Hello everyone...

I am finally back with the next chapter...

Enjoy reading and shower your love too...

AE DIL HAI MUSHKIL

CHAPTER 6

Sameer kept pacing in his living room while his family watched him in distress. How could Naina get married to Samrat? The news of their marriage had shaken up everyone in the house. Here, Sameer was still planning to win over his love while Naina and Samrat had already fixed their wedding date. Why was everything happening so fast?

It was just last night that Samrat had proposed Naina and she had accepted. They were getting married in the next two weeks. Sameer couldn't figure out what to do now. He had limited time to make Naina realize that he still loved her unconditionally. He was skeptical about Naina's stance. He wasn't sure if she would even hear his clarifications and give him another chance at all. But he had to try. This was going to be his last chance.

"Sameer... dekh beta... wohh dono kal shaam yahaan aa hi rahe hai, tab tak tu shanti se soch ki tujhe aage kya karna hai.", Vishakha advised. Sameer sat down near her knees and kept his head on her lap, "Mummy... main utna time bhi waste nahi karna chahta. Mere paas waise bhi bohot kamm time hai Naina ko mere pyaar ka ehsaas dilaane ke liye. I still can't believe Mummy ki meri Naina uss Samrat se do hafte mein shaadi karne waali hai. I still can't believe it."

Vishakha ran her fingers in his hair trying to calm him down, "Sameer... main maanti hun ki jo ho raha hai uss-se tujhe jyada taklif ho rahi hai. Par beta... tujhe strong hona hoga. Aakhir pyaar karna aur usse poore dil se nibhaana itna aasaan nahi hota. Tune Naina se pyaar toh kar liya, par usse nibhaa nahi paaya. Bhale hi tune uski bhalaayi ke liye durr rehna ka faisla liya tha, par kya wohh sahi tha Sameer? Kya ek tarfa faisla lena sahi tha? Bechaari Naina ko kaisa lagaa hoga, jab tune achanak se usse baat karna band kar diya hoga. Jitna main teri majburi samajh sakti hun, utna Naina ka dard bhi samajh sakti hun beta."

"Main ab jaanta hun Mummy ki maine jo kiya wohh hamare rishtey ke liye bilkul bhi sahi nahi tha. Mujhe Naina se baat karni chahiye thi, usse sab bataana chahiye tha. Par ab jo ho chuka so ho chuka hai. Mujhe meri galti samajh aa gayi hai, par samajh nahi aa raha ki iss galti ko main thik kaise karun. Main meri Naina ko sahi-salaamat rakhna chaahta tha, par jaane-anjaane mein hi maine usse zindagi ka sabse bada dard de diya. Main kaise sab thik karun? Main kya karun Mummy?", Sameer closed his eyes in grief.

Vishakha looked at the solemn faces of her husband and son, Rohan, who too were concerned about Sameer. But no one could console this broken soul. None of them had any ways to get his love back. Soon, a call came and both the brothers left towards the Maheshwari Industries to attend the lined-up meeting with the investors and clients.

Vivek insisted to take Sameer's place, but Sameer refused, "Nahi papa... main yahaan Maheshwari Industries sambhaalne aaya hun, toh uska kaamkaaj mujhe hi dekhna hoga. Waise bhi aap Delhi aur Mumbai ka kaam dekh rahe hai, toh ab yahaan ki responsibility hume sambhaalne dijiye. Aap aur Mummy aaram kijiye, hum jaldi ghar aane ki koshish karenge."

Vivek and Vishakha were worried about their son but they had faith in their son's love and prayed to the Almighty to give him strength to fight for his love, for his Naina.

As Samrat left, Naina sat down on the couch, still processing that she was about to get married to Samrat in the next two weeks. Was she really prepared for it? Was she really letting go of her love for Sameer?

Naina closed her eyes and a tear escaped her eye and then the other. There was no stopping the storm that was raging within her. Since the time she had seen Sameer at her book launch after ten long years, her life had turned upside down. She had accepted Samrat's proposal and was now going to marry him. This was one of the strangest and most difficult decision that she had ever taken in her life.

