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FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 15

Naina kept tossing & turning on the couch, sleep far away from her eyes. She didn't know what she would do ahead, how will she earn & save money for the next few months till the café was renovated. How would she manage her own expenses till then??? She cursed those terrorists some more who destroyed her best friend's café & so many lives for their benefits, which somewhere halted her earnings too.

She was awake the whole night planning what to do next. She knew it wasn't going to be easy to get a job immediately. She closed her eyes way past midnight & got up early before the alarm could go off. She was getting ready for the day when the alarm buzzed. Sameer murmured something in his sleep & rolled over to turn it off.

Naina saw him turning the alarm off & he opened his eyes slowly to see her combing her hair in front of the mirror. He kept looking at her till she neatly tied her hair in a bun. When she turned to leave, she saw him still laying on the bed. She took few steps ahead towards him, "Aap uth jaaiye warna office jaane ke liye der ho jaayegi."

Without waiting for his reply, she walked out of the room. Sameer still stayed on his bed thinking about last night. He had seen her continuously tossing & turning on the couch. He wanted to go to her & console her. He knew that she was feeling low after whatever happened yesterday.

His mind drifted to Nanu's words. He had heard his each & every word loud & clear. First Munna & Pandit & now even Nanu was siding with her. He understood them & knew that whatever they said was right. His mind & heart both were in a tiff. His mind warned him to stay away from her & not trust her, but his heart wanted to believe that she was exactly what his Nanu & friends had been telling him.

He closed his eyes allowing his heart to take over for the first time, "Jab bhi Naina ki aankhon mein dekhta hun, mujhe uska bholapan, saadgi aur uski maasoomiyat dikhti hai. Pataa nahi kyun dheere dheere har pal mere khayaalon mein wohi rehne lagi hai. Maine jab usse Preeti se baat karte hue suna tab mera dil bhi uska dard mehsoos kar raha tha. Mujhe yeh toh pataa tha ki Naina ke Nanaji iss duniya mein nahi hai, par maine uske parents ke baare mein kabhi jaanne ki koshish hi nahi ki. Kitni mushkil hui hogi na usse???"

"Hamara dard same hi hai. Mere papa ne mujhe aur maa ko ghar se nikaal diya kisi aur aurat ke liye aur meri maa ne kuch dino baad khudkhushi kar li. Mera bachpan maine Nanu aur Munna-Pandit ke saath bitaaya, jahaan meri maa mujhe chod kar chali gayi aur papa toh hokar bhi na hone ke barabar hai. Waise hi Naina ne bhi apna bachpan uske Nanaji ke saath bitaaya, bina uske parents ke. Jo bhi wohh Preeti se keh rahi thi, uski har ek baat mere dil par kaante ki tarah chub rahi thi."

"Kitni akeli ho gayi hogi Naina jab uske Nanaji bhi usse hamesha ke liye chodkar chale gaye? Accha hua mere Nanu usse yahaan le aaye, warna wohh kahaan jaati, kahaan rehti? Kya maine Naina ko galat samjha? Uss din bhi Nanu ne mujhe wohh property ke papers dikhaaye jis par Naina ne sign nahi kiye aur usse accept karne se manaa kar diya. Naina ne yeh tohh saabit kar diya ki usne mere saath paison ke liye shaadi nahi ki hai warna wohh Preeti ke café mein job karti hi kyun???"

"Nanu sahi keh rahe the ki mujhe ek baar Naina ko chance dena chahiye, uss par vishwas karna chahiye, par pataa nahi kyun mera dimaag yeh sab maanne ko taiyaar nahi hai. Mera dil har ek baat maanna chahta hai par mera dimaag usse maanne nahi de raha. Jo mere papa ne hamare saath kiya, kahin Naina bhi mere saath wohi kare toh? Usne kisi aur ke liye mujhe chod diya toh? Main yeh kabhi bardaasht nahi kar paaunga. Isiliye shaayad main ab bhi Naina par poori tarah trust nahi kar paa raha."

