After Sameer had specifically asked Naina not to get Sagar involved, she left the preparation of the contract document to him. She herself was not keen to let Sagar know of the reality behind this marriage. If he did harbour some feelings for her, as Natasha claimed, Naina hoped he could get rid of them sooner if he considered this marriage to be real... and move on. Especially now, when he was helping her with the house, she did not want any awkwardness between them because of unnecessary expectations.

A week after their discussion with him, when Anuj received the legal notice, which stated the need to re evaluate the process of transfer of the flat and mentioned that he could not sell or lease out the property till the matter was resolved, he immediately called Naina.

'Bohot badi badi baatein karti thi tu, lekin aakhir mein apne lalach ko control nahi kar paayi na.' He was furious, 'Pehle hi keh deti tujhe apna share chahiye. Jaanta hun Naina, achhi tarah jaanta hun tujhe. Kisi aur ke saath kya hota hai usse tujhe koi fark nahi padta, bas teri zindagi ke aaram compromise nahi hone chahiye. Haina? Arey jisey apni maa ko maar ke bhi chain nahi mila usse kya hi umeed ho sakti hai. Mujhe Tina ki baat maan leni chahiye thi, tujhe batana hi nahi chahiye tha ki main isey sell kar Raha hun. Mera ghar hai, aur mujhe usey bechne ka poora hak hai. Lekin mere dil ne kaha ek baar tujhe bata dun jisse agar tera kuch saamaan yahan reh gaya hai aur tujhe lekar jaana hai toh aake leja. Bas itni si galti ho gayi ki tere baare mein socha. Aur pata chalte hi tune apne rang dikha diye. Aisa notice bhejte hue sharm tak nahi aayi tujhe? Mummy ke hisse ki zindagi teri wajah se khatm ho gayi aur tujhe unki sell ki hui jewellery ka hissa chahiye? Itni materialistic hai tu? Kamaal hai Naina, tu is akhiri cheez mein bhi apni selfishness ki wajah se problem create karne se baaz nahi aayi. Apne bhai ki company, uske future ka zara khyal nahi kiya.'

Naina had been aware all along that she would get such type of reaction when her brother received the notice to stall the sale process. But it would be a lie if she said that the sharp allegations didn't hurt.

Keeping her voice devoid of any emotion, she replied, 'Aapko notice mil gaya hai na. Bhabhi ko bhi dikha dena. Jab inspection ke liye court se koi ayega toh cooperate karna. Main nahi chahti ki yeh sab lamba chale. Jitni jaldi sab clear hoga utni jaldi faisla ho jayega.'

It was Tina's enraged voice that boomed over next, 'Sab jaanti hun kiske dum pe itna uchal rahi ho tum. Zyada din nahi. Woh achhi family ka raees ladka hai, yeh mat samajhna tumse sachmuch pyar karta hai. Bohot jaldi tumse bore ho jayega aur nikaal phenkega apni zindagi se. Tab tumhari saari akad hawa ho jayegi. Fir bhi tumhe case karna hai na... chalo, khelte hain court court. Hum bhi tab tak kheenchenge is case ko jab tak tumhara woh so called boyfriend, jiske liye tum sirf time pass ho, tumhe chor nahi deta.'

On purpose, she and Natasha had decided not to inform Anuj and Tina of her marriage. Nothing was expected from them. If anything, they could only create some hindrance.

Bitterness spread in Naina's simmering heart at Tina's words, but she kept herself composed, 'Thanks for the advice bhabhi. Aap sach hi bol rahi hongi. After all, raees logon ki mentality aap mujhse zyada samajhti hain... you are one of them.'

Natasha showed her a thumbs up sign, smiling triumphantly as she listened to the conversation on speaker.

Naina carried on in the same tone, 'Anyway, mujhe ab is baare mein koi baat nahi karni. Let's wait and watch ki court ka decision kya hota hai.'

