SAMAINA FF - FATE TWISTED BY LOVE - EPILOGUE UPDATED ON PAGE 30 - Page 21

It was sad to see naina's sad state though and sameer definitely deserves the cold behaviour. Waiting to see how story unfolds now ...

Originally posted by: isha123asya

Just loveddd itt... This is such a fresh turning point for the story .. it's like a new beginning.. ✨❣️❣️

Thank you so much dear...❤️

It is definitely a new beginning..

I'm posting the next update now...

Originally posted by: isha123asya

It was sad to see naina's sad state though and sameer definitely deserves the cold behaviour. Waiting to see how story unfolds now ...

The battle between the hearts is about to start...

Lets see who wins...

Hello everyone...

I'm back with the next update...

Enjoy reading...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 55

Naina sat below the window of her room for a long time. She couldn't move when she knew that Sameer was standing right opposite to the bungalow. Her heart was pacing rapidly. She just wanted to go down and run straight into his arms. The distance seemed too much for her. Closing her eyes, she let the tears flow.

She mumbled, "Kyun aaye hai Sameer ab yahaan? Kyun? Jab maine yahaan meri nayi zindagi ki shuruwaat kar li hai, toh fir ab kyun? Itni mushkil se main aapse durr reh paa rahi hun. Aise achanak yahaan mere saamne aakar aapne meri poori mehnat par paani fer diya. Aaj jab aapko maine apne saamne dekha toh... toh main yakeen nahi kar paayi ki aap... aap yahaan sach mein hai. Main hi jaanti hun ki aaj maine kaise khudko aapke paas aane se roka hai. Aapko dekhkar jitni khushi hui naa, usse jyaada mere dil mein dard ho raha hai. Aapke kahe hue har wohh shabd, har wohh harkat meri aankhon ke saamne aa gayi Sameer... Aur mujhe yaad aa gaya ki main yahaan Shimla mein kyun aayi hun. Main yahaan apni nayi zindagi mein aage badhne aayi hun. Uss zindagi mein aapke liye koi jagah nahi hai Sameer... koi jagah nahi hai. Bhale main aaj bhi aapse bohot pyaar karti hun, par iss baar main meri zindagi meri marzi se jeeungi, kisi ko bhi meri self-respect par, mere character par ungli nahi uthaane dungi. Aapko jo karna tha wohh aapne kar diya, par iske aage wohi hoga jo main chahungi. Main jaanti hun aap yahaan mujhse maafi maagne aaye hai, par main aapko maaf nahi kar paaungi Sameer... nahi kar paaungi aapko maaf..." Saying that, she cried her heart out.

Sameer stood opposite the bungalow for a long time. He had seen her closing the window and had noticed her looking at him. His heart had missed few beats as their gazes met only for a few seconds. He had wanted to call her out. He wanted to close this distance between them. But he had to wait. He knew that this wait was going to be the longest in his life.

Sameer saw Naina drawing the curtains but the lights were still on. What was she doing now? Last night she had switched off the lights as soon as she had pulled the curtains shut. It was already more than half an hour but the lights were still on. Now, he was worried. Was she doing any official work or was making notes for her next class tomorrow? Or was she... and he realized with a start that she must crying. Crying for him... crying for his sudden appearance here... crying for feeling miserable... crying for being so strong since a month...

His eyes misted and Naniji's words rang in his mind about her dream and her loud sobs. His heart was aching and he knew that even she was feeling the same. All this is only because of his anger, his misunderstandings, his lack of faith on her, his so-called judgements. He kicked the tree in frustration which hurt him in return. He sat down near the tree and wiped his tears away. He decided, "Yeh time rone ka nahi hai Sameer... tujhe apni Maina ko manaana hai, usse apni galtiyon ke liye maafi maangni hai, apne pyar ka ehsaas dilaana hai, usse apne saath waapis Ahmedabad le jaana hai. Mujhe khudko sambhaalna hoga, thoda sabar rakhna hoga. Naina ne apne dil ke aaspaas jo deewar banaa li hai, unhe todna hai, usse apne pyaar par yakeen dilaana hai. Jo pyaar Naina ne mujhse kiya, wohh ab lautaane ka time aa gaya hai. Naina... tum jitna marzi mujhse aankhen churaao, yaa mujhse durr rehne ki koshish karo, par main tumhe har kadam par apne pyaar ka ehsaas dilaaunga. Tum bas dekhti jao Naina, main kaise hamare beech ki sabhi dooriyaan mitaatu hun. I Love You Naina... aur issi pyaar ki wajah se tum mere paas waapis aaogi. Main bhi dekhta hun ki tum kab tak mujhse dur reh paaogi. Tum kaho yaa naa kaho, par main jaanta hun ki tum ab bhi sirf aur sirf mujhse pyaar karti ho. Main iss pyaar ko aise hi bujhne nahi dunga. Tum meri ho Naina, aur hamesha meri hi rahogi. Bas kuch aur din aur tum mere saath hogi, yeh mera vaada hai..." He continued sitting near the tree and didn't know when he dozed off. The tiredness from last few days catching up finally.

Naina got up finally and headed towards her bed. She switched off the lights and rested on the bed. Sleep was far away from her eyes. Sameer was here which was like some dream for her, but she knew that this wasn't any dream. Sameer was here, for her. She tossed and turned for a couple of hours but sleep had eluded her. She got up restlessly and walked towards the window.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the window slowly without making any noise. The sight that greeted her made her speechless. She saw Sameer sleeping near the tree who was sightly shivering because of the cold climate. She instantly closed the window and turned around. Why was he still here? Why was he sleeping on that footpath? Didn't he stay in any hotel?

Naina turned cold herself as she remembered that Sameer couldn't bear the cool temperature. He would fall sick by morning for sure. He wasn't used to this cool weather. This was stark opposite to the climate of Ahmedabad. She herself had taken a whole week to adjust to this climate. What was wrong with him? Can't he take care of himself? What was the need to sleep there on the first place? Can't he just go back to his hotel room? Naina kept questioning herself for few more minutes. She opened the window few more times to check if he was still there and every time she saw him curled up and shivering.

Taking few deep breaths, she calmed down and decided, "Main itna kyun soch rahi hun? Mujhe yeh sab se koi farak nahi padna chahiye. Mujhe Sameer ke yahaan rehne se koi farak nahi padna chahiye. Main yahaan meri nayi zindagi shuru kar chuki hun, aur ab meri zindagi mein kisi ke liye jagah nahi hai, khaaskar Sameer ke liye." She walked towards her bed and slept after few hours. Unknown to both of them, someone had put a thick blanket over the sleeping form of Sameer.

The next day, Sameer woke up with a start as someone tapped on his shoulder continuously. The shopkeeper had come to open his shop and had seen Sameer sleeping near the tree. As he got up, Sameer noticed the thick blanket. He glanced at the closed window and smiled widely. He thought that Naina had come downstairs and covered him with that blanket. His happiness knew no bounds. He danced for a few minutes which irritated the shopkeeper and he insisted the dancing star to go away.

Naniji had just opened her door and saw Sameer dancing for some reason. She glanced at Naina's room once and walked towards him. She asked, "Arey waahhh Sameer... kis khushi mein itna naach rahe ho tum?" Catching his breath, he said, "Aap yeh blanket dekh rahi hai Naniji... yeh Naina ne raat ko mujhe odhaaya hai. Main jaanta tha ki Naina mujhe mushkil mein nahi dekh paayegi, wohh jaanti hai ki mujhe jyaada thandi bardaasht nahi hoti, isliye usne hi yeh mujhpar daala."

Naniji raised her eyebrows and asked, "Toh tumhe lagta hai ki yeh blanket Naina ne tumpar daali thi?" He smiled widely, "Jee Naniji... aur kaun daalega? Main toh kisi aur ko jaanta hi nahi yahaan." Naniji turned to check if Naina had woken up and again looked at Sameer. "Tumhari soch kaafi acchi hai Sameer... par yeh blanket Naina ne nahi, maine raat ko tum par daali thi. Thandi mein kaamp rahe the tum. Naina bhale hi tumhe dekh rahi thi raat bhar, par wohh nahi aayi tumhari madad karne."

Sameer stood frozen hearing her words. It wasn't Naina who had covered him with the blanket? Naniji had done that. His small bubble of happiness burst terribly and his eyes misted again. How can he even think that Naina would come down and cover him with the thick blanket? He should've known that Naina wasn't going to forgive him this easily and wouldn't fall for such silly tricks. He had knowingly continued sleeping there to see if Naina cared about him, but she hadn't.

Naniji smiled softly and then said in a curt voice, "Sameer... yeh sab karke tum Naina se maafi nahi le paaoge, ulta usse hi jyaada taklif de rahe ho. Yeh sab karoge toh khud bimaar pad jaaoge. Tum bimaar nahi pad sakte Sameer. Tumhe Naina ko apne pyaar ka ehsaas karwaana hai, apni galtiyon ke liye maafi maangni hai."

He nodded understanding her words. "Naniji... main Naina ko ek saal se jaanta hun aur mujhe pataa hai, aaj nahi toh kal Naina khud mujhe yeh blanket odhaane aayegi. Aap... aap please aage se mujhpar yeh blanket mat daaliyega. Main dekhna chaahta hun ki kab tak Naina mujhe andekha karti hai. Bimaar pad bhi gaya toh bhi mujhe koi farak nahi padta. Mujhe dekhna hai ki Naina ko kab tak meri taklif se koi farak nahi padta. Naina mujhse bohot pyaar karti hai Naniji aur mujhe pataa hai yeh pyaar hi usse mujh tak waapis laayega."

Naniji shook her head in frustration and said, "Tum paagal ho Sameer. Kaun apni jaan aise daanv par lagaata hai bhala? Tumhe apni sehat ka khayaal rakhna hoga, tab hi apni Naina ko waapis le jaa paaoge. Pyaar ka toh pataa nahi, par main bhi dekhna chaahti hun ki tum Naina ko kitna jaante ho. Main bhi uss din ka intezaar karungi jab Naina khud yeh blanket lekar tumhare paas aayegi." Wiping the tears from his face, Naniji told him to freshen up and join her later. Sighing heavily, he made his way to the hotel.

Naina got up with a start when she heard her mobile ringing continuously. As she glanced at the clock, she rushed towards the bathroom, ignoring her phone. She got ready hastily in half an hour and picked up her handbag and laptop. She was already running ten minutes late today.

As she descended the stairs, she glanced around to check if Sameer was still there. She sighed in relief not finding him around. As she was about to cross the gate, Naniji called, "Naina... kuch khaa toh le..." Naina turned and replied, "Naniji... abhi nahi... bohot late ho gaya hai." Without hearing Naniji's next words, she disappeared from her sight. Naniji just shook her head and mumbled to herself, "Ab yeh ladki bhi khaana peena chod degi kya? Kisiko apni sehat ki padi hi nahi hai."

Naina spent the first half day in her office restlessly. She had wanted to see if Sameer was alright after sleeping near the tree last night. She hoped that he would be fine. Even if she was angry and upset with him, she never wanted him to fall sick because of her. As soon as the clock struck one, she left towards the NGO hurriedly. She was too much desperate to see Sameer. She called herself few names for being so soft hearted but she herself couldn't help the feelings that were making her miserable.

As she reached the NGO, she looked around for him. Not finding him around, she made her way towards the common room and settled down. She was surprised to find the room empty at this time. This was actually a break time for all, so whenever she entered, the room used to be full of all the teachers. But today, she found it vacant. She thought, "Aaj koi chutti toh nahi hai, fir sab log kahaan gaayab ho gaye?"

At the precise moment, she heard some footsteps and turned. Priya came running, "Accha hua Naina tu bhi aa gayi. Chal, sab tera hi wait kar rahe the." Naina didn't understand what was going on. Before she could ask anything, Priya held her hand and pulled her towards the hall where all the teachers, staff and the kids were waiting.

As soon as she entered, she gasped watching the arrangements. The hall was beautifully decorated. She looked around for certain someone and found him standing near the food counter. He was already staring at her with such intensity that she felt to hide somewhere. The Owner of the NGO cleared his throat and took over. "Hello everyone... aap sab yahi soch rahe hai naa ki yeh sab itne decorations aur party kis khushi mein rakkhi gayi hai. Iska jawaab aapko Sameer denge, kyunki yeh sab unhone kiya hai, yeh party unhone organize ki hai. So, I request our new music teacher to take over now..."

Sameer came forward and took the mike from Mr Iyer. "Hii everyone... Sabse pehle thank you Sir... aapne mujhe permission di, tabhi main yeh party yahaan organise kar paaya." Turning around, he spoke, "And thanks all of you for joining me here without knowing the main reason for this party."

