Hope

Finally! As they were speeding towards the new “Krishna Kaustubhi” bungalow in a white car decorated with flowers and a “Just Married” cardboard cutout, Sameer had a small smile on his face. All the wedding rituals were done, and finally he could take Naina to home… their home. It was such an amazing feeling. After all the trials and tribulations Naina was finally his. The joy the filled his heart was incomparable to anything he had ever felt. He lost himself dreaming about rains, winds, and Naina wearing a saree as they shared romantic eyelocks and danced together to the tunes of “Rim Jhim Rim Jhim, Rum Jhum Rum Jhum, Bheegi Bheegi Rut Me…”

In his amazing dream sequence, he had just hugged a wet-saree clad Naina from behind and pulled her to his chest, when a loud sniff from beside him brought him back from his dreamland, and he realized that Naina was still crying. Suddenly his joy dimmed a little, and he raised a shaky hand to her shoulder. For a second he stared at his own hand, and frowned, not really understanding as to why he was hesitating to touch her now that she was his wife. As his hand touched her, she gasped slightly, trying to control her sob, but failing miserably.

“N…Naina”, he stammered unsure.

After a few futile moments of trying to wipe her tears, she turned to look at him. He felt his heart droop at her red eyes, and tear stained face. Here he was mentally dancing and thinking of romance, and his wife was sobbing her eyes out. Was she not happy? Would she demand to go back? What could he do? Swallowing the sudden dry sensation in his throat, he gently asked, “tum itna kyun ro rahi ho? Khush nahi ho?”

Forgetting her misery, she chuckled at his question. How could she be not happy? This was what she had dreamed of since she had seen him the first time… she had always wanted to be his. And today that dream was finally true. But, along with the incredible happiness, also came the anguish of leaving behind the only home she had known for 20 years. So, naturally she was shedding tears, but now the sight of her new husband and the insecurity in his voice made her smile.

She placed her hand over his, and held it secure, “main khush hun Sameer… bas… itne saal se jis ghar me rahi, jin logo ke saath rahi woh sab kuch chodke ek anjaan jagah, anjaan logo ke beech jaa rahi hun toh thodi ghabrahat si hai.”

“Anjaan kyun? Main hoon na saath me”, he countered immediately.

She smiled, “haan… tum ho… tabhi toh aise sab chodke aaneki himmat hui.”

He sighed in relief, and slid closer, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her to him, “kon kehta hai tum sab chodke aai ho? Ulta tumko naye rishte mil gaye… aur saath me ek naya ghar… muft, muft, muft.”

A hiccupping little laughter escaped her throat, and he took out his handkerchief, gently wiping her tears. “I love you Naina”, he said with conviction, “main samajhta hun ke yeh aasaan nahi hai, lekin main hamesha tumhare saath hun.”

She looked up at him, losing herself in his assuring deep brown eyes. She had always found immense love and respect for herself in those eyes, but today there was something more… determination to make everything right for her… and something else… something raw… something she had only fleetingly seen before, but had never really registered… something she still couldn’t place… something that made a strange fluttering sensation in her belly.

He took a deep breath, his fingers tightening on her shoulder, and she saw his gaze drift to her lips… Her tightly sealed lips parted automatically, and she saw that strange emotion in his eyes take predominance over others. But before she could comprehend further, a sudden braking motion jerked them, and they looked forward to see the car enter the huge iron gates on the sprawling mansion that was their home.

Naina’s eyes widened in wonder. It was… huge… and so beautifully decorated. The multi-colored fairy lights twinkled in the dark, and huge halogen lamps installed in the lawns threw a mellow gold cast on the surroundings. The flowers were not shining, but the light falling on them was enough to show her that there was indeed a multitude of them. Wow! All this was for her…? Such grandeur, such beauty… everything was to welcome the new bride… which was her. She felt both humbled and ecstatic at the moment.

