Chance

The evening seemed to be dull and dreary, the song spilling out from the radio equally sad, and the surrounding air seemed to be filled with melancholy. The pink teddy bear on the bed drooped to one side, as if even the inanimate object could feel the gloom. A book lay open on the desk, with a dish of jalebi and a glass of water nearby, both of which was untouched.

Naina stood outside in the balcony staring at the rose plant, lost in her own thoughts. She recalled how she had planted this sapling as a symbol of her love for Sameer and nurtured it with utmost care. This plant had been witness to her tears when she had missed Sameer, smile when she had read his letters, laughter when she had daydreamed about him. For some days when she had decided to part from Sameer, thinking she could not hurt her Chachaji, this rose plant had been witness to her shattered heart.

Her whole family was outside, celebrating her results, while Chachiji was cooking paneer for dinner. Chachaji had ordered jalebis for her, especially freshly made from the halwai. But she hadn’t been able to find the will to participate in the celebrations. How could she? Sameer had failed in the examinations. No, it wasn’t that he hadn’t studied. In fact, this time he had diligently prepared for the examinations wanting to secure good marks for her and for his mother. But destiny, or should she say his stupidity had intervened and Sameer had not given examinations. She couldn’t understand what was the need to do that? If principal had asked him to tell who he was hugging in the classroom or opt out of final examinations, then he should have given her name. She would have gladly failed with him. How could he spoil his one whole year? How could she live with that burden, with that guilt, that Sameer had done this to save her?

She stared at her hand, with which she had slapped him. Nausea rose like a bubbling froth inside her, and she clapped a hand over her mouth lest she sobbed loudly. How could she? Oh God, how could she slap him? What had she done? She could have argued with him, scolded him, punished him, but slap… Her heart wrenched when she recalled his expressions after that slap. She had said so many things to him, and not once thought how he must have felt. He had protected her, like always; and she had demeaned his gesture, like always.

She whirled inside, desperate to hear his voice, plead for forgiveness. However, as soon as she turned, she was faced with a somber looking Chachaji. She tried to wipe her tears, control her expression, but it was too late. Chachaji had seen. Naina stilled, wondering what she should say if he asked. How could she lie?

Chachaji placed a hand on her head, “kya baat hai beta? Main shaam se dekh raha hun ke tum kahin khoi hui ho.”

Naina bit her lip, “kuch nahi Chachaji. Main toh bas aise hi…”

Chachaji was silent for some time before saying, “beta, mujhe pata hai tum badi ho rahi ho. Lekin kabhi itni badi mat ho jaana ke apne Chachaji se bhi apne dil ki baat na kar sako. Khair… tum sochlo achche se. Main to yahan bas Sameer ke results ka puchne aaya tha. Uske marks kaise hai?”

At the question, Naina gave up her control. Her lips trembled, and she started sobbing. Alarmed at her state, Chachaji hugged her, “shsh… aise rote nahi beta. Kya hua? Sameer ke marks kam aaye hai kya?”

Naina hiccupped, and sobbed, as she slowly spilled out everything that had happened from the drama event. She told him about Kartik trying to malign her reputation, about Sameer’s anger. She explained how she had tried to convince Sameer, and that she had locked the classroom door to talk to him. She hesitated a bit, but skipped out the intimate moments she had shared with Sameer. Somehow she didn’t think that, that fact was for sharing with anyone. Tears spilled down her cheeks uncontrollably, as she told him how Sameer had sacrificed his one whole year to save her from Principal madam. Her whole body shook as she confessed of slapping Sameer.

Chachaji was shocked, “itna sab kuch ho gaya tumhare saath aur tumne mujhe batana zaruri nahi samjha? Hai kon yeh Kartik? Aur uski itni himmat kaise hui?”

Naina didn’t know what to say. How to explain about Kartik, Sunaina and the whole gang who kept making each day difficult for her? She just kept on crying. Chachaji tried to calm himself. Even though he was angry at what had happened in college, his first priority right now was to handle his daughter.

