Natasha had called up to tell Naina that she had to go for some bank work during tha day so Naina decided to meet her post lunch. Anaya had left for work too. Since she had taken leave from office for the wedding, Naina had nothing to do after breakfast.

Ambika asked her to set her stuff in the closet, citing her inability to help her, 'Mujhe gift boxes bhijwane hain sab guests ke yahan. Tumhe kuch chahiye ho toh bula lena. Waise Sameer study mein hai, kaho toh help karne ke liye usey bhej deti hun.' She then gave a tongue in cheek smile, 'Better hoga. Haina?'

Without waiting another moment, Naina took to the stairs, her ears flaming at Ambika's unsaid but well understood words.

She was thankful that Sameer was not in the room. With a sigh of relief she plopped on the bed. The way Anaya and Ambika teased her, it was quite embarrassing.

Would she have felt the same had it been real... the marriage... the relationship?

Naina jerked her head to silence the stupid mind voice. How could it be real? She would have never gotten into a lifetime commitment with anyone, when she was aware how bitter and unwanted such relations eventually turned into. To stop her mind from wavering, she walked into the closet and opened her suitcases.

Naina was almost done when Sameer walked in. He went straight to the phone that was put on charger, removed it, and placed a call.

'Hello doctor.'

Once he had fixed an appointment for evening, he turned, to find Naina standing with a box in her hand.

'Yeh jewellery hai, jo mummy ne shaadi mein pehenne ko di thi. Unhone kaha isey main apne paas rakhun. Lekin main yeh nahi kar sakti. Please isey tum apne locker mein rakh lo.' She placed the box on the table in front of him.

He silently stared at the box for a few seconds, then looked up, 'Jab tak tum yahan ho, isey tum hi rakho. Agar kisi din mummy ne fir se pehenne ko kaha toh kya karogi?'

'Nahi please.' Naina stepped back hurriedly, 'Yeh bohot expensive hogi. Mujhse kuch gum ho gaya ya toot gaya toh? Aur agar ek saal baad...'

Sameer quickly closed the distance between them, and grabbed her shoulders, speaking in a voice which was much softer, 'Ek saal baad... matlab hamari anniversary pe... sweetheart, anniversary pe jo tum kahogi woh le lenge.'

Bewildered at his action, Naina opened her mouth but Sameer placed a hooked finger under her chin, lowering his face closer to hers, and whispered, 'Door pe koi hai. Kuch kehna mat.'

She gulped. Her back was towards the door. She couldn't see but the way Sameer reacted, they definitely had an audience.

His eyes turned glazed, and a smile lifted the corner of his lips as his hand slowly slipped down her arm, till it reached her hand. Linking their fingers together, he tilted his head, his lips dangerously close to her. Naina lowered her lashes. She was unable to look into his eyes from this close.

The knock on the door came as a saving grace. They quickly moved apart.

Ambika cleared her throat, 'Naina, beta main yeh kehne aayi thi ki maine Natasha ke liye kuch gifts rakhe hain. Tum dekh lo aur uski choice ki cheezein pack kar lo.' She then glanced at Sameer with a knowing smile, 'Mujhe pata nahi tha tu yahan hai. Warna main disturb nahi karti.'

And she was gone.

Sameer rubbed the back of his neck. He did what came to his mind at that moment, without thinking. He stole a quick glance at Naina. Her lower lip was pressed under her teeth, her eyes still downcast, and her fingers clenched together against her belly.

'Woh... woh achanak... I didn't...' He drew in a breath, then uttered something completely out of character, 'Sorry Naina... tumhe chup karane ke liye... mujhe aur kuch samajh nahi aaya isliye...' His voice trailed off.

She nodded uneasily, then walked out. Flustered, Sameer scrunched his face. That was too close. He should be mindful of the boundaries.

*****

As they entered the hospital, Sameer repeated in his irritated tone, 'Pata nahi tumhe samajh kyon nahi aata. Main koi chota bacha nahi hun jisey hospital ke naam pe darr lagta ho. Zabardasti mere saath aane ki kya zarurat thi?'

