Always and Forever
Part - 42: Way Around Promises

The afternoon sun started to move towards the western horizon slowly, Naina’s packing was almost done, and Sameer gleefully placed aside the huge teddy bears he had won for her on two Mt. Abu trips. Tugging at the ear of the pink one he asked, “inhe bhi saath le aaogi kya?”

Naina nodded, “haan. Inn dono ko kaise chod sakti hun.” Saying so she picked up the cream teddy and kissed it.

He frowned, “thike… lekin meri do shart hai… yeh bed pe nahi rahenge aur tum baar-baar inko kiss nahi karogi.”

She laughed, “kaash main yeh sab school me dekh paai hoti… Sameer Maheshwari ko bhi jalan hoti hai… Teddy bear se yeh haal hai toh koi ladka hota toh kya karte tum.”

“Jaan le leta”, he immediately replied, “tum sirf meri ho… koi aur tumpe haq jataye yeh mujhse kabhi bardaasht nahi hoga. School me bhi hoti thi jalan… koi aur ladka nahi tha par tum kabhi apne papa ke darr se toh kabhi Arjun ke darr se mujhe waqt nahi deti thi, tab bahot gussa aata tha. Books se bhi jalan hoti thi kyunki tumhara zyada dhyan padhne me hota tha.”

She was surprised with this rant, and immediately moved closer, wrapping her arms around him to calm him down, “main chahe padhu, ya saheliyo ke saath rahu, ya papa ya Arjun bhaiya ke saath, tum kabhi bhi mere khayalo se dur nahi hote the. Apne desk pe bethke Swati se zyada main tumhari baate sunti thi. Har pal tumhare kareeb aaneka mauka dhundti thi… Sameer… mere liye hamesha sabse pehle tum, uske baad sab kuch.”

He smiled and teased, “ab toh option hai bhi nahi tumhare paas… shaadi ho rahi hai toh pehla importance pati-parmeshwar ko hi dogi na.”

“Sameer tum na…”, she pulled back and started to reprimand, but was cut short when he dipped and kissed her instead. It was brief as he was aware of her family outside the room, and he wiped her mouth with his thumb, smiling, “wapas jaana padega na ab isiliye last kiss kar raha tha.”

She sighed, “suno… kal wapas aaoge? Main aur Preeti idli-sambhar bananeka soch rahe hai. Bua-dadi aaye hai toh kuch nayi dish, kyunki woh restaurants me nahi khati.”

He grinned, “of course sweetheart. Aur yeh dono teddy bears ko main aaj le jaau? Warna shaadi ke time tumhare ghar pe pata nahi kitne mehmaan honge, aur shayad bachche bhi…”

She frowned, thinking about it and agreed, “haan le jao… par sambhalke rakhna. Please.”

He smiled, “haan rakhunga… itna bhi nahi jalta ke phenk du.”

She chuckled, handing the two teddy bears to him, and for a second was amused at how these soft toys looked in his big strong arms.

As they went outside they found Preeti and Bela on the dining table, shelling peas and valor, while Chachaji was sitting on the sofa noting something in his diary. Preeti was still yawning, and immediately said, “yaar tum dono ko neend nahi aati kya? Kabse packing kar rahe ho.”

Sameer grinned, “college hota toh neend aa jaati shayad.”

“Haan… khaas kar ke accounts ke lecture me”, Preeti said and both jija-saali promptly dissolved into laughter.

Bela shook her head, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye…  padhai karne me hamesha tujhe neend aati thi. Jaa Naina… Buaji ko utha de, aur chai bana de. Sameer beta… tum raat ko bhi…”

“Nahi Chachiji”, Sameer interrupted, “raat ko mat rokiye, warna kal nahi aa paunga. Aur Naina ne kal ka bol hi diya hai mujhe.”

A little while later Naina came out holding onto Bua-dadi, and grinned on seeing Sameer still standing with the two teddy-bears in his arms. Phulla Bua sat on the sofa, peered at Sameer, and said “waah… dono khilono ko aise pakda hua hai jaise maano apne bachcho ko god me liya ho. Mujhe toh abhi se hi lag raha hai ke tum dono ke do bachche honge.”

Naina’s eyes widened on hearing this and her cheeks flushed with color. Preeti giggled, Anand smiled, and Bela sighed in happiness, “aapke muh me ghee-shakkar buaji… Naina ki shaadi hote hi Nani banne ke sapne dekhungi wapas.”

Sameer frowned at all this discussion, glanced down at the two teddy-bears, and grumbled, “bachche? Shit… ab inn dono ko kamre me hi rakhna padega.”

Naina, who had been blushing in mortification at the sudden discussion of kids, gasped on hearing his statement, and placing her hands on hips, she asked, “mujhe toh laga aap kamre me hi rakhenge… aapka kya plan tha?”

Sameer bit his lip, his expressions being one of getting caught while lying. After a moment he muttered, “maine kaha tha sambhalke rakhunga. Kamre me rakhunga aisa thodi na bola tha.”

She gasped in horror, and moved forward, trying to tug one of the teddy-bear from his arms, “chodiye… inhe main hi leke aaungi. Mujhe bharosa nahi hai ke aap pe zara bhi… Pata nahi kis kone me daal denge.”

“Aree”, he exclaimed trying to hold on, “hadd karti ho… kaha na theek se rakhunga.”

Suddenly everyone started to laugh bringing the couple’s banter to a halt, and Phulla Bua said, “bilkul sahi jaa rahe ho… Aage chalke bachcho ko leke bhi aisi hi ladaiya hoti hai.”

Sameer kept the teddy bears on a chair and grinned, “fikar mat kariye Dadi-bua… do bachche honge na toh ek ko Naina sambhalegi aur ek ko main.”

Naina blushed furiously at this, and whispered, “Sameer… chup raho.”

He frowned down at her, “kyun? Tumhe do bachche nahi chahiye?”

Naina slapped her own forehead and then hid her face in her hands, Preeti choked on her laughter while Anand, Bela and Phulla-Bua grinned at the situation. Sameer smiled, wrapping his arms around a still blushing Naina, and muttered, “okay tum jitne bologi utne bachche honge hamare.”

The sounds of laughter intensified, Naina pulled back from him and ran back inside the room. After a minute, Sameer scratched his head, and announced, “jaake mana leta hun warna bahot daant padegi baad me.”

He found Naina inside the room, sitting on the bed, her cheeks still red and her hands fisted on the bedsheet. Latching the door lightly he moved to her, sitting on his knees in-front of her on the floor. She didn’t look at him, rather kept staring outside, biting her lip as if stopping herself from a tirade. He lifted his hand, and used his thumb to pull her lower lip free, “maine bataya tha na ke tum aisa karogi toh main tumko kiss karunga.”

Her gaze flickered to his, and she blushed again, “Sameer… bahar kya kar rahe the… Aisi baate kaun karta hai?”

He tucked her hair behind her ears, “main karta hun aisi baate… Agar udhar nahi bolta toh sab hume aur chedte… Aur mujhe koi sharam nahi hai yeh kabool karne me ke mujhe shaadi ke baad bachche chahiye. Tumhe nahi chahiye?”

