Samaina FF - The Reluctant Groom and His Accidental Bride CH 49 pg 81 - Page 26

Originally posted by: hj42928

at the end mtlb story k end ma ya friday ko update k end ma?? 

Story ke end mein karungi.. Abhi toh yahi  share karungi na updates 😃

Originally posted by: hj42928

ya @sonya-2019 plzzz may is br update zra zyda brhi dena plzzz plzzz plzzz bht intezaar kiya ha plzz thori lambi dena...

laalchi reader of yours... :)

I will try yaar. Have made some decent progress this week so far.. so finger crossed!

Waiting for your next update

Hello dearies,

Here is the next update and it is long! 😊

Hope you enjoy it. Waiting to hear from you, as always!

Lots of love, 

May

Chapter 44

Once lunch was done, they strolled around the market for a bit and then heading in the direction of the lake, settled on a bench under the shady canopy of a Peepal tree. The slight breeze was creating a shimmering effect and a soft rustling sound as it tousled the leaves. The sparrows chirped incessantly, while every now and then some dogs barked in the background.

The winter afternoon had created a lazy lull, that both sat enjoying in companionable silence. Suddenly Sameer remembering something asked “Naina, kal raat… tum kuch keh rahi thi…” As she rubbed her kangan remembering all that had been said and done the night before, he went on sounding a little perplexed “Tum keh rahi thi, ke tumhe kabhi kabhi sab kuch manage karne mein bahoot mushkil hoti hai… Par tumhe dekh ke, aisa toh kabhi laga hi nahi. Matlab, mujhe toh lagta tha ke tum toh ekdum effortlessly bina kissi bhi adchan ke gahr, college… sab sambhal leti ho!” 

She smiled hearing what he was referring to, “Sameer, mujhe shaadi se pehele toh itna kuch sambhalne ki koi aadat nahi thi na… pehele pehele toh bahoot tension aata tha.” After pausing briefly, she admitted “Pata hai, pehele kuch din mere parathay bilkul kache pakke bante thay… phir do-teen din khub practice ki… aur jitney bhi theek se nahi bane, woh kaam wali mausi hai na, unhe de diye. Do-baar sabji jaal gayi thi… aur ek baar bahoot jyada namak ho gaya tha… toh woh toh phekna hi pada tha.” He seemed surprised “Par tumne toh kabhi bataya hi nahi...” She admitted softly “Woh, shaadi ke baad Pooja didi se jab aisi galtiya ho jati thi, toh unki saas Chachiji ko bahoot taane sunati thi. Darr laga tha ke Nanaji kahi naraaz na ho jaye… toh kissiko kuch bataya hi nahi tha.” She continued after a brief pause “Office mein bhi bahoot tension hoti thi… par jaise aapne kaha tha, dheere dheere samajhne laga. Ab toh waise manage ho jata hai… par bus kabhi kabhi bahoot thakaan ho jati hai.” 

Pushing back a lock of her hair, he said “Naina, Ramdhari ko aadat hai ghar sambhalne ki. Tumhe itna tension lene ki jarurat nahi hai.” She tried to assure him “Main jaanti hu, par mujhe ghar ke kaam dekhna aur aapke liye khana pakana acha lagta hai.” Then blushing a little she added “Chachiji bhi kehti hai, ke pati ke dil ka rasta uske pet se hoke jaata hai!” He responded a little dejectedly “Pati ke dil ke aur bhi raste hai…” She grumbled “Ha, Pooja didi bhi yahi keh rahi thi… par kya hai bataya nahi!” He suddenly chuckled seeing her cute scrunched up face. When she looked at him confused, he leaned a little closer and muttered “Ek toh yeh wala hai…” and then lightly tapped his lower lip. Naina blushed deeply as she looked around trying to ensure there are been no audience to his demand. He blushed too thinking to himself, Woh kya kehte hai? Ha, hassi toh fassi!

He took some reassurance from the fact that she had blushed and not balked at the idea of a kiss. He reached out to clasp her hand and then added “Naina, main tum se kuch dinon se kuch aur baat bhi karna chahata tha.” Seeing some uncertainty on her face, he rushed to explain “Kaam ke baare mein kuch baat karni thi.” She was perplexed “Factory mein sab theek hai na? Koi problem??” He shook his head “Aare nahi, aisi koi baat nahi hai. Actually, jabse Nanu ke health ko leke unke retirement ka sochne laga hu… tab se kuch uljhan si ho rahi hai. Main chahata toh hu ke college khatam hoti hi pura kaam sambhal lu, par jaanta hu, itna easy nahi hoga.”

She placed her other hand over the hand already holding hers “Sameer, main samajhti hu, aasan nahi hoga… par aap sambhal lenge. Thoda waqt lagega, par Parmar Uncle aur Mushiji bhi aapki help karenge. Aur Nanaji toh hai hi na aapko guide karne ke liye.” Just her words and the warmth of her handhold took away a lot of his apprehensions, but he wanted more, “Naina, tum keh rahi thi na ke tum internship ke baad bhi kaam continue karna chahati ho… toh kahi aur kyu? Jaise Nanu ne bhi pehle suggest kiya hai… tum humare hi business mein involve ho jao, toh mujhe bhi bahoot help hogi.” She protested “Mujhe kaunsa kuch aata hai, jo aap ko help kar saku?”

