Hello friends...
I'm back with the next update...
Sorry for making you all wait this long...

Before I start, I want to make few things clear...
I read all comments of the last few chapters & want to clarify some things...
I know Sameer had forced himself on Naina but that part isn't known to his friends or Nanu. So, there was no mention about it when he faced all...

Somewhere in the last chapter I had hinted that he didn't want to think about the other things he did to Naina as he felt guilty of whatever happened between them.
I had deliberately kept that part away as this conversation needs to take place between the couple & not in front of their friends & Nanu... They don't about this & so there was no mention about it...

I will definitely try to sort out al the loopholes in the upcoming chapters one by one...
It's not possible to cover everything in just one single chapter...

Have patience & everything will fell in place as the story will progress ahead... Trust me on this...
And if I ever miss something you're free to point it out & I will make the necessary changes...

I'm going to finish this story in the next few chapters & will start a new one... I'm already working on it too...

Enough of my blabbering...
Enjoy reading the update...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 53

Sameer didn't know from where to start the search for his wife. He parked his car in front of the temple and took shaky steps towards the Shiv Temple which was the same place where he had got married to Naina a year ago. The memories hit him hard and he missed her more. As he faced Lord Shiv's idol, his eyes misted.

Sameer sat down crossed legged on the floor and kept staring at the idol, as if having a silent conversation with the Almighty. Panditji saw him sitting there and recognised him immediately as Nanu and Naina visited the temple many times with him. Seeing his tearful face, he let Sameer be alone and attended the other visitors.

Sameer sat silently and thought of places where Naina can go. But nothing came to his mind. He thought, "Nanu ne kahaa tha ki Naina ki koi family nahi hai, bas uske Nanaji the, jo ek saal pehle hi guzar gaye, toh fir Naina akele kahaan jaa sakti hai? Ahmedabad mein Naina jyada logon ke close nahi hai. Kabir ke ghar nahi hai, Munna Pandit ke saath bhi nahi hai, toh fir kahaan jaa sakti hai? Naina uss din subah nikli thi toh wohh zaroor bus station yaa railway station gayi hogi. Par mujhe kaise pataa chalega ki Naina kahaan gayi thi? Mujhe kahin naa kahin se shuruwaat toh karni hogi. Pehle Railway station jaata hun, wahaan dekhta hun agar kuch pataa chalta hai kya? Fir bus station jaaunga."

Sameer got up and walked towards the Idol. Panditji immediately asked, "Arey Sameer beta... aaj tum akele aaye ho? Maheshwariji aur Naina beti nahi aaye?" Sameer smiled warmly at him and replied, "Nahi Panditji... Nanaji ghar pe hai aur unhe nahi pataa tha ki main mandir aanewaala hun, warna zaroor saath aate. Aur Naina... Naina baahar gayi hai, jab aa jaayegi, tab hum saath mein mandir aayenge."

Looking at the Idol again, he apologized, "Sorry... Shivji... maine abhi Panditji se jhooth bola. Aap please mujhe meri har galti ke liye maaf kar dijiyega. Bas aapka aashirwaad mujhpar aur Naina par banaaye rakhna. Main apni galti sudhaarne jaa raha hun Bhagwaanji... bas mera saath mat chodiyega. Main apni Naina ko dhoodne jaa raha hun. Naina jahaan bhi hai uski raksha karna aur please mujhe aashirwaad dijiye ki main Naina ko jald se jald dhoond sakun aur waapis laa sakun."

Folding his hands in front of the Almighty, he prayed for few more minutes. His misty gaze asking the deity to help him find his Naina and to keep her safe wherever she was. Turning to Panditji, he took the prasad and ate it quietly. He took blessing from him as usual and left towards his home.

As he entered, he saw Nanu sitting in the living room who was chatting with Munshiji. Ramdhari brought a cup of coffee for him which he politely refused and said, "Ramdhari... aaj ke baad mere liye kabhi coffee mat banaana. Mujhe sirf Naina ke haath ki bani hui coffee hi pasand hai. Ab toh main coffee tab hi peeunga jab Naina mere liye coffee banaayegi."

Saying that, he walked back to his room while Ramdhari kept staring at his retreating figure. After few minutes, he left towards the railway station and then the bus station. But to his dismay, he didn't find any news about Naina. The person who had informed Preeti and Pandit about Naina's presence on that day, wasn't present when Sameer had enquired about his wife at the bus counter. So unfortunately, he had no idea if Naina had been there. He was now totally blank and felt more helpless.

Sameer thought of hiring a private agent to trace Naina but he held back. Should he do this? Should he take help of a private investigator and search Naina? Preeti's words and taunts again rang in his mind and he let go of this idea. He would find his Naina on his own, without anyone's help. He thought bitterly, "Preeti ko kya lagta hai ki main Naina ko nahi dhoond paaunga? Usne ab tak iss Sameer Maheshwari ko jaana nahi hai. Main Naina se bohot pyaar karta hun aur main mere pyaar ko ab mujhse kabhi jooda nahi hone dunga. Bas ek baar Naina ka pataa chal jaaye toh main kabhi usse dur nahi jaane dunga."

Sameer came back home defeated. He had tried searching for his wife at every corner of the city, asked many people if they had seen Naina around. But no one gave him a proper reply. He was helpless and vulnerable. He reached home at around night where Nanu was waiting for him for dinner.

Watching the helplessness on his grandson's face, Nanu felt bad but he remained quiet and made him sit for dinner. Sameer kept playing with the food on his plate but didn't eat much. Nanu sensed that he hadn't found anything about Naina. So, he asked, "Kya hua Sameer? Tum... tum thik se khaa kyun nahi rahe ho? Tumhe... tumhe Naina ke baare mein kuch pataa chala?"

