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FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 49

Sameer stood frozen to his spot in the middle of the stairs. He couldn't believe his ears. Had he heard it right? What were they talking about? Before he could move ahead & confront them, Pandit called from the living room. "Sameer... Chal yaar... Naina ko bulaane jaa raha tha toh aise beech mein statue ki tarah kyun khada reh gaya? Jaa... jaldi usse bulaa... Bohot bhook lagi hai, pet mein chuhe disco dandiya khel rahe hai."

He closed his eyes to calm down his anger. No matter what he couldn't confront them in front of everyone here. He definitely wanted to know what was all that conversation about. Unknown to the anger simmering in Sameer's head, Naina went to her room to fetch some notes for Preeti while Kabir again called up Nisha & continued his conversation. None of them had sensed Sameer's presence or heard Pandit's voice.

Taking an about turn, Sameer joined his friends & Nanu in the living room. Kabir came down still talking over his phone & after few minutes, Naina too joined them. All the three girls with the help of Ramdhari arranged the meal on the dining table.

During dinner, everyone kept chatting about mundane things while Sameer was lost in his thoughts. The conversation kept replaying in his mind on loop. Naina who was sitting beside him, saw him fiddling with his spoon. He hadn't even finished the first serving whereas others were relishing the second helping of the vegetable biryani made by her.

Naina silently kept her hand on his leg & asked, "Kya hua Sameer? Aap kuch khaa kyun nahi rahe? Aapko biryani acchi nahi lagi kya?" Her soft voice broke his reverie & he faced her. There were many questions which he wanted to ask, but he couldn't do it, not in front of everyone. His courage failed every time he saw her innocent face. He just shook his head in reply & continued eating.

Could she do this? No... she can't do this to him... She loved him, right??? He recalled the moment when he had heard her sweet confession in San Francisco, which will always be engraved in his heart forever. She loved him so much, then why would she betray him? He still couldn't believe that she had said those words to Kabir? What were they exactly trying to hide & what relationship was Kabir talking about?

"Sameer... tu kuch kha kyun nahi raha???" Nanu's voice broke his thoughts again & he smiled looking at his grandfather. For now, he concentrated on his meal & engrossed himself with talking to his best friends. He would try to find out what that conversation was all about later at night.

Naina had never seen her husband so lost. What was disturbing him so much? Why had he gone so silent all of a sudden? Is there any kind of pressure in his work which made him so stressed? She glanced at him once more to see him chatting with Munna about some work-related stuff.

She thought, "Jab dekho tab kaam ki hi baatein. Khaate waqt toh kuch aur baatein karni chahiye naa? Thik se khaana bhi nahi khaa rahe, ginn ke ab tak teen chammach biryani khaayi hogi. Sameer bhi naa... bilkul apna khayaal nahi rakhte. Ab thik se khaana nahi khaayenge toh unki sehat bhi kharaab ho jaayegi naa?"

While she was lost in her thoughts & staring at her husband, Preeti was observing her best friend. She nudged her & spoke softly, "Ab tera pati yahin rehne waala hai tere saath, toh ab usse ghoorna band kar aur apne khaane par dhyaan de. Kab se taade jaa rahi hai Sameer ko, pataa hai ek mahine baad aaya hai London se, par iska yeh matlab nahi ki tu uss ek mahine ki kami ek saath abhi hi poori kar le. Tere paas bohot time hai uske saath rehne ke liye, tab taad lena jitna taadna ho utna, abhi chupchaap khaana khaa. Samjhi???"

Anjali who sat next to Preeti giggled hearing her threat to Naina. They finished their meal soon after & then relished the rasmalai brought by Kabir. Sameer was lost all the while. Everyone present in the house thought that he was tired, so they bid goodbye to the couple & Nanu in the next few minutes.

Naina finished all the kitchen chores & headed to her room where her husband was waiting impatiently for her. By the time, she changed into her night suit, Sameer was restless. He had been dying to talk to her & clear all the negative thoughts that were disturbing him. The conversation was still fresh in his mind. He didn't want to come to a conclusion until he had cleared it out with his wife. He trusted her & he knew that she won't lie to him at all.

The moment Naina came near the bed, Sameer held her hand & pulled her next to him. "Yahaan baitho... mujhe... mujhe tumse kuch baat karni hai." Naina was stunned for a moment as he had never pulled her so urgently to have a conversation. She settled next to him & spoke softly, "Kahiye... kya baat karni hai."

"Naina... tum... tum aur Kabir dinner se pehle kya baat kar rahe the?" Naina froze as she heard his question. Sameer felt her stiffen next to him. He could see her fidgeting with her night shirt & he understood that she was nervous, but he had to know about their conversation & he wasn't ready to let go of this topic for now.

Naina was aware of his intent gaze on her & knew that he was waiting for her reply. What should she say now? She definitely can't reveal Kabir's & Nisha's relationship until he would propose to her & wanted to make it official. She had already lied about the jewellery shop visit & now this. She would've to lie again & she did.

Without meeting his gaze, she replied, "Aap... aap isiliye dinner ke time se itne khoye khoye hue the?" Dodging her question, he said, "Main tumhare jawaab ka wait kar raha hun Naina..." She cursed Kabir for a while & replied, "Wohhh... hum... hum toh aise hi NGO ke kaam ke baare mein baat kar rahe the."

