Mr. HansH (Ishq Mein Marjawan)
Fragile....

The Garter was crowded when Neha and I went in the next night. As always, the place contains a strange mix of visitors: the diners whistle to enjoy expensive gastro-pub dishes, the noisy locals enjoy a few beers after work, and some groups of college students who spent beer while crowding tiny tables or playing throwing darts on the inside of pubs.

"Say, what are we gonna do here?" I asked Neha, as she ducked through a gap in the crowd to sit on a small table near the game machine in one corner.

The girl grinned. "We're here to see my son-of-a-bitch ex, maybe he'll come here and wear the watch I just gave you last week."

"Oh my God, do you want to take back your gift?"

"Why not? That's a fancy watch, limited edition, anyway. It's very expensive."

"You're really out of your mind, man." I shook my head in amazement at it.

Neha hung her coat on the back of the chair. "I'd rather sell the watch and donate the money to an orphanage than leave it in the hands of a dickhead like him. Come on, a clock as expensive as it can be to feed thousands of orphans and homeless people. I'm not gonna give up a clock like that for that son of a bitch."

Whatever. But honestly I laughed at his seriousness. "It could be that he's here, or it could be that he's visiting another pub anywhere in the city. Are you proposing we visit everything? Hmm?"

Neha's spirit did not recede by my keenness. "Well, then. Why not?"

I looked around the full pub. "You're crazy" I said.

"As you just found out." He giggles.

"Well, I don't think he's here."

"We'll just wait, okay? I'll get you a drink, you want to?"

I smiled as he went to the bar. He always does, but he knows very well I don't like to drink alcohol. I turned my attention to the e-mail on my phone and saw that I had just received one message from my job application letter. One year ago I had just finished my studies, and for the past year I focused on cooking courses, following the wishes of Kak Sanjeev who wanted me to be an expert in cooking. I was just about to read the message in the e-mail when the pub door opened and Kak Sanjeev entered with his friend Mohan.

Of course, they saw me right away. Kak Sanjeev's expression was more surprised than happy, unlike Mohan who smiled brightly and approached. I know he tried to get close to me a long time ago even though Brother Sanjeev wouldn't allow it.

"I didn't know you were going to be here tonight" he said as he approached Kak Sanjeev.

"Sama," I said. "I didn't expect to see you here either. I'm with Neha."

"Ah, so. But Tumben you agreed to go to a place like this?" mohan said, clearly confused. "Where is Neha?"

Sanjeev's brother inched uncomfortably while gazing towards the bar. Mohan raised an eyebrow and sat down in Neha's empty chair.

"You dance?"

Eh? I was surprised to hear Mohan's invitation. I can't ignore Sanjeev's discomfort as I reply, "I'm sorry, I can't. I didn't come here for fun. Neha's got interests, and I'm just keeping her company."

"Aah! Spying on us, huh?" sela Neha as she returned carrying two glasses of mixed JD and Coke.

Mohan empties the chair and rejoins Kak Sanjeev. "Get rid of that thought. We just want to get through the night for the boys, don't we, man?"

Sanjeev muttered something vague, while avoiding eye contact with me.

Neha and Mohan exchanged glances while I stared fixedly at my drink.

"Hopefully have a nice night" I said, venturing out.

Brother Sanjeev raised his gaze towards me for a moment. "May you too." Then they left, Mohan pushed Kak Sanjeev into the crowd near the bar.

Neha chuckled then leaned her body towards me. "Geez, that's just awkward. But take it easy, try drinking this then your feelings will get better."

Glumly, I twisted my glass over a puddle of water on the dark, shiny surface of the table. "I know."

"Fuck him, Zia. He's coward. Let him feel it later when you find your true partner and live happily ever after."

I smiled back. I didn't tell Mr. Sanjeev about my meeting yesterday with Neha. It is clear now that Sanjeev is angry because I did not obey his orders to stay away from HansH.

As the night wore on, it proved Neha did not get her destination. But, at least, he managed to get the phone number of the barmaid who was quite adorable as an escape. So maybe he didn't lose it completely. As for me, my mind kept returning to the look on Kak Sanjeev's face. Honestly I wish the situation was clearer between us, brotherly relations will return to normal, but Kak Sanjeev's reaction tonight recalls the chaos at the Christmas Market that day. I wonder if the situation between the two of us will continue this way from now on?

But you're bound to promise her mother, Zia. Your mother. You will always be there for Sanjeev, loving and loving him to no end.

On the way to the bus to Neha's apartment, while the bright lights of the city shot out in the blurry light, I burst onto the back bench and my mind floated back to HansH. Three short meetings made me so confident that he was a good man even though maybe his attitude seemed arrogant to others. Maybe there was a misunderstanding between him and Brother Sanjeev? That's possible, isn't it?

Groping into the bag, I grabbed my phone and was surprised to find whatsapp from Kak Sanjeev.

》I'm waiting for you at home. Come, or don't have to see me again at all.

What the fuck? Why does he think that? Want to break our fraternal relationship?

"What's wrong?" Neha asked.

"Sir Sanjeev asked me to come home."

"So?"

"I have to go home."

"alright. Maybe he's already realized his mistake."

But my gut says something else. Hopefully this time my instincts are wrong, as mistaken as I thought that Brother Sanjeev would receive my love the other day. I hope that.

After taking the bus to Neha's apartment, I said good night and took a taxi to get home. When I got home, our house was in complete darkness. I turned on the lights and went into my room. I sat down on the bed and thought about what I should do. I'm considering going out to look for Sanjeev, but I want to be here if he comes home later. I stayed in the room as long as possible. I don't know how long after, I heard my name being called. At first I thought someone was coming. As soon as I stood up, I realized the sound was coming from outside the window. I flicked the curtains and looked at the back yard.

Sanjeev's brother is in the pool. He was bare-chested, but still wore his jeans and boots. I saw his jacket and T-shirt placed on a long chair near the shallow part of the pool.

"Zia! You're there, huh? I've been waiting for you, Zia!"

From where I am, he looks very small. And, from his voice, I knew he was heavily drunk.

"Come, Zia!" his yell. "I want to talk to you! My sweet sister. Come here! Why are you defying me? Wh why? You said you loved me, but what are you doing to me now, huh? You lied! You hurt me, Zia! You hurt me! I'm hurt because of you!"

Oh my God, I never saw Sanjeev's sister as fragile as that. What's wrong with her?