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I am back with the next chapter...

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IN SEARCH OF HER...

CHAPTER 5

Sameer's declaration of love had spread like wildfire across the world within minutes. The topic of his secret girlfriend was trending on all the websites. Everyone was curious to know more about HER. Reyansh was getting continuous calls from various media channels who wanted an exclusive interview with the Captain of the Indian Football team.

Sameer felt lighthearted after his confession, yet he was tensed. He wasn't sure if Naina must've seen his interview. How could he find out? He had all her details, even her mobile number. But he couldn't call her for now. He wanted to meet her face to face first and see her reaction.

Sameer wanted to see her desperately, but that wasn't possible till the football season came to an end. But he would find a way, that was for sure. Reyansh would help him to do this, he was confident about it. But till that time, he would've to be patient which wasn't his forte.

At the other end of the nation, Naina tossed and turned on her bed. The only reason behind her restlessness was a certain someone with whom she had spent the best time of her life. She was in some other world since she had seen HIS interview.

Naina had a difficult time watching him onscreen. She had seen him closely after almost ten days and she had held her breath when a fangirl had asked him to marry her.

But what came next stopped her heartbeats altogether. Never in her dreams she had expected the captain of the national team to accept that he was in love.

Naina remembered his words, "Wohh aise time par mere life mein aayi jab main khudko kho raha tha, akela padd gaya tha. Wohh mujhe uss jagah mili jahaan hum dono sukoon dhoondne aaye the. Paani ki lehron se baatein karte karte, ek dusre se baatein share karne lage aur dost bann gaye. Aur bas main tabhi samajh gaya ki yeh wohi ladki hai jise main meri zindagi ka humsafar banaana chahta hun."

'The Sameer Maheshwari' was talking about her. She just couldn't believe it. How was this possible? She hadn't expected that he would even remember her. But this... this sudden declaration had shaken her to the core.

Sameer's next words had stopped her heart totally, "I have fallen in love with HER and I will find her soon and make her mine forever..." He had confessed his love during a live interview. Was this really happening? Was she hallucinating? What he had admitted, was it really true? Was he really talking about her?

Countless questions started in her mind while she had continued looking at her mobile screen. And when Sameer had stared directly at the camera and said, "Tum jitna chaho utna mujhse durr bhaag sakti ho, par main... main bhi Sameer Maheshwari hun... tumhe dhoond hi lunga... I will find you soon Miss...", Naina had shuddered with that challenge in his tone.

Naina still was reeling under the effect of his love declaration. She couldn't believe that he had so easily professed his love for her to the whole world. Sameer didn't know her full name, but for how long?

The way Sameer had challenged that he would find her shook her and she knew that he definitely could do it. Naina could feel it in her bones that she was going to meet him soon, but how soon, she didn't know. She knew what he had done on screen wouldn't have been easy for him, yet he had done that, only to find her.

Again, her mind drew her towards that girl's call. But now, after his confession, her heart was sure that he loved her. The look on his face while confessing his love was pure and true. She could clearly see his love in his eyes. It spoke truth and her heart believed him without any second thought.

Only her mind wasn't believing all this. Her mind wasn't ready to trust him. Naina wanted to rejoice and live in that moment, but her mind didn't allow her to. If she hadn't picked up the call that morning, she would've believed him undoubtedly.

Naina wasn't sure of what to think about his love declaration. How to react if he really confessed his love on her face? She should've been on cloud nine, yet she couldn't digest this exciting declaration that was going to change her life ahead.

Naina tossed and turned the whole night. Whenever she tried to close her eyes, the images of their night together flashed in her mind. His words rang in her mind on a loop. The confused soul had no idea what to do, when the man of her dreams would stand before her.

By morning, Naina had made up her mind that she was not going to trust him blindly this time. She had to protect her fragile heart from the heartbreak. She couldn't deny the fact that she loved him, but she couldn't even trust him that easily as before. She would face him that was for sure, but this time it would be on her own terms. She wanted honesty and loyalty from him and till she wasn't sure about this; she wouldn't give him a second chance.

Her heart was hers to protect and she wouldn't let the captain of the football team break it into pieces. She had many questions for him and she would ask them when they would meet. Proper communication was the only way to know him better and she would give him that.

