Dearies... I still hv to reply to all you guys & will get there soon! But I do read them all & thank you for the encouraging words. It really motivates me to update regularly even when I m very busy!
Another heart wrenching chapter. But don't worry...it is high on all emotions.
Warning: Extremely length, OTT, melodramatic!
Disclaimer: Please do not try any of these stunts at home, no matter how precaious your situation is. There is always a way out! Just read it as a story and enjoy!
Part 22 - "Mar Gaya Tha
Naina was dressed in one of her used red and yellow suits. She held the saree in her hand and stared at it intently. She was not feeling to wear a saree and get decked up for another guy.
Preeti came in to help her get dressed and inform that she had the gotten the Isabgol and the diuretic medicine from the chemist that Naina had asked for.
"Naina...saree ko aise kya dekh rahi hai? Achchi toh hai!"
"Achchi hai Preeti tabhi toh mann nahi kar raha hai pehenne ka. Itni achchi sari mein Sameer ki jagah koi aur mujhe dekhega...mera mann nahi kar raha ise peheneka...", Naina was saddened and missing Sameer.
"Behen, tu bhi na...maine pehle hi kaha tha ki Sameer ko bata de...use hi koi raasta nikalne deti...wo aur Munna-Pandit milkar kuch na kuch tikdam lagate aur ladke ko bhaga dete, fir tujhe yeh sab nahi karna padta...mai toh abhi bhi keh rahi hoon, use bula lete hai...itna khtara uthane ki kya zaroorat hai aur kahi kuch gadbad hui toh Taiji ki baat maanne ke alava koi raasta nahi rahega", Preeti still tried to convince her sister to step back from her plan and let Sameer take over.
Naina wiped the sadness and got up from the bed with a vigor "Nahi Preeti...yeh mera parivaar hai aur mujhe hi unko samjhana hoga...Sameer se kahoongi toh wo pakka koi raasta nikal lega, lekin Chachaji ne sikhaya hai na, apne haq ke liye ladna...toh mai bina koshish kiye haar nahi manoongi...aur fir agar nahi sambhal payi toh mai jaanti hoon Sameer hai na!"
Preeti felt proud at her sister's confidence and what she was about to do and they hugged...Preeti felt her body warm and some sniffling "tera haath toh garam hai Naina...lagta hai bukhar hai".
"Arre nahi...wo der raat tak bahar thi na, toh thodi hawa lg gayi hogi issliye sardi jaisa lag raha hai...tu chinta mat kar...mai theek hoon".
"Par Preeti, mujhe yeh saree nahi pehenni...kuch soch na...".
"Sari nahi pehenni...toh kya pehnegi?"
"Kuch bhi aur, jaisi ki yahi suit jo pehna hua hai..."
"Tu pagal hai kya, Taiji dou thappad lagayengi".
"Haan tooh theek hai na, bachpan se thappad kha rahe hai...kaun si nayi baat hai...aur Sameer ke liye aise sau thappad aur sahi...", Naina was firm in her resolve to not wear the sari.
All the Agrawals gathered in the house as Sharad and his family were to arrive soon.
"Aarre Bahu, Anand kahan hai?" Asked Tauji not seeing Anand at home.
"Ji Bhaisaheb, wo subah subah kisi zaroori kaam se gaye hai", replied Bela.
"Lo kar lo baat...kal tak toh bada dumm bhar raha tha ki Naina meri beti hai...ab kya hua? Jab beti ke liye farz nibhane ki baari aayi toh zimmedari se muh modkar chala gaya. Aaakhir apna bachcha apna hota hai aur paraya paraya" Rakesh taunted Anand and Bela was flabbergasted that how could he even think those words. She couldn't keep quiet and take her husband's insult.
"Bhagwan jhooth na bulvaye bhaisaheb, aap mane ya na mane, Naina aur Pooja-Preeti mein humne kabhi bhed-bhaav nahi kiya. Aur rahi aaj ki baat toh mujhe yakeen hai wo sahi samay par aa jayenge".
Bela tried to refute the allegations while Tauji pacified Rakesh, "Buss karo Rakesh, aaj tumhari beti ke rishte ki baat honewali hai, thoda sayyam rakho warna ladkewalon ke samne kya izzat reh jaayegi hamare khaandan ki!"
A few minutes later, Sharad and his family, including mom, dad, and buaji were there. Tauji-Taiji welcomed them and introduced them to all the family members, including Rakesh and Bela and made an excuse for Anand.
They all seated and after exchanging the common pleasantries, Sharad's buaji commented "Ab agar ladki ko bhi bula lete, tou usse bhi dekh lete".
Just then Sameer hollered from the threshold "Namaste Tauji...".
The Agrawals were surprised but Sameer was welcome almost anytime due to their business relations now. So, Tauji greeted him nicely "Aao aao Sameer beta, andarr aao".
Sameer tried to look contrite and acknowledged everybody's presence and also touched Taiji, Bela, and Rakesh's feet "Tauji...wo kuch naye deals aaye hai Maheshwari Industries ke liye...toh aap ek baar dekh lete ki sab saara contract theek hai ya nahi toh mai sign kar leta".
Sharad's family was amazed that he was from Maheshwari Industries, except Sharad, so he tried to avert his eyes and face from Sameer.
