Zaroorat Chapter 3: Adhikaar

An hour and half had passed since he had made Naina fall asleep, and Sameer had set a few things in motion. He had called up at the college, pretending to be Munna’s father, and demanded to talk to him citing a family emergency. The dean had agreed and Munna had played his part well, making him chuckle. Basically, he had wanted to let his friends know that Naina was with him, and they should come home immediately after college, and also bring along Preeti and Swati. He had also asked them to tell the girls that Naina’s clothes were wet and she needed new ones, if possible. He had no idea what the girls would think about this, but he knew Naina wouldn’t be able to meet Chachaji wearing his tracks and t-shirt.

After that he had placed a call to his mother, and gently asked her to listen to everything he said without any interruption, and for once forgetting every bad past between them. His mother had been puzzled, but thankfully agreed. Also, it had helped that Mr. Somani was in office, Rohan and Deepika in school, and Dadi was at some kitty party. Sameer had carefully explained about his love story from the beginning, adding Nanu’s deep interest and happy approval, and how Naina had not been afraid to stand up for their relationship. He had tried to explain the extreme situation she had faced at her home, and his decision to marry her. Vishakha had gasped, citing that he was too small, but he had calmly stated that he was already 21 which meant legally he could get married. He had conveyed that his decision was final with or without their family’s approval, but had also said that he would love and feel thankful if his mother was beside him when he got married. Vishakha had asked a few questions about Naina, bit worried about the situation, but then she had finally agreed, saying she couldn’t be there today to support him but if needed she was ready to talk to Naina’s family over phone. Sameer had thanked her in elation, and assured her that this was the last thing he would ever demand from her. To his surprise his mother had assured that he could call her anytime he needed her and she would come down to Ahmedabad tomorrow, irrespective of what Naina’s Chachaji said.

He walked around the house setting a few things in order because he planned to call Naina’s Chachaji over, requesting him to come alone. It took him around thirty minutes to make the living room presentable, and then he called up a restaurant to order some proper food. It was an odd time, but he knew a place that would deliver at least some snacks. Keeping in mind that their friends would be here too, and he might also need to serve Chachaji something if there was a proper civil conversation, he ordered quite a few items. Finally he went back to his room, thinking he should wake Naina up now as it would soon be time for their friends to come over, and he also wanted to talk about his plan to her. As he stepped inside the room however, he stood mesmerized at the sight before him…

His Naina… Wearing his clothes… Sleeping on his bed… Clutching his pillows to herself… Her body covered with his sheet… Mine! The word rang loud and possessive inside his head.

God… He couldn’t believe the upheaval of emotions he had faced in the last 48 hours. Elation at his plan to propose her, devastation at the thought she had left him for someone else, and then a sense of being alive again when he had got to know how she had stood up for them in front of her family. She had done something he had never ever thought she could… The girl who couldn’t even open her mouth in front of her own father had managed to speak up to her whole family, borne unimaginable things, and still maintained that she loved him. He had always respected the purity and innocence of her love, the way she selflessly cared for him, but today the magnitude of respect for her in his heart had increased several times. Nanu had been right… He had said that Naina would be with him always, in every situation, and would handle him when he needed it. She had done that… She hadn’t let him slip into darkness, into a life of loneliness; she hadn’t given up on him like so many other people in his life. And now it was up to him to protect her, to give her the deserving place not only in his life but also in his home, to give her the happiness she deserved.

He slowly walked over to the bed, and sat down once again facing her, his gaze unwavering. She always managed to captivate him but today it was special. He didn’t think he would be able to explain it in words… The love, the possessiveness, the sense of belonging, the euphoric rush in his veins… And all this was because she had said yes to marry him. She had said that if the time comes to choose she would choose him over everyone else. From today he was not just another person in her life, but he was her priority. He felt so many emotions surge through him some as innocent as hugging her for hours and hours, and some totally not innocent like kissing her, touching her… His desires had been fueled by the way she had kissed his hand, and given him the permission to progress one more step in their relationship. And now he needed more, though he also knew that this wasn’t the time to demand more. She was in an extremely vulnerable state right now, with the clashes with her family, and her staying here with him… The battle in-front of them could be long, and he didn’t want to put unnecessary demands in front of her. He knew with time everything would happen, and he would wait for her.

Gently, he touched her hand, and called out, “Naina…”

He saw her eyelids scrunch as if she could hear him even in her sleep, and then her head shook from side to side, her lips curving in a frown. It seemed as if she was disturbed. He tried to call her again, but before he could do so, her eyes snapped open, and she panted in a frightened hoarse voice, “Sameer…”

“Naina”, he soothingly called, “main yahin hun… Kya hua?”

Her eyes landed on him, and she blinked several times as if trying to gauge if it was really him. He touched her hand once more, trying to assure her, and she reared up, flinging her arms around him in the tightest hug he had ever received. He wanted to smile, but the way her body trembled told him that what she had dreamt wasn’t good. She grabbed the collar of his shirt at the nape, and murmured, “please kahin mat jao.”

He stroked her back, “main kahin nahi jaa raha Naina… yahin hun… tumhare paas. Kya hua tumko? Koi bura sapna dekha?”

She nodded against his neck, trying to inch closer, “maine dekha ke mere gharwale hamari baat nahi sun rahe aur zabardasti mujhe tumse dur kar rahe hai.”

He shifted a bit to the side, towards her, so he could hug her more properly. Sitting with his back towards the edge, he eased her against his chest, and stroked her hair, “aisa kuch nahi hone dunga main… I promise. Tumhari shaadi sirf mujhse hogi, chahe koi iss rishte ko maane ya na maane. Main parivaar ki ehmiyat samajhta hun, par agar kisine bhi tumko mujhse alag karne ki koshish ki toh main sab rishte bhool jaunga. Hum unhe samjhayenge, unse ladenge, jo zaroorat hoga karenge, par kisiko bhi hamare pyaar ke beech nahi aane denge.”

She drew in a deep breath, and said in a low voice, “tum jo bologe main karungi… mujhe bharosa hai tumpe.”

He smiled, “achcha suno… Munna, Pandit, Preeti aur Swati sab log college se seedhe yahan aayenge. Maine unko bola hai tumhare liye kuch kapde leke aaye.”

She drew back from him, confused, “yahan kyun? Hum Chachaji se baat nahi karenege.”

He nodded, “karenge. Par usse pehle kuch cheeze zaroori thi. Hum Chachaji se tumhare ghar pe baat nahi kar sakte, kyunki tumhare baaki parivaar wale aa jayenge wahan pe. Isiliye main unko yahan bulaunga. Tum unke saamne inn kapdo me nahi jaa sakti, isiliye maine Preeti ko bola hai tumhare liye kapde kharidke laaye. Munna-Pandit ke paas paise honge. Aur… Maine meri mummy se bhi baat ki hai.”

Her eyes widened, “mummy se… kya?”

“Yahi ke main tumse shaadi karna chahta hun”, he replied with a smile, “unko hamari poori kahani batai, Nanu ne tumko aashirwaad diya hai yeh bhi bataya, aur tumne kal jo kiya woh bhi…”

She gulped and asked in a nervous tone, “toh… mummy maan gai?”

He pretended to think, “ummm… boli ladki thodi bewakuf aur gussewali hai par chalega.”

