Aus dy ipMz pYr vI nhIN sI lgx dyxy. pfsLI dy isrP kuVIaF hI hox krky Aus nUM hIxI ijhI vI smiJaf jf irhf sI. srdUl ny afp hI ikhf sI ik ijMnf icr Auh nhIN muVdf pfsLI AuhnF kol hI rhygI. srdUl horIN iqMn Brf sn, iekwTy hI rihMdy sn. AuhnF ny pfsLI nUM alwg Gr Cwq idqf sI qy lvyrf vI rwK idqf hoieaf sI. surjn nUM kdy vI afpxy bwicaF df iPkr nhIN sI hoieaf. ieh srdUl krky hI sI. srdUl pfsLI df vwzf Brf, Aus df sflf bafd ivc bixaF pihlF Aus df dosq sI. dosq vI brfbr KVn vflf. Aus dy afpxy Brf inrml nfl sbMD pihly ijhy nhIN sn rhy, Kfs qOr qy jdoN Auh ieMglYNz af igaf sI. bwcy klyrIN rihx jf lwgy sn qF inrml ny sfry Gr Aupr hI kbjLf kr ilaf sI. Aus dI gwlbfq qoN jLfhr sI ik hux Auh surjn nUM ihwsf nhIN dyx ligaf. ies gwl df surjn nUM duwK qF sI pr ies nUM vwzI nhIN sI bxfAuxf cfhuMdf. Aus ny soc ilaf sI ik nvIN jgfh KrId ky hor Gr Cwq lvygf. Aus ny iek Kq ivc srdUl nUM ilK vI idqf hoieaf sI ik cwk ivc koeI Gr bxfAux leI jgfh ivkdI hovy qF dyK lvy. srdUl dI klyrF ivc jLmIn KrIdx vflI gwl ny Aus nUM duicwqI ivc pf idqf. do ku idn Aus ny soicaf qy iPr ‘hF’ kr idqI ik dyKI jfvygI, jd loV pvygI vyc ky cwk KrId lvygf. srdUl qy surjn ny iekwiTaF ny rfm gVHIaf kflj ivc dfKlf ilaf sI. dysL nvF nvF ajLfd hoieaf sI ies leI lokF ivc dysL-BgqI df jjLbf TfTF mfr irhf sI. nfl dI nfl kOminst lihr vI jLor

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PV rhI sI. AuhnF donF ny iekwiTaF ny kOminjLm smJxf sLurU kIqf sI. Auh rlL ky ikqfbF piVHaf krdy. rUs bfry gwlF krdy. dovyN hI pdfrQvfdI sn. rwb ‘qy XkIn nhIN sn krdy. dosqF nfl huMdI bihs ivc afpxI gwl mnvfAux dI koisLsL krdy ik kudrq afpxy afp ivc sMpUrn hY, ies nUM koeI aidwK qfkq nhIN clfAuNdI. Auh kOminst pfrtI dy hmdrd bx gey. AuhnF dIaF mIitMgF ivc vD cVH ky ihwsf lYNdy. dovyN hI pRIq lVI dy pfTk vI sn. keI dosq AuhnF nUM pRIq lVIey kih ky bulfAuNdy. AuhnF dI aijhI dosqI peI ik idno idn pIzI huMdI geI. iek dUjy dy GrIN jfx lgy, jf ky keI keI rfqF rihx lgy. bI[ ey[ ivc pVHidaF hI srdUl dy ipqf dI mOq ho geI. Aus nUM pVHfeI CwzxI peI ikAuNik jLmIn sMBflxI pYxI sI. dUjy Brf hfly Coty sn. swqr eykV jLmIn dy sn pr sI iKlrvIN, cONh ipMzIN. bfr ivc Auh keI mrwibaF dy mflk sn, ieDr af ky qF bhuq Gwt rih geI sI. pVHfeI jfrI rwKidaF jLmIn nhIN sI sMBflI jfxI. srdUl dy ipqf dI mOq qoN bfad keI idn qk surjn klyrIN hI irhf, afpxy dosq df duwK vMzfAuNdf irhf. iehnF idnF ivc hI srdUl ny AuhnUM iek vfr puwiCaf sI, “surjxf, ivafh kdoN krfAuxf?” “ivafh vI krf lvFgy, ieQy ikhVI kfhl peI af, bI[ ey[ krky bI[ tI[ krnI aF qy iPr ikqy nOkrI lwBxI aF, iPr jf ky socFgy. dyKI jfAU, hfly bQyrf tfiem hYgf.” Aus idn qF ieMnI ku gwl ho skI. iek idn iPr srdUl gwl krn lg ipaf, “mYN qF nhIN pVH sikaf pr hux mYN BrfvF nUM jLrUr pVHfAuxf, nhIN qF eyhnF nUM jgIrdfrF vflLy aYb lwg jfxy aF pr Es qoN vI pihlF mYN pfsLI df ivafh kr dyxf cfhuMnf.” pfsLI, srdUl dI BYx nUM surjn ny cMgI qrFH dyiKaf hoieaf sI. Gr df rotI-tuwk AuhI krdI sI. pVHI, BfvyN bhuqf nhIN sI pr kMm nUM bhuq sicafrI sI qy suhxI vI bhuq sI. surjn nUM Auh cMgI vI lgdI sI pr Aus ny Aus nUM iek dosq dI BYx vFg hI ilaf sI. srdUl ny iPr ikhf, “bs myrI ieh ieko isrdrdI aY hux.” “ieh kfhdI isrdrdI aY srdUl, quhfzI kuVI suhxI aY, AuWcf Kfndfn aY quhfzf, irsLiqaF df kI Gftf! iPkr ikAuN krdF.” “Auh qF qyrI gwl TIk aY surjxf pr mYN kuJ hor soc irhF.” “qUM kI soc irhF?” “surjxF, mYN iek gwl kihx jf irhF, qUM ‘hF’ kr jF ‘nFh’, mYnUM koeI ieqrfjL nhIN, afpxI dosqI ivc vI Prk nhIN afAUgf, [[[dws qYnUM kuVI psMd aY?” “srdUl, qyrf idmfg qF TIk aY!” “eyhdy ivc idmfg TIk hox jF nf hox vflI ikhVI gwl aY, jy nhIN psMd qF nFh kih dy, sB kuJ qyry sfhmxy eI aY.” “dyK srdUl, afpF dosq aF qy dosq eI rhIey qF TIk aY, dosqI ivc afpxf myl TIk aY pr irsLqydfrI ivc ieh myl nhIN cldf huMdf.” “qYnUM kuVI psMd aY qF dws, iPr mYN aglI gwl krdF.” “mYN pfsLI nUM kdy eys njLr nfl nhIN dyiKaf, kuVIaF vrgI kuVI aY, hor kI!” “iPr soc lY, kfhlI koeI nhIN, ‘nFh’ krnI hoeI qF vI koeI gwl nhIN.” “dyK srdUl, afpxf koeI mylL nhIN, qusIN lYNz lOrz qy mYN by-jLmIny jwt df puwq. afpxy smfjk ruqby df bhuq vwzf Prk aY.” “ieh qF koeI Prk nf hoieaf, dyK sfzI kuVI sfdI aY qy bhuq BolLI vI pr ieh hr hflfq ivc rih skdI af, duwK suwK ivc qyrf sfQ dy skdI aY. qyrf idl krdf qF qUM kuVI nfl afp gwl kr skdF, [[[qUM eydF kr ik hPqf, ds idn jF ijMnf icr mrjLI soc lY. koeI kfhlLI nhIN.” “Cwz Xfr, koeI hor gwl kr.”

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kih ky surjn ny gwl tflL idqI. Aus ny ivhVy ivc iPrdI pfsLI vl iek vfr iPr dyiKaf. Aus nUM Auh bhuq sohxI lgI. srdUl nUM pqf sI ik pfsLI leI surjn qoN cMgf muMzf nhIN sI iml skxf. jLmIn QoVI ijhI sI BfvyN pr Aus ny mfstr bx hI jfxf sI. AuhnF dI kuVI BuwKI nhIN sI mrn lgI. Aus ny afpxI mF nfl pihlF hI gwl kr rwKI sI. Aus nUM ies gwl df vI pqf sI ik surjn ny QoVy kIqy nFh nhIN krnI. Aus idn surjn cly igaf pr muV klyrIN nf igaf. pfsLI nUM Aus ny psMd qF kr ilaf sI bs vwzy ruqby vflI gwl rVkI jf rhI sI. Aus ny pfsLI nUM Auh suwK shUlqF nhIN sI dy skxIaF ijhVIaF Aus nUM hux hfsl sn. Gr ivc Aus dy qF ihwsy vI kuJ Kx hI afAuNdy sn. srdUl ny do hPqy Aus nUM AuzIikaf qy iPr afp hI cwk cly igaf. surjn Gr hI sI. srdUl Aus nfl hwQ imlfAuNdf boilaf, “ikDr gfieb ho igaF, [[[nhIN qF nf shI pr dosqI qF nf Cwz.” “mYN jLrf pVHfeI ‘c bIjLI sI pr srdUl ieh bhuq axhoeI gwl aY, afh dyK myrf Gr qy Pyr dyK afpxI iek GumF ivc bxI hvylI.” “dyK surjxf, ieh koeI mslf nhIN, hF, jy qYnUM kuVI nhIN psMd qF koeI gwl eI nhIN.” “ieh kI gwl krdF, cMgI BlI kuVI aY pr mYN AuhnUM qyry Gr vflIaF shUlqF ikQoN dyvFgf.” “ies gwl df iPkr nf kr, jy kuVI kdy koeI kMplyNt kry qF qUM mYnUM PVIN. pihlF qUM afpxf mn bxf iPr afpxy pirvfr ivc slfh kr lY.” “Gr idaF nfl hux qUM hI gwl kryNgf pr ieh kMm glq kr irhF.” “qUM myrI jLubfn qy Brosf rwK, kuVI qYnUM vI suwK dyAUgI qy qyry nfl rih ky Auh vI suwK pfAUgI.” “dyK srdUl, mYN qyrI gwl mMn lYNnf pr qYnUM vI myrIaF do gwlF mMnxIaF pYxgIaF qF hI ieh dosqI agy kfiem rhygI.” “qUM hukm kr Xfr.” “iek gwl qF ieh ik mYN dfj iblkul nhIN lYxf, ijs idn vI qUM mYnUM kuJ dyx dI koisLsL kIqI afpxI dosqI Kqm ho jfxI aF.” “Eh jo kuJ sfzI mF bxfeI bYTI aY, kuVI ny afpxy hwQIN vI bxfieaf hoieaf bhuq kuJ.” “mYN kuJ nhIN lYxf, kuVI iqMnF kpiVaF ivc afAU sfzy Gr, dyK lY mnjLUr aY qF.” “dUjI gwl ikhVI aY?” “dUjI gwl ieh ik mYN isrP isvl mYirj eI krnI aF.” “surjxF, ieQy qUM glq aYN, dyK afpF rwb nUM nhIN mMndy pr afpxy nflL juVy lok qF afpxy ijhy nhIN. pfsLI qF mMndI aY, bfkI qyrf myrf sfrf twbr vI. jy Dfrimk rsmF nf hoeIaF, Pyry nf hoey qF lokF dy mn vihmI ho jFdy af, mhFrfj dy muhry ivafh nUM eI lok aslI ivafh mMndy af.” surjn nUM jfipaf ik srdUl ies gwl ivc shI hY. ivafh pfsLI df vI qF ho irhf hY, Aus dI mrjLI vI qF hoxI cfhIdI hY. srdUl ny iPr ikhf, “qusIN brfq lY ky af jfieE ijMnI mrjLI, asIN pUrI syvf krFgy, lYx dyx ijvyN qUM khyNgf.” “nhIN, brfq vI nhIN afAuxI.” “pMj bMdy qF afvoNgy hI, qyry iekwly nfl eI ikwdF kuVI qor dyvFgy!” “hF, pMj bMdy hoxgy pr rfq nhIN rhFgy.” AuhnF ny hwQ imlf ley. Gr ivc afAuxI jfxI hox krky srdUl surjn dy ipqf ibkrm isMG nUM vI cMgI qrFH jfxdf sI. jd Aus ny jf ky Auhdy nfl gwl kIqI qF ibkrm isMG nUM XkIn hI nf afvy ik aYzy vwzy alftI Auhdy Gr irsLqf lY ky afey hn. Aus ny qF Ausy vyly hI dwbI hoeI boql puwt leI. srdUl pUrI iqafrI krky afieaf hoieaf sI. Cuafrf qy kuJ pqfsy Aus dy Joly ivc sn. Aus ny Ausy vyly hI Cuafrf surjn dy mUMh nUM Cuhf idqf. Auh dosqF qoN irsLqydfr bx gey.

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Aus sfl surjn ny bI[ ey[ kr leI qy Aus qoN agly sfl bI[ tI[. bI[ tI[ kridaF hI Aus nUM nOkrI iml geI qy nfl hI Aus df ivafh vI ho igaf. kuJ idn pfsLI Aus nfl ipMz cwk rhI qy iPr ijwQy vI Aus dI nOkrI huMdI Auh nfl hI rihMdI. CuwtIaF ivc Auh cwk dI QF klyrIN cly jFdy. cwk vfly Coty ijhy Gr ivc AuhnF df idl vI nf lgdf. ibkrm isMG horIN pMj Brf sn qy pMj hI Kyq jLmIn dy. pMjF ivcoN do CVy sn. iek CVf qfrf isMG ibkrm isMG nfl rihMdf sI. jd ibkrm isMG dI pqnI DMno ibmfr rihx lgI qF qfrf isMG afpxI itMz-POhVI cuwk ky ishqvMq pqnI vfly Brf lihxf isMG nfl jf rihx ligaf. ievyN ibkrm isMG kol iek hI Kyq rih igaf. DMno dI mOq qoN bfad Gr dI rotI-pfxI df kMm Aus dI DI ny sMBfl ilaf sI pr iPr vI hfly sfrI kbIldfrI injwTx vflI peI sI. surjn qy inrml hfly pVHdy hI sn. inrml df skUly idl nf ligaf qy Auh afpxy ipE nfl KyqI krfAux lg ipaf pr surjn nUM KyqI cMgI nhIN sI lgdI. Aus ny qF hlL vfhuxf vI ro-ipwt ky hI isiKaf sI. pVHn ivc Auh cMgf sI, ibnF PylH hoieaF agy qurdf jf irhf sI. ibkrm isMG vI cfhuMdf sI ik Auh pVH jfvy, KyqI ivc kuJ nhIN sI ipaf. surjn KyqF vl vI Gwt hI gyVf mfrdf. ibkrm isMG Aus nUM pfVHf kih ky sMboDn huMdf. CyqI hI ibkrm isMG ny afpxI DI df ivafh kr idqf pr nfl hI inrml vI ivafh ilaf. ibkrm isMG isrVI jwt sI. afpxI jLmIn nhIN vI shI qF nf shI, Auh hflyL-BOlLI ‘qy jLmIn lY ky iek hlL jogI KyqI krI jf irhf sI qy twbr df inBfa vDIaf kr irhf sI. iek idn ibkrm isMG ny surjn nUM kol bYTfieaf qy kihx ligaf, “dyK surjx puwq, qUM pVH igaYN, nOkrI qy lwg igaYN ivafh ho igaYN, [[[mYN iksy nf iksy qrFH quhfnUM pfilLaf, qyrI mF dI ibmfrI dyKI, afh cfr Kx bxfey qy psLUaF leI vI, imMdo ivafhI, inrml df ivafh kIqf, qYnUM pVHfieaf vI, [[[mYnUM bhuq imhnq krnI peI qy inrml ny vI myry moZHy nfl moZHf joV ky kMm kIqf, [[[hux myrI iek gwl af jy mMny qF.” “dws bfpU, kI gwl aY? [[[mYN jLrUr mMnU.” “qUM eydF krIN beI afh Gr inrml nUM Cwz dyeIN, qUM bfVy ds mrly bglL leIN.” Aus ny bfpU dI gwl nUM sq-bcn kih ky mMn ilaf sI. sfl ku bfad Aus ny bfVy ivc ds mrly jgfh duafly bglL vI kr ilaf ik ieQy Gr bxfvygf. CyqI hI ibkrm isMG ibmfr pY igaf. Aus nUM afpxf aMq nyVy afAuNdf jfipaf. Aus ny iek vfr iPr surjn nUM afpxy kol bYTfieaf qy ikhf, “dyK puwq, mYN koeI vsIaq nhIN krnI, awT knfl jLmIn dI vsIaq krdf vI bMdf burf lgdf, awT knfl dy mflk nUM qF ijLmIdfr khfAux df hwk vI nhIN huMdf pr kI krdf, myry ihwsy hI eynI afeI, piVHaf mYN hY nhIN sI, [[[myrI Aumr qF quhfnUM pflLidaF kridaF eI inklL geI. dyK, hux qyry kol nOkrI hYgI af, qyry suhry vI qkVy af, aOK peI qy qyry nfl KVHn vfly, mYN cfhuMnf ik qUM Brf qoN afpxf ihwsf nf mMgy, bfkI qyrI mrjLI. mYN vsIaq nhIN krnI so sB kusL qyrI mrjLI qy Cwz irhF.” “ijwdF qUM khyN bfpU, mYnUM mnjLUr aY.” ibkrm isMG suKI-suKI miraf sI. Aus nUM bs iek Jorf irhf sI ik surjn ny koeI dfj nhIN sI ilaf. jdoN surjn ny dfj qoN ibnF ivafh krfAux dI gwl kIqI sI qF Gr ivc bhuq hMgfmf hoieaf sI. ibkrm isMG ny bhuq pYr aVfey sn pr aMq Aus nUM smJOqf krnf hI ipaf sI. ipMz dy lok dfj nf lYx kfrn keI vfr ibkrm isMG kol aPsos krn bih jFdy ik Gr dI mflI hflq nUM vDIaf bxfAux df surjn ny mOkf hwQoN gvf idqf sI qF ibkrm isMG dovyN hwQ hvf ivc GuMmfAuNdf hoieaf boldf, “kI krIey, afh ikqfbF pfVHy dy zmfk nUM cVH geIaF!”

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pMj lMzn surjn leI sdf hI lohVy dI iKwc rwKdf irhf sI. ieMzIaf ivc vI kdy Auh lMzn bfry pVHdf qF Aus dy idl ivc afAuNdf ik kfsL, Auh vI kdy lMzn dyK sky. lMzn dyKx afey pMjfbI lokF dy Aus ny kuJ sPrnfmy vI pVHy hoey sn. jd cmn lfl ny disaf ik Auh ieMglYNz jf irhf hY aqy lMzn ivc hI Tihrygf qF surjn df mn vI kfhlf pYx ligaf sI. jd cmn lfl ny Aus nUM lMzn af jfx df swdf idqf qF Aus nUM suPny vFg jfipaf. mfstrF nUM vocr afm iml rhy sn. iek pfsy Aus df lMzn jfx df suPnf dUjy pfsy pfsLI qy bwcIaF sn. pfsport bxfAux qoN lY ky idwlI hvfeI awzy ‘qy jhfjL cVHn vyly qk Aus ny keI vfr ieh vI soicaf ik ikDry Auh iksy suPny mgr lg ky hI qF ieMglYNz nhIN jf irhf. Aus ny ieMglYNz qoN afey lok dyKy sn, Aus dy ipMz dy hI ikMny lokF dy ieMglYNz jf ky idnF ivc hI Gr dI grIbI qoV mfrI sI. lMzn jfxf suPny df suPnf sI qy swc df swc. DIaF ivafhuxIaF sn. Gr Cwqxf sI. mfstrI ivcoN qF ieh sMBv hY hI nhIN sI. Auh socx lgdf ik iek lwK kmf ky vfps af jfvgf nfly lMzn dIaF afrt gYlrIaF, ibRitsL imAUjLm, kohynUr hIr, hfeIz pfrk, QymjL diraf, rfxI dy mhwl afid muPq ivc dyK afvygf. lMzn qF pUry df pUrf hI dyKx vflf sI. Auh lMzn puwjf qF ieQy dunIaF hI hor sI. suPinaF ivc dyKy lMzn qoN sB kuJ iek dm iBMn. slHfiBaf ijhf mOsm, GsmYlIaF ijhIaF iemfrqF, inky inky Gr. Auh pUrbI lMzn ivc musLk mfrdy iek Gr dI BIV ivc af ky rihx ligaf sI. iek kmry ivc keI keI bMdy rihMdy sn. hr vyly kuJ bMdy suwqy rihMdy. Auh AuT ky jFdy qy AuhnF ibsqrF ivc hor sOx leI af jFdy. lMzn dI iksy KfsIaq df iksy nUM icwq-cyqf vI nhIN sI. iksy nUM cyqf sI qF pONz dy Bfa df. iek pONz dy ikMny rupey imldy hn, blYk ivc ikMny qy bYNk rfhIN Byjo qF ikMny. lok pONzF dy rupey icqv rhy huMdy qy iPr AuhnF rupeIaF dy Ausr rhy nvyN mkfn jF KrIdy jf rhy Kyq. surjn nUM rUM dI iek PYktrI ivc kMm iml igaf. Aus dI dfhVI qy pwg hr vyly rUM nfl Bry rihMdy. BfvyN mUMh Aupr mfsk cfVHy huMdy pr iPr vI kMn ivc AuNgl pfE qF rUM hwQ lgdf qy nwk ivc pfE qF vI rUM hI lwBdf. jy kdy msLIn sfP krnI pY jFdI qF hfl hor vI mfVf ho jFdf. iPr jldI hI AuQoN ht ky Aus nUM bfrikMg vflI rbV PYktrI ivc kMm iml igaf. ieQy DUV qF nhIN sI pr iek gubfr ijhf isr nUM cVHdf rihMdf sI. Aus dy nfl dy qF bIar, sLrfb pI ky suwqy rihMdy pr Auh bhuqI vfrI socF nfl hI Guldf rihMdf. jd Auh bnfrsI dfs dy Gr af igaf qF kuJ rfhq imlI. ieQy BfvyN Auh do jfxy iek kmry ivc rihMdy sn pr ibsqr alwg alwg sn. aYqvfr dI CwutI huMdI sI. nhfAux qy kpVy Dox df kMm aYqvfr vfly idn hI kIqf jFdf. ieh kMm mukf ky Auh sfry idn df itkt lY ky itAUb PVH lMzn GuMmx inkl jFdf. aMzr grfAUNz itAUb dI Aus nUM jldI hI vfkPI ho geI sI. vwK vwK lfeInF dI Aus nUM pUrI jfxkfrI hfsl sI. Auh hr vfr nvIN QFvyN jFdf. keI QfvF Aus nUM ruKIaF ijhIaF vI lgdIaF pr kuJ anMd dfiek vI. bnfrsI dfs dy Gr rihMdy lokF ivcoN iksy hor nUM lMzn dyKx df koeI sLONk nhIN sI. iek vfr Auh mwlo mwlI gurnfm nUM nfl lY igaf sI pr gurnfm sfrI vft AubfsIaF hI lYNdf irhf. muVdf hoieaf Auh boilaf, “Xfr, qUM myrf pUrf idn hI Krfb kr idqf, CwutI sI, nsLf pIxf sI, bwkry bulfAuxy sn.” iek idn Auh bldyv nUM dws irhf sI ik lMzn buwqF df sLihr hY, ijDr dyKo buwq hI buwq. hr buwq ipwCy iek ieqhfs KVf hY. bldyv iPkr krdf kihx ligaf, “Xfr cfhl, qyrI qbIaq qF TIk aY nf! [[[byjfn buwqF dI eI qrIP krI jfnYN!” ibRitsL imAUjLIam ivcoN Aus nUM bhuq kuJ lwBf sI. pRfcIn ihMdusqfnI hwQ ilKqF, purfxy grMQ vwK vwK mulkF qy DrmF dy. imsr qoN ilaFdIaF mwmIaF qy hor ikMnf kuJ. aYzf vwzf imAUjLIam ik dyKx nUM keI

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hPqy lg jfx. Auh hr hPqy hI ieQy af jFdf. hux qk Auh ruafiel zIn ivc af cuwikaf sI. aYqvfr vfly idn Auh sfZy iqMn ivhlf ho jFdf qy iswDf ibRitsL imAUjLIam df ruwK kr lYNdf. BfvyN imAUjLIam bMd hox vflf huMdf pr ijMnf vI ho skdf Auh dyK lYNdf. CwutIaF huMdIaF qF Auh hor imAUjLIamF vl vI inkl jFdf. sfieMs imAUjLIam, nYcurl ihstrI imAUjLIam, ivktorIaf aYNz albrt imAUjLIam. ivktorIaf aYNz albrt imAUjLIam ivc iswK ieqhfs nfl sbMDq vsqF peIaF sn, AuhnF nUM dyKx Auh keI vfr jf cuwikaf sI. hF, ibRitsL imAUjLIam ivcoN Aus nUM bhuq kuJ imilaf sI; amFzf vI. amFzf iesy imAUjLIam ivc hI irsYpinst sI. hfly nvIN nvIN hI nOkrI ‘qy lgI sI. s urjn hr aYqvfr afAuNdf. Aus dI idwK sB qoN vKrI huMdI. amFzf ny pwg vflf srdfr pihlI vfr lMzn af ky hI dyiKaf sI. Aus ny qF kfly rMg dy lok vI pihlI vfr ieMglYNz af ky hI dyKy sn. BfvyN astrylIaf dy aObirjnI lok vI kfly ijhy sn pr aPrIkn nsl qoN bhuq vwKry. pihlF qF amFzf dI idlcspI surjn dI pwg ivc jfgI iPr Aus dy rojL lyt afAux ivc. Auh Aus nUM ivsLysL qOr qy hYlo afKdI. koeI nf koeI gwl krn dI koisLsL vI krdI. Aus dI muskRfht dyK ky surjn socx lgdf ik gorIaF ikvyN quhfzy Dur aMdr Auqr jFdIaF hn. iek idn amFzf ny surjn nUM puwC hI ilaf, “imstr isMG, qUM aYqvfr dy aYqvfr afAunf eyN, Auh vI bhuq lyt, koeI Kfs kfrn ey?” “hF amFzf, myrI nOkrI hI aijhI ey.” iPr Auh afpxI nOkrI bfry dwsx ligaf. amFzf dy nF df Aus nUM Aus dI CfqI ‘qy lgy bYj qoN pqf cl igaf sI. do ku gwlF krky Auh agy vD igaf. iek idn afpxy rONa ivc GuMmdf surjn tRfPlgr sukYar phuMicaf. iPr QymjL vl qur ipaf. ieMbYNkmYSt sLtysLn dy sfhmxy hI ‘QymjL irvr bws’ df dPqr sI. ieQoN pfxI vflI bws dy itkt iml rhy sn. lok kqfr bxfeI itktF lY rhy sn. nfl hI bws numf iksLqI vI KVI sI. lok itkt lY ky pul pfr kr bws ivc jf vVdy. aijhIaF keI bwsF diraf dI sYr leI cldIaF rihMdIaF sn. vwKrI QF qoN vwKry pfsy nUM bwsF jFdIaF. ieQoN grIinc leI bws jFdI sI. hr awDy GMty bfad bws cldI. kuJ iek QFvF qy rukdI hoeI grIinc puwjdI qy iPr vfps af jFdI. lok grIinc dyKx leI Auqr jFdy qy iPr aglI bs PV muV afAuNdy. grIinc Auh jgfh sI ijQoN ieMglYNz df vkq inrDfrq huMdf sI blik sfrI dunIaF df hI. ieQy hI lVfeIaF nfl sbMDq hiQafrF df imAUjLIam vI sI. iek bhuq purfxf vYrI jhfjL vI KVf sI ijs nUM aMgryjLF ny keI lVfeIaF ivc vriqaf hoieaf sI. surjn dirafeI bws ivc AudoN hI cVHdf jdoN mOsm KusLgvfr huMdf. Aus ny vrzjLvrQ dIaF kivqfvF pVHIaF sn qy iehnF kivqfvF dI kdm-cfp suxn leI aksr Auh lMzn ivc Auh QF lwBx dI koisLsL krdf ijQy ieh kivqfvF ilKIaF geIaF sn. hfeIz pfrk dy vI ikMny hI cwkr iesy islisly ivc lfey sn. vrzjLvrQ ny afpxI iek kivqf ivc iek iksLqI ivc bYT ky QymjL diraf dy afly duafly df idRsL iKicaf sI. ies kivqf ivc diraf dy afly duafly dy GrF, iemfrqF, PYktrIaF afid ivcoN AuTdy DUMeyN df ijLkr sI pr surjn nUM ieh idRsL ikqy nf lwiBaf. Auh jfxdf sI ik vrzjLvrQ vyly df lMzn hor qrFH df hovygf. dirafeI bws ivc bYTf Auh Aus smyN ivc jfx dI koisLsL krn lgdf jdoN vrzjLvrQ ny ieh kivqf ilKI sI. aj lMzn Auh nhIN sI, sVkF sn, afvjfeI leI kfrF, rylF sn. hux diraf kMZy pihlF ijhIaF PYkrtIaF vI nhIN sn. jy diraf kMZy hfly kuJ kfiem sI qF Auh sI Auh pwb ijQy cfrls izwkn bYT ky bIar pINdf irhf sI. Aus dy ievyN vfr vfr dirafeI bws ivc jfx nUM lok Aus df sudfa mMndy pr Auh cuwp-cfp cly jFdf.[[[

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surjn itkt lYx leI lokF dI kqfr ivc jf KiVaf. Aus ny jybH ivcoN pYsy kwZ ky hwQ ivc PVH ley. kqfr hOlI hOlI agy vD rhI sI. acfnk iksy ny ipiCEN Aus dy moZHy qy hwQ mfiraf. Aus ny ipwCy dyiKaf qF pqlI qy lMmI ijhI gorI Aus vl dyK muskRf rhI sI. Auh bolI, “hYlo imstr isMG, mYN amFzf, ibRitsL imAUjLIam qoN, Xfd ey?” “iblkul Xfd ey amFzf.” “mYN vI qyry sfQ ho lvF?” “ikAuN nhIN, ieh qF myrI KusLiksmqI hovygI.” surjn ny ikhf qy amFzf Aus dy nfl lg ky KV geI. donF ny afpo-afpxIaF itktF leIaF qy bro-brfbr qurdy hoey bs dy Auprly KulHy zYWk ivc af bYTy. amFzf ny afpxy bYg ivcoN isgrtF dI zwbI kwZI, iek isgrt df isr bfhr nUM kwZdI ny zwbI surjn muhry pysL kridaF ikhf, “lE, plIjL iek.” “nhIN, imhrbfnI, mYN isgrt nhIN pINdf.” “ikAuN?” “mYnUM cMgI nhIN lgdI, iPr ijs Drm ivc myrf jnm hoieaf Aus ivc isgrt pIx dI sKq mnfhI aY.” “iehdf mqlb qUM Dfrimk pRfxI eyN.” “nhIN, mYN Dfrimk iblkul nhIN aF, [[[smyN nfl mYN rwb qoN qF Cuwtkfrf pf ilaf hoieaY pr sMskfrF qoN injfq nhIN pf ho rhI.” “Eh, afey sI! [[[qUM qy bhuq idlcsp afdmI aYN imstr isMG. pihlI njLr ivc qyrI pwg dyK ky mYN socdI sF ik jLrUr qUM iksy Drm df afgU hovyNgf.” Aus dI gwl sux ky surjn hwsx ligaf qy iPr boilaf, “nhIN, ieh pwg myry pihrfvy df hI iek ihwsf aY, aihm ihwsf.” amFzf ny smJdy hoieaf isr mfiraf qy iek lMmf ksL iKwc ky DUMaF Cwizaf. DUMeyN nfl surjn nUM KMG iCV peI. amFzf Aus vl dyKdI iPkrvMd ho geI. surjn boilaf, “koeI Kfs gwl nhIN bs jLrf DUMeyN qoN mYnUM alrjI aY, koeI gwl nhIN mYN dUjI sIt ‘qy cly jfnF.” “sOrI imstr isMG, mYnUM ds idMdf qF mYN ieh[[[.” afKidaF Aus ny isgrt buJf idqI. iPr Auh mOsm dIaF, QymjL duafly Ausr rhIaF iemfrqF dIaF qy QymjL diraf dIaF gwlF krn lgy. amFzf bolI, “dyK, QymjL df pfxI ikMnf gMdf aY! inAUjLIlYNz dy vilMgtn sLihr ivc diraf aY ijhdf nF vI vilMgtn aY, Auhdf pfxI eynf sfP aY ik Qwlf idKfeI idMdf aY.” “amFzf, iehdf kfrn ik Aus diraf df Qwlf pQrIlf hovygf, ies dI hyTlI qih imwtI dI aY iesy leI ieh diraf vI mtIlf aY.” “nhIN imstr isMG, pUry lMzn df gMd eys diraf ivc af ky pYNdf eys leI gMdf aY.” “amFzf, mYN ikqy piVHaf sI ik jy ies pfxI df iek glfs Br ky rwK dyvo qF kuJ imMtF ivc hI eyhdI imwtI hyT bYT jfvygI qy ieh df pfxI pIx Xog ho jfvygf.” “ieh qF mjLfk vflI gwl hovygI, kOx pIvygf lMzn df sfrf gMd!” amFzf ny QoVf iKJ ky afiKaf. surjx hwsx ligaf qy boilaf, “qYnUM ieh pfxI pIx leI koeI nhIN kihMdf, mYN qF pVHI hoeI gwl eI dwsI aY pr mYN kdy pRXog krky nhIN dyiKaf.” “krIN vI nf. sLihr ivc vgdy diraf gMdy eI huMdy ny.” ieMny icr ivc Auh grIinc puwj gey. Auh brfbr qurdy bfhr inkly. grIinc pfrk surjn pihlF vI afieaf hoieaf sI pr aj amFzf nfl afAux df mjLf hI hor sI.

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amFzf surjn nUM bhuq cMgI lgI. sFiBaf hoieaf srIr, moiZaF qk kwty qFby rMgy vfl. iqwKf nwk, hrIaF awKF, gwlF ivc izMpl. gorIaF qF vYsy hI suhxIaF sn pr ieh qF AuhnF ivcoN vI suhxI sI, sB qoN Aupr. pfsLI nfl ivafh qoN pihlF jLrUr Aus dy kuJ suPny sn pr iPr Aus ny suPny dyKxy Cwz idqy sn. hux suPny muV Puwt qury. Aus nUM jfpdf ik Aus ny amFzf nUM ikDry dyiKaf hoieaf hY. jdoN ikDry dyiKaf sI qF ieh pMjfbI kuVI sI, mym nhIN. amFzf bfry socidaF hI Aus nUM iek Kumfr ijhf cVHn lgdf. agly aYqvfr kMm qoN bfad Auh ibRitsL imAUjLm vl qur ipaf, quiraf vI kfhl-kdmI. amFzf vI ijvyN Aus nUM AuzIk hI rhI hovy. surjn ny Aus nUM kOPI ipafAux dI pysLksL kIqI. Aus ny Jwt hF kr idqI ijvyN ieho AuzIk rhI sI. amFzf astrylIaf qoN afpxy puriKaF dIaF jVHF qlfsLx afeI sI. inAUjLIlYNz, astrylIaf, amrIkf, kYnYzf jF ijQy vI hor aMgryjL lok jf vsy sn AuQoN AuhnF dIaF aglIaF pIVHIaF aksr ieMglYNz df Gwto-Gwt iek Pyrf jLrUr pfAuNdIaF sn. bhuqy qF ieQy af ky sfl sfl Br jF ies qoN vI ijLafdf dyr rihMdy, kMm lwB lYNdy, GuMm-iPr ky muV jFdy. amFzf ny afpxy ipE nfl vfadf kIqf sI ik Auh ieMglYNz jf ky kuJ dyr rhygI qy hr sfl afpxy puriKaF dI kbr ‘qy Puwl cVHfieaf krygI. Aus df ipE hjLfr eykV dy Pfrm df mflk sI ijs dI Auh ieklOqI vfrs sI. afpxy Pfrm nUM Auh afpxy pqI jOrj dy ijLMmy lf ky pMj sfl leI ajLfd pMCI bx ieMglYNz af AuqrI sI. Auh afpxy bfry surjn nUM dsdI hoeI Aus qoN Aus bfry puwCx lgI. jd surjn ny disaf ik Auh pMjF DIaF df bfp hY qF Auh iek dm AuCldI hoeI bolI, “swc srj, qUM eynf iksmq vflf aYN! pMj DIaF! [[[rwb qF qyry qy bhuq hI imhrbfn aY. [[[myrf bfp roNdf mr igaf hor DI leI, kfsL asIN vI pMj BYxF huMdIaF, agy myry vI muMzf eI jMimaF.” “amFzf, qUM BYxF dI qmMnF ikAuN krdI aYN.” “ikAuNik aOrq hI aOrq nUM smJ skdI aY, BYx BYx vI huMdI aY qy shylI vI.” surjn df idl krdf ik amFzf nUM dwsy ik Aus dy Gr pMj DIaF ikvyN jMm peIaF. iek puwq dI AumId leI Auh hor qy hor bwcy lYNdy gey. Auh ieh vI dwsxf cfhuMdf sI ik sfzy smfj ivc qF qyry vrgI kuVI nUM, jo BYxF dI jF DIaF dI lflsf rwKdI hY, pfgl hI ikhf jfvygf. sfzy smfj ivc qF sB nUM puwq cfhIdy hn. iek DI df jnm vI gunfh smiJaf jFdf hY pr Auh cuwp irhf ik ievyN Aus df hI nhIN pUry smfj df mjLfk Auzygf. AuhnF df myl-jol vDx ligaf. Auh jd bYTdy qF AuhnF dIaF gwlF hI nf mukdIaF. Aus nUM amFzf koloN bhuq sfrI nvIN jfxkfrI imldI. keI vfr AuhnF ivckfr bihs vI ho jFdI ijhVI ik AuhnF nUM hor nyVy lY afAuNdI. Auh hux iekwTy lMzn GuMmx inklx lgy. amFzf nUM zrfmy dyKx df sLONk sI pr pihlF Aus nUM koeI sfQ nhIN sI iml irhf. hux surjn ijvyN Aus dy rUh df hfxI vI sI. Auh ‘mfAUs strYp’ nfmI cricwq zrfmf dyKx gey ijhVf ik ipCly pMdrF sfl qoN inrMqr cilaf af irhf sI qy ieh nftk lMzn dI QIeytrI-dunIaF ivc crcf df kfrn bixaF hoieaf sI. ievyN hI surjn ny iek hor nftk ‘E klkwqf’ bfry vI pVH riKaf sI. klkwqf dysI nF hox krky Aus leI iKwc df kfrn vI bx irhf sI. aKbfrF ivc ies nftk bfry kftvIaF itwpxIaF Cp rhIaF sn. vwK vwK adfkfrF, lyKkF qy drsLkF dy ivcfr Cpdy rihMdy. Auh donoN vI ies bfry gwlF krn lgy sn. iek idn amFzf ny ikhf, “srj, cl ieh plya dyK afeIey.” “amFzf, ieh asLlIl aY, pqf nhIN ikho ijhf hovy.” surjn kihx ligaf. Auh ieh plya dyKxf qF cfhuMdf sI pr iJjk vI irhf sI. amFzf bolI, “ieh plya Ausy kYn tfienn dI dyx aY ijs ny tYlI Aupr pihlI vfr aYP vRz vriqaf sI, gflL qoN vwD kI asLlIl hovygf.”

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“cl iPr amFzf, gflLF hI Kf afvFgy.” surjn ny hwsdy hoey ikhf. nftk AuhnF donF nUM hI psMd nhIN sI afieaf pr vkq vI Krfb nhIN sI hoieaf smJdy. nftk dy sfry ikrdfr pUrf smF alP nMgy rihMdy hn. ipE-DI, mF-puwq, BYx-Brf vrgy pivwqr irsLiqaF df mjLfh df shfrf lY ky mjLfk Auzfieaf hoieaf sI. mnuwK aMdr bYTy jfnvr dy vI drsLn krfey hoey sn. nftk qoN bfad amFzf bolI, “ieh aMgryjL hoey, amrIkn hoey, ieh bhuq Aulfr iksm dy lok aY. astrylIaf ivc ievyN kuJ nhIN imlygf. [[[afh dyK mYrI kuaMt ijs dIaF KbrF nfl aKbfrF BrIaF rihMdIaF, gwl kuJ vI nhIN isrP Auhdy gupq aMg ‘qy Auhdy pqI ny idl dI sLkl dI sLyv kIqI aY, hux dwso iehdy ivc ikhVI vwzI gwl aY!” “ieh sB aKbfrF vycx dy hwQkMzy aY amFzF. smfj dI bhuq igxqI nUM aijhy hlky svfd vflIaF KbrF iKcdIaF, ieho aKbfrF cfhuMdIaF.” “TIk srj pr srkfr nUM koeI rok vI qF lfAuxI cfhIdI aY, hux afh amYrikn afieaf hoieaY; itmoQI lYrI, ieh nisLaF dy gux ds ds ky lokF nUM zrwgF vl AuqsLfihq kr irhY.” “ieh pwCmI smfj df iek mfVf pwK aY pr cMgI gwl ieh ik pUrb df smfj ies qoN hfly bicaf hoieaf.” “srj, ikMnI ku dyr bcygf, iPlmF ivc nF-pwKI bMdy nUM hIro bxfAuxf sfP ds irhY ik BivwK df smfj ikDr jfvygf.” Auh gwlF krdy ikMnI dyr qk iPkr krdy rhy. Aus rfq surjn amFzf dy PlYt ivc hI rih igaf. hOlI hOlI surjn amFzf dy PlYt ivc aksr Tihrn ligaf. Auh pihlF hI slfh kr lYNdy. sLincrvfr surjn amFzf dy PlYt ivc cly jFdf qy aYqvfr AuQoN iswDf kMm ‘qy. aYqvfr kMm qoN af ky Auh sPfeI qy afpxy kpVy Dox afid df kMm kr lYNdf. Aus dy sfQI vI smJx lg pey sn ik sLincrvfr dI rfq Auh sLfied hI afvy pr iPr vI Aus dI rotI kwZ ky iek pfsy rwK idqI jFdI. dosq Aus nUM hlkf-hklf mjLfk-itwcr vI krdy pr Auh hws Cwzdf. Aus df iPkr vI krdy ik Auh jLrUr iksy gorI dy cwkr ivc Ps igaf hY. pMjF DIaF df bfp hY, hux ies df kI bxygf, ieh pYsy ikvyN bcfvygf. ieh vI ho skdf hY ik Auh afpxf twbr-tIr Cwz ky gorI nfl hI ivafh krf lvy. Aus nUM iswDf kuJ kihx dI iksy dI ihMmq nhIN sI pYNdI. iek idn gurnfm ny sB dy bYiTaF jfx buJ ky gwl arMBI, “lY beI, mYN vIh ku hjLfr jogy pONz joVy af, jdoN vI ryt cMgf iml igaf Byj dyxyN aF. “aYqkIN afpF bVyipMzIey shoqy rfhIN ByjFgy, bMdf XkIn vflf qy ryt vI vDIaf duafAUgf, kMm vI grMtI vflf krdY. [[[jy sfry rlL ky ‘kwTy ByjIey qF ryt vI TIk imlL jfAU. vIh gurnfm df qy pMdrF myrf[[[.” kihMdf bldyv sB vl dyKx ligaf, Kfs qOr qy surjn vl. surjn nUM cuwp dyK gurnfm boilaf, “pYNqI ho igaf, afh bfhmx nUM vI puwC lE, iehny vI suhiraF nUM Byjxy hoxyN aF, agilaF aYvyN qF nhIN gwzy nfl kwtf bMinaF.” Aus dI gwl ‘qy sfry hwsx lgy. Aus ny nfl hI surjn nUM vI puwC ilaf, “hF vI cfhl sfb, qusIN ikMny ku ByjxyN aF?” “beI mYN quhfzy ijwzIaF CflF nhIN mfr skdf, mYN qF hfly ipCly mhIny eI do Kyq KrIdy af, jLrf mihMgy imly.” Aus dy ieh dwsx ‘qy sfry hYrfn ho gey. surjn ny Kyq KrIdx vflI gwl iksy nfl kIqI hI nhIN sI, ies dI jLrUrq hI nhIN sI smJI. amFzf krky Aus dy kuJ Krcy jLrUr vDy sn pr Aus dy hor PjLUl Krcy nhIN sn ijvyN ik Aus dy nfl dy sLrfb qy vysvfvF Aupr Krcdy sn. surjn smJ irhf sI ik gurnfm ikQoN bol irhf hY. Aus ny agy ikhf, “Pyr vI jy iekwTy Byjx ivc koeI PfiedY qF mYN bfrF ku hjLfr kr dyAUN.”

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Aus dI aglI ies gwl ‘qy gurnfm ihwl igaf. Auh qF vIh hjLfr dI vI gwp mfr irhf sI. Aus nUM ieh vI pqf sI ik surjn JUT nhIN bol irhf hoxF, jy Aus ny ikhf qF Auh kol pYsy hoxgy vI. muV ky gurnfm ny vI surjn nfl koeI vfDU gwl krn dI ihMmq nf kIqI. bnfrsI dfs surjn qoN vwzf sI, kuJ kih vI skdf sI pr Auh afp isMGf pur irhf hox krky, inwjI afjLfdI mfxI hox krky surjn dI iksy gwl ivc dKl nhIN sI dyxf cfhuMdf.[[[ surjn hux amFzf dy bhuq nyVy ho igaf sI. ijQy Aus nUM amFzf nfl sbMDF ivcoN suwK imldf sI AuQy Auh keI vfr rfqF dy AuxINdry vI kwtdf. pfsLI Aus dy srfhxy af KVHdI. bwcIaF Aus nUM skUl df kMm idKf rhIaF huMdIaF. kdy kdy aijhy iKafl Aus nUM bhuq hI cuwp krf jFdy. Auh keI keI GMty zuMn ijhf bixaF GuMmdf rihMdf. aijhy vyly amFzf Aus dy mn nUM pVH lYNdI qy Aus df hwQ PV ky afKdI, “srj, ikAuN iPkr kr irhYN, afpF qF sPr ivc imly XfqrI hF, sPr Kqm hoieaf qF afpo afpxy rfh pY jfvFgy, [[[nf qyry qoN koeI qyrf twbr Koh skdf qy nf myry qoN myrf.” iek idn Aus ny amFzf nUM puwiCaf, “mYNzI, kdy soicaf ik Auh ikhVI cIjL hoeI ijhVI sfnUM eynf joV rhI aY?” “hF soicaf, bhuq vfr soicaf, sLfied sfzy donF dy a Mdr koeI ieko ijhf Klfa aY ijs nUM nf qUM mMnx leI iqafr aYN qy nf mYN.” surjn agy kuJ nf boilaf. Auh swc hI iksy aMdrly Klfa nUM mMnx leI iqafr nhIN sI. kfPI dyr bfad Aus ny iPr puwiCaf, “qyry aMdr ikhVf Klfa aY, ds skdI aYN?” “myry aMdr Auho kuJ aY jo qyry aMdr, iek sfQI ivcoN ijhVI cIjL nhIN imlI Auh iksy hor ivcoN iml geI. keI vfr asIN iehnUM ibafn nhIN kr skdy huMdy. [[[hux jOrj ivc sfry gux hYgy ny, myry byty df ipE aY, myrf Pfrm sMBfldf aY, AuQy bYTf myrI AuzIk kr irhY, hor ies qoN vDIaf pqI kI ho skdY pr ikDry kuJ hY vy.” surjn nUM Aus dI gwl cMgI lgI pr Auh cuwp irhf. kuJ dyr bfad amFzf bolI, “astrylIaf bhuq vwzf mulk aY, bhuq sfrIaF sMBfvnfvF nfl Biraf hoieaf. afh jo qUM pMj sfl df plfn lY ky iek lwK kmfAux dI gwl krdYN ieh iek lwK qUM AuQy kuJ mhIinaF ivc kmf lvyNgf, AuQy ivEpfr krn dy bhuq mOky ny. mOsm ieQoN Ault bhuq hI vDIaf aY. myrf bfbf ieQoN KflI hwQ igaf sI, AuQy jf ky Auhny iek Pfrm KrId ilaf qy sYNkVy eykV jLmIn bxf leI, myrf ipE Aus nUM hjLfr eykV qk lY igaf, ieh gwl eys mulk ivc sMBv nhIN. hux mYN vI ies nUM agy vDfvFgI. [[[qUM iek vfr myry nfl cl ky dyK qF shI.” “mYNzI, jy mYN qyry nfl jfvF qF qyrf jOrj myry bfry kI socygf?” “jOrj bhuq cMgf afdmI aYN, kuJ nhIN socygf, qUM iPkr nf kr, jy jfxf aYN qF clIN, mYnUM KusLI hovygI.” amFzf ny pUry XkIn nfl ikhf. surjn Aus nUM afpxIaF ijLMmyvfrIaF dsdf smJfAux ligaf ik Auh qF ieMglYNz vI bhuq musLkl nfl bYTf hY ipwCy pfsLI pqf nhIN ikhVy hfl ivc bwcy pfl rhI hovygI. jy srdUl vrgy dosq df shfrf nf huMdf qF sLfied Auh kdy vI ieMglYNz nf af skdf. Aus ny ihMdusqfnI ivafhF bfry vI disaf ik ikvyN mFipE dI mrjLI nfl huMdy hn. pfsLI bfry vI ik Auh vDIaf pqnI qF hY pr dosq iblkul nhIN hY. bwicaF dI prvirsL qoN ibnF AuhnF ivc koeI vI gwl sFJI nhIN hY. Aus idn amFzf ny surjn leI ivsLysL Kfxf iqafr kIqf. mombwqIaF jgf ky Aus ny Kfxf proisaf. ‘kYNzl lfeIt iznr’ pihlF surjn ny iPlmF ivc dyiKaf hoieaf sI. Auh nUM ieh qrIkf bhuq hI rumFitk lg irhf sI. vfeIn dIaF cuskIaF qy sfhmxy bYTI amFzf df mwDm rOsLnI ivc dgdf ichrf ijvyN iksy iPlm df sIn jIAU rhy hox. surjn ny amFzf dI TozI hyT AuNgl rwK Auhdf ichrf Aupr cuikaf qy ikhf, “mYNzI, myry mn ivc iek svfl GuMmdf rihMdY.”

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“ikhVf?” “puriKaF dIaF jVHF dyKx df kMm qF kuJ mhIinaF ivc vI ho skdY iPr ieh pMj sfl ikAuN?” amFzf svfl sux ky gMBIr ho geI qy iPr muskRFdI hoeI bolI, “awj dy jIvn ivc mnuwK nUM bhuq soJI af geI aY ijhdy kfrn Auh afpxy inwj bfry ijLafdf socx ligaf. hr gwl ivc afpxy afp nUM muhry rwKdY, mYN vI ievyN hI socx lgI sI, ies krky afpxy leI pMj sfl qYa kIqy sn.” “mYnUM qyrI ieh gwl buJfrq ijhI hI lgdI aY.” “srj, ieh jOrj sfzy Pfrm df mYnyjr sI, sfzf ‘zyvI Pfrm’ aY, mYlbOrn dy njLdIk aY qy sfry ielfky ivc msLhUr aY. [[[mYN ipE dI ieklOqI DI sI qy myry mgr bhuq muMzy lgy hoey sI pr mYnUM jOrj nfl ipafr ho igaf. hr koeI kihMdf sI ik jOrj mYnUM nhIN myry Pfrm nUM ipafr krdY. myry nfl ipafr dI Auh isrP aYkitMg krdY. bysLwk mYnUM kdy aijhf ligaf nhIN pr ieh gwl hr vyly myrI soc ivc rVkdI rihMdI sI.” “pMj sfl df cwkr qF mYnUM hfly vI smJ nhIN afieaf!” “pMj sfl hoey sn sfzy ivafh nUM, iPr mYN pMj sfl Aus qoN alwg rihx df PYslf kr ilaf, pMj sfl bfad jf ky dyKFgI ik jOrj ikQy KVf aY, jy mYnUM kuJ glq ligaf qF cuwk ky AuhnUM Pfrm ivcoN bfhr suwt dyvFgI.” Aus idn surjn vyly isr AuT ky iqafr hoieaf qy bws PV ky hfrts kfr gYrj vl cl ipaf ijQy Aus ny ikrfey ‘qy lYx leI kfr buwk krfeI hoeI sI. gYrj ivc jf ky jLrUrI pypr Bry, afpxf lfiesMs idKfieaf, pYsy idqy qy kfr dI cfbI lY leI. klrk ny bfhr KVI nIly rMg dI kfr vl iesLfrf kr idqf. surjn nUM kfr clfAux df bhuqf aiBafs qF nhIN sI pr afqm-ivsLvfs bhuq sI. Auh kfr lY ky amFzf dy Gr puwj igaf. Auh iqafr bYTI sI qy afpxf bYg cuwk ky Auh surjn dy brfbr af bYTI. amFzf afp vDIaf zrfeIvr sI pr Aus ny srujn nUM hI kfr zrfeIv krn idqI. surjn loV qoN vD sfvDfnI vrq irhf sI. amFzf vfr vfr kihx lgdI; ‘irlYks srj, irlYks.’ kuJ mIl clf ky Aus df hwQ itk igaf. sLYPRz buwsL dy nyiVEN hI AuhnF ny ‘ey 40’ lY leI. myn roz qy af ky surjn kfr ievyN clfAux ligaf ijvyN bhuq hMiZaf hoieaf zrfeIvr huMdf hY. do GMty lgfqfr kfr clfeI. agy jf ky ‘ey 44’ PV leI qy ‘strYtPorz apOn aYvn’ dy sfeIn lY ley qy nfl hI ‘ey 3400’ ‘qy pY gey. ievyN ieMglYNz dy ipMzF vl afAux df surjn df ieh pihlf mOkf sI. ryl rfhIN brmIGMm Auh kuJ iek vfr igaf hoieaf sI. sVkF duafly cugdIaF gfeIaF, ByzF qy GoVy Aus nUM bhuq cMgy lg rhy sn. dUr dUr qk iKlry Aucy nIvyN Kyq, mDrIaF phfVIaF, swp vFg vlL KfdIaF qy JUly vFg AuWcIaF nIvINaF huMdIaF sVkF; ieh iek suPnmeI idRsL bx irhf sI. Aus dI rUh nUM ajIb ijhf skUn iml irhf sI. Aus df idl krdf sI ik aijhy njLfry ivc Auh sfrI Aumr hI kfr clfAuNdf rhy. amFzf puwCx lgI, “kI soc irhYN srj?” “eynI KUbsUrq jgfh rih ky sLYkspIar ny KUbsUrq qF hI ilKxf hoieaf!” “nhIN srj, astrylIaf vI bhuq KUbsUrq aY; smF, DrqI, mOsm! pr bhuq vwzf mulk aY, afbfdI bhuq QoVI, msF lMzn ijMnI.” “mYNzI, astrylIaf jfvFgf qF AuQy bfry gwl krFgf, hfly qF ieho svrg lg irhY.” iqMn GMty kfr clf ky Auh sLYkspIar dy jnm vfly sLihr puwj gey. kuJ dyr ieDr EDr iPr ky iek hotl vI iml igaf. hotl dy kfr pfrk ivc kfr KVI kIqI qy Auh dovyN irsYpinst kol jf kmrf puwCx lgy. irsYpnYst kuVI ny bhuq imwTI muskRfht idqI pr nfl dI nfl surjn nUM isr qoN pYrF qk GoKdI rijstr Prolx lg peI. do ku imMt bfad hI Aus ny kmrf KflI hox leI ‘hF’ kr idqI. AuhnF pYsy jmHF

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krf ky cfbI lY leI. afpxy kmry ivc jf ky smfn rwiKaf qy kuJ dyr leI susqfAux lg pey. GMty ku bfad Auh bfhr inkly. rfh ivcoN tyk avya lYNdy, KFdy hoey sLYkspIar df jnm asQfn dyKx qur pey. Duwp qF inklI hoeI sI pr nfl dI nfl TMzI hvf vI vg rhI sI. sYLkspIar dy jnm vyly df Gr, jnm vyly df JUlf, hor purfqn vsqF, hwQ ilKqF, purfxIaF sMndF, kfgjLfq, Aus dy nftk bfry purfxy qy vwzy lokF dy ivcfr, nftkF dy adfkfrF dy kOscUm afid ikMnf kuJ sMBfilaf ipaf sI. sLincrvfr df idn hox krky lokF dI BfrI BIV sI. strYtPorz ivc keI QIeytr sn ijQy hr vyly sLYkspIar dy nftk cldy rihMdy sn. GMmdy hoey Auh iek QIeytr vl inkl gey. surjn KusLI ivc AuCl ipaf, boilaf, “mrcYNt aOP vIns! ieh qF mYN piVHaf hoieaf. [[[AuQYlo vI, Auh sfzy kors ivc sI.” “awCf! mYN vI, [[[mYN qF Auhdy keI nftk pVHy af, tYNpyst, ikMg lIar qy keI hor vI, sfzy vI kors ivc huMdy sI.” AuhnF sLfm dy sLoa dIaF itktF KrId leIaF. iPr Auh mrcYNt aOP vIns dy ikrdfr sLfeIlOk bfry gwlF krn lgy. amFzf ds rhI sI ik sLYkspIar dy ikrdfr bhuq hI jfndfr huMdy hn, zrfmf pVHidaF hI ikrdfr sfhmxy idsx lgdy hn. surjn bhuq KusL sI ik Auh afpxy mn psMd dy ikrdfrF nUM styj qy dyKx jf irhf sI. nftk smyN isr sLurU ho igaf. lok bhuq hI mjLy ivc bYT ky zrfmf dyKdy rhy. aYktrF ny bhuq vDIaf kMm kIqf. nftk df AuhnF ny pUrf anMd ilaf. nftk qoN bfad sLfeIlOk df ikrdfr inBfAux vfly aYktr nfl AuhnF nUM hwQ imlfAux df mOkf vI imilaf. rfq Auh bhuq dyr nfl afpxy kmry ivc muVy. Auh dyKy hoey nftk bfry hI gwlF krdy jf rhy sn.[[[ svyry vytr cfh dy nfl do aKbfrF vI dy igaf. pihly sPy nUM dyKdI hI amFzf bolI, “srj, dyK, inkI ijhI Kbr nUM pihly sPy ‘qy Cfp rhy af.” “ikhVI?” “AuhI ijhVI afpF kwl gwl kr rhy sI ik kuJ aOrqF kih rhIaF ik asIN ajLfd hF, aMgI gulfmI dI insLfnI aY, ies leI muV ky aMgIaF nhIN pfvFgIaF, [[[byvkUP aOrqo, mrd brfbr qnKfh dI gwl kro, hor brfbrI dI gwl kro.” hfly kwl hI lMzn dy kyNdr ivc kuJ aOrqF ny afpxIaF aMgIaF sfV idqIaF sn ik Auh mrdF nfloN iksy gwloN vI Gwt nhIN ies krky muV ky aMgIaF nhIN pihxgIaF. aMgIaF AuhnF nUM hIxIaF bxf rhIaF hn. aKbfr ny ‘brinMg brfa’ dI surKI hyT Kbr lfeI hoeI sI. surjn b oilaf, “AuhI gwl af geI nf ik mIizaf qF cfhuMdf aY ik eyho ijhI idlcsp Kbr imly pr aijhy lok qF smfj df bhuq Cotf ihwsf huMdy af. afh dyK hux ijhVf pqnIaF bdlx df irvfjL aY ieh ikMny PI sdI lok aY iehdy nfl juVy pr Kbr eydF dyxgy ijwdF pUrf ieMglYNz hI pqnI-bdl muihMm ivc sLfml hovy.” “srj, Auh qF mYN smJdI aF pr ieh lok bhuqf KVkf krky lokF df iDafn iKwc lYNdy af qy hor lokF nUM vI afpxI nkl krn leI AuksfAuNdy af, smuwcy smfj nUM iehdf nuksfn huMdY.” cfh pINdy Auh ies ivsLy qy hI gwlF krdy rihMdy. keI vfr Auh iek dUjy nfl sihmq vI huMdy pr iPr vI ikMnI dyr qk gwl iKwc ho jFdI. nON ku vjy AuhnF hotl ivcoN cYWk afAUt kr ilaf. irsYpsLn ‘qy afey qF hor gorI bYTI sI. surjn nUM dyK ky Auhdy ichry df rMg hI bdl igaf. kfr ivc bYTdf surjn boilaf, “hotl qF vDIaf sI pr gorI nfl isMG psMd nhIN afieaf iehnF nUM.” “nslvfdI hrfmI!” afKdI amFzf kfr qoN bfhr dyKx lg peI. surjn ny kfr muV ky ‘ey 3400’ qy pf leI. ieh sfry rfh Aus ny pihlF hI ieMglYNz dI ‘ey tU jLYz’ qoN dyK rwKy sn. aYtls afpxy nfl vI rwKI hoeI sI ik jykr ikDry Buldy hoey pr surjn nUM sB Xfd hI sI. ds ku mIl AuWqr vl jf ky klYvrzn dy sfeIn iml gey.

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klYvrzn Cotf ijhf ipMz sI; amFzf dy puriKaF df ipMz. ipMz dy nyVy jf ky qF amFzf nUM rsqy df pqf hI sI. Auh pihlF vI ieQy af cuwkI sI. iek iqwKy ijhy moV Aupr PuwlF dI dukfn sI. AuhnF ny AuQoN vfhvf sfry Puwl KrIdy. agy do ku qMg ijhIaF sVkF muV ky Kwby hwQ KwulHf ijhf mYdfn af igaf. amFzf ny iek jgfh kfr rok lYx df iesLfrf kIqf. sVk qoN htvIN iek pfsy do ku Puwt AuWcI pwQrF dI kMD sI. lohy df iek purfxf ijhf gyt ligaf hoieaf sI. vwzf sfrf hfqf sI. bhuq hI KfmosLI nfl rwuKF dy JuMz KVy sn. pihlF kfr ivcoN amFzf inklI qy iPr surjn. amFzf ny kfly rMg dI skwrt pfeI hoeI sI qy kfly rMg df hI blyjLr. isr Aupr skfrP vI kfly rMg df hI sI. Auh gyt nUM iek pfsy DwkdI bolI, “ieh zyvI pirvfr df inwjI kbrsqfn aY, ies ielfky df ‘zyvI’ goq bhuq msLhUr hoieaY. myry bfby ny qF astrylIaf jf ky ies nUM hor vI vwzf bxf idqf aY pr hux ies ipMz ivc bhuqy zyvI nhIN rihMdy.” kbrsqfn Cotf ijhf hI sI qy bhuq purfxf vI. Auh iek kbr kol ruky. ies Aupr pwQr ligaf hoieaf sI; jOhn zyvI: jnm PrvrI 1820—mOq aprYl 1899[ amFzf ny kbr Aupr isjdf kIqf qy bolI, “ieh myry pVdfdy dI kbr aY, myry ipqf qy bfby dIaF kbrF AuQy astrylIaf ivc aY.” afKdI Auh kbr sfP krn lgI. ieDr EDr ihwly pwQrF nUM iswDy krky itkfieaf qy kbr Aupr Puwl rwK idqy. iPr amFzf ny CfqI Aupr slIb df insLfn bxfAuNidaF bfeIbl dIaF do ku sqrF mUMh ivc buVbuVfeIaF qy afKx lgI, “awj myry ipqf dI brsI aY, mYnUM afpxy bfby qy pVdfdy dIaF brsIaF dIaF shI qrIkF df nhIN pqf pr mYN aj sB nUM iekwiTaF Xfd kr ilaf, afs aY, myry zYzI dI afqmf nUM sLFqI imlygI.” AuQoN Auh afihsqf ijhy qury qF iek pfsy qfjLI kbr dyK ky amFzf bolI, “ieh koeI zyvI hI hovygf pr sLfied iksy hor ipMzoN hovy.” AuhnF kfr stfRt kIqI qy phfVI Aupr bxy crc dy rfh pf leI. crc dy ivhVy ivc hor vI kfrF KVIaF sn. Auh crc dy aMdr gey qF pfdrI qy hor lok AuhnF nUM bhuq hI ipafr nfl imly. iek isafxI ijhI aOrq surjn nUM puwCx lgI, “kI qUM zfktr aYN?” jvfb ivc surjn hws ipaf. Auh iPr kihx lgI, “qF iPr qUM iksmq dwsx vflf hovyNgf.” ies vfr amFzf vI surjn nfl hwsx lgI. ieh gwl surjn nfl pihlF vI keI vfr vfpr cuwkI sI. qury jFdy gory Aus agy hwQ kr idMdy ik iksmq dws. BftVf brfdrI dy keI lokF dy iswKF dy vkfr nUM aijhf bxf idqf hoieaf sI. Auh pYsf kmfAux leI Boly Bfly lokF df hwQ dyK ky iksmq dwsx lgdy. ievyN hI pihlIaF ivc keI iswK zfktr vI ieMglYNz ivc dUr dUr qk af vsy sn. keIaF ny qF vfhvf nF vI kmfieaf sI. crc df pfdrI amFzf dy ipqf nUM cMgI qrFH jfxdf sI ikAuNik Auh ieQy afAuNdf irhf sI. Aus ny AuhnF nUM ikhf, “bfrF vjy dI ardfs hox vflI aY, afE qusIN vI bfkI lokF nfl sLfml hovo.” crc dy hfl ivc lok iekwTy ho rhy sn. sItF lgIaF hoeIaF sn. sItF Aupr aj dI ardfs vfly ikqfbcy pey sn. sfhmxy blYk borz Aupr aj df ivcfr vI iliKaf hoieaf sI. bfeIbl dy Aus aiDafey df nMbr vI idqf hoieaf sI ijQoN ieh ivcfr ilaf igaf sI. amFzf ny iek ikqfbcf afp Kohl ilaf qy iek Kohl ky surjn dy agy kr idqf. surjn ny hOlI ijhI ikhf, “qYnUM qF rsmF bfry KUb pqf aY.” “hF, mYN bcpn qoN hI zYzI nfl crc jFdI rhI aF, ardfs qF mYnUM mUMh jLubfnI Xfd hoieaf krdI sI. [[[qUM vI ardfs nUM ikqfb ivcoN nfl dI nfl pVHn dI koisLsL krIN, ivc ivc goizaF Bfr vI hoxF pvygf.” “qUM iPkr nf kr, sfzy Dfrimk asQfnF Aupr vI bhuq Aultf iswDf hoxF pYNdY!”

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Cy jnvrI dI jLordfr TMz. idlbfg nUM cfr GMty ho gey sn afpxI kfr ivc bYiTaF. do vfr gorI df drvfjLf KVkf afieaf sI. hirMdr bfry puwC afieaf sI. gorI iKwJI qF nhIN sI pr Aus nUM aMdr afAux leI vI nhIN sI ikhf. ieMnf jLrUr dws idqf sI ik hirMdr swq-awT vjy dy krIb iek vfr Gr afieaf krdf hY. idlbfg afpxy afp nUM kos irhf sI ik Aus ny hirMdr qoN Aus dy kMm df isrnfvF ikAuN nhIN sI ilaf. Gwto Gwt Pon nMbr hI lY lYNdf. iPr Auh qurn vyly Bfrf kpVf vI nfl nhIN sI ilafieaf. bs hlkI ijhI jYkt nfl af igaf sI ijhVI kfr clfAux vyly pfieaf hI krdf sI. kfr nUM clf ky ieMjx grm krky pwKf clf lYNdf qy ievyN afp inwG lY lYNdf pr kfr ivc koeI nuks sI ik ieMjx jldI grm hox lgdf sI qy Aus nUM kfr bMd krnI pYNdI. kdy kdy Aus df idl krdf ik gryvjLYNz hI vfps muV jfvy. kuJ dyr bfad iPr socdf ik hux af igaf qF af igaf. ijhVf PYslf iek vfr kr ilaf so kr ilaf. GroN quridaF ny Aus ny soicaf sI ik aYqvfr df idn hY qy hirMdr Gr hI hovygf. Auh ieh Buwl hI igaf sI ik tYksI vfly qF aYqvfr vfly idn ijLafdf ivasq huMdy hn. Auh aijhf Ps igaf sI ik ikDry jf vI nhIN sI skdf. vYsy qF KUMjy hI pwb vI sI pr pwb ny vI swq vjy KulHxf sI. Aus ny rwb rwb krky swq vjfey qy hirMdr dI mkfn mflkx mYrI nUM dws afieaf ik Auh kony vfly pwb ivc bYTf hovygf, jd vI Auh afvy, ds dyvy. hirMdr idlbfg df Kfsm-Kfs dosq sI. dovyN hm-Aumr sn. hirMdr nUM Aus dy mfmy ny afpxf puwq bxf ky ieMglYNz lMGfieaf sI, ievyN hI idlbfg nUM Aus dy qfey ny. hirMdr pihlF gryvjYNz hI rihMdf sI pr iPr mfmy qoN bfgI ho ky lMzn Bwj afieaf sI. ievyN hI idlbfg hux afpxy qfey PuMmx isMG qoN bfgI ho ky lMzn afieaf sI. idlbfg hirMdr vFg bfgI nhIN sI hoieaf pr Auh sFJy twbr ivc rih ky awk igaf sI. Auh afpxI ijLMdgI jIAuxf cfhuMdf sI. qfey-qfeI muhry Auh bol nhIN sI skdf. Aus df afpxy qfey nfl ipafr hI ieMnf sI ik Auhdy muhry jf ky gUMgf bx jFdf. Aus dI khI hr gwl isr suwt ky mMnI jFdf. qfey dy puwqr amrIk qy nCwqr BfvyN kdy kdy Aus nfl ijLwd krn lgdy pr qfieaf Aus nUM afpxy puwqF brfbr hI smJdf sI. Aus dI qfeI Aus dI mfsI vI sI, Auh vI koeI Prk nhIN sI krdI. Gr ivc idlbfg df sB qoN ipafr afpxI BYx BuipMdr nfl sI. Auh sB qoN CotI sI qy idlbfg df iDafn vI rKdI sI. jdoN PuMmx isMG ieDr afieaf qF kMm kridaF bwicaF dy nF ilKvfAuxy pYNdy sn. ijMny bwcy ijLafdf hox Enf hI tYks Gwt kwt hoxf huMdf. Aus ny idlbfg df nF vI afpxy koz ivc pf ilaf sI. ievyN hI idlbfg vI bfkI twbr nfl ieMglYNz lMG afieaf sI. do ku sfl skUlF ivc Dwky Kf ky idlbfg iek PYktrI ivc kMm ‘qy jf ligaf. idlbfg df ipqf sfQI ibsLMBr isMG nvyNsLihr df jfixaF pwCfixaF kfmryz sI. jvfnI ivc hI Auh pfrtI df mYNbr bx igaf sI. Auh bhuqf smF jlUsF-mujLfhiraF ivc Krc krdf. ikqy hVqfl krfAuxI hovy, ikqy ros-mfrc krnf hovy; sfQI ibsLMBr isMG mohrI huMdf. Aus dI afmdn jLmIn df QoVHf ijhf hflHf hI sI. KyqI krn krfAux dI nf Aus kol ivhl sI qy nf hI koeI AuWkq. PuMmx isMG nUM afpxy Coty Brf df bhuq iPkr rihMdf sI. do DIaF vI sn ivafhux vflIaF. idlbfg kMm ‘qy ligaf qF Auh sfrI qnKfh ilaf ky afpxy qfey nUM hI idMdf sI. PuMmx isMG ny Aus dy pYsy alwg rwKy qy kuJ afpxy koloN pfey qy ieMzIaf jf ky donF kuVIaF dy sfdy ijhy ivafh kr afieaf. ies nfl ibsLMBr isMG iblkul hI ivhlf ho igaf. hux PuMmx isMG idlbfg qoN kdy kdy kuJ pYsy ibsLMBr isMG nUM iBjvf idMdf pr idlbfg nUM hux pYsy dI soJI afAux lg peI sI. Auh afpxI qnKfh ieMzIaf nhIN sI ByjxI cfhuMdf. Aus dy afpxy Kcr vI vD gey sn. kfr lY leI

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sI qy hor Krcy vI. Aus nUM afpxy ipE bfry bhuqf iPkr nhIN sI. Auh cfhuMdf sI ik hux afpxI sfrI qnKfh afpxy kol rwKy qy afpxI mrjLI nfl vrqy. qfey dy muMzy amrIk dy ivafh kfrn Gr vI hux Cotf pYx ligaf sI. Gr ivc sB nUM iekwTy aOKy ho ky sOxf pYNdf. qfieaf cfhuMdf sI ik idlbfg pYsy joVy qy afpxf Gr lY lvy pr Aus qoN pYsy hux juV nhIN sn rhy. qfieaf Aus nUM Krc qy kfbU krn bfry kihMdf rihMdf ijhVf ik Aus nUM cMgf nf lgdf. ies leI Auh qfey-qfeI qoN dUr cly jfxf cfhuMdf sI. iesy mnsLy nfl Auh hirMdr kol afieaf sI. hirMdr pUrbI lMzn ivc af ky sYWtl ho igaf sI. jd kdy gryvjLYNz afAuNdf qF bhuq hI cVHf vDf ky gwlF krdf. hirMdr tYksI clfAuNdf hox krky qrFH qrFH dy lokF nfl Aus df vfh pYNdf sI ies leI Aus kol suxfAux leI bhuq sfrIaF idlcsp khfxIaF huMdIaF. Auh lMzn dI ijLMdgI bfry vI bhuq sfrIaF gwpF mfrdf. Auh idlbfg nUM hlfsLyrI idMdf afKdf, “Xfr, kI afh PYktrIaF ivc Dwky KfeI jfnF, pwcI nf qIh pONz lY afvyNgf, kYibMg ivc sO nUM ZukyNgf, nfly afpxy kMm nfl dI rIs nhIN.” hirMdr dIaF iehnF gwlF df iKicaf idlbfg lMzn af igaf sI pr afAux qoN pihlF Auh hirMdr nfl cMgI qrFH rfbqf kfiem nhIN sI kr sikaf. tYksI clfAux df kMm Aus nUM cMgf vI lg irhf sI. Aus dy kuJ hor vfkP vI ies kMm ivc sn pr lMzn ivc tYksI clfAuxI bhuq sOKI sI. isrP quhfnUM zrfeIivMg lfiesMs dI jLrUrq hI sI. kfr KrIdo qy tYksI sLurU kr idE. hornF sLihrF vFg nf koeI kONsl dI iejfjLq dI loV sI qy nf hI koeI hor Kljgx. gryvjLYNz ivc tYksI krn leI Kfs plyt lYxI pYNdI sI ijhVI kfPI mihMgI sI. Aus nUM pqf sI ik qfey nfl gwl krygf ik Auh lMzn jf ky tYksI krnI cfhuMdf hY qF Auh kdy nhIN mMnygf qy qfey dI gwl nUM Auh Aulwd vI nhIN skygf. iPr iek idn aijhf sbwb bixaF ik kMm Aupr Aus df afpxy PormYn nfl iksy gwloN JgVf ho igaf. Aus ny PormYn nUM gloN PV ky Dwkf dy mfiraf ijs dy PlsrUp Aus nUM kMm qoN jvfb dy idqf igaf. Aus ny afpxy kMm tuwtx dy nfl nfl Gr ivc hlkI ijhI Kbr PYlf idqI ik sLfied hux Auh lMzn hI cly jfvy. GroN qurn vyly Aus ny afpxI BYx BuipMdr nUM hI disaf sI ik Auh hirMdr kol jf irhf hY qy kwlH muVygf pr Aus nUM XkIn sI ik Auh muVn leI nhIN jf irhf. GroN qurn vyly Auh vwzI jYkt cuwkxI Buwl igaf sI. rsqy ivc Aus nUM Xfd vI af igaf sI pr Aus ny soicaf ik hirMdr df sfeIjL vI Aus vflf hI hY, Aus dy kpVy pihn lvygf.[[[ pwb ivc bYTf idlbfg afpxy dosq nUM AuzIkdf irhf. awDf GMtf, iek GMtf zyV GMtf. Aus df vkq hI pfs nhIN sI ho irhf. hirMdr jf ky nON vjy afieaf pr af ky Auh imilaf bhuq ipafr nfl. idlbfg iglf krn ligaf, “mfr’qf Xfr, [[[sflLI TMz vI AuproN jLorF dI qy qyrI gorI ny vI aMdr nhIN vVHn idqf aKy qUM str yNjLr aYN.” “pr qUM Pon ikAuN nhIN kIqf, koeI mYsyj eI Cwz idMdf, Gr jF iPr kMm ‘qy eI.” “myry kol nMbr hY nf sI, ijhVf qUM idqf sI ikqy gvf bYTF.” “mYN qYnUM smJfieaf qF sI beI ‘aYksprYWs imMnI kYb’ kih ky Eprytr qoN vI nMbr mMg skdF.” “Xfr, eynI gwl mYN socI eI nhIN.” “cl, koeI gwl nhIN, dyr afey drusq afey.” “hirMdr isaF, mYN qF qyry kol kYibMg krn afieaF, jOb Cwut geI myrI, PormYn kuwt ho igaf myry qoN.” pihlF qF hirMdr kuJ iJjikaf pr iPr kihx ligaf, “gwl eI nhIN koeI, svyry eI stfRt krf idMnf, kfr cMgI cfhIdI aY.” “kfr qF myry kol krtInf aYN.” “kMm qF qyrf mYN kwl nUM eI stfRt krf skdF, kMpnI vfilaF ny qF afpxf ikrfieaf eI lYxF pr qYnUM lMzn dI vfkPI nhIN.”

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“Ehdf iPkr nf kr, myrI roz sYNs bhuq aY, nfly mYN lMzn dI ‘ey tU jLYz’ KrId leI af, roz lwBxI koeI musLkl nhIN myry leI.” idlbfg ny pUry hONsly nfl afiKaf. Aus ny afpxf mn bxf ilaf hoieaf sI. kuJ dyr Auh pwb ivc bYTy, iPr AuhnF iPsL aYNz icpsL sLOp qoN Kfxf ilaf qy nfl hI iek boql vI qy hirMdr dy kmry ivc af gey. hirMdr dI mkfn mflkx jLrf sKq suBfa dI sI. iek ikrfeydfr hor vI rihMdf sI. mYrI df pqI kfPI dyr qoN ibmfr cilaf af irhf sI ies krky vI Aus nUM jLrf ijLafdf hI iKJ cVHdI. Auh iksy nUM AuWcI nhIN sI bolx idMdI. hirMdr nUM pqf sI ik awj dI rfq qF kMm cl jfvygf pr Auh idlbfg nU M ies qoN vD afpxy Gr nhIN rihx dyvygI. Auh hOly ijhy drvfjLf Kohl ky afpxy kmry ivc jf vVy. svyry AuT ky sB qoN pihlF qF hirMdr ny mYrI nUM mnfieaf ik aglf ieMqjLfm hox qk idlbfg nUM ieQy rih lYx dyvy, ijs dy bdly ivc Auh vfDU ikrfieaf dy dyxgy. iPr AuhnF hfeI strIt Aupr aKbfrF vfilaF dIaF dukfnF dy sLIisLaF AuproN KflI kmiraF dIaF ilstF leIaF qy Pon kr kr ky dyKx lgy. gory afm kIqy dysI ikrfeydfrF nUM afpxy Gr rwKdy nhIN sn qy dysI lokF kol bhuq Gwt Gr sn. jy iksy ny lY vI ilaf qF pihlF hI Aus dy vfkP ikrfeydfrF dI lMmI ilst AuhnF kol huMdI. kmry leI koeI hwQ pwlf nf ipaf qF Auh ‘aYksprYWs imMnI kYb’ dy dPqr cly gey. hirMdr ny mYnyjr nfl idlbfg bfry gwl kIqI. Aus ny Aus df lfiesMs dyiKaf, ds pONz hPqy df ikrfieaf ilaf qy Aus nUM kMm ‘qy rwK ilaf. aYksprYWs imMnI kYb eIst lMzn dI sB qoN ruJI hoeI, sB qoN ivasq kMpnI sI. sO dy krIb zrfeIvr sn. hr zrfeIvr kMpnI nUM ds pONz hr hPqy df ikrfieaf idMdf ijs dy bdly ivc Aus nUM kMm idqf jFdf. kMpnI nfl kfrF dy nfl nfl kuJ vYnF vI lgIaF hoeIaF sn. hr zrfeIvr dy vfhnF ivc ryzIE lgy hoey sn ijhnF df kMtrol kMpnI dy dPqr ivc huMdf. kMpnI dy kMtrolr nUM pqf huMdf ik ikhVf zrfeIvr ikQy hY, Auh vfrI isr kMm dyeI jFdf. kMpnI bhuq purfxI sI ies leI lok Aus bfry jfxdy sn. Auh lgfqfr afpxI kMpnI dI msLhUrI vI krfAuNdy rihMdy sn. ryzIE ‘qy, aKbfrF ivc vI qy GrF ivc afpxy kfrz bgYrf sutdy rihMdy sn. idlbfg nUM kMm qF iml igaf pr ryzIE iek dm nf imilaf. Aus nUM pihlI svfrI ikqy nyVy dI hI imlI pr Auh bhuq KusL sI. Auh svfrI Cwz afieaf qy af ky dPqr ivc ds idqf. awDy ku GMty bfad iek hor svfrI iml geI. idlbfg dyK irhf sI ik Aus dy afly duafly zrfeIvr Bwjy iPrdy sn. Aus nUM afs bwJ rhI sI ik Auh kfmXfb ho jfvygf. pihly idn Aus nUM asfn ijhIaF jObF hI imlIaF qy Aus ny iqMn pONz kmfey. Auh bhuq KusL sI. Aus sLfm Auh pwb nUM gey qF Auh hirMdr Aus nUM tYksI clfAux dy gur isKfAuNdf kihx ligaf, “iek idn ivc ds pONz kmfAxy jLrUrI ny, iek idn dI kmfeI nfl ikrfieaf inkly, iek idn dI nfl pYtrOl, iek idn dI kmfeI nfl kfr dI tuwt Bwj qy ieMsLOrYNs, bfkI dy cfr idn dy pYsy quhfzy afpxy. swqy idn pUry GMty lfeyNgf qF kfmXfb ho jfeyNgf.” “E Brf myry, mYN kMm qoN tlHx vflf bMdf nhIN, swqy idn pMdrF pMdrF GMty kMm kr skdF.” “bs ieho rfjL aY eys kMm df, ijMny GMty; Eny hI pYsy. PYktrI vFgUM Evr tfeIm dI vyt nhIN krnI pYNdI.” hirMdr hMZy hoey kYbI vFg kih irhf sI. do glfs bIar dy pI ky idlbfg vI kfiem ho igaf qy afdq anusfr gwpF mfrn ligaf, “lY beI, jy mYnUM pqf huMdf ik ieh kMm eynf guwz aY qF mYN PormYn pihlF eI kuwt suwtxf sI.” “awCf!” “lY, qYnUM disaf qF sI beI myry qon PormYn kuwt ho igaf, gorf sflLf iqV iPV ijhI krdf sI, mYN afa dyiKaf nf qfa, hQOVf iswD Ehdy mOrF ivc dy mfiraf, gorf pfvy kwty aFgUM aVHft! [[[mYnyjmYNt af geI, mYN spfny EQy eI suwt ‘qy, ikhf beI kr idE myrf hsfb.”

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gwl krky idlbfg qfVI mfr ky hwisaf. Aus dy mukfbly ivc hirMdr ny vI kuJ gwpF mfrIaF. iPr AuhnF dIaF ieh gwpF rojL hI vwjx lgIaF. hPqf ku aOKf ho ky idlbfg df kMm ruVH ipaf. lMzn df vI Auh gryvjYNz vFgUM hI vfkP hox ligaf. hirMdr dI iek gwl Aus dy bhuq kMm afeI. Aus ny ikhf sI ik bs ieMnf Xfd rwK lY ik ikhVy ielfky nfl ikhVf lgdf hY, iPr qUM lMzn ivc nhIN Buwldf, ijwdF hux eIst hYm nfl vYst hYm, strYtPorz, lyatn ston, lyatn. lyatn nfl blQmstoa, hYknI, iejLilMgtn. agly hPqy Aus dI kfr ivc ryzIE vI lg igaf. hux Aus nUM Auqr ky nvIN jOb leI dPqr ivc nhIN sI jfxf pYNdf. kuJ idn Auh mYrI dy Gr hirMdr nfl irhf qy iPr Aus nUM eIst hYm ivc zrbI roz ‘qy iek pMjfbI pirvfr ivc kmrf iml igaf. iqMn hPqy bfad idlbfg vfps gryvjLYNz igaf. pihlF Aus ny iek vfr Pon krky afpxy bfry ds idqf sI. jFdf hoieaf Auh grIn strIt Aupr nvIN KulHI dukfn ivcoN qfeI qy BuipMdr leI sUt lY igaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Gr ivc sfry hI Aus nfl nrfjL hoxgy. gwpF dI afdq qF Aus nUM hY hI sI pr Auh mUMh df vI imwTf sI, Gr jf ky Aus ny ieDr EDr dIaF mfr ky sB nUM sLFq kr ilaf. PuMmx isMG ny vI Aus nUM bhuqf kuJ nf ikhf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik kihx df koeI Pfiedf vI nhIN. sLfm nUM bIar pINidaF Aus ny jLrUr ikhf, “dyK bfigaf, ibsLMBr ny qF koeI ijLMmyvfrI inBfeI nhIN, qUM eyDr af igaf qF kuVIaF ivafhIaF geIaF, nhIN qF pqf nhIN kI bxdf. [[[mYN cfhuMdf sI beI qUM sfzy ivc rih ky pYsy joV lYNdf, Gr lY lYNdf qy ivafh krf lYNdf. [[hux qyrI Aumr vI qF ho geI ivafh dI [[[pr qUM afpxy rfhy qur ipaYN, ijhVy cfr pYsy joVy sI, kfr lY leI, lVfeI krky kMm Cwz afieaYN, [[[hux lMzn jf viVaF!” “qfieaf, qUM iPkr kI krdF! Gr qF mY mhIinaF ‘c lY lAUN, sO pONz nhIN Cwzdf mYN vIk df.” “bfigaf, lMzn lMzn aYN, hr cIjL mihMgI aY, Gr vI qy hor sB vI. ikrfieaf vI dyvyNgf qy awKF qoN pryH vI rhyNgf. [[[hux mYN qF ieho khUM beI ieMzIaf jf qy ivafh krf af.” “jfAUNgf, qfieaf jfAUNgf, bs QoVy pYsy joV lvF.” idlbfg nUM qfey dIaF gwlF AukqfAux lgIaF. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Auh Aus dy Pfiedy dI gwl kr irhf sI pr hux ieMny idn iekwly rih ky Aus ny dyK ilaf sI ik ajLfdI kI huMdI hY. afpxy qfey dy puwq nCwqr nfl lMzn bfry gwlF krdf afKx lgdf, “ijMny mrjLI GMty lf lE, nf hyhf nf Kyhf! gorIaF vI bhuq imldIaF, ‘rfq’ vflIaF vI qy ‘bfq’ vflIaF vI.” “kI mqlb?” “E beI, isMpl ijhI gwl nhIN qUM smJdf, rfq ktfAux vflIaF vI qy isrP gwlF krn vflIaf vI.” “qYnUM vI koeI imlI ik nhIN?” “dyK, pYsy mYN kdy qIvIN ‘qy Krcy nhIN, bfq krfAux vflI ‘qy hfly mYN trfeI nhIN mfrI.” apRYl df mhInf sI. TMz hfly nhIN sI geI. bwdlvfeI kfrn idn Bwdf Bwdf lg irhf sI. bYNk hOlIzy kfrn sVkF KflI sn qy AujfV ijhI peI hoeI sI. idlbfg afpxI kfr ivc hUvr kr irhf sI. Auh qF CuwtI vfly idn vI kMm kr lYNdf. svyry svyry kuJ GMty lgf afieaf sI. Auh pYsy joVn dI koisLsL kr irhf sI. Aus ny iblizMg susfietI ivc aijhf Kfqf KulHvfieaf ik ijs ivcoN Cy mhIny df noits dy ky hI pYsy kZf sky pr ies akfAUNt ivc hfly qk koeI pYsf jmHF nhIN sI krf sikaf. sO, do sO qF Aus nUM hr vyly jybH ivc rwKxy pYNdy ik pqf nhIN ikhVy vyly kfr Krfb ho jfxI hY. bfkI dI Aus dI msF afeI clfeI hI cldI sI. qfey jF qfeI nUM Pon krdf qF AuhnF df ieko kihxf huMdf ik ieMzIaf jf ky ivafh krf lY. ivafh dy nF ‘qy Aus dy mn ivc jLrUr lwzU Burn lgdy pr ieMzIaf jfx jogy Aus kol pYsy nhIN sn juV rhy. bhuqy

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GMty kMm kr kr ky Aus df mn hux awkx vI ligaf sI. nOkrI huMdI qF bwJvyN pYsy afeI jFdy. hr hPqy pqf huMdf ik ikMnI qnKfh hoxI hY pr ies kMm ivc qF pqf hI nhIN sI cldf ik ikMny kmfAuxy hn. kmfAuxy vI hn ik nhIN. jd kdy Aus df mn kMm qoN Aucft ho jFdf qF Auh kMm qoN CwutI hI kr lYNdf. aj vI kuJ GMty kMm krky Aus df mn CuwtI krn df ho igaf sI. Auh kfr ivc hUvr kr hI irhf sI ik iek kfr Aus dI kfr dy ipwCy af ky ruk geI; icwty rMg dI ihwlmYn hMtr. ieh srUp sI. Auh bhuq hI AuqsLfh nfl Aus vl viDaf. kfr ivcoN inkl ky srUp ny Aus nUM jwPI ivc lY ilaf. idlbfg pwuCx ligaf, “af igaYN ngimaF! [[[kd afieaF?” Auh dovyN iek dUjy nUM ngmf kih ky bulfieaf krdy sn. donF df afps ivc vfhvf mjLfk cldf. srUp Aus dI gwl df jvfb idqy ibnF puwCx ligaf, “kfr bdl leI?” “afho, iestyt ivc kMm dy cFs ijLafdf bx jFdy af. keI vfr eyar port dI jOb vI iml jFdI aY, [[[aj gorI iml geI, do kuwqy sI, sflLy vflL eI vflL ho gey, [[[itwp qF vfhvf dy geI pr afh dyK gMd ikwdF pY igaf.” iPr Aus ny hUvr sFiBaf. kfr lOk kIqI qy puwCx ligaf, “ikwdF irhf ieMzIaf df tirwp?” “bhuq vDIaf, qyry ipMz vI jf ky afieaF, sfry TIk af.” Auh gwlF krdy aMdr af gey. srUp gurbMs kor dy pYrIN hwQ lf ky imilaf. Aus df BFxjf ijAuN sI. srUp ny prmIq qy hrmIq nUM klLfvy ivc lY ky ipafr kIqf, CotI ieMdrjIq dy isr ‘qy hwQ Pyiraf. gurbMs kor afpxI BYx qy hor twbr df hfl cfl puwCx lgI. iPr Aus nUM acfnk cyqy afieaf qy bolI, “swc, qUM qy afpxy cfcy df eI sfZU bx igaF, [[Blf ieh irsLqf cMgf lgdf!” “mfsI, mYnUM Auh bMdy inwgr lwgy, mYN qF kuVI dyKy ibnF eI hF kr idqI.” srUp KusL ho ky dws irhf sI. Aus dI gwl sux ky idlbfg kih AuiTaf, “kuVI dyKy ibnF eI ‘hF’ kr idqI! [[[qyrf idmfg qF TIk aY ngimaF!” “E ngimaF, qYnUM nhIN pqf ieMzIaf df, lok qF afpxIaF kuVIaF nUM sfeIklF ipwCy bTfeI iPrdy af ik myrI dyK, myrI dyK! [[[lokF ny mMzI bxfeI peI aY. ieMglYNz dy nF ‘qy ijwdF dI mrjLI kuVI lY lE pr bfad ivc kI inklLy eys dI koeI grMtI nhIN.” “awCf! bVy ajIb ho gey lok.” “qUM jf ky iek vfrI dyK qF shI, [[[ngimaF, ieMzIaf Auh nhIN irhf, ijhVf afpF kusL sfl pihlF Cwz ky afey sI, bhuq bdl igaf, ieMglYNz dy nF nUM BfvyN kuwqf vI ivafh lE. eysy krky mYN Kfndfn dyiKaf qy mYnUM ieh lok cMgy lgy, kuVI vI TIk aY.” srUp dsdf igaf. gurbMs kor bolI, “cwl, jy qYnUM kuVI psMd aY qF sB TIk aY.” “mfsI, EdF qF ds pfs aY pr isMpl ijhI aY, cuwnI dI buwkl vI nhIN mfrnI afAuNdI pr mYnUM eydF dI eI cfhIdI sI. qyjL aOrq mYnUM cMgI nhIN lgdI.” “bs puwq, qYnUM cMgI lgxI cfhIdI aY.” “EdF Gr dy kMm nUM cMgI aY, cfcI qy bIbI Auhdy qoN KusL aY.” ipwCy ipMz srUp df twbr hfly vI sFJy pirvfr vFg hI rihMdf sI. ies gwl nUM cyqy kridaF mfsI bolI, “EdF dyK lY srUp, qyrI mF dI qy cfcI dI KUb inBI jFdI aY.” “hF mfsI, eys gwl dI qF sfrf ipMz eI vizafeI krdY.”

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sFJy pirvfr vjoN afpxy twbr qoN srUp vI KusL sI. AuhnF dy gwlF kridaF idlbfg GVI vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. aKIr Aus qoN irhf nf igaf, boilaf, “pwb df tfeIm qF qUM eyQy eI kwZ dyxF.” srUp kuJ khy ibnF AuT KiVaf. gurbMs kor vI smJ geI sI ik AuhnF hux cfh nhIN pIxI, pwb jfx vfly cfh nhIN pIaf krdy. Aus ny ieMnf hI ikhf, “afpxy aMkl dy aOx qk muV afieE, mYN rotI iqafr krdI aF.” Auh qurn lgy qF prmIq idlbfg nUM kihx ligaf, “BfjI, vwt abfAUt mfeI lYWsn?” “my bI lytr aOn, my bI tumfro.” idlbfg ny moZHy mfridaF ikhf. Aus ny aj iek GMtf prmIq nUM kfr clfAux df aiBafs krfAux df vfadf kIqf hoieaf sI pr srUp dy afAux kfrn sfrf progrfm bdl igaf. idlbfg qy srUp jd iekwTy huMdy qF GMitaF bwDI gwlF krdy rihMdy. srUp gurbMs kor df Bfxjf sI qy idlbfg gurbMs kor df ikrfeydfr. hirMdr nfl rihMidaF Aus nUM ies pirvfr ivc iek kmrf ikrfey ‘qy iml igaf sI qy AudoN qoN ieQy hI itikaf hoieaf sI. kuJ gwpF mfr-mfr ky qy kuJ imwTIaF gwlF kr-kr ky Aus ny ies pirvfr ivc ivsLysL jgfh bxf leI hoeI sI. Auh kdy prmIq nUM zrfeIivMg lYWsn dy idMdf, kdy gurbMs kor nUM kMm ‘qy Cwz afAuNdf qy kdy Gr dI sLOipMg krf idMdf. gryvjYNz jfxf hux Aus df hor vI Gt igaf sI. jy kdy jFdf vI qF qfieaf slfhF dyx bih jFdf. hux qfieaf ieh kihx ligaf sI ik Auh isrP itkt jogy hI pYsy joV lvy, Aus ny agly sfl nCwqr df ivafh krn jfxf sI qy nfl hI Aus df vI kr idqf jfvygf pr idlbfg qoN hux itkt jogy pYsy joVny vI musLkl ho gey sn. Aus df pwbF df hI Krc ieMnf vD igaf sI ik kuJ nf bcf skdf. srUp dI qy idlbfg dI sFJ ieh sI ik Auh vI tYksI clfAuNdf sI. Auh iksy PYktrI ivc nOkrI vI krdf sI qy nfl dI nfl tYksI. srUp afpxI mfsI nUM imlx afieaf hI idlbfg df dosq bx igaf sI. srUp ny qF kfPI dyr df Gr KrId rwiKaf sI. Auprly iqMn kmry ikrfey ‘qy cfVHy hoey sn. hyTly donoN kmry Aus kol sn. keI vfr idlbfg srUp nUM imlx vYNbly cly jFdf. Auh aijhy rlLdy ik do do idn bYTy dfrU pINdy rihMdy. srUp nUM bhuqf Prk nhIN sI pYNdf. Aus kol nOkrI vI sI qy ikrfieaf vI afAuNdf sI pr idlbfg df do idn ivhly bYTx nfl Qwlf lg jFdf. idlbfg nUM iPlmF dyKx df bhuq sLONk sI qy sfAUQfl dysI iPlmF cldIaF rihMdIaF sn. idlbfg quiraf hI rihMdf qy nfl hI srUp dy Gr vI jf vVdf. pwb ivc bYYTidaF hI idlbfg puwCx ligaf, “sfzy ipMz vI igaf sI iPr?” “hF, igaf sI, qyrI mdr imlLI sI, Auh qF qyrI vyt krdy af, qyry Pfdr ny qyry leI afpxy iksy PrYSz dI kuVI dyKI hoeI aY.” “Bfpf nhIN imilLaf?” “nhIN, Auh jylH-Xfqrf ‘qy igaf hoieaf sI, koeI strfeIk cl rhI sI, sLfied tIcrF dI. qyry zYzI dI qF ielfky ivc vfhvf cldI aY. EdF kfmryzF dI pihlF vflI gwl nhIN rhI, keI iksmF ho geIaF iehnF dIaF. iksy nUM swjU kihMdy af qy iksy nUM KwbU. [[[awj kwlH nYkslbfVIey vI af koeI afey.” “Auh vI kfmryt af?” “eydF df eI af kusL, kihMdy amIr mfr idE.” “bs, sfzy Bfpy ny sfrI Aumr kwZ leI eydF dIaF puwTIaF iswDIaF gwlF krdy ny. ielfky ‘c BfmyN bwly bwly hoAU pr AuhdI koeI gwl qF smJ afAuNdI nhIN. sfzI bIbI ivcfrI rotIaF bxfAuNdI Qwk jFdI pr bMdy afAuxoN nf htdy.” idlbfg nUM jd bIar df kuJ srUr hoieaf qF Auh kihx ligaf,

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“ngimaF, qUM awKF mIt ky ivafh krf ilaf pr mYN qF nhIN eydF krOxF, BfmyN do sfl lg jfx. mYnUM kuVI cfhIdI aY ijhdy vwl mYN dyKdf mYN sfrI Aumr kwZ lvF, ijwdF nIl kml ivc rfj kumfr vhIdf rihmfn vwl dyKI jFdf.”

swq aYqkIN brPbfrI bhuqI hoeI. do idn lgfqfr pYNdI rhI. ieMnI brP peI ik sVkF qy KVIaF kfrF vI brP ivc luk geIaF. ijvyN keI vfr ho hI jFdf hY ik brP qoN bfad TMzI hvf cl jFdI hY qy brP jMm ky pwQr bx jFdI hY, ievyN hI hoieaf. qfpmfn mnPI qoN hyTF jf puwjf. muwK sVkF qF kONsl dy trwkF ny girwt iCVk ky cldIaF kr leIaF pr PuwtpfQF ‘qy brP AuvyN hI peI rhI. lMGdy lok iqlk iqlk jFdy. bhuq iDafn nfl qurnf pYNdf. lyatn ston dy aMzrgrfAUNz stysLn ivcoN surjn inkilaf qF hnyrf zUMGf ho cuwikaf sI. aijhy brPIly idnF ivc qF sfrf idn hI hnyrf ijhf rihMdf. surjn boc boc ky pYr rwKdf qur irhf sI. pMj imMt dy rsqy nUM pMdrF imMt lg jfxy sn. hfeI roz ‘qy afieaf qF musLqfk ny hlfl mIt dI dukfn ivcoN avfjL mfrI, “srdfr jI, afE, cfh pINdy jfE, TMz jfn kwZI jFdI sU.” surjn dukfn aMdr lMG igaf qy rfjLI KusLI puwC ky agy qur ipaf. musLqfk muhMmd ny nvIN nvIN dukfn KohlI sI ies leI dysI lokF nUM dUroN hI sfb-slfm krdf. surjn vI ieQoN hI mIt KrIidaf krdf. pihlIaF ivc lfjvMqI mIt nUM hwQ qk nhIN sI lfAuNdI pr hux bxfAux lg peI sI. bnfrsI dfs mIt KFdf sI ies leI lfjvMqI nUM bdlxf ipaf sI. avqfr ny qur iPr ky mIt bxfAux isKy hoey qrIky lfjvMqI nUM isKf idqy sn. surjn ny Gr puwj ky afpxy cmVy dy Bfry bUt drvfjLy dy bfhr hI JfVy pr brP qy gfrf ievyN cuMbiVaf ipaf sI ik Auqrn df nF nhIN sI lY irhf. Aus ny drvfjLf Kohilaf qy bUtF nUM iek pfsy ievyN Auqfr idqf ik iehnF df gMd aMdr nf jfvy. Gr ivclf inwG ijvyN Bwj ky Aus nUM imilaf hovy. aMdr qyl vflf hItr cwl irhf sI ies leI qyl dI hlkI ijhI gMD vI iKlrI peI sI. Aus nUM dyKidaF hI lfjvMqI afpxI mhIn ijhI avfjL nfl rsoeI ivcoN bolI, “Brf jI, cfh bxI hoeI aY, lYNdy jfvo.” surjn ny rsoeI ivc jf ky lfjvMqI df DMnvfd kridaF cfh df kwp PV ilaf. muwK drvfjLy dy ipwCy hI tYlIPon vflf bYNc ipaf sI. AuQy hI sB dI rojLfnf zfk vI peI huMdI. surjn dIaF do icwTIaF peIaF sn, qkrIbn ieko ijhI ilKfeI vflIaF. Auh icwTIaF dyKdf qy cfh dy Guwt Brdf afpxy kmry ivc af igaf. XfdF dI hlkI ijhI tIs Aus dI CfqI ivc tihlx lgI. iek icwTI vwzI DI guirMdr dI sI aqy dUjI CotI blijMdr dI. Aus ny pihlF blijMdr dI icwTI KohlI. Aus ny vwzI dIaF isLkfieqF lfeIaF hoeIaF sn ik ijvyN pihlF Auh dovyN awDI awDI icwTI iliKaf krdIaF sn ies vfr guirMdr ny Aus nUM ilKx nhIN sI idqI, ies leI Auhny vwKrI afpxI icwTI ilKI sI. donF ny hI inwq skUl dIaF inkIaF inkIaF gwlF ilKIaF hoeIaF sn. aMq ivc donF ny hI iliKaf sI ik AuhnF nUM pYsy iblkul nhIN cfhIdy ies leI jldI qoN jldI Auh vfps af jfvy. Aus nUM KusLI ho rhI sI ik DIaF icwTI ilKx jogIaF ho geIaF sn. pfsLI qF anpVH rih geI sI. Aus df jnm pfiksqfn df sI, Aus pfsy kuVIaF nUM pVHfAux df irvfjL nhIN sI, jd Auh ies pfsy dy pMjfb ivc afey qF pfsLI dI Aumr skUl jfx qoN twp cuwkI sI. hux DIaF afpxI mF dI Gft nUM pUrf kr

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rhIaF sn. pihlF Auh srdUl nUM icwTI ilKdf sI, Aus rfhIN hI pfsLI nUM sunyhy idqy huMdy pr iPr guirMdr icwTI ilKx lg peI sI. guirMdr afp Kud Aus nUM muKfqb ho ky icwTI ilKdI; ipafry zYzI jI[[[. icwTIaF iek pfsy rwK Auh ikDry dUr jf pwujf. socx ligaf ik guirMdr ikwzI ku ho geI hovygI. pMdrF sfl dI kuVI qF Br muitafr huMdI hY. Auh vI jLrUr pfsLI ijwzI ho geI hovygI. Auhdy vrgI hI pqlI ijhI, subk ijhI. jd Aus ny pfsLI nUM pihlI vfr dyiKaf sI qF aijhI hI sI. pfsL qF ieMny inafxy jMm ky vI motI nhIN sI hoeI, sLfied afKrI bwcy vyly ho geI hovy. iehnF sflF ivc bwicaF dI koeI Poto vI qF nhIN sI afeI ik dyK sky ik ikho ijhIaF lgdIaF hn Aus dIaF DIaF. blijMdr qyrF dI, Aus qoN do sfl CotI suirMdr. suirMdr qoN bfad muMzf hoieaf sI pr bc nhIN sI sikaf. jnm vyly hI koeI aOhV pY geI sI. muMzf Bfldy Bfldy suKvIr af geI. iek hor Xqn mfiraf qF rxjIq. pihlF pihl Aus nUM afpxy afp Aupr bhuq guwsf afAuNdf ik do bwicaF bfad bs ikAuN nhIN kIqI, aYzI vwzI lfeIn ikAuN lgf leI iPr Aus nUM lgdf ik puwq dI BuwK Aus dy aMdr vI ikDry peI sI, ijhVI AuhnUM sMskfrF ivcoN hI imlI sI. smfj ivc muMzf vfrs vI bxdf hY qy zMgorI vI qy smfj dy mfVy ansrF qoN rwiKak vI. hux Aus nUM nf kdy muMzf nf hox df duwK sI qy nf hI pMj DIaF df pCqfvf. bwcIaF qy pfsLI df cyqf afAuNidaF hI Auh socx ligaf ik hux vfps muVn df vkq ho igaf hY. pMj sfl hox hI vfly sn pr Auh afpxy insLfny qoN bhuq dUr sI. iek lwK qF kI kuJ vI nhIN sI juiVaf. sB nfl dI nfl vrq ho igaf sI. hF, Aus ny do Kyq jLrUr lY ley sn. ijhVf Gr srdUl ny pfsLI nUM bxf ky idqf sI Aus dy pYsy vI Auqfr idqy sn qy Aus jgfh dI kImq vI lfh idqI sI. surjn nUM pqf sI ik Aus ny hux cwk jf nhIN skxf. ijhVf Aus dy ihwsy vflI jgfh sI Aus Aupr vI inrml ny kbjLf kr ilaf hoieaf sI. aijhIaF gwlf jd kdy vI Auh socx bihMdf qF Aus dI pUrI rfq jfgidaF inkl jFdI. afpxIaF DIaF ivc Kq ilKx Kfqr cldI qkrfr bfry jd Aus ny amFzf nUM disaf qF Auh KusL huMdI bolI, “srj, qUM bhuq KusLiksmq bfp aYN, hfly qF qyrIaF DIaF CotIaF aYN, dyKI jd vwzIaF hoeIaF qF qYnUM ikMnf ipafr krngIaF, qyrI dunIaF bhuq hI KUbsUrq hovygI.” arjn isMG ny eIst hYm Gr ilaf qF gurnfm Aus nfl hI cly igaf sI. iPr gurnfm AuQy vI nf irhf qy sfAUQfl jf visaf. sfAUQfl hux dysI bMdy bhuq igxqI ivc ho gey sn. ieMzIan vrkr asOsIeysLn iek vwzI sMsQf dy rUp ivc sfhmxy af geI sI ijs ny rfjnIqk sGMrsL krny sLurU kr idqy sn. iesy kfrn isafsI mws rwKx vfly lokF nUM ieMglYNz afAux df mjLf afAux ligaf sI. bhuq sfry lokF dy pMj sfl vfly insLfny lMmy pY gey sn. ipCl-Jfk Kqm krn leI lokF ny twbr swdxy sLurU kr idqy sn. gurnfm sfAUQfl igaf qF Aus dy irsLqydfrF ny mwlomwlI Aus dy twbr dy pypr iBjvf idqy qF jo Auh ieQy af jfx. gurnfm ny Gr vI KrId ilaf. ruafiel zIn ivc Evr tfeIm hI ieMnf imldf sI ik iblizMg susfietIaF sihjy hI mOtrgyj dy idMdIaF. cmn lfl ny vI Gr lY ilaf qy Auh afpxf twbr lYx ieMzIaf jf irhf sI. Auh surjn nUM keI vfr kih cuikaf sI ik sfAUQfl af jfvy. sfAUQfl idno idn srgrmIaF df gVH bx irhf sI. gurdvfry KVHy ho rhy sn. mMdr Ausr rhy sn. isnmy sn. nvIN qoN nvIN iPlm lgx lgI sI. koeI nf koeI iPlmI hsqI sfAUQfl afeI hI rihMdI. ieMzIaf dy bhuq sfry lIzr lok vI sfAUQfl af ky hfjLrI lgvfAuNdy. ies dy mukfbly eIst lMzn TMzf sI. isrP iek hI gurdvfrf sI qy ieko mMdr qy iek msjd. isafsI srgrmIaF nf-brfbr sn. kuJ vI hovy surjn df idl eIst lMzn ivc hI lg igaf. ieho ielfkf Aus dy myc af igaf sI. ruafiel zIn jfx leI lyatn qoN iswDI itAUb vI jFdI sI qy bws vI. kyNdrI lMzn vI ieQoN nyVy sI. sfAUQfl qoN kuJ vI iswDf kyNdrI lMzn jF ruafiel zIn nUM nhIN sI afAuNdf. AuQoN lok kfrF ivc hI ruafiel zIn afAuNdy sn. cfr pMj rlL ky kfr sFJI krdy jo ik surjn nUM psMd nhIN

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sI. gwzI ivc iekwilaF sPr krn ivc afpxI ajLfdI huMdI. sPr kridaF kuJ nf kuJ pVHn df vkq vI iml jfdf. Auh bnfrsI dfs dy Gr ivc rihMdf sI qy aijhf pirvfrk mhOl Aus nUM ikDry hor nhIN sI iml skxf. lfjvMqI Aus dI rotI bxf idMdI. hux lFzrI ivcoN Aus dy kpVy vI Duaf ilaFAuNdI sI. bnfrsI dfs vI nhIN sI cfhuMdf ik surjn Aus dy GroN jfvy. Aus dI sfrI kfgjLI kfrvfeI surjn dy ijLMmy hI sI. BfvyN hux lfjvMqI kfPI kuJ isK geI hoeI sI pr bnfrsI dfs nUM surjn ‘qy hI XkIn sI. hfrvy roz ‘qy sB kuJ TIk hI nhIN sI. ies roz Aupr kuJ nslvfdI lok vI rihMdy sn. iehnF lokF ny kfly rMg dy lokF nUM qMg krnf sLurU kr idqf hoieaf sI. bnfrsI dfs jF ijhVy iek do hor pirvfr ieQy rihMdy sn, AuhnF nUM nslvfdIaF nfl inrMqr jUJxf pY irhf sI. kuJ Gr Cwz ky iek gorf rihMdf sI jo AuhnF nUM dyKdy hI buV buV krn lgdf. sfhmxy hI rihMdI iek aOrq hr vyly koeI nf koeI nslvfdI avfjLf kws jFdI. roz dy aKIr ivc iek sikMn hYWz muMzf vI rihMdf sI, Auh vI gfhy-vgfhy gflLF kwZx lgdf qy zr vI bixaF rihMdf ik kdI AuhnF Aupr hmlf vI kr skdf hY. avqfr nUM kfr KVHI krn ivc vI iesy kfrn keI vfr idwkq pysL afAuNdI. iek idn isLvrfj kihx ligaf, “Xfr surjn, ieQy afh sflLf pMgf ipaf hI rihMdf. cwl mUv ho jfeIey, arjn kol rUm vI KflI hYgy.” “smwisaf qoN Bwjxf smwisaf df hwl nhIN. aijhy nslvfdI qF hr moV ‘qy imlL jfxgy, ies leI iehnF df sfhmxf krnf cfhIdY, [[[srIrk qOr ‘qy vI qy kfnUMnI qOr ‘qy vI. [[[zr gey qF ieh hfvI ho jfxgy.” surjn ny idRVqf nfl ikhf. nslvfd dy mfmly ivc Aus nUM hornF nfloN iqwKy qjrby ho rhy sn. iek qF rMg kflf qy dUjf isr ‘qy pwg. bhuq sfry lokF df pwgF Auqfr mfrn df kfrn hI dohrf nslvfd sI. pwg vfly bMdy nUM dyK ky koeI gorf puwCx lgdf ik kI Aus df isr duKdf hY ijhVf ieh bMinaF hoieaf. koeI puwCdf ik ies pwg hyT ikhVf KjLfnf dbfieaf hoieaf hY. Cokry ijhy aijhy totky Cwz ky Bwj jFdy pr surjn nUM ies dy mukfbly siqkfr dyx vfly bhuqy aMgryjL imldy. purfxy aMgryjL donF ivsLv-XuwDF ivc isKF dI bhfdrI dy ikwisaF nUM jfxdy sn. eysLIan qy aPrIkn lokF Aupr iewkf-duwkf ijxsI hmly huMdy hI rihMdy sn. iehnF hmilaF dy iKlfP jQybMdIaF vI bxIaF hoeIaF sn. iehnF iKlfP mujLfhry vI huMdy, aKbfrF ivc lyK vI Cpdy. pUrbI lMzn vYsy hI nslvfdI igixaF jFdf sI. musLqfk muhMmd dI dukfn dy sLIsLy do vfr BMny jf cuwky sn. nslvfdI vfrdfq kr ky Bwj jFdy sn. pulIs vI bhuqf kuJ nhIN sI krdI. svfsiqkf dy insLfn QF-QF bxfey huMdy ijhVf ik nfjLIvfd df icMn sI. BfvyN nfjLIvfd dy iKlfP bhuq mjLbUq jQybMdIaF bxIaF hoeIaF sn pr iPr vI nslvfdI koeI nf koeI kfrf kr hI jFdy. surjn iksy jQybMdI df mYNbr nhIN sI pr ijQy ikqy vI Gtnf vfprdI qy Aus kol vkq huMdf qF jLrUr phuMcdf. Aus idn Auh musLqfk dI dukfn ‘qy puwj ky Aus nUM boilaf, “BfeI jfn, GbrfAux dI koeI loV nhIN qy nf hI zrn dI. afpF koeI kmjLor lok nhIN hF blik kmjLor lok qF mfeIgryt kr hI nhIN skdy, ievyN kfrobfr Kohl ky nhIN bYT skdy. afpF nUM strONg bx ky iehnF nslvfdIaF nUM hrfAux dI loV aY.” iek duiphr avqfr af igaf. glL ivc bYg qy hwQ ivc atYcI. meI df mhInf sI. TMz hOlI hOlI jf rhI sI. sB qoN pihlF qF Aus ny afpxI kfr nUM inhfiraf. kfr AuvyN dI AvyN KVI sI, DUV nfl bysLwk BrI hoeI sI. Aus ny GMtI kIqI qF lfjvMqI ny hI drvfjLf Kohilaf. Auh grBvqI sI, idn puwgx vfly sn. Aus ny avqfr nUM bVy ipafr nfl aMdr bYTfieaf qy hOlI hOlI rsoeI ivc jf cfh bxf ilafeI. avqfr dy kol bihMdI puwCx lgI, “BfjI, eyny idn ikQy rhy? [[[ieh quhfzf iPkr krdy sI.” “aMkl nUM rUm dI vwrI hoxI aF. ikrfieaf ijAuN nhIN sI iml irhf.”

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cfh df Gwut Brdf avqfr hwisaf. lfjvMqI jLrf ku sLrimMdI huMdI bolI, “rUm nfloN quhfzI ijLafdf vwrI sI, mhIny leI gey cfr lf ky muVy E, [[[hfly rfqIN eI quhfzIaF gwlF huMdIaF sI. [[[sB TIk irhf nf? ikQy rhy eyny idn?” “iqMny mhIny bMby irhF aYktr bxn leI, rwj ky Dwky KfDy. jd pYsy muwk gey qF ipMz cly igaf. ipzoN Gr dy vfps nf afAux dyx, aKy jy pYsy nhIN bcfAuxy qF ieMglYNz kI krn jfxF, [[[bVI musLkl nfl afieaF.” “bMby iPlmF ‘c gey sI?” “AuQy eI hIro bxn dy cwkr ivc.” “mInf kumfrI dyKI sI? DrimMdr ikwdF df lgdY? hor ikhnUM dyiKaf?” “mYN sB nUM eI dyiKaf, sfDfrn ijhy pIpl af, sfzy vrgy eI, keI qF sfzy qoN vI gey gujLry. AuQy qF sVkF ‘qy Dwky KFdy iPrdy af.” “sfzy ipMz df vI iek muMzf aYktr bxn igaf sI, ivcfrf bVy mfVy hflIN muiVaf, sfrf ipMz CyVnoN nf hty.” “muiVaf qF mYN vI cMgy hflIN nhIN pr ieQoN pYsy ly igaf sI qy cIp ijhy hotl ‘c rih ky gujLfrf kr ilaf pr Pyr vI bhuq bury idn dyKy mYN. iek stUizE qoN dUjy stUizE pr gwl nhIN bxI. hIro qF kI aYkstrf df vI cFs nhIN ligaf.” “eyhdf mqlb aYktr bxnf bhuq aOKf.” “hF, kIlf qkVf cfhIdY jF koeI Tos vfkPI. [[[ieQ y rfjkpUr afieaf qF kihMdf sI ik bMby afeIey, AuQy sfly ny imlxoN vI nFh kr ‘qI.” avqfr hfrI hoeI avfjL ivc afpxI iviQaf ds irhf sI. cfh pI ky Auh afpxy kmry ivc cly igaf. Aus df kmrf AuvyN hI sI ijs qrFH Auh Cwz ky igaf sI. sPfeI kIqI hoeI sI. Aus dI typ, klOk qy hor inwk-suwk afpo afpxI QfvyN pey sn. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik bnfrsI dfs QoVy kIqy Aus df kmrf iksy hor nUM ikrfey ‘qy nhIN dyvygf. vYsy qF avqfr nUM kmiraF df Gftf nhIN sI. GuMmx iPrn df suBfa hox krky lMzn dy hr ihwsy ivc Aus dy dosq sn pr jo suwK Aus nUM ies Gr ivc sI ikqy hor nhIN sI iml skxf. PurqIly ijhy srIr qy lMmy kwd vflf sI avqfr. Aus dI idwK vI aYktrF vflI sI. Auh hr vyly iqafr br iqafr ho ky rihMdf. tfeI-sUt, pflsL kIqy bUt, jybH ivc kMGI. Aus df rMg pwkf sI qy nwk dI krUMbl vI kuJ motI sI pr iPr vI sjdf sI. Auh iksy vI gwl nUM gMBIrqf nfl nhIN sI lYNdf. jdoN bMbeI qoN aYktrF ny ieMglYNz afAuxf sLurU kIqf qy Aus df AuhnF nfl vfh pYx ligaf qF Aus ny aYktr bxn dy suPny pYxy sLurU kr idqy sn. Aus df iek dosq sI AuNkfr. AuNkfr hMslo rihMdf sI, Auh ieDr afey aYktrF nUM sMBflx vflI kmytI df mYNbr sI. AuNkfr nfl hI avqfr nUM aYktrF nUM nyiVEN dyKx df qy imlx df mOkf imilaf sI qy AuhnF df glYmr dyKdf bMbeI Bwj quiraf sI. bnfrsI dfs kMm qoN muiVaf qF avqfr dI kfr gfieb dyK ky Aus dy KfinEN geI. Auh kfhlI nfl aMdr igaf qy pqnI nUM avfjL dy ky boilaf, “lfjo, kfr koeI lY igaf.” “jI, avqfr BfjI af igaf, do GMty lf ky Auhny eI kfr stfRt kIqI qy hux ikqy igaf.” lfjvMqI dI gwl sux ky bnfrsI dfs dy sfh ivc sfh afieaf. iek ajIb ijhI KusLI vI cmkI. ijQy Aus avqfr dy nf-muVn kfrn kmry KflI pey hox krky aOKf sI AuQy Aus dy hor vI keI kMm musLkl hoey pey sn. avqfr afpxI kfr ivc Gr dy keI kMm kr idMdf sI. hux lfjvMqI dI ishq kfrn qF Aus dI bhuq loV sI. avqfr vI Aus nUM aMkl jI, aMkl jI bol ky KusL rwKdf sI. jFdf hoieaf Auh kfr dIaF cfbIaF Aus nUM dy igaf sI qy nfl ieh vI kih igaf sI, “lE aMkl jI, hux kfr nUM ijwdF mrjLI vrqo, ikqy jfxf hovy qF jfE, [[[surjn BfjI nUM vI cfhIdI hovy qF lY jfieaf krn.”

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bnfrsI dfs nUM kfr afAuNdI nhIN sI. surjn qy isLvrfj ny vI kdy nf clfeI. iPr ieMsLoarYNs qy roz tYks Kqm ho jfx kfrn iksy ny loV vI nf smJI. avqfr nhf ky iqafr ho igaf. ieMny icr ivc lfjvMqI ny Kfxf iqafr kr idqf. avqfr ny ikhf, “aMtI jI, qusIN ieh kI kIqf, quhfzy arfm krn dy idn aYN, eynI qklIP ikAuN!” lfjvMqI ny kuJ khy ibnF Kfxf myjL ‘qy rwK idqf. afpxI Aumr dI aOrq nUM aMtI kihxf Aus nUM bhuq burf lgdf sI pr irsLqf hI aijhf bx igaf sI. awj Aus nUM lfjvMqI bhuq suhxI lg rhI sI, BrI BrI. grBvqI hox krky Aus dy ichry dIaF KflI jgfvF Aupr vI mfs af igaf sI. rMg vI kuJ inwKiraf hoieaf sI. rotI Kf ky Auh kfr duafly ho igaf. qyl-pfxI cYWk kIqf. KVI rihx krky bYtrI PlYt ho geI sI. Aus ny bUt ivcoN jMp-lIzF kwZIaF qF jo jMp-stfRt iml sky. afAuNdI jFdI kfr nUM hwQ dyx ligaf. kuJ kfrF lMG jfx qoN bfad iek gory ny kfr rokI qy Aus dI kfr cflU krf idqI. avqfr ny dyiKaf ik aflzgyt jfx jogf pYtrol kfr ivc hYgf sI. aflzgyt ivc kpVy dIaF ikMnIaF hI PYktrIaF sn. Auh iswDf ‘vYlntfeIn’ dy dPqr igaf. ieQy df PormYn kirs Aus df vfhvf vfkP sI. Auh Aus nfl KulH ky gwl kr skdf sI. dPqr ivc jf ky pqf cilaf ik kirs qF awj CuwtI Aupr sI. Aus ny soicaf ik ikAuN nf ‘ivrk aYNz ko’ vfilaF nUM jf puwCy jF iPr cwZy nUM. sfry hI Aus nUM hfkF mfiraf krdy sn. Aus nUM ieh qF pqf sI ik kMm Aus nUM iml hI jfxf hY pr Aus nUM qF aYzvFs cfhIdf sI. Auh ieMzIaf qoN iblkul KflI muiVaf sI. afpxy bMidaF qoN AuDfr mMgx dI Aus dI ihMmq nhIN sI pY rhI, BfvyN ieh Aus dI qnKfh df aYzvFs hI hoxf sI. ies qrFH pYsy mMg skx dI ihMmq huMdI qF Auh lfjvMqI qoN hI mMg lYNdf. ‘vYlntfeIn’ grIk Prm sI qy PormYn kirs Aus dy nyVy. Aus duicwqI ivc bfhr inkl afieaf. bfhr sfhmxy aYntonIE quiraf af irhf sI. aYntoinE ies Prm ivc ihwsydfr sI. avqfr nUM dyK Auh KusL huMdf boilaf, “tYrI, lONg tfeIm no sI!” “hF aYntonIE, ieMzIaf igaf sI, awj eI aieaf, [[[kirs nUM imlxf sI.” “kMm ‘qy afAuxf cfhuMnYN qF af jf pr jy itk ky kMm krnf qF, ipClI vfr vFg nhIN.” “aYntonIE, ijMnI dyr grl PrYSz nhIN imldI EnI dyr qk qy itkFgf hI pr iPr vI noits dy ky jfvFgf.” kih ky avqfr hwisaf qy nfl hI aYntoinE vI. ipClI vfr Auh ieQy hI kMm krdf sI qF iek nvIN shylI iml geI qy Auh ibnF iksy nUM dwsy AuhnUM lY ky XOrp dI sYr ‘qy cly igaf sI. aYntonIE ny Aus nUM somvfr qoN kMm ‘qy af jfx leI kih idqf. jd Auh jfx ligaf qF avqfr boilaf, “gvnf, awj eI CuwtIaF qoN afieaF, jybH KflI aY, kuJ aYzvFs cfhIdY.” Aus ny Aus nUM kYsLIar pfsoN pMdrF pONz dvf idqy. pYsy ly ky avqfr ny afpxI kfr df ruwK hMslo lv df kr ilaf. Auh AuNkfr nUM imlx leI Auqfvlf sI. bMbeI ivc afpxy nfl hoeI-bIqI Aus nfl sFJI krnI cfhuMdf sI. isLvrfj qy surjn kol hux afpo afpxy kmry sn. Auh iek dUjy nUM bhuq Gwt imldy. isLPtF hI aijhIaF sn. isLvrfj dI qF CwutI vI cldy hPqy ivc huMdI. surjn dI isLPt iek sfr cldI. lyt isLPt ivc muhr EvrtfeIm lg jFdf qy arlI isLPt ivc aKIr qy cfr GMty Evr tfeIm huMdf. jy koeI CotI isLPt hMudI qF Auh amFzf vl cly jFdf. so Auh kdy kdfeIN hI imldy. iek idn lfjvMqI surjn nUM bolI, “isLvrfj BfjI dI awj CwutI aY pr bhuq Audfs ids rhy sI.” “kI gwl ho geI?”