He made her sit on the bed, and sat next to her, “beta, dekho mujhe bahot afsos hai iss baat ka ke tumhe yeh sab se guzarna pada. I promise, main khud college aake tumhare Principal se Kartik ke baare me baat karunga. Lekin isse pehle main Sameer ke baare me baat karna chahta hun. Tumne usko thappad kyun maara Naina?”

Naina looked up with tear filled eyes, “usne apna pura saal barbaad kar diya. Mere liye… mujhe bachane ke liye. Woh bata deta principal madam ko ke main thi uske saath. Mere dil pe itna bada bojh leke main kaise jeeungi Chachaji.”

Chachaji gave her small smile, “tumne kabhi socha ke agar Sameer tumhara naam bata deta aur tumko bhi fail hona padta, toh uss bojh ke saath Sameer kaise jeeta?” Naina’s lips parted in surprise, as Chachaji continued, “beta, Sameer tumse pyaar karta hai. Aur hum jisse pyaar karte hai usko hamesha mehfooz dekhna chahte hai. Agar uss din woh tumhara naam le leta, toh tumhara sirf ek saal nahi, balki tumhari saari izzat mitti me mil jaati. College ki GS ho tum, upar se ek ladki. Yeh baat bahar failti toh? Rakesh bhaisaab aur bade bhaisaab ko pata chal jaata toh? Sameer ne aane wali musibat ko puri tarah apne upar leke, tumhe har tareeke se bachaya hai. Usne apne pyaar ka farz nibhaya hai.”

Naina sniffed, shivering slightly as she thought about what Chachaji said. He was right. It could have caused a very big trouble in her life if her name had come out. Chachaji stroked her hair, “mujhe pata hai ke tumhe uske saath fail hone me koi afsos nahi hota. Lekin usko iss tarah se thappad maarna sahi nahi tha beta. Tumhe yaad hai ek baar maine tumhare Chachiji ko iss ghar se jaane ko keh diya tha, Rakehsh bhaisaab ka maan rakhne ke liye?”

Naina nodded as she recalled those sad days, and how Sameer had patched them up returning happiness in her home. Chachaji also seemed lost as he recalled the incident, “main galat tha. Jitna zaruri bade bhai ka maan tha, utni hi ehmiyat meri patni ke samaan ka hona chahiye tha. Rishte me sirf pyaar kaafi nahi hota Naina. Ek dusre ke liye izzat bhi zaruri hoti hai. Sameer ne tumhara maan rakha. Par tumne aisa kiya? Meri woh Naina kahan gai jo har masle ka thande dimag se samadhaan dhundti thi? Jo tumne kiya woh toh Rakesh bhaisaab ki aadat hai, bina soche samjhe haath uthana. Agar tumne Sameer se pyaar karne ki himmat ki hai, toh usi himmat se uska saath dena bhi sikho.”

Chachaji left her to her thoughts, knowing he had done as much as he could, and from her his little daughter needed to tread the difficult waters alone. Wasn’t this why people said that falling in love was one thing, while staying in love and holding that relationship together was an entirely different thing? He knew that if Bela hadn’t loved him so much, respected him so much, and been dependent on him so much, she would have left him at that day when he had hurt her self-respect. He had made a mistake, and had been saved from the consequences fortunately. But he would ensure that Naina never made that mistake with her life.

Naina spent the entire night tossing and turning, sometimes pacing the bedroom, wanting to find a solution to the problem. She knew she needed to ask for forgiveness. But she also wanted to save Sameer from wasting one year of his college. How would he answer to his family? They both had shared those moments, because they loved each other. If some fine had to be paid for being in love, then they both should pay it, not just Sameer.

