Accidentally in Love
Chapter 4: Love Tussle

The speeding car cut through the traffic, the man driving excited to the core, whistling merrily. The woman next to him sat with her eyes closed and rested her head on the back of the seat, a tired expression on her face. Outside the late afternoon was slowly spinning into a beautiful evening that she never noticed, but he did and thought how the woman beside him made it even more beautiful. At a traffic signal he stopped, trying to breathe in the clean scent of February evening but it was marred with the fumes from the bikes and cars. A teenager boy came rushing up hoping for a sale and he was not disappointed when the man in the car bought half-dozen full bloomed blood red roses, and even gave a tip.

Naina opened her eyes at the sound of exuberant thanks from the boy, and was astonished to see the pretty flowers. A small smile curved her lips as she enquired, “yeh kiske liye?”

Sameer rolled his eyes, and smirked, “Karishma Kapoor ke liye…”

“Kya?”, she asked perplexed.

“Neend se jaago”, he teased, “aur mere romantic mood ka satyanash mat karo. Main laal gulaab kiske liye kharidunga… zara sochke batao.”

She straightened, her brows furrowing, “yeh… yeh mere liye hai?”

He chuckled, and touched her forehead as if to check if she had fever, “tum thik toh ho na… of course yeh tumhare liye hai. Ab main apni honewali biwi ke liye nahi toh kya uski padosi ke liye gulaab kharidunga.”

A small laughter spurted out of her, and she teased back, “Taiji ko gulaab se allergy hai, cheek aati hai. Unko gende ke phool pasand hai.”

“Wow… thank you for the tip”, he muttered starting to drive again, “agli baar lunga tab yaad rakhunga. Aur thank you hamare romance ke beech me tumhari Taiji ko laane ke liye.”

She laughed harder, and picked up the roses from the dashboard, “bahot khubsurat hai.” Dipping her head, she inhaled the heady fragrance letting it fill her lungs, “thank you… main samajh nai paai pehle kyunki pehle kabhi kisine mujhe phool nahi diye.”

Every mischief vanished from his eyes, and there was a proud satisfactory edge to his voice as he said, “mujhe khushi hai iss baat ki.” Her eyes widened at the tone, the possessiveness was clearly reflected and it astonished her that someone could feel so strongly for her.

It had been a week since their roka, and what a week it had been… Sameer’s family had returned to Delhi the very next day, citing business reasons. Nanaji had come down to Agarwal house after a day, with a Panditji tagged along saying that he wanted no delays in fixing the wedding dates. If few elders were perturbed by this rush then they didn’t say anything, after all it wouldn’t work well to create objections to the city’s richest family, and that too when they were ladkewale. Tauji had a strict instruction to everyone to listen to whatever was being told, and if there was something to be said and done they he would do it. Panditji had given them exactly one month, the date of March 12^th for the wedding. When asked hesitantly by Tauji if there was any other date, Panditji had mentioned that according to their kundlis March 12^th was best, otherwise they would have to wait until November to get married. Sameer had stepped inside just in time to hear this, and before anyone could even welcome him, he had stated loud and clear that he was not going to wait until November. Naina, who was in kitchen at that time had stood stumped by his declaration, wondering how could he even speak up like that in-front of family. Nanu had grinned; feeling extremely pleased at how everything was turning out, the boy who had been so reluctant for marriage was now literally waiting to get married. He had wondered what magic had Naina done on his grandson, but whatever it was he hoped this magic stayed intact.

Given the short span of time both the families had agreed to help each other in the wedding preparations. The Maheshwaris would help Agarwal to smooth out the processes given the contacts they had, and the Agarwals would help Maheshwaris in all rituals and shopping given the absence of female member in family, or rather in Ahmedabad.

The next three days had been spent in planning everything about the upcoming wedding. Sameer’s vocal thoughts hadn’t stopped at the wedding date; he had tried to ensure that he had Naina’s input considered in everything. Marriage halls were thought of and cancelled, because upon Sameer’s insistence Naina had been able to voice out that she wanted to get married from home. Tauji had scolded saying that the society was too small and didn’t match Maheshwari’s status. But Sameer had put his foot down, saying it was their wedding and if Naina wanted it here, then it would be so. After that there had been no objections to the location, after all how can anyone refuse damadji. Jewelries were decided upon from both sides, and the quantity adjusted according to the time it would take to get the ready. A tailor had been called upon to take Naina’s measurements, and Sameer had scowled confusing Naina, until he had seen a female assistant with the measuring tape.

