Tum Dena Saath Mera
Chapter 1: The Decision

Birds twittered on the trees, small vendors opened their stalls to sell tea and snacks, the paper boy made his rounds followed by the milkman ten minutes later. It was a normal morning in Mumbai, and like every day all the residents of Sea Queen Apartment opened their doors with vessel in hand to get the milk. The milkman smiled and chattered as he poured out fresh milk using a long deep aluminum ladle. However, as he reached the next door of his tour, he sighed aloud, not really wanting to be subjected to an early morning scolding, but unable to avoid it as the residents were his customers and paid him for the milk… And so after whispering a mental prayer, he rang the bell…

Immediately a man opened the door, and he started to pour out the milk without a word. The man grumbled, “poora toh bharo… paani toh milaate the ab kam bhi dene lage ho…”

The milkman sighed, taking bit more milk in his ladle, “kya Rakesh saab… roz subah aap gusse me rehte hai… sabko jitna dudh deta hun utna hi aapko deta hun… apne graahako ko thagke nark me thodi naa jaana hai.”

Rakesh scowled, “waise bhi kya kar loge swarg me jaake… aaj kal toh bhagwaan bhi bina chadawe ke prarthna nahi sunte…”

The milkman shook his head about to reply something, but before that a young woman stepped up, and said, “papa… subah subah kyun daant rahe ho… Laaiye dudh mujhe dijiye…” She smiled at the milkman, “chacha, aap jaiye… kal mahine ka hisaab kar dungi.”

“Ji shukriya bitiya”, the milkman nodded with a toothy smile, “chalta hun ab.”

As Rakesh closed the door, she carried the milk to the kitchen to boil it… No sooner had she set it on gas, that there was a holler from the bedroom, “Naina… mera shirt dena please.”

Rakesh tittered, “yeh Sameer roz shirt kaise bhool jaata hai?”

Naina avoided his gaze, “main press kar rahi thi papa… abhi aai deke… Aap dudh pe dhyan dena.”

Engaging her father to pay attention to the milk, she rushed to the bedroom, closing the door behind her, and was immediately pulled into a hold of warm strong arms. She rested her head against the bare chest of her husband, blushing at the small red mark she could spot, a remembrance of her act from last night. “Tum roz aise bulaate ho, papa ko shaq hone laga hai”, she informed.

Sameer huffed, “toh ab kya karu… nahake bahar aa jaunga living room me toh tumhare papa newspaper padh rahe honge… Wahan tumhara haath bhi pakdu toh ghoorte hai.”

She chuckled, “unko chinta hoti hai na… Kisine hume itne kareeb dekh liya toh… Sabko pata chal jayega hum dono ke baare me.”

He sighed, “kabhi kabhi toh lagta hai yeh sab chod du… tumse itna door rehna, dusro ke saamne tumpe haq na jatana, har waqt dhyan rakhna ke koi dekh toh nahi raha… fizool sa lagta hai… par phir sochta hun yeh acting bhi chod dunga toh karunga kya… Tumne bilkul useless insaan se shaadi ki hai Naina… Naa Nanu ka ghar aur business sambhal saka, naa khudka business jo chalu kiya tha woh kar paaya…”

“Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai”, she immediately assured, nuzzling closer, “bas kuch din ki baat hai… Jab tum famous ho jaoge tab hum sabko bata denge hamare baare me. Dekho na… aaj hi tumhara teesra audition hai… Mujhe yaqeen hai ke yeh ad bhi mil jayega tumhe.”

He kissed the top of her head, “thank you Naina… hamesha mujhpe itna bharosa karne ke liye.”

She smiled, tilting her head to look up at him, “I love you…”

“Jaanta hun”, he teased, “nahate hue peeth ke kharoch jal rahe the aur yeh nishaan toh tum dekh hi rahi ho… sab tumhare pyaar ka nateeja hai.”

Her face flushed, “sorry… davai laga du?”

He dipped his head, softly kissing her lips for a moment, and murmured, “uh huh… mujhe pasand hai… poore din jab tumse dur rehna padta hai tab yeh nishaan sukoon dete hai.” She smiled slightly and he captured her mouth in another kiss, tilting his own head, deepening it. However the loving moment was short-lived as Rakesh called out, “Naina… dudh ubal gaya…”

They both jerked apart, and Sameer raked a hand through his damp hair, muttering in an irritated voice, “kisi din mera khoon ubal jayega.”

She laughed softly, reaching up to peck his lips once more, “aaj ke liye best of luck… dahi-shakkar wala luck bahar deti hun.”

He grinned as she scooted outside the bedroom once more. It had been four months since they had moved to Mumbai, and their struggles seemed to be never ending. They had adjusted to the small apartment, living with Rakesh sir, dealing with nosy neighbors; but when it came to their financial condition there was still no improvement. His first audition had been a failure, but in second audition he had managed to land an ad for pressure cooker. The pay however was not enough… Meanwhile Naina had also started working in an accounts firm to make ends meet. He hoped he would get some proper assignments soon enough, so that he could fulfill some of his responsibilities at least.

Like every day he dressed up, helped Naina in the kitchen to prepare food, packed her lunch while she got ready for work, and then they together ate breakfast. The three of them had become like a family like none of them ever had… Naina had craved for her father’s love all her life and had finally found it truly in Mumbai; Sameer had never had a family life except for the brief time he spent with Nanu, but now he knew the exact feeling of having a loving and supporting family; Rakesh had always strived to make a place for himself in his family, yearned for respect, and now finally in Mumbai he had found it as the head of their small family, a true father to both Sameer and Naina who didn’t just tolerate him but rather respected him.