Sameer wanted to know the truth but somehow he had an idea that his wife & his friend were hiding something for sure. Naina wasn't someone who would lie to him so easily. He knew her enough. He didn't understand what was so much important that she was lying to him. This was the second time that she was not revealing the truth.

Palming her face, he asked, "Meri aankhon mein dekho Naina aur bolo, kya baat kar rahi the tum dono, kyunki maine jo suna wohhh NGO ke baare mein toh nahi tha?" Naina closed her eyes; she couldn't meet his eyes & lie to him. She couldn't do this. But she also had to keep her promise to Kabir.

Making a decision, she opened her eyes & said, "Sameer... main... main aapko... aapko abhi kuch nahi bataa sakti, par vaada karti hun ki sahi waqt aane par main aur Kabir khud hi sab sach bataa denge. Aap... aap... mujhpar bharosa toh karte hai naa Sameer???"

Looking at her misty eyes, his resolve of further probing her for answers weakened & he gave up, "Haann... mujhe tum par vishwaas hai Naina, isliye toh maine seedhe seedhe tumse poocha. Main nahi chaahta tha ki main tumhare baare mein koi galat raai banaaun. Thik hai, main sahi waqt ka wait karunga. Bas yahi ummeed karta hun Naina ki tum aisa kuch na karo jisse tum mujhe yaa Nanu ko hurt karo." She was glad that he hadn't misunderstood her & had asked her directly, but she was still disturbed. Had he heard the whole conversation? No... If he had heard the entire thing, then he wouldn't have questioned her at all. He would've known that they were talking about Kabir & Nisha.

Not wanting to continue that topic any further, Naina turned to switch off the bedside lamps. As they snuggled into each other's arms, both were busy in their thoughts. Naina was not happy with her lying to him at all. She wanted to tell him the truth but she was bound by a promise to Kabir.

"Bhagwaanji... mujhe maaf kar dena please... maine kal se do baar hi jhooth bol chuki hun Sameer se... Aap toh sab jaante hai naa ki main yeh sab kyun kar rahi hun. Main Kabir se kiya vaada nahi tod sakti aur issi waade ki wajah se main Sameer ko sach bataa nahi paa rahi. Please bhagwaanji... mujhe maaf kar dijiyega..."

Closing her eyes, she continued her thoughts, "I'm sorry Sameer... main aapko sach nahi bataa sakti. Main majboor hun Sameer, Kabir se vaade mein bandhi hui hun. Bas Kabir jaldi Nisha se apne dil ki baat keh de, fir sab thik ho jaayega. Fir mujhe bhi koi jhooth nahi bolna padega."

On the other end, Sameer too was lost in his thoughts. "Naina ne fir se jhooth bola... Aise kaise kar sakti hai wohh? Aaj tak toh kabhi jhooth nahi bol paayi mujhse aur ab, jab se main aaya hun, usne mujhse jhooth hi bola hai. Pehle jewellery shop ke baare mein aur aaj unki baaton ke baare mein. Naina agar mujhse chupaa rahi hai toh iska yahi matlab hai ki koi bohot hi important baat hai. Par kyaa??? Kya important baat ho sakti hai, jiske liye mujhse, apne pati se jhooth bol rahi hai??? Peechle ek mahine mein meri Naina ekdum badal gayi hai."

When he closed his eyes, her smiling innocent face appeared in front of his eyes. "Main Naina par bharosa karta hun, par Kabir... Kabir par nahi... Mujhe pataa hai ki Kabir ko Naina pasand hai, aur isiliye mujhe zaraa bhi vishwaas nahi hai uss par. Kahin Kabir Naina se pyaar toh nahi karne lagaa? Kahin wohh Naina ko mujhse chinna toh nahi chaahta?"

But then again, he thought, "Nahi... Aisa nahi ho sakta. Main Kabir ko itna toh jaanta hun ki wohh kabhi jaanbujhkar mera ghar nahi todega, mujhe hurt nahi karega, aakhir dost hai hum. Fir kya chupaa rahe hai yeh dono? Uss jewellery shop mein, Kabir ne Naina ke size ki ring li aur wohh pendant, uss mein bhi toh 'KN' likhwaaaya hai. Aur yeh sab mein Naina bhi uske saath thi."

Sameer's heart pained as he got flashbacks of the images of the design made by Kabir, it clearly said 'KN' & that ring... it was being readjusted to Naina's ring finger's size. He was confused yet he was having the sinking feeling about all this. Whatever it was, he knew that his married life was now at stake & in trouble because of Kabir.

Inspite of being wrapped in each other's arms, both were unable to sleep as dangerous thoughts crossed through their minds. As the sunlight seeped in through the curtains. Naina got up & started her chores. Sameer who had hardly got any sleep, got up when his wife woke him up.

The next three weeks passed by with Naina being busy with her exams & Sameer in his work. Kabir had gone to Delhi for two weeks for some important project. Sameer wasn't happy to see his wife studying till late nights & even skipping meals. He had scolded her, yet she forgot to eat & sleep on time.

Every night Sameer would pick her up from her old room & bring her back to their room. Naina was quite stressed till her exams finally ended. Nanu & Sameer knew that as always, she would definitely top this year too. They had seen her studying hard from past three weeks.

