Always and Forever Part – 43: Shubhaarambh

The moon was hiding in clouds leaving the surroundings covered in velvety black, the white bungalow stood out, but the curtains were drawn today which was unusual because the man in the house liked to sit by the window. However today he was occupied in formulating secret plan. Inside a room on the top floor of the bungalow, four boys were huddled under a blanket, an upright torch creepily lighting up their faces.

“Plan kya hai?” Sameer Maheshwari whispered.

His brother, Rohan queried, “kaisa plan? Aur hum log aise kyun bethe hai?”

Pandit clucked his tongue, “tu bachcha hai abhi… samajh nahi aayega tujhe.”

Munna was the voice of logic, “shsh… dheere… zyada baate mat karo, mausiji ne sunn liya toh gadbad ho jayegi. Aur yeh… kambal… Ponga tu bhi na… pagal hai.”

It had been Pandit’s idea to hold the secret meeting under blanket, and now he defended it, “sabse best idea hai yeh Chenu… khufiya meeting aise hi hoti hai.”

Feeling itchy and suffocated Sameer threw off the blanket, “mujhe nahi karna kambal me meeting.”

Pandit grumbled, “haan bhai… ab toh tujhe kambal me kuch aur hi karne ka sujh raha hoga.”

Munna and Rohan covered their mouths to stifle their laughter. Sameer grinned, flicking his hair, “baal bhramachari ko jalan ho rahi hai.”

Pandit pulled a face as his friends laughed, “haslo haslo… yaad rakhna aadhi society maine dekhi hai, ek bhi jagah nahi bataunga.”

Sameer sobered down and held an ear in apology, “sorry… par sach me… yeh kambal me ghutan ho rahi hai.”

Pandit sighed, acquiescing that it wasn’t such a grand idea as it seemed to be. Munna asked, “yaar… tere kamre me bed aa gaya hai toh tu ab tak yahan niche yeh purana gadda bichake kyun so raha hai?”

Sameer smiled, glancing at the brand new bed, “kyunki yeh bed maine aur Naina dono ne chuna hai… toh shaadi ke baad hi ispe sounga. Waise bhi ab thode hi din bache hai. Aur neeche sote sote aadat ho gai hai.”

Pandit teased, “tujhe pata hai na… yeh shaadi ke baad bed ka udghatan karna kaisa lag raha hai sunne me?”

Sameer slapped his friend on the back of his head, “tharkee insaan… bekaar ki baate bandh kar… plan pe focus kar.”

Sameer’s friends had come over late in the night to discuss their secret plan on how Sameer could meet Naina in the days before wedding, and also vantage points for them to see the rituals happening. From his discussion Chachaji and Naina, Sameer had extracted the information that mehndi and haldi both would be held outside as they had learnt from Pooja didi’s wedding experience that the space inside the living room was too small to hold a proper function. Hence he had deduced that it was possible for him to see those functions if he had a good point around her house.

Munna pulled out a big roll-of-paper from inside his shirt and spread it out on the mattress. It was a rough – extremely rough – hand-drawn blueprint of Nirmal Jyoti Society. Everyone peered over it, and Pandit explained, “functions se pehle bhabhi se milne ke liye toh tujhe ghar pe hi jaana padega, par roz roz ek hi jagah bike park karega ya ek hi raaste se jayega toh risk hai… isiliye yeh dekh… Society me ghusne ke chaar raaste hai……”

And the strategy to enter Naina’s society then into her room or the terrace was discussed; game-plan to divert family member’s attentions in case someone noticed or asked was formulated, and then Munna explained about the vantage points they had scouted to see the pre-wedding functions. Rohan gaped in surprised at the elaborate plan, “seriously? Bhai aap sach me yeh karne wale ho? Bahot risk hai isme.”

Sameer frowned, “tujhe risky lag raha hai toh ghar pe rehna… Mummy agar puche toh unka dhyan batana. Lekin main Naina se mile bina nahi reh sakta, aur naa hi woh mujhse mile bina rahegi.”

“Par woh waada…”, Rohan started to remind.

Sameer interrupted, “shabdo ka khel tha… Naina ne waada kiya ke agar me rasmo ke dauraan usse milne ki koshish karta hun, toh woh mujhse nahi milegi. Woh toh main waise bhi nahi milta… Saare guests ke beech me bhala usse kyun milu, aur yahan bhi toh functions honge… Par hum dono me se kisine bhi rasmo ke pehle ya rasmo ke baad naa milne ka waada kiya hi nahi… Aur naa hi maine rasmo ko naa dekhne ka waada kiya.”

Rohan opened and closed his mouth in astonishment, “wow… bhabhi bahot smart hai.”

“Aree woh toh jis din school me Sameer ki likhi hui parchi teacher ke saamne padhke faadke phenk di usi din samajh me aa gaya tha”, Munna said proudly.

Rohan queried, “konsi parchi?”

Sameer smiled, “mujhe Naina ko school ke bahar kahin milne bulana tha… toh maine ek parchi me kahan mile likhke uski taraf phenka. Par parchi uspe naa girke usne bench ke saamne zameer pe gir gayi, aur Sir wahi pe khade the.”

Pandit picked up from there, “Bhabhi ne pen girayi, aur phir uthane ke bahane letter le liya, aur desk ke neeche padh liya.”