Once breakfast was done Naina left for her work, while Sameer and Rakesh left for the audition venue… It was a particular busy day as there were many people for audition, and they had to wait for long. However finally at the end it was good news for them as he managed to bag two new ads. The director seemed to be impressed and patted his back, “yeh do ad agar tumne achche se kar diya toh aur projects ke liye tumko recommend karunga main pakka. Aaj kal sachche talent ki bahot kami ho gai hai… Tum me kuch khaas baat dikh rahi hai mujhe.”

Elated at the prospect of success, they bought sweets while returning home, but a sight on the road made him happy and uneasy. He spotted Naina near a vegetable vendor just few minutes away from their apartment, but standing by her side was a man who seemed to be chatting with her… He glanced once at Rakesh, who had also noticed the scene… As if on mutual agreement they made their way to the vendor, and heard the man say, “main bank me kaam karta hun… Sarkari naukri hai… Aap?”

Naina held out a bag for the vendor to pour the tomatoes he had just weighed, and huffed, “sorry… main anjaan logo se baat nahi karti…”

“Lekin…”, the man just started to say, but trailed off when both Sameer and Rakesh reached by her side.

Sameer kept his eyes focused on Naina, “tum theek ho?”

She smiled in relief and nodded, stepping away from the vegetable cart and towards him. He wanted to wrap his arm around her, declaring his right, but given they were so close to home, he satisfied himself by edging a bit closer. Rakesh glared at the man, “kya hai? Kaun ho tum? Aise sadak pe ladkiyo ko pareshan karte hue sharam nahi aati?”

The man tried to clarify, “aree nahi uncle… main toh bas…”

“Kya uncle”, Rakesh reprimanded, “main koi saga lagta hun kya tumhara? Kaan kholke sunlo… Dobara meri beti ko pareshan kiya na toh police ke hawale kar dunga…”

Sameer smirked, enjoying Rakesh’s anger and sharp voice for once, as it was directed towards a man he had immediately considered his enemy. The man drew in a deep breath, “maaf kijiyega… main toh bas unse puch raha ke woh kahan kaam karti hai… Roz unko bus me aate hue dekhta hun…”

Naina’s eyes widened indicating that she had no idea of this… Sameer stepped in-front of Naina shielding her from the man’s view, and rebuked, “niklo yahan se… Aur jaisa sir ne kaha dobara kabhi Naina ke aas-paas dikhna bhi mat warna tumhare liye achcha nahi hoga.”

Rakesh threw an angry and disgusted glare at the man, and then turned away, “chalo yahan se… ghar jaate hai.”

The three of them left from there unaware of the ammunition Sameer had willingly handed over to the unknown man, and also oblivious of the man’s intention. Once back at home, Sameer grabbed Naina’s hand, “tumne mujhe bataya kyun nahi ke woh aadmi tumhe pareshan karta hai?”

Naina tried to calm him, “Sameer… mujhe sach me nahi pata tha ke woh usi bus me hota hai jisme main aati hun. Sach me… Main toh book padh rahi hoti hun toh kisipe dhyan hi nahi deti, naa hi kisise baat karti hun… Usne kal ek baar hi bola tha jab main stop pe utri, lekin maine jawaab nahi diya… Aur phir aaj sabji le rahi thi toh achanak aa gaya wahan pe…”

He seemed to struggle controlling his temper, and swiftly pulled her in his arms, “tumhe kuch ho jaata toh? Agli baar se please choti se choti baat bhi bata dena… Tumpe pura bharosa hai mujhe, lekin darr lagta hai ke tum roz akele travel karti ho…”

“I am sorry”, she mumbled, hugging him back, “mujhe nahi pata tha ke woh aise aake baat karne ki koshish karega.”

After a minute more, Rakesh cleared his throat, “tum dono ka ho gaya ho toh yaad karo ke main bhi hun yahan…”

Sameer laughed, releasing Naina from his hold, “thanks papa… aaj pehli baar aapki daant sunke mazaa aaya.”

Rakesh turned, a reluctant smile on his lips, “haan… tumhe toh bahot anubhav hai meri daant sunne ki.”

“Thappad khane ki bhi”, Naina piped up, making Sameer scowl.

Rakesh laughed, but then became solemn once more as he addressed his daughter, “Sameer theek keh raha hai Naina… Yeh sheher ab tak anjaan hai… Tum roz akele jaati ho toh hume fikar hoti hai.”

“Ek idea hai”, Sameer suggested, “main ab kuch din akele jaunga shoot pe… Aap Naina ke saath chale jaana… Usko drop kar dena… Aur paas ke public library me jaa sakte hai aap, phir saath me lunch karlena, aur shaam ko wapas bhi aa jaana. Kuch din woh aadmi aapko Naina ke saath dekhega toh pareshan karna chod dega.”

Naina countered, “papa poore din kaise rahenge wahan… thak jayenge…”

Rakesh stated, “reh lunga… Sameer ke saath bhi toh sets pe rehta tha poore din… Library toh mujhe pasand hai… Koi pareshaani nahi hogi.”

