A\p`htf \n

Gnb --1

Nithin Babu

Font - karthika

" Cuuuuu........Atm...... At...At......" apdnbn \npw GSnbtsS t]Snc \nehnfn Fs sImp]pkvXIns ckcSn \npw s]sSn amn. Rmt\mSn GSnbpsS apdn hmXnsen. AXv AIp \np Ipnbnncnbmbncpp. " GSnbt.. GSnbt......" Rm IXIn Xn hnfnp. " A FntbSm...?..." GSn AIp \npw hnfnp tNmZnp. " A ]dn ...]pp]dnm t]mbncnbm....." " tM.... Cuizcm C\n Rms\m sNbvI...." GSn hopw t]Snp \nehnfnpp. " Fp ]n... h ]mtm tNtm htm GSnbt...?... Rm tNmZnp. " Atm ..AsSm..." " ]nsp ]n...?... Fn hmXn sXmdv thKw... " Rm IXIn Xn. AIp \npw ian. F\np t]Snbmbn. t_m[w sISptIm atm sNbvtXm... Rm hopw hnfnp. Atm adp]Sn hp. " Mm... \nv.....sXmdmw...." Rm shfnbn Imp \np. KoX, Fs Gs `mcy, IeymWw Ignnv amk am{Xw. Rm HXmw mntev Ibdm Imp \npp. Ah[nmew. th\ XpSn. Fs aq tNnamsc IeymWw Ignbtm hon Asmcp klmbw Bhiyambn. Gt\ ]nSnv AO s]psInp. G AOs\ klmbnv SuWnep RfpsS ISbn \npp. Gn ImWm Hcp ]okp Xsbmbncpp. SuWn Pohn s]v. Un{Knp t]msbnepw ]qnbmnbn. sIn hon hp Itmtg F\np tXmn. Cu bpKn Fs Gn Un{Kn FgpXpIbnsv. tImtfPnep kIe ]qhmemcpw GSnbpsS ]pdtI Bbncnpw. A{Xpw Hcp Ncv. NXpc apJw, Ftmgpw Npw_\w sImXnpp Fp tXmpamdp Zmlmamb NppI, \ BtcmKyhpw kmam\yw XSnbpw. FSpp ]nSnp \np amdpI. Pb`mcXnbpsS IpnI. GSn ISpsImv GdpInv t\mpXp Im BWp t_m[w sISpw. F\np tNt\mSkqb tXmn. Fmepw tNs Hcp `mKyw. kmcan. F\npw Hcp Ccbmbtm. Hp cp {]mhiyw ]dn Ipnbncpp aq{XsamgnpXv Hfnp \nv Inpv. apm\ncnptm Fn\m Cu s]p XpWn sImp appw ]pdIpw adpXv Fs\np tXmnbnpv. Fgptp t]mbngnbptm Adnbm `mhn an Dmb B Ipgnbnepw AXn\p Nppap Ddp IqSp shfp ]Xbpw t\mn \npw. ]p aq{Xns aWw Atm Acon AebSnppmIpw. AdnbmsX B Pe[mcbpsS DdhnSw knv Kpems\ Xncpnbnpv. Ipdp hmWhpw GSnbtsS t]cn t\ZnnpsXv clkyamb Hcp kXyw. Rms\, Ipbpw hnImchp BWp Bcpw hmWaSnp t]mIpw. ASpfbn Nnetm shdpw ]mhmSbpw ukpw [cnv Gn s]cpamdptm Rm Hfnp t\mpXv A Hcn Ip ]nSnp. ]ns A ]e {]mhiyw ]dnmWp ]pnmcn amdsmcp tXmnXv. AsXmpw B Ipf apeIfpsS Kmw`ocys adm t]mcphbmbncpn. AcIn Ip\np\nv Acptm aptmpw ]pdtImpw Xp amdpIfpw Ipnbpw ImWm Rm ASpfpds app IqSn Dempw. Atm ]pnmcn Zlnnp Hcp t\mw t\mpw. AtXmsS Rm Imp t]mb _eqWmIpw. ]t F\nv GSnbtbmSp a\n tZjyambncpp. tIdn hv Hcp amkw Igntmtgpw FtmSv A[nImcw XpSn. AXp sImp hmSm. CXp sNSm. Fsmsbmbn. Fpw sNmw, ]t Fs tXmphs Ccpp apSnbXmbncpp Fs GSnbbpsS hntcm[n BnbXv. RfpsS ]dns AXnn Ignm s\mSw. AXns \Sphn IqSn hfp ]pfsmgpIp Hcp henb tXmSpv. \ th\enepw AXp hpIbn, Aw

\oscmgppmIpw. Atm Nne `mKfn aW Ipgnv apnpfn coXnbn Bgapmn s]p Aepw Ipfnbpw \Spw. RfpsS ASppw As\ Hp cp IShpIfpv. Rm\pw Fs IqpImc\pw ao ]nSnms\ hymtP\ Hmtcm Nqbpambn IShpI tXmdpw \Spw. ]e {]mbnepw Xcnepw D s]p DIgnbptm Aepw Ipfnbpw \SpXv RfpsS ISnsmcp ]cnlmcambncpp. \ lcapsmcp Imgvbpw. amdp admsXbpw Ipfnph, ImepI amdn amdn In shv tXmp hIv amn clky `mKv tkmp tXph. IpfnIgnv tXmn \npw apntep XpWn amdph, Chscms RfpsS Ap hmWaSnp hIsbmcpn. ]eXcw apeI, ]eXcw Idpp shfpp Zriy Hs anmbw t]mse ImWm ]pw. agmeambm, InWdpIfn shw \ndm, ]ns AhcpsS hchp hncfamIpw. ]pt\n hv Hcp amkw Igntmtgpw Abet Hp cp s]pfpambn Nmw IqSn Ipfn tXmntep amn. BZyw \ shamtWmSm Fv FtmSv A`n{]mbw tNmZnsnepw Rm ]dXv tXmn t]mIsmbncpp. ImcWapv. AXv hmb\mtc, \nv hgntb a\nemIpw. AXp hIshmsX Ah tXmn t]mp XpSn. RfpsS Cu ]mcbSn Irjn SuWn ASnp Ifnp hf GSnp a\nembn. cp aqp Znhkw Igntm Fs hnfnv Hcp Znhkw tNmZnp. " FSm, \osbn\m Fpw tXmp hp t]mWXv..?.." " ao ]nSnm..." " Fnp s\\smcp \tmensbnepw InosmtmSm..?.." " AXp sNew Inpw...sNew..." " Inpw Inpw... samtp hncnbpXn\p app Xt s]pfp IpfnpXp ImWm\m sNs ]qXn... tZ.. Hcp Imcyw ]dtmw... C\n B tXmphsm\pw \o hm...Rm\Ot\mSpw tNt\mSpw.. FmtcmSpw ]tdw... Av...." Rms\mpw annbn. ]t a\n ]dp. " sambmtWm hcmemtWm FdnbtWmn ]dsameo... Fs XpWn s]mn ImWnmcpp. Fs tNs `mcybmbntmbnt. A ]dncnpXv GSnbv AbpsS kvYm\amsWm...." \nhrnbn. anp. ]ns Rm tXmn t]mp \nn. sshIptcambm hmb\imebn t]mIpw, Asn tXmpIepn sNncnpw, h ]dntbm ]pebntbm s\pw Xnp t]mIpXp t\mnbncnpw, IqpImcpambn A`n{]mbw ]mmpw. Hpansn hon Ccpv NmXnamcpsS kptej\n Inp sImp ]pkvXI hmbnp ]dnbpw Xncpn Ccnpw. As\bp Hcp si\nbmgvNbmWo kw`hw. Ipdp an\npI Rm Imp \np. HSphn IXIns Hcp ]mfn Xpdv GSn Hfnp t\mnbnp tNmZnp. " AbntSm ChnsS...?..." " C..." " Fs ssZhta... Rms\p sNpw..." GSn hopw hne]npp. " GSnbt.. Imcysamp ]d.... " F\npw Hcemv. Hpansnepw tNs kl[nWnbt. aSnp aSnv Ah IXIp Xpdp. Ft AIp Ibnbnv IXISp. F\nsmpw a\nembn. ]t B \nn Ftm ]ntISp tXmn. Ap an\np apv tXmn \nv Ipfn Ignv hv aqfnmpw ]mSn kzw apdnbntep tIdntmb GSn. Hp t\mWsap BinXmbncpp. ImcWw, ASpp tXmp IShmbXp sImv, anhmdpw Hcp kmcnmhmSbmbncnpw Acp XmsgbpXv. AXp Xs \\v HnnSnv CmSm, ]nSntmSm F Xmfn Hmfw shnsdnv B sNpIpSfpsS BIrXnbpw ImWnmbncnpw hcpXv. ukn\p apIfn Hcp tXmv ap hiw adv Cncnpw. apSnbpw Agnnv, Aenb XpWnIfpw Ibvbn Xqnbnv hcp hchp Im IhnXm t_m[anmh\pw

almImhysagpXntmIpw. AdnbmsX ]dnbn ]nSnp XncpntmIpw. A{Xp ImaapWp ZriyamWm hchv. ImWm ]psan Rm HfnInsmp t\mpw. ]t t]Snbmbncpp a\n. am\`bw. Hcp Im Ihv Fnpn Ah Xncnp \Sp. ]ns Fs t\p Xncnp \np. F\nsmpw a\nembn. " Fmp.. ]d..." Rm tNmZnp. " tZ, CXp Itm.. Ct..." Ah AhcpsS XpSbntep NqnmWnp. AtmgmWp Rm {inXv. Ahcv ap hip \npw ]mhmS s]mnnSnncnbmbncpp. am_n XqWp t]msebp Hcp XpSbpw atXns Ipdpw A\mOmZw. Rm\Spp sNp. " Fty...." Rm tNmZnp. " \o t\msSm Atmv... tZ... Imte Ftm... ISnncnpp.. Ct... " Ah CutbmsS IpIfSp. Rm \nencpv Ip\nv AhcpsS ImepInSbntep t\mn. tZ InSp\p [ow XcnInS tXmw. GSnbtsS het AIw XpSbn s\Sp\ofn ISnp Xqn tNmc IpSnv kpJnpIbmsWmcp Ipfb. Cfw Xhnp \ndn \menp \ofn t]\m hn Ah ]nnSnncnpp. GSn XpSI AInbmWp shncnpXv. heXp Im s]mnpn Hcp CujrtbmsSbmWp \nv. Fnp ]mhmS Iqn IhsS AannSnncnpp. \ GhmgnnI t]mse an\pkap shfpp Xnfp XpSI. XpSIfpsS ap`mKv Hcp tcmaOmbbpv. shdptXb Amcv AIwXpSbn apqpIhep sXmp Xmsg Xt ISnm kvXew IsnbXv. aqnem\p tcmaapnSp \npw tNmc IpSnm A{X Xmcyan. ]ns \nhrnbnsn sNew apn\p Xmsgbpw ]nSnsp hcpw. Hcp an\np Ignm Ahs hbdp \ndbpw Ah Xms\ hnp Xmsg hogpw, Fs\np a\nembn. ]mSt Xmgv \nefn Dghp \SnbXn\p tijw t]mpIsf Nnetm RfpsS taes IShn Ipfnnmdpv. t]mns\ Ipfnnm Hgpn\p inbnmXp sIm tXmn I Ddmbncnpw. `mKyaphtc ISnpw, Amh cs]Spw. AXpsImm\p Rm tXmn IpfnmXpw GSntbmSp Ipfnm t]mIsp ]dXpw. ]t NnecpsS cw Cu kpJnam\p Ca. Fs tNmc Cambncpp. ]e {]mhiyw Fs ISntXmsS Rm B Ipfn ]cn]mSn \nn. AXp sImmbncpp Rm GSnbtbmSv tXmn t]mI Fp ]dXv. tIn. Cw Innbnt, As\ hcs. Rmt\mSn, Apds apdnbn \npw Npmp sUnsbSpp, Abpw AO\pw htmgpw apdpp kz`mhapv. ]nsmp Nnnp, Cs\ Hchkcw C\n Inn, ]Icw hopIbpw sNmw, ImWm sImXnXp IbvImcyw sNpIbpw sNmw. a\pcpIn {]mnp. {ioIrjvWm, irwKmcns AhXmcta, A Csgpw XncnsI hct. Xncnsb apdnbntetmSn. GSn B \np Xs. Rm IXISp, Ipnbnp. " Fn\mSm IpnbnXv..." " AXv... GSnbtsS Cu \np Bscnepw Im...." " FSm...thKw FsInepw sNSm... Cu amcWns\ Fs\sbnepw Hp ]dnsSpSm... Ct... Fs Imhn `KhXo...." GSn \np hndpp. " GSnb t]SnmsX \nv... Cw Cht\ Rm sicnbmn Xcmw..." " Fmepw CsXs tZlp Xs ..." " GSnbtmSp Rm ]dXt... Cu tXmn t]mImv... Aw tIn..." " AXn\p .. \o ImcWw ]dntm... Rm\dntm.. CXv Abp tXmSmsWv..." " Fgpsampanm...Cu th\mep amt{Xbpp... Hcp Imcyw sNv. GSnb Cu Intetemp Imep s]mn shv. Csn Npmp tXm ]n. Hcp kvYew hnSpw thsd kvYew Innbm ]ns Ah AhnsS ]nSnpw..." Rm t]Snnp. Ah a\nma\tmsS ASpp InS Inentep ImseSpp s]mnshp. Rm AhcpsS Iosg Xmsg Ipnbncpp tatemp t\mn. In, F\np ImtW `mKw s]mnnSnncnpp. BMv lm, ImWnp sImSpmw.

\nencpp kmh[m\w XpSIfn ItmSntmtgpw Fs ImennSbn thsdmc Xe s]mm XpSn. " GSnb Cu Ismbt ... F\nhs Xe ImWm ]pn... In Xt Npmp tXWw... tZlp tXm... Ah IqSpX ISnpw.." Ahscmp aSnp. Xmtgp t\mn. AhcpsS In t\mnbncnp Fs apJsmp t\mn. ]ns Ibp. Rm ]mhmS _eambn henp, s]mn \np XpSbpsS apIfntep Npcpn shp. Fnv at XpSbn \npw s]mnnSnp. Blm, APmbnse cXoinw t]mse Imepw Ihv Fs apIfn GSn. Fs\ B \np hnpw Fdnp IqSm. cp aqp tZmiI Hcpnv ASpn]nSnnv AXp ]pkvXIw t]mse sNcnp ]nSnp XmfpI AInbm Fs\bncnpw. hnSp \nbmWp Xhnp \ndn B sXminqdv. t]cdnbm hm Hcp Khpw AhnsS \npw hanppv. F\nm aWw Csp. apI `mKs ssaXm\w ]pp shn If Idp IpnqSI NnXdnb {XntImWw, `mKnIamtb ImWm ]ppp. Rm ]mhmS Aw IqSn s]mn. " Foizcm... \osbp ImWphmSm AhsS..." GSnp kln sIp. Ah hopw apJw s]mn. " Fs GSnbt... s]SmsX.. t\ms... " Ihqnse B \o hnShn\Ip \npw Xhnp \ndn NpcpnqSnb AcnIpItfmSpIqSn Rm sImp ]pkvXIn hmbndn tbm\nbpsS AIppI. AXn\w Xmsgbmbn Fsmstbm Aw Dn Npcpp InSpp. Ghpw apIfn B ]qdns Xev XSn Icphmfn AcnIpInSbn \op \nhp InSpp GSnbpsS hnImc kncmtI{w, XSnpcpp thsdmcp Ipfbt]mse Cfw Nphpw Xhnpw If \ndn, GSnbpsS Bav. Ap apIfn \npw t\ hw, AXp IqSnqSn GXmv B ]qdns ay `mKv hnv hoSns tammbw t]mse hnSp \npp. B \o ]qmens XSnpnb cp IcIfnepw Aw \ofap IdpIdp tcma NnXdnnnSpp. B tcmafn NneXv tXmphs hn]SpI t]mse B Nph Nmentev Xebnnpv. Fs Ibv Xcnp, hndp. BZyambn ]q hfsbnb s]ns P\t\{nbw, hms]mfnv ]pncnp Hcp tbm\n, AXns Fm Kmw`ocytmSpw IqSn t\cn ASpv ImWpIbmbncpp. AXns KtmSp IqSn kv]inpIbmbncpp. Rm BZyw B XSn AIppIfn Hn ]nSnp henp. " \osbmSm ImWnpXv... " GSn ImepIf\n. " ChnsSsbmw AIfm GSnbt..." " FSm... Ipcpw sIht\ AXbsSm... " " CtXm..?.. ]nssbtmm..." Rm Hpadnbm t]mse tNmZnp. " AsXs appsSsmXmSm... \o AtXp hntv ... at Atb ]nSnsSpSm... IpImeo..." " Hmtlm... AXp sicn... CXmdnbmw..." Rm\Xp cpw IqSn Iqn henv d henphnSpt]mse Hp hnp. GSn \np ]pfp. " lm... \o.... \o....\nt sImp ]pthmSm... AtXm \o Fs kmam\w Ip kpJnphmtWm...." " CsXm ImWm\m...lpw... Fm tZs, thsdmscw AXn\Incpp tNmc IpSnpsmv.... tZ... ChnsS... AhnsS Npmp tXm ]pthm...?.." Rm tNmZnp. " FhnsS......?..." " tZ.. ChnsS...." Rm B ]Sngns Iogv cp hnc IqSnnSnsmcp hen. \ an\pkhpw sXepw. hentm AsXmp hot]mse. " ltm... FSm...ssatc AsX ImSm... FSm... \mdo.. \o At ]nSnm t]mbnv Fs.. kmam\t ]nSnv cknphmtWmSm... aXn \ns FS]mSv....." GSn Fs Xensmcp Ingpv.

" Atm GSo... AXns sISpw s\tdmw hentmw Iw ... Rm hnNmcnp.. AXpw sImfb Bcnpw Fv... ]ctZhtX... CXmtWm GSosS Iv... tym..." Rm\m Xnfp In Hp IqSn XShnt\mn. AXns AIv Ftm Hcp Ipcphp t]mse.. GSn \np hndp Xpn. B hncnp \np sImmcqdn \npw IsSpm tXmpn. \ aWhpw. Fs Ipb Fs IhstS tNmc IpSnmsX Xs hop hepXmbngnp. B hnSp \np tbm\o]pjv]n Hp apJw AaWsap tXmnbXmbncpp. CtmgmsWn \Spw, ]s, AhnsS tam apnm B Asbm\pw apJp ISnmtem Fsmcp t]Snbpw. Fmepw Rm hnn. " GXmbmepw anv Fs Gnbt... Ct{Xambnt... C\n Ippsfm\pw ISnncpptmp IqSn t\mt..." kXn\p Imp \nmsX Hcp Dtiw shpsImv Rm Fs Nqp hnc XmsgqSn B NqSp ]qn Ibn. kmam\yw \ apdpw. Hcp ]t GSnv CnfnsbSpnmbncnpw Cdpw tXmnbXv. tX Ipnbn hncen t]mse Hcp Hepw henhpw. Rm hnc apgph Dntep ISn, Hp Npnv tXmn, Fsmstbm hncen XSp. ]t AXns Dnse NqSpw \\hpw Fs lrZbns Imn Xs sImp. B arZpXzw Ct htc Fs a\n \npw t]mbnn. " FSm... IsSpSm ...ssatc... \ns Hcp tImfpw th... A thtW Fs ]qn tIdntms.. \nttmse Hcp \mdntb Rm\ntX htc Inn... FSpSm... Ibv... sls Cuizcm... " Gn tZjyw sImpw A]am\w sImpw hndp. Rm\sXmpw {inm t]mbn. hnc hensSpsmp aWp. Hcp hm aWw. \ndanm Hcp ]i Fs hncen s]mXnncpp. Ipfnnpw ]qdp IgpIm s]v. A, Nnetm CXv AhcpsS kmam\nse HdnPn\ aWambncnpw, Rm kam[m\np. ]t AXo aZmekbpsS aZ\]pjv]]mfnIpntebmWtm Ftmtm AsXmcp amZIKambn Fs Kpem\p tXmnmWpw. Ah Aj\mbn apn\pn \np kemw sNbvXp. ]ns CSXp ssI sImv Aw Npmp tXmn AbpsS Xep apn Xebn tXp. cp skn\pn A Npcpp Xmtgp hoWp. " tZ.. t\mv ...Fs sXdn ]dmepw Fs tPmen Rm sNbvXp..." AtmgmWh Ip s]mnb IsSpv Xmtgp t\mpXv. AhnsS B A Npcpp InSppmbncpp. ]t Fs Iv Atmgpw s]mfnp \np B ssIXqdnembncpp. Ahkm\ambnv AhnsS samw Rms\mp XgpIn. C\nsbmchkcw Inntm. s]sv GSn Fs ssI Xn amn. Im Xmtgp shp. ]mhmS Xmgvn ]nSnp. Rm taipdp InS amknIbpsS Hcp ISemkv henp Iodn aSn Atb s]mnnSnsSpp. ]ns GSnbpsS ImepIfntep t\mn. AhnsS I app htc hoWp Ignncpp. ]t A ISnnSv ]mhmSbn \ tNmc \ndw. ]ns apn\p Xmtgv AsXmcp Nph hc t]mse HgpIpp. AtmgmWp Rmt\mXv, Cu Ip{mw ISnm apdnhn \npw tNmc hmpsImncnpw, thZ\sbmn Xm\pw. Rm\tb Xmsgbnp. ]ns Nppw t\mn. GSn Ipfn Ignv [cnm thn FSpXmbncnpw Hcp jn Inen Dmbncpp. Rm\sXSpp. s]sp GSnbpsS ]mhmS s]mn. Rm Fp sNm t]mWp Fp GSn NnnpXn\nSbn Ihp \n GSnbpsS AIw XpSbn A ISnnSv B jn Aan ]nSnp. Atmtgpw GSnbpsS CSXpssI Fs IcWp "tT" F in hoWp Ignncpp. ImcWw jn klnXw XpSnSbn Aan ]nSntm Fs IpsS ]pdIphiw GSnbpsS kmam\ns ap`mKv Aancpp. Fs In B IhbnSpns NqSv Adnncpp. ]t Rm IsSpn. XpSbn B jn Aan ]nSnp. Fs In \npw s]mo ]dp. F\np \mbn thZ\np. Rms\mpw annbn. A\nbn. Hpw kw`hnm an GSnbpsS Ibv ]nSnv B jnbn Aan ]nSnnp sImSpp. Fnv ]dp. " AapnnSntm.....tNmc \ntW Cnsc kabw ]nSnpw. Fnt Cu XpWn FSpmhq..... ]ns Cnsc tNmc sRn Ifnv s]mnnSnphmtW apdnhp

]gpmXncnpw..." hmbpw s]mfnv GSn XpWn XpSbn AannSnv Intencpp. Rm Asbbpw FSpv IXIp Xpdp shfnbnendn. IXIv henSp. Ap ]ns Rm GnbtsS Iapn sNtXbn. sshInv Dm\ncnptm Ignp Fp hcpn Fgptp t]mbn. A Ftm tNmZnp. GSn Hpw annbn. Ft t\mnbXpan. ]nt Znhkw cmhnte Fgptp t\mptm Fs het IcWw Aw honcpp. Ins `mKw hmsX XnWncpp. ImSnbn Rm t\mn. GSnbpsS Inte tamXncw sImXmbncnpw. IeymWw IgnXn ]ns tN Aw Xmaknp Rsfmcpanv ImnIpSnsbms Ignt ISbn t]mIpp. Ap Imn IpSnptm tN Fs IcWw Ip. " At, CsXm Chs IcWv ]ntb...?.." Rm Hpw annbn. AtmgmWp Abpw GSnbpw {inXv. FSnbpsS apJw hmXmbXp Rm Ip. A HmSn hp sXmp t\mn. F\np thZ\nXp sImv Rm AbpsS Ibv amn. " FmSm ]ntb...?.. Atm hmsX XnWp sISptm...?.. " Rm aqI\mbncpp. tN tNmZnp. " hSpw apJaSp hoWp ImWpw AsX\m.. ASn \npthm... Fgpw Hmhpw Nmtmat.... h sImgtm atm FSpp Xncpv..." " \o hotWmSm.." A tNmZnp. " Mqw.. " Rm aqfn. " ]dbSm... h Itepw CSntm..." " hct sXn hoWtm... Hcp ...ItenSnXm... " " t...Atcw Hp Xncpnbm aXnbmcpp.... C\n Cnsc Fe AcnSmw....Cte ]dbmsXmSm....Hcp t\mtman sN\v..." A iImcnp. ]ns GSntbmSmbn tNmZnp. " \o CXv Cse Inmcptm tamtf..." " Mqlpw... Rm Inmcpp..." ]dp sImv GSn ]mmn ]Iv Fs apn shp. mnencp shw FSpp IpSnnv Rms\gptp. " hmkqm...s\\p Imn tht...?..." GSn tNmZnp. Rm adp]Sn ]dn. t\tc jpw FSpnv Iepntep t]mbn. IqpImcpambn Iptd sXn\Sp. Dv DuWp Ignm htm GSn hnfnb IdnIsfmpw Rm sXmn. AXp I GSn cmaXp tNmdp hnfm Atb Gnp. Atm F\np a\nembn Fs {]Xntj[w Ah Adnbppsv. t\tc tXmpIShntep t]mbn. ]mSp hoip CfwNqSp Impw sImv XWhcncpp. sNdpa Ip\pw cmP\pw Nqbpambn \SpXp Ip. AhcpsS tImen BcI\pw Imcnbpw Hs InSpp. Ipdpt\cw AhcpsS ]pdtI \Sp. s]p XpWnspambn hp XpSn. Hpw t\mn \nm tXmnbn. hbdp hnitm hopw honsen. ImSnbn t\mn. \ocv Aw Ipdnpv. Fnepw Hcp hiw honcnpXv Adnbmw. sas ASpfhmXnsen. GSn am{Xta ASpfbnepp. ASpn Ftm Ccnpp. s]cppnIfpw Xn Ip\np \nv Ftm Dmpp. Hcp Nhnp sImSpm tXmn BZyw, ]ns tXmn, Fn\m... AXp t\mn cknmw. lm^vkmcn BWpSpncnpXv. Chscm Cs\. HpIn ]mhmS Asn l^vkmcn. IeymWw Ign s]p kmcnbt DSppXv. B, FsnepamIs, Cu ]cphnems\n F\npw hXpw Ip shandmw. AItp IbdmsX Rm hmXn aSnp \np. Atm A ]pdp \npw hp tIdn. h ]msS A ]dbpXp tIp. " KoXtamsf.. C\n \o tXmn Ipfnm t]mI... ChnsS Ipfnm aXn..." " Fp ]nbt..." " tXmn A tIdnbt{X... C\n ag \mbnp s]bvsXnte AhIfp t]mIpp.... Apdt hnemkn\ntb ISnp, Cse sshInv..." " Dthzm... Fnv..." GSn tNmZnpp. " AX tamtf .. A ISntX.............." ]ns Hpw tIn.

" At... AsXsmcbm...." GSnbpsS hnem]w. " Cu Ipfb As\ HSt ]nSnsmp...." A ]dp. " Atepw sicnbm.. AhsSsbms A ISnncpm BtcmSm ]dbps... Imnbmbn Cmcptm AhsS...." GSn tNmZnp. " Cst, Ahfp ]mSsqp ]iqs\ Agntmp hcm t]mbXmcpp. B sImp sh{]mfn\p...XpWn Iqn AXnt\ ]dnp Ifp. Cw tZs, AhSw \ocp shp. AttS sImp apdnIncnphm... C\n ]gpmte AXp sRnfbm ]q.. Asn Bip]{Xo t]mbn IodnsbSpWw...." " Foizcm..." GSnbpsS hnem]w hopw. F\np hfsc hnjaw tXmn. hntntb F\np hfsc CamWv. kpcnbsnepw hncq]b. Ft henb Imcyam. BgvXnp hmm FsbmtWnpI. ssSpw Ignv IeymWw Ignm Xbmdmbn \npp. BtemN\I hpsImncnpp. F\nnw AXp sIm. tXmpIShn Ft kzta[bm Fsnepw ImWnp XcpXv hntn am{Xta Dp. apeIfpsS apIIqn DSpp tXmv Inv Acp Xmsg hsctb FpIbpp. Hp apnsmptm AXv B aptmWn Hnbncnpw ]ns AXp henv t\scbnmepw XpSI \mbn ImWmw. anXamb hap Xnfp XpSI. tkmp tXm \npnSp IWm hsctb shapp. apeIfn tkmp tXm tXmv AInnSnmWp. Atm Im tXmpw ]mhw. Aw Ignbptm tXmp apeIp Xmsg shpSppw B sImpapeI \ndsb tkmp ]Xbmbncnpw Fnepw ]Xp apIfnepw B Iq apesRpI Iqn \npw. t]ptXmbpsS sImp Nnct]mse sNdnb apeI ]t \ BIrXnsbmh. \ sh\ndhpw. C\nsbmp shnendn appw. tIdn hcpw, ]nsbmWp Xmtgp tkmp tX. Fs lrZbanSnns thKX ]nsbpw IqSpw. tXmp cp hitpw hIp amn \ shfp \ndap XpSIfn, Hcp Im AepIntev s]mn shv Fs ImWnm thn am{Xw an\npItfmfw tNn tkmp tXpw. Rm ImWppsdnbptm B apJsmcp Incn hncnbpw. ]ns IbvI amdn amdn Hmtcm hitpw tXmp amn ImennSbnte B CcppOmbbn Ah tkmp ]Xnpw. A[nIw s]pfnsn Ah IhSnbn ASnbn \npw apIfntep B hnShnepw tkmp ]Xnp ImWnpw. ]XbpsS shfppw {XntImWapnte tcmafpsS Idppw CSIe Hcp Imgv, Cpw Fs Ipn \npw t]mbnn. a\n kvYncambn ]Xn Nne Nn{X. hntnbpsS Ipfn Ignm ]ns henb ckan. Icp Ibdn\np XpWn amdptmgpw FtmSp henb IcpW Impw. {_m CSptm F\np ]pdwXncnp \npsanepw lpnSpXpw aphiw s]mn B shapeI aqSpXpw Ft ImWnpXs. Idp B sRpI hyambn Rm ]e {]mhiyw Inpv. Xep apIfn IqSn ]mhmS CSptm AXp aphiw adbpXn\p apv tXmp ]dnp XmsgbnSpw, F\np thn. FnXp ham\w ]dp \np `mhn shp Xmaknnpw. AXp ImWp Rm Ibnenapns ASnbn \Sp sh{]mfhpw kachpw HXpm thn Aht\ XpSnSbntean shpXp Nnetm Ah ImWpw. Atmfm apJt Hfnp ]pncn Hp ImtWXp Xsbm. B XpSapnte Idpp ]p skp Ip Ignbptmtgpw Fs Kpem XpsImm Xbmdmbncnpw. \Sphnep hcntep IbdpXn\p apv Fs Xncnsmp t\mn sNdnb Hcp ]pncn, sImp Im, IXp aXnbmbn At, Fn \msfhm ImWnp Xcmw, F An, sNdpXmbnp Xebmpptm Fp kwibw. As\bp Fs hnemkn\n tNnbpsS ]dbm hm FhnsStbm A ISnncnpp. AhnSw \innp. GXmbmepw tNnsb Hp ImWWw. ]mhw tNn. Rm ASpfbntep ISp. Fs IbpSt\ A GSntbmSp tNmZnp. " CsXmSo tamtf.. \o Hmntb..." " NcbSbm... hmkqs {]nbs ]elmcat....CXsSpp sImSpv.... " GSn ]dp. F\np {]nbs NcbS CX, NtcsS \ndn \ns ImenstS aSnshncnpXm F\np {]nbs AS, AXmcpsn NcbnmsX Xs Rm \nntt\ Fv a\n. ]dp.

A Hscw Cebn \npw s]mfnv sbnn shp. Aw ASnsbSpv cpNn t\mn. " GSnbv A\nbs cpNn Adnbmw... CmSm.. \ ]v AS.... \o CsXms Fw ]SnsSpsSo...tamtf..." A acptamsf {]iwknp. " hon shdptX \nw ]conp t\mnbXm...sImmtam At..." " sImmw.. B Ncp a[pcw sImdhm..." A ]dp. Rm s]sv Hscw Xop. \ hnipmbncpp. Xsbpa ASp \ cpNnbpw. " HqsS ASntmSm... " AXpw ]dv A Imn Hgnm\mbn Xncnp. " Mqw..." Rm aqfn Imncpp. GSn HcSsbSpv Fs sbvn shp. Rm sXmn. ]Icw A sImphp sh Imn FSpp sImv Fgptp. GSnbpsS apJw s]sncpfpXp Rm Insp \Snp. A Ffnp Ipw sImSpp t\mn \np. " s\\p aXnbmtbm... lpw, Bn Iw tXmn... Amsdw AImpsav..... " A Fs t\mn ]dp. Rm ASp apdnbpsS hmXnen Nmcn \nv Imn DuXnbqXn IpSnp. s]sv XpWn Debp iw ]pdIn tIp. Rm Xncnp t\mn. GSn lm^vkmcnbpsS Ahpw hmbn XncpIn apdnbntetmSpp. AIp Ibdn Ipnbnp. ]pdtI Abpw. " hmkqm... KoXsbntbSm....\n \nn...samtJmw s]mnsmntmv" Rm GSnbpsS apdn NqnmWnp. A IXIp Xn t\mn. ]ns Xn hnfnp. " KoX tamtf Fm ]oXv... hmX sXmdt... smepw... Cu s]v...." A cp Xp IqSn Xnbnv Xncnv ASpfbnsep t]mbn. Ap\nanjw Igntm hmXn Xpdp ihpw ]mhmS Dev ASpfbntep t]mIp ihpw tIp. " tM... CsXmSo.. \ns samJw hmsXbncnpt... Ictm... " A tNmZnpp. " C... ASpov .. GXmp sXdnp hoW t]mse tXmn..." " AXns\n\m \o apdotetmSntb... Cnsc shsaSpv IgpInbm t]mcmcptm... CXp \ Iqv... ImWnt... Rms\mv DuXmw.. h IcSpamtW s]mtmfpw..." ]ns A DuXp iw tIp. " Ctgm..." " Mm...s]msbm tXmpt..." GSn ]dp. F\np a\nembn, Ine a\nemWp IcSp hoWncnpsXv. Fs XnckvIcWw Ahtc hmsX DeppmhWw... C\n a\p ]mhamtWm...F\nsmcp ktlw... GXmbmepw Rm t\mptbn. ]ns ImWmw. Rm HmSn thenbcnIn sNp hnfnp. RfpsS ASpfbn \npw henb Zqcan AhcpsS AXncntev. " hnto...hnto....." " Fm hmkppm...?.." Cdn hXv hntosS A. " hntn Fntb..?." Rm tNmZnp. " Ahp \ kpJansSm...Imtesetm app sImstm....." " Fm Rm\p hcmw..." Rm then NmSnSv apsnbtmtgpw hnemkn\n apSn apSn Xnbntep hp. " Fn\m hmkpp hnfnt...?.." tNn tNmZnp. " hntnv Ftm ]nsbp A ]dbpXp tIp... AtXmv hXm..." " At.... A CsXmtcmSpw ]dp \SphmtWm...." tNn AbpsS t\p Xntdn. " Ahcp \\ycmtWm tamtf... " Fpw ]dv Ah AItp t]mbn. " Fp ]n tNo....?.." Rm tNmZnp. " Imtesemcp app sImXm... AXp ]gpqm tXmtW...." " AtsS apmhpw ]gpm kmyX IqSpXem...." Rm Fpw sXmSmsX Hcp Imp Imn. " F...t]mSm AhnSpv... ?..." hntnbpsS apJv hm Hcp PmfyX. Rm hm tI kvYnXnv ISn kvYehpw Adnp ImWpw Fv tNnp Xobmbn " Fs tNo... FtmSp ]dm t]mcmcptm.... \ thZ\sbmtm...Cw....?.."

" thZ\bn... tym... \mWtSmbn...FSm.. hmkppm... tam\nXmtcmSpw ]dbv tItmSm...." " Fs tNo... hntosS ImcymbXpsImv Rms\mcp Ipnt\mSpw ]dbn..... F\np A{Xp Imcym...hntntb...." " Mqw...Mqw.. F\ndnbmw.... sImpIm... Atg.. \nt Cw tXmpIShn ImWpntm... NqbnSoep \nntbm....?.." " Rm\nw hntepw tNnsm..." " Hm, Npm Hcp ckw... ..." " Fnns B ckw... \p honembmsem...?..." Rm Hcp Nqsbdnp, shdptX. " t]mSm... s\\v shfnenncn IqSpsmv..." Atm thencnIn \npw GSosS hnfn tIp. " hnemkn\o..." " Hm, XmSI hnfnpp. Cu Hcp km[\w ImcWm tNo..Rm NqbnSoep \nntb...." " Aw \ns GSn anSpnbm... \ns hc htcep \npw At... lmhq...." Xnbn \npw aptv ImepIpnb tNn thZ\ sImp hnfnp t]mbn. Rm NmSn Xmn. Fs Npaen ]nSnpsImv tNn ]Xps \Sbndn. Atm tNnbpsS Hcp Ippape Fs Ibvbnsempcp. Hcp amhw, Hcp kpJw, F\np tXmn. " Zm hcpp KotX...." hnemkn\n hnfnp]dpsImv Fs Npaen Xmn thencnIntep \Sp. Atm B Ippape hopw Fs Npaen hnp hnpckn. Rm tNntb tNp ]nSnp. thZ\ Ahpw, kpJw F\npw. \Sp hgn Rm tNmZnp. " \ kvYm\m ISnXv At..." " CXmcm \ntmSp ]dt...." " BcpamIs..... Atg sImdp Npmp tXncpsn.. Hcp {]iv\hpw IqSmsX Bim ISn hntt\..." " FtSm... \mWtSpw sh{]mtfmw BbntmsbSm... Atcw Rm\tXmn. Fs CXmZyam...." " kmcan... sImdp ]afpw sXmfkow IqSn Acnm aXn... \ocp sImdnp ]gpp s]mn s]mtmfpw. thtWmn Atcw Hp sRnfm aXn. _pnapsmsn... Rm sRnmSnp Xcmw....Csn apm\ncnpw `bc thZ\bmcnpw.... " Rm Fs AhnPvMm\w hnfn...." " ASm... Ahs Hcp ]qXn...tUmdpsS B AXntamlw Ap a\nencpm aXn tItm...." tNn Fs Xenp Ingpn. " AtsS sImp t]msWn aXn...F\nsm...." Rm ]dp. Atmtgpw R sRmn sRmn thencnIn Fnbncpp. GSn Apdv \npmbncpp. Rm tNntb hnnv Ipdp Zqsc amdn \np. Hcp sNcnq ]dnv AXns Nph Zf ]dnv DuXn sRmhnp cknpsImv \np. s]p cpt]cpw Ftm Imcyw ]dv Nncnepw clkyw]dnepw. F\np thsdmmbncp\p hnjbw, IhstS \ocp shncnp hntn IqSpX t\cw \nm \ocpw IqSpw thZ\bpw IqSpw. Hpantepw ImWm InmXv s]ns clky`mK htmgpw ImWnp XcpXv tNnbm. ham\w \npnsp Itm Rm ASpp sNp. ]ns tNntb t\mn ]dp. " IqSpXep t\cw \nm... thZ\ IqStsbmp......" " Fm Rm t]mbn sISs KosX...." " tlm... sImtd Atmnncnamcv Fdosmv.... " GSn apJw I\nv BtcmsSnmsX ]dp. " A hnto... Av thsdbmtcw A ISnnt.... ?..." CXp tNmZnnv Rm GSntb Hp ]mfn t\mn. AhcpsS apJw Ccpp. Rm IY shfnmm t]mIp\p Fp tXmnmWpw.

" amfpamntbw.... ISnqm A ]ds... C\n Rm\n tXmntev.... Cse cs]Xv KoX am{Xam... " hnemkn\n ]dp. GSn ]Ip \npp. ISnp Fp ]dm ]ns _mn \SXp apgph\pw ]dtbn hcpw. " Mqw..Mqw..." Rm AIse t\mnsmv Hncpn aqfn. " Am... hmkpps sNnsbm honcnpt... Atm... \ \oscmtm...." tNn Fs Ihnfn XtemSnsmp tNmZnp. lmbv. Fsmcp kpJw B XtemSenXv. GSn Fs t\mn. " B, \ntf AISnw... F\npw Inn ... Hp hoWp... ItenSnXm... " " Fmepw hmkppm... Cu hogv ISpmbntmbn tItm... KoX t\mnt....." kqnsms \St...tamt\..." tNnbpsS kvt\lw IhnsmgpIn. " Mm... \nsXmstb ]dnsmq Fs hnto..." Rm Hp s\Sphonp. " Fm Rm\tmp sNs hnemkn\o....." GSn Xncnp \Sp. Rm hopw hntnbpsS IsSpv Fs tXmfnp. " thsSm... Rm \Stmfmw..." " Atm... AXp th... Imte _ew sImSpm \ocp IqSpw..." Rm \n_nv _eambn tNnbpsS Iw Fs Npaen shp. ]ns ]Xps \Sp. Blm.. Fp ckw, ChW Hcp ape Fs tXmfn. s]ns apebpsS amhw lmbv F{X kpJw. t]p apebmsWnepw sNdpmcnspfpsS ape ape Xs. XnbpsS \SbnsepXphtc Rm\m kpJw A\p`hnp. Rm Aw in Iqns Fs Npa Xnbncpp. tNnXp a\nembn. Xnbn Ccnptm tNn ]dp. " hmkppm... Rm\dnnsp IcpXmtm...s\\nnsc Ffw sXmSosSmv... \o A{Xbtmaosnepw Rm \Stt\... sImp Im..." tNnbpsS apJt B IpkrXnncn Fs Bmhn Cnfnq XqIn. Rm\pw IqSn tNnbpsS IqsS Xnbnencpp. " \o Cu hm Imepw hentmsn\mSo \Spt... HcnSp Ipnbncp\p IqtS..." sImXppw In ASpn h tNnbpsS A tNmZnp. " A{t KoX hnfntmm t]mtb...." tNn Fgptp. A AIp tIdnsbpdmbtm Rm tNnbpsS sNhnbn ]dp. " tNow Inbm... Aav IqSpXemcpsn... Ft ]dn... tNnpw... \ kpJmcpp... Ct...?.." Rm tNntb sIm\w ImWnp. " t^mSm... Akt.... \ns Rm....... lmhq....." Fs Xm aptmm tNn hopw \nehnfnp. " Rmw t]mWp... \oscft..." hnfnp ]dp sImv Rm then NmSn Apdsnbtm ASpfhmXnen CsXms Ip sImp \np GSn. Rm ImWm an aphmXnen IqSn AItp Ibdn. Atm kqcy sNmbw ]qin AkvXanm XpSnbncpp. Av cm{Xn F\nmgw hnfm GSn hn. XethZ\bmsWp ]dv apdnbnencpp. ]ntp cmhnte Fmcpw Imn IpSn Ignp t]mbtm Rm ASpfbn Ibdn Xsm tZmibpw Nnbpw FSpp Ignp, Xncnp t\mptm hmXn t\mn \np GSn. Rm I `mhw \Snn. Dv DuWp hnfnbtm GSn Fs ]m{Xn Hpw hnfnbn. ASpn Ftm XncpIn Xncnp \np. A F\np hnfnp. ]ns GSntbmSp ]dp. " KoXtamtf, Rm\m ]iqs\ Hgnp sIop hcs. \o Ah\p htmw thtW FSppsImSv..." A ]dntendn. Rm Ipw IgpIn Fs apdnbntep ISms\mcpptm GSn hnfnp. " hmkqm..." Rm Hp \np, ]t Xncnp t\mnbn. " Um... hmkqm... Hp \nt..." Rm \nn. Ibnenappw aSnpn Fs apdnbntep Xncnp. hopw GSnbpsS Dd iw.

" Um... \nsSm AhnsS..." Rm Hp Xncnp t\mn. ]ns \Sv Fs apdnbpsS hmXnsen Atmtgpw GSn Fs ASpsn Ignncpp. apdnbntep Xncn Fs sNhnbn Ah ]nSpanp. " hmSm.. ChnsS... Cp cnsemdnnt Dp.... \SsSm..." GSn Fs sNhnbn ]nSnphenp sImv AhcpsS apdnbntep Ibdn. Hcp sXmgn sImSpWsapmbncpp. {]XymLmX a\n HmSnsbnbtm A\pkcnp. Fs henv AhcpsS apdnbn Inen sImncpn. Fnv hmXn ASv kmmbnp. Rm \netp t\mnbncpp. Fs cp tXmfnepw ]nSnp Ipepnsmv Ah tNmZnp. " FSm.. Fm \ns `mhw ? \o Bcmm \ns hnNmcw..?.." B apJv sImSnsInb tZjyambncpp. Fs tXmfn ]nSnp Ipepptm Ip\np \n AhcpsS apeIfpw Ipepn. Rm annbn. GdpInv B apeI IpeppXpw Iv cknncpp. " Fs ItsemSm IpjvTw Hsm....Fs IbvsImp XcpXv \o XnmXncpm F\nsmcp Nppanm. Adnbmthm...?.. shipXv \n\mbncnqp am{Xw....\n\sms Hcp hnNmcsamv \o FtmSp kacw sNbvXm Pbnpsav... CsSm.. C.. Rms\s ]mn\p t]mIpw.... ChnsS sIntmp hspshv Rms\mcp ]oncotSw ASnabmIms\mpw t]mIpn....lpw... " H izmkn C{Xbpw ]dnv Ah Hp t\sc \np. FpamsX t\mnbncnp Fs apJtp Hp t\mnbnv. Ah taipdv Iqnbnncp AenbpWnb XpWnI Hmtcmmbn aSm XpSn. cp \nanjt \niXp tijw Ah imkzcn XpSp. " \nt Hp Xnsbp shv... Ct{Xw Hpw ]nWt Imcyan... Hpantepw Rm \ns GSnbbt... B FtmSp Av \osbm ImWnXv... s]mdmtcmsSnepw ]dm.. AXpw \ns AOt\mtSm tNt\msSm ]dm Ahcv \ns Xn kqmntbt\... \mWwsI ImcymbXpsImv Rm\mtcmSpw ]dn... atsXnepw... A\nb ImWnpXmtWmSm \o sNbvXXv... Fs AhsS... Innb Xn\p \o Inp shcIot... B kabv thdmscnepamcpsn \ns sImtt\... Rms\mp XnbXt Dp... IImen\m tamXncw samJp sImp... F\np shjaansm \o hnNmcnt...?.... \ns Rms\s k\ tamt\tmsebm hnNmcnt..." B kzcw {ItaW Icnentep hgpXn hogpIbmbncpp. AmdpsImw app ]pdspt]mb k\ F Bftbpdnv ]dtm AhcpsS kSw IqSpIbmbncpp. aSnb Hcp XpWnsImv Ah IoscmpXp Ip. Iocp Itm Fs a\nepw Hcnfw, sO, thmbncpp. Xsm t]m{Incw ImWnnv, AhcmtcmSpw ]dntm. AXp Rm\mtemNnn. " \osbms ChnSptm Ftmm Rm Cu ]nmn hp \npt.... s\\pw Fs Ip IqSmsbn Rms\s AOtw AttSw IqsS t]mbn \ntmfmw... Asn ]ns ]ns A\nbt\w s]WnbXv acptamfptS sImWhXnbmcamv Fn\m BfpItfsmp ]dbnpt...?.. Ahkm\w Ipw Fs Xte hcpw... A\nb FtmSv Cs\ sNbvXqp ]dm Bcpw hnizknn. Btfmfp ]tdw \o Imepw Ihp \np sImSpntv... " Ah Xncnp \nv hopw IpXpSp. F\np hnjaw tXmn. Rm\mWp Ipmc. Fnpw AhtcmSv shdptX... Fmepw Chcn{X ]mhamsWmcp Ip. " \ntmSnt{Xw ]dbWwt F\nsmmcpsmp... s]mtm... Csn Rm \ns D]{ZhnpImsWp hcpw.. " GSn kmmsbSpp. Rms\gptp. Ipdpt\cw ]cpn\np. ]ns ]Xps ]dp. " F\nv GSytmSp tZjysamq... ]ns... Xnbw shjaw tXmn... "

" Fs\ XmXncnpw... Fs\sbnepw B s]mmnt\ FSpp IfbpXn\p ]Icw.. \o Atcw Fm sNbvtX.....?... Fs hmnSsms ]nSnptIw InSptIw Hs Amcptm... " " AXtcw F\nv... ImWmXp Iw.. As\ tXmntmbXm... " " AX... \n\p Cnsc Icw IqSpXepv... s\\dntbm... Rms\n\m \ntmSp tXmpIShn t]mIm\p ]dXv.. ? B AepImcow ap s]pfpsams \nt hmbnt\mopw, sNcp IgptIdn \SpImpw Hs ]dp NncnpXv tIw F\np klnn, Adntbm.... Fs A\nbt\nbm Cs\ ]dbpsXntemp Nnnw... \ntmsS\nv Acniw tXmom... AtXmm... \o \ns Cw t]mse t]mIptIm hmbnt\mptIm sNbvtXm.. Rm XSbms\mpw hcWn...." Rm At\cw AhnsS \np. Ah XpWn aSnsmncpp. C\n cmPnbmtbmw. Ah \ kv{Xobt.. ]t Fs\ amp ]dbpw. " GSnbv..... FtmSv... shjtam... tZtjym.. Htm...." tNmZntm Fs kzcw CSdntbm Fsmcp kwibw. hnizmkw hcmt]mse Ah Fs Xncnp t\mn. ]ns sas Fs ASpp hp. Fs apSnbn XShnsmp ]dp. " \osbs k\ tam\m... \ntmsS\nv tZjysSm ]n.... \o \ IpnbmIWw.. s]psS IpfnShnsems hmbnt\mm t]mIpXv sicnb... Ah[nbmbXpsImv.. s\\v t\ctmn... AXm sImgw... \o hon \nv Ftw Atbsams klmbnv... \v \ ckmbncnpw..." Fnhsct AhcpsS hitp tNp \nn. Atm Fs tXmfn ]nSnncp AhcpsS IpsS In \npw Hcp Kw, IqSmsX Fs aqpw Nppw AhcpsS Hcp apesmw ASpv. F\np hmXmbn. ImennSbn Hc\w. AdnbmsX AhcpsS \nXw_w tNv Rm Hcp IbvNpn. B hIpnIp apIfn Fs Ibvv hn{ianp. AsXmcp kpJambncpp. Rm ]dp. " Fs........ k\ tam\mbnp IcpX... F\nXv...." " Fm \n\nat..?.." GSn tNmZnp. " Cm... Fmepw AXp th..." " ]nt..." " Fs hmkpp\mbnp IcpXnbm aXn...." Rm B Intep apJw HpIqSn ASpnpsImp ]dp. Hcp {]tXyI hnbpaWw... AXns DdhnSw Hmtm Dn Hcp kpJw. " Fpshm, s\\ss BfbmIm ]nm... ]ns.. BcmIm\m \o t\mpt...?.." " AsX\ndnbn... " " \ns a\nencnv sXmdp ]dt... " Rm B In \npw amdn, hmXntep \Sp. IXIp Xpdpshp. " F\nv GSntb... Ftm Hcnm... " " AsXnmSm.... " tNmZnpsImv Ah Fs ASptp hnp ]dp. " tamt\ AX{X icnb tItm..." " GSn FtmSn\nsbmpw ]db ... " " Mqw....?....M..M..M, AXp sImmw.....aoi t]mepw hntmSm... Atmtgpw GSntbmSp t{]aw .. AXt... \ns Dn... Cu {]mbnesXms tXmpw... Mm, Fs ]dm aXn... ImWnm ]mSnmsXms sXmdp ImWnpsImSppt]mbn... ]nstb...... AsXms Ap adp Iftv... tItm..." Rm hmXn Xpdv ]pdndn. Xncnp \nnp ]dp. " GSn B sNhnsbmp Imntb... Hcp kzImcyw ]dbm\m..." Rm ]dp. Ah apJw Ip\np. Rm B sNhnbntep ]dp. " AXpw sXmXpw ]nSnXpw Hpw Hcp Imepw adm ]nss KoXpo....." " Mvtl..." Ahscmp sRn. ]ns Xm Itmn. " \ns Rm.....". Atmtgpw Rmt\mSn ]pdndn.