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“lgdf ik ieMzIaf qoN icwTI afeI aY.” surjn ny isLvrfj dy kmry df drvfjLf jf KVkfieaf. Auh jfgdf hI ipaf sI. surjn ny puwiCaf, “KwtI zupwtI lY ky ipaYN, suwK qF hY?” “kfhnUM Xfr, vfeIP dI icwTI afeI aY, bVf muMzf qMg krdf.” “kI kihMdf?” “pVHnoN ht igaf, kihMdf KyqI krnI aF.” “qyry qoN muMzf Ault inkilaf, qUM KyqI qoN zrdf mfstr bixaF sI qy Auh pVHfeI qoN zrdf KyqI krnI cfhuMdf.” “kihMdf trYktr lY ky idE, ruws ky nfnkIN bYTf.” “awCf! ikMny sflF df ho igaf?” “hYgf qF hfly pMdrF df eI aY pr huMdV-hyl aY, mfimaF ‘qy igaf. [[[vfeIP ny iliKaY beI kihxy ‘c iblkul neIN, jldI afE, ikqy hwQoN eI nf inkl jfey.” isLvrfj bhuq iPkrvMd sI. surjn nUM vI ies gwl dI icMqf hox lgI. isLvrfj iPr boilaf, “mYN qF socdf sI beI pMj nf lgy qF Cy lf lvFgy qy lwK ho jfAU pr hux mn kfhlLf pY irhY.” isLvrfj ny bfkIaF qoN Ault Gr nUM pYsy Gwt Byjy sn, ieQy hI joVdf irhf sI pr iek lwK iPr vI nhIN sI hoieaf. isLvrfj df mn kfhlf dyK ky surjn nUM vI ligaf ik ieMzIaf jf afAuxf cfhIdf hY qy muV ky af ky hor sfl nhIN qF do sfl lf lvy. ijs idn df arjn isMG df twbr ieQy phuMicaf hoieaf sI hr iek dI soc bxlx lg peI sI. jd arjn isMG afpxy twbr nUM swdx leI pypr iqafr kr irhf sI qF isLvrfj ny ikhf sI, “afpF qF goiraF dIaF gflHF KfxIaF eI sI, qUM gflHF leI inafxy vI swd irhYN.” “myrI prOblm ieh af beI jy mYN jwk-oqwkI ivc irhf qF myry bVy muMzy dI Aumr twp jfxI aF, Auhny nf ieDr jogf rihxf qy nf EDr jogf.” Aus dI gwl isLvrfj nUM vjLndfr lwgI sI qy surjn nUM vI. Aus dovyN vI ievyN hI socx lgy sn ik jy bwcy swdxy hI hn qF AuhnF nUM bflg hox qoN pihlF pihlF bulf lvo qF jo kfnUMnI qOr qy af skx. surjn socx lgdf ik Aus dy qF hYn vI kuVIaF hI, Aus nUM sfrI gwl nUM iDafn nfl soc lYxf cfhIdf hY qF jo bfad ivc koeI musLkl nf KVI hovy.

awT amFzf nUM pYdl qurn df bhuq sLOk sI. lMzn dy qurn rsiqaF df Aus ny nksLf KrIidaf hoieaf sI. surjn nUM imlx qoN pihlF Auh iekwlI hI qurn inkl jfieaf krdI sI. iek vfr iksy bdmfsL ny Aus df ipwCf krnf sLurU kr idqf qF Aus ny qurnf Cwz idqf sI. iPr Aus ny soicaf ik alsLysLn kuwqf rwK lvy qy qurn jfieaf kry pr Aus df PlYt Cotf hI sI qy AuQy kuwqf rwKx dI iejfjLq vI nhIN sI. surjn nfl imlx qy Aus nUM qurn df sLONk muV qMg krn ligaf. pYdl qurnf qF surjn nUM vI cMgf lgdf bsLrqy ik mOsm cMgf hovy. amFzf nUM surjn df hr vyly kMm ivc Psy rihxf cMgf nhIN sI lgdf. ijs idn AuhnF qurn jfxf huMdf qF amFzf surjn dI imwQI jgfh qy puwj jFdI. lyt vI inkldy qF sihjy hI swq awT mIl qur lYNdy. surjn qurn leI Kfs kpVy jF juwqI nf pihndf pr amFzf ny qurn vflI pUrI ikwt rwKI hoeI sI; Kfs bUt-

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trynrjL, jOigMg sUt qy ipwT ipwCy rYk-sYk. surjn nUM amFzf dI ipwT Aupr tMgI ijhI zwgI ijhI cMgI nf lgdI qy ies nUM lY ky mjLfk vI krn lgdf. ies ivc aYmrjYNsI vyly vriqaf jfx vflf smfn huMdf sI ijs qoN ibnF sr skdf huMdf pr amFzf nfl lY ky cldI. surjn ies nUM nf-psMd krdf qF Auh afKdI, “hr kMm dy kuJ asUl huMdy af, qurn dy, dOVn dy, phfVF ‘qy cVHn dy, myry dysL df ieho irvfjL aY, qyry dysL ivc kI aijhf nhIN?” “nhIN, asIN qF hlH dy mgr keI keI mIl nMgy pYrIN clx dy afdI huMdy aF.” “iPr eydF krdy aF ik qUM afpxy mulk df irvfj mMnI jf qy mYnUM afpxy df mMnI jfx dy.” ies gwl ‘qy Auh dovyN hws pYNdy. surjn nUM amFzf dI iek gwl hor cMgI nhIN sI lgdI ik jykr Aus kol vkq huMdf qF Auh qurdI hoeI ruafiel zIn hI puwj jFdI. BfvyN Auh Ehly ijhy ivc KVH ky surjn dI AuzIk krdI pr surjn iKJx lgdf. amFzf kihMdI, “srj, jdoN mYN qYnUM afpxy dosqF nfl imlf skdI aF, myry kMm ‘qy af skdf eyN, qUM ikAuN nhIN ievyN kr skdf!” “mYNzI, qUM nhIN jfxdI, myry lok hfly vI ieMzIaf ivc hI ijAuNdy af, AuhnF dy ijsm eI lMzn ivc aY, rUh AuhnF dI Ausy ipCVy hoey ipMz ivc bYTI aY.” “hox pey, kI kr lYxgy ieh?” “ieh sfrI Kbr myry ipMz qk phuMcdI kr dyxgy.” “zrpok ikqoN df!” “eys mfmly ivc mYN zrpok eI TIk aF.” surjn guwsy ivc afAuNdf cuwp kr jFdf. amFzf Aus nUM mnfAuNdI hoeI ‘sOrI’ mMgdI pr aglI vfr iPr af jFdI AuhnF idnF ivc isqfr vfdk rvI sLMkr df ruafiel albrt hfl ivc progrfm sI. amFzf nUM pqf ligaf qF Aus ny iek dm itktF buwk krf leIaF. surjn vI aijhf mOkf AuzIk irhf sI. Aus ny vI rvI sLMkr bfry bhuq kuJ sux rwiKaf sI. AuhnF progrfm dyiKaf. vfps afAux leI jd itAUb ivc cVHy qF sfhmxy cmn lfl gwzI dI AuzIk krdf iml ipaf. hux nf surjn pfsf vwtx jogf sI qy nf hI agFh jfx jogf. cmn lfl vI surjn nfl aOrq dyK ky Bocwkf rih igaf. surjn Aus vl viDaf qy amFzf df Aus nfl quafrP krfAx ligaf. amFzf ny Aus nfl hwQ imlfieaf. cmn lfl vUilc qoN iksy nUM iml ky af irhf sI. Aus nUM pihlF hI sLwk sI ik ikDry kuJ hY jLrUr. AuhnF iekwiTaF gwzI PVI. cmn lfl ny eIilMg jfxf sI ijQoN agy sfAUQfl leI bws lYxI sI. AuhnF ivckfr kuJ srsrI ijhIaF gwlF hoeIaF. surjn qy amFzf sLYPRz buwsL cmn lfl nUM alivdf kihMdy Auqr gey. agly idn cmn lfl Aus nUM kMm ‘qy imilaf pr Aus ny ievyN vrqfv kIqf ijvyN kwlH imilaf hI nf hovy. surjn vI cuwp irhf, nhIN qF Auh afpxI sPfeI ivc kuJ kihxf cfhuMdf sI qy Aus nUM afpxf mUMh bMd rwKx leI vI kihx cfhuMdf sI. agsq df mhInf. ies vfr grmI dI rwuq ieMnI vDIaf lgI ik gory KusL hovy iPrdy sn. sB dIaF qswlIaF ho geIaF sn. Duwp leI qrsdy gory kfvF vFg sfh lYx lgy. icVIaF dy KMB Kohlx vFg bfhF Kohl-Kohl qurdy. agsq dy aKIr ivc vI ruwq pUry jobn ‘qy sI. amFzf qy surjn rIjYNt pfrk ivc PuwlF ivckfr bYTy sn. mOsm nfl PuwlF dI tihk mwDm pYxI sLurU ho cuwkI sI. ieh pihlF ijhIaF afvfjLF nhIN sn mfrdy nhIN qF iehnF PuwlF ny sfrIaF grmIaF hI amFzf qy surjn df bhuq sfQ idqf sI. ijvyN ijvyN Auh iek dUjy df hwQ Cwzx dy smyN vl qur rhy sn, PuwlF dI ruwq vI ievyN hI AuhnF qoN dUr jf rhI sI. amFzf keI vfr Audfs ho jFdI qy kihx lgdI,

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“srj, kI ieh Puwl sfnUM cyqy rwKxgy? [[[kdy muV asIN iml skFgy?” surjn cuwtkI vjf ky nwk dI syDy AuNgl df qIr mfrdf kihMdf, “no XU trn, amFzf!” surjn df ieh ijvyN Kfs sLbd sI. jd vI amFzf Audfs huMdI jF ipwCy nUM JfkdI qF surjn ievyN hI krdf, Aus nUM kihMdf ik ijLMdgI isrP isDI cldI hY kdy ipwCy nUM nhIN muVdI. cuwtkI vjf ky ievyN AuNgl mfrn dI Aus dI purfxI afdq sI ijhVI ieMglYNz af ky Buwl geI sI. amFzf dy sfQ ivc ieh afdq hrI hoeI sI, suwkI vyl hrI hox vFg. Auh aksr kihMdf, “mYNzI, Audfs hox dI loV nhIN, qUM afp hI qF kihMdI huMnI aYN ik afpF ieko idsLf vl jf rhy musfiPr aF, hux idsLf bdl rhI aY ikAuNik sfzI mMjLl alwg aY.” “TIk aY srj pr ieh ieko idsLf vflf sPr jLrf lMmf ho igaY qy sfnUM joV igaY, tuwtxf musLkl ho irhY.” “ieh sB vI TIk aY pr dyK sfnUM koeI hor vI hfkF mfr irhY, qYnUM qyrf jOrj, qyrf jUnIar jOrj, qyrf Pfrm, qyrf mulk, [[[mYnUM vI pfsLI, myrIaF DIaF.” “Auh vI swc aY srj qy JUT ieh vI nhIN.” “dovyN swc nfl nfl qurngy, qurI jfx idE.” “astrylIaf afvyNgf nf?” “nhIN, mYN nhIN af skxf, [[[pqf nhIN hux kI hoeygf, sLfied lMzn hI myrI hoxI aYN pr qUM lMzn jLrUr afeIN, afpxy puriKaF dIaF kbrF ‘qy Puwl vI qF cVHfAuxy hoxgy.” “pUrI koisLsL krFgI.” kihMdI amFzf ny awKF Br leIaF. hry rMg dIaF awKF ivc hMJU hor vI rMgdfr lg rhy sn. surjn ny iPr cuwtkI vjf ky AuNgl df qIr mfiraf qy Aus nUM bfhF ivc lY ilaf.[[[ akqUbr dy mhIny dIaF itktF AuhnF buwk krf leIaF. amFzf cfhuMdI sI ik Auh idwlI qk iekwTy jfx pr Aus nUM bMbeI rukx vfly jhfjL dI itkt iml rhI sI. idwlI vflf jhfjL lYxf sI qF nvMbr qk AuzIkxf pYxf sI pr surjn dIaF CwutIaF akqUbr ivc hI inrDfrq sn iPr iesy mhIny idvflI vI sI qy ieh idn Auh afpxy pirvfr nfl gujLfrnf cfhuMdf sI. socidaF kridaF amFzf ny surjn qoN do idn pihlF dI sIt buwk krf leI. Auh zrdI sI ik surjn qoN ibnF Auh lMzn dI iekwl ivc iGr jfvygI. surjn ibnF hux Auh lMzn rihxf ikafs vI nhIN sI kr skdI. Aus dy mn ivc ajIb ijhy ivcfr afey ik Aus ny afpxI sIt brfsqf amrIkf buwk krf leI jo ik lMmyrI vI sI qy mihMgI vI pr amFzf nUM ieho psMd sI. amFzf ny cfeIN cfeIN surjn nfl sfrI sLOipMg krfeI. Aus dI DI dI Aumr puwCdI qy Aus leI kotI jF blyjLr cuwxdI. bhuq sfry qohPy Aus ny afpxI jybH ivcoN lY ky idqy. surjn ny vI amFzf leI afpxI psMd df iek lMmf zrYWs qy Aus dy puwq leI iek sUt KrId ky idqf. ijvyN ijvyN idn nyVy af rhy sn Auh dovyN Bfvuk ho rhy sn, Kfs qOr qy amFzf. surjn bfhroN mjLbUq idsdf rihMdf pr aMdroN keI vfr ClHk pYNdf. Aus nUM ieh gwl vI jLrf ku qMg krdI sI ik amFzf df pqI qF sLfied Aus dI AuzIk vI nf krdf hovy ikAuNik hux Auh iekwlf Pfrm sFB ky bYTf hoieaf sI, amFzf dy jfx ‘qy Aus dI KulH Kyz Kqm ho jfxI sI. ipCly kuJ arsy ivc Aus ny iehI aMdfjLf lgfieaf sI. eyar port ‘qy ivdfiegI dIaF GVIaF smyN amFzf AucV qurI. surjn dy glL lg ky ikMnI dyr qk roNdI rhI. jd sMBlI qF surjn ny rumfl nfl Aus dy aQrU KusLk kIqy, nwk dI syDy iswDI AuNgl mfrI, cuwtkI vjf ky. amFzf muskRfAux lgI. aKoN Ehly hox qk surjn alivdfiegI hwQ ihlfAuNdf irhf, afly duafly qoN byKbr KVf. iPr Auh afpxy jjLbfqF nUM smytdf qur ipaf. kfhlI kfhlI, ijvyN gwzI dy qur jfx qoN bfad musfPrF nUM Cwzx afey lok qur hI ipaf krdy hn.

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idwlI dy eyar port ‘qy AuqridaF surjn nUM afpxI DrqI nfl ajIb ijhf moh jfg AuiTaf. jd jhfjL df amlf PYlf jhfjL dy afly duafly iPrn ligaf qF Aus nUM bMdy bhuq Coty Coty jfpy. AuhnF dy kpVy vI aYvyN ijhy hI. Aus ny soicaf ik sLfied Auh AuWcI QfvyN bYTf hY ies leI hY. eyar port vI aMdroN GsmYlf ijhf lg irhf sI. lokF dy ichry vI ijvyN duwK nfl BMny hoey hox. kstm aiDkfrIaF dI qwkxI iksy nslvfdI gory qoN Gwt iGnfAuxI nhIN sI. svfrIaF nUM zrf ky luwitaf jf irhf sI. Auh iksy qrFH kstm vfilaF qoN bcdf bcfAuNdf bfhr inkl afieaf. bfhr srdUl KVf Aus dI AuzIk kr irhf sI. Auh Aus nUM jwPI pf ky imilaf. surjn dIaF awKF qr ho geIaF. eyar port qoN bfhrlf njLfrf vI Audfs krn vflf sI. kulI pONzF dI Kfqr mMgiqaF vFg ipwCy pey hoey sn. avfrf ijhy kuwqy lwqF ivc vwjdy iPr rhy sn. bhuq sfry lok pYrF Bfr bYTy bIVIaF pI rhy sn. vwzf qVkf hox krky hfly hnyrf sI. kuJ ku iCxF leI Aus nUM sB kuJ Eprf Eprf ligaf pr iPr jldI hI jfixaF pwCfixaF qy afpxf-afpxf lgx ligaf. ies gwl ‘qy surjn mn hI mn hisaf vI. srdUl ipMzoN hI kfr ilafieaf hoieaf sI. Aus nUM kfr vI bhuq CotI qy purfxI ijhI jfpI. sVkF qy jf rhIaF kfrF ijvyN bhuq hOlI jf rhIaF hox. kfrF dIaF iksmF vI do ku hI sn; PIeyt qy aMbYszr. sVkF dI hflq vI bhuq burI sI. kfr Twk-Twk krdI jf rhI sI. Aus nUM hor qrFH qwkidaF dyK srdUl ny puwiCaf, “zYNbiraF vFgUM kI dyKI jfnf.” “lMzn dyKx igwJIaF awKF nUM nfrml hox leI jLrf vkq lg irhY.” gwl kih ky Auh hwisaf. srdUl Aus nUM ieMglYNz dIaF gwlF puwCdf jf irhf sI qy ipMz qy bwicaF dIaF dsdf vI. ijvyN ijvyN idn cVHdf igaf, surjn dI apxwq vDdI geI. dUr dUr qk iKlry Kyq, pwDrI DrqI, CwlIaF-kmfdI, ikwkrF-tfhlIaF ieh sB ieMglYNz ivc ikQy sn. gwzy, tFgy, sfeIkl, irksLy sB kuJ Aus df afpxy sn. jMgl qury jFdy lokF nfl qF Aus nUM bhuqI hI myr af rhI sI. pMj sfl qk bygfnIaF cIjLF nUM Auh afpxIaF smJdf rihx dI glqI krdf afieaf sI. jd Aus dI kfr sqluj Aupr dI lMGI qF QymjL nfloN ikqy vwD KUbsUrq jfipaf. pMjy DIaF Aus nUM Dfa ky imlIaF, bfkI df pirvfr qy irsLqydfr vI. pfsLI qF hvf ivc AuzI iPrdI sI. guirMdr pfsLI vFg hI jfp rhI sI. blijMdr vI AuhnF dy brfbr hoeI KVI sI. rxjIq jo Aus dy jfx qoN bfad jMmI sI vI kfPI vwzI ho geI sI. pMj sfl bfad sfry twbr ny rlL ky idvflI mnfeI. sfry pfsy cfa hI cfa sn. idn ivafh vFg inkl rhy sn. surjn dosqF qy bfkI dy sfry irsLqydfrF nUM vI imilaf. afpxy ipMz cwk vI igaf. Aus df Brf inrml iek vfr qF zr igaf ik jLmIn ivcoN ihwsf hI nf mMg lvy jF iPr Gr Cwqx leI Cwzy QF Aupr kIqy kbjLy dI gwl hI nf qor lvy pr surjn ny aijhI koeI vI gwl nf kIqI. Auh sB nUM iml ky KusLI KusLI muV afieaf. cmn lfl dy GridaF nUM Auh Kfs qOr qy imilaf sI. GuMmidaF-iPridaf Aus nUM pMjfb bhuq bdilaf hoieaf jfipaf. bwsF dy kMzwktr pihlF nfloN vI kwbf bolx lgy sn. drPqF ivc klrk irsLvq lYx leI ijLafdf vfrI zrfa Kohlx lg pey sn. pulIs vI pihlF nfloN vDyry gflHF kwZdI suxfeI idMdI. byrugjLfrI bhuq vD geI sI. iek idn srdUl Aus nUM kihx ligaf, “surjxf, kuVIaF nUM ieMglYNz eI lY jf. ieMglYNz dy nF ‘qy muMzy vI cMgy imlL jfxgy, nhIN qF awjkwlH muMizaF df kflH eI smJ.” “srdUl, mYN iesy bfry soc irhF, bs iek do idn ivc eI mn bxf lYxF, qUM bs iehnF dy pfsport bxf ky iqafrI kr dyvIN.” “iehdf koeI iPkr nf kr, PgvfVIaf Bjn afpxf dosq huMdf sI ijhVf, Auh hux iehI kMm krdf.” pfsLI qF Aus nUM rojL hI kihx lgdI,

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“jI, jF qF sfnUM vI AuQy eI lY cwlo jF iPr hux qusIN nf jfieE, sfQoN nhIN ‘kwilaF qoN hux irhf jFdf.” “socdy aF.” “socdy kI aF, asIN qF hux quhfzy nfl eI jfxF, [[[mYN qF jvflf sLfh dy rot vI suwiKaf hoieaf.” surjn Aus dy Bolypn ‘qy hwsx lgdf. iek idn pfsLI aflf duafl dyKdI bolI, “jI, jy guwsf nf krooN qF iek gwl puwCF.” “puwC.” surjn ny ikhf pr Aus nUM huVk ijhI vI ho geI ik pfsLI kI puwCygI. Aus nUM zr sI ik cmn lfl ny amFzf vflI gwl ipMz phuMcdI kr idqI hovygI. pfsLI zrdI zrdI kihx lgI, “jI, qusIN swcIN gorI nfl ivafh krf ilaf?” surjn ny mn hI mn vwzI sfrI iek gflL cmn lfl nUM kwZI qy boilaf, “qyrf idmfg shI aY, ieh Blf ikwdF ho skdf, [[[afh ijhVI eynI jMqf jmfeI af, eyhdf kI bxUM!” “hy swcy pfqsLfh! [[[mYN qF bhuq zr geI sI, BfjI vI bhuq iPkr krdy sI, sfry cwk ivc ieh aPvfh PYlI hoeI af, [[[pr mYnUM jvflf sLfh Auqy XkIn sI!” surjn ny iek idn srdUl nfl slfh kridaF puwiCaf, “jy ieQy koeI kMm sLurU krnf hovy qF ikhVf kIqf jf skdY?” “surjxf, kMm qF hux jwt dy krn df KyqI eI aY, ieh vI jLmIn hovy qF eI aY. Coty moty kMm df koeI Pfiedf nhIN, kMm sLurU krnf hovy qF vwzy skyl df hovy.” srdUl dI gwl surjn nUM iblkul shI jfp rhI sI. Coty moty kMm sLurU krn nfl gwl nhIN sI bxnI qy vwzf kMm sLurU krn jogy Aus kol pYsy nhIN sn. Aus ny hor dosqF nfl vI gwlF kIqIaF iksy ny vI pMjfb vsx leI AuqsLfihq nf kIqf. Cy hPiqaF dI CuwtI sI. ieh CuwtI qF ijvyN awK dy Por ivc lMG geI hovy. Aus ny srdUl dI ijLMmyvfrI lgf idqI ik sfry twbr dy pfsport bxf dyvy. pfsLI afey idn jvflf sLfh dy rot cVHfAux hI qurI rihMdI sI. iek idn surjn kihx ligaf, “buVIey, lY beI qyrf rot kMm kr igaf.” “jI, Auh ikwdF?” “qUM ieMglYNz jfx leI iqafr ho jfh, [[[mYN jFdy ny eI swd lYxF qYnUM.” lMc bRyk vyly aYksflytr rfhIN cVH rhy surjn nUM dyK ky cmn lfl CVwpy mfrdf Aus dy brfbr af KiVHaf. Auh ieMzIaf jfx df sfrf progrfm bxf ky vI nhIN sI jf sikaf pr Aus df pirvfr agly mhIny af irhf sI. Auh sB dI rfjLI-KusLI puwCx ligaf. cmn lfl vl dyK ky iek vfr qF Aus nUM guwsf vI afieaf qy idl kIqf ik iglf kry ik ipMz ivc amFzf bfry Kbr ikAuN PYlfeI pr iPr Auh socx ligaf ik iehdf vI kI ksUr, jd hY hI sB swc. surjn ny ikhf, “inafxy qyry smfn bMnI bYTy af. bglH krky AuhnF do kmry Cwq ley af. qyry BfeIey dy goizaF ivc hux drd rihMdf, bhuqf qur nhIN huMdf, Cotf isLMdU ieDr afAux leI eyjMt kol pYsy PsfeI bYTf. [[[qyrI bVI kuVI df kMn zulHdf, sfry iPkr krd y sI, mYN ikhf iPkr nf kro AuQy jf ky TIk ho jfAU.” surjn ny kfhlI ivc sfrI Kbr-sfr suxf idqI. cmn lfl Aus dy Brf inrml bfry puwCx ligaf. Aus qoN koeI gwl CupI nhIN sI so surjn boilaf, “pihlF qF Auh iswDy mUMh boilaf nhIN. jd pqf ligaf ik mYN koeI ihwsf nhIN lYxf qF KusL ho igaf, KulH ky gwlF vI krn ligaf qy boql vI Kohl leI pr aONdy hoey Pyr ivgV geI.” “awC! Auh ikwdF?”

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“imlx afey sI klyrIN, donoN qIvIN afdmI, [[[kihx lgy ik quhfzy qF kuVIaF eI kuVIaF, sfzy muMzy nUM mqbMnf bxf ky ieMglYNz lY jfE. asIN jvfb dy idqf qF AuhnF ny mUMh sujf ilaf. cfh pfxI vI nhIN pIqf qy AuT ky cly gey.” “surjxf, hux irsLqy mkYnIkl ho gey, sfzI BYx vI iesy gwloN ruwsI bYTI af, [[[qUM PYmlI swdx bfry kI soicaf?” “cmn lfl, mYN vI soc ilaf ik swd lYxF AuhnF nUM, pfsport bxny dy afieaF, iqafr ho gey qF pypr Byj dyxy aF.” gwl krdf surjn cfa ijhy ivc vI sI. ijs idn df Auh vfps afieaf sI Aus idn df hI Auh bhuq KusL sI. hux Auh afpxy pirvfr nUM jldI qoN jldI ieMglYNz ivc dyKxf cfhuMdf sI. jd lfjvMqI nUM pqf cilaf ik surjn df pirvfr af irhf hY qF Aus nUM bhuq KusLI hoeI, bolI, “BfjI, ieh qF qusIN bhuq hI cMgf kIqY, [[[mYN kwlI qImI-mfnI eyny mrdF ‘c rhI, [[[clo qF dIdI af jfAU, koeI qF myrI iDr bxUM, myry nfl gwl krn vflf vI koeI hoAU.” hux surjn ny aglI iqafrI sLurU kr idqI sI. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Gr iek dm ilaf nhIN jfxf. iek idn Aus ny bnfrsI dfs nUM puwiCaf, “pMzq jI, isLvrfj qF hux ieMzIaf cly jfxY, avqfr ikqy afAuNdf kdy nhIN, [[[hux myrI PYmlI afAux vflI aY, jy khoN qF asIN Auprly kmiraF ivc rih lYNdy aF.” “lY surjxF, qUM ikhVI gwl krdF Xfr! ieh Blf puwCx vflI gwl aY, ieh Gr eI qyrf, qyry bwcy, bwcy myry bwcy!” bnfrsI dfs qoN bfad lfjvMqI ihrKI hoeI kihx lgI, “lE BfjI, qusIN sfnUM bygfny smJdy E, [[[qusIN dIdI nUM afAux qF idE, mYN EhnF nUM Enf icr ies GroN nhIN jfx dyxF jd qk qusIN afpxf Gr nhIN lY lYNdy.” afpxI gwl mukf ky lfjvMqI afpxy muMzy nUM lorIaF dyx lgI, “hMjI, hux sfzI mfsI ny aOxF, [[[sfzIaF dIdIaF ny vI aOxF, Pyr asIN bhuq KyilHaf krnF, [[[hMjI, bhuq KyilHaf krnF.” surjn dy ieMzIaf jfx bfry Aus dy vfkPkfrF ivc kfPI crcf sI. pMj sflF ivc ivc bhuq Gwt lok ieMzIaf df cwkr lfieaf krdy sn. Kfs crcf sI Aus df twbr swd lYx df PYslf. ies nfl duicwqI ivc Psy lok bfhr inkl afey qy Gr lYx bfry socx lgy. twbrF nUM swdx dy PYsly sB ny hI kr ley. ruafiel zIn dy pMjfbI lokF ivc bihsF huMdIaF rihMdIaF. surjn vrgf koeI ieMzIaf jFdf qF af ky afpxf qjrbf sFJf krdf dwsx lgdf, “EQy qF Xfr luwt peI hoeI af, aMnI nUM bolfH GVIsI iPrdY, sflHy irsLqydfr kpVy lfhux qk jFdy af, [[[bfhroN gey bMdy nUM qF mMgqy vI byhy kVfh vFgUM pYNdy af, [[[sflLIaF mwKIaF eI sfh nhIN lYx idMdIaF.” koeI hor kol bYTf afKdf, “dyKo beI, mulk vI afpxf qy irsLqydfr vI, [[[surjn afieaf huxy ijhy eyhnUM puwC lE, ieh kI aYkpIrIaYNs ilafieaf.” “ieQy eyny ku sfl rihx krky AuQy df sB kuJ QoVI dyr leI Eprf lgdf pr asIN hYgy qF Ausy msLIn dy purjLy, jldI hI iPwt ho jfny aF. [[[eys smfj ivc iPwt hoxf jLrf musLkl aY, tfeIm lgxY, lgdY beI hOlI hOlI asIN eys smfj ivc afpxf eI smfj Ausfr lYxF.” “ieh qF beI qUM, smfj ivc smfj Ausfrn dI gwl krdYN, ieh ikwdF ho skdf?”

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“Auh eydF ik hr bMdy nUM jIx leI iek smfj dI loV huMdI aY, eys vYstrn klcr ny sfzI loV pUrI nhIN kr skxI ikAuNik sfzf klcr eyhnF qoN bhuq alwg aY. jy smfj bxfAux jogI sfzI igxqI eyQy ho geI qF smJo bx igaf smfj ivc smfj.” “gwl qF beI surjx dI TIk lgdI af, afh dyKo nf hux asIN ruafiel zIn ivc eyny ku bMdy kMm krdy aF ik sfrf idn iksy gory nfl gwl krn dI loV vI nhIN pYNdI.” koeI hor surjn dI khI gwl qy shI pfAuNdf afKdf. nfl hI koeI asihmq huMdf boldf, “qusIN vI kmfl krI jFdy E, afpxf smfj ikQy ikQy cuwkI iProgy, sVkF, skUlF, nOkrIaF qy vI. sfnUM eys smfj df, goiraF df, nslvfd df pYr pYr qy sfhmxf krnf pYxF.” “ieh qF krnf eI pYxF, mYN qF eys mulk ivc rih skx dI sOK bfry gwl krdf sI, jd mYN smfj ivc smfj dI gwl krdF qF byisk loVF dI gwl eI krdF.” “surjx isMG, dyK hux ieh gory sfzy nfl ikho ijhf ivvhfr krdy af, jLrf soco, jd sfzy bwcy ieQy hoey qF iehnF dy bwcy AuhnF nfl ikwdF vrqxgy, sfzy bwicaF ivc GtIafpn df aihsfs nhIN pYdf hoeygf!” “hoeygf, iblkul hoeygf pr asIN AuhnF dy nfl KVFgy, ies gwl df kfnUMnI hwl lwBFgy, iPr sfry gory nslvfdI vI nhIN huMdy.” “surjx isaF qUM kuJ ijLafdf hI afsLfvfdI aYN, nslvfd df sfhmxf qF sfzy qoN hux nhIN kr ho irhf, sflLy ClfrU ijhy pfkI kih ky dOV jFdy af. nslvfd df sfhmxf ikwdF qlvfrF kwZ ky krFgy?” keI vfr aijhI bihs ivc surjn kyNdr ibMdU bx jFdf. hr koeI Aus nUM hI svfl kr irhf huMdf. nslvfd df sfhmxf krn bfry Auh dsdf, “nslvfd df sfhmxf sfnUM jQybMd ho ky, kfnUMn df shfrf lY ky krnf pvygf. ieh TIk aY ik pulIs ivc vI nslvfdI hYgy af pr kfnUMn vI qF koeI cIjL aY. jQybMd ho ky pulIs Aupr vI prYsLr pfAux dI loV pvygI, jy iPr vI gwl nf bxIN qF mIzIey qk aproc kIqI jfvy.” “surjxf, ieh qF lIzrF vflf BfsLx aYN.” “E BfeI, mYN koeI lIzr nhIN, mYN qF jo mihsUs krdF kih irhF. hfly qF sfzy twbr afAuxy sLurU hoxy aF, sfzIaF musLklF hfly vDxIaF. jdoN sfzy afh gurdvfry, mMdr, msijdF hor bxIaF qF nslvfdIaF ny hor qMg hoxF.” “iek gwl nhIN mYnUM smJ lgdI ik lok sfnUM pfkI ikAuN kihMdy af, iehnF sfilHaF nUM pqf eI nhIN ik asIN ieMzIan aF.” “iksy dy mwQy ‘qy iliKaf hoieaf ik Auh pfiksqfnI aF jF ieMzIan. pfkI qF Auh sfzy rMg nUM kihMdy af. iek hor gwl mYN dyKI ik keI ieMzIan afpxy afp nUM kfilLaf nfloN alwg krky dyKdy af pr swc ieh aY ik asIN vI kflLy hI aF, nslvfdI sfnUM sB nUM ieko ijhI nPrq krdY.” surjn dIaF gwlF Aupr XUnIan df rYWp dlIp swgU isr mfrdf boldf, “beI gwlF qF surjx dIaF TIk af, jy iek nslvfdI sfzy iKlfP jFdf qF cfr gory sfzy hwk ivc vI KVdy af, sfnUM ieh gwl vI cyqy rwKxI cfhIdI af.” “jd sfnUM kwZx lgy qf sfry goiraF ny iek ho jfxF.” “E, eynI CyqI nhIN kwZdy, jy kwZxgy qF iehnF dI lMbVdfrI Kqry ivc nf pAU!” “kuJ vI kho, ieQy vrgI lfeIP iksy hor mulk ivc hY nhIN.” “nhIN beI, eydF nhIN, lfeIP ieMzIaf dI vI mfVI nhIN, Pyr vI afpxf mulk aY.” lMmI bRyk ivc aijhIaF gwlF sLurU huMdIaF qF cldIaF hI rihMdIaF. keI vfrI qF lok ievyN iekwTy ho jFdy ijvyN koeI mjmf lgf hovy. iek idn vyd pRkfsL surjn nUM puwCx ligaf, “cfhl sfhb, Aus idn qusIN ijhVI mIizaf qk phuMc krn dI gwl krdy sI, ieh ikwdF sMBv ho skU, sfzI gwl gorf mIzIaf kdoN suxn ligaf.”

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“sLrmf jI, qusIN ieQy dy mIzIey bfry dyiKaf hI hoxF ik iehnF nUM aKbfr vycx leI koeI stUj cfhIdf huMdf, bs aijhf kuJ kIqf jfxf cfhIdf. iek imsfl idMnf beI asIN afpxy lokF nUM smJfeIey ik Auh hr nslI hmly dI pulIs kol irpoRt krn, pulIs koeI aYksLn lvy jF nf pr sfzy kol irkfRz hovy ik asIN irpoRt drj krfeI aY. asIN ds irpoRtF drj krfeIaF hox qy awDIaF qy aYksLn nf hoey hox qF ieh mIzIey leI stUj bx jfeygf.” “prYWs sfrI iehnF dI hI aY.” “TIk aY pr prYWs ivc vI gurwp hYgy, aijhIaF aKbfrF vI qF hYgIaF jo nslvfd nUM burI qrFH BMz rhIaF, nfly sLrmf jI, hfly qF asIN ikafPy hI lf skdy aF, vkq dwsygf ik Dfrf ikDr nUM vyNhdI aY.” “surjxF, afh ijhVIaF qUM jQybMdIaF dIaF dI gwl krdF ieh ikQoN afAUgI?” “ieh hux nyqf jI nUM puwCo.” surjn ny dlIp swgU vl hwQ kridaF ikhf. swgU boilaf, “pMjfbI ivc kihMdy af ik loV kfZ dI mF aY, afh dyKo afeI[ zblXU[ ey[ bxI aY, eydF eI hoAU sB. nflyL iek hor gwl dws dyvF, mYN qF hux XUnIan ivc kMm krdF, bhuq kuJ dyKdF, afh bfhrI nslvfd eynf Kqrnfk nhIN ijMnf ik ieMnstIcUsLnl rysLIailjLm.” dlIp swgU dI gwl sux ky Aus dy kol bYTy BfAU prgt isMG ny afpxf isr GuMmfieaf qy boilaf, “gwl sux E nyqf, qUM afh nvF eI swp kwZ mfiraf, sfnUM qF sflLf afh ‘kwlf rysLIailjLm eI nhIN itkx idMdf.” “BAU, ieh sMsQfgq nslvfd aY jo aMdrKfqy CurI vFgUM cldf, AproN gory smfeIl dyeI jFdy af qy aMdr CurI clfeI Pyrdy af. iesy nslvfd ny kdy iksy kflLy nUM ruafiel zIn df kMtrolr nhIN bxn dyxf. goiraF nfloN sfzIaF qrwkIaF huxy eI Gwt huMdIaF, afh XUnIan ivc myry qoN XUnIar gory nUM vDIaf ivBfg dy idqf. afh ijhVf bfhrI nslvfd aY ieh qF do imMt dI lVfeI aY.” “nyqf, mYnUM qyrIaF gwlF sux ky nINd afAux lg peI AU, koeI hor gwl kr.” BAU dI gwl ‘qy keI hwsdy pr sfry hI gMBIr ho ky ies bfry soc rhy huMdy. keI vfr zfk CFtidaF vI aijhIaF gwlF sLurU ho jFdIaF. jd kdy golDfry ivc KV ky pYkt CFty jf rhy huMdy qF gwlF krnIaF sOKIaF ho jFdIaF. gwlF gwlF ivc vkq vI jldI inkl jFdf. keI vfr aijhI ZfxI ivc gory jF kfly vI huMdy ijhVy ik dysI lokF dI bolI qoN bhuq iKJdy. keI vfr Auh afpxy Prym bdl ky hor pfsy jf KVdy qy keI vfr nObq JgVy qk jf puwjdI pr bhuq Gwt. ieh TIk sI ik pMjfbI jF hor ihMdusqfnI jLubfnF bolx vfly lok afps ivc afpxI bolI ivc hI gwl krdy sn jo ik dUijaF nUM burI lgdI pr iPr vI gory-kfly dy sbMD bury nhIN sn. ruafiel zIn ivc do XUnIanF sn; iek postmYn XUnIan qy dUjI postmYn hfier gryz dI XUnIan. donF ivc hI kfly qy eysLIan pRqIinD sn. isLvrfj ny ikRsms qoN bfad muV jfx df PYslf kr ilaf sI. jdoN df Auh lMzn trFsport ivc zrfeIvr ligaf sI, Aus Aupr keI nslI hmly ho cuwky sn, ies krky Auh hor vI kfhlf sI. Aus ny ibRitsL pfsport leI arjLI idqI hoeI sI ijs krky Auh lyt ho irhf sI. sfry dosqF ny slfh idqI sI ik vfps afAuxf jF nf afAuxf Aus dI mrjLI hY pr ibRitsL nYsLnYltI lY lYxI cfhIdI hY qF jo jd cfhy vfps af sky. ieMzIan pfsport vfly nUM ieMglYNz dI stya rwKx leI do sfl dy ivc ivc muVnf pYNdf sI nhIN qF Aus df brqfnIaF ivc rihx df hwk Kwus jFdf. kridaF krfAuNidaF mfrc af igaf jd isLvrfj dI vfpsI dI iqafrI hoeI. Aus nUM vwzI ivdfiegI pfrtI idqI geI. ikMny hI lok Aus nUM alivdf kihx leI eyar port gey. surjn, bnfrsI dfs, avqfr

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qy arjn isMG eIst lMzn qoN isLvrfj dy nfl hI gey. cmn lfl, bldyv qy gurnfm iswDy eyar port puwj gey. sfAUQfl vfly dosq eIst lMzn vfilaF nUM dyr bfad imly sn ies leI mwCry ijhy pey sn. gurnfm ny afpxI afdq muqfbk ikhf, “ilaf Eey bfhmxf, koeI boql sLoql, sfzf Brf Cwz ky cwilaf, jLrf idl KVf krIey.” “ikAuN isMGf, mYN ikAuN ilafvF, qUM ilaf boql, iek qF qyry ielfky ‘c afey aF qy dUjf myry idl nUM zobf peI jFdY, myrf ikrfeydfr cwilaf, myrf hux ikrfieaf mfiraf jfxY.” “ikrfeydfr qF hor iml jfAU.” “pr rYgUlr ikrfieaf dyx vflf nhIN imlxf nf.” “iswDf kih beI isLvrfj Blfmfxs bMdf sI qy qyrI bfhmxI syP sI.” “isMGf, bfhmxI df qUM iPkr nf kr, Ehdy jogf mYN hYgF hfly, qUM boql df pRbMD kr.” boql df pRbMD bldyv ny kIqf hoieaf sI. kok dIaF vwzIaF boqlF ivc ivskI pfeI hoeI sI. prdy ijhy nfl eyar port dI BIV qoN bcdf bldyv sB leI pYWg Brn ligaf.

nON akqUbr dy mhIny ivc af ky qfpmfn Gtx ligaf Kfs qOr qy rfq nUM qF bhuq TMz ho jFdI. lMzn dIaF kMDF Aupr jo purfxfpn Cfieaf rihMdf sI aijhy mOsm ivc hor gUVHf idsdf. bhuqf smF Bfry bdl Cfey rihMdy, lgdf ik huxy hI mINh pYx lg pvygf. aijhy mOsm ivc vI surjn pUry josL ivc sI. Auh bwcIaF nUM skUl Cwz ky af irhf sI. vwzI guirMdr qoN ibnF bfkI cfrF leI nvIN ijLMdgI sLurU ho rhI sI. guirMdr solF sfl dI ho cuwkI hox kfrn Aus leI skUl jfxf jLrUrI nhIN sI. surjn isMG ny kuVIaF nUM skUl Byjx qoN pihlF skUl dy hYzmfstr nfl lMmI mulfkfq kIqI. dwisaf ik bwcIaF ikhVy hflfq ivc plLIaF, vwzIaF hoeIaF qy ikho ijhy skUl ivc geIaF. hYzmfstr nUM vI kuVIaF sfhmxy qy stfP sfhmxy afAux vflIaF musLklF df pqf sI. skUl ivc kuJ prvfsI bwcy af gey sn ijhVy ik aMgryjLI qoN iblkul kory sn. AuhnF leI mihkmy nUM kih ky ivsLysL aiDafpk df ieMqjLfm krnf ipaf sI.[[[ twbr dy puwjx qy surjn isMG ny hPqy dIaF CwutIaF kr leIaF sn. do ku idn arfm krky Aus ny sB nUM itAUb rfhIN qy bws rfhIN lMzn dI motI motI sYr krf idqI ijs nfl AuhnF nUM ies mulk df hlkf ijhf aMdfjLf lg igaf sI. Aus nUM afp lMzn GuMmx df sLONk sI. Auh bwicaF nUM iksy jgfh lY jf ky ivsQfr ivc dwsx lgdf. iksy dy bhuqf kuJ pwly nhIN sI pYNdf. Auh aYvyN hI isr ihlfeI jFdy. kuVIaF keI vfr qF zOr-BOr hoeIaF afly-duafly dyKdIaF rihMdIaF. vwzI guirMdr qF surjn qoN sMgI hI jFdI sI. ijvyN Auh icwTIaF ivc KulH ky gwlF ilKdI sI, af ky Aus ny iek gwl vI AuvyN nhIN sI kIqI. CotI blijMdr df vI ieho hfl sI pr Aus qoN do sfl CotI suirMdr, iPr suKvIr qy rxjIq hr vyly Aus nUM cuMbVIaF rihMdIaF. kMm qoN muVdy nUM hI Gyr lYNdIaF. Aus dy moiZHaF qy cVH jFdIaF. qrFH qrFH dy svfl puwCx lgdIaF. AuhnF dy afAux nfl bnfrsI dfs dy muMzy vI qyjL ho gey sn. lfjvMqI vI kuVIaF nUM bhuq ipafr krdI. surjn dy twbr afey qy avqfr iek vfr Gr afieaf sI pr muV igaf sI qy jFdf hoieaf boilaf, “aMkl jI, BfjI jd qk rihx TIk aY, bfad ivc ieh myrf kmrf pihlF vfg hI rwK lYxf, iksy hor nUM rYSt nf krnf.” “qUM iPkr nf kr XMg mYn, qyrf pwkf itkfxf ieho aY.” bnfrsI dfs ny ikhf. avqfr ijvyN hux AuhnF dy Gr df jIa hI bx cuwikaf hovy. avqfr dI kfr nUM Auh afpxI kfr smJ vrqdy sn qy avqfr ijvyN zrfeIvr hovy pr bdly ivc avqfr nUM vI bhuq

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sfrIaF shUlqF sn. ijMnf icr Aus ny ieMzIaf rihxf huMdf koeI ikrfieaf nhIN sI ilaf jFdf, jy kdy Aus df kMm Cwut jFdf qF vI bnfrsI dfs ikrfieaf nf lYNdf. Auprly iqMny kmry AuhnF kol sn. iek kmrf surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor kol, iek kmry ivc iqMn kuVIaF qy Coty bOks rUm ivc CotIaF dovyN. AuhnF nUM iek iksm nfl pUrf Gr bMnxF ipaf sI. BfvyN bhuqf smfn nhIN sI KrIidaf pr bhuq Krc ho irhf sI. pihlF pirvfr nUM ieMglYNz pujdf krn ivc hI bhuq pYsy lgy sn. ieMny jIaF df ikrfieaf hI nhIN mfx. ieQy af ky sB leI grm kpVy, ibsqiraF leI ivCfAuxy afid lYxy pey sn. jmHF pUMjI Kqm hox nUM sI. iek idn gurnfm ny Aus nUM ikhf, “Xfr cfhl, mYnUM pqf twbr afey ‘qy hwQ qMg ho jFdf, myry kol kuJ pYsy hYgy af, kuJ dosqF qoN iekwTy kr lYny aF, mYN kihMnf ikrfey qy rihx nfloN afpxf Gr eI lY lf.” “QYNikAU gurnfm, mYN socUMgf, jy loV hoeI qF dsUM.” Aus ny gwl trkf idqI pr nfl hI gurnfm df ievyN socxf cMgf vI ligaf ik dosq ny iPkr kIqf. Auh AuDfr PVn dy bhuq iKlfP sI. Aus nUM cfdr dyK ky pYr psfrny afAuNdy sn. Auh pqnI leI kMm lwBx leI hwQ pYr mfrn ligaf. arjn isMG dI pqnI gurbMs kor mYnr pfrk ivc iek PYktrI ivc kMm krdI sI, prkfsL kor nUM vI AuQy hI kMm iml igaf. Aus dy mgr agly hPqy guirMdr nUM vI mF dy nfl hI kMm dI pysLksL ho geI. prkfsL kor nUM pihlF kMm ‘qy jfx leI bwsF nUM smJx ivc qklIP afeI pr jd guirMdr vI Auhdy nfl jfx lgI qF mslf hwl ho igaf. surjn ny prkfsL kor nUM hYlo, QYikAU, plIjL vrgy lPjLF df rwtf lvf idqf sI. PYktrI ivc pYikMg df kMm huMdf sI. qrFH qrFH dIaF cIjLF zwibaF ivc bMd kIqIaF jFdIaF. cflI ku aOrqF kMm krdIaf sn. ijLafdfqr gorIaF hI sn. ijhVIaF eysLIan aOrqF nUM aMgryjLI nhIN sI afAuNdI AuhnF leI cMdf nF dI gujrfqx duBfsLx df kMm kr idMdI. kMm Bfrf nhIN sI. hornF PYktrIaF qoN qnKfh kuJ Gwt sI pr bwJvIN ijhI imldI rihMdI sI. surjn socdf ik prkfsL kor leI ieho TIk sI, smF pf ky guirMdr leI ikDry hor ijLafdf qnKfh vflf kMm iml jfvygf qF dyKI jfvygI. AuhnF df nvF vDIaf rutIn bx igaf. srujn isMG qF sfJry hI kMm leI inkl jFdf. guirMdr qy prkfsL kor awT, svf awT GroN inkldIaF. dUjIaF kuVIaf leI skUl Gr dy njLdIk hI sI. Gr dy nfl hI iek aYlIvya pYNdI sI, ies aYlIvya rfhIN skUl jfx nUM isrP iqMn imMt lgdy. trYiPk df zr vI nhIN sI. lfjvMqI Cwz afAuNdI. blijMdr iqafr ho ky CotIaF nUM iqafr kr idMdI. vwzI smwisaf vfl vfhux dI hoxI sI, surjn isMG ny CotIaF iqMnF dy vfl hI ktf idqy. lfjvMqI AuhnF nUM svyry kuJ Kfx leI bxf idMdI aqy sLfm nUM sfZy iqMn vjy skUloN muVdIaF nUM vI sFB lYNdI. guirMdr qy prkfsL kor pMj ku vjy afAuNdIaF. surjn isMG Gr muVdf qF Aus nUM iek ajIb ijhf cfa cVH jFdf. iehnF idnF ivc hI Aus ny amFzf nUM icTI ilKI ik bwcIaF kfrn ijLMdgI ikMnI ipafrI lg rhI sI. skUl ivc pihly kuJ idn kuVIaF leI bhuq musLkl inkly. EprI DrqI, Epry lok, EprI bolI. jd qk AuhnF ny skUl dI vrdI nhIN sI leI, AuhnF df pihrfvf vI dUjy bwicaF leI hfsy df kfrn bxdf irhf. slvfr-sUt skUl dy bwicaF leI bhuq EprI cIjL sI. surjn isMG nUM bwcIaF nUM skUl Byjx dI kfhlI hox krky skUl dI XUnIPfrm KrIdx nUM kuJ idn lg gey sn. slytI rMg dI vrdI pf ky bwcIaF bfkI bwicaF ivc rlLx lgIaF sn. vwzIaF donF nUM Kfs qOr qy blijMdr nUM skwrt pfAuxI bhuq aOKI lgdI sI. AuhnF nUM Aumr dy ihsfb nfl klfsF ivc dfKlf imilaf sI. blijMdr awTvI ivcoN ht ky afeI hox krky Auh aMgryjLI AuTfl lYNdI sI. ilKy nUM dyK ky pVH vI lYNdI pr iksy df boilaf Aus dy kuJ pwly nhIN sI pYNdf. suirMdr CyvIN ivcoN ht ky afeI hox krky Aus ny hfly ey bI sI iswKI hI sI, kuJ ku awKr joV vI lYNdI. CotIaF dovyN ipwCy sn. skUl ivc AuhnF dIaF musLklF vfly hor eysLIan bwcy vI sn. kuJ cInI nsl dy qy

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kuJ aPrIkn nsl dy bwcy vI iesy siQqI ivc dI lMG rhy sn. sfrf idn jmfq ivc bYTy rihx kfrn vI kuJ pwly nf pYNdf. iesy kfrn prvfsI bwicaF leI prvfsI aiDafpkF dI mMg vDx lgI. EprI bolI dy nfl nfl AuhnF nUM keI vfr Bwdy mjLfk vI sihxy pYNdy. gory bwcy AuhnF Aupr hwsdy, CyVdy qy nslvfdI gflHF vI kwZdy ijhVIaF AuhnF ny afpxy vwizaF qoN isKIaF huMdIaF. iehnF kuVIaF nUM bhuq dyr qk qF dUjy bwicaF dIaF cMgIaF-mfVIaF hrkqF dI smJ hI nf afeI. AuNglF idKf ky kIqy iesLfry AuhnF dy pwly nf pYNdy. Auh vI hws CwzdIaF pr jd pwly pYx lgy qF AuhnF dIaF nsF kws hox lgdIaF. vYsy qF surjn isMG AuhnF nUM sMBfivq dur-ivvhfr bfry dsdf rihMdf sI pr gMdIaF gflHF qy BYVy iesLfiraF bfry kuJ nhIN sI smJf sikaf. gBlI AuNgl jF do AuNglF idKfAux df kI mqlb huMdf hY Auh dws nhIN sI sikaf. Auh kMm qoN muVdf qF sB nUM bhfl ky skUl dI kfrgujLfrI bfry puwCdf. blijMdr cuwp rihMdI pr CotIaF dwsx lgdIaF. sB qoN CotI rxjIq cfmlH ky dsdI, “zYzI, awj mYnUM iek kuVI ny Pwk aOP ikhf, mYN vI kih idqf.” suirMdr iJVk mfr ky Aus nUM cuwp krfAuNdI. Auh hux smJx lgI sI ik ikhVI gwl Gr af ky krnI hY qy ikhVI nhIN krnI. surjn isMG sOKIaF ijhIaF gwlF AuhnF ivc afqm-ivsLvfs Brn dI koisLsL krdf rihMdf. ieh vI dwsx dI koisLsL krdf ik sfzy ivc qy goiraF ivc koeI Prk nhIN. ieh sfzy nfloN iksy vI gwloN vDIaf nhIN qy asIN iksy gwloN vI GtIaf nhIN. sfnUM ieh ies krky mfVy kihMdy hn ikAuNik sfzf mulk grIb hY pr sfzy mulk nUM grIb bxfAux vfly ieho lok hn. keI sO sfl qk ieh sfzy mulk nUM lutdy rhy hn, sfnUM grIb krdy rhy qy afp amIr huMdy rhy. sfry gory bury nhIN hn. jy quhfzy nfl koeI vDIkI krdf hY qF iek dm afpxy aiDafpk nUM dwso. bwicaF nUM BfvyN pUrI gwl smJ nf pYNdI pr kuJ kuJ smJ vI jFdy. skUl ivc koeI koeI aiDafpk vI nslvfdI sI pr bhuqy cMgy qy shfeI sn. Kfs qOr qy aiDafpkfvF bhuq mdddgfr huMdIaF. nOn-ieMgilsL aiDafpk vI AuhnF dIaF musLklF smJdy sn. hOlI hOlI surjn isMG dIaF kuVIaF skUl df ihwsf bx geIaF. skUl jfxf AuhnF nUM cMgf lgx lg ipaf. blijMdr bhuqf kuJ nf isK skI. do sfl GuMm ky Aus ny bolx jogI aMgryjLI isK leI sI. suirMdr aMgryjLI pVHn-ilKx jogI ho geI pr E lYvl dy iemiqafnF ivc kuJ nf kr skI. bfrF sfl dI Aumr ivc afeI hox krky nf Auh ieDr dI sI qy nf hI EDr dI. surjn nUM pqf sI ik ievyN hI hoxf hY. Aus nUM suKvIr qy rxjIq Aupr afsF sn. suKvIr dI aMrgyjLI Aupr pUrI kmFz ho geI. Auh qF hux socx vI aMgryjLI ivc hI lg peI sI. rxjIq qF kuJ mhIinaF ivc hI ievyN ho geI ijvyN jMmI hI ieDr hovy. hux Auh afps ivc gwlF vI aMgryjLI ivc hI krdIaF. prkfsL kor nUM AuhnF dI igt-imt smJ nf pYNdI Auh AuhnF nUM vfr vfr tok ky afKdI ik Auh pMjfbI bolx. vYsy qF surjn isMG kuVIaF Kfqr skUl jFdf hI rihMdf sI. iek qF kuVIaF dIaF gqIivDIaF df pqf cldf rihMdf sI qy kuVIaF nUM hOslf vI imldf sI pr jd qoN ieh nvF hYzmfstr pItr jonjL afieaf sI, Aus dy gyVy vD gey sn. pItr jonjL BrvyN srIr aqy lMmy kwd vflf vfsktbfl dy iKzfrI ijhf sI. Auh hr vyly hMsU hMsU krdf rihMdf. KyzF ivc Aus nUM eynI idlcspI sI ik ividafrQIaF nfl afp Kyzx jf lgdf. surjn isMG nUM Auh pihly idn imilaf qF BrvF hwQ imlfAuNdf kihx lgf, “so qusIN Dfrimk ivakqI ho!” “nhIN, mYN Dfrimk iblkul nhIN hF.” “iPr ieh dfhVI-pwg ikAuN?” “ieh qF myrf pihrfvf aY, myry klcr dI insLfnI. myrf bfp vI pihndf sI qy myrf bfbf vI qy pVdfdf vI. myry smfj dy hor lok vI pwg pihndy af.”

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surjn isMG nUM pihlF vI aijhy svfl puwCy jFdy sn. pwg kfrn Aus nUM hux ies svfl dI afs rihx vI lgdI sI. pItr jonjL agy boilaf, “imstr cYhl, mYN isK Drm bfry piVHaf aY, mYnUM ieh vI pqf ik ijhVy Dfrimk nhIN AuhnF ny vflL ktf idqy hoey af, pgVIaF Auqfr idqIaF, iesy leI mYN ieh svfl kIqf sI.” “hF imstr jonjL, qusIN TIk vI E pr mYnUM Bys bdlxf cMgf nhIN lgdf, mYnUM afpxI ies idwK nfl ipafr aY pr ies idwK df kfrn ieh nhIN ik mYN Dfrimk aF.” “qUM Dfrimk ikAuN nhIN?” “jy qusIN Drm nUM vya aOP lfeIP kihMdy ho qF myry jIx df qrIkf iensfnIaq qy ies dI BlfeI aY pr jy qusIN Drm nUM iksy rwb jF aidwK ivsvfsL nfl joV ky dyKdo ho qF mYnUM aijhI iksy qfkq ivc XkIn nhIN.” “so qUM nfsqk aYN.” hYzmfstr ny svfl ijhf kIqf. surjn isMG kuJ dyr soc ky boilaf, “hF, mYN nfsqk aF pr mYN iehdy bfry kdy bihs ivc nhIN pYNdf ikAuNik ieh myrf inwjI anuBv qy ivsvfsL aY, mYN afpxf ivsvfsL kdy iksy qy Qopdf nhIN.” “bhuq idlcsp! imstr cYhl, qUM rwb dI hoNd nUM ikvyN lYNnF?” surjn isMG socx lg ipaf ik hYzmfstr nfl ikvyN gwl kry. Auh afpxy ivcfrF bfry spwsLt sI pr suxn vflf AulJ jFdf sI ies leI aijhI bihs qoN bcdf rihMdf pr Aus nUM ligaf ik hYzmfstr nfl gwl kIqI jf skdI hY, Auh kihx ligaf, “imstr jonjL, ieh DrqI, cMd, qfry jF ieh bRhmYNz dI AuqpqI AuvyN hI aY ijvyN sfieMsdfn kihMdy af. DrqI dI AuqpqI iPr bnspqI qy jIv, jMqU qy mnuwK bfry jo zfrvn kihMdf aY mYN swc mMndF. mnuwK aijhf jIv sI jo soc skdf sI, iesy soc dy shfry Aus ny afpxy jIvn nUM sOKf bxfieaf pr iesy socx krky Aus df jIvn jitl vI huMdf igaf. akl dy vDx nfl musLklF vI vDdIaF geIaF. keI vfr Auh musLklF sfhmxy Auh kmjLor vI pYx lgdf. ijhVIaF musLklF Aus ny afp KVIaF kIqIaF sn AuhnF nUM qF smJdf hovygf pr mINh, hnyrI, Bucfl, Kqrnfk jfnvrF, ibmfrIaF vrgIaF kropIaF nUM Auh smJ nhIN sI skdf. iehnF kropIaF df kfrn lBdy lBdy mnuwK ny rwb GV ilaf. rwb GVn nfl mnuwK nUM sOK ho geI ik kropIaF df sfrf dosL rwb isr mVH idqf. pihlF qF sLfied mnwuK kudrq nUM eI rwb smJdf hovy pr musLklF dy vfDy nfl rwb kudrq qoN vwK qy vwzf ho igaf. rwb mnuwK dIaF sfrIaF lwBqF qoN sOKI vI sI qy PfiedyvMd vI pr scfeI qoN bhuq dUr.” “imstr cYhl, iPr kudrq nUM kI smJdy ho?” “imstr jonjL, kudrq alwg cIjL hY, jo vI sfzy afly duafly aY, asIN vI ies df hI iek ihwsf hF, ieh afpxy afp ivc sMpUrn aY, iehnUM koeI aidwK qfkq nhIN clf rhI, nf hI pUjf pfT nfl kudrq ny rfh bdl lYxy aF.” “bhuq idlcsp imstr cYhl, [[[pr mYN qyry nfl sihmq nhIN pr qyry ivcfrF dI kdr krdF. myry hor vI bhuq sfry nfsqk dosq hYgy af, [[[qUM kdy ies mfmly ivc kmjLor nhIN ipaf?” “imstr jonjL, mYN iek sfDfrn mnwuK aF, ho skdf kdy kmjLor pY vI jfvF pr mYN afpxI ieh smJ bhuq soc smJ ky qy aiDan krky bxfeI aY.” “clo jy mMn leIey ik qUM kmjLor pY igaYN, Aus vkq ikhVy Drm vl JukyNgf?” “ies bfry kdy mYN soicaf hI nhIN, sLfied isK Drm vl Aulfr hovF, ies Drm ivc eI mYN jMimaF.” iehnF gwlF ny AuhnF dI dosqI bhuq pIzI kr idqI. pItr jonjL Kud kwtV kYQoilk iesfeI sI pr surjn isMG dIaF gwlF Aus nUM cMgIaF lgIaF. nyVqf ievyN vDx lgI ik mhIny ivc iek awDI sLfm Auh iekwTy jLrUr ibqfAuNdy. hYzmfstr nUM ihMdusqfnI siBafcfr ivc bhuq idlcspI sI. Aus df bfbf ihMdusqfn rih cwuikaf sI ies leI AuQoN bfry kfPI kuJ sux vI rwiKaf sI. Aus ny kfPI kuJ piVHaf vI hoieaf sI.

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surjn isMG nfl gwlF krdy vI Aus nUM ievyN lgdf ijvyN koeI ikqfb hI pVH irhf hovy. pItr jonjL iekwlf rihMdf sI. pihlF Aus ny afpxI apfhj mF nUM sMBflx Kfqr ivafh nhIN sI krfieaf ik Aus df ivafh mF dI sMBfl ivc rukfvt bxygf. mF dI mOq qoN bfad kuJ dyr iekwlqf BogI qy hux Aus nUM iekwly rihx dI afdq pY cuwkI sI. afpxf ivhlf vkq Auh crc dy kMmF leI vriqaf krdf. rwb-pRsq pItr jonjL nUM surjn isMG dI nfsiqkqf kdy nhIN sI cuBI. ies sB nfl ieh hoieaf ik surjn isMG dIaF kuVIaF nUM skUl ivc bhuqI qklIP nf hoeI. AuhnF dI pirvfrk ijLMdgI hux iswDI ho qurI sI. prkfsL kor bhuq KusL sI. keI vfr Auh kihx lgdI, “jI dyKo, ikMnf vDIaf mulk aY, duwD-bRYWz drF muhry ipaf rihMdf, koeI nhIN cuwkdf BfvyN sfrf idn ipaf rhy!” “ieQy hfly qyry bfbf juaflf sLfh dI myhr aY.” “afp qusIN mOj ‘c rihMdy sI qy sfnUM EQy Pfhy idqf hoieaf sI, pihlF ikAuN nhIN swidaf?” “cwl buVHIey, hux af geI aYN, kr lY cfa pUry. EQy mOjF ivc sI, sfrf idn ivhlI sYN, hux svyry eI Jolf PV ky qur pYnI aYN, sLfm nUM Pyr AuT nhIN huMdf, kdy kihMnI aYN afh duKdf qy kdy aOh duKdf.” “kusL nhIN ivgiVaf myrf, kMm krky sgF ishq TIk rihMdI aY, Es ivhl nUM asIN kI krnf sI ijQy qusIN hY nf sI.” prkfsL kor qy guirMdr dy kMm ‘qy lg jfx nfl surjn isMG dI sfrI qnKfn bcx lg peI sI. Auh guirMdr dI qnKfh nhIN sI vrqxI cfhuMdf qF jo Aus dy ivafh leI kuJ joiVaf jf sky pr iPr vI kdy kdy ivcoN Krc kr hI ho jFdf. cfr ku mhIny bfad hI Aus ny Gr dyKxf sLurU kr idqf. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik hux Gr df Krcf Auh AuTf skdy hn. Auh hfrvy roz dy nyVy qyVy hI koeI Gr dyKxf cfhuMdf sI qF jo skUl vI nf bdlxf pvy qy prkfsL kor qy kuVI nUM kMm ‘qy jfx vflI bws vI iswDI imldI rhy. ieQy sfrIaF shUlqF hI sn; bs stOp, aMzrgrfAUNz stysLn, dukfnF, skUl. iPr lfjvMqI nfl prkfsL kor dI bhuq bxdI sI, BivwK ivc dovyN iek dUjy df shfrf bxIaF rih skdIaF sn. Auh inwq iestyt eyjMtF nUM Pon krdf, afly duafly dIaF sVkF dy gyVy vI kwZdf ik ‘Pfr syl’ df koeI Pwtf ligaf iml jfvy. Aus ny keI Gr dyKy pr koeI mn nUM nf ligaf. iek idn acfnk Aus nUM bfrkly roz Aupr iek Gr syl ‘qy ligaf idisaf. Gr bfhroN cMgf lgdf sI. Aus ny eyjMt nUM Pon kIqf. jf ky Gr aMdroN dyiKaf. pypr-pyNt qy kfrpt TIk sn. iqMn sOx kmry qy do bYTkF ijvyN afm huMdf hI hY. kmry vwzy sn pr rsoeI CotI sI. rsoeI nUM kwt ky ivcoN bfQrUm bxf ilaf igaf hoieaf sI. irtfier ho cuwkI joVI df Gr sI ieh. vfr vfr pOVIaF cVHn dy zroN tuafielt hyTF hI bxf leI geI sI. Gr df gfrzn vI kfPI KulHf sI. mflk pMj hjLfr pONz mMg irhf sI. kImq jLrf kwsvIN sI. rsoeI nUM muV QF isr ilafAux leI Krc ho jfxf sI. socidaF kridaF surjn isMG ny keI idn lf idqy. iesy durimafn eyjMt smJ igaf sI ik surjn isMG ZukvF KrIddfr hY. Aus ny ivc pY ky sOdf krvf idqf pMj hjLfr dI QF sfZy-cfr ivc sOdf ho igaf. surjn isMG ny pMj sO izpOjLt rwK ky bfkI dI hYlIPYks iblizMg susfietI qoN mOtrgyj lY leI. mhIny dy cflI pONz iksLq dy bxy. ieMnf ku hI Auh ikrfieaf idMdy sn. kfgjLI kfrvfeI krn nUM iqMn mhIny lg gey. pUry iqMn mhIny bfad AuhnF nUM afpxy nvyN Gr dI cfbI iml geI. ijMnf ku bnfrsI dfs dy Gr AuhnF df smfn ipaf sI, avqfr ny Auh afpxI kfr ivc rwK ky puwjdf kr idqf. prkfsL kor cfhuMdI sI ik nvyN Gr ivc pfT pUjf krfeI jfvy pr surjn dy suBfa qoN zrdI cuwp rhI. nvyN Gr df cfa sB nUM hI sI. QoVI ijhI jgfh qoN bwcy vI awky pey sn. Auh nvyN Gr ivc af gey. sfrf smfn loVINdf sI; bYWz, soPf, myj-kursIaF, Pirwj, tIvI afid. sfrf smfn ieko vfrI KrIdx

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dI kfhlI nhIN sI. iek iek krky AuhnF ny lYNdy rihxf sI. qnKfhF afAuNdIaF geIaF qy Auh smfn KrIddy gey. surjn isMG gfrzn leI ivsLysL klmF vI KrIdIaF. PuwlF nfl Aus nUM ipafr sI. ieMzIaf ivc vI gmilaF ivc Puwl lf rwKx df Aus df suBfa sI, ieQy af ky kdy kdy Auh bnfrsI dfs dy bgIcy ivc jf vVdf sI pr Aus df bgIcf bhuq Cotf sI. Aus ny Gr lYNdy smyN Aus dy mn ivc ieh gwl vI sI ik gfrzn vDIaf hovy ijs ivc Auh Zyr sfry Puwl lgf sky. ijMnf vI mOkf imldf Auh gfrzn ivc hI bqIq krdf qy sB nUM agfh krdf rihMdf ik Aus dy PuwlF df ivsLysL iDafn rwiKaf jfvy. nvyN Gr ivc hOlI hOlI Auh sQfpq hox lgy qy Gr AuhnF dy anUkUl ho igaf. gvFZIaF nfl AuhnF dI vfkPI pYx lgI. iek idn prkfsL kor bolI, “afh dyKo, nfl dy Gr ivc rihMdI gorI ikMnI sohxI aYN.” “awCf! mYN nhIN dyKI kdy. koeI gwl hoeI sI?” “bs hYlo hoeI sI, mYnUM ikhVI aMgryjLI aONdI af ijhVIaF gwlF krF.” gwl kih ky prkfsL kor cuwp kr geI qy iek pfsy dyKx lgI. surjn isMG afpxy iDafn aKbfr pVHdf irhf. kuJ dyr bfad prkfsL kor ny puwiCaf, “jI, Auh gorI ikQy ku rihMdI aY?”

ds pqJV af geI. lMzn dy rwuK nMgy ho gey. KMB lwQy pMCI vFg bury lgx lg pey. sVk qy quroN qF suwky pwqy quhfzy pYrF hyT ‘cur cur’ krn lgdy. koeI vFvrolf AuTdf qF pwiqaF nUM GumfAux lg pYdf qy pwqy GrF dIaF CwqF, kfrF dIaF ivMz skrInF Aupr izgx lgdy. agly pl hvf afAuNdI AuhnF nfl KyldI hoeI KUMijaF ivc iekwTy krn lgdI. sUrj dI mwDm ijhI Duwp mhOl nUM cmkf rhI sI pr koeI grmI nhIN sI pYdf kr rhI. idlbfg ny ihlsfeIz aYvyinAU ivc nUM kfr moVI qF acfnk koeI bhuq hI qyjLI nfl sfhmixEN afAuNdI kfr twkr geI. idlbfg ny aYmrjYNsI bRykF lf leIaF. aYksIzYNt kuJ ieMcF dI ivwQ qoN muV igaf. Aus ny hfrn vjf ky sfhmxly zrfeIvr nUM iJVk mfrI qy gflHF kZdy ny muV kfr qor leI. srUp dy Gr muhry af ky Aus ny kfr hOlI kIqI. srUp dI kfr AuQy nhIN sI, mqlb ik srUp Gr nhIN sI. idlbfg nUM jLrf hYrfnI hoeI ik ies vkq qF srUp nUM suwqy pey hoxf cfhIdf sI. sLincrvfr dI sfrI rfq tYksI krky Auh aYqvfr ivhlf kr ilaf krdf qF jo kuJ qPrIh vI kIqI jf sky. Aus dI rIsy idlbfg vI ievyN hI krn ligaf sI. Auh vI aYqvfr qVky cfr vjy qk kMm krdf qy kuJ GMty sON ky aYqvfr dI CuwtI kr lYNdf. iksy dosq vl msqI mfrn inkl jFdf. Aus idn vI Auh kuJ GMty suwqf qy muV dPqr puwj igaf. agoN jYk kMtrol ‘qy bYTf sI. AuhI zrfeIvrF nUM jOb idaf krdf sI. idlbfg df Auh Kfs bMdf sI. idlbfg Aus nUM gfhy-vgfhy boql ivskI dI qohPy vjoN dy idMdf, bdly ivc jYk Aus nUM koeI vwzI jOb dy ky Aus df hwk moV idMdf. dPqr ivc jf ky Aus ny jYk nUM ikhf, “gvnf, mYN vYNbly jfxf cfhuMnf, iksy dosq nUM imlx, jy EDrlI koeI jOb hY qF, [[[qyrI imhrbfnI hovygI.” jYk ny aflf-duaflf dyiKaf qy Aus nUM iek icwt ijhI idMdf boilaf, “afh lY, rMPorz qoN hIQro dI ds vjy dI bwuk aY, hor dws kI syvf krF!” idlbfg ny Aus df DMnvfd kridaF icwt PVI qy PurqI nfl kfr ivc af bYTf. srUp nUM imilaF keI hPqy ho gey sn. ipCly hPqy Auh gryvjLYNz cly igaf sI. Aus qoN pihly hPqy Aus qoN AuT hI nhIN sI hoieaf. Aus nUM ieh vI AuzIk sI ik sLfied srUp Kud hI af jfvy ikAuNik ieMny ku idnF bfad Auh vI ckr mfr ilaf krdf sI. Auh Pon krky jF smF imwQ ky Gwt hI imilaf krdy sn. srUp nUM vI gwpF mfrn leI

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idlbfg hI lwBdf sI. Aus nUM afpxy pYisaF bfry pfzIaF mfrn dI bhuq afdq sI ik ieMny joV ley, Eny ieMzIaf Byj idqy. ies vfr srUp nfl gwpF mfrn dy nfl nfl Aus qk iek kMm vI sI. Aus ny srUp qoN kuJ pYsy AuDfr mMgxyN sn. qfieaf PuMmx isMG Aus nUM ieMzIaf jfx leI qy ivafh krfAux leI jLor pf irhf sI. ieMzIaf df sfrf Krcf qfey ny hI krnf sI, Aus nUM isrP afpxf itkt hI lYxf pYxf sI pr Aus kol qF itkt jogy vI pYsy nhIN sn. iesy leI srUp nUM imlxf cfhuMdf sI. Aus ny soicaf hoieaf sI srUp qoN PV lvygf qy QoVy QoVy krky moVdf jfvygf. jdoN df srUp ny ivafh krf ilaf sI AudoN dy hI idlbfg dy mn ivc ivafh dy lwzU Burn lgy sn. srUp nUM Gr nf pf ky Aus ny soicaf ik kMm ‘q y cly igaf hovygf. Auh szbrI tfAUn stysLn cly igaf ijQy srUp df ‘Pfstvya imMnI kYb’ dPqr sI. dPqr ivcoN pqf cilaf ik Auh qF rfq df hI kMm ‘qy nhIN afieaf. srUp dy pfiksqfnI dosq ny disaf ik Aus ny eyar port jfxf sI, Aus df koeI mihmfn ieMzIaf qoN af irhf hY. idlbfg KV ky socx ligaf ik hux kI kIqf jfvy. Aus ny PYslf kr ilaf ik vfps eIst hYm cly jfvygf qy bfkI df idn kMm kr lvygf. Aus ny Ausy vyly hI afpxy kMtrolr nUM ryzIE kr idqf ik Auh KflI hY qy jy vfps afAux leI koeI jOb hY qF Auh kr skdf hY. jYk ny aigEN jvfb idqf ik ibhqr iehI hY ik Auh vfps bys nUM af jfvy, koeI nf koeI jOb Aus leI iqafr hovygI. Auh vYstrn aYvyinAU leI cl ipaf ijhVI agy kyNdrI lMzn rfhIN huMdI pUrbI lMzn ivc jf vVdI sI. lfeItF ‘qy ruikaf qF dUjy pfsy Aus ny srUp dI ihwlmYn hMtr jFdI dyK leI. Aus ny kfr mgry hI lf idqI. srUp dy brfbr iek pqlI ijhI aOrq bYTI sI. idlbfg mn hI mn muskRfieaf ik jLrUr koeI mfl hovygf. srUp ny afpxy Gr muhry jf ky kfr rok leI qy Auqr ky izwgI ivcoN smfn kwZx ligaf. kfr ivcoN KwbI bukl mfrI, copVy ijhy vflLF dI pqlI ijhI guqnI krI pqlI ijhI kuVI AuqrI. pyNzU kuVI qy ieMzIan atYcI qy rjfeI dyK ky idlbfg sfrI khfxI smJ igaf. srUp ny Aus nUM dyK ilaf qy boilaf, “ngimaF, qUM myrf ipwCf nf CwzIN!” “BrjfeI lY afieaYN, dwisaf eI nhIN!” “jy BYx kih lvyN qF qyrf kI GsdY! [[[mYnUM jLrf qswlI rhU.” AuhnF dI gwlbfq nfl sqnfmI sLrmfeI qy Aus dy AuWcy dMd brIk ijhy bulHF ivcoN bfhr af gey. idlbfg afKx ligaf, “qUM irhf ngmy df ngmf, sfnUM disaf huMdf qF asIN vI eyar port cldy, BrjfeI df vYlkm krdy, [[[aMtI nUM vI cfa cVH jfxf sI, hux dyKIN qYnUM CFdf idMdI!” “E beI ngimaF, iek qF mYN socdf sI beI quhfnUM qklIP hoAU qy dUjf mYN srprfeIjL dyxf cfhuMdf sI.” asl gwl Cupf igaf ik Aus sqnfmI nUM ieQoN dy ihsfb nfl iqafr krky sB dy sfhmxy ilafAuxf cfhuMdf sI. ieMzIaf qoN afeI kuVI nUM mykawp df kuJ pqf vI nhIN huMdf, Gwto Gwt sqnfmI bfry Aus nUM pqf sI ik bhuq sfDrfn kuVI hY. idlbfg ny soicaf ik srUp kol jfx df ieh glq mOkf hY. Auh alivdf kih ky qurn ligaf qF srUp ny ikhf, “hux vDfeIaF qF dy dy mYnUM, myrf Gr vsdf ho igaf.” “vDfeIaF beI vDfeIaF!” “hux aMdr af jf, vDfeIaF lYNdf vI jf.” Auh srUp nfl Gr dy aMdr cly igaf. srUp ny boql KohlI. idlbfg do ku GMty AuQy bYTf pr srUp ny ieMny icr ivc hI Aus nUM sLrfbI kr idqf. idlbfg ny AuDfr mMgx df ierfdf Cwz idqf. vfps jFdf Auh soc irhf sI ik sqnfmI vrgI kuVI nfloN ivafh krfAux nfloN qF Auh iekwlf hI rih lvygf. Auh mn hI mn ieMzIaf jfx df progrfm bdlx ligaf ik jykr qfey ny jbrdsqI ieho ijhI kuVI nfl ivafh kr idqf qF Aus df kI bxygf.

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idlbfg ny bys qoN svfrI cuwkI qy ielPorz Cwz afieaf. vfps muVidaF Aus nUM ligaf ik Aus dI kfr dI spIz hOlI ho geI hY. Aus ny hor gYs idqI pr spIz nf vDI. gyar vI bdly pr koeI Prk nf ipaf. Auh smJ igaf ik kfr df klwc cly igaf hY. klwc jfx df mqlb ik kMm df ruk jfxf. hfly ipCly hPqy hI aYm[ E[ tI[ krfeI sI. keI nuks inkl afey sn, kol pey sfry pYsy Krc ho gey sn. hux klwc ny nvIN musIbq KVI kr idqI. Auh socx ligaf ik jykr iksy dI kfr AuDfrI iml jfvy qF ieh kfr mkYink kol Cwz ky afpxf kMm krdf rhy. ies qrFH Aus dIaF idhfVIaF Krfb nhIN hoxgIaF. prmIq kol kfr hY sI pr Auh do drvfijLaF vflI sI. socidaF socidaF Aus nUM avqfr df iKafl afieaf. Aus kol kfr sI qy Auh bhuqI vrqdf vI nhIN sI pr avqfr nfl Aus dI bhuqI vfkPI nhIN sI. Auh pwb ivc hI imilaf krdy sn. gwpF df avqfr vI sLOkIn sI. do ku vfr Aus nUM Gr vI Cwzx igaf sI pr Aus df Pon nMbr nhIN sI. Aus nUM avqfr dy Gr dy nMbr df vI nhIN sI pqf bs drvfjLy dy rMg df pqf sI ik nIly rMg df hY. Auh hfrvy roz ‘qy af igaf. avqfr dI kfr KVI Aus nUM ids geI. sfhmxy hI nIly rMg df drvfjLf sI. Aus ny GMtI dwb idqI. lfjvMqI ny zor Kohilaf. Aus dy bwcy vI rOlLf pfAuNdy mgry hI af gey. prdy rfhIN Eprf ijhf bMdf dyK ky bnfrsI dfs vI AuT afieaf. lfjvMqI ipwCy ho geI. idlbfg ny ikhf, “mYN avqfr nUM imlxY, ieQy eI rihMdY?” bnfrsI dfs ny koeI jvfb idqy ibnF Aupr nUM mUMh cuwk ky afvfjL mfridaF afiKaf, “E XMg mYn, af beI AuT ky, Qwly af jLrf.” kihMdf hoieaf Auh ivMgy ivMgy kdmF nfl bYTk vl qur ipaf, nfl hI lfjvMqI vI. donoN muMzy AuQy KVy rhy. Auh idlbfg df nF puwCdy inky inky ijhy svfl krn lgy. avqfr dgV dgV krdf pOVIaF Auqr afieaf. Auh idlbfg nUM dyK ky KusL ho igaf qy hwQ imlf ky Aupr afpxy kmry ivc lY igaf.[[[ AuhnF dI pihlI mulfkfq aflzgyt dy nihr vfly pwb ivc hoeI sI. ies pwb ivc gfhkF dI idlcspI leI kursIaF dy hyT dI iek brIk ijhI nihr kwZI hoeI sI ijs ivc bjleI sLkqI nfl pfxI dOVdf sI. avqfr qF duiphr vyly ies pwb ivc hI glfs pIx afieaf krdf. kdy kdfeIN idlbfg vI af jFdf. idlbfg aflzgyt dy iek bMgflI rYstorYNt ivc Kfxf Kfx afieaf krdf sI qy pwb ivc vI glfs pIx af bYTdf. dovF nUM hI snUkr Kyzx df sLONk sI. snUkr hI aDfr sI dosqI df. idlbfg df snUkr ivc hwQ bhuq sfP sI. Auh pfzI mfrdf dsx ligaf, “kdy gryvjLYNz afE, sLihroN bfhr hI pwbF ivcoN myrf nF puwCxf sLurU kr idE, afpxy bMdy mYnUM bfgf kihMdy af qy gory bYg d snUkr mYn. bs afpxI DMn DMn aYN snUkr ivc.” “iehdf mqlb qUM gryvjLYNz rihMnY?” “AuhI myrf sLihr aY.” “Pyr ieQy kI krdF?” “ieQy kpVy dI PYktrI ivkfAU sI, mYN ikhf dyK afvF.” Auh gwp mfr ky vwzf sfrf Guwt bIar df Biraf. avqfr hYrfn huMdf agy puwiCaf, “bixaF sOdf?” “bs, mfVI ijhI ksr aY.” “ikhVI PYkrtI df sOdf mfr rhy E?” “Eh ijhVI prlI roz ‘qy af.” idlbfg hvf ivc hwQ mfrdf boilaf. avqfr ny jybH ivcoN kMGI kwZ ky vfl vfhy. idlbfg soc irhf sI ik ieh jLrUr iksy dPqr df bfbU hovygf. avqfr qihkIkfq krn vFg puwCx ligaf, “ikhVI? ivrk vflI jF cwZy vflI?” “nF qF mYN nhIN jfxdf pr afpxy bMdy eI af.”

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“awCf, mYnUM nhIN pqf ik AuhnF ivcoN koeI PYktrI vyc irhY pr jy koeI prfeIs dI problm hoeI qF mYnUM dsxf, mYN aflzgyt dy hr vpfrI nUM jfxdF.” Aus dI gwl sux ky idlbfg iCwQf ijhf pY igaf. Aus dI pfzI AultI pY geI sI. Aus ny gwl bdlx leI ikhf, “QYNikAU, mYN afpxy pfrtnr nfl gwl krUM, [[[jy PYktrI dI gwl nf bxI qF kuJ prOprtIaF KrId lvFgy.” idlbfg ny gwl gol kridaF afiKaf. iPr avqfr dwsx ligaf ik Auh iehnF PYktrIaF ivc keI sflF qoN kMm kr irhf hY qF idlbfg ny PYktrI KrIdx bfry gwl hI nf kIqI. jd Aus nUM pqf ligaf ik avqfr qF bMbeI qk dy ckr mfr afieaf hY qy bhuq sfry aYktrF nUM iml cuwikaf hY qF Aus dI iblkul hI hvf inkl geI. Aus idn pwb ivcoN jFdf hoieaf kihx ligaf, “jd qk iksy vwzy ibjLns df sOdf nhIN huMdf qd qk mYN soicaf beI ivhly rihx nfloN kYibMg hI kr leIey.” ievyN hI kuJ iek vfr Auh hor imly. avqfr smJ igaf sI ik idlbfg dy sfry ilPfPy hI hn. iPr qF ieh sfP ho hI igaf sI ik idlbfg tYksI krdf hY qy ikrfey ‘qy kmrf lY ky rihMdf hY. ieMnI ku imqrqf qoN bfad idlbfg smJdf sI ik avqfr kfr nUM nFh nhIN krn ligaf. jy nFh kr vI idMdf qF Aus nUM bhuqf Prk nhIN sI pYxf ies leI hI Aus ny avqfr df drvfjLf jf KVkieaf sI. avqfr Aus nUM afpxy kmry ivc lY igaf qy ievyN acfnk afAux df kfrn puwCidaF ikhf, “swuK qF hY, aj acfnk hI[[[.” “mYN qF nMiGaf jFdf sI, qyrI kfr bfhr KVI dyKI qF soicaf ik hYlo kr jfvF, sYcrzy dI CwutI sI awj.” “nhIN, myrf qf sYcrzy lgdf eI lgdf, mYN qF awj hMslo jfxf eys krky Gr aF, bs iqafrI kr irhF.” “hMslo?” “AuQy myrf Kfs dosq rihMdY; AuNkfr. bVf mOjI bMdf, bVI vfkPI aY AuhdI, iPlm ieMztrI qoN koeI nf koeI afieaf eI rihMdY. mYN socdf sI ik nflyL vIk aYSz mMn jfAU, nflyL koeI afieaf hoAU qF iml jfAU. keI sYcrzy lgfqfr lfey aY, eys krky aYqkIN Prlo mfrn df mn ho igaf.” “ieh qF hY, ieMnjuafeymYNt vI jLrUrI aY.” “jy ivhlf hYgf qF cwl.” avqfr ny puwiCaf. idlbfg qF ivhlf hI sI. kfr Aus dI mkYink dy KVI sI. avqfr vflI kfr hux imlxI nhIN sI. Auh avqfr nfl hMslo leI qur ipaf. hMslo ikMgjLly aYvIinAU Aupr AukFr df rYstorYNt sI. rYstorYNt Auprlf PlYt dosqF nfl jsLn mnfAux leI ivhlf rwiKaf hoieaf sI. koeI nf koeI dosq afieaf hI rihMdf. AuNkfr nUM aYktr bxn dI koeI Kwbq nhIN sI pr Aus nUM aYktrF qy hor vwzy bMidaF nfl qsvIrF iKcfAux df bhuq sLONk sI. dUjf vwzf sLONk sI Aus df; gfAux df. ieMzIaf qoN ZolkI mMgvf rwKI sI. hrmonIam df ieMqjLfm vI kIqf hoieaf sI. vyly ku vyly Auh dosqF dI mihPl lf ilaf krdf. AuNkfr AuhnF nUM Df ky imilaf. kuJ dyr AuhnF rYstorYNt ivc bYT ky bIar pIqI qy iPr Aupr PlYt ivc cly gey. hor dosq vI afAuxy sLurU ho gey. rfq nUM AuNkfr rYstorYNt bMd krky Aupr af igaf. Auhdy afAux ‘qy mihPl BK qurI. sMqoK nfmI dosq jo sLrfb nhIN sI pINdf, hrmonIam df mfhr sI. koeI iksy gIq dy bol cuwkdf qF sMqoK iek dm Auhdy bolF mgr hrmonIam lf lYNdf. sB ny rlL ky iPlmI gIqF dI JVI lf idqI. idlbfg leI ieh nvF qjrubf sI. ieMny dosqF ivc pihlF Auh kdy nhIN sI bYiTaf. srUp qoN ibnF Aus df koeI hor dosq hI nhIN sI. hirMdr kdoN df ivafh krf ky brmIGMm jf visaf sI. srUp vI hux pqnI af jfx qoN bfad Gwt hI afAuNdf. ies mihPl ivc afAuxf Aus nUM bhuq cMgf ligaf. qVksfr qk sLrfb cldI rhI qy gIq gf huMdy rhy. svyry jd idlbfg AuiTaf qF drd nfl Aus df isr Pt irhf sI. keI iksm dI sLrfb pIqI geI sI. ivskI, rm, vodkf, bIar; sB rlvyN cldy rhy sn. Auh AuiTaf qF nfl dy kmry ivc avqfr qy

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AuNkfr gfAux df irafjL kr rhy sn. idlbfg nUM jfipaf ik Auh gf nhIN rhy blik Aus dy isr ivc hQOVy mfr rhy hox. Auh kihx ligaf, “Xfr, ikAuN kwty vFgUM aiVMgI jfny EN! iksy nUM rYWst vI kr lYx idE.” Aus dI iksy ny nf suxI. Auh bfQrUm igaf qy iPr iek vwzf sfrf pYWg ivskI df bxf ky pI ilaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Bfn df ielfj ieho hY. QoVf ijhf nfsLqf krky pIx df dOr iPr sLurU ho igaf. avqfr nfl idlbfg dI dosqI hux zMUGI ho rhI sI. Auh iekwTy pwb nUM jFdy. idlbfg keI vfr Aus dy kMm vl vI jf inkldf. avqfr hmysLf hI koeI nf koeI grl PrYSz bx rwKdf qy Aus nUM sLryafm nfl hI leI iPrdf. Aus nUM nf iksy df zr-zukr sI nf icMqf-sLrm. idlbfg nUM ieh gwl bhuq cMgI lgdI. Aus df vI idl krdf ik koeI shylI rwKy. vYsy qF Aus ny iek gorI nfl dosqI ijhI pfeI hoeI sI, jd kdy idl krdf pYsy dy ky Aus vl gyVf mfr afAuNdf pr avqfr vFg shylI rwKxoN Auh zrdf sI. afpxy qfey qoN BfvyN Auh dUr rihMdf sI pr Aus dy mn ivc iek zr qy iewjLq sI. jd Aus avqfr bfry socdf qF Aus dI qrjLy-ijLMdgI pihlI njLr qF cMgI lgdI pr jLrf dUr qk socx nfl iPkI iPkI ijhI jfpx zih pYNdI. idlbfg nUM dysI ZMg nfl ivafh krf ky igRihsQI jIvn vDyry psMd afAuNdf. hux jdoN qoN Aus ny srUp dI pqnI sqnfmI nUM dyiKaf sI qF zrn ligaf sI ik jy Aus dy ipE dy dosq dI kuVI sqnfmI ijhI hoeI qF Auh kI krygf. qfey nfl ieMzIaf jfx nUM qF Aus ny tflH idqf sI pr afpxy ivafh nUM lY ky Auh iPkrmMd hox ligaf. iek idn avqfr dy jIx dy qrIky bfry socidaF Aus ny svfl kIqf, “avqfr isaF, qUM afh ijhVI loeI lfhI iPrdYN, qYnUM lgdf nhIN beI qUM ieh glq kr irhYN.” “kI mqlb?” “ivafh ivAUh krf ky sYWtl nhIN hoxF?” “qUM khfvq nhIN suxI hoeI ik jy bfhroN duwD ssqf pYNdf hovy qF Gr gF rwK ky gohf cuwkx df kI PfiedY!” kihMdf avqfr hwsx ligaf qy nfl hI idlbfg vI. iPr avqfr gMBIr hMudf boilaf, “mYnUM kuVI cfhIdI aY ijhVI myry mn nUM kilwk krdI hovy. ijMnf icr koeI aOrq mYnUM Dur aMdroN kilwk nhIN krdI qF mYN grl PrYSz vI nhIN bxfAuNdf, ivafh qF dUr dI gwl aY. mYN eynIaF kuVIaF nfl irhF, iehnF ivc iek vI nhIN imlI ijhVI ivafh krfAux dy Xog hovy.” “gwl qF avqfr isaF qyrI solF afny TIk aY, vfeIP hovy ijhVI quhfzy sfhmxy GuMmdI-iPrdI, bYTdI-AuTdI quhfnUM nisLafeI rwKy.” idlbfg ny ikDry dUr gvfcidaF ikhf. avqfr iek dm boilaf, “lgdY qyry irsLqy dI ikqy gwl cwl rhI af.” “irsLqy dI qF prOblm eI nhIN, zYzI dI icwTI afeI af beI sO kuVI qyry muhry ilaf KVI krnI aF, ijhdy ‘qy mrjLI AuNgl rwK dyvIN, bs mYN eI nhIN jFdf.” ieh gwl idlbfg dy aMdroN Aus zr ivcoN inklI sI ijs muqfbk Aus df ipE afpxy dosq dI kuVI Aupr AuNgl qF rwK cuikaf sI. keI vfr idlbfg dyKdf ik avqfr keI keI mhIny iksy shylI qoN ibnF vI kwZ idMdf. Auh socdf ik iek vfr bMdy nUM aOrq dy nyV dI afdq pY jfvy qF ieh htdI nhIN. Auh mjLfk krdf puwCdf, “gwl sux Eey lMimaf, ikqy qyrI afpxI lYNz lyzI nfl khfxI qF nhIN iPwt?” “ikAuN? [[[qYnUM ieh iKafl ikQoN af igaf?” “qyrI lUsI geI nUM eyny mhIny ho gey, jdoN df qYnUM ikqy hor mUMh mfrdy nUM nhIN dyiKaf, mYN ikhf iehdI awg buVHy qoN qF TMzI hoxoN rhI, qUM eI mUMh mfrdf hovyNgf.”

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avqfr nUM Aus dI ieh gwl cMgI nf lgI. Aus dy moZyH ‘qy hwQ rwK ky kihx ligaf, “mYN eynf BuwKf nhIN ik afpxI eI bFh ‘qy dMdI vwZ lvF. [[[jdoN dI mYN hosL sMBflLI af ies cIjL dI mYnUM kdy BuwK nhIN rhI, aYzf vwzf Pfrm sI sfzf[[[.” Aus gwl qoN idlbfg kuJ iJp igaf pr roab pfAuNdf boilaf, “Eey lMimaF, qUM mYnUM jwt nhIN smJdf! sfzy KyqF ‘c vI Gfh Koqx afieaf krdIaF sI bQyrIaF, [[[mYN qF kYibMg dy aYsy kMm ‘c PisaF ik tfiem nhIN imldf, nhIN qF BuwK qF mYnUM vI bQyrI lgdI aY. qyry nfloN XMg vI aF.” “sfilLaf, ikAuN gwp mfrdYN! [[[nflLf bMnxf isKx dI Aumr ‘c qF qUM ieMglYNz af igaYN!” sqnfmI dy afAux nfl srUp df GuMmxf-iPrnf bhuq Gwt igaf sI. idlbfg qF hux kdy kdfeIN hI imldf jd kdy Auh afpxI mfsI nUM imlx afieaf huMdf. jd kdy imldf vI qF idlbfg nUM Auh bhuq hI bdilaf bdilaf jfpdf. hux Auh ijLMmyvfrI dIaF gwlF krn ligaf sI. pihlF vFg kuVIaF nUM sItIaF nhIN sI mfrdf. nf hI pihlF vFg iksy ivhlI aOrq nUM bYTI-KVI dyK gwlIN jf lgdf sI. aOrqF bfry hux Auh gwlF hI nhIN sI krdf. idlbfg socdf ik ies hfrI ijhI aOrq ny Aus nUM ikMnf bdl idqf sI. Aus df idl krdf ik kdy Auh iekwTy bYTxgy qF srUp nfl mjLfk krygf ik ieMnI vI ikhVI gwl ho geI ik Auh iblkul hI brP ivc lg igaf hY. iek idn jd srUp qy sqnfmI afpxI mfsI nUM imlx afey hoey sn qF gwlF gwlF ivc pqf cilaf ik sqnfmI df ipMz idlbfg dy ipMz dy iblkul nfl hI sI. sqnfmI df GrF ivcoN lgdf Brf idlbfg nfl pVHdf irhf sI. Ausy idn hI idlbfg ny sqnfmI nUM BfbI dI QfvyN BYx kih ky bulfAuxf sLurU kr idqf. srUp ny Aus nUM ikhf, “hwQ imlLf sfilaf!” “akl kr ngimaF, asIN aYsy sflLy aF ijhVy BxoeIey dy gozf vI Pyr idMny huMny aF.” “qUM afpxf BxoeIaf smJI cwl, gozy df mYnUM iPkr nhIN, myry qF sfry iPkr eI cwuky gey, qyry qoN eI zr lgdf sI pr hux jd BYx eI inkl afeI qF gwl eI nhIN koeI.” “ngimaF, qUM mYnUM kI smJdf Eey!” “rYNzI aYNzI, hr qIvIN mgr dOVn vflf.” srUp vloN afpxy afp nUM ‘rYNzI aYNzI’ kihx ‘qy Auh KusL ho igaf. Aus df idl kIqf ik kfsL avqfr ieQy huMdf qy dyKdf ik Auh afm nhIN sgoN mjLbUq mrd hY.[[[ srUp nuM ies gwl df aihsfs sI ik sqnfmI mihPl df isLMgfr bxn vflI aOrq nhIN hY. Auh iksy dy Gr jFdf qF agly dI culbulI ijhI aOrq dyK ky Aus df idl krdf ik kfsL, sqnfmI vI aijhI huMdI. Aus ny sqnfmI nUM mfzrn bxfAux dI bhuq koisLsL kIqI. sB qoN pihlF qF Aus nUM vflLF nUM sroN df qyl lfAux qoN roikaf. Aus dy ivMgI ijhI slvfr dI QF trfAUjLr pvfeI, myk-awp vI afp KrId ky idqf, vflL PulvyN ijhy rwKx leI afKdf, bdlvyN gihxy pvf ky rwKdf pr sqnfmI sI ik Aus nUM sfDfrn rihxf hI cMgf lgdf sI. Auh afpxI sfdgI Aupr hI aVI rhI. srUp nUM bhuq guwsf afAuNdf pr jd dyKdf ik sqnfmI Gr nUM ikMnI cMgI qrFH sMBfl rhI hY qF Aus df sfrf guwsf Kur jFdf. ikMny vI mihmfn afey hox Auh Jwt hI Kfxf iqafr kr idMdI qy Kfxf vI vDIaf huMdf. srUp dI inkI inkI KfhsL df iDafn rwKdI. rojL bdlvyN qy iesqrI kIqy kpVy idMdI. Aus ivc ksr sI qF Aus nUM mIt nhIN sI bxfAuxf afAuNdf. Aus ny ‘nfm’ ilaf hox krky KFdI vI nhIN sI. pihlIaF ivc afpxf ‘nfm’ Aus ny srUp qy vI lfgU krn dI koisLsL kIqI sI pr srUp aV igaf sI, boilaf sI,

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“sqnfm kury, mYN ivafh lfeIP nUM bYtr bxfAux leI krfieaY, vrst bxfAux leI nhIN, aj soc lY qy pwly bMn lY, qUM mIt bxfAuxf vI aY qy myry leI ivskI df pYWg vI. muV ky tIN pYN kIqI qF afpxf piVHaf ivcfrIN.” sqnfmI nUM smJidaF dyr nhIN sI lgI. Auh ivcfrI ijhI bxdI bolI, “jI, mYnUM ieh kusL bxfAuxf nhIN afAuNdf.” srUp ny Aus nUM mIt vI qy mwCI vI bxfAux isKfl ley. pYWg qF Auh afpxy leI sdf afp hI bxfAundf. hOlI hOlI sqnfmI mIt nUM Dox-sMvfrn vI lg peI. iPr qrI ivcoN burkI iBAuN ky vI Kfx lg peI sI pr sfdgI df Kol Aus Aupr AuvyN hI ciVaf irhf. vYsy Auh bhuq qyjL qrfr aOrq sI. PYktrI ivc kMm ‘qy lgI qf aMgryjLI bolxI Aus ny idnF ivc hI isK leI. sqnfmI nUM imlx vflIaF aOrqF kuJ dyr leI Aus vl dyK ky nwk-bulH kwZdIaF pr jd vfh pYNdf qf Aus nUM psMd krn lgdIaF. gurbMs kor ijhVI pihlF srUp nUM kihMdI sI ik sfry pMjfb ivcoN ieho kuVI lwBxI sI Auho hux kihx lgdI, “mYnUM qF aj kl dIaF kuVIaF dI CUCf-bUCI EdF eI cMgI nhIN lgdI, kuVI hovy qF sqnfmI vrgI.”

igafrF ikRsms dy idn sn. cfry pfsy rOxkF hI rOxkF sn. QF QF sjfvtF ho rhIaF sn. ijDr dyKo ikRsms dI zYkorysLn idsdI. ieQoN qk ik lok kfrF dy eyrIalF ‘qy vI zYkorysLn dIaF JMzIaF ijhIaF bMnI iPrdy sn. hr sfl vFg ruafiel zIn vI sijaf ipaf sI. vwK vwK ZfxIaF ivc pfrtIaF vI cwl rhIaf sn. Evr tfeIm dIaF lihrF bihrF sn. ijMnf lf skoN, lf lE. Aucycy zOkt Bry jFdy. ikRsms vfly idn aqy bOkisMg zy Aupr iks iks ny kMm krnf sI; ies bfry vfhvf crcf huMdI. eysLIan lok ieMnf Evr tfeIm lfAuNdy ik goiraF ny keI iksm dy cutkly KVy hoey sn. koeI gorf afpxy sfQIaF nUM aYkitMg ijhI krdf dwsx lgdf, “imstr ptyl nUM sVk A upr iek dosq imilaf. dosq ny puwiCaf ik qyry bwcy ikwzy ikwzy ku ho gey. imstr ptyl DrqI qoN AucfeI imxn dI QfvyN afly duafly nUM hwQ Kohldf boilaf ik iek aYzf ku, iek aYzf ku qy iek aYzf ku. dosq nUM hYrfn huMdy dyK ky imstr ptyl ny ikhf ik Aus ny afpxy bwcy hmysLf suwqy pey hI dyKy af, kdy KiVaF jF KylidaF nUM dyiKaf hI nhIN.” nfl dy gory lot pot ho ho jFdy. koeI hor afpxf GiVaf lqIPf suxfAux lgdf, “imstr Kfn sdf eI Evr tfeIm ‘qy rihMdf sI. AuhdI pqnI iek idn afpxy bwicaF nUM purfxI ijhI aYlbMb idKfAuNdI dwsx lgI ik ieh quhfzy zYzI dI Poto hY. bwcy hYrfn huMdy puwCx lgy ik Auh gMjf ijhf bMdf iPr kOx hoieaf ijhVf kdy kdy afpxy Gr afAuNdf hY.” kdy kdy ruafiel zIn ivc Evr tfeIm dI ikwlq af jFdI sI. aijhy mOky ‘qy eysLIan lokF dy ichry Auqr jFdy. Auqry hoey ichry dyK ky gory bhuq KusL huMdy. koeI gorf dysI bMdy nUM avfjL dy ky kihMdf, “imstr isMG, ies aYqvfr mYN ipkink ‘qy jfxF, jy qUM cfhyN qF myry vflf aYqvfr kr skdF.” imstr isMG KusL ho jFdf ijvyN koeI KjLfnf iml igaf hovy. Auh Bfvuk huMdf gory nfl hwQ imlfAuNdf qy boldf, “QYNikAU, QYNikAU imstr simwQ, QYNikAU vYrI vYrI mwc!” imstr simwQ dy ipwCy KVI ZfxI ivc iKwlI Auz jFdI qy imstr isMG kMn lpytdf qur jFdf.

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pr aijhIaf gwlF mjLfk qk hI sImq rihMdIaF, iksy iksm dI qlKI pYdf nf krdIaF. goiraF, kfilaf nUM eysLIan lokF df jy kuJ burf lgdf sI qF Auh sI afpxI bolI ivc gwlF krnIaF. jy eysLIan lok gwl krky kdy hwsdy qF dUijaF nUM lgdf ik sLfied AuhnF dIaF gwlF hI kr rhy hn. pMjfbI lokF dy hux kfPI sfry pirvfr af cuwky sn. Auh afps ivc irsLqydfrF vFg imlx vI lgy sn. iek idn arjn isMG ny surjn isMG nUM puwiCaf, “ikRsms ‘qy Gr eI rihxYN? [[[myrf mqlb ikqy bfhr jfx df progrfm qF nhIN?” “jfxF ikQy af! PYmlI ‘c eI bYTxF, ikAuN?” “myrI vfeIP kihMdI sI ik iksy idn quhfzy vl afAuxF.” “iekwTIaF eI kMm krdIaF, rojL imlLdIaF, hOlIzyjL ivc ieh kYsf hyj jfg ipaf!” surjn isMG ny afpxy suBfa vFg iswDI gwl kr mfrI. gurbMs kor qy prkfsL kor kdy kdy iek dUjy dy Gr af jfieaf krdIaF sn. AuhnF df vfh sihkfmIaF nfloN jLrf ijLafdf sI. surjn isMG nUM arjn isMG df ievyN ivsLysL afAux bfry kihxf jLrf Eprf ligaf. iek idn sLfm nUM arjn isMG qy gurbMs kor AuhnF dy Gr af gey. surjn isMG smJ irhf sI ik jLrUr koeI Kfs gwl hovygI. cfh pINidaF sr-srI ijhIaF gwlF qur peIaF. gurbMs kor kihx lgI, “igMdI df ivafh kdoN ku krn df ierfdY? [[[suK nfl AunIvyN ‘c aY.” surjn isMG nUM ieh gwl bhuq EprI lgI. Aus ny kdy soicaf hI nhIN ik vwzI kuVI hux ivafhux vflI ho geI hY. Aus qoN pihlF hI prkfsL kor kih AuTI, “BYx jI, asIN kdy soicaf eI nhIN hfly, hor sfl KMz qk eyhdy mfmy nUM khFgy ik koeI muMzf dyKy.” “kfhlI vI kfhdI aY!” prkfsL kor qoN bfad surjn isMG ny ikhf. iek do vfr Gr ivc hoeI gwlbfq ivc ieho qYa sI ik guirMdr kuJ dyr ho kMm krky afpxy ivafh jogy pYsy joV lvy. Auh iksy iksm dI kfhlI nhIN sI krnf cfhuMdy. gurbMs kor ny afiKaf, “kfhlI ikAuN nhIN, quhfnUM kfhlLI qF krnI eI pYxIN aYN, quhfzf sPr vI lMmf aY, pMj DIaF[[[!” surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor nUM ieh gwl bhuq cuBI. jy gurbMs kor dI QF koeI hor aOrq ieh gwl kihMdI qF prkfsL kor ny JfV ky rwK dyxI sI. surjn isMG ny ikhf, “BYx jI, asIN iehdy bfry hfly kuJ nhIN soicaf.” “jy koeI cMgf ijhf muMzf iml jfey qF[[[?” “dyK lvFgy pr hfly asIN ies leI iqafr nhIN.” “Brf jI, kuVI qF ivafhuxI eI aYN, sfl ieDr hieaf jF EDr, [[[sfzI njLr ivc iek bhuq hI cMgf irsLqf aY, bfsI goq, nvyNsLihr vloN, [[[muMzy df ipE ‘lfky df mMinaF hoieaf bMdY, qfey ny afpxf puwq bxf ky nMGfieaf hoieaY. [[[kwlf kwlf muMzf, do BYxF hYgIaF pr ivafhIaF hoeIaF.” gurbMs kor qoN bfad arjn isMG kihx ligaf, “muMzf sfzy Gr ikrfey ‘qy rihMdf, kYibMg krdf, iehdf qfieaf gryvjLYNz rihdY, cMgf bMdf Auh vI, keI vfrI gwl hoeI aY. iehnUM ieMzIaf jfx leI kihMdy af ik ivafh krf ky afvy, asIN soicaf ik iek vfrI quhfzy nfl gwl krky dyKdy aF, jy quhfnUM muMzf cMgf lgy qF bhuq TIk rhU, ipCl-Jfk koeI nhIN.” “quhfzf shfrf vI bxUM.” pqI qoN bfad gurbMs kor ny afpxI gwl khI. surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor hfly vI cuwp ijhy bYTy sn. pl ku ruk ky gurbMs kor iPr afKx lgI, “BYx jI, rihMdf qF sfzy ikrfey ‘qy eI aY pr eydF ijwdF Gr df eI jIa hovy, [[[sONh gurU dI, idlbfg mYnUM afpxy prmIq vFgUM eI aY.” surjn isMG ny lMmf sfh ilaf qy iPr TrMmy ijhy nfl bolx ligaf,

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“sfzy pMj kuVIaF, dfj dyx jogy asIN hY nhIN. asIN qF soicaf hoieaf ik ijhVI skUloN htI, kMm ‘qy lf dyxI aF, Gr dy izpOjLt jogy pYsy joVy qy Gr lY lvy jF ivafh ‘qy Krc krf lvy, ieh muMzy vfilaF dI mrjLI! [[[so sfnUM ieMzIaf qoN muMzy eI sUt krny aF. ieQoN dy muMzy mUMh bhuq Kohlxgy.” “ieh gwl qusIN sfzy ‘qy Cwz dyvo, dfj dI qF koeI prOblm eI nhIN, kfmryz PYmlI aY, afpF pihlF eI sfrI gwl klIar kr lvFgy.” do GMty bYTy Auh ies irsLqy bfry ivcfrF krdy rhy. jFdy hoey gurbMs kor ny ikhf, “qusIN iek vfrI muMzf dyK lvo, dyKx ‘c qF koeI hrjL nhIN, nhIN krnf hoieaf nf shI.” AuhnF dy jfx qoN bfad surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor socF ivc pY gey. ies msly dy sfhmxy hfly Auh KVnf nhIN sI cfhuMdy. gurbMs kor dI khI iek gwl ik muMzf quhfzf afsrf bxygf prkfsL kor nUM bhuq cMgI lg rhI sI. iek puwqr leI JUrdI Auh ikhf krdI sI ik kuVIaf ivafhFgy, juafeI Gr afAuxgy qy puwqF dI BuwK pUrI ho jfAU. surjn isMG sdf kihMdf ik bygfny puwq vI kdy afpxy bixaF krdy hn. prkfsL kor ny pqI nUM puwiCaf, “jI, kI socdyN aF?” “pihlI vfr mihsUs ho irhY ik guirMdr vwzI, ivafhux Xog ho geI aY, kdy soicaf hI nhIN.” “jI, sfnUM qF nhIN pr lokf nUM qF vwzI hoeI kuVI idsdI hI aY. [[[mYnUM lgdf iek muMzf kdy kdy eyhnUM kMm ‘qy Cwzx afAuNdf huMdf, ikqy AuhI nf hovy.” “buVHIey, qYnUM kI lgdf ik hfly atk leIey jF muMzf dyK leIey?” “mYN qF kihMnI aF dyK leIey, gurbMs BYx jI sfzf cMgf hI socU.” agly idn arjn isMG ny kMm Aupr idlbfg dy ipE kfmryz ibsLMBr isMG dIaF vizafeIaF dy puwl bMnxy sLurU kr idqy. ieh nF qf surjn isMG ny AuhnF idnF qoN hI suixaF hoieaf sI jd Auh kimAuntF df hmdrd hoieaf krdf sI. surjn isMG df vI mn bxn ligaf ik jy muMzf TIk hovy qF guirMdr ivafh hI idqI jfvy.[[[ ies irsLqy bfry gurbMs kor jF arjn isMG ny pihlF kdy nhIN sI soicaf, ieh qF iek idn idlbfg dI qfeI df Pon afieaf qF Aus nfl cwlI gwlbfq ivcoN ieh ivcfr iek dm AuBiraf sI. qfeI ny ikhf sI, “BYx jI, idlbfg nUM smJfE ik ivafh krfAux ieMzIaf jfvy, sfzI qF ieh mMndf nhIN.” “BYx jI, jy quhfnUM koeI cMgI kuVI ieQoN iml jfvy?” “koeI hrjL nhIN pr eyhdy ipE ny koeI kuVI dyKI hoeI aY.” “ieh gwl qF quhfzI TIk aY pr awj kwl dy muMzy iksy dI psMd nUM kdoN mMndy af. qusIN afp kuVI iek vfr dyK lE, bhuq cMgy bMdy af.” “BYx jI, gwl qF quhfzI TIk aY, sfzI icMqf qF ieh aY ik jldI ivafh krfvy, hux Aumr hoeI peI aY.” gurbMs kor df idl ivcolx bxn nUM mclx ligaf. Aus ny idlbfg nfl gwl kIqI. AuhnUM kMm ‘qy Cwzx jfx dy bhfny kuVI vI idKf idqI. idlbfg qF guirMdr vl dyK ky pfgl ho AuiTaf; gorf rMg, lMmf kd, sLrm nfl BrIaF sLrbqI awKF, inwkI ijhVI muskRfht! pihlI hI qwkxI ivc Aus ny kih idqf, “aMtI jI, jy ivafh krfAuxf qF eysy kuVI nfl krfAuxf nhIN qF sfrI Aumr kMvfrf rih lAUN.” Aus qoN bfad idlbfg dy qOr-qrIky hI bdl gey. Auh bx-Tx ky rihx ligaf. vMn-suvMny ZMg nfl vflL bxfAuNdf. kfr nUM vI hr vyly isLgfr ky rwKdf. hr rojL hI gurbMs kor nUM kMm ‘qy Cwzx qy lYx jfx lg ipaf. qrIky nfl Aus ny prkfsL kor qy guirMdr nUM vI muMzf idKf idqf qy surjn isMG nUM vI. surjn isMG nUM muMzf bhuqf psMd nhIN sI pr mfVf vI nhIN sI. afm muMizaF vrgf hI sI pr guirMdr nfl sjdf sI.

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surjn qy arjn isMG gryvjLYNz Aus dy qfey nUM imlx gey. KulH ky gwlF hoeIaF. sLurUafq suhxI hoeI. sfry ies irsLqy qoN KusL sn. srdUl nUM icwTI ilK ky Aus dI rfey vI pwuC leI. kfmryz ibsLMBr isMG nuM sfry hI jfxdy sn. bldyv nvyN sLihr dIaF kichrIaF ivc klrk irhf hox krky ibsLMBr isMG df jLfqI vfkP vI sI. mhIny ku dI inrK prK qoN bfad gwl lIhy pY qurI. ibsLMBr isMG vI idlbfg nUM AuzIk AuzIk ky Qwk igaf sI. Auh vI hux ieho cfhuMdf sI ik muMzf ivafh krf lvy, cfhy ieMglYNz ivc hI krfvy. meI ivc idlbfg aqy guirMdr df ivafh ho igaf. sfdf ijhf ivafh sI. idlbfg vloN qfey df twbr, srUp qy sqnfmI qy pUrbI lMzn df iek hor pirvfr sI. hirMdr df Aus kol isrnfvF jF Pon nMbr nhIN sI nhIN qF Aus nUM vI jLrUr swddf. avqfr nUM Aus ny swdf idqf pr avqfr kuVI vfilaF vloN sLfml ho irhf sI. surjn isMG vloN avqfr, twbr smyq bnfrsI dfs qy arjn isMG. arjn isMG df muMzf prmIq bfrikMg qoN jf ky grMQI sfihb nUM lY afieaf. Gr ivc hI lfvF df ieMqjLfm kr ilaf. Gr dy bfhr hI surjn isMG qy PuMmx isMG ny imlxI dI rsm kr leI. ipCly kmry ivc cfh-pfxI qy muhrlI bYTk ivc Pyry. PyiraF qoN bfad mhFrfj dI svfrI cly geI qy AuQy hI Kfx-pIx df kMm sLurU kr idqf. sB kuJ Gr ivc hI bxfieaf igaf sI. BfrqI rYstorYNt tfvyN-tfvyN hI sn. miTafeI dI ieko vwzI dukfn sI; pitaflf svIt sLOp. ieh kyNdrI lMzn ivc sI. sLfm nUM guirMdr dI zolLI qur geI. sMKyp ijhI brfq gryvjLYNz qoN afeI sI qy zolLI vI AuQy hI geI. gurbMs kor ivcolx dy qOr ‘qy nfl geI qy gBlI suirMdr vI. rsmI qOr qy kuJ idn idlbfg qy guirMdr gryvjLYNz rhy qy iPr muV arjn isMG dy Gr af gey. ikrfey Aupr rihxf guirMdr nUM aOKf lg irhf sI. ikrfeydfrF vflIaF keI bMdsLF sn pr Auh koeI isLkfieq nhIN sI kiraf krdI. idlbfg Aus nUM bhuq ipafr krdf sI. Aus ‘qy jfn insLfvr krn qk jFdf. surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor ies gwl ‘qy bhuq KusL sn. ijLMdgI muV pihlF vFg qur peI. guirMdr kMm ‘qy jFdI. idlbfg vI muV inrMqr tYksI krn ligaf pr hux Auh CuwtI krn df koeI nf koeI bhfnf GV lYNdf. guirMdr nUM lY ky gryvjLYNz cly jFdf. afpxy qfey dy muMizaF kol guirMdr dy suhwpx bfry gwpF mfrdf. Aus bfry keI gwlF GV ky vI suxfAuNdf. idlbfg surjn isMG dy Gr vI afAuNdf qF Gr dy jIaF vFg hI vrqfE krdf jo sB nUM cMgf vI lgdf. surjn isMG nuM iek qF idlbfg dIaF gwpF cMgIaF nhIN sn lgdIaF qy iek ieh gwl nhIN sI smJ rhI ik muMzy ny hfly qk koeI pYsf ikAuN nhIN joiVaf pr iPr vI idlbfg jI jI krdf sB nUM mohI rKdf sI. iek idn prkfsL kor kihx lgI, “jI, myrf mn bhuq Krfb huMdY; sfzI kuVI bygfny Gr dI ikrfeydfrnI bxy, myrf qF keI vfrI kMm ‘qy idl vI nhIN lgdf.” “hux kI krIey, mYN qF ikhf ik muMzy kol cfr pYsy hoxgy qy QoVy asIN pf dyvFgy qy Gr lY dyvFgy pr muMzf Tx-Tx gupfl inkilaf. AuhnF nUM kho pYsy joVn qy Gr lY lYx.” “pYsy joVn nUM pqf nhIN ikMnI dyr lgy, idlbfg df hwQ vI jLrf KulHf, kwl guirMdr leI kFty lY afieaf.” “qUM guirMdr rfhIN AuhnUM smJf beI izpOjLt jogy pYsy joVn.” “pYsy joVn nUM pqf nhIN ikMnf icr lgy, [[[ikAuN nf jd qk AuhnF nUM Gr lY afeIey, AuhnF df ikrfieaf vI bc jfAU.” “buVHIey, Auh Eprf bMdf aY qy afpxf Gr kuVIaF vflf, [[[afpF hfly AuhnUM jfxdy eI ikMnF!” “jfnx nUM kI aY, gurbMs BYx jI kol eyny icr df rihMdY, jy eyQy rihxgy qF rotI sfzy nfl KfeI jfxgy qy Gr leI pYsy jldI juV jfxgy.”

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socdf qF surjn isMG vI ievyN hI sI. guirMdr kol kuJ pYsy joVy hoey sn, kuJ hor pf ky Gr ilaf jf skdf sI. AuvyN sLfied idlbfg kuJ nf joV sky, AuhnF ivc rih ky sOiKaF juV skdy sn bs ieho sI ik pqf nhIN idlbfg ikho ijhf bMdf hovy. pqnI dy ijLafdf kihx ‘qy surjn isMG vI mMn igaf. agly hPqy hI idlbfg qy guirMdr iek kmry ivc af ky rihx lg pey. guirMdr qF mF dy Gr af ky KusL hY hI sI, idlbfg nUM vI AuQoN nfloN ieh jgfh rihxf cMgf lg irhf sI. idlbfg Gr lYx bfry bhuqf nhIN sI soc irhf. Auh qF ijvyN hfly vI koeI suPnf hI dyK irhf hovy. Aus nUM guirMdr dy sfQ nfl hfly qk mn nhIN sI Biraf. Aus ny tYksI clfAuxI Cwz ky avqfr nfl aflzgyt kpVy dI PYktrI ivc kMm ‘qy jf ligaf ikAuNik tYksI clfAux ivc GMty ijLafdf lgfAuxy pYNdy sn. kdy ieh vI socx lgdf ik srUp vFg kMm krygf qy ivhly smyN ivc tYksI vI clfeygf. iek idn surjn ny Aus nUM afpxf Gr lYx dy Pfiedy smJfey qF Auh ies bfry gMBIr ho igaf. afpxI sfrI qnKfh ilaf ky guirMdr nUM PVfAux ligaf. guirMdr agy mMmI kol jmFH krf idMdI. idlbfg vI jmFH huMdy pYisaF bfry soc ky KusL hox lgdf. iehnF idnF ivc hI avqfr ny kfr bdl leI qy nfl hI kfr bdlx df BUq idlbfg isr ‘qy vI svfr ho igaf. Aus dI kfr vI kuJ purfxI sI. Auh ieh kfr vyc ky hor lYx dI iqafrI krn ligaf. dUjy pfsy surjn ny syl ‘qy lgy GrF dIaF ilstF mMgvfAuxIaF sLurU kr idqIaF. idlbfg ny Gr af ky kfr lYx dI qmMnf df iejLhfr kIqf qF prkfsL kor bolI, “pwuq, pihlF Gr lY lE, Gr nfl bMdy dI iejLq aY.” ieh sux ky idlbfg KfmosL ijhf ho igaf. iek pfsy sws dI gwl TIk vI jfpdI sI pr dUjy pfsy sws vloN Aus dI KfhsL nUM rONd dyxf burf vI ligaf pr Auh cuwp irhf. idlbfg dy Gr ivc af ky rihx nfl AuhnF dy Gr df mhOl iek dm bdl igaf. Epry bMdy dI Gr ivc hfjLrI ny kuVIaF dIaF keI KulHF Aupr rokF lf idqIaF. idlbfg dI hoNd AuhnF dy mn Aupr hr vyly CfeI rihMdI. bYTx AuTx vyly kuVIaF nUM sfvDfn rihxf pYNdf. idlbfg vI AuhnF Aupr vwzy BrfvF vfly hwk jqfAux ligaf. Auh AuhnF nUM isr Aupr cuMnI lYx leI kihMdf rihMdf. bhuqf hsdIaF qF tok idMdf. prkfsL kor vI bfhr jFdI qF isr Zk ky rwKx leI afKx lgdf. prkfsL kor nUM ievyN puwqF vFg Aus df roab Jwlxf cMgf lgdf. surjn isMG nUM vI Auh bhuq afdr nfl bulfAuNdf. bfkI sB TIk sI pr Aus dIaF gwpF surjn isMG nUM cMgIaF nf lgdIaF. kul imlf ky Auh Gr df bMdf bx igaf sI. idlbfg dy ivafh qoN bfad avqfr df Aus pRqI rvweIaf bdl igaf. pihlF Auh dosq sI qy hux dosq df jvfeI. pihlF idlbfg koeI gwp mfr irhf huMdf qF avqfr afKx lgdf, “rukIN rukIN jLrf, kfpI pYWn lY afvF.” “ikAuN?” “ijwdF hr cIjL ivc iqMn ihwsy pfxI huMdY eydF eI qyrI gwl ivc iqMn ihwsy JUT aY, mYnUM ilK ky ihsfb krnf pYNdY.” idlbfg iCwQf ijhf hfsf hwsdf. kdy Auh kih bYTdf, “iek vfr asIN awsI Kyq Jonf lfieaf.” “Xfr idlbfg, cflIaF ku KyqF nfl kMm clf lY, awsI qF pUry duafby ‘c nhIN hoxy iksy dy.” avqfr mjLfk ivc afKdf. kuJ dyr bfad Auh afp hI kihx lgdf, “mfr lY Xfr ijMnI vI gwp mfrnI aF, gwp mfrn df ikhVf koeI ibwl afAuNdf, hf, rotI jLrUr hjLm ho jFdI aY.” hux avqfr Aus Aupr iqwKI cot nhIN sI krdf pr idlbfg hfly vI Aus nUM CyVdf hoieaf kihMdf, “lMimaF, qyrI pMzqfxI hY qF Cy-cfr eI, EdF bYWz ‘c ikwdF, grm aYN?”

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avqfr ny Aus nUM ivafhuqf ijLMdgI bfry koeI gwl nf puwCI ijvyN dosq iek dUjy nUM puwiCaf hI krdy hn. idlbfg hYrfn huMdf ik avqfr qy surjn isMG df afps ivc Aumr df Prk huMdy vI dosqI kfPI gUVHI sI. iek gwl dI hor hYrfnI vI idlbfg nUM huMdI ik ieh sfry hI nyVy dy dosq rhy hn pr pihlF iksy ny iek dUjy df kdy koeI ijLkr ikAuN nhIN kIqf. avqfr nUM iek vfr iPr Jwl AuiTaf qy sB kuJ Cwz Czf ky Auh bMbeI cly igaf. avqfr dy jfx qoN bfad idlbfg df kMm Aupr idl lgxoN ht igaf. Aus ny kMm hI Cwz idqf. Auh muV kYibMg krn ligaf. tYksI leI Aus dI kfr ZukvIN nhIN sI. mfVI kfr ivc gfhk bYTxoN hI zrn lgdf ik rfh ivc hI nf Krfb ho jfvy. Auh kfr lYx bfry socx ligaf. Aus ny ihsfb lfieaf ik AuhnF kol iek hjLfr pONz jmFH ho cuwikaf sI. pMj sO pONz guirMdr kol ivafh qoN pihly vI pey sn. Gr lYx df cfa dUjYlI jgfH af izigaf qy Auh dy idmfg ivc kfrF GuMmx lgIaF; Porz dIaF, jrmn qy jpfnI kfrF. kdy Auh koeI lyalYNz dI ssqI ijhI kfr bfry ivcfrF krn lgdf. Aus ny guirMdr rfhIN prkfsL kor qoN pYsy mMgy qF Auh iswDI Aus nUM bolI, “idlbfg puwq, eys kfr nfl qyrf kMm clI eI jFdf, asIN cfhuMny aF ik iehnF pYisaF df qUM Gr lvyN. dyK, qyry zYzI GrF dIaF ikMnIaF ilstF mMgONdy af, ijwdx koeI shI ijhf idisaf, kihMdy lY lYxf.” “mMmI, Gr dI iksLq vI qF hI dy hoAU jy koeI afmdn hoeI, ieh kfr imnI kYb vflI nhIN.” “qUM PYktrI ‘coN eI ikAuN kMm Cwizaf! [[[qyry zYzI kihMdy ik pwkI jOb nfl mOtrgyj sOKI iml jfxI sI.” prkfsL kor dy ieMnf kihx ‘qy idlbfg ruws igaf. Aus ny rotI KfxI Cwz idqI. sfrf idn afpxy kmry ivc ipaf rihMdf. Auh guirMdr nUM vI iKJx lgdf ik pYsy Aus dI mF dy nF ‘qy rwKy hI ikAuN sn. Aus df afpxf vI cMgf Blf akfAUNt bYNk ivc sI pr Aus vyly PUk ivc afieaf pYsy prkfsL kor nUM PVfAuNdf irhf sI. surjn isMG nUM pqf cilaf qF boilaf, “buVHIey, mfr Auhdy pYsy Auhdy isr ivc.” agly idn hI prkfsL kor ny Aus dy pYsy kZf ky Aus nUM dy idqy. iblizMg susfietI vfly iek hjLfr pONz ieko vyly idMdy nhIN sn ies leI lgfqfr do idn jfxf ipaf. pYsy idMdI prkfsL kor soc rhI sI ik bygfnf puwq iPr vI bygfnf hI huMdf hY. surjn isMG dI khI gwl Aus nUM swc jfp rhI sI, jy afpxf puwq huMdf qF afpxy mF-ipE df ikhf jLrUr suxdf qy mMndf vI. idlbfg ny purfxI kfr ivc dy ky nfl awT sO pONz hor dy ky jLrf ku nvyN mOzl dI kfr lY leI. bfkI bcdy do sO pONz Aus ny muV prkfsL kor nUM dy idqy. ies nfl prkfsL kor df ihrK vI jLrf mwTf pY igaf. idlbfg muV tYksI krn ligaf. keI vfr qF Auh sfrf sfrf idn kMm Aupr rihMdf qy koeI CuwtI vI nf krdf pr keI keI idn Gr vI bYTf rihMdf. ivckfr ijhy iek vfr iPr tYksI Cwz ky aflzgyt kMm ‘qy jf ligaf pr zyZ ku mhIny bfad muV kYibMg ‘qy af igaf. Auh pYsy hux vI prkfsL kor nUM ilaf ky PVfAuNdf pr iPr kfr murMmq krfAux dy bhfny lY jFdf. surjn isMG df idlbfg qoN ivsLvfs AuWT igaf. Auh smJx ligaf sI ik bMdf ijLMmyvfrI inBfAux vflf nhIN hY pr hux kI ho skdf sI. kuVI qF ivafhI geI sI. Aus dy Gr leI koeI pYsf nhIN sI juV irhf. rihx-Kfx leI idlbfg nUM sB muPq sI pr iPr vI Auh koeI bwcq nf krdf. surjn isMG nUM pqf sI ik QoVf izpOjLt dy ky vI mOtrgyj iml jfvygI pr Auh cfhuMdf sI ik idlbfg dI iksLq CotI qoN CotI rhy. dUjy pfsy GrF dIaF kImqF vDx lgIaF sn. surjn df gorf dosq zYrk, ijhVf hr vyly iPnfsLIal tfeImjL aKbfr pVHdf rihMdf sI, kih irhf sI ik sLfied ieh iek sfl dy ivc ivc dugxIaF ho jfx. surjn isMG iPkr krn ligaf. iek idn acfnk hI AuhnF dI afpxI roz; bfkrly roz Aupr ‘Pfr syl’ df Pwtf ligaf idisaf. surjn isMG nUM ijvyN cfa cVH igaf. idlbfg df gYrijLMmydfrfnf suBfa dyKdf Aus soc irhf sI ik Auh AuhnF dy njLdIk hI Gr lYx qF jo loV vyly guirMdr dI mwdd kIqI jf sky. Gr df mflk awT hjLfr mMg irhf sI. afm vFg kuJ ieDr EDr krky sfZy swq hjLfr pONz ivc sOdf ho igaf. pMj ku sO guirMdr dy nF qy

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ipaf sI, kuJ hor vI idlbfg ny PVfey hoey sn qy kuJ surjn ny koloN pf idqy qy idlbfg qy guirMdr nUM Auh Gr lY idqf. mOrtgyj df ieMqjLfm eyjMt ny afp hI kr idqf sI. qIh sfl dI mOtrgyj qy swT pONz mhIny dI iksLq. Gr lY ky idlbfg nUM bhuq KusLI hoeI. Aus ny kdy soicaf vI nhIN sI ik Auh Gr df mflk bx jfvygf, Auh vI lMzn ivc. Auh hr imlx vfly nUM dsdf iPrdf ik Aus ny afpxf Gr KrId ilaf hY. gryvjLYNz Auh afey idn Pon krky icqfrdf ik Auh vI hux Gr df mflk bx igaf hY. Aus df qfieaf afpxy QF bhuq KusL sI ik Auh sYWtl ho igaf hY pr nfl dI nfl qfey nUM surjn isMG nfl hmdrdI vI hox lgdI ijs nUM idlbfg dy suBfa ny hux sfrI Aumr hI qMg krnf sI. suhry Gr rihMidaF hux surjn qy idlbfg ivckfr iek ajIb ijhf qxfv rihx ligaf sI. idlbfg vI ieh gwl mihsUs krdf pr hux Auh afpxy Gr af ky pUrI qrFH ajLfd sI. vYsy idlbfg hYNzI-mYn sI; Aus nUM pUrf kMm koeI vI nhIN sI afAuNdf pr QoVy bhuq sfry hI kr lYNdf. Aus ny afpxy sfry Gr ivc nvF pypr lf ilaf. gfrzn dI vfV izgI peI sI, TIk kr leI. ibjlI dI storj sYNtrl hIitMg Krfb peI sI, bxf leI. kfrpYWt vI Kud hI pf leI qy iKVkIaF drvfijLaF nUM nvF rogn kr ilaf. Aus nUM Gr dy sfry kMm ieMnI rIJ nfl kridaF dyK ky surjn isMG KusL vI huMdf. Gr df smfn KrIdx ivc Aus ny kuJ hor shfieqf vI kr idqI. iehnF idnF ivc guirMdr bwcy vloN vI afsvMd sI. swqvF mhInf cwl irhf sI. BfvyN Aus nUM mYtrntI lIv vI iml skdI sI pr Aus nUM kMm Cwzxf ipaf. bwcy nUM sMBflx dI musLkl vI hoxI sI qy nfly kMm Cwzx nfl kuJ pYsy iekwTy iml jfxy sn ijhnF nfl Gr df smfn; bYWz, sYtI, Pirwj afid pfieaf jf skdf sI. mhIny bfad Gr dI iksLq af geI. pihlI iksLq qF idqI geI pr dUjI aVH geI. ieh iksLq ds idn lyt ho geI qy qIjI iksLq pMdrF idn. Pon, gYs, ibjlI, pfxI; sfry hI ibwl vI af gey. idlbfg kdy kMm ‘qy jFdf qy kdy nf. Auh guirMdr nUM sMBflx dy bhfny Gr hI bYTf rihMdf. surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor nUM iPkr pYx ligaf ik iehnF df kI bxygf. ikqy ievyN nf hovy ik Gr dI iksLq-ibwl idqy nf jfx qy Gr nUM bYNk vfly sFB lYx. ieh soc soc surjn isMG dIaF nINdF ivc Kll pYx ligaf. Auh vI afpxI jybH ivcoN AuhnF dy ikMny ku ibwl dy skdf sI. dovyN pqI-pqnI bhuq Audfs sn ik AudfsI nUM CMz dyx vflI KusLI AuhnF Gr af ZuwkI. guirMdr ny lVky nUM jnm idqf. prkfsL kor hYrfn hoeI peI sI. Auh qF smJdI sI ik Aus dI iksmq ivc isrP kuVIaF df jMmxF hI iliKaf hY qy ieho kuJ AuhdIaF DIaF dI iksmq ivc. Auh bwcy nUM godI ivc cwukI roeI jf rhI sI. surjn isMG vI afm nfloN ijLafdf KusL sI. Aus ny afpxy Gr kdy vI kuVI hox smyN AudfsI nhIN sI idKfeI pr hux Aus qoN vI KusLI CupfeI nhIN sI jf rhI. hspqfl qoN guirMdr bwcy nUM lY ky afeI qF Auh Aus nUM iswDy sLYPRzbuwsL gurdvfry lY ky gey, bwcy df nF kZfAux. BfvyN surjn isMG ies gwl dy hwk ivc nhIN sI pr Aus ny iksy nUM roikaf vI nf. awKr ‘r’ inkilaf. muMzy dIaF mfsIaF ny Aus df nF ruipMdr rwK ilaf. sfrf twbr hI cfmlH cfmlH Aus nUM avfjLF mfrn lgdf; rUpI, rUpI! suhry pirvfr dI ies ajIb ijhI KusLI dI kuJ kuJ smJ idlbfg nUM vI pYx lg peI sI. Aus ny kMm Cwz idqf qy bykfrI Bwqf lYx ligaf. hPqy bfad sosLl sikAUrtI dy dPqr jf ky dsqKq kr afAuNdf qy cYWk Aus dy Gr puwjdf ho jFdf. Aus dI Gr dI iksLq ivc vI srkfr vloN kuJ mwdd hox lgI. Auh sfrf idn Gr bYTf tYlI dyKdf rihMdf qy muMzy nUM lorIaF dy Cwzdf. idlbfg dy moty moty Krc cl rhy sn, jy kdy ijLafdf hI kMm rukdf idsdf qF tYksI kr lYNdf. surjn isMG ieh sB dyK ky mn hI mn bhuq kuVHdf. keI vfr Aus df idl krdf ik Aus nfl jf ky gwl kry pr juafeI hox krky cuwp rihMdf. prkfsL kor vI Aus nUM rokdI hoeI kihMdI, “jI, dyKo, guirMdr nUM ikMnf ipafr krdY, PuwlF vFgUM rwKdf kuVI nUM.” iek idn kMm Aupr bldyv surjn isMG nUM puwCx ligaf,

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“ikAuN beI, mYN dyK irhF kusL AuKiVaf AuKiVaf rihMnY?” “kI dwsF Xfr, myrf juafeI koeI irspONsIbYltI nhIN smJdf. ikqy itk ky kMm nhIN krdf. hux Gr lY ky idqf qF kMm Cwz ky bYT igaf.” “ieMzIaf qF nhIN pYsy ByjI jFdf?” “ieQy eI nhIN srdf, ipwCy kI Byjxy aF.” “ieDr sfzy juafeI dI sux lE, pYnI pYnI Gr nUM ByjI jFdf. ijMny pYsy sfzI kuVI ny joVy sI sfry cuwk ky ieMzIaf Byj idqy. asIN roikaf qF aOKf ho igaf ik qusIN afpxf Gr clfE qy mYnUM myrf clfAux idE. [[[sfzy ivc eI rihMdf, nf iksy kMm nUM hwQ lfAuNdf qy nf eI iksy nfl iswDy mUMh boldf.” surjn isMG socx ligaf ik ies dy mukfbly qF idlbfg bhuq cMgf hY, sB dI iewjLq krdf hY, kuVIaF nfl vI sky BrfvF vFg vrqdf. Gr dI sfrI sLOipMg dI ijLMmyvfrI Ausy dI hY. bldyv agy ds irhf sI, “asIN ikhf beI Gr lY lf, mihMgy ho rhy af qF tuwt ky ipaf, khy; jy Bfr lgdF qF bfhr rih lYnF.” iek idn BfAU prgt isMG dwsx ligaf, “Xfro, hfzy juafeI ny hfnUM tMigaf ipaY, kihMdf beI jyh idn qoN kuVI eyQy afeI AU, kMm qy lgI AU, Auhy idn qoN bxdy pYhy mYnUM idE, Gr lYxYN nhIN qF sfry gihxy vyc Cwzxy AUN.” hr iek kol nvIN khfxI huMdI. Aus ny iek vfr arjn isMG nfl vI ieh gwl sFJI kIqI pr Auh vI kI kr skdf sI. surjn isMG socx lgdf ik sLfied ies mulk ivc asIN afpxy juafeIaF dy ijLafdf nyVy rihMdy hF iesy leI musLklF KVIaF ho rhIaF. iehnF idnF ivc GrF dIaF kImqF dI vwzI CflL vwj geI. dugxIaF ho geIaF. idlbfg df Gr vI qyrF-cOdF hjLfr df ho igaf. Ausy ihsfb nfl qnKfhF ivc vI kuJ vfDf ho igaf qy bykfrI Bwqy ivc vI. hux nvIN kImq dy ihsfb nfl iksLq bhuq QoVI jfpdI sI. kdy koeI ibwl rukx lgdf qF idlbfg jf ky do ku vfr surjn isMG nUM zYzI jI, zYzI jI, kihMdf jF prkfsL kor dI cfplUsI kr idMdf, kuVIaF nfl hfsy mjLfk krdf qF Aus df ibwl adf kr idqf jFdf. jy nhIN qF ruws jFdf qy guirMdr ibwl zYzI nUM dy afAuNdI. surjn isMG aMdro aMdr bhuq iKJdf pr kuJ krno asmrQ huMdf. prkfsL kor df ieho jvfb huMdf, “jI, hornF nfloLN lwK drjy cMgY.” guirMdr idlbfg leI grUr sI. jo Aus nUM cfhIdf sI iml igaf sI. ijs irsLqydfr kol jFdf, ijs imwqr nfl gwl krdf bs guirMdr dIaF qfrIPF hI krdf jFdf. qfey dy Gr jFdf qF afpxy suhiraF dIaF vwizafeIaF dy puwl bMnx lgdf. Auh qfey nUM jfx buwJ ky vI icqfrdf ik Aus dy suhry qfey qoN cMgy hn ijhnF ny Gr lY ky idqf hY. qfey df Cotf muMzf nCwqr hfly kuafrf sI. Auh ieMzIaf igaf sI pr do hPqy leI igaf hox krky koeI kuVI psMd nhIN sI afeI. hux Auh dubfrf jfx dI iqafrI kr irhf sI. idlbfg Aus nUM dwsx lgdf, “lY beI, qUM XkIn nhIN krnf, keI qF myrI vfeIP vl dyK ky hYrfn ho jFdy af beI ieh gorI e ynI suhxI pMjfbI ikwdF boldI aY! [[[ipafr vI eynf krdI aY ik myry ibnF rotI nhIN KFdI, ijQy khF bYT jfAU, KVn nUM khF qF KVI ho jfAU, idn khF idn qy rfq khF qF khU rfq.” gwlF sux ky nCwqr dy mUMh ivc pfxI afAux lgdf. iek idn Auh kihx ligaf, “Xfr bfigaf, mYnUM afpxf sFZU bxf lY, eydF dIaF kuVIaF ieMzIaf ikwQy imldIaF.” “mYN ikhf, eydF dIaF kuVIaF ieMzIaf qF kI DrqI ‘qy nhIN hoxIaF, eyhdI BYx qF inrI mUrq aY pr qUM mfsI nUM pwuC lY.”