"Uh...Sameer beta, tum abhi file rakh dou, mai baad mein dekh loonga".
"Ji Tauji...sorry, lagta hai mai galat waqt par aa gaya...aapke yahan mehmaan aaye hai".
Tauji quickly amended and saw it as an opportunity to shine himself "Koi baat nahi beta...yeh log Naina ke rishte ke liye aaye hai", he explained to him and told the family "Yeh Sameer hai, Jaiprakash Maheshwariji ka naati. Unke jaane ke baad saara business ab yahi dekhta hai aur hamari bachchiyon ke saath college mein padhta hai".
Sharad's family was impressed as they seemed to have high contacts but Sharad was still busy hiding his face.
Sameer acted as if he didn't know about the rishta and showed a pleasant surprise "Naina ka rishta, yeh toh bahut khushi ki khabar hai", Sameer reiterated with clenched teeth and a plastic smile as he was boiling from within but had to control his rage and wait for his Naina to take action. He decided to jump in only if needed, till then be a mute spectator. Tauji invited him to participate in the discussion.
So, Sameer pulled a chair from the dining table and sat right opposite to Sharad. That's when he felt that Sharad was familiar, but his thoughts wandered over and eyes were searching inside the house for his Naina.
Then, buaji insisted again to bring Naina.
"Bela, ja Naina ko lekar aa", Taiji almost ordered her but in her unusual polite tone.
Bela came to the room and saw that Naina was not yet dressed in the saree. "Naina, tu ab tak taiyyar nahi hui? Arre ladkewale aa gaye hai aur tujhe bahar bula rahe hai".
"Chachiji wo...and showed the blouse of the sari to her and Chachiji was surprised. Her eyes widened in shock".
"Beena Behenji...ladki abhi tab aayi nahi...kya baat hai?"
"Ji...bahar aane mein sharma rahi hogi...mai dekhti hoon" Taiji made an excuse and went inside to check on the delay.
"Bela...Naina ko lane gayi thi..." she stopped midway seeing Bela eye at something in her hand and Naina yet in her salwar suit.
Taiji was furious "Naina...ab tak aiyyar nahi hui...Sari kyon nahi pehni? Ladkewale kab se intezaar kar rahe hai...kya sochenge?"
"Bhabhiji...sari kaise pehenegi...yeh dekhiye..." she showed her the blouse which was devoid of any hooks.
"Hehhh...yeh kaise ho gaya...blouse ke saare hook ek saath kaise toot gaye? asked a suspicious Taiji.
"Taiji...toote nahi hai...darzi chacha lagana bhool gaye hai", Naina tried to explain.
"Dekhiye na...kitni saaf patti hai...agar toote hote toh kuch dhaage choot jaate na...par ek bhi dhaaga nahi nikla hai, toh shayad lagana hi bhool gaye".
"Hai...aise kaise...ise toh maine khud silvaya tha...kya mai dekhna bhool gayi ya fir uss masterji ne poore paise lekar aadha kaam kiya...use toh mai chodungi nahii..." Taiji got thinking but Bela interrupted her chain of thoughts.
"Bhabhiji...Masterji ki khabar aap baad mein le lena...pehle yeh batayiye ki ab kya kare?"
"Are karna kya hai Bela, jaldi se hook lagao, aur ladki ko taiyyar karo".
"Bhabhji, ek hook nahi taankna hai, 7-8 lagane hai...samay lagega".
"Aur Taiji, maine silyai wala dabba bhi check kiya, usme ek bhi hook nahi hai", Preeti mangled the situation further.
"Arre fir koi aur sari pehenlo..."
"Taiji, mere paas kahan sariyan hai...sab toh aapki ya Chachiji ki hai na...aur blouse bhi nahi hai...", Naina added the fuel.
"O bai...ab kya kare? Naina...tujhe pehle dekhna chahiye tha na...aakhen hai ya button...aaj toh ladkewalon ke samne hamari naak katakar hi rahegi..."
"Bhabhiji...aisa karte hai, suit mein hi le chalte hai bahar ise", Bela tried to provide a solution.
"O bai...suit pehnegi toh ladkewale bina dekhe hi rishta mana kar denge...sasuralwalon ke samne ladkiyan aise jaati hai kya bhala?"
"Bhabhiji ab bahar na jane ka kya banaha denge? Usse achcha hai ki aise hi bahar le jaaye".
Taiji thought for a moment and said "Theek keh rahi hai Bela...Koi aur achcha suit daal le Naina".
"Taiji wo yahi suit hai..." Preeti interjected. "Wo kuch dhulne mein hai aur kuch ki isstri nahi hai".
"Ne wah...sab kuch aaj hi karna tha..."
"Taiji toh hume kya pata tha ki suit pehenna padega?" Preeti replied with an innocent expression.
"Ne wah! Sab samajhti hoon tum ladkiyon ki mili bhagat...jaan boojkar yeh saara prapanch racha hoga...tum donon ki khabar loongi mein mehmaan jane ke baad", Taiji continued to scold with rounded eyes.
Bela intervened "Ab jane dijiye na bhabhiji...yeh sab pehli baar ho raha hai na Naina ke saath...use kya pataa sab kuch kaise karna hai...abhi aise hi bahar le chalte hai, warna bhaisahab bhi gussa karenge".