Sameer was chasing her and she would wait till he came to her. She was not going to approach him; she would let him come to her. She would wait till then. She wanted to see if he truly loved her enough to find her.

The game had begun and she too was ready to play. She would wait for his next move, until then she had a new job to begin with. She had to join the JP Multinationals in the next three days. She had a lot to prepare for and she would concentrate on her job, till Sameer would find her.

After getting ready for the day, Naina decided to go for shopping to buy some new outfits for her job. Bela too joined her. It was evening by the time they had finish with all the shopping and returned home all tired and worn out.

After freshening up, Bela made tea for them which Anand relished wholeheartedly. As usual, Anand was surfing through the news channel when a news caught his attention and he increased the volume to hear it clearly.

"Mr Sameer Maheshwari ne apne dil ki baat poori duniya ke saamne rakh di hai. Aisa pehli baar hua hai ki kisi player ne apne pyaar ka izhaar aise koi interview mein kiya ho. Sach mein Sameer Maheshwari ko manna padega. Jo aajtak nahi kar paaya, wohh hamare football captain ne kar diya hai."

The clippings of his last night's interview were re-telecasted. Anand heard it attentively while Naina grew nervous beside him. Bela too heard the whole news with interest. She wasn't any fan of football or cricket but she enjoyed watching the games with her husband. So, she fairly had idea about the players.

"Bhagwaan jhooth naa bulaaye... Aisa kaun karta hai bhala? Poori duniya ke saamne aise kaun apne pyaar ka izhaar karta hai? Yeh Sameer Maheshwari kahin paagal toh nahi ho gaya? Agar pyaar ka izhaar hi karna tha toh uss ladki se akele mein kehta, aise sabke saamne kyun kahaa yeh sab? Yeh aajkal ke bacche bhi naa, kuch bhi karte hai. Kyun ji?", Bela turned to face her husband.

Anand chuckled in response hearing his wife's rantings while Naina rubbed her hands in nervousness which wasn't noticed by her parents luckily.

"Arey Bela... tumne thik se suna nahi kya? Sameer ne kahaa ki wohh uska poora naam nahi jaanta. Iska toh ek hi matlab hai ki wohh yeh bhi nahi jaanta hoga ki wohh ladki abhi kahaan hai. Yeh Sameer Maheshwari bohot smart hai. Iss interview ke zariye usne apne dil ki baat uss ladki tak pohoncha di hai. Ab dekhte hai wohh apne pyaar tak kaise pohonchta hai? Jis tarah se usne apne pyaar ka izhaar kiya hai, usse toh mujhe yakeen hai ki bohot jald wohh apne pyaar tak pohonch hi jaayega."

Bela agreed and continued doing her work. Naina had heard her parent's conversation and was nervous. Her mind and heart were confusing her, were battling amongst themselves. She wasn't sure of anything anymore.

Yes... she loved him truly and would love him forever. But she wasn't sure if she could give him a second chance. Taking few deep breaths, she decided to go with the flow. Time will decide what would be the future of their relationship. Till then, she would wait for his next move.

Three days passed and it was the d day for Naina, her first day in JP Multinationals. She took blessings from her parents and made her way towards the office. She was excited as well as nervous. She was finally going to tick off the most difficult thing of her bucket list.

As Naina stepped in JP Multinationals, her gaze landed on the woman whom she had met few days ago.

FLASHBACK...

Naina was standing at the bus-stop and was waiting for a bus. When she saw an old lady trying to cross the street in front of her, she took a step towards her to help her. But suddenly she saw a speeding car coming the woman's way.

Naina ran towards her as fast as she could and reached on time to save that old lady from hitting that speeding car. But in the process, Naina had stumbled and fallen on the other side of the road. There was no major injury, but she had got few scratches and swelling on her elbow.

Vishakha Maheshwari, who was waiting for her car at the entrance of the mall had seen the entire thing happening in front of her eyes and was astonished with the way Naina had reacted in time and saved the old lady from a severe accident.

Vishakha was next to them in an instant and helped Naina to get on her feet. She asked her driver to drop the old lady to her destination, till then she was going to take Naina to the hospital to clean her small wounds.

