It was the type of darkness that reached into his bones, seeping through nerves and surging in every cord of heart. He screamed and ran tried to get rid of all these. He tried hard to call her but his voice seemed to die in throat only. The long twigs of eucalyptus came from both side of road, like spooky hands of that scary demon of murk embark to eat him any moment now. He gathered his leftover courage and screamed her name on top of his voice, "Naina... Naina.... Kha ho tum...",he panted, mumbled and roamed his eyes in search of the illuminating radiance of her soulful eyes. He wanted to find out her in no time, so could leave this haunted place with her, holding her close. Dressed in a beautiful white suit and gleaming in shiny lustre of innocence and love, she was just two steps away. His expressions softened and he smiled, the darkness started to crimp its piercing claws from his heart, and he took a step to reach her. But suddenly everything turned out contrary to his thoughts. Naina looked at him with her misty eyes and spooky murky demon reached out to her before him. The loud laughter of that murk mocked him and his Naina started to lose behind that deep dark obscurity. He ran, ran to hold her, but fell down screaming her name. She screamed his name, extended her hand to hold him but her palm started to slip from his. He was shocked, shivered and closed his eyes in pain and her name escaped from his lips,"Naina...". He tried to open his eyes and wondered that why everything was so hazy and fainted. Rubbing his eyes he tried to clear the image and sat down to look around himself. Strangely there was neither any darkness nor any lone long road, but he was in his bed though panting and sweating badly. Blinking his eyes once again he stared up at the room and mumbled as realized,"shit... Kitna ajib sapna tha...",he exhaled and took some deep breaths.

He got up to go to washroom muttering again,"kya ho gya hai tujhe Sameer... Kaise sapne dekhne lga hai tu... Aisa thodi hota hai... Aise koi kisi ladki ko thodi ghar se nikalta hai..." He washed his face still nagging aloud,"bad luck, manhoos... kya ajib sapna tha yaar... kitni der ho gyi... Naina niche bhi chali gyi... Tch, ab good morning bhi nhi bol paunga... Budhhu hai wo, utha to sakti thi..",he made a cute sulking pout. Wiping his face with towel, he stepped out of the washroom, when all of a sudden his eyes fell on her pink saree and his shirt kept in laundry basket. Her saree badly stained in blood and his shirt too had some tresses of that. He gasped, the curtains of haze rose up from his eyes in one moment and all the revelations with her loud sobs rang in his ears. "Ohhh god... Wo....sapna nhi...ohh no..",he stumbled some steps, mumbled her name and threw the towel aside moved now hollering her name loudly.

"Haa... Aa rhi hu...",her reply came from somewhere near and just next moment she was there holding a tray of his coffee. "Sorry, thodi der ho gyi... Time ka dhyan hi nhi rha...",she mumbled an excuse keeping the coffee tray on side table and started to fold the blanket, but without meeting his eyes. Though her activities were normal but body language was not. She was hell confused. He didn't uttered a single word in night. Now she didn't know, what to do. At what time in night she slept, she didn't know, but when woke up and saw him sleeping in half laying condition somewhat very uncomfortably, a pain pierced in her heart. Somehow she was cursing herself for his every problem, every discomfort. And above all his silence, she said that she should leave this house, she should leave him, but he didn't said anything to stop her. "Kya wo chahte hai ki mai chali jau... Kya unko bhi aisa lagta hai... Kya isiliye nanaji ne mujhe mna kiya tha...",there was a trail of questions in her mind or one could say in her hazy mind. At one side, her logics knew that those were only lousy superstitions, but other side she never ever could be reason of his problems. She was in between a war, a war of her mind and heart.

Sameer stared at her or rather observed her keenly. She was draped in a gray chiffon saree with pink border. Hairs neatly plaited and all the accessories and other make-up things were like her daily schedule, but still he felt that something was missing. Her hands were adorned with beautiful bangles, but he felt them abnormally silent, her anklets were not making any noise like always, her lips were not curved into her precious smile. He knew that she hadn't dressed for him only like every other morning. Her eyes were not illuminating that radiance that always filled his heart with loving lustre. She was moving in the room, his eyes were running after her. He looked at her, spread his arms and said with a smile,"good morning sweetheart..."

She was confused over what he wanted, but it was his usual gesture. She couldn't stop herself or never intended to stop and ended up in his arms only. With a soft smile she too greeted him morning and her hands went around him encasing him softly. "Kya hum akhiri baar... Will it be our last hug...",an excruciating thought came in her mind out of nowhere. It was enough to shake her, she trembled badly. He felt her trembling and instinctively his hands tightened around her. He nuzzled on her shoulders, kissed her hairs and whispered in her ears,"Naina... I love you so much jaan..."

Naina shivered again but softly replied clutching his t-shirt more tightly,"I love you too... Bhut... bhut jyada..." Though she was confused of his reactions and thoughts, but one thing was very clear in her heart, that she loved him from every pore of her heart and could even leave him if it would be for his well being.

"Kya kr rhi thi ki time ka khyal nhi rha",he said in a complaining tone.

"Bas wo kitchen me... Aur raat ko bhi der ho gyi thi naa to socha ki...",she pulled back from his embrace and replied lowering her eyes, but wondered on his calm and normal behavior. Neither he said anything to console her, nor to blame her. She was not being able to understand him.

"Acha kitchen me... Aur mujhse to puchha bhi nhi ki kya khaunga breakfast me...",he sulked again.

"Don't worry... Aapka breakfast aapse puchhe bina nhi bnaungi... Kitchen me kal ke liye kuch sweets bna rahi thi bas...",she kept her palm on his cheek and replied softly.

He nodded understandably, but asked immediately,"Naina... Wo mama mamiji...", It was so instinctive that he cursed himself just in next moment when saw her gulping and fighting with a tear. "Naina...",he wanted to say something again but interrupted by her, and she replied biting her lower lip with a forced smile,"mamaji aur mamiji bhut subah hi chale gye kahi jaldi jaldi me... Shayad mujhse...", She herself left incomplete and turned her back to him fighting with the tears.