"Dekhti hoon baad mein tum donon ko". Taiji flared daggers at both girls. "Kam se kam sar pe dupatta daal dena Bela aur chai ki tray Naina ko de dena".
Bela nodded again and did as per Bhabhiji's bidding, while Naina Preeti passed sideway smirky glances to each other on the success of part I of their plan.
Flashback: "Mujhe nahi pehenni yeh sari...Mai na iska hook hi tod deti hoon...fir dekhti hoon Taiji kaise pehnati hai", Naina started pulling off the hook. "Naina agar todna hi hai...toh ek nahi...sare tod de...taaki sari gunjayish hi khatm ho jaaye", Preeti suggested. "Hmmm, theek keh rahi hai...daant to padegi, par thappad se bacha ja sakta hai". An idea struck Naina and in response to Preeti's confusion, Naina took a small needle and peeled off the threads of the hooks, such that they came out easily without any gaping holes and all evidence that the blouse ever had hooks was buried forever. To cement the plan fullproof, Preeti removed all the hooks also from the sewing box and threw it far away from the balcony (Yes people...though now I am strongly against it, littering was an indispensable part of us 90s kids). Flashback ends.
Taiji came out with an ornate smile "Hihii...Naina abhi aa rahi hai".
Sameer's eyes were searching for Naina to follow behind Taiji.
The girls were in the kitchen, Chachiji was placing the snacks in one tray and placed the tea cups in the other tray. When she arranged 5 cups, Preeti became inquisitive. "Mummy paanch kyon? Aapne toh kaha tha, chaar log hai".
"Haan beta...ladkewale toh chaar hi hai, par Sameer bhi aaya hai". Bela informed them. "Naina, mai yeh tray leke jaati hoon...tu chai leke aa aur Preeti beta tu Naina ke saath hi rehna". Both girls nodded.
While both girls were happy and Naina smiled inadvertently hearing Sameer's name, she got worried immediately as Sameer's presence might give away her facade as he knew nothing about her plan.
"Kya soch rahi hai Naina?"
"Sameer ke baarein mein...maine mana kiya tha use aane se...par lagta hai use meri fikr ho rahi hogi...issliye aa gaya...par ab jo karna hai, wo dekhke toh use aur bhi fikr hogi..."
"Tu tension mat le...agar mujhe mauka mila, toh mai Jijaji ko sab kuch bata doongi warna baad mein toh samajh hi jaayenge. Ab chal, jo socha hai use karne ka waqt aa gaya hai".
Naina nodded and Preeti handed over 2 bottles that she was hiding behind her skirt all the while. Naina mixed a spoon of Isabgol and a diuretic pill in tone of the cups and quickly sent an apology to the divine "maaf kar dena bhagwanji, mein kisika bura nahi chahti...buss thoda thedha raasta apnana pad raha hai". Preeti immediately discarded the evidence.
Naina held the tray such that she could remember the contaminated cup.
A second later, she came out with dupatta on the head and tea-tray in hand. Tauji whispered to Taiji about the lack of traditional attire and Taiji repeated that there were some flaws in the sari and so they had to quickly make do with dress to avert any fiasco.
Sameer saw Naina and was simply mesmerized. She was extremely simple-dressed in a not-so-new suit, her hair left loose but tendrils came peeking out of the dupatta on her head, which he had never witnessed before. She had tiny stone studs at her ears that were almost not visible and a tiny red bindi adorned on the forehead. Her face was devoid of any makeup and she had worn only the wristwatch.
When their eyes met, Naina couldn't stop smiling a little with love and he was lost in those eyes that spoke volumes about feelings for him. He experienced the same emotion when he had seen her in the bhalu dress during his birthday, when he had hidden his real feelings behind the faade of labeling her as a "boring Behenji". But now he smiled remembering that day and now his boring behenji had a twinkle in her eye, which conveyed that she was definitely up to something.
"Lo Naina aa gayi" Taiji drew everyone's attention to Naina and seeking the perfect opportunity, she intentionally banged her toe with the chair lying a little in the way. She almost lost her balance and hissed in light pain. While Preeti immediately helped her to balance the tray, Sameer was almost of the chair before he saw her shaking her head and tiny smile that conveyed him to quiet down.
Taiji was almost out of her seat worrying for her new tea-set, while Bela came to her immediately "Beta, kya hua? Tu theek toh hai na, zyada toh nahi lagi..." Naina simply shook her head in a no but started to limp slightly with the pain. (The spoiler gave me some more idea).
Taiji again tried to diffuse the situation "Hehehe...Bachchi thodi sharma rahi hai toh dhyaan nahi raha hoga...".
Just to soothe the worry on Sameer's face, she went to serve him the tea first and forwarded the tray towards him. He looked deeply into her eyes and started to pick up the wrong cup. She immediately widened her eyes and shook her head in a slight no and gestured with her eyes and facial expressions to not pick that one. H scrunched his face in confusion but picked up another one. She smiled in relief and whispered "shaant rehna" so softly that neither heard anything nor saw anything unusual as her back was turned to everyone else. Sameer didn't understand what she meant by it but smiled.
To avoid any further mishaps, she placed the tray on the large coffee table and picked each cup and gave it to the family of four. She picked the last remaining cup and moved towards her target and without much looking at him, extended her hand with the cup on the saucer to give it to him.