In front of the two men determined to protect her at all cost, she gave in, and at the same time felt incredibly cherished. Sameer was always naturally protective of her, but she had missed this feeling from her father always… She would always be thankful to God for bringing this Mumbai chapter in their life which brought her so close to her father, and he also started appreciating Sameer more. And as for Sameer… Well… He had traveled the distance from Rakesh Sir to Papaji in Ahmedabad, and in Mumbai he accomplished the journey from Papaji to Papa… Much to her astonishment, many people who met them thought Sameer was his son… It really made her laugh because whenever someone asked, ‘yeh aapka beta hai?’, she would recall her father’s special names for Sameer which included but were not limited to baalo ki dukaan and ameerzada…

That night after they finished their dinner, Sameer helped set the bed for her father, while she took a quick shower. Later as he showered, she locked the door, ensured that the window was closed and the curtains properly drawn. She opened the bun she had tied before shower, letting her hair down… After her wedding she had let her hair grow long, because she had naturally wavy curls at ends of her hair and it made her hair look short in length… Consider how many times Sameer had let her know that he loved her hair, she thought it would be good to let them grow longer as then it would look nicer whenever she wore saree. And he loved the idea totally… Since a month now the increase in length was clearly visible compared to her older pictures… Sameer kept playing with her hair whenever they sat and talked after a hectic day, and when they made love he would spread her hair like a halo on the pillow, and thread his fingers through the strands or bury his nose in them… Once after her bath on last weekend, she had unwrapped the towel from around her hair, and flicked her head, unknown to the fact that he was standing right behind her… The wet strands had grazed his face, leaving trails of fragrant water behind, and he had been so aroused by that, that he had grabbed and kissed her, which naturally, given his state, had led to frenzied lovemaking. Thankfully, her father had been out for a morning-walk, else she didn’t know what he would have thought of the sounds they made.

She blushed at the memory… And as if he had been pulled to her by her thoughts, she felt his arms wrap around her waist from behind, and he rested his chin on her shoulder… His voice was a deep husky baritone as he mumbled, “hey sweetheart…”

She leaned back on his chest, closing her eyes, inhaling the cool mint smell of his new soap, and said, “yeh naya sabun ka smell bahot achcha hai…”

“Taste bhi achcha lagega”, he proposed, “try karna hai?”

She turned in his arms, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at him, “directly toh nahi…” Trailing a red-polished long nail down his chest, she added, “agar yahan se taste karna hai toh… try kar sakti hun…”

He dragged in a shaky breath, not habituated to her sensuous gestures… It still managed to take him by surprise when she responded to his flirty talks without blushing… The occasions were rare but extremely treasured. His eyes moved to the clock, and he gulped, “papa ab tak book padh rahe honge na?”

She giggled at his concerns of being overheard, and teased, “hmm… shayad… par mera khayal hai unko itna toh pata hoga ke hum sirf baate nahi karte bedroom me.”

He slid one hand in her hair, clutching lightly to cradle her skull, and commanded, “phir bhi awaaz thoda kam karna…” She hummed as his lips descended on hers, her eyes fluttered shut, and her hands clenched on his bare chest. He groaned deep in his throat, coaxing her mouth open, stroking her tongue, stealing her breath… His other hand trailed down her back, slipping inside her yellow night dress top, to stroke her skin… She inched closer, arching her back, her breasts brushing against his chest… He tightened his hold on her, and lifted her to make her sit on the dresser… She gasped, wrenching her mouth away, and blinked up at him, “Sameer kya kar rahe ho?”

He didn’t reply, instead kissed her again, so hard that she forgot her surroundings… His mouth over her face, her throat, returning to her lips again and again, making her moan his name… In few minutes somehow he had stripped her of the night dress, and she realized it only when he sat down on the small stool and leaned forward to kiss her belly. She made a sound of surprise and shock, her hand fisting in his hair, unsure of what he was up to… His hands moved down her legs, lifting the right one up and his mouth moved to kiss her red-painted toes, trailing up her shin, nipping at her calf, and then to her inner thigh… She shrieked softly as he drew her beige panties down her legs, and she quickly jumped down to escape… But he grabbed her, making her sit astride on his lap, and that was when she realized that he had shed the only thing he was wearing… His tracks…

She held on to his shoulders as he nipped at her throat, his hands moving possessively over her back, unhooking her bra deftly… Long fingers dipped beneath the loosened fabric, cupping over her swell and kneading gently… He quickly discarded the material, sliding it down her hands, and then tilted her back, dipping his head to capture her aching tips in his mouth. She moaned, arching even more until her back met the support of the edge of dresser table, and her hands slid into his hair, holding his head in place. Few minutes later he came up to her mouth again, and lifted her a bit, teasing her for a moment with his finger, and then guided himself slowly inside her. She clasped her legs around his waist, trying to aid as much as possible, but given the way she was sitting on his lap she didn’t have much leverage. His hands cupped her bottom, lifting her up and down over him, as his mouth moved against her lips, throat and shoulders… His breath left his lungs in short gasps, and he whispered against her ear that it was a sexy view in the mirror… Her eyes snapped open in shock, and she immediately twisted her head to look… Her whole bare back was visible, the position of the stool revealing enough to show her the up and down movement of her hips aided by his hands… The sight of his long fingers curved against her naked flesh, the obvious knowledge of what that movement was accomplishing and the partial view of his face as he kissed the side of her neck made her body shudder in rapture. Suddenly he lifted is head to look in the mirror, and their gazes collided; hers dilated with pleasure, his glittering with passion… Her breath hitched, and she turned back to him, cupped and lifted his face, kissed his lips and moaned as her entire body strung tight and then her senses erupted in a delightful ecstasy.

