Hello everyone...

I am back with the next chapter...

Sorry for the delay...

Enjoy reading and do shower your love too...

AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL

CHAPTER 3

"Chal Ponga... late ho gaya hai. Hume ghar jaana chahiye.", Munna said as he got up to leave after having dinner. Pandit who was not ready to go home just yet, replied, "Chenu... sunn naa... main keh raha thi ki kyun naa hum aaj raat bhi yahin ruk jaaye. Kal subah Sameer and Rohan ke saath hi Maheshwari Industries chale jaayenge."

Before Munna could react, Sameer asked, "Waise tum dono kal directly office aanewaale the naa, fir abhi raat ko kaise aa gaye?" Munna and Pandit shared a look while Rohan replied, "Maine bulaaya tha inn dono ko. Aap jis gusse mein uss auditorium se nikle the wohh dekhar main samajh gaya tha ki aapko main akele nahi sambhaal paaunga, isliye maine Munna ko message kar diya tha."

Sameer shook his head, "Rohan... main jaanta hun ki kabhi kabhi mera gussa sab haddein paar kar jaata hai. Aur aaj jo hua uske baad mujhe pataa hai ki tu sach mein mere gusse se darr gaya hoga. Mumbai mein main sirf Naina ki yaadon ke sahaare jee raha tha, par aaj usse Samrat ke saath dekhkar mujhe bilkul accha nahi lagaa. Main jaanta hun ab mera Naina par koi haq nahi hai, par fir bhi mujhe dard ho raha hai usse kisi aur ke saath dekhkar."

Turning towards his best friends, Sameer continued, "Tum dono ko thank you nahi bolunga kyunki main jaanta hun ki tum dono hamesha mere bure waqt mein mera saath doge, hamesha mere saath khade rahoge."

Wiping his tears, Sameer pulled all the three guys for a group hug, "Pataa nahi tum log nahi hote toh mera kya hota? Waise Pandit thik hi keh raha hai, tum dono aaj bhi yahin ruk jaao. Hum kal office ek saath jayenge."

"Kya main bhi iss group hug mein shaamil ho sakta hun?", came a voice from the door. Sameer was the first one to break the hug and he stared at the person standing at the entrance.

"Arey Samrat... tum wahaan kyun khade ho? Andar aa jaao.", Rohan came forward to greet his friend while Munna and Pandit watched their best friend's reaction who was now standing rigidly and glaring at the unwanted intruder.

Munna took the lead, "Arey Samrat. Tu iss waqt yahaan kya kar raha hai?" But before answering, Samrat hugged him and Pandit, "Actually mujhe tum dono se poochna chahiye ki tum dono iss waqt yahaan kya kar rahe ho?"

Pandit laughed, "Tu jiske ghar mein hai naa, wohh hamare jigri yaar ka hai." Saying that, Pandit held Sameer by his shoulder and continued, "Sameer hi hamara wohh dost hai, jiske liye hum dus saal se wait kar rahe the."

Samrat was stunned, "Ek minute... kya yeh wohi Sameer hai jiske baare mein tum hamesha se baatein kiya karte the?" Munna agreed, "Bilkul sahi pehchaana Samrat. Sameer hamara wohh bhai hai, jiske bina hamari zindagi adhoori si lagti thi. Aur dekho... ab dus saal baad hamara yaar, hamara bhai, Ahmedabad waapis aa gaya hai."

All the while, Sameer stayed silent and listened to all the talking. His mind working suddenly. Why was Samrat here so late at his place? Had Naina sent him here? No... it can't be. She had outright denied knowing him, then why would she send him? Curiosity got the better of him and Sameer asked, "Samrat... main bhi jaanna chaahta hun ki tum itni raat ko yahaan kyun aaye ho? Aur hamare ghar ka address tumhe kaise pataa chala?"

"Ohh sorry... mujhe yahaan aise bina bataaye nahi aana chahiye tha. Par yahaan aaye bina reh bhi nahi paaya. Waise Sameer tumhara address jaanna itna mushkil bhi nahi tha. Yahaan kisise bhi pooch lo ki Maheshwari Mansion kahaan hai, sab raasta bataa dete hai."

