Always and Forever Part - 38: Curiosity and Fantasy

The morning sunlight streamed through the open window, along with cold air, but the man pacing the room with a file in his hands didn’t seem to feel the chill. It was the 16^th of January and the enthusiasm of Uttarayan had not faded totally, few kites were flying even at the early morning hour. Inside the room, Sameer walked back and forth trying to check all the points of the contract, it was a crucial one, and he was not traveling for this deal, so he wanted to make sure that his team was fully confident. The sound of door opening caught his attention and he looked up with a frown, expecting Ramdhari, but was surprised to see his mother.

“Mummy”, he asked in a puzzled tone, “aap itni subah kyun uth gai?”

Vishakha smiled offering him a cup, “maine socha Ramdhari ka thoda haath bata du aaj shaam ke liye, fir main Naina ke saath bahar bhi jaungi na… Yeh lo chai pee lo.”

Sameer bit his lip, “umm… woh Mummy main coffee pee raha hun.” He gestured towards the cup on his desk. Vishakha asked surprised, “kisne banake di?”

He smiled, “maine khud banai.”

“Tumhe aata hai?”, she queried in astonishment.

Sameer nodded and then was worried that he might hurt his mother’s sentiment, “haan… par ab aap laai hai toh main yeh bhi pee leta hun.”

Vishakha laughed, “dhat… coffee ke saath chai thodi na piyoge. Main yeh wapas le jaati hun… darasal mujhe pata nahi tha ke tum coffee peete ho subah.” She paused and then asked, “Naina ko pata hai yeh?”

He shrugged, “hostel se aadat ho gai hai coffee ki… Aur haan Naina ko pata hai. Main toh chai peeta bhi nahi tha, pehli baar Naina ke haatho ki chai hi pee thi jab hum school me the. Tabse chai peene laga hun.”

Vishakha nodded and smiled at her son, “tum kaam karlo… main niche hun.” She left from there with the tray, wondering how much Sameer and Naina’s lives were already interwoven with each other. They both knew the smallest things about each other, and could probably understand each other without any words. She had only read about this kind of love in books, but now she was seeing it for herself in her son’s life.

The morning passed quickly in preparations as Vishakha instructed Ramdhari on what to prepare, and also helped him around the kitchen. Sameer left for office soon, assuring that he would come over to whatever shop his mother wanted during the day. Rohan had been assigned the task of overseeing that everything was ready for evening, and also to buy whatever was needed from market. Vishakha reached the parlor at 10:30am and found Naina waiting outside with a few books in her hand.

“Naina”, she reached up to her, “tum bahar kyun khadi ho? Aur maine ghar pe phone kiya tha tumhe pick-up karne ke liye par Belaji ne bataya ke tum nikal gai.”

Naina smiled, “ji Mummy… Mujhe yahin paas ke library me jaana tha toh subah thoda jaldi nikal gai. Bas thodi der pehle hi yahan aai.”

Vishakha gestured towards the parlor, “chalo andar chalte hai.”

Naina was slightly apprehensive as she glanced up at the board displaying the parlor name, biting her lip wondering if she would look like a fool in there. Vishakha noticed her expressions and placed a hand over her arm, “ghabrao mat… main saath hun.”

Naina nodded and together they entered inside. Vishakha took charge to talk and Naina just fell back and watched, trying to learn. The confidence with which Vishakha talked was new to her, she just seemed to command respect and had a certain flair of authority. Naina could relate from where Sameer had got this trait in him and at that moment she realized that being Sameer Maheshwari’s wife would mean not just entering his personal life but his social life as well. Did she have that capability? Till date she had only been with him alone or with friends, never in-front of his colleagues or clients or business community. What if she fell short in that part of his life? The differences in their social status hadn’t mattered in love, but as his wife she would probably be required to conduct herself in a certain way with his business community. Would she be able to do it?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a lady who seemed to be the parlor staff, as she politely asked them to step into a cabin. Naina realized it must be her office, and she was amazed that the parlor not just had a reception but a separate office cabin too.

“Hello madam”, the lady greeted, “mera naam Maya hai, iss branch ki manager.” She gave a brief introduction about herself, stressing on her abroad parlor course, and then said, “kahiye main aapki kya madad karu?”

Vishakha started off the conversation, “maine apni beti ke liye kuch vouchers kharide the, bridal packages. Hume bas kuch information chahiye.”

The lady beamed, “of course… shaadi kab hai?”

“15^th February”, Naina supplied with a smile.

“Oh wow!”, Maya grinned, “Valentine’s day ke baad wale din. Achcha plan hai aapka. Pati se do-do din gifts milenge. Pehle Valentines aur fir anniversary.”

Naina chuckled and the lady pulled out some binded brochures. She pushed one file towards them saying, “waise toh brides usually package deal leti hai hamare parlor se, par hum hamesha skin type pe treatment recommend karte hai.”

Naina frowned, and Vishakha asked, “matlab Naina ke liye aap alag se recommendation denge.”

“Agar aap log chahe toh”, Maya informed, “waise inki skin bahot saaf hai toh extra packages lene ki zarurat nahi hai. Par body exfoliation, bleach, waxing yeh sab toh karwa hi lijiyega. Aur shaadi ke functions shuru honeke turant pehle hair spa aur body massage.”

Vishakha knew it wouldn’t be a problem and still asked, “Naina ko shaadi se pehle kaafi din ghar se nikalne nahi denge.”

Maya didn’t look hassled by this information, “no problem madam. India me toh yeh bahot aam baat hai, isiliye toh hum ghar pe services provide karte hai. Fikar karne ki koi baat nahi hai, hume bas ek room aur bathroom chahiye.”