Naina headed to her room and again took out another photo album. She kept tracing her fingers on the pictures of Sameer and cried some more. "Sameer...", she whispered. These were the few pictures that she had stolen from the photo album of her Pooja didi's wedding.

Sameer looked so stunning in that white attire with the red turban on his silky soft hair. She had so wished to run her fingers in his hair at that time and feel the softness of it. She had dreamt of her marriage with Sameer during all the rituals of her sister's wedding. Some dreams never come true; she thought sadly.

Now, there was a wedding but not the one that she had dreamt of with Sameer. She smiled sadly as she continued looking at their pictures and reminisced all the moments that she had spent with him at that wedding.

Her landline rang breaking through her memory lane and she closed the album reluctantly. Taking few deep breaths, she picked up the call and wasn't surprised with the person on the other side. She was waiting for their call, "Hello... Ji Chachaji... boliye kaise hai aap? Chachiji kaisi hai?"

"Hum thik hai beta... Naina... tune Samrat ka rishta sweekar kar liya aur hume bataaya bhi nahi? Subah Samrat ka phone aaya tab usne bataaya sab.", Chachaji complained good naturedly. Before Naina could say something, Chachiji took over, "Bhagwaan jhooth naa bulaaye... Naina... jo bhi hua, accha hi hua. Samrat bohot accha ladka hai. Tujhe hamesha khush rakhega. Hum bohot khush hai Naina..."

Naina had already teared up and controlled her sobs as she heard her Chachaji's question, "Tu khush toh hai naa Naina? Hum nahi chaahte ki tum koi bhi faisla jaldbaazi yaa kisi dabaav mein lo. Samrat bohot accha ladka hai aur tujhe khush bhi rakhega. Par main jaanta hun ki tu ab bhi Sameer ko bhulaa nahi paayi hai. Kya sach mein tu Samrat ke saath teri aage ki zindagi bitaana chaahti hai? Kya tu sach mein Samrat se shaadi karna chaahti hai?"

Naina couldn't control anymore and finally wept. Neither Chachaji, nor Chachiji were surprised with her sudden outburst. They had expected this. They had stood by her since her childhood and especially since the last ten years, they had seen and felt her pain closely. They were fully aware of her love for Sameer and what she had gone through since his sudden departure.

After few minutes, when she calmed down, Naina hesitated, "Chachaji... Chachiji... Sameer... Sameer waapis aa gaya hai." And then, she told them everything that had happened since she had met him at her book launch. They heard her calmly as always, but the tears had made its way from their eyes too. They knew it wasn't easy for her to face her past when she was taking a huge step towards her future.

As Naina finished, Chachaji spoke, "Hum do din mein Ahmedabad aa rahe hai beta. Tu fikar mat kar. Sab thik ho jaayega. Bas hum yeh jaanna chaahte hai ki tune poore dil se Samrat se shaadi ke liye haan kahi hai, yaa yeh shaadi ka faisla sirf Sameer ki maujudgi ki wajah se liya hai."

"Chachaji...", Before she could say anything, Chachiji interrupted, "Naina... hume abhi jawaab nahi chahiye. Hum do din mein aa rahe hai. Tab aamne saamne thik se baat karenge. Tab tak tu thik se iss shaadi ke baare mein soch lena."

Chachaji continued, "Naina... bhale hi Samrat ke parivaar ne tum dono ki shaadi ka mahurat nikaal liya ho. Par hamare liye, tumhari marzi bhi maayne rakhti hai. Do din baad tumhara jo bhi faisla hoga, wohh hume manzoor hoga beta. Tab tak thik se soch-samajhkar faisla lena. Apna khayaal rakhna." And the call disconnected.