“Aur phir Sir ne unko kaha board pe sodium bicarbonate ka formula likhneko”, Munna explained, “toh woh board ke wahan gai, aur pure class se aur Sir se chupke parchi ko faad diya.”

Sameer grinned, “isi wajah se aaj bhi sodium bicarbonate ka formula mujhe yaad hai.”

Suddenly there was a soft knock on the door, and everyone fell silent, they looked at each other wondering if they were about to be caught. Pandit gestured that they should leave, but Sameer stopped him thinking that if someone was awake then they could be spotted. He stood up and tiptoed to the door, placing his ear against the wood trying to listen. After a moment there was another knock, and a low voice floated, “Rohan bhaiya… Sameer bhaiya…”

Sameer exhaled in relief, opening the door a bit, and the little girl slipped inside. She rubbed her eyes, glancing at the boys, “aap sab log itni raat ko kya kar rahe hai?”

Rohan stood up too, going to his sister, “kuch nahi Deepika… hum log bas baate kar rahe the. Tum yahan kyun aayi? So gayi thi na tum toh.”

She nodded, “haan… par bed ke neeche monster hai.”

Sameer bit his lip to stop his giggle. Rohan knelt before her, “Deepika maine kitni baar samjhaya hai koi monster nahi hota… yeh sab sirf kahaniya hai.”

She pouted, and adamantly said, “monster hai… main akele nahi soungi.”

Rohan was about to explain again, but Sameer stopped him, “rehne do… Deepika, tum yahin ruko hamare saath. Dekho mere desk pe paper hai, aur tumhare crayons bhi pade hue hai. Jab tak hum baat kar rahe hai tum drawing karo.”

She nodded and trotted up to the desk, perching on her brother’s chair which was quite high for her and started to scribble. The boys stood near the window, discussing the finer points of their plan. Finally, they were done in about twenty minutes, and just then Deepika’s voice interrupted, “bhaiya dekho.”

Both her brothers turned to look, and were surprised to see her holding up their blueprint. Rohan gasped, “Deepika… yeh kyun liya tumne? Yeh bhai ke kaam ka paper hai.”

She frowned in confusion, “yeh office ka thodi na hai… yeh toh bhabhi se milne ka plan hai.”

The four boys blinked, looking at each other in shock, and then Sameer slowly asked, “umm… tumhe kaise pata yeh kya hai?”

She gestured with her hand asking them to come closer, and then spread the plan on table again. Pointing to a particular spot she said, “idhar likha hua Sameer-Naina. Aur yeh chaar jagah pe entry. Teen aur jagah Sameer-Munna-Pandit. Aur yeh gate pe Nirmal Jyoti Society… Yeh toh bhabhi ke society ka naam hai na.”

Munna gulped, “yaar yeh kitaabe padhne wali ladkiya badi tezz hoti hai.”

Smiling toothily, she looked up at Sameer and said, “bhaiya dekho na… maine aapke plan ko naam diya hai.”

Sameer peered at the paper and saw ‘Meet Bhabhi Plan’ written in bold on top, each alphabet in different colors. He stroked her head, “bahot achcha hai… uh… Deepika yeh plan mummy ko mat batana… thike?”

She grinned, “mujhe pata hai… Jaise aaj Pralay ne nahi bataya aapke baare me shaam ko… Main bhi nahi bataungi.” Then she frowned, “par iss plan me mera naam toh nahi hai… main bhabhi se nahi milungi?”

Rohan and Sameer looked at each other, wondering how to explain. Rohan suddenly snapped his fingers and explained to his sister, “Deepika tumhare liye dusra kaam hai. Jab bhai bhabhi se milne jayenge na, tab agar Mummy puche toh tumhe unse bhaiya ko bachana hai.”

She thought about it for some time and then agreed, “thike… par aap bhi toh nahi jayenge na Rohan bhaiya?”

Rohan fidgeted as he had been hoping to meet Preeti, but of course he couldn’t tell that to his sister. Sameer saw his brother’s condition and said, “Rohan ko kisi-kisi din aana padega. Main Naina se milunga tab meri bike usko sambhalni hogi na, isiliye.”

Once again she thought for a moment before nodding, and then carefully rolled up the plan, handing it over to Sameer. Munna and Pandit wished good night and then left, Rohan also took his sister back to the guest room to sleep. Sameer latched the door, and grabbed his pillow, lying down on the mattress, remembering their small tryst in her room before they were interrupted with Taiji. He thought that he would have to ensure these upcoming meetings were short so that he didn’t do something stupid or maybe he should implement a no-touch policy, but then he chuckled knowing very well that even if he didn’t initiate hug or kiss, Naina would. However he couldn’t sleep; after tossing and turning for few more minutes he went and knocked on the guest room door. Rohan opened, yawning, and asked, “bhai… ab kya hua?”

Sameer slowly asked, “Deepika Delhi me bhi toh akeli soti hai… wahan bed ke neeche monsters nahi hai?”

Rohan blinked, and smiled, “nahi… wahan uske room me monster bhagane ka spray hai jo roz raat ko chidakke soti hai.”

“Ohh okay”, Sameer nodded, and turned to go back to his room. Naturally none of the brothers thought of this to be an odd conversation to have even after crossing adolescence. It was perfectly normal to have monsters under bed, and special sprays to banish them.