He tried to highlight “Dekho, yeh humara family business hai. Chahe baaki employees kitne bhi ache ho, finally saari responsibility toh hum pe hi aati hai. Naina socho, tum toh waise bhi kaam karna enjoy karti ho aur continue bhi karna chahati ho… uppar se, you really have a knack for numbers and accounts. Agar tum Accounts ke area mein involve ho jao, toh mujhe uss area ka kabhi koi tension nahi rahega. I will be free to concentrate on the operations and business development side, right?” When she still looked unconvinced, he further expanded on his idea “I understand ke tumhe bhi time toh lagega, seekhne mein… par agar tum dedh-do saal day to day accounting mein involve ho jaogi toh, I am sure tumhe sab samjh aa jayega.”

Then after few quiet moments as they both pondered on something, he cleared his throat and added softly “Aur uske baad, jab bhi hum family start karne ka soche, tum sirf supervisory role kar sakogi… just weekly wages aur monthly salaries ko review aur approve kar sakti ho… ya… pata nahi, jo bhi tumhe uss waqt theek lage.”

She sat silently dwelling on what he was saying. Yes, it all made a lot of sense, in the long term it would be possible to balance her personal and professional life. Yet, something seemed to hold her back. She realised, though the idea of not wasting her education and knowledge had held a certain degree of charm, it wasn’t just that, the resulting financial independence would have meant a lot to her too. Years of counting and being accountable for every paisa spent, had been very taxing. Since the start of the internship, she had started relishing the dream of a small pot of her own. That he wanted her to be involved in the family business obviously meant a lot, plus it did seem like he really wanted her support. But she wondered, could some need for self-preservation be considered selfish?

She asked “Kya mera involvement formal hoga ya informal?” When his eyebrow rose indicating he didn’t get her question, she went on in a roundabout way “Matlab, koi official job title hoga ya bus aise hi…” He chuckled “Oh… Toh tumhe yeh jaana hai ke kitne log tumhe madam bulayenge! Hmm… main na, tum join karne se pehele pure staff ko ek circular bheejwa dunga, ke tumhe sirf Madam kehna hai.” She tried pulling her hand away looking a little irritated “Kuch bhi…” He smiled “Aare, mazak kar raha hu. Obviously tumhara koi official designation hoga, tumhari clear responsibilities hogi. Yeh thodehi expect karenge, ke tum office aake kuch bhi karna shuru kardo!” She couldn’t decide how she could ask if there would be any financial entitlements associated, and so she amicably responded “Idea toh acha hai, sochenge… abhi toh kafi waqt hai na.” He was surprised with her lukewarm response to his proposal, Mujhe toh laga tha yeh khush hogi sath kaam karne ke idea se… kahi abhi se mujhse bore toh nahi hone lagi na?!

The midday sun was starting to heat up. Some of the shops had already started pulling down their shutters, in anticipation of the tourists need for a post lunch nap.  The idea of an afternoon siesta with his arm in his arms was far too appealing compared to anything else Mt Abu had to offer, and so Sameer proposed that they head back to the hotel for a rest. As they walked back, he slipped a hand in his pocket and patted the little box. His mind once again focused on his on-going test, he went quiet.

Naina sneaked a few glances at her husband. His square jaw clenched every now and then, like he was trying to keep some emotions under control. Whatever little time they had spent in the room earlier that day, had been very awkward to say the least. He had been rather glum and seemed like he was reverting to the same behaviour again. She fidgeted with her kangans, as they drew closer to their destination. In the light of the day, she had tried to put his claim that kissing does not lead to pregnancy in context and had felt increasing certain that it was right. After all, if that was the case, how would both Betty and Veronica kiss Archie so readily? And that Moose and Midge were always in a lip-locked pose! Oh dear… how stupid had she been… of course, that theory did not make any sense at all! 

On entering the room, Sameer made a quick trip to the bathroom and changed into his bedtime tracks and t-shirt. Naina had not brought along any home-wear shalwar-kameez, so deciding the pink nightie seemed inappropriate for the time of the day, she without changing just freshened up and let her hair loose. By the time she exited the bathroom, he was sitting in the sofa his legs stretched out, TV remote in hand flipping through some channels. She spent a few minutes first admiring and then putting away all the shopping from earlier. He irritably thought, Sab kuch waise hi honga jaise dedh-do ghtante pehele bazaar mein tha… ab itna time kyun waste kar rahi hai yeh?!

Not able to control his impatience, he called out, touching a part of his scalp “Naina, zara dekho toh, yaha kuch hua hai kya…” She approached briskly eyes full of concern, and after running her fingers through his hair and examining the spot on his head intently, mumbled “Kuch dikh toh nahi raha hai… dard ho raha hai ya jalan??” Without any preamble, he pulled her into his lap and huskily muttered to his startled wife “Bahoot jalan ho rahi hai… uss hawa se jo tumhe choo rahi hai… aur iss dupatte se, jisse tumne subhe se gale laga ke rakha hai.” She blinked and sat her eyes lowered, her heartbeats quickening, unable to articulate a response.

He trailed a finger against her cheeks and chin, committing the contours to his memory. After admiring the pale rose of her cheeks and the ruby red of her lips for a long time, he whispered “Sath baithke TV dekhe??” When Naina incapable of any other response, just nodded, he shifted adjusting her in the space between his legs, her back aligned against his chest. The MTV channel was playing some English songs. Assuming, rightly so, that she wouldn’t be interested in Snoop Doggy Dogg rapping away his hit ‘Gin and Juice’, he resumed changing the channels till he came across one which was playing the movie Vansh. When she confirmed that she hadn’t watched it previously, they settled on it.

