Sameer-Naina SS-Holding It Together (EPILOGUE UPDATED) - Page 12

"NAINAAA...'' Preeti's voice boomed and echoed in the room as she came and hugged a drowsy Naina.

"What happened? Why are you shouting that to this early in morning?'' Naina scowled as her beautiful dream shattered with Preeti's booming voice.

"Your final merit list has come up in newspaper.Have a look.And YOU ARE SELECTED''. Preeti did a victory jig as Naina snatched the newspaper from her hands and scanned the merit list of her coveted college.

Yeh un dinon ki baat hai,when results were published in newspaper and the real happiness came from seeing your name printed and published in it.

"Yes!Yes! I did it.. ''Naina jumped from bed with all her drowsiness and grumpiness thrown outside the window and both sisters hugged each other to celebrate this victory moment.

"You will leave me alone and go away.Right?'' Preeti said as she broke the hug and sat sulking.

"I will be there definitely but my heart will always be here.I will be writing letters.Promise.'' Naina swore as her eyes went wet with the very thought of living away from the very loved ones,dear ones and Ahmedabad in large.

Naina was going to pursue her Bachelors in Science from one of the prestigious colleges under Delhi university.Scoring high in her 12^th Boards she was advised by Shanti teacher and Principal Sir to pursue her graduation in Mathematics from the reputed college in Delhi.Though initially reluctant to leave Ahmedabad she realised that for a brighter tomorrow she has to leave today's happiness.

While all others had come to terms of Naina leaving house to pursue higher studies,Taiji was still to come in terms of Naina's educational perspectives and added burden of finance.

"Arey Bela!Aaj kheer bana rahi hai kya?Elaichi dal kar?''[Bela!Are you cooking Kheer' (Indian traditional sweet dish)?Have you added cardamom to it?]Taiji asked confused when the aroma of freshly crushed cardamom hit her nasal cavities.

"Haan Bhabhiji.Aaj to tyohar hai tyohar.Naina ki naam akhbar mein chapi hai.Wo select ho gayi hai''.(Yes Sister-in-law.Today its celebration in house.Naina's name has been published in newspaper.She has been selected.)Bela Chachi's voice exuded extreme happiness while Taiji's face shrunk with disgust and worry.

"Newah!Akhbar walon ka kya hai?Paise to ab humein hi kharch karna padega.Bin maa ki beti aur nikamma baap jis ladki ki ho use jaldi shadi kar leni chahiye.Yeh padhai karke,kharcha karake kya labh?Akhir mein sasural mein to jaana hai.''(What's with the newspaper people?Now we have to spend money.A girl without mother and jobless father should be married off early.What's the profit of these higher studies and wasteful spending of money?At the end she has to go to her in-law's house only.)Taiji blabbered with the worry of spending money on travel and studies expenses and then again on marriage of Naina.She was not much happy with the turn of events.

"Arey!Where Naina has gone?'' Bela Chachi asked not finding Naina in her room.

"She has gone to the postoffice to get some stamps and few postcards. ''Preeti informed as chewed on the dhokla'.

"Okay..Then you please help me in making the list for the dresses that needs to be purchased for Pooja's marriage.Today I saw 40% discount in one of big garment store.Take bath quickly and we are leaving early.Inform Naina too''. Bela Chachi excitedly informed and went to get her copy where she maintained every detail for Pooja's marriage.

"Wow! Marketing..I am going to enjoy the day to full.Today's morning has been really great''. Preeti exclaimed and celebrated the great morning with two more slices of dhokla'.

The phone went up in rings and Bela Chachi seemed pissed with the rings that were increasing day by day.And most calls were for Naina only and many wrong numbers.

"Bhagwan jhooth na bulaye! Please someone pick up the phone.'' Bela Chachi grumbled and voiced while preparing the batter for some more dhokla'.

"Hello'' Naina picked up the phone in irritation as she was interrupted from ironing her clothes.

"Hello!Naina! Sameer here.'' Sameer's voice boomed in the receiver while a smile crept upon her lips.

"Hmm..Why did you call?'' She asked not knowing what to ask him actually.

"Congratulations.Just saw your name in the paper.''Sameer exclaimed with happiness evident in his voice.

"Thank you.I never thought I would get that college.Stiff competition that was.'' Naina said as she sighed with relief.

"Naina! When will you be arriving today at the function?''He asked with anticipation.

"Around 2.30 pm.Our function starts at 3 pm right?'' She asked confirming the arrival time.