By next morning 6am, she had a solution in her mind. A risky one, albeit worth it, if it would help Sameer. She had a quick breakfast, and then told Chachaji that she was going to college since she had some work. Preeti looked on puzzled, but thought that maybe she had planned to meet Sameer, so didn’t intervene. Chachaji nodded, and asked if she wanted him to drop her off, but she denied saying that she could manage alone.

She trembled and her legs felt like jelly, as she walked in the college campus, a folded page in her hand. Taking a deep breath she knocked on Principal madam’s door, and asked for permission to enter.

“Aree Naina, tum yahan kya kar rahi ho?”, Principal madam asked in surprise, “Aaj se toh college bandh hai.”

Naina nodded, “ji madam. Woh… m… main aap… aapse kuch baat karne aai thi.”

Principal madam frowned, “kya baat hai bolo? Waise congratulations, college me top karne ke liye.”

Naina smiled, “thank you madam.”

Now that she was here, her courage faltered. She didn’t understand how she would do this. But she had to… for Sameer… for herself… for them. Naina steadied herself, whispering some words of encouragement to herself, and bowing to devi maa in her mind. She extended her hand to show the folded chit to Principal, “madam isme unn saare ladke-ladkiyon ke naam hai jinko maine GS banne ke baad college compound me kareeb bethe hue, ya gale milte hue dekha tha. Kul milake 20 naam hai. Aap inn sabko second year me rehne dengi na?”

Principal madam looked up in surprise, “kya matlab?”

Naina shivered slightly, but continued, “aapne Sameer ko yahi sazaa di na. Toh mujhe laga sazaa sabke liye ek samaan honi chahiye.”

Principal stood up, furious, “maine Sameer ko khud uss bandh classroom kisi ladki ko gale lagate hue dekha tha. Aur jab maine uska naam pucha, to Sameer ne batane se inkaar kar diya.”

Naina took a step back in fear, but nodded, “agar Sameer ne naam nahi bataya toh ho sakta hai ke woh uss ladki ke liye kuch feel karta ho, ya fir woh itna achcha hai ke kisiko musibat me nahi dekh sakta. Usne kisi ladki ki izzat bachaneki koshish ki, aur iski itni kadi sazaa mili usko. Uska pura ek saal barbaad hone wala hai. Lekin jab Vinay aur Nisha kiss karte hue pakde gaye, woh bhi MLA ke saamne, apne unko toh exams dene se nahi roka. Balki unki uss harkat ki sazaa mujhe mili, aapne mujhe daanta. Sunaina aur Kartik ne mere aur Sameer ke naam pe kichad uchalne ki koshish ki toh aapne sirf unke gharwalo se baat ki. Aisa kyun madam? Yeh toh bhed-bhaav hua na? Kartik trustee sir ke rishtedaar hai isiliye?”

Principal madam who had been turning red in anger, now stood stunned unsure how to answer the questions put forth by this girl. Naina gathered courage and continued, “Aapko yeh toh pata hai na ke Sameer ka surname Maheshwari hai. Par shayad aap yeh nahi jaanti, woh Jayprakash Maheshwari ke naati hai, Maheshwari industries ke ek laute waaris. Sameer chahta toh apna status yahan use kar sakta tha, Kartik ki tarah, lekin usne aisa karna sikha hi nahi hai. Woh hum sab ki tarah ek mamuli student banke padhta hai. Isiliye usne aapki di hui sazaa bhi chup-chap kabul karli.”

The surprise on Principal madam’s face had turned to shock by now. She had heard of Jayprakash Maheshwari, in fact everyone in Ahmedabad would know him. His prowess in business was as unparalled as his generosity. Sameer was related to him? How had she never known that?

Naina gained more courage from the speechless state of Principal madam, and pulled out a file she had in her bag, “yeh dekhiye madam. Yeh Sameer ke school ke results aur saath saath sports certificates. Woh bahot achcha cricket khelta hai. Maana woh padhai me itna hoshiyaar nahi hai, lekin inter-college championship me cricket team ko represent kar sakta hai. Agar woh second year me reh gaya to yeh nahi kar payega. Sochiye na madam. Uske itne saare contacts hai, hamare liye kitna kaam aa sakta hai. Kumar Sanu ji bhi toh uske kehne pe yahan aaye the.”