Sameer felt a deep pang of pain in his heart seeing her tears and listen them in her voice. He could never thought that someone could stoop this low in her disgusting superstition, but it was happening, first in her family and now in his. He looked at her, he knew very well that she was waiting for him, she badly needed him but was really unable to understand that in which words he could console her. How could he say her to forget everything, when himself knew that it was all impossible. How could he say her that she was not unlucky or any bad omen, when knew that she was already aware of this fact but somewhere her love for him was not letting her to believe. Everything seemed so difficult that he was feeling very helpless in that moment. He was looking at her, thinking of something that could help her and suddenly she lifted her hand, pressed her temples and said,"achaa, aap btaiye kya breakfast karenge... Kya bnau..."

He noticed her gesture and his mouth fell open in 'ohh' exclamation as understood something. She was up almost whole night infact kept crying all the time. Also she hadn't eaten properly in night and now also she was not only up since early morning but of course extremely stressed too. It was not difficult to guess that she had a headache. He thought something, tugged her hand, made her sit on bed and said,"Naina yha aake baitho.. aur pehle bolo tumne kucha khaya..."

"Hmm... Chai pi thi... Sar me thoda dard tha toh...", she replied in a soft tone.

He nodded and brought out a medicine strip from side drawers and popping out a tablet kept it on her palm. She looked at him questioning and he said,"medicine lo ye... Pta hai mujhe, sar dard to hona hi tha... Kal raat bhar ek pal bhi nhi soyi tum... Thik se khaya bhi nhi... Chalo ab medicine lo aur thoda rest karo... Acha hua jo mamaji log bhi nhi hai...",like blabbering he said everything and also gave her a glass of water.

Silently she gulped down the tablet looking in his eyes as somewhere his worries were giving her the assurance and warmth she was seeking for. After medicine she was about to say something when he sat behind her and said,"ab ye mat kahna ki rest nhi karna... Mai nhi sununga, you know...",with this he kept her hands on her head slowly pressed her temples.

She lifted her hands to hold his, but he whispered leaning a little,"thodi der so jao Naina... Mai hu tumhare pass..."

Softly he assured her and kept moving his finger tips gently pressing her forehead and temples. After a momentary stiffening, she closed her eyes with contentment and relaxed on his chest. She didn't know that it was the medicine or his fingers or just his assuring word, but she actually felt the solace of life in those moments. She was thinking of him suddenly he remembered something, chuckled and said softly,"malum hai Naina... Jab mai chhota tha naa to kabhi kabhi nani ko itna tang kar deta tha ki unke sar me dard ho jata tha, aur nanu aise hi unka sar dabate the.. pta hai tab nanu mujhe kahte the ki tu apni nani ko tang karta hai naa, dekhna jab teri dulhan aayegi to usse dher sara kaam karwaunga...", He paused for a moment and started again,"aur nani... Nani kahti thi ki teri dulhan se roz apne pair dabwaungi aur sara khana banwaungi..."

"Fr... Fr aap kya karte the...",she asked as really loved to listen those kiddish talks.

"Mai..",he laughed and said,"mujhe dulhan aur shadi ka matlab to samajh nhi aata tha but shayad itna pta tha ki nanu nani mere kisi apne ko... Koi jo sirf mera hoga, use satane ka bol rahe hai... Aur mai ekdum se chidh jata tha... Nanu se kahta tha ki meri dulhan ko sabse chhupa ke rakhunga, sirf apne pass... Kisi ko use satane nhi dunga...",his voice softened by some decibels and hands slipped from her forehead to arms and he encased her in a soft hug.

If his words were her solace than this hug was all she needed at this time. She touched his hands around herself as if trying to feel the serenity of the promise of togetherness in his words. She turned slowly in his arms and looping her hands around his waist hide her face in crook of his neck. He knew how she was feeling that time, but there was something he needed too. He stroked her hairs and asked softly," Naina... You trust me naa..."

She tightened her hold around him and nodded her head with a soft humm. He too tightened his hold feeling extremely relaxed and satisfying. His hands moved to open her plaits and other hand threaded in the silky masses giving her soft massage. He leaned a little to make her sleep on pillow properly, pulled the blanket, kissed her forehead and nodded looking into her eyes. Whether it was effect of medicine, his soothing words  or his slowly moving fingers in her hairs, but she closed her eyes soon and slept quickly.

He heaved a deep breath as relaxed seeing her sleeping peacefully. It's not that he forgot anything she said in night. Infact looking at her pretty face, once again he disgusted by the thoughts of her so called family. He careressed her cheeks and then hands, she was so soft, so delicate, that he was always careful with her even in some heated moments and her family,"oh god... How can someone be so cruel, so harsh with her... Her innocent eyes and sweet smile can melt down the toughest element in seconds then how on earth they brought that heart that was so ruthless, so merciless with a beautiful soul like her...", He was wondering in his thoughts when the chain of thoughts broken by some loud sounds coming from downstairs. Scared for her sleep, he quickly got up and went downstairs closing the doors properly behind.

********************************

It was none other than mamaji and mamiji, who were causing that loud sounds. They came from whenever they went, and now hollering Naina's name for water first then called Radhe for the same. Sameer got irked of their loud behavior, but went to ask for the reason.

"Hey bhagwan... Ab kya btau sameer beta..." ,mamiji overdramatized an expression of fear and sat down on sofa with a thump. Mamaji too followed her with a downcast gloomy expressions.

"Kya hua mamiji...",though Sameer was very sure about her over reaction, but asked trying his best to be polite possible.

"Arey... Sameer beta... Wo doctor nikamma... Usne itni badi list di hai naa parhez ke liye... Aur naa jane kitne bimari ke naam gina diye... Cholesterol se lekar kidney tak... Cheeni to pehle ho band thi, ab ghee bhi... Bta tu ab ghee nhi khayenge to haddiyo me jaan kha se aayegi...",she palmed on her forehead trying to show her disappointment with the doctor.

Sameer was trying to get her point, when mamaji added,"Sameer beta.. kya btaye... Chini to kayi saalo se badhi hai, lekin abhi jabse teri shadi se wapas gye hai naa, ekdum se jyada tabiyt kharab rehne lagi...  Kal jo report aayi wo bhi sahi nhi thi, isliye aj subah khali pet gye test karane, lekin nateeja whi... Ab to malum nhi aage kya kya hoga..."