Anuj's restrained yet seething reply cut through the silence of few seconds later, 'Theek hai Naina. So be it. Lekin yaad rakhna, iske baad hamara rishta hamesha ke liye khatm. Kabhi mujhse milne ki koshish bhi mat karna.'

And he ended the call.

Naina stared at the screen. His indifference was something she had grown up with. But still, the callous attitude always left a feeling of emptiness in her. Today, his warning made her wonder why she ever had any different expectations. The bond that he threatened to break, never existed. What would he end... when there was no beginning of a relationship of siblings between them.

Letting out a deep exhale, she put the phone away and looked up at Natasha.

Other girl grinned and jumped up from the bed to grab her shoulders and spin her around, 'Amazzzing sweetheart. Ab aag unki poonch par lagi hai. Let them burn. Tera runway clear hai. Tu apni flight ki taiyari kar.'

Naina couldn't help but smile, 'Tujhe udne ke siwa kuch aur aata hai?'

'Hmm.' Natasha stopped, narrowing her eyes as if she was in deep thought, then flashed the same beaming smile, 'Udne se better aur kuch hota hi nahi darling. Jab hum hawa mein hote hain na, toh aisa lagta hai duniya hamare kadmon mein hai, sab humse chote hain, aur hum unse kahin upar, kahin zyada better jagah par hain. Believe me, badi achhi feeling hai.'

Twisting her mouth, Naina muttered, 'Sunne mein toh yeh Sameer Maheshwari ka motto lagta hai.'

Natasha pinched her nose playfully, 'Woh toh hai hi hawa ka jhonka, udega nahi toh aur kya karega. But my dear girl, ab woh tujhe saath lekar udne wala hai. Enjoy your flight.'

Though her constant teasing irritated Naina, but Natasha had infused her buoyant energy into her as far as wedding preparations were concerned. After the shopping spree with Anaya and Ambika ended, Naina had gladly got into planning the outfits for different occasions, based on the suggestions of her friend. Ever since Natasha had that conversation with Ambika, Naina had fallen even more in love with her.

Few days back, Ambika had suggested that Naina and Natasha shift to their house for the wedding functions.

'Engagement ke din se tum dono bhi hamare wahin aa jao. Hum Sameer aur Naina ke saare functions saath mein karenge. Haldi, mehendi, sangeet... sab kuch wahin pe organise kar lenge. Naina ke liye bhi easy hoga aur hum sabko bhi achha legega.' She had said one evening when she visited their house.

Natasha looked at Naina. There was no change of expression on her face, yet Natasha could see the hesitation in her eyes. She turned back to Ambika and smiled, 'Thank you so much aunty. Hum pakka aa jaate lekin maine Naina ke liye kuch special plans banaye hain. Aap toh jaanti hain hum dono bachpan se ek saath hain. Naina mere liye sirf ek friend nahi balki family hai. Humne decide kiya tha ki jiski shaadi pehle hogi doosre ko usey aise hi vida karna hoga jaise apne ghar se vidai ho rahi ho. Sangeet ka function saath mein hi hoga lekin Naina ki haldi mehendi hum yahi karenge. Please aunty, shaadi ke baad toh Naina aapke paas aane hi waali hai. Kuch din mere paas rehne dijiye na.'

Ambika did not insist after that though she had offered any help that they both needed at home.

Natasha had refused that too, 'Don't worry aunty. Naina ki shaadi ke liye meri excitement bhi kam nahi hai. I will make it special for her.'

And today was the day when this fake relationship was entering another phase... it was the day of her engagement.

Sitting in front of the mirror, Naina looked at her reflection. The image that stared back, did not feel like her at all... all decked up in an off white and gold lehenga, along with pearl and gold jewellery. Her hair was set in soft waves, held back by a pearl string attached to her earrings. Simple makeup highlighted her naturally radiant skin, which now had a blushing glow to it.

But her heart was in a mess.

She gulped as she recalled the moment she had gotten into this fiasco, right from the time of pretending to be Sameer's girlfriend, till she agreed for the marriage... and it sent shivers through her body. The decision was hers. She could not develop cold feet at this stage. In three days from now, she would be the bride of Sameer Maheshwari. It was something she had been preparing herself for, ever since she literally signed the contract he had handed to her.