At the mention of Kumar Sanu, Principal madam mellowed down a bit. She took the file and looked at Sameer’s school records, while Naina whispered a mental thanks for her brainwave to take them from Sameer so that she could save them with herself. She knew Sameer would have thrown his school report cards in pasti, but she wanted to save every memory of him.

Principal madam looked up, “ek baat batao Naina. Tum Sameer ki itni vakalat kyun kar rahi ho? Uss din classroom me tum thi na uske saath?”

Naina trembled, remembering Chachaji’s words about the consequences. But then he had also said to be brave enough to stand by the person she loved. She swallowed nervously, but then looked up confidently and answered, “ji haan. Uss din class me woh ladki main hi thi. Aur Sameer ne mere liye yeh sab kiya. Aap chahe toh mujhe bhi wahi sazaa de sakti hai, aur agar aap kahe toh mere Chachaji aapse milne aa sakte hai. Unko mere aur Sameer ke rishte ke baare me sab pata hai. Hamara college khatam honeke baad, woh hamari shaadi…”

She trailed off wondering if she had said too much. But Principal madam sputtered in surprise, “ghar pe pata hai? Iska matlab Sameer ke ghar pe bhi pata hai?”

Naina nodded telling her about Nanu, and Sameer’s mother. Principal madam was lost in thoughts for some time, processing all the new found information. She grudgingly accepted that she had been too harsh, and also she had never punished any student like this even though this was hardly the first time she had seen such behavior in her college. But she had never been partial. Her treatment of Vinay and Kartik, versus Sameer, had raised question of her integrity towards the college today. She wanted to be mad at Naina for even raising such a question, but she couldn’t deny her observation. Besides Naina was an intelligent student, with a brilliant track record, and she admired the way she had gathered courage to come today and speak to her. She smiled slightly recalling how she had always been suspicious about Naina and Sameer. The way they had stood by each other during the Navratri fiasco had made her remember about her husband, who had always stood by her. What should she do?

She looked up at Naina, who was fidgeting with the paper in her hand, and asked, “tumne yeh saare naam mujhe pehle kyun nahi diye?”

Naina waited for a moment before answering, “kyunki maine inn logo ko warn kar diya tha ke aage se aisa na kare college me. Aur unn logo ne mujhse waada kiya tha. Mujhe bharosa hai unn logo pe.”

Principal madam nodded. Though she itched to see the names, she didn’t ask for the list, “thike. Tum thodi der bahar intezaar karo. Main aati hun.”

Naina went outside, and sank on a bench, sighing in relief. She didn’t know what was going to happen now. But at least, she hadn’t faltered while talking about Sameer. Fifteen minutes later, Principal madam came outside. Naina let out another relieved breath on seeing the smile on her face.

“Maine hamare trustee se baat ki hai. Hum log kal se Sameer ke liye special exams rakhne ko taiyar hai”, Principal madam informed with a smile, “main dopahar ko phone karungi uske ghar pe, lekin tum chaho toh pehle bata sakti ho.”

Naina smiled, her spirits lifting as she thanked the principal profusely. She folded her hands, and thanked bhagwaanji for helping them out. Overjoyed at the turn of events, she wondered how to relay this news to Sameer. She wanted to meet him, but how would it be possible with all his family around. Maybe she could call him, and ask him to meet her in college.

With that thought in mind, Naina walked up to the telephone booth outside their college, and dialed his number. As the ring went through, she closed her eyes, praying that Sameer picked it up. However it was Munna who picked up.

“Munna”, Naina exclaimed in surprise.

Munna was equally surprised, “bhabhi aap?”

Naina hesitated, wondering how much they knew, “umm… Sameer kaisa hai?”