The Grihpravesh ceremony brought back dreams Sameer had seen, and he frowned for a moment, wondering what his family would think if he whisked her in his arms. Would it look romantic? Or his family would get scandalized? He thought back to the elaborate melodramas before the wedding and thinks that the second scenario would more likely come true… Mamaji would turn red in anger, Mamiji would taunt that now they are sure of the mark that he still sported at the base of his neck, and his mother… she would be tightlipped the entire time Mr. Somani would keep up his tirade about how useless he was. But what about Naina? What would she think? What would her reaction be? Would she instinctively wrap her arm around his neck? Or would she sedately hold her hands on her lap and blush furiously? Or would she look up him with wide round eyes, and then command him to put her down and start her lecture of how inappropriate it all was? He chuckled lightly, thinking that his masterni would surely lecture him on his inappropriate behavior… but would she have that excuse? Earlier she used to say “shaadi ke baad”, but now what would she say? So… she couldn’t lecture him… He was her husband. His eyes gleamed in triumph as he almost turned to her, but the loud noise of laughter broke through his subconscious and he found Naina looking down with a furious blush on her face. Frowning he looked to the door, and realized that everyone had been calling his name, trying to snap him out of his thoughts so that they can enter inside. Amidst teasing and banter, they stepped into their new world, with Naina’s delicate feet making red patterns on the pristine white marble flooring.

A few more rituals and some kind of puja was done, of which Sameer understood nothing, as his mind kept slipping to dreams and fantasies of when he would have Naina all to himself. He wanted to talk so much… hold her… Oh yeah! He wanted to hug her for a long long time… feel her pressed to him. The one time he had her in his arms, he had been too ecstatic and there had been so much peace in his heart, and yet he had registered the incredible softness. She was so delicate, almost fragile, as if she would break if he tightened his hold. He wanted to feel all that again… and more. When would all this end? He felt as if he had not talked properly with her since so many days. God… He needed to be with her.

Sounds of enthusiastic giggles pulled him back to present, and a few ladies teased him for slipping off into dreamland again. He blushed, and looked sideways at Naina who was also blushing. A huge vessel was placed in-front of them, full of pinkish water with red rose petals floating on it. A lady told them that there was ring in that vessel and they both have to try and find it, whoever does wins and it would mean that for the whole lifetime that person would have the upper hand in their marriage. They dipped their hands in the water, and a mischievous spark lighted up Sameer’s eyes and he used the cover of water to sneakily touch her hand, and she gasped. He looked up to find her staring at him, and raised his brows in innocent enquiry. She wondered if it had been an accidental touch, but soon her doubts were dispelled as he grabbed her fingers for a minute too long. What was he doing? His touch made her thoughts scatter, and she completely forgot what she was supposed to be doing. Immediate next moment he had triumphantly pulled out the ring and everyone clapped.

Mamiji’s shrill voice rang out, “hume toh pata tha pehle se hi… hamara Sonu beta hi jitega.” Another lady addressed Naina, “dekha bahu, ab tumko puri zindagi apne pati ki saari baat manni padegi.”

Naina bit her tongue, trying to look shy, but inside she fumed thinking how he had cheated. Akele milne do, fir batati hun, Naina thought indignantly.

Some ladies whisked away Naina after the ritual, and Sameer frowned. How many more rituals were there? Weren’t they supposed to let him be with her? Vishakha hurriedly told Sameer to go up to his room, but before he could inquire further she was gone. As he walked up the stairs followed by Munna and Pandit, he wondered if he had missed something… He thought he had seen Naina go the other way, then why was he being sent upstairs.

Munna sighed dramatically, “Pandit yaar, dekh hamare bhai ko… Kaise khoya hua hai jab se shaadi hui hai. Bhabhi ke bina ab ek pal bhi bitana mushkil ho raha hai.”

Pandit held his palms near his own heart, “haaye yeh dil… iska koi ilaaj nahi.”

Sameer rolled his eyes, “chup karo yaar. Yahan mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha, aur tum dono…”

“Kya!”, Munna interrupted, “tujhe samajh nahi aa raha? Tu thik toh hai na… Hum toh tujhe Nainital ka sher samajhte the aur tu yeh bheegi billi jaisi baate kar raha hai.”

Pandit also looked shocked, “bhai… tujhe pata toh hai na ke andar jaake kya karna hai?”

Munna hit his friend, “chup kar Ponga… Tu Sameer pe shaq kar raha hai? Aree hamare yaar sab kuch aata hai… aaj toh baazi maar hi lega.”