Sharad looked at her and a smiled crossed his face, which agitated Sameer, but Naina's gaze was downcast as she was least interested in him. He took the saucer from her and brushed his fingertip slightly on her thumb such that no one noticed as everybody else was busy chatting and hogging on the snacks of samosas, dhokla, chivada, biscuit, and jalebis.
She flinched immediately with the touch and was horrified at his audacity. Since she was standing sideways, Sameer saw the exchange and was about to react when Naina's face whirled at him and shook slightly to keep clam.
He balled his fists and wanted to beat the boy black & blue and haul him out of the house and his sight forever. How dare he touch his Naina and then smirk at his own lechery and audacity. He himself had always respected Naina's wishes and never touched her in front of her elders during his countless visits to her home or done anything untoward to cause her discomfort even during their private moments. He was always careful to gauge her reaction first and always let her initiate any intimacy so that she could trust him and feel comfortable. But he swallowed his anger for Naina's sake, shut his eyes to let the rage calm down, and sighed inwardly.
Sharad's mom invited Naina to sit "Tum bhi baitho Naina beta". Sameer didn't want to let her sit anywhere near that family, especially the guy, so he immediately relinquished his seat, "Naina, tum yahan baith sakti ho".
"Arre Bholuram, tum kyon khade ho gaye?"
"Koi baat nahi Taiji...aap log toh mere parivaar jaise hi ho". Naina limped towards him and took his seat. He stood 2 steps behind and leaned on the chest by the door, sipping his hot tea and keeping an eye on Sharad, who was also sipping his tea and eyeing his Naina, which made Sameer quite uncomfortable. He didn't like the vibes the guy was sending out. He understood that it was not the guy's fault if he was called for the rishta as he wouldn't know about Naina's precarious situation, but something about him, unsettled Sameer. He simply couldn't place his finger on it. So, he took a deep breath, turned to look at Preeti, who blinked at him in assurance and he waited for Naina to execute her plan.
In a moment, some reaction occurred in the stomach and losing control, Sharad farted loud enough for everyone to hear and felt like peeing strongly. He was embarrassed to the core and so was his family, but he got up quickly and asked for the way to the bathroom. Bela asked Preeti to direct him and he hurried in the direction. Preeti smirked at Naina and silently they applauded themselves as part II of the plan was also taking effect.
Sameer was confused and looked after him as to understand what just transpired and then looked at Naina, who smirked and winked at him. He was elated that Naina indeed had pulled her prank on Sharad.
Tauji and Sharad's father started talking about their work. Sharad came back after a couple of minutes and participated in the conversation, which slowly started to be directed towards Naina and her household skills. Just then Sharad farted again and had to excuse himself to pee again.
After returning, Sharad whispered in his mother's ears to talk alone with Naina. She conveyed the request to the father. He requested Tauji "Bhaisaheb, agar aap ko aitraaz na ho toh, Sharaad Naina se akele mein baat karna chahta hai".
Naina was horrified again as she had not anticipated such a request. She looked at Preeti and then Sameer who seemed to be fuming all over again.
Till now Rakesh was silent but jumped in suddenly "Arre yeh kya bata hui, hamare yahan shaadi se pehle ladka ladki akele mein nahi milte".
This was the only time Sameer couldn't agree more with his would be Sasurji and if he could, he would have touched his feet and hugged him tight and thanked him profusely for saving him and Naina both. But, his happiness was short-lived as Tauji-Taiji agreed "Rakesh...shaant ho jao...sab bade baithe hai faisla lene ke liye..."Ji bhaisaheb, hume koi aitraaz nahi...Naina, sharad ko apne kamre mei le jao...Preeti beta, tum bhi jao saath mein".
When Naina didn't move and continued to look sideways at Sameer, Tauji repeated "Jao Naina, sharmao mat...hum khud keh rahe hai tumse".
Taiji supported "Hihihi...badi sharmili bachchi hai hamari...humne sanskaar hi aise diye hai, bilkul gai hai gai...".
Left with no choice, Naina stood up slowly and started to limp, and Sharad stood to follow her but then made a dash to the bathroom again farting on the way.
The cycle continued two more times interrupting their conversations and leaving Naina standing near the jhula as they never made it to her room, which relieved Sameer, Naina, and Preeti.
To divert the attention from the embarrassing situation, Sharad's mother started again. "Beena behen, yeh Sameer Maheshwari aapke rishte mein hai kya?"
Taiji started her praise of Bholuram "Hehe...aisa hi samajh lo behenji...bilkul hamare ghar ke bachche jaisa hai...jabse uske Nanaji gaye hai na..saare karobaar ka bojh bechare ke nazook kandhon par aa gaya hai...toh Naina ke Tauji aur Chachaji uski madad karte hai...Naina ke tauji vaqeel hai na, toh saare kanooni mamle wahi dekhte hai...aur Anand babu CA hai, toh saara len den ka hisaab wo dekhte hai...Bada pyara bachcha hai, mai toh pyar se ise Bholuram hi kehti hoon".
How could Sharad's mother not praise her son and not try to grab an opportunity to be associated with the renowned Maheshwaris. "Hamara Sharad bhi CA ki training kar raha hai...Uske baad use bhi kisi aisi hi badi jagah naukari mil jayegi...waise bhi ek lauta hai...aur hume kuch chahiye bhi nahi, buss dou jodon mein ladki ko bhej dou...sharad apni mehnat ka khilayega use".