Sameer narrated about his day and how helpless he felt as he couldn't find his wife. Nanu replied, "Sameer... tum itni jaldi haar mat maanna. Tumhe hamari Naina ko dhoodna hai aur usse iss ghar mein waapis laana hai. Tumne jo Naina ke saath kiya usse main tumse ab bhi naaraaz hun, par main jaanta hun ki tum Naina se bohot pyaar karte ho. Aur issi pyaar ki wajah se tum Naina ko waapis le hi aaoge. Jo tumne Naina ke saath kiya wohh maafi ke kaabil toh nahi hai, isliye tumhe aisa kuch karna hoga jisse Naina tumhe maaf kar sake. Naina ka dil ekdum saaf aur saccha hai, aur wohh bhi tumse pyaar karti hai. Par tumne jo kiya, uske baad Naina poori tarah se toot gayi hai. Tum Naina ke saath ek saal rahe ho, uski pasand naa-pasand ko acche se jaante ho. Tumhe tumhare pyaar ko apni taakat banaana hai, kamzori nahi. Aur yeh jo aansoon baar baar tumhari aankhon mein aa jaate hai naa, yahi iss baat ka saboot hai ki tumhe apni galti ka pachtava ho raha hai aur tumhara pyaar kitna gehra aur saccha hai. Bas tum maayoos mat hona aur haar mat maanna. Naina tumhe zaroor milegi Sameer, bas tumhe poore dil se usse dhoodna hoga. Kuch aisa karna hoga, jisse tumhe Naina ka pataa chal jaaye, jisse tum Naina tak pohonch sako. Tumhe Naina ka dil jeetna hai Sameer, jo ab poori tarah se toot gaya hai, aur yeh sirf tu hi kar paayega Sameer... sirf tu... Tune Naina ka dil toda hai, toh usse jodna bhi tujhe hi hoga. Ab Naina ko iss ghar mein laane ki zimmedari teri..."

Sameer processed his words and nodded. He finished his food reluctantly as he saw even Nanu wasn't eating much. He knew that along with Naina, he had hurt many people around him. He knew once he brought Naina home, all would be fine. But for that, he needed to find Naina asap and bring her back.

When he retired to his room, he talked for few minutes with her parent's photo frame and again narrated about his day. When he rested on his bed, he kept looking at the ceiling. Then, something struck his mind and he quickly got up and rushed to his study room. He had already opened two cupboards, but didn't find what he was searching for. When he opened the last cupboard, he finally found his guitar.

Sameer walked back to his room and straight into the balcony where their favourite mattress was still lying untouched. He sat on it and arranged the strings of the instrument. He remembered an incident when Naina was trying to coax him about his career choice. He had avoided that topic then, but now he understood what gave him solace and happiness and why was Naina persuading him so much to think about it.

Closing his eyes, he played the strings of the guitar as the image of his gorgeous wife flashed in his mind. He hummed the song along with the instrument. His eyes turned misty and he concentrated on the song. He kept singing till his voice choked and he cried yet again. He couldn't sleep that night and every night after that.

Sameer skipped his office and handed over all the work to his best friends. They didn't argue with him and knew that he was going through a difficult phase. Sameer continued his search for the next two weeks but he wasn't able to know about Naina's whereabouts. He had asked each and every person in Ahmedabad if they had seen his wife around. He had not given up but now he was losing hope. What if he couldn't find her? Then how would he be able to apologize to his wife for all the misbehaviour he had done with his words and with his actions.

Sameer closed his eyes and thought about all the good time he had spent with his wife. He was again going through their pictures on his phone and missed her more... Kissing the phone screen, he murmured, "I Love You Naina... I Miss You... tum... tum... kahaan chali gayi mujhe chodkar... Kahaan ho tum Naina??? Kahaan ho tum???"

On the other side of the country, Naina got up with a jerk as if someone was calling her. She was breathing heavily. Her heart pained and she rested on the bed again, staring at the ceiling blankly. She felt nothing. She was just lying down on the bed as her body, her mind, her heart and her soul had given up everything, had lost all the feelings. Naina tossed and turned every night but sleep eluded her.

Naina had decided that she won't ever think about her past, her love and her life partner but she didn't have any control over her poor heart which only pounded for him, her Sameer. She smiled painfully and thought, "Kitni paagal hun naa main, wohhh mere Sameer kabhi the hi nahi... aur naa kabhi honge..."

She closed her eyes and all the happenings flashed in her mind yet again. She remembered the day when she had left the Maheshwari Mansion early morning on their first wedding anniversary day. The moment she had left the house, something had died within her. She had walked and walked until an autorickshaw honked several times to gain her attention. The driver asked, "Madamji... aapko kahin chod dun?" That had broken her stupor and she came to her senses.

Naina quietly sat in the rickshaw. When the auto driver had asked for a destination, she had gone totally blank. Naina had stuttered for a few moments and then asked him to drop her at the bus station. She had reached the bus stop after half an hour. When she stood at the counter for buying a ticket, her heart pounded hard. Was she doing the right thing? She hadn't even informed Nanu about her sudden departure. She felt guilty but she knew that this time she couldn't even stay back for Nanu.

Sameer had crushed her self-respect and dignity royally this time. The first time she had forgiven him because of his past and his insecurities, but this time it wasn't the same thing. He had deliberately degraded her even after knowing her, staying with her for a year. They weren't strangers any more. He had never trusted her. She became his good friend but without the trust factor. There can't be any relationship or friendship where there was no trust at all.

When the person on the ticket counter had asked her for the destination, she was more than sure about where she was heading. She reserved her seat and asked about the departure time. The person informed her that the bus would leave after an hour. She dragged her luggage bag and seated herself on a bench. She was tired and exhausted. She wanted to close her eyes and sleep, but she couldn't. Whenever she closed her eyes, she got flashes of all the things that happened last night. Sameer's words rang in her mind continuously breaking each and every cell in her body. His actions made her miserable and had broken her terribly.

Keeping her emotions in check, Naina kept staring at nowhere in particular. Her eyes misted several times, but she held on. She couldn't cry in front of strangers. She needed to be alone to vent out the hurt. After an hour, there was an announcement that the bus had arrived and she got up weakly.

Dragging her luggage, Naina sat at the window seat and waited for it to start. She hadn't imagined that there would be a day when she would've to leave Ahmedabad for forever. She let the tears flow silently and wiped them instantly as she saw an old lady making her way towards the seat next to her.

The old lady had already seen her sad face and let her alone for few more minutes. As the bus started, the old lady took out a tiffin full of dry snacks. She offered Naina some snacks but she refused politely with a smile. The old lady heard none of it and forced her to eat something. Naina reluctantly agreed and ate some snacks.

The old lady started talking about her son and his family who stayed in Ahmedabad due to his work. She had come to visit them and now was going back to her own place in Shimla. She introduced herself as Smt Savita Mehra. Naina asked, "Aap fir train se kyun nahi gayi?" The old lady smiled, "Beti... main akeli train mein safar nahi kar paati. Isliye toh bus se jaa rahi hun. Mujhse jyaada bhaag-daud nahi ho paati iss umar mein. Mera mere beta aur uske parivaar ke alaava koi nahi hai. Shimla mein main akeli rehti hun. Mere bete aur bahu hamesha kehte hai ki main unke saath rehne yahaan Ahmedabad aa jaun. Par apna ghar apna hota hai aur mera ghar Shimla mein hai. Maine mere pati ke saath milkar uss makaan ko hamara ghar banaaya tha. Ab unke guzarne ke baad, main unki yaadon ke saath uss ghar mein hi rehna chahti hun. Waise tum batao, tumhara naam kya hai? Tum Delhi jaa rahi ho? Tumhare saath koi nahi aaya, tum akeli ho?"