She gasped, “main gussewali hun? Main bewakuf hun? Tumse bada bewakuf koi nahi hai jisne soch liya ke main kisi bhi aire-gaire se shaadi kar lungi… Tumse zyada gussa kisika nahi hai jo bina meri baat sune mujhe itna kuch bol diya. Aur tum mujhe gussewali bol rahe ho… Hato…”

She pushed on his chest and he made a surprised sound, swaying backwards suddenly, trying to get a hold of something because he was sitting on the edge and would fall on floor otherwise. She saw him almost fall, and screamed, quickly holding onto his one hand, and clutching his shirt with her other hand, and pulled him back with all her might. However that ended up in him stumbling forward, helplessly toppling over her… His body pushed her back, and in the blink of an eye she was flat on the bed on her back with him over her… Her eyes squeezed shut, her hands fisted on his shirt, and he swiftly balanced himself on his arms so that he wouldn’t collapse on her. They both froze in that position for quite some time, and then she slowly opened her eyes, her breath catching as she met his heated gaze. His glittering eyes were roving over her as if this wasn’t an accident, as if they were about to indulge into something more, as if the proximity of the situation had flipped some switch inside him. She had seen desire in his eyes whenever he had asked her for kisses. She had seen possessiveness in his eyes whenever he had reinforced in words that she was his. But now… In this moment she felt as if those emotions had multiplied in intensity. The desire in his eyes was potent enough to shoot through her own body and make her want more. The possessiveness in his eyes was intoxicating enough to make her wish to surrender.

She had no clue when her fists uncurled, leaving his shirt, and her palms smoothed over his chest. Her pulse tripped on feeling the strong rhythm of his heartbeat, and her eyes wandered over the endearing features of his face. His silky hair, longer on the front, fell on his forehead, and she lifted one hand to touch those strands, quite mesmerized by the amazing texture and the way they sifted through her fingers, and once again adamantly covered his forehead. He hadn’t shaved, probably from yesterday, or maybe from Sunday. She didn’t know, but then she fulfilled her curiosity by trailing her fingers on his jaw, feeling the rasp against her soft skin. He tried to hold himself steady over her, submitting to her innocent exploration… His heart thumped overjoyed at the way she was taking lead towards the intimacy he had craved for since so long. But he had a tough time controlling himself to be still enough for her… His skin burned wherever she touched, liquid desire pulsed in his veins causing throbbing sensations at particular places, and he felt such a strong urge to just dip his head and kiss her, hard and long, like he dreamt of. Her fingers now danced on the side of his neck, slowly moving towards his mouth and he closed his eyes in pure delight. However, just as she touched his lips, he heard her sharp intake of breath and he opened his eyes in time to see her snatch her hand back as if the feel had burnt her.

He swallowed, daring to drag one hand down to find the hemline of the jacket, and slowly dipped his hand inside, touching her waist over the t-shirt but beneath the jacket. She gasped, arching a bit at just that simple touch… God… He wasn’t even touching her skin but still she was responding to him. He was tempted to do more, see if she would stop him, but rather he chose to check if she would permit him. “Naina”, he breathed softly, looking into her eyes, “main uthu?”

Her brows furrowed a bit as if she didn’t comprehend why he was asking that, but then in the next moment he saw understanding flash in her eyes, and she smiled, blushing as she murmured, “abhi nahi.”

His heart thundered inside his ribcage, and he felt it would just jump out of his body with joy. He kept staring at her for some time, while his hand stroked her waist over the soft cotton, and then he slowly stretched upwards, placing the first promising kiss on her forehead. Her eyes closed, her lips curved in a soft content smile, and her hands somehow found their way to his back as she embraced him. He couldn’t believe this was happening with him… Naina was hugging him to her, they were on the bed, and she was letting him kiss her… He let his supporting arm, curve against her head, his palm almost cupping the top of her head, as he softly turned her head to one side. He lowered his head and brushed his lips over each bruise that he could see, and felt her breath hitch… He knew she understood what was coming next, and he saw her lips part with a quiver… He pulled his hand back from her waist, and touched the cut with his finger, “bahot dard ho raha hai na?”

She shook her head, sighing with each touch, as if his closeness was providing her relief. He bit his own lip, gathering some courage, and then let his lips touch the corner of her mouth. She gasped, her hands on his back clenched, and he felt his own body stiffen. But still, he kept the touches gentle, the kisses soft, choosing to treasure and soothe, rather than claim. He placed on more kiss on the cut, and then willed himself to draw back. She opened her eyes, staring at him in confusion, and he knew she wondered why he hadn’t kissed her despite her lack of refusal.

He smiled and shifted, lying down beside her and pulled her in his arms. Stroking her hair, he sighed, “abhi nahi Naina… thoda waqt hai. Mujhe pata hai tum shaadi ke baad hi yeh sab chahti ho… Aur main tumhari harr ichcha, har maryada, aur har hadh ki izzat karta hun. Tumne aaj bina kisi shart ke mujhe apne itne kareeb aane diya wahi mere liye bahot hai.”

She snuggled into him, smiling against his chest, and her courage increased because of the way he understood her. Throwing her hand over his waist, she said, “ek baat bolu?”

He replied with a “hmmm”, focusing more on the way her body was pressed to him.

She tilted her head back, staring at his throat, “tum ek-do din shave nahi karte na toh bahot zyada handsome dikhte ho.”

He was surprised and amused, “shaadi ke baad dhyan rakhna padega… Par tumhe thodi taklif hogi isse.”

Confused, she asked, “mujhe kaisi taklif?”

He chuckled, “yeh toh shaadi ke baad hi pata chalega.”

She lifted her head, placing her hand on his chest for support, “bataona.”

He grinned, “kehke nahi samjha paunga… practically karke batau abhi?”

She gasped, blushing, hiding her face once again on his chest. And he smiled in happiness that she had chosen not to escape his hold even though they were discussing something intimate and were in an unknown territory for her. They lay there like that for some time, none of them in a hurry to separate. The sensations in their bodies, the emotions in their hearts were too new and too strong to ignore. But after fifteen minutes he reluctantly checked his watch, and said, “Naina… ab uthna hoga. Sab log college se aate hi honge, aur phir Chachaji ko phone karna hai.”

She sat up, pushing her hair back, and declared, “mujhe bhuk lagi hai.”

He grinned, elated at this normal demand, “jaanta hun… Khana bhi order kiya hai maine. Aata hi hoga. Tum thoda fresh ho lo, aur baal bana lo. Phir neeche aa jao.”

She thought for a moment, and then said, “Sameer… ummm… agar khana aa jaaye toh tum thoda sa upar leke aaoge? Ya phir agar baki sab log pehle aa jaaye toh mere kapde leke upar aa jaana. Main sabke saamne aise nahi jaungi.”

He nodded, “theek hai… Preeti ya Swati ko bheju upar?”

She shook her head, “nahi… tum aana… aur koi nahi.”

His heart jumped at the right she was giving only to him. The way she was dressed in his clothes was too intimate, and it was only for his eyes. Just then the doorbell rung and he stood up to check from the window. On seeing the bunch of people, he turned, “college se sab log aa gaye… Tum yahi ruko, main thodi der me aata hun kapde leke.”

She nodded and closed the door behind him. He went downstairs to open the main door, and all their friends trooped inside, their faces clouded with worry and concern. He looked at the bag Preeti was holding, and asked, “Naina ke liye kapde hai?”

Preeti nodded, “haan… hum jaldi nikal gaye college se, last lecture free tha… Paas wale market se hi kharida hai… Naina kahan hai? Upar hai? Main jaati hun…”

He stopped her, “ek minute… mujhe do, main deke aata hun.”

Preeti hesitated, but he didn’t explain to her about why he was stopping her or anything else. He just stood blocking the stairs, his gaze steady on her until she sighed and handed over the bag. Helplessly she asked, “Naina theek hai na?”

He nodded, “ab kaafi theek hai. Main usko kapde deke aata hun, ek minute bas.”

Bounding back up the stairs, he knocked on the room’s door, “Naina… main hun.” She immediately opened the door, and he walked inside, shutting the door again. Handing over the bag to her, he smiled, “yeh lo kapde. Aur kuch chahiye?”

She nodded, “tauliya nahi mil raha… Aur kangi konsa istemaal karu?”

He opened the cupboard, pulling out a fresh towel for her, “yeh lo towel. Bathroom me facewash vagera sab hai, agar nahane ka man ho toh naha lo. Kangi dressing table pe hai, tumhe jo chahiye le lo. Cream aur powder bhi hai cabinet me agar chahiye toh.”