"Main kya karun, kuch samaj nahi aa raha? Mera dil aur dimaag dono alag alag disha mein soch rahe hai. Kyun jab bhi Naina ko rote hue dekhta hun toh mujhe taklif hoti hai? Kyun uske aansoon dekhte hi meri aankhen bhi bhar aati hai? Kyun uski taklif mein main uske saath rehna chahta hun? Kyun jab bhi koi usse galat nazar se dekhta hai toh mujhe gusaa aa jaata hai? Kyun uska Kabir se baat karna mujhe accha nahi lagta hai? Kyun? Kyun? Kyun???"

The clock chimed breaking his thoughts. With confusion still lingering on his mind, he got up to get ready for the day. When he came out from the washroom, he saw that Naina had kept his clothes on the bed along with his watch, wallet & handkerchief. His lips curled upwards seeing that his beautiful wife was already following her duties rightfully.

When he came downstairs, Nanu was already seated in the living room while Naina was making breakfast. "Good morning Nanu...", he greeted loudly, hinting her that he has arrived & she started making his coffee, understanding his motive. "Good morning Sameer..." He sat down at the dining table along with Nanu while Ramdhari brought the breakfast of hot poha for them.

After five minutes, Naina came out of the kitchen carrying a tray of three cups of tea & coffee. Once she was seated next to Sameer, Nanu asked, "Naina... Aaj college band hai, maine abhi thodi der pehle tv par dekha tha. Aaj jyadatar schools, colleges aur offices band hi rahenge."

"Thik hai Nanaji...", her low voice wasn't lost on Sameer. He looked at Nanu, "Sameer... Aaj tum Kabir ke saath café dekhne jaanewaale ho na???" "Jii Nanu... Kabir Preeti ke saath abhi thodi der mein aata hi hoga, fir hum yahin se saath jaayenge." He turned to her, "Naina... tum bhi saath aa rahi ho naa?", Sameer asked even though he was aware of her reply. "Jii... Main bhi aaungi, Preeti ka saath dene ke liye."

They were just done with their meal, when Kabir & Preeti arrived. Naina went back to the kitchen & was back with two plates of poha & two cups of coffees. They couldn't deny when Nanu insisted, "Hum jaante hai tum dono ne kuch thik se khaaya nahi hoga. Toh chalo, jaldi se naashta khatam karo."

Once they were done, everyone except Nanu left towards the café. When they parked their cars on the opposite road of the café, Preeti & Naina couldn't move. They couldn't even look at the café. Sameer tapped on Naina's shoulder lightly, "Naina... Chalo... Dekho... wahaan Preeti bhi car se baahar nahi aa rahi. Tumhe hi usse sambhaalna hai. Chalo..."

On hearing Preeti's name, she came out & walked to Preeti's side where Kabir was waiting for her to come out. When Kabir saw Naina coming towards his sister, he moved away giving her space. Naina opened the door, "Preeti... Chalo... Baahar aao, tum abhi yahaan tak aakar peeche nahi hatt sakti. Dekho hum andar jaayenge tabhi toh renovations shuru karwa sakenge na? Tumhe apne papa ka sapna poora karna hai na???"

Preeti finally came out of the car & then walked towards the café. They saw some police constables standing outside the café. Kabir had a word with them & held Preeti's hand. They walked ahead while Naina & Sameer followed behind them. Naina's eyes misted instantly seeing the condition of the café. The front doors & windows were totally broken. The cream-colored walls had turned black. The chairs & tables, everything was destroyed.

Preeti cried seeing the condition of her father's dream café while Kabir side hugged her & kept consoling. Naina too shed tears watching the drastic condition of the café. Sameer was standing right behind her watching the devasted café. When he saw his wife crying, he too took her in a side hug while she fully turned & hugged him tightly, totally ignoring the surroundings.

His heart pained seeing her in a vulnerable state yet again. He rubbed her back slowly & whispered, "Ssshhh... Naina... Tum please rona band karo. Dekho... Preeti bhi kitna ro rahi hai. Tumhe uska saath dena hai, uska hausla badhaana hai. Agar tum hi aise haar jaaogi toh usse kaun sambhaalega Naina."

Her teary eyes met his misty ones & she asked, "Kya aap mera saath denge Preeti ko sambhaalne mein???" He smiled, "Main hamesha tumhara har kadam mein saath dunga Naina." She smiled finally while he wiped her tears slowly. Unknown to both of them, Kabir & Preeti had seen their moment & heard everything.

