Always and Forever
Part - 32: Closure

The winds picked up and the afternoon sun shining down seemed pleasant, the number of tourists seemed to have increased. Sameer and Naina trudged along with their shopping bags, filled with stuff for people in Delhi and also Ahmedabad. Suddenly, Naina exclaimed, “Sameer woh dekho!”

He turned to look in the direction she was pointing, and saw a vendor selling tamarinds. A chuckle escaped his mouth, “chalo dilaata hun.”

Naina was so excited that she almost skipped down the path, and picked up four packs. He frowned, “itne saare khaogi?”

She laughed, “nahi budhdhu. Lekin Chachiji, Swati aur Preeti bhi toh hai… sabke liye nahi liya toh fir sab meri imli kha jayenge.”

He shook his head at this apparent fascination for tamarind in women, and paid up for whatever she bought. Then they went inside the bus to keep the shopping bags, and Naina immediately plopped down on the seat, excitedly tearing into her own pack. He stood beside her, staring at her for some time while she sucked on one tamarind. Watching her pink tinted lips move smoothly over the brown tamarind brought to his mind some images he didn’t really want to think of… so he tried to divert his mind and asked, “tum baki kisike saath baatna nahi chahti thi, lekin mere saath bhi share nahi karogi?”

She smiled and held out the pack to him. He crouched on his toes in the space between the rows of seat, and smirked, “aise nahi… jaise chocolate share kiya tha ghar pe waise.”

Her eyes widened, for a minute she remembered how he had troubled her yesterday, and so she tried to get up and escape. But he caught her arm, not letting her stand up, “aaj nahi Naina… aaj yahan pe aakhri din hai hamara. Aaj hamare beech koi competition nahi, koi mazak nahi… tum jaanti ho na ke Ahmedabad wapas jaaneke baad main shaadi tak kaafi busy rahunga? Ab tak shaadi ke bhi kaafi kaam baaki hai… aur ghar pe color ka kaam chal raha hai. Pata nahi hum fir kab akele waqt beeta paaye, isiliye… aaj nahi, please.”

She looked at his serious determined face, and understood that he was right. Sameer had left all his work and persuaded Chachaji for this trip, not only for recreating memories but also because he wanted to steal moments with her that they both were craving for. These days in Mt. Abu away from Taiji and Tauji’s supervisory hold were a breath of freedom for them. She kept aside the packet of tamarinds, and gingerly placed the piece she had been eating on it, and then cupped his face, tilting it up, and gave him what he asked for. Taking a tip out of the many experiences she had had with him, she started with small kisses on the corners of his mouth. His lips curved in a smile that she treasured, and brushed her lips with his repeatedly, then slowly captured his lower lip in a teasing flick. His breathing increased as she tasted one lip at a time, not yet kissing him fully. When she felt him tremble, she knew she didn’t have much time before he took the control away from her hands, which she didn’t want. So, when his hands rose to hold her, she grabbed them, and linked their fingers placing their joined hands on her lap. He groaned in desperation, and a thought flickered in his mind that she was still teasing him, but then her lips applied pressure and he eagerly opened his mouth, letting her deepen the kiss. He tilted his own head to give her better access, and she moaned in pleasure and approval as his tongue stroked hers. Her mind was blurry, buzzing with need and she herself left his hands, wanting to feel his touch on herself, and she needed to touch him too.

He was still crouched on the floor of the bus, so he couldn’t pull her to his body, but he let his hands travel over her waist and molding to her breasts. Her hands found their way to his neck and nape beneath the collar, and her thumb stroked behind his right ear, while a finger of other hand traced the whorl of his left ear.

He reluctantly parted after a minute, panting for breath, but at the same time his eyes glittered recalling the way she had tried to stay in control. Maybe even Naina didn’t know yet, but he knew that their post wedding life was going to be fiery because his woman sometimes had the inherent need to be in control, to have her way, and it turned him on just to think of scenarios where she would act on this impulse of hers. Yes… he liked it when she simply melted and gave in to him, but he also loved it when she tried to stay a step up even though she knew that his physical strength could overpower her easily. It showed that she had this trust in him that made her express freely about her own needs, it meant that she knew that his hands while powerful enough to hold her down would only do so if she wanted it.

“Wow”, he breathed, and she smiled. He took her hand in his, “chalo niche chalte hai warna sab sochenge ke hum dono akele bus me kya kar rahe the.”

She tugged him, “ruko”, and then wiped his mouth, “honth thode zyada pink ho gaye the.” He chuckled, and then watched in wonder as Naina took out a lip gloss tube and a small mirror. As she applied the color on her lips, he mused, “yeh kabse?”

She glanced at him once before capping the tube again, “kaafi time se. lipstick lagake ghar se niklu aur fir kuch bhi naa ho hothon pe toi koi puch hi sakta hai.”

He was amused, “aisi baat hai toh hum chalke pura stock leke aayenge.”