Naina was firm, 'Zarurat hai. Mujhe janna hai doctor kya kehta hai. Warna kal ko tum mujhe blame karoge, ki meri wajah se tumhara pair theek nahi hua ya ungli tedhi ho gayi. Ek baar doctor clear kar de ki tum poori tarah se theek ho toh meri jaan chutegi.'

He gave her a frustrated look, and walked ahead to doctor's room, with her at his heels.

After checking him thoroughly, the doctor smiled, 'All good. I don't think pair mein koi pain hoga. Finger thodi stiff lag rahi hai par kisi support ki requirement nahi hai. Hot and cold compress do, aur thodi massage karo. Itne din se movement nahi thi isliye ab kuch bhi karne pe dard hota hai. It will be gone in a day or two. Koi aur issue hai?'

Samer flexed his hand, 'Thanks doctor. Bas finger ka hi issue tha. Leg mein ab koi takleef nahi hai.' He swung his leg from the knee, to show he could move it easily.

Naina asked, 'Toh ab koi medicine nahi leni?'

'Nahi.' Doctor shook his head, 'He's fit now. Fighting fit.'

Naina looked at him with amusement, 'That he is.'

From the hospital, the driver dropped Naina to her society before taking Sameer to the cafe where he had called Munna Pandit.

The minute he took a seat next to Pandit, he poked Sameer in the shoulder, giving a mischievous wink, 'Toh? Kaisi gayi shaadi ki first night?'

'Khud aake dekg leta.' Sameer snapped at him, furious as he recalled the barrage of flowery decorations that had adorned his room, 'Sajawat toh aise karwayi thi tum dono ne jaise meri shaadi Naina se nahi apni dream girl se hui hai.'

Munna shrugged helplessly, 'Hum aur karte bhi kya? Uncle ne kaha room ko achhe se decorate karna hai. Unse kehte ki zarurat nahi hai? Humne bas chupchap unki baat maan li.'

Sameer scowled in frustration, 'Toh ek aadha bouquet rakh dete aur keh dete ho gaya. Tumne toh floor, ceiling, deewarein, bed... sab jagah itne phool laga diye jaise filmy suhagraat ho.'

Munna was expecting such reaction from him, but in his defense, both him and Pandit were also caught in a situation similar to his. He stated, 'Aise kaise ek do phool lagate Sameer. Uncle aunty dekhkte toh unge ajeeb nahi lagta? Aakhir tune apni girlfriend se shadi ki hai, tere saath saath hamari excitement bhi nazar aani chahiye na. Humne toh poora dum laga diya. Agar Naina teri pasand ki biwi hoti toh uska swagat aisa hi karta na tu?'

Before Sameer could say more, Pandit tapped him on the arm. Sameer snapped his neck to look at him.

'Bhai, phool ek ho ya hazaar, kya fark padne wala tha. Tumhara room toh ab permanent yudh ka maidan ban gaya hai. Sacchi batana, kal raat se ab tak kitni baar bhid chuke ho?'

Munna chuckled when Sameer looked away, confirming Pandits' intuition.

Pandit sighed, 'Dil mein kahin ek choti si aasha thi... bohot choti si... ki itna khushbudar aur khila hua room dekh ke tum dono...'

Sameer's glare returned when he paused, 'Hum dono kya?'

'Tum dono... kam se kam ek raat toh ladna jhagadna bhool ke shaanti se ek dusre ko good night bol sakte ho. Lekin tune mere armano ka phool ka full murder kar diya.' Pandit exclaimed sadly.

Munna waved a hand in air, trying to dissipate the tension, 'Arey choro yaar, isme kya nayi baat hai. Pandit, ab aur mat ched Sameer ko. Aur Sameer, tu bhi uski baton pe dhayn mat de. Yeh bata, ghar pe sab sahi hai na? Koi tension wali baat toh nahi hai?'

Sameer took a seat wearily, 'Baaki sab toh control mein hai bas ek hi musibat hai... ab din raat uss Naina ka chehra dekhna padega.'

'Bura toh bilkul nahi hai.' Pandit muttered, 'Balki kaafi achha hai. Main toh roz dekh sakta hun.'

'Bhabhi hai teri.' Sameer swatted his arm, fuming, 'Shaadi hui hai meri usse. Soch samajh ke bolna uske baare mein.'