Next morning was eventful for both the families as relatives arrived. Sameer’s Mama-Mami arrived along with their son, daughter-in-law and a one year old grandson. Kamlesh Maheshwari was Vishakha’s first cousin, and lived in Rajkot at present handling a small factory of dyeing and printing. Sameer had barely ever met this family, maybe only once, as far as he could remember when he was a teenager and had visited Nanu for a couple of days in summer vacations. Other than that he had no memories of them. He got to know that the guy was supposed to be his cousin, naturally because he was Mamaji’s son; his name was Devang, and his wife was called Poonam. He greeted everyone with a cautious smile, Deepika stood partially hidden behind him, clutching his shirt.

Mamaji folded his hands in-front of Nanu’s photograph in the hall, and then turned to Vishakha, “Bapa Sitaram… Kakusa ko gaye itna wakht ho gaya vishwas hi nahi ho raha. Sameer ko bhi tabhi dekha tha, kaise tut sa gaya tha.”

The small smile on Sameer’s face disappeared as he recollected the worst phase of his life. His eyes closes as he tried to ward off the pain, tried to remember that he had made his Nanu proud, but the tears still prickled his eyelids. It made sense for them to mention it because that was the last time they had met him, but he had no memory of who all were there. He only remembered his mother and step-father at the hospital and then Munna and Pandit consoling him. Suddenly Deepika slipped her hand in his, holding on, and perkily declared, “Nanaji chale thodi na gaye… Woh toh Sameer bhaiya ke saath hai.”

Everyone looked in surprise at the little girl, and Mamiji asked, “by God… yeh kaun hai?”

Before Vishakha could reply, Sameer did, “meri behen.” Then he glanced down, “Deepika… kya matlab hai tumhara ke Nanu mere saath hai?”

She narrowed her eyes as if trying to remember something, and then clicked her fingers, “haan… peechli baar jab yahan aai thi tab maine bhabhi se pucha tha ke woh itne saare logo ke saath rehti hai, aur aap akele… pehle Nanaji the par ab toh woh bhi nahi rehte, pata nahi kaha hai.”

Sameer was surprised at this, Naina had never mentioned about this conversation. He slowly asked, “toh phir Naina ne kya kaha?”

Deepika smiled and explained, “unhone kaha ke Nanaji bhagwaan ke ghar me rehte hai ab, aur wahi se aapka dhyan rakhte hai. Iska matlab aap akele nahi ho.”

Poonam smiled, bouncing her son a little, “aree waah… meri hone wali devrani toh bahot samajhdaar lagti hai.”

“Haan… woh toh hai”, Vishakha agreed, “chaliye ab aap log haath-muh dhoke nashta kar lijiye, phir Rohan aapko hotel me chod aayega.”

On the other hand Agarwal house welcomed Arjun, who had been living and working in Baroda since two years now. He had always wanted to play cricket professionally, however life hadn’t taken that turn for him, and after all these years he now realized that he had probably never deserved it. He had been a coward always, except the one time when he had finally gained courage to confess in front of his family so that Naina could get married to the man she loved. Sameer deserved her sister just like he had deserved a fair chance in the head-boy competition, he had deserved a fair chance to apologize to Naina, he had deserved a fair chance to win at the interschool cricket selection match… Sameer had deserved all these but had never got it because of his interference. And now his conscience didn’t let him be at peace, even though Sameer never taunted him or reminded him. Maybe that was how Karma played its game.

“Bhaiya”, Naina came out of her room and hugged him.

He smiled, happy that he was still able to get his little sister’s affection. His father was disappointed in him, just as he was in his father. Naina however had always been different, maybe because of the values Chachaji and Chachaji had inculcated in her. Cupping her shoulders, he said, “kaisi hai tu? Sameer kaisa hai?”

She smiled, “main theek hun… aur Sameer bhi theek hai. Woh yahan nahi aa payenge warna aapse milte… Aree aap kyun nahi milke aate unse?”

Arjun looked away, “shaadi ka kaam hoga na abhi… iss beech me kahan pareshan karu. Sagai ke din mil lunga.”

She understood, “bhaiya woh aapse zara bhi naraaz nahi hai.”

“Kyunki uska dil bada hai”, he said, “aur usme sahi-galat ki samajh hai. Par mujhme ab tak itni himmat nahi hai.”

She tried to convince him, but just then everyone else came over to greet him. He was pulled into different discussions. When Rakesh came in, he took his blessings, but it was clear that there was some strain there too. Naina sighed wondering how different the dynamics of her family were. All her father wanted was a son who would fulfill all his dreams, and so he had pampered Arjun as well as pushed him beyond measure resulting in a boy who had been coward and aimless, who had now turned into a man who was just as spineless and clueless.

In the afternoon the same day Naina’s friend Shefali also arrived. She bounded upstairs to meet Naina and Preeti, and it was a jovial reunion. Shefali now lived and worked in Mumbai but was here just for the wedding, along with her mother. Naturally, Chachaji had wanted to provide accommodation for them too, but Shefali had refused, choosing to stay in a hotel of her own preference.

Preeti looked at her stylish outfit and commented, “tu toh Mumbai jaake film-star ban gai hai… Batana… Tu Salman, Shahrukh, Aamir kisise mili hai kya?”