Sameer's eyes stopped at one particular person and he continued, "Actually... yeh party maine bohot khaas reason ki wajah se organise ki hai. Aap sabhi toh jaante hai ki maine bohot saare videos YouTube par upload kiye hai aur main itna famous singer bann gaya. Mujhe "Aspiring Singer of the Year' award ke liye nominate kiya gaya hai, jo do hafte baad announce honewala hai. Mere Nanu toh abhi Ahmedabad mein hai aur mere friends bhi wahin hai. Ab jab main yahaan hun, toh yeh khushi mein aap sab ke saath hi manaana chahta hun."

Loud applauses continued and he was congratulated by everyone except one. Naina stood away from him and kept watching him for any sign of illness. But she couldn't find anything wrong with his health and she sighed in relief. But that too didn't last much as she saw Priya lurking around him for his attention. She whispered to herself, "Yeh Priya kya madhumakkhi ki tarah Sameer ke aas paas mandraa rahi hai? Kuch kaam nahi hai kya isse? Bhook lagi thi naa isse kabse, toh khaane kyun nahi jaa rahi? Yaa fir Sameer ko hi khaane ka mann hai iska?" She was so much irritated that she wanted to pull that girl away from his side.

After a few moments, a reporter arrived and joined the party. Few questions were asked to the most handsome aspiring singer. The reporter asked, "Mr Sameer Maheshwari, aapne achanak singing ko apna career kaise banaaya?" Sameer was well prepared for this interrogation and he replied, "Waise sach kahun toh maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki main kabhi bhi singing ko mera career banaaunga. Aap sab shayaad yeh toh jaante hi hai ki main mere Nanu ki company ka CEO hun. Main bachpan se hi gaata tha, guitar bajaata tha, par isse sirf maine apni hobby banaaya. Mere Nanu ne mujhe ek nayi zindagi di, aur issi wajah se main unka sapna poora karna chaahta tha, isliye maine Maheshwari Industries ki kamaan sambhaali. And I made my grandfather proud. Maine unki har baat maani aur main uss mein successful bhi raha. Par yeh sab sapne poore karne mein mera yeh singing ka passion kahin peeche choot gaya."

The reported asked instantly, "Fir aisa kya hua ki aapne singing ko as a career choose kiya?" Sameer glanced once at his wife cum life and replied, "Bas koi meri zindagi mein aaya jisne mujhe mere passion se aamna saamna karva diya aur maine sirf uske liye yeh singing firse shuru ki?" The reported asked, "Kya aap hume uss inspiration ka naam bataa sakte hai, Mr Sameer Maheshwari?"

Sameer wasn't dumb to reveal her name to the world so easily, but he didn't even want to miss this chance to make Naina realize what she meant for him. He smiled, "Well... main uss inspiration ka naam award function mein zaroor bataaunga. Jab wohh mere saath hogi. And no more personal questions please..." The reporters continued with the questions which weren't much personal. Sameer answered each and every question gladly and kept glancing for his love once in a while.

Priya was standing beside Naina and was staring at the handsome singer. She whispered to Naina, "Naina yaar... main kya hi bolun Sameer ke baare mein. Jab se yahaan aaya hai naa, meri nazar usse hat-ti hi nahi. Kitna handsome hai... uski body dekhi hai tune? I'm sure wohh roz gym jaata hoga. Uske baal bhi kitne soft aur shiny dikhte hai naa? Mann kar raha hai ki main unn baalon mein..."

Before Priya could complete her sentence, Naina cut her midway, "Main abhi aati hun..." Naina mumbled to herself while walking away, "Mann toh mera kar raha hai tera baal khinchne kaa, aayi badi Sameer ke baalon ko haath lagaane. Mann toh mera kar raha hai, tera galaa dabaane ka, kitna bole jaa rahi hai kabse." Unknown to her, Sameer had heard her mumblings as he stood right behind her. The reporter had just left after taking his interview. He had requested him to have lunch but he denied politely and left citing that he had some more interviews lined up for the rest of the day.

Sameer who stood behind her, whispered, "Naina..." And she froze. What was he doing behind her? Had he heard her self-talk?" She saw Priya watching them keenly and burning in jealousy. Naina turned around to come face to face to her handsome man. Sameer asked, "Kya tum mujhe congratulate nahi karogi Naina?" Just the mere whisper of her name was enough for her heartbeats to accelerate.

While Sameer forwarded his hand once again in a hope to get a chance to touch her, Naina ignored it yet again and replied, "Congratulations Mr Maheshwari." That pricked him badly, she wasn't ready to even call his name. He hadn't heard his name from her mouth since more than a month now, he so desperately wanted her to call him in the same way she used to call him at their home.

Naina knew she was hurting him directly, but he had to suffer her wrath, didn't he? Before Sameer could say anything, Priya appeared. "Hey Sameer ji... congratulations... I'm sure aap hi yeh award jeetenge. Main toh already aap bohot badi fan bann gayi hun. I'm sure meri tarah bohot si ladkiyan aapke gaane sunti hongi. Aapne aapki fan following dekhi hai, sab se jyaada ladkiyaan hi hai, aur unn mein se main bhi ek hun Sameer ji... Kya aap... aap mujhe autograph denge please?"

Priya offered a pen and forwarded her palm, "Abhi ke liye aap mere haath par hi autograph de dijiye. Paper nahi hai mere paas." Sameer saw Naina's face from the corner of his eyes and smiled to himself. "Ummm... haath par sign karunga toh thode time mein mit jaayega. Aap fikar mat kijiye, mere paas paper hai." He took out a small diary from his pocket and signed on a page. Tearing that paper, he handed it to her with a smile.

All the while, Naina stood beside Sameer and saw the small interaction. Though her blood boiled whenever Priya came near Sameer's vicinity, she didn't let it show on her face. No one could see the jealousy that crept in her for Priya, except for her very own man. Though Sameer enjoyed her jealousy, he knew it was risky for fuelling it more.

Sameer asked, "Aapne khaana nahi khaaya hai ab tak? Ummm... aap aur Naina... kuch kha lijiye." She nodded and left towards the food counter dragging the reluctant Naina with her. As Priya started to serve herself, Naina walked back to the common room as she had lost her appetite. Sameer noticed her leaving without eating anything but couldn't do much as he was surrounded by Mr Iyer and other teachers who were enquiring about his life in Ahmedabad.

Naina had skipped her breakfast and now she was also not having her lunch. Sameer too hadn't eaten anything since morning. When he had reached the bungalow to see Naina leave and meet Naniji, he had heard their conversation about breakfast and so, he knew that his lovely wife was skipping her meals since morning. Her faced looked pale and that affected him more. He had got the news of his nomination last night only and then he used this reason to throw a party and fulfil his life's stomach. But all had gone in vain as Naina left the hall without even having anything.

While Naina had gone to freshen up, Sameer brought a plate of her favourite food and kept it near her handbag along with a note. After few minutes, Naina came out and was surprised to see that plate. Her eyes misted but she wiped it before anyone could notice. She saw a note below the plate and read it, "Gussa mujhse ho, toh khaane pe utaarne ki zarurat nahi hai. Khaana khaa lo Naina... please... tumne subah se kuch nahi khaaya hai, hai naa?"

There was no name written on it, yet she knew who had written that note and who had brought the plate for her. Though she was hungry, she didn't want to give in to Sameer's advances. She was about to pick up the plate and keep it aside, when Priya walked in. "Arey Naina... tu kahaan chali gayi thi? Khaana bohot accha hai. Tu bhi jaldi se khaa le, thodi der mein classes shuru ho jaayenge."

How could she avoid eating now, as she saw Sameer and other teachers walking inside? She knew that she had no option left. She also reasoned to herself that she shouldn't waste food. So, she ate the food as fast as possible. She couldn't even relish her own favourite meal as she could sense his intent gaze on her.

Naina picked up her plate and walked towards the hall once again to keep the plate. As she turned, she bumped into Sameer who was following her. Before Sameer could hold her, she balanced herself and moved away from him. He saw the anger in her eyes which spit only fire for him. "Mujhe haath lagaane ki zarurat nahi hai Mr Maheshwari. Main akeli khudko sambhaal sakti hun."

Her words pricked his heart yet again and he moved away from her creating a lot of distance between them. It seemed as the distance was never going to diminish between them. Naina walked past him with a heavy heart. Her heart ached as she had uttered those words. She knew the moment Sameer would touch her, she would lose the battle and she couldn't do it. She wasn't ready to forgive him.

Sameer stood rooted to his spot as he had heard those words. All the happenings flashed in his mind as he remembered that night clearly. He had forced himself on her just to prove that he had the power over her. But he hadn't realized to what extent he had hurt Naina with his actions and words. Now, he knew what he had done had hurt her soul and so she wasn't even ready to touch him. He rushed towards the washroom and washed his face multiple times. The flashbacks came back to him again and again and he felt miserable. The guilt increased multiple times as he realized his sins.

Sameer was so angry on himself that he punched his hand on the wall, only to get hurt, but he didn't care. He kept punching the wall, till his hand bled. Mr Iyer who had just entered the washroom, saw Sameer in a messed-up state. He rushed to him and asked, "Sameer... yeh kya kar rahe ho? Dekho... kitna khoon nikal raha hai. Chalo jaldi medical room chalte hai."

Before Sameer could protest, Mr Iyer had dragged him towards the medical room. The doctor treated his wounded hand which didn't affect him at all. Along with his hand, his heart too was bleeding. Who would tend to his wound there? This tough demeanour shocked Mr Iyer as he had seen his charming personality before but this wasn't what he had expected.

There was something definitely going on with his life, Mr Iyer deduced. But he had no right to interfere in Sameer's personal life. Somewhere he had an idea why Sameer had joined his NGO but Mr Iyer didn't voice it out. He wanted Sameer to disclose it himself.

Once they left the medical room, Mr Iyer spoke, "Sameer... Main nahi jaanta ki tum itne bade aadmi hone ke baad bhi, iss NGO mein kyun kaam karne aaye ho. Par jo bhi ho, agar tumhe kabhi bhi meri help chahiye ho toh mujhse keh dena, main tumhare saath hoon. Maine tumhari aankhon mein pyaar ki wohh kashish dekhi hai jo ek zamaane se maine kisiki aankhon mein nahi dekhi. Tum acche ghar se ho, ek acchi neeyat se yahaan aaye ho, toh kabhi khudko akela mat samajhna. Tumhe jab bhi meri zarurat padegi, toh bas keh dena. Mujhse jitna hoga, main tumhari help karunga Sameer..."

Sameer just nodded and left from there. He headed directly to the class. As soon as the kids saw his injured hand, they asked questions but he just replied that he fell down and hurt his hand. The kids believed him and their classes continued. The news of his injured hand soon reached everyone.

Some teacher came running to the common room to share the news as he himself had seen Sameer's injured hand. Priya reacted instantly, "Hey bhagwaan... Abhi toh ek hi din hua hai NGO mein, aur unhe haath mein chot lag gayi. Main... main dekhkar aati hun ki kahin unhe kuch chahiye toh nahi."

As she got up to leave, another teacher commented, "Priya... tum itna hyper kyun ho rahi ho? Bas chot hi toh hai aur wohh thik hai. Maine dekha ki wohh bacchon ko guitar sikhaa raha hai aaram se, jaise kuch hua hi naa ho. Tum baith jao, aur apne class ki taiyari karo, bus dus minute mein tumhari agli class hai naa?"

Priya pouted and sat down on her seat reluctantly. She mumbled, "Main ek baar dekhne hi toh jaa rahi thi. Kaunsa pahad gir jaata agar main Sameer se mil aati toh?" All the while, Naina sat there frozen on her seat. Sameer had hurt his hand? And who was to be blamed for that? She hadn't heard anything after that as her mind and her heart were battling again.

Her heart wanted to run to him and see for herself while her mind reminded her that she needn't care about it. He didn't deserve her care, her attention at all. Her mind won the battle yet again as she remembered that night again and she got back to her work of checking the homework.

Sameer and Naina didn't cross path that day till evening. When Naina walked back towards her room, she sensed him behind her. But she didn't turn, she didn't want to give him any kind of satisfaction that she cared. Sameer followed her till she reached the bungalow safely. He didn't call her, didn't try to talk to her, he just followed her silently.

Sameer again stayed that night on the road in front of her room. Naina came to the window several times to check on him and every time she saw him shivering during that chilly night. This continued for the next four days. As Sameer had told Naniji that she need not put the thick blanket over him, she reluctantly agreed to him. But she felt bad everyday as she tended to his sickness by offering him breakfast and medicines. She was in awe of him as he ate only when Naina would eat her meals.