“Pata nahi kya hua hai isko”, Munna confided, “gusse wala devdas bane ghum raha hai. Kuch bata bhi nahi raha. Ek minute… kahin tum dono ne firse jhagda toh nahi kiya?”

She sighed, “haan kuch aisa hi samjho. Lekin ab mujhe usko manana hai. Milna chahti hun, lekin pata nahi woh bahar aayega ke nahi.”

“Aree toh tum ghar pe aa jao”, Munna offered, “waise bhi Sameer ki puri family Gandhinagar gai hui hai. Vishakha mausi ke kisi rishtedaar ke function me. Sameer akela hai, aur hum dono hai.”

Naina felt as if everything was falling into place for her today, and happily answered, “thike. Main abhi aati hun. Lekin Sameer se kuch mat kehna.”

Twenty minutes later, she rang the doorbell to Maheshwari residence, and Pandit opened the door with a beaming smile, “achcha hua tum aa gai. Humse toh nahi sambhal raha Sameer. Ab tum sambhalo, aur hum chalte hai.”

With a joyful wave, Munna and Pandit left. Sameer who had heard the doorbell, came out of his room to check who it was and stood stunned on seeing Naina enter and his friends leave. What was she doing here now? He gritted his teeth, and went back inside, closing the door of his room with a bang. Inside, he sat down on the bed in frustration. Since last evening he had been disturbed with how Naina had behaved. How could she? He felt as if his cheek still stung with the slap, and an equal stung pierced his heart as he recalled her words. Plus now his mother and Mr. Somani were here, again comparing him with Rohan, and he didn’t know what to tell them about his result. How to explain to them why he did what he did? How to explain to a bunch of people who didn’t understand his love, when the one person who should have understood everything failed to do so?

He heard the door creak as she entered his room, and even in the turbulence he felt his heart lift a bit that she had come here. “Sa…Sameer… I… I am sorry”, her voice trembled.

Sameer closed his eyes, and ignored his pathetic heart which immediately started to melt. No. He willed himself. He was not going to be convinced so easily this time. His mother was right. Naina was too much practical, and he was an emotional fool. Naina kept on trying to gain his attention, repeatedly apologizing for what she did. But he didn’t pay any attention. When she came to sit by him on bed, he stood up and went to the window.

Naina pleaded, “Sameer please kuch toh bolo.”

He clutched onto the window sill, reminding himself to not relent to her, and muttered loud enough for her to hear, “jaisa baap, waisi beti. Kisi bhi baat pe thappad maar do bas”, then laughed sarcastically, “oh haan… ek farq hai, beti kamsekam maafi maangne to aati hai.”

Naina’s lips trembled at his harsh voice, until she started to cry and ran to him. She clutched onto his shirt, resting her head on his back, “please Sameer. Maaf kardo mujhe. Main galat thi. Uss waqt main bas bahot darr gai thi, ke tumhara pura ek saal barbaad ho jayega. Tum kaise ghar pe batate yeh sab. Aur tumhara pura future… sirf meri wajah se. I am sorry… please.”

Sameer whirled around clutching onto her shoulders, his fingers digging in, a storm raging inside him as she saw her tear streaked face. Love for her, and anger on her for not understanding him clashed with each other, his glittering eyes capturing hers as he asked, “toh?”

Naina sniffed, lifting her hand to wipe her tears, and gathered her courage once more, “toh… main galat thi. Chahe jitna bhi darr ya gussa hota, lekin mujhe tumhe thappad nahi maarna chahiye tha. Tumhara nazariya samajhna chahiye tha. Uss din agar tumne mera naam de diya hota toh main naa toh sirf fail hoti, balki mera naam bhi mitti me mil jaata.”

His eyes narrowed, and then he suddenly left her, “wow… finally tumhe samajh aaya. Good. Ab tum jaa sakti ho, mujhe neend aa rahi hai.”