Naina looked at the old lady and felt a different connection with her as if she knew her already. Controlling the tears that were going to make its appearance, Naina replied, "Mera naam Naina Agarwal hai aur main bhi wahin jaa rahi hun jahaan aap jaa rahi hain. Aap fikar mat kijiye, main hun aapke saath, hum saath saath Shimla jaayenge."

The old lady stared at Naina for a few moments and asked, "Tumne bataaya nahi ki tum akeli kyun jaa rahi ho? Tumhara parivaar hai kya Shimla mein?" Naina shook her head sadly and replied, "Mera iss duniya mein koi nahi hai. Bachpan mein hi mummy papa guzar gaye, tab se hi Nanaji ne mujhe badaa kiya. Ek saal pehle hi wohh bhi chal base. Ab mein akeli hi hun, koi parivaar nahi hai mera." Naina's heart pained as she said those words. Wasn't it true that she had no family now? Her eyes brimmed with tears as she remembered the family which she had just left behind. Was it even her family anymore?

The old lady wiped her tears and replied, "Aise nahi rote beti... tum khud ko akela mat samajhna. Ab se tum mujhe hi apna parivaar samjho. Tum ab se mujhe apni Naniji samjho. Waise yeh batao, tum Shimla mein kahaan rehne waali ho aur wahaan jaa kyun rahi ho?" Naina replied, "Naniji... main wahaan internship ke liye jaa rahi hun. Wahaan jaakar main rehne ka intezaam kar lungi. Hostel bhi mil hi jaayenge naa?"

The old lady frowned at her, "Mere hote hue tu hostel mein rehne kyun jaayegi? Tu mere saath rahegi, mere ghar mein. Samjhi tu? Khabardaar agar aage kabhi hostel ka naam bhi liya toh. Aaj se tu meri zimmedaari hai." Naina didn't know hos to thank her, what to say more and she agreed half-heartedly. Talking for few more minutes, the old lady drifted to sleep while Naina kept looking outside the window.

How did life change so drastically in just a matter of a single night? She closed her eyes finally and allowed her mind and heart to rest. She remembered how she landed the internship in Shimla. When the on-campus interviews had started in her college, Preeti had dragged her to apply for few jobs.

Naina had given three interviews and was selected in one of the famous multinational companies. She wasn't much interested that time and had neglected that topic of discussion with Preeti. Naina didn't even mention any of this to Sameer and Nanu as she herself wasn't ready to take that offer.

But when she had found that appointment letter in her diary that night, she decided to accept that offer immediately. This was the only chance where she could get away from Sameer and Ahmedabad for forever. She needed to be independent and this was the only opportunity she could get.

The memories hurt her but she kept herself strong. They reached Delhi at midnight and then hailed another bus to Shimla. As it was already night time, Naina and Naniji slept when they got seated. In another nine hours, they had reached Shimla.

Naina was new to the place. She had never ever visited Shimla. She had only heard about it. And now, her life had given her a chance to choose her independence and self-respect over everything else. She had left the people behind in Ahmedabad who were her everything, but no more. She would live her life on her own terms and that too without anyone's interference.

Naniji settled Naina in her small bungalow. There was a small living room, a kitchen and one room on the ground floor while the other floor had two large bedrooms. Naniji used the ground floor room as she couldn't use stairs much. Naina was given one of the large bedrooms on the first floor to stay. The house had a cosy feeling to it, a homely vibe. Naina thanked the Almighty as she didn't have to search for her accommodation.

Naina settled in the house and visited the company to enquire about the internship. She was glad to know that the internship was about to begin in the next three days. She went back to Naniji's place and was more relieved to find that there was alternative entrance to the first floor directly. Naniji had told her that she had planned to rent it to someone as it wasn't of much use to her. So, she had built a staircase which directly led to that floor. Naina was happy that she didn't need to disturb Naniji every now and then, if she wanted to go out.

Naina cleaned her room and arranged all her luggage in the cupboard. There were few things that she would need ahead and she made a list which were important. She had some savings as she had received salary from the NGO. That would do for now. As still her vacations were going on, she decided to think about her studies later. She had thought that she would finish her last year of MBA through correspondence.

Once she was done with the arrangement by evening, she was tired. It was already two days that she was in Shimla. She rested on the bed and closed her eyes. After an hour or so, she heard a knock and got up with a jolt. Who would be here now? Surely it wouldn't be Naniji, she never came upstairs.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and stood rooted to her spot. She stuttered looking at the couple who stood at her doorstep, "Tum... tum dono yahaan... yahaan kya kar rahe ho?" Preeti pushed her away from the door and entered the room along with Pandit. Closing the door, Naina stood in front of her. She was shocked to see them here but remained indifferent.

Preeti glared at her best friend while Pandit looked around the room slowly. Standing in front of her, Preeti could hold no longer and hugged her best friend tightly. Preeti cried and cried but Naina stood there frozen. She didn't hug her back, she didn't cry, she just stood there in silence.

Preeti couldn't believe that her friend was acting all stranger to her. Pandit too was shocked with Naina's indifference. Slowly, Preeti left her and looked at her keenly. She could clearly see her pale face, her dark circles. The smile that was always there on her face was missing. She wasn't her best friend. She wasn't her Naina...

Stepping away from her, Preeti realized that Naina had become a stone. She didn't react to her presence; she didn't return her hug. She wasn't happy seeing her here. Preeti understood very clearly that her best friend was so broken that she didn't even acknowledge her presence. She had come all the way from Ahmedabad to see her, if she was fine.

Preeti had attended her college after two days as Kabir had forced her for it. As she had made her way to her class, one of the lecturers had called her to ask if she had Naina's alternate number. The number registered in the records wasn't available. On further enquiry, she came to know that Naina had accepted the internship in Shimla. Preeti was stumped when she heard this shocking news. Naina was in Shimla??? She didn't know how she reached home and then called Nanaji and Pandit. She wasn't on talking terms with her brother as he was the one who was responsible for all the fiasco.

