SAMAINA FF - FATE TWISTED BY LOVE - EPILOGUE UPDATED ON PAGE 30 - Page 6

Originally posted by: Dharapriya

Amazing update. Loved this caring sameer. Munna Pandit are just superb. May their falls open his eyes. Effect started let's see how it proceeds. But again she suffered.

Thank you so much dear ❤️

Sameer is always a caring person... He just needs to keep his stupid ego aside to see the real Naina...

Mundit are love, they will always show a right path to Sameer... Let's see how much he follows😜

Naina is strong, & she will face everything more strongly...

Will be eagerly waiting for next update

Hello friends...

I'm back with the next part...

I'm really very sorry that I couldn't update sooner as I was so much busy in my quarter end jobs & will still be busy ahead...

Enjoy reading...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 12

"I trust you Sameer...", Naina's reply shocked Sameer as he hadn't expected her to say that easily. Did she really trust him so much that she didn't even hesitate once before hugging him? Throwing all the questions aside, he held her in his arms soaking himself in her warmth. This was the first time that he was embracing her so close.

He remembered the day when he had collided with her for the first time in his room. If that morning was the brightest, then today this night was very much blissful. He felt at peace engulfed in her arms. He had never been so close to any girl till now as he had kept distance from them since school times.

Naina had reached some other world altogether feeling his warmth which was soothing her soul. She had never thought that she would ever surrender in his arms herself, especially after the way he was treating her past their marriage. She wondered if she was dreaming now.

When Sameer tightened her hold on her, she shivered. Her erratic heartbeats matched his, her head resting on his chest, her hands wrapped around his waist whereas his wrapped around her back. They didn't know for how much time they stood in the same position, finding solace in each other's arms.

They broke apart when they heard some dog barking nearby. He released her reluctantly but still stood close to her. His eyes scanning her scarlet face. Something was different & strange. He moved a step ahead & looked at her intently.

"Naina... Tumhara yeh gaal thoda sa sujha hua lag raha hai.", she touched her cheek & realized what he was pointing at. "Wohhh... wohhh... main... maine jab unn mein se ek ladke ko thappad maarne ki koshish ki tab... tab...", she stuttered while Sameer fisted his hands in anger, "Tab... Kya hua tab Naina?"

Naina saw his demeanor changing but she didn't want to lie, so she closed her eyes & replied, "Unn mein se ek ne mere dono haath pakad liye aur dusre ne mujhe thappad maarke gira diya, tabhi mujhe yeh elbow par bhi chot lag gayi." Sameer saw red & he muttered, "Uski itni himmat ki usne tum par haath uthaaya? How dare they?"

Naina opened her eyes & saw his face turning red in rage. He turned to leave when she called out, "Kahaan jaa rahe hai aap?" He didn't turn & replied, "Main police station jaa raha hun. Unn dono ko main chodunga nahi."

Before he could unlock the door, she spoke from behind, "Ruk jaaiye Sameer. Please apne gusse par kaabu rakhiye." Tears made its way in her eyes & she sobbed, "I need you Sameer. Please mat jaaiye. Mujhe aapki zarurat hai."

He stopped in his tracks hearing her choked voice. He turned in an instant & his heart pained seeing her cry. Before he could say anything, Naina had hugged him again, stopping him from moving out of their room. His heart skipped beats feeling her shudder in his hold. How could he leave her alone now?

"Naina... I'm so sorry... Main tumhe akela nahi chodunga, kahin nahi jaaunga, tum bas rona band kardo please. Tum toh ab tak jaan gayi hogi ki main gusse mein jo nahi karna chahiye, wohi kar deta hun, anjaane mein hi sahi main apne hosh kho deta hun. Please rona band karo Naina, main kahin nahi jaa raha. Dekho main yahin hun, tumhare paas..."

His words soothed her pain, her heart, her soul, her entire being. She looked up at him, "Sacchii..." He smiled, wiping her tears, "Sacchii..." She finally smiled & moved away from his arms half-heartedly. This was where she wanted to stay forever but she knew that wasn't possible. Whatever was happening between them at this moment felt temporary. She knew this would end soon enough.

Sameer was looking at her keenly, trying to decipher her feelings. Without thinking much about the consequences, he took a step ahead & held her cheek in his large palm, touching it softly. Naina closed her eyes, relishing his touch. He rubbed her cheek with his thumb & she shivered again.

She had never been in such close proximity with any guy in her whole life. This was the first time & it was different, this closeness was affecting her, her mind, her body, her soul & she wanted that for tonight, even if it lasted for this one night. She gave in...

"Naina...", he whispered. She opened her eyes & met his heated gaze. As the medicine had started to show its effects, her eyes started drooping a little. Sameer saw that & murmured, "Naina... Chalo so jaate hai. Nanu ne tumhe aaraam karne ko kahaa hai na? Chalo..." he dragged her to his bed & she looked confused.

He made her sit on the bed, "Naina... Tum yahaan so sakti ho. Main couch par so jaaunga. Please tumhe aaram ki zarurat hai. Maine dekha hai kaise tum sikud kar soti ho couch pe, kitna uncomfortable hota hai. Aaj se tum bed par so jaana, main couch par so jaaunga."

Naina stood up with a jerk, "Nahi... Sameer... Aap couch pe nahi soyenge. Yeh aapka bed hai aur aap yahni soyenge. Main couch pe so jaaungi, aap fikar mat kijiye, main ab thik hun." He stood up too & glared at her, "Maine kahaa na ki tum bed pe so jao, toh bas ab koi behes nahi." She didn't hear him & walked towards the couch.

In the last few days, Sameer had seen her stubbornness & he knew that she won't sleep on his bed. But he had seen how uncomfortably she slept on the couch & he didn't want her to lose her sleep because of that, especially tonight.

Sameer had to do something & then he played his last card. He walked up to her & sat beside her, "Thodi der baat karen?" Naina stared at him in surprise but agreed nonetheless with her drowsy eyes. He sat beside her & started, "Toh batao... Café mein kaam karna kaisa lag raha hai?"

She didn't understand what he was upto now with this conversation, yet she answered, "Mujhe accha lag raha hai café mein kaam karna. Pehle kabhi aise baahar kaam kiya nahi tha, toh ab dheere dheere seekh rahi hun. Aur mujhe ek acchi friend bhi mil gayi, Preeti, toh main bohot khush hun."

Sameer smiled hearing her reply & continued, "College parso se shuru ho rahi hai, fir dono kaise sambhaalogi Naina?" She thought for a while, "Sambhaal lungi..." "Naina... Kehna aasaan hai, par karna mushkil. Tum subah se college jaaogi, uske baad café, fir tum padhai kab karogi?", he asked raising his eyebrows.

He saw her yawning & smiled, finally his plan working. "Accha yeh batao, agar tumhare Nanaji zinda hote toh kya karte jab unhe pataa chalta ki tum post-graduation kar rahi ho, nayi college jaanewaali ho?" Her eyes misted remembering her grandfather.

"Nanaji... wohhh toh bohot khush hote. Nanaji hamesha chaahte the ki main aage padhun, zindagi mein bohot tarakki karun." Some tears made its way & she cried. This time Sameer didn't tell her to stop, he let her cry. After few minutes of silence, she continued, "Nanaji mujhe har saal college shuru hote hi naye kapde dilaate, mujhe nayi pens gift karte, unhe pataa jo tha ki mujhe likhna bohot pasand hai."

She yawned again & again & then leaned on his shoulder & drifted to sleep. Sameer knew that the painkiller was strong enough to make her sleep, when its effect would start showing. Without disturbing her sleep, he picked her up in his arms & moved towards his bed slowly.

He placed her softly on his bed & pulled the quilt over her. He was happy to see her there. He himself didn't understand why he did this & why he was so happy seeing her on his bed? He switched off the lights & moved towards the couch to sleep. He too drifted to sleep immediately feeling her warmth in her quilt.

On the other side, the scene was totally different in Kabir's house, Preeti was worried sick about his sudden disappearance. When he reached home, he saw his sister pacing in the living room. She turned when she heard some footsteps.

Seeing his brother on the door, she ran to him, "Aap kahaan chale gaye the bhaiya? Main kab se aapka intezaar kar rahi hun. Time dekha hai aapne, aap do ghante se gayab the aur phone bhi nahi uthaa rahe the. Kahaan the aap itni der Bhaiya?"

Kabir saw his baby sister all worked up & worried for him. He gently caressed her head, "Main yeh dekhne gaya tha ki Naina thik se ghar pohonchi yaa nahi. Aaj Sameer bhi nahi aaya tha na usse lene, isliye main bas check karne gaya tha."

She asked, "Naina pohonch toh gayi na ghar thik se?" She saw her brother's pained expression & asked again, "Kya hua Bhaiya? Kuch hua hai kya? Naina thik toh hai na? Pataa nahi, aaj jab wohh akeli ghar jaa rahi thi, toh mera mann baitha jaa raha tha, jaise kuch bura honewala ho. Bolo na bhaiya, Naina thik toh hai na?"

Kabir was shocked to hear that Preeti had already sensed some danger. He held her hand & took her to the couch. Once they settled, Kabir told her everything that Naina faced today on that dark scary road. Preeti sobbed when he finished speaking & then hugged her brother.

"Sshhhh... Preeti... Chup ho jaa. Ab Naina bilkul thik hai. Main khud usse ghar chodkar aaya hun. Rona band kar behen. Tu jaanti hai na, mujhe tere aankhon mein aansoon acche nahi lagte. Chalo... rona band karo pehle.", he said wiping her tears.

"Jab wohh akeli gayi, tab hi mujhe kuch thik nahi lag raha tha. Aur wohhh Sameer, aaj kyun nahi aaya usse lene? Wohhh Naina bhi na, hume drop bhi nahi karne diya usse? Pataa nahi, kya beeti hogi uspar?", Kabir heard her anger & worry at the same time & smiled that finally his sister had indeed found a best friend. He had never seen her worry so much about anyone till now.

"Preeti... Naina thik hai ab." Preeti looked up at him & asked, "Ummm... Bhaiya... Main uske ghar phone karke pooch lun ki wohh thik hai ya nahi? Usse baat karne ka bohot mann ho raha hai. Naina se baat kar lungi na tabhi hi mujhe chain aayega, uski aawaaz sunni hai bhaiya."

Kabir understood his sister's feelings, "Preeti... Time dekh kya ho raha hai? Iss waqt kisike ghar call nahi karna chahiye. Shaayad, Naina abhi aaraam kar rahi ho, hume disturb nahi karna chahiye, usse aaraam ki zarurat hai abhi. Waise bhi hum kal dinner ke liye unke ghar jaa hi rahe hai na, tab Naina se acche se mil lena aur uske haal chaal bhi acche se pooch lena. Thik hai?"

Preeti reluctantly agreed, still worried for her soul sister. She knew that she couldn't talk to her best friend right now, she would've to wait till tomorrow evening till they visited their home. They had their dinner quietly & retired to their rooms.

Once in the room, Kabir was anxious with whatever happened in the last few hours. When he had seen those goons holding her, he had lost his cool. But somehow, he had curbed down his rage & acted maturely. This itself had been a task for him. He wanted to kill those guys with his bare hands. How could they even touch Naina?

