Hello friends...

I am back with the next chapter...

I am sorry again for so much delay in posting this part...

Enjoy reading the update and do give your reviews...

FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 60

Naina was too happy with the arrival of her best friend cum sister. Though she had been talking to her every day, she had missed her terribly. Naina herself had wanted to meet her, but then she had pushed that thought away. She had wanted to share her feelings with someone desperately and who could have been better than her very own best friend. But how could she meet her? She couldn't go to Ahmedabad or ask Preeti to come down to Shimla. But now that her best friend was here, she was more than happy.

Preeti was well updated about Samaina's relationship through Sameer and was waiting to hear the good news, which never happened. Sameer had cried many times during their calls which had also been one of the major reasons for Preeti to come down to Shimla. These past two weeks had brought her closer to Sameer whom she had hated with all her might with whatever he had done with her best friend. She herself couldn't believe that she had forgiven him and was helping him to win over his wife and love. She also knew that her best friend would never open her heart while having conversation on the phone. And it was high time that her friend needed a reality check. She had to break her shell to make her speak and she had to be here to do that.

All of them were just done with their breakfast when the doorbell rang again. Sameer and Naina were delighted as they saw Naniji entering the house. They touched her feet and then settled in the living room. While Naina and Preeti were busy making tea and snacks for Naniji, Sameer was updating her about all that had happened in her absence.

Naniji spoke, "Itna sab ho gaya aur tumne mujhe kuch bataaya nahi Sameer? Main roz phone karti thi, aur tumne ek baar bhi nahi bataaya ki Naina gir gayi aur usse itni lag gayi thi?" Sameer replied after a pause, "Naniji... aap wahaan apni behen ka khayaal rakhne gayi thi aur uss waqt hum aapko bataa dete ki Naina gir gayi hai, toh aapko chinta hoti. Aur sach sach bataaiye, kya aapko Naina ki fikar nahi hoti wahaan? Aap bhale hi wahaan apni behen ke saath the, fir bhi aapka mann yahin rehta aur aap khaamakha pareshaan rehti."

As Naina walked out of the kitchen holding a tray of tea cups, she replied, "Sahi keh rahe hai Sameer... Humne jaan bujhkar aapko kuch nahi bataaya. Hum aapko pareshaan nahi karna chaahte the Naniji." Naniji interrupted, "Naina beti... chinta toh hoti hi naa, aakhir tum dono bhi ab mera parivaar ho. Agar tum dono bataa dete toh main kisi kaamwali ka intezaam kar deti jisse ghar ke kaam karne mein tumhe madad mil jaati."

Sameer shared a look with Naina and she continued, "Naniji... uski zarurat hi nahi thi. Sameer.... Sameer ne sab sambhaal liya tha acche se." And then, Naina told them how he had done all the work and taken care of her. Apart from Preeti, Naniji and Pandit were shocked to hear all of it.

Pandit asked, "Bhai... tune... tune... khaana banaaya? Tune... tune ghar ki saaf safaai ki?" He looked at his girlfriend and said, "Mujhe zara pinch karo Preeti... mujhe inn sab baaton par bilkul yakeen nahi ho raha hai. Mere dost ne yeh sab kiya, yeh main maan hi nahi sakta?"

Preeti pinched him hard and he yelped, "Itni zor se kyun pinch kiya?" She shrugged, "Tumne hi toh kahaa tha pinch karne ko. Jo tumne kahaa, wohi toh kiya maine." Glaring at him, she continued, "Aur iss mein naa maan-ne waali kya baat hai? Waise mujhe koi shak nahi hai ki Sameer ne yeh sab Naina ke liye kiya." Turning to her boyfriend again, she asked, "Agar main gir jaati toh kya tum meri help nahi karte?" Before Pandit could reply, she continued in a warning tone, "Agar nahi karte naa toh main khud tumse maar maar kar saara kaam karvaati. Kuch sikho apne dost se kaise Naina ka dhyaan rakh raha hai, aur ek tum ho, jab dekho tab mahashay apne office mein busy hote hai. Mere liye toh time hi nahi hai janaab ke paas."

Sameer, Naina and Naniji enjoyed their antics. Pandit patted his best friend's back, "Waahhhh Sameer... tune toh hamara sar garv se ooncha kar diya. Nanu kitna khush honge yeh jaankar ki unke Sameer ne ghar ka itna sab kaam kiya. Abhi Chenu ko bhi bataata hun. I am sure usse bhi meri tarah pehle yakeen nahi hoga." Leaning forward, he whispered, "Kya yaar, kahaan phasaa diya tune? Ab jab bhi main koi help nahi karunga, toh meri girlfriend hamesha mujhe taane maaregi." Preeti who was looking at him closely, said sternly, "Sunaa maine..."

Pandit gave her a wide smile, "Arey... Main bas aise hi..." Trying to divert the conversation, he turned towards Naina and asked, "Sameer ne khaana kaisa banaaya tha? Khaane laayak toh tha naa? Iske khaane ki wajah se tumhari tabiyat aur kharaab toh nahi hui naa?" Sameer threw a pillow in his direction and Pandit ducked already anticipating it from his best friend. Pandit continued the teasing further, "Munna aur Nanu ko bataana padega ki kaise Sameer ab joru ka ghulaam bann gaya hai..."

Sameer ran behind Pandit around the living room while the others kept laughing watching the tom and jerry show. Naniji was happy with the joyful atmosphere in her house. Now, her home was alive in every sense, she thought to herself. She wiped her happy tears and joined Pandit in teasing his best friend.

Naina flushed several times when Sameer was being teased. Her best friend raised her eyebrows, asking in gestures about the rising colour on her face, but Naina just looked away, not ready to answer herself.

Naniji had brought some sweets from Delhi which was served as dessert for their lunch which was ordered from a nearby restaurant as they kept chatting about everything. Naniji told them about her stay in Delhi and her sister's health whereas Pandit and Preeti discussed about their respective works in Ahmedabad. They even updated about Nanu's health and Munna's tour to New York for their next project.

After relishing the meal, everyone retired to their rooms. There was still some time for Sameer and Naina to go to the NGO. Whilst in the rooms, Naina asked Preeti if she wanted to come to the NGO with her and she agreed. Even Pandit tagged along with them to see the place.

While Naina was busy in her classes, Sameer showed Pandit and Preeti around the NGO. He then led them to the hall which was vacant at that time. He had wanted to talk to them alone. He wanted to plan something and as his friends were here now; they could help him too.

As they settled themselves on the chairs, Sameer started, "Accha hua tum dono Shimla aa gaye. Bohot dino se main sabko bohot miss kar raha tha. Naina ko yahaan akele chodkar main Ahmedabad nahi aa sakta tha. Tum dono ko yahaan dekhkar main bohot bohot khush hun." Pandit and Preeti smiled at him with misty eyes and replied, "Hum bhi tumhe miss kar rahe the, isliye tumse aur Naina se milne aa gaye", Pandit spoke and Preeti nodded.

Sameer smiled at the couple and continued, "Waise kal NGO ka foundation day hai aur kal dophar se yahaan celebration hoga, jisme bohot kuch hoga. Mr Iyer, jo iss NGO ke founder aur owner hai, unhone mujhe isse organise karne ko kahaa hai. Pehle samajh nahi aa raha tha ki main kaise manage karunga, par ab tum dono aa gaye ho toh main isse sambhaal lunga. Aur mujhe kuch aur help bhi chahiye hai."

