Me naat original writer
Incest Chauraha
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"Maa.. Aapko pata hai meri Meena kaha hai? Shaam se khoj raha hu par wo abhi tak lauti nahi aur dekho uska doodh bhi kasore me jaisa ka taisa pada hai. Maa, aap ro rahi hai?", 2 pakke kamro ki kothri wala ye pakka makaan aaj is andhkaar bhari raat sa he khamosh tha jiske ek kamre me laalten ki roshni se bach kar baithi ye shwet dhoti pehni mahila khamoshi se aansu baha rahi thi apne seene se us laal kameej ko lagaye. Kache aangan se tej kadam bharta hua ye pareshan sa yuwak kiwaad ki chuakhat par rukk kar pehle toh apni kehta raha parantu jaise he naarangi peeli maddim roshni me apni maa ke baayen gaal par paani ki chamak dekhi, wo ghutno ke bhaar uske kadmo ko pakadte hue is rudan ki wajah poochne laga. Ye vidhwa stree Anuradha thi, is 18 baras ke kishor ki maa jo apni maa ke jiwan ka ab ekmatra sahara tha. Apne bete ki pukaar se Anuradha usi laal kameej se apne aansu saaf karti hui dusre hath se apne bhole bete ka chehra sehlaane lagi.
"Tum jaante ho Chandan beta kal kya hai?", Bete ka naam Chandan tha jo swayam bahri duniya ke badalte rango se achoota raha tha aur uski ekmatra dost uski Meena thi, ek desi vidaal jisko shishu avastha me ghayal milne par Chandan ne he paal pos kar bada kiya tha. Kothri jaise is kamre me jyada suvidhaye nahi thi. Kuch gathariyan ek kone me bandhi thi aur ek sann ki chaarpayi jiske kinare baithi Anuradha pehle ashru baha rahi thi. Maasik niyamit hone ki umar me he Anuradha byaah kar is ghar aayi thi aur 19 baras dampatya jiwan me uski aulaad bas yahi 18 baras ka Chandan he tha.
"Kal.. Kal toh hum naani ke yaha ja rahe hai. Maine apna jhola bhar liya hai jaisa aapne kaha tha. Parantu main wapis yaha nahi aanewala maa. Yaha log bahot bure hai, mera majaak banate hai aur ganda ganda bolte hai. Main naani ke ghar he rahunga ab.", Us naari ke chehre par bhi apne bete ke bholepan se ek snehi muskaan ubhar aayi.
"Ab toh mujhe bhi wahi rehna hoga beta. Tumhare pita ji ko gujre aaj is raat poora ek baras ho raha hai. Ye ghar bhi hume kal savere khaali karna hai jiske baad hamare sar par siwaye tumhari naani ke koyi aasara nahi. Aur tumhe waha koyi nahi satayega lekin koshish karna ki tum aage bhi padh likh sako.", Anuradha ka pati Manohar ek sarkaari sewadaar tha aur behad he sajjan insaan, pariwaar ke sath sath samaaj se bhi prem rakhne wala sabke sukh dukh me shaamil. Thik ek baras pehle aaj he ke din jab Manhohar ghar laut raha tha toh agle chaurahe par he uske kadam thamm gaye the. Jyesth maah ka wo antim samay tha aur khet khalihaan se wapis laut rahe jaankar kisaan ne he uske mrit sharir ki chaurahe par milne ki soochna inke ghar pahuchaayi thi. Amavaas ki us syaah raat me ek khush-haal chhote se pariwar par kudrat ki ye aisi bijli giri thi ki Anuradha ka sansaar ujad gaya. Samaaj me jitne bhi Manohar aur uske pariwar ki tareef karne wale hiteshi the, unhone uski chita jalte he besahara maa aur uske bhole bete se kinara kar liya tha. Anuradha ke ghar ke aangan me baith kar gappe haankne wali wo sabhi mahilaayen ab uski dehleej tak ko apshagun kehne lagi. Bhala ho Angrez hukumat ka jinhone apne mulazim ki mrityu par uske pariwar ko ek baras tak rehne ke liye chhatt, khaane ko anaaj aur thodi aarthik madad di jo kal khatam ho rahi thi. Ghar ka jo bhi thoda bahot samaan tha wo Anuradha ne chaadar-dhoti me bandh liya tha, jitna le jana munasib laga. Ab usko chinta thi toh uske badhte bete ki jo jism se paripakva hone ke sath mehnati bhi poora tha lekin samaaj ka gyaan lagbhag nil tha uske bholepan ki wajah se.
"Pita ji ki barsi hai toh aapko bhi diya jagana chahiye na maa jaise daadi dada ji ki barsi par karti thi. Aur ye burshat baaki kapdo me kyun nahi baandhi aapne? Pita ji ko ye behad pasand thi na maa? Jab hum shehar ghoomne jaate the toh wo yahi burshat pehante the apni safed dhoti ke sath. Mujhe bhi ye bahot pasand hai par aapne toh ganji aur kurte ke siwa kuch pehan ne he nahi diya.", Anuradha he jaanti thi ki uska beta samaaj se jyada samajhdar hai bas usme bahar jaisi milawat nahi thi. Raat ka teesra pehar shuru hone laga tha par jaise dono ki aankhon se neend aujhal thi. Apna gharonda chhod kar toh panchi bhi rudan karte hai aur yaha toh Anuradha dulhan ban ke aayi thi, jo baad me maa bani aur fir kushal grahini.
"Dekh jara bhojankaksh (Rasoi) me kadwa teil bacha hai patili me. Main diya le kar aati hu aur kal savere tum yahi burshat pehan kar chalna apni naani ke yaha. Aur Meena ke liye itna pareshaan the na toh dekho wo waha kasore se kaise doodh pee rahi hai? Isko waha bhi apne paas rakhna chahte ho na tum?"
"Ji maa. Aapke baad ek yahi toh hai jo mujhe paagal, anaath aur mandbuddhi nahi kehti. Maa aapko jara bhi bura nahi lagta jab kaka-kaaki tak aapke baare me galat baat bolte hai? Mera jhagda isliye he hua tha kal raat us Bansi se jo baar baar keh raha tha ke teri maa he khaa gayi poore pariwar ko. Daayan bol rahi thi uski maa isliye maine sar pe patthar maar diya tha dono ke. Aur baad me aapne mujhe mara aur bina bhojan kiye he so gayi. Ye maine kapaas ki batti bhi bana di aur isme dher sara teil hai maa.", Khule aangan me dono maa beta ab wo mitti ka diya teil se bharne ke baad usko prajwalit karke us tooti chaarpayi tale rakh hath jodd kar baithe the. Ek patni apne swargiya pati ko yaad kar rahi thi aur ek beta apne prehri, margdarshak aur gyaan se bharopoor shikshak roopi pita ko. Aasman aaj bhi utna he syaah tha jitna ek baras pehle us raat me jab Manohar hridya-gati rukne se ye duniya chhoda gaya tha. Insaano se kahi behtar thi wo vidaal jo apne is insaani pariwar ko dhyaan me leen dekh Anuradha ke he kadmo me satt kar diye ki aur pasar chuki thi. Ek katu satya tha is samaaj ka jaha chaurahe par mrityu prapt karne wale ka pariwar har raah se prithak kar diya gaya tha. Kuch pal maun ke baad jab dono uth khade hue toh Chandan ne he apni maa se kaha.
"Aap jab jab aansu bahati hai na maa toh mere hridya me atyadhik peeda hoti hai. Aap swayam he dekhiye is Meena ko jo aapke dukh me khud bhi dukhi lagti hai. Pita ji bahot he nek insaan the maa par master ji kehte hai ki insaan is duniya se jaane ke baad laut kar nahi aata. Hum bhi is ghar me laut kar nahi aayenge jaha aap har pal aansu bahati ho. Main naani se aapki shikayat karunga."
"Chal ab tu so ja beta aur kar lena shikayat apni naani se. Jaane waale toh laut kar nahi aate Chandan par unki yaadein bhulana unka tiraskaar he hoga. Main ab kabhi dukhi nahi houngi, bas mera raja beta apne pita ki shiksha ko sarthak kare aur ek behtar insaan bane. Khaat gira kar so ja, main bhi sone lagi hu. Savere bhor nikalte he chalna hai hume.", Chandan bhi apni maa ki baat sunn kar pehle us khule kiwaad par saankal laga ke aaya aur uske baad apni maa ke kamre me unke sirhaane paani ki gadwi rakh kar wo laltein bujha kar bahar khule aangan me sann ki chaarpaayi bicha us par aa leta. Aasmaan me toh aaj dekhne ke liye wo sitare bhi nahi the jinhe aksar wo bachpan se ginta aaya tha. Meena kuch par aangan ka daura karti rahi aur mahol ko poori tarah khamosh dekh uchal kar Chandan ki bagal me he jagah banati pasar gayi. Wo chanchal vidaal is maamle me bhi poora adhikaar jamati thi jaise wo Chandan ki chhoti behan ho. Ek baar Meena ko puchkaar kar Chandan ne bhi karwat us aur he kar li jidhar wo deepak jagmag tha.
Ye ghar sehar ki jaisi aakhir hadd par tha aur is se ek kos aage he eekh-dhaan ke khet aur unse pare prakritik jungle faila tha. Khamoshi ko bhang kare wo siyaaro ki huaaan huaan ki awaaj atche khaase vyakti ke chitt ko dehla deti thi aise mahol me parantu Chandarn ko toh ye ek madhur baansuri ki taan he lagti thi. Madhur taan me wo jald he diye ko dekhte hue gehri neend me chala gaya. Aisa he khamosh mahol aur syaah kaali raat idhar se 25 Kos dur uske nanihaal waale us chhote se gaanv Paatan me bhi thi lekin kuch log jaise is syaah andhkaar ke he itchhuk the.
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"Abe Chaggu, dekh bhai mera jee bahot ghatt raha hai.", Us chhote se gaanv me jaise kutte bhi is andhkaar ki wajah se kone me dubke the par badan par chaadar audhe aur ek hath me baans ka latth liye ye 2 insaan ghane andhkaar aur us se jyada biyabaan jungle me dabe paanv aage badh rahe the. Jaise din ke ujaale ne inki chaahat ko poora karne se mana kar diya hoga aur ab inhone chuna tha andhkaar aur kaali duniya ki kathin raah ko. Kahi kahi toh ghane vriksh aur jhaadiyan he jameen par aise saaye bana dete jaise koyi pret inke peeche se ubhar raha ho. Ye 2 log Paatan gaanv ke gareeb tabke se the. Jhamru kumhaar aur uska khaasam-khaas Chhagan julaha. Chaggu urf Chhagan ek gambhir aur majboot vyakti tha apne sathi ke mukable par is ghangor andhere me chalte hue uske maathe par paseene ke sath bal padd rahe the. Par jaise uski aankhon me ek ummeed thi jo uske darr ko dabaye thi.
"Jhamru, ghutt ghutt ke jeene se toh shaan se marna hai mere bhai. Kabtak us kachi kholi me hath ki ungliyon se jyada sadasyo ke sath dusro ki bheekh par nirvaah karega? Main toh ab aisi haalat me agla suryodaya nahi dekh sakta. Mandhaari baba ne behtar jiwan ki aas dikhaayi hai aur aaj main har haal me unka kaha poora karunga. Dekhna jald he hum log bhi 2 waqt daal-chawal kha sakenge, badhiya dhoti kurta hoga, dudharu pashu honge. Phir meri mehru ko haweli par jhaadu pauncha nahi karna padega, meri Laali bitiya udhar bartan nahi maanjegi. Darr toh mujhe bhi lagta hai Jhamru par ye us dard ke aage kuch bhi nahi jo mere hridya me hota hai jab jab main apni mehru ke jism par vastra ki jagah purane aur fate vastra dekhta hu. Meri Laali ko ek he vastra ki jodi me 5 maah se dekh raha hu. Bas aaj amaavas ki devi hum par kirpa barsa de, phir dukh ka namo-nishaan na hoga.", Ghane umas bhare jungle se nikal kar ye dono ab kachi pagdandi par aa pahuche the. Idhar bhi andhkaar aisa ki hath ko hath na dikhe par inki aankhen abtak abhyast ho chali thi. Dil ki dhadkan itna chalne aur darr-ummeed ki wajah se abhi tak bhukamp si dhadd-dhadd chal rahi thi.
"Bahut bura lagta hai Chaggu bhai jab jab main apni mehru ko bhabhi se batiyate sunta hu. Gajju halwai ka mustanda Surja sare aam uske jism ke baare fabtiyan kasta hai. Aur 2 din pehle toh unhone Phulwa ko daboch he liya tha. Bhala ho Jaanki amma ka jo udhar se gujar rahi thi aur samay rehte unhone na sirf Phulwa ki ijjatt bachaayi balki 2 latth Surja ke bhi dhar diye. Par har baar toh amma ji nahi hongi ijjatt bachane ko. Tu sahi kehta hai re, amavas ki devi he ab aakhiri aas hai. Tune samaan ka jugaad kaise kiya bhai?", Baat batane ke dauraan he Jhamru ki aankhe paniya gayi thi jinhe saaf karta wo ab lambe kadmo se gaanv ke bahar wale us chaurahe tak aa pahucha tha jaha wo ghana bargad beecho beech khada tha. Inki aahat milte he us mahakaaye bargad par baithe ullu rudan karne lage. Unke rudan ne khamosh jungle me alag si aag bhar di thi soye panchiyon ke kolahal ke sath sath siyaaron ka rudan bhi prarambh ho gaya. Ekdum se bhang hui is shaanti se dono vyaktiyon ka hridya darr se labrej ho gaya. Jhumru ne aankhe moond kar Chaggu ki kalaai majbooti se pakad li. Bade paro wala parinda unke sar ke upar se gujra tha aur ab hilte daal jaise unhe apna kaal dikhne lage jo apne kareeb bula raha ho.
"Darr matt mere bhai.. darr matt.. Ye sab itna asaan rehta toh har koyi smridh na ban jata? Teri Phulwa ke baare soch aur kal ko Kusum bhi byaah karne laayak hogi. Baba ne kaha tha na ki Amavas devi prasann hui toh jiwan me kabhi kisi ke saamne hath na failane padenge. Ye tu thaili pakad main diya banata hu.", Us bade bargad ke samanya se adhik gheraav liye tane ke gird anginat laal-safed dhaage bandhe the jiske baare me kaha jaata tha ki ye us pret ko shaant rakhne ki mannat thi jo is par niwaas karta tha aur jaane ab tak kitne he nirdosh-doshi is khamosh chaurahe ne leel liye the. Saanjh hone ke baad kya din dopehari me bhi jan-maanas idhar akele aane se gurej karta tha. Sameep ki upjaau jameen chaurahe ke darr ki wajah se dhire dhire jungle me he vileen hone lagi thi. Chaggu ne bargad tale bane us chabutre par ukdu baithte hue dono hatho se geela aata modd modd kar diya banaya aur uske kareeb waise he ukdu baithe Jhamru ne thaile se ek ek karke anushthaan ka samaan apne saamne nikaal kar rakha. Paseena ab jism se chabutare par tapakne laga tha aur uski adhikta itni thi ki baar baar Jhamru apni dhoti ka seera utha kar chehra saaf karte hue vidhi ka samaan jaanchne lagta.
"Ye laddu kaha se mila Chaggu? Aur ye murge ka he rakt hai ya tune apna bhara hai is shishi me? Le pehle devi yantra bana le jaise baba ne kaha tha. Aahuti ke baad he poora 7 keela thokna hai hume mil kar. Tabhi pret hume sampann banayega. Keela ke liye tere paas dhan kaha se aaya?", Chhagan poori tanmayta se diya bana kar usme teil aur baati lagane ke baad ab us syaah kaale dikhte rakt ko ek sookhe patte par girane ke baad ungli se chabutare par aadi tirchi rekhaayen banane laga. Ekake umas bhare vatavaran me jordaar hawa chalne lagi thi jis se wo raktim patta bhi udd kar andhere me kho gaya.
"Dhatt tere ki. Laa ye thoda rakt meri hatheli par gira Jhamru. Hawa ka bhi kuch pata nahi chalta, kab rukti hai kab behne lagti hai. Ye laddu maine badi mehnat se mandir se churaya tha. Jaanta hu hamara udhar pravesh karna varjit hai bhai par Gajju ek laddu ek dhibri (Paise) me deta hai aur apni haalat toh sab jaante hai. Keele maine Jaanki amma ke naye kamre ki putaai karte waqt waha bache samaan se churaye hai. Unke kaam ke nahi the lekin apne jiwan me inki kitni mehta hai ye toh tu bhi jaanta hai. La diyasalaai de jara.", Wo yantra poora karke apna rakt se sana hath Jhamru ki he dhoti ke palle se paunch kar aate ka diya thik us yantra ke beecho beech rakh kar gehri saans lene he laga tha ki tej khadkhadahat ki awaaj se dono mitra idhar udhar jhaankne lage. Ye aisi awaaj thi jaise koyi janwar dusre ko jhaadiyon me kheench raha ho par ye kareeb se aayi thi. Mahol ek bar fir se bhayanak ho chala tha aur reh reh kar sookhe patto par kisi ke chalne ki awaaj ke sath siyaaro ka rona tivra hone laga.
"Huhhhh.. Chaggu bhai.. jaldi kar.. Baba ne kaha tha na ki anushthaan me jara bhi chook hui toh lene ke dene bhi padd sakte hai. Aahh.. Lagta hai kisi cheente ne kaat khaya.. Yaha bhookhe peit hum amaavas devi ko laddu chadha rahe hai, murge ka khoon pila rahe hai par ye cheente apni bhookh hamare khoon se bujhane me lage hai. Isme .. isme toh 2 he tilli hai bhai.", Jhamru ne thaile se tatol kar kaath ki wo dibbiyan nikali toh uske hath reh reh kar aati bhayanak awaajo aur bargad se girte sookhe patto ki wajah se kaanpne lage the. Ekaek dono ke sar ke upar se ghani chhaya gujri toh jism tivra thandak se bhar utha jo reedh se behta hua unke kulho ko jhanjhana gaya.
"Galti nahi karni.. galti nahi karni... Thodi aut de Jhamru.. bada kaam karne se pehle bahot kuch sehna padta hai. Ye darr vyarth nahi hai.. Haan jal gayi... Jai amaavas devi.. hamari har manokaamna poori karna.", Jaise taise dono us diye ko gher kar prajvalit kar gaye. Par ab baari thi us diye ke gird 7 keele thokne ki par diya bujhne nahi dena tha.
"La pehla keela main thokta hu Chaggu. Ekaek jism thanda padd raha hai bhai.", Waise he kaanpte hatho se usne wo lamba keela utha kar lakdi ke mutthe wali hathodi se pakke chabutre par tika kar chot ki toh chaaro dishaaon me ye tannnn ki awaaj goonj uthi. Aisa lagta tha jaise wo awaaj dur se inke kareeb aayi ho. Ek bar dono ne ek duje ko dekha aur sehmati me Chaggu ne sar hilaya. Diye ki low abhi bhi fadak rahi thi itni aad hone ke bawjood. Har prahaar par tannn ke ye awaaj paida hoti aur dono sihar uththe. Aisa karte karte dono ne he 5 keele thok diye the aur us chakra ko poora karne ke liye ye chhehva keela ab Chhagan ne gaadna tha. Diya ab joro se fadakne laga tha aur itni mehnat ke baad dono dosto ke chehre ke sath jism paseene se labrej the. Ekake hawa aise ruk gayi jaise uska koyi wajood he na tha. Chhagan ne apne dost ki taraf wo keela tika kar lagataar 2-3 chot pahuchaayi jaise ab wo ye sab aur sehan nahi kar sakta tha. Darr badhne laga tha jaise jaise mausam apne chehre badalta. Chauthi chot par eksath 3 kaam hue. Diya Chhagan ke tapakte paseene se bujha, ullu ki bhayanak awaaj joro se unke kaano ko bendh gayi jaise wo kandhe par baith ke chillayan ho aur Jhamru ne darr ke peeche hona chaha toh jaise kisi adrishya taagat ne usko chabutare se niche jor se patak diya.
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh.. Pret... pret... aaaaa..", Bas wo girne se pehle cheenkhta hua yahi bol paaya tha aur uska jism mirgi ke mareej samaaan tadapne laga. Par abhi toh jaise kuch aur bhi hona tha jis se marnaasan Chhagan apne dost ki haalat bhool kar khood bhi cheekhne chinghaadne laga tha. Uske sar par kuch pathar sa gira tha bargad ki kisi unchi shaakh se aur jab usne uthna chaha toh jaise koyi usko chabutre ke bhitar khinchne laga. Chhagan ne poori jaan laga kar khud ko chhudaya, sab samaan aur apne dost ko wahi chhod kar wo sarpat andhere me daudne laga tha ki wo andhkaar me aisa gira, fir uth na saka. Jhamru toh fir bhi marne se pehle 2 shabd bol gaya tha par uske diler dost ko chaurahe ke pret ne itni mohlat bhi na di ki wo pukaar sake. Ek baar fir hawa ruk thamm chuki thi.. Ek baar fir jungle khamosh ho chuka tha.. siwaye bargad par baithe us ullu ke jo reh reh kar rudan karta fir udta fir laut aata.. Amavas ne apne andhere me dono mitro ko samet liya tha behtar bhavishya ki rishwat ke bhulawe me. Cheente khush the jinhe rakt ke sath mishthan mil gaye. Is amavas aur chaurahe ne sirf 2 jaan he nahi li thi, apitu kayi pariwaro par gehra asar hone wala tha is biyabaan me ghate anushthaan se. Jhamru aur Chhagan ke pariwaro par iska kya asar hoga, ye toh suryodaya behtar bata sakta tha.
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Dur viraane me jirn-shirn khade us khandhar ke bhitar chhamm chhamm ki madhur dhwani is yuwak ko apni aur kheench rahi thi jo raah bhool kar is aur aa pahucha tha. Tapti dhoop se kab waqt raat me badla ye uska jism bhali bhaanti jaanta tha aur upar se bhookh pyaas ne uski hatasha me ijafa he kiya. Marusthal ke beecho beech jaise jal strot dikh gaya tha usko is khandhar ke roop me. Bahar bhare saaf jalashya se chulu me bhar kar paani peeta hua wo ab badhte andhkaar se beparwaah ho chala tha. Paani me ek saya najar aate he najre uthaane par bas paayalo ke ghungruon ki chhann chhann he sunaai di jaise koyi roopsi nange paanv khandhar me gayab ho gayi.
Darr ki jagah ab yuwak ke damakte chehre par ek gehri muskaan thi jo is viraane me akela hone par bhi ab akela nahi tha. Kadam jyon jyon aage badhne lage waise waise uski dhadkan ek khoobsurat anhoni ke intjaar me tej hone lagi. Bhitar aadhi adhuri laal kaali diwaro aur thode jhaad jhakaad ke siwa kuch najar na aaya. Itna gehra sannata jaise yuwak ko fir se hataash karne laga tha aur aasman ki taraf uthte chaand ko dekhte hue wo roshan laalten le jaati ghoongat audhe roopsi.. Yuwak ke mooh se bas ek aahhh si nikal gayi us pardarshi ghoongat ke peeche chhipe itne khoobsurat chehre ko ek pal dekh lene bhar se. Tej aur lambe lambe kadam leta wo maili seedhiyon ko laangta hua upari manzil ke usi galiyare ma pravesh kar gaya jaha se usne wo roopsi jaati dekhi thi. Ek baar fir waisi he antheen khamoshi ne sama gher liya.
'Chhann chhann', ye awaaj bahot thi usko sahi sthaan batane ke liye aur is baar wo us bina kiwaad ke kaksh ki taraf badh chala jaha us yuvti ke milne ki ummeed thi. Pratipal uski dhadkan badhne lagi thi par chehre par ek aas aur atyadhik prem. Aakhir wo us kaksh ke saamne pahuch he gaya tha jaha aut se wo halki roshni phoot rahi thi. Pallu kiye wo naar uski taraf peeth kiye the, hare ghaagre aur laal choli me. Paanv me chaandi ki ghungroo jadit paayal aur taraashi si sughad gori-saanwli baahen. Yuwak kuch bolna chahta tha, bahot kuch kehna chahta tha par jaise koyi uska gala dabane laga. Jism thanda padne laga tha aur wo yuvti awaaj ke liye tarasti palatne lagi thi ki jaise yuvak us galiyare se niche girne laga, cheekh gale se bahar na nikli.
"Maa..", Murge ki baang se pehle he paseene se lathpath Chandan chaarpayi par baitha haanf raha tha. Aaj fir wahi khwaab dekha tha usne jo aaj se pehle jaane kitni baar aa chuka tha. Har baar uski jubaan par tala padd jata aur wo anant gehraai me girta chala jata. Jism ka ekmatra vastra, wo sooti dhoti bhi paseene se halki bheeg chuki thi aur upar nirvastra badan shishe sa chamak raha tha jaise wo naha kar nikla ho. Meena uski khaat par nahi thi jaisa aksar wo karti thi par aur kuch jarur tha uski bagal me. Ek kapde ki gudiya jo sindoor me lipti thi jiski wajah se uski dhoti par bhi jaha taha laal nishaan ban chuke the.
'Bas yahi sab toh aata hai inhe aur fir bura bhi mujhe aur meri maa ko batate hai. Kitni bholi hai maa jo inhe kuch kehti nahi aur mujhe bhi rok leti hai. Atcha hai na aaj ke baad na idher rehna padega aur na inki galat baatein harkaten jhelni padengi. Nahane ke baad he maa ko uthata hu, mujhse baad me he soyi hongi.', Us kapde ki gudiya ko char-diwari se bahar fenk kar Chandan khoonti par tanga angocha liye he hath se chalane wale nalke ki taraf badh chala. Angrejo ka ye toh sukh tha ki kothri jaise ghar me unhe har waqt jal ki suvidha thi. Shoch ke liye pichle hisse me bane pakhane se nivrat ho kar wo babool ki daatun ragadta hua baalti ko bharne laga. Mann me atyadhik uthal puthal thi Chandan ke par wo sehaj reh kar wahi pakke paat par baith nahane laga. Dhoti jism par waise he pehne jiske sath sindhoor dhona jaruri tha. Murge baang dene lage the aur aasman ka rang kuch feeka hone laga. Naya din kitna khoobsurat dikhta hai andheri raat ke baad. Jaise punarjanam hua ho.
"Mujhe jaga toh deta Chandu? Deri hone par taangwala bhi nakhre karega.", Bahar aangan me nikalte he Anuradha ne sar ko safed dhoti ke pallu se dhakte hue aangan me padi chaarpayi diwar sang khadi ki aur bete ko nahata dekh thoda khij si gayi. Aksar wahi sabse pehle uthti thi aur Chandan ko bhor ke baad he uthati thi chai dene ke sath.
"Maa, Mansukh kaka din nikle he aayenge aur usme abhi bahot samay hai. Aap nityakram se nibat lo, main snaanghar me nahane ka paani rakh deta hu.", Anuradha ek pal ko thithak kar apne bhole bete ko dekhne lagi thi fir uski awastha dekh kar bas haan me sar hila kar wo pichle hisse ki aur badh chali jaha ek paikhana aur chaadar bandh kar 3 diwaro wala snaanghar he tha. Jism ko atche se paunchne ke baad Chandan ne apni maa ke liye nahane ke paani bhi yatha-sthaan rakh diya aur kamar par saaf dhoti pehan kar chulha sulgane aangan ke kone me he aa baitha. Ek saal me waqt ne usko itna badal diya tha ki wo apni dukhiyari tooti hui maa ko sambhalne ke sath sath ye sab kaam bhi seekh chuka gaya. Safar lamba tha aur uspe chalne ke liye achaar roti bhi bandhni thi. Chai chulhe par chadha kar Chandan paraat me aata goondne laga. Reh reh kar usko apna wahi swapan aur usme shamil wo rehasyamayi yuvti zehan me aane lagi. Is ghar aur kasbe se bahar wo adhik se adhik kahi nikla tha toh apne dada daadi ke ghar jo ab is duniya se ja chuke the aur dusra sthaan tha nanihaal lekin usko waha ka kuch bhi yaad na tha. Uske mata pita me prem he itna tha ki swayam Anuradha is ghar ko chhod apne maayke nahi gayi thi pichle ek dashak me. Haan uski naani Jaanki devi jarur saal 2 saal me milne aati rahi par kabhi bhi wo ruki nahi thi apni beti ke ghar siwaye jab Manohar ka dehant hua. Tehravi ke baad swayam Anuradha ne he apni maa ko yaha aane se mana kar diya tha jab aas-pados walo ne dabe chhipe is par bhi baatein banani shuru kar di thi. Sarkari sewadar tha Manohar aur sabka yahi kehna tha ki Jaanki devi ki najar us daulat par hogi jo Angrezo se Anuradha aur uske bete ko milne wali thi. Abhi chai ubal kar patili se bahar nikalne he lagi thi ki lohe ke dwaar par dastak sunn kar Chandan ne garam patili turant hatho se he pakad kar ek taraf rakhi. Aisa karne se uski ungaliyon me atyadhik peeda hui thi par sab andekha karta hua ye yuwak turant darwaja kholne dauda.
"Beta tumhari maa kaha hai? Hujur Sterling sahab swayam unhe unki sampatti saunpne aaye hai jaise he unhe Mansukh se tum logo ke jaane ka pata chala.", Chandan ne apne saamne safed kurte aur dhoti ke sath safed pagdi pehne muneem ji ke sath sath taange se utar kar aaye apne se bhi unche Angrez sahab ko dekha jo itni savere unke dwaar aa pahuche the. Chandan ne dono ko he pranaam karne ke baad ghar ki bhitar aane ki jagah di aur turant daud kar diwar se lagi charpaayi aur lakdi ki patli niwar se buni kursi dono ko pesh ki. Pehle aangan ka nirikshan ghoom fir kar kiya gaya aur Sterling sahab ne kursi ka chunaav kiya. Hath se unhone muneem ji ko chaarpaayi par baithne ka ishara diya jabki dhad se nirvastra Chandan dono hath jodde unke saamne sehma khada tha.
"Humko chaai nai pilao gay Chaandan?", Bhoori moonchen aur gulabi saaf gaalo wale ye angrez sahab tooti footi hindi bhali bhaanti bol lete the aur kholti chai ki patili bhi unhone dekh he li thi nirikshan ke sath. Chandan wapis kone ki taraf dauda aur aanan faanan me he raakh se saaf karke rakhe 2 gilaaso me kapde se chhan kar aadhi gehrai tak chai bharne ke baad dono ke paas laut aaya. Angrez sahab uski kushalta aur teji dekh prabhavit the. Peene se pehle unhone us garam chaai ki vashp ko atche se nathune me bhara aur muskuraye.
"Tumhara pita atcha aadmi tha aur tum bhi bada ho gaya hai. Muneem humko bataya tumhari haalat. Idhar jeena muskil hai widow.. vidhwa ka. Tumhara maa atcha aurat hai Chaandan aur ab tumko he mehnat karna hai. Wo idar nahi rehna chahta. Khade matt raho beta.. Bait jaao.", Dono hatho ko garam gilaas par ragadte hue sahab tukdo tukdo me Chandan ko sab batane aur samjhane lage the. Hindustaan me rehte rehte wo yaha ki kuritiyon, andhvishwas aur samaajik soch ko jaan chuke the jaha ek vidhwa aurat ka jiwan narak bann kar reh jata hai agar sahara na mile. Chandan charpaayi par bhi kohni tak hath jode baitha tha. Sahab ne ek ghoont bharne ke baad muskura kar he prashansa ki thi chaai ki.
"Sahab main meri maa ko kabhi kasht nahi hone dunga ye aapse vaada karta hu. Wo boli thi ki aap he kahe hai ghar khaali karne ko aur waise bhi idhar rehne ka mann bhi nahi karta."
"Hum wahi bola beta. Ye ghar Manohar ka he hai par tumhara maa isko lene se inkaar kiya aur atcha baat hai tum log apna pariwar ke pas rahega. Muneem tum Chaandan ka padhne ka paisa har mahina pahuchayenge. Iska maa paisa nahi liya tha us samay jo thik kiya. Inko 200 rupaya ke sath 2 sone ka sikka bhi do. Manohar iski umar ka he tha jab naukri laga. Beta tum kabi bhi idhar aa kar muneem se mil sakta aur humse darna nai. Apna maa ka dhyaan rakhna aur itna rupaya ka bhi.", Sahab ne apni baat kehne ke baad jab muneem par dhyaan diya toh wo sar par palla karti Anuradha ko chori chori dekhne me laga tha. Abhi abhi naha kar aayi Anuradha ko kaha pata tha ki itni subah ghar me mehmaan darshan denge aur uske jism par ek safed dhoti aur kasi hui choli kahi kahi se gili ho kar pardarshi padne lagi thi. Anuradha ko muneem ki najar ki samajh kaise lagti jab wo inse palla karte hue rasoighar ki taraf badh chali. Muneem chai ka gilaas khud he us taraf rakhne ke liye uth raha tha jisko kuch sakht shabdo me Angrez sahab ne ye aadesh dete hue apne hone ka bhi ehsaas karwa diya.
"Beta angootha lagana hai idhar tumhe.", Fatafat jhole se ek safed kaagaj jis par sarkari mohar lagi thi wo muneem ne Chandan ke saamne rakh diya, neeli syaahi ki dawaat bhi khol kar.
"Muneem kaka main naam likh sakta hu."
"Haan beta bhool gaya tha ki tum 8 jamaat paas kar chuke ho.", Muneem ji ne Chandan ko ek ek rupaye ke chaandi ke 200 sikko ki pautli saunpne ke sath Sterling sahab se prapt wo chamchamati sone ki 2 mohre bhi supurd ki. Dekh kar lagta tha ki jaise wo sab muneem ki jeb se ja raha ho. Itni adhik rakam sachmuch aasha se adhik thi. Chandan kaanpte hatho se wo pautli le kar jabtak dhnyawaad deta Sterling sahab uth chuke the. Uski maa chulhe ke saamne baithi hui ab pallu se idhar dekhne lagi toh jaate waqt bhi muneem palat kar Anuradha ki kamar aur peit nihaar raha tha. Thik tabhi Sterling sahab bhi palte aur gala khankhaar kar muneem ko jis tarah se ghoora wo sitpita gaya.
"Mansukh ko paisa dene ka jarurat nai Chaandan.", Darwaja unhone he dhaal diya tha bahar nikalte hue aur itna jarur tha ki Sterling sahab ab muneem se tabiyat se baat karne wale the uski harkat ki wajah se. Aur idhar Anuradha ne apne bete ko chai ke sath thaali me 2 roti aur achaar dete hue baat shuru ki.
"Beta, paisa nahi lena chahiye tha tumhe bade sahab se. Tumhare pita sahi kehte the ki bade sahab bahot bhale insaan hai chahe wo gore hai aur hum unke gulaam. Par unhone kabhi bhi gulaam nahi kaha tha unhe. Ye tumhare muneem kaka sahi aadmi nahi hai isliye main inse mulakaat nahi karna chahti thi.", Ab pallu se he chehra saaf karti hui Anuradha apne bete ko sansarik gyaan dene lagi toh apni maa ke saral aur soone chehre ko dekh kar Chandan ne pehla niwala unke he mukh ki aur badhate hue kaha.
"Bade sahab kehte hai ki is duniya me paisa bahot jaruri hai jeene ke liye maa. Aap toh naani ka bhi ehsaan nahi leti isliye ye papa ki kamaai aapki he hai. Aap naani ke sath reh kar bhi ghar khud chalana chahengi par ab jimmewari uthane ki baari meri hai maa. Aap thik kehti hai ki muneem kaka jitne bhale lagte hai wo utne nahi hai. Bade sahab un par krodhit ho rahe the jitna maine samjha. Ye 200 sikke hai maa, aur aap inhe sambhalengi.", Potli ki taraf ishara karte hue Chandan ne apni maa ko spasht bataya tha ki wo chahe aam jiwan aur logo ki najro me bhola/saral kuch bhi ho par ab wo mehnat karke pariwar ki jimmewari apne yuva kandho par lega.
"Mujhe toh waha bhi samaaj me ekaantvaas he naseeb hoga bete. Par main hardam apne samajhdar bete ke sath rahungi. Chal ab tu ye swayam kha aur main raste ke liye bhojan bandhti hu.", Chandan apni maa ke chehre par aayi is halki si muskaan se he prasann ho gaya. Maa bete halke bhojan ke baad baaki sabhi tayaariyan kar li thi aur thik samay par he wo bhoore ghode se juda chajj wala tanga ghar ke bahar ruk gaya. Apna ye bikhra hua aashiyana chhodte hue uski maa ke netra fir se sajal ho uthe par taange me baithi wo ghoongat se bhi apne bete ko dekh rahi thi jo agle hisse me Mansukh kaka ke sath paanv latkaaye baitha unke kisse bade chaav se sunn raha tha. Taange ke chayadaar hisse me sirf Anuradha he thi aur chand kapdo/samaan ki gathriyan. Shehar ka aakhiri chauraha paar karte hue usne apne bete ko dekha jo chaurahe ko pranaam kar raha tha.
"Jaante ho Mansukh kaka, mere pita ji kehte the ki hum chaurahe par holi-diwali ya amavas ko diya isliye rakhte hai kyonki yaha chaar raahen milti hai aur andhere me raahgir, bailgaadi ya taanga aa-jaa rahe ho toh wo aapas me na takraaye. Diye ki thodi bahot roshni bhi unhe unki raah toh dikha he deti hai. Aur log kaisi kaisi baatein karte toona-totka aur chaurahe ke pret ki. Aap maante hai is sabko kaka?", Bete ke vichaar duniya se kahi alag he the aur Anuradha khush hone ke sath bhitar he bhitar chintit bhi thi kyonki Chandan ya toh kuch kehta he nahi tha lekin jo shiksha mili hai us par amal jarur karta tha. Taange wale Mansukh kaka uski baat sunn kar aasmaan me badhte ujaale ko dekh muskuraye saaf mausam dekh.
"Ab meri samajh toh beta ye kehti hai ki duniya me har naam aur vastu ki wajah jarur hai. Pret kaho ya tona, hote toh hai par tumhari baat us sabse behtar lagi mujhe. Andhkaar me tum jarur raah dikhane wale Chaand banoge. Waise ye tumhari Meena itni shaant kyun hai aaj?"
"Ye vichaar bana rahi hai ki nayi jagah par ja kar kya kya karnaame karne hai. Wo ek gali peeche jo Shanno kaaki rehti hai na, Meena unke yaha se zinda chooja pakad laayi thi. Iske badle fatkaar mujhe padi par ye kisi ka bura nahi karte aur log kehte hai ki ye ashubh hai jo mere pita ko kha gayi. Wahi log kabhi maa ko toh kabhi mujhe aisa kehte hai. Ab aap he socho jab wo apne kathan par he barkaraar nahi hai toh wo kaisa samaaj denge aane wali peedhi ko?", Ab wo samaajik shikshit aur shiksha se vanchit Mansukh kaka kaise uska samarthan karte. Par Anuradha us chaurahe ko dur hota dekh rahi thi jiske andhkaar ne uske pati ko leel liya tha. Ab wo is se dur ja rahi thi par naseeb me aage bhi chaurahe intjaar kar rahe the, jo is se kahi jyada khatarnaak the aur anginat logo ki mrityu ke gawaah.
Waha ke ek chaurahe ne beeti raat he Jhamru aur Chhagan ko parlok bheja tha aur unke ghatnasthal par mile shavo ke sath sath tantra mantra ki kriya ki saja un dono ke jiwit pariwaro ne jheli jinhe sarpanch Karam Singh ne sahara dene ki jagah gaanv nikala diya tha. Rote bilakhte bache aur auraton ki haalat waha ke baaki 50 gharo me se sirf Jaanki Devi ne samjhi thi jinhone kuch paiso ke sath unhe rehne ke liye apni he jungle ke sameep wali jameen ka ek chota sa tukda diya tha aur wo vichaar bana chuki thi in sabhi ka sahi prayog karne aur unhe unki roji-roti dilwane ka. Aakhir unki beti bhi toh samaaj ki sataayi hui thi jo apna jiwan naye seere se shuru karne aaj Paatan aane wali thi. Phulwa apne 3 bacho aur Jhamru ki kunwari behan ke sath lachaar ho chuki thi aur uske sath he Chaggu ki mehru aur bitiya Laali ke sath 2 chote bache bhi apne apne pita ka antim sanskaar jungle se pare aur gaanv se dur us nirjan khandhar ke kareeb karke aaye the jiska maalikana haq bhi Jaanki devi rakhti thi.
"Kaka aur kitna samay lagega hume?", Chaayadar vriksho se ghire us kache raaste par tanga pichle 3 ghante se sarpat dauda tha aur ek ghanta chara-paani aur araam ke baad safar fir se shuru hue bhi 2 ghante beet chuke the. Dhoop patto se chhan kar niche girti toh uski bas halki si tapish mehsoos hoti kudrat ke pehlu me.
"Bas beta 2 ab toh haathi ki dum baaki reh gayi. Aur ek baat yaad rakhna apne kaka ki. Paatan me jaise chaho waise raho aur ghumo phiro par na toh jungle ki taraf saanjh dhale jana aur na pokhar se aage banjar ilaake me."
"Waha aisa kya hai kaka? Mujhe toh andhere jyada pasand hai aur khamoshi bhi."
"Bas beta mera farj hai tumhe chetana aur tum atche bache ho jis par ab apni maa ke sath naani ki dekhbhal ka bhi jimma hai."
"Batao na kaka udhar kya hai? Nahi pata hoga toh waha jaane ka jee jyada karega.", Mansukh kaka uski baat sunn kar kuch kehne se pehle peeche palat kar dekhe aur waha Anuradha ko mooh dhake gathri ke sahare soya paya toh fir bade dhime se bole.
"Jungle ki taraf pret hai aur pokhar se aage daayan. Jo udhar andhere me gaya wo andhere se jiwit bahar nahi aaya. Abhi raaste me jaha araam ko ruke the waha par bhi dusra gaadiwan jo Paatan ki aur se aaya tha bata raha tha ki biti raat bhi jungle wale bargad ke chaurahe par 2 log mrit mile hai. Tum chaurhe par diya kis wajah se jalate ho isko koyi nahi poochega par wo tumhe hamesha galat he samjhenge aur andhkaar araam karne ke liye hota hai, virano me soyi dusri duniya me dakhal karne ke liye nahi. Bas ab ye dhyaan me rakhna aur kisi se bhi faaltu baat nahi karna.", Mansukh kaka ko kaha pata tha ki wo is yuvak ke chaurahe se mann ko diya dikha chuke hai uske gaanv pahuchne se pehle he.
"Maa.. Aapko pata hai meri Meena kaha hai? Shaam se khoj raha hu par wo abhi tak lauti nahi aur dekho uska doodh bhi kasore me jaisa ka taisa pada hai. Maa, aap ro rahi hai?", 2 pakke kamro ki kothri wala ye pakka makaan aaj is andhkaar bhari raat sa he khamosh tha jiske ek kamre me laalten ki roshni se bach kar baithi ye shwet dhoti pehni mahila khamoshi se aansu baha rahi thi apne seene se us laal kameej ko lagaye. Kache aangan se tej kadam bharta hua ye pareshan sa yuwak kiwaad ki chuakhat par rukk kar pehle toh apni kehta raha parantu jaise he naarangi peeli maddim roshni me apni maa ke baayen gaal par paani ki chamak dekhi, wo ghutno ke bhaar uske kadmo ko pakadte hue is rudan ki wajah poochne laga. Ye vidhwa stree Anuradha thi, is 18 baras ke kishor ki maa jo apni maa ke jiwan ka ab ekmatra sahara tha. Apne bete ki pukaar se Anuradha usi laal kameej se apne aansu saaf karti hui dusre hath se apne bhole bete ka chehra sehlaane lagi.
"Tum jaante ho Chandan beta kal kya hai?", Bete ka naam Chandan tha jo swayam bahri duniya ke badalte rango se achoota raha tha aur uski ekmatra dost uski Meena thi, ek desi vidaal jisko shishu avastha me ghayal milne par Chandan ne he paal pos kar bada kiya tha. Kothri jaise is kamre me jyada suvidhaye nahi thi. Kuch gathariyan ek kone me bandhi thi aur ek sann ki chaarpayi jiske kinare baithi Anuradha pehle ashru baha rahi thi. Maasik niyamit hone ki umar me he Anuradha byaah kar is ghar aayi thi aur 19 baras dampatya jiwan me uski aulaad bas yahi 18 baras ka Chandan he tha.
"Kal.. Kal toh hum naani ke yaha ja rahe hai. Maine apna jhola bhar liya hai jaisa aapne kaha tha. Parantu main wapis yaha nahi aanewala maa. Yaha log bahot bure hai, mera majaak banate hai aur ganda ganda bolte hai. Main naani ke ghar he rahunga ab.", Us naari ke chehre par bhi apne bete ke bholepan se ek snehi muskaan ubhar aayi.
"Ab toh mujhe bhi wahi rehna hoga beta. Tumhare pita ji ko gujre aaj is raat poora ek baras ho raha hai. Ye ghar bhi hume kal savere khaali karna hai jiske baad hamare sar par siwaye tumhari naani ke koyi aasara nahi. Aur tumhe waha koyi nahi satayega lekin koshish karna ki tum aage bhi padh likh sako.", Anuradha ka pati Manohar ek sarkaari sewadaar tha aur behad he sajjan insaan, pariwaar ke sath sath samaaj se bhi prem rakhne wala sabke sukh dukh me shaamil. Thik ek baras pehle aaj he ke din jab Manhohar ghar laut raha tha toh agle chaurahe par he uske kadam thamm gaye the. Jyesth maah ka wo antim samay tha aur khet khalihaan se wapis laut rahe jaankar kisaan ne he uske mrit sharir ki chaurahe par milne ki soochna inke ghar pahuchaayi thi. Amavaas ki us syaah raat me ek khush-haal chhote se pariwar par kudrat ki ye aisi bijli giri thi ki Anuradha ka sansaar ujad gaya. Samaaj me jitne bhi Manohar aur uske pariwar ki tareef karne wale hiteshi the, unhone uski chita jalte he besahara maa aur uske bhole bete se kinara kar liya tha. Anuradha ke ghar ke aangan me baith kar gappe haankne wali wo sabhi mahilaayen ab uski dehleej tak ko apshagun kehne lagi. Bhala ho Angrez hukumat ka jinhone apne mulazim ki mrityu par uske pariwar ko ek baras tak rehne ke liye chhatt, khaane ko anaaj aur thodi aarthik madad di jo kal khatam ho rahi thi. Ghar ka jo bhi thoda bahot samaan tha wo Anuradha ne chaadar-dhoti me bandh liya tha, jitna le jana munasib laga. Ab usko chinta thi toh uske badhte bete ki jo jism se paripakva hone ke sath mehnati bhi poora tha lekin samaaj ka gyaan lagbhag nil tha uske bholepan ki wajah se.
"Pita ji ki barsi hai toh aapko bhi diya jagana chahiye na maa jaise daadi dada ji ki barsi par karti thi. Aur ye burshat baaki kapdo me kyun nahi baandhi aapne? Pita ji ko ye behad pasand thi na maa? Jab hum shehar ghoomne jaate the toh wo yahi burshat pehante the apni safed dhoti ke sath. Mujhe bhi ye bahot pasand hai par aapne toh ganji aur kurte ke siwa kuch pehan ne he nahi diya.", Anuradha he jaanti thi ki uska beta samaaj se jyada samajhdar hai bas usme bahar jaisi milawat nahi thi. Raat ka teesra pehar shuru hone laga tha par jaise dono ki aankhon se neend aujhal thi. Apna gharonda chhod kar toh panchi bhi rudan karte hai aur yaha toh Anuradha dulhan ban ke aayi thi, jo baad me maa bani aur fir kushal grahini.
"Dekh jara bhojankaksh (Rasoi) me kadwa teil bacha hai patili me. Main diya le kar aati hu aur kal savere tum yahi burshat pehan kar chalna apni naani ke yaha. Aur Meena ke liye itna pareshaan the na toh dekho wo waha kasore se kaise doodh pee rahi hai? Isko waha bhi apne paas rakhna chahte ho na tum?"
"Ji maa. Aapke baad ek yahi toh hai jo mujhe paagal, anaath aur mandbuddhi nahi kehti. Maa aapko jara bhi bura nahi lagta jab kaka-kaaki tak aapke baare me galat baat bolte hai? Mera jhagda isliye he hua tha kal raat us Bansi se jo baar baar keh raha tha ke teri maa he khaa gayi poore pariwar ko. Daayan bol rahi thi uski maa isliye maine sar pe patthar maar diya tha dono ke. Aur baad me aapne mujhe mara aur bina bhojan kiye he so gayi. Ye maine kapaas ki batti bhi bana di aur isme dher sara teil hai maa.", Khule aangan me dono maa beta ab wo mitti ka diya teil se bharne ke baad usko prajwalit karke us tooti chaarpayi tale rakh hath jodd kar baithe the. Ek patni apne swargiya pati ko yaad kar rahi thi aur ek beta apne prehri, margdarshak aur gyaan se bharopoor shikshak roopi pita ko. Aasman aaj bhi utna he syaah tha jitna ek baras pehle us raat me jab Manohar hridya-gati rukne se ye duniya chhoda gaya tha. Insaano se kahi behtar thi wo vidaal jo apne is insaani pariwar ko dhyaan me leen dekh Anuradha ke he kadmo me satt kar diye ki aur pasar chuki thi. Ek katu satya tha is samaaj ka jaha chaurahe par mrityu prapt karne wale ka pariwar har raah se prithak kar diya gaya tha. Kuch pal maun ke baad jab dono uth khade hue toh Chandan ne he apni maa se kaha.
"Aap jab jab aansu bahati hai na maa toh mere hridya me atyadhik peeda hoti hai. Aap swayam he dekhiye is Meena ko jo aapke dukh me khud bhi dukhi lagti hai. Pita ji bahot he nek insaan the maa par master ji kehte hai ki insaan is duniya se jaane ke baad laut kar nahi aata. Hum bhi is ghar me laut kar nahi aayenge jaha aap har pal aansu bahati ho. Main naani se aapki shikayat karunga."
"Chal ab tu so ja beta aur kar lena shikayat apni naani se. Jaane waale toh laut kar nahi aate Chandan par unki yaadein bhulana unka tiraskaar he hoga. Main ab kabhi dukhi nahi houngi, bas mera raja beta apne pita ki shiksha ko sarthak kare aur ek behtar insaan bane. Khaat gira kar so ja, main bhi sone lagi hu. Savere bhor nikalte he chalna hai hume.", Chandan bhi apni maa ki baat sunn kar pehle us khule kiwaad par saankal laga ke aaya aur uske baad apni maa ke kamre me unke sirhaane paani ki gadwi rakh kar wo laltein bujha kar bahar khule aangan me sann ki chaarpaayi bicha us par aa leta. Aasmaan me toh aaj dekhne ke liye wo sitare bhi nahi the jinhe aksar wo bachpan se ginta aaya tha. Meena kuch par aangan ka daura karti rahi aur mahol ko poori tarah khamosh dekh uchal kar Chandan ki bagal me he jagah banati pasar gayi. Wo chanchal vidaal is maamle me bhi poora adhikaar jamati thi jaise wo Chandan ki chhoti behan ho. Ek baar Meena ko puchkaar kar Chandan ne bhi karwat us aur he kar li jidhar wo deepak jagmag tha.
Ye ghar sehar ki jaisi aakhir hadd par tha aur is se ek kos aage he eekh-dhaan ke khet aur unse pare prakritik jungle faila tha. Khamoshi ko bhang kare wo siyaaro ki huaaan huaan ki awaaj atche khaase vyakti ke chitt ko dehla deti thi aise mahol me parantu Chandarn ko toh ye ek madhur baansuri ki taan he lagti thi. Madhur taan me wo jald he diye ko dekhte hue gehri neend me chala gaya. Aisa he khamosh mahol aur syaah kaali raat idhar se 25 Kos dur uske nanihaal waale us chhote se gaanv Paatan me bhi thi lekin kuch log jaise is syaah andhkaar ke he itchhuk the.
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"Abe Chaggu, dekh bhai mera jee bahot ghatt raha hai.", Us chhote se gaanv me jaise kutte bhi is andhkaar ki wajah se kone me dubke the par badan par chaadar audhe aur ek hath me baans ka latth liye ye 2 insaan ghane andhkaar aur us se jyada biyabaan jungle me dabe paanv aage badh rahe the. Jaise din ke ujaale ne inki chaahat ko poora karne se mana kar diya hoga aur ab inhone chuna tha andhkaar aur kaali duniya ki kathin raah ko. Kahi kahi toh ghane vriksh aur jhaadiyan he jameen par aise saaye bana dete jaise koyi pret inke peeche se ubhar raha ho. Ye 2 log Paatan gaanv ke gareeb tabke se the. Jhamru kumhaar aur uska khaasam-khaas Chhagan julaha. Chaggu urf Chhagan ek gambhir aur majboot vyakti tha apne sathi ke mukable par is ghangor andhere me chalte hue uske maathe par paseene ke sath bal padd rahe the. Par jaise uski aankhon me ek ummeed thi jo uske darr ko dabaye thi.
"Jhamru, ghutt ghutt ke jeene se toh shaan se marna hai mere bhai. Kabtak us kachi kholi me hath ki ungliyon se jyada sadasyo ke sath dusro ki bheekh par nirvaah karega? Main toh ab aisi haalat me agla suryodaya nahi dekh sakta. Mandhaari baba ne behtar jiwan ki aas dikhaayi hai aur aaj main har haal me unka kaha poora karunga. Dekhna jald he hum log bhi 2 waqt daal-chawal kha sakenge, badhiya dhoti kurta hoga, dudharu pashu honge. Phir meri mehru ko haweli par jhaadu pauncha nahi karna padega, meri Laali bitiya udhar bartan nahi maanjegi. Darr toh mujhe bhi lagta hai Jhamru par ye us dard ke aage kuch bhi nahi jo mere hridya me hota hai jab jab main apni mehru ke jism par vastra ki jagah purane aur fate vastra dekhta hu. Meri Laali ko ek he vastra ki jodi me 5 maah se dekh raha hu. Bas aaj amaavas ki devi hum par kirpa barsa de, phir dukh ka namo-nishaan na hoga.", Ghane umas bhare jungle se nikal kar ye dono ab kachi pagdandi par aa pahuche the. Idhar bhi andhkaar aisa ki hath ko hath na dikhe par inki aankhen abtak abhyast ho chali thi. Dil ki dhadkan itna chalne aur darr-ummeed ki wajah se abhi tak bhukamp si dhadd-dhadd chal rahi thi.
"Bahut bura lagta hai Chaggu bhai jab jab main apni mehru ko bhabhi se batiyate sunta hu. Gajju halwai ka mustanda Surja sare aam uske jism ke baare fabtiyan kasta hai. Aur 2 din pehle toh unhone Phulwa ko daboch he liya tha. Bhala ho Jaanki amma ka jo udhar se gujar rahi thi aur samay rehte unhone na sirf Phulwa ki ijjatt bachaayi balki 2 latth Surja ke bhi dhar diye. Par har baar toh amma ji nahi hongi ijjatt bachane ko. Tu sahi kehta hai re, amavas ki devi he ab aakhiri aas hai. Tune samaan ka jugaad kaise kiya bhai?", Baat batane ke dauraan he Jhamru ki aankhe paniya gayi thi jinhe saaf karta wo ab lambe kadmo se gaanv ke bahar wale us chaurahe tak aa pahucha tha jaha wo ghana bargad beecho beech khada tha. Inki aahat milte he us mahakaaye bargad par baithe ullu rudan karne lage. Unke rudan ne khamosh jungle me alag si aag bhar di thi soye panchiyon ke kolahal ke sath sath siyaaron ka rudan bhi prarambh ho gaya. Ekdum se bhang hui is shaanti se dono vyaktiyon ka hridya darr se labrej ho gaya. Jhumru ne aankhe moond kar Chaggu ki kalaai majbooti se pakad li. Bade paro wala parinda unke sar ke upar se gujra tha aur ab hilte daal jaise unhe apna kaal dikhne lage jo apne kareeb bula raha ho.
"Darr matt mere bhai.. darr matt.. Ye sab itna asaan rehta toh har koyi smridh na ban jata? Teri Phulwa ke baare soch aur kal ko Kusum bhi byaah karne laayak hogi. Baba ne kaha tha na ki Amavas devi prasann hui toh jiwan me kabhi kisi ke saamne hath na failane padenge. Ye tu thaili pakad main diya banata hu.", Us bade bargad ke samanya se adhik gheraav liye tane ke gird anginat laal-safed dhaage bandhe the jiske baare me kaha jaata tha ki ye us pret ko shaant rakhne ki mannat thi jo is par niwaas karta tha aur jaane ab tak kitne he nirdosh-doshi is khamosh chaurahe ne leel liye the. Saanjh hone ke baad kya din dopehari me bhi jan-maanas idhar akele aane se gurej karta tha. Sameep ki upjaau jameen chaurahe ke darr ki wajah se dhire dhire jungle me he vileen hone lagi thi. Chaggu ne bargad tale bane us chabutre par ukdu baithte hue dono hatho se geela aata modd modd kar diya banaya aur uske kareeb waise he ukdu baithe Jhamru ne thaile se ek ek karke anushthaan ka samaan apne saamne nikaal kar rakha. Paseena ab jism se chabutare par tapakne laga tha aur uski adhikta itni thi ki baar baar Jhamru apni dhoti ka seera utha kar chehra saaf karte hue vidhi ka samaan jaanchne lagta.
"Ye laddu kaha se mila Chaggu? Aur ye murge ka he rakt hai ya tune apna bhara hai is shishi me? Le pehle devi yantra bana le jaise baba ne kaha tha. Aahuti ke baad he poora 7 keela thokna hai hume mil kar. Tabhi pret hume sampann banayega. Keela ke liye tere paas dhan kaha se aaya?", Chhagan poori tanmayta se diya bana kar usme teil aur baati lagane ke baad ab us syaah kaale dikhte rakt ko ek sookhe patte par girane ke baad ungli se chabutare par aadi tirchi rekhaayen banane laga. Ekake umas bhare vatavaran me jordaar hawa chalne lagi thi jis se wo raktim patta bhi udd kar andhere me kho gaya.
"Dhatt tere ki. Laa ye thoda rakt meri hatheli par gira Jhamru. Hawa ka bhi kuch pata nahi chalta, kab rukti hai kab behne lagti hai. Ye laddu maine badi mehnat se mandir se churaya tha. Jaanta hu hamara udhar pravesh karna varjit hai bhai par Gajju ek laddu ek dhibri (Paise) me deta hai aur apni haalat toh sab jaante hai. Keele maine Jaanki amma ke naye kamre ki putaai karte waqt waha bache samaan se churaye hai. Unke kaam ke nahi the lekin apne jiwan me inki kitni mehta hai ye toh tu bhi jaanta hai. La diyasalaai de jara.", Wo yantra poora karke apna rakt se sana hath Jhamru ki he dhoti ke palle se paunch kar aate ka diya thik us yantra ke beecho beech rakh kar gehri saans lene he laga tha ki tej khadkhadahat ki awaaj se dono mitra idhar udhar jhaankne lage. Ye aisi awaaj thi jaise koyi janwar dusre ko jhaadiyon me kheench raha ho par ye kareeb se aayi thi. Mahol ek bar fir se bhayanak ho chala tha aur reh reh kar sookhe patto par kisi ke chalne ki awaaj ke sath siyaaro ka rona tivra hone laga.
"Huhhhh.. Chaggu bhai.. jaldi kar.. Baba ne kaha tha na ki anushthaan me jara bhi chook hui toh lene ke dene bhi padd sakte hai. Aahh.. Lagta hai kisi cheente ne kaat khaya.. Yaha bhookhe peit hum amaavas devi ko laddu chadha rahe hai, murge ka khoon pila rahe hai par ye cheente apni bhookh hamare khoon se bujhane me lage hai. Isme .. isme toh 2 he tilli hai bhai.", Jhamru ne thaile se tatol kar kaath ki wo dibbiyan nikali toh uske hath reh reh kar aati bhayanak awaajo aur bargad se girte sookhe patto ki wajah se kaanpne lage the. Ekaek dono ke sar ke upar se ghani chhaya gujri toh jism tivra thandak se bhar utha jo reedh se behta hua unke kulho ko jhanjhana gaya.
"Galti nahi karni.. galti nahi karni... Thodi aut de Jhamru.. bada kaam karne se pehle bahot kuch sehna padta hai. Ye darr vyarth nahi hai.. Haan jal gayi... Jai amaavas devi.. hamari har manokaamna poori karna.", Jaise taise dono us diye ko gher kar prajvalit kar gaye. Par ab baari thi us diye ke gird 7 keele thokne ki par diya bujhne nahi dena tha.
"La pehla keela main thokta hu Chaggu. Ekaek jism thanda padd raha hai bhai.", Waise he kaanpte hatho se usne wo lamba keela utha kar lakdi ke mutthe wali hathodi se pakke chabutre par tika kar chot ki toh chaaro dishaaon me ye tannnn ki awaaj goonj uthi. Aisa lagta tha jaise wo awaaj dur se inke kareeb aayi ho. Ek bar dono ne ek duje ko dekha aur sehmati me Chaggu ne sar hilaya. Diye ki low abhi bhi fadak rahi thi itni aad hone ke bawjood. Har prahaar par tannn ke ye awaaj paida hoti aur dono sihar uththe. Aisa karte karte dono ne he 5 keele thok diye the aur us chakra ko poora karne ke liye ye chhehva keela ab Chhagan ne gaadna tha. Diya ab joro se fadakne laga tha aur itni mehnat ke baad dono dosto ke chehre ke sath jism paseene se labrej the. Ekake hawa aise ruk gayi jaise uska koyi wajood he na tha. Chhagan ne apne dost ki taraf wo keela tika kar lagataar 2-3 chot pahuchaayi jaise ab wo ye sab aur sehan nahi kar sakta tha. Darr badhne laga tha jaise jaise mausam apne chehre badalta. Chauthi chot par eksath 3 kaam hue. Diya Chhagan ke tapakte paseene se bujha, ullu ki bhayanak awaaj joro se unke kaano ko bendh gayi jaise wo kandhe par baith ke chillayan ho aur Jhamru ne darr ke peeche hona chaha toh jaise kisi adrishya taagat ne usko chabutare se niche jor se patak diya.
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhhh.. Pret... pret... aaaaa..", Bas wo girne se pehle cheenkhta hua yahi bol paaya tha aur uska jism mirgi ke mareej samaaan tadapne laga. Par abhi toh jaise kuch aur bhi hona tha jis se marnaasan Chhagan apne dost ki haalat bhool kar khood bhi cheekhne chinghaadne laga tha. Uske sar par kuch pathar sa gira tha bargad ki kisi unchi shaakh se aur jab usne uthna chaha toh jaise koyi usko chabutre ke bhitar khinchne laga. Chhagan ne poori jaan laga kar khud ko chhudaya, sab samaan aur apne dost ko wahi chhod kar wo sarpat andhere me daudne laga tha ki wo andhkaar me aisa gira, fir uth na saka. Jhamru toh fir bhi marne se pehle 2 shabd bol gaya tha par uske diler dost ko chaurahe ke pret ne itni mohlat bhi na di ki wo pukaar sake. Ek baar fir hawa ruk thamm chuki thi.. Ek baar fir jungle khamosh ho chuka tha.. siwaye bargad par baithe us ullu ke jo reh reh kar rudan karta fir udta fir laut aata.. Amavas ne apne andhere me dono mitro ko samet liya tha behtar bhavishya ki rishwat ke bhulawe me. Cheente khush the jinhe rakt ke sath mishthan mil gaye. Is amavas aur chaurahe ne sirf 2 jaan he nahi li thi, apitu kayi pariwaro par gehra asar hone wala tha is biyabaan me ghate anushthaan se. Jhamru aur Chhagan ke pariwaro par iska kya asar hoga, ye toh suryodaya behtar bata sakta tha.
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Dur viraane me jirn-shirn khade us khandhar ke bhitar chhamm chhamm ki madhur dhwani is yuwak ko apni aur kheench rahi thi jo raah bhool kar is aur aa pahucha tha. Tapti dhoop se kab waqt raat me badla ye uska jism bhali bhaanti jaanta tha aur upar se bhookh pyaas ne uski hatasha me ijafa he kiya. Marusthal ke beecho beech jaise jal strot dikh gaya tha usko is khandhar ke roop me. Bahar bhare saaf jalashya se chulu me bhar kar paani peeta hua wo ab badhte andhkaar se beparwaah ho chala tha. Paani me ek saya najar aate he najre uthaane par bas paayalo ke ghungruon ki chhann chhann he sunaai di jaise koyi roopsi nange paanv khandhar me gayab ho gayi.
Darr ki jagah ab yuwak ke damakte chehre par ek gehri muskaan thi jo is viraane me akela hone par bhi ab akela nahi tha. Kadam jyon jyon aage badhne lage waise waise uski dhadkan ek khoobsurat anhoni ke intjaar me tej hone lagi. Bhitar aadhi adhuri laal kaali diwaro aur thode jhaad jhakaad ke siwa kuch najar na aaya. Itna gehra sannata jaise yuwak ko fir se hataash karne laga tha aur aasman ki taraf uthte chaand ko dekhte hue wo roshan laalten le jaati ghoongat audhe roopsi.. Yuwak ke mooh se bas ek aahhh si nikal gayi us pardarshi ghoongat ke peeche chhipe itne khoobsurat chehre ko ek pal dekh lene bhar se. Tej aur lambe lambe kadam leta wo maili seedhiyon ko laangta hua upari manzil ke usi galiyare ma pravesh kar gaya jaha se usne wo roopsi jaati dekhi thi. Ek baar fir waisi he antheen khamoshi ne sama gher liya.
'Chhann chhann', ye awaaj bahot thi usko sahi sthaan batane ke liye aur is baar wo us bina kiwaad ke kaksh ki taraf badh chala jaha us yuvti ke milne ki ummeed thi. Pratipal uski dhadkan badhne lagi thi par chehre par ek aas aur atyadhik prem. Aakhir wo us kaksh ke saamne pahuch he gaya tha jaha aut se wo halki roshni phoot rahi thi. Pallu kiye wo naar uski taraf peeth kiye the, hare ghaagre aur laal choli me. Paanv me chaandi ki ghungroo jadit paayal aur taraashi si sughad gori-saanwli baahen. Yuwak kuch bolna chahta tha, bahot kuch kehna chahta tha par jaise koyi uska gala dabane laga. Jism thanda padne laga tha aur wo yuvti awaaj ke liye tarasti palatne lagi thi ki jaise yuvak us galiyare se niche girne laga, cheekh gale se bahar na nikli.
"Maa..", Murge ki baang se pehle he paseene se lathpath Chandan chaarpayi par baitha haanf raha tha. Aaj fir wahi khwaab dekha tha usne jo aaj se pehle jaane kitni baar aa chuka tha. Har baar uski jubaan par tala padd jata aur wo anant gehraai me girta chala jata. Jism ka ekmatra vastra, wo sooti dhoti bhi paseene se halki bheeg chuki thi aur upar nirvastra badan shishe sa chamak raha tha jaise wo naha kar nikla ho. Meena uski khaat par nahi thi jaisa aksar wo karti thi par aur kuch jarur tha uski bagal me. Ek kapde ki gudiya jo sindoor me lipti thi jiski wajah se uski dhoti par bhi jaha taha laal nishaan ban chuke the.
'Bas yahi sab toh aata hai inhe aur fir bura bhi mujhe aur meri maa ko batate hai. Kitni bholi hai maa jo inhe kuch kehti nahi aur mujhe bhi rok leti hai. Atcha hai na aaj ke baad na idher rehna padega aur na inki galat baatein harkaten jhelni padengi. Nahane ke baad he maa ko uthata hu, mujhse baad me he soyi hongi.', Us kapde ki gudiya ko char-diwari se bahar fenk kar Chandan khoonti par tanga angocha liye he hath se chalane wale nalke ki taraf badh chala. Angrejo ka ye toh sukh tha ki kothri jaise ghar me unhe har waqt jal ki suvidha thi. Shoch ke liye pichle hisse me bane pakhane se nivrat ho kar wo babool ki daatun ragadta hua baalti ko bharne laga. Mann me atyadhik uthal puthal thi Chandan ke par wo sehaj reh kar wahi pakke paat par baith nahane laga. Dhoti jism par waise he pehne jiske sath sindhoor dhona jaruri tha. Murge baang dene lage the aur aasman ka rang kuch feeka hone laga. Naya din kitna khoobsurat dikhta hai andheri raat ke baad. Jaise punarjanam hua ho.
"Mujhe jaga toh deta Chandu? Deri hone par taangwala bhi nakhre karega.", Bahar aangan me nikalte he Anuradha ne sar ko safed dhoti ke pallu se dhakte hue aangan me padi chaarpayi diwar sang khadi ki aur bete ko nahata dekh thoda khij si gayi. Aksar wahi sabse pehle uthti thi aur Chandan ko bhor ke baad he uthati thi chai dene ke sath.