Sameer dived in his words trying to figure out his mysterious body language, and just then mamiji added from her side,"are kya hi achaa ab... Kitna kha tha kakaji ko ki kundali to mangwa le ladki ki.. lekin nhi maane wo... Ab dekhiye kaisi musibate aa rhi hai..."

"Musibate... Kundali... Was this... No not was this, but actually only this was the reason for her break down last night...", sameer wondered. Everything got so crystal clear just in one moment. He felt his blood boiling up and he couldn't sit silent now. Thinking about her and clenching his fists, he gritted his teeth and said firmly,"kaisi musibate mamiji... Jha tak mujhe malum hai mamaji ko pichhle teen saalo se sugar mna hai... Lekin fr bhi aapne kabhi doctor ki nhi suni... Aapko to lagta hai ki almost 10 saalo ki mehnat ke baad mili uske knowledge se aap jyada janti hai.. to fr ab shikayat kya... Aur please mere saamne nanu ke kisi bhi decision ke liye ya fr..."

Mamiji knew his sensitivity for nanu, and also aware of his temper. So quickly changed the topic and said," are chhod naa tu Sameer beta... Kakaji kha kuch galat karte hai... Bas mai pareshani me... Arey Naina bahu... Jra chai to pila de achi si...",she ended up her name loudly.

" Wo Naina ki tabiyt thodi kharab hai to wo so rhi hai... aapko jo chahiye kanchan di ko bta dijiye, wo laa dengi...",Though Sameer could see her artificing, but informed next moment as never wanted any unnecessary clash before an upcoming festival.

"Lo... Bolo bhala...",mamiji said looking at mamaji and said,"dekha aapne... Ajkal ki ladkiyon ko.. kitni najuk hai... Itna bhi lihaj nhi ki ghar me mehmaan hai..."

All this was being tough for his sanity, and he replied cutting her in between,"nhi mamiji... Meri Naina bhut strong hai, itna ki maine bhi nhi socha tha kabhi... Bas ek hi buri adat hai usme, sabka khyal rakhti hai, sirf apna nhi rakhti... Lekin use jarurat bhi nhi, qki mai hu uske pass, uske saath hamesha.. uska khyal rakhne bhi aur uska saath dene bhi... Har haal aur har waqt me...", With this he got up to leave but suddenly remembered something and added more,"aapka nashta kanchan di ne bna diya hai... Ap log kha lijiye...", along with this he called kanchan di and asked her to serve them breakfast and hurriedly climbed up the stairs as couldn't have patience to face them more.

**********************************

"Hello nanu...",with coming in the room, he called nanu, as now knew everything. He now understood that what hampered her so badly and why she was so restless. And also him too needed his guidance in this moment as feeling very heavy and helpless.

Nanu lovingly blessed him with lots of love and asked about his well being. "Nanu.. wo Naina...",he felt emotionally too drained up for forming a sentence even.

"Naina... Kya hua naina ko.. Naina thik hai naa Sameer...",nanu got a bit worried about her and asked him.

"Nanu... Naina wo mandir me.. wo ashram... Aapne mujhe btaya q nhi nanu...",he couldn't stop his voice choking with emotions.

"Naina... Usne tujhe btaya...",nanu whispered in disbelief and asked a little worried later,"Sameer... Tu... Tune jhagda kiya kya usse... Daata tune use... Kha hai wo... Baat kra usse meri... Thik hai naa wo... Kya hua hai ghar me..."

Sameer wondered that why only that mention made nanu so worried, but of course could relate it seeing her devastated state last night. He replied," nhi nanu... Maine kuch nhi kha... Wo mamiji ne pta nhi kya... Naina bhut paresan hai Nanu... Mujhe samajh nhi aa rha Nanu... ki use... Use kaise sambhalu... Mujhe to ye bhi nhi pta ki... Mai... mai khud ko kaise sambhalu...", He couldn't stop himself breaking down this time and some tears spilled filling his voice with moisture.

Nanu heaved a deep breath and said softly this time,"Sameer.. baat sun bachhe... Maine tujhe nhi btaya qki tu shadi ke waqt jaise behave kar rha tha mai dar gya tha ki kisi baat ko base bna kar tu mna naa kar de shadi se... Aur mujhe pta bhi tha ki tu in sab andhvishwaso me nhi maanta...", Nanu paused for a moment and continued again,"fr abhi jab tu delhi aaya to Naina ko itna khush dekha aur tujhe bhi.. to socha ki wo sab purani baate beet chuki hai.. isliye nhi btaya..."

"Par ab... Ab mai kya karu nanu... Naina ko kaise sambhalu... Wo to... Wo mujhe chhod kar, matlab use lagta hai ki uski wajah se..",he couldn't complete as nanu interrupted him and said,"mai samjhta hu beta... Samajh rha hu ki Prabha ne usse kya kha hoga... Lekin ab tujhe hi use samjhana hai naa beta..."

"Par ab mai kya karu nanu...",he was still not being able to understand.

Nanu smiled and said softly,"thande dimag se kaam le Sameer... Puri duniya kya kahti hai, use fark nhi padta... Lekin tu kya sochta hai usse padta hai qki... Qki uski sari duniya hai tu... To agar sabke kahne se wo us.. us baat pr yakin kar sakti hai to tere kahne se sach bhi samajh jayegi... Bas shanti aur pyar se use samjha..."

Nanu softly made him understand and tried to calm him. He knew his emotional side and also how to handle him and like always he too felt relieved and calm. And somewhere now understood that what to do next. He quickly made some more calls thinking about his plan and left getting up ready in a jiffy.

Before leaving he halted for a second before her sleeping figure, smiled and said tucking a flick behind her ears,"bas thodi der me aata hu, paresan mat hona...",he was about to get up when remembered something and said sitting next to her and holding her hand,"I promise sweetheart ki kal ki hamari pehli Makar Sankranti bhut memorable aur khubsoorat hogi..."

***********************************

"Kanchan di... Ek minute baat suniye...",he went near kitchen where Kanchan di and Radhey was doing their chores and called Kanchan di remembering her advice of last night when he came downstairs to take dinner.

