Sameer was dressed for the party much before time. Dadaji had called him to the study to give some advice regarding a few people who he might have to interact with, since they were invited to the party as well. Half an hour later, when he entered his room.

The moment his eyes fell on Naina, his heart skipped a few beats. It wasn't the first time she had worn a saree, but what she was wearing with it made his throat go dry. The blouse had no sleeves, and nothing around the neck either. It was half... just half of what she regularly wore with sarees. She was checking her phone, standing near the table on the other side of bed, where she had plugged it in for charging. Her open hair were falling on the shoulder, partially covering the skin that was left bare. Her collarbones were prominently striking, drawing attention to them. The flowing fabric of the saree, which was a soft, pleasing colour, draped her with such fluidity as if it was a painting that was in front of him. A beautiful one.

Before he could go in or say something, Anaya walked in from behind, nudging him aside, 'Offo bhai door block karke kyon khade ho? Hato zara mujhe bhabhi ko kuch dena hai.'

Her voice made Naina look up. She glanced at him then shifted her attention to Anaya, peering into the two large boxes the girl was opening.

'No way Anu.' Naina's eyes widened, 'Itni heavy jewellery? Yeh main nahi pehen sakti.'

'Heavy kahan hai bhabhi.' Anaya picked a necklace which was dainty but had an intricate design, with dangling rubies to add a traditional touch.

Naina shook her head vehemently, 'Na baba. Mujhe itna sab nahi chahiye. Aadat nahi hai. Uncomfortable lagega.'

Anaya picked up the other one, which was a cluster of several chains, of varied sizes and lengths, 'Achha yeh toh light hai na. Koi stones nahi, bas chains hain. Yeh pehen ke dekho.'

Naina scrunched her nose, 'Please Anu, I can't. Yeh sab... yeh bohot elaborate hain mere liye. Aur kahin ghumm ho gaya toh...'

Anaya let out a resigned sigh, 'Maine kaha tha mummy se dekh lena bhabhi yeh nahi pehenengi. Shaadi ki jewellery mein jisne sabse light pieces select kiye they woh ek party ke liye aisa kuch kabhi nahi lene wali.'

Naina chuckled, straightening up, 'Tum apni shaadi ke liye design kar lena, sabse heavy wale pieces. Fir batana kitna mazaa aata hai.'

Anaya closed the boxes shut, and looked sadly at Sameer, 'Aapki biwi ne mere designs reject kar diye. Dil tod diya mera.'

'Awlele.' Naina hugged her from the side, 'Designs reject nahi kiye baba. Bas yeh bola hai ki mujhpe suit nahi karenge. Is saree ke saath kuch halka hi jayega.'

Anaya pouted, 'Toh yehi saree kyon select ki aapne? Red wali kitni achhi thi. Ya black wali, usmein toh aap kamaal lagti.' She then gave her an admiring look, a smile forming on her face, 'Waise aap ismein bhi mast lag rahi ho. Haina bhai?'

Sameer snapped out of the daze he was in, 'Huh... haan.'

'Sirf ek haan?' Anaya frowned, 'Aapko ab tak tareef karna nahi aaya? God bhai, you really need to pull up your socks. Atom bomb lag rahi hain bhabhi iss saree mein.'

Sameer rubbed the back of his neck, averting his eyes, 'Uh... yeah.'

Twisting her mouth, Anaya dismissed him with a wave of her hand and winked at Naina, 'Aap bhai ki baat pe dhyan mat do. You look stunning. Enjoy your party. Main bhi chalti hun nahi toh movie ke liye late ho jayega. My friends are waiting. Bye guys. Have fun.'

After she was gone, Naina moved away from behind the bed, and walked upto her bag. Sameer couldn't help but be mesmerized by the sight. Anaya was right, she looked like a bomb. The delicate material of saree clung gently to her frame, highlighting her silhouette in a way that was both classy and enchanting. He was stealing glances at her, when she turned to ask something, then shook her head and went inside the closet area. Sameer let out a swoosh of air. She had literally left him breathless. He checked his phone, and realised they must also leave soon.

'Naina, chalein?' He called out.

When there was no answer, he slowly went near the half open closet door, calling out again, 'Naina? Are you ready?'

'Haan ek minute.' Her voice was a bit muffled.

Sameer peeked in. She was on her toes, her arm stretched towards the top shelf of her cupboard, apparently trying to locate something.

He stepped in, 'Kya kar rahi ho?'

Without looking back, she stated, 'Mera ek clutch tha jo shayad upar rakh diya tha. Wohi dhoond rahi hun.'

'Main dekhta...' He had barely taken two steps, and uttered two words when a sudden tearing sound resonated in the small area, followed by a loud gasp from Naina.