Taiji was mentally patting her back to have found such simple family for Naina, who didn't demand a single penny in dowry. But something clicked in Sameer's head at the mention of CA. This time when Sharad returned from his bathroom trip, he looked intently with focus and he recalled the incidence of few weeks back and mentally slapped himself for not paying attention before. But now that he was sure, he had put an end to this misery and a sorry excuse for a groom for his Naina.
He came alert from his lean position and started "Tauji...CA ki training toh wahi kar sakta hai na, jiske paas CA ki ya kam-se-kam B.Com ki degree ho?"
"Haan...par tum kyon poonch rahe ho Sameer?"
"Kyonki Tauji...Iske paas toh CA kya B.Com ki bhi degree nahi hai...Arre yeh toh 12vi fail hai..."
"O Bia...yeh kya keh rahe ho Bholuram?" Chachiji's eyes also widened. Naina and Preeti were also shocked with the unexpected turn of events.
"Aye baalon ki dukaan, yeh kya keh rahe ho? Meri beti ka rishta bigadna chahte ho?" Tauji stood up as well as Rakesh as they couldn't believe at this new piece of information.
While Sameer would have loved to say yes and that he would never ever let Naina get married to anyone except him, he kept calm and continued "Sir, Mai Naina ka rishta kyon bigadunga? Aap ke parivaar ko apna manta hoon issliye sach batana zaroori hai. Mai kabse soch raha tha ki maine ise kahi dekha hai. Par yaad hi nahi aa raha tha. Ab CA ki baat nikli toh ekdum se yaad aa agaya".
He continued "Tauji...mai kuch din pehle office gaya tha, kuck documents pe urgent signatures karne. Aap ko toh pataa hai, kisko kaam pe rakhna hai ya nahi, iska poora adhikaar maine munshiji ko diya hua hai. Uss din jab mai office mein tha, tab yeh Sharad wahan aaya tha, Munshiji se peon ki Naukri maangne. Jab Munshiji ne kahan ke koi jagah khali nahi hai, toh unnke pairon mein girkar gidgidane laga ki agar Naukri nahi mili toh shaadi nahi hogi".
Now Sharad's father also stood up "Yeh kya bakwaas hai? Tum mere bete ke baarein aise kaise bol sakte ho?", humne khud iske certificates dekhe hai..."
"Wo jaali hai...came a voice from the doorstep". Everyone turned to look in the direction and it was Chachaji.
"Sameer bilkul sahi keh raha hai Bhaisaheb. Aap log rishta lekar aaye, par kisine theek se chaan been nahi ki thi. Pooja ke waqt bhi rishte hone mein samay laga kyon ki har baar mein theek se chaanbeen karta tha...aur agar koi bhi aisi waisi baat pata chalti toh mai baat aage nahi badhne deta tha".
He came to Rakesh "Mai sirf kehta hi nahi hoon, Naina ko apni beti manta bhi hoon, toh bina jaanch padtal kiye rishta kaise taiyy hone deta. Isslliye jab aapne kahan ki ladka CA ki training kar raha hai...maine jaanch ki. Agar CA hota toh Ahmedabd CA association mein license ke liye apply kiya hota, uska naam darj hota...iska naam Ahmedabad board mein nahi hai...are Ahmedabd toh kya Gujarat CA association mein bhi nahi hai. Fir thodi aur chaan bin ki toh pataa chala ki yeh baarvi fail hai. Aur sunna chahte hai...iske mohaale mein yeh bhi afwah hai ki high school mein ek ladki ke saath iska chakkar tha jo shayad iski wajah se pregnant ho gayi thi...ab na toh uss ladki ka kuch pataa hai na uske gharwalon ka".
"O bai..." Taiji slapped her forehead and slumped on the sofa. Naina was shocked and Preeti immediately came to stand next to her, holding her hand and looked at her in question. The temperature of Naina's hand was several degrees higher than normal. Naina ignored her questioning concern and looked at Sameer who was equally taken aback with this detail.
Sharad's relatives till tried to uphold their false pride.
His buaji "Jhooth hai yeh sab...Hum toh yahan bhalayi karne aaye the, ki saadhran parivar ki bin maa ki ladki ka bhala kar denge...toh aap hamari achchayi ka fayda uthakar, apni langdi ladki ko hamare gale bandh rahe the".
Bela immediately spoke in daughter's defense "Hamari ladki langdi nahi hai...aapne dekha na, sabke samne uska paanv mud agaya tha".
"Arre wo toh aap logon ne uski khaami chupane ke liye kiya hoga, iska pair toh pehle se hi kharab hoga", his mother supported.
"Haan sahi keh rahi ho maa, mai abhi check karta hoon", he did the biggest mistake of his life by lurching towards Naina, but Sameer was quick to block his way.
"Haath lagane ki sochna bhi mat". Sameer warned him in an icy tone and Sharad involuntarily backed off.
"Bhaisahab, apne bete pe niyantran kijiye...aisi besharami hum bardaashth nahi karenge...aap hamari ladki par jhootha ilzaam nahi laga sakte. Hum rishta karna chahte the par iska matlab yeh nahi hai ki hamari ladki sadark par besahara padi hai. Jhoothe logon se hume koi rishta nahi karna", Tauji too warned his father.