Naina wasn't aware about any of this. She always saw him all good every day in the NGO. She had seen his injured hand from afar and her heart pained. She resisted the urge to go to him and ask him if he was fine. For four days, he hadn't tried to talk to her. Infact, he didn't talk to anyone, he just smiled at everyone politely and replied in monosyllables.

On the fifth day, Sameer was sitting in the garden and was waiting for Naina to leave but she was busy in making a question paper for the surprise test for the next day. She kept so busy that she forgot to check the time. The kids who were playing in the garden requested Sameer to sing a song for them and he obliged. He too had wanted to vent out his pain and what would be better than to sing...

Picking his own guitar, he started,

Sau dard hain sau rahatein...

Sab mila dilnashin ek tu hi nahi...

Sau dard hain sau rahatein...

Sab mila dilnashin ek tu hi nahi...

Rukhi rukhi si yeh hawa...

Aur sukhe patte ki tarah...

Shehar ki sadko pe main...

Laawaris udta hua

Sau raste par teri raah nahi...

Sau dard hain sau rahatein...

Sab mila dilnashin ek tu hi nahi...

Behta hain paani behne de...

Waqt ko yuhin rehne de...

Dariya ne karwat li hai toh...

Saahilon ko sehne de...

Sau hasratein par tera ghum nahi...

Sau dard hain sau rahatein...

Sab mila dilnashin ek tu hi nahi...

Sameer didn't know when the tears had made its way in his eyes and continued flowing till, he felt someone wiping his tears. He opened his eyes to find everyone standing there with misty eyes. He looked at the small angel standing in front of him who had wiped his tears. He smiled a little while the small girl just hugged him. The tears started again and he let it flow. One person stood afar and saw the scene with a heavy heart.

Sameer had opened up his heart while singing that particular song. Naina trembled and sat down on the chair. His voice... it had pain, it had resignation. She felt the pain, the guilt, his yearning for her, his love for her... She didn't know what to do. The pain that she was feeling from last one month hadn't yet come out.

She smiled amidst her tears, "Aap apna dard apne gaane se bayaan kar dete hai, par main kaise karun? Jo dard maine apne dil mein dabaa rakhaa hai, usse kaise baahar nikaalun? Ab toh yeh aansoon bhi kamm padne lage hai mera dard chupaane ke liye." She wiped her cheeks and collected her belongings. She left without glancing at the broken Sameer who sat there on the bench surrounded by the kids.

Sameer had seen Naina leaving but couldn't follow her as the kids kept him occupied. It was already late at night and he didn't want her to go alone. The roads were as it is very deserted when he finally left from the NGO. His heart sank as he couldn't see Naina on the way. He called up Naniji immediately to check if Naina had reached home safely. When she said that Naina wasn't home yet, he swallowed hard. He picked up his pace and started running.

As he ran for a few minutes, he saw Naina walking ahead. As he neared, he saw that a couple of boys were following her on a bike. His eyes turned red in anger and he increased his pace once again. He didn't run this time, he just took long strides and reached them in a minute. The other guys didn't notice him and still continued their teasing.

One of the guys on the bike spoke loudly, "Arey madam... hum kabse keh rahe hai ki hum aapko ghar chod dete hai." The other one joined, "Abey saale... tu pehle bike se utar, fir hi toh wohh bike pe baithegi naa. Samajhta hi nahi hai tu kuch. Chal ab tu utar..." The first one said, "Arey yaar, hum mein se kisiko utarne ki zarurat nahi hai. Hum madam ko hamare beech mein bithaate hain naa, fir toh mauja hi maujaa..."

They laughed loudly while Naina controlled the urge to smack their faces. Naina had left the NGO in a vulnerable state and hadn't realized that she was walking all alone on the whole way. The moment she heard some honking from behind, her reverie broke. It was then she realized her mistake of walking alone on that deserted lane. She remembered that something like that had already happened with her while she was in Ahmedabad. Kabir had appeared for her rescue that night. But today... who will come for her rescue? Her heart called out a name unconsciously and she closed her eyes.

The bike stopped beside her and one of the guys got down. He tapped her shoulder and then tried to hold her from behind. But the moment he touched her; he was dragged behind by someone. Naina had sensed HIM before that touch itself. She turned around and whispered, "Sameer..." Her knight in shining armour had come for her rescue this time. Her heart had wished him to be here with her. Though she pretended to be strong in front of everyone, but she wasn't in the state to fight these two guys like last time.

When Sameer had heard those comments for his love, he saw red. As he reached, he saw one of the guys trying to hold Naina and his entire being had changed within a second. He dragged that guy away from Naina and had beaten him black and blue. The other guy too got down and tried to hit Sameer but Naina's hero had already known his tricks.

He punched both the guys one after the other while Naina stood there immobile for that period. She couldn't look away from that scene playing in front of her. "Tune meri Naina ko haath lagaakar bohot badi galti kar di saale... main tujhe chodunga nahi." Sameer continued hitting while the guys roared in pain.

Both the guys tried to get hold of Sameer at once but he was unstoppable, afterall they had tried to tease his love and touch her. Sameer got hold of the guy who had tried to hold Naina and twisted his hand, "Issi haath se tune usse pakda tha naa? Ab tu iss haath se kabhi koi kaam nahi kar paayega." He was almost on the verge of breaking his hand, when he heard Naina's voice, "Sameer... chod dijiye usse... wohh... wohh mar jaayega." But Sameer ignored her words and continued hitting him.

Naina ran to him and held his arm, "Sameer... please... please ruk jaaiye... wohh... wohh... sach mein mar jaayega." He replied, "Naina... isne tumhe haath lagaaya hai, isse toh waise bhi main zinda nahi chodunga. Samajhte kya hai yeh log? Raah chalte kisi bhi ladki ke saath chedkhaani karenge aur koi inhe sabak nahi sikhaayega. Ek wohh din tha jab maine unn dono gundo ko electric current dekar maar daala tha, aur ab yeh hai. Inhe toh main apne haathon se maarunga, taaki kabhi koi kisi ladki ke saath aisa behave naa kar sake."

Naina understood him, yet pleaded, "Sameer... please chodiye usse. Main... main nahi chaahti ki aapko jail ho. Please Sameer... chodiye usse... aapko... aapko meri kasam hai." And he stopped right there. He got hold of the guy's collar and spoke, "Aaj tum sirf Naina ki wajah se bach gaya hai. Agli baar kisi bhi ladki ko chidhaane se pehle yaa haath lagaane se pehle meri yeh maar yaad kar lena."

Sameer pushed that guy away and turned to look at his life, "Tum... tum thik ho Naina?" She just nodded and he continued, "Kya zarurat thi aise akele nikalne ki NGO se? Time dekha hai tumne? Agar main... main time par nahi aata toh? Tumhe khudka khayaal rakhna hoga Naina, tum aise akele nahi chal sakti aise sumsaam raste par. Agar... agar tumhe kuch ho jaata toh... toh mera kya hota, socha hai kabhi?"

Naina stood rooted to her spot as Sameer scolded her. He understood that he was getting nagry on her for no reason. So, he closed his eyes and tried to calm down. Naina saw innumerable expressions on his face and understood his dilemma, but she remained quiet. They both turned to leave, when suddenly the other guy came from behind and tried to poke the knife in his back. Sameer had intuitionally turned away and the knife scratched his arm.

Naina screamed loudly as she saw Sameer's arm bleeding. Before that guy tried to hurt Sameer with his knife again, Sameer caught hold of his hand and twisted it. The knife fell down from his hand and Naina grabbed it immediately. She pointed the knife towards the guy and shouted, "Agar tum abhi ke abhi yahaan se nahi gaye naa toh main yeh churi tumhare aar paar kar dungi. Meri kasam ki wajah se aaj tumhara wohh kamina dost bach gaya, par tum nahi bachoge." She went ahead and almost pushed that knife in his stomach but suddenly she was pulled behind by Sameer.

"Kya kar rahi ho tum? Pehle mujhe kasam deti ho, aur ab khud usse maarne chali ho?" She replied, "Aise kaise jaane dun usse, usne aapko maara. Dekhiye kitna khoon nikal raha hai." The first guy who was almost dead shouted and told his friend to take him to the hospital. But then they heard the police siren from a distance. Before they could get back on their bike and leave, the police had arrived and arrested both of them.

Naina gave her statement and they left. All the while Sameer was beside her. They reached the bungalow where they saw Naniji waiting for Naina. As soon as she saw both of them, she came out instantly. "Kya hua Naina? Itni der kaise ho gayi tumhe?" Naniji then looked at Sameer and instantly her gaze fell on his bleeding arm. "Tumhe... tumhe kya hua? Yeh... yeh chot kaise lag gayi?"

Naina replied, "Naniji... pehle andar chalte hai. Doctor ko bulaa lete hai. Inhe... inhe bohot chot lagi hai. Fir main aapko sab bataati hun." Naniji immediately took the couple inside her house and called her family doctor. The doctor arrived in the next few minutes as he stayed just two blocks away.

He treated Sameer's wound while Naina kept chanting some mantras mentally. Naniji looked between the couple and smiled. She thought, "Sameer thik hi kehta tha, Naina jyaada din tak apna pyaar nahi chupaa paayegi. Sameer ko zara bhi taklif mein nahi dekh paayegi."

Once the doctor finished, he said, "Jyada ghabraane ki zarurat nahi hai. Ghaav jyaada gehra nahi hai. Kuch dinon mein thik ho jaayega. Main tumhe tablets de raha hun, do din khaane ke baad lena aur jab jyaada dard ho, tab hi lena. Aur ho sake toh jyaada se jyaada aaram karna. Iss haath ka kamm istemaal karna. Baaki you are all fine. Young man... waise yeh chot lagi kaise?"

The doctor and Naniji questioned. Sameer was about to speak when Naina spoke and told them the real story. Naniji was in shock but the doctor praised the couple for being so brave and fight them. Once the doctor left, Naniji turned to Sameer and Naina, "Tum dono fresh ho jao, hum sab saath mein khaana khaayenge."

Sameer had wanted to stay but he didn't want Naina to be uncomfortable in his presence. So, he refused politely. "Nahi Naniji... mujhe... mujhe bhook nahi hai... Maine NGO mein kuch khaa liya tha pehle, toh bhook nahi hai abhi. Waise bhi bohot der ho gayi hai... main... main chalta hun." Naina knew he was lying; she wanted to stop him and make him eat his meal as he had to take his medicine. But her voice didn't come out, she couldn't speak. She saw him leaving with drooped shoulders but still she couldn't stop him.

Naniji who saw all this, felt bad for both of them. Though she hasn't known both of them from before, but she could see and feel the undercurrents between the couple. She knew it wasn't going to be easy for Naina to come around Sameer after what had happened between them a month ago.

Naina skipped her dinner too and went to her room. How could she eat when she knew that even Sameer didn't have anything? At late night, Naina got up to check if Sameer was outside. And there he was sitting near the tree with his eyes closed. Naina's heart pained watching him and the tears rolled down her cheeks.

Sameer felt her presence at the window and looked up to see her standing there and staring at him. His eyes misted and his hands automatically held his ears. He mumbled a sorry which caught Naina's attention. In these few days, Sameer hadn't apologized. Why now? Why was he apologizing now? Then she realized that she never gave him a chance to speak and apologize. Whenever she opened the window at late nights, he used to be sleeping and shivering. Then when would he apologize?

How was the update?

Will update soon...

Till then take care and stay safe...

Ignore the mistakes please... I've been an emotional mess while writing this chapter and so had no heart to read it again to check for any mistakes...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️

Finally he is with naina. Let's see how tough she is and how he is going to get her acceptance. Loved the update

Originally posted by: Dharapriya

Finally he is with naina. Let's see how tough she is and how he is going to get her acceptance. Loved the update

Thank you so much dear...❤️

Tough toh hoga apr itna bhi nahi... 😜

Updating the next part now...

Hello friends...
I'm back with the next update...
Enjoy reading...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 56

Sameer continued sitting near the tree even when his arm hurt terribly. The pain was unbearable, yet his eyes stayed fixed on her window. When he saw Naina, his hands automatically moved and he held his ears. He had wanted to apologize to her every time she came in front of him, but he couldn't. It was five days since he was here in Shimla and he hadn't got a chance to talk to her properly and apologize.

