Strengthened by Struggles

There were those who had said that their marriage won’t work, there were those who had said that they would stay together for eternity, and then there were they themselves who had never heard what other’s said about them, good or bad, but rather chose to believe in their heart. That’s exactly why one year later when he had his arm around her shoulder while watching the epic movie “Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge”, they had smiled at each other and reminisced every moment of their love story. Their curved lips had reflected the bliss they felt in each other’s arms, but if someone had looked properly the small lines on their foreheads would have surely conveyed the worries that had been added to their lives now.

Mr. and Mrs. Maheshwari had completed their graduation few months back, and the considerable pool of fund that Nanu had saved for his grandson had started depleting. The house and the wedding had eaten up a major chunk of it, and then there had been the honeymoon trip, and also the small trip just after their examinations. Add to that the daily expenses of maintaining such a big house, and not to mention their own personal expenses too. In any case, the fund amount wasn’t like Uncle Scrooge’s treasure trove where they could dive and swim without worrying about how long it would last. Basically, Sameer and Naina had stepped into the phase where responsibilities were no longer restricted to who will make the bed and problems were no longer as insignificant as who left the wet towel on sofa. Now they had discussions about how to pay the bills, or what expenses could be eliminated, or if there was any way to increase their savings.

Sameer Maheshwari’s relaxed attitude and casual charm had almost crashed to the earth when after graduation he had tried to join the family business and take the expected role at the factory. He still remembered the day, he had smartly dressed up in white shirt, blue tie and black suit, Naina had fed him dahi-shakkar, done his aarti and wished him luck for his first day at office. However, contrary to his expectations, he hadn’t been welcomed with pomp and respect; rather no one had even known him or spared a glance at him as he walked inside the gates. After a few initial worrying moments, he had discarded the anomaly as nothing important; of course how would anyone know him, he hadn’t ever come to office or factory with Nanu. Just two days ago he had called up Mamaji to inform him that he would be joining that day, but it was possible or rather obvious that Mamaji wouldn’t think of a grand welcome. He had entered the cabin that had once surely belonged to Nanu, and had seen Mamaji sitting on that plush chair – technically and rightfully his chair. Mamaji had stood up to receive him as expected, but there was no warmth in his voice when he had enquired as to why he was there. Sameer had been confused with this behavior, and then numb with shock when Mamaji had shown him documents that stated that the factory and its holdings didn’t belong to him but rather Mamaji. How was it possible?

In a daze he had returned home, and when Naina has excitedly enquired about the happenings at factory, the volcano of his rage had erupted. He had stomped around the house, throwing things, breaking vases, and yelling about how he had been cheated. After sulking for a few days he had understood that he couldn’t sit around like that, he needed to find a job. And so had started the annoying circle of getting ready, answering questions with a smile on his face, and then experiencing disappointment. Once when Naina had tried to encourage him by reminding that he was Sameer Maheswari, he had let out a sarcastic chuckle and commented, “Maheshwari… huh… naam ka hi ameer reh gaya hun bas. Agle mahine light bill bharne tak ke paise nahi hai mere jeb me. Kaha tha tumko rani banake rakhunga, par itne bade ghar me ek naukar bhi nahi rakh paaye hum jo tumhara kaam me haath bataye. Car bigad gai hai lekin ek mahina ho gaya use repair bhi nahi karva paa raha. Bas yeh ghar hi reh gaya hai hamare paas… par ab sochta hun ke pata nahi aur kitne din rahega.”

After that Naina had decided to support her husband by sharing this responsibility. It wasn’t like she had never wanted to work, she had thought about it, but she had decided to start looking after Sameer had settled in business. But that was never going to happen now, and she had thought the time was correct. So, a day later when Sameer had no interviews to spoil his mood, she had broached this topic in evening. He had immediately rejected the idea because it had been his dream to treat her like a queen, give her a life full of luxuries and facilities that she had never had while growing up. But Naina had calmly explained to him how she and Chachaji had always dreamt for her to complete studies and then stand on her own two feet. It wasn’t so much about money, but rather more about her dreams and what she wanted from life. Reluctantly, Sameer had agreed, but only because he could never deny Naina from doing something she had wanted to do.