Rakesh also spoke up "Meri beti mai koi kharabi nahi hai...par aap log toh jhoothe aur beimman hai...apne bete hi kameeyan chupane ke liye meri beti pe dosh daal rahe hai...pataa nahi kya kya beemari hai ise, ajo aadhe ghanta mein 10 baar bathroom ja chuka hai...aur sabke samne iss taah baar baarr...chi chi chi...kuch sikhaya nahi apne bete ko aur chale hai shikshak ki beti se rishta karne...nikal jayiye yahan se"...
"Arre hume bhi nahi karna aap jaise logon ke ghar rishta...aisa baap ho toh na jaane beti kais hogi? Aisi ladki ka toh rishta kabhi hone se raha". Decreed buaji before they started to leave.
Naina & Preeti were relieved that the new revelations had warded off the impending doom of the rishta & given that her papa also spoke in her favor, Naina thought she could drop the last part of the plan which was slightly dangerous. She sniffled her nose slowly again. But she was wrong in assuming her papa's character.
Instead of siding with her & trying to make Tauji Tauji understand about postponing the alliance talks for a couple of years at least, he turned to her & blasted "Dekh liya...Bhabhiji bilkul sahi kehti hai...Teri toh kundali hi jali hui hai. Aaj teri wajah se meri itni beizzati hui, itni baatein sunni padi".
Naina was scared to put her point across but when she looked at Sameer, she could draw her strength from him. Her rock was right there by her side.
She hesitated & stammered but said firmly "Papa...mai abhi aur padhna chahti hoon. Itni jaldi shaadi nahi karna chahti. Aap please mujhe padhne dijiye...kam se kam college toh poora karne dijiye".
"Haan... aur padh likhkar collector jo banna hai tujhe. Tere bhai ne toh pehle hi mera bharosa tod diya hai, aur tu bhi mujhe mere bhaiyiyon ke ehsaanon tale dabaa de! Beti nahi boj hai tu".
Sameer couldn't believe such blasphemy, instead of supporting his daughter, this man was baning her existence. While Naina always knew she didn't mean much to her papa, she never thought he was of such opinion, so her eyes pooled, looked at Sameer for a split second, decided now or never and before he could gauge her emotions, she ran to her room & slammed the door shut.
Preeti ran behind her, followed by Chacha-Chachi, hollering her name. Even Taiji Tauji, although in a state of shock, couldn't fathom the sudden happenings. Sameer followed them too and was scared to death when everyone banged the door and she didn't open it.
Inside the room:
Naina wiped her tears, and mumbled to herself "Sorry Chachaji, Sorry Sameer...mai yeh karna nahi chahti thi, par ab karna hi padega". She removed the new paper knife from the pack, just bought by Preeti with the medicines, who had also cleaned it with soap and water and antiseptic and neatly wrapped in cotton. Very tactfully she sliced her wrist, avoiding the radial artery. After all, her topper brain and all the education had to benefit her in some way if they didn't let her put her studies to any good use. The wound was only subcutaneous, not deep enough to cause major blood loss and threaten her life, but enough to let the blood ooze out.
While on the other side of the door:
Chacha-Chachi, and Preeti were banging, Chachaji tried to get across Naina "Naina...dekh beta...hum sab tere saath hai...Teri padhayee ke beech mein koi nahi aayega".
Chachiji also tried to get her to open the door "Naina beta...darwaaza khol beta...teri chachi tujhse vaada karti hai ki teri marzi ke bina kuch nahi hoga...".
Sameer saw all the commotion and while all seemed to be worried, only three people had actual concern for Naina other than him. He didn't know what to do, the events had turned unexpected and his thought was to get to Naina. An unknown fear wrenched him.
It was getting too late and now Preeti was worried too that their plan may backfire and her sister's life would be in danger. She tried "Papa...Naina darwaaza nahi khol rahi hai...kahi usne kuch..."
Chachaji's eyes widened as realization dawned that what if Naina took the same route as her father and attempted something crazy.
He banged loudly and when the door didn't open for another 5 seconds. Preeti softly spoke to Sameer, who was now worried to death. "Kahi der na ho jaaye, darwaaza tod dou Sameer".
Sameer was astounded but came around quickly "Chachaji, hume darwaaza tod dena chahiye".
Chachaji nodded and everyone took 2 steps backward and Sameer and Chachaji shoulder jabbed the door and after a couple of strong pushes, they bolt came undone from inside and the door lunged open.
What met their eyes stunned everyone. While Chacha-Chachi rushed to Naina's side, Preeti was shocked, and Sameer couldn't move a muscle. He was rooted at his spot near the doorway. His Naina was lying lifeless on the floor by the bed, eyes closed and not moving and blood gushing out of her wrist.
Life drained from Sameer, the pain of the past came back to haunt him when he had entered his room to fetch the forgotten camera, and saw his Nanu lying motionless on the floor. He had been shocked and stunned and a few hours later, his beloved Nanu had left him all alone when he bid adieu to the world. The same scenario was repeating and this time it was Naina instead on Nanu. He didn't blink, didn't move, as if the world shifted from beneath and he was sinking in a fathomless dark pit to never rise again.