Today, when he saw those morons teasing Naina and trying to touch her, his temper had flared badly. One thing kept nagging him, had she been teased even before this? She was staying alone for over a month here. Had she been treated like that before? He was here today to safeguard her, take her home safely. But what if that had happened in the past one month, how did she face it all alone?

Sameer felt miserable as he knew that he was the reason behind her moving here alone. It was because of him that Naina had left Maheshwari Mansion and Ahmedabad forever. His guilt increased manifolds as the reality of her staying alone hit him hard now. There was no one to protect her from such eve teasers.

He was thankful to Naniji that she had allowed Naina to stay with her and trusted her so much. But what if she wouldn't have been around Naina? He shivered thinking about the consequences. Where she would've stayed? Who would've taken care of her? How she would've survived alone without any help?

Sameer had seen the way she interacted with others in the NGO. Though she smiled at everyone, her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. He could clearly see the pain and lost look in her eyes. He was the sole reason for her cold and distant behaviour. His heart ached for her, he yearned to have her in his warmth. He wanted to hear her melodious voice which always called out to him. He missed her; he missed his lovely wife terribly.

It was already ten days, but Sameer couldn't find any chance to talk to Naina. She kept away from him and never crossed his path. She still kept looking after him from afar. She had noticed that he never ate his meal before her in the NGO. She didn't want him to starve because of her, so she started having her meals on time. She spotted him staring at her many times as if pleading to her to give him a chance to speak and apologize, but she never gave him that. She always made it a point to be surrounded by the teachers or the kids, so Sameer would never find her alone.

Though Sameer had many chances to talk to her when they walked back to the bungalow, he avoided it as he didn't want to create a scene on the middle of the road. He knew Naina deliberately kept herself occupied around the teachers and the kids to avoid any kind of conversation with him. Sameer made it a point to speak to her as soon as possible but luck wasn't in his favour. His wait to talk to his better half was going to be very long.

Sameer called up Nanu and Preeti every night and updated them about his failure for not being able to apologize. Nanu supported him and asked him to be patient and strong. What shocked Sameer the most was that Preeti too was supporting him and was trying to help him by giving such terrible ideas that he used to laugh out hard and say, "Preeti... agar main aisa kuch karunga naa, toh Naina kabhi nahi maanegi aur ulta mujhe hi pitne lagegi." The laughter that he heard from the other side of the line soothed him. At least her best friend was trying to help and boost him which touched his heart. Half the battle was already won.

From the past ten nights, Naina saw him sleeping on the road. Whenever she met his gaze, he used to hold his ears and mutter sorry innumerable times till she pulled the window shut. She felt bad for him, but she couldn't voice it out. She couldn't tell him to go to the hotel and rest as he would come to know that she still cared for him. Naina didn't want to show this side of her so soon, she was controlling her feelings immensely which shocked Sameer as well as her. She saw his face turn paler and paler day by day. He wasn't getting enough sleep and she had seen him sneezing many times which worried her but still, she couldn't say anything to him.

Naina was in contact with Nanu and Preeti but neither of them informed the other about Sameer's presence in Shimla. Naina knew the moment she would mention about Sameer, they would try to convince her to forgive him and give him a chance. She didn't want to give a second chance to their relationship only for the sake of others. She wanted that feeling to come from within her.

From the past ten days, Naniji hadn't put the blanket over him on Sameer's insistence. He said that he would accept the blanket only if his Maina would cover him with it. Naniji hoped that one day Sameer would get what he wanted. She prayed for them. Within ten days, she had seen his determination to get his love back and she just prayed for their reunion to happen soon.

Naniji has seen the vulnerability in Naina's eyes many times and understood her stand as well. Though Naina hadn't shared anything with her, still Naniji could understand her behaviour at times. She saw her restlessness when Sameer would be out of her sight at night. She had seen her glancing at the tree and the road many times when Sameer would be out for his work. If Naina thought that no one would see though her care and restlessness for Sameer, then she was highly mistaken because Naniji and also Sameer could see through her easily. It was just a matter of time and all her feelings and pain would come to the forefront. Sameer knew this for a fact. He had seen her feeling miserable for him whenever he was out of her sight.

Apart from Naniji, there were few more people who had felt the undercurrents between the two. While some were happy, one specific person fumed in anger. My Iyer had already sensed that Sameer and Naina knew each other from before. The way Sameer stared at her and the way Naina avoided him made it very much clear about them.

The other teachers too had noticed Sameer's behaviour when he was around Naina which had raised doubts in their minds. But they didn't mind, they had known Naina from past one month. Though she wasn't the talkative type, still she was very kind and helpful towards all.

Priya was the only person who didn't like the attention that Sameer was pouring towards Naina. For first, she didn't like Naina at all since the time she had joined the NGO. All the teachers always praised her. She felt that Naina's entry in the NGO had lessened her value amongst the teachers and the kids as well. And now, with Sameer always trying to get her attention fuelled her anger and jealousy. Priya had kept Naina close to her to keep a watch on her. She had many times tried to find some or the other fault in her work, but Mr Iyer was smart enough to understand Priya's intention.

One evening while returning home, Naina had got a news that it was going to snow that night. Her heart thudded as she knew that Sameer too was aware about it. How could she tell him not to sleep on the road that night? She didn't want him to know about her care and feelings. How would she stop him from sleeping that night on the road? She thought of going to him many times and telling him to go back to his hotel, but her courage failed her. The moment their gazes locked, Naina would look away and turn in the opposite direction, then how could she tell him?

When that night, Sameer followed her to the bungalow, he sensed that she wanted to say something but couldn't. He could sense her behaviour now as he was habituated with her actions. He stayed quiet and followed her. If she wanted to say something, then she will... who was he to stop?

Sameer knew what she wanted to say, he knew her enough. But how could he miss this chance? If she cared for him, she will stop him from staying the night outside her room on the road. She will have to talk to him tonight by hook or by crook. When he had got the news about the snowfall, he wasn't happy. But then he thought of the after effects. This was the perfect situation to get her talk to him. Tonight, he would know if she cared for him at all.

Naina freshened up quickly and joined Naniji for dinner. She tried to talk to Naniji who could ask Sameer to go home, but she couldn't do that. What if Naniji told her to do so? She felt helpless. How would she stop Sameer from waiting outside? While returning home, she had worn a sweater and wrapped a shawl around her to fight the chilly weather. She had noticed that Sameer had just worn a denim shirt which was paired with denim pants. She had thought helplessly, "Inhe thand nahi lag rahi kya?"

As soon as the dinner was done, Naina rinsed the vessels and went upstairs to her room. The window was already closed as she had shut it in the morning while leaving for office. Her hands shivered as she opened the window slowly. The weather had changed drastically since evening and it was too cold now.

Naina had never experienced the snow till now. This was going to be her first experience and his too. But what an experience was it going to be for them? As she opened the window, she couldn't see anything clearly. She stared at the tree intently and found him sitting there. Her heart stopped beating. She closed her eyes in frustration and cursed, "Inhe samaj nahi aa raha kya ki aaj ki raat yahaan rukne ki zarurat nahi hai. Ek toh aise hi jhat se sardi ho jaati hai zara si thand se aur aaj toh baraf bhi girne waali hai. Inhe apni tabiyat ki zara bhi chinta hai yaa nahi?"

The moment she finished her last sentence she saw that the snow had started drizzling. She immediately closed the window and paced in her room. Sameer hadn't even worn a sweater or jacket to feel any warmth. She kept rubbing both her palms as she was feeling a little cold. Naniji had told her to switch on the heater in the room if she couldn't bear the cool temperature.

Naina immediately switched the heater on and again continued pacing. After ten minutes, she could hold no longer and opened the door. She saw Sameer standing near the tree with his arms around his body. Shaking her head, Naina wrapped herself with the shawl tightly and ran downstairs.

Sameer had seen her opening the window before and had smiled to himself. She couldn't avoid him tonight. As the snow started drizzling, she had shut the window. He felt disappointment creeping in his heart. What if it doesn't matter to her that he was waiting for her in this snowfall.

After few moments, Sameer had started sneezing as this weather was totally new for him. He had adjusted to the cold climate now, but this snow was a totally new thing for him. He shivered and rubbed his palms and arms. It was after ten minutes; he saw Naina opening the door and running towards him.

His heart raced as he saw her approaching him with shawl wrapped around her petite body. He had noticed many times that she had lost weight for sure. He had never seen her relishing any kind of meal since past few days. She ate only for survival, to show others that she was normal, happy and content.

As Naina stopped in front of him, Sameer's eyes misted. His love had finally come to him and he was happy to know that she still cared for him. She spoke, "Aap... aap please hotel chale jaaiye. Aapki... aapki tabiyat kharaab ho jaayegi iss mausam mein." When he didn't react to her words, she closed her eyes in frustration. She knew he was stubborn and won't move from there even if she requested.

Making up her mind, she held his hand and pulled him towards her room. Sameer's heart stopped beating as he felt her warm touch after such a long time. He remembered the day when she had kept her hand on his arm to stop him from killing that moron. But this was different. She had willingly held his hand and touched him. His happiness knew no bounds.

He glanced at the ground floor where he saw Naniji wiping her tears and closing the window with a smile. Naniji too was worried for Sameer. She knew that Naina cared for him but would never say it in words. She had noticed Naina's restlessness and helplessness as the night fell. Naniji knew that she had wanted to tell her to ask Sameer to go away tonight, but she couldn't. The way she cared for Sameer was clearly visible in her actions. Naniji was a little upset that Naina never discussed her pain and past with her. Though she knew about all the happenings from Sameer, she had wanted Naina to let out her pain too. Maybe tonight something good would come out of this snowfall. She lit a small diya in front of Ganesh Idol and prayed for their happiness and reunion.

On the other hand, Naina opened her door and pushed Sameer inside her room. He willingly moved inside and looked around for the first time. He noticed her neat and clean large bedroom. He instantly felt warm as the heater was working in full swing. As he was about to take a step ahead, Naina caught his arm and he turned in a flash.

Her red eyes were enough to tell him that she was angry. She shouted, "Aapko samaj nahi aata kya kuch? Aaj snowfall honewala tha, yeh baat aapko pataa thi naa? Fir kyun rukna chaahte the aaj road par? Bimaar padna hai kya? Aapko jyaada thand bardaasht nahi hoti, toh fir kyun ruke the aap? Hotel mein nahi reh sakte kya? Dus din se aap yahaan mere room ke saamne sote hai. Kya milega yeh sab karke aapko, huh? Aap shaayad bhool gaye hai ki Nanaji aapka ghar par intezaar kar rahe honge. Par aap toh yahaan bimaar padne ki planning kar rahe hai itne dinon se. Ek baar toh unke baare mein soch lijiye. Aapke siwa kaun hai unka iss duniya mein? Unke liye hi please yeh sab karna band kar dijiye. Aapko kuch ho gaya toh... toh main kya kahungi unse, kaise nazrein mila paaungi Nanaji se? Socha hai aapne kuch? Bas apne baare mein sochte hai hamesha, yeh nahi unn logon ke baare mein bhi soch le jo aapse itna pyaar karte hai, jo aapke liye jeete hai."

Sameer stood transfixed at his place as he heard Naina scolding him after a long time. He wasn't used to this Naina Devi avtaar, but he loved it nonetheless. She was scolding him as a typical wife and like a typical husband he was listening to her rants with a smile.

When Naina watched him smiling, she shouted again, "Main kab se itna chillaye jaa rahi hun aur aap... aap smile kar rahe hai." Sameer instantly bit his inner cheek to stop himself from smiling like a fool. But what could he do when he could clearly see her care for him and his Nanu. This was his Maina who cared for everyone selflessly. He had hurt her and broken her so badly, yet she had overcome that and had pulled him inside her room so that he didn't feel sick. This was his selfless Naina... his Maina...

They stared at each other for a few minutes silently. Naina closed her eyes and her mind alerted her for what she had done. She now realized that she had brought him to her room to save him from the snowfall. She had broken her own promise to stay away from him. What had she done? And why? Couldn't she control her emotions and feelings for him a little longer?

Sameer read each and every emotion that crossed her face. Her expressions were still transparent and easy for him to read like before. He knew that she was trying to withdraw and was going to go back in her shell. But he couldn't allow it now. They were alone in her room and he had got the perfect chance to apologise. This was now or never for him.

Before she could turn away from him. Sameer whispered, "Naina..." And she stilled. His husky voice was enough for her to stand rooted to her place. Sameer didn't touch her and stood just a foot away from her. He didn't want to make her uncomfortable. He just wanted to apologize and get a second chance for their relationship. He had come here to take her back and not give up. He would never give up on their relation.