Kabir returned the same day when the exams ended. Sameer was waiting for this day, so he could take his wife out. It had been a long time that he craved for her presence next to him. Naina was so busy in her studies that she hardly had time to speak to him. Even she had missed his warmth next to her.

Sameer winded up his work early that day & left for home to surprise his wife. He reserved bookings for them in a five-star restaurant for dinner. He had this week to make her feel special. While driving home, he thought, "Ab sirf ek hafta bacha hai hamari wedding anniversary ko. Meri aur Naina ki shaadi ko ek saal poora hone walaa hai aur main... main ussi din meri Maina se apne dil ki baat bataane waala hun. And I'm sure ki Naina bhi wohh teen magical words mujhse kahegi. Bas yeh ek hafta jaldi nikal jaaye, kyunki ab main apne dil ki baat apne dil mein nahi rakh paaunga."

Touching the red roses bouquet on the passenger's seat, he smiled, "Bas ek aur week Naina... fir hum hamesha hamesha ke liye ek ho jaayenge. Sahi maayno mein hum pati patni ka safar shuru karenge. Aur tumhare liye ek surprise bhi hai... bohot bada surprise. I hope tumhe yeh sab accha lage."

When he reached home, he kept the bouquet at the back seat & entered the house happily but all his happiness turned sour as he saw Kabir sitting in the living room with Naina & Nanu. All the thoughts that he had avoided from past three weeks came back with a bang. He had never mentioned about all his thoughts to Naina as he didn't want her to be disturbed while studying, after all it was her final exams.

But now, he was seething in anger. After three weeks, he finally had a chance to have his wife for himself & here, his wife was happily chatting with his friend. On seeing Sameer at the entrance, Nanu called out, "Arey... Sameer... tu aaj jaldi ghar kaise aa gaya???" Naina & Kabir watched him entering the house. Naina was happy to see him home so early. She got up & went to make his favourite coffee which he had missed from past few weeks.

Sameer sat next to Kabir & chatted with them informing about some investor who was interested in donating some essentials to their NGO. After ten minutes, Naina joined them with tray of tea & coffee cups. Ramdhari placed the snacks plates on the table & retuned to the kitchen.

Nanu spoke again, "Sameer... ab tu office se jaldi aa hi gaya hai toh tu fresh ho jaa." Before Sameer could say anything, Nanu interrupted, "Aisa kar fresh hone se pehle tu mujhe NGO chod de, waise bhi Naina aur Kabir, NGO ke kaam se kahin baahar jaa rahe hai."

Sameer looked at his wife who was already ready with her handbag. Sameer wasn't happy with the sudden turn of events. Keeping calm, he replied, "Main toh ek file hi lene aaya tha Nanu. Bas do minute rukiye, main abhi aaya." Saying that, he took the stairs. Without even glancing at his wife, he strode towards his room.

Once in his room, he entered the bathroom hurriedly & turned the faucet on. Even after splashing some cold water on his face, his anger didn't simmer down. He walked back in his room & opened the cupboard. Picking up a random file, he left downstairs to see Kabir & Naina waiting to bid him goodbye.

Before Naina could say anything to him, Sameer spoke, "Nanu... Chaliye... mujhe waapis office bhi jaana hai. Aur haannn... ek baat aur... mujhe aaj ghar aane mein late ho jaayega toh aap log dinner kar lena aur mera wait mat karna." Without glancing at his wife even once, he walked towards his car & waited for Nanu. Kabir & Nanu sensed that Sameer was definitely angry for some reason.

Without a word, Nanu joined his grandson in the car while Kabir & Naina headed towards their destination, Preeti's café. Nanu kept silent throughout the ride. He had seen the bouquet on the backseat & had understood why his grandson was angry. Nanu felt bad for him as he was the one who had disrupted his plans for an outing. He had wanted to arrange a small party at NGO for the girls & had asked Naina & Kabir to collect the sandwiches & pastries from Preeti's café. He wished he had known about his grandson's plans then he wouldn't have sent Naina with Kabir.

Kabir kept talking about Nisha while Naina was lost in her thoughts, "Sameer ko aaj kya ho gaya hai? Aaj meri taraf ek baar bhi nahi dekha, aur naahi poocha ki meri exam kaise gayi. Kis baat par itna gussa the aaj? Itne dinon se toh mera itna khayaal rakh rahe the, mere khaane peene ka, meri padhaai ka, mere sone ka. Har choti si choti cheez mein meri help kar rahe the. Aur aaj aisa kya ho gaya ki meri taraf ek baar dekha bhi nahi, mujhse baat bhi nahi ki. Aur... wohh kyaa tha 'mujhe aaj ghar aane mein late ho jaayega toh aap log dinner kar lena aur mera wait mat karna." Seedhe seedhe mujhse nahi keh sakte the ki main late aaunga. Pataa nahi... yeh caring husband achaanak se ekdum khadoos husband kaise bann jaate hai?"

Kabir noticed Naina was lost in her thoughts & he knew it had to be about her handsome husband for sure. Today he had seen how his presence with Naina affected Sameer. At first, he had done it to make his friend realize his feelings towards Naina but now, that wasn't the case. Kabir could clearly see that his friend was in love with Naina, but he also knew that he hadn't confessed it to her yet. What was stopping Sameer from doing that, he thought? Then suddenly something struck him & he asked, "Naina... ummm... tumhari aur Sameer ki shaadi ki anniversary kab hai???"

