|| OS Writing Contest - Voting Round || CLOSED

Welcome to Voting Round of very first OS Contest of Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai Forum. 

We are really overwhelmed with the response you all gave to the SAMAINA OS CONTEST. We heartily thank all the members for appreciation. 

We got total 16 entries from creative minds of the forum. It was something beyond our expectations. It is least to say that each entry is as outstanding as the other. 

We are damn sure, it's really going to be a tough fight and the readers are going to have a real dilemma in judging them through their votes.

So, finally we are up with the final round of this Contest "The Voting Round". Readers, now it's your turn to choose wisely without any bias.

Thanks & Regards

Contest Organizing Team: -Ross- & _.SilentHeart._

Siggy Credit: Sujz 

 Readers have to cast their votes openly through commenting in the thread for their favorite stories.

 Readers have to mention the entry number for casting their votes for each category.

 Readers will be allowed to vote only ONCE for the Contest. Multiple voting is NOT allowed.

 It is suggested that readers should vote without editing their posts. However, you can edit your Vote Post in case of any dilemma. Any changes done after last date of voting won't be accepted and that particular vote won't be counted at all.

 Participants CAN NOT vote for their OWN story. However, they can vote for other stories by following the above instructions. No participant should ask for votes through PM, if we find it out your entry will be disqualified.

 The voting Round will be opened for 21 days i.e till 5th September 2018 11:59 PM IST.

 Newbie/accounts created on or after 1st August 2018 are not allowed to vote in the contest.

 It is expected from all the participants to have sporty guts for the results. This competition is not meant to hurt your fandom or anything personal.

 Readers are expected to go through all stories before casting their votes. Someone has taken time for you out of their busy schedule so be grateful and appreciate the efforts.

~Voting Procedure~

 Vote for following categories. 

 1. Top 3 Best OS Stories

 2. Consolation Prizes 

        Most Romantic OS
        Dil Le Lo OS
        Most Engrossing OS
        Thinking Out of the Box OS

Note: 

 Readers have to vote for all the  above categories, if you skip any then your vote won't be counted. 

 Readers are allowed to vote same OS in multiple categories. 

 See the first post on the second page for how to vote.

THEME 1

ENTRY 1

Main Tujhse Milne Aayi Mandir Jaane Ke Bahane

After many years of togetherness and going through many hurdles in their love story, finally Aggarwals agreed to Naina and Sameer's marriage. Both the families had accepted both of them and were happy  with this alliance and Samaina were waiting to start a new phase in their life. Now that their marriage was coming closer, the preparations were going on in full swing while both Sameer and Naina were lost in their dreams of their life together after their marriage. But as expected from the Aggarwals, especially Taiji who was very orthodox and particular about all the rituals, she asked Naina to stay at home only now as it was just week to go for her wedding date. She had instructed her; rather ordered her saying " dekh Naina samjha dena us Bholuram ko ki ab se shaadi tak milna julna band warna mujhse bura koi nahi hoga. Naina had instantly mumbled to herself "aapse bura koi ho bhi nahi sakta and she received a strict stare from her askingkuchh kaha tune? and she just told her that she would tell Sameer and both of them would do as she wanted.

Sameer was very upset when Naina informed her about the new regulation passed by Taiji as he could not stay without seeing her atleast once a day. But Naina told him to be patient as it was a matter of just few days after which no one would be able to separate them. But he behaved like a small kid saying "kuchh din? Main tumhare bina ek din nahi nikal sakta aur tumhari Taiji bhi na. Kuchh karo Naina aise to main shaadi se pehle mar hi jaaunga. Naina laughed seeing his face and he was feeling as if a new villain entered their love story. This was the order passed by Taiji and he wanted to fight this villain too but as expected Naina was trying to console him saying that it's a matter of few days. She would regularly talk to him on phone and won't let him feel lonely. He accepted this with a heavy heart for the sake of her happiness and also because he wanted her to spend some quality time with her family before her marriage. Now that she was getting married to a rich and influential person, everyones' outlook towards her had changed especially Taiji who spared her from her slaps since the day they both got engaged.

Both of them could talk to each other on phone as she had promised, but he wasn't at peace without seeing her. Naina too wanted to meet him as she was also missing him but she knew her family really well. If anyone came to know that she went to meet him without their permission, then there would be another scandal before the marriage and she never wanted this. Therefore she kept on advising him to have patience for few more days as soon both of them would be together forever. She also wanted him to spend time with his family and take part in the marriage preparations and help the elders. He could manage for a few days but one day his patience gave up and decided that he wanted to meet her at any cost. He wanted to see her once and spend some time with her and he would make sure this time that she agrees. They used to talk to each other at night when everyone went off to sleep as she didn't get much time to talk to him during the day time as she was always surrounded by her family members. Sameer was constantly pestering her to come and meet him the next day as just two days are left and he wants to meet her for the last time as his girlfriend. After this they would be husband wife and these girlfriend and boyfriend feels would never be back in their life. But she wasn't ready to do so but Sameer was adamant this time.

Sameer: Naina dekho yeh jo samay hai na yeh wapas nahi aane wala. Hum na aage chalke is samay ko miss karenge aur tab humare paas sirf is samay ki yaadein hi hongi. Main tumse main aakhri baar keh raha hu ki tumhe mujhse milne aana hi hoga kyunki main tumse mile bina nahi reh sakta.

Naina: milna to main bhi chahti hu lekin tum meri family ko jaante ho na.Taiji ne kaha hai agar ladka aur ladki shaadi se kuchh din pehle ek doosre ka chehra dekhte hain to apshagun hota hai aur wo aisa nahi hone dengi kyunki wo shaadi mein kisi tarah ki koi pareshani nahi chahti.

Sameer: chehra dekhne pe apshagun hota hai na milne par to nahi? To ek idea hai tum apna chehra dhak kar rakhna aur main dark goggles pehen lumga. Isse unki baat bhi reh jayegi aur hum mil bhi payenge. Please ek baar mujhse mil lo Naina mujhse nahi raha jaa raha tumse mile bina.

Naina thought for a moment and that this idea of meeting with her face hidden might work as this way she would be able to fulfill both Taiji and Sameer s wishes. She asked him to meet her at the temple the next day as she would be going there next morning. He asked her to come alone and not with the elders as always and she told him that she would bring Preeti along with her. The family won't let her go out alone anywhere now. Sameer was elated to know this as finally she had agreed to meet him. Naina wanted to end the call as it was quite late but he wasn't ready to do so. He had something in his mind which he wanted to ask her. He was hesitating initially which Naina understood from the way he was trying to find out words to put that together. She asked him what is it that he wants to say? She told him that he could say everything that was in his mind as there is nothing which can't be shared between them.

Sameer: main wo poochna chahta hu ki tum parlour kab jaa rahi ho? Jaa bhi rahi ho ya nahi? Bhabhi ne bataya tha ki shaadi se pehle ladkiyan parlour jaati hain jisse wo shaadi mein aur bhi khoobsurat lag saken

Naina (in a teasing tone): iska matlab main abhi sundar nahi lagti tumhe?

Sameer: nahi mera wo matlab nahi hai Naina tum to mere liye sab se khoobsurat ho aur humesha rahogi. Lekin main chahta hu ki tum wo har khushi mehsoos karo jo doosri ladkiyan karti hain apni shaadi mein. Main chahta hu ki humari shaadi se judi har baat tumhare liye yaadgar bane.

Naina: Sameer mere ghar waale in sab baton mein nahi maante. Pooja Didi ke time bhi aisa kuchh nahi kiya tha to mere liye to tum bhool hi jaao. Wo kabhi nahi maanenge aur tum koshish bhi mat karna. Main nahi chahti ki koi nayi pareshani ho.

Sameer became upset as he noticed sadness in her voice but he decided that he would not let her stay away from any happiness that she deserves. He wanted to give her all the happiness and he decided to take Poonam Bhabhi's help in this matter. There Naina woke up Preeti and told her everything. Although she was sleepy but when she heard that Naina was going to meet him, she hugged her and agreed to go with her to the temple. Next morning Naina was getting ready to go to the temple and Chachiji wanted to accompany her as always. But she told her that she would go with Preeti as she must be very busy with the wedding preparations. Chachiji was surprised as Preeti rarely agreed to go to the temple but today she agreed readily. Chachiji asked her to carry out a special pooja in the temple which is very auspicious for all the would be brides. Naina agreed to do as she was advised by her Chachiji.

Both of them went to the temple and Naina had her face covered with the scarf and they found Sameer already waiting for them when they reached the temple. He had his goggles on as planned by both of them. He was lost in her eyes for few moments as he could see only her beautiful eyes which had so much love for him which he could feel at heart. Preeti cleared her throat to bring him out of his thoughts after which Naina went inside the temple with Sameer and both of them carried out the pooja that Chachiji had told her to do. After this he asked her to come with him on his bike. Naina was scared to go with him as she feared being seen by someone. But Sameer assured her that no one would see them and he would drop her back to the temple well in time. He signalled to Preeti and she responded similarly and he asked Naina to come with him. Naina went with him and both of them sat on the bike. When Sameer saw her eyes in the mirror he was lost in the depth of those eyes. This was probably the last time when she was sitting with him on his bike before their marriage and this was an amazing feeling for both of them. He kept on staring dreamily when Naina asked him to start the bike as they had limited time with them.

Sameer started his bike and was driving but he was surprised to see her still sitting away from him with her bag in between them. " Tum apna haath mere kandhe par rakh sakti ho he said so that she can sit comfortably but she told him that she would do so only after marriage. Sameer nodded his head at her innocent resolutions and smiled as he knew her limitations very well and he respected them. He took her to a nearby park and both of them went inside and sat on a bench. He wanted to buy icecreams for both of them but she refused as she would have to take off her scarf to eat the icecream which she could not do. Sameer realized that she was still thinking about that only but he understood her situation well and  both of them just sat there for some time and had heartious conversation about how they missed each other these many days. Sameer was cherishing each and every moment with her and she was constantly looking at her watch. She was scared of all the questions that would be bombarded on her when they would reach home late.

Sameer understood her fear as he knew how her Taiji was in a habit of searching for chances to point fingers at her because she hated her father for not contributing at all in her wedding. So he decided to take her back to the temple where Preeti was waiting for her. Both of them went back but as he was about to stop his bike close to the temple, a car suddenly came in front of them and he applied the brakes with a jerk. Naina's hand came onto his shoulder involuntarily and both of them somehow managed to prevent themselves from falling down.

But to their shock, they saw Chachaji coming out of the car (in these years he too had learnt driving). Chachaji was surprised to see Sameer with a girl on his bike.

Chachaji: Sameer beta do din baad tumhari shaadi hai aur tum yahan kisi ladki ke saath bike pe ghoom rahe ho (he didn't recognize that it was Naina with him). Rakesh Bhaiya theek kehte the tumhare bare mein ki tum ek bigde huye ladke ho, Naina ko pata chalega to kaisa lagega use?

Sameer: Chachaji aisi koi baat nahi hai

Chachaji: aisi koi baat kaise nahi hai? Yahan tum kisi aur ladki ke saath ho aur tum kehte ho ki aisi koi baat nahi hai. Kaun hai yeh ladki batao mujhe...main abhi tumhare ghar walon ko batata hu aur Naina ko bhi...use bhi to pata chale...

By this time Taiji who was sitting in the car also came out when he saw Anand confronting Sameer. Naina who was listening to all this came forward as she could no more see Sameer getting scolded and insulted like this but she didn't see Taiji coming towards them. She went to Chachaji and took off her scarf and he was shocked to see her with him. "Naina tum yahan? Yeh sab kya hai? Bhabhiji ne to bataya tha ki tum Preeti ke saath mandir aayi ho. Taiji also came there and both Sameer and Naina were shocked to see her there. Sameer tried to divert her attention by touching her feet but she is not so easy to handle "O Bai Bholuram tum yahan Naina ke saath? Tum bhool gaye jo maine kaha tha? Kyun Naina maine tujhse kaha tha na ki shaadi se pehle ek doosre se nahi milna? Naina stood there shivering and Sameer could see her anxiety. Sameer judged the situation and interrupted her in between so that he could help her out in this situation.

Sameer: Chachaji Taiji aisa kuchh nahi hai jaisa aap soch rahe hain. Hume aapki har baat yaad hai wo hua aisa ki main yahan mandir aaya to maine dekha ki yeh dono bhi aaye hain to mujhe yaad aaya ki Mamiji ne kaha tha ki mujhe Naina ke liye sone ke kangan pasand karne hain. Ab mujhe uska kangan ka size nahi pata tha to maine socha ki uske saath uski choice ke hi le leta hu...isliye use le gaya tha. Usne to kaha tha ki Taiji ne mana kiya hai kyunki mujhe uska chehra nahi dekhna chahiye shaadi se pehle to maine ise apna chehra dhak kar chalne ko kaha...bas yehi baat hai aur kuchh nahi.

He knew Taiji would be quiet on hearing about gold bangles as he had understood their nature by now. But Chachaji asked Naina whether it was the same as he was saying or was it something different. Naina looked at Sameer and she told him that whatever Sameer is saying is right. So he believed them but Taiji said " agar aisa hi tha Bholuram to hume pehle bata dete hum mein se koi bhi tumhare saath chalta. Aise akele jaane ki kya zaroorat thi? Sameer said sorry for not taking their permission beforehand and that he would be careful in future. Taiji asked him to show what they had brought from the market but he very smartly managed the situation and told him that the jeweller didn't have the design chosen by Naina in her size so he has asked him to bring them specially for Naina. He would be getting them by the next day. Chachaji and Taiji were satisfied with this answer and by that time Preeti also came there searching for them. They asked both of them to come with them and asked Sameer to go back to his home. . Sameer smiled to Naina and she gave him a thank God look. He went home on his bike after greeting the elders.

Naina asked Chachaji  as to how come they were there at the temple and he told Naina and Preeti that he had come to a shop nearby to collect some items for the wedding while Taiji had to go to the tailor so both of them had come together. Soon they reached home and Taiji told Bela about their meeting with Sameer and both of them were very happy that she would be getting so much in her wedding as the Maheshwaris are so rich and influential. Soon everyone got busy in their work when in the afternoon Poonam Bhabhi came to their home in the afternoon. Everyone welcomed her and wanted to know the reason for her visit. She told them that she was going to the parlour and she wanted to take Naina along with her as she had taken an appointment for both of them. Taiji told her that the girls in their family don't go to the parlour before marriage but Poonam told her that the times are changing and that Naina is going to be a member of Maheshwari family and it was their wish that Naina too goes to the parlour so that she looks all the more beautiful. She told her that even Taiji, Chachiji, Pooja and Preeti could also come along if they wanted. Taiji wanted to go herself but Chachaji spoke up in Naina's favour " nahi aisi koi baat nahi hai...agar aap Naina ko lekar jaana chahti ho to le jaao. Preeti tum bhi Naina ke saath jaao kyunki hum Naina ko akele nahi jaane de sakte. Taiji couldn't say anything and both Naina and Preeti were elated to hear this. On her way to the parlour, Poonam told them that it was Sameer's idea to take her to the parlour. She was very scared initially but she could take any risk for both of them. All of them went to the parlour together. Naina was very happy as her life partner was so loving and caring and he understood her so well. He thanked her destiny for giving her such a loving life partner. 

ENTRY 2

From Book to Bike

It was a windy Saturday morning, the sun shining brightly through the floral curtains of Agarwal residence.

"Parlay babu, zara jaldi doodh pilo entreated Taiji, whose stubborn offspring quickly turned up his nose at the proffered glass of milk.

"Pralay... the deep baritone of Tauji rang with unspoken threat. Sensing danger, the young boy gulped down the contents of the glass with minimal fuss. Taiji ushered him over to Bela chachi's house, whereupon Pralay grabbed a red covered notebook containing his English homework and left for school with his father.

Silence reigned after the hustle bustle of the busy morning. Taiji made herself comfortable on the wide swing in the hall.

"Bela, arre oh Bela she called out.

"Aayi Bhabhiji said Bela, coming out of the kitchen, wiping the sweat off her forehead with her pallu.

"Bela, Sar phata jaa raha hai, zara chai banake pila...aur haan, acche se elaichi daalna.ordered Taiji.

"Ji Bhabhiji sighed Bela, quite used to this.

"Waise dono maharaniyan kidhar hain? Ab tak so rahi hain kya?

"Bhagwan jhooth na bulaye bhabhiji, woh dono toh kaalej ke liye jaldi nikal gaye aaj. Naina bata rahi thi ki koi piraject aaj teacher ko dena hai.

"Neh wah Bela, un dono ne kuch bhi keh diya aur tu maan gayi? Padhayi me dhyaan kam, aur baaki sab cheezon me dhyaan zyada.Sab tere aur Anand babu ki di hui azaadi ki wajah se hai. Zarur koi aur karan hai kalej jaldi jaane ka.

                                                             ---------------------------------------------

"And then you should have seen her face when she couldn't find the notebook! Jisne bhi uska book chupaya,main toh use phool bhejunga! laughed Pandit,casually leaning against the bike stand.Also did you know...

"We know groused Munna.you told us the story around six times already. Chal tera uss Mitali se badla pura hua,ab chup baith.

"Kaha kho gaya bhai?Munna asked,slinging an arm around Sameer's shouders.

Sameer started,quickly shaking off a daydream where he and naina were out on an icecream date.Kuch nahi yaar...bas aise hi...

Munna, however had spent enough time around Sameer to know exactly what the dreamy look in his eyes meant. Smirking, he said, Relax kar yaar, Bhabhi aajayegi.

On cue, Naina and Preeti entered the college. Preeti notices that her sister has eyes only for one person, and drags off Munna & Pandit with her so that the lovebirds have some semblance of privacy.

Sameer smiles, and resolves to thank his amazing to be sister in law at some point today.He notices that Naina has on the flattering blue suit he always likes to see her in. Unable to resist, he reaches out to tuck a rebellious strand of hair back into place, taking the chance to lightly brush his fingertips along a soft cheek.

"Chalein?Sameer asks, smiling slightly at her blush.

Naina nods, falling into step beside him, walking close enough that their arms brushed occasionally.

                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let me remind you all that this assignment makes up 20% of your overall grade.so when I come during the last lecture,I expect every single one of you to be ready with the assignment, is that clear?

"Yes JBR chanted the class dutifully.

"What if the assignment is accidentally incomplete?asked Munna.

"Then Ill accidentally mark you zero said JBR, smiling widely. The rest of the class tittered politely, waiting for the inevitable Bad Joke', which, oddly enough, never came.

JBR scowled at the class and stalked off.

"Yaar,lagta hai iss baar sachme JBR serious hai assignment ke baare mein groaned Munna, pulling out his half finished assignment.

"Maine bhi khatam nahi kiya...kal raat ko chalu kiya,phir neend aayi toh so gayi.sighed out Preeti.

"Jhoot mat bol...kal aaram se baith ke chitrahaar dekh rahi thi,aur beech beech me thoda thoda sa likh rahi thi.Kal raat ko hi khatam kar sakti thi na?asked Naina, completely unimpressed.

"Arre, lunchtime me khatam kar dungi, bohot kam bacha hai vaise bhi.

"Tera kuch nai ho sakta,kabhi nai sudharne wali hai.groaned Naina, rolling her eyes and shifting her attention to Sameer, who passed her a chit surreptiously.

Prreti grinned, digging through her bag & pulling out a red notebook which contained her notes. She flipped through the book, expressions on her face shifting rapidly from stunned disbelief to horror.

"Naina...She whispered,almost inaudible.

Naina was giggling at Sameer's note, and looked up to wink flirtatiously at him ,whereupon Sameer proceeded to pretend to faint.At this point, Preeti tugged on her sleeve impatiently.

"Kya hua?Naina asked,slightly annoyed at being interrupted.Her annoyance vanished instantly at the sight of Preeti's pale face,and concern took over.

Preeti silently handed over her notebook to Naina,whose brows furrowed at the messy ,childish writing penciled in,with a fair few red marks of correction.

"Yeh toh...she began

"Pralay ki haifinished preeti faintly.lagta hai galti se mere economics book ki jagah main uski copy leke aagayi,kyunki cover same tha.

"Tu chinta mat kar,mere notes lele,aur apna bacha hua assignment pura karle.Naina told her reassuringly.

Preeti,however,remained silent,eyes downcast.Ab kya?asked Naina,slightly suspicious of her bubbly sister's odd behavior.

"Baat notes ke baare mein nahi hai...

"toh phir?

"Woh actually...woh book mein kuch aur tha

"Kya?

"Ek love letter

"KYA?screeched out Naina,attracting a few inquisitive stares from their classmates as well as their friends.

"Dheere bolhissed Preeti,glancing furtively around.

"Sorry...from whom?Naina asked,lowering her volume to an appropriate amount.

"For whomPreeti corrected.I wrote it...on the last page.she stuttered

"For?

Preeti looked even more hesitant,and muttered an inaudible name.Naina frowned at her and said "thik se bata

"Karthik

"What! Preeti, have you lost your mind?

"I wasn't going to give it to him!preeti protested.Its just that you were always so happy reading through jijaji's letters and notes...and anyways I knew you'd react like this so I dint tell you.

Naina sighed, knowing that it wasn't easy for the singles in their group to be around her and Sameer, and now, more recently, Swati & Munna.However, Preeti's increasing interest in Karthik was not something she was happy with, knowing that he wasn't a good fit for her amazing, cheery sister.

"Wait...Naina said,with a growing sense of horror,as an entirely unwelcome thought occurred to her.If you have Pralay's notebook,then it means...

"He has mine finished Preeti grimly.The sisters looked at each others pale faces.

"If anyone reads that letter,Im deadmoaned Preeti.

"Its ok,Its ok...we can handle this.You still have to do the assignment,so here,take my notes and finish your work.Meanwhile,Ill go home and check if the book is there.Its Saturday,so its half day working for Pralay.He'll be at home,so ill switch the books and bring yours back to college.

"Par tu ghar pe kya bataegi ki college se jaldi kyun aayi?quizzed Preeti.

"Kuch na kuch bahana bana lungi...Chachiji vaise bhi zada kuch nahi puchengi.Tu chinta mat kar.

With that,Preeti headed to the library,and Naina left the class,intending to get an auto so she could reach home quickly.

Sameer was waiting outside for Naina,and beamed as soon as his girlfriend made an appearance.He had already understood that something was afoot,especially since Naina & Preeti had spent most of the lecture speaking in hushed whispers.Now,looking at her pretty,troubled face,all he wanted to do was solve all of her problems and bring out that sweet smile she reserved solely for him.

"Kya baat hai Naina?Kidhar jaa rahi ho?he asked,closely observing her fidgeting with her dupatta.

Naina,on her part,usually had no problems sharing everything with Sameer,but she was well aware that it was Preeti's secret,and not in her place to tell Sameer about the love letter,and anyway,he disliked Karthik.So she explained the story in brief,omitting the love letter part,and instead just said that the book contained something Taiji would disapprove of.

Sameer realized that Naina was being deliberately vague to protect her sister,and decided not to pry.

"Toh phir thike.Main tumhe bike pe ghar chod dungaSameer tells her,and is gratified to see the instant blush rising on her face.

"Par...Naina trails off,hesitant,remembering their last disastrous bike date and the subsequent waxing saga that followed.

"I promise iss bar nahi girogi...pichli baar jaise nahi hoga,main tumhe main road pe hi chod dunga,taaki koi nai dekhegaSameer tells ter,correctly interpreting her thoughts.Ab saali sahiba ke liye itna toh kar hi sakta hoon...usne hamari kitni madad ki hai...aur vaise bhi madam,kabhi toh boyfriend ka fayda uthao,banda aapki khidmat mein hazir hain.he finished,winking flirtatiously.

Naina agreed and followed Sameer to the bike.Carefully,she took a seat,placing her bag inbetween them like last time,and met Sameer's eyes in the rear view mirror.A shy smile appears on her face, and Sameer grins adoring her blush.Naina bit her lip,and seriousness of the situation notwithstanding,felt butterflies erupt in her stomach.She shifted her bag onto her lap,and moved closer to him,even though she avoided holding his shoulder.

Sameer was elated at her sitting so close,he was slightly disappointed that she wasn't comfortable in holding onto him,but he was happy that they were making progress.

                                                        -----------------------------------------------------

"Main idhar wait karta hoon,tum jaldi se book leke aajao.said Sameer,stopping the bike some distance away from Nirmal Jyoti Society.

Naina nods,quickly getting off the bike and walking down into the society.She sneaked upsxtairs,quickly formulating a few excuses to give Taiji & Chachiji.On reaching her floor,however,she realized that Taiji's house was bolted.

Maybe they are all in chachiji's place' she though,surprised at this turn of events,and turned to their door.

On cue,the door opened and Bela Chachi stepped out of the house.Bhagwan jhoot na bulaye beta,par tu idhar kya kar rahi hai?she asked,surprised to see Naina just outside.

"Itne jaldi kalej khatam hogaya?