When Nanaji and Pandit got to know about Naina's whereabouts, they were shocked. They hadn't thought that Naina would take such a huge step and leave Ahmedabad forever. Naina was in Shimla all alone which didn't sit well with Nanu and so, he was about to leave to Shimla. But due to his bad health, he wasn't advised to travel. Preeti had already booked her tickets and was going to meet her best friend at any cost. When Kabir said that he would accompany her, she had refused flatly. Nanu asked Pandit to accompany her and he agreed. No one was ready to send Preeti alone to Shimla. So now, she was here in Shimla, standing in front of her best friend. She had got her address from the MNC where she was supposed to start her internship.

Preeti's heart broke as she saw her soul sister's soul missing. Preeti turned to Pandit and hugged him tightly. She stammered, "Pandit... tum... tum dekh rahe ho? Yeh... yeh hamari Naina nahi hai... nahi hai hamari Naina... isne mujhe hug nahi kiya. Yeh hume yahaan dekhkar khush nahi hai."

Suddenly she left Pandit and turned to her broken friend in anger, "Naina... teri... teri himmat kaise hui mujhe bina bataaye Ahmedabad chodne ki? Tune... tune promise kiya tha naa ki tu mujhe kabhi akela nahi chodegi? Bol kiya tha naa promise? Toh tu apna promise kaise tod sakti hai Naina? Kaise mujhe akela chod diya tune? Ek baar bol nahi sakti thi ki kya chal raha hai tere dil mein?"

Preeti held her shoulders and continued, "Tune aur Bhai ne mujhe ekdum akela kar diya Naina... ekdum akela kar diya... Tum dono ne mujhse Nisha ke baare mein chupaaya? Tune bhi kuch nahi bataaya Naina? Tere liye bhai ka promise mujhse bhi jyaada important tha? Sameer se jyaada important tha? Teri khud ki shaadishuda zindagi se jyaada important tha? Kar kya rahi thi tu? Kya soch kar tune yeh sab chupaaya, bas ek promise ke liye? Tu tohh Sameer se pyaar karti thi naa, toh kyun chupaaya yeh sab, ek stupid si promise ke liye?"

"Waise promise toh tune mujhse bhi kiyaa tha toh uska kya? Kya main important nahi hun tere liye? Yaa sirf Bhai ka ek promise tere liye hum sab se badhkar tha Naina? Main jaanti hun tu Sameer se bohot pyaar karti hai aur jo Sameer ne tere saath kiya, usse baad tu poori tarah toot gayi hai. Tune aaj saabit kar diya Naina ki teri zindagi mein sirf do log important hai, aur wohh hai Sameer aur Bhai..."

"Bhai ki promise ke liye tune Nisha ke baare mein hum sab se chupaaya aur Sameer ke saath jo bhi hua, uski wajah se tune uska ghar aur Ahmedabad chod diya. Tune ek baar mere baare mein nahi socha??? Arey mera chod, tune toh ek baar bhi Nanaji ke baare mein bhi nahi socha naa? Unhe kaise lagega jab unhe pataa chalega ki tune ghar chod diya hai, Ahmedabad chod diya hai? Tujhe kyun padi hogi meri aur Nanaji ki? Tere liye toh sirf Bhai aur Sameer hi sab kuch hai, kyun??? Main kaun lagti hun teri, Nanaji kya lagte hai tere?"

Watching Naina listening all her words silently and not responding, Preeti's anger seemed to rise a notch. Naina just stood there with a blank face and didn't react at all which infuriated Preeti more. Preeti wanted her to talk but she wasn't reacting to her taunts as if she was in some haze.

Pandit kept his hand on Preeti's shoulder to calm her, but she wasn't done yet. Shrugging his hand away, she took a step towards Naina who stood stoic. Preeti couldn't believe that her best friend had turned so cold within a matter of few days. She knew what her friend was going through and she wanted her to react and take out her frustration, her pain, but it seemed that she was not going to do so. Making up her mind, Preeti stood just a foot away from her and continued staring at her best friend who didn't even blink at all.

Raising her hand, Preeti slapped her hard on her right cheek and shouted, "Naina.. kuch toh bol... kuch toh react kar? Main... main tujhe aisi haalat mein nahi dekh sakti? Kya ho gaya hai tujhe? Kyun aisa behave kar rahi hai mere saath? Maine... maine toh tujhe hurt nahi kiya naa? Main toh teri behen hun naa, teri best friend hun naa? Toh mere saath toh baat kar." Turning towards Pandit, Preeti sat down on her knees and cried, "Pandit... bolo naa isse mujhse baat kare? Kuch karo naa Pandit... kuch karo naa..."

Pandit cried along with her watching Naina's cold behaviour. He sat down on his knees and hugged Preeti... He rubbed her back to calm her but then suddenly they heard. They heard Naina finally crying her heart out. Preeti instantly left Pandit and turned to her best friend who was sobbing hard by now sitting on her knees.

Preeti closed the distance between them and hugged her shaking form tightly. Both the girls cried hard while Pandit stood at a distance and saw them weeping badly. He didn't stop them as he knew that this was bound to happen. He had come prepared to see this heart wrenching scene. He knew Sameer had hurt Naina very badly this time and Naina would be more broken with his words and actions.

Naina and Preeti held each other for few more minutes until their sobs subsided. Pandit brought two glasses of water and offered it to the girls. Preeti took the glass first and made Naina take few sips. As she met her best friend's gaze, Naina's eyes misted again. She realized that she shouldn't have behaved so coldly with Preeti. She was her best friend and sister after all.

Naina hugged her again and cried, "I'm sorry Preeti... main... main itna toot gayi thi ki uss raat mujhe aur kuch sujha hi nahi. I'm sorry Preeti... maine... maine tumse Nisha ke baare mein chupaaya... Haan... maine Kabir ki promise ki wajah se kisiko kuch nahi bataaya. Maine khud Kabir se kahaa bhi tha ki wohh tumhe sab bataa de, par wohh nahi maana. Kabir ne hamesha meri help ki hai, itna bharosa kiya hai mujhpar, toh main... main kaise sabko bataa deti uske aur Nisha ke baare mein, kaise uska bharosa todti?"

"Aur Sameer... Sameer ne toh kabhi mujhpar bharosa hi nahi kiya. Shaadi hone se pehle hi itne agreements sign karwa liye the, yahaan tak ki maine divorce papers bhi sign kar diye the. Iss sabka yahi matlab tha ki Sameer ne shuru se hi mujhpar bharosa nahi kiya tha." Turning to Pandit, she said, "Tum aur Munna hi aaye the naa mujhe samjhaane ki Sameer dil ke boore nahi hai. Tum dono ne hi mujhe unke past ke baare mein bataaya tha naa? Aur main... main shaadi ke liye maan gayi thi. Maine Nanaji ka vaada poora kiya, Sameer ko mauka diya kyunki jaanti thi ki unhe bohot insecurities thi. Unki jagah koi bhi hota toh yahi karta Pandit."