"Maa, Mansukh kaka din nikle he aayenge aur usme abhi bahot samay hai. Aap nityakram se nibat lo, main snaanghar me nahane ka paani rakh deta hu.", Anuradha ek pal ko thithak kar apne bhole bete ko dekhne lagi thi fir uski awastha dekh kar bas haan me sar hila kar wo pichle hisse ki aur badh chali jaha ek paikhana aur chaadar bandh kar 3 diwaro wala snaanghar he tha. Jism ko atche se paunchne ke baad Chandan ne apni maa ke liye nahane ke paani bhi yatha-sthaan rakh diya aur kamar par saaf dhoti pehan kar chulha sulgane aangan ke kone me he aa baitha. Ek saal me waqt ne usko itna badal diya tha ki wo apni dukhiyari tooti hui maa ko sambhalne ke sath sath ye sab kaam bhi seekh chuka gaya. Safar lamba tha aur uspe chalne ke liye achaar roti bhi bandhni thi. Chai chulhe par chadha kar Chandan paraat me aata goondne laga. Reh reh kar usko apna wahi swapan aur usme shamil wo rehasyamayi yuvti zehan me aane lagi. Is ghar aur kasbe se bahar wo adhik se adhik kahi nikla tha toh apne dada daadi ke ghar jo ab is duniya se ja chuke the aur dusra sthaan tha nanihaal lekin usko waha ka kuch bhi yaad na tha. Uske mata pita me prem he itna tha ki swayam Anuradha is ghar ko chhod apne maayke nahi gayi thi pichle ek dashak me. Haan uski naani Jaanki devi jarur saal 2 saal me milne aati rahi par kabhi bhi wo ruki nahi thi apni beti ke ghar siwaye jab Manohar ka dehant hua. Tehravi ke baad swayam Anuradha ne he apni maa ko yaha aane se mana kar diya tha jab aas-pados walo ne dabe chhipe is par bhi baatein banani shuru kar di thi. Sarkari sewadar tha Manohar aur sabka yahi kehna tha ki Jaanki devi ki najar us daulat par hogi jo Angrezo se Anuradha aur uske bete ko milne wali thi. Abhi chai ubal kar patili se bahar nikalne he lagi thi ki lohe ke dwaar par dastak sunn kar Chandan ne garam patili turant hatho se he pakad kar ek taraf rakhi. Aisa karne se uski ungaliyon me atyadhik peeda hui thi par sab andekha karta hua ye yuwak turant darwaja kholne dauda.
"Beta tumhari maa kaha hai? Hujur Sterling sahab swayam unhe unki sampatti saunpne aaye hai jaise he unhe Mansukh se tum logo ke jaane ka pata chala.", Chandan ne apne saamne safed kurte aur dhoti ke sath safed pagdi pehne muneem ji ke sath sath taange se utar kar aaye apne se bhi unche Angrez sahab ko dekha jo itni savere unke dwaar aa pahuche the. Chandan ne dono ko he pranaam karne ke baad ghar ki bhitar aane ki jagah di aur turant daud kar diwar se lagi charpaayi aur lakdi ki patli niwar se buni kursi dono ko pesh ki. Pehle aangan ka nirikshan ghoom fir kar kiya gaya aur Sterling sahab ne kursi ka chunaav kiya. Hath se unhone muneem ji ko chaarpaayi par baithne ka ishara diya jabki dhad se nirvastra Chandan dono hath jodde unke saamne sehma khada tha.
"Humko chaai nai pilao gay Chaandan?", Bhoori moonchen aur gulabi saaf gaalo wale ye angrez sahab tooti footi hindi bhali bhaanti bol lete the aur kholti chai ki patili bhi unhone dekh he li thi nirikshan ke sath. Chandan wapis kone ki taraf dauda aur aanan faanan me he raakh se saaf karke rakhe 2 gilaaso me kapde se chhan kar aadhi gehrai tak chai bharne ke baad dono ke paas laut aaya. Angrez sahab uski kushalta aur teji dekh prabhavit the. Peene se pehle unhone us garam chaai ki vashp ko atche se nathune me bhara aur muskuraye.
"Tumhara pita atcha aadmi tha aur tum bhi bada ho gaya hai. Muneem humko bataya tumhari haalat. Idhar jeena muskil hai widow.. vidhwa ka. Tumhara maa atcha aurat hai Chaandan aur ab tumko he mehnat karna hai. Wo idar nahi rehna chahta. Khade matt raho beta.. Bait jaao.", Dono hatho ko garam gilaas par ragadte hue sahab tukdo tukdo me Chandan ko sab batane aur samjhane lage the. Hindustaan me rehte rehte wo yaha ki kuritiyon, andhvishwas aur samaajik soch ko jaan chuke the jaha ek vidhwa aurat ka jiwan narak bann kar reh jata hai agar sahara na mile. Chandan charpaayi par bhi kohni tak hath jode baitha tha. Sahab ne ek ghoont bharne ke baad muskura kar he prashansa ki thi chaai ki.
"Sahab main meri maa ko kabhi kasht nahi hone dunga ye aapse vaada karta hu. Wo boli thi ki aap he kahe hai ghar khaali karne ko aur waise bhi idhar rehne ka mann bhi nahi karta."
"Hum wahi bola beta. Ye ghar Manohar ka he hai par tumhara maa isko lene se inkaar kiya aur atcha baat hai tum log apna pariwar ke pas rahega. Muneem tum Chaandan ka padhne ka paisa har mahina pahuchayenge. Iska maa paisa nahi liya tha us samay jo thik kiya. Inko 200 rupaya ke sath 2 sone ka sikka bhi do. Manohar iski umar ka he tha jab naukri laga. Beta tum kabi bhi idhar aa kar muneem se mil sakta aur humse darna nai. Apna maa ka dhyaan rakhna aur itna rupaya ka bhi.", Sahab ne apni baat kehne ke baad jab muneem par dhyaan diya toh wo sar par palla karti Anuradha ko chori chori dekhne me laga tha. Abhi abhi naha kar aayi Anuradha ko kaha pata tha ki itni subah ghar me mehmaan darshan denge aur uske jism par ek safed dhoti aur kasi hui choli kahi kahi se gili ho kar pardarshi padne lagi thi. Anuradha ko muneem ki najar ki samajh kaise lagti jab wo inse palla karte hue rasoighar ki taraf badh chali. Muneem chai ka gilaas khud he us taraf rakhne ke liye uth raha tha jisko kuch sakht shabdo me Angrez sahab ne ye aadesh dete hue apne hone ka bhi ehsaas karwa diya.
"Beta angootha lagana hai idhar tumhe.", Fatafat jhole se ek safed kaagaj jis par sarkari mohar lagi thi wo muneem ne Chandan ke saamne rakh diya, neeli syaahi ki dawaat bhi khol kar.
"Muneem kaka main naam likh sakta hu."
"Haan beta bhool gaya tha ki tum 8 jamaat paas kar chuke ho.", Muneem ji ne Chandan ko ek ek rupaye ke chaandi ke 200 sikko ki pautli saunpne ke sath Sterling sahab se prapt wo chamchamati sone ki 2 mohre bhi supurd ki. Dekh kar lagta tha ki jaise wo sab muneem ki jeb se ja raha ho. Itni adhik rakam sachmuch aasha se adhik thi. Chandan kaanpte hatho se wo pautli le kar jabtak dhnyawaad deta Sterling sahab uth chuke the. Uski maa chulhe ke saamne baithi hui ab pallu se idhar dekhne lagi toh jaate waqt bhi muneem palat kar Anuradha ki kamar aur peit nihaar raha tha. Thik tabhi Sterling sahab bhi palte aur gala khankhaar kar muneem ko jis tarah se ghoora wo sitpita gaya.
"Mansukh ko paisa dene ka jarurat nai Chaandan.", Darwaja unhone he dhaal diya tha bahar nikalte hue aur itna jarur tha ki Sterling sahab ab muneem se tabiyat se baat karne wale the uski harkat ki wajah se. Aur idhar Anuradha ne apne bete ko chai ke sath thaali me 2 roti aur achaar dete hue baat shuru ki.
"Beta, paisa nahi lena chahiye tha tumhe bade sahab se. Tumhare pita sahi kehte the ki bade sahab bahot bhale insaan hai chahe wo gore hai aur hum unke gulaam. Par unhone kabhi bhi gulaam nahi kaha tha unhe. Ye tumhare muneem kaka sahi aadmi nahi hai isliye main inse mulakaat nahi karna chahti thi.", Ab pallu se he chehra saaf karti hui Anuradha apne bete ko sansarik gyaan dene lagi toh apni maa ke saral aur soone chehre ko dekh kar Chandan ne pehla niwala unke he mukh ki aur badhate hue kaha.
"Bade sahab kehte hai ki is duniya me paisa bahot jaruri hai jeene ke liye maa. Aap toh naani ka bhi ehsaan nahi leti isliye ye papa ki kamaai aapki he hai. Aap naani ke sath reh kar bhi ghar khud chalana chahengi par ab jimmewari uthane ki baari meri hai maa. Aap thik kehti hai ki muneem kaka jitne bhale lagte hai wo utne nahi hai. Bade sahab un par krodhit ho rahe the jitna maine samjha. Ye 200 sikke hai maa, aur aap inhe sambhalengi.", Potli ki taraf ishara karte hue Chandan ne apni maa ko spasht bataya tha ki wo chahe aam jiwan aur logo ki najro me bhola/saral kuch bhi ho par ab wo mehnat karke pariwar ki jimmewari apne yuva kandho par lega.
"Mujhe toh waha bhi samaaj me ekaantvaas he naseeb hoga bete. Par main hardam apne samajhdar bete ke sath rahungi. Chal ab tu ye swayam kha aur main raste ke liye bhojan bandhti hu.", Chandan apni maa ke chehre par aayi is halki si muskaan se he prasann ho gaya. Maa bete halke bhojan ke baad baaki sabhi tayaariyan kar li thi aur thik samay par he wo bhoore ghode se juda chajj wala tanga ghar ke bahar ruk gaya. Apna ye bikhra hua aashiyana chhodte hue uski maa ke netra fir se sajal ho uthe par taange me baithi wo ghoongat se bhi apne bete ko dekh rahi thi jo agle hisse me Mansukh kaka ke sath paanv latkaaye baitha unke kisse bade chaav se sunn raha tha. Taange ke chayadaar hisse me sirf Anuradha he thi aur chand kapdo/samaan ki gathriyan. Shehar ka aakhiri chauraha paar karte hue usne apne bete ko dekha jo chaurahe ko pranaam kar raha tha.
"Jaante ho Mansukh kaka, mere pita ji kehte the ki hum chaurahe par holi-diwali ya amavas ko diya isliye rakhte hai kyonki yaha chaar raahen milti hai aur andhere me raahgir, bailgaadi ya taanga aa-jaa rahe ho toh wo aapas me na takraaye. Diye ki thodi bahot roshni bhi unhe unki raah toh dikha he deti hai. Aur log kaisi kaisi baatein karte toona-totka aur chaurahe ke pret ki. Aap maante hai is sabko kaka?", Bete ke vichaar duniya se kahi alag he the aur Anuradha khush hone ke sath bhitar he bhitar chintit bhi thi kyonki Chandan ya toh kuch kehta he nahi tha lekin jo shiksha mili hai us par amal jarur karta tha. Taange wale Mansukh kaka uski baat sunn kar aasmaan me badhte ujaale ko dekh muskuraye saaf mausam dekh.
"Ab meri samajh toh beta ye kehti hai ki duniya me har naam aur vastu ki wajah jarur hai. Pret kaho ya tona, hote toh hai par tumhari baat us sabse behtar lagi mujhe. Andhkaar me tum jarur raah dikhane wale Chaand banoge. Waise ye tumhari Meena itni shaant kyun hai aaj?"
"Ye vichaar bana rahi hai ki nayi jagah par ja kar kya kya karnaame karne hai. Wo ek gali peeche jo Shanno kaaki rehti hai na, Meena unke yaha se zinda chooja pakad laayi thi. Iske badle fatkaar mujhe padi par ye kisi ka bura nahi karte aur log kehte hai ki ye ashubh hai jo mere pita ko kha gayi. Wahi log kabhi maa ko toh kabhi mujhe aisa kehte hai. Ab aap he socho jab wo apne kathan par he barkaraar nahi hai toh wo kaisa samaaj denge aane wali peedhi ko?", Ab wo samaajik shikshit aur shiksha se vanchit Mansukh kaka kaise uska samarthan karte. Par Anuradha us chaurahe ko dur hota dekh rahi thi jiske andhkaar ne uske pati ko leel liya tha. Ab wo is se dur ja rahi thi par naseeb me aage bhi chaurahe intjaar kar rahe the, jo is se kahi jyada khatarnaak the aur anginat logo ki mrityu ke gawaah.
Waha ke ek chaurahe ne beeti raat he Jhamru aur Chhagan ko parlok bheja tha aur unke ghatnasthal par mile shavo ke sath sath tantra mantra ki kriya ki saja un dono ke jiwit pariwaro ne jheli jinhe sarpanch Karam Singh ne sahara dene ki jagah gaanv nikala diya tha. Rote bilakhte bache aur auraton ki haalat waha ke baaki 50 gharo me se sirf Jaanki Devi ne samjhi thi jinhone kuch paiso ke sath unhe rehne ke liye apni he jungle ke sameep wali jameen ka ek chota sa tukda diya tha aur wo vichaar bana chuki thi in sabhi ka sahi prayog karne aur unhe unki roji-roti dilwane ka. Aakhir unki beti bhi toh samaaj ki sataayi hui thi jo apna jiwan naye seere se shuru karne aaj Paatan aane wali thi. Phulwa apne 3 bacho aur Jhamru ki kunwari behan ke sath lachaar ho chuki thi aur uske sath he Chaggu ki mehru aur bitiya Laali ke sath 2 chote bache bhi apne apne pita ka antim sanskaar jungle se pare aur gaanv se dur us nirjan khandhar ke kareeb karke aaye the jiska maalikana haq bhi Jaanki devi rakhti thi.
"Kaka aur kitna samay lagega hume?", Chaayadar vriksho se ghire us kache raaste par tanga pichle 3 ghante se sarpat dauda tha aur ek ghanta chara-paani aur araam ke baad safar fir se shuru hue bhi 2 ghante beet chuke the. Dhoop patto se chhan kar niche girti toh uski bas halki si tapish mehsoos hoti kudrat ke pehlu me.
"Bas beta 2 ab toh haathi ki dum baaki reh gayi. Aur ek baat yaad rakhna apne kaka ki. Paatan me jaise chaho waise raho aur ghumo phiro par na toh jungle ki taraf saanjh dhale jana aur na pokhar se aage banjar ilaake me."
"Waha aisa kya hai kaka? Mujhe toh andhere jyada pasand hai aur khamoshi bhi."
"Bas beta mera farj hai tumhe chetana aur tum atche bache ho jis par ab apni maa ke sath naani ki dekhbhal ka bhi jimma hai."
"Batao na kaka udhar kya hai? Nahi pata hoga toh waha jaane ka jee jyada karega.", Mansukh kaka uski baat sunn kar kuch kehne se pehle peeche palat kar dekhe aur waha Anuradha ko mooh dhake gathri ke sahare soya paya toh fir bade dhime se bole.
"Jungle ki taraf pret hai aur pokhar se aage daayan. Jo udhar andhere me gaya wo andhere se jiwit bahar nahi aaya. Abhi raaste me jaha araam ko ruke the waha par bhi dusra gaadiwan jo Paatan ki aur se aaya tha bata raha tha ki biti raat bhi jungle wale bargad ke chaurahe par 2 log mrit mile hai. Tum chaurhe par diya kis wajah se jalate ho isko koyi nahi poochega par wo tumhe hamesha galat he samjhenge aur andhkaar araam karne ke liye hota hai, virano me soyi dusri duniya me dakhal karne ke liye nahi. Bas ab ye dhyaan me rakhna aur kisi se bhi faaltu baat nahi karna.", Mansukh kaka ko kaha pata tha ki wo is yuvak ke chaurahe se mann ko diya dikha chuke hai uske gaanv pahuchne se pehle he.
OP
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LEVEL 1
50 XP
Update 2
Bada he manoram drishya tha ye jungle wale chaurahe ko paar karne ke baad. Ek aur sakande ki bani chhoti chhoti jhopdiyan jinke ird-gird hari sabjiyan ugaayi gayi thi ghane gulmohar, shehtoot aur shisham ke vriksho ki chhayan me toh chaudi pagdandi ke dusri aur taja paani ki nehar ke sath ghaans aur vanaspatiyon se labrej khule bade maidaan me sustaate jugaali karte paaltu pashu. Taanga dhimi raftaar se is kachi sadak par aage badhta raha aur Chandan prakriti ki itni vistrit chhata niharta mantramugdh sa iski tulna apne sehar wale ghar parivesh se karke aane wale samay ke khwaab sanjota raha.
"Chandu beta apni maa se pucho jara ab yaha se kis taraf jana hai.?", Mansukh kaka ki awaaj sunn kar Chandan apne khayalo se bahar nikla. Taanga abhi saamne wale chaurahe se pehle ek taraf ruk chuk tha jaha se ek path seedha jaata tha jidhar kuch kache makaan ek dusre se atchi khaasi duri par bane the aur wo peetal ke gumbaj par jhoolti pataka batati thi ki aage wo ek mandir hai. Baayi aur khaprail ki chhatt wala ye bada sa chai ka adda jo is dopehar me khamosh jaan padta tha. Jyeshth maah ki garmi itne prakriti se bhare poore gaanv me bas is taraf he thi jaha is raah par na utne vriksho ki chhaya tha aur na he thandak. Daahini aur Lala ki parchoon ki dukaan ke aage kuch duri par neem ke atyadhik vishaal vriksh ki chhanv me lakdi ke lambe mej aur unse aage chikni maati ki bhatti par chadhe bade kadaahe batate the ki ye Gajju halwaai ki dukaan aur is gaanv ke jyadatar purusho ki gupshap ka adda hai. Is taraf bhi rihayash aage chal kar kaafir duri par thi jaha gharo se kahi badi unki chaar-diwari ya katili baado ka ghera tha. Itna saaf tha ki har raah jitni alag thi utna he us par base log.
"Maa, naani ka ghar kis taraf hai? Mujhe toh kuch bhi yaad nahi siwaye us nehar ke jo raaste me dikhi thi aur wahi naani ke ghar ke peeche se bhi nikalti hai na?", Chandan ki baat sunn kar ghoongat se he Anuradha bas halke se muskura di. Itni der se taange me baithe baithe Anuradha bhi thak chuki thi aur uske paanvo me jakdan ke sath sath dhamniyon ke aanshik avrudh hone se aaya soonapan bhi pareshaan kar raha tha. Par sab bhool-bhal kar Anuradha ne us taraf he ishara diya jaha sadak kinare parchoon ki dukaan thi. Mansukh chacha ne bhi taanga us taraf haank diya. Ghode ko bhi manzil par pahuchne ki jaldi thi jaise, aakhir bhookh aur pyaas bhi toh itni mehnat karne wali ko he adhik lagti hai. Amrood chabata hua ye chail-chhabila se yuvak jo dhoti ke sthaan par patloon pehne tha aur ek chatakh burshat, taange ki bagal se nikalte waqt pehle toh Chandan ko dekhne laga aur fir taanga paar hone ke baad pallu se he apna chehra saaf karti hui safed vastro me pichle hisse me akeli baithi Anuradha ko. Uske shaant chehre ke bawjood yuvak aisi khoobsurati dekh pratikriya dene se baaj na aaya. Angootha aur ungli mooh me daba kar seeti maarta hua wo beech sadak khada ye dussahas kar baitha tha. Anuradha ne sehamte hue poora chehra fir se pallu me qaid kar liya tha par sunsaan sadak par is awaaj ko Chandan bhala kaise andekha karta. Peeche ghoom kar usne dekha ki wahi yuvak ektak taange ko dekh raha tha aur Chandan se najre milne par wo apne lambe baalo par ek hath ghumata aisa dikha raha tha jaise wahi is gaanv ka karta dharta ho.
"Kaka, mujhe lagta hai ki insaan chahun aur ek jaise he hote hai. Koopit maansikta aur taaqat ka ghamand atchi baat toh nahi kaka? Badi badi chattaane bhi nirmal jal dhara se jirn-shirn ho jaati hai phir humara eham toh utna majboot bhi nahi. Wo beri aur beil ke vriksh jaha lage hai na kaka, wahi naani ka ghar hai. Maine abhi unhe chhatt par he dekha tha jaise wo hamari he raah dekh rahi ho. Maa, naani ka ghar itna bada hai?", Chandan taanga dhire hote he chalte taange se niche utar gaya. Pakka ghar chaaro taraf se pathar aur gaare se bani unchi diwaro se ghira tha jo abhi tak dikhaai diye gaanv ke tamaam gharo se kahi jyada he bada aur sampann prateet hota tha. Diwaar ke pare bhi kayi ghane vriksh the us ghar me aur wo bahar se jitna dekh sakta tha utna bhi na dekh paaya jab safed dhile kurte, gehre hare ghaaghre ke sath sar par audhni aur hath me majboot laathi thaame uski naani apni ek mehri ko sath liye taange ke samaksh aa ruki. Ek mahila hote hue bhi unki chaal me dambh aur majbooti saaf jhalakti thi. 50 baras ki Jaanki devi ne hath badha kar apni bitiya ko utarne me madad di toh wo dubli patli si kishori mehri vastro aur samaan ki gathtiyon ko uthane lagi.
"Charan sparsh naani maa. Aapka gaanv toh sachmuch kisi swarg sa khoobsurat hai aur ye ghar mujhe kabhi yaad nahi tha par ye kaafi bada hai.", Apni naani ke paanv choone ke paschaat Chandan ne mehri ke sath gathariyan utaarni chaahi toh apne naati ko gale lagaate hue unhone Mansukh kaka ko he aadesh de dala.
"Arre bhai, taanga aangan me laga do. Kab tak bechari ko dhoop me khada rakhoge? Gulaabo, tu inke jalpaan ka prabandh kar bitiya aur hara chara bhi dikha dena. Chal beta tu ghar baad me dekhna, mujhe pehle apne bache ko jee bhar ke dekhne de. Is mooyi se toh mera koyi vaasta nahi, ek tu he hai jo meri chita ko agni dega.", Pakke thadde par teeno chalte hue lohe ke majboot dwaar ko laangh kar bhitar pahuche toh unke peeche he ghode ke lagaam thaame paidal Mansukh kaka. Wo bhi apne angoche se chehre par aaya paseena saaf karte hue bade avishwaas se is haweli sareekhi imaarat ko dekh rahe the jaise unhe iski ummeed he na ho. Jitni jagah me wo bada hawadaar pakka makaan tha us se 4 guna adhik jagah kachi chhodi gayi thi khule aangan ki tarah aur kayi hare vriksho se bhari. Wo yuvti Gulabo ghar ke bhitar seene par dupatta kiye usko kamar par bandh badi dakshta se sara samaan pehle kaksh me utaar kar rakhne lagi, Mansukh kaka ko matke ka sheetal jal dene ke baad.
"Beta ghar tabhi bada kehlata hai jab usme pariwar rehta ho fir chaahe wo 2 kamro ka he kyun na ho. Ye aaj se pehle mere liye toh khandhar sa he tha dhero kamro aur samaan se saja bas ek khandhar. Aaj mera bacha aur beti yaha aaye hai toh iski tasvir aur naseeb badlenge. Anuradha bitiya tu kuch bhi kehna chaahe us se pehle bas meri praarthana sunn lena.", Yaha bhitar bhi ek alag mehri thi Jaanki ji ke ghar me jo lakdi ke mej par 3 chini mitti ke cup me chai ke sath namki aur mishthaan rakh kar bina kuch kahe wapis andar he vileen ho gayi. Khuli khidkiyon ki wajah se baithak me mahol jara bhi garam na tha balki bahar ki tapti hawa is khule aur bade kaksh me thandak de rahi thi. Ab sooni maang liye apni maa ke saamne baithi Anuradha ke sar par pallu nahi tha. Itne khoobsurat chehra aur ba-mushkil 32-33 baras ki Anuradha ke kaan, gala aur kalaai tak uski maang ki tarah khaali the jo ek maa he dekh sakti thi.
"Main aapki sharan me hu maa jaisa aap chahti thi aur aap aadesh kijiye prarthna shabd keh kar aap mujhe sharminda kar rahi hai.", Hath mooh dhone ke baad safed niwaar ki kursi par baitha Chandan kabhi apni maa ko dekhta aur kabhi apni naani ko jo abhi tak apne naati ko apne kandhe sang lagaaye thi.
"Sharan? Kitni aulaad hai bhala meri jo tumne ek he pal me mujhe begana kar diya beti? Tumhare pita toh apni beti ko byaah kar duniya se vida le gaye aur peeche bachi ye besahara aurat jisko log dhanwaan toh kehte hai par uska sach nahi jaante ki duniya me sabse gareeb aur abhagan bhi yahi hai. Swabhimaani hona atchi baat hai beti par kataaksh aur bematlab ka eham kis kaam ka? Tumhare paas toh ek beta hai par mere paas kya tha? Aaj jab meri bitiya apne ghar lauti hai toh wo isko ehsaan ka naam degi toh kya gujregi mujh badnaseeb par?", Ab is charcha ke beech Chandan ko he shamil hona pada baat sambhalne ke liye
"Naani, aap bhi sahi ho aur maa bhi. Unhe bas thoda samay chahiye aur aapka pyaar. Kaun kiski sharan me hai ye toh insaan taye nahi kar sakta kyonki jis tarah taanga 2 chakko par chalta hai waise he aapka sahara maa aur maa ka sahara aap. Vartmaan me toh yahi sach hai isliye aap chai peejiye aur uske baad maa chaahe toh araam kar sakti hai par aapne mujhe ye poora ghar dikhana hai. Meena toh apne aap he dekh rahi hai maje se, sabse samajhdar jo hai.", Bete ke meethe tanj aur khushi ko dekh Anuradha ne bhi chaai ki pyaali thaam li. Apne naati ki samajhdaari par Jaanki devi ko behad garv hua tha jo sateek udaharan dene ke sath apni baat rakhta tha hamesha.
"Ghar tumhe Gulaabo ya Kavita dikha dengi. Dono yahi rehti hai aur meri dekhbhal bhi ab tak inhone he ki. Makaan ke pichle hisse me inka kamra hai, jaha dono sath he rehti hai. Tumhari maa ka bachpan ka kamre haal he me maine fir se tayaar karwaya hai jahan se ye din bhar peeche jungle aur nehar dekhti rehti thi. Niche 5 kamre hai Chandu beta aur tumhe jo pasand ho main udhar he tumhara samaan aur bister lagwa dungi. Gaadiwaan ko kitna mehantana dena hai beta?", Jaanki devi ke sooti kurte me thik peit aur seene ke beecho beech goji (jeb) lagi thi jaha se wo taambe ke sikke nikaalne lagi thi aur udhar Anuradha apni maa ka pyaar aur unki baatein sunn kar mann he mann khud ko kosne lagi apne aajtak ke vyavahaar par. Wo maa jo aaj bhi uske bachpan ke kaksh ko behtar banaaye hue hai aur itne baras akele jiwan bitaya jabki Anuradha ne sirf ek baras aur usme bhi Chandan toh uska sahara tha he. Pyaali me he aansuon ki boonde ludhakne lagi thi jinhe Jaanki devi ne meethi chai ko namkeen karne se pehle he rok diya. Pyaali ek taraf rakh kar wo apni audhni ke naram kapde se he apni bitiya ka chehra saaf karti usko seene se laga kar sath baith gayi.
"Unka hisaab bade baabu ne he kar diya tha naani aur aap ye apne paas rakh lijiye, unhone he diye the ye chaandi ke sikke jiwan me aage badhne ke liye. Main Mansukh kaka se milne ke baad khud he ghar dekh leta hu. Meena aao bahar chale.", Chandan maa beti ko ekaant de kar wapis bahar wale aangan me nikal aaya tha jabki Meena uske peeche aane ki bajaaye Anuradha ki he goad me ja chadhi.
"Tujhe toh ye goonga jeev bhi dukhi nahi dekh sakta meri bachi toh teri maa par soch kya gujarti hogi teri haalat dekh kar? Manohar laakhon me ek tha aur mujhe bada naaj tha apne damaad par. Ye jitne sikke is thaili me hai na, itne teri saas bhi mujhe saunp gayi thi teerath karne se pehle. Wo Manohar ne he jama kiye the tumhare aur Chandan ke bhavishya ke liye par tere devar ki najar thi jameen aur daulat par jis wajah se wo mujhe ye teri amaanat saunp gayi. Badle me tune toh meri sune bagair he mujhe wapis bhej diya apne ghar se. Ab meri prarthana sunegi meri bholi gudiya?", Jaanki devi ne sab kehne ke sath ye bhi dekha ki unki beti jo seene se lagi beawaaj ro rahi thi, uska ek haath Meena ko bhi thapak raha tha jo uske seene par aahista se panja chalati apne he tarike se chup karwa rahi thi.
"Maa, tum toh jaanti he ho ki mera pehle bhi bahar ki duniya me jee ghabrata tha aur inke jaane ke baad se toh main bikhar he gayi. Bhool gayi thi ki main anaath nahi hu aur besahara bhi nahi. Chandan bahot kaabil beta hai aur aap .. aap toh jaisi maine bachpan me dekhi thi aaj bhi waisi he hai. Main utni majboot nai hu maa aur yaha aane se pehle main vichaar kar chuki thi ki is rakam ke badle main aapse wo jungle ki hadd wali jameen le kar Chandan ke sath us par he mehnat karungi."
"Kar liyo jaha tune mehnat karni hai aur ye ghar, jameen, daulat sab teri he toh hai. Tere baabu ji hamesha kehte the ki wo itna anaaj ugaayen ki unke gaanv me aisa koyi ghar na bache jisme saanjh ko chulha na jale. Bas tu is ghar ke bhitar mujhe in safed vastro me nahi dikhni chahiye aainda. Ye meri prarthana samajh ya maa ki itcha. Yaha koyi vidhwa bahu thodi aayi hai, meri beti lauti hai apne ghar wapis. Is gaanv me aaj bhi kisi ki majaal nahi jo aankh utha kar dekh sake is taraf. Poori zindagi hai tere saamne aur berang dekhne se bhala bhagwaan mujhe utha he le.", Anuradha jaha unki baat sunn kar pehle hairat me thi fir wahi maut ki dua par apni hatheli apni maa ke mooh par rakh di.
"Ye galat hai maa. Main ab vidhwa hu toh hu, isko jhuthlaya toh nahi ja sakta."
"Kis granth me likha hai ki sirf safed he pehan kar jeena jaruri hai? Main ye kurta isliye pehanti hu kyonki is ghar ki aurat aur marad main he thi ab tak. Lekin berang aur bebas nahi hui main. Maang sajane ko nahi kaha jo tu aankhen badi kar rahi thi. Ye teri duniya hai Anuradha jaha tu paida hui, pali badhi aur laal rang me sajj kar vida hui thi. Chahe laal se parehj kar lekin ye safed bhi pratibandhit hai. Chal aa tujhe main tera kamra dikhati hu. Bechara wo Chhagan isme aaj lakdi ke khaane banane wala tha par jaane kis nashe me apni jaan ganwa baitha, kal raat. Ye dekh parde bhi teri pasand ke aasmaan ke rang ke aur inke peeche tera wahi najara jo tujhe pasand tha. Udhar aaj bhi wo jhoola laga hai jo tu basant me subah shaam jhoolti rehti thi, tere baabu ji ne mere mana karne ke baad bhi wo wahi bandha tha kyonki unki laadli ki jidd thi.", 5 gaj unchi motti diwaare aur itni he lambaai chaudaai wala ye kaksh ghar ka sabse badhiya hissa tha jaha 2 taraf lakdki ke bade darwaje the jinme se ek ghar ke bhitar aur dusra bahar khule aangan me jo ghar ka pichla hissa tha, waha khulte the. Atrikt laaltein ke sath kaath ka mej, 2 kursiyaan aur paani bhare phooldan me rakhe taaje peele phool. Anuradha toh bas khidki ke saamne khadi bahar us najare ko he dekhne lagi jo hamesha se uski pasnd tha.
"Baabu ji kehte the ki saanjh me waha nahi jana, pret nadi par paani peene aate hai aur raat wahi rukte hai. Kitna darr lagta tha mujhe aur fir main neend me aapke kamre me pahoch jaati thi. Kitni raatein aapne bas mujhe thapkate aur samjhaate hue jaag kar kaati thi maa. Subah aapke kop (gusse) ka shikaar baabu ji he bante the fir aur saanjh ko ghar lautne par unke hath me wahi khoye ki barfi rehti thi jis se aap bhi maan jaati thi aur main bhi kitna khush hoti thi. Aap sach kehti ho maa ki meri wo duniya aaj se pehle kahi kho si gayi thi. Waise Sajjan kaka (Gajju halwai ke pita) ki mrityu ki jaankaari jab aapne di thi tab jarur ek pal sab yaad aaya tha, phir.."
"Aangan me ab pakka snaanghar hai bas chhatt dalni baaki thi. Koyi baat nahi puaal ya lakdi ke fatte dalwa dungi waha main. Ja Gulaabo na waha paani rakh diya hoga tere nahane ke liye. Aaj bhi tujhe he sabse jyada garmi khaati hai par chinta matt kar ab teri maa hai pankha jhaalne ke liye. Ab halwai ka kaam Gajju sambhalta hai aur wo apne pita se he seekha tha isliye hath badhiya hai uska. Aulaad ke maamle me wo apne baap jaisa dhani nahi nikla bas. Bitiya maanglik hai isliye 18 ki hone par bhi ghar baithi hai aur uske bete ka pichwada abhi 2 din pehle he soota tha maine. Nirlajj aur jama begairat ladka hai wo. Basti ki taraf rehne wali unhi ladkiyon aur auraton ke aage peeche ghoomta firta hai jo bechari 2 bakhat ke khane ke liye dhoop-garmi bhula kar khet khalihaan aur gharo me mehnat karti hai. Us din toh muaa bach gaya tha parli taraf ludhak kar aur andhere me bhaagne se par is baar aisa waisa karta dikha toh uske baap ki kadaahi me he paka dungi naas-peete ko. Chal bitiya tu pehle na ke sehaj ho ja, main rasoi me dekhti hu khana pakne me abhi kitna samay lagega.", Apni maa ke aise tewar dekh kar Anuradha nischall roop se muskuraayi thi jaise aaj se pehle ye muskaan apna raasta bhool baithi ho. Jaanki devi ne he lakdi ki ek almaari se sooti toliya aur ek gulabi dhoti, choli nikaal kar bitiya ke saamne he bister par rakh di jaisa wo uske bachpan me karti thi.
"Maa, safed he thik.."
"Dobara dohrana mujhe aaj bhi pasand nahi. Tumhara samaaj mere is gaanv se bahar hai aur kam se kam meri jameen aur ghar me toh unka dakhal main hone nahi dungi. Waise Chandan ko idhar udhar ghoomne ki aadat hai ya bas ghar me he rehta tha waha?", Apni beti ke hatho me khudse he sabhi kapde rakhte hue unhone uske bandhe hue baalo ko dheela karke khola toh wo kaale reshmi gensu Anuradha ke nitambh tak ja pahuche. Jaanki devi unhe bhi tatol kar jaise taaseer jaanch rahi ho.
"Wo na toh mere jaisa hai aur na he apne pita jaisa. Jo mana karo wo ek baar toh jarur karke dekhega fir chahe nuksaan ho ya gyaan mile. Par wo logo se ulajhta nahi hai maa, chahe log ulajhne ke bahane dhoondte rahe. Jab hadd paar ho jaati hai fir wo bhi Meena bann jata hai. Shayad aapka asar hai us par.", Ab Jaanki devi bhi apni beti ko gale se laga kar alag hoti hui hansne lagi thi. Samanya kad aur sughad naram sharir ki Anuradha apni maa ke saamne aaj bhi bachi he thi jo majboot sharir ke sath apni beti se aadha hath unchi thi, Chandan se kuch ungal chhoti bas.
"Wo main atche se jaanti hu kyonki teri saas se jyada maine maalish ki hai uski. Par teri wajah se wo chanchal Chandu bhi mandir ka chandan bann baitha jo apni devi ke saamne rehna he jaanta hai bas. Ja naha le, tere chakkar me mujhe bhi bhojan naseeb nahi hua abhi.", Bahar aangan me apni bitiya ko wo pakki gara eento se bana snaanghar dikhane ke baad Jaanki devi bahar ki taraf se he chhajje ki chhaya me chalti hui saamne aangan ki taraf badh chali. Kaanse ki 2 balti thande paani se bhari us shehar wale se dugne bade snaanghar me Anuradha ke saamne he thi. Jism se dhoti prithak karne se pehle upar najre utha kar aasman ko dekha toh khule hisse ko aadha toh neem ki daal ne he gher rakha tha aur baaki khula hissa dhoop me hone ki wajah se Anuradha chhaya ki taraf khadi ho kar vastra kholne lagi. Lakdi ke 4 phatton se bana wo darwaja 4 lohe ke killon se yukt tha, vastra taangne ke liye jaha ek par Anuradha ne toliya tanga tha aur gulabi dhoti darwaje ke upar, jis se wo paani se bachi rahe.
"Choli kaha reh gayi?", Manohar ne bhi Anuradha ko kabhi dhoop aur garmi me nahi rakha tha jis wajah se aajtak uski rangat hindustani gorvarn thi aur is pal toh bas seene par safed kasi choli ke siwa duja vastra na hone se uska samoocha roop prakritik prakaash me saphtik sa damak raha tha. Lambe kesh wapis sar pe joode ki mudra me baandhte hue Anuradha ne najre neechi ki toh apne pake chakotare jitne bade aur kase stanno se neeche samtal chikne peit aur chhoti si gehri naabhi ke baad uljhe hue ghane kesh dekh kar mann dohra ho chala. Ek taraf toh wo unka ghantatva dekh sharminda thi aur dusra usko wo pal yaad aaya jab pehli raat ke baad kaise uske pati Manohar ne swayam he katarni se uske youvan par ghiri badra ko saaf karke uski yoni ka purn swaroop dekha tha. Us samay inki rangat itni pakki na thi jo bas sunehre-bhoore aur kache the bas. Manohar ne uski yoni ko antrang palo me ek alag he naam de rakha tha, Chanda jo pehle badra me ghiri thi. Aur Chandan ke naamkaran ke baad jab kabhi Anuradha ke mooh se apne bete ke liye chanda shabd nikalta toh Manohar ke hansne maatra se wo sharam se dohri ho jaati thi jiska hal swayam Manohar ne he nikala tha Chandu ke roop me. Inhi vicharo me doobe hui Anuradha hosh me aayi jab ek totta snaanghar ki munder par baitha taayen taayen karne laga. Wo lajjati hui apni choli ke kasaav se un pusht youvan kalson (kalash) ko ajaad karti hui ghutne modd kar farsh par baith gayi. Yaadon ne he usko stanno ke agrabhaag dabaav se nikaal kar sakhte kaale chane se kar diye the jin par shital jal girati hui wo apne jism ko mal mal kar nahane lagi.
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"Kaka, waapis lautne par aapko bina sawaari jana padega. Is se nuksaan nahi hoga aapka?", Mansukh ka ashwa atche se paani peene ke sath bhar peit hara chara aur bheege chane khaane ke baad ab khada khada he susta raha tha, us ghane vriksh ki chaav me jiske niche he sar se angocha utaare araam se baithe Mansukh kaka beedi phoonk rahe the. Inka jalpaan bhi ho chuka tha aur vida lene se pehle bas yahi aakhiri kaam bacha tha inke paas. Chandan pakke hisse me chajje ke saayen me baitha unse he baatchit me laga tha kyonki uski maa aur naani aapas me vyast thi aur Galaabo-Kavita se parichit na hone ki wajah se Chandan udhar jaane se bhi katra raha tha.
"Aane aur jaane ka hisaab rehta hai beta jo bade saheb ne pehle he 4 aane atirikt de kar bheja tha. Upar se yaha badi maalkin ne itna badhiya chara mere ghode ko aur bharpet bhojan mujhe karwa kar or 4 aane bacha diye mere. Gaanv toh bahot badhiya hai beta tumhara aur ghar bhi bhara poora hai lekin jara hamaari baatein bhi dhyaan me rakhna. Aur wo jo raaste me dikha tha waise manchalo se dur rehna, shayad kisi sarpanch ya bade ghar se vaasta rakhne wala hoga nahi toh itni himakaat din chadhe toh koyi nahi karta.", Chandan ko bhi wo yuwak atche se yaad tha jiske jikar par wo bas muskura diya.
"Sab yaad rakhunga kaka lekin baat sirf itni si hai ki main bhoot-pret aur jaadu tone ko nahi maanta. Samaaj ka ek bada hissa jarur in par vishwaas karta hai ya jaise wo darte hai inse parantu hai toh sab veham he. Wo shehar me Bholu ne kaha tha ki usne hawa me udta hua diya dekha tha jiski wajah se uske taap (bukhaar) chadh gaya. Uska kehna tha ki diye ko pret he le kar ja raha tha us andheri raat me jab wo apne pita ko khana de kar laut raha tha. Matlab aap he batao na kaka ki ek pret jo khud sabko dikhaai nahi deta usko diye ki kya aavashyakta hogi? Pita ji ke ek mitra the jinka kehna tha ki unhone mere pita ko hamesha he mana kiya tha ki wo ghar jaate samay us chaurahe se na gujra kare, khaaskar andhere aur amavas ki raat ko. Matlab jaha jameen par 2 rekhaayen humne bana kar aapas me kaati nahi, wo ban gaya bhoot-pret ka thikana? Toh pehle wo kaha rehte the jab chauraha nahi bana tha?", Mansukh kaka toh iska ab kya he jawaab dete par kameej ghaagri pehne wo dubli lambi Gulaabo, jo jaise inki baatein prarambh se he sunn rahi thi wo chup na reh saki.
"Chote maalik, agar aapne pret nahi dekha toh iska matbal eh toh nahi ki oh hote nahi hai. Maaf karna par kal raat he meri saheli Jugni ke baapu Jhamru aur dusri saheli Laali ke pita Chhagan kaka ko biraane (viraane) wale pret ne khatam kar diya. Log batate hai ki Jhamru kaka ke paanv bargad wale chabutare par peeche ko moode the aur sar jameen par ludkha hua tha, dono aankhen dehshat se bahar. Jism par bade bade cheente chadh chuke the subah tak. Aur Chhagan kaka ki haalat unse bhi buri mili thi jinka jism unki maut ke baad siyaaro ne noch khaya. Badi maalkin ne he unko sahara diya hai aur unse bhi pooch lena jungle ke pare wale purane chaurahe ke baare me aur khandhar wali bhootni ke bhi. Chaurahe par laash toh mil jaati hai par udhar khandhar me toh jo gaya na wo waapis lauta aur na uske avshesh mile. Lijiye, jeere wali chaach (lassi) pee lijiye. Badi maalkin ne kaha tha ke aap chaai nahi peete dopehar ko.", Gulaabo ki baaton se bas Mansukh kaka he prabhavit the. Chandan ko toh is bebaak ladki ke bolne ka andaaj bhaya par khud ko chota maalik kehalwana nahi.
"Dekhiye main aapna na bada maalik hu aur na he chhota. Mera naam hai Chandan aur aapka hai Gulaabo. Naam se bulana he behtar rahega aur jaha ye aapka bhoot pret wala chauraha hai us taraf ki jameen bhi shaayad naani ki he hai. Paani bhi atcha hai us taraf aur bagal me jungle bhi. Aapke saamne he naani mujhe ijajat dengi udhar kheti karne ki. Uske baad dekhte hai us khandhar ka rehasya kya hai.", Chandan ne wo thandi chhaanch ka lamba ghoont lete he dono ke he mayoos aur naraaj chehre dekhe jinhe thoda aghaat pahucha tha ki unki bataayi kahaani se ye yuwak jara sa bhi prabhavit nahi hua tha.
"Khandhar wali jameen bhi aapki he hai aise toh. Pokhar bhi hai udhar toh waha bhi kuch na kuch ugaa lena. Mujhe kya hai, main toh sach bata rahi thi par sehar wale 2 jamaat padh kar khud ko baabu samajhne lagte hai.", Mooh bana kar wo bas jaane ke liye he mudi thi ki Anuradha ko snaanghar dikhane ke baad Jaanki devi yahi prakat hui.
"Teri jubaan kabhi araam bhi leti hai ya har samay katarni si chalti rehti hai? Iska jaha dil kare jaane de bas saanjh hote he ye ghar milega. Ja Chandan ko ghar aur aaspaas ghuma la. Kavita ne saag daal tayaar kar li ho toh bol de jara bhaat (chaawal) bhi ubaal degi jeera jyada nahi. Ja beta atche se dekh le poora ghar, aangan, 2-4 pashu hai aur upari hisse me bhi 2 kamre aur khuli chhat hai. Pichle hisse ka darwaja khol kar nehar ki taraf bhi ja sakte hai jaha tumhe baithna ghoomna atcha he lagega. Arri Gulaabo..", Sarkando ke bane moodhe par baithte hue Jaanki devi ne sab batane ke baad jaise kuch yaad aate he aage badhti Gulaabo ko awaaj lagaai.
"Ji amma ji?", Wo tunak kar aise boli thi jaise inke beech bhi daadi pauti sa sneh ho aur yakinan wo tha bhi par Gulaabo unke liye badi maalkin he prayog karti thi baaki sabke saamne. Mehri ya sewika bhi wo unhi najro me thi par Jaanki devi ko moh tha Gulaabo aur Kavita se jo khud bhi inhe he apna sarvesarva maanti thi baaki inki kahaani kya thi ye Chandan kaise jaan sakta tha jab aaye hue 2 ghadi bhi na gujri ho.
"Dekh saanjh dhalne se pehle wo Phulwa aur Bandana ki taraf chakkar laga liyo. Aaj ek taraf toh un bechariyon ka sab ujda hai aur dusri taraf wo sar pe chhatt durust karengi ya chulha karengi? Haan Chandan sath chala jaayega anaaj aur sabjiya le kar. 2-3 din baad kuch farak padega toh tu Laali ko apne yaha laga liyo aur uski maa ke sath kaaki apni jameen par dihadi kar lengi. Apne se toh wo dono kabhi kuch maangne se rahi par sukh dukh me hum he unke kaam na aaye toh bade hone ka farz kaha nibhaya.? Chandan beta, kal ye tumhe darji tak le chalegi, kurte ke sath pajama banwa lena apne liye. Dhoti me sehaj nahi lagta hoga."
"Kurte banwa lunga naani par pehnunga toh dhoti he uske sath. Baaki jaha bhi jana ho bata dijiyega. Mujhe bhi gaanv ghoomne ka dil hai naani. Wahi ghar aur ek gali jiske aage paathshala thi, wo raasta bhoolna chahta hu main.", Darshnik andaaj me apni jiwan-dasha sunata fir Chandan hanste hue makaan ke dursri aur nikal liya jaha Gulaabo badhi thi. Yaha lagbhag kamre jitni he badi rasoi thi jiska ye jharokha chulhe aur bhojan pakaanke waqt paida hone wale dhuen aur garmi ki wajah se khula rakha gaya tha. Bhitar farsh par chulhe ke saamne baithi Kavita bade bartan ko utha kar aag par rakhne ke baad usme paani bhar rahi thi jisko Gulaabo ne bahar se he awaaj di.
"Aye rasoiyyaa.. Amma ji bole hai ki bhaat bhi chadha do aur roti tabhi banengi jab unka aadesh hoga. Waise bhagone se jyada paani toh tum gira rahi ho. Thik ho na mutalli?", Chandan thoda kareeb khada bas Gulaabo ki ye hansi thitholi sunn raha tha jabki Gulaabo se khijti hui Kavita sookhi lakdi utha kar usko dhamkaane ke liye uthi toh hath jaha ka taha hawa me he ruk gaya. Gulaabo saanwli si patli chharhari aur bebaak thi wahi Kavita uski humumar hone par ek bhari poori yuvti thi, gora gol aakarshak chehra aur kaali badi badi aankhen. Paseena maathe se le kar gale ki taraf se uske bhaari seene par kapde ke bhitar sama raha tha. Is se pehle wo bas chai dene he gayi thi jaha usne sar par wahi dupatta liya hua tha jo is waqt rasoi me ek taraf khoonti par latka jhool raha tha. Kavita sa haal he ek pal ke liye Chandan ka hua jisne pehli baar kisi hum-umar yuvti ko aise dekha tha.
"Tumhare bas ka nahi hai ye danda daudana mutalli behna. Ye jiskho shobha deta hai uske hath he rehne do. Kya samjhi? Chalo paani kholne laga hai, usme thoda chaawal utaaro aur fir namak jeera. Aao chhote maalik pehle aapko chhat he ghuma dete hai.", Is taraf se he wo pakki seedhiyan upari manzil par jaati thi jidhar Gulaabo aage aage chalne lagi aur uske peeche badhte waqt thodi himmat karte hue Chandan ne ek najar fir se Kavita ko dekhna chaha. Usko khud samajh nahi aaya tha ki wo aisa kyun kar raha hai par kismat se waisa he Kavita ne bhi kiya, chehre par aayi us latt ko kaan ke peeche qaid karte hue. Wo wapis chulhe ko dekhne lagi jaha tapish Chandan ki najro se banisbat kam he thi. Seedhiyan chadh kar ab dono upar aa chuke the jidhar niche wali baithak samet 2 kamro aur chajjo ke vistaar tak ye chaude banere wali chhat phaili thi. Saamne wale aangan ki taraf se neem aur amrood ke vriksh munder ko sparsh karte hue aur bhi upar chadhe the. Dur dur tak najar pahuch rahi thi jaha kahi kahi chokor khet khalihaan dikhte the aur kahi hare ghane jungle. Puaal, kanno aur gara mitti se bani jhopdiyan bhi thi jo inki rihayash wali raah par chalte hue koyi aadha kos dur rahi hongi.
"Wo udhar vann hai Chandan ji aur us se pehle jo jhuggiyan hai wo julahon kumhaaron ki basti hai. Marad toh ghade, matki aur eente banane ke sath chota mota marammat ka kaam pakad lete hai par unki joru, behne khet khalihaano me kaam karti hai thode anaaj ke badle. Pehle Laali bhi udhar he rehti thi par aaj savere un dono pariwaro ko gaanv nikala milne par amma ji ne wo jidhar suryast hota hai na udhar wali jameen par rehne ki jagah de di. Amma ji batayi rahi ki aapke nana ji udhar se he shuruwaat kiye the kheti ki aur phir jameen jyada hone se badhti umar ke sath wo bas nehar kinare wali jameen tak simat gaye. Udhar jo tabela aur jhopda raha hoga wahi ab un 2 pariwaro ka ghar hai.", Gulaabo toh un kamro ko laanghne ke baad banere se pehle he ruk gayi, us aur ishara karti hui jaha se naagin si ghoomti sadak nehar ke sath gaanv me daakhil hoti thi aur aage wo ghana vann tha jidhar ke shraapit chaurahe ne 2 bhai jaise dosto ko nigla tha beeti raat. Chandan us prakriti se bhari jameen ke hisse ko nihaarta raha par bola kuch nahi.
"Aap gaanv me abhi abhi aaye hai isliye jyada kuch nahi jaante. Yaha jo chowk hai na adde wala, waha se 4 raaste alag hote hai. Gaanv me jahaa se aap log aaye waha jamindaar aur chaudhary log rehte hai. Kuch hindu kuch muslim lekin hai chaudhary he aur unki jameen bhi raaste ke dono taraf hai. Wo kaam se kaam rakhne wale log hai aur kabhi kabhaar dikhenge bhi toh tyohaar ya kisi ke shaadi byaah me. Par mandir wali taraf jo log hai unhe apne kaam se jyada dusre kya karte ya chahte hai uski jaankari rakhna adhik pasand hai. Sarpanch ji bhi udhar he rehte hai aur 10 makaano ke sath udhar ke bahot si jameen bhi unki he hai. Bas 2 ghar unse alag hai waha, ek Lala ji ka aur dusra Baano kaaki ka jo amma ji ki khaas hai. Gaanv me us taraf walo se najre milaate hue sabhi katraate hai siwaye amma ji ke. Nehar kinaare sirf chaudhariyon wala hissa chhod do toh baaki saari jameen amma ji ki hai aur wo mandir wali bhi.", Gulaabo ka is gaanv ka chappa chappa pata tha aur wo sahi bhi kar rahi thi Chandan ko abhi se sabkuch samjha kar. Chandan bhi banere par hath tikaye muskurata hua neeche dekhne laga tha jaha ghar ka ye khula hissa tha par achanak he us chokor khuli chhat wale hisse par najar padte he uske jism ko jaise lakwa sa maar gaya. Uski maa, Anuradha chhatt ki taraf aut ki bajaye saamne wali diwar ke kareeb baithi apne nirvastra jism ko malne ke baad ab paani udel rahi thi. Lambe ghane baalo ko sar pe baandhe wo apne stanno ko bhigone ke baad uth kar maansal jaangho ko bhigone lagi toh Chandan ko aisa lagne laga jaise wo garam tawe par khada ho par aisa karna bhi ek alag sa maja de raha tha. Jo jaane jism me kaha asar kar raha tha par turant he sach ko swikaar karta wo munder se mudd gaya aur udhar Anuradha ne bhi usko tabhi dekha jab wo uski aur peeth kiye najro se aujhal hota gaya.
"Idhar bahot jyada garmi hai Gulaabo ji, neeche he chalte hai."
"Ye kamre bhi dekh lijiye, banwaye toh Amma ji ne aapke liye he hain ye.", Gulaabo ki baaton me Chandan ab jaise us drishya ko bhulana chahta tha isliye darwaja khulte he wo bhitar daakhil hua. Ye kamra thik niche wale ke upar he bana tha par diwaaro par taja choona paut kar isko ranga gaya tha aaj kal me he. Lakdi ka samaan ek taraf saleeke se rakha tha jaise waha almaari ban ni ho.
"Atcha kamra hai par poora nahi hua shayad. Aur ye bagal wala kamra rasoighar ke upar hai na?"
"Haan ji thik samjhe. Amma bolti hai ki barsaat me mere aur Kavita ke liye wo neeche bahar wala kamra thik nahi hai aur Kavita ko kamre me sona bhi pasand nahi kyonki duniya ki saari garmi toh bas us mutalli ko he lagti hai par main khule me kabhi nahi soti, chahe garmi pade ya thandi. Toh ek kamre ke sath unhone raaj-mistri se bol diya ki teen diware aur khadi kar do. Chhat par lagta he kya hai, ek sapheda aur 2 darjan phatte. Uske upar jaal bicha kar gara mitti aur choona mila kar leep do. hahaha..", Gulaabo ka is tarah muskurana khilkhilana Chandan ko bada he bhala lag raha tha.
"Mere raakhi baandhogi tum?", Gulaabo itna sunn kar he dang reh gayi thi aur uski wo hansi wahi thamm gayi.
"Agar kuch bura laga ho toh maafi chahta hu. Meri koyi behan nahi hai.. hai toh bhai bhi nahi par hum-umar behan se atcha kya he hoga? Mere kaka kaaki ke 4 santaan hai, 2 ladke aur 2 ladkiyan. Bachpan me bas 2 baar raakhi bandhwaayi hogi unse rakshabandhan par lekin uske baad kalaai par kabhi mauli bandhi toh bandhi.", Gulaabo itna kuch sunn kar bheege netra liye sarpat niche daud gayi aur Chandan apni he jagah jadd reh gaya jaise us se bhaari galti ho gayi ho. Phir aatm-manthan karta hua wo kamra band karke uski chaya me chatt ke banere he peeth tikaye khada ho gaya.
"Tumhe yahi pagli mili thi behan banane ke liye?", Jaanki devi seedhiyon ki taraf niche he khadi Chandan se keh rahi thi jinke chehre par khushi thi aur unke paanv chhoo kar kaanse ki thaali me tilak chandan aur dhaga gudd liye utni he teji se bhaagti hui Gulaabo upar aane lagi thi.
"Naani ji, sab kehte hai na main mandbuddhi hu toh koyi samajhdar bhi sath hona chahiye ke nahi? Bahot gyaan hai Gulaabo Devi ko samaaj aur gaanv ke chappe chappe ka. Bhai ki raksha yaha yehi kar sakti hai jitna mujhe samajh lagi.", Chandan dwara apni he raksha karwane par Gulaabo bhi bheegi aankhon ke bawjood apni hansi na rok saki. Niche khadi Jaanki Devi toh gadgad thi apne naati ke aise unmukt vyavahaar se aur jaise he Chandan ne apni kalaai saamne ki Gulaabo ke hath dhaage par he ruk gaye.
"Main nichli jaat se hu toh aapki behan nahi bann sakti."
"Naani, main nichli jaat ka bann raha hu abhi kyonki bhai bann ne ke liye waisa karna jaruri hai. Aapne inke bartan alag kiye honge toh mere bhi kar dijiyega.", Jaanki devi Chandan ke is tanj par barabar bol uthi.
"Haan isliye isko apne sath sulaane lagi thi main. Alag kamra maanga isne, kapde marji ke ye leti hai aur amma se rishta bann gaya par bhai behan ke beech isko jaat dikhne lagi? Chal Gulaabo aaja niche aur abse mera khana tu nahi parosegi."
"Ab hum unchi jaat ke ho gaye hai amma ji aur chhote maalik ki bahin bhi. Jabardasti khila denge parosne ke sath. Mooh kholiye Chandan ji aur main uphaar aapki mata ji se swayam maang lungi.", Tilak lagane ke baad gudd khila kar wo aashirwad ke liye jhukne lagi toh Chandan ne dono kandho ko niche jhukne na diya.
"Paap chadhayengi kya? Behan maan hoti hai aur wo kadmo me nahi jhukti. Naani mujhe bahot bhukh lagi hai.", Wo Gulaabo se aage chalta hua niche utar raha tha aur Jaanki devi apne naati ke kareeb aate he uska sar sehla kar apne sath le chali.
"Tere bhai ka khana lagwa de katarni (kainchi), maa ke chakkar me ye bhi bhookha ghoom raha. Ye tune atcha kiya mere bache. Gulaabo bahot baar mujhse kehti thi ki kitna atcha hota agar uska bhi koyi bhai hota jisko wo tilak kar sakti aur uske sath ghar se bahar bhi aa ja sakti. Ladki hona itna asaan nahi hai na beta par shukar hai ki ye Kavita jaisi dabbu aur antarmukhi nahi hai.", Jaanki devi Chandan ko sang liye baithak me chali aayi thi aur udhar apne kamre me seene par toliya lapete sehmi aur chintit si Anuradha ke mann me hajaaro khayaal anjana bhaye baitha rahe the. Aaj wo chintit thi kyonki usko abhaas tha ki uske jawaan bete ne apni maa ko nirvastra dekh liya hoga aur ab wo uski najro ka saamna kaise kar sakegi. Bister par Meena uski gulaabi choli me lipti uljhi chaaron paanv uthaye aisa bholapan jaahir kar rahi thi jaise wo vastra khud us par aa lipta ho.
"Baksh de ri is vastra ko. Pehle he paap ho gaya hai mujhse aur ab tu meri ijatt ko khud par audh le.", Is dwand me wo ye bhi bhool gayi thi ki kamre ka dusra kiwaad aadha khula hai. Toliya seene se hata kar wo wahi gulaabi choli jhaadti hui abhi pehan ne he lagi thi ki chaukhat par khadi muskurati hui apni maa ko dekh turant dhoti ka pallu seene par audh liya.
"Maa hu tumhari aur aise samay par tumhe jarur darwaje laga lene chahiye agar itna he darr lagta hai. Aakhir ghar me hai he kaun yaha? 2 pyaari bachiyaan hai aur ek tumhara ansh. Baaki kisi ko toh dehleej laanghne tak ki ijajat nahi hai. Waise kabhi khud ko darpan me dekh lena jab fursat mile. Wo ladki toh naam aur shararto ki wajah se Gulaabo hai par tum sachmuch ek jiwant gulaab ho Anuradha. Darr itna bhi haavi matt hone do ki khud ki parchaayi se ghabrahat hone lage.", Kiwaad laga kar Jaanki devi bhitar he aa gayi thi aur Meena nakhre se adaa dikhati hui us khuli khidki ki diwaar par baithi jaise ek aur jharokha bata rahi thi jaha se Anuradha ke saundarya par najar padd sakti thi.
"Maa, snaanghar ke upar fatta he lagwa do ya koyi taat-bori. Chatt se kisi ki bhi najar padd sakti hai udhar."
"Aut me ho kar naha lena aur waise bhi nahana din nikle aur din dhale he hota hai jyadatar aur geeli jagah ka sek band chhat se toh jaane se raha. Kahi kisi ne dekh liya kya?"
"Pata nahi par lagta hai ki chatt par Chandan tehal raha tha. Mujhe bas uski peeth dikhi thi."
"Hahaha.. beta maa ko dekh kar galat toh nahi sochne wala. Bachpan me doodh pilaya he hoga usko aur ghodi chadhega tab bhi stann-paan karwana padega. Khair agar tum is baat se chintit ho toh main us par rok lagane ke sath he kachi chhat dalwa deti hu. Dhoti lapet kar bhi nahaya ja sakta hai jaise main aajtak karti aayi hu. Thoda mann ka daayra badhao bitiya, wo tumhara he ansh hai jiske saamne tum chahe nirvastra bhi raho, uski maa he rahogi.", Jaanki devi baat ko badhana nahi chahti thi par Anuradha ke apne tark the, apna darr tha uske jehan me kyonki wo is prakaran ko ek naari aur purush sandarbh me dekh rahi thi.
"Wo ab doodh peeta bacha nahi raha maa chaahe wo bhola aur saral hridya hai par aisa kabhi nahi hua aur na he usne ye kabhi aur kahi dekha hoga. Insaan aise he toh kadam badhata hai chahe wo gyaan ki khoj ho ya gaman ka path. Aap bhi sahi hai ki wo aisa waisa khayaal nahi laane wala mann me agar dekha bhi hoga toh."
"Aa gayi na apni shanka par khud he? Dekha ya nahi dekha, abhi itna bhi nahi pata lekin jaal bunn baithi makde ka jisme fansi bhi toh khud tum. Khaane ke liye bulaane aayi thi tumhe kyonki wo tumhara Chanda bina tumhare nahi khaane wala.", Phir se wahi naam le diya tha inhone jisko sunn kar Anuradha paani paani ho uthi aur ab maa ke saamne he pallu hata kar apne bhaari stanno ko ek baras baad kisi dusre rang se dhanka tha, gulabi rang se. Khaane ke dauraan bhi kuch khaas nahi ghata tha aur safar ki thakaan se Anuradha apne kamre me sone chali gayi. Gulaabo ko sab samjhane ke baad aur samaan nikaal kar ek taraf rakh kar Jaanki Devi ne araam karne se pehle thoda Kavita ki bhi sudh li jo pashuon ke baade aur rasoighar ke beech wale khaali kache aangan me baithi sabse aakhir me bhojan kar rahi thi.
"Thoda araam kar le Kavita bitiya aur kya hamesha ye alag thalag baithi rehti hai? Tumhari amma ki bitiya ke aane se sankoch ho raha hai kya?", Jaanki devi ne sar dularte hue dusre hath se paani ka bhara gilaas uski thaali ke kareeb rakhte hue kaha toh mooh me niwala liye he Kavita ne naa mar sar hilaya.
"Bartan aur saaf safaai Gulaabo dekh legi, tu khaane ke baad araam kar le thoda. Phir tujhe Chandan ke sath jana hai Laali ki taraf aur is bahane tu ghar se bahar bhi kadam rakhegi. Pehle toh wahi ja rahi thi lekin ab wo kapde dhulwane wali hai apni chhoti amma sang aur Chandan ko kuch pata nahi hai. Chali jaayegi na uske sath?", Jaanki devi ne jiska jikar kiya tha wahi toh sankoch ki wajah tha Kavita ke par jab sath he rehna tha toh iska nivaran bhi karna jaruri tha.
"Unhe keh dijiyega ki bas kaam se aana jana karenge. Gulaabo jaise mujhe seedhe jana aur aadhe tedhe aana pasand nahi amma ji.", Paani ka ghoont leti hui wo fir se chehra dupatte se paunch kar uth khadi hui. Suraj ki tapish kam hone tak is ghar me sabhi log araam karte rahe siwaaye Chandan aur Kavita ke. Chandan jaha kuch samay pehle hui us ghatna ke baare me vichaaro me khoya tha wahi Kavita uske sath jaane se asehaj thi. Uske gaanv me vichran karne ke anubhav utne atche nahi the aur sabse jyada bura lagta tha agar Sarju kahi dikh jata. Ek baar toh usne bhari dopehar he Kavita ka hath pakad liya tha jab wo nehar ke raaste wapis aa rahi thi. Par aaj uske sath wo lamba uncha aur bhola sa Chandan rehne wala tha jiski aankhon me usne kuch alag paya tha. In socho me doobe dono ko he Jaanki devi ne uthaya.
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"Kitna khoobsurat drishya hai na is pagdandi ke dono taraf? Aapne gaanv wali sadak ki jagah iska chunaav karke atcha kiya Kavita ji.", Kavita apne gale me liye dupatte ko ungliyon me lapet rahi thi. Chandan uske kadam se kadam milata hua is khamoshi ko bhang karne me juta tha jo ghar se nikalne ke itni der baad bhi vyaapt thi.
"Isme kuch khoobsurat nahi. Ek taraf paani hai aur dusri aur ye jhaadi jhakhaad. Gaanv se nikalte toh log baatein banate aur wo Sarju dikh jata toh mera din kharaab ho jata. Aap maalik hai aur agar kahenge toh wapsi me us taraf se aa jaayenge.", Kavita har lafz ko dabe swar me bolti hui khud bhi dekh rahi thi us naarangi rang ko jo dhire dhire neele me ghul raha tha. Wo tej kadmo se chal rahi thi sirf hath me ek halka thaila pakde jabki Chandan ke kandhe par bhaari taati ki bori jisme 25-30 ser anaar aur dusre hath me sabji-daal ka jhola tha. Lekin uncha lamba Chandan dhoti aur surkh kameej pehne utni he mustadi se chal raha tha. Beech beech me wo Kavita ke bhare bhare gaal aur halke gusse se bhare chehre ko dekh leta jaha narajgi ki wajah khud Kavita ko na pata thi.
"Kudrat ka har rang khoobsurat hai Kavita ji aur main aapka maalik kaise hua jara is par prakaash daalengi? Sarju jab idhar hai he nahi toh uska jikar karke kyun mehtava dena aise vyakti ko jo maayne he nahi rakhta.", Ab Kavita ne kankhiyon se Chandan ko dekha aur tej kadam kuch dhime kar liye. Uski laal kameej par kayi jagah rang gehra ho chala tha paseene ki wajah se jiski wajah Kavita ka tej chalna aur Chandan dwara itna bojha dhona.
"Maalik hai toh maalik he kahungi na aapko? Amma ji ne kaha ki unke baad unka sabkuch aapka he hai toh abhi main unke paas kaam kar rahi hu fir roti aap denge. Aankhen band karne se andhera door nahi hota balki badhta he hai. Sarju bhi wahi andhkaar hai aur wo jo puliya par baitha hai na apne manchale saathi ke sath wahi Sarju hai, peeli burshat wala uddand.", Kavita ke jabde bhinchne lage the aur us puliya ko paar karke he inhe dusri aur jana tha jaha Chhagan aur Jhamru ke pariwar ko panaah mili thi. Chandan ab Kavita se ek kadam aage chalne laga tha jaise wo usko aad dene laga ho un 2 manchalo se. Kavita ye na samajhti phir se uske samkaksh chalne lagi aur dono he puliya ki taraf mudne lage.
"Dekh rahe ho Sunil aaj chhammiya ke sath badki amma ka naya naukar suracha ke liye aaya hai. Kaisi ho chhammakchallo? Bada ghabra rahi ho?", Sarju ne paanv aage badha kar Chandan ke aage nikalte he Kavita ki raah rok li thi. Uska saathi laal kameej aur dhoti pehne apne se kahi adhik dehaati ko dekh kar khinse niporta hansne laga tha jabki Kavita apni jagah jadd thi Sarju ke darr se. Abhi usne apna hath he badhaya tha uski kalaai pakadne ko aur wo peeth ke bal nehar me ja gira... jordaar 'Chapaak' ki awaaj karta. Uska sathi hairaani se najre faade ye dekh raha tha aur puliya ke dusri aur bahar nikalte apne mitra Sarju ke upar wo bhi ja gira. Taat ki bori puliya kinaare tikata Chandan dono buri tarah bheege aur ghabraaye yuvako se shaalinta se bola.
"Inka naam hai Kavita aur ye hamari naani ko amma bulati hai, matlab daadi. Aur aainda kabhi aisa dussahas kiya toh wahi chaurahe wale bargad par latka dunga aur log kahenge ki aisa waha rehne wale pret ne kiya hai. Filhaal toh naukar hum inke hai jinse ye bojha uthwa rahi hai aur ek baar inhone fir se kaha na ke tum logo ne inhe daraya hai toh kasam hai hume hamari poojniya maa ki, apne kahe shabd saarthak karne me samay nasht nahi karenge. Naam hai Chandan aur agar maamla jaat paat wala leke aaoge toh sath jodd dena Singh, yaane Sher. Chalte hu bhai dil par matt lena bas yaad rakhna kyonki meri naani ki tarah mujhe bhi baat dohraane ki aadat nahi hai." Dhoti ko sahi se peit me khonste hue Chandan ne wapis wo bori kandhe par tikaayi aur is baar wo thaile wale hath se he unke saamne Kavita ka hath thaame aage badh chala, jo abhi bhi sadme me he thi. Ab usko Sarju se darna chahiye ya is insaan se jo bolne se jyada toh jab kuch karta hai wo bhayanak lagta hai. Par is sab ko darkinaar karti hui wo swabhavikta se muskura uthi.