She laughed, picking up the tamarind again, and they descended from the bus.

The excursion to the honeymoon point was enjoyable for the whole family as they journey took them on mild trekking combined for pony rides for a short distance. Chachiji was extremely hesitant to sit on horse, but somehow Chachaji managed to convince her by explaining that she would have to learn it if she wanted to visit Vaishno Devi someday. Set against the backdrop of Nakki lake, the clifftop was the most amazing place to witness sunset. They clicked pictures and Sameer had full intention to frame some of these for their home. The evening lull and soothing cold air made them feel lethargic, and all they wanted was to sit and talk. It was totally unplanned but naturally people split into couples, wanting time alone, and sat down on the rough cliffs. Sameer sat on a lower rock thus enabling him to rest his head on Naina’s shoulder, and he was surprised when after sometime Naina turned her head slightly to drop an inconspicuous kiss on his forehead.

Later they had dinner at a restaurant near the lake, and returned to the lodge to pack as they were supposed to leave early morning. Sameer parted from Naina with a small peck on her cheeks, thinking about when next he would get a chance to hold her this close. Around 1am there was a small tinkling sound and then another, but these sounds didn’t disturb anyone. However, soon in few moments Preeti’s blanket was tugged off her sharply causing her to jerk upright on bed. The tinkling sound this time caught her attention and she looked around half afraid. Gingerly she tried to nudge Naina awake but it was of no use, she tried the same with Swati but the girl only murmured sleepily. Preeti wasn’t a girl who was usually afraid, but when the blanket on the floor moved a bit on its own she started to sweat. And then there was a sudden flash of light from behind the clothes rack. Preeti jumped up from the bed, and sharply poked her sister, “Naina uth na.”

“Kya hua?”, she mumbled sleepily.

Preeti was now frantic because the blanket moved again, and the light flashed followed by the tinkling sound again. She screamed, “Naina uth… kamre me bhoot hai.”

Swati and Naina both sat up, looking here and there, not really sure what was happening. The light flashed again and Preeti screamed loudly. Swati even though not completely aware of the situation started screaming with her, and together they pulled Naina out of the room. The door next to them opened and the boys poured out enquiring what was up. Anand and Bela also came out of their room, puzzled at the sounds and concerned that someone might be hurt.

Anand asked, “kya hua beta?”

Preeti stammered in fear, “pa…papa… kamre me bhoot hai.”

Everyone was shocked and Anand immediately refuted the idea, but Preeti narrated the events in the room. Rohan also looked visibly scared after this as he turned to look at the row of rooms. Sameer, Munna, Pandit and Swati couldn’t help but feel that there was similarity to events like last time. Sameer’s eyes narrowed as he observed Naina constantly, there wasn’t an ounce of fear in her eyes, and soon a small smile bloomed on her face as she kept looking at her hysterical sister. A chuckle escaped his lips, and everyone turned to look at him. He went towards Naina, looped an arm around her shoulder and declared, “bhoot nahi chudail thi tumhare kamre me Preeti… yeh rahi woh.”

Preeti was confused, and Bela gasped, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye damadji, aap hamari bachchi ko chudail bula rahe hai?”

Sameer laughed out loud, and then explained, “aree nahi Chachiji… mera matlab hai ke kamre me koi bhoot-vhoot nahi hai. Yeh sab karamat toh meri biwi ki hai. Pichle trip pe bhi aisa hi kiya tha isne.” He told everyone about Naina’s chudail prank in the school trip; Rohan couldn’t believe that his demure looking Bhabhi could be so mischievous, till date he had thought only Preeti was capable of such stunts; Bela was absolutely astounded; but Anand started laughing.

Everyone was puzzled about Anand’s behavior, so he gently explained, “bachpan me bhi Naina ne ek baar aisa kiya tha. Mujhse bhoot ki kahani sunke phir safed chadar daalke Preeti aur Pooja ko daraya tha.”

“Yeh sab tune kiya?”, Preeti asked her sister.

Naina nodded, her eyes glittering with mischief, “haan… aur nahi toh kya… aakhri raat hai yahan pe aur sab jaake so gaye andar. Humko kuch karna chahiye… jaise… jaise…”

Sameer interrupted, “mujhe pata hai tum kya bologi… campfire.”

Naina grinned up at him, and he was so mesmerized by her wide smile that he felt he could bring the whole world at her feet just to see her smile like this. Pandit coughed bringing Sameer back to his senses. Seeing his friend lost, Munna quickly took charge, “chalo hum log lakdiya leke aate hai. Swati, tum sab log jaake chaddar vagera le aao bethne ke liye.”

Soon everyone scattered to the respective task, and around twenty minutes later there was a brilliant campfire. They all sat and chattered non-stop about the trip and upcoming wedding preparations. Anand suddenly stood up and left saying he would be back in a minute. He returned shortly with a bag, and sat down, “main yeh khaas yahan leke aaya tha tum sabko dikhane, lekin bhul hi gaya itne din se.”