Ap kyv GSnbmWp F\nv tNmdp hnfn XXv. AO\pw tN\pw hcptmtgpw Aw hdpw s]mcnpw ImWpw. F\nsXmpw Csnepw Ipgan. Rm DpXpw t\mn Ah `nnbn Nmcn \np. Fs NqnmWnp sImv Atb hnfnp. " At... \sS hmkq Cncn hf t]mse Ct..?.." Rm kmIqXw Ahtc t\mn. " ]ns... Ah hftmncnbt... " A kXnp. " Aw C\nsbmcp IeymWw IqSnbmbm Ipim... At hmkqm... " GSn FtmsSmcp IpkrXntmZyw. Fs Ifnbmm\msWs\np a\nembn. " Imew amdnbXpsImm... tamtf... Fs ChO sIpw Atcv Cht\m Cncn IqSntb Hmcpsmp. Hcp s]mSns. AWn\nh\p IeymW {]mbw Ignp. ]ns CgtImeambXpsImm... Cu ]Tnpw Hs.." AXpw ]dv A Cdbtndn. " Fnns \anhs\mcp s]mtemNnmtem At... Fp ]dbpp hmkqm...?..." GSn ASpphv DuWptaibn ssIIpn FtmSp tNmZnp. " Fn\m thsd Cw BtemNnpXv..... ChnsSs Ct AmXn Hscw... cp t]p CXp IqSpXem...." Rm Dbp \np B s]cpapeIfn t\mnsmp s]mdps]mdpp. " ^...Akv... Fgpw Ipw Ipw thmsSm..." Ah Inencp Xhn sImv Fs Xensmcp sImv. " " lmhq..." Rm \nehnfnpt]mbn. " FmSm..." Cdbp \nv A hnfnp tNmZnp. " Hpan... \mp ISnXm At..." Rm hnfnp ]dp. " s\\p Rm shnsmv... tN\np hcs...." GSn ASnb kzcn ]dp. " F\np shnsmsn ]ns tN hcm ImpsXn\m... Cp XqsS...." Atmtgpw A Ibdn hp. GSn FtmsSmpw annbn. ASpptep Xncnp. DuWp Ignv Rm Fs apdnbn t]mbn Inen InSp. RfpsS kwkmcw Hmp InSp. Hcp ckw. Cs\ BsWn Rm hon Xs ImWpw. Atmtgpw Gn hmXn hp. " FSm... \o \msf apX tXmpIShntem FhnsS thWsanepw s]mtm... _mnsbmtmp sskzcyambnp Pohnmtm... thtWmn B AepImcosS IqsS NmSn Ipfntm..." ]dbptm B apJsmcp Incn Dtm Fs\np kwibw.. " Ft ... HSs\sbpw tXmntev Rm\n. Asbm\pw Fs \kvYm\p ISnpw. ]ns Bip]{Xo sImpt]mIpw. AhcXp apdnp Zqtcmpw Ifbpw.... BsI shdpw Bdntbpp.. AXp t]mbm ]ns PohnXw t]mp Xt..." Rm antep t\mn ]dp. " GmSm ]dt... Bdntm.. shdpsXb s\\o ]qXnsbfw.... FSpm s]mmXpambnp \Snm... ]nt AXpw s]mnsmss ASptsm\pw hm... ]dtmw.. ]nt Bip]{Xo t]mtIn hcn.. Rm Xt AXp ...Mv lm... " Ah ]mhmSbpw FSppIpn Xncnp \Sp. Ah t]mbngntm Rm ]Xps app amn t\mn. kwkmcn\nSbn Ah\w Poh hoWncpp. Rm GItZiw Hfp t\mn. Bdnn Xmsgbpv. GSn CsXmp Imcpsn, Fp Rm Binp. hcs... Nqbnp t\mmw. Aht\bpw In ]nSnv Rm ]pXsSpp aqSn. cmhnte Rm hntnbpsS hon t]mbn. tNn Cdn hn. ]Icw A Cdn hp. Rm Xnbnencpp. " hntnv Fs\mv...sImdtm..?.." . Rm tNmZnp. " \ocpw ]gppw Cnsc IqSpXem.. \ thZt\w.. Cse ]mhw Hdon.... \ shjsam F\w GXmm...." Imtn ]dp. " C\n Fp sNm\m ]cn]mSn....?.."

" FhS hnv.. \sS B apnse X t\gvkns\ Hp ImWnmsap shp.... F\nnw Nt t]mWw.. FSm hnizm..." Ah Cfb aIt\ hnfnp. Hcp s]mSns. Ah sXmSnbn \npw Iptd ]dnI Npap sImp hp. Imtn Fm Npw ]dn hnm t]mIpw. ISbn sImp sImSptbpp. Hcp kzImcy hcpam\w. " FSm... \o Fmw FSpp sIn hv.. ]tcsS hnp t]mbnsn Ct N t]mIpw...." Ah AItp Ibdn. Rm AhnsS Ccpv HmtemNnp. ]mhw, Fs {]nbs hntn thZ\npp Fp tItm Dn F\npw Hcp thZ\. Rm t\sc ]dntep sNp. ]cnNbap Iptd ]neI ]dnp, t]cdnbn, A hgn D]tbmKw Adnbmw. ]ns Iptd Xpfknbne. Ipdp afpw amnsbSpp. Fmw IqSn NXp ]ngnp. AsXmcp sNdnb ]m{Xnemn shp. Rm acpp NXpXp Itm GSnb tNmZnp. " Chs\m At ...ImhnbpSpm t]mIphmtWm... afp NXpp..." Fnh Hp Nncnp. " ]dt]mse CsXn\mSm... ? Abpw tNmZnp. " Hm.. Npm...." Rm AhnsS \npw Hgnp amdn. Imtnbpw hniz\pw Np t]mIpXpw Imv Rm thenbcpInIqSn Atmpantmpw \Sp. Ah thenSnbndn Ishp\npw amdngntm Rm acppsaSpv Apdtp sNp. aphmXn ASp kmmbnncnIpIbmbncpp. Rm Nmcnbncp ASpfhmXn Xpdv AIp Ibdn. hntn InSp apdnbn sNp. Inen Imepw Ihv aep InSpp hnemkn\ntNn. Rm acpv P\Snbn shnv Inens AcnIn Ccpp. XpSbw htc s]mnbnncp ]mhmS Fstm tNn ]nSnp Xmtgp hennp. " Hncn thZt\tm..." Rm tNmZnp. Fnv s\nbn ssI shp t\mn. Aw ]\nbpsp tXmpp. " thZ\b... `bc ISpIgm..." " Aw Ahs sImv AIncnsmv... shjsam F\mcnpw..AtXmm..." " CsXm... ]m{Xn..." hntn tNmZnp. " Go... Rms\mcp acpp sNt... GXmbmepw t\gvknt\ ImWnm t]mIpht..." " Fm acpmSm..." " ]acpm... A F\np CXm sNbvXncpt... BZyw Rm CXpt]mse henp ]dnp IfXm... Cw F\nnhs\ t]Snbn...." " thsSm... \n\p sNm ]ptIe... h teUo tUmtdm.. t\gvtkm thWw sNm... AXnnsc AIm..." " FhnsSbmbmsem... Bip]{Xo t]mbm.. Ahcp s\Sp\ofw Iodpw... ]ns BgvIfp thWw Icnbm\pw \Sm\psams... CXmIpw Haqenbm... ]nSn]nSnbmte \npw...." " Fmepw th hmkqm... \nt ImWnmhpsSw A..." " Hm.. Fs ImWnm taem GsXSam hntnn\n HXv... tXmn Ipfnpw ... Ft FmtSmw ImWnnsmXt...." " t]mSm... AXpanXpw ]dbmsX... \o Atmp Xt t\mn \np sImp tXm tXmnbXm.. Rm\mscbpw ImWnnn.... tlm... Fsmcp Igm... XethZt\w Hv... Fs tXhtc...GXp t\cmtWm... F\np tXmn Ipfnm tXmnbXv..." " Go... GntbmsSm Cw sImp ]tdXm... Ft tNnnmsW\pw Adnbmw.... tZ... CtXpw... Xobm.... Bip]{Xo sNpw BtUmdmsWn tNnp ImWnmXncnm ]pthm... CXnw Hpantepw Rm\t... ]pXpXmbnsmpw F\nv ImWm\n Xm\pw... " " Fmepw F\np \mWamSm.... " " AsXm.... A{Xp thmnSmtWm Ah ]nSnt....?.." " AtXs.... AXt F\np sh{]mfamsb... XpWnIqn ]dnv Rms\mtcdp sImSpp... ]nsbm Hmt... Npmp shm aXnbmcpsv..." " Mm t]ms, ]nbXp ]n.... Gnbm Imenp ImWnt..." Rm ]mhmS tatemp s]mn. app htcbmbtm tNn AdnbmsX XSp. " Fmepw Fs hmkqm... F\np \mWam...." Ah _ew ]nSnp.

" \mWamtWm thZ\bmtWm hepXv... Rm\mtcmSpw ]dbm t]mIpn... thsdbmcmcpsnepw Rm C{X _pnapm\pw t]mIn.... F{X t\cw ]dn sXnbnm Cu ]seIfp Intydnbmthm..." Rm B Ibv ]nSnp amn. Fnv ]mhmS Actbmfw tIn shp. hntn ]mhmSsImv IhbnSpv s]mnnSnp. " tlm, Imte sXmSm tae.. Fsmcp thZ\...." " Atm Ap tamfnep htc \ocp shp...." Aw apm ]nmcnphtm...." Rm tUm tNmZnpXp t]mse tNmZnp. aep Ihp InSpXp ImcWw XpSbnSpnte apdnhp ImWm ]pn. kmam\yw \ hap XpSI \ an\phpw an\pkhpw. ap hiw apgph\pw Ip\pIp\pB Ipptcma. CWn\p GosS Ipdnnsbmcp sImpImSmbncnpatm. IShn shp ImWnw B CSpp apgph \ Idp \ndamcpp. het AIwXpSbnte \ocpw Nphpw ImWmw. B XpS hmsX XSnp InSpp. " Gn H\p sNcnp InSnv Cu Imep s]mn aSn sht.... " Rm IqSn klmbnp Gntb Aw sNcnp InSn, app aSn s]mn shbvnp. Ctm kw`hkvYew hyambn. IpdnnbpsS sXmp XmsgbmWp apdnmSv. ]mhmSbpsS Aw Iqn ]nSnncpsnepw Ipdnnbnte \oetcmafpsS Aw ImWmambncpp. Rm\w _ew {]tbmKnv ]mhmS henv s]mn. " Fn\mSm .. ]mhmS s]mpt... s\\v t\mn scknmWmtWm... " tNn ssZ\yXtbmsS tNmZnp. " Cu ]cphn Inv Fm cknm\m... \oschnsS hsc Hsp t\mm\m... FmSpw acpp s]cWw..." " Mm.. Fmm sNv... Fs tXhtc... " Ah ]mhmSbn \np IsSpp. Hmtdj taibn InSp tcmKntbt]mse Ah InSp. Fmw hnimeambn ImWnpsImv. Fs apn Rm ASpp ImWm sImXnncp hntnbpsS IcnqdnXm ASn`mKw Aw hms]mfnv Xpdp InSpp. " Gn, AhnsS Cntc a\:XtStmsS sISt... " ]ns Rm FmShpw Hp hniZambn ]cntim[np. AIwXpSbn IpdnnbpsS sXmpXmsgbmWp kvYew. ISnv kvYew IqSpIpn ]gpv a\ndn s]mnbnpv. Ctm Hmtdj ]cphw. Npp]mSpw \ \ocpv. AXp Nphv IpdnnbpsS hetNpfhtc hym]nnpv. IqXnbpsS heXphihpw Aw \ocp h amXncn, ImcWw B hip Xpfsmp Npcp Ipdhv. BZyambnmWp Rm Hcp s]ns IqXnpf ImWpXv. Ipdnnv A{X XSnsbmpan. GSnbbptSXpambn t\mptm CXp shdpw ISemkp ]pkvXIw. GnbpsS tZlw shfpnmsWnepw ]qsdt C{X Icphmfnp t]mbXv. Fn IpdhmsWnepw D tcmav \ \oe \nd\pw \ofhpw. AhI AhnsSbpw ChnsSbpambn Npcpv hnb sXmenbnsemnnSnp InSpp. IqXnpfp Nppw tcma hfcm XpSn. CSphit ]qNpf Rm sas HIn t\mn. Dn Aw Idp cp aSv DppI HnnSnncnpp. Ahbn Rm sas Hp tXmn. Atm tNn H\n. " AhnsSsbms thZ\sbmsSm... sXmSmsX..." " \oschnsSsbms Hsp t\mphm... GosS Ipdnntb ]qSsbmmcpXp sImp cs]p. Csn Ah CXn\pn tIdn ISntt\... s]psS Fsnepw {]tXyI cpNn ImWpamcnpw..." " ChnsS a\pjy NmIm t]mIpgm Ahssbmcp.. Xami..." " ChnsS htc \ocp tIdn... " Fs Ibv AdnbmsX Aw IqSn tatemp tIdn. B Ipw Hp ]nfn t\mmXncnm F\np Ignn. tcma Iqn Rm B ]qsdmp ]nfp. Hcp Nph sImpIv AhnsS InSv Ddpp. ]nfnbtm shfp ]i\q amXncn Ftm Hp henp hp. AXm In\p Nppw henp \npw. F\np tXmn, cp Znhkambn IpfnmXncnpXp sImmbncnpw C{Xbpw H. apI`mKt ssaXm\p \ndtb \ tcma. shdpsXb IShn shp ImWpw \ Idpp IXv. ]t AhnSw Aw shfpnmbncpp. Ins AcnInembn Ftm shfpv ]nnSnncnpp.

PnPvRmk sImv Rm AdnbmsX AsXmp tXmn t\mn. shfp s\bv t]mse AsXs hncen ]n. " \o Fn\mSm AhnsSsbms ampt... sImih... FSm apdnhp Xmsgbm...." " AhnsS ]gpp t]mse Ftm ]nnSnncnpXpsImp t\mnbXm...." " Ipcpw sItmt\.. AXp AhSt sImgpmSm... \o IsSv...." ]ns Rm\hnsS IqSpX s]cpamdnbn. Xpd amXncn Xt AhnSw tNSp shp. AXp \ ]itXXpt]mse HnnSnncpp. Rm IqXnapX Ipdnn htc hncepsIman tNmZnp. " ChnsS thZt\tm... ChntStm.. IqSpXtem.... AtXm ChnsS sImdthm...." " \osbmSm... Fs IqXow shtmp tUmdp IfnphmtWm... " " A AXdnp thWw s]cpamdm..... F\nnnsc ]Wn HXm C\n.." " Aw \o Fs NnInknm hXt...?... AtXm D]{Zhnm htXm.... Zp..." " anmXncnsbs s]mp tNo.. ChnsS kqNnsbmtm...?..." Rm tNmZnNp. " Cm skn]n aXntbm..." Gn ukn \npw Hscw DucnsbSpp Xp. Rm\Xp t\mnbnp ]dp. " CXn\p sam\ t]mc.... Xpcpsms\p tXmpp...." " Fn kqNn tZ.. B Xntbencnp sNmh sUotemv..." tNn ]dp. Rms\gptp sUnsbSpp. XpdpXn\nSbn Gn ImWmsX B ]qdp ]nfnb hncepIsfmp aWp. lhq.. ASsmnbncp ]gInb ]qdns sNInSnnp aWw. CXnnsc Inbm.. tXmnsbSp sImgpntXpw IqSnbmbncnpw klnm ]pn. GSnbbpsS sIm]qdns Kambncpp Fs a\n D ]qdns aWw. AXm {]XonXpw. CXv ISIhncpw. Rm ]ns aWn, Inen hncpv Gn AdnbmsX B ]mhmSbn Xqp. ]t tNnp a\nembn. " AhnsSbpanhnsSbpw Intv AsXs ]mhmtS tXp shpImtWm... t]mbn ssI IgpIop hmSm... XpWns]mnw Fsmcmnbmcpp Inv tXmm.... actmS...." " Hm.. kmcan... Cnsc Ignbpw s]mtmfpw... At AXhnsS Ccptms ... Hcp kvamcIambnv..." " Mqw... \o Bfp tamia... Fm acpp thKw sNv... Fs Imep Igpp.... s]mnnSnm h " " Cnsc \ XpWn thWw.. acpp shp sIm\m.. " " tZ, B AeamcosS Xmgt Xn Hcp ]gb apns ]IpXn ImWpw AtXp IodnsbSptm.." Rm XpWnsbSpp Iodn sdUnbmnshp. " Fm sXmSmw..." " sImtd t\cambtm.. Fs Ihp sISop sXmSmw...sXmSmsap ]tdp..." Rm\Xp {inn. B IhnSbntep Ip\nncpp. Atm Hcmizmkw t]mse GnbpsS Dbp \n Imapv Fs apXpIn hn{ianp. GnbpsS IhnSbn \npw IgpIm ]qdns aq{Xw Ie hfnpaWw KpapKpam hanp sImncpp. BZyapmbncp\ shdpp t]mbn Ctm B aWw henv BkzZnp. ASncp B ]qSqsds apn hneknnSncpsnepw, Rm ]gpp \n apdnmSp {itbmtS kqNnsImv Ipn s]mnp tXmn hepXmn. Atmsgmt hntn. iviviv ....lm.. ]Xps.. Fsms ]dpsImncpp. " Fm, C\n tNo ]smp ISnp ]nSntmWw... ]ns, H shcpXv..." " Atm... \o Fp sNm t]mIphm..." " Hpw sNpn..." F\p ]dbpIbpw apdnhn\p Nppw inbmbn sRn tNmc hcpXp htc sRn. XpWnsImsmw hrnbmn. \ocp hnSsms acpp tXp, Ipdnn ]nfv AXns Dnepw IqXnpfbpsS Nppw Hs acpp ]pcn ]ns apdnmSn acpp Ibmbn shpsIn. acpp sNptm AXp IeymWw Ignm Hcp bphXnbpsS XpSIfmsWtm ]qdmsWtm IqXnbmsWtm Hpw F\np tXmnbn. GnbpsS \nehnfn am{Xta Rm tIpp. Ap an\nt

FSppp. ]Wn Ignv Rm Xebpbn t\mptm Gn XebnW ISnp ]nSnncnpp. \mbn hndppapv. F\np a\nembn \nb{nm\mhm thZ\ sImv hndXmsWv. " Go..." Rm hnfnp. Ah XebnW amn. hnbsmgpIpp. hndp NppItfmsS ]dp. " Cncn shw..." Rmt\mSn ASpfbn sNp. shsaSpp sImp hp. InencnInencpp Gntb Xmn Dbn. Ahscs s\ntep Nmcn Ccpp shw IpSnp. Fnncpp InXp. Rm Fs app sImv AhcpsS apJhpw Igppw s\pw XpSp. ]pan\ntmfw Fs s\n Gn XeNmbvncpp. Fs PohnXnse kmbqPytadnb aplqfnsemmbncpXv. Ihncp XpSIfntev Isnv Rm ]mhmS Xmgvnbnp XpSI aqSn. " Csgs\bpv..." Rm GnbpsS sNhnbn tNmZnp. Dcw ]dbmsX Ah apJw ]pdtImp Xncnv Fs Ihnfv Aan Hcp Xp. Atmgm apJtbpw aqntebpw hnbpXpnI Fs Ihnfn ]n. F\np a\nsemcp Ipfncv. kncIfnsemcpWhv. B ]p hnbn\p kpKw. Ipdp Ignv Gn ImepI A\m t\mn. F`pXw. heXpIm Ah A\n, Aw aSn. Fnv Fs hopw apJapbn t\mn. " \mbn ]Tnm...\o `mhnbn..... Hcp \ ......tUmcmIpw..." F\np Innb BZyt kn^nv. " C\n Gn InStm.... \msf IqSn \apv CsXmgnv sIWw ]p acppw shWw ]ns... Ignp...." " thSm Rm Cnsc Ccns... Csesmv sIS sISm.. Cgm A\pt.... AsSm... Ahs ]sty...?.." " hm, sRnbw AXp t]mbnmWpw..." " tlm... \o sRnbw ... Rm `qan]mXmfw IsSm....." " Cw Fmw sRnfw thZ\ t]mbXv Itm... Xsm\msWn CXns ]mXnt]mepw ]gpp t]mIn.... Ctv \\cpXv.." " Fmepw s\\smcp atbmanmcpp... Fs tXhtc.. F\np am{Xw \o Fn\m... CXp amn shXv..? " " Gnp Xsb.. AhnsS Hcp ]mnpw ISn Inn..." " Bv..?.." " GSnv.... B\t]mes Hscw... Asmncn A FfInbmcpp...." " Fnv.. Hpw ]nbnt..." "Fs\ ]m\m... As NqtSmsS Cu tUmdp Htcmtdj \SnbXpsImv, kwKXn o... Asn CXnepw Imtbt\... " " t\cmtWmSm \obntdtW... FhnsSbm ISnt... ?.." " AhnsSt... Ipfbp Gw Cs kvYem AXv..." " tM...Aw \o KotXsSw... FmtSmw ItmSm..." " Fn\m Adot..." " Fmepw ]dsbSm...." Gnp ckw tIdn. " BMv lm...Imens thZ\ t]mtbm.. Cw hnjbw amdnbtm..." Rm Hgnp amdn. " Fmepw ]dsbSm... \o Itm.. AtXm.. \o Ft ]nm ]dbpImtWm..." " Fs hnto Cu.. hmkpp Bcm tam... Cw ... GSosS... AhnSt `qanimkv{Xw F\np a\]mTam...." " Fmepw \o... `bc\mSm... RsS cp t]cptSw..." " Fs sImfbt... s\\p \n... Rm t]mIphm... Cw AhnsS sXcppmIpw... Rm acpp ]ngnbpXv Atw GSow IXm..." Rms\gptp. " Fmepw KoX Cse Inv Hp ]dp t]mepantm...Inbm..." " Rm ]dsp ]dbt... Cw Adn `mhw th... ]nsbmhmw....." " Fm \o s]msm... FSm \o BtcmSpw ]dbt \obm CXp s]mnsv... F\np \mWtSm... ]ns Rm Np Itfw..."

" Rm\mtcmSpw ]dbn... ]ns \msf Rm hcpgsv Hp \mbn IgpIntbWw..." " \obt Cw ]dXv... \\cpsXv..." " AXv apdnhns Imcyam... Rm ]dtX, AXn\p sXmp tamfnte Imcyam...... sImgsmnnSnm Ccnpt...." Rm Ismp aWnv apJsamp Npfnp ImWnp. " t^mSm.. \mWwsIht\.. \ns Rm..." Gn AdnbmsX Inen \nsgptm `mhnp. ]ns, " tm......Fs Imte... lm " Fp \nehnfnpsImv Inentencpp. " Ime\msX sImdp t\cw sISv... \ocp henbt...." Rm ASpfbnIqSn Cdn kvYew hnp. apsptm GSnb ]nSnIqSn. " \o FhnsS s]mbXmSm... ?.." " Rm.. Apdv hntos\... ImWm t]mbn..." " Fnv.. Itm.... Ft\v Ahv...?.." " Cw \ sImdshmv... Fm ]dt...." " Fnv... cmhnte Imtn ]dXv IqSpXem tUmtd ImWnWwmWtm..." " B.. F\ndnbn..." GSn Ft kqnsmp t\mn. Fnv tNmZnp. " \o Fsmstbm CSnp ]ngnnv AsXntb..." " AXp Rm Ifp..." " ]nsn\m Hmntb..." " Npm... Hcp ckns\mmoXm..." Rm AItp s]mfp. " Fp tNmZnmepw Ahs\mcp Npm...Hcp ckn\p... Mqw... Chs ckw FmtWm... `Khmt\... " tNn AItp Ibdn. Rm InWpIsc sNv Ibv \mbn IgpIn. hfn ]qnenp shcInbXt. IgpInbnv hopw hopw aWp t\mn. F{X IgpIopw B aq{Xns aWw t]mIpnss\nsmcp tXm. Atmtgpw GSn Hpcp ]m{Xfpambn InWpIcbn hp. IgpIpXn\nSbn Rm Ibv aWpXh Ip. " FmSm, \o Xon Intm... C{X IgpIm...?.." Ah _eambn Fs Ibv ]nSnp aWp t\mn. " At.. CXp aq{XmWtmSm... CsXhnSpm s\\nw Inntb...." " AXv... Rm sXmgpov NmWIw hmcnbw InoXm....." " AXn\nw sXmgpnsehnSym NmWIw... A cmhnte sXmgpv hrnbmpXv Rm IXmWtm..." " ]ip ]ns XqdnbXm..." " ]dn sIocnp ]ip Xqdm\nw sXmgpntetmSn htm...?..." F\ncniw hp. Rm ]dp. " Mm.. Rm ]iqs IqXo Inp hmcoXm... AmXosS Hcp hnkvYmcw......" " Imcyw tNmZnw \osbn\mSm NqSmhtW...?... \o ]iqs IqXotem a\pjys IqXotem... FhnsSbmm ...." s]sv Ahscmp \nn. ]Xps ]ntmp henbp Ft kmIqXw Hp t\mn. B apJsmcp A`pX`mhw. Rm\tmtgpw sXmSnbntendnbncpp. Dmdmbtmtgpw Rm ASpfbnsen. GSnb ]Sw Impp. tInpnb kmcnSnbn B ampnI \ an\pksp s]mn \npp. Fs IbvI Fnt\m Xcnp. Rm ]Xps ASpp sNp. B Ipnbn Fs hiw apnp\npsImv tNmZnp. " GSnbt.. A ]pp ]dntp hnt...?..." " Mm.. Fm shipsmtm.. Cu ]Sw Hp Imntms... AtXm AtsS IbvsImt Ignqqsmtm..." " Gbv....As\mqey... shipp...." Rms\mcp ]Sw FSpp ISnp.

" \o Cncn amdn\nt... Cs\ CSnmsX... Rm \ns GSnbbm... B Hm thWw....Cnsc acymtZw..." " CsXm ... Fgpw ssap shp ]dmte.. GSnbbmIpthmtm..?.." Rm Ipnbn Fs Ipn sImv HcnSn IqSn CSnp. " Mm... \ntmsSms As\ ]dmepw ^eanm F\am... Itte NmWtImw aqt{Xmw IgpIomtWm Xnm hstW....?.." " Fs KoXpo... AXv cmhnte ]dn ]stesS aWam... AXm IgpIopw IgpIopw t]mImt...." Rm sNp s_nencpp. GSn Hcp sbnn tNmdp hnfn apn sImp shp. " F\np \nt kwitbmv... \o Ftm cmhnte Hnnsmv.... " " Rms\m Hnm\m.... Fs KoXpty... Npm \Spw .. Npm Hcp ckw..." " GSytp hnfnsbSm... Npm... Fp ]dmepw Npm... Fsnepw Cu Npm Fs In Inpw....." GSn kmmsdmgnpXn\nSbn ]dp. " Inonw Fp sNm\m....Xnmt\m Xcn.. Fnns FhnsSsbnepw t]mbn sXnnmp hnNmcnm... AXpw kXnnt.... lnsXsmcp s]mmm... shw....shw..." F\np tNmdp hnn. GSn shw sImp Xp. Fnv Fs \ndpIw Xebn cp aqp Xp Xn. " th th... D]Imcw sNbvXntepw D]{Zhnmncpm aXntb..." " FSm... \ns Cu sam\ shsm hm\w F\np a\nemIpsmv tItm... Hqtepw \ntmfpw \metmWw IqSpXepXm Rm... " " AXm tZlw Imepw Adnbmw....." Rm\m apeppIfntep t\mnsmp Xs ]dp. GSn kmcnesmp IqSn henv amdpI aqSnbnp. " thKw Xntsgptp t]mSm... t]mbn.. B tXmcnIn t]mbncnv... sImdp kam[m\w Inpw... hjf..." " B.. AXp Rm t\mntmfmw..." Ah tZjyn Xncnp \np. Atmtgpw A tIdn hp. DusWms Ignv shbnemdnbtm GSn sas thencpIn sNp. Fs Istmgpw Ahtc NpnnbmbXpsImv Rm\Xp Ip. Rm apns Cdntep sNp. " hnemkn\o... Ambo..." Ah hnfnp. " Ahfp sISphm... FWom h.. `bc \ocm... Biq{Xosemp sImp t]mWw... AhS hcm Imncnphm..." Xnbnencpv Acnbnte Ips]dpp Imtn ]dp. GSn Xncnp \Sm `mhnp. Atm Xnbn \npw hnemkn\nbpsS hnfn tIp. " KotX... \nv.. \nv... " sRmnbmsWnepw hfsc thKn hntn Xnbn \nndn thencnIntep hp. " l.. \o hm Imepw henv... \o B XpWn amdnt Cw Bip]{Xo t]mImw..." Ambn ]dp. " Hm, Bip]{Xosempw t]mI... F\nnw Igsmqey... " " tM...\obt ]dXv t]mWwv... cmhnte Ime\m hmcptm... Cw Fmw t]mtbm..." Ambn hm s]mfnp. " Atm.. hnemkn\o... Fmw kpJmtbm..." Xncnp \n GSnbpw tNmZnp. " t\gvknhnsS t]mbm.. Ahcv Iodpw.. sImfamIpw... AtXmv Rm Xt s]mnv acpp shv sIn... Cw \ sImdshmv...." hntn ]dbpXv Rm tIp. tXhtc, NXntm.. Rm acpp NXXv BmsWv GSnnw a\nemIpw. ]ns aq{Xns aWw FhnSt BsWmtemNnm. B Ipcpp_pn AXp Ip]nSnpw. Ip]nSnm Fs ]Xnsbmw s]mfnbpw. Rm sas thencnIntep sNp. " \o Xs Fmw sNbvtXm... acpsms..?.." GSn tNmZnp. " AsXms Rdnbmcpp... ]ns ]dnm t]mIms\m aSnsImm..." hntn ]dp. " Asn Xs... GsXnepw hmbnt\mos\ Gnmepw aXnbtm.. At... " GSn ASpp hp \n Fs Hp t\momWp ]dXv. Rm\nSp tIdn.

" A.. hnto... Cu.. AmXop ]dm FmsWv hntndnbmthm..." " ]ns....A ISnqv \mnemscnepw Adnm sImtd \mftv AtX hnfnq... F\nnw AXp tIp \ ioeam... Bnsemsnepw Inpw.. CgtXv sImdp ISpt]mbop am{Xw..." hntn GSntb t\mn ]dp. " AtXnt... Fmpsampw AXnsSn... At GSnbt... GSnbt Bscnepw hnfnm AXnsSpthm..." Rm GSntbmSp tNmZnp. " AXn\nw KotX A ISnntm.... ]nsm ... At KotX..." " FSo \o HcpSo.. t\gvk Cw hp ImWpw....." Ambn ]dp. " C\n HscSpw t]mIt...." hnemkn\n Xncnp \nv AtbmSp ]dp. B t\cv GSn Fs t\sc Xncnv Ipcpn ASnb kzcn ]dp. " \obp htv... s\\v Rm shnsmv....\obpw ChnSt AIfpw IqSn Hp IfnIym At...." Fs Dn Hcp InSnew. " hnemkn\o... kqnWw tItm... Rm\p sNt... Cnsc AcnbcWw... \mftv... \o hmSm.." GSn Xncnp \Sp. " Rm htmfmw... GSn s]mtm..." Rm hntnbpsS t\sc Xncnp. " Fmepw Fn\m Go.. acpp shqsms hniZmbnp hnfnp Iqhntb....?.." " Mqw..?.. Fp ]n... ?.." " Rm ]dnmcptm acpsmmpXv Ahcp Isv... C\nbnw Rms\ns\ms Dcw sImSpWwdnbmthm... hoem.. km[\w..." " AtmSm... Rm\tXmn..." hntn Ibv IpSp. " kmcey.. AXncns.... \msf cmhnte Fs\bm acpp shpt.. Atw A\nb\pw....." " A Fns\nepw ]dntep t]mIpw Rm hnfnmw... " " hnizt\m..?.." " Ah kmcey... Xnencnm ]dm Ccptmfpw....." " Go... Rms\mcp Imcyw ]dbt..." " FmSm C{X shenb Imcyw.." Gn ImXp Iqnp. " hntntb... Cw kpJmbw ImWm \ tiem...." " Mqw s\\Xp tXmpw... ImWms\msXms cmhnte sXmdp shv \o Int... Fs acWsh{]mfw t]mepw hIshmsX... IgpImsX \mdnsSnpw Inv FhnsSIym tXmoXv.... " " At Rm tXmnsbmqey... Gnv tXmoXm...." " ]ns ]ns... Fs akvYm\m \o tXmoXv..Fnv Fm IqSn Fs ]mhmtS sImp tXptIw sNbvXp.... Fs ]mhmtSsemv aWw..." Gn sXsmcp \mWtmsS ]dp. Rm\dnbmsX Fs hnc Hp aWp t]mbn. " MqMpw... " Rm aqfn. " AXp sicn... FnXpw aWnp \Sp kpJnIym At... CWn\p IgpInshmcpsn AXp ISnp Xntt\tm...tM...?..." " Atm.. Rm\dntm... kXymbnpw... \oscmtmp t\moXm... hnto..." " Mqw.. Bbntmt.... F\np hntcms[mqeym... mepw \o Cncn Ipdp\m...tm...." Atm hntnbpsS apJv \mWw Ccp tIdpXp Rm Ip. " At..." F\npw Hcp \mWw. hntn ]dXv sicnbm. B shSp\mw Cmcpsn Innb Xn\Xv Rms\mp \ntbt\. henb sRmenmsX hntn t\tc \Sp t]mIpXp t\mn A`nam\tmsS \np. ]ns, Ctm hcm t]mIp \nanjtfpdntmp `bspsImpw, Fm \msf cmhnse hcm t]mIp kpc\nanjtf kz]v\w Ipw hontep \Sp. appIqSn Nmbvntep tIdm XpSnb Ft GSn hnfnp. " hmkqm... Hfnm... tam\ntmp ht..." " Cw hctWm... Rms\mp sISs... \ oWw..." Rms\mgnbm t\mn. " F\nXnt\mfpw otWmv... \obnp ht...." Rm aSnp aSnv ASpp sNp. GSn Fs In ]nSnp henp ]pdIphip BpIns ASpp sImp t]mbn. In Acn InSpp.

" \o Hcp Imcyw sNbvtX... GSntb Hp klmbnt... Cu Acn sImdsnepw Acp Xm..." " BMv lm... Ct{Xbptm.. " Rm aSnp aSnv qfnencpp. ]ns AnbpsS ]nSnbn Ibv shp. GSn F\nsXncmbn \nep appIpnbncpp. ]ns BpIns AcnIn cp Ipw Ipn Fs t\sc Nmp \np. Fn\m `mhw Fsmcp ]nSnbpan. Fmepw B apJp Kuchan. Hcp IpkrXn `mhap Nncn HfnpIfnppv. Ip\np \ntm AnpI t]msebp apeI ukn\Ip\npw apIfn shfnbntep Xn Fs t\mn Nncnp. Rm\m apeIfpsS shbn Hp t\mn. cn\pw \Sphn IqSn Npcpv kmcnpv Aekambn tXmfn InSpp. F\nsmcp hmbvI. GSnbpsS apJv Hcp IpkrXn ]pncn. ImWm Ftmgpw sImXnpsanepw Cubhkcn Hcp ]nbnmbvI. Rm Anbpcpm t\mn. Aw _ew tXm\nbXpsImv. GSn HcpIbv klmbnp. R cpt]cpw IqSn, Hcpanv, AhcpsS Ibv Fs IpsS apIfn ]nSnv Acnbmm XpSn. CSv at Ibv sImv Acn Intep XqnSppapv. Aw Ignv GSn hnfnp. " hmkppm...." Rm Hp sRn. " GSn Hcp Imcyw tNmZnm \o kXyw ]dbpthm..." Rm apJapbnbn. Ah \\ IbvsImv Fs XmSn ]nSnpbn Fs IpIfntep t\mn. " ]d.. t\cp ]dbpthm..." " Mqw..." Rm Xebmn. " \o B acpsmmoXv hnemkn\nmcptm...? " Mqw..." " ]nsn\m FtmSp s\mW ]dXv..?.." " AXv... AXv... F\nngpw Gntb Dn t]Snbm..." " l..l..l... CXp \ Xami... Fs Fm cltkymw Inpw s\\v t]Sntbm... \ns G t]mepw Ct{Xw hniZambnv Fs Inn... IeymWw Ignnv..." " Fmepw GSn... tNt\mtSm, BtcmsSnepw ]dm... Rm\pw ]pdsp t]mtIn hcpw..." " Rms\m A{Xp `bcnbmm hnNmcnt...." Rm annbn. " Bt \osbm... F\np acpp XcmXv...." " AXn\p GSnp sImgsampanmcptm... hntosS AhsS, AtsS ]ncpv ]gpXm..." " F\npw Cw thZ\ amdnbnn....." " GSn FtmsSmpw ]dntm...." " \o ]ns FtmSp tNmZnXpantm... thmXo\w ]dXmsX... .F\np thZt\tmtm \oscmtmtm t]mepw tNmZnn.....FtmSp s\\t{X Ctmp ...At.." " AsXmph... GSos\w F\np Cm... ]t..." " ]t t]SnbmsWp am{Xw..At...?..." " Mqw...Cnsc.... " " Cnsc t]mbnv Bcpw Hpw Ft t]Snt... Fmcpw Ft kvt\lnWw... Fmcpw \mbncnWw Fsmstb F\nv B{Klsamp.... AmsX Rm ISphmsbmpa..." Rm\m apJp t\mn, Hcp kuay `mhw. Fmepw hnizknm ]n. Ctm Rms\mmWv Ip XncnpXv. " AXncns... AhfpsS FhnsSbm ISnt... \o Itm...?.." " Mqw..." " \obmtWm acpp tXXv...?.." " Mqw...." " \o AhsS Fmw sXmdp Itm..?..." " Mqw..." " \o AhfpsS AhnsSms sXmtm...?.."

" Mqw..." " AhfpsS aq{Xns \mamcpp \ns It..At..?.." " Mqw.." " Fmw sXmdntmv... Ahfp sISp Xtm...?.." " Mqw..." " Ahfp \nt Nohnfnnt....?.." " Mq lpw.... GSnbt sXdn ]dXv... " " AXmcmbmepw ]dp t]mIpw... kzw GSnbt XpWns]mn \nntmv thmXo\n Inm Bcm No hnfnmXncnpXv...." " NpmXtm.. At ]nSnm\mcptm..." " AXp t]ms... \o AhfpsS FhnSam IXv...?..." " IpdnosS sXmp Xmsgbmcpp ISn... Ipdnntbepw IqXoepw Hs \oscmmcpp..." " AhfpsS Ipdnn Fs\... FtXmtWm.. AhsSbmtWm.. \Xv...?.." " GSnv \mtWmtey Cs\sbms FtmSp tNmZnm..." Rm Xncnp tNmZnp. " Blm... C\n Rm \ntmsSp \mWnm\m... Fmw s]mfnpIp Ignm ]nsp \mWw... \o FtmSp \ns \otfmw htc ]dp.... Bdnsv...." " At.. Rm Npm... GSntb Ffm ]dXm...." " Mqw.. GXmbmepw FtmSp \ns the thmtm... CXp ]dn.... AhfpsS Ipdnn sNdpXmtWm hepXmtWm...?..." AtXmsS Fs kh\nb{Whpw t]mbn. A\nsmncp Fs enwKw hSnt]msebmbn. apns apg GSnbn \npw adm Rm ]mSps]p. aptmp Ip\nv Xnbncpp. " GSosSbm.. hepXv.. shey Cent]msebt s]mn \npt... NndsIms \ hmgtmtfsS I\am..." " NndtIm...?..." " B.. AXns FSv sNhn t]mse \npnt...." " l..l..l.. l.. AtXm...?.." GSn Nncnp sImp tNmZnp. " hntosS shdpw ISemkp t]msebm..." " \o sImmatmSm... Ct{Xsams hniZambnp ]cntim[ntm RtSXn.. Mm AXp t]ms... AhfpsS Ipdnntb tcmaw Hmcptm..." " Hmcptmtm... ImSp t]msebt.. \npt... " " \osbhnsSms Xn t\mn...?..." " FmSpw... Xn... It htc... `bc aWmcpp... IpfnmsImmcnpw....." " AsX\np a\nembn..... IgpIm ]nmWnmcnpw.... \ns Ibv Rm\pw aWXt.." " Cw \mw t]mbn...... t\mnt...." Rm Fs Ibv aWnp ]dp. ]ns GSnbpsS aqn\p t\tc sImp sNp. GSn B Ibv Xn amn. " sImpt]m.. F\np aW, h AhfpamcptSw aq{XpgosS aWw......Fmepw, C{Xsbms sNbvXnpw Ahfp \ns No hnfnmsX klnpsIStm....." " hmXp sImt... ]nt hntnv Ft ]t Cm......" " AsXs\ s\\dnbmw..?.." " Ft IShn shv Fpw Fmw ImWnphmcpp.... tkmp tXpgpw ...tXmpgpw Hs...." " ASm Im... shdptXb \o Fpw IShn sNp hmbnt\mn\np shandpXv.....Aw CsXms Inv s\\smpw tXmnt....?.." " tXmpw....Atcw...." GSn Acn Intep hmcnbnpsImp tNmZnp. " Atcw Fp ]pw..." " Hpw ]n... ChnsS hntm Asn ssIXmnstS shtm... ssIhmWaSnv Itfw...." Rm Hp Nnsmp ]dp. " Fs tamt\... shdptX BtcmKyw Ifbt... F\ndnbmw ]ntcp enwKt ]nSnp cknpsav..." " AmsX thsd hgnbntm..."

" Hcp Imcyw tNmZnm adp.....F\nnv ISn Innb Imcyw \o AhsS sNhotemv HmXnsmSpntm At...." " Gbv... Rm\{X a\mtWm.. GSnbt.... Rm HcpImepw ]dbn..." " Mm... Hcnepw ]dbt.. tamt\... \app cp t]pw \mWtSmtW.. HmtmtW....." " AsX\ndnbmw..." " ]ns... F\nnncn acpnSnp Xcmthm... F\npw AhnsS \ocpw ISosamv....." " AXns\m... GSnv.. Rm tXp Xcmtm...." " AXp th... B ]qXn a\n shmaXn... \ntmSn\n Hfnms\mpw CmXp sImv Ct{Xw sXmdp tNmZnst Dp..." " Fn th... Cpw \mtfw Xcmw... hntnv \mtfw s]cWw... \ \ocmcpp..." GSntb Hfnv acpv Fs\ Dmpw Ftmv hnjanbm{bpp Rm. Ctm khawKfw. " Blm.. \obmtWm.. Acnbmpt.. Fp ]nsbSm...Cp Im aep ]dpatm..." hmXnSnbn hp \n A ]dp. " Hpant... Rm\cm sXmSow hmkpp ]dp... Acp Xcmv... Ah \h\m...." " Mqw..Mqw... ]nqSw ASmns Xnm\msX honmWnnht\... \osbdnp.... Ifn Xs Ifn...]ns Ducp sXepw..." A AItp t]mbn. F\nsmcp ktmjw. Ftn GSn Hcp \ hmp ]dtm. " At, hmkq \h\m... Fmcpw IqsS ]dp ]dv Aht\ Noymphm... At hmkqm...." Rms\mp Nncnp. GSn Fs Hp ISp ImWnp. " Fm Dgpp Rm\ctmfmw... hmkq Fgpttm..." Rms\gptp. Atm Fs apns apn Ashbdn\It apg GSnbpsS Ins]p. Rm AXp s]mnnSnm XpSnbtm Ah hms]mn Nncnp. Fnp ]dp. " CXv BdnqSpXsemtmSm... aptmcpsS tZlp XmsX sImp \StW..." Fs sXmenbpcnbpXp t]mse. " kmcansSm...\mWn... F\ndnbmw Bnmtc..." " Fm Rm t]mbn acpp ]dns..." Rm\hnsS \npw cs]p. sshIptcw GSn Ipfnapdnbn tIdnbtm apX Rm GSnbpsS apdnbn tIdn Imhencnmbn. Hcp sNdnb Aepan\nbw ]m{Xn Ienb acppambn Rm Ahtc Imncpp. IpfnIgnv Ah htm Rm AhcpsS Inen Imemn cknncnpp " Fm hmkqm ]XnhnmsX ChnsS... Cp Ieptsempw sXm t]mbnt..." " l.. CsXp Iqv...acpp thWv GSnbbt ]dXv... tZ acpp sdUn....." " Hm, AXp sicn....Hcp an\nv, Rm Cu thjw Hp amdt ... Fmw Cud\m... " Rm Ahtc Xt t\mnbncpp. GSn Abbn \npw apsSpp. ]ns Aeamc Xpdv uskSpp, ]ns {_mbpsaSpp. F\np ]pdwXncnp\nv, ukns lppIsfSpm XpSn. s]sp \nn tNmZnp. " A.. hmkqm... \osbn\m Rm XpWn amdpsSp t\mn \npt... s]mdtsmndnt..." " Rms\mpw t\mpn.. Att ]pXpXmbn C\nsbm ImWm\m... At Hcp Imcyw sNmw... Rm acpp ]pcnnv s]mtmfmw.... kvYm\p Xt ]pcWw... Csn D]tbmKan..." " Hm ]nt... \o s]mcnbnsn D]tbmKan... Cp Xtp t]mSm... i... hmbn t\mn \Spp....." Ah hv Fs Inencp acpp]m{Xw ]nSnp hmn. ]nt Ft Xnbndn hmXneSp. hnhcanm cmkn, Rms\mp Iqp shv CXp tXp t]mIpthm. B.. FmsWp shm ImWns. Rm ]nt AtXn Nnnm t]mbn.

t\cw shfptm GSnbpsS apJw IS IpnbXpt]mepv. tN\pw AO\pw ISbntep ]pds DSt\ Ft ]nSnv apdnbntep sImp t]mbn. " FSm.. \o Fp Ip{mamSm F\ncp XXv... AXp s]cn sISnv F\np sNmdnnep klnm taemcpp. Cw tXs \ns tN\pw sNmdnv sNmdnm t]mbncntW..." " Atm.... Rm {]tXyIw Hpw sNbvXn... AtX CeIfp Xym ]dnt... Am.. Hcp an\nv... AXn Hcp Ce kwibsammcpp.... Aw, C\n AXp ]n..." Rm IbvsImsmcp IWp Iqn. " Aw \o Fs atSm sNc ]TnXv AtSm.. sshZytc... \ns Rm... " GSn apJw Npcpn Fs apJnSnm Itmn. " Atm... " Rm ISp \nehnfnp. " t]mSm Fdn... C\n Cu apdo Ip t]mIcpXv... " Ah Fs ]nSnp Xn. hmXnsenbsm Rms\mcp kwibw tNmZnp. " GSo... Rm s]cm XXv GSnt... Ans... tNs\\m sNmdnbpt.... Ftm Hcp s]iIptm..." Rm Nnnp. " Ahs HSpt Hcp kwitbmw s]iIpw... " Ah Fs Xn shfnbnemn hmXneSp. ]nsbpw F\np kwibw. Rm hopw hmXnen Xn. " FmSm.. C\ow thXv...?.." " Hpw th... Rm s]cm XXv GSnv.... Aw Gs FhnsSbm... sNmdnn hXv.... tNt\ A ISnntm... " " \ns... \ns...Rm tNs atSv s]cnsmSpp.... aXntbm... Foizcm... Cu \ioIcWw ... " " s]cnsmSptm...? Aw ...tNs FhnsSbm A ISnt..." ]nsbpw F\np kwibw. " FSm... \ns tNs Abm Cse Fs ISnt.. aXntbm... Hp t]mSm AhnSpv... tlm... Cs\bpaptm amcWfv..." GSn hmXn sImnbSp. Rms\mp Xocpam\np. CXv Nnnv Ip]nSnWw. Rm acpp sImSpp. Gn ]pcn, tN sNmdnp. F`pXw. AXpa, tNs A GSntb ISnp, Atm GSn sNmdnp, Atcw tN\p sNmdntXm? B, Ftm BIs. ]ns Nnnmw. Ctm hntnp acppmWw. Fgm hnfnpI Fdnbn. GXmbmepw B sNmdn Ce tht th. Rm ]dntendn. Rm acpsmw ]dnv XbmdmnshpsImv Imncpp. cmhnse sXdn InnbXpsImv GSnbpsS apn sNp s]n. Fmepw, sNmdnn ]Icptam. CSp Rm NnnpsImncpp. thenbcpIn t]mbn shdptX t\mpw. CSv GSn Hpcp {]mhiyw Ft t\mnbtm Rm Hpcp IpI Cfn shp. ]ns Ddnp. Hcp ]paWn Igntm hniz, hnemkn\nbpsS A\nb, thencnIn hp ]dp. " hmkpths\ hntn hnfnpp... " " F\nnw t\cansp ]d...." As\ ]dXns ImcWw, Atm GSn ASpf hmXn. " Ftm AXymhiyamsWp ]dp...." " \o s]mtmfq.... Rm htmw..." Rm HmSn Fs apdnbn \npw acpsSpv Xnbn htm apn GSn. " acpp sImSpm t]mIphm...?.." " Mqw..." " AhfpsS atShpw sNmdom t]mIphmtWm..." " Mq lpw... B Fe CXn C... F\nsmc_w ]oXm... " " ASm... h Ahfpampw Hmnbw... Hc_tmw ]o... sNp sNv... sImv Intp hm... Fnv sIWnte apgph shtmw tImcn IgpInbmepw \mw t]mIn... " " Fs Itet.. \mw.. GSnsm...? " Rm ]Xps ]ndp]ndpp.

" Fm ]dt... Hcp Imcyw ]dtmw... IeymWw Ignm s]m... hbnsemmm \o apgph thtWmn.... Rms\snepw ]dm... acptamfp A\nbt\ ]n AhcmXw ]dqmIpw..." " Cu GSnsm... Rm acppw sImSptnp t]mcpw... hntntb Rm\nsmpa ImWpt..." " B AsX\ndnbmw... \o Xsbt ]dXv... Ahsfmw ]t ImWnp Xsv....sNv sNv... \nssbms \ Imew.. Rms\m\padnnt.....FtOm... " GSn AItp t]mbn. F\np hopw Nnmpgw. km[mcW GSnbamcmsWn Rm\ntm Cu ]cn]mSnp t]mIm kXnn. Chtc ]nSnInpntm. Atm FtmsSmcp sNdnb Csams Dsp kmcw. Rm hntnbpsS hon sNsm hniz Xnbnencpv ]bpg sImp ]on Dmpp. " Gn FntbSm..." " AIv sISsmv..... " " Rm tNntbmSv HcXymhiyw ]dnv hcmw... \o ChnsSt CcptmWw... Cu acpp sImSpm\m..." " AtXn FtmSp ]dnsmv.. s\p tImgn XnmsX t\mm..." AtmgmWp Rm IXv, apns aqebn Ipdp s\v DWm\nncnpXv. " Fm \o ChnSncn..." aphit hmXn Xpdp InSpp. Rm AItp Ibdn AXSp. ]nt ]pdInte GnbpsS apdnbntep Ibdn hmXn `{Zambn ASp. ASpfbntep hmXn ASp, AXv tNSbpn. Bscnepw ASpfbn tIdnbm Rtf ImWmw. Fs t\mn Gn lrZyamsbmp Nncnp. " CsXm tNo Cu IXIv tNcpntm...." " Hm, AXhsSsSs... Ats ChnsS Cw Bcp hcm\m...." " AsbhnsS..?.." " ]mSv t]m sNm t]mbn..." " hniz...?..." " Ah\hnsS Ccptmfpw .. tImgnsb HmSnm ]dncnbm..." Rm GnbpsS IqsS Inen Ccpp. " Cw Ft\v...?..." " kpJmbn... thZ\sbmpan.... ]ns Rm\p sISpIm... awKtfmw hmbnv..." " Aw Cp acpv tht..." Rm Hcp \ncmitbmsS tNmZnp. " thWw thWw... shjw Ht aptgzm\pw s]mtms..." " Fm Gn sIStm.. Rm s]mcncmw..." " Cet t]mse t\mhntSm...." " ]gpsmt Cncn thZ\npw... sNpw \tmWw sNWw..." Rm Hcp tUmdpsS Kabn ]dp. " Hctmnncn hncnpp...." Ah IpWpnncnp. ]ns Nmcnbncp XebnW amn Inen \op \nhp InSnv, ]mhmS XpShtc s]mn. ]ns aSnp aSnp \npp. Fs {lZbw {IamXoXambn anSnm XpSn. Cet t]mseb. Csmcp Ab Acow. " s]mv..." Rm\mhiysp. " CXv t]mtc...?.." " AsXs\bm... apdnhnhnsSbtm... " " Fm \o s]mv... F\np h... \mWmIpp..." " At, Cu Gn..." Rm ]m{Xw Inen\cnIn shnv ]mhmS tatemp henp s]mn Acsmw shp. Gn ISpsImv IhsSbn ]mhmS Iqn AannSnp. F\np XpSI am{Xta ImWpp. apdnhpw Npnsnb XpWnbpsams ImWmw. ]t F\nXp t]mctm. Rm _eambn s]mnnSnncp Ibvamn. Gn A\pkcnp. Ibv FSpv hbp shp InSp. at Ibv Xep Iotg shp. Atm GnbpsS Iw hnbv \\ncnp ]mSv Ip. " GosS Iw shbtm...."