Shefali laughed, “main heroine nahi model hun… Itne bade logo se ab tak nahi mili.”

Just then Arjun came inside with something in his hands, and stopped on seeing Shefali. They smiled at each other and gave a brief nod, then he muttered that he would come later and left. Naina saw the exchange and prodded, “mujhe school me lagta tha ke tujhe bhaiya bahot pasand hai.”

Shefali gave a short smile, “haan pasand tha… cute lagta tha… abhi bhi cute hai. Par uske saath cricket seekhte hue jab waqt bitaya toh dheere dheere samajh aa gaya ke woh mere liye sahi nahi hai. Main zindagi me aage badhna chahti thi, aur usme mere saath chalne ki himmat kabhi nahi hoti. Jab Megha wala kissa hua tha tab iss society me se kisine uska saath nahi diya… Arjun ki soch bhi usi din pata chal gai. Isiliye maine Arjun ko se zyada apne lakshya pe dhyan diya.”

Naina knew she was right, but it still saddened her to think that a relationship that could have bloomed had snuffed even before the bud could have opened. Suddenly Shefali’s animated voice broke in her thoughts, “tu meri chod… yeh bata ke Sameer kaisa hai? Aur tum dono ki baat kaha tak pahonchi? Ab tak sirf mandir me hi milte ho ya baat haath pakadne tak badi?”

Naina stared at her friend, amused at the questions… Holding hands? Wow… She must have appeared really naïve that even after all these years Shefali could only ask about holding hands to her. Of course she remembered how she had even ditched the idea of meeting Sameer outside, and had exclaimed ‘cheee’ at the term boyfriend. Preeti chuckled, “haath pakadna sirf? Shefali… thoda detail me puch aur aage badh… haath pakadna, gale milna yeh sab toh aam si baat ho gai hai. Aaj kal toh Jijai parivaar ke saamne bhi Naina ko gale laga lete hai.”

Shefali’s eyes widened, “kya? Naina… Tu sach me yeh sab hone deti hai?”

Once again Preeti replied, “hone deti hai? Aree Naina toh jijaji ko ki… umph…” Her words were muffled because Naina had clamped a hand over her mouth, and whispered, “shsh… pagal hai kya… yeh sab baate yahan nahi… kamre me chalo.”

Once inside the room, Preeti eagerly finished her sentence, “Naina jijaji ko kiss bhi kar chuki hai… Iske baare me puch na Shefali?”

Naina rolled her eyes sitting on the bed, and Shefali dropped her purse in shock. It took her minute to string her words together, “kiss? Tu? Sach me?”

Naina shrugged, biting her lip, her eyes shining with excitement and adventure. Shefali sat down in front of her, “wow… tu school me toh pavitrata ki devi thi… apne aur Sameer ke rishte ko masoom aur nirdosh bolti thi… toh college me kisine koi ghutti piladi kya?”

Naina laughed, “college me nahi… Roka ke baad… Sameer ne hi ghutti pilai. Warna main toh…”

Preeti chirped in, “par Naina ab tak mujhe yeh nahi batati ke kitni baar kiss kiya hai usne.”

Shefali chuckled, “rehne de Preeti… mujhse aur jhatke bardaasht nahi honge. Achcha yeh bata Sameer se mil sakti hun. Woh yahan aayega na?”

Again Preeti replied, but this time sadly, “ab toh seedhe sagai ke din aayenge. Yeh mahaan aatma gharwalo ke kehne pe waada jo kar bethi shaadi tak naa milne ka.”

Shefali was confused, “itne din mile bina rahoge dono? Kaise?”

“Maine kab kaha ke hum nahi milenge”, Naina suggested in a low voice, “maine aur Sameer dono ne rasmo ke dauraan naa milne ka waada kiya hai. Usse pehle aur uske baad me toh mil hi sakte hai. Gharwalo ko waada chahiye tha, toh humne kar diya.”

Preeti gasped in excitement, “iska matlab jijaji aayenge… aur Ro… umm… ro…roz aayenge?”

Naina sighed, “mujhe ab tak nahi pata ke kaise milenge, kab milenge… Bas itna pata hai ke milenge zarur.”

“Tu bilkul chinta mat kar”, Shefali assured, “aur meri kuch bhi madad chahiye ho toh batana. Mumbai me rehte rehte kaafi kuch sikh gai hun.”

That night as Naina waited in the living room with a book in her hands, Preeti came to her and slowly said, “mujhe kuch puchna hai.”

Naina kept the book aside and smiled, “kya hua?”

After some hesitation Preeti asked, “jijaji aur tune shaadi ki baat kaise ki thi ek dusre se? Teri kahaani me toh kuch bhi nahi likha.”

Surprised at the question Naina replied, “humne kabhi baat nahi ki… mera matlab kabhi propose nahi kiya ek dusre ko. Bas aisai baat karte the ke shaadi ke baad yeh karenge, woh karenge… Roka ke baad Sameer ne mujhe propose kiya.”

Preeti was puzzled, “roka ke baad karneka kya matlab?”

“Kuch nahi”, Naina chuckled, “bas uska man hua toh kar diya. Par tu yeh sab kyun puch rahi hai?”