The reality of the day suddenly hit her with unfathomable force. A tightness started to crush her heart, causing her breaths to quicken. Her head began to spin and her hands trembled as panic rumbled within her. She tried to take some deep breaths, but nothing could ease her anxiety.

She could not ignore the thought that she had gone and made the most irrational decision that she had ever made in life. And now, the consequences were staring at her in face.

'Naina, kya hua tujhe? Are you all right?' Natasha entered the room to find her breathing hard, clutching the lehenga on both sides.

'N... Nutty... main... yeh kya... kya kar rahi hun?' She mumbled, more fearful as she realised that Natasha would no longer be by her side once she left this house.

Natasha swiftly kneeled beside her, and took her cold hands into hers, speaking in a soothing voice, 'Naina, sweetie, you are fine. Aisa kuch nahi kar rahi jo nahi karna chahiye. Believe me, tera decision bilkul sahi hai. Chill. And don't forget to smile. Sabke liye yeh love marriage hai. Tujhe apna part play karna hai. Samjhi?'

Pressing her lips together, Naina slowly nodded. Yes, it was a role, a part that she had to play for live audience. One year. Just one year of this pretense and then she would be free. She steeled her heart and got up to leave for the venue.

*****

Sameer was feeling much lighter as he gazed at himself in the mirror. The black jodhpuri suited him well. He was pleased. After all it was his engagement, he had to look his best. Thankfully, his leg had healed quite well. Last week, when the splint was taken off, his X-ray was clear. But the finger still needed a bandage. Ambika was quite upset. Because it was the finger next to the one where he was to wear the ring. Doctor had advised not to put pressure on it. Hence, Dadaji decided that he would have to wear the engagement ring in the other hand. It did not matter to him anyway.

'Kaunsa meri asli engagement hai jo fark pade.' He smirked, adjusting his cuffs, 'Mujhe thodi ring finger se dil ka connection karna hai.'

'Sameer, ready ho gaya tu?' Ambika walked in, with Anaya in tow.

He spun around, his face taut as he wondered if she had heard his remark. After reaching till here, he did not want this drama to end, putting him in a greater mess.

'Mummy.' He nervously scanned her face for any sign of annoyance, and was relieved to see the same proud smile light up her eyes as she looked him from head to toe.

'Hayee mera beta kitna pyara lag raha hai. Kisi ki nazar na lege.' She quickly stepped closer and opened the kajal stick she was carrying, to slightly touch him behind the ear.

'Offo mummy, yeh kya kar rahi ho?' He rubbed at the spot, 'Main koi chota bacha hun jo kaala teeka lagake rakhunga.'

Anaya grabbed the kajal and marked behind his other ear, challenging him, 'Bachhe nahi par groom toh ho. Agar yeh sab nahi karna toh shaadi cancel. Haina mummy?'

Sameer did not get irritated, for a change. Rather, his face broke into an appreciative grin, 'Aaj lag rahi hai Sameer Maheshwari ki behen. Wow, kitna sundar dress hai. Lagta hai teri choice pehle se better ho gayi hai.'

Anaya and Ambika exchanged a knowing look.

Then she giggled, 'Achha style hai apni tareef karne ka. Bhabhi ne aapko bata diya hoga ki yeh dress unki choice hai. Aap kehna chahte ho ki bhabhi ki choice bohot achhi hai. And that includes you. Kya baat hai bhai. Aapka self obsession kam hone ki bajay badhta hi jaa raha hai.'

Sameer was about to blurt out that he wasn't aware, but stopped in the nick of time.

Ambika lovingly pulled his cheek, 'Maana tu sach mein bohot handsome hai par meri bahu bhi kisi tarah tujhse unnees nahi hai. Samjha? Bhagwan ne kitni sundar jodi banayi hai tum dono ki.'

