Part 11 - Celebrations Continue
The unperturbed morning gave her a new sense of joy during their drive back. It had not only been her best birthday ever but also the best day of her life. She was gazing out at the passing wilderness and smiled remembering the day she had first laid eyes on him and was totally smitten as if MPK's Prem was right in front of her and involuntarily her heart had decreed "He is Mine without knowing anything about him, not even his name.
When they entered the city limits, Sameer was content to see her happy and smiling. All traces of the last night's sorrow were vanished and she was her usual self. He realized that she thought about something and smiled continuously. "Kya soch rahi ho?
She looked up at him and grinned again, "Tumhare baarein mein hi soch rahi thi.
"Par mein toh yahi hoon, tumhare paas.
"Mein yaad kar rahi thi uss din ko jab meine tumhe pehle baar dekha aur pyar ho gaya, tab toh mein tumhara naam bhi nahi janti thi.
Now Sameer got into his playful mode as he loved to tease her. "Achcha, toh dekhte hi pyar ho gaya! Bina naam bhi jane? Fir toh achcha hua ki mera naam kisi hero jaisa hai...Sameer Maheshwari. She laughed at his cute antics knowing how self-obsessed cute dork he was.
In all seriousness, he asked "Hmmm...Naina...fir agar mera naam Popatlal Mafatlal Katpitiya hota toh? Kya pyar khatm jo jaata?
She furrowed her eyebrows and then a second later burst out into mirth and her whole body shaking violently, this time not with the gut-wrenching sobs but rather the euphoria of their togetherness. He beamed and she shook her head "Tum bhi na...bilkul pagal ho.
"Tumhare pyar mein pagal ho gaya hoon. And he took her hand and placed it on his heart to feel their closeness. "Aise hi hansti raha karo...tum mujhe udaas bilkul achchi nahi lagti.
He glanced at her and then placed her hand on the gear-stick so that he could hold it while driving. She too didn't flinch or withdraw as last night had built new bridges, closed some gaps and brought them more closer to each other in many aspects. They drove in silence the rest of the way, but their eyes spoka a language of their own.
Sameer halted at the corner of their lane as the area was slowly coming to life. She had to reach back before someone spotted her this early outside or worst them together.
She the sensible one, broke their trance "Sameer, mujhe chalna chahiye.
"Mera mann nahi kar raha hai tumhe jane dene ka. He still hadn't let go of her hand.
"Mera bhi mann nahi hai tumhe chodkar jane ka...par tumhi ne toh kaha ki hum college mein milenge.
Sameer nodded, "chalo, mein tumhe chodkar aata hoon.
They got off the car, she collected her precious gifts and they walked a few meters till her society. Naina looked up and was scared that she might have to climb the ladder again to go back up. Sameer sensed her confusion and smiled. He picked up a pebble and aimed to the colorful parrot hanging in her balcony.
It came alive with "Sorry Sorry and Preeti came rushing out in the balcony. Both Jija-Sali waved at each other and she signaled them that Naina could come through the main door. No one had woken up yet and she would open the door stealthily. Naina was amused at this silent exchange between her two-most favorite people in the world and how well they had accepted each other in her life as she was most important to both of them. Preeti left to wait for her at the door.
"Naina, tum sidiyon se upar jao, Preeti darwaze pe hi khadi hai. Sameer turned to her and explained.
"Wo toh mein samajh gayi thi...
"Ab tum jao, hum baad mein milenge. She nodded and went into the society glancing back after every few steps to look at him and he too responded with the same fervor in his eyes.
She crept up the staircase on an alert mode and scanned her corridor surreptitiously before running to slightly crack-open door of her flat. She came in hurriedly and Preeti closed it without a noise. The sisters smiled at each other and ran back to their room and bolted the door before breathing in a heavy sigh of relief.
Naina ran out to the balcony and saw that he still waiting below to see her safely back to pavilion. She waved and signaled him to leave. He smiled, blew her a flying kiss and walked away.
The girls came back to the room and finally hugged tight. Preeti was happy seeing her sister so happy for the first time on her birthday, which was otherwise a sad and remorse-filled occasion for her.
An excited Preeti asked her about what all she did "Kaisa raha? Jijaji ne kaisi party di? Kaise celebrate kiya? Gift kya diya?