Naina started,trying to wipe off a guilty look from creeping up on her face.Woh chachiji,main ek book ghar  pe bhul gayi thi,aur ab lunch break chal raha hai toh laga ki leke chali jaati hun...vaise Taiji aur Pralay nai dikhayi de rahe hain?Naina asked,trying to be subtle with her questioning.

"Beta,woh kya hain na,aaj Pralay ke iskool mein...woh kya bolte hain...haan,parent meeting hai,toh bhabhiji udhar hi gayi hain...abhi kuch 10 minat pehle nikle who.Aaj bhaisaab seedhe daphtar se wahan jaayenge.Bela said,cheerily;toh ab main bhi bazaar jaa rahi hun,aise Khushi ke mauke baar baar thodi aate hain?Chachiji said,with a wink.

"Toh...iska matlab hai ki pralay school mein hai?Naina stuttered with a growing sense of horror.

"Haan,aur kya?Beta ek kaam kar,tu apna copy lele,aur mere saath chal,main tujhe kalej chod deti hun

"Chachiji,koi baat nahi,main khud chali jaaongi...aap takleef mat karoNaina said weakly.Mujhe jaldi hai,toh main abhi nikalti hoon

With that,Naina raced off,before chachiji could even understand what she meant.Heart hammering,Naina realized that the only way forward was to get to Pralay's school before anyone,specially Taiji read the letter.

Naina practically flew down the stairs and was out of the society in record time.Sameer was whistling a cheery tune,quite happy with this unexpected bike date,when he spotted Naina hurrying towards him,a worried expression prevalent on her face.

"Naina...kya...?he started,but Naina gestured him to quickly start the bike,and spouted off directions to Pralay's school.On the way,she explained the reason for the hurry.Sameer complied,effortlessly racing through tight corners.They stopped at a signal,where Naina was horrified to spot Taiji in the auto next to them.

She quickly turned her head the other side,squeezing Sameers shoulder in warning.Sameer had already seen her,and moved the bike subtly so Naina was out of Taiji's immediate line of sight.The second the signal turned green,Sameer sped off,following a shortcut so they could reach before Taiji.

"Aaj toh baal baal bachesighed  Naina,relief evident in her voice.Sameer did not reply,simply enthralled by the fact that Naina was still holding on to his shoulder.Almost on cue,Naina suddenly realized where her hand was,and pulled away,blushing a bright red,trying to school her expression into nonchalance.Sameer,however,could read her like a book,and grinned at her through the rearview mirror.Much to her relief,he did not press the issue,and silently entered the partking lot of Pralay's school.

"Andar kya bologi?he asked,turning off the ignition.

"Lots of people have come for the PTA Meeting,I'm just going to blend in the crowdanswered Naina,digging through her bag for the notebook.

"No one is going to believe that you have a childSameer tells her,unimpressed by her planning.

Naina rolled her eyes at him and told him to wait for a few minutes.With that,she quickly walked into the school.

Sameer got off the bike,leaning comfortably,his thoughts wandering to the girl he loved more than anything else,and the feel of her soft,small hand on his shoulder.A smile bloomed unbidden on his face as he remembered Naina's blush when she realized that she was still holding on to him.Sameer was well aware how much Naina trusted him,and the very fact that even unconsciously she reached out to him struck him as a sign that she desired to proceed further in their relationship.He also wanted her to make the first move,and only after she was comfortable.Clearly,it was time to have a talk about their relationship.

The object of his affections chose that moment to make an appearance,walking out sedately.The smile on her face told him that she had succeeded in switching the notebooks.

"Chalein?he asks,smiling.Naina nods,seating herself behind him.

"Tum barabar baith sakti hoSameer tells her,while the pulled out of the school premises into the main road.

"Barabar hi baithi hun

"No,I mean...Sameer trails off,not entirely sure how to word his desire.Sit the way you were sitting before.

Sameer was observing her in the mirror,and was exactly aware when his topper girlfriend understood what he meant.A delicate flush spread across her cheeks,and lovely doe eyes rounded.She bit her lip,and lifted a trembling hand to rest on his shoulder.Sameer let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding,luxuriating in the feel of her small hand touching him.If it was this amazing through layers of clothing,how would he feel if Naina was touching his bare skin?'Kuch zyada aage badh raha hai,Sameer beta',he reprimanded himself mentally.

Naina met his eyes in the mirror,smiling softly at his besotted expression.They pulled into the college grounds,and Sameer parks the bike,slightly unhappy that his time alone with Naina had come to an end.

Naina got off the bike,suddenly shy to face him.Main yeh book Preeti ko deke aati hunshe murmured,avoiding his eyes,and turning to walk away.

"Naina...

Something in his voice made her look up,and what she saw in his soft brown eyes stilled her.He was silent,but she had always been able to read the eyes that haunted her dreams and promised her the world.In that moment,his eyes gave her courage.Taking a quick look around the deserted parking lot,she walked closer and slipped her arms around him in a quick hug.

Sameer was utterly floored,heart pounding and brain working in overtime to understand the plethora of emotions that rapidly consumed him.Almost involuntarily,his arms wrapped around her,marveling at how small and delicate she felt in his arms.Naina looked up,trust shining in those stunning,soft eyes.

"Main...she began,pulling out of her impulsive embrace

"I knowhe murmured,softly cupping her face conveying to her that they dint always need words.Smiling,he caught her hand, and lead her into the college.

ENTRY 3

Pyar Ki Rahen

The sun rose and its rays spreads over the city of Delhi, a state where life has always been busy from children to parent's everyone has a busy life. Some children had gone to school and some had gone to college, some had to finish their required assignments, some had to prepare for exams and some wanted to enjoy life so doing what they love doing that is watching movie playing sports etc. Elders or rather people in mid-twenties had gone to work for earning money for living or surviving. For surviving in this cut throat competition, it isn't easy one has to go through lots of ups and downs. Same was the story of Ms. Naina Agarwal who was searching for a job and was struggling very hard to grab one job. She had till now given numerous interview but was rejected everywhere sometimes due to her appearance and sometime due to the educational background. In her 12th standard board class she didn't get above ninety per cent she got exact eighty per cent so she wasn't eligible for top Delhi universities but she did manage to enter other Delhi university which aren't that famous. Since college was not that good her campus interview was not that good either. Today she had an interview in some xyz company and she was hoping to be selected here. But still something was peculiar about this interview and that was only those can apply whose name is Naina Agarwal. She entered the building and patiently waited at the reception for some time. After waiting for almost an hour someone from the HR room came out and called her name. She stood up and started walking towards that person. She was feeling nervous but still tried to cover it up with her smile. Upon reaching that person naina shook hands with him and introduced herself. "Hi I am Naina Agarwal she said. "Hi I am munna. You are next for the interview he said. Naina smiled at him and then waited patiently for her turn.

Naina entered the cabin when she was told she can go now. Before entering she had taken a deep breath to control her increasing heartbeat. She looked around the cabin before adjusting her eyes on the person sitting infront of her. She smiled and walked towards the desk. "Good morning Sir my name is Naina Agarwal she said. "Goodmorning Naina I am Jaipraksh Maheshwari, please have a seat the man introduced himself. Nain smiled and sat. The interview began and with each question answer naina's confidence was increasing. Suddenly someone enters the room disrupting the interview. "Nanu mien munna or pandit ko apne saath lekar jaa raha hoon said a boy. Nain looked at him when he stood next to his grandfather. Naina's eyes widened in horror and she cursed her luck. All the confidence that she had gained till now left her it seemed like. She was hoping against the hope that he doesn't recognizes her otherwise everything ends right here right now for her. "Sameer beta this is not right you three can go after office hour's work should be your priority nanu said. Sameer made faces and said "nanu please its Friday the end of week no more patience left please let us go na. "Sameer it's not even half day yet wait for some time finish your pending work and then you all can leave nanu said strictly. Sameer knew that he has nothing else to say so he was about to leave when his eyes fell on the candidate sitting for the interview.

The moment sameer's eyes landed on naina he had a goofy smile on his face. Naina felt sameer's eyes on her so she slowly lifted her eyes towards him. The moment naina's eyes met sameer's the time stopped. Both kept starring at each other for few seconds before being interrupted by nanu. But in those few seconds both talked with each other, yes they spoke through eyes. Naina knew why he had a goofy smile and Sameer knew why she was nervous seeing him here. Naina pleaded through her eyes to not to spoil this for her whereas Sameer replied we'll see. "Sorry for the interruption let's get back to the interview nanu's words broke their trance. Naina gulped her saliva and tried hard to concentrate on the interview. She was partially successful because while answering she was thinking what will Sameer do now.

OUTSIDE NANU's CABIN

As soon as Sameer came out of the cabin munna and pandit pounced on him and looked at him with tell-us' look. Sameer looked at them and smiled. "Yes she is the one Sameer said. Both munna pandit smiled happily and Sameer said "shhh nanu daatenge chalo yahan se chalet hai. While going pandit says to munna "Mr HR head you know whom to select now. "Tut oh aise bol raha hai jaise yeh decision mere haath main hai, hota toh bina kissi darr ke abhi selection letter bhej deta per nanu ko select karna hai. Bhai ab tu hi apne nanu ko pata sakta hai munna said while looking at Sameer. "Kuch toh jugaad lagana padega Sameer said.

INSIDE NANU's CABIN

The interview ended and naina was relieved that atleast she gave her best. Even though due to interruption by Sameer did make her lose her confidence but then she bounced back when she realised this was her last option. She left his cabin with a hope to get the offer letter. While leaving the office she was hoping to not to meet Sameer maheshwari again. That name, that person brought back a lot of memories that she had almost forgotten about it.

RECEPTION AREA

Naina was signing the register before leaving when she saw Sameer coming along with two more people. She quickly signed the register and hurriedly tried to leave the building. But much to her dismay Sameer and two people caught up with her and stopped her from leaving the building. "Mere samne se hato naina said. "Itni jaldi main kaha bhaag rahi hoy a yun kahon kisse bhag rahi ho Sameer said. "Mere paas time nahiin hai hato yahan se ab or yeh dono kaun hai naina asked. "Off course you have time don't lie to me naina. Oh yes these two are my college friends and now my colleagues munna and pandit Sameer said. Naina looked at munna pandit and said "I'll give you a free advice never trust him. When Sameer heard this he held her hand and took her to an empty room. Munna pandit also followed them.

"Leave my hand naina shouted and tried to free herself from sameer's hand. "Naina believe me I am really sorry for what I did back then my intentions were not to upset you Sameer started speaking but naina cuts him off. "But I still got upset. I don't need any explanation so kindly please let me go naina said and started walking toward exit but munna pandit stopped her. "Yar vo itna bura bhi nahiin hai sunle na uski baat pandit said. "Hain or vaise bhi hum tujhe jane to denge nahiin yahan se bina uski baat sune munna said. Naina turned and said "dost to ache banaye hai tumne per kash dosti nibhani ati tumhe. Sameer closed his eyes in frustration and tried to calm himself. "I am saying sorry what else should I do to gain back our friendship Sameer asked with broken voice. Sameer's broken voice send a chill down naina's spine and this also reduced her anger but not completely.

Naina walked towards Sameer and said "you were my best friend in school I trusted you enough to share my feelings with you and what you did? You went and told that person everything? Do you remember what happened after that? Oh how will you remember it you tend to forget things right? Everyone including you, were enjoying linking my name with that person.

Sameer interrupted and said "I was angry. "You were angry? May I know why you were angry? What did I do to deserve this treatment? naina asked Sameer. "I was jealous Sameer whispered. Naina looked at him with shock look. After few seconds when his words registered in her brain she whispered "jealous. Sameer realised where this was leading so he tried to leave the place but this time naina stopped him. "Munna pandit agar tum iske sache dost hot oh isko yahan se aaj jane nahiin dena jaise tum log mujhe nahiin jane de rahe the naina said in an ordering tone. Sameer looked at naina with a blank face and naina looked at him questioning eyes. "You know you were right I was lying I have spare time to listen to your version of story naina said while crossing her hands in front of her chest. Sameer saw the determination in her eyes and he knew she wouldn't back off he would have to explain his wordings.

Sameer took a deep breath and said "I was jealous you took someone else name I wanted you to have a crush on me instead of that sanjay tibrewal. The only way I could separate you from him was to tease you with him so that you yourself move away from him. Naina heard his confession and instead of shouting at him she started laughing. Sameer looked at her with a blank look. "Kahiin sadme wadme se pagal toh nahiin ho gayi yeh munna asked pandit. "Mujhe lagta hai iska screw dheela ho gaya hai pandit said. Naina stopped laughing and said "tumhe pata hai mien tumse gussa kyun hui thi? Miene tumhe jalane ke liye uska naam liya tha or ye idea swati ka tha tum jale toh sahi per bataya nahiin balki mujhe uske saath link karke tease karte rahe.

Sameer was too shocked to react. "Mr. Sameer Maheshwari mujhe sanjay pe nahiin tumpe crush tha or jo tumne kiya uske vajay se mujhe dil pe chot lagi thi isi liye baat karna band kar diya tha or school ke baad sare contacts tod diye the. Jante ho mien tumse kabhi life main milna nahiin chahti lekin lagta hai hamari kismat humse boht pyar karti hai tabhi toh dekho aaj milwa hi diya hume naina said. "You didn't had crush on sanjay but me? Then why didn't you tell me that back then? Do you have any idea how awful I felt after that? I tried so hard to find you Sameer said. "Vo french nahiin bol rahi hai bhai pandit said. "Hain keh toh rahi hai usse tujhpe crush tha munna said. "So let me guess this interview idea was yours? naina asked. "Wrong that idea was of munna pandit. They said if I'll organise an interview with specification that people whose name is naina Agarwal can only apply there are chances you may turn up. We went through various hiring portals and shortlisted only those people whose name was naina Agarwal and see this idea worked you are standing here in front of me Sameer said proudly.

Now it was naina's turn look at him with shocked look. "You do realise you are mad? naina asked. Sameer walked towards naina and with each step he asked "so you had a crush on me? "Bhai usne kuch der pehle iska jawab dediya tha pandit said. "Tu ponga hi rahega chal yahan se tu munna said and tried dragging pandit out of the room. "Tu kya kar raha hai ruk na mujhe aage bhi sunna hai pandit said. Sameer was standing infront of naina and due to their height difference naina had to look up where as he towered over her. "Seedha bolo na tumhe phir se confession sunna hai mien mana thodi karoongi hain mujhe tumpe crush tha naina said in childish voice. Sameer smiled hearing her childish voice how much he missed this tone of hers.

"Mera ek kaam karogi Sameer asked naina. Naina nodded her in head in agreement and asked "kya karna hai mujhe? "Call swati please and put it on speaker Sameer said. naina smiled and dialled swati's number. As per sameer's wish she kept the call on speaker mode. "hello swati you remember Sameer from our school? naina asked.

"Hain tera pehla or akhri crush usko kaise nahiin janoongi swati replied. "Le usse baat kar naina said while blushing. Much to naina's dismay swati had revealed quite a lot of information. Sameer smiled seeing naina blushing but however at present he had something important to say. "Hi swati it's my pleasure to inform you that from next time don't think of any idea as you are very bad at it Sameer received a smack from naina. Before he could continue further munna interrupted and said "swati tu naina ki dost hai. "Munna tu vahan kya kar raha hai swati asked. Now Sameer looked towards munna with questioning eyes and pandit couldn't control his laughter. "Swati mien tujhe thodi der main call karta hoon munna said. "Theek hai swati said and kept the call. Both Sameer and naina were staring at munna, if looks could kill someone munna would have been dead by now. "teri khabar mien baad main leta hoon Sameer said. "Bhai patli gali se nikal jaa varna Sameer tujhe boht marega pandit advised munna. Both hurriedly left the place.

Naina looked at her watch and said "oh no mujhe der ho rahi hai ghar per sab wait kar rahe honge. "Mien tumhe chod deta hoon Sameer offered her to drop her home. "Pagal ho gaye ho agar sabne hume saath main dekha toh phir se mera naam link ho jayega or iss baar school ki char diwari main nahiin rahega newspaper main chapega or phir poori duniya peeche padh jayegi naina said. "Koi nahiin pehchanega or vaise bhi tum apne crush ke saath bike ride karna chahti thi tab na sahi ab sahi chalo Sameer said and then winked at naina.

Naina and Sameer walked towards his bike and naina had hidden her face. She was feeling shy but at the same time her heart beat was increasing. She didn't know how to control her heartbeat. Her dream of sitting behind his bike would finally come true. She has seen this moment in her dreams so many times that she has forgotten the count of it now. Sameer sat on his bike and waited for naina to sit behind his bike. He looked at her eyes through the mirror and knew she was shying. "Don't worry bike se giraonga nahiin tumhe Sameer said to lighten the moment. "Or agar gira diya toh naina asked. "Apne crush pe itna bharosa toh kar hi sakti ho na Sameer asked. "Mujhe apne crush pe bharosa hai lekin iss waqt mera crush nahiin koi or hi bike chala raha hai naina said. Sameer thought for a while as to what she meant by that and then he realised what naina meant. Sameer asked her to wait and went inside the building. After few minutes he came out wearing his white jacket and glares, the office clothes he was wearing were gone. "Ab mera crush bika chala raha hai toh uspe bharosa bhi hai naina said and sat behind his bike.

As soon as she sat behind his bike he looked at her through the mirror. Naina lowered her eyes, she was feeling shy. He held her hands and kept at his shoulder. Sameer thought when I touched her hand her why a current ran through my body, what does it means?' When sameer had held her hand, she thought, Why did I feel different when he touched me? Why did my heartbeat increase? This has happened first time with me. What has changed today? Why I am not able to keep this bike ride a simple friendly ride?' Sameer started the bike and her breath was giving him a tingling feeling. For the first time a girl was sitting on his bike and he was glad it was his naina. He was really heartbroken when she had said in school she had crush on sanjay instead of him. But now when he knows the truth how come he never noticed her feelings for him back then? They wouldn't have wasted so many years. But like the saying goes every day is a new beginning and it's a new beginning for them as well. Naina was equally happy that she finally got her love back, destiny and God really blessed her today. The bike ride to her home was the most beautiful ride they both had ever had. During the journey naina had thrown her hands in the air to feel the moment and Sameer kept smiling seeing her antics. He had even teased her that what if she saw sanjay someday to this she replied she would tell him the truth that he was never her crush. Sameer was constantly smiling. "Naina kissi din Mrs. Maheshwari bankar bethogi iss bike pe Sameer said. "Uss din ka intezaar rahega Mr. Maheshwari naina replied.

After that Sameer used his jugadu' brain and coaxed nanu to choose naina Agarwal for the job. For some time they kept their relationship hidden, Sameer used to drop naina home and she used to hide her face every time. It didn't take long for nanu to guess who that mysterious girl was reported in the media. He had called them to his office and asked their decision. First both were shocked that how nanu got to know but then Sameer knew his nanu knows him too well. He must have observed his actions in office. They both told him their decision that they would like to get married and nanu happily agreed. After that their love story did saw ups and downs but together they faced all the hurdles henceforth. But one thing remained constant their bike ride. They often go for bike rides to remember their first bike ride.

THEME 2

ENTRY 4

The Unplanned Date

Naina was asked to accompany them to the market for some shopping. Taiji and Chachiji were looking for some nice sarees and dresses for Pooja and her inlaws as her expected delivery date was coming closer. So all of them went to a saree shop while Preeti was asked to stay at home as Anand could be home anytime. While both the ladies were busy searching for good sarees, she saw Sameer who had come there with Mamiji and Poonam Bhabhi. They were also looking for some good sarees for themselves. Both of them saw each other and he signalled her to come outside the shop so that they could steal some lovely moments together. She was about to go out when Taiji stopped her "arey tu kahan ja rahi hai? She tried to make an excuse by saying "wo Taiji mujhe yaad aaya ki mujhe ek book leni hai. To paas mein hi ek book shop hai wahan jaakar aati hu. Chachiji instructed her to be back soon and she agreed to follow their instructions.

She went out and both of them stood at a place close to the shop but their families couldn't see them together from inside. They shared the reasons for their coming for shopping and Sameer was very happy as he got some time with her. In college they are always surrounded by their friends and don't get enough time alone. After some time they heard some chaos inside the shop and they tried to figure out what was the matter. They saw Taiji confronting Mamiji and they stood at a distance trying to understand the reason for that. After some time they realized that they both liked the same saree and as expected Mamiji looked down upon Taiji which she couldn't tolerate. But Mamiji wasn't ready to give up easily as she believed that she was the first one to choose that saree. The shopkeeper along with Bela Chachi and Poonam were trying to settle the matter but they failed in their attempts.

Naina asked him to go and settle the matter as everyone was watching the two ladies arguing and were rather enjoying the scene. He asked her to help him in this but she reminded him that Mamiji would recognize her as Kammo who had come to his house that day as the mehendi girl. If she revealed anything in front of her Taiji and Chachiji, she won't be able to continue her studies. He understood the gravity of the situation and went to Taiji and Mamiji. Both of them paused when they saw him and he touched Taiji's feet. "Arey Bholuram tum yahan kaise? Tum jaante ho inhe? she asked him and he told them about their relationship. Mamiji was surprised to know that Sameer knew them and he told her that they are his classmate's family members.

Mamiji told him the entire matter and he asked her to leave the saree and look for a better one as he didn't like that particular saree. They should rather choose a better one. On hearing this Mamiji said "agar tujhe yeh saree pasand nahi hai to main yeh chhod deti hu, inhe pasand hai to yeh rakh sakte hain. Waise bhi hum Bombay wale hain hume yeh sab mamooli cheezein nahi leni chahiye. Chal beta hum kisi bade showroom mein chalte hain, yahan to By God bahut ghutan mehsoos ho rahi hai. Sameer had said this to settle the argument but Taiji took that as her insult and she chided Sameer for saying that his Mami could buy expensive things while they could not. Sameer tried to explain the matter but she didn't listen to him and they went out of the shop with Taiji mumbling to herself. On the way out they saw Naina and pulled her with them. She was upset seeing all this and she felt as if he had insulted her family today. She gave him an angry look while she was being dragged away and he gave her an I don't know what to do' look. He tried talking to her at night but she kept on disconnecting his call.

Sameer thought of talking to her and explaining her everything the next day. He used to pick up Naina and Preeti daily from a place at some distance from their home for college and this had become a routine for him now. But the next morning saw a heavy rain and Preeti decided to miss her college so that she could enjoy the weather at home. Naina decided to go alone to the college today and she left with Preeti still half asleep. When she reached their daily place, she saw Sameer removing some leaves from the car holding an umbrella in his hands. When he saw her he smiled to her and signalled her to come and sit inside but she wasn't ready to go with him today "tum jaao apni car mein main auto le lungi. Waise bhi tum to bade ghar ke ladke ho mere saath car mein jaaoge to tumhari Bombay wali Mamiji ki izzat kam nahi ho jayegi? Aur waise agar tumhe car mein akele jaane ka mann nahi hai to shauk se us Hi Sameer wali Sunaina ko baitha sakte ho. Mujhe nahi jaana tumhare saath. She started moving away and he followed her asking her to stop and talk to him. But she wasn't ready to listen to him and she continued walking.

He tried to explain to her saying "arey Naina suno to...tum naraz kyun ho rahi ho? Maine wo sab sirf isliye kaha taaki wo jhagda wahin khatam ho sake. Mera aisa koi iraada nahi tha..tum kahan ki baat kahan lekar jaa rahi ho? Dekho baarish bahut tez hai tum aise beemar ho jaaogi. Aao chalo gaadi mein baitho. But she refused to do so and she stopped an auto that was passing by and sat inside. He too tried to sit inside saying "achha theek hai aaj car mein na sahi auto mein hi saath mein chalte hain. Tum mujhe aaj auto mein lift de do.. he smirked saying this. But she asked him to move out and come to the college alone on his own. She asked the auto driver to start the auto and she went away leaving him irritated "yeh Naina bhi na gussa to iski naak par baitha rehta hai. Jab dekho chhoti chhoti baat par gussa...lekin main bhi Sameer hu main itni aasani se haar nahi manunga.

He decided to walk to the college today so that she sees him doing so in such heavy rains. This way she would forget her anger and both of them would be able to patch up. He knew she could never see him hurting himself and she would be back to her loving and caring form. He walked towards the college holding an umbrella and Naina was going in an auto which stopped after going some distance. He told her that there was a lot of water logging ahead and the auto won't be able to cross this. So she would have to walk and take another auto after crossing that water logged area. She had no choice but to do so and she walked some distance in knee deep water. After coming to an area where she could get another auto, she decided to wait for some time so that she could board another one. But due to the heavy rains, no auto was ready to go towards their college.

She kept on waiting there and after some time, she saw Sameer coming towards her walking. She became sad seeing him breathing heavily as if he had walked a long distance.  Sameer too saw her waiting there and he asked her what had happened? She narrated how the auto refused to go ahead because of the water logging. He laughed at this and she became more irritated "main yahan pareshan hu aur tumhe hansi aa rai hai. He barely managed to control his laughter and said "arey main tum par nahi hans raha, main to isliye hans raha hu ki yahan tum khadi wait kar rahi ho aur main tumhare ghar se chalta hua aa raha hu. Hum dono hi aaj college nahi pahunch payenge. Naina was upset as she didn't know how to reach the college now. He advised her to drop the idea of going to the college and she gave him a you are impossible look saying "tumhe har baar college bunk karne ka mauka chahiye hota hai. Exams aane waale hain yaad bhi hai tumhe? to which he instantly replied "nahi...tumhare bina mujhe aur kuchh yaad hi nahi rehta.

