कभी जो इश्क़ था, वही अब इम्तिहान हो गया,

मुस्कुराता-सा दिल भी बेनाम-सा श्मशान हो गया।

एक जुदाई में अपनी ही यादों से बिछड़ गया,

हर आईने में अपना ही चेहरा देखकर भी मुकर गया।

दूजा तन्हाइयों की सर्द रातों में यूँ पिघलता रहा,

धड़कता तो रहा, मगर पत्थर-सा बनता रहा।

ना शिकवा बचा, ना कोई गिला रहा,

बस दर्द ही दोनों का आख़िरी सिलसिला रहा।

क्या फिर कभी मुक़द्दर उन्हें एक राह पर लाएगा?

क्या अधूरा इश्क़ अपना मुकम्मल जहाँ पाएगा?

या फिर...

ये दिल किसे ढूँढ़ रहा है?

या ये दिल अपना सैयारा ढूँढ़ रहा है...?

Sunlight streamed through the half-open windows, turning the room into a golden blur of warmth and chaos. The curtains danced with the breeze as footsteps echoed across the floor.

She ran through the room with a mischievous smile, her laughter filling every corner. Behind her, he chased after her, pretending to be annoyed but unable to hide the smile tugging at his lips.

"Pakad ke dikhao agar pakad sakte ho!" she teased, sticking her tongue out before running away again.

"Accha? Ab tum gayi," he warned, shaking his head.

She grabbed a pillow from the sofa and threw it at him. He barely managed to dodge it, and before he could react, another pillow came flying toward him.

"Seriously?" he laughed.

"Rules nahi pata? Jo pakda gaya, woh haara!" she said proudly.

She ran again, leaving a trail of scattered cushions behind her. As he got closer, she quickly pulled the long curtains across his path, wrapping them slightly around herself like a playful shield.

"Ab dekhti hoon kaise pakadte ho mujhe," she said, trying to hide her laughter.

He slowly walked toward her, freeing himself from the curtains.

"Idhar aao, Ishi! Abhi ke abhi... warna bahut bura hoga, bata raha hoon!"

She peeked out from behind the curtains, giggling.

"Jao jao... bahut dekhe hain aap jaise."

"Ruko tum."

She turned around to run again, but this time he was faster.

In one swift movement, he caught her.

"Got you!"

He twirled her around, making her laugh, and gently placed her on his feet. Her back rested against his chest while his arms wrapped securely around her waist. For a moment, the playful chase disappeared, leaving only the two of them in their little world.

"Caught you," he whispered.

She looked up with a smile. "You really did."

He rested his forehead against her temple, his eyes softening as the corners crinkled with happiness.

"You know, right... I love you."

She turned slightly, pretending to be surprised. "You do?"

"Uh-hmm."

He smiled and kissed her temple gently.

"Chalo, ab aap bolo."

She frowned playfully. "Kya?"

"Arey... mere 'I love you' ka reply."

She looked away, hiding her smile. "Hmm... mann nahi hai."

"Achha?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

Before she could escape, he held her waist and twirled her around again.

She burst into laughter. "Fine, fine! Bata rahi hoon!"

He brought her back onto his feet, their foreheads touching, both of them smiling.

"I love you too."

A satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Good."

He leaned closer and kissed her nose.

They both laughed softly, holding onto that little moment-unaware that somed

ay, this very memory would become the one thing they would spend years trying to find again.