"Aunty... aap... aap rehne dijiye... main khud doctor ke paas chali jaaungi. Mujhe... mujhe itna bhi nahi lagaa hai." Vishakha looked at her elbow which was swollen and had few scratches too. She looked at the girl, "Main kuch nahi sunna chaahti. Dekho, tumhara elbow kitna sujh gaya hai aur ab iss chot se khoon bhi nikal raha hai. Jaldi se isse saaf nahi kiya, toh infection ho jaayega. And I can't take that risk. Ab tum kuch aur mat bolo aur mere saath chupchaap hospital chalo."

After few minutes, Vishakha saw her car stopping in front of them and she pulled Naina with her. Once they settled in the car, Vishakha asked, "Tumhara naam kya hai?" "Main... Naina... Naina Agarwal..." Vishakha too introduced herself, "Main Vishakha hun... Vishakha Mah..."

A sudden call interrupted them and Vishakha couldn't complete her introduction. She attended the call from her husband related to work. They reached hospital and Vishakha disconnected the call to take care of Naina's wounds. Once the doctor had cleaned her wounds and checked with Naina for any other injuries, they left towards their respective destinations.

"Naina... mere saath car mein chalo... main tumhe ghar chod deti hun." Despite Naina's denial for help, Vishakha again pulled her in her car. On the way, they chatted and Vishakha came to know that Naina was going to go for an interview in JP Multinationals the very next day for the post of chartered accountant.

Vishakha dropped Naina at her society and left to meet her husband who was attending some meeting at JP Multinationals. She was happy that she could help that sweet girl with this job at least.

Vishakha stood in front of JP Multinationals i.e. Jaiprakash Multinationals which was the foundation of her father, Jaiprakash Bansal which was now run by her and her husband, Vivek Maheshwari. They were back from Switzerland just today due to some emergency at the work front and had cut short their Switzerland trip.

When Naina had walked out of JP Multinationals after her interview the next day, she had met Vishakha yet again and was surprised with her sudden appearance.

"Kaisi ho Naina? Interview kaisa raha?" Vishakha looked at her elbow, "Ab jyada dard toh nahi hai naa? Medicines time pe li thi naa tumne?" Naina was happy watching the concern in Vishakha's eyes for her. She was so kind and helpful just like her.

"Main thik hun aunty aur ab jyaada dard bhi nahi hai. Interview bhi accha hi tha, ab dekhte hai ki mujhe yahaan job milti bhi hai yaa nahi." Vishakha took her in a warm hug, surprising Naina yet again. "Don't worry Naina... sab accha hi hoga. Acche logon ke saath hamesha accha hi hota hai."

As they parted, Naina asked, "Aunty... aap... aap yahaan kya rahi hai?" Vishakha smiled in return, "Wohh tumhe jald hi pataa chal jaayega. Ab ghar jaao, thodi der mein results tumhe pataa chal jaayenge."

Blessing her, Vishakha made her way inside the office, leaving Naina confused. After that, Naina too left the office and went at her favorite place at Marine Drive. The moment she had reached there, she had received the call confirming her placement in JP Multinationals.

Unknown to her, Naina had got the job under the wings of the Maheshwaris...

Only time would tell what would happen when she came to know about this and she would come face to face with the handsome captain again...

FLASHBACK ENDS...

Naina was surprised to see Vishakha standing at the reception and talking to the receptionist. As Naina approached her, Vishakha turned to face her with a broad smile. Soon, another man joined them and Naina looked between the two, confused.

Vishakha chuckled, "Naina... kis soch mein pad gayi? Achaa chalo, main tumhara confusion dur karti hun. Main JP Multinationals ki Managing Direction hun." And pointing towards the man beside her, she continued, "Aur yeh hai mere husband, Vivek... Vivek Maheshwari, iss company ke CEO aur Chairman bhi."

Naina couldn't believe her destiny. Her mind connected the dots instantly and her body froze in shock. She had landed in the company which was related to a certain someone from whom she was hiding for the time being.

Naina's mind was filled with innumerous questions. The most important being that if the couple already knew about her identity, if they knew that she was the one with whom their son had fallen in love and he was searching for her.

