Naina gaped at Ritika in stunned amazement for a few seconds. Sameer's eyes flitted between her and Ritika, wondering how she would react to it. And then, all of a sudden, Naina burst into laughter, the sound filling the space between them, stirring a mix of emotions in him. He was embarrassed at this mention of his silly portrayal, yet a corner of his heart jumped in pride that he was able to make her laugh with such abandon.

Looked like he was not the only one dazzled. Little Pari beamed at Naina, calling out sweetly, 'Aunty.'

Ritika patted her daughter's cheek, 'Aunty nahi Pari, yeh chachi hain. Bolo chachi.'

Pari uttered, a bit shy this time as she found all eyes on her, 'Chachi.'

Naina smiled at her, and raised her arms. Without a second's hesitation, Pari surged ahead from her father's arms, to get to Naina.

Rohit chuckled, 'Le Sameer, Pari toh chachu ki tarah apni chachi pe fida ho gayi.'

Ritika looked at the little girl as she stared at Naina in admiration, and raised her brows at Rohit, whispering so her voice did not reach Pari, 'You're right. Dekho zara, kaise Naina ko dekhe jaa rahi hai.'

Sameer could see it too. The child was mesmerised.

Nibha's voice reached them, 'Tum log wahin khade rahoge kya? Aa jao beta. Anu bechari hum buddhon ke saath bore ho rahi hai.'

'Nahi aunty', Anaya differed pleasantly, 'Mujhe toh bada mazaa aa raha hai. Vineet uncle is so interesting.'

Rohit took a seat next to her and ruffled her hair, 'Toh hum kya boring hain?'

She straightened her hair, twisting her face at him in fake anger, 'Ji haan. Aap bhi aur bhai bhi. Jabse dono ka fallen in love phase aaya hai tabse...' air quoting the phrase, she rolled her eyes, '...lost to the world ho gaye ho.'

Raising his palms, Rohit quipped, 'Bhai mujhe toh shaadi karke bhi chaar saal ho gaye. I'm cured. Itne saal baad kaun pyar mein pagal rehta hai.'

'Hum rehte hain. 32 saal baad bhi.' Girish declared proudly, looping an arm around Ambika's shoulder.

So did Vineet, pinching his wife's cheek, 'Hum bhi.'

Without missing a beat, Sameer wrapped his arm over Naina's shoulder and pulled her close, announcing with a grin, 'Main bhi rahunga. Kitne bhi saal ho jaayein.'

Before any reaction from Naina, it was Pari who responded while she was still seated in Naina's lap. She grabbed Sameer's arm and pushed it away with as much force as her small arms could muster. Sameer looked at her, shocked as his arm slipped away from Naina's shoulder. Others did not notice, getting busy with their talks but Rohit and Ritika exchanged a look.

Rohit, who was seated on the facing chair, cocked up a brow, 'Ab toh confirmed hai. Pari ko chachi pasand aa gayi. Ab woh kisi ko Naina ke paas nahi aane degi.' Then he winked at Sameer, lowering his voice, 'First hand experience hai. '

Naina smiled and cuddled Pari, talking to her in honeyed voice, which the girl replied to easily, smiling all the while. Sameer swallowed, trying not to show how he felt at losing out this chance. He looked forward to such opportunities, when he could get close to Naina, or say what his heart desired, on the pretext of presenting an image of a married couple. Sitting here, next to her, he could have used this possibility to the best today if Pari had not taken such a fascination for his wife.

Listening to her sweet talks, Naina felt a rush of affection for Pari and she kissed the girl on her cheek. Pari grabbed Naina's shoulders and lifted her chin to give a similar kiss back to Naina. Sameer's eyes widened momentarily, then his fingers itched to touch that part of his own face where Naina's lips had made a contact with his skin. As her lips pouted a little before pressing against the little girl's chubby cheeks, he could feel their softness on his own. He swallowed, thinking how he could not even mention to her what she had granted him last night.

Ritika placed her elbow on the table, cupping her face to watch her daughter as she vehemently nodded and swayed her head at whatever Naina was saying. She had noticed the jolted look on Sameer's face at Pari's little antic. And then the glazed eyes, the longing in them, then a smile that unknowingly spread on his face, as a blush adorned his cheeks.

As the dishes of food were placed on their table, she asked Naina to give Pari to her so Naina could have her meal peacefully.

