Sameer gulped at Naina's blazing eyes. They showed anger but also reflected hurt and betrayal.
"Naina, I--
"How could you? Naina accused amidst tears as she broke down and slumped on the bench. Sameer shivered as he attempted to crouch down next to her, lips quivering to mouth anything.
"Why did you do this to me, Sameer? She retaliated further, anger blazing through her eyes.
Sameer didn't want to hide anything from her, but the shame prohibited him from voicing anything in his defense.
Before he could apologize once again, Naina stepped away.
"You've broken my trust, Sameer. You've wounded me like no one else. Wiping her tear stained face she left dejectedly, leaving Sameer in despair.
Watching her retreating figure, his vision blurred. The face which was used to Naina's soft hold now was dominated by curseful tears. His hands fisted as she hit the bench, immediately caressing it afterward, feeling the remnants of his Naina's presence. Her sobs, her accusations, her voice laced with wavering faith all echoed in Sameer's head as he shut his eyes in remorse. This wasn't how he had imagined. The turn of events played repeatedly like a never ending rigmarole, making his anger surge higher each time he recalled.
Smoking had been an obnoxious addiction before he came across Naina too. He used to puff at least ten a day; away from the cautious eyes of his grandfather and other relatives, with the help of his friends, Munna and Pandit. Though they had warned him against this bad habit too, yet the influential trend got the worst of the trio. In order to maintain their reputation, Sameer had decided to up' his game by drowning himself into the ocean of darkness.
Whether it be the anger that surged through him at his mother's taunts, the frustration at nearly being suspended a couple of times, or the recent hatred he had developed for Naina and her strict father, everything encouraged his addiction aggressively. A curiosity turned into a helpless addiction, a mean to release all the resentment. His habit wouldn't have had hindered if not for the Naina he irrevocably fell in love with. The Naina he had once despised for her sincerity now admired her for that very aspect. She was ethereal in every way possible. Despite being true to her moral values, she had dared to fall for him, showering love unconditionally. Her simplicity made her unique, her honesty made her admirable, and her cute little antics made him fall for her innumerable times. What started off as friendship with irregular tiffs soon blossomed into innocent and pure love between two contrasting souls. The stolen glances, the unsaid words, the deep understanding, Naina and Sameer hardly realized when their worlds started revolving around each other. He was hers and she was his, nothing else mattered anymore. Smoking didn't matter anymore.
His heart yelped in her happiness and ached seeing her in tears. She had become his purpose. And cigarettes...they were long forgotten. She had distracted him to such an extent that his frustration no longer bothered him. He could share everything with her to his heart's content, without being judged. Naina had become his strength, a confidante who understood his perspective and gave solutions to each problem of his. Late night phone calls had become a usual routine for Naina and Sameer as both anxiously waited to hear each other's voice.
But life had taken a dark twist for them. Sameer had barely gotten over his grandfather's sudden demise, when an abrupt call brought him to Delhi, far from his friends and far from his Naina. Their unendurable separation had been put into ease with phone calls, but each time was equivalent to winning a battle against their families. Each night brought solace, however short lived. Naina was determined to wait for him until the end of time, constantly promising herself of his undying love. She had grown to ignore taunts brutally thrown at her but he wasn't used to being attacked all the time. The friendly surroundings had been replaced by vehement scoldings and Sameer found himself facing frustration yet again. Now that his Naina was no longer there to guide him, Sameer found himself amidst this dreadful ocean once again. Recalling those days, Sameer punched the bench, making it topple over as he gritted in regret.
"C'mon Sameer, it's just one cigarette! Mohit sneered at Sameer's hesitation and constant stare at the object being offered to him. Sameer coughed at the wisps of smoke; he was no longer accustomed to the foul smell. His isolation gave him the worst company possible; a group of spoilt and dirty-minded boys. Not that he had initiated the conversation, in fact, he had only been trying to help the gang from a verbal fight that had aggravated to bruised faces. Little did Sameer know that he was inviting a devastating downfall. His immature curiosity and desperate need for belongingness got the worst of him. Not only had he started gambling but was now being offered an object she despised, a threat he had started hating too.
"Be a man, Sameer. Pankaj scoffed, bringing him out of his reverie. Naina's warnings rung in Sameer's head as he cautioned,
"Guys, I don't think this is a good idea. Cigarette smoking can be very fatal.
The others laughed, making him uncomfortable, "Go home, Sameer. You're still a boy. Go and play with your toys.
Sameer's hands fisted as he muttered, "I'm not a boy.