“Of course chahiye”, she replied, “sabko chahiye hote hai.”

He smiled, “shaadi ke baad sabko chahiye isiliye nahi… mujhe babies isiliye chahiye kyunki hum dono ki khudki family hamesha adhuri rahi hai, par ab hamare paas chance hai ke hum hamari family ko pura kar sake. Socha zara Naina… jab bhi hum parents banenge, hum hamare bachcho ko woh sab de sakte hai jo hume nahi mila… khilone, suvidhaye, tyohaar, bada sa parivaar, chuttiya, aur khaas kar ke…”

“Waqt”, she completed his sentence, her eyes misted and lips curved in a smile, “mummy-papa ke saath bitane ke liye waqt.”

He smiled, “exactly… aur isiliye mujhe koi sharam nahi hai yeh bolne me ke mujhe bachche chahiye.”

She chuckled, kneeling down to kiss him, “tumhe nahi… hume…”

“Uhmmm”, he hummed, kissing her lips, and softly asked, “Naina… sirf do ya puri cricket team?” She laughed, hugging him, and he lifted up, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

After tea was served Phulla-Bua started talking about all the upcoming rituals and stated that it was time that the bride and groom should stop meeting each other. Sameer was aghast at this, and exclaimed, “par ab tak toh shaadi me kaafi din bache hai.”

Phulla Bua laughed, “pehle ke zamane me toh bilkul nahi mil paate the, tum dono toh saath padhe.”

“Wahi toh”, Sameer coaxed, “kabhi mile na ho toh mile bina reh sakte hai… Main aise kaise Naina ko dekhe bina rahunga.”

Bela covered her mouth with her pallu to hide her smile, and Anand was amused with the ongoing discussion. He had never thought that he would be seeing his son-in-law negotiating about meeting his daughter before marriage so openly. Phulla Bua argued that minimum ten days of separation was needed. Finally, Sameer said, “okay… aap shaadi ke dus din pehle rok lena. Par usse pehle nahi. Aur kal toh Naina ne hi aaneko bola hai… woh idli-sambhar banana wali hai.”

Phulla Bua was surprised, “tumko shaadi ke rasmo se zyada khane ki chinta hai?”

Sameer replied in a teasing tone, “haan… achcha khana banayegi tabhi hi toh shaadi karunga na.”

Twisting his ear lightly, Phulla Bua admonished, “hero jaise shakal hai iska matlab yeh nahi ke meri bachchi ke baare me aisa bologe.”

He grinned, “hero ki heroine toh saalo se fix hai… aur mujhe pata hai meri heroine bahot achcha khana banati hai.”

Phulla Bua face palmed, “hey bhagwaan… Naina… tu bhukkad hero se shaadi kar rahi hai.”

Naina chuckled, “mujhe pata hai pehle se hi.”

Sameer pleaded once more to let him come and meet Naina tomorrow. When Phulla Bua glanced at Naina she also added her own plea by gesture, and so it was decided that he would be allowed to come one more day. But, soon after that Phulla Bua asked, “par… iski ek shart hai… waada karo ke tum shaadi ke kisi rasam me Naina se milne ke liye chori-chupke nahi ghusoge.”

Naina felt her heart skip a beat in dismay at the thought of not seeing him for so many days. Sameer was also lost in some thought; she stared at him, hoping he would find some way out. After a couple of minutes, he nodded, “thike… waada raha, main shaadi se pehle ki kisi rasam ke beech me chori-chupke nahi ghusunga.”

Naina’s mouth fell open at the straight-forward promise he made, but she noticed his calm demeanor and a deep glitter in his eyes which meant he had done something that no one could guess yet. She wondered what was it that even she had missed. Sameer’s promise assured everyone, and he left for that evening after tea with the two teddy-bears tucked in each arm.

A long distance away in Delhi, Vishakha was busy packing several bags to take to Ahmedabad. Mr. Somani was slightly amused with all the preparations and asked how would she take all this in flight, but upon seeing his wife’s dismayed face he said that he will instead get train tickets reserved so that luggage is not an issue. Vishakha agreed to that, and since Rohan was with her she didn’t worry much. Deepika was also excited and had her own set of gifts for her bhaiya-bhabhi, which she didn’t reveal to anyone.

That night as she put more sarees in a bag, Rohan commented, “bhabhi itni saari sareeya kab pehnegi?”

Vishakha smiled, “shaadi ke baad zarurat pad jaati hai beta. Tumhari shaadi hogi na tab samajh aayega.”

“Abhi to waqt hai”, he immediately commented.

His mother exclaimed, “aree… bas Sameer ki shaadi ho jaane do, phir tumhare liye yahi Delhi me ek achchi ladki dhundungi.”

He frowned, “mujhe Delhi ki tezz ladkiya nahi chahiye… mujhe bhi bhai ki tarah Ahmedabad ki ladki chahiye.”

Vishakha was surprised on hearing this, and suddenly teased, “aree waah… apne bhai ke tarah hi sab kuch karna hai toh usi ghar ki dusri beti se shaadi karlo… Preeti… Hamesha movies me dikhate hai do behno ki ek sasural hoti hai, yahan pe dono bhaiyo ka ek sasural hoga.”

Rohan’s eyes widened in shock, and he tried to stand up, but given he was sitting on the edge of bed he promptly fell off. Vishakha hurried to help him, and asked, “kya hua? Tum theek toh ho?”

Rohan nodded, still not sure what to say. Vishakha teased further, “Preeti itni kharab lagti hai ke bed pe se hi gir gaye?”

“Nahi”, he immediately blurted, “maine aisa kab bola.”

Vishakha stifled her laughter, “ohh toh matlab Preeti pasand hai.”

Rohan looked around the room frantically as if searching for an escape route, and said, “aah… Deepika bula rahi hai… main aata hun baad me.”

As he ran away Vishakha laughed and yelled after him, “aree par Deepika toh ghar wapas hi nahi aai ab tak.”

The next morning Naina woke up early to start preparations for sambhar and chutney. To her surprise when she came out after her bath, Preeti was also up, and she queried, “tu aaj khudse itni jaldi kaise uth gai?”

Preeti shrugged, “hum dono banane wale hai na… Phir main soti rahungi toh kaise hoga? Aur phir… umm… main soch rahi thi ke thoda bahot sikh jau, aur jaldi uthu… Tu hogi nahi toh mummy ki help kaun karega.”

Naina smiled at her sister, “waah… meri behen itni samajhdaar ho gai”, and then teased, “ya phir… yeh sab khud sasural jaaneki taiyaari hai?”

Preeti chucked a pillow at Naina, who giggled and ran away. Soon fragrant aroma of spices was wafting from the kitchen as Naina roasted the ingredients for sambhar masala, and on another gas Preeti started preparations for a breakfast of poha. Chachiji was surprised to see both the girls, especially Preeti, working so diligently in kitchen so early in morning. Phulla-Bua happily commented how brilliantly the girls of this house were groomed, and added a thanks to God for not giving Beena a daughter. Everyone laughed at this.