"Sameer baba... Agar aap bura naa maane to hum kuch kahna chahte hai..", kanchan di said to him.

"Kahiye naa di... Aapko kuch chahiye... I mean paise wagerah... Ya fr chhutti...",he smiling replied.

"Nhi baba... Hamari nhi Naina bahu ke liye...",she said still a hesitated.

"Naina...",he mumbled and got alert. And asked now turning to her and listened her attentively,"Naina ke baare me kya kahna hai aapko..."

"Wo badi bhabhiji jab... matlab  Naina bahu ko bhi kahi ye baat.. par unhe lga ki ye thik nhi... Par baba, wo abhi...",she tried to say something very unsynced and disruptively.

"Kahiye naa di kya baat hai.. mai sun rha hu...",he softly gave her support and she started again after arranging her thoughts carefully this time,"wo Jabse badi bhabhiji aayi hai, maayke ke shagun ke naam se Naina bahu bhut paresan ho gyi hai... Isiliye"

"Oh shit...",he muttered a curse to himself as remembered this and said,"tch... Mai to bhul hi gya tha... Acha hua, aapne yaad dilaya... Mai baat kar lunga mamiji se... Wo nhi kahengi Naina se...", And left mumbling annoyingly on mamiji.

"Nhi baba, wo baat nhi...", Kanchan di said quickly to stop him and continued when saw him halting in steps,"baba, sasural me maayka ek tarah se ladki ka maan hota hai... Janti hu ki aap aur bade maalik aisa nhi sochte, lekin sab to aise nhi hai naa... Bhabhiji agar aapke kahne se abhi shant ho bhi gyi to baad me... Baad me wo baki parivaar aur samaj me sab ulta seedha kahti firengi... Fr sirf Naina bahu ki hi nhi bade maalik ki pratishtha pr ungli uthayenge log.."

"Toh ab kya kar sakte hai di...",he asked though not fully convinced but neither had trust on mamiji nor could take chance on nanu's name and her respect.

"Baba.. wo... Mai...", Kanchan di fidgeted her fingers, lowered her eyes and said slowly,"mai.. mera matlab hai ki agar bahar se aap kuch shagun ki cheeze kisi se bhejwa de ye kah kr ki bahu ke maayke se hai, toh unke maayke ka maan bhi reh jayega aur nana ji ka samman bhi..."she completed with lower head as seen him gaping at her with wide eyes.

Somewhere she was preparing herself for his wrath when he said thinking something,"thik hai di... Idea to acha hai... Mai sochta hu is bare me...",he was still not fully convinced but really liked the idea and also her condition back in room seemed a result of this and he decided to give it a thought atleast.

Later in room everything came out drastically different and these thoughts slipped out of his mind. But now he wanted to do everything that could make her happy. Although he could talk to mamiji, but he knew that it would never make her happy. And now he had a clear image in his mind what he wanted to do. So he called Kanchan di and asked her," di... Aapne raat ko jo baat khi thi...", Kanchan di nodded understandably and he asked again,"to ab btaiye ki kya kya cheeze hoti hai shagun ki... I mean kya kya lana thik rahega..."

That kind lady puzzled a bit and replied slowly,"ye to hume thik se nhi pta... Matlab mithai aur kapde to hote honge, lekin uske alawa bhi kya hota hai ya nhi... Mujhe nhi malum baba..."

This made Sameer a little confused but he nodded in assurance and gulping down some fruits just for his Naina's sake he left telling them to not to disturb Naina and informed her that he would be back soon. He absolutely not bothered to ask about mamaji and mamiji even.

************************************

Sameer hugged Munna enthusiastically. It had been a long time since they met. Though after coming back from Delhi, once they met for new year's celebration but it was never enough. They used to spend their most of the time together in college, but now responsibilities of life made them a little busy. Though it didn't disturb their friendship but lessen the frequency of their meeting.

"Arey Sameer.. acha hua tu aaya... Mai aj phone karne hi wala tha...", Munna welcomed him wholeheartedly and said in his known loud and friendly way.

Sameer crooked his brows to ask 'why', when he himself replied,"arey.. Kal uttarayan hai naa, to socha ki saath milke patang udate hai, college jaise... Teri bhi pehli Sankranti hai shadi ke baad, to rasamo ke baad aa jaiyo bhabhi ko lekar... Pandit bhi rahega, maze karenge teeno bhai milke..."

Sameer nodded in agreement and said,"hmm, idea to acha hai... Mai Naina se baat karta hu... Fr milte hai kal... Acha abhi ek dusre kaam se aaya tha wo sun pehle...", Talking about next day plans, he suddenly remembered his reason of coming and said slowly this time.

"Haa bol naa bhai... Kya baat hai...", Munna replied.

"Kal Sankranti ke shagun me kisi ladki ke maayke se jo saman aata hai.. wo kya hota hai btaa jra... I mean uski list chahiye...", Sameer asked in a low tone.

"Sankranti ka shagun... List... Kya hua hai Sameer... tu thik hai naa... Ghar pr sab thik hai naa...", something was definitely there that alerted Munna and he asked worriedly this time.

Sameer was not surprised or shocked as he knew Munna. He always had a deep parental instinct for him and Sameer too never kept any secret from him, but now. That day he was not sure that whether he should tell everything to him or not. He was thinking that what to do then, again on instinct, Munna kept his hand on his and assured him with a blink of eyes like reading his thoughts and he sighed and prepared himself to say. Slowly and in least possible words he let his heart open before his friend and tell him her miseries to all the burns, his Naina was bearing since now.

Munna gasped and looked at him with widest possible eyes. Somehow he managed to get his senses back and said whispering,"ye... Ye tu kya kh rha hai bhai... Kaun se zamane ki baate kar rha hai... Bhabhi... Bhabhi ne ye sab.... Kaise...",he was not ready to believe what he heard some moments back.

Before Sameer could say something, Swati entered smiling with some snacks and coffee, but frowned seeing their blown faces. She kept the tray on table and asked giving a light jolt on her husband's shoulders,"Munna.. kya hua hai... Sameer sab thik hai naa... Tum dono itne paresan q ho...", Sameer was first to recover and passed a small smile picking up a glass of water from tray. Swati looked at Munna and he too gathered himself till then and said,"kuch nhi Swati... Hum thik hai... Bas yu hi kal ki planning kar rhe the..."