"Suniye... mujhe Naina ki bohot fikar ho rahi hai. Kya wohh sahi faisla le paayegi? Ab jab Sameer waapis aa gaya hai, kya usse Samrat se shaadi karni chahiye? Main meri beti ko bohot acche se jaanti hun. Wohh aaj bhi Sameer se bohot pyaar karti hai. Usse lagta hai ki uski hasi mein wohh apna gham chupaa leti hai. Par wohh bhool jaati hai ki main ek maa hun, aur maa sab acche se dekhti hai, usse sab pataa hota hai. Bas bhagwaan se yahi prarthna hai ki hamari beti ko shakti de, jisse wohh sahi faisla le paaye. Kahin Sameer ko dard dene ke chakkar mein khud ki zindagi ke saath hi samjauta naa kar le.", Chachiji voiced out her fear.

Chachaji replied, "Tum sahi keh rahi ho Bela. Fikar toh mujhe bhi ho rahi hai Naina ki. Kahin wohh koi aisa faisla naa le le jisse uski zindagi kharaab ho jaaye. Wohh toh accha hua Preeti ne subah phone karke hume sab pehle hi bataa diyaa tha. Sameer ka waapis aana, Naina ka Samrat se shaadi karne ke liye taiyaar ho jaana, Samrat ka shaadi ka mahurat nikaalna, yeh sab bohot jaldi nahi ho raha Bela?"

Chachiji agreed, "Haan... do hafte mein shaadi ka mahurat nikla hai. Wohh bhi Samrat ke parivaar ne apne Pandit se nikalvaaya hai. Sach kahun toh mujhe kuch thik nahi lag raha. Aisa lag raha hai ki Samrat ko hamari Naina se jald se jald shaadi karni hai. Kahin... kahin Samrat ko Sameer aur Naina ke baare mein sab pataa toh nahi chal gaya, isliye wohh shaadi ke liye jaldbaazi kar raha hai."

"Ab yeh sab hume Ahmedabad jaakar hi pataa chalega. Naina jo bhi faisla legi, uss mein hume uska saath dena hai. Fir wohh Samrat ko apna jeevan saathi chune yaa fir Sameer ko. Hume bas yeh dekhna hai ki Naina kya faisla leti hai.", Chachaji concluded.

Naina slumped down the couch and sat there still crying over her past that had shattered her and her life. She had waited for Sameer for last ten years and now, when he was here right in front of her, she didn't know what to do. She felt torn. Sameer or Samrat? One had broken her heart recklessly while the other had helped her heal.

The sudden click of the doorknob broke her thoughts as Preeti entered. She saw her sister sitting on the floor. Preeti quietly kept her handbag on the table nearby and she too slumped down next to her sister.

"Tu toh late aane waali thi naa, fir itni jaldi waapis kaise aa gayi?", Naina asked her soul sister who too looked grim. Preeti side hugged her, "Naina... I am sorry... kal raat mujhe tujhse aise gusse mein baat nahi karni chahiye thi. Sach kahun toh mujhe khud kuch samajh nahi aa raha tha ki main jo kar rahi hun wohh sahi bhi hai yaa nahi. Dus saal Naina... dus saal baad Sameer ko dekhkar main sab bhool gayi, tera dard bhi bhool gayi. Kaise kar sakti hun main aisa Naina? Main khudko tera hanuman bolti hun, aur maine hi yeh sab kiya."

Naina wanted to say something, but Preeti stopped her, "Nahi Naina... mujhe bolne de please. Jab tune kahaa ki Sameer waapis aa gaye hai toh main khush ho gayi, yeh sochkar ki Sameer tere liye waapis aaye hai. Par nahi... wohh toh Maheshwari Industries sambhaalne waapis aaye hai, tere liye nahi. Isliye mujhe gussa aa gaya aur maine Samrat se kahaa ki wohh reunion party mein sabke saamne, Sameer ke saamne tujhe propose kare. Sach kahun toh mujhe lagaa nahi tha ki tu Samrat ka proposal accept karegi. Aur jab tune haan kahaa toh sabse pehle meri nazar Sameer pe padi aur jo sukoon mila wohh dekhkar, main kya hi bataaun. Par uske baad jo hua, wohh dekhne ke baad mujhe khud par gussa aa raha tha. Yeh sab meri wajah se hua Naina. Main bas Sameer ko dikhaana chaahti thi ki teri zindagi uske wajah se ruk nahi sakti. Lekin teri ek haan ne sab badal diya Naina."