The next one hour was spent in discussing what treatments she needed to get done and any other optional services she would need. At Vishakha’s encouragement Naina also dared to ask quite a bit of questions like the differences in facial types, what was the difference in body scrub versus body polish, and why glowing treatment was done, she also enquired about the frequency of these treatments and how would it affect her skin if she stopped them after wedding. Maya patiently explained everything, never once showing shock or disapproval at the lack of knowledge, in fact she made it appear as if it was natural for anyone to ask so many questions.

While Naina was browsing through an informative page on essentials of facial, Maya kept her conversation ongoing with Vishakha. She suddenly asked, “aapke damad ka naam kya hai?”

Naina looked up is surprise and Vishakha chuckled, “damad nahi beta… Sameer naam hai uska.”

Maya frowned, “beta? Par aapne toh kaha ke yeh aapki beti hai.”

Vishakha smiled, “mere bete ki biwi meri beti hi hui na. Zaruri toh nahi ke bahu kehke introduce karwau?”

Maya agreed with a smile, and asked Naina if she wanted to know anything else. Naina did, but she was a bit hesitant, still slowly asked, “waxing ke baare me janna hai… mera matlab… main usually hands aur legs karvati hun par bridal packages me full-body likha hua hai… toh iska matlab…”

Maya glanced once at Vishakha and then back at Naina, “ah… sure… darasal wedding ke liye…”

Vishakha interrupted, “excuse me… Naina main washroom jaake aati hun. Tum bina jhijhak ke jo puchna hai puch lena… thike?”

Naina smiled, and she saw Maya relax as soon as Vishakha left and wondered why. Maya also probably understood, and said, “don’t worry… ladkiya usually family walo ke saamne comfortable nahi hoti yeh sab discuss karne me… shayad aapki mummy ko bhi yeh pata hai.”

Naina didn’t understand what was so uncomfortable about waxing that it could not be discussed in-front of another female. Maya seemed to think for a moment before she started to explain, “full body waxing matlab sach me puri body cover karte hai hum log. Lekin woh ladki pe bhi depend karta hai… jaise kaafi ladkiyon ke upper body, yaane ke pet aur peeth pe zyada growth nahi hoti toh hum sirf bleaching hi karwane ko bolte hai, taaki hair color fade ho jaaye. Par… shaadi hai toh… umm… lower body full wax karwate hai usually.”

Naina was puzzled, “lower body… yaane legs… toh mujhe agar pet aur peeth pe karwane ki zarurat naa ho toh matlab sirf hands and legs hi hua… farq kya hua usme?”

Maya looked flustered, but she tried to slowly explain, “upper body me underarms bhi karvayenge na… aur lower body me… umm… special waxing.”

Naina was distracted for a moment thinking that waxing on underarms would hurt a lot, but was more surprised to hear the special term again, and blurted, “yeh hota kya hai special waxing?”

Maya chuckled, “umm… kaise batau aapko?”

“Sidhe sidhe”, Naina suggested helpfully. To her surprise Maya laughed out, and when Naina asked, she just said, “aap bahot innocent ho madam.” Then she calmed down and tried to explain, “aapne school me biology padha hoga na, human body parts ke baare me?”

Naina tilted her head, puzzled, “haan… par kyun?”

“Ah…”, Maya looked a bit discomfited, “special waxing ladkiyo ke private part ke liye hoti hai. Umm… Private part ki hindi mujhe nahi aati.”

“Koi baat nahi, mujhe English samajh me aata hai”, Naina automatically replied as she was used to hearing such statements about language from Sameer. But her mind was working on a different tangent as she processed the information she had heard, and to her surprise even though Maya seemed uncomfortable to discuss it, she didn’t find the information to be odd… It was just something new… like a new chapter in a book… And the only thing she wondered was why would females be so foolish so as to wax there, and she muttered the same thing, “par wahan kyun koi wax karega?”

Maya looked hassled as she wondered how to answer this new question, but Naina wasn’t really expecting an answer, she had just muttered aloud while thinking. Her mouth curved in a frown as she thought that why would marriage require females to take this measure, and immediate next moment her mind leaped to the demonstration of lovemaking, and the way Sameer had touched her sometimes between her legs. Uhh… So this was why it was needed or rather preferred. But why? If she didn’t get it done would that hinder their lovemaking? And did Sameer know about all these things too?

Her thought process was interrupted by Maya’s hesitant voice, “madam… actually shaadi ke baad husband-wife ke relationship…”

Naina’s brows furrowed in confusion, but in a second her eyes widened in surprise… Good God… Was this lady trying to explain her about lovemaking… No, no… She didn’t want anyone apart from Sameer to explain her all that. Straightening up, she hastily interrupted, “Mayaji please… it’s alright… aapko yeh explain karneki koi zarurat nahi hai… main samajh gai.”

Maya exhaled aloud in relief, “thank God… mere to paseene choot rahe the…”

Naina couldn’t help but smile at the look of evident relief on Maya’s face, and then she said, “par mera ek sawaal hai… yeh naa karwane se… mera matlab… aisa toh nahi na ke main nahi karwau toh hum uss din… matlab… night kharab ho jaaye.”

Maya smiled benignly, “nahi nahi… yeh toh optional service hai madam. Jaise hum shaadi ke din makeup karte hai na zyada khubsurat dikhne ke liye, waise hi ladkiya yeh sab karwati uss din… ya yun kahu… uss raat ko special banana ke liye.”

Naina nodded, and then asked, “lekin isme bahot dard hota hoga na?”

“Thoda sa”, Maya replied honestly, “lekin hum log bahot sambhalke karte hai, aur sensitive body parts ke liye hum log special imported painless wax use karte hai… Waise toh waxing ko painless bolna jhooth hoga par pain thoda kam zarur ho jaata hai.”

