Naina and Natasha spent the day packing for Natasha's stint at Singapore. Naina was happy for her yet her heart felt constricted in her chest. Natasha was the only one she could be herself with. She had been the rock that kept Naina afloat whenever the tides of her personal life turned stormy. If there was really a power above, as Natasha believed, Naina could not be thankful enough to whatever it was, for sending Natasha in her life. She was the only beacon of light in the darkness of her growing up years. The thought made Naina's eyes damp again.

'Oye, kahan khoyi hai.' Natasha called out from the other side of the room, where she was trying to fit in a huge load of clothes in her suitcase, 'Shaadi ke sapne baad mein lena pehle packing mein help kar.'

Naina quickly camouflaged the poignant thoughts with a frown, 'Tujhe pataa hai main shaadi ke sapne nahi dekh rahi.'

Natasha jumped on the suitcase, sitting cross legged, with her face cupped between her hands, 'Achha? Toh kya honeymoon ke baare mein soch rahi hai? Ya fir...' She placed a hand on her heart and started breathing in a suggestive way, '...ghoonghat uthane ke baad kya hoga yeh sochke sharma rahi hai?'

'Nutty ki bacchi.' Naina threw an unfolded dress at her, gritting her teeth, 'Aaj main tujhe nahi chorne wali.'

When Natasha effortlessly dodged the dress, Naina ran after her, aiming whatever came to her hands in the direction of her grinning friend.

Natasha giggled as she ducked to avoid the cushions, pillows, more clothes, even a fluffy slipper that they used at home, 'Janeman, mujhe batana zarur.' And then she started to sing, 'Rukmini rukmini... shaadi ke baad kya kya hua... kaun haara kaun jeeta...'

Naina was livid, 'Aaj tu maregi. Bhool jaa Singapore. Kahin nahi jaa sakti. Kyonki mere haathon tera murder hone wala hai. Goodbye Nutty. It was nice knowing you.'

They did not pause their chase even for a moment, even when Natasha quickly glanced at her phone in hand, or ran to unlock the door before slipping out of Naina's grasp again who had managed to grab the end of her tshirt.

'Babydoll, Nutty ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namukin hai. Kyon apni energy waste kar rahi hai, sambhal ke rakh. Aaj ki raat bohot lambi hone wali hai tere liye.' With a wink, she jumped on the sofa, across the table and sprinted away when Naina ran towards her.

'You are so dead Nutty.' Naina's face turned red as she picked a bigger cushion and hurled in her direction, which again missed the target as Natasha darted towards the main door.

The same moment, door opened and Munna Pandit walked in... and Natasha banged into them. Both grabbed her either arm, steadying her.

'I'll kill you Nutty. Aaj tera aakhiri din hai.' The words were already out of Naina's mouth before she could notice their presence.

Flabbergasted, they pushed Natasha behind them, shielding her from a probable attack.

Suddenly, the room was silent. Naina's raised hand froze midair as she gasped, clutching the vase in her hand. Three of them stared at each other. Slowly, Naina's hand came down.

With a sheepish smile, she placed the vase back, 'I... I was kidding.'

Seeing the look of terror on the faces of Munna Pandit, Natasha could not resist, and let out a groan dramatically, 'Aaj toh mat maar Naina. Warna teri shaadi ke din mujhe chot ke saare nishan fir se makeup se chupane padenge. Waise ab yeh aadat thodi kam karne ki koshish kar. Bechare Sameer ko toh baksh dena.'

The widened eyes of both boys almost fell off their sockets. Naina squeezed her eyes shut, fisting her hands to control another wave of anger. When Natasha could not hold back anymore, she burst out laughing, watching the pale faces of Munna Pandit.

'Relax guys, hum aise hi masti kar rahe the. Just messing with you.' She blinked away the tears as she found her voice.

Pandit gulped, still staring at Naina, 'P... pakka? Kahin yeh shaadi karke Sameer suicide mission pe toh nahi jaa raha na?'

Natasha chortled, 'Nahi baba. Naina aisi ladki lagti hai kya tumko?'