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idlbfg nUM pqf sI ik mfsI ny nFh hI krnI hY. jd idlbfg df irsLqf ho irhf sI qF Aus ny hlkf ijhf aiVwkf zfihaf sI ik ies jwt dy isrP kuVIaF hI hn qy iehdI jwdI jLmIn nhIN hY qy Gr vI suhrIN bxfieaf hoieaf hY. hux idlbfg vI nCwqr nUM irsLqf nhIN sI krfAuxf cfhuMdf bs aYvyN JVkfeI hI mfr irhf sI. PuMmx isMG BfvyN idlbfg vl dyK ky KusL huMdf pr Aus nUM guwsf sI ik Auh ipwCy afpxy ipE nUM kuJ nhIN sI Byj irhf. afpxIaF BYxF nUM vI BulfeI bYTf sI. Aus ny qF AuhnF dIaF icwTIaF df jvfb dyxf vI bMd kr idqf hoieaf sI. Aus nUM lgdf sI ik Aus dy suhry Aus nUM rokdy sn. ieMzIaf ivc ibsLMBr isMG alwg gwusy ivc iPrdf sI. Aus dy kihx ‘qy iek idn PuMmx isMG qy Aus dI pqnI lyatn ston af gey. cfh pINidaF PuMmx isMG surjn isMG nUM boilaf, “srdfr jI, qusIN afp isaxy ho, bfgy df zYzI-mMmI qF AuQy bYTy iehnUM imlxy nUM vI JUrdy af, [[[pYsy vloN vI Auh qMg aY, iehnUM kho avwl qF jf ky AuhnF nUM iml ky afvy nhIN qF Gwto Gwt pYsy eI Byjy.” surjn isMG ny iksy vlL-vlLfvyN qoN ibnF ikhf, “srdfr jI, ieh gwl qusIN kho ikAuNik quhfzf muMzf aY, qusIN eyhnUM ijLafdf jfxdy aYN, asIN qF eyhdy QF ieMzIaf nUM pYsy ByjxoN rhy. asIN qF afp aOKy aF, iehdy ibwl-iksLqF asIN Brdy aF, eynf ku qF sfnUM afpxI DI dI Kfqr krnf eI pYNdY.” surjn isMG dI gwl suxidaF hI PuMmx isMG ny kMn lpyt ley. Auh ikhVf idlbfg nUM jfxdf nhIN sI. vYsy jo kuJ vI sI, idlbfg surjn isMG dy pirvfr ivc purjy vFg iPwt ho igaf sI. Auh afpxy Gr Gwt qy suhry Gr vwD rihMdf. inwq rusdf-mMndf. Gr Aupr pUrf mfx smJdf. sB nUM khfxIaF bxf bxf ky suxfAuNdf pr Auh surjn isMG kol nhIN sI bYTdf ikAuNik Auh Aus nUM tok idMdf sI. muMzy qoN bfad guirMdr ny kuVI nUM jnm idqf. ies vfr kuVI jMmx qy vI KusLI mnfeI geI. surjn isMG dy Gr ivc bfkI sB TIk sI pr prkfsL kor dy mn ivc surjn isMG dI gorI aOrq vflf kokVU hfly vI rVk irhf sI. Auh ies khfxI nUM muV ky iksy qoN vI nhIN sI sux skI pr Aus nUM khfxI dy JUT hox df XkIn vI nhIN sI af irhf. Auh jd vI iksy suhxI ijhI gorI nUM dyKdI qF Aus df mUMh ksYlf ho jFdf. pihlF-pihl Aus nUM ieh gwl bhuqI qMg nhIN sI krdI pr jd Auh dyKdI ik gorIaF qF afdmIaF nUM sVk ‘qy KV ky hI cuMmx lgdIaF hn qF Aus dy mn ivc afAuNdf ik sLfied surjn isMG vI ievyN krdf irhf hovygf. tYlI ‘qy gMdy gMdy progrfm dyKdI socdI ik ies sB nfl qF bVy bVy mhFirsLI zol jfx surjn isMG qF sfDfrx bMdf sI. Auh aMdro aMdr irwJx lgdI qy swc jfnxf cfhuMdI. aijhf socidaF keI vfr Aus df isr vI duKx lgdf. isr nUM cuMnI nfl Guwt ky bMn lYNdI qy buwk Br ky golIaF Kf jFdI. svyry vyly isr df igaf surjn isMG rfq nUM muVdf, Auh socdI ik pqf nhIN Auh ikQy ikQy jFdf hovygf. kMm Aupr aOrqF ajIb ajIb gwlF krdIaF. gorIaF inwq mrd bdldIaF. iksy df cMgf mrd hovy qF aOrqF Aus nUM Kohx qk jFdIaF. prkfsL kor zrn lgdI; jy iksy ny Aus df mrd Koh ilaf qF[[[! iek idn Aus df ajIb ijhf rONa dyK ky surjn isMG boilaf, “buVHIey, ieMglYNz af geI aYN, Gr lY ilaf, iek kuVI vI ivafh leI, nfnI bx geI, hux qF KusL ho jf.” “quhfnUM myrI KusLI nfl kI, qusIN afpxI KusLI df iKafl rwKo.” “buVHIey, mYN dyK irhF kdy kdy qUM brU KfDI mYNh vFgU qurI iPrdI huMnI aF, swc dws kI gwl aY.” “quhfnUM iksy nfl kI, quhfzy kol qF gorI hYgI.” surjn isMG nUM ieh sux ky hYrfnI hoeI. pihlIaF ivc Auh ieh gwl krdI qF Aus nUM ieMnf ajIb nhIN sI lgxf. ieMny sflF bfad pqnI dI gwl horvyN lgI. surjn isMG Aus nfl lg ky bYTdf boilaf, “buVHIey, jd qUM juaflf sLfh df rot eI swuK ilaf sI qF qYnUM kfhdf zr!”

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prkfsL kor kuJ nf bolI. surjn isMG ny iPr ikhf, “ijhVI Auh gorI sI, myrI vfkP sI, Auh astrylIaf qoN afeI sI, [[[qylIey qoN, hjLfrF mIl dUroN, bhuq dyr pihlF vfps muV geI sI, ivafhI hoeI sI, Auhdy iek muMzf vI sI. [[[kmlLIey, mYN Blf iksy gorI qoN kI lYxF, afh dyK myrIaF DIaF myry kolL qy afh pfgl ijhI buVHI vI.” prkfsL kor nUM surjn isMG df ievyN gwl krnf cMgf ligaf. Aus ny pqI vl dyKidaF puwiCaf, “swc!” “swc, qyrI sONh, [[[qUM aYvyN nf qVP, jy qYnUM kuJ ho igaf qF afh jMqf nUM mYN ikwdF sFBUM!”

bfrF iek svyr zfk ivc iek icwTI afeI. ieMzIaf dIaF mohrF sn. EprI ijhI ilKfeI qy Eprf ijhf nF. surjn dy Gr ieMzIaf qoN icwTIaF bhuqIaF nhIN sI afAuNdIaF. inrMqr ilKx vflf srdUl hI sI. surjn dI BYx vI jo vyly-kuvyly ilKdI. Aus ny afpxy muMzy-kuVIaF dy ivafh ‘qy surjn qoN nfnkI sLwk lYxf huMdf sI. BYx hr vyly inrml dIaF isLkfieqF krn lgdI ik duK-suwK vyly Aus dy nfl nhIN sI KVdf. kuJ ku icwTIaF isLvrfj ny vI ieMzIaf jf ky ilKIaF sn. hux Auh vfps ieMglYNz afAux dI iqafrI ivc sI. Aus dy dovyN muMzy awQry inkly sn, ies qoN pihlF muMzy iksy ielq ivc Psx Auh AuhnF nUM ieMglYNz kwZ lYxf cfhuMdf sI. kdy kdy ibsLMBr isMG vI idlbfg nUM smJfAux leI icwTI ilKdf. hux iek hry ijhy rMg dI icwTI vI afAux lgI sI ijs nUM dyKidaF hI prkfsL kor dy aMdr qfr ijhI iPrn lgdI sI. aj dI afeI ieh icwTI sB qoN vwKrI sI. surjn isMG ny icwTI KohlI. iliKaf sI; ‘ilKqum ihMmq isMG sMDU agy srdfr surjn isMG cfhl jIE.’ icwTI ilKx df lihjLf AuVdU ivc sI pr ilwpI gurmuwKI. Auh socx ligaf ik ihMmq isMG sMDU kOx hoieaf. icwTI pVHdy prkfsL kor kol af KVI. icwTI Kqm krky Auh iKaflF ivc guafc igaf. Aus nUM ajIb-ajIb lg irhf sI. prkfsL kor Aus nUM moZHy qoN ihlfAuNdI puwCx lgI, “kyhdI aY?” “Xfd aY jVHF vflI skUl ivc iek mwDrf ijhf mfstr huMdf sI; ihMmq isMG sMDU.” prkfsL kor afpxy cyqy ‘qy jLor pfAuNdI bolI, “nhIN, mYnUM nhIN Xfd, [[[pr Auhny icwTI ikAuN ilKI? [[[kmIjLF mMgIaF hoxIaF!” “nhIN, kmIjLF qo bhuq kuJ ijLafdf.” “kI?” “iek kuVI df irsLqf mMgdf!” “hY Pot! jfx nf pwCfx, mYN qyrf mihmfn!” surjn isMG socx ligaf ik ieh qF bhuq qyjL bMdf jfpdf hY. Auh isLvrfj nUM aYgrIklcr XUnIvrstI ivc iksfn myly ‘qy imilaf sI. AuQoN hI Aus df isrnfvF lY ilaf. isLvrfj qoN hI pMj kuVIaF df pqf cl igaf hovygf. afpxy muMzy nUM ieMglYNz Byjx df ies qoN vDIaf qrIkf ikhVf ho skdf sI. Aus ny ieh vI pqf kr ilaf sI ik ieMzIaf ivc surjn isMG df krqf-Drqf srdUl hY, Auh srdUl nUM vI iml afieaf sI. icwTI ivc ihMmq isMG ny afpxy muMzy dIaF qrIPF krdy iliKaf sI ik Auh Aus vFg mDrf iblkul nhIN sI. afpxy mfmy vrgf lMmf sI qy vfsktbfl df iKzfrI vI sI. dovyN pqI-pqnI ikMnI dyr qk cuwp-cfp bYTy rhy. afpo afpxIaF socF ivc guafcy rhy. cuwp qoVdI prkfsL kor bolI,

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“jI, kI socdy E?” “ieho ik ies lYtr df kI jvfb dyvF.” “jvfb dyxf koeI jLrUrI aY, [[[jy bhuqf eI krnf qF BfjI dI icwTI af lYx idE, Auh vI qF kusL nf kusL ilKUgf eI.” surjn isMG vI soc irhf sI ik jd ihMmq isMG srdUl nUM iml ky afieaf hovygf qF ies bfry srdUl vI afpxI rfey dswgf hI. guirMdr dy ivafh qoN bfad hux Auh blijMdr ivafhux bfry socx lgy sn. cfhuMdy qF ieh sn ik guirMdr vFg hI ieQoN hI koeI muMzf iml jfvy pr hovy idlbfg qoN ibhqr. kuJ dyr bfad prkfsL kor ny iPr ikhf, “kuVIaF qF ivafhuxIaF eI af, muMzy vI lwBxy eI pYxyN aF, kI pqf sfzIaF kuVIaF dI iksmq eydF dI eI hovy ik bYTy bTfey muMzy imlxy hox.” surjn isMG kuJ nf boilaf. Aus nUM ihMmq isMG bhuq hI sLohdf ijhf bMdf lg irhf sI. qIjy ku idn srdUl dI icwTI vI af geI. iliKaf sI ik ikvyN tOhr kwZ ky kfr ivc ihMmq isMG Aus nUM imlx afieaf sI. surjn isMG ny kih idqf ik Auh jf ky muMzf dyK afvy qy ihMmq isMG bfry vI hor inrK-prK lvy pr muMzy bfry koeI afKrI PYslf nf kry. mhIny ku bfad srdUl vloN iek vwzf sfrf ilPfPf af igaf. vwzf ilPfPf qF srdUl vloN pihlF vI afAuNdf hI rihMdf sI ikAuNik surjn isMG afpxy leI pwgF ieMzIaf qoN hI mMgfieaf krdf sI. ieMglYNz ivc pwgF bhuq Gwt imldIaF sn. aYqkIN ies ilPfPy ivc qsvIrF vI sn. hr qsvIr ipwCy vyrvf. gurjMt afpxI mMmI zYzI nfl. gurjMt afpxy Brf qy dosqF nfl. gurjMt koeI ienfm lYNdy hoey, jF iPr KyqF ivc trYktr clfAuNdy hoey. nfl hI icwTI sI ijs ivc ihMmq isMG dIaF Zyr sfrIaF qrIPF sn. Auh ipMz df srpMc sI. vwzI ZyrI df mflk. do muMzy sn. vwzf gurjMt qy Cotf prqfp. cfr kuVIaF sn, cfry ivafhIaF brIaF, afpo afpxy Gr. srdUl nUM muMzf vI bhuq psMd sI qy Gr bfr vI. Aus ny iliKaf sI ik afp af ky qswlI kr lvo. prkfsL kor qF ies irsLqy leI iek dm iqafr ho geI qy ieMzIaf jfx dIaF skImF bxfAux lgI. irsLqf qF surjn isMG nUM vI cMgf lg irhf sI pr ihMmq isMG df phuMc krn df qrIkf psMd nhIN sI afieaf. jo vI sI, kuVI dI ivafhux dI Aumr vI ho rhI sI. Auh iqafr vI sn. ieh muMzf ivcfrn ivc koeI nuksfn vI nhIN sI idsdf. prkfsL kor nUM kMm qoN cfr hPqy dIaF CuwtIaF iml geIaF. Aus dI awzI BuMjy nhIN sI lg rhI. iek qF pihlI vfr ieMzIaf jfx df cfa sI qy dUjy blijMdr dy irsLqy df vI. Auh sLOipMg krn lgI. Auh vwD qoN vwD qohPy lY jfxf cfhuMdI sI. Aus dy afpxy Brf sn qy surjn isMG df vI, agy AuhnF dy bwcy vI. hr iek ny Jfk rwKxI sI. sB qoN Aupr ik jy muMzf psMd af jFdf qF sLgn vI dyxf pYxf sI. idlbfg dy mFipE nUM vI pihlI vfr imlxf sI, AuhnF nfl vI imlxIaF krnIaF bfkI sn. hux AuhnF df hwQ pihlF nfloN sOKf sI ies leI sfrI iqafrI sihjy hI kr leI. sfrf twbr hI prkfsL kor nUM eyarport qoN ieMzIaf leI cfVHn igaf. musLkl pY rhI sI qF Aus dy Bfr dI jo loV qoN bhuq ijLafdf sI pr eyar ieMzIaf vfilaF ny iksy nf iksy qrFH lY jfx idqf. isLvrfj vfps ieMglYNz af igaf. kuJ idn Auh surjn isMG kol irhf. kMm dI qlfsL krn ligaf. hIQro eyar port ‘qy sikAUrtI ivc nOkrI iml geI. Aus ny afpxI irhfiesL vI pwCmI lMzn ivc hI lY aFdI. jldI hI sfAUQfl Gr lY ilaf qy bwcy vI jldI hI swd ley. isLvrfj jd vI surjn isMG nUM imldf qF ihMmq isMG dIaF vizafeIaF mfrdf nf Qwkdf. afKdf, “bhq KrFt jwt aY, ipMz ivc pUrf roab aY. zFg dy jLor nfl eI srpMc bxIN bYTf. KyqI vI pUrI inwT ky krdf, iek dm mOzrn KyqI. aYgrIklcr XUnIvrstI ivc AuhdI bhuq cldI aY. koeI vI nvF bIa afvy,

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nvIN Kfd afvy, nvIN nsl dI gF afvy; Auh pUrI nOlj rwKdf qy sB qoN pihlF cIjL puwjdI vI Auhdy kolL hI aY. [[[mYN keI vfrI igaF, bhuq hYlp kIqI myrI Ehny.” KyqI dI gwl qoN surjn nUM cyqy afAuNdf ik isLvrfj nUM qF kdy vI KyqI psMd hI nhIN sI. Auh puwCdf, “qyry muMizaF ny qF KyqI df kMm cuwk ilaf hoxF.” “ikQy! muMzy sflLy inkMmy, myry qoN vI ikqy vwD. iek gwl dwsF; hux K yqI pihlF vflI nhIN rhI, trYktrF itAUvlF ny jwt ivhly kr idqy af. bldF dI qF hux loV hI nhIN rhI. sfzy vI vwzy kulbIr ny bOld isrP dOVF leI rwKy sI. iek AuproN dI XU[ pI[ qoN BeIey afAuxy sLurU ho gey; cIp lybr. mYnUM qF hux KyqI df sLONk AuiTaf sI pr muMzy qMg krn lgy sI.” gwl krdf isLvrfj muV ihMmq isMG ‘qy af jFdf, kihMdf, “kdy luiDafxy iml jfxf qF htxf eI nf, ipMz lY jfxf mwlomwlI, [[[lYcIaF pf ky Gr dI sLrfb aijhI huMdI ik mUMhoN nf lihMdI, Gr dy dysI murgy isrP gYWstF leI rwKy af.” isLvrfj, surjn isMG qy ihMmq isMG iksy vyly iekwTy iek skUl ivc pVHFAuNdy rhy sn pr ievyN irsLqf agy vDygf ies bfry kdy soicaf vI nhIN sI. ihMmq isMG nfl Aus dy dosqI vrgy sbMD vI nhIN sn. ies sB mOkf myl qoN surjn isMG hYrfn vI hox lgdf. hux isLvrfj qy surjn isMG df myljol vI Gtx ligaf sI. donoN afpo-afpxy kMmF ivc ruJ gey sn. isLvrfj rihMdf vI dUr sI pr jd kdy imldy qF sfrIaF purfxIaF gwlF nvINaF kr lYNdy. Aus df vwzf muMzf kulbIr afAuNdf hI PYktrI ivc kMm krn jf ligaf sI. Cotf blbIr vI nF df hI skUl igaf qy Aus nUM vI iksy iblizMg sfeIt ‘qy kMm iml igaf. koeI irsLqydfr Tyky lYNdf sI, Aus ny blbIr nUM afpxy nfl hI kMm ‘qy lgf ilaf. isLvrfj dIaF dovyN kuVIaF CotIaF sn, Auh skUl pVHny pY geIaF. isLvrfj dI pqnI hrnfm kor df ccyrf Brf srdfr sfDU isMG rYWz ibRj rihMdf sI, pUrbI lMzn ivc hI. isLvrfj keI sfl ies ielfky ivc irhf sI pr Aus nUM ies bfry kuJ nhIN sI pqf cilaf. jd Auh ieMzIaf igaf qF sfDU isMG vI igaf hoieaf sI, AuQy hI dovyN imly sn. isLvrfj ny vfps ieMglYNz af ky sfDU isMG nfl qfl-myl rwiKaf hoieaf sI. jd isLvrfj df twbr ieMzIaf qoN af igaf qF sfDU isMG ivsLysL qOr qy sfAUQfl sB nUM imlx afieaf. iek vfr afpxf sfrf pirvfr lY ky vI imilaf. hux Aus nUM imlx jfx dI isLvrfj dI vfrI sI. Auh sB nUM afpxy nfl qF nhIN sI iljf skdf ikAuNik hfly kfr afid nhIN sI lY sikaf. muMzy BfvyN kMm krdy sn pr hfly qk pUrI qrFH pYr nhIN sn bwJy. isLvrfj ny surjn nfl Pon Aupr qYa kr ilaf ik pihlF Auh itAUb PV ky Aus kol puwj jfvygf qy iPr Auh dovyN rYWz ibRwj jf afAuxgy. isLvrfj qy surjn isMG nUM vI imilaF vI kfPI smF ho igaf sI. isLvrfj ny sfAUQfl qoN pYizMgtn qk ibRitsL ryl PVI, aigEN itAUb lY ky lyatn ston puwj igaf. AuQoN idlbfg AuhnF nUM afpxI kfr ivc sfDU isMG dy Gr lY igaf. sfDU isMG gurisK bMdf sI. pihlIaF ivc Aus ny vI dyKf-dyKI vflL ktvf ley sn pr iPr Aus ny Buwl suDfr leI sI. aMimRq Cwk dubfrf isMG sj igaf sI. hux vIk aYSz ‘qy icwtf bfxf pf ky rwKdf qy bhuqf vkq gurdvfry hI bqIq krdf. eIst lMzn ivc ieko gurdvfrf sI. ies ielfky ivc bhuqy isK nf rihMdy hox krky sMgq QoVI hI sI. sMgrFd, gurbpurb jF koeI hor Dfrimk idhfVf iksy idn vI pvy pr mnfieaf aYqvfr nUM hI jFdf. sfDU isMG lokF nUM gurdvfry jfx leI pRyrdf iPrdf. gurdvfry Auh lYkcr vI krdf qy isKI dI mhwqqf bfry GMtf GMtf boldf rihMdf. gurbfxI ivcoN nvIaF nvIaF tUkF lwB ky ilafAuNdf. Auh gurdvfry dI iemfrq leI PMz vI iekwTf krdf iPrdf. ies leI lokF dy GrIN vI jFdf. Auh hYrfn huMdf ik lokF nUM rwb nfloN afpxy kMm ijLafdf ipafry hn. bwcy pMjfbI Buwl rhy hn, Drm qoN bymuwK ho rhy hn. sfDU isMG duKI ho jFdf. sB qoN ijLafdf Auh afpxy muMzy vloN sI. sfDU isMG AuhnF nUM bhuq ipafr nfl imilaf. gurUaF dIaF qsvIrF nfl sjfeI bYTk ivc AuhnF nUM lY igaf. AuhnF sfhmxy jUs rwKdf Auh kihx ligaf,

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“srdfr sfihb jIE, mYN vYsLnUM pRfxI hF, sLfm df vkq aY pr muafP krnf, mYN quhfzI Auho ijhI syvf nhIN kr skdf ijho ijhI dI qusIN afs rwKdy hovoNgy. [[[hF, jy qusIN cfhuMdy ho qF myrf bytf bljIq quhfnUM pwb lY jf skdf aY.” gwl mukf ky Aus ny kol bYYTy nOjvfn vl iesLfrf kIqf ijs dy vfl kwty hoey sn. surjn isMG boilaf, “srdfr jI, asIN qF quhfzy drsLn krn afey aF, [[[mhFpurKo, aijhy bol bol ky sfzy ‘qy ikAuN Bfr cVHfAuNdy ho.” iPr isLvrfj ny surjn qy idlbfg df sfDU isMG nfl quafrP krfieaf. ieMny ivc idlbfg dI awK bljIq nfl imlI qy Auh mlkVy ijhy bfhr inkl gey. sfDU isMG ny iPr afiKaf, “mYN qF jI isK Drm df pRcfrk hF. ieho myry jIvn df AudysL aY, dunIaFdfrI ivcoN ijMnf vI vkq imldf aY mYN iesy pfsy lfAuNdf hF pr srdfr jI, keI vfr iensfn asrmQ ho jFdf, myrf afpxf bytf vfl ktfeI iPrdY qy pMjfbI bol ky iblkul nhIN KusL!” “srdfr jI, ieh ies mulk ivc rihx dI sjLf aY pr iPkr nf kro, afpy iek idn TIk ho jfeygf jd iehnUM pqf clygf ik afpxf Drm, afpxf siBafcfr, afpxy lok dUijaF nfloN iksy gwloN Gwt nhIN. [[[qusIN ies gwl nUM bhqI idl qy lfE.” surjn isMG ny sfDU isMG dy Aucft mn nUM TIk krn leI afiKaf. Aus dy jvfb ivc sfDU isMG ny ikhf, “gwl qF quhfzI TIk aY, jy mYN pRcfrk nf huMdf qF sLfied eydF nf socdf, hux qF ieh vI zr bixaF rihMdf ik koeI AuT ky ieh hI nf kih dyvy ik pihlF Gr ivcoN isKI sLurU kro” “iehdy ivc inrfsL hoxI vflI ikhVI gwl aY, bfby nfnk dy bwcy Auhdy mgr nhIN sn lgy iPr afpF qF ikhVy pfxI-hfr aF.” surjn isMG dy mgry hI isLvrfj boilaf, “BfjI, qusIN ZyrI Zfh ky ikAuN bYTy E, quhfzy vrgy swjx nUM qF hr vyly cVHdI klf ivc rihxf cfhIdY.” “isLvrfj isMG, mYN ZyrI nhIN ZfhI qy nf hI inrfsL aF, bs iek soc aY jo mn ivc af jFdI aY hor kuJ nhIN. hux kdy kdy mYN socx lgdF ik jykr bljIq nUM iksy gurisK Gr dI kuVI juV jfvy qF sLfied ieh iswDy rfh af jfvy. [[[ijhVI gwl eyhny myrI nhIN mMnI, afpxI mMmI dI nhIN mMnI sLfied[[[.” sfDU isMG vrgy hor vI keI lok sn ijhVy aijhIaF gwlF kfrn afpxI aOlfd vloN duKI sn. nvIN jgfh, nvF smfj nvIN pIVHI nUM afpxy vl iKwc rhy sn. Auh do ku GMty AuQy bYTy. bljIq qy idlbfg vI pwb df cwkr lf ky af gey. surjn isMG ny dyiKaf ik iek vflL rwKx qoN ibnF bljIq hr qrFH afigafkfr sI. Aus dI bolbfxI vI bhuq vDIaf sI. Aus nUM sfDU isMG dI sOVI soc Aupr iKwJ afAux lgI. sfDU isMG AuhnF nUM hor rukx qy rotI Kf ky jfx vfsqy jLor pf irhf sI pr rotI df ieMqjLfm surjn isMG ny afpxy Gr kIqf hoieaf sI. iPr agy isLvrfj nUM sfAUQfl Cwzx vI jfxf sI. aglI vfr pirvfr sfihq afAux df vfadf krky isLvrfj AuT KiVaf qy nfl hI surjn isMG vI. kfr ivc bYTdf hI isLvrfj boilaf, “ieMzIaf imilaf qF cMgf Blf sI, [[[afh awj cMgy Bly muMzy mgr ZFgU kwZ ilaf, ikqy kulbIr vrgy qwqy muMzy nfl vfh pYNdf qF dyKdf!” “muMzf qF cMgf lgdY.” “zYzI, muMzf bhuq gwuz boeI aY, zirMk vI bhuqI nhIN pINdf.” idlbfg ny surjn dI soc nUM ivsQfr idMidaF ikhf. surjn isMG ny kuJ socidaF afiKaf, “Xfr isLvrfj, kuVI qF afpxy hYgI aY, pUry twbr ny qF nhIN pr kuVI ny qy AuhdI mF ny jLrUr aMimRq Cikaf hoieaY.” “ikhVI kuVI aY?”

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“afpxy srdUl dI. srdUl dy suhry vI sfDU isMG vflLI pOVI cVy hoey af qy mgry hI kuVI dI mF qy hux kuVI vI, [[[mIt Kfxf qF iek pfsy hwQ vI nhIN lfAuNdI. svyry sLfm pfT krdI aY. [[[srdUl lV lV ky ht igaf. kuVI hY vI bhuq sLrIP, iehnF nUM sUt kr jfxI aYN. qUM gwl krky dyKIN. srdUl mfldfr sfmI aYN, ivafh ‘qy Krc vI kr dyxF Auhny.” prkfsL kor cfr hPqy ieMzIaf lf ky muV afeI. Auh bhuq hI AuqsLfh ivc muVI. idlbfg, surjn isMG qy suirMdr Aus nUM lYx eyarport gey. kstm qoN bfhr inkldI hI Auh ieMzIaf dIaF gwlF dwsx lgI. Auh irkfrz vFg sfh ley ibnF bolI jf rhI sI. surjn isMG ny itwcr nfl ikhf, “jLrf afpxI typ bMd kr lY, ikqy sfh nf iKicaf jfvy!” pr Auh pqI dI gwl nUM axgOldI boldI geI. Auh gurjMt dIaF, Aus dy ipE dI sLfno sLOkq dIaF vizafeIaF krdI jf rhI sI. Auh Buwl hI geI ik idlbfg kol bYTf hY, dUjy juafeI dI bhuqI vizafeI idlbfg dI hyTI ho skdI hY. idlbfg aijhf hI sI, iksy dI qrIP suxnI Aus leI musLkl ho jFdI sI. Auh cuwp krky gwlF suxdf jf irhf sI. jd Auh smfn kfr ivc rwKx ligaf qF atYcI df Bfr dyK ky boilaf, “pqf nhIN mMmI ieMzIaf qoN iewtF ilafeI aY!” sfry rfh prkfsL kor blijMdr dI cMgI iksmq bfry gwlF krdI afeI. surjn qy suirMdr vI suxn ivc ieMny mGn sn ik AuhnF ny vI nhIN soicaf ik idlbfg kol bYTf hY. idlbfg ny mUMh ijhf sujf ilaf qy AuhnF nUM Gr Auqfr ky iswDf afpxy Gr cly igaf. Gr ivc sfrIaF kuVIaF ivMzo ivc KVIaF mF nUM AuzIk rhIaF sn. drvfjLy ivc hI prkfsL kor ny blijMdr nUM jwPI ivc ilaf qy bolI, “bwlIey, qyrf guxf ijMdI nfloN cMgf ipaY.” blijMdr sLrmf ky mF dy glL nfl cuMbV geI. cfh-pfxI pI ky prkfsL kor ny atYcI Kohl ilaf. sfrf twbr atYcI duafly iekwTf ho igaf. sB leI kuJ nf kuJ sI. surjn isMG leI ikqfbF qy pwgF sn. Koey dIaF ipMnIaF mihk rhIaF sn. bYg ivc rwKy acfr df qyl inkl ky keI kpVy Krfb kr igaf sI. gurjMt dy Tfky dIaF Zyr sfrIaF qsvIrF sn. iek iek qsvIr sB dy hwQ ivc sI. prkfsL kor iehnF bfry jfxkfrI idMdI jf rhI sI. ieDroN ivhlI ho ky Auh irsLqydfrF dIaF gwlF suxfAux lgI. bysLrm ijhIaF mwKIaF, rotI nUM Jptdy kfvF, glLI ivc iPrdy avfrf kuwiqaF dIaF ikMnIaF hI khfxIaF sn Aus kol. iek gwl nUM Auh keI keI vfr duhrfAuNdI. guirMdr idlbfg nUM Gr igaF dyK smJ geI sI ik Auh ruws igaf hovygf. Auh AuT ky Gr nUM cly geI. idlbfg swc hI ruwisaf hoieaf sI pr do ku idn aOKf rih ky TIk ho igaf. prkfsL kor ny Aus dy ipE dIaF JUTIaF swcIaF vizafeIaF mfr idqIaF ijs nfl idlbfg df guwsf Gwt igaf sI. guirMdr dy idlbfg nfl irsLqy vyly surjn isMG ny afpxI DI qoN ‘hF’ lY ky hI agy gwl qorI sI. ies vyly vI Aus ny ievyN hI kIqI. prkfsL kor nUM ieMzIaf Byjx qoN pihlF blijMdr nUM kol bYTf ky Aus dI mrjLI nfl hI pqnI nUM ieMzIaf Byijaf sI qy hux vI qrIky nfl pqf krdf rihMdf ik kI Auh KusL hY. blijMdr ny skUl Cwz ky kuJ dyr prkfsL kor vflI PYktrI ivc hI kMm kIqf qy iPr strYtPorz ivc nvIN KulHI Coty iKzfAuixaF dI PYktrI ivc jf lgI. ies smyN ivc Aus ny afpxy ivafh jogy pYsy joVy hoey sn. hux sfrf pirvfr blijMdr dy ivafh leI iqafr sI. sfry hI KusLI dy rONa ivc afAux lgy. iek idn gBlI DI suirMdr puwCx lgI, “zYz, afpF kfr kdoN lYxI aF?” “ieh qF qyry ‘qy izpYNz krdY.” “vwz zU XU mIn?”

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“qUM pVHn nUM TIk inklyN, kuJ kr lvyN qF q yrf ivafh hfly Tihr ky krFgy qy kfr lY lvFgy, [[[adrvfeIjL XU afr nYkst afPtr bwlI.” suirMdr sLrmfAuNdI hoeI bolI, “XU no mfeI ieMgilsL, zYz!” Auh swc kih rhI sI. Auh aijhI Aumr ivc ieMglYNz afeI sI ik nf Auh pUrI pMjfbI isK skI qy nf hI pUrI ieMgilsL. aMgryjLI isKdI isKdI Auh pMjfbI vI Buwl bYTI sI. surjn isMG ny vI Aus dI pMjfbI vl iDafn nhIN sI idqf. Auh cfhuMdf sI ik jldI qoN jldI kuVIaF bolx jogI aMgryjLI isK jfx qF jo AuhnF nUM hornF sfhmxy hIxy nf hoxf pvy. suirMdr qF pMjfbI bolx ivc TIk sI. QoVI bhuq pVH vI lYNdI sI. surjn isMG ny cOQy nMbr vflI suKvIr nUM vI QoVI bhuq pMjfbI pVHf idqI sI pr sB qoN CotI rxjIq qF iek dm aMgryjLI ivc gVuwc sI. sfry Gr dy AuhnUM tok tok ky pMjfbI bolx leI mjbUr krdy. surjn isMG cfhuMdf sI ik suKvIr qy rxjIq ieMnIaF ku pVH jfx ik AuhnF nUM PYktrIaF dy Dwky nf Kfxy pYx, koeI dPqr jF bYNk afid dI nOkrI kr skx. rxjIq qoN afs bwJdI sI ik Auh XUnIvrstI qk jLrUr puwj jfvygI. surjn isMG dy aMdrlf aiDafpk keI vfr cfhuMdf ik kuVIaF nUM afp bYT ky pVHfvy pr Aus kol vkq hI ikQy sI. iPr iehnF skUlF dI pVHfeI vI kuJ alwg sI. vwzIaF dovyN sMgfAU sn pr suirMdr AuhnF qoN alwg, surjn isMG nfl bYT ky ikMnf ikMnf icr gwlF krdI rihMdI. kwd ivc Auh sfrIaF BYxf nfloN lMmI sI. Gr df sfrf ihsfb ikqfb Aus kol hI huMdf. dUr dI sLOipMg idlbfg kfr ivc krf idMdf pr bhuqI sLOipMg lyatn ston hfeI roz qoN hI kIqI jFdI. mIt, sbjLIaF qy hor grOsrI pUry hPqy leI KrId ley jFdy. suirMdr sLukrvfr rfq nUM loVINdy smfn dI sUcI iqafr krdI. phIaF vflf vwzf bYg KflI kr rwKdI qy svyry Auh afpxy nfl jfx leI iksy nf iksy nUM jgfAuNdI, jy koeI nf AuTdf qF iekwlI hI sLOipMg leI inkl jFdI. GMty-zyV GMty dy aMdr aMdr sLOipMg dI BrI trflI iKcdI Gr af pwujdI. duiphr nUM Aus df zrfeIivMg lYWsn huMdf sI. Aus nUM kfr clfAux df bhuq sLONk sI. iek idn acfnk sfry pirvfr ivc iek vfr iPr KusLI dI lihr dOV qurI. suirMdr ny pihlI vfr hI zrfeIivMg tYWst pfs kr ilaf sI. Ausy idn hI sfrIaF kuVIaF prkfsL kor nUM kihx lgIaF, “mMmI, Gr ivc do zrfeIvr qy kfr iek vI nhIN, zYzI nUM kih plIjL.” “qusIN afp kho, quhfzf zYzI myrI suxdf ikqy.” Ausy sLfm suKvIr qy rxjIq ny ieho gwl ipE muhry rwK idqI. suirMdr vI AuhnF ivc af rlLI. surjn kihx ligaf, “quhfnUM pqY ik KVI kfr df vI Krcf pYNdY. afpF nUM kfr dI loV eI kI aY, nflL eI stysLn, nfl eI dukfnF. [[[jy ikqy loV pY vI jfvy qf idlbfg dI kfr hYgI eI aY.” “pr zYz, BfjI dI kfr asIN ikAuN XUjL krIey?” “ikAuNik asIN AuhdIaF aYnIaF gwpF suxdy aF!” kih ky Auh hwisaf. kuVIaF vI hwsx lgIaF. Auh vI idlbfg dIaF gwpF dIaF vfkP sn. kihx nUM qF BfvyN surjn isMG ieh gwl kih igaf sI pr idloN smJdf sI ik Gr ivc kfr hoxI jLrUrI hY. ikqy vI afAux jfx leI idlbfg vl JfkxF pYNdf sI. iPr Aus nUM gurbMs kor dI khI gwl vI Xfd afAuNdI ik AuhnF df sPr lMmyrf hY, jldI quroNgy qF hI vft inbVygI. Auh socdf sI ik suirMdr dy ivafh qoN bfad hI kfr KrIdygf. CotIaF doNh df ivafh Auh kuJ lyt hI krngy. cfhl pirvfr ivc dohrIaF KusLIaF qYr rhIaF sn. blijMdr dy irsLqy dI hY hI sI, dUjy srdUl dI kuVI minMdrF df irsLqf bljIq nfl qYa ho igaf sI. surjn dy GroN af ky isLvrfj ny afpxI pqnI nfl

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gwl kIqI qy agly idn hI sfDU isMG nUM Pon kr ilaf sI. kuVI dIaF isPqF sux ky sfDU isMG dy GroN svrn kor ieMzIaf leI cVH geI. AuhnF nUM kuVI psMd af geI qy AuQy hI ipafr dy idqf sI. mhIny dy aMdr aMdr hI sfDU isMG qy bljIq ieMzIaf cly gey. srdUl ny pUrIaF rsmF nfl mMgxI hI nhIN kIqI sgoN ivafh vflIaF rsmF vI kr idqIaF. bs lfvF hI rih geIaF sn. ieh rsmF sfDU isMG ieMglYNz afpxy jfxkfr BfeIcfry ivc krnf cfhuMdf sI. Aus ny gurdvfry ivc afpxI Bwl bxfAuxI sI ik Aus dy Gr aMimRqDfrI nUMh afeI hY. minMdrF nUM ieMglYNz afAux leI iksy iksm dy vIjLy dI loV nhIN sI ikAuNik ivafh krfAux afeIaF kuVIaF nUM eyar port ‘qy hI ieMtrI iml jFdI sI pr ivafh leI afAux vfly muMizaF nUM ibRitsL hfeI kimsLn, idwlI qoN vIjLf lYxf pYNdf ijs nUM sihjy hI sfl lg jFdf. minMdrF ny pfs port bxfieaf qy af geI. surjn isMG ny soc rwiKaf sI ik minMdr df iek dm ivafh nhIN kIqf jfvygf. Aus nUM ieQoN dI ijLMdgI dI vfkPI hoxI jLrUrI hY. sfDU isMG jldI df ivafh cfhuMdf sI pr surjn isMG ny jLor pf ky Aus nUM kuJ mhIny rukx leI mnf ilaf. minMdr qyjL sI. Auh bfkI kuVIaF ivc sihjy hI rlL geI ijvyN iesy zfr dI kUMj hovy. Auh surjn isMG dIaF DIaF ijhI hI pqlI, lMmI qy sLrbqI awKF vflI sI. Prk sI qF ieh ik Auh svyry sLfm pfT krdI sI qy Kfxf sB qoN algw KFdI. Aus Aupr bfkI dIaF kuVIaF hwsdIaF vI. isr Aupr ajIb iksm nfl Guwt ky cuMnI lYx qoN vI rokdIaF pr iPr vI Auh sB ivc rc imc geI. blijMdr ny vI gurjMt nUM rfhdfrI ByjI hoeI sI. hux Aus dI ibRitsL hfeIkimsLn ivc ieMtrivAU hoxI sI ijs df ds mhIny dI qrIk imlI sI. surjn isMG iehnF dsF mhIinaF dy vkPy qoN KusL sI. hux Aus nUM do ivafh krn ivc kuJ smF iml skxf sI. iehnF idnF ivc hI surjn isMG nUM Aus dy Brf inrml dI icwTI imlI. BrfvF vflf hyj idKfieaf sI. iliKaf sI ik Aus dI kflj pVHdI kuVI plivMdr leI koeI muMzf dyKy. kuVI dI suMdrqf qy suGVqf bfry vI kfPI kuJ iliKaf sI. Aus ny icwTI bfry prkfsL kor nUM dwisaf qF Auh bolI, “lft sfbHxI afeI sI EQy vI, [[[cwk geI nfl iswDy mUMh bolI nhIN, [[[Pyr khy kuVI vlYq ‘c mMgo.” “koeI gwl nhIN, koeI muMzf iml igaf qF dyK lvFgy pr muMzy lwBxy ikhVy sOKy af!” “mYN qF kih afeI sI beI afpxy vloN ivhly ho ky socFgy.” “eydF kfhnUM ikhxf sI!” “jI, cuwp rho qusIN, quhfzI BlmfxsI kfrn eI sfnUM EhnF GroN byGry kr idqf, do kmry bxfAux jogI jgfh nhIN idqI, [[[ieh qF BfjI ny sfzf isr Zkx kr idqf nhIN qF koeI itkfxf sI ikqy!” “buVHIey, aYvyN nf klp, QF isgI eI ikQy ijhVI dy idMdy.” “sgI ikAuN nhIN, qusIN afp bglL kIqf sI, sB dwb gey, quhfzI eI BlmfxsI df sfry PYdf lYNdy af, [[[BfjI ny qF ikhf sI ik iek vfrI kho, asIN kbjLf vfps lY lYnyN aF.” prkfsL kor guwsy ivc afeI AuWcI afvfjL ivc bol rhI sI. surjn isMG ny hwQ nfl Aus nUM TMzI hox df iesLfrf kIqf. kuJ dyr bfad Auh iPr bolI, “aslI sUl qF hux vwijaf hoxY jd minMdr dy irsLqy bfry pqf cilaf hoxY. [[[clo, Auh jfxyN, dyKI jfvygI, jy koeI muMzf imilaf qF kr vI dyvFgy.” Auh sihj huMdI bolI. surjn isMG KusL sI ik pqnI ny ruKL bdl ilaf hY. Auh kihx ligaf, “isLvrfj afpxf muMzf kulvIr ieMzIaf mMg afieaf nhIN qF puwC lYNdy.” prkfsL kor ies gwl ‘qy cuwp rhI.. surjn isMG ny iPr ikhf, “muMzf qF EdF arjn df prmIq vI hYgf.” “jI, qusIN ‘rfm nfl bYTo, pihlF afh do kuVIaf nfl qF inbV lE.” prkfsL kor ny PYslf suxfAux vFg gwl kIqI. surjn isMG vI jfx ky hI gwl kr irhf sI. qIjf ivafh krn jogI ihMmq qF Aus ivc hux do sfl bfad hI afAuxI sI.

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grmIaF dIaF CuwtIaF ivc minMdrF qy bljIq df ivafh rwK idqf igaf. sfdI ijhI rsm hoeI. sfdI rsm kr ky sfDU isMG hornF leI Audfhrx bxnf cfhuMdf sI BfvyN lYx dyx Bfrq ivc kr afieaf sI. sfrI kfrvfeI gurdvfry ivc hI hoeI; imlxI, nfsLqf, lfvF qy duiphr df Kfxf vI. sLrfb dI mnfhI sI iPr vI idlbfg bljIq qy kuJ hor dosqF nUM pwb df gyVf luaf ilafieaf sI. Aus dI kfr dI izwgI ivc vI ivskI qy hor smfn vI rwiKaf hoieaf sI. surjn isMG vl afey mihmfn GroN mUMh kOVf kr gey sn.

qyrF

jUn df mhInf sI pr isafl hfly ijvyN igaf nf hovy. kdy iek dm grmI ho jFdI ik qusIN kmIjLF pf ky GuMm skdy ho, iPr acfnk bdlvfeI ho ky TMz Auqr afAuNdI qy quhfnUM cyqy krf jFdI ik lMzn dy mOsm df XkIn nhIN krnf cfhIdf. aijhy mOsm ivc hI gurjMt lMzn puwijaf; jyT-hfVH dI Duwp nfl pwikaf rMg, keI idnF dI axktI dfhVI, axkrIjLI cfrKfny dI kmIjL, AuWcI-nIvIN ijhI trfAUjLr. prkfsL kor qoN ibnF sB ny Aus nUM Poto ‘qy hI dyiKaf sI. iek imMt leI qF prkfsL kor vI nf gurjMt nUM pwCfx skI. blijMdr dIaF awKF GuMmx lgIaF. surjn isMG Ausy vl dyK irhf sI. Auh Aus dy nyVy ho ky boilaf, “bwlI byty, ieMzIaf dy muMizaF nUM kpVy pihnx df Enf nhIN pqf huMdf, [[[nflLy AuQy PYsLn vI hor aY, dyKIN hPqy ‘c muMzy df rMg inkl afAuxY.” blijMdr kuJ nf bolI pr Aus nUM nf-psMd sI. prkfsL kor ny vI Aus nUM ieho ikhf ik jLrf ku rwdo-bdl nfl muMzy ny pwCfixaF nhIN jfxf. gurjMt bhuq hI EprIaF njLrF nfl sB vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. ijQy gurjMt nUM dyK ky sfry kuJ ku Audfs sn AuQy idlbfg KusL sI. Auh mn hI mn kih irhf sI ik sflLy ies jmUry df myry nfl mukfblf krdy sI. ijvyN pihlF qYa hoieaf sI ik ivafh hox qk gurjMt idlbfg vl rhygf qy ivafh qoN bfad suhry Gr Aus nUM Auho kmrf dy idqf jfvygf ijhVf iksy vyly idlbfg qy guirMdr kol huMdf sI. ivafh jldI hI kr idqf jfxf sI. ivafh qoN bfad AuhnF ny CyqI hI afpxf Gr lY lYxf sI ikAuNik blijMdr ny Gr dy izpOjLt jogy pYsy jmHF kr ley hoey sn. gurjMt df ies mulk ivc hor koeI irsLqydfr vI nhIN sI. Aus nUM idlbfg dy Gr dy iek kmry ivc Tihrf idqf igaf. nvyN bMdy, nvIN jgfh. gurjMt leI sB kuJ nvF sI, iek dm Eprf. Auh cuwp cuwp qy Guitaf Guitaf iPrdf. idlbfg df ijLafdf bolxf Aus nUM hor cuwp krf jFdf. idlbfg Aus dI pUrI tihl syvf kr irhf sI. nfl dI nfl keI QfvF ‘qy GumfAuNdf vI iPrdf. iek gwl Aus ny vDIaf kIqI ik gurjMt dI sLyv krf idqI qy kpVy vI ZMg dy puaf idqy ijhdy nfl Auh sjx ligaf sI. hux Auh blijMdr nUM vI kuJ ku psMd afAux ligaf. idlbfg cfHml cfHml ky Aus nfl gwlF krdf. kdy Aus nUM gryvjLYNz lY jFdf qy kdy arjn isMG dy Gr. pwbF-klwbF ivc vI leI iPrdf. sLfm nUM Auh ivskI sLurU kr lYNdf. BfvyN afp Auh rojLfnf pIx df sLOkIn nhIN sI pr gurjMt kr ky boql Kohl lYNdf, kihMdf, “af beI sfZUaf, cIarjL krIey.” “nf bfeI jI, mYN nhIN pINdf.” “qUM Blf jwt nhIN!” “jwt qF mYN sMDU jwt aF.”

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“Pyr sMDUaF nUM ikAuN lfj lOnYN!” gurjMt afpxf hfVf cuwk lYNdf pr do ku hfVy pI ky bMd kr idMdf. Auh bhuqI pIx df afdI nhIN sI. idlbfg dI bljIq nfl bhuq bxdI sI. Auh aksr iekwTy pwb jfieaf krdy sn. hux gurjMt vI AuhnF dy nfl huMdf. Auh snUkr Kyzdy, kdy pUl qy kdy zfRts. kws-kws ky aMgryjLI boldy. gurjMt AuhnF dy mUMhF vl dyKdf rihMdf. Aus dy kuJ pwly nhIN sI pYNdf. idlbfg nUM pqf sI ik gurjMt dy ipE dI vfhvf jLmIn hY. Auh afpxy imjfjL ivc afAuNdf qF puwCdf, “sfZUaf, kfr ikhVI rwKI sI qUM?” “bfeI jI, kfr nhIN, jfvf sI myry kolL, pihlF buwlt huMdf sI.” “awCf, myrf zYzI qF sdf eI kfr rwKdf. hryk sfl bdl lYNdY. pihlF aMbYszr huMdI sI, hux afh mfrUqI ijhVI nvIN inklI aY.” iek idn Auh gurjMt nUM stirptIjL idKfAux lY igaf. gurjMt sMgdf hoieaf mUMh dUjy pfsI krI jf irhf sI. ieh Aus leI ajIb qjrubf sI. idlbfg kihx ligaf, “sfZUaF, gUMgI aFgUM sMgdf ikAuN aYN, [[[khyN qF sfrI sMg lhf idMny aF, rmf ho jfeyNgf, ivafh leI iqafr ho jfeyNgf.” “bfeI jI, mYnUM ieh gwlF cMgIaF nhIN lgdIaF.” pr idlbfg ‘qy koeI asr nf huMdf. Auh aijhIaF puwTIaF iswDIaF mfrdf rihMdf. iek idn Aus Aus nUM srUp dy Gr lY igaf. suBfa muqfbk srUp nUM kihx ligaf, “dyK Eey ngimaF, jy sfzI BYx nUM qMg kIqf qF DOlLF mfrUM qyry mYN!” srUp muhirEN hwsx ligaf. jd nsLy ivc afieaf qF srUp vI idlbfg dy mukfbly ivc gwp Cwzx ligaf. srUp df bfbf mflvy ivc ivafihaf hoieaf sI. Auh gurjMt nUM boilaf, “afpxI qF irsLqydfrI aY beI, myry Pfdr dy nfnky quhfzy ipMzIN aYN. bfbf sfzf AumroN cVH igaf sI, Pyr muwl ivafihaf sI, [[[EhnIN idnIN mflvy vflLy muwl nUM irsLqf kr idMdy sI.” gurjMt guwsy qy sLrm ivc lfl hox ligaf pr Auh cuwp irhf. mn hI mn soc irhf sI ik iek idn ies sB df Auh jLrUr jvfb dyvygf. surjn isMG vl af ky gurjMt KusL huMdf. ieQy Aus nUM koeI cuBvIN gwl nhIN sI kihMdf. surjn isMG nUM sLONk sI ik Auh gurjMt nUM lMzn idKfvy ikAuN gurjMt kfljoN pVHdf afieaf sI qy Aus nUM jLrUr lMzn ivc idlcspI hovygI. idlbfg nfl qF surjn isMG df krUrf hI nhIN sI rlLdf. jd Aus ny gurjMt nfl ieqhfs bfry jF lMzn bfry gwlF kIqIaf qF Auh qF ijvyN iblkul KflI hovy. surjn isMG vl Auh ievyN dyK irhf sI ijvyN Auh iksy EprI dunIaF dI gwl kr irhf hovy. surjn isMG df mn bhuq Krfb hoieaf. Auh soc irhf sI ik jd bMdy ny nfl dy ipMz vI jfxf hovy qF Aus ipMz bfry socx lgdf hY, Aus ipMz bfry jfxkfrI hfsl krn lgdf hY, ieh qF lMzn afieaf sI qy lMzn bfry Aus nUM kuJ mihsUs hI nhIN sI ho irhf. lMzn bfry Auh kuJ jfnxf hI nhIN sI cfhuMdf. Aus ny gurjMt nUM lMzn df nksLf idKfAux dI koisLsL kIqI qy iPr lMzn dI itAUb df aMzr grfAUNz isstm smJfAux ligaf. gurjMt ny Aus nUM iek dm axgOlL idqf. afpxy ipE df ajIb ijhf mUMh dyKky suirMdr sB smJ geI qy kihx lgI, “zYz, Blf quhfnUM kI prOblm aY iksy nUM lMzn bfry dwsx dI!” “E sfrI dunIaF lMzn dI idvfnI aYN pr eys jfhl nUM iehdI koeI ieMpOrtYNs eI nhIN!” kol bYTI prkfsL kor suirMdr nUM bolI, “qUM afpxy py nUM ds dy beI ieh muMzf Es skUly nhIN piVHaf ijQy ieh piVHaf sI.”

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gurjMt qy blijMdr df kort mYirj qy Dfrimk ivafh iek idn df hI rwK ilaf igaf; sLincrvfr. pihlF rijstrfr dy dPqr gey, AuQoN gurdvfry cly gey. gurdvfry dI sfrI kfrvfeI sfDU isMG dI dyK ryK hyT ho rhI sI. lfvF leIaF geIaF. sfdIaF ijhIaF rsmF sn. lfvF qoN bfad sfry hfeI roz ‘qy nvyN bxy bMgflI rYstorYNt ivc af gey. QoVHy ijhy lok sn. surjn vloN swdy hoey Kfs irsLqydfr qy dosq hI sn. keI idnF qoN lgfqfr Duwp pYNdI rihx krky hr koeI mOsm dI qrIP kr irhf sI. gurjMt nUM mOsm ivc koeI KfsIaq nhIN sI idsdI. Aus nUM hfly nhIN sI pqf ik ijLafdf Duwp pYx kfrn ieMnf KusL vI hoieaf jf skdf hY. Aus qF ieQy bYTy nUM hI ieMzIaf dI Duwp cuwB rhI sI. ivafh ho igaf. Auh EpiraF vFg sB vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. ivafh qk gurjMt df Auho ijhf rUp inKr afieaf sI ijs dI sB nUM afs sI. Auh sLyv nfl vI suhxf lgx ligaf sI, hux Aus ny dfhVI rwK ky pwg bMn leI sI. pwg Aus nUM bhuq hI sj rhI sI. prkfsL kor muV muV ky afpxy pqI nUM kih rhI sI; ‘dyKI myrI cox!’ ivafh qoN bfad kuJ idn hor gurjMt nUM idlbfg dy Gr rihxf ipaf pr idlbfg dy Gr hux Aus df sfh Guwt hox ligaf sI. Aus nUM jfpdf ik idlbfg pYr pYr ‘qy Aus nUM jfx buwJ ky jLlIl krn dI koisLsL ivc hY. Aus ny ivco ivc ikrfey ‘qy kmrf lwBxf sLurU kr idqf. prkfsL k or nUM pqf cilaf qF Auh bolI, “kfkf, qusIN sfzy vl rho, kMm lwBo, kuJ pYsy hor joVo qy afpxf Gr lvo.” “ieh qF TIk ey mMmI pr sfzy vlF suhry Gr rihx df irvfj nhIN.” “pr kfkf, afpF Pfiedy dI gwl socxI aYN, eys mulk ivc af ky bhuq sfry irvfj bdl jFdy af. [[[ikrfey ‘qy rhoNgy qF Epry bMdy hoxgy, afh afpxf Gr aY, sOK rhU.” gurjMt nUM jldI hI bfrikMg vflI rbV PYktrI ivc kMm iml igaf. ieh Auho PYktrI sI ijQy kdy surjn isMG vI kMm krdf irhf sI. gurjMt svyry inkl jFdf aqy dyr nfl vfps muVdf. kMm qy puwjx leI Aus nUM do bwsF bdlxIaF pYNdIaF. kMm Aupr Auh KusL sI. Aus ny sux rwiKaf sI ieMglYNz ivc BfrI kMm krny pYNdy hn pr ieh kMm qF TIk hI sI. Aus df idl lg igaf. hF, iek gwl Aus nUM bhuq cuwBdI sI ik Aus dy sfry pfsy duafeIey hI duafeIey sn. duafbIaF bfry Aus ny pihlF hI kfPI kuJ sux rwiKaf sI pr idlbfg qy srUp nUM imlx qoN bfad qF Aus nUM duafby dy lok iblkul cMgy lgxoN ht gey sn. vwzI gwl ieh ik Aus dy suhry vI duafbIey sn. jo vI sI Auh smJOqf kr irhf sI BfvyN smJOqf krnf Aus dy suBfa muqfbk nhIN sI. suhry Gr rihx nUM vI Auh iek smJOqf hI smJdf sI pr Aus nUM ies Gr df mhOl bhuq psMd afieaf. blijMdr Auh nUM bhuq suhxI lgdI sI ies krky Auh bhuq KusL sI. sflIaF hr vyly afly duafly gutkdIaF iPrdIaF. sws vI pwuq puwq krdI rihMdI. jy kuJ cMgf nhIN sI lgdf Auh sI surjn isMG dIaF slfhF. CwutI vfly idn Auh kihx lgdf, “inafixEN, dyKo, ikMnf suhxf idn aYN, jfE, ikqy GuMm ky afE. lMzn df gyVf mfr afE, [[[hor nhIN qF iPlm eI dyK afE.” gurjMt CwutI vfly idn ibsqr ivc hI rihxf cfhuMdf. surjn isMG dI gwl nUM iek kMn ivc pf ky dUjy kMn rfhIN kwZ idMdf. ies Gr af ky Auh muV ky idlbfg vl nf igaf. idlbfg Aus nUM bhuq hlkf bMdf lgdf sI. idlbfg Aus nUM lYx afAuNdf pr Auh koeI bhfnf bxf idMdf. suhry Gr ivc rih ky ijs awG df hwkdfr Auh bxnf cfhuMdf sI, Aus nUM iml irhf sI pr iek gwl Aus nUM jldI hI rVkx lg peI. Auh sI; Gr dy sfry hI jIaF dy jLubfn Aupr idlbfg dy nF df Cfieaf rihxf. koeI kihMdf; idlbfg nUM afh kho, idlbfg nUM PlfnI jgfh Byjo, idlbfg nUM kho ik kfr iqafr kry ikqy jfxf hY. idlbfg dy kol Gr dI cfbI vI sI qy Auh jd cfhy ibnF dwsy Gr af vVdf sI. Gr ivc ijvyN Aus df hI rfj hovy. Auh kuVIaF nUM hukm cfVHn lgdf. keI vfr gurjMt kMm qoN muVdf qF idlbfg muhry afieaf bYTf huMdf. Auh blijMdr nUM afnIN bhfnIN puwCdf ik kI gwlF ho rhIaF sn. jy idlbfg df mUz nf huMdf qF Auh iksy nfl boldf qk nf qy

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cuwp-cfp hI quiraf iPrdf. jy icwq cMgf huMdf qF AuWcI AuWcI hwsdf, bymqlb ijhIaF gwlF krI jFdf. surjn isMG BfvyN idlbfg dy suBfa nUM inMddf rihMdf sI pr gurjMt nUM ieh kfPI nf jfpdf. prkfsL kor idlbfg dI ipwT ipwCy BfvyN Aus nUM kuJ khy pr mUMh Aupr Aus dIaF vizafeIaF hI mfrdI. gurjMt mn hI mn idlbfg nUM gflLF kwZdf; ‘sflLf duafbIaf!’ iek idn ievyN hI gurjMt dy aMgryjLI bolx dy lihjLy nUM lY ky idlbfg msLkrI krn ligaf, “sfZUaf, ieMgilsL iswKx leI iksy skUl kflj jfx dI loV nhIN huMdI, ieh bfhr goiraF nfl bYTx AuTx nfl afAuNdI aY. aMdr bYTx nfl dunIaF df kuJ pqf nhIN cldf, XU hY tU bI ey stRIt buafey!” gurjMt nUM ieh gwl bhuq burI lgI. Auh AuT ky afpxy kmry ivc cly igaf. Aus dy aMdr guwsf qF pihlF hI sI. Aus ny idlbfg nUM bulfAuxf hI bMd kr idqf. idlbfg ny vI pRqIkrm idKfieaf qy dovF ivc nPrq vDx lgI. gurjMt ny vlQmstoa ivc Gr KrId ilaf. suhry Gr qoN jLrf dUr sI. Aus ny iksy dI slfh nf leI qy sB kuJ afpxI mrjLI muqfbk kIqf. aYlnzyl roz nF dI ieh CotI ijhI sVk sI, no QrU roz; aigEN bMd. gurjMt ies nUM bMd glI hI kihMdf. ies glI dy aKrI ivc Kwby hwQ siQq sI ieh. Aus ny eyjMt qoN sux ilaf sI ik kony df Gr kuJ vwzf huMdf hY, ies nfl jgfh vI vfDU huMdI hY, ies leI mihMgf vI. ies qoN ibnF Aus dy mn ivc sI ik idlbfg dy Gr qoN vwzf hoxf cfhIdf hY. Aus df idlbfg nfl qxfv hor vI vD igaf sI. Aus ny blijMdr nUM idlbfg nfl gwl krn qoN vI mnfh kr idqf. AuhnF nUM lY ky surjn isMG iPkr ivc rihx ligaf. Auh vI cfhuMdf sI ik gurjMt jldI qoN jldI afpxy Gr cly jfvy. so CyqI hI gurjMt qy blijMdr afpxy nvyN Gr ivc jf ky rihx lg pey. Gr idlbfg dy Gr nfloN swc hI kfPI KulHf sI. Gr dy nfl iek bhuq vwzf pfrk sI. ieh roz iesy pfrk nUM lgy inky ijhy gyt qy af ky mukdI sI. pfrk df muwK gyt iksy hor roz ‘qy sI. ieh inkf gyt ieDrlIaF sVkF dy lokF leI sI. pfrk dy Auprly pfsy rylvy lfeInF sn. ieh KfmosL ijhIaF lfeInF. ieMjx ieDr Gwt hI afAuNdf sI, vfDU ijhy zwby KVy rihMdy sn, Kfs qOr qy mfl gwzI dy zwby. lfeInF qoN pfr ieMzstrIal iestyt sI ijQy PYktrIaF sn, vyar hfAUs sn. ieh vwzf sfrf pfrk, Aus qoN Aupr rylvy lfeInF qy Aus qoN Aupr ieMzstrIal iestyt; dUroN dyKx qy iek KUbsUrq njLfrf bxfAuNdy sn qy njLfrf gurjMt dy sOx kmry dI iKVkI ivc dI idsdf sI. gfrzn ivc KV ky vI ids pYNdf. gurjMt dy Gr dy iek pfsy ieh pfrk sI qy dUjy pfsy iek gorf rihMdf sI ijhVf kdy kdy hI dyKx nUM imldf. Aus qoN agly Gr ivc iek pfiksqfnI rihMdf sI jo ik tYksI clfAuNdf sI, bhuqf smF kMm ‘qy hI rihMdf. sOx vyly hI Gr afAuNdf. sfhmxly GrF dy vsnIk vI kdy kdy hI dyKx nUM imldy. bhuq hI cuwp ijhI sVk sI. kfr qF bhuq Gwt afAuNdI, hF, pfrk nUM jfx vfly lok jLrUr lMGdy pr bhuqy nhIN. gurjMt nUM ieh jgfh bhuq psMd sI. Gr ivc sfry kMm kIqy hoey sn. afm Gr qyrF-cOdF hjLfr nUM imldf pr ieh sOdf igafrF hjLfr ivc qYa ho igaf sI. surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik kImq ivc kmI jLrUr pfrk krky hI hovygI. rMg-brMgy lokIN qMg krdy hoxgy. Gr lYx smyN Aus ny gurjMt nUM rokx dI koisLsL kIqI pr gurjMt ijvyN ijLd ivc af igaf hovy, Aus ny ieho Gr ilaf. prkfsL kor pqI nUM afKdI, “qusIN ikAuN klLpI jFdy E, qusIN ikhVf jf ky EQy rihxY?” “mYN qF nhIN pr bwlI ny qF rihxF! [[[pfrk ivc pqf nhIN ikwdF dy lok afAuNdy hoxgy, dyiKaf nhIN lyatn vfly pfrk ivc ikMny vfieno bYTy huMdy af, gMd-mMd boldy huMdy af, [[[mYnUM qF kuVI df iPkr aY.” “kuVI df iPkr afpy Auh krUgf, Gr nUM bhuq isafxF Auh.” prkfsL kor dI gwl nfl Aus dI qswlI nf huMdI pr socdf ik Auh kr vI kI skdf hY. jy Auh Gr nyVy lY lYNdy qf vyly-ku-vyly AuhnF dI mwdd vI kIqI jf skdI sI. gurjMt dy jLrf dUr cly jfx kfrn Aus nUM

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qswlI vI sI ik donF juafeIaF ivc tkrfa dy mOky Gt gey sn. hux idlbfg Aus nfl jfx buwJ ky pMgf lYx ligaf sI. Aus nUM gurjMt df kuVIaF nfl hfsf-mjLfk cMgf nhIN sI lgdf. suhry Gr nUM afpxI slqnq hI smJdf sI. gurjMt dy cly jfx ‘qy Aus nUM vI kuJ rfhq sI. donF kuVIaf nUM ivafhux qoN bfad surjn isMG bhuqf KusL nhIN sI blik nmosLI ijhI ivc sI. Auh socx lgdf ik ikho ijhy byvkUP lokF nfl vfh pY igaf hY. pihlF Gr ivc cihl-pihl rwKx leI Aus ny kuJ idn mnfAuxy sLurU kIqy hoey sn ijhnF Aupr Kfx-pIx ivc Aucyc kIqI jFdI. ikDry bfhr jfx df progrfm bxfieaf jFdf. AuhnF dI afpxI sfl-gRih huMdI jF iksy bwcy df jnm idn. kyk afRzr kIqf jFdf qy sfry iekwTy ho ky kwtdy. suirMdr qy rxjIq df jnm ieko mhIny sI, ievyN hI guirMdr qy suKvIr dy jnm idn. surjn qy blijMdr dy jnm idn nyVy nyVy sn, ievyN Auh do do jfixaF dy ieko QF kyk kwt lYNdy. surjn isMG nUM ieh sB cMgf lgdf sI pr gurjMt afAux krky ieh sB ruk igaf sI. ieh vI zr huMdf ik iekwTy ho ky idlbfg qy gurjMt lV hI nf pYx. idlbfg hr vyly gurjMt dy iKlfP buV-buV krdf iPrdf rihMdf. Auh gurjMt nUM BMz jF mrfsI hI swddf. do ku vfr gurjMt afieaf pr iPr Aus ny afAuxf Cwz idqf. gurjMt qoN bfad iek vfr iPr idlbfg df cfhl-hfAUs ivc bolbflf ho igaf. dUjy pfsy gurjMt df afAuxf iblkul bMd sI. Aus ny afp afAuxf hI nhIN bMd kIqf blik blijMdr nUM vI afAuxoN rok idqf. rbV PYktrI ivcoN kMm Cwz ky gurjMt aMzr grfAUNz tryn ‘qy zrfeIvr jf ligaf. Aus dIaF AultIaF-iswDIaF isLPtF huMdIaF. kdy do isLPtF iekwTIaF vI lg jFdIaF. iek isLPt izAUtI qy dUjI Evr tfeIm. blijMdr Gr bYTI Aus nUM AuzIkdI rihMdI. mMmI dy Gr dI rOxk ivc rihx vflI blijMdr bhuq iekwlI hox lgdI. kdy Auh mMmI nUM Pon krdI qF rox lg pYNdI. prkfsL kor df mn vI bhuq Audfs ho jFdf. idlbfg ny gurjMt dI iek gwl ivc rIs krnI sLurU kr idqI. ijvyN Auh blijMdr nUM nhIN sI afAux idMdf AuvyN Auh vI keI vfr guirMdr nUM mMmI Gr jfxoN nFh kr idMdf. surjn isMG mn hI mn AuhnF nUM ‘PUilsL’ kihx qoN vwD kuJ nf kr skdf. hux Auh socx ligaf sI ik BfvyN kuVIaF nUM nf afAux dy pr AuhnF nUM KusL qF rwKx. Auh ieh vI socdf ik vwzIaF dovyN kuVIaF mfnisk qOr ‘qy kmjLor rih geIaF hn ies leI ieh jLulm JwlI jf rhIaF hn. jy ieMglYNz ivc jMmIaF jF plLIaF huMdIaF qF ieMnf kuJ nf sihMdIaF. Aus df idl krdf ik kuVIaF nfl KVy qy AuhnF dy ierfdy nUM mjLbUq bxfvy pr iPr Aus nUM ies dy Kqrnfk nqIjy idsx lgdy. Auh jgIrU smfj dy mrd nUM bfKUbI smJdf sI. Aus ny afpxy mn df guB-gulHft amFzf nUM lMmI icwTI ilK ky kwiZaf. amFzf nUM icwTI ilKidaF Auh afpxy idl dIaF gwlF ievyN kr ilaf krdf ijvyN koeI sLIsLy sfhmxy KV ky afpxy afp nfl krdf hY. keI gwlF Auh pfdrI kol jf ky afpxf ksUr mMnx vFg vI krdf pr afpxI icwTI dy aKIr ivc nwk dI syDy qurn dI gwl vI jLrUr ilKdf. prkfsL kor nfl Auh kuVIaF dy duwKF bfry bhuqI gwl nf krdf. Aus nUM zr huMdf ik Auh gwl idl nUM hI nf lf lvy. jy Auh isLkfieq krdI qF kih idMdf, “buVHIey, hux kuVIaF ivafhIaF geIaF, EhnF dy afpxy Gr aY, kuVIaF dy GrF ivc bhuqf nhIN JfkIdf.” prkfsL kor vI DIaF dIaF bhuq sfrIaF gwlF Aus qoN Cupf jFdI. DIaF qF Aus kol iZwz Prol hI jFdIaF sn; Kud af ky jF Pon Aupr. pqI dy suBfa df Aus nUM pqf sI ik gwl agly dy mUMh ‘qy mfr idMdf sI. gurjMt dI khI gwl ny qF Aus nUM hor vI zrf idqf sI. iek idn Aus ny jLrf sKq ho ky Aus nUM ikhf sI, “kfkf, sfzI DI qyrI kYdx qF nhIN! [[[asIN qYnUM ivafhI aY, vycI nhIN! [[[qUM eyhnUM afAux ikAuN nhIN idMdf?” “mMmI, eyh hux quhfzy kolL nhIN myry kolL ey, sfrI Aumr quhfzy kolL eI qf rhI ey, [[[asIN quhfzy kMnIN ikAuN nhIN afAuNdy qusIN vI jfxdy EN.” “kuJ vI hovy pr sfzf idl krdY ik sfzI DI sfzy Gr afvy.” “Pyr pwkIE lY jfE, ‘kyrF!”

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prkfsL kor iek vfr iPr cfr hPqy ieMzIaf rih afeI. Auh CotIaF donF nUM nfl lY jfxf cfhuMdI sI pr surjn nf mMinaF. Auh nhIN sI cfhuMdf ik kuVIaF dI pVHfeI Krfb hovy. suKvIr pihlF hI qYrfkI ivc ipwCy rih geI sI, Aus nUM vfDU sbk lYxy pY rhy sn. prkfsL kor nUM qF ijvyN ieMzIaf jfx df koeI bhfnf cfhIdf hovy. inrml dI kuVI df ivafh sI, acfnk icwTI afeI qy iPr inrml ny Pon vI kIqf sI. kfhlI ivc rwiKaf ivafh sI pr prkfsL kor ny idnF ivc hI iqafrI iKwc leI. kuVIaF mjLfk kr rhIaF sn ik mMmI qF sdf hI afpxf atYcI iqafr rwKdI hY ik pqf nhIN ikhVy vyly ieMzIaf jfxf pY jfvy. sbMD BfvyN ikho ijhy vI sn pr Brf dI kuVI dy ivafh ‘qy surjn isMG vI jfxf cfhuMdf sI prMqU Auh sfrIaF CuwtIaF lY cuwikaf sI. Aus dI lMzn GuMmx dI Kwbq hfly vI kfiem sI. sfrIaF CuwtIaF Aus ny iesy kMm hI vrq leIaF sn. prkfsL kor vfps afeI qF pihlF vFg hI Aus kol suxfAux vflIaF khfxIaF df pUrf KjLfnf sI. inrml qy Aus dI pqnI nfl ihrK mwTf pY cuwikaf sI. aYqkIN qF Auh cwk jf ky kuJ idn rih ky vI afeI sI. rfq nUM sOx vyly Auh pqI nUM kihx lgI, “jI, afpF qF PfzI rih gey, [[[inrml morcf mfr igaf.” “kI ho igaf buVHIey?” “plivMdr nUM proPYsr muMzf imilaY!” “awCf! ieh qF bhuq cMgf hoieaf!” “PgvfVy kflj pVHfAuNdY, bhuq cMgf muMzf, swc kihMdy af lok beI pVHfeI nfl akl af jFdI aY, [[[sfzIaF kuVIaF dI iksmq mfVI sI ijhVy afh mUrK iml gey!” Auh pl ku leI cuwp ho geI ijvyN muMzy dI qsvIr Aus dy awKF sfhmxy af geI hovy. iPr bolI, “bhuq suhxf muMzf aY, gwl krn df vI bhuq slIkf, bhuq hI sfdgI! [[[quhfzI BrjfeI kol culHy muhry bYT ky eI rotI Kf ilaf kry. qury iPrdy vl idl kry ik dyKI jfvF!” “clo, koeI qF suKI hoieaf.” “mYN qF afp aYqkIN bfbf juaflf sLfh df rot suiKaf.” “awCf! hux kI mMigaY?” “iehI ik suirMdr nUM hux eynf piVHaf muMzf eI imly.” surjn isMG nUM Aus dI gwl qy hfsf vI afieaf qy kuJ ku guwsf vI. Auh boilaf, “hfly qyrf vihm igaf neIN!” “ieh vihm kfhdf jI, sB kuJ Ehdy hwQ ‘c aY.” “agy Ehny kI qyrf kI suafr idqf, eyny rot Krfb kIqy!” “eydF nf kho, sB kuJ Auhdy asLIrvfd nfl hI aY, [[[hux dyiKE Auh jLrUr bOhVU!” prkfsL kor ny bfbf juaflf sLfh Aupr afpxy Brosy sLfadI BrI. surjn isMG Aus nUM vihmF BrmF qoN rokdf rihMdf, smJfAux dI koisLsL krdf. keI gwlF nUM Auh smJ vI lYNdI pr jd Auh rwb dI hoNd nUM nkfr idMdf qF prkfsL kor nUM lgdf ik Aus nUM koeI ijMn cuMbV igaf hY. koeI vkq sI ik suirMdr qoN bfad hoey muMzy dI mOq df kfrn Auh pqI dI nfsiqkqf nUM hI smJdI sI. Aus sdmy ivcoN Auh bhuq musLkl nfl inklI sI. sB kuJ TIk cldy cldy Auh blijMdr dy ivafh qoN bfad muV vihmx ijhI hox lgI sI. hux bfbf juaflf sLfh dy mjLfr ‘qy suwiKaf rot Aus nUM qswlI dy irhf sI. pihlF surjn isMG ny Aus nUM smJfAux dI koisLsL kIqI ik aijhf kuJ nhIN huMdf, jd Auh nf mMnI qF Auh boilaf, “qUM buVHI ho geI pr kmlL kuwtxoN nhIN htI!” “quhfnUM qF gwl dwsx ivc sO df GftY, [[[bQyrI vfrI bfbf juaflf sLfh ny myrI mMnq pUrI kIqI aY.” “awCf! ikhVI ikhVI?”

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“pihlF qF ik qusIN vflL nf ktfvoN, dUjI qusIN sfnUM jldI swd lvoN, [[[qIjI[[[.” “qIjI ikhVI?” “Cwzo prFH, [[[gorI bfry jfx ky axjfx nf bxo!”

cOHdF mhInf mfrc. slIt pY jfx kfrn mOsm mnPI drjy ‘qy jf puwijaf. ieh idn rfq brfbr hox dy idn sn pr iqMn vjy stRIt lfeIts jg peIaF sn. aYqvfr df idn sI. aijhy mOsm dy aYqvfr nUM lMzn AujfV ijhf idsx lgdf pr mYrlIbOn roz Aupr trYiPk dI Brmfr sI. kfrF hOlI hOlI qur rhIaF sn. iek pfsy sVk dI murMmq dy lgy borz nUM dyK ky lok ies BIV df kfrn smJ rhy sn. srUp soc irhf sI ik ikhVI sfeIz roz lY ky ies trYiPk nUM JkfnI idqI jf skdI hY. kfr ‘mYzm tUsYz’ dy brfbr afeI qF lokF dI lMmI kqfr vl dyKdf bblU soLr mcfAuNdf kihx ligaf, “zYzI EQy jfxF.” “clFgy iksy idn.” “nhIN, huxy jfxF.” “dyK bfhr TMz ikMnI aYN!” srUp ny ikhf qy sqnfmI cfr sfl dy bblU nUM tflx leI Aus nfl gwlF krn lgI. bblU qy Aus qoN CotI sImf ipClI sIt ‘qy bYTy mMmI-zYzI df iDafn iKcx leI kuJ nf kuJ krI jf rhy sn. kfr clfAuNdf srUp sqnfmI nUM lMzn dIaF sVkf bfry qy sfeInF bfry jfxkfrI vI dyeI jf irhf sI. aj kl sqnfmI kfr clfAuxI isKx dy sbk lY rhI sI. srUp sqnfmI nUM dwsx ligaf, “lMzn ivc bMdf sihjy eI Buwl jFdY, vn vya qoN bcx dI sKq jLrUrq aY pr lMzn dy trYiPk dI ivsLysLqf ieh aY ik ieh vn vya dy qrIky nfl hI kfbU ivc rihMdY. [[[jy qusIN avysly ho ky glq idsL lY vn vya ivc pY jfvoN qF ikqy dy ikqy jf phuMcoNgy.” “nf jI, jy ieh rfh jFdf eI vn vya ivc dI hovy qF[[[?” srUp ny pqnI vl dyiKaf qy hwsx ligaf ijvyN Aus ny ieh gwl pihlF socI hI nf hovy, boilaf, “lMzn ivc clx df asUl eI vn vya aY bs iesy gwl df iDafn rwKx dI loV aY.” sqnfmI dy kuJ vI pwly nf ipaf; nf srUp df hwsxf qy nf hI vn vya df asUl. Auh kihx lgI, “Cwzo eys gwl nUM, mYN qF kihMnI aF beI idlbfg BfjI nfl eI iswDI gwl kro, sfzy nyVy qF AuhI aY. ikqy guwsf eI nf kr jfvy, quhfnUM pqf eI aY Auhdy suBfa df.” “AuhnUM sIrIaslI eI kOx lYNdY, guwsf krU qF mYnUM mnfAuxf afAuNdY, do gwpF mfro qy cfr EhdIaF sux lvo, bs mMn igaf idlbfg sUMh!” gwl krdy srUp ny kfr rIjYSt pfrk dy nfl vflI roz qy moV leI ijhVI ik isDI kYmyzn tfAUn jf inkldI sI qy Aus ny AuqrI lMzn ivc dI huMdy hoey pUrbI lMzn jf puwjxf sI. rfh kuJ lMmyrf sI pr trYiPk qoN bcfE ho jfxf sI. Auh arjn isMG nUM imlx jf rhy sn. aj jfx df Kfs mksd sI. srUp afpxy cfcy dy muMzy gulvMq leI surjn dI kuVI suirMdr df irsLqf mMgxf cfhuMdf sI. jfxdf qF Auh surjn nUM vI sI pr irsLqf ivcoly rfhIN hI ho skxf sI. srUp afpxy twbr nfl iesy hPqy ieMzIaf qoN afieaf sI. Aus kol arjn isMG dy keI sunyhy sn; kuJ sUt, kuJ ruwky, do iklo guV afid. ipCly pMjF sflF ivc ipMz ivc qy irsLqydfrI ivc afeI qbdIlI Aus nUM hYrfn kr geI sI. sB qoN vwD hYrfnI Aus nUM gulvMq vl dyK ky ho rhI sI. Auh vfr vfr kih AuTdf,

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“mYnUM qF XkIn eI nhIN afAuNdf ik sukVU ijhf, pqlU ijhf guwlU eynf jvfn inkl afAU, [[[qy lok AuhnUM cwTf sfb, cwTf sfb kihMdy iPrngy!” gwlF kridaF Aus nUM afpxy ccyry Brf ‘qy lohVy df mfx hox lgdf. jd Auh ivafh krfAux igaf qF guwlU kflj pVHdf sI. sFJy twbr ivc rihMdy hox krky guwlU dy BivwK bfry iPkr krdf irhf sI. Auh socdf ik jLmIn AuhnF dI bhuq QoVI hI sI qy jwtF nUM nOkrI koeI imldI nhIN ies leI guwlU nUM ieMglYNz hI swdxf pYxf sI. ieMglYNz nhIN qF iksy hor mulk pr ieMzIaf ivc Aus df BivwK aYsf vYsf hI hovygf. hux jd Auh ieMzIaf igaf qF guwlU vl dyK hYrfn huMdy hoey mn hI mn surjn dI qIjy nMbr dI kuVI nfl irsLqy dI gwl soc leI sI. Auh mn hI mn Aus kuVI dI guwlU nfl joVI bxf ky dyKx vI ligaf sI. rmPorz roz qoN Auh eIst hYm grIn stRIt qy muV gey. grIn stRIt Aupr bhuq sfrIaF nvINaF dukfnF KulH cuwkIaF sn, sfrIaF dIaF sfrIaF hI dysI. aYqvfr nUM vI sfrf bjLfr KulHf sI. rylvy puwl pfr krky Auh Kwby hwQ zrbI roz ‘qy muV gey. Gr muhry nvIN bxI porc kfrn Gr pwCfixaF nhIN sI jf irhf. Gr muhry KVHdI kfr nUM amrjIq ny pridaF rfhI dyK ilaf. Auh vI AuhnF dI AuzIk kr rhI sI. Aus dy mFipE dy sunyhy vI AuhnF hwQ af rhy sn. amrjIq nUM prmIq nfl ivafihaF do sfl ho gey sn. ieh do sfl amrjIq nUM bhuq lMmy lg rhy sn; vIh sflF ijMny. Aus ny kfhlI nfl bUhf Kohilaf qy sqnfmI dy glL lg geI. iPr srUp nUM Piqh bulfAuNdI bwicaF nfl qoqlIaF ijhIaF gwlF mfrn lgI. Auh AuhnF dy muhry qurdI PrMt rUm ivc af geI. sfry Gr hI sn. sfry hYrfn sn ik ieMzIaf igaF dy ieMnI jldI rMg ieMny kflLy ikvyN ho gey, Kfs qOr ‘qy bwicaF dy. hflF ik ieh isaflU idn hI sn. gurbMs kor ny srUp qoN Gr dy iek iek jIa df hfl-cfl puwiCaf. prmIq qoN Coty hrmIq dy irsLqy dI gwl jlMDr dy iek ivEpfrI dI kuVI nfl cwl rhI sI. kuVI dyKx dI ijLMmyvfrI sqnfmI dI lfeI hoeI sI. gurbMs kOr dy puwCx qy sqnfmI bolI, “mfsI jI, sfP gwl qF ieh aY ik kuVI muMzy dy brfbr dI nhIN, hF PYmlI bhuq irwc aY, sfzy kol qF Auh cIjLF hY hI nhIN ijhVIaF AuhnF kol aY.” “sqnfmI, kuVI dI gwl dws, afpF AuhnF dy irwc hox qoN kI lYxF.” “mfsI jI, iek qF kuVI mDrI aY qy dUjy gwlF bhuq krdI aY, afpxf hrmIq qF cuwp rihMdf aY pr Auh qF kucr kucr bolI eI jFdI aY, iPlmF dIaF gwlF, PYsLn dIaF gwlF[[[!” “iehdf mqlb qUM kuVI irjYkt kr ‘qI.” gurbMs kor ny ikhf. Auh ies irsLqy nUM lY ky bhuq AuqsLfh ivc sI. arjn isMG dI BYx ny ies irsLqy dI dws pfeI sI pr sqnfmI ny af ky bfjLI plt idqI. arjn isMG kihx ligaf, “mYnUM qF pihlF eI ieh gwl shI nhIN sI jfpdI, ikQy Auh kfrKfnydfr qy ikwQy asIN mjLdUr, Evr tfeIm lf ky gujLfrf krn vfly!” sqnfmI afpxI Kwl bcfAux Kfqr bolI, “vYsy kuVI aYzI mfVI vI nhIN, qusIN afp jf ky iek vfrI dyK lE, Pyr PYslf krnf.” jd qk amrjIq cfh lY ky af geI. gurbMs kor sqnfmI nUM puwCx lgI, “amrjIq vrgI hY ik nhIN?” “nhIN mfsI jI, amrjIq nfl Ehdf koeI mukfblf nhIN.” “iehnF ny aYvyN hI kfhlLI pfeI hoeI sI, mYN qF pihlF eI kihMdf sI beI muMzf pVHdf, iehnUM pVH lYx idE, kfhl kfhdI aY!” arjn isMG ny afiKaf. iPr sfry hI cuwp ijhy kr gey. srUp ny ieMdrjIq nUM iKJfAuNdf boilaf, “muMzf qF asIN afpxI ieMdrI BYx leI vI dyK ilaf, muMzf bhuq cMgf aY bs iek lwq jLrf CotI aY qy iek bjLfr bMd aY!” sfry hwsx lgy. ieMdrjIq muwkf bxf ky srUp ipwCy BwjI. srUp ipwCy htdf boilaf,

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“sOrI sOrI! Blf asIN afpxI ipafrI BYx leI ieho ijhf muMzf lwBFgy koeI! [[[asIN qF koeI pirMs lwB ky ilafvFgy, sfrI dunIaF dyKU!” kuJ dyr hor gwlF qoN bfad srUp aslI mwudy vl vDx leI rfh moklf krn ligaf. ligaf gulvMq nUM Durf bxf ky koeI khfxI suxfAux. gulvMq dI pVHfeI, Aus dI ishq, jvfnI qy Aus dI nOkrI dIaF qrIPF krn ligaf. pUrI Bimkf bMnH ky Auhny ikhf, “mfsV jI, asIN gulvMq leI koeI kuVI eyDr dyKxI aF, [[[ieh myrI izAUtI aY, qusIN jfxdy eI E ik sfzI juafieMt PYimlI aY, [[[asIN socdy aF ik aMkl surjn isMG dI qIjy nMbr dI kuVI ivafhux vflLI aY.” afpxI gwl kih ky srUp cuwp kr igaf qF jo arjn isMG dy ies bfry ivcfr jfx sky. arjn isMG ny pqnI vl dyiKaf ijvyN Aus nUM kuJ kihx leI kih irhf hovy. Auh kihx lgI, “srUp, asIN idlbfg df irsLqf krfieaf sI, Auh bhuqy KusL nhIN, qUM vI jfxdF AuhnUM pr hux dUjy juafeI ny qF AuhnF nUM iblkul eI tMg rwiKaY, [[[AuhnF df idl tuwitaf ipaY.” “mfsI, ieh vI TIk aY pr jy iek jF do jvfeI mfVy inkl jfx qF bfkI dIaF kuVIaF kuafrIaF QoVoN rwK leIdIaF!” “Auh qF gwl TIk aY pr AuhnF nUM kihx dI ihMmq nhIN rhI hux.” gurbMs kor bolI pr ivcolx bxnf Aus nUM cMgf ligaf sI. srUp ny ikhf, “mfsI, iehdy ivc ihMmq dI ikhVI gwl aY, Auh qF sgoN KusL hoxgy ik qusIN AuhnF df iPkr krdy E, ivcoly bxnf koeI Kflf jI df vfVHf qF nhIN huMdf!” prkfsL kor ny bIar dy do zwby ilaf ky iek arjn isMG muhry rwK idqf qy iek surjn muhry pr dovF ny hI afpxy zwby nf Kohly. Auh gwlF krdy rhy. arjn isMG nUM bIar nf pINdy dyK surjn AuiTaf qy vfeIn dI boql cuwk ilafieaf qy nfl hI do vfeIn-glfs. Auh boql dy glLy ivc kOrk-sikRAU Psf irhf sI ik arjn isMG ny puwiCaf, “vfeIn pIx dI afdq geI nhIN hfly?” “lMzn ivc rih ky vfeIn nf pIqI qF kI pIqf!” Aus dy ivaMg ivc kihx ‘qy arjn isMG muskRfieaf. vfeIn df Guwt BridaF surjn isMG ny ikhf, “awj qF beI acfnk eI Cfpf mfiraf! [[[suwK qF aY?” jd qk gurbMs kor qy prkfsL kor vI AuhnF kol af bYTIaF sn. pqI dI QF gurbMs kor bolI, “asIN qF iek vfrI iPr ivcoly bxnf cfhuMny aF.” “nf BYx jI, asIN hfly rYzI nhIN, hfly asIN pihilaF JtikaF ivcoN nhIN inkly.” “asIN smJdy aF Brf jI pr cMgy irsLqy sbwbIN imlLdy af.” surjn isMG ny afpxI vfeIn mukfeI. vfeIn ny jLrf ku huwJ mfrI. Auh afKx ligaf, “hux asIN kuVI eydF nhIN ivafhuxI. [[[hux asIN iPAUzrl kImqF dy iKlfP KVnY, kuVIaF nUM vI iehdy leI iqafr krnY. asIN hux Auh muMzf lwBxYN ijhVf kuVI df mflk nf bxy sgoN AuhdI ijLMdgI df ihwsydfr bxy. ijLMdgI dy hr PYsly ivc kuVI dI brfbr dI mrjLI hovy, [[[suirMdr pihlIaF vrgI kmjLor kuVI nhIN, [[[ieh qF mfVy muMzy nUM Jwtk ky rwK dyAU!” Aus dI gwl suxdf arjn isMG kihx ligaf, “gwl quhfzI sO PI sdI shI aY pr asIN afpxy sMskfrF dy gulfm bxy bYTy aF, sdIaF qoN sfzy aMdr vsy ies gMd qoN ieMnI jldI ipwCf ikwdF CuzfEgy!”

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“ieh ipwCf jldI hI Cwut jfxF, ijs smfj ‘c asIN rihMdy aF ieQy ieh jldI Cwut jfxF pr mYN qF afpxIaF kuVIaF dy mfmly ivc ies bfry sLoar hoxf jLrUrI smJdF, ho skdf myrIaF kuVIaF duwK vI AuTfAux pr ijhVf nrk pihlIaF do Bog rhIaF Auhdy nfloN qF ijLMdgI cMgI hI hoAU, afpxI mrjLI dI.” prkfsL kor qy gurbMs kor afpxy pqIaF dIaF gwlF sux rhIaF sn pr AuhnF nUM gwlF smJ nhIN sI pY rhIaF. prkfsL kor ieMnf smJ geI sI ik Aus dy pqI ny irsLqy leI nFh kr idqI hY. Auh bolI, “suirMdr nUM ivafhux ivc asIN koeI kfhlI nhIN krnI. asIN koeI piVHaf iliKaf, KfndfnI muMzf lwBFgy.” “BYx jI, quhfzI gwl iblkul TIk aY, duwD df siVHaf lwsI nUM vI PUkF mfr mfr ky pINdf. iblkul quhfnUM Tok vjf ky irsLqf krnf cfhIdY, [[[ijhVf muMzf asIN dwsxf cfhuMny aF Auh suhxf-sunwKf qF hY hI nfly kpUrQly kflj ivc proPYsr vI aY.” gurbMs kor dy mUMh dy bol bocdI prkfsL kor cihkI, “proPYsr!” do mhIny dy aMdr aMdr prkfsL kor iek vfr iPr ieMzIaf nUM cVH geI. Aus dy ievyN jfx kfrn Gr ivc hfsV pY geI pr Aus nUM iksy dI prvfh nhIN sI. Auh qF ies irsLqy leI Aulfr hoeI peI sI. Aulfr vI loV qoN vwD. proPYsr muMzf imlxf qF iek suPny vFg sI. srUp qy sqnfmI vI AuhnF nUM imlx afey sn. AuhnF dIaF gwlF Aus dy aMdr DU pf rhIaF sn. sqnfmI dwsx lgdI, “asIN kpUrQlLy gey, soicaf gwulU nUM imlL cldy aF, ieh Ehdf krdy vI qF bhuq aY. [[[asIN kflj dy gyt qy jf ky iek muMzy nUM puwiCaf ik asIN guwlU nUM imlxf. [[[guwlU df iksy nUM pqf hI nf cly, iehnF nUM Auhdf pUrf nF Buwl igaf sI. iPr asIN pUrI iztyl dwsI qF iek muMzf guwsy ivc afAuNdf boilaf; cwTf sfihb kho, sfzy ihstrI dy proPYsr sfihb aY Auh. [[[asIN hYrfn ik iehnF hI muMizaF vrgf Auh muMzf qy cwTf sfb ho igaf!” afpxI gwl krdI sqnfmI ruk ky prkfsL kor vl dyKdI qy iPr boldI, “mYN hwsdI ny ikhf ik qyry Bfpy nUM iksy ny cwTf sfb nf ikhf, nf qyry qfey nUM qy nf eI qyry Brf nUM, qUM ikDroN df cwTf sfb ho igaf! [[[muMzy dI hlImI dyKo, kihMdf; BfbI jI, vwizaF df bxfieaf hI bixaF.” sqnfmI dIaF gwlF suxidaF hI prkfsL kor nUM ligaf ik jvflf sLfh dy swuiKaf rot kMm kr igaf hY. suirMdr dI iksmq qF plivMdr nfloN vI vDIaf hovygI. pVHfeI ivc ieh muMzf qF Aus dy pqI qoN do rwqIaF Aupr hI jfpdf sI. surjn isMG Auprly idloN qF kfhlI nf krn vfsqy kihMdf jf irhf sI pr idloN cfhuMdf sI ik ieh irsLqf jldI qoN jldI qih ho jfvy. Auh srUp nUM jfxdf sI ik Auh bhuq imhnqI bMdf sI. Aus ny qF AuhnF qoN vI keI sfl pihlF df Gr ilaf hoieaf sI. kudrqI sI ik srUp afpxy ccyry Brf dI sYWtl hox ivc vI mwdd krygf. Gwto Gwt srUp ijLMmyvfr bMdf hY ijs kol isLkfieq vI kIqI jf skdI hY. iek hor gwl surjn dI ies muMzy ivc idlcspI vDf rhI sI ik Auh ieqhfs df proPYsr sI. surjn ny suirMdr nfl sfrI gwl Kohl ky kr leI. Aus ny ikhf, “qUM afpxI mMmI nfl afp ieMzIaf cly jf qy afp jf ky muMzf psMd kr, jy cMgf ligaf qF hI hF afKIN.” “nhIN zYz, mYN nhIN jfxF, mMmI nUM myrI psMd df pqY. iksy nfl ds imMt gwl krky nycr qF qF pqf nhIN cl jFdf. bs mYN qF eynf eI cfhuMdI aF ik vwzy BfjIaF vrgf nf hovy.” “iehdy bfry afpF kuJ nhIN kih skdy, iPr vI afpxI susfietI ivc aOrq nUM bhuq kuJ tOlryt krnf pYNdY.” “afey zONt mfeINz zYz pr bwlI vFgUM mYN nhIN rih skdI, ieP hI zwjL lfeIk BfjI, afey ivwl lIv ihm!” surjn isMG nUM DI df afqm ivsLvfs cMgf ligaf pr Auh kihx ligaf, “ieh vI qF msly df hwl nhIN, [[[pihlF aYzjst krn dI koisLsL krnI cfhIdI aY.”

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“bwt afey ivwl lIv ihwm, afey zONt kyar!” DI dI gwl ‘qy hwsdf hoieaf Auh boilaf, “pihlF ivafh qF krf lY iPr Cwz leIN!” suirMdr ny gulvMq dIaF qsvIrF dyK leIaF sn. muMzf Aus nUM psMd sI. Aus nUM ieh vI pqf sI ik Auhdy mFipE AuhnUM glq muMzf nhIN lwB ky dyx lgy. prkfsL kor nUM ieMzIaf qurn lgI nUM Aus ny ieko gwl khI sI, “mMmI, eynf iDafn rwKIN, muMzy dy icqV bVy nf hox. trfAUjLr pfeI hoeI sjy vI.” Gr ivc kfr KrIdx dIaF rojL gwlF huMdIaF. surjn vI kfr lYx leI hux iqafr sI. do ku vfr Auh idlbfg nfl kfr-aOksLn ‘qy vI igaf pr koeI psMd nhIN sI afeI. gYrjF ivc kfrF bhuq mihMgIaF sn. ruafiel zIn ivc kMm krdy pItr ny afpxI kfr Aupr iek idn ‘Pfr syl’ dI icpkI lgf idqI. sfry jfxdy sn ik pItr nvIN kfr kZfieaf krdf qy do ku sfl vyc idMdy qy kuJ hor pYsy pf ky iPr nvIN KrId lYNdf. kfr dI sMBfl vI Auh pUrI rwKdf sI. Porz dI ieskOrt kfr hI ijLafdfqr Auh KrIidaf krdf. surjn isMG ny pItr nfl gwl kIqF qF Auh kImq jLrf ksvIN mMg irhf sI. surjn isMG dy dosq zYrk ny ivc pY ky do sO pONz Gwt krvf idqf qy pMdrF sO pONz ivc sOdf krvf idqf. surjn kfr Gr lY afieaf. sfrf twbr hI KusL sI. hux AuhnF nUM idlbfg dy muQfj nhIN sI hoxf pYxF. sfrf twbr hI prkfsL kor nUM kfr df srpRfeIjL dyxf cfhuMdf sI. prkfsL kor df ieMzIaf qoN vfps muVn df idn af igaf. sfrf twbr hI kfr lY ky Aus nUM lYx igaf. prkfsL kor aMqF dy cfa ivc muVI. Auh pqI nUM kihx lgI, “ikAuN, mMndy E bfbf jvflf sLfh nUM!” “akl nUM vI hwQ mfr jLrf!” “akl nUM hwQ qusIN mfro, myrIaF qF Auhny JolIaF KusLIaF nflL BrIaF!” iPr Auh gulvMq dIaF gwlF krn lgI. suKvIr qy rxjIq qrFH qrFH dy svfl krn lgIaF. suirMdr sLrmfeI jf rhI sI. suKvIr ny puwiCaf, “mMmI, qUM dws, BfjI lgdf ikwdF df?” “sYcrzf nUM ijhVf progrfm aONdf cOVy ijhy nwk vfly BfeI df, Auhdy nfl ijhVf suhxf ijhf muMzf huMdf iblkul Ehdy vrgf.” Aus nUM progrfm dy nF df nhIN sI pqf pr gulvMq nUM dyKdy sfr hI Aus ny ieh aMdfjLf lgf ilaf sI. Auh sfry hI gulvMq dIaF gwlF ivc aijhy guafcy ik AuhnF nUM kfr dy srprfeIjL df cyqf hI nhIN irhf. kfr ivc bYTidaF prkfsL kor smJ geI sI ik Auhdy mgroN kfr lY leI hY pr gulvMq dIaF gwlF muhry Aus nUM ieh gwl ngUxI jfp rhI sI. kfr clf rhI suirMdr tYlIvIXn dy Aus hIro ivcoN afpxy suPinaF df rfjkumfr lwB rhI sI. Gr af ky Aus ny mF nUM iek pfsy kr ky puwiCaf, “mMmI, Auhdy icqV?” “bhuq suhxy, ijwdF sfzy ipMz vfly sfDU qKfx dy qrfsLy hoey hox.” gulvMq nUM pihlI njLry dyKidaF hI prkfsL kor ny DI dI PrmfiesL df iDafn rwiKaf sI. ieMzIaf pujidaF hI Auh srdUl nUM lY ky Auh kpUrQly jf puwjI sI. Auh muMzy nUM acncyq hI dyKxf cfhuMdI sI ik Aus ny afpxI idwK ivc koeI Aucyc nf kIqI hovy. iPr Aus nUM kfhl vI ieMnI sI ik muMzy dy GridaF nUM imlx ivc vkq Krfb nhIN sI krnf cfhuMdI. Auh puwCdy pCFdy kflj dy stfP rUm ivc jf puwjy. srdUl nUM kflj afAuxf vYsy hI cMgf lg irhf sI. Aus nUM afpxy purfxy idnF dI Xfd qfjLf ho afeI. prkfsL kor leI ieh mhOl iblkul Eprf sI pr Aus df sfrf iDafn qF muMzy nUM dyKx vl sI. Aus vkq gulvMq ny klfs leI

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hoeI sI. gulvMq dy sfQIaF ny irsLqydfr smJdy hoey AuhnF nUM bYTfieaf qy cfh-pfxI iplfieaf. jd qk gulvMq vI af igaf. Auh afieaf qF prkfsL kor Auhdy vl dyKx lgI, ibnF awKF Jmwky. inrml dy juafeI qoN ikqy vwD suhxf. Aus df rMg pwkf sI qy ichrf vflLF nfl Biraf ipaf sI pr ieh klIn sLyvz ijvyN ieMglYNz qoN hI afieaf hovy. qyjL awKF, iqwKf nwk, suirMdr vFg hI lMmf kwd. gulvMq nUM srUp dI icwTI af geI hoeI sI pr Auh iehnF nUM ieQy ievyN kflj ivc nhIN sI AuzIk irhf. prkfsL kor ny srdUl dy kMn ivc kuJ ikhf qy srdUl gulvMq nUM boilaf, “cwTf sfb, asIN kuJ gwlF krnIaF, bfhr sfhmxy hotl ivc bYTIey jLrf.” gulvMq AuhnF nUM lY ky kflj qoN bfhr af igaf. prkfsL kor srdUl nUM iek pfsy kr ky kihx lgI, “BfjI, sO df not dy ky muMzf huxy rok lY.” “kmlLI ho geI aYN! jlMDr aYkscyNj ‘c jf ky surjn nUM Pon krdy aF Pyr krFgy jo krnf, nflLy muMzy df Gr-bfr vI dyK leIey.” “BfjI, iehnF nfl vI sfrI gwl ho cuwkI aY, kuVI nUM vI mYN puwiCaf hoieaf, nflLy afpF kuVI muMzy nUM ivafhuxI aF nf ik Gr nUM.” Aus dI ieh gwl sux ky srdUl nUM kuJ hYrfnI hoeI. ieho gwl aj qoN sqfeI sfl pihlF surjn bfry Aus ny afpxI mF nUM khI sI jd prkfsL kor df irsLqf Aus nfl krn jf irhf sI. srdUl ny gulvMq dy isr Aupr hwQ Pyr ky sO rupey ipafr dy idqf. bfkI dIaF rsmF bfad ivc huMdIaF rhIaF. ies irsLqy ivc AuhnF ny sfQI ibsLMBr isMG nUM ivcoly vjoN ivckfr rwiKaf ikAuNik Aus dI pihlf hI ipMz GumfxF ivc afAuxI jfxI sI. srUp dy suhry jF gulvMq dy nfnky ibsLMBr isMG dy gvFZ ipMz ivc sn. srUp ieMzIaf afvy qF Aus nUM iml ky jFdf sI.[[[ gulvMq dy Tfky dI icwTI srUp nUM imlI qF Aus ny idlbfg nUM vI ivcoly dy qOr ‘qy nflL rlLf ilaf. Aus nUM Pon krky kihx ligaf, “ngimaF, ivhlF qF af jf, glfs plHfvF. [[[bwicaF nUM nflL lY afeIN.” Aus nUM pqf sI ik ieMny nfl hI idlbfg ny PuwilaF nhIN smfAuxf. AuhnUM vI ies irsLqy dI Kbr iml cuwkI sI. Auh afieaf qy afAuNdy hI boql KulH geI. srUp kihx ligaf, “mYN Gr nUM icwTI ilKI sI beI kfmryz horF nUM muhry rwK ky irsLqf kirE, isafxy bMdy df ivc hoxf jLrUrI huMdY. mYN ds idqf sI beI ieQy idlbfg qy mfsV arjn sUMh ivcoly af.” “nf beI ngimaF, mYN neIN bxdf ivcolf. ieh kuVIaF qF myrIaF BYxF, afpxIaF BYxF df qF mYnUM bhuqf cyqf nhIN, CotIaF nUM Cwz afieaf sI.” “lY Pyr qF ngimaF, gwl eI iswDI ho geI, pihlF qyrI afh BYx myry Gr qy hux qyrI dUjI BYx vI sfzy Gr.” “jf Eey ngimaF, qUM myry qy mwlo mwlI sflLf hox df Twpf lfeI jfnF, [[[ieh TIk aY ieh myrI BYx aF pr qYnUM mYN BxoeIaf nhIN smJdf.” “ieh ikwdF df irsLqf hoieaf beI!” “ieh eydF eI huMdI aY, [[[sfzy irvfj aY beI BxoeIaf kuVI nUM jLrf vI qMg kry qF jf ky AuhdI qOxI lf idE, dyK lf mnjLUr aY qF!” “ngimaF, qUM vI hux dyK lY, asIN do ho gey aF.” “ngimaF, Ehdf iPkr nf kr, EhnUM mYN Brf bxf lYxF, sfZU vflLf irsLqf eI nhIN rwKxF.” sqnfmI qy guirMdr AuhnF kol bYTIaF gwlF suxdIaF rhIaF qy imMnf imMnf muskRfAuNdIaF rhIaF. sqnfmI kdy AuhnF dI iksy gwl ivc dKl dy idMdI pr guirMdr afpxy suBfa anusfr cuwp rhI. bwcy Kyz Kyz ky sONx lgy. awDI rfq gwlF cldIaF rhIaF.

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ieh ijhVf Auh iek dUjy nUM ‘ngmf’ kih ky bulfAuNdy ieh sLbd idlbfg ny avqfr qoN ilaf sI. avqfr nUM hr koeI slfh dyx lgdf ik Auh ivafh krf lvy, sYWtl ho jfvy, itk ky ijLMdgI bqIq kry. avqfr AuhnF dIaF gwlF suxdf qy muskRfAuNdf hoieaf sLyar pVHn lgdf, “mYN vo ngmf hUM jo hr sfjL py gfieaf nhIN jfqf.” avqfr dI rIsy idlbfg vI afpxy afp nUM alwg dwsx leI ieho sLyar pVHn lgdf. hfsy hfsy ivc Auh qy srUp iek dUjy nUM ngmf kihx lg pey sn. srUp dy GroN af ky idlbfg bhuq KusL sI. afpxy ivcolf bxn df cfa Aus qoN sFiBaf nhIN sI jf irhf. agly idn hI Auh gryvjLYNz cly igaf, nhIN qF hux kfPI dyr qoN Aus ny qfey nUM Pon vI nhIN sI kIqf. do ku vfr qfeI guwsy ivc afeI idlbfg nUM kih geI sI ik lok qF ivafh ky kuVIaF GroN qordy hn qy asIN muMzf qoiraf hY. keI vfr qfey df gwusf surjn isMG qy vI izgx lgdf ies leI idlbfg ny gryvjLYNz jfxf bhuq Gtfieaf hoieaf sI. hux qF Auh ivcolf bx ky ijhVf mfarkf Aus ny mfiraf sI Aus bfry dwsx hI jf irhf sI. gryvjLYNz jf ky Aus ny KUb pfzIaF mfrIaF. Aus dy qfey df muMzf amrIk kihx ligaf, “bfigaf, ieh sfrIaF gwpF qUM ilK lYnF huMnF ik cyqy rih jFdIaF!” “jf Eey jfh, qYnUM qF akl dI gwl dwsx df Auh ihsfb b oieaf beI gDy nUM lUx idE qF kihMdf; kMn pftdy af!” irsLqy bfry sfrI gwlbfq srUp ny surjn nfl iswDI hI krnI sLurU kr idqI sI. Aus vl Aus df gyVf vI kuJ vD igaf sI. Aus ny surjn nUM ikhf, “mfsV jI, pypr vrk qusIN afpy eI kr ilE sfrf.” “koeI gwl nhIN pr sKqI bhuq hoeI jFdI aY, [[[nFh krn df bhfnf lwBxy iPrdy af.” “ieh qF hY pr afpF ikhVI koeI glq gwl krnI aF.” ipCly kuJ sflF qoN ivafh leI af rhy muMizaF Aupr kfPI sfrIaF pfbMdIaF afieq ho rhIaF sn. nklI ivafh krf ky ieMglYNz ivc pwky hox dI rucI vD rhI sI. nklI ivafhF dI bhuqfq kfrn iek smF qF aijhf vI afieaf sI ik ieh kfnUMn hI bMd ho igaf sI ik Bfrq jF hor qIjI dunIaF dy muMzy ivafh krfAux leI ieMglYNz nhIN af skxgy. hF, kuVIaF ‘qy koeI pfbMdI nhIN sI lgI. ies qrFH brfbrqf nUM Kqrf pYdf hox ligaf. muMzy sOKy ivafhy jf hox lgy ikAuN ik Auh kuVI ieMzIaf qoN lY afAuNdy qy kuVIaF leI musLklF KVIaF ho geIaF. iPr brqfnIaF Br dIaF jQybMdIaF ny ies iek-qrPf kfnUMn dy iKlfP mujLfhry kIqy, jlUs kwZy. dubfrf ivafh leI muMzy afAux df kfnUMn qF bx igaf pr pwky hox dI shUlq vfly ivafhF nUM Kqm krn leI srkfr ny nvIN sLrq lf idqI ik ijhVf ivafh iek sfl cwlygf AuhI shI smiJaf jfvygf qy ivafh nUM afieaf muMzf pwkf ho skygf. jy ivafh sfl dy aMdr aMdr tuwt igaf qF muMzy nUM vfps moV idqf jfvygf. ies nfl vI keI iksm dy apvfd pYdf hox df zr sI pr hor koeI cfrf vI nhIN sI. hux vI gurjMt ny afAuxf hovy jF gulvMq ny idwlI df hfeI kimsLnr bhuq GoK krdf qy jLrf ijMnI sLwk pYx ‘qy vI vIjLy qoN ienkfrI ho jFdf jF koeI nuks kwZ ky vIjLf lmkf idqf jFdf. ieho zr surjn nUM Kf irhf sI. Aus ny afpxI DI nUM ikhf, “suirMdr, qUM gulvMq nUM icwTI iliKaf kr, ieMtrivAU vyly Auhdy kMm afAU, [[[gurjMt nUM iesy svfl qoN AulJf ilaf sI ik jd quhfzI afps ivc vfkPI nhIN, koeI Kqo-iKqfbq nhIN qF qusIN ivafh ikvyN krfvoNgy.” “zYz, lYtr mYnUM ilKxI nhIN afAuNdI, kI ilKUMgI?” suirMdr ny sLrmfAuNidaF ikhf. surjn smJfAuNdf hoieaf dwsx ligaf, “afpxy bfry, afpxy kMm bfry ilK dy, jF ieh ilK dy ik awjkwl ieQy mOsm ikho ijhf hY, ilK dyh ik pUrf ieMglYNz hI mOsm dy ihsfb nfl cldY. jF iPr puwC lY ajwkwl ieMzIaf dy mOsm bfry puwC lY, EhdIaF hObIaF puwC lY, Auhdy kMm bfry jF pirvfr bfry, [[[jo vI cMgf lgy, XU sLuwz no bYtr!”

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suirMdr hor vI sLrmf geI qy afihsqf ijhy bolI, “no zYz, Auh mYnUM pihlF ilKy, mYN ansr dy dAUN.”

pMdrF julfeI. hr vyly bwdl asmfn ivc qYrdy iPrdy sn. BfvyN ieh mINh vfly bwdl nhIN sn pr lok iPr vI Duwp rihq mOsm qoN iKJy pey sn. ivEpfrI qMg sn ik tUirst nhIN sn af rhy. brqfnvI lok CwutIaF kwtx Duwp vfly ielfikaF nUM Bwj rhy sn. ipCly sfl Duwp ieMnI peI sI ik pfrkF dy Gfh qk sV gey sn pr aYqkIN aijhf kuJ nhIN sI. aijhI hI iek svyr nUM gulvMq hIQro dy trmInl iqMn ‘qy af Auqiraf. afpxf smfn cuwikaf qy ieMmIgrysLn krfAux vfilaF dI kqfr ivc KVH afpxI vfrI dI AuzIk krn ligaf. iemIgrysLn aPsr ny Aus df pfsport dyiKaf qy Aus nUM iek pfsy bYTf ilaf. ijQy Auh bYTf sI Aus vrgy hor vI keI muMzy bYTy sn. ieQoN af ky AuhnF dIaF mMgyqr kuVIaF ny AuhnF nUM lY ky jfxf sI. kuVIaF vfrI vfrI afAux lgIaF. ieMmIgrysLn aPsr pypr dyK ky avfjL idMdf, AuhnF ivcoN koeI muMzf AuT ky qur pYNdf. kuJ dyr bfad iek srdfr nfl lMmI ijhI kuVI nUM afAuNdI dyK gulvMq KV igaf. Aus ny suirMdr nUM pwCfx ilaf sI. Aus dIaF ieMnIaF Poto dyKIaF sn ik ieh ichrf Aus dy mn Aupr KuixaF jf cuwikaf sI, lwKF dI BIV ivcoN vI pwCfx skdf sI. suirMdr Aus nUM iblkul Auho ijhI hI lgI ijho ijhI Aus ny suPinaF ivc icqvI sI pr Aus dy qurn df aMdfj, Aus df afpxy vl dyKx df qrIkf Aus nUM jLrf ku cuiBaf. Aus ny iek pl leI soicaf ik ies kuVI ivc qF loV qoN ijLafdf afqm-ivsLvfs hY pr iPr agly pl Aus ny soicaf ik ieho qF Auh cfhuMdf sI. suirMdr vI hlkf ijhf muskRfAuNdI Aus vl dyKI jf rhI sI, Aus nUM gulvMq pihlI njLry hI psMd af igaf. surjn nUM gulvMq dyK ky qswlI ho geI. gulvMq ny AuhnF nUM ‘siq isRI akfl’ bulfeI qy Auh sfry iemIgrysLn aPsr dy mgr ho qury. zYsk Aupr puwj ky suirMdr ny kuJ kfgjLF Aupr shI pfeI. iPr gulvMq dI hlkI ijhI zfktrI hoeI. qIjI dunIaF qoN afAuNdy lokF qoN zr rihMdf sI ik afpxy nfl koeI ibmfrI nf lYNdy afAux. zfktrI qoN bfad gory aPsr ny gulvMq vl iesLfrf kridaF suirMdr nUM ikhf, “nfE, aOl XoarjL!” suirMdr muskRfeI qy Auh sfry bfhr nUM qur pey. suirMdr muhry muhry qur rhI sI qy gulvMq ipwCy ipwCy. iek vfr qF gulvMq df idl kIqf ik Bwj ky suirMdr qoN muhry ho jfvy qy AuvyN hI qury ijvyN Aus df ipE Aus dI mF dy agy agy quiraf krdf hY pr ieh mulk Eprf sI. suirMdr ieQoN dy mhOl nUM jfxdI, smJdI sI ies leI Auh cup krky qurdf igaf. Auh bfhr inkly qF irsYpsLn eyrIey ivc Aus nUM lYx afAux vfilaF dI BIV lgI hoeI sI. srUp, sqnfmI qy bwcy. idlbfg, guirMdr qy bwcy. prkfsL kor qy CotIaF donoN kuVIaF vI. avqfr vI afieaf hoieaf sI. bfkI sB dIaF Poto qF gulvMq ny dyKIaF hoeIaF sn pr avqfr nUM Auh nhIN sI pwCfx irhf. avqfr nUM qF idlbfg mwlomwlI lY afieaf sI. srUp afpxy iek dosq qrlok nUM ies krky lY afieaf sI jy kfrF dy ihsfb nfl bMdy vD gey qF iek hor kfr dI loV pY skdI hY. sfry hI gulvMq nUM pUry moh nfl imly. gulvMq vI iekwly iekwly nfl awKF ivc awKF pf ky BrvF hwQ imlf irhf sI. surjn isMG nUM ligaf ik ies muMzy dIaF awKF ivc aijhf kuJ hY ijhVf Aus ny pihlF ikqy Gwt dyiKaf hY. Aus nUM ieh gwl cMgI lgI. gulvMq ny afly duafly iek njLr duVf ky jfiejLf ijhf lY ilaf qy iPr sB nfl Gul-iml ky gwlF krn ligaf ijvyN AuhnF ivcoN hI iek hovy. Aus dy afAux KusLI ivc srUp ny afpxy Gr aj iek pfrtI vI rwKI hoeI sI. hux iehnF sB AQy jfxf sI.

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gulvMq nUM sB Eprf Eprf qy cMgf cMgf lg irhf sI; eyar potr, iPr rOsLnIaF BrI lMmI surMg, Aus ivc srpt dOVdIaF kfrF, gwdy-dfr ivCIaF sVkF, cOVf sfrf motrvya. muwK sVkF Cwz Auh sQfnk sVkF ‘qy af gey. ieko iksm dy ieh Gr Aus ny qsvIrF ivc dyKy sn. srUp dI kfr Gr muhry af KVI. srUp ny Aus df atYcI qy bYg cuwk iek kmry ivc rKidaF ikhf, “lY beI, afh kmrf hux qyrf.” srUp ny kmry ivc iek njLr duVfeI. iksy hotl dy kmry vrgf kmrf sI. ividafrQIaF nUM tUr ‘qy lY jFdy smyN Aus nUM keI vfr hotlF ivc Tihrn df mOkf imldf irhf sI. kMDF qy pypr lgfieaf igaf sI qy PrsL qy motI kfrpYWt ivCfeI hoeI sI. zrYisMg tybl, kwpborz qy iek pfsy tYlIvIXn vI ipaf sI. afpxf kmrf qy bfQrUm dyK ky Aus sB ivc af bYTf. Aus dIaF do ku vfr suirMdr nfl awKF imlIaF. sirMdr vI ijvyN Aus vl hI Jfk rhI huMdI. suirMdr bhuq KusL sI. Aus qoN vI KusL sI prkfsL kor ik Aus df psMd kIqf muMzf sB nUM eynf psMd af irhf hY. surjn isMG vI gulvMq vl hI dyKI jf irhf sI. aOrqF rsoeI dy kMm nUM lg geIaF qy mrd moV vfly pwb ivc jf bYTy. huxy ijhy ieMzIaf dI isafsq ivc bhuq Aqrfa-cVHfa afey sn. pihlF aYmrjYNsI lgI qy iPr do sfl dI aYmjYNsI qoN bfad kFgrs burI qrFH hfr geI. ieQoN qk ik ieMdrf gFDI Kud iek inkMmy ijhy lIzr qoN hfr geI sI. isafsq nUM smJx vfly lok qF hr mihPl ivc ies bfry gwlF krn lgdy sn. srUp nUM XkIn sI ik gulvMq Bfrq dI isafsq nUM KUb smJdf hovygf. Auh cfhuMdf sI ik gulvMq sB ‘qy Cf jfvy. Aus ny gwl sLUr kridaF ikhf, “hF beI proPYsr, asIN nhIN sI soicaf ik ieMdrf gFDI eynI burI qrFH hfr jfAU, glqI ikQy ho geI?” “BfjI, glqI ho geI ik ieMdrf gFDI afm lokF dI gwl suxn dI QF QoVy cfplUsF dI hI suxdI rhI qy iraYltI qoN kwtI geI. eynI clfk pOlytIsLn jI-hjLUrIaF hwQoN gumrfh ho geI. ieh lok kihMdy sI; ieMzIaf iejL ieMdrf aYNz ieMdrf iejL ieMzIaf, [[[bws ieQy eI mfr Kf geI.” “pr aYzI vwzI hfr! [[[kdy soicaf sI iksy ny?” “BfjI, ieQy Auh mfq Kf geI ik lokF dI vrzYkt nUM afpxy hwk ivc grMtz smJx lg peI sI. mIzIey ‘qy pfbMdI lg jfx kfrn asl Kbr Aus qk nhIN sI puwjdI.” “aYmrjYNsI lgfAux dI glqI ikwdF kr bYTI?” “ieh sMjy gfDI dI skIm sI. Auh izktytr suBfa df bMdf, AuhnUM ieh nhIN pqf zYmokrysI ivc izktytrisLwp nhIN cldI blik aYkitMg cldI aY, ijwzf vwzf aYktr Ezf vwzf lIzr!” Aus dI gwl ‘qy sfry hwsx lgy. avqfr boilaf, “asl ivc ieh pwCmI iPnOmnf aY, zugzugI qoN ibnF BIV ‘kwTI nhIN huMdI.” “zugzugI qF ieMdrf vI bhuq vjf lYNdI aY pr sMjy gFDI dI izktytrfnf sur ny kFgrs nUM bhuqI Zfa lfeI aY.” iPr sMjy gFDI vloN krfeIaF jbrdsqI nsbMdIaF, idwlI ivc ZfhIaF JONpVIaF afid bfry gwlF hox lgIaF. srUp dy dosq qrlok ny ies ivcoN inkly kuJ lqIPy vI suxfey. Aus df CVf cfcf keI vfr nsbMdI krf ky pYsy lY cuikaf sI. srUp kihx ligaf, “iek idn mYN vfs-prvfs ivc piVaf sI ik sMjy gFDI dI pulIs nfl twkr ho geI.” “ieh qF BfjI, KbrF ivc rihx df iek qrIkf huMdY, ieMdrf vI bhuq grIbxI ijhI bx ky ieMtrivAU dy rhI aY. ieh srkfr iksy iek ivcfrDfrf nfl bwJI nf hox krky lgdf nhIN ijLafdf dyr clU eys leI kFgrs eI muV ky afAuxI aF pr iehdf iek Pfiedf ho igaf.” “Auh ikhVf?” “ieho ik ieMzIaf ivc kFgrs dy brfbr dI iksy hor pfrtI dy KVy hox dy cFs bx gey. kFgrs df eynf strONg hoxf zYmokrysI leI cMgI gwl nhIN sI.”

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surjn isMG Aus dIaF gwlF ievyN sux irhf sI ijvyN kIilaf igaf hovy. ieh gulvMq nhIN ijvyN Auh Kud bol irhf hovy. gulvMq ny bIar df iek glfs hI pIqf jd ik bfkI sB sihjy hI iqMn iqMn-cfr cfr pI gey. gulvMq leI pwb ivc jfx df nvF qjurbf sI. jd Auh bIar df Guwt Brn ivc dyr krdf qF idlbfg AuT ky Aus dy mUMh nUM glfs lfAux qk jFdf. avqfr vI bIar df bhuqf sLOkIn nhIN sI. Auh idlbfg nUM itwcr krdf kihx ligaf, “dyKo, hlkI ijhI ivwq df mflk ieh, bIar dI bfltI pI jFdY.” “E lMimaF kYpYstI rwKIdI af, qyry vFgUM nhIN iek rotI vfDU Kf leI qF mroV lg gey!” idlbfg aj kuJ ijLafdf hI cfHmilaf ipaf sI. asl ivc ivcoligrI ivc AuhdI puwC-prqIq arjn isMG qoN ijLafdf rhI sI. bhuqIaF gwlF isDIaF ho jfx kfrn ivcoly dI loV vI nhIN sI pr idlbfg hr gwl ivc af vVdf sI. srUp vI aj hwQ Kohl ky Krc kr irhf sI nhIN qF pYsy dy mfmly ivc Auh bhuq iDafn nfl cldf. ies ivafh nUM bhuq hI sfdy ZMg nfl krn df mqlb vI ieh sI ik ijhVy pYsy ivafh ‘qy Krc krny hn Auh kuVI muMzf afpxy Gr lYx Aupr Krc krn; ieh srUp dI hI rfey sI. hflFik surjn Aus nfl pihlF hI sihmq sI. pwb ivcoN Auh jldI AuTx dI koisLsL krdy rhy ikAuNik surjn isMG, idlbfg qy avqfr dIaF kfrF eIst lMzn jfxIaF sn. pwb ivcoN af ky sB ny rotI KfDI. kfr ivc bYTx qk suirMdr qy gulvMq vloN iek dUjy vl corI corI dyKxf jfrI irhf. kfr ivc bYTidaF prkfsL kor hws hws ky gwlF kr rhI sI. surjn isMG nUM cwup dyK ky bolI, “quhfnUM hux ikhVf swp suMG igaY?” “mYN socdF ik muMzf suirMdr nfloN bhuq ijLafdf piVaf hoieaY.” “lY eyhdy ‘c ikhVI gwl aY, mYN ikMnf ku pVI sI! [[[cMgf Blf kMm clf ilaf, ieh qF kMm eI sOKf, pVy afdmI dI gwl ivc lwq nf aVfvy, bs.” “buVHIey, qUM qF sfrI Aumr aVfeI aY.” “jy aVfeI huMdI qF mnmrjLIaF nf krdy, mYN qF suirMdr nUM khUM beI myry aFgUM kmlLI nf bxIN, iDafn rwKI afdmI df.” “buVHIey, mYN ikhdI mwJ Kohl leI?” mF-ipE dI noNk JoNk ivcoN CotIaF doNh nUM qF bhuqI gwl smJ hI nhIN sI af rhI. suirMdr kfr clfAuNdI imMnf imMnf muskRfeI jf rhI sI. Gr puwj ky vI Auh gulvMq dIaF gwlF hI krdy rhy, ijvyN iksy df sOx nUM idl hI nf krdf hovy. prkfsL kor ies irsLqy df sfrf sLrya afp lYxf cfhuMdI sI. surjn isMG, vI smJdf sI, boilaf, “buVHI df ipClf gyVf qF bfjLIgrnI vflLf eI sI pr aYqkIN pUrI pf afeI.” “mYN disaf sI beI muMzf cOvI kYrYt aY.” “pihly vfrI vI qUM ieho kihMdI sI.” “mYN ikhVf ivc vV ky dyiKaf sI!” surjn isMG nUM ikDry gvfcf dyK ky prkfsL kor puwCx lgI, “jI, qusIN hux ikhVIaF socF ivc pY gey?” “mYN socdF ik gulvMq nUM iksy idn lMzn eI Gumf ilafvF.” “Pot! [[[mYN ikhf; mn eI mn pqf nhIN ikhVy gurmqy krI jfnyN aYN, quhfnUM lMzn df Jwl nhIN htxf, qusIN kfhlI nf kirE, muMzf qyjL aY qF afpy GuMm lAU.” surjn isMG ny Aus dI gwl df koeI Auqr nf idqf qy iPr kuJ dyr bfad kihx ligaf, “gurjMt df Pon qk nhIN afieaf!” suirMdr ipE dy iPkr nUM kuJ GtfAux leI bolI,

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“asl ivc gurjMt BfjI vwzy BfjI dy bolx qoN zrdf rihMdf ik pqf nhIN ikhVy vyly kI kih dyvy.” suirMdr dI gwl swcI sI, sfry jfxdy hI sn pr kr kuJ nhIN sn skdy. jy idlbfg nUM smJfAuNdy qF Auh afpxy afp nUM vwzI cIjL smJx lgdf sI. gurjMt qF iksy dI gwl suxdf hI nhIN sI. Aus ny cfhl pirvfr nfl iek iksm df sB Kqm hI kIqf hoieaf sI. blijMdr nUM vI nf jfx idMdf. blijMdr qy suirMdr hux iekwTIaF hI iKzOxf PYktrI ivc kMm krdIaF sn qy bRyk vyly sfrIaF gwlF sFJIaF kr lYNdIaF sn. gurjMt bhuq hI ipCFh iKcU sI. blijMdr nUM mykawp vI nf krn idMdf. iksy mrd nfl bhuqI gwl krn dI vI iejfjLq nhIN sI Aus nUM. Aus dI sfrI qnKfh Koh lYNdf sI qy Aus nUM isrP kMm qy jfx jogy hI pYsy idMdf. Aus nUM mMmI nUM Pon krn dI vI afigaf nhIN sI, zrdf sI ik mMmI Aus nUM koeI iswKq dy dyvygI qy ijs nfl Aus dy Gr dI sLFqI BMg ho jfvygI. gulvMq df pihlf idn qF suPny vFg sI. dUjy idn kuJ hosL afeI. jfg afeI qF Duwp cVHI hoeI sI. sfhmxy ligaf klOk dyiKaf qF hfly svyr dy pMj hI vwjy sn. eyny qVky eynI Duwp! Aus ny prdy htf ky bgIcy ivc dyiKaf. icVIaF gf rhIaF sn. asmfn bhuq sfP sI, bdl dI iek vI kfqr nhIN sI. rfqIN qF ievyN jfpdf sI ik ieh JVI keI idn clygI. nfl dy kmiraF ivcoN GurfiVaF dIaF avfjLF af rhIaF sn, mqlb ik GVI shI sI. Auh bfQrUm jf ky hyT PrMt rUm ivc af igaf. tYlIvIXn clfieaf. gorf anfAUNsr kuJ kih irhf sI. iek vI sLbd Aus dy pwly nf ipaf. Aus ny cYnl bdilaf. iqMn cYnl sn, iqMnF dI koeI gwl Aus nUM smJ nhIN sI af rhI. iPr Aus ny kOPI tybl dy hyT peI aMgryjLI dI aKbfr cuwkI. ieh qF afm ijhI sOKI aMrgyjLI sI. jy Aus nUM aMgryjLI pVHn ivc smJ af rhI sI qF bolx ivc ikAuN nhIN kuJ pqf cl irhf. Auh anfAUNsr dy bolx vl iDafn dyx ligaf. koeI koeI sLbd smJ pYx lg ipaf. iPr KbrF afeIaF. Aus ny bhuq hI iDafn nfl suxIaF, bhuqf kuJ Auh smJ igaf. iek gwl dI jLrf qklIP hoeI ik awDy GMty dIaF KbrF ivc iek vI Kbr ieMzIaf bfry nhIN sI. ies bfry Aus ny jLrf ku hor soicaf qF hwsx ligaf; ieh lok afpxIaF KbrF dyxgy, ieMzIaf dIaF ikAuN. aMgryjLI smJ nf afAux df kfrn vI Aus dy pwly pYx ligaf; Aus df aMqhkrx BfrqI hY ies leI. Aus nUM afpxI mfniksqf ivc bdl ilafAuxf pvygf. cldy tYlI dI avfjL ny sqnfmI nUM jgf idqf. Aus AuT afeI qy Aus dy mgr hI srUp qy bblU vI. bblU qy sImf kwl dy hI Aus dy afAux dy cfa ivc dOVy iPrdy sn. ieMzIaf igaF AuhnF nUM skUtr ‘qy Gumfieaf krdf sI ies leI Aus nfl kfPI rlLyimlyL sn. AuhnF cfh pIqI, hlkf ijhf nfsLqf kIqf qy bfhr jfx nUM iqafrI krn lgy. srUp df mqlb sI ik gulvMq nUM ieQoN dy mhOl bfry jfxkfrI imly. hfeI stRIt vYNbly df gyVf kwZ ky muVy qF bdlvfeI ho geI sI qy iek dm TMz vI. srUp hwsdf hoieaf boilaf, “eys mulk dy iqMn zblXU bhuq aihm aYN.” “hF BfjI, mYN piVHaY.” “bs iPr, iek zblXU; vYdr, qUM awj dyK ilaf, hux vrk qy vomYn vI dyK lvyNgf.” srUp ny Aus nUM iek jYkt lY ky idqI qy kuJ kpVy hor vI. gulvMq kihMdf irhf ik Aus kol kpVy bhuq hn pr srUp afpxf vI kuJ PrjL smJdf sI. srUp rfqF nUM hfly vI tYksI krdf sI qy idny PYktrI ivc kMm. bwcy Coty hox krky sqnfmI kMm nhIN sI kr skdI. hux srUp soc irhf sI ik koeI dukfn bgYrf KrId lvy. hux Auh afpxf bOs afp bxnf cfhuMdf sI. Ausy sLfm Auh hMslo dy ielfky ivc syl ‘qy lgI iek dukfn dyKx vI igaf. gulvMq Aus dy nfl sI. vfps afAuNidaF Auh pwb ivc cly gey. iek glfs qoN bfad srUp puwCx ligaf, “hnImUn leI ikQy jfxf cfhuMnf?” svfl sux ky gulvMq jLrf ku sLrmfieaf qy iPr boilaf,

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“BfjI, ikqy jfx dI loV nhIN, cMgf Blf kmrf aY Gr ivc.” “Auh qF TIk aY pr mYN cfhuMnf beI qUM kuJ idn ikqy lf ky afvyN.” “BfjI, myrf koeI mn nhIN.” “qyrf nhIN, suirMdr df qF hovygf hI, Auh vI ivcfrI zrIm lYNdI hoeygI.” “BfjI, mYnUM qF eys mulk bfry kuJ nhIN pqf hfly, qusIN ijvyN kroNgy TIk aY.” gulvMq ny sfrI gwl srUp ‘qy hI Cwz idqI. Aus nUM zr sI ik hnImUn Aupr Krc bhuq ho jfvygf nhIN qF idl Aus df krdf sI ik kuJ idn iksy hotl ivc jf ky rhy. Aus dy dosq df ivafh hoieaf qF Auh ds idn leI cMzIgVH hotl ivc rih ky afieaf sI. srUp dy mn ivc kuJ sLihrF dy nF af rhy sn ijhVy smuMdr iknfry vsy sn. Aus ny vI ies bfry hor gwl nf kIqI qy cuwp irhf. ivafh dI iqafrI dy nfl nfl Auh kdy kdfeIN koeI dukfn vI dyK afAuNdf. ijQy koeI ds pfAuNdf jF eyjMt dI icwTI af jFdI Auh dyKx cly jFdf. Aus ny keI dukfnF dyKIaF sn. iehnF ivcoN aYktn tfAUn ivc dyKI dukfn leI Aus dI kfPI dyr qoN glbfq vI cl rhI sI. myn roz dy iek KUMjy AuprlI ieh dukfn kfPI dyr qoN bMd peI sI. koeI vyly sI ik ieh dukfn bhuq cilaf krdI. srUp vI jd kdy tYksI lY ky ies pfsy af jFdf qF AuQoN kuJ nf kuJ KrIidaf krdf. kdy aKbfr jF iPr pIx leI kok afid. ies df mflk ibmfr rihMdf sI qy jfpdf sI ik ieh dukfn iek idn ivk jfvygI. Auh hr vyly ies df iDafn rwKx ligaf. iPr iek idn ies dy mwQy ‘qy ‘Pfr syl’ df borz lg igaf. srUp ny Aus y vyly hI eyjMt nUM Pon kr ilaf. Aus ny dukfn cMgI qrFH dyKI. hyTF dukfn qy Aupr PlYt. PlYt vI pUry Gr ijwzf. srUp dI gwlbfq ies leI isry nhIN sI cVH rhI ik dukfn df mflk, dukfn dI pgVI qy ikrfieaf mfrikt dy ryt qoN ijLafdf mMg irhf sI. srUp ny kuJ Gwt kr ky pysLksL kr rwKI sI pr mflk nhIN sI mMinaF. Auh hor dukfn dyKx ligaf sI. hux gulvMq df ivafh af igaf qF dUjy pfsy bhuqI BwjdOV nhIN sI kr huMdI. gulvMq dy afAux qoN qIjy ku idn dI gwl hY ik srUp nUM eyjMt df Pon af igaf. aYktn vflI dukfn dy mflk ny Aus dI aOPr mMn leI sI. srUp ny sqnfmI nUM disaf. sqnfmI nUM pqf sI ik srUp leI ieh dukfn ikMnI aihm sI. Auh bolI, “ieh qF gulvMq sfzy leI iksmq vflf inkilLaf, nhIN qF eynI dyr qoN aiVwkf cilaf af irhf sI.” srUp vI ievyN hI soc irhf sI. Auh vI jLrf vihmI sI qy ieh gwl hryk nUM dsdf iPrdf. Auh keI vfr gulvMq nfl pwb ivc bYTf gwlF krdf qF kihx lgdf, “bygfny mulk ivc afpxy bMdy kdoN imldy af, [[[ieh ijhVy dosq huMdy af ieh bs dosq eI huMdy af. jy kdy glqI nflL eyhnF dy mUMh ivc AuNgl pf bYToN qF iehnF dMdI vwZxI eI vwZxI aYN. [[[ijhVI irsLqydfrF ivc sFJ huMdI aY Auh PrYSzF ivc nhIN huMdI.” “ieh qF BfjI swc aY, aslI dosq nhIN imldy ajkl.” “loV vI nhIN, jy quhfzy afly duafly do iqMn irsLqydfr vI cMgy hYgy qF dosqF dI loV vI nhIN pYNdI.” srUp nUM pUrf XkIn sI ik gulvMq Aus dI mjLbUq iDr bxygf. sqnfmI vI gulvMq dy afAux ‘qy bhuq KusL sI. srUp gulvMq dy nfnikaF ivc hI ivafihaf hox krky sqnfmI Aus nUM bcpn qoN hI jfxdI sI. Auh soc rhI sI ik koeI qF hovygf Aus nfl gwl krn vflf. srUp qF cwqo-pihr kMm ‘qy rihMdf sI. donoN bwcy vI cfcf jI-cfcf jI krdy iPrdy. bblU hux pUrf smF nrsrI jFdf sI. sImf vI awDy idn leI jfx lg peI sI. iehnF idnF ivc ivafh dI qrIk nIXq kr idqI geI, qyrF qrIk. ajIb gwl ieh hoeI ik srUp nUM dukfn dI cfbI imlx dI vI ieho qrIk sI. Auh Aus nUM afpxy leI hor vI iksmq ilafAux vflf smJx lgy.