Watching a movie is usually a relaxing activity, but Naina’s heart had probably never been so agitated before. She did not hear a word uttered on the TV but was acutely aware of his slightest movements. When she tried to sit up, not leaning on him so much, he put his one arm around her waist and muttered “Kya ho gaya? Theek se relax hoke baithon…” Naina wondered bewildered, Aise baithon… ya relax karo… dono ek sath kaise ho sakta hai?!

Every now and then the thumb of his other hand gently stroked one of her upper arms, lighting a trail of goose bumps. It was nothing like any of the tickling she had experienced before. And then, every cell in her body shivered. Feeling her shiver, he asked “Naina, tumhe darr toh nahi lagta na mere pass aane se?” She mumbled “Nahi toh… bus kuch ajeeb sa feel hota hai…” He tilted her chin back and asked his heart pounding “Ajeeb matlab? Uncomfortable??” Seeing the vulnerable look in his eyes and his apprehensive tone, she rushed to assure him “Uncomfortable nahi… par kuch aisa… jo, pehele kabhi mehsus nahi hua…” He smiled feeling relived “Mujhe bhi! Tum pass hoti ho toh dhadkane bahoot tez ho jati hai… aur jab dur hoti ho, toh kasam se, bilkul acha nahi lagta!” She leaned closer, rested her head against his chest and accepted “Mujhe bhi.”

He kissed the top of her head softly and muttered “Naina, main tumhe bata nahi sakta… just how much I have hated saying goodnight at the end of the night these last couple of months. She asked in a complaining tone “Toh kyun jaate thay?” When he wordlessly shrugged his shoulders, she whispered “Bahoot mann hota thay ke aap ko rok lu…” He now pouted “Toh roka kyun nahi?” She smiled a little sadly “Kyun ki, darr lagta tha, ke kahi aap mere kehne ke baad bhi nahi ruke… toh phir toh saare bharam bhi toot jayenge.” As he held her very tightly, he remembered reading somewhere, that a lot of people never find the guts to follow on their dreams, just because they are afraid of having to face a reality, where they no longer have the hope of that dream to lull them to sleep.

They watched the movie in silence for some time, till Naina felt his fingers caress her arm again for a minute or two before moving to her waist. She wasn’t sure how exactly it happened but the next thing she realised was his lips were on her neck and then they moved closer to her ear. His hand found the side slit in her kurta and slipped inside. His fingers fluttered at her waist and then over her belly. Sameer groaned as he unsuccessfully struggled to control his need to touch her. She shivered as his thumb gently rubbed against her navel and then the soft rise of her belly under it. 

The movie did not register with them till the extremely sensual song Aake teri bahon mein started playing. Both looked at the TV with a dazed look. 

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Mere Man Ko Mahakaaye Mere Man Ko Mahakaaye

Tere Man Ki Kastoori

Their eyes returned to each other. Sameer turning her a little more towards himself cupped her face and whispered “Naina, aaj peheli baar iss gaane ke bol puri tarha samajh aa rahe hai.” His one palm moved up and down her back tracking the curve of her spine.

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Ho...Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

The desire burning inside him was reflecting in his smouldering eyes. She not able to meet his gaze anymore, tried to hide her face against his chest.

Mehki Havaaen Udta Aanchal Lat Ghunghraale Kaale Baadal

Aan..Mehki Havaaen Udta Aanchal Lat Ghunghraale Kaale Baadal

He ran his fingers through her hair, they were soft and heavy, like a dark cloud about to burst and drench him. She felt delirious; this expression of love was like nothing she had even dreamt of! Naina flung her arms around his neck.

Prem Sudha Nainon Se Barse Pee Lene Ko Jeevan Tarse

He fisted his hand in her hair and pulled back her head murmuring “Please meri taraf dekho…” She looked at him with half-open eyes, feeling almost drugged.

Baahon Mein Kas Lene De Preet Ka Chumban Dene De 

Baahon Mein Kas Lene De Preet Ka Chumban Dene De

In Adhron Se Chhalak N Jaae In Adhron Se Chhalak N Jaae

Yauvan Ras Angoori

He traced the outline of her lips with one finger and then caressed her lower lip with his thumb. A part of her said this was all too much to bear and she wanted to close her eyes in bashfulness, but another part was far too fascinated with his look of enchantment to tear her gaze away. He sought permission in a trembling voice “Naina??” She closed her eyes and moved her lip very slightly, but it was invitation enough. 

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

His lips brushed against hers so very lightly once, before he placed a tender kiss.

Sundarta Ka Bahata Saagar Tere Liye Hai Roop Ki Gaagar

Sundarta Ka Bahata Saagar Tere Liye Hai Roop Ki Gaagar

Indra Dhanush Ke Rang Churaaun Teri Julmi Maang Sajaaun

He drew back momentarily, his eyes trying to take in the beauty of the moment and that of his woman. The blush on her cheeks, the almost faded lipstick that she had applied that morning and tiny speck of still vibrant sindhoor; all creating a picture that would be treasured in his heart for an eternity.

Do Foolon Ke Khilne Ka Vakt Yahi Hai Milne Ka

Do Foolon Ke Khilne Ka Vakt Yahi Hai Milne Ka

Sameer couldn’t wait anymore. His lips claimed hers, at first a little hesitant, and then with more passion. 