"Aankhen kholo Naina... meri taraf dekho..." His soft voice made her shiver and she complied. She met his watery gaze with her misty one. The pain was evident in both of their eyes which only screamed of hurt and pain.

Sameer spoke, "Naina... acchaa lagaa jaankar ki tum ab bhi meri tabiyat ki chinta kar rahi ho, Nanu ke baare mein itna soch rahi ho. Tum... tum toh jaanti ho naa ki main yahaan kyun aaya hun? Fir kyun mujhe tumse baat karne ka koi mauka nahi de rahi tum? Agar tum meri baat pehle din hi sunn leti toh mujhe har raat tumhare kamre ke saamne nahi sona padta. Tumne mujhe ek mauka bhi nahi diya apni baat kehna ka Naina, toh main kya karta? Tum jaanti ho naa ki main yahaan kyun aaya hun Naina?"

Naina lowered her eyes which was a reply in itself. Her silence was killing him but he continued, "Main tumse maafi maangne aaya hun Naina. Maine... maine tumhe bohot galat samjha, tum par bohot ghatiye ilzaam lagaaye, tumhe kya kuch nahi kahaa aur... aur tumhare saath zabardasti karne ki bhi koshish ki. Naina... please mujhe maaf kardo. Mujhe... mujhe aisa nahi karna chahiye tha tumhare saath. Hum patni patni hai, toh iska yeh matlab toh nahi hai ki main tumhe kisi bhi cheez ke liye force karun. Maine jo kiya wohh galti nahi thi Naina wohh gunaah tha. Main maafi ke kaabil nahi hun Naina, par fir bhi tum mujhe maaf kar do please. Maine tumhare aur Kabir ke rishtey ke baare mein kya kuch nahi kahaa. Maine jo dekha aur sunaa wohh sach nahi tha, ab... ab mujhe sach pataa hai Naina... Mujhe Kabir aur Nisha ke baare mein sab pataa chal gaya hai. Maine kitna galat samjha tum dono ko, kitni gandi gandi baatein ki. Chiii... main... main khudse hi nazrein nahi milaa paa raha Naina... please mujhe maaf kardo Naina... please mujhe maaf kardo..."

He sat on his knees and cried. He couldn't hold his tears after the apology. Naina was already in tears as everything came back to her in flashes, his words, his actions, everything that happened that night. Naina stood immobile for a few minutes till Sameer stopped his crying.

He got up and looked at his life, "Naina... kuch toh bolo... tum yun chup mat raho please. Mujhe daantna hai daanto, mujhe maarna hai maaro... kuch toh karo Naina... kuch toh kaho..." He wanted to shake her and make her speak. But he wouldn't touch her till she forgave him. After she had told him in the NGO in clear words to not to touch her, he had decided to stay away and promised himself that he would never try to touch her. So, he had maintained his distance till now. Though he craved for her nearness, her touch, all of her, still he controlled his urge to get close to her.

The tears flowed continuously from her eyes as all the wounds and hurt was scratched opened again. She cried and cried for some more time and Sameer didn't stop her this time. He wanted her to let out all the pain from her heart once and for all.

Naina spoke between her sobs, "Kya kahun huh main aapse? Kya bolun main? Kya sunna chaahte hai aap? Uss raat... uss raat aapne mujhpar ek baar bhi bharosa nahi kiya, toh main ab kya bolun? Maine... maine poocha tha naa aapse ki aap mujhpar trust toh karte hai naa? Tab aapne haan kyun kahaa, jab sach mein kabhi bharosa kar hi nahi paaye mujhpar? Ek saal... ek saal main aapke saath rahi, fir bhi aap mujhe samajh nahi paaye. Ek saal baad bhi hum wahin the jahaan shaadi se pehle the."

She hiccupped in between and continued, "Shaadi se pehle aapne wohh agreements aur divorce papers banwaaye, tab main aapke reasons samajh sakti thi. Jaanti thi ki aap ek hi jhatke mein kisi bhi anjaan ladki par bharosa nahi kar paate. Par ek saal saath rehne ke baad bhi aapne mujhe gold-digger kahaa, mujhe characterless kahaa. Kya... kya itna hi samajh paaye the aap mujhe uss ek saal mein? Kya aapko sach mein lagta hai ki maine sirf aapke paison ke liye aapse shaadi ki thi aur Kabir se mera affair? Chiii... aap yeh sab soch bhi kaise sakte the, kaise soch sakte the mere baare mein aisa?"

Closing her eyes, she wiped her tears, "Uss din main agar sach bhi kehti toh kya aap meri baat maan lete? Meri baat par vishwaas karte? Agar main Kabir aur Nisha ke baare mein aapko bataa deti toh kya usspar bhi bharosa karte? Boliye... karte mujhpar vishwaas? Sunte meri baat?" She shouted, "Boliye naa? Karte meri baat par vishwas? Nahi naa? Kyunki aapko sirf wohi sach lagaa jo aap dekhna chaahte the. Har aankhon dekhi baat sach nahi hoti? Uss din jab aapne mujhe Kabir ke saath NGO mein dekha, tab hi kyun andar nahi aaye sawaal karne? Tab hi kuch kehte toh shaayad aaj... aaj hum saath hote."

She closed her eyes and let her tears flow again, "Har ladki ki tarah mere bhi shaadi ke kuch armaan the, par aapne ek ek karke mere saare sapne tod diye, kucchal diya unhe. Shaadi ke pehle wohh agreements aur divorce papers sign karke mere dil ke kitne tukde hue the yeh main aapko bataa bhi nahi sakti. Aur ek saal baad bhi aapne wohh agreements mere mooh pe maare. Aur ek baar fir aapne mujhe meri jagah dikha di. Kis jagah ki baat kar rahi hun main bhi, aapki zindagi mein mere liye koi jagah kabhi thi hi nahi. Agar hoti toh aap mujhpar thoda vishwas toh karte. Sab ke liye shaadi ek aisa bandhan hota hai jo janmon janmon ka rishta hota hai aur hamari shaadi ki shuruwaat toh divorce papers sign karke hui thi, jiski expiry date pehle se tay kar di thi aapne. Mujhe hamesha darr lagta tha ki ek saal ke baad main kya karungi, kahaan jaaungi, kaise khud sab manage karungi. Isliye maine job karna shuru kiya, taaki main thode bohot savings kar paaun, jo mujhe aage kaam aate, kyunki ek saal baad toh hamara divorce honewala tha naa?"

Sameer cringed as he heard her words. How much he had hurt her and broken her from the start of their marriage. He had wronged her from the start and had done the same even after staying with her for a year. Did he even deserve her selfless love? He wasn't sure about it anymore.

Naina continued, "Maine jab se aapki tasveer dekhi aapke kamre mein, tab se hi aapse pyaar karne lagi thi. Jaise jaise din beet-te gaye, waise mera pyaar badhne lagaa... Ek ummeed thi ki aap bhi mujhse kabhi naa kabhi pyaar karne lagenge, par wohh ummeed kabhi poori nahi hui. Aur jab uss raat aapne mujhse kahaa ki aap bhi mujhse pyaar karne lage hai toh main khush ho gayi thi, par wohh khushi bhi jyaada der tak nahi tiki mere naseeb mein. Aapne sahi kahaa ki pati patni ke rishtey mein kabhi kisi ko kisi bhi cheez ke liye force nahi karna chahiye. Uss raat... uss raat aap jab mere kareeb aaye toh mujhe kuch alag mehsoos hua tha, jo... jo pyaar nahi tha... wohh... wohh... zabardasti thi... aur uske baad jo bhi hua usne mere dil ke itne tukde kar diye ki ab main chaahkar bhi kabhi mere dil ko jod nahi paaungi. Aaj bhi jab main aankhen band karti hun toh mujhe uss raat ki har ek baat yaad aati hai, jo mujhe firse tod deti hai. Jitna marzi chaahun main aage nahi badh paa rahi."

Naina met his teary eyes and asked, "Aapke paas toh sab the, par mere paas kaun tha huh? Koi nahi... koi nahi tha mere paas, jiske saath main apne dukh dard baant sakun. Log kehte hai ki pati patni ek dusre ke humsafar hote hai, jo ek dusre se apne sab sukh dukh baant sakte hai, jo do dil ek jaan hote hain. Par jab mere humsafar ne mujhe yeh dukh dard diye hai, toh main kisse mere yeh sab dard baant-ti? Aapne toh kabhi mera haath ek patni ki tarah thaama hi nahi, toh hum humsafar bhi kaise bante? Jis shaadi ki shuruwaat hi agreements se hui ho, uss shaadi ko waise bhi tootna hi tha."

"Naina...", his voice choked as he heard her hurting words. She shouted, "Ekdum chup... aapne hi kahaa naa ki main kuch bolun, toh ab aap suniye... bolne dijiye mujhe aaj. Kya aapko sach mein lagaa ki mera Kabir ke saath affair chal raha hai? Aap aisa soch bhi kaise sakte hai? Kya aapko iss ek saal mein kabhi bhi mere pyaar ka ehsaas nahi hua? Main hamesha har wohh kaam karti jo aapko pasand tha, aapke zindagi mein aapke hisaab se dhal rahi thi main, khudko badal rahi thi... Kya yeh sab nahi dikha aapko? Bas ek jhatke mein keh diya ki main Kabir ke saath rangraliyaan manaa rahi thi, usse pyaar ka izhaar kar rahi thi. Kya aapko kabhi meri aankhon mein aapke liye pyaar nahi dikha? Thoda sa bharosa kar lete aap, mujhe bolne ka mauka dete, mujhe samajhte. Aap aisa kaise kar sakte hai mere saath, aise... aise ilzaam kaise lagaa sakte the mujhpar?"

Naina sat down on her knees and cried badly, venting out all the hurt and pain. She had needed this. She had wanted an outlet to let go of all this, but in front of whom she could've done it? She cried many times alone, infact every night, but she could never speak out her pain even at that time. Tonight, Sameer had given her this opportunity to do this.

Sameer wasn't good either. Each and every word gave him more guilt and pain. He had known that she loved him, yet he had not trusted her. Could he tell her that he knew about her feelings since they were in San Francisco? How could he do this with her? Why didn't he trust her? He loved her, then why didn't he trust her and hear her side for once calmly? But then again, he thought that was it really his fault? Anyone in his place would've concluded the same. He was sorry for not trusting her and treating her badly that night, but still his mind and heart weren't sorry for what he assumed at that time. His insecurity was something that he had to fight alone and now, he knew that those insecurities were the root cause of everything and he was trying his best to put all of those behind and start a new life with Naina if she forgave him and accepted his love.

Sameer too sat down on his knees in front of her and whispered, "Naina... mujhse bohot badi galti ho gayi hai. Main meri har uss galti ke liye maafi maang raha hun Naina, jo maine jaane anjaane mein ki hai. Uss raat jaisa maine tumhare saath behave kiya wohh mujhe nahi karna chahiye tha. Mujhe... mujhe jalan ho rahi thi Kabir se... ki tumne usse chuna mere upar. Pehli baar maine pyaar kiya hai Naina, aur jab ussi ehsaas ko main tumse share karna chaahta tha, tab maine tumhe Kabir ke saath NGO mein dekha aur jab wohh sab sunaa... toh maano mere dil ke saath saath meri zindagi bhi ruk gayi thi. Pehle yakeen nahi hua ki tum aisa kuch kar sakti ho. Par jab tumne Kabir ko haan kahaa, tab maine tumhari aankhon mein bhi wohi pyaar dekha aur mujhe lagaa ki shaayad wohhh pyaar jo maine mehsoos kiya tha mere liye wohh toh Kabir ke liye tha. Main maanta hun ki mujhe Kabir se jalan hoti thi, kyunki wohh tumhare liye perfect tha. Jaanti ho Naina, jab tumne ghar chod diya, tab maine apne dil ko samjha liya tha ki Kabir hi tumhare liye perfect Jeevan Saathi hai, kyunki wohh har maayne mein mujhse accha aur saccha hai. Main tumhe khush dekhna chaahta tha aur main tumhari khushi mein khush bhi tha. Par fir bhi mera dil maanne ko taiyaar hi nahi tha ki tum Kabir se shaadi karogi. Ek aas thi ki tum mere paas waapis aaogi. Jab Kabir ke saath maine Nisha ko dekha, tab jaise meri jaan mein jaan aayi ho. Par tab tak bohot der ho chuki thi Naina, maine... maine tumhe kho diya tha Naina... kho diyaa tha..."