Even Rakesh, Taiji Tauji had moved to her side. Chachi had pillowed her head and tears were streaming down her cheeks. They couldn't stop calling out to her as if she could hear and would soon wake up. Chachaji was shocked but reacted quickly. "Yeh kiya tune Naina", he called out while tears flowed from his eyes seeing his most beloved child take such a drastic step. She didn't move at all and Chachaji pulled out the clean handkerchief from his pocket and immediately wrapped around her wrist to stop the blood flow.
"Bela...Bela...sambhalo apne aap ko...abhi hume Naina ko sambhalna hai..." Chachaji broke Bela's agony-filled tranced cries.
He looked at Tauji..."Bhaisaheb, Naina ko turant hospital leke jaana hoga, aap gaadi nikaliye".
"Anand gadi tou garage mein hai".
Meanwhile, though Preeti too was scared to death, she cursed herself for supporting her sister in this dangerous plan. She should have stopped or at least let Sameer know and he would have stopped her. What if something happened to Naina. But she snapped herself out as Naina needed her most right now, specially to take care of Sameer.
She moved to him and called out. When he didn't respond, she shook his hand and he looked at her in a daze "Naina zinda hai...kuch nahi hoga usse, par abhi use tumhari zaroorat hai".
Sameer broke out of his reverie and hearing that she needed him, he jerked into action. The car word echoed and he replied "Mere paas gadi hai".
"Theek hai...tum jaldi nikalo, hum Naina ko lekar aate hai", requested Chachaji.
"Rakesh came forward to help lift her with Anand. But Anand put out his palm and stopped him. "Nahi Bhaisaheb...aaj nahi, aapse badtameezi ke liye maafi chahta hoon...par aaj nahi...Mai manta hoon ki aap Naina ke papa hai, par yeh beti...meri hai". He said the words with such strong emotion, declaring his complete right on Naina as his own daughter.
"Chalo Bela". With Bela and Preeti's help, Chachaji lefited her and hoisted her up with arms. They brought her down carefully but quickly in the lift, while Sameer was waiting with the engine running and car doors open. He was already rushing to the lift to help them out when they reached downstairs. Chachiji and Preeti settled in the back with Naina cradled between them, her head on Bela's shoulder and Preeti worried to death for her sister. She also touched her hand and found that she was burning with fever.
"Naina ko toh bahut tez bukhar hai", Preeti informed in general, which scared the others even more.
Sameer drove carefully but at top speed and reached the hospital, which was 15 minutes away in half the time.
He got a ward boy to bring a stretcher while Chacha chachi carefully brought her out of the car. They rushed her inside and the doctor checked her. He immediately rushed her to the ward and asked everyone to wait outside.
While Chacha was worried to death and pacing the corridor, Chachi couldn't stop crying and praying to god to save Naina and making all sorts of deals of pujas, prasads, and vrats.
Sameer gazed at her from the window outside her room and saw the doctor and nurses hustling bustling around. She was being examined, probed, and poked everywhere. He couldn't take it anymore and felt so distressed. Before he lost all control on his emotions, he left towards the reception, saw a small idol of Ganpatiji and stood in front of it. He didn't know, what to say, how to pray, how to ask God to not snatch his Naina away, as she was his only lifeline. Finally, he broke down and slumped on his knees, folded his hands tights with fingers intertwined, and let out all his bottled-up emotions. All his beautiful moments with Naina came rushing back to him, right from day 1, of their firist twirl, their slow friendship, his bet, their love, fights, distance, growing bond, her cute antics, their phone convos, budding romance, and nightly adventures. He sobbed and sobbed, while his heart yearned for something out of his reach. He could have fainted and slumped letting the life drain out of him. He hated being here and felt the same fear that he had experienced at the time of Nanu's death. He was furious at himself for not seeing through her pain and agony, how did he let it go so far that she took such a drastic step, why didn't she trust him to be with her.
Just then he felt a slight touch on his shoulder. When he turned around with red swollen puffed eyes, he saw Preeti staring at him, with a long apologetic look. "Sameer...". His heart thudded against his rib cage, presuming something happened to Naina.
He quickly wiped his tears "Naina theek toh hai na?" was all he cared about.
"Abhi doctor illaj kar rahe hai...par mujhe tumhe kuch batana hai".
Sameer's expression changed to that of confusion from concern.
"Wo Sameer...yeh sab Naina ka hi idea tha...rishta tudvane ke liye..." and she began to narrate how Naina had asked her to get the pills so she could mix in with the tea, which would result in numerous bathroom trips so that she could avoid any conversation with him and he would leave an extremely bad impression, especially her Tauji and Papa might think he had some medical issues and would rethink about the alliance. How she had decided that after they left, she would start an emotional rant again about letting her continue with studies and if they still didn't relent, she would do the same drama her papa had done. Only then, Rakesh was actually serious may be, but she would fake it. So, she had explicitly read about the wrist cut that wouldn't threaten her life. But may be something went wrong and now she was indeed fighting for her life.
Sameer was astounded or flabbergasted, both words weren't just enough to express what he was feeling. At one side he wanted to smack Preeti for supporting her sister in such a dangerous plan, on the other hand he wanted to crush his Naina tight to him for actually going to any lengths to keep his wishes when he had expressed distaste that he couldn't think of another guy looking at her. While he also wanted to shake her up and blast at her for being stupid, for risking her life, he wanted to whisk her away some place far where it was just the two of them forever. The mixed emotions cruising through him were twisting his guts, when they heard the doctor come out of the room and address to Chachaji.