This sudden question broke her thoughts too & she spoke with a smile, "Iss Sunday hamari wedding anniversary hai Kabir. Sameer aur meri shaadi ki pehli wedding anniversary..." Her cheeks turned scarlet as Kabir teased, "Ohoooo... itni jaldi ek saal ho bhi gaya. Ab toh party banti hai Naina... Hum toh last time shaadi mein the nahi, toh iss anniversary ko hi hum celebrate kar lenge. What say Naina??? Kuch plan karte hai naa..."

Naina went quite after that as she thought again, "Pataa nahi mujhe jaise jaise yeh din kareeb aa raha hai waise hi ek ajeeb si ghabraahat kyun ho rahi hai?" The images of her signing the divorce papers & agreements flashed in her mind which pained her heart yet again. Was their relation going to end on their anniversary or was this marriage going to continue, she didn't know it yet.

Kabir placed his hand on hers & spoke, "Pehle ki baatein sochne ki zarurat nahi hai... Tum maano yaa na maano Naina... par sab kuch pehle jaisa nahi raha hai. Sameer tumse pyaar karne lagaa hai aur yeh uski aankhon mein saaf saaf dikhta hai. Bas wohh yeh baat tumhe bataane ka sahi mauka dhoondh raha hoga yaa shaayad aisa bhi ho sakta hai ki Sameer tumse apne dil ki baat wedding anniversary waale din hi kahe."

Naina too had seen the changes in him since he had returned from London. His each & every small gesture seemed different. His feelings were written all over his face & she could clearly see them. But why hadn't he said that till now, what was the need to wait till their wedding anniversary? She didn't understand this. The rest of their drive went silent as they drove towards Preeti's café.

As Kabir parked his car on the opposite side of the café, he spoke, "Naina... ek accha idea aaya hai mujhe. Main aisa karta hun ki tumhari wedding anniversary ke din hi Nisha ko propose karta hun. Issi bahaane sabko sab sach bhi pataa chal jaayega aur mujhe kisiko kuch alag se bataana bhi nahi padega. Kaisa lagaa idea???"

Naina beamed hearing his idea. It was definitely sounding good. So, after a week, everyone would know about Kabir & Nisha & then, she would tell the whole truth to Sameer too. He deserved it, didn't he? Naina was happy with this idea & she asked him to proceed with the same.

"Acchaa Naina... Suno... ek baat toh main bataana hi bhool gaya. Jab main Delhi mein tha, tab mujhe wohh jeweller ka call aaya tha, unhone kahaa ki ring, chain aur pendant sab ready ho gaya hai. Main kaam ke chakkar mein wohh bhool hi gaya tha. Kya tum mere liye wohh sab jeweller ke paas se pick up kar logi? Agar main kal busy nahi hota toh khud hi le aata. Please Naina... mera yeh chota sa kaam kar dogi???"

Naina immediately agreed & told him that she would collect it the next day. Kabir continued, "Aur apne paas hi rakhna, warna pataa chala ki main Nisha ko propose toh kar dunga, aur mere paas kuch dene ko hoga hi nahi. Tumhare hi ghar mein rahega toh agar main bhool bhi gaya toh tum mujhe yaad dilaa dena, fir koi problem bhi nahi hoga."

Naina smiled, "Haannn... Haannn... Waise bhi jab Nisha tumhare saamne hoti hai toh tumhe kahaan kuch yaad rehta hai. Bas Nisha mein hi kho jaate ho poori tarah. Aas paas koi hai yaa nahi isse tumhe koi khaas farak nahi padta Kabir. Kyun? Sahi keh rahi hun naa?" Kabir sat there red faced hearing her teasing.

After a minute or so, Naina said, "Ab chalo... hume waapis NGO bhi jaana hai. Yahin tumhari Nisha ki baat karne lage toh raat bhi kamm padegi, nahi???" She continued with her teasing while Kabir tried to hide his blush. They went to the café & collected the sandwiches & pastries for the girls in the NGO.

At the other end, Sameer fumed recollecting what all happened at home an hour ago. Munna & Pandit were shocked seeing his friend back in office. They knew about the dinner reservations Sameer had made for Naina & him. They were content watching their best friend happy since he had returned from London. They were sure that somewhere Sameer had started loving Naina & hence, he had accepted their relationship too.

Sameer never shared his feelings about his wife with them from the past few months which was shocking for them. He had always shared each & everything with them. But since his return from London, he had masked his emotions until today. Today, he looked like a raging bull who was ready to kill anyone who dared to cross him today. Even Sameer's assistant tried to stay away from him for now.

Watching the furious Sameer Maheshwari, it was time for his best friends to intervene. Without knocking the door, Munna & Pandit entered the cabin to see their frantic friend pacing the cabin from one end to the other. They sat down at the couch & watched him curiously.

Ten minutes passed, but their friend didn't stop his tempo. Taking the lead, Pandit asked, "Munna... isse aise idhar se udhar chalte dekhkar mera sar ghoomne lagaa hai." Munna was observing their best friend quietly. He knew that something drastic had happened. He had seen Sameer changing for the better. But now, something was bothering his friend for sure & it was definitely related to Naina.