Sameer’s mouth fell open in surprise, and a faint blush creeped up his cheeks as he murmured, “main uski baat nahi kar raha. Main toh Naina…”

“Haan haan”, this time Pandit interrupted, “hum bhi Naina ki hi baat kar rahe hai. Ab toh teri shaadi ho gai. Kisi aur ladki ke saath yeh sab nahi ho sakta. Ab toh aaj raat se leke, zindagi ki har raat…”

A bald uncle passing from there gave them a scandalized look, and Sameer quickly placed his hand over Pandit’s mouth, and smiled awkwardly at the man whom he recognized to be Mamaji’s distant relative. When the man left, Sameer furiously whispered, “chup karo tum dono. Kuch bhi bole jaa rahe ho. Main waise bhi Naina ke alawa kisi aur ke baare me nahi soch sakta. Aur tum dono ko mere bedroom ki fikar karne ki zarurat nahi hai, woh main sambhal lunga.”

His friends grinned, and Sameer reluctantly smiled, but then it turned to a frown, “par yaar… Naina kahan hai?”

Munna looked puzzled, “kya matlab kahan hai? Kamre me hogi na… Tujhe pata nahi kya, dulhan ko pehle se andar bitha dete hai intezaar karne ke liye.”

Pandit looked thoughtful, “haan yaar… main jab bhi aise scene dekhta hun movie me hamesha sochta hun woh ladki kya soch rahi hogi.”

Sameer slapped his forehead, “wahi toh main keh raha hun. Mummy aur Mamiji Naina ko niche wale dusre kamre ke taraf le gai. Woh andar nahi hai.”

Munna was shocked, “tujhe yaqeen hai? Ek baar andar toh dekh…” Pandit nodded.

Taking a deep breath, Sameer opened the door to his room and was surprised to see the fabulous decorations with so many flowers. Even the bedsheet was covered with rose petals, but that was it… only flowers… No Naina. He glanced once towards the bathroom, but the slit beneath the door was dark, so it meant she was not inside. He closed the door and shook his head in disappointment.

The trio stood outside the room, not knowing what to do, and each one of them disappointed at many levels. Just then Vishakha came upstairs, and was surprised to find them standing like that with sad expressions. She walked up to them, “Sameer… Tum ab tak yahan kyun khade ho? Andar jao.”

Sameer gathered some courage, “haan mummy… par woh Naina.”

“Naina hamare saath hai”, she informed, confusing the three of them even more.

While Sameer wondered how to enquire further, Pandit straightaway asked, “par Aunty… aaj toh Naina ko Sameer ke saath hona chahiye na. Aap kyun le gaye Bhabhi ko?”

Vishakha looked sternly at all of them, while the three boys stood shuffling their feet. She strictly admonished them, “Naina aaj ki raat hamare saath rahegi. Sameer tum andar jaake change karlo aur so jao. Kal saari rasam khatam hogi aur uske baad kal raat se Naina tumhare saath rahegi.”

Sameer looked tormented and blurted, “kal raat…!! Mummy, yeh toh bahot time ho gaya. Please mujhe thodi der usse baat karne do na.”

“Bahot ho gaya Sameer”, Vishkha reprimanded, and gestured towards the door, “andar jao abhi…”

Sameer was dejected, and so were his friends. Pandit murmured, “kya socha tha, aur kya ho gaya.” Munna glanced around the room, “itna sajaya iss kamre ko… aur Bhabhi dekh bhi nahi payegi.”

Sameer sighed, “samajh nahi aata yeh kaisi rasam hai… tum log yahan rukoge?”

Pandit shook his head, “nahi bhai. Yeh kamra toh khaas tum dono ke liye sajaya hua hai. Hum kahi aur so jayenge. Tu araam kar.”

When his friends left, he plopped on the bed, flicking away some rose petals in anger. What was wrong with everyone? Naina was his wife. He just wanted to see her and talk to her for some time. There was no need for anyone to glare at him angrily for demanding to see his wife. Why was everyone behaving as if what he wanted was wrong?

He leaned back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling fan… lost in thoughts… and after a moment a surprised “oh” escaped his mouth, as revelation dawned on him. He jerked upright, thinking about what his friends were talking, and then that uncle’s look, and then his mother… so everyone was thinking he wanted to meet Naina because of that? Oh God… No wonder his mother scolded him. He must have sounded so… desperate.