Naina chuckled, appreciating her honesty, and she could see the difference between the parlors she had visited and this one. Here the woman in-front of her was not trying to just sell offers but rather offering services and providing information, leaving the final decision in her hands. Naina thought about what she wanted… she was not sure… it was all so new for her… She wasn’t able to comprehend the idea of underarm waxing yet because till now she had always used razor just like Chachiji had taught her… But if she was honest, the idea of a blade on her skin was scarier than waxing, and that was why she usually avoided till whatever time she could… In fact she had only started to be regular since she had been aware of the fact that Sameer would see her, and that had been when he had gone off to Delhi after that crazy demonstration of lovemaking. Somehow she had anticipated what would happen when he would return, and so she had been much more regular that she had ever been in college. All in all, everything came down to not just hygiene and maintenance, but also to Sameer… So if she could shave her underarms regularly because she knew Sameer would look, then could she do this too? It seemed to be a big thing… Hesitantly she asked, “Mayaji yeh saari ladkiya karwati hai?”

“Please call me Maya”, she replied, “Mayaji bahot bada feel hota hai… Aur… Nahi… yeh sab ladkiya nahi karwati kyunki, first, aadho ko toh hum samjha hi nahi paate kyunki unko husband-wife ke relationship ke baare me kuch pata hi nahi hota… aur second, jinko samajh me aata hai unme se kaafi log darr jaate hai.”

Naina nodded, again amazed at the honest replies, “aapne jab kaha ke dard kam hota hai… sirf theory tha ya aapko sach me pata hai?”

Maya laughed softly, “personal experience bhi hai… par meri shaadi hui nahi hai ab tak… lekin aisa konsi kitaab me likha hai ke ladki apna dhyan sirf tabhi rakhe jab husband dekhe… mujhe toh lagta hai har ladki ko apna dhyan isiliye rakhna chahiye kyunki woh khudse pyaar karti hai.”

Naina smiled, and Maya continued, “waise sach kahu… mujhe na bada gussa aata hai jab ladkiyo ko kuch pata nahi hota shaadi ke baad kya honewala hai uske baare me… I mean… parents ki kuch toh responsibility hoti hai na… Maana India me ab tak yeh sab discuss nahi karte ghar pe openly, par fir bhi… bechari ladki ka toh socho… usko kitna bada shock lagta hoga first night me… I am so happy ke aapki maa ne aapko yeh sab samjhaya hai.”

Naina bit her lip, thinking how conservative her family was, and the fact that it had been Sameer who had explained everything to her with immense patience and love, never once crossing the boundary of their relationship. And just like that… she knew… she knew she would get this special waxing done… She was waiting so long for that night, Sameer had waited even longer, and if there was something more she could do to make it extra special then she would… for him, for her, for them…

She looked up at Maya and said, “thike… main bhi karwaungi…”

“Perfect”, Maya beamed, noting down in a sheet, and then teased her, “waise aap sawaal bahot puchti hai… Aapke pati pareshan ho jayenge.”

Naina laughed, “Sameer kabhi pareshan nahi hote… Kaafi saalo se mere sawaalo ka jawaab de rahe hai, aur ab bhi dete hai. Kehte hai main unse kuch bhi puch sakti hun…”

Maya looked elated, “oh my God! Love marriage hai?”

Naina nodded, “aur arranged bhi… kyunki humne parivaar walo ke permission ka intezaar kiya.”

“Oh wow”, Maya sighed, “aap dono ek dusre se bahot pyaar karte honge… Kaash mujhe bhi koi aisa pyaar karne wala mil jaaye.”

Vishakha knocked on the door and entered, “ho gai baate?”

Naina nodded, “haan mummy.”

After a short discussion of couple of more minutes they left from the parlor, and as per schedule departed for a big men’s wear shop in Navrangpura. Sameer was there already, sitting on a chair near the counter and talking to someone over his mobile, tapping his foot impatiently. Naina saw him immediately, he too paused while talking and looked up as soon as she entered, and his face lit up at her sight. Vishakha was amused at this as she wondered how Sameer got to know of their arrival, they had entered along with another few customers and yet Sameer knew that they had arrived or rather Naina had arrived.

As soon as Naina reached him, he stood up and pulled her in a side hug, smiling at her, “hi… kabse wait kar raha hun.”

Naina blushed at the sudden unexpected hug, and whispered about Vishakha seeing them. Sameer just grinned, and without leaving her looked at his mother and greeted, “hi mummy… kitna ghum rahi thi apne beti ke saath? Main intezaar kar raha hun yeh bhi bhul gai.”

Vishakha chuckled, “kya karu… tumhari biwi ke itne sawaal the ke waqt lag gaya.”

He looked down at Naina with a frown, “tum toh saare sawaal mujhse puchti ho na… fir aaj kisse sawaal-jawaab kar rahi thi?”

Naina blushed even more and tried to push him away, but she might as well have been moving a rock for all effect it had on him. Giving up, she tickled him instead, and he giggled, pulling away from her. She checked her watch and said, “Mummy jaldi karte hai warna der ho jayegi wapas jaane me.”

Vishakha nodded and signaled for a salesperson, specifying what they needed, and the salesperson guided them to the first floor which was relatively empty. Sameer plonked down on a chair, and excitedly looked around. It was finally time to shop for his own garments because Naina’s outfits were decided, and he was looking forward to color co-ordinate with her. The haldi and mehndi outfits were easy to select as the color was a no-brainer, but for Sangeet Naina and Vishakha kept looking at a multiple options starting from pink to maroon to green to blue, and he had no idea what they were trying to do.