Preeti broke the side hug and sat cross-legged in front of her sister, "Naina... sach sach bataa ki kya... kya tu ab bhi Sameer se pyaar karti hai? Aur agar karti hai, toh Samrat se shaadi ke liye kyun maan gayi? Mujhe aaj sirf sach sunna hai Naina, isliye tera koi bahaana nahi chalega."

Naina wiped her sister's cheeks and then hers. Closing her eyes for a few moments, she took few deep breaths, calming herself first. When Naina opened her eyes, Preeti saw something shift in her sister's eyes.

Naina wanted to talk her heart out and who could be better than her soul sister. She wanted to reveal everything that she hadn't told Preeti when she was back at night of her book launch event.

Naina started, "Preeti... Jab maine pehli baar Sameer ko meri book launch event par dekha, toh yakeen nahi hua ki sach mein Sameer mere saamne hai. Wohh shaayad bhool gaya hai ki usse dekhne se pehle hi uski aahat se mujhe uski maujudgi ka ehsaas ho jaata hai. Maine jaanbujhkar Sameer ki taraf nahi dekha, main dekhna chaahti thi ki kya meri ignorance usse affect karti hai yaa nahi."

Preeti smiled, "Kaash main bhi wahaan hoti yeh dekhne ke liye." Naina smiled and continued, "Maine kabhi Sameer ke bhai ko nahi dekha tha, par jab Rohan ne apna introduction diya, tab samajh gayi ki wohh Sameer ka bhai hai, Delhi wala. Main jaanti thi ki Rohan ne jaanbujhkar mujhse sawaal kiya tha taaki meri nazar Sameer par pade, par shaayad Rohan mujhe thik se jaanta nahi hai. Maine uske sawaal ka jawaab diya, par uske bhai ki taraf ek baar bhi nahi dekha. Aur fir jab Samrat ne hamare introductions karvaaye, tab unn dono ki shakal dekhni chahiye thi."

"Kyun? Aisa kya hua tha?", Preeti asked enjoying the scene. Naina chuckled, "Samrat ne mere kandhe pe haath rakha tha." Preeti couldn't believe it, "Hey bhagwaan... fir..." Naina closed her eyes, "Sameer gusse se aagbabula ho raha tha."

Preeti laughed and Naina opened her eyes, "Sameer mujhe Samrat ki baahon mein nahi dekh sakta tha, kyunki waisi intimacy hamare rishtey mein kabhi nahi thi. Humne toh... humne toh sirf haath hi pakde the. Dus saal mein duniya aage badh gayi aur saath mein hum bhi. Mera Samrat ke kareeb khada rehna bhi Sameer se bardaasht nahi ho raha tha. Reunion mein bhi wohh mujhe Samrat ke saath dekh nahi paa raha tha."

Naina sighed finally broaching the topic that would change their fates, "Aur fir Samrat ne wohh kiya jo main sapne mein bhi nahi soch sakti thi. Mere liye Samrat sirf mera ek accha dost hai Preeti aur yeh baat Samrat khud bhi jaanta hai. Jab Samrat ne shaadi ke liye propose kiya toh mujhe sach mein kuch samajh nahi aaya ki main usse kya jawaab dun. Aur fir mera dhyaan Sameer par gaya jo mere jawaab ka intezaar kar raha tha. Sach kahun toh main Samrat ko sab ke saamne manaa nahi kar sakti thi. Aaj tak jab bhi Samrat ne mujhse shaadi ki baat ki thi toh wohh akele mein ki thi, isliye main usse aasaani se manaa kar paati thi. Par iss baar Samrat ne reunion party mein sab ke saamne propose kiya tha aur main sabke saamne usse manaa karke uska insult nahi karna chaahti thi, aakhir wohh mera sabse accha dost hai."