Preeti sighed, “maine aur Rohan ne bhavishya ki koi baat nahi ki. Sab kuch naya naya hai… Achanak se abhi teri kahi hui baat yaad aa gai ke mere paas zyada waqt nahi hai… teri shaadi ka din nazdik aa gaya.”

Naina smiled, “tu chinta mat kar… Rohan me bhi itni toh samajh hai… Aur main aur Sameer toh hai hi tum dono ke saath.”

Just then the phone rang, and Preeti grinned, wished good night and went back inside. Naina picked up the phone, “hi…”

At the other end Sameer smiled, “hey sweetheart… jaldi batao kya pehna hai.”

She chuckled, “tum bhi na… ajeeb ho… pehle bolte ho aisa kuch mat karo jisse main control kho du aur phir phone karte hi pehla sawaal kapdo ke baare me.”

He grinned, “aree… maine toh isiliye pucha ke shaadi ke din kareeb aa rahe hai toh kahin purane zamane ki tarah saree pehnake toh nahi sula rahe.”

She understood he was teasing her and decided to give tit-for-tat, “achcha hi hai na saree pehenke sou toh…”

He was puzzled, “kyun?”

She smirked, “dress toh theek rehta hai sote hue bhi… saree pehenke soye toh pallu hat jaane ka chance rehta hai.”

He blinked, immediately imagining the scenario she mentioned, and gulped. She was right… If she wore a saree to bed, the pallu might slip to one side, revealing her bare midriff, and the blouse… oh dear God… It was a bad idea to tease her. Swallowing hard, he said in hoarse voice, “tum mujhe pareshan karna bandh karo.”

She laughed, “tumhe kya laga tum mujhe chedoge aur mujhe pata nahi chalega?”

He sighed, “ok baba… main haara… ab bandh karo warna puri raat so nahi paunga.”

She hummed, “suno na… tumne sabko bola ke milne ka plan nahi bana ab tak… toh hum kaise milenge?”

He grinned, relaxing on the sofa, “kal raat ko milenge… tumhare chhat pe 12 baje… upar aa jaana.”

Eyes wide in shock she queried, “tum kaise aaoge?”

He refused to divulge, “mat pucho… agar Phulla-Bua ne tumpe kasam wali trick use ki toh tum bata dogi… isiliye jitna kam pata utna achcha. Main kal milunga tab bata dunga ke kaise aaya. Aur suno… uske baad bhi jab milenge main pehle se kabhi nahi bataunga.”

She sighed, “aisa lag raha hai secret planning kar rahe hai.”

He laughed softly, “kar hi rahe hai sweetheart… kal raat ko hi ki sab planning… Munna, Pandit, Rohan aur main… Aur uske baad Deepika aai aur usko 10 minute bhi nahi laga hamara plan janne me.”

Naina giggled, “girls hamesha boys se zyada smart hoti hai.”

His eyebrow quirked, “achcha… agar ladkiya itni hi smart hoti hai, toh phir tumhe hamesha itne sawaal kyun hote hai?”

“Kyunki jab tum jawaab dete ho mujhe achcha lagta hai”, came her pat reply, “khaas kar ke jab bina kuch bole jawaab dete ho.”

His voice was rough as he warned, “Naina…”

She smiled, “sorry… raha nahi gaya.”

He gruffly said, “soch raha hun jab milu tab rule bana du ke shaadi tak chhuna mana hai.”

“Bana do”, she shrugged, “mujhe pata hai sabse pehle tum hi iss rule ko todoge.”

He smirked, “challenge?”

She bit her lip, “haan…”

He grinned, “thike… kal milenge tab dekhte hai. Filhaal so jao… Good Night.”

“Good Night”, she wished and paused and then added, “sweetheart.”

The phone was disconnected before he could retort, and he laughed at the way she couldn’t resist teasing him.

The 3^rd of February dawned bright and sunny, and preparations for Ganesh Puja started in Agarwal house. Flowers adorned each door, the air rented with dhoop fragrance, Chachiji prepared Prasad in the kitchen and Phulla-Bua instructed Naina to just stir the sooji halwa once as per the ritual. Preeti, Shefali and Swati were sitting on the floor in kitchen with a pile of fruits that needed to be cut for Prasad. The priest arrived at half-past eight to prepare for the puja and hawan. A bunch of cooks were setting up outside in a pandal to cook some breakfast for people who weren’t fasting and lunch for everyone as they would eat after puja. Bela added dry-fruits to the halwa, stirred and covered it, “Naina beta… jaa taiyar ho jaa. Peeli saree pehenna.”

Naina nodded, “ji chachiji… kal nikalke rakhi thi.”

Preeti said, “tu saree pehen aur taiyar ho jaa, phir hair style main aake kar dungi.”

As instructed Naina dressed up in a yellow silk saree with mustard dot pattern all over and stripe pattern on pallu, teaming it with a dark green blouse with golden threadwork on sleeves. Phulla Bua had asked her to wear the gold set she had brought, and so she put on the long necklace, jhumkas, bangles, and finished the look with a golden kamarband that she had with her. There wasn’t a need of more makeup as the hawan place would be hot and it could get sweaty. So she just used her compact, and lined her eyes with kajal. She brushed her long hair, and then called Preeti inside who styled her hair in a long braid set with white flowers all down the length. The last touch was a bindi on her forehead and some lipstick.

