Poetic Conversation

“Kahan khoye ho janab? Jo nahi tumhe hamare aane ka hisab?” My husband said while placing car keys on the key-hanger.

“Oh you are back. I did not realise,”’ I responded.

“Not like this. I asked in a poetic tone and I want to know the answer in the same manner,” He made it clear while sitting beside me on the sofa.

“Are you serious?” I asked him in surprise.

“Absolutely,” He was firm.

“Kisi ki yaad mein aankhen bichaye baithe the, Aur jiske liye baithe the, use khabar bhi nahi” I replied.

“Ohhhh, is it? Is that me?” He asked sarcastically.

“Kaash ke wo humara dukh samajh paate, Intezaar ki intehaan samajh paate” I sent a punch of words again.

“Looks like you were waiting for a long time. I am completely available to talk now,” He said.

“Not like this, some poetry please,” I interrupted.

“Meri dhadkan ko sunau, Tujhe apna banaun.

Tu ruthe, main manau,Pyar ko kuch iss tarah nibhaun” He replied after thinking for a while.

“Woohoo. I am impressed. Nice try” I replied.

“Wait. Only poetic replies.” He corrected me.

“Khush hue hum aapke khayal sunkar, 

Pyar chhalak raha hai alfaaz bankar,” I looked at him to seek some appreciation.

“Wonderful.”

“Your turn,” I encouraged him.

“I am out of words now. You know it's a tough job for me,’ He replied with a fake cry.

“Iss tarah shabdon se kinara na karo,

Humein iss ilaake mein lalkaara na karo,” I replied.

“Sorry my dear wife. I should not have started this. I forgot with whom I am competing with,” He bent with his hands joined.

“Please get me something to eat. I am very hungry,``he continued.

“Aapke hukum ka palan hoga,

Khane ke sath halwa bhi haazir hoga,” I replied.

“woohooo...Please go and get me soon before I lose my patience. Seriously, I surrender now.,” He pleaded.

“Ok Ok. I am going,” I replied as he gave me an innocent look.

He smiled and so did I on our poetic conversation after a very long time.