Hello everyone...

I am back with the first chapter...

Enjoy reading and do shower your love too...

AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL

CHAPTER 1

The moment Sameer arrived in Ahmedabad; all the beautiful memories that he had lived here came back to life. The treasured memories that he had tried to cherish in his life forever made him alive yet again with just his presence in Ahmedabad. It did not feel like that he was visiting here after ten long years. It felt nostalgic.

But Sameer had prepared himself mentally as he was aware that somehow, somewhere he was going to come face-to-face with his friends and the only love of his life very soon. But was he ready for it? He himself was not sure how he would react when this would happen.

Sameer had curbed his desire several times to get in contact with them and to give up on his stubbornness of not meeting his friends and Naina. But he had resisted a lot. All the words of his so-called step grandmother were still fresh in his mind. And how could he simply forget about the curse which had driven him away from all the important people of his life?

And now, here he was, again in the same city where he had found the real meaning of his life, where he had made a small family which included his Nanu, Munna, Pandit and Naina... his lover who taught him how to love and made him an important person in her life too.

Fresh tears gathered in his eyes when Sameer reminisced all the precious memories while driving back to his Nanu's place which was once his home. It had been more than ten long years that he was coming back here.

"Nahi Sameer... tu abhi kamzor nahi padd sakta. Bohot mushkil se tune sabko teri zindagi se durr kiya tha, ab waapis tu unn sabse milkar unki jaan khatre mein nahi daal sakta. Tujhse jitna ho sake utna unn sabse durr rehna hi hoga. Unki zindagi bohot maayne rakhti hai tere liye. Tu... tu manhoos hai, yeh kabhi mat bhoolna Sameer. Tu yahaan jis kaam se aaya hai, wohi karega. Nanu ke company ke liye yahaan aaya hai naa? Toh bas wohi kaam karna hai, aur jald se jald waapis Mumbai jaana hai.", he reprimanded himself while thinking about his friends and lover and his past life that he had spent here in Ahmedabad.

When the car halted at the entrance of the white mansion, Sameer smiled sadly. Years ago, his Nanu would be waiting for him for his return. And now, there was no one here to be happy on his arrival.

As Sameer came out of the car and was about to take out his luggage, he heard a familiar voice, "Arey Sameer bhaiya... aap aa gaye? Main kab se aapke aane ka intezaar kar raha tha." Sameer turned to watch the familiar face after so long, while the other person continued, "Aap yeh sab rehne dijiye Sameer bhaiya, main saamaan andar le jaata hun."

Sameer smiled, "Ramdhari... tu zara bhi nahi badla. Jaise dus saal pehle tha, abhi bhi waisa hi hai." Ramdhari smiled in return, "Par aap badal gaye ho Sameer bhaiya. Aap yahaan se Delhi kya gaye, aap toh hum sabko bhool hi gaye. Waapis toh aaye nahi, par ek phone karke bhi kisise baat nahi ki, ek baar bhi hamara haalchaal nahi poocha.", he complained while Sameer just shook his head in response.

"Chal... abhi yahin khade rehkar mujhe lecture dega ki andar jaakar mujhe kuch khaane ko bhi milega.", Sameer joked. Ramdhari mumbled, "Main kahaan lecture de raha tha, main toh jo sach hai wahi bol raha tha. Khair chodiye, andar chaliye, aapke liye garma-garam khaana taiyaar hai. Jaise hi mujhe pataa chala ki aap aaj aa rahe hai, maine sab aapki pasand ka khaana banaaya hai."

The moment Sameer entered the house, he was lost in those memories again which he had made with his Nanu and his best friends in every corner of this house. But now there was no one here with whom he could make such memories.

Sameer stood in front of his Nanu's picture that was hanging on the wall, "Nanu... jab bhi main yahaan vacations mein aata tha, toh aap mujhe station lene aate the. Par aaj main akela hi aaya hun. Aap hamesha mera intezaar karte khaane ke liye, jo ab se yahaan koi nahi karega, mujhe yahaan akela rehna hoga, akele khaana hoga, sab akele manage karna hoga. Par main jaanta hun ki aap mujhe kabhi akela nahi chod sakte. Aapke yahaan naa hote hue bhi, main aapki presence mehsoos kar sakta hun Nanu, aur main yeh bhi jaanta hun ki aapka ashirwaad mere saath hamesha hai, bas usse aise hi barkaraar rakhiyega Nanu kyunki mujhe uski abhi bohot zarurat padegi. Aap toh jaante hai naa ki main yahaan kyun aaya hun. Aap mere saath rahiyega please, jisse main aapka sapna poora kar saku, hamari Maheshwari Industries waapis se successful banaa saku. I miss you Nanu... kaashh aap aaj yahaan mere saath hote. I miss you so much..."