She checked the contents of the bag, and then said, “theek hai… main thodi der me aati hun neeche.”

“Okay”, he smiled, and unable to resist, he quickly cupped her face, kissing her forehead once more before leaving from the room.

She had a constant smile on her face as she watched him leave, locked the door and then went to take a bath. To her delight there was hot water facility in the shower, and she used it, letting the pulsing spray wash away her tiredness. What a day… She had worn Sameer’s clothes, slept on his bed, and was now bathing inside his bathroom. And still, it all felt just right. She had had a few awkward moments when she had arrived this morning, but after sharing everything with him, on knowing about his feelings, she had stopped feeling uneasy. She had craved for Sameer, for his assurance on Sunday and today he had held her in his arms promising her that they would be together for their entire life. He was ready to fight and win, and she had no qualms in accepting that she would stand by his side always because she had given him that right in her life now. She belonged to him, and it was time her family understood that.

Finishing her bath, she dressed up in the pink and green salwar-kameez that had been bought for her. Thankfully Preeti had understood her need of innerwear as well, and bought a set for her. She found a small box of Nivea cream in the cabinet and used it liberally on her face and hands. Using a wide toothed comb, she carefully detangled her hair, and then brushed them until they were smooth and silky. She had skipped washing her hair, because she didn’t want Chachaji to know that she had bathed here. Although she doubted he would notice, but if he did it might give a wrong impression of her and Sameer’s relationship. What had happened between them today was just for them to know… Draping the sheer dupatta around her neck, she hanged the towel to dry, and then started to head to the door, but paused on seeing a journal on the desk. What was it? Sameer had his diary where he wrote poems but she had never seen this journal. Curious, she picked it up, flipping through the pages where he had written and smiled… She remembered what he had said about surviving for Nanu’s dreams even if her love was no longer in his life. But now that she was back, he hadn’t talked about it… Well, if he won’t then she would discuss about it. His love for her should not divert him from his life’s goals; rather their togetherness should give him the strength and zeal to carry forward towards success. She kept the journal back and went downstairs ready to face their friends and the situation.

As soon as she was visible to the people in the living room, Preeti stood up and rushed to her, “Naina… tu theek hai na.”

She held her sister’s hand and assured, “haan main bilkul theek hun.” Her eyes wandered over the people in the room and landed on Sameer who was standing near the dining table, setting some bags on it. It seemed the food had arrived. He smiled at her, and she smiled back, somehow totally at peace.

Swati gasped on seeing her, “Naina… tere chehre pe… yeh kaise…”

Preeti scowled, “Taiji aur Rakesh Tauji.”

Munna and Pandit were also looking at her in shock and dismay, and she lowered her eyes, lifting her hand to cover her wounds. Sameer walked over and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, “yeh zakhm bhi jaldi bhar jayenge. Tumhe chupane ki zaroorat nahi hai. Sharam unko aani chahiye jinhone yeh zakhm diye hai. Khaas kar ke tumhare papa ko.”

Pandit tried to lighten the situation, “bhabhi… aap bas hukum karo… Hum uss safari suit ka scooter tod denge.”

Surprised, Naina let out a loud laughter, while Sameer stared at her with a smile, and Preeti’s eyes wandered over the couple noticing the changes in their comfort level. Well… it seemed her Jijaji was taking care of her sister, so she need not worry now. Still she asked hesitantly, “Jijaji… aapne subah phone pe bola ke Naina wapas nahi jayegi… iska kya matlab…”

Naina looked curiously at the jija-saali duo, and then asked Sameer, “tumne aisa bola?”

He nodded, “sab kuch jaanne ke baad aur kya bolta? Yeh ke Naina ko hosh me aane do phir main bhej dunga use ghar?”

Preeti was startled, “hosh me aane ke baad? Aapne kaha tha Naina aapke saath hai…”

A muscle clenched in his jaw, “Naina behosh ho gai thi… Aur tabhi tumhara phone aaya. Par tum chinta karti isiliye tumhe maine bataya nahi…”

Preeti was worried, and once again asked her sister, “tu sach me theek hai na?”

Naina smiled, “haan… kuch khaya-peeya nahi tha na isiliye. Sameer ne baad me coffee pilai aur bread-jam bhi khaya. Par ab wapas bhuk lagi hai…”

Sameer chuckled, noticing how she didn’t tell anyone that he had totally failed to cook for her and she had taken over the task herself. She sniffed the air, “khana aa gaya hai na? Khaaye…?”

He nodded, “haan… dekhlo kya khana hai. Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha kuch toh shayad thoda zyada hi mangva liya hai.”

Naina and the other girls went to check the food and were surprised to see the quantity and variety both. There was puri-sabji, pav-bhaji, samosa, kachori, khaman, and even three containers of vegetable fried rice. Swati asked in shock, “itna saara khana kaun khayega?”

Sameer just shrugged, and Naina giggled, “tum log yeh sab dish me nikaalo, main chai banati hun tab tak.”

Everyone except Sameer was surprised when she went inside the kitchen, and Pandit slowly queried, “bhai… tune bhabhi ko puch liya hai?”

Sameer smiled, “haan… puch liya.”

Preeti queried, “kya pucha?”

“Shaadi ke liye”, Sameer replied. The girls’ eyes rounded in surprise and Swati delicately queried, “aur… Naina ne kya bola?”

Sameer just grinned conveying his happiness without any words, and everyone whooped in delight, making Naina come out of the kitchen and query, “kya hua?”

Munna cheered, “hamare bhai aur bhabhi ki shaadi hone wali hai.”

Naina seemed surprised at this, and then she looked at the happily grinning Sameer and blushed. She was soon enveloped in a hug by the girls but then Preeti asked, “Naina… gharwalo ka kya?”

Naina sighed, “hum Chachaji se aaj baat karenge.”

Pandit was bit worried now, “aur agar unhone mana kar diya toh.”

Naina seemed to steel herself for a moment, and then declared, “yeh shaadi toh hoke rahegi.” Sameer smiled as Naina went back inside and then told about his plan to his friends, including the approval of his mother which made Preeti relax a bit. He asked Preeti if she had Chachaji’s office number, since he didn’t want to call at home and alert the other people. Thankfully Preeti did, and he went upstairs to place the call so that Naina didn’t get to hear anything, just in case the discussion wasn’t so polite.

As he placed the call, he kept praying to God, and finally when a person picked up he asked to talk to Anand Agarwal. He had to wait on hold for around three minutes before he heard a ‘Hello’ from the other end.

He hesitated a bit, wondering how to address the man, but then slowly said, “umm… Namaste Chachaji.”

Anand replied puzzled, “Namaste… kaun bol raha hai?”

He licked his lips in nervousness, “jee main… uh… main Sameer Maheswari. Mujhe aapse kuch zaroori baat karni hai.”

There was brief silence at the other end, and then Anand asked, “kaisi baat?”

He hadn’t planned this well, he realized now… Unlike the call to his own mother where he was not at all scared to accept his relationship, and state his decision, he now realized that this was a much more delicate matter because he was talking to someone whom Naina valued and respected a lot. Still he slowly asked, “main phone pe nahi bata sakta… main milna chahta hun aapse.”

Once again there was a brief silence, and then a resigned sigh, as Anand asked, “aur Naina bhi tumhare saath hogi tab… haina?”

Sameer was stunned to silence this time… He couldn’t understand. Did Chachaji already know? How? Stammering a bit he asked, “aa…aapko… pata hai?”

Anand replied, “mujhe aaj subah tumhari chitthiya mili Naina ki almari me se, jo shayad tumne Delhi se likhe the usko. Main Naina se baat karne hi wala tha, par subah mauka nahi mila. Tum wahi ladke ho na jiske wajah se Naina ne shaadi se mana kar diya?”