And now… since this morning they were out for wedding shopping. Nanu and Sameer had picked her up this morning, saying they would go to buy sarees. Taiji had intervened saying that they couldn’t let Naina go alone, and so they had been offered to join them. Unfortunately or fortunately, a call from another relative had made Taiji rush to them; while Chachiji had excused herself saying she needed to do some other shopping. Feeling slightly shy and immensely excited, Naina had dressed up in a dark green bandhej salwar-kameez, pairing it with golden-jhumkas and a loose braid.

Sameer had driven them to a large market in Navrangpura, and they had spent hours and hours weaving through several shops. His excitement knew no bounds as he made her stand and tried different sarees to see how she looked. Preeti had joined them for an hour in the afternoon, informing it was lunch time and Chachiji had told her to go see if everything was alright. She had reluctantly agreed to come, but at the shop on seeing the hassled expressions on Naina’s face and the delighted one on Sameer’s face she had laughed out loud. Preeti knew that Naina didn’t like spend so much time of shopping, usually she was very quick with her choices or never chose anything as anyways her choices were rejected. Now it seemed that she didn’t know how to tackle her would-be husband. Preeti had bought two colas, offering one to Nanaji and then they had sat and enjoyed the show as Sameer kept suggesting and Naina stood confused.

Soon after they had taken a break for lunch, and to Naina’s extreme surprise Preeti and Nanaji had been whispering to each other throughout the lunch. After eating Preeti had left, and soon Nanaji also said that he had some urgent work in office and had instructed Sameer to take good care of Naina. Naina was left wondering how did he get to know of the urgent work, and as a result had missed the wink that passed between grandfather and grandson.

Stroking the lush red flowers Naina kept glancing at him, and wondered how he could be so romantic and mischievous at the same time. And how stupid she was to ask such questions to him, of course he had bought the flowers for her… Her cheeks turned red in mortification, as she wondered what he must think of her. Probably that she was very foolish and simple.

His deep voice interrupted her thoughts, “tum itna sharma kyun rahi ho? Maine toh kuch nahi kiya.”

She looked up, surprised, “aapko kaise pata chala? Aap toh drive kar rahe hai.”

He lowered his sunglasses a bit and glanced at her, “toh?”

Something fluttered deep in her belly… and her eyes turned dreamy, cheeks flushing even more. How can a simple word make her feel like that? A simple look, a small word…  and she felt… mushy… as if her insides were melting. How did he manage to do that?

“Naina”, his voice cut through her thoughts again, “toh?”

She shook her head, and smiled, “toh… kuch nahi.”

They reached Nirmal Jyoti Society, and he parked the car on edge. They descended and Sameer picked up nearly all the bags, but they had done so much shopping that Naina had to carry five bags. As she trudged up the stairs she wondered how could someone do so much shopping. What would she do if their every shopping trip turned out to be as tiring as this one? She just wanted to take a long warm bath, and snuggle inside her blanket.

The excitement at Agarwal house was no less, everyone wanted to hear about their experience, and they all had to open the bags to check out the sarees. Naina felt a little irritated as she had thought she would get to rest after reaching home, but looked like that wasn’t going to happen. As the evening shades of fiery orange started to bleed into streaks of purple and grey, she quietly stood up and went out to the balcony. Standing there, admiring the dusk, hearing to the twittering birds, she finally felt calm.

Sameer noticed her sneak out, and wondered about her lack of excitement. She was tired, that much was sure, but all this stuff was hers. Why wasn’t she excited about it? Feeling the need for answers, he stepped outside behind her, and for a moment stood admiring her as she admired the nature. The last golden glow of the sun fell on her face, lending a shine to her cheeks that was almost ethereal. She looked gorgeous, delicate, and simply perfect. He wanted to lean in and brush his lips on her cheeks, hear the gasp that she sometimes made when he touched her.

After Nanu had left, they had spent the remaining hours buying more stuff for her, and then they had started the ride back. Looking back at it, he felt like an idiot. Why hadn’t he taken more time with her? He could have done less shopping and spent more time talking to her. He could have taken her to some nice park for some time. No wonder she was so hassled. He had tired her out totally, in fact so much that she had fallen asleep in the car. And even now after reaching home she didn’t get to rest. Mentally kicking himself, he went up to her, and softly asked, “naraaz ho?”