Wiping his tears, he settled on the couch and called Rohan and his mother to inform them that he had reached home safely. He freshened up quickly and then relished the delicious lunch made by Ramdhari. Once he was done with the meal, Ramdhari forwarded few envelopes and packages that he had received since last ten years.

Sameer glanced at all the things that were placed in front of him. He opened all the envelopes one by one and read it carefully. There were few letters from the NGOs and schools which had been associated with Maheshwari Industries since a long time. Few were some advertisements pamphlets, but what caught his attention was a beautiful invitation card.

Sameer instantly opened the envelope and was dumbstruck. He had not expected this. It was an invitation card for his school reunion. He traced his fingers on the letters of his school, 'Pragati Vidya Ka Mandir' which had changed his life for the better. He had lived his good times and bad times in this school. He had met his lifelines, his friends, Munna and Pandit and the most precious gift that the school had given him was Naina, the love of his life.

This reunion meant that Sameer would have to face these people. But was he ready to do this after ten long years? During these years, he neither tried to contact them nor he knew about their whereabouts and their lives. He had cut them off completely.

Sameer read the date of the reunion which was fifteen days away from now. Ramdhari who was cleaning the table noticed the invitation card in Sameer's hands, "Bhaiya... yeh card toh Munna Bhaiya do din pehle hi dekar gaye the. Kehkar gaye ki agar aapka phone aaye toh aapko main iske baare mein bataa dun."

Ramdhari noticed the teary eyes of Sameer and continued, "Apko pataa hai Bhaiya, aapke jaane ke baad Munna Bhaiya aur Pandit Bhaiya aapke baare mein poochne har hafte yahaan aate the. Aur jab main unhe bataata ki mujhe bhi aapke baare mein kuch pataa nahi hai, toh wohh bohot dukhi ho jaate the. Aur bohot baar toh..."

Ramdhari stopped midsentence as he saw Sameer wiping his tears off his cheeks. Sameer asked, "Aur... Aur bohot baar kya?" He somehow had an idea about whom Ramdhari wanted to say to him and he wanted to hear it too. "Bolo Ramdhari... aur kya?"

Ramdhari replied, "Wohh... Naina Bhabhi bhi aate the yahaan. Par unhone mujhse kabhi kuch nahi poocha. Wohh bas aapke kamre mein jaati aur... aur bohot roti thi. Mujhe bohot buraa lagta tha, par... par main kar bhi kya sakta tha Sameer bhaiya? Do-teen ghante rehti aur chali jaati. Yeh silsila kuch saal chala, fir unka aana bhi band ho gaya. Abhi toh mujhe bhi pataa nahi hai ki Naina Bhabhi yahaan hai bhi yaa nahi."

Sameer closed his eyes and fresh tears started flowing down his cheeks, "Ramdhari... Naina... Naina tumhari Bhabhi nahi bann sakti, toh... toh aage se usse Bhabhi mat bulaana... kabhi mat bulaana...", saying that, Sameer rushed to his bedroom upstairs and locked the door.

Sameer knew he was the reason that Naina had been crying here for years. He had never given her a closure for their broken relationship. He had simply cut ties with her and vanished from her life without even telling her. He knew his pain was nothing compared to the pain that he had given her. She had loved him selflessly and unconditionally. She had given him this unconditional love that he had never received in his life ever.

As Sameer sat back on his bed, all the memories were back. He opened his luggage bag and took out an old album. There were pictures of the Mount Abu trip that he and Naina had clicked together. This album was his only lifeline which was the reason that he had survived till now. He also had all the letters that she has sent to him when he was staying in Delhi. All of these were precious to him. He always carried them wherever he went.