Bela came in to check on her, and exclaimed at how beautiful she looked. Quickly lifting a speck of kajal from her own eyes she put a small dot behind Naina’s ear before taking her outside. Taiji looked her over trying to find some fault, but couldn’t, and so she grumbled about the uselessness of wearing such a heavy gold set at home. Phulla Bua admonished Taiji to silence, and then smiled at Naina, “Bela… aaj se har roz iski nazar utaarna. Itni shaadiya dekhi hai zindagi me par aaj tak kisi dulhan ke chehre pe itni chamak nahi dekhi.”

Preeti chuckled, “yeh sab toh jijaji ke pyaar ka asar hai.”

Naina blushed and Swati commented, “haaye… aaj jijaji yahan hote to tujhe dekhke aaj hi shaadi kar lete.”

While the women in the room giggled at this comment, Naina felt slightly sad that she had dressed up but he couldn’t see her. He always loved it when she dressed up and as she sat down for the puja she thought to herself, ‘ghar me roz saree toh nahi pehenna hoga par phir bhi kisi kisi din Sameer ke liye taiyar hoke rahungi jab woh office se aayenga.’

Unknown to everyone in the room, three boys were crouched on a terrace in another society parallel to Agarwal house. One of them had binoculars trained on the living room window and balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of something. Munna and Pandit kept a sharp lookout, while Sameer sat patiently waiting for a chance to see Naina. And he was rewarded soon as Naina stepped up to Phulla Bua… She was dressed in a yellow saree and looked gorgeous as always. He had no idea that a simple Ganesh puja would require her to dress up so much, but he had trusted the fanaticism of Agarwals and decided that it was worth spending a few hours to see how they would dress up his Naina. And he was glad that he was here.

Sameer kept watching as Naina was seated for the puja hindering his full view of her; he saw Bela, Preeti and Swati sit exactly behind her. Chachaji sat on other side of the hawan kund, maybe because he would need to do some rituals. He spotted Arjun and Rakesh sir walk in and disappear from view, maybe gone to sit with Tauji. The puja started but he couldn’t understand all the rituals that were being done. Finally after about forty-five minutes everyone stood up for aarti, and he could hear the sound of chorus and bells too. And then his patience was rewarded once again as Naina stood up to give aarti around the house and she even came out on the balcony.

Munna warned in a low voice, “dikh gai na bhabhi… ab chalna chahiye… aas paas kisine dekh liya toh aafat aa jayegi.”

Sameer took one last look at her, and smiled to see her laughing on something someone had said, and then the trio left from there.

The hawan took another hour and half, and by the time it ended everyone in the room was drenched in sweat and Naina felt as if she hadn’t drunk any water since ages. The priest mixed some haldi in water on a thaali and then asked Naina to dip her palms and place hand print on the wall next to the Ganesh murti. He explained that this ritual was called haldi haath and it meant that the daughter of the house was wishing for good fortune to remain in her parent’s home even after she moved on in her married life to her husband’s home.  As soon as they were permitted to get up Preeti hurried to the kitchen and brought out jugs of water for everyone. Naina drank two glasses back to back and then sat down with the girls to eat some prasad. The remaining of the afternoon went by in a lull and everyone ate lunch and gossiped. Few people asked Naina if the gold set she was wearing came from her sasural, and she had to explain each time. Finally, at around 4pm she was allowed to go back to her room, and change into normal clothes. She folded the saree loosely and kept it on the chair, deciding to ask Chachiji what to do with it as she had sweated so while wearing it. The gold set was locked inside the cupboard locker for safety. Preeti, Swati and Shefali came in armed with ice-creams and they sat on the bed digging into vanilla and chocolate ices.

In evening both the families sat down at their home to form small invitation packages containing wedding card, shagun money, coconut and sweets which was to be given out next day in Bhaat Nyotana. This was a ritual that was done by the bride and groom’s maternal uncles, and it was a sign of respect. While everything went on smoothly in Agarwal house, there were a few hiccups in Maheshwari bungalow as no one seemed to remember how much money needed to be handed out as shagun. Mamiji claimed that in her wedding 101 Rupees were given out, while Vishakha clearly remembered that it should only be 11 Rupees. Finally Sameer interrupted, suggesting to call up at Naina’s home and ask. This idea was rejected initially but when there was no conclusion even after thirty minutes, Sameer dialed the number without waiting for anyone’s permission. Shefali picked up the phone and Sameer warned her from not announcing who it was, and so Naina was called to attend the call with an excuse that it was from her college friend.

As soon as she took the phone Sameer said, “main hun… kisiko batana mat.”

She fumbled for a moment, before saying, “oh Suman… bolo kya kaam hai?”

Bela looked up guessing at once who it was and wondered why did damadji call like this. Sameer slowly asked, “bhaat wali jo rasam hai usme kitne rupaye dete hai shagun me? 101 ke 11?”

She thought about it for a moment, listening to the background noises at his place, and then said, “aise functions me toh audhe ke upar tay karte hai gifts. Saare teachers ko same gift, par Principal ko koi bada gift kyuki woh umar aur tajoorbe dono me bade hote hai.”

Sameer grinned, “samajh gaya… thanks…”

Keeping the phone down, he told his family, “konse rishtedaar ko nyota de rahe ho uspe depend karega… Koi buzurg ya parivaar ke bade ko de rahe ho toh zyada paise dete hai.”