Sameer closed his eyes, afraid what would happen now. He hadn’t anticipated this. But then Naina’s bruised face, her tears and her fear flashed in front of his eyes, and he gather courage and replied, “jee haan… Main wahi hun. Naina aur main ek dusre se bahot pyaar karte hai. Isiliye main aapse baat karna chahta hun, par akele me, kyunki Naina ko bharosa hai ke sirf aap hi uski baat sunenge aur shayad samjhenge. Main samajh sakta hun ke mere baare me jaanke aapko bahot gussa aaya hoga, par please ek baar hamari baat sunn lijiye. Aur ho sake toh humse akele miliye… Rakesh sir mujhe pasand nahi karte, aur Tauji bhi shayad nahi samjhenge. Naina kal ke baad se bahot ghabrai hui hai, aur uski tabiyat bhi kuch khaas nahi hai…”

Anand interrupted, “kya hua hai usko? Preeti ne kaha tha ke college me woh Naina ko khila degi…”

“Naina college nahi gai”, Sameer confessed, “woh seedhe mere paas aai thi, kyunki mujhe bhi yeh galat-fehmi ho gai thi ke Naina wakai me Sharad se shaadi kar rahi hai. Usne kuch khaya nai kal subah se toh behosh ho gai thi.”

Anand was frantic, “kya? Naina kahan hai… Mujhe usse baat karni hai… Meri hi galti hai, mujhe college jaana chahiye tha…”

Sameer stopped the worried rant, “Naina ab theek hai… Khaya bhi hai usne. Main waada karta hun Naina ka dhyan rakhunga. Aur Preeti, Swati sab log yahi pe hai, mere ghar pe. Aap bhi please yahan aayenge?”

Anand seemed to drag in a deep breath, and then said, “theek hai… main ek ghante me aata hun.”

“Akele… please”, Sameer requested once again.

Anand agreed, “haan akele aaunga. Par Preeti ko kaho ghar pe extra lectures ke baare me bol de warna wahan Bela pareshan hogi, aur baki sabka pata nahi…”

Sameer smiled in relief, “jee Chachaji.” After disconnecting the phone, he had to sit down for a while, his legs were shaking but he was satisfied with what had been accomplished. And also, the fact that Chachaji had found his letters and had wanted to talk to Naina before disclosing his identity to the family, reinforced Naina’s belief that if anyone in her family would listen and understand it was Chachaji.

When he went downstairs after ten minutes, Naina was bringing out cups of tea on a large tray. He paused on the last step and queried, “yeh cups aur tray kahan se aaye?”

Naina set the tray on table and replied, “kitchen me se. Aur kahan se aayenge?”

He blinked, “ghar me the? Mujhe toh subah coffee ke liye do cup nahi mil rahe the. Main soch hi raha tha ke Ramdhari ko puchna padega ke ghar me itne kam bartan kyun hai.”

She chuckled, “koi zaroorat nahi hai… sab kuch hai kitchen me. Chalo aao, betho.”

He came to the dining table, “umm Naina… thoda nashta alag se rakh do. Chachaji aane wale hai ek ghante me.”

She gasped in surprise, suddenly swaying a bit, and he immediately held her. The fear that had disappeared from her eyes after their romantic moments now returned as she looked up at him and stammered, “tum…tumne baat karli.”

He nodded, guiding her on a chair, and then sat beside her, “haan… unhone waada kiya hai woh akele aayenge.”

“Par… tumne kya bola”, she queried, “unhone pucha nahi tum kaun ho?”

He pursed his lips, and replied as calmly as he could, “unko pata tha… kal jo hua uske baad shayad unhone pata lagane ki koshish ki woh ladka kaun hai jisse tum pyaar karti ho. Aur… unko tumhari almari me mere likhe hue khat mile.”

She clapped a hand over her mouth, “hey bhagwaan… ab kya hoga? Ghar me sabko pata chal gaya hoga… Papa ne agar tumhe maara toh…”

“Naina”, he took her hands in his, trying to calm her, “shant ho jao… Chachaji ne kisiko kuch nahi bataya hai. Woh sabse pehle tumse baat karna chahte the. Isiliye jab maine unse akele aane ko kaha toh woh maan gaye. Shayad tum sahi soch rahi thi Naina… Ho sakta hai Chachaji hamare rishte ko samjhe.” Then he looked at Preeti and said, “Chachaji ne kaha hai ke ghar pe phone karke extra classes ka bol do, warna Chachiji chinta karegi.”

Preeti immediately stood up to obey, and Naina sighed, “theek hai… main thoda nashta rakh deti hun. Tum chai piyo.”

He didn’t leave her hand, “tum theek ho?”

She smiled, still a bit tense, “haan… jo hoga dekh lenge. Zyada se zyada yahi hoga na ke mere gharwale mujhse baat nahi karenge, aur main woh rishte kho dungi. Par agar unki baat maan ke maine Sharad se shaadi ki toh khudko kho dungi… Kyunki tumhare bina main nahi reh sakti.”

He squeezed her hands gently, “tum betho yahi pe… main nashta rakhke aata hun.” Understanding that she was determined but still nervous about facing her family, he let her sit and got up to get a dish, placing aside some of the snacks for Chachaji. He didn’t know what would happen, but if needed he was ready to marry Naina today itself for keeping her away from the monsters who had hit her. One thing was sure; he would do everything that was needed to protect Naina without even a second thought.

They had the snacks and tea, few conversations happening over the table, but it wasn’t as jovial since everyone was worried. After that, Swati also called up at her home citing the same excuse of extra classes. Munna and Pandit paced around the living room, while Swati and Preeti sat on the sofa watching the time tick by. Naina was sitting along with Sameer on the dining table, her hand gripping his fingers tight. A little after the estimated time the door-bell rang, and Preeti stood up to open it, but Sameer stopped her, “pehle khidki se dekho kaun kaun aaya hai. Chachaji akele aaye ho toh hi woh darwaza khulega warna nahi.”

Naina’s eyes widened, because she hadn’t anticipated this situation, but it seemed Sameer had given a thought to everything. She gazed at his profile, bit awed at how determined and responsible he suddenly was. He wasn’t being a super hero suddenly like it was shown in movies, but he was still being extremely heroic in dealing with this matter, and doing everything that he could to protect her and make her comfortable. If possible, she fell a little bit more in love with him as she realized that even though they were not married yet Sameer was fulfilling every duty of a husband.

Munna confirmed that it was only Chachaji, and at a nod from Sameer, Preeti opened the door. Anand walked inside, glancing around at the faces of the young kids, all of whom he knew very well. Swati was Naina’s best friend since kindergarten, so no wonder she was here. Munna and Pandit had been there with Sameer during Pooja’s wedding, partaking in every punishment that was given to Sameer. That was a friendship he had admired even though he hadn’t really thought it was a good move to have Sameer in the house, especially with Naina and Preeti there. But today, Naina, the girl he considered his daughter, was staring at him with fear in her eyes while she sought comfort and protection by holding the hands of the boy next to her. And Sameer… The boy was of almost the same age as Naina, maybe a year older, but still he had seen some maturity in the way he had dealt with Rakesh bhaiya few years ago, and now he seemed to be even more mature and dependable as he stood like a shield partially hiding the girl next to him.

There was complete silence in the room as everyone waited for either Anand of Sameer to speak, but between them it seemed like a game of time, the first one to speak might lose or surrender. Finally, after a few minutes, Anand sighed, and asked, “Naina… beta tum theek ho?”

Sameer exhaled in relief, because he had been waiting to see if Chachaji would demand to know about their relation first or think of Naina’s condition. To him, it would have been a determining factor on how he should deal with the situation. But the concern he showed for Naina calmed him, and assured him that the man standing before them would have Naina’s best interest in his heart.

Naina nodded, her voice low as she replied, “main theek hun Chachaji.”

Sameer gestured towards the now empty sofa, “bethiye Chachaji… main paani laata hun.”

“Jijaji”, Preeti piped up, surprising her father, “aap log bethke baat kar lijiye… Paani, chai vagera main aur Swati dekh lenge.”