Now Preeti understood why Naina had accepted Samrat's proposal, "Naina... ab kya karegi? Samrat ne papa-mummy aur uski family ko sab bataa diya hai, shaadi ki date bhi nikaal li hai. I am so sorry Naina... yeh sab meri wajah se ho raha hai. Naa main Samrat ko tujhe uss reunion party mein propose karne ko kehti aur naa yeh sab hota."

Naina shook her head, "Preeti... tujhe sorry bolne ki zarurat nahi hai. Tune jo bhi kiya uski wajah Sameer par tera gussa tha. Maine bhi Sameer par gusse ki wajah se hi Samrat se shaadi ke liye haan kaha. Par jo bhi hua wohh accha hi hua hai Preeti. Samrat ek accha ladka hai, mera accha dost bhi hai. Aaj maine usse Sameer aur mere baare mein sab bataa diya hai aur Samrat se yeh bhi kahaa ki main iss shaadi mein usse pyaar nahi kar sakti kyunki mere hisse ke pyaar main already kar chuki hun."

Preeti asked, "Samrat ko sab pataa hai fir bhi wohh tujhse shaadi kyun karna chaahta hai? Paagal hai kya wohh? Jab tu uss-se pyaar nahi kar sakti aur wohh tujhse itna pyaar karta hai, toh yeh shaadi kaise chalegi?"

"Samrat ko main sirf pasand hun Preeti, wohh bhi mujhse pyaar nahi karta. Uska bhi ek past hai aur wohh uss ladki se ab bhi pyaar karta hai. Hamari shaadi mein pyaar nahi hoga Preeti. Iss shaadi mein dosti kaafi hai.", Naina clarified.

"Paagal ho gayi hai kya Naina? Shaadi sirf dosti se nahi chalti, yeh maine pehle bhi kahaa tha. Aur yahaan toh dono ne apne hisse ka pyaar pehle hi kar liya hai, toh yeh shaadi karni hi kyun hai? Yeh sab jaane de, tu yeh bataa kya tu Sameer ka dil todkar yeh shaadi kar paayegi behna? Yeh toh tu bhi acche se jaanti hai ki aaj bhi Sameer sirf aur sirf tujhse pyaar karta hai. Jo bhi usne kiya wohh sab tere liye kiya, kyunki wohh tujhse bohot pyaar karta hai Naina.", Preeti tried to reason with her stubborn sister.

"Nahi Preeti... iss baar nahi. Main maanti hun Sameer ne jo bhi kiya wohh meri salaamati ke liye kiya, par usne yeh sab mujhe bataana zaroori nahi samjha. Usse kya lagaa tha ki mujhse durr ho jaayega toh main khush rahungi, safe rahungi? Wohh aisa soch bhi kaise sakta hai? Sameer mera pehla aur aakhri pyaar hai, par main usse uski har galti ke liye maaf nahi kar sakti. Aur yeh koi choti moti galti nahi thi. Uski yeh ek stupidity ke wajah se hum dono ko dus saal tak ek dusre se durr rehna pada. Iss baar usse maafi nahi milegi Preeti. Meri zindagi se jaane ka faisla uska tha, mera nahi. Aur aaj... main Samrat se shaadi karungi, yeh faisla mera hai. Sameer ko maine ek chance pehle diya tha, par bas ab aur nahi. Sameer ko uski galti ki sazaa bhugadni hogi, wohh bhi mujhe hamesha hamesha ke liye khokar."

Naina was determined now. She had taken her decision while talking to her sister. She didn't need to wait for another two days for her uncle and auntie's return. The decision was made. This time Naina was the one who was going to decide their fates.

Preeti was shocked with her sister's decision, but she didn't raise her concern regarding Sameer. She saw the determination in Naina's eyes and she understood that her sister's decision was final. No one could change that. Still, she asked, "Tune ab tak mujhe yeh nahi bataaya ki kya tu aaj bhi Sameer se pyaar karti hai?"