After they had already spent more than an hour in the shop, Sameer frowned, “kya kare rahe ho aap dono? Koi ek color batao na… Naina tumhara Sangeet ka dress konse color ka hai? Usi color ka shirt ya pathani le lete hai na.”

Naina kept aside another blue kurta, “nahi Sameer… Uss din same shade ka nahi pehen sakte hum dono.”

He argued, “par color co-ordinate karna matlab same hi toh pehenna hua.”

“uh uh”, Naina negated, “nahi. Color co-ordinate karna matlab match karna ya complement karna. Bas ajeeb rang na ho jaaye isiliye… jaise agar main red pehna toh tumhare kapdo me red ka koi shade hona chahiye… aisa na ho ke maine red pehna aur tum yellow pehenke aaye.”

He caught her hand, making her look at him, and grinned, “toh tum red pehen rahi ho?”

Naina knew what he was up to. He had been trying to find the color of her Sangeet and Sagai costume since some time now, but she had expertly avoided. Now also, she pinched his nose, and smiled, “red toh shaadi me pehnungi na…”

A pout formed on his luscious lips, “tum aaj kal bahot kharab ho gai ho… sawaal bhi kisi aur se puchke aati ho… aur mujhe kuch batati bhi nahi ho.”

Vishakha, who had been observing their antics, now couldn’t control her laughter on realizing how desperate her son was to know what questions Naina had asked at the parlor. Naina grinned at her, and blushed slightly too, recalling how she had pinched Sameer’s nose quite forgetting that Mummy was here. Vishakha looked at the options in-front of them, and suggested, “mere khayal se maroon hi theek hai, thoda deep shade… Kya kehti ho Naina?”

Naina nodded, “main bhi wahi soch rahi thi.” She held up the kurta in-front of Sameer, her lips pursed in a thoughtful expression, and then she smiled, “haan, yeh shade sahi hai.”

Sameer sighed, “mujhe kuch bata toh rahe nahi ho. Bas putla banake bitha diya hai… Ab agla wala toh kamsekam bata do… Sagai ke liye konsa rang hai.”

Vishakha chuckled, “uski chinta tum mat karo. Sagai ka kurta aa gaya hai tumhara.”

He frowned, “aa gaya? Kab? Kahan?”

Naina passed on the selected kurta to the salesperson, and said, “uff kitne sawaal karte ho. Chalo ab utho, maap de do.”

He stood up as a young boy approached him with measuring tape, “par batao toh sahi…” His words were however in vain as both the female accompanying him just stood and smiled at him. He huffed and muttered, “saas-bahu me ladai hoti hai suna tha, lekin yahan toh saas-bahu saath milke mujhe hi side pe kar dete hai…”

The boy who was now measuring his arm sniggered, and Sameer scowled, “kya daant dikha rahe ho? Tumhari shaadi me tumhe koi information nahi milegi na tab samajh aayega tumko.” Vishakha and Naina looked at him and burst out laughing, holding onto each other. Sameer tried to keep on scowling but on seeing his mother and wife laugh so whole-heartedly he couldn’t help the smile that curved his lips.

The trio had a quick and late lunch of idli-sambhar in a nearby restaurant, and then Vishakha left for home, while Sameer dropped Naina back to Chachaji’s home. He didn’t speak anything, trying to let her know that he was angry and she should pacify him. Naina understood, and asked, “naraaz ho?”

He shrugged, “main bhala kyun naraaz hou?”

She chuckled, “yeh line na jhagde ke waqt patni ki hoti hai.”

“Sab kuch tumhara hi toh hai”, he offered, “shaadi ke har kaam saath me karenge kaha tha lekin yahan toh mujhe aadhi cheeze batai bhi nahi jaa rahi.”

“Sameer surprise hai”, she pleaded.

He sighed, “Naina… itne din surprise rakhogi toh socho zara meri haalat kya hogi? Agar main tumko kahu ke tum bedroom ke furniture mat dekhna jab woh aaye kyunki surprise hai… toh kaisa lagega?”

She scowled, “bahot bura.”

He nodded, “mujhe bhi aisa hi lag raha hai. Jo cheez pata naa ho aur surprise ke roop me mile woh samajh me aata hai, dress ka color kya surprise rakh rahi ho, pura ke pura dress hi surprise hai tumhara aur maine kaha bhi nahi ke mujhe dikhao… Par tumne toh mere saare kapde dekh liye shaadi ke.”

“Aree toh sirf kapde dekhe na… Tum kaise lagte ho unme woh thodi na dekha”, she countered.

He stopped the car beneath her society and turned to her, “wahi toh main samjha raha hun. Tum color bata dogi toh konsa surprise bigad jayega, tumko woh pehne hue thodi na dekh raha hun.”

She mused about his words, thinking that he was right… She knew everything, but he didn’t, and he was not demanding to see the actual outfits even, it was just the color shade. “Naina”, he pleaded in a silky voice that sent shivers up her spine, “batao na… please…”

She smiled at him, “aaj shaam ko bataungi… ghar pe.”

Exasperated he slapped his own forehead, “ab shaam ko kyun?”

She chuckled and reached out to move the locks of hair from his forehead, setting them properly, “bharosa karo… tumhe bahot achcha lagega.”

He huffed, knowing he wouldn’t win against her, and said, “thike… lekin mujhe abhi kuch chahiye fir…”

She looked at him incredulously, “society ke saamne?”

He smirked, “oh madam… tumse zyada na mujhe jagah ka hosh rehta hai… Kiss nahi maang raha, bas paanch baar I love you bolo… yaad hai na kaise?”