Getting up from the couch, Munna stopped Sameer in the middle & held his shoulders, "Sameer... bas... ab bas... ruk jaa bhai... Pehle yahaan shanti se baith aur bataa kya baat hai? Kya hua hai? Tune toh aaj five-star restaurant mein dinner ke liye reservation kiya tha naa? Ghar bhi issiliye jaldi gaya tha taaki Naina ko surprise de sake, toh waapis kyun aa gaya office???"

Pandit joined the interrogation, "Kahin Naina ne tere saath jaane se manaa toh nahi kar diya naa? Isliye tu aise Hulk ki tarah behave kar raha hai?" Saying this, Pandit started laughing loudly. Munna glared at him while Sameer stayed mum. This wasn't the reaction that Pandit & Munna had expected from him.

When a single tear drop slipped from his eye, both his friends panicked. Sameer wasn't the one who would cry this easily. Munna instantly took him in a hug & asked, "Sameer... Kya hua hai? Tu... tu ro kyun raha hai? Kya hua hai Sameer? Please kuch toh bol?" Pandit too joined the hug & cried, "Sameer... main... main toh mazaak kar raha tha yaar? Tu... tu rone kyun lagaa? Bol naa kya hua hai?"

Sameer hugged his friends tightly & let his tears flow freely. All the uneasiness watching Kabir & Naina together for some time now, finally came to the forefront & he cried his heart out. When he stopped, he broke the hug & stood up. He wanted to vent out his frustration & his best friends would definitely hear him out. He knew his friends won't judge him & would listen to him & offer him their honest advice too. His friends have been his lifeline since childhood.

Wiping his tears, Sameer narrated everything from the start. He left nothing out. He wanted to share & he knew that his friends would understand him. He told them all about Kabir provoking him from the start. Though Munna & Pandit knew about all this as they were a part of that plan too, they heard his version. They felt bad too that they had to help Kabir in his plan, but they knew that this was the only way where Sameer would start understanding his feelings towards his wife.

But when Sameer narrated about the incidents after returning from London, Munna & Pandit were stunned. They had no idea about all this. What was exactly cooking between Kabir & Naina? Munna looked at Pandit & he just shrugged in response. Sameer kept on cursing Kabir & sided with Naina.

"Munna... Pandit... main bataa nahi sakta ki mujhe kitna bura lagaa Naina ko Kabir ke saath uss jewellery shop mein dekhkar. Jab uss manager ne mujhe Kabir ka banaaya hua design dikhaaya, toh mera dil dhadakna hi band ho gaya tha yaar. Aur jab usne kahaa ki Naina Kabir ki girlfriend hai, tab mann kar raha tha ki main uss manager ka mooh hi tod dun aur uski jaan le lu. Jab maine Naina ko iss baare mein poocha toh usne mujhse jhooth bola, bola ki wohhh Kabir ke saath NGO ke liye kuch saamaan lene gayi thi. Main chaahta toh usse zabardasti sach bulva leta par main dekhna chaahta tha ki Naina mujhse aur kitna jhooth bolti hai."

"Aur jab kal maine unki baatein suni toh samajh aaya ki Naina aur Kabir, dono mujhse kuch chupaa rahe hai. Baar baar Kabir yahi keh raha tha ki sahi time aane par wohh khud sabko sach bataa dega aur Naina usse keh rahi thi ki usse mujhse baar baar jhooth bolna sahi nahi lag raha. Aisi kya baat hai jo dono mujhse aur hum sabse chupaa rahe hai? Aaj tak meri Naina ne mujhse jhooth nahi bola hai aur main ek mahine ke liye London kya gaya, Naina jhooth bolna seekh gayi, aur wohh bhi Kabir ke liye, jo mujhe bilkul accha nahi lag raha."

Munna asked, "Kya tu Naina se pyaar karne lagaa hai Sameer???" Pandit too had wanted to ask this question for a while now & so, he looked at his best friend hopefully. Sameer faced them, "Haannn... Main Naina se pyaar karta hun." Munna & Pandit cheered happily & hugged Sameer.

"Hum kabse yeh sunna chaahte the Sameer. Finally, hum Naina ko ab Bhabhi bulaa sakte hai.", Pandit said happily. Munna's eyes brimmed with tears, "Sameer... tune yeh baat samajhne ke liye ek saal lagaa diya. Hum toh kabse wait kar rahe the yeh sunne ke liye. Naina se acchi Jeevan Saathi tujhe kabhi nahi mil sakti thi Sameer." Sameer replied nervously, "Pataa hai..."

Munna thumped his back & said, "Tujhe Naina par bharosa hai naa? Fir kis baat ki chinta? Dekh... hum bhi Naina ko ek saal se jaante hai, wohh aisa kuch nahi karegi jisse tujhe hurt ho. Humne dekha hai ki wohh tujhe kitna maanti hai aur kitna pyaar karti hai tujhse, wohh tujhe dhokha dene ke baare mein soch bhi nahi sakti Sameer."

Sameer replied, "Main jaanta hun ki Naina bhi mujhse pyaar karti hai, dekha hai maine, mehsoos kiya hai mere dil ne." Munna & Pandit shared a look, "Tujhe kaise pataa ki Naina bhi tujhse pyaar karti hai???" Sameer told them what all had happened in San Francisco & how he had unintentionally heard her sweet love confession. His friends were stunned hearing all this.