Nains had no words, she simply showed her the card and photo frame. While the card made her smile dreamily and tease her sister, the photos brought tears of joy and gratitude even in Preeti's eyes. She smiled through them and again hugged her sister poignantly. Preeti affirmed "Maan gaye Jijaji ko, sach mein jadugar hai.
Just then the doorbell rang, indicating Taiji's arrival, potentially, both girls quickly hid everything in the far back of their cupboard shelves and went back to pretend sleeping. After a quick half an hour nap, they woke up and as per their usual tradition, Preeti wished her Happy Birthday first and gave her a large packet.
Naina's eyes widened in shock, "Kya baat hai, aaj meri kanjoos behen, itna bada gift layi hai...kya hai isme?
"Khol toh, pataa chal jaayega
The packet contained the white designer backless top and red skirt, the one she was trying, while shopping for college wear, but was caught by Taiji, which led to a ruckus.
Naina's eyes widened in horror. "Preeti, tu pagal ho gayi hai? Yeh kya hai?
"Arre uss din tujhe pasand aaya tha na, waise bhi tujhpe bahut achci lagti hai yeh dress, toh aaj tu ise hi pehenkar jaayegi college...dekhna jijaji toh ekdum flat ho jaayenge, Preeti winked and tsked at her dharti-phaad idea.
"Haan, haan...flat toh honge...par tere jijaji nahi, mein, zinda...zameen ke andarr she scrunched her face "Preeti, tu pagal hai, Taiji ne iss dress ko lekar uss din kya kiya tha yaad hai na? Aise daanta tha jaisa peeche thoda sa cut nahi, puri top pehenna hi bhool gayi hoon mein? Kyon mujhe aaj ke din shahid karvane pe tuli hui hai? Pehli baar mera birthday itna achcha shuru hua hai? She voiced her concern that dampened her enthusiasm for the rest of the day.
"Arre tu chinta mat kar, meine sab soch liya hai. Ab chal taiyyar ho ja. College jaana hai na?
Preeti dragged her out of the bed and both started getting ready for college.
"Naina, pehle yeh top pehenle, uske upar yeh wala pehen le, college jaake upar wala nikal dena. Aur skirt toh yahi pehen sakti hai na. Preeti handed her the backless top and another high collar opaque white shirt.
Naina thought for a minute, but she knew when Preeti decided something, she wasn't going to relent, well that was how all Agarwals were, adamant to the hilt, which was a characteristic that had never let her give up on Sameer even in the toughest of times.
Before leaving, she touched Chachaji's feet and he blessed her and rewarded her with a Rs.100 that delighted both the girls. Such a huge amount was rare, almost impossible as a gift. Chachiji did her customary aarti and reminded her "Beta, callege jane se pehle, mandir chali jaana.
Naina was surprised as ever year Chachi would accompany her "Chachiji, aap nahi chalengi? Har saal toh aap saath aati hai na.
"Haan beta, par aaj bahut kaam hai mujhe, she made an excuse as the party preps would began as soon as the girls left. "Aus waise bhi ab tum donon badi ho gayi ho, akele ja sakti ho.
She simply nodded and both started to leave when Chachaji remided again "Tum log college khatm hote hi aa jana, kuch khaas mehman aa rahe hai sham ko. She nodded again, while Preeti winked at her parents.
While going towards the temple, Naina was lost in thoughts, so Preeti shook her "Kya soch rahi hai?
"Yaar, aaj pehli baar na hi Pooja didi aur na hi Arjun bhaiyya ne wish kiya, lagta hai bhool gaye. Par aisa toh aajtak nahi hua. Aur yeh kaun mehmaan aa rahe hai? Itna kaun khaas hai ki Chachaji hume baar baar yaad dila rahe the? Yaar, mein toh socha tha, college ke baad thodi der rukungi, aur ho sake toh Sameer ke saath bike pe ghumne jaungi.
Preeti couldn't hold the excitement but managed to contain it. She had a beautiful night with her Sameer and now her papa was planning to make the day special too. Her sister was in for a big surprise indeed, the one she least expected, actually never expected.