That was how Naina Sameer Maheshwari had started working at a kindergarten, and that was how the light bill of next month had been paid. If Sameer noticed that she had got a job at the very first attempt, he had only been proud of his wife’s achievement and not compared it to his own failure. Seeing Naina work so hard, he had renewed his own efforts for job search, and also helped her around the house in whatever manner he could. He had never thought that Sameer Maheshwari would someday be washing utensils so that the pile in kitchen sink was less when Naina completed the chore at night or learning to prepare tea so that his wife could have it as soon as she returned tired from her hectic day and that pathetic bus journey. Yes, Naina travelled by bus and Sameer hated it as he knew it had to be uncomfortable, but more than that he was furious at himself for not being in a position to offer her more comfort.

But today he was not feeling so bad, as things would finally change. He had cleared two rounds of interviews with a company, and today was the final round. He was sure he could do it, and then he would be able to support Naina. So, he got up early, prepared tea and then woke up his wife with a kiss on her adorable cheeks. Naina opened her eyes, and smiled up at him, she knew how big a day this was for her husband and she hoped everything turned out right.

“Uthiye biwi ji, chai taiyar hai”, he grinned as he kept the tray on beside table.

She caught his hand and pulled him, causing him to stumble and sprawl beside her. Snuggling into his chest she mumbled, “thodi der aur.”

He chuckled as he hugged her tight, “kya baat hai… aaj toh subah subah romance sujh raha hai.”

She didn’t reply in words, just hummed, and breathed in deep drawing in his masculine fragrance. She loved these few moments in morning, when their minds were still lulled from sleep and not clouded with worries. Her Sameer was smiling, laughing, and romantic just like before; and not silent, upset, and prosaic like he had become off late. She knew Sameer was worried about his job, and that had caused a toll on his mischievous charming attitude, but she also knew that it was only temporary.

Sameer held her tight with his nose in her hair, he knew that she needed these moments, this comfort, and he too needed it. Somewhere he could see that his changed mannerisms were worrying her, but he couldn’t help it. He was just so worried about finding a job that he couldn’t tease and joke with her all the time anymore, he couldn’t even behave childishly because the burden on his shoulders suddenly felt too heavy. He still wanted to make love to her often, but after seeing her come in exhausted every day he had stopped demanding. It wasn’t like they didn’t make love, but it was less often, and for sure there wasn’t a repeat in a night. The morning was the time when they could relax for some time in each other’s arms as if nothing else mattered in the world, they could pretend as if the bare minimal figure in their bank account was nothing to worry about.

After a breakfast of sandwiches, they locked up and left; Sameer dropped her off to the bus stand on his bike, before going for his interview. He had hopes and expectations, both of which were lost when the manager told him that out of the two shortlisted candidates he was rejected. He drove home, not knowing how he would communicate another failure to his wife; it hurt him every time to see her smile droop, and hurt him even more when she would gamely put up a brave front, smiling again to encourage him.

On reaching home, he felt like laughing as he looked at the mansion. What a joke it was. When he had bought it before the wedding, he had just basked in the glory of having a bungalow in one of the posh areas of the city, and the thought of brining Naina as his wife here. He hadn’t ever taken a moment and thought about the need of such a big house for only two people, and he for certainly had not thought about future. Now he felt as if he should have been a little careful before, and also maybe if more cautious and organized.

He recalled how Naina always kept telling him to study properly, but he had never listened to her. Now his grades didn’t help at all in instilling confidence in employers about his abilities. He remembered how Nanu had asked him to start taking interest in office and business, but he had said that he always wanted to be a child to him. Now Nanu was no longer there to pamper him and guide him. Now he had responsibilities which he wanted to fulfil but was suddenly finding himself to be lacking. A failure – that’s what he was. In a fit of fury he pulled out his resume from the folder he carried to interviews and tore it in pieces.

