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...❤