Aajaa Milke Aaj Mitaa De Aajaa Milke Aaj Mitaa De

Thodi Si Ye Doori

Naina trembled in his arms. He was so close and yet it did not feel close enough. A few times his lips wandered away from her lips; sometimes to almost reverently kiss her closed eyes, or to feverishly shower her cheeks with some love. But they always returned to the rosy allure, to claim some more of his much longed for meetha.

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Ho...Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Mere Man Ko Mahakaaye Mere Man Ko Mahakaaye

Tere Man Ki Kastoori

Both were caught in the tempest conjured by all the new sensations and their intense need for each other.

Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Hmm.. Aake Teri Baahon Mein Har Shaam Lage Sindoori

Sameer pulled back abruptly, though not feeling sated in the least, he was not sure if he would be able to exercise any restraint if he continued for even another second. Both clung to each other breathless. Naina looked at him feeling a little disoriented, her heart thudding, lips tingling, as every bit of her seemed to protest at this sudden distance. Why did he stop?! She instinctively moved a little closer and tilted her head back, trying to offer him an easier access.

Seeing her swollen lips and the look of utter surrender in her eyes, he almost dived back in for another exploration, but then placed a lingering kiss on her temple instead and got out of the sofa. Trying to cool off some of his ardour, he headed to the minibar and pulling out a cola started guzzling it. She sat on the sofa still stunned, both by her own reactions and his withdrawal. He headed to the restroom after finishing the cola and after exiting it casually mentioned that he was heading to the reception to gather some information about some local tours that the receptionist had mentioned during the check-in process. Naina nodded and then unenthusiastically headed to the bathroom herself.

Seeing her flushed reflection, she at first turned away very consciously, but then resumed inspecting the image. She tenderly touched her lips, noticing how they looked much fuller than they had ever before. There was a slight redness around the periphery. The memory of the way his kiss had changed from a gentle caress to a slight nibble and then to the urgent demand, left her weak in the knees again. She could still feel his touch on her, the muscles of her belly quivered at the memory of his hand under her kurta. She was about to splash some water on her face but paused realising she was not ready to wash away whatever was left of him.

Moving out to the room, Naina sat on the bed, contemplating on all these new developments in their relationship. She recalled his earlier apprehension; he had been worried that maybe she was afraid or uncomfortable with his closeness. But, she knew, irrespective of whatever phase they had been going through, she had only felt safe around him. Safe and something else… some sort of magnetic pull towards him. There had been an unflinching certainty that they belonged together, and that she was bound to him forever. That conviction of her soul had today resonated through her body too. The way his handholds or hugs had always felt right and welcome, so had everything that had just transpired between them.

Their journey which had started with a mere accidental bump, had very quickly been followed by them being proclaimed as each other’s better half. Though love and marriage are primarily depicted as ‘Do aatmaon ka milan’, she was starting to understand why the word ‘Ardhangini’ was so closely associated with it. In that moment, the actual path leading to their union was a little shrouded in mist, but she was ready to walk it, holding his hand.

Sameer sat in the lounge, flipping through some newspapers. Feeling very much on the edge, he had headed downstairs. Getting some information from the reception about local tours had taken five minutes at the most, but he not been ready to be in the room alone with her. And hence had plopped in one of the leather armchairs and tried to distract his overactive mind and body by reading some articles about the success of the recent local cattle fair, the delay in completion of a bridge that locals had hoped would be ready in time for Diwali, and so on. Finally, he settled on reading the progress of the cricket series being played between West Indies and England and the what was being predicted by experts.

She glanced at the clock and noted it was almost five. Receptionist se chaar baate poochne mein itna waqt lagta hai kya? Pata nahi kaha reh gaye… Yaha bhi toh itna kuch hai dekhne ke liye… aur kaha jaane hai inhe ab ghoomne! Baar baar mujhe batate hai, ke honeymoon pe aaye hai… toh aise biwi ko kamre mein akela chodke kaun jaata hoga?!

The ringing of the phone interrupted her irritated thoughts. It was her husband calling to say that he was in the lounge and would come up shortly. He asked her to get ready so that they could head out for the evening as planned. Before he hung up, she queried “Aur lounge mein kay kar rahe hai aap?” He replied “Kuch khaas nahi… bus newspaper padh raha tha. Aaj subhe padhna nahi tha na…” As Naina walked over to the cupboard to select an outfit for the evening, she was thinking, Biwi ko chod ke saari duniya ki khabar rakhna jaruri hota hai! Char din kaunsi team jeeti ya hari yeh pata nahi chalega toh kya koi pralay aa jayega… Main hi pagal hu jo yah baithke inki raah dekh rahi thi!

Despite her annoyance, when he returned to the room a little later, she was dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans, a red with white polka dots top and brushing her open hair rather vigorously. Sameer checking out the shapely waist and legs highlighted by the jeans, headed to the minibar to fetch another cold drink. As he gulped it rather quickly, he asked her, trying not to sound flustered “Yeh kaha se aaya? Tumne toh kaha tha, tumhare pass koi jeans nahi hai…” She beamed “Preeti leke aayi thi, jab packing mein help karne aayi thi. Ussne bilkul sahi guess kiya ke mujhe pehen ke photos nikalne ka mann hoga. Aur pata hai, yeh wala top toh ekdum naya hai… keh rahi thi, ussne abhi pehna bhi nahi hai!” He muttered “Aare wah… how sweet of her…” Naina smiled even wider “Ha, woh toh hai… Preeti ko hamesha bahoot fikar lagi rehti hai meri.”