While the couple looked at him in confusion, he continued, "Main ab Naina se durr nahi reh sakta. Mujhe... mujhe ab meri Naina chahiye. Do hafton se upar ho gaya hai, aur Naina ne mujhe ab tak maaf hi nahi kiya hai. Uski aankhon mein main saaf saaf khud ke liye pyaar dekh sakta hun, par Naina usse itni aasaani se nahi kahegi ab. Jab tak wohh mujhe poori tarah maaf nahi kar deti, wohh baat uski zubaan par nahi aayegi. Kal ke celebration mein kuch karna hoga. Ab tum dono bhi yahaan ho, toh please kuch socho, kaise Naina mujhe maaf karegi. Mujhe... mujhe tum dono ki help chahiye hai iss mein."

Pandit saw his friend's misty eyes and it pained him to see him in this condition. He said, "Sameer... kuch sochte hai. Kuch toh karna hoga kal, yeh mauka hum aise hi nahi jaane de sakte." Preeti saw through his desperation to be with his love and knew it was high time that something had to be done. She replied, "Ussi ke liye toh hum Shimla aaye hain Sameer... Bolo... tumne kuch socha hai?"

Preeti rested her head on Pandit's shoulder and continued, "Sameer... Main samajh sakti hun ki tumhare dil par kya beet rahi hai. Jab se Naina tumhe chodkar gayi thi aur khaaskar inn do hafton mein maine tumhari tadap dekhi hai, tumhara Naina ke liye pyaar bhi dekha hai. Aur aaj wohi tadap, wohi pyaar maine Naine ki aankhon mein bhi dekha hai tumhare liye. Jahaan tak main Naina ko samajhti hun, main itna keh sakti hun ki usne tumhe maaf kar diya hai Sameer, par kuch hai, jo usse rok raha hai wohh bolne se."

Sameer asked, "Wohi toh samajh nahi aa raha ki Naina ko kya rok raha hai? Uski aankhen mujhse bohot kuch keh jaati hai, jo uski zubaan nahi bol paa rahi. Usse ab bolna hoga Preeti... Ab uski khamoshi mujhse bardaasht nahi ho rahi. Main chaahta hun ki jo baat uske dil mein hai, wohh mujhse share kare. Main... main sunna chaahta hun, Naina se bohot kuch kehna chaahta hun Preeti..."

Preeti went quiet for a few minutes and replied, "Naina ko shaayad darr lag raha hoga ki kahin fir se tumne uska dil tod diya toh? Kabhi waapis usse gold-digger aur characterless kahaa toh? Sameer ek ladki ke liye uski self-respect, uski dignity, uska character bohot important hota hai, aur tumne ussi ko jyaada chot pahunchaayi hai. Naina ko shaayad issi ka darr hai ki kahin waapis tum inhi sab cheezon par ungli naa uthaao. Aisa toh nahi hai ki Naina tumhare pyaar ko nahi dekh paa rahi, usse sab acche se dikh bhi raha hai, aur wohh sab acche se samajh bhi rahi hai. Jo tumne yeh peechle kuch dinon mein uske liye kiya hai naa Sameer, uss se Naina bohot affect hui hai. Par kuch important hai jo usse bhi samjhaana hoga."

Preeti sat straight on her chair and faced the guys, "Ab meri baat dhyaan se suno. Kal celebration hai, aur jaise Sameer ne kahaa ki isse accha mauka hume nahi mil sakta Naina ko sab ehsaas karwaane ka." Preeti told them her plan and they listened attentively. Once she was done, Sameer just sprung out of his chair and pulled Preeti for a hug. Pandit too joined the hug and they stayed in that group hug for a few minutes, each one crying silently.

They discussed their plan in detail and included Mr Iyer too. Afterall, he was the founder and owner of the NGO. With his permission, they set their plan in motion. Sameer and Pandit took care of the arrangements while Preeti helped the kids with their performances.

Naina was aware about the foundation day and had been kept away from the arrangements and was asked to look after the kids' preparations only. Preeti told Naina to look after the kids' costumes and other necessities while she would help the kids with their performances.

It was late night when they reached home where Naniji was already waiting for them. They had their dinner and discussed their schedule for the next day. Naniji too was invited for the celebration and she was too excited for it. When Naina, Preeti and Pandit retired to the rooms, Sameer informed Naniji of their plan.

Naniji was a little worried, "Sameer... yeh sab karne se aage koi problem nahi hogi naa? Kahin Naina waapis inn sabse gussa naa ho jaaye? Jo baatein wohh yaad bhi nahi karna chaahti unhi ko dohraakar, tum firse usse hurt naa kar do beta. Main tum dono ko ab saath mein khush dekhna chaahti hun."

Sameer replied, "Nahi Naniji... Naina ko ab iska saamna karna hoga. Kab tak hamare past se bhaagegi wohh. Kabhi naa kabhi yeh sab face toh karna hi padega. Aur Naniji... nayi zindagi ki shuruwaat karne se pehle, beeti hue kal ko peeche chodna hoga, usse bhulna hoga, tab hi toh hum hamare rishtey mein aage badh paayenge. Bas hum jaisa soch rahe hai waisa hi ho aur sab jaldi thik ho jaaye. Naina meri biwi hai, main usse bohot pyaar karta hun. Do hafton se upar ho gaya hai Naniji, Naina itna paas hokar bhi kitni durr hai mujhse. Ab yeh duri nahi seh paaunga main. Nanu bhi Ahmedabad mein akele reh rahe hai. Bhale main unse roz phone par baat karta hun, par bohot miss karta hun unko. Jaise Naina meri zindagi hai, waise Nanu bhi hai."

Naniji placed her hand on his shoulder and replied, "Main bhi yahi chaahti hun ki tum dono ke beech sab jaldi thik ho jaaye aur tum Naina ko apne saath Ahmedabad le jaao, apne ghar le jao. Main tum dono ko khush dekhna chaahti hun. Bohot taklifon se guzre ho tum dono, bas ab sab jaldi thik ho jaayega Sameer... bas haar mat maan-na. Kal jo bhi ho uske liye taiyaar rehna. Mera aashirwaad hamesha tum dono ke saath hai."

When Sameer entered his room, he saw Pandit was busy with the preparations of the next day. He smiled to himself, "Aate hi mera saara kaam sambhaal liya. Pandit aur Munna nahi hote toh mera kya hota?" As Pandit sensed his presence, he looked up and saw Sameer's eyes misting up. He ran to him and engulfed his friend in a tight hug. When they parted, Sameer spoke, "Tu aur Munna meri zindagi mein nahi hote toh pataa nahi main sab akele kaise manage karta." Pandit wiped his tears and called Munna. The three friends continued talking and Munna was updated about everything. As they finished with the call, they were back to talking about the other day's plan.

On the other side, Preeti and Naina talked about everything that Naina had missed since the day she had left Ahmedabad. Preeti told her best friend everything that happened in her absence in detail. Naina was shocked when she came to know how Sameer found out about Kabir and Nisha. Though she was happy to hear that they were engaged, she felt sad somewhere.

Preeti asked, "Kya soch rahi hai Naina? Tu... tu mujhe bataa sakti hai. Main... main promise karti hun ki main teri baat shaanti se sunungi, kuch nahi bolungi beech mein, bas tu kuch bol Naina. Main sunna chaahti hun."