Preeti shouted, "Tu ab bhi Sameer ki side le rahi hai Naina? Itna sab hua fir bhi tu uski side le rahi hai?" Ignoring Preeti's words, Naina continued, "Maine uss shaadi ko poore dil se nibhaaya, hamesha Sameer ko khush rakhne ki koshish ki, unki har baat maani, yahaan tak ki unke liye maine khud ko badla. Par anth mein wohi hua jo pehle hua tha. Unhone mujhpar thoda sa bhi bharosa nahi kiya. Maine... maine kahaa tha Sameer se ki sahi time par sabko sab sach pataa chal jaayega. Main jaanti hun aur samajhti hun ki Sameer ne jo bhi uss din dekha, uske baad koi bhi yahi sochta jo unhone socha. Par ek baar... ek baar wohh mujhpar bharosa kar lete."

She sat down on her knees again and continued, "Meri kismat hi kharaab hai... meri kismet mein bhagwaanji shaayad pyaar aur saath likhna hi bhool gaye hai, isliye toh meri koi family hi nahi hai. Jo family mili bhi thi, usse bhi mujhse chinn hi li. Kabir meri aur Sameer ki shaadi ki saalgiraah waale din hi Nisha se apne dil ki baat kehne wala tha aur tabhi wohh sabko sach bataane waala tha. Par meri kismat itni kharaab hai ki sab thik hone se pehle hi Sameer ne mujhe aur Kabir ko ek saath dekh liya. Main jitna Sameer ke kareeb jaana chahti thi, usse kai jyada dur hone lagi thi. Haalat bhi aise bann gaye ki jab bhi Sameer mere saath waqt bitaane ki koshish karte toh main Kabir ke saath hoti."

"Main bhi insaan hun... mere liye sabhi rishtey important hai. Kabir ki dosti bhi mere liye utne hi maayne rakhti hai, jitni Sameer se meri shaadi. Dono ke beech aisi ulajh gayi ki pataa hi nahi chalaa ki kab meri zindagi ne mujhse mera sab kuch chinn liya. Maanti hun main ki mujhe Sameer se jhooth nahi bolna chahiye tha, nahi chupaana chahiya tha Nisha ke baare mein, jab meri khud ki shaadi tootne ki kagaar par thi."

"Jab Sameer ne mujhe wohi sab sunaaya jo shaadi se pehle kahaa tha, uss waqt main samajh gayi aur maine tay kar liya tha ki ab main koi safaai nahi dungi, nahi samjhaaungi Sameer ko ki unhone jo bhi dekha yaa sunaa wohh galat hai. Arey jis shaadi mein bharosa hi naa ho, wohh rishta kitne waqt tak chalta. Ek saal... ek saal saath rehne ke baad bhi Sameer ne mujhe laalchi kahaa, mere character par ungli uthaayi aur kya kuch nahi kiya aur kahaa... main... main poori zindagi mein kabhi yeh sab nahi bhool paaungi."

Pandit spoke, "Sameer bhi tumse bohot pyaar karta hai Naina??? Wohh yeh shaadi nahi todna chaahta tha. Sameer tumhare saath uski poori zindagi guzaarna chaahta tha. Wohh tum dono ki wedding anniversary waale din tumse apne dil ki baat kehne waala tha aur tumse fir se shaadi karnewaala tha." Naina met his gaze and smiled, "Uss pyaar ka kya faayda jahaan vishwas hi naa ho Pandit? Sameer ne uss waqt jo jo kahaa aur jo kiya, wohh main kabhi nahi bhoolungi. Maine ek baar mauka diya tha pehle, par ab nahi dungi. Sameer har baar mujhe gold-digger aur characterless nahi keh sakte. Meri bhi koi self-respect hai. Toh kya hua agar main unki tarah ameer nahi hun. Main har baar apne hi nazron mein nahi gir sakti."

"Jab uss raat Sameer ne wohh sab mujhse kahaa aur unn agreements aur divorce papers ki baat ki, tab hi maine soch liya tha ki main unhe ab kuch nahi kahungi, koi safaai nahi dungi. Unhe jo samajhna hai wohh samaj sakte hai. Agar main uss waqt chilla chilla kar bhi sach kehti naa, toh bhi Sameer mujhpar vishwas nahi karte. Main unki insecurities samjhti hun par har baar main khudko nirdosh saabit nahi kar sakti."

"Pyaar toh main bhi karti hun Sameer se aur isliye maine hamesha unki khushi ke liye unki sab baatein maani hai. Unki insecurities ki wajah se wohh mujhpar galat ilzaam nahi laaga sakte har baar. Bas main ab thak gayi hun, nahi sunn sakti ek hi baat baar baar. Jab uss din ghar se nikli toh pehle toh socha ki main apni jaan hi de deti hun. Par fir mujhe Nanaji ki kahi hui baat yaad aayi, ki marta wohh hai jo kamzor hota hai, jisse khudke liye ladne ki taakat naa ho. Aur bas, maine apna raasta khud chunn liya."

Preeti hugged her again and said, "Toh tune mujhe call kyun nahi kiya? Main jaanti hun Sameer ne Kabir aur tere rishtey par sawaal uthaaye aur isiliye tu mere ghar nahi aayi. Par Naina... ek call kar sakti thi naa tu mujhe? Main bhi tere saath aa jaati. Aise akele ghar chod dena, kya yeh sahi tha, wohh bhi kisiko bina kuch bataaye? Agar tujhe kuch ho jaata toh? Tu jaanti bhi hai Nanaji ki kya haalat hai? Ek ek pal wohh tujhe yaad karte hai, pareshaan hai yeh sochkar ki unki Naina thik thaak toh hai naa? Pataa hai unko kitna buraa lagaa ki tu aise unhe bina kuch bole aise hi ghar se nikal gayi? Unhone tere Nanaji ko vaada kiya tha ki hamesha tujhe khush rakhenge, tera khayaal rakhenge aur tu unse mile bina ghar se nikal gayi. Yeh tune thik nahi kiya Naina... yeh tune thik nahi kiya? Agar unhe firse heart attack aa jaata toh, kya tu khudko maaf kar paati?"