"Mujhe meri Naina par poora yakin hai yaar par pataa nahi ab yeh sab dekhkar mujhe kuch samajh nahi aa raha. Main vishwaas karna chaahta hun par kuch hai, jo main dekhkar bhi nahi dekh paa raha. Kya chal raha hai Naina aur Kabir ke beech? Kabir kis rishtey ke baare mein baat kar raha tha? Mujhe jaanna hai, jald se jald mujhe pataa lagaana hoga, kyunki main Naina aur mere rishtey ko ek mauka dena chaahta hun, usse wohh hakk dena chaahta hun jo mujhe bohot pehle hi Naina ko de dena chahiye tha, meri patni hone ka hakk. Iss Sunday hamari pehli wedding anniversary hai, aur main Naina ko surprise dena chahta hun. Naina se apne dil ki baat bhi kahunga aur usse firse shaadi bhi karunga. Jab peechle saal shaadi ki thi, toh majboori mein ki thi, par ab... ab main poore dil se Naina ko apni wife banaana chaahta hun, wohh bhi sab ke saamne, poore riri riwaaz se."

Munna & Pandit were very much happy hearing that Sameer wanted to give his marriage a fair chance. Finally, he had confessed to his friends that he loved his wife & trusted her too. But whatever was happening from the last few days was making him sceptical about everything. Just because he was in love with her, was he blindly trusting her? This thought passed through his mind several times, yet somewhere his heart wanted to trust Naina & he did. That was the reason he wanted to give their marriage a fair chance.

In the NGO, after distributing the sandwiches & pastries to all the girls, Naina sat beside Nanu who was lost somewhere. "Nanaji... aap kya soch rahe hai? Kab se dekh rahi hun aapka dhyaan yahaan hai hi nahi. Kya hua? Koi problem hai kya?" Without glancing at her, he replied, "Naina... tum jaanti ho aaj Sameer jaldi ghar kyun aaya tha?"

"Nanaji... Sameer toh koi file lene ghar aaye the naa? Toh fir aap aisa kyun pooch rahe hai?" Nanu closed his eyes & replied, "Nahi Naina... Sameer tumhe surprise dene ghar aaya tha, shaayad tumhe kahin baahar le jaane waala tha. Maine car mein laal gulaabon ka guldastaa dekha tha. Aur main samajh gaya ki Sameer sirf tumhare liye ghar jaldi aaya tha. Agar main tumhe aur Kabir ko café jaane ki baat naa kehta toh Sameer gussa nahi hota. Meri wajah se uska saara surprise kharaab ho gaya Naina..."

Naina was shocked with the revelation. She had no idea about this & had believed his words of coming back home for a file. Sameer wanted to take her out & so, he was angry on her for going out with Kabir. She realized that she had messed up this time unknowingly. "Sameer ne pehle hi bataa diya hota toh main Kabir ke saath baahar hi nahi jaati naa? Yeh Sameer bhi naa..." But her mind immediately spoke, "Sameer ko waise bhi mera Kabir ke saath rehna pasand nahi hai. Unse main pehle hi do baar jhooth bol diya hai aur ab yeh... bohot mushkil se maine unhe apne aap par bharosa rakhne ko kahaa tha, aur ab aaj mera yun Kabir ke saath jaana, unhe bilkul accha nahi lagaa hoga. Sameer mere liye jaldi ghar aaye the, mere liye..."

Naina was on cloud nine hearing that he had come home early for her but she was much more upset with herself. If she knew he was going to plan something like this, then she wouldn't have left with Kabir at all. Her happiness didn't last long as she realized that unknowingly she had angered her husband & destroyed his surprise plans. She thought about the red roses bouquet. How would have she reacted when he would've given her those flowers? Her cheeks would've have turned red for sure which would've matched those red roses & Sameer would've enjoyed it thoroughly & teased her too.

Her thoughts were broken when she heard Nanu's voice, "Naina... Pataa nahi Sameer ka gussa shaant bhi hua hoga yaa nahi. Jab wohh ghar aaye toh usse manaa lena, waise mujhe yeh kehne ki zarurat nahi thi, par fir bhi tum usse sambhaal lena beta... Aaj uski chuppi mujhe bilkul acchi nahi lagi Naina... Usne poore raaste mujhse kuch baat hi nahi ki ... Maine Sameer ko aise kabhi nahi dekha, aisa lagaa jaise wohh bohot dukhi ho gaya hai."

Naina's heart broke when she heard Nanu's words. She took few deep breaths to stabilise her heartbeats. She was scared too. She knew what it meant that he was hurt & she was the reason behind it. She knew that she had already hurt him twice intentionally by lying & now this. How was she going to pacify him this time? She knew he trusted her but now she was more nervous. She prayed to the Almighty to give her some strength to persuade her furious husband...

That night as Sameer had said earlier, he came late. After talking to his best friends, he decided to stay in office & finish the review of an important project. His friends had already gone home & had advised him to go home too. But Sameer was in no mood to go home so soon & face his wife. He was still upset that his plan was spoiled. He knew it wasn't Naina's fault as he hadn't mentioned about the dinner plans to her. If the truth be told, he was feeling insecure whenever he saw his dear wife with Kabir. He thought that Naina was giving more importance to Kabir than him. She had started lying to him for Kabir, she was hiding few things from him for Kabir & now, she was always ready to go out with Kabir without even informing him. He was feeling very much insecure because of Kabir's presence in his wife's life.

