Sameer-Naina SS-Holding It Together (EPILOGUE UPDATED) - Page 2

Part-3: Dare to Care

He sprinted to library only to find the door open and the room vacant.''Where is she? he muttered in frustration as he completed searching her behind every bar and book.

"This girl is surely going to give me head ache and heart ache'' Sameer said as he scanned even the canteen.

Since it was a holiday there was minute chance of her being there. Puffs of air released from his lungs as he vehemently searched for her in all the classrooms of senior secondary school. Failing to find her he thumped tired on the bench with sweat dripping down.

After One Hour

Naina walked into the library to keep the books she had taken away to make some notes.Rakesh had not come to school that day as he was out of city for some official work.Sameer had no idea about this.Fearing that Rakesh might find him in library and then accuse him of stealing something ,he left the library premises and walked towards the hall whose door he had left ajar.He had so much to do while his mind was restless with disappearance of Naina.

Naina entered the hall only to see Sameer holding her stencil and muttering something under breath.He was certainly a charmer.Those eyes which held fathomless ocean of pain, those lips that mask sorrows under smile.

NAINA.. his voice echoed in hall and suddenly she felt a whoosh of hot breath leaving her lungs.You never know when somebody is going to come at you with their arms spreading outwards and their chin tilting to one side to avoid crunching faces.And when they get their arms around you,you never know how long it is supposed to last.

She didn't dare to raise her hands to pacify him. Minutes ago, her petite body was crushed in a soul crushing embrace. She's like nobody else in the world. When he is with her,it's like he is split in half. Part of him is on fire, going crazy with her accidental touches. The other half is calm and peaceful just perfectly content, slowly realizing she is the one. Sameer broke the hug and parted.

Where were you? I searched the entire school. Could n't you just inform and leave? Sameer's voice gained strength and louder with each sentence.

Why were you concerned about me? I also waited for you to return so that I can inform you but you had just melted into thin air. If he could shout, she could also speak louder.

"Don't try to act smart. Tell me if you are angry over what happened today.I confess it was my fault.I didn't intend this to happen. You could have also stopped me. Anyways "SORRY. He vented out not realising how the words have struck her.

How he had smashed her glass house of dreams. How could she make him understand that there is no other greater pleasure than holding the one you love, breathing in his smell, feeling his heart beat racing against yours.And the feeling which makes you think he is all mine and I will protect him,care for him ,love him forever.Naina's lingering silence made it unbearable for him to stay further.How he hated those tears in her eyes.

How does her tears matter you anyway his mind chimed back.

Sameer! he halted as he heard her choked voice.Was he not responsible for bringing misery to her.Was he any way better than her family members? Why has she stuck along with him for so long?Why was he concerned about her,absence,presence and silence?A Pandora of questions.While his heart and mind were busy finding answers he heard :

"Collect all the names for media team of the function.Inform them to meet us after school is over in the field.And yes,I have consulted with Principal Sir about the seating arrangement you had suggested and he is totally fine with it.He has asked to meet him tomorrow to finalise the guest list and rest other details.I had gone to his office and hence it took much time to return.Naina answered holding her hiccupping breaths.

He felt more miserable now.He didn't deserve to be a head boy.Shit! he fisted his hand and left the hall not to look back at her.She slunk into the chair with tears rolling down eyes.Whom to blame? Her destiny or fickle hormones?

Next Day at School

Naina was busy collecting the decorative items from the art room.The items had to be assembled,segmented and stored away to be used in function.After all it's the decoration that catches the eye first.She had got two volunteers to help her with while Sameer was away collecting the media team members.She hadn't seen him since morning.

Didi!We have forgotten our tiffin bags.Could you lend us some paise? Naina heard one of the volunteers nearly begging her.She disembarked from the stool and could read the truth and hunger evident in two pairs of eyes.

You both don't have anything to eat? Naina asked feeling pity for the students.

We missed the tiffin bags since we had to catch our bus.Please lend us some money and it will solve our problem one of them said and both looked with anticipation.

How could she say them that she was equally pennyless.Had Sameer been there she could have borrowed from him,but this great Head Boy of school was no where to be traced.

"Listen,I have got two aloo parathas in my tiffin.You better take them.Naina said as she opened her lunch box.

And you Didi! What would you eat?One of them questioned matter-of-factly.

You both eat.I shall manage.Complete your tiffin and get back to work immediately.We have lots to do. Naina smilingly said.

"Naina!Principal Sir has called you in office Lochan Sir went away giving a shoutout to her.

She dispatched the duties and presented herself in the Principal's office.Sameer was already present there.They waited till Principal Sir completed his conversation over telephone.

Have you not taken your tiffin? Sameer asked after initial hesitations.

Yes! I have eaten to my full she said looking at everything but him.

Don't lie. Don't feel insulted that I called you Liar.That grunt from your stomach shows how much you have eaten and to how full? he said and put a distance between them moving an inch further away.

"Sameer and Naina! This time Hon'ble Education Minister of state is visiting our school for function.Along with him Director of Hindi Education Board and Inspector of Schools are also joining us.It's a very prestigious moment for our school.It's both of your responsibility to take care of every single detail and make this event a grand success.I know Sameer that you have some issues with Naina.But get over your personal problems and join hands together.Work together and prove your mettle.All the best. Sameer and Naina nodded to Principal Sir's words of advise.After few more discussions both left the office.

"Lalita Ben! Please handover two plates of Samosa and also a cold drink and Frooti. Sameer placed the order and counted the coins.As he walked through the corridors all the way to the art room,he saw Naina busy coloring the hard card board.She was sweating profusely and the sweat dripped colored because of the color smeared on her forehead.He couldn't help staring at her and admiring her abilities from far.

Naina saw Sameer approaching from far and definitely towards her.She could even see the two plates and drinks.How thoughtful he is she thought with a smile adorning her face.

She saw Sameer and her Papa approaching...Wait! Papa ? Rakesh too was approaching Naina behind Sameer and Sameer was completely oblivious of the fact.

Now what's this new trouble?How am I supposed to let him know that his Rakesh Sir and my papa is behind his back. Naina's heart pounded against her sternum.

Papa! She called out without giving a forethought.But this worked.Sameer halted in his tracks and paved way to Rakesh Sir.He did threw a nasty glare at Sameer but then Sameer had learnt the art of ignoring him all total. Naina heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Sameer stop and her father approaching.

"Naina! I have got few books for you.They are in library.Check them and let me know if they are useful. Rakesh ordered him and went away failing to see how beautifully his daughter had designed a craft.

Minutes later,head boy and head girl were sharing the admin table gobbling the hot samosas.

What was the need of the social welfare work when you yourself were starving..You are ...I don't understand you many times.Why don't you stop people Sameer frowned seeing Naina gorging on the food.Naina's cheeks warmed up listening to last line.The memories of past day filled her mind.

Controlling her overly active mind,They are kids.You should have seen their happy smiles eating the aloo parathas. Naina replied back munching the last bite.

You got aloo paratha today? his eyes lit with sparkle.

Yes! My Chachi was very happy today so she made aloo paratha as a treat.I love aloo parathas. Her eyes too lit with sparkles with the mention of her favourite breakfast.

I too love them. He said remembering his mom's hand made parathas.As the parathas went cold on breakfast table, their relation too has lost its warmth.

" I shall get more next time ...for you. Her voice came out with whisper. Sameer looked at her with adoration as Arjun looked at them with chagrin.

(To be continued)

Phew! That was a long update.😃

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