Munna cleared his throat, 'Lagti toh nahi thi... par... ab doubt ho raha hai.'

Naina was mortified, 'Sorry... sorry Munna. Nutty mujhe tease kar rahi thi aur main... it was nothing. Main vase maarne wali nahi thi. Bas usey dara rahi thi.' She quickly clarified when their eyes darted to the metal vase on the console.

Few seconds of silence prevailed again, before Natasha nudged the two of them, 'Ab tum dono mujhe chor sakte ho.'

They looked at her, pressed between them, their one arm around her for shield. Startled, they let go.

Munna was flustered, 'Sorry Natasha. So sorry.'

Pandit pushed his hands in pocket, shrugging, 'Humein laga... matlab yeh scene dekh ke koi bhi yehi sochta... ki...' He pressed his lips shut, getting a glare from Munna.

Natasha walked back to Naina, taking her in a side hug as she smiled at the guys, 'So sweet of you. Thanks. Lekin meri Naina mujhe kabhi hurt kar hi nahi sakti. Hum toh bas masti kar rahe the. Tum log bhi toh mazaak mein ek dusre ke saath aise hi karte hoge. Nahi?'

Instantly, Munna Pandit were reminded of numerous times when the three of them had a friendly squabble or even a brawl when some argument turned heated.

Natasha could see the confusion on their faces. She chuckled, picking up the pieces from the sofa to clear the sitting area, 'Come in. Itna serious hone wali baat nahi hai. Main Naina ko jaan ke irritate kar rahi thi. Kal se toh yeh kaam tumhara dost karega, isliye aj last time apne rights exercise kar rahi thi.'

Munna couldn't help smiling at that, 'Chalo achha hai, Naina ko aadat hai toh Sameer ke saath rehna itna mushkil nahi hoga.'

Pandit narrowed his eyes, taking a seat next to Munna, 'Bhai, tujhe lagta nahi hai humein Sameer ko alert kar dena chahiye. Agar Naina ne aisa attack launch kiya toh usey bachne ki taiyaari pehle se karni hogi na... room se saare vase hata ke.'

Naina rolled her eyes, 'Aise mat bolo jaise bada seedha shareef hai tumhara dost. Balki mujhe strategy banani hogi uske verbal attacks ko jhelne ke liye.'

Quickly, Natasha raised her palms to calm everyone, 'Okay okay. Mazaak masti baad mein pehle yeh batao tum dono yahan kaise aaye? Aaj toh sab shaadi ki preparations mein busy honge na, toh tum log woh sab chor ke hamare ghar kya kar rahe ho?'

'Hum Naina ko lene aaye hain.' Pandit replied.

'Hein?' Natasha looked at him strangely, 'Kyon? Sameer ko shaadi ke din bhi proxy chahiye?'

'Arey nahi.' Munna clarified, 'Iska matlab hai Naina ka saaman lene aaye hain. Aunty ne kaha Naina ke bags le jaake uske room mein rakh dete hain jisse jab woh wahan jayegi toh problem nahi hogi.'

'Oh!' Natasha waved her head, 'Toh aisa bolo na. Pandit yaar, tum na thodi clarity lao apni baton mein. Kuch samajh nahi aata.'

He sadly nodded, 'Bas yahin maat kha gaya. Isiliye ladkiyan samajh hi nahi paati ki main unhe like karta hun. Ya toh muh fer leti hain ya saiyan banane ki umr mein bhaiya bana leti hain.'

Natasha again let out a hearty laugh, 'Awww. Achha chalo, abse tumhari love story ka track main settle karwaungi. Okay?'

He beamed, 'Sachhi? Toh... you'll go out with me?'

Natasha flushed as Naina laughed this time, 'I... I didn't mean that. Mera matlab tha, tumhe help karungi, girlfriend dhoondne mein.'

Sighing, Pandit slumped back, 'Sab yehi kehte hain. Karta koi nahi.'

Munna swatted his arm, 'Yahan kisi kaam se aaye hain. Har jagah apna rona mat shuru kiya kar. Banayega girlfriend.'