At Sameer's place
After he returned, he couldn't sleep at all, the memories of the night spent beautifully with his love didn't let him catch a wink, not that he minded. He wished he could spend every waking moment lost in her eyes and now she could be in his arms too as they had progressed much further. The memories of their embrace and kiss inadvertently brought a loving smile on his face and his eyes gleamed thinking about her and how she had melted in his arms. Her boldness had shocked him at first but he was more than ready to indulge in what journey she decided for them to embark on.
When the alarm struck, he realized it was morning already, but sleep was far from his eyes and he didn't feel an iota of exhaustion. Something radical came to his mind and he hurried to get dressed.
Ramdhari entered as he was leaving "Arre bhaiyya, itni subah subah kahan? Mein naashta banata hoon
Sameer replied "Nahi, mein college mein kha loonga and hurried out.
A few minutes after he left, his besties came around and looked for him in the entire place and finally entered the kitchen.
"Aye Ramdhari, Sameer kahan hai?
Ramdhari was staring at the kitchen mess when MP entered and halted in their tracks, eyes widened in shock "Chenu, lagta hai, kal raat ko yahan bhukamp aaya tha "Arre nahi Ponga...lagta hai Panipat ki ladayi hui hai. And they chortled uncontrollably as they knew the reason behind it.
The cacophony jarred Ramdhari back and MP came to him "Waise, tu kahe toh hum teri madad kar de safai karne mein?
Ramdhari smiled "Nahi bhaiyaa, aap log rehne dou, mein kar loonga. Sameer bhaiyya toh jaldi chale gaye. Aap log kuch khayenge? Mein naashta bana deta hoon.
"Nahi tu rehne de...hum Sameer ke saath college mein kha lenge.
At the temple
Nain saw Sameer near the steps at their usual spot, her eyes lighted, and she came to him quickly "Sameer tum yahan? Par aaj toh Somvar nahi hai.
"Haan, par mujhe pataa tha ki tum aise khaas din par mandir zaroor aaogi, isliye socha college se pehle yahi mil liya jaaye...Happy birthday Naina and gave her a huge lotus, which was rarely found in the city market.
Naina was astonished that how he could manage the impossible. His eyes fell on Preeti "Arre wah, aaj toh saliji bhi mandir aayi hai, Kya baat hai!
"Wo kya hai na Jijaji, Naina ke chakkar mein, saal mein ekad-dou baar mein bhi bhagwanji ko apne darshan de hi deti hoon.
Sameer and Naina both grinned at Preeti's humor and the three went inside. Naina moved forward to give the flower to Panditji "Panditji, aaj mera janamdin hai, aur yeh phool mere liye bahut kkhaas hai, yeh mujhe prasad ke roop mein chahiye.
Panditji knew the regular devotees, so, he did a small quick puja, while Preeti nudged Sameer to go stand next to her; he obliged happily.
Finally, they took the aarti, seeked Panditji's blessings, took back the flower, rang the temple bell twice, this time together with Sameer's hand on Naina's and a cute smile adorning their faces each praying in their heart "Hume hamesha saath rakhna aur har mushkil se ladne ki taqat dena.
When they were to leave for college, Sameer opened the front door and Preeti jumped ahead "Aaj mein aage baithungi.
Sameer was surprised and a slight jealousy crept into Naina, "Preeti, tu peeche baith na, mujhe Sameer ke saath baithne de.
"Nahi, tu toh hamesha baithegi, aaj meri baari. Dekh, donon tauji ki gaadi mein mujhe kabhi aage baithne ka mauka nahi milnewala, aur unse mein maang bhi nahi sakti, warna baroda tak bhi paidal jaane bolenge. Par Jijaji se toh haq se maang sakti hoon na, and she batted her eyelashes at him.
Sameer smiled but made a pleading gesture to allow Naina. Naina also reasoned "Dekh Preeti, aaj mera birthday hai na, toh please meri pyari behen, aaj mujhe baithne de.
Sameer also supported "Haan saliji, aaj please Naina ko baithne dou. Mein promise karta hoon ki ek din aapko front seat ride doonga...agar aap kahengi toh airf aap aur mein chalenge, Naina ko bhi nahi le jaayenge. He dangled the carrot in front of her and seeing the puppy faces of the lovers, she acceded "Theek hai jijaji, aap keh rahe toh maan leti hoon...par wada mat bhoolna she said pointing a warning finger at him.