Naina smiled wide as she reminisced the punishment Sameer would give her in college whenever it was her turn to pacify him. He would keep on his grumpy expressions and Naina had to sing I Love You in the tune of the famous Mr. India song… that too exactly five times… When he had demanded that for the first time she had been shocked, wondering how she could do it… but slowly with the years she had automatically started to sing whenever he would be angry… She chuckled now on being faced with the same demand, and took his hand, linking their fingers, as she sang, “I love you… I love you… I love you… I love you… I love you…”

Sameer smiled and then laughed softly, blowing her a kiss, and said, “baaki ka hisaab shaam ko vasool karunga.”

Naina was met with an atmosphere of total chaos as she stepped inside Agarwal house a little after 3pm. Several things were lying around, wrapping papers strewn on the table, and Chachiji was instructing a hassled looking Preeti about something. Naina cautiously stepped in, wondering what was happening and why everyone was so occupied, “Chachiji… Yeh sab kya ho raha hai?”

Preeti caught her hand in excitement, “Naina, achcha hua tu aa gai. Mujhe dress select karne me help karna… Ekdum achcha wala pehenna hai.”

Naina smiled, attributing Preeti’s excitement to the fact that she would meet Rohan. But then even Chachiji asked, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye beta, meri bhi thodi madad kar dena… Samajh nai aa raha, itne bade ghar me kya pehenke jau. Aur tu kya pehnegi?”

Now Naina was puzzled, “isme itna sochneka kya hai? Main toh yahi jeans pehnungi, bas kurti change karke white wala pehen lungi… Aur aap log yeh sab kya kar rahe hai? Yeh cheeze kiske liye?”

“Jijaji ke wahan le jaane ke liye tohfe”, Preeti informed.

Naina looked at the spread, “par Chachiji, yeh sab kyun? Ghar hi toh jaa rahe hai hum.”

Bela smiled and gently explained, “haan beta… Tere liye toh ghar hai woh, par hamare liye toh woh hamare damad ka ghar hai… hum hamare sambdhan se milne jaa rahe hai… Aise khali haath toh nahi jaa sakte na.”

Naina started to ponder on the words, but before she could process the statement Rakesh stepped inside followed by Chachaji. Everyone greeted them, and Preeti went to get some water. Anand kept a bag on the dining table, and informed, “Bela, yeh tumne jo mangvaye the woh phal hai… aur kuch chahiye ho toh bata dena.”

Bela checked and said that it was enough. Rakesh accepted the glass of water from Preeti, and then looked at his daughter, “tu kab aai? Kaam ho gaya?”

Naina was so surprised at the question and the direct talk after so long that she took a moment before replying, “ji papa… main bas thodi der pehle hi aai.”

Rakesh nodded, and then with a bit of hesitation handed over a bag to her, “woh… umm… main Manek Chowk gaya tha toh Kandoi mithaiwale se halwasan aur Koprapak leke aaya.”

Naina’s eyes rounded is amazement, “hamare liye?”

Rakesh scowled in irritation, “nahi… tum logo ke liye kyun launga aaj… Yeh toh le jaane ke liye hai…”

All four people in that room started to look at him in astonishment, and feeling uncomfortable, he started to leave. Naina called out, “Papa…”, and when Rakesh turned she said, “Sameer ko Koprapak bahot pasand hai. Thank you.”

Rakesh nodded and left, while Naina tried to contain the tears of happiness. However, her surprise today was not limited to the boxes of sweets that her father had bought for her sasural, but rather when she opened the bag she found a smaller box as well, and opened it to reveal four pieces of Sonpapdi. Preeti gasped, and so did Naina, as this was the sweet Rakesh would bring when Naina scored well in her final exams… There would be no words of appreciation, but Naina would always find this sweet at home on result day… And it was always four pieces, two for her and two for Preeti. The sweet ritual had continued until she was 8 years old and then somehow they had drifted apart without any reason and the box of Sonpapdi had stopped arriving every year. Anand and Bela looked at each other and smiled, knowing how much this would mean to Naina. Seeing Naina about to cry, Preeti broke off a piece of sonpapdi and stuffed it in her sister’s mouth, admonishing her, “aaj rona mana hai… Jijaji ko teri suji hui shakal achchi nahi lagegi.”

Naina laughed, and fed her sister too, feeling suddenly extremely happy with the hope that all the wedding rituals might reduce the awkward distance between Sameer and her father.

As Naina helped pack up the things that they were going to take with them in evening, she thought back to what Chachiji had said. Everyone was doing extra preparations because Sameer’s house was the sasural of their daughter… Even though for her it was her own home, and this was courtesy Sameer as he had drilled it in her head since their roka, and so she was relaxed, but she now understood that for her family it was different. She looked down at herself and frowned, thinking maybe she should also change into something better, and definitely not another jeans and kurti. Maybe a slightly heavy salwar-kameez would look good.

After packing she went to her bedroom to get ready, Preeti had already decided on the yellow salwar-kameez for herself and it was a no brainer as to why she chose that color. Naina opened her cupboard to look through the collection of dresses, but soon her eyes wandered to a saree that Phulla bua had sent from Mumbai after her wedding was fixed; it was a pink colored art silk saree with traditional embroidery. The blouse fabric was brocade and she had just gotten it stitched along with the other blouses; given the material and the border in the blouse piece, she had chosen a fairly conservative design with a flatter round neck on front and a slightly deeper princess cut on back, supported by three hooks and a dori. It was perfect for the occasion as this was the first time she was going to her future home with her family. Scanning through her dresser, she chose a delicate silver neckpiece with crystal pendant and matching earring to go with it, and decided that oxidize bangles would go perfectly with the ensemble. She got ready and tied her hair with a clip as she knew that Taiji won’t approve of open hair, but she could find a way to get rid of the clip soon, she wanted Sameer to see her in this saree with open hair… She wanted to see his reaction.