Chachaji did the morning puja and while sprinkling the holy water around the house his gaze fell on the suitcases Naina had packed. His eyes misted at the thought of his daughter leaving this house so soon; it seemed just yesterday that he had taken her in his arms at the hospital when his brother had refused to do that in his rage of losing his beloved wife. He had held the small squirming bundle in his arms and fell in love like it was the first time all over again. The first time the baby girl had opened her eyes and looked at him, he had known what he would like to name her. She had the most beautiful eyes even as a new born; deep, soulful, soft; eyes that reached out to whoever stared into them. The first month had been the toughest for Naina given the complications in her birth, and the lack of mother’s milk. She had spent most of that time in hospital, being fed formula milk, and monitored for any problems in her health. Bela was in her ninth month of pregnancy with Preeti, and yet it had been her who had been with Naina most of the time. Finally, when Preeti was born it was a relief to him and Bela both as it meant that even Naina could have mother’s milk. Naina and Preeti had been born with a gap of just one month, and the house had been a pandemonium with the two girls crying at the top of their voice. He remembered that Naina had always been the easy one to calm down, while Preeti would only pipe down in her mother’s arms. He had often thought that it was as if little Naina knew that she didn’t have her own mother to cling to, and so anyone who could give her warmth would do.

Naina always clung to him as an infant, and then as a toddler. Even when she grew up she would come to him with every question. Bela was definitely her mother, but she had looked up to him more than anyone in the family. And he had to honestly admit that even he was a bit more biased towards Naina as compared to Pooja and Preeti. It wasn’t because of lack of parental love in Naina’s life, but because even when she was kid he could see that Naina was more like him in thoughts and behavior while his own kids had taken after Bela. Naina was like tranquil lake while Preeti was like a hurricane. Yet both the sisters had immense love for each other. And he and Bela had always proudly said that they had three daughters. But now… it was time to let Naina go. And somehow he knew that this would be the most difficult kanyadaan for him. The little bundle had grown in a beautiful, strong woman and he couldn’t be more proud than this, yet the thought of seeing her leave this house seemed to constrict his heart.

Soon it was time for breakfast, and Preeti hollered for her father. The sisters served the tea and food, Phulla Bua started talking about the wedding rituals again, and casually asked, “kanyadaan me Rakesh kya de raha hai Naina ko?”

Anand’s eyes widened and Naina’s head snapped up at the same time, the question shocking them beyond speech. Bela looked at her husband, somehow understanding that he had never thought of someone else doing Naina’s kanyadaan. How could he? He had brought Naina in his arms to this house, he had cared for her the most, fed her, taught her, and now he was also handling the responsibility of getting her married. Yet, now it was being enforced that she was not his daughter. How could he accept that? It didn’t make any sense to him.

Naina also looked devastated at the thought. She didn’t really understand the ritual of kanyadaan, but had often heard elders saying that it was the biggest virtue for a father. But then… Chacahji wasn’t her father technically, yet she had never known someone who was father more than him to her. How funny it was that she had always wanted her father’s love and approval, but had never found it. She had wished for him to be happy for her wedding, but he hadn’t been. And now when the circumstances were such that her father would have to bless her and Sameer in-front of the world but she didn’t really want it… She wanted that honor to belong to Chachaji who in all means had fulfilled the duty of being a father. But how could she voice that?

Anand hesitantly spoke up, “uhh… Humne kabhi bhaisaab se baat nahi ki kanyadaan ke baare me. Darasal woh bahot zyada khush nahi the iss rishte se.”

Phulla Bua frowned, “sone me jada damaad mila hai, aur kya chahiye uss neem chade karele ko khush hone ke liye.”

“Ji woh”, Bela spoke up, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye Buaji… Sameer aur Naina ka prem-vivaah hai na toh isiliye…”

“Prem-vivaah hai toh kya hua… Parivaar ki sehmati se hi ho raha hai na”, Phulla Bua countered.

Drawing some courage Naina expressed, “Dadi-Bua rehnde dijiye na… Papa ko school ke waqt se hi Sameer pasand nahi hai. Par… Chachaji hai na.”

A small smile bloomed on Anand’s face as he understood that just like him Naina had also never thought of someone apart from him fulfilling this responsibility. However Phulla Bua argued, “pasand ho ya na ho… woh tumhare pitaji hai. Anand ne ek baap ki saari zimmedari nibhayi hai par samaj ke saamne agar kanyadaan Rakesh ke alawa koi aur karega toh chaar baate banegi. Main Rakesh se baat karungi.”

As everyone stood up after the meal, Naina went up to Chachaji and hugged him in helplessness. He also hugged her back, sighing, and tried to sound cheerful, “udaas mat ho beta… main toh hamesha tumhare aur Sameer ke saath hi hun. Aur phir… maine toh Pooja ka kanyadaan kiya tha, waqt aane pe Preeti ka bhi karunga… Buaji theek keh rahi hai, tumhara kanyadaan Rakesh bhaisaab ko hi karna chahiye. Unka haq hai… Aur tum bhi toh chahti thi na ke bhaisaab tumhare shaadi ke rasmo me hissa le.”

She didn’t say anything, she had no reply. She knew Chachaji was trying to console her but she also knew that even he was sad. But she also understood that there was nothing she could do. The rules of society were too strong for her to deal with. Closing her eyes she prayed for some miracle.

Sameer spent the morning in wrapping up some office work, and arrived at Agarwal house sharp at noon. Taiji was outside cleaning the glass door with utmost care, and his eyes narrowed on recalling how Naina had cried yesterday. Putting up a fake smile, he greeted, “Namaste Taiji.”

Beena nearly jumped in shock, “oh bai… Bholuram. Dara hi diya…”

“Kamaal hai”, he replied, “aapki baato se toh dusre log darr jaate hai aur aap mere Namaste se darr gai.”

Taiji adjusted her pallu, “kya bol rahe ho Bholuram… Aur tum iss waqt yahan kya kar rahe ho? Phulla Buaji se milne aaye ho?”

He smirked, “Bua-dadi se toh kal hi mil liya. Abhi toh Naina ke haatho se bana khana khane aaya hun.”

Taiji exclaimed, “neva! Tum kal aaye the?”

He nodded, “haan… Chachaji, Chachiji, Bua-dadi aur main… hum sab ek hi waqt pe mandir se ghar aaye the. Preeti aur Naina ghar pe hi the… akele… aapko toh pata hi hoga?”

Taiji stammered, “mu…mujhe… uhh… mujhe kaise pata hoga. Main toh pure din kaam me lagi rehti hun.”

He tilted his head, his eyes glittering, “woh bhi hai… ghar me kaanch ka samaan zyada ho toh kaam badh hi jaata hai. Dekhiye na… darwaza wapas nahi lagvata toh aapko saaf nahi karna padta…” Lifting his hand, he stroked the fragile designer glass, “soch raha hun Pralay ke saath wapas cricket khelu.”

Taiji backed to the door, shielding it, as if to save it from flying cricket balls, “oh bai… idhar cricket nahi khelte…”

Sameer let out a short sharp laugh, the glimmer in his eyes deepening dangerously, “aree main toh mazak kar raha tha Taiji… aap toh apne darwaze ki suraksha me lag gai.”

Before Taiji could reply, there was a sound of another door opening, and Naina called his name, “Sameer… aa gaye tum?”