"Naina...", he whispered while tracing her face on the photo. "Main bhi bohot roya hun tumhare liye Naina. Har din, har minute, har second, main bhi tadpa hun tumhare liye. Par kya karun main? Main chaahkar bhi tumhara nahi ho sakta. Agar hum saath aaye toh main tumhe bhi sabke jaise kho dunga, jo main kabhi hone nahi de sakta. Tum meri jaan ho aur tumhari jaan mere liye bohot keemti hai Naina, fir bhale iske liye mujhe tumse hamesha ke liye hi durr kyun naa rehna pade. Dus saal se jyada ho gaye hai Naina, maine tumhe dekha nahi hai, tumhari aawaaz suni nahi hai. Kaise bitaaye hai yeh dus saal maine tumhare bina, yeh main hi jaanta hun. Chehre par bhale hi smile ho, par har ek din main toota hun Naina. Khudko itna busy kar diya taaki main tumhare baare mein soch hi naa paaun. Par aisa ho hi nahi paaya. Jab jab maine aankhen band ki, maine sirf tumhe hi dekha hai. Hamare beech kitni bhi duri kyun naa ho, par tum mere dil mein hamesha thi. Tumhari jagah main kabhi kisi aur ko nahi de paaunga Naina, kabhi nahi de paaunga. Pehle padhai mein busy ho gaya fir business mein. Dheere dheere uss jhoothi aur khokhli zindagi ki bhi aadat si ho gayi hai abhi, par fir bhi tumhe nahi bhoola paaya main. Meri jeene ki wajah sirf tum ho. I miss you Naina... tumhe har ghadi miss kiya hai aur hamesha karta rahunga. Bas darta hun ki jab tum saamne aaogi tab main kya karunga? Kya... kya tum mujhse baat karogi Naina? Nahi nahi... yeh kya soch raha hun main? Main yahaan Nanu ka business sambhaalne aaya hun, toh ussi par dhyaan dena chahiye. Main Naina, Munna ya Pandit, kisi ke bhi saamne nahi aa sakta. Main uss reunion mein nahi jaaunga, nahi milunga kisi se, nahi mil sakta main... nahi mil sakta main..."

Sameer did not realize when he drifted to sleep with the thoughts of his friends and lover. It was almost after two hours that Ramdhari knocked on the door, "Sameer Bhaiya... aapse koi milne aaya hai." He continued knocking till Sameer woke up with a jerk.

Unlocking the door, Sameer asked, "Kaun aaya hai?" "Rameshji aaye hai bhaiya, unhe aapse kuch kaam hai.", Ramdhari replied.

"Thik hai unhe chai naashta de, tab tak main fresh hokar aata hun.", Sameer rushed towards his washroom. Rameshji was the son of Munshiji who had worked for Nanu. Sameer had called up at the Maheshwari Industries and got in touch with Rameshji who had told him that Munshiji had died of heart attack few years ago and now he was working in his place.

Soon Sameer met Rameshji who gave him all the files that he had asked him to bring. After Rameshji left, Sameer took all the files to his room and started going through them. He was going to join the Maheshwari Industries from the next day. Before joining Sameer wanted to know the exact situation of the company.

In the next few days, Sameer got busy with back-to-back meetings in the company with the shareholders, staff, and all the workers. The situation was not good. He would have to work day and night to get back the position of the Maheshwari Industries on top again. It was his Nanu's dream that Maheshwari Industries would always be on top. He regretted that why he had not taken over this company sooner to maintain its smooth working. Now, he had a long way to go.

That night, Rohan called, "Bhai... kaise hai aap? Aur kaam kaisa chal raha hai?" Sameer then explained everything to him and Rohan listened calmly as always. Rohan had been there with him when he was trying to detach himself from the other important people.

Sameer trusted and loved Rohan immensely. He was always there for him when he was all alone. Sameer knew that whenever he had cried or felt alone, his brother had been by his side always. Rohan knew nothing about the big sacrifice that Sameer was doing for his loved ones. The brothers had bonded well when they stayed together in Mumbai.

Sameer told him about his hostel life in Nainital and then even a little bit about his stay in Ahmedabad. But he never talked much about Naina. He knew if Rohan came to know about his love life, he would meddle for sure and Sameer wanted no such thing to happen.

Rohan had asked him many times about Munna and Pandit and why Sameer was not ready to talk to them. But Sameer had ignored his questions and changed the subject. Rohan understood very well that Sameer was avoiding them intentionally, but why, he never came to know.

Once Rohan had asked their mother for the phone numbers of Munna and Pandit, but his mother had clearly refused him and told him that Sameer had taken a promise from them too for not disclosing anything about his whereabouts to his best friends. No one knew why Sameer was doing all this and no one dared to ask him too. Finally, they had come up as a whole family and no one wanted to lose Sameer again, especially his mother and Rohan. So, they did not ask again and let the matter be.