She turned; a surprised expression on her face, “nahi toh. Naraaz kyun houngi? Bas thoda thak gai hun.”

He nodded, “haan dikh raha hai. Woh Naina… I am…”

His apology was interrupted by Nanaji’s voice, and they both immediately went inside to greet him. He apologized for having to leave, and asked if all work was done. Soon preparations of evening tea started, and Naina went in the kitchen to help.

Nanu leaned towards his grandson who was sitting next to him on the sofa, “kaisa raha? Kahin le gaye Naina ko?”

Sameer rolled his eyes, “plan karna hi tha toh thoda pehle bata dete mujhe. Main toh shopping hi karta reh gaya. Kuch socha hota toh shayad…”

Nanu shook his head in disappointment, “aaj kal ke bachche… mauke ka fayda uthana hi nahi jaante. Waise tum dono ko akela chodneka idea mera nahi, Preeti ka tha.”

Sameer turned to look at his saali, surprised, and she grinned at him guessing the conversation at once. He muttered, “ab kya karu… Naina bhi naraaz hai shayad. Usko mazaa nahi aaya aaj, bahot thak gai hai.”

Nanu looked thoughtful, and didn’t speak much while having his tea. Later he talked to Chachaji for some time, and then went with Naina to the balcony to talk to her. Sameer kept wondering what was it, and why was he excluded.

Naina was perplexed as to why Nanaji wanted to talk to her, and patiently waited feeling a little awkward as she hadn’t interacted much. Nanu took his time, glancing around at the small balcony, and then spotted another small balcony on the side, “woh wala bhi isi ghar ka hai?”

She nodded, “ji… mere aur Preeti ke kamre ki balcony hai woh.”

Nanu nodded, and then gestured to the flourishing plants, “aur yeh paudhe kisne lagaye? Anand ko shauk hai kya?”

She smiled, “shauk kisiko nahi hai.” She paused for a moment, and then confessed, “lekin yeh paudhe maine aur Preeti ne lagaye dono balcony me. Taiji ko gulab se allergy hai, toh humne yahan laga diye taaki kuch pal sukoon mile.”

There was a momentary silence and then Nanu laughed out. She too grinned, suddenly feeling less awkward. Sobering down, Nanu leaned on the parapet, “jaanke achcha laga ke tum shararate bhi karti ho. Sameer toh bachpan se hi bahot shararati tha, aur abhi bhi hai.”

Naina smiled, recalling the mischievous glitter than danced in his eyes so often, and softly murmured, “jaanti hun.”

He slowly posed the question that he had meant to ask, “beta, tumhe aaj kuch pareshani toh nahi hui na? Bahot thak gai? Ya achcha nahi laga?”

She shook her head, “nahi nahi Nanaji… aisa kuch nahi hai. Meri shaadi ki kharidari mujhe kaise achcha nahi lagega. Par itna ghumneki aadat nahi hai na, toh zara thak gai.”

He nodded, “Sameer ko aisa pehle kabhi nahi dekha maine… itna khush… itna utsaahit. Shayad isiliye kyunki pehli baar uske paas koi apna hai… Mujhe nahi pata usne tumko apne bachpan ke baare me kuch bataya hai ke nahi… par Sameer bahot chota tha jab uske papa…”

“Nanaji”, Naina interrupted, “sorry aise beech me bol rahi hun, par… agar aap bura na maane toh mujhe yeh sab mat bataiye.” On seeing Nanu’s confused expression, she hastily explained, “mera matlab hai ki, Sameer ne mujhe kaafi kuch bataya hai. Aur main chahti hun ke aage bhi apni zindagi ke baare me wohi mujhe bataye. Aap unka achcha hi chahte hai, main jaanti hun… lekin Sameer pe bharosa karne ke liye ya unko samajhne ke liye yeh sab janna zaruri nahi hai mere liye.”

Nanu stared at her for some time, and then smiled heartily; he placed a hand on her head and blessed her. Sameer watched the scene unfold, and curiosity got the better of him. He stood up and went to them, and Nanu grinned at him, “baat karni ho toh karle thodi der. Fir ghar chalte hai.”

Naina smiled at him as he stepped out onto the balcony and stood beside her. Remembering their earlier conversation, he watched the road below bathed in the glow of street lights and miserably apologized, “sorry Naina.”