Keeping his anger in check, he had handled the situation. He was surprised when he saw Naina hitting the other guy with that rod. He had never thought that she would be so strong enough to do this & act bravely. He was happy that finally she had talked to him & maybe this would help him to get closer to her & know her much better.

Something clicked in his mind & he wondered, "Mujhe pataa nahi aisa kyun lag raha hai jaise Sameer aur Naina ke beech kuch hai jo mujhe nazar nahi aa raha. Par kya? Sameer Naina ke saath kitna comfortably behave karta hai, maine kabhi usse aise nahi dekha, wohh bhi kisi ladki ke saath. Main kya karun, kuch samaj nahi aa raha? Kaise pataa lagaun kya hai unn dono ke beech?"

He remembered how Sameer had reacted, "Unki itni himmat ki unhone meri Naina ko haath lagaya." Had he really said, 'Meri Naina'? Kabir felt restless now, he needed to know their equation before he approached her. He liked her & he wanted to know her, get close to her. But after seeing the bonding between Sameer & Naina, he was in a fix. With confusion in his mind & heart, he drifted to sleep.

The next morning Sameer & Naina slept till late. When Naina opened her eyes, she saw the fan above her, then she felt the soft mattress. Realizing where she was sleeping, she got up with a start. She rubbed her eyes & then tried to remember, how she landed on his bed.

She turned left to see her adorable husband sleeping on the couch with a cute pout. She could see that he wasn't comfortable sleeping on it but yet the serene smile on his face brought a smile on her face too. She kept watching him & then got up from his bed.

She saw it was already ten in the morning. She kneeled down near the couch & called out softly, "Sameer... Sameer... Uthiye naa... dekhiye dus baj gaye hai. Nanaji hamara breakfast ke liye intezaar kar rahe honge." When he didn't move, she tried again, "Sameer... please uthiye naa..."

Sameer thought that he was dreaming, so he murmured in sleep, "Ummmm... Sone do na Naina... please..." After hearing him plead for some more sleep, Naina didn't have heart to wake him up again. With a soft smile on her face, she went to her luggage bag & chose the dress for the day.

While bathing, she thought back to the events that happened since last night. She recollected how Sameer had reacted, how he behaved nicely with her, how he stayed there for her, how he consoled her. Her cheeks turned crimson red while remembering the way he was gazing at her last night.

Suddenly she remembered what he had said to Kabir, "Unki itni himmat ki unhone meri Naina ko haath lagaya." Her heart stopped fully. Did he really call her his Naina? She hit her forehead, "Sameer ne aise hi gusse gusse mein keh diya hoga. Tu jyada mat soch Naina, wohhh ek pal acche hote hai toh dusre hi pal gussa bhi ho jaate hai. Unhe khud pataa nahi hoga ki wohh kya keh gaye. Ek baat yaad rakh Naina ki tum iss ghar mein sirf ek saal ke liye hai, uske baad tujhe yahaan se hamesha hamesha ke liye jaana hoga, iss ghar ko chodna hoga, sab rishtey peeche chodne honge, har khushi ko alvida kehna hoga."

She let her tears fall & then finished her bath. When she came out, she saw him still sleeping, clutching her quilt tightly. Firming herself, she left the room & headed downstairs. She saw Nanu sitting with his favorite Rahu-Ketu. She smiled & walked towards them.

They saw her approaching & Mundit were beside her in a flash. "Bhabhi... Tum thik toh ho na? Hume Nanu ne bataaya kal raat kya hua tha. Tumhe kahin chot toh nahi lagi na?", Munna asked in concern.

"Main thik hun. Tum dono chinta mat karo." Nanu came forward & hugged her, "Ab thik hai na meri bacchii?" She nodded, "Haannn... Nanaji main ab ekdum thik hun." Munna's & Pandit's eyes misted & they too joined their hug.

"Naina... Sameer kahaan hai? Wohh nahi aaya neeche?", Nanu asked gesturing towards their room. She smiled, "Sameer ab bhi so rahe hai. Mera mann nahi kiya unki gehri neend todne ka, isliye maine uthaaya nahi." Nanu caressed her face, "Chal... naashta kar lete hai, bhook lagi hogi na?" He turned towards the boys, "Rahu-Ketu... Chalo... tumhara dost toh ab tak so raha hai, tum dono bhi hamare saath naashta kar lo."

They enjoyed the breakfast of upma made by Ramdhari. While serving, even he couldn't hold back his worry, "Bhabhi... Ab aap bhale hi thik ho, par aaj aap koi kaam nahi karengi. Main sab sambhaal lunga." "Bhaiya... Aap chinta mat kijiye, main bilkul thik hun. Aur aise kaise aap akele sab kaam karenge?"

He looked at Nanu, "Nanaji... Aap hi kuch kahiye Naina Bhabhi se." Now, Nanu was in a fix. He looked amongst the two & said, "Naina... Ramdhari thik toh keh raha hai, aaj tum aaram kar lo. Sab kaam aaj Ramdhari sambhaal lega."

Naina shook his head, "Nahi Nanaji. Aaj shaam ko Kabir aur Preeti bhi toh aa rahe hai. Aise kaise main unko sab kaam akele karne dun." Nanu looked at the two & spoke with finality in his voice, "Thik hai. Tum dono aisa karo, lunch Ramdhari ko banane do aur fir tum uski dinner banane mein help kar dena Naina." Both of them agreed.

Sameer woke up with a start when he heard some noise from downstairs. He looked at the clock & then turned towards his bed to find it already empty. He rushed towards the washroom to get ready. Once he was done, he left downstairs to find his best friends sitting with his Nanu in the living room.

He scanned around to get a glimpse on his lovely wife which was surely noticed by the others. "Sameer... Idhar udhar kya dekh raha hai? Hum toh yahaan baithe hai. Chal idhar aaja, hum Nanu se California wala project discuss kar rahe hai."

After not finding Naina around, his shoulders dropped & he walked towards the couch where his friends were settled with Nanu. Within five minutes, he was engrossed in explaining the details of the project to Nanu.

Naina had heard Munna's voice & she started preparing his favorite coffee. She had asked Ramdhari to prepare dough for making aloo parathas. He was done with that & then Naina took over.

Sameer inhaled the aroma of his favorite coffee & was elated that it was definitely made by his wife. Within ten minutes, Ramdhari carried the coffees & aloo parathas to the living room & served Sameer first, "Sameer Bhaiya... lijiye aapka mannpasand naashta."

Sameer attacked the parathas as if he was starving since so many days. Nanu & his friends looked at his changing behavior & were happy with that. He relished the coffee as always groaning all the while.

Naina kept peeking from the kitchen, she didn't want to face him right now, especially after sharing those special moments last night. On the other side, Sameer waited desperately for her to come out of the kitchen.

He couldn't wait more & called out, "Naina... Naina... Mujhe ek aur cup coffee chahiye." She heard his voice & trembled with its intensity. Without replying, she started making coffee for him. This time she had to face him as Ramdhari was already in the garden, watering the plants. She couldn't call him out just to serve the coffee to Sameer.

With trembling hands, she held the cup & walked out of the kitchen. Sameer did continue discussing about the project, but his eyes stayed glued towards the kitchen, waiting for her to appear.

When she came out of the kitchen, he left the discussion midway & stood up. The others went quiet & looked up in amusement. He walked up to her & took the cup away. "Naina... Tum thik ho?" She met his worried gaze, "Main ab bilkul thik hun."

His eyes moved towards her elbow to see the new bandage. She stuttered, "Wohh... wohhh... thodi der pehle Nanaji ne bandage badal diya." He didn't answer & looked at her face intently, especially her swollen cheek. Without a word, he palmed her cheek & asked, "Ab bhi dukh raha hai kya?"

Naina shivered with his touch yet again. He too noticed that but remained focused on her pain for now. She held his intense gaze & replied, "Ab nahi dukh raha." The loud cough of Nanu broke their eye lock & they turned to him looking away.

"Aaj Sameer ko coffee itni acchi lagi ki usne Naina ko dobara banaane lagaaya. Waahhh... Kya baat hai? Aisa toh aaj tak kabhi nahi hua? Kyun Chenu?", Pandit nudged Munna & Nanu coughed again.

Sameer walked towards Nanu & handed him a glass of water. "Nanu... Doctor ko bulaa le kya? Aapko khaasi bhi ho gayi hai aur ek baar wohh Naina ko bhi check kar lenge toh accha hoga, agar Naina ko kahin jyada dard ho raha ho toh?" He tried diverting his best friends' teasing.

"Nahi barkhurdaar. Main thik hi hun, bas galaa sukh gaya tha isliye khaansi aa rahi thi." Nanu turned to Naina, "Tum chaaho toh Naina ke liye doctor ko bulaa sakte ho." She immediately replied, "Nanaji... Main thik hun. Doctor ko bulaane ki koi zarurat nahi hai."

Sameer didn't turn & replied, "Thik hai. Nanu... Main zara baahar jaa raha hun, thoda zaruri kaam hai, shaam tak aa jaunga." Before anyone could ask him anything, he was out of the house with his car keys.

Nanu asked, "Naina... Tumhe pataa hai, Sameer kahaan gaya abhi?" She shook her head,
"Nahi Nanaji... Mujhe kuch nahi pataa." She was about to turn towards the kitchen again, when she heard the honk of a car outside their mansion. Was be back?

Even Nanu & Munna Pandit turned hearing the sound. "Naina..." Preeti hollered from the door & ran to her, crushing Naina in her arms. "Tu thik hai Naina?" Her choked voice was quite evident & Naina replied rubbing her back, "Main thik hun Preeti."

She left her & shouted, holding her shoulders, "Kisne kahaa tha itni raat akele jaane ko? Ek toh wohh Sameer bhi tujhe lene nahi aaya aur tune hume bhi tujhe drop karne se manaa kar diya? Iske aage tu kabhi kahin akeli nahi jaayegi samjhi? Pataa hai jab bhaiya ne sab bataaya toh mera dil hi baith gaya, yeh sochkar ki kaise tune unn dono ka saamna kiya hoga, kya beeti hogi tujhpar? Main khud ek ladki hun aur bohot acche se samaj sakti hun sab."

Naina hugged her again calming herself down & her best friend's heart, "Preeti... Shant ho jaa... Dekh main bilkul thik hun." Preeti looked at her from top to bottom & asked, "Tujhe kahin jyada dard toh nahi ho raha na?" Naina shook her head & Preeti stepped ahead & whispered, "Main uss chot ki baat nahi kar rahi jo sabko dikhti hai Naina, main uss ghaav ki baat kar rahi hun jo hamare sharir se jyada hamare mann par lagta hai. Main acche se jaanti hun ki kaisa lagta hai jab koi tumhari permission ke bina tumhe choone ki koshish karta hai. Ab batao, tum thik ho?"

Naina's eyes misted automatically after understanding what Preeti was referring to. They hugged again & Preeti rubbed her back, "Ssshhhh... Main ab se hamesha tumhare saath hi rahungi, tumhari hanuman bannkar. Agar kisine tumhe choone ki koshish bhi ki na toh main unki ek ek haddi tod dungi."

Everyone's eyes teared up seeing the strong bond of the two girls. After hearing the last line of Preeti, Pandit chuckled & she turned to him, "Itni kya hasi aa rahi hai tumhe? Main sach mein kisiki bhi sab haddiyaan tod sakti hun. Dekhna hai tumhe?", she said squinting her eyes at him.