He turned, this time smiling genuinely, “haan… aur hamesha ki tarah tumhe pata chal gaya.”

She grinned, and he walked towards her taking in the deep pink salwar-kameez she had worn specially for him. Her gaze shifted to Taiji for a second, but before gloom could settle in or she would be forced to greet her, Sameer slipped an arm around her waist and backed her into the house. She instinctively clutched his arms and looked up at him, her eyes wide in shock at this possessive and romantic gesture; she had never expected him to do such a thing here where all or any of her family members could see them. Blushing the same shade as her dress, she stuttered, “k…kya kar rahe ho?”

He smiled, drawing back from her and closing the door, “anchahe logo se dur rakh raha hun tumhe.”

She chuckled, “aur koi hume aise dekh leta toh… log kya kehte?”

He shrugged, “yahi kehte ke dulhe se aur intezaar nahi ho raha. Usme konsi badi baat hai, woh toh main waise bhi gala faadke chillane ko taiyar hun.”

A small laughter erupted from her throat, the first one after the tedious morning, and hearing that the rest of the family trooped out. Preeti grinned, “mujhe laga hi ke jijaji aa gaye. Aur koi Naina ko hasa hi nahi sakta tha.”

Sameer curiously queried, “kyun? Phir se kuch hua kya?”

Naina replied before her sister blurted something, “kuch nahi hua… bas bidaai ka sochke sab udaas ho gaye the thoda.”

“Oh”, Sameer scratched his head as if thinking, and then suggested helpfully, “har mahine me ek hafta ghar jamai banne ko taiyar hun main.”

That made everyone laugh and outside Taiji who had been listening at the door wondered what was it that made everyone so happy, and why was the door closed. Sameer rubbed his tummy, and said, “Naina…”

“Bhuk lagi hai”, she completed his sentence with a smile making him grin wide. Today he was dressed in his usual jeans and a green shirt. She liked these bold shades on him, prints also looked good, but there was something so masculine about simple plain shirts in bold colors. It reminded her of the era when men didn’t sit in office but rather primarily did physical labour. These earthy colors held a rugged appeal that added to his overall masculine flair, and to add to that he had a habit of rolling up his sleeves and keeping two buttons of his shirt open. It never failed to entice her… Suddenly a loud snap of fingers and his deep voice interrupted her thoughts, “aise dekhti rahogi toh tumhari bhuk shayad mitegi… meri nahi.”

Her eyes widened and face flushed as she realized that she had been blatantly ogling at him in-front of her whole family. The sounds of giggles were proof of how everyone had noticed and probably understood. God… What was wrong with her? And what was he doing spouting stuff like that in-front of family? No one was fool enough to not understand. Mortified she ran into the kitchen, and Preeti followed. Sameer went to wash his hands and then sat on the dining table with the rest of the family. Soon the food was served and Phulla Bua enquired about how to eat this dish. It was fun to teach Dadi-bua about the new type of food, and she was rather game at it. Discussions turned to several other cuisines and she mentioned she had heard a lot about pizza and wanted to try it once. Bela offered to make it, saying she had the recipe from a magazine, but Preeti discouraged it reminding that it had burnt very badly.

“Naina bana legi”, Sameer declared confidently.

She was puzzled, “main? Main kaise banaungi… maine kabhi nahi banaya.”

He shrugged, “toh kya hua… matar paneer bhi toh pehli baar banaya tha college me.”

Bela vaguely remembered the incident, how Naina had insisted on preparing matar-paneer saying she wanted to surprise her friend. Finally understanding who that friend was, she asked, “woh bhi Suman ke liye tha?”

Naina was surprised at the sudden question, and frowned in confusion. Who Suman? What was Chachiji talking about? And then it clicked… all those years ago when she was sixteen and had cooked up the story of Suman’s birthday to attend Sameer’s party. Chuckling she nodded, “haan… Suman ke liye hi.”

Sameer was puzzled, “kaun Suman? Hamare college me toh koi Suman nahi thi.”

Bela and Naina giggled not disclosing their secret, even though Anand and Preeti coaxed them, and Sameer decided that he would make a point to ask her as soon as possible. Surely Naina would tell him. Post lunch Sameer thought of how to stay back for some more time, since this was technically the last meeting before wedding. Although he was determined to find a way out, but still… he wanted to hold her once more today. Phulla-Bua made the situation worse by reminding that it was the last visit, and he should remember his promise. He pouted, “baar baar kyun yaad dila rahe hai? Torture shuru ho raha hai.”

Phulla Bua smiled, “kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padta hai. Naina se shaadi karni hai toh usse dur bhi rehna padega. Phir toh puri zindagi tumhare saath hi hogi woh.”

His eyes moved to Naina who was hovering around in the kitchen tidying things up, and he muttered, “Naina ke saath bitaane ke liye toh puri zindagi bhi kam lagti hai.”

Phulla Bua smiled, her heart melting at the love she was witnessing in the young man’s eyes for his would-be wife. It made her remember the days of her youth when she also had so many dreams of love in her eyes. She had lived a fulfilled life, and she had no complains. Yet now, all these years later, she wondered how Sameer Maheshwari could make her wish for those years of magical love all over again. What was this man? And how did Naina find him? She was happy beyond measure that her little princess had found a befitting prince, someone who would treat her like a queen forever.

While he was still debating on how to prolong his stay, Naina came out and said, “Sameer… agar aapke paas thoda waqt hai toh ruk jaiye na… Meri story ka adha draft ready hai, jitna aapne maanga tha publisher ko dikhane ke liye.”

His eyes lit up, “really? Itni jaldi likh liya tumne?”

She smiled, “haan… rukenge?”

“Of course”, he replied excitedly, “mujhe padhna hai abhi.”

Bela helped Phulla Bua to her room, and she herself went in her own room followed by Chachaji. Preeti mentioned that she would have to go the parlor as she would be taking leaves soon. Sameer looked around, blinking in surprise at suddenly finding himself alone with Naina in the living room. Naina took his hand and pulled him to her bedroom, latching the door behind them, and then even before he could exclaim in surprise her lips were on his. And the only coherent thought in his mind before he blanked out was that when had she brushed her teeth as he could feel the minty taste of toothpaste.

She teased his lips until he opened, and then kissed him as if she was hungry for his taste. Her small hands framed his face, tilting his head as per her requirement, and her mouth worked magic. His hands clutched onto her waist as if he was holding on for dear life… and he was… Naina was making him feel a thousand things… things which he shouldn’t be feeling now… not here, but he was… And as her hands made their way to his hair, and she pressed more to him, he trembled once and then within a few seconds the control of the kiss was no longer hers. He grabbed her, lifted her and carried her to the bed, his body buzzing with urgent need. She understood what was happening and wanted very much to let it happen, but somewhere in her brain she knew he wouldn’t really want it. So she grabbed him and pulled him on top of her, and hugged him. His fingers clutched at the fabric of her dress at her shoulders and his body pressed her heavily to the bed, trying to find some way to touch her skin. However, after a few minutes he calmed down, shifting to move his weight from top of her, and sighed, “tumhe aisa nahi karna chahiye Naina… main khud ko rok nahi paa raha hun.”