"Then prove it. Mohit challenged as the others agreed with a hi-five. The desire to prove them wrong overpowered her words and the hatred they shared for it. Sameer swiftly extended his hand, took the cigarette and inhaled sharply. The taste was appalling, yet he prohibited the feeling to reflect on his face. Looking away he coughed silently, before taking another puff. Smashing the cigarette on the ground he tilted his face and casted a smug look.
"That's what a man is called! Welcome to the gang, Sameer! Pankaj pat Sameer's back as a reluctant smile paved onto his face.
"It's just one cigarette, no big deal. Sameer whispered to himself before hugging his new group of friends'.
One cigarette was just the beginning. Soon it turned to two and slowly aggravated to fifteen a day. His anger rose and so did the number of cigarette buds. No matter how stealthily he inhaled, there were occasions when he nearly got caught. Fifteen would have increased to 30 if not for Naina. Sameer still thanked his stars for being sent back home for college, back to his Naina. But things weren't the same anymore, no matter how much he tried. His addiction was unbearable to live without and he didn't have the courage to break her heart. And thus began the rigmarole of lies.
"What's this, Sameer? Naina asked while shuffling through his books in his bag. College had ended and Naina was reminding Sameer of the homework as usual, while placing his books back in his bag.
"What? Sameer asked without paying attention.
"This. She picked up a mouth-freshener spray bottle and brought to Sameer's notice. He gulped, ransacking his head for a convincing excuse. Sameer had bought this spray only to subdue the filthy odor of smoke, but never had he imagined Naina to interrogate him. Her eyebrows furrowed as she waited for an answer.
"Umm... Sameer stuttered, trying to formulate a sentence.
"Sameer? Naina threatened, cornering Sameer similar to a teacher ready to scold a student. Sameer pursed his lips, thinking of all the possible consequences of revealing the ugly truth to her when an idea popped up in glee. His orbs darkened as he brought a smirk up to his face. Sameer inched towards her, casting a glance that made her breathing uneven. The confidence in her voice was long gone, and instead resounded with stammers. Naina's steps faltered simultaneously as her eyes fixated on the person she loved the most. Slowly grabbing her hands, Sameer brought them up to his lips. Placing a light kiss on her knuckles, he heard her heave a gasp. The smirk on his face grew wider as he whispered huskily,
"You know...there's much more in a relationship than just holding hands.
Her brows furrowed in confusion as he let out a short chuckle at her innocence. Sameer brought her finger up to his lower lip making her shudder at the realization. Her face turned deep crimson as she dashed for the door, unable to compose herself. Sameer sighed in relief, happy she bought his excuse.
Sameer's lips curved at the distant memory. That wasn't the only incident; Naina had questioned him at his continuous bathroom breaks'. Those were the times Sameer thanked God for making her so gullible. But now, all those lies were tormenting him. She wasn't a fool, but she had unwavering faith on him. She trusted him. And he had broken her faith on him. Pierced through her heart like no other. With a determined face, Sameer got up, ready to make amendments.
"I'll win you back, Naina. I promise. Sameer resoluted.
...
The street lights flickered, igniting electrical sparks at irregular intervals. As a cool breeze passed through the window, Naina waited for sleep to take over. Yet her fingers continued to fidget and her eyes continued to brim with tears. Her eyes had reddened and her lips had swollen from the constant pain as an attempt to stop her tears from falling. Though Preeti had tried consoling her sister, she knew Naina was deeply shattered by Sameer's actions.
"What had I done wrong? Was my love not pure enough? She questioned herself for the umpteenth time, only to shed more tears.
The sound of a screeching bike reached Naina's ears as she sat upright and her heart jolted in excitement. Thinking it to be her imagination, she shook her head in disappointment. Why would he be here? That too at this hour?
Naina's reverie broke with a telephone ring. Her heart raced as her mind rummaged to find only one name; Sameer Maheshwari. Her Sameer.
She approached the buzzing object, taking each step dubiously.
"H-hello? Naina stammered, trying to maintain a composed voice.
"Your place or mine? His voice resonated through the phone.
"What?! Naina shrieked in disbelief.
"Umm...I mean your place or my chosen location. He clarified, making Naina silently scolded herself for bringing other thoughts in her head.
"Sameer--
"Naina, please. I need to talk to you right now.
"There's nothing left to talk about, Sameer. Naina answered dejectedly.
"Don't say that Naina. Please... Sameer pleaded again as Naina sighed.
"Sameer--
"Don't we have any hope left, Naina? Sameer's question left Naina speechless.
After a few moments of pondering upon, Naina voiced, "Where do you want to meet?
Sameer's smile widened to a grin as he responded with equal anxiety, "Our first date spot in 10.