Kabir came ahead & patted Pandit's back, "Yeh sach keh rahi hai. Meri behen ne karate sikha hai, toh jab yeh aisa kuch kehti hai toh usse karke bhi dikhaati hai. Dekhna hai tumhe?" Pandit paled hearing his words & he started stuttering, "Main... main... toh... aise hi... tum par nahi hass raha tha... wohh... wohh... mujhe achanak se koi joke yaad aa gaya... isliye main hasa... sacchiii..."

When he glanced at Munna & Nanu for help, they just shrugged & then he pleaded at Kabir who just smiled in response. When he met Preeti's gaze, he knew that she was definitely serious about breaking anyone's bones. Now he wondered if she would break his bones first. What a start, wasn't it???

After a minute, everyone broke into peals of laughter seeing Pandit's serious expressions. He rubbed his neck nervously & looked away while Preeti smiled. Kabir came forward & touched Nanu's feet, "Nanaji... Sorry hum jaldi hi aa gaye. Preeti kal raat se hi Naina ko milne ke liye bechain ho gayi thi. Maine raat ko usse jaise taise rok liya par aaj usne meri ek nahi suni aur uski haalat dekhkar main usse yahaan Naina se milaana le aaya."

Nanu hugged him & called out Preeti, he hugged them together, "Tum dono yahaan kabhi bhi aa sakte ho, agar kabhi aadhi raat ko bhi yahaan aane ka mann kare toh aa jaana, iss ghar ke darwaaze tum dono ke liye hamesha khule rahenge." The siblings' eyes misted & they hugged him again.

Naina & Preeti helped Ramdhari to cook lunch for them while the others sat chatting in the living room. Once the lunch was prepared, the girls joined the others. Kabir asked hesitantly, "Sameer kahaan hai? Dikh nahi raha?" "Arey usko koi zaruri kaam tha isliye wohh baahar gaya hai, shaam tak aa jaayega.", Munna replied.

Kabir hadn't got hold of Naina alone so that he could talk to her & ask about her health. He was busy talking to Munna, Pandit & Nanu. They had their lunch amongst lots of laughter & fun. Naina though missed the presence of her caring husband, she kept trying to smile throughout the lunch.

Once they were done, Kabir announced, "Nanaji... Ab hume jaana chahiye." Preeti didn't want to go but yet she joined his brother. "Bacchon... Tum ab dinner karke hi jaana. Jab se tum dono aaye ho, iss ghar mein aur bhi ronak aa gayi hai. Aaj dinner tak ruk jao tum dono, Naina ko bhi accha lagega. Waise Sameer bhi ab tak nahi aaya, usse bhi mil lo aur fir dinner karke chale jaana ghar."

Preeti looked at her brother with puppy eyes & he relented, "Thik hai Nanaji... Hum ab dinner karke hi jaayenge." He turned to look at his sister & pinched her cheek, "Ab khush???" She jumped, "Haaannnn... Bohot khush..." She held Naina's hands & spoke, "Chal tere kamre mein jaate hai, dher saari gossip karni hai tujhse."

Naina froze on her spot, she couldn't decide in which room she should take her. Mundit saw through her confusion, "Arey Preeti... Kuch samay hamare saath toh baitho, humse bhi baat karlo.", Pandit tried to help which turned futile hearing Preeti's reply, "Main tumhare saath kyun gossip karun? Aur abhi toh hum sab ne saath mein lunch kiya na? Aur kya baatein karni hai tumhe, huh???"

Naina understood that he was just trying to help her so she replied, "Preeti... Chod na... Chal upar chalte hai mere room mein." Naina dragged her upstairs & entered her old room. She couldn't take Preeti to her new room where there were pictures of Sameer all around the room. She still wasn't prepared to let her know about their marriage.

They sat on the bed & continued gossiping forgetting about the time. It was evening, when she heard the sound of the car. She walked up to the window & looked down to see her dashing husband giving a shake to his head to settle his hair. She saw few bags in his hands & then she met his gaze which was now fixed on her.

He winked & walked inside the house. Her cheeks colored instantly which was caught by her friend, "Tera chehra achaanak se itna laal kaise ho gaya?" Naina had almost forgotten about her presence. She turned, "Laal... Mera chehra kaise laal ho sakta hai Preeti? Kuch bhi bolti hai tu?"

Preeti didn't pester her more & then said, "Chal ab neeche jaate hai, kabse yahin hai hum." Naina too wanted to go downstairs & see her handsome husband. She said, "Preeti tum chalo, main zara fresh hokar aati hun." Peeti left her room & Naina entered the washroom.

When she came out, she heard a knock on the door. "Ab yahaan kaun aa sakta hai?", she wondered & walked towards the door to open it. She looked at the person standing in front of her & asked, "Aap... aap yahaan kya kar rahe hai? Kuch chahiye tha kya Kabir?"

He replied rubbing his neck nervously, "Nahi... Mujhe kuch nahi chahiye, bas tumse baat karni thi." She hesitantly opened the door wide & he entered. "Wohh mujhe sirf yahi poochna tha ki tum thik ho?" Finally, he had asked her. She smiled, "Main thik hun Kabir aur yeh sab aapki wajah se hai. Pataa nahi agar aap kal time pe nahi aate toh kya hota?"

"Acche logon ke saath hamesha accha hi hota hai Naina. Mujhe toh wahaan aana hi tha. Khair chodo. Kal jo bhi hua usse bhoolne ki koshish karna aur kal se college shuru ho rahi hai toh apni padhai par dhyaan do." She nodded, "Haaannn... Ab sirf aage hi badhna hai, peeche mud kar nahi dekhna mujhe."

Kabir reluctantly moved out of her room & she sat there for a while. Within a minute, the door opened again & Sameer walked in with a frown on his face. "Tum yahaan kya kar rahi ho? Hamare room mein kyun nahi ho? Main kabse tumhe dhoond raha tha."

Her heart & mind fully aware of his proximity as he walked to her. "Bolo..." She came out of her trance & stuttered, "Main... wohhh... Preeti ke saath thi yahaan. Hamare room mein nahi le jaati sakti thi na?" "Kyun???", he asked closing the distance between them.

He hadn't even touched her & still goosebumps erupted all over her skin. "Wohhh... wohhh... main usse nahi bataa sakti na ki hum married hai, isliye main Preeti ko iss room mein le aayi. Uss kamre mein le jaati toh aapke photos dekhkar bohot sawaal karti. Aur aapne hi toh condition rakhi hai ki hum kisiko nahi bataa sakte ki hum shaadishuda hai. Toh main Preeti ko wahan kaise le jaati?"

Sameer's eyes became stoic in a second & without replying, he left the room & banged the door shut with a loud thud.

How was the update?

I'm very sorry that I couldn't include the dinner in this chapter. The next chapter will definitely include the awaiting dinner.

I'm again sorry to say that I won't be able to update any of my stories till two weeks.

First reason is that I'm vaccinated today & my left hand is paining like hell & my head is aching too much.

Second reason is that I'm very much busy with my work due to quarter end jobs & also I've to attend office regularly. By the time I come home, I don't have much energy left to write.

Third reason is that I would be travelling to Pune for some days starting the next weekend. So, again I won't be able to write much.

I only know how I've completed today's update with the hurting arm. I will be home for two more days but as I need rest, I won't even try to write.

I'm really sorry again. But I will still try to write if I feel better & I will surely carry my laptop with me to Pune as well...

Do vote, comment & share if you like the story...

Ignore the mistakes...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤

Originally posted by: Dharapriya

Will be eagerly waiting for next update

Have updated today...👍

Nice update. I really like this caring sameer. He is so adorable . No problem dear we understand ur situation. We will wait. Now don't know what is sameer gonna do at dinner table.

Originally posted by: Dharapriya

Nice update. I really like this caring sameer. He is so adorable . No problem dear we understand ur situation. We will wait. Now don't know what is sameer gonna do at dinner table.

Thank you so much dear...❤

Yess the caring Maheshwari is very much adorable...😊

I'm updating the next part now.

Let me know your reviews about it too...

Hello friends...

I'm back with the next part...

Thanks for bearing with my late updates...

And special thanks each one of you for caring about my health...

I'm very much fine now, just too much busy in office...

Enjoy reading the update...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 13

When Sameer left the house, he was not sure where he was heading to. Many things were going on in his mind. He was surprised with himself, his behavior towards Naina was changing & he was confused with this sudden transformation.

He had seen Naina in her most vulnerable state for the first time yesterday which had touched his heart immensely. If she hadn't stopped him last night, he would've definitely gone to the police station & broken those guys' each & every bone, or rather he would've killed them. How could they dare to touch his wife?

Since his mother committed suicide, he had promised himself that he would never marry or ever fall in love in this life. But his destiny had some other plans for him & now he was married to Naina. This marriage had taken place only to fulfil their grandfather's promise.

Though this marriage was forced on them emotionally, he understood that he had Naina's responsibility on him now. He was responsible for her safety, security & every aspect which affected her life. He would've to take over the responsibility of being her husband. Even if he married her only on paper, he was her husband. He was responsible & answerable for everything.

He stopped the car near a tea stall, lost in his thoughts. He closed his eyes & remembered her tear-stained face, her elbow which was bleeding & her swollen cheek. His hands fisted & he banged them on the steering wheel in frustration.

A small knock on the window made him aware of his surroundings & his rage mellowed down. He opened it to find a young boy standing there smiling at him, "Bhaiyaa... Garma garam chai lenge, mood ekdum thik ho jaayega." Seeing the genuine smile on the boy's face, Sameer agreed, "Ek cutting dena." The boy sauntered towards the stall & was back within a minute with a small glass of tea & a pack of biscuit.

Sameer enjoyed the tea & handed over the biscuit packet to that boy, "Yeh tum khaa lena." He took out his wallet & handed over a five hundred rupee note to him. "Bhaiyaa... ummmm... abhi itne chute nahi honge hamare paas.", the boy said honestly.

Sameer looked up at him, "Yeh tumhare liye hi hai. Rakh lo." The boy was happy receiving such a big amount for the first time. "Thank You Bhaiyaa. Par main nahi rakh sakta yeh paise. Baba hamesha kehte hai ki mehnat se hi paise kamaane chahiye."

Sameer was impressed, "Tumhara naam kya hai? Padhai karte ho?" "Bhaiyaa... Mera naam Shravan hai aur main yahin paas waale Ahmedabad University mein padhta hun." He handed over the note to Sameer who wasn't ready to take it back, "Tumne abhi mujhe bhaiyaa kahaa na, toh fir rakh lo. Aage kaam aayenge."

Shravan couldn't deny him this time & pocketed the money. Sameer came out of his car & asked, "Kaunsa course kar rahe ho?" "Main abhi last year mein hun, kal se college shuru ho jaayega." Sameer leaned on his car, "Graduation complete karne ke baad kya socha hai?"

Shravan replied instantly, "Pehle toh achha sa job karna hai taaki ghar ke kharche utha sakun." "Fir yahaan kyun kaam kar rahe ho?", Sameer asked confused. He smiled, "Yeh mere baba ka chai ka thela hai, unki tabiyat thik nahi rehti aajkal toh main yahaan unki madad karne aa jaata hu. Bas ek baar acchi job mil jaaye toh main unhe ghar pe aaraam karne ko keh sakun."