Pandit gave him an amazed look, 'Tu sahi hai bhai. Khud jo marzi bole lekin koi aur Naina ka naam bhi le toh tujhe khujli hone lagti hai.'

Munna flicked his brow, a meaningful smile spreading on his face, 'Samjha kar Pandit. Hai toh uski wife na. Aise kaise koi apni wife ke baare mein dusre ke muh se kuch bhi sun sakta hai? Nahi Sameer?'

'Aur kya.' Sameer still had a frown marring his forehead.

Pandit did not push further, and soon, the three of them were back to their usual self, talking about just anything under the sun.

*****

Natasha did not leave Naina even after one full minute had passed, keeping her locked in her embrace.

Naina patted her back, laughing, 'Sweetie, 24 hours bhi nahi hue mujhe gaye. Isse zyada toh hum tab alag rehte the jab tu flights pe jaati thi.'

Finally, Natasha moved back, smiling sadly, 'I really missed you Naina.'

This time, Naina hugged her tight, fighting the tears that brimmed at her heartfelt words, 'Main bhi tujhe bohot miss karungi Nutty. I'll be all alone. Tere bina rehne ki aadat nahi hai yaar.'

They remained silent for a few minutes, absorbing their emotions, and slowly accepting the situation. When they parted, they both tried to control their sentiments, and smile to comfort the other. Naina then handed the gifts given by Ambika, and Natasha instantly fell in love with the beautiful, flowy dress and the heavy, traditional dupatta. One was modern, while other was just perfect for Diwali parties.

'Wow yaar, aunty ki choice badi achhi hai.'

Naina proudly pointed at herself, 'Aur unhone kaha ki teri choice achhi hai. Yeh saree sabko bohot pasand aayi.'

Natasha appreciatively moved her gaze over Naina from head to toe, letting out a slow whistle, 'Hayee, full married wali vibes. Bright saree, jhumke, mehendi and all. Achha yeh toh bata kya haal hai tere patidev ka?'

Naina rolled her eyes, 'You mean mere boss ka? Boss hai woh, pati nahi. Kam se kam woh toh yehi samajhta hai.'

'Aur tu kya samajhti hai?' Natasha's brow arched up, 'Lagta hai ek hi raat mein tera perception change ho gaya.'

'Right.' Naina flashed a deliberate smile, making Natasha's eyes turn into saucers.

'Whatt? Aisa kya hua?' She was close to hyperventilating, shooting one question after another, 'Kya hua raat ko? Aisa kya kiya Sameer ne? Vidai tak toh tum dono normal they, shooting daggers at each other... uske baad kuch hua kya? Naina, tell me everything. Abhi ke abhi.'

Naina could not help her laughter, 'Control Nutty darling. Jis raaste pe tu nikal gayi hai wahan main kabhi nahi mudne wali. Boss se mera matlab tha apne ghar mein uski order dene ki bimari aur badh gayi hai. Tujhe pata hai, shirt pehnne ke liye bhi woh Mohan ko bulata hai. Yaar, ek finger hi toh nahi chal rahi, poora haath toh theek hai na. Naha ke khud ko wipe bhi nahi kiya aur chillane laga ki shirt atak gayi shirt atak gayi. Thoda bhi patience nahi hai. Fir usey button lagane ke liye assistant chahiye. Aur pata hai...'

Her incessant chatter came to a sudden halt when she noticed the teasing glint in Natasha's eyes, along with a triumphant smile on her lips.

Seeing her silent, Natasha prompted, 'Bol na, chup kyon ho gayi. Button lagane ke baad kya kiya?'

'Main... main bas bata rahi thi... ki woh kitna privileged hai.' Naina turned away from her, shrugging nonchalantly but her cheeks had a hint of colour as she recalled what happened later.

Natasha could not wipe the grin off her face, 'It's okay Naina, hota hai. Waise tune bataya nahi... button lagane ke baad kya hua.'

'Offo Nutty. Na kuch hua na hoga.' Naina countered with force, 'Of all the people tu toh aisa mat bol.'

Gently pulling her hand to take her in the bedroom, Natasha urged, 'Okay baba. Chal ab baaki sabke baare mein bata. Kaisa laga uss family mein? Are you comfortable?'

And Naina started again, telling her how sweet they all were, and how they made her feel so much at home.