Rms\mp aWp t\mn, NpmsX, As\ tXmn. F\nm aWw Csp. Fs taemkIew s]cpp tIdp t]mse. apn\Snbn Hcnfw. " Cw Ipfntbpp. Fnpw... shbp.... Fsmcp NqSm..." " \ocp t]mtbmp t\ms. Cet t]mse sISt ... Hcp Imep s]mn hv...." Ah Hcp Im aSnshp InSp. Rm ]mhmS s]mn hbtv tIn shp. Fnv Hcp hoWw \Sn. Fs Acsn Hcp sImnbm ann. Fs hmbn shw hn. Fs apn hntnbpsS tcmaqdnXm hnSv Idpv hnIknv InSpp. Fmw \ `wKnbmbn ImWmw. apIfnte ssaXm\n\p XpSnnsnepw \ tKmXns \ndw. Xmtgp hoXnIpdp tNcp `mKw XSnv Xn \npp. B `mKn\p \ Ccpfna. IdpI ]pdwNppInSbn tImgnqhs hnidnq t]mse, AcnIpI Idp cnXfpI HnnSnp InSpp. AXn\p apIfn Hpw hya, sNdnb Hcp Npfnhp am{Xw. Aw apIfn GnbpsS tdmkv\ndnep Imbncnpw, hcp t]mse \op InSpp, sNdpXmsWnepw Hcp Ipfbt]mse. AhnSppanhnSppw tcmafpsS A Npcpv B \\ ]qmen XesbmnnSpp. Ctm IqXnsmpw \ hyw, Npnepw NnXdnb sImp tcma. Rm\Xp t\mn Ccppt]mbn. Fs apn\pn \ Ne\w. " \oscmtmSm Cw...?.." " tM..." Rm sRn. " \osbp t\mncnphm... Fs Ipdnn Iw t_mt[mw t]mtbm..?.." GnbpsS kzcn Hcp ]cnlmkw t]mse. Atm Gn AdnpsImv sISp XXm, At. " Agnp t\ms..." Rm sas XpWnbpsS sIgnp. \ocp \ntjw henncnpp. AtmgmWp Rm {inXv. HcnSpw Rm Cse ]pcnb acpn. " BtcmSp tNmZntm acpp IgpInfXv..." tNmZnptmgpw Fs Iv GnbpsS hnSpInSp ]qnembncpp. AXns AcnIn Rm Cse acpp tXXmbncpp. Ctm \ a\ndw ImtWXmbncpp. ]Icw AhnsS \\hns Hcp Xnfw ]I shfnn ImWmw. " siSm... Fs tZlw IgpIm F\np hht\mSpw tNmZntWm....." " Aw IgpIn Ct..." " Cse \o ]dnt aWsamspw IgpIWpw Hs... AtXmm... " " Aw..... F\np thnbmtWm... Gn CXp IgpInbXv... ?.." hndbm in Rm tNmZnp t]mbn. " AtXSm... hmkppm....." AtX in adp]Snbpw hp. " Rms\mp sXmp t\mtmt Go... " hndp kzcn hopw Rm tNmZnp. " sXmtm aWtm t\mntm, Fs hmkq\t..." GnbpsS ihpw hopw hndpp. Rm\m apIfnse ssaXm\t ]pcn sas Hp XShn. Gn Acsv sNdpXmsbm\n ISp InSp. " Gn Fm Cu apSn shnmt...." Rm tNmZnp. Fs a\n GSnbbpsS kmam\t I ]s shnb tcmafmbncpp. " FSm aqtk... AhnSv apSn Bscsbnepw ImWnm ]pthmSm... ]nt shnpXv...." " Fn Rm hSnp Xcmw... GosS Ipdnntb apSnbnmXm ImWm ckw..." " AsXmpw th.. AXhnsSbncptms..." " Fmepw..." " AXv ]nsbms...\o thKw acpv tXSm... Ipm....... A Cw hcpw..." " Mpw..." ]ns Rm B Xpdp InSp Acpaqdns ASn`mKv DZffpsS AcnIn Hp sXmptXmn. Atm Gn Cnfn t]mse H\n. Rms\s B hncsemp aWp. eIvkv tkmns aWw. Fs Ic AdnbmsX B Icnqhfqdns Zffnsen, cp IbvsImpw Rm B Ccp Zf AIn. \ ISpw tdmkv\ndn \\ncnp ]qdns D`mKw Rm\mZyambn Ip. Fs icocw hndp. Ip Inbmbn. Ip\nv Rm\m sNIqhns D`mKv Fs aqp

apnp. tkmnsbpw ]ns thsd Fnsbpw ]ns ]gInb aq{Xnsbpw IqSnbp hmk\. CXmbncnpw s]pfpsS appsSt hmk\. Fspw Hmnms\ t]mse Rm\m Kw Dntep henp tIn. " Go.. IgpIopw aq{Xns aWw t]mbnn...." " AXs\bm tams\... ]qSsbmXpsImmSm...... IpdnnXp thWsaSm... Csn AsXs\bmSm... IpdnnbmIps...." " Fmepw F\nnm... Fs hntosS Hmmmmma\pdnn...." " aqntemp henp tIphmtWmSm Fs IpdnosS hmk\....?..."Gn kvt\ltmsS tNmZnpp. s]sv, Hcpt{]cWbmse t]mse Fs \mv AXneap. " \o Fp sNm...t]mIp...hmSm... " Gn Hcp Im Dbnsmp hndp in tNmZnp. " Rm\ntXsemp \ntmt... ?.. Fto.... F\nnXp ISnp Xnm tXmphm....." " \ntm FmSpw... \ntm... ]p sImmsX ISnp Xntm... s hmkqm........" " Mqlpw.." Gn Hcp ZoL\nizmktmsS ImepI IptdqSn AInnSp. Fnsmcp IbvsImv apebpsS apIfn Xncpm XpSn. at Ibv\on cp hncepI sImv IpdnnbpsS cp hipw ]nSnInshp. Aw hnSsnepw kv{]npt]mse AXns apI`mKw hopw ASppIqSn. anTmbn \p t]mse Rm \m XpSn. ISnpXnms\mcp Xo{hamb tamlw. FhnsS ISnpw Fs\ ISnpw. Fs \mhn t\cnb Dpckw. Hp Hcp {ZmhIw FmbnSp \npw ]\p hcpp. CsXmcp s]ns, AXpw hntnbpsS, Fpw Rm ASpp ImWm tamlnnp, IpdnnbmWtm F t_m[w Ft IqSpX IqSpX \m t{]cnnp. CXns IdppOmbbpw a\ntemv F{X hmWaSnXm. Rm Ftt adv B IpdnnbpsS Dn \mtmSnp. \pwtXmdpw AXn\npw IqSpX IqSpX aZPew Dudnhcm XpSn. " Go... CXov ]i t]mse HgpIpImWsm... Xqp ItftWm.....?.." " thSm... F{X Xqmepw.... AXnw... \nnsSm.... iv iv iv iv iv ...." Fnv Gn kpJw aqt]mse InSv Rcn. " CsXtmm Go... Cu HgpIn hcpXv..... aq{XmtWm.....?.." " AXmSm... RsS ......IpdnosS tX... Cw.. \ kpJw... Mqw... \o...\npSnv.." Gn Fs Xebn ]nSnv ]qntean ]nSnp. Fs aqpw \mpw Nppw Fmw GnbpsS ]qn \nsmgpInb tbm\nt\n Ipfnp. CSv Rms\mp {inp. apIfn Ins ASpp t]mIptm Gn Fs Xe IqSpX AhnsS AannSnpp. Xebpbn, hnc sImv In sXmv Rm tNmZnp. " Gn.. CXmtWm.. GosS Iv... " " \o ......CtX htc...... I.v...... Innt..." " Mqlpw..." " CXmSm.........Fs ......hmkqm... RsS Iv...." " AtX \nbm Gnv t\mIpthm..." " C tamt\... \o \t]mse ...... Aan \v... Csn ......NppsImv ......aqnt... Gnp \ ckmSm... \o AtX...... sXmSpw... ]p ......sImtSm.." Rm BZyambn Hcp Ip aqm {ianp. ]t shfppnbpsS Ant]mencnp B sNdnb km[\w Npn Inpn, sXnsXnt]mIpp. Atm GSnbpsS IpfbIv Fs Ipn HmSnsbn. AXmbncpsn hm \ndpw DunsmSpmambncpp. " Go... CXv aqm\pw am{Xw C....." " Fm \o ......\nbm aXnsbSm tamt\....thKw......" Gn {]mhp IpdpIpXp t]mse ]dp. Rm AXn ]q \pXp t]mse \m XpSn. CSv Rm\dnbmsX Fs Ipbn ]nSnp hmWaSnm\pw XpSn.. Gn sas Dcpfm XpSn. ukn\p apIfn IqSn Xs sNdpapeIfn ]nSnv Aan. \ aqtm F\np ckw tIdn. Fs {]hrnIfn Gn kpJnpXp Itm Rms\mw adp. Fs Ipbpw apn\Snbn \np

shnbnfIn. B tcmaqdns FmbnShpw Rm \npSp. CfInhcp aZPens ]p aWw Fs kncItf Do]nnp. GnbpsS ]qmens Xmsg IqXnp apIfnep sNdnb `mKw henp \np. Rm AhnsS sas Hp ISnp. AhnsS \n Amdp sNdptcma Fs hmbn XSp. " lm... Ft... lmhq" Fsmcp iw GnbpsS sXmbn \npw ]pdsp. NpcpnnSp B sNdnb IqXnsmnepw Rm Fs \mtmSnp. AhnsS \mw ImWpsatm AXp Xqdp kvYeamsWtm Hpw Rm\tmtgmn. Hcp bphXnbpsS clky`mKfnemWtm Rm Xebnp \pXv F Hm F\np DtP\w \Insmncpp. Rm\m IhnSbn apJanpcpn. Hpw InmXmbtm Rm B ]qppI hmbn ISnsSpp Dun. CSv Rm aWnqdns hnShn\Itv Hcp hnc Ibm {ianp. " thm...tamt\.. th... shcenS... F\np t\mIpw... \nbm aXnsbSm...hmkqm..." Gn \nehnfnp t]mse ]dp. Rm\m {iaw Dt]np. B Ipnqdp \npSnpXn\nSp Rm GnbpsS apeIfn Hp ]nSnm t\mn. cpw IqSn A{X Ffpa. " hmkqm... F\np hcpsSm... Hp thKw \sSm.. It... AasSm... \o... \h\mSm... Fs s]mp hmkppm...MvMvMvMv.... Atm.....iv iv iv iv iv iv iv....." Gn Fcnhns in Nonsmv hfp ]pfp. Fs Xe IhnSbn AannSnp sImv Hp aqcn\nhp. F\np izmkw apnsbp ]dbmw. Fs apJw Aancnp B ]qdnsbIv Hcp ]nSb, ]ns Hcp hndb. ]pfn ImWptm hmbn shw \ndp hcpXp amXncn NqSp ]ibpsS Hcp {]hmlw. AsXs apJw apgph \ndp. ImepIsfSpv Fs apXpInshv Gn Fs Xe Hcp\nanjt\ctv B Ihqn Aan shp. GnbpsS Ibv Abtm Rm hopw \m XpSn. Ah DSt\ Fs Xe ]nSnp s]mn. " th Ipm...aXn ...Gnp aXnbmbn... tlm,...... \o sImmsaSm... s]pfpsS Ipdnn Xnm \o anSp\m..." " Gnp shw htm...." " hsSm... Xsm shcenSpXnepw kpJmcpp...." Ah InXpsImp ]dp. Rm NmSn Fgptp. " Go F\np ]mep hn... F\nsmp Ifnm Xcmthm... " " AXp thsSm... sImgamIpw... \nv ...s\\v Rm ]nSnp Xcmw....hm..." Gn Fgptv ImepI \on Ihncpp. Rm Fgptv GnbpsS apn Fs hndp Ip ImWnp \np. " \ns km[\w Ct{Xw hepXmtWmSm...Rm ImWpw....Cntc HmcptmSm" " Fm AXnt\n Fs ]dn IXv..?.." " \ Cmfp ]qfp sIfm t]mbw \o \onnSnp apm \nw....Ant{Xw Cmcpp..... " Gn Ahs\ samn ]nSnsmp XShn. Ah ew_ambn \nv Xpnsdnp. F\np \ kpJw. Rm Acsv aptmp XnnSnv Ahs Hv GnbpsS Npn apnp. " Fto.. thKw Cht\ Hp Xnt..." Rm AXv GosS hmbntep Xn. Gn Ahs Hn Hp \mp apnp. AhnsS Xnh Hcp Xpn ck\ocv Ah \mnseSpp cpNnp. Fnv apJw Npfnp. " Cw th...Rm ]nsmcokw Xnmw.... CsXs hmbnepw sImn..." " Fm thKw hmWaSnp Xm...." " Mm AXp sNmw.. Fs hmkpp\t...." " Gn...Cu... ]dbptX...p... Fmepw Xnpntm... Rm GosS Ipdnn... Hncn Xnnt..." " AXv... F\np hp IgnXp sImmSm... Cw... tZ Cs\ ]nSnm aXntbm...?.." Gn Aht\ ]nSnp sRm XpSn. " As\b... Cs\..." Rm hmWaSnp ImWnp sImSpp. Gn AXpt]mse hmWaSnm XpSn. " Go... IpdnosS AhSv Fnsc ]isbSpv tXnv ]nSnt..."

" sImXnb... Fmw thWw..." Gn ]mhmS s]mn IhnSbn Inv hmcn. shfns In Iagvn tXXp t]mse Ibvew apgph GnbpsS tbm\nt. AsXs Ipbn tXp. Fnv ]mhmS aqSm XpSnbtm Rm ]dp. " aqS... F\np GosS Ipdnn ImWWw... AXpw Itmp shw hcppw \ ckmhpw..."" " FSm ]mep hcpw ]dbWw... Fs tZlmcpXv... htmcpw ImWpw... " " Mm... Mm... hcpw...Rmw]dbmw..." Rm GnbpsS \\smnbncnp ]qSqdn t\mnbnp ]dbm XpSn. " Fs FosS Ipdnntb Fp ]qSbmtWm.. Hp s]mfn ht... .. Fs GosS Iv... Fs GosS... IpdnosS AIvv Fsmcp s\dmtWm... Fs GosS..." " FSm hcpw ]dbWw.. tItm..." Gn Hmnnp. Rm hopw GosS ]qdn t\mnsmv Ip GosS apJtmSSpnp. " Fs GotS Ipdnn... Fs GosS Iv... sXcpsXsc ]nSnss Go...Mqw... \ tiem....ASm...Fs GosS IpnqXn... Fs GosS..Ip....dn... n...G..s..." " \ ctkmtWmSm....." Fp tNmZnv Gn hmbSpw apv BZys ]m Xpn GnbpsS hmbn... ]ns GnbpsS apJv. ]ns In. " t... Fs hmbntemm Ah Non HgnXv... ]mep hcpw ]dbWwp ]dXm..." Gn Ipbn \npw IsSpp. hmbn Innb ipw Hp \pWndn. apJp hoWXv hnc sImv XpSsSpv ]mhmSbn tXp. Rm _mn IqSn Ibv]nSnv GnbpsS ukntesmgnp sImSpp. " l... \osbp ]WnbmSm CmWnt..." " Ap hp t]mbn....AXns\m... Gn Fs samJsamp t\mnt... Fs apJw apgph GosS IpdnosS ]ibm... Cw aqt{Xmw aWpp. IgpInbm t]mIpthm ...Bthm..." Rm Inenencpv Ip ssIen sImv XpSp. ]ns apJhpw XpSp. Gn lm^vkmcnsImv apJw XpSp. ]ns Fs Hp kqnp t\mn. " \ns ]mens\smcpmSm... tImgnsamtsS DosS sNmthw....." " GosS Ipdnnv AXnepw Dm.... Gnp aXntbm... \app thtW HqsS Ifnmw..." " Atm th th... Ct{Xsams aXn... ". Rm Gntb Hp t\mn. Ahsftbpw. ]ns Rm NmSn sInsbmcp ]nSpw. " Fs hntn... Fp \ Gnbm... \an\n Fpw Cs\ Ifnmw... " " Fpthm... htmcpw ImWptIte...?.. \ns samJsamw aWpp..... IgpInf....." " MqMpw... F\nnm... Cu IpdnosS aWw... GosS ]qSsbmw tZs HnnSnncnpp... " IpdnosmgpInb tX\m... \o \ntXt... ]ns IgpImw..." Gn ]qdns apIfn ]qSbn Hp XgpInt\mnbnp ]dp. Atmgm Rmt\mXv acpns Imcyw. Rm ]dp. " Atm acpp s]mcnbn...." " C\nsbn\mSm acpv.... F\nnw Hpw thZ\bnsSm..." " Aw CXn\mcptm hnfnXv..." " Mqw... " Gn hnPb`mhn Fs t\mn ]pncnp. Fsmcp ktmjw B apJv. Fs a\p Ipfnp. Rm sImSp kpJns Nncn. " As\bmtW \aspw acpp s]cmw... " Rm ]dp. ]ns ]mhmS Dbn shp. Fnv Ipdp acpsSpv XpSbn ]pcn. XpWnsbSpp sIn. ]ns HqsS Ip\nv B ]nfncp Ipdnnbn \ofn \n. " tm... th.. aXnsbSm...Cnfnbmhpp.... Fs s]mp hmkq... IpfnShn shv Fmw \ntmWnm F\nsnmcpstm...." Ah Fs sInnSnsmcp Xp.

" AXpw Itv Rm Fpw hmWaSnphmcpp.... Cgm Ipimembnp IXv...." Rm Xncnv Gnpw Hcp sImSpp. ukn \npw ]mpnI XqpIfbptm Rm GntbmSp tNmZnp. " GosS samesbm... Ct{Xw sNdpXmbntmtb... GSosS sameIfp shey sImSfp amXncnsbmtm... ImWpw F\np ]nSnv Aam tXmpw. Fs...Fsmcp ]dpnIfm... ImWpw ImWpw Fs ]dn s]mpIm..." " AXp sNes\bm....." " Fm Rms\mcp Imcyw sNmw...KtWi ]dXm... sNdnb same sheyXmm... BWpfp Ibvhfw sImSpm aXn...Rm GosS samte Ibvhfw sImSpmw.." " Ibvhftam... AsXm hfam... " " Cu Gn Hcp aqkp Xym... Go... BWpfp ]nSnp sRnbm aXov.... tZ....Cs\..." Rm Hcp apebn ]nSnsmp sRnmWnp sImSpp. Gn amsdmp Ip\np ]pdtImp hennp ]dp. " th. ]nSnmsX... CnfnsbSppp..." " AsXm....Cncn apt... Gn Xt cp Ibv sImpw ]nSnv sRpXv Rm IXmWtm..." " FSm AXtcw... Cw ...th...." Hmtlm, Atm ISnsbfIp t\cp ]nSnm CsSpw, ASp XhWbmIs. Cu apeI cpw \ sam t]msebmpw. Rm a\n Xocpam\np. XebnWbn Nmcnbncnp hntnbpsS s\nbnte CfInmdnb Ipdp\ncI HXpnsmSpptm Rm tNmZnp. " GntbmsSmcp kwibw tNmZnms\mmcpp....." " FmSm..." " Cse Rm GSnp sImSp acpnt\ ...Cncn sNmdnnsemmcpp.... AtXSn Cse ISnsSp s]cn... tM... Fnv.... Cp cmhnte GSn Ft Nohnfnp... tNs Fmsms sNmdnbpqp ]dv.... AsXs\ ]o...?... GSnv s]cnbm tNs\ns\bm sNmdot...." hnemkn\n Hp Nnnp. ]ns s]mnncnp. " s]m... GSm... aqsk... Ahcv sIntbm\pw sItymfpam... acppw shtmv Cse \ns tN KotXsS Ipdno...... ]dn tIn ]Wn sNbvXp ImWpw.... Aw acpv.. \ns tNs km[\tepw ]nmWpw... AXm Imcyw...." " tM..." Rm hms]mfnp. " Mvlm... AXp sicnbmWtm... IeymWw Ignmns Ahcp Xn Fpw Ifnpw At.... Atm Rms\mcp s]m... shdpsXbmtWm Rm ImcWw tNmZnw GSn Ft HmSnXv..." Rm XeSnp. " Atepw \o s]m\m.. Asn h HSt\.. Fs IhstStemp aqp apnpthm...." " AXp IgpInsbv Gn ]dXp sImt...." " Cw \o \ns aqtsemp sXmp aWt...." Rm Fs aqsmp sXmp aWp. Ftm Hs IqSnpg Hcp \mw. Cw B {Xnsms t]mbn. kpKw amdn \mambn. " t... Rm t]mbn tamdp IgpIs..." Rm IXIp Xpdv shfnbnendn. hniz s\pw t\mn AhnsS Xnbn Ccppv. Rm apandth hniz hnfnp tNmZnp. " hmkpthm.... \nsS hon IpcpsamfIn At...?..." " Fn\mSm.. Adnbpt... \o tImgn s\p XnmsX t\mSm.. sNm...." " A... KotXn hv ASptf tIdn sImtd t\cw IpcpsamfsImtmp Xnt\mnbmcpp... ]ns ImWpnmp ]dv Cw Atmndn t]mWXp Ip... AtXmp tNmZnXm... " Fs tXhtc...NXntm.. B cmkn Fmw Hfnp \np ImWpImcptm... Ccpv shfnanmsX XnXn \Spht\tmse Rm hontep \Sp.

Rm app Ibdnbtm ASpfhmXn Xnbn Fs kmIqXw InamsX t\mn \np GSn. B IpIfn tZjyamtWm, AtXm Hcp IpkrXnncnbmtWm Fs\np XnsSpm\mbn. Rms\mp t\mn, ]ns XeIp\nv Fs apdnbntep Ibdntmbn. Inen InSp IpsbSpsmp XtemSn. Fmepw \o `mKyhm\mSm. hntnbpsS Infpp hmbn tIdnnSp kpJnm\mbtmSm \n\v. Rms\s Ismp aWp. ]ns apJw s]mn]nSnpsImv aqntesmp henp. hntnbpsS IhstSte sImgpns aWw astm Bbn amdnbncnpp. Ctm apnp \npXv aq{Xntbpw ]nssbmcp Hnsbmen tX\nsbpw IqSnbp Kw. F\nXp \mbn ]nSnp. CtXXmbmepw IgpInfbpn. Ignp t]mb kpc\nanjtfpdntmtm ]nSsWo Ipbpw In ]nSnv InSp. sNdnb hnipw. AbpsS hnfnbpw Imp InSv abntmbn. " Um...hmkqm... FWosSm... " AbpsS iw tImWp Rm Ip XpdXv. " FWosSm... s\\nv tNmdp tht... aWnsb{Xbmbn... " sicnbmbncpp. hnipp. Rm NmSnsbgptp, IbvIgpIn ASpfbn sNv s_nencnmbn. GSnb tNmdp]m{Xw sImp shp. Hcp ]m{Xn Idn sImp shptm kmcnpsSpv Fs apJn\p t\tc Hp hoin. ]ns apJw NpfnpsImp ]dp. " lpw... Fm ChnsS Hcp \mw... Ct At..." " \mthm...Ctm.. F\np tXmnbntm..." " At.. tZ Cu `mKv ... A Cp ht... " GSn AbpsS Ibv]nSnv Fs apn sImv \nn. Fnv Fs apJn\p Nppw aqtmSnp. " Ht... tZ Fhs samJqm.... Asbmp t\mnt... " " Hm, Ah shbnep \Sp shbXp sImmbncnpw... FmSm s\\p Ipfnm... KotX, \o B hdhp shfnsmSpt..." " At CXv.. Hcp NmWInstbm aq{Xnstbm amXncn...Fhs shbns aWw F\ndnbpXt.. Rm\t Fhs XpWnIgpIpt......A Fhs tamsdmp aWv t\mnt..." " \nssbmcp Imcyw..." A a\nm a\tmsS Fs apJp aqp apnp. " sicnbmWtmSo KotX... Fhs samJv tKmaq{Xns aWmWtm... hmbv\manmXmWtm s\\vv... ]nsphmSm CXv..? " " Itm Rmdnt...Fs aqn\p \ aWw ]nSpam... " GSn ]dp. \mbns tamtf, \osbm t]meokv ]nbmtWm aWw ]nSnm. ISnp Iodms\m tZjyw tXmn F\ntm. A \nnmbncpsn Rms\snepw sNbvXp t]mtbt\. " \o CshnSmSm sXm t]mbXv cmhnte... h sXmgpnepw tamtw Xn hotWm..." A tNmZnp. " Ah A{]t ImtoStmp tIdpXv Rm Imcpp.... C\n AhnSt sXmgpns ]Wn Ch h Icmdpw FSptmm F\np kwibw. Cse Ibv \mdpspw ]dv sIWnte shw apgph\pw tImcn IgpIpXp Ip.. Cnw tZs tZlw, apgph\pw \mntmp hncnpp.... Chs\tm Npnfn Htmm At F\nsmcp kwibw..." " hmkqm.. tam t]mbn tkmnsmp \mbn tXp Ipfnnp hm... Cu atWmw shtmp \Sm h Zot\mw ]nSnpw....." " Fs tamtd atWmpan... Cu GSnp tXmWXm..." Rm ]dp t\mn. " ]ns ]ns... Cse \o FtmSp ]dXt sXmgpp hrnbmov...." GSn hnSpn. " tM...sXmgptm... \otbm....t\cmtWmSm... Fw...? AXn\p Rm cmhnte B ]Wn IgnXmWtm..." A A`pXtmsS Ft t\mn. " Rms\mp tNmZnp t]mbn....slt... ]iqs hbop NmWIw hmcopw ]dv FtmSp sanp tIdpImcpp...." GSn AbptS ]pdIn \nv FtmSv BwKyw ImWnpp. \ns Rm ImWnp XcmsaSm, F An.

" B, Fsnepw BIs... \o t]mbn samJw Fnepw tkmnp IgpIv... Cu aWw... Cu Cu... aWw...FnsbmsWv... CXm... CXmp hcppv.... FhnsStbm CXv Rm... " A Fs apJtp t\mn. Rm apJw Ip\np. Nnetm Abpw Cu Kw Ftmsgnepw ]cnNbsXmbncnpatm. Ahcpw s]t, Cu {]mbw Ignp hXt. AhnSsams sXmSptIw IgpIptIw sNpXt. Hmtmp kwibnsntem. C\n Ccpm sicnbmhn. hnkvXcnv hnkvXcnv Nnetm GSn kXysam\pw ]dm. t]mcmXn\v RfpsS hZ\kpcXw Cu km[\w t\cn IXpamWtm. Rm InWpIcbntep t]mbn. Hpcp Znhktv {]tXyInv Hpw kw`hnn. GSn Fs ]ndtI Xt Dmbncpp. F\nmsWn hntnbpamsbmp skmm kuIcyw InnbXpan. asmn\pa, tN aoi shp Hcp sNdnb I{XnI Rm ASnp amn Hfnp shncnpIbmbncpp. Rmbdmgvp apv Imcyw Ignv AXp XncnsI shWw. Rmbdmgv cmhntebmWv tNs aoi I{Xnv. \ Iem]cambn tN AXp sNpw. Iebpambn tN\p _ap Htc HtcmSmWXv. AO\pw tam\pw Hcp Imcyn am{Xw \ Xccmbncpp. ImipmpI. IWp Iqepw Ingnepw XIrXnbmbn F\pw cm{Xn RfpsS ]qapJp \Spw. Rm {inmdnsp am{Xw. hntntb Hp In Innbnp thWw Fs NncImekz]v\amb ]qdphSn \Sm. AsXmp \Span. ImcWw, hntn CXnSv ssSp ]Tnm tNp. Fs IImew. hon shdptXbncnpXpsImv, ]p aWnp mmWp GSn XncsSpXv. Ft ]mtS ad eWw. Hp InInnbncpsn hognmambncpp. Cu s]p Hcp aqUpanm hamsWs\np ]etmgpw tXmnbnpv. henngm sISp kpJnpw. s]SmmSp s]SpXv BWp. ]ns Ah Fmw adpw. s]phoW InSmhnt\ Xip \p t]mse Av \n kpJnnXm hntntb. Axpw, Fp am{Xw atWmw klnv...... Cw ImWmt\ C. Ap Rmbdmgvbmbncpp. Hcp ]Woan Fm tXmnsemp Idmsap IcpXn Nq sIptm tImw. tNs hnfn. " KotX...FSo...KotX... " " Ftm...Zm hcpq..." " Fso, Fs aoi shp I{XnI FhntSSo...?.." " B, Rms\Spnn... AhnsS ImWpsat..." " Ipw.. ChnsSsbpansSo... Hcp km[\w shm ImWn... " " AtX... ]nt... hmkqt\msSmp tNmZnt... hmkqm..." GSnbpsS hnfn. AtmgmtWmXv Rm AsXSpv IUnbn sh Imcyw. " Zm... hmkqm... I{XnI \osbSptmSm...?..." tNs iw. Rmt\mSnsv I{XnI FSpp sImSpp. " Fn\mSm Cu I{XnI FSpt..." tN I{XnI Rdpn t\mpXn\nSbn tNmZnp. F\nv s]ssmcpcw Innbn. " AXv.. Rm Hcp ]w shm GSpXm..." " ]w... AXn\p ]nb {]mbw... FSm I ISmWnsbms FSpp shn CXns aq t]mbm... cq]sb{Xbm CXns\v s\\dntbm...? Ats ]w ]dnt {]mbw... t\cw Inpw B ItS hm Hcp Ibvklmbw Btbt\... Ipcpw sIh..." tN Fs sNhnp ]nSnsmcp Ingpp Xp. " lmhq.. " F\np \mbnp thZ\np. ]cp IbvsImp Ingpv. Ft AXnt\m thZ\nnXv asmmbncpp. sNhnbpw Xncpn \Sp Ft t\mnbp B `{ZImfnbpsS, Fs GSnbpsS, B Nncn. hmXnSnbn Nmcn\nv sNhn Xncpptm ]pdIn \npw AhcpsS kzcw " IqpImcosS FmtSmw kpcamm I{XntIw sImp \Snsmbn... Ahp \obntepw sNcm\dnbmsaSm.. am..." " tZ.. tZ... Rm\mcptSw sNcm \Snn tItm..."

" Hm ]nt... Rm t\cn tIXt... Fsmcp t{]aw... Fsmcp kvt\lw... s]ns atSw hSnp Xcmv Hcps... tZ... Ftsmv ]dbnnt... At Rm \ncoXm... \o B I{XnI Hmkpsav...." " Hfnp \np Fmw Inv Fp Inn... GSnv...?.." Rm sXp tIm]nepw Aw ss\cmiynepw tNmZnp. " \ns IfnIsfmw... \osbt Ap XpWow s]mn \nn.... sImtd sImcp Ifnnnt... C\ow... \o t\mntm... ImWnp Xcmw.. tM...?" " C\ow \nfp XpWn apgph\pw ]dnp ImWnp Xcphmcnpw... " " FmSm ]dt.....FphmSm... \o Ftn hnNmcnt... FSm \o ChnSt KpmbmsWnte... Rm SuWnte hnm.... FtmSp Ifn...." " AXp Imepw Adnbmw... X\n NcmsWv... " Rm ]ndp]ndpp. " \nv.. s]mdps]mdpmsX sXfnp ]tdSm....." " _vipw....Hq..." Rm tXmfp Ipepn ImWnp. Atm A hnfnp. " KotX... B Xo Hp \nntb.. Icnqp tXmWq..." " tiym... Icnp ImWpw..." GSn Fs hnnp ASpfbntep \njv{Ianp. Rm AhnsS \nmtemNnp. Cu km[\nt\ Fp sNWw. Fs\ sacpmw. CXp app Xt. hgnsbmv. Fs {]hrnI Hfnp\np I Cu km[\nt\ Hfnp Ip cknpI. t\tc sNmthz Hpw \SptIe. GSnbmbntmbnt.. amtemIcp tIm tamimc Rm Xt. AXpsImv kq{Xn Icp \oWw. Xnfmgv \ Znhkw Xs, `{ZImfn Ipfnm Ipfnapdnbn tIdngn DSt\ Rm AhcpsS apdnbn tIdn. Inens Iotg t\mn. cp sambpw Hcp XebnWbpw Npcpn Inens Iotg shnpv. In henbXp Xt. ]ns Hcp {Sps]n. AXp GSn hw IqsS sImp hXmbncnpw. AXpw IqSmsX Hcp ISemkps]n. FmsWp t\mm t]mbn. C{Xbpw km[\nSbn F\nsmfnncnWw. mnIv ]mInb InemsWInepw Hcp sa Fgpw AXnt DmIpw. Fmw Hcp hn[n HXpnshp. Npcpnb sambv AcnIn hc hn[n Rm Inens ASnbn AcnIn HXpnshp. Fs IpI am{Xw shfnbn, B apdnbn Fp \Smepw ImWmw, As\ Hcp Iymadmpambn Rm Inen\p Iotg Imp InSp. Aw Igntm Hcp aqfnmpambn GSn apdnbntep hp. IXISp Ipnbnp. tXmp Iqn sInhncp apSnbgnnp. Pens Ac hennp. Fnepw apdnpn \ shfnapv. kmcnmhmSbpw ukpw am{Xanp \np AhcpsS IpnIv \ InbpXp t]mse. \Sptm IpeppXn\p]Icw hndpItb Dp. Fs tXhtc Ctmp Xncnp \nt XpWn amdq Fsmp Cu kv{Xotbsmp tXmnntW, Asn shdptX B IpSpnI am{Xw Insp Imcyw. Chtc ]nd ]Sn ImWWw, Rm atbmsS InSp. Fs apn\Snbn Ipp Xe s]mn\nv tNmZnpp. Ahcv XpWnbgntm Fv. ASsSm, Cw ImWmw. Rm Ahs Xebn Hp sRnnSnp. Ah ImSnbntev t\mn\nv ukns lppIsfSpp. F\nhcpsS Hcp hita ImWpp. XpdpInS uks\ Xsbnnv Ah tXmsSpv ImSnbn t\mnsmv sNcnp \nv AgnpInS apSn tXmn. ]ns Xesbmp IpSp. apSn ]pdIntenp. AXhcpsS ]pdw apgph adp InSp. Fp karamb apSn Cu XmSIv, Rm a\ntemp. hntnbpsS apSnv \ofapsnepw C{Xbpw Dn. Fs a\p [rXnIqn. uskmgnp Ifsbs ssacp s]t. apep apIfn adp InS ukv Aw sXn amdn. lmbv, Idp apncn t]mse Ip \np B apesRv Itm Fs Ipbpw Inm XpSn. Ibv s]mptmgpw FSpptmgpw B ape ukn\Snbn InSp Xppp. klnpn. Hp ]nSnp sRcnm ]nsbn. XeapSn hmcnsbSpv Aw apIfnembn Xpp sInbnp Atm apSnsbmsmXpn. ]ns Aeamcn Xpdv XpWnIsfSpv Inens AcnIn hp Inentenp. Ctm F\nhcpsS ]mZfpw ]mhmSbpw am{Xta ImWm ]ppp. s]sp ]mhmS

Xmtgqp hoWp. Ctm AhcpsS apn\p apI htc ImWmw _mn Inen\p apIfn. tlm, Cw AhcpsS A{XntImWw Rmdp]mInb t]met I{XnqSbpambs\ Inen\p apIfn \np XnfpIbmhpw. sa InSpXpsImv Hpw ImWm\pw h. F\np \ncmi. Ct Imgv tKm]n. C\n GXmbmepw Ah ]pXnb hkv{XfpSpv Cdnt]mIpw. Ah ]mhmSbppn \npw Cdn. ]ns AsXmcp aqebntep tXmnsbdnp. Ctm ]mZfneWnncnp shnsmepkpIfpw ImWmw. XSn B IWmepIfnte tcmaOmb Rm t\ct IXmsWnepw, hopw ImWm \ ckw. \ncmisp InSptm Ah hopw ImSnbpsS apntep \on. \Stm Fs NnSnns\mv B IpnIfpw XpnbnSnp. Fsmcp hncnhmWm IpnIv. Nhpntdw. AXnsem\p ISnms\nepw ]nsbn. Ctm In Hcp ]uU Snpapv. AXns ASp Xncnp. ]ns Hcp skp t\cw BtemNnp. Xncnp\Sv FhnStm Hcp tXmsSpp. ImSnbpsS apn hp. ]uUSn Inentep hensdnp. XebpsS ]nhiw apSns]mn tXmn. ukqcn Xmsgbnp. Ctm `mcwsImv Ip\np InSp Hcp Ipfm shpe HccnIp \npw F\np Zriyambn. IsSpm tXmpn. CXmsWs ukn\pn InSv sXdnv sXdnv hp]nSnnpXv. Dtjw sImmbncnpw Ah Hcp aqfnmp ]mSn. " {]mW\mYs\\np \Inb ]cam\...... ]mns\mw Igpp tXmn, ]ns apeI Hmtcmpw s]mn AhbptS ASnhiw tXmn. Atm Ahcv Fs t\sc ]IpXn Xncnp. apdnbpsS aqemWp t\mw. t\tc Xncnsn Fs Ip]nSntt\. Rm GXpkabhpw ]mbp ]nn adbm Xbmdmbn t\mnnSp. Hmtcm apeIfpw s]mptm Fs a\p ]dp. Fs s]mt Rm s]mn Xtt\tm... Ipfm \dpth apdnpshncnpv t]msebp hapeI GSnbpsS In HXppn. tXmm thn s]mnbnv Ibv hnSptm Ah Xmtgp hoWp \np XppXp ImWm Fp ckw. Fsmcp \ndw. Xhnp \ndn B apepI Xnfpp. \Spv XSnv I apncnm apesRpI. tNm, CXp apgph\pw tN IpSnpthm. FhnsS, B t\cv ]p ]pt\mmptX tN Nnnq. ]ptIsen Ctmp hnSv. ChcpsS Imcyw Rmt\p. Rm Ipsbmp sRn]ngnp. Ah Ibdp s]mnpp. shfnw ImWm icoc`mKfnsemw B sh FSpp ImWnpp. XpSnp \np Acsns Hcp hiw Ip. AdnbmsX Rm Xesbmp \on t\mn B {XntImWw Hp ImWm, cbnm. Acsns B \o Npfnhp am{Xw. Ah hopw ImSnbntep Xncnp. Hcp Ibvs]mn adphit Iw XpSp. F\nXp ImWm ]nbn. XpSnv tXmsmp aWp. hopw XpSp. aWp. ]ns Fs hit Ibvs]mn XpSp. Fnv t\cnv Iw Xt aWp. hopw XpSp. Ibv s]mnbtmgmWp Rm\m Iw IXv. \ XpSnpXSn, \Sphn \oenabm Iw. Ismp aSnbtm B Npfnhn\v ]qSbnm ]qdns cq]w. Hcp t\ct ]en\Xv [mcmfw aXnbmIpw. IdpIdp ]qSI NnXdnnSpp. Atm Hp a\nembn. AXymhiy `mK am{Xta sNcpp. \mbn, Ipdp ]qS \ns, Fnte s]Wns Iw hnbq. ASppIqSn t]mIptm B hnbns ImaapWp asnepw Inpatm. ]ns Ah Imew Ihp\nnv IhnSbntep tXmnp XpSp. Hcp Ibv sImv IpnbIn ]pdIn IqSn sImXhpw tXmn. F\nv AIsampw ImWm ]nbn. ]ns HmtemNnp. ImSnbpsS apn InS Itkc hennv AXn Hcp ImseSpv s]mn shp. Atm B IhqSp hncnp \nncnpw. hncnp \np B ]pkvXIqdp Rm a\n knp. Ah ImSnbn t\mn. ]qdnIw ASnapX apIfntesmp henp XpSp. Xr]vXnbmImsX Ip\nv aphip IqSn Inv IqXnapX Hp IqSn henp XpSp. ]ns tXmn t\mn Ftm, apSnbmbncnmw, FSpp Ifp. tXmp aqnteSpnp, Fnv Inentesdnp. ]t hoWXv Xmsg, Fs ]mbpsS ASpv. ]mv Atmgpw aqfppv. {]mW\mY, Fs G kpJnnptXmmbncnpw. F\nm tXmnt\mSkqb tXmn. AhcpsS clky`mKfnsemw Aacm\p `mKyw Innb

B tXmv ]Xps FSpm Rm Ibv \on. s]sv Ah Inentep Xncnp. \Sp hp Fs apnembn \np. \Sp Inentep hcptm Idpp Ombbp B {XntImWw Hcp anmbw t]mse Ip. XSn ]q`mKw, \ofw Ipd Hcp hc, Rmdpt]met IpntcmanSbn IqSn AXp B s]m XpSInSbntep ]qgvp t]mbncnpp. CsXmp ]nfnmWWsan ASp A ISnWw. Hcp \nanjw, ]uUdns ]cnafw apdnbn hym]np. XmsgnS tXmv Ah ImepsImv tXmnsbSpp. C\n XpWn DSpptm hXpw hniZambn ImWm ]ntbpw, Rm\minp. Rm Isnv Fs Ipbn XtemSnsmncpp. \mbn hXpw ImWm ]nsbn Inen\p Iotg Xs hmWaSnp ]nSnsmgntmw Fp hnNmcnp. Atm Inen\p Xmtgpw Aw ]uU Xqhn hoWp. hopw ImSnbpsS apntev, In XqhnsbSp ]uUdpambn. ]ns ImepIfw AIn AXp IhnSbn Xqhn. Rm hnNmcnp ]qdps]mfnv AIp tXpsav, AXpmbn. ImSnbn t\mn, apeI cpw cp IbvIfn ASnbn \npw XmnnSnp s]mn, t\tc hp, ]ns Xmtgnp. Atm B AarXIpw` ]cn`htmsS Hp IpWpnsdnp. Fs Dpw InSpnsdnp. Ah B apeIfpsS hip \npw cp apeItfbpw \Sphntep XnnSnp. Atm Ah sRn sRcpn NXp \np. AsXn\msWs\np a\nembn. `wKn t\mn cknpIbmbncnpw. ]ns Hmtcmpw ASnbn \npw XnnSnv B Idp apehn Dshp. AtmgmWp Rm {inXv, AXns Cu hiv \mbn Idp Hcp adpIv. Fs adptI \ns kvYm\w sImmw. C\n XpWn DSppambncnpw. Atmgpw Hcp anmbw t]mse B XpSbnSpv ImWmatm. ]t Fs A`pXsSpn ASp cwKw. t\sc Xncnp \np. apSn tImXnsmv ASp ]mv. " IZfnhmgnencpp Imbnp hncpp hnfnp.... hncppImcm...hncppImcm hncppImcm hms...." ]mns\mnv Ah \rw shpp. Fs hms]mfnp t]mbn. \rns NphSpIf\pkcnv ]mZfpw Dqnbpw inbmbn \nep Xptm Aw Xpfpnb B Benehbdpw Ipepn. Cen t]mes ]qSw hndpp. CXnsems ckw Igppdm Ippsf FfnbnseSpv \ Ipepptm Ah NmmSp t]mse B Idn\mcm apeI NmmSpp. kv{]np sXdnpXp t]mse Ah Xpp\p. lmbv F\np ]nSnp. CSh IqSpX Xpptm GSn IbvsImhtb XmnnSnp. Aen Dkhn\v dnmUp Umkp sNp s]ptf aWnqdp IWn\Xv Rm t\mn cknpw. _mte t\cw shfppXp htc ImWpw. F\np \rw CamWv. Cu \rns HcpiXam\w t]mepamhn B \r. GSn XncnbpXpw hw IdpXpw IsdnbpXpw Fp Iem]cambnmWv. {]Xn`bp Hcp IemImcn. B {]Xn` Cu Ip{Kmante ]nip\mb Fs tNs icoc`mcw Xmn apcSnm\m{bnpw tbmKw. Fs Ip XmgvXv Rm\dnn. Imaw IuXpIn\p hgnamdnsmSpp. apeIfpsS Nmmw, IpnIfpsS Xp, hbdns Ipepw. s]mnW t]msebp ]pnpgnbpsS henb, Idp Ipn tcma ]mInb shfp ISnXSns hndb, CsXms \ lcam Zriy. cp an\nv Ah ]mp]mSnbmSn. ]ns ImSnbpsS apn t]mbn Hcp Umkvt]mkn \nv kzbw hnebncpn. As\ \nptm tImw, AbpsS hnfn. " KotX... KotX..." " Fmt... " GSn hnfn tIp. " \o B Xosn Fm\pw Itm tamtf..." " AXm ]mXIttem atm ImWpw... Rm Zm hcpp...." s]sv Xncnv Inen\cnIn hp \np. Hcp ]mhmS B hmgnn ImepIsf aqSpXp am{Xta Rm\dnpp. Inen\cnIn InS ]mbn Im Xnbtm AXv ImepsImv tXmn Aw Dnemm t\mn. ]ns ImSnbpsS apn sNptm uknnpv. lm^vkmcnpsSpp Ipn, apn hmcnsn, GSn [rXnbn apdn Xpdndntmbn. DSXs Rm Inen\p Iotg\npw shfnbnendn. IXIp Nmcn. Ah kmam\w XpS tXmp Xn. AXp Zm, Inens

{Imnbn InSpp. Rm\sSpp Xncnpw adnpw aWp. HcnSv Aw \\hp Ip. AXp aWtm Ftm Hcp Kw, ]t, apdnbn apnp \nXv GSnbpsS ]uUdns aWambXpsImv F\nsmpw BkzZnm km[nn. Rms\mp Xocpam\np. CXv \ Hcp ]cn]mSn Xs. Fsnepw Hp ImWmatm. AhcpsS \kucyw AhcdnbmsX BkzZnptm KqVamb Hcm\w a\n. ]t, F\nhtcmSv Hcp _lpam\w, \ockw IpdXp t]mse. ]ntXns ]nt Znhkw, Rm hnemkn\n hon \npXp Ip. GSn ASpfbn Ibtd Xmakw, Rm HmSn AhnsSsbn. hniz ] sXtme sImv Hmev s\pp. " Itm hmkpthm... \ apgp ]v..." Ah Hmess ImWnp. " hntnsbntbSm..." " ASptf ImWpw...." " Atbm..?..." " A ]iq\p ]pp sNm t]mbn......" " \osbm t]mImXv..." " hntn am{Xtbpp ChsS.... Cnsc Ignbpw sNmatmv hcm Rm t]mIpw..." " Fm \o sNv... Cw sNnmWpw...." " Mqlpw... A Cw t]mbtX Dp...." Cu ieynt\ Hgnhmms\mcp amhpw ImWpntm. " hnizm... \o F\npw IqSn aqmep ]p sIncpthm..." " hmkpth\v sheyXp thtWm sImnXp thtWm..." " sheyXv...." " t]mIt... Rm\nw sIncmw.... " hniz ]pdttmSn. Rm\Spfbntep tIdn. AhnsS hntn Idncnp sImncnpp. " hntn Fm Cv Sbnn\np t]mImXv..." " Hcp ckw tXmo....AtXmp t]mbn...." Rm hntn Ccnp sNdnb s_n\p ]ndIn sNp `nnbn Nmcn \np. s_ns Hcv shmbpw ]mhmbpw Dnbpsamsbmbn Hcp sNdnb apdw. apSn Aekambn Cv Hcp tXmp amdp hnes\bnv Aw Ip\nncpv ]dn apdnp hntnbpsS Nn{Xw GtXm kn\nam t]mdnt\ Hmnnp. Cu \mS s]ns clky`mKsfms Fs IchncpXpsImv tImcncnXmWtm Ftmtm Fs tZlpw Ipfncp tImcn. Hp sInnSnWsap tXmn. sas ]pdIn sNv s_n Im apnp \np. " Mqw... Fm.. `mhw... DucpNpms\mpw t]mbnt...?.." hnemkn\n tNmZnp. " hntn ....Fssbms ad t]msebm hm\w ]tds..." " hmkqs\ admt\m... \osbsmsbmSm ]tdt..." " Sbnn\p t]mIpw.. \ Bnmsc Hs t{]anmtm... " Rm Hcp ImapIs ]cn`hw ]dp. " \tf Bcp t{]anm\mSm... F\np ]Tnnsmcp tPmenp tIdWw... ifw ..hmWw... At{XbpsSm..." " Gntb Bcp Imepw t{]anpw... Gntb sNekabw \ tiem ImWm... Rm t{]antmt...?" " AS... Fs t{]anm ]nb km[\w....." " AsXt, Fs km[\w Gn IXt...?.." " t]mSm ....\nssbmcp....." Gn ]pdIn \n Fs Kpems apIfn IbvappsImsmp Ipn. B kv]i\w Fs Kpemt\ DWn. Rm sas Nmv Dcnp Ip GnbpsS ]pdp apnp. Gn FXnsmpw {]ISnnn, ]Icw apXpIv ]ndIntep XnnSnp. Rms\s Kpemt\ B apXpIn XnnSnmkzZnp. " s\s km[\w sImmsap ]dXp sImmtbm... \o Ftm Ffat..." " Ffmbmsem... GosS kmam\w Rm \ow Gnv \ kpJw Inot... ]nsm sImgw...."

" Aw \osbt t{]anms\doXm...." shnm apdnpsImpw Fs Kpem\n ]pdanpcpsImpw Gn tNmZnp. " Hm... Hp ImWWp tXmn. GSnb Fs hnSn. Hfnm Cw t]mt..... Rm ]dnt... aqmep sZhkw Rm Hcp I{XntIw sImv Gntb Xn \Sphmcpp..." " AsXn\mSm..?.." " Av ]dsXms adp t]mtbm..?..GosS AhSw hSnm... Aw ]ns ImWm \ `wKow ImWpw, aWpan...." " l..l..l... \o Cgpw AtXmp \SphmtWm...." Ft Ifnbmp amXncn Ah Nncnp. " ]nmsX... Gn Fs ]dn Xnp Xcmsap ]dv .. Fs ]nym.. " " As\ Hs \Sp... C\n As\ Ifnmte htmcpw Adnm... Fmw sImgbpw.. \o BtcmSpw ]dbt..." " Rmdbn... " Rm ]cnkcw adp. GnbpsS apXpIp tNp \npsImp Xt tXmfn\p apIfn IqSn ukn\Ip cp Ipanp. t\sc IbvI sNp \nXv B Ipp apeIp apIfn. s]smbXpsImv GnsXnm\pw ]nbn. Rm B apeIfn sRpI Iqn HXpn]nSnp sas sRn. " hmkqm... \osbmSm... Cu sNtW... " Gn ]Xdnb in tNmZnp. " CXp cpw Rm hepXmncmw... Gntb... Atcw ImWm \ ckmIpw....." " FSm... \o IsSpv... Bscnepw tIdnhcpw... " tZla\msX Gn IpdpIndp. ]ns shmbpw Inbpw apdnenp. Hcp IbvsImv ukns apIfnte Hcp lpsSpp. Atm henp \n ukbp. Fs IbvIv A\mbmkw Dn s]cpamdm Ignp. Gn apXpInfn ]pfbm XpSn. Rm HXpap B apeIfn XgpIn, sRpI hncepInSbnenp Xncpn. AhbpsS an\pkns kpJw Fs Ipbntep ]mp tIdn. " Go...." " Mqw..." " Fs ]dnsbmp Xnmthm...." Hcppt]mse _esh Fs Ip apXpIpcpsImp Rm tNmZnp. " thsSm... CXp ]Iem... Btfmfp hcpw...Atw.. hniz\pw..." " Ahcnw hcnto.... Cm Hp Xnv.. ]ns Rm GosS \ncmw..." " \o Hcp hmh Xt...Mqw... Fmepw.....\ns Ibv sXmSpw FhnsSsbmstbm Xo ]nSnp t]mse..." Gn ]pdtImp sNcnp. apn\Ip \npw Fs IpsbSpp InsemXpn. s]sv Rm hnp amdn, ukn\pn \npw IsSpp. HmSnsv ASpfbpsS aphmXn ASp kmmbnp. ]pdInte hmXn Xpdp InSp. ]IpXn Nmcnbnp. AYhm ]dn \npw Atbm atm tIdn hm Zqsc \np Xt ImWWw. ]ns, shfnw thWatm. Rm \Sptm Fs Ip sXmqdp Un{Knbn \nmSnpepn. AXp t\mn Gn shandn. Xncnp hp GnbpsS apn \np. hopw apn IqSn ukn\pn IbvIfnp. Ctm hopw ukv henp \np. Gn Hcp lpp IqSn FSppXp. Rm apeIfn Fs ]Wn XpSp. Ipep \n Ip GnbpsS Npn apnp. Gn Aht\ ]nSnp sXmenSp Hp cp {]mhiyw. B arZpIcfn InSv Fs Ip ]qfngp t]mse Inbmbn. Gn Aht\ apJtmSSpnp. " shbp aWpp, thtd GXmsmcp atWmsamtmSm....hmkqm...."Gn ]dp. " kmcan... AXp IptsS aWam... Rmt\osS AhSt Fp am{Xw shbpw atWmw klnXm.. Fs s]mtnbt..." Rm Ip _eambn XnsmSpp. Hw Ip\nv B apeIfn `wKnbmbn sRnsmSpp. DwInenv amhp IpgpXp t]mse Iin. kpJw tIdnb sImmImw GnbpsS hm AdnbmsX Xpdpt]mbn. Fs Ip B Ipp hmbn ]IpXntbmfw tIdn. lm, B CfwNqSn Fs Ip Ccpp hnn.