Sameer felt bad hearing this & looked at the old man behind the tea stall. Making up his mind, he handed Shravan his card, "Kal dus baje office aa jana. Main tumhare liye kuch na kuch soch lunga. Ab jao, apne baba ki madad karo, gardi ho gayi hai wahaan." Shravan promised him that he would come tomorrow on time & rushed to help his father.

Sameer stood there for a while & then got back into his car. His thoughts again wandered to his adorable wife & his hold on the steering wheel tightened once again. Something struck his mind & he clearly remembered what he had said last night to Kabir, "Unki itni himmat ki unhone meri Naina ko haath lagaya."

He facepalmed himself, "Yeh maine kya keh diya? Kabir kya soch raha hoga? Kya Naina ne bhi yeh suna hoga, kya soch rahi hogi wohh mere baare mein? I hope dono mein se kisika uss baat pe dyaan hi na gaya ho. Par main aise kaise usse meri Naina bula sakta hun?" His heart replied instantly, "Kyun nahi bula sakta? Aakhir biwi hai teri?"

He clutched the steering wheel hard, "Meri biwi toh hai. Aur jisne uski yeh haalat ki, unhe main chodunga nahi. Kal raat Naina ne mujhe rok liya tha par aaj koi nahi rok paayega iss Sameer Maheshwari ko." He started the car & drove towards the police headquarters. On the way, he made a call to the police commissioner & asked for a favor which was granted too.

When Sameer entered the commissioner's cabin, he greeted the old man & then narrated the entire episode that happened with Naina last night. "Sameer... Tum jaisa chahte the waisa maine kar diya hai." He ringed the bell & a constable appeared, "Sakharam... Inhe uparwaale kamre mein le jao."

"Thank you so much uncle for your help." He just smiled in response & Sameer left with the constable. They ascended the stairs & then stopped right in front of a room at the corner. The constable opened the door & gestured Sameer to enter first.

When he entered the dimly lit room, he saw two people tied to the chairs. The constable came ahead & opened their blindfolds. Sameer could clearly see that they were beaten hard by the police too. But still he wasn't satisfied. They needed to be taught a lesson in his style. He wasn't going to spare them at all. They will regret touching his wife & wouldn't dare to do ever like this with any girl in future, he was going to make sure about it.

The constable left the room quietly as he guessed why Sameer wanted them here, the commissioner had already informed him too. Both the guys opened their eyes to take in the surroundings clearly. Their hands & legs were tied to the chair with ropes.

Sameer controlled his anger & took deliberate steps towards them. One of the guys asked, "Tum kaun ho? Aur hume yahaan kyun laaya gaya hai?" Sameer replied keeping his anger in check, "Main news channel se aaya hun, ek article likhna hai kaidiyon par, isliye tumhe yahaan laaya gaya hai. Toh batao, tumhe kis jurm ke liye giraftaar kiya gaya hai?"

The other guy muttered, "Kaisa aur kaunsa jurm? Humne toh kuch kiya bhi nahi tha aur hume yahaan laaya hai." Sameer fisted his hands while the first one spoke, "Hume toh sirf thode mazze lene the uss ladki ke saath, par aisa kuch hua hi nahi. Beech mein ek hero aa gaya aur hamara poora mazza kharaab kar diya."

The other continued, "Kuch bhi bolo, kya maal thi wohhh... Ek baar waapis mauka mile toh..." He couldn't finish his sentence as Sameer had punched him straight on his face, breaking his front teeth & blood started oozing out from his mouth instantly. Before the other guy could react, Sameer punched him hard on his stomach. Both of them growled in pain.

Sameer didn't stop at that. He saw a swift electric gun that was kept on the table at the corner. He had requested the commissioner to arrange for it. He picked it up with ease & walked back to them with a devilish smile.

"Inhi gandhe haathon se chua tha na tum dono ne usse?" Sameer pressed the gun to their hands which administered the electric shock with high voltage current. They screamed in pain. Now Sameer was satisfied hearing their cries. "Kyun mazza aa raha hai na ab??? Kaisa lagaa yeh jhatka? Zor se lagaa na?"

The first guy shouted, "Tum... tum... koi news reporter nahi ho? Kyun kar rahe ho aisa? Humne kya bigaada hai tumhara?" The other guy continued in pain, "Bhai... hume kyun current de raha hai? Kitna zor ka current lag raha hai?"

Sameer couldn't control anymore & screamed at top of his voice, "Wohhh... meri biwi hai jiske saath tumne aisi giri hui harkat karne ki koshish ki thi. Meri biwi ke saath badtameezi karne ki yahi sazaa milegi tumhe. Arey tum jaise logon ko toh maar hi dena chahiye." Sameer again pressed the gun to their bodies & continued doing it several more times till the commissioner walked inside the room with the constable tagging along.

"Sameer... Sameer... chodo... mar jaayenge wohh dono... chodo..." The constable took away the electric gun & the commissioner dragged him out of that room. "Uncle... Aise logon ko toh zinda rakhna hi nahi chahiye. Inhone meri Naina ko haath lagaaya, usse thappad maara, usse badtameezi ki... inhe toh main zinda rehne hi nahi dunga.", Sameer let out his frustration.

Commissioner pulled Sameer away from that room & led him to his cabin downstairs. Sameer was still fuming in rage. He was handed a glass of cold water & he drowned it down in a single sip. He sat down on the chair across the commissioner & exhaled, "Thank You... Aapne meri itni help ki, wohh gun arrange ki itne short notice mein. Thank you so much."

"Sameer... Maine yeh sab isliye kiya kyunki main jaanta tha ki tum yunhi yeh sab nahi karoge. Kuch toh bohot solid wajah hogi jiski wajah se tumne meri help maangi. Aur tumne bhi toh pehli baar hi meri aise help maangi thi, tohhh usse poora karna hi tha."

He looked at Sameer & chuckled, "Waise maanna padega... Main aaj ek naye Sameer ko dekh raha hun. Jo hamesha ladkiyon se durr bhaagta tha, wohh aaj ek ladki ki wajah se hi yahaan hai. Bohot pyaar karte ho na usse, isliye tumne unn dono ko itna current diya? Agar main time par nahi aata abhi toh shaayad tum unhe maar hi daalte. Itna pyaar karte ho apni Naina se?"

Sameer looked at him sharply. He continued, "Bohot lucky hai Naina jisse tum mile, jo usse itna pyaar karta hai, tumhari aankhon mein wohi pyaar ki chamak dekh raha hun jo tumhare Nanaji ke aankhon mein dikhti thi unki patni ke liye. Tum bilkul Jayprakashji ki chavi ho Sameer aur main toh bohot khush hun ki aakhirkaar tumhari zindagi mein koi toh aisi ladki aayi jo tumhare liye itna maayne rakhti hai." Sameer thanked him again & left from there with lots of complicated thoughts.

Once back in the car, he thought about what commissioner uncle told him, he couldn't react to whatever uncle was telling him, he himself was dumbstruck hearing his words. Was he in love with Naina??? Nooo... That can't be. Then it struck him once more that he had called her his Naina in front of the uncle too. What was wrong with him? Why was he again & again calling her his Naina? It seemed as those electric shocks had affected him too, so he was calling her his Naina since last night.

He drove off from the police headquarters mindlessly. Suddenly some old lady appeared in front of his car & his car screeched to a halt. The lady had already crossed the road & there was no mishap. He looked around to find that he had reached the market. His eyes landed on the stationery shop nearby & he parked his car at the side of the road.

He entered the shop & purchased some pens as he remembered what Naina had shared last night about her Nanaji's gifts. He purchased different kinds of pens with different colors. He even bought a stylish diary for her which was accompanied with a dozen of long note books, pencils, erasers & whatever he could see in front of him.

Once back, he kept away the bags in his car & again headed towards the market. He spotted the store he was searching for & entered determined to buy few dresses fo her. But as soon as he entered, he was shocked to see the huge collection of women wear. He stood confused in the middle of the shop.

He turned suddenly, when someone tapped on his shoulder. "Sir... Aapko kuch karidna hai kya? Main aapki kuch madad kar dun?" Sameer muttered, "Haaannn... Mujhe kuch dresses karidne hai?" The salesman continued, "Aapko kis type ke dresses kharidne hai?" Sameer looked around & replied, "Mujhe salwar suits hi dikha do."

The salesman guided him towards a counter & asked, "Sir... Mujhe size bataaiye main abhi sab ek se badhkar ek new arrivals dikhaata hun." Sameer froze & mustering up some courage, he asked, "Size???" The salesman smiled, "Haannn Sir... Size bataayenge tabhi toh main aapko barabar dresses dikha paaunga, warna dresses aapki wife ko thik se fit kaise aayengi?"

Sameer hadn't thought about it. He didn't even know her size. He shifted his gaze to the salesman who asked, "Kya Sir? Aapko aapki wife ka size tak yaad nahi aa raha? Aapko dekhkar lagta nahi ki aapki shaadi ko jyada saal hue honge?" Sameer's anger spiked, "Meri shaadi kab hui isme tumhe interest lene ki zaroorat nahi hai... Tum chupchaap apna kaam karo aur aisa karo mujhe kuch dress materials hi dikha do."

Without uttering a word, the salesman brought a variety of dress materials in different colors & designs. Sameer closed his eyes imagining what color would look good on her. He selected six dress materials for her. When he was paying the bill, the salesman asked, "Sir... Aap next time apni wife ko saath le aana, unki choice se bhi kuch kharid lijiyega. Waise sach bolun Sir, aapki choice bhi bohot acchi hai. Mujhe poora yakin hai ki madam ko yeh dresses bohot pasand aayenge."

Sameer smiled & collected the bags, walking towards his car. He had never in his life done shopping for a girl. He looked heavenwards & smiled to himself, "Pataa nahi iss ek saal mein main aur kya kya karunga?"

When he reached home, it was already evening. As he came out of the car, he felt someone's gaze on him & he looked upwards to find his lovely wife staring at him. His smile broadened & he picked up the bags from the backseat, his gaze still locked on her. He winked at her & then walked towards entrance.

As he entered, he saw his best friends sitting with Nanu as he had expected. His friends & Nanu were surprised to see him carrying so many bags. "Sameer... yeh itni sari bags mein kya hai?", Pandit asked curiously while others waited for his reply.

He turned towards the kitchen & called out, "Ramdhari... Ramdhari..." That poor guy dropped the plate that he was holding, hearing his Bhaiya's loud voice. He came running out to see Sameer holding lots of bags.

"Inhe mere kamre mein rakh de please..." Ramdhari smiled & took all the bags from him to keep them in his room. Sameer turned to Nanu & his friends gesturing them to sit but before he could say anything, he heard Preeti's voice, "Hiii Sameer... Kahaan the ab tak? Hum kab se tumhara intezaar kar rahe the. Aur yeh Sunday ko kaunsa important kaam tha tumhe?"

Sameer was definitely surprised to see her there. He was happy though, "Hey Preeti... Main toh bas yunhi zara baahar tehelne nikal pada tha, itna koi zaruri kaam nahi tha. Tum batau, kaisi ho? Kab aayi tum? Aur akeli hi aayi ho? Kabir kahaan hai?" Preeti laughed, "Arey Rajdhani express ruko zara, itne saare sawaal ek saath kaun poochta hai? Accha thik hai, suno... Main akeli nahi aayi hun, bhai bhi aaye hai mere saath, shaayad tumhare room mein fresh hone gaye hai. Hum toh lunch se pehle hi aa gaye the."