Vishakha smiled, “aree haan… yaad aa gaya. Maa hamesha bade mamaji ke liye zyada paise bhijwati thi aur dusre mamaji aur bua vagera ke liye kam paise.”

After this the process went on smoothly as each of the eleven relatives were classified into buckets based on the amount they deserved in shagun. Sameer didn’t understand what was the  need of this discrimination, but didn’t argue. Mamiji did make a sassy comment on how everyone in bride’s family must be gossiping now about the groom’s family’s lack of knowledge of rituals. Sameer rolled his eyes and informed, “meri Naina itni toh samajhdaar hai… Usne waha kisiko pata nahi lagne diya ke mera phone hai, aur mere sawaal ka jawaab bhi teachers ke gifts ke udharan se diya. Wahan sab sochenge ke uski saheli ka phone tha aur kisi school ya college ke function ki gifts ki baat chal rahi thi.”

As nightfall arrived everyone was tired, especially at the Agarwal house, since they had been up early to prepare for puja. Naina was also tired, but she was sure that if she fell asleep it would be impossible for her to wake up. And so she grabbed a book, moving to the living room to wait. At around 11:30pm there was a call from Sameer, and he said that he was leaving from home, and would meet her directly on terrace. She quickly went back to her room for some time, and then grabbed a rug, two cushions, one blanket, a small bottle of water and a bit of prasad from morning.

As she reached the terrace she spied some lumpy forms and for a moment was scared that someone was sleeping there. But then she shook her head, it wasn’t summer yet, no one would sleep on terrace. She inched closer as silently as she could to check on what the forms were… and upon realizing what they were she had an urge to laugh. Mattresses… Chachaji had kept some of the spare mattresses on terrace. Well… it was good for her. She kept aside all the things she had brought with her and then pulled one of the mattresses down. Spreading the rug on it, she arranged the pillows and then sat down to wait.

In ten minutes she could hear some shuffling sound, and a shadow crept around the corner of the terrace entrance. She stood up, smiling, immediately understanding that it was Sameer. He spotted her and quickly walked towards her… Reaching closer he opened his arms intending to hug her, but then stopped just an inch away… His smile dimmed as he pulled back, and Naina understood it was because of the challenge.

She cleared her throat to ease the sudden awkwardness, “uhh… hi.”

“Hi”, he wished, “kabse bethi ho?”

“Tumhare phone ke baad aa gayi thi”, she replied, and pointed to the mattress, “betho.”

He sat down and frowned in confusion, “yeh gadda kahan se aaya?”

She straightened the rug a bit, “Chachaji ne upar rakhwaye hai. Achcha… yeh lo subah ka prasad.”

He grinned happily, accepting the sweet, “umm… yummy hai… tumne banaya?”

She chuckled, “Chachiji ne… maine sirf thodi der chalaya. Abhi mujhe khana banana mana hai… Bua-dadi ko darr hai ke kahin mera haath jal gaya shaadi se pehle toh…”

He nodded, feeling odd to be sitting so far from her. It didn’t feel normal… By this time he would have not just hugged her but also kissed her. Stupid challenge… Why did he accept it? If he lost it she would tease him because he had been the one to talk about no-touch policy, and if he didn’t touch her still he would lose because meeting her and staying so far didn’t feel like winning. The only alternative was to make her touch him… But how?

She liked to see him in shirt… maybe the two open buttons will lure her… Eager to know he ditched his jacket, “aaj itni thand nahi hai. Jacket ki zarurat nahi lag rahi.”

She bit her lip, watching him with interest, even though there were covered in darkness, the merciful light from the moon was enough for her too see that he was wearing some light colored shirt, and as usual had two buttons open. She was tempted to smile as she understood what he was up to… The devil that he was, he thought he could tempt her into touching him… But he had no idea of the trap she had laid to lure him…

She kept talking about the puja that was done in morning, puzzling him as to why his stunt had no effect on her. What should he do now? Open more buttons…? Or will she only touch him if he ditched him shirt? He had almost zoned out of her non-stop chatter, trying to formulate his next step, when suddenly a movement caught his attention… He blinked… The shawl she had wrapped around herself had slipped a bit because of her animated hand movements, and he could see her arm… her bare arm… She didn’t seem to realize that the shawl was slipping because she kept on regaling him with the tale of how Bua-dadi had shut Taiji up today. Usually he would have been interested in any tale that included putting Taiji in her right place… But not now… The slipping shawl had captivated all his attention.

Was Naina doing it on purpose? For the challenge? He gazed at her face, scrutinizing her expressions in the moonlight and realized that she wasn’t… She was totally engrossed. What had she worn? Something sleeveless…? The incomplete vision frustrated him so much that he kept fidgeting. Finally after ten more minutes he placed a finger on her mouth to hush her up… Damn the challenge. He was ready to lose… Gripping her hand he pulled her so hard that she landed on his chest.

She squeaked, “Sameer kya kar rahe ho?”

“Shsh”, he commanded, “chup raho… dekhne do.”

Surprised she sat quietly as he unraveled the shawl from around her with quick deft movements. What was he doing? This wasn’t her plan…

He gulped on seeing her sleeveless top, and realized that it was the pink top that she had worn in the third year fresher’s party. He scowled, “yeh plan tha tumhara? Shawl aise dheere dheere sarka rahi thi… Mujhe harane ke liye.”