Sameer noticed a paper bag in Samrat's hand which was then forwarded towards Rohan, "Main toh Netra ki autographed book dene aaya tha. Tum dono itni jaldi mein auditorium se nikal gaye the aur book lena bhool gaye, isliye main khud yeh book dene yahaan aa gaya. Ab Rohan ne wahaan auditorium mein kahaa tha ki usse Netra ki book padhni hai, toh main yaad se usse dene aa gaya."

Rohan took the bag and thanked him, "Samrat... thank you so much ki tu yeh book yahaan le aaya. Main soch hi raha tha ki tujhse kahun ki mujhe Naina... I mean Netra ki book chahiye hai." Samrat thumped his shoulder, "Rohan... iss mein thanks bolne ki zarurat nahi hai yaar. Doston ke liye toh kuch bhi."

He added, looking at Sameer, "Waise tum sab reunion mein aa rahe ho naa?" Everyone agreed except Sameer who wanted nothing else then killing the person standing in front of him with his bare hands.

Soon, Samrat bid his goodbye and left, leaving Sameer fuming behind. Turning towards Mundit, Sameer asked, "Tum dono Samrat ko kaise jaante ho?"

Pandit rubbed his neck nervously and looked at Munna who was not going to bow down to their angry best friend, "Samrat ko hum tab se jaante hai, jab se wohh Naina ki zindagi mein aaya hai. Shaayad paanch saal ho gaye honge hume Samrat ko jaane hue, kyun Ponga?" Pandit just nodded in response and remained silent.

Munna continued, "Waise Samrat na hota toh shaayad Naina aaj itni khush nahi hoti." Meeting his best friend's eyes, he spoke, "Aaj Naina ki kaamyaabi mein sabse badaa haath agar kiska hai toh wohh Samrat ka hi hai. Agar paanch saal pehle Samrat Naina ki zindagi mein nahi aaya hota toh aaj Naina ek kaamyaab writer naa hoti. Uske aane se Naina ki zindagi poori tarah badal gayi. Wohh khush rehne lagi hai tab se. Hum dus saal se Naina ke saath hai, uski zindagi ko bohot nazdeek se dekha hai aur aaj main yeh keh sakta hun ki Samrat hamari Naina ko bohot khush rakhega."

Sameer couldn't hear more and he walked back to his room with teary eyes but not before hearing Munna's warning, "Iss baar hum kisiko bhi Naina ki khushi ke aade nahi aane denge."

Sameer didn't want to lose control over his emotions again, especially in front of those who had already seen him breaking down since yesterday. And Munna was right, he had no right to disrupt Naina's life now. After whatever he had done with her, he should have no complains. Naina had moved on and he was happy if she was going to be happy with Samrat.

But still it hurt him to accept that Naina had moved on. He couldn't do anything now. He had lost his Naina, his love, his happily ever after. But one thing was sure, that he would never be able to move on from his Naina, not because he couldn't but because he didn't want to. He couldn't give Naina's place to anyone else. It was her or no one else.

As Sameer went to freshen up and change into his night clothes, Rohan entered his brother's room quietly and kept the paper bag given by Samrat on the bed. He knew his elder brother had gone through a lot since yesterday and he would never ask for his Naina's book from him. So, here he was to give his elder brother some solace from all the hurt. Rohan knew his brother's mood would change soon enough after reading her book.

As Sameer came out of his washroom, his gaze landed on the paper bag kept on the bed. He instantly recognized it and dashed towards his bed. Soon enough, he was holding Naina's new book, 'Yeh Unn Dinon Ki Baat Hai' which was launched this evening. He traced his fingers over her autograph and kissed it.

Forgetting all about his own heartache, Sameer opened the book and started reading. Rohan was right that his brother would find his comfort from her book. Sameer sat back against the headrest of his bed and continued reading.

All the memories of his school days flashed in his mind one by one. He was indeed right that Naina had penned down her own love story in her fourth book. He felt nostalgic reminiscing those memories. All the words had come from her heart which soothed him somehow.