Sameer enquired, “isme kya hai Chachaji?”

Anand smiled and pulled out a bundle of envelopes, “shaadi ke card ke samples. Phulla Bua ne bhijwaye hai Mumbai se.”

Naina who had been slouching next to Bela sat up excited, “sach… yeh kab aaye?”

“Hum yahan ke liye nikle uske ek din pehle”, Bela informed.

Everyone started to sift through the colorful cards, exclaiming over the beautiful designs and declaring that it would be difficult to choose one. However, Sameer didn’t find it difficult at all as he quickly picked up one card and kept it with him.

Rohan asked surprised, “bhai itni jaldi chun liya?”

Sameer nodded, “haan iss rang ka ek hi card hai.”

“Bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye beta, aisa kya hai iss rang me?”, queried Bela.

Sameer looked at Naina who was also confused, he smiled, “yeh wahi rang ka card hai jo Pooja didi ki shaadi me Naina ne chuna tha.” He saw Naina’s beautiful eyes widen in surprise and then she beamed at him while everyone else stared at them with varying range of emotions. Bela and Anand just looked at each other once silently acknowledging the good fortune of their daughter.

Naina started to look through the cards, her mind flashing back to card selection process during Pooja didi’s wedding. She was so angry on Sameer, and he was so determined to win her back. At that time Taiji had casually commented that Bholuram’s card would be an expensive one, probably costing 100 rupees for each one. Naina had not reacted but even then she had known inwardly that Sameer couldn’t care less about the cost of card, he would just want it to be perfect. But her heart had constricted at the thought that whatever card he would choose would not have her name on it with his, but coincidentally he had chosen the exact moment to look at her and indirectly address Taiji saying that their wedding would not be accomplished without Taiji’s blessing. Later when Sameer had gifted her the fiery orange handmade wedding card, her heart had leaped with hope, and the dreams she had buried beneath anger had started to resurface. She had tried to refute his efforts and he had not forced her, but rather had challenged her that there would come a day when she would hug the card to herself… And she had. Once during their first year when they had been stuck on the way back from college because of a grand wedding procession, she had turned to Sameer and demanded the card from him. His eyes had sparkled at the demand, and he had simply nodded at that time. Next day he had pulled her into an empty classroom and gifted her the card, telling her to keep it safe and promising that in just a few years they would together select their real wedding cards.

Today finally they had reached that stage in their relationship, and she felt as if the space in her heart was falling short for containing all the happiness that she had found with and because of Sameer. A giddy feeling erupted in her stomach as she realized that this was still the beginning. She recalled all the beautiful moments she had spent with Sameer after her roka, and lost in those thoughts she picked up a royal blue card with golden motifs and a Ganesha embossed on the bottom right corner. Preeti squealed, “yeh wala pasand hai tujhe?”

Jerking out of her thoughts Naina looked at the card in her hand and immediately remembered the day when she had given Sameer the indication that she was ready to step into the new phase of their relationship, she had asked him to wear a blue shirt and had also told him that he would look sexy in it, he had worn the exact same royal blue shade that day, also how could she forget that it was first time she had kissed him albeit on his cheek, but still it was the first time. She had picked that color unintentionally, but it was perfect… She smiled, “haan yeh wala perfect hai.” Glancing at Sameer she continued, “waise bhi blue color bahot khaas hai.”

His brows furrowed as he tried to understand what she was trying to convey. Seeing him confused, she bit her lip and tapped on her own cheek. It was only a moment before his eyes widened and a faint blush creeped up his face as he was amazed the she was reminding him of their first kiss right in-front of the family.

Everyone approved of the cards and then they spent some more time playing dumb charades. However soon everyone started to doze off and Sameer gestured Naina to move to the place where they had sat on their last trip to talk, the place where he had heard Naina’s first story. He thought that she would sit on the parapet and he would lie down on her lap, but she surprised him by quickly tilting and placing her head on his lap, looking up at him. He frowned down at her confused at this unexpected happening, but slowly the gentle pressure of her head on his thigh registered to him. His one hand automatically moved to her hair as if it was natural, and his other hand came to rest on her belly. As his fingertips caressed her scalp, his lips curved in a smile on seeing the blissful look on her face. She closed her eyes and turned her head slightly towards his body as if searching for warmth… he liked it… oh yes, he liked it very much. The leg on which Naina wasn’t lying shifted restlessly as he tried to adjust his reaction, and he could only thank God that her eyes were closed and also that he had been wearing his boxers beneath his tracks.

Naina softly asked, “itne chup kyun ho? Aur itna hil kyun rahe ho?”

He immediately sat still, and said, “aah… tumhe dekh raha hun.”