After a cup of coffee, they took two suitcases that Naina had already packed, and left.

Natasha groaned as she looked at the mess in the bedroom, 'Naina ki bachhi, saare kapde faila diye. Ab inhe kya tera hero aake sametega?'

'Usey kuch sametna aata hi kahan hai. Apni ego ke sinhasan pe baith ke hukm chalana aata hai bas.' Naina twisted her mouth in disdain, picking up the clothes from the floor.

'Aye hayee.' Natasha tickled her waist from behind, 'Hero ka naam sunte hi jhat se samajh gayi kiski baat kar rahi hun. Matlab tu maanti hai woh tera hero hai. Haina?'

Naina doubled up laughing, 'Please Nutty, not this... no... main... main maarungi... Nuttyyyy.'

Amidst their light hearted moments, the day slowly waned to let the darkness fall over the city. Natasha had taken over the role of a make up artist for her friend. Her training and job, and her own interest had given her enough experience to create a simple, yet breathtaking look for Naina. After she was dressed and ready, when Naina looked at herself in the mirror, she was amazed to find an unfamiliar image. This look was something she had never dreamt of. Yet, she was here today, bedecked in bridal fineries, ready to tie a knot for one year with a person she couldn't stand for one day.

Letting out a sigh, she murmured, 'Too late. Bas silver lining ko yaad karke iss black cloud ko jhel jaa Naina. You can do it.'

Picking her phone, she called up Anaya, 'Hey. I'm ready.'

When Naina and Natasha reached the back gate of the venue for wedding, Anaya was there to receive them.

She gasped as Naina stepped out of the car, 'Wow bhabhi, you look stunning. Aap bilkul mere brother ki dulhan lag rahi ho.'

Natasha chuckled, 'Baby, kyonki woh aapke brother ki dulhan hi hai.'

'Oh yeah, that too!' Anaya winked, 'Mera matlab tha bhabhi Katrina jaisi lag rahi hain.'

Naina consciously adjusted her dupatta, 'Anu, taang mat kheench. Main pehle hi bohot nervous hun.'

Holding her arm, Anaya gently escorted her inside, 'My dear bhabhi, aapko nervous hone ki zarurat nahi hai. Believe me, ghar pe aapko sabke saath itna comfortable lagega na ki aap bhool jaogi sasural mein ho. Bilkul apne ghar jaisa hi lagega.'

Naina wondered at the irony of the words... she never felt at home with her own family. And here, she was entering a house where everyone had already accepted her as family.

Anaya brought her out of her dismal thoughts as she whispered in her familiar mischievous tone, 'Lekin bhai ki no guarantee. Unhe aapko tame karke rakhna padega. Tabhi control mein rahenge.'

They were joined by some of Anaya's friends as they all waited in a room for the baraat to arrive.

*****

At Sameer's house, he was overjoyed when the mark on his forehead was covered by makeup. Thankfully, now his pictures wouldn't be spoiled. In fact, doctor had taken off the splint from his finger too. He was asked to be careful, not stress the hand, and get the splint back next day if he felt any pain. But the only thing Sameer felt at the moment was relief. His heart was at peace, along with his mind. Everyone seemed happy and content, his family, friends... even Naina seemed strangely calm and at ease during the ceremonies of last few days. She was more than comfortable with whole of his family.

He let out a breath of respite, 'Shukr hai uss madam mein itni akal hai ki shaadi ke time tantrums na dikhaye. Sabke saamne khush dikhna important hai. Warna kisi ko shak ho gaya ki Naina meri nakli girlfriend hai toh saare ke saare Sherlock Holmes banke mere plan ka safaya kar denge.'

'Kya plan kar raha hai beta?' Dadaji's voice from behind made him jump.

'K... kuch nahi Dadaji.' He swallowed, wiping his brow, 'Main bas... chalne ka wait kar raha tha.'

Ambika came over with a puja thali, 'Haan haan chal rahe hain. Pehle mujhe apne bete ki aarti toh utaar lene de. Nazar bhi utarni padegi. Ekdum prince lag raha hai pagdi aur sehre mein.'