Naina who had been looking at him hopefully, now lowered her eyes, her face falling as she realized that he hadn’t forgiven her yet. Maybe she should just tell him about his examinations. She knew Sameer’s anger; he would need some time to calm down. Besides for now, his exams were more important for her, than earning his forgiveness. Once he gave his examinations, then she could spend time to placate him. Sameer loved her, and she was sure it would not be many days before he would again smile at her. She sighed, “thike. Main jaati hum. Par tum sone ke jagah padhai karlo. Maine principal madam se aaj subah hi baat ki thi. Unhone tumhare liye special exams rakhe hai kal se. Thodi der baad unka call bhi aayega tumko.”

She started to leave, holding back her dejection, when Sameer suddenly caught her hand. She turned to look at his surprised expressions. He opened and closed his mouth for some time before managing to ask, “special exams? Yeh kaise kiya tumne?”

Naina told him about her conversation with Principal madam, nervously confessing that she had even said that the girl was she herself. Sameer who had been listening in surprise, now pulled her towards him in anger, “tumko akkal nahi hai kya? Maine yeh sab kyun kiya yeh samajhne ke baad bhi tumne Principal ko bata diya? Agar woh tumko bhi fail kar deti toh…”

She looked up at him, “toh main bhi tumhari tarah woh sazaa apne pyaar ke liye khushi se kabul kar leti. Chachaji se bhi maine yahi kaha tha, aur unhone bhi mujhe samjhaya tha ke pyaar kiya hai toh saath dene ki bhi himmat karni chahiye.”

Sameer was again shocked, “Cha…chachaji ko pata hai?”

Naina nodded, “haan. Unhone ne hi mujhe tumhara nazariya samjhaya. Aur iss masle ko hal karne ki prerna bhi di. Maine pyaar toh kar liya tumse Sameer, bas tum jaise hamesha mera saath dete ho, wahi mujhe bhi sikhna hai.”

Sameer looked at her beautiful face, and raised his hand to wipe the remaining tears. What was this girl? One minute she would act khadoos like her father. And the immediate next she would be calm and sensible. He felt overwhelmed by what she had done for him, how much courage she had gathered to do what she had done. He felt astonished and grateful, to have a guardian like Chachaji, who had not only blessed their love, but also understood his perspective. He stared at how her face and eyes had softened reflecting the love she felt for him, how her lips trembled in nervousness of his reaction, how she closed her eyes in relief when he touched her to wipe her tears, how she was so close to him yet not scared of this proximity anymore. God. How could he not love her? How could he stay angry on her? His mother was wrong, he realized. Naina might be practical sometimes, but that didn’t mean that her love for him was any less. Wasn’t she the same girl who had burnt her own hand to feel his pain? Where was any practicality involved in that? It was an action of foolishness of love, falling prey to her heart, something she had been doing since the time when he hadn’t even loved her.

He tugged her closer, and whispered, “ab galti ki hai toh sazaa bhi milegi.”

Her eyes flew open in surprise, “kaisi sazaa?”

He tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with desire and mischief, “kiss me. Jab tak main rukne ko naa kahu.”

She stared at him, her heart skipping a beat at his demand. He had forgiven her, she knew. It hadn’t taken days, just a few moments. How could he love her so much? Something clenched inside her body, and her heart thudded inside her ribcage, it seemed the love she felt for him was rising inside her like a gigantic wave that could crash on the shore of her heart and leave her completely helpless in-front of him. Her hands slid up his arms, to his shoulders, as she cupped his face. She lifted on tip-toe, and used her hold on him to bring his face down, and brushed her lips on his forehead, his silky hair tickling her lips. Sameer closed his eyes, at the first soft touch of her lips, and his hand gripped her waist. He felt her mouth glide gently over his eyebrows, and kiss his closed eyelids. She trailed small kisses on his cheeks and jawline, while he tried to control himself from capturing her lips with his own.

After a moment, he felt her pull back, and opened his eyes, “kya hua?”