Naina left him on realizing their position & turned to walk towards the siblings. She held Preeti by her shoulder, showing her support that they all were with her. Kabir & Sameer discussed something about the contractor who would start the renovation from tomorrow. Sameer & Kabir clicked few pictures & after walking through the whole café for almost half an hour, they left towards Sameer's home.

At his place, they discussed about what all was needed to be done. Even Munna & Pandit helped them by adding some suggestions here & there. It was almost lunch time, when everything was finalized. They all had their lunch together & then Kabir & Preeti left.

Munna & Pandit stayed back discussing some office related matters with Sameer while Nanu retired to his room for his afternoon nap. Naina collected all the newspapers & walked to her old room. She went through all the sections wherever she could find the appropriate jobs for her.

She marked few advertisements in the jobs column where she could apply for the job according to her qualifications & especially if it suited her part-time criteria. She had shortlisted two job advertisements, one post was for a part-time accountant & other one for a part-time data entry job.

She still searched for something else but all the other advertisements were for full time jobs. Having no other option, she called both the numbers & scheduled her interview for the next day. Due to lack of sleep last night, she dozed off instantly. All the newspapers were lying scattered all around her.

It was four in the evening when Munna & Pandit finished their discussion & they left. Sameer was badly craving for a coffee. He glanced around to check if she had come down. When he didn't find her around, he walked upstairs to his room. There was no trace of his lovely wife in his room too.

He walked to her old room to find her sleeping peacefully on the bed. He sighed in relief after watching her smile even in her sleep. He slowly walked to her & sat down near her. The serene & peaceful face of his wife calmed him down. It was after a long time that he was watching her so closely.

He wanted to touch her but he knew that his small touch will break her sleep & he didn't want that. His eyes roamed around & he saw the scattered newspapers. He picked up some of them to see that she was going through the jobs section. He finally got the paper where she had marked the job vacancies which were suitable for her.

He read it twice to confirm that if it was a safe place for her working. He looked at her face & was lost in his thoughts. Nanu's words rang in his mind again & he stared at Naina, finally deciding on what he could do ahead. He kept the newspaper back on the bed & tried to wake her up.

"Naina... Naina... Utho... dekho shaam ho gayi hai. Ab hi itna so logi toh raat ko thik se neend nahi aayegi." She steered in sleep, "Ummm... Sone dijiye na Sameer..." She held his hand & pulled it under her face. His heartbeats accelerated at her action. He tried to pull his hand slowly without disturbing her sleep but that wasn't possible as her grip on his hand was tight enough.

He kept staring at her beautiful sleepy wife, when the door opened & Nanu walked in. He halted when he saw the scene in front of him. Sameer froze & then looked at Naina. His hand was still in hers, "Wohhh... Nanu... Main na... main Naina ko dhoondhte hue yahaan aa gaya tha... aur... aur... yeh sab newspapers dekh raha tha... fir... fir Naina ko uthaane ki koshish kar raha tha... tab... tab... mera haath... haath...", he stuttered while Nanu watched his grandson in amusement.

When Nanu couldn't hold anymore, he laughed out loudly, "Arey... Itna hakla kyun raha hai??? Naina teri biwi hai, agar usne tera haath pakad bhi liya toh kya hua? Poora hakk hai uska tuhjpe, samjha???" Beads of sweat broke on Sameer's forehead while Nanu laughed again, breaking Naina's sleep.

She opened her eyes & the first person she saw was Sameer who was sitting beside her. She could see he was sweating & was nervous about something. It was Nanaji's chuckle that made her realize that she had held his hand & kept it under her face. She left it instantly & got up with a jerk.

Sameer instantly stood up & left to his room without turning back. Naina looked at Nanu, "Wohhh... wohhh pataa nahi Nanaji kab aur kaise aankh lag gayi." He smiled & sat down beside her, "Main samaj sakta hun ki tum par kya beet rahi hai. Tum kal raat acche se soyi bhi nahi hogi na, isliye tumhe neend aa gayi hogi." She nodded while Nanu looked around the room.

"Yeh poora kamra newspapers se kyun bhara hua hai???" She looked around & realized that she had left all the papers scattered & dozed off. Before she could reply, Nanu had already picked up the same paper where she had marked the job advertisements. He understood why she must be doing this but didn't comment further.