Naina blushed on hearing this and a smile crept on her face and he was lost in her smile for which he was waiting since morning. He thanked his stars as he finally got his favourite smile and she asked him " lekin ab hum kya karenge? Mere saare kapde to geele ho gaye hain He told her that they would spend this awesome weather together and this would be another memorable date for them as this was the first time they would be spending their time together in the rains. Although she didn't agree to the idea of missing the college, but she had to agree as they had no other option in front of them. He told her to follow him to a nearby place that he knew and she did as she was told. While they were walking, a strong wind blew that flew away their umbrellas with itself and both of them stood under the rains.

Sameer tried to reach out for their umbrellas but they got crushed under the wheels of the vehicles passing by and Naina asked him to stop trying to get them. As he tried to get back his breath, they stood looking at each other as they were fully drenched due to rain. Sameer's eyes were stuck on her as she looked ethereal with rain drops running down her cheeks and she trying to avoid his intense gaze. Few strands of hair lay on her face and he moved his fingers close to her. As she anticipated his move, her heartbeats started to rise and she bit her wet lips. She was looking downwards as she wasn't able to face him and he slowly moved the hair strands behind her ear. His soft touch led shivers running down her entire body and she closed her eyes. He judged this well as he knew the effect he had on her and she was standing there, conscious of her wet clothes sticking to her. She wished she had worn a salvar suit today, atleast she would have had a dupatta to help her. But now that she didn't have one, she had no option but to see off the situation with full composure.

He saw her trying to bring her bag to the front and he scanned her from top to bottom. He judged the situation and tried to ease the situation for her " Naina chalen yahan se, yahan paas mein ek dhaba hai wahan ki chai bahut achhi hai. Hum teeno doston bahut baar jaate hain wahan chai peene ke liye ...aaj tumhe bhi pilata hu. Naina followed him and both of them walked to that dhaba where the owner of dhaba welcomed Sameer. He offered them a suitable place and Sameer ordered tea and samosas for both of them. The wife of the dhaba owner gave them towels to dry themselves as they were completely drenched. Naina was thankful to her and she dried herself and Sameer kept on looking at her. She signalled him to dry himself too while he was lost in staring at her. She clicked her fingers in front of him and he was brought out of his reverie. He smiled to her and dried himself and by that time their order was served.

Naina took the hot cup in her hands and tried to warm herself and took a sip of the hot tea. She quickly started eating her samosa as she was feeling very hungry by now. As she was feeding herself, he asked her to see as he felt something had fallen down. She bent down and he took a sip of tea from her cup, when she saw him doing so he smiled to her and said "meri chai feeki lag rahi thi to maine socha ki tumhari taste karke dekhta hu...tumhari chai to bahut meethi hai. She understood what he was trying to say and she offered him her cup and she herself took his cup. Both of them relished the tasty tea and samosas and more than this, they were enjoying each others company. After this Sameer said sorry to her if she was hurt by his statement the previous evening but he did that only to calm down the situation. He knew the nature of his Mamiji and that's why he said that...he could never think of insulting her family even in his dreams. Naina said that maybe she too over reacted and she should have also tried to understand his intentions behind that.

They spent some more time there enjoying the awesome weather and Naina had now started to feel at ease. He cherished each and every moment with her when they were alone as he knew that she was herself when she was with him. The presence of her family members made her very cautious and quiet. He too had stayed at her home and he understood the situation she was in there. He wanted to give her a complete freedom to be herself and do whatever she wants to do. After some time the rains had stopped and Sameer took her to the stalls near that dhaba. He asked her to choose a pair of earrings for herself and Preeti. Naina was reluctant initially but when he insisted, she chose two pairs of earrings for themselves. Sameer paid for them and while moving towards their home, Naina asked him the reason for gifting these earrings to her. He told her that he just wanted to make this date special for her and she would have these earrings as a token of this beautiful time spent together. Naina saw a flower shop on their way and she bought a red rose and gifted that to him saying those three magical words which he could hear innumerable times from her "I love you. He responded with a "I love you too instantly and he kept that rose in his pocket as his priceless possession.

Both of them walked to a nearby taxi stand and he booked a taxi to drop her close to her house. He knew now that she wont be asked any undue questions as it was the time for her to return normally from her college. As soon as they sat in the taxi she sneezed aloud achhhoo and he was ready with his "God bless you...lagta hai tumhe sardi ho gayi hai. She nodded in agreement and he smiled looking at her nose that had become slightly flushed due to cold. On their way back, he got the medicines for her cold and gave it to her. He told her to have a glass of hot milk and take a good sleep so that she gets well soon. He also told her that they won't talk tonight on phone as he wanted her to rest properly. She was thankful to him for being so considerate and soon they reached close to her home. They got out of the taxi and he waited for her till she reached her home and then he left from there in his car. She reached home and Chachiji and Preeti were worried for her when they saw her sneezing repeatedly.

Chachiji asked her to change her clothes while she got turmeric milk for her. Naina told Preeti about the unplanned date with Sameer and aslo showed her the earrings that he gifted for her. Preeti was very happy to receive that gift from her Jijaji and she asked Naina to take rest. Naina was still cherishing the memories of the day with him while she slipped into her slumber. There Sameer to was fondly remembering their date and thanking the chaos between Taiji and Mamiji for giving them this beautiful day in their life which they would fondly remember forever.

ENTRY 5

Ajeeb Daastan Hai Yeh

ENTRY 6

Bonded By Love

We sat on the table and placed the order. In ten next minutes the order arrived. Three of us enjoyed the food, Tanya's smile lighten up while eating the delicious, mind boggling chocolate fudge.

"Mumma it's yummm" Tanya chirped excitedly and a small smile appeared on my lips. I enjoy her expression and for the first time in days I felt really content and relaxed. After a while I finished the meal and waiter arrived on our table, he removed the dirty dishes and walked away.

"Excuse me" I called him back. 

"What about the bill?" I inquired. 

"No madam someone has already paid the bill" 

"Who?"

"I can't tell you but the person is waiting for you there" he pointed towards the private cabin, one they have for couples and families. I pushed the door ajar and a familiar figure walked towards me.

He didn't say anything, he didn't tell me anything. He just walked towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist, and held me close to his chest. I inhaled his smell. How could a smell be so comforting? Two years, I have craved for this moment and it was right in front of my eyes. He was right in front of my eyes. 

"I missed you Naina, I missed you a lot" he whispered in my ear, brushing his hand against my cheek. I could feel every breath he took, every tiny movement he made against me. I could feel his thumping heartbeat, mingling with mine. 

Memories began to well up inside me, memories long repressed and half forgotten. Memories of the night when he walked out from my life without giving me proper explanation. When I lost my child, his child because of him. 

"Push him away" I yelled at myself. If he thinks that he can come back whenever he wants to and you would let him. Two years ago he back stabbed you; don't let this man affect you. He doesn't care about you. He's a traitor. Don't let him affect you. 

"No I wouldn't" I answered myself back. I mustered all the courage I had inside me and with full force I pushed him away from me. 

"Don't touch me Sameer, your touch disgusts me" I spat out and he looked at me, tears glistening in his eyes. 

"Naina I can explain please give me a chance" he tried to touch my hand and I pushed his hand away. 

I walked out without another word. I didn't want to think about those painful two years I spent him agony, missing him, crying for him and I somehow pulled out and I don't want to go back.

"Mom let's go I said and she nodded. I held Tanya's hand and walked out of the restaurant.  We hailed a cab and left as soon as possible. The icy grey sky restlessly grumbled. The rain poured down over the city with a loud roar.  When we reached I told mom to take Tanya in her room and went to my room.

No matter I how much I tossed from side to side or how many times I pulled the blanket over my head, I couldn't find sleep. His face continued to flash in the back of mind. I finally gave up and removed the blanket from my head. I opened the door and climbed the stairs.

I stepped into the rain, I tilt my head to the graphite sky and let the cold water cover my face, rain and tears mingle on my face. The sound of the rain was enough to drown out every other noise. The water streamed through my hairs, down my neck, soaking my clothes. The chilly ran cut through me like a knife but I couldn't care. For a while I was transported to the world, I had left behind, the world that won't ever be the same again. The whole incident flashed right in front of my eyes. Images flashed through my mind, images of him walking out of my life, images of our fights, images of accident I met two years and my unborn child died in my womb.

My mind went back to the night when my whole world tumble upside down. Everything was fine and great in my world but one day out of blue Sameer wanted to shift in America for his business that too alone. I tried pacifying him but he wouldn't budge but when I insisted he agreed to take me and Tanya with him. That time I was four month pregnant. He promised me that he'll take me with him and I was waiting for him to come but he never came, he didn't fulfill his promise. He left without meeting me, without even informing me. When I came to know I tried to follow him, in my way I met with an accident and I lost my child. When he reached he tried calling me zillionth times but he I didn't pick his calls. That day something inside me died and I ended the relationship then and there. He walked out on my face without any explanation so I walked out on his face without any explanation.

It hadn't stopped raining, what had begun as a slight drizzle had eventually turned into torrential rain. The down pour was heavy but in that moment I couldn't care about anything else, Soaked and exhausted, I knelt down on the roof and cried my heart out as much as I can, as loud as I can, I let out everything I bottled up inside me from last two years.

------------------------------

Next morning when I was leaving for my work. I found him outside my house waiting for me. I didn't pay him attention and continued to walk. 

"Naina, stop" and I did what I was told. I turned back towards him, his eyes burned into mine. 

"What do you want?" I growled. 

"Naina, please give me a chance to explain" 

"I don't want any and I have a work to do so stop wasting my time and go to your work otherwise you'll lose money" I replied, sarcastically. 

"Naina, it's not about money and I'm not going anywhere. I will stay here until you come back. You will have to give me a chance I didn't say anything, I couldn't move a muscle not even my lips. I just stared at his face; I could see the determination in his eyes. He's the man of his words and there's no way I can change his decision. 

"I don't care" I muttered before walking out.

When I came back he was still there, right outside my house leaning against his car. I didn't spare him a single glance and continued to walk towards the house. I bang the door on his face as loudly as I can.

I changed myself in night wears and then I fed Tanya. I'm thankful towards the fact that he hadn't meet Tanya yet otherwise it would have been an impossible task for me to keep her away from him. She is so fond of her father and both of them share a great bond. I tugged her to the bed and recited the bed time story soon she drifted into deep slumber.

I came back to my room and lay my head on the pillow.

"Naina, why you didn't tell me that Sameer is back" Mom burst through the door, her voice startled me for a minute. In all this things I almost forgot to tell her that her son was back in this country and in our life as well. 

"I almost forgot I'm sorry" 

"I met him today" mom said her voice unusually timid.

"Naina, say something" 

"I don't know what to say" For once, I could find no words to reply 

"He's waiting for you go and talk to him" She said, her tone low and harsh. 

"Mom I can't believe this you have seen me suffering and still you want me to forgive him" 

"Naina, he had a reason" I wanted to tell her that I'm not here to buy anything from her son. He doesn't owe me an explanation but I stayed calm.

"I don't care" 

"Naina, he hasn't eaten anything I can't see him like this" A pained expression crossed her face. 

"Then go and make him eat something and then tell him to leave otherwise I will" The voice that came out of my throat didn't sound like my own. 

"I tried but he refused" My jaw began to quiver, and I could feel the moisture at the corner of my eyes. 

"Then it's not my problem if he has eaten anything or he hasn't, years ago I stopped looking after him" I shot back curtly.

"But I do, he's my son She growled sarcastically, her face two shades darker than before. 

"Naina, please try to understand his problems give him a chance" she pleaded and I shook my head in denial. 

"You don't have a heart in your chest Naina, what you have become, you are heartless. I don't want to...forget it Her voice trailed off and she couldn't finish her sentence however I didn't want her to finish because I already knew what lies in the end. I felt like crying right in front of her yet I tried my best to hold on to some kind of a neutral expression. 

"Mom you can go back to your son whenever you want to, I will go away with my daughter" I snapped, raising my eyes from the floor. The last piece of strength and patience was gone. Blood was boiling in my veins, I knew if I would speak, I would end up corrupting the most beautiful relationship we have because I know she had always loved me more than my own mother, more than her own son. 

 "No Naina I didn't mean that you are equally important to me, I just want you to give him a chance" 

"Mom, leave me alone, I want to stay alone" My voice was as lifeless as me.

"Okay, take your time but please think about it. He loves you a lot Naina he loves you a lot" Her voice sent a cold shiver down my spine. I bit my lip to control my tears. 

I buried my face in pillow and tried to sleep but the hollow pit in my stomach wouldn't let me sleep. I woke up back and walked towards the window. I drew the curtain apart and peeked out of the window. 

I caught the site of his chiseled face, glowing in the moon light. He looked tired, in fact he looked exhausted. 

I kept on staring blankly at his face, tears ran down my cheeks. I wish if I could see him again, I wish if I could tell him that I still love him with all my heart. My body, heart and soul still belong to him. I strode towards the kitchen and packed the food in a box and the. I fetched the blanket; it will keep him warm if he was planning to spend a night outside my door.

He straitened himself when he saw me coming towards him.

"Khana rakha hain kha lena" I kept the box and the blanket on the bench he was sitting before.

"Main khaunga par ek shart par agar tum mere sath khaogi" 

"Mene khana kha liya" My voice was a harsh whisper. 

"Naina, jab jhooth bolna nahi ata hain toh koshish bhi nh karni chaiye" I was about to protest but the protest died on my lips when he caught me red handed. I sat on the bench and served the food for both of us. He sat beside me and tore the first morsel. I could feel the wind rushing past us, tickling my face. 

"I know you haven't eaten anything since morning, now eat this" he said and I gulped the first bite down. We lapsed into silence for a while, I was busy with eating. After a while I noticed that he was watching me, his face glowing in the moon light.  I couldn't miss the soft look in his dark eyes as he watched me nibbling on the food. It made my skin tingle.

"What do you want Sameer?" I asked my voice as life less as the rest of me.

"I want you and my daughter back in my life. I want my family back" He kept his one hand on my cheek, warmth spread out from the spot he touched. He was touching me after two years I almost forgot how his touch felt. This small gesture sent and unfamiliar ache through my heart, an ache that was at once both soothing and painful. 

"You walked out on us and I lost my baby, your baby because of you" A lone tear trickled down from my eye.

"Naina do saal phle hmari company ko ek bhot bada nuksan hua tha we were about to file for bankruptcy. I didn't tell you anything because you were four months pregnant and I didn't want you to go through anything. Phir hame ek naya project mila par clients ki ek demand thi. Wo hmare sath virtually kam nh karna chahtey the they wanted me to shift to America and I wasn't left with another option. First I wanted to go alone but you wanted to come and trust me I wanted to take you and Tanya with me but then when I consult your doctor she strictly said no, she said it's not good for your health and then I backed out. Then I left without informing you" His voice was soft, almost inaudible. It was tough for him to go back in time and tell me everything about the incident.

"After few days mom told me about your accident. Trust me Naina that time I wanted to come back but I was bound by the contract. I tried calling you thousand times but you wouldn't talk to me then I told mom to look after you and that's why she shifted in our house" My heart sank at the very mention of the accident. It was horrible; I cried for days, I felt so helpless, after crying a lot I turned into a stone. I felt hollow, like there was no reason left for me to continue with my life. 

"Naina, trust me it was equally difficult for me, you at least had Tanya and mom but I had no one I was all alone but I had to do this for us for our future Naina. Naina I fall in love with you from the age I didn't even know what Love was you taught me how to love and I would never do anything to hurt you at least not purposely. Still I know I have hurt you till no end you suffered a lot because of me, please forgive me Naina. I still love you and I love you a lot more than my life" he confessed, his voice breaking in the end.

Finally he unrevealed the mystery. His confession tore my heart. I felt numb, realization slowly sank in. He looked at me, waiting for me to say something; his eyes were wild as if desperately searching something in my eyes. 

Maybe a reaction...!

"I'm sorry Sameer I could feel wetness streaming down my face. There were so many things I should have said yet that was all I could think of. He raised his arms and put them around my shoulder, I stiffened for a moment but he patted my back and I settled down on his chest. He hugged me as tight as he can and I hugged him back with all the strength I had in my body. I could feel, life seeping back into me. His touch was soothing. It was such an achingly pleasurable feeling. His arms felt like another world, warm and safe world. 

When he pulled back, I saw the grim of satisfaction glittering in his eyes. 

"Naina look at me He cupped my face and forcefully made me look at him. His cool breath tickled my cheek. It was freezing outside but I only shivered because of his touch on my body. He brushed his hands against my cheek and my whole body twitched. 

"You don't have to apologize Naina, I should have told you before, it's my fault He softly wiped the tears from my cheeks. For a moment we stood like this, close enough to hear the other's heart beat, our hands intertwined. Then he knelt down on the floor.

"Naina I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for not being there for you but I promise. I will never keep anything away from you no matter what the situation is, I will always hold you through the darkness and we will find our way together. I want you back in my life, please come back to me Naina. I still love you; I love you more than my own life, please come back Naina, and please give me a chance"

 "I have pictured my whole life with you. I want another child and we both will nourish them together. I want to grow old with you and then die in your arms but in between I want to lots of memories. So will you stay with me again? Will you give me another chance? Will you be my wife again?" He asked and my chest ached when he completed, I didn't say anything though I should've said something, something great but I was overwhelmed by his gestures. I closed my eyes to replay those words over and over again in my brain.

"Kchh mann nahi kar rha tere jese lukkhe ke sath dubara rhne ka" I crossed my arms in front of my chest.  I tried to suppress the grin that appeared on my face. He stands up. The surge of emotion I feel in this second is almost impossible to describe.

"Oh madam yeah lukkha teri beti ka baap hain" he inched closer to me with disbelief written all over his face. 

"Sabse galtiyan hoti hain" I said and he scowled at me. I bit my lower lip to hide the creeping smile on my face. I pulled his cheek and he gave me a big smile and finally we were back together. A wicked grin spread over his face and I leaned in, I stick my tongue out, touching the end of his nose with my tongue.

"Oh Naina I missed you a lot" He laughed, he looked adorably cute when he laughed. Desires washed through me, I wanted to engulf him in my arms. I wanted to bury my face in his chest.

 "What are you waiting for come on kiss me" He said in a desperate tone. He didn't wait for my reply. He grabbed my waist and slammed his lips against mine. A strangled moan escaped from my throat. I responded back with same enthusiasm. The kiss was more like promise, seal for our relationship that no one and nothing can come between us. I completely surrendered myself in that kiss, our lips blended into each other in perfect harmony. He sucked my upper lip and I sucked his lower lip. We kissed each other wildly, without caring about the surroundings. 

I felt breathless as he restricted even a whiff of oxygen to reach my lungs still I didn't push him away. I continued to kiss him with whatever the strength I was left with, he rambled his lips against mine. We broke the kiss when it was almost impossible for us to continue without oxygen.

"Let's go upstairs and finish what we started. I want to make a lot of babies" he chuckled when he saw me blushing. We moved towards our room and we indeed finished what we started.

ENTRY 7

Love=Trust

Sameer and naina had parted ways...as naina felt that their relationship had no future...after seeing what happened with arjun bhaiya n shefali, naina was scared for sameer and that is why she parted ways with him!!! But naina made one of the biggest mistakes of her life...she just told sameer that we cannot be together...she never told him the reason!! With Naina sameer partying ways even other relations parted ways...munna and pandit blammed naina for everything and knowing naina's truth Preeti and swati never stopped supporting Naina!!!

Days passed ...Sameer initially went into depression but now he was trying to date suniana...just to make naina realise what has he lost!! On the other side, naina's family had fixed her rishta with soon to b CA Sharad!!!

Physically sameer and naina had parted their ways...but the heart" ye kaha kisi k sunta hai...dil to phele hi de chuke the dono ek dusre ko!!!"

Sharad was not a bad guy...bt he never loved naina...he just wanted a wife...who could cook for him...take care of his parents...who could just keep him happy!!!He never cared for naina...her dreams...her feelings... nothing!!!On the other side even though sameer was dating suniana...munna pandit could see that he is not happy...they later on even realised that naina is not happy...bt they never got to know the reason...and now it was difficult for them to trust naina again!!!

One evening Sharad had requested the agarwal family to take naina for a movie...ab yeh unn dinon ki baat hai...shaadi se phele ladka aur ladki akele thodi kahi ja sakte hai...so the family members did give permission...but on a condition that Preeti and swati will join them and hence sharad...one of his friend...and these three girls unwillingly went for a movie!!!!While returning from the movie...they did not get any vehicle and all five of them were walking!!! Sharad was continuously instructing naina that how was she suppose to lube after marriage and naina on the other side was missing sameer... flashback of her movie date with sameer was haunting her thoughts!!!Sharad realised that naina was not listening and he started shouting at her Infront of everybdy!!! they were in the middle of the jungle and on the edge of the road...the edge had a deep slope...if anyone slips from there...would directly fall and whould ne taken to jungle!!! It was already 9 p.m and the climate was also not good...it could rain anytime!!! In admist of all this sharad just kept on shouting at naina...now naina started crying ...the more forward steps sharad was taking towards naina...Naina was taking same steps behind ...and ultimately naina slipped down the slope and was taken to the jungle hurting herselff!!!

Preeti and swati were now hell scared...they did not realise within a time span what had happened and how their dear naina's life was in danger now!!! The jungle was wild...all dark...n the climate was also not good!!! Preeti started blaming everything on sharad...Swati on the other side did not understand what to do...bt yet she did the right thing...she saw a pic there and called munna...she told him everything!! Munna chahe kitna bhi Naraaz ho...dil se to vo bhi yahi manta tha k naina uski bhabhi hai...he called up sameer and pandit...n all three of them rushed towards the jungle...after all how could sameer leave his princess in trouble...pyaar to ab bhi tha!!!

Preeti was just about to enter the jungle when pandit took hold of her hand and stopped her!!! She did not understand anything and just hugged pandit n started sobbing badly and pandit was trying to console her...same thing was happening with Swati n munna...Swati was crying n munna was consoling her...n our hero was already down the slope into the jungle...in search of his Juliet!!! Sharad N his friend was no where to b seen!!!

Into the jungle sameer was searching naina...as soon as he fall down the slope he saw his princess lying unconscious...he tried waking her up...bt all his efforts were going in. vain...bt then destiny helped him...it started raining...n with the drops of water falling on her face...Naina woke up...nly to b in sameer's arms!!!It had already started raining...n where had the fallen they did not know ...the was no scope of going back from where they did fall!!! Sameer n naina both started walking into the jungle to protect themselves from rain!!! When naina again slipped her leg...Sameer caught her n naina spoke" muje pata thi tun aaunge...muje baachane zarur aunge...Bharosa tha muje!!!" Naina was yet into sameer's arms...Sameer:- " Kaise nahi Ata...tumhara Bharosa nahi tod sakta tha me!!!" for a second the world just stopped for both of them...they were enjoying being in each other's arm's...and the rain was playing the cherry on the cake part!!!! The more heavy the rain started falling...the more tight their hold on each other was!!!!

on the other side Preeti-Pandit, swati n munna were just waiting outside the jungle...all 4 of them wanted to go inside...bt they knew that was not the smart decision!!!!
Pandit-" Ye acha hai tum logo ko prblm ayi to immediately hamari yaad aa gayi!!!"
Munna-" Aur nahi to Kya Varna to humse baat karna bhi manzoor nahi tha!!!"
Swati could not take this anymore...she just hugged munna and even though munna was angry he loved her...how could he not respond!!! Preeti went near pandit...took his hand in hers n said sorry!!!
Preeti-" sorry for everything...we know we are wrong in supporting Naina...but you guyz tell us...was it correct to leave her side...in her most difficult times!!! During bet ohase...you guyz supported sameer...even though he was wrong!!! Then we are not supporting naina...just standing by her...bcz she needs us ...she is already going through a lot..bcz of partying away from sameer...now to this rishta also...n upar se ur so called new bhabhi suniana!!!In all this now after sameer if we leave her she will nyways die...n I will do anything to protect my sister...even if it means supporting her in wrong things!!!"
Pandit hugged her sideways...munna n pandit were now understanding what the girls were also going through!!!
Pandit-" if she loves sameer so much then y is she torturing herself n sameer!!!"
Swati-" she is doing all this for sameer...you can say that our friend trust ur friend...bt she has lost her trust on herself!!!" Preeti n swati explain everything to munna n pandit!!!