"Ab aap hamare naukar kaise bane? Aur ye aapne atcha nahi kiya unke sath. Wo halwaayi kaka ki santaan hai aur gaanv me unka bhi atcha naam hai.", Sankoch se Kavita ne hath chhuda liya tha kyonki iske aage he baayi taraf thodi bahot mausmi fasal ke aage wo 2 jhopde the jaha ye log samaan dene aaye the ghar se nikal kar. Chandan un 2 ladkiyon aur us 12-13 baras ke ladke ko dekh raha tha jo jhopdi ke toote hue hisse par bhari tana baithane me jute the.
"Naukar matlab jo aapko kaam de, gulaami nahi. Aap hume yaha le kar aayi aur bojha bhi humne he dhoya aapke margdarshan me. Toh ye naukari hui na? Halwai kaka ka naam sudharne ki koshish ki hai maine aur baaki un par nirbhar karta hai ki wo isko kaise samajhte hai. Ae munna, chot lagg jaayegi tumhe.", Shehtir ko ek taraf ludhakte dekh Chandan bojha wahi utaar jhopde ki taraf lapka. Samay rehte usne sthiti sambhaal li thi jis se wo ladka aur dono kishori salamat bachi. Kavita toh apni sakhiyon aur unki maaon se unka dukh samajhti sab poochne bataane lagi aur agle ek sawa ghante Chandan sann ki rassi, lakdi ke tukdo aur puaal se us bade jhopde ka sudhaar karta raha. Mehnat karna uske pita ne he sikhaya tha aur shehar wale ghar me ye sab kaam wo unke jaane ke baad bhi karta raha tha. Aaj usne Jhamru aur Chhagan ke jaane ke baad unke pariwaro ki rihayash majboot ki thi apni naani ki jagah par jinhone jiwan nirwaah ke rasad yaha bhijwaayi thi is pariwar ke paas jo ab unse judd chuka tha. Kaam poora hone tak Chandan paseene me lathpath ho chuka tha aur idhar dono jhopdo me laalten roshan thi aur ek uske kareeb jo Kavita liye khadi thi jab wo hath mooh dhone laga Laali dwara paani dene par.
"Kaaki, kal main naani ke sath aaunga aap logo se milne. Apna dhyaan rakhiyega aur aapko kaam ke liye bhi kahi jaane ki aavashyakta nahi. Yahi mil kar kaam karenge. Ab chalte hai andhkaar badhne laga hai aur suna hai yaha har taraf pret daayan bhatakte firte hai jinke paas chauraha aur khandhar jaise pakke sthaan nahi hai.", Laali ke dukhbhare chehre par is sabke baad ek halki muskaan anukurit hui thi aur usne ek saaf gamcha Chandan ki taraf badha diya.
"Isko aap he rakh lijiyega chhote maalik. Aapka dhanywaad karna aur bhi galat lagega kyonki itna sab karne ke baad aapne aaj ek nichli jaat ke ghar paani bhi piya aur unka kaam apne hatho se kiya."
"Kaam mil kar he hoti hai, akele sirf najar rakhi jaati hai. Aap samajhdar aur badi hai isliye bhai behano ka dhyaan rakhiyega baaki baad ka prabandh naani ke sath aane par karwa denge. Chalte hai.", Din chhip chuka tha jab ye dono idhar se nikle aur wahi neela paani ab is andhkaar me kala rakt lag raha tha jaha jhinguro ke sang mendhak ki tarr tarr isko behad darawana sama bana rahi thi.
"Darr lag raha hai?"
"Aapko nahi lagta kya?", Kavita ka kanth sookhne laga tha kyonki ab ghar tak jaane ke sirf 2 raaste the jisme se ek chaurahe se jata tha aur dusra is daravani nehar kinare jungle ke beecho beech jaha ye ajeeb ajeeb si awaajen atche khaase vyakti ki himmat danvadol kar de. Puliya paar karte he us doraahe par Kavita ne swayam he Chandan ka hath thaam liya tha, darr se he sahi.
"Darr.. jitna lagna tha wo apne samay par lag chuka hai Kavita ji. Ab toh bas itchha balwati ho rahi hai darr se ru-ba-ru hone ki.", Chandan ne itna kaha tha ki dur andhere me wo tivra roshni jhurmut se nikal kar nehar ko paar karti aujhal ho gayi. Aur aisa dobara bhi hua jisko dekh Kavita tej kadmo se uska hath thaame gaanv wale seedhe raaste chal padi. Uska jism kaanp raha tha aur wo kampann aur darr Chandan bhi atche se mehsoos karne laga
"Aapko ab yahi se leke jana hai Kavita ji, gaanv se nahi. Ek baar bhi aapko agar ye laga ho ki main aapki suraksha karne ke kaabil hu toh hum wahi se chalenge jaha se aaye the. Nahi toh aap apni raah ja sakti hai aur main akela he us raaste par nikal raha hu.", Chandan hath chhod kar 10 kadam bharta us gehre andhkaar ki taraf badh chala tha jaha sirf saaya he najar aa sakta tha kyonki aasman me chandrama toh aaj bhi nadarad tha. Apne sthaan par sehmi ghabraayi Kavita bas usko dhire dhire vilupt hote saaye ko dekhti rahi jo yakinan paagalpan tha sab dekhne ke bawjood.
"Ae.. mujhe marne se darr nahi lagta. Par moorakh nahi hu aapke jaisi. Jis nehar me Sarju ko fenke the na wo bhale hue utni gehri nahi hai par raat me laash tairti hui subah kaha milegi, ghar pariwar ko maloom tak na hoga. Zidd kyun kar rahe hai aap Chandan ji? Dhero maute hui hai yaha aur 2 ghar toh aap he abhi rasad pahucha kar aaye hai jinke sar se pati aur pita ka saayan uthe ek din poora bhi nahi hua."
"Sath chalna chahengi?", Chandan ne sankshipt sa sawaal poocha tha aur andhere me bas dono chamakti aankhon ko he dekh sakte the ek dusre ki.
"Mujhe is baar mat bachana agar aafat mujh par aaye toh? Seedha daud laga dena bas aur jaha jagah saaf dikhe wahi se ghar me daakhil hone ka pichla raasta hai.", Kavita ne sookhe kanth aur paseene se bhare jism ke sath Chandan ka hath thaam liya tha. Ab kisi ek ke vishwaas ki jeet honi sunischit thi is raah par jiska ishara milne ke bawjood Chandan usko najar-andaaj karta us raah badh chala jaha sachmuch raah dubhar hone nischit thi. Nidar aur bewkoof ke beech ka fansla aaj is gehri raat me wo jaan ne wala tha jab Kavita ke mana karne ke bawjood wo is raah chal diya. Chaurahe kya sirf insaan dwara he banaye jaate hai? Kudrat ke chaurahe toh kahi bhi mil sakte hai jinki bhayavahta insaani chauraho se kahi adhik andhkaarmaye thi.
Bada he manoram drishya tha ye jungle wale chaurahe ko paar karne ke baad. Ek aur sakande ki bani chhoti chhoti jhopdiyan jinke ird-gird hari sabjiyan ugaayi gayi thi ghane gulmohar, shehtoot aur shisham ke vriksho ki chhayan me toh chaudi pagdandi ke dusri aur taja paani ki nehar ke sath ghaans aur vanaspatiyon se labrej khule bade maidaan me sustaate jugaali karte paaltu pashu. Taanga dhimi raftaar se is kachi sadak par aage badhta raha aur Chandan prakriti ki itni vistrit chhata niharta mantramugdh sa iski tulna apne sehar wale ghar parivesh se karke aane wale samay ke khwaab sanjota raha.
"Chandu beta apni maa se pucho jara ab yaha se kis taraf jana hai.?", Mansukh kaka ki awaaj sunn kar Chandan apne khayalo se bahar nikla. Taanga abhi saamne wale chaurahe se pehle ek taraf ruk chuk tha jaha se ek path seedha jaata tha jidhar kuch kache makaan ek dusre se atchi khaasi duri par bane the aur wo peetal ke gumbaj par jhoolti pataka batati thi ki aage wo ek mandir hai. Baayi aur khaprail ki chhatt wala ye bada sa chai ka adda jo is dopehar me khamosh jaan padta tha. Jyeshth maah ki garmi itne prakriti se bhare poore gaanv me bas is taraf he thi jaha is raah par na utne vriksho ki chhaya tha aur na he thandak. Daahini aur Lala ki parchoon ki dukaan ke aage kuch duri par neem ke atyadhik vishaal vriksh ki chhanv me lakdi ke lambe mej aur unse aage chikni maati ki bhatti par chadhe bade kadaahe batate the ki ye Gajju halwaai ki dukaan aur is gaanv ke jyadatar purusho ki gupshap ka adda hai. Is taraf bhi rihayash aage chal kar kaafir duri par thi jaha gharo se kahi badi unki chaar-diwari ya katili baado ka ghera tha. Itna saaf tha ki har raah jitni alag thi utna he us par base log.
"Maa, naani ka ghar kis taraf hai? Mujhe toh kuch bhi yaad nahi siwaye us nehar ke jo raaste me dikhi thi aur wahi naani ke ghar ke peeche se bhi nikalti hai na?", Chandan ki baat sunn kar ghoongat se he Anuradha bas halke se muskura di. Itni der se taange me baithe baithe Anuradha bhi thak chuki thi aur uske paanvo me jakdan ke sath sath dhamniyon ke aanshik avrudh hone se aaya soonapan bhi pareshaan kar raha tha. Par sab bhool-bhal kar Anuradha ne us taraf he ishara diya jaha sadak kinare parchoon ki dukaan thi. Mansukh chacha ne bhi taanga us taraf haank diya. Ghode ko bhi manzil par pahuchne ki jaldi thi jaise, aakhir bhookh aur pyaas bhi toh itni mehnat karne wali ko he adhik lagti hai. Amrood chabata hua ye chail-chhabila se yuvak jo dhoti ke sthaan par patloon pehne tha aur ek chatakh burshat, taange ki bagal se nikalte waqt pehle toh Chandan ko dekhne laga aur fir taanga paar hone ke baad pallu se he apna chehra saaf karti hui safed vastro me pichle hisse me akeli baithi Anuradha ko. Uske shaant chehre ke bawjood yuvak aisi khoobsurati dekh pratikriya dene se baaj na aaya. Angootha aur ungli mooh me daba kar seeti maarta hua wo beech sadak khada ye dussahas kar baitha tha. Anuradha ne sehamte hue poora chehra fir se pallu me qaid kar liya tha par sunsaan sadak par is awaaj ko Chandan bhala kaise andekha karta. Peeche ghoom kar usne dekha ki wahi yuvak ektak taange ko dekh raha tha aur Chandan se najre milne par wo apne lambe baalo par ek hath ghumata aisa dikha raha tha jaise wahi is gaanv ka karta dharta ho.
"Kaka, mujhe lagta hai ki insaan chahun aur ek jaise he hote hai. Koopit maansikta aur taaqat ka ghamand atchi baat toh nahi kaka? Badi badi chattaane bhi nirmal jal dhara se jirn-shirn ho jaati hai phir humara eham toh utna majboot bhi nahi. Wo beri aur beil ke vriksh jaha lage hai na kaka, wahi naani ka ghar hai. Maine abhi unhe chhatt par he dekha tha jaise wo hamari he raah dekh rahi ho. Maa, naani ka ghar itna bada hai?", Chandan taanga dhire hote he chalte taange se niche utar gaya. Pakka ghar chaaro taraf se pathar aur gaare se bani unchi diwaro se ghira tha jo abhi tak dikhaai diye gaanv ke tamaam gharo se kahi jyada he bada aur sampann prateet hota tha. Diwaar ke pare bhi kayi ghane vriksh the us ghar me aur wo bahar se jitna dekh sakta tha utna bhi na dekh paaya jab safed dhile kurte, gehre hare ghaaghre ke sath sar par audhni aur hath me majboot laathi thaame uski naani apni ek mehri ko sath liye taange ke samaksh aa ruki. Ek mahila hote hue bhi unki chaal me dambh aur majbooti saaf jhalakti thi. 50 baras ki Jaanki devi ne hath badha kar apni bitiya ko utarne me madad di toh wo dubli patli si kishori mehri vastro aur samaan ki gathtiyon ko uthane lagi.
"Charan sparsh naani maa. Aapka gaanv toh sachmuch kisi swarg sa khoobsurat hai aur ye ghar mujhe kabhi yaad nahi tha par ye kaafi bada hai.", Apni naani ke paanv choone ke paschaat Chandan ne mehri ke sath gathariyan utaarni chaahi toh apne naati ko gale lagaate hue unhone Mansukh kaka ko he aadesh de dala.
"Arre bhai, taanga aangan me laga do. Kab tak bechari ko dhoop me khada rakhoge? Gulaabo, tu inke jalpaan ka prabandh kar bitiya aur hara chara bhi dikha dena. Chal beta tu ghar baad me dekhna, mujhe pehle apne bache ko jee bhar ke dekhne de. Is mooyi se toh mera koyi vaasta nahi, ek tu he hai jo meri chita ko agni dega.", Pakke thadde par teeno chalte hue lohe ke majboot dwaar ko laangh kar bhitar pahuche toh unke peeche he ghode ke lagaam thaame paidal Mansukh kaka. Wo bhi apne angoche se chehre par aaya paseena saaf karte hue bade avishwaas se is haweli sareekhi imaarat ko dekh rahe the jaise unhe iski ummeed he na ho. Jitni jagah me wo bada hawadaar pakka makaan tha us se 4 guna adhik jagah kachi chhodi gayi thi khule aangan ki tarah aur kayi hare vriksho se bhari. Wo yuvti Gulabo ghar ke bhitar seene par dupatta kiye usko kamar par bandh badi dakshta se sara samaan pehle kaksh me utaar kar rakhne lagi, Mansukh kaka ko matke ka sheetal jal dene ke baad.
"Beta ghar tabhi bada kehlata hai jab usme pariwar rehta ho fir chaahe wo 2 kamro ka he kyun na ho. Ye aaj se pehle mere liye toh khandhar sa he tha dhero kamro aur samaan se saja bas ek khandhar. Aaj mera bacha aur beti yaha aaye hai toh iski tasvir aur naseeb badlenge. Anuradha bitiya tu kuch bhi kehna chaahe us se pehle bas meri praarthana sunn lena.", Yaha bhitar bhi ek alag mehri thi Jaanki ji ke ghar me jo lakdi ke mej par 3 chini mitti ke cup me chai ke sath namki aur mishthaan rakh kar bina kuch kahe wapis andar he vileen ho gayi. Khuli khidkiyon ki wajah se baithak me mahol jara bhi garam na tha balki bahar ki tapti hawa is khule aur bade kaksh me thandak de rahi thi. Ab sooni maang liye apni maa ke saamne baithi Anuradha ke sar par pallu nahi tha. Itne khoobsurat chehra aur ba-mushkil 32-33 baras ki Anuradha ke kaan, gala aur kalaai tak uski maang ki tarah khaali the jo ek maa he dekh sakti thi.
"Main aapki sharan me hu maa jaisa aap chahti thi aur aap aadesh kijiye prarthna shabd keh kar aap mujhe sharminda kar rahi hai.", Hath mooh dhone ke baad safed niwaar ki kursi par baitha Chandan kabhi apni maa ko dekhta aur kabhi apni naani ko jo abhi tak apne naati ko apne kandhe sang lagaaye thi.
"Sharan? Kitni aulaad hai bhala meri jo tumne ek he pal me mujhe begana kar diya beti? Tumhare pita toh apni beti ko byaah kar duniya se vida le gaye aur peeche bachi ye besahara aurat jisko log dhanwaan toh kehte hai par uska sach nahi jaante ki duniya me sabse gareeb aur abhagan bhi yahi hai. Swabhimaani hona atchi baat hai beti par kataaksh aur bematlab ka eham kis kaam ka? Tumhare paas toh ek beta hai par mere paas kya tha? Aaj jab meri bitiya apne ghar lauti hai toh wo isko ehsaan ka naam degi toh kya gujregi mujh badnaseeb par?", Ab is charcha ke beech Chandan ko he shamil hona pada baat sambhalne ke liye
"Naani, aap bhi sahi ho aur maa bhi. Unhe bas thoda samay chahiye aur aapka pyaar. Kaun kiski sharan me hai ye toh insaan taye nahi kar sakta kyonki jis tarah taanga 2 chakko par chalta hai waise he aapka sahara maa aur maa ka sahara aap. Vartmaan me toh yahi sach hai isliye aap chai peejiye aur uske baad maa chaahe toh araam kar sakti hai par aapne mujhe ye poora ghar dikhana hai. Meena toh apne aap he dekh rahi hai maje se, sabse samajhdar jo hai.", Bete ke meethe tanj aur khushi ko dekh Anuradha ne bhi chaai ki pyaali thaam li. Apne naati ki samajhdaari par Jaanki devi ko behad garv hua tha jo sateek udaharan dene ke sath apni baat rakhta tha hamesha.
"Ghar tumhe Gulaabo ya Kavita dikha dengi. Dono yahi rehti hai aur meri dekhbhal bhi ab tak inhone he ki. Makaan ke pichle hisse me inka kamra hai, jaha dono sath he rehti hai. Tumhari maa ka bachpan ka kamre haal he me maine fir se tayaar karwaya hai jahan se ye din bhar peeche jungle aur nehar dekhti rehti thi. Niche 5 kamre hai Chandu beta aur tumhe jo pasand ho main udhar he tumhara samaan aur bister lagwa dungi. Gaadiwaan ko kitna mehantana dena hai beta?", Jaanki devi ke sooti kurte me thik peit aur seene ke beecho beech goji (jeb) lagi thi jaha se wo taambe ke sikke nikaalne lagi thi aur udhar Anuradha apni maa ka pyaar aur unki baatein sunn kar mann he mann khud ko kosne lagi apne aajtak ke vyavahaar par. Wo maa jo aaj bhi uske bachpan ke kaksh ko behtar banaaye hue hai aur itne baras akele jiwan bitaya jabki Anuradha ne sirf ek baras aur usme bhi Chandan toh uska sahara tha he. Pyaali me he aansuon ki boonde ludhakne lagi thi jinhe Jaanki devi ne meethi chai ko namkeen karne se pehle he rok diya. Pyaali ek taraf rakh kar wo apni audhni ke naram kapde se he apni bitiya ka chehra saaf karti usko seene se laga kar sath baith gayi.
"Unka hisaab bade baabu ne he kar diya tha naani aur aap ye apne paas rakh lijiye, unhone he diye the ye chaandi ke sikke jiwan me aage badhne ke liye. Main Mansukh kaka se milne ke baad khud he ghar dekh leta hu. Meena aao bahar chale.", Chandan maa beti ko ekaant de kar wapis bahar wale aangan me nikal aaya tha jabki Meena uske peeche aane ki bajaaye Anuradha ki he goad me ja chadhi.
"Tujhe toh ye goonga jeev bhi dukhi nahi dekh sakta meri bachi toh teri maa par soch kya gujarti hogi teri haalat dekh kar? Manohar laakhon me ek tha aur mujhe bada naaj tha apne damaad par. Ye jitne sikke is thaili me hai na, itne teri saas bhi mujhe saunp gayi thi teerath karne se pehle. Wo Manohar ne he jama kiye the tumhare aur Chandan ke bhavishya ke liye par tere devar ki najar thi jameen aur daulat par jis wajah se wo mujhe ye teri amaanat saunp gayi. Badle me tune toh meri sune bagair he mujhe wapis bhej diya apne ghar se. Ab meri prarthana sunegi meri bholi gudiya?", Jaanki devi ne sab kehne ke sath ye bhi dekha ki unki beti jo seene se lagi beawaaj ro rahi thi, uska ek haath Meena ko bhi thapak raha tha jo uske seene par aahista se panja chalati apne he tarike se chup karwa rahi thi.
"Maa, tum toh jaanti he ho ki mera pehle bhi bahar ki duniya me jee ghabrata tha aur inke jaane ke baad se toh main bikhar he gayi. Bhool gayi thi ki main anaath nahi hu aur besahara bhi nahi. Chandan bahot kaabil beta hai aur aap .. aap toh jaisi maine bachpan me dekhi thi aaj bhi waisi he hai. Main utni majboot nai hu maa aur yaha aane se pehle main vichaar kar chuki thi ki is rakam ke badle main aapse wo jungle ki hadd wali jameen le kar Chandan ke sath us par he mehnat karungi."
"Kar liyo jaha tune mehnat karni hai aur ye ghar, jameen, daulat sab teri he toh hai. Tere baabu ji hamesha kehte the ki wo itna anaaj ugaayen ki unke gaanv me aisa koyi ghar na bache jisme saanjh ko chulha na jale. Bas tu is ghar ke bhitar mujhe in safed vastro me nahi dikhni chahiye aainda. Ye meri prarthana samajh ya maa ki itcha. Yaha koyi vidhwa bahu thodi aayi hai, meri beti lauti hai apne ghar wapis. Is gaanv me aaj bhi kisi ki majaal nahi jo aankh utha kar dekh sake is taraf. Poori zindagi hai tere saamne aur berang dekhne se bhala bhagwaan mujhe utha he le.", Anuradha jaha unki baat sunn kar pehle hairat me thi fir wahi maut ki dua par apni hatheli apni maa ke mooh par rakh di.
"Ye galat hai maa. Main ab vidhwa hu toh hu, isko jhuthlaya toh nahi ja sakta."
"Kis granth me likha hai ki sirf safed he pehan kar jeena jaruri hai? Main ye kurta isliye pehanti hu kyonki is ghar ki aurat aur marad main he thi ab tak. Lekin berang aur bebas nahi hui main. Maang sajane ko nahi kaha jo tu aankhen badi kar rahi thi. Ye teri duniya hai Anuradha jaha tu paida hui, pali badhi aur laal rang me sajj kar vida hui thi. Chahe laal se parehj kar lekin ye safed bhi pratibandhit hai. Chal aa tujhe main tera kamra dikhati hu. Bechara wo Chhagan isme aaj lakdi ke khaane banane wala tha par jaane kis nashe me apni jaan ganwa baitha, kal raat. Ye dekh parde bhi teri pasand ke aasmaan ke rang ke aur inke peeche tera wahi najara jo tujhe pasand tha. Udhar aaj bhi wo jhoola laga hai jo tu basant me subah shaam jhoolti rehti thi, tere baabu ji ne mere mana karne ke baad bhi wo wahi bandha tha kyonki unki laadli ki jidd thi.", 5 gaj unchi motti diwaare aur itni he lambaai chaudaai wala ye kaksh ghar ka sabse badhiya hissa tha jaha 2 taraf lakdki ke bade darwaje the jinme se ek ghar ke bhitar aur dusra bahar khule aangan me jo ghar ka pichla hissa tha, waha khulte the. Atrikt laaltein ke sath kaath ka mej, 2 kursiyaan aur paani bhare phooldan me rakhe taaje peele phool. Anuradha toh bas khidki ke saamne khadi bahar us najare ko he dekhne lagi jo hamesha se uski pasnd tha.
"Baabu ji kehte the ki saanjh me waha nahi jana, pret nadi par paani peene aate hai aur raat wahi rukte hai. Kitna darr lagta tha mujhe aur fir main neend me aapke kamre me pahoch jaati thi. Kitni raatein aapne bas mujhe thapkate aur samjhaate hue jaag kar kaati thi maa. Subah aapke kop (gusse) ka shikaar baabu ji he bante the fir aur saanjh ko ghar lautne par unke hath me wahi khoye ki barfi rehti thi jis se aap bhi maan jaati thi aur main bhi kitna khush hoti thi. Aap sach kehti ho maa ki meri wo duniya aaj se pehle kahi kho si gayi thi. Waise Sajjan kaka (Gajju halwai ke pita) ki mrityu ki jaankaari jab aapne di thi tab jarur ek pal sab yaad aaya tha, phir.."
"Aangan me ab pakka snaanghar hai bas chhatt dalni baaki thi. Koyi baat nahi puaal ya lakdi ke fatte dalwa dungi waha main. Ja Gulaabo na waha paani rakh diya hoga tere nahane ke liye. Aaj bhi tujhe he sabse jyada garmi khaati hai par chinta matt kar ab teri maa hai pankha jhaalne ke liye. Ab halwai ka kaam Gajju sambhalta hai aur wo apne pita se he seekha tha isliye hath badhiya hai uska. Aulaad ke maamle me wo apne baap jaisa dhani nahi nikla bas. Bitiya maanglik hai isliye 18 ki hone par bhi ghar baithi hai aur uske bete ka pichwada abhi 2 din pehle he soota tha maine. Nirlajj aur jama begairat ladka hai wo. Basti ki taraf rehne wali unhi ladkiyon aur auraton ke aage peeche ghoomta firta hai jo bechari 2 bakhat ke khane ke liye dhoop-garmi bhula kar khet khalihaan aur gharo me mehnat karti hai. Us din toh muaa bach gaya tha parli taraf ludhak kar aur andhere me bhaagne se par is baar aisa waisa karta dikha toh uske baap ki kadaahi me he paka dungi naas-peete ko. Chal bitiya tu pehle na ke sehaj ho ja, main rasoi me dekhti hu khana pakne me abhi kitna samay lagega.", Apni maa ke aise tewar dekh kar Anuradha nischall roop se muskuraayi thi jaise aaj se pehle ye muskaan apna raasta bhool baithi ho. Jaanki devi ne he lakdi ki ek almaari se sooti toliya aur ek gulabi dhoti, choli nikaal kar bitiya ke saamne he bister par rakh di jaisa wo uske bachpan me karti thi.
"Maa, safed he thik.."
"Dobara dohrana mujhe aaj bhi pasand nahi. Tumhara samaaj mere is gaanv se bahar hai aur kam se kam meri jameen aur ghar me toh unka dakhal main hone nahi dungi. Waise Chandan ko idhar udhar ghoomne ki aadat hai ya bas ghar me he rehta tha waha?", Apni beti ke hatho me khudse he sabhi kapde rakhte hue unhone uske bandhe hue baalo ko dheela karke khola toh wo kaale reshmi gensu Anuradha ke nitambh tak ja pahuche. Jaanki devi unhe bhi tatol kar jaise taaseer jaanch rahi ho.
"Wo na toh mere jaisa hai aur na he apne pita jaisa. Jo mana karo wo ek baar toh jarur karke dekhega fir chahe nuksaan ho ya gyaan mile. Par wo logo se ulajhta nahi hai maa, chahe log ulajhne ke bahane dhoondte rahe. Jab hadd paar ho jaati hai fir wo bhi Meena bann jata hai. Shayad aapka asar hai us par.", Ab Jaanki devi bhi apni beti ko gale se laga kar alag hoti hui hansne lagi thi. Samanya kad aur sughad naram sharir ki Anuradha apni maa ke saamne aaj bhi bachi he thi jo majboot sharir ke sath apni beti se aadha hath unchi thi, Chandan se kuch ungal chhoti bas.
"Wo main atche se jaanti hu kyonki teri saas se jyada maine maalish ki hai uski. Par teri wajah se wo chanchal Chandu bhi mandir ka chandan bann baitha jo apni devi ke saamne rehna he jaanta hai bas. Ja naha le, tere chakkar me mujhe bhi bhojan naseeb nahi hua abhi.", Bahar aangan me apni bitiya ko wo pakki gara eento se bana snaanghar dikhane ke baad Jaanki devi bahar ki taraf se he chhajje ki chhaya me chalti hui saamne aangan ki taraf badh chali. Kaanse ki 2 balti thande paani se bhari us shehar wale se dugne bade snaanghar me Anuradha ke saamne he thi. Jism se dhoti prithak karne se pehle upar najre utha kar aasman ko dekha toh khule hisse ko aadha toh neem ki daal ne he gher rakha tha aur baaki khula hissa dhoop me hone ki wajah se Anuradha chhaya ki taraf khadi ho kar vastra kholne lagi. Lakdi ke 4 phatton se bana wo darwaja 4 lohe ke killon se yukt tha, vastra taangne ke liye jaha ek par Anuradha ne toliya tanga tha aur gulabi dhoti darwaje ke upar, jis se wo paani se bachi rahe.
"Choli kaha reh gayi?", Manohar ne bhi Anuradha ko kabhi dhoop aur garmi me nahi rakha tha jis wajah se aajtak uski rangat hindustani gorvarn thi aur is pal toh bas seene par safed kasi choli ke siwa duja vastra na hone se uska samoocha roop prakritik prakaash me saphtik sa damak raha tha. Lambe kesh wapis sar pe joode ki mudra me baandhte hue Anuradha ne najre neechi ki toh apne pake chakotare jitne bade aur kase stanno se neeche samtal chikne peit aur chhoti si gehri naabhi ke baad uljhe hue ghane kesh dekh kar mann dohra ho chala. Ek taraf toh wo unka ghantatva dekh sharminda thi aur dusra usko wo pal yaad aaya jab pehli raat ke baad kaise uske pati Manohar ne swayam he katarni se uske youvan par ghiri badra ko saaf karke uski yoni ka purn swaroop dekha tha. Us samay inki rangat itni pakki na thi jo bas sunehre-bhoore aur kache the bas. Manohar ne uski yoni ko antrang palo me ek alag he naam de rakha tha, Chanda jo pehle badra me ghiri thi. Aur Chandan ke naamkaran ke baad jab kabhi Anuradha ke mooh se apne bete ke liye chanda shabd nikalta toh Manohar ke hansne maatra se wo sharam se dohri ho jaati thi jiska hal swayam Manohar ne he nikala tha Chandu ke roop me. Inhi vicharo me doobe hui Anuradha hosh me aayi jab ek totta snaanghar ki munder par baitha taayen taayen karne laga. Wo lajjati hui apni choli ke kasaav se un pusht youvan kalson (kalash) ko ajaad karti hui ghutne modd kar farsh par baith gayi. Yaadon ne he usko stanno ke agrabhaag dabaav se nikaal kar sakhte kaale chane se kar diye the jin par shital jal girati hui wo apne jism ko mal mal kar nahane lagi.
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"Kaka, waapis lautne par aapko bina sawaari jana padega. Is se nuksaan nahi hoga aapka?", Mansukh ka ashwa atche se paani peene ke sath bhar peit hara chara aur bheege chane khaane ke baad ab khada khada he susta raha tha, us ghane vriksh ki chaav me jiske niche he sar se angocha utaare araam se baithe Mansukh kaka beedi phoonk rahe the. Inka jalpaan bhi ho chuka tha aur vida lene se pehle bas yahi aakhiri kaam bacha tha inke paas. Chandan pakke hisse me chajje ke saayen me baitha unse he baatchit me laga tha kyonki uski maa aur naani aapas me vyast thi aur Galaabo-Kavita se parichit na hone ki wajah se Chandan udhar jaane se bhi katra raha tha.
"Aane aur jaane ka hisaab rehta hai beta jo bade saheb ne pehle he 4 aane atirikt de kar bheja tha. Upar se yaha badi maalkin ne itna badhiya chara mere ghode ko aur bharpet bhojan mujhe karwa kar or 4 aane bacha diye mere. Gaanv toh bahot badhiya hai beta tumhara aur ghar bhi bhara poora hai lekin jara hamaari baatein bhi dhyaan me rakhna. Aur wo jo raaste me dikha tha waise manchalo se dur rehna, shayad kisi sarpanch ya bade ghar se vaasta rakhne wala hoga nahi toh itni himakaat din chadhe toh koyi nahi karta.", Chandan ko bhi wo yuwak atche se yaad tha jiske jikar par wo bas muskura diya.
"Sab yaad rakhunga kaka lekin baat sirf itni si hai ki main bhoot-pret aur jaadu tone ko nahi maanta. Samaaj ka ek bada hissa jarur in par vishwaas karta hai ya jaise wo darte hai inse parantu hai toh sab veham he. Wo shehar me Bholu ne kaha tha ki usne hawa me udta hua diya dekha tha jiski wajah se uske taap (bukhaar) chadh gaya. Uska kehna tha ki diye ko pret he le kar ja raha tha us andheri raat me jab wo apne pita ko khana de kar laut raha tha. Matlab aap he batao na kaka ki ek pret jo khud sabko dikhaai nahi deta usko diye ki kya aavashyakta hogi? Pita ji ke ek mitra the jinka kehna tha ki unhone mere pita ko hamesha he mana kiya tha ki wo ghar jaate samay us chaurahe se na gujra kare, khaaskar andhere aur amavas ki raat ko. Matlab jaha jameen par 2 rekhaayen humne bana kar aapas me kaati nahi, wo ban gaya bhoot-pret ka thikana? Toh pehle wo kaha rehte the jab chauraha nahi bana tha?", Mansukh kaka toh iska ab kya he jawaab dete par kameej ghaagri pehne wo dubli lambi Gulaabo, jo jaise inki baatein prarambh se he sunn rahi thi wo chup na reh saki.
"Chote maalik, agar aapne pret nahi dekha toh iska matbal eh toh nahi ki oh hote nahi hai. Maaf karna par kal raat he meri saheli Jugni ke baapu Jhamru aur dusri saheli Laali ke pita Chhagan kaka ko biraane (viraane) wale pret ne khatam kar diya. Log batate hai ki Jhamru kaka ke paanv bargad wale chabutare par peeche ko moode the aur sar jameen par ludkha hua tha, dono aankhen dehshat se bahar. Jism par bade bade cheente chadh chuke the subah tak. Aur Chhagan kaka ki haalat unse bhi buri mili thi jinka jism unki maut ke baad siyaaro ne noch khaya. Badi maalkin ne he unko sahara diya hai aur unse bhi pooch lena jungle ke pare wale purane chaurahe ke baare me aur khandhar wali bhootni ke bhi. Chaurahe par laash toh mil jaati hai par udhar khandhar me toh jo gaya na wo waapis lauta aur na uske avshesh mile. Lijiye, jeere wali chaach (lassi) pee lijiye. Badi maalkin ne kaha tha ke aap chaai nahi peete dopehar ko.", Gulaabo ki baaton se bas Mansukh kaka he prabhavit the. Chandan ko toh is bebaak ladki ke bolne ka andaaj bhaya par khud ko chota maalik kehalwana nahi.
"Dekhiye main aapna na bada maalik hu aur na he chhota. Mera naam hai Chandan aur aapka hai Gulaabo. Naam se bulana he behtar rahega aur jaha ye aapka bhoot pret wala chauraha hai us taraf ki jameen bhi shaayad naani ki he hai. Paani bhi atcha hai us taraf aur bagal me jungle bhi. Aapke saamne he naani mujhe ijajat dengi udhar kheti karne ki. Uske baad dekhte hai us khandhar ka rehasya kya hai.", Chandan ne wo thandi chhaanch ka lamba ghoont lete he dono ke he mayoos aur naraaj chehre dekhe jinhe thoda aghaat pahucha tha ki unki bataayi kahaani se ye yuwak jara sa bhi prabhavit nahi hua tha.
"Khandhar wali jameen bhi aapki he hai aise toh. Pokhar bhi hai udhar toh waha bhi kuch na kuch ugaa lena. Mujhe kya hai, main toh sach bata rahi thi par sehar wale 2 jamaat padh kar khud ko baabu samajhne lagte hai.", Mooh bana kar wo bas jaane ke liye he mudi thi ki Anuradha ko snaanghar dikhane ke baad Jaanki devi yahi prakat hui.
"Teri jubaan kabhi araam bhi leti hai ya har samay katarni si chalti rehti hai? Iska jaha dil kare jaane de bas saanjh hote he ye ghar milega. Ja Chandan ko ghar aur aaspaas ghuma la. Kavita ne saag daal tayaar kar li ho toh bol de jara bhaat (chaawal) bhi ubaal degi jeera jyada nahi. Ja beta atche se dekh le poora ghar, aangan, 2-4 pashu hai aur upari hisse me bhi 2 kamre aur khuli chhat hai. Pichle hisse ka darwaja khol kar nehar ki taraf bhi ja sakte hai jaha tumhe baithna ghoomna atcha he lagega. Arri Gulaabo..", Sarkando ke bane moodhe par baithte hue Jaanki devi ne sab batane ke baad jaise kuch yaad aate he aage badhti Gulaabo ko awaaj lagaai.
"Ji amma ji?", Wo tunak kar aise boli thi jaise inke beech bhi daadi pauti sa sneh ho aur yakinan wo tha bhi par Gulaabo unke liye badi maalkin he prayog karti thi baaki sabke saamne. Mehri ya sewika bhi wo unhi najro me thi par Jaanki devi ko moh tha Gulaabo aur Kavita se jo khud bhi inhe he apna sarvesarva maanti thi baaki inki kahaani kya thi ye Chandan kaise jaan sakta tha jab aaye hue 2 ghadi bhi na gujri ho.
"Dekh saanjh dhalne se pehle wo Phulwa aur Bandana ki taraf chakkar laga liyo. Aaj ek taraf toh un bechariyon ka sab ujda hai aur dusri taraf wo sar pe chhatt durust karengi ya chulha karengi? Haan Chandan sath chala jaayega anaaj aur sabjiya le kar. 2-3 din baad kuch farak padega toh tu Laali ko apne yaha laga liyo aur uski maa ke sath kaaki apni jameen par dihadi kar lengi. Apne se toh wo dono kabhi kuch maangne se rahi par sukh dukh me hum he unke kaam na aaye toh bade hone ka farz kaha nibhaya.? Chandan beta, kal ye tumhe darji tak le chalegi, kurte ke sath pajama banwa lena apne liye. Dhoti me sehaj nahi lagta hoga."
"Kurte banwa lunga naani par pehnunga toh dhoti he uske sath. Baaki jaha bhi jana ho bata dijiyega. Mujhe bhi gaanv ghoomne ka dil hai naani. Wahi ghar aur ek gali jiske aage paathshala thi, wo raasta bhoolna chahta hu main.", Darshnik andaaj me apni jiwan-dasha sunata fir Chandan hanste hue makaan ke dursri aur nikal liya jaha Gulaabo badhi thi. Yaha lagbhag kamre jitni he badi rasoi thi jiska ye jharokha chulhe aur bhojan pakaanke waqt paida hone wale dhuen aur garmi ki wajah se khula rakha gaya tha. Bhitar farsh par chulhe ke saamne baithi Kavita bade bartan ko utha kar aag par rakhne ke baad usme paani bhar rahi thi jisko Gulaabo ne bahar se he awaaj di.
"Aye rasoiyyaa.. Amma ji bole hai ki bhaat bhi chadha do aur roti tabhi banengi jab unka aadesh hoga. Waise bhagone se jyada paani toh tum gira rahi ho. Thik ho na mutalli?", Chandan thoda kareeb khada bas Gulaabo ki ye hansi thitholi sunn raha tha jabki Gulaabo se khijti hui Kavita sookhi lakdi utha kar usko dhamkaane ke liye uthi toh hath jaha ka taha hawa me he ruk gaya. Gulaabo saanwli si patli chharhari aur bebaak thi wahi Kavita uski humumar hone par ek bhari poori yuvti thi, gora gol aakarshak chehra aur kaali badi badi aankhen. Paseena maathe se le kar gale ki taraf se uske bhaari seene par kapde ke bhitar sama raha tha. Is se pehle wo bas chai dene he gayi thi jaha usne sar par wahi dupatta liya hua tha jo is waqt rasoi me ek taraf khoonti par latka jhool raha tha. Kavita sa haal he ek pal ke liye Chandan ka hua jisne pehli baar kisi hum-umar yuvti ko aise dekha tha.
"Tumhare bas ka nahi hai ye danda daudana mutalli behna. Ye jiskho shobha deta hai uske hath he rehne do. Kya samjhi? Chalo paani kholne laga hai, usme thoda chaawal utaaro aur fir namak jeera. Aao chhote maalik pehle aapko chhat he ghuma dete hai.", Is taraf se he wo pakki seedhiyan upari manzil par jaati thi jidhar Gulaabo aage aage chalne lagi aur uske peeche badhte waqt thodi himmat karte hue Chandan ne ek najar fir se Kavita ko dekhna chaha. Usko khud samajh nahi aaya tha ki wo aisa kyun kar raha hai par kismat se waisa he Kavita ne bhi kiya, chehre par aayi us latt ko kaan ke peeche qaid karte hue. Wo wapis chulhe ko dekhne lagi jaha tapish Chandan ki najro se banisbat kam he thi. Seedhiyan chadh kar ab dono upar aa chuke the jidhar niche wali baithak samet 2 kamro aur chajjo ke vistaar tak ye chaude banere wali chhat phaili thi. Saamne wale aangan ki taraf se neem aur amrood ke vriksh munder ko sparsh karte hue aur bhi upar chadhe the. Dur dur tak najar pahuch rahi thi jaha kahi kahi chokor khet khalihaan dikhte the aur kahi hare ghane jungle. Puaal, kanno aur gara mitti se bani jhopdiyan bhi thi jo inki rihayash wali raah par chalte hue koyi aadha kos dur rahi hongi.
"Wo udhar vann hai Chandan ji aur us se pehle jo jhuggiyan hai wo julahon kumhaaron ki basti hai. Marad toh ghade, matki aur eente banane ke sath chota mota marammat ka kaam pakad lete hai par unki joru, behne khet khalihaano me kaam karti hai thode anaaj ke badle. Pehle Laali bhi udhar he rehti thi par aaj savere un dono pariwaro ko gaanv nikala milne par amma ji ne wo jidhar suryast hota hai na udhar wali jameen par rehne ki jagah de di. Amma ji batayi rahi ki aapke nana ji udhar se he shuruwaat kiye the kheti ki aur phir jameen jyada hone se badhti umar ke sath wo bas nehar kinare wali jameen tak simat gaye. Udhar jo tabela aur jhopda raha hoga wahi ab un 2 pariwaro ka ghar hai.", Gulaabo toh un kamro ko laanghne ke baad banere se pehle he ruk gayi, us aur ishara karti hui jaha se naagin si ghoomti sadak nehar ke sath gaanv me daakhil hoti thi aur aage wo ghana vann tha jidhar ke shraapit chaurahe ne 2 bhai jaise dosto ko nigla tha beeti raat. Chandan us prakriti se bhari jameen ke hisse ko nihaarta raha par bola kuch nahi.
"Aap gaanv me abhi abhi aaye hai isliye jyada kuch nahi jaante. Yaha jo chowk hai na adde wala, waha se 4 raaste alag hote hai. Gaanv me jahaa se aap log aaye waha jamindaar aur chaudhary log rehte hai. Kuch hindu kuch muslim lekin hai chaudhary he aur unki jameen bhi raaste ke dono taraf hai. Wo kaam se kaam rakhne wale log hai aur kabhi kabhaar dikhenge bhi toh tyohaar ya kisi ke shaadi byaah me. Par mandir wali taraf jo log hai unhe apne kaam se jyada dusre kya karte ya chahte hai uski jaankari rakhna adhik pasand hai. Sarpanch ji bhi udhar he rehte hai aur 10 makaano ke sath udhar ke bahot si jameen bhi unki he hai. Bas 2 ghar unse alag hai waha, ek Lala ji ka aur dusra Baano kaaki ka jo amma ji ki khaas hai. Gaanv me us taraf walo se najre milaate hue sabhi katraate hai siwaye amma ji ke. Nehar kinaare sirf chaudhariyon wala hissa chhod do toh baaki saari jameen amma ji ki hai aur wo mandir wali bhi.", Gulaabo ka is gaanv ka chappa chappa pata tha aur wo sahi bhi kar rahi thi Chandan ko abhi se sabkuch samjha kar. Chandan bhi banere par hath tikaye muskurata hua neeche dekhne laga tha jaha ghar ka ye khula hissa tha par achanak he us chokor khuli chhat wale hisse par najar padte he uske jism ko jaise lakwa sa maar gaya. Uski maa, Anuradha chhatt ki taraf aut ki bajaye saamne wali diwar ke kareeb baithi apne nirvastra jism ko malne ke baad ab paani udel rahi thi. Lambe ghane baalo ko sar pe baandhe wo apne stanno ko bhigone ke baad uth kar maansal jaangho ko bhigone lagi toh Chandan ko aisa lagne laga jaise wo garam tawe par khada ho par aisa karna bhi ek alag sa maja de raha tha. Jo jaane jism me kaha asar kar raha tha par turant he sach ko swikaar karta wo munder se mudd gaya aur udhar Anuradha ne bhi usko tabhi dekha jab wo uski aur peeth kiye najro se aujhal hota gaya.
"Idhar bahot jyada garmi hai Gulaabo ji, neeche he chalte hai."
"Ye kamre bhi dekh lijiye, banwaye toh Amma ji ne aapke liye he hain ye.", Gulaabo ki baaton me Chandan ab jaise us drishya ko bhulana chahta tha isliye darwaja khulte he wo bhitar daakhil hua. Ye kamra thik niche wale ke upar he bana tha par diwaaro par taja choona paut kar isko ranga gaya tha aaj kal me he. Lakdi ka samaan ek taraf saleeke se rakha tha jaise waha almaari ban ni ho.
"Atcha kamra hai par poora nahi hua shayad. Aur ye bagal wala kamra rasoighar ke upar hai na?"
"Haan ji thik samjhe. Amma bolti hai ki barsaat me mere aur Kavita ke liye wo neeche bahar wala kamra thik nahi hai aur Kavita ko kamre me sona bhi pasand nahi kyonki duniya ki saari garmi toh bas us mutalli ko he lagti hai par main khule me kabhi nahi soti, chahe garmi pade ya thandi. Toh ek kamre ke sath unhone raaj-mistri se bol diya ki teen diware aur khadi kar do. Chhat par lagta he kya hai, ek sapheda aur 2 darjan phatte. Uske upar jaal bicha kar gara mitti aur choona mila kar leep do. hahaha..", Gulaabo ka is tarah muskurana khilkhilana Chandan ko bada he bhala lag raha tha.
"Mere raakhi baandhogi tum?", Gulaabo itna sunn kar he dang reh gayi thi aur uski wo hansi wahi thamm gayi.
"Agar kuch bura laga ho toh maafi chahta hu. Meri koyi behan nahi hai.. hai toh bhai bhi nahi par hum-umar behan se atcha kya he hoga? Mere kaka kaaki ke 4 santaan hai, 2 ladke aur 2 ladkiyan. Bachpan me bas 2 baar raakhi bandhwaayi hogi unse rakshabandhan par lekin uske baad kalaai par kabhi mauli bandhi toh bandhi.", Gulaabo itna kuch sunn kar bheege netra liye sarpat niche daud gayi aur Chandan apni he jagah jadd reh gaya jaise us se bhaari galti ho gayi ho. Phir aatm-manthan karta hua wo kamra band karke uski chaya me chatt ke banere he peeth tikaye khada ho gaya.
"Tumhe yahi pagli mili thi behan banane ke liye?", Jaanki devi seedhiyon ki taraf niche he khadi Chandan se keh rahi thi jinke chehre par khushi thi aur unke paanv chhoo kar kaanse ki thaali me tilak chandan aur dhaga gudd liye utni he teji se bhaagti hui Gulaabo upar aane lagi thi.
"Naani ji, sab kehte hai na main mandbuddhi hu toh koyi samajhdar bhi sath hona chahiye ke nahi? Bahot gyaan hai Gulaabo Devi ko samaaj aur gaanv ke chappe chappe ka. Bhai ki raksha yaha yehi kar sakti hai jitna mujhe samajh lagi.", Chandan dwara apni he raksha karwane par Gulaabo bhi bheegi aankhon ke bawjood apni hansi na rok saki. Niche khadi Jaanki Devi toh gadgad thi apne naati ke aise unmukt vyavahaar se aur jaise he Chandan ne apni kalaai saamne ki Gulaabo ke hath dhaage par he ruk gaye.
"Main nichli jaat se hu toh aapki behan nahi bann sakti."
"Naani, main nichli jaat ka bann raha hu abhi kyonki bhai bann ne ke liye waisa karna jaruri hai. Aapne inke bartan alag kiye honge toh mere bhi kar dijiyega.", Jaanki devi Chandan ke is tanj par barabar bol uthi.
"Haan isliye isko apne sath sulaane lagi thi main. Alag kamra maanga isne, kapde marji ke ye leti hai aur amma se rishta bann gaya par bhai behan ke beech isko jaat dikhne lagi? Chal Gulaabo aaja niche aur abse mera khana tu nahi parosegi."
"Ab hum unchi jaat ke ho gaye hai amma ji aur chhote maalik ki bahin bhi. Jabardasti khila denge parosne ke sath. Mooh kholiye Chandan ji aur main uphaar aapki mata ji se swayam maang lungi.", Tilak lagane ke baad gudd khila kar wo aashirwad ke liye jhukne lagi toh Chandan ne dono kandho ko niche jhukne na diya.
"Paap chadhayengi kya? Behan maan hoti hai aur wo kadmo me nahi jhukti. Naani mujhe bahot bhukh lagi hai.", Wo Gulaabo se aage chalta hua niche utar raha tha aur Jaanki devi apne naati ke kareeb aate he uska sar sehla kar apne sath le chali.
"Tere bhai ka khana lagwa de katarni (kainchi), maa ke chakkar me ye bhi bhookha ghoom raha. Ye tune atcha kiya mere bache. Gulaabo bahot baar mujhse kehti thi ki kitna atcha hota agar uska bhi koyi bhai hota jisko wo tilak kar sakti aur uske sath ghar se bahar bhi aa ja sakti. Ladki hona itna asaan nahi hai na beta par shukar hai ki ye Kavita jaisi dabbu aur antarmukhi nahi hai.", Jaanki devi Chandan ko sang liye baithak me chali aayi thi aur udhar apne kamre me seene par toliya lapete sehmi aur chintit si Anuradha ke mann me hajaaro khayaal anjana bhaye baitha rahe the. Aaj wo chintit thi kyonki usko abhaas tha ki uske jawaan bete ne apni maa ko nirvastra dekh liya hoga aur ab wo uski najro ka saamna kaise kar sakegi. Bister par Meena uski gulaabi choli me lipti uljhi chaaron paanv uthaye aisa bholapan jaahir kar rahi thi jaise wo vastra khud us par aa lipta ho.
"Baksh de ri is vastra ko. Pehle he paap ho gaya hai mujhse aur ab tu meri ijatt ko khud par audh le.", Is dwand me wo ye bhi bhool gayi thi ki kamre ka dusra kiwaad aadha khula hai. Toliya seene se hata kar wo wahi gulaabi choli jhaadti hui abhi pehan ne he lagi thi ki chaukhat par khadi muskurati hui apni maa ko dekh turant dhoti ka pallu seene par audh liya.
"Maa hu tumhari aur aise samay par tumhe jarur darwaje laga lene chahiye agar itna he darr lagta hai. Aakhir ghar me hai he kaun yaha? 2 pyaari bachiyaan hai aur ek tumhara ansh. Baaki kisi ko toh dehleej laanghne tak ki ijajat nahi hai. Waise kabhi khud ko darpan me dekh lena jab fursat mile. Wo ladki toh naam aur shararto ki wajah se Gulaabo hai par tum sachmuch ek jiwant gulaab ho Anuradha. Darr itna bhi haavi matt hone do ki khud ki parchaayi se ghabrahat hone lage.", Kiwaad laga kar Jaanki devi bhitar he aa gayi thi aur Meena nakhre se adaa dikhati hui us khuli khidki ki diwaar par baithi jaise ek aur jharokha bata rahi thi jaha se Anuradha ke saundarya par najar padd sakti thi.
"Maa, snaanghar ke upar fatta he lagwa do ya koyi taat-bori. Chatt se kisi ki bhi najar padd sakti hai udhar."
"Aut me ho kar naha lena aur waise bhi nahana din nikle aur din dhale he hota hai jyadatar aur geeli jagah ka sek band chhat se toh jaane se raha. Kahi kisi ne dekh liya kya?"
"Pata nahi par lagta hai ki chatt par Chandan tehal raha tha. Mujhe bas uski peeth dikhi thi."
"Hahaha.. beta maa ko dekh kar galat toh nahi sochne wala. Bachpan me doodh pilaya he hoga usko aur ghodi chadhega tab bhi stann-paan karwana padega. Khair agar tum is baat se chintit ho toh main us par rok lagane ke sath he kachi chhat dalwa deti hu. Dhoti lapet kar bhi nahaya ja sakta hai jaise main aajtak karti aayi hu. Thoda mann ka daayra badhao bitiya, wo tumhara he ansh hai jiske saamne tum chahe nirvastra bhi raho, uski maa he rahogi.", Jaanki devi baat ko badhana nahi chahti thi par Anuradha ke apne tark the, apna darr tha uske jehan me kyonki wo is prakaran ko ek naari aur purush sandarbh me dekh rahi thi.
"Wo ab doodh peeta bacha nahi raha maa chaahe wo bhola aur saral hridya hai par aisa kabhi nahi hua aur na he usne ye kabhi aur kahi dekha hoga. Insaan aise he toh kadam badhata hai chahe wo gyaan ki khoj ho ya gaman ka path. Aap bhi sahi hai ki wo aisa waisa khayaal nahi laane wala mann me agar dekha bhi hoga toh."
"Aa gayi na apni shanka par khud he? Dekha ya nahi dekha, abhi itna bhi nahi pata lekin jaal bunn baithi makde ka jisme fansi bhi toh khud tum. Khaane ke liye bulaane aayi thi tumhe kyonki wo tumhara Chanda bina tumhare nahi khaane wala.", Phir se wahi naam le diya tha inhone jisko sunn kar Anuradha paani paani ho uthi aur ab maa ke saamne he pallu hata kar apne bhaari stanno ko ek baras baad kisi dusre rang se dhanka tha, gulabi rang se. Khaane ke dauraan bhi kuch khaas nahi ghata tha aur safar ki thakaan se Anuradha apne kamre me sone chali gayi. Gulaabo ko sab samjhane ke baad aur samaan nikaal kar ek taraf rakh kar Jaanki Devi ne araam karne se pehle thoda Kavita ki bhi sudh li jo pashuon ke baade aur rasoighar ke beech wale khaali kache aangan me baithi sabse aakhir me bhojan kar rahi thi.
"Thoda araam kar le Kavita bitiya aur kya hamesha ye alag thalag baithi rehti hai? Tumhari amma ki bitiya ke aane se sankoch ho raha hai kya?", Jaanki devi ne sar dularte hue dusre hath se paani ka bhara gilaas uski thaali ke kareeb rakhte hue kaha toh mooh me niwala liye he Kavita ne naa mar sar hilaya.
"Bartan aur saaf safaai Gulaabo dekh legi, tu khaane ke baad araam kar le thoda. Phir tujhe Chandan ke sath jana hai Laali ki taraf aur is bahane tu ghar se bahar bhi kadam rakhegi. Pehle toh wahi ja rahi thi lekin ab wo kapde dhulwane wali hai apni chhoti amma sang aur Chandan ko kuch pata nahi hai. Chali jaayegi na uske sath?", Jaanki devi ne jiska jikar kiya tha wahi toh sankoch ki wajah tha Kavita ke par jab sath he rehna tha toh iska nivaran bhi karna jaruri tha.
"Unhe keh dijiyega ki bas kaam se aana jana karenge. Gulaabo jaise mujhe seedhe jana aur aadhe tedhe aana pasand nahi amma ji.", Paani ka ghoont leti hui wo fir se chehra dupatte se paunch kar uth khadi hui. Suraj ki tapish kam hone tak is ghar me sabhi log araam karte rahe siwaaye Chandan aur Kavita ke. Chandan jaha kuch samay pehle hui us ghatna ke baare me vichaaro me khoya tha wahi Kavita uske sath jaane se asehaj thi. Uske gaanv me vichran karne ke anubhav utne atche nahi the aur sabse jyada bura lagta tha agar Sarju kahi dikh jata. Ek baar toh usne bhari dopehar he Kavita ka hath pakad liya tha jab wo nehar ke raaste wapis aa rahi thi. Par aaj uske sath wo lamba uncha aur bhola sa Chandan rehne wala tha jiski aankhon me usne kuch alag paya tha. In socho me doobe dono ko he Jaanki devi ne uthaya.
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"Kitna khoobsurat drishya hai na is pagdandi ke dono taraf? Aapne gaanv wali sadak ki jagah iska chunaav karke atcha kiya Kavita ji.", Kavita apne gale me liye dupatte ko ungliyon me lapet rahi thi. Chandan uske kadam se kadam milata hua is khamoshi ko bhang karne me juta tha jo ghar se nikalne ke itni der baad bhi vyaapt thi.
"Isme kuch khoobsurat nahi. Ek taraf paani hai aur dusri aur ye jhaadi jhakhaad. Gaanv se nikalte toh log baatein banate aur wo Sarju dikh jata toh mera din kharaab ho jata. Aap maalik hai aur agar kahenge toh wapsi me us taraf se aa jaayenge.", Kavita har lafz ko dabe swar me bolti hui khud bhi dekh rahi thi us naarangi rang ko jo dhire dhire neele me ghul raha tha. Wo tej kadmo se chal rahi thi sirf hath me ek halka thaila pakde jabki Chandan ke kandhe par bhaari taati ki bori jisme 25-30 ser anaar aur dusre hath me sabji-daal ka jhola tha. Lekin uncha lamba Chandan dhoti aur surkh kameej pehne utni he mustadi se chal raha tha. Beech beech me wo Kavita ke bhare bhare gaal aur halke gusse se bhare chehre ko dekh leta jaha narajgi ki wajah khud Kavita ko na pata thi.
"Kudrat ka har rang khoobsurat hai Kavita ji aur main aapka maalik kaise hua jara is par prakaash daalengi? Sarju jab idhar hai he nahi toh uska jikar karke kyun mehtava dena aise vyakti ko jo maayne he nahi rakhta.", Ab Kavita ne kankhiyon se Chandan ko dekha aur tej kadam kuch dhime kar liye. Uski laal kameej par kayi jagah rang gehra ho chala tha paseene ki wajah se jiski wajah Kavita ka tej chalna aur Chandan dwara itna bojha dhona.
"Maalik hai toh maalik he kahungi na aapko? Amma ji ne kaha ki unke baad unka sabkuch aapka he hai toh abhi main unke paas kaam kar rahi hu fir roti aap denge. Aankhen band karne se andhera door nahi hota balki badhta he hai. Sarju bhi wahi andhkaar hai aur wo jo puliya par baitha hai na apne manchale saathi ke sath wahi Sarju hai, peeli burshat wala uddand.", Kavita ke jabde bhinchne lage the aur us puliya ko paar karke he inhe dusri aur jana tha jaha Chhagan aur Jhamru ke pariwar ko panaah mili thi. Chandan ab Kavita se ek kadam aage chalne laga tha jaise wo usko aad dene laga ho un 2 manchalo se. Kavita ye na samajhti phir se uske samkaksh chalne lagi aur dono he puliya ki taraf mudne lage.
"Dekh rahe ho Sunil aaj chhammiya ke sath badki amma ka naya naukar suracha ke liye aaya hai. Kaisi ho chhammakchallo? Bada ghabra rahi ho?", Sarju ne paanv aage badha kar Chandan ke aage nikalte he Kavita ki raah rok li thi. Uska saathi laal kameej aur dhoti pehne apne se kahi adhik dehaati ko dekh kar khinse niporta hansne laga tha jabki Kavita apni jagah jadd thi Sarju ke darr se. Abhi usne apna hath he badhaya tha uski kalaai pakadne ko aur wo peeth ke bal nehar me ja gira... jordaar 'Chapaak' ki awaaj karta. Uska sathi hairaani se najre faade ye dekh raha tha aur puliya ke dusri aur bahar nikalte apne mitra Sarju ke upar wo bhi ja gira. Taat ki bori puliya kinaare tikata Chandan dono buri tarah bheege aur ghabraaye yuvako se shaalinta se bola.
"Inka naam hai Kavita aur ye hamari naani ko amma bulati hai, matlab daadi. Aur aainda kabhi aisa dussahas kiya toh wahi chaurahe wale bargad par latka dunga aur log kahenge ki aisa waha rehne wale pret ne kiya hai. Filhaal toh naukar hum inke hai jinse ye bojha uthwa rahi hai aur ek baar inhone fir se kaha na ke tum logo ne inhe daraya hai toh kasam hai hume hamari poojniya maa ki, apne kahe shabd saarthak karne me samay nasht nahi karenge. Naam hai Chandan aur agar maamla jaat paat wala leke aaoge toh sath jodd dena Singh, yaane Sher. Chalte hu bhai dil par matt lena bas yaad rakhna kyonki meri naani ki tarah mujhe bhi baat dohraane ki aadat nahi hai." Dhoti ko sahi se peit me khonste hue Chandan ne wapis wo bori kandhe par tikaayi aur is baar wo thaile wale hath se he unke saamne Kavita ka hath thaame aage badh chala, jo abhi bhi sadme me he thi. Ab usko Sarju se darna chahiye ya is insaan se jo bolne se jyada toh jab kuch karta hai wo bhayanak lagta hai. Par is sab ko darkinaar karti hui wo swabhavikta se muskura uthi.
"Ab aap hamare naukar kaise bane? Aur ye aapne atcha nahi kiya unke sath. Wo halwaayi kaka ki santaan hai aur gaanv me unka bhi atcha naam hai.", Sankoch se Kavita ne hath chhuda liya tha kyonki iske aage he baayi taraf thodi bahot mausmi fasal ke aage wo 2 jhopde the jaha ye log samaan dene aaye the ghar se nikal kar. Chandan un 2 ladkiyon aur us 12-13 baras ke ladke ko dekh raha tha jo jhopdi ke toote hue hisse par bhari tana baithane me jute the.
"Naukar matlab jo aapko kaam de, gulaami nahi. Aap hume yaha le kar aayi aur bojha bhi humne he dhoya aapke margdarshan me. Toh ye naukari hui na? Halwai kaka ka naam sudharne ki koshish ki hai maine aur baaki un par nirbhar karta hai ki wo isko kaise samajhte hai. Ae munna, chot lagg jaayegi tumhe.", Shehtir ko ek taraf ludhakte dekh Chandan bojha wahi utaar jhopde ki taraf lapka. Samay rehte usne sthiti sambhaal li thi jis se wo ladka aur dono kishori salamat bachi. Kavita toh apni sakhiyon aur unki maaon se unka dukh samajhti sab poochne bataane lagi aur agle ek sawa ghante Chandan sann ki rassi, lakdi ke tukdo aur puaal se us bade jhopde ka sudhaar karta raha. Mehnat karna uske pita ne he sikhaya tha aur shehar wale ghar me ye sab kaam wo unke jaane ke baad bhi karta raha tha. Aaj usne Jhamru aur Chhagan ke jaane ke baad unke pariwaro ki rihayash majboot ki thi apni naani ki jagah par jinhone jiwan nirwaah ke rasad yaha bhijwaayi thi is pariwar ke paas jo ab unse judd chuka tha. Kaam poora hone tak Chandan paseene me lathpath ho chuka tha aur idhar dono jhopdo me laalten roshan thi aur ek uske kareeb jo Kavita liye khadi thi jab wo hath mooh dhone laga Laali dwara paani dene par.
"Kaaki, kal main naani ke sath aaunga aap logo se milne. Apna dhyaan rakhiyega aur aapko kaam ke liye bhi kahi jaane ki aavashyakta nahi. Yahi mil kar kaam karenge. Ab chalte hai andhkaar badhne laga hai aur suna hai yaha har taraf pret daayan bhatakte firte hai jinke paas chauraha aur khandhar jaise pakke sthaan nahi hai.", Laali ke dukhbhare chehre par is sabke baad ek halki muskaan anukurit hui thi aur usne ek saaf gamcha Chandan ki taraf badha diya.
"Isko aap he rakh lijiyega chhote maalik. Aapka dhanywaad karna aur bhi galat lagega kyonki itna sab karne ke baad aapne aaj ek nichli jaat ke ghar paani bhi piya aur unka kaam apne hatho se kiya."
"Kaam mil kar he hoti hai, akele sirf najar rakhi jaati hai. Aap samajhdar aur badi hai isliye bhai behano ka dhyaan rakhiyega baaki baad ka prabandh naani ke sath aane par karwa denge. Chalte hai.", Din chhip chuka tha jab ye dono idhar se nikle aur wahi neela paani ab is andhkaar me kala rakt lag raha tha jaha jhinguro ke sang mendhak ki tarr tarr isko behad darawana sama bana rahi thi.
"Darr lag raha hai?"
"Aapko nahi lagta kya?", Kavita ka kanth sookhne laga tha kyonki ab ghar tak jaane ke sirf 2 raaste the jisme se ek chaurahe se jata tha aur dusra is daravani nehar kinare jungle ke beecho beech jaha ye ajeeb ajeeb si awaajen atche khaase vyakti ki himmat danvadol kar de. Puliya paar karte he us doraahe par Kavita ne swayam he Chandan ka hath thaam liya tha, darr se he sahi.
"Darr.. jitna lagna tha wo apne samay par lag chuka hai Kavita ji. Ab toh bas itchha balwati ho rahi hai darr se ru-ba-ru hone ki.", Chandan ne itna kaha tha ki dur andhere me wo tivra roshni jhurmut se nikal kar nehar ko paar karti aujhal ho gayi. Aur aisa dobara bhi hua jisko dekh Kavita tej kadmo se uska hath thaame gaanv wale seedhe raaste chal padi. Uska jism kaanp raha tha aur wo kampann aur darr Chandan bhi atche se mehsoos karne laga
"Aapko ab yahi se leke jana hai Kavita ji, gaanv se nahi. Ek baar bhi aapko agar ye laga ho ki main aapki suraksha karne ke kaabil hu toh hum wahi se chalenge jaha se aaye the. Nahi toh aap apni raah ja sakti hai aur main akela he us raaste par nikal raha hu.", Chandan hath chhod kar 10 kadam bharta us gehre andhkaar ki taraf badh chala tha jaha sirf saaya he najar aa sakta tha kyonki aasman me chandrama toh aaj bhi nadarad tha. Apne sthaan par sehmi ghabraayi Kavita bas usko dhire dhire vilupt hote saaye ko dekhti rahi jo yakinan paagalpan tha sab dekhne ke bawjood.
"Ae.. mujhe marne se darr nahi lagta. Par moorakh nahi hu aapke jaisi. Jis nehar me Sarju ko fenke the na wo bhale hue utni gehri nahi hai par raat me laash tairti hui subah kaha milegi, ghar pariwar ko maloom tak na hoga. Zidd kyun kar rahe hai aap Chandan ji? Dhero maute hui hai yaha aur 2 ghar toh aap he abhi rasad pahucha kar aaye hai jinke sar se pati aur pita ka saayan uthe ek din poora bhi nahi hua."
"Sath chalna chahengi?", Chandan ne sankshipt sa sawaal poocha tha aur andhere me bas dono chamakti aankhon ko he dekh sakte the ek dusre ki.
"Mujhe is baar mat bachana agar aafat mujh par aaye toh? Seedha daud laga dena bas aur jaha jagah saaf dikhe wahi se ghar me daakhil hone ka pichla raasta hai.", Kavita ne sookhe kanth aur paseene se bhare jism ke sath Chandan ka hath thaam liya tha. Ab kisi ek ke vishwaas ki jeet honi sunischit thi is raah par jiska ishara milne ke bawjood Chandan usko najar-andaaj karta us raah badh chala jaha sachmuch raah dubhar hone nischit thi. Nidar aur bewkoof ke beech ka fansla aaj is gehri raat me wo jaan ne wala tha jab Kavita ke mana karne ke bawjood wo is raah chal diya. Chaurahe kya sirf insaan dwara he banaye jaate hai? Kudrat ke chaurahe toh kahi bhi mil sakte hai jinki bhayavahta insaani chauraho se kahi adhik andhkaarmaye thi.
OP
Member
LEVEL 1
50 XP
Update 3
"Maa, dekh liya aapne is ladke ke jimme kaam laga kar? Ghar se nilega toh seedhe raaste par fir kab bhatak jata hai khudko he nahi pata chalta. Andhera ho chala hai maa?", Anuradha aur Gulaabo ne ek sath mil kar poora ghar vyavasthit kar diya tha aur ab raat ka bhojan bhi chulhe par rakha ja chuka tha. Jaanki Devi bhi pareshan thi par jaahir nahi hone diya.
"Chandan samajhdar hai bitiya aur uske sang Kavita bhi hai. Wo ladki ghar se kabhi nikalti he nahi isliye maine he kaha tha ke thoda tehal aana. Gaanv dehaat me log milansaar hai aur abhi utna bhi waqt nahi hua jo tu ghabra rahi hai. Gajju ki dukaan der raat tak chalti hai aur wo chai ka adda bhi. Arri Gulaabo, teri choti amma ko aata saan ke de.", Gulaabo rasoighar ke bahar he baithi koyi geet gunguna rahi thi jo inki baatein sunte hue uth khadi hui.
"Badi amma, ye log toh nehar kinare se gaye the aur wo mutalli (motti) jis raah jaati hai us taraf se he aayegi. Par itne andhere me usko darr bhi bahot lagta hai. Baanke bhaiya ki joru bata rahi thi ki nehar ki taraf raat me ..."
"Bas kar teri bhoot pret ki kahaniyan aur tanki se aata nikaal ke de yaha. Pehle teri ye choti amma kam dari hui hai jo tu isko aur dara rahi hai.?", Jaanki devi ke jhidakne me unka darr bhi shaamil tha dono bachho ke liye.