Sameer asked hesitantly, "Tum Naina se mili?" Preeti replied with a broad smile, "Haannn... Naina se mile bina raha nahi jaa raha tha kal raat se, isliye Bhai ko subah subah hi kheench laayi yahaan." He was happy to see Preeti's care & love towards his wife. "Accha hua tum jaldi hi aa gayi. Naina bohot khush ho gayi hogi tumse milkar." She nodded, "Haannnn... Wohh toh hai, aakhir main uski best friend jo hun.", she said raising her imaginary collar.

Sameer saw Kabir descending the stairs lost in his thoughts. They both hugged each other & Sameer went back to his room in search of his dear wife. But he didn't find her in his room & then he saw Ramdhari had placed all the bags on the couch. He then remembered that he had seen in her standing near her old room's window. He opened the door & there she was sitting on the bed lost somewhere else.

He frowned seeing her there & asked, "Tum yahaan kya kar rahi ho? Hamare room mein kyun nahi ho? Main kabse tumhe dhoond raha tha." Her reply though left him stunned, "Main... wohhh... Preeti ke saath thi yahaan. Hamare room mein nahi le jaati sakti thi na?" He didn't like her answer & asked, "Kyun???"

He closed the distance between them & heard her reply once again that stole his smile away & his heart broke, "Wohhh... wohhh... main usse nahi bataa sakti na ki hum married hai, isliye main Preeti ko iss room mein le aayi. Uss kamre mein le jaati toh aapke photos dekhkar bohot sawaal karti. Aur aapne hi toh condition rakhi hai ki hum kisiko nahi bataa sakte ki hum shaadishuda hai. Toh main Preeti ko wahan kaise le jaati?"

Sameer didn't understand why he was feeling bad about it & left the room without giving any reply, banging the door shut with a loud thud. He went back to his room & locked it from inside. He sat down on his bed & mumbled to himself, "Main kya kar raha hun? Wohhh Naina meri har ek condition ko patthar ki lakeer maan rahi hai, meri har condition ko nibha rahi hai. Aur main... main aaj sabko chilla chilla kar keh raha tha ki wohh meri Naina hai, meri biwi hai."

He threw the pillows away from his bed in frustration, "Mujhe apne aap par control karna hoga. Maana kal jo bhi Naina ke saath hua wohhh nahi hona chahiye tha, aur issi wajah se mera dil pighal raha hai. Par mujhe yeh bhi yaad rakhna hoga ki Naina iss ghar mein aur meri zindagi mein sirf ek saal ke liye hi hai. Mujhe meri har condition ka acche se dhyaan rakhna hoga, jaise Naina rakh rahi hai."

He closed his eyes to see her face yet again. What was happening to him? Why was her face appearing in front of his eyes every time, whenever he closed his eyes? Why was he calling her his Naina in front of random people? He needed to be alert before taking her name in front of anyone from now onwards.

Determined to follow his own conditions, he freshened up & left downstairs to join the others. As he descended the stairs, the aroma of his favorite coffee hit his nostrils first, weakening his resolve made a few moments ago. After five minutes, Ramdhari served the coffees to everyone while Naina & Preeti brought some snacks.

Naina & Preeti made the dinner with the help of Ramdhari while the others kept watching the cricket match on television, chatting all the while. Once the dinner was placed on the dining table, Preeti hollered, "Chalo everyone... dinner is ready..."

Everyone settled down while Naina & Preeti served dinner to all. They too sat down next to each other & started eating. Everyone praised & relished the food wholeheartedly. "Waahhh itni acchi biryani toh maine kabhi nahi khaayi ab tak, Preeti... bohot mast banaayi hai aaj biryani tumne.", Kabir said while taking second serving of it.

Preeti looked sideways at her best friend & replied, "Bhai... Aapki favorite biryani aaj Naina ne banaayi hai." Kabir looked at Naina in surprise & Sameer coughed out loudly, breaking Kabir's gaze on his wife. Naina sprinted to him in an instant, offering him water, "Yeh lijiye... paani pi lijiye." He drank few sips while she rubbed his back slowly.

Her touch was what he was craving since last night & this touch calmed him down. When the coughing stopped, Naina returned to her seat. Nanu & his friends were very much happy with what they saw while Kabir & Preeti looked at each other, stunned watching the bond between the two.

"Waise biryani toh Sameer ki bhi favorite hai. Kyun Sameer?", Nanu teased while his friends sniggered. Sameer glanced at Naina to see the color rising on her cheeks which was noticed by Preeti too.

"Naina... kal se college shuru ho rahi hai, toh sab taiyaari ho gayi hai na acche se?" She smiled at Nanu, "Haannnn Nanaji... Sab taiyaari ho gayi hai." She turned to her best friend & asked, "Teri bhi college kal se shuru ho rahi hai na? Teri sab taiyaari ho gayi kya?" "Haannn Naina... Maine toh pehle se hi sab ready kar diya tha, bas college shuru hone ka wait kar rahi thi."

"Chalo accha hai... Kal se tum dono padhai mein busy ho jaaoge.", Nanu said & then asked further, "Tum dono fir café kab jaaogi?" Kabir answered this time, "Maine toh Preeti se kahaa bhi hai ki café ki chinta mat karo, main kuch intezaam kar leta hun, par yeh maan hi nahi rahi."

Nanu turned facing the girls, "Bacchon... Tumhari college kal se shuru ho jaayegi, jaldi uthna padega aur fir tum college khatam hone tak thak bhi jaaoge. Mujhe tum dono ke café mein kaam karne par koi rok tok nahi hai, par tumhe aisa nahi lagta ki abhi sirf padhai par dhyaan dena chahiye?"

Naina & Preeti glanced at each other understanding what he wanted to say. But still they wanted to work. Nanu looked at Sameer if he could make the girls understand. Sameer just shrugged in response & continued relishing his favorite biryani. After a while, he spoke, "Nanu... Aap chinta mat kijiye itna, dono manage kar lengi, padhai bhi aur café bhi." Though Nanu was shocked with his reply, he maintained a straight face.

Naina saw that Kabir was looking out for something, so she asked hesitantly, "Aapko kuch chahiye hai Kabir?" He nodded, "Haannn... Mujhe wohh dal chahiye thi." The large bowl filled with dal was kept near her, so she got up from her seat & walked to him with the bowl of dal in her hand to serve him.

Sameer saw this & wasn't happy at all. He thought, "Naina dal ka bowl pass bhi toh kar sakti thi na? Khud uthkar kyun serve kar rahi hai? Ramdhari bhi toh serve kar sakta tha par nahi isse khud hi accha banna hota hai hamesha." He squinted his eyes at them which was noticed by his friends & they shared a look amongst themselves.

Sameer wanted to concentrate on his plate but his eyes on its own accord moved towards the both. While placing the hot bowl down, Naina's hold on it loosened a bit & some of the hot dal fell on her hand. She yelped a little which grabbed everyone's attention. Sameer had almost got up from his seat, but as Naina was standing close to Kabir, he got hold of her hand & pulled her towards the kitchen's sink to wash her burnt hand.

Sameer clenched his jaws in anger & left towards his room as he couldn't see his wife growing so close to his own friend. Preeti & everyone were watching everything quietly. When Kabir & Naina came back, Sameer wasn't there on the dining table. His plate was unfinished. Naina looked at Nanu, "Ummm... Sameer... Unhone khaana khatam bhi nahi kiya aur wohh chale gaye?"

"Haannn... Shaayad uska pet bhar gaya hoga, isliye chala gaya.", Nanu quietly replied annoyed with his grandson's behavior. Kabir was surprised & confused as well with Sameer's sudden change in behavior. He had seen him leaving upstairs in fury. He looked at Preeti who was just finishing her food & wasn't meeting his eyes. Kabir asked, "Sameer humse mile bina hi chala gaya?"

"Sameer thak gaya hoga shaayad, aaj subah se hi baahar tha na?", Munna replied. Kabir remembered something & sat down on his seat. He resumed eating while Naina had lost her appetite. Why had Sameer left his food unfinished? He was never the one to waste his food. He always wiped the plate clean before leaving the table. So, what had gone wrong in last few minutes that he walked out without finishing his dinner?

Once the dinner was done, Ramdhari served them gaajar halwa that was made by Preeti. Everyone relished it wholeheartedly except Nanu who was offered just a little in his bowl. He wasn't served second serving as others & his heart disheartened, but he understood that whatever the kids were doing was only for his benefit. Naina had totally avoided the halwa saying that she was full, lying to everyone.

"Main zara Sameer se milkar aata hun, thodi zaruri baat karni hai." Before anyone could stop Kabir, he had started walking upstairs. He knocked on the door once & then opened to see Sameer standing near the window.

"Sameer... Hum ghar jaa rahe hai, toh socha jaane se pehle tumse baat kar lun." Sameer turned to face him. "Bolo... Kya baat karni hai?" Kabir held his stare, "Tum aaj police headquarters gaye the na?" Sameer's eyes widened & Kabir chuckled, "Tumne aakhir wohh kar hi liya jo tum kal raat se karna chahte the?"

Sameer stuttered, "Tum... tumhe kaise pataa chala?" Kabir chuckled again, "Sameer... Commissioner uncle ko maine call kiya tha, tab unhone mujhe sab bataaya ki kaise tumne unn dono ko electric shocks dekar almost maar hi daala tha." Sameer just shrugged in response, holding back his tongue. He didn't want to claim her as his wife in front of Kabir right now. So, he thought before speaking, "Unhe unke kiye ki sazaa toh milni hi thi, wohh bhi Sameer ki style mein. Aakhir unhone meri..." he stopped halfway & continued realizing what he was about to say. "Meri friend ke saath aisa galat karne ki koshish ki thi."

"Thik hai... Tumne jo bhi kiya accha hi kiya Sameer. Chalo main aur Preeti ab nikal rahe hai. Next Sunday milenge ab." Unknown to both of them, Naina had heard their entire conversation. Before Kabir came out, Naina disappeared & hid in her old room. Kabir left his room & Sameer stood in silence going back to the window. Once Kabir was back downstairs, Naina too joined them a minute later.

Nanu retired to his room after bidding goodnight to everyone. Preeti crushed her friend in her embrace again. Biding goodnight to each other, everyone left towards their home. Naina as usual locked the main door & checked on all the doors & windows.

When she entered the room, Sameer was still standing near the window. He felt her presence but didn't turn. She looked at him & turned away to collect her night dress & walked towards the washroom to freshen up. He stood waiting for her to emerge from the washroom.

After fifteen minutes, she walked out after taking a quick bath. She glanced at Sameer who was already looking at her with a blank face. She stopped right next to the couch when she saw so many bags placed on it. She looked up at him, "Yeh bags aapne rakhi hai yahaan?" He nodded, "Laaya toh main tumhare liye hi tha... Dekho... Agar kuch bhi pasand na aaye toh bataa dena, main change karwa dunga."