"Yes!3 PM. Are you going to come along with Preeti?'' He asked in a tone which had a melancholic setting in it.

"No,Preeti is accompanying Chachiji for the marketing.She is least interested in attending the school's Farewell Function'.'' Naina informed as she laughed at Preeti's obsession with shopping and eating.

"Great!Thank God. ''Sameer spoke out much to confusion of Naina.

"Why great? Have you gone mad?''She asked confusedly.

"You don't worry about that.Just a request.Please come wearing a Saree.'' He requested praying vehemently that she should accept the proposal.

"Saree! You have truly gone mad! No way.I am wearing my salwar suit. ''Naina clarified with firmness.

"Naina! Please for my sake.Please.'' Sameer pleaded while she decided to relent to his pleadings.She can't see him sulking around.

"Okay.Will see you at function.'' Naina said and hung off before he could shoot her with questions and requests.

"Shefali! Do you have a Saree which can fit me ?'' Naina asked Shefali as she made herself seat in Shefali's room.

"Naina! Saree is not a readymade dress which comes in sizes.It can fit anyone.Wait let me take out some for you''.Shefali said as she brought out some of her favourites.

"Will I look good in these?'' Naina asked in apprehension written all over her face.

"Wait a second! Has Sameer asked you to wear Saree? ''Shefali cocked her eyebrow with tease while Naina blushed into deep shade of beetroot.

"What is he wearing? ''Shefali asked as she tried finding the best look for Naina.

"No idea.'' Naina replied.

"Great! Who would say you guys are in love? Do you people have any conversation except studies and sports? ''Shefali asked seein Naina's ignorance about Sameer's dressing sense.

"He didn't tell me and I didn't ask him.How would I know then.?'' Naina spoke innocently.

"Jesus! Okay.I think this Saree would look perfect on you.I have matching earring for this.Spin around''. Shefali said as she spun Naina draping the Saree around her upper body.

"Perfect! Let me bring the earings. ''Shefali complimented and went on to get the earrings.

"You look beautiful my doll.Sameer is surely going to propose you for marriage today.''Shefali teased her as Naina checked her final look in the mirror.

"Dhet! " Naina playfully hit Shefali at her comment.

"Shefali! But how will I cycle wearing this?'' Naina asked suddenly remembering that she has to cycle to school for the fuction.

"Are you serious Naina? You are thinking of cycling to the school wearing a beautiful Saree?You know I doubt how you come as topper? ''Shefali asked confused.

"Shefali!Now don't tease me.Tell me the way.'' Naina pleaded with eyes.

"Don't worry.I will take you in an auto rickshaw.I am going for picking Mummy from her office so would drop you in your school on the way.Now cheer up and come here.Let me apply some make up and lipstick to your beautiful face and rosy lips''.Shefali pulled her and made her sit on the dressing table puff.

"O Bai! Naina yeh saree pehen ke saj dhaj kahan jaa rahi hai?''(Naina!Where are you going getting decked up in Saree?)Taiji asked shocked while Preeti,Bela Chachi asked her with enquiring eyes.

"Wo..school main function hai to isliye..'' (Because there is a function at school.) Naina answered.

"Par school mein hai to school ke kapde pehen kar jaate na..yeh shaadi baarat main jaise sajte hein waise sajdhaj ke kyun jaa rahi hai?Sach bata kahan jaa rahi hai? Kahin kisi..''(If function is in school,you should go wearing the uniform.Why decked up like getting decked up for marriage processions?tell the truth where are you going?Are you..) Taiji trailed while Naina looked at her with irritation and anger.How dare she assassin her character everytime?Scolding ,unnecessary enquiries is fine but character assassination.How she hated this.

"Nahin Taiji.Main school mein hi jaa rahi hoon.Aur aaj sab aise kapde pehne kea a rahe hein.Chachiji main sham ke 6 baje ghar aajaungi.Preeti! Khub saara golgappa khana aur maze karna.'' (No Taiji.I am going to school only.And today everyone is wearing such clothes.Chachiji! I would be back at home at 6 PM.Preeti! Eat lots of golgappas and enjoy your day.) Naina said as took up her purse to leave for the function.

"Ache se jaana beta.Jaldi aa jana.''(Go carefully.And come home early)'' Bela Chachi voiced as Naina nodded in approval.

At The School

"Sameer!What are you wearing for the day?Have all your blazers and shirts gone to cleaners?'' Munna asked shocked seeing Sameer dressed in casual black full sleeved shirt paired with black pants.No where he looked like 'The Sameer Maheshwari'' dressed to kill.