She tilted her head, perplexed, “kisliye?”

He sighed, “aaj thoda waqt mila tumhare saath akele bitaneka, aur main gadha shopping me uljha raha. Tum bhi pareshan ho gai.”

She giggled, “isme kya sorry bol rahe hai aap… hamari shaadi ki hi toh shopping kar rahe the na. Thakan toh yunn mit jayegi… aur rahi baat saath waqt bitaneki toh… shaadi ke baad toh hoga hi woh.”

He felt a little relieved on knowing that she wasn’t angry, but frowned at her statement, “shaadi ke baad toh mujhe pata hai… lekin shaadi ke pehle… yeh daur… roka aur shaadi ke beech. Hume enjoy karna chahiye Naina. Ek toh Preeti aur Nanu ne itni achchi planning ki, par main…”

“Kya?”, she interrupted, “kaisi planning?”

He bit his lip, realizing what he had let slip, “aah… woh… aaj hum dono ko akela chodneka plan Preeti ka tha, aur Nanu ne saath diya.”

Her eyes widened, “aap… aapko pata tha?”

He shook his head urgently, “zara bhi idea nahi tha… warna shopping me thodi na time waste karta.”

Intrigued she asked, “toh fir kya karte?”

He thought about it, “umm… kabhi socha nahi. Kisi ladki ke saath kabhi bahar nahi gaya pehle.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she folded her arms, “mujhe khushi hai iss baat ki.”

He grinned, feeling exhilarated at how she used his own statement to declare her possessiveness.

“Achcha batao na, agar hum saath jaa sake toh tum kya karna chahogi?”, he excitedly asked.

She thought for a moment, “umm… jahan thodi shanti ho aisi jagah jaana chahungi.”

His eyes sparkled, “ahan… matlab wahi jahan koi aata jaata nahi.”

She gasped, turning red and he chuckled, “tumko pata hai Naina, tum jab aise karti ho na tab man karta hai tumko kiss karlu.”

The spoken words hung between them, his eyes wide with dawned realization, and her eyes wide at the probable scenario. Slowly her eyes lowered, her expressions shy, “umm… woh toh shaadi ke baad hoga.”

The mischief returned in his eyes as soon as he realized that she didn’t mind what he said, and he continued flirting, “ohh… sure? Shaadki ke pehle bhi toh ho sakta hai na?”

“Nahi”, she looked up, her cheeks tinging with red.

He leaned towards her, “soch lo… ek kiss toh ho sakta hai… haath pe toh chuka… ab ek sir pe, ek gaal pe, ek hothon pe…”

She gasped, “besharam… yeh bilkul nahi hoga.”

He pursed his lips in a thoughtful expression, “pakka? Main itna handsome hun, khudko rokogi kaise?”

She glared at him, deciding to put an end to the conversation, “jee nahi… galat fehmi hai aapko. Salman Khan aapse zyada handsome hai.”

He stilled, his eyes narrowing, and slowly he looked away, “thike… toh fir ghumne bhi usike saath jaana. Main ghar jaa raha hun.”

Before Naina could stop him, he went inside, intending to leave. How dare she? Now they were about to be married… and she belonged to him. How could she just say that Salman was more handsome? Being a fan is one thing… but this… No, he wouldn’t be able to bear his wife fangirling about some idiotic movie star.

Nanu called him, “aree… kahan chal diye beta. Betho zara yahin. Anand ko shaadi ke baaki rasmo ki baat karni hai. Aaj sab tay kar lete hai.”

He sat down, trying to control his expressions, “ji Nanu. Kahiye.”

Naina also went inside, feeling bad about what she did. It was impulsive. She hadn’t thought about the effect the statement would have on him. He had been so excited since morning, and so much up to mischief at the balcony, flirting and teasing… but as soon as she had said that statement, it felt as if someone turned off the lights from his eyes. Even now, she could see how he was struggling to look happy and cheerful, interested in the discussions of their wedding. God… why did she have to say that? What if… what if he is so angry that he says no for the marriage? Could he do that? Fear gripped her heart… She loved him so much… so what if he was teasing her, it was his right to do so… couldn’t she have just kept it like that? Him and her… Why did she have to bring a third person between them?

Sameer glanced up, and frowned on seeing her almost in tears. What happened to her? He thought of asking her and was about to stand up when Chachiji called from the kitchen, “Naina beta… aake madad karde zara. Damadji aur Sambdhiji yahin khana khayenge.”