Chachiji was surprised to see Naina in a saree but highly approved of her decision; even Taiji seemed to have nothing to criticize. Tauji had his own car, and over the years Chachaji had also managed to buy a car of his own, though it was second hand. They piled all the things inside and reached Maheshwari mansion by 6:30pm. As soon as they descended, Taiji noticed Naina’s open hair, and glared, “oh bai! Baal aise khule kyun hai… Choti baandh.”

Naina tried to look innocent, “Taiji clip tut gaya.”

“Neva! Aise kaise tut gaya… ruk main deti hun”, Taiji reached up to pull out pins from her hair, but Preeti stopped her, “Taiji! Kya kar rahi hai aap? Maine itni mehnat se aapki hairstyle banai hai, sab bigad jayega.”

Bela also agreed, “haan bhabhiji… jaane dijiye na. Chalega Naina ke khule baal.”

Taiji was about to object, but Tauji intervened, “bahot ho gayi charcha… Aise bahar khade rehna achcha nahi dikhta… Chalo sab log.”

They walked up to the big wooden doors and Chachaji rang the doorbell, waiting for someone to open the door. A minute and another passed, and Naina frowned, moving forward to the door and took out a bunch of keys from her purse.

Inside the Maheshwari mansion the doorbell had sent everyone into frenzy as they scuttled around putting last minute touches, and then Sameer rushed to the door. But just as he was reaching for it, there was click and Naina slowly pushed the door inwards, holding the keys in her other hand. Sameer stepped back and grinned, “main soch hi raha tha ke tum apne ghar me ghusne ke liye doorbell kyun baja rahi ho.”

Behind Naina, he noticed Chachaji, Chachiji and Preeti having an amused expression, while Tauji, Taiji and Rakesh sir looked slightly shocked, probably at the fact that Naina had the keys to this house. He felt extremely happy of his decision to give Naina the set of keys. He greeted everyone and looked back at Naina with a smile, but then he noticed what she was wearing and his mouth fell open.

Saree! Oh God… She was looking so… hot…

Naina blushed on seeing his reaction, and hoped he would soon recover as her whole family was still standing on the threshold waiting to enter. But it didn’t seem as if Sameer would be able to stop ogling, and so she held his hand, “khade kyun ho kabse? Chalo andar…”

He followed her tug, walking inside and rest of the Agarwals trooped in behind them. Sameer didn’t stop in the living room, rather continued walking towards the stairs, and Naina pulled back, fiercely whispering, “kahan chal diye? Bedroom me nahi jaana hai. Ruko yahin… Aur ab toh muh bandh kar lo.”

Sameer shook his head and somehow managed to close his mouth, but he was still unable to speak. Vishakha took charge of the conversations, greeting the whole family, asking them to sit, and accepting the gifts they had brought. By the time preliminaries were done, Sameer had recovered, and was seated on a chair beside Rohan, his eyes still trained on Naina. His heartbeats hadn’t slowed down, she was looking so beautiful… He hadn’t expected her to wear saree, a salwar-kameez maybe, but damn… this was so hot.

Ramdhari brought in tea for everyone, and by this time Sameer had started to notice how Naina kept frowning at the sofa. He quickly sipped the hot tea to hide his smile, his plan was working. The conversations over tea ranged from the Agarwals appreciating the furniture to Sameer declaring that each one was Naina’s choice. Taiji had a look of constant surprise ever since they had entered. She couldn’t believe that the bungalow she was seeing was going to be Naina’s home forever. As soon as tea finished, Naina couldn’t stay quiet anymore, and said, “Sameer… yeh tum… mera matlab… aapne galat cushions rakhe hai… Living room ke sofa pe pink wale nahi, red aur cream wale rakhne the.”

Sameer pretended to look puzzled, “konsa red? Main toh bhul hi gaya hun.”

“Aree wahi jo combination color me liya tha”, Naina reminded.

He shrugged, “mujhe yaad nahi aa raha. Tum upar aake dekh lo… hum badal dete hai.”

Saying so he stood up, and Naina hesitated just for a moment before standing up and following him. Sameer looked back at the family and said, “hum abhi aate hai… Warna baad me meri biwi mera dimag kha jayegi yeh kehke ke family dinner me maine furniture achche se set nahi kiya.”

This elicited a few laughters and Rohan covered his own mouth knowing very well that his bhai would never forget bhabhi’s instructions so it was obvious that he was pretending. Sameer walked up the stairs, feeling a thrill of anticipation, and mentally thanked God that Naina had not realized his trick. They reached their bedroom, and Sameer locked the door as soon as she went it, and then turned to hold her hoping to surprise her. But to his shock, Naina was standing exactly behind him, her eyes narrowed, and she poked a finger on chest, “mujhe upar laane ke liye jaan-booch-ke cushions badal diye… tumhe kya lagta hai Mr. Maheshwari main tumhari harkat nahi jaanti.”

He muttered a “dammit” under his breath, knowing he was caught, and then smirked pulling her to him, “jab jaanti ho sab toh itni dur kyun khadi ho.”