Before he could understand what had happened, she turned sharply, and pressed her back to the panel of cupboard, looking at him with wide eyes. Only when she awkwardly put one hand behind her, clutching at her waist did he realise that the sound was a tear in her blouse. Her face had turned red. Sameer stood gaping at her, unsure of what to do.

'Idhar kya dekh rahe ho. Udhar dekho.' She snapped, more with embarrassement than anger.

Instantly, he turned on his heels, facing away from her.

'Tum... tum please Anu ko bula do.' Naina stuttered, her voice shaky, 'I need help.'

'Anu toh chali gayi.' Sameer had seen her rushing down the stairs just a few minutes back.

'Toh fir...' Naina was nervous, '... toh tum akele chale jao party mein. Ab main nahi aa sakti.'

'Aise kaise akele chala jaun?' Sameer retorted sharply, turning around, then spun back, as he remembered the situation, and softened his voice, 'Listen Naina, akele jaana possible nahi hai. Thode late hue toh chalega par yeh party important hai. Dadaji ne humein responsibility di hai isliye jaana toh padega. Woh bhi dono ko. Tum change kar lo. Koi aur saree pehen lo. Main bahar wait karta hun.'

He was about to leave when she blurted, 'Aur koi saree nahi hai yahan.'

He halted, surprised, 'Nahi hai matlab? Kahan gayi?'

There was a silence of a few minutes, then Naina's helpless voice reached him, 'Main aur Anu saari saarees mummy ke room mein le gaye they. Poora suitcase wahin hai. Aur mummy ka room locked hai kyonki woh log shaadi mein gaye hain. Abhi mere paas koi doosri saree nahi hai.'

'Oh!' Sameer thought for a while. There seemed only one solution. In a gentle voice, he offered, 'Tum kaho toh main tumhari help kar dun?'

Naina's sharp intake of breath could be heard before a protest, 'Dimag theek hai tumhara? Tum isme... isme kaise help kar sakte ho?'

'Main apni aankhen band rakhunga.' Sameer urged, his voice almost pleading, 'Yaad hai, aise ek din tumne bhi meri help ki thi. Maine tumpe trust kiya tha na, toh tum bhi mujhpe itna trust toh kar sakti ho. Kasam se, main aankhen nahi kholunga.' He pinched his throat, only, she could not see it.

Another few seconds of silence ensued, followed by a resigned sigh, then her barely audible voice, 'Okay fine.' And then came the set of directions, 'Jab tak main na kahun, mudna nahi. Main drawer se safety pin nikalti hun. Jab bulaungi tabhi tum idhar aana. Aur aankhen...' She did not say more.

He nodded. There was a sound of opening and shutting of few drawers, then a hesitant note, 'Tum... tum mud sakte ho.'

With his eyes shut, Sameer turned around, and moved in the direction where he presumed Naina to be. Her fingers clutched around his wrist, lifting his hand and she placed something on his palm, 'Yeh lo. Safety pin.'

'Lekin lagana kahan hai?' He fiddled with the pin once she left his hand.

Again, she clutched his palm and directed it in the direction she needed. Sameer felt the satin material brush against his fingers. He held it in one hand and opened the pin to fix the tear. As he pulled the two parts together, his fingers grazed against something even more soft, and silky. He gulped as he realised it was her skin. His feathery touch was felt by Naina too. She had just closed her eyes, keeping herself stiff as a statue. Obviously, it was mistake. Just involuntary error of judgment, because he could not see. She won't lash out at him for this, like he did when his shirt was torn accidentally.

Sameer took a few minutes, placing the pin carefully to secure the tear, without letting the pin pierce her, and without letting his fingers touch what they were not supposed to.

'Ho gaya.' He declared, taking a step back. As he withdrew his hand, he could not ignore the tingling sensation that lingered on his fingers.

A poignant silence enveloped them for a few moments as Naina tapped her back with one hand, checking to see if the damage was undone right. The same moment Sameer opened his eyes... to the view of her hair drawn to one side, which gave him a peek at the half bare back, covered with just a few strings and a narrow strip of cloth. It was a design that he had seen on actresses and models, but it had never evoked the kind of longing that he felt erupting within him now... to glide his fingers along the skin that lay before his eyes, to feel its softness, to inhale its fragrance, to mark it with his lips...

His eyes widened in horror, making him turn sharply and leave the confined area. What was happening to him? Why was he turning into a pervert? This was insane. Once in the room, he wiped his face, appalled at the way his desires had started to spill over. Despite his self admonishment, his body refused to adhere to his stern resolve. His heart begged for more, despite the dictate of his mind to follow the boundaries. Sameer rushed out to the adjacent guestroom, to splash some cold water on his face.