"Maa.. Main Gulaabo ke sath unhe dhoondne jaau? Laalten le jaate hai sath."
"Thodi pratiksha kar Anuradha, tu khamkhwaah he darr rahi hai. Log toh ek kisse ke hajaar apne aap he bana dete hai phir hum bhi unke jaise sochne lage toh unme aur hum me farak he kya raha.? Tu bahar thoda tehal le, main aata laga deti hu.", Jaanki devi ne matke se paani ki gadwi bhar kar paraat ke sookhe aate me gholte hue Anuradha ki chinta ko kam karne ki ek aur koshish ki. Anuradha bhi pallu se chehra saaf karti hui uth kar khule aangan ki taraf aas bhari najre liye chali aayi jahan ek laalten chhat se latakti rassi par tang roshan thi.
"Choti amma, aap mat ghabrao. Main jaati hu dekhne unhe aur nehar ki taraf na mile toh aage se ghoomti hui gaanv ke bhitar waale raste bhi dekh aaungi.", Gulaabo ne dupatta seene se lete hue kamar me bandh kar ek laathi ke sath chhoti laalten bhi apne hath me utha li. Patli chharhari si ye yuvti bhale he kitni bhi chanchal thi par is samay wo nidar aur gambhir dikhi. Anuradha ne naa me sar hilate hue usko mana kiya.
"Tumhari badi amma sahi kehti hai Gulaabo. Thoda intjaar kar lete hai nahi toh phir wahi kisi na kisi ko bhej dengi. Chandan kamjor ladka nahi hai par maa hu na main toh darr lagna bhi laajmi hai.", Anuradha ne moodhe par baithne ke sath usko bhi apne bagal me dusre moodhe par baitha liya. Bahar mausam ab behtar tha is kaali raat me. Hawa vriksho ke patto ke sath in dono ke badan ko bhi kuch thandak pradaan kar rahi thi.
"Chhoti amma, baat yaha kamjor aur taqatvar ki nahi hai. Galti se kahi toone totke ya chaurahe ki taraf nikal gaye toh sab dhara reh jaayega. Nehar kinare toh kautwaal sahab ki bhi laash aise mili thi ki log dekhne ki himmat na juta sake. Darr insaan se nahi hai, unse hai jinke aage bas nahi chalta. Angrez baabu log bhi idhar nahi aate aur na unhone yaha chowki banaai jaisi ghoshna Sarpanch ji kiye the ki chowki banegi. Mahine me ek din bas shehar se 3-4 log chuapal par aate hai, hisaab banate hai aur thoda paisa le kar nikal lete hai din dhalne se pehle.", Anuradha uski bhaybhit karti baatein aur samaaj ka sach sunn kar darne ki jagah Gulaabo par garv kar rahi thi.
"Toh tumhe darr nahi lagta bhoot-pret ya us chaurahe se? Akeli jaane lagi thi tum abhi aur jab wo sab insaan ke bas ka he nahi toh tum kaise mukabla karti agar saamna ho jata toh?"
"Jab bhi aisa waisa kuch lage na chhoti amma, toh hosh sambhale rehna chahiye. Jiwan aur mrityu apne vash me nahi parantu darr ka saamna karna jarur hamaare haath hai. Maine apne baabu ji ko aakhiri baar jab dekha tha tab wo aise he darr se saamna kar rahe the aur phir saans rukne tak saamna karte rahe. Meri maa bhi unke sath chal basi aur peeche reh gayi main akeli 6 baras ki anaath.", Gulaabo ke chehre se ludhakte w anmol moti dekh aur uske jiwan ka dard sunn kar Anuradha ne poori mamta se us ladki ko apne seene se chipka liya. Wo maa thi aur uske hridya me bhi dard hua Gulaabo ka dukh sunn kar.
"Bahot himmatwali ho tum meri bachi.. Sachmuch bahot himmati aur samajhdar. Par tum anaath nahi ho Gulaabo.. mere aur tumhari badi amma ke rehte tum aainda kabhi khud ko anaath nahi kahogi."
"Toh main jau us mutalli aur bhaiya jo ko dhoondne?", Gulaabo pehle se chanchalta darshati hui chehra saaf karke uth khadi hui toh Jaanki devi ne he bahar aate hue jawaab diya.
"Tujhe jana hai toh bagal wale ghar chali ja. Tere Madan kaka se kehna ki jara chowk aur puliya tak najar maar aaye. Ho sakta hai ke Chandan un dukhiyaro ki he jhuggi jhopdi pe he madad karwa raha ho. Lekin utna tum sochogi nahi usko jaante samajhte hue bhi.", Ab Anuradha bhi sakpaka si gayi apni maa ki baat sunn kar. Chandan aisa he toh tha jo har kisi ki madad ke liye bholepan se shamil ho jata. Gulaabo bhi lohe ka darwaja kholti hui pados ke ghar ki aur badh chali jo jyada nahi toh 100 kadam dur toh tha he.
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Yaha nehar kinaare us pagdandi par aage badhne se pehle Chandan ne apne ek hath me neem ki motti si daal utha rakhi thi jiske patte aur tehniya saaf karke wo usko ek latth sa bana chuka tha aur dusre hath me Kavita ka naram hath thaame wo badi satarkta se us andhkaar me vileen hone laga jaha har taraf andhkar ya syaah kalapan tha. Kavita ka seena bhi apne he paseene se bheeg kar uski haalat bata raha tha jo Chandan dekh na saka.
"Wo jugnu the Kavita ji.. Aksar jugne aise he jungle aur paani kinare wali jagah par udte hue timtimate hai. Bhole log inhe kuch bhi samajh lete hai chahe udta hua diya ya fir pret ki aankehn.", Har kadam par jab kahi kuch sookhi gaans ya patte paanv ke niche aate toh unke charmarane ka ye dhima swar bhi is viraane me halka shor macha deta. Kavita uski baatein sunn ne jyada toh jhaadiyon me hone wali sarsarahat aur nehar ke chamakte paani me kahi kahi hoti hulchal se bhaybhit hoti rahi. Kuch kadam chalne ke baad ab uska jisma Chandan ke baaju aur kamar se jyada he satne laga tha. Aur fir ekaek Kavita ki dabi si cheekh nikal gayi.
"Ohhhh maa..", Chandan turant wahi thithak gaya aur Kavita ko jhukte dekha toh swayam he uske kadmo ke saamne niche baith kar wo sthiti samajhne laga. Sookhi kantili jhaadi me Kavita ka vastra ulajhne ke sath he jaise wo lambi sool (kaanta) uski pindali ko bhi bhende thi. Chandan badi saavdhani se Kavita ke vastra ko kaanto se chhudane me juta tha aur usko ye bhi dhyaan nahi raha ki uska dusra hath jiske sahare wo aise baitha tha us se wo Kavita ki maansal pindali ko pakde tha. Jhaadi dur karne ke baad jaanchne ke liye Chandan ne apna hath Kavita ke ghutno se thoda upar ki taraf se niche tak sehla kar dekha toh ek baar ke liye Kavita ke mooh se ghuti ghuti aah nikal uthi lekin turant uske jism me teekha dard ubhar aaya.
"Maaf karna Kavita ji, ek sool yaha pindali me gadi hui hai aur yahi dekhne ke liye maine hath fera tha. Thoda dard hoga, sehan kar lena bas.", Aur Chandan ne jawaab sune bina he wo lamba kaanta bahar khinch diya jo shayad kuch jyada he gehra ghusa tha Kavita ke jism me. Sahare ke liye Kavita ne bhi apna hath Chandan ke kandhe par tika diya. Umas, biyabaan sthaan aur ghor andhkaar ke sath ab ye dard.
"Aap bata deti ki chalne me pareshani ho rahi hai? Jaate waqt hum log aage peeche chal rahe the toh mujhe bhi dhyaan nahi raha ki ye pagdandi itni sankari hai. Aap mere peeche chaliye, chahe hath pakde rakhiye.", Chandan abhi aage badha he tha ki Ulluon ke bhayankar shor ne usko bhi ek pal dehla he diya jo unke kareeb he nehar kinare khade us ghane drakhat ke upar mandra rahe the. Kavita tharr-tharr kanpti hui turant Chandan ke peeth se ja lagi. Mahol fir se ashaant ho chuka tha aur in swaro me aur bhi kayi awaajen judne lagi thi. Nehar ke dusri aur ghani jhaadiyon ke beech wo safed chamakti aankhen katai jugnu ne tha aur na he siyaar.
"Mujhe.. mujhe darr lag raha hai.. jaise koyi aur bhi hai hamare aaspas..", Kavita ne wo saayan na dekha tha jis se Chandan ki najre abhi tak judi thi. Chandan ke jism ka harek royan utha chuka tha is andhkar me un safed chamakti aankhon ko dekh kar. Ek chavi jo is andhkaar se bhi kahi jyada kaali lekin rooprekha wo kuch kuch jaan pa raha tha. Hridya-gati itni badh chuki thi jaise hathode baj rahe ho. Aur phir achanak he vriksh ke upar se kuch Chandan ke kandhe par aa gira. Wo ghabraya jarur tha par Kavita ki tarah cheekha nahi jo upar se gire us fadfadate hue pakshi ki wajah se rone he lagi thi. Wo aankhen ab aujhal ho chuki thi jo ekmatra prakaash thi dusri taraf.
"Daro nahi Kavita, ye bas ek ghayal pakshi hai. Main tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga chahe mujhe bhale he kuch ho jaaye. Thoda tej chalte hai..", Kavita toh jaise jadd ho chuki thi Chandan ke seene me lipti aur darr toh Chandan ko bhi aaj mehsoos hua tha wo bhi atcha khaasa lekin hosh barkaraar the.
"Aisa ghar nahi pahoch sakenge.", Kavita ko apne jism se lagana Chandan ko bhi bhayemukt kar raha tha, shayad is bhayanak mahol me Chandan bhi badal raha tha. Aur jab wo ulluon aur panchhiyon ka shor lagbhag shaant ho chala toh Kavita ko apni sthiti ka bhaan hua. Wo ek yuwak ke chaude seene se lipti thi apna chehra dabaye. Us se dedh bilaant (gith/9 inch ek bilaant) ucha aur majboot Chandan bhi usko tasalli de raha tha peeth sehlate hue.
"Maine mana kiya tha na?"
"Aainda tumhari baat jarur maanunga. Mujhe hatth nahi karna chahiye tha wo bhi jab ek ladki sath ho. Yaha se ghar jyada dur nahi hai ab, bas mera hath thaam kar chalti raho. Idhar udhar kuch nahi dekhna Kavita chahe dhyaan bhatke ya lage ki koyi aur bhi hai.", Chandan khud he uski ungliyon me ungliyan fansaye ab tej kadmo se aage badhne laga tha. Kavita ko ghabrahat abhi tak thi lekin aise Chandan dwara uska hath haq se pakadna aur fir ye kehna ki wo har baate maanega, dhyaan bhatka rahi thi. Beech beech me jhaadiyon aur ghane vriksho ke jhurmutt me ajeeb se awaaje sunaai padti lekin hath me neem ka mota lath pakde Chandan aage badhta raha. Ab wo us naarangi roshni ko dekh pa raha tha jisko ek saaya hath me thaame jaise inki he pratiksha kar raha ho.
"Mutalli.. tu he hai na udhar.? Chandan bhaiya ji..", Gulaabo he thi wo jo pichle darwaje se ho kar yaha saaf hisse me khadi jaise inki he raah dekh rahi thi. Itne samay baad koyi aur insaan ki awaaj sunn kar Kavita toh jaise punarjiwit ho uthi. Wo daud kar lipatna chahti thi apne sakhi se lekin Chandan ne thoda majbooti badha di hatheli par.
"Haa hum he hai Gulaabo.", Usne chillate hue jawab diya aur fir aahista se Kavita se bola.
"Kripya Gulaabo ke saamne aisa sab mat batana aur rona bhi nahi. Aap samajh rahi hai?", Chandan ki baat par Kavita ne bas 'huhh.. ji' kaha aur dono ke hath alag hone se pehle he Gulaabo unke saamne aa ruki. Laalten unke saamne karti wo bade gor se dono ko aise dekh rahi thi jaise wo koyi aur log ho. Kavita ka bheega chehra aur waise he vastra. Chandan ki bhi haalat utni khaas na thi lekin fir Gulaabo khilkhila kar hansne lagi.
"Yaha chhoti amma ji sookh kar kanta ho rahi hai tumhari chinta me aur tum dono toh jaise khoob khel kood kar aaye ho. Bhaiya ji, dhoti atche se baandh lo apni nahi toh badi amma ji kal se pajama pehnane lagengi.", Chandan ye sunn kar sakpaka utha aur sachmuch uski dhoti dhili ho kar niche latak rahi thi. Kavtia ka hath pakad kar Gulaabo aage jaane chal di kuch khusar phusar karti hui aur Chandan apni dhoti samet kar unke peeche. Yaha ka kiwaad bhitar se band karke wo apna laal kameej utaar he raha tha hath mooh dhone ke liye ki saamne tej kadmo aur chadhi saanso ke sath Anuradha aa khadi hui
"Tumhe pata hai aaj tumne kya kiya hai Chandan? Mera jee kitni der se ghabra raha hai aur itne bure vichaar aate rahe.", Anuradha sab bhool kar bete ko salamat dekhti rone he lag padi. Chandan jaanta tha ki uski maa ki duniya bas uska yahi ek beta hai aur aaj Kavita ki baat na maan kar usne ajaane he sabko thes pahuchayi thi. Apni maa ko utne he prem se apni baahon me lete hue bas Chandan ne itna he kaha.
"Aainda kabhi aisa na karunga maa. Mujhe maaf kar do aaj ki is bhool ke liye. Wo log pareshani me the aur unki jhopdi ki chhat baandhne me sahayta karte hue samay ka pata he na chala. Maa meri wajah se aainda tumhari aankhon me kabhi aansu nahi aane dunga. Bas aaj ke liye maaf kar do.", Anuradha ab fafak nahi rahi thi, bas aansu sambhalti sisakti hui wo Chandan ki khuli kameej ko jor se pakde hue uske seene lagi khadi thi.
"Main na kehti thi ki mera beta jarur unki madad karne laga hoga par tu aise ghabra rahi thi jaise ye tujhe chhod ke chala gaya ho. Ab iske hath mooh dhulwayegi ya aise he khada rakhegi. Thaka hara lauta hai aur bhookh bhi lagi hogi.", Jaanki devi ki baat sunn kar Anuradha ko hosh aaya toh wo jhempti si dhire dhire apne bete se alag hui aur jab roshni me uska paseene se sana chauda seena aur us se upar muskurata chehra dekha toh sharmaati si Anuradha swayam he khaali balti utha kar paani ki haud wali taraf chal di.
"Naani, maa toh aisi he hai par chehra toh aapka bhi bata raha hai ki ispe khushi abhi lauti hai. Aapka gaanv bahot khoobsurat hai aur yaha darne ki thos wajah koyi nahi. Aur wo sabhi log aapka dhanyawaad kar rahe the jinhe rehne ke sath aapne bhojan bhi uplabdh karwaya. Parso se Laali aur uski ek behan yaha kaam karne aane lagegi. Aaj sabhi meri wajah se pareshaan hue uske liye aap bhi mujhe maaf kijiyega.", Chandan ne dono hath jodd kar aisa kaha tha aur apne naati ke hath thaam kar Jaanki devi uska geela sar sehlati hui dua he deti rahi.
"Bhagwan aisa laayak bacha sabko de jo dusre ke dukh ko samajhta hai, parwaah karta hai. Tum ne mera sar uncha he kiya hai beta, koyi galti nahi ki. Sabse badi baat hai ki andhere se darne wali Kavita bitiya sakushal lauti jiske chehre par na bhaye tha aur na dukh. Chal main khana parosti hu, tum aa jao apni maa ke sath.", Jaanki Devi pehle chintit jarur thi par sakushal Chandan ke lautne aur deri ki wajah sunn kar us se kahi jyada khush bhi hui. Paani ki aadhi bhari balti aur lauta liye Anuradha wapis hath mooh dhone ke thade (Pakki jagah) par aayi toh Chandan ne unse balti leni chaahi.
"Main dhulwa deti hu.", Laalten ek unche sthaan par rakhi in dono ko bhali bhaanti ek dusre ka swaroop dikha rahi thi. Gulabi dhoti aur ksi hui choli pehne bina kisi shringaar ke he Anuradha swayam ek khila hua gulaab jaan padti thi. Chandan apni dhoti ko ghutno tak uthaaye apni maa dwara giraye ja rahe paani se paanv aapas me ragadte hue saaf karne laga. Paanv dhulne ke baad wo wahi jhuk kar chullu me paani bhar kar apne chehre aur sar ka paseena us shital jal se dhulne laga toh Anuradha ki najre na chaahte hue apne bete ke upar badan par ruk si gayi. Chandan kewal 18 ka tha parantu saksham dincharya aur pichle ek saal ki atirikt mehnat ne uske lambe chaude sharir ko kahi jyada nikhaar diya tha. Anuradha ka swargiya pati Manohar bhi ek mehnatkash vyakti tha lekin sharirik tulna me wo jaha ausat kad kaathi ka thoda sanwla aur hansmukh insaan tha wahi uska beta genhua gora rang liye apne pita se bhi ek bilaant uncha. Anuradha apne khayaalo aur tulna me khoyi hui waise he jhuki khadi thi aur laute ka paani samapt hone par Chandan ne najre upar uthaai toh halke se dhalke pallu ki wajah se kasi hui choli ke beech us gori daraar ko dekh kar wo turant seedha khada ho gaya.
"Aap chaliye maa, main dhoti badal kar aata hu. ", Chandan tej kadmo se aage badh gaya tha par Anuradha ki sarsari najar ne wo alag sa ubhaar bakhubi dekha jo pushti karta tha ki ye yuwak vyask ho chala hai, kuch jyada he. Aur uske aisa hone ke peeche jo wajah thi waha bhi Anuradha ki najar ruki jab wo apni sthiti sudharti hui seehi hui. Seena chahe poora choli me samaya tha par dhoti saamne se hatne par stanno ki ghaati choli se bakhubi baahar thi. Ab baari Anuradha ki thi sharminda hone ki.
'Tu Chandu ko aisa khilati hai ri Anuradha jo ye taad sa badhta he ja raha hai?'
'Arri taad sa he nahi badh raha, atcha khasa marad bhi iske Chandu ke saamne kamtar he dikhta hai. Mera Bablu 2 baras pehle tak toh Chandu ke barabar dikhta tha par ab wo uske kandhe tak aata hai.'
'Gadhe rehde pe poori kaksha ke bache baitha kar akele he khinch ke unhe ghuma raha tha wo. Abhi bas 15 ka hai lekin jor toh dekho iske laadle ka.'
'Arri Bablu ki amma, jara us bechari ke baare me socho jiske sang Chandu ka byaah hoga. Koyi tumhare ya is Anuradha jaisi chhui-mooyi c hogi toh cheekh cheekh kar apni saas aur sasur ko utha degi.'
'Hahaha.. phir shayad Manohar bhaiya bhi is Anuradha ko hara kar baithe, chaarpayi ki char char aur bahu ki meethi cheekhen sunn kar.'
Anuradha chehra dho rahi thi aur usko apni aas-pados ki sakhiyon ka wo hansi majaak yaad aane laga jo aksar uske ghar ke aangan me jama hoti rehti thi. Manohar ki wajah se poora aas pados unki ijatt karta tha aur ghar me chehal pehal bani rehti thi. Aapsi baatchit aur hansi majaak me aksar koyi na koyi mahila Chandan ka jikar kar he deti thi. Us waqt Anuradha apne bholepan aur un mahilaon ke is majaak ko bas aise he sunn kar hawa kar deti thi. Uska beta uski najro ke saamne he bada hua tha toh wo kaise uske badlaav dekh sakti thi par aaj sara din koyi na koyi aisi ghatna ghatit hoti rahi thi jisne Anuradha ko wo sab badlaav dekhne par majboor kiya. Sahi kehti thi uske aas pados ki mahilaye lekin ye baatein 2-3 saal purani thi aur aaj wala Chandan toh kahi jyada nikhar chuka tha.
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"Badi amma, kal kolhu par jana padega. Pashuon ki khal bhi kal bhar ki hai aur khaane ka teil bhi. Sarson katte me bhar di hai maine uske liye.", Sabka bhojan hone ke baad Chandan toh dari-chataai ke sath takiya chaadar le kar upar khuli chhat par ja chuka tha aur rasoighar ko sametne me Kavita aur Gulaabo Anuradha ki madad kar rahi thi. Jhoothe bartan Kavita samet kar pichli taraf le gayi raakh se maanjne ke liye. Jaanki Devi ghar ke bahar ka chakkar lagane ke baad darwaje par kadi chadha kar idhar daakhil hui toh Meena bhi unke aage peeche mandraati hui rasoighar ki khidki par ja baithi.
"Savere samay se chali jana agar aisa hai toh aur Gajju halwaai se ek ser khoye ki barfi bhi leti aana. Tumhari choti amma ko bhi utni he pasand hai jitni tumhe.", Jaanki Devi ki baat sunn kar ek pal toh Gulaabo badi khush hui par fir tunak kar bol uthi.
"Savere toh waha wo naas-pita Surja baitha milega galle par. Kaka toh us samay khoya utaar rahe hote hai bhatti par. Main bhaiya ko sath leke jaungi aur agar usne kuch bhi .."
"Tu ek baar shuru ho jaati hai toh rukna nahi aata. Le jaaiyon Chandan ko bhi apne sang aur kolhu pe kya tu wo katta khudse le jaati? Waise ye Madan ke ghar kaun mehmaan aaye hue the?", Jaanki Devi ne udhar se pichle aangan me jaate hue Gulaabo ko apne sang le liya jo kaam nibta kar hath dhone Kavita ki taraf he ja rahi thi.
"Mehmaan toh nahi lage the badi amma par morpankhi ka jhaada jarur dekha tha maine unke aangan me aur unka beta kuch din se bimaar bhi hai.", Jhaad-phoonk ka sunn kar Jaanki devi ne baat wahi khatam kar di.
"Atcha ab tu bhi araam kar. Raat jyada ho chali hai aur yaad se bematlab laalten bujha diyo. Matiya teil (kerosene oil) bhi jaanch liyo kahi tanki ki tali me laga ho aur jarurat ke samay diye jalaane pade. Kavita bitiya, ab iske baad aur koyi kaam nahi karna. Chupchap sone chali jana.", Ye aakhiri baat unhone thode unche swar me kahi thi aur ek taraf peedhi par baith ke raakh se bartan maanjne ke saath baar baar chehre ke saamne girte baalo ko uthati Kavita ne bhi unhe sankshipt sa jawaab diya.
"Ji badi amma. Kya main aaj bhi aangan me he charpaayi laga lu? Kamre ke bhitar neend uchat jaati hai.", Is beech Gulaabo bhi uske saamne aa baithi aur kuch raakh ungliyon se usne Kavita ke ubhre hue gore gaal par paut di jeebh chidhate hue.
"Aangan, chhatt aur jaha dil kare waha so ja bitiya. Is Gulaabo ko he wo ghuri (surang) pasand hai.", Is beech Anuradha bhi snaanghar me daakhil ho gayi. Par ab jism par saaya chadhaye wo ehtiyaat se thande paani se snaan karke apne kaksh me band ho chuki thi. Ek baar apni bitiya ko jaanch kar Jaanki Devi bhi sirf choli aur ghagre jaise saaye me apne bister par aa leti. Barso baad aaj unke is khoobsurat lekin nirjan se ghar me chehal pehal hui thi jis se unhe atyadhik sukoon hua. Ab bas unhe Chandan ke sath sath apni bitiya ke jiwan ko bhi ek behtar raah dikhani thi jis se wo fir kabhi dukh ke saaye me na rahe.
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"Maa, dekh liya aapne is ladke ke jimme kaam laga kar? Ghar se nilega toh seedhe raaste par fir kab bhatak jata hai khudko he nahi pata chalta. Andhera ho chala hai maa?", Anuradha aur Gulaabo ne ek sath mil kar poora ghar vyavasthit kar diya tha aur ab raat ka bhojan bhi chulhe par rakha ja chuka tha. Jaanki Devi bhi pareshan thi par jaahir nahi hone diya.
"Chandan samajhdar hai bitiya aur uske sang Kavita bhi hai. Wo ladki ghar se kabhi nikalti he nahi isliye maine he kaha tha ke thoda tehal aana. Gaanv dehaat me log milansaar hai aur abhi utna bhi waqt nahi hua jo tu ghabra rahi hai. Gajju ki dukaan der raat tak chalti hai aur wo chai ka adda bhi. Arri Gulaabo, teri choti amma ko aata saan ke de.", Gulaabo rasoighar ke bahar he baithi koyi geet gunguna rahi thi jo inki baatein sunte hue uth khadi hui.
"Badi amma, ye log toh nehar kinare se gaye the aur wo mutalli (motti) jis raah jaati hai us taraf se he aayegi. Par itne andhere me usko darr bhi bahot lagta hai. Baanke bhaiya ki joru bata rahi thi ki nehar ki taraf raat me ..."
"Bas kar teri bhoot pret ki kahaniyan aur tanki se aata nikaal ke de yaha. Pehle teri ye choti amma kam dari hui hai jo tu isko aur dara rahi hai.?", Jaanki devi ke jhidakne me unka darr bhi shaamil tha dono bachho ke liye.
"Maa.. Main Gulaabo ke sath unhe dhoondne jaau? Laalten le jaate hai sath."
"Thodi pratiksha kar Anuradha, tu khamkhwaah he darr rahi hai. Log toh ek kisse ke hajaar apne aap he bana dete hai phir hum bhi unke jaise sochne lage toh unme aur hum me farak he kya raha.? Tu bahar thoda tehal le, main aata laga deti hu.", Jaanki devi ne matke se paani ki gadwi bhar kar paraat ke sookhe aate me gholte hue Anuradha ki chinta ko kam karne ki ek aur koshish ki. Anuradha bhi pallu se chehra saaf karti hui uth kar khule aangan ki taraf aas bhari najre liye chali aayi jahan ek laalten chhat se latakti rassi par tang roshan thi.
"Choti amma, aap mat ghabrao. Main jaati hu dekhne unhe aur nehar ki taraf na mile toh aage se ghoomti hui gaanv ke bhitar waale raste bhi dekh aaungi.", Gulaabo ne dupatta seene se lete hue kamar me bandh kar ek laathi ke sath chhoti laalten bhi apne hath me utha li. Patli chharhari si ye yuvti bhale he kitni bhi chanchal thi par is samay wo nidar aur gambhir dikhi. Anuradha ne naa me sar hilate hue usko mana kiya.
"Tumhari badi amma sahi kehti hai Gulaabo. Thoda intjaar kar lete hai nahi toh phir wahi kisi na kisi ko bhej dengi. Chandan kamjor ladka nahi hai par maa hu na main toh darr lagna bhi laajmi hai.", Anuradha ne moodhe par baithne ke sath usko bhi apne bagal me dusre moodhe par baitha liya. Bahar mausam ab behtar tha is kaali raat me. Hawa vriksho ke patto ke sath in dono ke badan ko bhi kuch thandak pradaan kar rahi thi.
"Chhoti amma, baat yaha kamjor aur taqatvar ki nahi hai. Galti se kahi toone totke ya chaurahe ki taraf nikal gaye toh sab dhara reh jaayega. Nehar kinare toh kautwaal sahab ki bhi laash aise mili thi ki log dekhne ki himmat na juta sake. Darr insaan se nahi hai, unse hai jinke aage bas nahi chalta. Angrez baabu log bhi idhar nahi aate aur na unhone yaha chowki banaai jaisi ghoshna Sarpanch ji kiye the ki chowki banegi. Mahine me ek din bas shehar se 3-4 log chuapal par aate hai, hisaab banate hai aur thoda paisa le kar nikal lete hai din dhalne se pehle.", Anuradha uski bhaybhit karti baatein aur samaaj ka sach sunn kar darne ki jagah Gulaabo par garv kar rahi thi.
"Toh tumhe darr nahi lagta bhoot-pret ya us chaurahe se? Akeli jaane lagi thi tum abhi aur jab wo sab insaan ke bas ka he nahi toh tum kaise mukabla karti agar saamna ho jata toh?"
"Jab bhi aisa waisa kuch lage na chhoti amma, toh hosh sambhale rehna chahiye. Jiwan aur mrityu apne vash me nahi parantu darr ka saamna karna jarur hamaare haath hai. Maine apne baabu ji ko aakhiri baar jab dekha tha tab wo aise he darr se saamna kar rahe the aur phir saans rukne tak saamna karte rahe. Meri maa bhi unke sath chal basi aur peeche reh gayi main akeli 6 baras ki anaath.", Gulaabo ke chehre se ludhakte w anmol moti dekh aur uske jiwan ka dard sunn kar Anuradha ne poori mamta se us ladki ko apne seene se chipka liya. Wo maa thi aur uske hridya me bhi dard hua Gulaabo ka dukh sunn kar.
"Bahot himmatwali ho tum meri bachi.. Sachmuch bahot himmati aur samajhdar. Par tum anaath nahi ho Gulaabo.. mere aur tumhari badi amma ke rehte tum aainda kabhi khud ko anaath nahi kahogi."
"Toh main jau us mutalli aur bhaiya jo ko dhoondne?", Gulaabo pehle se chanchalta darshati hui chehra saaf karke uth khadi hui toh Jaanki devi ne he bahar aate hue jawaab diya.
"Tujhe jana hai toh bagal wale ghar chali ja. Tere Madan kaka se kehna ki jara chowk aur puliya tak najar maar aaye. Ho sakta hai ke Chandan un dukhiyaro ki he jhuggi jhopdi pe he madad karwa raha ho. Lekin utna tum sochogi nahi usko jaante samajhte hue bhi.", Ab Anuradha bhi sakpaka si gayi apni maa ki baat sunn kar. Chandan aisa he toh tha jo har kisi ki madad ke liye bholepan se shamil ho jata. Gulaabo bhi lohe ka darwaja kholti hui pados ke ghar ki aur badh chali jo jyada nahi toh 100 kadam dur toh tha he.
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Yaha nehar kinaare us pagdandi par aage badhne se pehle Chandan ne apne ek hath me neem ki motti si daal utha rakhi thi jiske patte aur tehniya saaf karke wo usko ek latth sa bana chuka tha aur dusre hath me Kavita ka naram hath thaame wo badi satarkta se us andhkaar me vileen hone laga jaha har taraf andhkar ya syaah kalapan tha. Kavita ka seena bhi apne he paseene se bheeg kar uski haalat bata raha tha jo Chandan dekh na saka.
"Wo jugnu the Kavita ji.. Aksar jugne aise he jungle aur paani kinare wali jagah par udte hue timtimate hai. Bhole log inhe kuch bhi samajh lete hai chahe udta hua diya ya fir pret ki aankehn.", Har kadam par jab kahi kuch sookhi gaans ya patte paanv ke niche aate toh unke charmarane ka ye dhima swar bhi is viraane me halka shor macha deta. Kavita uski baatein sunn ne jyada toh jhaadiyon me hone wali sarsarahat aur nehar ke chamakte paani me kahi kahi hoti hulchal se bhaybhit hoti rahi. Kuch kadam chalne ke baad ab uska jisma Chandan ke baaju aur kamar se jyada he satne laga tha. Aur fir ekaek Kavita ki dabi si cheekh nikal gayi.
"Ohhhh maa..", Chandan turant wahi thithak gaya aur Kavita ko jhukte dekha toh swayam he uske kadmo ke saamne niche baith kar wo sthiti samajhne laga. Sookhi kantili jhaadi me Kavita ka vastra ulajhne ke sath he jaise wo lambi sool (kaanta) uski pindali ko bhi bhende thi. Chandan badi saavdhani se Kavita ke vastra ko kaanto se chhudane me juta tha aur usko ye bhi dhyaan nahi raha ki uska dusra hath jiske sahare wo aise baitha tha us se wo Kavita ki maansal pindali ko pakde tha. Jhaadi dur karne ke baad jaanchne ke liye Chandan ne apna hath Kavita ke ghutno se thoda upar ki taraf se niche tak sehla kar dekha toh ek baar ke liye Kavita ke mooh se ghuti ghuti aah nikal uthi lekin turant uske jism me teekha dard ubhar aaya.
"Maaf karna Kavita ji, ek sool yaha pindali me gadi hui hai aur yahi dekhne ke liye maine hath fera tha. Thoda dard hoga, sehan kar lena bas.", Aur Chandan ne jawaab sune bina he wo lamba kaanta bahar khinch diya jo shayad kuch jyada he gehra ghusa tha Kavita ke jism me. Sahare ke liye Kavita ne bhi apna hath Chandan ke kandhe par tika diya. Umas, biyabaan sthaan aur ghor andhkaar ke sath ab ye dard.
"Aap bata deti ki chalne me pareshani ho rahi hai? Jaate waqt hum log aage peeche chal rahe the toh mujhe bhi dhyaan nahi raha ki ye pagdandi itni sankari hai. Aap mere peeche chaliye, chahe hath pakde rakhiye.", Chandan abhi aage badha he tha ki Ulluon ke bhayankar shor ne usko bhi ek pal dehla he diya jo unke kareeb he nehar kinare khade us ghane drakhat ke upar mandra rahe the. Kavita tharr-tharr kanpti hui turant Chandan ke peeth se ja lagi. Mahol fir se ashaant ho chuka tha aur in swaro me aur bhi kayi awaajen judne lagi thi. Nehar ke dusri aur ghani jhaadiyon ke beech wo safed chamakti aankhen katai jugnu ne tha aur na he siyaar.
"Mujhe.. mujhe darr lag raha hai.. jaise koyi aur bhi hai hamare aaspas..", Kavita ne wo saayan na dekha tha jis se Chandan ki najre abhi tak judi thi. Chandan ke jism ka harek royan utha chuka tha is andhkar me un safed chamakti aankhon ko dekh kar. Ek chavi jo is andhkaar se bhi kahi jyada kaali lekin rooprekha wo kuch kuch jaan pa raha tha. Hridya-gati itni badh chuki thi jaise hathode baj rahe ho. Aur phir achanak he vriksh ke upar se kuch Chandan ke kandhe par aa gira. Wo ghabraya jarur tha par Kavita ki tarah cheekha nahi jo upar se gire us fadfadate hue pakshi ki wajah se rone he lagi thi. Wo aankhen ab aujhal ho chuki thi jo ekmatra prakaash thi dusri taraf.
"Daro nahi Kavita, ye bas ek ghayal pakshi hai. Main tumhe kuch nahi hone dunga chahe mujhe bhale he kuch ho jaaye. Thoda tej chalte hai..", Kavita toh jaise jadd ho chuki thi Chandan ke seene me lipti aur darr toh Chandan ko bhi aaj mehsoos hua tha wo bhi atcha khaasa lekin hosh barkaraar the.
"Aisa ghar nahi pahoch sakenge.", Kavita ko apne jism se lagana Chandan ko bhi bhayemukt kar raha tha, shayad is bhayanak mahol me Chandan bhi badal raha tha. Aur jab wo ulluon aur panchhiyon ka shor lagbhag shaant ho chala toh Kavita ko apni sthiti ka bhaan hua. Wo ek yuwak ke chaude seene se lipti thi apna chehra dabaye. Us se dedh bilaant (gith/9 inch ek bilaant) ucha aur majboot Chandan bhi usko tasalli de raha tha peeth sehlate hue.
"Maine mana kiya tha na?"
"Aainda tumhari baat jarur maanunga. Mujhe hatth nahi karna chahiye tha wo bhi jab ek ladki sath ho. Yaha se ghar jyada dur nahi hai ab, bas mera hath thaam kar chalti raho. Idhar udhar kuch nahi dekhna Kavita chahe dhyaan bhatke ya lage ki koyi aur bhi hai.", Chandan khud he uski ungliyon me ungliyan fansaye ab tej kadmo se aage badhne laga tha. Kavita ko ghabrahat abhi tak thi lekin aise Chandan dwara uska hath haq se pakadna aur fir ye kehna ki wo har baate maanega, dhyaan bhatka rahi thi. Beech beech me jhaadiyon aur ghane vriksho ke jhurmutt me ajeeb se awaaje sunaai padti lekin hath me neem ka mota lath pakde Chandan aage badhta raha. Ab wo us naarangi roshni ko dekh pa raha tha jisko ek saaya hath me thaame jaise inki he pratiksha kar raha ho.
"Mutalli.. tu he hai na udhar.? Chandan bhaiya ji..", Gulaabo he thi wo jo pichle darwaje se ho kar yaha saaf hisse me khadi jaise inki he raah dekh rahi thi. Itne samay baad koyi aur insaan ki awaaj sunn kar Kavita toh jaise punarjiwit ho uthi. Wo daud kar lipatna chahti thi apne sakhi se lekin Chandan ne thoda majbooti badha di hatheli par.
"Haa hum he hai Gulaabo.", Usne chillate hue jawab diya aur fir aahista se Kavita se bola.
"Kripya Gulaabo ke saamne aisa sab mat batana aur rona bhi nahi. Aap samajh rahi hai?", Chandan ki baat par Kavita ne bas 'huhh.. ji' kaha aur dono ke hath alag hone se pehle he Gulaabo unke saamne aa ruki. Laalten unke saamne karti wo bade gor se dono ko aise dekh rahi thi jaise wo koyi aur log ho. Kavita ka bheega chehra aur waise he vastra. Chandan ki bhi haalat utni khaas na thi lekin fir Gulaabo khilkhila kar hansne lagi.
"Yaha chhoti amma ji sookh kar kanta ho rahi hai tumhari chinta me aur tum dono toh jaise khoob khel kood kar aaye ho. Bhaiya ji, dhoti atche se baandh lo apni nahi toh badi amma ji kal se pajama pehnane lagengi.", Chandan ye sunn kar sakpaka utha aur sachmuch uski dhoti dhili ho kar niche latak rahi thi. Kavtia ka hath pakad kar Gulaabo aage jaane chal di kuch khusar phusar karti hui aur Chandan apni dhoti samet kar unke peeche. Yaha ka kiwaad bhitar se band karke wo apna laal kameej utaar he raha tha hath mooh dhone ke liye ki saamne tej kadmo aur chadhi saanso ke sath Anuradha aa khadi hui
"Tumhe pata hai aaj tumne kya kiya hai Chandan? Mera jee kitni der se ghabra raha hai aur itne bure vichaar aate rahe.", Anuradha sab bhool kar bete ko salamat dekhti rone he lag padi. Chandan jaanta tha ki uski maa ki duniya bas uska yahi ek beta hai aur aaj Kavita ki baat na maan kar usne ajaane he sabko thes pahuchayi thi. Apni maa ko utne he prem se apni baahon me lete hue bas Chandan ne itna he kaha.
"Aainda kabhi aisa na karunga maa. Mujhe maaf kar do aaj ki is bhool ke liye. Wo log pareshani me the aur unki jhopdi ki chhat baandhne me sahayta karte hue samay ka pata he na chala. Maa meri wajah se aainda tumhari aankhon me kabhi aansu nahi aane dunga. Bas aaj ke liye maaf kar do.", Anuradha ab fafak nahi rahi thi, bas aansu sambhalti sisakti hui wo Chandan ki khuli kameej ko jor se pakde hue uske seene lagi khadi thi.
"Main na kehti thi ki mera beta jarur unki madad karne laga hoga par tu aise ghabra rahi thi jaise ye tujhe chhod ke chala gaya ho. Ab iske hath mooh dhulwayegi ya aise he khada rakhegi. Thaka hara lauta hai aur bhookh bhi lagi hogi.", Jaanki devi ki baat sunn kar Anuradha ko hosh aaya toh wo jhempti si dhire dhire apne bete se alag hui aur jab roshni me uska paseene se sana chauda seena aur us se upar muskurata chehra dekha toh sharmaati si Anuradha swayam he khaali balti utha kar paani ki haud wali taraf chal di.
"Naani, maa toh aisi he hai par chehra toh aapka bhi bata raha hai ki ispe khushi abhi lauti hai. Aapka gaanv bahot khoobsurat hai aur yaha darne ki thos wajah koyi nahi. Aur wo sabhi log aapka dhanyawaad kar rahe the jinhe rehne ke sath aapne bhojan bhi uplabdh karwaya. Parso se Laali aur uski ek behan yaha kaam karne aane lagegi. Aaj sabhi meri wajah se pareshaan hue uske liye aap bhi mujhe maaf kijiyega.", Chandan ne dono hath jodd kar aisa kaha tha aur apne naati ke hath thaam kar Jaanki devi uska geela sar sehlati hui dua he deti rahi.
"Bhagwan aisa laayak bacha sabko de jo dusre ke dukh ko samajhta hai, parwaah karta hai. Tum ne mera sar uncha he kiya hai beta, koyi galti nahi ki. Sabse badi baat hai ki andhere se darne wali Kavita bitiya sakushal lauti jiske chehre par na bhaye tha aur na dukh. Chal main khana parosti hu, tum aa jao apni maa ke sath.", Jaanki Devi pehle chintit jarur thi par sakushal Chandan ke lautne aur deri ki wajah sunn kar us se kahi jyada khush bhi hui. Paani ki aadhi bhari balti aur lauta liye Anuradha wapis hath mooh dhone ke thade (Pakki jagah) par aayi toh Chandan ne unse balti leni chaahi.
"Main dhulwa deti hu.", Laalten ek unche sthaan par rakhi in dono ko bhali bhaanti ek dusre ka swaroop dikha rahi thi. Gulabi dhoti aur ksi hui choli pehne bina kisi shringaar ke he Anuradha swayam ek khila hua gulaab jaan padti thi. Chandan apni dhoti ko ghutno tak uthaaye apni maa dwara giraye ja rahe paani se paanv aapas me ragadte hue saaf karne laga. Paanv dhulne ke baad wo wahi jhuk kar chullu me paani bhar kar apne chehre aur sar ka paseena us shital jal se dhulne laga toh Anuradha ki najre na chaahte hue apne bete ke upar badan par ruk si gayi. Chandan kewal 18 ka tha parantu saksham dincharya aur pichle ek saal ki atirikt mehnat ne uske lambe chaude sharir ko kahi jyada nikhaar diya tha. Anuradha ka swargiya pati Manohar bhi ek mehnatkash vyakti tha lekin sharirik tulna me wo jaha ausat kad kaathi ka thoda sanwla aur hansmukh insaan tha wahi uska beta genhua gora rang liye apne pita se bhi ek bilaant uncha. Anuradha apne khayaalo aur tulna me khoyi hui waise he jhuki khadi thi aur laute ka paani samapt hone par Chandan ne najre upar uthaai toh halke se dhalke pallu ki wajah se kasi hui choli ke beech us gori daraar ko dekh kar wo turant seedha khada ho gaya.
"Aap chaliye maa, main dhoti badal kar aata hu. ", Chandan tej kadmo se aage badh gaya tha par Anuradha ki sarsari najar ne wo alag sa ubhaar bakhubi dekha jo pushti karta tha ki ye yuwak vyask ho chala hai, kuch jyada he. Aur uske aisa hone ke peeche jo wajah thi waha bhi Anuradha ki najar ruki jab wo apni sthiti sudharti hui seehi hui. Seena chahe poora choli me samaya tha par dhoti saamne se hatne par stanno ki ghaati choli se bakhubi baahar thi. Ab baari Anuradha ki thi sharminda hone ki.
'Tu Chandu ko aisa khilati hai ri Anuradha jo ye taad sa badhta he ja raha hai?'
'Arri taad sa he nahi badh raha, atcha khasa marad bhi iske Chandu ke saamne kamtar he dikhta hai. Mera Bablu 2 baras pehle tak toh Chandu ke barabar dikhta tha par ab wo uske kandhe tak aata hai.'
'Gadhe rehde pe poori kaksha ke bache baitha kar akele he khinch ke unhe ghuma raha tha wo. Abhi bas 15 ka hai lekin jor toh dekho iske laadle ka.'
'Arri Bablu ki amma, jara us bechari ke baare me socho jiske sang Chandu ka byaah hoga. Koyi tumhare ya is Anuradha jaisi chhui-mooyi c hogi toh cheekh cheekh kar apni saas aur sasur ko utha degi.'
'Hahaha.. phir shayad Manohar bhaiya bhi is Anuradha ko hara kar baithe, chaarpayi ki char char aur bahu ki meethi cheekhen sunn kar.'
Anuradha chehra dho rahi thi aur usko apni aas-pados ki sakhiyon ka wo hansi majaak yaad aane laga jo aksar uske ghar ke aangan me jama hoti rehti thi. Manohar ki wajah se poora aas pados unki ijatt karta tha aur ghar me chehal pehal bani rehti thi. Aapsi baatchit aur hansi majaak me aksar koyi na koyi mahila Chandan ka jikar kar he deti thi. Us waqt Anuradha apne bholepan aur un mahilaon ke is majaak ko bas aise he sunn kar hawa kar deti thi. Uska beta uski najro ke saamne he bada hua tha toh wo kaise uske badlaav dekh sakti thi par aaj sara din koyi na koyi aisi ghatna ghatit hoti rahi thi jisne Anuradha ko wo sab badlaav dekhne par majboor kiya. Sahi kehti thi uske aas pados ki mahilaye lekin ye baatein 2-3 saal purani thi aur aaj wala Chandan toh kahi jyada nikhar chuka tha.
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"Badi amma, kal kolhu par jana padega. Pashuon ki khal bhi kal bhar ki hai aur khaane ka teil bhi. Sarson katte me bhar di hai maine uske liye.", Sabka bhojan hone ke baad Chandan toh dari-chataai ke sath takiya chaadar le kar upar khuli chhat par ja chuka tha aur rasoighar ko sametne me Kavita aur Gulaabo Anuradha ki madad kar rahi thi. Jhoothe bartan Kavita samet kar pichli taraf le gayi raakh se maanjne ke liye. Jaanki Devi ghar ke bahar ka chakkar lagane ke baad darwaje par kadi chadha kar idhar daakhil hui toh Meena bhi unke aage peeche mandraati hui rasoighar ki khidki par ja baithi.
"Savere samay se chali jana agar aisa hai toh aur Gajju halwaai se ek ser khoye ki barfi bhi leti aana. Tumhari choti amma ko bhi utni he pasand hai jitni tumhe.", Jaanki Devi ki baat sunn kar ek pal toh Gulaabo badi khush hui par fir tunak kar bol uthi.
"Savere toh waha wo naas-pita Surja baitha milega galle par. Kaka toh us samay khoya utaar rahe hote hai bhatti par. Main bhaiya ko sath leke jaungi aur agar usne kuch bhi .."
"Tu ek baar shuru ho jaati hai toh rukna nahi aata. Le jaaiyon Chandan ko bhi apne sang aur kolhu pe kya tu wo katta khudse le jaati? Waise ye Madan ke ghar kaun mehmaan aaye hue the?", Jaanki Devi ne udhar se pichle aangan me jaate hue Gulaabo ko apne sang le liya jo kaam nibta kar hath dhone Kavita ki taraf he ja rahi thi.
"Mehmaan toh nahi lage the badi amma par morpankhi ka jhaada jarur dekha tha maine unke aangan me aur unka beta kuch din se bimaar bhi hai.", Jhaad-phoonk ka sunn kar Jaanki devi ne baat wahi khatam kar di.
"Atcha ab tu bhi araam kar. Raat jyada ho chali hai aur yaad se bematlab laalten bujha diyo. Matiya teil (kerosene oil) bhi jaanch liyo kahi tanki ki tali me laga ho aur jarurat ke samay diye jalaane pade. Kavita bitiya, ab iske baad aur koyi kaam nahi karna. Chupchap sone chali jana.", Ye aakhiri baat unhone thode unche swar me kahi thi aur ek taraf peedhi par baith ke raakh se bartan maanjne ke saath baar baar chehre ke saamne girte baalo ko uthati Kavita ne bhi unhe sankshipt sa jawaab diya.
"Ji badi amma. Kya main aaj bhi aangan me he charpaayi laga lu? Kamre ke bhitar neend uchat jaati hai.", Is beech Gulaabo bhi uske saamne aa baithi aur kuch raakh ungliyon se usne Kavita ke ubhre hue gore gaal par paut di jeebh chidhate hue.
"Aangan, chhatt aur jaha dil kare waha so ja bitiya. Is Gulaabo ko he wo ghuri (surang) pasand hai.", Is beech Anuradha bhi snaanghar me daakhil ho gayi. Par ab jism par saaya chadhaye wo ehtiyaat se thande paani se snaan karke apne kaksh me band ho chuki thi. Ek baar apni bitiya ko jaanch kar Jaanki Devi bhi sirf choli aur ghagre jaise saaye me apne bister par aa leti. Barso baad aaj unke is khoobsurat lekin nirjan se ghar me chehal pehal hui thi jis se unhe atyadhik sukoon hua. Ab bas unhe Chandan ke sath sath apni bitiya ke jiwan ko bhi ek behtar raah dikhani thi jis se wo fir kabhi dukh ke saaye me na rahe.
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OP
Member
LEVEL 1
50 XP
"Tu toh badi chant nikli meri mutalli. Jungle waale raste aur wo bhi hatho me hath daale duniya ki najro se dur.", Gulaabo ki shararto se trast Kavita apne chehra dhone ke baad phir se apni jagah lauti toh bartan ab Gulaabo maanjh rahi thi jaise usne aisa Kavita ko araam dene ke liye kiya ho.
Par ab wo jis tarah se Kavita ke maje le rahi thi, wo bechari jyada he pareshan ho chali.
"Tu toh meri ekmatra sakhi hai ri. Ab mere hansne bolne ka tu bura maanegi?", Gulaabo ne thodi gambhirta se kaha tha jiske chehre ko maddim roshni me dekh Kavita ne muskurane ki chhoti si koshsih ki.
"Jungle wala rasta surakshit nahi hai Gulaabo lekin Chandan ji bade himmatwale hai. Main toh rone he lagi thi aur darr ke maare cheekhi bhi. Paanv me kaanta bhi ghusa lekin Chandan ji na he dare aur na mujhe chhod kar bhaage. Ulta kaanta bhi unhone he nikala jahan unki hatheli bhi jakhmi hui hogi aur mujhe surakshit ghar tak leke bhi aaye, chaahe maine unhe kitna pareshan kiya ho.", Andhere aur us raaste ke baare me Gulaabo ko bhi pata tha jo sehamt rahi apni sakhi ki baat par.
"Tu us Sarju ke darr se gayi thi na is taraf se?", Gulaabo ne bartan ki tokri ek taraf rakhne ke baad raakh ki dheri bhi vyavasthit karke us par lakdi wapis rakh di. Sarju ka jikar hote he Kavita ko wo sab yaad aa gaya jo darr ki wajah se bhool baithi thi. Waha Laali ke jhopde ko Chandan dwara durust karna aur kaise khud ko Kavita ka naukar batana. Ab jo muskaan uske pyaare chehre par khili thi uska arth toh Gulaabo ko bhi samajh na aaya.
"Puliya par takraya tha Sarju aur raah bhi roki meri. Uske baad wo aur uska chhichora dost nehar me ja gire. Chandan ji bhale beshak hai par unke bhitar darr jara bhi nahi. 2 yuvako ko ek pal me he paani me uchaal diya aur unhone bhi palat kar aage kuch na kiya jaise unhe samajh aa gaya ho ki wo Chandan ji ka saamna nahi kar sakte. Badi amma ko ye sab mat batana.", Kavita Gulaabo ke hath dhulwane ke baad apna bister utha kar pehle aangan me ek taraf khadi chaarpayi par rakhne lagi, phir Gulaabo ki aur palti jo hairaan khadi thi.
"Upar khuli chhat par sone chalegi mere sath? Niche utni hawa nahi lagti Gulaabo. Aur tu chaahe toh waha kamre me so jana."
"Chal upar he chalte hai. Kamre me charpaayi pehle he rakhi hai udhar aur mujhse ab mehnat nahi hone wali. Waise bhaiya dikhne ke sath sath dil ke bhi bhale hai. Nahi toh itna kaun karta hai kalyug me kisi dusre ke liye?", Ab ye dono viprit swabhaav aur sharir sanrachna waali pakki sakhiyaan badi aahista se batiyaati hui dari chaadar liye seedhiyon se upar khuli chhat par chali aayi. Chandan un kamro se aage wale khule hisse me bade araam se chataai ke upar dari bichaye hue sar ki niche sirhana rakh kar aankhen moonde leta tha aur laalten me usko dekhne ke baad Kavita ishaare se Gulaabo ko chhat ke pichle hisse le chali, jidhar se inki baatein Chandan ki neend me vyavdhaan na paida kare. Wahi bister bicha kar dono he ladkiyan dhimi awaaj me baatein karti rahi jabtak Gulaabo ne jamhaai na li.
"Mutalli main toh chali kamre me sone. Aur himmat nahi hai mujhme jaagne ki aur tujhe neend na aaye toh chahe pret ki tarah bhatak ya fir khandhar wali daayan jaise pratiksha karti reh kisi shikaar ki. Hahaha.. waise ab toh tujhe jara bhi neend na aane wali.", Kavita ka gaal khinch kar Gulaabo jhatt se uth kar us naye kamre ki taraf daud gayi jo in dono ke liye he Jaanki devi ne banwaya tha. Gulaabo ko aadat thi Kavita ke bhare bhare gaal khinchne ki aur aise raat me usko bhoot pret ke naam se dara kar akele chhod jaane ki. Peeche baithi muskurati hui Kavita bhi gehraati raat ke sath apne bichavan par karwat leti hui sone ki koshish karne lagi. Chandan ko soya hua dekhti wo bhi us se kuch duri par bhari palko sang neend me doob gayi.
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Ghane bargad ke vriksh se jhoolti wo sarpakaar aur lambi jataayen hawa tej chalne se thik naagin si lehraane lagti. Sunsaan se is viraane me ye yuvti hath me laalten liye ghabraayi si mooh me pallu dabaye jaise kisi ko talaash rahi ho par jo itne andhkaar me khoya ho wo itni asaani se kaise dikhta. Hawa se udd kar uski taraf badhte sookhe patto ka shor jaise usko kadam rokne ki chetawani dene lage par majboot iraade aur ghabrahat ke sath wo bargaad se aage us ghane vann me kadam badhati chalti rahi.
"kaaaannnnnnn", Ye teekhi dhwani kaano me pighalte lohe se giri aur laalten hath se chhoot kar dharti pe girti hui choor choor. Yuvti ka kaleja mooh ka aa laga jab is andhkaar me chalne ki wo aakhiri ummeed bhi bujh gayi. Ab toh har vriksh aur jhaad ek vikraal saaye sa jaan padta tha, aisa saaya jo is yuvti ko nigalne ki chahat liye ho. Sarr-sarr hilti tehaniya aur patto ka shor kuch tivra ho chala jo yuvti ke aanchal ko jabardasti jism se pare dhakel kar chehra ajaad kar gaya. Ab wo na aage badh sakti thi aur na wapis lautna munasib tha. Is sthaan par khade rehna alag musibat kyonki grishm hritu me aise ghane vann me aksar sarisrip aur keede makode raat me he vichran karte hai. Siyaar, junglee bilaav aur unse jyada khatarnaak junglee suar bhi aaspas ke ilaake me bahutayat me maujood the par kuch aur bhi tha yaha jiska darr ab is yuvti par haavi ho chala.
Palat kar ek baar us ghane aur vishaal bargad ko dekha toh jeene ki aas khatam si hone lagi. Us darakht se kuch faansle ki duri par timtimati si 2 roshan bindiya dhire dhire badhne lagi toh yuvti ke jehan me bas bhagwaan ka he naam ubhra jinse wo sahayata ki bheekh he maangne lagi thi. Wo sookshm bindu ab spasht taur par 2 netra the aur wo lamba kala saaya har dhadkan ke sath uski taraf badhne laga. Yuvti se darr sehan na hua toh usne bachaav me mooh he pher liya lekin kya aisa karna uchit tha?
"Aaa...", Wo cheekh bhi na saki jab ek bade hath ne uska chehra daboch liya. Wo tadapti rahi lekin uski pakad itni majboot thi aur yuvti ka jism uske saamne bebas.
"Ae.. Kavita.. utho.. Tum thik ho?", Chandan ne wo halki si ghuti ghuti cheenkh suni thi aur uska strot pata chalte he wo furti se Kavita ki kamar ke sameep aa baitha jiska hath khudke seene par tika tha. Wo sar hila rahi thi jaise sapne me qaid ho chuki ho. Parantu Chandan dwara wo seene par rakha hath uthathe he wo shaant hui aur uske baad apni aankhen khol kar us rakshak ko dekhne lagi jo usko sapne me bhi us kaal ke hatho bacha laya tha. Chandan aage kuch bhi kehta us se pehle Kavita uske seene se aa lagi. Darr abhi tak haavi tha uske jehan par lekin Chandan ke saamipya me wo phir se behtar hone lagi.
"Sote samay agar hath seene par aa jaaye toh aksar dil ghabrane lagta hai. Aur tumhe idhar kone me bichhawan nahi lagana chahiye tha. Mujhe neend me na tehalne ki bimari hai aur na hath-paanv chalane ki. Lo pehle paani pee lo aur tabtak main tumhara bister khule me lagata hu.", Chandan ne ghabraayi hui Kavita ko kisi bade ki tarah gaal thapak kar tasalli dete hue paani ka lauta thamaya aur uske uthne ke baad wo bister apne he bister ke sath bichha diya. Kavita ab naari-sulabh sharma bhi rahi thi aur usko khushi bhi thi ki Chandan ab usko khwaab me bhi surakshit rakhe hai.
"Aa jao aur itminaan se araam karo. Kone me hawa nahi lagti kyonki wo usi disha se beh rahi hai aur saamne avrodh wahi banera.", Ab Chandan ne apna sirhana bhi Kavita ke bichhawan par rakh diya tha jis se wo thoda araam se so sake. Ek yuvak ki bagal me sona itna asaan bhi nahi tha lekin bichawan alag alag hone ka dilasa apne dil ko deti hui Kavita sakuchati si us bister par aa baithi. Gehri raat me bhi uska aavran Chandan sahi se dekhne saksha tha ya andhkaar me uski aankhon ka abhyaas.
"Aap bina sirhaane ke nahi so paayenge. Mujhe toh aadat hai aise he samtal jameen par sone ki.", Wo takiya hilane lagi toh Chandan ne bhi hath takiye ke upar rakh diya.
"Sar thoda sa uncha rehna chahiye kabhi kabhi. Aur main koyi aasman se nahi gira jo jameen par sona mushkil hoga. Chaliye ab araam kijiye, neend itni jaldi toh nahi aane wali.", Chandan se matra ek hath ki duri par Kavita apne vastra ek baar fir se jaanch kar jaise taise leti par jhijhak ki wajah se peeth Chandan ki taraf rakhi. Chandan toh swayam he naari/yuvti sang kabhi unmukt na hua tha aur baatchit me uske vishaya bhi sadharan he rehte the.
"Aapko darr nahi lagta Chandan ji?", Dabe swar me Kavita ne he baatchit shuru ki jaise usko khamoshi akhar rahi ho. Chandan toh us dhalaan ko dekh raha tha jo Kavita ki kaakh se kamar par kisi pahaad ki taraai si thi aur fir ek baar aur golakar uthaan jo aage jaangho se niche jata jata paanv ke baad dharti me lupt ho raha tha.
"Darr toh ek aisa ehsaas hai jo sabko hota hai. Kisi ko kam toh kisi ko jyada. Koyi usko dikha sakta hai toh koyi chaah kar bhi aisa nahi kar sakta. Lekin tumhe darr kuch adhik he lagta hai jiski jarur koyi badi wajah hogi.", Kavita ka hath fir se uske seene ke saamne aaya toh wo muskura kar baah sidhi kamar par rakhe Chandan ko sunn ne lagi. Aur uske darr ki badi wajah?
"Choti choti wajah bhi toh aage chal kar bada darr bann jaati hai. Aapko sabse jyada darr kab laga tha?", Apni wajah taal kar wo shunyabhaav se andhere me us taraf dekhti rahi jaha chhat ki wo chhoti diwar thi.
"Jab maine Meena ko tadapte dekha tha. Wo chhoti si khoon me lathpath buri tarah ghayal thi, shayad kisi kutte ya janwar ne jakhmi kiya tha. Maine usko jab kapde se uthaya toh wo aankhen band karti aur kholti hui roye ja rahi thi. Wo raah me waise he marr jaati toh mujh par utna asar nahi hota lekin apne hath me uski tadap mujhse sehan nahi hui. Main uski mrityu ka bojh nahi lena chahta tha aur tab meri haalat itni badtar thi ki maa ne us raat mujhe apne paas he sulaya jo pehle kabhi na hua tha 5 baras ki umar ke baad. Meena bach gayi thi aur ab wo meri ekmatra dost hai. Pita ji ki mrityu se dukh hua tha par main dara nahi tha kyonki darne se apne sath sath maa ka jiwan bhi prabhavit karta. Toh ab tumhari wajah kya hai?", Ab Kavita se aur andekhi na ho saki aur wo karwar leti ab Chandan ki aur chehra kiye sunn ne lagi. Chandan ka ek jeev ke liye aahat hona usko bhi bahot bhala laga aur ye jaan kar bhi ki wo apni jimmewariyan sahi se samajhta hai.
"Meri maa ko maine kabhi nahi dekha tha janam lene ke baad. Phir pita ji ne kuch baras baad dusra byaah kar liya kyonki wo khet par mehnat ke sath meri dekhbhal karne me asamarth ho gaye the. Pehle sabkuch daadi karti thi unka aur mera par wo bhi chal basi bimaari ki wajah se. Pita ji ne jis sang dusra byaah kiya wo unke saamne toh bahot bhali rehti thi par jab wo ghar se chale jaate toh mujhse ghar ke kaam karwati aur nasamjh kam umar main agar kuch galti karti toh wo chhadi se maar lagati. Pita ji ko shikayat lagaayi toh unhone jyada dhyaan nahi diya is par aur mera bahar khelna jana bhi band ho gaya. Kheto me fasal badhne par wo wahi rehne lage raat me toh ye nayi maa aur kathor ho gayi. Koyi aur aadmi raat me hamare ghar aane laga tha jis wajah se wo mujhe kabhi andheri kothri me band kar deti toh kabhi ghar se bahar nikaal deti. Main bas dari sehmi roti rehti, kuch kar toh nahi sakti thi. Phir aisi he ek raat me wahi aadmi apne ek aur sathi sang hamare ghar aaya. Nayi maa ne phir se mujhe ghar se bahar kar diya aur main ghar ke bahar ek kone me sehmi baithi roti rahi.", Baat batate hue wo bol toh sehaj rahi thi par anyaas he dard bhari yaadon ne Kavita ke ashru jiwant kar diye. Sajal netro ka usko bhi bhaan na hua.
"Andar se hanse ke awaaje aati ya hanse hue cheekhne ki par meri unhe koyi parwaah nahi thi. Fir wo dusra aadmi bahar nikla aur mujhe dularne laga. Yaha vaha hath lagate hue jaane kya kya poochta raha. Mujhe uske mooh se bhayankar durgandh aa rahi thi aur fir jaise he usne gaal ko mooh me bhar ke kata, main cheekh uthi. Us din kismat ko kuch aur he manjoor tha. Us aadmi ne ek pal ke liye mujhe chhoda aur fir se waisa karna chaha tha ki mere pita kassi liye saamne khade dikhe. Pita ji ne kassi se uske gale ko aadha kaat diya aur bhitar se aat awaajo ne unhe jaise atyadhik aavesh dilaya. Darwaja khol kar wo bhitar chale gaye aur main darr se roti hui us aadmi ko tadapte dekhne lagi jo cheekh bhi nahi raha tha. Har taraf uska lahu paani sa phailne laga tha aur bhitar se jhagde ki awaaj tivra hone lagi. Phir sab shaant ho gaya. Pita ji ke seene me bada sa khanjar ghusa tha aur nayi maa bina vastro ke lahu me sani hui unse kuch duri par achet giri hui. Wo aadmi jo nayi maa se milne aata tha mere sar ko diwar par maarne ke baad waha se bhaag gaya, mujhe murchhit chhod kar. Jab hosh aaya toh main badi amma ki bagal me leti thi. Pita ji inki he jameen par kheti karte the aur mujhe bhi inhone apna liya. Par aaj bhi koyi mujhe chhone ki koshish karta hai ya main akeli ghar se bahar andhere me hoti hu toh wahi manjar yaad aane lagta hai. Har taraf lahu, tadapta hua wo bura vyakti aur mere pita ji ka mujhe ghar se bhaagne ka ishara deta hilta hua hath. Kuch samajhdar hui nahi ki gaanv ke yuvak aur kaka ki umar ke vyakti bhi buri najar se dekhne lage. Phir maine bahar nikalna he band kar diya jitne jaruri na ho. Tab bhi Gulaabo mere sang rehti hai aur wo kisi se nahi darti.", Chandan uski daastaan sunn ne ke baad apni ungliyon se uske bhare bhare komal gaal saaf karne laga jo aansuo se geele ho chale the. Kavita ne aankhen he moond li is sneh bhare sparsh se.
"Tumhare har darr ko ek na ek din avashya dur karunga Kavita. Aisa jiwan bahot kashtdaayi rehta hai jisme aap kisi aur par nirbhar raho, apne khudke darr ki wajah se. Tum sachmuch bahot pyaari ho aur nek bhi. Kahi main bhi toh un yuvako ya vyaktiyon jaisa nahi lagta tumhe jinki wajah se ghar me he qaid rakhti ho khud ko?", Chandan dwara apni tulna ghrint logo se karne par Kavita ne uski kalaai ko thaam kar naa me sar hilate hue sharir thoda sa uske kareeb khiska liya.
"Pehle laga tha ki aap bhi kahi waise he honge jaise tamaam purush dikhaai pade. Par aapko ek pal me he jaisa poora jaan liya. Aapse darr nahi lagta aur yahi wajah hai ki main upar sone aayi hu taaki sukoon se so saku. Ye amaryaadti toh nahi hai na Chandan ji? Badi amma kehti hai ki ladki ki ijatt ye samaaj he dushit karta hai aur yahi usko prithak bhi kar deta hai badchalan bata kar. Aapke kareeb sone se kya waisa he hoga?"
"Ye tumhara bhi ghar hai jaise mera. Ghar ke sadasya toh sath he rehte hai na Kavita? Mukhya dwar ke bahar jo samaaj hai wo bahar he rehta hai jiski samajh mujhe bhi jyada nahi kyonki maine toh bas usko badalte he dekha hai. Aapke atche waqt me wo samaaj aapke sath aur bure daur me wahi samaaj aapke virudh. Tumhe jaisa thik lage waise raho. Meri koyi bhi baat buri lage toh kabhi hichkichana nahi. Haan mere jiwan me kabhi bhi meri koyi ladki mitra nahi bani isliye mujhe nahi pata ke kya kehna chahiye kya nahi.", Chandan ke sath ek baar fir Kavita ki ungliyan aapas me ulajhne lagi thi aur is baar usne swayam he takiya Chandan ki taraf khiskate hue ek kinara uske sar ke niche tikwa diya aur dusra apne sar ke. Ek hath ki duri ab lagbhag mitt chuki thi inke beech.
"Main aapke pas so jau?", Najre jhukate hue Kavita ne apni itcha jataai toh Chandan ne bhi haami bhar ke uski ye chahat poori kar di. Kavita ne khud se he Chandan ka hath utha kar apni kamar par rakhte hue khudko uske seene me dubka liya. Wo ek surakshit neend ki chahatmand thi aur Chandan ko isme bhala kya eitraaj hota. Thoda kasmasane ke baad Kavita ne takiye ki jagah Chandan ki baah par he sar tika liya aur uske aagosh me wo is baar sukoon se so chuki thi. Chandan bhi ek khusnuma mehak saanson me mehsoos karta hua kuch samay baad waise he Kavita ki kamar par hath rakhe uske samaan chain se so gaya. Chandan ki soch aaj swayam uske saamne galat saabit hui thi nehar ke kinare us drishya ka sakshi ban kar. Lekin abhi bhi wo bhoot-pret se bhaybhit na tha. Naye din ke sath beshak bahot kuch naya ghatne wala tha.
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"Ae Bhanwri, chal jara bhitar aur mere paanv masal thode.", Raat ke is pehar jab samast gaanv-wale gehri neend me soye the, ye vyakti apne khet me apne mitra ke sath baitha bade diye ki roshni me desi sharaab ka chhak kar sewan karne ke baad us taraf badh chala jaha uski jameen par mehnat karne wale log jhopdi bana kar jaise taise jiwan jee rahe the. Ek khastahaal khatiya par wo mahila aur uski jawaan hoti beti jaise taise so rahi thi aur us mahila ki baah ko hilate hue is aadmi ne laalten ki roshni me pehle us kamsin ladki ko nihara aur fir uski maa ko jo turant he uth kar is tagde adhed se aadmi sang dusri taraf bane jhopde ki aur chal di jo iski ayaashi ka he sthaan tha. Ye vyakti Paatan gaanv ka sarpanch/mukhiya Karam Singh tha. Jhopdi ke bhitar ek taraf laalten latkane ke baad apna kurta aur dhoti us majboot aur badi chaarpayi ke kinare rahkta hua Karam Singh bharpoor hawas se us khastahaal 2 vastro me lipti mahila ko nihaar raha tha jo uske aadesh ki gulaab thi, khamosh gulaam. Jaangho ke beech jhulte hue us ling ko dekh kar wo samajh gayi ki maalish kaha karni hai. Ek taraf dhak kar rakhi teil bhari katori se apni hatheli tarr karti wo ghutno ke bhaar Karam Singh ke saamne baith uske ardh-uttejit ling ko muthi me bhar kar dabane masalne lagi.