She slowly started opening up the bags one by one & her eyes misted. He had remembered what she had said last night & had brought everything that she would need. But what shocked her the most were the six dress materials that he had brought for her. The stationery that he had brought were acceptable but these dresses, could she accept them?

She gently moved her hands on the dresses feeling the smooth texture of the cloth. She didn't know what to do. Sameer was seeing her misty eyes & was confused. "Naina... Agar tumhe dresses pasand nahi aayi toh main change karwa dunga. Tum please ro mat. Its ok agar tumhe yeh sab accha nahi lagaa. Wohh... wohh... main toh bas aise hi..."

He stopped midsentence, when he saw her getting up from the couch & walking towards him. "Sameer... Yeh sab... yeh sab aapne kyun kiya? Aapko yeh sab mere liye laane ki zarurat nahi thi. Main... main khud manage kar leti. Aap... aap... aapko nahi laana chahiye tha.", she closed her eyes letting the tears flow.

"Kyun? Main kyun nahi laa sakta yeh sab tumhare liye?", Sameer asked with a heavy heart already knowing her answer. She met his gaze & replied with a question, "Kis haq se aap mere liye yeh sab laaye hai? Naa hum pati patni hai aur naa hi dost. Hamare beech koi rishta hi nahi hai Sameer. Hum ek hi kamre mein rehne ke baad bhi ek dusre ke liye ajnabee hi hai, yahaan bhi aur baahar sabke saamne bhi."

She lowered her eyes, "Main nahi chahti ki aapko yeh lage ki main aapke paison ki wajah se aapke saath hun. Aur yeh sab...", she said pointing towards the bags, "Yeh sab main nahi le sakti Sameer. Mera koi haq hi nahi hai inn par yaa iss ghar ki kisi bhi cheez par. Main yahaan sirf ek saal ke liye hi hun, toh mujhe jis bhi cheez ki zarurat hogi wohh main khud kamaakar karid lungi."

Sameer's heart broke yet again when she rejected the first gifts, he had brought for her. He was about to say something, when there was a knock on the door & Sameer opened it to find Nanu standing there. "Arey Nanu aap? Aap iss waqt yahaan? Aapko kuch chahiye tha kya? Aapki tabiyat toh thik hai na?"

Without answering him, he entered their room to see all the contents lying on the couch. He had heard everything, each & every word that Naina spoke & his heart pained to hear whatever she said. Keeping in his anger on hold, he walked to her & hugged her. "Naina... maine hi yeh sab Sameer ko laane ke liye kahaa tha. Yeh gifts meri taraf se hai, tumhare Nanaji ke taraf se. Kya tum tab bhi yeh sab accept nahi karogi?"

Sameer stood confused after hearing whatever Nanu was saying. When did he tell him to bring these gifts for her? It was all his idea only, Nanu had nothing to do with it. But then he understood that Nanu was doing all this to make Naina accept those gifts which he had brought especially for her.

"Nanaji... Thank you... Aaj aapne mere Nanaji ki tarah mujhe yeh sab gift kiya. Thank you so much." Sameer stood stunned to see her easy acceptance to his gifts. Nanu blessed her & left the room, not before giving a deadly glare to Sameer. He closed the door & saw Naina wrapping up everything & keeping it near her luggage.

When she was back to the couch with her pillow & quilt, he asked, "Yehhh accha hai, jab main tumhe wohh gifts de raha tha toh tumne nahi liye aur jaise hi Nanu ne kahaa ki wohh gifts unhone laane ko kahe hai, toh ek jhatke mein le liya. Waahhh... yeh sahi hai..."

He walked closer to her & held her elbow, "Agar yeh gift Kabir bhi laata toh tum accept kar leti kyun? Aakhir tumhara best friend jo bann gaya hai? Isliye toh usse personally dal serve karne uthi thi. Aaj tak toh mujhe bhi tumne apne haathon se aise beech mein uthkar kuch serve nahi kiya tha, aakhir main lagta hi kaun hun tumhara?"

Naina now understood, she could clearly see everything. "Aap galat samajh rahe hai Sameer. Kabir ne mere liye kal jo kuch bhi kiya, ussi wajah se main unhe serve kar rahi thi. Yeh mera shukriya kehne ka tarika tha. Main aur toh kuch nahi kar sakti, at least unhe khana hi serve kar diya. Aur Kabir mere dost nahi hai, main unhe sirf Preeti ke bhai ke nazar se dekhti hun aur kuch nahi."

"Accha... Toh fir aaj ka dinner sab Kabir ke pasand ka kyun banaa tha?", Sameer couldn't hold back his jealousy. Naina's lips curved upwards which angered him more. "Tumhe hasi aa rahi hai huh???" She took a step close to him & whispered, "Agar aap dhyaan se dekhte toh maine sab aapki favorite dishes banaayi thi aur Preeti ne Kabir ki favorite. Aur agar aap dono ki favorite dishes same ho, toh usme main kya kar sakti hun?"

Sameer stood stunned to hear her reply & he walked to his bed in daze. Had he really misread everything about her or was she playing some games with him? With confusion in his mind & heard, he dozed off instantly due to tiredness. Naina thought about the whole day, she was happy to meet her best friend & enjoy the day with her.

But whatever she had heard & seen Sameer doing didn't leave her thoughts. Had he really punished those guys in his way & taken the revenge on her behalf? She was more than happy when she heard Kabir saying all these things to him. And the gifts... She knew Nanu was lying when he said that he had asked Sameer to bring them.

Her heart knew that Sameer had brought those gifts himself, no one had told him to buy them for her. She was loving the way Sameer was getting all worked up in jealousy & possessiveness, she was enjoying that effect but was scared to acknowledge it. What if these feelings weary off some day? She didn't want to think about it now. She closed her eyes & drifted to sleep waiting for the new day to arrive soon.

The next day both of them had an early start. It was Naina's first day of college & she was very much excited to start with her post-graduation course. Sameer too had to leave early for some important meeting, so even he was ready soon.

When they settled for breakfast, Nanu ordered, "Sameer... Tum Naina ko college chod dena... Aaj uska pehla din hai." Naina replied instantly, "Nahi Nanaji... Main khud chali jaaungi. Aap fikar mat kijiye. Sameer agar mujhe college chodne aaye toh unhe office jaane mein der ho jaayegi."

Sameer finished his breakfast without uttering anything. Once done, he stated, "Paanch minute mein ready ho jao, main tumhe college chod dunga." Nanu smiled & Naina rushed to her room to bring her tote bag.

Sameer looked up at Nanu, "Aapne kal raat jhooth kyun bola Nanu?" His smile widened, "Agar jhooth nahi bolta toh kya Naina tere laayi hui gifts le leti? Aur maine sab suna aur dekh bhi raha hun." Sameer lowered his head understanding what Nanu was trying to say. Nanu saw Naina descending the stairs & whispered, "Hum iss baare mein baad mein baat karenge. Ab jao, warna late ho jaayega..."

Sameer shivered hearing his Nanu's hard tone that had changed in an instant. Sameer & Naina left in the car & reached the college in next twenty minutes. The entire ride was silent, both of them didn't know what to speak & how to start the conversation. Both were lost in their thoughts. One was excited to start a new life while other was thinking of what Nanu wanted to talk to him.

When the car stopped at the entrance of the college, Naina turned to Sameer, "Thanks Sameer... Aapne Nanaji ke kehne par mujhe college drop kiya. Thank you so much." Sameer looked around the college to see many students entering the vast campus. He looked at her finally, "Ab jao... Warna college ke pehle din hi lectures ke liye late ho jaaogi. And all the best. Acche se dhyaan dena aur main car bhej dunga tumhe pick karne ke liye. Akele ghar jaane ka toh sochna bhi mat. Samjhi tum???" Naina just nodded like an obedient child & bid him goodbye, feeling content to hear his voice. Sameer sat there in the car watching her retreating figure till she disappeared in the building ahead.

Naina felt his constant gaze on her till she entered the college building. Once she was settled in the classroom, she looked around to see many girls dressed in western wear. She looked down at herself & smiled, "Main toh aise kapde pehenna ka soch bhi nahi sakti."

"Kyun nahi soch sakti?", came a reply from beside her. She was surprised to see the person sitting next to her, "Tum... Yahaann???"

How was the update?

I hope you all are liking the story so far...

What do you think who is sitting next to Naina? (Its quite an easy guess, I think so.😜)

What do you think Nanu wants to talk to Sameer???

Do you think Naina will accept Kabir as her friend???

Do vote, comment & share if you like the story...

Ignore the mistakes...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤

Amazing update. Jealous sameer is great to watch. If m not wrong sameer sat beside naina?? Don't know. Nanu heard everything maybe about that he wanted to talk. But don't know how much he heard. Nice punishment sameer gave to the two criminals. Will be eagerly waiting for next update.

Originally posted by: Dharapriya

Amazing update. Jealous sameer is great to watch. If m not wrong sameer sat beside naina?? Don't know. Nanu heard everything maybe about that he wanted to talk. But don't know how much he heard. Nice punishment sameer gave to the two criminals. Will be eagerly waiting for next update.

Thank you so much dear...❤

The punishment Sameer gave to the goons was definitely good, they deserved it.

No Naina wasn't sitting next to Sameer.

Lets see how Nanu reacts after hearing the whole conversation of Samaina.

I'm updating the next part now.

Keep reading.

Hello friends...

I'm back with the next part...

Enjoy reading the update...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 14

"Haannnn... Main... yahaannnn..." Preeti gestured her hands around the class. "Tum... tumne pehle kyun nahi bataaya Preeti, ki tum bhi yahin padhne waali ho? Pataa hai, aaj mujhe yahaan kitna akela feel ho raha tha, koi nahi hai jaan pehchaan wala.", Naina said lowering her eyes.

"Accha ji... Yeh accha hai huh... Tumne pehle kabhi mujhse poocha hi nahi ki main kaunse college jaa rahi hun toh maine bhi nahi bataaya. Socha ki main tumhe first day class mein hi surprise de dungi. Par yahaan toh scene hi alag hai, khush hone ke bajaay tum mujhpe gussa kar rahi ho.", Preeti finished with a pout.

Naina couldn't her smile anymore & hugged her tightly, "Tumhe yahaan dekhkar main kitna khush hun yeh tum soch bhi nahi sakti Preeti." Preeti sighed in relief & hugged her back happily. The professor arrived at the next moment & the class fell silent. Their last lecture ended at around two in the afternoon & both the girls left the college as they wanted to get back to the café at the earliest.

As they came out, they saw that everyone was in a hurry to leave the college which confused the girls. It seemed chaotic at that moment. "Chal Naina... main tujhe ghar drop kar deti hun.", Preeti pulled her towards the parking lot. As soon as they walked ahead, Sameer's car approached the gates.

Naina was stunned to see Sameer coming out from the driver's seat. He smiled politely at Preeti & looked at his beautiful wife, "Naina... Chalo. Hume jaldi ghar pohonchna hai. Nanu hamara wait kar rahe hai." Preeti was surprised to hear that & she raised her eyebrows in appreciation whereas Naina looked away, feeling guilty of keeping away the most important thing from her best friend.

Sameer turned to Preeti, "Tum bhi jaldi ghar chali jao. Kabir thodi der mein ghar aa jaayega." She stood confused hearing that her brother was on the way home. She just nodded & took out her mobile to call Kabir. "Preeti... Sabhi phone lines jammed hai abhi, toh tum please apni car mein baitho aur ghar jao." She bid goodbye & hurried towards the car & drove off towards her home. Naina too settled down quietly in the passenger seat & left towards home.