She kissed his ear, and then turned so that they were lying side by side, “sorry… par kiss kare bina kaise rahu samajh nahi aa raha tha.”

“Story likhi bhi hai? Ya sirf bahana tha?”, he asked.

She smiled, “likhi hai. Sameer… tumne bahar waada kar diya Phulla Bua ko, tum sach me itne din nahi miloge mujhse?”

He teased, “kyun? Tum bhi toh maanti ho inn sab rasmo me… toh phir rahogi na mujhse dur.”

She stared at him for half a minute and then scooted closer, burying her face in his chest, “nahi reh sakti… aisa wadaa kyun kiya tumne?”

He wrapped his hand and leg around her, tucking her fully to his body, and murmured, “main bhi nahi reh sakta… aur nahi rahunga. Chinta mat karo. Shaadi se pehle aaj akhri din nahi hai hamare milne ka.”

Satisfied with his reply she hummed and closed her eyes, ready to fall asleep like she usually did, but this time Sameer pulled away and sat up. She sighed, understanding once again that they couldn’t even do that here. They sat and talked for some time, and then before anyone in her family would wake up, he kissed her softly once, took the story draft and started to leave from there, but before he could get out, someone rang the doorbell. He froze wondering if it was Taiji who had come to check on them. Behind him Naina also stiffened, but Chachiji came out on hearing the doorbell and murmured, “beta khadi kyun hai… Tere chachaji ne aadmi bulvaye hai kaam ke liye, darwaza khol de.”

Sighing with relief Naina moved forward and opened the door. A man greeted them and Chachiji asked him to wait till she called Chachaji. Sameer wondered if he should leave or wait, but seeing that Naina was alone in the living room he stood there with her. Anand soon came out and talked to the man, discussing a few things with him and then they went downstairs together. Chachiji informed them that there were two potholes after the monsoon last year which needed to be filled as the wedding would happen from here. Sameer decided to leave, but Bela stopped him, “beta thodi der ruk jao. Preeti ke papa niche gaye hai kaam dekhne aur ghar me koi nahi hai… Agar bhabhiji phirse…”

Sameer interrupted, “main yahin hun. Waise bhi Naina bahot achcha chai banati hai… Peeke hi jaunga.”

Naina laughed at his enthusiasm to stay back, and moved to the kitchen because she knew he would also eat something. Sameer sat on the swing his eyes fixed on Naina who was fluttering around in the kitchen and he dreamt of how it would be when they would be married. She would probably keep tea and snacks ready for him every day as soon as he came from office. And that was when it hit him… In just a few days he wouldn’t be coming to an empty home anymore. There would be someone who would wait for him to come home, to welcome him with a smile, to ask him how his day was, to listen to his worries, to talk to him. The feeling was so overwhelming for him that he stood up and walked to the kitchen. Standing behind her he placed his palms on her shoulder, and she turned to look at him, and queried, “kya hua?”

He swallowed, trying to string his thoughts in order, and managed to whisper, “ehsaas hua ke kuch aur dino me main akela nahi rahunga.”

She smiled and turned in his arms, hugging him tightly, “I love you.” He too wrapped his arms around her, “I love you too Naina.”

Chachaji’s voice floated from downstairs as he called for Naina, and Sameer chuckled, “aisa laga raha hai ke shaadi ke baad hamare romance me koi rukawat daal raha hai.”

She disentangled herself from his arms and went to the balcony, but Chachaji surprisingly asked for Sameer. When he came out, Chachaji said, “zara Rakesh bhaisaab ke scooter ki chaabi leke niche aao na. Scooter hatana padega yahan se.”

Sameer muttered, “mar gaya”, making Naina laugh out.

Resigned to his fate, he grabbed the keys and went downstairs. Smiling slightly at old memories he unlocked the steering and pushed it down from its stand. He tried to kick-start it but it didn’t work, probably because it was now extremely old, and so he kicked harder. Just then from behind, a familiar irritated voiced yelled, “aree o… kya kar rahe ho mere scooter ke saath?”

Anand threw an apologetic look at Sameer and wandered away to talk to the workers. From upstairs Naina covered her mouth, giggling, and she was soon joined by Chachiji and Phulla Bua. Sameer parked the scooter, and turned it off, trying to explain, “main bas scooter hata raha tha.”

Rakesh grumbled, “yeh koi aisa waisa scooter nahi hai… pata hai kitne saal pehle kharida hai. Isko pyaar se sambhalna padta hai.”

Sameer frowned, and blurted, “pata hai… pehle bhi kar chuka hun…” He trailed off as he realized what he was accepting, and Rakesh narrowed his eyes, asking, “kya kaha tumne?”

“Kuch bhi toh nahi”, Sameer muttered, “Naina ne chai bana li hogi, main upar jaata hun.”

Rakesh followed him, “aree ruko.”

Anand also followed sensing some trouble, and no matter how much Sameer tried to escape Rakesh was right behind him repeatedly asking what he was saying. Naina also tried to evade the topic by saying, “rehne dijiye na papa. Chai ban gai hai pee lijiye.”

Rakesh however was adamant, “pee lunga chai. Pehle isse pucho ke yeh mere scooter ke baare me kya bol raha tha.”

Anand tried to intervene, “bhaisaab woh bas yeh keh raha tha ke scooter zara purana ho gaya hai na isiliye shuru nahi ho rahi thi.”

“Purana”, Rakesh exclaimed, “itna bhi purana nahi hai ke chale nahi. Mujhse toh chal jaati hai.”

Sameer muttered under his breath, “shehenshah Akbar ke zamane ka scooter hai aur kehte hai itna bhi purana nahi hai.”

Rakesh immediately rounded on him, “kya bole tum phir se.” Naina moved ahead hoping to diffuse the situation, but Sameer held her hand, pulling her back, and confessed, “niche main keh raha tha ke aapka scooter pehle bhi chala chuka hun. Mera matlab… dhakel ke le jaa chuka hun.”

There was a stunned silence, everyone stared at Sameer and then Rakesh asked, “kab?”

Sameer shrugged, “school me… Mt. Abu trip se pehle, jis din aapka scooter compound se gayab ho gaya tha. Aur aap mujhe principal sir ke paas leke gaye the.”

Rakesh hesitantly queried, “par uss din mera scooter toh main ghar pe bhul gaya tha na?”

“Nahi”, Sameer replied, “mujhse uss din subah cricket khelte hue galti se aapke scooter ki headlight tut gai thi.” Everyone except Naina gasped, and Sameer continued, “Munna aur Pandit ne kaha ke aapko pata chal gaya toh aap kabhi nahi maanoge ke mujhse galti se tuti hai. Aap sochoge ke maine jaan-bujhke todi hai aur phir aap mujhe trip pe nahi aane doge. Aur mera trip pe jaana bahot zaruri tha. Isiliye hum teeno aapka scooter ek garage me le gaye repair karwane, par main Naina se baat karne me lag gaya aur hum waqt pe wapas laane jaa nahi paaye. Isse pehle ke hum scooter laa paate, aap aa gaye aur mujhe principal ke paas le gaye.”

Rakesh digested all this and then fumed, “iska matlab unn do bandaro ne tumko bachaya.”