"Aahhh.. Tu isliye meri khaas hai ri Bhanwari jo bina kahe se sab samajh jaati hai. 3 baras se teri aisi sewa se main aaj bahot khush hu. Maang le jo chahiye tujhe, maang le.. aahhh.. Aaj bhi tere ye chuche utne he kase hue hai jitne tujhe pehle baar bhogte hue maine dekhe the. Bol tujhe kya chahiye meri raani...?", Uska ling ab kadak hota hua Bhanwri ki hatheli se bahar nikal chuka tha jisko ab wo aage peeche hath chala kar atche se chamkane lagi thi. Karam Singh maje se sisakta hua us mahila ki choli ko khol kar dono saanwle push stanno ko bedardi se masalne laga. Kaali chuchak akad chuke the par mahila ke chehre par jaise koyi bhaav he na the.
"Maalik bas yahi binti hai ki meri Lachmi ko bakash dijiye. Uska gauna poora hone wala hai aur ladki jaat agar pati ko kunwari na mile toh wo kahi ki nahi rehti. Aur mujhe kuch nahi chahiye maalik.", Karam Singh ka chehra laal hone laga tha badhti uttejjana se aur apne chaude seene par ghane baal ke beech hath chalata hua jaise ye jaahir kar raha tha ke usko dambh tha apne paurush par.
"Vachan diya hai toh avhelna toh nahi karunga teri maang ki lekin atcha rehta agar teri Lakshmi sabkuch seekh kar jaati apne sasural. Lekin waha se jab bhi wo idhar milne aayegi, tu khud usko mere liye tayaar karegi Bhanwri. Chal ghagra utha apna.", Chaarpayi se uth kar wo Bhanwri ko uspe jhukata hua peeche aa khada hua. Karam Singh ke unche chaude jism ke saamne wo mahila durbal he thi chahe seene aur kulho se kuch pusht. Aadesh ka paalan karte hue Bhanwri ne apna ghagra upar kamar tak utha liya jis se uske maansal aur majboot kulhe poore ujaagar ho chale Karam Singh ke saamne. Hatheli par thook girata hua wo uski jaangho ke beech teji se hath chalane laga jaise maidaan tayaar kar raha ho.
"Aahhhh.. Tu bhi badi garam cheej hai ri Bhanwri. Teri beti ki garmi bhi main aise nikalunga apne tagde dande se. Wo cheekhegi, chilaayegi lekin fir maje se uchlegi iska abhyaas hone ke baad..aahhh..", Ek jhatke me Karam Singh ne poora ling bhitar thel diya tha lekin majaal jo Bhanwri ke chehra par koyi peeda ya maje ke bhaav ubhre ho. Karam Singh ka sathi bhi bhitar aa khada hua apne 'sharif' dost ko andhkaar me jordaar mehnat karte dekhne.
"Iski bitiya ka pichwada mujhe bahot pasand hai Karmu. Saali tikhi mirach hai aur hamari ijjatt ki wajah se main jor jabardasti nahi karta. Jis din wo iski jagah tere aage khadi hogi, main uska sara teekhapan gaand se bahar nikaalunga. Saali ye bhi apni beti jaisi he karari hai par mujhe pasand nahi. Tu laga reh iske sang aur main chala us Chaggu ki Laali ko masalne. Is bahane shauk bhi mana aaunga uske bewkoof pita ki maut ka. XXXX sale.", Jaati ko gaali dene ke sath he wo vyakti daant dikhata hansne laga aur udhar Karam Singh paseene me bhiga hua Bhanwri se chipak kar khada tha. Wo itne samay me he sakhallit ho chuka tha, mardaangi dikhane ke sookshm antraal me he.
"Rehne de bhi Bijju, phir kabhi koshish kar liyo. Wo Amma ji ki jameen par aasra liye hue hai aur unhe iski bhanak bhi lagi na toh chauraahe ke beecho beech teri gardan alag kar dengi. Laali aur us Jhamru ki bitiya ko gaanv se bahar wale tere khet par majduri par rakh le. Sahi mauka dekh kar dono ka sheel atche se haran karenge. Filhaal tu chahe toh is se kaam chala le, maja poora degi.", Karam Singh ke shabdo me saaf khauf tha Jaanki Devi ke vyaktitva ka par uska dost is se jara bhi sehmat na laga.
"Us budhiya se main nahi darta aur suna hai uski vidhwa beti bhi uske ghar laut aayi hai? Kisi din saali ki gardan main alag karunga aur phir uski beti ke sath sath wo dono kamsin paaltu hai na budiya ki, Gulaabo aur Kavita.. Ragad ke maslunga unhe.", Bijju ki baat sunn kar Bhanwri ko bahar bhejte hue Karam Singh ne apni dhoti aise he kamar par lapetne ke sath bolna shuru kiya.
"Unka katal hua toh poore gaanv par gaaj giregi bhai. Bade sahab tak unki pahuch hai aur is gaanv ko barkarar rakhne wali ek wahi hai apne pati ke jaane ke baad se he. Pathshala tak ki arji swikaar ho chuki hai unke kehne par. Dekh ye madira ka suroor jab utrega tab tu wapis samjhega ki wo hai toh hum bhi hai. Wo nahi toh hum bhi nahi. Ayyaashi apni jagah hai Bijju aur samaaj me ohda apni jagah. Bahar nirvastra hue na toh main bhi paksh nahi lene wala. Aur sirf unki bitiya he nahi aayi, naati bhi aaya hai jo unka waaris hai aur saksham bhi. Pata laga hai ki ek thokar matra se usne Gajju halwai ke manchale kuputra ko nehar me uchaal diya. Naseehat maanoge toh har jawaani tumhare niche hogi bas us pariwar se dur rehna.", Bijju ne mundi hila di lekin sharaab ka asar kahi jyada prabhavi tha apne is dost ki naseehat se.
"Phir bhi main yaha nahi ruk raha. Tu bhi ab sone ke siwa kuch karne wala nahi aur meri raat abhi khatam nahi hui. Kal milte hai chaupal par.", Bijju Karam Singh ka sath chhod kar mast haathi sa jhoomta hua is khet se nikal chala. Karam Singh ko yakeen tha ki uska mitra koyi bhi ulti seedhi harkat ab nahi karne wala aur iske sath he usne apne jism ko us badi chaarpayi par bicha liya. Nashe ke baad Bhanwri ko bhogne se jism thakk kar choor ho chala tha. Jabki Bijju laar tapkata hua apne uddeshya ki purti ki aas liye gaanv ke chaurahe ki taraf se na jaate hue kache raaste he us taraf nikal chala jaha Jhamru aur Chhagan ke pariwar aasra liye the. Laali apni choti behan sang ek chaarpayi par jhopdi se bahar he soyi thi jiske bagal me dusri charpayi par uski sakhi apne chhote bhai ke sath. Unhe toh Bijju ke iraado ki bhanak he na thi lekin jaise koyi aur tha jiske sang mulakaat hone ka andaja swayam Bijju ko na tha. Nashe aur kaamandh me usne ek galat raah jo pakad li thi.
OP
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LEVEL 1
50 XP
Update 4
"Din dhall gaya.. hikkk.. raat rangeen hai.. hikk.. masti ang ang me... mahol sangeen hai.. hikkk..", Ye adhed sa vyakti jo kheto ki medh paar karke andhere me akela he masti me jhoomta hua gaanv se bahar ja raha tha, wo Sarpanch Karam Singh ka mitra Bijju he tha. Sharaab ki adhikta kaho ya is gaanv ka purana jaankar jo idhar he paida hua aur pala badha. Jaat se swarn aur aukaat se raees Bijju jism se bhi desi bhainsa he tha. Poore Paatan gaanv me ye bhainsa agar kisi ke saamne jhukta tha toh wo sirf Jaanki devi he thi lekin unke saamne jhukna iski majburi. Atchi khaasi upjau jameen, khoobusurat biwi, ek beta aur ek beti wala badhiya pariwar tha Bijju ka lekin Karam Singh aur iske karam andhere me itne bure the ki shayad he koyi gareeb mahila jo in par aashrit thi inse bachi ho. Par aaj maamla kuch aur he tha kyonki dopehar me Bijju ne gaanv se bahar wali taraf Laali ko nehar me snaan karte jo dekh liya tha. Bas tabhi se Laali ka kamsin jism, bhola chehra aur wo kaamuk drishya Bijju ke dilo dimaag par haavi ho chuka tha. Isme atyadhik ijafa desi sharaab aur Bhanwri ke sath Karam Singh ke sansarg ne kiya.
"Aye.. kaun hai be udhar.? Sala main Bijju hu Bijju, sher se bhi nahi darne wala. Hikk.. kidhar gaya be?", Halki hichkiyan leta hua Bijju us saaye ko dhoondne laga jo khule maidaan me he uski najro se aujhal ho gaya apna ehsaas karwa kar. Wo darne ki jagah idhar udhar usko talashne laga jisne uski raah me vyavdhaan daalne ki jurrat ki thi. Parantu udhar koyi hota toh dikhta. Syaah kaali raat me bas taare he timtima kar kuch prakaash dikha rahe the, chaand toh aaj bhi nadarad tha. Gamche se chehra saaf karta hua Bijju bade gor se chahun aur dekhne me laga tha aur aage badhte badhte wo nehar ke kinaare aa ruka jaha ek kataar se ghane vriksh jaise behte paani ko saheje the. Bijju ek vriksh ke tane par hath tikaye is jhurmutt aur thandak bhari jagah par har bharsak koshish kar raha tha us saaye ko talaashne ki.
"Eh.. pata nahi sala kaun is biyabaan me apni maiyaa humse chudwane aaya hai. Ae Laali, tayaar reh saali. Aaj tere amrood pilpile na kiye toh mera naam Bijju jamindaar nahi.", Nasha lagbhag utar he chuka tha is bhagdaud me aur jab talaash khatam hui toh maksad yaad aaya. Nehar kinare he toh usko aage badhna tha lekin is waqt Bijju gaanv se bahar ki taraf aa pahucha aur puliya idhar se koyi aadha kos dur. Bijju kutilta se muskurata hua nehar kinare he aage badhne laga. Uske khayaalon me ab sirf aur sirf Laali he thi aur kaise wo us masoom ko bhogne wala tha. Par ek baar fir se Bijju ke kadam thithke jab ek vriksh ki aut se ye mahila aakriti nikal kar uske aage he chalne lagi. Ek hath me lauta aur dusre me patli si chhadi ghumati wo apni he dhun me aise chal rahi thi jaise usko na koyi darr ho na parwaah.
"Ae suno tum..", Bijju ne jaise he us aage chali naari ko awaaj di, uske kadam turant thithak gaye. Gale me liya dupatta apne sar par karte hue wo itni aahista se palat rahi thi ki kareeb pahuche Bijju ki dhadkan swatah he badhne lagi. Patli dubli si kaya aur aise sar jhukaye khade hone se Bijju jyada kuch na dekh saka sirf chamakte hue laute ke. Par ab Bijju itne sameep khada tha ki wo uski sharirik sanrachna ko bhali-bhanti dekh pa raha tha. Ausat kad ki ye kaya koyi mahila na ho kar kamsin yuvti he thi jiske chehre ki laaj toh andhere me na dikhi par seham chuki thi ye Bijju ne jarur dekha.
"Ji.. Ji maalik.", Yuvti ke larajte hontho se bas yahi shabd ubhre aur uski meethi awaaj sunn kar Bijju ki aankhon me shaitaani chamak. Bijju toh bas uske aanchal se neeche ubhre hue seene par aa ruka. Wo golaaiyan jaise adhpaki si thi ya unhe paushan ki darkaar.
"Tum.. Tum itni raat me idhar akeli kya kar rahi ho? Ghar me bhai-behan nahi hai agar shoch tivra lagi thi?", Spasht shabd bolte hue Bijju apne hontho par jeebh phira raha tha jaise uske saamne ek yuvti na ho kar ke koyi pasandida pakwaan saja ho. Par ek baat jis par Bijju ne gor na kiya wo tha us yuvti ka aise ekaant me bhi sehajta se uske saamne khade rehna.
"Baapu toh kal he gujar gaye maalik aur bhai bahot chhota hai mera. Apne kaam ke liye amma aur bhai ko pareshani dena sahi na laga. Par maalik aap itti raat gaye enha biraane me?", Vivran sunn kar Bijju ki dhoti me toh uthaav hone laga tha kyonki yaha toh khud shikaar he uske paas chala aaya.
"Tum Chhagan ki bitiya Laali ho na? Hum tumhara dukh aur dard bhali bhanti samajh sakte hai. Sarpanch ne toh upar se aur bura kiya tumhare sath jo gaanv nikala de diya. Par ab tum Bijju ki sharan me ho jaha koyi dukh nahi milega par thoda dard mil sakta hai.", Bijju laar tapkata hua apne hath se us yuvti ka sar sehlate hue patle gaal par hatheli tikaye uski komalta ka ehsaas apne bhitar bharne laga. Yuvti ek pal ko toh kaanp he uthi par jaise wo bhi atche se jaanti thi ki bhaagne ya eitraaj karne ka natija uske paksh me nahi jaane wala.
"Ji maalik hamare baapu Chhagan ka kal dehant ho gaya tha jungle wale chaurahe ke paas. Par aap is bakhat yaha?", Laali aage bolte bolte jadd he reh gayi jab uski hansli (kandhe ki haddi) se rengta hua Bijju ka sakth hath kathor stann ke upar aa ruka. Kameej ke patle se kapde ke niche koyi anya vastra na tha aur aise kachhe stann ka tanaav aur uske akaar ko mehsoos karte hue Bijju ne wo poora maans apni mutthi me qaid he kar liye. Laali peeche hatna chahti thi par ab toh Bijju ka dusra majboot hath uske ghaghre par thik gol nitambh ko majbooti se thaam kar apni taraf khinchne laga.
"Is bakhat toh main tere he paas aa raha tha meri kabootari. Aahhh.. Tu kitni namkeen aur rasbhari hai ye tujhe kaha pata meri Laali.. Tujhe dopehar me jab nehar me nahate dekha tabhi soch liya tha ke aaj raat ko tera sara meetha ras aur namak jeeb bhar ka chakhunga. Uff.. lagta hai teri chuchi tune bhi kabhi dabaayi na hogi. Chodna toh main teri maa aur baaki behno ko bhi chahta hu par tere aage wo bhi feeki he lagi re Laali..", Bijju kitna balshaali tha iska saboot is se he milta tha ki Laali ke pichwade ko hath se dabate hue usne is masoom ko pratdwand ke bawjood apne sang jodne ke baad kuch upar utha liya. Laali dard se cheekhna chahti thi lekin kuch soch kar wo dard sehti hui Bijju ki manmaani aur baatein sunti rahi. Wo abhi bhi uski kachi kunwari chuchi ko hatheli me daboche hua tha.
"Aahhh. maalik.. mujhe jaane dijiye.. Dekhiye agar kuch anarth hua toh main zinda nahi reh sakungi aur peeche mera pariwar bikhar jaayega maalik.. Daya kijiye..."
"Hahaha.. Tujhe toh main na marne dunga aur na khudse dur jaane dunga.. Tera pariwar bhi main sambhal lunga ri Laali.. Teri chhoti behan ko bhi ek marad ki jarurat padegi aur teri maa.. ab tere baapu ke marne ke baad usko bhi toh raat me ek majboot aadmi ki jarurat rahegi? Dekh mera ye danda tere sath sath teri maa aur behan ki bhi jarurat kaise poori karta hai.", Nehar kinare, is andhkaar aur biyabaan me Bijju us masoom ko ghaans aur mitti ki satah par daboch kar letata hua ek hath se uski dono kalaai pakde aur dusre se ukhi ghaagri ko kamar tak chadhane ke baad patli taango ke beech aise baitha tha ki Laali hilne dulne par bhi jaanghe band na kar saki. Jaangho ke beech hath firate he Bijju ne halke reshmi baalo ka ehsaas paya aur ek chhoti si band lakeer.
"Maalik ye thik nahi hai.. Aahhhh.. jaane dijiye na maalik.. Main barbaad ho jaungi."
"Tum saale XXXXX bane he hamare bhogne ke liye ho. Tumhare marad toh hamari majduri karte ghiste rehte hai aur tumhari aag bujhani padti hai hum jaise jamindaaro ko. Lekin dhanyawaad ki jagah tum ulta hume he aabru lootne wala batati ho.. Aahhh.. saali teri toh surang me ungli bhi nahi ja rahi.. Maja aayega tujhe masalne me.", Lekin ab Laali ne ekdum se hilna he band kar diya tha aur jaise he Bijju apni dhoti hata kar uske upar jhukne laga usne dekha un safed aankhon ko jo us par he tiki thi. Itni sard muskurahat aur aisi aankhen jinme putli na ho kar bas doodhiya sphatik si roshni he thi. Bijju ek hath se lund aur dusre hatho se 2 kalaai thaame tha lekin ab uske hath me Laali ki kalaai toh kya khud Laali uske neeche nahi thi. Poora jism aise sihar utha jaise kisi ne uski meru me pighalta lava bhar diya ho.
"Bhog.. Bhog.. Bhog..", Teen bar ye shabd Bijju ke kaano me kisi shool se chubhe aur wo awaaj aisi jaise kayi kadam dur se aayi ho, behti hawa sang. Khamosh vatavaran me ulluon ki tej cheekh pukhaar bhar uthi jaise unke ghonsle par kisi ne humla kar diya ho. Kauve bhi kaanv kaanv ka rudan karne lage the aur behte paani me tap tap karke jaane kya kya gira jisne Bijju ko apni sthiti aur mahol ka bhaan karwaya toh uska antarman dehal utha. Wo nehar kinare jhuka hua jaise paani me apni chhavi dekh raha ho lekin uski chhavi ki aankhen... wo aankhen toh jaise kisi shaitaan ki thi.. sphatik si safed aur chamakdar. Bijju cheekhna chahta tha lekin uski jubaan ne sath na diya. Kaunve aur Ullu ab paani ke upar idhar udhar mandrate hue is manjaro ko atyadhik khaufnaak bana chuke the aur unke rudan ne jaise Bijju ko duniya se alag thalag he kar diya.
"Hey bhagwaan.. Bacha le.. Main paagal ho jaunga.. Bacha le bhagwaaaaannnnn..", Uske mooh se aakhir me jo shabd phunte unme bhagwaan shamil tha par kya is adharmi aur haivaan ki awaaj un tak pahuchne ki taqat rakhti thi? Jaise is waqt toh Bijju ke ishtdev bhi us se kinara kar chuke the. Kauvve andhkaar me udaan nahi bhar sakte par wo bechare jaane kis se bachna chahte the aur aise he kaanv kaanv karta hua ek kaak Bijju ke chehre se aa takraya. Kacch se uski aankh ki putli ko bhendta hua wo Kaak poor chonch bhitar fansaaye ajaad hone ke liye fadfadane laga. Us se jyada tadafna Bijju ka tha jo chinghadta cheekta hua idhar se udhar bhaagne laga. Koyi is drishya ko agar ujaale me bhi dekh leta toh hridyagati he ruk jaati. Chatpatata hua ek haivaan manushya jiski aankho me kala kaak apni poori chonch dhansaye khud bhi ajaad hone ki koshish me laga hua. Aankh se jaldhara ki taraf rista rakt aur pashu panchiyon ka aisa dil dehlane wala kolhal. Wo kauvva kismat se ajaad ho gaya aur chonch bahar nikalne par hue aur adhik dard se paagal hathi sa daudta Bijju us keekar ki motti daal se takrata hua behti paani me ja gira. 'Chhapaak' ki awaaj ke sath jaise baaki har dhwani awaaj par purn-viraam sa lag gaya.
"Bhogi ka bhog.. hahaha..", Ye meethi lekin dil dehlau khanakti awaaj us yuvti ki thi jo apni choti ko hath se pakad kar hilati hui paani ko niharne ke baad chamm chamm paayal chann kati hui andhere me aur aage badhti chali gayi jab tak uska aavran andhkaar me vileen na ho gaya. Bijju ka jism paani ke upar lauta he nahi jaise sachmuch uska bhog jaldhara ko arpit kiya gaya ho. Bas kumkum ke sthaan par tilak uske swaym ke rakt ka tha aur upasana ki jagah panchiyon aur uska apna rudan. Wo sthaan jaha Bijju gira tha, kya wo bhi adrishya chauraha tha ya raha hoga?
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Bhor hone me abhi jaise kuch he samay shesh tha lekin Gulaabo aaj apne samay se pehle he uth khadi hui. Kamre se bahar khuli chhat par kadam rakhte he thandi hawa aur dhire dhire dhumil padte andhkaar ne uske jism ko taro-taja kar diya. Chehre par anyaas he is khoobsurat drishya aur thandak bhare ehsaas se prakritik muskaan ubhar gayi. Dur kshitiz me aasmaan aur prakriti abhi bhi aapas me jude se dikh rahe the. Gulaabo ko prakriti ke beech he jaise apne jiwant hone ka poora ehsaas hota tha aur aisa he haal abhi tha. Nange paanv wo khuli chhat par tehalti hui bade gilaas se paani ghoont ghoont kar peeti munder se bahar shaant sadak aur dur dur bane gharo ko niharne lagi. Is samay chalti thandi hawa uske patle jism ko dhakte dhile salwar kameej ko bhi apne veg se hilati hua rom rom ka sparsh karke apne hone ka adhbhut ehsaas karwati rahi. Gulaabo ne apne bhoore baalo ko khol kar unhe bhi is ehsaas ke liye ajaad kar chhoda. Nitya subah khaali peit paani peene ki aadat usko Jaanki amma se lagi thi aur aisa he Kavita bhi karti thi, jiska dhyaan aate he Gulaabo palat kar kamre ke bagal wale hisse ki taraf dekhne lagi toh apni he jagah jadd c reh gayi.
'Oh baap re. Ye bhaiya aur mutalli toh pati patni ki tarah soye hai, khuli chhat ke beecho beech.', Gulaabo ka hath uske mooh par he aa tika aise najaare ko dekh. 5-6 kadam duri par bichhawan bhale he 2 the par Chandan apne naam ko sarthak karke jaha ek vriksh sa pada tha wahi Kavita naagin si us par lipti hui poori tarah uske jism par leti thi. Dekhne ko toh ye dono bas so he rahe the lekin Chandan ke dono hath Kavita ke maansal kulho par itminaan se araam karte hue jaise khudko haqdaar bata rahe ho. Bhare bhare jism ki Kavita ka yu majboot aur lambe chaude Chandan par lipat kar sona Gulaabo ke liye toh ek tagda jhatka he tha. Hosh me aati hui wo jab sadhe kadmo se inke kareeb aayi toh sabse pehle najar Chandan ke chehre par gayi jo neend me bhi muskurata laga aur Kavita uske seene par baaya gaal dabaaye aise soyi padi thi jaise Chandan kahi us se dur na chala jaaye. Phule hue gaalo ke bawjood Kavita ke chehre par neend me bhi ek anoothi chahat aur sukoon sa tha jaise aaj he wo itminaan se soyi ho.
'Badi amma ne dekh liya toh jawaab dete na banega aur ye dono toh maje se aise soye pade hai jaise miya biwi apne band kamre me. Aur is mutalli ko itna bhi hosh nahi ki iska ye bhaari pichwada kaise ughda pada hai? Hey bhagwaan ab isko jagau ya badi amma par najar rakhu?', Gulaabo ne gor se dekha toh Kavita ki salwar kuch niche khisak kar kulho ke uthaan par fansi thi jaha se wo kasi hui lakeer ungli ke paure jitni bahar aur kurti chikni peeth tak upar khiski hui. Kuch soch kar Gulaabo dabe paanv he niche nikal chali jahan Jaanki Devi bhi apna bister tyaag kar usko neeche seedhiyon se aage khule aangan me taambe ki gadwi se paani peeti dikhi.
"Pranaam badi amma. Aap aaj jaldi uth gayi?", Unke charan sparsh karne ke baad diwar me dhansi khoonti se apna neela dupatta utha kar gale me leti hui Gulaabo ne nityakram ke liya prithak rakha apna lauta utha kar paani bharte hue poocha jaise wo unki toh le rahi ho. Jaanki Devi bhi daatun naram kar rahi thi.
"Mere liye bhi bhar de bitiya. Neend toh atchi aayi rahi lekin mausam me badlaav aur halki thandak se aankh apne aap he khul gayi. Atchi baat hai na ki samay se uth gaye. Teri choti amma toh apne samay he uthegi. Waise teri mutalli ko neend aayi ya wo phir usne fir se tujhe sataya?", Dheela khaadi ka kurta aur ghaghra pehne Jaanki Devi hamesha si jiwant he thi itni subah. Unke sawaal par Gulaabo mann me he bolne lagi.
'Neend toh usko bharpoor aayi hai lekin aapne dekh liya toh aapki neend na udd jaaye. Mutalli ne ab bhaiya ko sataya hai ya bhaiya ne usko, ye toh baad me puchungi main us se par hua toh jarur hai kuch na kuch.'
"Na badi amma, raat ko hum dono he thaki rahi aur naye kamre me toh hawa bhi badhiya aati hai isliye neend bhi gehri rahi. Main jara pehle so gayi thi isliye pata nahi ki Kavita kabtak jaagti rahi. Haan bhaiya jarur chhat par bichhawan daale hume soye mile the. Chaliye shauch se ho kar fir naha lete hai, uske baad aaj kaam bahot hai. Chhoti amma ko mere hath ki he chai pasand hai toh aaj chulha baalna mere jimme.", Gulaabo kitni fikar karti thi Kavita ki ye uski isi baat se saabit hota tha. Subah ka harek kaam apne jimme leti wo Kavita ke araam ko badhane ki he itchhuk thi.
"Tu na kabhi kabhi mujhe Kavita ki badi behan lagti hai aur kabhi uska bhai. Karti bhi tera he sabse jyada hai chahe tu usko sataane ka koyi mauka nahi jaane deti. Raat bhi maine bada samjhaya usko ki sath me bhojan kiya kar lekin kaan pe joon tak nahi rengti uske. Pehle rasoi nibtani hai fir sabko khilana aur aakhir me khud lekin tab bhi rasoi ke bahar andhere me akele baith kar. Kal ko tum dono ka byaah karungi tab kaise gujara hoga uska? Tu samajhdar hai Gulaabo aur atcha bura samajhti hai lekin Kavita badi bholi hai aur duniya ka darr usko ghar me he qaid kiye hai. Har kaam me kushal aur itni khoobsurat hone ka kya faayeda jab hamesha koyi na koyi sahara jaruri lage?", Dono dharam se daadi pauti ghar ka pichla kiwaad khol kar us taraf chal padi jaha prakriti bahutayat me thi aur nehar ka shaant kinara. Gulaabo apni badi amma ki kahi har baat par vichaar karti hui ekdum se bol uthi.
"Bhaiya se he byaah do mutalli ko. Ghar ki ghar me reh jaayegi aur hamesha ke liye majboot sahara bhi mil jaayega.", Jaanki Devi ke toh kadam he rukk gaye Gulaabo ka jawaab sunn kar. Wo thuddi par hath rakh kar aise ghoor rahi thi is shararti ladki ko jaise usne koyi dhamaka kar diya ho par Gulaabo ke chehre par shararat dur dur tak nahi dikhi aur Jaanki Devi wapis chalne lagi jaise unhe aise jawaab ki aasha he na thi.
"Maaf kar dijiyega agar meri baat se aapko dukh pahucha ho toh badi amma. Lekin Kavita ka dukh aap aur main he samajh sakti hai bas. Bhaiya ne bhi dukh jhela hai na choti amma ke sath lekin wo ek majboot insaan hai, dil ke bhale aur samajhdar hone ke sath. Kal Sarju ne phir se raah roki thi mutalli ki jab ye log Laali ki taraf gaye the. Puliya par Sarju ke sath wo muaa Sunil bhi tha jinhe dekhte he mutalli patthar ho jaati hai. Bhadde shabd kahe kal Sarju ne aur paanv bhi adaya Kavita ki raah me.", Ghane hisse me dono chali aayi lekin Gulaabo ki kahi har baat ko sunn kar Jaanki Devi ko Sarju se jyada krodh Chandan par aa raha tha.
"Aur usne ye baat mujhe na bataai? Ye Chandu toh neera maati ka maadhav hai agar uske rehte wo adna sa naaspita itna kuch kar gujra."
"Bhaiya ne toh dono ko he is nehar me patak diya jab Sarju ne hath badhane ki koshish ki. Aur bol bhi diya ki aainda najar utha kar bhi Kavita ko dekha toh wo unhe jungle wale chaurahe par latka denge. Kavita unki jimmewari hai jo unki daadi ne saunpi hai. Raat ko andhere me Kavita is raaste he wapis lauti jaha wo din dhalne par ghar se kadam tak bahar na rakh sakti. Aap he socho badi amma ki Chandan bhaiya ka prabhaav kitna kaam kar gaya us mutalli par.", Iske baad bas dono he ek dusre se dur shauch se nivrat hone lagi. Jab faarig ho chuki toh behte paani aur mitti se hath dhulne ke baad dono ke laute Gulaabo ne wahi nehar kinare he atche se maanje aur hath saaf karke apne dupatte se paunchti hui khamoshi se Jaanki devi se 2 kadam aage chalne lagi.
"Jara thehar toh Gulaabi.", Kayi baar Jaanki devi usko Gulaabi bulati thi jab jab unhe Gulaabo par pyaar aata ya Gulaabo gussa hoti. Gulaabo filhaal bas gambhir thi lekin apni jagah ruk gayi. Apni badi amma ke barabar aane par wo fir se chalne lagi toh Jaanki devi ne uske sar par bade he sneh se hath fera.
"Dekh Chandan mera pauta jarur hai lekin uske jiwan ke fainsle lene ka haq mujhse pehle Anuradha aur khud Chandan ko he hai. Par tujhse apne paute ke baare me jaan kar ab mera bhi mann kehta hai ki rasoi ki chaabi main Kavita ko he saunp du. Tere aur mere chahne se toh ye hone se raha. Ulta kahi Kavita he na bifar jaaye ki main usko apne he paute se bandhne ka soch rahi hu. Chandan ko ghar grehasthi ki samajh nahi hai abhi lekin hum dono apni apni taraf se thodi thodi koshish karte hai. Main pehle choti moti baato se Anuradha ke dil me Kavita ko pakka karti hu aur tu itne toh le Kavita ke mann ki. Isme koyi jaldbaaji nahi karni bitiya kyonki sab sehmat ho us se he rishta banta hai nahi toh nibhana bhi bojh. Chandan raaji ho jaaye lekin Anuradha nahi toh phir musibat. Aur agar Anuradha ke sath sath Kavita bhi maan jaaye lekin Chandan tayaar na hua toh wo isko dabaav he maanega. Tu samajh rahi hai na meri bachi?"
'Aap he nahi samajh rahi kyonki aapko pata nahi hai kuch. Kavita toh 9 maah me goad me bacha rakh de aapke agar un dono ka haal dekh lo.', Ye Gulaabo apne mann me he bol rahi thi lekin uske chehre ki muskaan dekh kar Jaanki devi ko araam pahucha.
"Koyi jaldbaaji nahi aur sab araam se. Main samajh gayi badi amma aur ab aisa he hoga. Lekin agar sab maan gaye toh main sone ki baaliyan loongi rishtey ki badhaai par. Haan nahi toh pehle he keh de rahi hu.", Gulaabo ki maang sunn kar ghar me daakhil hoti Jaanki devi ne usko apni bagal se laga liya.
"Main toh soch rahi thi ki dono hatho me aadha darjan choodiyan pehna du tere, sone ki. Jis din byaah ke jaayegi na tu is ghar se, tujhe Anuradha se 4 guna de kar vida karungi meri bachi. Meri mamta ko jiwit rakhni wali tum aur Kavita he toh ho jab teri choti amma aur bhai nahi the."
"Phir bhi baat jami nahi badi amma. Kavita ka toh sara kharcha bacha he reh gaya. Wo bhi mujhe de do toh main vida hone ka vichaar karu lekin fir bhi sauda ghaate ka hai. Main kahi nahi jaane wali ye ghar ke chhod ke. Na choodiyan pehanti na byaah karwati, bas aapke sath har subah shuru ho aur raat apne kamre me mutalli ko sataane ke sath khatam.", Aangan me aate he sann ki rassi se toliya utaar kar snaanghar ki khoonti par taangne ke baad Gulaabo ne 2 balti paani bhi bhitar rakh diya.
"Aap nahao idhar aur main chali nehar pe wapis.", Jaanki devi ne apne sar pe he hath rakh liya uski baat sunn kar.
"Kabhi kabhi toh tu mujhe mujhse bhi badi lagti hai aur fir tera ye roop dekhti hu toh lagta hai ki abhi bhi wahi 10 baras ki tikhi mirchi hai jo badi hone ka naam he na le rahi. Teri umar me Anuradha ki goad bhare 3 baras ho chuke the aur tu nehar me gauta lagane se hat rahi."
"Main toh chhoti amma ko bhi sang le jau, agar aap tokataaki na karo toh. Aur maine kaha tha ke unka byaah itni jaldi karwao? Bhaiya ke saamne wo unki maa kam aur bahin jyada lagti hai, wo bhi chhoti kyonki bhaiya toh aapse bhi aadha hath upar hai. Aati hu jaldi he.", Ek lambi kameej aur toliya uthaye wo wahi kiwaad se bahar daud chali peeche hare bhare hisse aur taja behte paani ki taraf.
'Ye ladki jaane kab kya kar de. Abhi beti aur naati ko ghar aaye din poora hua nahi aur isne nayi he kahani chhed di. Baat galat bhi kaha hai iski jab apni beti ko xx ki umar me he byaah diya aur uska beta apne nana dada se bhi aadh bilaant uncha ho chuka. Prabhu bas sarv sansaar ko khush rakhe.' Vastra tyaag kar Jaanki devi apne gathile badan par dhoti lapet kar bhor nikalte he nahane lagi. Amuman toh wo is waqt bister tyaag karti thi lekin jaise aaj ye khaas charcha samay se pehle honi likhi thi Gulaabo aur Jaanki devi ke beech. Surya ki kirano se pehle anginat aasha aur sukhad bhavishya ki kirne unke man mastishk ko sukoon de chuki thi.
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'Unhhhh.', Kavita kunmunati hui chehra palat ko fir se sone lagi toh Chandan ki aankh uski harkat se khul he gayi. Dono jaane kitne samay se ek he mudra me soye hue the jo abhi tak barkaraar thi. Kavita ke khule bikhre kesh Chandan ke gale kandhe se le kar niche bister tak faile hue. Dono hath uske bagal se seene ki taraf aur apna maansal bhaari seena sakht chhaati par dabaye Kavita toh pehli baar meethe sapno me leen thi parantu jaagne aur Kavita ki sthiti dekh Chandan ka wajood ek alag se ehsaas se bhar utha. Uske dono hath kisi naram gosht si jagah par tike the aur jaise he wo usko tatolne laga, bhaari kulho se fisal kar ungliyan gehri daraar ke strot tak ja pahuchi. Ek badi he naram aur lamas se bharpoor jagah thi jisko dabaane ki itcha apne aap he dil me utpann ho uthi. Par aisa karte he eksath do jagah asar hua. Kulho ke beech ka wo gudaaj naram hissa bas halke se dabane bhar se Chandan ka ardh-supt awastha wala ling buri tarah akad kar ek aur naram si maans bhari jagah dabaav banane laga toh dusra Kavita ke jism me ek tej jhurjhuri si uthi. Chandan ki aankhen toh is naye ehsaas aur anokhe aanand se punah band hui par apne kulho ke sath akshat yoni par ye dohra sparsh hote he Kavita ki unmaad aur sukoon se bhari aankhen dhire dhire poori khul gayi. Kavita ki wo badi badi gehri aur khoobsurat aankhen jinki palke samanya se dedh-2 guna lami aur ghani. Dono jaise swayam me he poori kaayenaat thi aur uska utna he mohak gorvarn bhara bhara sa chehra.
"Ummmm", Bas yahi ek madhur si halki dhwani uske hontho se foonti jab wo Chandan ke upari seene par thuddi tikaye sthiti ko samajhne lagi. Ek pal ko toh usko bas ye swapan sa laga kyonki uske neeche chaadar ki jagah Chandan bicha tha lekin yoni ke beech kuch alag kathor aur garam sparsh mann ko vichlit karke asliyat batane laga. Kavita khisak kar thoda aage hui toh usne wo motta golakar garam sparsh bhali bhanti jaangho ke beech fisalta mehsoos kiya. Chehre par garmi ka prabhaav aur alag si vichlit karti sthiti se wo abhi pashopesh me he thi ki Chandan ke mooh se nikalti apne jaisi sitkaar sunn kar wo seham si gayi. Yahi pal tha jab Chandan ne uske kulho ko thoda kas ke thaam liya aur dono ke najre aapas me mil gayi.
"Main..", Kavita atak atak kar bas yahi ek shabd keh saki thi kyonki khiskakne se ab wo thik Chandan ke chehre ke upar thi aur uske masoom chehre ko niharta Chandan toh jaise kuch kehna bolna he bhool baitha.
"Pata nahi.. neend me galti se.. ye sab..."
"Mujhe bura nahi lag raha Kavita. Tum sachmuch bahot pyaari ho.", Ek yuvak dwara aisi sthiti me apne liye ye shabd sunn kar Kavita bhag jana chahti thi lekin wo swayam he toh uske aagosh me uske upar bichhi thi. Mooh sharam se ferne ki koshish me uska bhara hua daaya gaal Chandan ke hontho se ragad khata hua fisal gaya. Honth kaan ke niche aa ruke toh Kavita buri tarah kaanp uthi lekin Chandan ke nathune me uske kesh aur badan ki khushbu ke sath sath komal chikne gaalo ka wo dilkash ehsaas sama gaya.
"Ye galat hai ji.. Mujhe jaane dijiye.", Aur yahi masoomiyat thi ki Kavita ki har baat ab Chandan ke liye ek aagya samaan ho chuki thi. Uske hatho ne nitambo ko ajaad kar diya lekin Kavita purv-vatt uske kandho ko thaam kar aankhe moonde waise he leti rahi. Ling ka agrabhag uski jaangho ke thik beecho beech daba tha. Ek alag si tapish aur naya sukh Kavita ko jaise Chandan se alag hone nahi de raha tha.
"Maine nahi tumne mujhe pakda hua hai maalkin. Upar kaun hai?", Kavita apne liye maalkin sunn kar buri tarah sharmane lagi thi aur is beech usne kuch jor se uske dono kandho par hatheliya daba di. Par ab alag toh hona he tha. Wo jaise he chehra upar karke uthne lagi toh kshann matra ke liye dono ki najre mili aur Chandan usko pareshaan na karte hue niche dekhne laga toh dhili kurti ke gale se jhaankte 2 shwet aur naram gole uske saamne aa ruke. Kavita ne bhi najro ka anusaran kiya aur fir wo ek pal bhi Chandan ke pehlu me ruk na saki. Dupatta aur bichhavan wahi chhod kar wo sarpat seedhiyon se neeche daud chali. Chandan ko toh sahi se ye maloom he nahi tha ke abhi itna kuch jo hua hai wo aakhir tha kya lekin baithne par jab kamar se niche dhyaan gaya toh uski dhoti bister par bichi thi aur wo purn nirvastra, jaangho ke beech us bhari bharkam ang ke sath jiski lambaai uski swayam ki hatheli se bhi dedh guna rahi hogi.
"Oh.. badi galti ho gayi mujhse toh. Nirvastra hone ka pata he nahi chala mujhe aur yahi wajah hogi Kavita ke aisa vyavahar karne ki. Sirf vivahit stree purush he ek dusre ka ling dekh sakte hai, vyask hone par. Parantu hum dono kya vaysk ho chuke hai?", Apni kamar par dhoti sahi se bandhne ke baad Chandan ne dono ke bichawan samet kar upar wale kamre me he rakh diye. Usko abhi tak prush aur mahila sansarg ka gyaan ratti bhar na tha aur agar thodi bahot samajh thi toh bas utni he ki dono ke beech kya samaan hota hai aur kya bhinn. Kuch waqt chhat par tehalne ke baad wo ye soch kar niche chal diya ki ekaant me Kavita se maafi maang lega.
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"Din dhall gaya.. hikkk.. raat rangeen hai.. hikk.. masti ang ang me... mahol sangeen hai.. hikkk..", Ye adhed sa vyakti jo kheto ki medh paar karke andhere me akela he masti me jhoomta hua gaanv se bahar ja raha tha, wo Sarpanch Karam Singh ka mitra Bijju he tha. Sharaab ki adhikta kaho ya is gaanv ka purana jaankar jo idhar he paida hua aur pala badha. Jaat se swarn aur aukaat se raees Bijju jism se bhi desi bhainsa he tha. Poore Paatan gaanv me ye bhainsa agar kisi ke saamne jhukta tha toh wo sirf Jaanki devi he thi lekin unke saamne jhukna iski majburi. Atchi khaasi upjau jameen, khoobusurat biwi, ek beta aur ek beti wala badhiya pariwar tha Bijju ka lekin Karam Singh aur iske karam andhere me itne bure the ki shayad he koyi gareeb mahila jo in par aashrit thi inse bachi ho. Par aaj maamla kuch aur he tha kyonki dopehar me Bijju ne gaanv se bahar wali taraf Laali ko nehar me snaan karte jo dekh liya tha. Bas tabhi se Laali ka kamsin jism, bhola chehra aur wo kaamuk drishya Bijju ke dilo dimaag par haavi ho chuka tha. Isme atyadhik ijafa desi sharaab aur Bhanwri ke sath Karam Singh ke sansarg ne kiya.
"Aye.. kaun hai be udhar.? Sala main Bijju hu Bijju, sher se bhi nahi darne wala. Hikk.. kidhar gaya be?", Halki hichkiyan leta hua Bijju us saaye ko dhoondne laga jo khule maidaan me he uski najro se aujhal ho gaya apna ehsaas karwa kar. Wo darne ki jagah idhar udhar usko talashne laga jisne uski raah me vyavdhaan daalne ki jurrat ki thi. Parantu udhar koyi hota toh dikhta. Syaah kaali raat me bas taare he timtima kar kuch prakaash dikha rahe the, chaand toh aaj bhi nadarad tha. Gamche se chehra saaf karta hua Bijju bade gor se chahun aur dekhne me laga tha aur aage badhte badhte wo nehar ke kinaare aa ruka jaha ek kataar se ghane vriksh jaise behte paani ko saheje the. Bijju ek vriksh ke tane par hath tikaye is jhurmutt aur thandak bhari jagah par har bharsak koshish kar raha tha us saaye ko talaashne ki.
"Eh.. pata nahi sala kaun is biyabaan me apni maiyaa humse chudwane aaya hai. Ae Laali, tayaar reh saali. Aaj tere amrood pilpile na kiye toh mera naam Bijju jamindaar nahi.", Nasha lagbhag utar he chuka tha is bhagdaud me aur jab talaash khatam hui toh maksad yaad aaya. Nehar kinare he toh usko aage badhna tha lekin is waqt Bijju gaanv se bahar ki taraf aa pahucha aur puliya idhar se koyi aadha kos dur. Bijju kutilta se muskurata hua nehar kinare he aage badhne laga. Uske khayaalon me ab sirf aur sirf Laali he thi aur kaise wo us masoom ko bhogne wala tha. Par ek baar fir se Bijju ke kadam thithke jab ek vriksh ki aut se ye mahila aakriti nikal kar uske aage he chalne lagi. Ek hath me lauta aur dusre me patli si chhadi ghumati wo apni he dhun me aise chal rahi thi jaise usko na koyi darr ho na parwaah.
"Ae suno tum..", Bijju ne jaise he us aage chali naari ko awaaj di, uske kadam turant thithak gaye. Gale me liya dupatta apne sar par karte hue wo itni aahista se palat rahi thi ki kareeb pahuche Bijju ki dhadkan swatah he badhne lagi. Patli dubli si kaya aur aise sar jhukaye khade hone se Bijju jyada kuch na dekh saka sirf chamakte hue laute ke. Par ab Bijju itne sameep khada tha ki wo uski sharirik sanrachna ko bhali-bhanti dekh pa raha tha. Ausat kad ki ye kaya koyi mahila na ho kar kamsin yuvti he thi jiske chehre ki laaj toh andhere me na dikhi par seham chuki thi ye Bijju ne jarur dekha.
"Ji.. Ji maalik.", Yuvti ke larajte hontho se bas yahi shabd ubhre aur uski meethi awaaj sunn kar Bijju ki aankhon me shaitaani chamak. Bijju toh bas uske aanchal se neeche ubhre hue seene par aa ruka. Wo golaaiyan jaise adhpaki si thi ya unhe paushan ki darkaar.
"Tum.. Tum itni raat me idhar akeli kya kar rahi ho? Ghar me bhai-behan nahi hai agar shoch tivra lagi thi?", Spasht shabd bolte hue Bijju apne hontho par jeebh phira raha tha jaise uske saamne ek yuvti na ho kar ke koyi pasandida pakwaan saja ho. Par ek baat jis par Bijju ne gor na kiya wo tha us yuvti ka aise ekaant me bhi sehajta se uske saamne khade rehna.
"Baapu toh kal he gujar gaye maalik aur bhai bahot chhota hai mera. Apne kaam ke liye amma aur bhai ko pareshani dena sahi na laga. Par maalik aap itti raat gaye enha biraane me?", Vivran sunn kar Bijju ki dhoti me toh uthaav hone laga tha kyonki yaha toh khud shikaar he uske paas chala aaya.
"Tum Chhagan ki bitiya Laali ho na? Hum tumhara dukh aur dard bhali bhanti samajh sakte hai. Sarpanch ne toh upar se aur bura kiya tumhare sath jo gaanv nikala de diya. Par ab tum Bijju ki sharan me ho jaha koyi dukh nahi milega par thoda dard mil sakta hai.", Bijju laar tapkata hua apne hath se us yuvti ka sar sehlate hue patle gaal par hatheli tikaye uski komalta ka ehsaas apne bhitar bharne laga. Yuvti ek pal ko toh kaanp he uthi par jaise wo bhi atche se jaanti thi ki bhaagne ya eitraaj karne ka natija uske paksh me nahi jaane wala.
"Ji maalik hamare baapu Chhagan ka kal dehant ho gaya tha jungle wale chaurahe ke paas. Par aap is bakhat yaha?", Laali aage bolte bolte jadd he reh gayi jab uski hansli (kandhe ki haddi) se rengta hua Bijju ka sakth hath kathor stann ke upar aa ruka. Kameej ke patle se kapde ke niche koyi anya vastra na tha aur aise kachhe stann ka tanaav aur uske akaar ko mehsoos karte hue Bijju ne wo poora maans apni mutthi me qaid he kar liye. Laali peeche hatna chahti thi par ab toh Bijju ka dusra majboot hath uske ghaghre par thik gol nitambh ko majbooti se thaam kar apni taraf khinchne laga.
"Is bakhat toh main tere he paas aa raha tha meri kabootari. Aahhh.. Tu kitni namkeen aur rasbhari hai ye tujhe kaha pata meri Laali.. Tujhe dopehar me jab nehar me nahate dekha tabhi soch liya tha ke aaj raat ko tera sara meetha ras aur namak jeeb bhar ka chakhunga. Uff.. lagta hai teri chuchi tune bhi kabhi dabaayi na hogi. Chodna toh main teri maa aur baaki behno ko bhi chahta hu par tere aage wo bhi feeki he lagi re Laali..", Bijju kitna balshaali tha iska saboot is se he milta tha ki Laali ke pichwade ko hath se dabate hue usne is masoom ko pratdwand ke bawjood apne sang jodne ke baad kuch upar utha liya. Laali dard se cheekhna chahti thi lekin kuch soch kar wo dard sehti hui Bijju ki manmaani aur baatein sunti rahi. Wo abhi bhi uski kachi kunwari chuchi ko hatheli me daboche hua tha.
"Aahhh. maalik.. mujhe jaane dijiye.. Dekhiye agar kuch anarth hua toh main zinda nahi reh sakungi aur peeche mera pariwar bikhar jaayega maalik.. Daya kijiye..."
"Hahaha.. Tujhe toh main na marne dunga aur na khudse dur jaane dunga.. Tera pariwar bhi main sambhal lunga ri Laali.. Teri chhoti behan ko bhi ek marad ki jarurat padegi aur teri maa.. ab tere baapu ke marne ke baad usko bhi toh raat me ek majboot aadmi ki jarurat rahegi? Dekh mera ye danda tere sath sath teri maa aur behan ki bhi jarurat kaise poori karta hai.", Nehar kinare, is andhkaar aur biyabaan me Bijju us masoom ko ghaans aur mitti ki satah par daboch kar letata hua ek hath se uski dono kalaai pakde aur dusre se ukhi ghaagri ko kamar tak chadhane ke baad patli taango ke beech aise baitha tha ki Laali hilne dulne par bhi jaanghe band na kar saki. Jaangho ke beech hath firate he Bijju ne halke reshmi baalo ka ehsaas paya aur ek chhoti si band lakeer.
"Maalik ye thik nahi hai.. Aahhhh.. jaane dijiye na maalik.. Main barbaad ho jaungi."
"Tum saale XXXXX bane he hamare bhogne ke liye ho. Tumhare marad toh hamari majduri karte ghiste rehte hai aur tumhari aag bujhani padti hai hum jaise jamindaaro ko. Lekin dhanyawaad ki jagah tum ulta hume he aabru lootne wala batati ho.. Aahhh.. saali teri toh surang me ungli bhi nahi ja rahi.. Maja aayega tujhe masalne me.", Lekin ab Laali ne ekdum se hilna he band kar diya tha aur jaise he Bijju apni dhoti hata kar uske upar jhukne laga usne dekha un safed aankhon ko jo us par he tiki thi. Itni sard muskurahat aur aisi aankhen jinme putli na ho kar bas doodhiya sphatik si roshni he thi. Bijju ek hath se lund aur dusre hatho se 2 kalaai thaame tha lekin ab uske hath me Laali ki kalaai toh kya khud Laali uske neeche nahi thi. Poora jism aise sihar utha jaise kisi ne uski meru me pighalta lava bhar diya ho.
"Bhog.. Bhog.. Bhog..", Teen bar ye shabd Bijju ke kaano me kisi shool se chubhe aur wo awaaj aisi jaise kayi kadam dur se aayi ho, behti hawa sang. Khamosh vatavaran me ulluon ki tej cheekh pukhaar bhar uthi jaise unke ghonsle par kisi ne humla kar diya ho. Kauve bhi kaanv kaanv ka rudan karne lage the aur behte paani me tap tap karke jaane kya kya gira jisne Bijju ko apni sthiti aur mahol ka bhaan karwaya toh uska antarman dehal utha. Wo nehar kinare jhuka hua jaise paani me apni chhavi dekh raha ho lekin uski chhavi ki aankhen... wo aankhen toh jaise kisi shaitaan ki thi.. sphatik si safed aur chamakdar. Bijju cheekhna chahta tha lekin uski jubaan ne sath na diya. Kaunve aur Ullu ab paani ke upar idhar udhar mandrate hue is manjaro ko atyadhik khaufnaak bana chuke the aur unke rudan ne jaise Bijju ko duniya se alag thalag he kar diya.
"Hey bhagwaan.. Bacha le.. Main paagal ho jaunga.. Bacha le bhagwaaaaannnnn..", Uske mooh se aakhir me jo shabd phunte unme bhagwaan shamil tha par kya is adharmi aur haivaan ki awaaj un tak pahuchne ki taqat rakhti thi? Jaise is waqt toh Bijju ke ishtdev bhi us se kinara kar chuke the. Kauvve andhkaar me udaan nahi bhar sakte par wo bechare jaane kis se bachna chahte the aur aise he kaanv kaanv karta hua ek kaak Bijju ke chehre se aa takraya. Kacch se uski aankh ki putli ko bhendta hua wo Kaak poor chonch bhitar fansaaye ajaad hone ke liye fadfadane laga. Us se jyada tadafna Bijju ka tha jo chinghadta cheekta hua idhar se udhar bhaagne laga. Koyi is drishya ko agar ujaale me bhi dekh leta toh hridyagati he ruk jaati. Chatpatata hua ek haivaan manushya jiski aankho me kala kaak apni poori chonch dhansaye khud bhi ajaad hone ki koshish me laga hua. Aankh se jaldhara ki taraf rista rakt aur pashu panchiyon ka aisa dil dehlane wala kolhal. Wo kauvva kismat se ajaad ho gaya aur chonch bahar nikalne par hue aur adhik dard se paagal hathi sa daudta Bijju us keekar ki motti daal se takrata hua behti paani me ja gira. 'Chhapaak' ki awaaj ke sath jaise baaki har dhwani awaaj par purn-viraam sa lag gaya.
"Bhogi ka bhog.. hahaha..", Ye meethi lekin dil dehlau khanakti awaaj us yuvti ki thi jo apni choti ko hath se pakad kar hilati hui paani ko niharne ke baad chamm chamm paayal chann kati hui andhere me aur aage badhti chali gayi jab tak uska aavran andhkaar me vileen na ho gaya. Bijju ka jism paani ke upar lauta he nahi jaise sachmuch uska bhog jaldhara ko arpit kiya gaya ho. Bas kumkum ke sthaan par tilak uske swaym ke rakt ka tha aur upasana ki jagah panchiyon aur uska apna rudan. Wo sthaan jaha Bijju gira tha, kya wo bhi adrishya chauraha tha ya raha hoga?
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Bhor hone me abhi jaise kuch he samay shesh tha lekin Gulaabo aaj apne samay se pehle he uth khadi hui. Kamre se bahar khuli chhat par kadam rakhte he thandi hawa aur dhire dhire dhumil padte andhkaar ne uske jism ko taro-taja kar diya. Chehre par anyaas he is khoobsurat drishya aur thandak bhare ehsaas se prakritik muskaan ubhar gayi. Dur kshitiz me aasmaan aur prakriti abhi bhi aapas me jude se dikh rahe the. Gulaabo ko prakriti ke beech he jaise apne jiwant hone ka poora ehsaas hota tha aur aisa he haal abhi tha. Nange paanv wo khuli chhat par tehalti hui bade gilaas se paani ghoont ghoont kar peeti munder se bahar shaant sadak aur dur dur bane gharo ko niharne lagi. Is samay chalti thandi hawa uske patle jism ko dhakte dhile salwar kameej ko bhi apne veg se hilati hua rom rom ka sparsh karke apne hone ka adhbhut ehsaas karwati rahi. Gulaabo ne apne bhoore baalo ko khol kar unhe bhi is ehsaas ke liye ajaad kar chhoda. Nitya subah khaali peit paani peene ki aadat usko Jaanki amma se lagi thi aur aisa he Kavita bhi karti thi, jiska dhyaan aate he Gulaabo palat kar kamre ke bagal wale hisse ki taraf dekhne lagi toh apni he jagah jadd c reh gayi.
'Oh baap re. Ye bhaiya aur mutalli toh pati patni ki tarah soye hai, khuli chhat ke beecho beech.', Gulaabo ka hath uske mooh par he aa tika aise najaare ko dekh. 5-6 kadam duri par bichhawan bhale he 2 the par Chandan apne naam ko sarthak karke jaha ek vriksh sa pada tha wahi Kavita naagin si us par lipti hui poori tarah uske jism par leti thi. Dekhne ko toh ye dono bas so he rahe the lekin Chandan ke dono hath Kavita ke maansal kulho par itminaan se araam karte hue jaise khudko haqdaar bata rahe ho. Bhare bhare jism ki Kavita ka yu majboot aur lambe chaude Chandan par lipat kar sona Gulaabo ke liye toh ek tagda jhatka he tha. Hosh me aati hui wo jab sadhe kadmo se inke kareeb aayi toh sabse pehle najar Chandan ke chehre par gayi jo neend me bhi muskurata laga aur Kavita uske seene par baaya gaal dabaaye aise soyi padi thi jaise Chandan kahi us se dur na chala jaaye. Phule hue gaalo ke bawjood Kavita ke chehre par neend me bhi ek anoothi chahat aur sukoon sa tha jaise aaj he wo itminaan se soyi ho.
'Badi amma ne dekh liya toh jawaab dete na banega aur ye dono toh maje se aise soye pade hai jaise miya biwi apne band kamre me. Aur is mutalli ko itna bhi hosh nahi ki iska ye bhaari pichwada kaise ughda pada hai? Hey bhagwaan ab isko jagau ya badi amma par najar rakhu?', Gulaabo ne gor se dekha toh Kavita ki salwar kuch niche khisak kar kulho ke uthaan par fansi thi jaha se wo kasi hui lakeer ungli ke paure jitni bahar aur kurti chikni peeth tak upar khiski hui. Kuch soch kar Gulaabo dabe paanv he niche nikal chali jahan Jaanki Devi bhi apna bister tyaag kar usko neeche seedhiyon se aage khule aangan me taambe ki gadwi se paani peeti dikhi.
"Pranaam badi amma. Aap aaj jaldi uth gayi?", Unke charan sparsh karne ke baad diwar me dhansi khoonti se apna neela dupatta utha kar gale me leti hui Gulaabo ne nityakram ke liya prithak rakha apna lauta utha kar paani bharte hue poocha jaise wo unki toh le rahi ho. Jaanki Devi bhi daatun naram kar rahi thi.
"Mere liye bhi bhar de bitiya. Neend toh atchi aayi rahi lekin mausam me badlaav aur halki thandak se aankh apne aap he khul gayi. Atchi baat hai na ki samay se uth gaye. Teri choti amma toh apne samay he uthegi. Waise teri mutalli ko neend aayi ya wo phir usne fir se tujhe sataya?", Dheela khaadi ka kurta aur ghaghra pehne Jaanki Devi hamesha si jiwant he thi itni subah. Unke sawaal par Gulaabo mann me he bolne lagi.
'Neend toh usko bharpoor aayi hai lekin aapne dekh liya toh aapki neend na udd jaaye. Mutalli ne ab bhaiya ko sataya hai ya bhaiya ne usko, ye toh baad me puchungi main us se par hua toh jarur hai kuch na kuch.'
"Na badi amma, raat ko hum dono he thaki rahi aur naye kamre me toh hawa bhi badhiya aati hai isliye neend bhi gehri rahi. Main jara pehle so gayi thi isliye pata nahi ki Kavita kabtak jaagti rahi. Haan bhaiya jarur chhat par bichhawan daale hume soye mile the. Chaliye shauch se ho kar fir naha lete hai, uske baad aaj kaam bahot hai. Chhoti amma ko mere hath ki he chai pasand hai toh aaj chulha baalna mere jimme.", Gulaabo kitni fikar karti thi Kavita ki ye uski isi baat se saabit hota tha. Subah ka harek kaam apne jimme leti wo Kavita ke araam ko badhane ki he itchhuk thi.
"Tu na kabhi kabhi mujhe Kavita ki badi behan lagti hai aur kabhi uska bhai. Karti bhi tera he sabse jyada hai chahe tu usko sataane ka koyi mauka nahi jaane deti. Raat bhi maine bada samjhaya usko ki sath me bhojan kiya kar lekin kaan pe joon tak nahi rengti uske. Pehle rasoi nibtani hai fir sabko khilana aur aakhir me khud lekin tab bhi rasoi ke bahar andhere me akele baith kar. Kal ko tum dono ka byaah karungi tab kaise gujara hoga uska? Tu samajhdar hai Gulaabo aur atcha bura samajhti hai lekin Kavita badi bholi hai aur duniya ka darr usko ghar me he qaid kiye hai. Har kaam me kushal aur itni khoobsurat hone ka kya faayeda jab hamesha koyi na koyi sahara jaruri lage?", Dono dharam se daadi pauti ghar ka pichla kiwaad khol kar us taraf chal padi jaha prakriti bahutayat me thi aur nehar ka shaant kinara. Gulaabo apni badi amma ki kahi har baat par vichaar karti hui ekdum se bol uthi.
"Bhaiya se he byaah do mutalli ko. Ghar ki ghar me reh jaayegi aur hamesha ke liye majboot sahara bhi mil jaayega.", Jaanki Devi ke toh kadam he rukk gaye Gulaabo ka jawaab sunn kar. Wo thuddi par hath rakh kar aise ghoor rahi thi is shararti ladki ko jaise usne koyi dhamaka kar diya ho par Gulaabo ke chehre par shararat dur dur tak nahi dikhi aur Jaanki Devi wapis chalne lagi jaise unhe aise jawaab ki aasha he na thi.
"Maaf kar dijiyega agar meri baat se aapko dukh pahucha ho toh badi amma. Lekin Kavita ka dukh aap aur main he samajh sakti hai bas. Bhaiya ne bhi dukh jhela hai na choti amma ke sath lekin wo ek majboot insaan hai, dil ke bhale aur samajhdar hone ke sath. Kal Sarju ne phir se raah roki thi mutalli ki jab ye log Laali ki taraf gaye the. Puliya par Sarju ke sath wo muaa Sunil bhi tha jinhe dekhte he mutalli patthar ho jaati hai. Bhadde shabd kahe kal Sarju ne aur paanv bhi adaya Kavita ki raah me.", Ghane hisse me dono chali aayi lekin Gulaabo ki kahi har baat ko sunn kar Jaanki Devi ko Sarju se jyada krodh Chandan par aa raha tha.
"Aur usne ye baat mujhe na bataai? Ye Chandu toh neera maati ka maadhav hai agar uske rehte wo adna sa naaspita itna kuch kar gujra."
"Bhaiya ne toh dono ko he is nehar me patak diya jab Sarju ne hath badhane ki koshish ki. Aur bol bhi diya ki aainda najar utha kar bhi Kavita ko dekha toh wo unhe jungle wale chaurahe par latka denge. Kavita unki jimmewari hai jo unki daadi ne saunpi hai. Raat ko andhere me Kavita is raaste he wapis lauti jaha wo din dhalne par ghar se kadam tak bahar na rakh sakti. Aap he socho badi amma ki Chandan bhaiya ka prabhaav kitna kaam kar gaya us mutalli par.", Iske baad bas dono he ek dusre se dur shauch se nivrat hone lagi. Jab faarig ho chuki toh behte paani aur mitti se hath dhulne ke baad dono ke laute Gulaabo ne wahi nehar kinare he atche se maanje aur hath saaf karke apne dupatte se paunchti hui khamoshi se Jaanki devi se 2 kadam aage chalne lagi.
"Jara thehar toh Gulaabi.", Kayi baar Jaanki devi usko Gulaabi bulati thi jab jab unhe Gulaabo par pyaar aata ya Gulaabo gussa hoti. Gulaabo filhaal bas gambhir thi lekin apni jagah ruk gayi. Apni badi amma ke barabar aane par wo fir se chalne lagi toh Jaanki devi ne uske sar par bade he sneh se hath fera.
"Dekh Chandan mera pauta jarur hai lekin uske jiwan ke fainsle lene ka haq mujhse pehle Anuradha aur khud Chandan ko he hai. Par tujhse apne paute ke baare me jaan kar ab mera bhi mann kehta hai ki rasoi ki chaabi main Kavita ko he saunp du. Tere aur mere chahne se toh ye hone se raha. Ulta kahi Kavita he na bifar jaaye ki main usko apne he paute se bandhne ka soch rahi hu. Chandan ko ghar grehasthi ki samajh nahi hai abhi lekin hum dono apni apni taraf se thodi thodi koshish karte hai. Main pehle choti moti baato se Anuradha ke dil me Kavita ko pakka karti hu aur tu itne toh le Kavita ke mann ki. Isme koyi jaldbaaji nahi karni bitiya kyonki sab sehmat ho us se he rishta banta hai nahi toh nibhana bhi bojh. Chandan raaji ho jaaye lekin Anuradha nahi toh phir musibat. Aur agar Anuradha ke sath sath Kavita bhi maan jaaye lekin Chandan tayaar na hua toh wo isko dabaav he maanega. Tu samajh rahi hai na meri bachi?"
'Aap he nahi samajh rahi kyonki aapko pata nahi hai kuch. Kavita toh 9 maah me goad me bacha rakh de aapke agar un dono ka haal dekh lo.', Ye Gulaabo apne mann me he bol rahi thi lekin uske chehre ki muskaan dekh kar Jaanki devi ko araam pahucha.
"Koyi jaldbaaji nahi aur sab araam se. Main samajh gayi badi amma aur ab aisa he hoga. Lekin agar sab maan gaye toh main sone ki baaliyan loongi rishtey ki badhaai par. Haan nahi toh pehle he keh de rahi hu.", Gulaabo ki maang sunn kar ghar me daakhil hoti Jaanki devi ne usko apni bagal se laga liya.
"Main toh soch rahi thi ki dono hatho me aadha darjan choodiyan pehna du tere, sone ki. Jis din byaah ke jaayegi na tu is ghar se, tujhe Anuradha se 4 guna de kar vida karungi meri bachi. Meri mamta ko jiwit rakhni wali tum aur Kavita he toh ho jab teri choti amma aur bhai nahi the."
"Phir bhi baat jami nahi badi amma. Kavita ka toh sara kharcha bacha he reh gaya. Wo bhi mujhe de do toh main vida hone ka vichaar karu lekin fir bhi sauda ghaate ka hai. Main kahi nahi jaane wali ye ghar ke chhod ke. Na choodiyan pehanti na byaah karwati, bas aapke sath har subah shuru ho aur raat apne kamre me mutalli ko sataane ke sath khatam.", Aangan me aate he sann ki rassi se toliya utaar kar snaanghar ki khoonti par taangne ke baad Gulaabo ne 2 balti paani bhi bhitar rakh diya.
"Aap nahao idhar aur main chali nehar pe wapis.", Jaanki devi ne apne sar pe he hath rakh liya uski baat sunn kar.
"Kabhi kabhi toh tu mujhe mujhse bhi badi lagti hai aur fir tera ye roop dekhti hu toh lagta hai ki abhi bhi wahi 10 baras ki tikhi mirchi hai jo badi hone ka naam he na le rahi. Teri umar me Anuradha ki goad bhare 3 baras ho chuke the aur tu nehar me gauta lagane se hat rahi."
"Main toh chhoti amma ko bhi sang le jau, agar aap tokataaki na karo toh. Aur maine kaha tha ke unka byaah itni jaldi karwao? Bhaiya ke saamne wo unki maa kam aur bahin jyada lagti hai, wo bhi chhoti kyonki bhaiya toh aapse bhi aadha hath upar hai. Aati hu jaldi he.", Ek lambi kameej aur toliya uthaye wo wahi kiwaad se bahar daud chali peeche hare bhare hisse aur taja behte paani ki taraf.
'Ye ladki jaane kab kya kar de. Abhi beti aur naati ko ghar aaye din poora hua nahi aur isne nayi he kahani chhed di. Baat galat bhi kaha hai iski jab apni beti ko xx ki umar me he byaah diya aur uska beta apne nana dada se bhi aadh bilaant uncha ho chuka. Prabhu bas sarv sansaar ko khush rakhe.' Vastra tyaag kar Jaanki devi apne gathile badan par dhoti lapet kar bhor nikalte he nahane lagi. Amuman toh wo is waqt bister tyaag karti thi lekin jaise aaj ye khaas charcha samay se pehle honi likhi thi Gulaabo aur Jaanki devi ke beech. Surya ki kirano se pehle anginat aasha aur sukhad bhavishya ki kirne unke man mastishk ko sukoon de chuki thi.
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'Unhhhh.', Kavita kunmunati hui chehra palat ko fir se sone lagi toh Chandan ki aankh uski harkat se khul he gayi. Dono jaane kitne samay se ek he mudra me soye hue the jo abhi tak barkaraar thi. Kavita ke khule bikhre kesh Chandan ke gale kandhe se le kar niche bister tak faile hue. Dono hath uske bagal se seene ki taraf aur apna maansal bhaari seena sakht chhaati par dabaye Kavita toh pehli baar meethe sapno me leen thi parantu jaagne aur Kavita ki sthiti dekh Chandan ka wajood ek alag se ehsaas se bhar utha. Uske dono hath kisi naram gosht si jagah par tike the aur jaise he wo usko tatolne laga, bhaari kulho se fisal kar ungliyan gehri daraar ke strot tak ja pahuchi. Ek badi he naram aur lamas se bharpoor jagah thi jisko dabaane ki itcha apne aap he dil me utpann ho uthi. Par aisa karte he eksath do jagah asar hua. Kulho ke beech ka wo gudaaj naram hissa bas halke se dabane bhar se Chandan ka ardh-supt awastha wala ling buri tarah akad kar ek aur naram si maans bhari jagah dabaav banane laga toh dusra Kavita ke jism me ek tej jhurjhuri si uthi. Chandan ki aankhen toh is naye ehsaas aur anokhe aanand se punah band hui par apne kulho ke sath akshat yoni par ye dohra sparsh hote he Kavita ki unmaad aur sukoon se bhari aankhen dhire dhire poori khul gayi. Kavita ki wo badi badi gehri aur khoobsurat aankhen jinki palke samanya se dedh-2 guna lami aur ghani. Dono jaise swayam me he poori kaayenaat thi aur uska utna he mohak gorvarn bhara bhara sa chehra.