On the other side thunder of lighting... finally brought sameer n naina back to life from their dreamland!!!They realized the happenings now...they tried to search a shelter for themselves... bt only tress provided them some shelter!!!!
Sameer-" It is raining heavily and it is already night...moving out if there means risking our lives.. .n I cannot risk ur life...till morning we stay here!!!!"
Naina-" Understand sameer I have to go...my family will create a problem!!!"
Sameer-" Why should i always understand naina ...ur life is more prescious to me than ur family's scolding!!!"
Naina-" I have to go sameer!!!" N she stands up!!!
Sameer-" cone into ur senses naina...we are not going!!!!" he holds her hand and makes her sit besides him!! " Sit here till morning or till ur so called fiance comes to take u...till then u are my responsibility!!!"
Naina-" He will never come!!!"
Sameer-" Wow...must say you know him quiet well in a short span of time!!!" Naina gives him looks!!!
Sameer-" actually, similarly vthe way u knew I would come!!!" Naina now could not look into his eyes!!!
Sameer-" Bolo naina, tum hi kehti thi...jaha Bharosa hota hai wahi pyaar hota hai!!!"
Naina- " Me ye bhi kehti thi sameer ...ki pyaar life me ek hi baar hota hai...aur tumse behtar ye koi nahi janta k mere hisse ka pyaar me Kar chuki hu!!!" 
Now sameer looks directly into her eyes" To Kyu Kar Rahi ho suicide... Kyu Kar Rahi ho us chomu se shaadi...Kya mujpe Bharosa nahi tumhe...Kya tumhe lagta hai k me tumhe Khush nahi rakh Paula???"
Naina-" Tumse jyada muje is duniya me koi Khush nahi rakh sakte!!!'
Sameer-" Fir ye judaai Kyu naina...ye dard Kyu???""
Naina-" Tumhare liye!!!" Sameer gets confused!!!
Naina-" Mere gharwale kabhi is rishte k liye nahi manenege. ..love marriage will never b permitted at my place...in case if arjun bhaiya n shefali... shefali was badly insulted...she had to leave Ahmedabad bcz of this insult!!! I cannot bear anybdy insulting u...I cannot let u leave Ahmedabad...last time u left...u were broken ...I cannot sperate u from ur friends...I love u a lot sameer...so much that I cannot see you in pain.. .and specifically be the reason for that pain...me tunse Duri she Sakti hu bt tumhe daard me nahi dekh Sakti!!!'
Even though it was raining heavily n naina could barely keep her eyes open due to rain hitting their faces badly...Sameer could yet see the pure love of naina for him in her eyes!!!
Sameer-" Tumse Duri muje aur dard de Rahi hai naina!!!"
Naina-" Vo temporary daard hai...time will heal everything...tum muje dheere dheere bhul jaunge!!!!"
Sameer now starts laughing sarcastically"Jiske wajah se zinda hu...use hi bhul gaya to...!"" Naina keeps her hand on his mouth n dies not let him complete!!!
Sameer-" Arjun n shefali k case me pyaar to tha...bt Bharosa aur himmat nahi!!!" Naina looks at sameer with confusion
Sameer-" khud k dil pe hath rakhke pucho apne aap se naina...kis baat ka daar lag Raha tumhe...k future me tumhe muje me aur tumhari family me se kisi ek ko choose karna padega is baat se daar rahi ho Na???"
Naina looks down...she was not able to answer... suddenly lighting happens n she hugs sameer!!!! Sameer holds her tightly...n removing the hair from her face n looking at her face in the moonlight...he again asks her" bolo naina...yahi saach nai Na!!!"
Naina has no gurds to look at him...she just hugs him more tightly n sobs!!!
Sameer-" Bharosa rakho naina apne sameer par ...vo tumhe is situation me kabhi nahi daaluga!!!"
Now naina looks at sameer directly!!! Even in these heavy rains she could she the confidence in his eyes...n wiping her tears sameer spoke" Naina me apne aap ko itna kabil banauga...ki tumhare gharwale iss rishte k liye kabhi mana kar hi Na sake...aur dheere dheere sabka dil bhi jeet lunga...tum bas Mera intezaar karna!!!"
Naina- Aur agr gharwale nahi mane to??"
Sameer- " Me koshish karta rahuga...bt plz naina Bina koshish kiye haar mat maan lo...mat todo mujse rishta...nahi reh sakta tumhare Bina!!!"
Naina hugs sameer-" Ab us chomu ka Kya karna hai...muje waise bhi use shaadi nahi karni thi!!!"
Sameer-" Are ek baar bolke to Dekhti...Kuch Na Kuch Kar hi lenge!!!"
They just stared into each other's eyes!!! Naina now started shivering due to rains!!!
Sameer- " Thand lag Rahi hai...me Kuch karta hu!!!"
Naina-" Kya karoge???"
Sammer- " dekhta hu Kya hosakta hai!!!"
Naina- " Bhaut barish hai...thand to tumhe bhi lag Rahi hogi...muje apni bhaho(arms) me le lo...dono k thand door hojayegi!!!!"
Sameer looks at naina with confusion...Naina goes near sameer...places herself in his arms n sits conformably... initially sameer was shocked ...bt later on he holds her tight...protecting her from all the rain that was hitting her!!

on the other side...Sharad cones to the spot where the remaining gang was!! He comes there with the whole Agarwal family!!!
Anand n Bela were worried for all girls...where as taiji n Rakesh just enquired abt naina!!!
Taiji-" Ye naina kaha hai???"
Rakesh- " Tum dono yaha Kya Kar Rahe ho???"
Swati-" Ye log yaha se guzar Rahe the...hume akela dekh June baachane ruk gaye...Sameer jungle me gaya hai naina ko dhundne!!!"
Sharad - " Naina n sameer akele hai jungle me!!"
Taiji-" Hey RAM...ye ladki nak katvake hi rahegi...n sath me us bholuram vka bhi naam badnaam Kar k rahegi!!!Are nahi sharad beta...insaniyat k wajah se gaya hai vo baachane!!!!"
Sharad -" Fir bhi ek ladke k sath akeli!!!"
Now sharad had crossed all the limits n Preeti was done with all this ...she goes n slaps sharad Infront of everyone!!!
Preeti-" Ek to tumhe movie dekhna tha isliye itni ghatiya movie dekhi humne...plus kanjus kahi k rickshaw k bhi paise nahi kharcha karna tha tumhe...upar se tumhari wajah se Meri behn gir gayi n ab usko hi blame Kar Rahe ho??!!"
Taiji slaps Preeti" dimag kharab hai tumhara!!!"
Preeti-" Ha taiji kharab ho gaya hai Mera dimag...aapka to thik hai na...to bataye...Jiski hone wali biwi uske wajah se jungle pe phass gayi ho...uski 2 saaliya yaha itni barish me to rahi ho .. ..to usne Kya karna chaiye...is beech raaste me apni saaliyo ko sumsam samak par akela chod Dena chaiye...apni honi wali biwi ko jungle me apne haal pe chodke bhag Jana chaiye...are jisme thodi si bhi ajkal nahi hai...insaniyat nahi hai...vo kisi bhi ladki ko kya Khush rakhega!!!!"
taiji forward her hand to slap Preeti...bt she is stopped by Anand!!!
Anand -" Kya galat kaha hai Preeti ne. ...jimse insaniyat hi Na ho...vo Meri Beti ko kya Khush rakhega...Jo khud musibat se bhagta ho vo mushkil me Meri Beti ka kaise sath dega!!!"
Rakesh-" Vo Meri Beti hai anand...uska acha bura me janta hu!!!"
Anand -" Maaf kijye bhaishab...apko Sirf itna dikh raha hai...k ye daheej nahi le raha...saach pucho to ye humse bhaut bada daheej le raha hai...Meri Beti k khushiya...Meri Beti k sapne...aur iski itni aukat nahi k me ise ye du daheej Me!!!"
Bela Chachi-" Maaf kijega bahbhiji... Rahi naina k baat...vo Meri Beti hai...mere Ghar me rehti hai...maa hu me uski...n iss maa ko ye rishta manzoor nahi...aur ye ek maa ka faisla hai!!!"
Rakesh n taiji could not speak anything in front of Anand n Bela today!!!
Anand - " Beta tum log yahi ruko..me jungle me jata hu. ...waise bhi subh hone wali hai!!!"
Munna-pandit " Him bhi sath chalenge!!!" All three go into the jungle to find sameer n naina!!!!

Sameer-" Chalo naina...hume chalna chaiye!!!"
Naina- " Kash ye raat kabhi nahi khatam hoti!!!"
Sameer-" Kaash bhagwan tumhari sun leta!!!"
Naina-" Tum pakka Na Isa chomu ko bhaga donge!!!"
Sameer-" Phele tum batao sath ho mere????"
Naina-" Hamesha!!"
Sameer-" Bas to fir...tum sath ho bola to...gaya Samjo vo chomu!!!"

While walking sameer n naina...meet Anand munna n pandit!!!
Anand -" Sorry beta...me phele Kuch nahi Kar sakta!!Tu thik hai na???"
Naina-"Ha chachaji me bilkul thik hu!!!"
Anand -" galti hogayi thi mujse Jo...me apni phool si baachi ko us katte ko de raha tha...ab kahi nahi jayegi Meri naina...mere hibsath rahegi uski padhai puri hone tak!!!"
Sameer n naina become happy listening to this!!!
Anand -" are sameer beta tum thik ho Na???"
Sameer-" Ha chachiji ne bilkul thik hu!!!"
Anand-" Thank you beta...thank you very much...tumne bhaut bada ehsaan kiya hai humpe... bhagwan kare bhagwan tumhare jaisa ladka har kisiko banaye!!!"
everybdy starts walking back!!!!
Pandit-" Uncle aap fikar nat karo...hamari naina topper hai ...uske liye koi acha ladka...job uski value karta ho ...uske profession ko samjta ho...jo use izzazt de...zarur milega...dua hai Meri!!!"
Munna-" ha bilkul sameer jaisa ladka milega naina ko!!!" Now everybdy looks at munna...n munna realises what he spoke...he tries to cover up!!!!
Anand-" Baat to Sahi kahi...Sameer jaise hi koi caring n humble ladka chaiye muje Meri naina ka liye!!!"
Naina starts blushing at this...n sameer signals her... already one at our side!!!!

Now everyone reaches back home... everything was f9...all sameer naina...Swati Munna...Preeti pandit...were back together being old n gold friends!!!!

ENTRY 8

Close Apart

The chirping of birds had lessened to an odd few while the street lights flickered at irregular intervals. The gush of cool breezes made him shiver slightly, but not more than the enticing figure standing in front of him. His room was dark with the moon as the only gleaming object. The white curtains of his room danced frivolously against the winds while a few pencils rustled against each other on the desk at the corner of his room. The constant disturbing beep of his telephone was kept to rest as he jerked away the connection cable. The entire house was sleeping peacefully except for one restless soul. His lost soul. The soul that had found an uncanny solace in her.

She let her hair loose as her hair tie scampered off to a distant. Biting her lip seductively, she made him groan in desire. He wasn't in his senses anymore. Tonight was the night when his wants overpowered his needs. His mind chortled with a smirk despite the warnings given by his heart. No longer did he care about her moral values nor his promises.

"I want you. She admitted wholeheartedly, eyes glistening with happiness.

"So do I. He whispered, taking long, quick strides towards her.

She lifted her gaze to meet his, blushing profusely the next second.

He felt his mind go dizzy in exhilaration as she tightly embraced him the next second. Her fingers traced his back, making him shiver under her effect. As he took in her glowing face under the moonlight, she lifted her hands and brushed her fingers against her manly stubble. Ah...the tickling pleasure it gave was too satisfying. She traced his perfect jawline as her eyes darkened at seeing his toned muscles through his fitted light blue shirt. The sleeves folded up to his elbows and she traced each vein, hearing each blood cell cry out to her. His arm snaked around her waist while the other surrendered itself to her for further exploration. Jerking her towards him, he forced her to shift her gaze to his orbs. Dubiously, her trembling fingers unbuttoned the first three buttons of his shirt, exposing what her heart yelped for. A sly smirk lingered on his face as he lifted her chin with his fingers. Inching closer to her, he felt her hot breath. Their faces broke into smiles as they leaned in.

"No! His eyes shot open as he sat upright, panting heavily. He looked around only to find utmost darkness around him; the surroundings too similar to be true. Wiping the sweat beads formed on his head, he panted, "Naina...

It wasn't the first time. Yet the incident was still fresh in his mind. It wasn't a dream his face had reddened at. But a nightmare he desperately wanted to forget. It wasn't a memory to be cherished. But a mistake he deeply regretted.

His heart thumped uncontrollably as he downed a glass of water. Rubbing his hands over his face, he grunt in frustration. This shouldn't've happened, his heart scolded his mind once again. However, it wasn't his fault, not entirely, his mind defended. His head throbbed and heart burned. Sameer knew he had disappointed the one he never wanted to. And she had all the right to reprimand his impertinence.

Dawn had broken through his transparent curtains, the sun shining brightly, welcoming a new morning. Yet, this time his eyelids didn't need to fight with the early morning rays. For sleep was long gone for him. He had frantically roamed across his room the entire night, a sense of discomfort settling in the pit of his stomach. He was scared. No, terrified. He couldn't lose her, not at any cost. Yet he had to confront. Confess his actions. Rectify his mistakes. He had crossed his limits, had raised her innocent love to another level she probably despised. He had to see her. He pursed his lips in determination as a surge of courage coursed through his veins.

He tried relaxing his racing heart by formulating several apologies; each leaving him more flabbergasted than the previous one. He stomped his foot in despair at being so helpless.

"Calm down, Sameer. Everything will be fine. He chanted to himself for the umpteenth time that morning.

Heaving a sigh, he checked the time. 7:14 AM. Naina would be waiting for him by the main gate of Law Garden. He had requested and ultimately convinced her to accompany him to college today. However, little had he realized then that the romantic ride would become one filled with horror. Taking his car keys, he dashed out the main door of his house, fear glinting through his eyes and courage slowly diminishing from his heart.

The maroon Suzuki screeched to a sudden halt as he spotted her. A nervous smile swept across her face as she quickly settled on the passenger's seat. Her fingers fidgeted dubiously and Naina's lips twitched fervently, waiting for Sameer to end the silence. He took a moment to notice the mundane steering wheel in front of him before slowly shifting his gaze to her. Sameer gulped as he noticed her uneasiness. He took a deep breath and bent over towards her.

"Sameer... She whispered in alarm as he quietened her.

Pulling the seat belt, Sameer took a moment to delve into her orbs once again. Her light brown colored eyes reflected a wave of emotions; from happiness to curiosity to a glint of pain. Her breathing unevened and shortened, her hot breath tickling his neck. Instinctively, he let go of the the seat belt and cupped her face in his cold, rough hands. Her skin was as smooth as silk and utterly delicate. He caressed her cheek with his thumb as she closed her eyes to feel each sensation his touch brought. One of his hands tangled itself in her smooth hair, removing the hair tie so that her hair fell in perfect curls, just how he liked it. Her lips curved into a knowing smile. She had purposely tied her hair just so that she could hear him whine in annoyance and feel his warm hands in her hair. Pushing a few strands that had dared to obstruct his view of her behind her ear, he noticed her flinch. She bit her lip in anxiousness as he groaned. Sameer tightened his grip on her to control the urge to bite those lips with his own.

"Not now, Naina. Please. Her brows arched in cluelessness as he shut his eyes to take another deep breath.

With regained focus, he pulled the seat belt over her and fastened it, passing a weak smile. Sameer frowned immediately, scrutinizing at the peach polo t-shirt Naina had worn.

"Naina, isn't your top similar to what I--

"Um, Sameer. Let's go. Aren't we getting late. Naina interrupted with a sheepish grin on her face.

"Naina... Sameer's voice deepened with a sense of threat, foreshadowing rather grave consequences.

"Not now, Sameer. Please. Naina repeated his words in plea. He agreed reluctantly for Sameer soon started the engine. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Naina knew Sameer had guessed, but she wanted to reveal her secret today. Confront him with courage and faith she had in him.

Within a few minutes of utter silence, Naina's brows furrowed at the detour.

"Sameer? She looked at him. This wasn't the route to college as far as she knew.

"Naina...I-um. I need to speak to you. Sameer fumbled, constantly tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

"I know we might get late--

"It's okay, Sameer. College can wait; especially when we don't have anything important first thing in the morning. She curved her lips into an understanding smile, making Sameer wonder what he had done to deserve her. She fathomed him so well it was absolutely surreal. The way she noticed his hands fidget in apprehension, his grip on the steering wheel tighten in tension, him struggle to form sentences hinted something was wrong. Something that concerned her. Something that bothered him.

Sameer pulled over to a secluded part of Law Garden. The lush greens still dominated their view, with occasional wooden benches scattered all over the place. The only cause for commotion was the regular chirping of birds; it was too early for people to roam around. Naina looked around in suspicion and then eyed Sameer in confusion. He stepped out of the car without a word, waiting for her. She approached him with hesitant steps and he finally met her gaze. Naina's heartbeat quickened as she feared the worst. Her mind castigated otherwise, pleading her to calm down. An unexpected thunder broke out, startling her and Sameer. He opened the car door and fished out two umbrellas.

Passing one to her, he spoke wryly, "The weather doesn't look too bright to me.

"Sameer, we can talk in college too--

"No, Naina. It's either now or never. Naina noticed the urgency in his voice. She nodded and pulled the umbrella over her head at the silent drops of rain.

"Do you want to talk here? Naina asked with a lingering smile on her face. Sameer looked around to realize they were still standing on the road adjacent to the lush greenery.

He pondered for a bit before resolving, "Yes. Who knows, maybe you might want to leave as soon as I..

"Sameer, what's wrong? Naina touched his hand and clutched it in assurance.

He inhaled sharply before beginning, "Naina, you know how much of a melancholic rigmarole Delhi has been for me.

"Sameer, you don't have to discuss this if you--

"I do, Naina. Please let me complete. Sameer interrupted, a little annoyed. Naina nodded in affirmation, deciding not to defy him anymore.

"Despite mom's love and Rohan and Deepika's constant support, there were a few things that scarred me. In fact, just one thing that has now probably marred our love...because of me.

It was difficult for Naina to maintain equanimity, for her heart raced furiously and her mind flashed thoughts of terrible possibilities. The raindrops continued to lash out, getting harder by the minute. It was unusual for Ahmedabad to burst out so vigorously. But then again, it was equally unusual for Sameer to behave so sinisterly too.

"Your letters left me in tears and the purity of your love welled up my heart. Unconditional. Irreplaceable. Complete. Sameer turned around, facing his back to Naina.

"But I wanted more. I needed more. The group of so-called friends' I had were a bad influence. I started doing all sorts of things I never expected myself to do. I started watching movies that weren't too decent.

"Not too decent? What do you mean? Naina's brows furrowed in perplexion.

"Movies that have ratings, Naina. Movies that we don't watch with our families. Sameer admitted amidst stammers. It took a moment for realization to hit her, but as soon as it did, her eyes widened in horror.

"Sameer? She shrieked in bewilderment. Never had she imagined him to...

'Don't presume, Naina.' She consoled herself.

Sameer turned around, "I know. I know what I did was obnoxious. But I couldn't help it, Naina. Curiosity got the worst of me. The way other boys gushed and laughed in a mysterious manner left me clueless. And my cluelessness left me frustrated. I wanted to be like them, just so that they could stop tittering at me. And that's when I developed a strong urge to know more, to do more.

Naina looked away and gulped. Somehow Sameer intimidated her today. He wasn't the same anymore. He wasn't the Sameer she knew.

And that's when it pricked her, "Do more?

Sameer bit his lip as his lips quivered, "Remember I told you about Amrita? She was the savior in my then heartless family' in Delhi. My first friend who connected me to you, all the time. All Naina could do was nod in anticipation.

"On the night before I was to leave for Ahmedabad, she came over. To say goodbye. And then...

"No. Naina kept on chanting. She constantly shook her head, trying to calm the racing thoughts in her head. It couldn't be possible. Sameer couldn't...he couldn't betray her.

Sameer hung his head in shame, "I got swayed, Naina.

Her lips parted and her heart fell. Her head felt suddenly dizzy and she felt her whole body go numb. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't picture Sameer with someone else other than her. She couldn't bear someone else claiming authority on him. On her Sameer.

"Did you two... She managed to blurt, tears brimming in her eyes.

It didn't take Sameer too long to understand her indication, "No, Naina. Of course we didn't. I didn't spend the entire night with her. I regained control, realized what I had been doing. I didn't do anything that...

Naina's grasp on her umbrella tightened and her lips trembled. Her steps faltered. A lone tear escaped her eye, inviting a thousand more. She bit her lip to control her tears, all in vain. Sameer's heart ached seeing her vulnerable. He held her hand and apologized, "I'm so sorry, Naina.

She flinched at his touch and immediately jerked it away. Sameer hated to see her like this, but Naina hated herself more. She felt alone, useless, ashamed. Despite the commotion around her, she felt isolated from the world. Just the thought that Sameer needed someone else bombarded her mind and soul, chiding her each second.

Naina shut her eyes in order to compose herself, wiped away the remaining tears and swallowed, "Can you please drop me to college?

"Naina.. Sameer started but Naina intervened with her hand, "It's okay. I'll take an auto. Thank you so much though, Sameer Maheshwari. Her stern voice startled him.

"Naina, please. Sameer pleaded in front of deaf ears. Naina had already left, left him alone. He stomped his foot, scaring a few rocks on the road. Cursing to himself, he muttered, "What have I done?

Sameer dashed through the college corridors only to find her engrossed in a lecture. He hid behind the classroom door, peeping in through the blinds. She barely wrote anything and she focused on the blackboard aimlessly. Her notebook was opened to a blank page that had secretly been absorbing her tears. Her eyes were swollen red and her lips tormented. She squeezed a crumpled tissue in her hand while her sniffs were audible only to herself. Her legs constantly tapped the floor, her denim long skirt wet from the tears that continued to pool in her eyes. Sameer looked away, unable to bear her vulnerable side. She was in pain, all because of him.

The two hour wait had finally ended, and Sameer straightened. He had to fix things, no matter what. Everyone rushed out boisterously at the sound of the dismissal bell, including the professor himself. Everyone but her. Sameer went inside to find her alone, slowly packing her things away. Without a word, he held her cold, numb arm and took her to an empty room right adjacent to this one. Latching the door, Sameer turned around only to find Naina looking everywhere else but him. She rubbed one arm over the other, her bag still hung on her shoulder.

"Why have you locked the door, Sameer? Do you plan on doing something similar... Naina's voice wavered. She was scared. Scared of this new Sameer. On the other hand, Sameer stood dumbfounded.

"Naina, how could you think I would do something like this...without your permission. His voice reflected pain. The more he took steps towards her, the more she retreated.

Sameer stopped and sighed, "Please talk to me, Naina.

He was worried sick for her. Not only because of the way she had afflicted herself. But also because she looked pale, bereft of any color, just like his white turtleneck tee.

Silence continued to prevail, irking Sameer. "Won't you say anything, Naina?

He tried taking her hands in his, only to find them ice cold and jerked away within seconds.

"What do you want to hear, Sameer? That the person whom I thought was mine, isn't anymore? Naina vented, tears streaming down her face.

She threw her bag on the floor and started pacing to and fro.

"What do you expect me to feel, Sameer? How do you think I would feel when I find out that my man was busy with some other girl while I waited for him, longing for his presence?

Naina took steps towards him and brushed her fingers down his brown waistcoat.

"She must've touched you here, right? And here? She brought her fingers up to his face, smoothly rubbing his stubble.

"And she must've loved your touch, right Sameer? Naina yanked her hand away and grimaced.

"You were mine, Sameer. You were mine. But you chose someone else. She weeped, taking steps away from him.

Sameer stopped her and held her by her shoulders, "I still am, Naina. I'm yours. He tried to reassure.

Naina grew livid yet with a fear glinting through her voice, "Do you love...Amrita?

Sameer cupped her face in his hands, "I only love you, Naina. What I had with Amrita was purely lust. I love you. He repeated numerously, leaving Naina baffled.

She distanced herself from him, making Sameer's hands slump back to his sides.

"Imagine me in your shoes, Sameer. What if I couldn't control myself and spent a night--sorry, half a night-- with a male friend of mine. Imagine him touching each part of me, imagine me biting my nails into him, imagine me moaning in pleasure, imagine him groaning in desire, imagine--

"Stop it, Naina. His vicious voice echoed through the empty room while his hands fisted and anger surged through him.

Naina's face wore a hysterical smirk as she neared him and whispered in his ears, "Exactly.

By the time Sameer opened her eyes to say something in defence, she had left. Sameer heaved, slumping to the ground. He couldn't imagine Naina with someone else, how could she accept his actions. Just the thought of someone else touching his Naina propelled him to do the worst. She was his. And only he had the right to come close to her. Sameer held his head in his hands, frustration and resentment dawning upon him. No matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't erase that night. He couldn't erase the sin he had committed. He couldn't erase the sight of her in tears, all because of him. He had hurt her, broken her trust. And now he had lost her forever.

***

"Sameer Bhaiya? Poonam Bhabhi shouted at the top of her lungs. She had been shaking him rigorously for the past ten minutes, but Sameer seemed to have been as still and cold as a statue. He finally came out of his trance and cleared his throat, "Yes?