Dadaji rubbed his hands excitedly, 'Main toh yeh soch raha hun Naina ke saath kitna sundar lagega, teri laal pagdi aur uska...'

'Offo papaji,' Ambika stopped him, 'Aapko bataya tha na Sameer ke liye surprise hai. Abhi se Naina ka look kyon bata rahe hain.'

'Sorry sorry,' Dadaji chucked his tongue out, 'Bhool gaya tha.'

Sameer frowned, 'Yeh koi surprise rakhne ki baat hai? Aap sabko pata hai woh kya pehenne wali hai bas mujhe hi nahi dikhaya. Mere dekhne se kya uska look kharab ho jaata?'

Ambika smiled, cupping his face, 'Nahi beta, lekin surprise ka bhi apna mazaa hai. Tune bhi toh humein surprise diya tha, Naina se milwa ke. Ab hamari turn hai. Bas thoda sa patience rakh le. Aadhe ghanta mein hum wahan pohonch jayenge.'

For next half an hour, Sameer could think of nothing else but Naina... what could be so special about her dress that his family was reluctant to share with him? All brides looked the same to him. Naina could not be any different. Then why the mystery?

When the baraat reached the venue, his eyes were searching the windows of the resort. He wanted to see Naina. The suspense was killing him.

His wish was granted few minutes later. Naina entered the decorated lawns from side entrance. Natasha, Anaya, and some of their friends were walking besides her, holding a floral canopy over her, which is traditionally held by brothers. Seeing them, Munna rushed to her side, and held one end of the canopy, along with Natasha. She smiled at him. Munna smiled back. Both of them could not see the dampness that Naina tried to hide by blinking hard.

But Sameer could see that. He noticed how she pressed her lips, lowering her head, and blinked furiously before she looked up again, the smile back on her face. Only then, his gaze moved over from her head to toe. Dresses in a red lehenga, she looked resplendent tonight... he could not deny. But what his mom wanted to keep a secret was the jewellery she was wearing. Sameer could not believe his eyes when he saw his grandmother's ornaments on Naina. He knew how much his grandfather cherished these pieces. Ambika had always kept them with great care. And now, they adorned his bride. From the intricate maang tikka gracing her forehead to the ornate choker around her neck, from the shining gems of her long necklace to the shimmering bangles, each piece was sparkling in the soft light as she took slow steps towards him, giving her an ethereal appearance. The vibrant red lehenga flowed gracefully around her, adding a touch of royal splendor to her presence. Today, she was a symbol of tradition and grace, as she walked up the raised platform with confidence. He found himself momentarily speechless, his gaze irresistibly drawn to her.

Anaya poked his arm, 'Beautiful. Isn't she?'

'She is. Very beautiful.' He whispered, completely lost.

Natasha clicked her fingers in front of him, giggling, 'Hello hello. Wapas aa jao Sameer. Abhi shaadi honi baaki hai. Uske baad jitna chaho nihar lena apni wife ko.'

A loud laughter brought him back from his trance, and he looked around, trying to appear unperturbed, 'What? Dekh bhi nahi sakta kya? Meri girlfriend hai.'

'Jhoot mat bol. Naina teri girlfriend nahi hai.' Pandit's loud voice stilled everyone into silence.

In panic, Sameer looked at him, then at Munna, silently pleading with him to control Pandit.

'Kya matlab?' Dadaji asked with narrowed eyes, 'Naina nahi toh kaun hai?'

Pandit looked at the curious stares directed towards him, and smiled sheepishly, 'Thi. Girlfriend thi. Naina hi thi. Lekin aaj se toh biwi hai na... isliye maine yaad dilaya ki ab... ab woh Sameer ki girlfriend nahi hai... kyonki ab uski wife hai.'

The tension melted away as fast as it had appeared, and everyone started to laugh at his silly sense of humour.

Munna pinched Pandit's arm when no one was looking, 'Chup nahi reh sakta? Achhi bhali shaadi ho rahi hai. Kyon kaand karne pe tula hai. Agar is waqt koi panga hua na, Sameer sach mein tera murder kar dega.'