She tried to open her eyes, but he immediately placed a hand over her afraid that she would see his condition, “aankhen mat kholo… dekhne do na mujhe.”

He knew she wouldn’t object, and he was right. She kept her eyes closed and smiled, “achcha thike… lekin kuch bolo bhi toh.”

Racking his brain for a topic he settled on honeymoon, and so he asked, “tum shaadi ke baad kahan ghumne jaana chahogi?”

She blushed at the topic, and thought about it for some time before replying, “aisa kabhi socha nahi… lekin kahin bhi jaa sakte hai. Manali ya Kashmir chal sakte hai.”

“Par mummy toh India ke bahar jaane ko keh rahi thi”, he countered.

She hummed, “jaanti hun. Lekin zaruri nahi hai na woh. Tum shaadi ke liye itne din office nahi jaoge, phir honeymoon ke liye bhi chutti loge. Aisa kaise hoga? Tum apna kaam dekho, kahan kya zarurat hai, aur uspe faisla lo ke kitne din ke liye hum jaa sakte hai.”

He smiled, feeling extraordinarily happy at how considerate she was of his business responsibilities too. Truly, she was the perfect life partner is all sense. She was right, taking too many days off together would not be possible for him, but still it was not like honeymoon happened every month. He stroked her hair, thinking about a probable solution and then suggested, “Naina… hamari shaadi February me hai… agar hum turant ghumne na jaake March me chale toh? Shaadi ke baad thode din office jaunga to kaam set ho jayega, aur phir wapas chutti le paunga. Iss tarah se hum India ke bahar bhi jaa sakte hai.”

She agreed immediately, “idea toh achcha hai. Lekin kharcha zyada nahi ho jayega?”

He chuckled, “tumhara pati itna toh kama leta hai.”

She smiled, “thike… lekin hum kahan jayenge?”

Again he had to think for some time, he recalled that she had mentioned both mountainous regions, and so he suggested, “Switzerland chale?”

She sat up, and turned to stare at him in shock, “kahan?”

“Switzerland”, he grinned at her wide-eyed expression, “Chandni movie jaisa photo khichwayenge na. Jaisa tumne school me kaha tha.”

If possible her eyes widened even more as she was surprised that he still remembered a silly demand that she had made all those years back. She asked almost in a whisper, “tumhe ab tak yaad hai?”

He cupped her cheek, and glanced once at the campfire to ensure that everyone was indeed sleeping, then leaned in and kissed her softly, murmuring against her lips, “tumhari har ek baat yaad hai mujhe.”

When they parted she looked up at the sky once, and caught sight of the beautiful constellations that they had witnessed last time too. Excited, she clutched his shirt, and pointed up, “Sameer… woh dekho… grehnakshatra.”

He looked up at the sky too, but soon averted his gaze to stare at her while she admired the constellations. After a few moments, she realized that he was staring at her, “taare dekho na.”

“Dekh hi toh raha hun”, he immediately responded, “tumhare taare aasman me hai, aur mera mere saamne.”

She gazed at him, and blushed at the way he looked at her without blinking. She was afraid that she would forget the presence of family and friends and kiss him senseless right there, so she diverted the topic, “achcha… dekho subah hone aai hai. Sabko uthate hai.”

He caught her hand, “uth jayenge apne aap. Tum mere saath chalo… kahin le jaana hai tumhe.”

She held on to his hand and followed without any questions. The path he led her on seemed slightly familiar, but she didn’t recollect anything until she saw the familiar outcrop. He had brought her to the clifftop where they had met for the last time before leaving Mt. Abu, the place where she had confessed her love first time ever, the place where her life had then felt shattered forever. She left his hand, lost in thoughts of past, and walked a few paces away from him. He stood still watching her, trying to understand what she was feeling and thinking. She looked so lost. He didn’t know if he should have brought her here, this place of all held nothing but bad memories… Even though this was the place where he had heard the three magical words from her the first time ever, what had followed was something he would never forget. She had opened up to him, put him in a position where had full right over her heart, and he had unintentionally hurt her in the worst possible way. Even now tears sprung to his eyes as he recalled her face, the eyes that had shone with love for him had held devastation and disappointment, and then they had gone blank, as if she didn’t had enough emotions left inside her. The realization that he had broken her trust and heart both, and had actually sought out do it with full planning, only to humiliate her in-front of a gang of boys had left her hollow. It had been a few years before he had got to know from Swati that after he had left from the clifftop unable to face her, she had fainted, and that too at the very edge of the cliff and had been alone there until Swati had come looking for her. His heart had almost stopped at the thought of what could have happened on that unfortunate day.

Now as he stood there watching Naina walk slowly, looking around as if recalling all the incidents, he felt his heart thudding with fear and guilt both. He saw her wrapping her own arms around herself as if warding off the chill of haunting memories, and immediately moved to her. Slipping his arms around her from behind, he hugged her, and closed his eyes letting the sensation of having her in his embrace soak in his soul, and softly whispered, “I love you Naina.”