Sameer cried which made Naina look at him with her teary eyes and he continued, "Kisine... kisine meri help nahi ki. Mujhe tumhara pataa nahi bataaya. Maine kahaan kahaan nahi dhoonda tumhe Naina, par tum kahin nahi mili. Har roz... har roz tumhare mummy papa se baatein karta. Unse maafi maagta kyunki maine unki beti ko kitna hurt kiya tha, aakhir meri wajah se hi toh tumne ghar choda tha naa. Ek mahine tak maine tumhe poore Ahmedabad mein dhooda. Aur issi ek mahine mein mujhe tumhari kahi hui saari baatein yaad aati rahi. Aur issiki wajah se aaj maine singer banaa hun, jo main hamesha se banna chaahta tha. Tumne mujhe mere uss sapne ko poora karne ka hausla diya Naina, jo maine kahin kho diya tha."

Sameer met her gaze and asked, "Tum jaanti ho main yahaan tum tak kaise pohoncha hun?" Even if she was still angry on him, she shook her head in reply and he smiled. This was a good sign, he thought and continued, "Main ek raat tumhare mummy papa ki tasveer se baatein kar raha tha aur ro raha, ki koi meri help nahi kar raha tumhe dhoondne mein aur achanak mere haath se ek paper gir gaya. Jab usse dhoodne ke liye maine apna haath table ke neeche daala, toh tumhari personal diary mere haath aayi."

Naina widened her eyes in shock, "Toh meri diary wahaan room mein hi gir gayi thi? Mujhe... mujhe lagaa ki wohh kahin safar mein hi kho gayi hai?" Before she could say more, he said, "I'm sorry Naina... main jaanta hun ki kabhi kisi ki personal dairy nahi padhni chahiye... par... par maine... maine tumhari personal diary ussi raat padh li."

Naina narrowed her eyes, "Aapne meri personal diary padhi? Aap... aap aisa kaise kar sakte hai?" Sameer held his ears again and apologized, "Im sorry Naina... par main padhna chaahta tha... tumhare baare mein sab kuch jaanna chaahta tha. Jo baatein tumne kabhi mujhse share nahi ki wohh mujhe uss diary se jaanne ko mili. Aur... aur tumhara yahaan ka pataa bhi mujhe ussi se mila. Tumhare internship ka letter ussi mein tha aur main yahaan aa gaya. Naina... main yahaan Shimla sirf tumhare liye aaya hun, tumhe ghar waapis le jaane aaya hun main Naina..."

Naina stood up and turned away from him. "Yeh nahi ho sakta ab. Main... main waapis Ahmedabad nahi jaaungi. Aur kis ke liye jaaun?" Sameer too stood up and replied, "Pehle meri tarf dekho Naina..." She didn't have any more strength to fight with him, so she turned to face him.

"Naina... wahaan Nanu hai... Preeti hai... Hamare itne acche dost hai aur... aur main bhi hun... Aisa kyun keh rahi ho ki koi nahi hai wahaan? Tum apne ghar mein rahogi Nanu aur mere saath..." She smiled, "Maanti hun sab wahaan hai, par kis rishtey se main wahaan rahungi? Jahaan tak mujhe yaad hai hum dono ka divorce ho gaya hai. Hamare beech koi rishta nahi hai ab."

Sameer wiped his tears and replied with a broad smile, "Tumhe kisne kahaa ki hum dono ka divorce ho gaya hai?" She asked in confusion, "Aapne hi toh divorce papers par meri sign li thi, bhool gaye kya aap?" Sameer shook his head and replied, "Tumne divorce papers sign kiye the Naina... maine nahi... maine wohh divorce papers kabhi sign hi nahi kiye the... fir... fir hamara divorce kaise hua?"

Naina was stumped with this. He hadn't signed those papers and they weren't divorced. Sameer saw the shock on her face and continued, "Yahi sach hai Naina... maine wohh divorce papers kabhi sign hi nahi kiye... naa shaadi se pehle... naa hi ab... toh iska matlab samajhti ho tum?"

Naina still couldn't react and he continued, "Iska matlab yeh hai ki tum ab bhi meri wife ho Naina... tum ab bhi Mrs Naina Sameer Maheshwari ho... aur hamesha rahogi... Main yahaan tumse maafi maagne aaya hun, tumhe lene aaya hun... Aaj jis tarah tum mujhe apne kamre mein laayi ho, usse yeh toh saabit ho gaya ki tum ab bhi meri parwaah karti ho. Tum bhale mujhe aaj maaf naa karo, par mujhe poora vishwaas hai ki ek din tum khud mujhe maaf bhi karogi aur mere saath Ahmedabad waapis bhi chalogi... Mrs Naina Sameer Maheshwari... main apni dulhaniya ko waapis liye bina Shimla se nahi jaaunga... Fir bhale mujhe roz road par hi kyun naa sona pade."

While Naina stood rooted to her spot hearing all the revelations from him, Sameer walked out of her room and into the snowfall with a strong determination to take her back to Ahmedabad...

How was the update?

Next update on Sunday...

Till then take care and stay safe...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha... ❤️

Hello friends...
I'm back with the next part...
Enjoy reading...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 57

Naina stood frozen at her place still dazed. She could not believe his words. They were not divorced? Sameer had never signed those divorce papers came as shock for her. She had started a new life here in Shimla as she had assumed that she was alone and had no family to call her own, especially after that night when Sameer had brought those agreements and divorce papers in their conversation. She had thought that Sameer would have submitted those divorce papers in the court and then the proceedings of the mutual divorce would start soon. But this... this revelation of Sameer not signing the divorce papers was not something that she had ever imagined even in her dreams.

Naina did not know for how much time she stood stunned with the sudden disclosure. She shivered and rubbed her arms to feel some warmth despite the heater working in her room. There was no end to her thoughts as Sameer's words rang in her mind continuously. She took few deep breath to calm her racing heart. But nothing worked.

The shrill sound of her mobile brought her back to reality and she looked around. The surroundings finally registered and she closed her eyes. The ringing stopped and started once again in few seconds. She walked towards her bed and picked up the call. The loud voice from the other end spoke, "Naina... kahaan thi? Pehle phone kyun nahi uthaaya tune?"

Naina heard the voice of her best friend and took few breaths to control her emotions. Her voice choked, "Pr... Preeti..." Just her mere name in a low voice alerted her best friend and she asked, "Naina... Kya hua? Teri aawaaz... tu thik toh hai naaa? Naina... sacchi sacchi bataa kya baat hai? Kya hua hai?"

When Naina did not reply, Preeti asked again. "Naina... dekh... mujhe... mujhe ab darr lag raha hai. Bataa naa? Kya hua hai? Dekh abhi tu mujhe bataayegi nahi naa, toh main main pehli flight se Shimla pohonch jaaungi." This broke Naina's resistance and she let her control on her emotions slip. She cried on the phone and that was it for Preeti on the other end who just disconnected the call promptly.

Naina instantly understood and called her back. Preeti picked up the call and replied, "Naina... tu... tu ro mat... main kal jo bhi pehli flight hogi, usse jald se jald Shimla aa jaaungi. Tu jaanti hai naa ki tu akeli nahi hai... main... main hamesha tere saath hun." Though Naina felt light hearing her soothing words, she needed to stop Preeti from coming down to Shimla just for her.

Naina spoke, "Preeti... Tu... tu please mat aa yahaan. Main jaanti hun ki tu bhi café ke kaam mein busy rehti hai. Please... yahaan aane ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Main... main thik hun. Bas... bas teri yaad aa rahi thi aur teri aawaaz suni naa, toh mann bhar aaya." Preeti chuckled at the other end, "Main koi choti bacchi nahi hun Naina... jo toh kuch bhi bolegi aur main maan jaaungi. Ab sach sach bataa baat kya hai, fir decide karungi ki mujhe Shimla aana chahiye yaa nahi."

Naina knew that her best friend would come to Shimla tomorrow itself, if she did not tell her the real reason for her sudden breakdown. Taking a deep breath, Naina started, "Preeti... tujhe pehle mujhe promise karna hoga. Main jo tujhse kehne waali hun, usse sunnkar tu gussa nahi karegi. Pehle promise kar."

Preeti sighed at the other end and replied, "Thik hai... Main promise karti hun ki main gussa nahi karungi. Ab jaldi jaldi bataa warna main packing shuru kar rahi hun." Preeti knew that this had to be related to Sameer, she had wanted to talk to Naina about him but she feared her reaction. But today after she heard her sobbing, she instantly knew that it was because of him. It was high time that her best friend should talk about him.

Naina wiped her tears and sat down on the bed. "Preeti... abhi... abhi thodi der pehle Sameer yahaan the. Unhone... unhone kahaa ki... ki hum... hum ab bhi married hai. Sameer ne kabhi wohh divorce papers sign hi nahi kiye the Preeti. Mujhe... mujhe lagaa ki hamara divorce ho chuka hai."

Preeti too was shocked with this revelation as she herself did not know any of this. Sameer had not signed the divorce papers? They were still married? When Naina did not hear anything from the other end, she shouted, "Preeti... Preeti... tu... tu... hai naa?" Preeti came back to her senses and asked, "Sameer ne yeh baat kisise kahi kyun nahi? Usse lagaa ki tu Bhai se engagement karne waali thi. Tab bhi kyun nahi bola yeh sab? Paagal hai kya, aise kaise apni biwi ki sagaai kisi aur ke saath hone de sakta tha wohh?"

Naina replied, "Unhone kahaa ki wohh meri khushi ke liye mujhe Kabir ke saath bhi dekh lete." Naina told Preeti everything from the start. What happened that night and what all was going on since Sameer's arrival in Shimla. Preeti quietly heard her best friend and was not shocked with all the news as Sameer too had told her all that was happening every day. But she was not going to tell that to her best friend. She was going to be the middleman between them. The only shock she got was when Naina told her about the happenings of tonight.

Naina asked, "Preeti... mujhe... mujhe ab kuch samajh nahi aa rahaa. Main ab tak wohh raat bhooli nahi hun, ab bhi wohh sab baatein mere dil aur zehen mein gunjti hai, toh main... main kaise unhe maaf kar dun? Aur jab unhone kahaa ki hum ab bhi married hai, toh... toh pataa nahi kyun ek taraf khushi bhi hui yeh jaankar ki Sameer ne wohh divorce papers sign nahi kiye, aur dusri taraf ek ajeeb sa darr bhi lag raha hai, jaise kahin waapis Sameer mera dil naa tod de."

Preeti replied, "Naina... main tujhe nahi kahungi ki kya sahi hai aur kya galat. Tu jo bhi faisla legi, main uss mein tere saath hun. Mujhe yeh jaankar jhatka toh lagaa ki Sameer ne divorce papers sign nahi kiye." Taking a pause, she continued, "Main toh yeh soch rahi hun ki usne yeh kiya kyun? Matlab ki usne shaadi se pehle aur ab bhi wohh papers sign nahi kiye, iska koi toh reason hoga naa? Tune... tune Sameer se poocha nahi?"

Naina replied, "Nahi... main toh unki yeh ek baat sunnkar hi itne shock mein chali gayi ki mujhe pataa bhi nahi chala ki Sameer kab mere room se chale gaye. Jab tera call aaya tab maine hosh mein aayi." Preeti screamed at her from the other end, "Naina... yeh kya bol rahi hai? Sameer... Sameer uss snowfall mein tere room se kahaan chala gaya? Tu uski tabiyat kharaab naa ho, isliye apne room mein laayi thi naa?"

Naina shivered yet again as she realized her folly. She replied hastily, "Hey bhagwaan... maine... maine yeh kya kar diya? Sameer ki tabiyat kahin kharaab naa ho jaaye iss mausam se? Preeti... main... main tujhse baad mein baat karti hun." Naina did not even hear her best friend's goodbye and disconnected the call quickly.

Naina ran towards the window and opened to find Sameer but he was nowhere around her premises. She sighed in relief and thought, "Lagta hai hotel waapis chale gaye." That night Naina could not sleep at all. All the memories hit her hard this time. The tears continued flowing and she was restless for some reason.

When she reached the NGO the next day, she did not find Sameer anywhere which shocked her. She had not even seen him earlier that morning when she left for the office. And now he was not present in the NGO too. Where was he? Should she ask someone about him? No... she did not want the others to complicate her life any further. She spent the rest of her day restlessly waiting for a glimpse of him.

That evening when she walked to the bungalow alone, she missed his presence. She knew that he followed her only for her safety and she was glad about it. She always felt safe when he was around her.