"Chalo... Jaldi fresh hokar neeche aaja, warna fir se tumhara pati tumhe dhoondte hue yahaan aa jaayega. Shaayad tumhare haath ki coffee ke liye taras gaya hai. Jaldi se banaa de, warna kahin paagal na ho jaaye." Nanu left her in the room & walked downstairs.

Sameer reached his room in a trance. He could feel her touch on his hand even now. He kissed his palm softly & then got back to his work to divert his mind from his beautiful wife. But everything turned futile as his mind drifted to all the moments, he had shared with her.

What was happening to him? Why was he thinking about her? Were Nanu's words affecting his perspective about her? Was he changing for her? Why was he affected whenever he saw her in tears? Why he wanted to console her in her vulnerable state? Why his heart pained every time he saw her tearstained face?

He closed his eyes in frustration to see her face again. Closing the laptop, he stood near the window. His mind drifted to the round circles that were made on the newspaper & he knew that she was probably looking out for a new job. But the places where those offices were situated were far away from their house & college as well.

He can't stop her from doing a job but he was worried about the distance as well as about her studies. If she got selected for any of that job, her maximum time would be wasted in travelling & then she won't get sufficient time to study. He had to do something but what? He couldn't let her studies suffer? He made a group video call with Munna & Pandit & discussed this problem. His friends heard him quietly & then told him that they would figure out something by night.

As he disconnected the call, there was a knock on the door & Naina walked in with a cup of his favorite coffee. She was about to go back when he asked, "Tum thik ho???" She met his intense gaze, "Haaa... Thik hi hun... Mujhe kya hua hai???" Naina was surprised to see him keeping away his favorite coffee aside on the side table, "Maine dekha unn newspapers ko, jispe tumne do job vacancies ko mark kiya tha."

Now she stood shocked & he continued, "Tum jaanti ho wohh dono bhi workplaces hamare ghar aur college dono se bohot durr hai. Tumhara sab se jyada time aane jaane mein hi chala jaayega, phir tum apni padhai kab karogi Naina??? Tum abhi post-graduation kar rahi ho, college se bohot saare projects, assignments milenge, wohh sab kab karogi?"

She replied in a low voice, "Main manage kar lungi." "Naina... Yeh sab kehna aasaan hai ki sab manage kar logi par baad mein tumhe hi mushkil lagega. Subah college attend karogi, fir job karogi toh apni padhai poori raat jaagkar karne ka iraada hai kya tumhara??? Isse tumhari hi tabiyat kharab hogi aur har cheez affect hogi Naina."

When she didn't reply, he continued in a soft voice making her see his perspective, "Dekho Naina... Maine pehle bhi kahaa hai aur aaj bhi keh raha hun ki mujhe tumhare job karne se koi problem nahi hai, bas jo bhi karo aisa karo jisse tumhe tumhari padhai ke saath koi compromise na karna pade."

Naina was still looking at him & didn't reply. Giving up, Sameer said in a frustrated tone, "Jo karna hai karo. Mujhe jo samjhaana tha wohh maine kar diya, aage tumhari marzi." He picked up the cup of coffee which had turned cold & drank it in a single sip. She finally found her voice, "Main... main dusri coffee banaakar laati hun."

"Rehne do, uski koi zarurat nahi hai." He stormed out from his room towards the study where Nanu was already reading a book. Nanu sensed the tensed face of his grandson & asked, "Kya hua barkhurdaar??? Gusse mein chehra itna laal kyun kar rakhha hai?"

Sameer sat down next to him & explained what all he saw in the newspaper & what he told her about it. Nanu already knew half of it but when he heard that his grandson was trying to explain to his wife about the time that would be wasted in travelling, he was stunned to silence.

Nanu hadn't thought that Sameer would care so much about her studies & her job. He had definitely seen his grandson caring for his wife, that hadn't escaped his experienced eyes. He just wanted that Sameer should see the real Naina & forget his own notions about her. He wanted him to treat Naina as his wife rightfully.

After seeing him worried for Naina, Nanu was sure that it wasn't far when Sameer would accept her as his wife. He would've to wait though, but he could definitely see some changes in his grandson now.