Sameer smirked, “unme itni akkal kahan thi… mujhe toh aapki beti ne bachaya. Usika idea tha ke scooter ghar pe le aaye aur aapko yaqeen dila de ke aap bhul gaye.”

All eyes shifted to Naina who was standing partially hidden behind Sameer. Rakesh disbelievingly asked, “tune bachaya?”

Naina nodded, and slowly spoke up, “aap sach me nahi maante ke Sameer ki galti nahi thi, aur humne trip ke liye bahot planning ki hui thi. Isiliye yeh sab kiya… aur phir Sameer ne headlight todi toh nayi bhi toh lagva di na. Please Sameer ko mat daantiye.”

Rakesh glared at his daughter, but Sameer moved sideways shielding her completely from his view. There was an unnatural silence in Agarwal house, and then Rakesh sighed, “nahi daantunga kisiko. Bandh karo ek dusre ko bachana ab.”

Suddenly Phulla Bua laughed, “aisa lag raha hai ke ab tak woh 16 saal ke Sameer aur Naina ek dusre ko Rakesh ke gusse se bachane ki koshish kar rahe hai.”

The tension eased and everyone chuckled or laughed, even Rakesh smiled grudgingly accepting that he had indeed been fooled, and had consumed almonds continuously for six months hoping it would help improve his otherwise weakening memory power. This made everyone laugh harder and Preeti entered inside at just that moment, surprised to see everyone gathered in the living room and laughing. She queried, “kya baat ho gai ke sab has rahe hai? Rakesh tauji bhi…”

The tale was repeated over tea and snacks, with all the details of how the rescue mission was carried out. Sometime later Rakesh queried, “tumhe itne saal baad bhi uss din ki har ek baat kaise yaad hai?”

Sameer chuckled, “do wajah hai… pehli, uss din jab principal sir ne aapka number maanga tha tab aapse pehle main almost bol pada tha kyunki mujhe toh number yaad tha, par ekdum time pe khud ko rok liya.” He glanced at Naina and softly added, “aur dusri wajah, uss din pehli baar mujhe kisine pyaar se daanta tha.”

Naina blushed slightly but smiled and said, “tum ek number ke budhdhu ho, padhaichor ho aur aalsi ho.”

The elders were surprised, but Sameer laughed out loud, and replied, “bas aisi daant sunne ke liye puri zindagi ulti-seedhi harkate karta rahunga.”

Rakesh knew that Sameer and Naina had been in love since school but still he kept feeling surprised at all these little details that he was getting to know. He hadn’t been happy when the wedding was fixed, he had thought that Sameer was not fit to be his daughter’s husband, and so he had always made sure to show his displeasure. Even after Naina had defended Sameer’s name and spoken against him for the first time he had not wanted to accept their relationship. But slowly with time Sameer’s constant respect for him had eroded the rough edges of his anger, and the day he had seen his daughter almost fainting on knowing about Sameer’s accident he had understood the depth of her feelings. And then when he had seen Sameer’s relief on having Naina with him again, he had known the magnitude of the love they shared. Now he felt at a loss often on how to behave with them, and along with that another worry was added… He was Naina’s father, but he hadn’t prepared anything for her wedding… This fact hadn’t bothered him before, but now he wondered what he could do.

The next day Sameer stayed busy in wrapping up his work as it was officially his last day in office until the wedding. Finally on the morning of 1^st February, Vishakha arrived with Rohan and Deepika, and Sameer was there at the station to receive them. For a moment he was surprised on seeing the quantity of bags that they had brought along, “paanch suitcases?”

Rohan laughed, “bhai yeh toh kuch bhi nahi… Papa aur Dadi ke saath do-teen aur aayenge.”

Sameer frowned, “itna sab kya hai? Saari shopping toh yahan hui hai.”

Vishakha smiled, “uff kitne sawaal puch rahe ho. Aisa nahi ke puch lo ke kahin mummy train ke safar se thak toh nahi gai na.”

Sameer smiled and hugged his mother, surprising her as it was the first time he did something like this on his own. Behind her Rohan grinned knowing how much his mother would treasure this, and picked up two suitcases. Deepika jumped up and down, “bhaiya mujhe bhi… mujhe bhi…”

Sameer pulled away from his mother, and went to hug his sister, but she sidestepped and jumped on his back. He exclaimed in surprise, “aree yeh kya kar rahi ho?”

Deepika held on to his shoulders, and squealed, “itna bhi nahi pata ise piggy back bolte hai.”

Sameer was extremely astonished at this, but remembered a time in Delhi when she had been so small and demanded this ride but in his anger he had refused. He smiled and helped her adjust the hold so that her arms wrapped around his throat, and her legs were against his waist, and Deepika laughed in delight. “Thik se pakadna”, he instructed and then leaned down to pick up two more suitcases.

Vishakha tried to stop him, “aree beta kya kar rahe ho. Deepika ko neeche utaar do… Suitcase bhi loge aur use bhi uthaoge.”

Sameer shook his head, “chalega mummy.”

“Nahi beta”, Vishakha argued, “Deepika saat saal ki nahi terah saal ki hai…  Utaro use.”

Sameer smiled, “jab saat saal ki thi tab iski ichcha puri nahi ki thi maine, toh aaj kar deta hun. Aap ek suitcase le lijiye bas.” Saying so he started to walk forward, with a suitcase in each hand, and Deepika clinging to his back, extremely happy with the ride from her brother. Vishakha smiled, slightly astonished at her son’s strength, and followed them out along with Rohan.

Reaching the car Sameer knelt to keep the suitcases down, and then touched Deepika’s knees, “ab utarna hai ya aur ride chahiye.”

Deepika laughed and untangled her legs, sliding down to ground, then came in-front of him and hugged him, “thank you bhaiya.” Sameer looked down at his sister, her head only came up to his waist, and he stroked her hair, wondering why he had ever been angry on such a precious kid. Rohan came up to them, and grumbled, “yeh sahi hai… mummy ko hug mil gaya, Deepika ko ride aur hug dono, par chote bhai se sirf suitcase uthvao.”

Sameer laughed, and moved towards him, “aaja… tujhe bhi god me uthata hun.”

“Kya? Nahi…”, Rohan tried to evade as his brother attemped to hold his legs to lift him. A small scuffle ensued with shrieks and yells, which ended in both the brothers sprawling on the ground much to the amusement of Vishakha and Deepika. Passers-by threw curious glances at them, but Sameer didn’t bother to pay any attention. He was happy, genuinely happy that his family was here…

Later that day Vishakha suggested going to meet Naina, and Sameer immediately agreed readily. But as the party of four arrived at Agarwal house they were greeted with Phulla Bua at the door, who adjusted her glasses and peered at Sameer, “tum yahan kya kar rahe ho heroji?”

Sameer bit his lip, and slowly answered, “Naina se milne aaye hai hum sab… Mummy ko milna tha… aur Rohan aur Deepika ko bhi.”

Bela was standing behind Phulla Bua, and she looked towards the bedrooms strictly instructing, “tum dono andar jao abhi. Jab bulaungi tab sirf Preeti bahar aayegi.”