Pandit blinked, 'Murder? Jaise subah Naina karne wali thi Natasha ka? Yeh dono kya apne doston ki bali dene ke liye paida hue hain? Murder bhi karenge toh ek saath.'

Munna's face eased into a smile as he looked at the two of them, 'Inhe khud pata nahi ki yeh dono kitne ek jaise hain. Dekhte hain, kitne din lagenge khud ko pehchanne mein, aur kiski aankhen pehle khulengi.'

When Naina finally glanced up at Sameer, she realised why Ambika insisted on red lehenga. Sameer was wearing a red pagdi, that matched perfectly in colour with both, her jewellery, and her lehenga. In fact, the string of gems on his pagdi was similar in design to her necklace. Probably it belonged to the same set. Ambika had told her this collection was their family's heirloom. She was hesitant to wear it, but Ambika and Anaya were insistent. Even Dadaji patted her head lovingly when she tried it one day in their house. He said he wanted to see his grandson's bride in the jewellery that belonged to his wife, because it was his way of bringing his wife's blessings for Naina.

As all these thoughts flooded her mind, another realisation hit Naina. It was just six months back when they had accidently bumped into each other one evening... and today they were here, getting married to each other. All the arguments, fights, and other interactions floated before her eyes. Who could have thought that after having such a turbulent journey, they would get into a relationship. Even if the relationship was fake, this marriage was not a sham... it was real.

The rituals started amidst jokes, laughter and teasing. First the garlands were exchanged, then they proceeded for the pheras. Neither of them was interested in what the pandit was saying, but they had to sit through the whole process, and do exactly as was being asked.

Then it was time for the ritual that Natasha was dreading... kanyadaan. She had decided to go ahead and do it, since neither she nor Naina had thought about it earlier. They had been too wrapped up in planning other things. This had come to Natasha's mind only when panditji had started chanting mantras, and she was flummoxed. But then came to the conclusion that Naina would not disagree if she performed kanyadaan for her. After all, she was her family.

But to her surprise, panditji quietly made Naina touch a piece of paper and announced, 'Maheswari ji ke parivaar mein kanyadaan ki pratha ko nahi maana jaata. Inke yahan na kisi aane wali dulhan ka daan kiya jaata hai na ghar ki betiyon ka. Inka manna hai ki kanya koi vastu nahi jisey daan mein diya jaaye. Hamare reeti riwaaz uss yug mein banaye gaye the jab streeyon ke liye alag darja tha. Humein samay ke saath apne vicharon mein parivartan laana chahiye, aur aane wale badlaav ko sweekar karte hue naye riwaaz banane chahiye. Main Maheswari ji ki iss soch se prabhavit hun aur mujhe ismein kuch galat nahi nazar aata. Aaj ki kanya sirf ghar ki Lakshmi nahi, apne parivar ki anmol nidhi hai, jisey daan nahi kiya jaa sakta, balki prem se usey apne jeevan mein aage badhne ke liye ek saathi ke chunaav ka avsar diya jaata hai. Ab Ishwar se yehi prarthna hai ki yeh dono sadaa saath rahein aur inka aane wala jeevan khushiyon se bhara rahe. Kanyadaan ki jagah, Maheshwari ji anathashram ke liye bhojan ka aur vridhashram ke liye gau daan karenge.'

While Naina had been mindlessly doing all other things till now, this made her look up at panditji and listen carefully to each of his words. When he ended the speech, she glanced at Dadaji, feeling a sense of pride that she would be living with such progressive people.

After pheras were complete, Sameer was asked to tie the mangalsutra. Naina stilled, feeling the brush of his fingers as he gently clasped the delicate string of black and gold beads around her neck. The finality of her decision dawned on her when he added a touch of sindoor to her hair parting. Their eyes met as he did so. Both searched for regret in the other person's eyes, but could only see the acceptance. Whether it was compulsion of family for him, or it was the desire to have a family for her... the marriage was real for them.

They were now husband and wife... bound by the sacred bond of matrimony.

Next update on Saturday