He groaned, suddenly his hold changed as he stood up, making sure to keep her wrapped around himself, and stumbled towards the mattress on floor. They fell on it in an odd tangle of hips, but he somehow managed to pin her hands on the sides of her head, starting to thrust again… He buried his face against her throat, increased his pace, prolonging her pleasure and soon joined her in the state of bliss… His grip on her loosened, as his body bucked over her, and she wound her arms around him, pulling him down… He sighed, breathing hard, his mind still numb… She kissed the side of his head, drawing in much needed air in her lungs, and kept stroking his slightly sweaty back…

“Oh God”, he groaned, trying to shift…

She chuckled, “bhagwaan kuch nahi kar sakte abhi.”

He lifted his head, smiling down at her, glad that she had stopped being shy post lovemaking. Earlier he would have a tough time to even keep the lights on, or the sheet away from her body… But now she was completely comfortable… “I love you”, he whispered, pecking her lips.

She hummed, arching a bit, “main bhi…” And then she yawned, making him laugh softly… He lifted himself off her, and moved to lie beside her. She turned once to switch the lights off and then again nuzzled closer to him. He pulled her in his arms, stroking her hair and back, and asked, “tum theek ho na…”

She dropped a kiss on his chest, “bilkul perfect…”

Content with the fact that she was alright, glad that she enjoyed the new thing he tried, and happy that with the amazing comfort level they had achieved in bedroom; he tightened his hold on her and drifted to sleep once he noticed her even breathing indicating her slumber.

The next two days were particularly busy for Sameer as the shoot for ads started, he had to leave early and he came back late as well. As planned Rakesh had started to go along with Naina to her workplace to drop her, spend the day in the nearby library, and then again come back with her. They had indeed spotted the man in the bus, and Rakesh had noticed that he was already in the bus when they boarded it from near Naina’s office. However, given Rakesh was along with Naina all the time, the man didn’t try to talk anymore, but he did keep looking at her often. Sameer was extremely happy with the way things were progressing for him, and the director seemed to be truly interested in introducing him to some other people… This would mean more work and maybe their worries would end.

On the third day Sameer bought some vadapav on his way home, a delicacy they all had started to enjoy, but as he entered the gates of their apartment building he almost collided with someone… Hastily he clutched onto the pack of food, to save it, and mumbled an apology, “sorry main zara jaldi me tha.”

The man responded, “it’s okay… maine bhi aapko dekha nahi…”

Sameer looked up sharply on hearing the vaguely familiar voice, and exclaimed, “tum! Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho? Ab peecha karte karte yahan tak pahonch gaye…”

The man glanced around, checking out the surroundings, “kya bol rahe hai aap? Main toh apne dost se milne aaya tha… Yahin rehta hai…”

Sameer’s eyes narrowed, “achcha? Konsa dost? Konse floor pe rehta hai?”

The man hitched his office bag, “aapko isse kya? Society me guests ka aana mana thodi na hai… Ab jaane dijiye mujhe…” Saying so, the man sidestepped and left quickly before Sameer could ask any more questions. Sameer stayed there until he ensured that man had indeed gone, and then worriedly moved upstairs. As he knocked on the door, Naina opened it, and he immediately stepped in, shutting the door close with his leg, and cupped her face, “tum theek ho na? Kuch hua toh nahi aaj?”

She was extremely puzzled, “main bilkul theek hun… mujhe kya hoga?”

He scanned her face, “woh aadmi ne pareshan kiya kya? Papa kahan hai? Tumhare saath the na woh?”

She tried to calmly answer him, “haan… papa saath hi the… abhi bas bathroom gaye. Aur nahi… kisine kuch pareshan nahi kiya… Woh aadmi dikha tha bus me, kal bhi aur aaj bhi, lekin usne baat karne ki koshish nahi ki… Papa ki daant asar kar gai hai, pakka…”

He sighed in relief, happy that she didn’t have to face the man again, but at the same time still concerned at the apparent guts of the man to come inside their apartment building. She stroked his arm, “kya hua Sameer?”

He smiled immediately, not wanting to worry her, “kuch nahi… bas aisai puch raha tha… yeh lo… Vadapav laaya hun… Garam-garam chai mil jaaye bas saath me…”

She grinned, “tum fresh ho jao… main abhi chai banati hun… Aaj dinner me bhi tumhari pasand ka banaya hai sab kuch.”

He dropped a kiss on her head, “meri biwi ka banaya hua har dish pasand hai mujhe…”

Just then a teasing voice sounded, “tinde bhi?”

Sameer looked at Rakesh, and chuckled, “ummm… koshish kar sakta hun khane ka… par guarantee nahi hai…”

Naina laughed, “main tinde nahi bana rahi… tension mat lo.”

As Naina prepared tea, Sameer freshened up and then had a private conversation with his father-in-law, updating him about what happened downstairs. Naturally, even Rakesh was concerned, because it was staring to look as if the man was stalking his daughter. “Society me dusro se puchke dekh sakte hai”, Sameer suggested, “pata chal jayega ke pehli baar aaya ke isse pehle bhi aaya hai.”

Rakesh nodded, liking the idea and they aligned on doing so discretely. Naina meanwhile was oblivious to the discussion, and happily chattered about her day’s events as she served the tea and vadapav. For her sake, the two men also tried to participate jovially, hiding their worries behind a mask of smile.