Naina looked at him when he entered a few minutes later, 'Kahan chale gaye they tum? Ab late nahi ho raha?'

'Let's go.' Without sparing her a glance, he murmured and picked his phone from the bed where he had tossed it earlier.

He had already reached the door when she called out, 'Sameer.'

The name again. He stopped, waiting for her to say more. When she didn't, he turned slowly.

Naina dipped her head once, her voice hesitant, 'Thank you.'

After a curt nod, he walked out in quick steps. Unknowingly, a soft smile graced his lips.

In the car, he avoided looking at her, keeping his eyes on the road ahead.

But she seemed oblivious of his turmoil, when she told him that it would be her first party of this type, and how she did not go to any such gatherings with Natasha because she felt uncomfortable.

'Achha suno, please kahin gayab mat ho jaana.' She turned to him earnestly, 'Main kisi ko jaanti tak nahi.' As an afterthought, she asked, 'Jimmy hoga kya wahan pe?'

And in an instant, Sameer's mood changed. He looked at her irritatedly, 'Jimmy hoga toh tumhe mere gayab hone se chalega?'

She shrugged, 'Jimmy is good company. Usse first time milke bhi aisa nahi laga tha ki main pehli baar baat kar rahi hun. Aur woh baaki sabko bhi jaanta hoga. Toh mere liye awkward nahi hoga.'

'Mujhse zyada toh nahi jaanta na.' Sameer's retort was swift, 'Waise bhi, Jimmy kyon hoga iss party mein? Yeh koi choti moti office party nahi hai. Business world ka annual meet hai.'

Naina did not say anything but from the corner of his eyes, he could she her shoulders slump a bit in disappointment. It annoyed him further.

'Achha khaasa Sameer Maheshwari saath mein hai lekin isey Jimmy ki padi hai.' The words screamed in his mind, staying there thankfully, 'Jimmy se mera competition saat janm mein bhi nahi ho sakta.'

The venue of the party was a popular club in the upscale neighbourhood of Vasant Kunj, a well known area of Delhi for the rich and famous. Though Sameer personally did not like the owner of this club, Dinesh Chauhan, he had to agree that the place was perfect for such high end event.

As the two of them entered the vast garden area, Naina looked around in awe. It was no less than a film set. With opulent set up and cleverly placed lighting, the place seemed to be straight out of a dream. Twinkling fairy lights were draped across the trees, elegant chandeliers hung from strategically placed structures, their crystals catching and refracting the light to create a dazzling effect. Lush green lawns were dotted with meticulously arranged seating areas. Plush, white-cushioned sofas and chairs were set around low tables adorned with fresh floral arrangements, a mix of exotic blooms in vibrant hues. The tables also held crystal bowls filled with delicate floating candles, their flames flickering softly in the gentle evening breeze. Softly illuminated pathways wound through the garden, leading to a beautifully lit fountain at the center, where water danced in sync with the music. The whole ambience had subtle yet impeccable details of luxury and elegance.

Naina noticed a bar at the far end, carved into a single huge block of ice, glowing in subdued blue lighting. She had never seen such opulence. Unknowingly, her hand sought Sameer's arm, and her fingers wrapped around it, clutching hard.

Sameer's eyes snapped to her hold, then to her face. But she was not even looking at him, seemingly lost in what was around.

'Naina, kya hua?' He placed a hand over hers, sensing her uneasiness.

'Uh... main kabhi...' Her uncertain eyes darted to a group of people where the women were dressed in elegant western outfits while men were in designer suits, gracefully talking with glasses of drinks in their hands, '...aisi jagah aayi nahi hun. This is so... different. I... I don't know what to do.'

Sameer followed her gaze, then scanned the whole area. This type of gathering wasn't new to him. But he could understand Naina's resistance.

Squeezing her hand, he assured her gently, 'Don't worry. Tumhe bas mere saath rehna hai. Aisi parties show off ke liye hi hoti hai. Isliye tumhe sab log shekhi bagharte hue milenge. Just ignore. Bas smile karna aur apna mind switch off kar lena. It won't be tough.'

Her eyes shot up to him, a hint of smile at the corner of her lips easing her a bit, 'Bas itna hi? Iski toh achhi practice hai mujhe.'

He didn't get the pun. Rather, patted himself on the back mentally, for making her comfortable. Actually, his assurance did help Naina to relax to some extent. She just had to play the same part that she had been playing all along, of being his wife.

Sameer introduced her to several people, who were gracious and warm. They did not make her feel odd or different. As Sameer detached from one group and moved to another, Naina was easily able to make general talk with people. Most of them were cordial, though some were snooty like a particular person she knew. She smiled as she nodded at the anecdotes of one such guy, who was excitedly telling about the number of European girls who fell for his charm.