Naina looked at her teary eyed and hugged her instantly. She cried for a while and spoke between her sobs, "Main Nanaji ko miss kar rahi hun Preeti. Sach kahun, jab uss ghar se nikli thi tab ek baar bhi maine Nanaji ke baare mein nahi socha. Itni hurt hui thi ki unka khayaal hi nahi aaya, bas apne dard mein hi kho gayi thi. Ab main unse roz baat karti hun, par kahin naa kahin mujhe yeh baat khatakti hai ki maine unke baare mein ek baar bhi nahi socha."

Preeti squeezed her hand and Naina continued, "Preeti... tumhe sab toh pataa hi hai. Main kinn haalaat mein wahaan se nikli thi. Uss waqt mujhe mere dard ke alaawa kuch aur dikh hi nahi rahaa tha. Wohh toh shukar hai bhagwaanji ka ki mujhe Naniji mil gayi aur unhone mujhe unke ghar mein rehne ki jagah di, warna pataa nahi main kahaan rehti, kaise sab akele manage karti?"

Preeti as promised was quietly listening to her best friend's journey till now. When she finished speaking, Preeti asked, "Naina... kya... kya tune Sameer ko maaf kar diya?" This question was haunting Naina too. She wasn't ready herself to answer this. She turned to her best friend and spoke, "Sameer ne peechle dinon mein mere liye jo bhi kiya hai, uske baad main kaise unse naaraaz reh sakti hun. Par..."

Preeti instantly asked, "Par?" Naina wiped her tears, "Par pataa nahi kyun, main iss baat ko keh nahi paa rahi... Aise lagta hai ki kuch hai jo mujhe rok raha hai. Jaise hi main Sameer se yeh kehne ki koshish karti hun, mere mooh se wohh shabd nikal hi nahi paate. Kuch bojh sa hai mere dil mein, jaise maine... maine bhi kuch galat kiya hai. Pataa nahi kyun main khud kuch samajh nahi paa rahi."

Preeti who was listening to her, already knew the reason behind the heaviness that her best friend was feeling in her heart. She hugged her tightly, "Don't worry behna, main ab aa gayi hun naa. Hum milkar sab thik kar denge." Though Preeti wanted to point out many things that was making Naina feel this way, but she remained silent. They were already going to do something which was going to make Naina come out of her shell. Preeti just hoped that all would end well after the celebration.

Naina and Preeti were still talking, when suddenly they heard Sameer's voice...

Mujhe raat din bas mujhe chaahti ho...

Mujhe raat din bas mujhe chaahti ho...
Kaho naa kaho mujhko sab kuch pataa hai...
Haan karun kya mujhe tum bataati nahin ho...
Chhupaati ho mujhse ye tumhari khataa hai...
Mujhe raat din bas mujhe chaahti ho...

Meri bekaraari ko hadd se badhana...
Tumhe khoob aata hai baatein banaana...
Nigaahen milaake yun mera chain lena...
Sataake mohabbat mein yun dard dena...
Mujhe dekhke aise palken jhukaana...
Sharaarat nahin hai to phir aur kyaa hai...
Mujhe raat din bas mujhe chaahti ho...

Tumhe neend aayegi ab naa mere bin...
Mujhe hai yakin aisa aayega ek din...
Khuli teri zulfon mein soya rahunga...
Tere hi khayaalon mein khoya rahunga...
Kabhi gaur se meri aankhon mein dekho...
Meri jaan tumhara hi chehra chhupaa hai...

Mujhe raat din bas mujhe chaahti ho...
Kaho naa kaho mujhko sab kuch pataa hai...
Haan karun kya mujhe tum bataati nahin ho...
Chhupaati ho mujhse ye tumhari khataa hai...
Mujhe raat din bas mujhe chaahti ho...

As Sameer finished his song, he opened his eyes which clashed with the ones for whom he had sung it in the first place. Pandit and Preeti saw the intense eye lock between the couple and stood silently for a few minutes. Preeti couldn't take it anymore and spoke teasingly, "Haaayee... Sameer... tum kitna accha gaate ho..." That broke their sweet bubble and they came back to reality.

Pandit smirked looking at his best friend while Naina just looked away for being caught red-handed for staring at her husband. Before she could leave the room, Preeti caught hold of her and asked, "Waise Naina... tune bola nahi... tujhe Sameer ka gaana kaisa lagaa?" As she saw the colour rising on her best friend's face, she turned to Sameer and continued, "Waise Sameer... maine tumhe pehle bhi gaate sunaa hai, par aaj jo tumne gaaya naa, wohhh kuch alag sa lagaa. Ummm... kuch special tha aaj?"

Sameer had noticed the red tint on his wife's face and replied looking at her, "Special toh hai..." Pandit interrupted, "Preeti... tumhe khud hi samajh jaana chahiye tha. Special toh hogaa hi naa... Waise maine Sameer se kahaa ki kisi aise insaan ke baare mein sochkar gaaye, jisse wohh bohot pyaar karta hai. Toh bas, mere bhai ne wohi kiya... Kisi khaas ko dhyaan mein rakhkar usne itna badhiya gaana gaa diya.", he said looking at Naina.

Before Sameer could say anything, Naina bid them goodnight and ran towards her room. She wasn't ready to take any more teasing from her friends right now. Her heart and mind were again battling and she was tired of it. Why can't her heart and mind agree to one thing for once which would just simplify her life?

Sameer saw his wife running away from him yet again and now he was tired of it too. Closing his eyes, he mumbled, "Bas... ek aur din Naina... uske baad tum meri hogi, mere paas hogi, mere saath hogi, hamesha ke liye." Pandit patted his shoulder while Preeti gave him a soft smile, "Ab so jaate hai. Kal subah jaldi bhi uthna hai, aur bohot jyaada kaam hai. Bohot saari preparations bhi karni hai." Bidding goodnight to them, Preeti left the room.

The next morning brought a solace for Sameer as he was hopeful to get his wife back by the end of that day. Without meeting Naina, he and Pandit left towards the NGO to make all the arrangements. When the girls joined Naniji for breakfast, they came to know that the boys had already left early.

Naina glanced at the chair a couple of times where Sameer usually used to sit during their meals which didn't escape the others' eyes. They were happy that their plan had started off on a good note. They saw Naina having her meal as fast as she could so that she too could leave for the NGO. But Preeti was devouring her meal quite slowly which irritated her best friend very much.

"Preeti... Kitna aaraam se khaa rahi hai? Jaldi jaldi khaa, hume bhi NGO jaana hai. Bohot saari taiyaariyaan bhi karni hai. Mujhe toh sab bacchon ke kapde bhi collect karne hai market se. Tu itna aaraam se khaayegi toh kuch bhi time par nahi hoga." Preeti ignored her words and continued eating her meal as slowly as she could. But Naina was running out of patience, so she simply glared at her for a second and then pulled her plate away. "Bohot khaa liye tune, ab chal. Hume late ho raha hai."

Preeti pulled her plate again and continued eating, "Arey Naina... kya ghaai lagi hai tujhe? Mujhe thik se khaa toh lene de, fir chalte hai. Waise bhi tujhe sirf bacchon ke kapdon ki hi arrangement dekhni hai naa? Toh tu aaraam se market jaana aur kapde collect kar lena. Aur main abhi NGO chali jaaungi directly. Bacchon ko acche se rehearsals bhi karwaane hai naa? Tu aaraam se aana. Thik hai."

Naina gasped as she heard her best friend's words. She was at loss of words. How could she tell Preeti that she wanted to go with her to NGO? She wanted to have a glimpse of her husband before she started the work for the day. Naniji could clearly read all the expressions on Naina's face and was glad that their plan was working. Preeti too had glanced at her best friend who was still lost in her thoughts.