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kdy smF sI ik surjn isMG soicaf krdf ik pihly do ivafh sfDfrx kIqy hn qy suirMdr dy ivafh qk Aus dy pYr lg cuwky hoxgy, suirMdr df ivafh gwj-vwj ky krygf. Auh Aus dI chyqI DI sI. ivckfrlI DI, pMjF AuNglF ivckfrlI gBlI AuNgl vFg; sB qoN muhrI, sB qoN jLrUrI. ieho gBlI AuNgl keI vfr dusLmx leI vMgfr, gflH qy vfr vFg hI qxdI hY. Aus nUM ieh vI mihsUs hox lgdf sI ik suirMdr dy ivafh qoN bfad Auh bhuq iekwlf ho jfvygf. suirMdr nfl afpxI nyVqf bfry Auh amFzf nUM vI iliKaf krdf sI. prkfsL kor vI suirMdr nUM afpxy nyVy smJdI sI qy gorI vflI khfxI Aus nfl sFJI kr leI sI. suirMdr nUM astrylIaf qoN afAuNdI icwTI df pqf sI pr Auh socdI ik zYzI kdy vI glq nhIN hovygf. amFzf df nF Aus ny icwTI qoN pVH ilaf hoieaf sI pr ies df ijLkr qk nhIN sI kIqf ijvyN ik Aus ny ieh icwTI dyKI hI nf hovy. icwTI nUM dyK ky prkfsL kor kuJ puwCdI qF suirMdr Aus nUM cuwp krf idMdI. iksy vyly surjn isMG soicaf krdf sI ik amFzf ieMglYNz afvygI qF afpxy pirvfr nfl jLrUr imlfvygf pr gurjMt aijhf jvfeI afieaf ik Gr df mhOl hI ivgV igaf sI. iesy leI hux suirMdr dy hMgfmy vfly ivafh df suPnf ivc hI rih igaf. cMgI gwl ieh sI ik srUp vI sfdy ivafh dy hwk ivc hI sI. hux gurjMt df nhIN sI pqf ik Auh ivafh ivc afvygf vI ik nhIN. AuhnF ny ivafh rwK idqf; qyrF agsq, sLincrvfr. kort mYirj qy Dfrimk mYirj ieko idn. ijvyN gurjMt df hoieaf sI. Dfrimk adfiraF dI ieh koisLsL ik AuhnF nUM ivafh rijstr krn dy aiDkfr iml jfx, hfly kfmXfb nhIN sI hoeI. srUp qy sqnfmI lyatn ston jFdy hI rihMdy sn, kdy ivafh bfry koeI slfh krnI huMdI qy kdy kuJ KrIdo-ProKq. gulvMq vI AuhnF dy nfl hI huMdf. hux qk gulvMq qy suirMdr afps ivc kuJ KulH cuwky sn. pihlF qF Auh dUroN hI iek dUjy vl dyKdy rihMdy. iPr AuhnF nUM iekwly vI Cwizaf jfx ligaf. ijs idn AuhnF ny afAux huMdf, suirMdr dy mn ivc Koh ijhI pYNdI rihMdI. pihlF suirMdr dy jo mn df zr, ik ijLafdf piVHaf hox krky GumMzI hovygf, inkl igaf sI. gulvMq kdy vI Aus nfl aijhI koeI gwl nf krdf ijhVI Aus nUM smJ nf pYNdI hovy. dUjy pfsy gulvMq suirMdr nUM lY ky hfly vI socx lgdf ik Auh myry Aupr hfvI hI nf ho jfvy pr Aus nUM suirMdr bhuq psMd sI. gulvMq ny vI suhrIN jfxf huMdf qF ivsLysL iqafrI iKc ky jFdf pr suirMdr keI vfr sDfrx ijhI jIn ivc hI qurI iPrdI huMdI. gulvMq nUM ieh gwl bhuq cMgI lgdI. suirMdr dI kMm Aupr iek shylI sI; mYgI. mYgI ivafh dy ies qrIky ‘qy bhuq hYrfn huMdI Auh puwCdI, “sUjn, qUM eynI KusL iPrdI aYN ik bhuq suhxf hsbYNz imilaY pr jd qk qUM Aus nfl sON ky hI nhIN dyiKaf, qYnUM ikvyN pqf ik Auh ivafh dy kfbl vI hY?” “mYnUM XkIn aY ik kfbl eI hoeygf, sfzy ievyN sB kuJ Brosy ‘qy eI cldY.” “pr rwb nf kry jy[[[.” “iPr dyKI jfvygI pr ievyN kdy huMdf nhIN.” suirMdr afKdI pr Auhdy aMdr iek zr pYdf hox lgdf. mYgI vflf ‘jy’ Aus keI vfr Aus dy mn ivc rVkdf rihMdf sI. kdy kdy afpxf ieh zr suKvIr nfl vI sFJf kr lYNdI. suKvIr aigEN sMgdI hoeI qfVI mfr ky hwsdI. ieh ‘jy’ Aus dy mn ivc atikaf rih jFdf. Aus df idl krdf ik iksy qrFH ivafh qoN pihlF Aus df gulvMq nfl mylL ho sky qF sB kuJ pqf lg jfvy pr aijhf sMBv nhIN sI. mYgI Aus nfl iek hor iPkr sFJf krdI ik Aus df ivafh qyrF qrIk nUM rwiKaf igaf sI ijhVI ik asLuwB qrIk mMnI jFdI hY. suirMdr nUM aijhf koeI vihm nhIN sI. Aus ny gulvMq nfl ies bfry gwl kIqI qF Aus ny vI hws ky ies vihm nUM nkfr idqf. Auh hr rojL hI Pon krdy. ivafh dIaF gwlF krdy. hnImUn ‘qy jfx dIaF vI. suirMdr gulvMq nUM pwuCdI ik rijstrysLn smyN Aus ny ikhVy rMg df sUt pfAuxf sI. suirMdr icwty rMg df zrYWs pf rhI sI pr gulvMq KfkI rMg df sUt pr nfl icwty rMg dI kmIjL qy icwtI tfeI lgf irhf sI. PyiraF vyly suirMdr ny

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ieMzIaf qoN ilaFdf lihMgf pfAuxf sI qy gulvMq ny nIly rMg df sUt qy nfl lfl rMg dI kmIjL qy tfeI. Kfxy vyly suirMdr dI sfVHI qy gulvMq dy sUt df rMg ieko hoxf sI. ies nfl srUp df Krc vD irhf sI pr nfl dI nfl Auh KusL vI ho irhf sI. ivafh df idn af igaf. AuhI vlQm POryst vflf rijstrysLn dPqr; ijQy guirMdr, blijMdr qy minMdrF dy ivafh hoey sn. Poto gRfPr vI AuhI ijhVf pihly ivafhF ‘qy afieaf sI; QOms. QOms dI lyatn hfeI stRIt Aupr vwzI sfrI dukfn sI. Auh hMiZaf hoieaf Poto gRfPr sI. jo vI Poto dyKdf, asL asL kr AuTdf. ieMny ivafhF qoN bfad hux surjn dI Aus nfl dosqI pY cuwkI sI. surjn Aus nUM mjLfk ivc kihMdf ik sfrIaF kuVIaF dy ivafhF dI PotogRfPI Auh hI krygf. rijstrysLn dPqr df Cotf ijhf hfl QoVHy ijhy lokF nfl vI Biraf Biraf lgdf sI. lg Bg sfry hI vkq isr puwj gey sn. sB qoN pihlF rijstrfr aOrq ny ivafh sbMDI muKqsr ijhf BfsLn idqf. kuJ jLrUrI gwlF muMzy-kuVI nUM dsIaF. kuJ Pfrm Brfey. iPr AuhnF nUM sONh cukfeI. iek kfrz Aupr ilKIaF pMkqIaF nUM muMzy-kuVI ny vfro-vfr Aus dy mgr kihxIaF peIaF. iPr donF vloN iek dUjy dy muMdIaF pvf idqIaF geIaF qy AuhnF nUM mrd qy pqnI GoisLq kr idqf igaf. rijstrfr ny donF nfl hwQ imlf ky vDfeI idqI. ies ivafh dy srtIiPkyt Aupr do gvfhIaF vI pfeIaF geIaF. gulvMq vloN srUp qy suirMdr vloN surjn isMG gvfh bxy. iPr dPqr dy hI iek bgIcy ivc qsvIrF iKcIaF geIaF. kdy nvIN joVI nfl koeI KV jFdf qy kdy koeI. AuQoN sB ny gurdvfry jfxf sI. gurdvfry lfvF hoeIaF. sfDU isMG gurdvfry df cODrI qF hY hI sI ies leI Aus ny sfry ieMqjLfm kIqy hoey sn. lfvF vyly suirMdr ny lfl rMgf df Bfrf lihMgf pfieaf hoieaf sI. gulvMq ny lfl kmIjL dy nfl nfl lfl pwg vI bMn leI. kfPI dyr dy vflL ktfey hox krky Aus nUM pwg bMnx dI afdq nhIN sI pr srUp dy ijLafdf kihx qy bMn leI. bMdy QoVy hI sn pr pYisaF dI afs ivc BfeIaF ny sLbd pVHn ivc kfPI vkq Krc kr idqf. Auh iPr vI KusL nhIN sn. srUp qy surjn isMG ny ds ds pONz hor dy ky BfeIaF nUM hwsx jogy kr idqf. rotI df ieMqjLfm Ausy rYstorYNt ivc sI ijQy gurjMt vfrI Kfxf KfDf sI. aOrqF qy bwcy pf ky qIh ku bMdy sn. mhOl bhuq KusLgvfr sI. idlbfg cfHmilaf iPrdf sI. sfry kMm muhry ho ho kr irhf sI. iksy df bIar df glfs AUxf huMdf qF iek dm Brvf idMdf. ivskI vfilaF dI glfsI Kqm nf hox idMdf. gurjMt ny bhuqf smF surjn isMG kol bYT ky gujLfiraf jd idlbfg iksy gwl ‘qy hwsdf qF Aus nUM lgdf ik Aus Aupr hI hws irhf hY. idlbfg vI koeI msLkrI krky corI awK nfl gurjMt vl dyK lYNdf. keI vfr qF gurjMt df idl krdf ik AuT ky cly jfvy pr surjn isMG ny Aus nUM ivsLysL qy QoVf guwsy ivc ivafh ‘qy afAux leI ikhf hox krky Auh bYTf irhf. keI vfr Auh idlbfg nfl lVHn leI vI afpxy afp nUM iqafr krn lgdf. avqfr ny myjL-kursIaF iek pfsy krky nwcx jogI QF bxf leI. srUp, avqfr qy idlbfg nwcx lgy qy nfl hI aOrqF nUM vI AuksfAux lgy. koeI aOrq nf AuTI. idlbfg ny bljIq nUM mwlo mwlI iKwc ilaf qy bljIq ny minMdrF AuTfl leI. iek do aOrqF hor AuTIaF pr nwcx df kMm bhuqI dyr nf cilaf. bhuqy lokF ivc iek iJjk ijhI bxI rhI. gurjMt dy ivafh qoN ieh mhOl iek dm vKrf sI. ieQy donF iDrF dy prfhuxy sLfml sn. jMJ BfvyN QoVI ijhI sI pr srUp pUry jlOa ivc Brf ivafhux afieaf sI. sLrfbI hoieaf idlbfg iPlmI gIq gfAux ligaf. pUrf gIq Aus nUM koeI afAuNdf nhIN sI, awDf ku gIq gf ky aglf gfAux lgdf. avqfr ny pihlF hI iek gIq gfAux dI iqafrI kIqI hoeI sI. Aus ny myjL nUM ZolkI bxfieaf qy ‘bfbul kI duafeyN lyqI jf’ vflf ivdfiegI gIq gfieaf. Aus dy gIq ny keIaF nUM ruaf idqf. kuJ dyr leI mhOl gMBIr hoieaf pr idlbfg agy vDdf boilaf, “qusIN qF eydF krdy aF ijwdF kuVI nUM jhfjy cVHfAux afey huMny aF!” Aus dI gwl ‘qy sfry hws pey. Aus ny sB nUM iek iek pYWg hor pfieaf qy kihx ligaf,

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“lY beI afh pYWg nvIN joVI dy nF, [[[aYqkIN zYzI nUM muMzf Coly dy ky piVHaf nhIN imilaf, aYm[ ey[ aY, aYm[ ey[.”

solF ieMglYNz dy Dur dwKx ivc sLihr brfeItn. ieh sLihr afpxy sfP suQry bIc krky bhuq hI pRiswD hY. smuMdr dy kMZy kMZy sVk bxI hoeI hY ijsy dy Aupr dukfnF hn, dPqr qy hotl hn. hotl; pMj isqfrf, cfr qy iqMn isqfrf vI. bYWz aYNz bRykPfst vI. idny qF ieQy bhuq BIV huMdI hY pr rfq nUM vI rOxkF Gwt nhIN huMdIaF. grmIaF nUM qF ieh sLihr cOvI GMty jfgdf hY. sfP bIc hox krky lok dUroN dUroN cly afAuNdy hn. qYrn df vI vwD mjLf afAuNdf hY. brIk brIk bwtIaF-pwQrF vflf bIc hY qy gMd-mMd sfP krnf sOKf ho jFdf hY. ies bIc Aupr iek musLkl vI pysL afAuNdI hY ik iehnF brIk pwQrF kfrn qurnf jLrf musLkl ho jFdf hY. ies leI rbV dIaF ivsLysL cplF KrIdxIaF pYNdIaF hn. smuMdr do vfr cVHdf Auqrdf. jd Auqrdf qF mIlF dUr qk cly jFdf pr jdoN cVHdf qF kMZlIaF kMDF ivc af ky ievyN isr mfrdf ijvyN sB kuJ Zfa dyxf hovy, sLihr ivc af vVHnf hovy. smuMdr vl mUMh krky KVy hotlF ivcoN iek hY; df gfrznr. cfr stfr hotl. pMj mMjLlF vflf. aMdr vVidaF hI irsYpsLn df kfAUNtr hY. agy vwzf hfl. hfl nUM iqMnF ihwisaF ivc vMizaf hoieaf hY. iek ihwsy ivc kursIaF-soPy lf ky vyitMg rUm bxfieaf hoieaf hY. iek ihwsy ivc pwb hY qy iek KulHf Cwizaf hoieaf hY, sLfied nvyN afey gruwp-tUirstF leI. pihlI mMijLl klwb, zfeIinMg hfl qy zFs Plor bxI hoeI hY. iek pfsy sMgIq vjfAux leI styj vI bxI hoeI hY. AuprlIaF cfr mMijLlF ivc kmry bxy hoey hn. vwK vwK sfiejLF vfly kmry qy vwK vwK kImqF vfly. smuMdr vl KulHdI iKVkI vfly kmry df ikrfieaf hor huMdf hY qy Aus qoN htvyN vfly df hor. sfry kmiraF ivc hI tYlI, Pon qy tuafielt afid df ieMqjLfm hY. cfhoN qF nfsLqf qy rotI vI ieQy hI af jFdy hn. AuhnF leI nfsLqf qy rfq df Kfxf kmry ivc hI af irhf sI. aYqvfr nUM Auh ieQy puwjy qy awj bwuDvfr hox nUM sI. Auh afpxy kmry ivc hI vVy bYTy sn. hotl dy vytr afps ivc hws rhy sn ik eyzf lMmf hnImUn! AuhnF nUM bfhr dy iksy njLfry dI prvfh hI nhIN sI. suirMdr bhuq KusL sI. Enf hI KusL gulvMq vI sI. jIvn df ieh qjurbf Aus leI bhuq hI suKfvF qy anMd dfiek sI. suirMdr ny sB qoN pihlF mYgI nUM Pon krky afpxI KusLI sFJI kridaF ds idqf sI ik Aus df zr inrmUl sI. Aus ny suKvIr nUM vI Pon kr ky ies bfry ds idqf sI. sMKyp ijhI gwl mMmI-zYzI nfl vI hoeI. ievyN hI gulvMq ny vI srUp nfl QoVI ijhI gwl kIqI.[[[ sLincrvfr nUM ivafh vfly idn hI muklfvy vflIaF rsmF vI kr leIaF sn. aYqvfr nUM AuhnF ny vyly isr iek gyVf lyatn ston df mfr ilaf qy iPr brfeItn leI cl pey sn. szbrI ihwl qoN itAUb lY leI. ivktorIaf puwjy qy ivktorIaf stysLn qoN ibRitsL ryl PV leI. ieMny idnF ivc gulvMq ny lMzn aMzr grfAUNz isstm smJ ilaf hoieaf sI. ibRitsL ryl rfhIN Auh pihlI vyr sPr kr irhf sI qy ievyN hI suirMdr vI ibRitsL ryl ivc pihlF nhIN sI cVHI. Auh qF lMzn qoN bfhr hI Gwt geI sI. ivktorIaf stysLn Aupr keI joVy bfhF ivc bfhF pfeI iPrdy sn. kuJ sLryafm bulHF nfl bulH joVI vI KVy sn. gulvMq ny suirMdr nUM jwPI ivc ilaf qy bfkI joiVaF vFg hI Aus nUM cuMmx ligaf. suirMdr iek pl leI hYrfn hoeI pr KusL vI. Aus ny kdy soicaf vI nhIN sI ik gulvMq ieMny KulHy suBfa df hovygf. BfrqI pqI ievyN kdoN krdy hn.

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gwzI afeI. ieMzIaf nfloN isstm kuJ alwg sI. koeI BIV-BVwkf nhIN. hr koeI afpxI sIt Aupr cuwp cfp bYTf sI. aijhI cuwp qF Aus ny itAUb ivc sPr kridaF vI dyKI sI pr ieh kuJ ijLafdf hI siBak lg rhI sI. gwzI lMzn qoN bfhr vl qur peI. ieh iek vwKrf njLfrf sI ijhVf Aus ny hfly qk nhIN sI dyiKaf. ieQoN Gr qy hor iemfrqF alwg ZMg dIaF ids rhIaF sn. kuJ agy gey qF pyNzU jn-jIvn njLr afAux ligaf. vwzy vwzy Pfrm. Aucy nIvyN Kyq. iekwl-mu-iekwly dUr-durfzy Gr. KyqF ivc cugdIaF ByzF qy gfeIaF; sB kuJ Aus leI nvF sI. hfly kuJ idn pihlF gulvMq brfeItn afieaf sI pr kfr rfhIN. srUp qy sqnfmI Aus nUM lY ky afey sn. nfly qF hotl ivc ieh kmrf buwk krf gey sn qy nfl hI brfeItn sLihr vI idKf idqf sI. kfr rfhIN hor ieMglYNz sI qy ryl rfhIN hor. ds ku stysLnF qy rukdI AuhnF dI gwzI brfeItn stysLn qy af puwjI. AuhnF afpxf smfn cuwikaf qy tYksI PV afpxy hotl ivc af gey sn. hotl ivc af ky Auh KusL sn. gulvMq iksy gwl ivc kfhlLI nhIN sI krnI cfhuMdf pr suirMdr afpxIaF shylIaF dIaF slfhF anusfr zrdI hoeI gulvMq vloN jbrdsqI dI AuzIk kr rhI sI. pihlI rfq qF AuhnF dI iek dUjy nUM jfnx ivc hI inkl geI. iek dUjy dy ijsmF nUM, iek dUjy dIaF rUhF nUM, iek dUjy ipwCy luky pqI-pqnI nUM. iPr Auh hOlI hOlI iek huMdy gey. ies iek hox df ijQy anMd sI AuQy ksLt vI sn; srIrk ksLt qy mfnisk ksLt vI. iqMn rfqF ivc AuhnF donF ny hI smJ ilaf ik Auh iek dUjy leI hI bxy hn. buDvfr svyry nfsLqy qoN bfad suirMdr AuTI qy Aus ny prdy htfey. ieMny idnF ivc Auh pihlI vfr prdy htf rhI sI. bfhr KUbsUrq Duwp iKMzrI peI sI. smuMdr dI inlwqx awKF nUM bhuq ipafrI lg rhI sI. Aus ny gulvMq nUM hfk mfrI, “zfrilMg, ieDr afE jLrf, bfhr dyKo, vwt ey ibAUtIPuwl zy!” gulvMq afieaf. bfhr idn dyK ky Aus df mn bfgo bfg ho igaf qy boilaf, “cl rYzI ho, bfhr GuMm ky afAuNdy aF.” iqafr huMidaF vI AuhnF ny duiphr kr idqI. Auh iqafr ho ky hfl kmry ivc af gey. pwcI-qIh bMdy rlL ky gf rhy sn. AuhnF ivcoN iek vYNjo vrgf koeI sfjL vjf irhf sI. iPr DuMn bdlI qF lok AuT ky nwcx lg pey. afdmI aOrqF df hwQ PV ky AuhnF nUM GumfAuNdy hoey ncf rhy sn. afdmIaF dIaF pfeIaF skwrtF qoN jfpdf sI ik ieh sfry skOitsL lok hn. gulvMq nUM ieh nfc dyKxf cMgf ligaf. Auh dovyN iek pfsy bYT ky dyKx lgy. bihrf afrzR lYx af igaf. gulvMq ny do jUsF leI afK idqf. kuJ dyr bfad iek awDKV gorf afieaf qy AuhnF nUM pwuCx ligaf, “qusIN hnImUn-kpl E?” gulvMq ny sLrmfAuNidaF ‘hF’ ivc jvfb idqf. gory ny iPr puwiCaf, “sfzf hotl ikvyN ligaf? [[[qusIN KusL qF ho?” “iblkul vDIaf, koeI smwisaf nhIN, sLukrIaf.” “sfzy stfP ivc quhfzI vfhvf crcf aY, asIN quhfnUM afpxI bfr vloN zirMk pysL krnI cfhuMdy hF, dwso kI pIEgy?” “jst zrfeI mfrtInI.” kuJ hI imMtF ivc do glfs mfrtInI dy af gey. mYnyjr ny spIkr qoN anfAUNs kridaF ikhf, “hfjLr dosqo, sfzy ivc iek hnImUn mnfA ux afieaf joVf sLfml aY, mYN quhfnUM bynqI krdF ik Auh dI suKI ivafhuqf ijLMdgI leI duaf kro.” sfiraF df iDafn gulvMq qy suirMdr vl iKicaf igaf. gulvMq AuT ky KVf ho igaf qy nfl hI suirMdr vI. sB ny AuhnF dy nF df cIarjL kIqf. AuhnF ny vI afpxy glfs AuTf ky sB df DMnvfd kridaF afps ivc iek cuMmx ilaf. sB ny qfVIaF vjf idqIaF. gulvMq ny aMgryjL siBafcfr dI ieh rsm tYlI dy iek progrfm ivc hfly kuJ idn pihlF hI dyKI sI.

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kuJ dyr AuQy bYT ky Auh bfhr af gey. hux qk bwdl ho ky hlkI ijhI BUr vI pYx lgI sI. TMz Auqr afeI sI. qyjL hvf clx lg peI sI. smuMdr vI KOrU pfAux ligaf sI. Auh kMZy kMZy qurdy gey. kuJ dUr jf ky suirMdr acfnk bolI, “zfrilMg, clo vfps hotl clIey.” “ikAuN? hfly qF afpF Auh jgfh dyKxI aYN ijQy inAUz bIc bxn jf irhY.” “nhIN nhIN, vfps clo.” suirMdr ny hukm suxfAux vFg ikhf. gulvMq nUM Aus df lihjLf cMgf nf ligaf pr Auh vfps qur ipaf. afpxy kmry ivc phuMidaF hI suirMdr pYz cuwkdI hoeI bfQrUm ivc jf vVI. gulvMq vI mfmlf smJ igaf. Aus nUM afpxy afp qy guwsf afAux ligaf ik suirMdr dI ies kfhlI nUM pihlF ikAuN nhIN jfx sikaf. asl ivc Aus df aOrqF nfl bhuqf vfh nf hox krky AuhnF dIaF keI musLklF dI smJ nhIN sI. bfQ rUm ivcoN afAuNdI hoeI bolI, “clo smfn bMnIey, vfps cldy aF.” “ikAuN?” gulvMq ny ivaMg ivc puwiCaf. suirMdr Aus nUM jwPI pfAuNdI bolI, “hnImUn ‘jL Evr!” srUp ny dukfn jldI hI Kohl leI. hux cfbI imlx qoN bfad Auh vkq brbfd nhIN sI krnf cfhuMdf. aYktn bhuq ivasq jgfh sI, lokF nUM dukfn dI loV sI. pihly mflk ny ies nUM inAUjL eyjMsI qy svIt sLOp dy qOr ‘qy Kohilaf sI pr srUp ny nfl grOsrI vI pf leI. Aus nUM dukfn df koeI qjurbf nhIN sI ies leI keI gwlF ivc Auh iJjk vI irhf sI. iek dosq nfl gwl kIqI qF Aus nUM motf gur smJf idqf sI ik dukfndfrI hY; iek pfsy qoN mfl KrId ky dUjy pfsy vyc dyxf. qusIN ivcoN afpxf munfPf lYxf huMdf hY. ieMglYNz ivc grOsrI Aupr pwcI tky munfPf cldf hY, bfkI qYnUM hOlI hOlI afpy smJ pY jfvygf. srUp zrdf sI ik pqf nhIN dukfn clygI vI ik nhIN. ikqy ievyN nf hovy ik dukfn afpxy Krc vI nf cuwky ies leI Aus ny PYktrI ivcoN afpxI nOkrI vI nf CwzI qy kuJ dyr dI CuwtI lY leI. Aus ny dukfn KohlI qF ievyN cwlI ik ijvyN lok ies dy KulHx df ieMqjLfr hI kr rhy hox. gfhkF dIaF kqfrF lgxIaF sLurU ho geIaF. srUp bhuq hI ivasq ho igaf. svyry vyly isr AuT ky sbjLI-PrUt lYx jfxf pYNdf. af ky smfn sFBdf, aKbfrF nUM qrqIb idMdf, itkfAuNdf. sfrf idn dukfn ivc Bwjo Bwj rihMdI. sLfm nUM swq vjy dukfn bMd krky sLOipMg leI kYsL aYNz kYrI vl dOV qurdf. smfn dukfn ivc Auqfr ky Gr muVn qk Auh bhuq hI Qwk jFdf. iPr kfhlI dy do pYWg ivskI dy lf qy rotI Kf ibsqr qy jf izgdf. svyry iPr qVksfr AuTxf huMdf. sqnfmI Aus dI bhuqI mwdd nf kr skdI ikAuNik Aus ny bwcy nrsrI Cwzxy huMdy, rotI-tuwk vI krnf huMdf. dukfn Gr qoN dUr hox krky afAuxf jfxf ieMnf afsfn nhIN sI.[[[ gulvMq horIN hnImUn qoN vfps afey qF kMm dI qlfsL krn lgy. suirMdr nUM jldI hI lfienjLmyz ivc kMm iml igaf. qnKfh BfvyN iKzOxf PYktrI qoN Gwt sI pr kMm hlkf sI. gulvMq hfly kMm dI qflfsL ivc sI. ivc ivc Auh dukfn ivc af ky srUp dI mwdd vI krf idMdf. srUp Aus nUM kihMdf, “cMgI gwl aY jy agy pVH lvyN, iksy cMgI jOb nUM hwQ pY jfAU.” “nhIN BfjI, hfl dI GVI mYN pVHnf nhIN, koeI jOb krnI cfhuMnf, koeI vI hovy.” “ijwdF qyrI mrjLI pr qyrI pVHfeI dI koeI kdr nhIN pYxI, PYktrI ivc goiraF leI korf anpVH qy solF pfs iek brfbr huMdy af.” “dyKdF, kwl mYN aKbfr ivc klrkF dIaF nOkrIaF dyKIaF sI.”

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“pr dPqr qy PYktrI dI qnKfh df bhuq Prk huMdY. dPqr ivc qIh pONz PI hPqf qoN ijLafdf qnKfh nhIN imlxI jd ik PYktrI dy mjLdUr nUM cflI pONz iml jFdy af qy Evr tfeIm vfDU. [[[pr iek gwl aY ik PYktrI dy kMm BfrI huMdy af pqf nhIN qyry qoN hovy vI ik nf.” “BfjI, mYN qF kflj qoN af ky vI KyqI df kMm krdf irhF, bwt lfAux qy gozI krn ivc mYN kdy iksy nUM zfh nhIN idqI.” gulvMq ny hsidaF disaf. srUp boilaf, “dyK, ies vkq qUM nvIN ijLMdgI sLurU krnI aYN, qyry sfhmxy kuJ rfh hYgy af. iek qF ieh ik qUM agy pVH lY, suirMdr kMm krdI eI aY, jy loV peI qF mYN vI hYWlp kr dAUN. dUjf rfh aY ik iksy Coty moty ivEpfr ivc pY jf qy qIjf rfh ieh ik koeI kMm lwB qy Gr KrId qy sYWtl ho, bfad ivc jo krnf krI jfvIN.” “Gr?” “hF, Gr. [[[ieQy Gr KrIdxf musLkl nhIN huMdf, isrP ds PI sdI kImq df izpOjLt rwK ky af jFdY, bfkI dIaF iksLqF. iblizMg susfietI jF bYNk lon dy idMdy af.” iPr srUp smJfAux ligaf ik iblizMg susfietI qoN imlx vfly krjLy nUM mOtrgyjL kihMdy hn. iblizMg susfietI ny ikMnf krjLf dyxf hY ies df vI iek PfrmUlf hY; pqI dI slfnf qnKfh df ZfeI guxF qy pqnI dI slfnf qnKfh df iek guxf joV ky ijMnI rkm bxy Enf krjLf iml jFdf hY. jy gulvMq nUM pMjfh pONz hPqy dy imldy qF slfnf ZfeI hjLfr qy Aus df ZfeI guxF pYNhT sO bxnf sI. ievyN hI suirMdr nUM qIh pONz hPqf imldy qF Aus dy pMdrF sO qy kul imlf ky AuhnF nUM awT hjLfr mOrtygjL iml jfxI sI ijs dI mhInvfr iksLq pJwqr-awsI pONz bxnI sI. ihsfb krdf gulvMq KusL ho irhf sI. Aus ny kdy suPny ivc vI nhIN sI soicaf ik Gr lYxf ieMnf sOKf hovygf. afpxy Gr df Aus df kfPI dyr df suPnf sI. Auh sFJy pirvfr ivc rihMdf afieaf sI ijQy afpxf kmrf nsIb hoxf vI vwzI gwl sI. surjn isMG ny vI Aus nUM agFh pVHn dI slfh idqI sI pr Aus ny kih idqf, “zYzI, mYN hux iksy qy boJ nhIN bxnf cfhuMdf, pihlF kMm krky afpxy Gr lY leIey, pYrF qy KV ky iPr soc lvFgy jo vI krnf hoieaf.” “iPr gwl eydF ik ijMnf icr ruafiel zIn ivc BrqI nhIN KulHdI Enf icr iksy PYktrI ivc kr lY, hor kI.” “kMm krn ivc mYnUM koeI mFeINz nHIN.” gulvMq nUM kMm iml igaf. aMgryjLI bolx-smJx ivc Aus nUM koeI musLkl nhIN sI ies leI kMm lwBx ivc vI aOK nf afeI. ieh iek PrnIcr PYktrI sI. vYNbly styzIam dy ipwCy. do-mMijLlf vwzI iemfrq sI. hyTlI mMijLl ivc vwK vwK loV muqfbk lkVI cIrI jFdI qy AuprlI ivc joVI jFdI. Aus dIaF bYWz rUmF ivc vrqIaF jfx vflIaF vwK cIjLF bxfeIaF jFdIaF ijvyN ik vflzrob, kwpborz, zrYWisMg tybl qy hor almfrIaF afid. gulvMq nUM asYNblI izpfrtmYNt ivc kMm imilaf. ieh vwzf sfrf hfl sI ijs ivc lMmy-ruk myjLF dIaF kqfrF lgIaF hoeIaF sn. iehnF myjL imsqrIaF dy awzy sn ijQy Auh iehnF cIjLF nUM joVdy qy hOlI hOlI PrnIcr dI mukMml sLYa iqafr ho jFdI. hr myjL ‘qy loVINdy smfn dy nfl nfl qyjL hvf dy vhfa nfl cwlx vflI msLIn lgI sI ijs nfl skirAU qy hor nwt-bolt kwsy jFdy. hyTlI mMijLl qoN vwK vwK mycF dy Pwty iehnF myjLF qk puwjdy kr idqy jFdy sn. ikQoN qy ikvyN iksy Pwty nUM joVnf hY ies dy insLfn lgy hoey huMdy qy nfl hI zfiegrfm bxf ky vI idqI huMdI. PYktrI dy PormYn ijwmI ny moty qOr qy smJf idqf sI ik kuJ PwitaF Aupr PImyl-plwg kwsxy huMdy hn qy kuJ Aupr myl-plwg qy bfad ivc myl-plwgF nUM PImyl-plwgF ivc Psf ky Pwty joV dyxy huMdy hn. ies qrFH agy qoN agy XUint ny juVdI jfxf huMdf hY. kMm sOKf hI sI. jy kuJ Aus nUM TIk nhIN sI lg irhf qF Auh sI kMm isKf irhf PormYn ijwmI. Auh kMm Gwt isKf

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irhf sI qy dbky ijLafdf mfr irhf sI. moty qOr qy kMm ds ky Auh gulvMq kol iek pMjfbI muMzf Cwz igaf qF jo Aus nUM ieh kMm cMgI qrFH isKf sky. PYktrI ivc cflI ku bMdy sn; hr nsl dy bMdy. cfr ku awDKV Aumr dIaF gorIaF vI sn. PormYn dy jfx qoN bfad pMjfbI muMzf Aus nUM kMm bfry dsdf kihx ligaf, “ieh jLrf kwbf aY pr jy qusIN afpxf kMm iDafn nflL krI jfvo qF kuJ nhIN kihMdf, [[[mYN smJ igaF qUM nvF nvF ieMzIaf qoN afieaYN pr GbrfAux dI loV nhIN.” “myrf nF gulvMq aY.” “mYnUM pqf, ijwmI qyry nF dI icwt mYnUM dy igaf sI, myrf nF bMqf isMG aY.” “BfjI, bhuq purfxf nF aY. koeI ieh nF suxy qF socy ik swqr sfl df koeI buwZf hoeygf.” “E, eyhdy ipwCy vI iek khfxI aF, myry bfby ny ieh nF rwiKaf, myry bfby df iek Brf sI bMqf, Auhdy nfl Auhdf bhuq ipafr sI, jdoN mYN jMimaF AudoN hI bMqf miraf. bfby ny ieho nF myrf rwK idqf. myrI mF bQyrf lVI pr buVHIaF dI kOx suxdf.” eyar prYWsLr vflI msLIn clfAuNdf bMdf isMG dws irhf sI. iPr Auh gulvMq bfry puwCx ligaf. gulvMq dws bYTf ik Auh kflj dI proPYsrI Cwz ky afieaf hY. bMqf isMG lMmf hONkf lYNdf boilaf, “grIbI bhuq burI cIjL aY. [[[vjLIPy dy isr ‘qy mYN ieMjnIairMg kflj pVHdf sI, soicaf sI ik hOlI hOlI kMZy lg hI jfAUN pr ivcflLy afh irsLqf ho igaf. [[[sfry zrIm Dry Drfey rih gey, [[[Gr dI grIbI qoVn Kfqr mYN pVHfeI nfloL ieMglYNz nUM qrjIh idqI, hfey nIN iksmq!” Aus dI gwl sux ky gulvMq nUM aprfD-Bfvnf mihsUs hox lgI. Auh qF kMZy vI lg igaf sI, grIbI vI nhIN sI qy iPr vI ieMglYNz af ky mjLdUrI krn ligaf. agly hI pl Auh idl nUM qswlI idMdf socx ligaf ik jy Auh ieMglYNz nf afAuNdf qF suirMdr vrgI pqnI ikQoN imlxI sI. bMqf ijvyN Aus dy idl dI gwl smJ irhf hovy, puwCx ligaf, “vfeIP ikwdF[[? [[[ibAUtIPuwl aY?[[[hmAumr aY? [[[KusL aYN?” “hF BfjI, bhuq KusL, sUrq vI qy sIrq vI, mukMml!” “bhuq lwkI aYN Xfr, myrI vfeIP qF myry qoN pMdrF sfl vwzI aY. sfzf koeI mylL nhIN. mYnUM bs, ieMglYNz cfhIdI sI qy AuhnUM dunIaF nUM idKfAux leI hsbYNz. Coty BfeI, ipCly do sflF ivc mYN Gr dI grIbI qF qoV idqI pr nfl dI nfl afp vI tuitaf ipaF. myrI vfeIP dI pihly ivafh qoN pMdrF sfl dI kuVI vI aY.” “qy qyrf koeI bwcf?” “bwcy dI Aumr qoN hux ieh cVHI hoeI aY” “sOrI BfjI, ieh qF jLrf tyzI prOblm aY.” “bwcy dI vI vwzI prOblm nhIN pr eyj gYp hox krky pMjfh hor prOblmF hYgIaF.” gulvMq nUM Aus nfl hmdrdI ho afeI. Auh hYrfn vI sI ik Bfvuk ho ky bMdf ieMnI jldI mn dIaF qYhF Kohlx lg pYNdf hY. ievyN gwlF krdf bMqf Aus df dosq bx igaf. bMqf dosq qF bx igaf pr Aus ny agly idn hI eysLIan lokF ivc ieh Kbr PYlf idqI ik Aus nfl kMm krdf muMzf ieMzIaf qoN proPYsrI Cwz ky afieaf hY. dUjy idn hI PormYn ijwmI qoN bcdf bcfAuNdf sMGxIaF muwCF qy pqly ichry vflf pfiksqfnI jvYr sLfh Aus kol afieaf qy hOly ijhy boilaf, “bfdsLfho, ieh kMm qF sfzy anpVHF leI hosx, quhF kI lYxF eys mjLdUrI qoN, jf ky koeI Auc pfey df kMm ZUMz so jF agy pVHfeI kr so.” gulvMq dy hONsly nUM ijvyN vwzI swt af vwjI. mjLdUrI krn leI qF Auh ieMzIaf qoN hI mn bxf ky afieaf hoieaf sI pr hux Aus df srIr huwsx lg ipaf. Aus nUM jfp irhf sI ik hr koeI Ausy vl hI dyK irhf hY qy Aus Aupr hws irhf hY ik iek proPYsr mjLdUrI bixaF bYTf hY. aihsfsy-kmqrI Aus Aupr hfvI hox lgI. ijvyN Aus ny ieMzIaf qoN qurn vyly soicaf sI ik afpxy aMdrlf proPYsr Auh ieQy hI Cwz jfvygf,

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ievyN kr nf sikaf. sgoN aMdrlf proPYsr qf Aus dy GnyHVy ciVHaf bYTf sI. Aus ny bhuq hI musLkl nfl idn pUrf kIqf. Gr af ky Aus ny suirMdr nfl koeI gwl nf kIqI qy nf hI sqnfmI qy srUp nfl. Auh iekwlf hI afpxy afp nfl jUJdf irhf qy socdf irhf ik ieMglYNz af ky Aus ny koeI glqI qF nhIN kIqI. Aus ny suirMdr nUM puwiCaf, “jy mYN cfhF ik vfps ieMzIaf cwlIey qy AuQy eI rhIey qF cwlyNgI?” “ikAuN nhIN, ijQy qusIN AuQy mYN. [[[zYzI qF pihlF eI kihMdy sI ik jy qusIN ieMzIaf jf ky rhoN qf lfeIP vDIaf rhygI, nOkr-cfkr hoxgy.” gulvMq ny pqnI nUM bfhF ivc Guwt ilaf. Aus dI proPYsrI dI qnKfh TIk sI, ruqbf vI sI pr BivwK koeI nhIN sI. jLmIn qF Auhdy ihwsy bhuq QoVI afAuxI sI. Gr dI vMz-vMzfeI vyly vI kuJ Kx hI Aus dy pwly pYNdy. proPYsrI ivcoN nf qF Auh afpxf Gr bxf skdf qy nf hI ijLMdgI dIaf hor shUlqF hfsl kr skdf sI. ieQy afAuNidaF hI srUp Gr lYx dIaF gwlF krn ligaf sI qy suirMdr kfr lYx bfry soc rhI sI. ieMzIaf ivc ieh suPny ikvyN pUry huMdy. vDIaf ijLMdgI leI Auh koeI vI kMm kr skdf sI; proPYsrI hovy jF iksy PYktrI ivc mjLdUrI. Auh hONslf krky agly idn kMm ‘qy cly igaf. aj kwl nfloN kuJ vDIaf mihsUs kr irhf sI. duiphr dI bRyk hoeI qF iek muMzf ijhf af ky Aus dy pYrIN hwQ lf ky boilaf, “sr jI, qusIN ieQy ikQy?” gulvMq ny Aus vl dyiKaf qy socx ligaf ik kI jvfb dyvy. Auh muMzf iPr kihx ligaf, “sr jI, ieh qF sfzy vrgy inkMmy stUzYNtF leI aY, jy nf ieMglYNz irsLqf nf huMdf qF ikqy irksLf clfAuNdy hoxf sI pr sr jI, qusIN qF[[[.” ies qoN agy Aus dI koeI vI gwl gulvMq nUM nf suxI. kMm nUM ligaf qF Aus qoN eyar prYWsLr vflI msLIn cMgI qrFH nhIN sI cwl rhI. PormYn ijwmI dUr KVf Aus nUM awKF kwZ irhf sI. Aus ny ijvyN-ikvyN idn pUrf kIqf. agly idn Auh kMm ‘qy nf igaf. do ku idn bfad hI Aus nUM iek PYktrI ivc Pork ilPt clfAx dI nOkrI iml geI. Aus ny pihlF hI soc ilaf sI ik afpxI pVHfeI dI gwl iksy nfl nhIN krygf. Auh afpxy afp nUM KyqI Cwz ky afieaf hI dwsygf. nvIN jgfh af ky Aus nUM kuJ vI dwsx dI loV nf peI. ies PYktrI ivc iek pMjfbI muMzf, iek gujrfqI, do kfly qy bfkI sB gory sn. Auh afpxf bhuqf smF goiraF nfl gwlF krdf hI ibqfAuNdf. ies qrFH Aus dI aMgryjLI dI msLk vI huMdI rihMdI. aMgryjLI hux Auh smJx ligaf sI. QoVy ku sQfnk sLbd jF slYNg bolI dy sLbd hfly pwly nhIN sn pYNdy. ieMzIan muMizaF nfl gwlF krnIaF Aus nUM bhuqf cMgf vI nhIN sI lgdf, Auh hr vyly iPlmF dIaF hI gwlF krdy rihMdy sn. Auh pUry iDafn nfl kMm krdf qy jldI hI vDIaf kfmf mMinaF jfx ligaf. ies PYktrI ivc af ky mjLdUrI vflf ikwqf mfx Biraf jfpx ligaf. Aus df XkIn ik koeI vI kMm burf nhIN huMdf hor vI pwkf ho igaf. iek inwkI ijhI Gtnf ny Aus dy ies ivsLvfs nUM bhuq hI bwl idqf. hoieaf ievyN ik jd Aus nUM BrqI kIqf igaf sI qF Aus df kMm Pork ilPt clfAuxf sI. PYktrI ivc pMdrF ku bMdy Plor qy kMm krdy sn qy pMj ku Aupr dPqr ivc. CotI ijhI PYktrI sI. ies df mflk qy As dI pqnI vI dPqr ivc hI huMdy sn. ieQy soiPaF ivc pYx vflf rUMa vrgf smfn iqafr huMdf sI. keI vfr aijhf huMdf ik ipiCEN mfl nf afAuNdf qf sB nUM ivhly bYTxf pYNdf. aijhy smyN PormYn, cfrjhYNz, PYktrI df mflk qy Aus dI pqnI vI bursL cwuk lYNdy qy PYktrI dI sPfeI krn lgdy. aMdr vI qy bfhr vI brUm mfr idMdy. jF iPr msLInF vflI sLYWz soDx lgdy. aijhy smyN koeI iksy nUM kihMdf nhIN sI ik afE kMm nUM lgo pr dyKo dyKI sB jf lgdy. gulvMq qy iek hor kfmf iek pfsy KVy rihMdy. gulvMq dy mn ivc hfly vI ikDry bYTf sI ik ieh BMgIaF vflf kMm hY pr jd Auh PYktrI dy mflk nUM brfbr kMm krdy dyKdf qF Aus nUM KusLI vI huMdI.

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iek idn PYktrI dI tuafielt gMdI sI ipiCEN mfl nf afAux krky msLInF KVIaF sn. cfrjhYNz mfeIkl gulvMq nUM bulf ky tuafielt ivc lY igaf qy iek bursL idMdf boilaf, “afh lY PV, tuafielt cMgI qrFH sfP krdy.” “mfeIkl, mYN nhIN krnI.” “ikAuN nhIN krnI? [[[qnKfh nhIN lYNdf?” “lYNdf hF pr myrf kMm Pork ilPt clfAuxf aY nf ik tuafielt sfP krnf.” iesy gwl ‘qy AuhnF donF ivckfr qUM-qUM, mYN-mYN ho geI. afvfjLF sux ky PYktrI df mflk AuDr af igaf. Aus ny puwiCaf, “mfeIkl, kI gwl ho geI?” “kuJ nhIN tYrI, mYN iehnUM ikhf ik tuafielt sfP krdy, ieh sfP nFh kr irhf.” “bs, eynI ku gwl ‘qy JgV rhy E! [[[mfeIkl, ilaf ieDr bursL.” Aus ny bursL PiVaf, blIc vflI boql tuafielt ivc AultfeI qy ies ivc bursL GuMmfAuNdf sfP krn ligaf. cfrjhYNz dUjy pfsy kMm qy cly igaf. gulvMq AuQy hI KVf mflk vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. mflk ny afpxf kMm Kqm kIqf qy gulvMq vl dyK ky muskRfAuNdf hoieaf kihx ligaf, “bs eynf eI kMm sI, [[[qusIN qF aYvyN hI bihsI jFdy sfE.” kihMdf mflk cly igaf pr gulvMq Tigaf hoieaf AuQy hI KVf tuafielt vl dyKI jf irhf sI. srUp dukfn ivc hwdoN vwD ruJ igaf. iksy nUM imlx jfx df vkq qF Aus kol hY hI nhIN sI, afey gey vl vI pUrf iDafn nf dy huMdf. qVksfr qoN rfq qk bs clo cwl hI sI. aYqvfr nUM vI Aus dukfn pUrf idn Kohldf sgoN aYqvfr nUM Auh ijLafdf ivasq huMdf. Aus idn afly duafly dIaF bhuq sfrIaF dukfnF bMd ijAuN huMdIaF sn. dukfn ivc Aus ny iek bMdf afpxI shfieqf leI rwK ilaf hoieaf sI jo ik sLYlPF Aupr smfn Brdf qy corI hox df vI iDafn rwKdf. svItF-cfklytF nUM cVHdI Aumr dy muMzy kuVIaF bhuq pYNdy sn, mOkf imldy hI jybH ivc pfAux dI koisLsL krdy. AuhnF df iDafn rwKxf pYNdf sI. smfn ijLafdf ivkdf hox krky srUp nUM sLOipMg leI vI ijLafdf vfr jfxf pYNdf. bwicaF kfrn sqnfmI vI Aus dI bhuqI mwdd nf kr skdI. kdy aVdy-QuVdy nUM Auh af vI jFdI. ies gwl qoN srUp bhuq KusL sI ik sqnfmI dukfn dy kMm ivc bhuq qyjL sI. itwl Aupr vDIaf kMm kr lYNdI, gfhkF nfl gwl-bfq krnI vI Aus nUM af geI sI. Kfs qOr qy Aus dI pqnI hox krky gfhk muV muV ky Aus bfry puwCdy rihMdy. kdy kdy gulvMq qy suirMdr vI dukfn ivc shfieqf krf idMdy. srUp nUM AuhnF df kfPI shfrf ho jFdf pr Auh cfhuMdf sI ik Auh GuMmx iPrn qy afpxy nvyN ivafh df anMd lYx. jd vI Auh AuhnF donF nUM iekwiTaF dyKdf qF mn hI mn kihMdf ik joVI hovy qF ieho ijhI. gulvMq nUM GuMmx df qy nvINaF jgfvF dyKx df bhuq sLONk sI. CuwtI vfly idn Auh dovyN itAUb PV ky kyNdrI lMzn jf puwjdy. kdy kdy lyatn ston vI cly jFdy. surjn isMG AuhnF vl dyK ky bhuq KusL huMdf. Auh gulvMq nUM slfh dyx lgdf ik dyKx leI ikhVI jgfh ijLafdf mhwqv rwKdI hY. gulvMq ny brqfnvI ieqhfs piVHaf-pVHfieaf sI. ieMzIaf qoN hI ies mulk bfry kfPI sfrI jfxkfrI hfsl krky afieaf sI. Auh ikMnI ikMnI dyr qk lMzn bfry gwlF krdy rihMdy. prkfsL kor afKdI, “lE jI, rwb ny afKr quhfzI sux eI leI, quhfnUM afpxI mIcf df jvfeI imlL eI igaf. hux afpxy cfa pUry krI jfE.” surjn isMG ny ieMglYNz dy ieqhfs nUM ieMnI GoKvIN njLr nfl nhIN sI dyiKaf ijvyN gulvMq dyKx lgdf. iksy ieqhfsk Gtnf nUM lY ky Auh ikMnI dyr qk gwlF krdy rihMdy. iek idn Auh dovyN vftrlU stysLn kol KVy sn. surjn isMG ny ikhf,

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“EdF qF gory ieqhfs nUM bhuq sFBdy af pr inpolIan nfl lVfeIaF vfly mYdfn cMgI qrFH nhIN sFBy gey, sLfied sLihr dy ivckfr pYNdy hox krky.” “zYzI, sLfied ieh mYdfn sFBxy iehnF dy hwk ivc nf jFdy hox.” “Auh ikwdF?” “eydF ik ieh ieMny kmjLor sI ik inpolIan iehnF dy sLfhI mihlF dy drvfjLy qk af puwijaf sI, [[[eys swc nUM ieh ikAuN cyqy rwKxgy, ijhVI lVfeI ieh ijwqy sI trfPlgr sukYar vflI AuQy nYlsn df mOnUmYNt bxf vI idqY.” “vYsy goiraF dI KfsIaq aY ik iksy gwl CupfAuNdy Gwt aY.” “zYzI, ieh qF iek afeIzIailstk ijhI soc aY, swc ny qF iek idn nMgf hoxF hI huMdf. [[[bhuqIaF hkUmqF jMnqf nUM Enf ku swc hI idKfAuNdIaF ijMnf ku lokF nUM hjLm ho skdf hovy. ihstrI kdy vI inrpwK nhIN huMdI. ihstorIan mOky dy hkUmq nUM KusL krn leI hI ilKdy af.” surjn isMG Aus dIaF aijhIaF gwlF bhuq iDafn nfl suxdf. iehnF ivcoN bhuq sfrIaF gwlF Aus leI nvIaF huMdIaF. iek idn gulvMq dwsx ligaf, “ieqhfs ivc iek bhuq idlcsp vfikaf afAuNdY: npolIan dy iek jrnYl aYzimrl tyt ny vyljL dI bMdrgfh iPsLgfrz nyVly iek ipMz Aupr atYk kr idqf. AuQy afrmI qF kI hoxI aYN koeI mrd vI nhIN sI. sfry mrd lVfeI ivc gey hoey sI. AuQy dIaF aOrqF ivc kfly rMg dIaF AuWcIaF, cmkdfr topIaF qy nfl kflLy gfAUn pihnx df irvfj sI.” “hfly vI ieho irvfj aY, mYN igaF Es ielfky ivc.” “jI, [[[jmfiemf nF dI iek aOrq ny mOky dI njLfkq dyKidaF ipMz dIaF aOrqF iekwTIaF kIqIaF qy qUVI vflIaF qMglLIaF cuwk ky PrFsIsIaF df mukfblf krn qur peIaF. agoN POj ny dUroN iehnF aOrqF nUM dyK ky soicaf ik sLfied ieh sLpYsLl ruafiel POj hovy, AuhnF zridaF hI afpxIaF iksLqIaF dOVf leIaF. [[[hux ies khfxI ivc ikMnf swc hovy pqf nhIN pr mYnUM lgdY ik iehdf bhuqf ihwsf PrYNc ispfhIaF nUM zrfklL idKfAux leI hI GiVaf igaY.” afpxI gwl dsx leI ik ieqhfs df pUrf swc kdy vI sfzy qk nhIN puwjdf, Aus kol bhuq sfrIaF khfxIaF sn. Aus nfl gwlF krnIaF surjn isMG nUM bhuq sfrQk lgdIaF. amFzf qoN bfad iksy nfl gwl krky Aus dI rUh KusL huMdI sI qF Auh gulvMq sI. gulvMq nfl gwlF krnf prkfsL kor nUM vI cMgf lgdf. gulvMq Aus nfl kuVIaF hox dy duwK dIaF, ivafh qoN bfad kuVIaF nUM pysL afAuNdIaF musLklF dIaF gwlF krn lgdf. prkfsL kor Aus nfl afpxf idl Prol lYNdI. blijMdr bfry gwl krdI qF Auh ro pYNdI sI. dUjy juafeIaF dy mfmly ivc surjn isMG vI hux KulH ky gulvMq nfl gwlF krn ligaf sI. gurjMt dIaF gwlF krky mn dI BfP kwZ lYNdf. idlbfg bfry GiVaf koeI lqIPf suxf idMdf. keI vfr Auh mjLfk ivc kihx lgdf, “sfzy ieh donoN bVy juafeI qF eydF aY ijwdF kihMdy huMdy af; iek gMgf qy dUjf gulylf.” idlbfg dy muMzf jF kuVI AuhnF dy Gr afAuNdy qF surjn isMG AuhnF nUM godI ivc bYTf ky afKdf, “bfsIE, koeI gwp suxfE.” “nfnf jI, sfnUM gwp nhIN afAuNdI.” “quhfzf zYzI qF gwpF dI izgrI krI iPrdY.” bwcy hws Cwzdy. kdy kdy bwcy kihx lgdy, “nfnf jI, Auh cuwtkI vjf ky idKfE[[[.” surjn isMG polI ijhI cutkI vjfAuNdf. jd kdy pCqfvy vflI gwl df sfhmxf krnf pYNdf qF surjn cutkI vjf ky AuNgl nUM qIr vFg iswDI mfrdf ik sfhmxy dyKo ipCFh nUM nhIN. ieh Aus dI purfxI afdq sI.

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amFzf nUM surjn hfly qk vI Bulf nhIN sI sikaf. Aus ny ikDry piVHaf hoieaf sI ik ivCVdy Auh hn ijhnF nUM asIN Buwl jfeIey. Aus nUM sdf hI lgdf ik amFzf ieQy hI afs pfs hY qy Aus nUM dyK rhI hY. amFzf dy nF ‘qy iek hlkI ijhI cIs Aus dy aMdr AuTx lgdI sI. ies cIs Auh kdy vI iksy nfl sFJI nhIN sI kr sikaf. icwTIaF rfhIN Aus df amFzf nfl rfbqf kfiem sI. amFzf dI icwTI imldy sfr hI Aus nUM Auqr dyx bih jFdf. Auh ievyN icwTI ilKdf ijvyN afpxy afp nfl gwlF kr irhf hovy. ievyN icwTI ilK ky keI vfr Auh afpxy mn df boJ vI lfh lYNdf. ievyN hI amFzf vI Aus nUM lMmIaF lMmIaF icwTIaF ilKdI. Aus ny vI keI gwlF idl hlkf krn leI ilKIaF huMdIaF. prkfsL kor nfl qF Auh bhuqIaF gwlF krdf hI nhIN sI. bwicaF qy Gr qoN ibnF AuhnF ivckfr kuJ sFJf vI nhIN sI. keI vfr Aus df idl krdf ik amFzf nUM Pon kry pr iPr Auh zrn lgdf ik Bfvuk hI nf ho jfvy, ikqy jjLibaF ivc hI nf vih qury. prkfsL kor dy mn ivc amFzf dI axdyKI qsvIr bxI hoeI sI pr Auh ies bfry bhuq Gwt gwl krdI. amFzf dI icwTI df Aus nUM icwTI dy rMg qoN pqf cl jFdf sI. ieh icwTI dyK iek qfr ijhI Aus dy idl ivc iPr jFdI. kdy kdy Auh pqI ‘qy tkor ijhI vI krdI pr bhuqI vfr cuwp hI rihMdI. hOlI hOlI Auh ieh smJx lg peI sI ik ies icwTI nUM dyKidaF hI surjn dy rONa bdl jFdy hn. Auh afm nfloN kuJ htvF huMdf. kdy afm nfloN vwD Audfs qy kdy vwD KusL. bhuqI vfr Auh icwTI ibsqr ivc bYT ky hI iliKaf krdf sI. prkfsL kor smJ jFdI ik Auh amFzf nUM hI icwTI ilK irhf hY. Auh mUMh jLrUr dUjy pfsy kr lYNdI pr Aus nUM nINd nf afAuNdI. jfx buwJ ky vI pfsy mfrI jFdI ik surjn nUM icwTI ilKx ivc qklIP hovy pr surjn nUM koeI svfl nhIN sI krdI.

sqfrF gulvMq dy mn ivc aorq-mrd dI brfbrI df skMlp kflj dy idnF qoN hI sI. Auh soicaf krdf ik jd vI Aus df ivafh hovygf afpxI pqnI nUM hmysLf afpxy brfbr rwKygf. hr PYsly ivc Aus dI brfbr dI rfey hovygI. pihlF suirMdr df muhry ho ky qurnf jF koeI gwl hukm dyx vFg krnf Aus nUM aKiVaf vI pr jldI hI pqf cl igaf ik ieh suirMdr dy suBfa df ihwsf hY. afpxy ivafh dI CotI ijhI Aumr ivc Auh smJ igaf ik gRihsQI dwsx qy suxn df nF hY. Aus dsdf sI qF suirMdr suxdI sI ievyN Auh vI suirMdr nUM iDafn nfl suxdf. ieMglYNz ivc af ky Aus nUM ieh gwl cMgI lgI ik aOrq iksy hwd qk afjLfd hY. sfmMqvfd nfloN sfmrfjvfd ivclI smfjk bxqr dI ieh gwl Aus nUM cMgI vI lgdI ik aOrq kol hwk vDyry hn. aOrq afdmI dy brfbr kMm krdI hY, brfbr kmfAuNdI hY. aOrq df afriQk qOr ‘qy afqm-inrBr hoxf Aus dI inwjI afjLfdI dI jfmnI hY. QoVy icr ivc hI Aus dy sfhmxy aOrq dI iek vwKrI iksm dI gulfmI vI afeI ik afdmI bwcy pYdf krky lFBy ho jFdy hn qy aOrq bwicaF nUM pflx ivc hI afpxI jvfnI kwZ idMdI hY. nf Auh cMgI qrFH koeI nOkrI kr skdI hY qy nf hI koeI hor vwzI mnmrjLI. iek hor gwl jo Aus nUM rVkx lgI sI, Auh sI ik BfrqI aOrq ieQy puwj ky hor vI rvfieqI ho geI sI. Auh sqnfmI vl dyKdf hI hYrfn rih jFdf. Aus socdf huMdf sI ik sqnfmI BfvyN sfdI sI pr ijLhnI qOr ‘qy bhuq qyjL sI, ieMglYNz jf ky Auh sfdfpn Cwz ky ieMglYNz dy qOr qrIky apxf lvygI. ieQy af ky dyiKaf qF sqnfmI pihlF nfloN vI sfDrfx bx ky rihMdI sI. sqnfmI nfl Aus df dohrf irsLqf sI; srUp vloN BfbI lgdI sI qy nfnikaF vloN BYx. Auh Aus nUM BfbI jI kih ky hI bulfAuNdf. iek idn kihx ligaf,

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“BfbI jI, afh kI qusIN afpxy ‘qy sfdgI ijhI df Kol cfVHI iPrdy E! [[[sroN dy qyl nfl copV ky vfhy vflL, Guwt ky kIqI guwq, vlLF vflI ivMgI ijhI bMnI slvfr, pUknI ijhf kuVqf! [[[kI aY ieh sB!” sqnfmI ny gulvMq vl iDafn nfl dyiKaf. Aus dy aMdr gudgudI ijhI iCV peI. ies nUM CupfAuNdI hoeI Auh iJhI ijhI lY ky bolI, “kuwiqaf, qUM ieho kuJ qfVdf rihMnY!” “kI ieh swc nhIN? [[[eynI suhxI aOrq df qusIN kfrtUn bxf rwiKaf!” “qYnUM pqf ik mYN qyrI BYx vI lgdI aF.” “iehdy nfl kI Prk pYNdf, BYx hovy jF BrjfeI, ieko eI gwl aY. [[[myry nfl sVk ‘qy qury jFdy hovoN qF asIN hwQ ivc borz PV ky qF nhIN qurnf ik sfzf irsLqf kI aY, quhfzy vl dyK ky qF agly ny kihxf ik ieh kuVI ruwsI hoeI aY.” “dyK, gwlF ikwdF afAuNdIaF eyhnUM!” “mYN TIk kih irhF.” “kI TIk kih irhYN?” “vflLF nUM gwuq dI kYd qoN afjLfd kro, iehnF ivc krl puafE, jLrf sLoK rMg dy pitaflLf sLfhI slvfr sUt pihnoN, [[[bolx dy ZMg ivc sLoKI pYdf kro, Pyr dyKo, qusIN ds sfl XMg lgoNgy.” “eyhdy nfl kI ho jfAU?” “kI ho jfAU! ienklfb af jfAU ienklfb! quhfnUM dyK ky BfjI dI sfrI Qkfvt dUr ho jfieaf krU. aOrq nUM eydF dI bx ky rihxf cfhIdY ik afdmI nUM kilwk krdI rhy.” “mYN qyry BfjI nUM bQyrf kilwk krdI aF, ieh aYzvfeIjL qUM afpxI suirMdr nUM dyeIN.” iPr ivafh qoN bfad ieh gwl sqnfmI suirMdr nUM dwsx bih jFdI. suirMdr puwCdI, “gwul, qYnUM ikhVf hyar stfeIl cMgf lgdf?” “cfrlI eyNjljL vflI kyt vflLf. aigEN mwQy qk kwty vfl qy ipiCEN moiZaF qk, ivckfr cIr.” tYlI ‘qy afAuNdf ‘cfrlIjL eyNjljL’ sIrIal suirMdr vI lgfqfr dyiKaf krdI sI. iek idn Aus ny gulvMq nUM iJjkidaF iJjkidaF puwiCaf, “guwl, vflL ktf skdI aF?” “ikAuN nhIN, qyry vflL aY, iksy df kI rOlLf!” “afey mIn, Xoar PYimlI, srUp BfjI?” “zONt vwrI, afey no ihwm, hI vONt mfeINz.” gulvMq dy kihx ‘qy suirMdr KusL ho geI. agly idn kMm qoN muVdI hoeI Auh ‘hyar aYNz stfeIl’ nF df mYgjLIn lY afeI ijs ivc vflL sMvfrn dy alwg alwg nmUny idqy hoey sn. suirMdr nUM ijhVf nmUnf psMd sI Auh sI iek pfisEN gwlH qk izgvyN qy dUjy pfsy nUM vDdy-vDdy moiZaF qk afAuNdy hovy. gulvMq dI psMd vwKrI sI. dovyN kuJ dyr bihsdy rhy pr iPr PYslf hoieaf ik pihlF suirMdr afpxy mn psMd dy vflL bxf ky afpxI rIJ pUrI krygI, jd Aus df ies stfeIl qoN idl Br igaf qF Auh gulvMq dI psMd dy vflL ktfeygI. ievyN hI kIqf. suirMdr ny afpxI rIJ pUrI kr leI. vfl ktf ky Auh mMmI-zYzI nUM imlx gey. prkfsL kor iKJdI hoeI bolI, “kuVy suirMdr, afh qUM kI rozI ijhI ho ky af geI aYN, koeI sMg kr, lok kI kihxgy!” surjn isMG ies gwl ‘qy KusL sI ik kuVI nUM afpxI rIJ pUrI krn df mOkf qF imilaf. Aus ny afiKaf, “buVHIey, aYvyN nf rOlLf pf, inafixaF nUM afpxy idl dIaF pUrIaF krn dy.” Aus nUM pqf sI ik blijMdr df bhuq idl krdf sI vflL ktfAux nUM pr gurjMt ny ies dI iejfjLq nhIN sI idqI. iesy gwl nUM lY ky idlbfg iek idn gulvMq nUM kihx ligaf,

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“Xfr ieh qUM kI rwsI iZwlI CwzI jfnYN, qUM sfzIaF qIvINaF vI Krfb kryNgf. [[[qUM Eh gwl nhIN suxI; qIvIN rwK nIvIN.” gulvMq ny hws ky Aus dI gwl axgOl idqI. Auh suirMdr nfl bhuq ipafr krn ligaf sI. Auh dovyN bx-sMvr ky bfhr inkldy. donF ny ieko ijhy rMg dy kpVy pfey huMdy. suirMdr nUM iqafr hox ivc Auh pUrI mwdd krdf. mOky dy ihsfb nfl pihrfvy dI cox, rMgF df myc afid ivc Aus nUM slfh idMdf. suirMdr Aus nUM hr pwKoN hI psMd sI. suhxI vI sI, kMm nUM bhuq qkVI sI. ijhVy kMm nUM hwQ pf lYNdI pUrf kr ky htdI. Gr sMvfrn ivc, rsoeI ivc qy gwlbfq krn ivc vI Auh sMpUrn. donF siBafcfrF dI Aus nUM pUrI smJ sI. jd ikqy Auh ijLafdf moh ivc huMdf qF Aus nUM ‘tYWn bfeI tYWn’ kih ky bulfAuNdf. ies sB qoN Aupr Aus nUM cMgf lgdf sI; suirMdr df spwsLt gwl kihx suBfa. afpxy ipE vFg hI bhuqIaF gwlF Auh ibnF luk-lukfv qoN kr jFdI. khfxI GVnI jF gwl bxfAux ivc Aus df XkIn nhIN sI. nf koeI lfrf lfAuNdI nf hI koeI Ehlf rwKdI. sqnfmI dI iek shylI sI qrsym. Aus dy nfl hI bwcy skUl Cwzx jFdI sI. qrsym iProjLpur vl dI sI. keI vfr Auh suirMdr nUM vI imldI. iek idn Auh kihx lgI, “nIN suirMdr, qUM qF dubfbx lgdI eI nhIN. [[[jIkx qU M gwlF krdI eyN eykx mflvy vfly krdy ny, sfnUM dubfbIaF vFgUM CUCf-bUsLI nhIN krnI afAuNdI, ieh lok qF gwlF gwlF ivc eI cfr jFdy ny.” gulvMq nUM ies gwl df pqf cilaf qF boilaf, “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, Auh TIk kihMdI aY, mYN mflvy ivc bhuq igaYN, myry nfl pVHdy dosq sI bhuq sfry, qUM qF swcIN eI myrI mlvYx aYN.” skUl pVHidaF qy iPr kMm kridaF suirMdr df vfh gorIaF kuVIaF nfl irhf sI. mYgI vfrgIaF kuJ dosq vI rhIaF sn. mYgI ny keI buafey PrYSz bxfey qy Cwzy. jd Auh iehnF shylIaF nfl bYTdI qF ieh muMizaF bfry, pwbF bfry, klwbF bfry, izsko bfry gwlF krdIaF. iPlmF dy crcy huMdy. ieh sB suxidaF suirMdr dy mn ivc vI suPny jfigaf krdy sn. Aus df idl vI pwCmI kuVIaF vFg jIAux nUM krdf. Auh socdI ik ieh pwb, klwb ikho ijhI svrgI jgfh hovygI ijQy ieh ieMnf anMd mfxdIaF hn. izsko Aus ny isrP tYlI ‘qy hI dyKI sI. aMgryjLI iPlmF vI tYlI ‘qy hI dyKIaF sn isnmy ivc jf ky nhIN. kdy kdfeIN idlbfg sB nUM BfrqI iPlm idKfAux sB nUM lY jfieaf krdf sI. jd Auh izsko jfx dy suPny dyiKaf krdI qF Ausy vyly Aus dy sfhmxy blijMdr af jFdI ijs nUM Aus dy pqI ny Gr ivc kYdI bxf rwiKaf sI. ikqy af-jf nhIN sI skdI. hnImUn qoN vfps afAuNidaF hI Auh gulvMq nfl iPlm dyKx geI, sYcRzy nfeIt PIvr. ies iPlm dy gIq bhuq msLhUr ho rhy sn. ijDr vI jfE vj rhy huMdy. iPlm dyK ky vfps muVidaF Aus ny ikhf, “QYNks guwl, myrf bhuq mn sI aMgryjLI iPlm dyKx df. bhuq dyr dI qmMnf aj pUrI hoeI.” “qUM kdy aMgryjLI iPlm eI nhIN dyKI?” “nhIN, Gr dy alfE nhIN krdy.” “pr zYzI qF eydF dy nhIN.” “zYzI qF nhIN pr ijhVy Eh do BwbU bYTy af, BfjI, [[[AuhnF df vI iKafl rwKxf pYNdf.” “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, ds iksy hor jgfh jfx nUM jF koeI hor cIjL dyKx dI qmMnf aDUrI rih geI hovy[[[?” “guwl, iek qF myrf pwb aMdroN dyKx nUM idl krdf, afh ijhVy lok pwb-pwb gfAuNdy af, mYN vI dyKxf cfhuMnI aF.” Aus dI gwl sux ky gulvMq hwsx ligaf qy boilaf, “hor koeI gwl hYgI Auh vI dws dy.”

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“iek vfrI izsko jfxf cfhuMnI aF pr iksy nUM pqf nf lgy.” “kmfl aY! [[[qUM vfeIP myrI aYN ik iksy hor dI? pqf ikAuN nf lgy, ieh koeI corI aY!” pwb qF Auh bhuq vfrI igaf hoieaf sI pr hfly izsko nhIN sI dyKI. vYNbly hfeI roz ‘qy hI izsko-klwb sI. srUp ny Aus nUM bfhroN idKfieaf hoieaf sI qy ieh vI ds idqf sI ik ieQy itkt lY ky jfxf pYNdf hY, lfeIv imAUjLk jF zI[ jy[ qy sMgIq cl irhf huMdf hY. zI[ jy[ clfAux vfly bMdy nUM izsk-jOkI kihMdy hn. Auh BVkIly qy sLorIly gfxy vjfAuNdf hY. nwcx leI zFs Plor bxI huMdI hY ijQy lok sMgIq nfl nwcdy hn. pwb vFg bIar vI imldI hY. kuVIaF-muMizaF nUM dosqI krn leI ieh bhuq ZukvIN jgfh hY. keI vfr iek rfq leI vI shylIaF iml jFdIaF hn. agly idn suirMdr ny hlkf ijhf mykawp kIqf qy suirMdr Aus df hwQ PV lY quiraf. Gr dy nyVy hI pwb sI, gulvMq ieQy af cuwikaf sI. Auh pwb aMdr gey. kuJ ku dysI ichry vI bYTy sn. iek vfr AuhnF ny ies joVy vl dyiKaf qy iPr afpxy afp ivc ruwJ gey. gulvMq ny svIt vfeIn dy do glfs lY afieaf. suirMdr ny pihlF vI vfeIn pIqI hoeI sI pr bhuq Gwt. kMm Aupr pfrtIaF cldIaF rihMdIaF sn. vYsy qF Aus ny iek vfrI mYgI dI isgrt dy ksL vI iKwc ky dyKy hoey sn pr isgrt dI boa Aus nUM bhuq burI lgdI. pwb ivc jf ky Aus ny sfry pfs y njLr duVfeI iPr Auh gulvMq nfl iek soPy ‘qy bYT vfeIn dy Guwt Brn lgI. Aus nUM bhuq cMgf lg irhf sI. Aus df idl krn ligaf ik ieQoN hI suKvIr nUM Pon krky ieh KusLI sFJI kry. hux Auh suKvIr nfl kfPI sfrIaF gwlF kr ilaf krdI sI. gulvMq df suBfa dyK ky hux suKvIr df vI idl krn ligaf sI ik Auho ijhf KulHidlf pqI hI Aus nUM vI imly. Auh kfPI dyr qk pwb ivc bYTy rhy. BfvyN AuhnF svyry kMmF qy vI jfxf sI pr Auh vfeIn qy mhOl df anMd lYNdy rhy. iqMn iqMn glfs vfeIn dy pI gey. gulvMq qF TIk sI pr suirMdr nUM nsLf ho igaf. Auh gulvMq Bfvuk huMdI gulvMq nUM cuMbVI jf rhI sI. Gr Auh jLrf lyt hI puwjy. srUp qF hux qk sON cwuikaf sI, Aus ny qVky AuTxf sI. bwcy vI ibsqr ivc jf vVy sn. sqnfmI AuhnF nUM AuzIk rhI sI. suirMdr aMdr afAuNdI hI bfQrUm cly geI qF jo Aus dy lVKVfAuNdy pYr sqnfmI dI njLr nf pYx. sqnfmI AuhnF bfry iPkrvMd sI. AuhnF dy afAuNidaF hI Auh vI sOx cly geI. rotI Kf ky Auh vI sON gey. svyry AuTy qF pqf cilaf ik suirMdr dy kMn df iek bflLf rfqIN ikqy izg ipaf sI. AuhnF ny CyqIN hI afpxf Gr lY ilaf. qyrF hjLfr df Gr. iqMn hjLfr AuhnF kol izpOjLt sI qy ds hjLfr dI mOrtgyj. Gr Aupr kMm hox vflf sI, ies krky kuJ ssqf sI. srUp df kihxf sI ik ieh kMm AuhnF nUM afp kr lYxf cfhIdf hY. ihMmq krky Gr ivc pypr afp hI lf ilaf qy pyNt vI kr ilaf. kfrpYWt vflI kMpnI af ky kfrpYWt pf geI. gulvMq df hwQ vI kMm nUM CohlHf sI qy suirMdr qF sI hI kMm nUM qkVI. lMmf kd hox krky keI vfrI pOVI dI vI loV nf pYNdI. srUp vflI roz dy nfl dI roz Aupr hI Gr sI. srUp Gr lYx ivc bhuqI slfh nf dy sikaf ikAuNik Aus kol vkq hI nhIN sI. surjn isMG ny KrIdx qoN pihlF Gr dyiKaf vI sI qy afpxI rfey vI dy igaf sI. Gr nUM AuhnF jldI hI rihx Xog bxf ilaf pr Auh rihMdy hfly vI srUp dy Gr hI sn. AuhnF ny Gr ivc hfly smfn pfAuxf sI. Auh ieh vI socdy sn ik srUp kol rihMdy hoey Gr ivc iek iek krky smfn vI pfAuNdy rihxgy. sqnfmI ny hux zrfeIivMg lfiesMs lY ilaf sI. bwcy skUl Cwz Auh dukfn ‘qy cly jFdI. skUloN CuwtI hox qoN pihlF muV afAuNdI. jd dukfn cMgI qrFH cwl peI qF srUp ny afpxI nOkrI Cwz idqI sI. hux Aus dI koisLsL sI ik ies dukfn nUM PrIholz KrId lvy qF jo Aus nUM ikrfieaf nf dyxf pvy. hOlI hOlI ies df mflk vycx leI iqafr ho igaf. srUp ny Gr vyc ky dukfn KrId leI. dukfn dy Aupr rihx leI PlYt hY hI sI. bwicaF dy skUl vI aYktn ivc hI lwB ley.

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dukfn Aupr irhfiesL lY jfx kfrn srUp dI ijLMdgI kuJ sOKI ho geI. sqnfmI brfbr kMm krn lgI, Gr nUM afAux-jfx df smF vI bcx ligaf. srUp dy dukfn ‘qy cly jfx qk gulvMq qy suirMdr afpxy Gr cly gey sn. hfly AuhnF pUrf smfn qF nhIN sI pfieaf pr kMm cldf kr ilaf hoieaf sI. iek idn srUp kihx ligaf, “ikAuN nhIN ieko dm sfrf smfn pf lYNdf, pYsy myry qoN lY lf, QoVy QoVy krky moVdf rhIN.” “Auh qF TIk af BfjI pr myrf idl krdf ik qIlf-qIlf krky Gr bxfieaf jfvy, hOlI hOlI iek iek krky smfn KrIidaf jfvy, ieh anuBv sfrI Aumr KusLI idMdf rhygf.” srUp nUM Aus dI gwl bhuqI cMgI nf lgI pr Aus ny ikhf vI kuJ nf. kuJ dyr bfad Auh kihx ligaf, “guwlU, qUM krnI mrjLI aY pr iek gwl dwsF, qIvINaF nUM bhuqf isr ‘qy nhIN bYTfeIdf, jy bYTfeIey qF ieh Qwly nhIN AuqrdIaF, ijMnf nUM GrvflI nUM isr qy cVHfeI jfnY, qYnUM sfrI Aumr qMg krU, iPr roeyNgf.” gulvMq nUM srUp dI ieh gwl iblkul cMgI nf lgI pr Auh cuwp irhf. vwzy Brf muhry kuJ bol vI nhIN sI skdf. Auh smJdf sI ik srUp suirMdr nUM pwCfnx ivc glqI kr irhf hY jF iPr Aus df aOrq pRqI rvweIaf hI aijhf hY. iehnF idnF ivc hI gulvMq ny vI zrfeIivMg tYWst pfs kr ilaf. Auh ieh KusLI sFJI krn srUp kol igaf. srUp nUM vI ies gwl dI bhuq KusLI hoeI. Auh slfh idMdf boilaf, “hfly qyry muhry hfly bhuq Krcy pey af, sfrf smfn lYx vflf, ikqy Gr vflI mgr lg ky kfr nf KrId lvIN. jy kfr dI loV hovy vI qF myrI vrq leIN.” “kfr qF BfjI, asIN hfly asIN nhIN lYxI.” “TIk aY pr ieh mfeIaF bhuq Krfb huMdIaF, iDafn nfl cwlxf pYNdf. [[[iek gwl hor ds dyvF, mMndF beI quhfzf bhuq ipafr aY pr ivafh ajIb cIjL huMdI aY, ijQy ipafr ijLafdf hovy AuQy guwsf vI bhuqf afAuNdf huMdY. [[[qYnUM bhuq iDafn nfl cwlx dI loV aY, bYlYNs rwKky.” srUp ievyN gwl kr irhf sI ijvyN Aus nUM iksy Byd df pqf hovy. gulvMq cup krky suxdf irhf. srUp ny agy ikhf, “afh sfl dI stYNp vflf kfnUMn bhuq kuwqf! [[[kuVI dy hwQ ivc eynI qfkq dy idMdf ik sfl Br Gr vflLI sfhmxy lIkF kwZxIaF pYNdIaF. muMzy ny mfVI ijhI iqV-iPV kIqI nhIN ik cuwk ky ieMzIaf mfiraf nhIN. sfl Br ipafr nfl rih pr bYlYNs rwK ky. [[[imsfl dy qOr ‘qy aj jy qUM GrvflI nUM bhuqf cuwkI jfvyN qF jd iksy gwloN rokxf cfhyNgf qF rukygI nhIN, qUM afp isafxF. [[[ijwdF mrjLI kwZ, iek sfl suK-sFd nfl kwZ, sfl pUrf hox qoN mhInf pihlF eI pfsport hom afiPs nUM Byj dyvIN.” gulvMq nUM srUp dIaF gwlF cMgIaF nhIN sn lg rhIaF pr sfl vflI mroVI Aus nUM qMg krn lgI. jy suirMdr Aus nfl ruws jfvy jF Aus qoN KusL nf hovy qF Aus nUM vfps ieMzIaf vI Byj skdI hY. Aus ny iek pl leI afpxy afp nUM svfl kIqf ik kI suirMdr aijhI hY; nhIN suirMdr aijhI nhIN. jy nhIN qF Aus nUM KusL krn leI nklI irsLqf ikAuN rwKy, jo kuJ hY AuhI kuJ pysL ikAuN nf kry. Auh srUp koloN af igaf pr ies ivsLy nUM lY ky Aus ny bhuqf AulJxf TIk nf smiJaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik brqfnvI srkfr vloN iek sfl dI kwcI stYNp dyxf nklI ivafhF nUM rokxf hY. ikMny lok nklI ivafhF nfl ieMglYNz qury af rhy hn. BfVy dIaF aOrqF qF iml hI jFdIaF hn, DIaF afpxy ipEvF nUM qy BYxF afpxy BrfvF nUM pqI bxf ky lMGf rhIaF hn. ieMglYNz lMGx leI sfzy lok sfry sdfcfr iCwky tMg idMdy hn. srUp ny aijhI icqfvnI Aus nUM keI vfr idqI. gwl krdf srUp guwsy ijhy ivc vI af jFdf. Aus nUM aijhy keI kysF df pqf sI jdoN kuVIaF ny muMizaF nUM ieMzIaf moV idqf sI. gulvMq smJdf sI ik srUp awq-cyqMn iksm df bMdf hY qy afpxy qjurby ivcoN jnmy zr df iejLhfr kr irhf hY pr suirMdr aijhI nhIN hY.

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idlbfg Aus nUM imldf qF kdy sfZUaf kih ky sMboDn huMdf qy kdy dohiqaf kih ky. jy cMgy moh dy rONa ivc huMdf qF afKdf; af beI Coty BfeI. gurjMt nUM idlbfg ‘BMz’ kih ky cyqy krdf. AuhnF df afps ivc myl-imlfp qF hux iblkul Kqm hI sI. gurjMt ny gulvMq nUM vI idlbfg nfl hI nwQI kridaF imlxf bMd kr idqf sI. gulvMq ny ieMnI ku ihMmq kr leI sI ik iek vfr suirMdr nUM lY ky Aus dy Gr jf afieaf sI. ievyN gurjMt dy Gr jfx ‘qy prkfsL kor bhuq KusL sI. gulvMq dI vizafeI krdI afKx lgdI ik piVHaf iliKaf muMzf hY, aklvMd qF hovygf hI. idlbfg nUM pqf cilaf qF Aus ny gulvMq nUM Pon kr ky ikhf, “Coty BfeI, Coty bMidaF dy Gr jfx ivc afpxI byiejLqI aY, iDafn rwKIdY.” jd vI gulvMq lyatn ston jFdf qF idlbfg Aus nUM KUb GumfAuNdf, kdy iek pwb kdy dUjy. keI vfr bljIq jF avqfr vI nfl huMdy. idlbfg qy bljIq qF iekwTy GuMmdy hI rihMdy sn, Auh afps ivc kfPI KulHy vI sn pr bljIq gulvMq nfl KulH ky gwl nf krdf. gulvMq vI sMkocvIN ijhf vfrqflfp hI krdf. vYsy gulvMq dI koisLsL huMdI ik ijho ijhI mihPl hovy afpxy afp nUM Auho ijhf ZflL lvy. idlbfg df moh Aus nUM cMgf vI lgdf sI. avqfr nfl Auh kuJ iek vfr bYT cuwikaf sI, Aus dI sMgq Aus nUM bhuq psMd sI. avqfr afpxy bMbeI dI iPlm ngrI dy qjurby msflf lf lf ky suxfAuNdf. avqfr qy idlbfg dI noNk-JoNk vI Aus nUM cMgI lgdI. idlbfg kihMdf, “lMimaF, lfjo dI kuCV ikMny inafxy qyry af?” “jf E jfh, mYN eydF df nhIN, [[[pMjfh vfrI qF ds cuwkF[[[!” “bfhmx qoN kuJ huMdf neIN qy qUM kuJ kIqf nhIN, [[[sfilLaf, jy qUM eydF df nhIN qF afh inafxy KuMgy nfl ho gey?” gwl kr idlbfg qfVI mfr ky hwsdf. kdy Auh afKx lgdf, “lMimaF, bfhmx qF hux buVf ho igaf, [[[imwTf Kfxf sLurU kIqf ik nhIN?” “bfigaf, qyrf idmfg Aultf kMm krdf, qYnUM pqf myry kol dfxf KMz df Gftf nhIN, Blf ijhnUM dfxf KMz Kfx dI afdq hovy, kflLI sLwkr dy Pwky ikAuN mfrU!” “hY kmlLf! sLwkr df afpxf svfd qy KMz df afpxf, [[[nflLy Coty muMzy dIaF awKF qyry vrgIaF ikwdF ho geIaF?” idlbfg gwl kr ky AuWcI dyxI hwsdf. avqfr gulvMq nUM kihx lgdf, “dyK ieh ipE dI dfhVI nUM ikwdF pYNdf! [[[E beI mYN cfhl dy gruwp df bMdF, [[[jLrf iejLq nfl pysL af Xfr!” “qyrf gruwp BfvyN sfzy suhry vflLf hovy pr qUM sfzI klwb df mYNbr aYN, [[[qUM qurI jFdI qIvIN nUM sk Yn kr jfnY qy suhrf sfzf ivcfrf nIvIN pf ky qurn vflLf bMdf, [[[AuhdI nIvIN qF keI vfrI eydF dI huMdI aY ik BfvyN KMBy ivc jf vwjy.” “qYnUM afpxy suhry bfry pqf eI kI aY!” “ikAuN, Auh vI iKzfrI irhY?” “mYN ikAuN dwsF beI afpxy imwqr dI koeI gwl!” “ikqy Auh vI qF nhIN qyry nflL eI lfjo nfl[[[?” “qYnUM qF lfjo qoN agy kuJ idsdf eI nhIN, [[[asIN mrszIjL clfAux vflLy bMdy, qUM sfnUM avYNjr dy zrfeIvr bxfeI jfnYN!” “sfzf buVHf vI[[[?” “nhIN Eey, Auh qF Bgq bMdf! [[[Auhdy ihwsy dI aXfsLI vI mYN eI kIqI aY.” avqfr afKdf. iPr Auh gulvMq nUM dwsx lgdf,

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“mYN afieaf qF cfhl sfhb horF nfl eI sI pr Aumr ivc bhuq Cotf sF, [[[ieh twbr-tIr vfly bMdy, iehnF dy mksd hor sI qy mYN qF lfeIP ieMjuafey krnI sI, so krI jf irhF. mYN vDIaf qoN vDIaf aOrq df sfQ mfixaF, dosqIaF vI inBfeIaF pr aOrq dy mfmly ivc myry kuJ asUl aY, iek qF mYN iek smyN iek hI aOrq nfl vfh rwKdF qy dUjf mYN kdy aOrq ‘qy pYsy nhIN Krcdf. [[[ieQy lok hYgy af, KfxI msrF dI dflL qy BUMa, BUMa bdfmF dI.” Aus ny idlbfg vl iesLfrf kridaF ikhf. idlbfg BuVkdf hoieaf boilaf, “lMimaF, vysvfgmnI ivc myrf koeI XkIn nhIN!”

aTfrF jd gulvMq tryinMg lY ky ruafiel zIn ivc puwjf qF TMz cMgI qrFH Auqr cuwkI sI. ieQy af ky Auh afpxy afp nUM pUrI qrFH sYWtl ho cuikaf smJ irhf sI. ieQy hI bws nhIN sI kIqI Aus ny afpxy Coty Brf rfjvMq df irsLqf suKvIr nUM kr idqf hoieaf sI. rfjvMq nUM vIjLf vI iml igaf sI. gulvMq ny Gr nUM iliKaf sI ik rfjU kol Cy mhIny df vIjLf qF hY hI sI ies leI Aus nUM Byjx ivc kfhlI nf krn. Aus ny hfly Gr nUM pUrI qrFH sjfieaf nhIN sI, rfjU dy ivafh leI pYsy vI nhIN sn joV hoey hfly. Auh nvyN joVy dy bYWzrUm nUM vDIaf qrIky nfl sjfAuxf cfhuMdf sI, ijs ivc hfly ksrF sn pr rfjU ieMglYNz afAux leI bhuq kfhlf sI. Auh iksy dI nhIN sI sux irhf. kwl hI Aus df Pon af igaf sI ik Auh aYqvfr nUM puwj irhf hY. ies gwl ny gulvMq nUM prysLfn kr idqf.[[[ jdoN gulvMq df suirMdr nfl ivafh ho igaf qF rfjvMq ny vI ikqfbF suwt idqIaF sn qy ieMglYNz dy suPny dyKxy sLurU kr idqy sn. Aus dI mF dI icwTI afeI ik jy ho sky qF suirMdr dI CotI BYx df irsLqf rfjU nUM krf dyvy. gwl qF TIk sI. suKvIr suhxI vI sI qy suirMdr vFg aklvMd vI pr hfly Aumr CotI sI. solF df rfjU sI qy solF dI hI suKvIr. ieh ivafh dIaF nhIN Kyzx dIaF AumrF sn. mF dIaF do icwTIaF hor af geIaF qf gulvMq socx ligaf ik ikvyN kIqI jfvy. Aus ny srUp nfl jf slfh kIqI. srUp boilaf, “hor kI cfhIdY pr kI mMndy vI af?” “BfjI, ieh qF pqf nhIN, kdy puwiCaf hI nhIN.” “jLrf toh ky dyK, jy mMn gey qf irsLqf kr lYny aF qy swd lvFgy jLrf Tihr ky.” “suirMdr nUM qF mYN hfly lYtr idKfeI vI nhIN, socdF ik BfbI jI buVHI nfl gwl krn. [[[suirMdr nfl gwl krnoN qF mYN hYjItyt kr irhF!” “cMgf bMdf beI qUM, EdF quhfzf iesLk romIE-jUlIat vflY!” “mYN socdF beI BfbI jI nUM gwl krn df ZMg vI hYgf qy jy mYN suirMdr rfhIN gwl krF qF AuhnF nUM ‘nFh’ krnI musLkl ho jfxI aF.” “ieho qF afpF cfhuMny aF ik Auh ‘hF’ kr dyx, nflyL qUM AuhnF df lfzlf juafeI aYN, Brf leI irsLqf mMgxF qyrf hwk bxdY.” “myry eys hwk nUM qusIN qy BfbI jI vrq lE, plIjL!” gulvMq ny hwsidaF ikhf. srUp KusL vI sI pr Aus nUM hlkI ijhI eIrKf vI ho rhI sI ik gulvMq ny ieMnI jldI afpxy Brf nUM ieMglYNz bulfAux df rfh lwB ilaf sI. Aus ny sqnfmI nfl gwl kIqI qy sqnfmI ny Ausy sLfm hI prkfsL kor nfl ies irsLqy dI gwl qor leI. Auh dovyN pqI pqnI afpxI pihlI ivhl ivc hI srUp kol Aus dI dukfn ‘qy af gey. ies irsLqy bfry prkfsL kor qy surjn isMG pihlF hI socx lg pey sn pr hfly bhuq vkq ipaf sI. gulvMq dy ivvhfr qoN hr koeI KusL sI. suKvIr nUM vI

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gulvMq vrgy pqI dI hI qFG sI. suKvIr vI suirMdr vFg hI GuMmx-iPrn dy suPny lYNdI. suirMdr vFg hI Auh sfrIaF QfvF dyKxIaF cfhuMdI ijhVIaF pMjfbI kuVIaF leI ivvrjq sn. jdoN suirMdr ny afpxI mrjLI df hyar stfeIl bxfieaf sI qF suKvIr nUM afpxy lMmy vflL bury lgx lg pey sn. BfvyN surjn isMG ny DIaF nUM kfPI KulHF dy rwKIaF sn pr AuhnF dI iek sImf sI. gulvMq df Brf jLrUr gulvMq vrgf hI hovygf, suKvIr qy bfkI pirvfr vI ievyN hI socdf sI. ieh irsLqf sB nUM mnjLUr sI qy qYa ho igaf. irsLqf qF qYa ho igaf pr dovyN hfly inafxy sn ies leI rfjU nUM iqMn sfl Tihr ky swdx dI slfh bxI. iehnF idnF ivc hI iek vfr iPr Bfrq qoN muMzy mMgvfAux df kfnUMn bMd hox df rOlLf pYx ligaf. torI pfrtI dy ijwqx dI afs sI qy AuhnF dy cox-mYnIPYsto ivc hI ieh gwl sI. pihlF vI mrd-mMgyqr nf swd skx vflf kfnUMn vI iesy pfrtI ny bxfieaf sI. torI pfrtI qF hr hflq ivc ieMmIgrysLn vl sKqI idKfAuxf cfhuMdI sI, aMgryjL votrF nUM afpxy vl iKcx df ieh sOKf qrIkf sI. eysLIan lokF nUM afpxIaF kuVIaF ivafhux df iPkr pY igaf. ijhVIaF kuVIaF pihlF hI mMgIaF hoeIaF sn, AuhnF dy mFpy muMizaF nUM swdx leI kfhly pYx lgy qF ik kfnUMn bxn qoN pihlF pihlF swd skx. surjn isMG nUM vI iesy krky iPkrvMd hox ligaf. srUp qy gulvMq nfl slfh krky Aus nyrfjU dy pypr pf idqy. Aus nUM vIjLf iml igaf. gulvMq Aus nUM rokxf cfhuMdf sI pr rfjU nf ruikaf. rfjU dy afAux vfly idn vI pihlF ijhI hI cihl-pihl sI. sqnfmI ibnF sfry afey. Aus ny dukfn sMBflI hoeI sI. ies vfr ieMmIgrysLn vfilaF ny suKvIr nUM aMdr nf bulfieaf qy rfjU afp hI bfhr inkl afieaf. sqfrF ku sfl df, AuqrdI dfhVI vflf muMzf, sMgdf sMgdf sB vl dyKI jf irhf sI. suKvIr ny njLr Ausy ivc gwzI hoeI sI; inrf gulvMq. gwl krn ivc kuJ iJjk jLrUr sI. eyarport qoN gulvMq dy Gr gey. kuJ GMty bYT ky sfry GrF nUM cly gey. rsqy ivc surjn isMG ny suKvIr nUM puwiCaf, “ikho ijhf ligaf rfjU?” Aus qoN pihlF hI CotI rxjIq bolI, “ibt PYt, ibt awglI!” suKvIr ny Aus dy muwkI mfrI. Aus ny vI brfbrI kIqI, dovyN lVn lgIaF. prkfsL kor ny dbkf mfr ky AuhnF nUM roikaf qy suKvIr nUM kihx lgI, “asIN qF hfly qyrf ivafh nhIN sI krnf pr qUM pVHI eI nhIN, qyry zYzI ny bQyrf ikhf pr qUM tYlI mohirEN eI nhIN sI ihldI huMdI.” suKvIr KusL sI. Aus ny mF dI gwl df koeI jvfb nf idqf, bs muskRfAuNdI rhI. rxjIq nUM Aus ny aMgUTy nfl iesLfrf kr idqf ik rfjU Aus nUM psMd hY. surjn isMG boilaf, “mYN qF pihlF eI ikhf sI ik jy nhIN pVHnf qF ivafh leI iqafr rho, suirMdr vI nhIN pVHI, ieh suwKI vI nhIN pr hux myrI rfxI DI pVH ky idKfAU, iehdf ivafh asIN bhuq Tihr ky krnF.” “ivafh? [[[zYz, no vya!” rxjIq ny moZHy mfridaF ikhf. prkfsL kor ikDry gvfcdI hoeI bolI, “lok kihMdy huMdy sI ik qyrf Gr DIaF nfl Biraf ipaY, kI kryNgI, mYN kihMdI huMdI sI ik iehnF dI iksmq iehnF nfl, [[[dyK lE, ivhVf KflI ho cilaf!” “ikQy KflI ho cilaY!, do iqMn sfl qf hfly suKI nhIN ivafhuxI, [[[bs kort mYirj kr dyxI aF. [[[ieh kMm kry, afpxy ivafh jogy pYsy joVy Pyr dyKFgy.” ieh Tihr ky ivafh krnf sB nUM hI TIk bYTdf sI. iek qF muMzf-kuVI hor isafxy ho jfxgy, dUjf gulvMq kol ivafh jogI ihMmq vI nhIN sI. Auh vI cfhuMdf sI ik rfjU kMm kry qy ivafh jogy pYsy joV lvy. kort mYirj dI qrIk rwK ky sfdI ijhI rsm kr leI. ivafh rijstr krf ky Poto iKc leIaF. ies mOky

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‘qy nyVy dy sfry hI irsLqydfr afey. gurjMt qy blijMdr vI af ky hfjLrI lgvf gey. idlbfg, bljIq, avqfr, srUp; sfry hI sn. sfDU isMG qy svrn kor vI afey. kort mYirj qoN bfad CotI ijhI pfrtI rwKI hoeI sI. aOrqF surjn dy Gr bYT geIaF qy mrd idlbfg vlF. avqfr qy idlbfg ny gfxy gf ky rMg bMn ilaf. sfDU isMG sLrfb-mIt dy iKlfP boldf vI irhf pr mihPl ivc bYTf vI irhf. rfjU nUM jldI hI hYro dI iek PYktrI ivc kMm iml igaf. ieQy GrF dI vrqoN vflIaF plfsitk dIaF CotIaF CotIaF cIjLf bxdIaF sn. bs iswDI jFdI sI. gulvMq ny iek idn PYktrI idKf idqI qy rfjU hr svyr cly jFdf. kdy kdy sLfm nUM do GMty Evr tfeIm vI iml jFdf. Aus dy pfsport Aupr sfl dI stya dI mohr lg geI. suKvIr nUM vI iKzOixaF vflI PYktrI ivc kMm iml igaf. rfjU nUM lY ky Aus df mn suPinaF nfl Biraf rihMdf. kdy kdy Auh rfjU nUM Pon vI kr lYNdI. Pon vDx lgy. Auh iekwTy bfhr GuMmx dI iejfjLq mMgx lgy. iPlmF dyKx jfx lgy. CuwtI vfly idn kdy rfjU lyatn ston cly jFdf jF iPr suKvIr hI vYNbly af jFdI. kdy koeI aMgryjLI iPlm qy kdy ihMdusqfnI iPlm. ieMzIaf qoN iPlm aYktr vI afey hI rihMdy, Auh AuhnF df progrfm dyKx vI cly jFdy. rfjU bhuq sfrIaF gwlF ivc gulvMq vFg qyjL nhIN sI, iek qF hfly Auhdy ijMnf qjurbf nhIN sI qy dUjy Aus df suBfa vI kuJ alwg sI. suKvIr nUM rfjU df gMBIr hoxf burf lgdf sI qy Aus nUM gulvMq vFg aMgryjLI vI nhIN sI bolxI afAuNdI. rfjU nUM vI suKvIr dIaF kuJ gwlF burIaF lgdIaF. iek qF Aus dI hr vyly aMgryjLI bolxf qy dUjf ibnF gwl qoN hwsI jfxf. hwsx qoN Aus nUM prkfsL kor vI tokdI rihMdI. vYsy dovF dI joVI qoN sfry KusL sn. surjn isMG dy dosqF nUM ies irsLqy df hOlI hOlI pqf cilaf. isLvrfj isMG qk Kbr puwjI qf Aus dI pqnI df prkfsL kor nUM Pon af igaf. kihx lgI, “BYx jI, quhfzf juafeI qF bhuq eI qyjL inkilaf, kuVI nUM muitafr vI nhIN hox idqf.” “BYx jI, proPYsr aY, qyjL qF hoxf eI hoieaf, nflLy Ehdf hwk vI bxdf sI.” prkfsL kor smJdI sI ik AuhnF df Cotf muMzf blvIr vI ivafhux vflf sI, iek vfr Auh suKvIr df irsLqf mMg vI cuwky sn pr blvIr anpVH sI qy suBfa df vI KrbHf. irsLqy dI gwl qF gurbMs kor ny afpxy Coty muMzy hrmIq leI vI kIqI sI pr AuhnF idnF ivc hI Auh rfjU leI ‘hF’ kr cuwky sn. iek idn sfDU isMG df Pon aieaf ik Auh imlxf cfhuMdf hY pr imlx df kfrn Aus ny koeI nf dwisaf. surjn isMG hYrfn hox ligaf ik ievyN acfnk ikAuN imlxf hY Aus ny. BfvyN kuVmfcfrI sI pr surjn isMG Aus nUM iml ky kdy vI KusL nhIN sI huMdf. Auh sdf hI afpxy ivcfr agly Aupr Qopx dI koisLsL krdf. jd vI imldf surjn isMG nUM aMimRq Ckx leI afKdf qy idlbfg nUM vI isMG sjfAux dIaF gwlF krn lgdf. Auh surjn isMG nUM ieh vI isLkfieq krdf ik idlbfg bljIq nUM pwbF ivc lY jf ky ivgfV irhf hY. minMdrF qoN Auh BfvyN KusL sn pr minMdrF nfl ieh isLkfieq hmysLf rihMdI ik Aus bljIq nUM gurU dy lV lfAux ivc Pyhl rhI hY. Auh minMdrF nUM surjn isMG dy Gr bhuqf nhIN sI jfx idMdy ikAuN AuQy mIt bxdf sI qy AuhnF dI Pirwj ivc vfeIn vI peI huMdI. jy minMdrF kdy surjn dy Gr afAuNdI vI qF svrn kor nfl huMdI. TIk sfZy cfr vjy sfDU isMG AuhnF dy Gr puwj igaf. Aus dy nfl do bMdy hor vI sn; pUry pMj kkfrI isMG. AuhnF nUM dyK ky iek vfr qF surjn df mwQf Txikaf ik Aus nUM aMimRq Cwkx leI jLor pfAux afey hoxgy. Auh afpxy afp nUM iqafr krn ligaf ik iksy PjLUl soc df TokvF jvfb dy sky. Aus ny AuhnF nUM Piqh bulfeI qy PrMt rUm ivc lY igaf. sfDU isMG ny nfl dy swjxF dI jfxkfrI krfAuNidaF ikhf, “ieh ny srdfr sMpUrn isMG grcf qy ieh ny srdfr ipafrf isMG shoqf.” surjn ny Auh dovyN kuJ iek vfr pihlF vI dyKy hoey sn. jUs pINidaF sfDU isMG kihx ligaf,

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“cfhl sfb, ieh donoN isMG sfihbfn vI lyatn rihMdy af, sfzy gurdvfry iehnF dI afAuxI jfxI aYN. kmytI ivc vI hYgy af. ieh bhuq hI isLwdq nfl mihsUs kr rhy af ik ies ielfky dI sMgq nUM ies ielfky ivc iek gurdvfrf sfihb dI bhuq sKq loV aY.” “myrI jfcy koeI ihljul qF ho rhI aY, kwl koeI gwl kr irhf sI ies bfry.” “jI, pr sfnUM jwtF df gurdvfrf cfhIdf aY.” AuhnF do isMGF ivcoN iek boilaf. surjn isMG hYrfn huMdf kihx ligaf, “kmfl aY srdfr jI! isK Drm qF jLfqF df Kfqmf krky eI qF Kflsf isrjdY, qusIN jLfqF nUM lY ky gurdvfry ivc vMzIaF pf rhy E!” surjn isMG dI gwl sux ky iqMnoN hI iTTk gey. aijhy jvfb dI AuhnF ny kdy afs vI nhIN sI rwKI. siQqI bhuq hI asfvIN ho geI. mOkf sMBfldf ipafrf isMG shoqf boilaf, “srdfr jI, quhfzI gwl iblkul TIk aY, iswK Drm ivc koeI jLfq nhIN hoxI cfhIdI. gurbfxI kihMdI hY ik eyk jfq mfns pr ieh jo awz awz gurdvfry bx rhy af; rfmgVHIaf gurdvfrf, rivdfs gurdvfrf, BftVf brfdrI df gurdvfrf, iehnF ny sfnUM socx leI mjbUr kr idqf ik asIN vI afpxf gurdvfrf alwg bxfeIey. iehdf mqlb ieh nhIN ik asIN sfnUM koeI afpxy jwt hox df koeI hAUmY af, sgoN iehdf kfrx ieh aY ik Auh sfnUM afpxy qoN alwg smJ rhy af qy sfnUM afpxy gurdviraF ivc vVHn nhIN dy rhy.” Aus dy mgr hI sMpUrn isMG grcf kihx ligaf, “srdfr jI, ieh ijhVIaF jfqF huMdIaF nf, ieh kbIly vFg huMdIaF, iehnF dy jIx dy qrIikaF ivc Prk huMdY, sfzIaF keI iksm dIaF rihqF ivc vI Prk aY, eys leI asIN iek dUjy nUM keI vfr sihMdy nhIN, iesy leI rfmgVHIaf gurdvfry vfly sfnUM lfgy nhIN lgx dy rhy, jy nhIN dy rhy qF kI krIey! [[[AuhnF dIaF imMnqF krIey jF iPr afpxf gurdvfrf bxf leIey.” “srdfr jI, mYN bhuqf kuJ kih ky quhfnUM nfrfjL nhIN krnf cfhuMdf pr mYnUM pqY ik ieh gurdvfry cODr cmkfAux dIaF QfvF bx geIaF, [[[jd iek gurdvfry ivc cODr nhIN imldI qF nrfjL hoxy bMdy afpxf alwg gurdvfrf KVf krn lgdy af.” “ieh gwl nhIN, hux bfrikMg vflf gurdvfrf sfihb sfnUM dUr eI bhuq pYNdY iesy krky asIN ieQy gurdvfry dI loV mihsUs krdy aF.” surjn isMG kihxf cfhuMdf sI ik kbIly vflI dlIl qF bhuq hI PjLUl hY, aj df smfj bhuq vsIh ho cuikaf hY. jfqF dy nF qy lokF nUM Bfvuk kr ky mfieaf dy gwiPaF dy sfDn pYdf kIqy jf rhy hn. gurdvfiraF ivc cODr dI Kfqr lVHfeIaF huMdIaF hn, kql qk ho jFdy hn. ikMny mukwdmy afdlqF ivc cl rhy hn, sB kfhdy leI hY; isrP golk leI. surjn soc irhf sI ik ieh mihmfn hn qy sfDU isMG nfl afey hn ies leI Auh cuwp irhf. Aus ny ieMnf hI ikhf, “srdfr jI, mYN jLfqF nfl juVy gurdvfiraF nfl sihmq nhIN pr qusIN mfx nfl afey ho, mYnUM lgdY ik PMz cfhIdf hovygf, jo vI ihsfb nfl myry jLuMmy qusIN lfvoNgy mYN dy dyvFgf.” “cfhl sfb, PMz qF iek gwl aY, qusIN ies ielfky ivc bfrF-cOdHF sfl qoN rihMdy E, asIN cfhuMny aF ik qusIN sfzy nfl quro. ieh kMm iekwly bMdy df nhIN. bhuq musLkl tfsk aY jI. sMgq nUM lfmvMd krnf hoeygf, gurdvfry leI jgfh inscq krnI hoeygI, nksLf afid vI, quhfzy vrgy pVHy ilKy lokF dI ies kMm leI bhuq jLrUrq aY.” “srdfr jI, mYN iblkul vI Dfrimk bMdf nhIN aF, mYN qf gurdvfry vI idn-sud ‘qy eI jfnF.” “quhfnUM jfxf cfhIdY, hr rojL jfieaf kro, mwQf tyk ky asLIrvfd lYxf cfhIdY qF jo quhfzf jnm sPl ho sky.” “srdfr jI, myry leI iehnF gwlF dI koeI ieMpOrtYNs nhIN.” “kI gurdvfry ieMpOrtYNt nhIN?”

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“myry leI gurdvfry jfxf, jnm sPl krnf koeI mfihny nhIN rKdf. hF, ijhVI gwl qusIN gurvfiraF dI ieMpOrtYNs dI krdy E, eys mulk ivc gurdvfry bhuq jLrUrI aY. gurdvfry afpxf siBafcfr sFBx dy kMm vI afAuNdy af. sfzy bwcy pwCmI siBafcfr dI ckfcOND ivc Ps ky afpxy klcr qoN dUr jf rhy af, gurdvfry, mMdr, msjdF ies gwl ivc shfeI huMdy af.” “ieho gwl qF asIN kih rhy aF ik sfnUM afpxI pwCfx bxfAuxI cfhIdI aY nhIN qF sfzy bwcy gorI siBaqf ivc grk jfxgy. iesy leI kihMny aF ik afp vI qy bwicaF nUM vI gurdvfry ilafE, isMG sjf ky gurU dy lV lfE, AuhnF dy mIt-sLrfb CuzvfE qy afpxf siBafcfr sFBo.” “muafP krnf, qusIN siBafcfr qy Drm nUM ieko jgfh rwKI jf rhy E.” “ieh do ikvyN ho gey?” “siBafcfr ielfky df jF kbIly df, ijvyN qusIN kihMdy sI, ho skdY pr Drm inwjI huMdY. sfry pMjfbIaF df iek siBafcfr aY pr Drm keI aY. eydF eI iswKI dIaF ikMnIaF brFcF hYgIaF pr siBafcfr ieko aY.” surjn dI gwl sux ky Auh cuwp kr gey qy iek dUjy vl dyKdy qurn leI pYr mlx lgy. surjn isMG ny iPr ikhf, “srdfr jI, mYN ieMzIan kuimntI df iek aMg aF, qusIN jo vI ZflL lfvoNgy, mYN dy dyvFgf.” Auh AuT ky cly gey. prkfsL kor dUjy kmry ivc AuhnF dI sfrI gwlbfq sux rhI sI. Auh af ky bolI, “jI, ieh Blf quhfzI kI afdq hoeI ik agly nUM JfV ky rwK dyxF. aglf kuVmfcfrI dy mfx nfl afieaf sI qy qusIN muhirEN KuMb Twpx lg pey!” “buVHIey, qYnUM Blf iksy gwl dI smJ lgI?” “afho lgI, pihlF qusIN ikhf ik gurdvfry nhIN cfhIdy, Pyr ikhf beI cfhIdy af qy Pyr iek hor AultI ijhI gwl kwZ mfrI.” “E buVHIey, mYN ikhf beI mYN Dfrimk bMdf nhIN, EdF gurdvfiraF dI loV hYgI. [[[mYnUM nhIN hornF nUM, agFh dI nsl nUM. [[[bwicaf nUM qF skUlF ivc Drm dI isiKaf idqI eI jfxI aF, jy mFpy afpxf Drm nhIN isKfAuxgy bwcy iksy hor Drm vl vI Juk skdy af.” “qusIN qF afpxIaF DIaF nUM kuJ nhIN isKfieaf kdy!” “myrIaF DIaF sB isKIaF–isKfeIaF. [[[mYN qF ieho sLukr krdF ik ieh juaflf sLfh dy rot qoN bc geIaF.” ruafiel zIn ivc eysLIan qy kfilaF dI igxqI dyK ky gulvMq hYrfn sI. eysLIan lok ieMny sn ik sfrf idn aMgryjLI df iek awKr vI bolx dI loV nhIN sI. ienspYktr pMjfbI, buk-rUm ivc pMjfbI jF gujrfqI, XUnIan ivc vI eysLIan. ieQy af ky Aus nUM iek hor rfhq imlI ik ieQy sfry hI vwzIaF nOkrIaF Cwz ky afey lok sn; mfstr, proPYsr, vkIl. iek hor ajIb gwl sI ik ruafiel zIn ivc kMm krdy bhuqy lok afps ivc irsLqydfr sn; sfly-BxoeIey, cfcy-BqIjy, mfmy-BFxjy, ipE-puwqr, suhry-jvfeI. ijhnUM ieQy nOkrI iml jFdI Auh afpxy hornF nUM vI ieQy hI iKcx lgdf. hux aOrqF nUM vI zfkKfny ivc kMm krn dI iejfjLq iml jfx krky keI BYx-Brf, pqI-pqnI, ipE-DI afid joVy vI bx gey sn. ies qrFH ruafiel zIn iek iksm df smfjk adfrf ijhf vI bixaf hoieaf sI. keI iksm dIaF pfrtIaF cldIaF hI rihMdIaF sn. kdy ikRsms pfrtI qy kdy idvflI dI, kdy ivsfKI dI qy kdy eId dI. iksy dy pirvfr ivc muMzf jMmdf qF dosq Aus nUM Gyr lYNdy. jd ieMzIaf ikRkt df vRlz-kwp ijiqaf df ieMzIan lokF ny pUry zfkKfny nUM vwzI pfrtI kIqI. ihMdU, muslmfn, iswK, iesfeI sB rlL ky KFdy-pINdy. ruafiel zIn ivc sLrfb bhuq pIqI jFdI. muslmfn vI pINdy pr bhuqI vfrI corI corI.

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ieQy isafsq Aupr vI BKvIaF bihsF huMdIaF. brqfnvI isafsq bfry vI qy BfrqI qy pfiksqfnI isafsq bfry vI. Bfrq-pfiksqfn sbMD qF sdf hI ivgVy rhy sn, BKvI bihs df kfrx bx jFdy sn. sMn iekwqr dI donF mulkF dI jMg smyN donF mulkF dy kfimaF ivc afpsI qxfv ieMnf vD igaf sI ik mYnYjmYNt sfvDfn ho geI sI ik koeI axsuKfvIN Gtnf hI nf vfpr jfvy. Aus qoN bfad muV donoN iDrF afps ivc TwTf-msLkrI krn lgIaF sn. gulvMq leI ieh sB nvF qjurbf sI. Aus nUM pfiksqfnI lokF nUM imlxf cMgf lgdf sI. Aus df pfiksqfn bfry bhuq kuJ jfnxf cfhuMdf sI. Aus df qF pfiksqfn jfx nUM vI bhuq idl krdf. lfiel pur dy cODrI mnsUr alI nfl Aus dI keI vfr izAUtI pY jFdI. Auh AuQoN dIaF bhuq sfrIaF gwlF suxfAuNdf pr gulvMq nUM mnsUr alI dI iek gwl cMgI nf lgdI ik Auh iswKF nUM ihMdUaF qoN alwg krky dyKdf qy bhuqI vfr ihMdUaF dy iKlfP prcfr krn lgdf. gulvMq Aus nUM tok vI idMdf pr mnsUr alI iPr sLurU ho jFdf. iek jgfh Aus dI izAUtI XsL sLrmf nfl pYNdI. Auh hwsdf hoieaf dwsx lgdf, “pfiksqfn df sfzy mulk nfl kI mylH? sfzf mulk hfQI qy Auhdy sfhmxy pfiksqfn df sfeIjL kuwqy ijzf. hfQI df kMm aY qury jfxF, kuwqy df kMm aYN BONkdy rihxf. eydF eI ieh sfry pfiksqfnI afpxI ieh jOb krI jFdy af.” keI vfr Auh kihx lgdf, “ieMzIaf df pfiksqfn nfl kI mukfblf? ijMnf sfry pfiksqfn df bjt aY eynI qF sfzf iek minstr irsLvq Kf jFdY!” iek aXUb milk sI. Auh keI vfr XsL sLrmf nUM CyVn leI af jFdf, afKdf, “pMzq jI, KusLInfmy qusIN sfnUM ksLmIr dyxf neIN, lV ky sfzy qoN ilaf nhIN jfxF, mgr ksLmIr ieMzIaf leI icqVF dy PoVy vFg rihxF, hmysLf irsdf, drd idMdf[[[.” “TIk aY milk sfihb, qusIN shI kihMdy E pr ajIb gwl ieh aY ik ieh PoVf qF ieMzIaf dy hoeygf pr twpdf qF drd nfl sfrf pfiksqfn iPrdY.” sLrmf aigEN gwl nUM vlL ky afK jFdf. pfiksqfnIaF ivc Aus dy keI cMgy dosq bx gey sn. gujrfqIaF qy goiraF-kfilaF nfl vI gulvMq KulH ky gwlF kiraf krdf. purfxy lokF nfloN Aus dI dosqI ivc nvyN lok ijLafdf afAuNdy sn. sfry hI nvyN purfixaF ivc Gwt iBwjdy sn. asl ivc hux keI sflF bfad ruafiel zIn dI BrqI KulHI hox krky nivaF-purfixaF ivc kfPI Prk af igaf sI. nivaF ny afpxIaF alwg klwbF bxf leIaF sn, vwKrIaF sMdUkVIaF ijhIaF ilaf rwKIaF sn. nvyN pMjfbIaF ivc bhuqy muMzy Auh sn ijhVy ivafh krfAx leI afey hoey sn ies leI iksy ny mjLfk ivc nivaF dI klwb df nF hI mrd-mMgyqr klwb rwK idqf. ruafiel zIn dy sfry hI pMjfbI surjn isMG nUM jfxdy sn. cmn lfl, bldyv, gurnfm afid qF gulvMq nUM ivsLysL qOr qy af ky imly qy vwKrf ijhf inwG idKfieaf. gulvMq ikqy bYTf huMdf jF jf irhf huMdf surjn isMG dy vfkP iek dUjy nUM iesLfrf krky dsdy; ‘Auh aY cfhl df jvfeI, proPYsr sI ieh kpUrQlyL.’ gulvMq dI nyVy dI ZfxI ivc musLqfk, aYln qy ivjy sn. ieh sfry tryinMg vyly ieko bYj ivc sn qy iPr iehnF isLPt vI ieko hI lY leI. do qoN ds-CwqI. ds-CwqI qoN bfad cfr GMty jF swq GMty Evr tfeIm lg jFdf. bhuqy lok swq GMty Evr tfeIm lfAuNdy. sfZy awT GMty dI izAUtI qy nfl swq GMty Evr tfeIm pf ky sfZy pMdrF GMty bx jFdy. iek GMtf kMm qy afAux qy iek GMtf jfx. ieh smF kwZ ky sOx leI isrP Cy GMty hI bcdy. ies leI ruafiel zIn dy bhuqy lok AuxINdry dy mfry hoey huMdy. keI vfr iek dUjy nUM CyVn lgdy. koeI kihMdf, “Eh dyKIN Xfr, aslm hOlI hOlI quiraf afAuNdY, lgdf suwqf ipaf, jgf dy ivcfry nUM, ikqy izg hI nf pvy!”

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Aus dy nvyN dosqF ivcoN ivjy PgvfVy qoN BfbiVaF df muMzf sI. keI sflF qoN GroN inkilaf hoieaf sI. keI mulkF ivc GuMm-Gumf ky lMzn pwuijaf sI. ieQy nklI ijhf ivafh krf ky pwkf hoieaf sI. grInPorz gulvMq dy Gr dy nyVy hI rihMdf sI. musLqfk, lhOr qoN sI, vI Auhdy vFg ivafh leI afieaf sI. Aus afpxy sky cfcy dI kuVI nfl ivafihaf igaf sI. Ausdf dosq aYln afiersL muMzf sI. eyNjl rihMdf sI qy sfeIkl ‘qy hI kMm ‘qy afAuNdf jFdf. Evr tfeIm lfAux leI Aus dysI bMidaF ijMnf hI qkVf sI. jdoN bRyk imldI qF iksy kursI ‘qy bYT sON lYNdf. ievyN sOx dy T umky qF awDf ruafiel zIn lfAuNdf sI. aYln iek vwzI sfrI aKbfr jybH ivc rwKdf. bIar pIx nUM vI Auh bhuq qkVf sI. ivjy qy aYln keI vfr sLrqF lf ky ieko sfhy glfs pINdy. AuhnF ny musLqfk nUM vI bIar pIx isKf ilaf sI. gulvMq vI CyqI hI sLrqF lfAux jogf ho igaf. kMm ‘qy jfx nUM gulvMq leI aMzrgrfAUNz sUq bYTdI sI pr bfrF vjy qoN bfad itAUb bMd ho jFdI qy jy Aus ny EvrtfeIm lfAuxf huMdf qF kfr hI TIk bYTxI sI. ivjy qy Auh vfrI vfrI kfr lY jFdy. nvIN BrqI df aglf bYj afieaf qF nvqyj qy rxvIr vI AuhnF ivc af rlLy. ruafiel zIn ivc iehnF CyaF df qkVf gurwp bx igaf. ieko isLPt qy ieko ijhf Evr tfeIm. iekwTy hI pwb nUM jFdy jF lOkrF ivc luk ky boqlF Kohldy. ivjy QF-QF Dwky Kf ky kFtf bx cuwikaf sI. Auh qrIky qrIky nfl afpxf kMm jldI kZf lYNdf; XUnIan hovy jF buwk rUm. rfqF nUM Evr tfeIm df iencfrj vwzI sfrI dyh vflf gorf jYk hfrvy huMdf. ivjy jYk hfrvy nUM pwb ivc lY jf ky glfs iplfAuNdf qy aijhI jgfh izAUtI pvf lYNdf ijQoN Prlo mfr ky sON sky jF iPr jldI Gr nUM jf sky. gulvMq nUM aijhI clfkI nhIN sI afAuNdI. aYln ivjy vFg hI qyjL sI. Auh dovyN jYk hfrvy nfl igt imt krky gulvMq df vI aijhf ieMqjLfm kr idMdy.

AuWnI rfjU qy suKvIr iPlm dyK ky muVy. izgvF ijhf sUrj afpxI pIlI Duwp lY ky hfly kfiem sI. meI dI TMz aijhI sI ik Bfry kpVy pf ky hI inklxf pYNdf. Auh dovyN lyatn ston dy stysLn qoN iek dUjy df hwQ PVI bfhr inkly. hfeI roz qoN jYbrf krOisMg pfr krn lgy qF sfhmxy iek pqlf ijhf gujrfqI muMzf KVf sI. suKvIr Aus nUM dyKdy hI bolI, “hYlo imwk, hfE afr XU?” “afey ‘m PfeIn, hfE afr XU? [[[hfE iejL aYvrI bOzI?” “PfeIn, aYvrI bOzI PfeIn!” imwk suKvIr df purfxf jmfqI sI. dyr bfad imilaf sI. Auh iek dUjy nUM hornF jmfqIaF bfry puwCx lgy. suKvIr gwlF krdI ieMnI KuwB geI ik Aus nUM kol KVy rfjU df cyqf hI nf irhf. asl ivc aj Auh rfjU qoN hlkI ijhI bor vI ho geI sI, ies leI vI Auhdy vl Aus df iDafn nf igaf. rfjU kuJ dyr KVf AuhnF vl dyKdf irhf. Aus nUM ievyN axgOly jfx Aupr bhuq guwsf af irhf sI. QoVI dyr ruk ky Auh qur ipaf. nyVy hI qF suhiraF df Gr sI. iekwly rfjU nUM drvfjLy ivc KiVaF dyK ky prkfsL kor ny kfhlI nfl puwiCaf, “vIrF ikQy af?” “Auh moV ‘qy KVI iksy muMzy nfl gwlF krdI aY.” “kOx muMzf?” “pqf nhIN, pihlF mYN kdy nhIN dyiKaf.”

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rfjU ny jLrf ku ihrK ivc afiKaf. prkfsL kor nUM hwQF pYrF dI pY geI. suKvIr df KulHf suBfa Aus nUM hr vyly DuVkU lfeI rKdf sI. Aus ny nf j uwqI pfeI qy nf hI isr ‘qy kuJ ilaf qy AuDr nUM Bwj peI. suKvIr dUr KVI hfly vI muMzy nfl gwlF krdI Aus nUM ids rhI sI. Auh jFdI hI Aus ‘qy vrH peI, “qUM pfgl qF nhIN ho geI! [[[cwl, qur Gr nUM, qyry zYzI afey bYTy af qy BfjI qy suirMdr vI.” suKvIr imwk nUM alivdf kihMdI qur peI. prkfsL kor bolI, “qYnUM sLrm aY ik neIN! [[[kwl nUM qyrf ivafh krnF, muMzf qyry nflL aY qy qUM iksy hor nfl gwlF krn zih peI aYN!” “mMmI, myrf klfs PYlo aY.” “cuwp krky Gr nUM qurI cwl, [[[lgdI klfsPYlo dI!” Auh Gr puwjIaF qF ajIb ijhI cuwp psrI peI sI. gulvMq, rfjU qy surjn isMG iek dm KfmosL bYTy sn. suirMdr vI dUjy kmry ivcoN af geI. Aus nUM sqvF mhInf cl irhf sI. sfry hI suKvIr nUM iJVkdy, aklF dyx lgy. suKvIr moZHy ijhy cukdI kihMdI jf rhI sI; ‘so vOt!’ gulvMq, suirMdr qy rfjU aj svyry hI ieDr af gey sn. rfjU qy suKvIr ny iPlm dyKx jfxf sI. gulvMq qy surjn ruafiel zIn aYqvfr dI isLPt lfAux cly gey. svf ku cfr vjy Auh prqy sn. suKvIr df ievyN Epry bMdy nfl KV ky gwlF krnf gulvMq nUM ieMnf nhIN sI cuiBaf. Auh ies nUM suKvIr df bcpnf hI smJ irhf sI pr rfjU ies gwl nUM idl ‘qy lf igaf. Auh iksy nfl boilaf qk nf. rotI Kfx vyly vI cuwp irhf qy Gr vfps muVidaF vI. Aus nUM lgx ligaf ik suKvIr Aus nUM psMd nhIN krdI. iPlm dyKidaF vI Aus nUM keI gwlF ivc axsuxf krdI rhI sI. Gr pwuj ky suirMdr sOx cly geI qF gulvMq ny rfjU dy moZHy qy hwQ rwK ky pwuiCaf, “qUM TIk qF aYN?” rfjU BuwbIN Auqr afieaf ijvyN Aus df aMdr AucV igaf hovy. gulvMq Aus nUM glL nfl lfAuNdf boilaf, “aYzI ikhVI gwl ho geI?” “suKvIr mYnUM lfeIk nhIN krdI, Auh qF Es muMzy nUM[[[.” “hY, kmlLf! qUM ikhVI dunIaF ‘c quiraf iPrdYN, eyh qF klfsPYlo muMzy kuVIaF ieMzIaf ‘c vI eydF KV ky gwlF kr lYNdy af, mYN krdf irhF.” “nhIN, AuhdI Auhdy nfl eI gwl aY, myry nflL qf iswDy mUMh bolI eI nhIN.” “stUipz nf bx, mYN suKvIr nUM bhuq cMgI qrFH jfxdF, jy Auh eydF dI huMdI qF mYN irsLqf eI kfhnUM krnf sI. Auh byvkUPI ieh kr geI ik Es muMzy nfl qYnUM ieMtroizAUs krfAuNdI.” rfjU awKF pUMJdf cuwp kr igaf. gulvMq ny iPr ikhf, “jy koeI eydF dI gwl huMdI qF qyry sfhmxy QoVoN Auhny AuhnUM imlxf sI, ieh ieMglYNz aY, ieh bhuq sDfrn gwl aY eys mulk ivc. iksy kuVI nfl gwl krn df mqlb ieh nhIN huMdf ik Auhdy nfl Auh Krfb aY, [[[qUM qF beI bhuq purfxI soc df mflk aYN, eydF qF hux koeI ieMzIaf ivc vI nhIN socdf hoxF.” rfjU nUM Brf dI dlIl cMgI lgI ik jy suKvIr Krfb huMdI qF Aus ny corI imlxf sI sfhmxy nhIN. Aus muMzy nUM Auh imlI vI ievyN hI sI ijvyN dyr bfad dyiKaf hovy. rfjU TIk ho igaf pr Aus df mn pUrI qrFH Doqf nf igaf. Auh bhuqI gwl kIqy ibnF hI sON igaf. svyry AuT ky cfh pIqI ibnF hI kMm ‘qy qur igaf. suirMdr nUM iPkr hox ligaf. gulvMq nUM icMqf qF sI pr Aus nUM hYrfnI ies gwl dI sI ik rfjU inkI ijhI gwl nUM vwzI ikAuN bxf irhf hY. dUjy pfsy Auh rfjU nUM bwcf hI smJ irhf sI pr afpxI aOrq Aupr aiDkfr df jjLbf Auh iksy vwzy nfloN vI ijLafdf leI iPrdf sI. agly idn surjn qy gulvMq kMm Aupr imly. surjn isMG puwCx ligaf, “rfjU hfly vI apsYWt aY?”