Naina stilled as Preeti's words sank in. She hadn't thought about Nanaji at all while leaving the Mansion that day. Yess... she felt guilty that she had left the Maheshwari Mansion without informing anyone. But she hadn't once thought about Nanaji's health. How could she become so selfish and think only about her hurt, her pain??? She couldn't do this to Nanaji. He was the one who gave her roof when she had no place to stay. He was the one who kept her in his huge Mansion and treated her like a family, included her in his family.

Naina turned to her best friend and said, "Maine... maine wohi kiya jo uss time mujhe sahi lagaa aur main... main Nanaji se abhi baat karna chahti hun." Preeti pulled her phone out and dialled Nanaji's number. Handing over the phone to Naina, Preeti stood next to Pandit quietly.

After few rings, Nanaji picked up the landline phone and was startled to hear Naina's voice from the other end. Naina cried on the phone hearing Nanaji's choked voice. She had hurt him unintentionally and was guilty about it. "Naina... beti... tu... tu kaisi hai? Aise... aise bina bataaye koi aise ghar chodkar jaata hai bhalaa? Ek baar... ek baar keh deti beti toh main khud Sameer ki akkal ek hi jhatke mein thikaane lagaa deta."

Naina cried for a few minutes and apologized for her behaviour. She told him everything from the start, about the agreements, the divorce papers and everything. She didn't leave anything out. She couldn't lie to him now. He deserved the truth, he always did. Though Nanu knew parts of it, his heart pained to hear it from her that his own grandson had treated her so badly before marriage.

Preeti and Pandit heard everything that Naina told Nanu over the call. There was only one thing that Naina left out from speaking deliberately as she didn't want Nanu and others to hate Sameer for his misdoings. She still cared for him yet she had to stay strong and fight her demons. She didn't tell Nanu about his actions of forcing himself on her that night. She couldn't talk about it to anyone, not even her best friend. This was going to stay between Sameer and her only.

Nanu felt bad that Naina had gone through so much of hurt because of his grandson. Nanu was hurt but he knew Sameer too, and what he could do in his anger. He took time to trust people, but that didn't mean that he had any right to hurt people and degrade them. He hadn't taught his grandson to misbehave and treat someone in this way, especially with girls. Sameer should've respected her, not demean her whenever he thought it was convenient for him. This wasn't something that Nanu could forgive Sameer for.

Nanu asked with a heavy heart though he knew her answer, "Naina... beti... waapis aa jao... Sameer ke liye naa sahi, par mere liye. Tum chaaho toh hamare iss ghar mein mat rehna par yahaan Ahmedabad waapis aa jao Naina. Tum meri aankhon ke saamne rahogi toh mujhe bhi tasalli rahegi ki tum mere nazron ke saamne sahi salaamat ho. Maine tumhare Nanaji se vaada kiya tha ki main tumhara zindagi bhar dhyaan rakhunga."

Naina quivered before replying, "Nanaji... main... main... main nahi aa sakti ab. Nanaji... aap... aap... please mujhe galat mat samjhiye. Main aapki baat taalna nahi chahti. Lekin yeh baat main nahi maan sakti. Maine bohot mushkil se khudko, apne mann ko samjhaaya hai aap sabse dur rehne ke liye. Please aap bura mat maaniyega Nanaji, par main Ahmedabad waapis nahi aaungi. Main yahin apni internship ke saath saath padhai poori karungi. Bohot mushkil se yeh mauka mila hai khudke pair par khade rehne ka. Iss baar main kisiko apne aatma-sammaan ko thes nahi pohonchaane dungi Nanaji. Mujhe bas aapka ashirwaad chahiye hai aur main aapse vaada karti hun ki main har ravivaar apko phone karungi, apna acche se dhyaan rakhungi main Nanaji... aap... aap meri bilkul fikar mat kijiye. Main... main yahaan khush rahungi."

Nanu knew that she won't get back here this time even if he blackmailed her emotionally. She had once taken a decision to marry his grandson emotionally because of him but now, she won't repeat her mistake again. And he himself didn't want her to do it. He wanted his grandson to regret what he had done to her and realize his mistake soon. They talked for a few more minutes where Naina told him about the old lady who was very kind and had allowed her to stay at her place. Nanu sighed in relief after hearing that the old lady was taking care of her stay and her meals too. With a heavy heart, Naina disconnected the call after asking him to take care of himself in her absence.

When she returned the phone to Preeti, she asked, "Tu sach mein hamare saath waapis nahi chalegi? Tu... tu yahaan... yahaan Shimla mein akeli rahegi? Naina... dekh... aisa mat kar... tu... tu bhale Nanaji ke saath mat rehna par mere saath mere ghar mein reh sakti hai naa? Please Naina... main aur Pandit tujhe lene aaye hai... main... main tujhe yahaan aise akele nahi rehne de sakti. Please Naina... maan jaa... mere saath chal... please..."

Preeti pleaded but Naina didn't relent. She was firm that she won't go back to Ahmedabad now. She held Preeti's shoulder and spoke softly making her understand, "Dekh Preeti... maine sach mein bohot mushkil se yeh faisla liya hai. Tu... tu please samaj ki mujhe iski bohot zarurat hai. Main ab uss sheher main nahi reh sakti... jahaan... jahaan..." "Jahaan Sameer ho???", Preeti completed her sentence.

Naina looked away while Preeti glared at her, "Maine pehle sahi hi kahaa tha ki teri life mein sirf Sameer hi maayne rakhta hai, main nahi. Tu uski... uski wajah se hum sab se durr rehna chaahti hai, uski wajah se tu apni zindagi kyun badalna chaahti hai? Tera college Ahmedabad mein hai, NGO ka kaam bhi toh dekhna hai tujhe, mere café mein help bhi karni hai tujhe. Yahaan... yahaan... akele main tujhe rehne nahi dungi Naina... tu... tu mere saath waapis chal rahi hai and its final. Mujhe ab iss baare mein ab kuch nahi sunna."

Naina didn't move which irked Preeti more and she once again turned to her to shout but stood rooted to her place when she saw Naina folding her hands in front of her with tears in her eyes, "Preeti... please mujhe aisa karne ko force mat kar jo main nahi karna chaahti. Main yahaan meri nayi zindagi ki shuruwaat karne aayi hun. Kisi ke bina khud kuch karna chaahti hun, khudke liye ek nayi pehchaan banaana chaahti hun. Toh please Preeti mera saath de, mujhe yahaan se le jaane ki zid mat karna. Agar main wahaan waapis aayi toh main kabhi ek nayi shuruwaat nahi kar paaungi. Bohot mushkil se main apni zindagi mein aage badhne jaa rahi hun aur kisne kahaa ki main yahaan akeli hun. Tum sab ho naa mere saath aur fir ab yahaan Naniji bhi hai. Hum bhale dur rahenge par dil se toh hamesha paas hi hai. Jab hume ek dusre ki yaad aayegi toh phone par baat kar lenge naa?"