Preeti finished her meal and got up, "Chal Naina... main NGO jaa rahi hun. Tu aaram se aana." Giving her a side hug, Preeti left the house with a winning smile. Naina was feeling anxious for some reason and had wanted to go after her friend. But she controlled, she couldn't let anyone see through her anxiety which already Naniji and Preeti had seen on her face.

In the NGO, Sameer kept busy with the preparations. His mind wandered when he had left house in the morning. He had desperately wanted to have a glimpse of Naina before he left, but then he was pulled by his best friend who asked him to curb his impatience for at least a day. It was just an hour left before the function started and he was pacing the decorated hall all worked up.

On the other hand, Naina had reached the shop where all children's outfits for the performances were being made. To her horror, the shopkeeper asked her to wait for another hour as the outfits weren't ready. She sat there for almost one and half hour more, before she was handed all the required costumes. Even though she was pissed with the shopkeeper, she checked all the outfits one by one carefully. Once satisfied, she paid him the balance amount and left in a haste. The peon had already been waiting there along with her to carry the bags to the NGO.

Once Naina reached the NGO, she didn't have much time to look around for Sameer. Preeti who was waiting for her best friend pulled her towards the room where children were waiting for the costumes to get ready. Naina and Preeti helped the kids to get ready fast. Once the task was done, they heaved a sigh of relief and sat on the nearby chairs all tired.

Once the kids left towards the hall, Preeti pulled out two bags from the nearby table and forwarded one of them to Naina. "Yeh le... jaldi se change kar le, warna hume bhi late ho jaayega. Abhi sirf pandrah minute bache hai celebration shuru hone mein." Without waiting for Naina's reply, she hurried towards the washroom to change herself.

Naina was confused. She didn't remember packing any spare dress for the celebration. Had Preeti brought it? No... she too hadn't packed anything in the morning. Then from where had this bag appeared? Out of curiosity, Naina opened the bag and pulled out a dark blue coloured embroidered anarkali dress which had a golden border around the dress and was paired with a golden dupatta. She also found a packet which included two golden bangles and golden jhumkas.

Preeti appeared in front of her at the precise moment and asked, "Kaisa lagaa?" Naina stared at her best friend and again before she could ask anything, Preeti pushed her inside the washroom to change. Preeti had already left when Naina came out after changing into that Anarkali dress. It fitted her perfectly. She had only five minutes left to head towards the hall. She hurriedly wore the bangles and the jhumkas. Her eyes caught sight of the pink lipstick that was lying on the table. It had been a long time that she hadn't used any kind of makeup since she left from Ahmedabad. Taking few deep breaths, she finally decided to use the makeup today.

By the time she was ready to leave, she heard her best friend's voice, "Naina... Chal... aur kitni der lagegi tujhe? Function shuru hone hi waala hai. Tu..." She stopped midsentence when she saw her. "Naina... tu toh ekdum kamaal lag rahi hai iss dress mein aur... aur..." Naina combed her open hair and turned to face her best friend. "Ab late nahi ho raha." Preeti shook her head and smiled, "Haaan... haaan... pataa hai... late ho raha hai. Par pehle ek baar main meri behen ko acche se dekh toh lun." Preeti walked around her, taking in her attire. Looping her arm around her shoulder, Preeti whispered, "Aaj kisiki par toh qayamat aanewaali hai." Naina tried to hide her blush and replied sternly, "Chal ab... sab intezaar kar rahe honge." As they left towards the hall, Preeti teased, "Acchaaji... sab intezaar kar rahe honge, yaa koi khaas wait kar raha hoga." Naina ignored her teasing and hurried towards the hall.

When they entered the hall, she looked around for the person whom she had so desperately wanted to have a glimpse from the morning. She kept looking around but she didn't find him anywhere. Mr Iyer came forward and spoke, intruding her search, "Arey Naina... kahaan reh gayi thi? Chalo ab aage jaakar baith jao, function abhi shuru hone hi wala hai." Before she could ask him about Sameer's whereabouts, Preeti had pulled her ahead and they settled themselves on the front seats besides Naniji's seat.

Mr Iyer stepped up on the stage and started with the function. He spoke for a few minutes about the NGO and its accomplishments. As he finished, he called out, "Ab main uss shaks ko stage pe bulaana chahta hun, jo yahaan bas kuch do hafton se hai, par aisa lagta hai jaise hum unhe bohot pehle se jaante hai. Inn kuch dinon mein inhone sab bacchon ke saath saath yahaan ke har ek insaan ka dil apni surili awaaz se jeet liya hai. Bohot kamm waqt mein hi yeh hamare NGO ka ek atoot hissa bann gaye hai. Main Mr Sameer Maheshwari ko iss stage pe bulaana chaahta hun, jo iss function ko aage badhaayenge."

Applauses roared in the entire hall as Sameer came forward and stepped up on stage. Naina gasped as she saw the man of her dreams right in front of her eyes dressed in a dark blue blazer paired with white shirt and dark blue denims. She forgot to breathe as she saw her man taking over the mike from Mr Iyer.

The moment their eyes locked, she forgot the whole world around her. They didn't blink and continued staring at each other, drinking in each other's sight. The desperation to get a single glimpse right from the morning had been playing in their minds. Sameer too couldn't look away from his lady love. Watching her finally dressed in the dress brought by him made him happy. Her open hair, the slight blush on her cheeks, her doe shaped eyes kohled with kajal and that pink lipstick on her luscious lips distracted him. His gaze moved from her face and he saw that she had worn the golden bangles and the earrings too. He wanted to run to her and wrap her in his arms, but he controlled.

Mr Iyer cleared his throat beside Sameer which broke his beautiful trance and he looked away instantly. The intense eye lock between the couple wasn't missed by the people around them as they too could feel the sparks of chemistry between them running hot today.

Before Sameer could take the mike from Mr Iyer, the kids started shouting Sameer's name and pleaded him to sing a song for them. Along with the kids, even the other people requested him to start the function with his song. Sameer couldn't deny everyone's requests, especially of the kids and he agreed.

Looking at his beautiful and lovely wife, he began singing,

Haan hasi bann gaye...
Haan nami bann gaye...
Tum mere aasmaan...
Meri zameen bann gaye...

Haan hasi bann gaye...
Haan nami bann gaye...
Tum mere aasmaan...
Meri zameen bann gaye...

Haan hum badalne lage...
Girne sambhalne lage...
Jab se hai jaana tumhe...
Teri ore chalne lage...
Har safar, har jagah...
Har kahin ban gaye...

Maante the Khuda...
Aur haan wahi ban gaye...
Haan hansi bann gaye...
Haan nami bann gaye...
Tum mere aasmaan...
Meri zameen bann gaye...

Pehchaante hi nahi...
Ab log tanha mujhe...
Meri nigaahon mein bhi...
Hai dhoondte woh tujhe...
Hum the dhoondhte jisse...
Woh kami bann gaye...
Tum mere ishq ki...
Sar-zameen bann gaye...
Haan hasi bann gaye...
Haan nami ban gaye...
Tum mere aasmaan...
Meri zameen bann gaye...

As he finished, the entire hall resonated with continuous loud applauds and 'once more' requests. But the function had to be taken forward and he didn't want to waste any more time and took over the responsibility of hosting the function. One after the other performances took place which entertained everyone present in the hall. From dance performances to singing to playing musical instruments on the stage continued with full zeal.