'No.' Pari declared in a persistent voice, 'Chachi ke paas.'

A smile played on Naina's lips as she insisted, 'It's okay Ritika. Rehne do.'

Ritika nudged her husband who was quick to take cue and got up to pick Pari, 'Baby ko papa ke saath special chair pe baithna hai na? Pehle hum khana khayenge fir tum chachi ke paas khelna. Okay? Nahi toh kal ke jaise pet mein dher saare choohe jump karne lagenge.'

Pari accepted his extended arms, giggling as Rohit tickled her tummy, and happily settled on the high chair meant for kids, right next to her father.

Ritika flicked her brows at Sameer, a teasing glint in her eyes, 'Jitne time Pari khane mein busy hai, apni Naina se romance kar sakte ho. Baad mein... no guarantee. Meri beti bohot possessive hai.'

Sameer was taken aback for a moment, but recovered quickly and grinned, 'No worries, Ritika. Apni Naina se romance karne ka mauka main dhund hi lunga.' Then he turned to Naina, who had her eyes lowered, drew her to himself and whispered, loud enough for the other couple to hear, 'Haina sweetheart.' All Naina did was give a bashful smile to Ritika.

Anaya had been taking a note of everything, though she appeared to be paying attention at others. Sameer's excessive display of sweetness, his attempts to be close to Naina and his vibrant expression whenever he could do so... all were confirming her notion. She beamed a wide smile at what her mother was saying, feeling elated.

After his daring feat, Sameer controlled himself, knowing he should not take things too far yet. But he kept an eye on what Naina was eating. She had taken a bit of both, Indian and Chinese dishes but she had eaten very little. Most of it was still untouched in her plate. While Sameer had his attention fixed on Naina, she was watching how Rohit was taking extra effort to feed his daughter. Pari was fond of noodles, but Rohit was making sure that she ate some vegetables too. He was extremely patient. And it was evident how much he doted on Pari. Naina drew in a breath. It was so beautiful to watch a father loving his daughter. A love that she craved for so much as a child. A wistful smile appeared on her face.

Once the lunch was over, Pari wriggled out of her chair, ran behind Sameer, and reached Naina.

Placing a hand on Naina's face, she turned it to herself and demanded, 'Walk jaana hai. Chachi go with Pari.'

Naina agreed instantly, ready to pick her up when Ritika quickly stated, 'Nahi Naina, abhi usey walk karne do. Khana khaya hai na. Energy spend karni chahiye. No need to pick her.'

Sameer pursed his lips when Naina pushed back her chair and got up, ready to walk away. Then, unexpectedly, Pari had a change of heart perhaps.

She clutched the edge of Sameer's sleeve, and asked, 'Chachu bhi walk?'

Nodding enthusiastically, Sameer sprang up before she had a turnaround. She did not wait for him though, hopping ahead with Naina. Ritika and Rohit got up to accompany him.

Ritika exclaimed, 'Pari itni jaldi naye logon se mix up nahi hoti. Aur baat toh bilkul nahi karti. Lekin aaj, Naina se hi nahi tumse bhi baat kar rahi hai. I take my words back. Usne reject nahi kiya tumhe. Bilkul nahi. Bas Naina se haar gaye tum.'

Sameer smiled fondly, 'I don't mind. Naina se main roz haarne ko taiyar hun.'

Rohit almost knocked him down with his vigorous hug, 'Oye hoye. Yaar sameer, dil khush kar diya. Meri training safal ho gayi.'

'Chup raho.' Ritika chided him with a frown, 'Itni pyari line tumne aaj tak nahi boli. Aye bade training dene wale. Pehle khud le lo training. Woh bhi Sameer se. Lunch ke time kitna khyal rakh raha tha Naina ka. Baar baar uski plate dekh raha tha. Woh dheere kha rahi thi toh isey becahini ho rahi thi. Mujhe toh lag raha tha abhi khud usey khilane lagega.'

Sameer rubbed the back of his neck. He was indeed troubled by how less Naina was eating. And he did wish more than once how good it would be if he could make her eat with his own hands.

Rohit and Ritika were busy in their teasing banter when Sameer saw little Pari tugging at Naina's dupatta and point to a large aquarium kept at the end of the passage. With as much force as her tiny hand could amass, Pari pulled Naina in that direction. Other three followed them. The aquarium was placed at some height.

Pari perched on her toes, then scrunched her nose, raising her arms, 'Pari small hai.'