It was a particularly restless night for Sameer, because when they had gone for a brisk stroll after dinner, they had tried to talk to a few neighbors without making it apparent to Naina. And from what both Rakesh and Sameer had found out, the man had been coming to the society since last three days, citing that he was Naina’s colleague and wanted to know a bit more about her as he liked her. Couple of neighbors had denied information, while a few others had obliged letting the man know that Naina was an unmarried girl staying with her father and a relative, and also that she worked in an accountancy firm. It grated on his nerves that how callously could people hand out information about a girl like that… Didn’t they have any sense of safety? He had also enquired if anyone knew that man’s name, and only one person had given some vague details that it was either Karan or Kabir…

Naina nuzzled against his chest, probably disturbed in sleep, and he glanced down… She was dressed in his favorite pink color, and yet tonight he had excused from lovemaking citing that he was tired… In all honesty, he was more tensed than tired, and he didn’t want to give her a whiff of his worries. If they made love, she would definitely catch on that something was on his mind… It was a long time before he managed to fall asleep that night, but still he had no clear idea on how to deal with the imminent threat of his wife being stalked.

Next morning Naina woke up with a bad stomachache, and a constant puking sensation that made her decide to skip work. Even though Sameer was worried about her health, he was also relieved that she would be safe if she stayed at home. It seemed Rakesh was aligned with the idea as well because he immediately agreed for Naina to be at home, and even said that he would take her to the doctor. Sameer couldn’t skip his shoot, but he promised to wrap things up as early as possible, and he also asked Rakesh to call on the sets and inform about Naina’s heath.

It was a restless day for Sameer… Rakesh had taken Naina to the doctor, and thankfully it was only a case of indigestion and acid reflux, probably because of the vadapav and the several fried chilies she had eaten along with it. She did demand vanilla ice-cream when they talked on phone in afternoon, and he promised her to the treat while they go for their night walk provided she took good care of her health during the day. After talking to her, he calmed down a bit, relieved that she would be okay soon, and also that she was far away from that unknown stalker. The prospect to go back home to his wife renewed his vigor and he gave most of his shots perfectly in the first take pleasing the director even more. Around 3pm the shoot was wrapped up, and after Sameer changed back into his normal clothes, the director came to him, “Sameer… very good work today…”

“Thank you sir”, Sameer smiled.

The director said, “tumse kuch baat karni thi… mera ek dost hai… Mumbai pe serial bana raha hai… Kuch aam Mumbaikar ke jeevan ki sachchi kahaniya… Maine usse baat ki hai ke tumhe ek-do episode me kaam de… Iss shanivaar ko audition hoga… Jaoge?”

Sameer cheered up a lot, “ji zaroor sir… aap mujhe waqt aur jagah bata dijiye, main pahonch jaunga.”

“Good… good…”, the director thumped on his back, “aisai dil lagake mehnat karte raho… zaroor aage badhoge.”

Sameer nodded, “shukriya sir… ab main chalta hun… woh… main jinke saath reh raha hun, mere rishtedaar… aaj unki tabiyat kharab hai…”

The director tried to recollect, “woh tumhare uncle? Isiliye tumhare saath nahi aa rahe woh? Kya hua unko?”

Sameer immediately replied, “aree nahi nahi sir… woh nahi… darasal unke beti ki tabiyat kharab hai… kal vadapav khaya tha bahar se toh shayad kuch gadbad thi usme… subah se hi Naina ke pet me dard ho raha tha…”

The director queried, “Naina… Ladki… Tumhara koi chakkar-vakkar toh nahi hai na? Dekho bhai… Yeh Mumbai hai… Yahan iss industry me aage tabhi badhoge jab rishto ke bandhan se bahar nikloge… Rishto me uljhe rahoge toh career me kuch nahi milega… Isiliye jo bhi karo soch samajhke karna…”

Thankfully before Sameer had to respond to this, someone called the director away, and he heaved a sigh of relief. It was so natural for him to talk about Naina that most of the times he just started blabbering without even much thought. This time he was saved… The director had almost started to doubt… And who wouldn’t? Why would someone just worry about a girl so much who was only a supposed relative? But how could he stop worrying about her? She was his life, the reason of his existence, and it grated on his nerves that he had to hide their relationship for earning his paycheck. However, it was necessary to do so in order to get more work… Somehow, for some reason, the acting industry was always reluctant to hire people who were in a committed relationship… He didn’t understand why, but it was what was happening around him, and that meant he couldn’t divulge about his marriage to Naina… At least not until he had stabilized himself a bit, which could take few years… The thought deflated his spirits and he quickly picked up his bag, leaving the studio to go back to the person in whom he had found home for the first time in his life…

He reached home in an hour, and freshened up… Naina was taking a nap, so he didn’t wake her up, rather just lay down beside her for some time. Wrapping his arm around her, he breathed her fragrance, and felt peace settle in his heart. Her hair was open, just like he loved, and he threaded his fingers through the long strands… She hummed, turning towards him in her sleep, and her hand and leg automatically came up to rest on him… He chuckled gently, dropping a lingering kiss on her forehead. Her eyes moved behind closed lids, and then slowly flickered open, “Sameer…”

He hummed, “tabiyat kaisi hai ab?”

She pouted, cuddling closer, “maine sirf dahi-khichdi khai dopahar ko… Papa ne sabji tak theek se khane nahi di… bola masale wali hai…”

He tightened his hold on her, “aww sweetheart… koi baat nahi… tumhari tabiyat zyada zaroori hai na… Main aaj raat ko tumhe pakka ice-cream khilaunga.”

“I love you”, she mumbled looking up at him, smiling drowsily.

He drew in a breath, and softly commanded, “thoda upar aao.” She obeyed, and he dipped to kiss her gently, feeling the possession and thrill course down his spine as soon as their lips met. Even though the kiss was brief considering the time of the day, but still, it gave him so much solace that he once more doubted the sanity of their decision to hide their relationship for his career. After few minutes, she got up, stretched her arms and yawned, “chalo… chai banati hun…”

To their surprise however, when they went outside to the living room, they were greeted to a fragrance of fresh tea leaves and ginger. Naina and Sameer looked at each other puzzled, and then followed their nose to the kitchen, both of them exclaiming at the sight, “papa!”

