Unable to take the scene in front of his eyes, Sameer stormed back to Munna's room. Had he stayed there any longer, he was sure he would have just gone and knocked down that guy who had the audacity to still keep looking at Naina with the same love struck eyes, knowing very well that she was married now.

He sank into the chair, frustrated at the surge of such thoughts whenever Naina was in the vicinity of other men. It tightened something in his chest when she smiled in return to their smiles. It flipped his stomach when she laughed at something they said. It simply agitated him when she seemingly enjoyed their presence around her. His determination to stay unaffected was torn to shreds. He was affected... as hell.

But why would he? As a husband? Of course as a husband. They were in a proper marriage, even if there was no relationship. They had mutually agreed to respect the sanctity of marriage. Not that there was any such fear... when he could not find the girl of his dreams in ten years, there was grim possibility of meeting her in this one year. And Naina, she had made it clear that she was not interested in matters of heart. Yet, they had signed the contract with the promise of complying to the boundaries of marriage. Such reaction from him was normal when he felt that she could overstep those boundaries. After all, he could not trust someone whom he had known for such a short period of time.

While his heart countered all types of reasons for his reaction, his mind stayed firm on only one resolve... the girl he would fall in love with had to be soft and beautiful at heart, not someone whose demeanor screamed of defiance.

The battle within him was relentless.

Few minutes later, Munna entered the room, declaring in a relieved tone, 'Baat kar li Naina se. Kaha tha na woh foran haan kar degi. Mummy ko bata diya ki aaj tum dono ghar pe rukoge. Tu bhi apne ghar call kar de.'

When he did not get any response, his feet stalled on the way towards his chair. He turned to look carefully at Sameer, and found him lost. Turning, he came back and pulled the chair next to Sameer, swirling it to face his friend, and tapped his forearm, 'Bhai, kahan kho gaya?'

Sameer gasped, as if he became aware of Munna's presence only after his touch.

Munna narrowed his eyes, 'Tu... theek hai na? Maine kaha Naina se baat kar li maine. Woh ruk jayegi tere saath.'

Sameer muttered through clenched teeth, 'Achha? Usne suna bhi tune kya kaha? Saara dhyan toh Param pe hoga. Badi interesting baatein kar raha tha shayad, tabhi madam itni khush hoke sunn rahi thi.'

'Sameer.' Munna raised a concerned brow, 'Kya bole jaa raha hai? Param Naina ko aaj ki visit ke baare mein bata raha tha. Itni si baat pe aisa gussa kyon aa raha hai tujhe? Yaar, itna toh asli husband ya boyfriend nahi jalega jitna tu jal bhun raha hai. Achanak yeh daura kyon aur kaise pada hai?'

Letting out an exasperated exhale, Sameer thumped the table with his fist, 'Iss Naina ne dimaag kharab karke rakha hai mera.'

'Ab kya kiya Naina ne?' Munna asked, though he did have some idea what this was all about.

With a jerk, Sameer turned to look at Munna, growling, 'Tune dekha nahi? Mujhe samajh nahi aata har kisi ke saath itna hans hans ke kya baatein karti hai woh? Jisse milti hai usey Naina mein pata nahi kya nazar aa jaata hai ki usey ghere rehte hain. Aur woh... apne aapko admirers ke beech mein queen samajhne lagti hai.'

Munna retorted in a sharp voice, 'Toh tujhe isse kya problem hai? Tujhe koi takleef nahi de rahi na? Dusre logon se baatein karey ya dosti, tere pet mein kyon dard ho raha hai? Teri wife toh bas ek saal ke liye hai. Kya uske baad usey apni life nahi jeeni? Teri biwi banke sabse baat karna band kar degi toh ek saal baad kya karegi?' His anger subsided a bit, and a small smile appeared on his face as he looked away, 'Rahi baat admirers ki, toh Naina hai hi aisi ki usse baat karna sabko achha lagta hai. Sundar toh woh pehle bhi thi lekin ab aur bhi zyada pyari lagti hai jab saree pehenti hai. Ekdum gudiya jaisi.'