"Where were you lost, Sameer Bhaiya? She frowned in concern.

"Nowhere at all...I'm fine. I'm sorry for troubling you. Sameer managed to put words together, all the while straightening himself.

"Breakfast is ready, Sameer Bhaiya. Should I send it to your room? She asked, a boisterous grin back on her face.

"Huh? Sameer's mind was elsewhere still while his stomach churned in misery and guilt. Guilt of doing something as heartless as this. That night flashed before him once again, leaving him in remorse. He had to rectify his mistakes. He had to face her.

"Breakfast. Won't you get late for college? She repeated with worry visible on her face.

And that's when everything fell back in place. He was still dressed in his white turtleneck paired with a brown waistcoat and jeans, car keys in his hands. And that's when he checked the time.

7:14 AM.

And his breath hitched.

THEME 3

ENTRY 9

Fix You

ENTRY 10

Scattering Blooms

Naina pulled the drying bedsheet from wire.The bedsheet was still wet at hems yet it had to be packed.The large suitcase was waiting with a big wide open mouth to engulf the bedsheet.It least cared if the bedsheet was wet or dry ,if the bedsheet at all wanted to leave the bed and be packed off for some different bed.She was lost feeling the hems of the bedsheet,remembering the times Sameer had stood below the balcony,staring up at her  and she staring down at him.Her eyes were turning misty again.Memories! The time can't erase them,may be it will only be able to make them bearable,if not forgettable.

"Naina!Beta wahan kya kar rahi hai?Jaldi aa.Paecking khatam kar.Main khana lagati hun. Bela Chachi's words were clear and loud.She jerked and felt the wetness.In her hands and in her eyes.The night was going to be last in her house,in the lane,in the city and even in the state.Chachaji  decided to send away Naina to Bombay for pursuing the career in CA.In a way,he felt Naina would be at peace from daily drama of Taiji bringing proposals from middle classes  relegating  to below poverty lines.Before it could get  any worse,Chachaji decided its better Naina leaves the city and pursue her dreams.If any suitable proposal comes,then the matter would be informed to her.

Naina sat quietly on the dining table,munching and trying hard to gulp the cauliflowers. She already felt lifeless when the decision was made.It was like she was just a dummy in battle ground.Bullets are flying .Some are whizzing by spooking her.Some are enough straight to tear her open and leave her in pieces.

"Naina!Kya soch rahi hai beta?Khana jaldi khatam kar.Bahut kam tame bache hein.Aur abhi tak trunk ki packing baki hai. Chachiji uttered and gestured Preeti to follow her.Naina jerked back,looked at the plate.Unknowingly she had nearly wiped the plate clean.Didn't she do the same with her life?In the determined way of removing away all the sadness from his life ;she has wiped the past joys they shared.She withdrew immediately,not pondering much and washed her hands clean.The basin, witness to all her finger cuts,the mehendi she had washed during Pooja Di's wedding with S' and during the latest roka with Sharad with S' in palms.The mehendi was gone now,all it remained,wiped,clean palms.She lathered her palms with the soap and smiled seeing wet,clean palms.Was she being sadistic or going insane?

"Naina!Tujhe yaad hai teri school wali picnic ke tame pe bhi tu yehi trunk le ke gayi thi.Par wo to kuch hi dinon ki baat thi.Pata nahin ab kitne mahine ke baad dekhungi tujhe. Chachiji's eyes were beginning to turn misty when Preeti decided to not let anyone shed a tear.For it was getting difficult for her to see happiness scattered,feet staggering,happiness leaving and smiles already gone.Haan!har baar to iski hi packing hoti hai.School time pe bhi aur ab bhi. Preeti sulked,pretending,and Chachiji was back to her smiling self.The mention of school trip had evoked enough emotions inside Naina and she could only mouth "Tujhe kabhi aisi packing na karne pade,Preeti. Preeti could no more hold back and crushed herself in a tight hug.Her sister needed enough strength to endure this testing phase.And her sister was alone.

Without her Sameer ,without her Preeti.

Sameer opened the suitcase and found his packing done already.All thanks to Munna,Pandit and Bhabhi for lessening his burden.But this physical burden was so so less to what emotional burden he was carrying.He could see Naina's beautifully, painstakingly knitted blue sweater kept at top.He smiled,thinking it would have been definitely Pandit's work.He picked up the sweater and thrust it between his other warm clothes.He needed to shield him against her memories otherwise he will fail the very aims and objectives he had set for himself.Kehna aasan hai,lekin karna.. His heart screamed back.He shrugged and tried packing few more stuffs,not to equip himself but keep himself busy.He pulled out the shirts and came in his hands the camera.The very camera he had clicked pictures with during their school trip.Mamiji had got a new branded camera with new techniques for him but he could not help placing the old one in suitcase.He was going to keep away from her things...His heart did a victory jig and mind smacked for losing the self control.

Chachaji lifted the trunk and placed it in the diggy.Naina carried the slightly heavy suitcase and decided to keep it with herself.Chachaji sat at front and the car jerked into move.Naina saw the images of Chachiji and Preeti turning hazy.Oh yes!She had tears in her eyes and slight rains had left haze of droplets on the car window glass.As the car left her lane,she remembered not seeing her father,her Taiji and Tauji for last time.She had only seen Pralay waving at her from the balcony.Was she so unwanted in her closed one's life?

"Ram naam satya hai.Hari naam satya hai. The words hit her .She looked out of the window to see a dead body being carried to funeral.She could not see the face but she could gauge they were carrying an old man.Flowers all over his body and gulaalscattered carelessly over.She for a moment felt like she was just like the dead body. Lifeless. Her own kin carrying to some place,from where her journey will be all alone.

The body took turn at a lane to the funeral ground and she saw the lamppost demarcating the lane's end.Stillness had invaded the lane,and she felt  the stillness  of a fairy tale where dark magic has cast the kingdom into a waking dream.Naina swung between numbness and grief ,preferring the former.The hours were blur together.The car ran smooth and then she heard the temple bell ring.

"Tum kamzor nahin ho Naina.Main tumhare saath hun. "Tumhe kya lagta hai..tum chali jaogi to main wohi Sameer ban jaunga..Ek hawaka jhonka jo kabhi idhar kabhi udhar? "Main manta hun ki maine galti kiya hai,par tum uss galti ko badhawa kyun de rahi ho? Please Naina aisa mat karo.Naina ...Nainaa... "Naina! Naina!  She jerked feeling Chachaji's extended palm closing over her.

"Ji.. Chachaji! She voiced stuttering  ,trying hard to look normal,behave more normally.Kahan kho gayi ho?Neend abhi tak tuta nahin hai kya?Train kitne baje hai? He asked and Naina fidgeted with the handbag,pulling out the folded ticket.She could see moths hovering in the darkness.She knew Chachaji was struggling with his own sorrow.But she could not reach him from the deep hole she had fallen into.

"Arey bhai sahab! Yeh to mast piece hai.Kahan se li? Devang asked the bahadur-turned-driver who seemed to be in a jolly mood.Mt.Abu se.Pichle mahine gaye the na. The big moustache man twirled the corners with pride and happiness.Arey Sameer!Tu bhi to Mt.Abu gaya tha na? Devang asked.If it would not have been  Devang,Sameer would have hurled curses.He was fighting a battle.Whom he loves more? The person who left that day or the person who was part of his nicest memories? And the very time Mt.Abu was mentioned.

"Haan..school trip pe Sameer spoke ;only when the driver threw a suspicious glare at him; through the mirror.Bhaiya!Ek minute ruko.Main jara mandir se aata hun. Devang's clear and loud voice was enough to bring the car into a halting screech.Sameer!Tu chalega? Devang asked only to see Sameer nodding in negation.

In the wake of Mt.Abu's memory ,a tide of others swept in ,tugging him towards the happier times.Though he was guilt driven then,but he had enjoyed the most with her until that fateful afternoon.Their night escapade to Toad Hill,the sun shine watch,the antakshari,he still could remember the blush on her face and how flirtingly he had winked at her.He closed his eyes, allowing the train ticket to grow heavy in his hand.He yearned for some similar nights to carry him away.Where only he and Naina mattered to each other.

He looked at the temple,with a long,blank stare. The exact place,where Naina sat on the cool floor next to him,beneath the stern benevolence of the Lord Shiv's glance.She had no fancy clothes on her.She was sitting erect yet looked impatient.In between they could hear the priest reciting Sanskrit mantras.He felt her palm over him.The touch could not have been gentler.How he loved her,with all her fierceness and innocence,the tenderness that she tries to hide from him.

"Tum soch rahe ho na main bhi Arjun bhaiya ki tarah hun? Shefali ko bhi yehi lagta hai. She said breaking the monotonous silence. Main kuch aur soch raha tha? He replied black, slightly caressing her thumb.

"Jaanti hun.Arjun Bhaiya galat the par main unki galti ki wajah jaanti hun.Tum to Papa ko jaante ho na Sameer,kya Papa Arjun Bhaiya ko ek minute bhi ghar mein rehne dete agar Bhaiya yeh bol dete ki wo Shefali se pyar karte hein? Agar Tauji aur Papa unhe ghar se nikal dete to Shefali ko leke kahan jaate? Pyaar se man to bhar jaata lekin pet ki bhookh to nahin.Wo Shefali se pyar karte the,lekin yeh sab itni jaldi ho gaya ki ...waise bhi wo bujhdil hein.Par ...Isliye main Chachaji ki iss faisle ko mana nahin kar sakti.Yehi acha hai mere liye,tumhare liye. She completed,wiping the hot tears that flowed.

""Tum kamzor nahin ho Naina.Main tumhare saath hun. His grip strong over her  closed fists.

"Apni Maami ko baata sakte ho ki Bittu ki padoshi ki behen se shaadi karoge?Bata sakti ho ki Agarwal khandan ki ek nihayati kanjoos librarian ki beti se shaadi karoge? Haan,main jaanti hun tum bata sakte ho.Unko mere ghar bhi laa sakte ho.Uske baad? Sab kuch sambhal paoge?suljha paoge?Tumhari pocket ki yeh 10 rupaye khud ki kamai hai? Sab kuch tumhara hai lekin ek bhi kamai tumhari hai kya?Tum unke apne ho,lekin main koun hun? Agar Maami ne mujhe inkar kar diya to? She enquired and he felt the set jigsaw puzzle of his life suddenly look disjointed.

"Tumhe kya lagta hai..tum chali jaogi to main wohi Sameer ban jaunga..Ek hawaka jhonka jo kabhi idhar kabhi udhar?He asked looking straight into her eyes.The very eyes he was lost in when they had nearly collided in the corridor.

"Gussa aa raha hai na mere upar? Soch rahe ho na chodke jaa rahi hun tumhe.Uss din canteen mein bhi kitna kuch suna diya tha.Ki mujhe sirf mere family.mere sanskaar,mere Chachaji..mein mein...mujhe sirf inse matlab hai.Lekin ek baat to kehna hi bhul gaye. He looked at her,a truant lock fallen on his forehead.

She could not stop herself from leaning over and smoothing it back.Tum bhi to mere ho Sameer. Her voice, chocked with emotions.

"Main manta hun ki maine galti kiya hai,par tum uss galti ko badhawa kyun de rahi ho? Please Naina aisa mat karo.Naina ...Nainaa...Main tumhe na kisike saath dekh sakta hun  na aise dur reh sakta hun. He confessed,howling.He clasped her hand and she felt it hard to breathe.With each of his requests to stay,she felt she needed to leave.Leaving today for a miracle tomorrow.So she hoped.He was the one who made her believe in miracles more.How else they could have fallen in love?

"Isliye to jaa rahin hun.Tum bhi  business ka kaam sambhalna sikho.Jab hum dono khud ki kamai se khane ki kaabil ban jaayenge to Taiji ya Maamiji ka dar nahin hoga.Bhag ke shaadi Karen ya gharwalon ki marzi se..jyada fark nahin padega.Tum samajh rahe ho na.Nanu ki bahut se sapne honge tumhare liye.Chachaji ki bhi mere liye hai.Pehle hum use pura kar lein... She said,wiping his tears that were threatening to flow.

"Pata hai Naina.Uss din Mt.Abu mein maine tumhe chaar words diye the kahani banane ke liye.Main,tum,pyar,parivar.Kitni achi kahaani tumne sunayi thi.Aaj sochta hun to lagta hai yeh chaar sabd se koi kahani ban nahin sakti.Agar ban sakti hai to sirf ghum aur judai ke. He turned his face away while she felt the words were arrows.The truth hitting her hard.

"Taklif tumhein ho rahi hai aur yeh anshoo mere aa rahen hein?Kyun? He asked.She put her arms around him and hugged him. Forgetting they were at a public place.Anybody can see them.Can recognize her well,to feed her story to Taiji.But she cared less.Kyunki hum do insaan nahin ,hum kabke ek ho chuke hein.I love you ...Naina.He was breaking apart and she needed to fix the broken pieces.He always had been this broken.And now she hated herself for again breaking him.

"Agar tumne soch liya hai to jao. Main bhi yahan se dur chala jaunga.Main jyada bol nahin pata.Tumhari tarah kahani lekhak to hun nahin.Bas yeh letter rakh lo.Kabhi iss Sameer ki yaad aaye to padh lena. He pressed the letter ,wiped his own tears and stood up looking at the sky.The evening was turning into night.Stealing away all colours of the beautiful,fairy-tale like sky.

"Yeh grah nakshatra humesha yaad aayenge. His voice; heavy like soaked cotton wool.

"Tch!Grah nakshatra nahin grah nakshyatra "She spoke,out of habit.Her own words coiled back ;she turned away and ran down the stairs.Naina! Her feet halted. She didn't want to be one thing at that point but he made her.Vulnerable.She could not stop herself from running to him for last time.Hugging him tight.She felt an overwhelming feeling of belonging and  nothing he could do about it even if he  did know, being held tightly in someone's arms who completely loved him.Then she was gone.

He looked at the broken anklet in his closed fist.

Yeh kyun kiya Naina?

----------------------------------------------------

"Station aa gaya Sameer! Devang's voice floated,hanging heavily around him.The dark half moon was receding in the sky and the advertisements read "must be experienced to be appreciated. If this was the experience,he didn't know if he would ever find a strong vocabulary to appreciate this.

The Bombay Mail made a screeching,loud halt at the platform.Everyone hurried and so did her Chachaji.The sunrise was beginning to happen.The sky was changing from ash-black to stained blood.

"Ek insaan mein itne rang hote hai yeh pehli baar dekha. Her own words rushed back to her.The sunrise at Toad Hill still vivid,like it happened yesterday.

"Yeh surya uday aaj bhi nahin badla Sameer!Inke rang aaj bhi waise hein.Tum bhi badal mat jaana. Her mind screamed;her hands involuntarily pressed the letter to her heart.

"Naina!Uss din ki surya-uday mein jis Sameer ko dekha tha..main aaj bhi wohi hun.Hawa ki jhonka nahin...mouth organ ki wo hawa jo hamesha koshish karega tumhari zindagi mein khushiyan ki sur hamesha bajti rahe. His mind now determined,consoled itself.

"Sameer!Sambhalke jana.Aur so mat jaana train mein.Mujhe pata hai tu pehli baar surya uday dekh raha hai.Devang said gleefully.

"Umm hmm.. Dusri baar. 

Devang looked surprised, but then Sameer was gone enough far to explain.

The train bellowed hard,moving slowly out of the platform.. taking away two souls in different coaches.Each ignorant about the other's presence.

The morning, the sun made them adore it. It had the scattered blooms.Just like their lives were,dreams were.Those scattered blooms would soon bloom into a beautiful bright morning.The oriental brightness, orange and crimson, the colours in the physical and ideal would fuse soon.The dark sky and the early sun would only know the secrets of a true and daily paradise.So did they.Secrets enclosed in hearts,love coursing through souls ..the Bombay Mail took them to a desired paradise.

ENTRY 11

Tequila Sunrise

"Sameer, Aur kitni der aaise pose karna hoga?! Naina complained half laughing and half pouting. But, Sameer was a man on a mission and continued his quest for the perfect photos, well the second version of the perfect photos.

Last month while going through some of their old photos, the idea to recreate those perfect moments had entered his mind and left him excited. Since then he had set about planning this trip.

He could not plan the whole trip as a surprise, as his Naina has a nose for telling when he was up to something! Still, he had managed to hide this part of his plan till this morning. Bursting with anticipation, he had woken her a little before 5 in the morning murmuring something in her ear. Naina slowly woke up in his arms and whispered the same words back with a beautiful smile adorning her face. Sameer asked her to get dressed holding out an outfit she had never seen before, but which vaguely reminded her of something... It was a very pretty yellow pinafore style dress, with a cream coloured blouse to wear inside. As Naina looked at him in confusion, Sameer impishly announced "Style toh tumhare Bhaloo dress wali hai, par usse bohoot acha hai, right? Aab jaldi se change karke ready ho jao hume sunrise se pehele Toad Rock pohochna hai. Aur ha aapne baal bhi pony mein bandh do jaise iss mein bandhe hai! He handed her one of the photos clicked during their first sunrise together in Mt Abu. Before Naina could ask him any further questioned he rushed her towards the bathroom stressing that they had to leave in 15 minutes maximum.

Naina got ready in a bit of a daze. The dress made of lovey chiffon like material fitted her perfectly with the skirt falling around her enveloping her in yards of the delicate fabric. She looked fresh as a daisy! Naina quickly applied some lip gloss and kohl, a habit that had become second nature to her over the years. She looked at Sameer in confusion as he was still dressed in his pyjamas.  He finally shared his idea that they were going to recreate some photos from their trip years ago. The look of pure joy on Naina's face in that instant was enough for Sameer to know that his idea was already a super hit irrespective of how the photos turned out! Equipped with Sameer's latest camera, a tripod and an envelope with the old photos they headed to the location that held a very special place in their hearts.

"Naina, tumhare right hand ka angle kuch sahi nahi lag raha hai... iss photo se match nahi ho raha hai. Sameer had spread out a number of the old photos around him and was instructing Naina how to pose for all her single shots. While waiting for the sun to make an appearance, they had gathered some pebbles lying around and used them as weights to stop the photos from flying away. It was a little breezy that morning with a slight chill in the air, but it wasn't too cold. Naina observed that the place was fairly unchanged, apart from a few trees that had grown and few that had withered away, well they had grown too she thought.

"Sameer, please aab itna time mat lo. Warna Suraj bilkul uppar aa jayega aur hume time nahi milega tumhare aur humare photos nikalne ka. Bar bar photos kaise aaye hai check mat karo... isse toh tumhara wo purana camera hi acha tha... bus ek click aur ho gaya! Naina couldn't stop herself from nagging him, though she knew how he enjoyed taking his time trying to make the most of all the advanced features this camera provided.

Though Sameer would have ignored her advice any other time quipping how art couldn't be rushed, he knew the Sun would rise at its pace and that meant he had to rush. But he wanted to take a moment to marvel at his personal miracle. A girl with dove shaped eyes, lips always ready to curve into a smile, a large heart and an iron resolve to find a way through their hardest of times. After all this time, he still found himself experiencing some moments where he wondered if it was just a dream, an extremely beautiful dream! Had he really turned out to be so lucky?

As the breeze flew harder, Naina struggled to hold down her chiffon dress. "Sameer, jaldi karo na... Yeh dress sambhalna mushkil hai... dekho na kitna udd raha hai! Sameer chuckled "Lagta hai maine wrong colour select kiya. White hota toh tum bilkul Marilyn Monroe lagti! Naina just gave him a look clearly indicating that at the moment his wife wasn't in the mood for any of his humorous comebacks.

After a couple of more shots, the camera exchanged hands and Naina started clicking his single shots. Naina observed that the years had not taken his boyish charm away, in fact she always insisted that he had turned out to be a bigger kid than expected! His smile had always had the ability to lit up her world. She smiled watching him pose full of confidence of his own good looks. She realised that the girl who had stood there with him years ago, though in love, had no idea just how much she would really come to love him over the years.

Sameer then setup the camera on the tripod and selected some settings to ensure that it would keep clicking at certain intervals. Re-enacting the poses together proved more challenging than expected. Naina kept giggling at the some of the poses that she now felt were so silly. She wondered, what were they thinking when they posed as if they were flying? Were they meant to be birds or expecting to grow wings? But that is the magic of innocence and youth, everything is possible!

Once they had covered all the original poses, Sameer hugged her from behind. When Naina pointed out that this was not a part of the original sequence, he winked at her "Maan toh uss waqt bhi hua tha... bus maine control kiya tha! Naina looked away muttering "Chodo, mera muh maat khulwao... kuch bhi bhuli nahi hu main. Main jab hug karti thi tab bhi tum nahi karte thay! Sameer smirked "Tum na, ek baar thik se decide karlo... aab toh har waqt bus control karo control karo ki rat lagaye rehti ho! Naina blushed acknowledging the truth behind his words, while Sameer mentally congratulated himself on his ability to still turn her into a blushing bride at the drop of a hat. The camera continued capturing the magic of the old and the new.

Naina pulled the hairband out of her hair letting it free to fly. "Maine khaas uss Pablo ke sath appointment lekar trip me liye katwaye... tumhe khule ache lagte hai iss liye. Kitna mushkil hai uska appointment milna... aura aab toh usne rates bhi badha liye hai... aur tumne baal bandhne ko bol diya! Aab kuch aur photos aaise nikalenge. Sameer indulgently smiled at her.

Just then, her mobile rang with the ringtone playing the tune of tere naina mere naino se, meethi meethi baate karte hai... They both instantly looked in the direction of her phone lying on the ground nearby with a warm smile spreading across their faces, which was luckily caught by the camera. Sameer quickly moved towards the phone which was flashing the caller Id Samaina. Naina had set this as her ringtone as she used to sing this song very frequently to the little cherub with eyes like her and lips like her father, that had completed their family few years after they got married.  Before the baby started talking, Naina used to insist that she very clearly communicated with her through her eyes all the time and hence the song. The name had been decided by Preeti, who had always been the strongest supporter of their relationship. Also, being the Mausi cum Chachi it had only felt right to give her the honour of naming their daughter! Sameer answered the phone "Uth gayi? Good... achaa hum log bus yahi Toad Rock pe hai. Jaldi se aa jao! Aur jacket pehen lo, thodi thand hai.

By the time Sameer finished the call, Naina had made herself comfortable on a little rock and was watching the pink, orange, blue hues changing across the sky. Sameer continued clicking some photos of just the landscape for a bit. Photography was a passion he had started focussing on more and more during the recent years. He still wrote a little every now and then, but music had been his constant companion. Naina sat there contemplating on the innumerable sunrises that had gone by between their first sunrise together and today. Every morning as she lit the diya in front of her little mandir at home she gave thanks to the almighty for blessing her with a home filled with love. Of course, life had also brought with it a lot of sunsets too, some of which were followed by nights fragrant with jasmine and few when the darkness had seemed overwhelming. But, they had persevered and waited patiently and sometimes impatiently for the sunrise to follow.

As Sameer sat down next to her, his phone beeped, and he started messaging someone back with a determined gleam in his eyes. Naina shook her head "Yeha aake bhi tumhara kaam khatam nahi hota. Teen-char din ki hi toh baat hai. Kabhi toh break liya karo. Sameer continued typing "Aare baba, aaj udhar bada delivery hai client ka. Aur tumhe toh pata hai kitne problems aaye thay iss bar. Bar bar electricity aur Paani ki katoti ne toh jaan nikal di thi! Thank God bus maal time pe Singapore poohunch gaya. Waha ke clients ko humare problems bilkul samajh nahi aate. Munna bol raha hai sab thik se ho gaya. Client ne unke quality check bhi complete kar liye hai. He turned to her grinning widely. Naina pulled his checks and in a tone as if talking to a small child "Awww... mera baby kitna responsible ho gaya hai! Sameer tried to look annoyed with her behaviour but smiled within thinking how she managed to fulfil so many different roles in his life so effortlessly.

The journey from Sameer Maheshwari to Sameer Jayaprakash Maheshwari had brought a huge sense of accomplishment but had come with more than a few challenges. In the initial days especially, it had left him second guessing himself a lot. There had been a lot of learning, some good some bad. He has discovered over some time that he had a natural flair for business development and a nose for upcoming trends in his industry. Maheshwari Textiles was now a well-established and respected name in the industry. Sameer had truly proved that his Nanu's expectations and hopes from him were not unfounded.

All through this Naina had been his rock, always by his side, sometimes pushing him and at times insisting that he slow down. She had not held a specific position in his business but had got involved in keeping an eye on the accounts to understanding what small changes and initiatives would help them retain their labourers in the factory. Early on Sameer had learned to trust her instincts. Though once he had felt more grounded and when Samaina turned about three, she had decided to pursue her dream of becoming a professional writer. She had published five novels, seven children's books and wrote the monthly columns for a few magazines. Her books had been very well received and had been translated into few other regional languages too. She was also actively involved as the trustee for their school PVKM and volunteered there as a part-time counsellor for the students.