Rakesh was standing there, stirring tea in a pan, and turned to smile at them on hearing their voice. Naina immediately went up to him, “yeh aap kya kar rahe hai?”

“Chai bana raha hun”, Rakesh replied in his trademark sarcastic tone.

Sameer couldn’t help but ask, “aapko aata hai?”

Rakesh scowled, “kyun bhai… sirf tumhe apni biwi ki sewa karni aati hai kya? Jab Naina ka janam hone wala tha tab main hi Rama ko chai banake pilata tha…”

Naina’s eyes glistened, “sach? Aap… aap khush the uss waqt?”

Rakesh looked at his daughter in shock, “bilkul khush tha main… bahot khush tha…”

Sameer walked up and slung an arm around his wife’s shoulder, “meri biwi topper hoke bhi bewakuf hai… Dikhta nahi tumhe kya? Papa of course khush hai aur unko garv bhi hai ke tum unki beti ho… Woh toh Ahmedabad me Taiji ke haath ke karele aur Chachiji ke haath ke tinde khaate-khaate chehre pe khushi dikhna bandh ho gaya tha.”

Naina and Rakesh were stumped for a moment, and then started laughing. Rakesh even teased, “aaj hi phone karke Bela ko batata hun yeh…”

“Nahi nahi”, Sameer pleaded, “warna jab bhi jaunga tab roz tinde khane padenge.”

The tea and snacks time passed with teasing and fun… Soon Naina started to think about dinner, and Sameer told them about the probable opportunity of shooting few episodes. They were all confident that Sameer would definitely get the role. It seemed to be the start of a fantastic evening…

The doorbell rang at around 6:30pm just as Naina was starting to chop vegetables for dinner. Sameer opened it, frowning his confusion on seeing a slightly elderly couple standing there, “jee kahiye… kisse milna hai aapko?”

The man asked, “Rakesh Agarwal yahin rehte hai na?”

Sameer stepped back to let them in, “jee haan… aaiye… main abhi unko bulata hun…” Turning towards the kitchen he hollered, “Pa… uh… uncle… aapse koi milne aaya hai…”

Rakesh came in from the balcony, and was equally puzzled, “Namaste… maaf karna maine aapko pehchana nahi.”

The man introduced himself, “mera naam Vijay Mittal hai… Aur yeh meri patni Sunita Mittal… Hume aapse kuch zaroori baat karni hai.”

“Baithiye”, Rakesh offered, indicating the sofa, “Naina zara paani laana…”

Sameer also sat down next to Rakesh on another chair, while Naina came with a tray holding two glasses of water. Sunita and Vijay shared a look, and then Sunita asked, “yeh aapki beti hai na?”

Rakesh nodded, “jee… par aap log kaun hai aur kya baat karni hai mujhse?”

As Naina went back inside the kitchen, Vijay glanced at Sameer, and then said, “darasal baat personal hai… toh parayo ke saamne…”

“Sameer parivaar ka hissa hai”, Rakesh cleared in a firm tone, “filhaal toh aap hamare liye ajnabee hai… Toh kahiye…”

Vijay kept his empty glass on the tray, “dekhiye Rakeshji… seedhe seedhe baat karunga… Hum aapki beti ke liye hamare bete Kabir ka rishta leke aaye hai?”

Sameer stood up immediately, his hands fisted in anger, “yeh kya bakwaas hai…”

Rakesh was in shock, “yeh kya bol rahe hai aap log?”

Inside the kitchen, Naina stood stumped, somehow managing to hold herself steady with the support of countertop. A knock on the open door drew their attention, and a young man stepped in… It was the same unknown stalker who had been troubling Naina…

“Tum”, Sameer spat, “tumhari himmat kaise hui hamare ghar pe aaneki…? Niklo yahan se…”

Ignoring him, the young man greeted Rakesh, “Namaste sir… mera naam Kabir Mittal hai… Yeh mere hi parents hai…”

Rakesh also stood up in anger, “tumhari itni himmat badh gai ke ghar tak aa gaye.”

Sunita piped up, “bhaisaab… aap iss tarah se badtameezi mat kijiye… araam se hamari baat suniye.”

Vijay added, “haan Rakeshji… Hamare bete ko aapki beti bahot pasand hai… tabhi toh hum yeh rishta leke aaye hai…”

“Pasand”, Rakesh thundered, “roz peecha karna, zabardasti baat karna, aur chup-chupke jaankari nikaalne ko aap log pasand karna kehte hai… Hume aap logo se koi baat nahi karni… Meherbaani karke jaaiye yahan se.”

A few neighbors gathered around the front door on hearing the high pitched voices. Someone asked, “kya hua Rakeshji… koi dikkat hai kya?”

Another neighbor, Vanita peeped in, “kaun hai yeh log?”

Sunita tried to greet them politely, “hum log Naina ke liye hamare bete ka rishta leke aaye hai.”