"Bhai... main aa jaaun Ahmedabad? Aapki help bhi ho jaayegi." Before Sameer could refuse him, Rohan continued, "Bhai... meri baat suno pehle please... Papa aaye hai Mumbai aur wohh yahaan ka kaam sambhaal lenge. Wohh khud bhi yahi chaahte hai ki main wahaan aapko help karne aaun. Aap yahaan ki tension mat lijiye, papa sab manage kar lenge. Aur fir hamara itna active staff bhi toh hai. Bas aap mujhe aane ki permission de dijiye toh main kal hi Ahmedabad aa jaaunga."

Sameer chuckled, "Tu nahi sudhrega naa Rohan? Permission toh sirf ek bahaana hai. Sach sach bol, tune already Ahmedabad aane ki booking bhi kar li hai naa? Aur papa ko bhi tune hi bola hoga Mumbai aakar business dekhne ko, kyun?"

Rohan laughed, "Aap toh sach mein mujhe acche se jaan gaye Bhai. Aapne sahi bola, maine already tickets book kar liye hai aur main kal aa raha hun. Par aapki ek baat galat hai. Maine papa ko Mumbai nahi bulaaya hai, wohh apni marzi se aaye hai yahaan. Aur wohh khud bhi chaahte hai ki main aapki help karne Ahmedabad aaun. Ek minute, papa ko aapse baat karni hai."

Vivek took over the call, "Sameer... dekho beta, main jaanta hun ki tum akele sab thik karna chaahte ho, par Maheshwari industries ki haalat mujhse chupi nahi hai. Main bas yahi chaahta hun ki tum dono bhai milkar jald se jald apne Nanu ka sapna poora karo aur waapis Mumbai aa jaao. Tumhari Mummy bhi yahi chaahti hai beta. Rohan ko main kal Ahmedabad bhej raha hun tumhare liye, kyunki hum mein se koi bhi tumhe wahaan akela nahi rehne dena chaahta. Tumhe kya lagta hai hume nahi pataa ki tumhari kitni yaadein uss ghar se, uss sheher se judi hui hai Sameer. Hum bas tumhe akela nahi rehne de sakte. Abhi Rohan kal aa jayega, fir kuch dinon baad main aur Vishakha bhi aa jaayenge Deepika ke saath. Tumhari behen tum dono bhaiyon ko bohot miss kar rahi hai."

Sameer's eyes teared up again. Even upon losing the most important people of his life, he had made a new small family. Finally, he had got the love of his parents and siblings which he had craved since his childhood.

Clearing his throat, Sameer spoke, "Ji papa... main aur Rohan aap sabka wait karenge. Aur aap fikar mat kijiye, hum sab thik kar denge." And he went on to explain to his father what the company situation was and what all measures he was thinking to implement. The call continued for another half an hour and then he drifted to a restless sleep once again.

Next day, Rohan arrived in Ahmedabad by afternoon and joined his brother directly at Maheshwari industries. Few days passed in a blur for them as they became too busy with the workload.

On Saturday, the brothers decided to have dinner at a nearby restaurant where Rohan had called his friend too whom he had met during some conference in Delhi and now, he too was here in Ahmedabad for some official purpose.

At the restaurant, Rohan introduced his friend to Sameer, "Bhai... yeh hai Samrat Ahuja. Aapko yaad hai main Delhi ek conference attend karne gaya tha iss saal, wahaan main Samrat se mila tha pehli baar. Aur hum dost bann gaye." Turning to his friend, he continued, "Samrat... yeh hai mere bade bhai, Sameer Maheshwari."

Samrat forwarded his hand towards Sameer for a handshake. "Toh yeh wohi bhai hai jiske baare mein tumne mujhe bataaya tha." Rohan agreed, "Haan... yahi hai mere Bhai... jo mere liye sabse jyada important hai. Main aaj jo bhi hun, jaisa bhi hun, sab inhi ki wajah se hun. Ek time tha jab main kuch bhi karne ke liye sirf timetable follow karta tha. Meri zindagi mein inke aane ke baad, sab badal gaya. Aaj jo mujh mein confidence hai, wohh sab inhi ki wajah se hai."