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“sfzI jgIrU soc eynI CyqI sfzf ipwCf nhIN Cwzx lgI pr qusIN iPkr nf kro, mYN smJf idqf EhnUM.” “afpF kfhlI kr gey aF, donoN hfly inafxy aF, nfsmJ.” “zYzI, hux qF gwl dUr inkl geI, kfnUMn bMd hox krky afpF nUM kfhlLI krnI peI pr qusIN iPkr nf kro.” “dyiKE ikqy ivcoN koeI hor gwl eI nf inkl afvy ik lok qmfsLf dyKx.” “qusIN vwrI nf kro.” “jy ieh eydF eI GuMmdy rhy qF koeI nf koeI gwl inklLI eI rihxI aF, ikAuN nf iehnF df ivafh eI kr dyeIey, afpy aYzjst krngy.” “gwl qF zYzI TIk aY, iehnF df bhuqf iekwTf GuMmxf mYnUM vI cMgf nhIN lgdf pr iek qF sfzy hux bybI afAux vflY qy dUjy myrf hwQ vI hfly kuJ qMg aY, [[[mYN cfhuMdf sI ik ivafh ‘qy qfey jF Bfpy nUM swdF.” “AuhnF nUM Pyr kdy swd ilE, afpF sfdf ijhf ivafh kr lYny aF, quhfzy ivafh vrgf eI.” gulvMq ny sfrI gwl srUp nUM dwsI qF Auh guwsy ivc BVk AuiTaf. Auh suKvIr aqy Aus dI mF nUM burf Blf bolx ligaf qy boilaf, “ieh gwl nhIN bxnI beI, [[[jy kuVI kol buafey PrYSz hoieaf qF Auhny nhIN itkxf.” “BfjI, eyh buafey PrYSz nhIN sI, sfDfrn klfs PYlo sI.” “gulU qUM bhuq BolLf aYN, qIvIN dy iesLk ivc Ps ky sfrI dunIaF qYnUM cMgI lgI jFdI aY, ieQoN dIaF kuVIaF nUM qUM nhIN jfxdf, mFpy nUM nFh nhIN kr skdIaF qy ivafh krf lYNdIaF pr bfad ivc lwq mfr ky Eh jFdIaF.” srUp BiKaf ipaf sI. gulvMq nUM Aus dI ieh gwl bhuq burI lgI pr Auh kuJ kih nf sikaf sgoN srUp nUM sFq krn dI koisLsL krdf irhf. srUp TMzf huMdf boilaf, “sB qoN vwzf mslf qF muMzy dy pwky hox df aY, sfl dI stYNp lgI hoeI aY, aOKy sOKy sfl kwZ lE, muMzf pwkf ho jfAU, Pyr dyKFgy ik ikhVy Bfa ivkdI aY.” gulvMq nUM srUp dI koeI vI gwl hjLm nhIN sI ho rhI. Auh soc irhf sI ik srUp vI rfjU vFg kuJ ijLafdf hI pRqIkrm idKf irhf hY. suirMdr dy hspqfl jfx qoN pihlF hI rfjU qy suKvIr df ivafh rwK idqf igaf. sfdf ijhf ivafh. kort mYirj qF ho hI cuwkI sI. bfrikMg dy gurdvfry lfvF ho geIaF. AuhI PotogrfPr sI, Ausy rYstorYNt ivc duiphr dy Kfxy df ieMqjLfm sI, AuhI nyVy dy irsLqydfr. gurjMt qy blijMdr gurdvfry lfvF vyly afey qy AuQoN hI muV gey.[[[ gurjMt qy idlbfg ivclf qxfv idno idn vDdf jf irhf sI. BfvyN Auh kdy vI afhmo-sfhmxy nhIN sn hoey pr iek dUjy dy ivcfrF dI DUM donoN pfsIN hI phuMc jFdI. AuhnF dIaF pqnIaF mMmI nfl gwl krdIaF qy mMmI axjfxy ivc hI gwl ieDroN EDr kr idMdI. gurjMt ny idlbfg nfloN vDIaf kfr leI qF blijMdr ny mMmI nUM ds idqf ik kfr KrIddy smyN gurjMt dy mn ivc idlbfg dI kfr nfl mukfblf sI. gurjMt df Gr vI idlbfg dy Gr qoN kuJ vwzf sI, ieh gwl vI Auh aksr krdf rihMdf. Aus df ieh kihxf ik tYksI clfAuxf koeI iejLq vflf kMm nhIN, vI blijMdr qoN mMmI qy mMmI qoN guirMdr rfhIN idlbfg qk puwj cuwikaf sI. idlbfg keI vfr gurjMt Aupr srIrk hmlf krn bfry socx lgdf. iesy krky afpxy nfl krdy iek jmfieky nfl dosqI vI gMZI pr gwl bxI nhIN sI. surjn isMG ny AuhnF dohF nUM lY ky duKI hoxf Cwz idqf hoieaf sI. jy koeI gwl bhuqI rVkx lgdI qF amFzf nUM icwTI ilK ky mn hlkf kr lYNdf. hux jd kdy vI amFzf df iKafl afAuNdf qF Auh socF ivc zuwb jFdf.

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Aus idn surjn isMG Gr muiVaf qF Gr aMdroN kuJ ajIb ijhf ligaf, Eprf Eprf. nf rsoeI ivcoN ihMdI, pMjfbI jF aMgryjLI gIq dI DuMn AuBrI, nf PrMt rUm ivc tYlI dI afvfjL, nf koeI hor Bwj-dOV. prkfsL kor iekwlI bYTI sI. Aus ny pqI nUM dyKidaF hI awKF Br leIaF qy bolI, “rUpI horIN afpxy nvyN Gr cly gey, Gr ivc suMn pY geI. [[[vIrF ivafhI geI, rxjIq afpxy kmry ivc vVI pVHI jFdI aY, myrf qF tYlI lfAux nUM vI idl nhIN kIqf.” surjn nUM cyqf Bwul igaf sI ik guirMdr ny bwcy lY ky aj afpxy nvyN Gr cly jfxf sI. idlbfg ny Gr bdl ilaf sI. gurjMt dy vwzy Gr nfl mukblf krn leI Aus ny ielfkf hI bdl ilaf sI. surjn isMG nUM ies gwl df bhuq duwK sI pr Auh kr kuJ nhIN sI skdf. Aus ny prkfsL kor df idl rKidaF ikhf, “Edr nf buVHIey, ieh qF iek idn hoxf eI sI, iek idn qF asIN ‘kwly hoxF eI aY, [[[Pyr vI rfxI sfzy kol aY, iehdf ivafh hfly ds sfl nhIN krnf.” “mYnUM qF inafixaF dy jfx df ijLafdf duwK aY, kol huMdy qF ikMnI rOxk rihMdI sI, hr vyly bol-bulfrf rihMdf sI. [[[kmlLy bfgy ny iek vfrI vI nhIN soicaf ik mYN ieMnI dUr rUpI nUM dyKx ikwdF jfieaf krUM.” “cwl, Ehny vwzy Gr df cfa pUrf kr ilaf nflyL sLukr kr asIN AuhnF dy ibwl-iksLqF dyx qoN Cuwt gey, dUr hoxgy qF afpy afpxf iPkr krngy.” “agy qF AuhnF dy ibwl-iksLqF qusIN eI idMdy sI?” “pMjfh vfrI idqy af, cyqf Buwl igaf!” “rihx idaf kro, qusIN aYmyN bfgy nUM mfVf bxONdy rihMdy E.” prkfsL kor idlbfg df pwK lYNdI AuTI qy rotI lY afeI. surjn isMG dI cuwp qoN Auh smJ rhI sI ik idlbfg dy ieQoN hor ielfky ivc cly jfx krky pqI vI Audfs hY. surjn socdf sI ik idlbfg nUM nvF Gr lYx dI koeI jLrUrq hI nhIN sI, AuhnF dy nyVy rihx krky AuhnF dy bwcy vI sOKy plL jfxy sn. pqI-pqnI kuJ dyr bYTy rhy. surjn jldI AuT ky sOx kmry ivc cly igaf. Aus ny hlkI afvfjL ivc ryzIE lgfieaf qy tybl lYNp jgf ky sLYlP qoN iek ikqfb cuwk leI. ieh astrylIaf ivc vsx dy ieqhfs bfry ikqfb sI. amFzf ny pihlIaF mulfkfqF ivc ieh ikqfb Aus nUM ByNt kIqI sI. Aus Aupr amFzf dy dsqKq vI sn. Auh ikqfb df pihlf sPf Kohl ky amFzf dy dsqKqF Aupr AuNglF Pyrn ligaf. hux qk prkfsL kor vI rxjIq nUM rotI Kvf ky af geI. Aus ny pqI df ruKL dyiKaf qy dUjy pfsy nUM mUMh krky pY geI. surjn isMG ny ikqfb iek pfsy rwKI qy amFzf nUM icwTI ilKx bih igaf. aijhI icwTI ilKx ligaf ik pqf hI nhIN cilaf ik kd ds sPy ilKy vI gey qy gwl ijvyN hfly Aus ny koeI vI nf khI hovy. lMmIaF icwTIaF qF Auh aksr ilKdf rihMdf sI pr keI keI bYTkF ivc ilKdf. amFzf dIaF icwTIaF vI lMmIaF huMdIaF sn. sB qoN lMmI icwTI amFzf ny ipCly sfl ilKI sI jd Aus dy mn psMd gfiek aYlivjL prYjLly dI mOq ho geI sI. aYlivjL surjn df vI chyqf gfiek sI. jd amFzf dI afpxy pqI jOrj nfl Kt-pwt cl rhI sI Aus vkq vI Aus dIaF icwTIaF lMmIaF huMdIaF sn, AudoN vI jd Aus nUM kuJ dyr leI nvF bafey PrYSz imilaf sI. icwTI ilK ky Aus df mn hlkf ho igaf. pUry vIh sPy ho gey sn. Aus df idl kIqf ik iek vfr icwTI nUM pVH ky dyKy ik Aus ny kI kI ilK mfiraf hY pr Aus ny icwTI nf pVHI, isrP siPaF nUM iek twk dyKdf irhf qy socdf irhf ik kI kI iliKaf hY Aus ny; ‘asIN lok irsLiqaF ivc ikvyN bwJ jFdy hF! BfrqI lok irsLiqaF ivc bwJdy hI nhIN blik grwsy jFdy hn. keI irsLqy boJ huMidaF vI Zoxy pYNdy hn, cfhuMdy hoey vI iehnF qoN Cutkfrf nhIN pf skdy. keIaF irsLiqaF rfhIN asIN iek dUjy ‘qy ieMnf inrBr krn lgdy hF ik kmjLor ho jFdy hF.’ Auh socx ligaf ik irsLiqaF duafly hI ieMnf ikAuN GuMmdf irhf hY. As dy aMdrlf Klfa qF sLfied koeI hor hY. aj dI inkI ijhI AudfsI eyzI vwzI nhIN sI ik Aus dy imjfjL nUM ievyN kfbU kr lYNdI.

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Auh iekwlf jLrUr mihsUs kr irhf sI. iekwlf qF Auh bhuq vfr pYx lgdf sI pr iekwl ny Aus nUM kdy ieMnf Audfs nhIN sI kIqf. Aus nUM lgx ligaf ik CotIaF CotIaF AudfsIaF aj iekwTIaF ho geIaF hn ijvyN CotIaF CotIaF sIrF KflH bxdIaF hn qy KflHF agy ndI. Aus nUM ieho qswlI bhuq sI ik icwTI ny Aus nUM qro qfjLf kr idqf sI. prkfsL kor smJdI sI ik pqI icwTI ilK irhf hY. Auh afpxy QF ibPrI peI sI. Auh jfx buwJ ky ibsqrf ihlfAux leI pfsy bdl rhI sI. do vfr AuT ky bfQrUm vI geI. iPr aOKI huMdI bolI vI, “lYt bMd kro, sON lYx idE iksy nUM, iehnF nUM nvIN juafnI cVHI aY!” idlbfg brkly roz qoN ielPorz lyn ‘qy af igaf. lyatn ston qy ielPorz df cfr pMj mIl df Prk sI. ieh nvF Gr sI qy nvF ielfkf. Gr bdlx krky zfktr vI bdlxf ipaf qy bwicaF df skUl vI. Gr bdlx df kMm vI bhuq aOKf sI pr idlbfg bhuq KusL sI. Gr KulHf sI. vwzf sfrf gfrzn qy sLFq ijhI sVk. bwcy vI KusL sn qy guirMdr vI pr guirMdr nUM mMmI-zYzI koloN dUr jfx df duwK vI sI. idlbfg dI vwzI qswlI sI ik ieh Gr gurjMt dy Gr qoN ikqy vwzf qy vDIaf sI. gurjMt dy hI nhIN, gulvMq qy Aus dy qfey dy muMizaF dy GrF qoN vI ieh Gr suhxf sI. ies ielfky ivc nvyN izjLfeIn dy Gr bxy sn. GrF dIaF kImqF hux hor Aupr cly geIaF sn. kImqF vDx kfrn ienPlysLn vD geI qy qnKfhF vI. ies krky hux mOrtgyjL vI sOKI qy ijLafdf imlx lg peI sI. Aus df pihlf Gr vIh hjLfr pONz df ivikaf qy ieh pYNqI df iml igaf. donF GrF dI kImq df ijMnf Prk sI Aus ny EnI hI mOrtgyj vDf leI. ievyN pwilEN koeI pYsf nhIN sI pfAuxf ipaf. hF, hux mhIny dI iksLq vwzI ho geI sI. hux mhIny dy do sO pONz dyxy pYNdy. ieh musLkl qF sI pr Auh hux tYksI ijLafdf GMty clf lYNdf. guirMdr nUM vI Gr dy nyVy pfrt tfeIm kMm iml igaf sI. surjn isMG iek gwloN KusL vI sI ik hux idlbfg itk ky kMm krn ligaf sI. idlbfg pihlF nfloN kuJ itk ky kMm jLrUr krn ligaf sI pr Aus dI afeI clfeI hI msF cldI. dosqF nUM iml ky hfly vI Aus nUM cfa cVH jFdf. istI vl igaf huMdf qF avqfr kol aflzgyt cly jFdf. keI vfr srUp kol aYktn jf ky bIar pI afAuNdf. eyafrport dI svfrI imlI huMdI qF rfjU nUM imlx cly jFdf. gulvMq qF kdy imldf hI nhIN sI. Auh bhuqf smF ruafiel zIn ivc Evr tfeIm hI krdf rihMdf. idlbfg rfjU nUM pwb ivc lY jFdf. Auh snUkr Kyzx lgdy. kdy koeI gorI iekwlI bYTI huMdI qF idlbfg Auhdy nfl gwlIN jf lgdf. kdy bIar Br rhI bfr-lyzI nUM CyVn lgdf. rfjU nUM vI aijhf krn leI AuksfAuNdf. koeI kuVI dyKky rfjU nUM kihMdf, “jfh, trfeI mfr ky dyK, eynf suhxf muMzf aYN, kuVIaF ny qF qyry ‘qy mrnf eI hoieaf!” keI vfr Auh rfjU nUM afKx lgdf, “qyry vwzy BfeI ny sfrIaF aOrqF dy idmfg Krfb kr ‘qy, [[[suirMdr nUM eynI KulH dy idqI ik bfkI dIaF vI rwsy quVfAuNdIaF!” rfjU Aus dIaF gwlF df bhuqf jvfb nf idMdf, bs hwsdf rihMdf pr Aus nUM idlbfg dI gwl shI jfpdI. Auh aksr socdf ik kI kih pqnI df pwb ivc jfxf, ibnF mqlb qoN GrvflI nUM kfr ivc bYTfeI iPro, aYvyN hI AuhdIaF qfrIPF krI jfE. bfhr jfE qF suirMdr aksr kfr clf rhI huMdI qy gulvMq mUrf ijhf bixaF Aus nfl bYTf huMdf. Auh socdf ik afdmI dy huMdy hoey aOrq ikvyN kfr clf skdI hY, ieMnf guxIN gulvMq GrvflI dy ieMnf Qwly ikAuN ligaf hoieaf hY. Aus nUM gulvMq dIaF hor vI bhuq sfrIaF gwlF glq lgdIaF pr vwzf Brf hox krky Auh kuJ nf kih skdf. Auh hr vyly suKvIr nUM vI kfr iswKx leI AuqsLfh idMdf rihMdf. suirMdr mhIny bfad hI hyar stfeIl bdl lYNdI. suKvIr vI vflL ktfAux leI kihx lgI sI pr Aus ny sfP nFh kr idqI sI.

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rfjU afp KUb GuMmdf. PYktrI ivc kMm krn krdy bhuq sfry muMzy Aus dy dosq bx cuwky sn. bhuqy qF Aus vFg hI ivafh leI afey hoey sn. hryk vIk a YSz ‘qy dosqF nfl bfhr jfx df Aus df progrfm bixaF hI rihMdf sI. kfrF df Aus nUM bhuq sLONk sI Kfs qOr ‘qy kfrF dI mkYnkI df. zrfeIivMg tYWst qF Auh pihlI vfr hI pfs kr igaf sI. AuhnF kol Porz dI kOrtInf kfr sI. Aus ny kOrtInf nfl sbMDq vwzI sfrI ikqfb KrIdI qy jd vI ivhl imldf Auh kfr df bont Kohl ky bYT jFdf. iksy dosq dI kfr ivc ipaf Cotf-motf nuks vI Auh TIk krn ligaf sI. kfr dIaF bRykF, plwg-puafieMt qF Aus leI mfmUlI cIjLF bx geIaF sn. kfr dI pUrI srivs vI afp hI krn lg ipaf sI. suKvIr nUM Ausy PYktrI, jy lfienjL, ivc kMm iml igaf ijQoN suirMdr ny Cwizaf sI. rfjU suKvIr dy kMm krn qoN KusL nhIN sI pr gulvMq dI gwl nUM Aulwd vI nhIN sI skdf. Aus nUM ieh vI pqf sI ik GrF dy Krcy bhuq hn; ibwl, iksLqF hI pysL nhIN sn jfx idMdy. ipwCy ijhy hI AuhnF ny ieMzIaf nUM vI pYsy Byjy sn. suKvIr jd vI mMmI nUM imldI qF rfjU dIaF isLkfieqF lY ky bYT jFdI. gulvMq vflf Aus ivc iek vI gux nhIN sI. prkfsL kor agoN boldI, “cwl vIrF, koeI neIN, afpy TIk ho jfAU, inafxF hfly.” suirMdr vI rfjU dy suKvIr pRqI vqIry qoN bhuq duKI sI. hr sLfm Aus kol gulvMq kol lgfAux leI koeI nf koeI isLkfieq jLrUr huMdI. Auh mMmI nfl vI aijhIaF gwlF krdI rihMdI. gulvMq afKdf, “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, sfrIaF gwlF mMmI nUM nhIN dwsIdIaF, hr Gr dy kuJ prdy vI huMdy af.” “qF kI hoieaf gwul, Auh qF afpxI mMmI aF.” “mMmI ivcfrI iekwlI, qusIN cfr jfxIaF!” gulvMq afKdf. Aus kol vI rfjU nUM bdlx df koeI hwl nhIN sI. rfjU iekwlf nhIN sI bhuqy ieMzIan afdmI rfjU vrgy hI sn. Auh kdy kdy rfjU nUM smJfAux dI koisLsL krdf vI pr ieh nf kih skdf ik suKvIr nUM suirMdr ijMnIaF hI KulHF dyvy. Aus ny iek idn suirMdr nUM ikhf, “mlvYxyN, hux qUM vI bfkI BYxF vFg rihxf sLurU kr dy, qF jo qyry vl dyK ky koeI hor qMg nf hovy.” “guwl, mYN ikhVf hYlIkOptr AuzfeI iPrdI aF !” “ieh qF hux qUM AuhnF nUM puwC.” gulvMq vI socdf sI ik aijhI koeI Kfs gwl qF hY nhIN. surjn isMG vI ieh sfrIaF gwlF sux sux ky Audfs huMdf. Auh suKvIr nUM smJfAux dI koisLsL krdf ik rfjU df mukfblf gulvMq nfl nf kry blik gurjMt nfl krky dyKy. kMm Aupr gulvMq qy surjn isMG imldy pr Gr dI koeI gwl nf krdy. AuhnF dIaF bhuqIaF gwlF isafsq bfry huMdIaF jF Aus jgfh bfry ijQy gulvMq GuMm ky afieaf huMdf.

vIh gulvMq dIaF hPqy dIaF CwutIaF sn. sfl dy cfr hPqy Aus ny afpxI loV dy ihsfb nfl vMz ley hoey sn. iek hPqf bcdf sI ijhVf Aus ny iksy pfsy GuMmx leI rwiKaf hoieaf sI pr ies hPqy aMimRq iZwlI ho geI so CuwtIaF Gr hI kwtxIaF peIaF. iek idn suirMdr kihx lgI, “guwl, ikAuN nf sivimMg clIey.” “ikAuN nhIN, bhuq idn ho gey pr aMimRq df kI krFgy! suKvIr vI kMm ‘qy aY, [[[hF, iek gwl aY ik afpF vfrI vfrI sivwm kr lvFgy.” “hfey, ieh ikwdF ho jfAU gwul! [[[mjLf qF iekwTy sivwm krn df aY, iPr iksy idn shI.”

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Auh aksr qYrn cly jfieaf krdy sn. gulvMq ny qF ieMzIaf ivc hI CwpVF-KUhF ivc CflF mfr ky qYrnf isiKaf hoieaf sI pr suirMdr nUM nhIN sI afAuNdf. ieQy skUlF ivc isKfieaf jFdf sI pr Aus vyly suirMdr dI Aumr kuJ aijhI sI ik sivimMg klfsF nhIN sI lY skdI. hux Gr dy nyVy hI sivimMg pUl sI qy gulvMq ny Aus nUM qYrnf isKf ilaf sI. grBvqI hox qk suirMdr lgfqfr qYrn jFdI rhI sI. aMimRq dy jnm qoN bfad jd Aus df pyt aMdr nhIN sI jf irhf qF zfktr ny qYrn dI vrijsL dI slfh idqI sI. iek idn suKvIr ny kMm ‘qy awDf idn hI jfxf sI. AuhnF ny sivimMg jfx df progrfm bxf ilaf. suKvIr qF pfxI ivc mwCI vFg huMdI. sivimMg Aus dI hObI vI sI. suKvIr vI AuhnF dy nfl hI qur peI qy Aus ny vI afpxf trMk nfl lY ilaf. ieMnI dyr bfad sivwm krnf suKvIr nUM bhuq hI cMgf ligaf. pihlF suirMdr ny iPr suKvIr ny aMimRq nUM sMBfl ilaf. jdoN GroN gey qF rfjU kMm ‘qy sI. Auh muVy qF rfjU afieaf bYTf sI. cfa dI BrI suKvIr Aus nUM kihx lgI, “gYWs voh?” “kI hoieaf?” “asIN sivimMg gey sI.” “ikQy?” “sivimMg pUl, hor ikQy!” suKvIr hfly vI pUry cfa ivc sI pr rfjU nUM Jtkf ijhf vijaf. Auh puwCx ligaf, “qUM vI sivwm kIqf?” “hor nhIN, afey ‘m vYrI guwz sivimr, [[[afr XU?” “sivimMg vfly kpVy pf ky sivwm kIqf?” “qy hor trfAUjLr sxy!” kihMdI suKvIr qfVI mfrdI hwsI. rfjU df guwsf hor vI jLrb Kf igaf. Aus ny puwiCaf, “hor vI afdmI isgy AuQy?” “hF, sivimMg pUl Biraf ipaf sI.” “qUM afdmIaF sfhmxy cwzI ‘c sivwm kIqY?” guwsy ivc rfjU dIaF mwuTIaF mIcIaF jfx lgIaF. suKvIr bolI, “BfjI vI qF nfl sI.” gulvMq df nF sux ky Aus dIaF muwTIaF kuJ iZlIaF peIaF. afvfjL ivc vI kuJ nrmI af geI. boilaf, “dyK muV ky ieh byvkUPI nhIN krnI kdy. [[[mYN neIN cfhuMdf ik myrI vfeIP lokF sfhmxy sivm kry, aMzrstYNz!” “XU blwzI bYkvRz! [[[BfjI zwjLMt iQMk dYt vya.” “AuhdI afpxI iQMikMg aY, myrI afpxI. Auh qF vfeIP nUM pwbF klwbF ivc vI leI iPrdY! [[[pqf lok ikwdF qIvIN vl dyK af! [[[AuhnUM eys gwl nfl Prk nhIN pYNdf pr mYnUM pYNdf.” Auh afpxy kmry ivc sn qy ieMnI ku avfjL ivc hI gwlF kr rhy sn ik bfhr nf suxn. suKvIr zuskx lg peI. rfjU ibPiraf bYTf irhf. Aus nUM gulvMq ‘qy vI guwsf af irhf sI. Auh suirMdr nUM GroN ievyN iqafr krky kwZdf sI ijvyN ivafh jfxf hovy. kMm qoN vI keI keI vfr Pon krky Aus df hfl cfl puwCdf rihMdf. Aus ny suKvIr Aupr keI pfbMdIaF lfeIaF hoeIaF sn; skwrt nhIN pfAuxI, vflL KulHy nhIN Cwzxy, kMm Aupr vfDU pYsy nhIN Krcxy, Epry mrd nfl gwl nhIN krnI. Aus dI pwb jF izsko jfx dI qmMnf qF kdoN dI dm qoV cuwkI sI. jd Aus ny prkfsL kor kol isLkfieq kIqI qF Auh JhI ijhI lY ky pYNdI bolI,

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“vIrF, qUM ikAuN nhIN smJdI ik rfjU gulvMq nhIN, qyry zYzI vI kihMdy af ik ijhVI rfjU dI soc aY ieho sfzy hr ieMzIan bMdy dI aY, eys krky akl nfl cwl.” rfjU suKvIr ‘qy pUrf roab rwKdf sI. hukm vI clfAuNdf; afh ilaf, aOh kr, Eh nf kr. suKvIr aigEN kuJ kihMdI donF df JgVf ho jFdf. afps ivc ruws jFdy. suirMdr AuhnF dI sulfh krfAux dI krfAux dI koisLsL krdI nhIN qF gulvMq nUM dKl dyxf pYNdf. Auh rfjU nUM smJfAuNdf qy dbkdf vI. rfjU muV pYNdf pr kuJ idnF bfad iPr Auho gwl hox lgdI. bIar df qF Auh lgfqfr pwb jfx krky afdI ho cuikaf sI. bIar-bwqf qF gulvMq vI pI lYNdf pr kMm ‘qy hI. jy kdy koeI mihmfn af jfvy qF BfvyN ivskI df iek pYWg jF bIar df iek zwbf lY lvy pr rfjU agly nfl bYT ky sLrfbI hox qk jFdf. gulvMq Aus nUM ieMnI sLrfb qoN rokdf, kuJ idnF leI Auh ruk vI jFdf pr mOkf imlidaF hI iPr pIx lgdf. iek idn srUp ny gulvMq nUM Pon krky bulfieaf. srUp hux afpxI dukfn ivc bhuq ivasq ho igaf sI. gulvMq vI bhuqf smF kMm ‘qy hI rihMdf. ies krky AuhnF ivckfr kdy kdy Pon Aupr hI gwl huMdI. rfjU srUp nfl gulvMq vFg nhIN sI juV sikaf. Auh Aus nUM kdy imlx vI nhIN sI igaf qy nf hI Pon kIqf sI kdy. aYqvfr vfly idn Auh kMm qoN muVdf hoieaf aYktn hI ruk igaf. srUp kihx ligaf, “iek idn bfgf afieaf sI, kihMdf ik rfjU kuVI nUM qMg bhuq krdf, [[[dyiKE ikqy koeI pMgf nf pf bYiTE.” “pMgf ikwdF BfjI?” “qUM qF guwl, eydF gwl krdF ijwdF qUM inafxF huMnF! [[[jy kuVI KusL nf hoeI qF muMzy nUM moV vI skdI aY, cyqf Buwl igaf ieQoN dy kfnUMn df, jy ikqy muMzf muV igaf qF ipMz ‘c kI mUMh idKfvFgy! [[[eys krky akl nflL cwlo, jy Auh nhIN qF qUM qF aklvMd aYN, mOkf sMBflL lY, iek vfr muMzf pwkf qF ho jfvy, Pyr ijhVIaF qwdIaF krnIaF kr lvy.” surjn isMG ny jf ky buwk rUm muhry lgI Evr tfeIm dI afpxI izAUtI dyKI. Aus ny jnrl sOritMg ‘qy jfxf sI; icwTIaF dI afm CFtI vflI jgfh. Prym muhry bYT ky icwTIaF CFtxf keI vfr bor vI krn lgdf pr jy nfl koeI vfkP bYTf hovy gwlF vflf qF vkq suhxf gujLr jFdf. surjn isMG ieMncfrj kol afpxf nMbr ilKf ky PrymF vl viDaf qF dyiKaf ik cmn lfl dy nfl dI sIt KflI peI sI. hor kI cfhIdf sI. Auh qF cmn lfl nUM imlxf vI cfhuMdf sI. kuJ idnF qoN Auh dunI cMd dI kuVI bfry socdf irhf sI. dunI cMd cmn lfl df irsLqy ivcoN Brf lgdf sI. ipwCy ijhy Aus dI kuVI df ivafh hoieaf sI pr hux muMzy kuVI df afps ivc JgVf ipaf hoieaf sI. iek vfr surjn isMG vI pMcfieqI bx ky jf cuwikaf sI pr sulfh nhIN sI ho rhI. iesy bfry hI cmn lfl qoN puwCxf cfhuMdf sI ik kI bixaF. Aus dy sIt Aupr bYTidaF hI cmn lfl boilaf, “amr sUMh afieaf ipMzoN, [[[kwl brOzvya qy imilaf sI.” “kI dsdf ipMz df?” “kihMdf; awzy ‘c gyt bx igaf bVf qkVf.” “awCf! ikhny bxfieaf?” “bfbU rfm sUMh dy muMzy ny bxfieaf knYzy qoN af ky.” “hor kI dsdf?” “bhuqIaF gwlF nhIN hoeIaF, kihMdf kuVIaF dy skUl leI srpMc ny ZflL ‘kwTI krn aOxYN.” “srpMc kOx aYN hux?” “AuhI, mJYl sUbf sUMh.”

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“hor kI dsdf ielfky df hfl?” “muMzy df ivafh krn igaf sI, kihMdf iksy idn lwzU dyx afAUN, bih ky gwlF krFgy.” iek do hor gwlF qoN bfad surjn isMG ny puwiCaf, “muV ky afpxI gwl eI neIN hoeI, dunI cMd dI kuVI TIk aY hux?” “nf beI, Auh gwl nhIN bxIN. pihlF kuVI bhuq ‘qfhF sI, hux kuVI nrm peI qy muMzf sflLf bhuq ‘qFh iPrdf. lgdf qlfk hoAU. dunI cMd ivcfrf roNdf beI qlfk df Dwbf vI Kfndfn ‘qy lgxf eI sI!” gwl sux surjn isMG KfmosL ijhf ho igaf. iek cIs Aus dy aMdr GuMm geI. dunI cMd ny afpxI kuVI leI ieMzIaf qoN muMzf mMgvfieaf sI. kuVI dy mukfblf muMzf suhxf sI. jlMDr EvrsIar ligaf irhf sI. sfl Br Auh TIk irhf pr jd pwkI mohr lg geI qF awKF idKfAux ligaf. cmn lfl dws irhf sI, “mYnUM qF pihlF eI sLwk sI beI aYzI jOb vflLf muMzf aYzjst ikwdF kr igaf, sflLy ny sfl imMnf-mIsxf bx ky kwZ ilaf. mYN dunI cMd nUM pihlF eI ikhf sI beI muMzf kuVI dy myc df eI dyKIN.” “nhIN, ieh qF bMdy bMdy ‘qy mnwsr krdY, hux afpxy gulvMq vI hYgf, qyry sfhmxy eI aY.” “qyrI gwl hor aY, qyry inafxy vI qF mUMh mwQy lgdy af, ieh sfzI kuVI jLrf mwDrI vI sI qy rMg vI jLrf[[[.” muMzf kuVI nUM Cwz ky brmIGMm afpxy BYx kol cly igaf sI. BYx BxoeIaf hI ivcoly vI sn. BxoeIey dy ijLafdf jLor pfAux ‘qy muMzy ny kuVI rwKxI mMn leI pr mhIny dy aMdr aMdr iPr AuhI kMm sLurU ho igaf. cmn lfl guwsy ivc afieaf kihx ligaf, “eydF dy kMjr sflLy ieMglYNz dI Kfqr eI ivafh krfAuNdy af, jy myrf vws cly qF sflLy dy jf ky gozf PyrF, mYN qF dunI cMd nUM ikhf sI beI kuVI juwqI dy jLor nflL eI vsxI aYN.” “cmn lfl, juwqI dy jLor nfl vI kdy kuVIaF vsIaF!” kihMdf surjn isMG iek vfr iPr cuwp ijhf kr igaf. cmn lfl nUM ligaf ik ikDry koeI gVbV jLrUr hY ijhVf surjn isMG ny ies ivc ieMnI idlcspI leI hY pr Aus ny koeI svfl nf kIqf. Aus nUM surjn isMG dy suBfa df pqf sI ik jy kuJ dwsxf hoieaf qF afp hI dwsygf nhIN qF nhIN. surjn isMG ny iPr puwiCaf, “hux kI iscUeysLn aYN?” “hux kI hoxF, muMzf ikqy glfsgo vl jf ky rihx lg ipaf, gwl geI hwQoN. [[[jy ikqy pihlF smYWl af jFdI qF AuhnUM pwkf eI nf hox idMdy, ltkdf rihMdf sflLf ivc ivcflLy.” cmn lfl ny afpxI gwl ‘qy dbfa pfAuNidaF ikhf ijvyN Auh surjn nUM koeI slfh dy irhf hovy. surjn cuwp cfp icwTIaF CFtdf irhf. kuJ dyr bfad cmn lfl boilaf, “mYN qF kihMnF ik Pyr vI iek gwl df bcfa ho igaf.” “ikhVI gwl df?” “ik kuVI dy koeI bwcf nhIN sI, nhIN qF kuVI ivcfrI sfrI Aumr bwcf eI pflHdI rihMdI, [[[hux qF koeI hor ieMqjLfm ho jfAU, hOlLI sihjy.” gulvMq srUp dy mUMhoN rfjU nUM vfps moVn vflI gwl sux ky iek pl leI qF ziraf pr Aus nUM XkIn sI ik ievyN kdy vI nhIN ho skdf. suhry Gr ivc Aus dI ieMnI iejLq sI qy kI Auh Aus dy Brf nfl ievyN krngy, kI suirMdr ievyN ho lYx dyvygI. Aus nUM sB Aupr pUrf Brosf sI. kdy kdy Aus df idl krdf ik srUp vflf zr Auh rfjU nfl sFJf kry pr iPr socdf ik rfjU kI socygf ik Brf hI Aus nUM DmkIaF dy irhf hY. Auh ieh vI socx lgdf ik koeI Aus dy Brf nUM moVn dI juarq ikvyN kr skdf hY. iek idn Auh afpxy afiersL dosq aYln nfl ies bfry gwlF krn ligaf. aYln ny ikhf,

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“guwl, mYN quhfzy smfj bfry kuJ nhIN jfxdf pr bMdy df kuJ nhIN pqf huMdf ik Auhny ikhVy vyly bdl jfxYN.” “aYln, jy iksy ny myry Brf nUM vfps moVn dI koisLsL kIqI qF mYN bhuq burf sbk isKfvFgf.” “guwl, kI sbk isKfvyNgf? qUM afpxf Gr qF Krfb nhIN kryNgf nf! [[[ibhqr aY ik mOkf sMBfl.” aYln ny slfh idqI. Ausy idn gulvMq ny pwb ivc do glfs bIar dy pIqy qF ieh soc Aus dy mn ivc isLwdq nfl iPrn lgI. Aus ny afpxy afp nUM ikhf; ‘ieh vI dyK lYny aF, jy sflLy myry Brf nUM eI moVn bfry socx lg pey qF myry ieh kI lgdy af.’ Gr af ky Aus ny suirMdr nUM puwiCaf, “tYWn bfeI tYWn, mYnUM ikMnf ku ipafr krdI aYN?” “guwl, kI hoigaf qYnUM! ieh puwT svfl ikAuN kr irhYN?” “myry svfl df jvfb dyh.” “aOP kors, afey lv XU, hfE mwc, kFt aYkplyn.” suirMdr ny Aus nUM bfhF ivc lYNidaF ikhf. gulvMq cfh ky vI ies bfry Aus nfl gwl nf kr sikaf. ies qoN bfad iek gwl ieh hoeI ik hux Aus nUM rfjU bhuqf glq nf lgdf. iek sDfrn pqI vflf vrqfv hI qF sI Ausdf. rfjU qy suKvIr dy JgVy ivc hux suirMdr vI afpxI BYx df pwK KulH ky lYNdI. suKvIr rfjU qoN bhuq qMg rihx lgI. Aus nUM lgdf ik rfjU jfx buwJ ky Aus nfl aijhf vqIrf kr irhf hY. ivafh qoN pihlF Auh ikMnI vfr iPlm dyKx gey sn pr ivafh qoN bfad rfjU iek vfr vI Aus nUM ikqy lY ky nhIN sI igaf. Aus nUM lgdf ik ijvyN Auh Gr ivc kYd ho ky rih geI hovy. gulvMqy qy suirMdr ikqy jFdy qF suKvIr nUM nfl lY jFdy pr Aus dI ieMny nfl qswlI nhIN sI. Auh mMmI nUM Pon krdI qF bhuqf smF rfjU dIaF isLkfieqF hI lfAuNdI rihMdI. surjn isMG nUM vI hux rfjU ‘qy guwsf afAux ligaf sI. iek idn Auh gulvMq nUM kihx ligaf, “rfjU nUM smJf kuJ.” “zYzI, mYN donF nUM hI smJf irhF, donF nUM eI afpxI soc bdlx dI loV aY, rfjU dI sfrI soc iPAUzrl smfj vflI aY qy suKvIr iek dm ieQoN dy ihsfb nfl soc rhI aY, mYN koisLsL kr irhF ik donoN hI ivckfr ijhy ikqy af jfx.” “pr vIrF qy kih rhI sI ik rfjU jfx buwJ ky AuhnUM iegnoar kr irhY.” surjn isMG dy bol jLrf sKq sn. ieh sKqI gulvMq nUM gvfrf nhIN sI pr Auh afpxI nrm sur nfl hI boilaf, “zYzI, mYnUM qF aijhf nhIN lgdf ik jfx buwJ ky aijhf krdf hovy pr iPr vI qusIN iPkr nf kro, mYN krdF kuJ.” guwl ny suirMdr nUM kih idqf ik suKvIr nUM smJfvy ik ieMzIan pqI aijhy hI huMdy hn pr rfjU nUM Aus ny kuJ nf ikhf. kuJ idnF bfad Aus sfry hI lytatn ston imlx gey. sB dy bYiTaF ivckfr surjn isMG ny afiKaf, “dyK rfjU, asIN kuVI qYnUM ivafhI aY, koeI nOkrfxI nhIN idqI, [[[qYnUM iehdf pUrf iDafn rwKxf cfhIdf, pUrI brfbrqf dyxI cfhIdI aY.” surjn isMG dI roabfnf afvfjL hox krky rfjU guwsf Kf igaf. Auh boilaf, “zYzI, mYN iehnUM kdy kuJ nhIN ikhf, iksy g wloN roikaf nhIN pr ijwdF ieh avfrfgrdI krn nUM kihMdI aY Auh mYN nhIN krf skdf.” “qUM GroN gfieb rihMnY, awDI awDI rfq nUM muVdF, ieh ivcfrI iekwlI huMdI aY.” “mYN vIkaYSz ‘qy dosqF nfl pwb jFnF bs. iPr ieh iekwlI ikAuN huMdI aY, BrjfeI Gry hI aY hr vyly.”

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“eyhdf hsbYNz qUM aYN, jo suK eyhnUM qyry Gr hox nfl imlxYN iksy hor nfl nhIN iml skdf. hfly qF quhfzy ivafh nUM icr eI QoVf hoieaY, agy kI hoAU! [[[akl nfl rho, sfzy vI mn sLFq rihx, nhIN qF[[[.” surjn isMG ny gwl aDUrI Cwz idqI. Aus dI ‘nhIN qF’ gulvMq dy srIr ivc iek qfr ijhI Pyr geI pr rfjU Aupr ies df koeI asr nf hoieaf. Aus nUM ieh DmkI nhIN sI lgI. gulvMq cuwp ijhf ho igaf. vfps Gr afAuNdf vI KfmosL ijhf irhf. Aus socdf jf irhf sI ik ies DmkI nfl ikvyN inpitaf jfvy. surjn isMG Aus nUM kMm Aupr imldf qF pihlF vFg hI KusL ho ky. gulvMq socdf ik sLfied ieh DmkI nf hI hovy. iek idn Aus ny hONslf krky rfjU nUM ikhf, “qUM afpxI GrvflLI nUM KusL rwK, sfl kwZ lY, pwkf qF ho jfh.” “kI KusL rwKF, jd gwl krdI aF qF kihMdI aY ik qYnUM moV dyxF.” “iehnF sfilLaF dI aYsI kI qYsI! [[[moV dyxF! eyhnF dy ipE df rfj aY nf!” gulvMq ny kcIcI vtidaF ikhf. Aus dI slfh mMnidaF rfjU ivc kuJ ku bdlfv jLrUr afieaf. Auh pwb isrP iek idn hI jFdf. kdy kdy suKvIr nUM nfl lY ky GuMmx vI cly jFdf pr ievyN jFdf ijvyN PormYn dy kihx ‘qy koeI kMm kr irhf hovy. ivhly smyN suKvIr nUM lY ky ibsqr ivc jf pYNdf pr afp ikqfb pVHn lgdf jF sMgIq suxn lgdf qy suKvIr bs, nfl hI peI huMdI. rfjU keI gwlF ivc bhuq lfprvfh sI. ijQy dyKdf kpVy suwx idMdf. rotI kdy vI zfeIinMg tybl ‘qy bYT ky nf KFdf. rotI Kf ky BFzy vI AuQy hI pey rihx idMdf jd ik gulvMq isMk ivc rwKdf sI. suirMdr qy suKvIr tYlI Aupr cldy iksy kfmyzI progrfm nUM dyK ky KfV KfV hwsdIaF qF Auh AuhnF vl ivMgf ivMgf dyKx lgdf. tYlI dy progrfm Aus dy pwly nhIN sn pYNdy. dovyN BYxF jfx buJ ky Auhdy sfhmxy aMgryjLI ivc gwlF krdIaF. keI vfr rfjU nUM lgdf ik sLfied AuhdIaF hI gwlF kr rhIaF hox. Aus nUM hyTI ijhI mihsUs hox lgdI. CyqI hI Aus ny kfly-gory dosqF nfl bol bol ky aMgryjLI df aiBafs kr ilaf. Auh aMgryjLI smJx vI ligaf qy bolx vI. hux Auh suKvIr nfl aMgryjLI ivc boldf qF Auh muhirEN pMjfbI ivc jvfb idMdI, ievyN hI suirMdr vI. suKvIr dy nfl nfl Aus nUM suirMdr Aupr vI bhuq guwsf afAuNdf. Aus dy vqIry ivc Aus nUM nPrq sfP idsdI sI. kdy Aus df idl krdf ik gulvMq kol suirMdr dI isLkfieq lfvy pr iPr socdf ik AuhnF dI suKI ivafhuqf ijLMdgI nUM ikAuN Krfb kry. ievyN hI kridaF krfAuNidaF sfl inkl igaf. gulvMq ny rfjU qy suKvIr dy pfsport hom afiPs nUM Byj idqy qF jo rfjU nUM pwkI irhfiesL dI stYNp iml jfvy. pfsportF dy nfl Byjx leI suKvIr ny afpxy hwQIN icwTI ilK idqI ik Auh rfjU nfl KusL hY. gulvMq KusL sI ik koeI axsuKfvIN Gtnf nhIN sI vfprI. hux rfjU pwkf ho jfvygf qy iPr jo krnf hY krI jfvy. rfjU df vrqfv qy suKvIr dI byqswlI surjn isMG nUM hr vyly cuBdy rihMdy. rfjU suKvIr nUM sfP kih idMdf ik qUM pqnI hY qy pqnI bx ky rih. surjn isMG socx ligaf sI ik pwkf ho ky rfjU kuVI nUM ijLafdf qMg krygf. ieh vI ho skdf hY ik Aus suKvIr nUM Cwz hI dyvy. aijhI siQqI ivc gulvMq vI kuJ nhIN kr skygf. Auh qF hux vI kuJ nhIN kr irhf. Auh hr vyly socF ivc zuwibaf rihMdf. iek idn cmn lfl Aus nUM puwCx ligaf, “sB TIk qF hY nf, bhuq guaficaf guaficaf ids irhYN. kwl mYN qYnUM hYlo ikhf pr qUM boilaf eI nhIN.” “lgdY Xfr, myry nflL vI dunI cMd vflLI hoxI aYN!” “suK bol!” cmn lfl ny ikhf qy nfl hI aglI gwl suxn leI kMn Aus vl kr ley. surjn kuJ dyr nf boilaf qF Auhny afp hI pwuC ilaf, “ikhdI gwl krdYN?”

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“gulvMq dy Coty Brf dI, ipCly sfl ijhVf ivafh kIqf sI.” “muMzf pwkf ho igaY?” “pfsport Byjy hoey af, ieho qF hux zr aY ik pwkf ho ky Krfb eI nf kry, pihlF eI bhuq prCwty mfrdf iPrdY.” “iehdf iek qrIkf hYgf, kuVI vloN hom afiPs nUM iek icwTI hor pvf idE ik jfpxY ik muMzy ny shUlq df ivafh krfieaf qy pwkf ho ky Cwz dyvygf, mYN muMzy nUM hor jwj krnf cfhuMnI aF qy myrI knPrmysLn dI AuzIk kIqI jfvy.” “eyhdy nfl kI hoAU?” “hoAU ieh ik jd qk qusIN nhIN kihMdy muMzy dy pwkI stYNp nhIN lgx lgI, kukVipMzIey crn sUMh ny eydF eI kIqI sI, sfl do sfl qF sihjy eI inklL jfxy aF.” “cmn lfl, gwl qF qyrI TIk aY pr donoN kuVIaF ieko Gr hYgIaF, eydF gwl hor pfsy vI qur skdI aY.” “qur qF skdI aY pr qusIN ies df iksy kol ijLkr nf kro, cuwp krky icwTI ilK idE, [[[pfsport kdoN Byjy af.” “iesy mMzy nUM.” “jy kusL krnf qF huxy kr idE, ajkwl hPqy ‘c eI stYNp lf ky Byj idMdy af. jy muMzf pwkf ho igaf qF hwQ mlLdy rih jfENgy.” cmn lfl pUrI hmdrdI nfl gwl kr irhf sI. surjn isMG socF ivc pY igaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gulvMq df rfjU nfl bhuq ipafr hY, ieh gwl Aus nUM iblkul psMd nhIN afvygI sgoN Ault suirMdr dy gulvMq dy sbMDF ivc vI Prk pY skdf hY. rfjU nUM moVnf gulvMq kdy vI brdfsLq nhIN krygf. Aus ny dyiKaf ik gulvMq kMm ‘qy hY, suirMdr Gr hI hovygI. Aus ny suirMdr nUM Pon krky sfrI gwl dwsI. suirMdr ny ikhf, “zYz, rfjU ny suDrnf qF hY nhIN pr guwl ny ieh gwl lfeIk nhIN krnI.” “iesy gwloN qF mYN zrdF ik Auh vI ikqy qYnUM Cwz ky qurdf bxy.” “eydF nhIN krdf guwl. Auh qF myry ‘qy jfn idMdf qy nflLy aMimRq qoN ibnF qF Auh rih eI nhIN skdf.” “iPr afpF hfly rfjU nUM moVn qF nhIN lgy, isrP izlya eI krnI aF.” “TIk aY zYzI, ijwdF vI qusIN krnI aYN kr lE.” suirMdr ny pUrI qswlI nfl ikhf. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik kuJ vI ho jfvy, gulvMq Aus nUM kdy nhIN Cwzygf. surjn isMG nUM ieh gwl kuJ ku rfhq vI dy rhI sI pr iPkvMd vI bxf rhI sI. iPr Aus ny suKvIr nfl gwl kIqI. Auh qF pihlF hI BrI-pIqI bYTI sI, bolI, “zYz, afey zONt vON’tU ilv ivd ihm.” “nhIN eydF nhIN, afpF isrP icwTI eI ilKxI aF qy dyKdy aF jy suDr igaf qF TIk aY, mYN smJdF hor jLrf mYcoar ho ky TIk vI ho skdY.”

iewkI dUjy ku hPqy gulvMq zfk AuzIkx ligaf. cfr hPqy lMG gey pr rfjU df pfsport nf afieaf. Auh hr rojL zfk AuzIkdf. vfr suirMdr nUM puwCdf ik koeI icwTI qF nhIN afeI. do mhIny lMG gey qy iPr iqMn. cOQy mhIny Aus ny ienkuafrI dI icwTI pfeI pr Aus df vI koeI jvfb nf afieaf. surjn isMG nfl gwl krdf qF Auh afK idMdf ik keI vfr vkq lg hI jfieaf krdf hY. ieh soc Aus nUM iek vfr vI nf

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afeI ik ikDry koeI gVbV vI ho skdI hY. ievyN hI iek sfl lMG igaf. gulvMq dI nINd hrfm hox lgdI. Aus suirMdr nfl gwl krdf qF Auh moZHy cuwk idMdI. rfjU nUM ies gwl df koeI iPkr nhIN sI. Auh pihlF vFg hI byprvfh sI. suKvIr nUM Auh pYr pYr ‘qy dbkdf qy tokdf rihMdf. Aus nUM kfr mkYnkI nfl ijLafdf moh sI. Auh koeI tuwtI ijhI kfr lY afAuNdf qy Aus nUM TIk krky agy vyc idMdf. koeI nf koeI kfr AuhnF dI gYrj ivc KohlI hoeI huMdI. kMm qoN muVdf hI kfr nUM jf cuMbVdf. vIk aYSz ‘qy lokF dIaF kfrF vI TIk kr idMdf. Aus dI mkYnkI df Pfiedf ieh hoieaf ik Aus df pwb jfxf Gwt igaf pr iesy kfrn Gr ivc JgVy vI rihx lgy. rfjU dy hwQ hr vyly kflLy rihMdy qy Gr ivc keI cIjLF gMdIaF kr idMdf. Aus dy kpiVaF ivcoN vI hr vyly qyl df musLk afAuNdf rihMdf. BfvyN Auh Evrafl qy juwqI gYirj ivc hI lfh afAuNdf pr iPr vI ikqy nf ikqy kflf Dwb rih hI jFdf. suirMdr ny Aus nUM toikaf qF Auh guwsf kr igaf. Auh qF iPr kihxo hI ht geI pr suKvIr kuJ kuJ nf kihMdI rihMdI. Aus dI mkYnkI ny Gr dI kfrpYWt vI jldI Krfb kr idqI. gulvMq Aus nUM iDafn rwKx leI afKdf, Auh gwl sux lYNdf pr krdf mrjLI hI. Aus idn rfjU ny srivs leI iksy dI kfr PVI hoeI sI. kMm kridaF kridaF acfnk gusl jfx dI hfjq hoeI qF Auh juwqI sxy hI aMdr af viVaf. hfly do ku hPqy pihlF hI kfrpYWt nvIN puafeI sI. hlky rMg dI kfrpYWt Aupr juwqI dy insLfn ijAuN dy iqAuN Cp gey. ieh dyK ky suirMdr awg bbUlf ho AuTI. Aus ny suKvIr nUM iesLfrf kIqf. suKvIr bolI, “XU eIzIat! zONt XU hyv aYnI bryn?” “sOrI, sOrI zfrilMg!” rfjU nUM afpxI glqI ‘qy pCqfvf ho irhf sI pr suKvIr df gwusf hfly vI jfrI sI, “ieMzIan lokF nUM kI kih kfrpYWt! [[[no bOzI hYjL tOt XU aYnI mYnrjL! aOnsYtlI XU afr kryjLI!” “XU sLwtawp, XU ibwc!” “XU afr bfstRz!” suKvIr ny bfstRz ikhf hI sI ik rfjU ny Tfh krdI cupyV kwZ mfrI. suKvIr cupyV Kf ky iswDI hoeI, rfjU dIaF awKF ivc awKF pf ky dyiKaf qy cupyV df brfbr cupyV mfr ky jvfb dy idqf. Auh dovyN Ps pey. suirMdr vI BYx dI mwdd krdI rfjU dy mfrn lgI. rfjU koloN iek DwPf suirMdr dy vI lg igaf. Auh dUr jf izgI. Aus nUM izgidaF dyK rfjU ny suKvIr nUM Cwz idqf qy bfhr inkl afieaf. Auh afpxI kfr ivc jf bYTf. imMtF ivc hI kuJ df kuJ ho igaf. hiPaf hoieaf rfjU guwsy ivc vI sI qy pCqf vI irhf sI suKvIr qy suirMdr vI hYrfn hoeIaF iek dUjy vl dyKI jf rhIaF sn. dovyN kih rhIaF sn; ‘ienwP ‘jL ienwP!’ suKvIr ny afpxy kpVy atYcI ivc pfAuxy sLurU kr idqy. gulvMq vflI kfr Gr hI sI. suirMdr ny Aus dI mwdd kIqI. atYcI kfr ivc rwiKaf. suKvIr rfjU dI kfr kol jf ky ikhf, “nfE, afey ‘m goieMg tU tIc XU ey lYsn, gYWt rYzI Por dYt!” suKvIr ny aMimRq cuwkI. suirMdr ny kfr stfRt kIqI qy cly geIaF. rfjU AuhnF dI kfr nUM moV qk dyKdf irhf. rfjU dy qF ijvyN zOr-BOr Auz gey hox. Auh kfr ivcoN Auqr ky Gr dy aMdr afieaf. Aus nUM smJ nhIN sI lg rhI ik hux kI kIqf jfvy. gulvMq kMm Aupr sI. gulvMq qF Aus nUM imldf hI Gwt sI. jd Auh kMm qoN muVdf qF rfjU suwqf ipaf huMdf. gulvMq dy kMm Auprlf Pon vI Aus kol nhIN sI. gulvMq ny vI qF Aus nUM hI Aultf iKJxf sI. iek vfr Aus df idl kIqf ik srUp nUM Pon kry pr srUp nfl Aus dI bhuqI nyVqf nhIN sI. Aus ny idlbfg nUM Pon krky sfrI gwl dsxI cfhI pr iPr soicaf ik Auh vI qF suhiraF vflI bolI hI bolygf. Auh nhfieaf. kpVy bdly qy gulvMq dI AuzIk krn ligaf. Aus nUM AumId sI ik gulvMq kMm qoN Pon krygf ikAuN ik Auh rojLfnf hI suirMdr nUM do ku vfr Pon krdf huMdf sI.

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do ku GMty hI lMGy hoxgy ik drvfjLy dI GMtI vwjI. bfhr pulIs KVI sI. rfjU zr igaf ik ikqy suirMdr dI kfr df aYksIzYNt hI nf ho igaf hovy ikAuNik Auh dovyN hI bhuq guwsy ivc geIaF sn. Auh boilaf, “XYs aOPIsr, qusIN iks nUM imlxYN?” “qUM imstr rfjvMq isMG cwTf hYN?” “hF.” “asIN qYnUM igRPqfr krn afey hF.” “ikAuN?” “ikAuNik qyry kol ies mulk ivc rihx dI iejfjLq nhIN. qUM ieQy gYrkfnUMnI ZMg nfl rih irhF.” “aOPIsr, jLrUr quhfnUM koeI BulyKf ligaY, mYN gYrkfnUMnI nhIN aF, mYN pfsport hom aOiPs nUM Byijaf hoieaY pwkI stya vfsqy.” “sfzI ienkuafrI muqfbk qYnUM izportysLn dy afRrz ho cuwky af, qUM iehdy iKlfP koeI apIl vI nhIN kIqI, qyrI apIl dI iek mhIny dI muinafd vI Kqm ho cuwkI aY. qyrI pqnI ny sfzy pfs isLkfieq kI hY pr qUM iksmq vflf aYN ik ijhVf qUM Aus Aupr ijsmfnI hmlf kIqf, Auhny AuhdI irpoRt nhIN ilKvfeI. asIN qYnUM isrP gYrkfnUMnI hox krky hI igRPqfr kr rhy aF.” “mYN afpxy Brf nUM Pon kr skdF? [[[iek imMt lgygf zfierYktrI ivcoN Auhdf nMbr lwBx leI.” “ies df ieMqjLfm asIN qyry leI pulIs stysLn qoN kr dyvFgy.” jd gulvMq nUM ruafiel zIn ivc pulIs df Pon afieaf qF Aus df dosq ivjy vI Aus dy nfl hI sI. Auh dovyN hI hwky bwky rih gey. ivjy ny vI Ausy vyly gulvMq dy nfl hI kMm qoN CuwtI kr leI. Aus iswDy pulIs stysLn gey qy jLmfnq dy ky rfjU nUM Cuzvf ilafey. pulIs vfly vI smJ gey sn ik mfmUlI ijhf GrylU JgVf hY. aijhy kys AuhnF kol afAuNdy hI rihMdy sn. iemIgrysLn dy kysF ivc Auh afpxf vkq Krfb krn qoN guryjL krdy sn. gulvMq bhuq guwsy ivc sI. Aus nUM afs nhIN sI ik gwl ieQoN qk vD skdI hY. suKvIr df kroD jF cly jfxf qF smJ af irhf sI pr suirMdr ikAuN geI ies gwl df jvfb nhIN sI iml irhf. Aus nUM Xfd afieaf ik kMm Aupr surjn isMG vI bdilaf bdilaf lgdf sI. ies gwl dI vI hYrfnI sI ik AuhnF nUM hom afiPs dy iksy afrzr df ikAuN nhIN pqf. icwTI qF afKr Gr hI afAuxI sI. Gr af ky Prolf-PrflI kIqI qF rfjU df pfsport vI iml igaf qy hor afiPs vloN stya qoN ienkfrI hox dI icwTI vI. gwl sfP sI ik suirMdr ny AuhnF qoN ieh icwTIaF Cpf leIaF sn ikAuNik Gr ivc qF Auh hI huMdI sI, Auh hI zfk sMBfldI. lyatn ston nUM jFdIaF hoeIaF Auh pulIs kol irpoRt kr geIaF sn. gulvMq dy mn ivc suirMdr df vI qy surjn df vI aks KyrUM KyrUM ho igaf. Auh socdf jf irhf sI ik Auh suirMdr nUM kuJ smJdf irhf qy Auh inklI kuJ hor, sfrI sfijLsL dI ihwsydfr bxI rhI pr ikMnI sPfeI nfl. rfjU vI bhuq guwsy ivc sI. Aus soc irhf sI ik iehnF lokF nUM iek vfr sbk jLrUr isKfieaf jfxf cfhIdf hY pr Auh cuwp sI. ivjy kihx ligaf, “dyKo, gwusy ivc af ky nf soco, hfly rfjU pwkf nhIN, eys gwl nUM vI iDafn ivc rwiKE.” ihrKy hoey gulvMq ny suhry Gr Pon kIqf. suirMdr ny hI AuTfieaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gulvMq Pon krygf. kroD BrI QQlfAuNdI afvfjL ivc gulvMq boilaf, “kr ilaf zrfmf?” “kI hoieaf guwl zfrilMg?” “bhuqI klYvr nf bx.”

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“aOnstlI, gwul mYN kuJ nhIN kIqf, mYN qF suKvIr nUM Cwzx afeI aF. [[[Auh rfjU nfl nhIN rihxf cfhuMdI. rfjU ny Auhdy mfiraf.” “koeI gwl qF hoeI hoAU!” “pr eyhdf mqlb mfrnf QoVoN huMdf, hwQ cuwkx df kI kMm?” “ieh gwl qF awj hoeI hoAU pr qusIN qF sfrf ieMqjLfm pihlF eI kIqf hoieaf. mYN qF qYnUM tYWn bfeI tYWn kihMdf eI mr igaf pr qUM qf eyhdy qoN vI agy inklI. hom aOiPs ivc isLkfieq, zfk lkoxI, [[[vfh mlvYxyN, qUM qF kmfl eI kr geI aYN!” “guwl, mYnUM kuJ nhIN pqf, ieh suKvIr df aPYar aY. Auh kihMdI mYN rfjU nfl neIN rihxF, [[[nflLy rfjU vI kihMdf ik pwkf ho ky Auhny suKvIr bfry hfly socxF. jy socxF qF ieMzIaf jfvy qy AuQy jf ky socy.” “dyKo, gwl vDfE nf, eydF eI vfps af jfE, lokF ivc afpxI bdnfmI hoAUgI.” “mYN kwl nUM afAUNgI pr suKvIr ny hux nhIN afAuxf.” “Auhny ikAuN nhIN afAuxf?” “kihMdI rfjU nflL nhIN rihxf, [[[AuhnUM vfps moVnF.” “eydF nhIN hoxf kdy vI, ieh gwl mYN nhIN hox dyxI. ijLwd nf kro, vfps af jfvo, zYzI nUM dyh Pon.” “zYzI sON gey, svyry kMm ‘qy vI jfxF, [[[Auh bhuq apsYWt a Y, [[[guwl, hux qUM rotI df kMm clf lY, svyry mYN afAUN.” “svyry vI kI krn afAuxYN! [[[qUM rih hYQy eI.” “ikAuN?” “ikAuNik sfrI kMnspIrysI ivc qUM brfbr dI ihwsydfr aYN.” “guwl, qUM mYnUM glq smJ irhYN. mYN kuJ nhIN kIqf, mYN qF isrP afpxI BYx dI mwdd kIqI aY.” “qy hux mYN afpxy Brf dI mwdd krnI aYN.” “gwul, qUM eydF nhIN kr skdf!” “eyzf vwzf DoKf kr geI myry nflL! mYN qF qyry qy bhuq XkIn krI bYTf sI, hux BYx df sfQ idqf qF rih Auhdy nflL eI.” kihMidaF gulvMq ny jLor nfl Pon rwK idqf. suirMdr smJ geI ik gulvMq ikMny ku guwsy ivc ho skdf hY. ieMnI kurwKqI dI Aus ny gulvMq qoN kdy afs nhIN sI rwKI. ieMnf guwsy ivc Auh pihlF kdy nhIN sI afieaf. suirMdr socx lgI ik Auh ikQy glq sI. Auh qF isrP suKvIr nUM mMmI dy Gr Cwzx afeI sI. jykr suKvIr rfjU nfl nhIN rihxf cfhuMdI qF ies ivc Aus df kI ksUr. rfjU df Aus nfl vI rvweIaf bhuq BYVf sI. kdy Aus nUM iewjLq nfl nhIN sI bulieaf. koeI afdr nhIN sI idqf pr Aus ny kdy gulvMq kol isLkfieq nhIN sI kIqI. aj vI rfjU ny Aus dy mfiraf sI. jd Auh pulIs stysLn geIaF qF pulIs vfly kih rhy sn ik jy ieh ilKfEN ik rfjU ny quhfnUM mfiraf vI hY qF kys mjLbUq bxygf pr ieh Auh hI sI ik ievyN ilKvfAux qoN nFh kr idqI sI, iPr vI gulvMq kih irhf sI ik Auh Gr nhIN af skdI. ievyN socidaF Aus df pfrf cVn ligaf. Aus ny gulvMq nUM Pon Gumf ilaf. bolI, “luk guwl, mYN iksy iksm dI kMnspIrysI df ihwsf nhIN, mYN qF sdf eI qYnUM ipafr kIqf pr afh qUM mYnUM kI irjYkt kr irhF, [[[mYN qyrI, tYWn bfeI tYWn, irmYNbr!” gulvMq guwsy ivc qF sI pr Auh nrmI vI vrqxI cfhuMdf sI. suKvIr hux muVn vflI nhIN sI. Auh qF pihlF hI rwsy quVf rhI sI. suKvIr nUM vfps moVn df qrIkf suirMdr hI sI. ies leI Auh suirMdr Aupr dbfa pf ky suKvIr nUM vfps ilafAuxf cfhuMdf sI. “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, mYN qYnUM irjYkt nhIN kr irhf pr qUM myry qoN ieh gwl corI rwK ky, zfk luko ky, myry Brf nUM vfps ieMzIaf moVn dI skIm GV ky myrf ivsLvfs qoiVaf.”

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“mYN kuJ nhIN kIqf, ieh sB myrI nhIN suKvIr dI mrjLI muqfbk hoieaf, mYnUM qF hux suKvIr nfl stYNz krnf eI hoieaf.” “eydF eI hux mYN rfjU nfl stYNz krnY. [[[myrI gwl iDafn nflL sux lY qy afpxy sfry twbr nUM suxf dy ik mYN rfjU nUM vfps nhIN muVn dyxF, jy quhfzI ijLwd AuhnUM vfps moVn dI aY qy myrI AuhnUM eyQy sYWtl krn dI aY.” “guwl, qUM afp soc jLrf, ijwdx df rfjU sfzI ijLMdgI ivc afieaf Edx dI prOblm eI prOblm aY.” “mYN kihMnF jdoN dI suKvIr afeI aY AudoN qoN kMm Krfb hoieaY.” “guwl, qUM AuhnF df JgVf afpxy ivc ikAuN pf irhYN?” “mYN nhIN qUM pfieaY, qUM rfjU nUM iPinsL krn vflLI tIm ivc sLfml hoeI aYN.” “guwl, qyry koeI iKlfP nhIN, ieh qF rfjU dy iKlfP aY sB.” “rfjU dy iKlfP, myry iKlfP, myry Kfndfn dy iKlfP! lgI smJ, ieh mYN ikwdf tOlryt kr lAUN!” “muMzy nUM kI huMdf, BfmyN do iqMn vfr ivafh krf lvy, byiejLqI qF kuVI dI huMdI aY, sfzy Kfndfn dI hoxI aF.” “jy quhfnUM Kfndfn dI iewjLq df jLrf vI iKafl huMdf qF pulIs stysLn nf jFdIaF, hfly vI zuwlHy byrF df kuJ nhIN ivgiVaf, vfps af jfvo, sB TIk ho jfAU.” “guwl, mYnUM kuJ nhIN pqf, mYN kwl nUM vfps af jfxYN, myrf Gr aY.” “TIk aY qyrf Gr aY pr qUM afeI qF mYN cly jfxF, [[[afAuxf qF donoN afvo.” “suKvIr hux rfjU nfl nhIN rihxf cfhuMdI.” suirMdr gwl krdI rox hfkI hoeI peI sI. gulvMq ieQoN qk puj jfvygf Aus ny nhIN sI soicaf. gulvMq TrMmy nfl kihx ligaf, “TIk aY, jy suKvIr nhIN afAuxf cfhuMdI qF muMzy nUM pwkf krf idE.” “iehdf suKvIr nUM kI Pfiedf hoAU?” “suKvIr nUM nhIN afpF nUM Pfiedf hoAU, afpF afpxy Gr suKI vs skFgy, ijMny vI pYsy rfjU kol hYgy jF afpxy kol vI sfry suKvIr nUM dy idMny aF.” gulvMq ny slfh dyx vFg ikhf. suirMdr nUM aigEN koeI gwl nf aOVI. dUjy pfsy aimRq rox lg peI sI. suKvIr qoN cuwp nhIN sI ho rhI. suirMdr nUM ieho bhuq sI ik gulvMq dI afvfjL ivc kuJ nrmI qF afeI. Auh hfly hor gwlF krnIaF cfhuMdI sI pr Aus nUM Pon rwKxf ipaf. Aus nUM gulvMq dI gwl mfVI nhIN sI lgI. jy rfjU pwkf ho ky AuhnF dI ijLMdgI qoN dUr cly jfvy qF Auh mjLy nfl rih skdy hn. Aus zYzI nfl gwl krnI cfhuMdI sI pr Auh sOx leI afpxy kmry ivc jf cuikaf sI. surjn isMG kmry ivc jLrUr cly igaf sI pr nINd Aus nUM ikQoN pYxI sI. suirMdr dIaF gwlF Aus nUM sux rhIaF sn. suirMdr dI afvfjL ivclf zr Aus nUM vI zrfAux ligaf. gwlF qoN ieh vI jfpdf sI ik rfjU Gr af igaf hovygf. Auh qF ieho socdy sn ik rfjU nUM pulIs PV ky iek dm jhfjLy cVHf dyvygI. gulvMq nUM socx df mOkf vI nhIN imlygf. jo hovygI bfad ivc dyKI jfvygI. gulvMq ivc Aus nUM bhuqf dm nhIN sI lgdf ik koeI vwzf ivroD krygf. gulvMq ny qF suirMdr dI koeI gwl kdy tokI hI nhIN sI. Auh AuT ky hyTF af igaf. Aus vl dyKidaF hI suirMdr rox lg peI. awKF pUMJdI bolI, “zYz, guwl syjL hI ‘jL lIivMg mI tU!” “bkvfs krdY, blwP KyzdY! [[[rfjU df kI dsdf?” “rfjU qF Gr eI hoxF, guwl kihMdf afAuxf qF donoN afE, neIN qF neIN.” “hor kI kihMdf?” “kihMdf; jF rfjU nUM pwkf krf idE bdly ‘c Gr ijMny vI pYsy hYgy, suKvIr nUM dy idMny aF.” “jfxI ik kuVI df sOdf kr leIey, [[[sflyL hrfmI!”

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Aus guwsy ivc dMd krIcdf boilaf. Auh vfps bYWzrUm nUM jFdf suirMdr nUM boilaf, “gYWt rYzI Por vrs!” pulIs stysLn bYTy rfjU dy mn ivc suKvIr leI ieMnI nPrq sI ik hux Aus nUM ieMzIaf jfxf mnjLUr sI Aus nfl rihxf nhIN. acfnk hoeI ies bfjL-Jpt nfl Auh aMdroN ihwl vI igaf sI. Auh gulvMq nUM vI ksUrvfr mMn irhf sI ijs ny aOrqF nUM isr cVHfieaf hoieaf sI. jd gulvMq qy ivjy Aus nUM lYx pulIs stysLn gey qF Aus dIaF awKF ivc hMJU vih qury. ivjy afpxI kfr dI srivs rfjU qoN hI krfAuNdf sI ies leI Aus nfl hfsf-mjLfk kr lYNdf sI. Auh boilaf, “rfjU isaF, qUM qF kihMnf huMnF ik qUM jwt aYN pr roeI qIvIaF aFgUM jfnF.” rfjU jLrf ku muskRfieaf. ivjy ny iPr ikhf, “afh qF gwl eI koeI nhIN, afpF pf idaFgy ptfky, iksy iksm dy iPkr dI loV nhIN, vDIaf ijhf vkIl krFgy, iehnF dy ipE df rfj aY beI qYnUM moV dyxgy, pulIs qoN neIN zrIdf, ieh ikhVI pMjfb pulIs aY, iehny qF afpxI kfrvfeI pfAuxI sI, bs pf idqI.” ivjy df suBfa kuJ aijhf hI sI; izigaF nUM KVy krn vflf. pulIs stysLn qoN inkl ky AuhnF cflI aONs vflI ivskI dI boql leI qy Gr nUM af gey. gulvMq dI guwsy ivc burI hflq dyK ky ivjy ny Aus nUM iek vwzf sfrf ivskI df hfVf idqf qy kihx ligaf, “gulvMq isaF, ieh mslf bhuq tIzIas aY, guwsy nflL nhIN isafsq nfl kMm clxYN, iswDI AuNgl hux iGE nhIN inklx ligaf. mYN quhfzy suhry nflL keI vfrI gwlF kIqIaF, ieh buVHf aMdroN pUrf jwt aY qy jwt dI sfeIkI nUM myry qoN ibhqr koeI nhIN smJdf.” ivjy ny afpxf pYWg pIqf qy iPr boilaf, “sfzI afVHq dI dukfn sI, mYN jwtF nflL bhuq vriqaf, iehnF df iswDf qrIkf sI ik dbky vI mfrI jfvo qy imMnqF vI krI jfvo, ieho dfa Auhny vrqxf qy ieho quhfnUM vrqxf pYxF.” jd gulvMq suirMdr nfl gwlF kr irhf sI qF rfjU qy ivjy dUjy kmry ivc bYTy pI rhy sn. gulvMq ny gwl Kqm kIqI qF ivjy kihx ligaf, “shI jf irhF qUM, BrjfeI nUM mohrf bxf ky muMzf pwkf krfE, iswDf rfh ieho aY. [[[vYsy rfh qF hor bQyry hYgy, muMzf ikqy hor ivafh lvFgy, koeI gorI eI KVI kr lvFgy pr iswDy rfh mMjLl ‘qy CyqI puwj jfeIdY.” Auh kfPI dyr qk bYTy. jFdy hoey ivjy ny rfjU nUM jwPI ivc lY ky ikhf, “GbrfAux dI koeI loV nhIN mYN quhfzy nflL aF, buVHf qF afpF sihjy eI Gyr lvFgy.” ivjy dy jfx qoN bfad gulvMq srUp nUM Pon krn bfry socx ligaf. GVI dyKI qF soicaf ik srUp sON cuikaf hovygf. Aus ny svyry AuTidaF hI Pon kIqf qy sfrI gwl dwsI. srUp gwl suxidaF hI lfvy vFg Pt quiraf, boilaf, “qYnUM GridaF leI pVHfieaf kfhdy leI sI? kfhdf proPYsr aYN qUM? [[[qyry qoN qF afpxf Gr eI nhIN sFB hoieaf! jy rfjU inafxf sI qF qUM qy sfrI gwl smJdf sI. qYnUM mYN AudoN kI ikhf sI? ieho ikhf sI ik iek sfl jylH smJ ky kwt lvo, sflLI qIvIN nUM KusL krn df kI huMdf, kfr ‘c bfjLfr df gyVf luaf dyvo qF qIvIN KusL ho jFdI aY pr quhfzy qoN[[[.” afKdf srUp hPx ligaf. ipiCEN sqnfmI vI boldI sux rhI sI. pl ku ruk ky srUp iPr kihx ligaf, “mYN qF sfrI gwl qyry ‘qy CwzI bYTf sI pr qUM ild kr idqI, [[[cMgf nF cmkfieaf bfbf cMdf sUMh df! muMzf muV igaf qF sfry ipMz ivc qoey qoey hoAU, iek vfr vI socI ieh gwl?”

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srUp boldf jf irhf sI. gulvMq ‘sOrI BfjI, sOrI BfjI’ krdf jf irhf sI. Aus nUM srUp dIaF gwlF swc lg rhIaF sn. iek sfl dI qF sfrI gwl sI, rfjU nrmI nfl kwZ hI skdf sI. Aus ny rfjU Aupr ies gwl jLor vI nhIN sI pfieaf. Aus nUM afpxf afp aprfDI lgx ligaf; rfjU df aprfDI, sfry Kfndfn df aprfDI. srUp Ausy vkq hrkq ivc af igaf. Aus ny Pon GumfAux sLurU kr idqy. pihlF idlbfg nUM Gumfieaf. idlbfg nUM hfly iksy gwl df pqf hI nhIN sI. Aus ny ies msly ivc afAux qoN nFh vI kr idqI. Aus ny idlbfg Aupr bhuqf jLor vI nf pfieaf ikAuNik Aus nUM pqf sI ik surjn isMG idlbfg dI gwl nUM QoVy kIqy mMnx vflf vI nhIN sI. Aus ny arjn isMG nUM Pon kIqf qF Auh Gr hI iml igaf. CuwtIaF Aupr ijAuN sI. arjn isMG ny sfrI gwl suxI qy ikhf, “srUp, qUM jldI qoN jldI surjn isMG nUM imlL, Auh bMdf jLrf ijLdIaf ijhf aY, QoVy kIqy iksy dI gwl nhIN mMnx vflLf pr EdF afpF Auhdy hornF dosqF nUM vI imlL lvFgy.” surjn isMG bhuq hI guwsy ivc sI. Aus ny keI idn qk iksy nflL awK hI nf imlLfeI. srUp ny Aus dy dosqF rfhIN Aus qk phuMc kIqI. afp vI Pon kIqf pr Aus sfrI gwl suKvIr Aupr suwt idMdf. iek idn srUp Aus nUM imlx Aus dy Gr vI igaf. surjn isMG kihx ligaf, “srUp, do sfl ho gey qusIN kdy af ky nhIN puwiCaf ik quhfzI kuVI suKI vI aY ik neIN, hux syk ligaf qF dyKo ikwdF sfry dOVy iPrdy aF.” “mYnUM qF aMkl jI ieh sI ik Auh afpxy Gr suKI vsdy af, mYN gulvMq dy isr ‘qy sfrI gwl CwzI bYTf sI.” “gulvMq nUM vI qF sB kuJ idsdf eI sI ik kI ho irhf, [[[hux Auh Pon kr kr blYkmyl krdf iPrdf.” “dyKo, aMkl jI, iehdy nfl sfzy Kfndfn dI bhuq byiejLqI hoxI aF.” “jy asIN pYsy lY ky muMzf pwkf krf dyeIey qF quhfzy Kfndfn dI iewjLq bx jfAU, iehI kihMdf nf gulvMq vI, [[[af gey vwzy Kfndfn vflLy!” Kfndfn dI gwl Aupr srUp nUM vI guwsf af igaf. Auh AuQoN AuT afieaf. Aus ny Pon krky gulvMq nUM swidaf qy Aus nUM boilaf, “ieh sB qyry pYroN hoieaY, jy muMzf muV igaf qF sfzI bhuq bdnfmI aYN. [[[iDafn nfl sux hux, [[[hux jy vsxgIaF qF donoN vsxgIaF, nhIN qF nf shI. jy qUM zoilaf qF myry qoN burf koeI nhIN hox ligaf.” rfjU nUM ies sB df bhuqf Prk nhIN sI ipaf ikAuNik Aus df suBfa hI aijhf sI pr gulvMq dI gwzI lIhoN Auqr geI. Auh ivjy qy hor dosqF ivc bYT ky nklI hfsf hwsdf rihMdf. sLrfb hux Aus dI afdq bx geI. ruafiel zIn ivc Auh surjn qoN bcdf hoieaf lMGdf. bRykF ivc bYTx vflI jgfh vI Aus ny bdl leI. ies Gtnf nUM Aus ny idl nUM lf ilaf sI. ies df asr hr vyly Aus dy idl qy idmfg nUM jkVI rKdf. iDafn ikqy hor huMdf qy quiraf ikqy hox jFdf. ievyN hI Aus ny kfr dy vI iqMn cfr aYksIzYNt kr ley. sfry ruafiel zIn ivc ieh gwl iKlr cuwkI sI. koeI jFdf jFdf tkor vI lf jFdf qy koeI qswlI vI dyx lgdf. iehnF idnF ivc do gwlF hor ho geIaF ijhnF kfrn gulvMq ruafiel zIn ivc crcf df ivsLf bx igaf. iek qF kMm Aupr Aus nUM mfeIlz ijhf hfrt atYk ho igaf. Aus dI KwbI bFh pIlI iPr geI, ies ivc KUn df vhfa iek dm ruk igaf. Pst eyz vfly Aus nUM aYNbUlYNs ivc pf ky hspqfl lY gey. do idn Aus nUM hspqfl rihxf ipaf. sfry hI ies nUM Aus dI Gr dI khfxI nfl joV ky dyKdy. dUjI gwl ieh ik Aus ny kfr pfrk ivc iek gorf kuwt Diraf. kfr KVI krn vyly mfmUlI ijhf JgVf ho igaf sI, gory ny Aus nUM pfkI kih idqf qF Aus ny gory nUM QFhyN hI Zfa ky kuwt Diraf. kys mYnyjmYNt qk cly igaf. BfvyN XUnIan ny ivc pY ky kys Kqm krf idqf, gory nfl vI Aus df smJOqf ho igaf pr Aus AuproN Blymfxs hox df

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lybl lih igaf. ies Gtnf nUM vI Aus dI idmfgI prysLfnI nfl joV ky dyiKaf jf irhf sI. gulvMq afp vI keI vfr zrn lgdf ik afpxI ishq df koeI vwzf nuksfn hI nf krf bYTy. suirMdr Aus nUM rojL Pon krdI. Auh Aus dI qVP nUM smJdf sI, iesy qVP nUM hI vrqxf vI cfhuMdf sI. suirMdr afKdI, “guwl, afey lv XU, [[[qYnUM Buwl igaf; mYN qyrI tYWn bfeI tYWn aF.” “XYWs XU afr, XU afr mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn pr qUM mYnUM cIt kIqf.” “mYN qyry ibnF nhIN rih skdI.” “mYN vI qyry ibnF nhIN rih skdf, suKvIr nUM nflL lY af, [[[mYN vyt kr irhF pr quhfzI donF dI.” “sLI zONt vON’tU, [[[zYzI vI iqafr nhIN.” “luwk tYWn bfeI tYWn, jy qUM GroN nf jFdI, suKvIr jo krdI aY krI jfx idMdI qF koeI gwl nhIN sI pr qUM sfzy ivroDI iDr ivc KVI aYN, so hux gym dy rUl vKry af.” “afey ‘m sOrI!” “sOrI nf kih mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, mYnUM vI qyrI bhuq loV aY pr suKvIr df afAuxf bhuq jLrUrI aY.” “pr suKvIr qy zYzI df mYN kI krF?” “AuhnF nUM iqafr krnf qyrf kMm aYN, [[[vwtaYvr, afey lv XU.” gulvMq ny muV ky rfjU nUM pwkf krfAux dI gwl nf kIqI. Auh smJ igaf sI ik ieh surjn isMG nUM psMd nhIN. ies krky hux Auh ies ivafh nUM kfmXfb krn dI gwl hI krdf. kihx nUM qF Auh suirMdr Aupr suKvIr nUM vfps ilafAux leI dbfa hI pf irhf sI pr Aus nUM suirMdr df bhuq cyqf af irhf sI. Aus nUM bhuq hI imws kr irhf sI. keI vfr rfq nUM nINd nf afAuNdI. suirMdr dI avfjL hr vyly Aus dy kMnF ivc gUMjdI rihMdI. Aus nUM aMimRq df vI bhuq cyqf afAuNdf. aMimRq qF sONdI vI Aus dy iZwz qy hI sI. Aus dy aMdr ajIb ijhI DU pYx lgdI. Aus nUM rfjU Aupr guwsf afAux lgdf ik suKvIr nfl inBf ikAuN nhIN sikaf. suKvIr aYzI vI mfVI nhIN sI. surjn isMG dy Gr df mhOl TIk Tfk sI. surjn isMG afdq anusfr hr vyly cVHdI klf ivc rihx dy Xqn ivc huMdf qy bfkI twbr nUM vI hONslf idMdf rihMdf, ies msly bfry bhuqI gwl nf krdf. suKvIr qF rfjU qoN alwg ho ky bhuq hI KusL sI. Aus ny kMm Aupr iswk noits Byj idqf sI qy ies pfsy hI iKzOxf PYktrI ivc kMm krn bfry socx lgI sI. Auh qF hux afpxIaF shylIaF nfl do vfr aMgryjLI iPlm dyK afeI sI qy iek ihMdI iPlm vI. Auh hr vyly cihkdI rihMdI. keI vfr Auh rfjU dIaF nklF lf lf ky idKfAux lgdI. Aus dI ies hrkq ‘qy sfry KulH ky hwsdy. jy koeI KulH ky nhIN sI hwsdf qF Aus sI suirMdr. bfhroN KusL idsdI suirMdr aMdroN bhuq Audfs sI. Aus nUM gulvMq dI gwl swc lg rhI sI ik Aus nUM suKvIr dI iDr nhIN sI bxnf cfhIdf. gulvMq ibnF Auh qVPI peI sI. Aus dIaF inkIaF inkIaF gwlF Aus nUM bhuq cyqy afAuNdIaF. Aus nUM gulvMq dI bFh Aupr isr rwK ky sOx dI afdq peI hoeI sI. Auh Evr tfeIm lf ky lyt vI muVdf qF suirMdr bYTI Aus dI AuzIk krdI rihMdI. Auh koeI ikqfb pVH irhf huMdf qF Aus dy mUMh vl dyKdI rihMdI. iek vfr Aus df isr duK irhf sI qF gulvMq ikMnI dyr qk Aus df isr Gutdf irhf sI. ijhVf gulvMq Aus nUM kMm qoN vI Pon krky ‘lv XU, lv XU’ krdf rihMdf sI hux suKvIr kfrn ikvyN bdl igaf sI. jd Auh gulvMq nfl gwl krdI qy dyKdI ik Auh hfly vI Aus leI qVP irhf hY qF Aus nUM glvMq df hor vI moh afAux lgdf. idlbfg nUM ies Gtnf df pqf cilaf qF Auh guirMdr nUM lY ky imlx af igaf. ievyN hI sfDU isMG dy Gr qk ieh Kbr pwujI qF Auh vI sfrf twbr af puwjf. suirMdr AuhnF sB nUM dyK ky soc rhI sI ik ieho

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lok sn jo cMgf pqI imlx kfrn Aus nfl eIrKf kiraf krdy sn, hux ieho Aus Aupr hwsx afey hn. sfDU isMG dI pqnI svrn kor prkfsL kor nUM kihx lgI, “BYx jI, qusIN aYvyN proPYsr kih kih ky EhdIaF vizafeIaF mfrI jf rhy sfE, sfnUM qF pihlF eI Auh momoTwgxf ijhf lgdf sI.” ieh suxidaF hI suirMdr iPs peI qy AuT ky dUjy kmry ivc cly geI. gulvMq bfry koeI glq boly Aus qoN brdfsLq nhIN sI ho irhf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gulvMq aijhf nhIN. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gulvMq Aus nUM ikMnf ipafr krdf hY. prkfsL kor Aus dy mgr AuT ky geI. Aus dy moZHy ‘qy hwQ rwKdI bolI, “ro nf, qyry zYzI afpy sB TIk kr lYxgy, jd AuhnF ny sfzy nfl DoKf kIqf lokF ny qF imhxy mfrny eI hoey.” “hF mMmI, myrf qF ies krky idl Br afieaf sI ik mYnUM gwul qoN ieh afs nhIN sI.” “qUM iPkr nf kr, mYN jvflf sLfh df rot suwK ilaY, sB TIk ho jfAU.” mF dI ies gwl qy suirMdr kuJ nfl bolI. Aus mF sfhmxy zolxf nhIN sI cfhuMdI. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik zYzI jo vI krngy TIk hI krngy. AuhnF df hr PYslf Aus leI shI hovygf. keI vfr Auh aMimRq dy mUMh vl dyKx lgdI Kfs qOr qy jd aMimRq suwqI peI hovy. aMimRq df ichrf iek dm gulvMq nfl imldf sI. Auh aMimRq nUM CfqI nfl Guwt lYNdI. ieQy af ky aMimRq hfly vI Eprf mMn rhI sI. keI vfr rox lgdI qF cuwp hI nf krdI. aMimRq Aus qoN ibnF iksy hor kol jFdI vI nhIN sI. jd aMimRq cuwp nf krdI qF suKvIr mjLfk ivc boldI, “cwl dPf ho, cwTf-bwcI!” suirMdr nUM ieh gwl cMgI nf lgdI. Aus nUM hux kuJ vI cMgf nhIN sI lg irhf. Gr ivc koeI hwsdf vI qF lgdf ik ijvyN Aus Aupr hI hws irhf hovy. Aus leI idn kwZxf musLkl ho jFdf. lgdf ik hux gulvMq df Pon afvygf qy Aus nUM bolygf ik cwl clIey. gulvMq dI kfr Aus kol sI. Aus soc rhI sI ik kMm ‘qy jfx leI gulvMq nUM kfr dI loV hovygI, kfr lYx afieaf Aus nUM vI lY jfvygf pr gulvMq kol dUsrI cfbI hY sI, ies leI pqf nhIN Auh ikhVy vyly af ky kfr lY igaf. Aus dIaF afsF hor vI mwDm pYx lgIaF. ijvyN sfry kihMdy sn ik gulvMq QoVHy idnF ivc hI iZwlf pY jfvygf pr ievyN nf hoieaf. hPqy lMGx lgy sn. suirMdr hux afpxy qOr ‘qy iPkrvMd ho rhI sI BfvyN ies bfry iksy nfl gwl nf krdI. Auh iekwlI huMdI qF keI vfr aMimRq nUM jwPI ivc lY ky rox lgdI. BfvyN Aus sB dy sfhmxy KusL rihx dI koisLsL krdI pr iPr vI afpxy aMdrlI AuQp-puwQl nUM kfbU rwKx leI Auh KfmosL ijhI ho jFdI. prkfsL kor Aus vl dyKdI rihMdI. keI vfr corI corI dyKdI Aus df mn pVHn dI koisLsL krdI. iek idn Aus ny DI nUM klLfvy ivc ilaf qy puwCx lgI, “kI aY qyry mn ivc?” suirMdr ny Aus vl dyiKaf qy lgfqfr dyKdI rhI. prkfsL kor ny iPr ikhf, “cuwp ikAuN aYN?” suirMdr iek dm iPs peI qy iPr hubkIN Auqr afeI. prkfsL kor vI rox lgI. donoN mfvF-DIaF iek dUjy dy glL lgIaF ikMnf icr qk roNdIaF rhIaF. suKvIr afeI qF AuhnF nUM roNdIaF nUM dyK ky qfVI mfrdI hwsx lgI. prkfsL kor Aus nUM bolI, “cuwp kr, hovy nf qF ipE vrgI pwQr ijhI!” surjn isMG kMm qoN aieaf qF prkfsL kor Aus nUM kihx lgI, “jI, suirMdr qF bhuq eI EdrI peI aY, [[[awj msF cuwp krfeI, mYN kdy AuhnUM eynI Audfs nhIN dyiKaf.” “buVHIey, ijLMdgI ivc jd vI musIbq pYNdI aY qF qrFH qrFH dy vkq df sfhmxf krnf pYNdf. mYN kuVIaF nUM pihly idn qoN eI smJOnF; hr musIbq df sfhmxf iKVy mwQy kro, aYvyN jjLbfqI nf hovo, jy qusIN izg pey qF ieh lok, ieh musIbqF quhfnUM Zfh lYxgIaF, izgy hoey bMdy nUM hr koeI lqfVdf hoieaf lMGdY.”

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“qusIN vI nf, DUV ‘c twtU BjfAux lgdy aF, mYN kuJ hor kihMnI aF qusIN iksy hor pfsy qury iPrdy aF. [[[mYN qF kihMnI aF ik kuVI Gr jfx nUM EdrI hoeI aY.” “asIN vI qF kihMny aF ik Gr jfvy pr Auh hrfmI hux eyhnUM hiQafr bxf ky vrq irhY. iehnUM kih jLrf strONg bxyN, jLrf sbr kry, Auh afpy af ky lY jfAU.” “jI, ijwdF gulvMq kihMdf, donF nUM ‘kwTIaF, [[[eydF soc ky dyK lE.” “buVHIey, mYN bhuq soicaf, rfjU hux bhuq aOKf iPrdY, pulIs stysLn jfx df rfg eI alfpI jFdY, hfly qF cuwp rhU pr pwkf ho ky Auhny kuVI Cwz dyxI aF, ijhVI bdnfmI, ijhVI qklIP iek sfl nUM JwlxI aYN Auh huxy eI Jwl lE.” surjn isMG ny afpxI gwl ievyN mukfeI ik prkfsL kor nUM cuwp ho jfxf ipaf. Aus ny agly idn suirMdr nUM kol bYTfieaf qy puwCx ligaf, “puwq qUM dws, qUM kI cfhuMnI aYN, qUM rfjU df suBfa jfxdI aYN, suKvIr nfl hux Auh pwkf hox leI bxf lvygf pr tYNpryrI eI, [[[qyrI mMmI kihMdI ik qUM bhuq Audfs aYN, qUM dws kI cfhuMnI aYN.” “zYz, Audfs qF kdy mn aYvyN ho jFdY pr mYN AuhI krUM jo qusIN khoNgy.” “jy gulvMq aklvMd huMdf qF af ky phuMc krdf, rfjU nUM lY ky afAuNdf, sOrI kihMdf qF asIN soc vI lYNdy.” ipE dI gwl iek dm suirMdr dI pkV ivc af geI. Aus ny agly idn hI gulvMq nUM Pon kIqf, “guwl, eyny idn ho gey qusIN afpxy rfjdUq eI ByjI jfny aF, qusIN afp af ky zYzI nfl gwl ikAuN nhIN krdy, rfjU af ky suKvIr nUM mnfvy.” “qYnUM zYzI dy suBfa df pqY, pqf nhIN Auh ikho ijhf ibhyv krn, kMm ‘qy qF eydF qury iPrdy huMdy af ijwdF plfsI dI lVHfeI ijwqI hovy!” “qUM ikhVf zYzI nfl gwl kr ky dyKI aY, kMm ‘qy eI iek pfsy bYT ky gwl kr lY.” “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, kMm ‘qy rMg brMgy lok huMdy af, asIN afpxy Gr dI gwl AuQy krdy cMgy nhIN lgdy. qUM iek vfr suKvIr nUM mnf lY, sB TIk ho jfAU, mYN afp af ky quhfnUM lY jfAUN.” “rfjU ny pwkf ho ky suKvIr Cwz dyxI aF, Aus bMdy df koeI Brosf nhIN.” “ieh grMtI myrI rhI, rfjU hux kMn ivc pfieaf vI nf rVkU. [[[blIv mI.” “guwl, gwl qyrI nhIN, qyry qy sfry Brosf krdy af, gwl qF rfjU dI af.” “mYN ikhf nf rfjU dI mYN grMtI lYNnf.” gulvMq nfl gwlF kr ky suirMdr nUM afs bwJx lgI pr jd surjn isMG nfl bYT ky gwlF hoeIaF qF prnflLf AuQy df AuQy hI irhf. Auh AuhnF Aupr iblkul Brosf nhIN sI kr irhf. Auh ieh vI soc irhf sI ik jd qk gulvMq af ky muafPI nhIN mMgdf qy nfl rfjU qoN vI nhIN mMgvfAuNdf qd qk AuhnF nfl gwl krn df Pfiedf hI kI hY. kMm Aupr gulvMq dosqF ivc ievyN hwsdf-Kyzdf iPrdf sI ijvyN kuJ hoieaf hI nf hovy. surjn isMG ny DI dI do ku pl dI afs df glLf sihjy hI Guwt idqf. suirMdr rojLfnf hI gulvMq nUM Pon krdI. gulvMq vI kr lYNdf. Aus nUM pqf huMdf ik ies vkq surjn Gr nhIN hvogf qy Pon aigEN suirMdr ny hI cuwkxf huMdf sI. suirMdr ny afpxy ipE dI rfey qoN Aus nUM jfxU krf idqf sI. gulvMq nUM surjn isMG dy lohy df Qx bxn Aupr hYrfnI vI ho rhI sI qy guwsf vI af irhf sI. Aus ny vkIlF nfl rfjU dy pwky hox bfry gwl kIqI qF ieho slfh imlI sI ik iesy kuVI rfhIN muMzy nUM pwkf krfAu, nhIN qF bhuq musLkl KVI ho jfvygI. Aus idn suirMdr ny gulvMq nUM Pon kIqf qF Auh bolI, “guwl, qyrf kdy vI mYnUM jF aMimRq nUM dyKx nUM idl nhIN kIqf?” ieMnI gwl nfl gulvMq df glLf Br afieaf. kuJ dyr qk Aus qoN boilaf hI nf igaf. iPr BrVfeI afvfjL ivc kihx ligaf,

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“mlvYxy, quhfzy ibnF ijLMdgI vI koeI ijLMdgI aY, mYnUM quhfzy ibnF Gr Gr nhIN lg irhf, mYN quhfnUM bhuq ijLafdf imws kr irhF, afey lv XU so mwc!” “iPr asIN af jfeIey?” “af jfE pr suKvIr nUM nfl lY ky.” “iPr ieh kfhdf ipafr hoieaf?” “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, ipafr ivc qUM Pyhl hoeI aYN GroN jf ky.” “mYN qF afpxy zYzI dy Gr eI afeI sI.” “pr myry qoN corI, myry iKlfP!” gulvMq dI ies dlIl muhry suirMdr nUM koeI gwl nf aOhVI. ievyN aksr ho jFdf. gulvMq dlIlbfjLI ivc qyjL sI. suirMdr ny afpxI mF qoN isiKaf hoieaf sI ik pVy-ilKy pqI nfl kdy vI bihs ivc nf pE, jo kihMdf hY cuwp krky mMn lE. iesy krky hux suirMdr bhuqI bihs krn ivc asmrQ rihMdI qy gulvMq dIaF gwlF ivc af jFdI. hux Pon krdI Auh rox lgI. gulvMq ny puwiCaf, “kI soc rhI aYN?” “sfzf qYnUM imlx nUM idl krdY.” kihMdI suirMdr rox lgI. gulvMq df vI glL Br afieaf qy holI ijhI boilaf, “kwl af jfE, aOksPorz stRIt aMzrgrfAUNz, ds vjy.” gulvMq ny bhuq hI musLkl nfl ikhf. suirMdr ny ‘hF’ ikhf qF Aus nUM ligaf ijvyN Aus nUM iksy ny bhuq vwzf KjLfnf dyx df vfadf kr ilaf hovy. agly idn svyry imlxf sI pr Aus df idl huxy kfhlf pYx ligaf. bVI musLkl nfl rfq peI, svyry hoeI. Aus itAUb PV ds vjy qoN pihlF hI aOksPorz stRIt puwj igaf. stysLn Aupr afm vFg bhuq BIV sI. itAUb dy drvfjLy KulHdy, lokF df iek rylf bfhr inkldf qy bfhr vl Bwjx lgdf. iek hor rylf itAUb ivc cVHn leI KVf huMdf. Auh stysLn dI AuprlI mMjLl qy af igaf ijQy itkt iKVkI sI, ijQy suirMdr ny KVI hoxf sI. iek qF mOsm vI bhuq TMzf sI qy AuproN hvf vI lohVy dI cl rhI sI. Aus ny afpxI jYkt dy sfry btn bMd kr ley. Aus dIaF njLrF suirMdr nUM lwBx lgIaF. iek pfsy iek aOrq bwcf cuwkI KVI sI. pYrIN hlkIaF ijhIaF cplF qy kpVy vI Bfry nhIN sn. godI ivc cuwky bcy ny jLrUr jYkt pfeI hoeI sI. pihlI njLry Aus nUM Aus suirMdr nf lgI. ichrf bhuq kmjLor ho cuwikaf sI pr awKF Auho sn. Auh Aus vl dOV ipaf. Aus ny Bwj ky jf ky AuhnF nUM bfhF ivc lY ilaf. suirMdr AuWcI AuWcI rox lgI. gulvMq qoN vI kfbU nhIN rwK hoieaf. Auh ikMnI dUr qk AuvyN hI KVy rhy. koloN lMGdI BIV nUM kuJ nhIN sI pqf ik kI ho irhf hY.

bfeI surjn isMG axikafsI siQqI ivc af KiVaf. Aus ny kdy soicaf vI nhIN sI ik suirMdr ieMny idn Gr bYTI rhygI. Cy hPqy ho gey sn iek cuwp ijhI bwJI nUM. Aus df idl krdf ik gulvMq dI GMzI mroV dyvy. gulvMq ny iek vfr vI af ky Aus qk phuMc nhIN sI kIqI. muV ky srUp df vI Pon nhIN sI afieaf. gulvMq qF afpxy dosqF ivc bYTf hwsdf rihMdf. keI vfr Auh kol dI lMG irhf huMdf qF gulvMq dy dosqF dI ZfxI ibnF iksy gwl qoN hI hws pYNdI. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gulvMq Aus df jfx ky mjLfk Auzf irhf hY, Aus dIaF nsF qxn lgdIaF. hux Aus nUM rfjU nfloN gulvMq ijLafdf Kqrnfk lg irhf sI. pihlF vI Auh keI vfr soicaf krdf ik agr rfjU Aus dI hr gwl mMndf hY qF ieMnI gwl nhIN mMn skdf ik kuVI nUM KusL rwKy. aMdr BfvyN Aus dy quPfn sI pr bfhroN Auh TIk rihMdf. koeI vI isLkn ichry ‘qy nf afAux idMdf. Aus dy

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dosq; gurnfm isMG, cmn lfl, bldyv isMG, arjn isMG kdy kdy Aus nfl slfhF krn bYT jFdy pr Auh ihsfb nfl hI gwl krdy. ivco-ivc keI surjn dy iKlfP vI sn ik KfhmKfh dI ijLd kr irhf hY. srUp jd arjn isMG nUM ies bfry imldf qF Auh agoN kihMdf, “qUM iPkr nf kr, cfhl hfly jLrf ijLafdf eI aOKf iPrdY pr ikQoN ku qwk dOVU! nflLy quhfzf ikhVf muMzf muiVaf jFdY, keI keI sfl lg jFdy af.” gurnfm isMG ny iek idn gulvMq nfl gwl kIqI qy iPr bfkI dosqF nUM afpxy ivcfr dsdf hoieaf kihx ligaf, “beI gwl kirstl-klIar aY, jy vsxgIaF qF donoN vsxgIaF,ieh gwl cfhl dy jvfeI ny sfP kr idqI aY.” “neIN, myry nflL pihlF gwl hoeI sI kihMdf sI beI Auh kihMdy ik jy CotI kuVI neIN ByjxI qF muMzf pwkf krf idE pr ieh kmlLf eydF vI nhIN mMndf.” “asl ivc bldyv isaF, ieh gwl soBdI vI nhIN, kwl nUM dunIaF ny eI pMjfh gwlF bxfAuxIaF.” “gwl dunIaF dI aY ik kuVIaF vsfAux dI! [[[dunIaF vI ijwqI af iksy ny!” “jy aklvMd hovy qF donoN kuVIaF Byj dyvy.” gurnfm isMG df pihlF qoN hI suBfa kuJ bVbolf sI qy afpxy idl dI gwl kih idaf krdf sI. iek idn Aus ny surjn isMG nUM ikhf, “Xfr cfhl, do do kuVIaF dI ijLMdgI Krfb ho rhI aY, Gwto Gwt iek dI qF bcfeI jf skdI aY!” “gurnfm isaF, lwq igwty qoN vwZ hovy jF gozy qoN, bMdf ieko ijMnf eI afrI huMdY.” “BfeI myry, ieh gwl eynI sOKI nhIN, eys qfxI ivc keI ijLMdgIaF AulJIaF peIaF, jLrf TMzy idmfg nfl soc ky dyK, bfkI qUM afp isafxYN.” “asl gwl qF ieh aY ik kuVI nhIN mMndI.” surjn isMG ny ipwCf CuzfAux leI kih idqf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Aus dy ieh sfry imwqr Aus dy KYr-Kuafh hn pr iksy dI koeI dlIl cMgI nhIN sI lg rhI. ies qoN bfad Aus dy dosqF ny Aus nfl ies ivsLy ‘qy gwl krnI hI Cwz idqI. AuhnF nUM hmdrdI jLrUr sI pr nfl dI nfl ruafiel zIn ivc gulvMq dy hwk ivc vI iek gruwp AuBr irhf sI. surjn isMG socdf ik hfly gulvMq afkV afkV ky qur irhf hY, aslI Jtky qF agy jf ky Aus nUM lgxy hn; Gr ivkx df Jtkf, qlfk hox df Jtkf, bwcI dy Krcy df Jtkf. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik gulvMq ieh sB iksy vI hflq ivc nhIN dyKxf cfhygf ies leI iek idn muV pvygf, afky suirMdr nUM lY jfvygf. iek idn prkfsL kor roNdI hoeI puwCx lgI, “jI, hux kI bxUM?” “bxnF kI aY, ijhVf vI bxUM inbVFgy, jy rfjU nUM pwkf krf idMny aF Auhny qF kwl nUM ieMzIaf cV jfxYN, hux ieMglYNz dy nF nUM BfvyN iksy mMqrI dI kuVI ivafh ilafvy.” “pr eyhdf vwzI df kI krIey?” “dyKdy aF, jy loV peI qF Gr syl ‘qy luaf dyvFgy, afpy dOVf afAU.” “qusIN kI socdy aF ik quhfnUM eI ijLwd krnI afAuNdI aY, Auh vI Gwt nhIN.” kihMdI prkfsL kor rox lgI qy ikMnf icr roNdI rhI. surjn isMG nUM ligaf ik Auh iekwlf rih irhf hY. Aus nUM ieh nhIN sI pqf ik suirMdr gulvMq nUM iml ky afeI hY pr ieh jLrUr pqf sI ik Auh rojLfnf gulvMq nUM Pon krdI hY. ieh vI XkIn sI ik gulvMq Aus nUM Bfvuk qOr ‘qy blYkmyl kr irhf hY. Aus ny suirMdr nUM iek idn iPr afpxy kol bYTf ky ikhf, “dws suirMdr, qUM kI cfhuMnI aYN?” “zYzI, jo vI qusIN cfhuMdy E.”

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“hux dyK sB kuJ qyry sfhmxy eI aY, qUM dws, qyry idl ivc kI aY.” surjn isMG gwl kr ky Aus vloN jvfb Aus vloN jvfb AuzIkx ligaf. suirMdr dbI ijhI jLubfn ivc bolI, “zYz, kI myrf Gr vsx df koeI cFs aY?” “jy gulvMq qYnUM ipafr krdf huMdf qF hux qk af igaf huMdf, qYnUM lY igaf huMdf, Pon kr kr ky qYnUM Krfb kr irhY, jo vI kih irhf sB JUT aY.” “zYz, Auh jLrf guwsy ivc aY, afpF rfjU nUM vfps ijAuN moVnf cfhuMdy aF.” “asIN koeI pfgl QoVoN aF! [[[AuhnF dI iswDI skIm aYN ik rfjU nUM pwkf krf ky dubfrf ivafhux dI qy iPr nvIN kuVI ilaf ky qyry sfhmxy Gr ivc rwKx dI qF jo sfrI Aumr qYnUM mfnisk qklIP df sfhmxf krnf pvy.” surjn isMG ny jLrf guwsy ivc afiKaf. suirMdr cuwp kr geI. aj kl surjn isMG df suBfa jLrf bOsI ijhf ho igaf sI. Aus dy AuT ky jfx qoN bfad prkfsL kor afeI qy suirMdr dy moZHy ‘qy hwQ rKdI bolI, “cl ro nf myrI DI, afpy juaflf sLfh koeI rfh kwZU, qyry ipE ny qy vIrF n y rlL ky BYr imwtI cuwkI peI aY!” ijvyN ijvyN vkq lMG irhf sI gulvMq aMdroN Kur irhf sI. kmjLor pY irhf sI. zr irhf sI ik suirMdr sdf leI Aus dI ijLMdgI ivcoN jf rhI hY qy nfl hI Aus dI DI vI pr bfhroN pUrf kfiem sI. sLrfb ny Aus nUM iek iksm nfl afsrf dy idqf sI. Aus dy toly dy ivjy, musLqfk, rxbIr, aYln; sB KrUdI ijhy igxy jFdy sn. gulvMq vI AhnF vrgf bixaF iPrdf sI. iek idn cmn lfl ny bldyv isMG nUM ikhf, “surjn ny ieh proPYsr jvfeI afpxy Brf dy proPYsr jvfeI df mukfblf krny nUM l wiBaf sI pr dyK ikwdF sLrfbI hoieaf afpxI proPYsrI rolLdf iPrdY!” “cmn lfl, cfhl afpxf dosq aY, eys leI asIN AuhdI sfeIz lYxI eI hoeI pr qUM soc jLrf, ieh muMzf pihlF eydF df qF nhIN sI, cfhl ny eyhnUM ivgfiVaf, hux ieh vI ijLwdIaf bixaF bYTf, qYnUM iek hor gwl vI ds dyvF, ikqy muMizaF df ieh gruwp cfhl nUM kuJ kih eI nf dyvy, ieh muMzy ikqy byiejLqI eI nf kr dyx, kI pqf koeI Dwkf mfr dyvy jF kuJ hor[[[.” “nf beI bldyv isMG, ieh nhIN asIN hox dyxF, iPr vI purfxI dosqI aY, asIN qF pyNzUM vI aF.” “gwl qF qyrI TIk aY pr mhOl idno idn ivgV irhY.” bldyv isMG ny afpxy zr df iejLhfr kridaF ikhf. surjn isMG vI aijhf zr pflLI iPrdf sI pr Auh iksy vI axsuKfvIN Gtnf leI iqafr sI. Auh gulvMq df hr qrFH nfl mukfblf krn leI iqafr sI pr aijhf kuJ nhIN hoieaf. gulvMq ny aijhf kdy soicaf vI nhIN sI. Auh qF afp qVP irhf sI. suirMdr Aus nUM hr rojL Pon krdI qy nfl hI aMimRq qoN qoqlIaF ijhIaF gwlF vI krfAuNdI. bfhr vI imldy rihMdy sn. gulvMq Aus dI sLOipMg vI krf idMdf. dovyN hI iek dUjy Aupr jjLbfqI dbfa pf rhy sn pr iek dUjy sfhmxy kmjLor nhIN sn pYxf cfhuMdy. gulvMq ijQy ieh zr irhf sI ik rfjU vfps ieMzIaf muV jfvygf AuQy hI Aus nUM afpxI pqnI, bwcI, Gr-bfr Kusx df BYa vI sI. iek idn qF Auh ieMnf Ediraf ik Aus ny afpxy ipE nUM icwTI ilKI ik srdUl rfhIN surjn Aupr dbfa puafieaf jfvy. srdUl ny surjn nUM icwTI ilKI vI pr ies df surjn isMG Aupr Aultf asr hI hoieaf. Auh socx lg ipaf ik gulvMq tuwtx kMZy hY. Aus nUM pqf cl cuwikaf sI ik suirMdr Aus nUM imldI hY, Auh aMimRq dy glL lg ky roNdf vI hY. sfP sI ik gulvMq kmjLor pY irhf hY. Aus ny afpxf afKrI PYslf lY ilaf hoieaf sI ik suKvIr nUM vfps nhIN Byjygf. gulvMq hux nhIN qF hor mhInf Tihr ky suirMdr nUM lY jfvygf. nhIN qF Gr nUM syl ‘qy lgvf idqf jvygf.

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iek idn aYln gulvMq nfl Aus dy Gr afieaf. kdy kdy Auh af jfieaf krdf sI. rlL ky Auh kwrI bxfAuNdy. aYln nUM BfrqI Kfxy Kfx df bhuq sLONk sI. Aus rfq gulvMq sLrfbI hoieaf aYln dy glL lg ky rox ligaf. aYln nUM Aus vl dyK ky bhuq qrs afieaf. svyry AuTidaF hI Aus ny ikhf, “gwul, hONslf rwK, mrd bx. jy qYnUM suirMdr nfl eynf eI ipafr aY qF lY af.” “myry Brf df kI bxUM aYln, asIN ieMzIan lok Aus dy vfps muVny nUM bhuq byiejLqI vflf kMm mMndy aF.” “iehdf hwl mYN lwB idMnF, myry spMrk ivc iek kuVI hYgI aY, ijhdf buafey PrYSz AuhnUM Cwz igaY, ieh kuVI myry ipMz dI eI aY, BolLI ijhI kuVI aY, jy Auhdy nfl dosqI rwKyNgf qF kdy qyry kMm vI af skygI.” “kI mqlb?” “mqlb ik qyry Brf df ieDroN qlfk qy Es kuVI nfl ivafh.” “ievyN mMn jfeygI?” “Aus nUM mnfAuxf qyrf kMm aY pr mYnUM XkIn aY ik qyrf kMm ho jfeygf, iek vfr iml qF lY, AuhnUM bfhr lY ky jfh, dosqI pf, GuMm iPr. rfqF Auhdy nfl gujLfr[[[.” “pr suirMdr?” “suirMdr qF qYnUM Cwz ky jf cuwkI aY, qYnUM pqf ik aj kl kuVIaF nvF bMdf lwBx nUM imMt nhIN lfAuNdIaF! [[hux suirMdr Aupr vI ikvyN XkIn kryNgf?” aYln ny inhorf mfridaF ikhf. gulvMq qfa Kf igaf qy boilaf, “TIk aYln, mYnUM grl PrYSz lwB dy, sLfied ieho suirMdr dI sjLf aY, mYN bhuq hI iemfndfr pqI jd iksy hor aOrq nflL sOvFgf qF Aus ‘qy hwsFgf.” “guwl, afpxf ieh ieMzIan sdfcfr afpxy qk eI rwK, ies smfj ivc ieh gwl bhuq CotI aY, hr koeI afpxy bfry socdY.” aglI sLfm nf aYln ny Evr tfeIm lgfieaf qy nf hI gulvMq ny. Aus dovyN hI eyNjl cly gey. ijs PlYt ivc aYln rihMdf sI AuQy hI Aus dI ieh pyNzU kuVI vI rihMdI sI. aYln ny quafrP krfAuNidaF ikhf, “guwl, ieh bItrs. [[[bItrs ieh guwl, myrf dosq, myry nfl eI kMm krdY. [[[bfkI gwlF qusIN afps ivc kr ilE pr quhfzy dohF ivclI sFJ ds dyvF ik quhfzI dohF dI hI afpo afpxy pfrtrn nfloN nvF nvF qoV-ivCoVf hoieaY, sLfied qusIN iek dUjy dy kMm af skoN.” bItrs njLdIk hI iksy dPqr ivc kMm krdI sI. gulvMq nUM Aus nfl gwlF krnIaf bhuq cMgf ligaf. Aus iksy EprI kuVI nfl pihlI vfr gwl kr irhf sI. Auh dovyN svyry vyly isr qk Auh sLrfb pINdy rhy. AuhnF dI dosqI jMmx lgI. agly idn gulvMq ny kMm qoN CuwtI kr leI qy ieh idn bItrs nfl hI gujLfiraf. Aus idn qoN bfad Auh bhuqI vfr Gr jfx dI QF bItrs kol cly jFdf. keI vfr bItrs Aus dy Gr vI af jFdI. Aus leI Kfxf vI bxf jFdI qy Gr dI sPfeI vI kr jFdI. bItrs nfl dosqI qoN bfad guwl bdlx quiraf. suirMdr vflI tIs mwDm pYx lgI. Auh KusL rihx ligaf. aYln qy ivjy qoN ibnF bItrs vflI khfxI df iksy nUM nhIN sI pqf. Aus ny suirMdr nUM Pon krny vI Gwt kr idqy. Auh socx ligaf ik jo hoeygf dyiKaf jfeygf. hux qk ieh gwl vI smJ afAux lgI sI ik rfjU nUM vfps moV skxf ieMnf sOKf nhIN sI. ies dy hfly bhuq sfry pVfa pey sn.[[[ iek idn suirMdr ny surjn isMG dy kihx ‘qy gulvMq nUM ikhf, “zfrilMg, mYnUM sfry kih rhy af beI jy guwl qYnUM nhIN iljFdf qF Gr syl ‘qy lf dy.” “lf dy iPr, ieh idn qF mYnUM sfhmxy ids eI irhf, jd qUM GroN eI cly geI qF sfrI skIm bxf ky eI geI hovyNgI, hux Gr qF syl qy lgxf eI aY, jd qyrf idl krdY lf dy.” gulvMq ny pUrI byiPkrI nfl afiKaf. suirMdr kfhlI nfl bolI, “qYnUM myrf koeI iPkr nhIN, afpxI DI df koeI iPkr nhIN?”

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“jy qYnUM nhIN myrf qF mYnUM vI nhIN qyrf, mYN vI hux socx lg ipaF ik m YN afpxf tfeIm qyrI Kfqr ikAuN vyst kr irhF, ikAuN nf nvIN ijLMdgI sLurU krF.” afKidaF gulvMq ny Pon rwK idqf. suirMdr ny Aus dI ieh byruKI pihlI vfr dyKI sI. Auh rox lg peI qy mn hI mn rfjU nUM gflLF dyx lgI. rfjU nUM vfps muV jfx df iek sihm ijhf qF sI pr Auh sB kuJ gulvMq Aupr suwt ky bYTf sI. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Aus df Brf koeI nf koeI rsqf jLrUr kwZ lvygf. Auh svyry AuTdf, kMm qy cly jFdf. vfps afAuNdf hI kfrF duafly ho jFdf. idn df Kfxf Auh kMm ‘qy hI KFdf sI. rfq nUM bfhroN icps afid lY afAuNdf. keI vfr gulvMq dy dosq af jFdy qF Gr vI kuJ bxf lYNdy. Gr dI sPfeI df kMm rfjU dy ijLMmy huMdf sI pr jd qoN gulvMq dI bItrs nfl dosqI peI sI, Gr dy bhuq sfry kMm AuhI kr jFdI sI. pihlF qF gulvMq srUp vl jFdf hI rihMdf sI. Auh rlL ky nvIaF nvIaF skImF lVfAuNdy, surjn isMG nUM kfbU krn dy qrIky socdy. srUp KusL sI ik gulvMq ny suirMdr Aupr lgfqfr dbfa bxfieaf hoieaf hY. hux jd qoN Aus dI bItrs nfl dosqI peI sI Aus nUM Aus vl jfx df vkq nhIN sI iml irhf. iPr vI Pon jLrUr krdf. gulvMq ny Aus nUM bItrs vfly bdl bfry nhIN sI disaf. Aus ivc ieMnI ihMmq nhIN sI ik bItrs nfl afpxI dosqI bfry srUp nfl gwl kr sky. srUp nUM rfjU df gulvMq nfloN vI ijLafdf iPkr sI. sqnfmI kihMdI, “jI, qusIN afpxI ishq df iDafn rwKo, ijhdf eynf iPkr krdy E, Auh kd y quhfnUM imlx vI nhIN afieaf.” “mYnUM imlx afAxf jF nf afAuxf rfjU dI prOblm aYN pr ijhVf myrf iPkr aY Auh myrf aY, [[[surjn sUMh df koeI qoV lwBxf eI pYxF.” iehnF idnF ivc hI idlbfg df ipE kfmryz ibsLMBr isMG Bfrq qoN do mhIny leI af igaf. idlbfg Aus nUM irsLqydfrF nUM imlfAuNdf iPr irhf sI. iek idn srUp nUM vI Pon af igaf ik Auh imlx afAuxf cfhuMdy hn. srUp kuJ socdf hoieaf sqnfmI nUM kihx ligaf, “lY beI bx geI gwl, surjn sUMh df qoV lwB ipaf, bfgy df ipE afieaf hoieaY, imlx af irhY, Auhdy nfl gwl krdy aF, AuhnUM vrqdy aF.” “jI, Auh kuJ nhIN krn jogf, Auh qF gwpI afdmI aYN, inrf ilPfPy bfjL!” “bs ieho ijhy bMdy df eI kMm aYN ieh, ilPfPybfjL eI ieh kMm kr skdY.” Aus ny gulvMq nUM swidaf qy nfl hI rfjU nUM vI. afpxI sfrI ivAuNq smJfeI. gulvMq nUM bhuqI afs qF nhIN sI pr socdf sI ik iPr vI koisLsL krn ivc kI hrjL hY. srUp ny rfjU nUM ikhf, “dyK, qyrI iek glqI ny sfnUM sB nUM ikwdF tMigaf ipaY, jy qF qUM suKvIr nfl cMgI qrFH rihxf qF asIN gwl agy qorIey, jy pihlF vFgUM eI krnf qF iPr rihx idMny aF.” “sOrI BfjI, mYnUM mihsUs ho irhY ik qusIN sfry eI qMg hoey pey E, hux mYN Auhdy nfl pUrI qrFH aYzjst krUM, iksy iksm dI isLkfieq nhIN afAux idMdf.” rfjU vI hux cfhuMdf sI ik iksy qrFH pwkf ho jfvy. ievyN sihm ijhy ivc rihxf Aus nUM cMgf nhIN sI lg irhf. Auh idloN soc irhf sI ik jo ho igaf so ho igaf, hux sB kuJ Buwl ky suKvIr nfl rihx dI koisLsL krygf. idlbfg afpxy ipE nUM lY ky srUp nUM imlx af igaf. srUp ny Aus dI ivsLysL afE Bgq df ieMqjLfm kIqf hoieaf sI. vDIaf Kfxy qoN ibnF kuJ qohiPaF df vI ieMqjLfm sI. ibsLMBr isMG kol rfjU dy rOlLy bfry pqf cl cuikaf sI. rfjLI KusLI qoN bfad srUp ny kihxf sLurU kIqf, “aMkl jI, sfnUM qF afh quhfzy kuVmF ny lohy dy cxy cbfey pey af, aKy muMzf moV dyxF!”

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“eyhnF dy bfp df rfj cldY! [[[ijhdf cfhy muMzf moV dyx, ijhdf cfhy Koh lYx.” afKidaF Aus ny idlbfg vl dyiKaf. srUp smJdf sI pr iPr vI Aus ny puwiCaf, “Koh lYx qoN kI Bfv[[[?” “nOjuafn, Jwgf cuwikaF afpxf eI iZwz nMgf huMdf pr qyry qoN luikaf vI kI aY, [[[bfgf hux iehnF ny sfzy qoN Koh eI ilaf. sfzy jogf qF ieh irhf eI nhIN, eyhnUM qF Buwl eI igaf beI eyhdy mF ipE hYgy, do BYxF vI hYgIaF.” ibsLMBr isMG gwl krdf idlbfg vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. Auh iek pl leI ruk ky boilaf, “mYN qF kihnF puwqro, sfzI lMG geI, hux qusIN bwcy pfl Lo, sfzf kI aY, asIN qF ndI iknfry ruKVy aF, jy ho sky qF afpxI mF nUM bfgf bwcy idKf ilafvy nhIN qF eyhdI mrjLI.” idlbfg nIvIN pfeI bYTf sI. ijwdx df ibsLMBr isMG afieaf sI ieho gwl keI vfr icqfr cuwikaf sI, idlbfg aigEN hws Cwzdf. ibsLMBr isMG hux ieMglYNz vI afpxy Brf PuMmx isMG dy swdy ‘qy afieaf sI, Aus ny hI itkt Byijaf sI. srUp afpxI gwl krnI cfhuMdf sI pr kfmryz afpxI khfxI lY ky bih igaf. pihly hfVy qoN bfad hI kfmryz pUry jlOa ivc sI. Auh kihx ligaf, “afpxy ielfky ‘c afpxI pUrI DFk aY, koeI vI afpxI slfh ibnF pYr neIN puwtdf. kdy mYN iksy nflL vDIkI neIN hox idqI. [[[afpxy ielfky ‘c mjLdUr dI Aujrq Auhdf psInf suwkx qoN pihlF pihlF dvfAuNnf mYN pr surjn sUMh sfzy nflL eI vDIkI kr igaf, sfzI aOlfd nUM eI sfzy qoN bymuwK kr idqI!” Aus ny nmosLI ijhI ivc isr mfiraf. srUp ny soicaf ik pihlF ieh afpxf guB-gulHft kwZ lvy iPr hI Auh afpxI gwl krygf. Auh cuwp krky Aus dI gwl suxdf irhf. kfmryz ny muV kihx sLurU kIqf, “pr jd afpxf eI pYsf Kotf hovy qF bfxIeyN nUM kfhdf dosL! jy bfgy ivc dm huMdf qF eys vwzy cfhl nUM ieh nwk rfhIN pfxI plLfAuNdf! [[[eyh byGrf sflLf cfhl, iek mrlf ipMz ‘c jLmIn neIN, suhiraF ny Gr pfAux leI QF idqf eyhnUM. sfzy nfl irsLqf joV ky eyhdI iejLq vDI aY pr iehnUM koeI vuwkq neIN!” ibsLMBr isMG pl ku leI KfmosL hoieaf qF srUp ny afpxI gwl sLurU kIqI, “aMkl jI, qusIN dunIaF dyKI aY, vwzy vwzy msly hwl kIqy af, sfzf vI mslf hwl kro, eys lohy dy Qx cfhl nUM jLrf psmfE.” “nf beI, mYN eys bMdy nUM bulf ky KusL neIN. mYN qF rsmo-rsmI imlx vI igaF pr myrf idl nhIN sI krdf.” “ieh vI gwl TIk aY, mfVy bMdy nfl bolx nUM vI idl nhIN krdf huMdf pr qusIN isafsqdfn E, isafsq ivc ivroDI nUM pCfVn dy qrIikaF qoN vfkP E, koeI lVfE pYNqVf.” srUp ny nfl hI iek pYWg hor pf idqf. ibsLMBr ny pYWg cwuikaf qy boilaf, “jmfqI dusLmx nfl qF asIN iswDI twkr lYny aF pr iehdf kuJ hor socxf pYxF.” “soco aMkl jI, kro sfzy duwK dUr.” “ilaf Pyr, nMbr Gumf ky mYnUM Pon PVf jLrf.” ibsLMBr isMG boilaf. idlbfg jo hux qk mUk drsLk bixaF bYTf sI kihx ligaf, “Bfpf, idny gwl kr lvFgy, hux zirMk pI ky gwl krdy cMgy nhIN lgdy.” “ngimaF, qUM cwup rih, qYnUM ikhf sI kuJ kr pr qUM qF kIqf nhIN hux aMkl nUM krn dy.” “ngimaF, qYnUM nhIN pqf, Bfpf qF pihlF eI bhfnf lwBdf iPrdf pMgf lYx df.” idlbfg ny afpxy idl dy zr dy zr bfry dwisaf. ibsLMBr isMG ny ikhf, “bfigaf, qUM iPkr nf kr, sfzy nflL qF jo hoxf sI ho igaf [[[pr myrf PuwlF vrgy bwcy dyK ky mn KusL ho igaf hux, [[[mYN Auh nUM kuJ nhIN kihMdf, bs iehnF muMizaF dI gwl eI krUM.” srUp ny GVI dyKI ik ies vyly surjn isMG Gr hI hovygf. Aus ny Aus df Pon nMbr Gumfieaf qy rsIvr ibsLMBr isMG nUM PVf idqf. Aus ny rsmI ‘hYlo’ qoN bfad aslI gwl arMBI,

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“srdfr jI, afh muMizaF kfrn afpF ikhVI musIbq ivc Psy iPrdy aF, mYN cwiTaF dy sfry Kfndfn nUM jfxdF, eydF dy bMdy nhIN ieh, ikqy koeI glq PihmI peI lgdI aY.” “kfmryz jI, glq PihmI koeI nhIN, jo vI AuhnF kIqf sB swc aY.” “eydF nhIN, afpF sfiraF nUM imlL ky eyhdf hwl lwBxf cfhIdY.” “hwl qF iehdf hux lwB cuwkf hux, jo hoxf sI ho[[[[.” “muMzy nUM moVnf koeI hwl nhIN srdfr jI. qusIN isafxy E, muMzf muVdf jF nhIN muVdf ieh kortF dy hwQ ‘c aY, [[[iPr afpxf mksd qF ijLMdgIaF joVnf aY, qoVnf nhIN, so rlL ky afpF sfry joVn bfry socIey, isafxp iesy ‘c aY.” “kfmryz jI, ikhVf mfpf cfhygf afpxI DI dy irsLqy qoVnf pr Coty df mksd eI ieQy pwkf hoxY, eyhnUM ipMz dI koeI anpVH ijhI kuVI cfhIdI sI ijhnUM jd mrjLI kuwt lvy, jd mrjLI gflLF kwZ lvy, [[[sfzI kuVI dI qF eyhny ijLMdgI nrk bxf CwzI aY.” “koeI gwl nhIN srdfr jI, afpF sfry eI DIaF-puwqF vflLy aF pr goiraF dy mulk ivc af ky afpF gory nhIN bx jfxF ik jd cfhy ivafh ho jfey qy jd cfhy Cwz-CwzfeI. [[[afpF qF eydF dy bMdy aF ik iek vfr iksy dI bFh PV leIey qF Dur qk Auhdy nfl inBIey, [[[iksy idn afpF sfry bYTdy aF, mYN AuhnF muMizaF nflL vI gwl krdF qy srUp nflL vI, [[[Blf eyh sfzy qoN ikQy Bwj jfxgy, afpxI pUry ielfky ivc cldI aY.” aYqvfr sLfm df smF nIXq kr ilaf igaf. idlbfg qy ibsLMBr isMG af gey, srUp qy sqnfmI vI. arjn isMG qy gurbMs kor pihlF hI afey bYTy sn. arjn isMG ny surjn isMG nfl Pon Aupr kuJ gwlF kIqIaF vI sn iesy leI Aus ny srUp nUM Pon krky ds idqf sI ik surjn isMG kuJ nrm hY so lohf grm hY pr swt ihsfb nfl mfirE. surjn isMG ny sB df svfgq iKVy mwQy kIqf. sfry PrMt rUm ivc hI bYT gey. pihlF hI kuJ vfDU kursIaF rwK idqIaF geIaF sn. prkfsL kor, suirMdr qy suKvIr vI AuhnF dy ivc hI af bYTIaF. surjn isMG ny sfrI gwl sMKyp rUp ivc sB dy sfhmxy rwKI. Auh sB qoN vwD dosL gulvMq nUM dy irhf sI ik Auh suirMdr nUM CwzI bYTf sI. ibsLMBr isMG ny gwl krn jogI dfrU GroN hI lfeI hoeI sI. Auh soPy qoN jLrf muhr nUM huMdf boilaf, “srdfr jI, mYN donF muMizaF nUM imilaF. vwzf qF bhuq dI bIbf aY, Cotf vI muhry nhIN boldf. ijhVf Coty ny kuVI ‘qy hwQ cuikaY eyhdy qF mYN vI bhuq iKlfP aF. vYsy Auh iehdy bfry muafPI vI mMgdY. [[[ijhVI gwl qusIN vwzy dI krdy E ieh qF krm df pRqIkrm aY, [[[qusIN vI ieh gwl jfxdy eI E ik nhIN qF Auh eydF df muMzf nhIN. [[[Coty dI mYN grMtI lYNnf ik hux suDr jfAU, mYN Ehdy nfl do GMty gwlF kIqIaF.” “kfmryz jI, hux qF Auhny suDrnf eI hoieaf, vfps ijAuN muV irhY.” “srdfr jI, ijhVI vfps muVn vflI gwl aY qusIN vI jfxd y E ik eynI sOKI nhIN huMdI, lMmI gwl aY, vkIl hor pMjfh rfh dws idMdy af pr afpF eydF dIaF gwlF ivc peIey eI ikAuN? [[[qusIN iesy gwl qoN zrdy E ik pwkf ho ky kuVI Cwz dyAU, mYN eys dI grMtI lYnF, [[[iksy dI kuVI CwzxI koeI KylH nhIN huMdI, mYN sfrI Aumr isafsq ‘c gflL idqI, ijhVf bMdf eydF df kMm kry asIN qF Aus nUM QF QF bdnfm kr ky rwK idaFgy, aglf iksy nUM mUMh idKfAux jogf nf rhU.” “kfmryz jI, eyQy eys mulk ‘c bdnfmI nUM koeI nhIN puwCdf, iek vfrI pwkf ho ky BfvyN iksy iminstr dI kuVI ivafh ilafvy, ieMglYNz dy nF nUM pMjfh[[[[.” “kI gwl krdy E srdfr jI, sfzy huMdy hoey Blf eydF dy glq bMdy nfl kOx vrq lAU, qusIN kihMdy E ik eys mulk ivc bdnfmI nUM koeI neIN puwCdf pr quhfzIaF jVHF qF EQy eI aY, AuQy hoeI bdnfmI eyQy nflLoN ijLafdf mihny rKdI aY. [[[mYN Pyr Auho gwl kihMnF, mYN muMzy nUM sfry qrFH prK ilaf, qusIN myrI grMtI ‘qy kuVI Byj idE.”