Sameer continued reading throughout the night and finished at the break of dawn. His eyes were numb as he read the epilogue. He couldn't believe what he had read. This was not what he had expected at all.

Closing the book, he ran towards the washroom again. Looking at his reflection in the mirror, he recalled the epilogue once again, "Nahi... Naina... Naina aisa nahi kar sakti. Wohh... wohh... kisi aur se shaadi nahi kar sakti. Main... main usse kisi aur ke saath nahi dekh sakta, nahi dekh sakta main meri Naina ko kisi aur ke saath."

Naina had indeed written her own love story starting from how she fell in love at first sight and how her heart was broken because of a bet. Each moment which they had spent together were written exceptionally well and Sameer had relived them while reading.

But the end was devastating for him. Naina had clearly made her stance clear that her school love story had ended when he had left her without any explanation. He came to know how she had survived without him and faced the trauma alone when her family had found out about her love for him. His broken heart had shattered again. She had been alone all along. How could her own family treat her like that?

Now, Sameer understood why Munna and Pandit were favouring Naina more than him. They had stood by her and supported her since his departure and he was grateful for that. But what came as a shock was the epilogue where Naina had clearly shown that she had married someone else who loved her immensely. The epilogue had crushed his hopes of getting his Naina back.

Sameer's mind was thinking at a rapid pace. Was Naina really thinking of getting married to someone else? Was she going to marry Samrat? The camaraderie that he had seen last evening between Naina and Samrat showed their compatibility. Naina was so comfortable with him.

Sameer remembered the days they had spent together while he was here in Ahmedabad. He had hardly held her hand a couple of times. But yesterday when he saw Samrat holding Naina by her shoulder, his heart burnt. His jealousy had perked up watching them so close. He had never shared this intimacy with her. These ten long years had changed her in so many ways. The girl who used to shy away with just a mere touch of his hand was now bold enough to let some other male to hold her so intimately. This action was an eyeopener for Sameer. Last five years that she had spent with Samrat had more weightage than their past love relationship.

Naina had moved on, Sameer thought painfully. It was time for him to move on too and let Naina live her life happily with Samrat if this is what she wanted. He had lost all his rights over her after breaking their relationship ten years ago.

Freshening up quickly, Sameer went for jogging to clear his mind. He had come to Ahmedabad to take control of the reins of the Maheshwari Industries, so he needed to do just that. He would not lose control over his emotions for Naina, especially in front of his brother and friends, he promised himself. But he wasn't aware that Naina was the only one who had the power to break all his promises.

That week passed soon enough for Sameer and Naina. While Sameer was busy with working day and night at Maheshwari Industries, Naina was busy attending her book launch events in different cities alongwith Samrat and Preeti who had taken upon herself to not let her soul sister alone.

Preeti was already aware that Naina's current book was her own love story. Infact, Preeti was the one to push her sister to publish this book. She had seen Naina breaking down almost every night after Sameer's departure which was unbearable for her.

After Naina was kicked out of her house, Preeti had stood like a rock with her. Anand and Bela too had supported them and given them freedom to choose their own careers, despite disapproval from his elder brothers. This small family of Anand, Bela, Preeti and Naina had cut ties with their other family members and had created their own new place for living.

Anand and Bela knew about Naina's love for Sameer, but never questioned it. They knew their daughter well enough and trusted her. One year of failure and unconditional support from her family made Naina realize that she should not let them down. She started working hard and topped her studies every year since then. Even if every fibre of her soul missed Sameer, but she never let it affect her studies and work.

Naina had started working very soon by writing articles for newspapers and magazines. During that time, she had started penning down her own love story as she wanted to relive her time with Sameer. This was all she could do to feel the presence of her love around her.

Preeti knew about this as she stayed with her in the same room at the hostel. Her heart pained every time when she saw her sister weeping silently for her lost love.

And then Samrat had made his entry in their lives and everything had changed for the better. Naina had met him during some meeting with the magazine editor. And from there, he stood with her through every thick and thin.