She sighed, 'Woh sab log itne pyaare hain. Sabko ek dusre ki fikr hai, pyar hai. Mujhe nahi pata tha families aisi bhi ho sakti hain. Par shayad sabke hone se aisa hota hoga... mummy, dadaji... poori family saath hai na.'

Natasha shook her head, the bitterness of her voice unmistakable, 'Mere yahan bhi toh sab hain. Nahi hai toh pyar nahi hai, fikr nahi hai. Bas ghamand hai, aur control karne ki aadat. Nahi Naina, sabki family aisi nahi hoti. Sameer ki kismat achhi hai.'

Naina cupped her face, and looked into her eyes, 'Nutty, hamari kismet mein aisi family na sahi, lekin apni kismet banane ka hausla toh hai na. That is enough. Kuch ghanton mein tujhe nikalna hai. Apne dil mein purani baaton ka andhera leke mat jaa. Tune jo achieve kiya hai woh apne dum pe kiya hai, aur aage bhi apne dum pe badh rahi hai. I'm so proud of you meri jaan. I know you'll rock this training program. Yeh tera dream hai, aur iss dream ko poora karne ka time ab aa gaya hai. Is baat pe humein khush hona chahiye, celebrate karna chahiye. Nahi?'

Natasha nodded vehemently, shrugging off the melancholy, 'Yes jaaneman. Teri shaadi aur meri training... hamare paas do do reasons hain celebrate karne ke.' But when her eyes fell on her watch, she sighed, 'Lekin aaj hum apne style mein nahi kar sakte... bottle ke saath. Mujhe do ghante mein jaana hai.'

Naina jokingly chided her, 'Oh no. Maine toh socha tha aaj dono full talli hoke masti karenge.'

Natasha could read her like a book, 'Madam, talli hoke sasural jayegi na toh baaki log shayad koi reaction na de par kahin tere patidev ka control kho gaya toh... kahin usne mauke ka faayda utha...'

'Nutty ki bachhi.' Naina gritted her teeth and ran after Natasha who had already anticipated this attack and had sprinted away.

The evening went by within no time, as they complete Natasha's packing amidst laughter and more teasing. When the bell rang, Naina was surprised to see Sameer.

'Mummy ka order hai, isliye pick karne aaya hun.' He offered, seeing her questioning gaze.

'Aaiye aaiye ji...ja...ji.' Natasha welcomed him with emphasis on the last word, 'Aaj pehli baar is rishte se ghar aye ho toh kuch special welcome hona chahiye na. Bataiye kya pasand hai aapko?'

Sameer was clearly uncomfortable, 'Uh... it's fine. Mujhe abhi kuch nahi chahiye. And Natasha... please don't call me that.'

'Call you what?' Natasha feigned ignorance.

'Woh jee... whatever you were saying.' He looked at Naina for help, then looked away, finding her eyes glinting with humour at his discomfort.

'Oh.' Natasha nodded in understanding, before dragging out the word again, 'Jeee... jaaa... jeeee... iski baat kar rahe ho?'

Sameer flinched, 'Yes. Don't. Yeh real nahi hai.'

Natasha leaned towards Naina and whispered, though loud enough for Sameer to hear, 'Teri order wali baat sahi thi.'

He narrowed his eyes, 'Kya order? Kya kaha Naina ne?'

With a giggle, Natasha walked away to the room, 'Sochte raho. Kyonki main toh nahi batane wali.'

Sameer glared at Naina. She shrugged. He pursed his lips into a thin line. She raised her brows in defiance.

Their mute battle came to an end when Natasha walked out with a small bag, and handed it to Naina, her tone now soft and solemn, 'Babydoll, mujhe pata hai tu kitni strong hai. Jaise aaj tak har challenge ka saamna kiya hai waise hi aage bhi kar sakti hai. Lekin agar kabhi bhi tujhe akela feel ho... toh apne dil ki baat share kar lena. This will make you feel better.'

Naina curiously looked into the packet. It contained the small frame with her mother's photograph... the one she always kept in her drawer.

Natasha pressed her hand, 'Apne paas rakh. Tujhe achha lagega.'

Naina hugged her friend, who was her entire family till now. Natasha tightened her arms around her, knowing that she would miss her fiery, yet vulnerable Naina.

