NF: Abhimanyu was the pillar of support for her in the last 5 years and she has grown close to him too.
NM: Plus they are so compatible. Personally and professionally.
What do you think beta? Your opinion really matters to us. What do you think of Abhimanyu?
Raj was completely speechless but he managed to stutter
Raj: Chauhan is a great guy. He is worthy of Naina.
NF: Hearing this from your mouth gives us so much confidence.
Will you talk to her?
Raj nodded and excused himself. He went to his room and completely broke down.
Raj (to himself): You thought they'd want to marry their only daughter to a disabled man like you?! You think Naina will want to marry you? You aren't good enough for her today and you'll never be good enough for her.
He recalled all the time he had spent with her. Seeing her again had motivated him to stay alive in the five years he had been captured. Becoming worthy of her motivated him to recover faster. But it was all worth nothing. Naina was not meant to be his.
Naina came back a few hours later. She went to Raj's room to check on him. He was awake but pretended to be asleep. He couldn't face her like this. He had to be strong. He had to do what was best for her.
Next day Naina's parents left early morning to visit her aunt. Raj slept in late having managed to fall asleep only towards the wee hours of the morning. When he woke up, he had a sinking feeling as he remembered the conversation from last night.
Naina burst into his room like a beam of sunshine. She was disturbed to see Raj looking so tired and worn out.
Naina: Raj are you OK? You look really tired and worn out. Should I call the doctor.
Raj forced a smile on his face.
Raj: I am fine Naina. Don't worry. I'll get ready and come down in 15 minutes.
At the breakfast table, Naina had cooked his favorite style of egg.
Raj: Naina you are spoiling me.
Naina: You deserve some pampering.
Raj tried eating the breakfast, but last night's conversation loomed over his mind.
Raj: Naina... I umm.. don't mean to intrusive. But what have you thought of your life ahead? You have spent far too many years of your life fighting for Naveen and me. It's time you find happiness for yourself.
Naina: I am happy Raj. Very happy in fact.
Raj: No I meant. I meant that all your friends are settling down. You should also think of getting married and settlind down...
Naina started laughing.
Naina: I should have known. I left you alone with Ma and Papa for an hour. They were obviously going to discuss my marriage. That seems like their obsession these datys.
Raj: They are just concerned
Naina: And I appreciate their concern. For the longest time my only mission in life was to get justice for Naveen Bhaiya and you. But now I want to move on, even get married hopefully
Naina looked at Rajveer hopefully, blushing and smiling.
Raj on the other hand was so caught up in his own thoughts that he didn't notice the expression on Naina's face.
Raj: I am glad to hear that.
He stopped for a moment to compose himself and then continued.
Raj: And I am sure he'll keep you very happy.. Chauhan saab is a great guy and worthy of you.
Naina was startled and rendered speechless. She quickly regained her voice and almost yelled.
Naina: How does ABHIMANYU come into this?
Raj: Your parents want you to marry him... And even I think that you'll make a lovely couple!
Naina: Are you crazy Rajveer? What has gotten into you? My parents talk to you about Abhi and you decide to encourage me to marry him?
What is wrong with you?! After everything we have been through, after everything we feel for each other.
Raj: That's exactly why I am telling you that Abhi is a suitable match.
Naina: Raj I always figured that the beauty of our relationship is that we understand each other without verbal communication.
But maybe this time we need words.
I am ready to move on. Ready to get married.
But only to one man.
Raj: Naina please...
Naina: Rajveer let me complete. The only man I have ever loved and can ever imagine as my life partner you! Rajveer Singh Shekhawat.
Rajveer was overcome with emotion and tears brimmed in his eyes. His mind told him to reject her love but his heart wouldn't let him. He had waited far too long for this!
The next moment he had his arm around her. She hugged him back passionately. He kissed her on the forehead.
Rajveer: Naina I have waited so long to hear this. I love you too! More than anything else in this entire world. This love kept me alive through those horrible years of torture.
The next moment his legs started shaking. The emotional fatigue had taken a toll on his already weak legs and he needed Naina to support him. Naina helped him sit down.
Rajveer was beyond frustrated. He looked away from Naina.
Raj: Naina go away!
Naina: Take as much time as you need. But I am not going anywhere.
Raj: Don't you get it Naina! I am not good enough for you and never will be.
He looked at his arms and legs with such self loathing that it broke Naina' heart.
Naina: Stop it Raj. You are perfect in every way. I love you. All of you,
She gently raised his paralyzed arm and kissed it.
Raj: But Naina..
Naina: But what Raj?! What if it was the other way round? What if I got injured or assaulted in action.. Would you...
Raj: Never. And don't every say that again.
Naina: Then don't do this to yourself.
Raj remained quite for a while. A few minutes later he turned towards Naina, a changed man. Frustration and helplessness had been replaced by.steely determination.
Raj: Everything about our relationship has been messed up till now. But going forward everything will be perfect.
Before she could stop him, he had gone done on his knee.
Naina: Raj you don't ...
Raj: Naina don't stop me. This is the start of our happily ever after.
Naina Singh Ahluwalia, I love you with all my heart and soul. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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