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kfmryz ny dovyN hwQ KVy krky afpxI ijLMmyvfrI df pRgtfvf kIqf. surjn isMG prkfsL kor qy suirMdr vl dyKx ligaf. suirMdr dIaF awKF ivc cmk sI. srUp mOkf sMBfldf surjn isMG nUM afKx ligaf, “mfsV jI, mYN vI pUrI ijMLmyvfrI lYNnf. pihlF qF mYN kdy bOdr nhIN kIqI, dukfn ivc eI bIjLI irhF. socdf sI ik cMgI BlI inBI jFdI aY, afpxy Gr KusL hYgy af. mYnUM iksy gwl df pqf vI nhIN sI pr hux mYN afp iDafn rwKUM. sfrI gwl df jvfbdyh mYN hoAUN.” sqnfmI ny prkfsL kor dI bFh PV ky pqI dI khI gwl Aupr shI pfeI. prkfsL kor bolI, “pr AuhnF ny qF iek vfrI vI sfzy qk phuMc nhIN kIqI, gulvMq Pon krdf suirMdr nUM bs DmkIaF ijhIaF idMdf rihMdf.” “mfsI jI, qusIN vI jfxdy E ik guwl suirMdr nfl ikMnf ipafr krdY, iesy leI qF idn ivc ikMnI ikMnI vfr Pon krdY, ijhVI AuhnF dy afAux dI gwl krdy E, afey qF Auh awj vI aY pr sLrimMdy hoey bfhr kfr ‘c eI bYTy af.” sqnfmI dws rhI sI. Aus dy mgr hI ibsLMBr isMG bfjLI ijwqI idsdI dyK muwCF nUM vtf idMdf boilaf, “BYx jI, jd qk asIN bIbIaF dfhVIaF vflLy bYTy aF qd qk quhfnUM kfhdI icMqf.” surjn isMG ny afpxf afKrI hiQafr vrqidaF afiKaf, “qusIN sfry suKvIr nUM puwC lE, eyhdI ijLMdgI df svfl aY.” suKvIr smJ geI ik sfry Aus dy iKlfP jf rhy hn. Auh rfjU nfl muV ky rihxf nhIN sI cfhuMdI. Auh zuskdI hoeI AuT dUjy kmry ivc cly geI. Aus dy mgr hI prkfsL kor, suirMdr qy surjn isMG vI. bfkI sfry iek dUjy vl dyKdy rih gey. srUp qy ibsLMBr isMG dIaF awKF imlIaF. Auh KusL sn. dUjy kmry ivc jf ky suirMdr ny suKvIr dy moZHy PV ky ikhf, “vOt’jL rONg ivd XU?” “afey zONt trwst ihwm, afey zONt vOnf go!” “bwt afey trwst guwl, Auhny mYnUM rfjU bfry dwisaf ik hux TIk aY. vIrF, qUM myry bfry ikAuN nhIN kuJ socdI, qUM aMimRq bfry kuJ ikAuN nhIN socdI, sfzI vI lfeIP hYWl bxI peI aY!” prkfsL kor dohF DIaF vl dyKdI jf rhI sI. kuJ imMt pihlF Aus nUM suirMdr dy ichry ‘qy lohVy dI KusLI JlkdI idsI sI pr suKvIr dI ies nFh kfrn Aus nUM ieh muV gvfcx df zr bxn ligaf. Aus nUM afpxI CotI DI dI ijLd cMgI nf lgI. Auh bolI, “vIrF, qUM ‘kwlI iek pfsy KVI aYN, aOh dyK, isafxy bMidaF df vI soc.” “mMmI, lfeIP AuhnF dI aY ik myrI?” suKvIr surjn isMG vl dyKx lgI. Auh boilaf, “mYnUM qF rfjU ‘qy Borf XkIn nhIN pr jy qUM suirMdr Kfqr cFs lYxf qF dyK lY.” suKvIr ny iPr nFh ivc isr mfr idqf. pihlF suirMdr nUM lgx ligaf sI ik Auh aj hI gulvMq nfl Gr cly jfvygI pr suKvIr Aus dI KusLI df ijvyN glLf Guwtx lgI sI. Aus ny ikhf, “vIrF, plIjL myrI Kfqr mMn jf, myrI Kfqr cwl. mYN prOimjL krdI aF ik jy qYnUM rfjU ny kuJ ikhf qF mYN iehdf jvfb guwl qoN mMgU qy jy pwkf ho ky rfjU ny qYnUM Cwizaf qF mYN guwl nUM Cwz dyAUN, sfrI Aumr iekwlI kwZ lAUN, blIv mI, afey prOimjL. ijwdF guwl kihMdY ‘kwTIaF afE, hux mYN AuhnUM klIar kr dyxF ik asIN rihxf vI ‘kwTIaF ny aF qy jy vfps vI geIaF qF ‘kwTIaF ny jfxF.”

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bldyv isMG iehnF idnF ivc hI ieMzIaf qoN vfps afieaf sI. bhuq hI Audfs qy msoisaf hoieaf. surjn isMG dy DI-jvfeI dI sulfh hox df pqf cilaf qF Aus nUM vDfeIaF dyx Aus kol afieaf. Aus ny ikhf, “cfhl Xfr, guwsf nf krIN, muMzy kuVI dI gwl ivc bhuqf dKl nf dyeIN. AuWnI-iewkI huMdI eI rihMdI aY. kuVI nUM afpxI lVfeI afpy lVn dy, [[[muMzy ikqy Dry pey af!” surjn isMG nUM Aus dI ieh gwl bhuq burI lgI pr Aus nUM ligaf ijvyN bldyv isMG afpxy iksy qjurby ivcoN bol irhf hovy. Aus nUM pqf sI ik Auh afpxI CotI kuVI df ivafh krn ieMzIaf igaf hoieaf sI. Aus ny puwiCaf, “ikwdF irhf ieMzIaf sB?” “pwuC nf kuJ Xfr! sfzy nfl qF bhuq burI hoeI.” “awCf! kI hoieaf?” “asIN gwj-vwj ky kuVI df ivafh kIqf. muMzy df ipE nvyN sLihr df mMinaF hoieaf vkIl aY, ielfky dy vwzy vwzy lok ivafh ivc sLfml hoey, pr bhuq burI ho geI.” “kI?” “muMzf sflLf ivafh dy kfbl eI nhIN sI. ivcoly ny vI qy muMzy dy mFpy ny vI lkoa rwiKaf. asIN aOKy-iPwky hoey qF kihx lgy ik muMzy nUM ieMglYNz lY jfE qy ielfj krf lE.” “ieh qF beI kuVI nfl bhuq Dwkf hoieaf!” “Dwky ijhf Dwkf Xfr! kuVI nUM gsLIaf pY pY jfx, [[[khy suafsfeIz kr lYxf.” “Pyr?” “Pyr kI! asIN ikhVI AuhnF dy golLI mfr dyxI sI! [[[Auh cldy-purjy lok. [[[do mhIny leI gey sF pr cfr hPqy ‘c muV afey. [[[kuVI kmry ‘coN neIN inkl rhI. kihMdI; kMm ‘qy neIN jfxF. aryNjz mYirj dy isstm nUM kosI jFdI aY.” “sOrI bldyv! ieh qF bhuq eI duwK dI gwl aY! [[[kuVI nUM iemosLnl afsrf idE, sMBflo, [[[vkq nfl jLKm hIl ho jfxgy.” “bs Xfr, eynf mn Krfb aY, mYN vI do vIk vfDU iswk mfr ky kMm ‘qy afieaF.” “gwl eI aYsI aY, hOslf rwK hOslf.” “hOsly ibnF kr vI kI skdy aF. [[[muMzy vflLy hfly vI qMg krI jFdy af, aKy muMzy nUM mMgfE. Auhdf ipE kort ivc lYjfx dIaF DmkIaF dyeI jFdY, kdy imMnqF krn lgdY. ieMzIaf vfilLaF nUM qMg krI jFdy af.” “ieh lok sflLy hrfmI aF.” “iesy leI mYN kihMnF beI jy muMzf jLrf aVHb vI aY qF koeI gwl neIN, hOlI hOlI TIk ho jfAU.” bldyv isMG surjn isMG dI smwisaf nUM afpxy msly nfl joV ky dyK irhf sI. surjn isMG ny ikhf, “kI krIey Xfr, jd glq bMidaF nfl vfh pY jfvy qF eydF eI huMdf. [[[hux PYslf mYN iesy krky eI kr ilaf ik DI suKI rhy pr kwl df kI pqf nUM kI hoxF, jy muMzf aVHb hovy qF cwl jFdY pr muMzf DoKybfjLI krdf sI.” Aus nUM hfly vI rfjU Aupr XkIn nhIN sI BfvyN suKvIr rojL Pon krky dsdI ik rfjU hux TIk hY. Aus nUM koeI qMgI nhIN sI dy irhf. suirMdr qF KusL hY hI sI. Aus nUM lg irhf sI ik do-ZfeI mhIny mMmI dy Gr rih ky ijvyN Aus ny nrk Bigaf hovy. surjn isMG nUM kdy kdy lgx lgdf ik ieh smJOqf vDIaf kdm hY pr gulvMq nUM Auh muafP nhIN sI kr sikaf. iek idn gulvMq ny ies smJOqy kfrn kMm Aupr pfrtI vI kIqI. Aus dy dosqF ny rlL ky KUb sLrfb pIqI. surjn Aus idn bhuq duKI irhf. Aus nUM jfipaf ik ieh smJOqf gulvMq dI ijwq qy Aus dI hfr hY.

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svyry ds ku vjy idlbfg avqfr nUM imlx cly igaf. Auh hfly vI bnfrsI dfs dy Gr hI rihMdf sI. idlbfg hux jLrf dUr hox krky Gwt imlx afAuNdf pr aj Auh bwcy lY ky suhrIN afieaf hoieaf sI. Aus ny soicaf ik ikAuN nf avqfr nUM iml afvy. Aus nUM pqf sI ik afh hPqf avqfr dIaF CwutIaF sn. Aus ny jf ky Gr dI zor-bYWl kI. lfjvMqI ny drvfjLf Kohilaf. Aus ny dwisaf ik avqfr hfly afpxy kmry ivc hI sI. idlbfg ny PrMt rUm ivc bYTy bnfrsI dfs nUM ‘hYlo khI qy avqfr dy kmry ivc cly igaf. avqfr hfly suwqf ipaf sI. idlbfg boilaf, “ikAuN beI, rfqIN nwky moVdf irhYN?” “neIN Xfr, AuNkfr vl cly igaf sI, bhuq lyt muiVaF, [[[nflLy rojL qF jldI AuTIdY, afh hPqf jLrf rwj ky sON leIey.” “kwlf eI sOnF ik bfhmxI af jFdI huMdI aY?” idlbfg ny DImI afvfjL ivc puwiCaf. avqfr Aus dy aijhy mjLfkF df keI vfr jvfb nhIN sI idaf krdf. Auh vflL vfhuMdf hoieaf boilaf, “kMm ‘qy neIN igaf?” “iek qF sflLI TMz bhuq aY dUjy Gr vflLI nUM eyDr buVI qfeIN koeI kMm sI, inafixaF nUM CuwtI sI ikhf gyVf mfr afvF.” “eydF dI TMz ivc bfhr ikAuN inkldf huMnf, Gr ‘c rih ky bYWz inwGf kiraf kr, iek awDf inafxf hor GV ky gOrimMt nUM jLrf akl dyh, [[[ieh sflLy dunIaF dI pfvr bxy iPrdy af, iehnF nUM qF asIN inafxy pYdf kr kr ky eI mfr dyxF.” “lMimaF, jy mYN inafxf GVUM qF afpxI msLIn nfl, qyry vFgUM nhIN ik bygfny qMdUr ‘qy eI prONTy lfhI jfmF!” “qUM kMm dI gwl kr, awj df kI progrfm aYN?” “mYN soicaf sI ik jy qUM ivhlf hoieaf qF qyry qoN bIar pInF nhIN qF mYN srUp vlF cly jfxF. afh Ehdy cfcy dy muMizaF dy JgVy kfrn Ehdy nflL mylLjolL vI Gitaf hoieaf sI. mYnUM qF keI vfr zr lgdf sI ik mUMh-mwQy lgxoN vI jfvFgy.” “muMzy krdy vI qF ijLafdqI sI, Blf eydF vI Gr vsdy huMdy af!” “qYnUM nhIN pqf, ksUr sfzy sOhrf sfb qy buVHI df aY. agly nUM eynf cuwk dyxgy ik Auh afpxy afp nUM Kudf smJx lgy.” “eyh muMzy qF AuhnF dy Gr gey eI Gwt sI, [[[hF, qyry jLrUr bFs dy rwiKaf sI, mlveI dy afey ‘qy qUM mUMh prny izigaYN.” “Auhdy sflLy dy qF mYN EdF eI Pwty cuwk dyAUN.” “qUM qF EhqoN zrdf EdF eI ielfkf Cwz igaF, Pwty kI cuwkxy aF.” “lMimaF, kdy ijLMdgI ‘c mOkf afieaf qF dyKIN, sflLy nUM icwq nf kr ‘qf qF mYnUM idlbfg bfsI ikhny kihxF!” gwl krdf idlbfg josL ivc af igaf. jd qk hyToN bnfrsI dfs dI avfjL afeI ik cfh bx geI hY af ky pI lvo. idlbfg boilaf, “pMzq qF hr vyly hux Gr eI bYTf rihMdY.” “Aumr ho geI, hux jfvy vI ikQy?” “Pyr qyrf dfa ikQy lgdf hoAU!” “mF idaf bfigaf, qYnUM kI pqf ik zwzU ikhVy vyly pfxI pINdy af!”

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kihMdf avqfr qOlIaf cuwk ky guslKfny jf viVaf qy idlbfg hyTF bnfrsI dfs kol gYs Pfier muhry af bYTf. lfjvMqI ny Aus dy hwQ ivc cfh df kwp PVf idqf. bnfrsI dfs puwCx ligaf, “kI hfl aY beI sfzy imwqr surjn sUMh df?” “TIk aY aMkl.” “kdy jf eI neIN hoieaf, Ehny vI gyVf neIN mfiraf. lfjvMqI dsdI sI beI QoVI gVbV ho geI sI, hux ikwdF aOlrYt aY?” “afho aMkl, hux TIk aY.” “clo pRmfqmf df sLukr aY, [[[khIN surjn sUMh nUM, kdy gyVf eI mfr jfvy, afh nflL dI qF roz aY.” “qUM vI aMkl, jLrf GuMimaF kr, pwb-sLwb jfieaf kr, gozy iswDy rihx.” “pwb jfxF qF pwb vI lY cldy aF, bs KulHx eI vflLf hoxYN.” “mYN qyrI gwl krdF, aMdr bYTy nUM syNk nf lg jfey!” “mYN qF afh KUMjy vflLy pwb ‘c do glfs gIns dy rojL mfr ky afAuNnF. [[[ieh qF surjn eI af cOvI GMty zfkKfny ‘c viVaf rihMdY.” jd qk avqfr vI nhf ky af igaf. lfjvMqI rotI bfry puwCx lgI. avqfr ny mnHF kr idqf ikAuNik hux AuhnF pwb ivc hI kuJ Kf pI lYxf sI. GroN inklidaF hI idlbfg ny afiKaf, “pMzq qF mUlLoN eI rih igaf!” “hux Auh gwl nhIN nf rih geI, [[[surjn BfjI qoN ds pMdrF sflL vwzf hoxYN.” “pr qyrI lfjvMqI qF GoVI vFgUM iPwt iPrdI aY, kI cfrdf huMnY?”

qyeI sUrj cVHy jF nf pr ieh idn grmIaF dy hI khfAuNdy sn. vYsy mOsm afm nfloN cMgf cilaf af irhf sI. ihMmq isMG nUM ieMglYNz afey nUM keI idn ho gey sn. Aus nUM ieQoN dI inXmbwD ijLMdgI bhuq cMgI lg rhI sI. gurjMt qy blijMdr svyry hI kMm ‘qy inkl jFdy qy sLfm nUM muVdy. Aus leI Kfxf bxfieaf huMdf, Auh afp hI grm kr ky Kf lYNdf. rsoeI ivc gYs kuwkr, Pirwj, BFzy Dox vflI msLIn, kpVy Dox vflI msLIn dyK dyK ky Auh socdf ik ieQoN df jIvn ikMnf afsfn hY. Auh afpxI pqnI bfry socdf, ijhny sfrI Aumr cuwlHy ivc PUkF mfr mfr ky awKF gMvf leIaF sn, ik Auh nfl huMdI qF ikMnI KusL huMdI. AuQoN dy mukfbly ieh jIvn ikMnf vDIaf sI. cMgy vyly gurjMt df irsLqf ho igaf qy Auh ieDr inkl afieaf. Gr dy nfl hI pfrk sI. idn vyly Auh pfrk ivc GuMmx cly jFdf. jy Duwp huMdI qF pfrk lokF nfl Br jFdf. lok kpVy lfh ky Duwp syk rhy huMdy. Auh socdf ik vfps Bfrq gey nUM jy koeI pwuCygf ik ieMglYNz qy Bfrq ivc kI Prky hY qF Auh khygf ik Bfrq ivc lok srdIaF nUM Duwp sykdy hn qy ieMglYNz ivc grmIaF nUM. pfrk ivc lok svyry sLfm dOV lfAux afAuNdy. hor vrijLs krdy vI idKfeI dy jFdy. Aus nUM bhuq KusLI huMdI. afp pI[tI[ mfstr irhf hox krky vrijsL df Aus nUM bhuq sLONk sI. gurjMt nUM vrijsL df sLONk Aus ny bcpwn ivc hI pf idqf hoieaf sI jo ik hfly qk kfiem sI. Auh hr rojL pfrk dy jOigMg trYk Aupr pMj ckr lgfAuNdf sI. ihMmq isMG nUM guwsf afAuNdf ik jOigMg trYk ivc ieMzIan lok ieMny Gwt ikAuN idKfeI idMdy hn. gory kfly hI ijLafdf AuQy huMdy. Auh socdf ik sfzf suBfa hI dyh-rwK ijhf hY. Aus nUM Xfd sI ik skUl smyN vI bhuqy ividafrQIaF dy mFpy nhIN sn cfhuMdy ik AuhnF dy bwcy iksy Kyz ivc ihwsf lYx. ihMmq isMG ny lMzn dIaF keI QfvF dyK leIaF sn. bhuqy pMjfbIaF vFg Aus dI vI vwzI idlcspI kohynUr hIrf jF mhFrfjf rxjIq isMG dy qKq dyKx ivc hI sI. kuJ ivsLysL QfvF Aus nUM gurjMt ny idKf

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idqIaF sn. ivktorIaf-albrt imAUjLm df cwkr surjn isMG ny itAUb rfhIN lvf idqf sI. surjn isMG df Aus vl rvweIaf kuJ TMzf ijhf hI sI. CuwtI vfly idn isLvrfj vI Aus nUM Gumf idMdf. iek idn ihMmq isMG ny Aus nUM puwiCaf, “surjn isMG df vqIrf kuJ ajIb aY, KusLk ijhf!” “qyry nfl koeI gwl nhIN kIqI Auhny?” “nhIN qF.” “asl ‘c gwl ieh aY ik gurjMt AuhnUM koeI siqkfr nhIN idMdf, kuVI nUM vI bhuqf AuDr nhIN jfx idMdf, afp qF jFdf eI neIN. mYN iehnUM keI vfr smJfieaf pr qYnUM pqf ihMmq isaF, ajkwl dy muMzy kdoN iksy dI suxdy af!” “isLvrfj isMG, Xfr, ieh gwl qF mfVI aY, surjn isMG qF eyhdy ipE vFg aY, agly ny kuVI ivafhI aY, Auhdf siqkfr nhIN krnf qF ikhdf krnYN!” ihMmq isMG hYrfn hoieaf gwl kr irhf sI. pqf qF Aus nUM sB sI pr hux Auh dUr dI socdf ieh gwl kr irhf sI. isLvrfj isMG boilaf, “mYN qF soicaf ik surjn sUMh ny gwl kIqI hoAU.” “Auhny qF kuJ nhIN dwisaf, dsdf qF mYN gurjMt dy kMn nf iKcdf.” “surjn sUMh jLrf aVHb jLrUr aY pr bMdf cMgf bhuq, ipafr nfl AuhqoN koeI vI kMm krf lE.” “Auh qF TIk aY pr ieh ibnF mqlb ikAuN iqiVaf bYTf ey!” “iehdI sFZUaF nflL neIN bxdI pr eyhdy ivc surjn sUMh df kI ksUr! [[[Auh ivcfrf bhuq duKI aY, koeI eydF vI krdf ik kuVI nUM eI imlx nf jfx dyvy, [[[hux afh dyK qIjy nMbr aflLf juafeI, cMgf bx ky afpxy Brf leI irsLqf lY igaf sI.” isLvrfj ny gulvMq horF dI khfxI CyV leI. ihMmq isMG ieh khfxI pihlF vI sux cuikaf sI iesy leI Aus ivcoN nvyN arQ kwZ irhf sI. Aus ny sLfm nUM hI gurjMt nUM Gyr ilaf qy puwCx ligaf, “suhiraF nfl kfkf, qyrI kfhdI lVHfeI aY?” “kuJ nhIN bfpU jI, ieh sfry dbfbIey mUMh ‘qy kuJ hor qy iZwz ‘c kuJ hor huMdy ny.” “iehdy ‘c dubfbIaF vflI ikhVI gwl hoeI? sfrI gwl qF shUlq dI ey, surjn myrf PrYSz sI qF qyrf irsLqf ho igaf qy qUM eyDr af igaf. [[[qYnUM pqf ey ik qyrf irsLqf krn leI mYN ikMny pfpV vyly ny, ikMnf ipwCy pY ky irsLqf kIqf sI! [[[hux qyrf PrjL sI ik qUM prqfp df irsLqf krdf pr qUM afpxy Brf bfry kI socxf sI qUM qF afpxy eI muhfjL Kohl ky bih igaF!” “bfpU jI, mYN iksy dI jI-hjLUrI neIN kr skdf.” “mYN qyry leI kIqI aY, qF hI qF qUM eyQy bYTF eyN.” “bfpU jI, qusIN zYzI nUM neIN jfxdy, Auh imMt ‘c agly nUM lfh ky rwK idMdy af.” “mYN neIN mMndf eys gwl nUM, hr gwl df qrIkf huMdf ey pr jd qUM blijMdr nUM AuhnF nUM imlx eI neIN jfx idMdf qF kI afs rwKdf eyN, [[[sLukr kr ik Auh hfly vI qyry nfl sLrfPq idKf rhy ny, jy mYN surjn isMG dI QF huMdf qF pqf neIN kI kr bYTdf.” gurjMt nIvIN pfeI ipE dI gwl suxdf jf irhf sI. Aus ny qF ievyN kdy soicaf hI nhIN sI. Aus nUM ieh bMdy bkvfs lgdy sn qy Brf df irsLqf ieQy krn df suPnf vI nhIN sI lY skdf. ihMmq isMG ny iPr ikhf, “kI qUM prqfp nUM iksy qrFH ieMglYNz swd skdF?” “nhIN jI.” “iPr ieh sB qoN sOKf qrIkf sI, surjn isMG dI CotI kuVI prqfp dy hfx dI sI, qYnUM qF ies gwl df bhuq pihlF iDafn rwKxf cfhIdf sI, [[[hfly vI zuwlyH byrF df kuJ neIN ivgiVaf.”

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“bfpU jI, myrf neIN iKafl ik Auh mMnxgy.” “ikAuN neIN mMnxgy, qUM Brf leI irsLqf mMgxf eyN koeI BIK neIN! qyrf hwk bxdf ey BfeI. [[[Eh dyK cwTy kI kr gey, pihlF muMzy ny afpxy Brf nUM irsLqf krfieaf qy Pyr dyK ikkUM dubfrf jwuqI dy jLor nfl Gr vsfieaf, [[[dyK muMzy dI ihMmq, Brf dI Kfqr Auhny agly dI kuVI Gr bYTf idqI, ieh huMdI ey smJdfrI! [[[ qy qUM surjn isMG df bfeIkft krI bYTF! [[[hux vI imwTf ipafrf ho ky agly dy ivc jf vV.” “sOrI bfpU jI, mYN kdy eynI dUr qk soicaf nhIN sI.” “prqfp nUM eyDr swd, AuQy qF hux aMnI pINhdI ey kuqI GVIsdI ey, nf koeI nOkrI imldI ey, nf kuJ hor. irsLvq ibnF pwqf nhIN ihldf!” ipE-puwqr ny sfrI slfh kIqI qy agly hPqy hI surjn isMG dy twbr nUM afpxy Gr rotI ‘qy swd ilaf. surjn isMG hYrfn vI sI. prkfsL kor hYrfn nfloN KusL ijLafdf sI. blijMdr ny Aus nUM Pon krky ds idqf sI ik dovyN ipE-puwqr hr vyly koeI slfhF ijhIaF krdy rihMdy hn pr kI ieh nhIN pqf. prkfsL kor keI vfr afpxy pqI nUM kih cuwkI sI ik gurjMt dI isLkfieq Auhdy ipE kol kIqI jfvy pr surjn isMG afpxy hI guwsy ivc sI ik ihMmq isMG nUM ieMny idn ho gey afey nUM, Auh nUM afp vI qF sB kuJ idsdf hI sI. prkfsL kor ny ikhf, “jI, hux qusIN koeI AultI iswDI gwl nf kr mfirE, [[[agy vI pqf neIN muMzy nUM kI kih ky guwsy kIqf hoieaY!” “buVHIey, qUM afpxy GoVy pihlF eI duVf idMnI aYN! [[[pihlF qF ieh soc ik jfxF vI aY ik neIN.” “jfxf ikAuN neIN, juafeI ny afpxy Gr rotI ‘qy swidaY, Auhny afp Pon kIqf qy Pyr BfjI ny vI, jfxf ikAuN neIN.” prkfsL kor gurjMt dy Gr jfx leI kfhlI pY rhI sI pr surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik jf ky cfl-Zfl dyK ky eI bdly hoey hflfq df pqf clygf. sLincrvfr sLfm nUM Auh gurjMt dy Gr puwj gey. rxjIq nUM vI nfl hI lY gey sn. gurjMt qy ihMmq isMG ny AuhnF df BrvF svfgq kIqf. ihMmq isMG surjn isMG nUM jwPI pf ky imilaf. rxjIq dy isr Aupr vI hwQ Pyiraf qy Aus nUM klLfvy ivc vI ilaf. AuhnF keI iksm dy Kfxy iqafr kIqy hoey sn. surjn isMG leI ivsLysL vfeIn vI ilaf rwKI sI. gurjMt ny surjn isMG nUM KusL krn leI vfeIn hI pIqI nhIN qF Auh ivskI df sLOkIn sI. gurjMt kuJ krn AuT ky cly igaf qF ihMmq isMG ny gwl sLurU kIqI, “srdfr surjn isMG jI, mYN qF sdf eI quhfzf irxI irhF ik qusIN purfxI dosqI nUM cyqy riKaf sI qy ieh irsLqf mnjLUr kr ilaf sI. mYnUM hux isLvrfj isMG ny disaf ik gurjMt quhfzy vl afAuNdf jFdf Gwt ey, mYN qF ieh sux ky hYrfn ho igaf ik ieh kIkx ho skdf ey, sux ky mYnUM qF bhuq hI sLrm afeI.” surjn isMG Aus vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. iek pl leI qF Aus nUM ligaf ik Auh Aus ‘qy XkIn kr lvy. Aus dy bolx qoN pihlF hI prkfsL kor kihx lgI, “Brf jI, ieh inafxy aF, afpy TIk ho jfxgy.” “BYx jI, ieh gwl aYkx nhIN, [[[gwl eykUM aY ik qusIN iehnF dy mFpy E, quhfzf iehnF Aupr sfzy nfloN ijLafdf hwk ey, quhfzy krky qF asIN byiPkr bYTy vF.” “Brf jI, asIN qF iehnF qy hornF bwicaF ivc koeI Prk neIN kIqf kdy.” “mYnUM pqf qusIN neIN kIqf pr iehnF vloN glqI hoey ey, mYN quhfzy dovF qoN eI hwQ joV ky muafP mMgdF. muV ky ieh gwl kdy nhIN hoeygI, mYN iehdy kMn iKwcy ny pUrI qrFH.” muafPI vflI gwl qoN surjn isMG jLrf nrm ho igaf qy kihx ligaf, “ihMmq isMG jI, sfzf kMm ey iehnF df Blf socxF, iehnF nUM nyk slfh dyxI, iehnF ny lYxI jF nhIN, iehnF dI mrjLI pr jLmfnf bdl igaY, quhfzy-sfzy vflf smF qF hux hY neIN.”

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“TIk ey surjn isMG jI pr jLmfnf eynf vI neIN bdilaf ik mFbfp dI iejLq hI nf kIqI jfvy! [[[huxy afeygf quhfzy qoN muafPI mMgygf afpxy kIqy dI.” “neIN Brf jI, sfnUM muafPI neIN cfhIdI, asIN qF iehnF dI byhqrI cfhuMny aF hor kuJ neIN.” prkfsL kor qF ipGlI peI sI. kuVm dIaF gwlF ny Aus df idl ijwq ilaf sI. qswlI qF surjn isMG nUM vI sI pr Aus nUM ikDry kuJ dflL ivc kflLf vI ids irhf sI. ihMmq isMG vfr vfr rxjIq vl dyKdf jf irhf sI qy mn hI mn Aus dI afpxy puwq prqfp nfl joVI bxf ky dyK irhf sI. Auh dyr rfq qk bYTy gwlF krdy rhy. vfps muVidaF ihMmq isMG ny vIh pONz rxjIq nUM ipafr dy vI idqy ikAuNik Auh pihlI vfr BYx dy Gr afeI sI. vfps muVidaF prkfsL kor ny afiKaf, “isafxf bMdf Pyr vI isafxf huMdY, dyKo nf Brf jI ny afAuNidaF eI muMzy nUM smJf idqf, kihMdf ik koeI vI gwl hovy qF mYnUM disE, mYN iehdI Kbr lAUN.” prkfsL kor ny sfrI gwl ieko sfhy kih mfrI. surjn cuwp krky kfr clfAuNdf irhf. prkfsL kor kuJ pl rukI ik pqI kuJ khygf pr iPr bolI, “asl ‘c mYnUM qF pihlF eI lgdf sI ik muMzf eynf mfVf nhIN, bQyry gux hYgy, clo Auh jfxyN, [[[inafxy eydF eI krdy huMdy af, hux rwb ny sfzI sux leI, sB TIk ho igaf.” “buVIHey, kfhlLy nhIN peIdf, qyl dyKo, qyl dI Dfr dyKo.” pqI nUM jLrf guwsy ivc dyK Auh muV nf bolI. Gr puwjy qF blijMdr df Pon af igaf. Auh puwC rhI sI ik TIk Tfk Gr puwj gey ho nf. surjn isMG socdf jf irhf sI ik ikDry kuJ glq jLrUr hY, ieMnI CyqI dunIaF nhIN bdilaf krdI. agly hPqy hI gurjMt ny ipE nUM lY ky imzlYNz jfxf sI. Auh blijMdr nUM mMmI kol Cwz igaf. blijMdr afpxf Gr lYx qoN bfad pihlI vfr mMmI dy Gr rihx afeI sI. prkfsL kor bhuq KusL sI. surjn isMG vI KusL sI. Aus ny prkfsL kor nUM ikhf, “cl buVHIey, qUM KusL qF hoeI pr ieh KusLI ikMny icr dI aY iehdf kuJ nhIN pqf.” “quhfnUM qF nwk coN TUMhyN sutx dI afdq eI peI hoeI aY, cMgy Bly bMdy nUM inMdx lgdy E.” iehnF idnF ivc hI isLvrfj isMG ny afpxy Coty muMzy df ivafh kIqf; pUrI Dum-Dfm nfl. sfry hI purfxy nvyN dosq bulfey. ihMmq isMG vI gurjMt qy blijMdr nfl igaf. ieMnf sLfndfr ivafh dyK ky surjn isMG dy mn ivc iek suPnf Auzx ligaf ik rxjIq df ivafh Auh ies qrIky nfl hI krygf. afpxy sB bylIaF nUM swdygf. srdUl nUM vI ieMzIaf qoN bulfeygf. pihly cfr ivafh Aus ny bhuq hI sfdy kIqy sn hux afKrI ivafh Aupr sfrI ksr kwZygf. rxjIq hfly pVHdI sI qy pVHn ivc cMgI vI sI. Auh cfhuMdf sI ik koeI izgrI kr lvy qF hI Aus df ivafh krygf. Aus dy keI dosqF dy bwcy izgrIaF lY rhy sn, Aus df vI idl krdf sI ik Aus df vI koeI bwcf izgrI lvy. gurjMt qy blijMdr dy gyVy hux vD gey sn. blijMdr aksr kMm qoN bfad mMmI dy Gr af jFdI qy sLfm nUM kMm qoN muVdf gurjMt Aus nUM lY jFdf. jy surjn isMG Gr huMdf qF ihMmq isMG sYr nUM inkilaf hI af ky Aus nfl cfh pI jFdf. surjn isMG nUM ijQy ieh iksy Kqry dI GMtI vFg lgdf AuQy cMgf vI lgdf. Auh socdf ik jy koeI KusLI quhfzy qk phuMc kr rhI hY qF iehdy ivc ikhVI burI gwl hY, afAux idE. iks KusLI dI ikMnI Aumr hY ies df iks nUM pqf hY. keI vfr bMdf inkIaF inkIaF KusLIaF iekwTIaF krdf hI Aumr kwZ idMdf hY. rfjU vloN vI Auh bhuqf inrfsL nhIN sI. rfjU pwkf ho igaf sI. ijhVf zr sI ik pwkf ho ky rfjU suKvIr nUM Cwz dyvygf, inrmUl inkilaf sI. aijhf kuJ nf hoieaf. surjn Kud nUM kihx lgdf ik ieh keI sLMky iekwTy hor rhy hn, ieh Kqry dI insLfnI hn; rfjU suKvIr qoN KusL hY, gurjMt suDr igaf hY, idlbfg ny afpxf Bfr afp cuwk ilaf hY. Aus ny amFzf nUM lMmI icwTI ilKI; ieMnIaF KusLIaF qMg kr rhIaF hn, iksy vwzy quPfn dIaF sUck jfp rhIaF hn iPr vI Auh ies pl ivc jIx dI koisLsL kr irhf hY.

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muMzy dy ivafh qoN bfad isLvrfj ieMzIaf igaf; afpxy ipMz, afpxy BfeIcfry nfl afpxI KusLI sFJI krn. Auh jFdf hoieaf surjn isMG nUM iml ky igaf. surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik ieh isLvrfj isMG dI hI nhIN blik hr Aus bMdy dI qmMnf sI ijhVf afpxf BfeIcfrf Cwz ky bygfny mulk ivc af ky sYWtl hoieaf sI. bMdy nUM aslI KusLI afpxy lokF ivc, afpxy BfeIcfry ivc vwzf bx ky hI imldI hY. surjn isMG dI vI ieho idlI KfhsL sI ik iek idn afpxy ipMz cwk jfvygf qy sfry ipMz nUM iek pfrtI krygf. pfT afid KulvfAux ivc qF Aus df XkIn nhIN sI, vYsy hI sfry ipMz nUM iekwTf krky rotI Kvfeygf. isLvrfj isMG ies gwloN qF KusL muiVaf ik Aus ny afpxy muMzy dI vwzI pfrtI kr idqI hY pr keI hor gwlF ivc bhuq inrfsL ho ky pRiqaf. Aus ny afpxI jLmIn ‘qy afpxI mfsI df muMzf gurqyj bYTf idqf sI. Aus nUM zr sI ik jy koeI Eprf bMdf bih igaf qF jLmIn Aupr kbjLf vI kr skdf hY. gurqyj kol afpxy ipMz ivc, afpxy ihwsy dI qF jLmIn hY nhIN sI, isLvrfj isMG dI jLmIn nfl Aus df vDIaf gujLfrf ho skdf sI. gurqyj isMG ny sfrI jLmIn Tyky ‘qy lY leI. sfrf ihsfb iek kfpI ivc ilKI jFdf qy sfrf ihsfb-ikqfb krky isLvrfj isMG dy bxdy pYsy Aus dy bYNk ivc jmHF krf idMdf. iPr hOlI hOlI pUrf Tykf dyx qoN afnf-kfnI krn ligaf. koeI nf koeI bhfnf lwB lYNdf. kdy mINh ijLafdf pY jFdf qy kdy pYNdf hI nf. kdy itAUbl dI KUhI izg pYNdI qy kdy motr sVH geI huMdI. isLvrfj isMG ies vfr ievyN igaf sI ik pUrf Tykf mMgygf nhIN qF jLmIn Cuzvf lvygf. ipMz ivc pMjfh hor sn ijhVy jLmIn Tyky ‘qy lYx nUM iqafr sn. Aus ny gurqyj qoN pYsy mMgy qF gurqyj ny sfP kih idqf ik kuJ nhIN bc irhf, KUh dI imwtI KUh nUM lg rhI hY. jLmIn vfps mMgI qF gurqyj dy donoN muMzy khIaF lY ky Aus nUM af pey. isLvrfj isMG ny Bwj ky jfn bcfeI. gurqyj ielfky dy aYm[ aYl[ ey[ df dosq vI sI. isLvrfj isMG pMcfieq kol igaf qF iek vI bMdf gurqyj dy iKlfP nf bol sikaf. pulIs stysLn igaf qF Tfxydfr Aultf isLvrfj isMG nUM kYd krn dIaF gwlF krn ligaf. vkIlF-kichrIaF df cwkr qF hY hI bhuq lMmf sI. pYsy vI Krc ho rhy sn qy gurqyj vloN DmkIaF vI imldIaF sn. Auh mfnisk dbfa hyT rihx ligaf. Auh kichrI ivc kys qF kr afieaf sI pr ieh nhIN sI pqf ik koeI iensfP vI imlygf ik nhIN. arjn isMG nfl vI aijhf hI kuJ vfpiraf sI. Aus dy BrfvF ny jLmIn afps ivc vMz leI sI. arjn isMG nUM ievyN axgOl idqf sI ijvyN Auh Aus Gr jMimaF hI nf hovy. jd arjn isMG ny ihwsf mMigaf qF BrfvF ny bQyrf ikhf ik Auh ieMglYNz rihMdf hY qy rwb ny bQyry idqf hoieaf hY, jd arjn isMG nf hitaf qF AuhnF kuwt Diraf. ieQy kfmryz ibsLMBr isMG kMm af igaf sI. Aus ny kFgrsIey aYm[ aYl[ ey[ nfl koeI gwl kIqI. koeI lYx dyx hoieaf. arjn isMG pUrf nf imly, awDf hI imly ivc sMqusLt sI. arjn isMG iPr vI AuQoN kuJ nf kuJ lY afieaf sI. aijhI hI khfxI bldyv isMG dI sI. bMgy sLihr ivc KrIdIaF dukfnF Aupr Aus dy sfilLaF ny kbjLf kr ilaf sI. ruafiel zIn ivc jd vI pMjfbI iekwTy huMdy qF hr iek kol suxfAux leI aijhI koeI khfxI huMdI. surjn afpxy afp nUM afKdf ik iehnF sB nfloN Auh cMgf rih igaf hY ik afpxy hwQIN hI sB kuJ inrml nUM PVf idqf pr iPr hwsx lgdf ik Aus pfs hY hI kI sI ik ijs dy Kusx df gm huMdf. iehnIN idnIN bldyv isMG Aus nfl bhuq slfhIN ipaf rihMdf. Aus dI CotI kuVI df iek vfr iPr irsLqf Krfb ho igaf sI. Aus ny kuVI df dubfrf irsLqf ieMzIaf ivc hI kr idqf sI. iksy kfrnvs muMzy nUM vIjLf imlx ivc vkq lg irhf sI pr muMzf ieMglYNz afAux leI kfhlf sI. kuVI ny apIl kr idqI. ies nUM keI mhIny lg jfxy sn. muMzf ieMnI jldI ivc sI ik Auh iksy nf iksy qrFH kYnYzf jf puwijaf. AuQy jf ky Aus ny irsLqy leI jvfb dy idqf ik Aus nUM CuwtV kuVI nhIN cfhIdI. iesy kfrn bldyv izprYWsLn ivc rihx ligaf. Aus nUM ies gwl df vI bhuq guwsf afAuNdf ik Aus dI jfq sYxI sI qy sYxI brfdrI dy bhuqy lok nhIN sn ieMglYNz ivc. surjn isMG ny iek idn ikhf, “Xfr, jfq brfdrI dy ipwCy nf pY, muMzf cMgf cfhIdY, iksy vI jfq df hoieaf.”

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“qyrI gwl TIk aY, mYN qF kwl eI soc irhf sI ik kuVI nUM khF ik afp hI muMzf lwB lY, iksy vI jLfq df hovy, gorf-kflLf koeI vI, hux mfeINz krn df vylf nhIN, hux qF bwcy dI KusLI d yKxI cfhIdI aY.” gurjMt hux bhuq hI bdl igaf sI. Auh qkrIbn hr rojL hI suhry Gr gyVf mfrdf. sLincrvfr vfly idn prkfsL kor dI tYsko ivcoN sLOipMg krf idMdf. keI vfr Auh surjn isMG nfl hI rotI KFdf. surjn isMG vflI vfeIn pIx dI hI Aus ny afdq pf leI sI. Aus df rxjIq nfl ijLafdF gwlF krn qoN surjn ny aMdfjLf lgf ilaf. Aus ny afpxI pqnI nUM ikhf, “buVHIey, ieh sfrf zrfmf rfxI dy irsLqy leI ho irhY.” “jI, mYnUM qF blijMdr ny pihly idn eI ds idqf sI ik Coty muMzy leI rfxI df irsLqf mMgxf cfhuMdy af, mYN qF quhfnUM dwisaf nhIN ik Bwj ky pvoNgy.” “ieh sfrI ihMmq sUMh dI cfl aY, iehnUM buDU nUM eynI akl huMdI qF pihly idn qoN eI eydF cldf.” “afpF vI kuVI qF ivafhux eI aY, jy iehnF df muMzf sUq af igaf qF Auho shI.” “kuVI hfly neIN ivafhuxI, hfly kuVI nUM pVHn dyxF, dyKdy aF ik ikwdF inkldI aY.” Aus nUM gurjMt hux bhuq hI BYVf lgx ligaf. Aus nUM Aus dI hr gwl aYkitMg lgdI; ibnF mqlb Gr afAuxf, zYzI kihxf, hwsxf afid. iPr blijMdr nUM KusL dyK ky jLrf qswlI vI huMdI. iek idn ieMzIaf qoN prqfp dIaF kfPI sfrIaF qsvIrF af geIaF. gurjMt iek iek krky Poto surjn isMG nUM idKfAux ligaf. surjn isMG ny dyiKaf muMzf qF suhxf sI pr Auh hfly irsLqf nhIN sI krnf cfhuMdf. gurjMt cfhuMdf sI ik surjn isMG jF prkfsL kor gwl qory pr iksy ny nf qorI. prkfsL kor ny blijMdr nUM ds idqf sI ik zYzI hfly rfxI dy ivafh leI iqafr nhIN pr blijMdr ny agy gurjMt nhIN ieh gwl nhIN sI dsI. kuJ idn AuzIk ky gurjMt ny afp prkfsL kor nfl gwl kridaF ikhf, “mMmI, prqfp dIaF Poto qF qusIN dyKIaF eI ny, myry nfloN vI afkrf ey, ikAuN nf afpF rfxI df irsLqf Auhdy nflL kr dyeIey.” “muMzf qF bhuq suhxF pr zYzI kihMdy ik hfly rfxI df ivafh nhIN krnf.” “qusIN ‘hF’ kr idE, [[[ivafh afpF hfly do sfl Tihr ky kr lvFgy.” “gurjMt puwq, kfhlI kfhdI aY, afpF ikqy Bwj cwly aF. [[[nflLy kuVI hfly pVHdI aY. zYzI kihMdy; kuVI pVHfAuxI aYN ijMnf vI mrjLI pVH lvy.” prkfsL kor df kihxf gurjMt dy isr ivc hQOVy vFg vwijaf. Aus nUM nhIN sI afs ik buVHI Aus dI gwl nUM ievyN trkf jfvygI. iek vfr qF Aus nUM ligaf ik ieMny icr dI kIqI ‘lolo-popo’ aYvyN hI geI. Aus ny afpxy guwsy nUM kfbU ivc rwiKaf qy blijMdr nUM iek vfr iPr koisLsL krn leI ikhf. blijMdr koloN gwl TIk nf bYTdI dyK Aus ny surjn isMG nUM afp hI kih idqf, “zYzI, qusIN prqfp dIaF Poto qF dyK hI leIaF ny, jy quhfnUM muMzf psMd ey qF[[[.” surjn isMG Aus dI gwl tokdf hoieaf boilaf, “quhfzI mMmI ny mYnUM sfrI gwl dsI sI, muMzf TIk aY pr kfhlLI kfhdI aY, hfly donoN eI inafxy aF.” “mYN ikhf agFh nUM muMzy eI afAux bMd nf ho jfx.” “nhIN huMdy, jYnUan kysF nUM iksy ny nFh neIN krnI, [[[Pyr afpF ieh vI dyKxf ik kuVI dy gryz ikwdF dy afAuNdy af, jy XUnIvrstI jfx jogI hoeI qF hfly ivafh nhIN krnf, [[[iPr kuVI dI mrjLI dyKxI vI qF jLrUrI aY.” surjn isMG dI avfjL ivcoN ienfkr Jlk irhf sI. gurjMt ny guwsy BrIaF njLrF nfl Aus vl dyiKaf pr cuwp irhf. Aus dy jfx qoN bfad prkfsL kor bolI, “qusIN qF muMzy nUM JfV ijhf idqf.”

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“hor mYN lfrf lfAuNdf!” “jI, Auh vI qF eys Gr df jvfeI aY, Auhdf vI qF gulvMq ijMnf eI hwk bxdY.” “kfhdf hwk bxdY! asIN KusL nhIN, kuVI KusL nhIN, [[[iehdf kfhdf hwk?” “jI, jLrf iDafn nfl dyKo, blijMdr duKI vI qF nhIN, gihixaF df Ehdy kol Gftf nhIN qy nf eI sUtF df, Auhdy ipCly brQzy ‘qy Ehdy ikMny cfa-mlHfr kIqy sI, Xfd aY nf! mYN qF kihMnI aF gurjMt dUijaF nfloN keI gwlF ivc byhqr aY.” “kfhdf byhqr aY! [[[gihixaF nflL ikhVI KusLI imlL jFdI aY, [[[EDr dyK aMimRq dOVI iPrdI aY qy ieDr[[[.” “jI ieh gwl qF mYN keI vfrI kr cuwkI aF, blijMdr kihMdI; pihlF gurjMt ieh Gr iblkul PrI kr lYxF cfhuMdf qF eI bybI lYxgy, [[[qusIN muMzy nUM eydF neIN sI kihxf.” “mYN AuhnUM ikhVI nFh kIqI aY pr Auh qF qwqf cwtxf cfhuMdY. [[[agly sfl ieMzIaf jfvFgy, rfxI dy rjLwlt vI af jfxgy.” surjn isMG ny kuJ iZwly pYNidaF ikhf. Aus nUM pqnI dIaF gwlF kuJ kuJ shI vI lg rhIaF sn. dUjy jvfeI ikhVf Aus nUM pMGUVy Jutf rhy sn. ieQoN muMzy imlxy jLrf musLkl sn qy ieMzIaf qoN afey muMzy qF rfjU qy gurjMt hI imlxy sn, gulvMq vrgy imlxy qF bhuq hI iksmq dI gwl huMdI hY.. Aus nUM ieh vI sI ik hux qF ihMmq isMG kol vI isLkfieq kIqI jf skdI sI. gurjMt nUM ies gwl df blijMdr rfhIN pqf cl igaf nhIN qF Auh muV ky iehnF df bfeIkft krn bfry socx lg ipaf sI. Aus ny afpxf AuhI nrm rvweIaf rwiKaf. suhry Gr Auh BrvIN hfjLrI lgvfAuNdf irhf. kdy kdy Auh rxjIq nUM puwCx lgdf, “XU vON’tU gYWt mYrIz?” “noa vya, afey zONt lfeIk mYirj!” afKdI rxjIq sLrmf jFdI. gurjMt Aus nUM ivafh dy gux dwsx lgdf pr rxjIq muhirEN hwsI jFdI. ievyN sfl lMG igaf. AuhnF df ieMzIaf jfx df progrfm bxn ligaf. iehnF idnF ivc hI rxjIq dy nqIjy af gey. gryz bhuqy cMgy nhIN sn iPr vI ey lYvl ivc dfKly jogy sn. surjn isMG soc irhf sI iehnF gryzF nfl Auh sLfied hI XUnIvrstI jf sky pr iPr vI hfly suDrn dy mOky sn. Aus dy mn ivc ieh gwl vI sI ik jy rfxI nUM muMzf psMd af igaf qF ivafh krky ivhlf ho jfvygf. afpy ivafh qoN bfad rfxI koeI kors bgYrf kr lvygI. jo vI hovy, do sfl qF Aus ny rukxf hI sI. ieMzIaf jf ky sfry hI irsLqydfrF nUM imly. gurjMt dy ipMz vI gey. ihMmq isMG df ipMz ivc hI nhIN ielfky ivc hI vfhvf tOhr sI. suhxf Gr bxfieaf hoieaf sI. iek motr sfeIkl qy iek skUtr KVy sn. hux kfr lYx dIaF gwlF vI ho rhIaF sn. prqfp vI AuhnF nUM psMd sI. rxjIq nUM vI prqfp cMgf ligaf pr Auh hfly ivafh leI iqafr nhIN sI. jd Auh dUjI vfr ihMmq isMG nUM imlx gey qF prqfp dI mF juigMdr kor prkfsL kor nUM bolI, “BYx jI, kI ivcfr ey quhfzf?” “sB TIk ey pr asIN hfly iqafr nhIN aF, kuVI ny vI hfly agy pVHnF.” “Auh qy BYx jI sB TIk ey pr qusIN muMzy nUM rok jfE, eykx sfnUM vI qswlI rhygI.” “BYx jI, jd quhfnUM kih idqf qF ikhVI gwl aY.” “dyKo BYx jI, dunIaFdfrI afpxI jgfh ey, muMzf roikaf hoeygf qF sfnUM vI qy quhfnUM vI pqf hovygf ik iksy hor pfsy nhIN Jfkxf, [[[ajkwl dy jLmfny df qF quhfnUM pqf eI ey!” “BYx jI, hux iehnF nUM eI puwCo.” prkfsL kor nUM aigEN koeI gwl nhIN sI af rhI. ievyN ihMmq isMG vI surjn isMG dy KihVy hI pY igaf. surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik aglI vfr afvygf qy srdUl nUM nfl lY ky cMgI qrFH irsLqf kr ky

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jfvygf pr ihMmq isMG dIaF clfkIaF muhry surjn isMG bhuqf kuJ nf kr sikaf. Auh surjn isMG nUM vfr vfr kih irhf sI ik prqfp AuhnF df sky puwqF nfloN vI vwD iewjLq-mfx krygf. aMq surjn isMG ny soicaf ik irsLqf qF krnf hI sI, Aus ny sO rupey jybH ivcoN kwZ ky prqfp nUM ipafr dy idqf. ihMmq isMG ny lwzU mMgvf ky aFZ-gvFZ vMz idqy. lok AuhnUM vDfeIaF dyx lgy. Aus ny vI rxjIq nUM ipafr dy idqf qy irsLqf pwkf ho igaf. irsLqy qoN bfad gurjMt bhuq KusL sI. suhiraF dI kIqI cfplUsI kMm af geI sI. hux Aus nUM rxjIq df bhuq moh afAuNdf. iKaflF ivc Auh rxjIq nUM prqfp dI pqnI bxI dyKdf qF Aus nUM bhuq cMgf lgdf. rxjIq blijMdr qoN vI suhxI sI. blijMdr vI KusL sI ik Aus dI BYx Gr ivc afvygI qF Aus nfl koeI qF duK-suK krn vflf hovygf. suirMdr qy suKvIr dI Audfhrx Aus dy sfhmxy sI. dovyN iekwTIaF rihMdIaF sn qy iek dUjy dy nfl kMD vFg KVdIaF sn pr keI vfr Aus nUM zr vI lgx lgdf ik ijvyN Auh dovyN iek dUjy nfl bwJ ky rih geIaF hn ikqy ievyN hI nf hovy. prkfsL kor ies irsLqy qoN bhuq KusL sI. jdoN qoN gurjMt AuhnF dy Gr afAux ligaf sI, Aus df Auh bhuq moh krn lgI sI. iek idn Aus ny blijMdr nUM ikhf, “dyK bwlI, aMimRq iqMn sfl dI ho geI, ivafh quhfzy qoN bfad ivc hoieaf sI.” “mMmI, jF qF vwzf Gr lYxf jF iek hor Pyr[[[.” “Gr vI nflL nflL lY huMdy rihxY aF pr bwcy ruwq ruwq dy myvy huMdy af.” “lY qF mMmI! [[[asIN Blf buwZy ho gey aF!” “dyKo, ijMnf icr quhfzy vloN koeI Kbr nhIN afAuNdI asIN muMzf neIN swdxF.” mF dI gwl ‘qy blijMdr hwsx lgI. Auhny jf ky pqI nUM disaf qF Auh boilaf, “cwl, afpF buVHI nUM vI KusL kr eI idMny aF, AuhnUM kih dy agly sfl bybI sFBx leI iqafr ho jfh.” gurjMt nUM qF hr vyly ieho ihsfb lfAuNdf rihMdf sI prqfp afvygf qF Auh iek qnKfh sihjy hI bcf lYxgy qy pYsy joV ky luiDafxy koTI pfAuxgy. gurdyv ngr ivc Aus dy iek dosq dI koTI huMdI sI. kdy kdy Auh afpxy dosq nUM imlx jFdf qF Aus df bhuq idl krdf ik Aus dI vI aijhI koTI hovy. hux Auh afpxI ieh qmMnf vI pUrI kr skygf. prqfp qy rxjIq dy irsLqy dI jy iksy nUM qklIP sI qF Auh sI idlbfg. Auh keI idn qk eIrKf ivc Buwjdf irhf. kdy kdy afpxf duwK Prolx srUp vl cly jFdf. srUp Aus nfl pwb nf jf skdf, Auh dukfn ivc hI bIar df zwbf iplf idMdf. idlbfg Aus vloN AuT rfjU kol af jFdf, kihMdf, “dyK, sfilLaF ny BMz dy Brf nUM irsLqf kr idqf, [[[ieh buVHf-buVHI BlymfxsF dy nhIN kupwiqaF dy imwq aY, Auhny BMz ny iehnF nflL eynI kIqI, hux Ehdy eI mOrIN cVHdy af!” rfjU Aus dI gwl ivc bhuqf huMGfrf nf idMdf. iek Aus df suBfa vI cwup ijhf sI qy dUjf Auh afpxy qoN vwizaF muhry bhuqf nhIN sI KulHdf. idlbfg Aus df moZHf QfpVdf afKdf, “sLfbfsLy qyry, asl ‘c qF qUM eyhnF dI cMgI qrFH GIsI krfeI aY, eydF eI sUq aONdy af ieh.” bIar dI lor ivc af ky Auh kihx lgdf, “Coty BfeI, buVHI hux sfzy nflL qF iswDy mUMh gwl eI neIN krdI, [[[eyh sB BMz krky eI aY, myrf idl krdf; kdy BMz sflLy dy cfr jVF.” jd Auh ijLafdf sLrfbI ho jFdf qF bolx lgdf, “myrf nF aY idlbfg bfsI, kfmryz ibsLMBr sUMh df muMzF, [[[ksm dI gwl aY beI ijwdx ieh myrI dfVH hyT af igaf qF rgV ky rwK dAUN, prOimjL[[[!”

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ruafiel zIn ivc bhuqf kuJ afm ijhf sI pr kuJ ku gwlF bdlIaF sn. gulvMq qy surjn isMG afps ivc imxvIN ijhI gwl hI krdy. tuwty sLIsLy vFg qyRV sfP idKfeI idMdI sI. gulvMq nUM surjn isMG dI koeI gwl glq lgdI qF tok vI idMdf. isafsI msilaF Aupr donF dy kfPI awzry ivcfr sn. gulvMq dy dosqF ivc vI surjn isMG dI pihly ijhI gwl nhIN sI rhI. musLqfk kihx lgdf, “E beI cwTy, qyry buVHy dy pYr duKdy sfAU? [[[dyK ikvyN qursI ijvyN juwqI nUM glU lgf hosI.” nvqyj kihMdf, “sfrf ruafiel zIn dyK lY, lokF dI nuhfr smyN nfl bdldI rihMdI aY pr qyry sOhry dI Auho pwg, Auho CotI CotI dfhVI, eynI ku iksy dy hwQ nf af sky.” Aus dI gwl ‘qy sfry hwsdy. nfl hI ivjy tOxf lfAuNdf kihMdf, “aYnkF vI, Auho; bfby afdm dy vyly dIaF, Blf eynf icr ho igaf sLIsLy df nMbr nf bdilaf hoAU!” gulvMq vI AuhnF nfl imMnf imMnf muskRfAuNdf pr Aus nUM ieh gwlF cMgIaF nf lgdIaF ijvyN ik huMdf hI hY ik afpxy bMdy nUM qusIN afp lwK burf kih lvo pr jd koeI hor khy qF duwK lgdf hY. surjn isMG nUM vI gulvMq hux cMgf lgxoN ht igaf sI. BfvyN suKvIr suKI sI qy suirMdr vI pr gulvMq nUM ijvyN Aus ny hfly muafP nhIN sI kIqf. iek qF Aus nUM gulvMq df ijLafdf sLrfb pIxf cMgf nhIN sI lgdf qy dUjy jo Aus df nF iksy gorI aOrq nfl juVn ligaf sI Auh vI zrf irhf sI. bItrs bfry ruafiel zIn ivc bhuq Gwt lokF nUM pqf sI pr iPr vI aPvfh ijhVI Auz geI sI ik gulvMq dy iksy gorI nfl sbMD hn. Aus ny keI vfr gwlF gwlF ivc suirMdr nUM toh ky dyiKaf sI ik sLfied Auh kuJ jfxdI hovy. pqnI sI, pqf cl hI jFdf hY pr suirMdr nUM iksy gwl df nhIN sI pqf. ies leI Aus socdf ik sLfied aPvfh hI hovy. bfkI ruafiel zIn ivc sB AuvyN sI. Auho EvrtfeIm, Auho pwb, Auho bRykF, mIt dy pqIly, ivskI dIaF boqlF. gulvMq ny qF isLPt vI hfly qk Auho hI rwKI hoeI sI. duiphr do qoN lY ky rfq ds CwqI qk. rfq nUM cfr GMty Evr tfeIm lf lYNdf. rfq dy Kfxy dI bRyk AuhnF nUM awT qoN nON vjy qk huMdI pr afm qOr qy lok nON vjy qoN vI pMj imMt bfad qk bYTy rihMdy. kuJ idnF qoN gulvMq nON vjx qoN ds imMt pihlF hI AuT KVdf. hOlI hOlI sfry hI Aus df noits lYx lgy. iek idn rxbIr boilaf, “ikAuN beI, bVI kfhlLI ‘c aYN, GVy qF neIN pfey hoey ik hwQ PyrnF!” “eydF eI smJ lY beI GVy pfey hoey af, pUrI sLrfb bxI qF dwsUM.” nON vjy rojLfnf gulvMq dI izAUtI plyt Pfrm qy huMdI sI ijQoN zfk dy QYly vYnF ivc lwdy jFdy sn. iehnF ivc kuJ QYilaF dI Kfs izspYc eyarport puwjxI huMdI sI. ieh zfk hvfeI jhfjL rfhIN nyVy hI pYNdy iek jLjIry jrsI jfxI huMdI. ies zfk dI ivsLysL gwl ieh huMdI ik dUjy pfsy Pon krky dwsxf huMdf sI ik ikMny ng af rhy hn. dUjy pfsy dy krmcfrI ny ieh gwl afpxy irkfRz ivc ilKxI huMdI sI. gulvMq df ieh ivhlf ijhf smF huMdf sI. dUjy pfsy bYTf krmcfrI vI KflI ijhf huMdf. hux kuJ smyN qoN AuQy hYln nF dI koeI aOrq af geI sI. hYln dI avfjL ivc bhuq kisLsL sI. gulvMq df idl krdf ik Aus nfl hor gwlF kry. kMm dIaF gwlF mukf ky Auh jrsI dy mOsm dIaF gwlF krn lgdf, jrsI dy lokF dIaF, jrsI dy smuMdrI qwtF dIaF. ievyN hI hYln vI lMzn ivc zUMGI idlcspI rwKdI. Aus ny kdy vI lMzn nhIN sI dyiKaf. ievyN hI Auh vIh-pwcI imMt gwlF krdy rihMdy. iPr aijhf hoieaf ik ieh gwlbfq ijvyN AuhnF dI jLrUrq bx geI hovy. gulvMq bRyk ivcoN vI jldI iesy krky AuT afAuNdf ik kMm mukf ky ijLafdf smF gwlF kr sky. hOlI hOlI Auh bhuq hI inwjI ijhIaF gwlf krn lgy sn. gulvMq puwCdf, “svItI, awj ikhVy rMgf dy kpVy pfey af?” “Buwl igaYN, post aOiPs dI XUnIPfrm aY, kwl zFs ‘qy jf rhI aF, nIly rMg dI mYksI pihnFgI.” “mYksI nfl hox kI pihnxYN?”

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“hor kuJ nhIN, [[[hF sPYd brf.” “aMzI neIN?” “neIN mYksI nfl aMzI neIN pihndI, lfeIn bxn lgdI aY.” afKdI hYln hwsx lgdI. iPr afKdI, “kdy jrsI af, bhuq ipafrI jgfh aY.” “hF hYln, mYN iehdy bfry sux rwiKaY.” “afjf iPr, aYsL krfvFgI.” “qyry Grvfly rya df kI bxUM?” “Auh qF iblkul inkMmf aYN, sLrfb pI ky suwqf rihMdY, bhuq qMg krdY, jy mYN kYQoilk nf huMdI qF kdoN dI qlfk dy cuwkI huMdI, qUM af jf, EhdI prvfh nf kr.” kdy kdy gulvMq vI Aus nUM lMzn afAux df swdf idMdf. Auh puwCdI, “qyrI pqnI mYnUM dyK ky qYnUM kuJ nhIN khygI?” “AuhnUM dwsygf hI kOx? [[[mYN qYnUM hotl ivc rKFgf.” hYln swc hI lMzn afAux bfry socx lg peI. gwlF krdy Auh gMdy gMdy lqIPy suxfAux lgdy, afpxy bYWzrUm dIaF sfrIaF gwlF vI sFJIaF kr lYNdy. keI vfr hYln Aus nUM koeI gIq suxfAuNdI. Aus dI avfjL bhuq ipafrI sI. Pon Aupr cldy iesLk bfry ivjy nUM pqf cilaf qF Auh kihx ligaf, “iksy pMgy ‘c nf Ps jfeIN Xfr, hfly bItrs qyry qoN CwzI neIN geI!” “Xfr, bItrs vI koeI Cwzx vflLI cIjL aY, hux Auhdf bhuqf iPkr neIN, Auhny buafey PrYSz lwB ilaf qy kdy kdy myrf Evr tfeIm vI lg jFdf.” gulvMq ny hwsdy hoey ikhf. Aus dy tYlIPon Auprly iesLk bfry sfry hI dosqF nUM pqf cl igaf. Aus nUM CyVdy hoey kihMdy, “ho igaf beI qyrf tfeIm, afpxf glfs Kqm kr dy dOV, qyrI hYln AuzIkdI hoAU.” musLqfk mjLy lYNdf afKdf, “Xfr cwTy, ieh PonF df iesLk kI hosI, ieh qF buwZy bMidaF df kMm AU, cflI twpo qF dUroN dUroN iesLfry kro, qUM qF mfsLf awlf! hfly jvfn aY Xfrf, koeI nyVy df ptolf puwt.” “mIaF, eys idl df pqf neIN cldf ik ikhVy vyly ikhdy ‘qy af jfxF.” gulvMq afKdf. Aus nUM lgdf ik swc muwc hI Aus nUM hYln nfl iesLk ho igaf hY. Aus ny mn hI mn hYln dI qsvIr vI GV leI hoeI sI. bItrs qoN ikqy vwD suhxI aOrq, ipMnIaF qk skrwt ivc inwgr idsdIaF lwqF, BrvIaF CfqIaF qy Coty Coty kwty hoey vfl. ijvyN hYln smuMdr dy kMZy KVI lihrF vl dyK rhI hovy qy gulvMq Aus dy ipwCy KVf Aus nUM qk irhf hovy. keI vfr Aus nUM lgdf ik hYln gf rhI hY qy Auh Aus dy glLy vl dyK irhf hY ijs ivcoN ieh KUbsUrq avfjL inkl rhI hY. iek idn gulvMq pUrI bRyk dosqF nfl bYTf irhf. rxbIr ny hYrfn huMidaF puwiCaf, “qUM jfxf neIN sI? [[[qyrI hYln AuzIkdI hoAU.” “neIN Xfr afsLkI df AubflL TMzf pY igaf.” “qUM qy kih irhf sI ik Auh ikRsms ‘qy af rhI aY qy qUM Auhdy leI hotl buwk krf irhYN.” “Auh sB qF TIk sI af hI rhI sI pr kwl AuhdI Poto imlLI af, kihMdI qUM mYnUM eyar port ‘qy pwCfxygf ikwdF.” “suhxI aYN?” “Aumr pMjqflI-pMjfh qy ishq eydF dI ijwdF ipMz ‘c iksy ny kMDF Zfhux nUM bMdf rwiKaf huMdY.”

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cOvHI surjn isMG df iek sfl pUrf afrfm df inkilaf. iksy pfisEN koeI burI Kbr nf afeI pr sihm jLrUr bixaF rihMdf sI. Auh ies bfry amFzf nUM icwTIaF ilKdf. amFzf ajkl bhuq gmjLdf sI. Auh afpxf mn hlkf krn leI lMmIaF lMmIaF icwTIaF ilKdI. prkfsL kor nUM icwTI dy rMg qoN sB pqf cl jFdf pr Auh cuwp rihMdI qy aMdro aMdr kuVdI rihMdI. iPr acfnk surjn isMG dy sfhmxy sulJI qfxI muV AulJx lgI. rfjU dIaF isLkfieqF iPr afAux lgIaF. suKvIr mMmI nUM Pon krdI rox lgdI. iek idn surjn isMG ny suirMdr nfl gwl kIqI. Auh bolI, “zYz, iPkr nf kro, mYN gwul nUM sfP kih idqf ik myrI BYx dI hr qklIP myrI aY, rfjU AuhnUM qMg nhIN kr irhf mYnUM kr irhY.” surjn isMG nUM DI dI ieh gwl bhuq cMgI lgI pr Auh soc irhf sI ik ieh mslf dubfrf AuTy hI ikAuN. Auh soc irhf sI ik gulvMq nfl gwl kry pr gulvMq hr vyly ZfxI ijhI ivc iGiraf rihMdf qy Auh bYTy sLrfb pI rhy huMdy. Gr dy sfry PYsly BfvyN gulvMq dy hwQ ivc hI sn pr hux rfjU kuJ afp krn ligaf sI. suKvIr nUM muV pihly vflf kMm iml igaf sI. rfjU Aus nUM Krcx jogy pYsy dy ky bfkI dI sfrI qnKfh PV lYNdf. suirMdr Gr dy Krc leI ijMny pYsy mMgdI dy idMdf qy bfkI dy jmFH krf idMdf. suKvIr hr vyly Krc vloN aOKI rihMdI. Aus dy mukfbly suirMdr kMm vI nhIN sI krdI pr iPr vI Aus kol hr vyly pYsy huMdy. suKvIr nUM afpxIaF inwkIaF inwkIaF loVF leI pYsy BYx qoN lYxy pYNdy. suirMdr nUM jnm idn ‘qy vI ikRsms ‘qy vI qohPy imldy pr suKvIr KflI bYTI huMdI. gulvMq kih kih ky rfjU qoN Aus leI qohPy mMgfAuNdf. suKvIr nUM ieh cMgf nf lgdf. gulvMq rfjU bfry iPkrvMd rihMdf. Auh socdf ik jy AuhnF dy iek bwcf ho jfvy qF sB TIk ho jfvy. Auh iek dUjy nfl hor juV jfxgy. kdy Auh socdf ik iehnF donF dy nF ‘qy koeI ivEpfr lY idqf jfvy qF jo iek dUjy nfl bwJ skx, iek dUjy dI loV mihsUs kr skx. iek dUjy df mhwqv vI smJx. iek idn Aus ny suirMdr nUM ikhf, “ikAuN nf afpF iehnF nUM alwg Gr lY dyeIey, donF dy nF ‘qy hovy, iksy cIjL nUM qF sFJI smJx.” “nhIN guwl, jy afpF eyhnF qoN prFh ho gey qF eyhnF dI dUjy idn eI ivgV jfxI aF, mYnUM rfjU df koeI Brosf neIN, [[[mYN suKvIr nfl vfadf kIqf hoieaf ik jy rfjU AuhnUM Cwzygf qF mYN vI Auhdy nflL eI jfvFgI, cyqy af nf!” “qUM afpxIaF eI sLurlIaF CwzI jfieaf kr, qYnUM CwzIdf mwJ Qwly af qy jf vVdI aYN Joty hyT!” gulvMq ny guwsy ivc afAuNidaF ikhf. ieh gwl suirMdr pihlF vI kihx lgdI sI. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik suirMdr aijhf nhIN krygI pr iPr vI Aus nUM suirMdr nfl pihly ijhf moh nhIN sI. hux Auh Aus nUM ‘mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn’ bhuq Gwt kihMdf sI. kdy kdy bItrs vl cly jfieaf krdf sI pr kdy vI gunfh-Bfvnf mihsUs nhIN sI hoeI. idl dI iksy qih ivc hfly vI Aus pRqI gwusf ipaf sI. suirMdr dI suKvIr nfl hI cly jfx vflI gwl Aus nUM vMgfr ijhI lgdI. Auh pYr pYr ‘qy rfjU nUM tokdf, smJfAuNdf. iehnF idnF ivc nvIN KrIdI gYrj nUM lY ky rfjU qy suKvIr ivc nvIN qkrfr sLurU ho geI. rfjU ny afpxf kMm Cwz ky Cy mhIny iksy kfr-gYrj ivc kMm kr ilaf sI qF jo ies kMm bfry hor jfx sky. iPr Auh afpxI gYrj KohlxI cfhuMdf sI. hux Aus nUM itkfxy dI jgfh iml geI qy AuQy Aus ny gYrj Kohl leI. suKvIr Aus nUM gYrj Kohlx qoN vrjdI af rhI sI. Aus dy kpiVaF ivcoN hr vyly afAuNdf musLk Aus nUM bhuq burf lgdf sI. kfly hoey kpVy cIjLF nUM vI kfly kr idMdy sn. keI idn bihs huMdI rhI aKIr jd gulvMq ny AuhnF ivc dKl dy ky suKvIr nUM mnf ilaf. gYrj lYx ‘qy gulvMq bhuq KusL sI. iesy KusLI n UM

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sFJI krn leI Aus ny dosqF nUM pfrtI vI kIqI. Ausy idn hI Aus dI izAUtI surjn isMG nfl jnrl sOritMg Aupr pY geI. Auh huwb ky Aus nUM dwsx igaf, “zYzI, rfjU ny gYrj df sOdf mfiraY, bhuq itkfxy dI jgfh aY.” “vIrF dI qF koeI slfh nhIN leI Ehny.” icwTIaF CFtdf surjn isMG ivaMg Bry lihjLy ivc boilaf. gulvMq nUM iKJ cV geI, Aus ny afiKaf, “zYzI, qusIN vI vn-sfeIzz socI jf rhy E, Blf gYrj Kohlx ivc suKvIr dI slfh ikQoN afx vVI! [[[AuhnUM gYrj dI kI smJ aY! [[[AuhnUM kI, quhfnUM-mYnUM vI gYrj df kI pqf? [[[kuJ vI nhIN. [[[ijs gwl dI nOlj eI neIN Auhdy ivc kYsI slfh!” afpxI gwl kr gulvMq guwsy df Biraf qur igaf. surjn isMG ny Aus vl bhuq hI BYVI qwkxI sutI pr jd qk gulvMq Prym dy Ehly ho igaf sI. surjn isMG nUM pqf sI ik suKvIr gYrj lYx dy hwk ivc hI nhIN sI pr gulvMq soc irhf sI ik sLfied surjn isMG df mqlb hY ik gYrj dI smrQf bfry suKvIr dI slfh nhIN leI. ieh pihlI vfr sI ik AuhnF ivc hlkI ijhI grmo-grmI ho geI sI. surjn isMG ieh vI socdf sI ik rfjU hux svyr df igaf rfq nUM Gr muVygf. suKvIr iekwlI Gr bYTI rhygI. kfr-mkYnkI rfjU df rfjU nUM ijvyN jnUMn hovy. Aus ny gYrj KohlI qF iek dm hI cl peI. iksy vyly ieh gYrj bhuq cldI sI. iPr iksy gwloN bMd ho geI. lokF ny muV ky ies nUM KulHidaF dyK ky afAuxf sLurU kr idqf. pihly hPqy hI ieMnf kMm af igaf ik rfjU qoN iekwly qoN sFiBaf nhIN sI jf irhf. rfq dy ds vjy qk Auh kMm ivc Pisaf rihMdf. Aus ny CyqI iek mihmUd nF dy piksqfnI nUM kMm qy rwK ilaf. kMm ieMnf vD igaf ik do bMidaF qoN vI nhIN sI sFB ho irhf. Aus ny jYrI nF df iek hor mkYink vI rwK ilaf. jYrI Aus nfl ipClI gYrj ivc kMm krdf irhf sI. iehI nhIN Aus ny nfl dI gYrj vI KrId leI. jYrI ny kMDF Aupr nMgIaF aOrqF dIaF qsvIrF lf leIaF. mihmUd qy jYrI kMm krdy mjLfk ivc iek dUjy nUM gMdIaF gflLF kwZxy iPrdy rihMdy. iek idn suKvIr gYrj ivc af geI. Auh rfjU dI AuzIk kr kr ky awk geI sI. Aus nUM dyKidaF hI rfjU Aus nUM JhI lY ky ipaf, “qUM eyQy kI krn afeI aYN? [[[eyQy rMg brMgy bMdy afAuNdy af, koeI kI khU!” “pr qUM Gr kdoN afAuxF?” “rfq nUM mYN Gry eI afAuxF.” “rfjU, ikAuN myrI lfeIP hYWl bxfeI jfnYN?” “plIjL, Gr jfh, rfq nUM gwl krFgy.” suKvIr pYr ptkdI muV geI. Aus dy mn ivc guwsy vI jvflf KOl rhI sI. rfjU qF pihlF hI Aus nUM axgOl ijhf irhf sI qy hux Aus nUM iblkul hI awKoN proKy krn leI gYrj Kohl leI sI. rfq nUM rfjU Gr afieaf qF Aus ny dyiKaf ik suKvIr df mUz bhuq Krfb hY. Aus ny smJfAuNdy hoey ikhf, “ieh jo gYrj aY ieQy rMg brMgy lok aONdy af, mYN nhIN cfhuMdf ik sfzI aOrq AuQy afvy.” “ijQy afdmI jf skdf AuQy aOrq ikAuN neIN jf skdI?” “qUM iksy gory dy Gr nhIN jMmI ijhVI qYnUM eys gwl dI smJ neIN. jy nhIN smJ qF Pon krky afpxI mF nUM puwC lY ik ijQy afdmI hox AuQy aOrq nUM ikAuN neIN jfxf cfhIdf.” “rfjU, qUM myrI mMmI nUM ivc ikAuN ilafEnY?” afKdI suKvIr rox lgI. rfjU Aus nUM piqafAux ligaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik suirMdr huxy AuT ky af jfvygI, afpxI BYx df pwK lYNdI gwl nUM vDf dyvygI. iPr gulvMq kol AuhdI pysLI ho jfvygI qy muV Auho isiKafdfrI sLurU ho jfvygI. Aus ny suKvIr nUM bfhF ivc lYxf cfihaf qF suKvIr iek dm bolI,

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“myry qoN pryH rih, qyl df musLk afAuNdY.” “mYN qF nhf ky afieaF, kMm vflLy kpVy kMm ‘qy Cwz afieaF, Pyr vI musLk[[[.” “hF, af irhY.” “Pyr qF hux qUM eys musLk dI afdq pf lY, ieh qF sfrI Aumr eI afAuxY, mYN hux ieho kMm krnYN.” “cMgI BlI jOb Cwz ky kI afh gYrj Kohl leI?” “dyK, eyhdy ivcoN cfr pYsy joVFgy, jy rwb ny sfQ idqf qF kfrF df sLoa rUm KohlFgy, afpxf alwg Gr lvfgy.” “mYN neIN lYxf alwg Gr.” “Pyr qUM kI cfhuMnI aF?” “mYN cfhuMnI aF ik qUM cflLI GMty kMm kryN qy bfkI tfeIm asIN iewkTy gujfrIey.” “AuDr dyK, zYzI vI qy eyDr vwzf Brf vI rojL cOd HF cOdHF GMty kMm krdy af, kMm qF krnf eI pYxF.” “iehnF dI gwl iehnF nflL qy myrI myry nflL.” “cwl sON jfh, svyry AuTxYN jldI.” afKdf rfjU sOx dI koisLsL krn ligaf. aijhI bihs rojL df kMm ho igaf sI. kdy rus jFdy kdy mMn jFdy. keI vfr dovyN rlL ky ksLmksL nUM GtfAux dI koisLsL vI krdy. kdy kdy suKvIr nUM lgx lgdf ik rfjU ievyN qMg kr kr ky Aus qoN ipwCf CuzvfAuxf cfhuMdf hY. suKvIr nUM acfnk rfjU ivc qbdIlI mihsUs hox lgI. Auh kMm qoN muVdf hI GUk sON jfdF. suKvIr Aus nUM jgfAux dI koisLsL krdI qF iJVkF lY ky pYNdf. Aus ny suirMdr kol isLkfieq kIqI. suirMdr gulvMq nUM kihx lgI, “lgdY, rfjU kolL bfhr koeI aOrq aY.” “ikQoN af geI Auhdy kolL aOrq? [[[aOrq qF myry kolL nf afeI, jdoN ik mYN Auhdy nfloN lwK drjy bxdF-qxdF. [[[qUM afp ds beI eyhnUM mIxy ijhy nUM ikhVI aOrq psMd kr lAU, ivafh ho igaf QoVY!” gulvMq vloN gwl hfsy ivc pfAux krky suirMdr hor vI iKwJ geI. Auh bolI, “gwul, bI sIrIas! [[[kfrF irpyar krfAux bQyrIaF afAuNdIaF hoxgIaF.” “qYnUM iksy gwl df pqY, koeI aOrq dyKI aY AuhdI gYrj ivc jF aty-sty eI lfeI jFnI aYN?” “mYN aYvyN neIN kihMdI.” “kYvyN kihMnI aYN, ds jLrf!” “vIrF nUM Auh kdy qF hPqf hPqf neIN bulfAuNdf qy kdy sfrI sfrI rfq[[[.” “qUM vI dws ikwdF dIaF gwlF krdI aYN, Auho ijhI mUrK suKvIr aY ijhVI qYnUM pRfeIvyt dsdI aY qy qUM agy mYnUM[[[.” “guwl, qUM mYnUM aMzrstYNz ikAuN neIN krdf? jy rfjU AuhnUM cMgI qrFH nhIN bulfAuNdf qF jLrUr ikqy bfhr jFdf hoAU.” “lE jI, pwitaf phfV qy inkilaf cUhf! beI E bMdf bMdf aY koeI msLIn neIN. [[[ijhVf bMdf huMdY ieh Qwkdf vI aY, kdy rumFitk vI ho jFdY, [[[ijwdF hux mYN ho irhF.” kihMdf guwl Aus nUM afpxy vl iKcx ligaf. suirMdr iekdm prFh ho geI qy bolI, “guwl, lfeItlI nf lY, qYnUM pqf jy myrI BYx nf vsI qF mYN vI qyry nflL neIN rihxF.” Aus dI afvfjL ieMnI AuWcI sI ik suwqI peI aMimRq vI jfg peI. gulvMq Aus nUM iZwz qy pf ky sulfAux dI koisLsL krn ligaf. Auh afKx ligaf, “qUM afey idn ieh DmkI idMnI aF, mYnUM lgdf qUM suKvIr qoN vI kfhlLI iPrdI aYN, [[[cor nfloLN pMz kfhlLI!”

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hflfq idno idn ivgVn lgy. lVdy rfjU qy suKvIr pr sfrf asr gulvMq qy suirMdr ‘qy pYNdf. gulvMq rfjU df vkIl bx jFdf qy suirMdr suKvIr dI. keI vfr gulvMq nUM lgdf ik suirMdr jfx buwJ ky Aus nUM nIvF idKfAux dI koisLsL kr rhI hY. Auh suirMdr nUM kihMdf, “mlvYxy, mYnUM zr aY ik afpF iek dUjy qoN d Ur jf rhy aF.” “guwl, mYN qYnUM pMjfh vfrI dws cuwkI aF ik mYN suKvIr nfl bwJI hoeI aF, qUM rfjU nUM smJf jy smJf skdF.” suirMdr idRV afvfjL ivc kihMdI. gulvMq Ctptf ky rih jFdf. Aus nUM lgdf ik rfjU dy iKlfP ivwZI jf rhI lVfeI ivc suirMdr mohrI bx rhI hY. kMm Aupr vI surjn isMG nfl Aus df vKryvF qF pihlF hI sI. ijQy surjn isMG bYTf huMdf gulvMq AuQoN dUr hI rihMdf. surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik rfjU gulvMq df hr kihxf mMndf hY pr gulvMq Aus nUM kuJ kihxf hI nhIN cfhuMdf. Auh vI suKvIr nUM ievyN qMg krnf cfhuMdf hY ik Auh cly jfvy. iek idn ivjy imstr sLrmf kol bYTf sI, gulvMq vI AuQy hI cly igaf. Aus ny dyiKaf ik acfnk surjn isMG sfhmixEN cilaf af irhf sI. iek vfr qF Aus df idl kIqf ik AuT ky qru jfvy pr ievyN krnf Aus nUM jfiejL nf ligaf. srsrI ijhIaF gwlF hoeIaF. imstr sLrmf AuT ky cly igaf. ivjy vI smJ igaf ik Auh dovyN koeI gwl krnI cfh rhy hn, Auh vI pYr ijhy mlLdf qur ipaf. surjn isMG afpxI roabfnf sur ivc boilaf, “gulvMq, qUM rfjU nUM smJf, nhIN qF nqIjy bhuq bury inklxgy.” “zYzI, hr gwl dI ilimt aY, mYN donF nUM eI ilimt ivc smJf skdF. qusIN vI suKvIr nUM smJfE, rfjU dIaF vI kuJ gwlF ivc dm hYgf, hux gYrj KrIdx vflLI gwl ikDroN gwlq aY.” “gYrj qF bhfnf aYN, Auh qF hux suKvIr nUM iblkul eI iegnoar krn lg ipaY ijwdF vfeIP huMdI eI neIN.” “zYzI, mYN vI Ausy Gr ivc rihMnF, AuhnF nUM dyKdf vI rihMnF, mYnUM neIN lgdf ik rfjU AuhnUM iegnoar krdY, asl ivc mhOl hI gusYlLf hoieaf ipaY, iksy dI inkI ijhI gwl vI vwzI lgdI aY.” “mhOl ikhny gusYlLf kIqf; rfjU ny. qYnUM sB pqY, jy Auh nf suDiraf qF cyqy rwK qUM vI GroN byGr ho jfeyNgf, afpxI DI nUM imlx nUM vI qrsyNgf.” surjn isMG gwl kr ky lgfqfr gulvMq vl dyKx ligaf. DI dy nF ‘qy gulvMq dy sIny ivc iek hUk ijhI AuTI pr Auh TrHMmy nfl boilaf, “zYzI, afpF donoN hI rwb nUM neIN mMndy pr qusIN rwb hox df Brm jLrUr pflLI iPrdy E.” gwl kih ky gulvMq AuT ky cly igaf. surjn isMG guwsy ivc Biraf Aus dI ipwT vl dyKdf irhf. iek vfr qF Aus df idl kIqf ik AuT ky gulvMq nUM Zfh lvy qy hwzI-pslI iek kr dyvy. aj Aus nUM pihlI vfr iksy ny aijhI sKq gwl khI sI. Aus ny kMm Aupr bfkI df smF bhuq musLkl nf kwiZaf. Gr af ky ieh gwl prkfsL kor nfl kIqI. GrvflI vflI QoVy kIqy Auh aijhIaF gwlF kiraf nhIN sI krdf. prkfsL kor ny agy ieh gwl gurjMt nUM ds idqI. iehnF idnF ivc gurjMt afpxy Brf leI rxjIq qoN rfhdfrI puafAux dy cwkr ivc sI pr rxjIq pVH rhI hox krky iqafr nhIN sI. gurjMt ijLafdf hI hyj idKfAuNdf boilaf, “zYzI, khoN qF mYN rfjU dy cfr lf idMnF jF Pyr gulvMq dI proPYsrI kwZ mfrdF, ieh sflLy cIjLF eI kI ny!” surjn isMG nUM ieho bhuq ligaf ik gurjMt Aus nfl KVH irhf hY. Auh gulvMq nfl lVHfeI nhIN sI lYxI cfhuMdf. Aus dIaF bfhF lMmIaF sn. Auh do Brf sn qy nfl srUp vI. iPr kMm Auprly gulvMq dy dosqF nUM vI surjn isMG jfxdf sI ik ikvyN Aus df sfQ idMdy hn. lVHfeI df koeI nqIjf vI nhIN sI inklxf. Auh qF hux ieQoN qk socx ligaf ik kuVIaF nUM vfps Gr swd ilaf jfvy, jy Auh muV ky imMnq-qrlf krn qF kuVIaF ByjIaF jfx nhIN qF gulvMq vflf Gr ivkvf idqf jfvy qy donF leI ieDr hor Gr KrId ilaf jfvy. ies gwl df idlbfg nUM vI pqf cl igaf. gwl ivgVdI ivgVdI Aus qk ievyN puwjI ik gulvMq ny kMm Aupr surjn isMG nUM gflLF kwZIaF hn. BfvyN kuJ vI hovy Aus nUM ieh gwl bhuq burI lgI. surjn isMG

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iPr vI AuhnF dy ipE dI QF sI. Auh iswDf srUp nUM imlx cly igaf. gulvMq hux hr gwl dI Kbr srUp nUM idMdf rihMdf sI. jdoN df rfjU pwkf ho igaf sI srUp ny iPkr krnf Cwz idqf hoieaf sI pr iPr vI Aus df iDafn AuhnF vl hI rihMdf. srUp kihx ligaf, “ngimaF, koeI sIrIas gwl nhIN hoeI, guwl mYnUM Ausy idn eI dws igaf sI, sfDfrx gwl hoeI pr quhfzy buVHy df ieh kih dyxf ik Gr ivkvf dyAUN, jyh kr dAUN, voh kr dyAUN; koeI akl dI gwl nhIN!” “ngimaF, Xfr jo vI aY iehnF dI sulfh krf, ieh sflLI cUM cUM mYnUM cMgI neIN lgdI, mYN kihMnF; iksy qrFH glfs pINdy rih jfeIey.” srUp nUM afpxf afp vwzf vwzf lgx ligaf. idlbfg vFg QoVI PUk dI Aus dI vI afdq hY hI sI. Aus ny smJOqf krfAux dy mksd nfl sB nUM afpxy Gr bulf ilaf. ieDroN gulvMq qy rfjU afpxIaF pqnIaF nfl af gey. dUjy pfisEN surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor. Auho ieljLfmbfjLI, dUsLxbfjLI sLurU ho geI. Auho muV purfxIaF gwlF ijhVIaF inwq huMdIaF afeIaF sn. gwl inbyVidaF surjn isMG ny afiKaf, “srUp, mYN qF qyrI ijLMmyvfrI ‘qy kuVIaF ByjIaF sI, [[[mYnUM qF pihlF eI pqf sI ik muMzf pwkf krf ky qusIN ieho kuJ krnYN. [[[asIN sLrfPq dy mfry quhfzIaF gwlF ivc af gey!” surjn isMG ny clfkI nfl sfrI gwl srUp Aupr suwt idqI. srUp guwsy ivc afieaf rfjU Aupr vrHn ligaf, “ieh gwl mfsV jI dI solFL afny TIk aY, jdoN rfjU qUM muVdf sI qF cIkdf sI beI iksy qrFH rwKo. [[[jy muV jFdf qF hux nUM Jony nUM pfxI lfAuNdf huMdf! [[[eynf icr cMgf Blf rih ky qYnUM kI ibmfrI pY geI?” “BfjI, ibmfrI sfrI myrI gYrj aY, ijwdx dI mYN leI aY Edx df eI pMgf ipaf hoieaY. [[[pihlF qF eyhnUM myry qoN qyl df musLk afAuNdf sI qy Pyr iksy aOrq df vI afAux lg ipaf, [[[hux qusIN dwso ik gYrj cfr pYsy Cwz rhI aY, iehdy ivc kI burfeI aY! gYrj iksy nUM kI dMdIaF vwZdI aY, pYsy hoxgy qF asIN Gr vI lY skdy aF.” “mYN neIN lYxf Gr-Gur.” suKvIr kfhlI nfl bolI. kol bYTI prkfsL kor ny ikhf, “Enf icr Gr neIN lYxF ijMnf icr sfnUM XkIn nhIN huMdf ik ieh sfzI kuVI nUM TIk vI rwKU.” gulvMq cuwp bYTf dyKdf jf irhf sI. Auh nhIN sI cfhuMdf ik kuJ boly. Aus ny sfrI gwl srUp ‘qy Cwz idqI hoeI sI. Aus dy mn ivc ieh jLrUr sI ik jy surjn isMG dI iksy gwl df jvfb dyxf hoieaf qF dyvygf. hux sfry rfjU vl dyK rhy sn ik kI kihMdf hY. Auh boilaf, “BfjI, isrP gYrj eI sfzI mYirz lfeIP leI Kqrf bxI hoeI aY, pqf neIN iehnF sB nUM myrI gYrj nfl kfhdI eIrKf aY!” “eIrKf koeI neIN, gYrj ny quhfzI lfeIP nUM nOrml neIN rihx idqf hoieaf, jy qUM eynf socdF ik quhfzI mYirz lfeI bc jfvy qF gYrj vyc dy.” surjn isMG nUM ijvyN nukqf iml igaf hovy. srUp nUM ieh ijLwd cMgI nf lgI qy Auh boilaf, “mfsV jI, dyKo, qusIN vI qy mYN vI, hor sfry vI ieQy kMm krn afey aF. lok qF tuafieltF sfP krn qk jFdy af, gYrj KohlxI koeI mfVI gwl qF nhIN!” surjn isMG ny hwQ Aupr lkIr vfhuMidaF ikhf, “eyhnUM kih idqf ik gYrj vyc ky koeI hor kMm kry, bws!” “mfsV jI, eynI ijLwd vI TIk neIN, afpF iksy nUM eyQoN qk vI izktyt nhIN kr skdy.” “bwly Eey srUp isaF, rlH igaF BrfvF nflL! Edx qF bVI ihwk QfpV ky kihMdf sI ik mYN kuVI vsf ky idKfAUN!” surjn isMG dy bol srUp dI axK nUM vMgfr gey. Aus ny rfjU dy moZHy ‘qy hwQ riKaf qy boilaf,

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“dyK rfjU, mYN qyrf vwzf Brf, qYnUM hukm idMnf ik gYrj vyc dyh, [[[jy mfsV jI iesy gwl nUM shI mMndy qF eydF eI shI. gYrj kwl eI syl ‘qy lf dyh, jy eydF nhIN krnf, myrf kihxf neIN mMnxF qF smJ lY; mYN qyry leI mr igaf!” rfjU ny AuT ky srUp nUM jwPI ivc lY ilaf qy awKF Br ky ikhf, “ijwdF qusIN khoNgy BfjI.” sfry hI KusL ho gey. sB qoN vwD KusLI srUp nUM sI ijs dI rfjU ny rwK idKfeI sI. gulvMq surjn isMG dI aVHbfeI Aupr hYrfn hoeI jf irhf sI ijvyN gYrj vycxI hI Aus dI ijLMdgI df mksd rih igaf hovy. rfjU ny agly idn hI gYrj vycx dIaF gwlF sLurU kr idqIaF. Aus nfl kMm krdy pfiksqfnI mihmUd ny hI gYrj KrId leI. gYrj itkfxy dI sI, sMd vI sfry bxy hoey sn. mihmUd nUM pqf vI sI ik ikMnI ku afmdn kr rhI hY. Aus ny shI ijhI pgVI qy sMdF dy pYsy dy ky gYrj afpxy nF krf leI. gYrj vyc ky rfjU iek dm ivhlf ho igaf. kuJ idn ivhly rihxf aOKf ligaf pr iPr afdq pY geI. Auh sfrf idn bYTf iPlmF dyKdf rihMdf. Gr dI sLOipMg krf idMdf. sLfm nUM pwb vl jf inkldf jF srUp nUM imlx cly jFdf. srUp hux Auhdf bhuqf hI ipafr krn ligaf sI. Gr huMdf qF duiphr dI rotI Auh gulvMq nfl bYT ky Kf lYNdf, aMimRq nfl Kyz lYNdf. suirMdr nfl hux Aus dI koeI bolcfl nhIN sI. kdy cfh pIx df mn huMdf, suKvIr Gr nf huMdI qF afp bxf lYNdf. keI vfr Auh suKvIr nUM Gumf vI ilafAuNdf. suKvIr pUrI qrFH KusL hfly vI nhIN sI pr koeI isLkfieq vI nhIN sI lgf rhI. gulvMq ies sfrI Gtnf qoN bhuq duKI sI. gYrj qoN Aus nUM bhuq afsF sn ik iek idn koeI vwzf kfrobfr vI kIqf jf skdf hY. ijvyN keI vfr rfjU kfrF df sLoa rUm Kohlx dIaF gwlF kiraf krdf, Auh vI sLoa rUm dy suPny lYx lgdf. keI vfr Auh srUp kol cly jFdf. srUp kihx lgdf, “Xfr, rfjU nfl ijLafdqI ho geI, asIN AuhnUM ijLafdf hI dbf ilaf pr iek gwl cMgI hoeI, Gr vs igaf.” “pr iehnF ny gYrj ivkvf ky glqI kIqI, hux rfjU nUM koeI hor kMm afAuNdf vI nhIN qy Auhdy qoN kr vI neIN hoxF.” “koeI dukfn dyK lE.” “dyKdy aF pr hfly qF kuJ vI krn nUM idl neIN krdf.” gulvMq df kMm Aupr vI idl nhIN sI lgdf. surjn isMG nUM dyKidaF hI Ausdy mn nUM kuJ hox lgdf sI. Auh keI vfr socdf ik kMm Cwz ky kuJ hor kr lvy. iesy dOrfn iek rfq rfjU Gr nf muiVaf. iqMn mhIny dI bxI sLFqI iPr BMg ho geI, sgoN Gr ivc GVmws pY igaf. awDI rfq qk bYTI suKvIr rfjU nUM AuzIkdI rhI. rfjU nUM nf afAuNdy dyK ky suirMdr Aus nUM hONslf idMdI Aus dy nfl hI pY geI. qVksfr gulvMq kMm qoN Evr tfeIm lgf ky muiVaf qF suirMdr KVkf sux ky AuT gulvMq nfl sON geI. gulvMq ny sMKyp ijhI isLkfieq suxI pr nINd df BMinaF hox krky CyqI hI sON igaf. do ku GMty bfad suKvIr ny AuhnF dy kmry df drvfjLf af KVkfieaf qy cIkdI hoeI bolI, “suirMdr, XU ibwc! qUM afpxy hsbYNz nfl jwPI pf ky suwqI peI aYN, mYnUM eys nrk ivc dubfrf ilaf ky myrI lfeIP hYWl bxf idqI, [[[sLym aOn XU!” rfjU hux srUp nUM Pon krdf rihMdf sI. ivhl hox krky Aus dI dukfn ivc mwdd krn cly jFdf. Aus idn Auh srUp kol hI sI. dukfn bMd krky Auh sLrfb pIx lgy sn. rfjU aijhf sLrfbI hoieaf ik kfr clfAux jogf nhIN sI irhf ies leI AuQy hI sON igaf sI pr Auh Gr nUM Pon nhIN sI kr sikaf. svyry jd Aus Gr afieaf qF socdf af irhf sI ik suKvIr hux kMm qy cly geI hovygI pr Auh Gr bYTI Aus nUM

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AuzIk rhI sI; guwsy ivc AubldI hoeI. Auh soc rhI sI ik rfjU jLrUr iksy aOrq kol cly igaf hovygf. Aus ny suirMdr nUM vI rfjU kfrn burf-Blf boilaf qy afpxI mMmI nUM vI awDI rfq nUM hI Pon kr ky rfjU dy GroN bfhr rfq rihx bfry dws idqf sI qy ieh vI dosL lfieaf sI ik AuhnF ny jLbrdsqI dubfrf rfjU nfl rihx leI mjLbUr kIqf sI. rfjU dy Gr vVidaF hI Auh bolI, “XU bfstRz, ikQoN afieaF?” rfjU qF mjLfk krn dy mUz ivc sI qy hOlI hOlI dsxf cfhuMdf sI ik Auh rfq srUp kol rih igaf sI pr jd Aus nUM suKvIr ny gflL kwZ mfrI qF Aus df vI pfrf cVHn ligaf. Auh ny ikhf, “bolx dI akl aY ik nhIN!” “bolx dI akl! [[[XU afr bfstRz!” Aus ny bol mUMhoN hI kwZy sn ik rfjU ny suKvIr dy mUMh Aupr jLordfr QwpV dy mfiraf. suKvIr vI Aus dy mfrn lgI. jd qk suirMdr vI af geI qy rfjU nUM pY geI. rfjU ny Aus nUM vI Dwkf mfr ky dUr suwt idqf. jd qk gulvMq vI AuT afieaf. Aus ny af ky lVfeI rokI. rfjU ijhnIN pYrIN afieaf sI vfps muV igaf. gulvMq ny suirMdr qy suKvIr nUM bVI musLkl nfl sLFq kIqf. sLFq hoeI vI suirMdr kihMdI jf rhI sI, “gMd gMd eI rihMdY!” rfjU vfps srUp vl cly igaf. Aus ny bYNk ivcoN sfry pYsy kZf ley. kuJ jybH ivc pfey qy bfkI dy srUp nUM PVf idqy qy cuwp cfp ieMzIaf nUM cVH igaf. ieMzIaf puwj ky Aus ny gulvMq nUM Pon kr idqf ik Auh hux QoVHy kIqy vfps afAux vflf nhIN. rfjU dy vfps jfx dI Kbr sux ky sB dy KfinEN geI. BfvyN hux qk pqf cl cuikaf sI ik rfjU rfq srUp vl hI Tihiraf sI pr ies nfl iksy df guwsf nhIN sI Gitaf. surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor AuhnF dy Gr afey. gulvMq vI Gr hI sI. surjn isMG ny gulvMq nUM iblkul nf bulfieaf. Aus ny suKvIr nUM ikhf, “sOrI vIrF, asIN qyry gunfhgfr aF, pqf vI sI Pyr vI qYnUM Byj idqf, [[[hux qUM ijwdF qUM khyNgI, asIN krFgy.” “zYz, mYN neIN rihxf eyQy, cfhy kuJ vI ho jfvy.” kih ky Aus ny suirMdr vl dyiKaf. suirMdr bolI, “mYN vI nhIN[[[.” “suirMdr, hfly smF hYgf, soc lY pr rfjU neIN hux muVn ligaf, pfsport ‘qy pwkI stYNp lg geI, bYNk sfrf KflI kr igaf, kuJ soc ky eI kIqf, ho skdf dovF BrfvF dI slfh eI hovy.” surjn isMG nUM lg irhf sI ik ieMzIaf jfx ivc gulvMq dI rfjU nfl pUrI slfh hovygI. gulvMq ny hI Aus nUM sfry pYsy kZf lYx leI ikhf hovygf. suirMdr afKx lgI, “zYz, mYN qF guwl nUM sfP ikhf hoieaf, hux iehdf iehI hwl aY ik Gr syl ‘qy lf dyeIey qy sB Kqm kr dyeIey.” “ieh qF afKrI rfh hY eI pr cMgI qrFH soc lY, qyrI DI aY, hsbYNz, Gr[[[.” “zYz, trwst mI, mYN sB soc ilaf qy mYN hr qrFH dy hflfq nUM Pys kr skdI aF.” “iPr bI bryv, aOKf smF muhry afAux vflLY, hux zolxf nhIN.” surjn isMG ny DIaF nUM hONslf idMidaF ikhf. AuhnF dy jfx qoN bfad suirMdr pqI nUM afKx lgI, “guwl, hux tfeIm af igaf ik afpF sYpyryt ho jfxF, mYN ikhf sI nf!” “qyry idmfg ‘c Prk pY igaf, cMgy Bly vsdy Gr nUM AujfVn dI gwl kr rhI aYN.” “qYnUM sfrI gwl mYN AudoN dwsI sI, jy qYnUM nhIN smJ lgI qF mYN kI kr skdI aF.” gulvMq socF ivc pY igaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik suirMdr afpxy ipE vFg hI ijLwdI hY, jo kihMdI hY Auho hI krygI. Auh boilaf,

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“kfhlLI kfhdI aY?” “kfhlLI qF hux hY eI nhIN, bs Gr syl qy lgfAuxf, jd ivk igaf qF qUM afpxy rfh, mYN afpxy.” “rfjU nUM vfps af lYx dy, sB TIk ho jfxYN.” “hux TIk neIN hoxF, jy hoxF vI hoieaf qF asIN neIN krnF.” gulvMq kuJ nf boilaf. suirMdr AuT ky Gr dy kMm nUM lg geI. Aus gulvMq leI do prFAuTy bxf ilafeI qy nfl hI lwsI df glfs jo ik Aus dy mn BfAuNdy sn. gulvMq rotI Kf irhf sI qF kol bYTdI Auh bolI, “hux Gr syl ‘qy lfAuxYN, eyjMt nUM qUM Pon kryNgf ik mYN krF?” gulvMq iPr vI cuwp irhf. suirMdr zfierYktrI ivcoN iksy iestyt eyjMt df Pon nMbr lwBx lgI. jdoN nMbr lwB ipaf qF iek vfr iPr gulvMq kol af ky kihx lgI, “afh lY nMbr, Pon kr.” “ieQy af bYT myry kol, [[[hfly Tihr, hfly soc jLrf, sLfied koeI hor rfh inkl afvy.” “nhIN guwl, hor hux ikhVf rfh inklxY! [[[hux asIN hI quhfzy nfl nhIN rihxf cfhuMdIaF, Kyz Kqm!” “pr afpxy ivc qF kuJ nhIN vfpiraF nf[[[.” “sB kuJ afpxy ivc eI vfpiraY, [[[Xfd aY iek idn qUM mYnUM iesy sLrq nfl ilafieaf sI ik dovyN Gr hI vsxgy, iek iekwlf nhIN.” “ikAuN nf afpF ieh Gr suKvIr nUM Cwz dyeIey, afpF ikqy hor rih lYny aF.” gulvMq dI gwl sux ky suirMdr guwsy ivc af geI. Auh AuT ky KVI ho geI qy Aus vl bFh kwZdI bolI, “qUM myrI BYx dI kImq dyxI cfhuMnY?” “aMimRq df eI kuJ soc.” “ieh qF qUM eI socxf sI, hux agFh qoN mYN socUM, zONt XU vwrI!” suirMdr bhuq hI TrMHmy nfl kih rhI sI. gulvMq guwsy ivc kMbx ligaf. Aus nUM kuJ smJ nhIN sI af irhf ik Auh kI kry qy kI khy. Aus ny aMimRq nUM cuk ky cuMimaF qy awKF Br leIaF. Aus ny kMm ‘qy P on kr idqf ik Auh ibmfr ho igaf hY qy srUp vl cly igaf. srUp ny Aus vl dyK ky ikhf, “mUMh eynf ikAuN Auqiraf hoieaY, ijwdF kuVI dwb ky afieaf huMnY!” “BfjI, suirMdr ny Gr syl ‘qy lf ‘qf.” kihMdf gulvMq rox lg ipaf. srUp guwsy ivc afAuNdf boilaf, “qUM bMdF ik jnfnI!” “neIN BfjI, kro kuJ.” “Xfr, qUM myrf Brf aYN, jLrf afkV rwK, cwiTaF dy nF nUM lfj nf lf.” gulvMq hfly vI awKF BrI KVf sI. srUp ny Aus leI iek pYWg bxfieaf qy boilaf, “dyK, suirMdr aOrq ho ky qyry ‘qy roab pfeI jf rhI aY, qYnUM zOmInyt kr rhI aY, [[[qUM Auhdy pYrF ‘c izgI jfnYN, sgoN qUM vI AuhnUM do AuNglF idKf, AuhnUM kih kr lY jo krnY.” “BfjI, mYN afpxI DI bfry socdF qy afpxy Gr bfry vI.” “dyK, gwl qF qyrI TIk aY pr hux jd gwl ivgV eI geI qF jLrf hOslf rwK, [[[jd iewt KUh ‘c izgdI aY qF suwkI neIN inklLdI. [[[qUM eydF kr Gr hor lY lf, rfjU dy pYsy myry kol pey af, mYN vI mwdd kr dyAUN, jF koeI ibjLns kr lY, sB TIk ho jfAU, jLrf tfeIm lgxYN.” “BfjI, suirMdr iek vfrI geI qF geI!”

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“E, aYvyN nf idl Cotf kr, ies vyly Auh guwsy ivc aY, sfrf twbr eI. Gr vyc ky iehnF df guwsf inkl jfxYN. [[[CotI df qF jo hoAU so hoAU pr vwzI nUM ikMny idn Gr bYTflxgy! [[[QoVy idnF dI gwl aY, XkIn rwK, sB TIk ho jfAU.” gulvMq nUM vI ieh jfipaf ik suirMdr df kuJ idn df guwsf hY. ieh Gr ivk vI jfvy qF hor lY ho jfvygf. suirMdr kuJ dyr mF dy Gr rih ky pihlF vFg hI awk jfvygI qy muV ky Aus kol af jfvygI. Gr mfrikt ivc lwg igaf. gulvMq cfhuMdf sI ik koeI aijhf kfnUMn hovy ik Gr nUM ivkx qoN rok lvy pr awDf Gr suirMdr dy nF sI qy jy Auh vycxf cfhy qF Aus nUM koeI nhIN sI rok skdf. Gr dy KrIddfr Gr dyKx afAux lgy. gulvMq qy suirMdr pihlF vFg hI rihMdy rhy. gulvMq aMimRq nUM skUl Cwzx jFdf. suirMdr nUM lY ky sLOipMg krn jfdf. suirMdr Aus dy kpVy DoNdI, Kfxf bxfAuNdI. rfq nUM sONdI vI Aus dy nfl hI. keI vfr suKvIr suirMdr nfl lVHn vI lgdI ik Auh gulvMq nfl sONdI ikAuN hY. afm qOr qy rfq nUM gulvMq sLrfbI huMdf qy suirMdr nUM PV ky afpxy kmry ivc lY jFdf, Auh koeI Aujr nf krdI. bfhroN dyKx vfly nUM iksy nUM lgdf hI nhIN sI ik Auh alwg hox vfly hn. idn ivc gulvMq keI vfr suirMdr nUM mnfAux dI koisLsL krdf pr Auh afpxy PYsly ‘qy atwl sI. Gr df KrIddfr iml igaf. ivkx dI ikiraf clx lgI. kfgjLI kfrvfeI sLurU ho geI. nvyN mflk nUM cfbI dyx dI qfrIk bMn idqI geI. gulvMq kMm ‘qy ibmfrI dIaF arj LIaF ByjI jf irhf sI. Aus df mn kMm ‘qy jfx nUM hux nhIN sI krdf. srUp kol jf ky idl hlkf kr afAuNdf. srUp ny ipwCy ijhy hI hYro ivc iek Gr Kridaf sI, ijhVf ik KflI ipaf sI. gulvMq ny afpxy Gr ivkx qoN bfad ieQy hI mUv ho jfxf sI. Gr dI cfbI dyx dI qYa kIqI qrIk qoN do ku idn pihlF suirMdr kihx lgI, “gwul cl Gr df smfn vMz leIey.” “eyhdf kI vMzxF, lY jf sfrf eI.” “nf beI, kwl khyNgf ik myrf ihwsf mfr geI.” afKdI suirMdr hwsx lgI. gulvMq boilaf, “qUM bhuq KusL lg rhI aY!” “hor kI krF! [[[jy mYN Audfs hovF qF lok hwsxgy, sB qoN pihlF qF qUM eI hwsyNgf.” amFzf dI icwTI afeI. Auh bhuq Audfs sI. Aus df puwqr jOrj Aus nUM Cwz ky amrIkf cly igaf sI. Aus nUM afpxf buafey PrYSz vI GroN kwZxf ipaf sI. buafey PrYSz nUM jUey dI afdq qF pihlF hI sI, hux corI vI krn lg ipaf sI. Auh bhuq iekwlI rih geI sI. icwTI ivc Aus ny afpxy puwqr nfl hoeI sfrI gwlbfq ilKI hoeI sI ikvyN Aus ny puwqr nUM jfxo rokx leI. sfrf Pfrm hI Aus dy nF kr dyx dI pysLksL vI kIqI sI pr muMzf nhIN sI ruikaf. icwTI ivc Aus ny afpxy Pfrm bfry, astrylIaf dI isafsq bfry vI ikMnf kuJ iliKaf hoieaf sI. surjn isMG icwTI df jvfb ilKx leI afpxy bYWzrUm ivc jf viVaf. jvfb ivc Aus ny amFzf nfl hmdrdI idKfeI qy afpxIaF donF DIaF dy vfps muV afAux bfry vI qPsIl ivc iliKaf. ieh vI iliKaf ik ijs gulvMq, ijs nUM Auh sB qoN vDIaf mMndf sI AuhI sB qoN kmInf inkilaf. icwTI dy aKIr ivc motf krky iliKaf; amFzf, no XU-trn. icwTI mukf ky Auh hyTF lYNizMg ivc af igaf. prkfsL kor rsoeI ivc BFzy Do rhI sI. Auh BFizaF nUM jfx buwJ ky KVkf rhI sI. surjn isMG smJdf sI ik ieh Aus dy guwsy df iejLhfr krn df qrIkf hY. aj hI nIly rMgf dI afeI icwTI Aus ny hI surjn isMG nUM PVfeI sI. Auh ikvyN nf ikvyN afpxy guwsy df pRgtfvf kr lYNdI sI pr mUMhoN bhuq Gwt kuJ kihMdI sI. sflF dy sfl ievyN inkl gey sn. surjn isMG ny pqnI df glq mUz dyK ky suirMdr nUM ikhf, “lY suirMdr, aj qUM rotI bxf, keI vfr qyrI mF glqI nfl imrcF ijLafdf pf bYTdI aY.”

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kihMdf Auh hwsx ligaf. Auh PrMt rUm ivc afieaf qF gurjMt bYTf sI. gurjMt nUM surjn isMG df hwsxf cMgf nf jfipaf. Auh socdf ik do DIaF Gr af bYTIaF qy ieh hfly vI hws irhf hY. Auh jd vI suhry Gr afAuNdf qF aksr hfsy dI Cxkfr ijhI suxn nUM imldI sI. Aus nUM bhuq guwsf afAuNdf ik iehnF lokF nUM koeI sLrm hI nhIN pr Auh kihMdf kuJ nhIN sI. hfly Aus df Brf ieMglYNz nhIN sI afieaf. Auh suirMdr qy suKvIr dy Gr afAux bfry bhuqf hI iPkr idKf irhf sI. Auh kihx ligaf, “zYzI, eykx afpF cuwp bYT ‘gy qF cwTy socxgy ik afpF zr gey aF.” “pr gurjMt, afpF ikAuN zrFgy! [[[jy asIN jLKmI aF qF PwtF dI qfb JwlxI AuhnF leI vI sOKI neIN.” “zYzI, mYN socdF ik gulvMq nUM akl dyx leI zfievors dyxf jLrUrI aY.” surjn isMG ny gurjMt vl dyiKaf. Aus nUM Auh bhuq burf ligaf pr ies gwl df koeI jvfb nf idqf. gurjMt ny afpxI gwl iPr duhrfeI qF surjn isMG ny ikhf, “KYr, ieh kMm qF hux hoxF eI aY, agy jF ipwCy pr kfhlI vI kfhdI aY!” “kfhlLI dI gwl neIN zYzI, gwl ieh vy ik gulvMq hfly vI moiZHaF Aupr dI Quwkdf iPrdf, [[[mYnUM iksy ny disaf beI afpxy bfry Auh bhuq glq-mlq boldf ey.” “jd dusLmxI eI pY geI qF bolxf eI hoieaf, [[[socdy aF, suirMdr nUM vI puwC lYny aF.” AuhnF dy gwlF kridaF suirMdr vI af geI. gurjMt ny ZukvF mOkf dyKidaF ikhf, “suirMdr, qyrf kI iKafl aY, zfievors bfry? [[[jy aplfeI krnf hoieaf qF iek soilstr myrf dosq hY vy.” “dyK lE, BfjI, ijwdF khoN.” suirMdr ny sMKyp ijhf jvfb idqf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gurjMt aj kl mMmI-zYzI df Bfvuk shfrf bixaF hoieaf sI. iPr Auh gulvMq nUM lY ky iksy qrFH vI kmjLor nhIN sI pYxf cfhuMdI. Auh suKvIr dIaF njLrF ivc jF mMmI-zYzI dI njLr ivc nIvIN nhIN sI hoxf cfhuMdI. Auh sB nUM XkIn duafAuxf cfhuMdI sI ik gulvMq nUM Cwzx df Aus df PYslf shI hY. gurjMt ny agly idn vkIl nUM imlx df smF lY ilaf. Auh afp suirMdr nUM vkIl dy dPqr lY ky igaf. afp hI qlfk dy aDfr axmnuwKI ivvhfr nIXq krdf dsx ligaf ik Aus df pqI gfhlF kwZdf sI, irsLqydfrF nUM nhIN sI imlx idMdf, tYlIvIXn nhIN sI dyKx idMdf, nhfAux leI grm pfxI nhIN sI vrqx idMdf, sLrfb pINdf sI qy sLrfbIaF nUM Gr ilafAuNdf sI. vkIl ny suirMdr nfl qPsIl ivc gwl krky arjLI iqafr kr leI. suirMdr ny dsqKq kr idqy. arjLI adflq dy rfh pY geI. Gr af ky suirMdr guslKfny ivc jf ky bhuq roeI. BfvyN Auh mUMh Do ky bfhr inklI pr prkfsL kor smJ geI. Aus ny afpxy pqI nUM dwisaf. surjn isMG ny suirMdr nUM afpxy kol bYTf ky ikhf, “bytf, mYN vI nhIN cfhuMdf ik qflfk lYx ivc kfhlLI kIqI jfvy pr gurjMt neIN hitaf, [[[mYN cfhuMnf ik afpF hor dyK leIey, sLfied koeI rfh lwB pey, [[[vkIl nUM khIey ik hfly holz kr lvy.” “zYz, hux ikhVf rfh lwBygf! [[[rfjU cfhy vI qF suKvIr neIN jfx lgI, [[[gurjMt BfjI TIk eI qF kihMdY.” “mYnUM gurjMt dI icMqf nhIN ik Auh kI kihMdf pr qUM kI kihMnI aYN ieh dyK.” “mYN vI kihMnI aF ik qlfk qF lYxF eI aY, kwl leIey jF prsoN.” suirMdr ny sIny qy pwQr rwK ky gwl sfP kr idqI nhIN qF Aus nUM XkIn sI ik iek idn sB df guwsf TMzf ho jfvygf qy iPr gulvMq afvygf qy zYzI dI imMnq krky Aus nUM lY jfvygf. zYzI vI nFh nhIN krngy. Auh qflfk lvygI ieh qF Aus ny suPny ivc vI nhIN sI soicaf. Aus dy mn ivc ieh vI ivcfr afAux lgy ik qflfk dI arjLI dyK ky gulvMq qVPygf qy Bwijaf afvygf qy muV sB pihlF vFg hI ho jfvygf. gulvMq hfly vI kdy kdy Aus nUM Pon kr lYNdf sI. gulvMq df Pon afAuNdf qF surjn isMG dy aMdr vI koeI afs dI ikrn jgx lgdI pr Auh kihMdf kuJ nf.

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gulvMq nUM qflfk dy pypr Aus dy hYro vfly isrnfvyN Aupr puwj gey. BfrI ijhI icwTI dyK ky Auh hYrfn hoieaf socx ligaf ik ieh icwTI ikQoN afeI hoeI. qflfk df suPnf Aus ny vI nhIN sI ilaf. icwTI KohlI. dyK ky Auh Ctptf ky rih igaf. Auh kMD ivc muwky mfrdf rox ligaf qy suirMdr nUM gflHF kwZx ligaf. rfjU hfly ieMzIaf qoN hI nhIN sI afieaf. Auh icwTI lY ky srUp kol cly igaf. icwTI idKfAuNdf Auh kihx ligaf, “afh dyK BfjI, dyK kI aY!” srUp ny icwTI dyKI qy boilaf, “kI aY! [[[qflfk dy pypr eI aY, hor kI! [[[mok ikAuN mfrI jfnYN!” “BfjI, mYN qflfk nhIN lYxf cfhuMdf.” “Auh lYxf cfhuMdI aY qF qUM kI kr lvyNgf?” “nhIN, Auh vI qflfk nhIN cfhuMdI hoxIN, sLI lvjL mI, jLrUr iksy dI sfijLsL aY, eyh sfrI buVHy dI krqUq aY.” “Auh ikhVI inafxI aYN, qYnUM Cwz ky geI aY, qflfk qF lYxf eI hoieaf, jy qYnUM Auh lv krdI huMdI qF jFdI eI ikAuN jFdI!” “neIN BfjI, sLI lvjL mI, afeI lv hr!” “sfilLaf lv idaf! ijhVI qIvIN qYnUM sLryafm byiewjLq krky Cwz ky cly geI, Gr ivkvf idqf, pYsy lY geI, Auhdy nfl sflLf kfhdf lv?” srUp ny gulvMq leI ieMny sKq sLbd pihlF kdy nhIN sn vrqy. Aus ny Aus nUM klLfvy ivc ilaf qy ipafr nfl boilaf, “dyK myrI Brf, cwTf bx, jnfnVf neIN. [[[qflfk qoN zrn dI loV neIN. mYN qyrf gwj vwj ky ivafh krUM, eyhdy qoN ds guxF vDIaf rMn lwB ky dyAUN!” “myrI aMimRq!” “qIvIN hovy qF BfvyN aMimRqF dI lYn lf leIN, [[[TIk aY, smJdF qyrf idl duKI aY pr hux afpF kr vI kI skdy aF, jd Auh cly eI geI, qflfk eI mMgx lg peI qF qUM ZihMdI klf ivc ikAuN jfnYN. mrd df kMm aY hr vyly cVHdI klf ivc rihxY.” “BfjI, gwl qF quhfzI TIk aY pr ieh sdmf Jwilaf nhIN jf irhf.” “eys vyly qF ieho eI surjn sUMh cfhUgf beI qUM izg pvyN, izprYWsLn ‘c clf jfeyN pr soc jy suirMdr nUM koeI gm nhIN qF qUM ikAuN kmjLor pvyN sgoN qUM AuhnF nUM idKf dy ik Auh qYnUM zyg nhIN skdy.” srUp dIaF gwlF nfl gulvMq nUM kuJ ku hOslf imlx ligaf. Aus nUM Xfd afieaf ik suirMdr ikvyN sfrf smF hsdI rhI sI. jy Auh KusL rih skdI hY qF Auh ikAuN nhIN rih skdf. ivskI ny vI Aus nUM hlfsLyrI dy idqI sI. Aus ny ivjy nUM Pon kr ky sfrI gwl dsI. pihlF qF Auh vI Audfs hoieaf pr iPr cihkdf hoieaf kihx ligaf, “dyK, qflfk df gm vI huMdY pr mfVy bMidaF qoN ipwCf Cuwtx dI KusLI vI qF huMdI aY, mYnUM qF surjn sUMh dI awK eI Kqrnfk lgdI aY, sgF qUM eyhnF qoN pryH rih. [[[qIvIN df gm BulfAux leI qyry kol bItrs hYgI af, do cfr vfrI imlx jfeyNgf qF Auhdy buafey PrYSz ny afpy Bj jfxF.” “mYN socdF ik qflfk df kys lVF qy Auhdy leI qflfk eynf sOKf nf bxn dyvF.” “soc lY pr koeI Prk neIN pYxf, vDIaf gwl qF ieh aY ik qUM KusL rih, koeI rog nf lvf leI. [[[cyqf; ipClI vfrI mfeIlz ijhf hfrt atYk krf bYTf sYN.”

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ivjy ny Aus nUM ruafiel zIn ivc vfprI Gtnf cyqy krfAuNidaF ikhf. gulvMq ny PYslf kr ilaf ik Auh KusL rhygf. iksy vI msly nUM afpxy Aupr hfvI nhIN hox dyvygf. ievyN socdy socdy Aus df mnobl AuWcf AuTx ligaf. Aus ny afpxy prs ivcoN suirMdr dI Poto kwZI. hsdI hoeI suirMdr Aus vl dyKI jf rhI sI. Aus dy nwk df kokf cmk irhf sI. gulvMq mUMh ivc hOlI hOlI guxguxfAux ligaf, “qyry nwk df kokf, dsdf ey qUM dyxF eI DoKf.”

pwcI aprYl bhuq TMzf igaf pr meI jUn ivc kfPI grmI pYx lgI. keI gory mjLfk ivc kihx lgdy ik ijvyN ijvyN ieMglYNz ivc eysLIan lok vD rhy hn iqvyN iqvyN grmI vI vD pYx lgI hY. hfly ipCly sfl qk pwiKaF bfry iksy ny soicaf vI nhIN sI blik ieMglYNz ivc pwiKaF dI Dfrxf hI nhIN sI. ies sfl dukfnF Aupr pwKy idsx lgy sn. qyjL dukfndfrF ny mOsm dy ihsfb nfl pwKy pihlF hI ilaf rwKy sn. pwKy dyK ky surjn isMG nUM jLrf hYrfnI qF hoeI sI pr Ausy hI pl ieh vI socx ligaf ik do ku pwKy Aus nUM vI KrId hI lYxy cfhIdy hn. Gr dy aMdr vVidaF hI rsoeI ivcoN af rhI KusLbU Aus dy nwk nUM af cuMbVI. rsoeI ivcoN hI suirMdr qy suKvIr dy iek dUjy nUM hfsf mjLfk krn dI afvfjL af rhI sI. ievyN Auh aksr krdIaF rihMdIaF sn. AuhnF bfry socdf surjn isMG keI vfr Audfs vI ho jFdf sI ikAuNik Aus nUM pqf sI ik aMdrlf sB kuJ dbfAux leI Aus dIaF DIaF ievyN hsdIaF rihMdIaF sn. Aus nUM dyKidaF hI suKvIr bolI, “Xoar Pyvirt zYz, pUrIaF!” “dYt ‘jL bYtr.” afKdf Auh PrMt rUm ivc cly igaf ijQy prkfsL kor aMimRq nUM dwuD imlfAux dI koisLsL kr rhI sI qy Auh duwD vfly glfs nUM nyVy nhIN sI lgx dy rhI. surjn isMG nUM dyK ky Auh Aus vl BwjI. surjn isMG ny Aus nUM godI cuwk ilaf. aMimRq Aus dIaF jybHF ivcoN cfklyt lwBx lgI. Auh hr rojL kuJ nf kuJ Aus leI lY afieaf krdf sI. Aus ny aMimRq leI gulvMq vflI jgfh lY leI sI. Aus ny aMimRq nUM godI ivcoN Auqfiraf hI sI ik Pon dI GMtI vwj AuTI. surjn isMG ny rsIvr AuTfieaf. dUjy pfisEN iek TihrI ijhI afvfjL ivc iek afdmI boilaf, “siq isRI afkfl jI.” “siq isRI afkfl.” “mYN srdfr surjn isMG nfl gwl krnI cfhuMnf vF jI.” “mYN bol irhF jI, dwso?” “myrf nF hY jI; iekbfl isMG bwl. vYsy qF myrI pwCfx ieh aY jI ik mYN vYWst hYm bOro ivc kONslr aF pr mYN qy myrI vfeIP quhfnUM qy quhfzI vfeIP nUM imlxf cfhuMny aF.” “iks mfmly ivc jI?” “iet ivl bI jst soLsLl ivijLt, [[[mYnUM pqf aY ik qusIN bhuq bIjLI E, asIN quhfzf bhuqf tfeIm nhIN lvFgy, dwso kdoN afeIey?” “ikhVI gwloN afAuxf cfhudy E?” “srdfr jI, koeI gMBIr gwl nhIN ey, qusIN sfnUM tfeIm idE, asIN afvFgy qy bYT ky gwlF krFgy.” Aus bMdy ny ikhf. surjn isMG hYrfnI ivc soc irhf sI ikAuN imlxf cfhuMdf hoieaf ieh bMdf. Aus ny ieh nF qF suixaF hoieaf sI. Aus ny ikhf,

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“kdy vI af jfvo, qusIN dwso ik quhfzy pfs kdoN vkq aY?” “jy quhfnUM mfeINz neIN qF awj eI awT vjy af jfeIey, asIN quhfzy pMdrF imMt qoN ijLafdf nhIN lvFgy.” “TIk aY, awj eI af jfvo, aYzrYWs ilK lE.” “aYzrYWs sfzy pfs hY vy.” surjn isMG hor vI hYrfn ho igaf ik Auhdy kol Aus df isrnfvF vI hY. Auhny prkfsL kor nUM gwl dwsI qF Auh bolI, “suK hovy! [[[gulvMq vloN hoAU koeI.” prkfsL kor PrMt rUm dI sPfeI krn lgI. surjn isMG socF dy GoVy duVfAux ligaf ik kOx hovygf. gwlF qoN bMdf bhuq qyjL-qrfr jfpdf sI. Auh GVI dyKdf awT vwjx dI AuzIk krn ligaf. TIk awT vjy icwty rMg dI vwzI sfrI mrszIjL AuhnF dy drvfjLy dy agy af ky rukI. anfBI rMg dI pwg qy nsvfrI sUt vflf afdmI ivcoN inkilaf qy nfl hI cmkIly sUt vflI aOrq. surjn isMG prdy ipiCEN dyK irhf sI. ieMny roab vflf bMdf Aus ny pihlF Gwt hI dyiKaf sI. suirMdr ny drvfjLf Kohilaf qy donF nUM PrMt rUm qk lY geI. surjn isMG ny agy vD ky hwQ imlfieaf qy prkfsL kor ny afeI mihmfn aOrq nUM glL nfl lf ky svfgq kIqf. surjn isMG ny soPy ‘qy bYT jfx df iesLfrf kIqf. bYTidaF hI Auh bMdf boilaf, “ijvyN mYN disaf sI ik myrf nF iekbfl isMG bwl aY, ieh myrI pqnI jgIr kor bwl, [[[grIn srtRIt Aupr myrI lYWitMg eyjMsI aY, iqMn dukfnF hor vI ny. [[[lybr pfrtI df ielYkitz kONslr vI aF. ipwiCEN sfzf ipMz siTaflLf aY, aMimRqsr izsitRk[[[.” afpxI gwl mukf ky Aus ny surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor vl dyiKaf. Auh hfly vI svflI njLrF nfl Aus vl dyKI jf rhy sn. Auh bMdf iPr boilaf, “pihlF asIN cfhuMdy sF ik iksy hor nUM quhfzy vl ByjIey pr iPr asIN ihMmq krky soicaf ik ikAuN nf iswDI gwl hI krIey.” Auh pl ku leI iPr ruikaf qy kihx ligaf, “ivd izAU irspYkt, srdfr jI, mYN qF asIN qF quhfzy qk bhuq hI Kfs kMm afey aF, iek irkuaYst krn afey aF, blik kuJ mMgx afey aF.” “dwso bwl sfihb, asIN quhfzy leI kI kr skdy aF?” “gwl ieh cfhl sfihb ik quhfzI lVkI rxjIq qy sfzf lVkf prmjIq iekwTy pVHdy af, iek dUjy nUM jfxdy vI aY, hux qusIN smJ gey hovoNgy ik asIN kI mMgx afey aF.” surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor iek dUjy vl dyKx lgy. jUs lY ky afeI suKvIr hYrfn hoeI KVI sI. surjn isMG nUM AuhnF df ieMnf hOslf cMgf vI ligaf pr ajIb vI. Aus ny afiKaf, “bwl sfihb, sfzI kuVI qF mMgI hoeI aY.” “sfnUM pqf aY Brf jI.” ies vfr jgIr kor bolI. surjn isMG smJ igaf ik gwl jLrUr koeI Kfs hovygI ijhVf iehnF ny ieQy qk phuMc kIqI hY. Auh boilaf, “iPr vI qusIN[[[, myrf mqlb ik mMgI hoeI sfzI kuVI dy irsLqy leI ikAuN afey ho?” “iehdf kfrx aY jI ik kuVI-muMzf iek dUjy nUM cMgI qrFH jfxdy af, prmjIq sfzf ieklOqf puwqr aY, AuhdI KusLI leI asIN kuJ vI kr skdy aF.” iekbfl isMG ny sihj nfl ikhf. Aus qoN bfad jgIr kor bolI, “sfnUM pqY ik quhfnUM sfzf ievyN afAuxf cMgf nhIN ligaf hoxF pr kI krIey, pwuqr dI Kfqr sfnUM afp hI afAuxf ipaf, asl ivc ieh muMzy-kuVI df sFJf PYslf aY.”