Naina had an unusual hectic day as they had taken the kids to a nearby park, handling twenty kindergarten kids whose favorite activity seemed to be running around all the time was not exactly easy. She felt exhausted, and also the bright sun and constant yelling of kids had given her a headache. The only thing that kept her on her feet was the eagerness to see Sameer and know about his interview. She was confident that he would definitely land this opportunity. She had seen him prepare diligently, he had been trying so hard since so long, and she was sure that his hard work would definitely pay off.

As she came through the gates of their home, she took a moment to stare up at the mansion. It was grand, and still never failed to awe her. She was aware of the risk they faced, if Sameer didn’t manage to find a job soon then they would have to take the hard decision of letting this house go, and move to a smaller place. Her salary was not enough to handle everything. Such a big house also required substantial amount in maintenance. When they had newly married she had sometimes felt overwhelmed with the sheer size of this mansion, but now it was home… and she didn’t want to lose it for any reason. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t be happy elsewhere, she only needed Sameer with her to be happy, but still… this was the place she had stepped inside as a wife, this was the place where she had begun the most beautiful phase of her life. Together, she and Sameer had made this mansion into their home. It held the memories of her grihapravesh, of their first kiss, of their first night, of their first quarrel as husband-wife and then the subsequent pacification. No… she definitely didn’t want to lose it… and she knew Sameer would also be heartbroken if they had to leave this place.

When she entered inside, Sameer was lying on the sofa, his arm covering his eyes. Just one look at the frown curving his lips and she knew that it wasn’t good news that awaited her. Trying not to feel disappointed and struggling to smile, she moved towards him. He needed her; that was the only thought in her mind.

“Sameer”, she called and touched his hair. She didn’t miss the torn bits of paper on the floor, and a quick glance told her it was his resume.

He moved his hand aside, and looked at her, his eyes red, maybe with anger or with tears. The way she took his name and the reluctant smile on her face told him that she had understood without him saying anything. Shifting his gaze away, he got up, and asked, “kaisa raha din?”

She sat down beside him, “thik tha. Bachcho ko park leke gaye the. Tum ruko, main fresh hoke chai banati hun.”

“Mujhe nahi peeni chai”, he immediately responded.

She sighed, “thike. Main bas do minute me fresh hoke aai.” Thinking of ideas to improve his mood, she stood up, but a sudden throbbing in her head made her lift her hand and massage her forehead. Sameer heard the clinking of bangles and looked up, his eyes narrowed as he stood up too, “firse sir me dard hai?”

She hastily removed her hand, and tried to assure, “thoda sa. Pure din dhoop me rahi na…”

“Aur fir bus me aai”, he added with suppressed anger, “tumhe kitni baar bola hai ke apni sehat ka dhyan rakha karo.”

“Main thik hun Sameer”, she murmured tiredly.

His fury increased, at himself or at her he didn’t know, but it sure spouted at her as he lashed out, “dikh raha hai mujhe kitni thik ho… har roz bus me aaneki kya zarurat hai. Auto me nahi aa sakti? Bas jab dekho tab apni zidd pe adi rehti ho. Meri koi baat nahi maanti tum. Na shaadi se pehle aur naa shaadi ke baad… bas hamesha apni chalati ho.”

Usually in such cases after marriage when he would be angry she would listen silently and then talk to him later when he was relatively calmer. But today, maybe because of the headache or because of the unjust accusation that she never listened to him, even she couldn’t hold it anymore, “main zidd karti hun? Apni chalati hun? Apni toh tum chalate ho Sameer… hamesha se. Jab dekho tab bachcho jaisi harkate, zidd karna, baate na maanna. Shaadi ke baad se meri konsi baat maani hai tumne zara batana… Hamesha fizul ke kharche karte rahe ho. Honeymoon pe 5-star pe paise barbaad kare, uske baad bhi har Sunday ko movies, bahar khana, aur shopping. Kitni baar bola maine ke humne yeh sab niyantran me karna chahiye. Kaha tha maine ke tum business join karke settle ho jaoge fir hum yeh saare kharche karenge. Ab woh mehenge kapdo se hamara light bill bhare? Ya woh hotel aur restaurant ke bills dekhke hamara pet roz bhar jayega? Aur itna sab honeke bawjud tum mujhse puch rahe ho ke main auto me kyun nahi aati…? Paise kahan se laau Sameer…?”