Sameer interrupted, "Ab bas bhi kar Rohan. Maine kuch nahi kiya hai tere liye, jo bhi kiya hai tune khud kiya hai apne liye." Facing Samrat, Sameer continued, "Tumse milkar accha lagaa Samrat. Waise tum yahaan Ahmedabad main kya kar rahe ho?"

"Main yahaan ek event attend karne aaya hun. Waise main basically Delhi ka hun. Kuch saal pehle hi main yahaan shift ho gaya tha. Meri ek publishing agency hai aur kal ek book ka inauguration function hai. Sabse famous writer, 'Netra', ki kal book launch ho rahi hai.", Samrat replied as they settled in the restaurant.

"That's great Samrat.", Sameer genuinely was happy with his reply. They continued talking and relished the delicious dishes. Once the meal was over, Samrat asked, "Rohan... Sameer... tum dono ko mere iss inauguration function mein kal aana padega."

The brothers agreed instantly, "Haan... hum zaroor aayenge Samrat." After bidding him goodbye, as they turned to leave, someone called out, "Sameer..." and he halted in his tracks.

Sameer could recognize that voice from amongst the crowd too. He turned slowly and came face-to-face with his lifelines. "Munna... Pandit...", Sameer's voice choked as he called out their names. His best friends stood in front of him with teary eyes.

But before Sameer could say something, his cheek stinged with a resonating slap from his friend, Munna. And everyone stood frozen. Rohan came in front of Sameer in a flash, "Yeh kya kar rahe ho tum Munna bhai? Bhai ko thappad kyun maara?"

Munna replied without breaking his eye contact with his best friend, "Tu apne bhai se hi kyun nahi poochta Rohan ki maine isse yeh chaanta kyun maara?" Sameer very well knew why his brother cum best friend had slapped him. But could he reply? No... he could not.

Sameer was the one who had pushed them away without even having a talk with them. He deserved it. But he also knew that if he had not done that and stayed in their lives, then he would have lost them too which he could not afford.

Sameer eyes teared up and the battle that he was battling with himself could be clearly seen on his face. Rohan, Munna and Pandit stared at Sameer who was struggling with his feelings. Looking at the faces of his lifelines, he could not control his emotions anymore and pulled them in for a hug.

All the three friends cried their eyes out while Rohan stood next to them with a smile on his face, yet tears had made its ways in his orbs too. He had wanted to see their bonding which he had always heard from his mother. And now watching them together made him content. Finally, his brother had found his solace in his best friends.

After a few minutes, when they came apart, Pandit spoke, "Ghar chalte hai, wahin sab baatein karte hai." All the four boys settled in the car and drove back to the Maheswari Mansion which had always been their home.

As soon as Ramdhari saw them entering the house, he was overwhelmed, "Munna bhaiya, Pandit bhaiya... aap dono ko Sameer bhaiye ke saath dekhkar aaj main bohot khush hun. Aap sab baithiye main abhi sab ke liye coffee banaakar laata hun.", saying that he scampered towards the kitchen while all the four boys settled on the couches opposite each other.

"Ab bol... Tu dus saal se kahaan tha? Aisa kya hua tha ki tune hum mein se kisi ko kuch bhi bataana zaruri nahi samjha? Tune hume... tere jeegri doston ko khud se durr kyun kar diya? Hume akele chodkar kahaan chala gaya tha tu? Bol Sameer... Tujhe pataa bhi hai ki hum dono kaise rahe hai tere bina? Kaise bure bure khayaal aa rahe the tere liye?", Munna asked in a stern voice.

Pandit added, "Haan Sameer... bataa naa aisa kya hua tha ki tu hume chodkar aise humse durr chala gaya? Tu jaanta hai naa ki hum tujhse kitna pyaar karte hai aur kabhi tujhe akela nahi chodna chaahte the, fir kyun kiya tune yeh sab? Jab bhi Vishakha mausi ko phone kiya toh unhone yahi kahaa ki tune manaa kiya hai hume kuch bataane se. Kyun Bhai? Hamari kya galti thi Sameer?"

Sameer was already wiping his tearstained face, "Munna... Pandit... hum aaj hi mile hai aur main abhi yeh sab baatein nahi karna chaahta. Main waqt aane par sab sach bataa dunga. Par abhi main tum dono ko kuch nahi bataa paaunga. Mere jo bhi reasons the tum sab se durr jaane ke, wohh sahi the aur mujhe uska koi pachtava nahi hai. Maine hi mummy se kahaa tha ki tum dono ko mere baare mein koi bhi jaankari naa de, kyunki main jaanta tha ki agar tumhe pataa chal jaata ki main kahaan tha, toh tum dono Naina ke saath mujhe lene aa jaate. Aur main wohi nahi hone de sakta tha. Tum sabse durr rehna bhale hi meri majburi thi, par wohh mera sahi faisla tha."