She leaned back on his chest, somehow relieved on feeling him solid and warm against her back, and sighed, “I love you too Sameer.”

He tightened his hold, “I am sorry… main tumhe yahan le aaya. Buri yaadein taaza ho gai hogi na? Main bhi wahi sab soch raha tha… khaas kar ke woh jo mujhe pehle pata hi nahi tha.”

Puzzled she asked, “kya?”

He shuddered visibly, “yahi ke mere jaane ke baad tum behosh ho gai thi… woh bhi ekdum kinare pe… kitne saalo baad mujhe pata chala yeh, lekin uss waqt bhi itna darr gaya tha ke bata nahi sakta. College ka woh din yaad hai jis din tumne mujhe daanta tha kyunki main pure din tumhare piche piche ghum raha tha, yahan tak ke bathroom tak bhi aa gaya tha.”

She turned in his arms to look at him surprised, “uss din tumhe yeh pata chala? Kaise?”

“Swati se”, he replied, “main bahot ghabra gaya tha Naina. Uss din tumhe kuch ho jaata toh… main toh soch bhi nahi sakta ke meri galtiyon ka kya nateeja ho sakta tha.”

Naina cupped his cheek wiping the thin trail of tear from his cheek, “mujhe kuch nahi hua tha… bas mera Sameer kahin kho gaya tha isiliye main bhi kho gai thi.”

He pulled her in his arms again, pressing her to him and murmured, “I am sorry… Uss waqt ke liye bhi aur aaj ke liye bhi… tumhe yahan nahi laana chahiye tha.”

She stroked his back and said, “lekin main toh shart wali baat ka soch bhi nahi rahi thi Sameer.”

He drew back from her, staring at her incredulously, “kya? Jhooth mat bolo…”

She shook her head, “jhooth nahi bol rahi… main toh yeh soch rahi thi ke uss din tum kitni taklif me the… mummy ke saath jo hua uske baad tum kitne pareshan the, upar se mujhse sach na keh paane ki taklif, aur uske upar wapas aur dard jud gaya kyunki main naraaz ho gai tumse. Kabhi kabhi sochti hun ke agar tumne wapas aane ki himmat na ki hoti, mujhe manane ki koshish na ki hoti toh aaj main kahan hoti…”

He was astounded. What was this girl? Even after all she had gone through, standing at the place where she should be having the worst memories of all, she was still thinking about him. Here he was tormented with what she had been through that day because of him, and she was lost in thoughts of what had led him to this point. Her trauma wasn’t about the pain she had borne, but rather the agonized scream that had erupted from his throat. And she was being thankful that he had dared to return in her life, determined to win her back… God, what did she think? It wasn’t a favor; it was the most elemental need he had.

Leaning down he let his forehead touch hers, and spoke softly, “tumhe kya lagta hai, mere paas koi aur raasta tha? Tumhare paas aane ke alawa meri zindagi me kuch aur bacha hi nahi tha. Tumpe shart lagai thi maine, lekin tum toh mere jeene ki hi shart ban gai thi. Agar tum meri zindagi me wapas nahi aai hoti toh shayad yeh zindagi hi nahi…”

He didn’t get to finish his sentence as she rose and sealed their lips, kissing him, stopping him to speak something that she couldn’t bear to hear. Her hands found their way in his hair and the sun rose in the horizon, red-rimmed and warm, while she whispered her love confession against his lips. Parting from her, he kissed her forehead, and then knelt before her on one knee, “uss din isi jagah naa chahte hue bhi maine sabse zyada dard diya tumko… uss din ko wapas laake apni galti ko sudhar toh nahi sakta lekin chahta hun ke iss jagah se saari buri yaade mit jaaye… Naina, main tumse bahot pyaar karta hun. I love you… mujhse shaadi karogi?”

She smiled through the tears in her eyes, “firse aise sukha sukha proposal? Anguthi aur phool kahan hai Mr. Maheshwari?”

He looked around as if searching for something, and murmured, “yahan to bed bhi nahi hai… kahan le jaau ab ise?”

Laughter erupted from her throat and rang through the air, brighter than the sunshine, Sameer felt. He grinned and waited for her to calm down, ignoring the fact that the rocky ground was hurting his knee. She bent to him, rubbing her nose in his hair, and said, “haan… jitni baar puchoge hamesha haan hi hoga jawaab mera. I love you too…”

In one smooth move he straightened and picked her up in his arms, twirling her, and this time they both laughed out of the happiness that filled their hearts. The place and surroundings that had once been haunted by his traumatic scream and her tormenting silence now stood witness to their love and happiness.