Samrat had read her articles and had asked his editor friend to set a meeting with Naina. From there, she had improved and she had started writing her own books. She needed motivation and support which Samrat and Preeti had given her immensely. Apart from them, Munna, Pandit and Swati too had been by her side always.

One week had passed quickly for everyone and the day of their School Reunion approached. All of them were excited for it. It had been a very long time for all the friends to be under the same roof.

"Bhai... aap ready ho gaye kya?", Rohan was knocking on the door for last few minutes while no sound came from the room. Now he was worried. Was his brother alright? He was going to bang the door loudly when Sameer opened the door with a huff, "Kya hai? Kya kab se darwaaza khatkhataa raha hai?"

Rohan staggered back and stared at his brother who stood in front of him wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist, "Aap abhi tak ready nahi hue Bhai? Aapko yaad hai naa ki aaj reunion party mein jaana hai?"

Sameer looked at the clock in his room and glared at his younger brother, "Rohan... abhi do ghante baaki hai party shuru hone mein." Looking from head to toe, Sameer continued, "Tu itni jaldi kyun ready ho gaya hai? Reunion party mere school ki hai, tu kisko jaanta hai wahaan? Aur mujhse jyaada excited tu lag raha hai iss party mein jaane ke liye? Sach sach bataa baat kya hai?"

Rohan stuttered, "Koi... koi baat nahi hai Bhai. Main toh bas... bas aapke ke liye excited ho raha hun. Dus saal baad aap apne school friends se milenge, kitna accha lagega naa aapko? Waise bhi aap mujhe aapka school dikhaane waale the naa, isliye main party mein jaldi jaana chahta hun."

Sameer narrowed his eyes at his brother and let this matter go for now, "Thik hai. Main dus minute mein ready hokar aata hun." As the door closed, Rohan sighed in relief.

Rohan had seen his brother slogging in office since last few days. He never mentioned Naina's name even once. Sameer had busied himself too much. Mundit too were worried but they didn't show it on their faces. They knew Sameer was hurt after watching Naina and Samrat together. But his silence was now killing them. They could handle the expressive Sameer Maheshwari, but his silent demeanour was perturbing them.

Rohan wanted to talk to Naina and tell her the reason behind Sameer's sudden disappearance, so she could at least talk to his brother once and maybe give him a second chance. It was difficult for Rohan to see his brother struggling with his feelings.

Rohan made a call, "Pandit Bhai... hum thodi der mein wahaan aa jaayenge. Kya aapko lagta hai ki Naina Bhabhi meri baat sunengi?" Everyone had heard Munna's warning last time, so Rohan thought it was better to take Pandit's help. And both weren't sure if Naina was going to listen to Rohan at all.

"Chal Rohan... main ready hun.", Sameer came downstairs wearing a black blazer which he had paired with white V-shaped t-shirt and blue denims. He looked dashing in that outfit. His younger brother whistled, "Ohooo... koi aaj bada handsome lag raha hai."

Sameer narrowed his eyes once again, "Ab bas huh. Chal... hum chalte hai." Taking a deep breath, Sameer walked ahead with a hope to see his Naina for one last time. Yes... last time. In this last one week, he had thought a lot and had finally made a decision. It was better if he could finish his work in Maheshwari Industries soon and hand over the work to Munna and Pandit who were capable to take care of the huge company. This way he wouldn't come face to face with Naina in Ahmedabad anymore and make it more painful that it already was. No one was aware of his decision yet, not even Rohan.

As the car entered the lane of his school, Sameer's eyes teared up. Rohan felt the heaviness in the atmosphere but remained silent. He waited to see what his brother would say or do.

Sameer immediately remembered the days when he used to come to school on his motorbike. "Rohan... main roz issi raaste bike se school aata tha. Main aage baithta tha aur Munna Pandit mere peeche. Aur Naina mere side pe hoti, apni cycle par."

Sameer quickly wiped the lone tear that had escaped his eyes. He had decided that he wouldn't take her name, not mention anything about her. But was that possible? It wasn't even one minute coming here and all his memories had rushed back with full force. The pain that he had kept locked in his heart was now flowing through his eyes reminiscing the good golden days of his life.