Sameer was very proud of her accomplishments, but deep down he knew he admired her more for the amazing mother that she was to the apple of their eye. The satisfaction that he felt seeing Samaina absolutely flourishing under the love and attention that Naina constantly bestowed on her was an unending source of joy and relief. They had embarked on the journey of parenthood with a lot of apprehension considering neither had grown up with ideal parents as their role models. Naina had learned through her own experiences, that just having the best of intentions for your child and helping them dream was not enough as a parent. Becoming a parent is very easy but becoming a really good parent is very hard, unless you have it in yourself to fight for your child's wellbeing and dreams, to fight for what is right.

Sameer wrapped one of his arms around her and pulled her closer to him "Khush ho na? Mujhe laga aaj ke liye yeh perfect hai!. Naina contentedly leaned closer resting her head near his shoulder as he kissed the top of her head. Two imperfect individuals coming perfectly together. Neither had always been right or wrong, but together they had made a life that was just right for them. And as they built this life together they discovered the key was to let go of old grudges, to forgive the other and oneself their imperfections and mistakes.

Naina believed that loving him had helped her become the best version of herself. Not because she had showered him with endless deep love and care through the years, but because she had learned to fight in order to stand by him and them. Loving him had helped her grow as a person by learning to let go of social prejudices. The nave sixteen-year-old had not thought about the difference in castes as she allowed herself to flow with the cool breeze that he brought into her life.  But withstanding the storm that bellowed through their life few years later defined her as a person. It is easy to take the path of least resistance, but it is unlikely to take you to your desired destination.

The morning calm suddenly ended as a very energetic sixteen-year-old came scampering up the hill and screamed "Happy 20thAnniversary!!!  hugging them both from behind. Sameer and Naina both half turned and kissed her one on one cheek simultaneously. She held out a bunch of wild flowers that she had gathered on her way up, which Naina accepted believing them to be the best bouquet in the world. Samaina whom they both lovingly called Sammi most of the time pouted "Mujhe kyu nahi jagaya pehele? Oh... toh aap ko private time chahiye tha... she added cheekily. Naina immediately started "Aare nahi beta aaisi koi baat nahi thi... when Sammi interrupted "Mumma main aap se thodi keh rahi hu... mujhe bohoot ache se pata hai ke sirf mere Papa hi romantic hai... aap toh rehene hi do! Sameer laughed at this wholeheartedly, while Naina poked out her tongue and then muttered "Sirf romance se kya hota hai... practical bhi hona jaruri hai... Sammi smirked "Aare Mumma kum se kum Anniversary ke din toh thoda romantic hona chahiye na... Naina smiled "Tum na bilkul aapne Papa pe gayi ho. Bus dono milke mujhe pareshan karte rehete ho! Sammi then looking around complained "Papa aapne mujhe photos mein include nahi kiya..." Sameer pacified her "Aare baba tumhare bina humara photo session kaise pura hota? Chalo aab thode family photos nikalte hai.

As they posed for their family shots, Sameer kept trying to keep his hair in place and complained that it was getting too windy. Naina and Samaina exchanged looks and giggled. Sameer's obsession with his hair had only marginally reduced over the years. Naina recollected how few years back when he first noticed some greys appearing, he had mopped around for over a week. Naina had finally gone out and brought him some hair dye which he religiously used since! Luckily some things never change she thought with a little prayer of thanks in her heart.

Sameer revelled in the warmth of the golden morning sun and the two gorgeous girls in his life. It was the perfect sunrise. The name of the cocktail Tequila Sunrise' came to his mind out of the blue, leaving him a little confused as he wasn't a big drinker. But looking at Naina he thought it was apt! She was like a shot of Tequila... small... could appear deceptively simple at times... but extremely potent... completely capable of knocking him off his feet time and again, as had been proved since their first sunrise together almost 25 years ago. 

ENTRY 12

Only For Him

The darkness consumed the surroundings, the trees only black shapes on the side, the long stretch of road looming empty. Soulless, just like the person ambling slowly, as if he was exhausted. Sameer Maheshwari walked aimlessly, kicking a cold-drink bottle, which clattered on the concrete and rolled to the soft dirt on the roadside. He looked up briefly, hoping to see the bright full moon and twinkling stars that could guide him. However, the sky was blank, covered in a blanket of grey clouds, hiding the sources of nocturnal lights.

He smirked to himself. Was that a surprise? Nothing and no one stayed with him. He looked ahead and spied a raised form at some distance, a dark shape in form of a hill. Must be the one the watchman was talking about, thought Sameer. Having nothing to do, he sighed and continued to walk towards the hill. Why was it that nobody ever accepted him? Was there some fault in him? Or was he cursed to stay alone forever? He couldn't cry, he wouldn't cry, he promised himself, and quickly swallowed repeatedly.

The empty road, the bare hill, silent trees, and black sky; everything seemed to mock at him, remind him of his loneliness. He had never wanted to come on this trip. Especially not after what happened back in college, he just wanted to forget everything and go somewhere to probably hibernate. Sameer reached the foot of the small hill, and taking a deep breath, started to climb. The short climb exhausted him, especially because he had skipped dinner. He rubbed his stomach, wishing he had maintained a better control over himself, and had eaten at least a little bit of food.

A small sound caught his attention as he almost reached the flattened top, and he tilted his head, wondering if he had really heard something. There it was again. A sniff or a deep breath. Squinting his eyes, he tried to look through the pitch black, and after a moment or so spotted a small huddled shape. For a minute, he panicked, thinking that someone was committing suicide, and he debated if he should yell or spring forward. But even as he watched, the form shifted and straightened, as if the person was alerted to something. In another few seconds, he heard a gentle melodious voice, "kaun hai?"

A girl. He was extremely surprised. What was a girl doing here at this time? It was well past midnight now. Or maybe she was a witch? Don't they come out on full moon nights? His overactive mind immediately spun a fantasy of a fair witch, dressed in black, sitting astride on a broomstick, and zooming up to the moon with him seated behind her. The dreamy escape pleased him. He thought he could almost feel the vertigo from the reckless flight.

"Kaun hai wahan?", she asked again, and a small light blinked on straight onto his face.

A torch, he thought amused. Why hadn't he thought of bringing one? Just as he opened his mouth to answer back to the girl, he heard her sharp intake of breath, "Sameer?"

His eyes widened, surprised on hearing his own name. God. Was she really a witch? He lifted his hand to shield his eyes from the yellow light, and it immediately swung away, now illuminating the path at his legs. He followed the soft light, feeling as if the girl was leading him to her, and for a moment he wondered if he should really go up to a girl who was sitting in the dark and who knew his name. Yet he moved ahead. It wasn't like he had anything better to do or anywhere special to go.

As he reached closer, he dared to ask, "kaun ho tum? Aur mera naam kaise pata tumhe?"

She chuckled, "Main Naina... Naina Agarwal."

"Oh...teacher ki chamchi!", he exclaimed as recognition dawned.

"Umm... haan wahi", her voice suddenly sounded dispirited.

Dammit. He must have offended her. Though he wondered what was there to take offence, everyone in the college called her so. Especially after the incident few weeks back, even he should be angry on her. But surprisingly he couldn't muster enough anger at the moment.

He plopped down beside her, "uhh... sorry. Woh college me sabko aise bolte hue suna tha na."

She turned off the torch, plunging them in darkness again, and laughed softly, "bol toh aise rahe ho jaise yeh naam tumne nahi rakha?"

"Tumko pata hai?", he asked surprised.

"Haan", she replied, and as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he saw her shrug.

He felt himself flush at the knowledge that she knew it was him who had given her that name. He had never kept names or called someone names. He wasn't a bully. But he didn't know why this girl had annoyed him so much that he had christened her with several nicknames like 'teacher ki chamchi', 'padhaku', 'chasmish', and a few other that he hadn't ever voiced. Ever since the first day of college, it seemed as if she kept appearing wherever he went. He had even thought that she must have been stalking him. After all, it wasn't unnatural for girls to do strange things around him. It was his charm. The Sameer Maheshwari's unfailing blinding charm.

He might have obliged her with his attention, but she wasn't exactly his type, and plus she had just straight up irritated him. On the first day, she had collided with him in the canteen, spilling hot coffee down his front, spoiling the expensive new shirt he had bought specially to create an impression. Two days later, she had smashed her dish of noodles on his favourite t-shirt. Another couple of days after than, she had herself tripped, straight into his arms. It might have been romantic, but given her clumsiness, she had stepped on his foot, making him yell, skid and sprawl in the corridor along with her. And so the saga continued, with small disasters whenever she came in front of him, and since they were in the same class, it was almost a daily event now. Sameer had even stopped counting the number of shirts she had spoiled, with coffee, tea, and every other food item available in the canteen. The day she had coloured his pristine white shirt with the green minty sauce he had positively yelled on her, making her cry, and then later had felt bad about his own behaviour.

She was small in height, barely reaching his shoulders, and wore owlish square spectacles, making her eyes seem larger then they probably were. Her dresses were decent, but nowhere stylish enough for college, and she was completely clumsy. Her hair though, was lustrous, falling in waves till her waist, but as boring as she was, she would always tie them in a bun or braid. Yet he had never thought that she would know he called her names. It was the first time for him, and he was now slightly concerned that she might think of him as bully.

A loud croak from a frog brought him out of his reverie. She hadn't spoken anything while he sat lost his thoughts. He cleared his throat, "tum iss waqt yahan kya kar rahi ho?"

She replied after a moment, "neend nahi aa rahi thi. Thoda sukoon dhund rahi thi, isiliye yahan aa gai. Yahan kitni shanti hai na?"

He crossed his legs, and looked around, realizing that it was indeed peaceful. But why? The road he was walking on was also empty, but he hadn't felt peace there. What was different here? He wasn't even alone anymore. Or was that the reason? "Haan, hai to sahi", he replied hesitantly.

After another moment, he slowly asked, referring to the excessive teasing she had faced this evening from his gang, "tum aaj shaam jo hua usko leke pareshan ho?"

She shrugged, "yeh toh roz ki baat hai. Aur fir maine tum logo ki complain bhi toh ki thi."

He felt slightly angry again. Naina had complained against him and a few other students to the college dean, saying that they were practicing for the inter-college dance competition late in the premises at evening after college time. The dean was furious at their audacity to break rules, and had blasted them, almost disqualifying them. But Sameer had convinced him to let them participate, and after much cajoling he had agreed simply because it was a matter of prestige for the college.

He roughly tried to suppress his anger, and asked, "kyun kiya tumne aisa? Tumko apne hi college ki koi fikar nahi?"

She sighed, removing her shawl, and offering it to him, "yeh lo. Ise odhlo. Thand me kaanp rahe ho."

He frowned, realizing that he was indeed shivering. How did she know? She hadn't even looked at him since he had sat down. Feeling puzzled, he took the shawl and wrapped it around himself. Instant warmth surrounded him, and with surprise, he realized it was her warmth, because she had wrapped the shawl around herself. Unknowingly he dipped his head, and inhaled deeply, taking her scent into him.

"Main complain karna nahi chahti thi, lekin karna pada", she confessed.

His brows furrowed in confusion, "kyun?"

She bend her knees, wrapping her arms over them, and placing her chin on it, "kyunki tumhare dost, karthik aur baki sab, plan kar rahe the ke dusri team ka cassette chura lenge aur use kisi aur gaane se badal denge."

He was shocked, "tumko kaise pata?"

She turned to look at him, "maine suna tha unko baat karte hue. Maine socha sir tum logo ko disqualify kar denge. Par aisa hua nahi, thanks to you. Ab fair competition nahi hoga."

He scowled, lost in thoughts. Could it be true? Cheating. He hated it. But were his friends capable of doing so? He sighed, thinking that after what he had gotten to know about Kamya, he could believe that they would cheat. "Main pata lagaunga, aur cheating nahi hone dunga", he assured.

She nodded, then asked suddenly, "waise tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?"

He chuckled, "main bhi sukoon dhund raha tha."

She was silent for a few minutes, and then gently asked, "Kamya ke wajah se?"

He shrugged, not wanting to delve into the matter further. She hesitantly asked again, "kabse jaante ho use?"

"11th standard se. Same hi class me the hum log", he answered.

"Tumne propose kiya tha?", she asked intrigued.

He frowned, "nahi. Kisine kisiko propose nahi kiya."

She straightened, and even in the darkness, he could tell that she had a confused expression on her face. "Toh fir usko aur Vicky ko leke tum itna udaas kyun ho? Pyaar karte ho Kamya se?", she asked quickly.

He coughed, wondering how did she know he was sad when even his own friends hadn't realized. He didn't even know why he was sharing these things with her, yet he voiced what was bothering him since two weeks, "school se hi hamesha mere saath rehti thi. Mere saath ghumna, mere saath baate karna, aur suddenly ek din mere hi saamne Vicky ko propose kar diya usne."

She pushed her hair back, as the gentle breeze brought them on her face. And he wondered if she had kept her hair open, she never did. And he also wondered why was he was pouring his heart out to her. Before he could come up with an answer for himself, she queried, "matlab woh tumhari girlfriend thi ya nahi?"

He was slightly annoyed, "mujhe nahi pata. Tumko kya lagta hai? Aur waise bhi tumko kaise itna yakeen hai ke main udaas hun?"

Naina smiled, "mujhe pehle lagta tha ke woh tumhari girlfriend hai, par kuch dino baad kabhi aisa nahi laga. Aur tum udaas ho yeh to tumhare chehre pe dikhta hai. Jab ek hafte pehle maine cold-drink gira di tumpe, tumne mujhe kuch kaha nahi. Bas aankh bandh ki aur chale gaye. Aaj campfire ke saamne Vicky aur Kamya ko dance karte hue dekh apna muh fer liya, dinner bhi nahi kiya. Aur fir yahan aa gaye sukoon dhundne."

He was surprised. How had she noticed so much about him? He always thought she never looked up from the books or from the ground. Wasn't that why she kept colliding with him? Out of all the sentences, he focused on what she had spoken first, "tumko aisa kyun laga ke woh meri girlfriend nahi hai?"

She took a moment, then replied, "kyunki maine usko dusre ladko ke saath class me bethte hue dekha, tum usko chodke apne dosto ke saath ghumne chale jaate the, aur fir dance practice me bhi woh hamesha tumhare saath nahi rehti thi." After a pause she slowly continued, "jitna main tumko jaanti hun, mujhe nahi lagta ke tum apni girlfriend ko kabhi bhi kisi aur ladke ke saath bethne dete ya dance karne dete."

He was extremely astonished. How did this girl gauge him so perfectly? He knew he was possessive by nature, but it was true he had never felt any kind of possessiveness for Kamya. She had just been with him, around him; a companion. But yes, he realized that Naina was indeed right, if he had ever felt anything for Kamya he wouldn't have been okay with her spending time with other boys.

"Tum itna kaise jaanti ho mere baare me?", he asked puzzled.

She laughed, the sound melodious; he felt the breeze around them lift the sound and wrap it around him, dissipating some of the melancholy from his heart. He couldn't understand why he was sitting there and talking to a girl who had always irritated him.

She tilted her head back, and looked up in the sky, "Sameer, upar dekho."

He did as she asked and saw that the clouds had disappeared, the sky strewn with bright stars, the big full moon hanging bright and round. It was a beautiful sight. He looked at her face, the starlight played on her features, highlighting the curve of her cheekbones, the twinkle in her eyes, and he saw that she had indeed kept her hair open, which was fluttering in the cool night breeze.

"Bataona, tum inta kaise jaanti ho mere baare me", he whispered, not knowing why he was speaking like that. He just didn't want to disturb the tranquil moment. He thought that she hadn't heard him, and even then he was okay to just sit and look at her face. She turned to him then, and he realized that she wasn't wearing her glasses. Her eyes were...beautiful. He was taken aback momentarily at his own thoughts. Did he just associate the word beautiful to this girl?

She smiled, "tumko yaad hai trip ke pehle din maine tumhare shirt pe dal gira di thi?"

He laughed at the memory. She had been sitting with her friends eating silently, and he had considered himself safe. But, when he had gotten up to keep his dish, he had turned and bam! She had just refilled her bowl with dal, and all of that had spilled on his shirt. He had gritted his teeth, and furiously told her off, "apni naak kabhi kitabo se bahar nikalogi to samajh aayega ke dal khane ke liye hoti hai, shirt pe girane ke liye nahi." She had apologized profusely. Funny that he could laugh at the memory now, while that day he had been just angry about it.

He grinned and asked, "tumko bahot darr lagta hai na jab main tumhe daant ta hun?"

She chuckled, and shook her head, "nahi. Lekin main tumse puch rahi thi ke aaj kyun daanta mujhe? Aaj to maine Karthik ke upar chai girai thi."

He frowned and blurted, "hamesha mujhse takrati ho, mere shirts kharab karti ho, aur aaj uss Karthik se takra gai. Gussa nahi karu toh kya hasu?"

She grinned, "par tumhe to khush hona chahiye na agar tumhare shirts bigadna bandh kardu main toh. Fir aisa kyun ke tumhe gussa aaya?"

As she turned her face up to look at the sky again, he stared at her, mystified. She was right. He should be happy. Yet, he wasn't. When she had bumped into Karthik he had felt infuriated, as if...as if, how dare she collide with someone else? God. Was he being possessive for her? No, no. That would be madness. How could he feel possessive about colliding with her? That should be just annoying. But, he couldn't refuse that he had felt... felt bad when she had bumped into someone else apart from him.

She looked at him, "meri naak hamesha kitabo mein nahi hoti. Main dekhti hun, samajhti hun."

He gazed into her eyes, "sirf mujhe ya kisi aur ko bhi?"

She held his gaze without blinking, "tumko kya lagta hai?" She asked the same question he had asked her. He didn't know what to answer. He didn't even know why he was asking this question to her. What did it matter to him if she looked at him or someone else? How did it affect him if she understood him or someone else? Yet, he didn't know how this girl with whom he had never even talked properly understood him so much. His stomach rumbled, signalling the need for food, and he once again cursed himself for skipping dinner, and that too for Kamya. Suddenly he heard the sounds of polythene bag, and crinkling of aluminium foil, and next moment Naina was holding out a couple of parathas in front of him. Stunned beyond words, he looked at her, and saw her grinning.

"Kha lo", she commanded, "warna pet me se awaze aati rahegi."

Dumbfounded by the concern and understanding, he quietly broke off a piece of the cold paratha and put it in his mouth. His eyes closed in relief. After eating half paratha, a thought niggled him and he asked, "tum parathe leke kyun aai ho? Tumko thodi na pata tha ke main yahan aaunga."

She laughed softly, "nahi. Yeh toh main apne liye laai thi."

He frowned, "tumne khana nahi khaya?"

She shook her head, "ichcha nahi hui tab."

He didn't know what to make of her gesture. She hadn't eaten dinner, just like him. Why? And if she had brought the food for herself, then why didn't she eat it all this time? Silently he pushed the foil to her, and when she looked at him in confusion, he gestured her to share. She obliged, and without even speaking a word to each other, they finished the parathas.

Sameer clicked the small button on the side of his watch, and the radium dial lit up to show the time as 4am. It surprised him that he had spent more than two hours with her, and not for a moment did he feel bored or irritated. And it astonished him that he still wanted to talk, he felt this urge to know more about her. So he asked about her school and background, and she replied without hesitation. He got to know about her big family, that she had studied in an Hindi medium school, that Preeti was her cousin, and Swati was her best friend. She also told him about Munna and Pandit, who were her classmates and how Munna and Swati had recently accepted their love for each other. He enquired if Pandit and Preeti were a couple, and she said not yet. He then couldn't resist asking her, "aur tumhara koi boyfriend? Ya koi pasand hai?"

She looked at him with a funny expression, and asked the same question again, "tumko kya lagta hai?" And again, he didn't know what to answer.

She let it go, and asked him about his school and family. Usually the word family was enough to turn him into an angry young man, but this time he himself was surprised when he started blabbering about his mother and step-family in Delhi. Even while speaking, a part of his brain couldn't believe that he was sharing all these details with her.  But he spoke non-stop, and she listened attentively without questioning or judging. When he told her about his Nanu, she smiled, as if she could truly understand how well he bonded with him. Finally, he told her that he had been frustrated ever since Kamya had proposed Vicky, and had felt that no one wanted to stay with him, no one made the effort to know him or understand him. He felt mortified when he felt a lump in his throat at this confession, and he was almost sure that the connection between his brain and tongue had fused, otherwise how could he portray this vulnerable side to a girl he didn't even know properly. Or did he? Was she still a stranger? Was she ever a stranger? He wondered, what was it about her that he felt so at peace in her company, that he shared everything in his heart, that he still felt sure that she won't share all this with anyone else ever.

Suddenly he felt a small touch on his arm, and looked down to see her hand. He stared into her eyes, and she smiled, "subah ho rahi hai."

He looked where she was pointing, and saw that while he was lost in his own thoughts for quite a while, the horizon had lightened and the sky was turning from grey to lightest shades of orange and pink. He tilted his head up, and saw that some of the stars still twinkled and the moon still held its place in the sky, though it seemed less bright. Never in his life had he seen such a sight. Utmost peace was what he felt. He wasn't thinking about his family, about his friends, about Kamya; he was just completely engrossed in the moment and the girl he was sitting with. Naina - suddenly the name also started to feel familiar and perfect for her.

"Maina aisa nazaara isse pehle kabhi nahi dekha", he confessed.

They were now able to see the red rim of the rising sun. She stretched her legs, and pulled the sweater tighter around herself, "tumhe pata hai Sameer mujhe suryoday dekhna kyun achcha lagta hai?"

"Kyun?", he asked, suddenly wanting to know every little detail about her.

"Kyunki, har subah ek nayi ummeed leke aati hai ke aaj ka din beete hue kal se achcha hoga. Ek naya mauka milta hai apni zindagi ko sahi tareeke se jeeneka. Yeh sirf andhere ka chatna nahi hota, balki ek yakeen hota hai ke aisi koi raat nahi hoti jiski subah na ho, thik waise hi aisa koi dukh nahi hota jiske baad khushiyan na ho. Bas bharosa rakhna zaruri hai, aur thoda waqt dena zaruri hai", she explained and turned to look at him with a smile on her face.

At that moment, the force of the sunrise, her companionship, her simplicity, everything hit him with such a force that he reeled from the impact. Taking a deep breath he tried to analyse what had changed in the last couple of hours that the day seemed brighter, and the plain girl seemed beautiful. He didn't have an answer, but for once he didn't need any. He just accepted, and with that acceptance came a joy that arose from within him, and spread to every contour and every cell of his body. He basked in the warmth of the sun, of her, of his own thoughts. He knew that this was one moment in his life that he would never forget, a moment in which he didn't seek anything, just experienced and accepted.

Sameer took out his camera from his pocket, wanting to try to capture the precious moments. He stood up, and clicked a photo of the rising sun over the distant mountains, the golden light forming a path on the water of the lake that lay at the foot of the hills. But, it wasn't enough, even the girl was an integral part of this moment. He turned to her, "Naina... agar tumhe aitraaz na ho toh kya main tumhari photo khich sakta hun?"

She grinned, as bright as the rising sun, "haan. Lekin fir main bhi tumhari khichungi."

He nodded, grinning back at her. And in the next few minutes, he captured, some pictures of her, and she did the same for him. He didn't know what was so different in this morning that he relished each and every moment of it, and found happiness even in the childish poses she made him struck. At a moment of brainwave, he set the camera on auto mode, and ran to pose with her, slightly apprehensive of her refusal, but she just smiled and accepted him beside her. They laughed, they giggled like kids, their poses not defined by norms, but ruled by heart. She made a sassy comment on his pose, and instead of getting angry, he just joined her in laughing at himself.

When the sun rose bright and full, she finally said, "ab hume wapas jaana chahiye."

Honestly, he didn't want to. He wanted to spend more time with her. Her simple blue salwar-kameez, red sweater, homely smile, open hair, bright eyes, everything enchanted him. Something had changed between them last night, and that had changed everything in him. He wanted nothing more than getting to know her even more; somehow, he felt he should know the tiniest detail about her. Suddenly he wished to know what she liked, what she disliked, what made her smile and laugh, what made her angry. And he had no clue why he was feeling like this. It was the first time for him to feel like this for someone else, and it left him stunned.

"Chasmish", he called playfully, "tum na chasme ke bina bahot achchi dikhti ho." When she frowned, he hastily added, "mera matlab chasme me bhi cute dikhti ho, par bina chasme ke ekdum mast."

Her eyes widened for a moment, and then she grinned, "woh mere reading glasses hai, par aadat ho gai hai pehne rakhne ki, zarurat nahi hai."

He took a step towards her, and then another, wanting to close the gap between them, "ab se mat pehenna hamesha. Aur agar nikalna bhul gai to main nikal dunga."

She tilted her head considering his statement, "woh kyun?"

"Kyunki tumhari aankho me dekhna achcha lag raha hai mujhe", he confessed without the slightest hesitation.

Naina smiled and nodded, again accepting without arguing or judging. Her simple acceptance of him, of his words, left him speechless. He was still ogling at her, when she said, "ab chale?"