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surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor hfly vI Jtky dy asr hyT sn. iekbfl isMG ny jybH ivcoN iek kfrz kwiZaf qy surjn isMG nUM idMidaF ikhf, “ieh myrf kfrz aY, Aus ielfky ivcoN iksy qoN vI sfzy bfry, sfzy muMzy bfry puwC skdy E, kfrz dy ipwCy mYN afpxf ieMzIaf df pqf vI ilK idqf aY, koeI iksy iksm dI puwCigwC krnI hovy qF[[[.” afpxI gwl mukf ky Aus ny afpxI pqnI vl dyiKaf qy afp AuTx dI iqafrI krn ligaf. jgIr kor prkfsL kor nUM kihx lgI, “BYx jI, asIN aYvyN nhIN AuT ky afey, sfnUM pqf sI ik quhfzI bytI sLfied hI quhfzy nfl afp gwl kr sky. [[[qusIN rxjIq nUM kol bYTf ky sfrI gwl kro, iPr jo vI quhfzf ierfdf hovy sfnUM Pon kr idE.” Auh dovyN AuT KVy qy siq isRI afkfl bulf ky qurdy bxy. surjn isMG AuhnF nUM bfhr qk Cwzx igaf pr hfly vI Aus qoN boilaf nhIN sI jf irhf. Auh vfps PrMt rUm ivc afieaf qF prkfsL kor, suKvIr qy suirMdr bYTIaF Aus vl svflIaf njLrF nfl dyK rhIaF sn. surjn isMG ny kVkvIN afvfjL ivc ikhf, “rfxI nUM swdo jLrf.” suirMdr qy suKvIr zr geIaF. prkfsL kor bolI, “jI, juafn kuVI aY, jLrf sLFqI qoN kMm lE.” suirMdr rxjIq nUM swd ilafeI. Auh zrdI zrdI bfhF CfqI ivc dyeI PrMt rUm ivc afeI. surjn isMG ny dbkf mfr ky puwiCaf, “ieh sB kI aY?” “zYz, afey ivl zU vwtaYvr XU sy, [[[bwt afey zONt lfeyk buafey PrOm ieMzIaf!” gwl mukf Aus isskx lg peI. prkfsL kor ny ikhf, “qYnUM pqf, qyrI mMgxI ho cukI aY!” “hF mMmI, bwt mYN EnUM neIN jfndI, mYnUM nhIN psMd Eh[[[.” kihMdI Auh mF dy glL lg ky rox lg peI. Aus nUM roNidaF dyK ky surjn isMG df guwsf ikDry df ikDr hvf ho igaf. Auh iKJdf ijhf boilaf “cuwp kr hux, zONt krfeI, pihlF ikAuN neIN ikhf? [[[jfh vIrF eyhnUM Aupr eI lY jf.” afK ky surjn isMG ny awKF mIt leIaF. prkfsL kor Aus dy nyVy huMdI bolI, “jI, hux?” “hux kI! [[[pihlF mrdI, boldI qF gwl eyQy qk nf phuMcdI, hux gurjMt nUM ikhVy mUMh nfl jvfb dyvFgy.” “zYz, AuhnUM iswiDaF kih idMny aF, asIN gurjMt BfjI dy gulfm aF koeI?” ipE df bdilaf rONa dyK ky suirMdr hux huisLafr ho geI. rxjIq nfl Aus nUM hmdrdI sI. gurjMt qoN qF Auh qflfk leI kfhlI krn krky aOKI vI sI. jd qk suKvIr vI vfps af ky AuhnF ivc sLfml ho geI qy bolI, “tYWl ihwm strytvya, [[[rfxI KusL, asIN KusL.” surjn isMG cuwp bYTf sI. prkfsL kor ny pqI nUM socF ivc pey dyK ky DIaF nUM ikhf, “kuVIey, mukfE kMm, nflLy dyKo aMimRq ZMg nflL suqI aY ik neIN.” surjn isMG iek ajIb ijhy skUn ivc dI lMG irhf sI. rxjIq df afpxy leI ievyN muMzf lwB lYxf Auh nUM cMgf lg irhf sI. Aus ny iekbfl isMG bfry sB pqf lgf ilaf. isLvrfj df Auh cMgI qrFH jfxU sI. isLvrfj dI BYx siTafly ivafhI hox krky Auh Aus dy sfry pirvfr df hI vfkP sI. suirMdr qy suKvIr kflj dy bfhr KV ky prmjIq nUM dyK afeIaF sn. Auh muMzy dIaF bhuq qrIPF kr rhIaF sn. surjn

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isMG nUM skUn ies gwl df sI ik prmjIq ieQy hI pilLaf, vwzf hoieaf sI ies krky Aus nUM aOrq dy brfbr dy hwkF df aihsfs hovygf. Aus ivc ieMzIan muMizaF vfly nuks nhIN hoxgy. kuJ ku idn hI lMGy sn ik iekbfl isMG bwl df Pon af igaf. puwCx ligaf, “cfhl sfihb, kI PYslf kIqY?” “bwl sfihb, bwicaF dy PYsly qoN vwzf PYslf ikhVf ho skdY pr asIN jLrf musIbq ivc dI lMG rhy aF ik kuVI sfzy juafeI dy Brf nUM hI mMgI sI.” “sfnUM pqf aY jI, sfnUM PIl ho irhY ik ieh mfmlf bhuq nfjLk aY, ies leI asIN quhfzy qk phuMc nhIN sI krnI cfhuMdy pr asIN ieh vI smJdy aF ik dovyN bwcy iek dUjy nflL bhuq KusL hYgy af[[[.” “bwl sfihb, asIN ies Aupr vrk kr rhy aF, asIN koeI rfh lwB rhy aF ik jvfb ikvyN idqf jfvy.” “TIk, jy myrI koeI loV hoeI qF dwsxf.” surjn isMG ny Piqh bulf ky Pon rwK idqf. gurjMt nUM irsLqy qoN jvfb dyxf swc hI Aus sfhmxy bhuq vwzf mslf sI. hr sLfm sfrf twbr iekwTf ho jFdf qy ies bfry ivcfr krn lgdf. prkfsL kor kihMdI, “rfxI mrjfxI ny nvIN eI musIbq KVI kr idqI, hux kI krIey?” suKvIr rxjIq nfl KVHdI hoeI boldI, “TIk kIqf rfxI ny, jy mYN vI nFh kr idqI huMdI qF afh idn nf dyKx nUM imldy.” “pihlF mrdI, dsdI!” “hux vI kI ivgiVaf! [[[Gwto-Gwty rfxI qF KusL rhU.” suirMdr afpxI rfey idMdI. prkfsL kor surjn isMG nUM kihMdI, “jI, dyKo qF Auh hry vyly ikwdF quhfzf dm Brdf rihMdY.” “sB irsLqy krky eI aY, pihlF neIN kdy Biraf, ieh qF iehdf ipE af ky iehdy kMn ivc PUk mfr igaf sI. hux jdoN irsLqy nUM jvfb dyxF qF Auhdy qyvr dyKIN!” “qyvr kI dyKxy aF zYz, sfzI kuVI, ijQy mrjLI irsLqf krIey.” suirMdr afKdI. vwzI guirMdr nUM ies df pqf cilaf qF Auh vI sB nfl sihmq sI. guirMdr rfhIN hI gwl idlbfg qk vI pwuj geI. Auh Bwijaf hoieaf afieaf qy slfh dyx ligaf, “mMmI, ieh kuVIaF myrIaF BYxF aY BYxF, rxjIq nUM qF mYN inkI ijhI nUM iKzfieaY, iehdI mrjLI qoN ibnF ikqy irsLqf neIN hoxf cfhIdf, jy Auh sflLf BMz quhfnUM kuJ khy qF mYnUM iek dm Pon kr idE, mYN afpy dyK lAUN EhnUM.” idlbfg dI gwl nfl suirMdr qy suKvIr hONsly ivc af geIaF. surjn isMG nUM pqf cilaf qF boilaf, “idlbfg nUM eys mfmly qoN bfhr eI rwKo, Auhny gwl hor ivgfV dyxI aYN.” “jI, blijMdr nUM bhuq aOKf ho jfxYN, eys inkrmy ny Pyr pihly vflIaF hrkqF krn lg pYxF.” “buVHIey, hux krIey vI kI, jF blijMdr aOKI hoAU jF Pyr rfxI, asIN qF hoxf hI hoieaf.” surjn isMG ny socF ivcoN inklidaF afiKaf. aj gurjMt afieaf qF Auh Aus kol pihlF vFg bhuqI dyr bYT nhIN sI sikaf. Auh kI iksy ny vI gurjMt nfl pihlF ijhI gwl nhIN sI kIqI. Auh afieaf qF PrMt rUm ivc bYT igaf. pihlF koeI nf koeI Aus kol jf bYiTaf krdf sI pr aj koeI nf afieaf qy Auh iekwlf hI bYTf tYlI dyKdf irhf. kuJ dyr bfad prkfsL kor afeI pr Aus dIaF gwlF vI ruwKIaF sn. do ku vfr ievyN hI hoieaf qF gurjMt df clfk idmfg kuJ kuJ smJx lg ipaf. Aus ny blijMdr nfl gwl kIqI pr blijMdr ny iksy vI gwl qoN jfxU hox qoN ienkfr kr idqf. blijMdr nUM qF pihly idn hI sfrI gwl df pqf cl igaf sI. jd prkfsL kor ny Aus df iPkr kIqf sI qF Auh ny ikhf sI,

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“mMmI, myrf iPkr nf kr, mYnUM pqY mYnUM iehny bhuq qMg krnY pr mYN rfxI dIaF KusLIaF dI kImq ‘qy afpxI KusLI nhIN KrIdxI cfhuMdI.” gurjMt df cMgf ijhf imjLfj dyK iek idn blijMdr ny ikhf, “mYnUM lgdf ik rfxI ies irsLqy leI mMn neIN rhI.” gwl sux ky gurjMt iek dm cuwp kr igaf. ipCly idnF ivc suhry Gr ivc axgOly jfx df kfrx vI hux sfP ho irhf sI. kuJ dyr bfad Aus ny puwiCaf, “qYnUM ikhny ikhf?” “mMmI ny.” “dya ‘r bfstRzjL!” “qusIN AuhnF nUM gflH ikAuN idMny aF?” “hor mYN AuhnF nUM duwD df glfs dyvF?” kihMdf Auh AuT KiVaf qy kmry ivc GuMmx ligaf. Aus ny iPr puwiCaf, “mMndI ikAuN neIN?” “pqf neIN, [[[sLfied kihMdI hovy ik ieMzIaf dy muMzy rfjU vrgy eI huMdy af.” “vOt ey nOnsYNs! [[[hux eynI dyr bfad ieh gwl cyqy afeI. [[[pihlF ikwQy geI hoeI sI jd irsLqf hoieaf! [[[eyhdy ipwCy koeI sfijLsL ey.” “kfhdI sfijLsL, jy kuVI neIN mMndI qF koeI kI kr skdY!” “kuVI ny neIN sI mMnxF qF pihlF nFh krdI, aYnI dyr bfad ikAuN, [[[aYkx neIN hox idMdf mYN, mYN dyKdF ikkuM mukrdy ny sflLy!” Auh gflLF kwZdf AuT ky qur ipaf. Aus dy kfr ivc bYTx qk blijMdr ny Pon krky mMmI nUM sfrI gwl ds idqI sI. jd pqf cilaf ik Auh bhuq guwsy ivc af irhf hY qF prkfsL kor zrdI hoeI suirMdr nUM kihx lgI, “qyry zYzI vI Gr neIN, gurjMt ikqy rfxI nUM eI kuJ nf khy.” “hU ‘j hI? [[[Auh kOx huMdY rfxI nUM kuJ kihx vflLf? aOx dy jLrf, mYN dyKdI aF AuhnUM! [[[lok vI zridaF nUM zrfAuNdy af.” suirMdr pUry guwsy ivc bolI. iPr Auh suKvIr nUM afKx lgI, “jy gurjMt BfjI iksy ‘qy vI hwQ cuwky qF iek dm pY jfxf, iswDIaF mUMh qy cupyVF[[[.” suKvIr ny ‘hF’ ivc isr mfiraf. rfjU nfl do ku vfr lVH ky AuhnF df qjurbf ho cuwikaf sI. AuhnF ny rxjIq nUM Aus dy kmry ivc Byj idqf qy afp PrMt rUm ivc ky gurjMt dI AuzIk krn lgIaF. gurjMt GroN qF bhuq cVHfeI nfl inkilaf sI pr kfr ivc bYT ky socx ligaf ik Aus df guwsf qF gwl nUM hor vI Krfb kr dyvygf. hfly qF kuVI hI ienkfr kr rhI hY, surjn isMG ny qF hfly kuJ nhIN ikhf. jy Auh sLFqI rwKygf qF sLfied hfly vI sB TIk ho jfvy. Auh afpxy nUM sLFq krn ligaf. Aus nUM hYrfnI sI ik do sfl bfad rxjIq nUM nFh krn dI kI suwJI. do sfl qk Auh cuwp ikAuN rhI. ipCly do sfl ivc Aus ny rxjIq nUM KusL rwKx leI lohVy dy pYsy Krcy. kdy Aus dy jnm idn ‘qy qohPy lY ky dy, kdy ikRsms ‘qy qy kdy idvflI ‘qy. ijhVy ieMzIaf qoN sUt afid afAuNdy sn Auh alwg. Aus ny suhry Gr dy gyVy mfrn ‘qy hI byihsfb qyl Krc kIqf hovygf. kfr clfAuNdf Auh socdf jf irhf sI ik hux Aus nUM kI krnf cfhIdf hY; pihlf hwl qF sB nfl nrmI vrqy, ipafr nfl gwl kry, dUjf hwl zrfvy, roab pfvy qy jy ho sky qF gulvMq vflf dfa vrqy, blijMdr nUM Cwzx dI DmkI dyvy, qIjf hwl[[[. qIjf hwl ik AuhnF nUM aijhf sbk dyvy ik muV ky iksy nfl

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ievyN nf krn, iksy dy muMzy nUM do sfl mMg ky irsLqf nf qoVn. socF ivc zuwibaf Auh bfrkly roz ‘qy puwj igaf. kfr KVI kr zor-bYWl kr idqI. suirMdr ny drvfjLf Kohilaf. gurjMt cuwp krky aMdr lMG afieaf. PrMt rUm ivc jf soPy ‘qy bYT prkfsL kor nUM ipafr nfl puwiCaf, “kI gwl ho geI? [[[blijMdr kuJ kihMdI sI rfxI bfry.” “gurjMt puwq, rfxI kihMdI, mYnUM ieh irsLqf psMd neIN.” “mMmI, do sfl qF ho gey irsLqf kIqy nUM, eykx qF neIN huMdf ik jdoN mrjLI irsLqf kr lo qy mrjLI qoV do, [[[smJfAuxf sI AuhnUM.” gurjMt dI avfjL ivc bhuq nrmI sI, Aus dy iblkul Ault ijvyN ik Aus afs rwKdIaF sn. ies Aupr Auh hYrfn vI sn ikAuNik blijMdr dy Pon muqfbk gurjMt ‘afdm-bo, afdm-bo’ krdf af irhf hY. prkfsL kor ivcfrI ijhI bxdI bolI, “asIN qF bQyrf smJfieaf pr nhIN smJdI.” “zYzI ny gwl kIqI sI?” “zYzI qyry ny vI bhuq ikhf.” “mYN gwl krky dyK lvF, rfxI nfl?” gurjMt ny afigaf mMgx vFg hI afiKaf. prkfsL kor cfhuMdI sI ik kih dyvy ik rxjIq Gr nhIN hY pr Aus qoN pihlF hI suirMdr ny rxjIq nUM afvfjL mfr idqI. suirMdr nUM afs ho geI sI ik avwl qF hux gurjMt rxjIq nUM kuJ nhIN afKygf pr jy afKygf qF Auh mukfblf kr skdIaF hn, nhIN qF pulIs nUM Pon qF kIqf hI jf skdf hY. rxjIq hOlI hOlI gunfhgfrF vFg af geI. gurjMt Aus dy isr Aupr hwQ rwKdf kihx ligaf, “rfxI kI gwl ho geI, qUM mMgxI ikAuN qoVnf cfhuMnI eyN?” “ibkOjL, [[[afey zONt noa ihwm.” “luk rfxI, dyar ‘jL nwiQMg rONg ivd pRqfp, [[[rfjU vFgUM Auh kryjLI neIN, zONt vwrI, afey pROimjL.” “pf jI, afey zONt noa ihwm, afey zONt mYrI d prsn hUm afey zONt noa.” “rfxI, qYnUM pqf ey ik do sfl dI qUM Auhdy nflL mMgI hoeI eyN, hux qUM kih rhI eyN ik XU zONt noa ihwm!” “pf jI, afey vOjL vYrI XMg aYt dYt tfeIm.” “hux do sfl ivc qUM bhuq smJdfr ho geI eyN?” “pf jI, afey zONt vONt aryNjz mYirj.” “sB dy aryNjz mYirj hoey ny, qYnUM kI huMdf ey? iehdy ivc burfeI vI kI ey?” “afey hYv ey buafey PrYSz!” afK rxjIq AuT ky cly geI. gurjMt isr PV ky bYT igaf. Aus leI ieh bhuq vwzI gwl sI. rxjIq buafey PrYSz ikvyN rwK skdI sI. Auh qF Aus dy Brf dI mMg sI, AuhnF dy Kfndfn dI iewjLq. Aus ny prkfsL kor vl dyiKaf. Auh bolI, “pwuq, rfxI afpxy nfl pVHdy iksy muMzy nUM psMd krdI aY.” “pqf neIN ikhVf cUVHf-cmfr hoeygf!” “puwq cUVHy-cmfr vI qF bMdy eI huMdy af pr iehnF df goq bwl aY, [[[muMzf cMgy Kfndfn ivcoN aY.” “iehdf mqlb sfrI buxq buxI peI ey!” “hux kI krIey, kuVI qF neIN hwQoN gvf lYxI.” “quhfnUM kuVI df iPkr ey, muMzy df neIN, myrf neIN, afpxI dUjI kuVI blijMdr df neIN.” gurjMt dI sur hux kuJ AuWcI hox lg peI sI. Auh blijMdr vflf zrfvf hfly nhIN sI dyxf cfhuMdf pr Aus qoN ruk nhIN hoieaf. prkfsL kor vI ies leI iqafr bYTI sI, afKx lgI,

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“pwuq, hr iek ny afpo afpxI iksmq KfxI aYN, afh dyK, afh do af bYTIaF, ieh vI qF Jwl rhy aF, hor vI ijhVf duwK pYxF pY lvy, rwb muhry ikhdf jLor!” gurjMt dI blijMdr Cwzx vflI DmkI ijvyN Pus ho geI hovy. Aus boilaf, “dyKo, ikMny sfl ho gey, mYN kuwqy vFgUM quhfzy ipwCy pUC ihlfAuNdf iPrdF, iesy leI ik myrf Brf lMG afeygf. [[[eyny sflF bfad qusIN mYnUM auhrl idKf rhy E, ieh qF mYN neIN hox dyxF.” “dyK puwq, asIN qF nhIN cfhuMdy ik rfxI ikqy hor ivafh krfvy pr jd ieh nkrmI[[[[, sfzI mjLbUrI smJ.” “mjbUrI ik clfkI! [[[iek gwl myrI kMn Kohl ky sux lE, rfxI myry Brf dI mMg ey, jy iehdf irsLqf ikqy hor hoieaf qF myry qoN burf koeI nhIN hoxF!” Aus ny AuWcI afvfjL ivc ikhf qy kfhlI nfl AuT ky qur ipaf. jFdf hoieaf bfhrlf drvfjLf ieMny jLor nfl bMd kr ky igaf ik tuwtx qoN msF hI bicaf. suirMdr qy suKvIr awg-bbUlf ho AuTIaF. suirMdr bolI, “hU df hYWl hI iejL? hfE hI zyar tU QrYWt? sfzI kuVI ijQy mrjLI irsLqf krIey.” Aus dy mgr hI suKvIr vI gurjMt nUM Blf-burf boldI rhI. prkfsL kor vI Gwt nhIN sI. Auh vI kuJ nf kuJ bolI jf rhI sI. gurjMt afpxf swc afp hI dws igaf sI ik isrP irsLqy krky hI ieMnf icr AuhnF dy mgr GuMmdf irhf sI. kfPI kuJ bol ky jd AuhnF iqMnF df guwsf kuJ Gitaf qF Auh bwl Kfndfn df mukfblf gurjMt dy Kfndfn nfl kr ky dyKx lgIaF. bwl dy mukfbly Auh pF-pfsk vI nhIN sn. AuhnF nUM ies gwl dI qswlI sI ik rxjIq ny afpxy leI shI muMzf cuixaF hY. kuJ icr bfad surjn isMG kMm qoN muV afieaf. sB dy ichry lfl dyK ky Auh smJ igaf ik koeI qUPfn lMG ky igaf hY. suirMdr ny gurjMt dy afAux vflI sfrI gwl dws idqI. surjn isMG ny iksy sfrjYNt vFg ikhf, “iqafr ho jfE, lVHfeI df iek hor muhfjL KulH irhY.” rmPorz kflj. vwzy sfry pfrk ivc bxI ivktorIan iemfrq. rxjIq ny skUl qoN bfad ieQy af dfKlf ilaf. bhuqy skUlF ivc hI ey lYvl qk dI pVHfeI df ieMqjLfm sI pr lyatn ston dy skUl ivc nf hox krky Aus nUM kflj afAuxf ipaf. rxjIq nUM kflj ivc bhuq sfry muMzy imly, prmjIq nfl pihlI mulfkfq kdoN hoeI Aus nUM Xfd nhIN sI pr ieMnf Xfd sI ik jd Aus dI bFh ivc kVf dyiKaf qF Auh smJ geI ik Auh iswK hY. rxjIq afp vI hmysLf kVf pf ky rKdI. BfvyN Auh gurdvfry Gwt hI jFdI sI pr Aus dI mMmI ny ieMzIaf qoN sfry twbr leI hI kVy ilaFdy sn. rxjIq iehnUM sdf pf ky rwKdI. prmjIq df lMmf kwd Aus nUM sfrI klfs qoN alwg bxfAuNdf. AuhnF dy sfry ivsLy sFJy nhIN sn pr jd vI AuhnF dI sFJI klfs lgdI qF iek dUjy vl jLrUr dyKdy. bhuqy jmfqI gory sn, bfkI dy kfly qy eysLIan. eysLIan ivc vI keI pfiksqfnI sn qy keI ieMzIan. iksy muMzy nfl gwl krn df suBfa rxjIq df nhIN sI. prmjIq vI sLrmfklL ijhf sI. bfkI sB dy dosq bx gey pr Auh dovyN hfly iekwly sn ijvyN iek dUjy dI hI AuzIk kr rhy hox. kdy kdy AuhnF dI koeI gwl sFJI hox lgI. lfiebRyrI ivc iml pYNdy. iek do vfr Auh klfs ivc vI iekwTy bYT gey sn pr hfly qk AuhnF dy idl ivc aijhI koeI gwl nhIN sI afeI ijhVI iek dUjy nUM joV sky. iek idn rxjIq iksy gwloN kflj nf afeI. iek ividafrQI prmjIq nUM puwCx ligaf, “vyar ‘jL Xoar grl PrYSz?” “sLI iejMLt mfeI[[[[.”

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kihMdf kihMdf prmjIq ruk igaf. Aus dy aMdr Koh ijhI pYx lgI. svyr df Aus nUM mihsUs qF ho irhf sI ikDry kuJ glq hY pr kI hY ies df pqf nhIN sI cl irhf. idn ivc ikMnf smF qF Auh iekwTy lMGfAuNdy sn. iek dUjy dy nF jfxdy sn qy ieh vI jfxdy sn ik Auh dovyN ikhVI ikhVI roz ‘qy rihMdy sn. iek dUjy dy twbr dy jIaF bfry vI QoVf-bhuq jfx cuwky sn. prmjIq ny lMzn dI ‘ey tU jYLz’ dyKidaF rxjIq dI roz dI insLfndyhI vI kr leI sI. Aus nUM rxjIq dI Xfd afAux lgI, blik qVPfAux lgI. Aus df rxjIq nUM imlx leI idl kfhlf pYx ligaf. prmjIq soc irhf sI ik bfkI qF Aus bfry sB kuJ jfx ilaf pr Aus df Pon nMbr qF ilaf hI nhIN. Auh cfhuMdf sI ik rxjIq jldI Aus nUM imly qy Aus nUM Auh sB kuJ ds dyvy jo vI Auh mihsUs kr irhf sI. Aus idn rxjIq isr duKx krky kflj nhIN sI jf skI. ibsqr ivc peI peI nUM prmjIq dI Xfd ieMnf sqfAux lgI ik Aus df isr drd dUx-svfieaf ho igaf. Aus leI vI ieh aihsfs iblkul nvF sI. Aus ny soicaf ik kflj jfvygI qF ies bfry prmjIq nfl gwl jLrUr krygI. do idn bfad Auh kflj dy gyt ‘qy hI iml gey. prmjIq ny ikhf, “afey gOt smiQMg tU tYWl XU.” “vOh?” “afey iQMk afey ‘m ien lv ivd XU.” prmjIq ieko sfhy kih igaf. rxjIq sLrmf geI pr mUMhoN kuJ nf bolI. Ausy idn qoN hI AuhnF dI pRym-khfxI sLurU ho geI. Aus sfrf idn iekwTy rihMdy qy aMgryjL muMzy-kuVIaF aksr vFg KulHF vI lY lYNdy. rxjIq qF hvf ivc AuzI iPrdI sI. prmjIq nUM vI hux dunIaF ivc rxjIq qoN ibnF kuJ nhIN sI ids irhf. AuhnF df ipafr idno idn AucIaF AuzfnF Brn ligaf. rxjIq nUM pqf sI ik Aus dy GridaF nUM Aus dy ipafr df pqf cl igaf qF Aus dI sLfmq af skdI hY pr Aus nUM lgdf sI ik ieh kflj Gr qoN bhuq dUr sI, do bwsF bdl ky afAuxf pYNdf sI, ieDr kOx afvygf. Aus nUM ieh vI pqf sI ik Aus dI mMgxI ho cuwkI hY pr ies mMgxI bfry Aus nUM koeI vI mihsUsxf nhIN sI. Aus dI afpxy mMgyqr nfl koeI vI jjLbfqI sFJ nhIN sI bx skI. Aus nUM afpxIaF sfrIaF hI BYxF dy pqI bury lgdy sn ijhVy Aus dIaF BYxF nUM vI qMg krdy sn qy mMmI-zYzI nUM vI. ieh gwl Aus nUM ivdrohI ijhI vI bxf rhI sI. prmjIq dy agly jnm idn ‘qy Aus dy zYzI ny qohPy vjoN Aus nUM kfr lY idqI. Auh rxjIq nUM nfl bYTf ky lMmf gyVf lfAux igaf. lMzn qoN bfhr inkl ky iek pwb ivc bYT AuhnF vfeIn pIqI. prmjIq qF afpxy zYzI nfl keI vfr pwb ivc af cuwikaf sI pr rxjIq pihlI vfr afeI sI, vfeIn vI pihlI vfr hI pIqI sI. Aus nUM sB cMgf cMgf ligaf. rxjIq bhuq KusL sI. Aus df idl krdf ik iksy nfl afpxI ieh KusLI sFJI kry. Gr ivc suKvIr hI Aus dy nyVy sI pr Auh afpxy suhrIN rihMdI sI. bfad ivc jd Auh afpxy pqI nUM Cwz afeI qF Aus nUM duKI dyK ky hI rxjIq ny koeI gwl nf kIqI. hux prmjIq kfr ivc hI kflj afAuNdf. jd kdy vkq imldf qF iksy pfsy GuMm vI afAuNdy. keI vfrI prmjIq rxjIq nUM kfr clfAuxI isKfAux lgdf. Aus nUM Gr qk Cwzx jfx dI ijLwd vI krdf pr Auh strYtPorz hI AuWqr jFdI ijQoN agy lyatn ston nUM iswDI bs jFdI sI. iek idn prmjIq rxjIq nUM afpxy Gr lY igaf. Aus ny afpxI mF nUM pihlF hI dws idqf hoieaf sI. jgIr kor nUM rxjIq byhwd psMd afeI. Aus ny rfxI dI jLfq-goq puwC ky mwQf cuMimaF. iPr iekbfl isMG ny vI rxjIq nUM iek njLr dyK ilaf sI. iekbfl isMG ny afpxI pqnI nUM ikhf, “kuVI qF TIk aY, sfzy muMzy n UM kuVIaF df Gftf neIN pr kfhlI kfhdI aY, hfly mYN muMzy df ivafh neIN krnF.” “ivafh krn nUM kOx kihMdf jI, qusIN kuVI psMd kro.”

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“dyK Bfgvfny, mYN muMzy dy ivafh qoN koeI isafsI Pfiedf lYxf cfhuMnF, aYsy bMidaF nfl juVnF cfhuMnF ijhdy nfl muMzy df BivwK sMvry, eyho ijhy aYry-gYry, nwQU-KYry dy Gr muMzf neIN ivafhuxf.” “pr quhfzy muMzy nUM qF Es kuVI qoN ibnF kuJ dIhMdf eI nhIN.” “koeI gwl neIN, ieh jvfnI dIaF aYnkF aYN, [[[tfeIm nfl afpy iehnF df nMbr bdl jfAU.” ievyN hI sfl Br qoN vwD smF inkl igaf. ey lYvl dy iemiqhfn afAux vfly ho gey. iekbfl isMG nUM ligaf ik muMzf nhIN pVHygf, kuVI dy cwkr ivc pY ky Pyhl ho jfvygf. iehnF idnF ivc hI ielfky ivc kuJ kys aijhy hoey ik muMzy-kuVIaF GroN dOV gey. gOrimMt ny GroN dOVy XuvkF leI Kfs kyNdr Kohly hoey sn. aijhy kyNdrF dI iekbfl isMG vI pRoVqf krdf irhf sI. iek idn jgIr kor bolI, “qusIN ikAuN ijLwd krdy E, iek qF puwqr aY sfzf, jy asIN AuhdI ieMnI ku ieiCaf nf pUrI kr sky qF asIN kfhdy mFpy hoey. [[[iPr kuVI vI cMgI aY qy bMidaF bfry qusIN afp pqf kr lvo.” kfPI kuJ socx qoN bfad iekbfl isMG surjn isMG nUM imlx cly igaf sI. gurjMt suhry Gr qoN qipaf hoieaf inkilaf. Aus ny kfr Bjf leI qy Ausy qyjL spIz nfl socdf jf irhf sI ik kI kry. Aus ny qF prqfp dy rxjIq nfl ivafh dy bhuq sfry suPny sjfey hoey sn. Auh rxjIq nUM iksy hor dI pqnI bxdI dyK hI nhIN sI skdf. iksy hor vloN rxjIq nUM ivafh lY jfx df mqlb sI ik koeI AuhnF dI iewjLq AuDfl ky lY igaf hY. ieh iksy vI hflq ivc nhIN hovygf. ies sfry kMm ivc jLrUr surjn isMG df hwQ hovygf, nhIN qF kuVI dI kI mjLfl hY ik koeI buafey PrYSz lwB lvy. iek QwpV dI mfr sI rfxI! iek vfr iksy qrFH prqfp lMG afvy iPr AuhnF nUM lohy dy cxy cbfeygf, nwk rfhIN pfxI ipafeygf. acfnk Aus dy mn ivc isLvrfj isMG df nF GuMmx ligaf. sLfied Auh surjn isMG Aupr koeI asr pf sky. Auh iswDf isLvrfj isMG dy Gr cly igaf. isLvrfj isMG Gr hI sI. gurjMt ny sfrI gwl dwsI qy kihx ligaf, “aMkl jI, kro kuJ, myry bfpU jI nUM pqf ligaf qF AuhnF ny qF EdF eI gm nflL eI mr jfxf eyN.” “gurjMt, jy kuVI ny muMzf lwB ilaf, jy kuVI eI EhnF qoN bfhrI ho geI qF kI kr skdy aF!” “aMkl jI, kuVI ikkuM bfhrI ho jfeygI? jLrf AuhnUM dbkx, nhIN qF tukVy kr dyx, ieho ijhI aOlfd KuxoN kI KVf ey!” “gurjMt, qUM eynf grm nf ho, mYN surjn isMG nUM Pon krky puwCdF.” “aMkl jI, Pon nhIN qusIN jf ky imlLo.” “cMgf, mYN iksy idn jf ky afAuNnf.” “iksy idn neIN kwl hI jf ky afE.” “cl TIk aY, mYN kwl eI jfnF, qUM jLrf DIrj rwK.” isLvrfj isMG ny gurjMt nUM qswlI dy ky Byj idqf. isLvrfj isMG nfl qF pihlF hI surjn isMG ny sfrI gwl kr leI hoeI sI. Aus dIaF gwlF nfl gurjMt dI qswlI iblkul nhIN sI hoeI. afpxy Gr nUM muVidaF Auh socx ligaf ik surjn isMG kuVI nUM mnf skdf hY pr jfx buwJ ky aijhf nhIN kr irhf. Aus ny kfr suhry Gr vl moV leI. Aus nUM koeI iPkr nhIN sI ik kI vkq ho irhf hY. surjn isMG df pirvfr sOx dI iqafrI kr irhf sI. drvfjLy dI GMtI qoN hI sB ny aMdfjLf lgf ilaf sI ik gurjMt hI hovygf. ieh vI afs sI ik lVHfeI krn hI afieaf hovygf. ies leI Auh iqafr vI sn. surjn isMG ny drvfjLf Kohilaf pr suirMdr qy suKvIr ispfhIaF vFg ipwCy KVIaF sn. suirMdr kuJ ijLafdf hI guwsy ivc sI. gurjMt ny sihj nfl ikhf, “zYzI, afh mYN kI sux irhF, rfxI ny koeI buafey PrYSz lwB ilaf ey!” “gurjMt, afh vylf koeI gwl krn df nhIN, svyry afvIN bYT ky gwl krFgy.”

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“zYzI, prqfp ivc kI nuks ey? AuhnUM qusIN ikhVI gwloN irjYktr kr rhy E? [[[rfxI afp jf ky AuhnUM dyK ky afeI sI, hux ikhVI ibwlI iCwk geI!” “prqfp ivc koeI nuks nhIN, qUM kwl nUM vyly isr afvIN, mYN svyry kMm ‘qy jfxF.” “myrI dunIaF AujVI peI ey, quhfnUM kMm suJ rhy ny?” Auh drvfjLy ivc KVy hI gwlF kr rhy sn. surjn ny Aus df aMdr afAuxf vI TIk nhIN sI smiJaf. gurjMt iksy dI gwl suxy ibnF afpxI kihx dI koisLsL krI jf irhf sI, “ieh sB ikAuN? [[[qusIN afp muMzf roikaf sI, nhIN qF Aus nUM pMjfh irsLqy huMdy sn, koeI amrIkf qoN, koeI kYnYzf qoN, [[[jvfb dyxf sI qF pihlF idMdy.” “gurjMt, asIN irsLqf, irsLqy leI hI kIqf sI pr jy kuVI neIN mMndI qF kI krIey?” “zYzI, kuVI nUM mnfE, jy bfhr iksy muMzy nflL Ps geI aY qF eyhdf gwlLf Guwt idE, neIN Guwt huMdf qF ieDr kro mYN Guwt idMnF.” gurjMt ny bfBr ky afiKaf. hux surjn isMG nUM vI guwsf af igaf. Aus agy vDdf boilaf, “jLubfn sMBfl ky gwl kr gurjMt, myrI kuVI nUM glq bolyNgf qF myry qoN burf koeI neIN hoxF.” “zYzI, hfly vI vkq aY, afpxy Kfndfn nUM klMkq hox qoN bcfE, afpxy Gr dI iewjLq sMBflo.” “gurjMt, Blf eyhdy ivc eI aY ik cuwp krky ieQoN cly jfh qy svyry afvIN.” “hux mYN neIN afAuxf, qusIN afvoNgy, kMn Kohl ky sux lvo, rfxI myry Brf dI mMg ey, myry Brf dI mMg ikqy hor neIN ivafhI jf skdI, ikqy ilK lE.” gurjMt ieMnI AuWcI afvfjL ivc gwl kr irhf sI ik gvFZI bfhr inkl afey. Aus ny aflf duaflf dyiKaf, do gMdIaF gflLF kwZIaF qy qur ipaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik afs dI jgdI mfVI motI ikrn vI Auh buJf bYTf hY. surjn isMG ny drvfjLf bMd kIqf qy sB nUM boilaf, “jy muV ky ieh ieQy afvy qF iek dm pulIs nUM Pon kr idE, blijMdr nUM vI kih idE ik jy AuhnUM hwQ lfvy qF pulIs bulf lvy, [[[ijhVf hrfmI AuTdY roab pfAux lgdY!” suirMdr afpxy ipE nUM hONslf idMdI kihx lgI, “zYzI, jy qusIN Gr nf huMdy qF asIN qF iehnUM vflLoN PV ky aMdr iKc lYxf sI, pihlF kuwtxf sI q y iPr pulIs swd lYxI sI.”

CwbI

avqfr ny afpxy jIvn df pYNqVf iek dm bdl ilaf. ijvyN koeI iKzfrI PfAUl Kyzdf Kyzdf iek dm qRbk jFdf hY aijhf hI kuJ Aus nfl hoieaf. iek idn bnfrsI dfs ny gwl qorI, “XMgmYn, bhuq kr leI KrmsqI, dyK puVpuVIaF ‘c icwtoN Augx zih peI aY, hux sYWtl ho jfh, Gr lY lf.” “afh Gr eI aY aMkl.” “ieh vI Gr aY, afpxy solF sqfrF sfl vDIaf inklL gey. qUM puwqF vFgUM, BrfvF vFgUM irhF, sfzI hYWlp vI kIqI.” “qusIN vI qF mYnUM sdf pnfh idqI aY.”

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“E, koeI iksy nUM pnfh neIN idMdf, mYN qF kihMnf beI hux sfzy inafxy Auzfr hox lgy af, eyhnF ny vI afpo afpxf rUm mMgxF, [[[afpxI suhxI inBI aY pr ieh pqf neIN ikho ijhy inklx.” avqfr smJ igaf ik bnfrsI dfs kmrf KflI krn leI kih irhf hY. Aus ny kdy soicaf hI nhIN sI ik Aus nUM ieh kmrf vI Cwzxf pY skdf hY. Aus ny jLrf ihrK ivc afiKaf, “jdoN khoN mYN rUm lwB lAUN ikqy hor, iPkr nf kro.” “E, mYN qYnUM rUm lwBx leI neIN kihMdf, mYN kihMnf ik Gr lY lf, iksy ivc ikrfey ‘qy qUM neIN rih skxF. nflLy bQyrf dOV ilaf, Gr lY lvyNgf qF bwJ jfvyNgf, qyrI lYP ‘c jLrf tkfa vI af jfAU.” “itkfa sLfied myrI iksmq ‘c hY neIN.” “ieh qyrf vihm aY, hr suBfa dI iek Aumr huMdI aY, hux qyrI Aumr ho geI ik bdlyN, [[[Pyr Gr lYx ivc nuksfn vI kI aY, do afpxy argy lPMzr nfl rwK leIN, qyrI iksLq inklI jfxIN aYN.” “koeI PlYt bgYrf dyK lYnF.” “E, PlYt nflLoN Gr lY. Gr dI kImq vI jfadf vDdI aY qy vycxf vI sOKf[[[.” bnfrsI dfs df qjurbf bol irhf sI. avqfr socx ligaf ik gwl qF Auh sLfied TIk hI kr irhf sI. bnfrsI dfs dy Gr ivc qF Auh afpxy Gr vFg hI rihMdf sI, iksy hor Gr dIaF bMdsLF Auhdy koloN nhIN sn JwlIaF jfxIaF. kuJ dyr soc ky Auh boilaf, “neIN aMkl, Gr vI myry suBfa nUM sUt neIN krdf, jy mYN Cy mhIny leI iksy pfsy inklL igaf qF Gr qF bYNk ny hjLm kr lYxf hoieaf nf.” “E, hr gwl df qoV huMdf, [[[qyry hwQ ‘c iksb hYgf, pYsy kmf skdF, iksLq jogy pYsy qUM lfjvMqI kolL rwKI jfh, ijMnf icr mYN hYgF qyrf Gr sMBflLI jfAUN, [[[pr leIN ikqy nyVy qyVy.” avqfr dI soc iek dm bdl geI. Gr df kI hY jd mrjLI bdl lE, ies dI kImq qF vDxI hI hoeI. idlbfg ny pihlF ikMny df Gr ilaf qy ikMny df vyc ky hor lY ilaf, jd Auh ihsfb lfAux ligaf qF Aus nUM bhuq pCqfvf hoieaf ik Aus ny Gr pihlF ikAuN neIN lY ilaf. Aus ny lfjvMqI dy nF ‘qy alwg Kfqf KulHvf idqf. bwJvyN pYsy hr hPqy Aus nUM dyx ligaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik jy pYsy Aus kol pey hoey qF Krc ho jfxy sn. jldI hI Aus kol izpOjLt jogy pYsy ho gey. Aus ny Gr dyKxf sLurU kr idqf. bnfrsI dfs vFg avqfr vI cfhuMdf sI ik hfrvy roz ‘qy hI Gr iml jfvy pr hfrvy roz ‘qy koeI Gr syl ‘qy nhIN sI ligaf. Aus ny kuJ dyr AuzIk krnI ibhqr smJI. hfrvy roz Aupr rihMidaF Aus nUM rotI pwkI pkfeI imlI jfxI sI qy kpiVaF dI vI koeI icMqf nhIN sI hoxI. Auh socdf sI ik Gr dI iek cfbI hI bnfrsI dfs nUM dy dyvgf qy lfjvMqI afp hI Gr df kMm kr jfieaf krygI. idlbfg vrgy dosq lwK mjLfk krI jfx pr Aus ny kdy vI lfjvMqI vl glq njLr nfl nhIN sI dyiKaf, lfjvMqI ny vI sdf Aus nUM Brf smJ ky hI vriqaf sI. bnfrsI dfs hI nhIN Aus Aupr sfry dosq hI Brosf krdy sn. Auh afpxy leI BfvyN burf hovygf pr dosqF leI Auh Krf dosq sI. Aus dIaF bhuq sfrIaF aOrqF dosq rhIaF sn pr kdy vI iksy nUM Gr nhIN sI ilafieaf. aOrqF qF iek pfsy idlbfg qoN ibnF Aus df koeI hor dosq vI bnfrsI dfs dy Gr nhIN sI afieaf. idlbfg nfl Aus dI idlI sFJ clI af rhI sI. Auh idlbfg dI ivafhuqf ijLMdgI qoN bhuq muqfsr sI. Aus vl dyK ky kdy kdy Aus df vI idl krn lgdf ik hux ivafh krf lvy. Auh socx ivc bhuq vkq Krfb krdf pr krdf kuJ nf. keI vfr bMbeI jf afieaf sI pr afpxy ipMz gey nUM Aus nUM ds sfl ho gey sn. gulvMq dy ruafiel zIn ivcoN kMm CzidaF hI AuQoN df mhOl iekdm bdl igaf. ieh smF hI aijhf sI. QYcr gOrimMt afm kfmy df hr pfisEN skMjf kwsx lgI sI. qnKfhF vloN vI, Evr tfeIm vloN

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vI. kfimaF dIaF bRykF vI Gtf idqIaF. iznr bRyk GMto qyN cflI imMt dI kr idqI geI. cflI imMt df mqlb TIk cflI imMt. ievyN hI tI-bRyk vIh imMt dI. koeI vI iek imMt lyt ho jFdf qF vfrinMg dy idqI jFdI ijs nUM sikwn kihMdy. ieh sikwn quhfzy irkfRz ivc aMikq ho jFdI ijs df bfad ivc nOkrI Aupr asr pYxf huMdf. ievyN hI izAUtI dy aKIr ivc hwQ Dox leI imldf awDf GMtf Gtf ky pMdrF imMt kr idqf igaf. icwTIaF CFtx leI msLInF lg geIaF. iek msLIn keI keI bMidaF df kMm krn lgI. XUnIanF vI kuJ krn jogIaF nf rhIaF. koielf-Kfx mjLdUrF dI sflF bwDI cwlI hVqfl aijhI Pyhl hoeI ik XUnIanF dy hOsly hI psq ho gey. pihlF vFg mIt dy pqIly irwJxy bMd ho gey. koeI vI kfmf sLrfbI dyK ilaf jFdf qF Aus nfl sKqI nfl vriqaf jFdf. nvqyj ievyN hI afpxI nOkrI qoN hwQ Do bYTf sI. Aus qoN sbk isKdy lok iDafn nfl cwlx lgy. gulvMq ny jdoN kMm qoN iswk mfrI qF muV ky ruafiel zIn ivc kMm krn nUM Aus df idl hI nhIN kIqf. suirMdr dy Cwz jfx qy iPr qlfk df mukwdm cl pYx kfrn Aus nUM sLrm mihsUs hox lgI sI. Aus dy nOkrI Cwzx qoN bfad Aus df sfrf gruwp hI iKMzr igaf. aYln ivafh krf ky afierlYNz cly igaf. rxbIr muV ieMzIaf jf visaf. ivjy ny dukfn lY leI. musLqfk ny vI kMm bdl ilaf. surjn isMG dy sfry dosq kfiem sn. bhuiqaF dI Auho ieMzo-pfk isLPt sI. AuhnF ivcoN gurnfm isMG ienspYktr bx igaf sI qy cmn lfl pwkIaF rfqF ‘qy cly igaf sI. surjn isMG dy Gr ivc jo vI jvfr-Bftf af irhf sI, iksy nfl sFJf nhIN sI krdf. srUp df irsLqydfr hox krky arjn isMG nfl Auh mqlb dI gwl hI krdf. surjn isMG df suBfa vI hux cuwp ijhf rihx df ho igaf sI. gulvMq dI khfxI nUM ruafiel zIn ivc msfly lf lf duhrfieaf jFdf. koeI kihMdf; Brf ny Brf nUM zob idqf, koeI kihMdf; Brf ny Brf leI kurbfnI idqI hY. koeI surjn isMG nUM dosL idMdf kihMdf ik Auh jwtF vFg AUq hI inkilaf ijs ny ijLwd ivc af ky vwzI kuVI df jIvn vI Krfb kr idqf. Aus dy mUMh ‘qy koeI kuJ nf kihMdf. pMjfb dI bdldI isafsq qoN vI ruafiel zIn aiBwj nhIN sI. Kfilsqfn hr mihPl df BwKvF ivsLf huMdf. lokF Aupr ies lihr df vfhvf asr pY irhf sI. BAU pRgt isMG ny dfhVI prkfsL kr leI sI. keI hor lok vI isMG sj gey sn. jd koeI kfmf acfnk pwg bMn ky kMm ‘qy afAuNdf qF aMgyrjL qy kfly kfmy hYrfn hoey dyKx lgdy. Kfilsqfn bfry gwlF krdy vyd pRkfsL qy dlIp isMG swgU afps ivc Pws hI pey sn. kfmryz iksm dy lok KfilsqfnIaF nUM lMmy hwQI lYNdy. pfiksqfnI Kilsqfn dy hwk ivc boldy iswKF dIaF qfrIPF krdy. keI vfr icwTIaF CFtdy CFtdy KihbVn lgdy. ruafiel zIn dI mYnjmYNt iek vfr iPr sqwrk ho geI ik ikDry koeI lVHfeI hI nf ho jfvy. zYrk, ijs dI surjn isMG nfl pihlIaF ivc hI dosqI pY geI sI hux irtfier hox vflf sI. Aus ny pwkI hI svyr dI awT qoN cfr CwqI vflI isLPt rwKI hoeI sI. Evr tfeIm qF hornF aMgryjLF vFg Auh kdy lfAuNdf hI nhIN sI. lMzn GuMmx dI Aus dI Kwbq hfly GtI nhIN sI pr Aus dy mukfbly surjn isMG nUM hux ijvyN lMzn df koeI icwq-cyqf vI nhIN sI. Aus nUM hor hI msly nhIN sn itkx idMdy pr jd vI zYrk nUM vkq lgdf jF Aus dy mn ivc koeI gwl sFJI krn vflI huMdI qF surjn isMG pfs af bYTdf. iek idn jnrl-sOritMg qy bYTf kihx ligaf, “cYhl, myrf qF kuJ idnF df mn bhuq Krfb aY.” “kI gwl ho geI zYrk?” “afh dyK tYksIaF dI kI burI hflq kIqI aY, kfly rMg dIaF tYksIaF lMzn dI ivlwKxqf sI pr nvyN kfnUMn muqfbk hornF rMgF dIaF tYksIaF vI lMzn dIaF sVkF ‘qy dOVn lgIaF, hor qy hor tYksIaF Aupr iesLiqhfrbfjLI vI sLurU kr idqI, mYnUM ieh gwl bhuq qMg kr rhI aY.” “zYrk, sB kuJ bdl irhY, lMzn ny vI bdlxf hI hoieaY.”

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“mYN eIvinMg stYNzRz nUM icwTI ilKI aY eyhdy bfry, kwl aYl[bI[sI[ ryzIE dy tfk-sLoa ivc vI gwl kIqI sI.” “zYrk, ies QYcr srkfr ny lMzn kI dysL df ichrf-muhrf bdl ky rwK idqf. afh dyK lMzn trFspoRt pRfvytfeIjL krn nUM iPrdI aY, tYlIPon mihkmf pihlF hI vyc idqY, hor pqf neIN kI kI vycygI ieh srkfr!” “cYhl, iksy idn lMzn GuMmx cwlIey, dyKIey ik kI kI bdl igaY.” “zYrk, mYN hux pirvfr ivc burI qrFH Ps igaF, inklL nhIN huMdf, [[[Aumr dy nflL nflL pihlF vrgf AuqsLfh vI neIN irhf.” “bws ivc clFgy, qurFgy nhIN.” “dyK lvFgy, CuwtI vflLy idn bwicaF ivc bYTx df lflc ho jFdY.” “myrI iek dosq aY; mYrI Evn. Auhny lMzn dy pYdl-qurn dy rUtF Aupr iek ikqfb ilKI aY.” “swc! [[[idKfeIN qF kdy.” “cYhl, hfly CpfeI aDIn aYN, jy khyN qF aYqvfr nUM qYnUM Ehdy Gr lY cwlFgf.” “aYqvfr qF kuJ mihmfn af rhy af, iPr kdy shI.” surjn isMG ny Aus nUM trkf idqf. Auh ievyN hI krdf sI, jd vI zYrk Aus nUM ikDry cwlx df swdf idMdf, Auh koeI bhfnf bxf ky tflL idMdf. kdy kdy Aus nUM jfpx lgdf ik dunIaF ivc qbdIlI ieMnI qyjLI nfl af rhI hY ik Auh ies dy sfhmxy susq pY irhf hY. Aus ny afpxy bhuq sfry sLONk sImq kr ley sn, iek sLONk qoN ibnF; vfeIn pIx qoN ibnF. jd vI amFzf dI icwTI afAuNdI jF Aus nUM ilKxI huMdI qF Aus ny vfeIn pIxI hI huMdI. surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor do vfr iekbfl isMG dy Gr jf afey sn, bhuq KusL sn. Gr-bfr, ieklOqf puwqr sB kuJ bhuq vDIaf sI. ies qoN cMgf irsLqf rxjIq nUM iml hI nhIN sI skdf. iekbfl isMG nUM pqf cl cuwikaf sI ik Aus df jvfeI AuhnF nfl nfrfjL ho igaf hY. ies leI Aus ny ikhf, “srdfr jI, asIN afpxy puwqr dI ijLwd qoN mjbUr hF vrnf asIN nhIN jy cfhuMdy ik quhfzy Gr ivc koeI lVHfeI pey.” “srdfr jI, mYN qF pihlF vI ivafh qoN pihlF DIaF dI pUrI slfh leI sI, hux vI ijQy sfzI kuVI KusL AuQy asIN.” “iblkul, mYN vI bwicaF nUM KusL dyK ky KusL ho jfnF.” iekbfl isMG nUM ies irsLqy qoN nf-KusL ho ky vI ievyN kihxf pY irhf sI. ijs idn dI ies irsLqy dI gwl qurI sI prmjIq afpxy ipE nfl dPqr ivc jf ky vI mwdd krfAux ligaf sI. ikqfb lY ky vI hr vyly bYTf rihMdf. ies irsLqy qoN Aus nUM iek hor Pfiedf vI ho irhf sI ik lok Aus dI pRsMsf kr rhy sn ik Auh afpxy puwq df irsLqf iek sfDfrx pirvfr ivc kr irhf hY.[[[ surjn isMG ies irsLqy dI kImq cuwkf irhf sI; gurjMt dI nfrfjLgI. jd gurjMt irsLqf lYx Aupr jLor pfAux leI blijMdr nUM Cwz dyx dI gwl krdf qF surjn isMG buVbVfAux lgdf; ‘ikaf zrfmf hY sflLf! ieh byvkUP lok pqf nhIN mYnUM kI smJI bYTy af.’ surjn isMG dy Gr df mhOl kuJ ajIb ho igaf sI. iek zr ijhf bixaF rihMdf ik blijMdr vfps Gr aj afeI jF kwl afeI. sB kuJ dyKdy sfrf pirvfr iek dUjy nfl hor juV igaf, Kfs qOr qy suirMdr qy surjn isMG. Auh dovyN hI hr vyly koeI nf koeI slfh krdy rihMdy. suirMdr ny hux afpxy kpVy pfAux df aMdfjL vI bdl ilaf sI. Aus ny slvfr sUt qy skwrt pfAuxy bMd kr idqy sn. hux Auh trfAUjLr qy tOp hI pf ky rwKdI. ijs idn gurjMt AuhnF dy Gr af ky glq bol ky igaf sI, Aus idn hI Aus dy mn ivc ieh gwl afeI sI ik jy lVnf pvy qF cusq kpVy pfey hoxy cfhIdy hn. suirMdr dy idl dy

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Dur-aMdr ikqy gurjMt pRqI ieh guwsf vI ipaf sI ik Aus ny hI jLor pf ky qflfk df kys sLurU krfieaf sI, nhIN qF Aus nUM qflfk dI koeI kfhlI nhIN sI. hux qflfk dy nfl nfl hor kys vI cwl pey sn; Krcy df kys, aMimRq nUM imlx dy aYksYWs df kys. kichrI ivc Auh imldy qF gulvMq Aus nUM kys vfps lYx qy vfps af jfx bfry kihMdf. Gr af ky Auh ipE nUM dsdI. surjn isMG Aus nUM afKdf, “jy qyrf idl krdf qF soc lY, mYnUM pqf gulvMq cfhuMdY pr rfjU vI qF Ausy Gr ivc hoxF, [[[hux pihly ijhI kdr nhIN hoxIN qyrI.” gwl krdf surjn isMG zrdf ik ikqy swcI hI suirMdr vfps nf clI jfvy. ies vyly Aus nUM suirMdr dI sKq loV sI. Gr ivc iek Auh hI sI ijs nfl Auh koeI slfh kr skdf sI. Aus dI gwl ‘qy suirMdr boldI, “mYnUM pqf zYz, gulvMq vI hux bdl igaf hoxYN, mYN hux nhIN jfxF.” Aus nUM jfpdf ik Auh JUT bol rhI hY. jd vI gulvMq Aus nUM kort ivc imldf qF bhuq ipafr nfl. kys dI suxvfeI qoN bfad dovyN iekwTy rYstorYNt vI cly jFdy. bhuq sfrIaF gwlF krdy. gulvMq jd Aus nUM vfps af jfx leI kih irhf huMdf qF Aus dIaF awKF nm huMdIaF. prkfsL kor kuJ dyr ivhlI rih ky dubfrf kMm ‘qy jfx lgI sI. suKvIr nUM vI hux iek PYktrI ivc kMm iml igaf. suirMdr Gr sMBfldI, nfl hI aMimRq nUM. idlbfg dy hux suhry Gr dy gyVy vD gey. kdy Auh iekwlf hI af jFdf qy kdy guirMdr qy bwcy Aus dy nfl huMdy. hr vfr Auh kihx lgdf, “mMmI, mYN quhfzf puwq aF, GbrfAux dI koeI loV neIN, eys BMz nflL mYN inptUM.” “puwq, sfnUM Ehny kI kihxF, jyho ijhf qUM, Eho ijhf Eh.” “mMmI, ikAuN sB kuJ dyK ky awKF mItI jFdy E, Auh quhfzI jfn df ipafsf bixaYN iPrdY pr iPkr nf kro, mYN afpy smJUM Auhdy nflL.” idlbfg kihMdf. prkfsL kor zrn lgdI ik jy koeI nhIN vI gVbV hoxI qF idlbfg jLrUr kr dyvygf. surjn isMG nUM ieh gwl cMgI lgdI. Auh socdf ik jy gurjMt ihMsk huMdf hoieaf qF AuhnF nUM idlbfg dI loV pY skdI hY. kuJ idn lMG gey. gurjMt sLFq irhf. asl ivc Auh surjn isMG dy dosqF vl Bwijaf iPrdf sI ik sLfied koeI dKl dyvy, surjn isMG nUM mnf lvy pr koeI vI Aus dy kMm nf afieaf. iksy ny vI surjn isMG qk ies bfry phuMc nf kIqI. sB nUM hI pqf sI ik surjn isMG afpxI mrjLI df mflk hY, iksy dI gwl nhIN mMnx ligaf. isLvrfj isMG dy irsLqydfr bKsLI dy sskfr smyN surjn isMG vI igaf sI. AuQy isLvrfj isMG Aus nUM kihx ligaf, “gurjMt afieaf sI myry kol, bhuq guwsy ivc iPrdY.” “iPrdf qF hY pr mYN kI kr skdF, kdy cwTy guwsy ‘c iPrdy af qy kdy ieh. ikhnUM ikhnUM sMBflF!” aglI vfr gurjMt df Pon afieaf qF isLvrfj ny sfP kih idqf ik Auh ies mfmly ivc kuJ nhIN kr skdf. gurjMt hux hr vyly hI socdf rihMdf ik Auh kI kry. Aus dy bhuqy dosq vI nhIN sn ik slfh kr sky. ieMzIaf qoN Aus dy ipE dI icwTI afAuNdI ik sLFq rhy. ieh ikhVf dunIaF df aMq ho igaf. muMzf hfly jvfn hY, pMjfh irsLqy ho jfxgy. ieMnf jLrUr hY ik kuJ byiejLqI jLrUr hovygI. gurjMt blijMdr Aupr qrFH qrFH nfl dbfa pfAuNdf pr Aus ny kdy hwQ nhIN sI cuwikaf. Aus nUM pqf sI ik pulIs afAux nUM pMj imMt vI nhIN lgdy. ijhVI gwl Aus dy isr ivc burI qrFH PsI hoeI sI Auh ieh sI ik rxjIq Aus dy Brf dI mMg hY qy Auh hux ikqy hor nhIN ivafhI jf skdI. Aus ny iek vfr iPr sLFq mhOl ivc surjn isMG nUM imlxf cfihaf, sLfied surjn isMG Aus dI gwl smJ sky. jd blijMdr df Pon afieaf ik gurjMt iek vfr iPr imlxf cfhuMdf hY qF surjn isMG socx ligaf ik kI krnf cfhIdf hY. suirMdr bolI,

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“zYz, asIN jo kihxf sI kih cuwky aF, muV muV ky kI AuhI jfbHF df ByV krI jfxf!” “gwl qF qyrI TIk aY pr ho skdf sLfied kuJ hor kihxf cfhuMdf hovy.” “nhIN zYz, kwl blijMdr nfl myrI gwl hoeI sI, hfly AuhI gIq gfeI jf irhY.” “cwl iek vfr gwl kr ky dyK lYnyN aF, idlbfg vI af jfeygf, AuhnUM PfeInl gwl kih idMny aF.” surjn isMG kihx ligaf. Auh soc irhf sI iek vfr gwl spwsLt ho jfvy ik rxjIq qy prmjIq dy irsLqy dI gwl dUr qk puwj cuwkI hY qy kuVI dy ey lYvl dy nqIjy qoN bfad ivafh dI qrIk vI rwK idqI jfvygI. aYqvfr sLfm AuhnF gurjMt nUM Gr swd ilaf qy nfl hI idlbfg vI af igaf. idlbfg nUM qF ijvyN koeI kMm lwB ipaf hovy. Auh bfhF cfVHI iPr irhf sI. gurjMt afieaf. pihlF vFg hI sfry PrMt rUm ivc bYT gey. gurjMt boilaf, “zYzI, qusIN jfxdy E, bfpU jI srpMc ny, ielfky ivc AuhnF dI iewjLq ey, eys irsLqy dy tuwtx nfl AuhnF dI ikMnI byiejLqI hoeygI.” “gurjMt, mYN sfrI gwl smJdF pr eys pfsy sfzI iewjLq vI qF dfa ‘qy aY, [[[asIN kuVI nUM hr qrFH mnf ky dyK ilaf, nhIN mMndI, jy kuVI GroN cly geI qF sfzI kI iewjLq rih jfAU.” “jwt df puwq jd iek vfrI jLubfn dy idMdf qF AuhdI Kfqr AuhdI jfn eI jFdI aY, Auh jLubfn qoN mukrdf neIN pr qusIN qF[[[.” gurjMt ny gwl aDUrI Cwz idqI. surjn isMG smJ qF igaf ik Auh kI kihxf cfhuMdf hY pr Aus ny ikhf, “mYN rfxI nfl eyhdy bfry sfrI gwl kIqI aY pr Auh neIN mMndI.” “qusIN AuhnUM kihMdy eI neIN.” “bhuq smJfieaf.” “smJfE nf, hukm idE ijkx ipE DI nUM hukm idMdf eI hMdf ey.” “gurjMt, ieh ieMglYNz aY, ieMzIaf neIN.” “quhfzy ‘c eI hukm dyx df dm hY neIN, ilafE mYN hukm dy ky idKfAunF.” “qYnUM myry Gr ivc dKl dyx df koeI hwk neIN.” “myrf hwk ey, pUrf hwk ey, ijs idn qusIN irsLqf kr ky afey sI, myrf hwk Aus idn hI bx igaf sI.” “asIN rxjIq df irsLqf nvIN QF pwkf kr idqY.” “quhfzI BYx[[[.” gurjMt gflL kwZdf kwZdf ruk igaf. Ausy vyly idlbfg Aus Aupr hmlf krn leI AuT KiVaf qy gurjMt vI. surjn AuhnF dy ivckfr af igaf qy gurjMt nUM boilaf, “qUM hux ieQoN cly jfh, qy jf ky jo krnf kr.” “mYN krnf kuJ neIN bs afpxf hwk lYxF qy lYxF vI juwqI dy jLor nfl aY, qusIN kuVI ivafh ky idKfE, ikkUM ivafhuny EN..” suhry GroN gurjMt cuwp krky inkl afieaf. Gr af ky vI cuwp cwp irhf. kuJ dyr bfad tryinMg sLUa pf ky pfrk ivc jOigMg krn cly igaf. jOigMg krn Auh hr rojL hI jFdf sI pr aj Auh ieMnI qyjL Bwijaf ik jOigMg kr rhy hor lok vI hYrfn ho ky Aus vl dyKx lgy. jd Qwk igaf qF Auh muV afieaf. af ky sLfvr lY soPy ‘qy bYT igaf. Aus ny ivskI df pYWg kfhlI nfl pIqf qy surjn isMG qy prkfsL kor nUM gflLF kwZx ligaf. kuJ dyr qF blijMdr suxdI rhI pr iPr bolI, “qusIN mMmI-zYzI nUM ikAuN gflLF kwZI jFdy E?”

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“qF guaFZIaF nUM gflLF kwZF! [[[myrI ijLMdgI ivc jLihr qyry mFipE ny GoilLaf ey qy gflLF iksy hor nUM kwZF?” “Auh kI krn jd kuVI eI neIN mMndI.” “ieh prOs, Edx mMndI sI ijwdx irsLqf hoieaf sI! [[[ibwc Edx dsdI ik Xfr hYgf Auhdy kol!” “Kbrdfr jy myrI BYx nUM prOs ikhf!” blijMdr ny mUMhoN lPjL kwZy hI sn ik gurjMt ny Aus nUM bfhoN PiVaf qy iKwcdf hoieaf drvfjLy qoN bfhr lY afieaf. Dwkf dy ky GroN kwZdf hoieaf boilaf, “ijMnf icr myrf Brf neIN lMGdf qUM afpxy kMjr ipE dy Gr eI rih, [[[ieh vI dws dyeIN kMjr nUM ik jy ikqy hor kuVI ivafhI qF myry qoN burf koeI nhIN hox ligaf.” blijMdr AuhnF hI hlky ijhy kpiVaF qy cplF ivc afpxy zYzI dy Gr nUM qur peI. KflI hwQ hox krky Auh tYksI vI nf swd skI qy nf hI mMmI nUM Pon kr hoieaf ik koeI af ky lY jfvo. zyV GMtf mnPI qfpmfn ivc pYdl qur ky Auh Gr puwjI. suirMdr ny drvfjLf Kohilaf. blijMdr Aus nUM dyK ky DfhF mfrn lgI. prkfsL kor dOVI afeI. Aus ny DI nUM aMdr vfiVaf. suKvIr ny Aus nUM grm grm cfh df kwp ilaf ky idqf. sfrf twbr hI blijMdr duafly iekwTf ho igaf. surjn isMG ny boilaf, “ieh pqf eI sI, [[[ieh sB hrfmI ‘kwTy hoey Eey af. iPkr dI loV neIN, eydF qF eydF eI shI!” prkfsL kor rox lg peI. iPr Aus ny vYx ijhy pfAuxy sLurU kr idqy, “mYN qF ivafh ky ByjIaF sI pr ieh qF iek iek krky vfps afAux lg peIaF[[[.” suirMdr Aus nUM cuwp krfAux lg peI. acfnk prkfsL kor AuTI qy rxjIq vl ievyN vDI ijvyN Aus nUM mfrn lgI hovy, bolI, “cMdrIey, ieh sB qyry krky eI hoieaY, qYnUM ikhVI aYzI awg lgI sI?” “cuwp kr buVHIey, zrfmf nf idKf! [[[kuVI nUM kuJ ikhf qF dyK leIN!” surjn isMG ny dbkf mfr ky ikhf. rxjIq roNdI hoeI afpxy kmry ivc cly geI. surjn isMG sB vl AuNgl mfrdf boilaf, “ieh iksy nUM blym dyx df vkq neIN, ieh strONg hox df tfeIm aY, sfnUM iekwTy ho ky lVHn dI loV aY, ikqy iehI nf socI jfx ik kuVIaF vflLf Gr aY qy jo mrjLI krI jfeIey! hryk nUM mUMh qoV-jvfb dyxf hoeygf.” surjn isMG gwl krdf Bfvuk ho igaf. suirMdr AuT ky Aus dy glL nUM cuMbV geI, mgry hI blijMdr vI qy suKvIr vI. sB dIaF awKF nm ho geIaF. iek lVHfeI qF Auh sfry iekwTy ho ky lVH rhy sn qy iek lVHfeI AuhnF dy aMdr vI jfrI sI. ies sB df hr iksy Aupr afpxy hI qrIky nfl asr sI. surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik hux koeI vI nqIjf inkly Auh afpxy iksy vI PYsly qoN ipwCy nhIN htygf. prkfsL kor dy mn ivc sI ik inkI ijhI gwl kfrn eyzI vwzI musIbq glL af peI. hfly vI rxjIq mMn jfvy qF ikhVI gwl sI. blijMdr afpxy Gr nfloN ieQy ijLafdf KusL sI. AuQy gurjMt hr vyly pMgf pfeI rwKdf sI, hr vyly dbkf-iJVk, ieQy Gwto-Gwt sLFqI qF sI. suirMdr gurjMt qy gulvMq df mukfblf ky dyKdI qF gulvMq Aus nUM bhuq cMgf lgdf. Auh hfly qk vI ikMny ipafr nfl pysL afAuNdf sI. jd rfjU dy mfmly ivc ijLwd vI kr irhf sI qF vI ipafr nfl krdf. hfly vI qrIky ‘qy imldf qF ikvyN moh nfl afKdf ik vfps af jf. suKvIr soc rhI sI ik ikqy rxjIq nUM vI Auhdy vFg hI blI df smfn nf bxf idqf jfvy. nfl hI ieh locdI vI ik kfsL AuhnUM vI prmjIq vrgf koeI muMzf iml jFdf. rxjIq afpxy QF idRV bYTI sI; kuJ vI hovy Auh prmjIq qoN ibnF iksy hor muMzy nfl ivafh nhIN krfeygI.

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prmjIq nUM Auh Gr dy sfry hflfq qoN jfxUM krfAuNdI rihMdI sI. jd prmjIq Aus nUM bfhF ivc lYNdf qF Aus nUM sfry gm Buwl jFdy. prmjIq ny afpxy mFpy Aupr inrMqr dbfa bxfieaf hoieaf sI. iekbfl isMG do vfr surjn isMG nUM Pon krky pwuC cuwikaf sI ik jy Auh kuJ kr skdf hovy qF dwsxf. hPqf-ds idn lMG gey pr gurjMt muV nf idisaf, ijvyN sLihr ivcoN hI gYr-hfjLr hovy. Aus ny blijMdr nfl jF iksy hor nfl koeI rfbqf nf kIqf. blijMdr kMm ‘qy jfeI jf rhI sI. Aus ny do ku vfr gurjMt nUM Pon krn dI koisLsL kIqI pr gurjMt ny Pon nf cuikaf. sLfied Auh Gr hI nhIN sI jF jfx buwJ ky nhIN sI cuwk irhf. surjn isMG kihx lgdf, “Auh mfeINz gym Kyl irhY, socdY ik asIN Pon krky khFgy ik af jf, qyrIaF sfrIaf sLrqF mnjLUr, [[[ ieh lok mYnUM kI smJI bYTy af!” ies sB dy bfvjUd Gr ivc hr vyly hfsf-mjLfk cldf rihMdf. surjn isMG smJ irhf sI ik ieh sB aMdrly KOrU nUM dbfAux leI hY, Auh afp vI DIaF ivc rlL jFdf. suKvIr pihlF qF iekwly rfjU dIaF hI nklF lf ky idKfieaf krdI sI, hux Auh gurjMt qy gulvMq vFgUM hws ky guwsf kr kr ky idKfAuNdI qy sB nUM hsfAuNdI. prkfsL kor iKJdI hoeI afKdI ik quhfnUM rwb lYx afieaf hoieaY pr Aus dI koeI nf suxdf. keI vfrI sfrIaF rlL ky rxjIq nUM vI itwcrF krn lgdIaF. rxjIq lgfqfr kflj jFdI sI. hux Aus dy iemiqhfn vI afAux vfly sn pr Aus qoN koeI pVHfeI nhIN sI kr huMdI. iek idn rxjIq kflj qoN vfps nf afeI. afm qOr qy Auh cfr ku vjy Gr af jieaf krdI pr aj Cy vj rhy sn. surjn Gr afieaf qF sB nUM Pon GumfAux ligaf. Auh soc irhf sI ik ikqy prmjIq nfl cly hI nf geI hovy. Auhny iekbfl isMG nUM Pon kIqf. prmjIq nfl gwl hoeI qF pqf cilaf ik Auh qF aj kflj vI nhIN afeI. Aulty Auh vI hYrfn hoey pey sn. sB zrn lgy. blijMdr ny afpxy Gr nUM Pon krky dyiKaf pr iksy ny Pon nf cuwikaf. gurjMt nUM qF bhuq idn qoN iksy ny dyiKaf vI nhIN sI. idlbfg nUM Pon kIqf. Auh iek dm Bjdf hoieaf puwj igaf. sB qoN pihlF Auh pulIs stysLn gey. pulIs nUM gurjMt bfry sfrI khfxI vI dsI. iPr gurjMt dy Gr vI gey. AuQy Gr aMdr iblkul hnyrf sI, ijvyN ieQy koeI rihMdf hI nf hovy. idlbfg, surjn qy suirMdr kfr ivc mfry mfry ieDr-EDr Bwjy iPrn lgy. rxjIq df koeI nF-insLfn nhIN sI iml irhf. sfrI rfq koeI nf suwqf. qrFH qrFH dy zr mnF ivc pYdf ho rhy sn. rxjIq aijhI kuVI nhIN sI ijhVI kdy GroN rfq bfhr rhI hovy. ikDry bhuq vwzI gVbV sI. Auh QoVI QoVI dyr bfad pulIs nUM Pon krky dyKdy. pulIs sqwrk ho cuwkI sI. gurjMt dy Gr vI pulIs cwkr mfr afeI sI pr iksy ny drvfjLf nhIN sI Kohilaf. idlbfg vI gurjMt dy Gr dy do cwkr mfr afieaf sI. svyr pYNidaF hI suKvIr qy suirMdr rxjIq dI Poto lY ky Aus dy kflj puwj geIaF ik jy iksy ny Aus nUM dyiKaf hovy. do GMty dI Kwjl-KuafrI qoN bfad Auh muV afeIaF. sUrj QoVf ku Aupr hoieaf qF rxjIq Gr puwj geI. Gr dy sfry jIa PrMt rUm ivc bYTy sn. rxjIq iksy nfl boly ibnF pihlF gusl geI qy iPr afpxy kmry ivc cly geI. kuJ dyr bfad Auh rsoeI ivc af geI. prkfsL kor ny Aus dy moZHy ‘qy hwQ riKaf qF Auh Dfh mfr ky mF dy glL nfl cuMbV geI.

sqfeI keI idnF qoN mINh cl irhf sI. kdy qyjL ho jFdf qy kdy mwDm. rfxI kflj jfx leI inklI. Aus ny huwz vflI jYkt pfeI hoeI sI. mINh qoN pUrI qrFH bcfa kr rwiKaf sI. Aus ny inwq vFg lyatn hfeI stRIt qoN strYtPorz leI bws PVI. strYtPorz qoN agy rmPorz kflj leI bws lYxI sI. kdy kdy qF

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prmjIq hI ieQy iml jfieaf krdf pr aj Auh kuJ jldI af geI sI. bs stOp dI sLYWz dI smrQf qoN ijLafdf svfrIaF sn. rfxI sLYWz qoN bfhr lfeIn ivc lgI mINh ivc KVI sI. mINh vI kuJ qyjL ho igaf sI. acfnk iek EprI ijhI kfr Aus dy brfbr af ky rukI. Aus ivcoN gurjMt inkilaf. Auh imwTI ijhI muskRfht idMdf bhuq hI ipafr nfl boilaf, “rfxI, sOrI abfAUt aYvrIiQMg! [[[mYN blijMdr nUM lYx cilaF, jy khyN qF pihlF qYnUM kflj Cwz idMnF.” “no QYNks BfjI.” rxjIq ny ikhf. Auh sdf hI gurjMt nUM vwzy BrfvF vflf afdr idMdI afeI sI, Aus nfl jfx ivc koeI ieqrfjL nhIN sI pr Aus dy ipCly idnF dy dur-ivvhfr kfrn Aus ny nFh kr idqI. gurjMt ny iPr ikhf, “luwk aYt ids ryn, afjf, afeI ivwl zrOp XU.” sfrIaF svfrIaF AuhnF vl dyK rhIaF sn. ies vfr rxjIq ienkfr nf kr skI. gurjMt ny drvfjLf Kohilaf qy Auh iJjkdI iJjkdI bYT geI. kfr stfRt krdf gurjMt boilaf, “afeI aYm sOrI rfxI, sfrI prOblm myry kfrn KVI hoeI, Gbrf nf, ijQy qUM cfhyNgI qyrf ivafh hoeygf, afey aYm hYpI ivd dYt.” rfxI kuJ nf bolI. kfr ivc mfeIkl jYksn df nvF gIq cl irhf sI. rxjIq iesy gIq nUM hI ijLafdf suixaF krdI. zYsLborz ‘qy kok df zwbf ipaf sI. gurjMt ny zwbf rxjIq vl kridaF ikhf, “hYv ey iswp.” “no QYNks BfjI.” “kok eI ey, puafiejLn qF nhIN.” gurjMt ny hwsidaF ikhf. rxjIq ny kok df kYn PV ky iek Guwt Br ilaf. QoVI dyr bfad gurjMt ny jLor pf ky Aus nUM do Guwt hor iplf idqy. rxjIq nUM nINd ijhI afAux lgI. srIr JUTf ijhf pYx ligaf. gurjMt ny kfr afpxI mMjLl vl qor leI. gurjMt ny pUrI XoXnf bxfeI hoeI sI. iek mhIny leI ieh kfr ikrfey ‘qy leI hoeI sI qy ievyN hI iek Gr vI ikrfey ‘qy lY rwiKaf sI. Gr aijhI jgfh sI ijQy ik afm bMdy df lFGf nf hovy. itkfxy puwjdI puwjdI rxjIq byhosL ho geI. gurjMt ny kfr gYrj ivc KVI kIqI. gYrj dy ivcoN hI Gr ivc nUM drvfjLf KulHdf sI. gurjMt ny rxjIq nUM cuwikaf qy Aupr bYzrUm ivc lY igaf. ibsqr ivc iltf ky pihlF hI iPwt kIqf vIizE kYmrf clf idqf. afpxy aMdrly zr leI Aus ny ivskI df vwzf sfrf pYWg lfieaf qy iek iek krky rxjIq dy kpVy Auqfrn ligaf. Aus dy kpVy Auqfr ky afpxy Auqfry. rxjIq nUM QoVI QoVI hosL sI pr Aus dy sfry aMg ievyN iZwly pY cuwky sn ik kuJ vI krn dy kfbl nhIN sI. gurjMt ny hor dvfeI iplf ky Aus dI avfjL vI nhIN sI inkl rhI. gurjMt blfqkfr krn leI iek dm iqafr nf ho sikaf. Aus nUM hor sLrfb df shfrf lYxf ipaf. hOlI hOlI Aus nUM rxjIq df ijsm mom dy buwq ijhf idsx ligaf. Aus ivcoN KusLbU afAux lgI. Auh rxjIq dy ijsm nfl mn-afeIaF krn ligaf. pUrf idn, sLfm qy iPr rfq Br Aus ny jo cfihaf kIqf. nfl dI nfl Auh vIizE bxfAuNdf igaf. agly qVksfr rxjIq nUM hosL afeI. Aus df isr drd nfl Pt irhf sI. sfrf srIr Qkfvt nfl cUr cUr hoieaf ipaf sI. Aus nUM iek dm koeI smJ nf peI. hnyry ivc kuJ idisaf vI nf. Aus ny afpxy nfl pey gurjMt nUM dyiKaf qy iPr afpxI hflq, Auh jLor jLor dI cIkF mfrn lgI. gurjMt vI AuT KiVaf. Aus ny bwqI jgfeI. gurjMt Aus nUM kpVy PVfAuNdf boilaf, “rfxI, kuJ nhIN hoieaf, aYvyN nf Gbrf, [[[qUM myry Brf dI mMg eyN. [[[jwtF ivc Brf dI pqnI nfl sOxf afm gwl huMdI ey, afpF koeI glq kMm neIN kiraf.” rxjIq kmlLIaF ijhIaF njLrF nfl Aus vl dyKdI jf rhI sI. gurjMt ny Aus dI gwlH qy hwQ PyridaF ikhf,

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“afeI aYm sLoar, mfeI brwdr vONt mfeINz ids, [[[luk rfxI, qyry kol hux do aOpsLnjL ny; iek qF qUM cuwp krky myry Brf nfl ivafh krf lY qy eys gwl nUM aYkx eyQy hI rihx dy, sB kuJ TIk ho jfeygf, aYvrI bOzI ivl bI hYpI. dUjI aOpsLn qUM pulIs kol myrI irpoRt vI kr skdI eyN. pulIs kol gwl jfeygI, mIzIey ivc KbrF afAuxgIaF, qyrI PYmlI dI irspYkt iPinsL ho jfeygI, qyry nflL koeI vI ivafh neIN krfeygf, myrf kI ey, vD qoN vD jyl ho jfeygI, afeI aYm rYzI tU go tU jyl.” rxjIq kuJ nf bolI qy AuT ky gusl cly geI. gurjMt guslKfny dy bfhr hI jf KiVaf. Auh bfhr afeI qF boilaf, “cMgI gwl ey rfxI ik cuwp rih, POrgYWt iet lfeIk ey bYz zrIm, cuwp krky myry Brf nfl ivafh krf, [[[jy nhIN qF vIizE bxf leI ey, prmjIq nUM idKf dyvFgf. [[[vYsy vI ajkl nYcrl bilAU iPlmF dI bhuq izmFz ey.” rxjIq roeI jf rhI sI. Aus qoN KiVaf vI nhIN sI jf irhf. Auh iek pfsy peI kursI ‘qy bYT geI. gurjMt Aus dy vflLF ivc AuNglF Pyrdf boilaf, “cwl rfxI, afpF afpxy Gr cldy aF, ieh Gr qF iksy df ey. afpxf Gr qF Auh ey ijQy prqfp ny vI afAuxf ey, ijQy pUrI sLfn nfl quhfzf ivafh krnf eyN, lYWt as go zfrilMg!” Auh rxjIq hwQ PVI Aus nUM kfr qk lY afieaf. Aus ny ikhf, “rfxI, ieh qyrf PYslf ey, iek pfsy qyry pirvfr dI iewjLq qy dUjy pfsy ieh mfmUlI ijhI gwl, plIjL hux bfhr gwl nf krIN, sB df iesy ivc Blf ey.” sfry rfh gurjMt Aus nUM smJfAuNdf irhf ik bfhr dy iksy bMdy nfl ies bfry koeI gwl nf kry. rxjIq hfly vI roeI jf rhI sI. kdy kdy Auh zYbiraF vFg gurjMt vl dyK lYNdI. Aus nUM kuJ smJ nhIN sI af rhI ik kI khy, kI kry. Aus nUM afpxy srIr ivc vI ajIb ijhf drd mihsUs hoeI jf irhf sI. gurjMt ny afpxy Gr muhry kfr rokI. rxjIq df hwQ PVI aMdr af igaf qy boilaf, “rfxI, ieh qyrf Gr ey, qUM qF aYvyN hI ienkfr krI jf rhI sI, afeI aYm sOrI ik ieh sB mYnUM qyry ienkfr krky krnf ipaf bwt XU afr vYrI svIt!” gurjMt ny Aus nUM pfxI df glfs idqf qy afp cfh bxfAux lg ipaf. hfly QoVI hI dyr hoeI sI ik bUhf KVikaf. bfhr pulIs KVI sI. gurjMt ny Aus nUM ikhf, “hux sB kuJ qyry hwQ ivc ey, bYtr POrgYWt aYvrI iQMg aYNz zONt tYWl aYnIiQMg tU pulIs, qyrf qy qyry pirvfr df Blf eysy ivc ey, so bI ey guwz grl.” gurjMt ny jf ky drvfjLf Kohilaf. iek pulIs aPsr ny puwiCaf, “afr XU imstr sYNzU?” “XYWs aOPIsr.” “XU no ims rYnjIt cfhl?” “XYs, sLI ‘jL hyar.” “kYn afey sI hr?” “vfeI nOt! km ien plIjL.” gurjMt ny pUry afqm ivsLvfsL nfl ikhf. dovyN pulIsmYn Aus dy mgr aMdr cly gey. rxjIq sYtI ‘qy bYTI sI. pulIsmYn ny Aus df nF afid puwiCaf qy iPr ikhf, “afr XU aOl rfeIt?” “XYWs sr.” “vyar XU hYv bIn lfst nfeIt?” Aus dy bolx qoN pihlF hI gurjMt afKx ligaf, “vI hYz nfeIt afAUt aOPIsr.”

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pulIsmYn ny gurjMt vl aOKf ho ky dyiKaf qy ikhf, “afey ‘m tOikMg tU ims cfhl.” “sOrI sr.” gurjMt ny ikhf. pulIsmYn ny afpxf svfl iPr duhrfieaf. rxjIq bolI, “XYWs sr, vI hYv ey nfeIt afAUt.” “XU sLoar?” “XYWs sLoar sr!” pulIs vfly AuhnF donF vl hI sLwkI njLrF nfl dyK rhy sn. AuhnF dI qswlI nhIN sI hoeI pr rxjIq dyKx nUM TIk Tfk lg rhI sI ies leI AuhnF ny bhuqI jFc-pVqfl nf kIqI. iek pulIsmYn boilaf, “iet ‘jL bYtr XU irMg tU Xoar pyirMts, dy afr vwrIz Por XU.” surjn dy Gr mfqm Cfieaf hoieaf sI. sfrIaF aOrqF ro rhIaF sn. surjn isMG dy idlbfg suMn hoey bYTy sn; Gor inrfsLf qy guwsy nfl Bry hoey. surjn isMG vfr vfr kih irhf sI, “eys gwl df jvfb ieko aY; kql.” “hF zYzI, kql qoN Gwt AuhdI koeI sjLf neIN, eyh kMm mYN krUM. ds sfl aMdr kwt lAUN, ikhVI aYzI gwl aY, qusIN myry inafxy pflL idE, bs.” “neIN, ieh kMm mYN krUM, myrf eI kMm aYN ieh, qUM bs iehnF kuVIaF dI hYlp krdf rhIN.” Auh dovyN hI gurjMt nUM mfrn dIaF skImF GVn lgy. surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik ho skdf hY, gurjMt srIrk qOr qy Aus nfloN qkVf hovy ies leI Aus Aupr vMgfr ky nhIN acfnk hmlf krnf hovygf. vwzf sfrf cfkU hovy qy mfiraf vI aijhy aMg ivc jfvy qF jo bhuqy vfr nf krny pYx. ijvyN Aus ny piqaf ky rxjIq nUM afpxy jfl ivc Psfieaf hY AuvyN hI Aus nUM iksy qrFH ipafr nfl Pfihaf jfvy. iPr socx ligaf ik hux ipafr Aus nfl Auh ikvyN kr skygf. ieh qF Aus dy Gr muhry Gfq lf ky jf bYiTaf jfvy qy hmlf kr idqf jfvy. ieh hmlf vI qlvfr nfl hoxf cfhIdf hY, cfkU nfl nhIN. surjn isMG ieh vI soc irhf sI ik ieh kMm jldI ho jfxf cfhIdf hY, jy qwqy-Gf kuJ nf kIqf igaf qF guwsf TMzf vI pY skdf hY. idlbfg soc irhf sI ik ikqoN nf ikqoN ipsqOl df ieMqjLfm ho jfvy qF TIk hovygf. eIst lMzn ivc Auh iek bMdy nUM jfxdf vI sI ijs qoN aijhf hiQafr iml skdf hY. gurjMt df ipwCf krky dyK ilaf jfvy ik ikhVy vyly Auh kMm qoN afAuNdf qy jFdf hY. ieh kMm vI jldI hoxf cfhIdf hY, ikqy ievyN nf hovy ik gurjMt iksy pfsy iKsk jfvy. jdoN aOrqF ro ro ky Qwk geIaF qF suirMdr bolI, “zYzI, pulIs kol irpoRt ilKfAuxI jLrUrI aY.” “neIN, irpoRt ilKfAux nflL bhuq KrfbI hoeygI, [[[bhuq iKwc-DU hoeygI, [[[nflLy mYN PYslf kr ilaf ik mYN vI AuhnUM hux jwt bx ky eI twkrUM!” “Auh ikwdF?” “mrzR, Auhdf mrzR krky.” pqI mUMhoN ieh sLbd sux ky prkfsL kor iek dm bol AuTI, “jI nf, [[[kI kihMdy ho qusIN! afpxI eI DI nUM rMzI kroNgy?” “mMmI, hux vI ikhVI mYN suhfgx aF!” blijMdr ny kIrnf pf ky ikhf.

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idn Br Auh nf Kf sky, nf hI pkf sky. Auh afAux vfly vkq bfry hI socdy rhy. ikMnIaF hI skImF AuhnF bxfeIaF qy ikMnIaF hI ZfhIaF. gurjMt nUM kql krn df ijhVf vlvlf svyry sI sLfm qk Auh mwDm pYx ligaf. prkfsL kor qF ieQoN qk kih geI, “jI, clo, jo Aupr vflLy nUM mnjLUr! [[[ijwdF Auh kihMdf, kr idE.” Aus dI gwl sux ky surjn isMG iek dm guwsy ivc af igaf qy Aus vl AuNgl iswDI krdf boilaf, “cuwp kr buVHIey, eys hrfmI ikRmInl nUM eydF ijwq jfx df koeI hwk neIN, muV ky neIN krnI ieh gwl.” prkfsL kor iJVk Kf ky cuwp kr geI. slfhF kridaF ieh gwl hwQ lgI ik sB qoN pihlF iksy qrFH Aus qoN Auh vIizE hfsl kIqI jfvy. idlbfg kihx ligaf, “ieh vIizE vI sfnUM jldI qoN jldI lYxI cfhIdI aY, ies qoN pihlF ik iehdIaF hor kfpIaF kr lvy.” “ieh vIizE rwKxI qF Auhny Gry eI aY, hr vyly qF jybH ivc pfeI neIN iPrn ligaf, iksy hor dy Gr vI neIN rwKx ligaf.” iPr Gr aMdr vVHn dIaF skImF bxn lgIaF. Gr dI iek cfbI surjn isMG dy Gr peI sI. aYmrjYNsI leI iek cfbI ieDr rwKI hoeI sI. Gr ivc iek syP sI ijs df koz nMbr blijMdr nUM Xfd sI. surjn isMG ny aOrqF qoN corI idlbfg nUM ikhf, “klH svyry jd Auh kMm ‘qy cly jfeygf qF mYN jf ky iPlm lwB ilafAuNnf pr ieh gwl qIvINaF nUM pqf nf cwly.” “neIN zYzI, qusIN neIN, mYN jfAUN. Es hrfmI bMdy df kI pqf; kMm qy jfvy vI jF aMdr eI luikaf bYTf hovy. jy mOky ‘qy Aupr af vI igaf qF mYN AuhnUM sFB vI lAUN, myry qoN Auh vfDU neIN hox ligaf.” idlbfg ny ikhf. surjn isMG nUM ligaf ik AuhdI gwl shI vI hY. jy gurjMt nfl sfhmxf krnf ipaf qF sLfied idlbfg vFg Auh nf kr sky. idlbfg ny gurjMt dy Gr dI cfbI lY leI qy nfl hI syP df koz nMbr vI. surjn isMG idlbfg nUM boilaf, “afpf iekwTy clFgy, ieh kMm iekwly bMdy df neIN.” “zYzI, mYN sfrI skIm bx leI aY, qusIN bs Gr bYT ky mYnUM AuzIikE.” idlbfg qy avqfr svyry swq vjy hI isLsLq lf ky bYT gey. gurjMt vflI aYlnzyl roz QrU roz nhIN sI. agy pfrk pYNdf sI. roz dy aKIr ivc Gr sI. AuhnF afpxI kfr ievyN KVI kIqI ik ies roz ivcoN inkldI hr kfr AuhnF nUM idsdI rhy. mINh pYNdf hox krky AuhnF dy dyKy jfx dy mOky vI Gwt sn. idlbfg ny avqfr nUM afpxy nfl jfx leI iqafr kr ilaf sI. avqfr aijhy kMmF ivc bhfdr bMdf nhIN sI pr idlbfg ny Aus nUM mnf ilaf. idlbfg ny Aus nUM shI gwl nhIN sI dwsI. bs ieMnf hI disaf ik vIizE ivc gurjMt dy iKlfP kuJ sbUq hn ijhVy kort ivc vrqy jfxy hn. ieMnf avqfr nUM pqf hI sI ik surjn isMG dI dUjy nMbr dI kuVI vI Gr afeI bYTI hY. surjn isMG dy nF nUM vI avqfr idlbfg nfl jfx leI iqafr ho igaf sI. pOxyN ku awT vjy lfl rMg dI kfr aYlnzyl roz qoN bfhr inklI. gurjMt dI hI sI. AuhnF ny gurjMt nUM ivc bYTy nUM pwCfx ilaf. Auh kfr dy dUr jfx dI AuzIk krdy rhy. jd kfr awKoN EJl ho geI qF AuhnF ny afpxI kfr gurjMt dy Gr vl qor leI. muhrlf drvfjLf Kohilaf. Auprly bYWzrUm ivc pey syP nUM Kohilaf qF iPlm AuQy nhIN sI. avqfr ny ikhf, “afpF nUM shI vIizE df pqf ikwdF cwlU?” “ijhdy ‘qy kuJ iliKaf nf hoieaf jF nvIN ijhI kYst hoeI, ijMnIaF vI eydF dIaF hoeIaF afpF lY jfxIaF.” idlbfg ny surjn isMG dI smJfeI hoeI gwl duhrf idqI. Auh dovyN kfhlI kfhlI hwQ mfrdy qlfsLI lYNdy vIizE lwBx lgy. idlbfg boilaf,

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“qUM dUjy rUm ivc trfeI kr, sfrIaF almfrIaF dy kpiVaF dI qYhF ProlL mfr.” avqfr dUjy kmry ivc cly igaf. acfnk bfhr kfr dy af KVn dI avfjL afeI. avqfr zr igaf. iPr iksy ny Gr df drvfjLf Kohilaf. Auh dovyN afpo afpxI QF dubk ky bih gey. idlbfg ny jybH ivc pey cfkU nUM toh ky dyiKaf. pihlF iksy dy hyTF dOVy iPrn dI pYV sux rhI sI, iPr koeI dgV dgV krdf Aupr cVH afieaf. afAux vflf pihlF Aus kmry ivc afieaf ijQy avqfr luikaf hoieaf sI. gurjMt dy hwQ ivc hfkI dyK ky avqfr hor vI zr igaf. iesy zr ivc kfhl kridaF Aus ny gurjMt nUM ipiCEN jf PiVaf qy rOlLf pfAux ligaf, “af jf Eey bfigaf, PV ilaf sflLy nUM!” idlbfg kfhlI nfl afieaf. gurjMt nUM dyK ky Aus df mn nPrq nfl Br igaf. Aus ny jybH ivcoN cfkU kwiZaf qy Aus dy pyt ivc KoB idqf. gurjMt ny iek vfr hI ikhf; ‘hfey Eey mr igaf’ qy Auh QfvyN hI ZyrI ho igaf. awDf ku bYWz ‘qy qy awDf ku hyTF. sbwbn cfkU aijhI QF ligaf ik pyt cIrdf hoieaf iswDf ijgr ivc jf vwijaf. avqfr qy idlbfg dy hvfs Auz gey. idlbfg ny gurjMt dy nwk muhry hwQ rwK ky dyiKaf, sfh bMd ho cuwikaf sI. avqfr kMbdI avfjL ivc boilaf, “qUM mfr eI idqf, k ikqy vfDU sI afpF donF qoN, [[[mYN c cilaF!” “qUM hux ikQy cwilaF lmZINgf?” idlbfg guwsy ivc afAuNdf boilaf. pihlF qF Auh bhuq Gbrf igaf sI pr hux kuJ sMBilaf qy socx ligaf ik jy avqfr AuQoN iKsk igaf qF Auh iewklf Ps jfvygf. avqfr afKx ligaf, “K KUn qUM kIqf, mYN neIN.” “mYN kIqf jF qUM pr PsxF qF ‘kwiTaF ny eI aY, cwl eyhnUM iksy kMZy lf dyeIey qy cuwp krky inklL cld y aF.” “n neIN, mYN neIN.” “afh idsdf cfkU, iek qyry vI Tok dAUN.” idlbfg Aus nUM zrfAuNdf hoieaf boilaf. avqfr ny ikhf, “d dws kI krnF.” “kuJ neIN krnF bs qUM KVf rih.” idlbfg ny ikhf qy lMmy lMmy sfh lYNdf afpxy aMdr sLkqI iekwTI krn ligaf. AuQoN bYzrUm ivc pey Pon qoN surjn isMG nUM Pon kr idqf, “zYzI, eyhdf kMm ho igaf, hrfmI ny iek cfkU vI neIN KfDf, [[[hux kI krF iehdf, Gr nUM awg lf idaF, afpy sV jfAU ivcy eI.” “neIN qUM kuJ nf kr, AuQy eI Tihr, mYN bs afieaf.” surjn isMG nUM pqf sI ik aj kuJ hox vflf hY ies leI Auh kMm ‘qy nhIN sI igaf pr ies gwl dI afs nhIN sI rwKI. Aus dy mn nUM Zyr sfrI qswlI vI hoeI qy zr vI lgx ligaf. Aus ny iek pl ivc hI PYslf kr ilaf ik agy kI krnf hY. Aus ny sfrIaF DIaF qy pqnI nUM kol bYTf ky ikhf, “dyKo, afpxy ‘qy ijhVI musIbq df phfV tuwitaY ieh bhuq Bfrf aY, hor agy afpF vwzIaF musIbqF df sfhmxf krnYN pr qusIN iksy ny neIN zolxF, iksy ny neIN roxf, sdf vFgUM iek dUjy df sfQ dyxF, iek muwT ho ky, [[[suirMdr, qUM sB qoN isafxI aYN, aj qoN bfad qUM Gr dI lIzr aYN, sB df iDafn rwKIN.”

aTfeI

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bfrkly roz Aupr acfnk hI afvfjfeI vD geI. surjn isMG dy Gr nUM pulIs ny Gyiraf hoieaf sI. sfry hI twbr nUM ihrfsq ivc ilaf hoieaf sI. Gr ivc ijvyN hfhfkfr mcI hoeI sI. rox-ipwtx vI ipaf hoieaf sI. prYWs vfly, kYmiraF vfly, tYlIvIXn vfly lokF dI BIV jmFH ho rhI sI. aFZ-gvFZ hYrfn hoieaf ipaf sI ik ieQy aYzf vwzf ikhVf jurm ho igaf. iehnF bfry sB nUM pqf sI ik iek inhfieq sLrIP pirvfr hY. hOlI hOlI gwl inklx leI ik Gr dy muKI imstr isMG ny kql kr idqf hY. gvFZI mUMh ivc AuNglF pfAux lgy. pulIs sfry pirvfr nUM alwg-alwg krky puwC-pVqfl kr rhI sI. idlbfg qy guirMdr qF ieQy hY nhIN sn, nhIN qF AuhnF qoN vI jLrUr puwCdy. prkfsL kor nUM Cwz ky bfkI cOhF nUM pulIs stysLn lY jfieaf igaf. suirMdr qoN do GMty svfl puwCy gey, suKvIr qoN iqMn GMty qy rxjIq qoN pMj GMty qk puwC-igwC jfrI rhI. blijMdr nUM sfrI rfq pulIs stysLn rihx ipaf. Auh svyry Gr afeI. kuJ idn Tihr ky idlbfg nUM vI pulIs stysLn bulfieaf igaf pr bhuqy svfl nf puwCy gey. idlbfg ny ieho ibafn idqf ik surjn isMG kql krn vfsqy afKdf jLrUr sI pr swcI hI kr dyvygf ieh nhIN sI pqf. sfrI khfxI pulIs dy sfhmxy sfP sI. sfry pirvfr dy ibafnF qoN qy surjn isMG dy afpxy ibafn qoN vI ieh iewjLq Kfqr kIqf kql sI. gurjMt vloN rxjIq nfl hoieaf blfqkfr ies df kfrn sI. vIizE pulIs dy hwQ lg igaf sI. Auh cfkU ijs nfl kql hoieaf Auh vI surjn isMG ny pulIs nUM dy idqf sI. surjn isMG ny qF swidaf vI pulIs nUM afp hI sI. surjn isMG kih irhf sI ik Aus df kql df koeI ierfdf nhIN sI. gurjMt nfl hoey JgVy ivc Aus qoN ieh vfr acfnk ho igaf. Aus df mksd qF vIizE hfsl krnf sI, cfkU qF Auh afpxy kol afpxI surwiKaf leI hI ilafieaf sI. pulIs ny Aus dI ies gwl vl iDafn nf idqf qy iswDf kql dy kys dI iqafrI krn lgI. sfry sbUq AuhnF dy hwQ ivc sn. kql df kfrn, kql leI vriqafr hiQafr surjn isMG nUM kfql iswD krn leI kfPI sn. avqfr qy idlbfg nUM gurjMt dy GroN vIizE lYx leI Byj ky surjn isMG ny afpxy afp nUM kmry ivc bMd kr ilaf. Aus nUM lg irhf sI ik Auh hfr igaf hY. gurjMt dy kukrm dI sjLf Aus df kql hY, ievyN vIizE curfAuxf koeI mihny nhIN rwKdf. Auh soc irhf sI ik iek vfr vIizE hwQ lg jfvy, iPr socygf ik kI krnf hY. afpxI DI dy duwK nUM axsuixaF nhIN krygf. rfqIN idlbfg afpxy Gr cly igaf sI. gurjMt dy Gr jfx vflI gwl dI Aus ny iksy nUM nhIN sI dwsI, suirMdr nUM vI nhIN. ikDry vI kuJ glq ho skdf sI. gurjMt vI ies gunfh qoN bfad avyslf ho ky nhIN bYTf hovygf. jd idlbfg df Pon afieaf qF Aus dy mn ivc AuT irhf GtIafpn vflf aihsfs iek dm dUr ho igaf. Aus nUM iek iksm nfl cfa ijhf cVH igaf. Aus ny kfhlI nfl pwg bMnHI qy sfry twbr nUM slfhuqF dyx ligaf.[[[ gurjMt dI lfsL dyK ky Aus dy ichry Aupr ijwq dI KusLI dI lihr dOV geI. Aus df idl kry ik lfsL Aupr Quwky dyvy. Auh boilaf, “ieh bhuq jLrUrI sI, quhfzf bhuq bhuq DMnvfd!” avqfr dy mUMh ivc qF bol hI nhIN sn. surjn isMG ny Aus dy moZHy qy hwQ rwK ky ikhf, “Gbrf nf, qUM kuJ neIN kIqf, qUM iek Coty Brf vflLf PrjL inBfieaY qy qyrf vwzf Brf hfly ijAuNdf. qUM iswDf kMm qy cly jfh qy ho sky qF kuJ dyr ieMzIaf lf ieaf.” avqfr hfly vI cuwp sI. iPr surjn isMG ny idlbfg nUM ikhf, “qUM myrf jvfeI neIN puwq hox df sbUq idqY, hux jfh qy kMm ‘qy clf jfh, Gr jF iksy kolL koeI gwl neIN krnI, mYnUM imlx vI nf afeIN kdy, ho sky qF suirMdr dI mwdd krdf rhIN, ieh cfkU mYnUM dy jfh, qy cuwp krky ieQoN inkl jfE. qusIN donF ny iblkul mUMh neIN KohlxF, iksy kolL vI neIN.”

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idlbfg qy avqfr kMbdy hoey AuQoN inkl afey. ieQy afAux leI avqfr dI kfr hI vqrI sI. idlbfg dI kfr avqfr dy Gr KVI sI. idlbfg ny kfr ivc bYTidaF hI kMtrolr nUM Pon kr idqf ik Auh kMm Aupr af igaf hY. avqfr qF Ausy idn hI ieMzIaf leI cVH igaf. surjn isMG ny bVI huisLafrI nfl Gr ivc iksy hor dy hox dy insLfn imtf idqy. pihlF qF Aus ny soicaf ik ijvyN idlbfg kihMdf hI sI ikAuN nf Gr nUM ag lgf idqI jfvy iPr socx ligaf ik ievyN qPqIsL krdI krdI pulIs idlbfg jF avqfr qk vI pwj skdI hY. iswDf rsqf ieho hY ik afp hI ieh kql afpxy isr lY lvy, iesy ivc sB df Blf hovygf. iewjLq Kfqr hoey kql ivc keI vfr kichrI nrmI vI vrq jFdI hY. hfly kuJ sfl pihlF eIst lMzn ivc hoey aijhy hI iek kql ivc kfql nUM cfr ku sfl dI jylH hI hoeI sI. cfr sflF df kI huMdf hY, Auh qF afey KVy huMdy hn. Aus nUM XkIn sI ik ies nUM kql nhIN mYn slftr hI mMinaF jfvygf. surjn isMG ny jd pulIs nUM Pon kIqf qF Aus dy mn ivc iksy iksm dI icMqf nhIN sI. kuJ imMtF ivc hI pulIs af puwjI. gurjMt dI lfsL nUM AuhnF ny kbjLy ivc lY ilaf. surjn isMG mYn slftr ivc afpxf gunfh kbUl kr irhf sI pr pulIs dy hwQ ieMny puKqf sbUq lg gey sn, ies leI Auh kql df kys bxfAux bfry hI socx lgy. surjn isMG nUM iek ivsLysL kfr ivc bYTf ky lY gey. Aus qoN bhuqI pwuC-igwC dI loV vI nf smJI geI. sfry pirvfr dy ibafnF qoN vI sfP sI ik surjn isMG ny hI kql kIqf hY. ies kql dI Kbr jMgl dI awg vFg PYl geI, Kfs qOr qy eysLIan BfeIcfry ivc. aMgryjLI aKbfrF vI ies Kbr nUM surKIaF ivc Cfp rhIaF sn. sQfnk aKbfr ny qF ies Kbr nUM pihly sPy Aupr Cfipaf nfl hI ieh vI iliKaf ik iewjLq Kfqr kql krnf eysLIan lokF ivc afm hY. kdy ieh DI nUM mfr idMdy hn qy kdy jvfeI nUM. keI hor aKbfrF ny vI ies Kbr nUM lY ky eysLIan lokF df mjLfk Auzfieaf hoieaf sI. iek aKbfr ny qF ieh vI iliKaf sI ik iehnF lokF nUM bRqfnIaF dI kfnUMn ivvsQf Aupr Brosf nhIN hY qy afp hI afpxy dosLI nUM sjLf idMdy hn. ies kql nUM PrFs dI adflq ivc hoey kql nfl myl ky dyiKaf jf irhf sI. PrFs dI aOrq ny afpxI DI dI hoeI bypqI df bdlf lYx leI dosLI nUM sLryafm adflq ivc golI mfr idqI sI. Auh aOrq socdI sI ik ikqy adflq dosLI nUM brI nf kr dyvy. tYlIvIXn dIaF KbrF ivc vI ies Kbr nUM Kfs QF imlI. pMjfbI dIaF aKbfrF vI ies Kbr nUM msflf lf lf ky Cfp rhIaF sn. lok Pon kr kr ky iek dUjy nUM ds rhy sn ik sfzy ielfky ivc iek bMdy ny afpxy jvfeI df kql kr idqf. ies kql bfry pMjfbI BfeIcfry ivc ajIb ijhf pRqIkrm sI. lokF ivc ajIb ijhI ihljul vI dyKx nUM imlI. lok ies nUM iek sLlfGfXog kMm kih rhy sn. aMgryjL hYrfn sn ik ies kql dI pMjfbI lokF vloN pRsMsf ho rhI hY. sfAUQfl dy iek gurdvfry dy afgU ny qF ieQoN qk kih idqf ik jd vI surjn isMG jylH qoN bfhr afeygf, Aus df snmfn kIqf jfvygf. tYlIvIXn vfly sfAUQfl qy eIst lMzn dI gRIn stRIt qy jf jf ky afm lokF dI rfey jfnxF cfhuMdy sn. lokF dI bhumq surjn isMG nfl KVdI sI. Aus nUM kfql kihx vfly lok bhuq Gwt sn. aKbfrF vfilaF ny iek ivsLysL srvy krfieaf ijs ivc pMjfbI lokF ny BfrI igxqI ivc ieho ibafn drj krvfey ik jykr Auh surjn isMG dI jgfh hox qF ieho kuJ krn jo surjn isMG ny kIqf hY. iksy ny qF ieh ibafn vI dy idqy ik Aus surjn isMG dI khfxI ‘qy iPlm bxfeygf. iek hor sMsQf ny ibafn idqf ik surjn isMG sfzf axgOilLaf hIro hY. hor ikqy hovy jF nf pr ruafiel zIn ivc surjn isMG hIro bx igaf sI. iek cuwp ijhy buwZy ny afpxI DI dI byiejLqI df bdlf lYx leI jvfeI kql kr mfiraf sI. ies kMm leI bhuq vwzf ijgrf cfhIdf sI. lok afpxI klpnf dy GoVy duVfAuNdy ik Aus ny ikvyN kql krn dI XoXnf bxfeI hovygI qy ikvyN ies nUM nypry cVHfieaf hovygf. iek hor gwl ajIb ieh hoeI ik Kbr imlidaF hI lokF ny soicaf ik surjn isMG ny gulvMq df kql kr idqf hY. Kbr hor vI snsnIKyjL bx geI. gulvMq dy jfxkfrF ny Aus df Pon nMbr lwB-lBf ky Aus nUM Pon kr ky Kbr dI pusLtI kIqI qF jf ky lokF nUM qswlI hoeI ik kql hox vflf

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gulvMq nhIN koeI hor sI. ruafiel zIn ivc hr koeI afpxy afp nUM surjn df dosq dwsx dI koisLsL krdf. BAU prgt isMG kihx ligaf, “ieh huMdY, gurU df aslI isMG, jy sfzy kolL eydF dy sUrmy hYgy af qF Kfilsqfn afieaf hI afieaf.” “Xfr, ikQy Kfilsqfn df pMgf qy ikQy surjn sUMh df kIqf kql?” “E beI XoDf XoDf huMdf jy, iksy vI mYdfn ivc lVy.” keI lok surjn isMG bfry keI iksm dIaF gwlF krn lgdy. keI khfxIaF, keI imwQF vI bxfAux lgy. hr koeI Aus nfl afpxI dosqI dI gwl krdf. cmn lfl hr iek nUM afpxy bcpwn qoN lY ky aj qk dI Aus nfl afpxI dosqI dIaF gwlF krn lgdf. cmn lfl hI nhIN sfry dosq surjn isMG dy hwk ivc af KVy. hr iek ny afpo afpxI shfieqf pysL kIqI. sB qoN pihlF qF bnfrsI dfs qy lfjvMqI afey. ijs idn pulIs sfry pirvfr nUM lY geI sI prkfsL kor kol Auh sfrI rfq bYTy rhy. duiphr ijhy pulIs AuhnF dy Gr afeI sI. jd iek pulIs vomYn ny suirMdr nUM disaf ik surjn isMG nUM gurjMt dy kql ivc igRPqfr kIqf jf cuikaf hY qF sB dy hI KfinEN geI. iksy ny soicaf vI nhIN sI ik surjn isMG swc hI gurjMt df kql kr dyvygf. suirMdr ny sB qoN pihlF qF blijMdr nUM afpxI jwPI ivc ilaf pr blijMdr azol sI ijvyN pqI dy mfry jfx df koeI gm hI nf hovy. prkfsL kor ny jLrUr ipwtxf sLurU kr idqf. suirMdr Aus nUM Bwj ky pYNdI bolI, “cuwp kr mMmI, ieQy koeI neIN miraf, [[[pqf zYzI kI kih ky gey af, roxf iblkul neIN, zYzI ny jo vI kIqf, soc smJ ky eI kIqf hoAU.” suirMdr ny iek dm hI surjn isMG vflf imjLfjL apxf ilaf sI. Aus ny blijMdr nUM vI jwPI ivc ilaf qy hONslf idqf. pihlf idn qF AuhnF df pulIs dI puwC-pVqflL ivc hI lMG igaf. agly idn hI Aus ny pqf kr ilaf ik surjn isMG nUM ikhVI jgfh rwiKaf hoieaf sI. Auh imlx cly geI. Aus ny puwiCaf, “zYz, rIalI qusIN kIqf ieh?” “hF pwuq, mYnUM krnf eI pYxf sI, jy nf krdf qF mYN afpxy afp nUM muafP neIN sI kr skxF pr mYN KusL aF.” “pr zYz[[[[.” surjn isMG ny DI dI gwl tokidaF ikhf, “myrf iPkr nf kr, hux qUM sfry twbr nUM sMBfl, mYn slftr df kys eI bxnYN, sfl do sfl leI eI lgxy aF, jd qk qUM Gr sMBfl Kfs qOr qy blijMdr nUM.” “Gr df iPkr nf kro zYzI. sfnUM qF quhfzf iPkr aY.” “dyK, mYN GoVy vrgF, mYnUM kI hoieaf.” afKdf surjn isMG hwsx ligaf. ieh hfsf nklI nhIN sI blik aslI sI. jo kuJ hoieaf Aus Aupr Aus nUM koeI pCqfvf nhIN sI. Aus vl dyK ky suirMdr vI hONsly ivc af geI. iPr Auh hr rojL hI sfrf twbr surjn isMG nUM imlx jfx lgy. ijMny idn Auh hvflfq ivc irhf Eny idn imlxf sOKf sI. iPr Aus nUM jylH Byj idqf igaf. jylH ivc imlx qy keI pfbMdIaF sn. mhIny ivc iqMn vfr mulfkq ho skdI sI qy iek vfrI isrP iqMn bMdy hI imlx jf skdy sn. ijhnF ny imlxf huMdf AuhnF dy nF dI icwTI surjn isMG nUM ilK ByjxI huMdI. surjn isMG dy dosq vI Aus nfl kMD vFg af KVy sn. cmn lfl, gurnfm isMG qy bldyv isMG Gr af ky hjLfr hjLfr pONz dy gey qF jo mukwdmy ivc kMm af skx. arjn isMG qy bnfrsI dfs ny vI pMj pMj sON pONz dy ky afriQk shfieqf ivc ihwsf pfieaf. iPr jd mukwdmf lVHn leI surjn isMG nUM lIgl eyz iml geI qF suirMdr ny sB dy pYsy vfps kr idqy. isLvrfj isMG lgBg hr rojL hI AuhnF dy Gr df

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gyVf mfrdf jF Pon krdf. Aus ny hI suirMdr dy nfl jf ky ielfky df mMinaF hoieaf vkIl kIqf. dosq Aus nUM imlx jylH ivc vI jFdy. Aus sB nfl hI GuwtvF hwQ imlfAuNdf. hr vyly cVHdI klf ivc rihMdf. pqnI nfl vI inwky inwky mjLfk krdf rihMdf. GroN roNdIaF geIaF DIaF hwsdIaF hoeIaF muVdIaF. gulvMq nUM ies Gtnf df dUjy idn hI pqf cl igaf sI. pihlF qF Aus nUM vI hornF vFg XkIn nhIN sI af irhf. Aus ny soicaf hI nhIN sI ik surjn isMG kql vI kr skdf hY. Aus nUM bhuq duK hoieaf. pihlI njLry Auh vI hornF keIaF vFg ies kql nUM jfiejL hI Tihrf irhf sI. aijhI siQqI ivc aijhf kdm hI cuwikaf jf skdf sI. do ku idn bfad Aus ny suirMdr nfl duwK sFJf krn leI Pon kIqf. hux Auh pihlF ijMny Pon nhIN sI kiraf krdf. suirMdr Aus nfl iswDy mUMh gwl vI Gwt krdI sI. ies vfr vI suirMdr rwuKI dI rwuKI sI. Aus ny ikhf, “dws, jy mYN koeI mwdd kr skdF qF?” “qUM aMimRq df qy myrf Krc ikAuN neIN idMdf? [[[iehI dy dyvyN qF bhuq aY.” “qYnUM ikhf sI ik myry nflL bYT ky gwl kr, jo cfhy dy dAUN. [[[kort ivc jf ky mMgI cIjL qF mYN kort dy ihsfb nflL eI dyAUN, [[[qUM vfps af jf, sfrI qnKfh sMBfilaf krIN.” “neIN gwul, hux mYN neIN af skxF.” “mYnUM pqf qUM muwkdmy dI pYrvfeI vI krnI hoeygI, qUM Gr af jf, afpF rlL ky sfry kMm krFgy.” “neIN gwul, ieh myrI problm aYN, mYN Kud hYNzl krUMgI.” “iPr aMimRq eI mYnUM dy dyh, qYnUM Bwj dOV krnI sOKI rhU.” “no vya!” “ikAuN ijLwd krI jfnI aYN, plIjL vfps af jfh, ijhVI vI sLrq khyNgI mMn lAUN.” “gul, koeI hor gwl kr jy qyry kolL hY qF.” “cwl qUM pROimjL eI kr lY ik kys Kqm hox qoN bfad af jfvyNgI.” “mYN koeI pROimjL neIN kr skdI.” “sfrI Aumr iekwlI kZyNgI?” “[[[[[.” “bol vI.” “[[[[[.” “boldI ikAuN neIN.” “dyK guwl, qUM sfnUM Krc dyxf sLurU kr, qYnUM pqf eI sfzy KricaF df.” “Krcf mYN dy idMnF pr qUM sfry kys ivdzrfa kr.” “kys neIN ivdzrfa hoxyN.” “Pyr mlvYxy, gwuz lwk, jy myrI koeI loV hoeI qF jst irMg mI.” afKidaF gulvMq ny Pon rwK idqf. hr vfr Auh Aus nUM vfps afAux leI afKdf qy hr vfr hI suirMdr ienkfr krdI. gulvMq nUM afpxy afp Aupr guwsf vI afAuNdf ik jd Auh ievyN axgOlL rhI hY qF Auh ikAuN Aus dy ipwCy ipwCy Bwijaf iPrdf hY. Auh socdf sI ik rfjU vloN suKvIr Cwzx kfrn hI sfry guwsy ivc hn, ieh guwsf iek idn Kur jfvygf. vkq nfl sB TIk ho jfvygf, suirMdr vI nrm ho jfvygI pr kuJ nf bdilaf. gulvMq qlfk nUM rokx dI koisLsL kr irhf sI. ijMnf Auh rokx dI koisLsL suirMdr EnI hI bfijLd hoeI jf rhI sI. nhIN qF hux qk kdoN df qlfk ho igaf huMdf. rfjU df ho hI igaf sI. suKvIr ny pypr pfey qy rfjU ny dsqKq kr ky vfps kr idqy. mhIny bfad qlfknfmf Gr puwjdf ho igaf.

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suirMdr leI qF Auh qVPdf hI sI pr aMimRq leI Auh qVPdf vI qy iPkrvMd vI ho jFdf. BfvyN kort vloN aMimRq nUM imlx df aYksYWs Aus nUM iml cuwikaf sI pr suirMdr hr vfr koeI nf koeI aiVwkf zfh idMdI; kdy Aus nUM PlU hoieaf huMdf qy kdy, kdy Auh iksy brQzy qy cly geI huMdI qy kuJ hor. gulvMq pUrf lMzn lMG ky eIst lMzn puwjdf pr agoN bhuqI vfr Aus nUM aMimRq nUM dyKy ibnF hI muVnf pYNdf. Aus nUM bhuq kroD cVdf. kfnUMnI qOr qy Auh ies mfmly ivc sKqI vI kr skdf sI pr Auh socdf ik ies df aMimRq Aupr Aultf asr hI nf pvy. iPr Auh awkx ligaf. jdoN kMm-kfr ivc ruJ igaf qF Aus kol vkq dI Gft vI hox lgI.[[[ ielPorz dI kfAuNtI kort ivc AuhnF dy kys dI qrIk sI. Aus idn suirMdr iekwlI sI. pihlF keI vfr surjn isMG Aus nfl cly jfieaf krdf sI jF iPr suKvIr. Auh kort dy bfhr KV ky hI gulvMq df ieMqjLfr krn lgI. Aus ny gulvMq dI kfr dUroN hI dyK leI. gulvMq ny kfr mItr ‘qy KVI kIqI. Auh dUroN dyKdI rhI. jd gulvMq kort vl quiraf qF Auh kort dI iemfrq dy pIlpfvy Ehly luk geI. Aus nUM kort ivc jFdy nUM dyKdI rhI. gulvMq ny kort dy noits borz qoN afpxy kys dI qrqIb dyKI qy Aus dIaF njLrF suirMdr nUM lwBx lgIaF. suirMdr Aus dy ipwCy KVI sI. Aus dI ajLfd muskRfht qoN hI gulvMq smJ igaf ik aj Auh iekwlI afeI hY. Aus ny suirMdr nUM awK mfrI qy jwPI ivc lYx leI agy viDaf. suirMdr iekwTI ijhI ho geI. gulvMq ny Aus dI bFh CohI; TMzI XwK bFh, ijvyN lkVI huMdI hY. Auh boilaf, “qUM afpxf iDafn ikAuN neIN rwKdI?” “qUM qF afpxf bQyrf rwKdYN, Joty vFgUM mwlI jfnYN!” “cwl, afpF kfr ivc bYTdy aF, hfly tfeIm hYgf.” “nf bfbf, qUM kfr duVf ky lY jfeyNgf, [[[cyqf? mMmI dy Gr rfq rihx afAuNdI huMdI sI qF mgry hI af jFdf sYN, bhfny nflL bfhr bulf ky kfr ivc bYTf lYNdf qy kfr Bjf ky lY jFdf.” kih ky suirMdr hwsx lgI. gulvMq Auhdy vl iDafn nfl dyKdf boilaf, “qUM nklI hfsf ikMnf sihjy hws lYnI aYN!” “kI mqlb qyrf?” “mqlb ik qyry hfsy ipwCy luikaf swc qyrIaF awKF ivc bYTf aY.” “kI hoieaf myrIaF awKF nUM?” “Auho sB, jo kuJ qYnUM hoieaY.” “kuJ neIN hoieaf mYnUM, mYN TIk aF.” “cwl, mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, Gr cwlIey.” “mYN neIN afAuxf guwl, qYnUM myrI hflq df pqf eI aY, hux mYN ikwdF af skdI aF!” “qUM pROimjL kr lY, mYN sfrI Aumr qyrI AuzIk kr lAUN.” “nf beI nf, jy pROimjL kr ilaf qF qUM rojL myrf isr KfeyNgf. [[[guwl jy qUM cfhuMnF qf ivafh hor krf lY.” “iet mInjL, XU zONt lv mI.” “guwl, eyhdf qYnUM myry qoN ijLafdf pqf.” suirMdr gulvMq nUM hfly vI ipafr krdI sI. pihlF vFg hI cfhuMdI sI pr Auh hux Aus kol vfps nhIN sI jf skdI. Aus ny suKvIr nfl vfadf kIqf sI, afpxy zYzI nfl vI qy afpxy afp nfl vI. Auh Aus vfady qoN iPrnf nhIN sI cfhuMdI. Auh gulvMq pRqI afpxy suBfa ivc jfx buJ ky ruwKfpn lY afAuNdI sI, Auh cfhuMdI sI ik gulvMq Aus df ipwCf Cwz dyvy pr gulvMq sI ik vfr vfr dsqk dyeI jf irhf sI. Aus df ievyN muV muV vfps afAux leI kihMdy rihxf Aus nUM cMgf vI lgdf.

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keI vfr suirMdr afpxy afp nUM gunfhgfr vI mMnx lgdI. suKvIr dI gunfhgfr; Aus nUM vfps rfjU kol lY jf ky, gulvMq dI gunfhgfr; Aus nUM Cwz ky, aMimRq dI gunfhgfr; Aus nUM ipE dy ipafr qoN vFiJaF rwK ky. hux Auh iesy gunfh dI Bfvnf ivc hI ijLMdgI kwZ lYxf cfhuMdI sI. Aus nUM ies gwl dI bhuq KusLI sI ik Aus dy afly-duafly Aus nUM ipafr krn vfly lokF dI vwzI igxqI sI. vwzI gwl qF Aus kol aMimRq sI ijs dy afsry Auh sfrf jIvn kwZ skdI sI. Aus df iDafn hr vkq gulvMq vl hI rihMdf sI. rfq nUM sOx qoN pihlF Auh iKVkI ivc KVI rihMdI. Aus nUM pqf sI ik gulvMq dI kfr AuhnF dI sVk df gyVf jLrUr mfrygI. Aus nUM gulvMq dI kfr dI afvfjL dI hI pwCfx sI. zIjLl vflI kfr jLrf hornF kfrF qoN alwg iksm dI afvfjL krdI. keI vfr Auh glqI nfl Aus vrgI iksyy hor kfr nUM vI hwQ ihlf bYTdI. kdI KflI sVk nUM hI alivdf kr ky ibsqr Aupr jf izgdI. ibsqr Aupr peI peI Auh keI vfr gulvMq nUM afpxy nfl ipaf qswvr krn lgdI. Aus nUM cyqy afAuNdf ik ikvyN AuhnF df ibsqr vwto-vwt hoieaf rihMdf sI. gulvMq qVksfr kMm qoN muVdf qy dyr qk suwqf rihMdf. Auh Aus nUM vI nf AuTx idMdf. hux Auh svyry vyly isr hI AuT KiVaf krdI sI. sOx df koeI kfrn vI nhIN sI. keI vfr qF Aus nUM nINd vI nhIN sI afAuNdI. gulvMq dIaF inwkIaF inwkIaF gwlF vwzIaF ho ky Aus dy sfhmxy af KVdIaF. keI vfr suwqI peI aMimRq df ichrf dyKdI rihMdI. ies Aus dy afpxy kmry dI dunIaF sI nhIN qF Gr ivc Auh sdf KusL rihMdI. kdy kdy prkfsL kor DI dy aMdrlI gwl smJdI Aus nUM puwCdI, “kI gwl hoeI, [[[Xfd af igaf kuJ?” “nhIN mMmI, aYvyN isr duKdY.” “myrI BolLI DI!” prkfsL kor hOlI ijhy afKdI. suirMdr afpxy afp nUM kmjLor nhIN sI idKfAuxf cfhuMdI. AuhnF dy Gr ivc rfjU nUM iksy ny muafP nhIN sI kIqf qy gulvMq nUM muafPI ikvyN iml jFdI. ies leI Auh vI kdy iksy kol gulvMq dI gwl nf krdI, jo vI mihsUs krdI isrP afpxy qk hI rwKdI. surjn isMG ny kuJ iek vfr ikhf vI ik jy idl krdf hY qF gulvMq kol cly jfvy pr Auh hr vfr mnF kr idMdI sI. jd blijMdr vI Gr af geI qF prkfsL kor ny pqI nUM ikhf sI, “ieh qF sfrIaF eI muV afeIaF, [[[suirMdr nUM eI vfps Byj idE.” “buVHIey, mYN eyhnUM rokdF, mYN qF eyhnUM afAux vfsqy vI neIN sI ikhf.” “mMmI, jd mYN jfxf eI neIN qF eyh gwl eI ikAuN krdy aF.” suirMdr ny iKJ ky ikhf sI. Auh cfhuMdI ik Grdy Aus nUM gulvMq kol Byjx leI jLbrdsqI krn. Gwto-Gwt jLor pf ky qF kihx. zYzI khy jF iekwlI suKvIr hI khy pr koeI nhIN sI kih irhf. sfry slfhF idMdy sn pr gulvMq vFg jLor koeI nhIN sI pfAuNdf. jylH ivc surjn isMG nUM imlx geI qF gulvMq nfl cwl rhy kys bfry gwlF hox lgIaF. surjn isMG boilaf, “suirMdr, mYN kihMnF ik jd gulvMq eynf kih irhf qF qUM kys vfps lY lY qy Auhdy kol cly jfh.” suirMdr ny pihlF zYzI vl dyiKaf qy jylH dI cfr idvfrI vl qy nIvIN pf leI. surjn isMG df kys adflq ivc lg igaf. Auh mYn slftr ivc afpxy gunfh df iekbfl kr irhf sI pr pulIs ny kql df kys bxfieaf. pulIs muqfbk ieh kql acfnk nhIN sgoN iek socI smJI XoXnf qihq hoieaf sI. surjn isMG ny luk ky gurjMt isMG ‘qy cfkU nfl vfr kIqf sI qy vfr vI aijhI jgfh ijQy bMdf sihjy hI mr sky. gurjMt dy srIr qy koeI hor jLKm vI nhIN sI. kmry df sfrf smfn AuvyN

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hI ipaf sI ijs df mqlb ik dohF ivckfr koeI lVHfeI vI nhIN sI hoeI. bfkI dy pirvfr qoN puwCigC smyN vI ieho gwl sfhmxy afeI sI ik surjn isMG gurjMt nUM mfrn dI gwl krdf irhf sI. GroN vI sB nUM aOKI GVI leI iqafr rihx leI kih ky igaf sI. surjn isMG dy ies kys bfry ihMdusqfn qk Kbr PYl geI sI. gurjMt dy pirvfr ivc puwq dy kql kfrn mfqm Cf igaf sI. prkfsL kor dy Brf srdUl isMG nUM pqf cilaf qF Auh afp hI af igaf. Aus surjn isMG nUM imlx jFdf qy duwK sFJf kr afAuNdf. Auh do ku mhIny rih ky muV igaf. Aus ny dyK ilaf ik ieQy nf hI koeI irsLvq clxI hY qy nf hI isPfrsL. sfry sbUq surjn isMG dy iKlfP jFdy sn. do hPqy lgfqfr kys cldf irhf. sfrf twbr hI kys dI kfrvfeI suxn puwjdf. surjn isMG df koeI nf koeI dosq vI cly jfieaf krdf. iek idn idlbfg vI igaf pr bfhroN hI muV afieaf. Auh kdy kdy af ky Gr dy kMmF ivc suirMdr dI mwdd krf idaf krdf sI pr Auh hux bhuq hI cuwp cuwp rihx ligaf sI. adflq ivc donF pfisaF dy vkIlF ny jwj qy ijAUrI sfhmxy afpxIaF dlIlF rwKIaF. blfqkfr dI drdnfk khfxI iek vfr iPr kichrI ivc duhrfeI geI. surjn isMG kys nUM mYn slftr iswD krn dI koisLsL ivc sI pr kr nf sikaf. pulIs df kys ijLafdf mjLbUq sI. ijAUrI ny bhumq nfl Aus nUM kfql krfr dy idqf. sB dy ichiraF ‘qy murdyhfnI Cf geI. surjn isMG kithry ivc KVf sB nUM hwQ dy iesLfry nfl hONslf idMdf irhf. Aus nUM Aumr kYd bol geI. Aumr kYd vI hom aOiPs dy mrjLI qk.

AuxwqI rfq Br brPbfrI huMdI rhI. GrF dIaF CwqF, bgIicaF, sVkF, kfrF, pfrkF; sB pfsy motI icwtI rjfeI ivC geI. ruwKF Aupr icwty Puwl af itky. svyr sfr TMzI hvf cl peI ijs kfrn nrm icwtI rjfeI pwQr bxn lgI. lok jfgxy sLurU ho gey. kmiraF dy prdy htf ky dyKdy qF brP dyK ky AuhnF dy ichry pRsMn ho jFdy. ikMny hI sflF bfad lMzn ivc ieMnI brP peI sI. hOlI hOlI lok kMmF ‘qy jfx lgy. gwzIaF brP dI KUbsUrqI nUM gMdf krn lgIaF. kfrF silp ho ho jFdIaF. hYro ivc qF hornF ielfikaF nfloN brP pYNdI vI ijLafdf sI. AuWcf-nIvF ielfkf hox krky kfrF clfAuxIaF hor vI aOKIaf pY rhIaF sn. siqMdr ny prdf htf ky brP dyK rhI sI ik GVI df alfrm vwj igaf. dIpU qy pRIqI iekwTy hI AuT ky bfQrUm vl Bwj qury. pRIqI pihlF jf vVI qy dIpU bfhr KVf drvfjLy nUM ikwkF mfrn ligaf. siqMdr bolI, “qUM hyTF vflI tuafielt ivc cly jf qF.” “iehnUM kih hyTF jfvy.” siqMdr ny dIpU nUM bfhoN PiVaf qy iKcdI hoeI hyTF lY geI qy jbrdsqI PV ky tuafielt ‘qy bYTf idqf. iPr Auh pqI nUM AuTfAux bYWzrUm ivc af geI pr pqI ny rjfeI hor iKwc ky lY leI. Auh rsoeI ivc af ky cfh Drn lg peI. pRIqI tuielt qoN ivhlI ho ky lONj ivc afeI qy vfl vfhux lgI. Auh mF nUM bolI, “mMm, mYN vflL kwt lYxy aF. bhuq kuljF bxdIaF.” “neIN puwq, kwty vflL suhxy neIN lgdy.” “zYzI aYgrI huMdy, qUM ikAuN neIN huMdI?” “zYzI qyry df kI aY!” “Pyr dIpU dy ikAuN kwty?”

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“bhuqIaF gwlF nf kr, ilaf aury PVf kMGI.” “neIN, qUM duk lOxF.” afKdI pRIqI bfQrUm ivc jf ky vflF nUM igwly krky vfhux dI koisLsL krn lgI. siqMdr iek vfr iPr pqI nUM jgfAux cly geI. Auh Aus nUM moZHy qoN PV ky ihlfAuNdI bolI, “AuTo, dyKo bfhr snoa peI aY, [[[dyKo jLrf AuT ky, ikMnI ibAUtIPuwl lgdI aY.” “qyry nfloLN vI ijLafdf?” afKidaF pqI ny Aus nUM vI rjfeI ivc iKc ilaf. siqMdr pqI nUM cuMbVdI bolI, “AuTo, neIN qF mYnUM vI nINd afAux lg pYxI aF. [[[inafxy vI skUly Cwzxy aF. nflLy kfr stfRt kr ky dyK lE ik huMdI vI aY ik neIN.” “inafxy qUM skUl Cwz af, mYnUM hfly nINd afAuNdI aY.” “bfhr df mOsm dyKo, Blf mYN kfr clf lAUN?” afKdI Auh AuT KVI qy hyTF af ky bwicaF nUM nfsLqy leI zfeIinMg tybl ‘qy bYTf ilaf. dIpU kuJ vI Kfx qoN ienkfr krI jf irhf sI. siqMdr qrFH qrFH dy lflc dy ky sIrIal Auhdy mUMh ivc pf rhI sI. pRIqI afpxf sIrIal mukf ky ipE nUM hfkF mfrn lgI, “zYz, km aOn, af jo, snoa mYn myk krIey.” bwcy snoamYn bxfAux leI brP nUM AuzIkdy rihMdy sn. siqMdr bolI, “neIN, bfhr neIN inklxf, TMz lg jfAU, nflLy isr Zk.” ieMny icr ivc Pon dI GMtI vwjx lgI. pqI AuproN hI boilaf, “Pon dyKo ikhdf aY, myrf hoieaf qF kih deIN dsF imMtF ‘c dubfrf kro.” afKdf Auh bfQrUm ivc jf viVaf. siqMdr ny Pon suixaF qy bfQrUm dy bfhr KV kihx lgI, “jldI kro, qusIN qyjI qy sUrj nUM vI lY ky jfxF.” “ikAuN? [[[sfb ikDr igaY? “Auh kMm ‘qy inkl igaY, snoa ijAuN peI aY, bIjLI hoAU.” pqI iqafr ho ky pOVIaF Auqrdf bwicaF nUM boilaf, “clo beI kfr dy sLIsLy sfP kro qy nfl snoamYn bxfAuxf sLurU kro.” “ikAuN, iehnF nUM ibmfr krnY?” “jy qUM iehnF nUM nfjLk bxf ky rwKxf qF ibmfr qF afpy hoxgy eI.” afKdf Auh dovF bwicaF nUM AuNgl lf ky bfhr inkl igaf. kfr leI gYrj qF AuhnF dy Gr dy nfl hY sI pr kfr kdy gYrj ivc nhIN sI KVI kIqI. Aus ny kfr dy sLIsLy sfP kIqy. bwicaF nUM snoamYn bxfAux lf ky afp Auh kfr stfRt krky dyKx lg ipaf. kfr pihlI sYlP nfl hI cwl peI. pqnI bwicaF nUM brP nfl KylHx qoN rokdI rhI pr bwcy afpo afpxf snoamYn bxfAux ivc ruJy rhy. pRIqI ny afpxf snoamYn lgBg bxf ilaf pr dIpU qoN bx nhIN sI irhf ies leI Auh rox lg ipaf. zYzI ny Aus dI mwdd kIqI qF Auh KusL ho igaf. Aus ny bwicaF nUM kfr ivc bYTfieaf qy kfr qor leI. brP imDdI kfr sVk ‘qy af geI. ieh CotI roz sI, bhuqIaF kfrF nf lMGIaF hox krky brP BwjI nhIN sI, kONsl vfilaF ny ieDr girwt vI nhIN sI iCVkI. Auh hOlI hOlI bhuq hI iDafn nfl kfr clf irhf sI. mwuK sVk qy afieaf qF ieh kuJ rmf ho cuwkI sI. Auh iPr nfl dI CotI roz Aupr jf viVaf. Aus ny dUjy bwcy vI lYxy sn. pRIqI qy dIpU afps ivc lVdy hoey iek dUjy qy ieljLfm lfeI jf rhy sn. iek dUjy dIaF zYzI kol isLkfieqF vI kr rhy sn. jd qyjI qy sUrj vI kfr ivc cVH afey qF Auh cfry afpxIaF gwlF ivc KuwB gey. nvIaF vIizE gymF bfry gwlF krn lgy. BfvyN AuhnF nUM pMjfbI ivc gwlF krn dI sKq ihdfieq sI pr Auh Buwl jFdy qy aMgryjLI bolx lgdy. iJVk Kf ky iPr pMjfbI vl af jFdy.