Anand asked, “dekh raha hun sabko sab kuch pata hai. Mujhe bhi bata do… Tumhare chitthiyo ne thodi baate toh bata deti hai, par theek se tum log batao.”

Sameer felt Naina shiver a bit, and squeezed her hand, and then started talking, “main bachpan me Nainital me padhta tha… Meri mummy ki dusri shaadi hui hai, isiliye main hostel me rehta tha. Par kuch saal pehle main Ahmedabad aa gaya Nanu ke paas, aur usi school me padhne laga jahan Munna aur Pandit padhte the. Naina mujhe wahi mili… Hamari shuruat kuch khaas nahi hui, aur mamla aur bigad gaya jab Rakesh sir pe exam paper leak karne ka ilzaam laga aur Naina ne saabit kiya ke woh paper maine churaye.”

Anand recalled that incident when his brother had been raging at home about some rich spoiled brat stealing examination papers and Naina showing him his rightful place. He gasped, “woh papers tumne churaye the… sharam nahi aati aisa kaam karte hai?”

Sameer didn’t clarify, “woh pehle ki baat hai… Maina aur Naina dono bhul chuke hai…”

“Jhooth hai”, Naina interrupted, “yeh baat jhooth hai…”

Sameer tried to hush her, “Naina… uss baat ka hamare rishte se koi lena dena nahi hai… Chachaji ke saamne iski koi zaroorat…”

“Zaroorat hai”, she interrupted once again, “Chachaji ko pata chalna chahiye ke maine kisi galat ladke se pyaar nahi kiya… Galat main thi jo uss waqt tumpe vishwaas nahi kiya, galat papa the jinhone har baar tumhe bewajah zalil kiya, galat Arjun bhaiya the jinhone woh papers churaaye…”

Sameer closed his eyes, he hadn’t wanted this revelation to happen, he had thought to skim over the matter and directly jump to bet. But he hadn’t anticipated that Naina would interrupt in between. Anand was surprised, “chori Arjun ne ki thi?”

Naina nodded, “haan… Mujhe yeh baat thode din baad pata chali, par maine Sameer ko college me aane ke baad bataya, kyunki mujhe papa ke izzat ki fikar thi. Tab tak Sameer yeh sab baate bhool chuka tha.”

Anand stared at the girl in shock, and Sameer quickly continued, “Naina ne hamesha apne parivaar ke baare me bahot socha hai… Par khair… Naina ne jab mujhpe ilzaam lagaya tab meri mummy bhi wahi pe thi, aur unko laga ke maine sachme chori ki hai… Woh mujhe chodke wapas Delhi chali gai, aur isiliye maine ek shart lagai…”

Anand listened with a perpetual look of surprise at the tale that was narrated in bits and pieces by both Sameer and Naina. If Sameer took the blame of the horrendous bet he had placed on Naina’s emotions, she hastily clarified why he had done so and how he had protected her even under the guise of bet. Sameer accepted of having fallen in love with her and not realizing it because to him everything was for bet, and told about the incidents of Mt. Abu. Naina explained about the rigorous punishments he had gone through just to seek forgiveness, which included bearing all the taunts and every vile thing done by her father and brother during Pooja’s wedding. Sameer tried to lighten the mood by saying it had been his fault as he had broken Arjun’s leg. But Naina shot a glare at him, reminding how her brother had tried to strangle him, and also demanded the reason for his silence even when her father burned his hand with hot coffee in the wedding. Sameer tried to calm her down, by saying nothing mattered as long as she was there with him, “agar Rakesh sir ne haath jalaya toh uspe lagane ke liye davai tum leke aai na.”

Anand smiled at this sight… They both had been talking to him, but now were engrossed in talking to each other, as if those old incidents reminded them how much they had always loved each other. He cleared his throat, and queried, “aage?”

Sameer glanced at him, and then told him about Nanu’s death, and how the separation had not hampered their relationship. He took a deep breath and said, “main aur Naina chaar saal se saath hai, aur hamesha ke liye saath rehna chahte hai. Isiliye Naina aapse baat karna chahti thi jab Sharad ka rishta aaya…”

Anand thought for some time, drinking a glass of water, and then said, “theek hai… Agar Naina ki yahi marzi hai toh yahi hoga. Main karwaunga tum dono ki shaadi… Aaj hi ghar pe baat karunga sabse, aur Sharad ke rishte ke liye bhi mana kar dunga.”

Everyone smiled at this, and Sameer asked, “par agar Tauji aur Rakesh sir nahi maane toh?”

Anand sighed, “agar abhi nahi maane toh baad me maan jayenge, jab unko samajh aayega ke Naina ki khushi tumhare saath hai.”

Naina was extremely happy, “thank you Chachaji…” Preeti also thanked her father and moved forward to hug him. Anand hugged his daughter and then extended his other hand towards Naina, “aao beta… ghar chalte hai… sabse baat karni hai.”

Naina began to step forward with a smile on her face, but Sameer caught her hand. She paused, turning to look at Sameer in surprise but he had his gaze fixed on Chachaji. Anand also looked puzzled at this and waited with his hand extended. Naina glanced at her Chachaji and then at Sameer, confused what to do, and why Sameer was stopping her… After all Chachaji had agreed to their relationship. But in just a moment, she recalled of her own promise to Sameer about trusting him and being with him in whatever he did about the situation. So, she took a deep breath, and slowly stepped back to stand beside Sameer, declaring her decision and her priority without any words. Sameer glanced at her once, and she nodded, waiting for him to say whatever he had to. He looked back at Chachaji and said, “Naina akele nahi jayegi aapke saath uss ghar me. Aisa mat samajhna ke mujhe aap pe bharosa nahi hai… Mujhe baki sabpe bharosa nahi hai.”

Anand tried to assure, “Sameer yeh theek nahi hai… mujhe bhi Naina ki fikar hai…”

“Par mujhse zyada nahi”, Sameer countered, “Naina akele nahi jayegi… kal jo hua uske baad toh bilkul nahi.”

Preeti also stepped back from her father now, and all the friends stood near Sameer and Naina supporting them. Anand stared at everyone in shock, “tum wahan nahi aa sakte Sameer… Tum fikar mat karo, aaj main hun na Naina ke saath.”

Sameer shook his head, “aap kal bhi the… Jab unn logo ne Naina ko maara tab bhi, aur jab Naina poori raat bahar bethi rahi tab bhi…” Anand was stunned to silence at this argument, but Sameer continued, “main maanta hun aap Naina se bahot pyaar karte hai, usko apni beti maante hai. Par phir bhi main bolunga ke mujhse zyada pyaar Naina se koi nahi kar sakta… aap bhi nahi… warna kal aap kuch bhi karte par Naina pe itne zulm nahi hone dete. Aap maryada se bandhe hue hai kyunki Rakesh sir aur Tauji dono aapse bade hai… Main bhoola nahi hun ke Pooja didi ke shaadi ke waqt isi maryada ka sammaan karne ke liye aapne Chachiji se muh fer liya tha. Main aapko dosh nahi de raha, bas itna keh raha hun ke jab baat Naina pe aati hai toh main aapki tarah kisi maryada ya rishto me bandha nahi hun… Naina se badhkar mere liye kuch nahi hai.”

Anand queried, “aur tumhara parivaar?”

Sameer smiled, “Mummy ko pata hai… aur woh maan bhi gai hai. Kal yahan aa rahi hai, aap sabse milne. Par jab maine unse baat ki tab bhi maine bol diya tha ke chahe koi mera saath de ya naa de, shaadi toh main Naina se hi karunga.”

“Tum aaj gaye toh ho sakta hai bade bhaiya tumpe haath uthaye”, Anand suggested.

“Parvah nahi hai”, Sameer promptly replied, “lekin itna pata hai ke mere hote hue Naina pe koi haath nahi uthayega… kyunki main aisa hone nahi dunga.”

Anand was surprised at this level of confidence, and asked, “aur agar sabne mana kar diya toh?”