"I was in no mood.''Sameer said and went to check on the schedule of formal meeting.

"Naina!'' Swati exclaimed as her eyes set on Naina who stepped out from auto holding Shefali's hand.

"Naina!Oh My Lord! You look so ravishing today.Thank you Shefali for making my friend look so beautiful. ''Swati exclaimed overwhelmingly as she checked out Naina from head to toe.

"Welcome! Naina! Take an auto while going back too.Enjoy. ''Shefali winked and left.

"Look who is dressed to kill today..Ooo Patakha.'' Pandit was shocked to see Naina dressed so beautifully.

Sameer and Munna turned around expecting Kamya to be coming like 'Zeenat Aman of Ahmedabad.'

"NAINA!' Munna exclaimed in shock while Sameer looked at her with all the love his eyes could behold.Dressed in a saffron saree with yellow zari-worked border enhanced with the silver coloured bangles,she looked ravishing.She smiled as his eyes spoke his happiness of accepting his proposal and looking extremely beautiful.

Naina looked at him in shock as he was dressed in way too casually.That was never the way Sameer ever dressed for formal meetings and functions.She instantly knew though he was smiling,laughing and was seemingly enjoying something was off,something was definitely not right.

"I request all the students to please be seated as we start our formal session now.I request Head Boy Sameer Maheshwari and Head Girl Naina Agarwal to please come upon the dias. ''The host of meeting announced while claps and cheers broke out.

"Sameer and Naina have really worked well during their tenure as representatives of students' body.So on behalf of school fraternity we felicitate both of them for their services.Well Done.'' Principal Sir congratulated them and handed over the bouquet and certificate while both of them became emotional remembering the beautiful times and hard times they faced while serving the duties.But at the end it was worth it.They held each function successfully.They fought the real battles with time and emerged victorious.That was their team spirit and that was their love.

"Now I request Principal Sir to felicitate Naina Agarwal with the Best Student Trophy'' The host announced much to delight of Sameer and happiness of Naina.Her happiness was incomplete without the broad smile on his face.He volunteered to pass the trophy and bouquet to Principal Sir who then felicitated Naina and blessed her for future endeavours and more successes.

"Naina!'' Sameer called as everyone gathered for the lunch in the school field.

Naina excused herself from Swati and presented herself before him.He passed her a tissue paper and left to join Munna and Pandit for lunch.

Naina immediately opened the rolled tissue paper to read the message scribbled"Come to temple at 4.30PM sharp.URGENT.''

She looked around to find him and talk about what bothered him but he was in a group chatting away.

"Swati! I am leaving. We have guests to come today at home.''Naina lied through teeth as she tried to leave from school.

"But Naina! I thought we would have fun today.'' Swati sulked while Naina hugged her before parting.

"It's urgent dear.Nor I would have stayed long.I will see you later.Bye '' Naina pacified Swati as Swati was still unhappy with her early departure.

"Munna !Pandit! I am leaving.Have some urgent work at home.Will catch up later.'' Sameer informed his baffled friends as they were left raking what's so urgent crept up at home when there was none in particular at home.

"Something looks fishy'' Munna said while Pandit served him with more paneer'.''Nothing is fishy,only Paneer.Eat'' Pandit nudged Munna and gulped his share.

At the Temple

"Naina!You look so beautiful.You look much more beautiful than I had imagined.'' He complimented as both sat on the stairs of the temple pond.The under constructed temple had been closed for the day since the morning rituals were over.

"Sameer! What is bothering you?Please tell.I know something is not right.''Naina asked meeting his eyes to find the answer herself.

"Nothing is wrong.Everything is perfect at its place.Is this your Saree?''Sameer said as he fidgeted with his wrist watch.

"No.Its Shefali's.She had brought it from Bombay.''Naina informed half heartedly excited for any more compliments.

"Okay! Then I shall get you a same one from Bombay.This really suits you.'' He was excited about gifting her a Saree from Bombay while something hit her.

"How will you get from Bombay?For that you have to go there,settle there,find the...Sameer!'' Her words trailed as realization hit her.But still she wanted it to hear from his mouth.The supposedly worst news of the day.

"Naina! I wanted to inform you way before time but nothing was finalised.Yesterday only they sent me the confirmation letter about admission and along with tickets.I could n't bring myself to terms and informing this to you ..It seemed difficult.'' He clarified as he propped his head in his palms.