Naina went into the kitchen, and when Chachiji asked what to cook, she immediately said matar paneer and jeera alu, recalling Sameer’s favorite food. Maybe to please him, or because she felt very guilty of her act, she put in extra efforts that day to make sure that the food was delicious, and the spread lavish. Apart from the two vegetables, daal was also prepared, pulao rice steamed on one side, while Naina flipped parathas on the other burner. Salad was cut, new pickle bottles opened, and suji halwa was cooked for dessert with an extra lashing of dry-fruits.

Naina and Preeti set the table, and Sameer kept eyeing Naina wondering if his reaction hurt her like this. Slightly irked, he thought that how can she expect him to be calm after hearing such a line? Of course he would be angry? Chachiji asked them to wash hands, and come for dinner.

As the dinner was served Sameer immediately noticed the items, and glanced up at her catching her looking at him with a hopeful expression. What was she trying? He recalled a line that he had heard in some old movie, ‘pati ke dil ka raasta, pet se hoke guzarta hai.’ Ohh… So that meant, this was her way of apologizing? Well… she was not far off the mark, but this wouldn’t cool him down so easily. He needed a proper apology.

Preeti spotted the dull expressions on her sister’s face and pulled her back into the kitchen, “kya hua tujhe? Jijaji ne kuch kaha kya?”

Outside Sameer noticed this, and excused himself saying that he had forgotten to use the soap while washing hands so he would be back. He was right in time to hear Naina stammer, “n…nahi toh… woh kyun daatenge? Aur mujhe kuch nahi hua.”

“Jhuth mat bol”, Preeti admonished, “dekh… tu mujhe bata agar jijaji ke kuch bola ho toh… abhi tak toh shaadi hui nahi aur tujhe daant rahe hai.”

Naina immediately muttered, “pata nahi ab hogi bhi ke nahi.”

Sameer was as shocked as Preeti, or probably even more. What did she mean? Preeti asked the same question, “kya bol rahi hai? kya matlab?”

Naina’s eyes filled with tears, “maine unko dukhi kar diya Preeti. Subah se woh itne khush the shaadi ki shopping ko leke, aur main utsaahit hone ke jagah thak jaa rahi thi. Aur abhi shaam ko jab hum baat kar rahe the maine unse keh diya ke Salman Khan unse zyada handsome hai.”

After a moment of silence Preeti giggled, “bas itni si baat? Tu bhi na… bachcho jaisa kar rahi hai. Jijaji kisi film star se nahi jalne wale.”

“Tune unki shakal nahi dekhi”, Naina argued, “maine dekha… mujhe toh bahot ghabrahat ho rahi hai Preeti… agar unhone shaadi ke liye mana kar diya toh main kaise rahungi unke bina.”

Preeti hugged her sister, trying to console her, “uff-o Naina… Shaadi hai koi gudde-guddiyo ka khel nahi ke jijaji itni si baat ke liye mana kar denge. Woh tujhse pyaar karte hai. Aur tu bata… tujhe sach me lagta hai kya ke Salman jijaji se zyada handsome hai?”

A flimsy smile bloomed on Naina’s lips, “nahi… mera Sameer toh Salman se bhi zyada handsome hai.”

Hiding behind the refrigerator, Sameer grinned, and almost wanted to dance with joy. He loved it when she said his name, and now he discovered he loved it even more when she said ‘mera Sameer’… There was just something so possessive and loving in those words. It was her way of saying that he belonged to her, ruled her heart, and no one could ever take his place… Suddenly it didn’t matter to her who she fangirled over… What was a tiny Salman in-front of the way she uttered his name with all that right and love.

He noticed the girls coming back, so he quickly went and took his place at the table. Chachiji served him a hot paratha, and said, “khao beta… aaj ka saara khana Naina ne hi banaya hai. Main toh bas madad kar rahi thi.”

He tore off a bit of the paratha, picking up a generous portion of paneer, and immediately praised, “mmm… khana bahot achcha bana hai. Aur paneer toh mera favorite hai… Alu bhi.”

Chachiji beamed, “oh achcha… tabhi Naina ne kaha yeh dono banana ko.”

Naina looked at him surprised, and feeling slightly unstable. He was smiling and happy, the shine had returned in his eyes. What had happened in these few minutes? He kept eating happily, and Chachiji asked Naina to serve him. She did, and he took the chance to wink at her, making her drop the ladle full of dal on his dish.