Soon Rohan parked the car and they came out to see Munna and Pandit already waiting for them. As Sameer stood watching the school building, he noticed that it was recently renovated, yet it felt very much familiar.

"Chal Rohan... hum tujhe hamara school dikhaate hai.", Pandit declared happily. While Rohan joined Munna and Pandit for the school tour, Sameer quietly left their company. He made his way towards the drinking water premises.

Though it was newly built, his memories hadn't faded. Sameer clearly remembered the day when he had given a chocolate to Naina on the day of Raksha Bandhan and started on the note of a special friendship. He chuckled remembering that day. How Naina didn't want to tie Rakhi on his wrist and how he too had tried to escape out of it.

Then Sameer also remembered it was this same place where he was trying to convince her to come for the Mount Abu picnic. It felt as if it was just yesterday when all this had happened. Time seemed to have stopped for him.

Then their first handhold, no... second handhold. First, he had held her hand when she had fallen on the muddy road. It was when they had washed their hands, he had held her hand again to savour their first handhold for lifetime. How time had passed, he thought with a sigh.

Walking towards the classrooms on the ground floor, Sameer remembered the day when Naina had said those three magical words to him after their team had won the cricket match. He so wanted to hear them again. But was that possible now, after he himself had spoiled everything.

Sameer entered the classroom and sat at the same bench when he was in school. Removing a pen from his pocket, he tapped it a few times. The tears made its way again as he knew this time he would not hear the same tapping sound from the other person.

Few minutes passed and Sameer got up from the seat wiping his tears. Walking towards the blackboard, he picked up a pink chalk and drew a heart. Hesitating just for a bit, he wrote Naina's name first and then his. How he wished for Naina to be by his side and write his name.

"Bhai... aap yahaan kya kar rahe ho? Hum sab kabse aapka wait kar rahe hai.", Rohan's voice boomed in the silent classroom. Without turning to show his younger brother his vulnerability, he replied, "Tu neeche jaa Rohan... main... main bas thodi der mein aata hun."

Rohan didn't miss the choked voice of his elder brother. He wanted to just hug him and soothe his pain, but he knew it was futile. Sameer would not appreciate this when he himself was trying to hide his pain.

"Thik hai Bhai. Ground mein aane se pehle, fresh ho jaaiyega. Neeche milte hai.", saying Rohan turned to leave but stopped in his tracks as he saw Naina approaching him. Plastering a smile on his face, he left. What was she doing here?

Even before Naina entered the classroom, Sameer had sensed her presence. But he didn't turn towards her as he waited for her move. After few moments, Sameer couldn't resist, "Wahin khadi rahogi Naina? Andar nahi aaogi?"

Naina walked towards the blackboard and looked at the heart that he had drawn with their names written in it. Standing beside him, she picked up the duster and cleared his name.

Without glancing at him even once, Naina spoke coldly, "Mujhe nahi pataa ki main tumhare dil mein hun yaa nahi, par itna zaroor jaanti hun ki ab tum mere dil mein nahi ho. Toh aage se kabhi apne naam ke saath mera naam mat likhna Mr Sameer Maheshwari."

Sameer turned to finally look at his girl, but Naina had already taken a step back and soon she had disappeared from the classroom. His hopes of getting her back and to explain about his reasons for leaving were vanishing in thin air. Naina was not ready to even look at him, then how would he tell her about his life for the past ten years? How could he tell her that he still loved her and missed her so much?

Wiping his tears, Sameer made his way towards the washroom and freshened up. It was time to meet and greet his school friends. Only one person who wouldn't meet and greet him was his Naina.

Sameer soon joined the party which was organised on the open grounds of the school where he met almost everyone who were very much happy to see him after such a long time. Nothing had changed much apart from their appearances.

As Sameer chatted with everyone, his eyes searched for someone, but he couldn't find her anywhere. Everyone was keen to know about his whereabouts and what he was doing now. So he was busy with conversing with some or the other person.