It was now time for the final act which was prepared by few kids under the guidance of Preeti, Pandit and Sameer. They hugged the kids and wished them all the best for their performance. As the lights dimmed and the spotlights were turned on, Naina's heart thudded. She didn't know the reason for anxiousness which had appeared from nowhere suddenly. Till now, she had enjoyed all the performances and sneaked glances of her handsome husband more than usual. And now all of a sudden, she seemed nervous. She couldn't see him now which further added to her anxiety.

When the drama started, Naina settled down her nerves and concentrated on the kids who were dressed like Lord Shiv and Goddess Parvati. And as the drama began, she forgot all her nervousness and was lost in the wonderful performance. The drama was about how Goddess Parvati married Lord Shiva.

The drama stared with King Himavat and Queen Mena holding their daughter who was named Parvati. Narad Muni came to look at the baby and declared that she was destined to marry Lord Shiva. While growing up, she loses herself in thinking about Lord Shiva all the time.

Even as a young girl Parvati was in love with Lord Shiva. As she grew older, Parvati blossomed into a stunning woman filled with grace and beauty. While she captured the hearts of many kings and princes, she only had eyes for Lord Shiva. She did many efforts to win his love and affection and decided to visit the cave where he was meditating and started cleaning and decorating it. However, he remained unmoved by her love and dedication. She also tried bringing fruits for him but he remained steadfast in his meditation. Not once did he open his eyes or acknowledged the presence of Goddess Parvati.

Meanwhile, the gods and people were being terrorised by the demon, Taraka. When they approached Lord Brahma for help, he said that Lord Shiva and Parvati's son will kill the demon. As the gods were getting restless, they decided to help Goddess Parvati win Lord Shiva's affection.

The Goddesses of Love and Longing, Priti and Rati the consorts of Kama, the God of love and passion turned the cave that Shiva meditated in, into a garden of pleasure, filled with flowers, trees, birds and bees. Once the cave was packed with enchantments and wonders, they called upon Lord Kama. Upon his arrival Kama wasted no time in shooting Shiva with the arrow of desire. The arrow had no effect on Shiva, he was however intensely angered at being disturbed. Enraged, Lord Shiva opened his third eye and reduced Kama to ashes. With the destruction of Kama, Parvati lamented to the others Gods that love has been lost to the world. She reassured them however that when Lord Shiva accepts Goddess Parvati as his wife, Kama will be reborn.

Goddess Parvati had tried everything in her power to make Lord Shiva notice her, but nothing worked. Finally, she decided to do what Goddess Sati had done to win over Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati left all the riches and comfort of her father's palace and went to live in the forest as an ascetic. In her trials, she surpassed even the greatest ascetics. What she went through was even greater than what Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's first consort, had endured. She went through the most rigorous self-mortifications from walking in the winter snow without clothing to sitting under the hot summer sun for days, to standing on one foot motionless for long hours to eating nothing for days and surviving on the sun's nourishment.

Infact, her asceticism was so intense that it is said to have been equal to that of the great Lord Shiva. Following in his footsteps, Goddess Parvati soon had utter control over her body and her mind. Her Tapasya generated great amounts of energy and heat. This heat and energy finally reached lord Shiva who was shaken out of his meditation. When he was finally back in the world, he wondered what or who it was that had wrenched him out of his intense tapasya. He then heard the story of how Goddess Parvati in order to have him as her husband went through much rigorous self-mortification and achieved a state of asceticism almost akin to that of himself. So impressed was he by her self-sacrifice that he immediately agreed to make Goddess Parvati his consort.

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married in great pomp and celebration. The gods rejoiced to have Shiva back and married at the same time and the heavens blessed their union. After they were married, they went back to Mount Kailash and made it their abode.

As the drama ended, everyone gave a standing ovation to the kids who performed so exceptionally well that they had brought out the real characters on stage. Naina wiped the tears that had made its way from her eyes unknowingly. Sameer came back to stage and hugged the kids affectionately. Once the kids walked down the stage, Sameer spoke, "Yeh thi pyaar ki asli tapasya. Bhagwaan Shiva ki liye Mata Parvati ne kitni tapasya ki tab jaakar wohh dono ej huye aur unki shaadi hui."

Pandit and Preeti guided the rest of the guests towards the garden where the food stalls were arranged for their dinner. Once everyone left the hall, only few people remained including Sameer who was standing near the stage and Naina and Naniji who were still sitting on their seats quietly. Mr Iyer too was present when Pandit and Preeti came back.

Sameer took a few steps and stood in front of his wife. He spoke, "Ek perfect shaadi ke liye dono ko ek dusre ki kamiyon ko samajhna hota hai, unhe sambhaalna hota hai. Jaise Mata Parvati karti thi, jab Bhagwaan Shiva unke rodra roop mein hote the, tab Mata unhe shaant karti thi, unke rishtey mein santulan banaaye rakhti thi."

Naina gulped as she saw Sameer looking at her directly, "Par har kisi ka rishta Bhagwaan Shiva aur Mata Parvati jaisa nahi hota. Ab ke zamaane mein aise bhi log hote hai, jinki ankhon ke saamne sab hone ke baawajud wohh dekhna nahi chaahte, usse samajh nahi paate." Looking at Mr Iyer and Naniji, he continued, "Main aaj aap dono ko ek kahaani sunaata hun jisme ek hero hai aur ek heroine. Dono ke Nanaji ka vaada poora karne ke liye hero aur heroine ko shaadi karne ko bola jaata hai. Iske baad hero heroine ko laalchi aur characterless keh deta hai. Itna sab sunne ke baad heroine hero se shaadi karne se inkaar kar deti hai."

He laughed, "Kaunsi ladki itni insult sunne ke baad shaadi ke liye taiyaar hoti? Fir achaanak ek din Nanaji ki tabiyat kharaab ho jaati aur unki sehat ko dhyaan mein rakhte hue, dono shaadi ke liye maan jaate hai. Par hero shaadi se pehle hi heroine se divorce papers aur prenuptial agreements sign karwa leta hai, saath hi saath wohh khudke bhi kuch conditions rakhta hai jisse heroine usse dabi rahe. Aapko lagta hoga naa ki kaisa hero hai, ekdum ghatiya sa? Yeh toh hero kehlaane ke laayak bhi nahi hai. Par khair uska bhi koi bohot bura past tha jiski wajah se wohh heroine par bharosa nahi kar paa raha tha."

His eyes met Naina's misty ones and he continued, "Wohh heroine itni acchi thi ki usne bina kisi shart ke unn sab agreement papers par sign kar diye. Uske baad wohh dono shaadi ke bandhan mein bandh gaye. Dheere dheere hero heroine dost bane, ek dusre ke saath rehte rehte unke beech mein nazdeekiyaan badhne lagi. Hero toh wohh sab agreements bhool gaya tha aur shaayad heroine bhi. Par fir kuch aisa hua jiski wajah se waapis hero heroine ko galat samajhta hai aur usse fir se laalchi aur characterless bol deta hai."

His eyes had misted too and his voice choked as he continued further, "Hero ko pehle hi pataa chal gaya tha ki heroine usse bohot pyaar karti hai, fir bhi wohh usspar shak karta hai, usse aisi aisi baatein kehta hai jo usse nahi kehni chahiye thi. Par hero par gussa itna haavi ho gaya hota hai ki wohh apni har hadd tod deta hai. Hadd ke saath saath usne aur bhi kuch tod diya tha... aur wohh tha heroine ka saccha aur pyaar se bhara dil."