Naniji saw through her restlessness but stayed mum. They had dinner and Naniji noticed that Naina hardly ate anything. Naniji too had not seen Sameer since morning. She had thought that the couple would have sorted out their problems and would be together this morning. But she was shocked when she saw Naina coming down alone for breakfast. She had wanted to ask Naina about Sameer, but she could not.

When Naina opened the window that night, she did not find Sameer on the road too. Now, she was more than worried. What must have happened? Where was he? Why was he not there in NGO and her place today? Where had he disappeared since last night?

On the other end, Sameer was sleeping in his hotel room unconscious to his surroundings, unknown to the fact that he had been sleeping the whole freaking day. He opened his eyes weakly and observed his surroundings. He was in his hotel room. But why was he here? He had returned to his hotel room after revealing the little secret that he had kept away from everyone. Then he remembered that he had walked till his hotel in that snowfall and then everything blurred.

Sameer tried to get up, but he was not able to. He shivered terribly and the realization dawn on him that he was having fever. Somehow, he managed to call the reception and asked for a doctor. He cannot fell ill now; he had a lot to do and convince his wife and take her home. The doctor prescribed some medicines and left his room.

The room service brought some soup and rice for him as they were told by the doctor. But Sameer had no strength to eat himself, still he managed to have some rice and soup. He took the medicine himself and drifted to sleep instantly. His mobile was switched off due low battery, so no one knew about Sameer's whereabouts.

Nanu and Preeti too were worried as they could not contact him. Pandit and Munna knew in which hotel he was staying, so they called the reception. What they heard from there shocked them. Their Sameer was sick and was having fever. Nanu and his friends knew that Sameer could not take care of himself when he was ill. Preeti asked Nanu if she should go to Shimla and handle this.

Nanu smiled, "Uski zarurat nahi hai Preeti. Naina... Naina hai naa wahaan... wohhh Sameer ko sambhaal legi." Preeti looked at him in confusion, "Nanaji... Naina ko toh pataa bhi nahi hai ki Sameer ki tabiyat thik nahi hai, fir... fir kaise sambhaalegi wohh Sameer ko?" Nanu patted her head, "Pataa nahi hai, toh pataa chal jaayega Preeti. Naina jab Sameer ko NGO mein nahi dekhegi toh khud jaayegi usse dhoodne... ab hamari Naina bhale Sameer se gussa ho, par usse taklif mein nahi dekh paayegi."

Preeti was not convinced with this. She knew that Naina had no idea about Sameer's fever, then how would she help him recover? She prayed to God to let Naina somehow know about her husband. Preeti had told Nanu and his friends about Sameer's revelations last night which had stunned everyone to silence. When the news finally registered, they were elated. Even Munna and Pandit had no idea about all this.

At the other end, Naina was restless with Sameer's sudden disappearance. Few thoughts crossed her mind, "Kahin wohh Ahmedabad waapis toh nahi chale gaye? Nahi... Nahi... wohh... unhone kahaa tha ki mere bina waapis nahi jaayenge, toh nahi jaayenge. Par fir aaj poora din kahaan gaayab hai? Waise itne din se jahaan jaati hun wahaan peeche peeche chale aate hai. Ab... ab... jab... jab main unse baat karna chaahti hun, toh pataa nahi kahaan hai."

She was restless the whole night and did not sleep a wink. She rushed to the NGO the first thing in the morning and directly met Mr Iyer. She asked him if he knew where Sameer stayed and Mr Iyer gladly helped her. Naina left towards the hotel to check on Sameer. Her heart raced as she finally reached the hotel.

As soon as she asked the reception about Sameer Maheshwari, the receptionist asked about her identity. Naina knew if she had to reach him, she would have to reveal her real identity. She said, "Main... Main Sameer Maheshwari ki biwi hun. Wohhh... kal se koi contact nahi hua hai unse isliye... isliye main yahaan aayi hun. Aap please mujhe unka room number bataa dijiye, mujhe... mujhe unse milna hai."

The receptionist was not sure if Naina was speaking the truth or lying. Before the receptionist could say anything, the manager came forward and asked, "Aap Naina Maheshwari hai naa?" She nodded and he smiled, "Sameer ne aapke baare mein bataaya tha pehle. Accha hua aap aa gayi. Sameer... Sameer ki tabiyat thik nahi hai kal se. Usse bohot bukhaar hai aur weakness bhi. Doctor kal aaye the check karne. Thodi der mein waapis aayenge Sameer ko dekhne."

The manager turned to the receptionist and asked for the master key. The receptionist was not happy with the turn of events. She had doubted Naina when she introduced herself as Sameer's wife. She knew that Sameer was a famous singer and so many females used to come to enquire about this. But when she had heard Naina, she was stumped. She thought that Naina was one such fan and was stooping low just to meet Sameer. But before she could have raised her voice and shood off Naina, the manager had intervened and she was glad about it. She was no fan of Sameer Maheshwari and was just doing her job.

The receptionist handed the master key to the manager and turned to Naina, "Sameer Sir ki haalat bohot hi kharaab hai kal se aur wohh... wohh bohot time tak behosh bhi the. Shaayad unhe jab hosh aaya tab yahaan call karke doctor ko bulaane ko kahaa. I'm sorry madam, mujhe nahi pataa tha ki unka koi apna bhi hai yahaan, pehle pataa hota toh kal hi aapko call kar deti main."

Naina just said a thank you to her and turned towards the manager who started walking towards the elevators. They reached Sameer's room on the third floor and the manager opened the door. Naina rushed inside to see Sameer sleeping on the bed. Her eyes misted instantly as she saw his state. He looked paler than she had seen him last.

Without another thought, she hurried towards him and checked his forehead for temperature. He was burning. She instantly looked at the manager, "Abhi ke abhi doctor ko bulaaye. Inhe ab bhi bohot bukaar hai." She instantly got up and ran to the washroom. She came back again and asked for a bowl. The room service was called and instantly a bowl of cold water was brought.

Naina opened the cupboard and found a clean handkerchief. She dipped the kerchief in the cold water and kept on his forehead multiple times. All the while, her tears did not stop. The doctor arrived in the next ten minutes and checked Sameer again. Naina rubbed her palms nervously.

The doctor spoke, "Inka bukhaar toh kam hi nahi ho raha. Aap... aap kaun hai?" Naina looked at the doctor in his eye and replied, "Main inki wife hun." He nodded and continued, "Dekhiye... mujhe lagta hai ki inhone thik se kuch khaaya nahi hai kaafi dinon se. Inhone sirf ek hi dose liya hai medicines ka, shaayad isliye ab tak bukhaar nahi utra hai. Ab aap yahaan hai toh inhe kuch khilaaiye aur fir yeh medicines de dijiye. Main abhi inhe injection de rahaa hun, toh do-teen ghanto mein hosh aa jaayega. Sameer ko dekhkar lagta hai ki yeh thik se sote nahi hai. Ab aap yahaan hai, toh Sameer ka acche se khayaal rakhiye. Thik se khaana khayenge aur aaram karenge toh jaldi thik ho jaayenge." He turned to the manager, "Main kal waapis aaunga. Ab chalta hun."

As the doctor left, Naina had made a decision and turned to the manager. "Main Sameer ko apne saath le jaana chaahti hun. Main inhe iss haalat mein yahaan room mein akele nahi rehne de sakti. Main... main inhe apne ghar le jaa rahi hun. Kya... kya aap meri help karenge inhe le jaane ke liye? Kya aap koi car arrange kar sakte hai jaane ke liye?"

The manager was not sure about this but he had seen her worry and care for Sameer in the past few minutes. Sameer was his friend and he had told him about his wife Naina and why he was here. The manager agreed, "Main abhi car arrange karta hun." As the manager left, Naina called up Naniji and informed her about her decision. Naniji too agreed with her and asked her to come soon.

Withing few minutes, with the help of the manager and few more staff people, Sameer was taken to the car. The manager himself drove the car and within ten minutes, they reached Naniji's bungalow. Naniji was already waiting for them. As she saw the car approaching the gates, she asked his household help to assist the hotel manager and Naina to take Sameer to the other bed room on the first floor.

As they made the unconscious Sameer rest on the bed, Naina rushed to the kitchen to make khichdi. The manager told Naniji that he would send Sameer's luggage the same day. As Naina returned to the room, the manager bid his goodbye and gave her his card, "Agar koi help chahiye ho toh mujhe iss number par call karna." Naina smiled, "Thank you... aapne meri bohot help ki. Aap Sameer se milne zaroor aaiyega."

The manager said, "Mera naam Rahul hai aur thanks ki zarurat nahi hai Naina. Main Sameer ka dost hun, toh please koi formalities nahi. Bas mere dost ka khayaal rakhiyega. Main usse milne waapis zaroor aaunga. Aur aaj hi uska saamaan main yahaan bhijwa deta hun. Ab chalta hun." Saying that, he left.

Naina somehow with the help of Naniji managed to feed some khichdi to Sameer and then gave him the medicines. Sameer was still burning in fever. Naniji brought a bowl of cold water and a clean napkin. Naina continued keeping the cold napkin on his forehead about an hour. Naniji was in the room and was observing Naina and Sameer. Naina took satyed with Sameer and took care him for the rest of the day. Naina did not sleep at all and kept putting the cold napkin on his forehead.

The next morning, Naniji checked his forehead and mumbled, "Bukhaar pehle se kamm ho gaya hai, par ab bhi hai." Naina had heard her but she did not stop keeping the cold napkin on his forehead for another hour. She went to the kitchen to make some vegetable soup for him and when she returned, she saw Naniji keeping that cold napkin on his forehead. She teared up instantly.

Controlling her emotions, she entered the room. Naina patted Sameer's cheek a couple of times to see if he could get up. He opened his eyes slowly and looked at her with slight smile, "Naina..." His dull voice brought tears in Naina's and Naniji's eyes. With their help, Sameer got up and Naina fed him some soup. All the while, he continued staring at her and Naniji left the room quietly giving them privacy.

As Naina finished feeding him, Sameer asked, "Tumne... tumne kuch khaaya Naina?" She lowered her eyes and shook her head. Before he could say more, Naniji entered the room again with two plates, one contained some fruits while the other had two chapatis and sabzi. She kept the plates on the bed and looked at Naina, "Beti... tu bhi kuch khaa le, kal se kuch khaaya nahi hai. Aur yeh fruits main tum dono ke liye laayi hun, baad mein khaa lena. Main ab neeche apne kamre mein jaa rahi hun, thoda aaraam kar leti hun."

As Naniji turned to leave, Naina caught her hand and stood up to hug her, "Thank you Naniji... thank you so much..." Naniji wiped her tears and looked at Sameer, "Iska khayaal rakhte rakhte tu khud beemar mat pad jaana. Khaa lena thik se. Samjhi..." Naina smiled amidst her tears and nodded.

As soon as Naniji left, Naina sat down on the bed again and gave medicines to Sameer. He shook his head and turned his face away. "Pehle tum kuch khaao, uske baad main medicines khaaunga." Sameer knew how stubborn Naina was. She won't touch the food till he recovered.

Naina spoke, "Sameer... aapki davaai ka time ho gaya hai. Please... pehle davaai khaa lijiye. Main... main khaana khaa lungi." Sameer picked up the plate and broke a piece of chapati and dipped it in the sabzi. He forwarded the morsel towards her mouth and she ate it without any resistance. She also knew how stubborn he was, so she did not fight him on it and she finished her meal. Once done, Naina gave him the medicines again, and he swallowed it making faces.

Sameer rested again while Naina sat near the bed and called up Mr Iyer. She informed him about Sameer's health and also told him that they won't be able to come to NGO for a couple of days till Sameer recovered. She also called up the HR head of the MNC and informed them about a family emergency and so, she won't be able to attend office for a few days.

Naina saw that Sameer had already drifted to sleep, so she walked towards the window and called up Preeti. She updated her about Sameer's health and also asked her to inform Nanaji. She could not inform Nanaji about his grandson's health. After talking to her for a few minutes, she disconnected the call. She walked back towards the bed and touched her palm on his forehead. The fever had come down but still his forehead was a little warm. Naina continued staring at him and did not know when she too drifted to sleep.

It was after two hours that Sameer opened his eyes. The sight in front of him stole his breath as he saw his wife curled up beside him. He released the breath he was holding as his surroundings registered. He knew the moment Naina would wake up; she would get uncomfortable. Though he was weak and could not get up on his own, he tried and shifted away as a gentleman.

The mere movement woke up Naina with a start and she looked around in a daze. As her eyes landed on Sameer, she asked, "Kya hua? Kuch... kuch chahiye tha kya?" He knew if he blurted the real reason for his movement, she would be embarrassed. Taking a deep breath, he just said, "Paani..."