Kamya and Hema who were now standing with Sameer looked behind him and smiled widely, "Dekho Naina, Preeti aur Swati bhi aa gaye. Arey waahh... saath mein Samrat bhi hai." The girls left his side and walked towards their friends and hugged them.

Rohan, Munna and Pandit joined Sameer who turned slowly towards the only person who had his heart. Watching Samrat by his Naina's side, he clenched his fists. His eyes wandered over his girl who was dressed to kill.

Naina had worn a black knee-length dress with black heels. With minimal makeup on her radiant face, she looked stunning. Was this his same shy Naina that he had left ten years ago? Her bold outfit had caught his attention and something akin to possessiveness had swirled in his heart.

As Kamya and Hema left, that group walked towards them. Rohan covered his brother's clenched fist with his hand, "Bhai... Aaram se. Yahaan aisa kuch mat kijiyega jisse aapko baad mein pachtaana pade. Be strong Bhai..."

Rohan had seen the heart that his brother had drawn on that blackboard with his and Naina's name written in it. And then he had seen Naina coming the same way. As Naina had entered that classroom, Rohan had turned back to check what was going on. But her words had pierced his heart as well. The plan that he was making to make his brother and his love talk was gone for a toss.

And now, Rohan saw Samrat walking besides Naina hand-in-hand. He knew his brother's temper was hanging on a thin thread which would break any moment if Samrat didn't leave Naina's side.

Swati came ahead and hugged Munna, "Main tumse naaraaz hun. Tum mujhe ghar se pick karne kyun nahi aaye?", she whispered but still loud enough for everyone to hear. Taking her in a side hug, Munna replied, "Frockwali pandit... tum mujhse naaraaz mat hua karo, mujhe accha nahi lagta." Caressing her face, he continued, "Mujhe yahaan sab taiyaariyaan karne jaldi aana tha, isliye tumhe pick karne nahi aa paaya."

Turning to face Samrat, Munna said, "Samrat... Thank you... meri frockwali pandit ko pick karne ke liye." Preeti teased, "Haan... haan... ab itni shining mat maar Munna. Teri hi hai Swati..."

Pandit questioned, "Preeti... Kaisi hai? Bohot time baad mile hai hum?" She smiled, "Main jaisi thi waisi hi hun Pandit." Glancing at her soul sister, "Meri behen ki hanuman hun main, pehle bhi thi, abhi bhi hun aur hamesha rahungi." That was a threat for someone who was still hoping that his girl would look his way.

Rohan who was observing everyone till now looked amused with what he heard. He quietly glanced at his brother who wasn't bothered with that threat. Swati broke the awkwardness that followed for a few moments, "Munna... baaki sab ka introduction nahi karwaoge?"

"Iss mein introductions ki kya zarurat hai Swati?", Preeti replied carelessly. Pointing towards everyone, she continued, "Yeh hai tera Munna, yeh hai Pandit, yeh hai the famous Sameer Maheshwari aur yeh hai..." She stopped as she couldn't recognize the other person standing next to Sameer.

Rohan came forward and forwarded his hand towards her, "Main hun Rohan Somani, the famous Sameer Maheshwari ka Bhai from Delhi." Preeti watched him from head to toe and finally shook his hand, "Nice to meet you, Rohan." Her voice was tingling his senses. Her jolly and carefree nature had amused him and he was liking it very much.

As their hands parted, Preeti moved her gaze from Rohan to Sameer, "Toh Jij... Sameer... Kaise hai?" That slip of tongue was caught by almost everyone except Samrat. Even if Naina too had caught on that 'Jijaji', she remained stoic. Someone called Samrat and he excused himself dragging Naina with him.

Preeti didn't mince her words next and continued, "Toh Ahmedabad se dus saal durr rehkar bohot khush honge naa aap? Maine suna aapki khudki company bhi hai Mumbai mein aur ab aap yahaan Ahmedabad mein apne Nanaji ki company sambhaalne aaye hai? I mean... aap agar yahin rehte toh Nanaji ki company ko sambhaalne ke liye aapko aise achanak waapis nahi aana padta, hai naa?"