"Sameer... tumne kuch socha hai???", Nanu asked as he could see him lost somewhere. "Nanu... Agar main usse hamari company mein koi job offer karunga toh wohh maanegi nahi. Ummm... Aap hi kuch kar sakte hai Nanu, shaayad aapki baat maan jaaye. Munna aur Pandit bhi raat tak kuch soch kar baatayenge, tab tak aap Naina ko samjhaaiye ki wohh dono jobs uske liye aur uski padhai ke liye sahi nahi hai. Please Nanu..."

Nanu smiled & thought for a while, "Sameer... Main Naina se yeh nahi keh sakta ki wohh unn dono mein se koi job na kare, par haannn... main usse ek aisi job dila sakta hun jisse usse kahin durr kaam karne na jaana pade. Jisse uski padhai bhi affect nahi hogi aur usse jyada pressure bhi nahi hoga kaam ka."

Sameer kept staring at his Nanu. He came out of his trance when Nanu clicked his fingers in front of his eyes. "Aap... aap... Sach mein aisa kar sakte hai Nanu??? Aap Naina ko hamari company mein kaam karne ke liye manaa sakte hai kya???" Nanu chuckled, breaking his hopes, "Maine yeh nahi kahaa ki wohh hamari company mein kaam karegi Sameer."

Sameer stilled, "Fir aap kahaan job dilaoge Naina ko?" Nanu just smiled in response & got up to leave. He stopped at the door & turned to see his grandson's sad face, "Sameer... Mujhpar bharosa toh hai na? Toh bas jyada soch mat, main jo bhi karunga sab soch samajkar karunga, aakhir Naina meri bhi kuch lagti hai."

Sameer smiled finally, he walked to Nanu & hugged him tightly, "Thank you Nanu... Mujhe aap par khud se jyada bharosa hai. Aap jo bhi karenge wohh kabhi galat nahi ho sakta." Both of them went downstairs to see Naina & Ramdhari preparing dinner in the kitchen. Nanu went to the garden to water the plants while Sameer went back to his room to bring his laptop.

He sat down in the living room going through his mails & replying the important ones. His gaze kept moving towards the kitchen to see his lovely wife who was stirring something. After few minutes, he saw Ramdhari going to help Nanu in the garden & he got up. He slowly strode towards the kitchen & leaned on the doorframe to see his wife kneading the dough.

He saw that her hair bun had loosened & some tendrils disturbed her while doing her work. In frustration, she shook her head a little & her hair opened. She murmured, "Yehh baal bhi na... abhi hi khulne the. Ab dono haath mein aata lagaa hai, baal kaise bandhungi?" She huffed in anger while Sameer stood adoring his angry wife.

Naina felt someone's penetrating gaze on her & she turned suddenly to find her dashing husband leaning on the doorframe, smiling at her. She froze, "Aap... aap yahaan kya kar rahe hai???" Without answering her, he took few steps in her direction, stopping just a foot away.

Goosebumps erupted on her whole body feeling his intense gaze on her. Suddenly he remembered something & walked out instantly. Naina stood confused at what happened to him within seconds. Before she could turn & get back to her work, Sameer entered again. He again stopped a foot away from her & whispered, "Ghum jao..."

When she couldn't process his words, Sameer held her shoulders & turned her. When Naina felt his fingers in her hair, her heart almost stopped beating. Sameer slowly brought all her hair together & pressed the hairclip in her hair. He closed the distance between them & whispered, "Ab yeh baal tumhe tang nahi karenge."

He disappeared after saying that, leaving a totally shocked Naina behind. She had shivered a little when he had whispered in her ear, the butterflies danced in her belly feeling his close proximity. Her hands trembled when she went back to kneading the dough. She herself didn't know how she finished making rotis. She burnt twice but didn't care about it when her mind was distracted by her hot husband's recent behavior.

When they sat for dinner, Sameer saw her eating with her left hand. He wanted to know why was she doing that. Before he could ask, Nanu beat him to it, "Naina... Tum baayen haath se kyun khaa rahi ho?" Without meeting their gaze, she replied, "Wohhh... Tave par roti pallat-te waqt thoda jal gayi thi, isliye nahi khaa paa rahi daahine haath se."

Sameer instantly muttered, "Haath dikhao, jyada jala toh nahi naa???" When Naina didn't show him her right hand, he asked again in a stern voice, "Naina... Haath dikhao..." She slowly brought her hand in front of him & he held her wrist to see the burn mark closely on her fingers. Naina shivered again seeing her caring husband observing her wound closely that too in front of Nanu.