Preeti huffed in anger as she wasn't ready to leave Naina alone in Shimla. She replied, "Thik hai... tu yahaan rehna chaahti hai toh main bhi yahin rahungi tere saath. Main tujhe yahaan akele nahi rehne dungi." Naina protested immediately, "Bilkul nahi Preeti... tu yahaan mere saath nahi reh sakti. Tujhe Ahmedabad waapis jaana hoga, apne bhai ke liye, apne café ke liye, Nanaji ke liye. Meri gairhaazri mein tujhe hi Nanaji ka khayaal rakhna hai Preeti. Toh tu ab mujhse behes mat kar."

Turning towards Pandit, Naina continued, "Pandit... Preeti ko yahaan se le jao. Mujhe mere saath yahaan koi nahi chahiye. Main yahaan akele rehna chaahti hun." Before Preeti could say more, Naina spoke, "Tujhe meri kasam hai Preeti... bas ab mujhe aur kuch nahi sunna aur kehna..." Naina couldn't tell her that she was failing to stay strong in front of her best friend. She knew Preeti would manipulate her and convince her to go along which she wasn't ready to comply.

Naina didn't want to go back to Ahmedabad and the only reason being her love. She didn't want to see his face after whatever happened between them that night. She was anyways divorced and didn't want to stay in that city and face him. Her love was unconditional, if Sameer didn't trust her and didn't want her around, she would never show him her face. And after whatever happened, she wasn't ready to forgive him or herself in that matter.

Preeti had no way left to convince her friend after giving her that promise. She cursed Sameer... it was only because of him that Naina had left that house and Ahmedabad. It was because of him that she was ready to stay alone and away from all her friends and Nanaji. Preeti won't forgive Sameer for what he had done to her best friend. Without saying a proper goodbye, Preeti left from there while Pandit stayed behind.

Pandit spoke, "Naina... apna dhyaan rakhna aur Preeti ki chinta mat karo. Abhi wohh gusse mein hai, jaise hi uska gussa shant hoga, wohh tumse baat kar legi. Aur main samajh sakta hun ki tumhare liye yeh sab kitna important hai." He hugged her and spoke again, "Tum apna dhyaan rakhna aur jab bhi kisi bhi cheez ki zarurat ho toh tum mujhe bejijak bol sakti ho." Naina smiled though her tears and nodded, "Tum bhi apna dhyaan rakhna aur... aur sabka bhi..." She couldn't voice out that she wanted him to take care of her love too. Pandit though understood the meaning of her statement and agreed. Once they were gone, Naina stood there immobile for a few seconds and burst into tears. Why did life had to be so cruel with her? Why can't she be happy for once in her life? Days passed by and she joined the internship in the MNC which she had to attend for four hours in the morning. She even joined a NGO nearby for the rest half of her day. She kept herself busy the whole day and avoided to think about anything, especially someone...

It was already three weeks and Sameer couldn't still find any trace of his Naina. He was miserable. His friends and Nanu couldn't see his terrible condition, they wanted to help him, tell him about Naina being in Shimla, but couldn't. One fine day, he was going through his phone and opened the YouTube app by mistake. As he saw few videos, he got an idea and made a decision. He was finally going to follow his dream and passion that his wife had already acknowledged but he had been avoiding it. Placing his mobile on the table, he picked up his guitar who had become his partner these days. He recorded his first ever video and sang a song, dedicating it to his Maina...

Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...

Keh rahi hai dil ki bekhudi...
Bas tumhara intezaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...

Dhoonte hain hum tumko dar badar...
Jaane kab kahan miloge humse humsafar...
Dhoonte hain hum tumko dar badar...
Jaane kab kahan miloge humse humsafar...

Kaisi dooriyaan kaisa faasla...
Hum yahaan pe aaye sun ke pyaar ki sada...
Ab na tumse door honge hum...
Tumpe dil kya jaan nisaar hai...
Tumpe dil kya jaan nisaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...

Jaagte rahe hum to raat bhar...
Ek lamha ek pal bhi soyi na nazar...
Jaagte rahe hum to raat bhar...
Ek lamha ek pal bhi soyi na nazar...
Tum nigahon mein, tum khayal mein...
Haal hai bura humara aise haal mein...
Youn to humpe na karo sitam...

Humko tumpe aitbaar hai...
Humko tumpe aitbaar hai...
Keh rahi hai dil ki bekhudi...
Bas tumhara intezaar hai...

Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...

Keh rahi hai dil ki bekhudi...
Bas tumhara intezaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...
Humko sirf tumse pyaar hai...

He finished his singing and saved the video. He called up his friend who was working in the YouTube office. He decided to meet him the very next day and seek his help to upload his video on the app. As he was done with the call, he heard a soft knock on the door and his friends appeared. They could clearly see that their best friend was not in a good condition. Sameer's eyes had dark circles all around his eyes, his hair looked messy, his face had lost its colour.

Munna and Pandit entered his room and sat next to him. They had brought a plate full of fruits for him. Nanu had informed them that his grandson hadn't eaten anything since morning. Munna and Pandit gave him all the information about the ongoing projects which Sameer wasn't much interested in. Even his friends knew that Sameer didn't care about the work at this point.

Munna asked, "Sameer... Ummmm... tujhe... tujhe Naina ke baare mein kuch pataa chalaa?" Sameer just shook his head while Pandit picked up a piece of apple and fed him. Sameer ate it quietly though he wasn't hungry. Pandit could hold no longer and asked, "Sameer... tujhe Naina yahaan ghar mein baithne se nahi milegi? Tujhe bahaar nikalna hoga ghar se, tab hi toh tu Naina ko dhoond paayega. Koi bhagwaan aakar tujhe nahi kahenge ki Naina kahaan hai? Baahar jaa, kisise pooch, tab jaakar tujhe Naina ke baare mein kuch pataa chalega. Yun ghar mein rehne se koi hal nahi milega tujhe Sameer..."

Sameer glanced at him once and replied solemnly, "Main do hafte tak poore Ahmedabad mein Naina ko dhoonda. Ek ek insaan se poocha ki kahin unhone Naina ko dekha hai aur unn sab ne mujhe inkaar kar diya. Main kahaan kahaan nahi gaya Naina ke baare mein poochne. Railway station, bus station, yahaan tak ki main airport bhi jaakar enquiry kar aaya, par Naina ka koi pataa nahi chalaa. Main ab kya karun, kahaan dhoondu usse? Koi mujhe kuch bataane ko bhi taiyaar nahi hai. Bhagwaanji bhi shaayad mere pyaar ki pariksha le rahe hai, dekhna chaahte hai ki main meri Naina ko kabhi dhoond bhi paaunga yaa nahi."