Looking around, Preeti continued, "Ohhh Sorry... main bhool gayi thi. Nanaji ke alaava aapka Ahmedabad mein koi apna nahi tha naa, jo aapse bohot pyaar karta, isliye toh aap yahaan nahi ruke. Yahaan tha hi kaun jiske liye aap rukte, hai naa? Waise Delhi jaakar aap toh hum sabko bhi bhool gaye honge naa? Main aapko yaad dilaati hun. Main hun Preeti Agarwal, yeh hai Swati, yeh hai Munna, yeh hai Pandit aur wohh jo abhi yahaan se gayi naa wohh hai meri behen Naina Agarwal. I hope ab aapko sab yaad aa gaya hoga?"

Pandit interrupted, "Bas kar Preeti. Kitna sunaayegi ab Sameer ko? Uski koi galti nahi thi?" But Preeti wasn't done yet, "Haan... tune sach kahaa Pandit. Sameer ki koi galti nahi thi, sab galti sirf meri behen ki thi, jo isse pyaar karti thi, jiske liye usne kya kuch nahi sahaa."

"Mere bhai ne bhi kuch kamm nahi sahaa hai Preeti. Tum agar unke saath hoti toh samajhti ki wohh bhi ussi dard se gazar rahe the jis dard se tumhari behen guzri thi." Preeti chuckled, "Jo dard meri behen ne sahaa hai naa, uske saath main Sameer ka dard compare nahi karungi. Jaante ho kyun Mr Rohan Somani? Kyunki tumhare bhai ke saath tum the, tumhari family thi, par meri behen ke saath kaun tha, sirf main. Mere mummy papa bhi hamare saath nahi the jab hum hostel mein akele rehte the. Toh please kabhi meri behen ke saath tumhare bhai ke dard ko compare mat karna."

Rohan chuckled too, "Right... isliye aaj tumhari behen ke saath Samrat hai aur mera Bhai yahaan akela khada hai. Iska matlab samajhti ho tum?" Before he could say more, Samrat and Naina were back.

"Arey kya baatein chal rahi hai, zara hume bhi bataao.", Samrat asked as he joined the group. All the while, Sameer just stood there speechless as he had nothing to deny what Preeti was saying.

The tensed atmosphere immediately turned joyous as Preeti declared, "Kuch nahi Samrat. Hum bas poorani yaadein taazaa kar rahe the." Rohan glared at Preeti who just swayed her hair from one side to other and left to join her other friends.

Naina could already feel that something had happened here. The sombre faces of all was saying another story, but she couldn't ask anyone. She had a fair idea that something must have happened between Preeti and Sameer. Preeti had always been her protective shield since childhood.

Sameer had been quiet. The main reason being the proximity between Naina and Samrat. Preeti had taunted him so much, yet he had remained calm as his entire attention was fixed on them. He was just trying to control his jealousy for Samrat and possessiveness that he felt towards Naina.

Naina felt his gaze burning her back all the time. She knew his stare was following her wherever she went with Samrat.

Naina looked at the person standing next to her. Samrat... his good friend, his saviour. If not for him, she would have still been struggling to become a writer. He had made her life easy going since he had entered her life five years ago. Right contacts, right exposure to right people had helped her to become confident and independent. She owed everything to him.

After Sameer had disappeared from her life ten years ago, Naina had been terribly broken emotionally as well as physically. She still could feel the abuse of her father and his aunt to be precise who had beaten her black and blue. Even if the wounds had healed, the pain and hurt still existed. She knew it wasn't Sameer's fault at all. But if he would've been here then nothing of that sort would've happened. At least his presence and his love would've helped her to make some strong decisions. Even if Preeti, Anand and Bela were there, still she had missed him. She had just wanted to hear his voice once, so that she would know that he was there for her. But nothing of that sort happened. Sameer had vanished from her life completely leaving her heartbroken for life. Afterall, he was her first love. How could she forget him that easily?