Naina stood up, "Main Samrat se shaadi karne waali hun, toh main Sameer se pyaar karun yaa nahi, isse koi farak nahi padta. Main ab se sirf aaj mein jeena chaahti hun. Beeta hua kal beet gaya hai, uss mein jo log mile yaa bichde, unhe peeche chodkar hi main meri zindagi mein aage badh sakti hun."

Naina headed to the kitchen to cook their lunch while Preeti was still seated on the floor cross-legged. She looked back at her sister and decided, "Tu apni zindagi bigaadne jaa rahi hai Naina, par main aisa nahi hone dungi. Ab jab Sameer waapis aaya hai aur tum dono ek dusre se pyaar karte ho, toh shaadi bhi tum dono ki hi honi chahiye. Last time maine Sameer ki help ki thi, aur iss baar bhi main uski hi help karungi. Sameer ne bhale hi bohot badi galti ki hai, par tujhe iss baar koi galti nahi karne dungi main Naina. Tum dono ki khushi ek dusre ke saath hai, toh tum dono ko ek saath aane se koi nahi rok sakta, tu khud bhi nahi Naina."

At Maheshwari Industries, Sameer was busy with back-to-back meetings and was too tired by the end of the day. As he and Rohan were wrapping up for the day, their intercom buzzed, "Sir... aapse koi milne aaya hai. Keh rahi hai bohot urgent hai."

Rohan asked, "Naam kya kahaa usne?" The receptionist replied, "Preeti Agarwal." Rohan stood up from the chair and looked at his brother, "Bhai... Preeti aayi hai yahaan. Aapse milna chaahti hai." Sameer was confused, "Thik hai. Reena ko kaho Preeti ko upar bheje."

"Reena... Preeti se wait karne ko bolo. Main neeche aa raha hun.", Rohan replied on the call without meeting his brother's curious gaze. Before Sameer could stop him, Rohan had left their cabin and rushed downstairs to get her himself.

Rohan stopped midway as he saw Preeti waiting at the reception. He remembered how she had instigated Sameer during the reunion party. But still, he was attracted to her. There was something that had pulled his heartstrings when they had met for the first time at the reunion party. Even now, he was mesmerized. No girl had the power to enthral him, but she was different. He liked her fierce and bubbly nature.

Preeti turned as she felt intense gaze on her. As their eyes met, sparks flew. Their hearts skipped few beats as they stood staring at each other. The receptionist acknowledged the boss's presence and broke their moment, "Rohan Sir... yeh hai Preeti Agarwal. Sameer Sir se milna chaahti hai."

Rohan nodded without breaking his eye contact with Preeti. He walked towards her and stopped just a foot away from her. She raised her eyebrows knowing very well why he had entered her personal space.

Preeti teased, "Mujhe nahi pataa tha ki Sameer se milne aanewaale har insaan ko tum personally lene aate ho." Rohan leaned towards her, "Ab toh tumhe pataa chal gaya naa. Jab jab tum Bhai se milne aaogi, tab tab main personally tumhe lene aa jaaya karunga."

Preeti looked around as she saw few curious glances thrown their way and she stepped back from him, "Mujhe Sameer se urgently baat karni hai." Realizing the situation and without wasting another minute, he led her towards their cabin on the fifth floor.

As soon as Preeti entered their cabin followed by Rohan, Sameer stopped his pacing and asked, "Preeti... Tum... tum yahaan kya kar rahi ho? Naina... Naina thik toh hai naa?"

"Nahi Sameer... Naina thik nahi hai... wohh... wohh paagal ho gayi hai.", Preeti replied, frustration oozing out from her. Rohan and Sameer exchanged glances while Preeti started pacing their cabin.

"Preeti... tum aisa kyun bol rahi ho? Kya hua hai? Jaldi bolo... mujhe tension ho rahi hai.", Sameer grew restless. Even Rohan seemed worried watching Preeti, but remained silent, waiting to hear her.