Vishakha was puzzled by all this and also it was unusual for the Agarwal family to keep them standing at the threshold. They were always so gracious, and so she asked, “kya baat hai? Kuch problem hai kya?”

Phulla Bua smiled, “nahi beta… Aaiye ab aap log.” As everyone stepped in she further explained, “darasal ab Naina aur Sameer mil nahi sakte. Parso aakhri din tha unke milne ka. Isiliye humne Naina ko andar bhej diya.”

“Oh”, Vishakha exclaimed in surprise, “par Sameer ne toh hume bataya hi nahi. Warna hum usko nahi laate na…”

Sameer crossed his arms and muttered, “isiliye toh nahi bataya na.”

Rohan chuckled, and Deepika piped up, “mujhe bhabhi se milna hai. Bulao na unko.”

Bela went to the bedroom, and brought Preeti outside, and then said to everyone, “ab aap log andar jaake Naina se mil lijiye.”

Sameer pouted, “chachiji yeh galat baat hai… mera kya kasoor.”

Bela smiled, adjusting her pallu, “beta yeh toh rasam hai. Main isme kuch nahi kar sakti.”

Vishakha stood up to go inside, but just then Pralay came rushing in, “Naina didi… Preeti didi… mera…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Preeti caught his arm, “chup kar… kitna chilla raha hai. Dekh nahi raha jijaji aaye hai.”

Pralay flashed a grin at Sameer, and frowned at Deepika; then turned to Preeti and gestured her to bend, and whispered something in her ears. Preeti smiled, and then whispered something back to him. The back and forth happened once more, and then Pralay came over to Sameer, “chalo na jijaji… cricket khelte hai.”

Bela immediately said, “bhagwan jhuth na bulaye… phir se balcony me cricket.”

“Mujhe nahi jaana”, Sameer spoke up, “man nahi hai.”

Pralay tried to tug his hand, “jiaji chalo na… warna mera…” Once again Preeti interrupted, “Pralay haath khichna bandh kar… Jijaji… aap chale jao na… Pralay ka bada man hai.”

Sameer scowled and was about to say no again, but Preeti quickly winked, and he understood that his saali had some plan in her mind. He didn’t know what it was but if it ended with him meeting Naina then he was okay to play as much cricket as required. When Pralay asked again, he smiled and stood up, “thike chalo.”

While stepping out of the door, Pralay turned back and said, “main inko neeche le jaa raha hun.”

Phulla Bua sighed in relief and instructed, “Preeti jaa darwaza bandh karde aur Naina ko yahan le aa.”

Preeti did as instructed with a glitter in her eyes. When Naina came outside, she quickly scanned the crowd and her smile dimmed a bit on seeing no traces of Sameer. Deepika immediately jumped up to hug her, and Rohan grinned waving at her. Vishakha gestured her to sit, and then said, “Sameer niche gaya cricket khelne Pralay ke saath.”

Naina frowned, “apne aap?”

Bela laughed, “nahi beta… bhagana pada damadji ko… warna tu bahar nahi aa paati na.”

Naina nodded, trying to not feel so sad. Deepika and Rohan constantly tried to cheer her up, and also told her the tale of the piggy back ride. After thirty minutes or so, Naina excused herself to go to the washroom, and Preeti went behind her till the kitchen, before diverting to get some water. Naina went inside the bathroom and closed the door, locking it, and closed her eyes.

Jijaji tera room me intezaar kar rahe hai.

Preeti’s whispered words made her heart race. Was it right? How could it be possible? Sameer had gone to play cricket downstairs, that’s what everyone said outside. Then how could he be in her room? But what if he was? She quickly undid the other door, and was immediately tugged forward into a strong pair of arms. The clasp of arms was something she was accustomed to and the scent that flooded her nostrils was familiar. She smiled, burrowing in his chest, and heard the deep rumble of his voice as if it originated from his chest, “sharam nahi aati… bedroom me ghuse chor ke baaho me aise aa gai. Tumhe kya pata chor ke iraade…”

She chuckled, drawing back a bit, “main toh chahti hun ke iss chor ke iraade bilkul nek na ho.”

He quirked his eyebrow, a smirk curving his lips, “matlab?”

She bit her lip, enjoying the way his eyes darkened, and then grabbed his collar, pulling him down for a kiss. He hummed, blood zinging through his veins as her tongue teased him, pleasured him; his hands drifted down to her hips, angling her body to his, and she acquiesced inching as close as was possible. She quivered, her fingers wandering to his hair, tugging at the strands impatiently, and he made a soft sound, leaving her lips and moving to her throat. Couple of minutes passed and their exploration was interrupted by a rude sound from outside, “oh bai! Yeh seedi yahan kya kar rahi hai?”

Sameer and Naina separated, panting for breath, and he cursed, understanding what had happened. On the other hand she was puzzled and queried, “kya baat hai?”

He combed his fingers through his hair and said, “main Taiji ke ghar se tumhare room ke balcony me aaya tha… do balcony ke beech me seedi rakhke.”

Her eyes widened, “Sameer… itna risk… tumhe kuch ho jaata toh.”

“Kuch nahi hua mujhe”, he assured, “par ab wapas kaise jaunga… pipe se bhi niche nahi utar paunga din me toh. Aur gharwale…”

Even as he trailed off they could hear sounds outside living room, and he knew that their little game was up. They couldn’t go out together, and he couldn’t escape from the balcony. He glanced at Naina who was gazing at the balcony with a frown, but had his hand in her clasp, sticking close to him, completely unconcerned about the consequences of them being caught together in her room. He smiled, loving how natural it was for her to be with him even though they weren’t married yet. Well… she might not be concerned, but he was… family or not, he couldn’t let anyone raise a finger on Naina’s character. And so he turned and cupped her face, making her look up at him, and whispered, “suno… hume sab saath me dekhenge toh baate banayenge. Tum bathroom me jao, aur living room me nikalna… yeh wala darwaza main bahar se bandh karunga, aur tum andar se bhi kar dena… Kisiko pata na chale ke tumne mujhe dekha hai. Jab sab log iss kamre me aayenge toh aisa hi behave karna jaise tumko pata nahi ke main yahan hun…”

She scowled, not liking the idea at all, and objected, “par Sameer…”

He dipped and kissed her softly, “shsh… mujhe pata hai tumhe yeh achcha nahi laga… par bharosa karo… abhi yahi sahi hai. Sab mujhe dhundenge, aur main tumko iss maamle ke beech me nahi laa sakta.”

She sighed, and stopped arguing with him, believing that he would know best, and there was always a reason to whatever he did. She kissed him one last time, nipping at his lower lip as punishment for sending her away and taking the blame on himself, and then went inside the bathroom, locking the door. At the same time she heard the stopper sliding in outside too, and knew that he had locked the door as well. Thinking for a moment, she undid the bottle of Dettol, pouring some on the floor and some on her dress, and then kept the bottle back on the edge of sink making it look as if someone had kept it there hastily. Then she used some water from the bucket to wipe the Dettol stain on her dress.