Chachiji immediately panicked, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye Naina… dhyan kahan hai tera? Damadji ki shirt kharab kar di.”

“Koi baat nahi Chachiji”, he assured, “dhul jayegi.”

Chachiji shook her head, “nahi beta. Aise nahi dhulega haldi ka daag. Naina beta… jaa inko andar le jaa. Kapde se saaf karde aur fir powder laga de daag pe, taaki kal dhone daale toh nikal jaaye sab daag.”

Sameer had been about to say no, but on hearing the instructions his mind raced – go inside the room with her alone, she will clean his shirt… wow… maybe more daal should have splashed.

Naina nodded, thinking if he would be angrier than before. They reached inside her room, and occupied in her thoughts she didn’t even notice when Sameer lightly latched the door. She was looking for a spare cloth to clean the splashes, when he went up to her and said, “waise Naina… Kaafi sochne ke baad mujhe bura nahi laga tumhari Salman wali baat ka.”

She turned, surprised, “sach?”

He nodded, “haan… dekho na ab jaise tumhara Salman hai waise hi mujhe bhi bahot saari heroines pasand hai.”

She gasped, and stuttered, “K…karishma Kapoor?”

He chuckled, “hmm… haan woh bhi achchi hai… sivaay uske baal ke. Lekin Judwaa movie me toh baal bhi achche the. Aur uske alawa mujhe Madhuri bhi pasand hai… Hayee uska woh dhak dhak wala gaana… kya dance kiya tha.”

“Chee”, she mumbled, “kaisa sab achcha lagta hai aapko.”

He tilted his head, noticing how the tip of her nose was turning red. Yep! His Naina was getting angry, just a bit more… So he added, “aree usme kya chee… Kitni hot lag rahi thi. Aur fir Mohra movie me Raveena Tandon… Tip tip barsa paani… uff kya adaayein… sexy ekdum.”

She glared at him, her heart breaking a little as she found herself inadequate in-front of the names he uttered, “aur koi bachi hai?”

He nodded enthusiastically, “bilkul… Hollywood me se hai. Julia Roberts… uske toh posters bhi hai mere room me… bilkul mere bed ke saamne.”

Anger flashed in her eyes, and he thought she would lash out at him… demand as to how he could speak of other women in-front of her… but to his surprise she controlled herself, and grabbed the cloth she had pulled out, “achcha hai… roz inn sabko hi dekhte rehna. Ab mujhe apna kaam karne do.”

Not the one to be deterred, he spread his arms and asked innocently, “aise hi karogi, ya shirt utarke du?”

She froze, realizing that she would be touching him if she cleaned the shirt while he was wearing it, and the other scenario… well… she wouldn’t have to touch him but she would be seeing him shirtless. Could she touch? She had hugged him already… but still… it was so different today. He wasn’t standing before her sad or professing his love, he was taking names of other women, who were far more beautiful than her. How could she touch him? Whenever he touched her it evoked a thousand sensations inside her… what if her touch didn’t do the same to him? If he is not wearing his shirt, then at least she could turn away from him, or close her eyes… she need not look at him in that condition.

“Utarke de do”, she instructed and turned away from him.

Amused and puzzled both, he slowly unbuttoned his shirt, and held it in-front of her, trying to think what she had thought. She snagged it from his hand without even glancing sideways, and started to determinedly clean it. He frowned, she wasn’t getting angry, she wasn’t looking at him, and she was giving no reactions to his casual remarks on other women. What the hell? He was her would-be husband. Well… it might be that she was embarrassed so she wasn’t looking, but he was wearing a vest… it wasn’t as if he was completely shirtless.

He watched her apply powder on the stains, and lost his patience. Grabbing his arm, he turned her and pulled her to him. She gasped, her hands coming to rest on his chest, and he saw her eyes flutter from his face to his chest. Her eyes widened for a fraction of second, color riding high on her cheekbones, and then she looked away, closing her eyes.

He cupped her chin, and turned her head back to him, “kis mitti ki bani ho tum? Maine itne saare heroines ke naam liye aur tumhe jalan nahi hui?” She didn’t answer, and he didn’t have any patience left, so he let his fingers trace her lips, and threatened “aankhen kholo warna abhi kiss kar lunga.”