Munna scolded, "Acchaa... hum sab se durr rehna sahi faisla tha tera? Kuch bhi faltu ki baatein mat kar. Arey hamara chod, Sameer... tune ek baar bhi Naina ke baare mein nahi socha, jo sirf tere liye jee rahi thi. Bechaari kitne saal se aas lagaaye baithi thi ki kab Sameer aayega aur tum dono ka pyaar poora hoga. Tune hamare saath saath Naina ko bhi kho diya? Aise kya majburi thi Sameer jiske liye humse durr rehna tujhe thik lagaa, bataa hume?"

Rohan added, "Bhai... main bhi jaanna chaahta hun sab. Maine dekha hai Bhai ki kaise aap roz raat rote the. Naina ke baare mein toh main aaj sunn raha hun. Agar aap Naina se itna pyaar karte the toh aap waapis Ahmedabad kyun nahi aaye? Mummy ne toh aapko bola bhi tha naa yahaan aane ko, fir bhi aapne Mumbai jaane ki zidd ki, kyun bhai? Aise doston ko aur pyaar ko khone ke liye taiyaar kyun huye aap?"

Sameer looked at them and finally decided to reveal all the words that his step grandmother had said to him. He still could not forget those words which had pierced and broken his heart and his life into pieces.

"Jis jis ne tumko pyaar kiya hai wohh bhagwaan ko pyaara ho gaya hai aur main nahi chahti ki agla number meri bahu ka ho. Itne saal tak bechaari Vishakha ko khaansi tak nahi hui aur aaj uski itni serious haalat... yeh sab tumhari wajah se ho raha hai, sab tumhari wajah se. Tumhare pyaar ka saaya jispe padta hai wohh duniya se durr chala jaata hai. Tumhara pyaar, tumse pyaar karne waale ki haar bann jaata hai, unki zindagi ka anth bann jaata hai... Yeh baat tumhe bataana mera farz tha kyunki mujhe apni bahu aur apni family ki fikar hai. Bhagwaan ke liye hamara peecha chodo aur hume chain se jeene do."

Sameer sobbed as he uttered every word that was thrown his way in anger. But somehow, he had believed it and taken this harsh decision to stay away from all his loved ones and save their lives. The other three boys sat there stunned as Sameer finished narrating why he had stayed away from them.

Munna was the first one to recover, "Tune uss khadoos daadi ki baaton par vishwas kiya Sameer? Tera dimaag toh thikaane pe hai naa? Tu bhi bohot acche se jaanta hai ki wohh budhiya tujhse kitni nafrat karti hai, wohh tujhe uksaa rahi thi bhai, aur tu uski jhaal mein fass bhi gaya. Paagal hai kya Sameer? Tune uske kehne par hum sabse rishta tod diya aur humse durr ho gaya? Mann kar raha hai ki ek do chaped aur lagaa dun tujhe abhi."

Pandit instantly added, "Sahi keh raha hai tu Chenu... par Sameer ko ek do chaped ki zarurat nahi hai, mera mann toh uss khadoos daadi ko maarne ka hai." Looking at Rohan, he continued, "Sorry Rohan... par sach mein bohot gussa aa raha hai teri daadi par. Wohh aise kaise Sameer ko manhoos keh sakti hai? Sameer uska sagaa potaa nahi hai, iska yeh matlab toh nahi naa ki wohh Sameer ko kuch bhi bol de."

Rohan shifted closer to Sameer, "Bhai... aap ek baar mujhse toh yeh sab keh dete, toh main tabhi aapke dil se yeh baatein durr kar deta. Daadi aapko pasand nahi karti, yeh toh aap bhi jaante hai naa? Fir unki kisi bhi baat par vishwas kaise kar sakte ho aap? Unhone har mod par aapko jaanbujhkar pareshaan kiya hai aur fir bhi aap unki baaton mein aa gaye? Bhai... Aap manhoos ho hi nahi sakte? Aise kaise aapne yeh sab maan liya?"