"When are you leaving?'' Naina asked suddenly feeling unknown tremors running throughout her body.She felt something broken inside...smashing terribly.

"Day after tomorrow in the 5 AM train. ''He informed her only to find tears slowly pooling in her kohl-adorned eyes.The kohl was smudging slightly at the corners.

"Naina! I know its difficult to stay away from each other.But we have to do it.I never dreamt that I could get into this prestigious college with so many good scorers.I really thank my tutor for this.She is a good teacher.'' He teased her a little to cheer her up.He could handle all her mood swings,her worst tempers,bad fury,drunk happiness, super excited laughs but not a single tear drop in her eyes.

"The tutor put her soul while teaching.The marks were ought to come the best.''Naina half smiled at his attempt to make her cheer.But the thought of him leaving so soon was still to sink in.

"When will you be leaving?Did you confirm about hostel arrangements?'' Sameer asked remembering about her admission.

"I am leaving after a month.Admission is yet to be done.Hostels will be allotted after the whole admission procedure is complete.Now I have to wait till they confirm the hostel.Because Taiji would not spend a paise for me if I choose to rent a house outside college.Are you going to stay in hostel?'' She asked to clarify.

"No I am not staying in hostel.Nanaji's one of the associates has a flat in my college's locality.So I am going there to stay on rent.Its a single room so no hassle.'' Sameer informed recollecting Nanaji's words.

"Are you seriously leaving in two days?'' Naina asked with hope still alive in heart that he would say "Topper Naina got fooled.This was just a joke'' like everytime he made a fool of her.But today he only nodded and she could no more hold back the tears.

"No Naina! Please don't cry.You are making it difficult for me''.He said as he wiped the flowing tears from her kohl smudged eyes.

"Sa..mee...r ''She hiccupped hoping if her tears could stop him.

"Naina! My topper. We have to do this.We have to make our career first so that we can ensure a better future.We have to part only then we can meet.You understand this.Right? ''He said as he caressed her hair while she sunk her face in her knees and sobbed hard.

"I will be writing letters to Nanu and Munna.Munna will be giving you letters till you are here and after that we shall talk on STD phones.I will write in inland letters only because I know you will be staying in a girls' hostel with so many around.You can send me postcards because I am staying alone; so no problem.Don't cry my dear.Please.I am not crying but this pain is piercing me like walking on thick thorns.We have do it together. ''Sameer tried pacifying his only source of inspiration and support in life after Nanu.

"So..you have planned everything..planned of leaving me already...Fine..GO..''She shrugged her shoulder and turned her face away while more tears flew.

"E Naina!Naina! Look at me. ''He cupped her face and forcefully made her look at him.She was not relenting but gave in.

"Whom shall I leave? How can someone leave their family,their home? You are my family,my home.When I will return it is for you...to you only. ''Sameer kissed her forehead while she clutched her saree's anchal to muffle her sob.

"What do you think?Where my family and my home is?'' Naina asked meeting his eyes which had traces of tears in them.

"In Nirmala Jyoti Society.'' He said as she hit him for his funny humour.

'Budhu!Study well and get the best marks.I will not be around to make you understand anything. ''She said as she wiped her tears and put on a smile...only for him.

"Okay my Tutor Ma'am.Naina!Are you not going to float those diyas you were talking about?'' He made her remember and both got up to bring the necessaries for the last puja they would do before parting.

She lit the diyas in both the banana leaves while he arranged the marigold petals on them.Both prayed wishing the best for each other and watched the two leaves float away together.

"Naina! I have something to give you.Show your right hand. ''He asked her while she looked up to him in confusion.She extended her hand praying vehemently that it should be no other worst thing for her.She is yet to tolerate one,and another shock she would die right away.

He took out a pink case from pant pocket and opened it.Came out an open latched golden polished bangle.He slid it through her wrist and it looked perfect and beautiful.

"This one is for me?'' Naina still could not believe he gifted her with a bangle.She loved wearing bangles and he knew her inside and out.

"Umm..I was thinking to gift this to Munna.How is the idea?'' He asked with hint of tease in his eyes.

"Sameer! " She replied miffed and kept on looking at the bangle.

"Naina! You are not saying anything.Didn't you like the bangle or the surprise?'' He asked seeing her quiet for a longer time.

"Who doesn't like surprises? Its so beautiful.'' She said and kissed the bangle regaling in extreme happiness and he was again enchanted by the child like smile she flashed at him.Finally she smiled after so much of tears.He pulled her hand and kissed the place on bangle where she had kissed.She blushed profusely as his lips moved on to kissing her knuckles and fingers.She withdrew her hand abruptly and hid her face in her palms.He smiled at her coyness and ran his fingers through his hairs to keep off his own craziness away.