Sameer swore pinching his neck and they settled in the respective positions. While Sameer held Naina's hand again on the gear stick, Preeti chatted away. "Waise Jijaji, aapko mujhe thank you bolna chahiye...mein aapko apna adhikar de diya. When he turned back half with a questioning expression, she continued "Har saal Naina birthday par sabse pehle mera chehra dekhti hai aur sabse pehle mein hi use wish karti hoon...Iss saal aapne meri jagah le li.
Sameer always used to feel amazed at the sisters' bond but today he was overwhelmed how easily Preeti sacrificed anything when it came to Naina, even if it meant losing her rights willingly just to see her happy. "Thank you saaliji...waise Naina ki life mein aapki jagah koi nahi le sakta...mein bhi nahi. Preeti loved him all the more for his understanding nature. "Wahan peeche bag mein chocolates hai.
Preeti was elated as she hurriedly got out the box and saw imported chocolates. Before she would read Happy Birthday Naina and feel disappointed, he said "Waise Naina ke liye the, par aap uski haqdar hai...agar aaj mein aur Naina saath hai aur Naina khush hai, toh aapki wajah se.
Preeti was happy and mimicked with a fake tear "Buss...ab toh mein ro hi dungi. All three smiled and happily munched on the imported Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
When reached college
"Jijaji, aap chalo, hum aate hai. Preeti ushered Naina to the nearby washroom and prodded her to get into her sexy avatar. Naina relented by removing the high collar top and let her hair open. Although only half of the deep back was visible, it was a first for Naina and she was still hesitant to leave the comfort of the washroom until Preeti almost dragged her out towards the activity room.
"Arre, hume to Red Rose jana tha na, wahan kahan ja rhai hai? Class shuru hone mein abhi time hai na! Nana reminded her.
"Tu buss chal na Preeti dragged her again.
When she entered the activity room, she heard one of her favorite songs being strummed on the guitar "Saason ki zaroorat hai jaise... and someone singing it...of course, it was her Sameer. He sang for her mesmerized by her new avatar. Just a few minutes ago, she was at her simple best and now she was in a tight fit top that accentuated her upper body assets, and short sleeves gave him an ample view of her slender upper arms that were always hidden behind modest dresses.
He came closer to her and whispered again "Happy birthday Naina! Kaisa laga gift! Tumne kaha tha na ki mujhpe guitar suit karega...toh bajaya toh kayi baar, par aaj pehli baar apni jaan ke liye bajaya!
"Tumhe wo Mt. Abu wali baat yaad thi?
"Naina, tumhari koi baat mein kabhi nahi bhoolta.
She smiled and the rest of the friends came out from hiding and surrounded her. Swati also hugged her and wished her a happy birthday and gifted her small teardrop pearl earrings hanging on red stones to match the dress. She helped her put it on, and while Naina turned to give her easy access to her ears, Sameer eyes popped out and he was dumbounded. He saw the deep back cut tantalizing him with a view of her milky white skin. He ached to touch and feel the silk and inhale her sweet fragrance.
MP also came forward to wish their bhabhi "Bhabhi, bachpan se saath mein padhe hai, par aaj pataa chala ki tumhara birthday kab hai...ab se na hum sab apna birthday ek saath har saal manayenge. Happy Birthday and they gifted her a cross pen with their joint savings.
Naina's surprise knew no bounds "Itna mehnga pen?
"Arre Naina, tum uski chinta mat karo, hum dono jab apne marks mila sakte hai, apne paisa milakar tumhe de sakte hai, Sameer ko phone karne ke liye toh milkar ek tofha toh de hi sakte hai. They explained diverting the topic from having to explain that Sameer had supplemented their savings.
Here, Sameer was totally oblivious to the happenings. He was fixed on Naina and his wild imaginations.
Naina walked up to him and waved her hand "Kya hua Sameer, kahan kho gaye?
"Tum mein was all he could manage (yesterday's dialogue had so many feels...had to reuse it).
The gang happily walked out together towards the class, Sameer lingering behind as his eyes were fixated on her. He was dying to have a moment alone with her.