She then shyly turned towards him “Aap ko acha laga? Maine soch baal bhi khule hi rakhti hu… aap kehte hai na hamesha.” He admitted “Ha, bahoot achi lag rahi ho. Suit karte hai tumhe.” He then turned towards the restroom saying, “Main fresh hoke aata hu… sunno, tum taiyar ho jao, toh woh cash ka envelope nikal ke dena mujhe.” Naina was a little surprised by his rationed-out compliment but carried on accessorising the outfit. A minute later happy with the choice of white hoop earrings and a broad white bangle on one wrist, she finished applying a slightly darker than usual shade of lipstick and then turned to the closet.

When Sameer exited the bathroom, he was a little perplexed to find her searching for something in an increasingly frantic manner. When he enquired what was misplaced, she first tried to ignore his query, but on repeated questioning replied “Sameer, bag ki chabbi nahi mil rahi hai… Mujhe laga tha purse mein rakhi thi, par na waha hai aur na almari mein kahi mil rahi hai.” He heading to the mirror responded dismissively “Aare, wahi kahi hogi… baad mein dhundh lena, saara samaan closet mein hi rakha hai na… toh ab kyun dhudh rahi ho?” She mumbled as she continued searching under some clothes “Samaan to bahar hai, par woh cash ka envelope undar rakha hai.”

He headed over “Envelope bag mein kyun rakha?” She replied sounding a little exasperated “Almari mein koi locker nahi hai, toh aise hi bahar kaise rakhti?” He asked “Par lock karne ki jarurat hi kya thi? Kamare se kaha gayab hone wale thay paise? Humare alawa kyon aata hai yaha?!”  She scowled at him “Kyon aata hai matlab? Jab hum nahi hote tabhi toh cleaners aate hai… pata chala kudde ke sath-sath humare paise bhi saaf kar gaye!” He replied impatiently “Yaar, kitna shaq karti ho! Chodo mujhe dekhne do.” As she stepped away, he now started going through the cupboard inch by inch. After about ten minutes of unproductive search, he asked “Purse kaha hai tumhari? Ussi mein hogi keys.”

Muttering “Dekh liya hai maine… aap bhi tasalli kar lijiye!” she handed it over to him. Sameer complained as he started going through the contents “Itni cheeze kyun hai iss mein? Yaar, tumhe jaruri cheez milti hi kaise hai?! Aur kause pocket mein rakhi thi?” He opened the inner most pocket which was stuffed with some receipts, a jumble of safety pins, a pen, few coins, half a packet of mints and something wrapped in a black plastic bag. As he started opening the bag, she squeaked “Sameer, use chodiye!” Ignoring her, he opened the bag and found a sanitary napkin. As he was about to stuff it back, he stopped and then pulled out the tiny bronze key. She stuttered “Mujhe kaise nahi deekhi?? Maine toh dekha tha theek se…”

He handed her the purse shaking his head “Pata nahi kaunse jamane ke bills aur kya kya rakha hai. Kaunsa business expense claim karna hota hai tumhe?!” As he walked back to the mirror, he advised “Aur ab kahi aisi jagah rakho ke aasani se mile.” She murmured “Maine toh socha tha safe rahegi purse mein… pata nahi plastic mein kaise chali gayi…” He shot “Ha, waise hi safe na, jaise kangan rakhe thay… pata nahi, pursa ka zip wala pocket ka hua… koi bank ka locker!” Naina feeling chastised at the memory of the lost kangans, looked away for a moment and then turning around asked “Aap ko kaise pata kangan zip wale pocket mein rakhe thay maine??” He coloured at getting almost caught and tried to brush it away “Bus… laga mujhe… aur kaha ho sakte thay, nahi? Acha chodo… ab chalte hai, warna andhera hone lagega toh boating mein kya mazza aayega, right?”

But her antennas were up. She asked “Mujhe theek se batayiye ke kangan kaha mile thay aap ko? Uss waqt bhi main soch rahi thi… ke bag toh uss ladke ko canteen mei mila tha, toh aap ko kangan kaise mile thay?” His shoulders slumped a little as he recounted that he had found her bag and removed the kangans before asking someone to return it. When she questioned his motive, he admitted that he had been a little annoyed that she had been busy chatting with some guy and had also wanted to give her a small scare so that she wouldn’t remove the kangans again.

Naina looked at him infuriated “Kangan na nikalti?! Kaha toh aapne hi tha na, ke koi jarurat nahi hai? Aap ko koi farak nahi padta main unhe pehnu ya nahi.” He going on the defensive shot back “Toh ghar pe nikal ke rakhti… college mein leke ghumne mein kaunsi akalmandi thi? Nani ke hai aur tumhare shahgun ke. Itna carelessly kyun chod aayi thi canteen mein?”

The next few minutes were spent arguing about who was in the right. Naina announced that she wasn’t in the mood to head out now as she could feel a headache coming on! He muttered something about women and the convenient timing of the headaches and then went on thoughtlessly “Ab toh tum do-teen din kamre se bahaar nikalne se rahi… peechli baar bhi dekha tha maine!” The moment the words were out, he looked ashen. She realising that he was referring to the time when she had stayed in her room post his first night in her room, gave him a deathly glare and said very clearly “Peechli baar na, kaha toh maine sardard tha, par asali dard toh mere dil mein ho raha tha.” And then before he could gather his wits, she marched to the bathroom and locked herself in there.