Soon enough, as per his prediction, everyone did start to look for him. Taiji narrated the tale about ladder, and also declared that it meant Bholuram had used it to go into Naina’s room. Pralay was questioned but he remained tight-lipped, refusing to answer, making Deepika smile at him. Taiji voiced that it must be Naina’s plan, but just then Naina came out of the bathroom, a puzzled expression on her face, “kya baat hai? Aap sab log itna shor kyun kar rahe hai?”

Vishakha gently asked, “beta… tumne Sameer ko dekha kya?”

Naina shook her head, “nahi toh… aap logo ne hi toh bataya ke woh niche gaye hai Pralay ke saath.”

“Toh tu inti der bathroom me kya maala jap rahi thi?” Taiji questioned sarcastically.

Naina folded her arms, her face taking on the expressions she used to command kindergarten kids, “mere dress pe Dettol gir gaya tha… pata nahi kisne bottle khuli chod di… farsh pe bhi fail gaya. Main wahi saaf kar rahi thi.”

Taiji wasn’t daunted, “kadi lagake?”

Naina quirked a brow, “main bathroom hamesha kadi lagake hi istemaal karti hun… par aap itne sawaal kyun kar rahi hai… Sameer bathroom me nahi hai.”

“Toh kamre me hoga”, Taiji prompted.

Naina smiled, “aapne dekha nahi ab tak? Kamre me main aur Preeti dono nahi hai matlab kamre ki kadi toh khuli hui hogi.”

Bela came forward, glanced once at Naina, and pushed the door open, gasping at the sight that greeted her. Sameer was seated on the chair at Naina’s desk, flipping the pages of a book disinterestedly. As everyone trooped in, Sameer stood up and smiled, “main soch hi raha tha ke kab tak bechare Pralay ki class lenge aur mujhe bahar dhundte rahenge.” Then he looked at Naina and grinned, “Hi…”

She smiled wide and stepped forward to go to him, but Bela caught her hand. Vishakha asked, “tum yahan kaise aaye?”

Sameer shrugged, “Taiji ke ghar se… dono balcony ke beech me seedi rakh di… asaan tha.”

Deepika giggled, and Rohan shook his head at his brother’s audacity, he thought he would never have the courage to do such stunts. Phulla Bua narrowed her eyes and queried, “aisa kyun kiya?”

Sameer sighed, “sorry bua-dadi… main Naina se mile bina, usko dekhe bina nahi reh sakta. Aur phir yeh sab rasmo me main nahi maanta… Aap logo me se mujhe koi bhi yeh samjha sakta hai ke agar main aur Naina shaadi se pehle milte hai toh kya aafat aayegi?”

Phulla Bua gently explained, “beta… yeh rasme purane zamane se chali aa rahi hai. Shaadi se pehle dulhan ko ghar se bahar nahi nikalne dete aur paraye logo se milne nahi dete taaki woh buri nazar se bachi rahe… Aise me dulha-dulhan ka milna apshakun hota hai.”

Sameer’s lips curved in a lopsided smirk, “agar Naina ko meri nazar se bachna hota toh mujhse shaadi hi nahi karti.” There were several gasps in the room while Naina blushed, smiling at the way he was always so openly declared about their relationship. Phulla Bua wanted to be angry on him, but the way he clearly defended his actions, respected everyone in family and yet never failed to proclaim his love for Naina made her smile. Sameer was one rare species of male that was extremely difficult to come by, and she knew that no matter how he entered in the room if there was one person in this entire room who would anything for Naina it would be him. So she calmed down and said, “main jaanti hun tum Naina se bahot pyaar karte ho… aur Naina bhi tumse utna hi pyaar karti hai… par tumne mujhse wadaa kiya tha ke tum nahi miloge.”

Sameer grinned, “maine toh waada kiya tha ke main shaadi se pehle ki kisi rasam me chori-chupke nahi ghusunga… par aaj koi rasam thodi na hai.”

Naina let out a soft laugh on hearing this; Preeti and Rohan also giggled; Bela and Vishakha covered their mouth to control their smile. Phulla Bua slapped her own forehead, “hey bhagwaan… yeh itna sa ladka mujhe bewakuf banane nikla hai… Chalo ab wadaa karo Naina se shaadi ke din tak nahi miloge.”

Sameer scowled, crossing his arms, his expressions mutinous, “kabhi nahi karunga aisa wadaa.”

“Iska matlab tumne sab soch rakha hai”, Phulla Bua deduced, “batao kaise ghusne ka socha hai mehndi me aur baaki rasmo me? Aur tumhe Naina ki kasam… sach sach bolo.”

His eyes glittered as he answered, “mujhe toh pata hi nahi ab tak ke main kaise milunga Naina se tab… darasal woh plan main nahi bana raha.”

Everyone knew that he was telling the truth because he would never lie on Naina’s swear. But then how was it possible? Naina also wondered that if he didn’t have any plan then who did. Unknown to everyone in that room except Sameer, his faithful friends Munna and Pandit were scouting the areas around the society and the terraces at that very moment to find the best locations of executing their plan. They all tried to grill Sameer some more for answers but he was completely honest about not having the slightest idea of any plan.

Finally, defeated by the iron-like will-power of Sameer, Phulla Bua turned to Naina, and demanded, “tu waada kar mujhse ke tu Sameer ko apne paas aane nahi degi.”

Naina’s eyes widened in fear, her heart thundering, and her hands turned cold. She looked towards him, tears gathering in her eyes, hoping he would have some solution. Sameer had been enjoying the entertainment until then, but as soon as he saw the tears in her eyes, he stopped giving a damn about everyone in the room. Moving forward, he grabbed her hand, and pulled her to him. He lifted his hand, and wiped a betraying tear with his thumb, making her shiver. Keeping his voice low and soothing he said, “tumhe yaad hai jab Rakesh sir ne tumko mujhe padhane se roka tha, aur tumse waada liya tha ke tum mujhe kabhi nahi padhaogi…”

She gazed up at him, and nodded, puzzled by what he wanted to say. He gave a brief smile, “maine tab bhi tumhe nahi roka tha aur aaj bhi nahi rokunga. Tum jo wadaa karna chaho kar sakti ho, bina kisi darr ke… Aur haan… woh notes aur gaane dono ne meri badi help ki thi.”

“Naina”, Phulla Bua called, trying to be strict although even she thought once of forgetting the rituals seeing the tears and desperation in Naina’s eyes.

Naina looked from Sameer to the gathered crowd, her brows furrowed as she tried to think what Sameer wanted to tell her. She clearly remembered how she had been scared of her father and promised to not teach Sameer… But… She hadn’t been able to stay away from him, and so she had tried to motivate him with songs, and even tried to pass on her notes to him through Munna and Pandit. Her heart leaped as she understood what he wanted to say… He wanted to tell her that he trusted her enough to find some way to promise and yet leave a loop hole, just like he had done… just like she had done all those years ago when she had promised to not teach him, but never promised to not help him.

Thinking for another minute Naina took a deep breath and said, “main wadaa karti hun ke agar shaadi se pehle rasmo ke dauraan Sameer mujhse milne aate hai toh main unse nahi milungi.”

All the women in the room nodded with satisfaction, pleased with themselves, while beside her Sameer bit the inner part of his lips to try and stop the gleeful smile that would have spread across his face otherwise.