He stood up, and went to his wardrobe, pulling out a change of clothes. As he started to shrug out of his sherwani, he looked at the empty space in his wardrobe that was for kept for Naina. It still seemed like a dream. One more night… and then she would be here… in this room with him… It would not be wrong to say he was as disappointed as he was excited. He had really hoped that she would be here tonight. He couldn’t lie to himself… yes… he had thought of romantic moments with her… but more than that he just wanted to be with her… talk to her. He couldn’t forget that she was crying until a few hours ago, plus the trick he had played during the ring game. She must have figured it out already. Would she be angry on him? If he was so tensed what must she be going through? She was amidst all unknown people… and his Mamiji was vicious. Naina would be so upset if she hears Mamiji talking like that… His mother, he knew, would not taunt her but neither would she protect her. It dawned on him that he had just left his wife open and vulnerable to verbal wounds from his harsh family. Oh he just needed to talk to her… somehow… anyhow…

He quickly freshened up and checked the time, thinking by now everyone must be asleep. He crept downstairs, and searched along the rooms cautiously, even cursing himself a couple of times for buying such a big house. Finally he found most of the women in the room next to the living room, and a flash of bright red told him that his Naina was also there. He stood there for quite a long time, watching, waiting, wanting to be absolutely sure that no one was awake. Finally, after ten minutes he tiptoed up to her, and sank down on the floor beside her in wonder. Here he was worried to death about her, and she was… sleeping. For a moment he wanted to laugh. He had been thinking of so many scenarios – he had almost gone crazy imagining he would find her cowering in a corner, or shrinking back from his Mamiji, or sitting alone and crying to herself – none of the scenarios had included finding her asleep without a worry in the world. Yet here she was… still in her bridal saree, with all the heavy jewelleries, even the pallu on her head was intact, and she was sleeping on her stomach, her face resting on her folded arms. Did she always sleep like that? He was amused for a moment, and the innocence shining radiantly from her face enamored him. He wanted to touch her once, just to feel her, to ensure that she was real… He extended his hand… and stopped midway… Wait a minute! Why was she sleeping on the floor?

He could see few other women there, but not his mother or Mamiji… of course, they would be in other rooms with their respective husbands… but then why was his wife left to fend like that for herself? Was it their new tactic to torture her? He didn’t fail to notice that she didn’t even have a sheet to cover herself. He wouldn’t allow it. Naina was his wife; it was his duty to ensure she had everything she needed. Making up his mind, he gently touched her shoulder, and she jerked.

Naina had been dreaming the most wonderful dream. She was with Sameer, at a place she didn’t know… and didn’t care… all that mattered was that he was with her. Finally after all the rituals they could sit and talk, and it seemed he couldn’t stop hugging her… she was not complaining… she liked it… she felt secured in his embrace. When she looked up at his face, he gently cupped her face, just like he had done on their Sangeet, and then leaned towards her… she closed her eyes, no objection coming to her mind… there was no need to object anymore… she was completely his. She felt his warm breath on her lips… and just then a hand touched her shoulder as she gasped…

Floor… she was on the floor… where was Sameer? Wait… she had been dreaming… She was with all those unknown women after Mummyji had left her, and sheer exhaustion had made her lie down… but when had she fallen asleep? Just then she heard a barely audible whisper, “Naina…” And she need not be told who was calling her… she would recognize that voice anywhere.

She turned and sat up, suddenly finding herself nose-to-nose with Sameer. Her mouth opened, and she would have made some sound for sure had it not been for the big warm palm that immediately covered her mouth. She stared at her husband in surprise, but couldn’t help the warmth that filled her heart at the sight of him. He looked here and there, and then signaled her to come along with him. There wasn’t the least bit of hesitation in her as she took his offered hand and stood up. He carefully navigated her out of the room, across the living room, and to the kitchen.

He waited to ensure that no one was roaming around. Assured that everything was safe, he turned to tell her to come, but found her staring around with wide-eyed interest. His expressions softened at her innocent curiosity. It was her home too, so the curiosity was natural, and he regretted that he couldn’t take her through the whole place right now. He leaned towards her and whispered, “baad me dekh lena apna pura ghar, filhaal chalo mere saath.”

She looked back at him with a smile and nodded, letting him lead her out of the kitchen, up the stairs and to a closed door. There he hesitated for half a minute, and then quickly whispered, “awaz mat karna”, and scooped her up in his arms. She gasped softly, squeezing her eyes shut, and quickly looping her arms around his neck as the sensation of vertigo was too sharp and too sudden. He stood at the door for a minute, and she slowly opened her eyes to stare up at his grinning face.