Sameer stood feeling wretched for a few moments, wondering if there was any treatment available anywhere for his speak-first-think-later disorder, and then rushed to towards the bathroom. Five minutes of pleading and coaxing later, she opened the door and stepped out with a red nose and smeared eyeliner. He immediately pulled her in an embrace and murmured countless apologies, as she sniffled for a bit and then croaked “Aap ko kya lagta hai, main sardard ka natak kar rahi thi uss waqt? Sameer, mujhe waaqi bahoot takleef hui thi uss waqt… aisa laga tha, ke sab khatam ho gaya…” He tried to shush her “Naina, meri jaan, mera bilkul woh matlab nahi tha… tumhe toh ab samajh aa gaya hoga na, ke yeh stupid ghussa meri sabse badi kumzori hai. Patta nahi, bina soche kya bol gaya… kasam se!” She probed “Par ghussa kiss baat par hai aap? Aisa toh kuch nahi hua… chabbi hi toh misplace hui thi…” He admitted “Kuch nahi hua hai…. Bus main kuch alag tension mein tha… par tumse bilkul naraaz nahi tha…”

She titled her head upwards “Kaisa tension??” His eyes briefly darted to the sofa where they had shared their amorous session earlier that day, but then he tried to brush away her query “Kuch khaas nahi…. bus… ha, woh yaad aaya ke Munshiji ko kuch batana bhul gaya.” She responded “Toh phone kar dijiye na…” He nodded in agreement and then added trying to lighten the mood “Par iss waqt mujhe jayda tension ek chudail ko dekh ke ho rahi hai!” She was surprised “Kaisi Chudail?” He smirked “Ek aisi chudail, jisne mere bechare bhoole bhale dil pe jaadu kiya hai, aur usse puri tarha apne vash mein kar liya hai…” She pretended to be angry “O… toh main chudail lagti hu aap ko?” He chuckled “Sheeshe mein shakal dekho apni… kaise daravani aankhe bana li hai! Jao apna makeup theek kar lo… bahar chalte hai.” As she tried to walk away, he pulled her back into his arms and whispered against her ears “Waise ekdum solid lag rahi ho jeans mein!” She blushed deeply, finally satisfied with his reaction to her outfit.

Some ten minutes later when they stepped out of the hotel, it was clear that it was already getting too dark to proceed with their original boating plan.  It was agreed that a stroll along the lake and then through the market would have to be it for the evening. They soon came across a bunch of kids were playing Vish-Amrut and stood watching the children’s antics for some time. Naina reminisced how she used to play this and many other games like blindman’s bluff and Kho-kho in school with her classmates. 

He suddenly exclaimed “Naina, agli baar Chachaji ke ghar jayenge toh mujhe tumhari school ki photos dekhni hai!” She tried to brush anyway “Uss mein kya hai dekhne jaisa… waise bhi jyada nahi hai…” He insisted smiling “Jitni bhi hai, aur jaisi bhi hai, mujhe dekhni hai! Dekhu toh, meri yeh pagli kaise lagti thi school mein… Pakka do chotti mein bhoot cute lagti hogi tum!” She responded a little huffily “Koi cute nahi thi main… pata hai, Taiji ke farmaan ke anusar itna tel lagana padta tha baalon mein, ke humare class ke ladke mein mujhe chumpu ya maniben keheke chidaate thay.” He leaned closer and muttered “Chalo, acha hi hua… warna, pata chala, koi aur meri Maina ko leke phurr ho jata!”

The mosquitoes buzzing around the lake managed to drive them away in less than ten minutes and so they soon ended up in the market area. When Sameer mentioned that he was getting a bit peckish, Naina happily pointed in the direction of the stall selling clouds of pink spun sugar. He asked surprised “Buddhi ke baal khane hai tumhe??” Her sparkling eyes were answer enough and so he fetched some thinking, Yaar, iss mein toh jyada se jyada do chamach cheeni hogi… pet kaise bharega??

But, seeing her sitting on a bench and relishing it, her eyes closing contently every now and then, his heart brimmed with joy. Seeing some bits sticking to her lips, he wished they had been somewhere far away, where kissing his wife publicly, wouldn’t have been frowned upon. His mind drifted to his earlier confusion, she has responded to the kiss much better than he had expected and had seemed quite happy for him to continue, did it mean he should just try to prod forward without trying to explain anything.

Naina turned towards him to point out something but stopped abruptly. There it was again, that look of uncertainty mingled with some apprehension. He had avoided truthfully answering her question earlier in the room, when she had wanted to know what he was tense about, but his eyes had involuntarily lingered on the sofa. She couldn’t be a hundred percent certain but was fairly sure that he was stressing about the Full Toss she had pitched at him the night before. She fiddled with her kangan wondering what she should do to alleviate his worry and then suddenly smiled thinking, Matlab, mann hi mann chahate toh yahi thay ke main kangan na utaru!