She smiled, “tum pagal ho…”

He grinned, “tum? Aap bolo na…”

A small chuckle escaped her lips and she decided to entertain him, “aap pagal hai…” His eyes glittered, his expressions changing suddenly, and he dipped his head capturing her lips in a heated kiss. He didn’t give her time to think, he didn’t take it slow, his teeth nibbled at her soft plump lips and she gasped opening up to him. Her hands wound around his neck as he deepened the kiss, taking what he needed with a breathtaking male dominance. One of his hands trailed up her back, moving aside the mass of hair, and traced the outline of the blouse… She lifted on her toes as a zinging sensation ran through her body, and he pulled back from the kiss, looking down at her… “Hot”, he said in a guttural tone, and swiftly turned her back to his chest, holding her hands against the wall, as he had his fill of looking at her back. A low whistle of appreciation escaped his mouth, as he saw the blouse cut and the simple dori, the smooth creamy flesh seemed to glow in compliment to the rosy pink color… This… This was stuff of his fantasies. His hand moved to her waist, fingers trailing on her quivering belly… With a deep groan he lowered his head to her shoulders, kissing a trail down her back… She bit her lip trying to control her moan, but a needy whisper of his name escaped… He hummed in reply even though she didn’t hear it over the roaring in her ears, and soon felt his teeth scrape her skin…

“Sameer”, she panted. He dropped a soothing kiss over the small bite and then his teeth found the dori of her blouse, tugging it open, his breath leaving in a hard exhale as he watched the simple string unravel in-front of his eyes… His hips thrust against her back as the sight made his whole body react with urgency… God this was amazing… He placed open mouthed kisses on her skin, and when his hand reached to the hooks, Naina knew that if she didn’t stop him now it will be too late for both of them… So she pushed back, and turned, her hands moving up his chest, shoulders and fisting in his hair as she lifted up and kissed him. He reciprocated with equal fervor, his hands still wandering on her back and waist, his hips still rolling against her body. She moved from his lips, kissing his cheek, and eyes, murmuring how much she loved him, asking him to relax. He took deep breaths, trying to calm himself, and then hugged her tight, burying his face in her hair.

After many long minutes, she pulled back and smiled up at him, “saree ka aisa reaction hoga socha nahi tha.”

He pouted, “kya Naina… meri fantasy thoda toh pura karne deti, kamsekam ek hook kholne deti.”

Her eyes widened at his words, she didn’t know that this was his fantasy… What was it? Seeing her in a blouse? Or opening the hooks? Thinking for a minute more, she bit her lip and slowly turned, presenting her back to him.
He was stunned at her action… He had been kidding, he knew he had been on the verge of forgetting that they were not alone at home, and she had calmed him down… He knew they couldn’t have gone any further… Yet, now on knowing that whatever was happening was his fantasy she was ready to let him fulfill it? My God… How did she always have so much faith in him? How was she ready to selflessly give all the time? He touched her waist lightly, and moved up her back, leisurely stroking, appreciating now while earlier he had just wanted to possess. He bypassed the hooks and reached to the open dori, picking up the thin threads and tied it up again, securing her blouse.

Surprised at his action, she turned her head to look at him, and he smiled, leaning forward to drop a kiss on her shoulder. He used his hold on her to turn her towards him, and enclosed her in his arms again, “I love you Naina. Aur main apni saari fantasies shaadi ke baad pura karunga.”

She burrowed her head on his chest, breathing in his clean male fragrance, “I love you too Sameer.”

Down in the living room, Taiji kept on fidgeting, adjusting her pallu, and glanced towards the staircase frequently. She kept thinking what was Bholuram and Naina doing upstairs, and the scenarios her overactive mind presented made her antsy. And to her surprise no one seemed to be bothered about what those might be up to in the room.

Zarur dono tiscu taiyan me lage hoge… Shaadi se pehle aise karm hai iss ladki ke.

She leaned towards Bela who was sitting beside her, and whispered, “aree o, yeh Bholuram aur hamari maharani ab tak niche kyun nahi aaye? Kahin upar kuch gadbad toh nahi…”

Bela tried to keep her smile intact as she whispered back, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye bhabhji, takiye dhundne me bhala kaisi gadbad hogi? Zarur mil nahi raha hoga… Ghar sajane ke liye bahot kharidari kari hai dono ne, toh samaan zyada hoga na.”

Taiji furiously murmured, “takiya hai, koi choti sui nahi ke dhundne me itna waqt lage. Mujhe toh lagta hai…”

However before she could finish her assumption, she saw Naina descending the stairs with a couple of cushions in her hands, followed by Sameer who was also carrying several bright cushions. Vishakha offered take all of them on a tour of the bungalow, and Naina replaced the cushions quickly, giving the earlier ones to Rohan and Sameer to stow them back in room. Then they all followed the little troop around the house. Taiji’s eyes kept on widening on seeing several photos of Naina throughout the house, and Sameer cheekily kept describing where he had taken that photograph. Rakesh paused to look at some pictures on a wall, his eyes narrowed, and he blurted, “yeh toh Mt. Abu hai.”

Sameer tensed a little but nodded in a yes, and Rakesh enquired, “yeh kab khincha tha? Main aaya uss din?”

Sameer immediately replied, in an almost exasperated tone, “aapke aane ke baad toh kahan mauka mila photo khinchneka. Yeh toh pehle khincha tha… Campfire ke baad.”

Naina chuckled at his tone, and added, “Papa… Sameer ko badi shikayat hai ke hamari aakhri din ki koi photo nahi hai.”

“Nahii…”, Sameer gasped, making everyone laugh and Rakesh also smiled a bit.

As they started to go upstairs, Ramdhari came to them, and said, “memsahib ek baar aap aake sab dekh lenge? Aur kuch karna ho toh bata dijiye…”

All the Agarwals turned to look at Vishakha expecting her to respond, but instead it was Naina who automatically responded, “haan chaliye bhaiya.”

Taiji gasped, “oh bai! Tu kaha chal di? Usne memsahib bola.”

Sameer chuckled, his eyes glittering, “Ramdhari Naina ko hi memsahib bolta hai.” Then he addressed Naina, “tum dekhlo ek baar sab kuch, par kuch banane mat lagna… waise bhi apna ghar kitni baar dekhogi.”