" henp DunpSnv.. " Rm ]dp. Gn IIfpbn Ft t\mn. B Nph NppI Fs Iptb hebw sNbvXncnp Imgv Xt aXnbmbncpp F\np shw hcm. " aptmpw ]pdtImpw aqv..." Rm hmbntemp Ip Xnsmp ]dp. Atm Gn ]pdtImp adnbm `mhnp. Rm HcpIbv ukns Dn \nsSpv GnbpsS XebpsS ]pdIn XmnnSnp. atbv amdn amdn apeIfn HmSnp XgpIn. Fs\ sNWsav Gnv Adnbn. HSphn ]IpXn hmbn shpsImv IbvsImp XtemSm\pw hmWaSnm\pw XpSn. ]pXnb A\p`hambncpXp sImmImw cp an\np thn hn, Fs Acsn sh XpSn. AdnbmsX Rm GnbpsS hmbn Ip Ducnbqcn ]n. CSnSv Gn "Mv Mv Mv " Fp Rcp Hcp iw shp. sXmbn XnmWpw. Ahkm\w Fs AnpS Npcpn. Fs Ibv GnbpsS apeIfn Aan \nivOeambn. GnbpsS apSnp IpnnSnv Rm Fs Ip _eambn hmbn AannSnp. Gn Hcp IbvsImss Xnamm t\mn. Rm hnn. " lv.. lv.. lv.. lv.. " Rm apcpsImv ISp \nv GnbpsS sXmbntev Fs NqSp ]m NonpsImSpp. ]mhw Gnp asmcp \nhrnbpanmbncpp. AXp CdpIbmsX. Fs ]me`ntjIw Ignp. Rm Fs Ibp. Atm Gn Fs Xn amn, ]IpXn _en Ip ]pdp hp. Dan\ocpw iphpw IqSnpg Ip Nmp \np. Rm Fs Ibnenbn Ip XpSp. hmbn \nd ipw Gn \netp Xpn. NndnbpsS AcnIn IqSn Hcp Xpn Henndn. B apJt hnImcw F\np a\nembn. s]sp apdsaSpp Xmsg shp. ]ns ]dp. " Gn Cu s_ttemp sISt... Ftnp Rm \ncmw....." Npaen ]nSnv Rm Gntb s_n aennSn. kz]v\nse t]mse tNn s_n aep InSp. ]mhmSbpw sNdp]mhmSbpw henp s]mn. hbtp shp. Fnv cp Imepw s_ns Ccp hipambn Cp. s_ns Ap Rm\pw Ihncpp, hnSp hncnp \n B ]qSqdntev apJw Xmgvn. Cncn aq{Xns aWapmbncpsnepw, AIp \npw Aw apv XnfsmgpIn h ]p aZ\{khnsbpw hncn ]qdns ap]nSnnp kzXthbp aWntbpw AXn{]kcw B \ms AXnPohnp. t\tc Xt, Xes]mn \n Ipnntep Rm \mhpw Nppw {]tbmKnp. AXp NpnseSpp t\mn. AIt ]qppI hmbnenp NnpSnp. In \ntdnbtm Gn hnfnp. " thKw... Aan \v... thKw... Mqw...Mqw...." B Immcnpdnnbn ]p \ocpdh \ndtm AXns Kw amdn. AtXmsS ]qdzm[nIw XIrXnbmbn Rm\Xns ASppIfpsS CSv \mtmSnp. CSnSv Acsp hfpw Xnbpw Npnpw Gn F\np t{]mkml\w \In. B ]oT`qanbnte tcmacn Hcp ]rtXyI kpKw Dcpncnp. tbm\nmens AcnIn \n Ipptcma Fs \mn XSp. Ah Fs Xe ]nSnv IhnSbntean shp. ]ns AcIn apfIcp t]mse Fs apJanpcm XpSn. Hcp an\npt]mepw Dcn AXn\p apv Ah henp apdpIm XpSn. " ltbm...ltbm...ltbm. .ltbm..... iviviviviv.. .. ..Fs hmkppm... " Ah iaan \nehnfnpsImv Fs apJw ]nSnv IhqnteannSnv \nivOebmbn. ]pfn ImWptm \mhn\npw shaqdnsdnpXpt]mse B sNqdn \npw tbm\nt Ipnsbmenp. Rm\Xn apJanpcp. Dpckw BkzZnp. F\np a\n hfsc ktmjw, Fs IpXnv kpJnnXn\p Rm {]Xn^ew Gnp \Inbtm. " lhq...lhq.. ... Gmepw \osbt kpJnnmsX hnSn, AtSm.... Ipm...?.." Rcp t]mse Gn ]mXn ISp InSpsImp ]dsmnp. Fs apSnbn XgpInnSp \nizknp. Rm B ]nfpXpd ]qn \npw apJapbn. aZ\pgn \\p Xnfp AXns aSpIfn Rm hncepItfmSnp. ]qSI shdptX henp cknp. ]ns AXns AIp\n NpfI IqnnSnp apIfntep henp hnp. s_n IhpInSpXpsImv AXp hopw sas AIp henp

\np. \n\nd IpItfmsS hnemkn\n Fs hnIrXnIfmkzZnv Ft t\mn ]pncnpsImv Ihp InSp. " Xsm XncppXnepw Fp t`Zm...." hnemkn\n sas BKXw t]mse ]dp. " Fn\m Xsm Xncppt.... Fp thZt\w \ocpamtWepw... Gn Ft hnfnm aXn... Rm Xncpncmw..." Rm Fs tkh\w hmKvZm\w sNbvXp. " Mqw... " Gn Isnv Fs Ihnfn kvt\ltmsS Hp Ingpn. Atm F\npw hmkeyw Dnepdp IqSn. B Ihnfn Hcp sImSpm Rms\mcpnbtm, B Npn\cnIn Atmgpw Fs Hcp Xpn ckmb\w Inbmbn ]nnSnncpp. Rm\Xv Xqp Ifbm\mbn Ibv \on. s]sv, Btcm aphit hmXn XpXp t]mse tXmn. Rsfmp sNhntbmp Xn Xn t\mn. Rm NmSnsbgpt\p. Gntb hensgptnp. Gn ]mhmS Xmgvn. Rm Ibnen s]mn Fs apJw XpSp. Gn ukns Hcp lpnp. Rm apdsaSpv s_n shp. hntn InsbSpp In ]nSnp. Atmtgpw ]pdInet hmXnen IqSn AItp Fn t\mp GSnb. " BMvlm... \o ChnsSsbmmcptm.. Rms\hnsSsbmw sXcn.... \nt Ctmsmp hnSm.. ImWmXncptm ]ns, Rm Xs Ctmp t]mp...." GSn AItp Ibdn. Rm hfn apJtmsS Ahtc t\mn. hntnbpsS ]mhmS apn\p Xmsg htctb Xmgvncppp. GSn AXp Ip, ]ns cp t]tcbpw amdn amdn t\mn. " Rm ...NpmXncpw...." Rm hnn. " Fnns s\\v..Hp ]dtpw t]mcmambncpnt... AhnsS Hscm Npf sImSpfnbn... ao shn shncnphm... Fm \nt ItStesmp hnSmp IcpXnbm t\mntb...." AhcpsS apJsmcp Incn. t]meokp \mb aWp t]mse Ah aqp hnSn. GnbpsS apJtp kqnp t\mn. ]ns \nep XqhnnSp hntn Xpnb ipan{inXw t\mn. GnbpsS ukns Hcp lpv Atmgpw Xpdp InSpIbmbncpp. " CsXm hnemkn\o NqSp IqSpXemcnpw At... A XpWnsbms sXmdnncnpXv...." AtmgmWp Gn cmas lqns ImcytamXv. s]sv AXSp. ]ns app htc Dbp InS ]mhmS henp Xmgvnbnp. " Mm... \ NqsSmv....." Gntb hnbp. " Cu NqSv hmXneSv apdnIncpm... Am.... CsXm.... hnemkn\n ]gn IpSnphmcptm Cv.. Nndntbepw s\epsams Inshw Xqhnbncnpp...." hntn NndnXpSp. AdnbmsX Hp aWp. AdnbmsX B apJw Npfnp. ]ns ]mhmSbn XpSp. CsXmw {inp \n GSn ]dp. " Fm... hnemkn\o.... Hsn..... Hcp aqmep sNmf sImSpfn Xm.... taSnpw Xncnp Xcmw...." hntn Fgptms\mcpn. Atm GSn hnen. " Fgpt... \nsS ]Wn \Stmt... FhnsSbm Ccnptv ]dm aXn..... Rms\Sptmfmw... " AXp hIshmsX hntn Fgptv ]pfnbpsS ]m{XsaSpv GSnbpsS In sImSpp. GSn cp aqp IjWw FSpp Fnv ]m{Xw GnbpsS Intep sImSpp. Fnp ]dp. " sImSpfnbm.... \mbnv ASp kqnp shm... cpNnbmbnv D]tbmKnmw... sXmdp htv.... tItm... " B ]dXnsemcp Zp:qN\bnt. hntn Ft Hp t\mn. Gn ASp \mbnp apdpnbSp. ]ns ]m{Xw XncnsI shp. " Fm hnemkn\o.. Rm t]mt... A samfIctmncnphm.... FSm... Cu hnemkn\otS ]dnWn Ignbpw... \o t\sc hontemp hctW... ItSsemp t]mWw..." GSn ASpfbn \npw ]pdndn. " RsS ]Wn Ignp... KotXo... C\n... F\np sNms\mtX Hp. hmkq sNv...." hntn ]dp.

" Igntm..?... F\npw tXmn.... Ignqv.... ]ns C\ow samdn _mn Htmp Ip ]dXm... Fm \o hmSm..." GSn \Sp. Rm Xncnv hntntb Hp Xebmn ImWnnv ]pdtI \Sp. ASpfbpsS aphmXn Xpdp ]pdndptm GSn Xncnp \np tNmZnp. " A hnemkn\o... Cgpw samdw s\dp sISpht... thtW.. Fmw Xonnht\ hnm aXn.... HmIpw s]sp Xop InptIe....." " th KotX... C\nsbmXv Rms\mv sNbvtXmfmw...." " Fm hmkq hm.... " Atm hniz ]dn \npw Hmebpambn tIdn hp. " hmkpth t]mIphmtWm... Rm sInhtmw....At Atmp sImzcmw.... " " Mqw..." Rms\mp aqfn. ]ns shnbmSp B IpSpnIfpsS Xmfhpw t\mn GSnbpsS ]pdtI \Sp. hon sNp, Rm Fs apdnbntep t]mbn. Atm ASpfbn \npw AbpsS iw. " A... \o CsXhnsStmbXmcpsSo... Cw ChnsS \np IXmWtm..." " Rm t\mnbw sImSpfn Int... Fm cp sNmf ISw taSnmp IcpXn ImtoShnsS t]mbXm..." " tM... CXp \ Iqv... \o FhnsSbm ]pfn t\moXv.... tZ... Cu AeamtcsS apn Xt CcnpIt dmep IWn\p sImSpfn...." " Atm....ChnsSmmcptm... Aw Rms\hnsSbm... t\mnbXv.... Fssbmcp Imcyw...." GSn ]dbpXp tIp. Rm a\n ]dp. Almco... \o t\mnbXv Ftw hnemkn\otSw IhstSsemv.. t\mntm, \ns shey B sImSpfn Hcp Znhkw Rm ISnp ]dnpw. Hcp Ipgeqns kpJw Igntm Bekyw. Rm Hp abn. " FSm...kmtd... FWov.... aXn HdoXv... " GSnbpsS iw tImWp Rm\pWXv ]mhmSbpw tInpn GSn hmXn. " Fgptv .... F\ndnbmw, \ oWw ImWpw... ChnsS XnpI... h honepw t]mbn ]WnXp sImSppI... sImmw tamt\... \ns ]cn]mSn... " " Rm ]Wnbm t]mbX...Npm..." Inenencpv Imemn apJw Iqnp Rm ]dp. GSn ]pdtImp t\mn. Fnv iw Ipdp tNmZnp. " AsX\ndnbmw... Csmcpp... sFw..?.. B \tmen s]ns hmbnev..... Atepw \o alm sXmSnbmbn hcpXv... FSm CXv \ns `mhnv \Xn\... ]dtmw...." " GSnb.. thmXo\w ]db...tItm..." Rm hnpsImSpn. " Rms\n\m ]dbtW... IXIpw sXmdntmmcptm cpw IqsS... FSm... B Xsbm\pw B t\cv tIdn hmcpsn \ns _mn ImWpamcptmSm... ]mhw... AXns tamtepw s\epw.... Fm XpWnsbnepw Hv t\tc sNmthz.... A F\nsm... \mbm s\\v sImmw... Ahkm\w Ipw F\nmIpw.... hm hp hXpw Igntmv sNv ... ASp sFn\v.... " Rm anmsX AhcpsS ]pdtI B Xmfw Xpp IpnItf A\pIcnp sImp \Sp. ASpf hmXnsenbsm s]sh Xncnp. t\mptm Ahtc A\pIcnv Ipnbmn \Sp Rm. Fs \nntajbmbn Hp t\mn. ]ns ]dp. " Ft tIm{]mbw Imntm... ]nstb... B s]ns\m\pw htmw ]nbm.... t\cnp Rm kmn ]dbpw... ]dbpw, \obm HtSmcs\v..." tlm, F\np kam[m\ambn. Ch D]{Zhnn. ]t FpsImnh AtbmSp t]mepw Hpw ]dbpn ? tNt\mtSm AOt\mtSm ]dm ]ns, Ipnp ]mf sInbm aXn. sNew, Rm\pw Hcp]Imcw sNbvXp sImSpXp sImmbncnpw. Fs\ Cu km[\ns Ip shnm ]pw.

XpSp Ipsd Znhk bmsXmcp ckhpanmsX ISpt]mbn, Bdbnsebpw Iepnsebpw hmbnt\mhpw ]ns KtWis Iptd hfnpIfpw Hsbmbn. Hp cp {]mhiyw GSnbpsS apdnbn tIdm t\mn. XS ImcWw Hpw \Sn., Hcp Znhkw tN, ]ns A, ]ns IpfnIgntm kybmbn, A \maw sNmm hnfnp. As\ ]e apS Fm CXn\nSv hntnbpambn skmmsap shtm AhfpsS AO kvYncw hon. Atcp Ipsd Znhkmbnp ]Wnp t]mIpn. Fs\sbnepw hntnbpsS B sNcp ]Wnbpw IqSn InWw, AXp Ignbptm thsdmcp ImcWw. GXmbmepw hntntbmSp Bkn IqSnIqSn hp. KtWit\ Hp aWnbSnm FhnsSsbnepw Hp ]m Hpw, \nhrnbnmsX B hgnhtc BtemNnp, ]t Bscnepw Adnm ]ns Pohnncnt Imcyan. Ahkm\w tXmpIShnte AepImcnbpsS Xqnb apeIfpw ]ns AdNndIfpambn Xn\on.. ]t hntn Hcp kuP\yw sNbvXp Xp. Bsfmgn apdntbm kuIcytam Innbm Hp apep ]nSnm\pw aphip Hp tXmm\pw sRm\pw Hs \np Xcpw,. sNdnb Ipnbms\nepw AXn sRpXp hntnpw Cambncpp. Ip aqnv tZlp apnm Bscnepw Dtm F\p Npn\pw t\mnbnv Nnetm ]nSnv sRpw, ]t CsXms skpI am{Xw \ofp Iem]cn]mSnI. B kmam\n Hp sXmSm\pw aqp apnm\pw Ahkcw t\mn \Sp. ]t Hpw \Sn. Hcp Znhkw ASpfhip kyabn\p In InnbXmbncpp. _ew ]nSnv ]mhmScSn\pn InXpambncpp. Atmgmbncpp ImnbbpsS hnfn. tIXpw, B \nanjw hntn HmSnfp. hniz Fp ]dbp B \cpv sNdp Fs Xeshw Im ]ns ]pdIop amdn. Ahs\ shnmsWnepw Rm sNm hntn IXIns ]pdIn shpsams ]nSnm\pw \pm\pw hgnsbmcpn Xcpambncpp. Fs\bmbmepw Znhkhpw Hcp hmWn\p hI Hncnpw. ]t Fs honencnp kabw Bbncpp Ghpw hnjaw ]nSn kabw. GSntb Im DSt\ HfnpI cq]amWp a\n HmSnsbpI. ]ns GSn XpWn DSpnnspw B Icpsn apeI Fs t\mn Nncnpp Fpw tXmpw. XSnp s]mnb B aphis ssaXm\p Xt Fs t\mw Xdpw. AhnsS \ncp\np Ipntcma hkv{XfpsS ad t`Znv Fs IpIfnsepw. Nnetm `Ww hnfm sUkvIns AcnIn hp \nptm Fs IpI B `mKp Xs Xdp \npw. B `bcnXp a\nemsbp tXmpp. Hcp Znhkw AXp Gn Xpdp ]dbp t]mse tXmn. Gn tZmip kmmsdmgnm hp apn \ntm Fs t\mw B IpSph ]pnfnepw AXn\p Xmtgp Xpfpn \np hbdnepw Xdp \np. " kmmdp HgnXp aXntbmSm...?.. " Fv Ah tNmZnXp Rm tIn. AdnbmsX Rm ]dpt]mbn. " Hcp Xhn kmmdp sImpatm..." CXp ]dsm sUkvIn sXmp\n GSnbpsS ]pnfn Fs CSXpIbv sImp, Adnp Xt. Ah sRn ]ndtImp Aw amdn ]ns Hcp Xhn kmmdp IqSn Fs ]m{Xnsemgnp. " tM... Fn\m ]ntw HgnXv..." " \obt ]dXv C\ow sImpsav..." " Rm ]dXv...." " s\\p hp tIdn... h s]ntcptSw ]pdtI \Sv..." ]Xps ]dp sImv GSn ]m{Xw inbmbn Xmsg shnv Apdtp t]mbn. tZmi Xotm Rm hnfnptNmZnp. " C\ow tZmibnt.. AtXm Igntm..." Atm A shfnbn \npw hnfnp ]dp. " KotX.... hmkq\p thsXmm FSpp sImSpv..." " Ahs\Spp Igntmfpw... F\np h.... Ahs Hcp apSn t\mw... s\\nw thsd Ftm thWm tXmev... AtSm....." ]ndp]ndppsImv Ah hopw hv F\np hnfn Xp.

" Cansn F\nsmpw Xc......." Rm ]dp. " CamsWpw ]dv Fmw Inpsapw hnNmcnt.....Ahssbmcnw.... lpw.. " GSn apaSnp Znhkfn Rm DancnsbSpv ]papcpn shdptX Ahp Nppw \Spw. Ip\np \Sp apaSnptm B apeI cnsbpw ]IpXnI ukn\p shfnbnembncnpw. s]ns apeI As\ ImWpsXmcp ckamWv. Rm t\mpXp ImWptm GSn sas F\np ]pdw Xncnbpw, Fnp kmcntbm lm^vkmcntbm FSpv amdpIqSn henp Ippw. ]t ^ew XssYh. B hapeI B Ippw ]dnp sImv hopw XqnbIepw. Rm\pw ]pdtI Xncnp apn sNpw. apaSn ]IpXnbmIptmtgpw tN \o Hcp tImphmbpambn Fgptp hcpw. Atm Rm Hpadnbm t]mse t\sc InWpIcbntep t]mIpw. AXpw t\mn Hcp IpkrXnncntbmsS Ah t\sc \nhp \nv Nqens aqSpXn Ddnpw. GSnbpw Abpsams Nnetm hoSns ]pdIphiv Ipnbncpv aq{Xsamgnmdpv. Hcp Znhkw A ]dn t]mb kabv GSn Ipw Xncpn ASpfbn \npw ]pdIntendpXp Ip. F\np a\nembn aWen ]Xnm t]mbXmsWv. Rm Hpadnbm an Atmp sNp. GSn `nnbpsS aqev XpWn Nnsmw s]mnshv iviviviviviviv in apn cknpp. hncnp \np ]dpnI ]IpXn ImWmw. FtXpw s]sv NmSn Fgptp. XpWn XpShtc Xmgvn ]nSnv Imew Ihp \np. s]sp \nnbXp sImmbncnpw, AdnbmsX Hp cp aq{XpnI ImepInSbneqsS Xmtgp hoWXpw Rm Ip. Xmsg aWen ]Xbpw Hcp sNdnb Ipgnbpw. F\nnsp B Imgv. " Fp ImWm\mSm Ctmp hXv....a\pjyt\ apm\pw kXnnsp shm....." Ah Fs cqambn t\mn. " BMvlm... GSnb apphmcptm...Rm hnNmcnp...." Rm \nep t\mnsmp ]dp. " A... Rm Acnbmphmcpp... \ns ]Xn\mdn\v....t]mSm \mdo...A{]v......" Ah XesNcnv Fs Bn. Rm\Xp tIm `mhn XncnsI \Sp. ]nt Rmbdmgv sNdnb Hcp adpc hoSns ]pdIn HmesImp tN sInsmSpp. hoSn\pn Ipfnapdn Htbpp. AXpsImv AXymhiyw hm D]tbmKnms\pw ]dmWv tNt\smv sInXv. GXmbmepw Fs ieyw sImmsWmcpw ]dp tIn, Bizmkambn. ]Wn Igntm Rm AXn\Isms Hp t\mn. Cdnhcptm GSn \npp. " Fm...Hfnp t\mm ]gpsXmtmp t\mphmcnpw... Cp htcv... tamp Rm aq{Xsamgnpw...." ASnb kzcn tZjyn Ibvhnc Nqnsmh ]dp. Rm\pw hnn. " Aw sImgan... AXp ImWm\t KoXpo..... Rm\o s]SmmSp s]SpXv...." " t^mSm... \mWanm Akt.... t]mbn \ns ahfptSXv t]mbn t\mv..... Fnv aWntmv \Sv. ...." Ah ASpfbntep tIdn t]mbn. hmXn sNv Ahscmp Xncnp t\mn. Ahtct t\mn \np Fs \np Itm hopw B IpkrXnncn B apJp hncntm Fsmcp kwibw. Fs tXhtc. Cu km[nt\ Hcp ]nSnbpw Inpntm. tZjyw ImWnppv, No ]dbppv, ]t Fs IpkrXnI BtcmSpw ]dbppan. B, Ftm BIs. Hcp Znhkw DIgnv hnemkn\n hon hp. s]p cpt]cpw IqSn Xnbnencpv skmd]dnepw apSnNoIepw t]t\mhpw XpSn. A apdnbn abpp. Ipdpt\cw Npnn \Snv, Rm hntnbpsS ASpv sNncpp. " tZ hntosS apSn Hncn sImdp..... sImgnp t]mb amXncn..." Rm ]dp. " Hm.. Ahssbmcp kSw Itm... tIm tXmpw ... Ch\m s\s sItyms\v.. Ct hnemkn\o...?.."

Ahsfmpw annbn. B apJw Hp hnhamb t]mse. Fn Chtc Hp Nnnp Xs Imcyw. Rm Fs ImfcmKn AhnsSbncpp aqfn " {]mWmYs\\np \Inb...]cam\ ckw...." " Blm.. Imf ]mSpptm... FhnsS Ino... CXv... Cthtc tIm Hcp Iqv..." GSn Ifnbmn. hntnbpw Nncnp. " apqsmSn Gp In\pw aWsamst ]tdt... Ct hnto...?.." " B.. F\ndnbn...." hntn Ibv aen. " sicnbm... Hp cp Znhkw.. Ch \nsS hoov ChnsS hcpw \ apqsmSosS aWmcpp..... GtXm Itp InnbXmcnpw ...IgpIopw Ipfnnpw t]mIm aWw..." AXp tI hntn AdnbmsX ]mhmS IqnnSnv ImepInSbn Npcpn shp. Fnp ]dp. " cmhnte Hp IpfnWp hnNmcnXm KotX... ]o....." " Hm, AXp kmcan... Htm ctm sZhkw hnemkn\n Ipfnntepw ChnsS Bm Cw ]cmXn HmIn....... CtSm... hmkqm...." GSn Fs t\tc t\mn KqVambn Nncnp. Rm\tm hopw aqfn. " IZfnhmgnencpp Imbnp.. hncpp hnfnp...." s]sv GSn Ft Hp t\mn. Fnp ]dp. " Fgptp t]mSm..... Hcp ]mSpp..... s]ptf Im ]ns... ao\ns ]pdtI ]q \Sp t]mtebm Ch\p sNew... Hpant t]mbn tXmn NqbnsSSm... htmw XSbpw... ao hcm\p kabambn... sNv... hnemkn\n Ipfnm t]mWnt tXmn...?.." " FtOm... Rm\nt... aXnbmbn...... KoX t]mIpnt... " " Rm\pw Cw Ipfn ChnsSbmn......" " AsXm...?..." " F\np h... Cu AtsS ISn sImm\pw ]ns sNdpmscsmv acpsmmnm\pw... ]ns... " GSn \nn. " Fm Rm\tmp sNs KotX... AO sNew sXcpw...." hntn Fgptp. " CncqsS Ccnst... \fv hntijsfmpw ]dntm..." " C KotX...ImnIpSn Ignp hcmw..." " Fm sicn ...sNv...." hnemkn\n apSn hmcnsn, Cdn \Sp. Rm\pw ]pdtI \Sp. DSt\ GSn hnfnp. " FSm... hmkqm... \o FhnsStmIphm... AhfhfpsS hontmIphm... \otbm....?..." " Npm...." " As\ Np....Ctmp hm... ChnsS ]nSnXp ]Wov..." Rms\mp aSnp. GSn Fs Hp Xdnp t\mn. Rm Xncnp AhcpsS ASptp sNp. " Fp ]Wnbm HXv...?.." " Fs tam hm...]dbmw..." GSn Fs In ]nSnv ASpfbntep sImp t]mbn. " FSm... s\\shnSm s]sv... Cu ]msms Inntb...?..." " AXv...AXv ]nt...." " kXyw ]dbWw...." " Aeov tIXm...." " BMvlm... Aen Cu cp ]mt Htm....?...t\cp ]dnt Rm Fmw tNt\mSp ]dp sImSppw... s\tw s\s hntotSw Fm tXepw aWepw \epw Hs..." GSn Fs hncn. tNs t]cp ]dtXmsS Fs Kymkp t]mbn. " Cmsfmcp sZhkw.. GSnb ]mSpXp tIXm....." " Aw \o Fs apdnhmXpt Hfnp \np tIphmcpp At..." " Mqlpw.... Rm\Xnte \Sp t]mbw... tIXm..." " \o AItmv Hfnp t\mnbmcptm Atcw...?..." ASpp s_n CcppsImv Cuknbmbnh tNmZnp. Rm AhcpsS apn sNv \np. Fnv Xe sNmdnp.

" At... Rm\m Xcmc\... t]mcmnv IXISncnphmcpp. sXmdmcpt... Rm\Ip htt\... F\np ]mp hey Cm... ]ns, GSnbtsS kztcmw \Xm.... Rms\mp tNmZntmt... FtmsSn\m GSnbn{X tZjyw.....?.." Ahsct Hp t\mn. ]ns Fs sNhnp ]nSnp kuayambn Ingpnbnp ]dp. " \ns sNekabt hnIrXnIfp ImWpw F\np shdptIdpIm.... \ns t\mtmw... XdpXe ]dnepw... \ns hnizknm sImn... Hfnp t\mm\pw aSnmh\m \o...." " Rm GSnbtbmsSmcp sImgtmw ImWnnntm... Fm ktXymw... hntnbmbnp ImWnXpt]mepw... GSn tNmZnw.... Rm X ]td t]mse sXmdp ]dnt.... ]ns... Av..... B Hcp {]mhiyw...am{Xw As\ ]ntmbXt..." " B Hcp {]mhiyw ]nbXv aXotm... Fn\m A[nIw {]mhiyw..... AtXmpsgms Fs sXmen s]mfnbpIm... \mWtSp sImv... BtcmsSnepw ]dbm sImmthm... A\nb sN... GSotS thmnSv Inqp ]dm... AXpw Rm \np sImSpnv... Fs tXhtc... hmsmtcSmIqSnem... Rm...." " Hm.. GSn....C\n Fn\m Fgpw AXv HmptIw ]dbptIw sNpt... AXp adtv.... AsXms Rmt\mtmfmw..." Rm Hp Nncnp. " FmSm \o ]dt... \o Hmmt\m... Fnsp Inm\m s\\v... " Ah Fgptv Fs t\pXncnp. kmcn FSpv Ffnbn Ipn.. " Hmtmv... Rm sNms\mXv sNpw...Rm Cmfp ]dnt.....AXp Xt..." " Almco....\nt Rm... Cp sicnbmpw... " Ah Hcp XhnsbSpp. Fs ASnmt\mn. Rm shfnbn NmSn. Ah hmXn htc hp. ]ns Xncnp \Sp. Rm Xncnsb hmXn hv AItp t\mn. kmcnesSpp Ipn, ]m{Xw IgpIpXn\nSv Ah ]mSpp. " {]mW\mYs\\np \Inb... ]cam\..." Rm AItp Xebnp. Fnp ]dp. " \mbnp ]mSppp tItm... F\nnm..... " Ah hopw t\sc Xncnp hmXnsen. Rm app NmSn. Ffnp Ipw sImSpv apJw sNcnv Ah Ft t\mn. B apJv hopw B KqVkvanXw. Fs Dn Hcp Ipfncv. t\mnmncptm Hcp Znhkw Ahkcw Hp Inn. Av A sXmSnbnsehntSsbm t]mbn. GXmsmcp \mepaWn BbnmWpw. Gn Ipfnapdnbn tIdn IXISpXp Rm Ip. t\tc AhcpsS apdnbn Ibdn. Inens Iosgbncp sam HsSpv Xnsmn, s]mSn tIdn Fm\pw Xpntmbmtem. Cntm thsdmcp ISemkps]n IqSn hnpv. Inv F\np Hfnp InSm\p kvYew Inpw. Fmw Hcpn Rm Imp InSp. Inen amdnbpSpm\p kmcnbpw apw InSpp. As\ InSptm tImw tNs hnfn. " KotX.... KotX.. At... At... FhsStmbn Fmcpw.... FSm.. hmkqm... hoSpw sXmdntv Fmcpw IqSn Ftmp t]mbn.....KotX..." " Rm Ipfnphm Gm... Zm hp Ignp...." Ipfnapdnbn \npw GSn hnfntIp. tNs kzcw tIXpw Rm shfnbnendm t\mn. Atmtgpw tN apdnbn tIdngnp. h]msS jqcn Abbnenp. app amdn ssIen DSpp. ]ns apIfn \nv XmtmseSpv Aeamcn Xpdp. Iptd ImsiSpv Fn t\mn jns Ioibnenp. Atmtgpw GSn Ibdn hp. As amXncn Xs shdpw ]mhmSbpw Xpdn ukpw AXn\p apIfn hnXnnbn \\ tXmpw. apdnbn tIdnb]msS IXISp kmmbnp. Fnp tNmZnp. " Rms\mp taep IgpIpImcpp.... `bc NqSv... Am..., Fp ]n Cn{X t\ct.... "

" Hpw ]oXsSo.... Cncn Imip thWmcpp.... \sS kvYncw adnhpImcs In Hpan.... kyp skbnephnmcp Xncnp hcpw Imip sImSpWw. Ct Ahmcp Ncp Xcn...." tN Inencpp. " Aw HSt\ Xncnp t]mIphmtWm..." GSn tNmZnp. " t]mWw... Hcp aWnqdp Igow Djp Xncnp hcpw...." Djp RfpsS dqn IqSn HmSp BsIbp Hcp _mWv. " Fn G\ncnv... Rm\nw Imow ]emlmtcmw Xcmw.... tZ...Rm\o XpWnsbmp amdntms...." GSn Inen\cnIntep \SSpp. \Stm kpXmcyamb tXmnI\v InSm t]mapeI NmmSn. `oImcoambncpnpw B Iqn Fs a\pw NmmSn. tXmn\pn IqSn Itm B Idp sRpw apepIfpw IqSpX Imtamo]Iambn F\np tXmn. Cu tN]mcw Hp t]mbnnnbncpsn, Rm tXhtcmSp {]mnp. Inen\Spp hp Ignv F\nsmpw ImWm ]nbn. ]ns kwkmcta tIpp. " F\nnw Imow ]elmtcmw Hpw thsSo... \ns Cs\ Xs Xnm Xm aXn..." " Atm, CXv ]mIem... Bscnepsams ImWpw tItm... G\p ItS t]mIms\mXt... " GSn InWppp. " Atw hmkq\pw Hs FntbSo....?..." tN kvt\ltmsS tNmZnp. " B, A sXmSotendW Ip.... hmkq sNew Apdt honmWpw .. hnemkn\osS hmbnt\mn CcnpmIpw..." GSn Gs apn hp \np. " Fm Ah hmbn t\mn AhnSncns.... Aw.. \ kabm Rm hXv At...." " tZ... Hcp Imcyw Rm ]dnmp th... Ah\pw B s]pw IqSnsbm Ifn Cncn IqSpqtms\np kwibwv..... Ah \ncq]nmepw Hcp s]n\p hbnsemmm ]pw... Hp imknpXv \Xm...." Gs hbn Hcmf. ]dp ]dv Ch sImfamptam. Fn tN Fs ]peIpfn \Spw. Intmcbnm km[\amWXv. A\nb\msWsmpw hnNmcnn. " As\bmsWn HmsSo... shtmw aotiw sh sN\t... ]ns B s]n\pw ISn ImWpw, s]c s\dp \npIt... Cncn Ahfpw ktmjntmst..... " " AS...\ Hcp tN.... Fn... Rm\ns\ ]p kpJntm hncpsn tN\p ]nSnphmcptm... BZycm{Xo.. s]ns kmam\n Inp t\mp ]pcpj BZyw \nfmcnpw Fm F\np tXmpt..." " AXp ]ns... sInb s]nt\ t\ct thdmscnepw Dp t\mosmtmp t\mnbXt....AXns\m sImgw....?..." " sImgw... F\np shdp tIdnbXm... Atcw Xs Fdn kvYew hnSm tXmnbXm... ]np klnp... Fttmse Xt Hcp s]t B hnemkn\ow... AXns sItym\pw \nsS kz`mhamsWntem..." " \o AsXms hnSv... Cw... Rm\ntXsemp sXmSs..... \ sNsns IcnpIfp t]met \npt....Inp klnpn... " kam[m\w, tN\Xv Imcyamon. Cw tN\p apn \np `mcysb NcmWp {][m\w. Cu km[\nt\ Cu ]cphn Im Bm shInfn ]nSnmXv. " At... tXmp amop ]nSnv.... AXp \\Xm... XWppp..." GSn tNs ImepInSbntep tNp \np. tlm, tN\nw B IcnpI ]nSnsmSppmIpw. " \ns Cu NcsmSfp Rm\np ISnp s]mnpw... " " B{Imw ImWnmsXs s]mt... Bcpw sImpt]mIn.......Rm\o ukqcncmw...." ]nmse ]mXn \\ usks apn Xmsg hoWp. Fs tXhtc, Cw AXp cpw shfnbnes\ sISp XnfpImbncnpw. tNssbmcp tbmKw. cp

t]cptSbpw ImepI am{Xta F\np ImWm ]ppp. Ctm GSn Gs tZltp Nmp hoWncnpp. " ]Xps.... sRnsmnmsX...t\mhpp.... \sS sImn\p IpSnms\mXm... B Hm thWw... " " AXp ]ns... Cw... Fs Imcyw Ignnp aXn...." " Fnem sRsmp hmbnshp henp IpSnt... " " ]ns IpSnmw... Cw kabw sImdhm...." " ]ns ]ntpw ]dv F{X Imeam Cs\ sXmSmtXw Hpw sNmtXw Ignbpt.....ImWpw Fmcpw tNmZnpp hntijsampw Ctv...... A htc IpipIpippp....." " Bcp ]dp sNWnsv......" " Hm, sNpp... XnpsSpw XqdpsSphmtWm Fmcpw sNpt... sNtsSp sNbvXmet \mpImcpsS hmbSm ]q..." GSnbpsS ]cn`hw tInv F\nsmcp ]nSnbpw Inpn. XnpsSv Fp ]dbpXv ]nSnInn. Rm hntntbsmv sNnXmWtm. ]t atSv. lt... hrntISv. " AXp kmcansSo... Cw \o Chs\ Hp NqSmnt... tZs ]mXn ]cphambngnp. C\n \o Hp a\p shm... hn hcpt\p apv \apsmp \Smw..." " Ftw t]memsWn, Fssmp h... " " CqsS am{Xw, Hcp {]mhiyw aXn... ]ns Fmw t\tc t\sc..." G Fgptp. ssIenapv ]dnp. Inentenp ImWpw, Xmsg hoWpIn. G ]ns Ashbdns NcSgnp. AXv Xmtgqp Im hoWp, AXp ImepsImp Xs tXmnsbSpp. Ctm tN \q_anmsX \npImcnpw. ]t tN Inentencpp, " \o B ]mhmtSw IqSn ]dnp IfsbSo...." " Fn\m... AhsS tIm\msWn XpWn ]dntm.... s]mn s]mdtmnm t]mtc...?.." " AXsSo...... \ns B s]mf ]qsdmp ImWm\msWSo.... " " F{X Imepw ^ew Hp Xtbt... Fmepw ...Cm Itm....." Fgptp \n GSnbpsS Im ]mhmS Npcpp Xmsg hoWp. " lSm... \ Nfn ]qdv.... Znhkw sNpwtXmdpw an\pkw IqSpImWtmSo Chv..." tN XtemSnmWpw, GSn \np ]pfbpp. " Fmepw Fs Gm... F{X {]mhiyw Rm Chs\ hmbnshp hcpnp... Hcnsenepw G Fs Ipdnn Hp D shv t\mnbntm... " GSnbpsS ]cn`hw. " Cp cm{XoemIs... \o t\mntm....Cu Ipdnn Cp Rm \n Aeonpw... " " tZ... Cw Rm \mbnp tkmnp IgpIn Ipfnp hXm... Hcp sNmthw atWmw ImWn... Hp \nt\mntb... Fp ckmcnpw.....Hmpw Xs AhSw Aenbpp...." GSnbpsS hmpI tItm Fs Ipbn \np htc shw hp. " Cp cm{Xn BsSo... \ns Cu N Rm sImgp Xnpw... " tNs kam[m\nn, AtXm Hgnp amdtem. ]ns Cu ImS Fp sNm\m `mhw. ]qdp thm a\pjyt\m. IgpIn ipamn \nthZnnpw ]m Ah[n ]dbpp. " Mqw... CutdXmsX Hcokw Fnepw sNbvXp Xnntm......tlm.. Hmtcmcpcp \mw t]mepw t\mmsX Ipdnn \nsmSppXp ImWpw sImXn hcpIm... " AXp tIsmsf\np tXmn FtnbmtWm GSn ]dbpsXv. " tM... Aw \o hhcpw \pXp Insmtm... ?.." " IX... IqpImcnIfp Xn Xn ]tdw.. Fm Imcyfpw..." " At{Xsbmtm... \o kabw IfbmtX Chs\sbmv Dunt.... " " F{X ]dmepw Int\mSp IcbpXp t]mem....Hcp ^teman... Fs Xehn[n...." GSn Hcp ZoLizmksaSpp ]ns, ]mhmS Im sImp Xn amnbnv Xmtgv tNs ImennSbnembn appIpn \np. lbv, Ctm F\nm ]qdp ImWmw.

hn shfp am_n XpSInSbn sRnsRcpn AXp InSpp. IpnqSIp \ofw IqSnbnpv. Fnepw B ISnXSnte shfpp \mbn ImWmw. XpSnp InSp hbdns Aw `mKhpw, Fmw Fs Ipn CpIfpsS AIen Fs t\mn \np Nncnpp. AXnsemp sXmSm B hnShn\pn IqSn hnctemSnm Fs IbvI shn. aptmWn apdpInbncnp B hcpn hnc XncpIm Ibv Xcnp. Poh\nep sImXnsImp am{Xw Rm Fmw ASn. Ibv apdpsInSnv InSp. B ]qdns aWw Fs aqneSnptm Fs\nsmcp tXm. CSp B Icnmfn]qdv ao\ns hm t]mse henbpp, Npcpfpp. Fsmstbm AhnsS Cfw XpSngnncnpp. Fs Ip Dbp _ew {]m]np. IsSpv AsXmp XpSInSbn HXpn shm t]mepw F\np t]Sn. Rm izmkaSn IbvIfndpn InSp. " lmbv... sImmsaSo... anSpo... Mqw...Mqw...." tN Ccpp kpJnpp. " Cncn shbns \mw Hv.... Hp IgpInbnp aXnbmcpp...." GSnbpsS kzcw. " AXnncn Ignbpw Ap t]mIpw..... \osbmmp hent...." " Mvw...Mvw...Mvw... " GSn Ip Dunnp iw. " IbvsImv Aht\sbmp XgpsISo..." Gs ]pXnb Bhiyw. " As\... As\...sImmw... Mqw... Mqw... Fs KotX... \o anSpnbmSo...." G `mcytb ]pIgvpp, hmbneSnbpsS kpJw sImv. CXn\nSv GSn Hcp ]Wn sNbvXp. tNs aSnbntep hoWp InSp ImWpw, Hcp app \nhn, Im \onshp. Fnv HcpIbv kzw IhnSbntenp ]qdp hnSn. Fnv \Sphnc sImv B An tatempw Iotgmpw Xncpm XpSn. B ]qdp ]nftm Fs aqn AXns \dpkpKw hSnp. Ft hnImcw sImp hndm XpSn. IqSpX aWn\pw ImgvNpw thn Rm Fs apJw B IhnSbntep IqSpX ASpnp. GSn IsmInbm Fs apJp appw. \Sphnc amdpX\pkcnv B Nqdns Idp DZf ASbpIbpw XpdpIbpw sNpp. Dnte tdmkv\ndw ann ambpp. CSv GSn Hcp {]mhiyw B NppIfn ]nSnsmp henp hnp AXp d henbpXp t]mse henp sXdnp. ]nsbpw B Ibv Intep Xs aSn hp. cp hncepI sImv ]nSnpp sRcSpp. F\nXp Itm Fs Ip s]mn shw hcptam Fp tXmntmbn. GSnbpsS Xncpen\p {ItaW in IqSn. hnc IqSpX In Aap XpSn. hncen \ sXepw hgphgpns Xnfhpw. \nhncp Im A\m\pw Aw aSm\pw XpSn. F\np tXmn GSnp shw hcm t]mIpImtWm Fv. Atm tNs hnfn. " aXnsbSo... C\n \o Fgptp Ip\np \nv...." Insem\n GSn Fgptp Fs \oeShpw Ahkm\np. " Gm... \apIp shmw... Hcp {]mhiyw....Cw am{Xw aXn... F\npw Fsmstbm Bbn......" " BMv lm.. CXnSv \o At{Xw Hntm..." " Mqw... Rm\pw AhsS Xncpn.... sImdp sZhkmbnt.... AtXmv s]sv Bbt]mse... tZ Ch....\ ]qf t]mse Inbm... Fm shmw...?.."" " GXmbmepw Cp cm{Xoev.... shmw....\ns Ipdnn ASnp s]mfntmw.... Cw atXp aXn...." " Hm... sXmenp....s]mfnp.... \nsS Hcp apSn sImXneSn..." GSn ]ndp]ndpp sImv Inens AcnIn IbvIpn Ip\np \np. tN GSnbpsS ]pdIn hp \np, Fnv GSnbpsS ImepIfIn. " Fsmcp henmSo \ns Ipnv.... HItWmn cp Ipw thWw...." " s]pv Ipn, thWw AXn\p hentmw thtWmw... Asn ]ns s]sp ]dbpsXn\m... thtW Cw Xntn hcpv... Ct _nw t]mIpw..." " BZyw \ns Cu s\bvqXn ]Ishnsemp ImWs..." tN Xmsg appIpn \np. Fs NsmnSnp, Ip\nsm\pw t\mnbm. Rm GosS ]qdp ImWm\p kuIcyn\v hfv Inens \Sphntemfw Cdngnncnpp. Fs ]ctXhtc, Cu tNs Hcp Ip! Ceshnb amhns Nm sImpt]mse Ah\s\ \np XeIpeppp. Fsmcp ImSv. Hcp

IcnhonSn. CsXmcp ]nSnbmt\sS sImXn t]mepw HXpptIe. AWn\v Fs ]mhw GSosS sImXw CsXs\ Xmptm ! " Mqw.... \ns Cu s\bvqXn ImWptmdpw Fs Ip s]cppIm Fs KotX... Mqw... Rms\mp s]mfnp ImWsSo.... " tNs P\. " s]cpnmp {]tbmP\w..?.. tm... Ipntb ISnmsX t\mIpp..... Fmepw \nsfs\ B Xopgn \pp..... B \v ..\v... F\npw AsXmcp kpJm.... ]Xps F\npw s]cpp tIdpp.... Rm\pw Ipdno shcenSm t]mIphm....." GSnbpsS Ibv kzw ]qdn XtemSm XpSn. " \o Cw IpfnXpsImv ... \ ]p aWmSo Cu Ncpnv.... " tNs Ip inbmbn Fs t\sc Hpambn FSpp NmSpt]mse. F\np tXmn, NmtmapXemfosS _wmhnte Atkjy \mbv Fsnv Ipcp NmSpIbmsWv. " \nfnncn IqsS Xmtgmm \msmtmSnt.... Fs Ipdnn \np thIpIm..... Fs Gm.....F\npw kpJnWw.... " ]mhw GSnbpsS bmN\. F\np hnjaw tXmn. ImStNt\mScnihpw. tImgntmS Aephmsb tXmnp Hcp shmbWnqdv Iapn hncnp\np Nncnnpw AXp ImWmsX Ghpw hrnsI `mKv sImXntbmsS \p Cu a\pjy Fsmcp krnbm Foizcm ! " BZyw Rm\nsXmp hm \ndsb XnSo... Mqw... " tN B IpSpnIfn m m Fv cpaqSn ASnp. " tm... ]Xps ASnv .... F\np thZ\npss a\pjym......" " Fn aXn..... C\n F\np t\mn\nm hsSo.... Fs Ipnst....." tN apn \nsgptp. F\np izmkw t\sc hoWp. " \o ImsemInt.... FSo sImXw Hbt...." " Abp ]nSnncnphm.... Ct{Xw henb km[\w Bbmse\m tIdpt... B hmksses\m\pw s]cov tIv... Ct AXp IodntmIpw...." " CXv \o ]dbm sXmSos{X ImeamsbSo... Fnpw Cu sImXw \ kpcamIpXmsX... Hp henbpp t]mepantmSo..... Am....\ns ]qdp \\p sImfambtmSo.....Mqw..." " Mm... AXp sImmw sImdqsS tXv... sImXnsbmp Xocs....Mqw..Mqw... AItmp Xss s]mt..." F\np a\nembn tN GSosS ]qdphmXn Ipbnv DcpIbmsWv. GSnv sImXnbnfInmWpw. tlm, Ctm B ]qdns hpIfpw NppIfpw ImmSp acn t]mse Atmpantmpw DebpIbmbncnpw, AsXmp t\cn ImWm ]pntm Fs tXhtc. " Fpam{Xw sImgmSo \o Henndpt... GXmbmepw AsXmcp KpWamSo.... Mqw....." " lhq... Fsmcp kpJw tIds... Ah s\dp tIds.... F{X \mfmbn Ahfp Imncnphm hmbpw s]mfnv sImXnshtmw Henntmv... " GSn XpSI HInbSpnp. Hm, Ahkm\w tN Ip B Hma\qn XntIngnncnpp. s]sv AhcpsS tcmZ\w. " Atm... DucnsbSptm... Ftm... Ah\hnsS Cncn t\cw Ccptmst... Fp kpJmcpp.... " " _mn Rm cm{Xoev ASnp XcmSo..... Cw CsXmp Xotms.... " " Hhz... cm{Xo sImWpw ... thtWmn... Fs sXmSstS shp Ifbphmcnpw... F\ndnbmtte.... \np sImWmcaSnmsX... sNbvXp Xov... tlm... Abvbvbvbvbvtym, Ft... IqXn s]mfnbpp... CXm tItdStmp Xntocpsn _mnsbmtmpw kpJnmcpp.... Bpw {]tbmP\anm Hcp KtZw sImp \SpIm...." AXp sicn, tN B `oa KZsbSpv IqXotemp Xntnb eWw. GSn appI Hp hfp. ]ns Aw IqSn ImepI Ihp \np. " \np sNsemsXSo ....Iqno.... Blv.. Blv.. Blv... " tN ASn XpSnsbp tXmn. appI Aw aSpIbpw \nhcpIbpw sNpp. " Rm .... sNepw... ASnp hcppsmt hcpv.... Fs Ipdnntbepw Hp Xncpss a\ptjt\..." GSn tZjyn ]dp.

" F\np IsnsSo.... \o Xs sNv...." tN \nlmbX shfnsSpn. Atm Rm Xe Aw shfnbnenv apIfntep t\mn. cpImen Ihp \np GSnbpsS Xesbmgnp Fmw ImWmw. B hpeI tNs sImXens\mv aptmpw ]ntmpw BSnsdnpp. GSnbpsS Hcp Ibv kzw IhnSbn s]cpamdpp. tNs Ihp \np tcmamhrXamb ImepI. appI Aw hfp \nmWSnp IkdpXv. GSnbpsS ]qdp ImWn. hnc CSp apIfntep hfbpXpsImv Gn ]qn hncenSppspw a\nembn. Hw In Xncpepw. hb Aw XqnnSp hndpp. hmksse sImXn InSp Ipgbp hghg ihpw tNs Acsp GSnbpsS IpnIfneSnp [f[f ihpw CSIep tIpp. " lSm... \ns ssacp sImXw... l... l... l... Fsmcp sImXamSo CXv... Cdpn ]nSnsSo... ]qdntamtf..." " IqSpX Cdpnbm AXp IodpsaSm abntc..." GSnbpsS adp]Sn. " Fm F\np hcpsSo....." " hcpv... hcpv... Cp Rm\Xp tImcnsbnepw Fs kmam\n Hgnpw.... F\npw s]dWw... At Rm \nsS A\nbt\ henIp tIn shnpw.... " " Fn Rm \ns ]qn \mcWsmSn shXdpw...s]mebmSn tamtf..." " \nfp thtW ]mjmWw shtm... Rm hmkqt\ sImIp shnsmgnpw.... t\mntm..." " \o GXp abnct\ thtWepw tIntmSo... F\nnw hcpsSo.. hcpsSo... tZs.... lm....lmhq... h...s...So..... " ASnbpsS thKXbpw ImepIfpsS Bhpw Ipdp hp. F\np tXmn tN\p shw hp ImWpw. " AXItmp..... shmcpsn..... Fp..... \w... htt\... sls... At... lmbv. ......lmhq..... Mqw. ......Mqw..... " GSnbpsS hnc {]tbmKhpw \np. Rm Xe Inens Iotgp henp. " Aw s\\pw hp At... " " hp.... \nsS A\nbt\ Hmv kmam\t Xncpnbw hp t]mbn.... \nfp Xs Ap kpJnm t]mctm... F\np tIncm thtd Bcpantm.... " GSn ]dp. " tZ...Ifn ]dbpXp sImmw.... h thmXot\mw ImWnmsemtm... Cu ]qn Rm \mcWsmSn ASnp tIpw ]dtmw tItm..." BSnn GSosS sImXntev ]msemgnpXn\nSv Gs XmoXv. " Fm thtWepw ASnptIntm... Cw AsXmqcnsbSpt.... Fs IqXn Cw s]msWdp t]membnmWpw... Fssbmcp Xtehn[n...." " Hhz... Cgpw \ Ibdp hcn t]mse apdpam... AXm F\nnXnt\mSn{X Cw....." tNs Iav. Fnepw, sImXn ASnpsap tInpXmsX Rm hnizknncpn. XqdpsSv, sO... Nnnm t]mepw h. Fsmcp a\pj\m Cu tN. sInsbp shv Cs\bmtWm Hcp ]mhw kv{XotbmSv s]cpamdpXv. GSnbpsS kzcw Fs Nnbn \npWn. " tlm... Fs tXhtc... \Sp Igpp.... AsX\m... a\pjys hsImSepw sNdpsImSepw IqSnbt ASnp IepXv...... " " C\nsbnepw \ns sNesmp \ndpv.... kwKXn Ignnt...." " Mm, \nn......Atm ...tZs, s\esmw hoWp.... tXmsntb.... Blm... sImmw... Imcyw Ignw kzw Ip sXmSphmcptm....." " B F\np t]mWw... _p t]mIpw..." G [rXnbn XpWnbpSpp t]mse. " Ctmp Xt.... Cu IqXn HSt...sXmdncnphm.... sImSWn\t Hgnp shXv... AsXmw ChnsS apgph\mIpw...." GSn ]dXp sicnbmbncpp. Fs apn ippnI Hmtcmmbn hoWp ]cp ]Xnp InSp sImncpp. ]ns B hogv \np. GSn tXmp shSp ImWpw. ]ns Akabtp Hpw tIn. GSn Inen Xe shp apn \npp. " \o Cu IXIStm.... Rm t]mIphm... " " Cncn \nv ... Imn FSpp Xcmw...."