Looking at Naina's reaction, Vishakha asked, "Naina... tum... tum thik toh ho naa? Putle ki tarah kyun khadi ho?" That broke her trance and Naina returned to reality.

"Main... Main thik hun... Madam... Sorry... wohh aapko yun yahaan achanak dekhkar, main bas thoda... wohh... Sorry..." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Good... Good morning Vishakha Madam... Vivek Sir." She finally got her senses back and she greeted them with a smile.

Vishakha nodded at her, "Chalo mere saath." Naina followed behind them to their cabin. Once in the cabin, Vishakha took her in a hug surprising her again, "Good morning, Naina... Welcome to JP Multinationals."

Breaking the hug, Vishakha continued, "Naina... tum yeh mat sochna ki tumhe yeh job meri wajah se mili hai. Maine tum par koi favor nahi kiya hai. Tumhe yeh job merit par mili hai. Haan... maine koshish zaroor ki thi ki tumhe hi yeh job mile, par inhone meri ek naa suni."

Vivek continued, "Vishakha sahi keh rahi hai Naina. Vishakha ne tumhare baare mein mujhe sab bataaya tha. And I should say, I am very proud of you. Uss din jis tarah tumne wohh buddhi aurat ki madat ki, waisa aajkal koi nahi karta. Par mere bhi apne principles hai, jo main todna nahi chaahta. Hum JP Multinationals mein hamesha se hi freshers ko chance dete hai, taaki unhe experience mile. Tumne yahaan kaam ka bohot accha exposure milega, bohot kuch sikhne ko milega. Vishakha ne sahi kahaa, tumhe yeh job merit par hi mili hai aur hume vishwaas hai ki tum yeh job acche se karogi and I hope tum hamare iss bharose ko nahi todogi."

Naina's eyes turned misty, "I won't let you down Vivek sir." Looking at Vishakha, she continued, "I promise ki main poore dil se yeh job karungi. Aap dono ka vishwaas nahi todungi. I will prove myself soon."

Vivek smiled and nodded at his wife. Vishakha spoke, "Ab chalo. Tumhe HR department mein kuch formalities poori karni hai aur fir tumhe tumhare accounts department ke logon se bhi introduction karwana hai."

Soon all the formalities were over and she was introduced to all the staff of the accounts department. Mr Naresh Sharma, the senior CA of JP Multinationals, was strict in work, yet kind towards her. And Naina had a tough time deciding which character suited him more.

Naina had to assist the senior CA in the company and learn the roots. Depending on his feedback, Naina would get promoted on his place. He was going to retire in the next few months. But Naina was not the only one who could replace him. There were three more candidates who would have to prove themselves to earn the senior CA position in the firm.

It was lunch time when Naina was introduced to few other colleagues from different departments. Naina noted that no one had brought tiffin for their lunch. Instead, the canteen provided them with homecooked meals without any cost.

When Naina returned to her desk, she was surprised to find a small bouquet and a big Dairy Milk chocolate. Her teammates were curious to know about the sender, but Naina had already hidden the note that was tucked in the bouquet of red roses. Her heart already knew who the sender would be and she couldn't let anyone know about this. This was her secret to keep.

When everyone was busy in some or the other work, Naina made an excuse to visit the washroom. She herself was curious to read the note and confirm her suspicions.

Her luck was on her side as there was no one in the washroom apart from her. Naina opened the note as her heart continued thudding loudly.

"Yeh laal gulaabon ka guldasta ek khoobsurat ladki ke liye aur job par pehle din ki shuruwaat kuch meethe se honi chahiye, hai naa? All the best Naina for your first day in office...

Tumhara... Sameer..."

Naina's eyes welled up reading the note. He had found her. He knew that today was her first day in JP Multinationals and he had sent her a bouquet of roses and a big chocolate to wish her good luck. She had missed him terribly and had waited for his next move.

And this move was definitely a well-planned surprise for her. Naina wasn't worried that he had found her, as she had anticipated this. Sameer Maheshwari could do anything, and this surprise proved just that.

The clock was ticking and the day passed by in a blink of an eye for Naina since reading that note. She was happy, excited and nervous, all at the same time after knowing that Sameer had finally traced her.