They sat there on the cliffs for thirty minutes enjoying the cool breeze, twittering birds and warm sunshine. Finally it was time to return, so they walked back with his hand wrapped around her waist. By the time they reached back, everyone had woken up, and Naina was surprised that no one even questioned her about where they had gone. It told her of the amount of trust Sameer had earned from Chachaji and Chachiji. They finished packing, had breakfast, and then finally departed from Mt. Abu, each and every member having precious memories to treasure this time.

It was late evening by the time they reached Ahmedabad dropping off their friends enroute first. And there was no formal invitation or conversation before Sameer also tiredly trundled up with the whole lot of Agarwals, followed by a hesitant Rohan. Chachiji went to a ground floor neighbor whom she had asked to buy milk for her today and came back happily with a vessel full of fresh milk. After freshening up Naina offered to make tea, Sameer rubbed his forehead wishing for a cup of coffee as he was having slight headache but didn’t say anything. However to his enormous surprise, along with the cups of tea for others Naina brought two cups of coffee… one of him, and one for herself. When Chachiji asked she said that she felt like having coffee, but when Sameer gestured to her with his eyes asking the actual reason, she looked at his forehead. Each sip of the perfect coffee warmed his body as well as his heart.

Bela stood up after finishing tea, “damadji aap yahi khana kha lena aaj. Hum log jaldi se kuch bana dete hai.”

Sameer nodded, “kha toh lunga yahan par aap logo ko banana ki koi zarurat nahi. Main waise bhi Rakesh sir ko lene station jaunga, toh aate hue khana pack karke launga.”

Bela clutched her forehead, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye, main toh bhul hi gai thi ke Rakesh bhaisaab aaj aa rahe hai. Suniye Preeti ke papa, aap zara paneer laake rakhna warna firse bolenge sirf matar banaya usme paneer nahi daala.”

Everyone laughed at this comment, and Sameer added, “main paneer bhi le aaunga. Aur aaj hotel se bhi paneer ki sabji laata hun. Aap log tab tak unpacking kar lijiye.”

The driver soon arrived with the car as asked by Sameer, Anand offered to accompany to the railway station, but Sameer refused asking him to rest and said that he would manage alone. He looked at Naina and said, “main chalta hun.”

“Aata hun bolte hai”, she corrected immediately.

He tilted his head considering this new thing, and then grinned, “okay madam. Main aata hun.”

At the railway station, Rakesh had just hailed an auto when he heard a familiar voice yelling his name. He looked back to see his would-be son-in-law lightly jogging towards him, for a moment his gaze flickered to the bunch of hair on the boy’s head that had always annoyed him. “Ab tak baalo ki dukaan hai”, he muttered and waited for Sameer to reach him.

Sameer came up to him, and huffed, “sorry… traffic me phas gaya tha. Kabse awaaz laga raha hun.”

Rakesh narrowed his eyes and asked, “tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?”

Sameer looked perplexed, “aapko lene aaya hun… aur kya?”

If anything, Rakesh looked confused, “mujhe? Kyun? Saath me kaun hai?”

Sasurji ka dimag toh thik hai na aaj. Sameer shook his head at his own thought, and took the bag from Rakesh sir’s hand, “koi aur nahi aaya. Chaliye ghar chalte hai.”

Rakesh followed him outside still perplexed. Sameer had asked the driver to wait near Naina’s home and had driven himself, wanting to relax. Now as he pulled out of the station parking lot, Rakesh asked, “tum sab log wapas kab aaye?”

“Do ghante pehle”, Sameer responded.

Rakesh retorted, “toh fir yahan kyun aaye? Thake hue nahi ho?”

Sameer navigated through an intersection, and thought mujhe dekhke khush hue ya dukhi yeh samajh hi nahi aa raha. After a moment he replied, “thodi si thakan hai, lekin kuch khaas nahi. Waise Arjun kaisa hai ab?”

“Theek hai iss baar toh… Peechli baar zyada dard tha usko jab tumne taang todi thi”, Rakesh taunted.

Sameer chuckled, and hesitated slightly before informing, “maine Arjun ki taang nahi todi, main toh use bachane ki koshish kar raha tha.”

Rakesh immediately countered, “tum usse lad rahe the.”

Sameer glanced at the man beside him once and nodded, “haan… Arjun mujhe maar raha tha kyunki use mere aur Naina ke baare me pata chal gaya tha, aur maine kuch aisa kiya tha jisse Naina ko taklif pahonchi thi. Isiliye ek bhai uss ladke ko maar raha tha jisne uski behen ko rulaya.”

Rakesh stared at him trying to gauge if he was speaking the truth. But he remembered that something had indeed happened at that time, because Naina had had to be hospitalized after her trip, and then Arjun’s accident had happened. He desperately wanted to ask Sameer what he had done, but didn’t know if he should or if Sameer would even tell him. So instead he asked, “toh fir Arjun gira kaise?”

Sameer sighed, and tried to be as concise as possible, “woh mera gala daba raha tha aur maine chudane ki koshish ki toh Arjun ka balance bigad gaya. Maine uska haath pakadne ki bhi bahot koshish ki lekin ho nahi paaya.”