Fp kvt\lhpw kl\hpap GSn. Rmt\mp, sImXw ]n sImfamnbnpw `mhn\p Imn sImSpp hnSm\p a\v. " Cw Imn th... t\can, _p hcmdmbn.... \o IXIStm..." " Fm....s]mtm... IXIp Rm\Stmfmw...." GSn Ccp Ccpn ]dp. " FSo ..]dbpXp tIv.... hmkqt\m Atbm... \nt Cu \nebn Im tamiam..." " Hm... C\n CXnIqSpX Fp tamiamIm\m.... AStmw.....Rm\mbnn\n Btcw ImWnsp th...AYhm, Hp Imt \nsS amXncn Ah Xopgosempw ASnp tIn...."" F\nm Iav \m ]nSnp. GSnv A\nbs A`ncpNntbnbp A`n{]mbw. AhcXv t\cn IXmWtm, Rm hntosS \mqdp Xnp kpJnnXv. GSn Fgptp hmXntev tNt\ A\pKanp. Atm B IpnInSbn Npcpn shncp tXmns Aw Hcp hmep t]mse \op InSp. B IpnIfpsS shen\\pkcnv Fs Ipbpw shn. hmXn XpdpXn\p apv tN GSnbpsS Ihnfn Hcp sImSpp. ]ns B apeIfn Hmtcm Xp sImSpp. GSn B Ibv Xn amnsmp ]dp. " th... tkmnS... t]mbms... XnpstSmw XqdpstSmw \miamntbv... sImnpp..." " kXymbnpw ...Cp cm{Xn...\ns Rm kzw ImWnpw...." G kmsbSpp. " Mqw..Mqw. Rm\nsXpw tIpXt.... ]nstb, A[nIw CcppXn\p app htWw..." GSn IXISp kmbnp. ]ns Xncnp \Sp. InencnIn hp. Rm Ahnizk\obamb B Zriytfmp InSpIbmbncpp. GSn apdnbpsS aqebn \npw Aem\nncpXmIWw, Hcp XpWnsbSppsImv Fs apn Xs hp Ipnbncpp ]ndp]ndpp. " _mnsbmtms Hcp hn[n. Hmcw Hcp Ipdnnsbmmbnv... ....AXp thm a\pjy\v... Rm sNmdnp Xs Fs Igp amtWmtm Foizcm.... Ct\w Htm a\pjycv... CXn t`Zw Ah Xsbm.. Hp aqfnbm aXn... Cbmv shey km[\w Hsp ]dnsm Imcyw... a\pjy\XpsImv D]Imcansn ]nsn\m Xqnbntmp \Spt........ CXnbm\pw Hcp sImtXmw.... CsXmcp hmtWm... Fs tXhtc..........tym, apgph ChnsSs Xnqhnfp. AXIsm\pw Hgnncpt... Fs ISow amdntbt\... ]p amkw Igow Hcp sImpw Inencptt\... ImeamS.... Atm...Fs tXhtc s]mdptW... AdnbmsX ]dp t]mbXmtW...." Ah Igpn InS XmensbSpv Hp Npw_np. ]ns hopw XpWnsbSpv Xd XpSm XpSn. knap Xdbn XpSptmdpw AXp ]cp ]nSnp. ]ns AXv Aan Xqp. Inen Hcp IbvXmn \nep Ihp Ipnbncpv Xd XpSp AhcpsS ssIXqdv hopw Fs apn ]nfncnpp, Hcp Xpd ]pkvXIw t]mse. CSv Ipnbn Ccnp tXmv CfIptm Aan shppapv. F\nv InSsmdpXn CmXmbn. Fsmcp Imgv. B Icnqds\ AXns Fm Km`ocytmSpw IqSn Ft t\mn hmbpw s]mfnncnpp. Xqen\\pkcpv AXp \nhcpIbpw henbpIbpw Hs sNp\p. B s\Sphcnb Ip htc \np Xnfpp. Fs Ibv Xcnp. Ip hnn. Fs\ hnhcnWw Fdnp IqSm. s]sv Ah Ibv IgnmbncnWw, Inenencp IsSpv Xmsg Ipn. Hp Ip\np. Atm Ah AdnbmsX AhcpsS Zrn Inen\Snbntep ]mfn. Fs Ipw AhcpsS Ipw Iqnapn. hnizknm\mhmsXtm IXp t]mse Ah kvXbmbn. AhcpsS sXmbn \npw "lvKv.." Fsmcp iw am{Xw shfnbn hp. AhcpsS izmkw \nXpt]mse, Ftbpw. Hcp \nanjw Ah Xep IbvsImSpp Ipnbncpp. Xm \bmsWpw Xs Ghpw clkyamb icoc`mKw Hc\y]pcpjs t\tc hms]mfnncnpIbms\pw t]mepw Ah adXp t]mse. Fs icocw Ipgp, hndm XpSn. ]Wnsv Rm sas Cgp shfnbn Xe ImWnp. Fs sNhnp ]nSnphenh Fs shfnbnendn.

" \o... \o....ChnsS....Fmw..... t^mSm...]c\mdo... shfo... " `{ZImfntbsmse Aednsmh Fs henv IXIns kmm FSpv apdnp shfnbn Xn. Fnv IXIp henSp. kzw hon \npw Bnpdms {]XoXntbmsS Rm apv shdpenp \np. tNt\mSv GSn ]dpsImSpmep {]XymLmXfpw am\tSpw Hmtm \mSphnp t]mbmtem Fp htc tXmn. C\n GSnsbm\pw h AhnthIhpw ImWnptam Fpw `bp. tN `mcytb Bk\neSnXv A\nb ]bmbn ImWpI. AXdn `mcybpsS am\knI\ne Nnntm Xe Idn. sO, thmbncpp. Xsbpw hnemkn\nbptSbpw eoemhnemk Hfnp \np Isnepw Ah CXmtcmSpw ]dntm. B \nev Hcp hminbpsS Bhiyw Cmbncpp. ]t a\p kXnntm. Hcn Hfnp \np ImkzZnXns cpNntbmmWp Xm Cpw IbdnbXv. ]t B t\cv B ImS tIdnhcpsamcdnp. AXpw hnv sNbvXtXm, Xm t]mepw {]XonmXncp Hcp ]cn]mSn. Hcp `mcybpw B \mWtSp klnn. `mhv t\tc sNmthz ]pXp asmcm Isn AXp A{Xtbsd \mWtSns {]iv\amhnmbncpp. CXv, `mhv X\nnv {]IrXnhncpw sNpXv A\y, AXpw `mhns A\pP, HfnpImWpI. CXn]cw \mWtSv Hcp `mcypmhm\nSbn. C\nsbp sNp. _pn achn t]mse. Atmtgpw A Hcp sIp ]ppambn tIdn hp. " \osbmSm.. atcmnm Xn Imtbtmse \npt... Imn IpSntm..." " Mpw... IpSnp..." " KoX tamsfty..." " B... AIsm\pw ImWpw...." Rm apn\p ]pdtp \Sp. " \o C\nsbtmm... t\cw Ccpmdmbn... honsem\pw Ccnv..." A ]dp. " Rm Xmaknn... Iept htctb t]mIpsmp..." A\phmZn\p Imp \nmsX Rm \Sp. Iept {]Xont]mse KtWi\pw ]ns Imhpte chnbpw am{Xta Dp. _mnbphscms hoSp ]nmWpw. Rm IqsS sNncpp. shw hnb sNdptXmntep t\mn. henb tXmSns Hcp sNdptXmSmWXv. Iepn hc Ifn \nc IfnpIbmWp cp t]cpw. \ BtemN\bnembncpp. Rms\mpw annbn. F\np Ipdp kwib KtWit\mSv tNmZnm\pmbncpp. RfpsS {Kqns ssewKnI KpcphmWv KtWi. Fttm chn Fgptp. " C\n hmkp Ifntmfq... Rm hontmIphm... Ccpnbm AO No hnfnpw...." chn \Sp \on. " Fm hmkq hm, Hcp hw s\cmw...Ccnv..." KtWi Wnp. " Hm, Hcp ckey... KtWm...." " AsXmSm...?... Fm \ns samIsams hmncnpt..." " Hm, Hqey..." " \nt sImdmbnp shfo ImWm\ntmSm... Mqw... F\np \yqkp Inpsmv.... Cw \o B hnemkn\osS ]nSnpshpImc\m At.... \nssbms \ Imew......" " Bcm Cu thmXo\sams ]dbpXv... honev [mcmfw ]Wov... Gnbt klmbnWv tN {]tXyIw ]dnsmv......" " t]mS t]mS... \o B hnemkn\osS hon Fgpw Hsp B hniz sN ]dtm.... FmSm.. h tImfpw HtmSm.... InpImtW Ftw IqsS hnfntWSm... Kpcphmpw ]dv Fm ssacmcpw IqsS Fs s]mn shncnpXmsX..... F\np Hcp\pw ZnW Xcpntm...." " AXv... hntnv cokmbnv kptJmeymcpp... Cncn ] acpp ]dnms\ms klmbnp. A{Xt..." " FmSm... Ahfp h IpcptSpw Hnsm... Dcppthm htmamcptmSm..." " Npm AhcmXw ]dsmmt Fs KtWm... " " Npm ]dXt... \ns Abtemat... ]ns, thsd Fcp hntijfv....?... ]tdtS..." " KtWt\mSv Hcqw tNmZnWp hnmcnnv cokmbn... ImWmnm..."

" \o Imcyw ]d hmkqm.... Fn\pw Rm\nt... tNmZnv..." " AtX.... Cu.... Cu.... sImXn ]m ]pthm....?..." " ]pthmtm... sImXne... sXmf FhnsSsbmssbmtm AhnsSsbms ]mw.... FmSm... \ns htmcpw hn sIntbm... " " Fsbmcpa... cp t]cp \np clkyw ]dbpXp tIXm...." " BcSm Ahmcv... ]dsbs tamt\... \yqskmpanmsX shjanphmcpp....." " AXp Rmdbn.... KtW CXp ]d... AhnsS ]nbm ctkmmIpthm......." " sNecvv shey ckmm ]sdt... sNev AhnSw am{Xw aXn.... cpNn]nSnp t]mbm ]ns \ shqdp Imepw Ahcv Xncnp t\mn...." " Aw AhsS Xosms ImWnt... " Fs kwibw hrnbpsS AXn hcnsen. " sNew ImWpw... Ipt ]nsbpw hcpw... AsXmpw Atcw {]iv\asSm Ahv... " " Atcw...s]pv kptJmmIpthm... " " Hm.. Fp kpJw... B\dnsbm\pamtW sImXw IodmsX Innbm `mKyw... ]ns s]psS sImXnemcmSm ASnm t]mIpt... \ Ipmcp Cw t]mse sISpw... tcmaw Hpanm \ an\pksam sXmSIfpambnv......" " tM.. Aw At\w BWpsfmtm....?.." F\nXnibw. " Htmtm... lpw... C\n \ntmSv Hcp Imcyw t\cnp ]dbmw... \o CtXn tNmZnXpsImm... FtmSp hntcm[w Hpw tXmcpXv..." " Rms\n\m KtWt\mSp hntcm[npt..." " Fm tItm... \ns tN\nt... SuWnte Hcp t]cptI hnsIpImc\m... F\np \yqkp Aw Inpsmv... " " KtWm... tZ...]ns... \fp Xnep temlympshv Fs tNt\n A\mhiyw ]dbcpXv tItm..." Rm XmoXp \In. " CX\mhiysampasSm.... \ns AO NcsSpm t]mIpw \ns tN ItSsS s]mdInenv sZhkw Hcp Ips Fnepw sImXneSnmXncnn... \ Imipw Ahmp sImSppw... CsXmcp... clkym... ]tev.... sse\nsemtmsmw Adnbmw...." " thmtm... KtWm....." F\np klnpn, Fnepw Dn kwibw IqSn. " kwitbmtev Rm kmnIfp Ipmsc Imncmw... \msftmscs IqsS SuWn.... ]ns \o hnizknm aXn...." KtWi IbvsRmSnp shphnfnp. Rm Hpw annbn. Cu hm icnbmIm\p kmn]{XamWtm, Rm\np IXv. " htmcpw Npm ]dXmcnpw KtWm.... " " Fm \o As\ Xt hnizkntm.... slmepw tXhcpsS Hcp Ifntb... ASnm\dnbmhph\p hSnbn... hSnsbmtm AXp Xncnp t\mptIan...." " Fp shmsephm...." F\nm ]dXns s]mcp ]nSnInnbn. " FSm... \ns tNs B Ncnt... AXns ImettSmnp ]dXm...." " tZ.. ]ntw KtW Fs hopImsc ]dbphm..." Rm hnc Nqn. KtWi B hncep Xn amnbnv kz]v\nse t]mse ]dp XpSn. " \ns tNntb t]msemcp Ncv Cu \mn Cphtc hnn... AXp hps]Xo Ip\Snmcs InemWtm Ftmpw Np XIcpIm Fs..." " Fn\m KtWis Np XIcpt... " " B s]ns Hmcw shephmt]mencnp ]qdp \ns tNs\p ]dbp B hnsIpImc Xncnp t\mnsp Rm s_pshmw... ImcWsamtm.... AhcpsS B sImSptymfpw AXns\tSte B Ipnpcp t]mep IqXow ImWpw \ns tNs hmbopw Iptpw Hcpanp shw Henpw. A{Xp Uokp Ncm \ns tNn. Abmfp HpIn Ahtc hnsIpw At sImXneSnpw..... AXm Cu XcmcpsS kz`mhw.... B Aephm ]qdp shdptX XcnimbnsSp Icbt Hq...\ns tNnp ]qdn\p Ip`mKyw CsSm.... Hdm...." " ]nt......Fp ]dm ... KtW\t AhcpsS IfosS d^dn... Hp t]m Fs KtWm..." Rm kXnm Xbmdmbn.

" Fn \o Hcp Imcyw sNv... Fsnepw Xcw Inpw cm{Xn AhcpsS Ifn Hfnp ImWv... s\\v Aw t_myw hcpw... Rm \qdp iXam\w Hdm ]dbpXv...h P\tem htmw HtmSm kuIcyn\v...?.." " ]nt Rm\n hrntISn\v... AXpw Fs tNs apdoev.... " Rm \h Nap. Dn, ]Iep IXns ktmjw Hp ann adp. " FSm... \o shdptX Hp Nnnt.....Abmfm ]qn ]nbmcpsn \ns tNosS hbdnw tZ, Ct{Xw Itt\...." KtWi Ibv sImp K`ns henw ImWnp. " lt... \nsfn\m htmcptSw K`w At\zjnpt... ?.." " siSm.. AXn\p \fp \mpImp thtd FmSm ]Wn...?..CsXms Adnp shpI... \nttmse kwibw Htmp ]dp sImSppI... ]ns, AXymhiyw \mep t]cpambn N sNbvXv {]tabw ]mkmpI.... CsXmbt... {][m\ ]Wn...." t\cw Ccpngnncpp. Atmtgpw Zqsc \npw _p hcpXp Ip. AXns slUvssens shfnw IneSntm Rm IpI s]mn. s]mSnbpw ]dn Rtf ISv Ihebnte BphSp tmntep t]mbn. C\n \msf cmhntetb {Snpp. " \ns sImXneSn tN\p ZoLmbpm... ]dtmtgpw tZ _kp hp... AXomWpw... sNv... Nohnfn tI..." " Rm\nw t]mWn.. hon Ct{Xw t\ct sNnstm sNm\m..." " Hm, Aw s\\n\ow hnZym`ymkw thWmcnpw.... sNdp\p ckw tIdn..." KtWi Fs tXmfp Xn. " A KtWm...... Rm\mtemNnIymcpp... Cu kz`mhw Fs\ tN\pmIm\m... Gbv... AsXms shdpsXbm... Npm \mpIm A]JymXn ]tdXm..." " HpasSm... Fm \o tItm... BZyw sNew ckns\m\pw h sNmcptSw sXmSp shpImWpw... ]ns ]ns AsXmcp ioeamIpw... Ant F{X kpcnNcnt\mepw AhcptS sXmtSw sImtXmw am{Xta Ahcp t\mpp... Hcp ]gsmpv... ocapsmcInSn Nphnepw tNmcXs sImXpInp IuXpIw..." " Fp shmev... Aw IqsS ]d...." Rm tNmZnp. " Fp shm... FSgnWn\p ]mep Idp ]iphns AInn sNmepw.. sImXpIp tNmctb IpnpSnpp...]mep IpSnnm. ... Fp ]dXp t]mte,.... \ns GosS B AacmhXnqdp hnSnnSnv \ns tNs samJnsmcmepw AXp Xn amnbnv Abmfm sImSpnIfp s]mfnv B XoqXote \smp Fv... a\nemtbmSm... Fp sNmw ioeambntmbn.... ]ns tZmjw ]dbcpXtm... \ns tNosS _w_dpIfpw Hpw Hpw tamtima... Rm Xt..." " Rm Xt... ]d ]d... _mow IqsS..." " Rm Xt... Hp cp hmWw Ahp thn Abnsmv.... Fsmcp kXyw t\cmbn \npsmv...." KtWi HcoWn ]dp. " \mWantm.. KtW\nXp ]dbm..." " Fp \mWnm... sSm... Fs ]dn.. Fs Iv... Rm hmWaSnpw.. AsX\nnsamhcpsS t]cn Abpw... lnXp \ Iqv..." " Hm, Abtm... Abtm... Ahkm\w AXp kzw Xtet hoWp s]mcpXv...." " AXp \o F\nnsmp shXmWtm... Mqw.. Kpcphns sImXnt thWw s\\p ASnp ]Tnm...AtSm....?.." KtWi Hcp Xami ]dp. AtmgmWp t\ct a\nt\ t]Snn {][m\ Imcyw Hm hXv. " KtWm.... Cu \mcWsmSn sNmdnbp Hcp km[\t.... AXv \sS icocns AIv... AXmbXv... hmbntem atm hoWm... htmw ]pthm...?.." " _vipw.... Hpw ]n..." KtWi ISp sImp ]dp. " Mv tl... Hpw ]nt..... " Rm AXnibnp t]mbn. " \o shdpsamcp s]mpm\mWtmSm... FSm... AXp ]psSw apgph\pw sNmdnbpw... ISnpw.. \ocp shpw.... hmbntem atm BsWn B hm t]mm... ]ns AXn shp Ip aqmsap hnNmcn..." " Atm.. As\bmtWm....."

" Ft.. hhtw hmbnep \mcWsmSn CSm ms\mtm... Fn\mSm tamt\.. Cu t{Zmlw sNtW....h \ Imtcymw NnnsSm... Cu \mepaWn Igogpw Imepw \sS apnqsS F{X s]ntcpw tNnamcpw Ipow samtew Ipepn t]mIpsmsSm.. \o Ahtcn Nnnv hmWaSnv... Cu {]mbnev AXm Cw \ns Uyqn...." " Hm, AXnw KtW ]dbmsX Xt Fs Uyqn IrXyambnp Rm sNsWmv...." Rm KtWi ]d AtX ienbn Xt adp]Sn ]dp. " anSp... \o Xt Fs bYm injy... s\\p `mhnsbmv... hepXmIpw Xptte tdmp tI{n s\\p tPmen Ddv..." " C\n Imcyambnv Rms\mp tNmZns... Cu...... \mcWsmSn s]ptS IpdnnIp ]nbm FpmIpw... kptJm sNmdnntem... AtXm....." " tM...AsXmcp tNmZymWtmSm......]dbmw.....BZyw, kptJm sNmdnnepmIpw.... ]ns AXp henb ISnbmIpw... an\npIfpsImv AIw apgph \ocp shpw... sNmIp hop hcpw.... sNmdnnepsImp amnodpw.. Fmsemp sNmdnbm\pw hmsX \np \w Xncnbpw..... ssIschbnv amm tXmpw... ]t AXn\Iv Inv sNmdnbm ]pthm.... \sfms Dshm\pw Hma\nm\pw sImXnp B Hma\qdt\ sNma _eq t]mse hop hcpw... Hn\pw ]msX B ]mhw kv{Xo acnmsX acnpw... tlm.. Nnnm IqSn hm Hcp... Hcp... `o`k`oIc cwKambncnpw AXv...." " Ft... Atm... At{Xw `bcmIpthm..." " ]nnt... F\np t]mepw As\ Hcp cwKw Hmm h... .. A.. Cw F\np \nt t]SnbmIptmSm.. FmSm.. \o h \Ivkssenepw tNtmSm... Fn ... Ft shdptX hnStWSm... A.. \osbm Cns\ ... Hns\m\p _anm kwibfp tNmZnpXv... AtXm B Ab]mcosS kmam\n s]mSnbnp cknm\mtWmSm... sNt.. tamt\... Cuizc t]mepw s]mdpptIe... Xamin\p t]mepw sNbvtXt..." " Hm, Rm shdptX s]mXphnPvRm\w tNmZnXt...." Rm As\ ]dsnepw a\n Fsnm Hcp `oXn sas Dcpp IqSnsmncpp. Rm\m cwKw Hp knp t\mn. Fs kncIfn IqSn hndpenns Hcp Ipfncp tImcn. R ]ns Ipdp t\cw anmXncpp. s]smsW\np hoSnt\n Hm hXv. Iepntep ]pdsSptm ]mXncm Ignt hontepp Fp Xocpam\saSpncpp. ]t Ctm AXp amdn. t\cw hmsX Ccpn. Ctm tN htc Amgw IgnnpmIpw. GSn Fsnepw kqNnnpsn, Ft. Cp Fsnepw kw`hnpw. Ftmsnepw HfntmSnbm aXnbmbncpp. " Rm t]mIphm... t\csamncn Ccpn.... KtWm... Fssbmp apmncpthm.....?..." " t]SnpXqdn... ]nsn\m Ct{Xw t\cw ChnsS IpnbncpXv... t\ct s]mqSmcptm... Mpw.... hm... injy\mbntmbnt..." hontep \Sp hgn KtWi ]dp. " FSm...\o Hp {ianm.. sNew Hcp thkn Inntbpw..." " Ftmp thkn..." " FSm... \ns GSosS sImXta \ns tN Xnsmp.... F\nsXmdm... Aw... aphiw {^obmbn sISpht... Hp apnbpcpn t\mv... CgmsWn ]pXptamSnv \Stpw... ]gInbm... ]ns {]iv\fmIpw... hfm ]mSmIpw..." " KtWs\mp anmsX \St... Xcm I Hcp]tZiw..." Rm Acnisp. " F\nsm... Innbm s\\p Xs kpJnmw..." hoSn\p apnsenbtm KtWi ]dp. " Rm aptp hcpn... Fmcpw \nt Imncnphmp tXmpp.... \ns B tNt]mv Im ]ns Ipw F\nmIpw... Rfp Xn ]t aqmw \mfm... Rm t]mIphm..... cmhnte \yqkpambnp Ieptsenbm aXn......" Fmhcpw Xnbn Ccnpv. tNt\ In. GSn Hcp XqWpw Nmcn \npp. __ns \ngen B apJ`mhw hya. Fs Np ]S]Sm CSnp. ASpXv Ip

hnNmcWbmbncnpw. ChW GSn hnSn. Xobmbn. AO XnbnIqSn Dempp. FsXpw A HmSn hv Fs XpSv BsmcSn Xp. Rm Nqfntmbn. " FhnSmcpsSm \obv... CXphtc... Fmcpw hon hmepw s\\v tNtdm tate... \ns Rm... " A hopw Itmn. " C\n XssSo..." AO hnfnp ]dp. " AOm.... sN\nncn Ipdpp IqSpsmv... shey ]pcpj\msbm hnNmcw... Dv DuWp Igntns ImWm Inon... sXep Xt sXev.. Cu AtsS IqsS Cncn ]pp ]dnp sImSpmsem Ch\v... Cu honev Ch\p sNmhp F{X ]WnIfv sISpp......" GSn tZjytmsS FcnXobn Fsbmgnpp. ]t B Xopw Hcp Ipfncns kpJw, Bizmkw. F\nss ImXpItf hnizknm\mbn. DIgnv GSn Ft Innsv. InenSnbn Hfnncpv AhcpsS amctIfnIfpw IqXoeSnbpw Fmw I Fs ItmsS Ip]nSnv sXdnhnfnv Xn shfnbnendnbnv Ft Intbnsv. F\ntmgmWv Fs \ Poh Xncnp InnbXv. Fnpw Fs Ip Xn, Fs tXhtc, ChcpsS Dttimw a\nencnpw FmtWm. " AXnSo tamtf...sshIptcw FdntmWXv Rm IXm... Fmepw t\ct hqtS ..." A ]dp. Atmtgpw tN ]pdndn hp. " Hm, ]mhXymcp htm Icw ]ncnhpw Ignv... ChnsS hmSm ... s\\v ASosS sImdhm... ChnsS hcm..." Rm sas \ncn \ncn tNt\ kao]np. ASpp sNXpw Ibv hoin HcSnbmbncpp, Npaen\v. \mbn thZ\np, Fnepw klnp \np. ASpXn\p thn Imp \np.. " thtm... A IWn\p sImSpnsmv... C\n G\pw IqSn Xnbm...." GSn CSp NmSn hoWp. Atm G HSn. A AItv Ibdntmbn. AO shnebn Npmp tXpp. tN tZjytmsS Hp t\mnbnv AItp Ibdntmbn. Rm XnbcnIn Xt \np. FpsImtm Fs Ip \ndp. ASnbpsS thZ\b, astm Hcp hnnw. Fs Dn hnnqSn At kw`h Fmw Hcp kn\na t]mse ann adp. " hm.. hp Ipw samtJmw IgpIv... Fnv thKw hp tNmdpv.....Fmcpw Ignp... " GSn Ft t\mn ]dp. Rm \nnSp \n\nbn. Fs ImepI an Ddp t]mbXp t]mse. In \npw IoscmgpIn. GSn Xnbn \npw aptndn. Fs In ]nSnp henp. " hmSm... At... Hcp ]pcpj...... AtsS Iov HcSn sImtmtg \np Ictb... " Ft henv sImpt]mbn Ac`nnbnencp shnnbpsS ASpp \nnbnv GSn ASpfbntep Ibdn. Rm bm{nIambn apJw IgpIn. " hmkqm... tZ... tNmdp hnfn shp... thKw htmfq... " GSn hopw hnfnp. Rm ]Xps sNv s_nencpp. Iocp \npn. ]pfntcn tNmdn Hgnp Xcptm Fs apJp t\mnbnp ]dp. " tNmdn Iocp hogvt... AXv tZmjm..tItm..." Fnv amdn\nv kmcnpn IbvXpSp. B apJsmcp {]kX Hfn annbXp t]mse. Atm A hmXn hnp ]dp. " C\n \obmtc Imp \npIm... \obpw htmw Igntv Fmw FSpp shp sISsmdm t\mv..." " sicnbt... Rm\pw Ignm t]mIphm... " GSn Hcp ]m{XsaSpv Aw tNmdpw IdnIfpw hnfn Fs hep hip hncpp Ignm XpSn. Rm sas tNmdp Ipgp. " Gs csw IqsS Intv IcpXnbXm BZyw.... A{Xp hnIrXnbt \obnp ImWnt... Rm\mbnp BtcmSpw ]tdn....\o Xsm Hp Nnnt... sNbvXXp sicnbmbncptmv..." Ah Fs apJp t\mmsX sas ]dp. Rm s]sv IbvIpSv Fgptp. GSn Fs Npaen _eambn ]nSnp Xmtgncpn Fnp ]dp. " CcnsbSm AhsS... thtW Xntp t]m... s\\v hmcncm ChnsS \ns `mcysbmpan...."

]ns Ah Fgptp. AhcpsS ]m{Xw sImp XncnsI shp. Atm Rm Ip. Ah Xncnp \nv kmcnpsSpv Ip XpSpp. Fs Np s]mSnbp t]mse. t{ZmlnbmWp Rm, F\np tXmn. Ft F\np Xs a\nemIpn. Fn\p thn Rm Cs\ Cu ]mhnt\ t{Zmlnpp. F\np `Ww XpScm Ignn. Rm\pw \nn. ]ns Fgptp Ipw apJhpw IgpIn. ASpfhmXnen hsn t\mn. Rm Ign Fs ]m{Xhpw In ]nSnv Ah Ftm BtemNnp \npp. Fs Xeshw ItXmtS Ah ]m{Xw sImpt]mbn Fnm{Xntep adnp. ]ns Ft Hp Xncnp t\mn. Rm sas AhnsS \npw \njv{Ianp, Fs apdnbntep t]mbn. cm{Xn InSnpdw hcpn. GSntbmSv F\np Imaw AWs]mn HgpIp t]mse. AtX kabw Ahtc D]{ZhnpIbmsp Hcp tXmepw. Fsnepw ImcWhim Rm\pambn Ahsmcp _w hm, BtemNntm Hcp kpJw. GSnbpsS B _nkvIp]qdn apJaan InSptXmtm AdnbmsX Fs ssI apn\Snbntep sNp. B ktmjtamv BmZnp Iptams\ Hp Xmtemenp. ASp \nanjw Fs tNs cu{ZapJw a\ntemSnsbn. Fs hnfnp IqsSnSnbm GSnbpsS kmam\n sNmdnb s]mSn hnXdpsa tNs `ojWn s]mn\n Fs IpbpsS NpW sISpn. GSnbpsS apJw a\n \npw amn, B kvYm\v hnemkn\nbpsS ]qSqdp knm {ianp. Fnepw GSnbpsS IpnapSn \nd XSn ]qdpw Apw samapeIfpw hopw hopw sXfnp hcnIbmbncpp. AXp hopw hopw ImWm\p tamlw in{]m]npIbmbncpp. NnnpNnnv Ftmtgm Rm\pdntmbn. Fs apdnbpsS hmXn sas Xpdp iw tImWp Rm Xncnp InSXv. kpkvtachZ\bmbn, Bscbpw abp almkhpw s]mgnpsImv GSn Fs apdnhmXn. Rm Inen Fgptncpp. cmhnse IpfnIgnv hcp amXncn shdpw kmcnmhmSbpw aphiw Xpdn ukpw. {_m t]mepan apepIp apIfn Aekambn InSp ukv apesRpItf adncpp. B Ipfm apeI InSp Xnfpp. ]mhmSsn\p apIfn XpSnpInSp hbdns Aw apIfnembn Aepfw amXncn ]pnfpw. ASnshSnshv Fs ASptp \Stm kzX{ambnnSncp B hpeI Fs Xebmn hnfnp. Fs lrZbw AanXmthim XpnmSn. Ahkm\w CXm, Rm B{Kln t]mse GSn Fs tXSn hncnpp. Rm a\n ]dp, htmfq, F\np sImXw th, GSnbpsS B aZ\tmebn Rm Fs Iptamt\ Rm sIgnp hnSpw, Ah\hnsS XmUhamSpw. GSnbpsS Cu Acsn C{Xbpw kpJw Hfnncnpmbncptm Fv Atm GSn t]mepw AXnibnpw. F\nm Imgv hnizknm\mbn. IXIp Nmcnbnv, Ah Fs apn hp \np, hms]mfnncnp Fs XmSnbn ]nSnpsImp tNmZnp. " FmSm angnp t\mpt...?.... " " GSn... GSn... " F\np hmpI Innbn. " GSnb... KoX.... hnfnv Fs KotXv..." IpIfn Ip ImaZmlns XovWXtbmsS FtmSh Bhiysp. " KoX... Fs KoX....." Fs hmpI ]IpXn sXmbn IpSpn. " Rm.... CcntWm... AtXm \ns IqsS InStWm....?.." Fs Dcn\p Imp \nmsX Ah ukqcn Xmtgnp. Fs apn B shfpp XpSp apeI \np hndp. B apeIfn XtemSm Fs IbvI shn. " Cm... \o C{Xbpw Imew ... t\mn shandnsmp \SXt... C\n Rm \ntj[npn... FSptm... Xntm... IpSntm... Fmw... Fmw... Fs hmkqs Cw t]mse.... " ]nsbh kmh[m\w ]mhmSbpsS sIgnp. AXp Xmtgqp hoWp. Fs Ipn Ah ]q\bmbn \np alknp. ]mhmSsns ]mSn\p Xmsg XpSp AhcpsS aZ\qmh\w shn\ncnb tcmapnItfmsS {XntImWmIrXnbn \nss amSnhnfnp. Ah AhcpsS Acsv Fs apJtmSSpnp. B XSn ]qdn Ah Fs apJw ]nSnSpnp. Fnh ISp \nv ]dp.

" \n\p thn ... \ kpcambn IgpIn Ipfnv hrnbmn sImp hncnpp.... hnemkn\nbpsS kmam\w \o \npSnnt... AXpIv Rm sImXn XpnsbSm.... Xnv... AXpt]mse CXpw ISnp Xnv... Fs hmkpp Xnv.... " Rm\m XSn {XntImWn sas ISnp. Atm Ah, ImapIs Npw_\w Xs clky`mKp ]Xntmgpmb Ipfncpw tImcncnpw sImv Hcp ioImciw ]pdsSphnp. Fs Bmhnt\bpw icoctbpw hnPrw`np \n Iptbbpw Hcpanv B iw tImabn sImnp. XSn XpSIfpsS kwKakvYm\tv Dufnbnndp B Ioden Rm Fs \mknIm{Kw Aan Xmgvn. Aw AI B Ioden\pn \npw Db aZKw Znhkp apv hnemkn\nbpsS tbm\nbn \npw han Kns HmbpWn. AtX Kw Xt GSnbpsS Cu kpcXv]pjv]n\pw. Fs kncIfn sshZypXn HmSnpSn. Rm B XpSI AIm {ianp. Atm GSn, A KoX Fs apJw ]nSnp amn. ]ns Fs ]nSnsgptnp. Ah Inens AcnIn Ccpp. Fnv ImepIfIn Fs Ibv ]nSnv AhcpsS ImepInSbn Ft apn \nn. Rm AhcpsS ImepInSbn apn \np. ]ns Fs IhnfpIfn ]nSnv AhcpsS s\tmSp tNp. B apeInSbn Rm apJw tNp. Ipnpdm ]uUdns aWw B apeSfn \npb\p. Fs InKpem AhcpsS ASnhbdn apn \np. Rm AhcpsS Hcp Ibvs]mn B In Npw_np. Idpp Npcp tcma Fs aqn apn AhnSbn \npw hnemkn\nbptS ]qnteXp amXncnbp Kw ]uUdns kuc`ytmSp Iev Fs aqneSnp Ibdn. Rm B In Hp ISnp. at Ibv sImv Ah Fs ImennSbn AhcpsS hbdnenSnp cknp Fs Kpems\ ]nSnan. AhcpsS arZp]mWnbnencpv Ah hnnpSnp. In \npw Fs Npv KoXbpsS XSnp Nph NppIfntep \on. ]mXn hnS B NppI Fs NppIfpambn Inmcw ]dtm AhcpsS IpI IqnbSp. Rft\ym\yw apJv Npw_\hj sNmcnp. Ahscs apJw ]nSnv AhcpsS t]mapeIfn sImp hp. AXn Hcp sRsSpv Fs hmbn shp Xnp ]dp. " Fs s]mp tam CsXmp IpSnv... GSn kpJns... " Rm B apesRp hmbnseSpp. tImSp t]mse In B apesRn Rm apncn ISnpXp t]mse ISnp. Atm Fs Ihnfv sassbmcSn Xnv Ah IpdpIn. " Ipdp... ISnmsX... \ns GSntb t\mhnmsX IpSnsSm tamt\...... " Rm\m Xhnp \ndnep apepIfn \n. Hcp ape IpSnptm at apebn sRnsmSpp. " Fs hmkppm... \n\smadnbmw... amdn amdn sNSm... tamt\... " Ah AhcpsS XSn XpSInSbn Ft CdpnnSnpsImv ]dp. at apebnepw Rm Fs ]pI sImv kpJns tImdepI \Sn. KoX Ccpp ]pfp. Rm Fs Hcp Ibv AhcpsS XpSInSbntep ISn. Inen CcpXp sImv Aw ]cphnS B \\ tbm\nmen\pn sas XShn. AhcpsS \\p ho In Fs Ibvhnc apnbtm Ah ]dp. " lmhq... Fs hmkqm... C\nsb\np InSWw.. InSp IfnWw...hm.... Ctmp tIdnnSv...." Ah ImepIfn Fs kzX{\mn. Fnv Inentep InSp. Fnst IbvIfpbn amSn hnfnp. Rm Inentep Ibdn, B XSn XpSI AIn ImepInSbn appIpn \np. Atm AhcpsS hncn {XntImWw IpntcmafpsS AISntbmsS \np Ft t\mn ]pncnp.. AXns Dn B XSn Npfpw B CeZzbfpw Dbp \np, Ap Atb ]nSntm IXp t]mse. Hcp hyXymkw am{Xw, B ]qdn\pw hnemkn\nbpsS ]qdns AtX aZKambncpp Fp am{Xw. Ftt Dp t\mn hmbpw s]mfnp InSp B tbm\ohnShn Rm Hp XtemSn. Fs hnc B Nmens ASn`mKv Fnbtm Fs KoX hnImcw sImv InSp ]pfp. " C\n Fn\mSm ... Xmaknnpt... hmSm... \o \ns B Dnt\ Ctmp shSm... F\np... klnpnsSm tams\..."

hnImcw sImv hop apn {Xknp sImncp B {XntImWntev Inbmbn \np hndp Fs IpsbSpv ]Xps Rm Hp apnp. " tlm... Fsmcp NqSmSm Ah\v... shSm tamt\... shv... Fs hmkppm... Mqw... thKw.. Fnv.....]nIsSm... \ns Cu Ipp thn hmbpw s]mfnv.. ImncnphmSm Ahfv...." KoX XpSIfnpcpn. Rm sas KoXbpsS apIfntep InSp. Fnsmp Xmgvp. B ]qdns hmXnen {]thi\w Imp Xn\nncp Ipep thn AXns Zf hgnamdnsmSpp. Fs IpbpsS XmfnapJw B NqSp ]qntendm XpSnbtm KoX IpdpIn. " tlm... Fs hmkqm... XntsSm... FnSnv...... Fs ]qdntamfpsS hmbSnp IodSm....... Atm... Xv..Xv... " Ah InSp hndp Xpn. " FSo..." Hcp K\w. R cp t]cpw sRn, XeXncnp t\mn. tN, kwlmccp{Zt\tmse \np hndpp. B IpI Nphncpp. NpcpnnSn In Ftm Hcp s]mXnbpapv. _enjvTamb B IbvI Fs KoXbpsS apIfn \npw Hcp ]pjv]w t]mse s]mnsbSpv apdnbpsS aqebntesdnp. " IodncmsaSo... \ns Cu ISnqdp Rm IodncmsaSo.. Ignqdntamtf.... " GSn NmSnsbgpt\p In CcppsImp Nodn. " AtXtSm... F\np Igp XsbmtSm... X\nss XosmXw aXnbtm... F\nsv ]qn IfnWw... IfnpIfnXp IodWw.. \np thsn... AXp Iodm tZ \nsS A\nbs\mv... t\mv, Ahs Ip t\mstSm... F\nXp aXnsbtSm..." GSn cp IbvsImpw Xs ]qdp ]nfnmnsmedn. " On ... \nsSo... \o Ahs\ tIn ]qneSnnpw... AtSo..." tN GSnbpsS IcWv inbmbn ASnp. GSn Inentep hoWp. AXp I Rm Hcp hn[n Fgptp sNv Gs In ]nSnp. " th tNm... GSntb X... Rm\m GSntb ]nSnXv... Ft Xntm.... Ft sImtm...." tN Xncnv Fs IcWv ASnp. Rm XeIdn \nencpp t]mbn. ]ns tN Inentep Ibdn. GSnbpsS ImepI _eambn AIn Nhpn ]nSnp. ]ns Inencp s]mXn Xpdp. at IbvsImv Ihp InS GSnbpsS ]qdp cp hncepI sImv ]nfnnSnp. Rm hopw Fgptv thp thp Inen\Spsn. " \ns Cu ]qdns ISn Cp Rm XopXcmSo... Cm ]nSntmSo... kpJnsSo.... ]qdntamtf...." sNcnqhns \ndn Nphp XpSpv s]mfnncp B ]qdns hnShntev tN B s]mXn IpSp. AtmgmWp Rm sRnbXv. \mcWsmSn ! Fs tXhtc, tN ]d t]mse sNbvXtm. Rm tNs In ]nSnp XSbm {ianp. ]t kabw Ignncpp. B s]mSn apgph GnbpsS Xpdncp tbm\o hnShn hoWp Ignncpp. AlknpsImv tN B ]qdSp ]nSnp. \nanjw Ignn. GSn IbvsImp ]qdp sNmdnbm XpSn. sNmdnnens inIqSn. " Fs... kmam\w sNmdnbpt... Atm F\np ht... Atm... Cu Zp Fs ]qn ]mjmWw shXdntb... Ftm... " GSn cpIbvI sImpw ]qdp amnsmfnm XpSn. AXp henp Iodn. AXn\pn \npw tNmc Henm XpSn. Ah Inen InSpcpp. Rm Ahtc Bizknnm {ianp. tN \np s]mnncnp. " \o Cht\ tIn ]npw CtSo... \ns ]qdns HSpt ISn ... XocsSo...." " FSm abntc... \ns Rm... \o Fs KoXtb...." Rm tNs Igpn\p IpnnSnp. tN\p izmkw apn. Rm ]nSn hnn. Ahkm\w tN Ipgp hoWp. Rm hopw GSnbpsS ASpsn. " ]mjmWa ....Go... shdpw \mcWsmSnbm... Cnsc Ignbpw... amdntmfpw... Fs GSo... " Rm Ahtc sInnSnp Icp. Fs Xn amnbnv Ah ]qdpw XpSIfpw amnsmp ]nSpcpp. AhcpsS IhnS apgph\pw cfambn. Rm \nehnfnp t]mbn.

" Fs GSo... Fs s]mp KoXpo.... " " Um...Um...hmkppm... " Ft Btcm Ipepn hnfnpXpw Fs apJp XWp shw hogpXpw AdnmWp Rm Ip XpdXv. {]`mXkqcys shfnw ASntm Fs apJw afnp. Fs a\pWcptm Rm GSnbpsS amdn Xe NmbvncnpIbmbncpp. AhcpsS apgpapeIfn Fs apJw hn{ianpp. Fs apJp Xfn shw sImmhWw AhcpsS het apebpsS apIfn ukv \\ncpp. Rm AdnbmsX AhcpsS XpSI AIn t\mntmbn. Ipbn t\mptm hmXn A. " FmSm... \o FsmsbmSm ]npw t]bpw ]dXv..." GSn tNmZnp. " AsXs\bm... t\cpw Imepw hon hcn... kabsmdn... Fnv IqXoepbmIpw htc Hdtmw... Fm sISm t\cw h \mtamw P]np sISpthm AXpan.... Cs\mcp sNdp... " AbpsS hIbmbncpp AXv. Atmgpw Rm Gntbbpw Ah Ftbpw CdpnnSnncnbmbncpp. B apeIfpsS sNdpNqSn, arZpeXbn, F\np hopw Hcp abns kpJw. AhcpsS icocns \dpaWahpw, sXIncnp Inte hnbns ap]nSnnp Khpw Hcp hnjpss\ow t]mse Rm\mkzZnp. Hcp sImpIpnt\tmse AhcpsS icocntev, B kpJmioXfnabntev Rm ]ntncpp. B ImgvN Itm t]mIm t]mb A hopw Xncnp \np. Fnp sXsmcp CujytbmsSbpw tZjytmsSbpw ]dp. " KotX... \o Aht\ As\bp ]pmcn... Aht\ hnt.. sImp Ipsmpa... Hscm ]pcpj\m Ah\nw... " AXp tI GSn AhcpsS s\n Ft ASn amn. Rm hopw InSbntep Nmp. GSn Fgptp \np. ]ns ]dp. " aXn HdoXv... Fgptp ]ptXv.. Imn IpSnnv C\ow sISv kz]v\w ImWv..." Rm A\msX InSp. A t]mbngntm GSn XncnsI hopw Inen Ccpp. Fnp tNmZnp. " \o Fp kz]v\amSm IXv... " " Rm GSot\w tNt\w...." " AXn\p \o Fn\m t]Snp IcXv... FSv... Ft hnfnp.....]ns \mcWsmSosms hnfnp ]dp... ]ns sXdn hnfnpXpw tIp.... \o hmsX t]Snt]mepv... Hmppsn ]d... Fmcpp AXv...?..." Ahscs s\nbnepw Ihnfnepw XtemSn. " AXv...AXv...Rm..." " ]d... " " sXmdp ]dm....GSnv htmw tXmpthm..?..." " C... Fmbmepw ]dtm.. tImhtm..." " Rm\pw...]ns Gow.... IqsS IntesSp AXv sNbvXtm... tN hp Ip]nSnp....." " tM... s\\p hp tIdn....." Ah Inen \npw NmSnsbWop. Fnv Xncnv hmXntep t\mn. ]ns Inen hopw Ccpp. " Mm...]d... tIs..." " ]ns... tN GSntb ]nSnp sISov...." " sISov...?... " Ah Fs ]nSnsgptnp. " GSosS.....AhsS...apptIv..... \mcWsmSnbnp....." Rm AhcpsS IhnSbntep hnc Nqn ]dp. " tM...Fs `KhXo.... \o AXngpw Hmsmp \SphmtWm.... On...\nssbmcp kz]v\w...." AhcpsS s\v XpSnpXp Rm Ip. " ]ns Rm tNs Igpn\p ]nSnp sRn.... tN Ntmdnbn... Fs GSn..... sISp sNmdnp... s\ehnfntmv AhsSsbmw amnodn... F\np klnn....Rm\ncpp Icp...." Rm B cwKw Ipn IXpt]mse IpI s]mn.

Hcp \nanjw Bcpw Hpw annbn. ]ns GSn Fs apSnbn XtemSnsmp ]dp. " kmcan... Ap InenSo tIdnsSp Rtf Hfnp IXpsImt.. Cs\ t]Snnp kz]v\fp ImWpXv.... C\n AsXmpw hmkq Hm... Rm \ns GSnbbt... As\ sNbvXXns ssZhinbm... Cu kz]v\fv... C\ow thm hrntISns\mpw t]mIcpXv... GSntbn sXmbn hnNmcntw sNcpXv... tItm.... " Rm Xebpbn AhcpsS apJp t\mn. AhcpsS apJv hopw B IpkrXn t\mw Hfnann. Ahscgptp. hmXn sNnv Xncnp \np ]dp. " Aw hmkq F\np thn thWsan tNt\tmepw sImpw At.... s\\smSm.. FtmSns\ Hcnw...?..." " B, F\ndnbn... F\nv... Gty Fgpw ItmncnWw... Fm Fs a\nev.... " Rm AhcpsS apJp t\mmsX ]dp. Ah XncnsI hp Fnss Ihnfn _eambn \pnnSnp. Ip\np \ntm B apSnsgnp hoWp. \nhp \nv AhcXp sIn shp. IbvIfpbnbtm teiw hnb IfpsS \\hn Fs IpI DSn. AXp IpsImh ]dp. " Fnte... B Cw a\nencnt Hp... tItm tamt\... Cu KoX Bfp thsdbm... tam\m shw Ap hmn shtcv.... hm, hnv htmw Rm t\mv... s\\p ]pmcnm thtd Bfnt... Atmp sNv...." Ah Ipnbpw shnpsImv \Sp adp. B t]mp t\mn Rm Inen Ccpp a\ntemp, Cu IpnIfpw hnSnnSnp \mepImen \npsImSpm\mWtm Cu ]mhns hn[n. KtWi ]dXp t]mse CWn\msWn AXns sXmp apn sISp aZ\dv Fpw XcnimbnnStbpp. Fs hncepIfpsS XtemSte B {XntImWtn Hmtm HpIqSn _eambn \n Ippt\bpw Xmtemenv Rm `nnbntep Nmcn.

B kw`hn\p tijw GSnv FtmSv Ftm Hcp A\p`mhw DmbXpt]mse F\np tXmn. B IpIfn Hcp IcpW \ngenpXp t]mse. F\npw Hcp A`n\nthiw, Ahtc Ftmgpw t\mnbncnm. Ftmgpw IpsImncnm. ]etmgpw Rm Nnnp, ap IpSpw_fnepw tNnbpw A\pPmcpw Ct. F\np am{Xw Ft Cs\ tXmm. Ctmsg\nv, Cu hbpImep a\nemIpp AsXmcp BZym\pcmKambncpsv. Ah Cu hon ImseSpp Ipnbtm Xt, Ahtc Rm\pambn _nnp Ftm Hv Rfn DSseSpp Ignncpp Fv. Rm\ntm shfnbn A[nIsampw t]mImdn, AXymhiyw Ieptepw, ]ns hontep km[\ hmm\pw am{Xw. Nne {]`mXfn ASpp Aen GSnbpsS IqsS t]mIm\pw XpSn. Ap tXmn aI\p `n Dmbn Fv. AsXmcn GSn Imn IpSnpsImncptm kqNnnp. " KotX, hmkpp\nncn Cuizc hnNmscms hp sXmSn. Fs tXhtc, CXp \op \ntW...." " F\nngpw kwibm At.... Dnsemtmv...." " AsXmSo \n\s\ tXmnbXv....?.. " " Ahs\gpw Fs s]mdIn \nt sXmgsmp.... tXhtc t]SnbmsWm F\np tXmtW..." " l..l..." A Nncnp. "

" AXp ]ns ... Ahs GSosS apn Ah tIdn \npthmSo... CtSm tamt\....." A hmkeytmsS Fs Ihnfn XgpIn. ]mhw A, Fs a\nt\n Fdnbpp. Ctm hnemkn\nbpambpw GSn \ ASpnembn. anhmdpw Fm Znhkfnepw DbqWp Ignbptm hntn hon hcpw. GSnbpambn Iptd skmd ]dbpw, t] t\mpw, apSn NoIpw, ]ns Xncnsb t]mIpw. hnemkn\nbpsS tNntb {]khn\psImp hXpsImv AhnsS Ftmgpw Bfp ImWpw. AXpsImv t\cw t]mn\pw hnImcia\n\p Fs hgn ASp. ]ns ASp hgn GSnbpsS amZIta\n Xt. B ta\nbpsS \navt\mX Ftm Imepw F\np ]pXnsbmcptP\w. ImWptmdpw AXp IqSnsmpancpp. Fmw Rm hniZambn IXmsWnepw hopw hopw Ah Incnm Ftmgpw a\n\p sImXn. Nnetm AhcpsS apJp Ipw \v Rm t\mnbncnpw, AXp ImWp Ahpw Ftm Hcp AcpXmgnIbmtWm, CujymbmtWm, CnfnbmtWm, Hcp hnImcw DmIp t]mse F\np tXmn. Rm\htc AwK{]XywKw a\:psImv XgpIntemSp t]mse knp. hnemkn\nbpsS ssewKnImhbfpsS cpNn Fs \mnepw \mUnIfnepw Dsnepw AXnt\ adnISp inbn GSnbpsS cq]w Fs a\n kvYm\w ]nSnp Ignncpp. Cs\np tXmpp, Hcp ]t Ahcpambn Av Hcp kwt`mKw \Sncpsn A{Xbpw inbmb Hc`nhm DmIpambncpn Fv. FtmSp kvt\lw sImmtWm, AtXm IcpW sImmtWm Ftm Ahcpw FtmSw A\p`mhw ImnpSn. apaSnptm Rm t\mn\nm Ah Ctm ape admdn. Nne Znhkfn ukpI AbXmbncnpw, Atm B apeIfpsS apm `mKhpw Xqn shfnbnembncnpw. tNt\m Atbm hcpXphtc Ah B at\mlcamb Imgv ImWm Fs A\phZnncpp. kmcnpsms hoWpInSmepw Fs apn AsXmpw t\scbmmdn. InWpIcbn ]m{Xw tXptm AhcpsS tInsh hkv{XfneqsS B shpSI Rm BkzZnpt\m hnbsmgpIp apJw Aw sNcn apJtmsS Rm t\mnbncnptm Ah H\pw IXmbn `mhnn. AcIn Acptm Xmfn BSp B apeIfpw t\mn AhcpsS ASppmIpw. BSp AhcpsS IpnIfn t\mn shandn \npw. Nnbcptm AXn Hp tXmn \mn shpw. Hp cp {]mhiyw, B s\nbnepw apJpw DcppIqSnsbmgpIp tkzZ_np kmcnppbn Rm HnsmSpnpv. Atm AhcpsS hnbns amZIKw F\nptP\w \Ipw. Atmsgms t]cnSm\mhm Hcp hnImcw B IpIfn anemSpXp Rm Inpv. AXp ImWm thns As\bp k`p thn Rm Imp \np. Aen t]mIptm AhcpsS ]nmse am{Xw \Sm Rm {ianp. \Sptm Xmfn Hmfw shp B \nXw_ F\nsmcp lcambn. Fs t\mhpw BkzZnepw klnhmXmbtmgmbncnpw Ah Hcp Znhkw Aentep t]mIp hgnp tNmZnp.