She shook her head, still a bit dazed from the happenings, “nahi… mera matlab… haan yeh top isi wajah se pehna tha… par shawl maine nahi hataya… mujhe toh pata bhi nahi.”

“Jhooth”, he grumbled.

Lifting her hand she cupped his face, “sach me… Maine socha tha ke baat karte hue beech me uthungi aur tab galti se shawl gira dungi. Par…”

His eyes glittered as he scanned her face, and then a small smile curved her lips, as he accepted with grace, “main haar gaya… tum jeeti… nahi reh saka tumko chuye bina.”

She wound her arms around his neck, “badi mushki se hare ho… kuch aur pal beet jaate toh shayad mujhse hi raha nahi jaata. Shirt wali strategy achchi thi… Tabhi toh kabse bak-bak kare jaa rahi thi khudka dhyan hatane ke liye.”

He chuckled, “maine bahot zyada kuch suna nahi.”

“Bakwaas kahaniya thi”, she offered, “par ab… kiss ka bhi challenge rakhoge kya?”

He smirked, “idea achcha hai… lekin abhi nahi… bahot galat kiya yeh top pehenke.” She was about to say that the top did its part of work, but she couldn’t because his mouth closed over hers in a hard punishing kiss. Teeth nipped, tongue invaded… She whimpered at the sudden assault, a dizzying sensation around her head… Her hands moved to his hair, and he felt his legs shift as he tried to adjust his own position. And then she was responding to his kiss with just as ferocity, demanding more and more… She tried to turn more towards him so that she could touch him. He understood her need, and gave in to her, tilting her back until she was lying on the mattress.

The pink top with its deep round neck and sequins had made him crave for her in college, but at that time he had been helpless because she hadn’t even understood his hint about kissing. But now… he didn’t have to hold back because she not only understood but also demanded, which was evident by the way she was trying to push his shirt up, and parting her legs so he could settle where he belonged. He left her mouth, trailing down to her throat, catching a strap with his teeth impatiently seeking more skin to taste. His need was fueled by the way her hands were moving under his shirt, over his jeans… If she continued he would be putty in her hands, obeying her every demand… And the situation demanded that he be in control of his actions. And so he caught her hands, lifted them over her head and shackled both her wrists in one palm.

Her back arched and she moaned his name softly, unaware of what he was doing, because he had never held her captive like this. Wanting to soothe he peppered her face with kisses.

“Sameer mere haath”, she panted in a whisper.

He nibbled at her lips, “shsh…” His other hand moved to her top lifting it up and his fingers skimmed her bare belly, feeling how she quivered with his touch.

What was he doing? Why was he holding her like this? She wanted to touch but he wasn’t letting her… Frustration made her squirm beneath him, until he settled more completely on her, pinning her to the mattress. She felt his mouth moving beneath her neck; felt his palm span across her belly and then move up slowly until it covered her breast; cupping, kneading. She whimpered, hoping he would do more, but in another few moments when he didn’t try to pull her bra down she knew he wouldn’t… That was why he had bound her hands with his; that was why he had stopped her squirming; that was why even though he was touching her his hips remained still.

She sighed, expecting to feel disappointment, but all she felt was relief because he had touched her… because she could kiss him… because he was here with her now… Truly, all that mattered for now was that she could meet him; that he had found a way to not let old-age rituals separate them. Relaxing under his touch, she stopped demanding, and said in a low voice, “shaadi ke baad phir se ek baar yeh top pehenna padega.”

He smiled down at her and released her hands, understanding that she wouldn’t do anything now. Straightening her top, he rolled so that she was on top, and agreed with her, “haan please… aur tab bhi terrace pe jayenge.”

She chuckled, settling properly on him, her breath fanning his neck, and he grabbed the shawl lying idle on the floor, and covered them. He knew he couldn’t stay all night, but just an hour maybe. He needed the comfort of being with her, and so did she, it seemed as she had settled perfectly comfortably.

After a minute he whispered, “waise aaj yellow saree me bahot khoobsurat lag rahi thi.”

She smiled, “thanks… par tum sirf sunke kaise bol sakte ho ke main kaisi dikh rahi thi?”

He chuckled, “sunke nahi… dekhke bol raha hun… yellow saree aur green blouse… baal pe white flowers… aur kamarband bhi pehna tha.”

Surprised she lifted her head, “haan… par tumhe kaise pata? Tumne kab dekha?”

“Jab tum puja kar rahi thi”, he informed, “puri puja dekhi maine, aur phir tum aarti dene balcony me aai… uske baad main chala gaya.”

She gaped at him, “Sameer… tum… tum kahan the?”

He lifted his head, kissing her nose, “tha kahin pe toh… aur aage ki rasmo me bhi rahunga. Tumhe dekhunga.”

She didn’t know what to say… It was evident from his voice that he wouldn’t reveal his location, and he had said as much on phone call that all she would know is his day-to-day plan to meet her. So she took comfort from the fact that all her efforts in dressing up this morning had paid off… Sameer had seen her. Content, she placed her head back on his chest, drifting into a light sleep just like him. It was indeed just like the priest had mentioned this morning… Shubhaarambh of their wedding rituals.