He nodded, and they started walking back to the hostel together. Not even for once did he think what his friends would think if they saw him with her. There was just something different in being with her, something he hadn't experienced before, and something he wanted to experience again and again. The empty lonely stretch of road that he had walked on last night, didn't seem as dreary anymore because she was with her, in fact, it seemed beautiful, with trees stretching along the side of the road. It was pleasant, it was peaceful. And there was that word again - Peace. That's what he felt when he was with her. And suddenly, he realized that he had started, from being annoyed on her colliding with him, to actually waiting for those moments. He acknowledged that he had kept an eye on her, checking where she was, what she was doing, gauging what was the chance of her bumping into him. His days seemed incomplete without those collisions. And he was now completely sure, that he didn't like it one bit if she bumped into someone else.

When they were close to the hostel, he slowed down, and blurted, "Naina, tum aaj ke baad mere alawa kisi aur se mat takrana."

She turned to look at him, surprised, but he held her gaze, trying to make her understand. Finally, after half a minute, she smiled, "thike."

His lips curved in a grin, as he recalled her words - "aisi koi raat nahi hoti jiski subah na ho." She was right. Sameer Maheshwari had finally found a morning that gave him hope of something new, that drenched him in happiness, that made him feel accepted. Ironically though, his dawn wasn't in the sun that shone radiant in the sky, but in the girl standing before him with a beatific smile on her lips, a smile that was only for him.

THEME 4

ENTRY 13

Pink

"Oh bhai dekh...Kamya kya item lag rahi hai pink mein...birthday hai aaj iska! Pandit's voice boomed from behind. Sameer's eyes dashed to the stands nearby.

"Pink ladkiyon pe hamesha acha lagta hai! He proclaimed as he thrust up the collar of his white T-shirt and drew up the sleeves slightly,  unknowingly revealing more of his carved biceps.  Precisely at that moment, a rustle of cloth in that summer breeze, and footsteps on the dried grass, attracted their attention. Sameer and his gang saw the teacher's pet strolling  past them, her gaze drifted to Kamya and then lowered, while her hands fidgeting nervously around a stainless steel lunchbox. She was dressed in her prim school uniform, her hair dunked in oil as usual and tied into tight ponytails that swayed about as she walked.

Sameer's eyes followed her, and then she flicked her eyes to meet his for an instant, before lowering them again and going to stand in a corner near a tree, careful enough to avoid the sight of her father roaring crossly at her brother on the cricket field.

"Lagta hai maniben kal se pink pehen ke aane ke mood mein hai...dekh tujhe kaise kankhiyon se ghoor rahi hai! Munna's sniggere broke Sameer's reverie.

"Oh please! he remarked as his fingers casually stroked his silky hair to the back of his head, "maine ladkiyon ki baat ki hai...behenji ki nahi! A roar of laughter erupted at his words, which took Naina by surprise. She lifted her gaze towards the trio and found Sameer snickering with his pals and a smile formed on her lips, as she wafted into dreams of Sameer been taken in by her, when she came to him wearing pink. She immediately shook the images away. "Concentrate Naina! she reprimanded herself. Well, it was a relief to see him smile, after the days he'd spent been all grouchy and insolent. She knew he was still angry with her, for before he lifted his bat and made his way to the field to practice, he turned around to look at her again. She couldn't figure out if he was livid or disappointed or both, with her.

"Arjun! Game pe dhyaan de! Aaj tujhe har haal mein jeetna hai! Rakesh's coercing demands set her thinking on how to attract Sameer's attention and apologize to him for her actions. God must've been listening, for right then, a ball landed just in front of Naina's feet. Her eyes darted towards the source and to her glee, she found the ball was Sameer's.

Sameer dashed to the end of the ground to pick up the ball and in doing so, came face to face with Naina. She seemed to be anxious now, for her fumbling with the tiffin had increased. His face grew sullen as he stooped to lift the ball near her feet. But to his surprise, she kicked the ball softly away from him. Sameer's eyes raised to hers in confusion, as he got up to follow the ball and Naina, who was kicking it away towards the other end of the field, where her father could not notice her conversing with him.

"Kya hai yeh sab! he snapped and lifted the ball. "Sameer! I'm really sorry us din ke liye! Naina replied earnestly, but Sameer continued to glare at her. Such a spineless creature!

His fingers caressed his hair again as he began to leave when she stopped him, "Sameer suno toh! Aaj tumhara match hai na...all the best...main tumhare liye dahi shakkar laayi hun!

"Dahi shakkar? The sarcasm in his voice was unmistakeable. "Ye tum apne bhai ko khilaogi to behtar hoga...iski zarurat mujhe nahi...use hai...aaj ka match to main hi jeetunga! he remarked placidly, before darting towards his teammates.

The referee's whistle sounded and the match began. Sameer won the toss and as he looked about the stands, he realized his mother hadn't come in as yet. She'd told him she wanted to see his winning six. He turned to the sports teacher, "I'll field first!

The match between the two most popular guys in school fell nothing short of expectations. While Arjun had missed being clean bowled on Sameer's first ball, Munna had given away three wides under pressure. Vijay from Arjun's team had been sent back to the pavilion on Pandit's yorker. Forty five minutes later, Sameer lunged out in the air to catch what Arjun had meant to be a sixer. All waited with bated breaths, if Arjun would get out or would Sameer miss the catch. Naina especially couldn't decide whether to be happy that Sameer caught the ball just as his foot rolled over the boundary cord or to feel frightened at the way Sameer's foot twisted when he fell with the ball in his hand.

Nearly the entire school rushed over to the ground and Naina followed the swathes like a helpless puppy. Arjun tried to look for signs of injury on Sameer's ankle, when Sameer pushed his hand away roughly, trying to help himself up. What he didn't notice was Naina flinch, each time he bit his lip in pain or each time he huddled back to the ground.

The match stood adjourned for half an hour as the medical team arrived to assess if Sameer would be fit to play in a while.

"Dahi shakkhar nahi khaya na! Itna ziddi hai...sunta hi nahi hai kisi ki! Naina murmured to herself in consternation, smacking herself mentally for not forcing him to have the totem of good luck. But Sameer's eyes were scanning the crowd helplessly to see if his mother had come to the grounds and would rush to tend to him. But apart from his school teachers and students, he saw no one else, well, except the teacher's pet, who was staring in horror and dismay at his swollen ankle.

"Natak dekho iske...jaise ise meri taqleef se khushi ho rahi hai...iske bhai ki to chandi! he thought angrily as he allowed himself to be whisked away to the medical room with the help of his friends.

Naina had been pacing around the medical room, chanting all hymns she knew, all shlokas, all chalisas and mantras, praying to God to heal Sameer soon, so that he could have a fair chance at winning the game.  "Tu yahan khadi khadi kya kar rahi hai Naina! Us ameerzade se hamdardi ho rahi hai tujhe? Rakesh's voice bellowed out at her. In her anxiety, Naina hadn't paid heed to see her father approaching the medical room, hopeful of the news that Sameer couldn't play anymore and his son could be declared the winner of the match.

"P...Papa...aaap! Naina stammered, as she forgot to blink.

"Yahan kyun khadi hai...bol na! Rakesh seemed like a volcano ready to burst the moment Naina told him she was worried about Sameer. In a fraction of a second, Naina composed herself, "wooo...papa main to ye dekhne aayi thi ki wo Sameer ka pair theek hua ke nahi...!

"Kya! Rakesh cut-her off as his eyes widened in rage. Before he could start bashing her, she quickly added, "...taaki pata chal jaye ki Arjun bhaiya match jeete ke nahi na! The words had an immediately calming effect on her father. "Hmmm! he muttered. "Nahi theek hoga dekh lena...is jaise bigdail ka saath bhagwan bhi nahi dete dekha...aur tu ise padha rahi thi! he mouthed crassly as he went in to check for himself.

A sudden unknown anger splurged inside Naina. "How had Sameer wronged her father just by being born rich? She remembered their study sessions. He seemed a very considerate and fun-lovin guy at that time. He respected her boundaries, and was thankful to her for sparing time for him, well, till the day her father caught them both and reprimanded him for manipulating Naina into teaching him. And he had all the right to be angry with her. He was just a normal, sweet, not to mention an excessively handsome 18 year old, that could be.

"Bhagwanji...aap to jaante hain na Sameer ke liye ye headboy competition kitna zaruri hai! Aapko to pata hoga na uske man mein kya hai? Please bhagwan ji...uski ye iccha puri kar do...badle mein na main kuch bhi karungi! Naina prayed fervently, honestly, when she heard footsteps back onto the steps.

Her father was standing in a mood far worse than his usual, if that was even possible. "Theek to hai ameerzada...sirf natak kar raha tha...lagta hai khelega...aur sardard! he gritted his teeth, not even sparing a glance at his daughter standing near the steps. Naina breathed a sigh of relief as she heard the news and a moment later, Munna and Pandit hurried down the steps to check if Vishakha aunty had arrived as yet. Sameer had been extremely expectant.

"Munna! Pandit! S..Sameer kaisa hai...wo khelega na ab! Naina asked earnestly. The duo's eyes fell upon her as Munna snapped, "bhagwan ki daya se acha hai...varna tumhare khandan walon ne to theka le rakha hai hamare bhai ko har pal badnam karne ka aur chot pahunchane ka! Without another word, they ran towards the stands to look for Sameer's mother.

When they enquired with principal sir, he told them, "haan unka phone aaya ki wo ghar se nikli hi thi ki unhe khabar mili ki Sameer ke bhai ka accident ho gaya...isliye unhe turant Dilli jana pada! Hiding their disappointment at Sameer's misfortune today, Munna and Pandit ambled back to the medical room, thinking how to break the news to him, without hurting him. They were surprised to see that Naina was still standing there, "ab kya kar rahi hai yahan...yahi chahti hai na ki Sameer na theek ho paaye aur tera bhai jeet jaaye! Lekin aisa nahi hoga...Sameer khelega aur Arjun ko harayega bhi!

"Nahi...wo to main...main...! she stammered, unsure of what to reveal to his friends. "Kya bakri ki tarah main main kar rahi hai...ek to uski mummy bhi nahi aayin...! Pandit clapped a hand to his forehead in frustration. "Din hi kharab hai lagta hai aaj ka...bad luck! Munna added.

"Luck to theek kar sakte hain! Naina replied, as the two boys looked at her as if she was insane. She hurriedly unclamped the tiffin box, and showed them the mixture of curd and sugar. "Ye kya hai? Munna asked. "Dahi shakkar...wo Arjun bhaiya ke liye laayi thi..., she added as she saw Munna's eyebrows raised at her. "Sameer ko bhi de dena please! she pleaded.

"Tu Sameer ko dahi shakkar kyun khila rahi hai? asked Pandit suspiciously. "Ponga check kar le...kahin jeher to na de rai hamare bhai ko...inke khandan ka bharosa nahi hai mujhe! Munna thrust the tiffin in Pandit's hands.

"Tu kha pehle! Pandit ordered Naina, realizing Munna had a point. Naina cocked her brows at them and then took a spoonful of the mix into her mouth. "Dekha zinda hoon! she snapped at them.

Somewhat convinced, Munna and Pandit rushed over to Sameer's side, as he tried to see if he could manage to walk swiftly, if not run. "Aayi mummy? he asked eagerly, his eyes brushing past their forehead at the door, anticipating his mother to come fussing around him and tending to his injury.

"Wo yaar Sameer...aunty aayi to thi...but usi time unhe pata chala ki tere bhai ka accident hua hai aur Uncle khinch ke unko Dilli le gaye! Tujhse milna bhi na diya! Pandit spoke hesitantly. As Munna saw Sameer's face contort in a mixture of dejection and fury, he chipped in, "par jaate jaate mausi dahi-shakkar de gayi tere good luck ke liye!

"Mujhe nahi chahiye koi dahi shakkar! he snapped at them. "Subah se har koi dahi-shakkar ke piche hi pada hai! he muttered under his breath.

"Sameer bhai! Aisa nai bolte...mausi kitna ro rahi thi pata hai? Kha le bhai...isme unka pyaar hai...maa ke pyaar ko bhi naa karega? Munna cajoled and finally Sameer gave in. Munna scooped a copious amount of the curd-sugar mixture and thrust the spoon into Sameer's mouth- the same spoon that had been inside Naina's mouth a few minutes back. As Sameer smacked his lips, he felt energized to take on the challenge again.

Naina heard Sameer's voice as he descended the stairs and hid herself out of sight. Munna looked around for her and when Sameer was already on the way to the field, returned her the tiffin with a grateful smile, "kha liya Sameer ne! Khelega! Naina felt elated as if she herself had won the cup and crept back to the stands quietly to watch her hero back in action.

Minutes later after the match ended and Sameer had been able to free himself from the cheering voices and hugs from his best friends, he made way into the school to change his clothes. As he passed his classroom, his eyes darted over to a girl sitting at one of the benches. He peered closely through the windows, and somehow a smile crept onto his lips. The girl was dressed in a frilly baby-pink frock, her hair had been blowing in the breeze from the windows, clamped in place with a pink hairband.

This was the second time he was seeing her in open hair, and he couldn't help but recall how he'd lost himself in her the first time he'd seen her like that- during his birthday party. The girl was smiling at him, her cherubic face resting on her palm, her hand propped on the bench, and he couldn't help grinning back for he felt he'd been entranced again.

As his feet dragged him inside the class towards Naina, he saw that she stood up from her place slowly and was...was she blushing? Something inside him swelled up as he realized she was indeed flustered as she saw him approaching her. Somehow his eyes refused to leave those brownish, almond eyes that were boring him with an innocence he found hard to ignore.

"Aaj ye dress? he found himself muttering. "Aaj mera birthday hai na! she replied softly. "Ohhh! I'm sorry...mujhe pata nahi tha...Happy Birthday Naina! he smiled good-naturedly. "Ye kya kar raha hai tu Sameer...is behenji ke saath itna kyun muskura raha hai? he found himself thinking.

At that moment, the bell sounded and the students started filing in the class, and Sameer and Naina abruptly moved apart. Munna and Pandit jumped to their feet happily as they saw their hero already in the class. "Abey tu to change karne gaya tha na...abhi tak change nahi kiye kapde? Munna asked. Sameer was saved the need to come up with an excuse as Shanti teacher chose that moment to enter the class.

As the students settled down, Shanti teacher exclaimed, "Naina! Happy Birthday! Sameer saw his gaze wander over to Naina in pink, as if he hadn't been able to take in enough of her. "Thank you ma'am! her soft voice sounded. Then she sat back down and Shanti teacher started explaining trigonometry to them.

Sameer had never been interested in studies. Mathematics was his least favourite subject. It wasn't new for him to not pay attention in what was being taught in class. But the new thing was the way he was paying attention to Naina on the adjacent bench. He'd thought he wasn't interested in her. Was he?

"Sameer Maheshwari! Dhyaan kahan hai tumhara? A piece of chalk hit his sleeve. "Match khatam ho gaya hai...sapnon ki duniya se bahar aayie...chaliye ye sawaal hal kijiye board pe! Shanti teacher commanded.

Sameer stood up reluctantly and moved to the board. He had no idea what sum he had to solve and how was it to be done. As he balked around the board with the chalk in his hand, Shanti teacher drew an exasperated breath and summoned Naina to come over and help Sameer. He tried his best to hide his glee as Naina approached him. And then he felt the world go out of focus. Shanti teacher vanished. So did the other students in class. It was only him and Naina that remained.

"Ye bahot easy hai! Jaisa main kar rahi hun vaisa karo! she exclaimed. She smiled as she held a piece of chalk. Sameer found himself mirroring her actions as she drew something on the blackboard. As he chalked a similar curve, he found Naina's fingers close to his and looked at her to see her blushing. His eyes then darted to the board and he realized that together they had drawn a heart.

Naina had lowered her eyes by now and was biting her lower lip in anticipation. He looked at her smugly and turned to the board and wrote in capital letters, her name, "NAINA. Naina looked up, unable to hide her delight at her name inside the heart. "Tumhari baari hai Naina! he found himself saying.

"Likho us insaan ka naam jo tumhe sabse zyada pasand hai...maine to likh diya! What the hell was he blabbering! Naina's face flushed with colour and slowly, steadily and to Sameer's immense contentment, he saw his name gleaming in white just below hers in the heart they'd drawn. "I Love you Naina! he blurted. "I Love you Sameer! she replied with the same eagerness. He inched closer to her face and was about to kiss her, when the class roared with enthusiasm.

Naina looked up and saw a crimson leather ball coming her way. Inadvertently her hands curved upwards and she caught the ball in her hands, as the stands beside her erupted in cheer. As she tried to process what had just happened, her gaze flicked to the ground where Sameer was being lifted around the field in joy and shouts of, "Sameer! Sameer! echoed throughout the school. She saw her brother had lost the match, and then eyed the ball in her hands, "a gift from Sameer!

Sameer's eyes bored into the stands at the girl who'd caught his sixer. Funnily enough it was Naina- the sister of the opponent he'd just defeated.

Naina twirled the ball in her hands and then without realizing, without meaning to, she kissed the ball.

He saw her lift the ball to her lips.

And then Sameer woke up with sweat trickling down his face as he felt his lips, apparently wet from the kiss Naina seemed to have given him.

THEME 5

ENTRY 14

Agar Tum Saath Ho

ENTRY 15

Hip Hip Hooray

Naina was bent over the dining table slightly biting her lower lip with an expression of great concentration and mild irritation as she made another pink rose on a cupcake. As she set down the cupcake to one side she quickly glanced at the cupcakes still to be decorated and noted that there were still five more to go. She moved her neck bending it in a side to side motion trying to get rid of the crick. Well, this is bound to happen when you have spent the last hour and half icing about three dozen cupcakes. At this point she was not sure who she was more annoyed at, herself for getting talked into this idea or at the person who had so enthusiastically suggested that cupcakes with pink roses would be just perfect for the 5th birthday celebration of Muskaan.

They had been going over some last-minute details for the party when Naina had wondered if the cake that they had ordered would be enough as the number of guests had gone up after Muskaan had extended the invite to a few more new friends she had made recently. Of course, considering the venue Naina had to invite their parents too. Sameer suddenly had that look on his face that she had come to feel a little apprehensive about over the years. It meant he had come up with another brilliant idea, which would result in a lot of extra work for Naina. Sameer had proposed that they get some cupcakes and just ice them at home with pretty pink roses as Muskaan was going through a phase where everything had to be pink. Before Naina could argue that they would need about 40 odd cupcakes and it would be quite time consuming, Muskaan who had been playing quietly with some building blocks close by jumped up and screamed in joy her eyes lit up. After that there was no going back.

Finally, all the icing was done. As Naina surveyed the cupcakes of her labour, Muskaan ran into the room and seeing the pretty pink display hugged her squealing in joy "Mumma, you are the best! I love you!! Can I please have one now? Just to make sure they all taste good too? All the cricks and pain were forgotten in a moment as Naina hugged her and handed one of the slightly smudged cupcakes to Muskaan.

Naina quickly surveyed how Ramdhari and his wife Geeta were getting along with the cooking in the kitchen. She had already made the Copsuey noodles and Muskaan's favourite spring rolls earlier in the day. Ramdhari was now busy preparing the traditional Dhokla and Kachori, as any celebration in Gujarat cannot be complete without these.

Naina then headed to the back garden, the thing that she liked the best about this place. As she stepped in the veranda that ran all along the backside of the house, she sighed with pleasure. She could never get enough of this view. Their back garden gently sloped into the valley behind. The location very closely resembled the one where they had celebrated her 18th birthday. The dream that Sameer had shared with her that day had come true recently, when the construction of this house was completed about 6 months back. It was a house built in the colonial style airy rooms with big windows and sparsely furnished with just the essentials. They had built it with the intention of using it as a holiday home that could also be used as a weekend getaway and had plans to retire to. As the house was about an hour outside the main city, it was not feasible to live here on a permanent basis. Also, both were not keen to leave Nanu's home which still reverberated with his presence even so many years later.  The rear veranda had a lot of cane chairs and couple of tables. Sitting here in the mornings sipping their respective Tea and Coffee, was one of their treasured moment together when they stayed here.

The garden was overflowing with an assortment of balloons of all shapes and sizes. Mr Sameer Maheshwari could never do anything in moderation! And currently he was busy making a swing using a tyre for the kids arriving for the party. He had decided that he wanted the kids to experience some simple pleasures from their childhood. A farmer from the area was going to bring one of his ponies and offer rides at the party. A lot of plastic chairs were setup all over the place to offer ample space for the adults who would be accompanying the kids. A big table was placed in the centre where they would be cutting the cake.

Naina walked over to Sameer and wiped the sweat off his brow with one end of her dupatta. Watching him working outdoor like this in his vest, she remembered that incident from Pooja didi's wedding when he was helping with installing the pendal. Naina smiled and placed a quick peck on his cheek.  "Sameer, jaldi karo. Abhi hum sab ko tayar bhi hona hai. Guests ek ghanta mein aayenge. Sameer nonchalantly replied "Koi nahi aayega ek ghanta mein. Leekh lo tum... do ghanta mein bhi aa gaye to bohoot hai. Ek tum hi ho jo itni time ki pabandh ho... "Naina just shook her head and headed back in murmuring "Shaadi se pehele toh meri yahi baat bohoot pasand thi ke main kabhi jyada wait nahi karwati thi... Sameer chuckled throwing a quick glance at her retreating figure.

As Naina walked to her bedroom, she found Muskaan in one corner of the living room counting through a pile of Eclair chocolates and some perfumed erasures that she was planning to hand to the kids coming to the party as a little thank you. Naina was sure this was at least the tenth time since this morning that the counting was in progress. Naina handed her a bag of Kiss-Me chocolates and asked her to hurry outside to her Dad and hide them around the garden for the treasure hunt planned as one of the games for the party. "Muskaan, chocolates hide kareke ho jaane toh Geeta didi ko bolna tumhe nehla de aur tumhari nayi dress pehen lo. Phir mere pass aana aur hum tumhare baal acche se banayenge. Muskaan nodding her head "Mumma wo naya wala bow bhi lagayenge na jo Nani ne diya hai? Naina replied "Ha beta, wahi lagayenge. Muskaan called Bela chachi as Nani, something that Naina had insisted on since the day she was born, where as Taiji was Tai-Nani. Taiji kept away from them as much as possible, as she had taken Naina's marriage to a rich handsome guy who quite obviously adored his wife as a personal failure.

During the last year so of their college and the year following it while Sameer was still finding his footing in the business, Taiji kept pushing good-for-nothing boys who were ready to marry Naina for little or no dowry. When Chachaji adamantly turned down all these alliances, she brought forward a few good alliances from educated boys, but those families wanted huge dowries. It became a topic of much disagreement and taunts between Taiji and Rakesh. One day after a huge fight during which Taiji pointed out to Anand and Rakesh that they should be realistic and try to find a boy as per Rakesh's haisiyat, Rakesh announced that he had had enough and would marry off Naina to the first guy who came along willing to marry her without a dowry irrespective of his income or credentials or caste. The very next morning even before the family had a chance to finish their breakfast, Sameer showed up with his proposal.  Rakesh still in his angry mood took one look at Taiji's shocked disgruntled face and said yes just to spite her. From there on Sameer made sure everything moved so quickly that they were officially engaged in three days and married by the end of the month. Naina and Sameer both didn't care about the number of guests or size of the venue. It was a small intimate affair attended by just close family and friends. Taiji complained that it was her husbands name and image which was tarnished in their community considering Rakesh never was respected anyways. Sameer's mom had been very supportive of her son's decision and for once she had decided to step up and put his happiness ahead of everything else.

Naina laid out her and Sameer's clothes out on the bed and selected the accessories for the party. Before she headed for a quick shower Sameer entered the room. He triumphantly announced that the Kiss-Me toffees were hidden and the swing had cleared all the stringent tests that it had been subjected to by Muskaan. Sameer unwrapped a toffee that he had his hand and held it between his teeth offering Naina a bite. Naina tried to brush him away "Sameer yeh koi time hai kya romance ka... "but seeing him blocking her way she quickly stretched up and took a bite. "Ab jao? Sameer held her wrist and smirked "Mood toh nahi hai tumhe chodne ka... par kyuki tum mujhe kabhi jyada wait nahi karwati... aaj main wait kar lunga... "Naina blushing hit him lightly on his chest and proceeded with getting ready for the party.

Couple of hours later the house and garden were hustling and bustling with all the guests who as predicted by Sameer had arrived at their own pace following the Indian Standard Time guidelines. The kids were playing Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, while relishing the rewards of the treasure hunt conducted earlier. Some kids were squealing in delight clinging to the tyre swing. The adults were helping themselves to the soft drinks and food and chatting with each other while keeping an eye on the kids and occasionally helping resolve some minor fights. The men were mostly talking about politics and cricket. The women were covering the latest movies and sharing the tips for the best tailor in town who could get your blouses stitched in the latest Bollywood fashion under a week.