Nanu coughed a little, "Sameer... Jyada toh nahi jala na Naina ka haath. Tum kaho toh doctor ko bulaa lun?" Naina replied instantly, "Nahi Nanaji... itna kuch nahi hua hai, aisa toh hote rehta hai. Aap fikar mat kijiye, do teen din mein thik ho jaayega." She tried to wriggle her hand from her strong husband's hold, but was unsuccessful.

"Nanu... Mujhe nahi lagta doctor ki zarurat padegi, main baad mein davai lagaa dunga." Saying that, he left her hand & continued eating. He remembered what he had done in the kitchen an hour ago. Had he distracted her? That's why she was lost & burnt her hand? He had seen two marks on her fingers. Did that mean she was burnt twice? Did his proximity affect her that much? Controlling his smile, he finished the meal.

Once in the room, he got back to his work. After doing her usual routine, Naina entered her room to see her hot husband working on the laptop. Collecting her night wear, she went to freshen up. Once she was back, she saw Sameer was standing near the window, gazing outside.

Sameer had heard the click of the doorknob; he knew that she had come out. He turned slowly to see her already looking at him. Walking to her, he gestured towards her hand. She knew why was he doing that. "Aap... aapko yeh sab karne ki zarurat nahi hai, aap fikar mat kijiye. Main... main davaai laga lungi..."

Without answering her, he held her hand & made her sit on the couch. He applied the cream on the burnt marks. She hissed a little in pain & he brought her hand closer to his mouth, blowing air on her wounds. Naina kept looking at his face intensely.

His gaze met hers & their eyes locked on each other. The butterflies in her stomach were back while his heartbeats accelerated seeing her lost in him. He moved closer to her & whispered, "Jab dhyaan apne handsome husband ke khalaayon mein dooba ho, toh fir uss husband ko davaai toh lagaani hi padegi naa???"

Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment & she bit her lower lip. Sameer caught her action & groaned internally looking at her luscious lips. Closing his eyes to regain his control, he got up. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Maine tumhara pillow aur quilt nikaal ke rakkha hai. Jaldi so jaana, kal college bhi jaana hai na???"

Without turning to her, he walked back to his bed & laid down. Switching the lights off, he closed eyes & mentally smacked himself for his behavior. What had gotten into him since evening? Why was he behaving like her loving husband suddenly?

On the other hand, Naina had turned immobile for a few minutes. His close proximity, his caring nature, his teasing, everything about him was affecting her too much. From the last few days, she had hugged him in her vulnerable state.

Why was she seeking the solace in his arms every time he was near her? Why couldn't she stay away from him? And why was he suddenly behaving so nicely with her? He had been close to her all the times whenever she was in need. She was getting used to his warmth now. She had to stop this. She can't get habituated to him & his presence.

She mentally reprimanded herself, "Naina... Tu Sameer ke paas nahi jaa sakti, har mushkil mein hamesha tera saath thodi honge wohh... Tu bhi naa paagal hai, Sameer kareeb aate hai aur tu sab kuch bhool jaati hai. Naina... yaad rakh... tu iss ghar mein sirf ek saal ke liye hai, toh Sameer se koi ummeed mat rakh. Unhone hi tujhse divorce papers sign karvaaye hai, ek saal baad na yeh shaadi rahegi aur naa yeh rishta. Khud ke dil par kaboo rakhna hoga ab se, main ab kisi bhi haalat mein Sameer ko mere kareeb nahi aane de sakti, unhe mere dil mein jagah nahi de sakti main."

With her left hand, she placed her pillow properly & pulled her quilt over her. When she closed her eyes, she remembered what he had had done in the kitchen. She looked at the clip that she had removed before sleeping on the couch & kept below her pillow. She removed it slowly & kissed it softly.

Unknown to her, her dashing husband had seen her doing that...

How was the update???

What do you think will Sameer forget about his own agreements & move ahead to live a happy married life with Naina???

Will Naina be able stop the growing feelings towards her legally wedded husband???

What job will Nanu arrange for Naina???

Do you think Kabir will still think of going close to Naina, even after he & Preeti have seen the chemistry between Samaina???

Please let me know about what you feel about the story???

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