" hmkppm, \o Fn\mSm sImtdbmbnv Fgpw Fs hmte Xqn \SpXv...." Rm annbn, Fp adp]Sn ]dbpw. " FSm \ntmSm tNmZnXv... " " AXnw... Rm adp]Sn ]dm... GSnp tZjyw hcpw..." " l... l... sImmw ... \o C\n Fv AhcmXw ]dmepw Cw F\nsmpw tXmn.... Att \fp Xn As\sbm adsbms t]mbngnnt.... \o ]dtmSm.." " F\nnw... GSntb Fgpw ImWWwm hnNmcw...." " AsX\ndnbmw... AXv \ns {]mbnsbm.....Cw sImsmpa Xm\pw... \o t\mpXv Fs adp shSsmsbt... F\nXp a\nemIpw...." " AtX... ImWptmdpw... ]ntw ]ntw t\mWwm Bi..." " AXp sicn ...Cw \o Fs s]mdIp ImWm\m... s]mdtI \SpXv At..." " kXyw ]dm AtX... \mpImcp ]tdXv... Cu ASpSv GSntbtmse Hcp.... Hcp... Hcp... Hcp Nc ...s]p hnnsm...." " \osbm... \nnbXv....sXmdSntmSm... Hcp ..Hcp Ncstm..?.. \fnw IqpImscp hnNmcnm aXn...." Rm s]sv AhcpsS Hw \Sp tIdn. F\nv B sNhnbntep ]dp. " Ahcp ]tdXv GSn Hcp H Ncmm.... GSntb ImWpw Ahv GXmsms tXmppshv..." GSn ]cnkcw adv s]mnncnp. ]ns ]dp. " Aw Rm Cu \mpImcpsS sskzcyw sISpn At... Fs tXhtc... CsXmpw Rm\dntmt... s]mdptW... " " Cw Fmpw FtmSkqbbm.. GSosS IqsS \Spw... F\nsmcp Ktaw..." " sicnbm, Cw \osbmscm BWmbnt.. thsdmcp \mnemcpsn Bmcp hnNmcntt\ ... \o Fs sIntbm\msWv... " " A... As\ Bbmsem sImgw...?..." Rms\mcp tNmZysadnp. Ah s]sp \np. " AS... \ns ]qXn sImmw... Rm\nw tN\pw A\nb\pw Hcpanp sIS hncnWw ..At... Cu hnNmtcmw sImm \o Fs s]mdtI aWp aWp \SpXv... sImmw..." " AXns\m... \psS kapZmbn AsXms \SpXt... tZs, \sS amfntbte IpmcpsS hon, ]ns shpIpgnbnte \mWhnsS, Fmw tN\pw A\nb\pw IqSn Hcp `mtcy Hp... Fm sImgw...?..." Ahscmpw annbn. Rm XpSp. " ]ns, \sS ]pcmWn t\mv .... ]mmen Asns\ ]pjv]w t]mse ssIImcyw sNbvXnt.... thsdbpw IYIsfmv..." " F\nsXmpw tI...." " Ass KoXpty... Rmt\mphmcpp.... Av `oa \sS tNs amXncnsbm\pamcpp ]mmentbmSp s]cpamdnbncpsn

Htmp t\mntb AhcpsS ....KXn Fmcptt\... F\nv Hmm IqSn taem.... " " anmXncnsbSm Akt... Aeapp shm thmXo\w ]dbpt....?... hontep sNt... Rm\np sicnbmpw \nt...." Atmtgpw R Aeapsnbncpp. Hbpw s]bpambn Bm sXmgm hp XpSnbncpp. Rfpw t]mbn hcnbn \np. Rm GSnbpsS sXmp]pdIn \ntm Ah Fs In ]nSnv henv apn \nn. sXmgpXp hewshv ]pdnbtm Ah tNmZnp. " \osbn\mSm Fs s]mdIn \np sXmgpXv..." " AXpw... CdXp Xt... " " FdXv...?..." " GSn tXhtc sXmgpp... Rm tZhntb sXmgpp.. At{Xp..." " tZhntbm... AXn\nhnsS tZhosS {]Xnbntm...?.." " ]nSnInot... Fs apn \np sXmgpXv.. Fs tZhn..." " tM... \o Ifnp Ifnv A{Xmtbm...." Ahscs sNhnbn ]nSnp Xncpn. " GSo.. htmcpw ImWpw.... hnSv..." Rm ]dp. Ah Ibv ]nhenp. ]ns Hpw anmsX thKn \Sp. " tZ.. Ct{Xw thKn \SmsX... Ip\np \mpImcpsS.. Np s]Ss]Spw..." Rm Ifnbmn ]dp. Ah kv]oUp Ipdp. ]t Hpw ]dbmsX \Sp. hoSSpmdmbtm Ah \SbpsS thKX hopw Ipdp, " hmkppm..." B kzcn Kuchapmbncpp. " Ft...?.. " Rm tNmZnp. " \ns hnNmcsfms AXncp ISpp... Rm\pw Aw Abp t]mbop shtm... Fs shjasfms s\\dnbmsm Fp hnNmcnp t]mbn.... C\n \o Ft ]gbXp t]mse t\mcpXv... ImWcpXv... Rm \ns GSnb am{Xw... a\nemtbm...?.." " Rm t\mpXn\v GSnsm Ipgw... Rm GSntb sXmSpp t]mepantm.... " " sImgsamv.... \o Ft shdptX t\mpI... Ft henp IpSnym... IpsImv... \ns t\mw ImWpw XpWnbnmXmIp t]mem... tamim hmkqm CXv.. ]mht Fp hnNmcnp Rm... C\n AXn... Ft ]gbXp t]mse Xpdnp t\mm hm... Rm Gt\mSp ]tdw... _mn s\\dnbmtm..." " AXn\p Rm..." " th, \o C\n Hpw ]db.... ]Tnv ]mmbn IpSpw_ns\mcp sXmWbmIm t\mv...." Ah \Sp. Rm\hnsS \np. C\nsbp sNpw. ]dtmgp B Kuchw Rm {inp. thmcpp, InmWw Cncn IqSntmbn, ]Xps hfm aXnbmbncpp. s. t]mb _pn t]mbXp Xs. Hm, sNew NpmsX ]dXmbncnpw, Rm kam[m\np. Ipdp Ignv Rm hontep Ibdnsp. Nnnv a\nepdp. Fs KoXpo, Ctm Rm t\tc t\mn, C\n Rm Hfnp ImWpw, Ip hmWaSnpw, \osbp sNpw, sImmw, hmkqt\mSm Ifn ? ]t

Fnt\ ?. Rm BtemNnp. Atm apX Rms\mcp Hfnp t\m Xmhfw Xn \Sp. ImnIpSnm ASpfbn sNtm GSnbpsS thjw Iv Rm AXnibnp t]mbn. F{X admepw adbm B hamdpI kmcnpp sImv adv ]n Ipnbncnpp. A\ptm [owXcnInS XmfaSnp B IpnItf adm ASnbn Imcyamsbtm DSpnpv. Ctm Im IYIfnp thjaWn t]mse. F\np Nncn s]mn. Rm Atb hnfnp. " At, GSn IYIfnp t]mIpImsWp tXmpp...." A Xncnp t\mn. " At... CsXp thjmSo tamtf.... ]pXnb HbpSpntSo \ns In... Fn\m CsXms hmcn hentmp \Spt... " Abpw aqp hnc shp. " Ft.. Ah\X.. AXnepdw tXmpw... {]mbw AXt...." " B...Fmm \ns ]mSv...." A tPmenbntep ISp. apfIcptm Rm AhcpsS ASpp IqSn Hp ]mfn \Sp t\mn. Atm Ah Atb hnfnp. " At, Ctmsmp ht..." A Cdn AcIns ASpp hp. " tZ CXcXv aXnbmtbmsmp t\mnt...." " aXnsbp tXmp\p...." A A`n{]mbw ]dp. AtmgmsWs A IXv. " FSm... \o ChnsS Fp sNmdntmp \nphm.... sNv B shdsImp s]dpn sht... sNew ag Nmdp eWsamv...." " As\ ]dp sImSpt... Hcp tPmeow sNmsX shdptX Xnm Xt \SpIm Ch... t]mbn shdIp s]dpsSm... " GSnbpsS hI. ]ns Rm\hnsS \nn. A{X KabmsWn \ns kmam\w ImWm Rm thsd hgn t\mpw Fs KoXpty, Rm a\n ]dp. ]ns hndsISpm t]mbn. apn\p ]pdv DWnnS hndIv Iptds s]dpn hoSns ]pdIn sImp shp. Atm s]sss _pn sXfnp. hoSns ]pdIphiv AItmsmXpnb Hcp `mKapv, Aw \ofn. B `mKmWp Ipfnapdnbpw tmdpw. Ipfnapdnp shnte hepXmWv. B hcmbpsS Hcp sskUnemWXv tNs InSpapdn. sNdnb Hcp `nn, AXn sNdnb Hcp P\epw shntedpw. ]t B aqev Fm Ie]ne km[\fpw hmcnhenv IqnbncnpIbmWv. \Sm\p ]qfv, IapIns ]mfnI, XSnjW, DWnb NqpaS, Iodnb hndIv, Fmw \ncnbpw Ipnmcnbpw shncnpXpsImv shfnw InmXn\m B P\ kvYncambn ASnncnpIbmWv. at hit P\epw shntedpw hepXmbXpsImv Cu P\ ASnmepw apdnpn ]I \ shfnw Inpw. As\bmWtm Rm GSnbpsS Umkpw apw IXv. Cu sNdnb P\en\p Xmsg Hcp ]gb BpIpw InSpv, Iptdmeambn AXhnsS Ccnpp. Cfb s] sImp s]mtmfmsap ]dncnpp. kuIcyambnsmcp hml\w Inm ImncnpIbmWv. hndIp s]dpnsmncnptm GSn apm thn ]pXnb adpcbn sNp tIdn. tIdpXn\p app Fs t\mn ]dp.

" Hfnp t\mtmw sImXn t\mtmw Hs \nn... Cs\ h tPmeow sNv... " ]nsbh AItp Ibdn. HmeXIp Nmcn. Rm izmkaSn \np. Hcp \nanjw Igntm tImw Hcp sNdnb iviviviviviviv iw. tlm, B iw Fs ImXn Hcp kwKoXambn hp ]Xnp. Ctm, Ahcntm XpWn s]mn Ihncnbmhpw, hnSncnp B sNcnqdns Dn \npw Nonsdnp\ B kzPe[mc B aWen ]Xv IpgnbpmpIbmbncnpw. Rm\Xp {inpsImv apn\Snbn Inp Ipbn XShn. AXp ImWm\p B{Klnembncnpw Ah NmSnsmn. Im an\pnte kwKoXn\p tijw AXns iw Ipdp. Ctm hnSncnp B Incnqdn \npw Xpn Xpnbmbn hogppmhpw. ]nsbh Fgptp Ihp \nv ASnmhmS Iqn B ]qsdmp hnSn XpSpw. B cwKw Hp ImWm ]pntm. Ctm B ASnmhmSbpsS `mKyw Hmv Rm Akqbsp. Hmead henbp iw tItm Rm Hpadnbm t]mse hndISpm XpSn. Ah Fs AcnIn IqSn ISpt]mbtm Rm Hp t\mn. Ahsctbpw. Atm B apJv ]gb IpkrXnncnbpsS anemw. Ah hoSns aqe ISp Fpdmbtm Rm HmSn adpcIp Ibdn. ]gb aq{Xns aWns IqsS ]pXpaq{Xns aWw. sNdnb Ipgnbn Atmgpw s]mnsmncnp ]XpanfI Rm B ]Xbnsemp sXmp. AsXs aqn ASpnp. AXp h hgn Hmtm Fs Ip hopw Inbmbn. AhnsS \nsmp hmWaSnmtem ]gb Nn{Xhpw ]pXnb aq{Xhpw Iqn. Atn ]nsbmIs. C\nbpw kabaptm. Rm shfnbnendnbtm hndIn\Spv GSnb ! Ffnp Ipw Ipn Hcp ]cnlmkncntbmsS Fs t\mn \npp. " Rm ...Rm\pw... Hp apm tIdnbXm....." " Bcpw tNmZnntm... \o apptIm XptIm sNv... Rm \ns shdIp]Wn Hp ImWm hst Dp...." " CXnw Xocpw...." " a\nembo... F\np ]nSnInpsmv... CsXmcp {]tXyI kqtSp Xt... sImdmbn... Xmaknm sNew..." Ah ]ndp]ndpp sImv \Sp t]mbn. hndIp s]dpn shp Ignnv B sNdnb P\ D]tbmKnpXnt\pdnv Rm BtemNnp. AXn\p cq]tcJ Xbmdmn. sshIptcambtmtgpw ag XpSn. tabv amkmhkm\ns ag, kvIq Xpdptmtgpw AXp s]cpagbmbn shsmambn amdpw. ]nt Znhkw cmhnte GSn apaSnptmgpw Rm DancnbpsaSpv AhcpsS apeI ImWms\n. Ip\np \Sptm apgpIbpw DcpfpIbpw sNp B kpcamb NnI t\mn Ipdp t\cw shandn. ]ns \Sp ap`mKsn. ]n Ipm adXpsImmbncnpw Ip\np \ntm B shapeI ukn\pn \npw ]pdtp XnXnn InSncpp. Fs kmnyadn Ah Ft Hp t\mn Hcp ]cnlmkncn Nncnp. ]ns Nq Xmtgnp. \nhp \nv apSnsbmgnp sIn. Ft B

hnb Iw Hp ImWnp. Ipbnbtm \nhp \n B Dcp hapeI Ft t\mn Xebmn. Rm hnNmcnp cs]sv. ]nsbh tNt\ hnfnp. " Gm... aXn HdoXv....Fgptv... ItStmIt... tZ AO sdUnbmbngnp...." CXpw ]dh AItp Ibdntmbn. Rm An If Amt\tmse InWpIcbntep \Sp. F\np a\nembn Ah ImcyambnmsWv. Atm ]ns Fs ASp ]cn]mSn Xt icWw. hoSn\p ]pdInte GSnbpsS apdnbpsS sNdnb P\en\p ]pdIn IqSnnS km[\ Fmw Rm FSpp amn. BpIn\p apIfn Ibdn \nv shntedn IqSn AItp t\mn. lmbv, GSnbpsS apdn apgph\pw ImWmw P\ AcnInembXpsImv \Sphn Cncnp Inen Ccpm t]mepw IpI Dbn {inm am{Xta shntedn IqSn t\mp IpI ImWm ]q. Rm AXn\pw hgn Ip. Hcp DWnb tXne FSpv IpIp Zzmcanp, ]ns shntedns Hcp `mKv tNmdp]i sImv AsXmnp shp. shntedn\p ]ndIn Nqp aSepI FSpv ASpn Nmcn \nn. AXn\pn \nm ]pdp \npw Bpw ImWm\pw ]n, AYhm Asbm\pw \Sp hmtem. DIgnv ]Xnhp skmd]dnepw Ignv hntn t]mbtm GSn Ipfnm tIdn. Rm AbpsS apdnbn {inp. Ddw Xt. IpfnapdnbpsS ]pdIn t]mbn \np. shsamgnepw aqfnmpw Xotm Rm sas Nqn\nSbn Ibdn. Atm IpfnapdnbpsS hmXn Xpdp iw tIp. Rm sas BpIn\p apIfn Ibdn. tXnebpsS Zzmcn IqSn t\mn. GSn tXmpw ]pXv apdnbntep Ibdn. IXISp kmmbnp. ImSnbpsS apn hp tXmp amdn \npw amn. lbv, Cp ukp t]mepan. shdpw ]mhmS am{Xw. B apeIfpsS Zriyw Ft hmsX lcw ]nSnnp. GSn thsdmcp tXmsSpp. ]ns ]gbXp t]mse apeItfmtcmpw amdn amdn InseSpv s]mn ASnhiw tXmn Atm B apeI Xnfn. I apesRn sas sRcSn t\mpp. Fmw ImSnbn t\mn BkzZnp sImv. ]gb {]mW\mY aqfppapv. ]ns I tXmn, ]ns Hcp IbvsImv In tXmn aWp t\mn, Xr]vXnbmb `mhw B apJv. ]pnfn tXmnp Npnp XpSp. ]ns Agnp InS apSnbpw tXmpw IqSn Npnncnp. sNcnp \np ]ngnp. Atm B apeI cpw B hitp sNcnp. tXmv As\ Xt Npn shp. ]ns ]mhmS Agnp. AXv Xmsg hoWp. Ctm Xmen amebmsX \q_an. F{X Inpw F\np aXnhcm B amZI ta\n, Ftbnp hw Idp cXotZhn, Rm \nntaj\mbn t\mn \np. GSn \Sp sNv ssenp. Atm apdnbn IqSpX {]Imiw. Ft, F\np h. CsXs\nsmp ]pIm Ignbpw. Hmnptmsgms tNs\ h]md Fs a\n hnep XSnbmbn Dbp hcpp. ImSnbpsS apIfn HcpIm s]mn shv ]mhmSsbSpv ]qdp \mbn XpSp. XpS `mKw __ns t\tc `mKtp Xncnv ]nSnv Ftm

t\mn. ]ns Hp aWp. ]ns ]mhmS apdnbpsS aqebntesdnp. F\np ]qdp ImWm tae. ImcWw AXv F\np t\sc Xmsgbmbncpp. Bene hbdp ImWmw. Xmfw Xpnhndp sImpS ImWmw. taipdp \npw ]uUsdSpp apeInSbn IpSp, AXp cpw s]mn ASnbn tXp, In tXp. ]ns Ftm Nnnnv IhnSbn, ]qnembncnpw Ibv sXmsmp aWp, ]ns Iptd ]uUsdSpv ImeIn \mbn Xqp. Atm Rm\m ]qdp ImWm\p BImw sImv apJw aptmmp. Fs aqv tXnebn sImp. AXSp Xmsg hoWp. Rm s]sv Xe Xmgvn. Fs Dsmp ]nSp. \niXbn tXne `nnbn IqSn Dcp hogp ihpw {insSpw. Hcp an\np Ignp Rm sas Xe s]mn t\mn. ASpXv \ramWp {]XonXv. C, CXn. Atmtgpw Ah ]mhmSbpw {_mbpw [cnp Ignncpp. C\nsbp ImWm\m. Rm Xmsgbndn, ASpfbn t]mbn Ccpp. Imn IpSnptm Rm ]dp. " Ftmcw ]uUdm... sImSnncnpt.. aWw sImSpm tae..." " AXn\p \osbn\m shjanpt ... Fs sIntbms ImipsImt Rm sImSnSpXv.... ASpm ]mhcv ASpt... amdn \ntm... AXm Fmpw \Xv..." " Fm cpwIqsS Hcp Inmcw... FmSo \o htmw ]dtm... Fhs tam hmsX Ccnpt... " Atm Fgptp h A tNmZnp. " Hm.. Rfp Npm Hmtcmp ]tdImcpp...." A ImnbpsaSpv ASpfSnhmXnen Ccpp. " slm, Fsmcmhn... Cpw ag ImWpsam tXmpXv..." A BtcmsSnmsX ]dp. Ngw Xn sbnpw mkpw Rm Xs FSpp ]mXIn shp. Atm Ip\np \nv XobqXnsmncp AhcpsS Nnbn Rm Adnp sImp Xs Fs Nn Hpckn. Ah s]sv NmSn \nhp. hmXn sN Rm Xncnp t\mn. ieyw, CsXmcp sa\tSmbtm F `mhn Ah Fts t\mn \npp. ]nt Znhkw ImnIpSn Ignv AO\pw Abpw s]fpsS hon GtXm IeymW \nivObn\p t]mbn sshIptcw tN\psamv Hcpant Xncnp hcq Fp ]dnmWp t]mbXv. GSn DuWp Xbmdmp kabw Rm thsdmcp henb DWnb tXne Ip]nSnv Iem]cambn cp Zzmchpanv shntedn sImpt]mbn apmWnbSnp shp. A\nbm hogpIbpan, Im AXhnsS DSnbncnp\ amXncn tXmpIbpw sNpw. DbqWp Igntm ]Xnhp t]mse hntn hp. sNdnb Xnbn Iptd t\cw Ccpp Igntm GSn ]dp, NqSmbXpsImv \app apdnbn t]mbn ^m\nv Ccpp ham\w ]dbmsav. Rm Iptd t\cw cnt\bpw t\mn Npnn \np. Ah cpt]cpw apdnIp Ibdn. C\n Fp sNpw. Rm\mtemNnp. Iept t]mIm kabambn. Fn ]ns hntntbmsSnepw Hp cp ham\w

]dbmsap IcpXn GSnbpsS apdnhmXnen Xn t\mn. \miw, AXp AIp \npw kmbnncnpp. ham\w tIppv, Hpw Xncnbpn. At\cw hw Npn \np. ]ns Hcp IuXpIn\p tXmn, tXnebpsS D]tbmKw Fs\bncnpp Fsmp t\mmsav. Ipdp Ignbptm Ipfnko ImWm\pXt. Rm ]Xps BpIn tIdn\nv CebnIqsS AItp t\mn. Bl, sImmw, \ Zriyw. Inen `nnbn Nmcn hntn Imepw \on Ihpshv Ccnpp. ]mhmS apn\p apIfnhtc tIn shnpv. Ftmgpw adncnp kv{Xoicoc`mK ImWm Xmcyw IqSpw. Inv Ipdp ZnhkfmbXp sImmImw F\ntm hntnbpsS aWnpSI BkzmZyIcambn tXmn. GSn ]pdwXncnv hntnbpsS XpSInSbn N{aw ]Snncnpp. kmcnbpw ]mhmSbpw Achtc tIn shnpv. B hmgnn XpSI ]Ishfnn Xnfpp. aSn shtm apns AIhi otjhp sNbvX XSnnqdpI amXncn XpSnp s]mn \np. AXymhiyn\p]Icnm AXmbmepw aXn. Fs tN AXp Inpsn Atcp sImXns\mcp Ah[n sImSptt\. GSn ukv Xpdnncnpp. {_mbn B apeI hopapn \npp. ^m taipdv Ccpp Idpp. cp t]cpw Ihncpv IhnSbn ImpsImnpIbmWv. hntn GSnbpsS apSnbn t] t\mpp, tImXpp. " tlm... Hp sXmdp shv Cncn Imp tIdnbtm.. Fsmcmizmkw..." GSn ]dbpp. Fnsmcp Im Dbn Inen shp v Imapn\p apIfn Ibv shp. at Im Inen\p Xmtgnp. Atm B ]q hncnncpXv \ hyw. Btcm apIfntev XnnSnt]mse Aw NXv AXv hmXpdncpp. {XntImWns apI`mKw hya. ]qSbpsS IdppsImmbncnpw F\n`pXw, IqpIqSnqSn C{Xbpw ASpamtbm Ch Xn. " F\np Imp Inpn.... " hntn ]cmXn ]dp. " \o XpWn sImtdqSn tatemp tIn shv... " hnemkn\n ]mhmS Ac htc tIn shp. Ctm AhfpsS Icnqdpw \ hyw, ]t AXns hc am{Xta ImWppp. AXp s]mfnncpn, As\ CcpXp sImmbncnpw. " KoX Cncn IqSn s]mdtImncnv. apSn Inpn. ... " " Fs hnp \o aptmncn... Cu Ccpp \ kpJw..." IhnS Hp IqSn AInsmv GSn ]dp. sicnbmbncnpw. \ ]pkvXImfp aen sh t]mencnp B XSn ]qdntev ^m\ns Imp Inptm \ kpJw tXmmw. Rm Nnnp. NqSpImew, Ccpp Xnn\odpIt, Gbv, CXhp kzm`mhnIw, Fnepw AhnsSsbms Hcp IpfncpInptm Bizmkw ImWpambncnpw, Rm Nnnp. BWpmIptm Xqnbnv Bnsmp \Smatm. ]mh s]p, Fn\m tXhtc CXo IhstSsS Dn sImpsNv ASpn shXv. Hp IgpIWsan Xt Fpam{Xw AInbpw hnSnbpw ]nSnmem km[npI. Hm, Rms\n\m CsXms Hmp shjanpXv. Fmepw Cncn IqSn shfnbn Cu km[\w kvYm]nncpsn Ap hntnbpsS kmam\nepmb t]mse aWw DmInmbncpp. Fmepw B

aWw Hcp kpJw XsbmtWbv. HmpsImv B km[\w t\cn Itm Ipp _ew shpp. kuIcyw Innbtm s]pfpsS Hcncpt. C\nsbm Ch sNpsXp ImWmtm. Ipbpw InseSpv izmkaSn Rm Imp \np. GXmbmepw GSn Ccpp amn. hopw Inen Ibdn hntnbpsS XpSInSbn N{w ]Snncpp. ]ns ]pdtImp Inv {_mbpsS lppIsfSpp. Icnp IpebpsS sIps]mnbt]mse B shcnpI kzX{ambn ]pdtp NmSn, Hp hndp, Fs Ipbpw. Xhnp \ndnep ]cnhfpsS \Spv Idp apncnsRpI XpSnp \np. " Blm.. Fmw sXmdv shfotentm......?.." hntn tNmZnp. " tlm, sInhcnncnpw Cu NqSpw Cdptmw IqSn... Cw Fsmcp kpJw... sImdp t\cw Cncn Abp sISs... " GSn kn\nabnte Im_td \rmcn CfpXp t]mse s\nfn cp apeIfpw Hmn. ]t AhcmSnbn. ]ip XeIpeppXp t]mse cpw hifntesmp sXdnnp \np hndp. Bcpw sXmSm \n[nIpw` henw sImp am{Xw Aw Nmp t]mbn. " KotXsS apSow samtew ImWpw F\np sImXnbm....." hnemkn\n ]dp. " apSn ]Xps htmfpw... ]ns same... AXp hepXmncmp \ns ah ]dnnt.." " t]msbs KotX... F\nsmcp ah\pan..." " Aw... hmkpp \ns BcmSo... acpp tXp Xcpw... \nsmSp Xcpw... hmbnshp kpJnnpw ... kmam\n\nncn aWsamtepw AXh\p {]iv\tab...." " Gs KotX... CXmcm Cu.. thmXo\sams ]dXv..." " Bcpw ]dX... Rm Ip sImp IXt..." " tM... Fs tXhtc... KoX Istm.... kXymtWm..?.." " Mqw.. kXyw... Ah sNbvXsXms Rm t\cn IXt... anSp\m Ah.." " lt... F\np h... Cu KoX....Fs sXmen s]mfnbpp...." " Ass hnq.. s\s IhsSbmcnpw Cw s]mfntmncnpt...." " Atm... As\ s]mfnbm\mbnv Hpw Rfp sNbvXnn... tItm... " " \nfp sNbvsX ]dXv.... Cw \ns IhsS tZ... sXmdnpmhqm ]dt... " " Atm... Cu KoXsmcp \mtWmy...." " \mWanmsX sNbvXw Hmntm... AXncns... Ah \nt \mbn kpJnntmSo..." Dcan. " FSo s]t \ntmSm tNmZnt... \mbn kpJnntmv..." GSn Ibv ]pdtImnv hnemkn\nbpsS XpSbn \pnsmp tNmZnp. Ah Im IqSpX AIntmbn. " Mqw... " AXp ]dtm hntnbpsS IhnfpI Nphp. Fs Ipbpw Inbmbn \np hndp.. " C\nbpw s\\v AXpt]mse thWwp tXmpptm..."

hnemkn\n au\w. " FmSo anmt...." " KotX AXnw... AXnw...." GSnbpsS apSnbn HmSnsmncp Ibv \nivOeambn. " s]n\p ]dbm \mWam ... At... Fn Rm Xt Dcw XnsbSptmfmw..." GSn Ccp Ccpn Ibv ]pdtImnv hntnbpsS IhnSbntep ISn. Ah ]pfpt]mbn. " slmXv...KotX Cu ImWnpt... " Ah Cnfn ]qv tNmZnp. " ]dbmw....." GSn hntnbpsS ]qn InSpImsWp tXmn. " Atm.. F\nv... CnfnbmIpp...." hnemkn\n GSnbpsS In ]nSnp. Atmtgpw GSn Ibv ]nhenp Fnv ]qn\In cp hncepI hnemkn\ntb ImWnp sImp ]dp. " Itm... CXv... sImgncnpXv... Ctm F\np a\nembn.. Ah sNbvX Imcyw ]dtm Xt s]ns AhSv tXs\mgpIm sXmSn... AXn\w C\nbpw thWsam... t\ctSo..?.." " Atm Cu KotXsS Hcp Imcyw.... F\np Cw \mWmhpp... AhnsS Inv... Fs At... Cu KoXv Hcp \mtWman..." " \fp s]pfp Xn Fp \mWnm\m....." GSn CXn\nSv hntnbpsS ]qtX ]nb hncepI Npn shp, FnXp ]Xps \pWp. " hnqs NqSp tX\n\p \ cpNn..." " tM... AXp \npSnsm... Cu KoXnsp ]n...?...atWmsp ]dbptIw sNpw...Fnv....." " CXnw h ]pXnb shamSo s]t... \ tX\ns aWm... AXncns...... \n\nmsWn.... ]nsm \o Aht\ Cw ImWmt...?..." GSn tNmZnp. " Dn B{Ktlmv... ]t Fsnepw ]nbm... Bthiw aqpw \fp Xs AdnbmsX ImeIntmIpw.... sNbvtXv BWp s]mSow Xn t]mIpw....]ns \fp Xqnbm aXn..." hntn ]dp. ASn In, Aw \n\st thWw Rmt\mp. t]Snnm At. AXpsImmWtm hncenSm t]mepw Ap kXnmXncpXv, _pnaXn Xt. " Fn \o Aht\ Ap sIntm..." GSn ]dp. " sIntbt\... F\np kXm... hmkqt\ F\nsmncn Ctmam.. AXp t]mctm... " " ]nsm thXv....?.." " KotX, \fp s]pv Iptw Iow Xcm Ignhp thWw sIntbm\v.. hmkq\v BZyw ]dXv Bhiyn IqSpX Dss\ndnbmw... ]t Inp hI... " " Mqw s]n\p _pnsbmv... B \app t\mmw... \o Fs s]Sen Hp ]Xps Xncpnt... hm Igv...." GSn apSn hmcnsn shp. " Inv Cw s]Sen Igsp tXmpp ...KoXv ... ashnsStbm Igsm eWam...." hnemkn\n GSnbpsS ]nSenbn Ibv shp ]dp. cp aqp Xncpp Igntm GSn hnemkn\nbpsS IbvIsfSpv amn, ]ns B IbvI FSpv Xs hapeIfn ]nSnnp.

" CsXm KotX.. Csmcp ]pXpa..." " \o Hp XgpInt... \ns Ibv sXmSpw Ftm Hcp... Hcp... CXv... " " AXp Rm\nw ]dbmw.. " hntn s]sv Hcp Ibv XmsgqSn aptmnv GSnbpsS IhnSbn tXmn Fnv AXv Gntb ImWnp. " Ft Ipw ]dnv ChntSw Cw Hgpp sXmSnbtm.... Ftmfpw \\p.... Mqw...CXn\pw \ cpNnsbmtm..." " Aw s]t, \o AXp \npSntm... " " KoX \nbw F\npw Hcp sImXn... AtXmm...." hopw hntn GSnbpsS apeIfn XgpIm XpSn. " \o sXmSpw \ ckam hnq....HanShv...." GSn Ibvcpw ]pdtImp Ipn sRfnncpp. " KotXsS sameIfp ImWpw F\nkqbbm... Fp \ sameIfm KotXtSXv... F\nmsWn Hpw samebn...." " AsXms hfcpsaSo... HcmWns Ibv sXmSpw AXp Xmt\ hfcpw...." " Aw KotXsS samte BWns Ibv t\ct sXmntmtm..." hntnbptS kwibw. " Gbv, F\np ]t Xt Ct{Xw HXm... \osbmv Aan XgpInt...." " \ ckw KotXsS samte ]nSnm ... tNs Hcp `mKyw... Rm\nXv ]nSnsmSm Atcp hgsmmpthm... KotX... " s]pfpsS kwkmchpw {]hrnbpw IqsS Fs ckcSp aqnp. Rm sas sas Ipbn hmWaSn XpSn. ]pdt NqSv Rm\dnn. " \o hmkqt\mSp ]d... Aht\Xt CXp hepXmncm..." " tiym.. Cu KoX.... AXpw tItm... F\np h.... C\n HcmWnt\ ASpnm F\np t]Snbm... Fs Xt \nb{Ww hnSpthmv... AtXmv Rm Xt ASngnbpIm..." " hnq... \o \ns AISnsSw Imncmp ]dnv F{X Znhkmbn... Cp Fs ImncWw..." GSn Bhiysp. " Rm Imncmtem... ]vt Hcp Imcyw... KotXsS ISnsSw IqSn Ftw ImncWw..." " AXns\s A ISnntm...." GSn ]dp. " Hm..Hm... AXp a\nencns... A ISnXpw, AsXSpp IfXpw.... FSppIfbmfv KotXSosS FmSpw Inv shcIoXpw Hs Rm\dnp.... " " At... B Akv AXo \mSp apgph\mntbm... Fs tXhtc... \mWtSmbn..." GSn Xebn Ibv shp. " Cn.. Ah FtmSp amt{X ]dsmq... AXp tIgm.... KotXsS Hp ImWWv F\np sImXn tIdoXv... \ `wKnbmt{X, KotXsS apptSw ImWm\pw sXmSm\pw Fm Ah ]tdsW... ]tdw Ahs \mov shw Henpw...." " \mosSo hnq... Ahs Antbm HenpXv... Ah\tXmv F{X {]mhiyw Ibv]nSnpmIpthm... ]mhw... Fmepw .....Cw..... AsXmcp hn\bmsbm tXmpt..." GSnbpsS A\pam\w tItm F\np hmXmbn. Atm Ahdnbmw, Rm Ahtc [ym\np hmWaSnpp Fv. shdptXb

Hcp IpkrXnncn Ft ImWpw, `bcn, Ftbnp sImcp Ifnnpp. Mqw, Hcp Znhkw Fs In Inpw. " A KotX, \fp Xsm sNbvXp kpJnpXp t]mse ... Cu BWpfpw sNpthm...?..." " sNpthmtm... Ahmct sNpt... \fp]ns A{Xp \nhrnbnmsX hmet sNsmp... Asns \ns\ Chmsctmse s]ssfIntm..." " AsXmph... sXmmepw \ FfIpw... Av hmkq acpp tXw... thZ\ Hmbncpnpw... F\nh AhnsSsbmp sXmStW...\tW Fmcpp a\nev... ]dbm \mtWmw aSow.....GXmbmepw Atcw Ah Adnp Xt sNbvXp. tZ t\mv.... tZ Ct... Fp sNbvXnm... \fp cnt AhSw Cw \\p sImfambncnpt..." hnemkn\n kanp. " Hcp IWn\p \o ]dXpw sicnbm.... ]ns, hnq, \ns Bscnepw Cw sXcpthm..." " Ctmm t]msXdnbmw AtXmv sXcptIe..." GSn sas Inen Xncnncpp hntn`napJambnv. Ctm F\nv GSnbpsS ]pdIp`mKta ImWm ]ppp. B XSn IpnI sabn shfp sNp Ie amXncn Aap ]cp. Fnv hntntb ]nSnv Imep aSn Ccpn. Fnv ImepIfIn ]nSnp. hntosS IhbnSpp hncnIp. AXn\nSbn AhfpsS Xhnp]qdns Iod Aw hnSp \np. " ISnsSw FhnsSbm... sXmp ImWnt...." hnemkn\n ]qdnXfn\p sXmpXmsg sXmp ImWnp. GSn AhnsS hnctemSnp. AhcpsS hncepI hntosS hnSncp \ofqdn apn. hnemkn\n Hp sRnb t]mse. " KotX... AhsS sXmSpsXn\m....." hntn IpdpInb in tNmZnp. " Npm ImWm... shdpsXb... hmkpp \ns ]qdn\Ip ]qdnXfn\p sXmpXmsg IenbXv... A \ns kmam\t Xsbt ISnXv... Ahs\sbn\m ]tdt..." GSn Nncnp. " AXn\p Rm Ipw ]dntm... Ah \Xt sNbvXXv...." hnemkn\n ISpsImv GSnbpsS IpsS XtemSen\\pkcnv CcppsImv ]pfp cknp. " ]qS hfp tIdnbtmSo s]t.... \ns IqXo htc ]qSbmWtmSo... \ \oe Ie IdpXp Xt.... " " Rms\p sNm\m... kmam\tev ]qSIfp hftcsp ]dbm ]pthm... " " Am.... CXv ]qSbtm.. s\s FeIfmWtmSo.... CXp s]mdp \op sISpImWtm... aSn AIp shm taemcptm...." " Hm, CsXms Bcm t\mpt.... Fs KotX... Cw sImdp\mfmbnv AXpfp shfotemp \op hcpIm... AhsSsbms sXmSpw thmsXms tXmpw... AtXmv, h \nhrosamt Rm sXmSn.... KoXp sIntbms\mv... F\ntm..." " s\\p hmkq\nt Cw..."

" Hm AsXmpw th sicnbmIn... Ahkm\w {]iv\amIpw.... Fmepw Cw KoX XtemSpw \ ckw...."" " Mqw ... s]n\p kpJnpsmv.." KotXSn Ip\nv hntnbptS Ihnfn Hcp sImSpp. Rm AdnbmsX Fs Ihn XShntmbn. " \nv .. \nv... CtX htc KotXsS ISnsSw ImWnn... " " AXns\m ... tZs Itmfq... " GSn Hcp Ibv ]pdtImp Ipn XpWn hbdp htc tIn shp. ]ns at Ibv sImv XpS sXmp ImWnp. " Gbv... ChnsS ]msSmpw C... Ftmcw \ sXmSIfm KotXsS... CtX ISnms\s\ AXn\p tXmn...." " BWmbncnpw..." GSn Nncnp sImp ]dp. " hmkqt\ ImWnp sImSpw... GSnp thtW IhsS s]mnnSnmcpp.... AXn\p kvYesams Hv.. FtXp amXncn kmam\ns AXntcsempa ISnXv..." hnemkn\n ]dp. " Rm s]mnnSnXmSo... Ah _eambnp Ibv ]nSnp amn... Fnp ]dp... thsd sNdpXp htmw Htmp t\mtpw ]dv... ]ns AXn\Ip Inp... Abmpw ]dp Itsems sXmpw ]nSnpw henpw Hs t\mn.... kXyw ]dm, F\npw Fsmstbm Hscfw tXmoXpam tItm... Hscm sNdpmc\t AhsSsbmt Insfpt..." GSn NncnpsImWp ]cp. " F\np a\nembn... Abncpnpw KoXp cknp... tZ.. AXp ]dw XpnIsfmgpIn hcpp...." hnemkn\n Hcp Xpn GSnbpsS ]qn \npw tXmnsbSpp sImv ]dp. Xpfpn \n B Xpn hnemkn\n \mn shp. " \ NqSpw Dpw... sImmw KotXsS tX\pw... Fnv.... AhnsS \np kpJntm..." hntn tNmZnp. " B.. Hcnnfn.... AXp t]ms... At Iftv.. Ah Fs kmam\t sRnnSnp.... " " tM Aht\m..." " Rm IcWpnsmscw sImSpp...\ ASnbmcpp...." " IWmbntmbn... AXp thWw... Atcw...." " AXss hnq.. ]nssb\np kSw tXmn.... Xntmbnt... Ah ]nSntX, Fn\mcpstm... tNmc \nmt\m Ifbmt\m atm Bcpp... ]mhw.. GXp sNdpmc\mcptepw ... Atcw AsXms sNbvtXt\.. ]ns Rms\mncn Icp tItm.. F\n{Xp shjambntmbn.. Hqtepw Ah Fs A\nb\t.... klmbnnv..." " kmcey... AdnbmsX ]ntmbXt..." hnemkn\n hopw GSnbpsS ]qn Inv Amdp \pXp t]mse \mn shp \pWp. " s\\p cpNn ]nSnp t]mbn.. Ct... Fn.... hnq... \o Fs samesbmp IpSnt... " tIm Xmakw hntn GSnbpsS amdntep Nmp. Hcp ape IpSnm XpSn. at apebn hntnbpsS Ibv FSpp ]nSnnp. GSn Ccpp kpJnm XpSn. ]ns t\scbncpv hnemkn\nbpsS amdtv Ibv ISn ukns lppIfqcn, ]ns {_mbptSbpw. BZyw Xs ukpw {_mbpw Ducn Inen Cn. AXp Ignv hntnbpsS XpWnIfn ]nSpanp. Atm

Ah \nhv AXqcm kuIcyw sImSpp. Ctm apeIpSn \np. cp s]pfpw A\. Hcp tPmSn IppapeIfpw cp s]cpapeIfpw Fs Ipn \np XpSnp. cp t]cpw XpWnI Achtc s]mnshncnpp. " CX{X sNdpsXmpatm hnq.... HcmWn\v CXv [mcmfw aXn... \n\p kpJnm\pw... tZ, Rm ImWnp Xcmw.... \osbmp appIpn \nt..." hntn appIpn \np. GSn AhfpsS Acp sInnSnv XnteSpnp. Fnm Ippape Hscns sRp hmbnseSpp IpSnm\pw atXv sRcSm\pw XpSn. hnemkn\n GSnbpsS Xebn XmSn apnp ISp koImciw ]pdsSphnp sImncp\p. " Fs ...KotX... IpSn.. IpSn... sRntmp IpSn... \ ctkmv... " ]ns Hcp Ibv Xmtgnv GSnbpsS apeIfn Iim XpSn. cp s]pfpw kpJw aqv apfsIcnhns iw ]pdsSphnm XpSn. IpSnbpw XgpIepw aqtm GSn ape hnnv tNmZnp. " \apns\ Fpw kpJnmw hnq...?..." " Mqw... " hntn aqfn. GSn appIpn \nv hntnbpsS apJw ]nSnpbn, ]ns B NppIfn Aan Npw_np. hntn Xncnpw. ]noS[c]m\nsbpw Npw_\fptSbpw Hcp tafambncpp. cp s]pfpw ]mpItftmse NpnnWp. aqfensbpw koImcntbpw i sImv apdn apJcnXambn. At\ym\yw IhnSbn XgpIn. ]qdpIfn AhcpsS IbvI Fp sNpp Fv F\np ImWm ]nbn. Ah B hnShpIfn XgpIppsv icocns ]pfben \npw a\nembn. CSnSv At\ym\yw hncepI hmbn shv aqppapv. ]qdpIfn \npw HgpIp NqSptX IpSnpIbmWp InI. CSp cp t]cpw apeIfn At\ym\yw XgpIm\pw adn. cp t]cpw apn \nmWp BenwK\w sNpXv. ]ns GSn ]dp. " hnq... Fgptp \nt... " hntn Inen Fgptp \np. GSn Xt hnemkn\nbpsS ]mhmSbpsS sIgnp. AXp Xmtgp hoWp. ]ns AXns Dnepmbncp shfp sImp ]mhmS hnemkn\n Xt kz]v\nse t]mse Agnp Xmsgbnp. Zm, \npp ]cn]q \bmbn hnemkn\n GSnbpsS apn. B saen ]qn \npw AXns CXfpI ImennSbn Xmtgp Xn \npXp ImWmambncpp. F\np tXmn GSnbpsS ssIhncpXn AXp hnIknp ImWpw. GSn B Idp ]qSIfn hncepItfmSnp XgpIn. ]pdtp \op InS CXfpIfpsS sNdnb Av ]nSnp henp. AtmfhI \op hp, ]t AXp hgphgpp sImv GSnbpsS In \npw d t]mse sXdnp t]mbn. " hnqs kmam\w ImWm \ `wKnbm... CXns Iodep Xt \ eWsamXm. apIfp apX Xmsg htc... \op sISpIm.. ]qdn tamfv..." GSnbpsS hnctemSptmdpw hnemkn\n \np ]pfp, ImepI IqSpX IqSpX AIn. AItm saen XpSIfmbXp sImv ]qdns ASn`mKp \n Idp ]qSIfpw Xmtgmp InSpXp

ImWmambncpp. GSn AsXmp ]nfn t\mn. Cfw Nphp \ndn AXns AIw sXfnp. Ins `mKv GSn Hp sXmp XShn. Atm hnemkn\n Hp hfp. Fnv GSnbpsS IsSpv AhnsS Aan. " hnq Rm\nXv Xnt...." GSn hndbm in tNmZnpp. " Fsnepw sNv Fs s]mp KoXtamtf...... F\np hmsX hcpp..." GSn sas apJw B sImp IhnSbntep ISn. Fnv AhnsSbnpcp. " hnqs kmam\n\p \ aWw... lmbv..." GSnp shdn]nSn t]mse. Ah Xs apJw AhnsSbnpcpn. ]nt ]qdp ]nfn \mv AItp ISn Hp \n. " \ns Inncn sNdpXmbntmbn.. Ct ISnp henmamcpp.... " GSn kSsp. " \nbmepw aXn Fs tamtf....sls... KotX... C\ow sNv.. AXpt]mse... tlm Fp kpJw... " hntn GSnbpsS apJw Xs IhnSbntean ]nSnp. Ipdp t\cw \nbnv FSn \nn. Fnv Fgptv Xs kmcnbpw ]mhmSbpw Agnv Xmtgsdnp. " hnq.. C\n F\np ]nSnp \nm ]n... Fs tamfp F\npw Hp sNbvXp Xm..." GSn t\sc \np. a\nma\tmsS hnemkn\n apn \np. ]ns GSnbpsS IhnSbntep Ibv sImpt]mIpXp Ip. F\nv Ah AhnsS Fp sNpp Fp ImWm h. Fs hmWaSn DmhkvXbnembn. CWn\v s]p s]mnsdnpXn\p apv F\np shw t]mIpw. Rm ]nSpw hopw aKXnbnemn. " KotXsS apSn shnbncnbmWtm..." hntn ]dp. " Mm... ]qS IqSpXepXp sImv aWw ]nSnpw...... AXp sImm..." " Fn F\npw apSn shWw... " " AXn\p s\\v sImdp apSnbt Hp..." " Fmepw shWw.. hmkq Ap sNbvXp Igngm F\nXp thWp tXmntb... Cncn IqsS ImeInt... Cu sXmSIfp Inss hmbop shw hcpp. Fs sXmSIfmsWn ]qfp t]mem..." " kmcansSo tamtf ... Fmw hcpsaSo....." hntn Xs IbvI aptmnv GSnbpsS s]cpwIpnIfn ]nSnv ]qdp Xs apJtan. Fnv Ftm sNbvXp. Atm FSn IbvsImv ]qdp ]nfnbnp ]dp. " aWw A[nIw ImWn.... \ntm... .. B.. AhnsS... AhnsS...As\...lmbv... lmbv... lmhq... As\ Xt \So tamtf.. " " KotXsS kmam\w ImWm Fp tiem... \ ]gp sImSpfnt]mencnpp. Fsmcp abw.. Cu Ins hent Hp Fs samw kmam\n\v... " " Fs tamtf \o hm\w \nn sNv...F\np ISn klnpn... Ct Rm\nw \ns Xe Xn AItmp shpw.... "

]ns hntn annbn. Iptd t\cw Hdpp iw tIp. hap XpSI AInnSnm GSnp IqSpX Ip\ntbn hp. Xe ]pdtImp hfv Hcp Ibv sImv Ah Xs apeIfn Aan sRn. " hm.. Cs\ CXv sicnbmhn... \app sISmw... hm... " GSn hntosS ]mhmSI XmtgsSpsdnnp aep InSp. ImepIfIn. Am B \\p XSn ]qdv hm ]nfn \np. AIt apgIfpw XSnpIfpw Fmw \ hyambn sXfnp \np. tdmkv \ndn B Av hnIknv Xnfn \np. AsXmp hmbnenv Nm F\nmn tXmn. B aWnv btYw aqm `mKyw Innb hntntbmsS\nv Akqb tXmn. hntn Hp inp. ]ns Ihp \nv GSnbpsS XpSInSbn Inp t\mn. " tZ, KotX sXmtStmsS HgpIpp..." " HgpIt... A{Xp kpJm Fs hnp \osb\nnw Xcpt....hm sISv.... Fs tamfp hm....." GSn Ibv s]mnhnSn hnfnp. hntn GSnbpsS tate Iangvp InSp. NppI henp IpSnpXns iambncpp ]ns. Aw Igntm GSn ]dp. " C\n tamfp Xncnp sISv..." hntn Xncnp InSv ImepI GSnbpsS Igpn\ncp hihpambn shp. GSnbmWmZyw XpSnbXv. Xs apJn\p t\tc hmbpw ]nfp \np NphpIdp ]qdp ]nSnh Xs hmbnemn \pWbm\pw Nm\pw \m\pw XpSn. AXns ckw aq hnemkn\nbpw GSnbpsS Ihp InS XpSInSbn apJaan Dcm XpSn. Atm GSn hnfnp ]dp. " s]mfnp ]nSnnv Ip henp IpSnss tamtf... " AhfX\pkcnp. GSnbpsS Nphp XpSp ]qdn\Ith Xs \mhndn. GSn ImepI aSm\pw \nhm\pw XpSn. cp t]cptSbpw ]qdpXo {ZpXKXnbn ]ptcmKanp. F\nv hntnbpsS apJhpw GSnbpsS ]qdpw am{Xta ImWm ]ppp. s]sv hntn Xebpbn ]dp. " InS s]mt..... AmsX sNbvXm aXn.. " hnemkn\n hnen. " Fs hnq .....cp aqp shceqsS AXn\ItmnsSSo..... " GSn Bhiysp. AXp sicn s]n\ngpw koep s]mmsX Imcyw \SWw. ASn tIan. Aw Igntm hnemkn\nbpsS ImepI GSnbpsS IhnfpIfn apdpIn. AXp Iv GSnbpsS ImepI IqSpX aSm\pw \nhcm\pw XpSn. Ah hntnbpsS Xe ImepInSbn AannSnp. s]pv B\aqO hcmdmbn Fp tXmn. Rm\pw Fs ]nSpw thKXbnemn. aqensbpw \ensbpw ifpw aqfepw ap{IbnSepw sImv apdn \ndp. s]sv GSnbpsS ImepI \nivOeambn hntnbpsS apJw IhnSbn AannSnp. skpIpn hntnbptS Acsns Nmmhpw \np. Ah AXv GSnbpsS apJv Aanshp. Rm\pw Fs Iemi]nSpw ]nSnp. s]p At\ym\yw IhbnSpn apJ AannSv InXptm Fs Ipgepw Non. sImgp shw P\ens IXIn sXdnp sXdnp hosWmgpIn. ]p an\nsnep Ah

B InSp InSp ImWpw. ]ns GSn hnemkn\ntb s]mn amn. cp s]pfpw N XhfItftmte ImepI Ihv ]qdpw ]nfn aep InSp. cnsbpw ]qdn \npw HgpInb aZPew ]I shfnn Xnfn. BZyw FgptXv hnemkn\nbmbncpp. \mWn IpXn Hcp ]pncntbmsS Ah apJw Ip\nncpp. AXp I GSn AhfpsS apJw ]nSnv Xmtgp henp Fnv AhfpsS Npn Hcp \ D sImSpp. Xt kpJnnXns {]Xn^esatmWw. ]ns GSnbpw Fgptncpp. hnemkn\n Xs Ibv GSntb aWnp GSn Xncnpw. ]ns Hpan F An cp t]cpw Xebmn. BZyw hnemkn\n Inen \npw Xmsgbndn Xs uskSpp. Atm GSn Fgptv AhfpsS ASpp hv B sNdpapeIfn XgpIn. hnemkn\n Cnfn sImsmp ]pfp. GSn ]dp. " hnqs Chtc Rm \ XSn shnp Xcmw..." AXp tI Fs Dn Hcp an, Fs Nmkv t]mtbm. " Fs\bm... AXn\p kuIcyw tht... " {_mbpw ukpw [cnpXn\nSbn hntn tNmZnp. ]ns ASnmhmSsbSpv Imep Ihp \nv Xs ]qdp \mbn XpSp. s]sv GSn ]mhmS ]nSnp hmn aWp t\mn. Fnp ]dp. " hmkq Ap hon hw Aht\w CtX aWmcpp....F\np \ Hmtv...." hntn \mWnv ]mhmS ]nSnp hmn. Fnp \mWn samgnp. " s]psS IhsSbmIpw Cnsc Hs aWw ImWpw.... Fmepw KoXv Fs At{Xw aWantm.. AsXm..." " [rXn shmsX... \ns Rm Fmw ]Tnnp Xcmw..." GSn Aeamc Xpdv Hcp tXmsSpv I BZyw tXmn. ]ns ImepIfIn ]qdp XpSp. Atmgpw Rm\m sNcnqdns Dp Ip. XpSptm aSn \nhcp B ZffpsS hndb Itm Fs Ip ]Xps s]mm XpSn. " Fmepw Fs KotX... \fnw Fm sNbvtX... F\np hnizknm ]pn... " hnemkn\n ]dp. F\npw, Rm a\n ]dp. GSnbpsS Zmlw HSnbtm, ]mhw. AhImis Ipbpmbpmbnpw IgSm asmcp I\yItb B{ibntnh Ahtctbmtm F\nv klXm]w tXmn. " B.. AXs\ Ap Ignp t]mbn.... Fmepw kptJmmcptm....s\\v...?..." " Hmcptmtm... hmkpp\pw Cs\ Xsbm Fs kpJnnXv..... ]nt... KotX.... IeymWw Ignmepw CtX kpJw XsbmtWm... " GSn hnemkn\nbpsS Ihnfv Hp tXmnbnp ]dp. " AXv thtd kpJw... CXv thtd kpJw.... AXdnbpw hyXymkw a\nemIpw \n\v...." GSn Hcp \mWhpw IqSmsX ^m\ns apn hv ImepIfIn \np. ]ns Hcp an\nv ]qdp hnSnnSnv Imp sImnp. hkv{X Hmtcmmbn FSpp [cnp. ImSnbpsS apn sNv cp t]cpw apSnbpw XpWnbpw t\scbmn.