Naina was about to lift her when Sameer quickly marched ahead and picked her up. She gave him an annoyed look.

Sameer moved close to Naina and waved a hand from her head to his, 'Chachi kitni choti hain dekho. Chachi ke paas jaogi toh saari fish kaise dikhengi? Main tumhe dikhata hun yahan kitne saare colours ki fishes hain.'

The little girl bought the argument instantly when her gaze levelled with the top of aquarium. Within seconds, she had an arm around Sameer's neck and was letting out squeals of enjoyment as shoal of fishes swam from one side to the other in synchronized manner. She pointed at the bigger ones, calling them with names he could not understand, but her way of pronouncing the words was so adorable that he couldn't help but be charmed.

Rohit chuckled, 'Yeh lo. Sameer ne toh ek shot mein apne number badha liye.'

Ritika and Naina smiled as the little one went on with her innocent chatter about which one was papa fish, which was mumma fish and rest of the family. She even named two as chachu and chachi fishes. Her energy was infectious, making Sameer get interested in the fish families instantly. But the novelty wore off as quickly as it had built up, and Pari jerked her head to look for Naina, waving at her to come closer. Sameer thought she wanted to go to Naina but Pari stayed in his arms comfortably even when Naina was in front of him.

She blinked her brown eyes curiously and asked, 'Chachi, Pari ke ghar chalogi?'

Lovingly patting her cheek in assurance, Naina nodded, 'Main pakka aapke ghar aungi, aapse milne.'

She glanced at Sameer once before shifting her attention to Naina, 'Chachu ko bhi laogi?'

Sameer smiled gently at her, looping his free arm around Naina, 'Main bhi aapke ghar aunga Pari, chachi ke saath.'

The girl frowned, jumping from his hold towards Naina, 'Meri chachi hain.'

Had he not been careful, Pari would have slipped and fallen. Not just him, Naina too lunged to catch the little girl. In a reflexive motion, Sameer's hold slipped from Naina's shoulder to her waist which he grabbed in a firm grip, pulling her closer instinctively. While he had Pari pressed to one side of his chest, Naina collided against him on the other side. The impact jolted through his body, startling him, yet leaving him in a blissful comfort. His arms wrapped around the two of them possessively. His eyes darted to Naina, whose forehead was touching his chin. Her one hand had clutched the his shirt at the back while other arm was over his arm around Pari. He could feel the rapid beat of her heart, along with the heat of her body. Her breaths were coming in uneven gasps, just like him, but her panicked gaze was fixed on Pari.

'Aapko lagi toh nahi beta?' She asked, her face etched with concern.

Pari flashed a toothy grin, looking at them in wide eyed innocence.

Ritika came over to them, with a calm smile, 'Badmash ladki. Isey pata hai iski galti hai isliye apni baby smile se pighla rahi hai. Idhar aao Pari.' And she took her daughter from Sameer, speaking to her in a soft voice about the danger of her such jumps.

Sameer was hesitant to break the connection, but he had to let go of Naina as well, who moved her hands away from him without as much as a glance. She was still in shock. Probably that was the reason that she had not even given her famous burning look to him when he had kept her pressed to himself.

Her nervousness was evident when her fingers lightly flicked over Pari's shoulders and arms as she asked Ritika, 'Pakka isey kuch hua toh nahi? Koi jhatka na lag gaya ho. Please tum...'

'Naina relax.' Ritika placed a hand on her arm, smiling gently, 'She's fine. Pari aisa aksar karti hain. Usey kuch nahi hua. Hota toh rone lag jaati. Par dekho, kaise hans rahi hai.'

Pari indeed had a big smile on her face. Naina heaved a sigh of relief, 'Main toh dar hi gayi thi.'

The moment Ritika put Pari down, she grabbed Naina's hand again, and started to walk with her, back to chatting with same innocence.

Following the girls, Rohit gave a playful whack to Sameer, 'Teri itni himmat ki meri doll ki chachi ke saath aaye?' Then whispered with a sigh, 'Shukr mana bhai ki yeh teri beti nahi hai. Warna pata nahi kitne saal room mein bhi nahi ghusne deti.'