"Ummmm", Bas yahi ek madhur si halki dhwani uske hontho se foonti jab wo Chandan ke upari seene par thuddi tikaye sthiti ko samajhne lagi. Ek pal ko toh usko bas ye swapan sa laga kyonki uske neeche chaadar ki jagah Chandan bicha tha lekin yoni ke beech kuch alag kathor aur garam sparsh mann ko vichlit karke asliyat batane laga. Kavita khisak kar thoda aage hui toh usne wo motta golakar garam sparsh bhali bhanti jaangho ke beech fisalta mehsoos kiya. Chehre par garmi ka prabhaav aur alag si vichlit karti sthiti se wo abhi pashopesh me he thi ki Chandan ke mooh se nikalti apne jaisi sitkaar sunn kar wo seham si gayi. Yahi pal tha jab Chandan ne uske kulho ko thoda kas ke thaam liya aur dono ke najre aapas me mil gayi.
"Main..", Kavita atak atak kar bas yahi ek shabd keh saki thi kyonki khiskakne se ab wo thik Chandan ke chehre ke upar thi aur uske masoom chehre ko niharta Chandan toh jaise kuch kehna bolna he bhool baitha.
"Pata nahi.. neend me galti se.. ye sab..."
"Mujhe bura nahi lag raha Kavita. Tum sachmuch bahot pyaari ho.", Ek yuvak dwara aisi sthiti me apne liye ye shabd sunn kar Kavita bhag jana chahti thi lekin wo swayam he toh uske aagosh me uske upar bichhi thi. Mooh sharam se ferne ki koshish me uska bhara hua daaya gaal Chandan ke hontho se ragad khata hua fisal gaya. Honth kaan ke niche aa ruke toh Kavita buri tarah kaanp uthi lekin Chandan ke nathune me uske kesh aur badan ki khushbu ke sath sath komal chikne gaalo ka wo dilkash ehsaas sama gaya.
"Ye galat hai ji.. Mujhe jaane dijiye.", Aur yahi masoomiyat thi ki Kavita ki har baat ab Chandan ke liye ek aagya samaan ho chuki thi. Uske hatho ne nitambo ko ajaad kar diya lekin Kavita purv-vatt uske kandho ko thaam kar aankhe moonde waise he leti rahi. Ling ka agrabhag uski jaangho ke thik beecho beech daba tha. Ek alag si tapish aur naya sukh Kavita ko jaise Chandan se alag hone nahi de raha tha.
"Maine nahi tumne mujhe pakda hua hai maalkin. Upar kaun hai?", Kavita apne liye maalkin sunn kar buri tarah sharmane lagi thi aur is beech usne kuch jor se uske dono kandho par hatheliya daba di. Par ab alag toh hona he tha. Wo jaise he chehra upar karke uthne lagi toh kshann matra ke liye dono ki najre mili aur Chandan usko pareshaan na karte hue niche dekhne laga toh dhili kurti ke gale se jhaankte 2 shwet aur naram gole uske saamne aa ruke. Kavita ne bhi najro ka anusaran kiya aur fir wo ek pal bhi Chandan ke pehlu me ruk na saki. Dupatta aur bichhavan wahi chhod kar wo sarpat seedhiyon se neeche daud chali. Chandan ko toh sahi se ye maloom he nahi tha ke abhi itna kuch jo hua hai wo aakhir tha kya lekin baithne par jab kamar se niche dhyaan gaya toh uski dhoti bister par bichi thi aur wo purn nirvastra, jaangho ke beech us bhari bharkam ang ke sath jiski lambaai uski swayam ki hatheli se bhi dedh guna rahi hogi.
"Oh.. badi galti ho gayi mujhse toh. Nirvastra hone ka pata he nahi chala mujhe aur yahi wajah hogi Kavita ke aisa vyavahar karne ki. Sirf vivahit stree purush he ek dusre ka ling dekh sakte hai, vyask hone par. Parantu hum dono kya vaysk ho chuke hai?", Apni kamar par dhoti sahi se bandhne ke baad Chandan ne dono ke bichawan samet kar upar wale kamre me he rakh diye. Usko abhi tak prush aur mahila sansarg ka gyaan ratti bhar na tha aur agar thodi bahot samajh thi toh bas utni he ki dono ke beech kya samaan hota hai aur kya bhinn. Kuch waqt chhat par tehalne ke baad wo ye soch kar niche chal diya ki ekaant me Kavita se maafi maang lega.
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OP
Member
LEVEL 1
50 XP
"Maa nahi dikh rahi naani?", Chandan ne apni naani ka aashirwad lene se pehle Anuradha ka kamra bhi dekh liya tha jaha bister vyavasthit tha. Bahar aangan me Jaanki Devi bas abhi abhi snaanghar se nikal kar saaf kapde pehan ne ke pashchat tulsi me argh de kar laut rahi thi. Ek bharpoor nigaah apne hatte katte aur saafdil naati par daalne ke baad usko aashirwad deti hui wo boli.
"Abhi shauch ke liye gayi hai Kavita ke sath. Ja tu bhi ho aa aur aaj daatun se kaam chala le, manjan Gulaabo ke sath jaayega bahar tab lete aana."
"Agar aapko eitraaj na ho naani toh main nehar me he naha lu? Ye snaanghar aur nalke ke niche toh hamesha he nahata raha hu lekin nehar par toh sirf pita ji ke sath he jana hota tha, jab kabhi unhe avkash milta. Waise main daant haldi, namak aur teil se he maanjta hu. Keeda bhi nahi lagta aur masude se rakt bhi nahi nikalta.", Apne naati ki aisi baat sunn kar wo uske sath he rasoighar ki taraf chal padi. Waha se usko daant saaf karne ke liye samaan dene ke sath he nehar par le jaane ke liye gamcha aur ek pajama dete hue boli.
"Atchi baat hai beta aur tere nana khud nehar pe he nahana pasand karte the. Teri maa bhi jaati rahi par jab samajhdar hone lagi toh jana band kar diya. Behta paani tvacha sukha deta hai agar dhoop me nahao, isliye maalish bhi jaruri hai nahaate samay.", Unhone kaanch ki choti shishi uski taraf badha di jisme sunehari taral bhara tha.
"Filhal toh dhoop aane me bahot samay hai naani lekin maalish karna shehat ke liye faaydemand he hai. Kuch waqt me aata hu wapis.", Chandan toh nikal gaya aur Jaanki devi usko jata dekh kar muskurati hui bahar aangan me chule ka jalawan ekatrit karne lagi. Abhi wo lakdiyan chhant he rahi thi bade dher se ki bahar darwaje par dastak sunn kar tej kadmo se udhar he chal padi. Ghar me is waqt ek wahi toh maujood thi. 2-3 dastak hone par wo saankal alag karke darwaja kholti hui bahar dekhne lagi toh safed moonch wala ye 50-55 baras ka unke he khet ki rakhwali karne wala vyakti khada tha, hath jode. Aur uske sath he bailgaadi liye 2 aur log.
"Kaho Shambhu, itti savere kaise aana hua? Aur ye Surinder tumhare sath aaya hai?", 24-25 baras ka wo ujle kurte pajme wala yuvak khud he hath jodd kar dehleej pe aa khada hua jiski wajah se Shabmbhu dono se kuch duri par ho gaya.
"Ram ram badi amma. Aapki bailgaadi he dene gaye the agle gaanv se aate hue aur nehar ke modd par Bijju kaka ki laash phansi mili. Ye Sushil gawaah hai badi amma ki humara is se koyi lena dena nahi aur agle gaanv se bhi puchwa sakte hai ki hum bhor hone se pehle he waha se apne gaanv ke liye nikal chale the.", Ye lagatar dusra din tha jab unki dehleej par shuak samachar mila tha gaanv me kisi ki mrityu ka lekin Bijju swarn tha aur jamindaar bhi. Ghatna samanya nahi thi lekin Jaanki Devi ko jaise Bijju se koyi khaas sarokaar nahi tha.
"Toh tum ghabra kyun rahe ho beta? Nehar me lash mili hai jo kahi se bhi beh kar aa sakti hai. Utni gehri bhi nahi ki Bijju usme doob kar mara ho jiska matlab hai ki usko ya toh maar kar giraya gaya hoga jis se lash beh kar kisi ke hath na lage ya wo sharaabi thokar kha kar andhere me ja gira hoga usme. Kis haalat me lash mili hai?", Jaanki Devi ki baat sunn kar yuvak thoda sehaj hua lekin mamla ek naami vyakti ki maut ka tha jo gambhir baat thi.
"Badi amma, sharir toh paani ke upar he jhuki daal me fansa pada tha par kaka nirvastra the aur ek aankh nahi thi. Jaise kisi ne fodd di ho... Aur..", Aage kehte kehte Surinder fir se asehaj padne laga toh Jaanki Devi ne kandhe par hath rakh kar bolne ka haunsla diya.
"Aur kya dekha tumne?"
"Unka ling nahi tha amma.", Ye sunn kar Jaanki Devi ne ek gehri saans bhari aur fir Shambhu se ru ba ru hui.
"Tum bhi gawaah ho Sushil ke sath Shambhu aur jo tumne suna wahi tumne dekha. Inhe sath le kar Karam Singh ke ghar jao aur us se kehna ki puliya se le kar modd tak atche se jaanch kare wo apne sath 3-4 log shamil karke. Bijju bhi toh uska he saga tha aur kal raat bhi jarur dono sath he rahe honge.", Jaanki Devi jaise gaanv ke har insaan aur uski sangat aadat se waakif thi. Lekin aaj koyi Chhagan ya Jhamru ki maut toh nahi hui thi jo iska prabhaav na padta. Bijju Jamindar ka bhi kuch rutba tha jiska matlab tha ki gaanv ke samast purush sanskaar me shaamil honge aur mahilayen Bijju ke aangan me shauk sabha ke liye.
"Ji amma ji jaisa aapne kaha, hamaar sar maathe par. Aagya dijiye.", Shambhu umar-daraaj ho kar bhi inse waise he pesh aata tha jaise gaanv ke sabhi bache aur bade, siwaye bujurgo ke.
"Sushil beta, pata karke batana jara sanskaar ke samay ka. Mera naati jarur shamil hoga usme. Baaki tum log sachet rehte ho ye atchi baat hai lekin niyat saaf ho toh ghabraya matt karo.", Jaanki devi ne hath jodd kar unhe vida karke darwaja fir se band kar diya. Ab wo khud ek uljhan me phans chuki thi is ghatna se. Jidhar Bijju ki laash mili thi wo jagah bhi gaanv se bahar thi aur puliya gaanv ki hadd. Is taraf jitne bhi khet the wo chaudhariyon ke the lekin puliya se modd tak toh dono taraf ki jameen unki khudki he thi jisme jyadatar hissa toh maidaani he the. Lekin us se aage ki taraf ... Wo khet khud Karam Singh aur uske bhaiyon ke the. Matlab saaf tha ki Bijju ki sthiti ke baare me kahi na kahi Karam Singh bhi jaanta tha ya Bijju uski taraf se he idhar aaya hoga. Lekin gaanv se bahar wo raat me kya lene jaayega wo bhi akela?
"Oh Shambhu, jara suno.", Darwaja turant khol kar unhone unchi awaaj de kar bailgaadi par baith kar nikalte Shambu ko pukara jo gaadi raah pe chhod kar teji se idhar lapka. Surinder aur Sushil toh pichle fatte par bori bichhaye aise baithe the jaise wo sawaari ho kahi dur se aayi.
"Ji badi amma?", Prashanvachak drishty se usne ek bar dekhne ke baad hath jodd kar poocha.
"Inhe chaurahe par utaar kar tum gaadi adde se aage khadi kar dena. Daayi taraf jidhar Karme ki jameen hai, waha Bhanwari ya Gokul me se koyi mile toh sirf unhe he sandesh dena ki maine bulaya hai. Turant prabhaav se aaye yaha aur agar koyi sawaal pooche bhi toh logo se toh yahi kehna hai ki Lakshmi ke daaj (dahej) ke liye thoda samaan dena hai. Chook na ho koyi aur uske baad tum bhi sarpanch ke sath talaashi me shamil rehna. Vastra gayab the toh kahi na kahi toh milenge, jarur milenge.", Jaanki Devi ne apna sandesh samjha kar ek bharpoor nigaah apne vafadar par daali jo haami bharta hua phir se nikal chala. Idhar jaha ye haadse ki khabar Jaanki devi ko lagi thi, wahi dusri taraf ek aur haadsa ya kayi haadse hone lage the.
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"Tumhe kabhi maa ne bataya hai ki tum kitni khoobsurat hai Kavita?", Shauch par sath nikli Kavita aur Anuradha ghar se kuch jyada he duri par aur purn ekaant ki taraf ja rahi thi. Kavita toh apni he soch me khoyi chal rahi thi aur Anuradha is suhavne prakriti se bhare mahol ka raspaan karti hui. Grishm hritu me bhi ye gaanv aur khaas kar nehar ke aaspaas ke poora ilaaka he hara bhara tha. Kahi koyal ki kuhu kuhu toh kahi panchiyon ka shor jo Anuradha ke pita dwara lagaya aam ke ghane vriksho par jamghat lagaye hue the. Badan par wahi kal wali kasi hui choli aur gulabi dhoti pehne Anuradha sambhal kar dekh dekh kar chal rahi thi jabki Kavita abhyast ho chuki thi lekin aaj wo Gulaabo ki jagah Anuradha ke sath aayi thi.
"Mujhe toh nahi lagta kaaki ki main khoobsurat hu. Haan aapse sundar mahila maine is gaanv me nahi dekhi. Gulaabo bhi keh rahi thi ki aap chhote maalik ki amma nahi lagti, bahin he dikhti hai.", Kavita antardwand se grasit khud he Anuradha ki tareef karne lagi jo kal saanjh se he apne bete ke baare me sochne tak se bach rahi thi. Par naari-sulabh khudki prashansha sunn kar wo bhi muskurayi aur pratiuttar me Kavita bhi, kuch sharam ke sath. Anuradha ko ye dekh kar kuch adhik he khushi mili ki aisi antarmukhi ladki jo kaafi hadd tak uske he jaisi thi, muskurate hue sharmati hai toh kitni haseen lagti hai. Gulaabo chanchal aur tej taraar thi lekin ye chhui mooyi si par utni he mehnati jisne poora ghar he sambhaal rakha tha ek mahila ki tarah.
"Mera beta 18 baras paar kar chuka hai Kavita aur usko tum chote maalik nahi Chandan keh kar bulao toh behtar rahega. Waise Gulaabo mujhe choti amma kehti hai aur rahi baat khoobsurti ki toh seerat aur surat se tum harek se behtar ho. Chandan kuch samajhdar aur kaam kaaj kar raha hota toh main meri se tumhe he maang leti.", Ab Kavita pehle se kahi adhik he sharam se bhar uthi kyonki wo Chandan ko naam se kaise bula sakti thi. Fir maang lena jaise usko samajh he na aaya.
"Kaaki mujhe maangne se aapka matlab? Main toh aapke he ghar pe hu na aur badi amma hamesha kehti hai ke main unki he pauti hu. Jab pehle se he aapke pas hu toh maangna kyun mujhe aur wo bhi ..Chandan ji ke liye..", Ye naam lete lete usko samajh aa he gaya tha ke asal baat kya kahi thi Anuradha ne aur ab wo thoda aage badh gayi.
"Tum sachmuch he bahot pyaari ho gudiya. Maangne se matlab hai tumhe hamesha ke liye apne pas rakhna, bahu ke roop me. Par Chandan khud ko saabit toh kare tabhi baat karu. Maa aise toh kabhi nahi maanengi kyonki unhe tumse pyaar bhi bahot hai aur baat aakhir tumhare jiwan ki hai. Iska fainsla jaldbaaji me nahi hota.", Kavita toh ab kuch bolne laayak he na rahi thi aur dono he ek dusre se kuch duri par jhaadiyon ki aut me ja baithi. Inki jaha bhavishya ke prati khatti meethi baatchit chal rahi thi wahi inse viprit disha me aur kahi dur Chandan nityakram se nibat kar jism pe angocha bandh kar aahista se nehar ke thande paani me utar chuka tha. Aisa nahi tha ki usko teirna nahi aata tha, bas wo is khamoshi me sukoon se nahana chahta tha. Gale se thoda upar tak wo behta hua saaf nirmal jal har thakaan aur aalas ko dur karta jism me urja bharne laga. Sharir ko mal mal kar nahate hue wo baar baar dubki lagata aur kuch waqt paani ke niche saans rok kar fir wapis khada ho jata. Ye uska priya khel tha jiska khaasa abhyaas tha Chandan ko kyonki uske pita aisa 51 baar tak kar lete the jab Chandan unke sath jata. Abhyaas se wo unse aage nikal kar paani ke bhitar he kaafi dur tak ek saans me nikal jata tha lekin dubki lagane ka aanand kahi adhik tha.
"Oh maiyaa ji.. andhe ho kya? aahhh.. Maaf karna bhaiya..", Chandan is baar kuch adhik he samay paani ke bheetar ruk kar bahaav se viprit disha me tha aur jaise he wo bahar nikalne laga thik sar ke upar kuch naram sa laga aur jo bhi uske sar se takraya tha wo paani me he palat gaya. Chandan ko itna toh pata chal chuka tha ke ye koyi insaan he hai aur uska sar is vyakti ke peit me laga tha jis wajah wo paani ke bhitar girne laga. Bas us safed lambe kapde ko dekh Chandan ne furti se us insaan ko nehar ke sakht tal par girne se pehle he baahon me bhar kar paani se upar nikaal liya. Mooh se paani ugalti Gulaabo ne toh bina dekhe he dard ki wajah se ek hath apne peit aur dusra Chandan ke gaal par jadd diya. Jab dono ne ek duje ko dekha toh jaha Gulaabo ko apni galti samajh aayi wahi Chandan, jo usko abhi bhi jaangho ke upar se dono baahon me jakde tha wo Gulaabo ke lagbhag pardarshi vastra se dikhte mutthi ke akaar ke stanno aur unki teekhi doodiyon me kho gaya. Thappad ka toh jaise asar bhi nahi hua tha ya fir Gulaabo ne utna jor se mara he nahi.
"Chodo mujhe..", Gulabo apni haalat jaanti thi aur aise khudko Chandan ke aagosh me lagbhag nirvastra dekh kar nehar se adhik paani toh jaise wo ho gayi. Chandan ne bhi najre jhukate hue Gulaabo ko giraft se ajaad kiya toh wo teji se paani ke bhitar girne lagi. Wo safed dhila vastra jo abhi paani ki satah tak bahar tha jaangho ki lambai tak hone ki wajha se, wo paani ke upar he golakaar failne laga. Paani itna gehra tha ki thuddi doobne par swayam Gulaabo ne he Chandan ke kandho ke dono aur hatho ki janjir peero di.
"Chhodne ke liye bola tha bhaiya, girane ko thodi. Thappad ka badla le rahe ho jabki wo toh laga bhi nahi tha thik se.", Vastra dhire dhire niche ja chuka tha lekin Gulaabo ke jism par chipakne ki jagah abhi bhi gol ghere me phaila hua, paani ke bhitar lehrata sa. Beshak Gulaabo sthiti aur jaldbaaji me Chandan ke sharir se lipti thi lekin wo bijli toh pehle he gira chuki thi Chandan par, apne adhpake seb dikha kar. Niche uski lambi taange gale me baahon ke ghere ki tarah Chandan ki kamar se lipat kar uska haal aur bura kiye the. Suraj ki tapish se pehle he Chandan is din ke shuru hone par 2 baar jhulas chuka tha. Jis tarah amarbeil si Gulaabo uske majboot jism se lipti hui thi, dono ko he is khatarnaak sthiti ka ehsaas jara der se hua.
"Wo.. Main toh dubki laga raha tha.. tum he laash si behti hui aa padi mere sar par. Kam se kam hath paanv chalane ki awaaj toh karti agar teirna pasand hai toh.", Chandan jaise taise khud ko sambhale tha, paani ke bahaav se nahi balki Gulaabo ke jism ki us garmi se jiska anubhav aaj se pehle toh Chandan ko sapne me bhi nahi mila tha. Shokh si Gulaabo bhi kuch pal waali us najar ko jaane kaise bhool baithi jo ab Chandan ke jism ke sahare paani me chehra aur kandhe bahar nikale bade itminaan se lipti rahi. Geele hath aur Chandan ke bheege kandho se baahen kuch fisli toh uske madhyam se kulhe aisi satah par aa tike jo in dono ki tarah sar upar uthaye thi. Gamcha Chandan ki najro ke saamne he paani par teirta hua aage jata dikha toh usko samajh aa chuka tha ke Gulaabo ka jism aur wo khaas naram hissa kaha tika hai. Aur nirvastra yoni ke muhane aisi dastak se Gulaabo ka rang bhi safed padne laga.
"Mmm..Main jaati hu bhaiyaaa..", Hath ko dhila karne se pehle Gulaabo ne apne pairo ka bandhan khola aur bahaav ki disha me he kisi matsya kanya si peeth ke bal he dono hath sar ke peeche karti hui beh chali. Chandan toh bas uski taango ke beech kshanik maatra dikhi genhua si lakir ko dekhta reh gaya. Kanak ke daane si rachna wali Gulaabo ki yoni Chandan ke naye jiwan ka pehla stree kaam-ang tha jo na sirf usne dekha tha, apitu apne ling ke sath uska sparsh paa kar tadap si mehsoos bhi ki thi. Bas itne me he uska nahana poora ho chuka tha aur ab paani se bahar bhi aana tha, nirvastra.
'Sab bahot ajeeb sa ho raha hai mere sath. Aur darr bhi lag raha tha.. Lekin darr kyun lag raha tha? Ye sab kahi galat toh nahi? Baba yahi kehte the ki jab insaan kuch galat karta hai tab usko darr lagta hai ya fir kuch bada. Isme bada jaisa toh kuch nahi tha fir toh galat he hoga. Gulaabo bhi toh aise he bhaag chali, jaise usko ye sab pata ho.', Apne khayaalo me dooba wo nirvastra he bahar chala aaya. Chandan atche se jaan chuka tha ki is jagah aur koyi nahi aata uski naani ke ghar ke sadasyo ke siwa. Teil hatheliyo me girane ke paschaat wo ghaans me khada apne poore badan par malne laga aur wo gor kar raha tha ke uski mootni (ling) abhi bhi sakhti se akdi hui thi. Kuch teil apne ling par dono hatho se malne ke baad wo toliya utha kar jism paunchne me jutt gaya. Ling ki uttejjana se wo thoda waakif tha kyonki aksar ye subah ke waqt aise he akadta tha ya jab jab wo iski maalish karta tha. Chandan toh jism par dhoti lapet kar ghar ki taraf badh chala par us se kuch dur peeche vriksh ki aut se usko dekhti Gulaabo ne toh apne mooh par he hath rakh liya tha wo drishya dekh kar. Aur Gulaabo se bura haal hua tha Chandan ki maa Anuradha ka jo Kavita ko ghar bhejne ke baad apne pita dwara lagaya jhoola dekhne lauti thi aur daatun karti hui kuch aage aayi toh apne he bete ko nirvastra jism ki maalish karte dekh ulte paanv laut gayi. Anuradha ke toh mastishk me wo bhayankar ang jaise apni amitt chhap chhod gaya.
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"Bhojan karne ke baad tum jara shamshaan tak chale jana. Dekho Chandan beta, gaanv bhi ek pariwar hai aur unke sukh dukh me hamara shamil rehna jaruri. Sushil kuch waqt me aayega tumhe lene aur waha chita par apne hath se bhi lakdi arpit karna, aatma ki shaanti ke liye prarthan karne ke sath. Ae mirchi, kaha daudi ja rahi hai? Chal bhai ke liye khana laga de. Aaj nashta tu banane wali thi lekin nehar me jaane ke baad tu toh rasta bhool he jaati hai isliye maine he tera jimma apne par le liya. Anuradha, tumhe bhi mere sath Bijju ke ghar chalna hai dopehar me. Shauk manane aur haalchal lene ke liye hamara bhi jana jaruri hai. 18 baras ki beti aur XX ka beta peeche chhod gaya hai wo, apni itni sanskari aur nekdil biwi ke sath.", Ghar me Jaanki Devi ko chhod kar baaki teeno he Chandan ka saamna nahi karna chahti thi lekin unhe ye bhi pata tha ke Chandan ko kuch samajh nahi ya usne unhe dekha nahi. Mann maar kar Gulaabo he rasoighar me Chandan ke liye bhojan lene chali gayi aur Anuradha apni maa ki baat sunn kar apne kaksh me, nahane ke liye vastra lene.
"Abhi shauch ke liye gayi hai Kavita ke sath. Ja tu bhi ho aa aur aaj daatun se kaam chala le, manjan Gulaabo ke sath jaayega bahar tab lete aana."
"Agar aapko eitraaj na ho naani toh main nehar me he naha lu? Ye snaanghar aur nalke ke niche toh hamesha he nahata raha hu lekin nehar par toh sirf pita ji ke sath he jana hota tha, jab kabhi unhe avkash milta. Waise main daant haldi, namak aur teil se he maanjta hu. Keeda bhi nahi lagta aur masude se rakt bhi nahi nikalta.", Apne naati ki aisi baat sunn kar wo uske sath he rasoighar ki taraf chal padi. Waha se usko daant saaf karne ke liye samaan dene ke sath he nehar par le jaane ke liye gamcha aur ek pajama dete hue boli.
"Atchi baat hai beta aur tere nana khud nehar pe he nahana pasand karte the. Teri maa bhi jaati rahi par jab samajhdar hone lagi toh jana band kar diya. Behta paani tvacha sukha deta hai agar dhoop me nahao, isliye maalish bhi jaruri hai nahaate samay.", Unhone kaanch ki choti shishi uski taraf badha di jisme sunehari taral bhara tha.
"Filhal toh dhoop aane me bahot samay hai naani lekin maalish karna shehat ke liye faaydemand he hai. Kuch waqt me aata hu wapis.", Chandan toh nikal gaya aur Jaanki devi usko jata dekh kar muskurati hui bahar aangan me chule ka jalawan ekatrit karne lagi. Abhi wo lakdiyan chhant he rahi thi bade dher se ki bahar darwaje par dastak sunn kar tej kadmo se udhar he chal padi. Ghar me is waqt ek wahi toh maujood thi. 2-3 dastak hone par wo saankal alag karke darwaja kholti hui bahar dekhne lagi toh safed moonch wala ye 50-55 baras ka unke he khet ki rakhwali karne wala vyakti khada tha, hath jode. Aur uske sath he bailgaadi liye 2 aur log.
"Kaho Shambhu, itti savere kaise aana hua? Aur ye Surinder tumhare sath aaya hai?", 24-25 baras ka wo ujle kurte pajme wala yuvak khud he hath jodd kar dehleej pe aa khada hua jiski wajah se Shabmbhu dono se kuch duri par ho gaya.
"Ram ram badi amma. Aapki bailgaadi he dene gaye the agle gaanv se aate hue aur nehar ke modd par Bijju kaka ki laash phansi mili. Ye Sushil gawaah hai badi amma ki humara is se koyi lena dena nahi aur agle gaanv se bhi puchwa sakte hai ki hum bhor hone se pehle he waha se apne gaanv ke liye nikal chale the.", Ye lagatar dusra din tha jab unki dehleej par shuak samachar mila tha gaanv me kisi ki mrityu ka lekin Bijju swarn tha aur jamindaar bhi. Ghatna samanya nahi thi lekin Jaanki Devi ko jaise Bijju se koyi khaas sarokaar nahi tha.
"Toh tum ghabra kyun rahe ho beta? Nehar me lash mili hai jo kahi se bhi beh kar aa sakti hai. Utni gehri bhi nahi ki Bijju usme doob kar mara ho jiska matlab hai ki usko ya toh maar kar giraya gaya hoga jis se lash beh kar kisi ke hath na lage ya wo sharaabi thokar kha kar andhere me ja gira hoga usme. Kis haalat me lash mili hai?", Jaanki Devi ki baat sunn kar yuvak thoda sehaj hua lekin mamla ek naami vyakti ki maut ka tha jo gambhir baat thi.
"Badi amma, sharir toh paani ke upar he jhuki daal me fansa pada tha par kaka nirvastra the aur ek aankh nahi thi. Jaise kisi ne fodd di ho... Aur..", Aage kehte kehte Surinder fir se asehaj padne laga toh Jaanki Devi ne kandhe par hath rakh kar bolne ka haunsla diya.
"Aur kya dekha tumne?"
"Unka ling nahi tha amma.", Ye sunn kar Jaanki Devi ne ek gehri saans bhari aur fir Shambhu se ru ba ru hui.
"Tum bhi gawaah ho Sushil ke sath Shambhu aur jo tumne suna wahi tumne dekha. Inhe sath le kar Karam Singh ke ghar jao aur us se kehna ki puliya se le kar modd tak atche se jaanch kare wo apne sath 3-4 log shamil karke. Bijju bhi toh uska he saga tha aur kal raat bhi jarur dono sath he rahe honge.", Jaanki Devi jaise gaanv ke har insaan aur uski sangat aadat se waakif thi. Lekin aaj koyi Chhagan ya Jhamru ki maut toh nahi hui thi jo iska prabhaav na padta. Bijju Jamindar ka bhi kuch rutba tha jiska matlab tha ki gaanv ke samast purush sanskaar me shaamil honge aur mahilayen Bijju ke aangan me shauk sabha ke liye.
"Ji amma ji jaisa aapne kaha, hamaar sar maathe par. Aagya dijiye.", Shambhu umar-daraaj ho kar bhi inse waise he pesh aata tha jaise gaanv ke sabhi bache aur bade, siwaye bujurgo ke.
"Sushil beta, pata karke batana jara sanskaar ke samay ka. Mera naati jarur shamil hoga usme. Baaki tum log sachet rehte ho ye atchi baat hai lekin niyat saaf ho toh ghabraya matt karo.", Jaanki devi ne hath jodd kar unhe vida karke darwaja fir se band kar diya. Ab wo khud ek uljhan me phans chuki thi is ghatna se. Jidhar Bijju ki laash mili thi wo jagah bhi gaanv se bahar thi aur puliya gaanv ki hadd. Is taraf jitne bhi khet the wo chaudhariyon ke the lekin puliya se modd tak toh dono taraf ki jameen unki khudki he thi jisme jyadatar hissa toh maidaani he the. Lekin us se aage ki taraf ... Wo khet khud Karam Singh aur uske bhaiyon ke the. Matlab saaf tha ki Bijju ki sthiti ke baare me kahi na kahi Karam Singh bhi jaanta tha ya Bijju uski taraf se he idhar aaya hoga. Lekin gaanv se bahar wo raat me kya lene jaayega wo bhi akela?
"Oh Shambhu, jara suno.", Darwaja turant khol kar unhone unchi awaaj de kar bailgaadi par baith kar nikalte Shambu ko pukara jo gaadi raah pe chhod kar teji se idhar lapka. Surinder aur Sushil toh pichle fatte par bori bichhaye aise baithe the jaise wo sawaari ho kahi dur se aayi.
"Ji badi amma?", Prashanvachak drishty se usne ek bar dekhne ke baad hath jodd kar poocha.
"Inhe chaurahe par utaar kar tum gaadi adde se aage khadi kar dena. Daayi taraf jidhar Karme ki jameen hai, waha Bhanwari ya Gokul me se koyi mile toh sirf unhe he sandesh dena ki maine bulaya hai. Turant prabhaav se aaye yaha aur agar koyi sawaal pooche bhi toh logo se toh yahi kehna hai ki Lakshmi ke daaj (dahej) ke liye thoda samaan dena hai. Chook na ho koyi aur uske baad tum bhi sarpanch ke sath talaashi me shamil rehna. Vastra gayab the toh kahi na kahi toh milenge, jarur milenge.", Jaanki Devi ne apna sandesh samjha kar ek bharpoor nigaah apne vafadar par daali jo haami bharta hua phir se nikal chala. Idhar jaha ye haadse ki khabar Jaanki devi ko lagi thi, wahi dusri taraf ek aur haadsa ya kayi haadse hone lage the.
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"Tumhe kabhi maa ne bataya hai ki tum kitni khoobsurat hai Kavita?", Shauch par sath nikli Kavita aur Anuradha ghar se kuch jyada he duri par aur purn ekaant ki taraf ja rahi thi. Kavita toh apni he soch me khoyi chal rahi thi aur Anuradha is suhavne prakriti se bhare mahol ka raspaan karti hui. Grishm hritu me bhi ye gaanv aur khaas kar nehar ke aaspaas ke poora ilaaka he hara bhara tha. Kahi koyal ki kuhu kuhu toh kahi panchiyon ka shor jo Anuradha ke pita dwara lagaya aam ke ghane vriksho par jamghat lagaye hue the. Badan par wahi kal wali kasi hui choli aur gulabi dhoti pehne Anuradha sambhal kar dekh dekh kar chal rahi thi jabki Kavita abhyast ho chuki thi lekin aaj wo Gulaabo ki jagah Anuradha ke sath aayi thi.
"Mujhe toh nahi lagta kaaki ki main khoobsurat hu. Haan aapse sundar mahila maine is gaanv me nahi dekhi. Gulaabo bhi keh rahi thi ki aap chhote maalik ki amma nahi lagti, bahin he dikhti hai.", Kavita antardwand se grasit khud he Anuradha ki tareef karne lagi jo kal saanjh se he apne bete ke baare me sochne tak se bach rahi thi. Par naari-sulabh khudki prashansha sunn kar wo bhi muskurayi aur pratiuttar me Kavita bhi, kuch sharam ke sath. Anuradha ko ye dekh kar kuch adhik he khushi mili ki aisi antarmukhi ladki jo kaafi hadd tak uske he jaisi thi, muskurate hue sharmati hai toh kitni haseen lagti hai. Gulaabo chanchal aur tej taraar thi lekin ye chhui mooyi si par utni he mehnati jisne poora ghar he sambhaal rakha tha ek mahila ki tarah.
"Mera beta 18 baras paar kar chuka hai Kavita aur usko tum chote maalik nahi Chandan keh kar bulao toh behtar rahega. Waise Gulaabo mujhe choti amma kehti hai aur rahi baat khoobsurti ki toh seerat aur surat se tum harek se behtar ho. Chandan kuch samajhdar aur kaam kaaj kar raha hota toh main meri se tumhe he maang leti.", Ab Kavita pehle se kahi adhik he sharam se bhar uthi kyonki wo Chandan ko naam se kaise bula sakti thi. Fir maang lena jaise usko samajh he na aaya.
"Kaaki mujhe maangne se aapka matlab? Main toh aapke he ghar pe hu na aur badi amma hamesha kehti hai ke main unki he pauti hu. Jab pehle se he aapke pas hu toh maangna kyun mujhe aur wo bhi ..Chandan ji ke liye..", Ye naam lete lete usko samajh aa he gaya tha ke asal baat kya kahi thi Anuradha ne aur ab wo thoda aage badh gayi.
"Tum sachmuch he bahot pyaari ho gudiya. Maangne se matlab hai tumhe hamesha ke liye apne pas rakhna, bahu ke roop me. Par Chandan khud ko saabit toh kare tabhi baat karu. Maa aise toh kabhi nahi maanengi kyonki unhe tumse pyaar bhi bahot hai aur baat aakhir tumhare jiwan ki hai. Iska fainsla jaldbaaji me nahi hota.", Kavita toh ab kuch bolne laayak he na rahi thi aur dono he ek dusre se kuch duri par jhaadiyon ki aut me ja baithi. Inki jaha bhavishya ke prati khatti meethi baatchit chal rahi thi wahi inse viprit disha me aur kahi dur Chandan nityakram se nibat kar jism pe angocha bandh kar aahista se nehar ke thande paani me utar chuka tha. Aisa nahi tha ki usko teirna nahi aata tha, bas wo is khamoshi me sukoon se nahana chahta tha. Gale se thoda upar tak wo behta hua saaf nirmal jal har thakaan aur aalas ko dur karta jism me urja bharne laga. Sharir ko mal mal kar nahate hue wo baar baar dubki lagata aur kuch waqt paani ke niche saans rok kar fir wapis khada ho jata. Ye uska priya khel tha jiska khaasa abhyaas tha Chandan ko kyonki uske pita aisa 51 baar tak kar lete the jab Chandan unke sath jata. Abhyaas se wo unse aage nikal kar paani ke bhitar he kaafi dur tak ek saans me nikal jata tha lekin dubki lagane ka aanand kahi adhik tha.
"Oh maiyaa ji.. andhe ho kya? aahhh.. Maaf karna bhaiya..", Chandan is baar kuch adhik he samay paani ke bheetar ruk kar bahaav se viprit disha me tha aur jaise he wo bahar nikalne laga thik sar ke upar kuch naram sa laga aur jo bhi uske sar se takraya tha wo paani me he palat gaya. Chandan ko itna toh pata chal chuka tha ke ye koyi insaan he hai aur uska sar is vyakti ke peit me laga tha jis wajah wo paani ke bhitar girne laga. Bas us safed lambe kapde ko dekh Chandan ne furti se us insaan ko nehar ke sakht tal par girne se pehle he baahon me bhar kar paani se upar nikaal liya. Mooh se paani ugalti Gulaabo ne toh bina dekhe he dard ki wajah se ek hath apne peit aur dusra Chandan ke gaal par jadd diya. Jab dono ne ek duje ko dekha toh jaha Gulaabo ko apni galti samajh aayi wahi Chandan, jo usko abhi bhi jaangho ke upar se dono baahon me jakde tha wo Gulaabo ke lagbhag pardarshi vastra se dikhte mutthi ke akaar ke stanno aur unki teekhi doodiyon me kho gaya. Thappad ka toh jaise asar bhi nahi hua tha ya fir Gulaabo ne utna jor se mara he nahi.
"Chodo mujhe..", Gulabo apni haalat jaanti thi aur aise khudko Chandan ke aagosh me lagbhag nirvastra dekh kar nehar se adhik paani toh jaise wo ho gayi. Chandan ne bhi najre jhukate hue Gulaabo ko giraft se ajaad kiya toh wo teji se paani ke bhitar girne lagi. Wo safed dhila vastra jo abhi paani ki satah tak bahar tha jaangho ki lambai tak hone ki wajha se, wo paani ke upar he golakaar failne laga. Paani itna gehra tha ki thuddi doobne par swayam Gulaabo ne he Chandan ke kandho ke dono aur hatho ki janjir peero di.
"Chhodne ke liye bola tha bhaiya, girane ko thodi. Thappad ka badla le rahe ho jabki wo toh laga bhi nahi tha thik se.", Vastra dhire dhire niche ja chuka tha lekin Gulaabo ke jism par chipakne ki jagah abhi bhi gol ghere me phaila hua, paani ke bhitar lehrata sa. Beshak Gulaabo sthiti aur jaldbaaji me Chandan ke sharir se lipti thi lekin wo bijli toh pehle he gira chuki thi Chandan par, apne adhpake seb dikha kar. Niche uski lambi taange gale me baahon ke ghere ki tarah Chandan ki kamar se lipat kar uska haal aur bura kiye the. Suraj ki tapish se pehle he Chandan is din ke shuru hone par 2 baar jhulas chuka tha. Jis tarah amarbeil si Gulaabo uske majboot jism se lipti hui thi, dono ko he is khatarnaak sthiti ka ehsaas jara der se hua.
"Wo.. Main toh dubki laga raha tha.. tum he laash si behti hui aa padi mere sar par. Kam se kam hath paanv chalane ki awaaj toh karti agar teirna pasand hai toh.", Chandan jaise taise khud ko sambhale tha, paani ke bahaav se nahi balki Gulaabo ke jism ki us garmi se jiska anubhav aaj se pehle toh Chandan ko sapne me bhi nahi mila tha. Shokh si Gulaabo bhi kuch pal waali us najar ko jaane kaise bhool baithi jo ab Chandan ke jism ke sahare paani me chehra aur kandhe bahar nikale bade itminaan se lipti rahi. Geele hath aur Chandan ke bheege kandho se baahen kuch fisli toh uske madhyam se kulhe aisi satah par aa tike jo in dono ki tarah sar upar uthaye thi. Gamcha Chandan ki najro ke saamne he paani par teirta hua aage jata dikha toh usko samajh aa chuka tha ke Gulaabo ka jism aur wo khaas naram hissa kaha tika hai. Aur nirvastra yoni ke muhane aisi dastak se Gulaabo ka rang bhi safed padne laga.
"Mmm..Main jaati hu bhaiyaaa..", Hath ko dhila karne se pehle Gulaabo ne apne pairo ka bandhan khola aur bahaav ki disha me he kisi matsya kanya si peeth ke bal he dono hath sar ke peeche karti hui beh chali. Chandan toh bas uski taango ke beech kshanik maatra dikhi genhua si lakir ko dekhta reh gaya. Kanak ke daane si rachna wali Gulaabo ki yoni Chandan ke naye jiwan ka pehla stree kaam-ang tha jo na sirf usne dekha tha, apitu apne ling ke sath uska sparsh paa kar tadap si mehsoos bhi ki thi. Bas itne me he uska nahana poora ho chuka tha aur ab paani se bahar bhi aana tha, nirvastra.
'Sab bahot ajeeb sa ho raha hai mere sath. Aur darr bhi lag raha tha.. Lekin darr kyun lag raha tha? Ye sab kahi galat toh nahi? Baba yahi kehte the ki jab insaan kuch galat karta hai tab usko darr lagta hai ya fir kuch bada. Isme bada jaisa toh kuch nahi tha fir toh galat he hoga. Gulaabo bhi toh aise he bhaag chali, jaise usko ye sab pata ho.', Apne khayaalo me dooba wo nirvastra he bahar chala aaya. Chandan atche se jaan chuka tha ki is jagah aur koyi nahi aata uski naani ke ghar ke sadasyo ke siwa. Teil hatheliyo me girane ke paschaat wo ghaans me khada apne poore badan par malne laga aur wo gor kar raha tha ke uski mootni (ling) abhi bhi sakhti se akdi hui thi. Kuch teil apne ling par dono hatho se malne ke baad wo toliya utha kar jism paunchne me jutt gaya. Ling ki uttejjana se wo thoda waakif tha kyonki aksar ye subah ke waqt aise he akadta tha ya jab jab wo iski maalish karta tha. Chandan toh jism par dhoti lapet kar ghar ki taraf badh chala par us se kuch dur peeche vriksh ki aut se usko dekhti Gulaabo ne toh apne mooh par he hath rakh liya tha wo drishya dekh kar. Aur Gulaabo se bura haal hua tha Chandan ki maa Anuradha ka jo Kavita ko ghar bhejne ke baad apne pita dwara lagaya jhoola dekhne lauti thi aur daatun karti hui kuch aage aayi toh apne he bete ko nirvastra jism ki maalish karte dekh ulte paanv laut gayi. Anuradha ke toh mastishk me wo bhayankar ang jaise apni amitt chhap chhod gaya.
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"Bhojan karne ke baad tum jara shamshaan tak chale jana. Dekho Chandan beta, gaanv bhi ek pariwar hai aur unke sukh dukh me hamara shamil rehna jaruri. Sushil kuch waqt me aayega tumhe lene aur waha chita par apne hath se bhi lakdi arpit karna, aatma ki shaanti ke liye prarthan karne ke sath. Ae mirchi, kaha daudi ja rahi hai? Chal bhai ke liye khana laga de. Aaj nashta tu banane wali thi lekin nehar me jaane ke baad tu toh rasta bhool he jaati hai isliye maine he tera jimma apne par le liya. Anuradha, tumhe bhi mere sath Bijju ke ghar chalna hai dopehar me. Shauk manane aur haalchal lene ke liye hamara bhi jana jaruri hai. 18 baras ki beti aur XX ka beta peeche chhod gaya hai wo, apni itni sanskari aur nekdil biwi ke sath.", Ghar me Jaanki Devi ko chhod kar baaki teeno he Chandan ka saamna nahi karna chahti thi lekin unhe ye bhi pata tha ke Chandan ko kuch samajh nahi ya usne unhe dekha nahi. Mann maar kar Gulaabo he rasoighar me Chandan ke liye bhojan lene chali gayi aur Anuradha apni maa ki baat sunn kar apne kaksh me, nahane ke liye vastra lene.
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LEVEL 1
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Update 5
"Badi amma, aaj toh phir na halwaai ki dukaan khulegi aur na kolhu. Aur mattiya teil bhi bas gujare laayak hai.", Jaanki devi hamesha ki tarah safed sooti kurte jaisa kameej aur sabj rang ka ghaghra pehan kar shauk me shamil hone ke liye tayaar khadi thi. Sar dhakne ko waise he khaadi ka vastra lete hue wo apni kalaai se mota sone ka kada nikaalte hue chhote bakse me rakhti hui Gulaabo ki baat sunn kar bas gardand hilati rahi.
"Kal khul jaayegi ri dukaan aur ghar me mattiya teil ki utni jarurat bhi nahi rehti jo tu itna pareshan ho rahi hai. Laaltein aur kaanch ke diye poore ghar me toh sajane nahi hai. Ja dekh teri choti amma tayaar hui ke nahi. Na hui ho toh bata diyo ke thode waqt me nikalna hai. Aur ye taangewala kya bola tha aane ke liye?"
"Chara khila raha tha apne khacchar ko jab main sandesha dene gayi thi. Aap ek ghoda gaadi he banwa lo na aane jaane ke liye. Kisi par nirbhar he nahi rehna padega. Waise bhaiya antim-sanskaar me ja toh raha hai par...", Gulaabo apni baat kehte hue aise ruk gayi jaise us se kuch galti ho gayi ho aur Jaanki devi palat kar usko tajjub se dekhne lagi.
"Gaadi jab leni hogi tab le li jaayegi par tu apni baat toh poori kar. Chandan ke waha jaane se kya ho jaayega jis se tu uljhan me hai?", Gulaabo ne gardan jhukaye hue he jawaab diya aage.
"Logo pata toh lag he gaya hai ki aapke waaris hai bhaiya par jab wo unhe apne beech dekhenge toh atcho ke sath sath galat niyat wale bhi bhaiya se baatchit badhane ki koshish karenge. Sushil aapke saamne bhala hai lekin jab bhi idhar dwaar par aaya hai na toh wo bhitar taank-jhaank karne me laga rehta hai. Mutalli ke chakkar me. Dosti ki surat me fir kadam ghar ke bhitar bhi aa sakte hai. Baaki insaan bura nahi hai lekin jo galat hai so galat hai badi amma.", Ab Jaanki devi kuch soch me pad chuki thi aur unhe unke haal par chhod kar Gulaabo Anuradha ke kaksh ke taraf jaane lagi toh Chandan ko dhoti bandhte dekh uske upari nirvastra jism par he najre atak gayi. Chaude seene par halke halke baal abhi aane he shuru hue the aur gathile chaude seene ke sath sath bhujaaye bhi aisi majboot maansal ki byahta toh sharam se najre he jhuka le agar aisa paurush saamne padd jaaye. Par uske chehre par toh bas alag sa sukoon aur dhoti ko atche se baandhne ki talleenta tha. Gulaabo ne kal he toh Chandan ko apna bhai banaya tha lekin ab bhai ke prati he uska aakarshan kuch alag raah jaane laga.
"Kuch garam raakh hogi chulhe me Gulaabo?", Chandan ke awaaj dene par hadbadati hui Gulaabo idhar udhar dekhne lagi. Chehre par paseena jo aa chuka tha subah nehar me hui ghatna ko yaad karke. Jehan se wo vikraal ling jaane ka naam he nahi le raha tha. Ab Chandan ke dusri baar poochne par wo sar hilati hui bahar aangan me chali gayi, haare se garam raakh aur koyla nikalne. Chandan ko apne kurte ki silwate samtal karni thi aur ghar pe garam raakh bhari katori se behtar kuch tha bhi nahi. Gulaabo Chandan ka karya karne ke paschaat Anuradha ke kaksh me chali gayi aur Kavita ghar ki saaf safaai me alag he vyast thi.
"Sushil bhaiya aaye hai badi amma.", Kavita chust kameej aur ghaghri pehne hue apne chehra saaf karti hui Jaanki devi ko sandesh de kar wapis pichle aangan ki saaf safaai me ja lagi aur Jaanki Devi Chandan ko bahar bhejne se pehle Sushil ko dhero hidayat dene lagi jinhe wo sar jhukaye khamoshi se sunn kar hammi bharta raha. Unhone kankhiyon se Sushil ko jarur dekha jiski najar ek pal ko Kavita par ruki. Kavita gaaye ke bachhde ko pakadne ke liye uske peeche daud rahi thi aur wo shararti bachhda jaise uske sath aise he khelna chahta tha. Par ek bhare-poore sharir ki yuvti ka aise bhaagna kisi yuvak ke najar me ek kaamuk drishya se kam toh nahi tha.
"Thehar ja pyaare.. itni shaitaani bhi atchi baat nahi. Aainda Kavita ko pareshan kiya toh dhoop me baandh dunga.", Chandan apne kamar se bhi kam unchaai ke us sharati bachhde ko gardan me bandhi rassi se pakad kar aise samjha raha tha jaise khud shikshak ho aur wo uska shishya. Jaanki devi pehle toh apne naati ki cheete jaisi furti par hairan hui aur baad me uske bholepan par muskuraye bina na reh saki. Kavita toh Sushil ki najro se aujhal ab Chandan ki aut me khadi us bachhde ki rassi apne hath me lene lagi thi. Dono ne ek dusre ko najar kiya aur sharmati hui Kavita bachhde ko le kar pashuo ke baade ki aur chal di. Jaanki Devi ne poora drishya gehraai se dekha tha aur unhe samajhte der na lagi ki Kavita ki najro me unke naati ke liye jo bhaav the wo sirf ek premika ke he ho sakte hai. Chandan ka sar dulaar kar wo dono yuvako ko vida karne ke paschaat wahi aangan me he vriksh ki thandi chhaya tale moodhe par baith kar apne he vicharo me kho gayi. Kuch he samay gujra tha ki darwaje par bhi dastak hui aur bhitar se safed ujli dhoti aur choli me lipti Anuradha apna sar dhak kar unke paas he chali aayi.
"Ae Gulaabi, main ja rahi hu Bijju ke ghar teri chhoti amma ko le kar. Darwaja atche se band kar le aur peeche se koyi shararat nahi karna. Wapis lautne me waqt lagega aur is beech Bhanwari aaye toh usko rukwa lena.", Dwaar par taangewala he aaya tha aur Gulaabo ko awaaj lagane par dono he ladkiyan idhar aa pahuchi thi.
"Main toh kabhi kuch karti he nahi fir bhi aap mujhe shararti kehti rehti ho. Is mutalli ko samjhao jo abhi aangan me kaise Nandi ke sath uchal kood kar rahi thi. Isne khud he khola tha usko.. Haan nahi toh.", Gulaabo mooh chidhati hui Kavita ko he sata rahi thi jisko dekh Jaanki devi ne apne sar pe hath rakh liya aur unki bitiya ke chehre par ek mohak muskaan ubhar aayi.
"Khelne ke he din hai tum dono ke. Jo karna ho karo bas savdhani se ghar ke bhitar. Chandan wapis aaye toh pehle usko snaan ke liye kehna aur pehne hue kapde khud he dhone ke liye bhi. Uske baad he bhojan parosna usko. Kavita, tum ab aur koyi kaam nahi karna. Main aane ke baad swayam sambhaal lungi.", Dono ladkiyon ke maathe par pyaar dene ke baad Anuradha ghar se bahar nikalne se pehle ghoongat kar chuki thi. Gulaabo ne apni badi amma ko unki majboot lathi pakdaate hue fir se mooh banaya jis par unhone uske sar ke peeche chapat he laga di.
"Dhyaan rakhiyo.", Bas itna keh kar wo apni bitiya ko liye taange ke pichle hisse me ja baithi. Gulaabo ne bhi darwaja bhidane ke baad saankal chadha di. Kavita ab udhar nahi thi jaise wo jaanti thi ki Gulaabo ab usko sataane me jara si bhi deri nahi karne wali.
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"Toh ye hai badi amma ka waaris?", Gaanv ke is kinaare par khaali maidaan me logo ka atcha khasa jamghat laga tha jo Bijju ke antim sanskaar ke liye ekatrit hue the. Shavyatra ke pashchaat safed kafan me lipte Bijju ke shav ko chita par letane ke baad baari baari se bujurugo se le kar naujwaan tak ek ek lakdi chita par rakh kar apni apni jagah laut rahe the. Yaha bhi jaise umar aur yaari dosti ke chhote chhote gutt bane the aur Chandan dwara shav par lakdi rakhne ke baad uska ghutno ke bal baith kar Bijju ke shav ko pranaam karna bujurgo ke sath aur bhi kayi logo ko pasand aaya. Chaudhariyon ka ek gutt dhimi awaaj me Chandan par he charcha kar raha tha aur udhar Bijju ka jawaan ho raha beta, mundan karwaye nirvastra seene ke sath kamar par ujli dhoti lapete hue apne mooh bole chacha aur sarpanch Karam Singh ke hatho jalti lakdi liye chita ko mukhagani dene laga. Karam Singh ki bhi aankhen namm thi aur us yuvak ki bhi.
"Gaanv ka maalik bolo Mahipal, gaanv ka maalik. Tumhare bete Anil se bhi ek geeth uncha hoga aur tagda yaha khade har naujawaan se. Lekin sanskaar aur shiksha bhi utne he adhik hai.", Dusra Chaudhary bhi 45-46 baras ka he tha apne mitra Mahipal ki tarah. Shamshaan me bhi inki charcha Bijju na ho kar Chandan tha jo ab bhi hath jode hue ek taraf Sushil, Surinder ke sath khada Karam Singh aur Bijju ke bete ko dekh raha tha. Karam Singh chita ke chaaro taraf agni lagwane ke baad apne bhatije ke kandhe par hath rakh kar chita se kuch he duri par khada ho gaya. Bachpan, jawaani aur fir adhed awstha sath bitane wale Bijje se atyadhik moh tha Karam Singh ko aur ye pyaar dono ke pariwaro me bhi utna he ghansth tha.
"Main toh kehta hu Darshan bhai ki tum badi amma se apni bitiya Gori ke rishtey ki baat chala lo unke is waaris sang.", Mahipal ki baat sunn kar is vyakti ne naa me sar hilaya. Udhar Surinder apne mitra Sushil ke kaan me kuch kehne ke baad jalti chita ko namaskar karke shamshaan se bahar chal diya. Sushil Chandan ko kuch jaankari dene me laga tha aur chehra ghuma kar he logo ki pehchaan bhi karwa raha tha jis se Chandan bhi gaanv ke pramukh vyaktiyon ko jaan sake. Dhire dhire chita ki lakdiyon ke lapte unchi uthne lagi. Desi ghee aur sookhi lakdiyan grishm hritu me aise he toh balwati hoti hai.
"Ek he gaanv ka maamla hai Mahipal, rishta mumkin nahi hoga. Panchayat ko toh tum jaante he ho aur agar yuvak bahar se aaya hai is bina par rishta maangu toh mere se pehle Karam Singh, Balwan bhai aur Damodar apni apni bitiya ke liye unki dehleej par khade honge. Gori ki kismat me hua toh hoga, nahi hua toh mere maangne se toh milne nahi wala. Wo Gajju halwaai bhi ladke ko dekhte hue Bansilal se batiya raha hai.", Darshan ki baat uchit thi kyonki yaha jama log chita ke sath Chandan par bhi charcha kar rahe the. Dhire dhire jamghat kam hone laga aur waha ghar pariwar ke he pursh/yuvak bache reh gaye. Chandan ne bhi jaane se pehle Karam Singh ke charan sparsh karna uchit samjha aur us yuvak se bhi hath jodd kar uske dukh ko kam karne ki prathana bhagwan se maangi. Namm aankhon ke bawjood Karam Singh ne Chandan ke sar pe hath rakh kar abhaar jataya. Duniya me bas yahi toh ek kadwa sach hai, majboot-kamjor, ameer-gareeb.. har vyakti ek na ek din mrityu ko prapt karta hai.
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"Sushil bhai, maine kuch logo ko baatchit karte suna ki Bijju kaka ko daayan ne mara hai. Unke vastra nehar kinare gaanv se bahar mile the aur raat me wo sarpanch ji ke pas se ghar ke liye akele nikle. Ye daayan wala kya maamla hai?", Gaanv ke jis hisse me shamshaan sthit tha wo adhiktar keekar khar ke vriksho se bharpoor lekin viraan sa sthaan tha. Gaanv ki abaadi yaha se koyi ek kos dur thi aur chalte hue baatchit se behtar kya hota. Par Sushil is sawaal par thoda vichlit sa ho gaya.
"Daayan.. Aisa kehna toh kadaapi galat he hoga dost. Haan hamare gaanv me haadse hote rahe hai aur isme upari shaktiyan he shamil rahi hai. Lekin jisko log daayan batate hai na Chandan, wo abhagin ladki nirdosh thi. Bahot pehle jab yaha 52 ki jagah 8 makaan the baat tab ki hai. Main kya us waqt toh sarpanch ji bhi paida na hue the. Tumhare nana ke pita ji jameen thi ye saari aur baaki jungle the aas-pas. Dhire dhire is upjaao hisse ki taraf log aane jaane lage aur tumhare padd-nana ne bhi unhe unki shmata anusaar jameen bechi, basne ki jagah di. Is sthaan se viprit gaanv ke dusre chhor par ek talaab hai jaha pehle paani jama rehta tha agar nehar ka paani band ho jata toh sinchaai ke liye upyog kiya ja sake. Uske paas he Milakh Raj ji ka pariwar aa basa jo tumhare padd nana ke kareebi dost the, ab unka ghar he khooni-khandhar hai.", Chandan bade he gor se sab sunn raha tha aur khooni khandhar sunn kar uski baahon par royen khade hone lage.
"Matlab wo khandhar hamari sampatti nahi hai? Aur khooni khandhar kaise hua bhala?"
"Hahaha.. sampatti toh tumhari he hai bhai lekin Milakh Raj ji ko wo ghar tumhare padd nana ne he saunpa tha jisko unhone 2 manzila haweli sa bana diya. Unka bhara poora pariwar tha aur jitni fasal hoti wo Milakh Raj ji swayam he kharid kar shehar me aage bech dete. Gaanv khushaal tha aur sampann bhi lekin jaane kiski najar lag gayi abaad hote hue is gaanv ko. Ek raat kuch logo ne andhere me unki haweli par humla kar diya. Milakh Raj ji shehar gaye hue the vyapaar ki wajah se aur unhe andhkaar ki bhi khaas parwaah nahi hoti thi jabki jeev-jantu bahutayat me the us waqt. Wo apne ghode se wapis laut rahe the aur idhar unke pariwar par humla ho gaya. 2 bete the 2 bahu, unki dharampatni aur unki laadli bitiya Nandita. Sabko he talwaro se kaat diya gaya siwaye Nandita ke jo apne pita ki raah dekhti hui talaab kinaare baithi thi. Jab haweli ko jalte dekha toh wo udhar daud padi cheekhti pukarti hui. Yaha Milakh Raj ji bhi aa pahuche aur jalti hui haweli me he ghusne lage lekin wo namuraad humlawar lootere wahi the jinhone unhe bhi kaat dala aur Nandita ki khoobsurati uski he dushman ban gayi. Uska jism raund kar lootere Nandita ko marnassan haalat me he chhod kar andhere me he vileen ho gaye.", Sushil ne sab batane ke baad ek gehri saans bhari aur Chandan ke chehre par chhaya dukh bhi dekha.
"Mere padd nana ji bhi madad ko nahi gaye?"
"Tumhare ghar se wo jagah kitni dur hai jaante ho bhai? Aur unhe kaun batane aata ki waha humla hua hai?"
"Fir Nandita ka kya hua? Wo zinda bach gayi thi na?"
"Wo talaab me doob gayi. Aatmhatya kar li thi usne aur asli ghatna toh uske baad hui. Talaab se lash nikaal kar tumhare padd nana ji he uske shav ka antim-sanskaar karne ke liye baaki jale hue shat-vishatt shavo ke sath nehar ke paar purane shamshaan leke jaane lage the, 4-6 logo ke sath. Nehar kinare sabhi shav nehlane ke liye rakhe gaye toh achanak Nandita ka shav baaki sabke shavo ke beech se gayab ho gaya. Bahot dhoonda, nehar me bhi khoja lekin uski laash hath na lagi. Sabne maan liya ki kisi ki galti se lash nehar me beh gayi hogi aur baaki sabka sanskaar gaanv se bahar jungle ki taraf wale shamshaan par kar diya gaya. Uske baad tumhare nana toh shauk me doob gaye aur saari jimmewari tumhare nana ke kandho par aa giri jo us samay 16-17 ke rahe honge. Nandita sang unka he vivaah taye hua tha. Phir uske 10 baras baad kahi unhone badi amma se byaah kiya, jinhone poora gaanv he badal kar apne sasur ji ke sapne ko sarthak kiya. Badi amma aur tumhare nana ji ki he mehnat ka parinaam hai is gaanv ka vartmaan swaroop.", Sushil jaise is beech Nandita aur daayan wala mudda bhool gaya tha.
"Ye Nandita ji waali baat adhuri reh gayi. Kya aisi maute pehle bhi hoti rahi hai gaanv me?"
"Shama karna bhai, baaton baaton me bhool he gaya tha. Jaha wo doobi, wo talaab sookh gaya tha aur usko bharne ki koshish me bahar se aaye 3-4 majdoor bhi jaan ganwa baithe. Jo khandhar ki taraf kabhi gaya din dhalne ke baad, wo fir zinda nahi lauta. Kuch bade bujurgo ne isko Nandita ka badla bataya toh kisi ne daayan ka prakop. Ab toh din me bhi koyi us talaab aur khandhar ki taraf kadam nahi rakhta. Tum bhi isko gambhirta se he lena dost kyonki main Nandita ko daayn toh nahi kehta lekin atript aatma jarur maanta hu.", Chandan ne pratiuttar me sar hila kar haami bhari, beshak upari taur par.
"Aur ye nehar kinare bhi kuch hai jungle me? 2 log toh kal subah bhi mrit mile the ne Sushil bhai? Unki mrityu swabhavik thi ya hatya?", Chandan ke dono he sawaal khamoshi se chal rahe Sushil ke antarmann ko jhakjhor gaye. Maut toh maut he hai jo aadmi ki hasiyat me thodi na farak rakhti hai. Haan bas Jhamru aur Chhagan ko aisa vishisht sammaan nahi mila tha.
"Jaadu tone ke chakkar me the wo dono aur kisi ke behkaave me swayam he mrityu ko gale laga baithe. Jungle paar wala chauraha.. jaha se gaanv aane ka rasta hai na, wo kaal hai Chandan jisne anginat jiwan leel liye hai. Wo kab se shrapit hai ye main bhi nahi jaanta lekin ithiaas gaanv se bhi purana he hoga uska. Khojbin karne gaye the kuch angrej adhikari lekin zinda nahi bache. Aur nehar kinare toh sirf jiv-jantu he honge ya idhar tak Nandita ka prabhaav ho sakta hai jaise Bijju kaka ki laash mili. Kisi se kehna matt lekin atchi pravarti ke insaan nahi the wo. Gareeb aur majdoor mahilaon ka bahot shoshan kiya tha unhone aur aisa insaan toh har bhoot pret ya daayan se adhik khatarnaak hai samaaj me. 2-3 kam umar ladkiyan toh gaayab he ho gayi jitna maine suna hai. Jhamru aur Chaggu ke pariwar ko gaanv se bedakhal karne ke peeche bhi Bijju kaka ka he hath tha jis se wo unki lachaar aur gareeb bahu betiyon ko bhog sake aur gaanv ke bahar ki baat bahar he rahe. Sambhog aapsi sehamati se ho tabhi behtar hai. Kisi ko daba kar ya dara dhamka kar toh asmat lootna dushkaram he hua jo jaghanya apraadh hai.", Is vishaya ki toh Chandan ko jara si bhi jaankari nahi thi aur usko bas yahi samajh aaya ki Bijju shoshan karta tha ladkiyon aur mahilaon ka.
"Sambhog? Ye maine nahi suna kabhi Sushil bhai.", Ab Sushil muskurane laga tha uski baat sunn kar.
"Byaah hone ke baad samajh jaoge atche se. Waise samajh toh pehle bhi sakte ho lekin is par abhi baat karna thik nahi. Ye samajh lo ki ladka aur ladki akele me jab ek dusre se nirvastra prem karte hai usko sambhog kehte hai. Theth bhasha me chudaai ya chodna bhi."
"Chhiiii.. ye toh gaali jaisa hai sunaai detahai. Apshabd.. Aur aap ye sab kaise jaante hai? Aapka vivaah ho chuka hai kya? Ho he gaya hoga jab mujhse 7 varsh bade hai.", Chandan aise shabd sunn chuka tha shehar me lekin itna jaanta tha ki unka arth galat hota hai. Par uski baat sunn kar Sushil arthpurn dhang se muskurane laga.
"Jab main tumhari umar ka tha tabhi byaah ho gaya tha mera. Tumhari bhabhi ka naam Sushila hai aur hamare 2 bache hai, teesri baar wo peit se hai abhi. Aur rahi baat sambhog ya chudaai ki toh, iska gyaan kahi bahar thodi na milta hai. Naya naya jawaan ho raha tha tabhi ek kaaki ne mujhe marad bana diya tha. Uske baad toh jeene me alag he maja milne laga. Haan Bijju kaka jaise kisi ko dara dhamka kar nahi kiya kabhi. Jisko main pasand aaya uske sath kiya aur jo mujhe pasand aayi usko spasht apni chahat bata di. Phir mili toh thik nahi toh koyi aur sahi. Tum bhi koyi na koyi kaaki lapak he legi, hatte katte aur tagde yuvak ho.", Chandan ye sunn kar thoda sharminda sa ho kar apna sar khujane laga. Ye baatein ajeeb thi lekin inme ek alag aanand bhi mil raha tha.
"Mujhe aisa kuch nahi seekhna Sushil bhai. Aur abhi toh mujhe khud ko saabit karna hai, naani aur maa ki jimmewariyan apne kandhe par leni hai. Kaabil banunga tabhi toh byaah hoga.", Sushil uske vicharo se jaise sehmat nahi tha aur Chandan ka bholapan kahi na kahi usko akhar raha tha.
"Jis din tumhe jiwan ka ye sabse bada gyaan prapt ho gaya na Chandan, phir tum samjhoge ki kya paya hai tumne. Chaho toh main madad kar sakta hu tumhari aur ye baat hamare beech he rahegi. Gyaan na hone par byaah ke baad apni sangini ko khush nahi rakh sakoge aur wo sukhi nahi hogi toh kisi aur mard ki talaash karegi. Ghar ki ijatt aur tumhari mardangi par umarbhar ka daag lagega.", Jaise is baat ne Chandan ke mastishk par thoda asar kiya kyonki ghar ki ijatt aur apni he dharampatni ko kisi gair-purush wali baat saaf bhole mann par bhi asar toh karegi he.
"Jo sanskari aur sushil hogi wo aisa kadaapi nahi karegi bhai. Baaki rahi gyaan ki baat toh wo main sahi samay par he prapt karunga. Dekhne se bhi toh seekha ja sakta hai.", Chandan ki arthpuran baat sunn kar Sushil ne uska majboot kandha thapthapate hue khushi darshaai.
"Bahot sahi ja rahe ho. Chalo ab tum mere dost bane ho toh tumhare liye ye bhi sahi. Mera ghar gaanv ke chaurahe se mandir wali taraf hai jidhar sarpanch ji bhi rehte hai. Samay nikaal lena jab dil kare, khet dikhane ke sath sambhog bhi dikha dunga. Waise kabhi kisi janwar ko karte nahi dekha kya? Kutte, bhains, gaaye... sabhi karte hai aur wo nahi karenge toh bache kaise paida honge?", Bache paida hona sunn kar ab kuch kuch Chandan ko samajh aa raha tha. Usne dekha bhi tha pashuon ko aapas me judte ya chadhte hue lekin tab bas yahi jawaab mila tha ke wo ganda kaam hai. Nahi dekhna chahiye, shayad kam umar ki wajah se. Jism me alag si sansanahat si hone lagi thi aur aage uska ghar bhi aa chuka tha.
"Chalta hu Sushil bhai. Aapse jald milta hu, apne khet aur jameen bhi dekhni hai kaam karne ke liye.", Sushil ka dhanyawaad karke Chandan toh apne ghar ke dwaar ki taraf badh chala par Sushil ko khed hua ki Chandan ne usko aamantrit nahi kiya. Wo kuch jyada he dhime kadam badhata hua udhar he dekhta raha jaha Chandan dwaar khulne ki raah dekh raha tha usko bajane ke baad. Jyada nirasha hui jab Gulaabo najar aayi aur uske baad darwaja fir se band ho gaya.
'Kavita se mulakaat tum he karwaoge dost aur usko bhogte samay he main tumhara gyaan vardhan karunga. Ek yahi toh jiske khwaab 2 baras se dekh raha hu lekin ab tumhare jariye he ye poora hoga.', Sushil jaha bahari charitra me ek suljha hua insaan tha wahi uska dusra swaroop bhi tha jisme uski vaasna ka kendra kahi jyada haavi tha aur ekmatra chahat thi Kavita. Poore gaanv me waisi bhari hui masoom jawaani aakhir Sushil ne dekhi he kaha thi. Aur jo agar kahi thi bhi toh uski najar waha tak kabhi pahuchi he nahi thi. Aaj usne Chandan ek poora aur ek adhura gyaan de he diya tha. Ab intjaar tha uske sath agli mulakaat ka.