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bwicaF df skUl kuJ dUr sI. iek skUl qF AuhnF dy Gr dy iblkul hI njLdIk vI pr ies skUl dy nqIjy cMgy afAuNdy sn ies leI AuhnF ny bwcy ieQy pfey sn. aijhy mOsm ivc mfpy BfvyN aOKy hox pr bwcy pUrf anMd lY rhy sn. suirMdr qoN alwg ho ky gulvMq ijs Gr ivc igaf sI Auh srUp df sI. kImqF vDx dy zroN srUp ny KrId ilaf sI pr KflI hI ipaf sI. rfjU vI ieMzIaf qoN muiVaf qF Ausy Gr ivc hI af itikaf. gulvMq ny suirMdr nUM iek idn Auh Gr idKfANidaF ikhf sI, “prsoN nUM afpF cfbI dy dyxI aF, mYN ieQy mUv ho jfxF, mYN cfhuMnF qUM vI iswDI eyQy afvyN.” “guwl, nYvr, ieh gwl qF Buwl eI jf. [[[cuwp krky qUM afpxy ihwsy df smfn cuwk ilaf.” “neIN, mYN koeI smfn neIN cuwkxF, jo qUM lY ky jfxf lY jfh qy bfkI Cwz jfeIN.” “guwl qyrI mrjLI.” guwl iek vfr Aus Gr ivcoN aijhf igaf ik muV AuDr nUM mUMh nhIN sI kIqf. suirMdr hOlI hOlI smfn zYzI dy Gr cuwk lY geI. cfbI nvyN KrIddfr nUM dy idqI geI. gulvMq dy ihwsy df cYWk Aus nUM puwjdf ho igaf. rfjU ny ieMzIaf qoN afAuNdy ny hI gYrj dyKxI sLurU kr idqI. pYsy qF Aus kol pey hI sn. iehnF idnF ivc hI Aus df qlfk vI ho igaf. iPr Aus ny afpxf alwg Gr KrId ilaf qy CyqI hI iek gYrj vI Kohl leI. gulvMq ny ruafiel zIn ivcoN kMm Cwz idqf sI. kuJ dyr ivhlf rih ky Auh iek iestyt eyjMt nfl kMm krn jf ligaf. rfjU dI gYrj CyqI hI cwl peI pr gulvMq df kMm sfvF hI sI. iestyt eyjMt qnKfh QoVI hI idMdf sI. rfjU bhuq kihMdf ik Aus nfl gYrj ivc hI af jfvy pr Aus nUM gYrj vflf kMm bhuqf psMd nhIN sI. gulvMq iestyt eyjMt ivc kMm krn ligaf qF Aus df qjurbf hoieaf ik bfhroN sOKf ijhf idsdf kMm asl ivc bhuq aOKf sI. ivEpfrk mukfblf lohVy df sI. iesLiqhfrbfjLI Aupr vI bhuq Krc krnf pYNdf. gfhk vI hyrfPyrI kr jFdy. bYNkF-iblizMg susfietIaF vfilaF nfl dosqIaF rwKxIaF pYNdIaF qF jo gfhkF nUM krjLf duafieaf jf sky. iestyt eyjMt nfl kMm krn df iek Pfiedf Aus nUM ieh hoieaf ik Aus nUM ivbIan iml peI. Auh AuQy hI kMm krdI sI. Aus dI afpxy buafey PrYSz nfloN pMj sfl bfad Cwz-CzfeI hoeI sI. Auh iksy amIr aOrq nfl jf rihx ligaf sI. ieDr gulvMq df vI idl tuwitaf hoieaf sI. dovyN hI iek dUjy leI shfrf bx gey, do idlF df afrjLI ijhf bMn-Cuwb ho igaf. gulvMq nUM kMm krdy nUM sfl vI nhIN hoieaf hoxf ik iestyt eyjMt dy mflk ny dukfn vyc idqI. nvyN mflk nUM gulvMq dI jLrUrq nhIN sI. Auh iek vfr iPr ivhlf ho igaf. iek idn srUp Aus nUM boilaf, “ikAuN neIN qUM dukfn lY lYNdf, khyN qF mYN dyKxI sLurU kr idMnF.” “BfjI, myry qoN quhfzy ijMny GMty kMm neIN kr hoxF.” “zfkKfny ivc ieMny GMty lfAuNdf irhF, dukfn ivc vI Eny ku eI lgdy af, neIN qF iestyt e yjMsI eI Kohl lY, hux qjurbf qF qYnUM hYgf eI.” srUp dI gwl Aus nUM psMd af geI. Auh dukfn lwBx ligaf. mhInf ku GuMm ky Aus nUM eIilMg roz Aupr iek KflI dukfn iml geI. AuQy Aus ny afpxI iestyt eyjMsI Kohl leI; ‘tYWn bfeI tYWn iestyt eyjMsI’. ieh bUm df vkq sI GrF-dukfnF dI bhuq mMg sI. lok mUMh mMgI kImq dy rhy sn. bYNkF vfly vI mncfhy krjLy dyeI jf rhy sn. gulvMq ny lokl aKbfrF ivc msLhUrIaF dyxIaF sLurU kr idqIaF. GrF ivc vI iesLiqhfr sutvfey. Gr vycx dy nfl nfl Aus ny GrF nUM ikrfey ‘qy dyx df kMm vI sLurU kr ilaf. hOlI

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hOlI Auh ivasq hox ligaf. ivbIan Aus nfl kMm krn af lgI. iPr Aus nUM iek hor aOrq ilMzy vI kMm ‘qy rwKxI peI. srUp kuJ idnF leI ieMzIaf igaf hoieaf sI. vfps muVdf hI gulvMq nUM Pon krky boilaf, “qyry qlfk vflLf kI PMzf beI?” “BfjI, mYN kihMdf sI ik iksy qrFH bc jfey, qlfk nf hovy.” “ieMny sfl ho gey kys cldy nUM, do sfl dI sYpyrysLn qoN bfad qF EdF eI qlfk ho jFdf, qUM aYvyN eI rwsI nUM swp smJ ky kutI jFnY, cuwp krky qlfk lY qy ivhlf ho, ieMzIaf vflLy qyrI vyt krI jFdy af.” Aus nUM vI ligaf ik bhuq ho igaf hY. vkIl vI ieho slfh dy irhf sI ik qlfk nUM ltkfAux df koeI Pfiedf nhIN hY. ikMnf kuJ soc ky Aus ny suirMdr nUM Pon kIqf, “ikAuN beI tYWn bfeI tYWn, qUM kihMdI sI ik zYzI df kys iksy kMZy lg jfvy, hux qF ijhVf vI PYsl hoxf sI ho igaf, hux qF af jf.” “neIN gwul, suKvIr ny myry krky afpxI ijLMdgI Krfb kIqI sI, ieh iksy kMZy lg jfvy, mYN afpxy bfry Pyr socUMgI.” “dyK, myry Grdy myry ipwCy pey hoey af ik jF qF suirMdr nUM ilaf jF Pyr hor ivafh krf.” “qUM hor ivafh krf lY.” “jfxI ik qUM neIN afAuxf.” “ikhVI kuVI cfhU ik Auhdf Gr nf vsy pr myrIaF kuJ mjbUrIaF hYgIaF, [[[smJ.” gulvMq ny vkIl dy jf ky qlfk dI ptIsLn ‘qy dsqKq kr idqy. nfl hI aMimRq dy Krcy qy aYksYWs df kys vI inbwV igaf. qIh pONz Aus nUM hPqy df Krc pY igaf ijhVf ik aMimRq dy solF sfl dI hox qk dyxf pYxf sI. Aus nUM mhIny ivc cfr GMty imlx df aYksYWs iml igaf. pihly mhIny Auh igaf qy aMimRq nUM ieDr EDr Gumf ky kuJ qohPy dy ky Cwz afieaf. aYqvfr df hI idn Aus kol KflI huMdf sI qy aYqvfr dy idn hI suirMdr ny surjn isMG nUM imlx jfxf huMdf sI. do ku vfr qoN bfad suirMdr pihlF ijhy hI bhfny bxfAux lgI; aMimRq TIk nhIN hY, aMimRq dI shylI df jnmidn hY, AuQy jfxf hY afid. do vfr Auh suirMdr dy GroN aMimRq nUM dyKy ibnF muV afieaf. suirMdr zrn lgdI sI ik ikqy Auh aMimRq nUM Aus qoN Koh hI nf lvy. jd vI aMimRq Aus nfl bfhr jFdI qF keI idn qk ‘zYzI, zYzI’ dI muhfrnI pVHdI rihMdI. hfr ky gulvMq nUM ieMnf guwsf ciVHaf ky afpxf kMm ivbIan nUM sMBfl ky iqMn hPqy leI ieMzIaf nUM cVH igaf. ivafh krf afieaf. bfkI sfry qF Aus dy hor ivafh krf lYx ‘qy KusL sn pr ivbIan Aus nfl guwsy ho geI. Aus ny gulvMq qoN bhuq afsF rwK leIaF sn. BfvyN Auh iekwTy nhIN sn rihMdy pr iPr vI Auh Aus nUM ipafr krn lgI sI. Aus ny ivbIan nUM spwsLt vI kIqf hoieaf sI ik AuhnF dy sbMD afrjLI hn qy ho skdf hY Aus dI pqnI vfps muV afvy pr ivbIan ny Aus df ivafh krfAuxf idl nUM lf ilaf qy kMm Cwz ky alop ho geI. aijhI alop hoeI ik muV ky afpxI qnKfh lYx vI nhIN afeI qy nf hI dPqr dIaF zuplIkyt cfbIaF vfps krn afeI. gulvMq ny kMm leI ivbIan dI QF sfeImn rwK ilaf. sfeImn afpxy kMm ivc pUrI qrFH inpuMn sI. Aus ny qnKfh BfvyN kuJ ijLafdf mMgI sI pr gulvMq nUM puwgdf sI. gulvMq dy ivafh krfAux mgroN rfjU vI ieMzIaf qur igaf. Aus ny vI jFidaF hI ivafh krf ilaf. gulvMq ny nfl dI hI roz ‘qy afpxy leI Gr KrId ilaf. Aus dI pqnI ieMzIaf qoN puwj geI. ijLMdgI muV lIhy pY qurI. AuhnF dy Gr pihlf bwcf kuVI hoeI; pRIqI. iblkul aMimRq vrgI. gulvMq dI tIs kuJ Gtx lgI. sfl bfad hI dIpU af igaf. iehnF idnF ivc hI Auh aMimRq nUM iml vI nf sikaf qy loV vI mihsUs nf

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hoeI. Auh aMimRq nUM imlx leI suirMdr nUM Pon krdf qF Auh aigEN AultI iswDI gwl kr idMdI. siqMdr keI vfr kih idMdI, “jfE, aMimRq nUM lY afE, mYN vI dyK lvF, sfry kihMdy pRIqI iblkul Ehdy vrgI aY.” gulvMq hws ky tflL idMdf. hOlI hOlI suirMdr Aus dy idl dy ipCly rKinaF ivc puwjdI hox lgI pr jd kdy Aus dI Xfd df JoNkf afAuNdf qF Aus dy idl ivc qfr ijhI iPr jFdI qy Auh sInf PVH ky bih jFdf. iPr vI Auh nvyN jIvn ivc sihj ho igaf sI. hux rfjU dy vI do bwcy ho gey sn, lgBg Aus dy bwicaF dI Aumr dy hI. Auh afpxy Gr TIk sI. gulvMq df kfrobfr TIk cl irhf sI ik ieMglYNz dy hflfq bdlx lgy. ieMglYNz dy kI pUry XOrp dI iekOnomI ivc ijhVf bUm afieaf sI Aus ny mMdvfVy df rUp Dfrn krnf sLurU kr idqf. QYcr srkfr brqfnvI iekOnomI nUM nklI tIky lf lf ky KVf krn dI koisLsL krdI jf rhI sI; kdy tYlIPon mihkmf vyc idqf qy kdy gYs qy kdy ibjlI mihkmf. jfiedfdF dIaF kImqF loV qoN ikqy Aupr cly geIaF sn. mMdvfVy kfrn vwzIaF vwzIaF PYktrIaF qy PrmF bMd hox lgIaF, lok ivhly hox lg pey. nOkrI nf hox krky lokF qoN GrF dIaF iksLqF moVnIaF aOKIaf ho geIaF. lokF dy idvflLy inklx lg pey. bYNkF GrF Aupr kbjLf krn lgIaF. mfrkIt ivc vycx vfly GrF dI igxqI ieMnI ho geI ik GrF dIaF kImqF iek dm hyTF af geIaF. Gr ivkxy musLkl ho gey. bhuq sfry lok afpxy bYNk jF iblizMg susfietI kol jFdy qy Gr dI cfbI PVf afAuNdy. afky kONsl dI sLrx ivc cly jFdy. nqIjn bYNk qy iblizMg susfietIaF Pyhl hox lgy. arQ sLfsLqrI hYrfn sn ik bYNkF ny lokF nUM jfiedfd dI kImq qoN vwD krjLy ikvyN dy idqy. ieh khfvq bx geI ik ijhVf ies mMdvfVy qoN bc igaf Auh kdy mfr nhIN KFdf. ies df asr gulvMq ‘qy pYxf kudrqI sI pr Aus dy ikrfey ‘qy idqy GrF ivcoN kuJ afmdn af rhI sI. Aus nfl kMm krdf sfeImn qyjL bMdf sI Auh koeI nf koeI jugfV bxfeI rwKdf pr iPr vI Aus ny ilMzy nUM kMm qoN htf idqf sI. ies mMdvfVy df jy iksy Aupr asr nhIN sI qF Auh sI srUp. Aus dI dukfn dI vwtq GtI qF sI pr Aus dy Krcy bhuqy nhIN sn ies leI bhuqf Prk nf ipaf. iPr Aus ny gulvMq rfhIN Gr ikrfey ‘qy idqf hoieaf sI, Aus dI vI lgfqfr afmdn af rhI sI. jdoN qoN srUp vwzI sfrI pwg bMn ky qy dfhVI rwK ky KfilsqfnI bx igaf sI, gulvMq ny Aus vl jfxf Gwt kIqf hoieaf sI pr iPr vI kdy nf kdy cly hI jFdf. iek idn srUp gulvMq nUM puwCx ligaf, “gVbV ikQy aY?” “BfjI, Gr dI kImq do gwlF ‘qy inrBr huMdI aY; iek Aus jgfh dI kImq ijQy Gr bixaF huMdY qy dUjf Gr nUM bxfAux dI kImq. nf jgfh dI kImq vDI aY qy nf hI Gr bxfAux dI kImq ivc vfDf hoieaf, ieh bUm srkfr qy bYNkF ny pYdf kIqf hoieaf sI, qy kuJ sfzy vrgy eyjMtF ny ijhVy moty moty krjLy cukvf ky lokF nUM mOrtgyj dy phfV hyT dyeI jFdy sI.” gulvMq df dosq ivjy ies GuMmx GyrI ivc Pisaf hoieaf sI. Aus dI grOsrI dI dukfn sI. iek qF hux vwzy vwzy stor KulH gey sn qy dUsry mMdvfVy kfrn Aus dI vwtq bhuq Gwt geI sI. dukfn dy Krcy pihlF ijMny hI sn. kYmzn tfAUn dy ielfky ivc Aus dI dukfn sI ijQy kONsl dy jnrl ryts qy ikrfey afm nfloN vDyry sn. ivjy ny afpxy inwjI Krcy bhuq Gtf idqy. sLrfb pIxI Cwz idqI. iksy nUM imlxf julxf vI Gwt kr idqf. kuJ sfh afieaf qF Aus ny gulvMq nUM Pon kIqf, “ikwdF beI, vycI jfnY lokF nUM suPny?” “gwl qyrI TIk aY, Gr aj kl suPnf eI hoieaf ipaY, kI hfl aY, lONg tfeIm no Pon, no sI!” “qUM mYnUM miraf smJdf hoxF.” “mrn afpxy dusLmx! [[[pr qUM kdy koeI Pon neIN kdy kuJ hor neIN, pMjfh mYsyj Cwzy hoxyN af mYN qYnUM.” “mYsyj qyry sfry eI iml gey pr qyry krIeyt kIqy eys irsYsLn ny burI hflq kIqI peI aY.” “af jf Xfr ikqy bYTIey, bhuq dyr ho geI, bhuq idl kr irhY.”

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“idl qF myrf vI krdY, aYqvfr nUM qUM ivhlf eI huMnY af jf ikqy.” ivjy ny pUry moh nfl ikhf. gulvMq socx ligaf ik afAuNdy hI iksy aYqvfr Aus vl gyVf mfr ky afvygf. purfxy dosqF jF vfkPF ivcoN iek ivjy hI sI ijs nfl Aus df rfbqf rih igaf sI. srUp BfvyN qfey df puwq-Brf sI pr Auh KfilsqfnI bx jfx kfrn Aus nfl Auh bhuqf nhIN sI imldf. srUp afp vI hux isafsq ivc ihwsf lYx ligaf sI. dukfn ‘qy bhuqf smF sqnfmI hI huMdI. Aus dy donoN bwcy hux XUnIvrstI jFdy sn. Kfilsqfn dI lihr jLrf TMzI peI qF Aus ny dfhVI kuqrnI sLurU kr idqI. idlbfg nfl Aus df koeI vfh nhIN sI pr srUp kol idlbfg kdy kdy af jfieaf krdf sI. Aus df muMzf pVHn nUM iZwlf inkilaf sI qy kMm krn lg ipaf sI. kuVI pVHn ivc huisLafr hox krky XUnI puwj geI sI. idlbfg ibmfrI df bhfnf krky Gry hI bYTf sosLl sikAurtI lY irhf sI. avqfr ieMzIaf qoN muV ky nhIN sI afieaf. Auh kYnyzf puwj igaf sI qy AuQy hI sYWtl ho igaf sI. bnfrsI dfs dI mOq ho cuwkI sI. Aus dI pqnI lfjvMqI ny iqMnoN muMzy ivafh idqy sn qy Auh ajkl mMidr dI pRDfn bxI hoeI sI. gulvMq nUM iehnF KbrF nfl hux bhuqf srokfr nhIN sI. Aus dI afpxI ijLMdgI msq hfQI-cfl cwlI jf rhI sI. iek aYqvfr Cwz ky Auh ivjy dI dukfn Aupr Aus nUM imlx cly igaf. ivjy ijvyN Aus nUM AuzIk hI irhf hovy. dovyN nfl dy pwb ivc jf bYTy qy ruafiel zIn dy suinhrI idnF dIaF XfdF ivc guafc gey. gulvMq vFg hI ivjy df vI iksy purfxy bMdy nfl vfh nhIN sI. gwlF gwlF ivc ivjy puwCx ligaf, “buVHy df kI hfl aY beI?” “kuJ neIN pqf, koeI Kbr neIN.” “BrjfeI eI kdy imlI hoAU.” “nf beI, nON ds sfl ho gey, pqf neIN jIAUNdI vI aY ik mr geI, [[[mYnUM eynf pqf ik hr hPqy myry Kfqy ivcoN qIh pONz inkl jFdy af.” “aMimRq vI neIN dyKI kdy?” “nf beI, pihlF AuhdI mF afkvRz bxdI rihMdI sI, iPr mYN vI awk igaf, hux qF AuhdI mF ny Auhdy mn ivc pqf neIN kI kI jLihr Br idqI hovy, vwzI hoeI nUM eI dyKFgy, [[[nflLy afey ‘m hYpI mYn nfE.” “Eh ijhVI gorI huMdI sI qyry nfl dPqr ivc, GuMgrflyL vflLF vflI, iqwKIaF CfqIaF vflLI, kdy imldI huMdI aY? [[[kI nF sI Ehdf? [[[hF hF, ivbIan!” hYro qoN grInPorz roz Aupr afeIey qF szbrI ihwl stysLn qoN pihlF pihlF iek aYlIvya inkldf sI. ies dy bfhr hI borz ligaf hoieaf sI; ‘cwTf motrjL’. ies dy nfl hI iqMn iqkonF dy insLfn bxy hoey sn, ijhnF Aupr aMgryjLI ivc iliKaf hoieaf sI; vI zU aYm[E[tI hyar. ds ku gjL aYlIvya lMG ky agy KulHf sfrf hfqf af jFdf sI. ieQy sYikMz hYNz kfrF KVIaF rihMdIaF sn, ijhnF Aupr AuhnF dI kImq lgI huMdI. iek pfsy kuJ kfrF murMmq krn vflIaF vI KVIaF huMdIaF. nfl hI vwzI sfrI gYirj sI. do mkYink hr vyly kfrF TIk kr rhy huMdy. iek aYnkF vflf mkYink kFqI sLfh iksy nf iksy kfr dI aYm[E[tI kr irhf huMdf. vrksLfp dy nfl hI swjy pfsy dPqr sI ijs dy do ihwsy sn. iek ihwsy ivc bYTy gfhk AuzIk kr rhy huMdy qy dUjy ihwsy ivc dPqrI kfrvfeI cwl rhI huMdI. hr kfr dI sfl bfad inrK-prK krf ky srtIiPkyt lYxf huMdf ik ieh sVk ‘qy cwlx dy kfbl vI hY ik nhIN. iesy srtIiPkyt nUM aYm[E[tI[ kihMdy sn. lokF df kihxf sI ik ies gYrj ivcoN kfr TIk krfeI hovy qF QoVy kIqy Krfb nhIN huMdI. aYm[E[tI[ ivc vI kuJ irafieq kr idqI jFdI sI. ipCly sflF ivc ies gYrj df vfhvf nF bx cuwikaf sI. BfAU prgt isMG nUM ievyN hI iksy ny ies gYrj bfry dwisaf sI. Auh afpxI kfr aYlIvya ivc hI Cwz ky qur afieaf. kFqI sLfh nUM dyK ky boilaf,

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“bfhr cwTf motrjL iliKaf pr lgdI AU kwCIaF dI gYrj!” “ikaf khf srdfr jI?” “kuJ neIN E BYeIaf, aYm[E[tI[ krOxI aF pr jy nuks kwZxy AUN qF rihx dy.” kFqI sLfh Aus dI gwl ‘qy jLrf ku hwisaf qy kihx ligaf, “srdfr jI, nuks hogf qo inklygf hI, bfbf afdm ky smyN kI kfr hY!” “dyK E BYeIaf, myrI bwkI nUM eydF nf kih, neIN krnI aYm[E[tI[ qF bysLwk nf kr.” “afp cfbI gfVI myN CoV jfE aOr AuDr jf ky vyitMg rUm myN bYTo.” “BYeIaf, iek awDy nuks ‘qy irjYkt nf kr mfrIN Xfr.” “ary srdfr jI, nuks hogf qo irpyar vI kr dyNgy.” “qum iCwl lfhnI cfhqy ho!” prgt isMG Aus nfl myr ijhI pYdf krdf vyitMg rUm vl qur ipaf. dPqr ivc vI ‘cwTf motrjL’ df borz lf ky Aus ivc lfeItF iPwt kIqIaF hoeIaF sn. Auh AuWcI afvfjL ivc borz pVHn ligaf, “cwTf motrjL, [[[bwly Eey cwiTE, Cf gey jy, neI rIsF!” gYrj vloN rfjU dPqr ivc afieaf qy prgt isMG nUM kihx ligaf, “bs jI aglI vfrI quhfzI kfr dI eI aY.” “cwTy, cImy qy cfhl, [[[mYN ikhf Cfey pey ny, ieMzIaf ivc vI qy eyQy vI, bs jI, iehnF dI eI cldI AU.” rfjU Aus dI gwl ‘qy jLrf ku muskRfieaf. prgt isMG iPr boilaf, “mYN afieaF quhfzy kol jwt Brf hox krky pr qUM cODrI bxfieaf hoieaY iek kwCI nUM, dyKIN ikqy Coty moty nuks ‘qy irjYkt eI nf kr mfry.” “qusIN iPkr nf kro, afrfm nflL bYTo.” “qusIN ikhVy ielfky dy cwTy E?” “kpUrQlLy qoN.” “bwly beI bwly! cwTy qF hryk ijLly ivc eI Cfey hoey ny.” “qusIN?” “ahIN iswDU huMny aF, inwkf ijhf goq aY, [[[afh kwCI nUM kih Cwz beI jwt Brf dI kfr jy.” rfjU iPr muskRfieaf qy Aus qoN pihly gfhk dI aYm[E[tI iqafr krn ligaf. prgt isMG afpxI gwl krdf igaf, “eyh jwt kOm bVI kuqI cIjL AU, ijvyN kuwqf kuwqy df vYrI, bh ieho kMm AU iehnF df vI. [[[cwiTaF, cfhlF, cIimaF, ivrkF dIaF dosqIaF vI qy dusLmxIaF vI bhuq msLhUr ny, [[[ahfzy kMm ‘qy cwTf juafeI qy cfhl suhrf, bs pY igaf pMgf. [[[dyKIN Xfr iek afrI kwCI nUM kih dy mfVf ijhf!” kuJ ilKdy rfjU ny isr cuwk ky Aus vl dyiKaf qy muV ky afpxy kMm lg igaf. imMt ku bfad iPr prgt isMG afKx ligaf, “cwTf sfb, dyKxf jLrf kwCI nUM, kfr trYk ‘qy cfVH leI AU.” “qusIN iPkr nf kro, qswlI nflL bYTo, cfh pIxI qF mMgfvF?” “qUM jLrf kwCI nUM smJf dy beI afpxI eI kfr AU, qyry ieMny kihx nflL mYnUM cfh dy kwp ijMnF mjLf af jfxYN. [[[iehnF aYnkF vfly bMidaF ‘qy mYnUM bhuqf Brosf neIN, [[[dIhMdf qF pihlF eI iehnF nUM lMgy zMg huMdf!” kihMdf Auh hwisaf qy nfl hI rfjU vI. prgt isMG nUM rfjU dy hfsy nfl qswlI ijhI ho geI. Aus ny gwl muV goqF vwl lY aFdI, “pfiksqfn bxn qoN pihlF dIaF bhuq khfxIaF imlLdIaF suxn nUM, [[[iek dUjy dy phU Kohl lYxyN, GoVIaF duVf lY jfxIaF, corI krn leI ielfky vMz lYxYN, [[[pr cwiTaF dI gwl eI koeI hor AU.” jd qk kFqI sLfh aYm[E[tI. vflI sLIt lY afieaf. rfjU ny afpxI PIs mMgidaF ikhf,

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“lE iswDU sfihb, qusIN vI kI Xfd kroNgy, nuks qF keI aY, lfeItF jLrf cYWk krf ilE, muhrly donoN tfier bdlx vfly aY pr asIN quhfnUM aYm[E[tI[ dy idMny aF.” “bwly E bwly! mYN qF pihlF eI ikhf sI beI cwiTaF dI gwl eI koeI hor AU!”

qIh rxjIq dy Gr nf prqx vflI rfq iekbfl isMG Aupr vI Gwt BfrI nhIN sI. Auh pqI-pqnI qF soc rhy sn ik sLfied rxjIq iksy hor muMzy nfl hI Bwj geI hovygI pr prmjIq Aus dy iPkr ivc mfiraf jf irhf sI. Auh kfr lY ky kmilLaF-hfr sVkF Aupr dOV lgf irhf sI. iksy pfrk ivc jF sVk ‘qy qurI jFdI kuVI idsdI qF Aus nUM lgdf ik Auh rxjIq hI hY, Auh Bjdf hoieaf Aus qk puwj jFdf qy iPr inmoJUxf ho muV afAuNdf. Aus dy mFpy Gr bYTy Aus leI qVP rhy sn. jgIr kor dIaF qF aFdrF hI inklIaF jf rhIaF sn. Aus ny afpxI mF rfhIN rxjIq dy Gr keI Pon krfey pr rfxI df kuJ pqf nhIN sI cilaf. prmjIq dI rfq bhuq hI musLkl nfl inklI. agly idn svyry hI AuhnF dy Gr iPr jgIr kor nUM Pon krnf ipaf. jd rxjIq muV afeI qF suirMdr ny kih idqf ik Auh rfqIN BYx vl cly geI sI ijs df AuhnF nUM bfad ivc pqf cilaf. hux rxjIq Gr puwj geI sI qF prmjIq Aus nfl gwl krn leI qrlomwCI hoieaf ipaf sI. jgIr kor Pon Aupr suirMdr nUM sunyhf idMdI qy suirMdr kih idMdI ik rxjIq bfhr geI hoeI hY. jd nf hI koeI gwl bxI qF Aus ny afp Pon kIqf qy suirMdr nUM kihx ligaf, “plIjL lYWt mI tfk tU rfnI, plIjL, lYWt mI sy hr hYlo!” “sLI ‘jL gOn afAUt, mYN AuhnUM qyrf mYsyj dy dyAUN, zONt vwrI!” pr Aus nUM ies jvfb nfl qswlI nhIN sI ho rhI. Auh qF do bol rxjIq nfl sFJy krny cfhuMdf sI. Aus dI mF idn Br Aus nUM smJfAuNdI rhI, sbr krn leI kihMdI rhI. iekbfl isMG afpxy puwqr dy pfglpn kfrn guwsy nfl Biraf ipaf sI. agly idn sLfm qk gurjMt dy kql dIaF KbrF afAux lgIaF. Aus qoN agly idn aKbfrF dIaF surKIaF ies kql nfl BrIaF peIaF sn qy kql dy sMBfivq kfrn dy nflL vI. prmjIq hor vI qVPx ligaf. Aus ny iPr rxjIq nfl gwl krn dI koisLsL kIqI pr kfmXfb nf ho sikaf. iekbfl isMG puwq nUM boilaf, “prmjIq, Auh kuVI hux Auh neIN rhI ijs nUM qUM lv krdf sI.” “vfey nOt?” “ibkOjL sLI hYjL bIn rypz!” “so vOt! [[[ietjL nOt hr POlt, [[[mYn hU rypz hr, iejL no mor, vwt aYljL?” prmjIq ny idRV afvfjL ivc ikhf. iekbfl isMG iKwJdf hoieaf afpxI pqnI nUM afKx ligaf, “qUM eI smJf afpxy lfzly nUM, ieh sflLf nvF eI romIEN pYdf hoieaf, [[[lwKF kuVIaF hor hYgIaF, smJf iehnUM!” “bwt zYz, dyar ‘jL EnlI vn rfnI! [[[zYz, afey lv hr!” “Xfr, ieh kI lv lv lfeI aY! Auh kuVI hux Auh neIN rhI, sLI ‘jL vfeIs grl nfE.” iekbfl isMG AuWcI afvfjL ivc boilaf. iek pl leI qF prmjIq zr igaf pr agly pl kihx ligaf, “zYz, afey vON ‘tU sI hr vns!”

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“AuQy pulIs afeI bYTI aY, sO iksm dI ienkuafrI cl rhI aY, hfly kuVI ny kichrI ivc qrIkF BugqxIaF, qYnUM Auhdy nfl gwl krn dI peI aY!” iPr Aus ny afpxy puwq dy moZyH ‘qy hwQ rwK ky afiKaf, “dyK prmjIq, qUM afpxI pVHfeI vl iDafn dy qy ivhly smyN ivc myry kol dPqr af ky mwdd kiraf kr.” “zYz, myry qoN kMnsMtryt neIN huMdf! ieho mYN tYWl krn dI trfeI krdF, afey nIz tU sI hr.” Auh qVPdf irhf pr rxjIq nUM nf Auh iml sikaf qy nf hI Pon Aupr koeI gwl kr sikaf. iek idn Auh rxjIq dy Gr vI cly igaf pr suirMdr ny drvfjLy ivcoN hI kih idqf ik rxjIq Gr nhIN. Aus nUM pqf sI ik hux ieh irsLqf isry nhIN cVH skxf. blfqkfr hoeI kuVI df sfzy smfj ivc sQfn bhuqf vDIaf nhIN huMdf. rxjIq df idl krdf sI ik prmjIq nfl imly pr Auh vI Gr dy hflfq dyK ky cuwp rihMdI. Gr ivc jldI jldI ieMnf kuJ vfpr irhf sI ik Aus nUM bhuqf socx df mOkf vI nhIN sI iml irhf. prmjIq hr rojL hI afpxy mFipaF nfl bihsdf. pihlF Auh afpxy ipE nfl gwl krdf kuJ iJjkdf huMdf sI pr hux Auh KulH ky gwl krn ligaf sI. hux mF nUM ipE-puwq ivckfr ivcoligrI dI jLrUrq nhIN sI pYNdI. iekbfl isMG klLpdf hoieaf kihMdf, “jy sflLy do-cfr inafxy huMdy qF eyhdI kdy prvfh nf krdf. [[[krn idMdf jo eyhny krnYN!” prmjIq dI ishq Krfb ho geI. Aus df rMg pIlf iPr igaf. Aus ny Kfxf pIxf Cwz idqf hoieaf sI. iekbfl isMG qy jgIr kor nUM iPkr pY igaf ik ikqy muMzy qoN hI nf hwQ Do bYTx. jgIr kor ny afp suirMdr nUM Pon kIqf, “DIey, jo kuJ vI quhfzy Gr hoieaf, sfnUM bhuq duwK aY, asIN quhfzy hr gm ivc sLrIk aF.” “QYNikAU aMtI jI, rwb dI jo mrjLI, Ehdy muhry ikhdf jLor cldY!” “puwq, asIN quhfzy Gr afAuxf cfhuMny aF.” “aMtI jI, hfly qF asIN bhuq vwzy sLOk ivc aF, hfly sMBly neIN, hfly sfnUM kuJ pqf neIN cldf ik kI krIey kI nf.” “asIN sfrI gwl smJdy aF, kuJ vI hovy afpF nUM ijLMdgI qF jIAuxI eI pYxI aF, [[[nflLy prmjIq vI rxjIq nUM imlxf cfhuMdY.” jgIr kor ny ieMnI apxwq nfl ikhf ik suirMdr nFh nf kr skI. Aus ny Gr ivc jd ieh gwl dwsI qF sfry hI hYrfn rih gey. iek gwl cMgI vI lgI ik jy prmjIq hfly vI rxjIq nUM imlxf cfhuMdf hY qF sLfied Auh ies hfdsy nUM mnjLUr kr lvy qy rxjIq nfl pihlF ijhy sbMD bxfeI rwKy qy iek idn donF df ivafh vI ho jfvy. Auh AuhnF nUM AuzIkx lgy. agly idn hI prmjIq afpxI mF nUM nfl lY ky AuhnF dy Gr af igaf. iekbfl isMG jfx buwJ ky hI nhIN sI afieaf. Auh ieh vI socdf sI ik Gr ivc koeI mrd qF hY nhIN ijhdy nfl Auh gwl kr sky. jgIr kor sB nUM glL lg ky imlI qy ro ky afpxy duwK df iejLhfr kIqf Kfs qOr ‘qy blijMdr nUM Aus ny do vfr afpxI jwPI ivc lY ky aPsos kIqf. AuhnF ny rxjIq qy prmjIq nUM jfx buwJ ky PrMt rUm ivc iekwilaF Cwz idqf qF jo afpxIaF gwlF kr skx. rxjIq ny iek vfr prmjIq vl dyiKaf qy iPr nIvIN pf leI. pYrF dy aMgUTy kfrpYWt ivc KoBx lgI. prmjIq AuT ky Aus dy nyVy ho igaf qy boilaf, “afey ‘m sOrI zfrilMg! [[[bwt afey lv XU, afey mIn iet.” rxjIq ny iek vfr iPr Aus vl dyiKaf qy Aus nUM cuMbVdI BwubIN ho qurI. pUry hfdsy ivc Auh ieMnf nhIN sI roeI. BwubF GtIaF qF hAuky sLurU ho gey. prmjIq Aus dy hMJU pUMJx ligaf. Aus ny bVI musLkl nfl Aus nUM cuwp krfieaf. Auh ikMnI dyr qk iek dUjy nUM bfhF ivc leI bYTy rhy. donF qoN hI boilaf nhIN sI jf irhf. rxjIq ny prmjIq dy moZHy Aupr isr ievyN rwK ilaf ijvyN muV ky cuwkxf hI nf hovy.

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suirMdr df iDafn PrMt rUm vl hI sI. Aus nUM rxjIq df roxf sux irhf sI, Auh KusL vI sI ik ro ky rxjIq dy aMdrlf duwK vih jfvygf. jgIr kor qy prkfsL kor gwlF krdIaF rhIaF pr AuhnF nUM vI ligaf ik rxjIq qy prmjIq loV qoN ijLafdf dyr qoN aMdr hn. suirMdr hOlI ijhI drvfjLf Kohl ky aMdr cly geI. mgry hI jgIr kor qy prkfsL kor vI. rxjIq qy prmjIq hfly vI ikDry dUr gvfcy bYTy sn. AuhnF nUM pqf hI nhIN cwilaf ik Auh kd aMdr afeIaF. prmjIq AuT ky KVf ho igaf qy boilaf, “mOm, afey vON ‘tU mYrI rfnI, mYN jldI ivafh krnf mMgdF!” iekbfl isMG iek vfr iPr afpxf isr PV ky bYT igaf. Aus nUM afpxy muMzy Aupr qF guwsf af hI irhf sI pr Aus aMdr cfhl twbr nfl vI iKwJ pYdf hox lgI ijhVy mwlo-mwlI afpxI dfgI kuVI AuhnF dy muMzy dy glL pf rhy sn. prmjIq Aupr AuhnF ny ijvyN koeI jfdU kr idqf hoieaf sI. Aus nUM rfxI qoN ibnF kuJ ids hI nhIN sI irhf. ijs idn df rfxI nUM iml ky afieaf sI, Aus idn df Aus df ichrf vI kuJ tihkx ligaf. rotI vI cMgI qrFH Kfx ligaf sI qy kMm nUM vI hwQ puafAux zih ipaf sI. Auh rfxI qoN prmjIq nUM ikvyN moVy ies df koeI hwl nhIN sI lwB irhf. bhuq soc ky Aus ny afpxy dPqr ivc kMm krdI sUjI nUM ikhf, “ies mfmly ivc myrI koeI hYWlp kr sUjI.” “imstr bwl, dws, ikho ijhI hYWlp krF?” “mYN pYsy Krc dyAUN, koeI kuVI lwB ky iehdy mgr pf.” “kuVI qF hYgI aY, myrI shylI dI kuVI aY, qyjL vI bhuq aY, sfrI gwl smJ jfvygI.” “TIk aY, pYisaF df iPkr nf kr.” agly hI idn iekbfl isMG dy dPqr ivc vIh ku sfl dI iek kuVI, ikRstI, kMm ‘qy af lgI. Aus df muwK kMm prmjIq dI mwdd krnf sI. ikRstI qyjL qF bhuq sI pr prmjIq nUM ijwq nf skI. dUjy idn hI Aus ny afpxy ipE nUM ikhf, “zYz, ieh kuVI rfeIt neIN, iehnUM kMm qy nf rwK.” “prmjIq, kI rfeIt aY qy kI rONg, qYnUM iekwly nUM eI iehdf pqY!” “zYz, ieh myry nflL nOtI gwlF krdI sI bwt afey lv rfnI.” “qUM ikAuN neIN smJdf ik rfnI hux qyry leI TIk kuVI neIN, Auhdf nF bhuq bYz ho igaf. susfietI eydF dI kuVI nUM lfeyk neIN krdI huMdI.” “hU iejL susfietI? [[[afey lfeyk hr, afey zONt kyar abfAUt aYnIbOzI aYljL. [[[iet ‘jL nOt hr POlt.” “qYnUM vI sfrI Aumr Ehdf bYz nym kYrI krnf pYxF.” “afey zONt mfeINz.” “iek hor gwl bhuq vwzI aY ik ies Gtnf df Auhdy idmfg df qvfjLn vI Krfb kr idqf hoieaY.” “afey zONt iQMk so, mYN qF Auhdy nfl rojL gwlF krdF, jy koeI aYsI gwl hoeI vI qF tfeIm nfl TIk ho jfeygI.” prmjIq afpxI gwl Aupr pUrI qrFH bfijLwd sI. Auh hr rojL rxjIq nUM Pon krdf. do ku vfr Aus nUM imlx AuhnF dy Gr vI jf afieaf sI. jdoN df Auh rxjIq nUM imlx ligaf sI, rxjIq vI sdmy ivcoN bfhr afAux lg peI sI. suirMdr ies gwloN KusL sI pr ieDr iekbfl isMG qy jgIr kor prysLfn hoey bYTy sn. iekbfl isMG ny afpxI pqnI nUM ikhf, “qUM ikAuN neIN kuVI dI mF nfl gwl krdI, AuhnF nUM kih ik kuVI nUM smJfAux.” “dyKo jI, mYN qF soc soc ky kmlLI hoeI peI aF, eys muMzy ny sfzy isr Kyh puaf ky eI rihxF, jy mYN AuhnF nUM ikhf qF iesdf muMzy Aupr Aultf asr vI pY skdf, ikqy muMzf eI hwQoN nf gvf bYTIey.”

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iekbfl isMG ny prmjIq nUM afpxy kol bYTf ky ikhf, “TIk aY, hfly qUM afpxI stwzI vl iDafn dy, hfly qyrI Aumr vI neIN hoeI, hfly qUM Auhdy bfry hor jfx, do ku sfl qk asIN qyrf ivafh kr dyvFgy.” “zYz, rfnI nUM myrI loV hux aYN, do sfl bfad neIN.” “ipE mYN aF ik qUM?” “XU.” “Pyr qUM hr gwl df jvfb pihlF eI GVI iPrdYN, ieh ivafh koeI sbjLI huMdI aY ik jf ky KrId ilafE, iehnUM ErgynfeIjL krn nUM vkq lgdf.” “zYz, myry kol vkq neIN.” prmjIq ny pihly hI imjLfjL ivc ikhf. iekbfl isMG nUM jfipaf ik jF ieh ivafh kry nhIN qF muMzf guaf lvy. Auh qF soc irhf sI ik jykr ivafh nUM agFh pf idqf jfvygf qF jd qk sLfied ies df mn Aus kuVI qoN Br hI jfvy qy Auh ikRstI vrgI iksy hor kuVI nUM Aus dy mgr pf dyvy pr prmjIq Aus dI koeI vI cfl kfmXfb nhIN sI hox dy irhf. Aus ny ijvyN hfr mMn leI hovy. Aus ny pqnI nUM ikhf, “cfhlF nUM pwuC ik AuhnF dy Gr ivc ikhVf bMdY ijhdy nflL asIN gwl kr skdy aF?” surjn isMG qoN bfad Gr nUM qF suirMdr hI clfAuNdI sI. surjn isMG vflIaF sfrIaF ijLMmyvfrIaF Aus dy kolL hI sn pr ijQy afdmIaF dy krn vflf kMm hovy qF isLvrfj isMG af jfieaf krdf, Pon qF Aus df afAuNdf hI rihMdf. idlbfg bhuqf nhIN sI afAuNdf. jy afAuNdf vI qF kuJ dyr bYT ky, koeI kMm-kfr puwC ky cly jFdf. Aus idn isLvrfj isMG df Pon afieaf qF suirMdr kihx lgI, “aMkl jI, iksy idn afvoN qF iek jLrUrI slfh krn vflI aY.” “TIk aY, mYN qy qyrI aMtI kwl nUM eI af jFgy.” Auh afey qF suirMdr ny rxjIq qy prmjIq vflI sfrI khfxI suxf idqI. isLvrfj isMG KusL huMdf boilaf, “mYnUM qF ieh bhuq cMgI gwl lgdI aY, jy muMzf eynf cMgf qF ikAuN neIN, iehnF df ivafh krn ivc koeI nuksfn neIN, afpxy zYzI nUM pwuCxf sI, Auh kI kihMdf?” “zYzI qF kihMdy TIk aY pr kihMdy ik hfly mukwdmy df PYslf ho lYx idE.” surjn isMG soc irhf sI ik jd qk mukwdmf nhIN mukdf, rxjIq ies JMjt ivcoN ivhlI nhIN ho skdI. kort Aus nUM vI gvfhI leI bulf skdI sI ikAuNik pulIs ny Aus df zfktrI muafien vI krfieaf sI qy ies Gtnf nUM pUrI qrFH kql nfl joV rhI sI. isLvrfj isMG kihx ligaf, “gwl qF cfhl dI TIk aY, mukwdmy df PYslf ho lYx idE, iPr afpF ivafh kr dyvFgy.” isLvrfj isMG iekbfl isMG nUM afp Aus dy Gr jf ky imilaf. Aus df vfkP qF Auh pihlF hI sI. pihlF qF iekbfl isMG df idl kIqf ik iksy isLvrfj isMG nUM khy ik iksy qrFH ies ivafh nUM tflL dyvy pr Aus dI ihMmq nf peI. isLvrfj isMG imldy sfr hI kihx ligaf, “bwl sfihb, mYN qF quhfzf qy quhfzI ies swcI-suwcI soc df kfiel ho igaF.” “kI krIey jI, ijLMdgI ievyN eI cldI aY.” “ajkwl eynI prOgrYWsv soc vflLy bMdy ikQoN imldy af, drasl eydF smJo ik ieh bwcI surjn isMG dI nhIN myrI eI aY.” “jI, pr ievyN ho skdY ik ivafh afpF kuJ Tihr ky krIey, asIN afpxy kuJ irsLqydfr vI ieMzIaf qoN swdxy cfhuMdy aF.”

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iekbfl isMG ny ivafh vflI gwl nUM lMmf iKwcx leI dfa vrqidaF ikhf sI. isLvrfj isMG ny ikhf, “mYN surjn isMG nfl mulfkfq kr ky afieaF, Auh vI cfhuMdy af ik mukwdmy dy PYsly qoN bfad hI aijhf koeI kfrj hovy.” “lE jI, qusIN qF KusL kr idqf, ieh bwcy jLrf jldI krI jf rhy sI.” jd qk prmjIq vI af igaf. iekbfl isMG ny prmjIq nUM bulf ky isLvrfj isMG nfl imlfieaf qy afiKaf, “afpF nUM ies ivafh leI kuJ dyr rukxf pYxF.” “vfey?” “qYnUM pqf ik ieh mrzr kys aY, iehdf PYslf neIN huMdf qF ivafh ikvyN ho skygf.” “vO ‘tU zU ivd rfnI?” “XU noa df skor, [[[AuhdI kort ivc loV pY skdI aY.” iekbfl isMG vl prmjIq ievyN dyKx ligaf ijvyN Auh JUT bol irhf hovy. iekbfl isMG ny iPr ikhf, “vfey nOt XU tfk tU rfnI.” Aus nUM pqf sI ik surjn dy Gr qF ieh gwl pihlF hI ho cuwkI hovygI. isLvrfj isMG ny iPr puwiCaf, “qusIN dwso ik ivafh ikho ijhf hovy, ijLMdgI ivc duwK-swuK brfbr cldy af, jo ho igaf so ho igaf pr asIN ivafh qoN ipwCy neIN htdy.” “isLvrfj isMG jI, qusIN iPkr nf kro, vkq afeygf qF bYT ky slfh kr lvFgy, hfly qF afpF mukwdmy df PYslf hox dyeIey, iPr bYTFgy qy socFgy.” iekbfl isMG ny ipafr nfl ikhf pr mn hI mn afK irhf sI ik jd qk pqf nhIN ikhVy rfjy dI prjf hovygI, pqf nhIN ieh ivafh hovygf ik nhIN. prmjIq ny rxjIq nfl gwl kIqI qF ieh gwl pwk ho geI ik ivafh mukwdmy dy PYsly qoN bfad hI ho skygf. Aus nUM jLrf ku aOKf qF ligaf pr Aus ny ieh gwl mMn leI. iekbfl isMG hr vyly Aus nUM AuqsLfhq krdf ik rxjIq nUM lY ky bfhr GuMmy. koeI aijhf bhfnf lBdf rihMdf ik Auhdy qy rfxI ivckfr drfV pY jfvy. pr ievyN ho nf sikaf. prmjIq df jnUn iksy vI qrFH Gwt nf hoieaf. mukwdmy df PYslf huMdy nUM kfPI smF lg igaf. afs qoN Ault Aumr kYd ho jfx krky cfhl pirvfr kuJ dyr sdmy ivc rhy. Aus ivcoN inkly qF ivafh bfry socx lgy. prmjIq AuvyN df AuvyN afpxI gwl ‘qy kfiem sI. iekbfl isMG nUM hfr ky ivafh dI iqafrI krnI peI. Aus ny gwj-vwj ky ivafh kIqf, ijvyN Auh cfhuMdf hI sI. afpxI kONsl dy sfry kONslr qy myar qy lokl aYm[pI[ qk muMzy dy ivafh ‘qy swdy. Auh ies gwl df Pfiedf vI lYxf cfhuMdf sI ik iek blfqkfr dI pIVq kuVI nfl afpxy puwqr df ivafh kr irhf hY. cfhl pirvfr vloN vI isrP iek surjn hI ivafh ivc sLfml nhIN sI nhIN qF sB kuJ sI. isLvrfj isMG ny ipE vflIaF sfrIaF rsmF inBfeIaF. bldyv isMG, gurnfm isMG qy cmn lfl ny vI muhry ho ky sfry kMm kIqy. sfry KusL sn. sfDU isMG, ijs dy muMzy nUM prkfsL kor dI BfxjI minMdr ivafhI hoeI sI, vI ivafh ivc sLfml sI. Aus dy surjn isMG dy twbr nfl hux sbMD bhuqy vDIaf nhIN sn. Auh prkfsL kor ‘qy ieljLfm lfAuNdf rihMdf ik Auh minMdr nUM cuwkdI rihMdI hY iesy leI minMdr afpxy pqI bljIq nUM lY ky alwg ho geI sI. sfDU isMG iekbfl isMG df vfhvf jfxU sI. votF Kfqr iek dovyN iek dUjy dI loV sn. jd sfDU isMG nUM ies irsLqy bfry pqf cilaf qF Auh iekbfl isMG nUM kihx ligaf, “bwl sfihb, ieh kI kIqf qusIN? [[[Blf quhfzy muMzy nUM irsLiqaF df Gftf sI!”

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“sfDU isMG jI, zubI qdy jd sfh nf afieaf. muMzf qMg krn ligaf sI, kuVI Kfqr kmlLf hoieaf iPrdf sI, asIN zrdy sI ik ieko iek aOlfd aY, ikqy kuVI nUM lY ky bfhr hI nf rihx lg pey. [[[goiraF dI khfvq aY nf ik jy quhfzf ivgiVaf muMzf bfhr KV ky aMdr nUM ipsLfb kry qF AuhnUM aMdr vfV lE qF jo Dfr bfhr nUM jfvy!” surjn isMG kdy vI nhIN sI zoilaf. jylH puwjidaF hI Aus ny afpxy afp nUM ies mhOl dy hfx df bxfAux dIaF koisLsLF sLurU kr idqIaF sn. mYn slftr df kys kql ivc bdldf dyK ky Aus ny afpxy afp nUM kih idqf sI ik hux qF ieQy hI rihxf hY; ds sfl, pMdrF jI vIh. jylH bfry ijvyN Auh socdf sI eynI musLkl nhIN sI. Aus dI pwg kfrn Auh iKwc df kfrn vI bx jFdf. kql kys ivc afey hox krky Aus nUM ivsLysL smiJaf jFdf. jdoN kql dy kfrn df pqf cldf qF Aus dI iewjLq hor vI vD jFdI. Aus dI Aumr krky vI Aus nfl cMgf ivvhfr hI kIqf jFdf sI nhIN qF jylH ivc Auh sB burfeIaF sn jo bfhrlI dunIaF ivc huMdIaF hn. nslvfd jLorF ‘qy sI. zrwg afid vI afm iml jFdy. irsLvq lY ky keI shUlqF vI idqIaF jFdIaF. ikqfbF dy shfry Aus ny jylH dI ijLMdgI sOKI bxf leI sI. sfAUQfl qoN inkldf hPqfvfrI prcf ‘vfs-prvfs’ Aus ny jylH ivc hI mMgvfAuxf sLurU kr idqf sI, ijs nfl dysL ivdysL dIaF KbrF df pqf cldf rihMdf. iesy prcy ivc hI iPr gulvMq dI iestyt eyjMsI dI msLhUrI vI lgI huMdI. gulvMq vflL vfh ky Poto ivc bYTf huMdf. surjn isMG kfhlI nfl Auh sPf Ault idMdf. suirMdr jF koeI dosq Aus nUM ikqfbF dy vI jFdy. pRIq lVI iksy vyly Auh cfa nfl piVHaf krdf sI pr hux ies df imafr izg pYx krky ies nUM bMd krvf idqf sI. Aus nUM hr vyly koeI nf koeI ikqfb lY ky bYTy nUM dyK ky keI kYdI sfQI mjLfk krdy kihx lgdy; ‘imstr isMG, koeI iemiQhfn dyxf!’ jylH ivc Aus df pihlf duwK Biraf idn Auh sI jd prkfsL kor Aus vl dyK ky ajIb qrIky nfl muskRfeI sI. hr vfr mulfkfq nUM afieaf twbr kuJ imMt pihlF AuT KVdf. ieh smF prkfsL kor nUM afpxy pqI nfl gwl krn leI dy idqf jFdf sI. Auh Gr dI koeI Kfs gwl kr lYNdy jF koeI inwjI ijhI. Aus idn jd sfry AuT ky cly gey qF prkfsL kor mUMh Pyr cuwp krky bYTI rhI. pqnI nUM ievyN dyK ky Auh boilaf, “buVHIey, kunYx KfDI aY, eydF df mUMh krI bYTI aYN?” Auh kuJ nhIN sI bolI isrP nIly rMg df KVkvF ilPfPf Auhdy vl vgfh mfiraf sI qy iek dm AuT KVI hoeI, afpxI awzI jLor nfl jLmIn ‘qy mfrdI qur geI. iPr Aus ny kuJ dUr jf ky muV Aus vl dyiKaf qy aijhI qwkxI Aus vl sutI ijvyN kih rhI hovy ik qyrI ieho shI jgfh hY. surjn isMG aMdroN qVP AuiTaf. sfry cly gey. Auh afpxI koTVI ivc af ky pqnI dy ies vqIry bfry socx ligaf iPr afpxy afp nUM qswlI idMdf kihx ligaf ik prkfsL kor df vI kI ksUr hY, Aus ny hI kdy amFzf bfry gwl nhIN sI kIqI. jy amFzf bfry sfrI gwl pqnI nUM ds idMdf qF sLfied Aus dy mn ivc ieMnf guwsf nf huMdf. ies gwl nUM Bwuldf Auh amFzf dI icwTI pVHn ligaf. bhuqIaF Auho purfxIaF gwlF sn. Auh bhuq iekwlI sI. vwzf sfrf Pfrm Aus nUM vwzIaF vwzIaF musLklF dy irhf sI. GroN kwiZaf pqI pYsy dI Kfqr cwkr mfrdf rihMdf sI. puwqr hfly amrIkf ivcoN nhIN sI muiVaf. gvFZI lok Aus df Pfrm dwbx nUM iPrdy sn. Aus ny surjn dI imMnq kIqI sI ik iek vfrI astrylIaf af ky Aus nUM imly. surjn isMG ny hfly qk amFzf nUM nhIN sI disaf ik Auh jylH ivc hY. jylH ivcoN icwTI ilKx leI jylH dI lYtr-hYWz vfly pypr hI imldy sn pr surjn ny iek aPsr nUM irsLvq dy ky kory kfgjL pRpq kr ley qy amFzf nUM icwTI ilK idqI. Aus ny vI icwTI ivc kuJ slfhF, kuJ qswlIaF qy kuJ rfvF vI idqIaF sn, mohr nUM dyKdy qurn dI qfgId kIqI. afpxy astrlIaf nf af skx dI asmrQqf vI drsfeI. Aus df idl krdf sI ik amFzf nUM ilKy ik Auh ieMglYNz af ky kuJ dyr Aus dy pirvfr ivc rhy pr aijhf Auh

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kr nf sikaf. ivsLysL qOr ‘qy prkfsL kor dI kftvIN muskRfht dyK ky qF Auh aijhf ilKx bfry soc vI nhIN sI skdf. ies qoN bfad iqMnIN ku mhInIN amFzf dI icwTI af geI. Auh bhuq KusL sI. Aus df muMzf amrIkf qoN muV afieaf sI. Aus df pqI jOrj vI hux suDr igaf sI qy Aus dI sMBfl krn ligaf sI. hux Auh iekwlI nhIN sI pr Aus ny surjn isMG nUM astrylIaf afAux df swdf iek vfr iPr idqf hoieaf sI. amFzf nUM KusL dyK ky Aus df mn vI pRsMn ho igaf qy socx ligaf ik hux Aus nUM afpxy bfry sB kuJ ds dyxf cfhIdf hY. ies vfr Aus ny jyl dy lYtr-hYWz vfly kfgjLF Aupr icwTI ilKI. sfrI gwl qPsIl ivc ilKidaF jylH df pqf vI dy idqf qF jo Auh Aus nUM iswDI icwTI ilK sky. amFzf nUM icwTI post krky Auh Ausy pl hI Aus dy jvfb dI AuzIk krn ligaf. mhInf qF jvfb afAux nUM lgxf hI sI pr keI mhIny lMG gey, amFzf dI icwTI nf afeI. sfl lMG igaf qy iPr zyVH sfl. amFzf vloN koeI Kbr nf afeI. Aus leI ieMqjLfr krnf aOKf ho irhf sI. Auh socx ligaf ik iek hor icwTI ilKy. jylH ivc Aus dy KusLI dy idnF ivcoN pihlf idn Auh sI jd prmjIq qy rxjIq Aus nUM imlx afey sn. Auh ies joVI vl dyK ky KusL ho igaf. AuhnF vl dyK ky Aus nUM gulvMq qy suirMdr dI joVI dI Xfd af geI. prmjIq ny muV ky pVHfeI sLurU kr idqI sI pr rxjIq kflj nf jf skI. Auh Gr sMBfldI. hux agFh grBvqI sI, ies krky Gr ivc Aus dI kdr hox lgI sI.

iekwqI Auh sfrIaF kfr ivcoN iek iek krky Auqrn lgIaF. suirMdr sB qoN bfad ivc AuqrI. AuhnF sB ny loVINdf smfn cuwikaf h oieaf sI. pihlF AuhnF sB ny ‘ivjLtr rUm’ ivc jf ky afpxI hfjLrI lgvfeI, Pfrm Bry, afpxI sLnfKq leI pfsport idKfey, AuhnF nUM pMdrF nMbr tybl alft kr idqf igaf. iPr Auh mulfkfqIaF dI kqfr ivc KV geIaF. aigEN vI keI iksm dI sikAurtI ivcoN lMGdIaF Auh vwzy myn hfl ivc af geIaF. Auh pMdrF nMbr tybl Aupr jf bYTIaF, Cy kursIaF lgIaF hoeIaF sn. qkrIbn ds vjy swjy pfsy dy iek drvfjLy ivcoN kYdI afAuxy sLurU ho gey. dUroN afAuNdy surjn isMG nUM dyKdy hI aMimRqf ny cIkF mfrnIaF sLurU kr idqIaf; ‘nfnf jI af gey, nfnf jI af gey!’ aMimRq hux vwzI ho geI sI, sfrI gwl smJdI sI. surjn isMG dy jylH jfx qoN bfad kuJ dyr Auh Aus nUM bhuq cyqy krdI rhI sI. ‘nfnf jI, nfnf jI’ pukfrdI sfry kmiraF ivc Aus nUM lwBdI iPrdI. Aus vl dyK ky sfrf twbr hI rox lgdf. bhuq musLkl nfl sMBlI sI Auh. surjn isMG ny AuhnF sB vl dyiKaf, afdqn muskRfieaf qy pqnI nUM boilaf, “buVHIey, vflL nvyN rMgy lgdy af.” prkfsL kor hMJUaF ivc dI jLrf ku hwsI. suirMdr vI qy blijMdr vI. suKvIr kihx lgI, “zYz, hux mMmI dy dMd bhuq dKdy af, asIN ikhf kwZvf ky nvyN lgvf lY.” “buVHIey, aYvyN nf inafixaF mgr lg ky mUMh aflLy argf krf bYTIN, [[[nklI dMd nklI huMdy af, Kfx pIx df svfd neIN rihMdf.” sfry hwsx lgy. inwkIaF inwkIaF gwlF qur peIaF. sfry hfl ivc kfvF-rOlLI peI hoeI sI. kYdIaF qy mulfkfqIaF nfl hfl Biraf ipaf sI. lok afpixaF nUM iml ky KusL sn. koeI koeI ro vI irhf sI. do pMjfbI kYdI hor vI sn. AuhnF nUM imlx afey lok surjn isMG dy twbr nUM GoKvIaF njLrF nfl dyKI jf rhy sn. afm qOr ‘qy iek vfrI ivc iqMn mulfkqI hI iml skdy sn, Auh vI zyV qoN do GMty qk pr lMmI kYd vfilaF leI sfl ivc kuJ idn aijhy vI huMdy ik pUrf idn afpxy twbr nfl bqIq kr skdy sn.

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aijhf idn qF pUry pirvfr nfl ipkink mnfAux vFg ho jFdf. pqI-pqnI leI vI kuJ idn rwKy hoey sn. pqI-pqnI dy sihvfs leI kuJ ivsLysL kmry vI bxfey hoey sn. surjn isMG nUM imlx leI pirvfr qoN ibnF dosq vI afAuNdy rihMdy sn. isLvrfj isMG qF keI vfr iml afieaf sI. ievyN hor dosq vI jFdy rihMdy. ieh jylH kYNt dy ielfky ivc sI. iek Coty ijhy jLjLIry Aupr. diraf ijwzf jLmIn ivc smuMdrI pfV ies nUM ieMglYNz dI DrqI qoN alwg krdf sI ijs nUM keI pulLF nfl joV rwiKaf sI. vYsy puwl pfr kridaF ieh pqf nhIN sI cldf ik qusIN smuMdr pfr kr rhy ho. ieDr EDr dIaF gwlF muwkIaF qF surjn isMG suirMdr nUM puwCx ligaf, “hF beI, kI gwl kr rhI sI Pon Aupr?” “zYz, aMkl koeI muMzf dws rhy af blijMdr leI pr ieh neIN mMndI.” surjn isMG blijMdr vl dyKx ligaf. blijMdr ny sLrmfAuNidaF hoieaF nIvIN pf leI. kuJ ku ruk ky bolI, “zYzI, mYN neIN ivafh krOxf, suKvIr df kr idE.” “bwlI, soc lY, ivafh qF sB nUM krfA uxf eI cfhIdY pr ijwdF quhfzf idl kry, mYN qF slfh eI dy skdF, qUM suKvIr qoN vwzI aYN, pihlF qF qyrf eI hoxf cfhIdY.” “zYzI, mn neIN mMndf, [[[ieh sB ikwdF ho pfAU?” “mYN qF quhfnUM sdf hI ieho kihMnF ik pfst ivc kdy nf jIE. [[[jIE awj ivc qy dyKo kwl vl nUM. ijhVf kwl bIq igaf Auh qF zYWz aY, Kqm aY, Auhdf quhfzy nfl koeI vfh neIN, Auhdy nfl cuMbVy rihx df koeI mqlb neIN. [[[quhfzf mqlb hY awj nfl qy afAux vflLy kwl nflL.” “zYzI, gwl qF quhfzI mYN smJdI aF pr iek dm[[[!” “bwlI, iek gwl hor cyqy rwK, iehnF aMgryjLF dI khfvq aY ik qusIN mOky nUM AuzIkdy E, mOkf quhfnUM neIN AuzIkdf, [[[ijho ijhI hflq ivc dI afpF lMG rhy aF jy koeI KusLI cwl ky quhfzy qk af jfvy qF Aus qoN mUMh neIN moVnf cfhIdf.” blijMdr ny ipE dI gwl nUM ‘hF’kridaF ikhf, “jy QoVHf hor tfeIm ivc pY jFdf qF[[[.” “bQyrf tfeIm ivc pY igaf, iqMn-cfr sfl ikqy QoVy huMdy af! [[[jy jLKmF nUM nMgy rwKIey qF Brn ivc ijLafdf vkq lgdY, zfktr iesy leI pwtI krdy af ik jLKm bMny hoey eI TIk rihMdy af.” blijMdr kuJ nf bolI. ipE dI gwl df asr ho igaf sI. suirMdr ny sfrI gwl Pon Aupr dws idqI hoeI sI. surjn isMG ny isLvrfj isMG nfl vI Pon Aupr gwl kr leI sI. Auh socdf sI ik ies qoN ZukvF mOkf hor koeI nhIN imlxf. Aus nUM isLvrfj isMG rwb bx ky bhuiVaf jfp irhf sI. Auh kfPI dyr qk bYTIaF rhIaF. hor gwlF-bfqF, hfsf-mjLfk vI cldf irhf. surjn isMG ny gulvMq vloN KohlI geI iestyt eyjMsI bfry vI gwl kIqI ijs dI msLhUrI ‘vfs-prvfs’ ivc afAuNdI sI. suirMdr ny Aus dI gwl qF iDafn nfl suxI pr jfx ky axgOlLy ijhy kr idqI. mulfkq df smF Kqm hox vflf sI. surjn isMG ny suirMdr nUM ikhf, “iksy iksm df lukfa neIN rwKxf, sfP qy spwsLt gwl krnI. [[[jy isLvrfj kih irhf qF sB TIk eI hoeygf.” gurmIq df dosq sI; gurpfl sMDU. gurmIq isLvrfj isMG dI pqnI df sB qoN Cotf Brf sI, sloa rihMdf sI. iksy vyly gurmIq qy gurpfl luiDafxy iekwTy pVHdy rhy sn. gurmIq ivafh krfky ieMglYNz af igaf sI qy gurpfl kYlyPornIaF jf visaf sI. dovF dI dosqI aijhI sI ik lgfqfr rfbqf bixaF hoieaf sI. gurmIq iek vfrI gurpfl kol kYlyPornIaF jf afieaf sI. gurpfl vI ieMzIaf jFdf hoieaf ieMglYNz

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ivc dI lMG jFdf. ies vfr gurpfl afieaf qF lMzn GuMmx inkly Auh isLvrfj isMG dy Gr cly gey. Aus dI isLvrfj isMG nfl jfx pwCfx krfAuNidaF ikhf, “BfjI, ieh myrf dosq aY, gurpfl sMDU, amyirkf rihMdY, kYlyPornIaF. [[[ieMzIaf jf irhY, ivafh krfAux.” isLvrfj isMG ny muMzy vl dyiKaf. jLrf cVI Aumr df jfpdf sI. lgdf sI ik ieh jLrUr dUjI vfr ivafh krfAux cilaf hovygf. Aus dI gurpfl ivc idlcspI jfg afeI. Aus dy kuJ puwCx qoN pihlF hI gurpfl boilaf, “bfeIjI, ivafh kfhdf! [[[lfeIP tyzI hoeI peI aY, jLrf iswDI krn dI koisLsL krn jfxf eyN, jy ho geI qF.” “kI mqlb?” “bfeI jI, mqlb ieh ik iek altrf mOzrn kuVI nfl ivafh krf bYTf sF, sfrI PYimlI eI kuJ aijhI sI, pMj Cy sfl myrI ijLMdgI dy gflL ky rwK idqy, [[[pqf neIN hux agFh ikho ijhI imly, bs jI iek vfr hor jUaf Kyzx jfxF.” “dyKI hoeI aY koeI kuVI?” “nf bfeI jI, jfky aKbfr ‘c dy dFgy, amrIkf dy nF qF lYx lgjU, [[[pr bfeI jI ivafh qF lftrI lgx vFgUM huMdf.” “ieQy ieMglYNz ‘c dyK lYxI sI koeI.” “bfeI jI, ieQy qF gurmIq qoN ibnF myrf koeI vfkP hY neIN, [[[ieQy iml jfey qF qy blfeI vDIaf!” “ikho ijhI kuVI cfhIdI aY?” “dyKo jI, mYN qF bhuq isMpl aF, kuVIaF vrgI kuVI hovy, Gr ivc bYTI sjy, sLrIP Kfndfn hovy.” “kuVIaF qF iek do hYgIaF, inhfieq KUbsUrq pr hYgIaF zfievorsI pr bhuq hI sLrIP Kfndfn, ies g wl dI grMtI aY.” “bfeI jI, mYN vI zfievorsI aF, awDI dunIaF zfievors df igwdV prvfnf jybH ivc pfeI iPrdI aY, [[[kuVI KfndfnI hovy, bs hor kuJ neIN.” gurpfl ny ikhf. isLvrfj nUM gwl shI pfsy jFdI idsI. Aus ny iPr ikhf, “ies gwl dI grMtI aY ik kuVI suhxI hoeygI, quhfnUM psMd afeygI, iek vfr dyK ky qusIN nFh neIN kr skxI.” “TIk ey bfeI jI, sLfied myrf kilafx quhfzy hwQoN hox eI iliKaf hovy.” “qusIN sMDU E, ikhVf ipMz aY quhfzf?” “luiDafxy izsitk ivc, suBfn pur, vwzI nihr ‘qy.” “BUMdV quhfzy qoN ikMnI dUr aY?” “eyhI pMj-swq iklomItr, [[[sfzy afly duafly sMDUaF dy nON ipMz ny jI, BUMdV vI sMDU ny.” “ijhVI kuVI dI mYN gwl krdF, ieh BUMdV ivafhI hoeI sI, hsbYNz df mrzr ho igaf sI, koeI bwcf neIN, Aumr qIh qoN hyTF eI aY.” “ivzo jF zfievorsI df mYnUM koeI Prk neIN bs kuVI psMd afAuxI cfhIdI ey, bfkI Kfndfn dI gwl qusIN ds eI rhy E.” “jd mrzr ivc aOrq ivDvf huMdI ey qF Aus dI sfeIkI jLrf hor qrFH dI ho jFdI aY, [[[pr mYN eys kuVI nUM jfxdF aijhI koeI gwl neIN, mYN eys leI kih irhF ikAuN ieh sB gwlF kniszr krn dI loV huMdI aY.” “BUMdV dy iek muMzy df kql hoieaf vI sI, ijhny ryp kr idqf sI, Auhdy suhry ny eI Ehdf kMm kr idqf sI.” “bs sMDU jI, ieh Auho kys aY.”

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“AuhnF idnF ivc mYN ieMzIaf igaf hoieaf sI. lokF ny ies gwl leI buVHy dI bhuq qfrIP kIqI sI, iek aKbfr dI Kbr df hYizMg sI; axK jwt dI.” “bs Auho twbr aY, kuVI jOb krdI aY, cfr pYsy vI kolL hYgy af.” “pYisaF qoN qF bfeI jI afpF kI lYxF, mYnUM kuVI idKf idE.” suirMdr vl dyK dyK ky blijMdr vI hux aMdroN bhuq mjLbUq ho cuwkI sI. suirMdr vFg hI Aus ny afpxy bhuq sfry jjLbfq dbf ky jIAuxf isK ilaf hoieaf sI. ivafh leI Aus ny afpxy afp nUM iqafr kr ilaf sI. gurjMt Aus nUM Buwilaf qF nhIN sI pr Aus dI koeI aijhI Xfd hY vI nhIN sI ik Aus nUM kdy mn ivc icqivaf jFdf. jd Aus nUM pqf cilaf ik muMzf amrIkf qoN hY qF Aus df mn hor vI iqafr ho igaf ik Gwto Gwt ies sfry mhOl qoN hI Auh dUr cly jfvygI. isLvrfj isMG ny donF nUM iek dUjy nUM dyKx df ieMqjLfm kr idqf. gurpfl dy qF blijMdr ieMnI psMd afeI ik Aus ny sB dy sfhmxy hI ‘hF’ kr idqI. blijMdr sLrmfAux kfrn iek dm koeI AuWqr nf dy skI pr gurpfl Aus nUM psMd sI. gurpfl ny ieMzIaf jfx df afpxf progrfm Kfrj kr idqf. iek hor gwl cMgI inkl afeI ik gurnfm isMG df Brf suBfn pur hI ivafihaf hoieaf sI. ivafihaf vI gurpfl dy GrF ivc hI sI. ies nfl irsLqydfrI dI jVH hor zUMGI ho geI. ivafh rwK idqf igaf. sfdf ijhf ivafh kr idqf igaf. ivafh qoN bfad gurpfl qy blijMdr surjn isMG nUM vI imlx gey. blijMdr bhuq KusL sI. gurpfl ivafh qoN bfad kuJ idn cfhl pirvfr ivc hI irhf. Aus dy suBfa ny sfry twbr nUM hI moh rwiKaf sI. mhIny ku dy aMdr aMdr hI blijMdr amrIkf leI cVH geI. jFdI ny hI Pon krky vI dws idqf ik Auh AumIdvfrI qoN hY. ijhVI prkfsL kor hr vyly roNdI rihMdI sI, Auh KusL rihx lgI. BfvyN pqI dy jylH cly jfx kfrn Auh ibmfr rihx lgI sI pr hux ijvyN muV ishqvMd ho geI hovy. pihlF rxjIq df ivafh, iPr Aus dy Gr puwqr df jnm. hux blijMdr df ivafh qy sfl dy aMdr aMdr Auh vI mF bx jfvygI. hor Aus nUM kI cfhIdf sI. Aus nUM lgx ligaf sI ik Aus df rwb hfly miraf nhIN hY. Aus df bfbf jvflf sLfh ivclf ivsLvfsL muV ky jIvq hox ligaf. Aus ny suirMdr nUM ikhf, “afpxy mfmy nUM Pon kr dy, bfbf juaflf sLfh dy rot cVHf afvy.” “mMmI, koeI akl df kMm neIN krnf!” suirMdr ny mF nUM itwcr ivc ikhf pr prkfsL kor df XkIn atwl sI. Auh kihx cfhuMdI sI ik agy qyry ipE ny bfby nUM itwcrF krky kI Kwitaf pr Auh cuwp rhI ikAuNik suirMdr ny hor BfsLn dyx lgxf sI. iehnF idnF ivc hI iek hor Gtnf vfpr geI ijs kfrn prkfsL kor df bfby ivc ivsLvfsL hor pwkf ho igaf. suKvIr nUM vI irsLqf ho igaf. gurnfm df irsLqydfr muMzf ieQy rfjnIqk sLrx ‘qy afieaf hoieaf sI. Aus nUM pwkf hox leI ibRitsL pfsport vflI kuVI cfhIdI sI. suKvIr qoN vDIaf kuVI ikhVI ho skdI sI. sB ny slfh kIqI. muMzf kuVI iek dUjy nUM idKf idqy, donF iDrF nUM sB psMd sI. suKvIr df vI sfdf ijhf ivafh kr idqf igaf. suKvIr nUM vI muMzf cMgf iml igaf sI. Aus nUM qor ky prkfsL kor rwj ky roeI. iehnF hMJUaF nfl ijvyN Aus dIaF sfrIaF ibmfrIaF DoqIaF geIaF hox. Auh kfhlI kfhlI qurn lgI. Gr dy sfry kMmF nUM Auh Bwj Bwj ky krdI. aglI vfr pqI nUM imlx geI qF Aus ny ikhf, “ikAuN buVHIey, jvfn ho geI lgdI aYN! [[[kI KfnI huMnI aYN?” “KfnI aF guafcIaF KusLIaF, dyKo sfzf rwb muV bhuq ipaf, [[[asIN ikwdF arsL qoN PrsL qy izgy qy hux Pyr rwb sfzy nfl af KiVaf, hux asIN Pyr AuT rhy aF, [[[kuVIaF ivafhIaF geIaF, hIiraF vrgy muMzy iml gey. hux qf bfbf juaflf sLfh agy ardfs aY beI[[[.” surjn isMG Aus dI gwl tokdf boilaf,

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“qUM ivcfry juaflf sLfh df ipwCf nf CwzIN!” kihMdf Auh hwsx ligaf qy nfl hI suirMdr vI. prkfsL kor ny AuhnF dy hfsy dI pRvfh kIqy ibnF Aus ny afpxI gwl jfrI rwKI, “hux qF suirMdr df vI kuJ ho jfey, [[[qusIN vI Gr af jfE, hor kuJ neIN cfhIdf.” “buVHIey, qUM hONsly ivc irhf kr, myry Gr afAux dI icMqf nf kr, mYN sdf eI qyry nflL aF. [[[suirMdr df vI qUM iPkr nf kr, ieh sfzI DI QoVoN puwq aY!” surjn isMG afpxy rONa ivc gwl kr irhf sI. suirMdr nUM afs sI ik zYzI khygf ik gulvMq nUM Pon kr jF gulvMq bfry kuJ bolygf pr Aus ny kuJ nf ikhf. surjn isMG vI pqnI vFg hI aksr socx lgdf ik iek iek krky gvfcI KusLI hux Ausy ihsfb nfl hI vfps af rhI hY. sfry DIaF jvfeI Aus nUM imlx afAuNdy. gurpfl qy blijMdr sfl ivc iek cwkr jLrUr mfr jFdy. do bwcy hI rxjIq dy sn qy do hI blijMdr dy ho gey sn. Aus df pirvfr muV vDx Pulx ligaf sI. Aus ny amFzf nUM ies bfry icwTI ilKI. amFzf ny hfly Aus dI ipClI icwTI df jvfb vI nhIN sI idqf. Aus nUM zr vI lgx ligaf sI ik Auh TIk vI hovy. Aus idn mulfkfq df smF Kqm hox vflf sI. inwq vFg suirMdr qy aMimRq AuT ky cly geIaF, prkfsL kor surjn isMG dy kol hI bYTI rhI. surjn isMG ny ikhf, “gwl sux buVHIey, myrI icwTI neIN afeI eynI dyr qoN, do sfl ho cwly af, ikqy qUM koeI gVbV qF neIN kIqI?” prkfsL kor dIaF BvF qx geIaF, Auh bolI, “kYsI icwTI? kyhdI icwTI? mYN awg lOnI aF eydF dIaF icwTIaF nUM!” pihlF vFg hI Auh DrqI ‘qy awzI mfrdI AuTI qy qurdI hoeI bolI, “jy mYN koeI gVbV krnI huMdI qF pihlF krdI, pwcI sfl ho gey mYnUM awk cwbdI nUM!” afK Auh kfhlI nfl cly geI. surjn Aus dI ipwT nUM dyKdf irhf. Aus nUM pqnI Aupr koeI guwsf nhIN sI af irhf, sgoN ieqbfr sI. ieh qF amFzf dI icwTI nf afAux krky pYdf hoeI buKlfht kfrn ieh puwC igaf sI. jylH ivcoN ilKIaF icwTIaF ivcoN iksy df jvfb nhIN sI afieaf. ies bfry Aus iksy nfl gwl vI nhIN sI kr skdf. amFzf dI icwTI nf afAux qoN ibnF surjn isMG nUM hor koeI qklIP nhIN. hux jylH ivc Auh pMj pMjfbI ho gey sn. iehnF ivcoN do Aumr kYd qy bfkI CotIaF sjfvF vfly sn. sfry hI surjn isMG nfl iewjLq nfl pysL afAuNdy sn. Auh afpxy afp nUM sdf KusL rwKx dI koisLsL krdf. Aus df ivcfr sI ik KusLI lwBx ikqy hor nhIN jfxf pYNdf, ieh quhfzy aMdr hI bYTI huMdI hY. ipwCy nUM Jfkx dI qF Aus dI afdq hI nhIN sI pr Auh df iDafn hr vkq afpxy twbr vl rihMdf. Auh imlx vfilaF dI bysbrI nfl AuzIk krdf. mulfkfqIaF nfl iml ky ievyN lgdf ijvyN Auh afp bfhr df gyVf mfr afieaf hovy. Aus nUM imlx leI Aus dy keI dosq af jfieaf krdy sn. idlbfg kdy-kdfeIN hI afAuNdf. keI sfl KfmosL ijhf rih ky Aus ny muV gwpF mfrnIaF sLurU kr idqIaF sn. hux surjn isMG nUM Aus dIaF gwpF burIaF nhIN sn lgdIaF. Aus nUM imlx afAux vfilaF dI sUcI ivc insLfn isMG df nF vI hux sLfml ho igaf sI. gRMQI insLfn isMG. hr kYdI leI Dfrimk sLuwDI jLrUrI smJI jFdI sI. ieh sLuwDI Drm anusfr pfdrI, mOlvI, pMzq krdy afey sn. ievyN hI surjn isMG dI Dfrimk sLuwDI leI jylH aiDkfrIaF vloN insLfn isMG nUM nIXq kIqf igaf sI. jd Auh jylH ivc iekwlf iswK sI qd vI iek vfr igafnI krm isMG do ku vfr afieaf sI pr Aus ny afpxI Dfrimk sLuwDI pRpq krn qoN nFh kr idqI sI. hux jylH ivc Auh iqMn iswK ho gey sn ies leI insLfn isMG afAux ligaf sI. surjn isMG pihly idn hI insLfn isMG nfl AulJ ipaf. Auh Aus nUM boilaf,

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“igafnI jI, afE bYTo, gwp sLwp mfrdy aF, m YN nfsiqk bMdF, pihlF eI pivwqr aF, mYnUM quhfzI ies kMm leI koeI loV neIN.” “kI gwl krdy E surjn isMG jI! [[[piqq ho ky afpxy afp nUM pivwqr afKdy E, pivwqr Auh huMdf ey ijhVf pMj kkfrI huMdf ey, ijhVf rihqF ivc rihMdf ey.” “igafnI jI, mYN qF pihlF eI jylH ivc aF, qusIN mYnUM rihqF dI iek hor jylH ivc suwtxf cfhuMdy E?” surjn isMG ny hwsidaF hoieaF ikhf. gRMQI bhuqf piVHaf-iliKaf hoieaf nhIN sI ies leI Auh bhuqI bihs ivc pYxoN zrdf cuwp kr igaf pr Aus nUM surjn isMG nfl gwlF krnf cMgf ligaf. Auh jd vI jylH ivc afAuNdf qF kuJ dyr leI surjn isMG nUM jLrUr iml ky jFdf. surjn isMG vI Aus nUM AuzIkdf rihMdf. do ku sfl bfad insLfn isMG dI QfvyN iek nOjvfn gRMQI afAux ligaf. Auh afpxy afp nUM bfbf krqfr isMG aKvfAuNdf sI. Aus ny afAuNidaF hI Kfilsqfn bfry BfsLn dyxf sLurU kr idqf. surjn isMG ies Aupr BVkdf hoieaf boilaf, “krqfr isMG jI, afpxI sOVI soc nUM afpxy kolL eI rwKo!” “Kflsf jI, iswK hox dy nfqy quhfzy vI kuJ PrjL ny, ies lihr ivc ijMnf vI ihwsf pf skdy ho pfE.” “nhIN, quhfzI eys bMdy-mfr lihr ivc mYN iksy qrFH vI ihwsf nhIN pf skdf. ieh nOn-zYmokryitk lihr aY, qusIN iksy dy ivcfr nhIN sux skdy bs afpxy agly ‘qy Qopx dI krdy E.” “ikAuN nhIN sux skdy asIN iksy dy ivcfr srdfr jI! qusIN ies bfry dwso jo dwsxF, koeI suJfa hY qF idE.” “ijhVI lihr bygunfhF dy KUn Aupr Ausrn dI koisLsL kIqI jf rhI hovy Aus bfry mYN kI suJfa dy skdF.” “ies lihr nfl juVy lok iksy vI bygunfh df KUn nhIN vhfAuNdy.” “sfzy irsLqydfr df ies krky kql kr idqf igaf ik Auh ies lihr df ivroD krdf sI.” surjn isMG nUM ipCly sfl kfmryz ibsLMBr isMG dy hoey kql df guwsf sI. bfbf krqfr isMG boilaf, “dyKo jI, aijhy kMm srkfr afp krdI aY, ho skdf ik bfibaF ny vI aijhy soDy lfey hox pr[[[.” soDy lfAux vflI gwl nfl surjn isMG isMG df guwsf hor vI vD igaf. Auh afKx ligaf, “qusIN ieQy kYdIaF afqimk sLFqI dyx afAuNdy ho jF awqvfd PYlfAux? [[[jy muV ky ies ivsLy qy myry nfl koeI gwl kIqI qF mYN quhfzI isLkfieq kr dyvFgf.” amFzf dI icwTI df nf-afAuxf Aus nUM bhuq hI prysLfn krn ligaf. Auh hYrfn sI ik ieh ikvyN ho skdf hY ik amFzf nUM pqf lgy ik Auh jylH ivc hY qy Auh icwTI nf ilKy. Auh qF sgoN zr irhf sI ik amFzf Aus dy jylH ivc hox df sux ky ikDry jhfjLy nf cVH afvy. Aus kol amFzf df Pon nMbr vI sI pr kdy kIqf nhIN sI. Auh zrn lgdf ik Pon krdf ikDry Auh Bfvuk hI nf ho jfvy. hux Auh Pon krn dI loV mihsUs hox lgI sI. Auh socx ligaf ik mYlbOrn ivc ieDrly vkq dy anusfr nfl ikMny vwjy hoxgy. ieQy idn huMdf qF AuQy rfq. Pon krn ivENqbMdI ivc hI Aus ny keI idn kwZ idqy. iek idn Aus ny svyry dy nON vjy Pon Gumfieaf. Aus nUM pqf sI AuQy rfq dy awT-nON vwjy hoxgy qy ies smyN amFzf Gr hI hovygI. dUjy pfsy GMtI vwjx lgI. Aus dy idl nUM zobf pYxf sLurU ho igaf; Aus nfl ikhVI gwl kry! [[[kI khy! [[[ikho ijhI hovygI hux amFzf dI avfjL! [[[pqf nhIN Auh Aus dI avfjL pwCfxygI vI ik nhIN! kfPI dyr qk GMtI vjdI rhI. Aus ny hor pYsy Pon bOks pfAux leI kfPI sfrI Bfn hwQ ivc PVI hoeI sI. ikMny icr bfad GMtI rukI, iksy ny rsIvr cwuikaf. surjn isMG ny DVkdy idl nfl ‘hYlo’ ikhf. dUjy pfisEN iksy mrdfvIN afvfjL ny hYlo df AuWqr idqf. surjn isMG ny ikhf, “mYN ieMglYNz qoN surjn isMG bol irhF, kI mYN imisjL amFzf rfeIzr nfl gwl kr skdF?”

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surjn isMG gwl mukf ky jvfb dI AuzIk krn ligaf pr dUjy pfsy tYlIPon Aupr KfmosLI Cf geI. surjn isMG ny kuJ pl AuzIk ky iPr ‘hYlo’ khI qy puwiCaf, “qusIN kOx bol rhy E?” “sr, mYN jOrj rfeIzr, amFzf df pwuqr. [[[imstr isMG, mOm nUM quhfzI icwTI iml geI sI[[[.” ieMnI gwl kih ky dUjy pfsy dI afvfjL iPr cuwp kr geI. surjn isMG bysbrI nfl AuzIk krn ligaf. do ku pl bfad iPr afvfjL afeI, “afey’m sOrI imstr isMG, mOm ny quhfzI icwTI pVHI sI, mYN vI pVHI ey pr mOm hux ies dunIaF ivc nhIN rhI, Aus nUM idl df dOrf pY igaf sI, ho skdf quhfzI icwTI pVH ky aijhf hoieaf hovy. [[[Aus dy dyhFq nUM qF do sfl hox vfly hoxgy, [[[mYN qF soicaf sI ik myry zYzI ny ies bfry quhfnUM icwTI ilK idqI hovygI.” surjn isMG ny afihsqf ijhy Pon rwK idqf. Aus nUM ligaf ijvyN Aus dy aMdr kuJ Ptx vflf hovy. Auh Bwj ky bfQrUm ivc jf viVHaf. Aus ny bhuq sfry kYdI jjLbfqI hoey roNdy dyKy sn. bfkI kYdI AuhnF df mOjLU bxfAuNdy hwsdy. Auh zr irhf sI ik Auh vI iksy dy hfsy df kfrn nf bx jfvy. bfQrUm df drvfjLf bMd krky Auh roNdf irhf. roNdf irhf ijvyN AumrF dy zwky hMJUaF nUM huxy hI vgx df mOkf imilaf hovy.

bwqI dyKdy hI dyKdy vYNbly dI eIilMg roz Aupr rOxkF lg geIaF. sfAUQfl dy brOzvya vFg, jF pUrbI lMzn dI grIn stRIt vFg hI dysI dukfnF dI Brmfr ho geI. vwzy-vwzy stor KulH gey. rYstorYNt, bYNk qy hor ikMny hI dPqr. cOvI GMty KulHx vflIaF dukfnF. sfAUQfl vFg hI lokF ny PuwtpfQ Aupr vI Pwty ijhy lf ley. PuwtpfQ Aupr ieMnf rsL huMdf ik afpo afpxy mubfeIlF ivc guafcy qurdy lok iek dUjy ivc vwjdy iPrdy. ijvyN sfAUQfl ivc ivEpfrk mflkI pMjfbIaF dI sI, eIilMz roz ‘qy gujrfqIaF dI ho geI. iek pfiksqfnI, munIr aihmd ny iek pwb KrId ky mujrf krvfAuxf sLurU kr idqf. rfq nUM sVkF dy moVF Aupr vysvfvF KVn lgIaF, iehnF ivc KVIaF eysLIan aOrqF gfhkF leI ivsLysL iKwc df kfrn bxdIaF. idvflI smyN eIilMg roz Aupr jgdIaF-buJdIaF rOsLnIaF df ieMqjLfm kIqf jFdf. ieh rOsLnIaF ikRsms qk rihMdIaF. hOlI hOlI ieMnf trYiPk rihx ligaf ik awDf mIl dy sVk dy toty nUM lMGx leI awDf GMtf lg jFdf. lok ies pfisEN afAux qoN iJjkdy. ies ielfky dy lokF nUM kuJ ku shUlqF vI ho geIaf pr bhuq sfrIaF musIbqF df sfhmxf vI krnf pYx ligaf. afpxy hI GrF muhry kfr KVI krn leI jgfh nf imldI. keI sVkF nUM vn vya bxf idqf igaf qy AuhnF nUM GuMm ky afAuxf pYNdf. iek sLor ijhf hr vyly ipaf rihMdf. PfieidaF ivcoN sB qoN vwzf jo Pfiedf hoieaf Auh ieh sI ik ieQy GrF qy hor jfiedfdF dIaF kImqF bhuq vD geIaF jd ik dysL dy bfkI ihisaF ivc mMdvfVy ny burI hflq kIqI peI sI. gulvMq dI dukfn vI iesy roz Aupr hI sI. Aus nUM qrFH qrFH dI kImq dIaF pysLksLF afAuNdIaF, iek dUjI qoN vwD. kdy kdy qF Auh socdf ik iestyt eyjMsI df kMm qF iesLiqhfrbfjLI dy isr ‘qy cldf hY, ieh ikiqEN vI clfeI jf skdI hY. ieh dukfn vyc ky iksy hor roz Aupr do dukfnF sihjy hI leIaF jf skdIaF hn pr iPr socx lgdf ik ieMny icr df itkfxf bixaF hoieaf hY, lok jfxdy hn so hux ieQy itky rihxf hI TIk hovygf. afriQk mMdvfVy ny iestyt eyjMtF dI bhuqI hI burI hflq kr idqI sI ikAuNik jfiedfdF ivkxIaF lgBg bMd ho geIaF sn, AuhnF df kimsLn qF jfiedfdF dy ivkx ivcoN hI inklxf huMdf. ikMnIaF hI iestyt eyjMsIaF bMd ho geIaF sn. gulvMq ies leI bc igaf ik Aus ny afpxf krjLf vyly isr moV idqf sI qy Auprly PlYtF df ikrfieaf vI afAuNdf irhf sI. Gr ivkxy jLrUr Gty sn pr ikrfey Aupr hfly vI

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cVH rhy sn, lYitMg eyjMsI vflf ihwsf Aus dIaF qnKfhF kwZI jf irhf sI. Aus df krmcfrI sfeImn bhuq qyjL afdmI sI, gfhk iek vfr dukfn ivc vV jFdf qF Aus nUM Auh bMnH lYNdf sI. mhIny ivc iek vI Gr ivk jfvy qF AuhnF df Gr pUrf ho jFdf sI. iPr hOlI hOlI mMdvfVy df asr Gtx ligaf. prOprtI mfrikt ivc kuJ ihljul hox lgI, BfvyN do-iqMn pRqIsLq hI shI. ivEpfrI qbky nUM kuJ ku sfh afAux ligaf. gulvMq svyry bwcy skUl Cwz dPqr af jFdf. Aus dy puwjdy nUM sfeImn dPqr Kohl idMdf. dPqr Cy vjy qk Kohlxf huMdf pr sfeImn pMj vjy hI cly jFdf. sLfmIN siqMdr bwicaF nUM skUl qoN lY afAuNdI sI. siqMdr GrylU ijhI aOrq sI. dPqr ivc Auh kdy nhIN sI afAuNdI. gulvMq dy kMmkfr ivc vI iksy iksm df dKl nhIN sI idMdI. Auh Gr dy kMm mukf tYlIvIXn muhry bYT jFdI. Gr dI sLOipMg kr afAuNdI. ieDroN EDroN pYsy bcf ky afpxI mF nUM Byj idMdI. bwcy skUl Cwzx jFdIaF kuJ aOrqF Aus dIaF shylIaF bxIaF hoeIaF sn, AuhnF nfl gwlF kr idl prcf CwzdI. gulvMq kfPI ruiJaf rihMdf. Aus dIaF keI iksm dIaF mIitMgF cldIaF rihMdIaF. Auh srvyarF, bYNk-mYnjrF bgYrf nfl iznr pfrtIaF krdf rihMdf ikAuNik Aus ny GrF Aupr krjLf vI dvfAuxf huMdf. kdy klfieMt nUM prOpRtI idKfAuxI huMdI, iksy iemfrq dI kImq pfAuxI huMdI, Gwt vwD krky sOdf krfAuxf huMdf. jd mfrikt kuJ sMBlI qF Aus ny ilMzy nUM muV ky kMm ‘qy rwK ilaf. aprYl df mhInf sLurU ho cuwikaf sI. sUrj dI mrIal ijhI Duwp idn nUM iKVfAux dI koisLsL kr rhI sI. lok mOsm bfry gwlF krdy kih rhy sn; ‘kolz bt PrYWsL’. gulvMq hMslo jfx leI afpxI kfr ivc jf bYTf. bYNk mYnyjr nfl imlx df smF nIXq kIqf hoieaf sI. hfly Auh muwK sVk ‘qy puwijaf hI sI ik Aus dy mubfeIl dI irMg itAUn vwjx lgI. Aus ny En krky kMn nUM lfieaf. dUjy pfsy qoN afeI hYlo qoN Auh hYrfn rih igaf. Aus ny iek dm kfr nUM bRykF lfeIaF, iek pfsy pfrk krdf boilaf, “hF beI mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, hfE afr XU?” “XU sitwl irmYNbr mI?” “qYnUM Blf ikwdF Buwl skdF! [[[afey lvz XU so mwc! aYNz sitwl afey lv X U!” “ijhnUM ipafr krIey Ehdf muV ky pqf nhIN leIdf?” “qUM mYnUM pqf lYx jogf Cwizaf eI ikwQy sI! mYN qyry nyVy afAuNdf qy qUM dUr BwjdI sI.” “qYnUM pqY qusIN myrI PYmlI nUM ikMnf hrt kIqf sI.” “mYN smJdF pr eyhdI eynI sjLf qF nhIN sI dyxI cfhIdI. [[[qlfk dyx dI kI loV sI?” “qlfk nfl kI Prk pYNdY, ieh qF kfgjL df iek tukVf huMdY!” “qy qUM ieh tukVf isr ivc mfrnf sI?” “XU noa mfeI iscUeysLn.” “cl Cwz ieh bihs, ds aMimRq kYsI aY?” “sLI ‘jL PfeIn.” “kdy mYnUM vI cyqy krdI huMdI aY?” “nhIN.” “ikAuN nhIN?” “ibkOjL XU zONt vFt iet, [[[muV ky sfzf kdy pqf eI neIN kIqf qUM. kdy sfnUM imlxf eI nhIN cfihaf, AuhnUM qyrf cyqf ikwdF rih jFdf!” “mYN qF quhfnUM imlx leI qrly krdf mr igaf pr qUM eI dUr BjdI sI.” “hux idl krdY sfnUM dyKx leI?” “bhuq bhuq krdY, XU afr mfey tYWn bfeI tYWn!” “kwl kI kr irhYN?”

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“kwl kI, mYN huxy af jfnF, ds ikQy aYN?” “eynf kfhlLf nf pY! [[[kwl ds kI kr irhYN?” “qYnUM imlx leI iblkul ivhlF, hukm kr ikQy puwjF?” gulvMq ny alprtn qoN itAUb leI qy ipkfzlI srks puwj igaf. sfhmxy hI imlynIam dI vwzI iemfrq sI. ieh brqfnIaF df sB qoN mihMgf stor sI ijQy afm bMdf jfxoN vI iJjkdf sI. suirMdr ieQy hI kMipAUtr-progrYmr vjoN kMm krdI sI. gulvMq ny GVI dyKI. hfly iek nhIN sI vwijaf. kuJ imMt bfkI sn. gulvMq nUM ieh imMt GMitaF vFg lg rhy sn. Aus ny qF ipClI rfq vI bhuq musLkl nfl kwZI sI. Auh suirMdr nUM imlx leI bhuq kfhlLf sI. ieMnf Auqsukq qF Auh ivafh qoN pihlF vI nhIN sI hoieaf. Auh muV muV GVI dyKI jf irhf sI. acfnk sfhmxy dyiKaf ik suirMdr qurI af rhI sI. Auho pihlF vflI suirMdr. Aus dI psMd dy moiZaF qk kwty hoey vfl, kMnF ivc AuhI vwzy vwzy bflLy ijhVy Aus ny iek vfr ivafh dI aYnIvrsrI ‘qy KrId ky idqy sn. XUnIPfrm ‘imlynIam’ vflI sI. kflI trfAUjLr, lfl kmIjL qy kflf blyjLr. XUnIPfrm Aupr Aus dy nF df bYj ligaf hoieaf sI; ‘suirMdr cwTf'. gulvMq Aus vl lgfqfr dyKdf jf irhf sI. Aus dy mUMhoN inkilaf; ‘tYWn bfeI tYWn!’ suirMdr Aus dy iek dm sfhmxy af ky KV geI. Auh pwQr bixaF Aus vl dyKdf jf irhf sI. Aus qoN kuJ boilaf hI nhIN sI jf irhf. suirMdr ny puwiCaf, “ikQy gvfc igaYN?” gulvMq hfly vI nf boilaf. Aus ny Aus dy hwQ afpxy hwQF ivc ley qy Aus vl AuvyN hI dyKdf irhf. Aus dIaF sLrbqI awKF ivcoN afpxf guaficaf aqIq lwB irhf sI. suirMdr ny iPr ikhf, “kI dyK irhYN?” “afpxI tYWn bfeI tYWn nUM dyK irhF, ikMnIaF sdIaF ho geIaF dyKI nUM, [[[rwj ky dyK lYxI cfhuMnf!” iPr Aus ny suirMdr df ichrf afpxy hwQF ivc ilaf qy Aus nUM byqhfsLf cuMmx ligaf. Auh nfl dI nfl kihMdf jf irhf sI, “afey imsz XU, imsz XU so mwc! [[[afey lv XU, lv XU so mwc!” jd Auh jLrf ruikaf qF suirMdr bolI, “ieQy bhuq sfry myry vfkP aY, cwl, cl ky ikqy bYTdy aF.” gulvMq iek dm afpy ivc muiVaf qy kihx ligaf, “Auh sOrI! [[[mYN qF Buwl eI igaf sF ik ikQy aF pr kI krF! hwz mfs df bixaF mnwuK aF, sYNtI ho jfnF, qyry ijhf pwQr neIN aF ik kuJ PIl eI neIN huMdf!” “dYt ‘jL vwt XU sya, qYnUM kI pqf mYN qYnUM ikMnf ims kIqf!” suirMdr ny ikhf. gulvMq kuJ hor kihxf cfhuMdf sI pr Aus ny soicaf ik ieMnI dyr bfad imly hF, inhoiraF ivc vkq ikAuN Krfb kIqf jfvy. Aus ny ikhf, “lMc kIqf kI?” “qUM neIN krfeyNgf?” afKdI suirMdr ny Aus dI bFh PV leI. gulvMq Aus nUM vwKI ivc vfVdf qur ipaf. nyVy hI iek cfeInIjL rYstorYNt sI, Auh AuQy jf bYTy. gulvMq ny Aus dy moZHy CUhy, Aus dy ichry qy hwQ Pyiraf qy kihx ligaf, “dyK qUM afpxI kI hflq bxf leI aY!” “Cwz eys gwl nUM qUM suxf qyrf kI hfl aY?” “mYN iblkul TIk aF, qUM suxf qyrf kMmkfr ikvyN aY, aMimRqf dI kI hfl aY qy bfkI sB PYimlI?” “sB kuJ PfeIn.”

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“vYsy qF Pon krn leI sLukrIaf pr eyny icr bfad myrI Xfd ikwdF af geI?” “mYnUM qF qUM sdf eI Xfd irhYN, qUM eI Buwl igaYN.” “neIN tYWn bfeI tYWn, mYN qYnUM kdy neIN Buwilaf, hr vyly Xfd rKdF.” “jy Xfd rwKdf huMdf qF ivafh nf krfAuNdf! [[[ivafh krf ilaf qy Py’ Tfh Tfh krdy do bwcy vI bxf Dry!” “vfh! qYnUM qF myrI pUrI Kbr aY.” “mYN qyrI hr cfl ‘qy njLr rKdI aF, mYnUM qyry Gr df vI pqf, qyry dPqr df vI. [[[sLrm nhIN afAuNdI, afpxI kMpnI df nF tYWn bfeI tYWn rwK ky mYnUM bdnfm krdf iPrdYN!” “ieho qF myry ipafr df sbUq aY, [[[iehdf mqlb qUM myrI pUrI jfsUsI krdI iPrdI aYN, myrf Pon nMbr ikQoN ilaf?” “hr hPqy qF tfeI lf ky Poto lfeI huMdI aY pyprF ivc.” “so dYt ‘jL df sors! [[[aMimRq ikwdF?” “qYnUM aMimRq nfl kI? [[[qUM hor bwcy pYdf kr ley, AuhnUM Buwl igaYN!” “ieh sB qyrI kIqI krfeI aY, jdoN mYN AuhnUM lYx jFdf sI qF qUM aiVwky zfhI jFdI sI.” “qUM qy ivafh vI krf ilaf sI, afp soc guwl ik EprI qIvIN kol kuVI nUM ikwdF ByjdI?” “cl hux Cwz purfxIaF gwlF, af koeI moh-muhwbq dI gwl krIey.” “awCf guwl, ds Blf aj kI idn aY?” gulvMq cyqy krn dI koisLsL krn ligaf. suirMdr ny prs ivcoN iek kfrz kwiZaf qy nfl hI pRiPAUm dI iek sLIsLI vI. Aus nUM PVFAuNdI hoeI bolI, “hYpI brQzy guwl!” gulvMq iek dm Bfvuk ho igaf. Aus ny suirMdr dy dovyN hwQ cuMm ley qy awKF Brdf boilaf, “qYnUM hfly qk Xfd aY! [[[mYN qF jVy-jnm idn Buwl eI igaf hoieaF.” “mYN Blf Cy aprYl ikwdF Buwl skdI aF. [[[mYN qF hr sfl qyry leI kfrz KrId ky rwKdI rhI aF bs Byijaf eI neIN, aYqkIN soicaf ik ihMmq kr ky dyKF.” gulvMq ny DMnvfd kridaF AuT ky Aus df iek cuMmx ilaf. bihrf af ky mYinE AuhnF dy sfhmxy rwK igaf. Auh Kfxy df afrzr dyx dIaF slfhF bxfAux lgy. gulvMq ny suirMdr dI mn psMd rYWz vfeIn df vI afrzr kr ilaf. suirMdr Aus nUM rokxf cfhuMdI sI ik Auh vfeIn nhIN pIvygI pr Auh cuwp rhI. ieMnI dyr bfad Auh afpxy guwl nUM iml rhI sI, Aus nUM nrfjL ikvyN kr skdI sI. vfeIn dI boql af geI. bihry ny dovyN glfs Br idqy. AuhnF ny glfs KVkfey. pihlf Guwt Brdf gulvMq boilaf, “myry bfry qF qUM sB jfxdI aYN, hux afpxy bfry dws?” “myry Gr ivc jo hoieaf qYnUM pqf eI aY, vOt zU XU iQMk?” “zYzI ny jo vI kIqf jF jo vI hoieaf iek afm ipE dy guwsy df idKfvf sI. afey aYm hYpI ivd ids.” gulvMq ny jLrf ku JUT bol idqf. pihlI njLry BfvyN Aus nUM ieh sB TIk ligaf sI pr jd Auh ies Gtnf bfry iDafn nfl socdf qF Aus nUM lgdf ik gurjMt nUM kql krnf jfiejL nhIN sI. gurjMt nUM sjLf dyxf kort df kMm sI nf ik surjn isMG df. gulvMq ny puwiCaf, “zYzI-mMmI df kI hfl aY?” “TIk aY, zYzI qF hfly Gr nhIN afey, Aumr nfl ishq kuJ kmjLor aY, EdF TIk sB.” “qyrIaF BYxF?” “ivafh ho geIaF sfrIaF, blijMdr kYlyPornIaF cly geI.” “qy qUM?” jvfb ivc suirMdr ny afpxy bYj Aupr ilKy; ‘suirMdr cwTf’ Aupr AuNgl PyrI qy bolI, “mYN qyry vrgI sYliPsL neIN, [[[mYN aMimRq bfry vI socxf sI.”

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Kfxf KFidaF AuhnF ny Zyr sfrIaF gwlF kIqIaF. suirMdr ny kMm qoN awDI CuwtI kr leI hoeI sI. bfkI df smF Auh gulvMq nfl gujLfrnf cfhuMdI sI. Auh rYstorYNt ivcoN AuT ky QymjL diraf vl nUM qur pey. diraf pUrI cVHfeI ‘qy sI. pfxI kMZy twpx twpx krdf sI. Auh iek jgfh ruk diraf dy pfr dy pfr iPrdy lokF vl dyKx lgy. gulvMq ny pwuiCaf, “ikho ijhI inklLI af aMimRq?” “iblkul qyry vrgI. qyrIaF afdqF. qyrf hfsf qy rosf vI. [[[ijwdF mYN sON jfieaf krdI sI qy qUM pVHdf rihMdf sI EdF eI Eh krdI aY, [[[mYnUM lgx lgdY ik qUM myry nflL ipaYN!” gwl kr ky suirMdr dUr ikDry gvfc geI. gulvMq ny iek pqlf ijhf pwQr cuwikaf qy diraf Aupr nUM iqrsLf clf idqf ijvyN bcpn ivc ipMz dy CwpV Aupr TIkrIaF dy twpy puafieaf krdf sI. aYzf vwzf QymjL diraf, Auh vI smuMdrI CwlF nfl TfTF mfrdf, inwkf ijhf pwQr ikvyN twpy mfr skdf sI, Auh pihlI zubkI ivc ikDry guMm ho igaf. kuJ dyr Auh cuwp rhy qy iPr suirMdr puwCx lgI, “qUM KusL aYN?” “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, mYN KusL eI aF. [[[KusLI koeI Evrkot qF nhIN ik cuwko qy pihn lE, KusLI-gmI hflfq ivcoN inkldI aY pr mYN Audfs neIN.” “myrf mqlb aY ik hYpIlI mYirz aYN?” “hux ieh svfl bhuqy mihnY neIN rKfAuNdf, ijhVf Gr AujV igaf sI, Auh muV bMnH ilaY, duK dI gwl ieho aY ik Gr ivc qUM nhIN koeI hor aY, [[[pr ieh qyrf PYslf sI.” “qyrI vfeIP kYsI aY?” “sLI ‘jL Eky, cMgI mdr aY, Gr sMBflI jf rhI aY, vwt aYljL?” “myry qoN ibAUtIPuwl aY?” “qyry qoN ibAUtIPuwl kuVI qF sfry plfnt ‘qy koeI neIN hoxI!” “JUT!” “qUM mYnUM JUT boldy nUM kdy suixaF?” “Pyr myrI vyt ikAuN neIN kIqI?” “kfhdy afsry krdf qyrI vyt? [[[koeI JUTf lfrf eI dy geI huMdI vyt krn vfsqy.” “gwul, qYnUM pqY ik JUT mYN vI nhIN sI bolxF!” kuJ dyr leI Auh iPr KfmosL ho gey. QoVI dyr bfad suirMdr bolI, “pqY guwl, jd qUM zievors df kys izPYNz krdf huMdf sI qF mYnUM bhuq cMgf lgdf sI pr sfzy Gr ivc vfpry iensIzYNt ny myrIaF sfrIaF PIilMgjL PrIjL kr idqIaF sI.” “kI mqlb?” “jy iek pfsy quhfzf aMgUTf kwt ho jfvy qy dUjy pfsy quhfzf pYr qF kudrqI quhfzf bhuqf iDafn pYr vl hI jfeygf, myry nfloN myry Gr dI prOblm bhuqI vwzI sI.” “iPr vI kdy qF afvfjL dy lYNdI!” gulvMq ny afiKaf. suirMdr ny afpxy zYzI dI rIsy cutkI vjfAuNidaF ikhf, “no XU trn!” aYqvfr df idn sI. surjn isMG nUM imlx jfx dI iqafrI ho rhI sI. suirMdr, aMimRq qy prkfsL kor jf rhIaF sn. svyry AuTidaF hI aMimRq dy pyt-drd sLurU ho igaf. Auh rox lgI. suirMdr soc rhI sI ik jfx qk TIk ho jfvygf pr nf hoieaf. prkfsL kor kosdI hoeI bolI, “ikMnI vfr ikhf ik bfhroN aMz-sMz nf Kfieaf kro pr myrI koeI suxy vI.”

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“kwl ieh guwl nflL rlL ky pIjLf KfeI geI, lgdY Ausy Kfxy ny ieh prOblm pfeI aY.” “qUM eydF kr ik guirMdr nUM sfQ leI nflL lY jf, jF iksy inafxy nUM, iehdf jfxf TIk neIN, [[[mYN eyhdf koeI EhV-pohV krdI aF.” “pihlF mYN EhnUM ipwk krn jfAUN, lyt nf ho jfAUN eydF?” “’kwlI jfeyNgI?” “mYnUM ‘kwlI nUM kI aY, afh nflLoN eI qF aYm alYvn iml jfxI aYN.” Aus ny iek dm hI PYslf kr ilaf ik Auh iekwlI hI cly jfvygI. asl ivc ies vfr Auh zYzI nfl gulvMq bfry gwl krnI cfhuMdI sI pr afp nhIN mMmI rfhIN. ipClI keI vfr Aus ny koisLsL kIqI pr zYzI df mUz bhuq Krfb irhf sI. Aus ny soc ilaf ik aj afp hI zYzI nfl sfrI gwl kr lvygI. amFzf dI mOq qoN bfad surjn isMG keI hPqy qk sMBl nhIN sI sikaf. AudfsI df vwzf kfrn ieh vI sI ik amFzf ieMnI dyr dI gujLrI hoeI sI qy Aus nUM pqf qk nhIN sI cilaf. icwTI nf afAux dy kfrn nUM Auh iblkul nhIN sI smJ sikaf. suPny rfhIN vI koeI sUh nhIN sI imlI. Aus dI AudfsI df koeI kfrn puwCdf qF kih idMdf ik ieMnI lMmI jylH qoN Auh qMg af igaf hY. jylH vI jLrUr lMmI ho rhI sI. Aus dI PfeIl hr sfl hom aOiPs nUM jFdI pr Aus dI irhfeI dy hukm lY ky nf muVdI. ikDry vI AumId dI koeI ikrn idKfeI nhIN sI dy rhI. jwj ny afpxf PYslf suxfAuNdy smyN ilK idqf sI ik surjn isMG iek inhfieq sLfqr mujrm hY, ijs ny bhuq hI igxy-imQy ZMg nfl ieh kql kIqf hY. Aus dI kYd BfvyN Aumr kYd hI sI pr hom sYktrI dI Kfs iejfjLq dI jLrUrq jLrUrI sI jo iml nhIN sI rhI hflFik surjn dIaF jylH ivclIaF irpoRtF bhuq shI jf rhIaF sn. surjn nUM keI jylHF ivc qbdIl kIqf jFdf irhf sI; kdI kYNt, kdI imzlYNz, kdI kYNbrj qy kdI ikqy hor. hux sfl ku qoN Auh vyvIlYNz jylH ivc sI. Auh iksy vI jylH ivc huMdf, pirvfr ny mulfkfq df smF kdy nhIN sI KuMJfieaf. aj vI suirMdr vkq isr inkl peI. aYm alYvn PV, ey alYvn lYxI sI. QYtPorz lMG ky hI vyvIlYNz sI. zyV GMty df rfh. suirMdr sdf do GMty hwQ ivc rwK ky qurdI. aYm alYvn ‘qy pYNidaF hI Auh afpxy iKaflF ivc gvfc geI. hux gulv Mq Aus nUM aksr imlx ligaf sI. Aus nUM ieMny sflF ivc gulvMq ivc koeI Prk nhIN sI idisaf. Aus nUM pihlF vFg hI ipafr krdf sI. Prk ieMnf sI ik Auh hux sLfdIsLudf bMdf sI. iksy hor df pqI. Aus df kuJ nhIN sI lgdf. BfvyN Aus df kuJ nhIN sI lgdf pr Aus nUM Auh afpxf afpxf hI lg irhf sI. Aus df afpxf, Aus dI DI df ipE. aMimRq dy mfmly ivc ijhVf XkIn Auh gulvMq ‘qy kr skdI sI iksy hor ‘qy Blf ikvyN krdI. gulvMq ny aMimRq nUM vI CfqI nfl lf ilaf sI. aMimRq vI Aus nUM iml ky bhuq KusL sI. jdoN dI Auh gulvMq nUM imlx lgI Aus dy qOr-qrIky hI bdl gey sn. hr vyly cihkdI rihMdI. hr vyly Gr ivc afpxy zYzI dIaF gwlF hI krdI rihMdI. hux suirMdr nUM mihsUs hox ligaf sI ik aMimRq nUM ipE dI ikMnI loV sI. hux Aus nUM afpxI glqI df aihsfs vI hox ligaf sI. gulvMq muV muV ky Aus dy dr ‘qy afAuNdf irhf pr Auh Aus nUM TukrfAuNdI rhI. Aus nUM iek vfr vI afpxy idl dI gwl nhIN kih skI. Aus nUM jfpx ligaf ik Aus dy pirvfr ny afpxy svfrQ leI Aus nUM vrq ilaf hY. iksy ny vI Aus dy vfps gulvMq kol muVn bfry nf soicaf. aj Auh mn hI mn qYa kr ky jf rhI rhI sI ik Auh zYzI dI ies bfry slfh nhIN puwCygI blik dwsygI ik Auh kI soc rhI hY qy krygI vI AuhI. gulvMq Aus nUM bfhF Kohl ky imldf. aMimRq nUM vI bhuq ipafr krdf pr kdy vI afpxy BivwK bfry gwl nf krdf. iek idn suirMdr ny afp hI puwiCaf, “guwl, hux agFh bfry kI socdF?” “agFh bfry! [[[mYN kuJ nhIN socdf, jo mYN socdF kdy huMdf neIN. [[[myry sfr y suPny qF cknf-cUr ho cuwky af, hux mYN suPny dyKxy Cwzy hoey af.” “mYN qF muV ky iekwTy rihx df suPnf dyK rhI aF.”

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“ieh ikwdF ho jfAU? [[[mYN Aus aOrq nUM kdy nhIN Cwz skxF ijhny mYnUM aOKy vyly shfrf idqf, mYnUM do KUbsUrq bwcy idqy, [[[kdy nhIN.” gulvMq dy bolF ivc idRVqf sI. Aus dI gwl sux ky suirMdr kuJ dyr leI cuwp rhI qy iPr bolI, “pr guwl, aMimRq qF qyry ivcoN ipE lwBx lg peI aY.” “myry ivcoN ipE ikAuN lwBx lg peI, mYN qF Auhdf hYgf eI ipE!” “iehdf hux hwl kI hovy?” “mfeI tYWn bfeI tYWn, Auh gfxf nhIN suixaF; sB kuJ lutf ky hosL my afey qo ikaf kIaf.” Aus dI gwl sux ky suirMdr Audfs ho geI qy awKF Br leIaF. kuJ dyr socdf gulvMq boilaf, “mYN iek vfadf qF kr skdF ik kuJ nf kuJ tfeIm quhfnUM dohF nUM idMdf rhUM pr iksy ihsfb ikqfb nfl.” “ikvyN?” “ieh nhIN pqf, socxf peygf pr mYN iksy iksm df prYsLr vI nhIN lYxf cfhuMdf.” iPr iek idn Auhnf donF ivckfr smJOqf ho igaf ik Auh dovyN rlL ky iek Gr KrId lYxgy ijs ivc Auh hPqy ivc kuJ smF iekwTy ibqfieaf krngy. suirMdr nUM ieho hI bhuq ligaf. Aus ny mMmI nUM ieh gwl ds idqI hoeI sI qy aj Auh zYzI nUM vI kih dyxf cfhuMdI sI. Auh vkq isr puwj geI. surjn isMG Aus nUM iekwlI nUM dyK ky hYrfn huMdf puwCx ligaf, “bfkI jMqf?” “aMimRq acfnk ibmfr ho geI, mMmI nUM vI rihxf ipaf.” “kI ho igaf?” “koeI Kfs neIN, kuJ Gwt-vwD KfDf igaf, qusIN suxfE zYz, ikwdF hux?” “hux mYN TIk aF, bs aYvyN BYVf ijhf mUz myry Aupr hfvI hox ligaf sI, [[[jy mYN ieQy nf afAuNdf qF sihjy eI sO sfl kwZ jfxy sI pr hux neIN lgdf ik awsIaF nUM vI phuMcUM, [[[asl ivc mYN srks df neIN jMgl df sLyr aF.” afKdf surjn isMG hwsx ligaf. suirMdr cuwp ijhI bYTI rhI. Auh afpxI gwl krn df rfh bxf rhI sI. surjn isMG smJ igaf. Aus ny puwiCaf, “aMimRq krky eynf GbrfeI hoeI aYN?” “neIN zYz, dyar iejL smiQMg aYljL.” “kI?” “asIN guwl nUM imlIaF sI.” suirMdr gwl kr ky iek dm cuwp kr geI. surjn isMG vI KfmosL ho igaf. Auh hr hPqy ‘vfs-prvfs’ ivc gulvMq dI qsvIr dyiKaf krdf sI qy Aus df mn nPrq nfl Br jfieaf krdf sI. Aus ny kdy suPny ivc vI nhIN sI soicaf ik suirMdr muV ky kdy gulvMq dI gwl krygI. suirMdr ny ipE nfl awKF imlfey ibnF iPr afiKaf, “iet ‘jL nfeIs tU sI ihwm, [[[aMimRq bhuq KusL aY.” surjn isMG hfly vI cuwp sI. suirMdr ny Aus vloN kuJ khy jfx nUM iek pl AuzIikaf qy iPr bolI, “zYz, afeI noa, afeI hYv zwn imstyk, [[[mYnUM AudoN eI vfps cly jfxf cfhIdf sI, Gwto-Gwt qlfk nf lYNdI.” surjn isMG nUM iek vfr qF ligaf ik DI Ausy nUM hI ksUrvfr Tihrf rhI hY. Auh kihx ligaf, “ijhVf vkq inkl igaf Auhdy bfry kI socxf, [[[hux jo qUM cfhuMnI aYN kr lY, asIN qyry nflL aF.” “bwt zYz, hI ‘jL mYirz nfE, tU iclzrn aYjL vYWl.” suirMdr ny ichrf Aupr AuTf ipE dIaF awKF ivc awKF pf ky ikhf. surjn isMG ny nIvIN pf leI qy kihx ligaf,

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“dyK puwq, ieh qyrI lfeIP aY, [[[pr iksy suPny ivc nf rhIN, swc qF ieh aY ik bhuq vkq lMG cuikaY, [[[mYN bhuq vfr ikhf ik GVI dIaF sUeIaF ipwCy nUM neIN jFdIaF.” “iblkul TIk ey zYz, mYN vI ipwCy nUM jfx dI gwl neIN kr rhI, agy bfry hI soc rhI aF.” “kI Auh quhfzI Kfqr afpxf twbr Cwz dyvygf?” “neIN zYz pr asIN vwKrI iksm dy ilivMg irlysLn rwKx df PYslf kIqY, [[[zYz, mYnUM hsbYNz keI iml jfxgy pr aMimRq nUM zYz neIN imlxf.” “suirMdr, mYN qF slfh dyvFgf ik koeI hor muMzf dyK lYny aF qy aMimRq nUM asIN sMBflFgy.” “neIN zYz, aMimRq ibnF mYN kfhdI!” “bytf, mYN qF pihlF vI kihMnf huMnF ik qUM sfzI DI neIN puwq aYN. dyK, qUM sfnUM ikzI musIbq ivcoN bfhr kwiZaY, [[[mYN qF hux ieQy bYTf sI, qUM hI sB nUM afpo-afpxy itkfixaF qy phuMcfieaf. mYN qF hr vyly ieho cfhuMnf ik qUM vI iksy kMZy lg jfvyN.” ies vfr Auh iqMno hI surjn isMG nUM imlx afeIaF; nfnI, mF qy dohqI. surjn nUM AuhnF dy hfl ivc puwjx qoN pihlF hI idqy gey tybl ‘qy af bYTf sI. Auh AuhnF afAuNdIaF nUM dUroN hI dyK skdf sI. prkfsL kor imMnf imMnf muskRfAuNdI qurI af rhI sI. suirMdr qy aMimRq iek dUjy dy cUMzIaF ijhIaF vZdIaF, rOlf pf rhIaF sn qy hfl ivc hfjLr lokF df iDafn afpxy vl iKwc rhIaF sn. surjn isMG ny aMimRq nUM jwPI ivc lY ky ikhf, “lgdf eI neIN ik qUM kdy ibmfr hoeI hovyN.” “nfnf jI, mOm myz jst storI, afey vOjL aOlrfeIt.” iPr surjn isMG suirMdr vl dyKx ligaf. Aus dy ichrf vI rOxk nfl Biraf ipaf sI. pihlF ievyN Aus ny suirMdr nUM nhIN sI dyiKaf. surjn isMG prkfsL kor qoN Aus df hflcfl puwCx ligaf. suirMdr qy aMimRq iPr afps ivc CyV-CfV krn lgIaF. iksy gwl ‘qy suirMdr ny aMimRq nUM DwPf ijhf mfiraf qy Auh muhirEN mUMh icVfAux lgI. surjn isMG ny aMimRq dy nvyN kpVy dyK ky puwiCaf, “ieh zrYWs qF beI nvIN KrIdI lgdI aY!” aMimRq dy bolx qoN pihlF hI suirMdr kihx lgI, “pMjfbI ivc gwl krnI hoeygI, XU irmYNbr!” “Ekya, Ekya!” afKdI aMimRq pMjfbI ivc bolx df Xqn krn lgI, “nfnf jI, ieh nf myrf prYjLMt hoieaf[[[.” Aus koloN gwl pUrI nf kr hoeI qF suirMdr bolI, “iehdy zYzI ny lY ky idqI aY.” “aYNz mubfeIl, aYNz ids vOc!” afKdI aMimRq afpxI GVI idKfAux lgI. mubfeIl Pon sikErtI vfilaF ny aMdr ilafAux nhIN sI idqf. suirMdr surjn isMG nUM dsx lgI, “iehdy zYzI ny ikhY ik ijMny imMt pMjfbI boilaf kryNgI, Eny eI pONz imlxgy, [[[mYN ikhf, sOdf mfVf neIN! [[[hux ieh pMjfbI bolx dI prYkits krdI aY, ikAuN aMimRq?” “XYWz mOm, afey zU, [[[sOrI, mYN krdI aF.” “hux brQzy vI af irhY, pMjfbI bol ky hor prYjLMt lYxyN aF.” suirMdr kih rhI sI. ies gwl df surjn isMG Aupr kI asr ho irhf sI ies dI Aus nUM koeI icMqf nhIN sI. surjn isMG Aupr asr bhuq cMgf ho irhf sI. Auh qF sgoN afpxy afp nUM hlkf hlkf mihsUs

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krn ligaf sI. Aus nUM suirMdr df hI qF hux iPkr sI, suirMdr KusL qF Auh vI KusL. suirMdr afpxy kMnF dIaF bflLIaF idKf rhI sI ijhVIaF gulvMq ny lY ky idqIaF sn. aMimRq ds rhI sI ik Auh kyNdrI lMzn dy iek mihMgy rYstorYNt ivc rotI Kfx gey, Qorp pfrk qy sI-sfeIz ‘qy vI gey. mF-DI dIaF gwlF ivc iek ajIb cmlfht sI. prkfsL kor vI AuhnF vl dyK dyK KusL ho rhI sI. BfvyN Auh suirMdr dy ievyN ivafhy bMdy nfl sbMD rwKx dy hwk ivc nhIN sI pr DI dI KusLI ies gwl qoN vwzI sI. Auh vfr vfr pqI dy ichry nUM pVHn dI koisLsL vI krdI jf rhI sI ik Auh kI soc irhf hovygf. mulfkq dy do GMitaF ivc bhuqIaF gwlF suirMdr qy aMimRq ny hI kIqIaF. AuhnF vl dyK ky surjn isMG dIaF awKF vI cmk rhIaF sn. mulfkfq df vkq Kqm ho igaf. prkfsL kor afm vFg kuJ imMt vfDU bYTI rhI. Auh jfx buwJ ky iKJdI hoeI bolI, “jI, lE qF jI! hux suirMdr guwl nUM imlx lg peI aY, dovyN Gr KrIdx lgy af, [[[Blf lok kI kihxgy?” “buVHIey, qUM lokF vl neIN inafixaF dI KusLI vl dyK!” Auh alivdf lY ky cly geIaF. Aus idn surjn isMG icwTI ilKx bYT igaf, ‘myrI ipafrI amFzf, qUM ijAuNdI huMdI qF ieh sB qyry nfl jLrUr sFJf krdf pr[[[.’

aMiqkf grmIaF dy idn sn. svyry hI vfhvf sfrI Duwp iKV geI sI. brkly roz dy lfl drF vfly Gr ivc Auqsv ijhf mhOl sI. Gr mihmfnF nfl Biraf ipaf sI. bfhr gfrzn ivc vI tYNt lgf ley hoey sn. pfrtI ijhI cl rhI sI. idlbfg ny svyry hI bIar df zwbf Kohl ilaf sI qy nfl hI gurpfl sMDU nUM vI Kohl ky PVf idaf hoieaf sI. Auh afdqn gwpF suxf irhf sI. amrIkf qoN gurpfl qy blijMdr afpxy bwicaF smyq hfly kwl hI puwjy sn. idlbfg qy guirMdr vI rfq hI af gey sn. kulivMdr qy suKvIr huxy hI afey sn. prmjIq qy rxjIq afpxy donoN muMzy lY ky svyry hI af gey sn. minMdrF qy bljIq vI bwicaF smyq hfjLr sn. blijMdr ny GVI vl dyKidaF suirMdr nUM ikhf, “qUM tfeIm bfry sLoar aYN?” “hor ikqy neIN vI pr trYiPk vI qF ho skdY.” afdmI BfvyN gfrzn ivc bYTy sn pr sfrIaF aOrqF pridaF ipwCy KVIaF bfhr sVk vl dyK rhIaF sn. ds vjy dy krIb iek kflI tYksI AuhnF dy Gr dy bfhr af ky rukI. Auh aMdroN cIkF mfrn lgIaF qy nflL hI rox vI. tYksI ivcoN iek pulIsmYn inkilaf. Aus dy mgr hI iek aMgryjL sosLl vrkr vI, Aus dy mgr surjn isMG. Auho pihlF vflf surjn isMG. Auho bdfmI rMg dI pwg, aYnkF qy dg dg krdf ichrf. jy koeI Prk sI qF sI bwgI hoeI dfhVI df qy jLrf ku JukI hoeI kmr df. suirMdr ny Bwj ky drvfjLf Kohilaf qy Bwj ky surjn isMG nUM cuMbV geI. Aus dy mgr hI bfkI dIaF DIaF vI Aus dy glL lg geIaF. sB dIaF awKF qr sn. surjn isMG aMdr afieaf. iek iek nUM glL lg ky imilaf. gfrzn ivc vI sfry hux qk aMdr af gey sn. sB nfl hwQ imlf ky bYT igaf. Aus ny sfry Gr nUM inhfiraf, sB kuJ AuvyN df AuvyN hI sI. Aus dy hwQF dIaF lgfeIaF sInrIaF AuvyN hI kMDF Aupr ltk rhIaF sn. hF, hux qsvIrF bhuq ho geIaF sn. ieMny bwicaF dIaF lgIaF Poto dyK ky Aus nUM afpxf-afp viDaf-Puwilaf mihsUs hox ligaf. Aus ny iekwly iekwly df hflcfl puwiCaf. idlbfg ny surjn dI mnpsMd vfeIn dI boql Auhdy sfhmxy ilaf rwKI qF sB hwsx lgy.

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aj df ieh idn surjn isMG dI pYrol df iek idn sI. Aus dI irhfeI kd hoxI sI, ikMny sfl lgxy sn; ies df iksy nUM kuJ nhIN sI pqf. ieh isrP irhfeI vl iek kdm sI. srkfrI mnoivigafnI df ivcfr sI ik ieMny sfl jylH ivc rih ky surjn isMG leI vfps kudrqI ijLMdgI ivc ivcrnf musLkl ho jfxf sI, ievyN Aus nUM kdy kdy pYrol ‘qy Byj ky bfhrly smfj df afdI bxfAuxf jLrUrI sI. BfvyN ieh iek idn hI sI pr Gr df mhOl KusLIaF BrpUr sI. Aus ny Gr nUM krfey nvyN pyNt df jfiejLf ilaf. AuT ky gfrzn dy Puwl dyKy ijhnF nUM suirMdr Aus dI gYrhfjLrI ivc sMBfldI rhI sI. Gr dy Auprly ihwsy ivc jf ky afpxf bYWzrUm dyiKaf. iek vfr qF Aus df mn Br afieaf pr Auh sMBl igaf. Auh muV PrMt rUm ivc af bYTf. Aus df sfrf pirvfr Aus dy duafly juiVaf hoieaf sI. sfrIaF DIaF afpxy pqIaF smyq hfjLr sn pr suirMdr iekwlI sI. Auh muV muV suirMdr vl dyKx lgdf. iPr Aus ny aMimRq vl iDafn nfl dyiKaf. aMimRq dIaF awKF ivcdI koeI hor Jfk irhf sI. Aus df vwzf sfrf nwk qy cOVf mwQf Aus ny pihlF vI ikDry dyiKaf hoieaf sI, ijvyN koeI dyr bfad iml irhf hovy. aMimRq hwsI, ijvyN koeI hor hwisaf hovy. vIh sfl dI aMimRq suirMdr nfloN vI lMmI ho geI sI. Auh smJdI hoeI Aus dy sfhmxy huMdI Aus vFg hI cutkI vjfAuNdI bolI, “nfnf jI, no XU trn!”

(smfpq)