As the day came to an end, Naina left the office on a happy note. She was happy that the office environment was good and comfortable for her. She had met new people, learnt a lot too. She had another reason to be happy too, the couple weren't aware of their son's love life. The main reason for her happiness was the football captain who had given her a sweet surprise.

Though Sameer wasn't present there physically, but Naina could feel his presence in those roses, in that big chocolate and in that special note, that smelled of him. It was his hand written note and she would preserve it till eternity.

On the night of his interview, Sameer had declared his love for her. Though her mind was not in his favor, yet the love declaration had made its special place in her heart. And now, these flowers, chocolate and the note were added to her special moment's list.

Sameer was aware that Naina had joined the job in JP Multinationals. He had tried to kill the urge to send her some flowers and chocolates to wish her good luck. But he couldn't resist and he had done it eventually with Reyansh's help.

Sameer had written a small note for her, a first love letter for her, sweet and small. Till he met her face to face, he could use this method to be in touch with her. He knew he wouldn't get any reply for this, yet he was going to woo her from distance. He was not going to leave any chance to pursue her. He was not going to let her forget him. He wanted to be in her thoughts all 24*7.

But this wasn't enough for him. He wanted to do something special for her, but what? He had a football match two days later and he was practicing with his team. His team was aware of the stunt that their captain had pulled in his last interview, and then the teasing had begun.

Sameer had always been a part to tease and pull his teammates' legs, but it was his turn now. And he enjoyed this too. Afterall, he was in love and he won't complain about it. His teammates wanted to know the lucky girl's name who had stolen their captain's heart, but Sameer hadn't revealed anything about her.

After the practice, one of his teammates suggested, "Yaar... hum sab kitni mehnat kar rahe hai. It's time to let loose. Aaj party karte hai naa? Let's go clubbing?" Sameer had heard it but he remained silent, he wanted to know what the others wanted too.

As the debate continued amongst the players, Sameer stood at the corner of the dressing room along with Reyansh who too was enjoying the banters of the team. Sameer could hold no longer and jumped between them, "Ok... Ok... Ok... Main iss team ka captain hun, toh main hi decide karta hun."

Looking at everyone one by one, Sameer decided, "Clubbing ka idea accha hai, but I think hume yeh season khatam hone tak drinks se durr rehna chahiye. Toh hum aise karte hai ki hum hamare hotel mein hi party karte hai, but no drinking at all. Agar galti se bhi coach ko pataa chal gaya toh hum sab ki shaamat aa jaayegi."

His teammates agreed to him without a word and retired to their hotel rooms. Sameer stood there till the last player walked out of the dressing room.

Reyansh raised his eyebrows in question at his boss, "Kya chal raha hai tumhare dimaag mein Sameer? Tum iss party ke liye ready kaise ho gaye? Waise agar sach mein coach ko pataa chal gaya toh sab se pehle shaamat tumhari aayegi, I hope you know that."

Sameer chuckled, "Jaanta hun, isliye toh 'No drinks' wala rule lagaaya hai. Agar coach ko pataa chal bhi gaya toh bhi hum safe hi hai."

Reyansh stared at him for a few seconds, "Sameer... ab tum kya karnewale ho? Kya plan hai?" Sameer asked, "Tumhe kaise pataa chala ki main kuch plan kar raha hun?"

Reyansh shrugged, "Ab main tumhe itna toh jaanta hi hun. Toh ab bolo kya plan hai? Hum coach ko koi chance nahi de sakte jisse wohh tumse waapis upset ho jaaye. You know him, right?"

Sameer agreed, "Haa... Reyansh... I know. But don't worry, main aisa kuch nahi karunga jisse hamare games affect ho. Jo bhi karnewala hun wohh dil se karunga, sirf apne pyaar ke liye."

"Alright Sameer... I am with you in whatever you do. So, what's the plan?"

Sameer shared his plan with his manager. He knew that he would support him wordlessly. Reyansh was surprised as his boss told him about the plan and was sure that this plan was would be successful too. His love was in for another surprise.

As Sameer reached his hotel suite, he was ready to execute his plan. Just then, his mobile started ringing and he groaned seeing the caller-id. He ignored the calls that rang consistently. He was pissed to the core. He wanted to change his number but he didn't want to do that. Maybe he should just block her, he thought.