]ns cpt]cpw sInnSnv Npn D shp. hopw Inen ^m\ns apn Ccpp. Rm BpIn \npw Cdn. ASpfhmXnen IqSn AIp tIdn. Ipdp t\cw Imp. AIp \npw sNdnb in ham\w tImw. ]ns IXIn apn. Iptd apnbtm IXIp Xpdp. " Mqw... Gm..." GSnbpsS tZjynep tNmZyw. F\npn Nncn s]mn. " A... Imn shtmdnbm\mcpp..." " Hm.. Hcp Imn.... Cu NqSv a\pjyt\ Hp hm\w ]dbm\pw IqsS kXnnmp shm..." Rm Hp Nncnp. " cp s]pfpw IqsS IXIpaSv .... Bbntm... Bbntm.. ]tev Hcp AXp Iqsmtcm thWw......" s]ssmp sRnb t]mse GSn tNmZnp. " lmcp Ip... slp Ip..." " A \nsS hm\w tXhcpw ImWpsmsp ]dbphmcpp..." Rm NncnpsImp ]nmdn. " \o hmSo hnemkn\o... Ch\p hm... sImtd \mfmbnp sXmSoXm..." GSn hnemkn\nbpsS Ibv ]nSnpsImndn. " Am, \nsfm Inshw samnpSnpImcptm... samJsms Ini ]nbncnpp....." kXyn Hpw Cmbncpp. shdptX Hnfm ]dXmbncpp. ]t, cp t]cpw AdnbmsX apJw XpSpt]mbn. " \o t]mbn \ns ]Wn t\mv hmkqm... s]psS hmbn t\mn \SmsX..." Hp Nnb t]mse GSn ]dp. " Cw... AXpw Fs Hcp ]WnbmtWbv... ]nt... hntntb... Ct{Xw hm\w thtWm.. " Atm hntn Xncnp \nv Fs sIm\w ImWnp. kpJn s]v. `mKyhXn. " \o hmSo.. Imn shmw.... FSm apgpht... Cncn Igow hm Imn Xcmw..." " hmmsWs\np a\nemtb......" Rm hnfnp]dp. cp t]cpw Xncnpt\mmsX ASpfbntep \Sp. Rm GSnbpsS apdnbntIdn. ^m \nn. ]ns apdnbpsS aqep InS GSn ]qdp XpS tXmsSpp AXns \\ `mKw XnsbSpp. FnXp aqn shp henp aWp. ]qdns \dpaWw t]mbnn. Xncnp t\mptm GSn. " Fp sNpImSm ChnsS..." Ah B tXmp ]nSnp hmn. Fnv Ft kqnp t\mn. " hnbnp h.... samtJmw Igppw Hp sXmSmp IcpXnbXm... AXnp Xt..." " Fs tXmp sIms\ Cw sXmS... \ntXnsmmv... Asn AhsSm\pw thsd Htmp t\mv... " Ah B tXmpw tXmfnenv ASpfbntep t]mbn. B t]mp t\mn \n Fs Npn Hcp ]pncn, Hw a\n B ]gb ]mpw. " t{]a khkzta... \n.. {]aZh\w Rm Iq.. AXn aZ\ hfpw am\nt\ Ip ...

(\nsS cntw) aZntcmkhw Iq..."

AXn\Sp Znhkfn Ah Xn Hpw \Sn, hon A Ftmgpaptm, IqSmsX Rm\pw. s]pfpsS ktf\w shdpw hmNIaSnbnepw t] t\menepambn HXpn. Fm Hcp Znhkw Rm GSnbpsS apdnbn tXnebn IqsS t\mn. GSn tIdnhv tXmv Agnptmtgpw HcnSn shn. Nmagbp kabv CSnshnbm AX A]ISIcamsWv F\ndnbmw. Xtbpa, C{X `bc in tI kvYnXnv AXv ASpshnsStbm Xnsbpw tXmn. Rm C\n Cu ]cn]mSnbpambn aptmp t]mtIsv Xocpam\np. HmSn hon\Iv Ibdn. ]nsbp Znhkfn DIgnbptmtgpw BImiw aqSnsm XpSn. ]ns F\nv CSnanens\ a\nte Ign\pdw t]Snbmbn. Hcp Znhkw Dv cp t]cpw IqSn t] t\mn skmd]dbptm Rm s]pfpsS ASpp sNp. Cnsc hntnbpambn skmmatm, ]ns Hcp ckw. Rm\Spp sNv AhcpsS IqsS Xnbnencpp. " FmSm... Cv Ieppw tXmSpw Hpant... AtXm hmbnt\mw ChnsSXt aXnsbp shtm..." GSn Ft Duinbmm t\mn. " AsXm... ChnsS CcnpsXmpw s]ns F\n s]Xt..." Rm\pw hnp sImSpn. " Itm hnemkn\n... Ct{Xw \mWanm Hc\nb\m ChnsSbpXv... Fhssbms IqsS IgnbsWn ]dbm taemSv ]mfsIn \SWw...." " Hm... hmkp\s\bp Bsfmpa.. AtSm... KoXp tXmpXm... " hntn Ft ]nXmn. " Asnepw hnemkn\n AtX ]dbqv F\ndnbmcpp.... kzw Bft... t]mcmnv ]mf sIt kvYesams Ah ....." GSn CSp \nn. ]ns Ft Hcp I t\mw. " Fs KotX Hpantepw R Abmct... KoXv Fdnbmw Rtfn...." " Hpadnbntepw sImtdsbms t\cn IdnXt Rm... hnp IqSpXsempw ]dtb..." GSn hnpsImSpp `mhan. Rm Fmw tIncpp. ]ns hntn Hpw annbn. Ctm cp t]pw At\ym\yw Adnbmhp kvYnXnv sNmdnp ]pmt Fp IcpXnbmhpw. Agnn apSnbpambn chnh Nn{Xw t]mse emkyhXnbmbncnp Gntb Rm t\mnbncpp. Fs t\mw Inmhpw sNdnb Xnbn Ihncp Ah ImepI ASpnv ]nSnncpp. kmcn ]nSnv t\scbnp. ]ns Ft ]gb IpkrXn t\mhpw. Rm\hcpsS Ipnbn t\mn. hkv{X Xpfv Fs kZrn AhcpsS IhbnSpnsen. Ign Znhkw sabn Ipnbncptm NX IpnnSbn hm]nfn Ccp B tN\qdntm knapXdbn Ccnptm AXnIqSpX NX IpnInSbn NhnnX ]dnamgw t]mse NnXdn Ccnbmhpw. Fs t\mw Inmhpw GSn Ip\np kzw Ipnbntep t\mn. Fnv tNmZnp. " hnemkn\o... Hmv tNmc IpSnpwv tInpv.. sicnbmtWm... " " ]nt... kXym Fs KotX... sNe Znhkw sNmI s\dnev actencpv t\mp ImWmw... Rmt\mSn AIp tIdpw.. F\np t]Snbm... " hnemkn\n ]dp " Fmte... ChnsS \sS honepw Htcmsmv... Cs\ t\mn t\mn Ccnpw.... tNmcbmtWm aq{XmtWm IpSnptdnbn... t\mw Im.. XpWn Dcnbp t]mse tXmpw..." GSn Ft t\mnsmv ]dp. " At\w HmpItfmtm.. Rm\mZym tItW... " " \sS t\tc t\mnbm ImWmw... AXns\ t\mn aq{Xw IpSntW... ]ns Hcp sKmtWmv.. AXv s]ptf amt{X t\msmp... " " Cu KoX Fsmym ]dt... F\nsmpw ]nSn Inpn..." hntn GSnbptS Xebn Bsmp Ipn. " tiym.. ]Xps Fs hnq..." GSn NnWpn

" AtXbv...... hnto... th\ens NqSpw s]mInepw IqSpw sNev HmIpXm... \ Hcp ag \\m Fmw sicnbmIpw... " Rm NmSndp. " ag \\tXv Cw \nsbm... NqSp tIdn \Sphm... hnemkn\n \o hnNmcnm Chs\ Hp XWpnm ]pthm..." tNmZnnv GSn ]pdtImp Inv hntntb Hp tXmn. Ibv sImXv hntnbpsS amdmbncpp. HcnnfntbmsS hnemkn\n Hp Npfnnp ]dp. " FmbnXv KotX... ]ckymbnv ... CnfnsbSppp..." " Atm Rms\mp tXmoXt...." GSn ]dp. Atm Rm hopw NmSn hoWp. " hp hv Cw cp t]pw tXmymepw CnfnbmIp ]cphnsen cntw t]t\mw.... tNt\msSmp ]dmcpt... \ t] Nop sImphtt\... " Rm Fpw sXmSmsX ]dp. " Hm.. \ns tNs NopsImv NoInbm tNs ISn sImdbpw... _mnsbmtmcpsS t]s\ms As\ Xt sIStsbmp... \osbmp t]mSm..." GSn Fs t\sc Ipcpn ImWnp. " AXp NotI t]mse NotISp NoInbm.. Fm t]\pw NmIpw.. ISow Xocpw.. At hnto..." Rm AtXcq]n GSntb t\mn ]dp. " B... F\ndnbn... F\nsmp t]\pw C... AtXmv ISoan... " hntn Ismgnp. Rm tNmZnp. " AsXms sISs... \nmsnepw ]dbm ]pthm.. F\ndnp IqSmXpsImp tNmZnym... Cu... Atcmw Atcmw IqsS Hcm Fsnepw KpWw Inpthm...." " tM.. ]pXnb ]pInev....\o Fp hm Cw Fgpsnpt..." NncnpsImv GSn tNmZnp, CSp BtemNnp. " sicnbm.. CsXp kwibm hmkq\nw... tNmZntW... KoX ]dbptmse X\n hv.." hntn Nncnp. " Cncn IqsS hniZoIcnmw.. Cw.. tZ.. hntn Hcp sNdnb Acw... XSn t\mn ]dbpImtW... GSn Cncn shey Acw... Rms\mcp shdpw Idnn....\nfp Xn Hcm... Fp ]dm.., Acfp Xnsemcm.. Btepw... Cu Acfn Btepw sKmtWmmIpthm.. IosS aq... AXmbXv Fs... Imcyw... t]mbnsSpp... aq thXv F\nm... HcpXv \nfp Xnepw... AXmbXv.. Acfv..." GSn Ft \ninXambn Hp t\mn. Fgptp, apSn hmcnsn. " hnq... CXv sNdnb hsmpa... Dufmdtkm... C\n \fnhnsS Ccpm... Ch \tf Hcpw... tamt\ hmkppm... \o t]mbn.. Ieptencpv Hcv... Rp thtd ]Wov... " GSn ]dp. hnemkn\nbpw Fgptp. " sicnbm.... Cp sNew \mbnv s]m\p kmytXv... .. Atm... tNn sXcphmcnpw.. Ipfnm shw NqSmnbn... Rm t]mt KotX..." hntn Cdn \Sp. Ah apw IStm Rm NmSn apndn. " Atm cp t]cpw tXmsp kXntm..." Rm hnfnp tNmZnp. hntn Xncnp t\mnbn. Atm GSn hnfnp. " tamt\ hmkppm.. Ctttmmmp ht.." Hcp hm Nncn B apJv, ]Wn hfXt., hywKy`mj a\nemhpw. hnemkn\n s]mnsv, ]t CXv km[\w thtd. " Fm.... Fs s]mtnbt..." Rm ]dp sImSpp sNp. " FSm... amcmtc sNsImv ]Tnnt... \o Rnp shpImp a\nembn... \o ImptXmSmsWn.....Rm ]Wop hXm... Cm AhcmXw ]dmsemtm... Mvlm.." ]dpsImh apcnIn InS Hcp NqpsaSpv ASpfbntep \Sp. " sSm... AXn\nw KoXpnsbn\m NqSmhpt... kwibw tNmZnXt... WpWp.. LpWp...WpWp.. Hp thKw \Sv Ipdp Imn A\nt... shipp..." \Sptm AhcpsS IpnI BSp Xmfns\mv Rm ]dp.

GSn Xncnv Fs \ninXambn Zlnnp coXnbn Hp t\mn. ]ns ASpfbntep Ibdn. kvIq Xpdm C\n Hcmgv am{Xw. AXn\p apv hon Hp t]mbnhcm Gn Xocpam\np. tN kXnp. si\nbmgv cmhnte XncnsWw, ImcWw s]fpsS honte IeymWw Rmbdmgvbmbncpp. F\np hm at\mhnjaw. Ftm Fs Ibvhnp t]mIp t]mse. Rm AtbmSv tNmZnp. " Rm\pw IqSn FSnbpsS hon Hp Idop hcmw... " " As\ Cw Id... Rm\n\nhnsS Hm... F\nmcm sXmW.. \ns AO\pw tN\pw hcpw Ccpn Hcp t\cmhpw....." " C{]mhiyw \obnhnsS \nv hmkqm... ]nsmcn \apsmcpanv ktmjmbnp t]mImw.. Cw Att\w klmbnv ChnsS \nv... " GSn A`n{]mbsp. " kvIqfp sXmdm ]ns Fp t]mIm\m...?.." Rm tNmZnp. F\np henb kSambn. " t]mImSm hmkqtm... Xtmfw t]m Hcp ]pcpj ]nmsc t]mse \np hmin ]nSnW Int At... \mWtey s\\v.... \ns aoisnepw Hcp she sImSpss hmkqm... " GSn Ifnbmn. " \o Ahtf... sslthbnsms _kp tInhnnnp t]mcv... kyv Rm\nhnsS Hm... AhsS hon ]ns Fmpw IqsS t]mImw..." AbpsS Xocpam\w Rm a\nm a\tmsS kzoIcnp. RfpsS {Kman \npw Inp _p tIdn sslthbn Cdn. GSnbptS hontep _kp hopw amdntdWw. AhcpsS hoSp tdmUcnInembXpsImv _kn Ibn hnm aXn. Bdapntep \Sptm Rm tNmZnp. " GSn Fm hcnI... Xmaknpthm..." " si\nbmgvN cmhnte.....Fm... \n\v Ft ImWmsX ]nsmtbm..." " AXtSo.. F\nv.. F\nv... GSn Csn..." F\np hmpI Innbn. GSn Ipdpt\cw \nibmbn \Sp. ]ns tNmZnp. " hmkqm... tams\mp Nnnt... \ns Cu t]mv A]ISntem... Rm \nsbmcm.." Rm annbn. " Rm \ns GSn... AXmbXv GSnb.... B _lpam\w \o F\np XcWw..." AXv Ftsmse Hcp s]n\hImisXm.... \osbm AXp Nnnmt... Av.......Hc_w ]n... t]ms... ]ns Inen\p Iotg tIdn... \o Xs hopw Ac_w Dmn... Fs Ipgw Atm... A\mhiyambnsm tXmepIsfms \nv....tamt\... \o Hscm BWmbn... ]ncnm am{Xw aotiw hfp... C\ow... Ipnfn \nv... " " AX GSo... Rm GSntb \mfp apX Fs Dn..." " \ns Dn...... tXmsme......Hp t]mSm sNm....AXv \ns {]mbntw hfbptSbpw sImgam... kXyw ]dm... \ntmSp ]dbm ]mSnmXm... \n\pw s]p sIm {]mtbmw ]cpthmw Bbn... Fmepw \o ]Tnv Hcp shey BfmIWwm FmcptSw Bi... AXn\nSv \o Ct\ ... AcpXmXpw Nnnv `mhn IfbcpXv.... Fs k\ Cw Hmcpsn Ah \ntmfpw sNdpamcnpw ... Fnepw Aht\mSv Rm ]dbp t]mem Cw \ntmSp ]dbpt..." GSnbpsS apJw Kuch]qambncpp. " Atm... GSnst CansmtWm ]dbpt..." " Fp Rm ]dn... Fs XmenbpsS hne Ifbm Rm\mtcbpw kXnn.... AXn\n Fp {]iv\apmbmbmepw... RsS HSpw hgpw \o sImsdsbms Ip ImWpambncnpw... s\\v sNew FtmSnncn klXmt]mw ImWphmcnpw...... AsXmpw F\ndnbptIw th... Fmw klnm\pw \om\pw F\ndnbmw ...IgnbptIw sNpw... " Rm Fmw tIp. adpp ]dbm a\n Hpw tXmnbn. " _v hcmdmbop tXmWp..." Rm Zqtcp t\mn.

" hcs... AtXmv... Rm Xncnp hcpw... \o Fs A\nb\mcnWw... kvIqfntmIp shdpw Hc\nb... Apdw \o NnncpXv... Fsn... a\nemtbm..." " Mqw... " Rm aqfn. " \osbmp Nnnt... \o sInhcp s]nt\n \ns A\nb.... Asn tN... \nttmse Cs\ Nnntmp ]pdtI \Sm... B IposS... AXmbXv... \ns `mtcysS.... KXntISv Fmbncnpw... Hcnsenepw hmkqm \o AsXmv Nnnt... B KXntISnem Rm... \ntn Hcp tamiw A`n{]mbw F\np ]dbm ]pthm... GSn Ipw ]dbpqv Btfmfv ]dbpw.... kXyw Bscnepw kXnp Xcpthm...?.. HSphn.. GSnmhpw kIe Iptmw... ASanmtmfv.... \iqew... IpSpw_n tIm ]mtmfv.... " Rm hnc ISnp \np. F\npcanmbncpp. Fmw t]mbn BiI XIp. ]nSnm ]nSnsSp sIp C\amWo kv{Xo. s]sp Rmt\mp t]mbn, Fv Fs a\n Hcp _lpam\ns antem ? " ]nstb... Hcp Imcyw... C\n mn tXmm ]mSn... tXmphp t]mbncpv.. AXpanXpw Iv... tXmp tXmp sISmte... Pbnp Pbnp hcp sImp ]ntcp \nt sImndnpw... AtXmv ]Tnv Ft\w ASp mnseWw... tXmm... Rm t]mepw \nt Xncnp t\mn.... " Atmsgpw _p hp Xncnnp. ss{Uhdpw Idpw Nmb IpSnm t]mbn. Infn hnfnp]db XpSn. R tIdn kop ]nSnp. s]pfpsS sXmp ]pdInet kop Inn. GSnbpsS IqsS Rm\pw thdptX Ccpp. Atm sXmp]pdInte kon F\ndnbm ]mSnm Hcp kv{Xo GSntb tXmn. " KoXbt...?........... sIn... ....aIfv..." " AtX... " F\np a\nembn...?.." " Rm ....tbm... \nsS IeymWn\p Rm\pw hmcpp. Fs aq tamsf sInncnpXv IptmSm..." " Hm ...Cw ]nSnInn.... \mWn... \mbmWn.....bnte...." .. AXty... \mWnbnte.. s]ms...... Cw a\nemtbm...... IeymWw Ignnv sImtdbmbtm.. Hpambnt..." \mpImcpsS FSpSnp tNmZyw. GSn hmsX Bb t]mse. " AXv... As\ ... sISpq... [rXn shttm......" GSn Hgnp amdn. tItm ]dbWsap tXmnbXm, sImSw Iagvnshv shsamgnm AsXs\ \ndbpw Fv. shdptX GSnbpsS t\tc t\mn Hp ]pncnp AXn Fmapmbncpp. A]am\nXbmb t]mse Ah apJw Ip\nncpp. " tamnXv \memw amkam... Hp t\mm hXm... acptam s]mp t]mse t\mpw... AtXmv Rm Xncnp t]mIphm... C\n t]n\p sImtmIm hm aXom ]dncntW..." " Mqw.. Cuic XpWt... " FSn ]dsmgnp. " Am... cp t]cpw IqsS Ftmm Cw...?.. aqsm ]Wn...?.." Ft t\mnbmbncp\p AhcpsS tNmZyw. Ah hnSp an. " CXv... ]pnmcs A\nb\m... Atv ISbm,... SuWnev..." GSnp hop apn. " Hm.. AXp sicn... Hcpanncnp Iw Rm hnNmcnp... CXmcnpw Bsfv...." GSn ]ns Hpw annbn. Fssbmp t\mn. Rm ]Xps Fgptp, Inbn ]nSnp \np. s]sv GSn Fs In ]nSnv IqsS Ccpn. " htmcpw htmw ]dbpw.. CXv \mppdat GSo......." Rm Fgptm `mhnp. " Hm...\mSv... \o AhnsS CcnsbSm.... Chsmpw thtd ]Wnbnt... htmw Btbm... Bcm Bfv... Fsmsbm AdntbXv..." GSn Fs sNhnbn s]mdps]mdpp. Rm annbn. hn CfIn. \mphgn Igntm hfhpw ]pfhpw D tdmUmbn. thKX IqSnbtm hnbpsS Nmmw A\pkcnv Rfpw BSnsmncpp. apnet kon ]nSnncpp Fs Ibvapv B NmmnSbn ]e {]mhiyw GSnbpsS Dbp \np amdn

AapsImp. F\nsmcp kpJw. Rm\w IqSn Ibvapv henp ]nSnp B amdn sImnp Xt. " FSm... \o Cu Ismp amnt... htmcpw ImWpw... " GSn ]dp. Fnv Ibv ]nSnp amn hbv]np. Rm Cfn`y\mbXp t]mse. Fnepw Hcpanncpp B bm{X \ ckIcambncpp. Ct\ IpdpIqSn t]mItW Fp Rm\minp. ]t s]sv _p Rndm\p Ihebn \np. Rfndn _kv tmn Imp\np. CSv GSn ]dp. " F{X ]dmepw \ns Xte tIdn....samXseSpm Xym \ns `mhw...At..." " Hm ... GSnv Fmw tXmpXm..." " As\bmbm Fmpw \Xv..." Atmtgpw Hcp _p hp. Xncpsnepw GSn AXn Ibdnn. hmXn \np ]dp. " Atm hnv ImWmtm... Att\ \tmWw t\mntmtW.... " GSn Inbn XqpXp Ip. _v Nodnmp t]mbn, Fs {]mW\pw sImv. C\n AXp XncnpInpIbn, Ddmbn. AXmWntm Ah FtmSv Hcp XmoXv cq]n D]tZinXv. hml\w In \np adtm Rm FXnhitp ISv Hcp apdpm ISbpsS XW ]n \np, Xncnv Beptep _pw Imv. Xncnp hon sN F\nv Ftm Hp \sXp t]mse. Hpw BkzZnm\pw ImWm\pw CmXp t]mse. PohnXw iq\yw. Hn\pw Hcp ]qX tXmnbn. Fm ]nt Znhkambtmtgpw Fs a\v Fntep Xt Xncnp hp. Atm GSn ]d hmpI Fs a\n HmSnsbn. Rm Ahsbmw H]{Knp t\mn. Ahkm\w F\np tXmn. GSn ]dXv icnbt. Ahscs tNs `mcy, Rm ]pdtI aWnp \SpXv shdpw B`mkcw. AhcXv thtd BtcmsSnepw ]dm... th, tN\dnm... tO tamiw, ]ns Xe Dbn \St. GSn ]dt]mse ]TnpI. C\n Hcp mnepw tXmm ]mSn. _mnsbmw ]nmse. AXymhiyw hm hnemkn\nbptm. Fs Ctmgt IfnqpImcn. Ahtf hfmw. Fnepw {ItaW AXpw Hgnhmm t\mWw. Asn tNs Zp:kz`mhw thcpdXp t]mse Rm\pw Hcp s]p]nSnb Bbn amdnsbntem. Rm ImSnbn Fs apJns {]Xncq]w t\mn. taaoip In shp. XmSnbnepw tamiam aoi. FnmtWm Rm\o Ipnfn, AXpw GSntbmSv, ImWnm t]mbXv. th C\n Rm \mtb ]q. a\nepdp. BZyw Xt sNv Xdp shncp tXne ]dnp Ifp. hnemkn\ntb a\:]qdzw ImWpnsp shp. Fnepw shnbmgvN Bbtm a\p ]nSm XpSn. \nb{nm Rm {ianp. si\nbmgvN cmhnte GSnbpsS AO Ahtc hon sImphp hnnp t]mbn. Rm {]tXyInsmcp Xmcyhpw ImWnn. DIgntm AO ISbn \npw hp. AO\pw Abpw IqSn thsd Hcp _p hon t]mbnv s]fpsS hontep sNpw. Gntbbpw Iqm {ianp. ]t tN ]dncpp. cm{Xn ISbSp hnv cpt]pw IqSn SmIvkn hnfnp t]mImsav. AXpsImv Ah IqsS t]mbn. hon Rm\pw Ahcpw am{Xw. DIgnv ]Xnhp skmd]dnepw Ignv hnemkn\n t]mbtm Rm\pw ]pdtI IqSn. AhcpsS ]Snsenbtm Rm ]dp. " hntntbmsS\nsmcp skmImcyw ]dbms\mmcpp...." " Mqw... Ft..?..." " \msf Rm amt{X honsemq...." " Aw hmkq IeymWn\p t]mWnt...?.." " C.. F\nv hoSpImhem... Rm ]dtX... \msf ]Iev hntn hontep hcWw..." " Fn\m... hmkq am{Xw Hw Rm hcpt... ChnsS hon Fp hnNmcnpw..." " \p Npm htmw ]dncnmt..." " ]nt... Npm Ccnp Hcmfv... Ftsmp h.. Rm hcn.. KoX hcmsX Rm C\n Atmn...."

" Rm tNs tjhnv sksms sdUnbmn shmw...." " Fn\m..." " hntosS AhSsams... Rm \ o\mn shncmw..." " At... Cu hmkqs\mcpfppw Cty... Cs\ ]dbm...." " F\nsn\m Dfpv... Rm ImWmsXmpw hntnntm...." " C... Rm hcn...." hnemkn\n \nwibw Xebmn. Fs `mjbpw `mhhpw amdn. " Hm... Cw, KoXtamfp hnfnmte hcsmmcnpw..." " tM.. KoX tamtfm..." hnemkn\n tNmZnp. " B... sNekabt hntosS Fs KoXtamttttfsm hnfn tImev.... Asmenphmcptm..." " Rm\s\ KotX hnfnnn...." " Ct..?.. Htmp t\mntb... Fs KoX tamttttf... \o anSpnbmSoooo... As\ sNv Cs\ sNv... Fpw ]dv ISncpv kpJnXv.... ISncpv ]mep IpSnm aptmcv ImWnsm ]qtsS hnNmcw...." hntn Hp sRn. ]ns `b t]mse tNmZnp. " Atm... Aw .. \obsXs\ Ip...." " Fmw ImWph\m Cu hmkq... hmkqs\ Hfnsmcmfpw ChnsS Hpw sNn....." " Fs s]mp hmkqm... \o CXmtcmSpw ]dbt... RsS am\w t]mIpw... Hqtepw KoX \ntnbt... Rm \ns...." Ah \nn. " hntn Fs... Fs.. IqpImcn Fp shtm... Aw... hcpthm... AtXm.. Rm Fs IqpImtcmSpw IqSn ]dv ckntWm..." Rm `ojWn apgn. " hmkq Fp ]dmepw Rm hcn... F\np t]Snbm... Ifnv Ifnv Imcymbm... Xqn Nm aXn...." " hmkqt\ t]Snt... A[nIw aqm... hnemkn\ntb Rm\p sIpw... Rm sImdmsbv KotXn t]mepw ]dp....hntow ]dnt Fs CamsWv...." Rm KatbmsS \np. " Fn sInbnp aXn... sNcpw... Ifosams..." Ah \mWtmsS \nmSn. " Fmepw ... hcqt... Hcp ckw... \msfbmIpw Bcpw Adnbn... hntntb Atmfpw Rm kpJnnp Xcmw... Hqtepw Rm HcmWt... Gntbtmse s]tm..." " AXpsImm Rm hcnmp ]dXv... ]ns.... FSm, \o AXdnqp KoXdnbmtam..." hnemkn\n sXcctmsS tNmZnp. " Cu hntn anbm.... GSn Adnmns C\nsbsnepw F\np ImWm ]pthm... Fmepw \mbncpp As ]cn]mSn tItm...AXnt\mfpw kckambnv \p cknmw... Rm \msf Imncnpw...." Rm Xncnp \Sp. " hmkqm...\SptIe... Rm hcn tItm..." " hc... Rm\nt Iepttemp t]mIphm... si\nbmgvbmbXpsImv Fm Ahmcpw Cw FnmWpw....." Rm ]Xps \Sp. " hmkqm .. Hp \nt..." hnemkn\n HmSn hp. " Ft...?.." " KotXw tN\pw Fgm t]mIpt....?..." " Ahcnp cm{Xn Xt t]mIpw...." " Mqw..." Hp aqfnsmv hncepw ISnv, Xebpw Ip\nv, HcmtemN\tbmsS kz]v\nse t]mse hnemkn\n Xncnp hontep \Sp. hnPbmmZtmsS Rm\pw NmSnmSn Fs hontep Xncnp Ibdn. hmXn Xt \npp GSn. FtbpSt\ B apJsmcp KqkvanXw " Fmcpp... sImtd t\cmbtm... cpw IqsS Hcp shey KqVmtemNt\w hmpXtmsams...?... " F\np tZjyw hp. Hp anm\pw IqSn Chcp kXnntm. " AtX... djy Hcm]ot\w s]]ot\w IqSn _lncmImitp hnSpp...." Rm Ifnbmn ]dp. " AXn\p \nsm... C{X BtemNnm\pw Xnm\pw CcnpXv...?.."

" B... ]nIfp th Imtfw ]iqw aXnsbv Rm... ]nIfp aXohfpw.... Fm... aXntbm..." " ]t, Fs Hcp A`n{]mbw ]dm... tam s]Wpthm...." GSn ]cnlmkn Xt. " Zbhmbn Ctmsgpsnmepw..." Rm\pw hnpsImSpn. " \msf Rfmcpw ChnSnm kabv... \nfp cp t]cpw IqsS ChnsS h tdmp ]cotWmw \Snbmev..." " \Snbmsem... AXp RsS kuIcyw......" " A kqnnt... sNew ]nIfp hentmp \Sp t]mse cpw IqsS \mpImcpsS apn IqsS hentmp \Stn hcpw... Atcw... ImfaXnbmcpp Fp ]dm Imcyw \Sn....AtXmp ]dXm..." " Hm.. kqntmfmth..... GXmbmepw... Rm ChnsSbmcptSw s]mdtmp ImfIfnm hntm.... " " hmepw \Span...." " Hm, Htm, kzmbnsmcp Imf... NpmX... Fpw ImfIfn Xt hn[nncnpt..." " Hm, AXp Rm\p klnp,,," " AtX... a\p \mIWw... ]ntbmp ]pp XnptIan...Fm Ftsbmp Xnm\pw hnSnsp ]dm... At... Rm\dnbmnp tNmZnym.... Cw GSnsbn\m Fs s]mdtI \Spt.... Rm\n\n GSntb ieyw sNm hcn.... AdnhnmbvasImp As\ a\nsemcp tXmsemmbntmbXm... C\nbnw shp \onbmepw Rm Xncnp t\mn... Ant... Rtf Ap shdptX hnpIqtS....?.." " Rm\mtcw ieyw sNm ]dX.... \nssbms sKmWn\p thn ]dXm... B ]mhw s]p hgnbm[mcamImXncnm\pw IqsS...." tXmhn kXn t]mse GSn ASpfbntep Ibdn. Rm ]pdtI sNp. " At... Fp sXmSn... B hnemkn\nsnt\mSn{X Aenhv....?.. t\ct Hcp Zp:Ip\w t]memcptm...." " AsXs Imcyw... \obXp hnpIf..." " F\np hnpIfbm ]pthm... cpw IqsS IfnpIfnv s]mdp htmcpw Adnmte... am\w t]mIpXo hoSnsbm.... Ct....Hcp tNs kKpWw sImp \mdnsSphm..." " tNs Fp kKpWw...?..." GSnbpsS B tNmZyw Rm tIXmbn `mhnn. Rm XpSp. " cntw Ifn aqv Gnpw AtX kz`mhw hcmncpm \np Xt \Xv...." Rm\pw Xncnsmcp XmoXv \In. " F\nsp kz`mthmm \o ]dp hcpt....?.." " th th... IqSpXep hniZoIcWw th... CsXmpw Bcpw Adnbpnmp IcpXcpXv..." Rm\ndn shfnbntep t]mbn. Ft t\mn GSn \nppsv F\ndnbmambncpp. cm{Xn Fp aWnbmbtm tN hp. GSn t\ct Xt Hcpn \npIbmbncpp. ]dpsh Pop ImWmXp sImv FtmSp Ihebn t]mbn Hp sXcm ]dp. F\np aSn, Ccpp shfnbn t]mIm. agmdpw tImfpw CSnbpsams DXpsImv B t]Snbpmbncpp. " Ah hcpw tNm... ]dXt... Cu Ccpv.... AXpw agtmfpw CSow... " Rm Hp henp. " \mWantmSm... Ftmfpw hey HcmWmbn... Fnpw t]SnbmWt{X... t]mbn... hnfntmp hmSm..." tN Ft hncn. Rm tSmpsaSpv a\nma\tmsS Ihebntep \Sp. Iptd \Stm t]Snsbms Ftm t]mbnadp. Ihebn sNtm Hcp apdpmIS am{Xw dmens shfnn Xpdncppv. Idp t\ct t]mbncpp. Ihebn Fpw Ccpp am{Xw. Rm Pont\n At\zjnp. Bsctbm sImphnSm ASpp htc t]mbncnymWt{X. Ctm hcpw.

Rm Imp \np. GXmv AcaWnqdp Igntm Pop hp. R hontep Xncnp. hoSn\Spp CShgnbn Ponp. Rm hontep tIdnsp. ]pdmscbpw In. tNs apdnbn sNp. IXISncnpp. AIp \npw ASnbpsSbpw anSpntbpw iw t]mse. GSnbpsS Aanbp Icnepw. Fs a\n thhemXnbmbn. At\cw Imp \nnv Rm IXIn Xn hnfnp. " tNm... tNm... Pop hp....." AIt _lfw s]sp \np. Aw Igntm hmXn Xpdv tN shfnbn hp, kwlmccp{Zt\tmse. ashnfns shfnn B apJw Hp IqSn Nphncnpp. C{Xbpw tZjyn Rm tNt\ Npcpamtb Inpp. shfnbnendnb tN apdnbpsS IXISv HmSmenp. Fnp ]dp. " Rm \msf hcphtc... Cu IXIp Xpdpthm... Ahp ]shw sImSppthm sNbvXp t]mIcpXv... a\nemtbmSm..." Hw Fs Xesmcp Ingppw. " Atm .... apm\pw.....Xqdm...." Rm \np hnn. " AIp hrntISp Imnbm... Ahtfsmp Rm Xonpw... \obpw kqntm...]dXv tItmSm...." " Duw..." Rm `bp aqfntmbn. Fs In \npw tSmpw ]nSnp hmn G Ccpnendn \Sp. CSp GSntb sXdnhnfnpIbpw sNppv. " AhsS Almcw... ]ngpthdS tamfv..." Rm Anp \np. ]ns ]pdndn t\mn. Pons shfnw AIIp t]mIpp. At\cw Rm Imp \np. ]ns AIp Ibdn hmXneSp Ipnbnp. GSnbpsS apdnbpsS HmSmseSpp. Fs Ismp hndsnepw a\n Hcp ss[cysams hp. tN sImmep sImt. Fnepw GSnsb D]Zhnp Fdntm a\n Hcp \o, Hcp hnjaw. Rm IXIp sas Xpdp t\mn. taipdncnp dmens shfnn Rm hnizknm\mhm ImgvbmWp IXv. BZyw F\np ]nSnInnbn. Inens ImenNmcn \nev HcpIm aSn, Imapn Ibvapqn, B In XebpwXmn atIbv ]pdtImp Ipn hnncbp GSn. Fs Dsm\p Imfn. Rm AdnbmsX thKw sNv IXISv kmbnp. ]ns dmseSpv Xncn\on AXpambn GSnbpsS ASpp sNp. AhcpsS AcpXmsg ]cn]q \w. XpSI AIn IpnbncpXp sImv otjhp sNbvX XSn kmam\w Xpdncpp. hon t]mbtm \mbn sNcp shfpnncnpp. AXns Xpdncp hnepIfn sh]uU Inbmbn \\p ]nSnncnpXp ImWmambncpp. t]mIms\mcpnbtm ]uUdp hmcn Fm aSnepw ]qinbXmbncnpw. ukpw {_mbpw Xpdp InSpp. Xpnpfpn Xmtgp t\mp Idp sRpIfpambn B apeI. cntbpw CSbn ]uU \mbn ]qinbnpv. Iw tjhp sNbvXnn. ]qSInSbn ]uUdns shfpp \mbn ImWmw. ImWmhp In \npw Idpp \o ]qSI Aekambn \op \np. H t\mn Rm\n{Xbpw {insnepw B ImgvNIsfmpw Fn Imaw DWnbn. Ft Itm Ah s\n Xmnbncp Ibv\on Inen InS tXmsSpv aSnbntenp. tXmv Aeyambn InSXmsX Xpdncp B am_nqdp adn. Rm AXp t\mm t]mbn. hnfpbn Nppw t\mn. t]mIm thn DSp kmcn Inen InSpp. ]mhmS Aw amdn \nev. shfnbn t]mIpgpSppXmImw, Hcp NcSp Nph Ashb t]mse Hv B ]mhmSbpsS ASpp InSpp. tNtX AsXs\ndnbmw. Rm thhemXntbmsS tNmZnp. " GSo... Fm ]ntb... Fpmbn....?..." Dcw Icn am{Xw. Rm AhcpsS s\n Xmnb Ibv ]nSnpamm t\mn. ]ns apJtp kqnp t\mn. tM.. GSnbpsS IShmbn \npw cw Henpp. dmens shfnnepw Ihnft XnW ]mSp hyambnmWmw. F\npw kSw hp. Icbp in Rm tNmZnp. " Fp ]n... Fs GSnbt... ]d... Fm Dmtb..."

Rm B XmSn ]nSnpbn AenthmsS tNmZnp. Fst\sc t\mn IcXmsX, Ah annbn. Iocpw tNmcbpw Iev B XmSnbn IqsS HgpIn. aSnbn InS tXmsSpv Rm B Nndnbnte tNmc XpSp. ]ns Npp]mSpw t\mn. Fp sNWw Fs\np ]nSnInnbn. tNmZyns\mn\pw Dcan hnncn am{Xw. " Fgptv.. GSo..." Rm In Inv Ahtc ]nSnp s]mm t\mn. " lm... " Hcp hiw sNcnv thZ\sIms t]mse Ah ]pfp. " tN Hncn Xntbm... Fn\m Xntb... s]mdv CSntm... Fs tXhtc... Rms\m CumWtW..." Rm GSnbpsS ]pdv XShn. Ah thZ\npXp t]mse A\n. ]ns Rm t\mnbn. dmepambn ASpfbntep t]mbn. ]pdt lmfn Ccp hnfsSpv apdnbn taipdp shp, ]mhw, Ccpncntm. ASpfbntetmSns Rm AWbmdmbncp ASpqXn Anp. ]pIsImv Rm hnn. agp app XWp Imv Acot XWpnXp sImv Xo ]nSnm Xmaknp. Hcp ]m{Xn shw Xnfnv XmnnSnv apdnbn sImp sNp. q Inent\mSSpnnp. Aeamc Xpdv Aenb Hcp tXmp XnsbSpp. Fmw Xbmdmn. dm FSpv ASpp shp. Atmtgpw Icn HXpn shdpw GeSnbmbn amdnbncpp. sImp IpnItf t]mse Ah GeSnpXp Itm F\np thZ\ tXmn, klXm]hpw. ]mhamWo kv{Xo, Rm t]mepw hmpI sImpw {]hnsImpw Fp am{Xw Chtc thZ\nnp. Zm Ctm `mhp imcocnIambpw. " hm FWov GSn... Cu Intetemv sISv... NqSp ]nSnmw... FhnsSsbmsbm thZt\v ]dm aXn..." Fnpw Ahc\nbn. Rm sNp. _eambn B In ]nSnp s]mn. GXmv Fs `mcw Xsbpmhpw GSnpw. Ah Xfv Fs s\ntep Nmcn B IapeI Fs s\v Aap sRcpptmgpw kpJtmtfsd klXm]ambncpp Fs a\n. Rm\htc Xmn Inen Ccpn ]ns ]pdv IbvtNv sas Inen InSn. Xm ]cn]q \bmsWtm, `mhns A\pP Xs clky`mK ImWppshtm Hpw Ahccnbp an. Xfv ImepwIhv InSp AhcpsS shfp clkyqhv Ft t\mn hnfdnncnp. sNcp o\mnbmXpsImv Fmw hyambn ImWmw. Ioden\pn ta`mKv sNdnb Npf t]mse Ins ta`mKw Xn \nncpp. Hp t\mn IXn\p tijw Rm Xmsg hoW tXmsSpv AhcpsS Acp tate Cv IhnS adp. Ah FtXt InamsX t\mn InSp. Igpntep \onb {_m henv Rm\m Icpsn apeI aqSm {ianp. Igpns aSn AhcpsS Xmename InSp Xnfn. Rms\p sNbvXnpw, Ah Hcp sNdphnc t]mepw A\nbn. Aw ]cv sNsns IcnpI amXncn sRpIfpw ImWnp InSp B apeI Ft sXsmp ]Xdnp. ukv henv Innb Hcp lqnv Rm B apeItf `mKnIambn adp. sRpIfpw ]Shnep apepIfpw adtm Xt ]IpXn Bizmkw. t\mnbncnptm Fs \nb{Ww hnSm ]ntm, GXmbmepw Rm\pw Hcp ]pcpj\t. Rm AhcpsS AcnInembn Inen Ccpv XpWn shn apn. BZyw Ihnfn sas NqSp ]nSnp. Atm Ah lm Fsmp inp. AXn\p tijw FhnsS thWw Fs\ndnbn. Rm tNmZnp. " FhnsSsbmsbm thZ\ Fsmp ]d Fs GSn... NqSp ]nSnm \mftv Fmw t]mIpw..." \niambn \ndsmgpIp IpItfmsS Ah AhcpsS Dchpw IbvIfpw ImWnp. Rm dmseSpv ASpnp ]nSnp t\mn. cp IbvIfptSbpw apI `mKv Fsmstbm ]mSpI. AhnsS amdn amdn NqSp shpXn\nSbn Rm tNmZnp. " Fm Dmsbp ]d... a\n shtmncnmsX... " " Fmepw... Fmepw... Fs... hmkppm...." Ah hopw Icbm XpSn. " Fm Fs GSo... IcbmsX... " " s\\stmSn{X IcptWw Ctmw Hsv...." Ahp ]qnbmm Ignn. hopw hnncbm XpSn. aqp Non tZlp InS tXmn XpSp.

" s... AXns\m... A\nb\t Rm...F\ntntb shdpm ]pthm... AXp t]ms Fm Dmtb... ]d... C\n FhnsSbm thZ\...?.." Rm tNmZnp. " FmSpsamv...." " tM.. AsXm Xm Xntb.... Zp... Fn\m Xp sImm t]mtb... `mhns B{Klw Ap km[np sImSpm t]mcmcptm...?.." " ]ns Fs B{Klw... \mpImcv km[np Xcpthm......." Ah hopw Icp. ]ns s\pw hbdpw hifpw Fmw sXmp ImWnp. AhnsSsbms Rm XpWnapn NqSp ]nSnp. shns NqSp Ipdtm hopw ASpfbn t]mbn NqSmnsmp hp. hbdn sXmp ImWnnv Ah tXmsSpp amn. Fnv kmam\ns sXmpapIfn {XntImWn htc sXmpImWnp. AhnsS B ]pt]met {XntImWn Ftm Hcp Nph ]mSv GtmWnp InSpp. Rm\Xn Hp hnctemSntm Ah thZ\ sImmIpw apJw Npfnp. \mWw Ahtc hnpt]mbXp t]mse. Rm Hpw aSnmsX FmbnSpw NqSp shp. AhcpsS Ifnn htc Rm XpWnsImsmn. AhnsS NqSSntm Ah IpIfSv iviviv Fp inp. Rm\Xnibnpt]mbn, Fnepw IhnSbn HfnapInSp AhcpsS kmam\n Fs\bm ASnsImXv ! ]pdw XpSIfn icnpw ASntbnpv. " Fmepw Fs GSo... Fm Ct{Xw _lfn\p ImcWw.. Hp ]dp sXmev.... Mm, C\n Xncnp sISv...." Xncnp sISm Rm\pw Ahtc klmbnp. Iangvp InS AhcpsS ukv Igpphtc Rm XntIn shp. ]ns apXpInepw, sImp kly]hX t]mse Dbp \n B IpnIfnepw Rm NqSp shp. ]ns Xncnp InSn. ]gb ]Sn aepInStm Rm Xs tXmsSpv AhcpsS Kply`mKw aqSn. B XpSIsfmItm AhcpsS IhnSbnte aWw Fs aqneSnp. a\p NeamIpsap tXmnbtm Rm Ahcn \npw apJw Xncnp. ]m{XsaSpv ASpfbn sImpshp. Xncnp hnp ]dp. " FtmSp ]dbm ]nsn th... ]db... sISsmdntm.... Cncn Ignbpw thZ\ t]mIpw. Ct GsXnepw ssXew s]cncmw.." Rm Xncnp \Sp. " hmkqm...." " Ft... " Rm Xncnp \np. " Ctmp ht.. ChnSncnv...." " Fn\m...?.." " F\nn\n Cu hon \o am{Xta Dp icWw... " " Rm Xtbtm... Atw AO\pw Hs Ct..." " Mqw... ChnSncn... s\\dnbtWm... ImcWw...?..." " \n_tmpan..." Zqsc \npw Nmdn hcp agbpsS iw. " Fmepw \o ChnSncnv... At th... ChnsS Fs IqsSsSv..." " AXp th... " " FmSm ....Ft \obpw ..shdptm..." " AtXm... shdpsX Fn\m a\pjyt\ NqSmpt... " " CsSm... \o Cw As\ NqSmInsv F\nv a\nemsbSm..." ]ns Rm AhcpsS AcnIn Ccpp. Ah Fs apJw ]nSnv Xmgvn Fs s\nbn Npw_nnv hnXpn. " Fs tam Hncn _pnapn... ChnsS ... GSosS IqsSsSv...." Ah Aw \onnSp. \onbtm Ah lmhq Fsmp Dcnp. thZ\ t]mbnsp a\nembn. AhcpsS Ibvntev Fs Xe tInshv B IbvsImv Fs Ihnfn XtemSn. Rm a\kp sImv {]mnp. F\np \nb{Ww hnScptX Fv. ]ns Fn\p Rm AhcpsS IqsSnSp. AXns Dcw F\nnpw Adnp IqSm.

" t]mIms\mcpn \nw... FtmSp.... henb Cw... ]ns ]Xps ]dp... " Ah XpSn. " Fp ]dp..." " \o t]mtbns ]w InSphmcptm... ]pdsSpt\p apv... Hv... Atcw Rm ]dp.. ]gbXpt]memsWn...... shdptX kmcow XpWow Npfnms\ssmp ]nmv..." " Mqw..." Rm aep InSp aqfn. " lm... Ibv thZ\npp tamt\..." Ah Ibv Fs XeSnbn \npw FSpp. ]ns ]Wnsv Fs t\tc sNcnp InSp. Atm Rm Fgptms\mcpn. " \o t]SntsSm... \nt Hpw sNm t]mWn Rm.... F\nsmcp _en\p \ns sXmstbpp....." sNcnp InStm B apeI Fs s\ntep hoWp. Xpfpnb hbdns NqsSs hbdns AcnIneSnp. B NpSp\nizmkw Fs apJSnp. Ahscs s\n ssIshp InSp. Fs Acsn Hcp Ne\w. Rm Iment Imep tIn shv DWcm shnb Kpemt\ IhnSbn epn Iqn Aan shp. " XpWnsbmw ]dnp Ignw ... Ap \o I t]mse Rm Ip\np \nWw... Atcw ....F\nv Dnencnv ]nSnInn...... Rm ]dp ]nmv... C{Xbpw Imew ... Cu \mWw sI ]Wnp Rm kXnp....C\n...." Ah Gncp. " ]nt Ft Ip\np \nWw... ]nSnhenbmbn... Ftm F\npw hmin tIdn.... Nmepw Rm C\n kXnnsp ]dtm...." AhcpsS Icnen\p in IqSn. ]t ]pdv agbpsS in Ipdp. sNdnb tXmXn CSnshp apgw. Fs IpbpsS in Ipdp. Rm\pw Aw sNcnp InSp. " IcbmsXs Go... Fmw Ignnt... Fnv...?.." " Fnv... Fs IcWv BSnp.... sXdow ]dtmv.... " Rm Fs Ipbn AhcpsS Ip\o XpSm {ianp. Atm Icnens hopw in IqSn. Fsbpw Ip \ndp. F\npw a\n \npw Ftm XnIn hcp t]mse. F\npw Icn hp. AXn\nSbn IcpsImh XpSp. " Rm\pw hnfnpIqhn.... Xnsmtm... Fn ]ns .....F\no .....\mdncw..... klnttm...Fv... Atcw Atc sIS ....s_qcn...Ft Xepw.... shepw... ASnp..... Icsnepw Rm... Fmw klnp... Atcw Fm ]dsXtm... F\np \ns ...atXp Hpw ...thsSo... Fs Xpw Xpw hnfnp.... \ntw ... sXdn ]dp... Rm\v Hcn ... \ns t]cp ]dXn\mcpp......." " Mm... Rm\p Inens Iotg ISp tIXt... " Rm\pw aqp ]ngnp sImp ]dp. " F\nv ASntbmfpw thZ\ tXmnbXv.... Ftw \ntw tNv ... AhcmXw ... Rm a\dnbm Imcyw ]dtmgm...." " AXp ]dtms... kwibw sImm... kmceym .... " " AXp tIw Rm Xncnp \np.... a\dnbmsX AhcmXw ]dbcpsXp Ibv Nqn ]dp... Atcw.....Ft ]ntw Xn. FhnsStbm Hcp Nhnpw Xp. Atcm... \o apnbXv....Ct AXnbm....Ft sImtt\... " Ah hnncp. Fs Dn tcmjw Xnfp s]mn. B ]s_n Iptd Ccpp IjWfpv, AXns HcSn sImm amwkw \pdppw, Intmcbnm Zp. shdptXb kmam\nepw sXmtSepw Itepsamt ASn sImXv, s_p ]pfp sImp ImWpw. ]mhw Fp thZ\ klnp. " ]mcme... F{X sXn\nv CSnshpp.... CbmsS Xte..." Rm\dnbmsX ]dp t]mbn. A{Xv F\nv GSntbmSp klXm]hpw kvt\lhpw Atm tXmnbncpp. " th....tamt\.... Fmw tamfnencpv Cuizc ImWpptm.. Atcv Hcp \ hgn ImWnp sImSppw... Fsnepw... " Ahscs hms]mn. ]ns Gncp. Ip\ocp sImss s\p \\p. At\cw Igntm RfpsS IcnsemXpn. Rm Fgptp Inencpp.