Preeti looped her arm around Naina's shoulder to keep her seated while Sameer continued, "Uske baad heroine hero ka ghar hamesha hamesha ke liye chod ke chali jaati hai, bina kisise kuch kahe, bina kisiko kuch bataaye. Jab tak hero ko apni galti samajh aati hai, tab tak bohot der ho jaati hai, kyunki hero apne ego ki wajah se heroine ko dhoondne ki koshish bhi nahi karta, aur jab sach saamne aata hai aur jab wohh usse dhoondne nikalta hai toh hero ko heroine kahin nahi milti. Aur jab ek mahine baad milti hai, tab wohh firse toot jaata hai. Hero ki galtiyon ki wajah se heroine ko ek aisi zindagi jeeni pad rahi hai, jahaan uske paas uska koi apna nahi hai, akeli pad gayi hai wohh. Jis chehre ko hamesha muskuraate hue dekha tha hero ne, wohh ab kabhi nahi muskuraati, shaayad unn sab ilzaamon ke bojh se heroine muskuraana hi bhool gayi, apni life jeena hi bhool gayi hai."

Naniji wiped Naina's tears silently. "Hero usse manaane ki poori koshish karta hai, par ab bhi shayaad heroine usse maaf nahi kar paayi hai. Aap dono soch rahe honge ki main yeh kahaani aapko kyun sunaa raha hun. Abhi jo humne drama dekha wohh Bhagwaan Shiva aur Mata Parvati ki shaadi par tha, jinhe hum Ardhnarishwar ke naam se bhi jaante hai. Yeh unn dino ki sacchi prem kahaani hai aur main aap sabko aaj ke dinon ki kahaani sunaa raha hun, jo meri aur Naina ki kahaani hai."

Wiping his tears, he continued, "Naina ke saath ek saal rehne ke baad bhi maine usse bohot galat samjha, sabke kehne ke bawajood maine usspar bharosa nahi kiya. Par kya sirf meri hi galti thi? Bolo Naina... agar aaj bhi tum mujhse se kuch bol nahi paayi toh main samjhunga ki tumne ab tak mujhe maaf nahi kiya. Main jaanta hun ki meri galtiyaan maaf karne laayak nahi hai. Maine... maine... naa sirf tumhe apne shabdon se hurt kiya hai, maine toh tumhe physically bhi hurt kiya hai, jis ke liye main sach mein bohot bohot sharminda hun. Married hona yeh reason nahi hai ki main kisi bhi cheez ke liye tumpar force karun. I am really sorry Naina. Mujhe... mujhe tumhare saath zabardasti karne ka koi hakk hi nahi tha."

Sitting on his knees, he continued, "Naina... main jaanta hun maine tumhare saath bohot galat kiya hai, ek baar nahi baar baar tumhe galat samjha hai, tumhare saath galat behave kiya hai. Par kya tum ek aakhri baar mujhe maaf nahi kar sakti? Main... main promise karta hun ki tumhe aage kabhi koi shikayat ka mauka nahi dunga. Main kabhi tum par shak nahi karunga, hamesha tum par trust karunga. Tum... tum mujhe ek aakhri mauka de do Naina... please... main tumhe hamesha khush rakhunga."

When Naina didn't reply, he was heartbroken. He couldn't read her expressions as she had kept her face totally blank and emotionless. Sameer closed his eyes and exhaled, "Thik hai Naina... mujhe... mujhe tumhara jawaab mil gaya. Tumne... tumne ab bhi mujhe maaf nahi kiya hai. Aaj tumhari chuppi ne saabit kar diya ki tum mujhe koi mauka nahi dogi, aur naa hi apni zindagi mein jagah dogi. I am sorry Naina for everything, for all the hurt and pain you went through because of me."

Sameer looked at all his people around him and then finally met Naina's gaze, "Toh... toh aaj se main tumhe pareshaan nahi karunga. Main... main Ahmedabad waapis jaa raha hun. Tum ab se meri shakal nahi dekhogi Naina. Main kabhi tumhare saamne nahi aaunga. Main... main jaa raha hun. Tum... tum hamesha khush rehna. Aur main... main Ahmedabad pohonchte hi wohh divorce papers sign kar dunga. Main samajh gaya hun ki tum mujhse kisi bhi tarah ke relationship mein nahi rehna chaahti. Main... main tumhe iss shaadi se hamesha hamesha ke liye aazaad karta hun Naina... You are free now, free to do whatever you want to do with your life. Main... main jaa raha hun."

Sameer took a step towards her and stopped. His eyes roamed over her face for few extra seconds. His hands moved to wipe her tears but stopped midway sensing her flinch. He turned around hastily without giving her a backward glance and left towards the exit. Naina felt as if someone had snatched away all the breath out of her lungs. She wanted to shout and stop him, but no voice came out. She stood motionless for a minute or so and then, she felt someone jolting her out of her daze.

Preeti screamed, "Naina... yeh kya kiya tune? Sameer... Sameer ko aise hi jaane diya? Ab tu khush hogi naa ki Sameer finally yahaan se, teri life se hamesha hamesha ke liye chala gaya? Yahi sochkar tu yahaan Shimla mein aayi thi naa? Tera Sameer par gussa hona jaayaaz hai Naina, par main maanti hun ki galti tum dono se hui thi. Jaise humne abhi Bhagwaan Shiva aur Mata Parvati ki kahaan dekhi, usse hum yeh toh samajh gaye ki pyaar ke liye bohot tapasya karni padti hai. Sirf pyaar karna nahi, apne life partner par atoot bharosa, aur sabse important uss rishtey mein sacchai honi chahiye. Koi bhi baat chupaani nahi chahiye. Husband aur wife ko decide karna hota hai ki wohh kise priority de. Dosti aur shaadi mein se kisse priority deni chahiye, yeh tum dono ka decision hai. Sabke dost hote hai Naina, par uss dosti ki wajah se apne pyaar mein, apne rishtey mein misunderstandings nahi honi chahiye. Ek pati patni ka rishta paani ki tarah saaf hona chahiye, jahaan koi jhooth, koi raaz nahi hone chahiye. Agar tumhe lagta hai ki bharosa hona hi sab kuch hai toh wohh naa toh poora sach hai aur naa hi poora jhooth. Uss vishwas ke saath saath sachaayi honi chahiye. Pati patni ka rishta sabse upar hota hai Naina kyunki unn dono ko poori zindagi ek saath milkar guzaarni hoti hai, uss rishtey ko zindagi bhar nibhaana hota hai. Pyaar, bharosa, apnapan, commitment, ek dusre ki taraf responsibilities, inn sabse shaadishuda zindagi aasaan aur successful hoti hai. Kisi ek ki bhi kami ho jaaye, toh saara balance kharaab ho jaata hai aur inn mein se kuch jyaada bhi ho jaaye toh bhi balance bigdata hai."

Looking straight at Naina, Preeti said, "Agar patni ummeed karti hai ki uska pati usspar poora bharosa kare toh usse bhi badle mein poori sacchai deni chahiye. Koi secrets nahi hone chahiye unke beech. They are one and they need to treat each other equally. Agar married life mein problems hote hai toh iski responsibility dono ki hoti hai, taali ek haath se nahi bajti Naina. Agar ek galti karta hai, toh dusre ko sambhaal lena chahiye, uska solution dhoodna chahiye, naaki poora ka poora blame usspar daal dena chahiye."