Sameer narrowed his eyes to slits, pondered for a few moments, then again slammed the table with a heavy fist as he blurted, 'Haan! Yehi reason hai. Bilkul yehi reason hai.'

Puzzled, Munna looked back at him, 'Kya? Kya reason hai? Kis baat ka?'

Sameer nodded slowly, his eyes glinting with realisation, 'Zaroor Anu aur mummy ne shaadi se pehle Naina ke beauty treatments karwaye honge. Pehle toh kitni ordinary si thi. Lekin ab...' He paused, his face showing hues of colour as he admitted sheepishly, '... ab woh... thodi achhi dikhne lagi hai. Aur Anu ki choice ke designer kapde... unse bhi uski personality thodi improve hui hai. Isliye... isliye mujhe...'

Munna suppressed the urge to smack him on the head, 'Isliye kya? Tujhe... tujhe pyar ho gaya usse?'

Quickly, Sameer shook his head, 'Pyar kaise ho sakta hai? Pyar nahi... par attraction feel hota hai.'

Though he was embarrassed at this admission, he heaved a sigh of relief as it provided the solution to his turmoil. He recognised finally that she was attractive. And that was it. There was nothing more to this feeling... nothing at all. And thus, it was even more essential to snub this attraction.

'Yaar Munna, ek saal poora hone mein toh abhi bohot time hai. Main... main uski taraf attract nahi hona chahta. Yeh sahi nahi hai. Agar saath rehne se aisa hone laga hai toh aane wale mahino mein kahin yeh attraction badh na jaaye. Bata main iss feelng ko kaise control karun?' He whined in desperation.

Munna smiled, somehow pleased with the helplessness in Sameer's voice, 'Toh mat kar. Hone de jo ho raha hai. Shayad yeh... shayad yehi pyar ki shuruaat ho. Kya pataa, Naina hi tera woh pyaar ban jaaye jiski tujhe talaash hai.'

Sameer's face scrunched in horror, 'Dimaag kharab hua hai kya tera? Naina... Naina aur mera pyaar? Impossible. Woh one percent bhi mere type ki hoti toh shayad main sochta. Lekin Naina... pehle din se uski harkatein mujhe sirf aur sirf gussa dilati hain. Harkatein toh abhi bhi waisi hain. Bas ab...' He swallowed, '...tu samajh raha hai na main kya keh raha hun? Mujhe iska solution chahiye bhai. Tujhe toh sab kuch pata hota hai. Toh bataa mujhe kya karna chahiye.'

Munna slumped back tiredly in the chair. There was no point to make him understand what he was not ready to acknowledge. Only time was the answer to his ignorant friend's dilemma.

With a sigh, he suggested, 'Aisa karna, jab bhi Naina ko dekhke tujhe aisi feeling aaye, koi aisa din yaad karna jab woh bohot buri dikh rahi thi. Waise tujhe toh hamesha hi buri lagti thi. Toh annkhen band karke pehle wala koi bhi din yaad kar lena.'

Sameer clicked his fingers in excitement, 'Yess. Good idea. Yeh toh bohot easy hai. Abse aisa hi karunga.'

Munna silently gazed at his friend.

Little later, before starting his car, Sameer texted Naina, telling her that he would pick her up in the evening to go to Munna's house directly. He had already told his mom to send the necessary things with a driver, as it would take much longer if he drove via his house.

Munna's mother was apologetic for causing them inconvenience, 'Beta, maine Munna se kaha tha ki mamuli sa bukhar hi toh hai. Ek din mein mujhe kya hi hoga. Lekin usne bhi zid pakad li ki mujhe akela chor ke nahi jayega. Bekar hi tum dono ko takleef uthani padi.'

Naina was surprised to see the ease with which Sameer perched on the edge of bed next to her and smiled warmly, 'Aunty, apne ghar aane mein takleef kyon hogi? Aapko pata hai na mujhe yahan aana kitna achha lagta hai. Aap kaho toh main hamesha ke liye yahin reh jaun. Wahan Anu bohot jaan khaati hai. Usse bhi chutkara milega aur Dadaji ki daant se bhi.'