Preeti faced Sameer across the table, "Mujhe aapka jawaab pataa hai, fir bhi main aapse kuch puchna chaahti hun. Kya... kya aap ab bhi Naina se pyaar karte hai?" Before Sameer could say anything, Rohan replied, "Yeh bhi koi puchne ki baat hai? Of course, Bhai Naina se bohot pyaar karte hai."

Preeti turned towards Rohan and glared, "Tumse kisi ne pucha? Tum Sameer ho? Nahi naa... toh chupchaap khade raho." As Rohan was going to retaliate, Sameer spoke, "Main Naina se bohot pyaar karta hun Preeti. Aur tum yeh baat bohot acche se jaanti ho, fir bhi kyun puch rahi ho?"

Preeti sat down on the chair, "Aapse kuch bhi kehne se pehle main ek baar yeh sunna chaahti thi." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "Sameer... aapne jo Naina ke saath kiya wohh bohot galat tha. Aur meri behen iss baar itni aasaani se aapko maaf nahi karegi, jaante hai naa aap?"

Sameer too settled in front of her while Rohan beside her. "Jaanta hun Preeti. Naina mujhe maaf nahi karegi, par... par fir bhi main koshish karna chaahta hun. Jab Ahmedabad aaya tha tab Naina ko dekhne ki yaa milne ki himmat nahi hui thi. Sochta tha jab Naina saamne aayegi toh main kya karunga, uss-se kya kahunga? Aur uss book launch event mein sach mein Naina jab mere saamne aayi wohh bhi Samrat ke saath, toh mujhpe kya beeti hai, wohh main hi jaanta hun Preeti. Jab Naina ko Samrat ke saath khush dekha, toh main bhi khush tha. Bhale hi mera pyaar maine meri galti ki wajah se kho diya tha, par at least Naina toh aage badh chuki thi, iss baat se khush tha. Par fir jab maine Naina ko Samrat ke baahon mein dance karte dekha aur uske baad jab Naina ne uss Samrat ka shaadi ka proposal accept kiya, tab aisa lagaa jaise kisine meri sabse keemti cheez hi mujhse durr kar di ho. Uske baad samajh aaya ki main kabhi Naina ko kisi aur ladke ke saath nahi dekh paaunga. Preeti... main bas Naina se ek baar milna chaahta hun, dekhna chaahta hun ki kya aaj bhi uska dil mere liye dhadakta hai, jaisa mera sirf meri Naina ke liye dhadakta hai. Munna aur Pandit ne toh meri help karne se hi inkaar kar diya hai. Pataa nahi main Naina se kab mil paaunga, kab baat kar paaunga.", Sameer sounded dejected.

Preeti heard him raptly and asked, "Aapke doston ne aapki help karne se manaa kar diya?" He nodded while Preeti threw her head back and groaned in annoyance, "Yeh Munna- Pandit bhi naa... chodo unhe..." She got up from her seat, "Unn dono se maine yahi expect kiya tha."

Smiling widely, Preeti announced, "Fikar not Jijaji... Jab aapki saali sahiba aapke saath hai, toh Naina ka dil jeetna bohot aasaan ho jaayega. Koi aapka saath de yaa naa de par main hoon naa... main dungi aapka saath..."

Hearing her reply, Sameer jerked up from his seat, "Kya kahaa tumne Preeti? Fir se bolo please... maine... maine thik se suna nahi." Preeti chuckled understanding why Sameer was reacting this way.

"Kya sunna chaahte hai aap? Yeh ki main aapki help karungi Naina ka dil jeetne mein?" Sameer came closer to her, "Wohh nahi... usse pehle tumne kuch kahaa tha... mujhe... mujhe kya bulaaya tumne?"