Every word she spoke sliced through his skin like a sharp edged sword. She had never spoken to him like this before… He knew she was right. Whatever she said was the absolute truth. He had been too childish, too immature, too relaxed about future, too careless with money. It was the truth… but that didn’t mean that he would accept it in-front of her. In his rage he never realized what he was uttering as he blasted at her, “achcha… toh ab main itna kharab lagta hun. Haan haan… Pati ke jeb me paise nahi hai toh pati kahan se achcha lagega. Meri bachcho jaisi harkate, meri zidd, mere nakhre… inn sab se bhi tum pyaar karti thi na. Tab toh bahot achcha lagta tha yeh sab. Honeymoon pe achcha hotel, naye kapde, movies… yeh sab sirf mere liye tha? Tumne kuch enjoy nahi kiya? Lekin ab jab haalaat kharab hai toh usme saara dosh mera. Agar main fizul me paise barbaad karta hun toh shayad sabse bada fizul kharcha toh maine shaadi me kar diya… Tumhe tumhari sapno wali shaadi dene ke liye. Tumhare gharwale toh mandir me shaadi karwaneko taiyar the. Maine akele zimmedari uthai tumhe woh sab kuch deneka jiska sapna tum dekhti thi… Par ab woh saari harkate meri bewakufi lagti hogi na tumhe?”

Tears had started to leak from her eyes, and she tried to speak, but he didn’t let her and carried on himself, ignoring the twinge in his heart that was caused by her wet eyes. He turned away from her, “sab thik hi kehte the… jab tak paise hai sab achcha hota hai. Par ab paise nahi to pyaar ki bhi koi ehmiyat nahi hai. Meri fikar bhi zeher lagti hai ab tumhe…”

Controlling his own tears he left from there, ignoring her desperate call, and banged the door shut behind him. Naina stood there, helplessly crying, hurting as much from his words as from her own. What had she done? How could she have told Sameer all that? She had known he was trying his best, and that none of what was happening to them was his fault. In fact he was trying to cope with the fact that his own relatives had first taken over the house he had thought was his, and then his business… Yet he had not accepted defeat. He had set out to earn, to grow and learn, to be responsible. And she had vowed to be with him at every step. Yet today she had thrown incidents at his face which were not even needed to be brought up now. She knew how he panicked if she was unwell, and truth to be told, even she didn’t like traveling in bus, but she had just messed up things in frustration.

Where could he have gone? When would he come back? Not knowing answers to these questions she trudged upstairs and locked herself in the study, finally dissolving into loud sobs.

On the other hand, Sameer reached the temple where he had had the first date of his life, and that too at the horribly unusual time of 6am in the morning. What a day it was! He climbed up the stairs, but didn’t go inside the main temple, rather perched on a bench in the courtyard. He knew deep down that he needed to calm himself. Anger was not the solution; it would only make things worse in his life. Closing his eyes, he leaned back and tried to take deep breaths, count one to ten. Nothing helped…

In a few minutes however he heard a woman’s voice, “Naina uss taraf mat jao beta.”

His eyes flew open on hearing the name and he looked around for the source. Soon he saw a woman chasing around a girl wearing a pink frock. She looked to be around seven or eight, not more than that, and was happily skipping here and there in the courtyard leading her mother to a merry chase. Sameer never knew when he stood up, and started to walk towards her. The girl didn’t see him and bumped on his legs. He quickly bent and held her so that she didn’t fall.

“Sorry”, he mouthed an apology and smiled.