Sameer didn’t falter even for a second before saying, “toh Naina wahi se mere saath wapas aayegi… Main aaj hi usse shaadi karunga.”

“Aur phir kya,” Anand queried, “tum dono ab tak college me ho… kaam kya karoge? Naina ka dhyan kaise rakhoge?”

This time Naina answered immediately, “Sameer ne office ka kaam thoda thoda sikhna shuru kar diya hai Munshiji ke paas se… Unit tests ke baad woh hafte me teen din office jaane wala hai, aur final exams ke baad turant achche se kaam shuru kar dega. Woh sirf kehne ke liye nahi bol raha ke woh shaadi karneko taiyar hai. Mujhe pata hai woh yeh zimmedari uthaane ke liye taiyar hai. Yeh sab kuch hua usse pehle hi Sameer mere liye anguthi kharidke laaya tha, aur mujhse shaadi ki baat karne wala tha. Par ravivaar ko jo hua uske baad hum dono ke beech me thodi galat-fehmiya aa gai thi.”

Sameer stared at her in surprise, wondering how she knew of his office plans, but then realized he had left the journal on his desk, so she must have seen it when she was in the room. He didn’t mind… though he of course had to tell her why he had made that plan. But it was good thing she had seen it, and maybe he could still stick to that plan, because if he was going to marry then he should also take up work related responsibilities soon.

Anand digested this information, and asked, “aur tum Naina? Maana Sameer sabke khilaf jaake aaj hi tumse shaadi karne ko taiyar hai… par tum taiyar ho?”

She looked from her Chachaji to the steady gaze of Sameer, and smiled, “haan… main taiyar hun.”

Anand smiled after a moment on hearing this, and promised, “main waada karta hun… hamare poore parivaar me koi tum dono ka saath de na de, main tumhare saath hun. Naina ka haath main khud Sameer ke haath me dunga… Jab tum dono chahoge tab, jaise tum dono chahoge waise. Ab toh ghar chale? Sab saath chalte hai…”

Sameer took a long breath, his heart thudding with relief, and Naina tugged on his hand, gesturing him to step forward with her. While just a few moments back she had stepped back to be with him, now he smiled and moved ahead with her, and touched Chachaji’s feet. Anand blessed them both, and hugged Naina, apologizing for not being able to protect her yesterday.

After another thirty minutes they all went to Nirmal Jyoti Society and once again Naina trembled, probably remembering everything that had happened. Sameer kept walking beside her, hoping that would assure her, as he couldn’t hold her hand in-front of the society people. Once they reached upstairs, Taiji came waddling outside, “oh bai! Yeh waqt hai college se aaneka. Anand babu aap kya kar rahe ho inn sabke saath?” Just then she spotted Sameer, “aree bholuram… tum yahan?”

Sameer bit his lip, clenching his fists, wanting to tell off Taiji, but stayed silent instead, going inside Chachaji’s home. Soon everyone came inside, including Tauji and Rakesh Sir… Chachaji simply stated that Naina won’t get married with Sharad because she loved someone else, and it was only right that she should marry the boy she loved. Tauji raged about repeated discussion, and demanded to know what the boys were doing here. Chachaji calmly replied that the boy whom Naina loved was Sameer. This cause a few outraged gasps, and Rakesh sir immediately grabbed Sameer by his collar, asking how he dare even think of his daughter.

Naina immediately objected, “Papa… please Sameer ko mat mariye.”

Rakesh glared at his daughter, “ab tu awaaz uthayegi mere saamne”, and raised his hand to hit her. She flinched; squeezing her eyes shut but the blow never came. Wondering about the total silence she opened her eyes, and saw Sameer standing before her, blocking her father’s hand. His voice dripped with fierce anger as he pushed Rakesh sir away slightly, “bahot haath utha liya aapne Naina pe… Aapko jo kehna hai mujhse kahiye, maarna hai toh mujhe maariye. Naina pe ek kharoch bhi aayi na toh main bade-chote ka lihaaz bhul jaunga.”

Tauji rebuked, “yeh kya badtameezi hai… dusro ke ghar aake aisa bartaav karte hai?”

Naina shuddered behind him, impulsively grabbing onto his shirt. Sameer replied respectfully, but firmly, “maaf kardena Tauji, par Naina aur main ek dusre se pyaar karte hai. Iss rishte ke liye meri mummy bhi taiyar hai, aur Chachaji bhi. Hum sab bas aap logo ka aashirwaad maangne aaye hai.”

“Aashirwaad nahi ijazat”, Tauji retorted, “aur main ijazat nahi deta. Tum hoge bade ghar ke ladke par Agarwal samaj me se nahi ho. Naina ki shaadi sirf Sharad se hogi.”

Anand intervened, “bade bhaisaab… ek baar aap baat toh sunn lijiye… Sameer bahot achcha ladka hai… Naina uske saath khush rahegi. Aaj ke daur me kahan aap samaj aur biraadri ki baat kar rahe hai…”

Tauji raised his hand, “tum iss maamle me mat pado Anand… Maana humne tumko kaha tha Naina ko paalne ke liye, par bhulo mat tum uske pita nahi ho. Rakesh hai uska pita.”

“Par Rakesh bhaisaab ne pita jaise kuch kiya hi kahan hai aaj tak Naina ke liye”, Anand argued.

Rakesh immediately scolded, “Anand…”

Anand wasn’t fazed, “sahi toh keh raha hun bhaisaab… Naina ki haalat dekhiye… Uske chehre pe zakhm dekhiye. Yeh sab kal aapne aur bhabhiji ne kiya hai. Yeh sab dekhke aapka dil nahi pighalta… Kal subah se usne kuch nahi khaya tha, aur poori raat aap logo ne use bahar bithake rakha… Zara bhi parvaah nahi ki. Aap logo ko pata bhi hai ke Naina aaj behosh ho gai thi?”

Bela gasped at this and moved to Naina, but she was so scared that she didn’t leave Sameer’s shirt for one moment. She kept having flashes of her dream from this afternoon, and trembled at the thought of her family separating them. Tauji and Rakesh kept arguing about family prestige, and how it was the girl’s duty to obey whatever her family decided for her.

Anand looked disappointed at this mentality, “parivaar ki izzat aur samaj ke naam pe aap log apni hi bachchi ki bali chadane ko taiyar hai? Yeh jaanne ke baad bhi ke Sharad se shaadi karna uski marzi nahi hai, aap uspe zor daalneko taiyar hai? Aapko zara bhi farq nahi padta ke woh khush rahe ya dukhi? Aaj Naina apne parivaar se itna dar rahi hai ke mere aur Bela ke paas bhi nahi aa rahi… Aise me Sameer ne uska haath thaama hua hai. Aap log bhale andhe ho chuke hai, par mujhe dikh raha hai ke Sameer hi Naina ke liye sahi ladka hai, isiliye aap log inka saath de na de, main inke saath hun… Main karwauga inki shaadi.”

More arguments followed this, and finally Rakesh stated, “pita ke bina toh ladki ki shaadi hoti hai nahi… dekhta hun mere bina kaise karegi yeh shaadi.”

Anand smiled, “main hamesha Naina ko apni beti maanta hun… agar aap saath nahi denge toh main pita banke uska kanyadaan karunga.”

Tauji declared that if Anand followed through this decision then none of them would have any relationship with him, and his family. Anand just folded his hands and accepted, “jaisa aap theek samjhe bhaisaab. Maine hamesha aapka har faisla bina kisi sawaal ke maana hai, par iss waqt mere liye Naina ki khushi zyada maaine rakhti hai.”

Everyone glared at Sameer before leaving the house and Preeti locked the door. Bela gently called out, “Naina… beta yahan aao.”

She didn’t respond, until Sameer reached behind him, and slowly pulled her to front. The fear in her eyes made him want to go next door and do some serious damage to each one of them. Instead, he held her hands, and said, “Naina… ghabrao mat… Maine kaha tha na tumse ke koi hume alag nahi kar payega.”