She then turned to Anaya, 'Anu, Natasha ko phone karke bol Naina ko bhi kaala teeka laga de. Warna meri beti ko hi nazar lag jayegi.'

'Relax mom, main kajal apne saath lekar chal rahi hun. Bhabhi ko teeka main laga dungi. Lekin uske liye pehle wahan pohonchana padega na. Let's go.' Anaya slipped the stick in her clutch and the three of them walked out.

*****

Munna Pandit were with Sameer as he stood surrounded by several people, in the elegantly decorated hall in a posh hotel. Everyone was congratulating him, and was conveying their eagerness to meet the girl. Those who had already seen Naina in the hospital, seemed to be all praises for her.

Sameer muttered under his breath, leaning towards his friends, 'Naina ne inko bhi sheeshe mein utaar liya kya? Ek baar milke itni kya pasand aa gayi jo beta beta karke uske baare mein puche jaa rahe hain.'

Munna rolled his eyes, 'Bhai ab toh bas kar de. Yahan koi natak nahi ho raha. Sach mein woh tujhse shaadi kar rahi hai. Aur kaan khol ke sunn le, agar tune ab uske saath koi ghatiya baat ki na toh mujhse pit jayega.'

Sameer's eyes shot up at him, 'Tu mera dost hoke mujhe hi dhamki de raha hai?'

Pandit whispered, 'Sahi keh raha hai Munna. Ab tu Naina ke saath tameez se pesh aana. Warna shaadi waadi rehne de. Aur bohot hain jo usse khushi khushi shaadi kar lenge.'

'Kya matlab hai tera?' Sameer growled, his eyes narrowing.

Munna swatted Pandit's arm before tapping on Sameer's chest, 'Shaant. Udhar dekh. Pandit un sabki baat kar raha hai jinke muh kaise khule reh gaye hain.'

Sameer slowly turned around to see what he was pointing at. Quite a few men, all single, had directed their appreciative glance towards the main entrance. He followed the direction of their interest.

And his mouth fell open.

In a beautiful lehenga, Naina was walking towards the center of the room, smiling as she acknowledged other people. All eyes were on her. His own gaze widened in surprise and admiration as he took in her appearance. He did not even notice Natasha and Anaya who were with her.

'Ahem.' Anaya cleared her throat as they reached closer.

When it did not register either, Munna tugged at his hand, whispering, 'Bhai muh band kar le, warna makhhi ko raasta mil jayega.'

Sameer snapped his mouth shut, shifting his focus to his sister, 'Uh Anu... woh... woh kahan hai... mummy... mummy kahan hain?'

Anaya chuckled, 'Bhabhi ko dekhte hi bhai ki bolti band. Aww bhai, you are so cute.'

'N... nahi... aisa kuch nahi hai.' He was flustered, 'Main toh mummy ke liye puch raha tha kyonki unhe Naina ko kaala teeka lagana tha na.'

The moment he said it, he was filled with regret. This wasn't what he wanted to utter out loud. In fact, he did not want to say this at all. Why would Naina need any kaala teeka. It wasn't like she was a natural beauty or something. It was just the makeup. Of course, the makeup. How else could she look so beautiful. He groaned internally as he realised he was finding her beautiful tonight.

Natasha winked at Anaya, 'Don't worry, maine kaala teeka laga diya.'

Anaya warmly looked at Naina, 'I knew it. Bhabhi lag hi itni achhi rahi hain ki sabse pehle nazar lagne ka hi dar rehta hai.' Then her eyes moved up to her brother and a mischievous glint flickered in them, 'Kyon bhai, aaj toh aap bhi kuch keh do. Bhabhi ki complaint hai ki aap kabhi unki tareef nahi karte. Aaj bata hi do unhe dekh ke aapko kaisa feel hua.'

Munna concurred with her, 'Haan bhai, aaj hum bhi sunna chahte hain. Aur ab toh shaadi ho rahi fir kya ghabrana. Bataa hi de hamari hone wali bhabhi kaisi lag rahi hai.'