" hmkqm... \o ]dsbSm... C\n Rms\n\p PohnWw... Bp thn...." " As\ ]dbcpXv... Fmw t\scbmIpw... tN \h\mIpw... Fs GSn A{X \hfm...." " Bpw thm Cu XSow sImv C\n F\np PohntsSm...." Ah hopw GeSnp. " kmcan IcbmsX... " Rm B Ihnfn XgpIn Bizknnp. hncepI sImv Ip\o XpSp. Ipdp \nanj As\ \niambn ISp t]mbn. Ahkm\w Ah hnfnp. Fs hncepI bm{nIambn AhcpsS Ihnfn Xgpsmncpp. " hmkqm..." " ]d.. Go..." Ah Inen Fgptncpp. Atm Rm Inen \npw Xmsgbndn. " \o F{X Imew sImXnXm... Ft.... Cu icocw Hp sXmSm \o... X]p sNbvXnt.... Cw ....thtW.. \o... FSptm.....Hqtepw ....\o FtmSv ImWnpt\v.... Hcp \nsbnepw BIqtm....\o... FSptm... \ns Cw t]mse Fpw sNbvtXm... C\n Bp thnbm... Rm\nXp kqnpt...." Ahsct In ]nSnp Ip\np Fnv Fs s\nbn Aan Npw_np. Npp Xmtgp sImp htm Rm _eambn B apJw ths]Spn. Fnp \nhp \np. At\cw R In In t\mn. Ah Rm\htc sInnSnpXpw {]Xonncnp t]mse. ]t Rm In\cnIn \npw Zqsc amdn \nnp]dp. " GSnp sXntmbn..... GSn anWw....Bpw thmXp Xnm Rm ]nb.... a\nmsX hensdnbpXp Xnm Rm sXoa... CXv hmkpp\m... hmkpp..." " tM..." Ah hm s]mfnp. " \nsfm Ftn hnNmcnt... Rm t]m{Incfp ImWnnsmv... kXnp... Fp IcpXn... thZt\w Xnp \nfp sISpw Rm.... Rm.... NmSn tamfntdpshtm... " " Rm\s\sbmpw DtinnsSm... shjtamw \ns FtmSp Aenhpw Itm... AdnbmsX ]dp t]mbn... \obXv s]mdptv...." " KotXSo... Ft C\n tamimbnp IcpX... Ct{Xw Imew F\np hp X\ymcpqp IcpXntm... Fm.. AXnw amdn...." Rm\pw Ip XpSp. AXp ]dbptm adbnmsX shphnfnp \n AhcpsS sImXnnp amwktKmf Rm In, a\pjyt\ {`mp]nSnnp B XfnNppI In. \amb hmgnnpSI In. AeyambnnSp tXmn\pnte AhcpsS kzK]pjv]w In. Fs a\n Fs apJambncpp. Rms\ ]pcpjs A`nam\w ]q apJw Hcp ImSnbnse t]mse Rm Ip. Fs tXmn GSntb Rm\pw tXmnncnpp. FtmsS\np Xs Hcp _lpam\w tXmn. Xe Xncnv Ahtc Hp t\mnbnv. Rm sNv dmens Xncn Xmgvn. sNdnb hnfv Icnncn Im XpSnbncpp. " hmkqm \o XsbmtWm Cdbpt... " " GSn Cw InSv... _mnsbms... \apv ]nmtemNnmw... HpdnbpWcpw thZ\ ]ISpw... " Rm apdnbpsS hmXnsen Xncnp t\mn. Ft Xt ActmsS t\mn GtXm IemImc hc \h\nXbpsS Nn{Xw amXncn Ah Inen Ccpp. Rm Xncnp sNp. B tXmfp Xn. ]ns AhcpsS cp tXmfpIfnepw ]nSnv Ahtc InSbntep InSm t\mn. Fs Ibv ]Xps FSpv amnbnv Ah sas ]dp. " hmkqm... Cw \o Ft shdpmepw F\nv kSansSm.... Cw \o Hcp ]pcpj\mbn... \ntmSv F\nnw _lpam\w tXmpp.... Fm....Hcp shjtamw..." " Fn\m shjanpt...." " \o... Fs Igpn ....Xmen sIotm Ftmnv..." Ah Ip XpSp. " Xp sImw... GSosS Xep s\mmsbm tXmpt... Int... FmtSmw sXmdp shp sISpt..... thdmcpw CmXncpXv \mbn.... B XpWnsbms t\scbnv... Hcp s]mXpw s]mXp sISsmdntm... sNew tN Xncnp hcpw... "

" \osbm... Fs t]SnnpImtWm... Cw Fs t]Sn t]msbSm... \osbmtm... F\nv... Cs\ Zbhv Imm.. AXp aXn... AXnbms\hnsStbm t]mbnsmebs... Cw \ns apnep ]nd ]msS \nm\pw F\np t]Snbn......."" Ah InSbntep Nmp. Abbn InS Hcp apsSpv Rm AhcpsS tZltnp. AXp hbdn hoWp. AXn sXmSm Ah Iqmnbn. Ft Xt \nntajbmbn t\mnnSp. Rm sNv XpSIfn InS tXmsSpv amn, app \nhn Ac shfnn XnfnnSp AhcpsS IhbnSppw XpSIfpw Dcpp Xpfpp apeIfpw IqSn ]pXnp. Fnm Ihnfn Hcp XpXn. sas shfnbn ISp hmXn Nmcn. shfnbnendnb Rm ]pdtp hmXn Xpdp. hmXnSnbn Ccpp. ]pdv Nw]nw ag s]ppv. XWp Imn agbpsS kuaykwKoXw tIncnm Hcp kpJw tXmn. Ap \S Imcysfmw Fs a\n IqSn ISp t]mbn. hnemkn\ntb \mftp _pp sNbvXXv, AXp thmbncpp Fv Fs a\ntm ]dbpp. Hcp s]IpnbpsS PohnXw \innm Ahtf `ojWnsSpn hiwhZbmpI. XcwXmgv GmSmbntmbn. \msf Ah FtImWm Ctmp hcpXn\p apv Ahtf Atmp sNv hneWw. t]Sncmbncnpw ]mhw CpdpXv. ]ns GSnbpXpsImv \msf Hpw \Sn. Fmepw Fns\mcp s]Ipntb hnjannWw. tNt\ CXn \npw ]nncnnm FmsWmcp hgn. KtWis A`n{]mbw amXncnbmsWn, Cu ]mhw GSnbpsS K`]m{Xw Dujc`qanbmbXp Xt. {]khnm ]msSmpan, KtWi ]dXp t]mse tN sXmdp sISp GSnbpsS IhsSptate Hp Ihp ISmepw aXn. ]t, AhcpsS PohnXw, hnhmlPohnXnse kpJw Hcp acoNnIbmbn AhcpsS apn \opInSpw. AtXmtm Fs a\nepw Hcp hnjaw. A, Rms\n\p hnjanWw. CXhcpsS IpSpw_Imcyw. Fnepw, GSn, ]ntbpw, Hscpw ]nSnbpw Inpn. Rm hmXnSnbn Ccpp Nnnp sImncpp. Fs apdnbntep t]mbn. F\npdw hn. ]mXncmshnepw BbnmWpw, GSnbpsS apdnhmXn Icp. Rm Xncnp t\mn. Ah Cdn hcpp. Rm ]pXn apv DSpnpv. amdn Hcp t\cnbXv t]mse tXmv hfv Cnpv. Rm {inm t]mbn. Ah hv Fs ]pdIn \np. " hmkqs\m Ddmt...? " Hmtcmtmv Ccpp t]mbn... GSnsbt Hdmt......\mbn Hsmdnbm... tZlthZ\ t]mtbt\.... " " F\nnw tZlthZ\ Hqss hmkqm... Cncn amdnbncpt ... Rm\pw IqsS Ccns...." Rm hmXnSnbn HsmXpnbncpp. Ahcpw aptmp ISv Fs Hw ]Snbn Ccpp. RfpsS ta\nI sXmpsXmncpp, NqSp ]IpsImv. B XWp Acon AsXmcp kpJambn tXmn. At\cw Bcpw annbn. " Cu atgsS ]mp tIncnm Hcp ckm CtSm..." " Mqw... AX\ym Rm\pw ChnsS Ccnm ImcWw... Cw thZ\ Fnt\v...?.." " Hm.. AXns\ sISpw... Ihnfns Dn s]mom tXmtW..." " shdpw s]mnbm GSn... B ImSs t\tc sanp tIdm thdmscnepw t]mIpthm... skm`mhw ]t AdnbmhpXt..." " C\n F\np hsSm... Hqsn Rms\s hontep Xncnp t]mIpw... ]ns .... hmkqm... Rm\o ]dsXmpw thdmtcmSpw ]dbt... \obmbXpsImp ]dp t]mbXm..." " AdnbWw... GSosS AOt\mSp ]dbWw... thsd t]mbn sIv... Cu `qaoev Cu tNs\smcmfp am{Xta Htm BWmbnv..." " s\s\dnbnsSm... CXns\ Hcp sIp]mSm...." " ]m sIp]msSms s]mnp IfbWw... AmsX Fn\m hentmp \StW..."

" \o Ftmfpw _pnam\m... AtXmm Cs\ ]tdtW... XWp ImSnpWq.. ag C\ow s]p eWm... " GSn FtmSw tNncpp. Rm AXn\\pkcnv HXpn. " F\npdw hcp t]mse..." Rm ]dp. " Mqw.. Cw... Rm htmmcnpw... Aw \osbt Hgnhmm t\mpIm... At... s\\nw FtmSp ]ptOmw shdppam...." Ah hnXpm XpSn. " Atm Icbt... temImhkm\tmfw Rm\ncnmw..." Rm ]dp. Atmtgpw henb HcnctemsS ag s]m XpSn. Cdbt HmSpIfn \npw aptv shw \ncbmbn HgpIn hogm XpSn. dmens Ac shfnn B Pe[mcI Xnfn. CSv sNdnb AIse CSnshpXns IpSpIpSphpw. GSn Fs tZltp Nmcn. " \o ag \\nsmtmSm...? " s]sh tNmZnp. " GShmXnbm... \\m ]\n ]nSnpw..." " F\np ]\nn... ImcWw Cw Fs Dp apgph NqSm...." Ah Fgptp Xnbntendn. " GSo... Ccpstmm...." Rm\pw Fgptp. ag Bncn s]m XpSn. Cdbv agbpsS, XpSbmb shpnIfpsS ]X\ns iw AebSnm XpSn. Ccpv F\nhtc ImWm Ignn. dmens {]Xn^en shfnn AhschnsSbmsWp a\nembn. Rm hnfnp. " GSo... " " Rm\nhnsSbpsSm....." app \npw Bncp agbpsS ineen AhcpsS iw. " Fp hm... \nfnw ImWnpt\... ag \\m ]\n ]nSnpw... t]mcmnv.. Cu kabv..." Ah Xnbntep Ibdn hp. Fnv Fs In ]nSnp henpsImp ]dp. " hmSm... \ ckm... Cu ag \\bm... " Ft Ah ]nSnp henp shfnbnbnendn. XWp agshw ]Xntm F\np icocamsI Ipfncp tIdn. Ccpv Ahtc ImWm t]mepw tae. CSv Hcp sImnbm annbtm Rm Ahtc Ip. ssI tatemp hSnnSnv, ]p apgph shfnbn Imn Nncnp sImh ag \\bpp. hv, apgphv, F\np tXmn. " GSo.. F\np XWppp... hm.. tIdntmImw..." Rm Ahtc Xn In ]nSnv ]pdtImp henp. ag Xnanp s]m XpSn. HbSnp hmcnqnb taLsamw IqSn s]bvXnp hopw ISentep XncnsI t]mIm\p ]pdmSp t]mse. " XWpppt \osbt sInnSntm.. F\nngpw \ NqSm...." Ahsct _eambn sInnSnp. Ccpsmpw ImWm h. ]t Rm GSnbpsS IchebnemsWdnbmw. Ahsct tNp ]nSnp. amdnw tXmn. AcapX apIfntep \w. B XWp apeIfpsS amhw Fs s\n IqSpX Ipfncp tImcnbnp. In sRpIfpsS In Fs ta\nbnepcp. F\nnnfntbm, tImcncntm, Ftm Hp tXmn. " F\np XWpWw... Fs NqSp sImtd s\\pw Xcmw... atgw sIms... Atm.. Fmw `wKnbmIpw..." Ah hnfnp ]dbpp. Fs `Khmt\, Chp hp ]nSntm.. F\np t]Snbmbn. XWpp hnd Rm AhcpsS Ichebntev HXpnqSn. Ahsct tNp ]nSnndpn. CSp anp sImnbm am{Xw. app shw Xfw sIm XpSn. ]mZ aqSnpSn. " hmkqm... Cw Rm s\\smcp km\w Xct..." " \mXncmv..... AXpw s]cpagbmtWm... km\w... hm \apIp tIdmw..." Rm ]dp. " \nv... Cm ]nSntm... " Ah AhcpsS tXmfancp Fs apJw ]nSnpbn Fnv Fs s\nbn Hp Npw_np. ]ns Ftm Xncbp t]mse Fs apJhcpsS NppI Cgp\Sp. Ahkm\w Fs NppIfn B ]hngppI Fn Aap. Fs NppI AhcpsS NppIfpsS

_\nembn. Rm AhcpsS _\nepw. B \ndamdpI Fs s\neap. AhcpsS Dan\o Fs hmbn Rm cpNnp. agpnI t]mepw HgpInbndm hn[w RfpsS NppI At\ym\yw _nXambn. Fs XWpp t]mbn. ]Icw Dn NqSp XpSn. Ccp s]p agsmw AhmNyamb Hc\p`qXn Fs kncIfntepw Ccp Ibdn. Rm\pw B NppIfn, hmpn Fsmstbm Xncp. RfpsS ememck Hmbn. Fs IbvI Ahtc CdpsI _np. Ahsctbpw. Hcp \nivOeZriyw t]mse At\ym\yw \pIpsImv icoc Xn _nXcmbn R \np, temImhkm\hpw Imns t]mse. F\np tXmn Fs Bmhp t]mepw AhcpsS _\nembn Fv. Fs CXphtcbp \nivObZmUysamw B agbnepw AhcpsS DOzmk hmbphnepw Aenp t]mb t]mse. AhcpsS km\w hmm \mWanmsX Fs A:cwKw ImncpXp t]mse. F{X t\cw Rfm \np \np FdnpIqSm. R DdpIbmbncptm Fp t]mepw tXmn. ImcWw, R Cu temImbncpp. agpnIfpsS iw \netm, B ihyXnbm\n, R \n{Zbn \npw DWp. DWtm R At\ym\yw incpIfnepw IhnfpIfnepw XgpIn. " hmkqm..." Hcp t\ hnfn Rms\s ImXn tIp. " Mqw..." Rm\hcpsS ImXn aqfn " Fs km\w \o hmntbm..." " Mqw..." " Fs tam\nstm... " Mqw...." " C\ow thtWm...." " Mqw... " " Fn Cm ]nSntm..." hopw Hcp ZoLNpw_\w. ]gbXnepw DujvafambXv. B XWpnepw AhcpsS NpSp\nizmkw Fs aqnepw Npnepw Bmhnepw tIdn \ndp. AXns\tm Hcp elcn t]mse. hopw hopw \pIcm sImXnnp Hcp elcn. ChW Dan\ocns IqsS tNmcbpsS cpNnbpw Rm\\p`hnp. Fs tN Xnsmn Ihnfn\pn \npw AhcpsS Pohcw Fs \mUnIfntep ]IpIqSn. Fs amdap sRcpnb AhcpsS \ndamdpIv Atm \ NqSpmbncpp. hnImcns, Imantep Ibv hgnIfpsS, NqSmbncp\p AXv. R At\ym\yw \amb apXpIpI XgpIn. AhcpsS \op]Sp InS apSnIfn \npw Fs IbvIfntev agpnIfpsS Ipfncndn. agp tijap XWp Imn RfpsS icoc hndm XpSnbtm RfpsS NppI ths]p. " hmkqm..." " Mqw... " " s\\nw XWpWptm..." " Mqlpw...." Rm\hcpsS amdenp tNpsImv ImXn hopw aqfn. " Hpw...?..." " Hpw...Cym... ]Icw NqsSSpWq.......GSnp XWpWptm..." " Mqw.. Cv..." " Cw GSosS NqSv ...... F\np Inocnym..... AXm GSntb shdpt..." " Fmepw Cs\ shdm Hcp kpJw...." Atmsgmcp sImnbm ann. " hm... \aIp t]mImw... tXmot ]\n ]nSnpw. ...." Rm Ahtcbpw tNp ]nSnpsImv \Sp. Ft sInnSnv Fs tXmfp XeNmbvv hndp sImv GSn FtmsSmw \Sp. apdnIsnbtm Rm\m apJw ]nSnpbn. Ah apJapbm Iqmnbn. Hcp IbvsImp Xt Rm IXISv Ipnbnp. Atmgpw Zp:mTyw ]nSnp Ipntbtmse Ah Fs tXmftp tNp InSp. " hm... \apv ASptf sNv Xo Imbmw.... " Rm\hcpsS ImXn a{np. " Mqw... " abnse t]mse Ah aqfn. Rm dmseSpv ]nSnp. \Stm \\ RfpsS appI Ie]ne iapmn.

ASpfbn sNv Rm\htc s_nencpn. Hmw mn ]Tnp Ipntbtmse \njvIfamb `mhtmsS Ah Ft t\mnbncpp. apSnbngIfn \npw Dudp PeIW B shfpp an\p DpwKamdpIfn XnsbmgpIn XmtgsmgpIn hoWpsImncpp. AtmgmWp Rm {inXv, B apesRpI Icnpt]mse In]nSnp \npp. Nppap Xhnp\ndap apepI XWppaqew Npcpv sRmdn amXncn. Rm IpI Xncnp. ]ns ASpv InpXn\nSbn ]dp. " t]mbn XpWn amdov hm.... Ccpp shdmsX... Rm\nw Xo Inmw...." AhcXv tI an. GtXm kz]v\temIv sNps]Xp t]mse Ahcncpp. Xo In. AXns PzmeI ASpftb Hcp amkvac temIamn amn. ASpfbn NqSpmbn. Rm sNv AhcpsS tXmfv ]nSnp Ipepn. " Gbv... Cbmfnw FhnSym..?... sNv XpWn amdn hm... Xo ImpIgow XWpp t]mIpw....sNv...." " tM...?...Mm... sicn..." Ah sRnbpW t]mse. Rm dmseSpv In sImSpp. Ah t]mbngnv Rms\s Ibnenapv s]mn ]ngnp. Ah t]mbXpt]mse Xncnp hp. In thsd cp appI. ]ns Hcp tXmpw. " Atm... XpWn amdot....?.." " Mqlpw... app sImphnsmv... \smcpanv amdmw..." Ah appIsfs t\tc \on " CXv tNsbt... AXp th... Rm t]mbn Fs apsSptmp hcmw....." " th... Cw \o CXpSptm... Hcp Iptmw hcn...." Ah B appI sUkvIn shp ]ns Ft tNp]nSnv tXmpsImv Fs Xe tXmm XpSn. Rm Ip\nv \npsImSpp. Atm AhcpsS apeIfn Fs apJaap. B amZIppInSbn Rms\s apJsamfnnp. Ahsct amdtannSnv tXmnsmncpp, AdnbmsX Rm\hcpsS apXpIn hw NpnnSnp. B I apesRpI Fs IhnfpIfn Dcknsmncpp. AXp CsnmtWm Ftm Ah \nmsX Fs Xe tXmnsmtbncpp. Ahkm\w apSn hentm Rm ]dp. " aXn.... C\n GSn tXmv.... At Rm tXmncmw...." Rm Xebpbn. ]ns tXmv In hmn. Ahtc FtmSp tNp ]nSnp. Fs amdneh apJw ]qgvn \np. tXmpXn\nSv Ah Fs amdn NppIfngm XpSn. F\nv Hcp tImcncnv. \\ apn\Snbn Hcnfw. Rm s]sv ]nmdnbnp tXmhcpsS Intennp ]dp. " Cm... apSn sicnp tXmv...." Ah tXmp hmn apSnbn Npn Hp ]ngnp. ]ns hopw Xncnp Xp. " Fs tZlsamp \mbnv tXmnm...." Ah a{np. Rm\Xp hmn, AhcpsS sNhnpdIpw Ihnfpw tXmn. Igpv XpStm Ah IbvI s]mnp. tcma \nd B I Rm XpSpsImSpp. shdptX B tcma Rm hncepI sImsmp tImXn t\mn. AXp Iv Ahscmp ]pncnp. Atm ASpnse I\Ifn Hcp s]mnsdnbpmbn. Hw Fs Dnepw. IbvI XpSp Igntm Ah Ft ]nSnv apn \nn, Fnv apeI s]mnp. AXn\Snbnepw CSpw Aw PeabapmbncpXp. XpSp Igntm Rm shdptX Hcp sRn hnc sImsmp sRmn. " iv...lm...FmbnXv..." Ah NnWpn. ]ns Ah \\ apns Ipgnp. apv Xmsg hoWp. Hcp Xmename am{Xw Igpn. AsXmgnv ]cn]q \bmbn \np Ahtc Ism Rms\mp aSnp. " Mqw... Ft... \nntb.... tXmnm.... FmtSmw...." " th... Cbmfp Xsm tXmnbm aXn...." " F\np XWppw.... thKw tXmnmSm... " " Fs... Cs\bnp hemsX....." Rm tXmp AhcpsS t\p \on. " ]dm A\pkcnsSm.... \ntmSv tXmmt\ ]dsmp..."

Rm AhcpsS ]pdIn sNp. ASnbn \oeOhnbp, Hmtcm aStmSp IqSnb B XSn IpnI Rm tXmn. Ah IbvI ]pdtImnv IpnI hnSnnSnp Xp. Atmfm hnShn \npw Hcp kpKw Fs aqneSnp. AsXs Xetmdn IqSn Acsntep ]mp. AhnsS AXns {]XnNe\w Dmbn. Rm\m NnhnShpI \mbn XpSp. ]ns B am_nqWpI t]msebp XpSI, IWmepI, ]mZ Fmw Hcp ASnatbtmse XpSp sImSpp. Atmtgpw Fs Ip DcppIn t]mse Ddp. \\XpsImv `mctadnb apn\Snbn Xes]mm IgnbmsX Ah \np hnjanp. AXp Igntmfh tNmZnp. AhcpsS aphitp Ibv NqnbmWh AXp tNmZnXv. " C\n ChnSw Bcp XpSpw...?..." " F\np h... Xt Ap sNv...." Ahscs sNhnbn arZphmbn ]nSnp henp aptmp \nnbnp]dp. " Ct{Xw sNbvX kvYnXnv.. CXqsS \o Xs tXmncWw...." ]ns Fs cp tXmfpw ]nSnv AhcpsS apn Xmtgman. " Ccnv... Fnv .. `wKnbmbn... sXmSv..." Rm Xmsg AhcpsS apn Ipnbncpp. Fs Hcp apntev Ah Hcp ImseSpp hp. Atm B IhbnSppw ]q]mfnIfpw \mbn hnSp \np. AXns Dnte amZIKw Fs aqn KpapKpam ASnp tIdn. Rm hopw hnjanp. " Duw..." Ah BPvRm]npXp t]mse aqfn. Rm tXmpsImv AhnSamsI XpSm XpSn. CSpnse XpSbcnIpI XpSp. ]ns hncnncp B Xhnp]qdns ASnbn \npw apIfntev tXmtmSnp. Atm ImmSp sXnepI t]mse AXns DZf BSn\np. Npcp InSnbt]mse Dcpp \n B In Rm sas XpSp. Atm Ah AdnbmsX H\n.. AhcpsS hbdns sNdpaSnepw ]pnfnepw XpSpsImSpp. " C\n AhnsS atWmtmp t\mntb...." Ah ]qdp ]nfnnSnpsImp tNmZnp. Rm B hnShn aqp apnnp ]dp. " Cnsc atWmv.... IpnpdmsbtSw IqsSbm...." " Fn... B \\ apsSpv AIw sXmSnv ]ns tXmv... ag \\snepw AhSw ASt CcpXv..... AXnsbm..." " B aWw AhnsS Ccptms... AsXmcp ckm....AXnsn... " " s\\nmtWm B aWw...?..." " Mqw... ]uUdns hmkt\w CXnsmt. atWmw IqsS Bbw Xep ]nSnp t]mse...." " Fn sXmS..." Ah Fs apn \npw ImseSpp Xmsgshp. ]ns Fs ]nSnsgptnp. Fs In \npw tXmp hmn. Ahscs XpWnpn Ibvshp. Rm AhcpsS Ibv amm t\mn. apgnm Ipep \np Fs Ip Ah ImWpw. BZyambnv ImWp Aht\ Cu \nebn Ah ImWpXv Fs BWns\mcp Ipdhp t]mse F\np tXmn. " IsSpsSm..." Rm\dnbmsX IsSpp t]mbn. Ahscs apgnp, AXp Xmsg hoWp. apns _\w \onbtm sXmqdp Un{Knbn NmSn \nhp \np Xpp Fs Iptb t\mn Ahscmp Nncnp. "l... l... shey hoc\m iqc\msms... hochmZsams ASnnv.. CXo ]cphnemtbm...." " Mqw... kXnp... ]ntw ...Rm tXmp t]mbn..." Rm ]dp. Ah Fs I s]mn XpSp. ]ns tZlw XpSp. Ipnbncpv ImepIfpw XpSp. ]ns AhcpsS apJn\pt\sc \nv hndp IpbpsS aIpSw Hp sXmennv aqsmSpnp. XmsgnS \\ apsSpv aIpSn\p Nppw XpSp. Rm Cutcgp kzhpw Ip ]pfp t]mbn. " \o tXmWw... Rm Xt PbnWw.. AsXs Hcp hminbmcpsSm...." Ah ]ns Fs DIfpw IhnSbpw XpSp. ]ns Fs Ipbnsemp ]nSnv Bn hnp. Ah kv{]np t]mse \np hndp. tXmp Xmsgbnnv Ah

Fgptp. Rm ]pXnb apsSpp Ah AsXs In \npw hmn sUkvIn shp. " XpWnbnmsX \nm t]mIphmtWm Cp apgph...?.." " Fn\m XpWn... \fp Xn Fm C\n adms\mXv...?." Ah FtmSp Xncnp tNmZnp. ]ns Fs ]nSnSpnp. Fs In t\mn tNmZnp. " s\\v Rm X km\w \o kzoIcntm.. AtXm Xntbm..." " GSn a\dnv XXt...." " Mqw.. Aw C\ow Xmtem... a\dnv... " " As\ XtXmm.... AXns cpNn... Cgpw t]mbnnss Dov..... Adntbm Fs...Fs....." F\nsp hnfnWsasmcp X. " Fs.... ?..." " GSn...." " A... KoXpn.... \o ss[cyambnp hnfnsSm...hmkqm..." Ahsct amtdmSp tNp. AhcpsS XpSbnSpn Fs Ip apn \np. AhcXv {inp. Ibv CSp IqSnbnv Ahcht\ ImepIfIn XpSbnSpntev tIn shp. " ag\\Xt... AhnsSbncpv Ah... NqSmIs... C\n....\osbmp hnfnt... Fs KoXpov...." Rm B sNhnbn ISnpsImv sas hnfnp. " Fs KoXpo... Rm tXmp.... Fs GSo... Rm\nw Bcpa.... " " AsSm tamt\... Cgpw \o.. ]pcpj Xt... Fs InemsWp am{Xw... Cw... Rm\pw tXmsSm... Bs...C\n F\np \o Hcp km\w Xcpthm...." " Xcmtm.. Fs KoXpnv.....Cm ]nSntm..." Ah sNbvX t]mse Rm AhcpsS NppI Fs hmbnemn henp IpSnp. Ahsctbpw. Atmgpw tNmc Nphp. NppI ASn amn B XWp Ihnfn D shp XgpInsmv Rm ]dp. " FmtSmw Xn s]mnp, B Zp... ]mhw Fs KoXpn...." " s]msSm... FmtSmw s]ms... CtmtS Fmw s]mnIcWw... C\n F\nv A`n\bnm h...." " F`n\bnm...?.." " F\np \ntmSp tZjymsWv...... C\n hsSm..F\np h.... Rm Xfp t]msbSm... \ns sImXnbn Rm\pw hoWp t]msbSm..." Ah Fs apJw BthitmsS Npw_\ sImp s]mXnp. ]ns Xmtgncpp. Fnv Fs Ipsb XgpInsmp tNmZnp. " Rm tNmZnm ... \ a\tmsS... \o \ns F\np Xcpthm... " " Xncnpp.... " Rm ]dp. " Fn... \ a\tmsS Rm Fmw s\\pw Xm \o hmpthm... Bpw thmX... antma..." " Rm\tcw Hcp s]mw ]dps]mbXm Fs GSo... s]mdpv..." Rm AhcpsS IpgpIen CgpIn ]pfpsImp ]dp. Ah Aht\ ]ns sXmpw XtemSnbpw cknp. ]q Fenpnt\ IfnnpXp t]mse Atmpantmpw Xn, Rms\mcp IuXpItmsS Fmw t\mn\np cknp kpJnp. Ah Fs Ip IbvsImv Afp t\mn. Fnp ]dp. " CXv BdntmSm... Fsmcp XebmSm... GqcosS Xe t]mse... " AXp tItm B aIpSw Hp IqSn Nphp hop " sImXnhnSt... Ip ]pw... Rm Afp t\monss KoXpo..." Ah B CcppesbSpv Ihnfn apnpsImp tNmZnp. " Ipp Ip ]nsSm tamt\...As\bmcpsn \ns tNs Atc Cv Hpw ImWpamcpnsSm..... A{Xv sImXnhnXm BZyw.. Cw... F\nv AXnt\mSv...t]Sow shdppam...." " GXmbmepw Ip ]mXncpm aXn... \msf F\nv CXv Hcp s]n\p sImSptXm..." " GXmbmepw Ct{Xambnt.... Fs Imcyw Ignnp aXn...."

" kXnt...Fn ]dm A\nb A\pkcnmsX ]pthm..." AhcpsS IpXnfnbn \np ]pfpsImp Rm ]dp. " hmkqm... \o FtmsSmcp kXyw ]dbWw... Ch ..CtXhtc.. GsXnepw kmam\n tIdotmtm..." Ah Aht\ cp Ipn HXpnnSnpsImmWp tNmZnXv. " Hcn.... hntn DunbXmsX.... Aht\ ]ns sXmSpXv Cv...KoXpnbm...." " AXp Rm\pw IXmWtm...... Aw Fs CsXs Inp...." Ah {`mntb tmse Ipbn samw Dshp. " AtX Inbm...Ah..." " s\\v Rm hmbn shWp tXmWptm...." " th... Fs GStsS Cu s]mp hmbnev... AXpw Cv... apdnncnpw... th..." " F\npw AXv shenb Csamqey.... ]ns \ns G..." " t]mIm ]d ..... B IgpthdntbmSv...." Rm\m apSnbn arZphmbn XgpIn. " Atm Xteengpw shtmv...." Rm Ahtc ]nSnsgptnp. R cp t]cpw s_nencpp. AhcpsS In Fs Ip Ccpp hnn. Ifnmw hnSm Ipntbtmse Ah Aht\ In shpsImncpp. ASpnte XobpsS in Ipdncpp. Rm AhcpsS Ibv amn, Fgptv Xo Hp IqSn DuXn Inp. Atm ]pdv agbpsS Hcp Bchw. " ag hopw hcpImp tXmpp....." Rm ]dp. " s]s.. s]bvXv Fmw XWps....." Ah ]dp. Rm Xncnp t\mntm Ah s_n InSp Ignncpp, ImepI Ccphipw Cv, Ihv. AtmfhcpsS Cud Ipw shfnbn Imn B Incnqdp hnSp \np. sRmdn DneIfpsS AcnIpI AIp \npw Xe Imn. Rm sUkvIv Aw henp amnbnp. ]ns AhcpsS Imphnembn s_nencpp. " hmkqm... Cw s\\ss thtSm...." Ah tNmZnp. " thWw..." " Fnns Xmaksan\mSm.. FSpsSm tamt\... Fmw... " " Fs KoXpnsm Cw thXv... ]dtm... " " F\ndnbn... F\nv ZmlamSm... F{Xtbm amkfmbn hcp sISpImtm Fs a\pw tZtlmw..." " Aw GSn ]nWnbmcptm CXphtc...?..." Rm\m AIwXpSIfn XgpInsmp tNmZnp. Hp ]pfnv kzw IbvIfn cp apeIfpw FSpp XgpInsmv Ah ]dp. " Ign Znhkw Hcp hns\mcp s]pambnv... Hsmcp... AXp htmamIpthmSm... Fttmse Ct{Xw kmamt\mw sNmatmp \Sp Hcp s]n\v..." Rm Xmsgbndn Ipnbncpp. apeIfn \npw AhcpsS Hcp Ibv amn ]ns Ip\nv B apep hmbnseSpv Hqn. CSXp IbvsImv Ihp]cp InSp AhcpsS Acsn XgpIn. Ah Npp ISnp. " Bcpambnm HcXv... " ?.." " AXv Rm \ntmSp ]ns dbmw... \o Cw Ftbnp hemsX... Fsnepw sXmSv...." " Fn Rm\nw F\np tXmnb t]mse sNm t]mIphm... kXmtWm...?.." " kXmSm Inpt........." ]ns Rm Hpw annbn. Fs Actw XpSn IYIfn hmbn t]mse Rm sNm XpSn. B apeI cp IbvIfpw Iqn Iin. sRpI sRcSn ISnp. tZlamkIew DI sImv s]mXnp Ah ckw]nSnp s_n InSp ]pfp. Rm ]ns Xmtgp amdn B hnS ]qdn apJaSpnp. Fs {]nbs aWw.... Av BZyw Rm sXmtm A\p`hn GnbpsS ]qdns kpKw Fs aqn ASnp Ibdn. Fs kncIfn Xo In. AIp hncentm B IShmppInSbn \npw NqSp tbm\ntX AWs]mnbt]mse IpnsbmgpIn. B In Rm aqnpcp. AXp hmbnseSpp aqm am{Xw hepXmbncpp. Ip aqn Hcp hnc AInv cnfnfnbtm Ah ]dp. " tlm... F\nsfIpsSm... Hcp shceqsS CSv... "

B tbm\npf Atm Fs Hcp hncen\p t]mepw apdpambncpp. aZPew HensmgpIp ]qdn Rm Ipw \mpw Hcpt]mse {]hnnp. Ah Bt{ImifpXnm XpSn. " lmhq.. Btm... Ft.... Mqw...Mqw..Mqw..." Ah ImepI Cfn BkzZnp. \nmsX Rm B tbm\nbnepw, Inepw apeIfnepw Fs IbvhncpXpI Imn, Dpckap B tbm\nt\ns\p cpNn. Rm\Xp \npSnp. AsXmcp kpJKwKm{]hmlw t]mse IpXnsmgpInsmncpp. AhcpsS IhnSbnepw s_nepw Henndn. B IhbnSpn \npw Fs Xep ap]nSnnp ]pXpKw hanpsImncpp. AXv B Aconsepw ]S t]mse tXmn. " Fs Ipm... hmkppm... Mqw... \osbmSm... Fs sImt... Fs Atm... tlm... Fsmcp kpJw... Ct{Xw kpJw ChnsSmmbnpw B ImeamS,... Fs hmkqm.. \o ... tlm... \Sm... XncpsSm... shcep tISm... Atm F\np hcpw.... thm.... hcpm... F\nIp shWw... AIp shWw... \nsSm.." Ah Fs Ibv ]nSnpamn. Fs Xe AhcpsS IhqSn \npw Xn amn. Ft ]nSnp s]mn. Rm Ah`napJambnv s_n Ihncpp. Xebmn hndp Fs XebIp ]nfp shsamennp hms]mfnncnp B shqdnt\ t\mn Hn \npw shsamennp. R \ncn At\ym\yw ASpp. Ah Fs XpSIp tate AhcpsS XpSI tIddn Ihncpp. Fnss IpesbSpv B NqSp]qdns hmXnentep apnp. ]ns Fs Igpn ]nSnp Xqnsmv FtmSSpp. ]gn InbndpXp t]mse AXn\pnte Fs Inp sXntdn. AXp apgph\pw Hcp skp sImv AImbn. Ah, CSp Inv ]qdns hm s]mfnpshp. Fnss NppI hmbnemn. F\npw \ kpJw Fs Acsn Igns Dcpp tIw Ftm Hns ]qXp thnbp Zmlw, AdnbmsX Rm AhcpsS Acsv FtXpambn tNannSnp. Fsmcp apdpw Cu ]qdn\v. Fsmcp NqSv. Ah Fs Npn ISnpsImv Acsp ]Xpt Fm sXcpsXsc Cfn. IqSpX Cftn hn, Atmtgpw AhcpsS Acsp AtXpambn Aap tNp. " Mqw...Mqw...Mqw... F\np hcp....sSm... F\np hcp.....sSm... Fs hmkq......m.... Ft sIn....nSnbv...sSm.....sls...hq... lm....hq..." AhcpsS Acsv FtXpambn ]ishXp t]mse HnnSnncpp \nivOeambn. AXn\Iv Fsmstbm s]mnsdnI \SpXp t]mse. R DdpSw sInnSnp F\np izmkw app t]mse. Aan XnnSntm Fs Ipe B tbm\nbpsS ASnnte thsd GtXm Hcp Xpfbnepw tIdn \nd Hcp {]XoXn. Ccn kpJw. AhcpsS ]qaknepI B sXdnp tbm\nIv ktmjns tXIW hnphnp NpcpXns thentb Fs Ipbn {]Xn^enp. AsXs Iptb NpnnSnp. Iptd {]mhiyw hnphnndpnbXn\p tijw AhcpsS IbvI Aw Abp. Fnepw Fs Ip B NqSp ]qn\Incpp sRn hnn. Cu Ccpv F{XImew thWsanepw Ccptms Fs\np tXmn. Fs tXmfn apJwshv Ah InXp ZoL\nizmksfSpp. \nanjfpsS thentbn\p tijw Ah Xebpbn. Fs cp IpIfnepw IrXmXbptSXmb Hmtcm Npw_\w Ah \In. ]ns Fs IbvIfn ]nSnpsImv sas s_ntep aep InSp. " hm... tam\n\n... ASnp hcpv... ... F\np Xr]vXnbmsbSm... PohnXnte BZyt kpJw \ns Inp F\np XsSm... hm... Ctmv... Fs tZltmp sISv ASnp hcpv. .. Fs kmam\w Hp s\dbs... " Rm B ]qn \npw Ip DucmsX AhcpsS ImepI XmtgnSm t\mn. Fs XpSItf adnISv Ihv hcpn. Rm AhcpsS cp ImepIfpw tatemp s]mn. AhcpsS amdtmp aSn shp. ]ns ImepI \ncn ]pdtImsSpp. thecsampw ]nbn. Iv F itmsS Ip Ducn shfnbnsen. tbm\ockn Ipfnv \np shnbmSp Fs Ip t\mn Ah ]pncnp. Rm t\mptm Fs ]qSIfpw DI t]mepw AhcpsS tbm\oPen HnnSnncnpp A{Xp KmVambn B ]en R CgpIn tNncpp. " F\np s_n sISm ]pthmp kwibm...." Rm ]dp.

" Fm thKw hm.... apdo t]mImw... " Ah NmSnsbgptp dmepsaSpv HmSn. apdnbnsen Inentep hoWp. ImepI Ihpshv IbvsImv ]qdp]nfn aep InSp. B Nph ]qdn \nv Atmgpw tX\pdh Henppmbncpp. Rm\pw sXdnmSp Ipbpambn Inen tIdn Ihp InSp Henp ]qdns hmXnen Ip apnp. Ahcht\ B kzhmXnentep IbvsImp ]nSnv \bnp. Rm Ht Xnbpp. pjvjv F Hcp sNdnb itmsS Ah sXntdn Dnteqfnbnp. Dn `bc apdpw. Hw AXns kpJhpw. " C\n ASntm... tamt\... thKw ASnp hcpv... Fs tam Hncn F\np thn IsXm..... nv... thKw..." " AIp shw... hoWm..... h sImgtmw...." Rm ASnpXn\nSbn tNmZnp. " Hcp sImgtmeym... IqSnhm K`w... Rm\p s]dpsaSm... \ntt]mse Hcp sNmWpt\ Rm s]dpw... \o ASnv..." GSn Ft henv AhcpsS tZltnp. Fnss apJw ]nSnv D shm XpSn. " \o Cnsc kqnm... F\nsmqsS hcpmSm... sas ASnm aXn... F\nv aXnbmbn tamt\..." " Rm\mZym... sNew hmtem...." " \o Xm..... Ibv sImv..... Fpw..... sNpXt... a\smdnv ASntm.....hcn... " ASnbpsS Xmfn Ipepnsmv Ahsc\nv ss[cyw Xp. ]ns hbdn\nSbn IqSn Inv AhcpsS In Xncpm XpSn. Ft sInnSnncp IsSpv apeIfn sRm\pw apesRv Iim\pw XpSn. Rm Hcp {IaXmfn ASn XpSpsImncpp. gviv.. gviv. gviv.. gviv F Hcp arZpkwKoXw RfpsS Acsn\pn GSnbpsS Ipg ]qn \npw ]pdspsImncpp. AXns AISnbn RfpsS kwt`mKw, Fs In ]ptcmKanp. cp\nanjw thn hn. GSn aqfm XpSn. " Mqw... Mqw... Mqw... hcmdmsbSm... tamt\... ImntmSm... Bp XsSm... Dntemp tIdsSm...sXcp sXsc..." ISv InXncpnsmh hnfnp ]dbm XpSn. Rm ASnbpsS thKX Iqn. Fs Acsn ]m Xnfm XpSn. " GSn ... F\np hcpw... KoX...p...np....hcpthm....." " Mqw... \o ASntmSm... F\npw hcpw... Mqw... hcpv....HsSm... tlm... hp...t]mbo.... Mqw... XnbSnsbSm... IosdSm... tamt\...lqqqqq... ltm...." GSn Ibv cpsaSpv Fs hcnp ]nSnp. Fs Npn, hmbn Ah \mp ISn. AtXmsS Fs ]mepw Xnfp Xqhn. " Mqw...Mqw... " Rm ap{IbnpsImv hnphnSnv AhcpsS ]qdns AKm[Xbn Fs ]m Ddsbmgnp. DucnbSnm km[nn. sRnsRn, Rm Fs ]mm{Xw Imenbmn. InXpsImv R cpt]cpw InSp. GSn cpIpw hifntep hnSnbnp InXp. " GSo... ]msemw ASo K`]m{Xn hosWm tXmpt.." InXsmsmXpnbtm Rm Fs DtZzKw Adnbnp. " KotXp hnfnsbSm ssatc... C\nsbv Gn.... sNcpXmXp sNbvXp Ignp. C\n hcpsSp shp ImWmw... Rm s]dpw.... A{Xt..." " sNcpXmtXm... ?.." " AXt... A\nb GSntb... Ifnnt... " " Aw \fp sNbvXXp Ipat..." " Fp Ipw.... \o \ns DchmZnXzw sNbvXp... tNt\smp ]mXv \o sNbvXp... t]mIm ]d.... Rms\s tams\mcp Xct..." Ah Ft hopw KmVambn ]pWp. Ft DI sImp izmkw apnp. Rm\sXmw kzoIcnp. " KotX... Hcp kwibw tNmZntmt... ?.." " K`ns ImcymsWn anmsX sISv.... "

" AX... IeymWw Ignm \nsS ]qdn\p \ Abhmcnqm Rm tIncntW.... Ct{Xw \mfmbnpw.... KotXsS kmam\n\v \ d_dp hcn t]mse apdpw... AsXp {Snm...?..." " {Snpw thtew Hpw AsSm... kXyw C\n ]dbmtm... \ns G BImtS aqtm \mtem {]mhtiy... Fs kmam\w D]tbmKnnsmq.... Fpw AXnbms\s IqXn \miamnbXmsX.... " " s]m tN..." " AXp sImv s\\p kpJmbn.... ]p s]nt\bt ]nkdnbXv.... BZymbXv sImv s]sv shSn s]mqm Rm IcpXntb... ]t.. \o Rm hnNmcnXnepw hoc\m... Mm... F\np tbmKanmsX t]mbn... " " C\n Rm\nXqcntmt..." " sImdqsS AhnSncnsSm.... Am.... s\\n\n Fsnepw thtd B{Klsfmtm... Fs sImXntem... hmbntem... shtWmn... C\n Hchkcw CXpt]mse Dmsbp hcntIe...." " Rm tN KoXpo... Cu Cw sImp Xt F\np aXnbmbn...Fs s]mtn...." Rm\pw Hcp henb D B Npnenp. CSnSv Rm\dnbmsX Fs Acsnfnsmncpp. CSv GSn ]dp. " Am... AIncpv .. Ah hosp tXmpp....." AtmgmWp Rm {inXv. " Atm... hopw s]mn....C\nsbp sNpw...?.." " Fp sNm... \o ASnp hcpntm... sImdp ]mepw IqSn AItmp hogpsat Dq...... hm...sXmSntm.." " At Rm hmWaSnp Iftmfmw... Cu ]qdn\p hXpw ]nbmtem.... ]mhw.. s_ns ASn InoXt..." " t]mSm... am... As\ IpsImpw.. s_ns ASnsImpw s]mfnbpsXmpaSm RsS ImenstSencnpXv.... Fm \o ASnv. F\nn\n hcpt.. Xmew Fs sImXn XoXm..." Rm sas Ibv Ipn\nv ASnm XpSn. ASnbn InSv GSnbpw Acsp s]mnv klmbnp. Atm F\nsmcm{Klw. " KoXpnp hcpIn Hp Ip\np \np Xm... s]mdIoSnm s]sp htmfpw...." " Mqw tNsbt A\nb... B \np Xcmw.... sImXntemp t\mntmIcpXv..." Rm s]sv Ipbqcn. GSn kabw IfbmsX Fgptp Inen \mepImen Ihp \np. Rm ]pdIn appIpn. IpsbSpv ]pdIn shp Xn. " kvYew amdpsSm... abntc... CncqsS Xmsg...." Ah hnfnp ]dp. Rm Ipe Aw Xmgvn ]nSnp Xn. AtmfXv icnbmb Xpfbntep Ibdn. ]ns Rms\mcp t]mcmambncpp. [fIv [fIv itmsS Rm Bp ]n. Fs inbn F\np Xt ApXw tXmn. ASnbpsS inb\pkcnv B hpeI InSmSn. " " M..M..M.... FsmcSnbmSm CXv... Fs ]qdpw hbdpw s]mfnbphtmSm... B.. ASnSnv \ns sImXnbt... Csgm\pw hcpthmSm...." " tZ... hcpsmv... lmhq... Fs KoX...po..... lmmmmmm.... " Rm AhcpsS IpnI Fs Acsnt\mSp tNp \nv sRnsRnbSnp. Fs ]mm{Xn Dmbncp At apgph ]mepw hopw B ]qdns AKm[Xbn \nt]np. Igp iantm Rm Ip B \mmenqdn \npw DucnsbSpp. Iv F itmsS AXp Ipgv A{]mW\mbn XqnnSp. tbm\nemb\nbpw Inmepw tN an{inXw IpbnemsI ]pcncpp. GSn Xmtgv As\ Xt Iagvp InSp Atm B hnS t]mfIfpsS CSbn \npw Fs RfpsS ]mmbkw ]pdtsmenp. Rm GSnbpsS IqsSnSp. " aXntbm... sImXn Xotm..." Fs aqn ]nSnp henp sImv GSn tNmZnp. " sImXn GSnmcptm..." " ]nt... Aw Fs s]mdtI \o Ct{XwImew aWnp \SXv Fn\mcpp......"

" CXn\p Xt....Fm Cw tXmpp thmcpsv.... Cw \fp Xnev... Hpam t]mse..." Rm ]dp. " AXnw Fmw IgnXp sImp tXmpXm....sImXnb... C\n sISsmdv.... t\cw Hncnbmbn....cmhnte Ft CXn\Inv ]qtXm... Csn AXnbm hcpw cn\pw Inpw..." " ag Ignsp tXmpp..." acfn \npw hogp CepnIfpsS ita Ctm tIppq. " Igntm... Cw \fpw XWpp... `qaow XWpp..." GSn Hcp tImphmbnp. " Hdpt\p apv.. ASptfv XpWnsbms amWw.. Bscnepw Im..." Rms\gptp. " Hm.. Imev sNmw.... F\nsmdw hcpp.... " GSn ISp Iagvp Xt InSp. Rm t\mptm InSbnsemw Henp hoWnpv. " cmhnte sIS hncn amtW... Hp aqSnsbnepw sISv... Fsmcp sISm.. Cu km[\ns... Fs Cu s]mtosS... \mWw AbeqsS t]mbnn......" Ip\nv Rm\m Ihnfn Hcp sImSpp. " Mm... Hqy...t]mbn tIkp sImSv..." ISpInSpsImh ]ndp]ndpp. ]ns Hcp aqf tIp. Rm Inen sIS ]pXsSpv Ahtc ]pXnp. Fnv Xncame t]mse s]mn\n B Ipnbn HcSn sImSpp. " s....... ieyw sNmsXSm... " Ah apJw adphitp Xncnp InSp. Rm\m \njvIfamb InSv At\cw t\mn \np. hmkeytmsS B Ihnfn Hp XgpIms\s IbvI Xcnp. ]ns tXmn th, icocw apgph sIm Xpw cp {]mhiyt t`mKmekyhpw cXnaqObpw HsIqSn Ahtc \mbn XfnmWpw. ]mhw s]v, Ddntms. Rm ASpfbnsNp, XpWnI amn sUkvIv t\scbnp. s_n hoW GnbpsS tbm\nts\mw XpSpIfp. tXmsSpv Fs Ipbpw hrnbmn. ]pXnb appI apdnbn Aeamcbn XncnsI shp. GSnbpsS apdn ASp. ]ns Fs apdnbn t]mbn Aenb epn FSppSpp. At kpJm\p`h Hmp InSpdn. cmhnte Btcm Fs t]cv Bhnp hnfnpXp tImWv Rm Ip XpdXv. KtWis iamWtm, AXncmhnte hmbnt\mm [rXnbmtbm. Rms\gptp IXIp Xpdp. t\cw ]cp]cm shfptXbpp. " Fm KtWm..." DdShn Rm tNmZnp. " ]nttb... Hcp kwKXov..... \o ht ]dbmw...." KtWis apJt Kuchw Itm Fs DdShp t]mbn. Inencp ]{Xw s]mnmWnpsImv Ah apns Hcp aqebntep \Sp. Rm Ahs ]pdtI sNp. \Sp hgn apt aWen InS Cet tXmv Rm Ip, AsXSpv sNdnb Xnbntesdnp. Ah Ft apns aqebn \np sNdnb amhns ]pdIntep hnfnp.amn \nn. (XpScpw)