She gulped, “papa… nahi maane…”

He nodded, “jaanta hun… par dekho… Chachaji aur Chachiji hamare saath hai… Bilkul jaisa tumne mujhse kaha tha… Tumhara vishwas sahi tha.”

She looked at Bela and Anand, and then it was as if a dam broke, and she hugged bela, crying her heart out. Bela stroked her head and back, trying to calm the scared girl. Anand walked over and patted Sameer’s shoulder, “aree tum kyun ro rahe ho… Shaadi ke baad har pati ko rona padta hai, abhi toh muskura do.”

Sameer wiped his tears, smiling at this, and soon Naina also calmed down on seeing that her tears were making him cry too. He tried to cheer up, “main kuch mithai leke aata hun.”

Bela chuckled, “bhagwaan jhuth na bulaye damadji… aap shaadi ke baad mithai khila dena. Aaj hum khila dete hai.”

Sameer blinked, “aapne… kya bola mujhe?”

Preeti giggled, “ab tak main aur Swati jijaji-jijaji bolke aapke kaan khate the na, ab mummy ke muh se damadji sunne ki bhi aadat daal lo.”

Sameer’s eyes widened at this and he promptly blushed, causing his friends to tease him. Bela took out some laddoos she had prepared, and served everyone. Discussions ensued, and Anand stated, “dekho… aaj toh jaise taise maamla nipat gaya. Par Naina ka zyada din yahan pe rehna theek nahi hai. Har waqt main ghar pe nahi rahunga, aur mera company ke ek kaam se videsh jaaneka bhi hoga agle mahine… Aise me Bela akele Naina ko nahi sambhal payegi.”

Sameer understood the gravity of the situation, “main jaanta hun… maine toh kaha tha ke main aaj hi shaadi karneko taiyar hun. Par ab jab aap log maan gaye hai, aur meri mummy bhi kal aa rahi hai, toh main chahta hun ke hamari shaadi me thodi bahot rasme toh ho. Naina se pyaar kiya hai maine, koi gunaah nahi ke sab kuch chori-chupke karu. Aur… Naina ke bhi kuch sapne honge.”

Naina blushed, but when he prompted she said, “main bas… wahi jo humne college me socha tha.”

Sameer smiled at her shyness, and told, “darasal Pooja didi ke shaadi ke waqt se hi hum dono ne socha ke Naina ki bidaai bhi isi ghar se ho… Bahot kuch badi shaadi nahi chahte hum, bas parivaar wale aur kuch rishtedaar… Aur Naina ki shart hai ke main ghodi pe aau warna woh iss gadhe se shaadi nahi karegi.”

Everyone laughed at this, and it was decided that tomorrow along with Sameer’s mother they would all decide the earliest possible date of wedding. Bela said that Phulla-Bua would surely like to come, and Sameer simply said that his friends were his family. Before he left for the night, he took a few minutes alone with Naina in her room. Pulling her to him in a hug, he sighed, “tum khush ho na?”

She nodded against his chest, clutching him tight, “haan… par bas thoda sa darr lag raha hai ab tak. Aaj poore din tumhare saath thi, par ab…”

“Tum kaho toh yahi ruk jaata hun”, he teased, “waise bhi thode dino me shaadi ho jayegi phir toh saath me honge har raat… Chachaji ko kehta hun aaj se hi shuru kar dete hai.” She pinched his waist, making him yelp, and tease further, “shaadi se pehle hi pati pe zulm. Kya din aa gaye hai…”

She fumed, “Sameer… pareshan mat karo na.”

He cupped her face, “main toh aisai pareshan karta rahunga… ab toh zindagi bhar jhelna hai… kar paogi?”

She smiled, turning her face in his hands to kiss his palm, “manzoor hai. I love you.”

“I love you too”, he grinned, and kissed her forehead.

That night Naina kept feeling restless, even though everything was alright now, it felt odd to be without him after the way they had spent the whole day together. A little bit after midnight, she went outside in the balcony, hoping to divert her mind, and looked down to find Sameer standing there leaning on his bike. Munna and Pandit were there too, sitting on the pavement, always keeping Sameer company. She was surprised to see him there, but it didn’t take her long to understand that he had estimated she would need him, and maybe he needed her too. They stood there staring at each other for a long time, and then she gestured him to leave. He smiled and blew her a flying kiss which she caught and preserved in her heart, and then blew him a kiss too, surprising him by doing so despite the presence of their friends.

The next couple of days were a total whirlwind for Sameer and Naina. Vishakha had arrived as promised, and when Sameer told her everything she was outraged at the way Naina had been treated by her family. She went to meet Bela and Anand, along with Sameer and gave her approval for the wedding. When she met Naina, the first thing the girl clarified was Sameer was not a thief. Vishakha was astounded to know the history of events that had brought this couple together, and that day she had a new-found respect for her son in her heart. She had always termed Sameer as careless and self-absorbed, but here he was ready to take on a new responsibility with all his heart and loving someone so much. It made her realize that her father had been right, she had always tried to see Sameer through a different lens, and today Naina had changed that lens with her love for Sameer. A pandit was called upon, and an auspicious date was decided fifteen days later. A quick roka was done that day itself, just to seal the relationship.

Two days later Chachaji had spotted Sharad and his mother, along with Taiji in the market, and decided that Naina must go to college, since it was safest for her to not be at home within Taiji and her father’s reach. Sameer had taken it upon himself to pick her up and then drop her back every evening. Phulla-Bua had indeed agreed to come over, and she seemed pretty excited when she heard that the groom was none other than the handsome young man she had met during Pooja’s wedding. It was impossible to have many guests, as the wedding was happening so quickly but neither Sameer, nor Naina seemed to be perturbed by this, as they said they were getting much more than expected because that day they had felt they wouldn’t even have their families with them. Chachaji hired men to decorate their home, and society common ground nearby as mandap. Vishakha had also stayed back, and was doing all she could to make the wedding a proper one. This included buying lehenga and jewellery for the bride, and Sameer also had to go on a small outing with Chachaji to finalize his sherwani. Sameer had asked his mom to get a pink lehenga for Naina, and she had agreed but said that later on Naina would need to change in a saree during pheras which would be given by her family, and that would be red in color. They had simple cards printed, and gave out to some of their teachers and friends in college as well.

Just five days before wedding, Chachaji’s fear came true… Taiji managed to get a hold of Naina when she was in the temple for her weekly visit. Naina had been completely scared as she heard Taiji and her father’s decision to get her married to Sharad in secret. As they dragged her to a waiting car, she had cried and begged, cursing herself that she had come alone, thinking there was no risk. However, just before they could stuff her inside the car, someone had slammed the door close, and then jerked Naina out of their hold. She had shrieked in fear, but upon landing on the solid wall of chest, finding herself surrounded by a familiar warmth, she had held on tight. Sameer had arrived in the nick of time, knowing it was Naina’s temple visit day, and wanting to be with her. When he had seen her being dragged off like that, his blood had turned cold in fear first, and then anger had surged inside him swift and hot, so sudden that he was ready to even engage in a fight with anyone who dared to harm Naina. Taiji and Rakesh sir were shocked, but soon recovered and tried to snatch Naina back from him. Sameer just held her hand, asking her to run, and they got on his bike escaping before the duo could even touch them.

Chachaji was furious when he heard what had happened and it led to another quarrel between the brothers. And it resulted in Tauji telling them that he would ensure this wedding wasn’t accepted in society. Tauji and Taiji did a huge and ugly display by calling every relative who had agreed to join for the wedding, and letting them know that they weren’t in support of this wedding, and it was happening only because Naina had done the sin of falling in love. Now no one knew who would attend and who wouldn’t.

That day, just as the college ended, Sameer said he would be back after a quick trip to bathroom, and Naina was waiting near his bike with Preeti and Swati. Suddenly someone held her hand, and she jerked because she immediately understood it wasn’t Sameer. To her shock it was Sharad. He tried to pull her, asking her to come along without a single word, but Naina gathered courange and tugged her hand away from him.