Munna and Pandit wanted to help but they couldn't. They could see the helplessness in his eyes but couldn't do anything about it. Sameer showed the recording of his song and told them what he was about to do. His best friends couldn't believe that Sameer was going to do something like that for Naina. They were happy to know that he was finally going to follow and pursue his dreams. And the main reason for this change was his lovely wife. After talking for few more minutes, they left. As they went downstairs, they informed Nanu about Sameer's decision which made him happy and left him teary eyed.

Sameer met his friend the next day as decided and asked him for his help. His friend, Abhimanyu, saw his recording and was very much impressed with his singing. He readily agreed to help him and took him to his office. Abhimanyu and his team, helped in editing the video and then decided to upload it next morning.

Abhimanyu asked Sameer to make few more videos and send it to him. Till then, he would work on creating a channel for Sameer where he can upload his videos later. Sameer agreed and left his office with a smile. When he reached home, he informed Nanu about the same and retired to his room. In the next few days, Sameer made a couple of more videos and sent it to Abhimanyu who edited them and then uploaded on Sameer's YouTube channel.

Sameer stood in front of Naina's parent's picture and shed few tears as he was doing from the past three weeks. He said, "Aapko pataa hai main yeh videos kyun banaa raha hun??? Naina chaahti thi ki main wohh kaam karun jo main karna chaahta tha, naaki wohh jo main kar raha tha. Naina samajh gayi thi ki main Maheshwari Industries sirf Nanu ke liye sambhaal raha tha. Main khush zaroor tha par kabhi dil ko sukoon nahi mila wahaan kaam karke. Jab maine San Francisco mein Naina ke liye gaana gaaya tha, uske baad usne poocha tha ki maine singing mein apna career kyun nahi banaaya. Uss waqt maine kuch jawaab nahi diya, par mera dil jaanta tha ki main kitna miss karta tha yeh gaana bajaana. Aaj jab main yeh sab videos banaata hun, toh wohi sukoon milta hai jo main hamesha se chaahta tha, par maine yeh sab karne mein bohot der kar diya. Jab Naina chaahti thi ki main yeh sab karun, tab maine dhyaan nahi diya. Aur aaj jab wohh mere saath nahi hai, tab main mera sapna poora kar raha hun."

Sameer picked up the letter Abhimanyu had given him that day and held it in front of their picture. Abhimanyu ke zariye aaj mera sapna poora ho raha hai. Usne mere naam se YouTube par ek channel shuru kiya hai, jahaan mere gaane upload kiye hai. Maine uss cahnnel; ka naam, 'Samaina' rakha hai. Ab main bas itna chaahta hun ki Naina mere yeh sab videos dekhe aur wohh samajh jaaye ki maine yeh sab uske liye aur ussi ki wajah se kiya hai. Main jaanta hun ki mere videos dekhte hi wohh khush ho jaayegi aur fir dukhi bhi. Maine usse itna dard diya hai ki ab darr lagta hai, darr lagta hai ki kahin main usse kabhi dhoond hi nahi paaya toh, hum kabhi waapis mil hi nahi sake toh... toh main kaise Naina se apne sab gunaahon ke liye maafi maang paaunga? Kaise Naina ko hamare ghar waapis laa paaunga? Mummy... papa... aap hi meri madad kijiye... mujhe please apni Naina ko dhoondne mein meri help kijiye... Koi meri madad nahi kar raha, aisa lag raha hai jaise bhagwaan bhi khud nahi chaahte ki main Naina tak pohonchu. Kya mera pyaar itna kamzor hai, ki main apni Maina ka pataa nahi lagaa paa raha? Ab toh mujhe khudki kismat par zara bhi bharosa nahi hai. Jaise bhagwaanji ne mujhse mere parents chinn liye, waise hi kahin mujhse meri Naina ko naa chinn le. Please mummy, papa... mujhe meri Naina se milaa dijiye... ab... ab main aur durr nahi reh sakta, nahi jee paaunga Naina ke bina... Please meri help kijiye... please meri help kijiye..."

Saying that, he fell on his knees and started crying. The letter that he had been holding all the while fell down too and flew away from his hold. After few minutes, when he stopped crying, he searched for the letter and then found it lying under the bedside table. As he bent down to fetch the letter, his hand got hold of something hard and he pulled it out along with that letter.

Sameer took the diary with him and sat down on the bed. He wasn't sure if he should open it. But one look at Naina's parent's picture and he decided to open the diary. To his utter shock, he read the name on the first page of the diary, 'Naina Agarwal'. It was his Naina's personal diary... Tracing her name on the page with his fingers, his eyes misted yet again.

Sameer read pages after pages and found himself engrossed in her life since childhood. He came to know about Naina more from her written words than he had known her in the past one year. She had mentioned certain occasions when she was happy, when she was sad and when she was feeling all alone.

Sameer got to know her better as he read pages after pages. When he reached a page, where Naina had mentioned him, his heart skipped few beats. Naina had mentioned him in her diary? As he continued reading, his heart bled. He now understood how much he had hurt Naina with his words and his actions that day. He had totally broken her soul. He kept crying for a long time after he finished reading her personal diary.

As he kept that diary on the bedside table again, it fell down and a letter caught his attention. He picked up the diary and kept it safely on the table again. He opened that letter which looked like an appointment letter for some internship in a well known multi national company. As he read that letter, he sighed in relief. He finally knew where Naina was.

Looking at her parent's picture, he smiled amidst his tears. He whispered softly, "Aapne meri help kar hi di mummy... papa... main... main ab jald se jald Naina ke paas jaata hun aur usse manaakar waapis yahaan le aata hun. Bas aapka aashirwaad hum par yunhi banaaye rakhna... Jaanta hun Naina mujhe itni aasaani se maaf nahi karegi. Maine... maine harkatein hi aisi ki thi. Par main kuch bhi karke Naina se maafi lunga aur usse mere saath waapis le aaunga. Thank you so much mummy papa... thank you so much..."

Looking at her picture on his mobile, he spoke, "Main aa raha hun Naina... Main tumhe lene aa raha hun..."

How was the update???

Will try to update soon...

Till then take care and stay safe...

Ignore the mistakes...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️