Though not fully convinced but nodding a yes Swati left after this giving it on the need to preparations she had to do for next day.

After she left, Sameer again concentrated on the works on hand and asked Munna again,"Munna.. wo shagun ka saman... List.."

"Offoh... ",Munna smacked his forehead lightly and said,"ab ye aurton ki baate mujhe kya pta... Abhi Swati aayi to dhyan hi nhi rha... Tu ruk, mai 5 minute me maa se puchh kar aaya...", with this he got up hurriedly to went in. Sameer hold his hand as he was a little skeptical about all the happenings passed to more persons, but Munna blinked in understanding and left patting his hand.

It was not more  than 10 minutes when he appeared again on the door. He had a different thoughtful look in eyes and a soft smile on face. He sat beside Sameer and said," Bhai.. aisa kar tu ghar jaa bhabhi ke pass... Mai aur Swati abhi market jate hai  aur jo bhi samaan hai wo tere ghar bhej dunga...", Sameer was about to deny when he added again,"dekh bhai.. kafi samaan hai to lane me bhut waqt lag jayega... Aur abhi bhabhi ko teri jarurat hai... Tujhe unke pass hona chahiye... Tu fikar mat kar, sab samaan ache se pahuch jayega...",he convinced him and he nodded agreedily.

*********************************

"Naina... Naina...",it was more than one hour since he left munna's place and now entering home hollering her name loudly.

"Haa... Kitchen me hu.. abhi aayi...",her voice came from kitchen and Radhe appeared with a glass of water for him.

He took the glass and gave him a file he was carrying and said him to keep that in room.

"Aap kha chale gye the... Breakfast bhi nhi kiya...",she came after more five minutes with a loving frown on face and wiping her hands with towel.

"Kaam se gya tha... Tumhari tabiyt kaisi hai ab... ",He didn't bother to reply about breakfast as they both knew the reason of skipping that.

"Chaliye aaiye.. pehle kuch kha lijiye... Kitni der ho gyi hai...",she tugged his hand and lead him to the dining table.

"Khana baad me... Pehle btao yha sab thik hai naa... Tum thik ho naa...",he asked looking at her deeply. She was still in that grey saree, but looked much calm and collected than morning. Her sweet smile was on her lips, though not that soulful but not missing completely too. She was a little relaxed, may be his love gave her the strength or she herself gathered her courage to fight against odds. He smiled and sighed in relief seeing her somewhat better condition.

"Haa sab thik hai... Ab chaliye khana kha lijiye... Lunch ka time hone aaya hai aur breakfast bhi nhi kiya... Aap bhi naa... Jra bhi khyal nhi hai apna... Mai naa hou to aap  khayenge ki nhi...",she blabbered in annoyance as he was still rooted to his place.

"Ye puchho ki saans lunga ki nhi...",he pulled along with her and said softly but the gravity and the veracity of his deep voice hit her directly in gut, and she looked at him restlessly and mumbled,"aap..."

"Arey ab khana serve to karo, ya fr dishes khau...",he was observing her keenly and aware of the storm brewing in her heart, but this was not the time to even touch that. So avoiding her questioning eyes completely he changed the topic and asked to serve her food.

She was still in trans of his earlier words. A little shaken but understood that last night was not only tough for her but went disturbing him too. She recollected her confession, her rantings. She recalled everything that happened after marriage. He was so sensitive for her, he was so possessive for her and above all he was so scared of living alone. "Kya maine kuch galat kar diya.. kya mujhe wo sab nhi kahna chahiye tha... Maine inhe fr se taklif di... Lekin wo loss aur wo sab... Bhagwanji please, btaiye ki mai kya karu...",like flood waters, thoughts were coming in her heart. And she was now reading his gestures, as neither wanted to hurt him nor she could be a jinxed burden for him.

Anyways, jerking away, all the thoughts, she collected herself and served his plate. "Baitho yha..",he said and tugged her hand to make her sit on chair beside. And before she could object, fed her the first bite, then ate himself praising the food loudly. It didn't only for one morsel, but he kept feeding her along himself. They both ate with his little talks and loud praisings surrounded by cozy and warm air of love.

*********************************

"Naina... Thodi der upar chalo, tumse kuch baat... Karni... Hai...",after an early lunch he saw her again going in kitchen. So, saying such he followed her in kitchen. But as soon as he stepped in kitchen, a delicious aroma welcomed him and his voice took pauses while he peeped in vessels on cooktop.

"Wow.. Naina... Tilkut... Tum ghar pr bna rahi ho... Pta hai mujhe bhut pasand hai...",his eyes shone brightly seeing the content in the pan and he exclaimed all surprised.

She just passed a soothing smile and nodded while stirring the mixture and he said again,"jab nani thi naa, hamesha ghar me hi bnati thi... Unke baad fr... ",His lips dropped down and eyes shown a pain. She looked at his faded smile and thinking something said softly,"acha aur kya kya bnati thi naniji, btaiye... Mai bhi bnaungi aapke liye..."

He tilted his head and smiled with all the love shining in his eyes. She looked at him and said,"kya hua... Btaiye naa... Aur kya bnati thi naniji..."

"Umm... Wo peanut chikki aur besan wali barfi...",he said softly. She chuckled listening his answer while he frowned seeing her laughing. But before he could ask, she raised her eyebrows and gestured towards the table. Narrowing his eyes, he turned around to see what she was pointing and a happy surprise hit him in the moment as both the dishes were already kept on the table, fresh and homemade. Wondering but excitingly he wanted to close her in his arms, but she took a step back blushing profusely, as both Radhe and Kanchan di were working there only. He too realized and bit his tongue embarrassing on his enthusiasm.

"Naina... Mujhe ye khana hai...",he couldn't stay away more from his favorite delecasies, so, asked whining like a kid.

She smiled and handed him some pieces in small bowl. He took a bite, but suddenly remembered something and said,"Naina, itna sab kyu bnaya... Thoda kuch bna leti naa.."