She grinned at him flashing two missing upper teeth, “koi baat nahi.” Her face suddenly scrunched in suspicion, and she asked, “Uncle aapke sir pe red red kyun nahi hai?”

He crouched down in-front of her to come to her level, and asked “red red?”

The girl pointed at her own forehead, which was adorned by a small kumkum tika, “aisa wala red red.”

“Oh”, Sameer smiled as he realized what she meant, “main mandir me nahi gaya.”

“Kyun?”, she asked, as she couldn’t see the logic of climbing all those stairs and not going inside the temple, and then gleefully added, “andar meetha bhi dete hai. Aap jao aapko bhi denge.”

He glanced at the temple, and muttered, “bhagwaan meri baat kabhi nahi sunte.”

The little girl was puzzled as she too looked inside the temple, “par meri toh sunte hai.” When Sameer look back at her, she explained, “maine peechli baar badi wali chocolate maangi thi, aur papa ne agle din hi laake di. Iss baar nayi gudiya maangi hai, jiski aankhe bandh hoti ho.” Then her eyes lighted up with realization, and she animatedly conveyed, “aap thik se maangte nahi honge uncle, isiliye bhagwaanji sunte nahi hai. Main batati hun kaise maangte hai.”

His head snapped up and eyes widened on hearing the familiar words, and to his utmost amazement she innocently folded her hands and closed her eyes starting to explain how to pray. The gentle breeze of evening blew his hair, soothed his nerves as his eyes focused on the innocent face of the girl, and his mind traveled back to that one morning so many years ago when he had come here with Naina. He had told her that God never listened to him. Naina had smiled, and said, “tumne kabhi meri tarah maanga hi nahi hoga. Aaj maangkar dekhna, bhagwaan tumhari saari manokaamnayein puri karenge.”

Just then a voice interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up to see the girl’s mother, who was thanking him, “shukriya bhaisaab.” And then she lovingly reprimanded her daughter, while Sameer listened with a smile on his face. As they left, the little Naina turned to him and said, “uncle aaj maangke dekhna, maine sikhaya waise. Bye!”

Sameer stood up, feeling calm, somehow the vision of his 16 year old Naina overlapping with the little Naina in pink frock. He shook his head and thought, ‘bhagwaan ne saari Naina ek jaise banaye hai kya?’

Still smiling at the memory of his first date, he removed his shoes and went inside the temple. It looked still the same even after all these years. He could almost see his younger self frustrated with the girl he had come with, relentlessly ringing the bell to gain her attention, almost burning his hand while she taught him how to take aarti, edging sideways to where she was praying. Taking a deep breath, he now folded his hands, closed his eyes, and thought of what to pray for. That was when he realized that he really didn’t have anything to ask for, he already had everything… His Naina was with him. What more could he want from life? So he just prayed for blessings to be able to keep her happy always.

Not wasting another moment, he hurriedly took the aarti and prasad, and almost ran back to his bike, eager to reach home. He needed to apologize to Naina. How could he have said all that to her? How could he have called their wedding expenses to be a waste of money? How could he have even uttered that her love for him depended on the money he had? God… It was so evident from her face that she was exhausted, plus she had had a headache. He should have stayed with her, pampered her with tea, hugged her… They could have sat on the balcony and talked to each other, find solution to their problem. But he had just flipped… yes, she had said things that hurt him, but they had been the truth. He should have just held it in and pulled her to him, she would have resisted for a few moments, but then would have melted against him, her anger vanishing. Instead he had behaved like a jerk, and made her cry.

As the sun set outside, he drove inside the gates and parked his bike. Using his set of keys, he opened the door, and stepped into darkness. Why hadn’t she turned on the lights? Blinking his eyes, he fumbled for the switchboard, and flipped on the tube lights.