“Welcome, Mrs. Naina Sameer Maheshwari”, he whispered and shouldered the door open, and stepped inside their room. Well… he had dreamt of brining her like this in their home, but he guessed room was also fine… She blinked and looked around, taking in the spacious room, the large bed, the desk, the ottomans placed around a small table, and the gleaming glass doors opening to a big balcony. Wherever she looked she found splendor and flowers… Lush roses to humble jasmine to ostentatious carnations graced every inch of the room. She gazed back at Sameer, realizing he was still carrying her in his arms, and suddenly she blushed.

He smiled, “tumhe pata hai… maine socha tha isi tarah tumko iss ghar me launga. Par rishtedaaro ke wajah se ho nahi paaya. Khair… ghar me na sahi, kamsekam kamre me toh laa paaya.”

She blushed even more and muttered, “ab toh niche utaar do.”

He tilted his head, tightening his hold, “umm… man nahi ho raha.”

She looked away, her cheeks as red as her saree, and he chuckled, gently setting her on her feet, keeping his arm around her until she was steady. Adjusting her veil, she nervously said, “Sameer… tum mujhe yahan kyun laaye? Kisiko pata chal gaya toh musibat ho jayegi.”

He shook his head, “kuch nahi hoga. Ruko.” And he went and locked the door.

Her eyes widened, “Sa…Sameer…”

“Shsh”, he returned to her quickly, “bas thodi der Naina… ghabrao mat.”

He held her hand, leading her to the bed, and made her sit on it. He sat beside her, and rubbed his thumbs on the back of her palm, “tum thik toh ho na? Wahan niche kyun so rahi thi? Kisne bola tumko?”

She was touched by his concern, and tried to assure him, “haan main thik hun. Sab log toh wahan so rahe hai. Mujhe kaha ke aaj wahin rehna hai, fir kal saare rasmo ke baad main tumhare saath reh sakti hun.”

He scowled, “par niche kyun sone bola? Mummy ne kaha…? ya Mamiji ne…? aur woh dono kaha hai?”

She didn’t want to complain about anyone, “Sameer ek hi raat ki toh baat hai. Kitni saari auratein hai wahan pe. Mummyji aur Mamiji bhi the kaafi der tak, par fir…”

“Woh log apne apne kamre me chale gaye”, he supplied, “tumhe akela chodke. Dhyan nahi rakh sakte toh zimmedari lete hi kyun hai?”

She could see that he was getting worked up, “jaane do na Sameer… bas aaj raat ki hi toh baat hai. Aur waise bhi subah hone me ab zyada waqt nahi hai.”

He scoffed, “main bhi toh wahi keh raha hun. Itne din se shaadi ke functions ki thakan hogi, fir shaam se yeh sab bhaari gehne pehene hue ho… Itne late tak jaagna. Iske baad bhi agar 2-3 ghante aaram se nahi rehne de sakte tumko? Zameen pe kon sulata hai dulhan ko?”

She looked up at him in amazement. How concerned he was? Truth to be told, when she had been informed that she couldn’t meet Sameer today and then was asked to sleep there among strangers on the floor, she had been mortified. It hadn’t quite seemed like the welcome that should have been given to a bride. For some time she even had tears in her eyes, recalling the comfortable bed she would share with Preeti, and had felt sad thinking even Sameer wasn’t worried about her. She had felt lonely. But then, left with no other option, she had pacified herself with the thought that maybe this was some ritual which had to be followed. She still didn’t know what was the reason for staying separate, but she had been overjoyed on seeing Sameer’s concern for her, and his outrage on her behalf. His anger on his own relatives acted as a soothing balm on her worries. Instinctively she leaned towards him, placing her head on his chest, and he immediately wrapped his arm around her.

“Yeh sapna toh nahi hai na?”, she asked softly.

He smiled, trying to let go of his anger, “nahi. Koi sapna nahi hai. Hum sach me saath hai, hamesha ke liye.”

She hummed, “tum soye nahi the?” She had noticed he hand changed into jeans and blue t-shirt.

He tilted his head to let his cheek touch the top of her head, “nahi. Tumhari fikar ho rahi thi. Aur tumse milne ki bechaini bhi thi. Pata nahi yeh kaisa ajeeb rasam hai… Shaadi ho gai fir bhi main haq se tumhe apne saath nahi rakh paa raha.”

She straightened, “achcha chalo chodo yeh sab… yeh hamara kamra hai na? Ise tumne sajaya?”