She patted his cheek, 'Pagal ladka. Aur Naina ka kya? Uske bina kaise rahega?'

He grinned, 'Uske bina kyon rahunga? Saath leke aaunga, jaise aaj laaya hun. Jahan main wahan Naina.'

He then gave a fleeting glance to Naina. She neither looked at him, nor gave any sign of discomfort. Rather, kept the smile intact on her face as she asked, 'Aunty, aap chai piyengi? Main bana dun?'

'Tum pehli baar mere ghar aayi ho aur main theek se tumhara welcome bhi nahi kar sakti. Kam se kam chai toh main bana deti hun.' Aunty tried to get up from the bed.

Naina gently held her arms and made her lie back, 'Aunty, hum koi guest nahi hain. Aap bikul fikr mat kijiye. Jo chahiye hoga woh main khud bana lungi. Bas aap itna bata dijiye ki aap khaane mein kya lengi? Khichdi, soup ya daliya?

Sameer immediately countered, 'Daliya nahi. Aunty ko sugar hai. Unki chai mein bhi cheeni mat daalna.'

As Naina started preparing dinner after the tea session, she looked around. The house was very simple, yet welcoming and cosy. The small living room had one three seater sofa, and a few pouffe stools around it. There was a basic wooden table in the center, devoid of any decorations except a tiny pot with a plant. One wall was covered with pictures, from old ones to some which looked quite recent, judging by Munna's appearance. The old ones, with his father, clearly showed the love they all shared. The smiles were vibrant, eyes were full of life, hugs were warm... happiness reflected in every frame.

In the more recent ones, Munna's brother, Shravan, looked quite different from him. His eyes sparkled with boyish playfulness, while Munna's face had the maturity and understanding of an elder, responsible sibling. Even in the still pictures, she could see how much he loved his brother... looking at him with a proud smile, holding onto his hand as they stood atop a hill, placing a protective arm around his shoulder in a crowded place. That's how elder brothers are supposed to be, not like...

Naina breathed in heavily, and turned around.

Sameer, who had come to the room few minutes back, slipped in the shadow of curtain. He had noticed the wistful look on her face while she stared at the family pictures of Munna. It was strange. She did not know them, then why such melancholy upon seeing their photographs?

After they made aunty have the soup and her medicines, and finished their own dinner, Naina entered the other bedroom. The moment she saw the bed, her brows furrowed in tension. There was no way she could sleep here with Sameer. Munna's bed wasn't as large as the one in Sameer's house. It was just a bit wider than a single bed. Sharing it with Sameer would not be a viable option.

Picking her laptop, she announced in a low voice, 'Mujhe kuch kaam hai. Main bahar baith ke kar lungi.' And walked to the living room before he could say anything.

Sameer had himself been uneasy ever since it was decided that Naina would accompany him. He been to Munna's room several times. The thought of being in this room, alone with Naina, wasn't very comfortable, especially now that he had realised he was attracted to her not only because of their proximity, but because he found her prettier.

'Achha hua khud hi chali gayi.' He sighed, sprawling on the bed, 'Apne aap dekh legi usey kya karna hai, main toh sone laga hun.'

Naina plugged in the charger in the living room and settled on the sofa, with her laptop. If she could not sleep, it was better to get some work done.

After what felt like hours of futile attempts to get some sleep, Sameer decided to check on her. Entire house was enveloped in darkness. The only sound was the clicking of clock in the living room. Sameer quietly slipped out of the bed, and peered into the hall.

Seated on the sofa, with her head resting on its arm, Naina lay asleep. Her laptop was still open, the screen blank now. His eyes however were glued to her form, illuminated softly by the moonlight streaming in through the window, creating a halo around her. Without making a sound, Sameer crossed the room to reach her. Her open hair were splayed on her folded arm that cushioned her head. Her features appeared softer, as if the sleep had brushed away every frown, every crease of disapproval. Her breathing was steady and even. His gaze lingered on the smooth skin of her neck, the graceful slope of her shoulder, the tenderness of her lashes on the gentle curve of her cheek... a myriad of emotions stirred within him. He tore his gaze away, closing his eyes to push away the image.