Still five days were left for their first wedding anniversary & he hoped that all the things will be sorted out between them. He wanted to start his marital life after their first anniversary without any grudges. He wanted her to know what important place she had in his life. And the most important was that he loved her & he was going to confess his feelings in front of everyone. Accepting their marriage with all his heart was something he had never imagined doing it.

At around eleven at night, he opened the door with his spare key without making much noise. He knew his grandfather would've already drifted to sleep. He slowly walked towards his room & opened the door to find his wife sleeping on the couch. Why was Naina sleeping on the couch was the first thought that came to his mind?

He walked to her & watched her pale face. He could clearly see the dried tear-stained marks on her face. His heart twisted in pain as he realized that she had cried herself to sleep. Without disturbing her sleep, he picked her up in his arms & made her sleep on the bed. His eyes had already turned misty watching her tear-stained face.

As he remembered the events of the evening, he closed his eyes. With a swift turn, he walked to his cupboard & collected his night wear. He freshened up quickly & went back to bed. He was hungry as he had skipped his dinner. He wasn't in any good mood to relish anything. Walking towards his side of the bed, he rested himself comfortably.

As if Naina could sense him, she closed the gap between them & snuggled closer to him. As soon as Naina was in his arms, all his sadness flew away & he held her possessively. He kissed her forehead softly & spoke in a low voice, "Kyun karti ho tum aisa Naina? Kyun har baar tum mujhse jyaada importance Kabir ko deti ho, jabki tum jaanti ho ki mujhe tumhara uske saath rehna pasand nahi hai?"

The moment Sameer finished speaking, Naina opened his eyes & replied, "I'm sorry Sameer..." He was shocked to see her awake & asked, "Tum... tum jaag rahi ho???" She confessed honestly, "Haannnn... jab mujhe pataa tha ki aap mujhse naaraaz hai, toh mujhe neend kaise aati? Main toh aapke aane ka intezaar kar rahi thi."

As the tears made its way from her eyes again, Sameer wiped them slowly. She too kept her palm over his cheek & apologised again, "I'm really sorry Sameer... mujhe... mujhe sach mein nahi pataa tha ki aap... aap mujhe surprise dene ghar aaye the. Agar pataa hota toh main Kabir ke saath kahin baahar nahi jaati Sameer. Sach... Nanaji ne NGO mein ladkiyon ko party dene ka plan banaaya tha, isliye mujhe aur Kabir ko Preeti ke café se sandwiches aur pastries le aane ko kahaa tha. Sameer... please mujhse naaraaz mat rahiye, main... main aapki naaraazgi bardaaasht nahi kar paaungi."

Sameer couldn't see her tears & pulled her to himself. "Its... its ok Naina... tum peechle tin hafton se exams mein busy thi toh maine socha ki tumhe aaj main jaldi ghar aakar surprise dun. Main tumhe dinner ke liye baahar le jaana chaahta tha Naina, infact maine toh five-star hotel mein hamare liye reservations bhi kar diye the. par khair... shaayad hamare naseeb mein aaj kahin jaana likha hi nahi tha." Though he said it was ok, but he was not...

Naina felt bad but still she spoke, "Sameer... aap agar mujhe pehle hi bataa dete toh main Nanaji ko manaa kar deti aur aapke saath hi restaurant mein dinner karti." Sameer gave her a stern look, "Tumhe surprise ka matlab samajh bhi aata hai? Pehle hi bataa deta toh surprise kaise deta? Aur waise bhi ghar aane ke baad jo mujhe surprise mila, uske baad maine decide kar liya hai ki aaj ke baad main kabhi tumhe koi surprise nahi dunga."

"Sameer... aap..." Before she could say more, he cut her sentence midway, "Nahi Naina... Ab aur nahi... main... main bohot thak gaya hun. Ab tum bhi so jao, finally tumhari bhi exams khatam ho gayi hai naa." She didn't fight him on that & asked, "Aapne kuch khaaya Sameer?" Instead of answering her question, he bid her goodnight.

Naina's heart broke with his reply & she too bid him goodnight in a low voice. Sameer felt bad for behaving this way but he too was hurt. Even if they were wrapped in each other's arms, they felt distant. It wasn't Naina's fault, he knew. But still he didn't want to come around her this easily. He wanted her to realize his importance in her life. She can't always put Kabir or someone else first. He wanted her full attention only on him.

The next three mornings, Sameer got up earlier than usual, went to work without having breakfast & would come home late at midnight. Naina & Nanu weren't happy with this, but they couldn't do anything about it. Whenever they called, Sameer would never attend their calls & would never revert back. Nanu had a talk with his Rahu-Ketu & they too weren't happy watching this version of Sameer. They knew he was hurt but they had thought that he would leave this small incident behind & move on. But they were wrong.

In the last three days, Naina didn't go out with Kabir or Nisha as she didn't want to hurt Sameer anymore. She had heard his words that night & she knew that her husband wasn't liking her spending time with Kabir. So, she started avoiding it. It was only one time that she went out to the jeweller's shop to collect the jewellery that was ready for Kabir.

Sameer knew that Naina was home the whole time & wasn't going anywhere with Kabir. He was happy with it & was waiting for their first wedding anniversary, so that he could confess his love & marry her again. He was intentionally staying away from her & planning the surprise party for his wife. Even his best friends had no idea about it.