She looked at him amused as few seconds back he was cherishing all these, but again her comfort became his priority just in a moment. "Kya aise punya kiye the jo aap mile...",she thought but didn't know the answer, but he was still there waiting for the answer, so she replied,"shadi ke baad pehli Sankranti hai, to isiliye... Kaisa bna hai ye to btaiye...",she couldn't say that she had prepared all these not only for their first festival together, but for the last one too in her thoughts.

Though she had not said anything about it, but he listened everything as her quivering lips and blinking eyes told him everything, and keeping the bowl aside, tugged her hand with a rage, and said,"chalo, room me.. abhi baat karni hai tumse..." She shivered feeling his anger in his voice and pulled along with him.

They were on the stairs only, when door bell rang and a loud hollering of their names halted their steps, and he left her hand and leaned to see the guest. Though it was not necessary as he could recognize the voice belong to Munna only, but he was really unexpected this time. He looked at her and said,"lagta hai Munna aur Swati aaye hai... Aao pehle unhe dekhte hai..."

They both climbed down the stairs together and Munna hugged Sameer as if meeting after a long time. Swati smiled on his over enthusiasm and hugged Naina softly while asking her well being.

"Munna... Tune btaya nhi ki aj aane wala hai...", Sameer asked a little confused as they met just some hours back, but he didn't mention anything about this visit.

"Wo isliye ki aj mai tujhse nhi Naina se milne aaya hu...", Munna replied keeping the big bag on side table, while his reply made Sameer frown, as his friends never addressed Naina with name. And Naina too looked confusingly first at Sameer then Munna and Swati.

Swati again smiled softly and pulling her hand made her sit in between her and Munna and signaled him. Sameer looked at the mischievous exchange and about to ask, when Munna said to Naina,"Naina... Aj yha Sameer ke dost ki haisiyat se nhi, balki apni chhoti behen ke ghar ek bhai ke haq se aaya hu..." This made both Naina and Sameer more confused, and Sameer asked annoyingly this time,"Munna yaar, kya kah rha hai... Saaf saaf nhi kah sakta kya..."

"Offoh.. tu chup baith aur mujhe baat karne de meri behen se...", Munna replied, that again made both Sameer and Naina confused, shocked, surprised, amused and altogether. And Munna continued,"Naina... Jis din tujhe dekha tha pehli baar, tabhi tu bhut apni si lagi thi... Ek chhoti behen ki tarah... Aur sakranti se acha mauka kya ho sakta tha dil ke is rishtey ko pakka karne kaa... Hamare yha to Sankranti me naye rishtey bante hai... Aur mai ek bhai ke haq se aj tere sasural ye Sankranti ka shagun laya hu, tu bhi agar dil se bhai maan kar ye sab accept karegi to bhut khushi hogi mujhe... Ek behen ki kami dur ho jayegi meri life se..."

Naina trembled on the intensity of emotions that brimmed in her every nerve right in the moment. She stumbled as felt her strength giving up. It would be possible that she would fell and hurt herself, but Sameer looped his hand around her shoulders and hold her tight, while Munna and Swati hold her hands instinctively. A tear escaped from her eyes seeing herself surrounded by saviors. No one was there to hurt her, but everyone was showering her with all the love. A family that Sameer weaved with her hands in his, and a family that his friends were providing her with a promise of affection and purity. She couldn't say anything and just looked at Sameer and her lips quivered,"mai... pr mai kaise...", While he made him sit again on sofa.

"Q nhi Naina...", Swati hold the command this time and said,"tu to sabko ek pal me apna bna leti hai... mujhe to pehle pal se hi sabse special lagi thi, lekin Janti hai, Aj jab apne dil ki baat Munna ne mummyji ko btayi, to wo to itna khush huyi ki jaise unke dil ki baat kah di... Pehle unhone kha ki shagun me sab achi se achi chize honi chahiye unki beti ke liye... aur gangaur ka bhi kaha... Pta hai, mummyji khud aana chahti thi, pr kha ki shagun dene to sirf bhai bhabhi jate hai, mai kuch dino baad jaungi...",she hadn't concluded yet, when Naina interrupted her and said,"pr Swati, mai ye.. mai nhi...",she looked at Sameer again. For her, only he could understand her dilemma, she didn't know in which words she could say these loving people that she was a bad luck for everyone associated to her. Tears were spilling vigorously from her eyes. Sameer was actually understanding everything, but again didn't understand how to calm her, when Munna hold her hand, crouched before her on floor and said,"Naina... Behene to bhaiyo ke ghar ki sirf raunak nhi balki kismat hoti hai... Aj tak wo ghar ek behen, ek beti ke ehsas se anjaan hai... Aj mai wo ehsas, wo rang, wo khushi, wo barkat lene aaya hu, jo sirf ek beti ke kadamo me hoti hai..."

She couldn't take it anymore, hide her face in palms and sobbed. She didn't know how to react, but seeing her this broken munna was shook, as somewhere understanding the reason, but never guessed the gravity till now.  Just then Sameer thought something and hugged her lightly and said,"Naina... Tumne kha tha naa ki you trust me, toh bas ek baar usi bharose pr bharosa karke haa kr do... Fr sab thik ho jayega, i promise...",she looked at him, he nodded and she too nodded just trusting on his trust.

Again a variety of emotions prevailed in the room, as munna jumped with happiness, swati hugged her tightly and sameer exhaled thinking that one step definitely cleared.

After a light snack, Swati shown her everything and make her understand about the rituals of next day and she just nodded in response. It was time for them to leave, when taking her in a side hug, Munna said,"Naina.. tujhe naa darne ki bilkul jarurat nhi... Jab bhi ye Sameer tujhe kuch bole to mujhe btana, ache se khabar lunga iski..."

Naina smiled understanding his mischief while Sameer scowled. But before he could react, Swati added much to his irritation,"aur haa, gangaur ki taiyari kar lena... Pure time tujhe whi rehna hai... "

"Heinn.. tum log yha rishta bnane aaye ho ya meri biwi ko churane... Ab mai nikalu ghar se, usse pehle niklo dono...", Sameer grumbled impatiently.