A deep flush spread on Sameer's face. He bit his lower lip with his teeth. He had not even thought that far ahead. His own daughter? Pari looked like a walking doll as she held Naina's fingers and bounced along while talking animatedly in her half formed sentences. His eyes darted to Naina. Her face had a glow of delight. She kept flitting her gaze between the path ahead and the energetic toddler, making sure the little one did not bang anywhere or fall down, still was able to answer all her question with same enthusiasm as the girl. There was a tranquility in Naina's stance, mixed with care and tenderness. Her natural warmth towards Pari kindled a new yearning in Sameer. He envisioned a life where the two of them would be playing with a little girl... one who would have his smile and Naina's eyes. The moment this thought crossed his mind, it shocked him how badly he wanted this to be real one day. He not just longed for Naina now, he wanted to walk side by side with her until the horizon. He wanted to be with her in every way possible, to have a complete family with her, to create a home that was filled with her scent and warmth. He dreamed of growing old with her, looking back on a life filled with moments of happiness that they would have created together.

The reverie was broken when Ritika looked back to admonish her husband, 'Tum dara kyon rahe ho Sameer ko? Kuch bolna hai toh yeh bolo ki Pari ke aane se kaise poora ghar khil utha hai. Baaki woh khud samajh jayega jab experience karega.' And he realised Ritika was just fanning his dreams.

Rohit quickly made amendments, 'Arey haan yaar. I was kidding. Sach toh yeh hai ki life hectic zarur ho jaati hai par ab pata chala ki apne bachhon ke saath hi life ka asli charm hai.'

That was when he noticed how red Naina's face was. His heart jumped to his mouth. Did Rohit's words bring a similar thought to her mind? Did the same dream lingered in her heart, even for a moment? It was possible... why else would she blush so much?

He was finding it hard to keep himself away. When they reached the table, Rohit and Ritika put Pari on the chair next to Nibha and Vineet who were missing their granddaughter.

Sameer grabbed the chance and quickly leaned towards Naina, 'Tum theek feel kar rahi ho na? Koi pain toh nahi hai? Tumhe tired lag raha hoga. Thodi der baith jao. Kuch chahiye? Medicine ya...'

'I'm fine.' She cut his concerned blabber, keeping her voice low and soft, 'Kuch nahi chahiye.'

After leaving Pari with her grandparents, Ritika directed Rohit to keep an eye on her, then asked Naina if she wanted to come to the washroom.

When they were alone in the washroom, Ritika gave her a warm smile, 'Sameer bohot pyar karta hai na tumse?'

'Huh? Naina looked up, startled at the sudden question. Then she lowered her head, a faint smile on her lips.

Ritika stepped closer, hooked a finger under her chin and lifted her face, 'Dikhta hai. Koi andha bhi bata sakta hai ki tum uske liye kya mayne rakhti ho.'

Naina smiled lightly, 'Hamari love marriage hai.'

'Jaanti hun.' Ritika grinned, 'Hamari tarah. Isliye Sameer ki aankhon mein woh pyar jhat se nazar aa gaya mujhe. Rohit ko dekha hai maine.'

She twisted her face but Naina could feel the pride in her voice when she stated further, 'Abhi uska attention thoda divide ho gaya hai. Pari ke chakkar mein mujhe bhool jaata hai par pehle woh bhi aisa hi tha. Har waqt mere aage peeche. Papa mummy usey joru ka ghulam bulate they. Sameer mei bilkul wahi joru ka ghulam dikhta hai.' She giggled.

Naina laughed with her, thinking how wrongly Ritika was reading Sameer, but she did not say anything.

Ritika held Naina's hands, and said in a knowing voice, 'Tumhe periods ho rahe hain?'

The words made Naina gasp in shock. Then she quickly checked her kurta. There was no stain. She looked back, puzzled, 'Tumhe kaise pata?'

Ritika smiled, 'Sameer apni pocket mein pad lekar ghum raha hai.'

If Naina was shocked earlier, she was dumbfounded now. Sameer had asked her if she needed medicine or... she had interrupted him but looked like he wanted to ask about pad. He really was carrying one. If Ritika had seen it then others...

Ritika was quick to answer her unspoken question, 'Jab Pari ne jump kiya tha tab nazar aaya. I don't think kisi aur ne dekha hoga. Naina, khane ka khyal rakhna ya looks ki tareef karna toh bohot log kar lete hain. Lekin itna deeply sochna, ki tumhare periods ke time tumhare liye khud extra pad lekar chalta hai... this shows ki woh kitni care karta hai. He loves you immensely.'

Next update on Saturday