Both Preeti and Sameer went to hear the conversation. "Ab fikar karne ke koi baat nahi hai...patient ab khatre se bahar hai...thodi der mein hosh aa jayega, par thodi kamzori rahegi".
Chachaji asked "Doctor...wo naadan bachchi hai...ghar mein kuch kaha suni ho gayi, iss liye usne aisa kar liya, uska ghaav theek toh ho jaayega na? zyaada khoon toh nahi beh gaya?"
The doctor was surprised "Khoon? Kaisa khoon? Oh...wo haath ki chot? Nahi nahi, wo toh mamuli ghaav tha...shayad kaam karte waqt, paper cutter ya chaku gir gaya hoga aur lag gaya hoga...wo toh upari ghaav tha...ek-dou din mein bhar jaayega. Humne etihaad ke taur par dressing karke tetanus ka injection de diya hai".
Now it was their turn to be surprised. Chachiji asked "Fir Naina behosh kyon ho gayi thi?"
Doctor was surprised that they still hadn't realized the gravity of the situation "Wo toh bukhaar ki wajah se. Kisiko 104 bukhaar hoga toh wo apne pairon par kaise khada hoga? 104 bukhar dimaag pe chadh jaaye toh patient coma mein bhi ja sakta hai. Humne injections de diye hai...bukhar kam ho gaya hai. Aaj raat yahi rakhenge, observation ke liye...Aap kal use ghar le ja sakte hai".
Chachaji asked again "Par iss tarah achanak bukhar kaise?"
Doctor informed "Thande paani mein beegne ki wajah se ya thandi hawa mein der tak bahar rehne ki wajah se viral fever tha...halki si sardi bhi thi...par ab chinta mat kijiye. Patient ki halat theek hai". Doctor left consoling them that all was fine and instructed that at a time only one family member could be by her side.
Preeti also provided information "Haan papa, aaj subah se thoda cheenk rahi thi, aur jab ladkewale aaye the, uska haath bahut garam tha...shayad subah se bukhar tha, par usne bataya nahi...maine poocha tha fir bhi usne taal diya".
Bela reprimanded her daughter "Tujhe hume toh batana chahiye tha na...kuch ho jaata Naina ko toh".
Sameer had heard all the exchange and relief swept through him that his Naina was going to be ok. He again gazed at her through the window and was dying to hold her hand and be close to her.
Preeti noticed this and the usual savior in her plotted "Papa, Naina ab theek hai toh hum thoda kuch kha kar aate hai".
Bela was not ready to budge "Nahi nahi...jab tak use honsh nahi aa jaata, mai yahan se hiloongi bhi nahi".
Just then the nurse came to them..." Patient ke admission forms aur hospital ki formalities poori karni hai. Please reception pe form aur paisa jama kar dijiye".
Chachaji instructed Bela and Preeti to stay put while he completed the formalities, but Smaeer saw it as an opportunity "Chachaji, Chachiji..aap log formalities poori karke hospital ki canteen mein kuch kha lijiye...Subah se aapmein se kisi ne kuch khaya nahi hai...please...tab tak mein yahan baitha hoon..."
When chachiji didn't look convinced, Sameer prodded further "Dekhiye...Naina ne ab tak aakhein nahi kholi hai...jab honsh mein aayegi toh sabse pehle aapko dekhna chahegi, au aise dekhegi toh kitni dukhi hogi..."
Preeti supported her jijaji "Sameer sahi toh keh raha hai Mummy, Naina ka khayal rakhne ke liye, pehle hume khud ko sambhalna padega na, hum jaldi se wapas aa jaayenge".
Chachaji nodded and patted his shoulder "Beta khaya toh tumne bhi nahi hai, chalo hamare saath".
"Nahi chachaji, aap log pehle jayiye, mai yahan rukta hoon, agar kisi cheez ki zarrorat hui toh, mai baad mein chala jaoonga". Chacha chachi smiled at his concern and nodded in affirmation, praising his goodness and concern for their family.
After they left, Sameer stealthily walked into her room. He had seen an angry Naina, hurt Naina, loving Naina, crying Naina, passionate Naina in his arms, lifeless Naina when she had got to know about the bet, but nothing ever prepared him for this. He could handle all of the above but this had shattered him from within. He sat by her bedside, lightly picked up her hand that was bandaged but free of needles. He gripped her small delicate hand in his warm big one and clenched his eyes shut to let the pain flow freely. On one side, he was relieved to find her alive and ok, but inside his gut clenched that he had come so close to losing her. A lone tear escaped that fell on her palm and in response the random eye movements turned to complete consciousness.
Seeing no one in the room, she turned her head and found her hand enclasped in his, she moved it to free her hand and placed it ever so lightly on his stubbled jaw and uttered softly "Darr gaye the?"
He smiled through his tears and shook his head "Nahi, mar gaya tha!"
P.S. Phew!!!! The longest update in my history of FFs. Hope it wasn't too boring! BTW, the last line is one of my another fav dialogs, from Saathiya...it wasn't released then but like Sameer loves to take credit for the new inventions in 90s...I decided to give him this line too!
Edited by Radkam - 7 years ago
Indian Mythology