Later, Sameer scoffed, 'Isey lagta hai isse good looking koi aur hai hi nahi. Zara se dimple kya aate hain, khud ko ShahRukh Khan samajne laga hai.'

Naina couldn't help but chuckle, 'Itna bhi bura nahi hai.'

'Achha kya hai usmein?' Sameer frowned, 'Dimple na ho toh kitna average hai.'

'Par dimple hain na.' Naina stated simply, enjoying his frustration, 'Toh ho gaya above average.'

Thankfully, his anger subsided as someone known to his father approached them, and talked for a while, praising him wholeheartedly. Naina noticed the shift in his mood, which soared even more when the old man said that he felt Sameer was handling the company very well, and would take it to greater heights once he took over the reins.

When they were alone again after a few minutes, an attendant in crisp uniform stopped in front of them, offering a tray with a number of drink options. Sameer picked a glass of whiskey. Naina was about to take a tall glass with a slice of pineapple on its edge when Sameer softly shook his head, and flicked his eyes at something that looked like orange juice. She followed his advice but asked the reason after the attendant was gone.

'Woh cocktail hai.' He smiled mockingly, 'Tumhe cocktail pilane ka risk yahan nahi le sakta. kahin tumne last time ki tarah mujhe 'husbaaand' bulana shuru kar diya toh?'

For a moment, Naina was flushed, but quickly came around and looked at his drink, 'I hope aaj mere liye koi surprise na ho.'

Sameer lifted his glass proudly, 'Don't worry. Meri capacity strong hai. Itne se mujhe kuch nahi hoga.'

A voice from behind made both of them look back, 'I vouch for that. Sameer pe iska koi asar nahi hoga.'

Naina looked in surprise as a tall girl approached them. Dressed in pants with off shoulder top, she looked like she had just stepped down from the ramp. Her face was sculpted, with defined cheekbones and pouty lips, which had a sheen of transparent gloss, no colour. Catching the light behind, her sleek hair looked lighter in colour than they were. With the heels, she was almost as tall as Sameer.

'Hi Roop.' Sameer gave her a small smile, 'Long time.'

'Indeed.' The girl smiled warmly, stepping ahead to wrap her arms around Sameer's neck, 'It's so good to see you. Handsome as ever.'

Naina raised a quizzical brow when Sameer placed one arm around her lightly, that too for just a fraction of a second, then took it back, 'Good to see you too.'

The girl did not seem to notice Sameer's hesitation, and put her arm around his waist as she turned to Naina, 'So, you are the wife.'

Sameer took a few steps away from her, which made him closer to Naina, and eventually the girl had to pull back her arm. Her expression did not change.

'My wife, Naina Sameer Maheshwari.' Sameer circled Naina's waist, drawing her to himself, and announced.

The girl smiled, 'Hey Naina. I'm Roop. Waise naam toh Roopali hai par sabhi hamesha se Roop bulate hain.' She glanced at Sameer, 'Tumhara husband bhi.'

Naina smiled back, 'Hi Roopali. Nice meeting you.'

Roop pointed at Sameer's glass, 'Iske liye pareshan mat hona. Yeh aadmi nashe se immune hai. Kisi bhi tarah ke nashe se.'

There was no malice or jealousy in her voice, yet Naina could feel some undercurrents. She stole a glance at Sameer. He was quite dry with her, like he would run away afar if he could.

Probably Roop noticed too. She nudged Sameer on the shoulder playfully, 'Hey come on. Ab jaane bhi do.'

He narrowed his eyes, then shrugged, 'Kya? I don't remember anything.'

'Good.' She brightened, 'Yaad rakhne ke liye kuch aur mil jayega.' Looking at Naina, she placed a hand on her shoulder, 'I'll see you again. Enjoy.'

After she was gone, Naina wanted to ask why she was acting so mysterious, but decided to wait till they reached home. Sameer, on the other hand, did not want to wait and was quick to offer explanation, 'Don't jump to conclusions. Roop ka aur mera... hamara koi relation nahi hai.'

'Okay.' She was amused, 'Lekin hota bhi toh mujhe koi fark nahi padta. It's your life.'

Sameer gave her a tentative look, 'No seriously, aisa kuch nahi tha, kabhi bhi. She's... she's just...'

Naina placed a hand on his arm, 'Tumhe explain karne ki zarurat nahi hai. Sach mein.'

He searched her face, her eyes in particular. There was no sarcasm, no jealousy, no resentment. She was unaffected. He gulped down the whole of his drink then pursed his lips. Had the situation been other way round, he would have been burning to know the truth. Why was Naina so chilled out?

Next update on Thursday