The candyfloss finished, she leaned against his shoulder “Sameer, buddhi ke baal se pet nahi bhara…” He laughed “Thank God! Mujhe bhi bahot bhook lagi hai. Kal wale Chinese mein hi chale? Menu acha hai unka.” She nodded looking excited at the prospect of trying something new. He suddenly touched his lips, while indicating to hers with his eyes. She fumbled looking around nervously “Yaha?? Par yaha toh bahoot log hai.” He was momentarily perplexed and then smiled cheekily “Hello madam… main toh sirf yeh keh raha tha ke thoda candyfloss reh gaya hai tumhare hoton pe.” She coloured even deeper as she ran her tongue over her lower lip trying to get rid of the sticky bits. He closed his eyes in defeat and tried to remember the statistics of various West Indies players in the series so far.

Naina tried the Hot and Sour Veg Soup that evening and decided that it was more to her liking than the Sweet Corn. During a scrumptious and very filling dinner of Chilly Paneer, Gobi Manchurian and Fried Rice, she tried to guess the ingredients of every dish and excitedly announced that she was going to buy Chinese recipe books for herself and Preeti. Sameer chuckled thinking, Lagta hai, bechare Preeti ke pati ki halat bhi mere jaise hi hone wali hai… pet bhar khana jarur milega, par dil ke baaki saare armaan adhure hi reh jaayenge! She narrowed her eyes at him “Agar aapko lagta hai ke mujhe aayega hi nahi… toh bilkul galat soch rahe hai. Chalo, bet lagate hai... Ghar jaane ke ek hafte ke undar Chinese khana banake deekhayungi!”

As they strolled back to the hotel, hand in hand, Naina said "Sameer, wapas jaake thodi der lounge mein baithe?" He nodded " Ha, mera waise bhi coffee pene ka bahoot mann hai. " And so about twenty minutes later, they were settled on a sofa in the lounge sipping on the hot brew. 

When the waiter had brought their drink, Naina had fished the camera out of her handbag and asked him to click a couple of photos. Once the guy left, she has smiled broadly at her husband "Ghar jaake sabko dikhaungi kitna acha hotel thay! Preeti toh bahoot khush hogi." Sameer had stayed in places like this before, usually when travelling with his Nanu, but her excitement made this experience special for him too.

Sipping on the coffee, he remarked thoughtfully "Naina, next year... or maybe the year after, jarah kaam settle ho jaye toh, hum Europe ki trip plan karenge!" She looked up surprised, having never considered something like this as a possibility for herself, even in her wildest dreams! He went on "Switzerland toh pakka dekhna hai, par tum aur kaha jaana chahogi?" She had replied uncertainty "Maine toh kabhi aisa kuch socha bhi nahi tha... Matlab, Europe jaana koi chotisi baat thodehi hai." She confessed timidly "Sameer, mujhe toh do saal pehele Bombay gayi thi tab waha ki bheed dekhkar hi bahoot jee ghabraya tha... Europe toh aur bhi bada hoga na? Aur waha ki bhasha bhi toh kitni alag hogi…” He tucked her hand around his elbow and teased cheerfully “Tum bus har waqt mera hath pakde rehna, baaki sab main sambhal lunga!” 

They discussed the various places on their wish list to visit and different experiences they looked forward to, at times happy to realise that they shared the same interest and at times surprised to learn something unexpected about their spouse.

A little later they headed to their room and changed for the night. Naina looked at her reflection in the pink lace with a new awareness that night. She wondered what waited outside. The night before he had strewn rose petals on the bed, he must be waiting eagerly for her tonight too, especially after the kiss earlier in the day. She dabbed some talcum powder and then nervously exited the bathroom.

Sameer was sitting his legs stretched on the bed watching some English movie with a surprisingly large number of Chinese looking actors. He did not say anything as she got in the bed and demurely sat on her side leaving a small gap. A look of nervousness fleeted across his face too. When he did not say anything nor move closer to her, she asked softly “Kaunsi movie hai?” He replied “Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow.” Naina thought to herself, baapre kitna ajeeb naam hai… and then asked him “Nayi hai?” He shook his head “Aare nahi, bahoot purani hai, par Jackie Chan ki ekdum classic movie hai. Kya solid action kiya hai usne!” She asked slightly surprised “Pehele dekhi hai aapne?” He confirmed “Ha, kum se kum char-panch baar toh dekh hi chuka hu.” And then he pointed out Jackie Chan to her. 

Some silence followed, during which both were occupied with thoughts of anything but Jackie Chan.

Sameer recalled their kiss and its effects. One touch of her lips and he had felt the blood surging through his veins with a new force, like life had suddenly taken on a new meaning. All his earlier apprehension was instantly swept away. A tiny smile had flickered at the ends of his lips thinking this is the magic that has driven poets to write countless sonnets about. His heart had started beating much faster, his fingers on her body had turned more frantic, he needed to feel every inch of her, and reassure himself that she was truly his. Her lips had stayed sealed through most of it, but his heart had been happy to just sense her willingness, her surrender. When she had leaned forward wanting more, he had desperately wanted to carry her to the bed and continue discovering numerous more delights for both of them. But, had stopped instead, and then headed downstairs to cool off for a bit.

He had not come up with any ideas regarding how to carry out that specific discussion with her. He now pondered, what if he couldn’t control himself the next time around? Walking out of the room in the middle of the night was hardly an option!