He chuckled, “Munna Pandit ne sajaya… hum dono ko surprise dene ke liye. Par bechare woh log bhi udaas ho gaye yeh sochke ke ab tum nahi dekh paogi.”

She looked thoughtful and then enquired, “itne bade ghar me sirf hum dono rahenge?”

He nodded, “haan… aur ek baar sab rishtedaar chale jaaye uske baad hum dono milke hamare ghar ko apne hisab sajayenge.”

Her eyes lit up, “sach! Matlab hum hamari photo bhi laga sakte hai? Aur mujhe Nanaji ki photo bhi chahiye, niche hall me lagayenge.”

He looked surprised, but his heart warmed up at her demand, “Nanu ki photo hai mere paas. Usko enlarge karwa lenge.” Then he pointed to the wall above the bed, “hum dono ki shaadi ki tasveer wahan achchi lagegi… haina?”

She nodded, and stood up to look around. Noticing a hammock on the balcony, she went outside, “yeh… aisa jhoola toh maine movies me dekha hai.” He brows furrowed in confusion, “par ispe chadte kaise hai?”

He chuckled, “dikhata hun, par badle me mujhe kya milega?”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at him, “main khud hi chad jaungi.”

She tried to lift herself, but the swing kept slipping, and once she almost slipped but Sameer quickly wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. She drew in a quick breath as she crashed onto his chest, and the sharp sensations shooting across her body puzzled her.

His voice was deep and husky as he whispered, “aaj ki raat bhi tum mujhpe dhyan na dekhe baki har cheez pe dhyan de rahi ho… Naina… yeh toh galat hai na.”

Her fingers clutched on his t-shirt, “par… maine toh sirf jhule ke baare me pucha.”

He smirked, suddenly kneeling and again picked her up in his arms, gently depositing her on the hammock, “aise chadte hai ispe… aur hamesha aise hi chadogi tum.”

Her eyes widened, and she was rendered speechless. He rocked her gently, dipping his head to touch her forehead, “bahot miss kar raha tha tumhe. Aaj tumse alag nahi reh sakunga.”

She swallowed; unable to take her eyes off his face… so close… he was so close… Stammering slightly she asked, “aaj aisa kya hai?”

He smiled, “waise toh hamari suhaag raat honi chahiye… par ab woh kal hogi.”

She gasped, and tried to sit up but kept failing. He laughed and helped her down. “Mujhe niche jaana chahiye wapas”, she muttered, and tried to leave, but suddenly her foot twisted and she let out a painful sound.

“Naina!” He was instantly beside her, supporting her and making her sit on an ottoman, as he crouched down to look at her foot. Rubbing the sore spot, he scolded her, “kya zarurat thi baagneki? Main kuch kar thodi na raha tha? Sirf keh raha tha… Thoda toh bharosa rakha karo. Zor se lag jaati toh?”

She stared at his concerned frown, even she didn’t know why she had felt the need to escape. But seeing him so close, she had felt as if she was stepping into an unknown territory, and defense had clicked in making her first reaction to back out and escape. Her foot throbbed a little, but more than the pain there it concerned her that she had probably hurt him. He had taken her attempt to escape as her lack of trust on his. Wanting to soothe, she placed a hand on his shoulder, but before she could say anything, the corded veins on his neck caught her attention. Had it always looked like that before? How had she not noticed? Her eyes traveled over his silky hair, the strong column of his throat, and to the spot where shoulder met neck which was revealed by the hanging round neck as he knelt before her. The dark red spot was strange… Had he hurt himself somehow?

She let her fingers travel over his shoulder until it rested on the mark, and softly asked, “yeh kya hai?”

He froze at her touch on his bare skin, and looked up to see her mouth curved in concern. The burn mark had continuously irritated him, first because it hurt and itched, and then because it had caused his mother to question Naina’s character. He truthfully answered, “uss din police se bachne ke liye nikal rahe the, tab chai giri thi na, uska nishan hai.”

Her eyes widened in horror, and she impulsively pulled his t-shirt aside to see the mark properly, “hey bhagwaan… Itna saara jal gaya! Tumne mujhe bataya kyun nahi? Davai lagai? Doctor ko dikhaya?”

He stared at his wife who had fisted the fabric of his t-shirt to bare the spot, and even though her concern warmed him, her touch created a different kind of warmth in his body and he closed his eyes, breathing heavily. He felt her tug him, “aankhen kya bandh ki hui hai? Jawaab do na sawalo ka.”