It was a given that today they were going to sit next to each other. Sameer didn't miss any chance to gaze and admire her beauty openly and neither hold her hand under the bench. Even her glares didn't deter him, he couldn't do much in the class so satisfied himself with openly gazing at her and holding her hands and caressing her palms, which sent shivers down her spine and gave gossebumps every now and then. It was not the usual love-filled touch, but rather something more potent with an intense fire burning in his eyes, but she couldn't place it. She remembered their smoldering kiss and a hot blush crept up to her cheeks. Sameer saw and added fuel to the fire. When the teacher's back was turned, he leaned in and whispered very close to her ear "Gazzab ki lag rahi ho. That was all and after that all her focus in the class went for a toss and she just kept stealing glances at him, smiling shyly and blushing all the time.
When it was time to leave, she was saddened that she will have to wait until next day to see him; nevertheless, it had been great day for her, little did she know that when Sameer decided something, he fulfilled it and he had already decided to make every moment special for her. She got back into her modest self and the girls left for home.
Later in the market at the same cake shop as yesterday
Sameer had come to collect his specially ordered birthday cake for Naina that he planned to send it to her place in Phulla Bua's name. It was a beautiful white cake with pink icing, a doll on it and Happy Birthday Naina.
He spotted Shefali in the same shop. "Hi Shefali, tum yahan?
"Hi Sameer. Haan... wo na Aaj Naina ka birthday hai na...khair tumhe toh pataa hi hogaa...uske chacha-chachi ne na uske liye surprise party plan ki hai aur cake banana ki zimmedari na meine li thi. Par na gas khatam ho gayi aur society mein kisi ke paas extra cylinder bhi nahi hai...aur hoga bhi toh koi jaldi se deta nahi hai. Issliye ab cake khareedkar hi le jana pdega.
Sameer nodded as if understanding and then something clicked. "Tum ek kaam karo, yeh cake le jao. He handed her the cake he had ordered "Waise bhi mein soch raha tha ise Naina tak kaise pahuchaun bina kisiko shaq huye...ab agar tum le jaogi toh use cake bhi mil jayega, tumhara kaam bhi ho jaayega aur kisi ko shaq bhi nahi hoga.
"Sameer... are you sure? Matlab, tumne itna alag, itna special cake banvaya Naina ke liye aur ab mein le jaoon?
"Mujhe sirf Naina ka birthday special banane se matlab hai...toh please le jao...
Naina and Preeti returned home at the appointed time even after wasting a few minutes around in the market, which confused Naina as they were supposed to hurry home.
As soon as they entered, she heard balloons blast, showering her with gold and silver mistletoe. Her family members and friends, consisting of Chacha, Chachi, Arjun Bhaiyya, Pooja didi, Varun Jijaji, Megha ben, Swati, Shefali, Munna, and Pandit sang a loud Happy Birthday Naina and clapped loudly. The walls were decorated with balloons, golden and silver strings and colorful swirlers. A golden thermocol of Happy 18th Birthday Naina was strung on the wall behind the sofa. She was so overcome with joy and emotion that her eyes misted. This was the first time in 18 years, her family openly celebrated her birthday and she was happy that even though Taiji, Tauji, and her papa sulked in a corner, she was sure, Chachaji had managed to convince them to at least be present. She touched their feet, while Taiji didn't care, Tauji said "Khush raho, and her papa blessed her with only his hand on her head, which was more than enough for her since at least he acknowledged her presence in his life and maybe he would forgive her for losing his wife. Then, she hugged the rest of them and received gifts from each in the form of accessories, city library membership card, another dress, and blessings.
Then, she was urged to cut the cake. Everyone was pleasantly surprised at the most beautiful creation that could hardly be justified as a cake. It was a masterpiece (in those days, such high-ended cakes were almost never heard of) and everyone praised Shefali for her exquisite baking skills.
She felt guilty but couldn't give away the secret, which would be disastrous for Naina, but made a mental note to let her know later. The candles were placed and Naina wished that almost all the important people of her life were here...she wished and sent a prayer up "Kaash! Sameer bhi yahan hota, toh mera parivaar pura ho jaata.
As if today God was in the mood to fulfill every single wish of hers, she opened her eyes that laid on Sameer, who was standing by the door and smiling at her. She thought she was dreaming but then heard Taujis's voice "Sameer beta...tum yahan? Itne din baad? Aao aao...andar aao!