It was already Saturday when he decided to go home early & have a chat with his wife. He had ordered a red silk saree for the next day. He picked it up on the way home. As he reached his place, he was greeted with silence. He rushed towards his room in search of his wife to find their room vacant.

While keeping the bag in the cupboard, Sameer's eyes landed on a small bag that was kept at the lower shelf. As he read the name on the bag, he froze. The bag belonged to the same jeweller shop where he had seen Kabir & Naina together.

With shivering hands, he opened the bag & saw three small pouches. He walked towards the couch & sat down. He opened all the pouches one by one to find the same ring, the same chain & the same pendant that he had seen in the jewellery shop. His heart pained & broke into pieces as he saw the 'KN' pendant.

Did it mean 'Kabir-Naina'? No... it can't be... his mind & heart battled with different answers. When his heart wanted to trust Naina, his mind wasn't sure about it anymore. Again, he reminisced all the events that happened from past month & his heart hurt again. He just hoped that his heart was right this time for trusting Naina.

Sameer kept the things away in the cupboard again & walked back downstairs to find Ramdhari in the kitchen. On spotting Sameer, he asked, "Arey Sameer Bhaiya... aap jaldi aa gaye? Aap baithiye, main abhi coffee banaa deta hun." Sameer asked, "Ramdhari... mujhe coffee nahi chahiye. Mujhe yeh bataa ki Nanu aur Naina kahaan hai?"

Continuing his work, Ramdhari replied, "Nanu toh Munshiji ke saath kahin baahar gaye hai aur Naina Bhabhi Kabir bhaiya ke saath NGO gayi hai. Kabir bhaiya unhe lene aaye the, toh Bhabhi unhi ke saath chali gayi."

Sameer didn't know what to say & he turned towards the entrance furiously. Today... he was going to get answers to everything by hook or crook. It was high time that he knew what was cooking between Kabir & Naina. He picked up the car keys again & left towards the NGO.

Kabir had somehow convinced Naina to step out of the house & help him in proposing to Nisha. In the NGO, Kabir was trying his best to say something that would impress Naina so he could use the same lines to propose to his love, Nisha. Naina had half-heartedly accompanied Kabir to NGO. She couldn't refuse him, when he asked her to help him for one last time.

Kabir kept mimicking some stupid romantic lines from movies which made Naina burst out in peals of laughter. Kabir sat down next to her in defeat when nothing worked on her. He said sadly, "Mujhe lagta hai ki main kabhi Nisha ko apni life partner banaa hi nahi paaunga. Preeti sach hi kehti hai, main itna boring hun ki koi ladki meri life mein aa hi nahi sakti. Ek line thik se bol nahi paa raha tumhare saamne, Nisha ke saamne khaak kuch bol paaunga?"

Naina calmed herself watching her friend's condition. She knew he was one shy person & won't be able to express his feelings in words, especially in front of Nisha. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes & said, "Kabir... apni aankhen band karo... aur Nisha ke baare mein socho... uske haste hue chehre ko apne saamne imagine karo... aur bolo... kya feel karte ho tum Nisha ke baare mein..."

Naina was imagining Sameer & was preparing herself to do the same. It was high time that she decided to speak & express her feelings to her husband. She wasn't going to wait for Sameer to say it first. She knew he loved her but he was taking his own sweet time to confess. Now, she had decided to take the first step tomorrow itself, on their first wedding anniversary. She didn't know what the next day was going to be like. Would it end on a better note or bad? Will her marriage continue or not? But now, she had decided to speak her heart out before Sameer took any decision & his decision would seal her fate forever...

Kabir took few deep breaths & got up. He kneeled in front of Naina & held her hand, "Maine jabse tumhe dekha hai, tumse mila hun, ek alag sa connection feel hua hai. Jab tum hasti ho toh lagta hai ki yeh duniya kitni khoobsurat hai, tumhari uss hasi mein main aise kho jaata hun ki mann karta hai ki main tumhe dekhta hi rahun. Main chaahta hun ki yeh hasi kabhi tumhare chehre se hate hi nahi. Main chaahta hun ki main uss khoobsurat hasi ki wajah banu. Main... main tumse bohot pyaar karta hun... jaanta hun maine bohot time lagaa diya yeh kehne mein, par tum jaanti ho naa ki main aisa nahi hun... main apni feelings shabdon mein bayaan nahi kar paata... par tumne meri zindagi mein aakar mujhe aur meri zindagi ko poori tarah badal diya... I Love You... bohot pyaar karta hun tumse... kya tum meri life mein aakar meri boring si zindagi mein apni hasi se khushiyaan bhar sakti ho???"

Naina smiled looking at him & replied, "I Love You too..."

How was the update???

I know many of you won't like what is going to come up next...

I just want to say that trust your writer...

Somethings are meant to happen which teaches us the true meaning of love...

Love... Naina's love is unconditional but will Sameer ever understand that???

Just trust me & you will discover a beautiful phase of love & redemption ahead in this story...

This is my first ever story which will cross the 50 chapters mark... it wasn't easy though...

It's because of you all wonderful readers & you constant love & support that I'm breaking my own record this time...

Thanks each & everyone who have waited for my updates & given so much love to my stories...

Ignore the mistakes as I haven't read before posting this chapter...

Stay safe & take care of yourselves & your loved ones...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️