Sameer looked away, feeling strange, 'Itna kya farewell dena hai ek dusre ko. Jab dil karey video call kar sakte hain. Aajkal koi kisi ko miss kar hi nahi sakta. Bekar ka drama. Inhe bas gale lagne ka bahana chahiye.'

After Naina was seated in the car, Natasha walked to the other side and looked at Sameer, who was still out, 'Sameer, main jaanti hun yeh shaadi koi asli rishta nahi bas ek contract hai. Fir bhi tumse ek request karna chahti hun. Please meri Naina ka khyal rakhna. Woh kabhi nahi kahegi ki usey koi takleef hai. Ho sakey toh usey thoda sa samajhne ki koshish karna. Uski life bohot different rahi hai, isliye life se uski expectations bohot kam ho gayi hain. Bas itna karna ki...' She hesitated, '...ki usey ek aur kadwi yaad mat dena. Please.'

Sameer looked at her with confusion, 'Matlab? What do you want me to do?'

A slow smile erupted on Natasha's face, 'Kuch khaas nahi. Bas normal rehna. Jhoothe rishte ke peeche kabhi sach ko chupane ki koshish mat karna.'

She did not give him a chance to ask more, which he wanted to, because her words didn't make any sense to him. But Natasha was already waving at Naina after moving away from the driveway.

The drive back was silent. Naina felt too overwhelmed. They both had convinced each other that three months was not a very long time, it would be over in a jiffy, but the thought still weighed on her mind.

Later at night, in their room, Sameer asked what was troubling him, 'Natasha kya keh rahi thi? Order ka kya matlab? Kya shikayat ki tumne usse?'

'Please.' Naina wearily took her corner of the bed, 'Main iss waqt ladne ke mood mein nahi hun. I'm tired.'

He sprang up from his reclining postion, 'Achha, ek sawal puch liya toh main ladai kar raha hun. Aise hi allegations lagaye honge tumne mere naam pe tabhi tumhari woh Nutty mujhe lecture de rahi thi.'

Naina let out a sigh, and sat up, 'Woh chali gayi na. Ab tumhe koi lecture nahi degi. Please ab so jao.'

Angrily, he pulled at the quilt which was at the foot of bed, 'Nahi batana toh saaf saaf bolo. Waise mujhe koi fark nahi padta. Jisey jo bolna hai bol do. I don't care.'

His hand fell at an odd angle, and a painful groan escaped his mouth as the finger twisted.

Naina quickly got up and came around the bed. Catching hold of his hand, she looked at it carefully, 'Tum ek ungli tak ka khyal nahi rakh sakte kya? Jis kaam se khud ko dard hota hai wohi kyon karte ho baar baar. Ointment kahan hai?'

'Kaunsi ointment?' Sameer asked roughly, trying to pull back his hand.

She didn't let go, and reminded him sternly, 'Doctor ne kaha tha na ki massage karna hai. Ointment nahi laaye kya pharmacy se?'

When he shook his head, she rolled her eyes, till a thought struck her.

'Wait, main abhi aati hun.' Hurriedly, she left the room.

Sameer wondered what she had in mind, 'Iske plans samajhna possible nahi hai. Mujhe try bhi nahi karna chahiye.'

Naina was back in a few minutes. She had a bowl in one hand, along with a kitchen towel, and a tray in another. Kneeling on the floor besides him, she took his hand again, 'Main hot and cold compress de rahi hun. Chillana mat.'

Before he could ask, she pressed a napkin to his hand, making him jump. It was hot. He was just getting used to it when she removed it and placed another pack, ice cubes wrapped in other napkin. He winced as his skin tingled from freezing sensation. She alternated between the two opposite packs, holding his hand firmly in her grip, while all he could do was gasp at every change.

She continued till the heat dissipated and ice melted. Taking the trays, she stood up, letting out a relieved exhale, 'Chalo, ek therapy toh hui. Kal ointment le aana. Massage ke liye.'

'Tum karogi?' The question was out without a thought.

She looked at him with straight face, 'Tumhara dusra haath theek hai na?'

The coming week is a busy one. I'll try to post the next one on Thursday but if cannot make it then next update would be on Friday