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"Badi amma, aaj toh phir na halwaai ki dukaan khulegi aur na kolhu. Aur mattiya teil bhi bas gujare laayak hai.", Jaanki devi hamesha ki tarah safed sooti kurte jaisa kameej aur sabj rang ka ghaghra pehan kar shauk me shamil hone ke liye tayaar khadi thi. Sar dhakne ko waise he khaadi ka vastra lete hue wo apni kalaai se mota sone ka kada nikaalte hue chhote bakse me rakhti hui Gulaabo ki baat sunn kar bas gardand hilati rahi.
"Kal khul jaayegi ri dukaan aur ghar me mattiya teil ki utni jarurat bhi nahi rehti jo tu itna pareshan ho rahi hai. Laaltein aur kaanch ke diye poore ghar me toh sajane nahi hai. Ja dekh teri choti amma tayaar hui ke nahi. Na hui ho toh bata diyo ke thode waqt me nikalna hai. Aur ye taangewala kya bola tha aane ke liye?"
"Chara khila raha tha apne khacchar ko jab main sandesha dene gayi thi. Aap ek ghoda gaadi he banwa lo na aane jaane ke liye. Kisi par nirbhar he nahi rehna padega. Waise bhaiya antim-sanskaar me ja toh raha hai par...", Gulaabo apni baat kehte hue aise ruk gayi jaise us se kuch galti ho gayi ho aur Jaanki devi palat kar usko tajjub se dekhne lagi.
"Gaadi jab leni hogi tab le li jaayegi par tu apni baat toh poori kar. Chandan ke waha jaane se kya ho jaayega jis se tu uljhan me hai?", Gulaabo ne gardan jhukaye hue he jawaab diya aage.
"Logo pata toh lag he gaya hai ki aapke waaris hai bhaiya par jab wo unhe apne beech dekhenge toh atcho ke sath sath galat niyat wale bhi bhaiya se baatchit badhane ki koshish karenge. Sushil aapke saamne bhala hai lekin jab bhi idhar dwaar par aaya hai na toh wo bhitar taank-jhaank karne me laga rehta hai. Mutalli ke chakkar me. Dosti ki surat me fir kadam ghar ke bhitar bhi aa sakte hai. Baaki insaan bura nahi hai lekin jo galat hai so galat hai badi amma.", Ab Jaanki devi kuch soch me pad chuki thi aur unhe unke haal par chhod kar Gulaabo Anuradha ke kaksh ke taraf jaane lagi toh Chandan ko dhoti bandhte dekh uske upari nirvastra jism par he najre atak gayi. Chaude seene par halke halke baal abhi aane he shuru hue the aur gathile chaude seene ke sath sath bhujaaye bhi aisi majboot maansal ki byahta toh sharam se najre he jhuka le agar aisa paurush saamne padd jaaye. Par uske chehre par toh bas alag sa sukoon aur dhoti ko atche se baandhne ki talleenta tha. Gulaabo ne kal he toh Chandan ko apna bhai banaya tha lekin ab bhai ke prati he uska aakarshan kuch alag raah jaane laga.
"Kuch garam raakh hogi chulhe me Gulaabo?", Chandan ke awaaj dene par hadbadati hui Gulaabo idhar udhar dekhne lagi. Chehre par paseena jo aa chuka tha subah nehar me hui ghatna ko yaad karke. Jehan se wo vikraal ling jaane ka naam he nahi le raha tha. Ab Chandan ke dusri baar poochne par wo sar hilati hui bahar aangan me chali gayi, haare se garam raakh aur koyla nikalne. Chandan ko apne kurte ki silwate samtal karni thi aur ghar pe garam raakh bhari katori se behtar kuch tha bhi nahi. Gulaabo Chandan ka karya karne ke paschaat Anuradha ke kaksh me chali gayi aur Kavita ghar ki saaf safaai me alag he vyast thi.
"Sushil bhaiya aaye hai badi amma.", Kavita chust kameej aur ghaghri pehne hue apne chehra saaf karti hui Jaanki devi ko sandesh de kar wapis pichle aangan ki saaf safaai me ja lagi aur Jaanki Devi Chandan ko bahar bhejne se pehle Sushil ko dhero hidayat dene lagi jinhe wo sar jhukaye khamoshi se sunn kar hammi bharta raha. Unhone kankhiyon se Sushil ko jarur dekha jiski najar ek pal ko Kavita par ruki. Kavita gaaye ke bachhde ko pakadne ke liye uske peeche daud rahi thi aur wo shararti bachhda jaise uske sath aise he khelna chahta tha. Par ek bhare-poore sharir ki yuvti ka aise bhaagna kisi yuvak ke najar me ek kaamuk drishya se kam toh nahi tha.
"Thehar ja pyaare.. itni shaitaani bhi atchi baat nahi. Aainda Kavita ko pareshan kiya toh dhoop me baandh dunga.", Chandan apne kamar se bhi kam unchaai ke us sharati bachhde ko gardan me bandhi rassi se pakad kar aise samjha raha tha jaise khud shikshak ho aur wo uska shishya. Jaanki devi pehle toh apne naati ki cheete jaisi furti par hairan hui aur baad me uske bholepan par muskuraye bina na reh saki. Kavita toh Sushil ki najro se aujhal ab Chandan ki aut me khadi us bachhde ki rassi apne hath me lene lagi thi. Dono ne ek dusre ko najar kiya aur sharmati hui Kavita bachhde ko le kar pashuo ke baade ki aur chal di. Jaanki Devi ne poora drishya gehraai se dekha tha aur unhe samajhte der na lagi ki Kavita ki najro me unke naati ke liye jo bhaav the wo sirf ek premika ke he ho sakte hai. Chandan ka sar dulaar kar wo dono yuvako ko vida karne ke paschaat wahi aangan me he vriksh ki thandi chhaya tale moodhe par baith kar apne he vicharo me kho gayi. Kuch he samay gujra tha ki darwaje par bhi dastak hui aur bhitar se safed ujli dhoti aur choli me lipti Anuradha apna sar dhak kar unke paas he chali aayi.
"Ae Gulaabi, main ja rahi hu Bijju ke ghar teri chhoti amma ko le kar. Darwaja atche se band kar le aur peeche se koyi shararat nahi karna. Wapis lautne me waqt lagega aur is beech Bhanwari aaye toh usko rukwa lena.", Dwaar par taangewala he aaya tha aur Gulaabo ko awaaj lagane par dono he ladkiyan idhar aa pahuchi thi.
"Main toh kabhi kuch karti he nahi fir bhi aap mujhe shararti kehti rehti ho. Is mutalli ko samjhao jo abhi aangan me kaise Nandi ke sath uchal kood kar rahi thi. Isne khud he khola tha usko.. Haan nahi toh.", Gulaabo mooh chidhati hui Kavita ko he sata rahi thi jisko dekh Jaanki devi ne apne sar pe hath rakh liya aur unki bitiya ke chehre par ek mohak muskaan ubhar aayi.
"Khelne ke he din hai tum dono ke. Jo karna ho karo bas savdhani se ghar ke bhitar. Chandan wapis aaye toh pehle usko snaan ke liye kehna aur pehne hue kapde khud he dhone ke liye bhi. Uske baad he bhojan parosna usko. Kavita, tum ab aur koyi kaam nahi karna. Main aane ke baad swayam sambhaal lungi.", Dono ladkiyon ke maathe par pyaar dene ke baad Anuradha ghar se bahar nikalne se pehle ghoongat kar chuki thi. Gulaabo ne apni badi amma ko unki majboot lathi pakdaate hue fir se mooh banaya jis par unhone uske sar ke peeche chapat he laga di.
"Dhyaan rakhiyo.", Bas itna keh kar wo apni bitiya ko liye taange ke pichle hisse me ja baithi. Gulaabo ne bhi darwaja bhidane ke baad saankal chadha di. Kavita ab udhar nahi thi jaise wo jaanti thi ki Gulaabo ab usko sataane me jara si bhi deri nahi karne wali.
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"Toh ye hai badi amma ka waaris?", Gaanv ke is kinaare par khaali maidaan me logo ka atcha khasa jamghat laga tha jo Bijju ke antim sanskaar ke liye ekatrit hue the. Shavyatra ke pashchaat safed kafan me lipte Bijju ke shav ko chita par letane ke baad baari baari se bujurugo se le kar naujwaan tak ek ek lakdi chita par rakh kar apni apni jagah laut rahe the. Yaha bhi jaise umar aur yaari dosti ke chhote chhote gutt bane the aur Chandan dwara shav par lakdi rakhne ke baad uska ghutno ke bal baith kar Bijju ke shav ko pranaam karna bujurgo ke sath aur bhi kayi logo ko pasand aaya. Chaudhariyon ka ek gutt dhimi awaaj me Chandan par he charcha kar raha tha aur udhar Bijju ka jawaan ho raha beta, mundan karwaye nirvastra seene ke sath kamar par ujli dhoti lapete hue apne mooh bole chacha aur sarpanch Karam Singh ke hatho jalti lakdi liye chita ko mukhagani dene laga. Karam Singh ki bhi aankhen namm thi aur us yuvak ki bhi.
"Gaanv ka maalik bolo Mahipal, gaanv ka maalik. Tumhare bete Anil se bhi ek geeth uncha hoga aur tagda yaha khade har naujawaan se. Lekin sanskaar aur shiksha bhi utne he adhik hai.", Dusra Chaudhary bhi 45-46 baras ka he tha apne mitra Mahipal ki tarah. Shamshaan me bhi inki charcha Bijju na ho kar Chandan tha jo ab bhi hath jode hue ek taraf Sushil, Surinder ke sath khada Karam Singh aur Bijju ke bete ko dekh raha tha. Karam Singh chita ke chaaro taraf agni lagwane ke baad apne bhatije ke kandhe par hath rakh kar chita se kuch he duri par khada ho gaya. Bachpan, jawaani aur fir adhed awstha sath bitane wale Bijje se atyadhik moh tha Karam Singh ko aur ye pyaar dono ke pariwaro me bhi utna he ghansth tha.
"Main toh kehta hu Darshan bhai ki tum badi amma se apni bitiya Gori ke rishtey ki baat chala lo unke is waaris sang.", Mahipal ki baat sunn kar is vyakti ne naa me sar hilaya. Udhar Surinder apne mitra Sushil ke kaan me kuch kehne ke baad jalti chita ko namaskar karke shamshaan se bahar chal diya. Sushil Chandan ko kuch jaankari dene me laga tha aur chehra ghuma kar he logo ki pehchaan bhi karwa raha tha jis se Chandan bhi gaanv ke pramukh vyaktiyon ko jaan sake. Dhire dhire chita ki lakdiyon ke lapte unchi uthne lagi. Desi ghee aur sookhi lakdiyan grishm hritu me aise he toh balwati hoti hai.
"Ek he gaanv ka maamla hai Mahipal, rishta mumkin nahi hoga. Panchayat ko toh tum jaante he ho aur agar yuvak bahar se aaya hai is bina par rishta maangu toh mere se pehle Karam Singh, Balwan bhai aur Damodar apni apni bitiya ke liye unki dehleej par khade honge. Gori ki kismat me hua toh hoga, nahi hua toh mere maangne se toh milne nahi wala. Wo Gajju halwaai bhi ladke ko dekhte hue Bansilal se batiya raha hai.", Darshan ki baat uchit thi kyonki yaha jama log chita ke sath Chandan par bhi charcha kar rahe the. Dhire dhire jamghat kam hone laga aur waha ghar pariwar ke he pursh/yuvak bache reh gaye. Chandan ne bhi jaane se pehle Karam Singh ke charan sparsh karna uchit samjha aur us yuvak se bhi hath jodd kar uske dukh ko kam karne ki prathana bhagwan se maangi. Namm aankhon ke bawjood Karam Singh ne Chandan ke sar pe hath rakh kar abhaar jataya. Duniya me bas yahi toh ek kadwa sach hai, majboot-kamjor, ameer-gareeb.. har vyakti ek na ek din mrityu ko prapt karta hai.
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"Sushil bhai, maine kuch logo ko baatchit karte suna ki Bijju kaka ko daayan ne mara hai. Unke vastra nehar kinare gaanv se bahar mile the aur raat me wo sarpanch ji ke pas se ghar ke liye akele nikle. Ye daayan wala kya maamla hai?", Gaanv ke jis hisse me shamshaan sthit tha wo adhiktar keekar khar ke vriksho se bharpoor lekin viraan sa sthaan tha. Gaanv ki abaadi yaha se koyi ek kos dur thi aur chalte hue baatchit se behtar kya hota. Par Sushil is sawaal par thoda vichlit sa ho gaya.
"Daayan.. Aisa kehna toh kadaapi galat he hoga dost. Haan hamare gaanv me haadse hote rahe hai aur isme upari shaktiyan he shamil rahi hai. Lekin jisko log daayan batate hai na Chandan, wo abhagin ladki nirdosh thi. Bahot pehle jab yaha 52 ki jagah 8 makaan the baat tab ki hai. Main kya us waqt toh sarpanch ji bhi paida na hue the. Tumhare nana ke pita ji jameen thi ye saari aur baaki jungle the aas-pas. Dhire dhire is upjaao hisse ki taraf log aane jaane lage aur tumhare padd-nana ne bhi unhe unki shmata anusaar jameen bechi, basne ki jagah di. Is sthaan se viprit gaanv ke dusre chhor par ek talaab hai jaha pehle paani jama rehta tha agar nehar ka paani band ho jata toh sinchaai ke liye upyog kiya ja sake. Uske paas he Milakh Raj ji ka pariwar aa basa jo tumhare padd nana ke kareebi dost the, ab unka ghar he khooni-khandhar hai.", Chandan bade he gor se sab sunn raha tha aur khooni khandhar sunn kar uski baahon par royen khade hone lage.
"Matlab wo khandhar hamari sampatti nahi hai? Aur khooni khandhar kaise hua bhala?"
"Hahaha.. sampatti toh tumhari he hai bhai lekin Milakh Raj ji ko wo ghar tumhare padd nana ne he saunpa tha jisko unhone 2 manzila haweli sa bana diya. Unka bhara poora pariwar tha aur jitni fasal hoti wo Milakh Raj ji swayam he kharid kar shehar me aage bech dete. Gaanv khushaal tha aur sampann bhi lekin jaane kiski najar lag gayi abaad hote hue is gaanv ko. Ek raat kuch logo ne andhere me unki haweli par humla kar diya. Milakh Raj ji shehar gaye hue the vyapaar ki wajah se aur unhe andhkaar ki bhi khaas parwaah nahi hoti thi jabki jeev-jantu bahutayat me the us waqt. Wo apne ghode se wapis laut rahe the aur idhar unke pariwar par humla ho gaya. 2 bete the 2 bahu, unki dharampatni aur unki laadli bitiya Nandita. Sabko he talwaro se kaat diya gaya siwaye Nandita ke jo apne pita ki raah dekhti hui talaab kinaare baithi thi. Jab haweli ko jalte dekha toh wo udhar daud padi cheekhti pukarti hui. Yaha Milakh Raj ji bhi aa pahuche aur jalti hui haweli me he ghusne lage lekin wo namuraad humlawar lootere wahi the jinhone unhe bhi kaat dala aur Nandita ki khoobsurati uski he dushman ban gayi. Uska jism raund kar lootere Nandita ko marnassan haalat me he chhod kar andhere me he vileen ho gaye.", Sushil ne sab batane ke baad ek gehri saans bhari aur Chandan ke chehre par chhaya dukh bhi dekha.
"Mere padd nana ji bhi madad ko nahi gaye?"
"Tumhare ghar se wo jagah kitni dur hai jaante ho bhai? Aur unhe kaun batane aata ki waha humla hua hai?"
"Fir Nandita ka kya hua? Wo zinda bach gayi thi na?"
"Wo talaab me doob gayi. Aatmhatya kar li thi usne aur asli ghatna toh uske baad hui. Talaab se lash nikaal kar tumhare padd nana ji he uske shav ka antim-sanskaar karne ke liye baaki jale hue shat-vishatt shavo ke sath nehar ke paar purane shamshaan leke jaane lage the, 4-6 logo ke sath. Nehar kinare sabhi shav nehlane ke liye rakhe gaye toh achanak Nandita ka shav baaki sabke shavo ke beech se gayab ho gaya. Bahot dhoonda, nehar me bhi khoja lekin uski laash hath na lagi. Sabne maan liya ki kisi ki galti se lash nehar me beh gayi hogi aur baaki sabka sanskaar gaanv se bahar jungle ki taraf wale shamshaan par kar diya gaya. Uske baad tumhare nana toh shauk me doob gaye aur saari jimmewari tumhare nana ke kandho par aa giri jo us samay 16-17 ke rahe honge. Nandita sang unka he vivaah taye hua tha. Phir uske 10 baras baad kahi unhone badi amma se byaah kiya, jinhone poora gaanv he badal kar apne sasur ji ke sapne ko sarthak kiya. Badi amma aur tumhare nana ji ki he mehnat ka parinaam hai is gaanv ka vartmaan swaroop.", Sushil jaise is beech Nandita aur daayan wala mudda bhool gaya tha.
"Ye Nandita ji waali baat adhuri reh gayi. Kya aisi maute pehle bhi hoti rahi hai gaanv me?"
"Shama karna bhai, baaton baaton me bhool he gaya tha. Jaha wo doobi, wo talaab sookh gaya tha aur usko bharne ki koshish me bahar se aaye 3-4 majdoor bhi jaan ganwa baithe. Jo khandhar ki taraf kabhi gaya din dhalne ke baad, wo fir zinda nahi lauta. Kuch bade bujurgo ne isko Nandita ka badla bataya toh kisi ne daayan ka prakop. Ab toh din me bhi koyi us talaab aur khandhar ki taraf kadam nahi rakhta. Tum bhi isko gambhirta se he lena dost kyonki main Nandita ko daayn toh nahi kehta lekin atript aatma jarur maanta hu.", Chandan ne pratiuttar me sar hila kar haami bhari, beshak upari taur par.
"Aur ye nehar kinare bhi kuch hai jungle me? 2 log toh kal subah bhi mrit mile the ne Sushil bhai? Unki mrityu swabhavik thi ya hatya?", Chandan ke dono he sawaal khamoshi se chal rahe Sushil ke antarmann ko jhakjhor gaye. Maut toh maut he hai jo aadmi ki hasiyat me thodi na farak rakhti hai. Haan bas Jhamru aur Chhagan ko aisa vishisht sammaan nahi mila tha.
"Jaadu tone ke chakkar me the wo dono aur kisi ke behkaave me swayam he mrityu ko gale laga baithe. Jungle paar wala chauraha.. jaha se gaanv aane ka rasta hai na, wo kaal hai Chandan jisne anginat jiwan leel liye hai. Wo kab se shrapit hai ye main bhi nahi jaanta lekin ithiaas gaanv se bhi purana he hoga uska. Khojbin karne gaye the kuch angrej adhikari lekin zinda nahi bache. Aur nehar kinare toh sirf jiv-jantu he honge ya idhar tak Nandita ka prabhaav ho sakta hai jaise Bijju kaka ki laash mili. Kisi se kehna matt lekin atchi pravarti ke insaan nahi the wo. Gareeb aur majdoor mahilaon ka bahot shoshan kiya tha unhone aur aisa insaan toh har bhoot pret ya daayan se adhik khatarnaak hai samaaj me. 2-3 kam umar ladkiyan toh gaayab he ho gayi jitna maine suna hai. Jhamru aur Chaggu ke pariwar ko gaanv se bedakhal karne ke peeche bhi Bijju kaka ka he hath tha jis se wo unki lachaar aur gareeb bahu betiyon ko bhog sake aur gaanv ke bahar ki baat bahar he rahe. Sambhog aapsi sehamati se ho tabhi behtar hai. Kisi ko daba kar ya dara dhamka kar toh asmat lootna dushkaram he hua jo jaghanya apraadh hai.", Is vishaya ki toh Chandan ko jara si bhi jaankari nahi thi aur usko bas yahi samajh aaya ki Bijju shoshan karta tha ladkiyon aur mahilaon ka.
"Sambhog? Ye maine nahi suna kabhi Sushil bhai.", Ab Sushil muskurane laga tha uski baat sunn kar.
"Byaah hone ke baad samajh jaoge atche se. Waise samajh toh pehle bhi sakte ho lekin is par abhi baat karna thik nahi. Ye samajh lo ki ladka aur ladki akele me jab ek dusre se nirvastra prem karte hai usko sambhog kehte hai. Theth bhasha me chudaai ya chodna bhi."
"Chhiiii.. ye toh gaali jaisa hai sunaai detahai. Apshabd.. Aur aap ye sab kaise jaante hai? Aapka vivaah ho chuka hai kya? Ho he gaya hoga jab mujhse 7 varsh bade hai.", Chandan aise shabd sunn chuka tha shehar me lekin itna jaanta tha ki unka arth galat hota hai. Par uski baat sunn kar Sushil arthpurn dhang se muskurane laga.
"Jab main tumhari umar ka tha tabhi byaah ho gaya tha mera. Tumhari bhabhi ka naam Sushila hai aur hamare 2 bache hai, teesri baar wo peit se hai abhi. Aur rahi baat sambhog ya chudaai ki toh, iska gyaan kahi bahar thodi na milta hai. Naya naya jawaan ho raha tha tabhi ek kaaki ne mujhe marad bana diya tha. Uske baad toh jeene me alag he maja milne laga. Haan Bijju kaka jaise kisi ko dara dhamka kar nahi kiya kabhi. Jisko main pasand aaya uske sath kiya aur jo mujhe pasand aayi usko spasht apni chahat bata di. Phir mili toh thik nahi toh koyi aur sahi. Tum bhi koyi na koyi kaaki lapak he legi, hatte katte aur tagde yuvak ho.", Chandan ye sunn kar thoda sharminda sa ho kar apna sar khujane laga. Ye baatein ajeeb thi lekin inme ek alag aanand bhi mil raha tha.
"Mujhe aisa kuch nahi seekhna Sushil bhai. Aur abhi toh mujhe khud ko saabit karna hai, naani aur maa ki jimmewariyan apne kandhe par leni hai. Kaabil banunga tabhi toh byaah hoga.", Sushil uske vicharo se jaise sehmat nahi tha aur Chandan ka bholapan kahi na kahi usko akhar raha tha.
"Jis din tumhe jiwan ka ye sabse bada gyaan prapt ho gaya na Chandan, phir tum samjhoge ki kya paya hai tumne. Chaho toh main madad kar sakta hu tumhari aur ye baat hamare beech he rahegi. Gyaan na hone par byaah ke baad apni sangini ko khush nahi rakh sakoge aur wo sukhi nahi hogi toh kisi aur mard ki talaash karegi. Ghar ki ijatt aur tumhari mardangi par umarbhar ka daag lagega.", Jaise is baat ne Chandan ke mastishk par thoda asar kiya kyonki ghar ki ijatt aur apni he dharampatni ko kisi gair-purush wali baat saaf bhole mann par bhi asar toh karegi he.
"Jo sanskari aur sushil hogi wo aisa kadaapi nahi karegi bhai. Baaki rahi gyaan ki baat toh wo main sahi samay par he prapt karunga. Dekhne se bhi toh seekha ja sakta hai.", Chandan ki arthpuran baat sunn kar Sushil ne uska majboot kandha thapthapate hue khushi darshaai.
"Bahot sahi ja rahe ho. Chalo ab tum mere dost bane ho toh tumhare liye ye bhi sahi. Mera ghar gaanv ke chaurahe se mandir wali taraf hai jidhar sarpanch ji bhi rehte hai. Samay nikaal lena jab dil kare, khet dikhane ke sath sambhog bhi dikha dunga. Waise kabhi kisi janwar ko karte nahi dekha kya? Kutte, bhains, gaaye... sabhi karte hai aur wo nahi karenge toh bache kaise paida honge?", Bache paida hona sunn kar ab kuch kuch Chandan ko samajh aa raha tha. Usne dekha bhi tha pashuon ko aapas me judte ya chadhte hue lekin tab bas yahi jawaab mila tha ke wo ganda kaam hai. Nahi dekhna chahiye, shayad kam umar ki wajah se. Jism me alag si sansanahat si hone lagi thi aur aage uska ghar bhi aa chuka tha.
"Chalta hu Sushil bhai. Aapse jald milta hu, apne khet aur jameen bhi dekhni hai kaam karne ke liye.", Sushil ka dhanyawaad karke Chandan toh apne ghar ke dwaar ki taraf badh chala par Sushil ko khed hua ki Chandan ne usko aamantrit nahi kiya. Wo kuch jyada he dhime kadam badhata hua udhar he dekhta raha jaha Chandan dwaar khulne ki raah dekh raha tha usko bajane ke baad. Jyada nirasha hui jab Gulaabo najar aayi aur uske baad darwaja fir se band ho gaya.
'Kavita se mulakaat tum he karwaoge dost aur usko bhogte samay he main tumhara gyaan vardhan karunga. Ek yahi toh jiske khwaab 2 baras se dekh raha hu lekin ab tumhare jariye he ye poora hoga.', Sushil jaha bahari charitra me ek suljha hua insaan tha wahi uska dusra swaroop bhi tha jisme uski vaasna ka kendra kahi jyada haavi tha aur ekmatra chahat thi Kavita. Poore gaanv me waisi bhari hui masoom jawaani aakhir Sushil ne dekhi he kaha thi. Aur jo agar kahi thi bhi toh uski najar waha tak kabhi pahuchi he nahi thi. Aaj usne Chandan ek poora aur ek adhura gyaan de he diya tha. Ab intjaar tha uske sath agli mulakaat ka.
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OP
Member
LEVEL 1
50 XP
"Arre andar kaha ja rahe ho bhai? Badi amma boli thi ki aate he pehle nahana hoga aur phir apne vastra bhi saaf paani se dhone hai, swayam he. Shamshaan se laute ho toh vastro me bhi waha ka prabhav laajmi hoga.", Gulaabo baatchit toh kar rahi thi par wo Chandan ke nikat jaane me sankoch kar rahi thi subah nehar wale haadse ke baad se he. Haan Chandan ki gair-maujoodgi me usne Kavita ki khoob khinchaai ki thi aur uske bhole mann ko bakhubi tatola tha. Chandan bhi Gulaabo ki baat sunn kar bhitar jaane ki jagah makaan ke kinaare se hota hua pichle aangan ki taraf chal diya. Gulaabo kuch duri banaye uske peeche, dabe kadmo se. Yaha jaise Kavita ko sangyaan nahi tha ki Chandan laut aaya hai aur wo apne aap me he khoyi lakdi ke peedhe par baithi ghar ki maili chaadar dhone me lagi thi. Lohe ke bade tasle me doobi chaadare ek ek karke nikalti wo unhe ragad ragad kar dono hatho se saaf kar rahi thi. Ek taraf 2 baltiyon me saaf paani bhara tha kapde khangalne ke liye.
"Wo... ek balti mil sakti hai?", Chandan ne thoda jhijhakte hue poocha jis se apne khayalo me khoyi Kavita ne chehra uthaya toh saamne Chandan ko apni taraf dekhta pa kar chehre par halki sharam se laali chhane lagi. Ghagra ghutno par chadhaye wo jaise mehnat kar rahi thi, uski gori sudol pindaliyan jo paani me bhigi aur bhi aakarshak lag rahi thi, Chandan ke saamne he thi. Halke rang ki dhili kurti ke gale se uske motte ubhaar aapas me jude hue vkasho ka ek bada hissa bahar jhalka rahe the jinhe dekh kar Chandan bhi kuch asehaj sa tha par jaane ye kaisa laalach tha ya unka akarshan jinhe dekhne ki chahat wo dil se nikaal na saka. Kavita ka bhola chehra aur itna kaamuk badan uske mann mastishk par apna gehra prabhav kar gaya.
"Le lijiye lekin phir wapis kar dijiyega. Ek balti me sabhi kapde nahi khangaal sakti.",Geele hath se apne chehre ke aage aaye gensu (baal) hatate hue kuch paani Kavita ke bhare hue gaal par bhi gira. Wo shabnam si 3-4 boonde toh jaise Chandan ke antarman ko hila gayi. Bolte hue hilte Kavita ke surkh honth apni alag kavita keh gaye jo kisi aur ko kaha sunaai deti jab dekhne wala sirf Chandan he tha.
"Bhai tum idhar he baith kar naha lo. Tanki se paani lena bhi asaan rahega aur ek balti me kya nahaoge aur kya kapde dhulenge? Ae mutalli, tujhe koyi pareshani hai kya agar bhai us ghonsle (snaanghar) ki jagah yahi araam se naha le? Nehar pe gaye toh tvacha kaali padd jaani hai is samay.", Gulaabo dikhawe ke liye tanki ke pas bane pakke chabutare par apni aediyon ko paani se saaf karti hui in dono ko bhi palat kar dekhe ja rahi thi. Inke beech aisi dabi hui jhijhak bhari baatchit usko alag aanand de rahi thi jabki bhitar uske bhi kuch na kuch toh chal he raha tha.
"Mujhe kya aapatti hogi agar ye yaha nahayenge? Aap ye vastra bhi mujhe he de dijiyega dhone ke liye.", Kavita ne najre jhukaye he kaha aur Chandan ne balti utha kar 2 kadam dur pakke chabutare par rakhne ke baad apne jism se kurta utara toh kareeb khadi Gulaabo reh reh kar wo lamba chauda jism nihaarne lagi. Usko kuch samajh nahi thi ki ye sahi hai ya galat lekin ek purush ke prati uska dili aakarshan jaagne jarur laga tha.
"Naani ne agar kaha hai ki ye vastra mujhe he dhone hai toh jarur koyi wajah he hogi. Shamshaan se aaya hu isliye aur tum inhe saaf karogi toh bina wajah dushit ho jaogi aur fir se snaan karna padega. Gulaabo, wo rassi se angocha pakda do jara.", Chandan dhoti kholne se pehle ye bolte hue Gulaabo ki taraf dekhne laga jo jhuk kar apna chehra dho rahi thi lekin wo thik uske saamne jhuki thi. Paani ki wajah se aankhe toh band thi par patle badan par dheeli kurti ka gala jhukne se Chandan ke saamne khula pada tha. Bhitar sooti ganji bhi uske mutthi jitne adhpake stanno se dhalak kar unka poora vivran dene lagi. Itne kareeb se aise achhute stann Chandan ne bas aaj he dekhe the. Kaale chane ke akaar ke 2 chuchak aur kase hue samose ki aakriti se dono stann Chandan ki jaangho ke beech hulchal machane lage toh usne najre he phira li. Chandan apni badhti dhadkan ko shaant karne ke liye kuch pal aankhen moond kar gehri saans bhitar bharne laga.
"ye lo bhai angocha. Waise itna bada langot (kachha) pehne ho toh bewaja angocha kyun kharaab karna.?", Chandan ne dhoti ke bhitar ghar par he sila hua ghutno se kuch upar tak lambaai ka kachha pehna hua tha jo Gulaabo ne tab dekha tha jab Anuradha ne usko Chandan tak vastra pahuchane ke liye diye the subah. Chandan aksar apne ghar par angocha pehan kar he naha leta tha kyonki kachha utna araamdayak nahi lagta tha pehan ne me. Par yaha uski maa ne ye pehan na jaruri bataya tha. Dhoti ko khol kar Chandan ne ek taraf pakke farsh par rakha toh Gulaabo ki najro ne tehkikaat karni chaahi. Lambi majboot taango ke upar wo dhila vastra wo khaas chij atche se chupaaye tha jiski jhalak paane ke liye Gulaabo adhir thi par dikawa aisa ki jaise uska dhyaan Chandan par ho he nahi. Peedhi par baithne se ab Chandan uski najro me tircha ho gaya aur uske paanv ka rukh kapde dhoti Kavita ki taraf ho gaya. Reh reh kar Kavita bhi un dono ki baatchit ke dauraan inhe dekh leti. Chandan jaise ek kone me in dono khoobsurat balaao se ghira baitha apne utare hue vastro par paani girane laga.
"De dijiye, ye main kar deti hu. Waise bhi maine kapde dhone ke baad nahana he hai.", Kavita ke sambodhan me is baar jo sneh aur prem tha usko na sirf Chandan ne mehsoos kiya balki Gulaabo ne bhi apni masoom mutalli ki aise apnepan se bhare shabdo ko gehraai se mehsoos kiya. Usne he Chandan ke saamne rakhe aadhe bheege dono shwet vastra utha kar kapde dhone wale sthaan par la rakhe. Salwaar ko upar chadhati hui wo Kavita ke he saamne aa baithi thi.
"Mere paas koyi kaam nahi hai toh ye main he kar leti hu. Tum bas saaf paani me khangaal dena baad me. Aur nahana toh mujhe bhi hai, chara kaatne ke baad hath mooh toh dho liye par chipchipa raha hai kapdo ke bhitar.", Betakalluf si Gulaabo ki adaa dekh kar Kavita mand mand muskurane lagi. Aakhir rishto me wo bhi purn samarpit thi aur uska yahi khul kar pyaar jatana, har waqt bolte rehna he Gulaabo ko sabka chaheta banaye hue tha. Chandan kuch pal ke liye dono ghutno par haath bandhe inhe dekhta raha. Kaha toh yaha aane se pehle poori tarah se ekaaki sa jiwan jisme kuch kshann koyi shamil bhi tha toh wo uski pyaari maa aur phir yaha uski naani ke sath sath itna khayaal rakhne wali ye 2-2 yuvtiyaan. Abhi Chandan waise he baitha tha aur Meena jaane kaha se ghoomti firti Kavita ki jaangho ke saamne aa baithi. Amuman paani se dur rehne wali vidaal prajaati me ye kuch alag thi jisko paani bhi pasand tha aur insaan bhi. Kavita ek pal ko dari kyonki uska dhyaan he nahi tha aur jab thoda peeche khisakne ke baad niche dekha toh apni taraf dekhti un chamakdar peeli-bhoori aankho ke sammohan me qaid si ho gayi.
"Ye jara bhi nahi darti kisi se. Bahot pyaari hai aur idhar udhar mooh bhi nahi maarti.", Kavita ne sar sehlane ke liye hath uthaya toh Meena ne ek panja utha kar uske hath ko aisa karne se rok diya. Fir khud he wo apna sar uski hatheli par ragadne ke baad uth kar pashuon wale baade ki aur nikal chali. Chandan ne apne jism par paani udelna shuru kar diya is beech.
"Ye mere sath he toh rahi hai fir darr kaise lagega? Waise Meena mujhse jyada samajhti hai duniya ko. Tum ab uske liye anjaan nahi ho kyonki wo sab bade dhyaan se dekhti hai. Haan apni marji ke bina sirf wo maa ko he hath lagane deti hai kyonki usko pata hai wo maa hai. Waise tum dono kabhi pathshala nahi gayi?", Chandan ne apne geele sharir ko atche se ragad kar saaf karte hue unki taraf dekha toh Kavita wapis kapde dhone me juti thi aur uske hilte stann Chandan ka wajood bhi hilane lage. Gulaabo kuch hairaani se Chandan ki jaangho ke beech prati pal badhte ubhaar ko dekhne lagi. Phir nigaaho par gor kiya toh samajh gayi ki aisa kis wajah se ho raha hai. Kavita ke stanno ka thirakna Chandan ek taraf se dekh raha tha par Gulaabo ke toh wo thik saamne the. Bhari bharkam gore stann jin par kabhi koyi bahari drishti nahi padi thi aur Kavita ke siwaye un par kisi dusre ka sparsh toh bahot dur ki baat thi.
"Pathshala jitna toh badi amma ne hum dono ko yahi ghar par he padha diya. 5 kaksha tak padhi hui hai wo aur utna likhna padhna hume bhi aata hai. Yaha gaanv me pathshala jald khulegi lekin filhaal toh ladke agle kasbe jaate hai padhne, 8-9 he hai baaki toh shiksha se aise katrate hai jaise chaurahe ka pret ho. Waise bhai, tumhe Kavita kaisi lagti hai?", Gulaabo ke ekdum se spasht sawaal ne jaha Kavita ko hairaan kiya wahi Chandan bhi asehaj sa laga jaise uski chori pakdi gayi ho. Par sawaal Kavita ke saamne he hua tha toh jawaab dena bhi jaruri tha.
"Tum dono he atchi lagti ho mujhe. Waha sara kaam main aur maa mil baant kar karte the aur yaha tum dono mujhe kuch karne he nahi deti. Ab tum mere kapde dho rahi ho aur Kavita ne bhi mujhe dhone nahi diye. Savere mera kurta bhi istree kar diya Kavita ne aur ye balti he dekh lo kaise bhari bharaai mil gayi mujhe. Ab itni dekhbhal karogi toh pasand kyun nahi karunga.?", Itni chaturaai jaise aaj se pehle Chandan me thi he nahi aur iski wajah bhi yahi dono thi. Kavita itna sunn kar Gulaabo se narajgi bhool he gayi aur mand mand muskurati hui saaf kiye kapde baalti ke upar jhuk kar khangalne lagi toh Chandan ke hosh he udd gaye. Adhbhut maans bhare wo bade bade golakar stann aur unki gehri ghaati waha tak dikh rahi thi jaha halka sa gulabipan shuru hone lagta. Chuchak chhod kar samooche stann kabhi aapas me ragad khaate toh kabhi idhar udhar kulanche bharte. Iske sath he uska ling purn akaar lene laga jaha Gulaabo ki najar lagatar ja rahi thi. Bheega hua lamba angvastra ab chhupane ki jagah us vikral ang ko bhali bhanti dikha raha tha.
"Bhai peeth par hath nahi pahuch raha toh main ragad du?", Gulaabo dhoti aur kurta saaf karke khangalne ke liye Kavita ko deti hui uth kar Chandan ki taraf chal di bina uska jawaab sune. Tanki ke upar rakhe gaachi mitti ke tukde ko geela karke hatheli par lep kar jaise he Gulaabo ne Chandan ki chaudi peeth par saprsh kiya, wo swayam he bechaini se bhar uthi. Ek majboot purush ke jism ka ehsaas aisa hoga ye ummeed nahi thi Gulaabo ko. Phir jaise taise wo apni naajuk hatheliyon se Chandan ke kandhe aur peeth ragad kar saaf karne lagi. Ab dono ki najre saamne Kavita par tiki thi. Uttejjanavash Gulaabo kuch adhik dabaav se Chandan ki peeth masalne lagi. Kavita ke motte vaksh jaise is jawaan ho rahi yuvti ko uksane lage.
"Sar pe reetha he laga do agar itna kar rahi ho.", Chandan ki awaaj sunn kar ek najar neeche dekha toh uska angvastra dono jaangho par chipka hua us vishaal ling ko poora dikha raha tha. Itne kareeb se ye najara dekthi Gulaabo ki haalat bhi bigadne lagi jabki Kavita ko in dono ki avastha ka koyi bhaan he nahi tha. Tanki par ek taraf katori me rakhe bheege reethe ka kala paani Chandan ke baalo me gira kar unki maalish karte hue Gulaabo ka jism kaanpne sa laga aur jaise taise wo itna karke dono se he alag ho gayi. Chandan ab apne jism ko paani se dho kar uthne he laga tha.
"Mutalli, tu safeed chaadar chhat par sukhni daal diyo, yaha jameen par giri toh sari mehnat pe mitti lag jaani hai. Mere kapde geele hai poore isliye kamre me nahane ja rahi hu.", Chandan ke saamne se balti utha kar wo usme paani bharti hui boli. Wo kacha kamra jisme Gulaabo pehle soti thi, usko kaamchalau snaanghar he bana liya tha isne.
"Kapde nichudwati ja phir naha lena. Aur tu he toh keh rahi thi ki inhe sukhane me tu meri madad karegi. Kapde toh mere bhi geele hai.", Kavita ke aise manuhaar bhare shabdo ko sunn kar Gulaabo toh mooh chidha kar nikal chali par Chandan apni kamar par gamcha lapet uske kareeb aa gaya.
"Main nichod deta hu aur sookhne bhi daal dunga. Mujhe ye karna pasand hai aur ghar pe maa mujhse he ye karwati thi kyonki jyada jor isme he lagta hai.", Ek pal ko jhuki hui Kavita ki najar bhi angoche ke halke ubhaar par padi par uske baad Chandan ke hatho ka sparsh apne hatho pe hua jo balti me doobe the. Dono ne he ek chaadar bahar nikaal kar sath nichodni shuru ki. Jaha Chandan aisa karte hue Kavita ko bhi nihaar leta, wahi wo uski najro se sharmati hui ek chhor thaame Chandan ki taaqat ko mehsoos karti rahi. Sabhi kapde nichod kar Chandan unhe khaali baalti me bhar ke le jaane laga toh Kavita ne mooh khola.
"Aap tasle me le jaaye agar thik lage toh. Balti nahane ko chahiye."
"ye bhi thik hai.", Tasle ka maila paani kache hisse me khaali karke Chandan ne kapde usme ulta diye aur swayam he us badi balti me saaf paani bhar kar snaanghar me rakhne laga.
"Rehne dijiye, main rakh leti hu.", Kavita se wo balti poori bharne ke baad uthne wali nahi thi jisko Chandan bade araam se uthaye uske kareeb he ruk gaya.
"Chot lag sakti hai itni bhaari balti uthane se. Aur tum pehle he itni der se mehnat kar rahi ho. Mere kapde saaf karne ke badle main itna toh kar he sakta hu.", Kavita ne apni jhuki najre uthate hue Chandan ka chehra dekha toh wo usko he nihaar raha tha. Fatto se bana darwaja kholte hue Kavita ne he dono ke beech kuch pal ke liye ruka sanvaad fir se shuru kiya.
"Aapko kapde dhone pade toh fir mera yaha kya kaam? Aur ye bhi sach hai ki main ye balti aadhi bhari hui he utha sakti hu jisme sahi se nahana nahi ho sakta. Choti wali toh wo le gayi.", Snaanghar ke bhitar ab dono itne kareeb khade the ki unke beech bas aadhe hath ki he duri thi. Chandan uske pyaare se chehre ko dekhta hua pratuttar me halke se muskuraya.
"Mujhe tum bahot atchi lagti ho Kavita. Aur pata nahi kyun par tumhare liye, tumhare sath ye chote mote kaam karna mujhe pasand hai. Isme kuch galat toh nahi hai na?", Chandan ka chehra baat karte hue niche jhuka tha aur ek hath snaanghar ki chaukhat par tikaye wo poori tarah kavita ke sammohan me qaid jaise bahar nikalna he na chahta ho.
"Mujhe nahi pata.", Sharam se simat rahi Kavita peeche hoti hui diwar se aa judi. Usme ab aur himmat nahi thi Chandan ki najro ka saamna karne ki.
"Tumhe bura lagta hai toh main koshish karunga ki aisa na ho. Tum muskurati hui he atchi lagti ho Kavita, aise dari sehmi hui nahi. Maaf karna agar anjaane me maine kuch galat keh diya ho.", Chandan mudd kar jaane laga toh uske dusra hath Kavita ne apne dono hath me thaam liya. Najre abhi bhi neeche he thi.
"Aapki har baat ka jawaab main bol kar nahi de sakti na.? Jo aapne kaha mujhe bhi waisa karna atcha lagta hai aur aapke paas main surakshit hu ye toh puliya wali ghatna se he jaan gayi thi. Parantu kya sahi hai aur kya galat, uski samajh mujhe aapse bhi kam hai. Badi amma ka vishwaas nahi todna chahti main jinhone na sirf mujh anaath ko aasra diya balki sagi maa se jyada pyaar diya, bin maange har itcha poori ki. Aap he batao kya main unke ehsaan ke badle apna swarth sidh karu? Main unhe dukhi nahi kar sakti ji.", Chandan ne Kavite ke ubhre hue gaalo par aansu ludhakte dekhe toh uska dil ajeeb he dard se bhar utha. Jaise bhitar kuch toot raha ho ya bann raha ho. Wo naari sandarbh me bilkul kora tha lekin jaise prem koyi nahi sikhata thik waise he uska ijhaar bhi manushya swayam karta hai. Chandan ne ehtiyaat se Kavita ke dono gaal saaf karte hue khudko uske aur kareeb kar liya.
"Kitna bewajah ka sochti rehti ho tum. Unhone parwarish ki hai, ehsaan nahi. Badle me tumne bhi poori nishtha se unki sewa ki hai Kavita. Tum sab samajhti ho kyonki tum samajhdar ho aur mujhe bhi samajhdar bann na. Maine kaha tha na ki tumhari har baat maanunga, bas tum sath rehna.", Kavita ne dabdabayi aankhon se chehra upar utha kar Chandan ki taraf dekha jo sirf uski chahat liye tha apni aankhon me. Aur uska chehra niche jhukta jhukta Kavita ke gaal ko choom kar phir se dur ho gaya. Ab wo simat kar sharmane lagi thi jaise Chandan ne aakhir apna adhikar jama diya ho.
"Mujhe nahana hai, aap jaiye.", Kavita chehra chhupane ke liye palat chuki thi aur Chandan ne bhi in shabdo ke sath sath wo sunn liya tha jisko kehne ke liye jubaan ki jarurat nahi padti. Mook swikriti Kavita ki uske prem ke pratiuttar me.
"Kal mere sath jameen dekhne chalna hai tumhe. Jimmewari samay se he sambhal le toh behtar hai.", Chandan itna bol kar bahar nikal gaya aur peeche reh gayi dhadkane sambhalti hui Kavita. Chandan ka uske aansu paunchna aur gaal ke upar chumban uske liye bhare ujale me kisi khwaab sa he tha. Darwaja atche se band karne ke paschaat jaane wo kitni he der tak usi ehsaas me khoyi rahi aur Gulaabo ki pukaar sunn kar hosh me lauti.
"Ae mutalli, bhitar naha rahi hai?"
"Haan abhi toh aayi hu nahane. Baal dhone hai toh thoda samay lagega. Tu apne bhaiya se bhojan ka pooch le jara.", Apne bhaiya sunn kar Gulaabo akele he mooh banati hui aise jatane lagi jaise ye kataaksh ho.
"Mere bhaiya ko main dekh lungi. Tu atche se tayaar ho ja, mauka badhiya hai unse chonch ladane ka tere paas. Waise wo hain kaha par?", Gulaabo ke bhi baal bheege hue the jinhe toliye me lapet kar wo idhar udhar dekhne lagi jaise Chandan kahi chhipa hua na ho. Uski baat sunn kar apna ghagra dhila karti hui Kavita ke chehre par fir se laali aane lagi. Chikni bhari bhari jaangho ke beech antahvastra nadarad tha aur makkai ke bhutte jaise patle sunehre baal abhi yoni ke upar aane he lage the, naammatra se. Kurti ko utaar kar khoonti par taangti hui wo apni paseene me geeli hui ganji ko farsh par gira kar bas ek baar dono gol uroj dekh kar turant niche baith gayi. Apna jism dekhna he jaise usko pareshan karne laga. Par yahi wo galti kar baithi, bina chhatt ke snaanghar me chhaya ki chahat me us aur baith kar jaha se chhat par kahada vyakti uska bakhubi najara kar sakta tha.
"Upar gaye hai wo chaadar sukhane. Madad he kar de unki agar roti nahi banani. Main aa kar paka dungi.", Gulaabo bhi ye sunn kar tej kadmo se wapis muddti hui seedhiyon wali taraf nikal chali. 'Atcha' bolti hui. Kavita apne lambe baalo ko ek taraf karti hui unhe bade araam se bhigone lagi. Apne lambe baalo se usko lagaav bhi bahot tha jinki niyamt maalisha aur fir unhe saptaah me 3 baare reethe se dhona wo bhoolti nahi thi. Is mudra me uske dono stann ujagar the jin par thande paani ka sparsh nirantar hota raha. Wahi chhat ke upar 2 kono me khade baans par bandhi rassi ke upar kapde failata hua Chandan antim chhor tak aaya toh bas wahi ruk gaya.
Wajah phir se Kavita he thi lekin is baar uska beparda husn bhari dopehar me uspe bijliyan gira gaya. Aisa he drishya usne ek baar pehle dekha tha lekin tab waha uski maa thi Kavita ke sthaan par aur wo najra sirf ek pal ka tha. Yaha toh Kavita ka abhi nahana shuru he hua tha aur pehle jo stann kapdo ke bhitar hilte dekhe the wo samooche Chandan ke saamne the. Kathhai rang ke 2 chhote chuchak aur purn golakaar sakht uroj, fakk bedaag.
"Ye dhoti munder par daal do bhai agar rassi par jagah nahi bachi.", Is awaaj se na sirf Chandan ki chetna lauti balki Kavita ne bhi chehra upar uthaya aur us chehre ko dekh kar badi furti se ek kone me ja chhupi. Aakhir Chandan ne usko waisi awastha me dekh liya tha jisme ek yuvti ko sirf uska jiwansath he dekh sakta hai. Chandan hadbadata hua palta toh Gulaabo khamosh reh gayi. Usne vastra ke naam par wahi angocha he jism par lapeta hua tha. Aur uska ling spasht Gulaabo ke saamne ubhra hua.
"Haann.. Haa wahi sukhne ke liye daal raha hu. Tum jaldi naha li.", Salwar kameej ki jagah Gulaabo ne bhi ek ghaghri pehni hui thi aur pehle jaisi he dheeli kurti. Baal suljhane ka dikhawa karti hui wo Chandan ke he kareeb chehalkadmi karne lagi. Chandan ko bhaye tha ke kahi Gulaabo na dekh le Kavita ko par Gulaabo ko wo najar na aayi siwaye behte paani ke.
"Jaldi? Itna samay saptaah me sirf ek baar he lagaati hu nahi toh 100 tak ginti me he mera nahana poora. Haan nehar me nahate samay mujhe waqt lagta hai."
"Atcha teir leti ho.", Gulaabo ke dimag me jaane kya chal raha tha jo is jawaab par usne ye baat he keh di.
"Kal sath chalenge kyonki aaj tum deri se aaye the. Mujhe bhi thoda dur tak teirne ko milega jo akele jaane par mumkin nahi.", Chandan ne haami bharne ke baad kuch bolna chaha toh niche mukhya dwaar par hui khatkhatahatse dono ki charcha adhuri he reh gayi.
"Niche ja kar tum kapde pehan lo bhai. Lagta hai Bhanwri kaaki aayi hai.", Chandan ko ab dhyaan aaya tha ke wo sirf ek angoche me he ghoom raha tha. Apne ling ko uttejit dekh, wo bhi Gulaabo ke saamne.. Wo teji se niche daud chala. Dhime kadmo se uske peeche aati Gulaabo bas muskurati rahi.
'Mutalli ke sath mera bhi bhala hone wala hai.', Bahar Bhanwri he aayi thi lekin apni bitiya Lakshmi ko sang liye.
"Wo... ek balti mil sakti hai?", Chandan ne thoda jhijhakte hue poocha jis se apne khayalo me khoyi Kavita ne chehra uthaya toh saamne Chandan ko apni taraf dekhta pa kar chehre par halki sharam se laali chhane lagi. Ghagra ghutno par chadhaye wo jaise mehnat kar rahi thi, uski gori sudol pindaliyan jo paani me bhigi aur bhi aakarshak lag rahi thi, Chandan ke saamne he thi. Halke rang ki dhili kurti ke gale se uske motte ubhaar aapas me jude hue vkasho ka ek bada hissa bahar jhalka rahe the jinhe dekh kar Chandan bhi kuch asehaj sa tha par jaane ye kaisa laalach tha ya unka akarshan jinhe dekhne ki chahat wo dil se nikaal na saka. Kavita ka bhola chehra aur itna kaamuk badan uske mann mastishk par apna gehra prabhav kar gaya.
"Le lijiye lekin phir wapis kar dijiyega. Ek balti me sabhi kapde nahi khangaal sakti.",Geele hath se apne chehre ke aage aaye gensu (baal) hatate hue kuch paani Kavita ke bhare hue gaal par bhi gira. Wo shabnam si 3-4 boonde toh jaise Chandan ke antarman ko hila gayi. Bolte hue hilte Kavita ke surkh honth apni alag kavita keh gaye jo kisi aur ko kaha sunaai deti jab dekhne wala sirf Chandan he tha.
"Bhai tum idhar he baith kar naha lo. Tanki se paani lena bhi asaan rahega aur ek balti me kya nahaoge aur kya kapde dhulenge? Ae mutalli, tujhe koyi pareshani hai kya agar bhai us ghonsle (snaanghar) ki jagah yahi araam se naha le? Nehar pe gaye toh tvacha kaali padd jaani hai is samay.", Gulaabo dikhawe ke liye tanki ke pas bane pakke chabutare par apni aediyon ko paani se saaf karti hui in dono ko bhi palat kar dekhe ja rahi thi. Inke beech aisi dabi hui jhijhak bhari baatchit usko alag aanand de rahi thi jabki bhitar uske bhi kuch na kuch toh chal he raha tha.
"Mujhe kya aapatti hogi agar ye yaha nahayenge? Aap ye vastra bhi mujhe he de dijiyega dhone ke liye.", Kavita ne najre jhukaye he kaha aur Chandan ne balti utha kar 2 kadam dur pakke chabutare par rakhne ke baad apne jism se kurta utara toh kareeb khadi Gulaabo reh reh kar wo lamba chauda jism nihaarne lagi. Usko kuch samajh nahi thi ki ye sahi hai ya galat lekin ek purush ke prati uska dili aakarshan jaagne jarur laga tha.
"Naani ne agar kaha hai ki ye vastra mujhe he dhone hai toh jarur koyi wajah he hogi. Shamshaan se aaya hu isliye aur tum inhe saaf karogi toh bina wajah dushit ho jaogi aur fir se snaan karna padega. Gulaabo, wo rassi se angocha pakda do jara.", Chandan dhoti kholne se pehle ye bolte hue Gulaabo ki taraf dekhne laga jo jhuk kar apna chehra dho rahi thi lekin wo thik uske saamne jhuki thi. Paani ki wajah se aankhe toh band thi par patle badan par dheeli kurti ka gala jhukne se Chandan ke saamne khula pada tha. Bhitar sooti ganji bhi uske mutthi jitne adhpake stanno se dhalak kar unka poora vivran dene lagi. Itne kareeb se aise achhute stann Chandan ne bas aaj he dekhe the. Kaale chane ke akaar ke 2 chuchak aur kase hue samose ki aakriti se dono stann Chandan ki jaangho ke beech hulchal machane lage toh usne najre he phira li. Chandan apni badhti dhadkan ko shaant karne ke liye kuch pal aankhen moond kar gehri saans bhitar bharne laga.
"ye lo bhai angocha. Waise itna bada langot (kachha) pehne ho toh bewaja angocha kyun kharaab karna.?", Chandan ne dhoti ke bhitar ghar par he sila hua ghutno se kuch upar tak lambaai ka kachha pehna hua tha jo Gulaabo ne tab dekha tha jab Anuradha ne usko Chandan tak vastra pahuchane ke liye diye the subah. Chandan aksar apne ghar par angocha pehan kar he naha leta tha kyonki kachha utna araamdayak nahi lagta tha pehan ne me. Par yaha uski maa ne ye pehan na jaruri bataya tha. Dhoti ko khol kar Chandan ne ek taraf pakke farsh par rakha toh Gulaabo ki najro ne tehkikaat karni chaahi. Lambi majboot taango ke upar wo dhila vastra wo khaas chij atche se chupaaye tha jiski jhalak paane ke liye Gulaabo adhir thi par dikawa aisa ki jaise uska dhyaan Chandan par ho he nahi. Peedhi par baithne se ab Chandan uski najro me tircha ho gaya aur uske paanv ka rukh kapde dhoti Kavita ki taraf ho gaya. Reh reh kar Kavita bhi un dono ki baatchit ke dauraan inhe dekh leti. Chandan jaise ek kone me in dono khoobsurat balaao se ghira baitha apne utare hue vastro par paani girane laga.
"De dijiye, ye main kar deti hu. Waise bhi maine kapde dhone ke baad nahana he hai.", Kavita ke sambodhan me is baar jo sneh aur prem tha usko na sirf Chandan ne mehsoos kiya balki Gulaabo ne bhi apni masoom mutalli ki aise apnepan se bhare shabdo ko gehraai se mehsoos kiya. Usne he Chandan ke saamne rakhe aadhe bheege dono shwet vastra utha kar kapde dhone wale sthaan par la rakhe. Salwaar ko upar chadhati hui wo Kavita ke he saamne aa baithi thi.
"Mere paas koyi kaam nahi hai toh ye main he kar leti hu. Tum bas saaf paani me khangaal dena baad me. Aur nahana toh mujhe bhi hai, chara kaatne ke baad hath mooh toh dho liye par chipchipa raha hai kapdo ke bhitar.", Betakalluf si Gulaabo ki adaa dekh kar Kavita mand mand muskurane lagi. Aakhir rishto me wo bhi purn samarpit thi aur uska yahi khul kar pyaar jatana, har waqt bolte rehna he Gulaabo ko sabka chaheta banaye hue tha. Chandan kuch pal ke liye dono ghutno par haath bandhe inhe dekhta raha. Kaha toh yaha aane se pehle poori tarah se ekaaki sa jiwan jisme kuch kshann koyi shamil bhi tha toh wo uski pyaari maa aur phir yaha uski naani ke sath sath itna khayaal rakhne wali ye 2-2 yuvtiyaan. Abhi Chandan waise he baitha tha aur Meena jaane kaha se ghoomti firti Kavita ki jaangho ke saamne aa baithi. Amuman paani se dur rehne wali vidaal prajaati me ye kuch alag thi jisko paani bhi pasand tha aur insaan bhi. Kavita ek pal ko dari kyonki uska dhyaan he nahi tha aur jab thoda peeche khisakne ke baad niche dekha toh apni taraf dekhti un chamakdar peeli-bhoori aankho ke sammohan me qaid si ho gayi.
"Ye jara bhi nahi darti kisi se. Bahot pyaari hai aur idhar udhar mooh bhi nahi maarti.", Kavita ne sar sehlane ke liye hath uthaya toh Meena ne ek panja utha kar uske hath ko aisa karne se rok diya. Fir khud he wo apna sar uski hatheli par ragadne ke baad uth kar pashuon wale baade ki aur nikal chali. Chandan ne apne jism par paani udelna shuru kar diya is beech.
"Ye mere sath he toh rahi hai fir darr kaise lagega? Waise Meena mujhse jyada samajhti hai duniya ko. Tum ab uske liye anjaan nahi ho kyonki wo sab bade dhyaan se dekhti hai. Haan apni marji ke bina sirf wo maa ko he hath lagane deti hai kyonki usko pata hai wo maa hai. Waise tum dono kabhi pathshala nahi gayi?", Chandan ne apne geele sharir ko atche se ragad kar saaf karte hue unki taraf dekha toh Kavita wapis kapde dhone me juti thi aur uske hilte stann Chandan ka wajood bhi hilane lage. Gulaabo kuch hairaani se Chandan ki jaangho ke beech prati pal badhte ubhaar ko dekhne lagi. Phir nigaaho par gor kiya toh samajh gayi ki aisa kis wajah se ho raha hai. Kavita ke stanno ka thirakna Chandan ek taraf se dekh raha tha par Gulaabo ke toh wo thik saamne the. Bhari bharkam gore stann jin par kabhi koyi bahari drishti nahi padi thi aur Kavita ke siwaye un par kisi dusre ka sparsh toh bahot dur ki baat thi.
"Pathshala jitna toh badi amma ne hum dono ko yahi ghar par he padha diya. 5 kaksha tak padhi hui hai wo aur utna likhna padhna hume bhi aata hai. Yaha gaanv me pathshala jald khulegi lekin filhaal toh ladke agle kasbe jaate hai padhne, 8-9 he hai baaki toh shiksha se aise katrate hai jaise chaurahe ka pret ho. Waise bhai, tumhe Kavita kaisi lagti hai?", Gulaabo ke ekdum se spasht sawaal ne jaha Kavita ko hairaan kiya wahi Chandan bhi asehaj sa laga jaise uski chori pakdi gayi ho. Par sawaal Kavita ke saamne he hua tha toh jawaab dena bhi jaruri tha.
"Tum dono he atchi lagti ho mujhe. Waha sara kaam main aur maa mil baant kar karte the aur yaha tum dono mujhe kuch karne he nahi deti. Ab tum mere kapde dho rahi ho aur Kavita ne bhi mujhe dhone nahi diye. Savere mera kurta bhi istree kar diya Kavita ne aur ye balti he dekh lo kaise bhari bharaai mil gayi mujhe. Ab itni dekhbhal karogi toh pasand kyun nahi karunga.?", Itni chaturaai jaise aaj se pehle Chandan me thi he nahi aur iski wajah bhi yahi dono thi. Kavita itna sunn kar Gulaabo se narajgi bhool he gayi aur mand mand muskurati hui saaf kiye kapde baalti ke upar jhuk kar khangalne lagi toh Chandan ke hosh he udd gaye. Adhbhut maans bhare wo bade bade golakar stann aur unki gehri ghaati waha tak dikh rahi thi jaha halka sa gulabipan shuru hone lagta. Chuchak chhod kar samooche stann kabhi aapas me ragad khaate toh kabhi idhar udhar kulanche bharte. Iske sath he uska ling purn akaar lene laga jaha Gulaabo ki najar lagatar ja rahi thi. Bheega hua lamba angvastra ab chhupane ki jagah us vikral ang ko bhali bhanti dikha raha tha.
"Bhai peeth par hath nahi pahuch raha toh main ragad du?", Gulaabo dhoti aur kurta saaf karke khangalne ke liye Kavita ko deti hui uth kar Chandan ki taraf chal di bina uska jawaab sune. Tanki ke upar rakhe gaachi mitti ke tukde ko geela karke hatheli par lep kar jaise he Gulaabo ne Chandan ki chaudi peeth par saprsh kiya, wo swayam he bechaini se bhar uthi. Ek majboot purush ke jism ka ehsaas aisa hoga ye ummeed nahi thi Gulaabo ko. Phir jaise taise wo apni naajuk hatheliyon se Chandan ke kandhe aur peeth ragad kar saaf karne lagi. Ab dono ki najre saamne Kavita par tiki thi. Uttejjanavash Gulaabo kuch adhik dabaav se Chandan ki peeth masalne lagi. Kavita ke motte vaksh jaise is jawaan ho rahi yuvti ko uksane lage.
"Sar pe reetha he laga do agar itna kar rahi ho.", Chandan ki awaaj sunn kar ek najar neeche dekha toh uska angvastra dono jaangho par chipka hua us vishaal ling ko poora dikha raha tha. Itne kareeb se ye najara dekthi Gulaabo ki haalat bhi bigadne lagi jabki Kavita ko in dono ki avastha ka koyi bhaan he nahi tha. Tanki par ek taraf katori me rakhe bheege reethe ka kala paani Chandan ke baalo me gira kar unki maalish karte hue Gulaabo ka jism kaanpne sa laga aur jaise taise wo itna karke dono se he alag ho gayi. Chandan ab apne jism ko paani se dho kar uthne he laga tha.
"Mutalli, tu safeed chaadar chhat par sukhni daal diyo, yaha jameen par giri toh sari mehnat pe mitti lag jaani hai. Mere kapde geele hai poore isliye kamre me nahane ja rahi hu.", Chandan ke saamne se balti utha kar wo usme paani bharti hui boli. Wo kacha kamra jisme Gulaabo pehle soti thi, usko kaamchalau snaanghar he bana liya tha isne.
"Kapde nichudwati ja phir naha lena. Aur tu he toh keh rahi thi ki inhe sukhane me tu meri madad karegi. Kapde toh mere bhi geele hai.", Kavita ke aise manuhaar bhare shabdo ko sunn kar Gulaabo toh mooh chidha kar nikal chali par Chandan apni kamar par gamcha lapet uske kareeb aa gaya.
"Main nichod deta hu aur sookhne bhi daal dunga. Mujhe ye karna pasand hai aur ghar pe maa mujhse he ye karwati thi kyonki jyada jor isme he lagta hai.", Ek pal ko jhuki hui Kavita ki najar bhi angoche ke halke ubhaar par padi par uske baad Chandan ke hatho ka sparsh apne hatho pe hua jo balti me doobe the. Dono ne he ek chaadar bahar nikaal kar sath nichodni shuru ki. Jaha Chandan aisa karte hue Kavita ko bhi nihaar leta, wahi wo uski najro se sharmati hui ek chhor thaame Chandan ki taaqat ko mehsoos karti rahi. Sabhi kapde nichod kar Chandan unhe khaali baalti me bhar ke le jaane laga toh Kavita ne mooh khola.
"Aap tasle me le jaaye agar thik lage toh. Balti nahane ko chahiye."
"ye bhi thik hai.", Tasle ka maila paani kache hisse me khaali karke Chandan ne kapde usme ulta diye aur swayam he us badi balti me saaf paani bhar kar snaanghar me rakhne laga.
"Rehne dijiye, main rakh leti hu.", Kavita se wo balti poori bharne ke baad uthne wali nahi thi jisko Chandan bade araam se uthaye uske kareeb he ruk gaya.
"Chot lag sakti hai itni bhaari balti uthane se. Aur tum pehle he itni der se mehnat kar rahi ho. Mere kapde saaf karne ke badle main itna toh kar he sakta hu.", Kavita ne apni jhuki najre uthate hue Chandan ka chehra dekha toh wo usko he nihaar raha tha. Fatto se bana darwaja kholte hue Kavita ne he dono ke beech kuch pal ke liye ruka sanvaad fir se shuru kiya.
"Aapko kapde dhone pade toh fir mera yaha kya kaam? Aur ye bhi sach hai ki main ye balti aadhi bhari hui he utha sakti hu jisme sahi se nahana nahi ho sakta. Choti wali toh wo le gayi.", Snaanghar ke bhitar ab dono itne kareeb khade the ki unke beech bas aadhe hath ki he duri thi. Chandan uske pyaare se chehre ko dekhta hua pratuttar me halke se muskuraya.
"Mujhe tum bahot atchi lagti ho Kavita. Aur pata nahi kyun par tumhare liye, tumhare sath ye chote mote kaam karna mujhe pasand hai. Isme kuch galat toh nahi hai na?", Chandan ka chehra baat karte hue niche jhuka tha aur ek hath snaanghar ki chaukhat par tikaye wo poori tarah kavita ke sammohan me qaid jaise bahar nikalna he na chahta ho.
"Mujhe nahi pata.", Sharam se simat rahi Kavita peeche hoti hui diwar se aa judi. Usme ab aur himmat nahi thi Chandan ki najro ka saamna karne ki.
"Tumhe bura lagta hai toh main koshish karunga ki aisa na ho. Tum muskurati hui he atchi lagti ho Kavita, aise dari sehmi hui nahi. Maaf karna agar anjaane me maine kuch galat keh diya ho.", Chandan mudd kar jaane laga toh uske dusra hath Kavita ne apne dono hath me thaam liya. Najre abhi bhi neeche he thi.
"Aapki har baat ka jawaab main bol kar nahi de sakti na.? Jo aapne kaha mujhe bhi waisa karna atcha lagta hai aur aapke paas main surakshit hu ye toh puliya wali ghatna se he jaan gayi thi. Parantu kya sahi hai aur kya galat, uski samajh mujhe aapse bhi kam hai. Badi amma ka vishwaas nahi todna chahti main jinhone na sirf mujh anaath ko aasra diya balki sagi maa se jyada pyaar diya, bin maange har itcha poori ki. Aap he batao kya main unke ehsaan ke badle apna swarth sidh karu? Main unhe dukhi nahi kar sakti ji.", Chandan ne Kavite ke ubhre hue gaalo par aansu ludhakte dekhe toh uska dil ajeeb he dard se bhar utha. Jaise bhitar kuch toot raha ho ya bann raha ho. Wo naari sandarbh me bilkul kora tha lekin jaise prem koyi nahi sikhata thik waise he uska ijhaar bhi manushya swayam karta hai. Chandan ne ehtiyaat se Kavita ke dono gaal saaf karte hue khudko uske aur kareeb kar liya.
"Kitna bewajah ka sochti rehti ho tum. Unhone parwarish ki hai, ehsaan nahi. Badle me tumne bhi poori nishtha se unki sewa ki hai Kavita. Tum sab samajhti ho kyonki tum samajhdar ho aur mujhe bhi samajhdar bann na. Maine kaha tha na ki tumhari har baat maanunga, bas tum sath rehna.", Kavita ne dabdabayi aankhon se chehra upar utha kar Chandan ki taraf dekha jo sirf uski chahat liye tha apni aankhon me. Aur uska chehra niche jhukta jhukta Kavita ke gaal ko choom kar phir se dur ho gaya. Ab wo simat kar sharmane lagi thi jaise Chandan ne aakhir apna adhikar jama diya ho.
"Mujhe nahana hai, aap jaiye.", Kavita chehra chhupane ke liye palat chuki thi aur Chandan ne bhi in shabdo ke sath sath wo sunn liya tha jisko kehne ke liye jubaan ki jarurat nahi padti. Mook swikriti Kavita ki uske prem ke pratiuttar me.
"Kal mere sath jameen dekhne chalna hai tumhe. Jimmewari samay se he sambhal le toh behtar hai.", Chandan itna bol kar bahar nikal gaya aur peeche reh gayi dhadkane sambhalti hui Kavita. Chandan ka uske aansu paunchna aur gaal ke upar chumban uske liye bhare ujale me kisi khwaab sa he tha. Darwaja atche se band karne ke paschaat jaane wo kitni he der tak usi ehsaas me khoyi rahi aur Gulaabo ki pukaar sunn kar hosh me lauti.