“Arjun tumhara gala daba raha tha aur tumne use bachane ki koshish ki”, Rakesh repeated incredulously, “kyun? Woh Naina ka bhai hai isiliye?”

Sameer smiled, “woh toh hai hi… lekin meri kartut bhi aisi hi thi ke Arjun ne jo kiya woh galat nahi tha.”

Rakesh couldn’t control anymore and enquired, “aisa toh kya kiya tha tumne ke har ek sazaa maanne ko taiyar the?”

The car stopped at another signal, and Sameer queried, “Naina aapki beti hai… aapko aisa nahi lagta usko rulana hi bahot bada gunaah hai? Agar aapko pata chalta ke Naina ko meri wajah se taklif pahonchi hai toh aap kya karte?”

Rakesh remained silent, glancing at the darkening sky outside and contemplated how Naina had defended Sameer in school, how he had not talked to his own daughter after that, how he was not participating in any of the wedding preparations at all. Here too Sameer was telling him things, answering his questions but still holding back enough so that he didn’t have any crucial information. Belatedly he wondered how they had fallen in love. Was it his daughter who was always so fascinated with films? Or was it this rich boy whom he had always demeaned? How had they stayed together since so many years? And what about the years when Sameer was in Delhi? He realized that even though he had stayed with his daughter, even been in the same school as her, he hadn’t known anything about what Naina did… nothing except her marks which had helped him boast in school. He remembered Sameer’s disobedient behavior, the way he had quarreled with him in Principal’s cabin during the paper theft incident, and then the way he had supposedly suddenly turned around, touching his feet and all other weird incidents. Was that when he had fallen in love with Naina? But then should he have been angry with her as she had proved his supposed theft? Also, he recalled Sameer had never told anyone about Arjun being the real thief; he had also tried to stop Arjun from confessing it. Curious, he slowly asked, “tumne kabhi kisiko bataya kyun nahi ke papers tumne nahi Arjun ne churaye the?”

Sameer took some time to reply, the memories of bet were now faded, overlapped with the fresh memories of Mt. Abu. He remembered the way Naina had kissed him on the clifftop just this morning, and calmly responded, “Uss din Principal sir ke cabin me main sabse keh raha tha ke maine kuch nahi kiya. Meri mummy ko toh chodo, Naina ko bhi yaqeen nahi hua mujhpe. Mummy to hamesha mujhe nakaara samajhti thi, lekin uss kamre me agar mujhe sabse zyada koi jaanta tha toh woh Naina thi… kyunki woh mujhe padhati thi, usko yeh samajhna chahiye tha ke jab main itni mehnat kar raha hun, uske paas padh raha hun, toh main chori kyun karunga. Lekin usko mujhpe vishwas nahi tha… aur jab usne nahi maana toh aur kaun manta. Kuch din baad jab Naina ko asliyat ka pata chala, tab usne Arjun ki kasam aur aapke izzat ka khayal karke yeh baat apne dil me chupa li. Jab mujhe Arjun se iss baare me pata chala tab tak toh Naina mere liye meri zindagi ban chuki thi, aur uska parivaar mera parivaar ban gaya tha.. isiliye inn beeti baato ka koi matlab nahi tha.”

Rakesh didn’t reply anything, but again sat silently as if processing whatever he heard. Sameer looked at him once or twice and thought, samajh hi nahi aata ke sasurji kya sochte hai… Naina ki toh shakal pe likha hota hai woh kya soch rahi hai… Baap aur beti me kitna farq hai.

He pulled up the car in-front of a restaurant; finally Rakesh looked up and asked, “yahan kyun roka?”

As they descended from the car, Sameer replied, “ghar ke liye khana pack karwana hai.”

“Kyun?”, Rakesh immediately asked, “Bela aur ladkiya hai na… woh log khana nahi bana sakte kya?”

Sameer nearly rolled his eyes thinking that this was typical Rakesh sir, thodi der ke liye kisi aur ki aatma aa gai hogi. He had actually been surprised by the polite conversation they were having, and had thought that maybe the trip to Baroda had been good for his father-in-law. But well… nothing and nobody can change Rakesh sir. He just said that everyone is tired so nobody is going to cook tonight, and proceeded to place the order. Later he said, “aap yahin rukiye, main pados wali dukaan se hoke aata hun.”

Sameer went next door to a dairy and bought 1 Kg paneer, and then went back to the restaurant. There was no more conversation as they waited for the food to arrive, then collected the bags and left from there. At home, Naina and Preeti immediately took all the food packets inside, and then brought water for them. Rakesh pulled out a plastic bag and handed it over to Bela saying it contained some snacks from Baroda.

Bela exclaimed in surprise, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye bhaisaab, aap nashta leke aaye hai? Hamesha toh aise hi yahan khaane aa jaate hai.”