Sharad scoffed, “tumko shayad pata nahi, tumhare gharwale tumhari shaadi hone nahi denge tumhare aashiq ke saath… Bhalai isime hai ke tum mere saath chalo.”

Naina replied irked, “main tumhare saath nahi aaungi… uss din samajh me nahi aaya jab maine tumse baat hi nahi ki thi? Zara bhi dhyan nahi diya maine phir bhi tumne shaadi ke liye haan kar di.”

“Mujhe aisi hi biwi chahiye jiske muh me zubaan na ho”, Sharad replied, “aur phir… tumhe uss saree me dekhke main mana kaise karta.”

She was disgusted and horrified, “mujhe nahi pata tha ke tumhari soch itni gandi hai… nikal jao yahan se, warna Sameer aa gaya toh tumhe koi bacha nahi payega.”

Sharad scoffed, “kar kya lega tumhara aashiq… mujhse panga lega toh main uska muh tod dunga.”

Naina let out a sarcastic laughter, “tum Sameer ko choo bhi nahi sakte… Tumse lakh guna behtar hai woh… har tarah se… Tum toh uske saamne muh kholne ke bhi layak nahi ho.”

Sharad was livid and raised his hand, intending to hit Niana… But before he could do so, someone grabbed his hand and dealt him a punch on his face. Everyone gasped aloud as Sameer started to punch Sharad repeatedly, asking how he even dared to talk to Naina. Munna and Pandit also joined in rather then stopping Sameer. When the situation seemed to be out of hand, Naina tried to get hold of Sameer, Swati pulled back Munna and Preeti grabbed Pandit’s arm.

Naina pulled Sameer away, “chodo use…”

Sameer tried to remove himself from her grip, “nahi… uski himmat kaise hui tumhe choone ki, tumse baat karneki…”

“Jaane do Sameer”, she pleaded, “please… shaant ho jao.”

He looked at her, holding her gaze and slowly calmed down. A coughing sound made them look at the squirming mess on the ground. Sharad was trying to sit up, but failing to do so; his face was bruised, his nose bleeding profusely, and he even rubbed his stomach where maybe Munna and Pandit had thrown in few kicks. Naina slowly walked over to him, while Sameer waited ready to pounce if that guy dared to touch her. Kneeling beside Sharad, Naina clucked her tongue, a not-so-polite smirk on her face, “ab pata chal gaya tumhe ke mera Sameer kya kar sakta hai? Aaj agar maine use roka nahi hota toh tum yahan se seedhe hospital pahonchte… Par yeh mat samajhna ke mujhe tumhari fikar thi isiliye maine Sameer ko roka… Maine usko roka kyunki tum jaisa insaan, jo ladkiyo ki izzat nahi kar sakta, woh uske gusse ke layak bhi nahi hai.”

Sharad merely groaned in pain, but Naina didn’t pay him any heed, instead she held Sameer’s hand and took him aside to the garden followed by their friends. Pulling out a bottle of water from her bag, she washed the blood off his bruised knuckles, and then tied her handkerchief around his hand. She knew he was still angry, and so she leaned on his shoulder, saying, “Sameer… aaj hamara college ka last day hai. Ab hum shaadi ke baad yahan wapas aayenge. Toh aaj mujhe date pe le chaloge?”

He looked down at her, “date pe?”

She smiled, “haan… pani-puri khane… aur phir baraf ka gola.”

He chuckled, “bas itna sa chahiye tumhe?”

She pinched his nose playfully, “mujhe toh bas tumhari hasi chahiye.”

All the friends went outside to spend some time together, and enjoyed tangy pani-puris and icy golas which colored their tongues. The adventurous day ended with fun as Phulla-Bua had arrived by the time they reached Nirmal Jyoti society. And there were discussions about the wedding, their love story, and also more food in which Munna, Pandit and Swati were also invited to join. The only sad part was that Phulla-Bua instructed that Sameer and Naina could not meet each other now, until the day of wedding as rituals demanded. After some persuasion Sameer agreed to it, but he placed a condition that he would talk to Naina daily in morning and at night, and also if he sensed that she was troubled or if she asked to meet him then he wouldn’t care about any ritual in this world.

Thankfully no other problem occurred even though Taiji never left an opportunity to taunt Naina. Three days later the mehndi function was done at each place. A few relatives had arrived at Naina’s place after getting the news of Phulla-Bua’s arrival, and few more had confirmed they would come for the wedding. Rohan, Deepika and Mr. Somani had arrived at Sameer’s place, and they were also hosting few relatives. Munshiji was overjoyed as the rituals started and kept saying how much Nanu would have blessed the couple. That night Sameer and Naina talked over the phone while staring at the names etched in the mehndi on their hand.

There was no sangeet function naturally, but haldi was done as per ritual, and mangal geet was also held. And then finally the evening of wedding arrived… Naina got dressed in the pink lehenga just like Sameer wanted, but she couldn’t fulfill his demand of keeping her hair open. She waited with eager anticipation and as the sun set over the horizon she could hear the sounds of music drifiting in the air. As it drew near, she went to the window, hiding behind the curtains to check and grinned on seeing Munna and Pandit dancing at the front. Soon, she spotted the white mare, and Sameer seated on it dressed in a cream colored sherwani with a red turban on his head. There was never a sight more beautiful than that, she thought.

Sameer watched his friends and family dance, and then looked up as they reached the lane of the society. Immediately he spotted her, and smiled, drawing in a breath at the most gorgeous sight ever. Finally… the time had come for them to be tied in a bond of forever. Their dream was going to come true tonight. After the welcome ceremony he changed into a suit, not sure why he had to change the costumes repeatedly, but he did as instructed because he was eager to see Naina.

Thirty minutes later she walked towards the mandap, flanked by Preeti and Swati, and he almost held his breath. There was a different glow on her face today, a shine of happiness and excitement, she walked in an utterly feminine way that he was sure he had never seen her do, and her eyes sneaked furtive glances at him before lowering once more with shyness. He however was not at all shy, as he literally stared at her, scanning her head-to-toe, noticing her every feature. The varmala ritual was done, and then it was time for dinner. Sameer tried to hold her hand, but she pulled back, shaking her head and mouthing, “koi dekh lega.”

He rolled his eyes, “Naina hamari shaadi ho rahi hai. Aaj toh mat roko mujhe…”

She smiled, letting him hold her hand, and then covered their linked hands with her dupatta. As they both ate with one hand, she whispered, “tumne bataya nahi ke main kaisi lag rahi hun.”

He grinned, “duniya ki sabse khoobsurat dulhan… bas ek kami hai.”

“Baal khule nahi hai”, she replied, knowing what he would say, “Chachiji ne mana kar diya… Kaha shaadi ke din nahi rakh sakte khule baal.”

He thought about it, and then shrugged, “koi baat nahi.”

She looked at him surprised, “mujhe laga tum naraaz ho jaoge.”

He smirked, leaning towards her, “bilkul bhi nahi… ulta achcha hai bandhe hue hai baal… shaadi ke baad hamare kamre me main khud kholunga.” She blushed, and he rubbed his thumb over her hand, causing a tingle to run up her spine.

Sometime after dinner they were again asked to change and Sameer wore the sherwani once more, and Naina was dressed up in a heavy red saree. The priest chanted the holy verses as each ritual was accomplished. Chachaji did the kanyadaan, and then the pheras happened at the designated mahurat. When Sameer filled the partition in her head with vermilion, she smiled, closing her eyes. And then he tied a mangalsutra around her neck, marking her as his with a proud smile on his face. Their eyes met, silent promises were exchanged, and he covered her hand with his telling her without words that they now belonged together. From strangers to friends to lovers to finally being husband and wife, they had traveled a long and adventurous journey and were now set to start another voyage as life-partners.