“Naina”, he called for his wife but there was no answer. It was clear that she wasn’t on the ground floor, so he bounded upstairs to their bedroom. Again he was met with darkness. Where was she? Now he almost started to panic as he checked the terrace and still couldn’t find her. Did she leave? Should he call up Chachiji to enquire if she was there? No… She wouldn’t leave like this without telling him anything. But then… where did she go? Standing with a hand on his hip, he closed his eyes, and rubbed his forehead with the other hand, trying to think where she could be. Suddenly he exclaimed, “jhoola!”

He dashed to the study as he remembered how much she loved the swing they had installed in that room. The door was locked, but he wasn’t dissuaded, as he had the key in his own bunch. He swiftly inserted the right one, and unlocked it, sighing with relief on seeing her at the desk typing something on the typewriter. He knew that she must already know that he had returned, but she didn’t turn or say anything. Naturally, she must be angry, he thought as he moved to her. Curious he looked over her shoulder to see what she was typing, and was surprised to see that it was his resume.

“Naina…”, he softly whispered, and felt like he had been punched in the gut when she looked up and he saw the dried tracks of tears on her cheeks. His own eyes started to burn anew, as he cupped her face and tried to futilely wipe the tracks. He wanted to apologize, but instead a question popped from his mouth, “tum mera resume kyun type kar rahi ho?”

A small smiled curved her lips, “kyunki mujhe pata hai ke chahe kuch bhi ho jaaye tum haar nahi maanoge. Dobara interview dene ke liye resume toh chahiye hoga na.”

He muttered a curse under his breath, and knelt, sliding one arm under her knees and another behind her back and picked her up from the chair. Her arms automatically wound around his neck as she squealed, “Sameer… kya kar rahe ho?”

He carried her to the swing, not bothering to answer, and sat down with her on his lap. She tried to say something again, but he simply wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. His heart thudded as he waited, and in less than a minute he felt her clutching onto his back, there was a warm wet feeling on his neck and she softened in his arms. He rocked the swing gently as she cried, and tears leaked from his eyes too, “sorry Naina… I am so sorry. Main woh sab bikul nahi kehna chahta tha. Gusse me dimag kharab ho gaya tha mera.”

She sniffed, and her voice was muffled against his neck as she spoke, “I am sorry too. Mujhe woh nahi kehna chahiye tha. Main tumhe dukh nahi pahonchana chahti thi.”

He rubbed her back, “shsh… jaanta hun. Tum toh meri life sabse badi khushi ho, tum mujhe kabhi dukh nahi de sakti.” Adjusting their position, he turned sideways on the swing and lied back, positioning her to lie on top of him. She squirmed slightly to find her usual position, and turned her head sideways on his chest, feeling calm again. Her Sameer was back, as she knew he would. Moments later she heard his deep voice, and felt the vibration inside his chest, as he said, “I love you Naina.”

She lifted her head, smiled, and replied, “I love you too Sameer.” Then she reached up and took his mouth in a soft kiss. He hummed in satisfaction and pleasure, warmth coursing through him at the first brush of her tender lips. Dragging a shallow breath, he opened his mouth under her, and let the fire ignite. The curves of her body fit to the angles and planes of his own, as naturally as if they were made for each other. His hand moved into her hair, while she tilted her head and deepened the kiss. The gentle motion of the swing added to the passion the moment was steeped in. The primal desire they felt for each other was combined with a sense of realness, of a promise of togetherness. Her hand rested just below his ear, her thumb caressing his stubble, their breaths mingled, their hearts beat in unison. When they parted, their lips were wet and swollen, but curved into smiles. She buried her head in the crook of his neck, as they both waited for their heartbeats to calm down.

Long minutes later, she tried to get up, but he tightened his hold, so she muttered, “Sameer, uthne do. Khana banana hai.”

He didn’t leave her, and requested just like she had this morning, “thodi der aur.” And she relented, just like he had.

After ten more minutes they went downstairs and she was surprised to see him coming inside the kitchen with her. Puzzled she asked, “tum yahan kyun aa rahe ho? Jaake thoda araam karlo ya TV dekhlo… main khana bana deti hun.”