When Preeti sat back in her car, she wondered about the previous day. While cooking in the kitchen, she had seen how Naina was preparing Sameer's favorite delicacies. She had known that biryani was his brother's favorite & had deliberately asked Naina to prepare it. But when on the dining table, Nanaji said that it was Sameer's favorite dish too, Preeti understood why Naina hadn't said no to her request.

She was confused with the way Sameer behaved last night while dinner. He was angry, but why? Was he angry on her brother who took Naina to the kitchen to wash her hand with cold water? Or was he angry with Naina for serving her brother? The look she had seen on Sameer'a face was clearly reflecting his jealousy & possessiveness towards Naina. Did even Sameer like her as her brother did? Did Naina like him too?

She had seen the way Naina was next to Sameer in an instant when he had started coughing. She had seen Naina's cheeks turning red when Nanu had disclosed that biryani was his favorite dish too & the way Sameer had glanced at her sideways, leaving her face scarlet. She had seen all & was watching this exchange since last week.

The way Sameer talked to her as if he had a right to do so. The way they both cared for each other & held each other's gazes. She wanted to discuss all this with her bhai without hurting his feelings. She didn't know how to approach on this topic though. She didn't want him to be heartbroken. She decided to first find out what was cooking between her best friend & Sameer & then she would decide what to do next.

On the other hand, Kabir too was thinking on the same lines. Nothing had escaped his experienced eyes yesterday. He was now sure that there was definitely something going on between Sameer & Naina. He had known Sameer for a long time. Though he wasn't his best friend like Munna & Pandit, yet he was close enough to him in college & could understand his expressions.

After talking to Naina in her room, Kabir had called the commissioner to track about those two goons & then was surprised to hear what Sameer had done to them. When he had gone to his room to freshen up, he had seen those bags, the stationery & the dresses as well. He understood at that moment, that all these gifts were for Naina.

The Sameer he knew in the college was totally different from the one whom he saw nowadays. He had seen how Sameer would maintain a distance from the opposite gender & stayed aloof in college days. He only had Munna, Pandit & Kabir by his side at that time. Though he talked politely with everyone around, but yet he never let anyone come close to him.

But now, the way Sameer was behaving around Naina had left Kabir baffled. He was sure that Sameer hadn't liked the way he had pulled Naina to the kitchen. He had seen him storm out from the dining table. Did he like Naina that much that Sameer didn't like his closeness to her? Did Naina reciprocate his feelings too? There was definitely something going on between the two, he was now sure about it. He needed to find out before his feelings grew towards Naina.

During the drive towards home, Naina saw many police vans & ambulances on the way & saw many people frantically running here & there. She asked Sameer, "Ummmmm... yeh sab kya ho raha hai? Yeh itni saari police vans aur ambulances yahaan kyun hai? Aur yeh log darr ke maare yahaan wahaan kyun bhaag rahe hai?"

Even though Sameer knew what was happening, he didn't reply, "Pataa nahi Naina. Hum pehle ghar sahi salaamat pohonch jaate hai, fir shaayad kuch pataa chal jaaye." Naina just looked outside to see chaos everywhere. They were on the same road where the café was located. She saw a huge crowd gathered everywhere so couldn't see the café. She thought, "Pataa nahi kya hua hoga. Bhagwaan ji sabki raksha karna please..."

When the car stopped at the entrance of the Maheshwari Mansion, she saw Nanu waiting for her. As she approached him, he enveloped her in a hug & said, "Tum thik toh ho na? Kuch hua toh nahi?" She looked confused, "Mujhe kya hona tha Nanaji? Main toh abhi abhi college se aayi hun. Aap... aap itne dare hue kyun lag rahe hai? Aapki tabiyat toh thik hai na? Kuch hua hai kya?"

Nanu looked at Sameer who shook his head gesturing that he hadn't told her anything. Nanu blinked his eyes & took Naina inside the house & caressed her head, "Naina... Tum pehle fresh hokar aa jao, fir aaraam se baat karenge." He turned to his grandson, "Tum bhi jao, fresh ho jao. Fir saath milkar lunch karte hai."

Naina wanted to know what had happened but Nanu didn't tell her & she reluctantly walked to her room to freshen up. After fifteen minutes, when she opened the door to come downstairs, Sameer stood in front of her with worry written all over his face. He entered the room without a word & asked her to go downstairs as Nanu was waiting for lunch.

Sameer joined them in the next ten minutes & started eating. Once the lunch was done, Nanu switched on the television. He stopped at the news channel & increased the volume so that Sameer & Naina also could hear it properly.

The news reporter commented, "Aaj Ahmedabad mein terrorist attack hua hai, jagah jagah bomb blast kiye gaye. Bus stand, auto rikshaw stand, railway station ke baahar, restaurants, café, yahaan tak ki housing society mein bomb explosions ki news confirm hui hai. Kya ab hum kahin bhi surakshit nahi hai? Dhyaan se dekhiye inn tasveeron ko, kya haal kar diya hai hamare sheher ka inn kuch terrorists ne." Sameer knew this & so he had personally gone to pick up Naina. He had intentionally kept this news away from her. He didn't want her to get panicked in the middle of their ride.

He picked up his mobile & called Kabir, "Hello... Preeti thik se toh pohonch gayi na ghar?" He took a pause & continued, "Haaannn... Hum bhi ghar aa gaye hai." He again stopped, "Thik hai..." He saw Naina was looking at him intently, when the voice of the news reporter distracted her, "Dekhiye iss café ka kya haal kar diya hai. Accha hua ki uss waqt koi nahi tha uss café mein, warna hum soch bhi nahi sakte ki aur kitni jaane hum gawaa chuke hote?"

Naina sat down on the couch with a thud seeing the images of the café where she had started working since last few days. Sameer was next to her in an instant & held her by her shoulder, "Naina... Naina... Tum thik ho?" She looked blankly at Sameer & then without any warning she started crying. She turned in Sameer's arms while he held her close to him.

"Yeh... yeh sab kya ho gaya? Bechaari Preeti ka kya haal hua hoga jab usse yeh baat pataa chali hogi? Unn logon ne Preeti ke pitaji ka sapna ek hi jhatke mein tod diya. Aisa kaise koi kar sakta hai? Itna selfish koi kaise ho sakta hai ki sirf apni kuch maange poori karne ke liye kisi aur ke sapnon ko tod dete hai, jeete jaagte logon ko maar dete hai, ek hi jhatke mein sab khatam kar dete hai."

She kept crying while Nanu understood her condition & looked at her sobbing figure which was shivering in Sameer's arms. Sameer had turned fully towards her & wrapped her in his embrace, securing her tightly. He too was feeling bad with whatever happened. But now after seeing his optimistic wife crying like that in his arms, his heart broke yet again.

She continued crying for about half an hour. When Nanu couldn't see her sobbing anymore, he said, "Bas karo Naina. Tumhe toh yeh sochkar khushi honi chahiye ki uss waqt koi nahi tha café mein, warna pataa nahi kya ho jaata? Main samaj sakta hun tum pe aur Preeti pe kya beet rahi hai, par ab rone se kya hoga, batao? Kya hum kuch badal sakte hai Naina? Jo hua usse koi nahi rok sakta tha."

Sameer whispered, "Naina... Chup ho jao naa please." She was still in his arms & had dampened his shirt with her tears. "Dekho... Agar tum hi aisa rone lagogi toh Preeti ko kaun sambhaalega? Usse apni best friend ki zarurat hogi na? Aur uske saamne tum hi aise kamzor padd jaaogi toh kaise chalega? Naina... Preeti ne tumhare ghaav bhare hai na, toh ab tumhari baari hai, tumhe uske ghaav bharne honge. Best friend kehti ho na khudko, fir chalo utho, yeh rona dhona band karo. Hum abhi chalte hai Preeti ke ghar, aakhir usse bhi hamari zarurat hogi iss waqt."

Sameer looked up at Nanu who replied, "Thik hai. Main bhi tum dono ke saath chalunga. Aise waqt hume Preeti aur Kabir ke saath hona chahiye." Sameer wiped his wife's tears, "Jao... Fresh ho jao. Aise latka hua chehra lekar jaaogi apni best friend ke ghar?"

She quickly freshened up & they left towards Preeti's home. The roads were empty & they reached in the next fifteen minutes. The scene at Preeti's home was what Naina had dreaded the most. Preeti was sitting in front of her parent's photo frame & was looking at it blankly. Kabir was sitting next to her & looked disturbed.

When he saw them entering, he sighed in relief & walked towards them hurriedly. Sameer could clearly see the marks of dried tears on his face. They both hugged each other & then Kabir moved to Nanu, "Nanaji... Dekhiye na kya se kya ho gaya? Kitni mehnat se humne wohh café shuru kiya tha aur Preeti ne toh apni poori jaan lagaa di thi uss café ke liye aur aaj... aaj... kuch mutthibhar logon ne uska aisa haal kiya hai ki main khud dekhne se ghabra raha hun."

Nanu rubbed his back, "Sshhhhhh... Sab thik ho jaayega beta. Hum hai na tumhare saath." Naina hesitated, "Preeti... Preeti kaisi hai???" Kabir looked at her & then gestured her towards where Preeti was sitting. Naina slowly looked at her & her eyes misted instantly.

"Preeti ko jab se pataa chalaa hai, usne kuch nahi khaaya peeya. Bas papa-mummy ke photo ke saamne baith gayi. Nanaji... Mujhe darr lag raha hai. Uski aankhon se ek bhi aansoon nahi nikla hai. Kahin... kahin... wohh waapis depression mein na chali jaaye. Nanaji... Sameer... Naina... kuch karo. Kuch bhi karke rulao usse. Main usse iss haalat mein nahi dekh sakta. Mera meri behen ke alaawa koi nahi hai iss duniya mein. Please kuch karo na..."

Everyone's heart went out for him. The strong businessman Kabir Sehgal was weakening because of his sister's silence. He was afraid that Preeti would again drift into depression the same way when their father had passed away few years ago. He looked hopefully at them & he saw Naina moving in his sister's direction.

Naina sat down next to Preeti & looked at her parent's picture. "Pataa hai Preeti... Tum bohot lucky ho ki at least tumne apne parents ke saath kuch samay toh bitaaya tha. Maine toh unhe bachpan mein hi kho diya, ab toh mujhe mere khud ke parents ki shakal tak yaad nahi hai. Bas mere Nanaji hi the mere saath, wohi mere papa, mummy, sab kuch the. Par ab toh wohh bhi nahi rahe. Main ekdum anaath hun Preeti. Tumhare paas toh tumhara bhai bhi hai, jo tumse bohot pyaar karta hai, jo hamesha tumhara saath dega."

Naina looked at Preeti whose lips quivered hearing Naina's words, "Nanaji ko khone ke baad meri zindagi mein unke best friend aaye, jinhone mujhe apne Nanaji se bhi jyada pyaar diya aur mujhe unke ghar le gaye taaki main kahin raste par na rahun. Mera koi ghar nahi tha khudka, jahaan main aur Nanaji rehte the wohh bhi kiraaye ka ghar tha. Isliye main unke jaane ke baad ekdum akeli bhi ho gayi aur... aur agar uss waqt Sameer ke Nanaji nahi aate toh mujhe sach mein raaste par hi rehna padta."