As per Munna's idea, he had to quickly think of sometime when he found her absolutely dreary. Though he did not ever like her appearance or dressing sense much, but his mind drifted to the night he went to her house, to propose marriage. She had her hair literally soaked in oil, and was dressed in loose and drab clothes he had ever seen on a girl. Even after knowing about his arrival, she had not bothered to change or look presentable. Yes, that was the worst he had seen of her.

'Tel ki dukaan banke baithi thi. Smelly and oily. Ugghh.' He shuddered at the memory.

Yet, one look back at her and the image in his mind was washed over by the one in front of his eyes. Quickly, he turned his head again. Better not to look at all. If she doesn't want to sleep on the bed, so be it. Why should he bother if her neck pains in the morning or her back hurts.

He was about to leave when a faint sound from adjoining room alerted him. It was like something had fallen on the floor, something light which did not make noise but had hit the floor softly. Was aunty awake? They had made sure that she was properly tucked in and asleep before they switched off the light of her room. Was she not feeling okay?

Without another thought, he rushed to her room and knocked at the door. There was no answer.

'Aunty.' He called out in a low voice.

No answer.

He sprinted back to Naina, and tapped her shoulder, 'Naina. Naina jaldi utho. Aunty ke room se kuch awaaz aayi. Mujhe lagta hai unhe kuch problem hai. Please tum dekho na.'

'Huh!' Naina sat up with a jerk. It took her a moment to identify the surroundings, and another to comprehend what Sameer was saying. And then, she hurried to aunty's room, with Sameer at her heels.

They froze the moment Sameer flicked the light button. Aunty's pillow lay abandoned on the floor. Her hand dangled limply over the edge of the bed, as if she collapsed in the midst of trying to get something from the drawer. The sight of her lying lifeless sent a chill down the spine of both of them. Then, the gravity of the situation started to sink in with alarming clarity.

Naina reached out to gently shake her with trembling hands, her voice laced with urgency, 'Aunty, uthiye please," she pleaded, her heart constricted with worry.

Sameer's mind raced with a flurry of panicked thoughts as he knelt beside them, holding a glass of water. They sprinkled a few drops on her face, attempted to shake her, talk to her... nothing elicited any response.

'Humein aunty ko hospital le jaana hoga.' Sameer uttered urgently and sprang into action.

Within a few minutes, he was speeding towards the hospital, with Naina cradling aunty's head in her lap on the back seat. It was past one in the night when she was taken to emergency. After checking her papers, which Sameer had remembered to bring along, doctors started their examination to assess the cause of her present state. Naina and Sameer stood by, anxiously waiting. Sameer had not informed Munna yet, who was still at the shooting site in Jaipur.

A nurse came to them, 'Inn patient ke saath aap log hain?'

Sameer nodded. When she asked for his identity, he gave Munna's name.

'Aap form bhar dijiye. Kya relation hai aapka inse?' She handed him a file and asked.

Instantly, Sameer replied, 'Meri mother hain. Main unka beta hun aur yeh meri wife.'

'Okay.' Nurse nodded in satisfaction, 'Sab details de dijiye aur counter pe payment kar dijiye.'

After she was gone, he completed the formalities and came back to Naina. Though she did not ask, but he had seen the look of surprise in her eyes when he identified himself as Munna.

'Agar main kehta ki main inke bete ka dost hun toh bekaar ki complications hoti. Har baat ke liye blood relatives ka hona zaruri hota hai hospital mein. Main nahi chahta Munna aur Shravan ke na hone ki wajah se aunty ki treatment delay ho.' He explained in a hushed voice.