"Anything more you want..Just tell me..'' He said in a serious tone as he got up and gestured her to get up too.He was not looking fine as the day was coming to end.Both of them knew they would not be meeting any time soon. They didn't know how many hours,days and months would pass by before they meet again.

"Don't go.''She said as she got up.She hugged him from back.Even if he didn't hug her back at the very moment ,he turned around and didn't let her go.Looking into her eyes he saw the love she had for him and how broken she was with this painful,aching valediction.

He hugged her more tightly,letting her hear his heart beating for her,letting her feel the warmth of his inner arms when he was rubbing her back and his fingers moving through her long tresses of hair.He tried burning down all her insecurities with his love.The hug was more than embrace of affection .It represented her safety and security .It made her truly feel loved.

He firmly pulled her body against his. Awareness of their closeness, the intimacy of the situation, came crashing down over her.

With a deep breath, she let herself forget all of that. She let herself step outside her numb self and dive into life.

Before she could regain her common sense and think to stop herself -- before she could let him think enough to stop her -- she stood on her tiptoes and slid a hand around his neck, delighting in the sensation of his silky hair against her fingers.

For a moment, she glimpsed at his widening eyes as she pressed her lips to his. Her heart beat so fiercely she feared it might burst from her chest.

Then she saw nothing as her eyes fluttered shut.

In closing her eyes, she only felt. She surrendered herself to unknown yet pleasant sensations, to the waking of desire within her blood.

For a several heartbeats he didn't move. He held himself as still as marble against her, and she feared his rejection. That he would set her away from him.

It was the first time they were sharing something this intimate.He contemplated on stopping her but then the pain of leaving her and staying away so long took the better of his mind.

His arms slipped around her and he was kissing her back, his lips parting against hers.

She opened her own mouth with a small gasp at the suddenness of his reaction. He swallowed that sound, drank it deep into himself. She pressed herself closer, tighter against him, her muscles straining to get ever nearer.

His large hands roamed over her back, holding her tightly, fiercely.

She burned from the inside out. In that moment, she didn't feel as if any of it could ever be enough -- as if she could ever have enough of him.

Impossible as it seemed, the kiss deepened. They staggered together, clutching one another.

He drew a deep, staggered breath in response to the wave of heat he felt flushing through him.

A shallow hum escaped from within her in response to how he was making her feel. She could feel his body responding to her. He was breathing heavier than her.Their hearts raced in sync with each other.Nothing mattered then...it was only both of them who mattered to each other.

The tidal wave of pleasurable desire that had just churned within her was slowly calming as he gently pressed his lips against hers. He pulled back and looked away, exhaling.

She turned away her face from him,keeping her face almost downcast as though she was afraid of looking up at him.After a lingering silence,she decided to speak up for the silence was killing her.

"Sameer!Wo.. ''she tried finding words while her body still quaked from the intensity.

"No! Naina please..Don't ruin the moment.Not a word ..about that.'' Sameer pleaded her still shivering from the impact of raged hormones who were still taking take their own sweet time to fall back into place.

"This will... always.. remain special.Come ..let's go.Its getting dark.'' He pulled her into his embrace putting an arm around her.She willingly let herself into the embrace as he encased her left palm in his.

They descended down the stairs while the sweet memories of their togetherness flew by both minds.How terribly they would miss each other.There were no more words to exchange,they just held each other,for they were the strength pillar and weakness spot of each other.

"Naina!Take this auto and go back to home.'' He said to her as he hired an auto and even paid the driver.

"Take her to Nirmal Jyoti Society.'' He ordered the driver as Naina made her comfortable at the back seat.

She looked at him for the last time before the distance between them tended towards infinity.

He looked away from her because one last glance at her and he would not be able to let her go.She understood his sudden turning away from her and she looked away too.

Both wiped the tears that were threatening to flow down because they knew the distance could separate them but not the feeling they have for each other.The feeling of holding it together and holding it for ever.

------------------------------------------------------------THE END----------------------------------------------------------------------------

With this the story bites the dust.Feeling really emotional to part with the story.This story will always have a special place in my heart.All good things come to an end.Thank you all for sticking to this and making it a memorable journey.Love you all.😳😃

P.S.:Thank you for reading.Would love to read all your feedbacks.😳