"Q.. hum kya apni behen se baat bhi nhi kar sakte... ",Munna said all unaffected of his grumbles and Swati again said to Naina,"aur nhi to kya... Naina... Ab jab bhi ye tujhse lade naa, tu maayke chali aana...",Naina smiled wholeheartedly perhaps first time in the whole day and Sameer stumpped his foot on ground growling on the trio.

"A family, a shelter, an assurance, a bond and all the love, care and support, what a husband can give more than this to his wife...he had literally gave her everything that belonged to only him once...",she thought looking at his face, when he was busy in waving a bye to his friends. It was just when they were out of sight, she hugged him tightly and he said softly flinging his arms around her,"chalo.. room me baat karte hai..." And lead her in their room.

**********************************

"Ye kya hai...",she looked at the files in her hand in unawareness and asked.

They were in their room, actually in balcony. God knows why, but this place held very special space in both of their hearts unknowingly or perhaps knowingly. May be that's why he made her sit here on floor cushions and handed her some files. But she asked as didn't understand anything.

"Khol ke dekho Naina... Tum samajh jaogi...,"he replied sitting before her on his knees.

Slowly she opened the file, but her eyes shot up wide seeing the papers. "Ye to... Ye to...",she stammered as couldn't give words.

"Haa Naina... Ye hamari company ki last trimester ki balance sheet hai... Dekho, tum khud samajh jaogi, aakhir commerce student ho..",she couldn't but he gave words to her lost voice.

"Haa... Par ye aap mujhe q dikha rahe hai...",she controlled her shiverings and asked as his sweet and polite tone encouraged her.

"Waise to meri wife hone ke hisab se tumhara haq banta hai ki company aur business ke bare me jaano, lekin filhal sirf yhi wajah nhi hai... Abhi to pehle tum ise dekho aur mujhe btao ki kya samajh aa rha hai tumhe...",he replied again politely, but this time slipping beside her and encasing her in a side hug, as knew that she would surely need him soon.

Naina looked at the papers carefully this time as somewhere in her heart knew that he was surely upto something. But as much as she was seeing, her eyes were widening in surprise and heart was thumping in elation.

He understood that she had read the papers, so said softly,"dekho Naina... According to these papers, last three months me hamari company ne jitna profit earn kiya hai, last fifteen years me nhi kiya... Aur isme abhi ongoing projects ke earnings add karna baki hai... Hamare calculation ke hisab se ye saal, specially ye trimester sabse jyada profitable rha hai, last kuch years me... Aur agar sab kuch plans ke hisab se hua to is saal hamari company ka profit graph sabse high hoga...",he explained thoroughly.

"Haa.. pr wo loss jo mamaji ne... Isme to uski koi entry nhi...",she wanted to know that what exactly he was doing, so asked impatiently, but he interrupted her and said again,"haa wo loss... Mamaji kal factory gye the, wha kuch kapda jo thoda wrongly print ho gya tha mistakenly, use dekha, aur sab kuch assume kar liya... Waise to normally aisa material hum chhoti garment factories ko bech dete hai, no profit no loss ke price pr... Par is baar kuch alag hua... Yaad hai tumhe, mai Rajkot gya tha...,"he paused and asked while she nodded in yes listening to him attentively.

He heaved a breath and said again stretching his feet and rubbing her arms," mai Rajkot gya tha usi kapde ki deal ke liye... But usse pehle hi wha pr wo sample jo humne client ko bheja tha, pta nhi kaise ek badi company tak pahuch gya, aur unke designer ko itna pasand aaya ki hume us wrong printed kapde ka pehle se bhi bada order mila, wo bhi hamare normal rates pr... Can you believe it... Lekin paper work abhi complete nhi hua tha, isiliye maine entry nhi karwayi abhi...aur isiliye mamaji ko nhi pta..."

She sighed as if relieved from a big burden on head and a drop of tear fell on her own hand. She snuggled in him and about to say something, when he gave her a envelope and asked her to open. She was still opening the envelope, when he said slowly,"Naina ye Dr. Richardson ka letter hai... Wo bhut bade heart surgeon hai US me... Ummm, Jabse nanu ke heart problem ke bare me pta chala, mai lgatar inse contact karne ki koshish kar rha tha... Almost 6 mahine se... pr unse koi positive baat nhi ho pa rhi thi... Abhi jab Delhi gye the, to pta chala ki ye kisi conference ke liye India aane wale hai... Aur maine ek baar fr se inse contact karne ki koshish ki... You won't believe lekin is baar inse na sirf baat huyi, but nanu ki surgery ke liye bhi inhone haa kha... Ab nanu ki surgery ye karne wale hai... "

He paused for a much needed breath, looked at her clinged on himself, leaned his head and touched her hairs with his cheek and continued further," Ye confirmation letter do dino pehle hi aaya, isiliye tumse kah nhi paya... Pehle bhi itna kuch chal rha tha life me ki mauka hi nhi mila..."

Naina shut her eyes squeezed, sniffed a sob and her arms went around him more tightly. She could now see, what he was doing. She was overwhelmingly emotional in that moment but silent as if no word was enough to describe the feeling of gratitude, but just let all the tears flow carelessly.

Sameer tilted his head some more and rubbed her hairs with his chin and handed him one more envelope. She smiled this time and opened that slowly. "Ye toh... Ye... Aapko...",her happiness and excitement knew no bounds as soon as she read the paper. She pulled back from his embrace excitedly went on knees and said enthusiastically hugging that paper close,"aapko wo award... Oh god... I mean... Wow...",she literally had no words to express her happiness this time.

Sameer looked at his beautiful wife in disbelief. She was so excited, so happy, that for once he couldn't believe that someone could be this happy for him, but then knew, that of course she could. The way she mingled her happiness in him, he was always amazed. And now too, forgetting her every pain, she was too happy with just that piece of paper. Though she had pulled back and he sat hugging his knees and staring at her lovingly. He was lost in her beautiful smile, when suddenly she noticed something and asked him a little suspicious,"is par to 3rd January ki date hai... Aapne mujhe pehle q nhi btaya..."

"Qki janta tha ki tum nhi maanogi...",he gulped a big lump and said,"maine waise bhi unko mna karwa diya hai... Mujhe ye award nhi chahiye..."