Everyone stood either surprised or amused on seeing Naina following Ramdhari. Bela wondered for a moment if she was still her daughter, or already Sameer’s wife.

The tour upstairs was equally entertaining for Sameer, as he kept on noticing Taiji’s expressions on seeing their bedroom, and he took great pleasure in elaborating how the new furniture that would arrive soon were all of Naina’s choice. The grand bathroom earned an excited squeal from Preeti and surprised gasps from the rest of family, while Sameer just leaned near the door, reminiscing the shower adventure. Preeti innocently queried, “isme bhi naha sakte hai?”

Sameer grinned, “haan… aur tumhari behen ne toh pehle se bolke rakha hai ke woh tumhare parlor se bubble bath ke bottles kharidne wali hai.”

Taiji muttered something about sin and took God’s name making Sameer almost laugh out loud.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Naina looked at all the food that had been prepared, and was glad that Vishakha had kept it simple. The meal comprised of pulao, paratha, chana masala, mix vegetable curry, dal, and there was kheer and gulab-jamun for dessert. Ramdhari enquired if something else was needed, and she shook her head, but asked, “Sameer ko menu pata hai aaj ka? Bina alu ke kaise maan gaye woh?”

Ramdhari laughed, “sahab ne toh kaha the ke jeera alu banao par badi malkin ne mana kar diya yeh kehke ke woh bahot sadharan hai.”

Naina chuckled, and instructed Ramdhari to boil one potato and quickly make dry-bhaji just for Sameer. Ramdhari was puzzled but obeyed immediately.

Suddenly, Sameer hollered her name from upstairs, “Naina!”

“Ji aayi”, she responded, and moved out of the kitched. He stood on the top stair and watched her climb up, with a glitter in his eyes. She reached him and upon seeing his expressions immediately asked, “kya kiya tumne?”

He was amused at how she knew he was up to something, and grinned, “bas pura ghar achche se dikhaya khaas kar ke Taiji ko… Aur ab jo hone wala woh main nahi Mummy kar rahi hai.”

She frowned, “kya?”

He leaned down, whispering something in her ear and dropped a quick kiss on her cheek. She gasped, “sach me! Woh sab kab aaya? Mujhe toh bataya bhi nahi tumne.”

He guided her to the room where everyone was, and said, “mujhe bhi nahi pata tha. Mummy ne laake rakha hai.”

Together they stepped inside to see Vishakha pulling out couple of red cloth bags from a cupboard while her family sat on the sofa or bed excited, except Taiji who had a scowl on her face. “Lo aa gayi Naina”, he announced, “ab jaldi se dikhao mummy.”

Vishakha pulled out boxes after boxes of jewelry that had been delivered just that afternoon, it was all the gold ornaments that they had ordered one of her previous trips and now everything was ready. Each neckpiece, earrings, bangles glittered with new polish and made everyone gasp in delight. Taiji also gasped, but in shock, she had been there when these jewelries were ordered but she hadn’t anticipated them to look so beautiful in reality. It grated on her nerves that Naina should be on the receiving end of so much riches and comfort. The house, the jewelry, the adoration this family had for her – Taiji thought that Naina’s jali hui kundli deserved nothing of these, yet she was going to have it… All because she had somehow managed to trap a rich boy in her so-called love.

Vishakha said that she would be transferring all the jewelry in the bank locker, which is why she wanted them to see it once, and even Naina deserved to see it. Bela and Anand praised every piece and thanked them for showering so much love on their daughter. But Vishakha just waved it off, saying she was so excited for the wedding that if given a chance she would keep buying things every day for Naina.

The dinner was a merry event with everyone chattering and discussing about the wedding. Tauji did his role of promising grand reception of baraatis. Sameer was surprised to see jeera-alu served to him, and glanced up at Ramdhari who gestured towards Naina.

Sameer queried, “tumne banvaya?”

Naina nodded, and Vishakha asked, “kyun beta? Sameer ko shaadi se pehle hi bigaad rahi ho tum?”

“Bigaad nahi rahi Mummy”, Naina replied, “par Sameer ne aaj shaam ko kuch nahi khaya, toh isiliye yeh banvaya… Idli se unka pet itna nahi bhara hoga, aur waise bhi unko mix-vegetable thoda kam pasand hai.”

Vishakha looked surprised, and saw that Sameer was also surprised. He slowly asked, “tumhe kaise pata ke maine shaam ko kuch nahi khaya?”

Naina raised her eyebrows, and simply replied, “biwi hoon.”

Sameer felt a deep glow settle inside his heart for the rest of the night, the simple and firm declaration her right on him and how well she knew him, made him feel as if he was the most loved person in the world.

Vishakha was proud of her daughter-in-law, and happy that her son had found such a perfect life-partner.

Rohan often looked at Preeti trying to assure her without words that soon they would also have a similar life.

Preeti felt happy that the relationship of her sister that had started as a one sided love was soon going to turn into the purest bond she had ever witnessed, and hoped she too would have such a bond with Rohan.

Anand and Bela just felt exhilarated with their daughter’s fortune and thanked God.

Rakesh was thoughtful as he wondered about the respect he continuously received from Sameer.

Taiji was in a state of perpetual shock and didn’t even eat much as the things she had seen this evening floated in-front of her eyes.

Tauji decided that he soon needed to talk to the entire family about the things they should give in wedding from their side.

Naina just held Sameer’s hand beneath the table while having dinner, assuring him that she was a steady factor in his life, and also because she knew that he needed her attention even in crowd. She didn’t think much of the photographs around the house or the sparkling jewelry upstairs, because she knew that she held the utmost importance in Sameer’s life and no luxury could beat that feeling.