Something snapped inside him, and he slid his arm around her waist, straightening enough to be at eye level with her, “nahi hai jawaab abhi… aur tum aisai mujhe chooti rahi toh kal ka intezaar nahi hoga mujhse.”

Her lips quivered as she met his glittering gaze, “kal… kal tum mujhe kiss karoge na?”

He cupped her face with one hand, and possessively declared, “haan… lekin sirf kiss nahi hota suhaag raat me. Aur bhi bahot kuch hota hai… Samajh rahi ho na tum?”

She looked apprehensive, her eyes clouding with doubts and questions, and she could only manage to confess, “mujhe kuch nahi pata Sameer.”

Because his gaze had zeroed in on her red smeared lips, it took him a minute to register her confession. Shattering realization of her extreme innocence coursed through him, mingled with a fierce protectiveness and possessiveness. She was so innocent! Like a small kid lost in a forest… And here he was touching her, scaring her, and demanding things from her that she had no idea of. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to control his raging impulses. Slowly his ragged breathing returned to normal, his hands stopped shaking from need, and his heartbeat lowered. She was still looking at him uncertainly when he opened his eyes, and his entire face softened at his wife’s purity. He again recalled Munna and Pandit’s claims on his capability, his won fantasies, and suddenly he felt the weight on expectations on his shoulders. No! What was he thinking of? This wasn’t about what his friends expected, or him making claims of his virility, or even his desires… this was about Naina… her innocence, her trust in him, her needs. Determinedly he locked everything into a corner of his brain, and only let himself think about her… and just like that he knew what to do.

He gently hugged her to him, “sorry Naina… main thoda behek gaya tha. Tum fikar mat karo… hamare paas bahot waqt hai.”

She asked hesitantly, “k…kiss karneke liye.”

He smiled, “jaisa tum chaho. Par main filhaal itna bata sakta hun tumko ke kiss ke aage bhi bahot kuch hota hai ek pati-patni ke rishte me. Hum dhire dhire saath me aage badenge. Koi jaldi nahi hai.”

She burrowed further in the security of his embrace, “tumko bhi nahi?”

He rubbed he back, and assured, “mere liye sabse zyada zaruri tum ho.”

She drew back to smile at him, and he gently cupped her face, gazing into her eyes, his thumb rubbing the curve of her smooth cheeks, “maine tumse zyada khubsurat dulhan aaj tak nahi dekhi.” Inch by inch, leaning forward he brushed a soft kiss on her forehead, and she closed her eyes, a smile curving her lips as she received the first kiss of her married life.

Checking the time, he reluctantly murmured, “chalo tumhe niche chodke aata hun.”

She nodded, “thike. Lekin tum please iss ghaav pe kuch lagalo.”

He smiled, “ointment mangvake rakhunga… aaj raat ko tum khud laga dena. Itna toh kar sakti ho na?”

She blushed, but nodded again, her heartbeats picking up pace at the thought of seeing him without a shirt.

He held her hand, and peeped outside, but unfortunately all was not well. He could hear murmur of voices, and one of it sounded like Mamiji. He closed the door again, glancing worriedly at Naina, “lagta hai unko pata chal gaya ke tum gayab ho.”

She looked distressed, “ab kya hoga?”

He thought for a minute, then smiled, again opening the door and pulled her outside. Slowly, cautiously, he took her downstairs, and on seeing Mamiji and her gang go into another room, he swiftly too her to the bathroom downstairs. Holding the door open for her, he grabbed her and whispered something in her ears. She nodded and went inside, locking the door, and letting the water run as he had suggested. He grinned, and felt thrilled as he bounded upstairs to his room, closed the door leaving it unlocked and slide beneath the blanket.

Soon enough there was a knock on his door as he expected. He mussed his hair, untucked his t-shirt from one side, and screwed his face into mid-yawn as he opened the door. Squinting at the group, he rubbed his eyes, “kya hua Mamiji?”

Mamiji had her hands on her hips, “Naina kahan hai?”

He tried to look utterly confused, “Naina… woh yahan kyun hogi? Mujhe mummy ne kaha ke kal raat se main uske saath reh sakta hun. Shayad mummy ke saath hogi woh.”