"Ae mutalli, bhitar naha rahi hai?"
"Haan abhi toh aayi hu nahane. Baal dhone hai toh thoda samay lagega. Tu apne bhaiya se bhojan ka pooch le jara.", Apne bhaiya sunn kar Gulaabo akele he mooh banati hui aise jatane lagi jaise ye kataaksh ho.
"Mere bhaiya ko main dekh lungi. Tu atche se tayaar ho ja, mauka badhiya hai unse chonch ladane ka tere paas. Waise wo hain kaha par?", Gulaabo ke bhi baal bheege hue the jinhe toliye me lapet kar wo idhar udhar dekhne lagi jaise Chandan kahi chhipa hua na ho. Uski baat sunn kar apna ghagra dhila karti hui Kavita ke chehre par fir se laali aane lagi. Chikni bhari bhari jaangho ke beech antahvastra nadarad tha aur makkai ke bhutte jaise patle sunehre baal abhi yoni ke upar aane he lage the, naammatra se. Kurti ko utaar kar khoonti par taangti hui wo apni paseene me geeli hui ganji ko farsh par gira kar bas ek baar dono gol uroj dekh kar turant niche baith gayi. Apna jism dekhna he jaise usko pareshan karne laga. Par yahi wo galti kar baithi, bina chhatt ke snaanghar me chhaya ki chahat me us aur baith kar jaha se chhat par kahada vyakti uska bakhubi najara kar sakta tha.
"Upar gaye hai wo chaadar sukhane. Madad he kar de unki agar roti nahi banani. Main aa kar paka dungi.", Gulaabo bhi ye sunn kar tej kadmo se wapis muddti hui seedhiyon wali taraf nikal chali. 'Atcha' bolti hui. Kavita apne lambe baalo ko ek taraf karti hui unhe bade araam se bhigone lagi. Apne lambe baalo se usko lagaav bhi bahot tha jinki niyamt maalisha aur fir unhe saptaah me 3 baare reethe se dhona wo bhoolti nahi thi. Is mudra me uske dono stann ujagar the jin par thande paani ka sparsh nirantar hota raha. Wahi chhat ke upar 2 kono me khade baans par bandhi rassi ke upar kapde failata hua Chandan antim chhor tak aaya toh bas wahi ruk gaya.
Wajah phir se Kavita he thi lekin is baar uska beparda husn bhari dopehar me uspe bijliyan gira gaya. Aisa he drishya usne ek baar pehle dekha tha lekin tab waha uski maa thi Kavita ke sthaan par aur wo najra sirf ek pal ka tha. Yaha toh Kavita ka abhi nahana shuru he hua tha aur pehle jo stann kapdo ke bhitar hilte dekhe the wo samooche Chandan ke saamne the. Kathhai rang ke 2 chhote chuchak aur purn golakaar sakht uroj, fakk bedaag.
"Ye dhoti munder par daal do bhai agar rassi par jagah nahi bachi.", Is awaaj se na sirf Chandan ki chetna lauti balki Kavita ne bhi chehra upar uthaya aur us chehre ko dekh kar badi furti se ek kone me ja chhupi. Aakhir Chandan ne usko waisi awastha me dekh liya tha jisme ek yuvti ko sirf uska jiwansath he dekh sakta hai. Chandan hadbadata hua palta toh Gulaabo khamosh reh gayi. Usne vastra ke naam par wahi angocha he jism par lapeta hua tha. Aur uska ling spasht Gulaabo ke saamne ubhra hua.
"Haann.. Haa wahi sukhne ke liye daal raha hu. Tum jaldi naha li.", Salwar kameej ki jagah Gulaabo ne bhi ek ghaghri pehni hui thi aur pehle jaisi he dheeli kurti. Baal suljhane ka dikhawa karti hui wo Chandan ke he kareeb chehalkadmi karne lagi. Chandan ko bhaye tha ke kahi Gulaabo na dekh le Kavita ko par Gulaabo ko wo najar na aayi siwaye behte paani ke.
"Jaldi? Itna samay saptaah me sirf ek baar he lagaati hu nahi toh 100 tak ginti me he mera nahana poora. Haan nehar me nahate samay mujhe waqt lagta hai."
"Atcha teir leti ho.", Gulaabo ke dimag me jaane kya chal raha tha jo is jawaab par usne ye baat he keh di.
"Kal sath chalenge kyonki aaj tum deri se aaye the. Mujhe bhi thoda dur tak teirne ko milega jo akele jaane par mumkin nahi.", Chandan ne haami bharne ke baad kuch bolna chaha toh niche mukhya dwaar par hui khatkhatahatse dono ki charcha adhuri he reh gayi.
"Niche ja kar tum kapde pehan lo bhai. Lagta hai Bhanwri kaaki aayi hai.", Chandan ko ab dhyaan aaya tha ke wo sirf ek angoche me he ghoom raha tha. Apne ling ko uttejit dekh, wo bhi Gulaabo ke saamne.. Wo teji se niche daud chala. Dhime kadmo se uske peeche aati Gulaabo bas muskurati rahi.
'Mutalli ke sath mera bhi bhala hone wala hai.', Bahar Bhanwri he aayi thi lekin apni bitiya Lakshmi ko sang liye.
OP
Member
LEVEL 1
50 XP
Update 6
"Ghare bechne ja rahe ho Sukhlal? Samay lage toh 4 badhiya se mere yaha bhi bhej dena aur ek jhaar (bada matka) bhi.", Bijju jamindaar ke ghar se nikalne me kuch jyada he waqt lag gaya tha Jaanki Devi aur Anuradha ko. Anuradha toh poora waqt bas roti bilakhti mahilaon aur ladkiyon ko ek kinare baithi dekhti rahi thi namm aankhon se. Wo bhali bhanti jaanti thi pati aur pita ke khone ka dukh kitna gehra hota hai. Lekin wo chaah kar bhi kisi ke sath shamil na ho saki. Lagbhag poore he gaanv ki mahilayen yaha aayi thi aur jo nahi aayi thi wo shayad inke kaam-kaaj me lagi bandhua jiwan kaat rahi thi. Jaanki Devi ne Bijju ki dharampati Sharda aur bitiya Kusum ke dukh dard ko thik ek maa ki tarah he jaahir kiya. Bacho ko rote dekh wo bhi rudhir ho uthi lekin majboot mahila thi wo aur unhone aaye gaye ki chai-paani par dhyaan dene ke sath ghar ke baaki sadasyo se bhi mulakaat ke sath vichaar vimarsh saanjhe kiye.
Shamshaan se laute vyaktiyon ki sabha bagal wale khaali nohre me lagi thi jaha Bijju ki anginat atchhaiyon ko sabhi ginwane me jute the chaahe wo kabhi Bijju me thi bhi ya kisi ne dekhi tak nahi thi. Hukka, chai ek anivarya hissa tha is mantrana me aur shauk jatane ke sath inka jaayka kuch bura bhi nahi tha jab wo mufat me mil raha ho. Ghar se bahar nikalte hue Jaanki devi ne Bijju ke suputra se chand shabd kehne ke baad Karam Singh ko bhi uchit raaye aur kartavya samjhaye jo bina najre uthaye dono ne seharsh swikaar bhi kiye. Bhara poora ghar jaise ek naagfani se labrej marusthal bann gaya tha. Kuch pal nohre me baithe adhed aur jawaan purusho ki nigaah us khoobsurat mahila par jaroor tiki jo taange ke pichle hisse me baithne se pehle chehra apni dhoti ke pallu se paunch rahi thi. Anuradha jaisi khoobsurti vidhwa hone ke bawjood in giddho ke jehan me kahi na kahi rum chuki thi. Karam Singh inke vida hone par bhatije ko liye ghar ke bhitar chal diya, apni biwi aur bhabhi ki sthithi dekhne. Wahi Jaanki Devi yaha se taange par baith nikli toh chaurahe se pehle he gadha-gaadi par matke laadne ke baad unhe rassi se bandhte us 35-38 baras ke vyakti ke kareeb tanga rukwati jaankari lene lagi thi.
"Paaye laagu badi amma ji. Aapne keh diya toh samjho aaj he sabse badhiya ghare aapke ghar pahucha denge. Ram ram choti maalkin.", Is vyakti ne sar pe lipta angocha apne dono hatho me lete hue sar jhuka kar pehle Jaanki devi ko maan diya aur phir unki bagal me baithi Anuradha ko, jisne chehre ko dhak liya tha.
"koyi jaldi nahi hai beta, pehle ghar aur kaam par dhyaan de. Kasbe me mehnat ka poora mol maangne se hichakna nahi aur na kisi bicholiye se sauda karna.", Jaanki Devi jaise kuch aur bhi baat karna chahti thi is mehanti vyakti se jo dhoop me bhi kadi mehnat se apna jism jala raha tha. Vyakti ke chehre par ek badhiya si muskaan bhi aayi jab usko saamne se itna maan aur shiksha mili.
"Ji sahi kaha badi amma aapne. Pichli baar ek darjan ghare kache bata kar wo sahukaar ka muneem unka mol kha gaya. Baaki 4 darjan ka daam uske kehne se aadha he mila mujhe. Is baar chahe ek ek karke bechna pade, sauda ghaate me nahi karenge. Waise choti maalkin ka beta dekha tha kal humne, bilkul bade maalik jaisa hai badi amma. Bhagwaan apni kripa banaye rakhe us par."
"Samajhdar ho rahe ho jo ki atchi baat hai aur mere naati ka naam Chandan hai. Kal aayega tumhari taraf apni jameen dekhne toh thoda bahot mitti ka gyaan tumhe he dena hai. Baaki haat me jaane se pehle abhi apne ghar toh jaaoge he bhojan karne, Sukhiya ko bhijwa dena mere yaha."
"Ji badi amma yaad se bhijwa denge aur Kaali bhi apni amma ke sath aa jaayegi 2 ghare le kar. Khaas ghare hai dono aur aap paarkhi ho isliye batana kaise lage. Ab aagaya dijiye badi amma.", Is poori baatchit ke dauraan vyakti ne najre nahi milaai thi aur barabar hath jode wo jawaab deta raha.
"Haan.. bhagwaan tumhara bhala kare aur is saal jarur Sukhiya bete ko he janam degi.", Is antim baat se toh Sukhlal jaise aasman me he udne laga tha. Badi amma ne aashirwaad he aisa diya tha is mehnatkash kumhaar ko jo agar kabhi chintit bhi hua tha apne khushaal pariwar me toh sirf is wajah se ki uska koyi putra na tha. Tanga aage badh chala toh Anuradha ne pallu thoda sa upar uthaya jis se wo apni maa se baatchit kar sake.
"Ye Sukhlal nissantaan hai maa? Aur ye kabse ghare banane laga? Iske baba karte the na ye kaam.", Apni bitiya ki baat sunn kar Jaanki Devi ne gehri saans bhar ke ek pal ke liye is nirjan se chaurahe ko dekha jiske aage wo chai ka adda bhi chaurahe sa sunsaan tha aur phir jawaab dene lagi.
"Tu aayi he kaha apne gaanv me pichle dedh dashak me. Ye bechara toh thoda padh likh kar shehar me naukri karna chahta tha aur 8 jamaat atche ank le kar utreen bhi ki. Naukri ka parcha bharne ke baad apne baapu ke sath gaanv wapis laut raha tha aur raaste me he khanste khanste iska baapu bhagwan ki sharan me chala gaya. Badi behan aur jija ne madad toh dur ulta aadhi jameen tak hathiya li bechare ki. Tere byaah ke thik ek baras baad he iska bhi ghar maine baswaya. Sukhiya ghare banane ke sath ghar sambhalna bhi jaanti thi. Naukri toh iski kya lagni thi phir Sukhiya ne haandi-matke banane shuru kar diye. Mehnat se toh kabhi na ghabraya ye isliye apne se 5 baras chhoti biwi se he ghare banane seekhe aur unhe apni shiksha evam lagan se kahi behtar banaya. Aaj iske paas khudki gadha gaadi hai, eent gaare ka pakka ghar hai 3 kamre ka aur kuch hadd tak smridh hai. Bas Sukhiya se isko putra-prapti na hui 19 baras ke byaah me. Bete ki chaah me 5 ladkiyan jarur paida kar di aur aas abhi bhi hai.", 5 bacho ka jaan kar Anuradha ka mooh aashcharya se khula reh gaya. Jaha wo khush thi ki wo vyakti itna sab ghatit hone ke baad bhi kamjor na pada balki pati patni ne mil kar jiwan ko sambhala wahi itne bache paida hone ke baad bhi aur koshish kar rahe hai. Jaanki Devi apni bitiya ki pratikriya dekh mand mand muskuraane lagi.
"Itne bache paida karna toh murkhta he hai na maa aur ... aur phir se aas rakh rahe hai matlab badhti umar ki chinta nahi hai kya dono ko? Sabse badi bitiya 17-18 ki hogi aur agar ek aur santaan paida hui toh dono ke beech 18 baras ka farak. Sukhiya ko toh sochna chahiye kam se kam. Itni umar me jokhim lena he hai ye sab. Aur aap toh ladka ladki me farak nahi karti phir bhi aapne inhe samjhane ki jagah aashirwad diya.?"
"Haan Kaali 18 ki ho chuki hai aur uska byaah hue bhi 2 baras hone ko hai. Beti toh abhi tak maa nahi bani lekin maa fir se tayaari me hai. Aur tum umar ki baat ka hawala kya de rahi ho Anuradha? Sukhiya tumse 3 baras badi hai jiski goad me 3 baras ki he sabse chhoti bitiya hai. Manohar ki jagah kisi anpadh kisaan jamindaar se byaahi hoti na toh har 2-3 baras baad tumhari goad bhari rehti. Soch he aisi hai kyonki jameen aur aurat dono par apni mohar lagane ki aadat hai inhe. Aur main chahe jitna marji samjha lu logo ko par unhe ek waaris ki aas hamesha rehti hai.", Baaton baaton me Anuradha ko unhone ye bhi jata diya tha ki uski umar kuch adhik nahi hai jabki us se badi badi toh aaj bhi maa ban rahi. Anuradha ye sunn kar thoda vichlit si hone lagi thi par baat yahi taal dena behtar laga.
"Jiska jaisa mann kare wo kar sakta hai maa. Unhe bas ek he aulaad ki chahat thi isliye kabhi dusri ka naam tak na liya. Aur mera ek he dusro ke 4-5 par bhari hai. Chahe thoda mann ka bhola hai par hai samajhdar aur mehnati.", Chandan ka jikar karte hue Anuradha ke mann me apne bete ka wahi chehra ubhar aaya jis se dil sukoon me bhar uthta tha. Dono maa beti baatchit itni dhimi kar rahi thi ki taange ko hankta vyakti unki awaaj se koso dur ho.
"Haan ye toh sahi kaha tumne bitiya ki Chandan 4-5 pe toh bhaari hai aur wo sahi maayne me ek suljha hua karmath vyakti bhi bann raha hai jiski soch aur gyaan sadharan varg ki samajh se behtar hai. Lekin dusra sach hai Manohar ka rog jiske baare me tumne toh aajtak nahi bataya lekin mujhe tab se pata hai jab Chandan 5 baras ka tha. Galat keh rahi ho toh inkaar kar de? Aurat hu main bhi ek maa se pehle aur jaanti hu ki tu bhi sadharan nahi hai. Poora sath diya tumne apne pati ka bina shikayat.", Ye kadwa sach apni maa ke mukh se sunn kar Anuradha ko jaha gehra jhatka laga tha wahi uska sar bhi jhuk gaya. Aksar aas-pados me usko yahi sunn ne ko milta tha ki wo dusra bacha kyun nahi kar rahi. Kya ek paida karne ke baad kokh upjaau nahi rahi ya pati ki mardaangi me kami aa gayi. Anuradha hamesha bachaav me yahi dohra deti ki wo bas ek se he santusht hai, jyada bacho ki unhe koyi chahat nahi. Lekin bhitar he bhitar wo avsaad me doobi rehti kyonki Chandan aksar us se choti behan ya munna ki maang karta tha bachpan me. Rakshabandhan par apni sooni kalaai dikhata toh majburan Anuradha apni devrani ki bitiya se raakhi bandhwati thi usko kyonki taane toh waha bhi yahi milte the ki ek sagi behan paida kar lene se sharir ka kuch bigdega nahi.
"Chhod is sab ko aur jo gujar gaya wo ateet tha, jo aane wala hai uski chinta bhi naahak par aaj jo hai wahi jiwan hai bitiya. Bas ek maa hu isliye thoda dukh hota hai ki tujhe utna naseeb nahi hua jitne ki haqdaar hai. Sahi maayne me toh aurat aurat he 25 baras ke baad banti hai lekin tu 15 ki thi tabhi duniya me Chandan le aayi. Jee bahot dukhi tha mera lekin uparwale ka aashirwad maan liya Chandan ko chahe uski maa aparipakwa umar me he aurat ban baithi. Isme na tera dosh hai na Manohar ka. Rishta tere pita ji ne karwaya kyonki jaankar ke ghar ja rahi thi beti lekin umar toh dekhni chahiye thi. Aur tune khud haami bhar ke rahi sahi kasar poori kar di.", Jaanki devi ki baatein unki he bitiya ko ab nastar si chubhne lagi kyonki wo kadwi hone ke sath he sach se bhari thi, kuch galtiyan ke sath. Aage Anuradha ne koyi sawaal jawaab na kiya aur wo ghar ke bahar bhi aa pahuchi thi. Apni maa se pehle Anuradha he utar kar darwaja khatkhatane lagi jo janjir se band nahi tha, Bhanwri ke yaha hone se. Taangwale ko ek tambe ka sikka de kar sadhe kadmo se Jaanki bhi ghar ke bhitar dakhil ho gayi jaha khule aangan me Bhanwari ukdu baiti hath-chakki se genhu ka daliya bana rahi thi.
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"Choti amma, paani rakh diya hai snaanghar me. Naha lijiye pehle fir main bhojan parosti hu.", Gulaabo ne Anuradha ke kamre me dakhil hote he kuch buland awaaj me kaha lekin phir dhyaan se dekha toh Anuradha ko apna chehra saaf karte paya. Jaise ghar me aate he Anuradha apna mann halka karna chahti thi aur uske liye niji-kaksh se uchit sthaan aur koyi na tha.
"Aap ro rahi hai choti amma? Kuch hua kya udhar ya kisi ne aisi waisi harkat ki jo aapne badi amma ko nahi kahi? Aap bas naam batao uska, chahe phir wo koyi bhi ho usko main chhodungi nahi.", Meena bhi Anuradha ki goad me he baithi thi jo baatchit ke dauraan uchal kar khidki se he bahar nikal gayi. Gulaabo ki baat sunn kar muskurane ki koshish karti Anuradha ne bas uska sar dulaar kar naa me sar hilaya.
"Pagal kahi ki. Kuch bhi bolti rehti hai tu aur bhala mujhse kyun kar koyi aisi waisi harkat karega? Bas Sharda behan ka dukh dekh kar Chandan ke pita yaad aa gaye aur kuch baat nahi. Tum kabhi thakti nahi kya jo mana karne ke baad bhi vastra dho diye, bhojan paka diya aur ab mere liye paani bhi rakh aayi?", Gulaabo unki baat sunn kar dil se muskuraate hue boli.
"Is gaanv me aap paida jarur hui hongi choti amma lekin maine ye gaanv aur gaanvwale atche se dekhe hai badi amma ke sath bhi aur unse alag bhi. Unke liye main ladka aur Kavita ladki hai isliye kayi manchale thik kiye hai maine. Aur pate ki baat ye hai ki marad chahe badi amma ke saamne najre na uthaye lekin peeth peeche wo mutalli ko taadne se chookte nahi. Aap toh us se bhi khoobsurat ho aur ye dusht jamindaar saahukar har jagah gandi niyat he liye ghoomte hai. Baaki rahi baat kaam ki toh wo sab toh mutalli ne he kiya hai maine toh bas tarkaari kaati aur aata goonda.", Gulaabo ki nirbhikta aur gaanv ke purusho ka sach sunn kar Anuradha mann he mann uski kaayal ho chali thi. Ek kishori ho kar bhi wo samaaj ka saamna karne wali dusri Jaanki Devi bann ne ki chahat rakhti thi jo galat bhi nahi tha.
"Bahot badi badi baatein karti hai tu aur ye marad aurat ka tujhe abhi se pata hai kya? Atchi buri najar ka matlab kisne samjhaya tujhe? Tera bhai nahi dikha mujhe abhi tak.", Anuradha uth kar apne liye angiya, choli aur dhoti nikalne lagi toh Gulaabo ne bade he haq se ek taraf teh karke rakha hara-safed ghagra utha kar usko thama diya. 3 kaaj wali kuch araamdayak jheene kapde ki ujali kurti bhi. Anuradha kuch kehti us se pehle Gulaabo ne toliya dete hue uske hatho se dhoti, choli angiya wapis vastro ki jagah rakh diye.
"Garmi me bhala kaise aap itne saare vastra pehne rehti ho? Dhoti ke niche alag ghagra aur choli ke niche angiya bhi. Badi amma kehti hai jyada vastra kase ho toh naadi bhi dab sakti aur insaan ko rog bhi ho sakta rakt-sanchaar sahi na hone par. Inme bhi sharir sahi se dhaka rehta lekin jyada garmi nahi lagti. Aap pooch rahi thi na ke main marad aurat ka kaise jaanti hu toh choti amma 18 toh maine bhi poore kar liye aur ghar ke bahar ke kaam main he karti aayi hu abhi tak. Jo nahi bhi seekhna chahiye wo log sikha dete hai aur atcha bura samajhna jaruri bhi hai. Aap Sharda kaaki ki baat kar rahi ho lekin Bijju kaka khud haivaan vyakti the. Aap naha lo pehle phir khud badi amma se pooch lena ki Bhanwri kaaki ne unhe kya bataya.", Anuradha toh lajwaab he reh gayi is titli si chanchal ladki ke mukh se itna samaajik gyaan sunn kar. Gulaabo ke diye vastra abhi bhi hath me liye wo apni he jagah khadi thi aur darwaje par rukti Gulaabo ne ek aur jawaab diya.
"Bhai bhojan karne ke baad aam ki chaav me soya hai thodi der pehle. Ghar pe hum 2 ladkiya he thi isliye bahar nahi gaya.", Gulaabo ke jaate he Anuradha ne darpan ke samne khade ho kar wo dono vastra sharir ke saamne laga kar dekhe toh usko laga jaise uski maa sahi keh rahi thi. Wo kahi se bhi itne bade yuvak ki maa nahi lagti thi aur jiwan me sirf 10-12 mahine purush sansarg ne usko badan ko kholne ki jagah aaj bhi yuvti sa he rakha tha, stann aur prishth bhaag me thoda ijaafa karne ke siwa. Phir dhyaan sooni maang par gaya aur uske baad apne bete par. Anuradha ko toh ye ekaant bhi kaatne laga jis wajah se wo turant vastra utha kar snaan karne nikal gayi. Peeche wala darwaja khula tha jaha ghane aam ke vriksh tale chaarpayi bichaye uska beta Chandan sukoon se soya dikha. Charpaayi se kuch bahar nikalte uske paanv Chandan ke paursh aur tagde lambe badan ki chugli karte lage.
'Baat toh karenge he sabhi jab laayak hai mera Chandu.', Phir apni he kahi baat yaad aayi aur apni maa ka wo muskurana jab Anuradha ne apne bete ko 4-5 pe bhari bataya tha. Mann antardwand sa karne laga tha kyunki sochte sochte Anuradha itni gehraai me ja pahuchi jaha wo vishal kaalpanik sa mota lamba ling uske bete ki jaangho ke beech sar uthaye tana tha. Anuradha ne turant he snaanghar me daakhil ho kar dwar jadd liya. Uski hridyagati asamanya ho chali thi jaise koyi pret yaad aa gaya ho. Apne pati Manohar ke kehne par navjiwan ke aarambh samay Anuradha ne unka ling pakda bhi tha aur bataye anusar sehalaya bhi tha lekin wo ang sakht hone ke bawjood uski mutthi se 2 ungli jitna he bahar rehta tha lekin Chandan ka ang ka kaam-ang toh Anuradha ki kalaai se uski kohni tak lamba aur shayad kalaai jitna he mota raha hoga. Ye sab sochti hui wo vastra pehne hue he jism par paani girane lagi. Thanda paani uske jism par jaise ulat vaar karne laga kyonki Anuradha ko poora badan garam mehsoos hone laga, atyadhik bechani sang. Jaise taise wo badan par paani udel kar maile kapde dusri baalti me duboti hui jism paunch kar kurti aur ghagra pehne bahar nikal aayi. Is baar usne Chandan ki taraf dekhne ki gustaakhi katai na ki.
"Kaaki, aapka bhojan yahi le aau?", Kavita ne Gulaabo aur Jaanki Devi ko bhojan karwane ke paschaat Anuradha ka darwaja thapkaya toh baal sahi karti hui khile gulaab si Anuradha ne is khoobsurat kishori ko dekh kar pratiuttar me mohak muskaan di.
"Tumne bhi nahi khaya hoga? Dono ka he yahi le aao, agar tumhe mere sath bhojan karne me koyi pareshani na ho toh.", Kavita ko unka aisa kehna bharpoor khushi de gaya kyonki Anuradha se usko bhi judaav hone laga tha aur kahi na kahi wo apna swaroop waisa he dekhti thi.
"Ji kaaki, pehle main aasan bicha deti hu yaha."
"Wo main kar leti hu aur saanjh ko chulhe ke paas toh kya rasoighar me bhi tum dakhil nahi hogi.", Kapde se bune dari jaise aasan utha kar unhe farsh par bichhate hue Anuradha ne jaisa kaha Kavita ne anmane bhaav se sar hilaya.
"Tum bhojan atcha bana leti ho toh ye mat samajhna ki main kisi wajah se aisa keh rahi hu. Par mujhe atcha lagta hai rasoi sambhalna.", Jawaab ne ab Kavita ko nishchint kar diya jis par wo haami bharti hui dono ka bhojan wahi la kar khaane ke sath kuch Anuradha ki sunti aur thoda bahot apne baare me batati. Jaanki devi bhi Bhanwri se jaankari lene ke baad usko vida karke apne kaksh me araam karne ja chuki thi aur Gulaabo bhi. Aaj Anuradha ne farsh par he chataai bicha kar Kavita ko apne he kareeb dusri chataai par sula liya tha. Dono he apne apne ekaant se bach rahi thi aur sahara aapas me haansil hua.
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"Naani, bahar koyi mahila aayi hai Sukhiya naam ki apni beti ke sath. 2 Ghare bhi laayi thi jinhe maine rasoighar ke bahar he rakh diya.", Dhoti pehne Chandan apni naani ko uthane aaya toh wo darwaje par dastak hote he uth khadi hui. Saamne unka hatta katta naati bina baah ki ganji pehne kuch paseene me bhara tha jis wajah se jitna jism saamne tha wo bharpoor chamak raha tha.
"Tu kab utha beta aur baaki sab kaha hai jo tujhe darwaja kholna pada?", Apna kameej vyavasthit karne ke baad Jaanki Devi ne ek ghoont paani peeya aur Chandan ke sang he bahar baithak se aangan ki taraf chal padi.
"Abhi toh kahi dhoop kam hui hai naani aur maine maa ko utha diya hai jo chulhe par chai rakh rahi hai. Gulaabo Kavita dinbhar toh kaam he karti rahi toh unhe bhi araam ki darkaar hogi.", Jaanki devi ne prasannta se apne naati ko dekha aur bahar ujaale me uske vastro par hare tinke dekhe toh peeth thapthapa di.
"Chara kaat ke tune un dono ka kaam bhi nibta diya na? Waise kal se Laali ye sab dekh legi, tum ye sab matt karna.", Bahar charhare jism ki ye mahila jiske vaksh uski peeli choli me sama he nahi rahe the aur uske sath uska thoda jawaan pratiroop jo saanwla hone ke bawjood teekhe nain naksh aur gathile youvan se lada unki pratiksha kar raha tha.
"Ye sab kaam mere he hai naani aur aainda ladkiyan chara nahi kaatengi. Unhe aap halke kaam he dijiye aur purusho wale sab main dekh lunga. kal toh waise bhi jameen dekhne jana hai aur meri itcha hai ki dhaan ke sath ganne aur sabjiyon ko kheti ki jaaye. Sushil bhai bata rahe the ki hamare paas dhero bail hai aur 2 ghode bhi. Bailgaadi aur ek ghoda yahi ghar pe rakh lenge toh sahuliyat hogi. Laali doodh nikalna aur chara khilana jaisa kaam kar le wahi bahot hai.", Dono he baatchit karte hue bahar aangan me Sukhiya aur Kaali ke paas aa pahuche toh Chandan ne he apni daadi ke baithne ke liye moodha rakha. Wo sanwli saloni yuvti toh kankhiyon se bas Chandan ko he dekhe ja rahi thi aur badi amma keh kar pranaam karte hue wo apni maa se thoda hatt kar Jaanki Devi ki najro se pare Chandan ko dekhne ka iraada liye pakke galiyare tale aa baithi. Choli ke gale se uske dono kathor ubhar aur unki paseene se chamakti ghaati bakhubi dikh rahi thi.
"Aao Sukhiya, lo paani piyo pehle.", Tashtari me 4 gilaas paani liye Kavita he aayi thi jisne sabko paani dene ke baad jab Kaali ki taraf gilaas badhaya toh uski najro par gor karte hue Kavita kuch kunthit si hui. Patri par baithe Chandan ko wo lagatar nihaar rahi thi aur jism par aanchal rakhne ki jagha wo usko goad me liye thi.
"Paani peena hai ya bas tukur tukur dekhti rahogi?", Jaane kaise Kavita jaisi antarmukhi yuvti ye baat keh gayi lekin awaaj dhimi thi jo aage baithe teeno logo ne nahi suni. Kaali samajh gayi thi ki Kavita ko uska aise dekhna pasand nahi aaya aur wo chahe jo bhi ho thi toh is ghar ki sadasya jis se Kaali jawaab karne ki haqdar nahi thi.
"Maaf karna, main toh bas baatchit sunn rahi thi. Paani ki pyaas nahi hai.", Hath jodd kar Kaali ek taraf khisak gayi aur paanv patakti hui Kavita wapis rasoighar ki aur jisko jaate hue Chandan dekh raha tha muskurate hue. Kaali se uski najre chaar hui toh wo phir waise he usko dekhne lagi jaise koyi mook nimantran de rahi ho par Chandan ko ye bhasha kaha aati thi. Bhitar se apne pukare jaane ki awaaj sunn kar Chandan uth kar udhar he chal diya jaha se pukara gaya tha, uski maa dwara. Ab Jaanki devi aashwast ho kar Sukhiya se koyi gehri jaankari jutaane lagi thi. Mamla gambhir he tha jaise Bhanwri ke sath baatchit me unhe bahut kuch pata chala. Sukh dukh ki jaankari lene ke baad Jaanki devi ne Bijju ke mudde par baat karne ke sath Phulwa, Bandana aur Laali ka bhi jikar chala. Kuch samay baad Chandan he yaha chai liye aaya aur uske peeche Anuradha.
"Ja Chandu beta, khaat le aa aur Kavita se keh de ke yahi sabjiyan leti aaye thaal aur chaaku ke sath.", Chai parosti Anuradha ne Chandan ko jaise he nirdesh diya wo wapis jaane laga lekin Kaali ne alag he baat keh di jisko sunn kar Jaanki Devi sang Sukhiya ne bhi apni beti ko dekha.
"Wo choti maalkin hume peshaab karne jana hai. Jagah bata dengi?"
"Chandan, Kaali ko ghar ke peeche jagah dikha do.", Jaanki devi jaanti thi ki Kaali sirf ladkiyon ke beech badi hui hai aur duniyadari ki jaise usko jyada samajh nahi isliye wo aisa bol gayi hogi. Chandan toh tha he mastmaula jisko kya he farak padna tha.
"Is taraf se aa jaiye mere peeche, chaarpayi bhi wahi se leke aani hai mujhe.", Chandan uske aage chal raha tha aur Kaali apni mastani chaal me tej tej uske bagal tak aati ajeeb muskaan udel rahi thi. Pichla aangan toh tha he nirjan kyonki Gulaabo aur Kavita rasoighar me baithi thi apni apni chai ka pyala liye. Ghar se bahar nikalne ke liye Chandan ne darwaja khola toh saamne peid-paudhe aur itna sannatta dekh Kaali ne apna he dimaag chalaya.
"Chote maalik, mujhe akele darr lagta hai. Thoda aage tak chal padiye."
"Chandan.. Mera naam hai. Main koyi maalik nahi hu ji. Chaliye aur waise bhi yaha darne ki jarurat nahi hai. Jungle toh aage hai jidhar jyada jhaadiyan hai.", Kaali bas haan kehti hui uske saamne se nikal kar nehar se kuch pehle he badi laparwahi se ghagra upar uthati hui apna jarurat se jyada he gadraya pichwada ujagar karti niche baith kar peshaab karne lagi. Beshak wo baithne par spasht nahi dikh rahi thi lekin baithne se pehle he wo apna nichla jism Chandan ko dikha gayi. Chandan ne jhijhakte hue chehra dusri taraf kar liya aur kuch samay baad jab Kaali nivrat ho kar wapis aane lagi toh Chandan se aise batiyane lagi jaise wo barso se jaanti ho
"Hamare ghar ki taraf toh aur bhi sunsaan jungle hai. Main toh din me bhi udhar jaati darti hu aur waha aaspas koyi rehta bhi nahi. Tum kal aaoge na tab main tumhe dikhaungi, shayad tumhe atcha lage. Tumhara byaah nahi hua kya?"
"Nahi. Abhi main kaam nahi karta lekin kal se karne lagunga. Darwaja band kar dena.", Chandan ko jaane kya hua jo wo tej kadmo se rasoghar ki taraf chal diya Kaali ko wahi chhod kar. Mooh banati hui Kaali bhi darwaja band karke badbadati hui jaane lagi.
"Tum is ladki ko jaanti ho kya Gulaabo jo bahar aayi hui hai?", Kavita ko bhej kar Chandan ne Gulaabo se baat shuru ki jo charpaayi khali karne lagi thi bahar le jaane ke liye. Aur Chandan ki baat sunn kar wo hanste hue boli.
"Kyo tumhe pasand nahi aayi kya bhai? Uski harkato ki wajah se he Suklal kaka ne Kaali ka byaah itni jaldi kar diya tha. Waise kaha gaye the uske sath?", Wo jis tarah muskura rahi thi Chandan ko lag raha tha ki Gulaabo bhi us par tanj kar rahi hai kyonki wo kaha jaanta tha Kaali ki itcha.
"Usko laghushanka ke liye peeche le gaya tha. Pata nahi kya kya bol rahi thi isliye main idhar he aa gaya.", Gulaabo uski baat sunn kar bilkul kareeb aa khadi hui, nigaahon me chamak aur Chandan ke bholepan par pyaar liye. Uske chaude seene par aahista se hath rakhti hui wo jaise usko samjhane lagi.
"Peeche hatna koyi hal nahi hai aur na he daud jana. Duniya samajh lo pehle phir jaise dil kare waise hal karna bhai. Waise tum kuch jyada he nadaan ho aur tumhari nadaani me ki gayi galti se mutalli naraaj ho gayi hai tumse.", Chandan ko ye sunte he wo pal yaad aa gaya jab usne Kavita ko nirvastra dekh liya tha. Chehre par gambhirta ke sath uska vichlit hona Gulaabo ne bhi dekha aur turant he uska gaal thapakte hue uski pareshani khatam karte hue boli.
"Itna kyu ghabra rahe ho tum? Kavita ko ye Kaali jara bhi pasand nahi aur uska tumhe dekhna bhi. Abhi tum jab uske sath bahar ja rahe the toh usne bhi dekh liya, bartan bahar rakhte waqt. Bahar le jana usko apne sath kyun ki Laali ke ghar toh jana he hai tumne.", Gulaabo mann se toh khud bhi chahti thi ki wo Chandan ke kareeb rahe lekin Kavita se bhi uska pyaar gehra tha isliye wo ye mauka usko dene lagi.
"Tumhari baat meri samajh nahi aati aur Kavita ka dil kare toh chal padegi mere sath. Wo darti bahot hai.", Chandan bhi jaise baat chhupane ki kala seekhne laga tha aur Gulaabo ye bhi pehchaan gayi.
"Jao khaat le jao bahar. Kya pata Kaali ki kismat hui toh tumhe unke sath bhi jana pade.", Aur Gulaabo ka kehna sach he saabit hua kyonki ghadi bhar baatchit ke baad jab mausam karwat lene laga toh Jaanki devi ne Chandan se aisa he kaha. Ab wo Sukhiya ko unke ghar tak chhodne ja raha tha aur sath he Jhamru ki dharampatni tak sandesh bhi pahuchana tha, Kavita ko sath le jaate hue. Sukhlal ka ghar gaanv ke usi hisse me tha jaha aage Nandita ki mrityu soochak pokhar aur ghana jungle. Aaj kya haadsa hone wala tha ye kisi ko khabar nahi thi lekin koyi toh tha jiski kismat prabal thi. Shayad aaj Sushil aur uska dost Kavita se mukhatib hone wale the kyonki wapis aate samay Chandan aur Kavita ne jidhar se aana tha ye log wahi milne wale the.
"Ghare bechne ja rahe ho Sukhlal? Samay lage toh 4 badhiya se mere yaha bhi bhej dena aur ek jhaar (bada matka) bhi.", Bijju jamindaar ke ghar se nikalne me kuch jyada he waqt lag gaya tha Jaanki Devi aur Anuradha ko. Anuradha toh poora waqt bas roti bilakhti mahilaon aur ladkiyon ko ek kinare baithi dekhti rahi thi namm aankhon se. Wo bhali bhanti jaanti thi pati aur pita ke khone ka dukh kitna gehra hota hai. Lekin wo chaah kar bhi kisi ke sath shamil na ho saki. Lagbhag poore he gaanv ki mahilayen yaha aayi thi aur jo nahi aayi thi wo shayad inke kaam-kaaj me lagi bandhua jiwan kaat rahi thi. Jaanki Devi ne Bijju ki dharampati Sharda aur bitiya Kusum ke dukh dard ko thik ek maa ki tarah he jaahir kiya. Bacho ko rote dekh wo bhi rudhir ho uthi lekin majboot mahila thi wo aur unhone aaye gaye ki chai-paani par dhyaan dene ke sath ghar ke baaki sadasyo se bhi mulakaat ke sath vichaar vimarsh saanjhe kiye.
Shamshaan se laute vyaktiyon ki sabha bagal wale khaali nohre me lagi thi jaha Bijju ki anginat atchhaiyon ko sabhi ginwane me jute the chaahe wo kabhi Bijju me thi bhi ya kisi ne dekhi tak nahi thi. Hukka, chai ek anivarya hissa tha is mantrana me aur shauk jatane ke sath inka jaayka kuch bura bhi nahi tha jab wo mufat me mil raha ho. Ghar se bahar nikalte hue Jaanki devi ne Bijju ke suputra se chand shabd kehne ke baad Karam Singh ko bhi uchit raaye aur kartavya samjhaye jo bina najre uthaye dono ne seharsh swikaar bhi kiye. Bhara poora ghar jaise ek naagfani se labrej marusthal bann gaya tha. Kuch pal nohre me baithe adhed aur jawaan purusho ki nigaah us khoobsurat mahila par jaroor tiki jo taange ke pichle hisse me baithne se pehle chehra apni dhoti ke pallu se paunch rahi thi. Anuradha jaisi khoobsurti vidhwa hone ke bawjood in giddho ke jehan me kahi na kahi rum chuki thi. Karam Singh inke vida hone par bhatije ko liye ghar ke bhitar chal diya, apni biwi aur bhabhi ki sthithi dekhne. Wahi Jaanki Devi yaha se taange par baith nikli toh chaurahe se pehle he gadha-gaadi par matke laadne ke baad unhe rassi se bandhte us 35-38 baras ke vyakti ke kareeb tanga rukwati jaankari lene lagi thi.
"Paaye laagu badi amma ji. Aapne keh diya toh samjho aaj he sabse badhiya ghare aapke ghar pahucha denge. Ram ram choti maalkin.", Is vyakti ne sar pe lipta angocha apne dono hatho me lete hue sar jhuka kar pehle Jaanki devi ko maan diya aur phir unki bagal me baithi Anuradha ko, jisne chehre ko dhak liya tha.
"koyi jaldi nahi hai beta, pehle ghar aur kaam par dhyaan de. Kasbe me mehnat ka poora mol maangne se hichakna nahi aur na kisi bicholiye se sauda karna.", Jaanki Devi jaise kuch aur bhi baat karna chahti thi is mehanti vyakti se jo dhoop me bhi kadi mehnat se apna jism jala raha tha. Vyakti ke chehre par ek badhiya si muskaan bhi aayi jab usko saamne se itna maan aur shiksha mili.
"Ji sahi kaha badi amma aapne. Pichli baar ek darjan ghare kache bata kar wo sahukaar ka muneem unka mol kha gaya. Baaki 4 darjan ka daam uske kehne se aadha he mila mujhe. Is baar chahe ek ek karke bechna pade, sauda ghaate me nahi karenge. Waise choti maalkin ka beta dekha tha kal humne, bilkul bade maalik jaisa hai badi amma. Bhagwaan apni kripa banaye rakhe us par."
"Samajhdar ho rahe ho jo ki atchi baat hai aur mere naati ka naam Chandan hai. Kal aayega tumhari taraf apni jameen dekhne toh thoda bahot mitti ka gyaan tumhe he dena hai. Baaki haat me jaane se pehle abhi apne ghar toh jaaoge he bhojan karne, Sukhiya ko bhijwa dena mere yaha."
"Ji badi amma yaad se bhijwa denge aur Kaali bhi apni amma ke sath aa jaayegi 2 ghare le kar. Khaas ghare hai dono aur aap paarkhi ho isliye batana kaise lage. Ab aagaya dijiye badi amma.", Is poori baatchit ke dauraan vyakti ne najre nahi milaai thi aur barabar hath jode wo jawaab deta raha.
"Haan.. bhagwaan tumhara bhala kare aur is saal jarur Sukhiya bete ko he janam degi.", Is antim baat se toh Sukhlal jaise aasman me he udne laga tha. Badi amma ne aashirwaad he aisa diya tha is mehnatkash kumhaar ko jo agar kabhi chintit bhi hua tha apne khushaal pariwar me toh sirf is wajah se ki uska koyi putra na tha. Tanga aage badh chala toh Anuradha ne pallu thoda sa upar uthaya jis se wo apni maa se baatchit kar sake.
"Ye Sukhlal nissantaan hai maa? Aur ye kabse ghare banane laga? Iske baba karte the na ye kaam.", Apni bitiya ki baat sunn kar Jaanki Devi ne gehri saans bhar ke ek pal ke liye is nirjan se chaurahe ko dekha jiske aage wo chai ka adda bhi chaurahe sa sunsaan tha aur phir jawaab dene lagi.
"Tu aayi he kaha apne gaanv me pichle dedh dashak me. Ye bechara toh thoda padh likh kar shehar me naukri karna chahta tha aur 8 jamaat atche ank le kar utreen bhi ki. Naukri ka parcha bharne ke baad apne baapu ke sath gaanv wapis laut raha tha aur raaste me he khanste khanste iska baapu bhagwan ki sharan me chala gaya. Badi behan aur jija ne madad toh dur ulta aadhi jameen tak hathiya li bechare ki. Tere byaah ke thik ek baras baad he iska bhi ghar maine baswaya. Sukhiya ghare banane ke sath ghar sambhalna bhi jaanti thi. Naukri toh iski kya lagni thi phir Sukhiya ne haandi-matke banane shuru kar diye. Mehnat se toh kabhi na ghabraya ye isliye apne se 5 baras chhoti biwi se he ghare banane seekhe aur unhe apni shiksha evam lagan se kahi behtar banaya. Aaj iske paas khudki gadha gaadi hai, eent gaare ka pakka ghar hai 3 kamre ka aur kuch hadd tak smridh hai. Bas Sukhiya se isko putra-prapti na hui 19 baras ke byaah me. Bete ki chaah me 5 ladkiyan jarur paida kar di aur aas abhi bhi hai.", 5 bacho ka jaan kar Anuradha ka mooh aashcharya se khula reh gaya. Jaha wo khush thi ki wo vyakti itna sab ghatit hone ke baad bhi kamjor na pada balki pati patni ne mil kar jiwan ko sambhala wahi itne bache paida hone ke baad bhi aur koshish kar rahe hai. Jaanki Devi apni bitiya ki pratikriya dekh mand mand muskuraane lagi.
"Itne bache paida karna toh murkhta he hai na maa aur ... aur phir se aas rakh rahe hai matlab badhti umar ki chinta nahi hai kya dono ko? Sabse badi bitiya 17-18 ki hogi aur agar ek aur santaan paida hui toh dono ke beech 18 baras ka farak. Sukhiya ko toh sochna chahiye kam se kam. Itni umar me jokhim lena he hai ye sab. Aur aap toh ladka ladki me farak nahi karti phir bhi aapne inhe samjhane ki jagah aashirwad diya.?"
"Haan Kaali 18 ki ho chuki hai aur uska byaah hue bhi 2 baras hone ko hai. Beti toh abhi tak maa nahi bani lekin maa fir se tayaari me hai. Aur tum umar ki baat ka hawala kya de rahi ho Anuradha? Sukhiya tumse 3 baras badi hai jiski goad me 3 baras ki he sabse chhoti bitiya hai. Manohar ki jagah kisi anpadh kisaan jamindaar se byaahi hoti na toh har 2-3 baras baad tumhari goad bhari rehti. Soch he aisi hai kyonki jameen aur aurat dono par apni mohar lagane ki aadat hai inhe. Aur main chahe jitna marji samjha lu logo ko par unhe ek waaris ki aas hamesha rehti hai.", Baaton baaton me Anuradha ko unhone ye bhi jata diya tha ki uski umar kuch adhik nahi hai jabki us se badi badi toh aaj bhi maa ban rahi. Anuradha ye sunn kar thoda vichlit si hone lagi thi par baat yahi taal dena behtar laga.
"Jiska jaisa mann kare wo kar sakta hai maa. Unhe bas ek he aulaad ki chahat thi isliye kabhi dusri ka naam tak na liya. Aur mera ek he dusro ke 4-5 par bhari hai. Chahe thoda mann ka bhola hai par hai samajhdar aur mehnati.", Chandan ka jikar karte hue Anuradha ke mann me apne bete ka wahi chehra ubhar aaya jis se dil sukoon me bhar uthta tha. Dono maa beti baatchit itni dhimi kar rahi thi ki taange ko hankta vyakti unki awaaj se koso dur ho.
"Haan ye toh sahi kaha tumne bitiya ki Chandan 4-5 pe toh bhaari hai aur wo sahi maayne me ek suljha hua karmath vyakti bhi bann raha hai jiski soch aur gyaan sadharan varg ki samajh se behtar hai. Lekin dusra sach hai Manohar ka rog jiske baare me tumne toh aajtak nahi bataya lekin mujhe tab se pata hai jab Chandan 5 baras ka tha. Galat keh rahi ho toh inkaar kar de? Aurat hu main bhi ek maa se pehle aur jaanti hu ki tu bhi sadharan nahi hai. Poora sath diya tumne apne pati ka bina shikayat.", Ye kadwa sach apni maa ke mukh se sunn kar Anuradha ko jaha gehra jhatka laga tha wahi uska sar bhi jhuk gaya. Aksar aas-pados me usko yahi sunn ne ko milta tha ki wo dusra bacha kyun nahi kar rahi. Kya ek paida karne ke baad kokh upjaau nahi rahi ya pati ki mardaangi me kami aa gayi. Anuradha hamesha bachaav me yahi dohra deti ki wo bas ek se he santusht hai, jyada bacho ki unhe koyi chahat nahi. Lekin bhitar he bhitar wo avsaad me doobi rehti kyonki Chandan aksar us se choti behan ya munna ki maang karta tha bachpan me. Rakshabandhan par apni sooni kalaai dikhata toh majburan Anuradha apni devrani ki bitiya se raakhi bandhwati thi usko kyonki taane toh waha bhi yahi milte the ki ek sagi behan paida kar lene se sharir ka kuch bigdega nahi.
"Chhod is sab ko aur jo gujar gaya wo ateet tha, jo aane wala hai uski chinta bhi naahak par aaj jo hai wahi jiwan hai bitiya. Bas ek maa hu isliye thoda dukh hota hai ki tujhe utna naseeb nahi hua jitne ki haqdaar hai. Sahi maayne me toh aurat aurat he 25 baras ke baad banti hai lekin tu 15 ki thi tabhi duniya me Chandan le aayi. Jee bahot dukhi tha mera lekin uparwale ka aashirwad maan liya Chandan ko chahe uski maa aparipakwa umar me he aurat ban baithi. Isme na tera dosh hai na Manohar ka. Rishta tere pita ji ne karwaya kyonki jaankar ke ghar ja rahi thi beti lekin umar toh dekhni chahiye thi. Aur tune khud haami bhar ke rahi sahi kasar poori kar di.", Jaanki devi ki baatein unki he bitiya ko ab nastar si chubhne lagi kyonki wo kadwi hone ke sath he sach se bhari thi, kuch galtiyan ke sath. Aage Anuradha ne koyi sawaal jawaab na kiya aur wo ghar ke bahar bhi aa pahuchi thi. Apni maa se pehle Anuradha he utar kar darwaja khatkhatane lagi jo janjir se band nahi tha, Bhanwri ke yaha hone se. Taangwale ko ek tambe ka sikka de kar sadhe kadmo se Jaanki bhi ghar ke bhitar dakhil ho gayi jaha khule aangan me Bhanwari ukdu baiti hath-chakki se genhu ka daliya bana rahi thi.
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"Choti amma, paani rakh diya hai snaanghar me. Naha lijiye pehle fir main bhojan parosti hu.", Gulaabo ne Anuradha ke kamre me dakhil hote he kuch buland awaaj me kaha lekin phir dhyaan se dekha toh Anuradha ko apna chehra saaf karte paya. Jaise ghar me aate he Anuradha apna mann halka karna chahti thi aur uske liye niji-kaksh se uchit sthaan aur koyi na tha.
"Aap ro rahi hai choti amma? Kuch hua kya udhar ya kisi ne aisi waisi harkat ki jo aapne badi amma ko nahi kahi? Aap bas naam batao uska, chahe phir wo koyi bhi ho usko main chhodungi nahi.", Meena bhi Anuradha ki goad me he baithi thi jo baatchit ke dauraan uchal kar khidki se he bahar nikal gayi. Gulaabo ki baat sunn kar muskurane ki koshish karti Anuradha ne bas uska sar dulaar kar naa me sar hilaya.
"Pagal kahi ki. Kuch bhi bolti rehti hai tu aur bhala mujhse kyun kar koyi aisi waisi harkat karega? Bas Sharda behan ka dukh dekh kar Chandan ke pita yaad aa gaye aur kuch baat nahi. Tum kabhi thakti nahi kya jo mana karne ke baad bhi vastra dho diye, bhojan paka diya aur ab mere liye paani bhi rakh aayi?", Gulaabo unki baat sunn kar dil se muskuraate hue boli.
"Is gaanv me aap paida jarur hui hongi choti amma lekin maine ye gaanv aur gaanvwale atche se dekhe hai badi amma ke sath bhi aur unse alag bhi. Unke liye main ladka aur Kavita ladki hai isliye kayi manchale thik kiye hai maine. Aur pate ki baat ye hai ki marad chahe badi amma ke saamne najre na uthaye lekin peeth peeche wo mutalli ko taadne se chookte nahi. Aap toh us se bhi khoobsurat ho aur ye dusht jamindaar saahukar har jagah gandi niyat he liye ghoomte hai. Baaki rahi baat kaam ki toh wo sab toh mutalli ne he kiya hai maine toh bas tarkaari kaati aur aata goonda.", Gulaabo ki nirbhikta aur gaanv ke purusho ka sach sunn kar Anuradha mann he mann uski kaayal ho chali thi. Ek kishori ho kar bhi wo samaaj ka saamna karne wali dusri Jaanki Devi bann ne ki chahat rakhti thi jo galat bhi nahi tha.
"Bahot badi badi baatein karti hai tu aur ye marad aurat ka tujhe abhi se pata hai kya? Atchi buri najar ka matlab kisne samjhaya tujhe? Tera bhai nahi dikha mujhe abhi tak.", Anuradha uth kar apne liye angiya, choli aur dhoti nikalne lagi toh Gulaabo ne bade he haq se ek taraf teh karke rakha hara-safed ghagra utha kar usko thama diya. 3 kaaj wali kuch araamdayak jheene kapde ki ujali kurti bhi. Anuradha kuch kehti us se pehle Gulaabo ne toliya dete hue uske hatho se dhoti, choli angiya wapis vastro ki jagah rakh diye.
"Garmi me bhala kaise aap itne saare vastra pehne rehti ho? Dhoti ke niche alag ghagra aur choli ke niche angiya bhi. Badi amma kehti hai jyada vastra kase ho toh naadi bhi dab sakti aur insaan ko rog bhi ho sakta rakt-sanchaar sahi na hone par. Inme bhi sharir sahi se dhaka rehta lekin jyada garmi nahi lagti. Aap pooch rahi thi na ke main marad aurat ka kaise jaanti hu toh choti amma 18 toh maine bhi poore kar liye aur ghar ke bahar ke kaam main he karti aayi hu abhi tak. Jo nahi bhi seekhna chahiye wo log sikha dete hai aur atcha bura samajhna jaruri bhi hai. Aap Sharda kaaki ki baat kar rahi ho lekin Bijju kaka khud haivaan vyakti the. Aap naha lo pehle phir khud badi amma se pooch lena ki Bhanwri kaaki ne unhe kya bataya.", Anuradha toh lajwaab he reh gayi is titli si chanchal ladki ke mukh se itna samaajik gyaan sunn kar. Gulaabo ke diye vastra abhi bhi hath me liye wo apni he jagah khadi thi aur darwaje par rukti Gulaabo ne ek aur jawaab diya.
"Bhai bhojan karne ke baad aam ki chaav me soya hai thodi der pehle. Ghar pe hum 2 ladkiya he thi isliye bahar nahi gaya.", Gulaabo ke jaate he Anuradha ne darpan ke samne khade ho kar wo dono vastra sharir ke saamne laga kar dekhe toh usko laga jaise uski maa sahi keh rahi thi. Wo kahi se bhi itne bade yuvak ki maa nahi lagti thi aur jiwan me sirf 10-12 mahine purush sansarg ne usko badan ko kholne ki jagah aaj bhi yuvti sa he rakha tha, stann aur prishth bhaag me thoda ijaafa karne ke siwa. Phir dhyaan sooni maang par gaya aur uske baad apne bete par. Anuradha ko toh ye ekaant bhi kaatne laga jis wajah se wo turant vastra utha kar snaan karne nikal gayi. Peeche wala darwaja khula tha jaha ghane aam ke vriksh tale chaarpayi bichaye uska beta Chandan sukoon se soya dikha. Charpaayi se kuch bahar nikalte uske paanv Chandan ke paursh aur tagde lambe badan ki chugli karte lage.
'Baat toh karenge he sabhi jab laayak hai mera Chandu.', Phir apni he kahi baat yaad aayi aur apni maa ka wo muskurana jab Anuradha ne apne bete ko 4-5 pe bhari bataya tha. Mann antardwand sa karne laga tha kyunki sochte sochte Anuradha itni gehraai me ja pahuchi jaha wo vishal kaalpanik sa mota lamba ling uske bete ki jaangho ke beech sar uthaye tana tha. Anuradha ne turant he snaanghar me daakhil ho kar dwar jadd liya. Uski hridyagati asamanya ho chali thi jaise koyi pret yaad aa gaya ho. Apne pati Manohar ke kehne par navjiwan ke aarambh samay Anuradha ne unka ling pakda bhi tha aur bataye anusar sehalaya bhi tha lekin wo ang sakht hone ke bawjood uski mutthi se 2 ungli jitna he bahar rehta tha lekin Chandan ka ang ka kaam-ang toh Anuradha ki kalaai se uski kohni tak lamba aur shayad kalaai jitna he mota raha hoga. Ye sab sochti hui wo vastra pehne hue he jism par paani girane lagi. Thanda paani uske jism par jaise ulat vaar karne laga kyonki Anuradha ko poora badan garam mehsoos hone laga, atyadhik bechani sang. Jaise taise wo badan par paani udel kar maile kapde dusri baalti me duboti hui jism paunch kar kurti aur ghagra pehne bahar nikal aayi. Is baar usne Chandan ki taraf dekhne ki gustaakhi katai na ki.
"Kaaki, aapka bhojan yahi le aau?", Kavita ne Gulaabo aur Jaanki Devi ko bhojan karwane ke paschaat Anuradha ka darwaja thapkaya toh baal sahi karti hui khile gulaab si Anuradha ne is khoobsurat kishori ko dekh kar pratiuttar me mohak muskaan di.
"Tumne bhi nahi khaya hoga? Dono ka he yahi le aao, agar tumhe mere sath bhojan karne me koyi pareshani na ho toh.", Kavita ko unka aisa kehna bharpoor khushi de gaya kyonki Anuradha se usko bhi judaav hone laga tha aur kahi na kahi wo apna swaroop waisa he dekhti thi.
"Ji kaaki, pehle main aasan bicha deti hu yaha."
"Wo main kar leti hu aur saanjh ko chulhe ke paas toh kya rasoighar me bhi tum dakhil nahi hogi.", Kapde se bune dari jaise aasan utha kar unhe farsh par bichhate hue Anuradha ne jaisa kaha Kavita ne anmane bhaav se sar hilaya.
"Tum bhojan atcha bana leti ho toh ye mat samajhna ki main kisi wajah se aisa keh rahi hu. Par mujhe atcha lagta hai rasoi sambhalna.", Jawaab ne ab Kavita ko nishchint kar diya jis par wo haami bharti hui dono ka bhojan wahi la kar khaane ke sath kuch Anuradha ki sunti aur thoda bahot apne baare me batati. Jaanki devi bhi Bhanwri se jaankari lene ke baad usko vida karke apne kaksh me araam karne ja chuki thi aur Gulaabo bhi. Aaj Anuradha ne farsh par he chataai bicha kar Kavita ko apne he kareeb dusri chataai par sula liya tha. Dono he apne apne ekaant se bach rahi thi aur sahara aapas me haansil hua.
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"Naani, bahar koyi mahila aayi hai Sukhiya naam ki apni beti ke sath. 2 Ghare bhi laayi thi jinhe maine rasoighar ke bahar he rakh diya.", Dhoti pehne Chandan apni naani ko uthane aaya toh wo darwaje par dastak hote he uth khadi hui. Saamne unka hatta katta naati bina baah ki ganji pehne kuch paseene me bhara tha jis wajah se jitna jism saamne tha wo bharpoor chamak raha tha.
"Tu kab utha beta aur baaki sab kaha hai jo tujhe darwaja kholna pada?", Apna kameej vyavasthit karne ke baad Jaanki Devi ne ek ghoont paani peeya aur Chandan ke sang he bahar baithak se aangan ki taraf chal padi.
"Abhi toh kahi dhoop kam hui hai naani aur maine maa ko utha diya hai jo chulhe par chai rakh rahi hai. Gulaabo Kavita dinbhar toh kaam he karti rahi toh unhe bhi araam ki darkaar hogi.", Jaanki devi ne prasannta se apne naati ko dekha aur bahar ujaale me uske vastro par hare tinke dekhe toh peeth thapthapa di.
"Chara kaat ke tune un dono ka kaam bhi nibta diya na? Waise kal se Laali ye sab dekh legi, tum ye sab matt karna.", Bahar charhare jism ki ye mahila jiske vaksh uski peeli choli me sama he nahi rahe the aur uske sath uska thoda jawaan pratiroop jo saanwla hone ke bawjood teekhe nain naksh aur gathile youvan se lada unki pratiksha kar raha tha.
"Ye sab kaam mere he hai naani aur aainda ladkiyan chara nahi kaatengi. Unhe aap halke kaam he dijiye aur purusho wale sab main dekh lunga. kal toh waise bhi jameen dekhne jana hai aur meri itcha hai ki dhaan ke sath ganne aur sabjiyon ko kheti ki jaaye. Sushil bhai bata rahe the ki hamare paas dhero bail hai aur 2 ghode bhi. Bailgaadi aur ek ghoda yahi ghar pe rakh lenge toh sahuliyat hogi. Laali doodh nikalna aur chara khilana jaisa kaam kar le wahi bahot hai.", Dono he baatchit karte hue bahar aangan me Sukhiya aur Kaali ke paas aa pahuche toh Chandan ne he apni daadi ke baithne ke liye moodha rakha. Wo sanwli saloni yuvti toh kankhiyon se bas Chandan ko he dekhe ja rahi thi aur badi amma keh kar pranaam karte hue wo apni maa se thoda hatt kar Jaanki Devi ki najro se pare Chandan ko dekhne ka iraada liye pakke galiyare tale aa baithi. Choli ke gale se uske dono kathor ubhar aur unki paseene se chamakti ghaati bakhubi dikh rahi thi.
"Aao Sukhiya, lo paani piyo pehle.", Tashtari me 4 gilaas paani liye Kavita he aayi thi jisne sabko paani dene ke baad jab Kaali ki taraf gilaas badhaya toh uski najro par gor karte hue Kavita kuch kunthit si hui. Patri par baithe Chandan ko wo lagatar nihaar rahi thi aur jism par aanchal rakhne ki jagha wo usko goad me liye thi.
"Paani peena hai ya bas tukur tukur dekhti rahogi?", Jaane kaise Kavita jaisi antarmukhi yuvti ye baat keh gayi lekin awaaj dhimi thi jo aage baithe teeno logo ne nahi suni. Kaali samajh gayi thi ki Kavita ko uska aise dekhna pasand nahi aaya aur wo chahe jo bhi ho thi toh is ghar ki sadasya jis se Kaali jawaab karne ki haqdar nahi thi.
"Maaf karna, main toh bas baatchit sunn rahi thi. Paani ki pyaas nahi hai.", Hath jodd kar Kaali ek taraf khisak gayi aur paanv patakti hui Kavita wapis rasoighar ki aur jisko jaate hue Chandan dekh raha tha muskurate hue. Kaali se uski najre chaar hui toh wo phir waise he usko dekhne lagi jaise koyi mook nimantran de rahi ho par Chandan ko ye bhasha kaha aati thi. Bhitar se apne pukare jaane ki awaaj sunn kar Chandan uth kar udhar he chal diya jaha se pukara gaya tha, uski maa dwara. Ab Jaanki devi aashwast ho kar Sukhiya se koyi gehri jaankari jutaane lagi thi. Mamla gambhir he tha jaise Bhanwri ke sath baatchit me unhe bahut kuch pata chala. Sukh dukh ki jaankari lene ke baad Jaanki devi ne Bijju ke mudde par baat karne ke sath Phulwa, Bandana aur Laali ka bhi jikar chala. Kuch samay baad Chandan he yaha chai liye aaya aur uske peeche Anuradha.
"Ja Chandu beta, khaat le aa aur Kavita se keh de ke yahi sabjiyan leti aaye thaal aur chaaku ke sath.", Chai parosti Anuradha ne Chandan ko jaise he nirdesh diya wo wapis jaane laga lekin Kaali ne alag he baat keh di jisko sunn kar Jaanki Devi sang Sukhiya ne bhi apni beti ko dekha.
"Wo choti maalkin hume peshaab karne jana hai. Jagah bata dengi?"
"Chandan, Kaali ko ghar ke peeche jagah dikha do.", Jaanki devi jaanti thi ki Kaali sirf ladkiyon ke beech badi hui hai aur duniyadari ki jaise usko jyada samajh nahi isliye wo aisa bol gayi hogi. Chandan toh tha he mastmaula jisko kya he farak padna tha.
"Is taraf se aa jaiye mere peeche, chaarpayi bhi wahi se leke aani hai mujhe.", Chandan uske aage chal raha tha aur Kaali apni mastani chaal me tej tej uske bagal tak aati ajeeb muskaan udel rahi thi. Pichla aangan toh tha he nirjan kyonki Gulaabo aur Kavita rasoighar me baithi thi apni apni chai ka pyala liye. Ghar se bahar nikalne ke liye Chandan ne darwaja khola toh saamne peid-paudhe aur itna sannatta dekh Kaali ne apna he dimaag chalaya.
"Chote maalik, mujhe akele darr lagta hai. Thoda aage tak chal padiye."
"Chandan.. Mera naam hai. Main koyi maalik nahi hu ji. Chaliye aur waise bhi yaha darne ki jarurat nahi hai. Jungle toh aage hai jidhar jyada jhaadiyan hai.", Kaali bas haan kehti hui uske saamne se nikal kar nehar se kuch pehle he badi laparwahi se ghagra upar uthati hui apna jarurat se jyada he gadraya pichwada ujagar karti niche baith kar peshaab karne lagi. Beshak wo baithne par spasht nahi dikh rahi thi lekin baithne se pehle he wo apna nichla jism Chandan ko dikha gayi. Chandan ne jhijhakte hue chehra dusri taraf kar liya aur kuch samay baad jab Kaali nivrat ho kar wapis aane lagi toh Chandan se aise batiyane lagi jaise wo barso se jaanti ho
"Hamare ghar ki taraf toh aur bhi sunsaan jungle hai. Main toh din me bhi udhar jaati darti hu aur waha aaspas koyi rehta bhi nahi. Tum kal aaoge na tab main tumhe dikhaungi, shayad tumhe atcha lage. Tumhara byaah nahi hua kya?"
"Nahi. Abhi main kaam nahi karta lekin kal se karne lagunga. Darwaja band kar dena.", Chandan ko jaane kya hua jo wo tej kadmo se rasoghar ki taraf chal diya Kaali ko wahi chhod kar. Mooh banati hui Kaali bhi darwaja band karke badbadati hui jaane lagi.
"Tum is ladki ko jaanti ho kya Gulaabo jo bahar aayi hui hai?", Kavita ko bhej kar Chandan ne Gulaabo se baat shuru ki jo charpaayi khali karne lagi thi bahar le jaane ke liye. Aur Chandan ki baat sunn kar wo hanste hue boli.
"Kyo tumhe pasand nahi aayi kya bhai? Uski harkato ki wajah se he Suklal kaka ne Kaali ka byaah itni jaldi kar diya tha. Waise kaha gaye the uske sath?", Wo jis tarah muskura rahi thi Chandan ko lag raha tha ki Gulaabo bhi us par tanj kar rahi hai kyonki wo kaha jaanta tha Kaali ki itcha.
"Usko laghushanka ke liye peeche le gaya tha. Pata nahi kya kya bol rahi thi isliye main idhar he aa gaya.", Gulaabo uski baat sunn kar bilkul kareeb aa khadi hui, nigaahon me chamak aur Chandan ke bholepan par pyaar liye. Uske chaude seene par aahista se hath rakhti hui wo jaise usko samjhane lagi.
"Peeche hatna koyi hal nahi hai aur na he daud jana. Duniya samajh lo pehle phir jaise dil kare waise hal karna bhai. Waise tum kuch jyada he nadaan ho aur tumhari nadaani me ki gayi galti se mutalli naraaj ho gayi hai tumse.", Chandan ko ye sunte he wo pal yaad aa gaya jab usne Kavita ko nirvastra dekh liya tha. Chehre par gambhirta ke sath uska vichlit hona Gulaabo ne bhi dekha aur turant he uska gaal thapakte hue uski pareshani khatam karte hue boli.
"Itna kyu ghabra rahe ho tum? Kavita ko ye Kaali jara bhi pasand nahi aur uska tumhe dekhna bhi. Abhi tum jab uske sath bahar ja rahe the toh usne bhi dekh liya, bartan bahar rakhte waqt. Bahar le jana usko apne sath kyun ki Laali ke ghar toh jana he hai tumne.", Gulaabo mann se toh khud bhi chahti thi ki wo Chandan ke kareeb rahe lekin Kavita se bhi uska pyaar gehra tha isliye wo ye mauka usko dene lagi.
"Tumhari baat meri samajh nahi aati aur Kavita ka dil kare toh chal padegi mere sath. Wo darti bahot hai.", Chandan bhi jaise baat chhupane ki kala seekhne laga tha aur Gulaabo ye bhi pehchaan gayi.
"Jao khaat le jao bahar. Kya pata Kaali ki kismat hui toh tumhe unke sath bhi jana pade.", Aur Gulaabo ka kehna sach he saabit hua kyonki ghadi bhar baatchit ke baad jab mausam karwat lene laga toh Jaanki devi ne Chandan se aisa he kaha. Ab wo Sukhiya ko unke ghar tak chhodne ja raha tha aur sath he Jhamru ki dharampatni tak sandesh bhi pahuchana tha, Kavita ko sath le jaate hue. Sukhlal ka ghar gaanv ke usi hisse me tha jaha aage Nandita ki mrityu soochak pokhar aur ghana jungle. Aaj kya haadsa hone wala tha ye kisi ko khabar nahi thi lekin koyi toh tha jiski kismat prabal thi. Shayad aaj Sushil aur uska dost Kavita se mukhatib hone wale the kyonki wapis aate samay Chandan aur Kavita ne jidhar se aana tha ye log wahi milne wale the.