Part 10 – Love Tested

SYDNEY

The next morning, Sameer was getting ready for work when Jayaprakash handed him a file.

Jayaprakash: This is an important deal. If you close it successfully, I'll know you've become responsible.

Sameer: Challenge accepted.

Jayaprakash smiled.

Meanwhile, Naina was helping Anand organize a photography exhibition.

Anand looked at one of Sameer's wildlife photographs.

Anand: Naina, this boy has talent. He only needs direction.

Naina: He has changed a lot in the last few weeks.

Anand: Sometimes the right people bring out the best in us.

Naina smiled quietly.

Sameer's Business Success

Sameer attended the meeting confidently.

Unlike before, he remained calm and answered every question patiently.

The clients finally shook hands with him.

Client: Congratulations, Mr. Sameer. We are signing the agreement.

Sameer immediately called Jayaprakash.

Sameer: Dadaji... we got the contract!

Jayaprakash: I knew you could do it.

Sameer felt proud for the first time—not because of money, but because he had earned his grandfather's trust.

Mumbai

Munna continued meeting Swati.

One evening they visited an old book fair.

Swati picked up a novel.

Swati: I always wanted this book.

Munna quietly bought it and gifted it to her.

Swati: You didn't have to.

Munna: Friends do such things.

Swati smiled.

They spent the evening discussing books, music, and childhood memories.

Munna realized he had forgotten all about Preeti and Katherine.

Nashik

The National Art Exhibition began.

Ratan's painting of Diya and Amaya attracted everyone's attention.

People applauded.

Omkara announced,

Omkara: The Best Contemporary Painting Award goes to... Ratan Modi!

The entire hall erupted in applause.

Diya's eyes filled with tears.

She hugged Ratan.

Diya: Congratulations. You deserve this.

For a moment, both remained in each other's embrace before realizing everyone was watching.

They smiled awkwardly.

Later...

Diya and Ratan sat near a quiet lake.

Diya: Why did you paint me?

Ratan remained silent.

Diya: Tell me honestly.

Ratan looked into her eyes.

Ratan: Because whenever I close my eyes... I see only you.

Diya lowered her gaze.

Diya: Ratan...

Ratan: Please don't answer today.

Diya: Why?

Ratan: Because I don't want you to feel pressured.

He smiled gently.

Ratan: I told my friends once that I didn't expect anything in return. I still don't.

Diya's eyes became moist.

Ratan was dreaming of himself with Diya.

Kaisi hai yeh rut ke jis mein

Phool ban ke dil khile

Ghul rahen hai rang sare

Ghul rahe hain khushbuve

Kaisi hai yeh rut ke jis mein

Phool ban ke dil khile

Ghul rahen hai rang sare

Ghul rahe hain khushbuve

Chandni jharne ghatayen

Geet baarish titliyaan

Hum pe ho gaye hai sab maherbaan

Kaisi hai yeh rut ke jis mein

Phool ban ke dil khile

Dekho nadi ke kinare

Panchi pukare kisi panchi ko

Dehko yeh jo nadi hai milne chali hai

Sagar hi koYeh pyaar ka hi sara hai caravan

Kaisi hai yeh rut ke jis mein

Phool ban ke dil khile

Kaise kisi ko batayen

Kaise yeh samjaayen kya pyaar hai

Is mein bandhan nahin hai

Aur na koyi bhi deewaar hai

Suno pyaar ki nirali hai daastaan

Kaisi hai yeh rut ke jis mein

Phool ban ke dil khile

Ghul rahen hai rang sare

Ghul rahe hain khushbuve

Chandni jharne ghatayen

Geet baarish titliyaan

Hum pe ho gaye hai sab maherbaan

Kaisi hai yeh rut ke jis mein

Phool ban ke dil khile.

Sydney

A week later...

Sameer and Naina visited the famous Blue Mountains with Anand.

The weather suddenly changed.

Heavy rain began.

The three took shelter in a small wooden café.

Sameer looked outside.

Naina stood near the window watching the rain.

Without realizing it, Sameer kept staring at her.

Anand noticed everything.

He quietly walked away to give them privacy.

Sameer went near Naina.

Sameer: You were right.

Naina: About what?

Sameer: Love happens naturally.

Naina smiled.

Naina: Finally you agree?

Sameer: Maybe...

Naina laughed.

Naina: That's progress.

Just then...

Someone entered the café.

Both turned.

It was Sharad.

Naina was shocked.

Naina: Sharad! Are you here?

Sharad ignored her and walked straight toward Sameer.

Sharad: We need to talk.

Sameer stood up calmly.

Sameer: Sure.

Outside the café...

Sharad grabbed Sameer's collar.

Sharad: I warned you to stay away from Naina!

Sameer removed Sharad's hand.

Sameer: Listen to me—

Sharad: No! You have been following her ever since that party.

Sameer remained calm.

Sameer: I came here because of my family's business.

Sharad: Then why are you spending time with her?

Sameer: Because she is my friend.

Sharad: Friend? Do you think I'm a fool?

Naina came outside.

Naina: Enough, Sharad!

Sharad looked at her.

Naina: Stop insulting Sameer.

Sharad was stunned.

Sharad: You're taking his side?

Naina: I'm taking the side of the truth.

Sharad looked hurt.

Without saying another word, he walked away.

Sameer watched him silently.

That Night

Naina called Sharad several times.

He didn't answer.

She became worried.

Meanwhile, Sameer stood alone on the balcony of Jayaprakash's house.

He looked at the stars.

For the first time in his life...

He admitted the truth to himself.

Sameer (softly):
"I've fallen in love with Naina."

At the same moment...

• Munna smiled while looking at Swati's photograph.
• Ratan looked at Diya's birthday picture.

Far away from each other...

All three friends had finally discovered what love truly meant.