Sameer finally broke his silence, "Maanta nahi toh kya karta, huh? Daadi sahi hi keh rahi thi ki main manhoos hun... meri wajah se bachpan mein hi mere papa ki death ho gayi. Uske baad mummy ne tere papa se shaadi kar li. Uske baad mujhe hostel mein chod diya. Main kaise akele raha hun, main hi jaanta hun. Fir main bhaagkar Nanu ke paas chala gaya, unke saath rehne lagaa, par uske baad kya hua... wohh bhi mujhe akela chodkar iss duniya se chale gaye. Jinse bhi maine pyaar kiya, wohh sab bhagwaan ke paas chale gaye, pehle papa, fir Nanu... aur jab... jab Naina Delhi aayi uss dance competition ke liye, tab bhi mere wahaan hone ki wajah se wohh stage par gir gayi, usse pair mein chot lagi. Bas... maine tab hi decide kar liya tha ki main Naina, Munna, Pandit aur Mummy se durr rahunga. Isliye main Mummy ke kehne par bhi waapis Ahmedabad nahi aaya aur Mumbai jaane ki zidd ki, kyunki main kisiki ko bhi khona nahi chaahta tha. Bhale main sab se durr rahu, but at least wohh sab toh jee sakte hai."

Rohan could not hear anymore, "Toh mujhe kyun kuch nahi hua? Main bhi toh aapke saath Mumbai mein raha hun. Aap mujhse bhi utna hi pyaar karte ho jitna aap mummy aur baaki sab se karte ho. Deepika ko bhi kuch nahi hua. Mummy-papa bhi hamare saath rehne aate hai, unhe bhi kuch nahi hua. Toh iska matlab main kya samjhu bhai? Kya aap humse pyaar nahi karte? Aapke saath hote huye bhi hume kyun kuch nahi hua?"

Munna added, "Naina jab Delhi dance competition ke liye aayi, toh wohh stage pe gir gayi. Fir bhi Naina ne dance kiya aur wohh competition jeet gayi. Yeh tumhare pyaar ki taakat thi jiski wajah se wohh jeet paayi. Rohan bhi sahi keh raha hai. Ab jawaab de Sameer. Kya tu inn sabse pyaar nahi karta? Yaa teri manhoosiyat inn sab par kaam nahi kar rahi? Bol Sameer... bol..."

Sameer had no answer while Rohan continued, "Bhai... aapke papa health issues ki wajah se chal base the aur Nanu... unki bhi age ho gayi thi aur unhe bhi heart problems the. Wohh bhi heart attack se hi guzar gaye the. Inn sab se aapka kya lena dena hai, huh? Aap acche se sunn lo aaj ki aap manhoos nahi ho. Aap kisi ke bhi maut ke kaaran nahi bann sakte bhai, yeh aapko samajhna hoga."

Munna sat down on his knees in front of him, "Sameer... tu manhoos nahi hai mere yaar, tu ho hi nahi sakta. Mera dost to heera hai, jo sab ki zindagi mein khushiyaan hi laata hai. Tu kaan kholkar sunn le bhai, aaj ke baad kabhi apne aap ko manhoos mat kehna warna main sach mein tujhe chaped lagaa dunga aur fir kabhi humse durr jaane ki baat mat karna, samjha..."

Getting up from his seat, Sameer held Munna's shoulders and made him stand. Joining his hands together, Sameer spoke with a heavy heart, "Mujhe maaf kar de Munna... Pandit... Rohan... pataa nahi mujhe kya ho gaya tha aur maine Daadi ki kahi saari baatein dil se lagaa li, sach maan li. Inn sab mein maine tum sabko bohot hurt kiya hai, khaaskar Naina ko. Par abhi bohot der ho chuki hai. Itne saalon baad pataa nahi Naina kaisi hogi, kahaan hogi. Par main ab usse maafi bhi nahi maang sakta, kyunki sab meri hi galti thi. Maine Naina ka dil tod diya hai, jo main shaayad fir kabhi nahi jod paaunga."

Pandit replied, "Sameer... Naina toh ab..." but before he could complete his sentence, Sameer interrupted, "Nahi Pandit... kuch mat bolna. Mujhe Naina ke baare mein kuch nahi jaanna hai. Main jaanta hun ki wohh jahaan bhi hogi khush hogi. Aur main ab uski zindagi mein waapis jaakar uski nayi life mein koi problems nahi create karna chaahta. Dus saal... bohot lamba time hota hai apni zindagi mein aage badhne ke liye. Aur ab main achanak uski life mein nahi jaa sakta. Uska dil todne ki, usse itna rulaane ki yahi sazaa hai mere liye ki main Naina ki zindagi mein waapis naa jaaun. Aur tum sab mujhse promise karo ki tum mein se koi bhi Naina ko nahi bataayega ki maine wohh sab kyun kiya tha."