Naina merely nodded. This was the first time she had seen the soft side of Sameer, and it had amazed her. Not only had he gone to check on aunty in the middle of the night, but was making sure that she received prompt treatment. Even earlier, the person who complained about everything in his own house, did not once say anything about eating a simple dinner of one sabzi with roti, without using fork and knives... did not complain about lack of hot water in the bathroom... did not fuss around for soft blanket, taking Munna's cotton quilt without a word. This was a different Sameer.

A doctor walked upto them, after what seemed an eternity, 'Inki sugar low ho gayi thi. Ussi se faint ho gayi.'

Sameer asked with concern, 'Low? lekin inhe toh sugar ki problem hai isliye kuch meetha nahi khaati.'

Doctor explained, 'Do din se fever hai jiski wajah se diet kam ho gayi hogi. Shayad kuch fruits wagerah bhi nahi khaye. Kabhi kabhi aisa ho jaata hai. Hum required treatment de rahe hain. Aaj raat inhe observation mein rakhna hoga. Hopefully, subah tak hosh aa jayega.'

Naina inquired, 'Koi... koi darne ki baat toh nahi hai na?'

Doctor shrugged, 'Abhi stable hain lekin hosh mein aane ke baad hi theek se bataa sakte hain. Aap logon ne achha kiya jo foran hospital le aaye. Warna kuch bhi ho sakta tha.'

After he was gone, Naina suggested, 'Humein Munna ko call kar dena chahiye. Shoot khatm hote hi woh wahan se nikal sakta hai. Subah tak aa jayega.'

Sameer did not want to panic his friend, 'Woh kal toh aane wala hi hai. Fir iss time call karke usey darana kyon hai. Doctor ne kaha na, aunty abhi stable hain. Uska kaam bhi important hai.'

'Nahi.' Naina was adamant, 'Munna ko jab pataa chalega toh usey bohot dukh hoga. Woh apni mummy ki aisi condition mein unke paas rehna chahega. Koi bhi kaam inse zyada important nahi ho sakta.'

'Offo Naina, zaruri nahi har baat tumhari marzi se ho.' Sameer snapped, 'Main jaanta hun Munna ko. Woh samajh jayega. Isiliye mujhe aunty ke paas chorke gaya hai. Usey bharosa hai mujhpe.'

When she turned to look at him, Sameer was stunned to see the intense pain reflecting in her eyes, 'Munna ko kaisa feel hoga main achii tarah samajh sakti hun. Please, tum call nahi karoge toh main kar dungi. Munna ko inform karna zaruri hai.'

He wanted to ask her the reason... for the fear in her voice, of her anguish, of the overwhelming distress, of the depth of understanding of this situation. But he could not... he was at loss of words to take a step into her personal world.

Giving in, he placed the call. Munna was frantic. But Sameer updated him about the situation, and pacified him. He had just returned to the hotel after the shoot and was planning to catch some sleep for a few hours. But now, he immediately packed his things and left for Delhi.

It was around eight in the morning when he arrived at the hospital. By then, his mother was conscious. Munna was relieved to see her. After checking up with the doctor, he got to know that she needed to be in the hospital for the day and could be discharged in the evening if there was no complication.

'Sameer, tum dono ab ghar chale jao. Mummy ke paas main ruk jaunga. Shaam tak Shravan bhi aa jayega. Aaj uska last paper hai.' He insisted.

Though Naina wanted to stay, but Munna told her that it would be better if she went to office since he won't be able to go. Bidding farewell to Munna and his mother, when they came down, Sameer asked Naina to wait near the reception. He went to the counter, and asked for the complete bill, which he paid and directed the cashier that if any further payments were to be made, he would clear them in the evening. He directed them that no bill should be given to the patient or his younger brother.

Yet again, his gesture brought a smile to Naina's face, and she murmured, 'Chalo kuch toh akal hai iss mein. Kam se kam apne doston ke liye toh acha ho sakta hai.'

'Naina.'

The smile froze on her face. A sense of dread washed over her as she slowly turned to face the owner of the voice. Standing before her were Anuj and Tina.

Next update on Monday