A lady commented, “aree yeh toh khushi ki baat hai…”

Rakesh bellowed, “aap logo ko sunai nahi deta kya…? Samajh nahi aata? Yeh ladka meri beti ko kitne dino se pareshaan kar raha hai… Awaara gunda kahinka… Aur ab yeh shareefo ki tarah rishta leke aaye hai…”

Kabir explained in a frustrated tone, “bas kijiye uncle… Maana maine Naina se baat karne ki koshish ki… Usko jaanne ki koshish ki… Lekin koi badtameezi nahi ki…”

Suddenly Sameer grabbed his collar, “tumhe ek baar bola samajh nahi aata…? Nikal jao yahan se warna mujhse bura koi nahi hoga…”

Kabir struggled to get out of his hold, “chodo mujhe… main Naina se mile bina nahi jaunga…”

“Mujhe tumse koi baat nahi karni”, Naina said in a crystal clear tone from the kitchen entrance.

Sameer immediately left Kabir, and rushed up to her, “tum bahar kyun aai? Tension mat lo… andar jao…” He stood in-front of her, facing the crowd of people, shielding her from view.

Rakesh agreed, “haan beta… tu fikar mat kar… jaa yahan se…”

Naina grabbed on to the back of Sameer’s shirt, still partially hidden from view, “nahi papa… yeh log mere liye rishta leke aaye hai na… toh main hi mana kar rahi hun… Mujhe iss ladke se baat tak nahi karni…”

Sunita tried to pacify, “beta… aisi baate nahi karte… maana shayad Kabir ne galti ki… lekin itni bhi konsi badi baat ho gai ke tum…”

“Galti?” Naina interrupted, “bus ke poore safar me ghurte rehna galti hoti hai? Main jawaab naa du uske bawjood mujhse baat karna galti hoti hai? Hamare society me aake jhooth bolna ke woh mere saath mere office me kaam karta hai galti hoti hai? Jhoothi kahaniya batake mere baare me information nikaalna galti hoti hai?”

Kabir stepped forward, “Naina main bas tumhe dhundna chahta tha… tum apna naam bhi toh nahi bata rahi thi…”

Naina ignored him, and addressed his parents instead, “Aapko pata hai… aapke bete ki harkato ki wajah se mere papa ko subah-subah mere saath mere office aana padta hai… Wahan woh poora din ek public library me bitate hai taaki shaam ko mere saath wapas aa sake… Sirf isiliye ke aapka beta mujhe pareshan naa kare… Mujhe darr lagne laga tha… mere parivaar ko darr lagne laga tha… ab aap bataiye … aapke bete ne jo kiya woh galtiya thi ya badtemeezi…?”

Vijay sighed, “chalo manta hun ke thoda zyada kar gaya… jawan hai, thoda behek gaya… lekin tumhe pasand karta hai tabhi toh hum aaye hai…”

“Theek hai”, Naina replied, “aapka beta mujhe pasand karta hai isiliye aap rishta leke aaye hai… Lekin mujhe yeh rishta manzoor nahi, toh ab aap log please chale jaiye…”

Vanita interrupted, “kaisi baate kar rahi ho Naina…? Ghar aaya rishta aisai jaane dete hai kya? Ek baar baat karke dekh lo…”

Kabir pitched in, “Naina… meri baat suno… tum mujhse pehle baat kar leti toh yeh problems hoti hi nahi na… main toh kitne dino se tumhe batane ki koshish kar raha hun that I love you…”

Naina gasped, and Sameer’s anger flared like a flame sprayed with alcohol… He moved forward swiftly… There was barely a moment to register the way his stance changed but nobody could have been able to stop the hard punch that Sameer landed on Kabir’s jaw… Kabir stumbled backwards… Several neighbors screamed… Rakesh moved in to stop him… Sameer grabbed Kabir’s collar lifting him up, and landed another punch to his chin… A neighbor joined Rakesh in his efforts to pull Sameer back, but he seemed to be driven by blind fury…

Where force didn’t work, a trembling voice and a memory of love did… Naina sobbed, calling out for him, “Sa… Sameer…” And at the same time she thumped the glass on table twice… Sameer’s hand stopped an inch from Kabir’s jaw as if he had been frozen mid-air… He looked back to see his wife crying, and threw off every hand holding onto him, straightening up and rushed to her… Without a concern about who was watching, he enveloped her in his arms, and crooned, “shsh Naina… rona bandh karo… dekho main nahi lad raha…  main yahin hun tumhare paas…”

Vijay and Sunita were tending to their son who had started to bleed from his mouth and nose. Sunita saw the spectacle in-front of her eyes and rashly commented, “yeh dekho… ab samajh aa raha hai rishte ki baat pe itna bhadak kyun rahe hai yeh log… Dekho zara iss ladki ko… Mere bete ki masoom harkato ko badtameezi keh rahi thi… Aur yeh jo paraye aadmi se aise chipke hui hai woh badtameezi nahi hai?”

Sameer’s voice thundered with enough force to silence several accusations that were just starting to build, “nahi hai… haan nahi hai yeh badtameezi… Naina ko pura haq hai mere kareeb aane ka kyunki woh meri patni hai… Suna sabne? Hum dono pati-patni hai…”

Silence descended on the gathering, the expressions on faces ranging from shock to doubts… Rakesh closed his eyes in despair, even though he did understand what prompted Sameer to shout out the truth… Naina had stiffened in Sameer’s arms, looking up at him, her eyes clouded with amazement and distress… A minute or so later Kabir coughed, and croaked, “kyun jhooth bol rahe ho? Sabko pata hai ke yahan ke Naina ki shaadi nahi hui hai… Maine bahot logo se pucha tha… Aisa kyun nahi kehte ke tum dono ka affair hai?”

Sameer almost stepped forward again, but Naina clutched onto him to stop him, hiding her face in his chest, tears leaking from her eyes. So he stayed there, comforting his wife, but replied in a sharp tone, “main tumhare jaisa nahi hun… Bolte ho pyaar karte ho… Pyaar ka matlab bhi pata hai tumhe? Kisi ladki ka peecha karke usse konsa pyaar saabit kar rahe ho?”