Preeti wiped her face and held her best friend's shoulders. "Tujhe kya lagta hai ki sab galti sirf Sameer ki hi thi? Tune... tune kuch galat nahi kiya? Arey sabse badi galti teri hi hai Naina. Tune... tune Sameer se jhooth bola, tune Sameer se baatein chupaayi. Arey teri sui bharose par hi atki hui hai Naina, jab ki tu khud apne shaadishuda rishtey mein bharosa aur sacchai nahi rakh paayi. Bhale meri shaadi nahi hui hai Naina, par main itna toh jaanti hun ki pati-patni do dil ek jaan hote hai. Tune... tune ek stupid se promise ke liye, ussi jaan se jhooth bola, secrets rakkhe. Main... main khud ab tak Bhai se naaraaz hun, jiski wajah se tu aur Sameer alag huye. Agar Bhai aur Nisha ke baare mein tu Sameer ko bataa deti toh kya ho jaata? Huh? Bol Naina? Kya Sameer unn dono ke beech mein aanewaala tha yaa wohh Nisha par line marnewala tha? Bol Naina? Bhai ke promise ke liye tune apne pyaar se, Sameer se baatein chupaayi aur jhooth bhi bole. Wohh bhi insaan hai yaar... end tak usne tujhpar bharosa kiya tha naa?"

"Main... main teri dost hun, isiliye maine Sameer ko kya kya nahi sunaaya taaki usse uski galtiyaan samajh aaye. Tu jaanti hai Naina, yahaan aane se pehle hi usne mujhe... mujhe bataa diya tha ki usne uss raat tere saath kya karne ki koshish ki thi. Mujhe... mujhe tab usspar bohot gussa aaya tha, par fir usne mujhse kahaa ki wohh uske har gunaah ke liye tujhse maafi maangega aur tujhe waapis Ahmedabad ke aayega. Jo sacchai uski aankhon mein dekhi uss din, tab samajh gayi ki Sameer se jyaada pyaar tujhse aur koi nahi kar sakta. Usne mujhe promise kiya tha ki wohh tujhe tab tak haath nahi laagayega jab tak tu usse poore dil se maaf naa kar de. Roz raat mujhe call karke rota tha, tumhara dard usse bhi tod raha tha Naina. Jitna dukh aur dard tujhe mila hai naa, usse jyada usse mila hai."

"Tu yahaan akeli thi naa? Wohh bhi akela hi tha wahaan. Nanaji, Munna, Pandit, koi uske saath nahi tha, kisine uski help nahi ki. Jab usse sab sacchai pataa chali, tab jaakar sabne usse baat ki. Aur ek baat sunn, bhale hi sab usse baat karte hai, par kisine usko maaf nahi kiya hai. Kyunki sabko sirf teri padi hai, tera dard, tera dukh, tera akelapan. Arey koi uss bechare ka bhi socho, jo khud bhi yahi sabse guzar raha hai. Teri dost hun, fir bhi uski side le rahi kyunki uske saath saath teri bhi galti hai Naina aur tu isse jhoothla nahi sakti."

"Tu bataa Naina... jo tune kiya agar wohi Sameer karta toh? Soch agar main usse promise leti aur kehti ki yeh baat Naina ko mat bataana aur wohh tujhse baatein chupaata, tujhse jhooth bolta, toh tu kya karti? Kya bharosa karti Sameer par? Agar tu usse kisi aur ladki ko I Love You kehte sunti, toh tujhe kaisa feel hota? Tab bhi tu Sameer par bharosa kar paati? Ek baar tu uski jagah khud ko rakhkar dekh Naina, tujhe samajh aayega ki usse bhi tujhse jyada taklif hui hai, usse kitna hurt hua hoga tab jab wohh khud tujhse itna pyaar karta hai."

"Shreya... yaad hai naa tujhe? Wohh toh sirf Sameer ke aas paas ghoomti thi aur tujhe kitni jalan hoti thi usse. Toh soch jab Sameer ne tere mooh se wohh I Love You Kabir ke liye sunaa hoga toh usse kaisa feel hua hoga? Kal raat hi keh rahi thi naa ki kuch bojh sa hai dil par, yahi bojh hai wohh Naina, jo tu dekhna nahi chaahti, samajhna nahi chaahti. Be strong enough to accept your mistake too, Naina."

"Maanti hun Sameer ne bohot baar tere saath galat kiya, par sabse jyaada pyaar bhi wohi karta hai tujhse. Tujhe hamesha se darr tha naa ki Sameer kabhi tujhse pyaar bhi karega yaa nahi? Tujhe yahi shikayat thi naa ki Sameer kabhi teri feelings samjhega yaa nahi? Aaj wohi darr aur wohi shikaayat Sameer ki bhi hai. Teri aankhon mein khudke liye pyaar dekh sakta hai wohh, par darta hai ki kahin tu usse kabhi ab keh bhi paauogi yaa nahi. Teri feelings samajhta hai isliye aaj teri chuppi ko hi apna jawaab maankar waapis Ahmedabad jaa raha hai. Agar tu Sameer se thoda bhi pyaar karti hai naa, toh jaa rok le usse. Aisa pyaar karnewala tujhe kabhi nahi milega Naina. Dost toh bohot mil jaayenge tujhe, par aisa jeevan saathi tujhe kabhi nahi milega, jisne har kadam sirf aur sirf tere baare mein socha ho."

Naina fell on her knees and cried. Naniji sat down next to her and held her protectively, "Naina... bhale hi tumne mujhe kuch naa bataaya ho, par Sameer ne pehle din aakar hi mujhe sab sach bataa diyaa tha. Mujhe bhi usspar bohot gussa aaya tha par uski aankhon mein tumhare liye pyaar aur parvaah dekhkar maine usse help karna shuru kiya. Sameer ne pehle jo bhi kiya ho Naina, tum usse unn sab galtiyon ke liye maaf kar sakti ho naa? Yaa yun kahun ki tumne Sameer ko kabka maaf kar diya hai. Jo bhi hua usse peeche chodkar, apni aage ki zindagi ka socho Naina. Tum bhi Sameer se bohot pyaar karti ho, aur wohh bhi. Agar poorani baaton ko bhoolkar aage nahi badhogi Naina, toh kabhi khush nahi reh paaogi. Tum yahaan akele rehkar adhuri rahogi, aur wohh wahaan Ahmedabad mein akela rehkar adhura rahega. Jab tum dono ek dusre se pyaar karte ho, toh fir sab poorani baatein bhoolkar aage ki zindagi ko khushi se saath jeene ke baare mein socho. Aaj Sameer ko yahaan se jaane mat dena Naina, warna aage pachtaaogi jab apni galti samajh aayegi."

Naina wiped her tears and everything that had happened since that night resurfaced in her mind. She remembered all the things that Sameer had done for her good. She thought about everything that Preeti told her, Naniji's words echoed in her mind and she got up instantly, "Mujhe... mujhe Sameer ko rokna hai... main... main unhe aise nahi jaane de sakti." Turning to Preeti, she continued, "Tune sab sach kahaa Preeti... maine... maine bhi bohot badi galti ki hai. Mujhe Sameer ko Ahmedabad jaane se rokna hoga. Maine unhe nahi jaane de sakti ab. Bohot mushkil se mujhe mera pyaar mila hai waapis, main... main unhe nahi kho sakti fir se."

Turning to Pandit, she asked, "Sameer... Sameer kahaan gaye hai abhi?" Everyone smiled at her and she heard her best friend's voice next, "Wahin jahaan koi aata jaata nahi...." Naina looked at her in confusion and Preeti hit her head with her palm, "Buddhu... jaa ghar jaa... Sameer shaayad packing kar raha hoga." As Naina turned to leave, Preeti caught hold of her and whispered, "Acche se maafi maang lena... hum aaj tum dono ko disturb nahi karenge."