Naina sat wondering, why was he more interested in watching a movie that he had watched multiple times before instead of wanting to repeat the earlier experience? She thought a little stressed, Agar usse kuch hota nahi hai, toh phirse kyun nahi kar sakte? Kahi… aisa toh nahi ke inhe acha hi nahi laga? No, she couldn’t have read his body language too incorrectly. He had definitely enjoyed it. Shayad inhe samajh nahi aa raha hoga ke mujhe koi problem nahi hai, thinking this she slid closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. 

Sameer groaned inwardly and then started telling her about the various characters and the plot of the movie. Naina listened growing increasingly annoyed and after a couple of minutes asked “Aap yaha karate sheekhne aaye hai ya mere sath time spend karne?!” He responded “Aare sath hi toh movie dekh rahe hai na… kitne pass-pass baithke…” She moved away from him and resting her head on her pillow facing the other direction, snapped at him “Mujhe nahi dekhni koi ladhayi! So rahi hu main.” 

He mentally asked God “Bhagwanji, yeh kaise dhramsankat mein dal diya hai mujhe?!” and then turning of the TV, scooted close to her. He started “Naina, naraaz kyun ho rahi ho? Tumhe achi nahi lagi movie toh bata deti na… dekho maine band kar di.” She fumed for some more time and then shot at him “Mujhe nahi laga tha aapka sara pyar bus ek kiss mein hi khatam ho jayega!” Sameer put his arm around her and replied snuggling “Ek se toh kya… believe me, ek lakh se bhi mera dil nahi bharega!” She asked in a slightly wobbly voice “Sameer, aapko acha nahi laga kya?” He rushed to assure her “Naina, aisi koi baat nahi hai. Woh bus, main… matlab… mujhe nahi pata ke agar mujhse control nahi hua… aur agar aage ka tumhe acha nahi laga… toh… problem na ho jaaye.” 

She stayed quiet, not knowing how to respond, wondering why he was so sceptical about her not liking whatever was to follow. He tenderly kissed her cheek and then added “Naina, jo bhi hona hai, tabhi hona chahiye jab hum dono comfortable feel kare… main nahi chahata ke uss waqt, tumhe koi shock lage, ya mujhe koi anxiety lagi ho… humme aage ka sab theek se soch samajh ke hi, aage badhna chahiye.” She nodded, as he whispered, “You trust me, right?” She felt the anxiety leave her, yes, she trusted him. Both prayed that the next day would bring some resolution to their predicament.

Thanks for the wonderful surprise May.. was expecting the Update on Friday... 😊

Coming to the update, how do u get such innocent thoughts for Naina where she ends up comparing herself with Sita or characters from Archies comics... it gives such realistic view of a naive female’s mindset 

That purse thing brought so many funny fighting memories back for me... I guess every husband has atleast once questioned his wife after checking her purse “Isme poori duniya ka Kabaada kyun bhar rakha hai... tumhe isme kuch milta kaise hai”... once he had said...”you know what u won’t even know if there is a snake 🐍 in this” 🤣

I loved the way Sameer was restless but skeptical to move ahead and Naina though naive was impatient herself and eager for more.. so natural for a new couple ♥️ 

First fight as typical husband wife in honeymoon was cute and I loved Naina’s question whether he has come to learn Karate... girl has no clue 😂

On Naina’s job front, I know I myself said that now it’s time for Naina to join sameer in Nanu’s business but her hesitation makes sense considering she always craved for financial independence. so I’m eager to see how sameer or Nanu assure her in that front 

Loved the subtle description of their first kiss ♥️ What a beautiful song u chose for it... I love all songs of VAARIS but this one is my fav

Awaiting for next update as usual 

Cheers,

Akanksha 

wah may subh subh kya surprise diya hai mazaa a gya big big thankuuuuuuuuuuu dear....❤

Hello May di🤗.  Lovely and a long update 😊. Finally Sameer ko uska meetha meetha mil hi gaya❤️. Their turmoil was very well described.  The nok jhok was very cute. Finally kangan Sameer ki milne ka raaz Naina ko pata chal gaya. And Mrs Maheshwari was so happy that he wanted her to wear the kangans. 😆 Naina's complain about Sameer's interest in the movie was so amazing 🤣.  Ab toh Naina ka bhi green signal hai☺️. Amazing update. 

Will love to read further. Eagerly waiting to read.

Disha.

❤❤ it was long update pr dil kiya k khtm hi na ho kbhi ur story is magic... plzzz nxt update jldi dena dear...❤❤

Just an amazing update. Loved it so much. Subah subah maza aa Gaya raad karne me. I m very much excited to know how he will make her understand because she is soo naive. But finally kiss happened. Laughed out loud when she complained and said mujhe nahi Laga tha aapka Sara pyar ek kiss me hi khatam ho jayega.  But loved how Sameer calmly explained her . Loved the update sooo much dear. Upar se itna Lamba. Maza aagaya bahot Sara. Thanks dear.

Wow May what a wonderful update and once again thanks for making this one long 😀.

 Coming to the update I really really enjoyed it my heart was beating so fast in anticipation about the way they are gonna understand each other’s anxieties and apprehensions, Chalo slowly hi sahi gaadi aage tho Bad rahi hain. The way Sameer is trying to give Naina space so that she will be comfortable as well as able to enjoy their physical relationship is simply heartwarming. 

The cute fight between them was a treat and Naina realizing that he never wanted her to remove kangans was 👏🏽. Discussion about their work situation is also beautifully done. I liked it very much that you added a song to this update which was so apt to their situation. 

Now counting the days to the next update🤨🤨

Your loyal reader 

Sonya.