Another lady replied, “tumhari mummy apne kamre me hai. Aur tumhari dulhan gayab hai ghar se.”

Sameer narrowed his eyes, his fists clenching, “aap meri biwi ke baare me baat kar rahe hai, iss ghar ki maalkin. Agar woh gayab hai toh mujhe aap logo se sawaal puchna chahiye, kyunki aaj raat uska dhyan aap log rakhnewale the. Kisika koi haq nahi banta ke meri biwi pe sawaal uthaye.”

Saying so, he stepped outside, letting the door close, and moved downstairs. “Naina”, he called out for her. Once. Twice. Thrice. And then she responded, “haan… main yahan hun.”

He turned towards the bathroom, and smirked at Mamiji who still looked suspicious. After two minutes, Naina opened the door of the bathroom, and stepped outside, adjusting her veil, and irritated expression on her face.

Sameer stepped up to her, and cupped her shoulders, “tum thik toh ho na? Yeh log upar aake keh rahe the ke tum gayab ho gai ho.”

She looked puzzled, “gayab? Par main toh bathroom me thi.”

Mamiji shrilly announced, “hum tumhe pichle paanch minute se dhund rahe the… tum itni der bathroom me kya kar rahi thi?”

Her face turned a delicate shade of red, and she looked down shyly, “woh… woh… saree pehenneki aadat nahi hai na, aur so gai thi toh zara sa loose ho gaya tha… Thik karne me waqt lag gaya.”

Another door clicked open, and Vishakha stepped out, her eyes confused, “Sameer… Naina… Tum dono iss waqt yahan kya kar rahe ho?”

Sameer quickly explained the situation and Vishakha moved towards Naina, “thik karli saree beta? Kuch madad chahiye?”

She shook her head, still keeping her eyes lowered. Vishakha nodded and instructed her to go to sleep, but as she started to move towards the room, Sameer stopped her, “ruko… wahan kahan jaa rahi ho?”

Naina looked back, her eyes widening, this was not part of the plan… what was he doing? She opened her mouth to reply, but before that another lady replied, “sone jaa rahi hai. Aaj ki raat to tumse alag rahegi na.”

He looked annoyed, “jaanta hun. Lekin uss kamre me toh bed bhi nahi hai, toh Naina so kaha rahi hai?” Without waiting for an answer he strode to the room, and looked at the small mattresses on the floor. Furiously he turned to look the women, “aap log meri biwi ko yahan sula rahe hai? Zameen pe?”

Mamiji began in a placating tone, “Sonu beta…”

Sameer interrupted, holding up his hand, “bas… aapko kya lagta hai rasam ke naam pe kuch bhi karvayenge aur main maan jaunga? Mujhse kaha gaya tha Naina aur main alag rahenge, woh maine maan liya… Lekin Naina apne hi ghar me aise zameen pe soyegi woh main bardaasht nahi karunga. Itna bada ghar hai mera aur Naina ka… ek karma toh nayi dulhan ke liye khali ho hi sakta hai. Aur kuch nahi toh ek-do rishtedaar hall me so jayenge.”

“Uski zarurat nahi hai bhai”, Munna called from upstairs, “Bhabhi ko upar wale guest room me leke aaja. Pandit aur main niche so jayenge.”

Sameer looked at his mother, who looked indecisive for a moment, but then on seeing her son’s furious expressions nodded. His posture relaxed, and he looked at his wife, “Naina… upar chalo.”

She turned towards the stairs, with him right behind her, not touching her yet she felt his protectiveness engulf her. He could feel the gaze of his mother and his relatives on them as he held the door open for Naina, and let her enter the room. “Kuch chahiye toh batana, main pados wale kamre me hun”, he said aloud to let the others know that he was there for his wife.

Inside the room, Naina stood looking at him, her eyes glistening with tears and a beatific smile curving her lips. He winked at her, and pursed his lips, blowing her a quick kiss, and then gently closed the door asking her to lock it from inside. He stood for a moment; finally feeling relieved of his worries as he knew she would be comfortable now, and then turned to glare at the women downstairs for another minute before walking inside his own room and closing the door with a resolute thud.

In the wee hours of dawn, Naina and Sameer lay on their separate beds, recalling the beautiful moments they had shared with a smile on their face. Both of them turned to look outside at the faint pink streaking through the deep grey horizon, and waited for the first dawn of their togetherness, their hearts beating with hope of tonight and forever.