She was surprised by her own erratic breathing. Her cheeks tinged with pink as she looked at his desire filled eyes, “ab toh rukne ko bolo. Jagah bhi nahi bachi ab to k..kiss karne ke liye.”

He found it extremely cute that she could kiss him with so much love, and yet blush and stutter when uttering the word. He smirked, “waise ek jagah bachi hai ab tak”, and bit his own lip. Her eyes fluttered to his action, and she blushed furiously.

Sameer laughed and pulled her in his arms, overjoyed when she too wrapped her hands around him, holding on equally tight. “I love you”, he whispered, burying his face in her hair, dropping a chaste kiss on her ear. She closed her eyes, happiness bubbling in her veins, and feeling as if she had found her home in his arms. “I love you too”, she whispered back, inhaling his fragrance.

After a few minutes they parted, and he glanced at his watch, “tumhe der ho jayegi. Chalo main ghar chodke aata hun.”

Naina was surprised, and blurted without thinking, “ghar? Par tumne toh mujhe kiss nahi kiya.”

Sameer choked, his eyes watering. Did she really say that? He had held himself in check, controlled his urge that day in classroom, understanding the amount of faith she had bestowed on him. He had just kissed her hand, assuring her that he would always be there for her. But today… it was already difficult for him to control his desire, plus they were alone, and here she was, almost demanding that he kiss her. Naina also realized what she had blurted, and flushed, trying to pull away from him.

He looped an arm around her neck and pulled her to him, causing her to crash against his chest, “ruko toh… aise kaise jaane du. Ab shikayat ki hai toh use door toh karne do.”

She held onto his shirt, and hid her face against his chest, not knowing what to do or say. The sensations in her body overwhelmed her, and she trembled in his arms when she felt him kiss the top of her head. The hand around her neck, smoothed down her back, pressing her more firmly to him, and with his other hand he caught her chin and tilted her head back.

She had her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed with color looked alluring, and her soft pink parted lips were a threat to his self-control. He swallowed helplessly before leaning down and dropping a lingering kiss on her forehead, “I promise ke main hamesha tumne aise hi pyaar karunga.”

He trailed to her cheek, “I promise, main hamesha tumko har musibat se protect karunga.” His heart thudded at the smile that curved her lips, as she skimmed her other cheerk, “I promise ke main kabhi bhi tumhara bharosa nahi todunga.”

His own eyes closed as he felt happiness soaking through every pore in his body, an incredible urge surging inside him to cherish and protect the treasure that he had found in her. His thumb traced her lower lip, as he brushed her nose with his, and then leaned his forehead on hers, “I promise…” He trailed off, knowing that this time she would understand what he meant, sure that no words were necessary to convey the desire he felt, or to explain the reason why he wasn’t acting upon it.

She opened her eyes, tears of happiness brimming in them, as she watched his face so close to hers, his thumb still tracing her lips, while he tried to regain control over himself. She threw her arms around him, and held on, knowing that there would come a time soon, when she would herself cross another threshold with him. But for now, she was happy, and content as never before.

The phone rang startling them, and Naina immediately looked at her watch, “college se hoga. Uthao.”

Sameer nodded, and went to pick up the call, listening intently as Principal madam explained that he had been given another chance, and that he should be there for his examination tomorrow at 11am. He smiled turning to look at Naina, who had made this possible. She was his first and every chance in life, the one who not just loved him, but also cared for him, not just his present but his future too. Nanu had been right when he had said that Naina would hold him throughout the journey of life whenever he faltered.

He quickly hugged her again, asking if she could be there with him when he gave exams. She rubbed her nose of his shirt, and said that of course she would be there. Another thirty minutes later, he came back after dropping her home, and devoted himself to study to make sure that this chance was not wasted. While driving, he had asked her about the names of students that she had taken with them, asked if she would have really given it to Principal madam. Naina giggled and opened the sheet of paper to show it to him. It was blank. She had never written any names, and she said that just for them and their love, she couldn’t sacrifice so many other students’ future. His heart had swelled with pride and admiration for his girl.