If Sameer was flustered, Naina was embarrassed too. Anaya was unaware but the way other three joined hands with her and started to pester Sameer, she lowered her eyes to hide her reddened cheeks.

Cornered, Sameer plainly shrugged, 'Achhi lag rahi hai. Ismein kehna kya hai. Apni engagement pe sabhi ache lagte hain.'

'No no no.' Anaya was adamant, 'Aaj toh aapko batana hi padega. Tareef nahi kar sakte toh shaadi karna cancel.'

'Tu baat baat pe shaadi cancel karne ki dhamki kyon de rahi hai?' Sameer frowned, 'Mere kehne se nahi hui tere kehne se kaun shaadi cancel karega.'

'Haww, aapko Naina bhabhi se shaadi cancel karni thi kya?' Anaya was shocked.

Sameer quickly corrected himself, 'Cancel nahi delay karni thi... thode din ke liye. Pagal, cancel kaise kar sakta hun. After all, Naina meri girlfriend hai.'

Anaya's smile was back, wider, 'Toh jaldi se batao aaj apni girlfriend ko apni wife banne ki taraf pehla kadam lete hue dekh kar aapko kaisa laga.'

With deliberate slowness, Sameer turned to face Naina. She lifted her gaze to him, seemingly embarrassed.

He exhaled deeply, as if releasing a breath that was momentarily stuck in his throat and whispered, 'Neend toh tumne pehle hi chura li thi. Aur aaj tum itni sundar dikh rahi ho ki hosh bhi uda diye.'

Naina did not register the appreciative hooting, nor did she realise that she was staring at him unblinking. What he said, and the intensity of his voice was nothing like the Sameer Maheshwari she had known till now. Was he capable of lying to this extent? Damn, he was much more talented than her. Because she was unable to react to this profound facade of admiration.

Thankfully, they were spared of more awkward moments when Ambika announced that it was time to exchange rings. Not just every pair of eyes, but even the cameras were focussed on them, ready to capture every flicker of movement.

Sameer delicately lifted her hand and slipped the chosen ring in her finger. The hall resonated with the sounds of clapping as the shower of rose petals started to fall on them. Natasha handed the other ring to Naina. She looked up at Sameer. With an apologetic smile, he offered his hand, the one which was without the bandage.

She nodded in understanding, a gentle smile gracing her lips and took his hand in her grasp before putting the ring on his finger. Sameer leaned and wrapped his arms around her, in a quick hug before stepping back. Naina did not miss a beat, playing the part of a shy fiancee, smoothly tucking back a strand of hair that had come undone because of the hug.

The roar of claps turned louder. Soon, the guests started to approach them with their best wishes. Together, they greeted everyone, accepting the gifts and flowers. It was almost an hour later that Sameer let out a sigh when they were finally alone. He shifted his weight on one leg, grabbing the wall for support as he lifted his other foot to rotate it.

Naina looked at his leg, 'Pain ho raha hai? Doctor ne kaha tha na zyada der ispe pressure mat daalna. Aur tum itni der se khade ho. Tumhe baith jaana chahiye.'

She held his arm and dragged him to a chair nearby to make him sit.

Sameer looked at her and said with a smile, 'Maine dikhave ki tareef kar di toh tumne bhi jhootha concern dikha diya. Hisaab barabar. Okay?'

She smiled back as sweetly as him, 'Concern jhootha nahi hai. Kisi ko dard mein dekhkar har naram dil insaan aisa hi karta hai. Lekin tumhe kaise samajh ayega... tumhara dil naram thodi hai, kyonki woh toh tumhare pahad jaise attitude ka bana hai.'

Standing at the other end of the room, Munna and Pandit could only see their exchange with warm smiles on their faces.

'Dekh raha hai Pandit, lagta hai mausam badal raha hai.' Munna sighed in relief.

Pandit scratched his jaw thoughtfully, 'Yeh passing showers toh nahi... kahin kal fir se dhoop na nikal aaye.'

Next update on Thursday