All the four boys had a group hug while Ramdhari stood there holding the tray. He had heard everything that all the four were talking. He too cried along as he heard Sameer's narration. How could some people be so evil and hurt others without even giving it a thought? The venomous words of Daadi had not only shattered Sameer's life but also of all his loved ones.

"Sameer... Tu fir se galti kar raha hai Naina ko durr karke.", Munna warned but Sameer ignored it. "Ab tum dono ghar jaao, waise bhi bohot late ho gaya hai.", Sameer told his best friends.

"Main kahin nahi jaa raha, waise bhi kal Sunday hai aur hume tujhse bohot saari baatein karni hai. Aur ab hamare saath Rohan bhi toh hai. Uske baare mein bhi sab jaanna hai hume, kyun Pandit?", Munna sat down on the sofa comfortably feeling at home.

"Sahi bola tu Chenu. Hum kahin nahi jaa rahe yahaan se. Arey Ramdhari kuch khaane ko banaa de, mujhe waapis bhook lagi hai. Itna rona dhona ho gaya hai naa aaj ki pet mein waapis choohe daudne lage hai.", Pandit added making everyone laugh.

During night, Munna and Pandit knew everything about Sameer's and Rohan's life in Mumbai and why there were back in Ahmedabad. They too decided to help Sameer to get back Maheshwari Industries on top. It was around five in the morning when everyone went to bed and drifted to sleep except one.

Sameer could not sleep at all. He had clearly said that he did not want to get back with Naina and explain his side, but could he do it? It was just seven days and his resolve to stay away from his best friends had vanished in thin air. What if he met Naina during his stay here? Would he stay away from her or would he try to sort out the problem caused by him? He was not sure what he would do. But for now, he could only think about how to grow and expand his business of Maheshwari Industries.

Later that day, Rohan and Sameer got ready to attend the book inauguration ceremony where they were invited by Samrat. Munna and Pandit returned to their respective homes and were to join the company the next day.

There was something different in the air as Sameer stepped out from his car and walked towards the hotel where the ceremony was held. Dressed in the casual outfits, both the brothers looked dashing and stunning. All the heads turned when they entered the hall and walked forward towards the stage.

Samrat came in their direction as soon as he spotted them. "Hey... main tum dono ka hi wait kar raha tha. Main tum dono ko iss behtareen writer se milaana chaahta hun, jo aaj apni book ka yahaan launch karnewaali hai."

Turning around twice, he continued, "Yeh Netra kahaan chali gayi? Abhi thodi der pehle yahin toh thi." Sameer and Rohan too looked around but spotted no one. "Aisa karo, tum dono baith jaao, main zara thodi arrangements dekhkar aata hun. Function bas thodi der mein shuru hi honewaala hai." Samrat guided them towards their seats and then left to look after the arrangements.

Rohan and Sameer were discussing something related to their work when the lights dimmed and the function started.

Samrat came on stage, "Hello everyone... aap sab yahaan iss book inauguration ke liye aaye uske liye aap sabka bohot bohot shukriya. Jyada time waste naa karte hue main ab uss writer ko bulaana chaahta hun jo bohot hi kamm time mein itni popular ho gayi hai. Inki books ne saare records tod diye hai. Aur wohh aaj yahaan apni next book ka launch karne jaa rahi hai. I am sure wohh book bhi saare records tod degi. So, everyone... get your hands together and welcome Ms Netra Agarwal on stage please."

The moment Netra stepped on stage; all the air whooshed out from Sameer's lungs. He could not believe his eyes and whispered, "Naina..."

How was the update?

Honestly speaking, while writing this, I remembered the phase when I had started writing my story, 'Tanhayee'. I had cried buckets while writing Tanhayee's first chapter and it is the same right now.

Well... Sameer has apologized to his best friends and they have forgiven him.

Do you think Naina will forgive him too?

A twist coming up in the second chapter... Any guesses...

I will be back with the next chapter of 'Vows of Hatred' on Sunday night.

Till then, take care and stay safe...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️