That evening when his mother and the others returned home, he noticed that they were all very serious. His mother even seemed angry, and she asked him if he had really failed in his exams. He frowned in confusion, wondering how did she know, even as he nodded in acceptance, no longer scared of the truth. Mr. Somani started his rant on how hopeless Sameer was, even going to the extent of saying that they need to thank Sunaina for letting them know that truth at the function today. Sameer clenched his fists, as anger surged through his body, as he got to know how Sunaina had tried to malign Naina’s name in front of his family.

He opened his mouth to speak, however before he could utter even one word, his cheek stung at the slap from his mother. Vishakha was furious, “maine kaha tha tumse. Kaha tha ke nahi? Woh Naina tumhare liye sahi nahi hai. Aaj uski wajah se tumne apne ek saal, apna career, apna future sab barbaad kar diya. Aur mujhe yakeen hai usko iss baat se zara bhi farq nahi pada hoga. Dil se sochke tum haarte rahoge, aur woh dimag se sochke jeet ti rahegi.”

Sameer looked back at his mother, not even raising a hand to soothe the sting on his cheek, “galat hai aap.” He continued confidently, as his mother looked surprised, “Aapko kya lagta hai ke woh Sunaina sahi ladki hai… woh Sunaina jisne Navrarti function pe Naina ke blouse ki dori tod di taaki college me uski badnaami ho… woh Sunaina jisne mujhe aur Naina ko principal ke cabin me bandh kar diya, taaki hamara naam kharab ho… Galat hai aapki soch aur aapka yakeen dono. Maine Naina ke wajah se nahi, Naina ke liye woh sab kiya. Main pyaar karta hun usse, aur uski izzat pe koi ungli uthaye woh mujhse bardaasht nahi hoga. Aur Naina bhi mujhse pyaar karti hai, isiliye usse yeh bardaasht nahi hua, ke maine itni badi kurbaani de di. Aapko pata hai usne kya kiya hai…”

He went on to tell about how Naina had secured a chance for him, saved his year, his future, and even confessed to the principal about she being the one in classroom with him. He gave a short smile to his mother, “agar Naina practical nahi hoti, dimag se nahi sochti toh aaj yeh mumkin nahi hota. Aur Nanu kehte the ke hamara jeevan-saathi hamari kamiyo ko pura karta hai. Agar aapko lagta hai ke mera dil se sochna meri kamzori hai, toh Naina dimag se sochke meri woh kami ko puri kar degi.”

Vishakha was stunned speechless at what she got to know, and Sameer was not interested in listening to what she had to say for Naina. So he turned to go upstairs, “main chalta hun padhne. Naina ne mujhe mauka diya hai, aur main uske liye yeh mauke pe kharaa utarna chahta hun.”

Vishakha was left surprised at her son’s maturity and the way he defended his love; shocked at how Naina, the girl she had rejected, had secured a chance for Sameer. She wiped her tears, as she wondered, if this was not love then what was.

Four days later when Sameer finished his last paper and came out in the garden looking for her, Naina stood up from the bench and took a step towards him. He smiled wide, indicating that his exam had gone well, and she beamed running up to him and flinging her arms around his neck, while he gripped her waist lifting her off her feet and twirling her. That morning Vishakha had told him before leaving how after knowing all that had happened; she now thought that Naina was perfect for him. Chachaji had come down to meet him in college wishing him luck, and saying how happy he was that Naina had chosen him as her life-partner. Naina sank her fingers in the hair at his nape, as she felt the world revolve around her, yet she was secured in his hold. Sameer held her tighter, still twirling her, as he felt the road to future open up bright and filled with love. The late afternoon sun shone down on them through the gaps in trees, as they both laughed in happiness celebrating their chance at life.