He leaned against the countertop, and folded his arms, “waise toh mujhe kehna chahiye ke khana mat banao kyunki tumhare sir me dard hai. Lekin filhaal hum sirf law garden me khane jaa sakte hai, kisi restaurant me nahi. Isiliye aaj hum dono milke khana banayenge.”

Her eyes softened at his brave attempt to face the situation, and she teased, “achcha… tum khana banane me madad karoge? Aata lagana tak toh aata nahi hai.”

He shrugged, not at all discouraged, “toh kya hua… roti nahi khayenge aaj. Noodles banate hai. Woh toh hum saath me pehle bhi bana chuke hai. Yaad hai… Kopsuey?”

She laughed and hit his arm for teasing her, but readily agreed, “thike. Main sabziyaan kaat ti hun, tab tak tum paani ubaalne rakho aur baki ka samaan nikal lo.”

He grinned and proceeded to do as she asked. Together they cooked the noodles, then emptied it on a single dish, and carried it to their room’s balcony to eat. Sameer told her of his temple visit and the little girl named Naina who had made him recall their first date, and then they laughed at the hilarious situation they had faced causing Sameer to hide behind a cow and being slapped by its tail. Later, they cleaned the kitchen and washed the dishes together, then decided to call it a night.

Naina washed her face, changed into her night dress and went to sleep beside her husband. He threw off the blanket, and sat up suddenly, “Naina, kuch meetha khane ka man ho raha hai.”

She turned to look at him, “abhi? Ghar pe toh kuch nahi hai. Ruko main purse me dekhti hun, aaj bachcho ke liye chocolates leke gaye the na toh shayad ek-do padi ho purse me.”

He looked skywards for help once, and then as she tried to get up, he held her waist pushing her back to bed and coming down on top of her. His eyes glittered as they met hers, “shaadi ke itne time baad bhi tum ab tak waisi hi ho… Naina… Mujhe apna meetha chahiye.”

A blush tinged her cheeks, but she looped her arms around his neck and whispered, “toh maine kab mana kiya.” He smiled and reached up to turn off the bedside lamp, before dipping his head to her, his hand tracing her curves as he drew her beneath him.

Next morning they both were late to wake up; it was 8am by the time Naina woke up. She quickly took her bath, and then dashed downstairs to prepare tea and breakfast. The telephone rang and she hurriedly picked it up hoping the sound hadn’t woken Sameer up, she wanted to wake him up with breakfast in bed. But as she talked over the phone, a wide smile curved her lips, and she swiftly went upstairs.

He was still sprawled on the bed oblivious to everything. She shook him urgently, “Sameer utho… jaldi.”

The urgency in her voice reached him, and he jerked upright, “Naina… kya hua? Tum thik toh ho na?”

She smiled and nodded, “haan main thik hun. Tumhare liye important phone hai, jaldi utho aur woh line lo, maine unko kaha hai wait karneko.”

He pulled on his discarded tracks and picked up the cordless in their bedroom, “Hello.” His reaction was similar to Naina, as he listened in surprise to the manager of the company where he had gone for the interview yesterday. He mentioned that the candidate who had been selected earlier had rejected the offer as he felt the salary was low, and the company’s owner wanted to know if Sameer would still be interested in accepting the offer. It wasn’t much, only ten thousand rupees per month, but they could promise a good growth if he performed well. Needless to say Sameer immediately agreed, and he was called to the office in afternoon to sign the offer letter. He promised to be there on time, and then disconnected.

Turning to his wife he saw that she was beaming proudly at him, and he swiftly moved to her, picking her in his arms and twirling her. As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, their happy laughter filled the room as they rejoiced the bright new hope. He set her down, but didn’t leave her, and neither did she pull back. Either he moved, or she did, it didn’t matter, but soon their lips met and they were enveloped in euphoric bliss. His last thought was that God did listen to him yesterday, before he felt his wife guiding him to their bed. Theirs indeed was a bond strengthened by struggles.