"Kya... Pr q...",she couldn't believe what she had heard some moments back.

"Qki mujhe nhi lagta ki Mai ye deserve karta hu...",he was aware that now he would be answerable before her, but already prepared and replied firmly.

"Kya matlab... Aisa q... Aapne itni mehnat ki hai...  ye award aapki hard work ka hi sila hai... Fr aapko q nhi lena...",she frowned and tried to make him understand.

"Naina, jab mai Bombay gya tha naa... Tumhe yha akele chhod kr... Whi mai haar gya tha...",he said softly holding her while she shook her head in no vigorously, but holding her he continued and said softly,"haar gya tha Naina... Ek pati haar gya tha... Nanu hamesha kahte hai ki ek achaa business man wo hota hai jo ghar aur kaam dono ko ek saath lekar chale... Lekin us din mere ek decision se mera kaam mere parivaar ke aage aa gya... To fr mai ye award kaise le sakta hu.. waise bhi tum fikar mat karo, ab jab meri ladyluck mere saath hai to mujhe aur awards mil jaayenge... Lekin mai ab wo galat decisions fr nhi lunga... "

He explained well, but she shook her head again and said,"aisa nhi hai... Pehli baat to ye ki, Ye award aapko sirf aapki kabiliyat aur mehnat ke mila hai, isliye aapko ye mna nhi karna chahiye... Aur dusri baat ye ki I am sure ki aage bhi aapko bhut sari kamyaabi milegi, lekin wo sab bhi aapki hard work ki wajah se, koi ladyluck wuck nhi..."

'woahh... Hit bullseye...',he sighed mentally and asked looking at her face deeply,"Kya kha fr se kahna..."

She was still lost in that paper, so couldn't guess anything about his mysterious tone and replied simply,"yhi ki ye sab aapki mehnat ki wajah se hai, koi luck wuck types kuch nhi hota..."

He smiled wide, hooked a finger under her chin and asked tilting her face,"ek baar fr se kho....",his captive eyes and deep husky voice created a havoc in her heart. She looked in those mirror like clear eyes and seemed like clouds of grief cleared and sun of wisdom shone brightly.

"Aapka matlab hai ki mai...",she wasn't being able to believe what he wanted to convey.

"Bas karo Naina...",all of a sudden something shifted in him and cupping her face he said now all drained emotionally and not being able to hold himself,"Naina.. tum janti ho.. sab samajhti ho, fr ye waham q... Naina, Tumne wo sab kaise bardasht kiya, Mai chahu to bhi nhi soch sakta... Ye bhi nhi kahunga ki bhul jao sab... Lekin bas ab... Kabhi tumhare aur kabhi mere, kab tak...  Akhir kab tak hamara past hamare present ko aansu deta rahega... Tum janti ho, soch bhi sakti ho ki mujhe kitni taklif hoti hai tumhare aansu dekh kar... Jab bhi kuch hota hai, tum mujhe chhod ke jane ki baat karti ho... Ek baar socha hai ki mujhe kaisa lagta hai...",he left her face and hold her on shoulders and gave her a slow jolt,"dhadkan ruk jati hai meri... Saans nhi le pata mai... Aakhe band karta hu to dar lagta hai ki kholunga ki to tum hogi ki nhi mere pass... Bas karo Naina... Mujhse ab aur nhi hota... Janta hu mai ki tum bhut taklif me thi jab wo kha... Janta hu ki bhut pyar karti ho mujhse, isiliye ye sab... Lekin ab aur nhi naa jaan... Please ab aur nhi...",he couldn't hold his tears to spill though it was not exactly he planned, but a much needed vent out, a much needed outburst for her to realize.

She actually horrified seeing his extreme reaction. Her heart wrenched seeing him so broken, so tired, so in pain, but knew his love and somewhere cursed herself for doing this to him. She didn't know what to say, but hold her ears and said a sorry barely audible. He stared at her, hold her hands and pulled her in his arms and said with a little puffed mouth,"abhi gussa nhi hu... Lekin fr se aisa kiya to pakka ho jaunga...",he could never be angry with her. She was his solace, his reason for breath, and knew that she too was living for him only, in him only and with him only.

"I love you...",she said tightening her arms around him with all the love of her heart and he reverted the same and added, "Naina... Ye hamari life ki shuruat hai... Hum ladenge jhagdenge, ruthenge aur mnayenge... Pr hamesha saath rahenge, aur saath milke har problem solve karenge, hai naa...", She was overwhelmingly pleased as really felt a strength, a courage, a rare feeling which was always associated with family was now filling an empty corner of her heart.

She just nodded with teary eyes in his chest and he dropped some kisses on her head holding her very close and rocking to and fro slowly.

"Ab jane dijiye... Mamaji log aate honge, khana bnana hai...",she said wriggling to came out of his hold as they spent almost whole evening talking and now in each other's arms. She was always amazed that how she forgot to keep a check on time whenever be with him, but it was not rocket science to guess either, as she knew that he had abilities to make her forget herself too. And this exactly happened now, she forgot about time and now she had a very little time left to cook dinner for guests, but he was still abdament to leave her.

"Ji nhi... Tum koi khana waana nhi bna rhi unlogo ke liye... Unki wajah se itna khoon bha... Kal se ek smile ko taras gya tumhari... Tum unke liye khana nhi bnaogi bas...", blabbering loud he gave his final verdict.

"Please...",she pleaded but he pulled her more firmly shaking his head in no and she gave in.

*******************************

Later on dinner table, mamiji was a little quiet, as the reports were very bad, and also now she had sensed his possessiveness for her and now restricted herself to say anything about her.  So thankfully, they could have their dinner in peace. After that Naina shown her all the things that Munna brought as shagun and she ogled on those expensive pieces too. And much for her disappointment found nothing to object or taunt, but just instructed her to wake up early in the morning, coz as per ritual she had to do first puja before sunrise.

A heavily emotional day ended with peace and happiness. Though Sameer wanted it to end with lots of love and hugs and mischiefs also, but keeping in mind that she had to get really early, restricted himself to some kisses only. They both had slept wrapped in each other's arms with lots of love for each other and now promise of happiness for first festival after marriage.