He came in "Namaste Tauji, kaise hai aap? he greeted everyone and touched the elders' feet.
When he went to Rakesh sir to touch his feet "Rehne dou rehne dou...Meine mana kiya tha na tumhe yahan aane se...fir muh uthaye kyon chale aaye?
Taiji reprimanded him "Arre...kuch logon ko toh mehmaanon se baat karne ki tameez hi nahi hoti. "Hihih...kaise ho Bholuram? Taiji walked towards him and he touched her feet too "Bade dinon baad aaye ho? Tum toh Delhi chale gaye the na? she fired a myriad of questions at him.
"Ji...par ab wapas aa gaya hoon, Nanaji ka business sambhalne ne... to set a background he continued "par ab Nanaji ke jaane ke baad bilkul akela ho gaya hoon, unka itna bada business akele sambhalna...aur mujhe toh theek se kuch aata bhi nahi hai...saath mein padhayi bhi karni hai... He looked at Naina and continued further "Actually mein bhi inn sabke saath VJN mein hi padhta hoon...aur Naina ko dekhkar mujhe jath se aap logon ka khayal aaya ki iss sheher mein mei sabse zyaada aap logon ko hi jaanta hoon.
Seeing that Tauji-Taiji's interest had piqued "Tauji, mujhe yeh itna bada business chalane mein aapki madad chahiye, matlab...aapki aur chachaji ki.
Tauji sensing some monetary benefits and a chance to be a part of the city's elite circle, patted his back supportingly "Haan haan, beta, bolo kya madad chahiye?
"Tauji, aap sheher ke itne bade vaqil hai, mein jaanta hoon aap bahut busy honge, par kya aap meri taraf se Maheshwari Industries ke legal advisor banenge aur Chachaji aap Accounts aur taxes department mein madad karenge meri?
While Chachaji wasn't perturbed much, Rakesh was shocked, Taiji, Tauji, and Bela were surprised.
Sameer continued "Please Tauji, chachaji...mana mat kariyega, mein bahut umeed le kar aaya hoon...fees aap jo bolenge, mujhe manzoor hai, mein saari files bhi saath lekar aaya hoon. He forwarded them everything he had brought.
Chachaji started to say something, but Tauji was first "Arre...beta fees ki kya baat hai, wo hum baad mein dekh lenge...tum chinta mat karo...hum hai na tumhare saath, Maheshwariji sheher ke itne bade aadmi the, aaj bhi unke naam ka rutba hai aur tum unke ek laute nawase hokar samne se humse itni vinamrata se madad maang rahe ho, hum par itna bharosa dikha rahe ho, toh hum tumhari madad zaroor karenge, kyon Anand?
"Ji Bhaisaheb. Sameer...tum yeh files yahi chod dou, hum inhe dekh lenge aur fir aage baat karenge.
"Lo...aa gaye paison ke jhanse mein...zara sa paisa kya dikh gaya...iss lafange ameerzade ki taraf ho liye sab...bhool gaye ki mera kitna apmaan kiya hai isne.
Tauji bellowed "Buss Rakesh, sabko pataa hai ki kisne kitni galatiyan ki hai...aur ghar aaye mehmaan ke saath aisa bartaav karte hai kya? Rakesh had to shut up finally.
Beta ab aaye ho toh naashta karke jaana, aaj Naina ka janamdin hai, bada shubh din hai jo hamare Maheshwari khandaan ke saath sambandh aur gehre ho gaye.
Preeti whispered in Naina's ear "Wah behna...jijaji toh fir se chaa gaye, Tauji, Taiji, Mummy, Papa, sabko ek hi jhatke mein jeb mein bhar liya.
Sameer smiled at him and then avoiding the prying eyes, winked at Naina that he had managed to win over the most important elders of her family who were at his side now.
Naina indeed experienced the joyous moment of her life as her all her beloveds were together under the same roof and participated when she cut the most beautiful cake of her 18th birthday and stepped into adulthood.
P.S. Since I want to include some romance, I plan to spill over the birthday segment into another part...hope it is not so boring!!! Please let me know. Waiting for your comments.
Edited by Radkam - 7 years ago
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