Naina turned away all flustered and ran from the NGO to her husband, her love, her life...

As soon as she opened the gates to the house, she ran through the stairs and reached the room which Sameer had occupied. She stood frozen at the door as she saw the scene in front of her eyes. He was standing near the bed and was arranging all his clothes in the suitcase. Her eyes misted again as she saw his slumped shoulder's. He looked defeated and lost.

As if he had sensed her presence, he paused his packing, but didn't turn to face her. Naina walked towards him slowly as if deciding what to say and stop him. Sameer continued his packing and ignored her completely which pained her. Unable to say anything, Naina caught his hand that was holding on to the sweater which was woven by her.

Sameer closed his eyes and a lone tear ran down his cheek. Naina wiped that tear and called him softly, "Sameer... Aap... aap... sach mein yahaan se jaa rahe hai?" He opened his eyes and watched her tearstained face. His voice choked, "Haaannnn... Sach mein jaa raha hun." She asked again, "Aap... aap mujhe fir se akela chodkar jaayenge?"

Sameer froze as he heard her question. Before he could form some reply, Naina continued, "Fir se aapne mere baare mein nahi socha naa? Fir se mujhe akela chod denge naa aap? Aap... aap aisa kaise kar sakte hai mere saath? Boliye... jawaab dijiye..." Again, before he could say anything, she spoke, "Chup... ekdum chup... Kuch mat boliyega. Aapke liye toh main bas naam ki hi biwi hun naa? Jab chaahe tab saath rehne aa jaate hai, jab chaahe tab mujhe akela chod dete hai. Socha hai mujhpar kya beet-ti hai? Aap jaante hai naa ki main aapse pyaar karti hun, padh sakte hai naa meri aankhen, samajhte hai naa mere dil ko, fir kyun jaa rahe hain mujhe chodkar? Mujhse pyaar karte hai naa aap? Toh... toh bas yahi tha aapka pyaar, yahin tak saath dene aaye the?"

"Jab aaye the tab kya kahaa tha aapne? Jab tak tum mujhe maaf nahi karogi, main yahaan se kahin nahi jaaunga. Toh fir itni jaldi haar maan li aapne? Maine aapko jawaab nahi diya toh bas chal diye Ahmedabad. Bas aise hi, bina mujhse pooche? Bas suna diya farmaan, main jaa raha hun Ahmedabad.", she said mimicking his actions.

Sameer tried to control his smile but failed to do so. Naina saw his eyes glinting and gave up. She pulled his hand and wrapped her in his warm embrace. Sameer inhaled her rosy fragrance and held her tightly after such a long time. She melted in his arms and inhaled his musky fragrance which she had missed terribly.

Sameer spoke softly, "Main akele nahi jaa raha tha Ahmedabad. Agar acche se nazar ghoomaati toh dekhti ki maine tumhare kapde bhi pack kar diye hai. Main tumhe liye bina kahin nahi jaanewalaa tha Mrs Naina Sameer Maheshwari." She pushed him away and asked, "Toh wohh sab... wohh sab naatak kar rahe the aap?"

He held her hands and kissed them softly, "Main tumse bohot pyaar karta hun Naina, aur tumhare bina nahi reh sakta. Tumse durr rehne ka toh main sapne mein bhi nahi soch sakta hun." He rubbed his neck nervously and continued, "Wohhh... main bas tumse ab durr nahi rehna chaahta tha aur maine tumhari aankhon mein mere liye pyaar bhi dekha, ab se nahi pehle se dekha hai. Bas tab samajh nahi aaya tha, par ab samajhta hun. Tumne mujhe maaf kar diya tha, yeh bhi main jaanta tha, par tum wohh keh nahi paa rahi thi. Isliye... isliye Preeti aur Pandit ki madad se yeh chota sa naatak kiya."

Sameer pulled her in his arms again and spoke, "I am sorry Naina... main sach mein meri sab galtiyon ke liye tumse maafi maangta hun aur promise karta hun ki kabhi tumhe kisi bhi cheez ke liye shikaayat ka mauka nahi dunga. Hamesha khush rakhunga tumhe, tumhari saari wishes poori karunga. Naina... I Love You and I want to spend all my lifetimes with you. Bas kabhi mujhe waapis chodkar mat jaana Naina. Main... main mar jaaunga..."

Naina immediately kept her palm over his mouth and shouted, "Aap kya kuch bhi bol rahe hai? Mare aapke dushman. Yeh marne varne ki baatein aayinda se mere saamne kabhi mat kijiyega Sameer. Aur aapko baar baar sorry bolne ki zarurat nahi hai. Maine... maine toh aapko kab ka maaf kar diya hai Sameer. Aap jab se yahaan rehne lage the, jis tarah meri madad kar rahe the, tab se hi dheere dheere maine aapko maaf kar diya tha, bas bol nahi paa rahi thi."

Sameer kissed her forehead and replied huskily, "Jaanta hun Naina... sab jaanta hun." Naina pushed him away again and he lost his balance. He fell on the bed and she shouted yet again, "Aap sab jaante the, toh aapne kyun mujhse nahi poocha? Itna sab naatak karne ki kya zarurat thi? Seedhe seedhe nahi pooch sakte the?"

Sameer saw his wife getting into her Naina devi mode and he got up instantly to calm his tigress for now before she could push him again. He defended himself, "Accha... toh main seedhe seedhe poochta toh tum seedhe seedhe mujhe keh deti ki tumne mujhe maaf kar diya hai? Bolo Naina... kya tum mujhe seedha seedha jawaab de paati?"

Naina scrunched her nose and looked at him, "Aap naa... aap naa... Jaaiye mujhe aapse koi baat hi nahi karni." She turned away from him as she knew what he said about her was hundred percent right. She wouldn't have replied and accepted his apology if he had asked directly. Sameer knew this too, so he asked again, "Arey... ab chup kyun ho gayi? Bolo... Bolo naa? Kya tum mujhse keh paati ki tumne mujhe maaf kar diya?"

Unable to stop his questioning, she turned instantly and wrapped his hand around his neck. Without giving him any time to think, she stood on her toes and placed her lips on his to silence him. Sameer shuddered with that sudden feel of her lips and allowed her to kiss him sweetly. After few seconds, he lost the battle with himself and claimed her mouth passionately making her shiver in his arms.

When they came up for air, Sameer leaned on her shoulder and kept peppering kisses on her shoulder and neck. As he reached her earlobe, he whispered huskily, "Mujhe tumhara yeh tareeka accha lagaa mujhe chup karwaane ka. Aage bhi aise hi chup karwaate rehna mujhe, kyunki main tumse aise hi sawaal karta rahunga... zindagi bhar..."

How was the update???

Much more Samaina conversation and romance to come up in the last chapter...

I apologize if I have hurt anyone's feelings with my words or in any other way. I have used the story of Lord Shiva's and Goddess Parvati's wedding from google. I didn't mean to hurt anyone's sentiments when it comes to all this. There were many stories about how they got married and I've used the one which I have heard most of the times. I am sorry again...

I don't know why I am feeling sad all of a sudden as I finished writing this chapter...

One more chapter to go and this story will come to an end...

This story has been very close to my heart and is the longest story that I've written so far...

I am terribly going to miss this story...

Thank you each and everyone for voting, commenting and showering love on this story...

Will post the last chapter soon...

Please ignore the mistakes as I haven't proofread it before posting...

With Lots and Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️