She gasped, opening her eyes immediately, and he was horrified to see tears in them as he realized that he had probably ended up hurting her. “Shit”, he muttered a string of curses and hugged her, “I am sorry Naina… main tumko uksaane ki koshish kar raha tha. Tum kyun zara bhi gussa nahi hui?”

She rested her head on his chest, letting herself absorb his warmth, “kaise hoti? Maine hi aapko dukh diya na. Aur fir woh saari heroines toh kitni khubsurat hai…” Her voice trembled as she continued, “m…main toh kuch bhi nahi unke saamne.”

He tightened his hold on her, “bewakuf… woh sab kuch maayne nahi rakhte mere liye. Tum meri sab kuch ho… main tumse pyaar karta hun. Haan main gussa hua tha tumpe, Salman wali baat ko leke… par tum hi socho… itna gussa toh jayas hai na. Main kaise maan lu ke meri biwi kisi aire-gaire hero ko itna achcha bole. Fir chahe woh Salman ho ya Shahrukh… hamare beech aane ka haq kisiko nahi hai.”

She hiccupped a little, and he stroked her back, “shsh… pagal ho kya Naina… thoda sa man-mutav toh har pati-patni ke beech me hota hai… iska matlab yeh thodi na hai ke main tumse shaadi nahi karunga.”

Naina gasped and pulled back, “aap…aapko kaise…”

“Maine suna”, he interrupted, “tumse zyada toh Preeti ko bharosa hai mujhpe. Woh samajh gai ke main aisa kabhi nahi karunga. Aur tumhe itna sa bhi vishwaas nahi hai… Naina… main tumse ladunga, gussa karunga, bewakufiyan karunga… lekin kabhi bhi tumko chodkar nahi jaunga.”

Finally, after a very very long moment, she hugged him, and he exhaled in relief. The tension passed, hearts lightened, and the situation dawned on them. They were standing in a locked room, in each other’s embrace, and he wasn’t wearing his shirt. Naina’s heart thudded as she felt the warm skin of his chest touch her forehead, the slightly coarse hair tickled her. Quite opposite to the gentle touch on their roka, today his hands wandered possessively over her back. He hoarsely whispered, “ek baar bolo Naina… wahi jo Preeti ko kaha tha… jaise mera naam liya tha.”

She tilted her head back and looked up at him, and softly whispered, “mera Sameer…”

Breath whooshed from his lungs, and he clutched her tighter, “tum bhi meri ho… sirf meri…” Her eyes closed when she saw him lowering his head. She didn’t know what would happen, but this time she didn’t look away or withdraw… she even closed her eyes so that he could see no questions in her eyes… She kept repeating in her mind that she was his and he was hers… He heart leaped in anticipation and nervousness, but tears of happiness leaked from the corner of her eyes when instead of capturing her lips he dropped a lingering kiss on her forehead, and whispered, “meri Naina…”

After a minute he separated from her, and said, “koi aa jaaye isse pehle hum bahar chalte hai.” She nodded, giving him his shirt, and he pulled it on, feeling gratified when she didn’t look way but stared at him. He was about to step to the door, when Naina caught his hand, just like last time… He looked back at her, wondering what was it this time. She smiled and picked up one rose from the bunch he had given her, and to his enormous surprise, softly kissed the petals and gave it to him. He took it from her hands, his fingers brushing against hers, and saw the mark of light pink lipstick on the deep red petals. Looking into her eyes, he raised the rose to his lips and kissed the mark she had left.

She smiled and blushed, and he hid the precious rose inside his shirt, and together they walked out of the room. The remaining dinner passed in merriment, with everyone chattering. Preeti understood that they had talked and sorted whatever problem there was, and grinned at both of them. Sameer ate an extra helping of rice and dessert, as if the pink mark had increased his appetite rather than satiating it. When it was time to leave, he winked at her, and enjoyed the immediate effect he had on her.

While on their way back, Nanu kept staring out of the car window, and voiced, “waise… daal girne ka kaafi fayda hua lagta hai. Mauke ka fayda utha hi liya hoga ab tak tumne…”

Sameer choked, unable to reply, but that was not the end of it. As they reached their home, he wished Nanu good night, and Nanu smiled, “Good Night. Extra fuldaan kitchen me rakha hai, le jao kamre me… shirt me chupe gulaab ko usme rakh dena, thoda paani daalke…” Whistling merrily he went into his room, leaving a coughing, red-in-the-face Sameer behind.