Naina got up instantly and filled a glass of water for him. Sameer was going to take the glass from her, but she directly forwarded the glass towards his mouth and he sipped silently staring at her. Naina felt his intense gaze on her but she did not dare to look at him.

She knew why he was moving away; she had seen it on his face. She was embarrassed that she drifted to sleep next to him, but she did not let it show on her face and asked him if he wanted anything. Right now, only his health was important for her, nothing else mattered. She would fight with him once he recovered and get all the answers which she wanted to know from him.

Sameer sipped the water slowly and continued looking at her. Her lowered eyes were an indication that she had not forgiven him. She was doing all this only as she felt it was her responsibility to take care of his health. Sameer knew that somewhere she would be blaming herself for his sickness and that's why she was doing all this.

As he finished drinking, he spoke, "Naina... ab... ab main thik hun. Mujhe... mujhe ab chalna chahiye." Naina glanced at him once and replied, "Aapke kapde uss almari mein rakh diye hai maine. Dekh lijiye ek baar sab saamaan aa gaya hai naa? Kuch reh gaya ho toh bataa dijiyega, main... main hotel ke manager ko call kar dungi, wohh le aayenge."

Sameer stared at her, what was she saying? His clothes were arranged in the cupboard, but why? Though he was having some difficulty speaking, he asked softly, "Kyun?" That one word was enough for Naina to meet his gaze. "Aap ab se iss kamre mein rahenge. Kahin hotel mein rehne ki zarurat nahi hai. Roz sirf mujhe dekhne ke liye road par bhi sone ki zarurat nahi hai. Dekh liya naa aapne iss wajah se kaise aapki tabiyat bigad gayi? Kya zarurat thi aapko uss raat aise hi nikal jaane ki? Maine uss snow se bachaane ke liye aapko mere kamre mein laayi thi, aur ussi baraf mein chalkar waapis hotel chale gaye? Pad gaye naa bimaar? Agar main kal nahi aati aapko dekhne hotel mein, toh pataa nahi kya ho jaata? Aapko toh kisi aur ki fikar hai hi nahi."

Sameer loved the way she was scolding him again but still he interrupted her, "Fikar hai, isiliye yahaan Shimla mein hun." Naina looked away as she understood his meaning. She replied, "Aap yeh mat samajhiyega ki maine aapko maaf kar diya hai. Main yeh sab sirf Nanaji ki liye kar rahi hun. Unhe accha nahi lagega jab pataa chalega ki aap... aap bimaar hai."

She got up from the bed and spoke, "Main... main aapke liye coffee banaakar laati hun." She knew that he never drank coffee in her absence. Ramdhari had told her about his no coffee rule. She herself did not understand why she was doing all this. Though she had reasoned that she was doing all this because of Nanaji, her heart knew that she was lying. She had been scared after seeing him in that hotel room. Her heart had taken over all her rational mind. She followed her heart as always and brought him here.

After the revelations that night, her heart had won all the arguments with her mind. And so, she had brought him to the same bungalow where she lived. Even if she had not forgiven him, she cared for him, loved him. She had ignored him continuously since the last few days, but after their conversation that night, her heart had started melting. But still her sane mind warned her to be careful. She could not risk her heart yet again and get it broken harshly. So, she had decided to keep him around. She did not want to risk his health and life. Even if she was angry, she knew her responsibilities.

Sameer saw his mobile that was kept on the bedside table. He sat there on the bed and called up Nanu. He knew that he would be worried that he had not called him since last two days. Nanu picked up the call after few rings and was relieved to hear his grandson's voice. He kept his mobile on speaker and his friends and Preeti talked to him. Preeti wanted to share what Naina had told her, but she remained quiet about it. Sameer told them that he was staying in the same bungalow as Naina. Everyone was shocked to hear that, but were relieved that Naina had taken that step herself. He disconnected the call after few minutes as he inhaled the fragrance of his all-time favourite coffee.

Naina walked in with a tray of cups and kept it on the bed. Naniji too joined them in a couple of minutes. Naina forwarded the cup to Sameer and Naniji and then picked up her own cup. Sameer inhaled the aroma once again and took a sip. As always, he groaned while Naina hid her smile behind the cup. Naniji looked at him in amusement as he relished the coffee heartily after such a long time. She looked at Naina and was happy to see the small smile playing on her lips.

Naniji spoke, "Sameer... tumne toh hume daraa hi diyaa tha. Pataa hai tumhe kitna jyaada bukhaar tha. Agar Naina tumhe dhoondne hotel nahi jaati, toh pataa nahi kya ho jaata. Hume toh kuch pataa hi nahi chalta. Sameer... tumhe apni tabiyat ka khayaal rakhna hoga. Tum aisi laaparwaahi mat kiya karo. Agar Naina tumhe yahaan nahi laati, toh tumhe kaun thik karta? Naina ne saari raat jaagkar tumhari seva ki hai."

Sameer whispered softly, "Jaanta hun." Naina looked at him at that moment and saw his misty eyes. She knew he was feeling miserable for making her do all this. She wanted to say that it was fine but she did not. She did not want to give any hopes but yet she had given him that unknowingly.

Once Sameer finished his coffee, Naina gave him few biscuits to eat. Though he was not hungry, he could not deny her after what all she had done for him. He ate slowly while Naina watched him silently. She wanted to ask many questions but this was not the right time. Once he would be fit and fine, there was no escape for Sameer then. He would have to answer her.

The next day, Naina went to the nearby market to buy some essentials. Naniji had stayed back with Sameer to take care of him. Naina returned in an hour with bags full of groceries and something important that had crossed her mind several times in the past few days. While Sameer and Naniji rested, Naina got back to her important work in her room.

Sameer was happy to be around Naina. His sickness was a boon for him as he got to spend some time with his dear wife. Though she never talked to him except for his meals and medicines, her presence gave him some solace and hope that all will be fine soon. Her one step towards him had given him a much-needed assurance that she will soon forgive him and be with him forever.

As the night approached, Naina got back to preparing dinner while Naniji gave company to Sameer. He felt bad that because of him, Naina was not able to attend the office and NGO and had to be around him all the time. The care with which Naina attended Sameer all the time touched his heart and he felt guilty for all his misdoings. He regretted that night terribly when he had accused her badly. He hoped that she would forgive him soon, so that he could give her the rightful place that she deserved in his life.

It was already the third day, when Naina was giving medicine to Sameer, he spoke, "Naina... tumhe ab meri wajah se yahaan rehne ki zarurat nahi hai. Main ab thik hun. Tum... tum office aur NGO jaa sakti ho. Tum already teen din se mera khayaal rakh rahi ho. Ab mujhe bukhaar toh hai nahi, bas thodi weakness hai. Main thik ho jaaunga. Tum apne internship aur NGO par dhyaan do. Meri wajah se apni zindagi mat roko. Naniji hai naa mere saath, wohh mujhe company dengi."

Naina didn't reply him and continued doing her work. Sameer got up from the bed and walked towards her. He stood at a safe distance from her and said, "Naina... tum... tum sunn rahi ho naa?" She turned to him with a blank face, "Naniji jyaada upar neeche nahi kar sakti iss umar mein. Aap meri chinta mat kijiye, main... main thik hun."

Sameer wanted to take her in his arms and sooth her pain. But he could not do it. For now, he had to keep that distance. Taking few deep breaths to control his emotions, he walked back to the bed slowly. Naina stared at his back and wiped the lone tear that rolled down her cheek.

How could she tell him that she cared for him more than herself? She could not trust anyone apart from herself to take proper care of him. She knew that Naniji too would take good care of Sameer but she did not want to stress her out because of her old age. When Sameer drifted to deep slumber, Naina sat beside him and continued staring at his face. His face still looked pale, but had got some glow back.

The three days stubble made him look more handsome. Her hand itched to touch his face and his hair that were falling on his forehead. Unable to control herself, she touched his cheek and felt his stubble which pricked her soft skin, yet she continued doing it. The other hand caressed his hair. She did not know for how much time she kept sitting next to him and caressed his face and hair.

It was the sound of her mobile that broke her trance and she moved away in embarrassment. She closed her eyes and cursed herself for letting her control slip. What if Sameer was awake? Her phone rang again and she picked it up hurriedly. Her best friend asked about Sameer's health and continued talking to Naina about her café.

Preeti asked, "Naina... tu bataa... kya kar rahi thi?" That question made her look back at Sameer and she replied, "Kuch... kuch nahi... bas aise hi baithi thi." Preeti knew that her friend stuttered only when she was trying to hide something. She let it go for now and changed the subject. They continued talking for few minutes and Naina got back to him.

She covered him with a thick blanket. Again, her heart thudded as she saw his face. Controlling the urge to kiss his forehead, she turned and switched the lights off on her way to her room. As the door shut behind her, Sameer opened his misty eyes. He touched his cheek which Naina was caressing before and blushed. With a smile on his face, he closed his eyes welcoming his wife in his dreams.

After two days, Naina got ready to go to her office leaving Sameer with Naniji. Sameer too was feeling much better now and was going to resume his work in the NGO the same day. Naina silently went to his room in his absence and kept a packet for him on his bed. She left for office after having breakfast with Naniji and Sameer.

Sameer and Naniji talked for sometime and then he got back to his room to get ready. He was going to go to the NGO early that day. As he reached his room, he found a packet on his bed. "Yeh kya hai?" He opened it and was stunned to find a sweater. He touched the woollen sweater and his eyes teared up. He had never worn a sweater before. But this... he was never going to take it off.

Sameer wore the sweater instantly and felt the warmth. This warmth was not because of the wool but this was the warmth that he had craved since a long time. It was his Naina's love that was giving him the warmth and strength that he needed. Looking in the mirror, he smiled, "I Love You Naina... this is the best gift that I have got in this lifetime. I Love You Forever..."

Naina reached her office and was a little bit anxious. What would he think about the sweater that she had woven for him? This was the first time that she had done something like this. What if he thinks that she has forgiven him? No... she has not forgiven him yet. Then why had she made that sweater for him? What was the need? Her mind questioned.

Her heart debated, "Sameer ke paas koi sweater hai hi nahi. Toh maine banaa diya, uss mein kya hua? Iska yeh matlab toh nahi hai ki maine unhe maaf kar diya hai. Main unhe waapis bimaar padte hue nahi dekh paaungi, isliye sweater banaaya. Haa... issi wajah se banaaya hai maine wohh sweater."

While arranging his luggage in the cupboard, she had seen that there was no sweater at all. So, she had decided to make one. She had gone to the market that day to buy one for him but she did not like anything. She decided to make one for him rather than buying. She just hoped that he would not think that she has forgiven him. If he thought so, then she would say it in clear words that he is not forgiven yet.

When Naina reached the NGO during lunch time, she spotted HIM instantly as he had worn her handmade sweater. She noticed that it fitted him properly and he looked much better. Sameer sensed her before he caught hold of her sight. He smiled widely and rubbed his arms in a gesture to tell her that it was beautiful. Still looking at him, she smiled slightly and he walked towards her.

As he reached, he said, "Thank you Naina... Iss sweater ke liye... mere liye aaj tak kisine yeh nahi kiya hai, toh tum samajh sakti ho ki iski kya ehmiyat hai meri liye. Thank you once again..." Naina looked at him and said curtly, "Maine wohi kiya jo mujhe karna chahiye tha, par iska matlab yeh nahi hai ki maine aapko maaf kar diya hai."

Saying that, she left while Sameer continued staring at her retreating figure with a broad smile, "Aaj nahi toh kal tum mujhe maaf kar hi dogi Naina... Abhi toh bas shuruwaat hui hai. Tumne mujhe apne saamne rakhkar yeh toh saabit kar diya ki tumhe meri kitni fikar hai, ab bas dekhna hai ki kab tak tum mujhe maaf nahi karti. Jo bohot jald hoga Naina... Wohh time dur nahi jab tum meri baahon mein hogi, hamesha hamesha ke liye." He ruffled his hair and walked towards his next class with a radiant smile.

Unknown to both of them, someone had seen their little interaction from afar and was burning in jealousy...

How was the update?

Next update soon...

Till then, take care and stay safe.

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️

Loved the update so so much. Will be eagerly waiting for next update. Hope they will be together soon. Loved the way the story is progressing and also the sweater balance scene and Yaar loved everything.

Originally posted by: Dharapriya

Loved the update so so much. Will be eagerly waiting for next update. Hope they will be together soon. Loved the way the story is progressing and also the sweater balance scene and Yaar loved everything.

Thank you so much dear...❤️

I am happy that you are liking the story so far.

Updating the next part now...