His mobile rang again, but this time it was a video call and after seeing the caller-id, a smile formed on his face. It had been a long time that he had talked to his parents.

Sameer instantly picked up the call, "Hey Mummy... kaise ho aap? It's been so long that we have talked?" His father appeared on the screen, "Sameer... tu hi busy hai beta, jo hamare calls nahi uthaa raha. Toh bataa, kya chal raha hai? Hamare calls kyun nahi utha raha kuch dinon se? Yaa darr raha hai ki kahin hum teres pyaar ke baare mein poochne naa lage?"

Vishakha interrupted, "Vivek... ab bas bhi karo. Itne dinon baad hum baat kar rahe hai. Iski love life ke baare mein baad mein baat karenge, abhi iske haal chaal toh poochne do. Dekho kitna sukh gaya hai khel khel kar, wahaan koi khaane ko nahi deta kya tujhe Sameer?"

Sameer chuckled at the other end hearing their banters, "Mummy... main thik hi hun, bas itne dinon baad aap mujhe dekh rahe ho, isliye dubla patla dikh raha hun. And don't worry, yahaan hum acche se khaane ko mil raha hai."

Vivek asked again, "Toh kaun hai teri honewaali girlfriend? Poori duniya ke saamne pyaar ka izhaar kiya hai tune, sabko nahi par hume toh bataa hi sakta hai. Aakhir hum tere parents hai, itna haqq toh hamara banta hai Sameer."

Vishakha too added, "Sameer... main bhi jaanna chaahti hun ki kaun hai wohh ladki jisne mere bete ke dil par jadoo kar diya hai. Jisne aaj tak kabhi kisi ladki ki taraf palatkar nahi dekha, wohh aaj danke ki chot par apne pyaar ka izhaar kar raha hai. Kaun hai wohh ladki, jiske liye tune live interview mein apne pyaar ka izhaar kiya. Bol beta, kaun hai wohh? Main jaanti hun tu itne dinon se yahi sawaal se bachne ke liye humse baat nahi kar raha tha. You know you can trust us Sameer."

Sameer's eyes misted, "Mere pyaar ke baare mein jaanne ka haqq sabse pehle aap dono ka hi hai. Par main abhi uska naam nahi bataana chaahta. Par main promise karta hun ki main wahaan aakar hi aapko mere pyaar ke baare mein sab bataaunga, aur agar mera bas chala toh shaayad main aap logon ko usse mila bhi dunga. I know I can trust you both, but just trust me this time please... Main aap dono ko wahan laut-te hi sab bataaunga, I promise Mummy, Papa..."

His parents understood his need for privacy and then honored his decision. They continued chatting for another fifteen minutes and then disconnected on a happy note. Sameer had deliberately avoided their calls for the past few days. He didn't want to give them any details about Naina as she was going to join JP Multinationals and he didn't want to create any hindrance for her job.

But he knew that he would've to talk about his Naina with his parents soon, afterall he was going to return to them in two months or so. But could he stay away from Naina for these two months till his season ended. He would've to do something to meet her soon. It was impossible for him to stay apart from her. He was desperate to see her, hear her, feel her...

Each day was like a year for him and he wasn't sure when he could meet her face to face. But he would definitely find something midway, he was sure about it. He needed her like air to survive.

But for now, Sameer had to get ready for the party. He had another surprise planned for her and he was sure that she would love it too...

How was the update?

What is the party all about? What has Sameer planned for Naina, any guesses?

Naina is working under JP Multinationals which belongs to Vishakha and Vivek Maheshwari and she knows that they are Sameer's parents. What is going to happen when this couple comes to know that Naina is the one with whom their son has fallen in love?

And who was calling Sameer incessantly on his mobile and he wanted to block her?

(I know you will guess this one easily...)

What is the relationship of Sameer and Soniya? Why had Soniya declared herself as his girlfriend to Naina that night?

I would reveal the role of Soniya in the next chapter and definitely his surprise too...

Please ignore the mistakes, I have updated this without proof-reading it.

I will update soon...

Till then, take care and stay safe...

With Lots of love,

Daksha...❤️