Sameer paced to and fro, constantly checking for Naina. It had already been ten minutes. She knew this place too well; in fact it was her who had introduced Sameer to this place. The purity, the tranquility, this one place held so many of their firsts', it was hard to keep count. However, where once this place had echoed with positivity, now seemed menacing to Sameer. He was unsure of her reaction, he was unsure of the turn of events. He feared losing her and he couldn't let her go at any cost.
The temple bells caught his attention as he saw Naina with her eyes closed in prayer. His smile diminished he saw her reddened eyes; Sameer knew she had been crying. Naina waited patiently for him to start while Sameer pursed his lips cluelessly.
"Sameer? She crossed her arms. Sameer raised his eyebrows and pointed to the staircase. As they settled themselves onto the cold yet familiar steps by the temple, Sameer began,
"Naina, thank you for coming here.
"Don't, Sameer. Just come straight to the point. Naina's stern voice may have intimidated anyone, even Sameer, if he hadn't caught notice of her silent tears and the slight tremor in her voice.
He shut his eyes in guilt and tried to speak once again.
"Delhi. One word was enough to grab Naina's attention. She gasped slightly, waiting for him to continue.
"It began in Delhi. Sameer narrated everything; from the cascades of taunts, to his fear of isolation. From the warnings that rung in his head to his final decision. From his initial determination to the current helplessness.
"I'm sorry, Naina. He finished, a lone tear escaping his eye. It took Naina a minute to register everything, but once she did, she scooted over and wiped the tear away. Sameer took her hands into his and gazed into her eyes intently, trying to read the wave of emotions she was experiencing. Without shifting his gaze he turned her hands over and gently caressed her palms, retracing each bruise her fingernails had given her.
Naina, who had looked away, now darted her eyes back towards him, appalled at his sweet gesture. He knew her too well. She couldn't help smile a little, making his lips curve too.
"What you said in college the other day...about the mouth-freshener spray? She queried by breaking the silence.
"That wasn't entirely a lie. Sameer's words made her blush.
"Naina...
"Sameer. Naina intervened, her voice laced with urgency. She let go of his grip and straightened.
"Naina? Are you upset? Sameer knew how stupid this question was, but he couldn't help the fear that was slowly surging through him. She looked at him for a minute before answering,
"Yes.
Sameer stood up to meet her gaze, "Naina, I know I broke your trust. But I was helpless. All of that...was very new to me.
"And was I used to separation? Or had you taken my pain for granted, Sameer? Anger glinted through her voice as fresh new tears spilled down her face.
"No, Naina. Never. Sameer immediately cupped her face into his hands, only to find them ice cold.
"You lied so easily, Sameer. So effortlessly. Never did I notice a glint of hesitation in your voice, or a sign of regret on your face. You were so casual about it all... She jerked his hands away.
"Every time. Everyday. Each second. You kept on lying to me, Sameer.
"I couldn't see myself stoop so low in your eyes, Naina. I couldn't hurt you. Sameer admitted.
"What else have you done, Sameer? Haven't you betrayed me, my trust, our love? Naina accused, leaving Sameer dumbstruck.
"I was lost, Naina. Helpless, alone. His voice rose, frustration evident by his tone.
Naina wasn't going to relent, "What about me Sameer? Wasn't I lost too? Wasn't I alone too?
"You still had your sister, Naina. Sameer shouted.
"And you still had your friends, Sameer! You still had Munna and Pandit. Naina hollered too, tears streaming down both their faces. The dried leaves below danced defiantly as the wind swayed vigorously.
Naina turned to leave when Sameer held her wrist, "Don't leave me, Naina.
He slumped onto his knees, making Naina scream in worry. She crouched down beside him and took his face in her hands, "Sameer. Get a hold of yourself.
"Please don't leave me, Naina. He repeated, clutching on to her.
"Sameer...She reasoned but he interrupted,
"I'll quit this, Naina. I won't smoke, ever again.
Naina's face broke into a grim smile, "I'm sure you must have promised this to yourself a thousand times already.
Sameer looked away in despair. She knew him inside out, didn't she?
She cupped his face once again and looked into his glistening eyes, "Shh.
Taking him into her embrace she soothingly whispered, "Sameer, I'll never leave you. Because I love you. He looked at her and apologized again as she hushed him and took him in her embrace once again. Slowly ruffling through his silky hair she confessed, "I've loved you ever since I first saw you, Sameer Maheshwari. But you didn't because you had already developed an addiction.
Sameer spoke, his voice slightly muffled, "But you pulled me out of it.
"Yes, I did. Love is an addiction too, Sameer. Just like smoking. But you can't have two addictions at the same time.
"Naina, I love you. Sameer confessed as he pulled away from the embrace and held his hands. She stroked his face gently before answering,
"I know. But sometimes love just isn't enough."
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