As Naina brought out the latest batch of spring rolls freshly fried by Geeta, Sameer admired his petite wife with an overwhelming personality draped in a white with red border Calcutta style saree that he had got her while on one of his recent work-related trips. She had tried her hair in a French plait with a few loose tendrils softly framing her face. She was wearing pearls today to complement the white saree. While Naina walked around offering the guests the piping hot spring rolls, Sameer looked at her and their new home with a sense of pride and contentment.

After ensuring that the guests were being well fed, Naina headed to a bunch of chairs where her best friend Swati had settled herself for the most part. Munna and a very round and chubby Swati were expecting their second child in about a month now. Their son Akshay was just a few months older to Muskaan, but acted as her big brother ready to fight for her always. Akshay was his father's copy always ready to crack a joke. Pandit who had a three-year-old daughter named Poonam, had recently moved to Bombay to be closer to his wife Smita's parents as her father was ailing. As Naina and Swati chatted away, Munna came over with a plate heaped with everything that was on the menu "Swati, maa kasam aur kuch bhi nahi bacha hai ab! "looking at Naina he continued "Aare Naina kal raat 11:30 ko mujhe pav bhaji laane bheja tha... pata nahi yeh pet mein bacha hai ya Bakasur! As Swati gave him a angry look, he held up his hands in surrender and walked way. Naina and Swati just laughed. Naina watched as Munna walked back to her hubby who was as always looking dashing, today in pair of beige casual trousers and a half sleeved black shirt.

As Naina's eyes wandered to the entrance once again, she spotted her most awaited guests. Chacha- Chachi has just arrived carrying a huge big Teddy bear for the birthday girl with the driver that Sameer had sent earlier. The birthday girl who was dressed in a pretty pink part dress dashed to her grandparents and planted big sloppy kisses on their cheeks and she excitedly hugged the teddy. Naina now understood the reason behind all the hushed conversations between Chachaji and Muskaan when she had lasted visited them. Her father now lived with Arjun and his family in Surat, where Arjun had joined a bank. Bela chachi made some excuses on behalf of Taiji saying she was experiencing a bout of joint pain, but Naina and Sameer knew that the real reason behind her current miserable state was some gossip that she had heard from some well-wishing relatives about Pralay rather seriously dating a non-veg eating Punjabi girl. Bela also fished out another prettily wrapped package which Preeti Mausi had couriered for her favourite niece. Vishakha had not been able to come to Ahmedabad though she really wanted to be here today, as she was busy looking after Rohan and Preeti's sons in Delhi. Preeti had been able to join Rohan on his business trip to Dubai after a long time, as she always busy managing her two Hair Saloon cum Spa ventures and of course the twins. She had got her hearts wish of marrying into the same family as Naina!

As the last kid had his turn with the Pony rides, Naina brought the beautiful cake out with was decorated with lots of chocolate icing and cherries. The cupcakes had been devoured by the kids and adults earlier, when Muskaan decided that everyone should sample one as soon as they arrived! As Muskaan blew the candles everyone boisterously sang the Happy Birthday song with her Papa strumming it on his guitar. As Naina started slicing up the birthday cake, Sameer approached her with another smaller cake with one candle atop it and proudly announced that this was to celebrate Naina's first book which had hit the shelves just about 2 weeks back. There was a huge round of applause and congratulations from all. Chachaji looked at his not-so-little-now Gudiya with moist eyes and a very happy heart. Bela chachi instinctively made her trademark gesture of nazar na lag jaaye' for the Mr, Mrs and Miss Maheshwari.

ENTRY 16

Redemption

Thunder rumbled in the sky, the wind swirling around, and the rains a loud patter on the windows. The small bedroom was brightly lit, and a girl paced around barely paying attention to nature's unending drama outside.

Raah mein un se mulaakaat ho gai

Jise darte the wohi baat ho gai

Ishq ke naam se dar lagataa tha

Dil ke anjaam se dar lagataa tha

Aashiqi woh hi mere saath ho gai

Jise darte the wohi baat ho gai

ahh ahhh ahhh

The melodious voice of Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik drifted from the tape recorder. Naina sat down on the bed, tears brimming in her eyes, as she heard the lyrics. It seemed as if they were written for her. From the day, she had almost collided with Sameer when she was 16 years old, her life had changed. She had fallen in love.

It is said that, being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, and loving someone deeply gives you courage. She had both. She was deeply loved by Sameer, and she loved him equally deeply. Then how is it that she had lacked courage? Almost three years ago, she had single-handedly destroyed the most precious relationship she had ever had in her life.

Her Sameer. Driven by a misconceived notion she had broken off her relation with him and tried to focus on fulfilling her family's wishes. She had even given in to getting married to someone else, thinking that must be what was written in her fate. Even during that phase, Sameer had never really given up on her. He had borne the pain of separation, her hurtful words, reeled from the shock of hearing about her Roka, tried to hurt her, attempted to make her see sense. But she had given up. Coward, that's what she had been. At that age, during that time, she had never even realized the extent to which she had broken Sameer. She knew he had faced a lifetime of rejection and loneliness, especially because of his mother. Her love had given him that solace that he was capable of being loved, was able to love, and that he would never be alone in his life. But what had she done? She had demeaned him, his love, looked into his eyes and said that her family was more important for her than her love.

God. What an idiot? After her roka with Sharad was broken, she had formed a cordial relationship with Sameer.  She still couldn't name it. Were they friends? Acquaintances? What was it? Even after knowing and witnessing everything that Sameer had done, including beating Sharad for harassing her, she still hadn't relented. Finally, he had given up and asked if they can be just friends. She had accepted, but now it seemed that had broken him more. For all these years in college, their relationship had become a series of hi, hello, and generic conversations. He never attempted to cross the limit she had explicitly stated. Instead, he had channelled his energies to his business, fulfilling one of Nanu's dream. She loved him, but didn't have the courage to stand up for him, and after everything that had happened she had thought that this normal bond was better for both of them. Once, college was over, anyways they would part ways. Only she hadn't accounted on how miserable she would be without talking to him or seeing him.

It had been close to three months now since their college finished, and nothing made sense to her. She missed him every minute of the day. She realized that the love, that she had once thought, she had buried beneath layers of duties and responsibilities, was never gone. It had just been waiting to strike her with the pain that she had caused him. Sameer had never called her or tried to make any kind of conversation with her after college. It seemed to her as if he had rubbed off her name from his life. Had he? No, no. He loved her. They both loved each other, and now she understood that try as she could this love would never disappear from her heart and life.

But what could she do now? She had pushed him away herself. Not once, but repeatedly. It had hurt her when Sameer had stopped offering his handkerchief to wipe her tears, when he had stopped looking at her in classroom, when he had stopped trying to make her understand about his love, when he had reduced her existence to just another girl in his class. Yet, she hadn't understood the loss she was bearing in her life, the grave she was digging for herself. Only now, when she couldn't even see him anymore, did she realize that it was impossible for her to live without him. The semblance of friendship was also shattered now. And like the selfish person she had always been, she now wanted him back.

Yes, she had accepted how selfish she had been in their relationship. She had thought of him, but never really about him. In every difficulty, she had blamed him rather than standing along with him. Instead of being his emotional support, she had broken him emotionally. Never once, had she stopped and considered the impact of her words and actions on him. Did she even deserve him? She didn't. But still, she wanted him. She wanted his love back in her life. For now she realized, that even her breath was futile if she couldn't love him.

The rains drummed harder, the thunder clapping, and she turned her head towards the sound. Mildly surprised on seeing the downpour, she stood up and walked to the balcony door. When had it started raining so hard? She was so occupied in her thoughts that she hadn't even noticed. She opened the door, and stepped out in the balcony, letting herself get drenched. When had she started going downhill? As the rains soaked through her dress, she closed her eyes, and her 18th birthday flashed in front of her eyes. That fateful day, she had kicked the ball of yarn, that had started rolling and unspinning the delicate thread of their relationship. The string was still unbroken, she knew, but it was now all over the place. Could she roll it back, and form the protective ball that could preserve their love? Did she have the courage now? She recalled the dreadful sight of her father trying to hang himself, of her brother declining his love, of her chachaji demanding a promise from her. She shivered, realizing that she still lacked courage. But strength? Hadn't she always gained strength from Sameer's love? Couldn't she do that again, this time for him?

Tears spilled from her eyes, as she finally decided that she would try. Try, until Sameer refused point-blank to accept her back. She sniffed once, and then quickly wiped the tears. No, she wouldn't cry. This was the pain she had caused Sameer, and she would bear it too. Until she succeeded in removing it from his life, she wouldn't cry and seek relief. Turning her face upwards to the slashing rain, she decided how she would go about her journey of redemption.

She heard a worried voice from behind, "Naina, bheeg kyun rahi hai baarish me?"

Naina turned to her sister, a pale smile on her face, "Preeti, mujhe Sameer se milna hai."

Preeti's eyes widened in shock, and at the same time hope bounced in her heart. Had her sister finally understood? "Pehle andar aa", she commanded.

Naina obeyed, and stepped back into the room. After changing clothes, she discussed her plan with Preeti, and mentioned that she would also need some help from Munna and Pandit which was a problem since they had almost stopped talking to her. Preeti who was always ready to support her sister, said that she would help arrange the meeting.

Two days later, Swati, Preeti and Naina waited impatiently at the temple for Munna and Pandit to arrive. The boys came in half an hour late just to spite Naina, but were taken aback when she mentioned her plan.

Pandit had an incredulous expression on his face, "tu chahti hai ke hum isme teri madad kare?"

"Dimag to thikane pe haina?", Munna queried.

Naina pleaded, "please bas ek mauka maang rahi hun. Main jaanti hun maine kya kiya hai. Lekin sirf ek baar madad kardo. Agar Sameer mujhe khud dur jaaneko kahega to main chali jaungi, fir kabhi uski zindagi me nahi aaungi."

Pandit shrugged, "woh bhala kyun jaaneko kahega, woh toh aaj bhi..."

Munna interrupted, cutting him off, "hum sochke batayenge." And he dragged Pandit away from there.

Pandit's unfinished sentence gave her some hope. If Sameer still loved her, even a fraction of what he did earlier, she would do everything she could to win him back. There had been a time when her heart had broken, when she had nearly stopped believing in love, and Sameer had stood by her, slowly healing her, making her believe in love again. Now, she would do the same. Another two days later, Munna called her up and informed that they were ready to help her, but also added the news that Sameer was preparing to shift to Mumbai forever. Naina felt as if her world tilted on its axis. No, no. He couldn't go like this. She wouldn't let him leave. Four days, just four days more, and she would be able to see him.

The morning of 24th July, dawned bright and sunny, and Naina went to the temple to pray. Today was the day when she would meet Sameer, his birthday. Probably the first of the many days she would need to convince Sameer, to redeem herself, but she promised that she wouldn't give up this time. She would hold on to the strength of his love.

At Maheshwari Residence, Sameer packed his bag, unceremoniously dumping his clothes. He opened his desk, emptying the contents, and found Naina's photo that he had stashed there, hoping that he wouldn't miss her. Unfortunately, out of sight was not out of mind in this case. Why? Why did this happen to him? What had he done to deserve this? He knew that he had made mistakes in his life, but were they so grave that he deserved to be alone forever. He traced a finger over her photo, "bas ek baar. Ek baar bharosa kiya hota khudpe aur mujhpe, toh aaj hum saath hote."

Suddenly the chorus of birthday song, drifted into his room, and he looked up to see his two friends dancing and clapping. They hugged him, wishing him and he smiled. In the dull world, that he had been stranded in, only his friends had stuck by him, trying to cheer him up. He smiled, but the smile had lost its sheen. He seldom laughed. Physically he was stronger, and emotionally weaker. The only way he had survived was to build the walls around his heart, solid than before, but he had still left an opening, a small one, with the hope that Naina would enter and heal him. But now, since the final year of their college was done, the last hope had vanished, and it was time to close that small door to his heart. But he wouldn't be able to do that if he was here in Ahmedabad, within easy reach of her. He didn't trust himself enough to not go seeking her, or to catch a glimpse of her. His yearning was too strong. He was afraid there could come a time, when he would beg in front of her too, and he didn't want to do that. His love was strong, but so was his pride. If he begged and she rejected, or God forbid accepted out of pity, that would completely shatter from within. Then not only Sameer, but Sameer Jayprakash Maheshwari would also die. And he couldn't let that happen. His only aim in life now was to fulfill Nanu's dream.

Munna looped an arm over Sameer's shoulder, "chal yaar, aaj tere liye ek surprise hai."

"Kaisa surprise?", he queried, "mujhe packing karni hai."

"Aree packing baad me karlena. Apne dosto ke saath Ahmedabad me aakhri birthday mana le", Pandit said opening his cupboard to bring out some clothes, "fir pata nahi aisa mauka hume kab milega."

Sameer acquiesced, thinking they were right. Though he was in no mood to celebrate his birthday, he knew he would never come back to this place, so maybe he should do this for his friends. They went downstairs, and Munna blindfolded him, not answering his questions. They helped him sit in the backseat of his car, and then they drove off towards an unknown destination. They stopped somewhere briefly, and the other backdoor opened and closed. Sameer turned his head towards the sound, and held his breath. His heart nearly stopped thudding. Could it be? No. It wasn't possible. He was dreaming. It can't be Naina.

He sharply questioned Munna, "andar kaun aaya?", and tried to unknot the blindfold.

The next instant he felt a soft touch on his hand, and his entire body stilled. He could recognize that touch anywhere. It was his Naina. But, what was she doing here? And if she was here, why didn't she say something? His fingers trembled, seeking that touch again, wanting to reassure himself that it was not his imagination. He felt her fingers being entwined with his, and a minute later he held on, so tight that he heard her sharp intake of breath. He knew that his hold might be painful, but still he didn't loosen it, and she didn't ask him to.

The car drove steadily, and questions tumbled around his head. He lost the idea of time. He only knew that Naina was holding his hand, after three long years. Was this the surprise his friends were talking about? One last meeting with Naina. Was that it? Oh God. How would he survive? Since the last three months, he had slowly killed his every desire, every wish, every hope. And now, just one touch of her evoked everything again. How was he supposed to survive going away from her again? How would he bear another rejection? But, if this really was the last time he was meeting her then he would grab on to the opportunity with both hands, because he knew that after she walked away today, Sameer would die forever, only Sameer Jayprakash Maheshwari would survive.

The car stopped and Naina helped him out, she guided him somewhere and made him sit. When she tried to pull back, he tightened his hold even more. She patted his shoulder with her other hand, "main abhi aati hun, promise." He took a deep breath on hearing her gentle voice, daring enough to trust her promise, and let go of her hand, immediately feeling bereft of her warmth.

He sat still, listening to the low voices and sounds; it seemed they were making several rounds. He heard Munna and Pandit's voice, and frowned in confusion. Were his friends talking to Naina again? Since when? After another few minutes, Naina came up to him, and stood in front of him. She bent, and looped her arms around his neck, to open the blindfold, and her soft hair caressed his cheeks. The fabric unknotted, and she wished, "Happy Birthday Sameer."

Sameer slowly opened his eyes, to look at her, and his breath left his lungs in a whoosh. She was wearing a saree, his Nani's saree, the orange and green saree that Nanu had sent for her as a blessing, the one that he had placed on her head himself. But why was she wearing this? This saree was a symbol of their relationship, of the future that they were supposed to have. But, now they won't, because of her. Why did she wear it? To mock him? Or was she going to return it to him?

Suddenly anger coursed through him, and he trembled. He stood up, pushing her aside, and walked the few short paces to a railing. Gripping the cold iron bar hard, he closed his eyes, trying to control himself. He would not cry. He would not beg. When he opened his eyes again, he realized that they were at the same place where he had brought Naina for her 18th birthday. The day that had changed everything.

He turned to her, eyes flashing in rage, "yahan kyun laai ho mujhe?"

She took a deep breath, much calmer than he expected her to be, "kyunki yahi woh jagah hai jahan se sab badal gaya tha."

He scoffed, "toh tum mujhe yaad dilana chahti ho? Koi zarurat nahi hai. Teen saal ki har baat yaad hai mujhe, aur zindagi bhar nahi bhulunga. Tumhe taaza zakhm dene ki zarurat nahi hai. Ab tak jo kiya woh kaafi tha."

She walked towards him, "mujhe bhi teen saal ki har baat yaad hai. Isiliye toh yahan laai hun, taaki woh kissa ek naye sire se likh sake."

His eyes narrowed in confusion, "matlab?"

"Matlab jo kissa mere birthday se shuru hua tha usne hum dono ke rishte ko bikher diya", she sighed, "maine socha ke shayad aaj tumhare birthday se yeh kissa firse likh sake hum, par iss baar nateeja kuch aur ho."

Sameer looked around him, and saw balloons tied to the trees, a rug was spread on the ground and a picnic hamper sat on it. The scene was very similar to what he had organized for her. He clenched his fists, "itna aasan lagta hai tumko yeh sab? Jab chaha mujhe dur jaane ko bol diya, aur aaj man hua to firse nayi love story likhni hai?"

Naina came to stand beside him, "nahi. Aasan nahi hai. Ise meri bewakufi kaho ya khudgarzi, lekin teen saal lag gaye iss baat ko samajhne me ke uss din maine kitni badi galti ki thi. Ya fir yun kaho ke shayad samajh gai thi, lekin kaayar thi, sweekar nahi kar paai apni galti. I...I am sorry."

He fumed, unable to control his anger. It had been too long, much too long since he had buried every emotion, acting as a monotonous businessman. He had redirected his energy, but his anger flared hot and red. He gripped her shoulders, turning her to him, "meri taraf dekho. Kya lagta hai tumhe? Tum aaj aake maafi mangogi aur main tumko maaf kar dunga."

She trembled in his hold, her face going pale on seeing his anger. He felt a surge of satisfaction; she had tormented him so much, so she deserved to suffer too. But, even in the haze of anger he noticed the determination in her eyes. She visibly controlled herself, squaring her shoulders, she replied, "mujhe bilkul nahi lagta ke tum mujhe maaf kar doge. Lekin fir bhi main koshish karna chahti thi, aur karti rahungi."

His fingers tightened on her shoulders, "kab tak? Jab tak tumhare gharwale koi naya Sharad nahi dhund lete?"

Her lips quirked in a sarcastic smile, "koi kuch nahi dhundega mere liye. Aur main tab tak koshish karti rahungi jab tak tum khud mujhe mana nahi kar dete. Fir chahe isme meri puri zindagi hi kyun na beet jaaye."

Sameer fired her with multiple questions, "Achcha? Aur tumhare gharwale? Woh naya rishta kyun nahi dhundenge? Kisiko dhund liya toh tum firse mujhe chodke chali jaogi, apne parivaar ki khushi ke liye?"

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "main kabhi kisi aur se shaadi nahi karungi, tum chahe mujhe maaf karo ya naa karo. Main kar hi nahi sakti. Tumhare alawa koi aur mere kareeb aaye woh bhi mujhe bardaasht nahi. Rahi baat mere parivaar ki, toh tum kaho toh main aaj hi unse yeh sab kehneko taiyar hun, bina kisi shart ke."

The tiny kernel of hope that he had preserved in his heart for all these years, took root and grew. He swallowed, his anger subsiding a little, but he still wanted to let her know how much hurt he had tolerated. So, he left her shoulders, and stepped back, turning away from her, he informed, "main kal Mumbai jaa raha hun, hamesha ke liye."

She stumbled, her hopes dying on hearing his final words. She had thought if not forgiveness, she could at least convince him to give her a chance. But he was not willing to even give her that much. And why should he? She had left him alone for so long, that she had finally lost him. Her love, her life, everything she was living for, was gone forever. Her eyes drifted shut, her body turning numb, and she collapsed.

Sameer heard her sharp intake of breath, and then nothing. Frowning he turned to look, but she wasn't standing there anymore. He looked down, and was horrified to see her sprawled at his feet. "Naina!", he exclaimed and crouched in front of her, shaking her. There was no response. Oh dear God. What had he done? How could he hurt her like this? For three years, he had borne every brunt, staying strong, and still trying to make her happy, hoping that one day she would return to him. And today, when that day had finally arrived, when she had accepted all her faults, laid her soul bare for him to see, he had turned away and killed her hopes. His anger had caused this disaster. No, no. He couldn't lose her like this.

He ran to the picnic hamper, frantically searching through it, and snatched the bottle of water as soon as he saw it. Returning to her, he sprinkled some on her face. "Utho Naina, please", he murmured.

After a few minutes, her eyelids fluttered, and she mumbled something. Sameer bent to listen what she was speaking, and heard her repeating his name over and over. The tears he had held back, now spilled from his eyes. Naina opened her eyes, and saw Sameer leaning over her, crying. Why was he crying? And then she recalled his words about leaving. An expression of horror dawned on her face, and she lifted one hand, to... she didn't know... maybe touch him one last time. But he caught her hand, and pulled her up, straight into his arms.

She stiffened, as he enclosed her in his arms, she felt as if she was dreaming. Why was he hugging her? Wasn't he leaving? But if he was, then she wanted to savour this. She would steal the sweet moment, and preserve it for her lifetime. Slowly she wrapped her hands around him, burying in his chest. Desperately she tried to register and record everything in her brain - how he felt, his smell, his warmth. She would only have these memories for herself.

Sameer felt her trying to come closer, and he tightened his arms, pulling her completely against him. None of them knew how long they sat there in each other's arms - one trying to heal the loneliness he had endured for three years, the other trying to save memories to be able to endure the loneliness of a lifetime.

"I am sorry", she murmured, hiccupping slightly.

"Shh", he turned his head to press his lips in her hair, "I love you Naina."

She stopped crying instantly, her body tensed, as she drew back and tilted her head back to look at him. He smiled down at her, "tum nahi bologi?", he asked.

She gulped, "I...I l...love you too Sameer."

His smiled widened into a grin, and he pulled her back to him. He wasn't ready to leave an inch of space between them.

"Sa...sameer... mum...mumbai", she stammered.

He chuckled through his tears, "meri jaan yahan Ahmedabad me rahegi to main Mumbai me kya karunga? Main kahin nahi jaa raha."

Naina clutched him tighter, sobbing into his chest, relief rushing through her veins. He held her and let her cry, his shirt absorbing her tears. Finally, after a few minutes, when her sobs subsided, he pulled back, and helped her stand up.

"Yeh picnic hamper sirf dikhane ke liye hai ya kuch khane ko bhi milega", he teased.

She looked at him, taking in his features. Oh how she had missed his smile, his teasing, the freedom to talk to him, to touch his hand. But, now she could. And she wanted more from him, and also wanted to give more to him. She held his hand, "Sameer, mujhse shaadi karoge?"

His breath caught, every cell in his body springing to attention. Was it real? Naina was asking him to marry her? Finally, he would have her all to himself. He wouldn't have to fear being away from her. He wouldn't have to worry that her family would snatch her from him. The darkness that had enveloped him for three years, rose inside him, black and venomous, and broke like a wave against her gentle strength and love.

Sameer lifted his hand, and stroked her hair, tucking the loose strands behind her ears. He cupped her face with one hand, and slid the other arm around her waist, touching her bare flesh. A wave of possessiveness swamped through him, as he pulled her to him, and dipped his head. She didn't object, instead lifted herself on her toes, clutching his shirt, and met his lips. He tentatively brushed his lips against her quivering ones, slowly tasting each one at a time. "Hum kal hi ghar pe baat karenge shaadi ki", he murmured against her lips. Her palms slid over his chest and shoulders, and she wrapped them around his neck. She opened her mouth to him, gave in to his touch, and accepted his passion. With a groan, he deepened the kiss, claiming her mouth, claiming her. The kiss filled the bleak emptiness inside them, penetrated the darkness, brought in new hope, new promises, and shattering pleasure. A baptism of tears, of fire, of light. Redemption.

Sameer lifted his mouth from hers, panting for breath. She collapsed against him, her head resting on his chest, her breath coming in shudders. He held her, kissed her hair, felt his own heartbeat slow. And, for the first time in three years, he felt bliss.

They spent the day cherishing the newfound freedom, the renewed relationship. Naina had somehow managed to make a cake for him, and he blew the candles wishing for a lifetime of togetherness. The fed the sweet chocolate cake to each other, and talked about anything and everything under the sun, both basking in the ordinariness of their conversation. They danced to the tunes of their favourite Bollywood songs that Naina played on the portable tape recorder. Sameer stared at her beautiful face, though the dark circles indicated the sadness and stress she had gone through, the radiant smile on her face indicated the lightness in her heart. And he was sure, he had a similar smile on his face. He couldn't resist, pulling her in his arms repeatedly, wanting to feel her softness against him, and she never protested, each time she cuddled into his warmth.

When Munna and Pandit came to pick them up later in the evening, they knew within a second that everything was alright in their small world again. Sameer sat in the backseat, with Naina pressed to his side, her head on his shoulder, as she fell asleep. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, "main hamesha tumhare saath rahunga", he whispered the promise, and then tilted his head, resting his cheek on her hair. Something inside him seemed to ease as he found his life's purpose back. Then, at last, he too, fell asleep.

~Voting Post~

1. Top 3 Best OS Stories

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 2. Consolation Prizes 

        Most Romantic OS: Entry #
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        Thinking Out of the Box OS: Entry #