One of their neighbors asked, “yeh kya bol raha ho Sameer? Tum logo ne hi toh hume kaha tha ke tum Rakeshji ke rishtedaar ho… Mumbai me acting karne aaye ho isiliye inn logo ke saath reh rahe ho…”

Rakesh answered this time, “yeh sach hai… Sameer Mumbai kaam ke liye hi aaya hai… Lekin yeh bhi sach hai ke Sameer mera damad hai… Naina aur uski shaadi ko ek saal hone aaya hai…”

“Kya?” Vanita queried in shock, “aap log yeh kya keh rahe hai…? Itne mahino se yahan reh rahe hai… aise jhooth bolke… yeh sab kya…”

“Main aur Naina school se ek dusre ko pyaar karte the”, Sameer interrupted, starting to tell their story, “college khatam honeke baad hamari shaadi ho gai… Lekin Ahmedabad me kuch personal wajah se mujhe hamare family business se alag hona pada… Khud ka alag busniness shuru kiya par woh kuch khaas chala nahi… Aur usi dauran ek ad ka offer mila… Unn logo ko hamare bungalow me shooting karni thi, aur mujhe bhi usi ad me le liya unhone… Tabse soch liya ke Mumbai aake yahi line me kaam karunga. Isiliye chala aaya… Hero banne… Lekin industry me shaadi-shuda logo ko kaam asaani se nahi milta. Toh humne soch liya ke rishta chupake rakhenge…”

Naina piped up slowly, still enclosed in his arms, “Papa hamare saath aaye taaki kisiko humpe shaq na ho… Aur Sameer rishtedaar banke reh sake.”

Rakesh added, “Humne socha ke jab Sameer ko zyada kaam milne lagenge tab sabko bata denge ke Naina uski patni hai.”

“Hamari majboori thi”, Naina sniffed, disentangling herself to look at the neighbors, “humne jhooth bola lekin sirf Sameer ke career ke liye… Hum kisiko dhoka nahi dena chahte the…”

Rakesh sighed, “par aaj Sameer ne gusse me sach keh diya…”

“Sirf gusse me nahi papa”, Sameer responded, surprising all the neighbors as till date he had only called Rakesh as uncle in-front of them. He wrapped an arm around his wife’s shoulders, “bahot ho gaya yeh sab… aur jhooth nahi bolenge… main thak gaya hun Naina se dur rehte-rehte… Sabke saamne anjaano ki tarah bartaav karte-karte… Meri biwi hai yeh… Career ke wajah se rishte pe compromise nahi kar sakta aur… Aaj yeh log rishta leke aaye hai, kal koi aur bol sakta hai ke anjaan ladke saath ek hi ghar me reh rahi hai… Hero banu na banu, Naina ko akele nahi chod sakta.”

Naina looked up at her husband, her eyes shining with tears and love, and her lips curved in a small smile. Rakesh also smiled, an expression of pride on his face. Just then she spotted the blood and bruise on his hand, “hey bhagwaan… tumhe toh chot lag gai… ruko main davai laati hun…”

The neighbors had more questions which Rakesh and Sameer answered… Naina came back with a bottle of antiseptic, some cotton and gauge, and started to tend to Sameer’s hand, ignoring everyone else. Kabir stared at the affectionate scene before him, and lifted a finger to touch his own bleeding nose, a loud sigh escaping from his lips. He stood up, “hume chalna chahiye ab…”

Rakesh observed the sorry state of the man, and offered, “muh dho lo… patti karni padegi ghaav pe.”

Kabhi smiled, “it’s okay uncle… pata hota ke Sameer itni achchi boxing karta hai toh zara sochta yahan aise aane se pehle…”

Sameer’s face flushed, “I am sorry… tumne achanak se Naina ko I love you bola toh main… main nahi sunn saka…”

“Fair enough”, Kabir shrugged, “meri biwi koi aisa bolta toh main bhi uska yahi haal karta…” He left from there, and his parents followed still cursing Sameer under their breath. One by one the neighbors also left, most of them still disgruntled at being lied to like this… Once the small family was alone, Rakesh closed the door, and turned to look at the couple. He hesitated for a moment, and then asked, “tumhe lagta hai tumne theek kiya?”

Sameer nodded immediately, “haan… yeh natak aur nahi ho raha tha… aaj Naina ki tabiyat kharab thi toh sets pe dhyan bhi nahi de paa raha tha… Aur director sir se bola toh woh samajh nahi paa rahe the ke main kisi anjaan ladki ki fikar kyun kar raha hun.”

Naina queried, “par ab aage kya hoga? Tumhara naya audition woh serial ke liye… Agar kisiko pata chal gaya toh…”

“Main khud hi sach bata dunga”, Sameer stated firmly, “ab agar kisiko kaam dena hai toh sach janne ke baad hi dega… Aur agar iss line me kaam nahi mila toh kuch aur kar lunga…”

Dinner was a solemn affair as everyone was worried about what had happened and also about what woud happen in future. Sameer tried to assure both of them that it was fine, he would still get work, maybe just not big projects. Rakesh thought if he should also start looking for some job… It seemed unfair that Sameer was stuggling so much for his career, and Naina was also working so hard to make ends meet, while he was just being an emotional support… He had experience; maybe some small school would give him job… Naina worried about the impact it would have on Sameer’s self confidence and the mental stress this would add on him. No one knew what the next day would bring…