Naina kept looking at Preeti & continued, "Main jaanti hun Preeti ki wohh café tumhare papa ka sapna tha aur tum uss sapne ko poora kar rahi thi. Kya tumhara iraada itna kamzor tha Preeti ki ek musibat aayi aur tum yun haar maankar baith gayi apne papa-mummy ke photo ke saamne? Bas itni hi himmat thi wohh sapna poora karne ke liye jo ek toofan aaya aur tumne sab bikhar jaane diya? Itna hi bharosa hai khudpar ki yun kisine café tod diya, toh tum yahaan murde ki tarah baith jaaogi? Maine toh zindagi mein papa ka pyaar kabhi mehsoos nahi kiya, par tumne toh kiya hai na? Bas itna hi pyaar karti ho unse ki ek chota sa jhatka kya lagaa toh tum sab haarkar baith gayi yahaan?"

"Utho Preeti... Tumhe tumhare papa ka sapna poora karna hai. Uss café ko waapis ussi pyaar aur ussi vishwas se sajaana hai jaise tumhare papa chaahte the. Utho Preeti... yeh waqt yun photo ke saamne baithne ka nahi hai. Tumhe apne papa ka sapna fir se shuru karna hoga, unke pyaar aur bharose ko tum aise nahi tootne de sakti Preeti. Utho... Meri best friend itni kamzor nahi hai ki kisi terrorist attack se darr ke haar maan le."

Finally, a drop of tear escaped her eye & then there was no stopping them. She crushed Naina in her arms & sobbed loudly letting her tears flow which was washing away her pain too. Everyone in the room cried with them. Naina kept rubbing her back, consoling her all the while. Her eyes met Kabir who smiled at her still crying.

Naina made Preeti stand up & then she ran in her brother's open arms, crying heartily once again. "Sshhhhh... chup ho jaa behen. Itna royegi toh ghar mein sailaab aa jaayega." She laughed at his stupid joke & punched him in his stomach & he growled in pain. She laughed out which made the others smile too.

Once they settled down in the living room, Kabir brought a plate of food for his sister. When she denied, Naina glared at her & she quietly ate & finished her meal. Once Kabir was satisfied that she was fed properly, he sat down beside her & looked around the small family which had become an important part of his life.

"Preeti... Kabir... Tum dono khud ko kabhi akela mat samajna. Jaise Sameer aur Naina hai mere liye waise hi tum dono bhi ho. Maine pehle bhi kahaa tha aur aaj bhi keh raha hun, hamare ghar ke darwaaze tum logon ke liye hamesha khule rahenge, jab mann chaahe tab aa jaana." The siblings cried happy tears as they finally had someone to call them as family.

Sameer asked, "Kabir... Main jaanta hun ki yeh sahi time nahi hai, par mujhe lagta hai ki hume ek baar café dekh aana chahiye. Ummmm... mujhe commissioner uncle ka phone aaya tha thodi der pehle. Abhi toh wahaan nahi jaa sakte par kal hum ek baar dekh aate hai." Kabir agreed, "Sameer... Tum thik keh rahe ho, ek baar dekh lena chahiye. Fir renovation kitna aur kya kya karna hai yeh bhi toh pataa lagaana padega."

"Main bhi saath chalungi.", they heard Preeti's voice. Naina too added, "Main bhi tumhare saath chalungi Preeti." No one had a heart to say no to them & everyone agreed. By the time Naina, Sameer & Nanu reached home, it was already evening. They walked back to their rooms to freshen up.

Sameer freshened up first & was out in ten minutes. When he came out, he saw Naina sleeping on the couch. He kept looking at her tearstained face for a while. He called out softly, "Naina... Naina..." She opened her eyes slowly & got up. "Naina... Fresh ho jao. Main jaanta hun tum thak gayi hogi, subah jaldi bhi uthi thi na. Tum fresh ho jao tab tak main neeche khaane ka dekh leta hun. Jaldi dinner karke so jaayenge. Thik hai."

Naina didn't react & walked towards the washroom with her night clothes. Sameer went downstairs to see if the dinner was ready so that they could have their meal early & then rest as everyone was beyond exhausted. Ramdhari had prepared a simple dinner which they ate quietly.

To lighten Naina's mood, Nanu asked, "Arey Naina... Main toh poochna hi bhool gaya ki aaj tumhara college ka pehla din kaisa tha? College kaisa lagaa? Koi dost bane yaa nahi?" She smiled & replied, "Accha tha Nanaji. Koi khaas dost nahi bane, waise bhi Preeti mere saath hi thi sab lectures mein toh hume kahaan kisi aur ki dosti ki zarurat padti."

Nanu agreed & they finished their meal. Sameer kept glancing at her in between. Once their dinner was done, Naina retired to her room bidding goodnight to Nanaji. Sameer & Nanu were surprised with that. She was always the last one to go back to their room but today she was the first one to bid goodnight.

Ramdhari cleared the table & washed the dishes. When he left, Nanu turned to his grandson. He had a lot to speak tonight. Sameer had already known that his grandfather wanted to talk to him, so he had stayed back.

"Sameer... Mere kamre mein chalo, mujhe tumse zarurui baat karni hai.", he followed Nanu to his room. Nanu stood near his window gazing outside for a while. Then he sat down on the bed resting his back on the headrest. "Sameer... baith jao." He gestured him to sit in front of him.

"Sameer... Main jaanta hun ki tum shaadi karna hi nahi chaahte the, par sirf mere aur Jayanti ke vaade ki wajah se tumne aur Naina ne shaadi karne ko haan nahi kahi thi. Mujhe heart attack aane ke baad tum dono ne shaadi mein haami bhari. Tum dono ko meri wajah se majburi mein shaadi karni padi, hai na???"

Sameer wasn't shocked to hear this as he knew that Nanu wasn't dumb that he wouldn't understand about their easy acceptance of their marriage. Nanu continued, "Sach kahun Sameer... jab main Naina se pehli baar uss hospital mein mila tab hi usme mujhe meri Jaanki ki parchaayi dikh gayi thi. Aur jaise jaise wohh iss ghar mein rehne lagi, uski har acchai aur sacchayi ne mera dil jeet liya. Naina se acchi jeevan saathi tumhe kabhi nahi mil sakti Sameer."

"Par main tumhe bhi bohot acche se jaanta hun Sameer, jaanta hun ki tumne bhale ek dusre se shaadi kar li, par ab tak tum dono sahi maayne mein pati patni nahi bane ho. Tumhare kamre mein ek saath toh reh lete ho, par aaj bhi ek dusre ke liye ajnabee hi ho. Mujhe pataa hai ki tumne ab tak Naina ko apni biwi ka darja nahi diya hai Sameer. Tum dono ek saath bed pe bhi nahi sote hoge, hai na?"

"Naina ne ab tak uska saamaan tumhare almaari mein nahi rakkha, dekha maine jab main kal tumhare kamre mein aaya tha. Maine sab suna tha Sameer kal raat, aur main pehle se hi bohot kuch jaanta hun. Tum kya sochte ho Naina ke baare mein, yeh bhi jaanta hun. Tumhe tumhari biwi laalchi dikhti hai Sameer? Tumhe lagta hai ki usne tumhare paison ke liye tumse shaadi ki hai? Tumne kal uske character par bhi shak kiya?"

"Kabir ne uski jaan bachaayi thi Sameer... yeh ek ladki ke liye bohot badi baat hai, jab baat uski izzat pe aati hai. Agar Kabir Naina ko kitchen mein uska haath saaf karvaane le bhi gaya tha toh tumhe itni problem kyun ho rahi thi? Naina ne agar uthkar usse khaana parosa toh usme bhi koi problem nahi tha. Naina sirf apna farz nibha rahi thi, usse thank you bolne ki koshish kar rahi thi. Aur tum... tum uspar hi ghatiya ilzaam lagaa rahe the. Kya yahi meri parvarish hai Sameer? Maine yeh sab toh nahi sikhaaya tha tumhe?"

"Main jaanta hun ki tumhari Maa ke guzarne ke baad, tum kisi par bhi bharosa nahi kar paate jhat se. Par har insaan tumhare papa ki tarah nahi hota, jisse na toh teri maa ki parwaah thi aur naa hi tumhari. Sab ek jaise nahi hote Sameer, tumhe yeh samajna hoga. Jo tumhare papa ne kiya, wohi sab tumhare zindagi mein ho, yeh zaruri toh nahi hai na. Ek baar uss bacchi par vishwas toh kar ke dekho, usse ek mauka toh do Sameer. Naina waisi bilkul nahi hai jaisa tum usse samaj rahe ho."

"Inn buddhi aankhon ne itni duniya toh dekhi hai ki logon ko parakh sakun. Mujhe nahi pata tum dono ke beech kya baat hui hai shaadi se pehle, main nahi jaanta Naina ne kal aisa kyun kahaa ki wohh sirf ek saal hi iss ghar mein rahegi. Sameer main bas itna jaanta hun ki Naina bohot acchi ladki hai aur wohi tumhari ardhangini hai. Tum jitna jaldi isse samaj jao, utna hi accha hoga tumhare liye."

"Main aaj ke baad tum dono ki zindagi mein koi dakkhal nahi dunga, par tum yeh mat sochna ki mujhe kuch dikhaayi nahi deta ya samaj nahi aata. Jis din bhi tumne Naina ka dil toda Sameer, uss din tumhara iss ghar mein aakhri din hoga. Jaise tum mere naati ho ussi tarah Naina bhi meri zimmedaari hai. Agar usse kuch hua, tumne usse zara bhi taklif di, toh sazaa bhugatne ke liye taiyaar rehna Sameer Maheshwari. Tumne aaj tak Nanu ka pyaar dekha hai, agar Naina ko dukh diya, toh mera gussa bhi dekhoge. Uss bachhi ne bachpan se hi bohot dukh sahe hai, aur agar tumhe usse iss ghar mein dukh diye, toh iska anjaam bilkul bhi accha nahi hoga Sameer. Samjhe???"

Sameer hadn't uttered a word till Nanu finished speaking. He was in a daze. His Nanu had never threatened him for anyone. But for Naina, he had done that. He understood that Nanu was very much protective about her. Nanu had rightly guessed everything. While going back to his room, Sameer sighed in relief that at least Nanu wasn't aware of all the agreements he had made before marriage & even got Naina's signatures on it beforehand.

When he entered his room, the main lights were already off, only the bedside lamp was on. Before moving toward his bed, he walked to Naina who had drifted to sleep. When Sameer laid back on his bed, Naina opened her eyes & stared at the ceiling. How cruel this life was to her?

Naina felt bad for Preeti that her father's dream was crushed ruthlessly by those terrorists. It would take few months till the café would get renovated & restored again. She had thought that she would earn some money from the part-time job in café but now she was jobless again. How would she save for her living after the divorce comes through? How would she sustain her life after that? She would have to start hunting for jobs again. What was she going to do till the café re-opens again was a biggest question for her now???

How was the update?

I know, I know, it was a little bit emotional & very much unexpected...

What do think how Sameer would behave with Naina after Nanu has threatened him?

Will Naina find another part-time job???

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