But as years passed, Naina understood that it was futile to have hopes for someone who hadn't even tried to contact her once. She found her solace in writing. And when she met Samrat, she found a true friend in him. He stood by her like a rock giving her hopes to live again. Her friends, Swati, Munna, Pandit too had been there for her always supporting her, guiding her, motivating her. Everyone knew about her past except for Samrat. He had even met Anand and Bela several times during their stay at her apartment. He respected them a lot and they liked him too. Samrat was family for them now.

As songs started playing at the party, Samrat whispered breaking her thoughts, "Netra... tumhare liye ek surprise hai. Chalo mere saath."

Naina walked with him in a trance. Sameer fumed as he saw Samrat leading Naina towards the dance floor. The music began...

Tu hi meri shab hai subah hai...
Tu hi din hai mera...
Tu hi mera rab hai jahaan hai...

Tu hi meri duniya...
Tu waqt mere liye...
Main hoon tera lamha...
Kaise rahega bhala...
Hoke tu mujhse judaa...

Aankhen teri shabnami...
Chehra tera aaina...
Tu hai udaasi bhari...
Koi haseen dastan...
Ho aankhen teri shabnami...
Chehra tera aaina...
Tu hai udaasi bhari...
Koi haseen dastan...
Dil mein hai kya...
Kuchh toh bata...
Kyon hai bhala khud se khafa...

Samrat glided Naina throughout the song very effortlessly. The spotlight on them made it more enchanting. Everyone who stood around the dance floor and watched them dancing murmured about them being a beautiful couple which boiled Sameer's blood some more.

Sameer couldn't believe his eyes. His Naina was dancing with that Samrat. His hand was protectively wrapped around her waist while hers was on his shoulder.

As most of the time Naina was facing her back towards Sameer, so he was not able to gauge her expressions, but Samrat's eyes clearly reflected respect and love for her. Sameer wasn't sure what to make of it.

As the music subsided, Naina was about to get down from the dance floor, but Samrat held her hand and stopped her, "Netra... ruko please... mujhe tumse kuch kehna hai..." The lights were still dim and the spotlight still focussed on them.

Naina stopped and maybe she was aware of what was coming next. Preeti stood beside Sameer, "Ab wohh hoga Sameer jo tumne kabhi sapne mein bhi nahi socha hoga. Bas dekhte jaao aage kya kya hota hai."

Samrat went on his one knee and removed a red velvet box from his pocket, "Netra... maine bohot baar socha mere dil ki baat tumse keh dun, par darta tha ki kahin hamare beech ki friendship bhi kahin naa toot jaaye. Par aaj se accha chance mujhe nahi mil sakta tha, jahaan tumhare sab friends maujood hai."

Taking a deep breath, Samrat continued, "Netra... maine jabse magazine mein tumhare articles padhna shuru kiye the, tabse hi tumse ek alag connection feel hone lagaa tha. Fir main tumse mila aur jaise jaise tumhe jaanne laga, mujhe tum aur pasand aane lagi. Tum meri bohot acchi dost bann gayi. Main tumhare saath paanch saal se hun, par fir bhi aisa lagta hai ki main tumhe ab bhi acche se nahi jaanta. Main tumhe aur jaanna chaahta hun Netra, hamari dosti ko ek naya naam dena chaahta hun. Toh aaj yahaan main, Samrat Ahuja, sabke saamne tumse poochna chaahta hun ki kya tum mujhse shaadi karogi, mujhe tumhara life partner banaogi? Will you marry me, Netra?"

While everyone gasped hearing his marriage proposal at the reunion party, Sameer seethed in anger. How dare he propose his Naina for marriage? She was only his. But another shock awaited him as he heard Naina's reply.

"Haan Samrat Ahuja... main tumse shaadi karungi...

I will marry you..."

How was the update?

Please mujhe koi gaaliyaan mat dena...

Trust your writer...

Any guesses what will happen next?

Will Naina know the reason for Sameer's disappearance?

And if yes, who will break it to her?

Even if she comes to know, will she forgive Sameer?

Well... honestly... this story will be a rollercoaster of emotions for all including all the characters of the story and for us too...

Will update soon...

Till then, take care and stay safe...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️