Rakesh glared at Bela, while Sameer who had been drinking water choked very badly. Naina was standing beside him, and immediately rubbed his back asking if he was alright. Rakesh noticed this new change with narrowed eyes, and also noted that neither Anand nor Bela objected or looked surprised, instead they almost gazed at the couple adorably. It looked like Mt. Abu had brought about some changes which he didn’t know. Sameer recovered and smile up at her assuring that he was okay.

The dinner was a relatively silent affair unlike the fun-filled conversations they had been so used to in Mt. Abu. Often someone or the other would start to say something and then subside on remembering that Rakesh was there. Naina understood the situation; they all had been completely relaxed and not worried about anything for so many days. Now the presence of her father was actually creating a stress in the environment, and also at the same time she realized how this kind of behavior might be irking her father too. She thought of asking something, or initiating conversation, but then remembered how he had not even talked to her for so many days. She might have swallowed her pride if the matter was only restricted to herself, but now Sameer was also a part of this equation. Hence she stayed quite, but she rather lost interest in food. Sameer however noticed the fleeting expressions on her face, and his understanding of the situation was also not far off the mark. Thinking for some time he started talking about the wedding preparations, which was a common topic in which everyone could participate. He saw Naina breathing in relief and starting to eat again.

After dinner Rakesh got up and said he was going off to sleep as he was tired. Naina brought out a chocolate from the refrigerator and Sameer looked at her horrified. She almost laughed, but controlled herself and said, “aisai meetha khane ka man ho raha hai aur ghar pe chocolates ke alawa kuch nahi hai.” He exhaled, relaxing on the sofa again. Soon Bela and Anand also departed leaving Rohan, Sameer, Naina and Preeti in the living room.

Preeti excitedly started to talk after her parents left, and soon everyone joined in. Sameer queried suddenly, “tum dono ki baat kuch aage badhi ke nahi? Ya fir yeh kaam bhi mujhe aur Naina ko karna padega?”

Rohan and Preeti blushed, the color on their cheeks answer enough, Naina beamed at them and hugged her sister while Sameer thumped his brother on his back. Naina demanded to know the details so Rohan just said that he confessed after their quarrel. To break the awkwardness and also because he still had some headache, Sameer asked, “Naina… ek cup coffee aur milegi?”

Naina nodded, and asked Preeti and Rohan too but they declined. She prepared coffee, and came out to sit beside him, offering him the cup. He took it from her hands, and then slid down to the floor to sit near her legs tilting his head slightly to rest on her thighs. Naina’s hands immediately went to his head; she didn’t even register any anomaly in it while Preeti and Rohan shared a look smiling at the comfort level of Sameer and Naina. Naina understood that he still had headache as so she started to press his scalp with her fingers, massaging without oil. Sameer occasionally sipped coffee and enjoyed the light head massage, the feel of her fingers moving over his entire head, forehead and nape. When her thumbs pressed the sensitive areas of his nape he nearly moaned in relief, it felt so good. He fell completely silent while Preeti, Rohan and Naina talked in low voices.

Next thing he knew was that he was being shaken gently, and a gentle voice sounded in his ears, “Sameer utho.”

Even in sleep he knew it was Naina, and so he grabbed her hand and pulled her, “Naina sone do na.”

Someone laughed, and it was not Naina, so he opened one eye and looked through the curtain of hair at his brother and saali giggling, and then looked up to see Naina bending over him. His tug on her hand had made her bend forward, and her hair was covering his face giving them the illusion of privacy. He realized that he had fallen asleep on her lap, and smiled up at her. She smiled back, and said, “utho ab. Ghar nahi jaana?”

His smile dimmed a little as he remembered that he could no longer spend the whole night with her as per his wish, but would have to leave her and go. Naina again understood his unspoken thoughts and straightened to look at her sister, “Preeti… tu Rohan ko leke bahar jaa. Sameer aa raha hai thodi der me.”

Preeti and Rohan left without any questions, while Sameer stared at Naina admiring her courage. She looked back down at him, and stroked his face gently with her fingers, tracing his jawline, his lips, and then dipped her head to capture his lips softly. He hummed in satisfaction and then parted for a moment to quickly adjust his position and took her mouth in a deep no-holds-barred kiss. It wasn’t a long kiss as both were very much aware of their family sleeping behind closed doors and two of them waiting outside, but they needed that brief flare of passion to soothe their hearts.

He stood up when they parted, and pulled her to him in a hug and murmured, “bahot miss karunga tumko.”

“Main bhi”, she replied and snuggled in his warmth. It was a bliss of five minutes before they parted and Sameer smiled, “main aata hun.”

She grinned, “sambhalke jaana aur pahonchke phone karna.” The words soothed him, and as he drove back with his brother he thought of how they would soon become usual in their home. They had successfully put a closure to the pains of past to start welcoming a new, bright, happy future.