Preeti's eyes misted, "Sameer... aap dus saal pehle bhi mere Jijaji the aur aage bhi rahenge... Naina ke Ji... Aur Mere Jijaji..." Sameer could no longer hold himself back as he pulled her sister-in-law in a soft hug. They cried their hearts out while Rohan too joined their hug happily.

As they parted, Sameer felt relieved as finally someone was going to help him get back his love. Rohan was finally happy watching his brother smile, "Thank you, Preeti... tum help karogi toh Naina jald hi Bhai ko maaf bhi kar degi aur inn dono ki love story poori bhi ho jaayegi."

Preeti narrowed her eyes, "Yeh kya Naina... Naina lagaa rakha hai? Jaise main Sameer ko Jijaji bulaa rahi hun, waise hi tumhe bhi Naina ko Bhabhi bulaana chahiye. Umar mein aur rishtey mein Naina tumse badi hai, samjhe?"

Rohan held his ear softly, "Ok Princess... main ab se Naina ko Bhabhi hi bulaaunga. Thik hai?" Preeti glared at him, "Mera naam Preeti hai... Princess nahi." Rohan just shrugged in response while Sameer stood watching the scene in amusement. He had never seen Rohan behave like this ever. Yet, he was happy.

Turning towards Sameer, Preeti said, "Kal main bhi Naina aur Samrat ke saath aapke ghar unki shaadi ka invitation dene aaungi. Samrat ne specially mujhe bola hai unke saath aane ke liye. Aap dil chota mat kijiye Jijaji, main kal kuch toh jugaad kar li lungi. Aapko aur Naina ko akele mein baat karne ka mauka kal mil hi jaayega. Bas main jaisa kahun waisa kariyega. Thik hai?"

"Thik hai. Kal ghar pe milte hai. Aur suno... yeh hai mera mobile number. Jab baat karni ho, tum kisi bhi waqt mujhe call ya message kar sakti ho.", Sameer said as he handed her his business card.

Preeti nodded and left his cabin, followed by Rohan. As they reached the gates of Maheshwari Industries, Preeti turned to him, "Tumhe mere peeche peeche aane ki zarurat nahi hai. Mujhe ghar jaane ka raasta pataa hai."

Rohan smiled, "Main jaanta hun. Main toh bas jaise tumhe reception pe lene aaya tha, waise hi waapis gate tak chodne aaya hun Princess..." She glared, "Maine ek baar kahaa naa, mera naam Preeti hai, Princess nahi."

This time again Rohan leaned towards her and whispered, "Par mere liye toh tum Princess hi ho, toh main tumhe wohi bulaaunga." Taking a step back, Rohan winked at her and left towards his cabin.

Sameer saw everything that happened from his cabin's window and mumbled, "Meri love story ka chaahe jo bhi anjaam ho, par main bhagwaan se pray karta hun ki tum dono ki love story ki shuruwaat zaroor kare."

As Preeti reached home at evening, she saw her sister getting ready. "Naina... kahin baahar jaa rahi hai kya?" "Haan Preeti... wohh Samrat ka call aaya tha. Usse koi important kaam aa gaya hai aur wohh wedding ke invitation cards lene nahi jaa paayega. Toh usne mujhe wohh cards store se pick karne ke liye kahaa hai. Toh main bas wahin jaa rahi hun."

Preeti thought for a moment, "Thik hai. Main bhi saath chalu kya? Waise bhi mujhe koi kaam toh hai nahi aur ghar pe akeli bore ho jaaungi. Yahaan bore hone se accha hai ki main tere saath aati hun. Hum baahar hi kuch kha bhi lenge." Naina agreed and waited for Preeti to freshen up.

Soon they left and collected the wedding cards from the shop. As Naina was driving, suddenly she saw a girl chasing a puppy who was running on the road. As Naina applied brakes, she saw the girl losing her balance while catching the puppy in the middle on the lane.

"Naina... ruk... hume uss ladki ki help karni chahiye. Dekh... thik se uth bhi nahi paa rahi hai wohh." Naina parked her car on the side of the lane and both the sisters got out to help the girl.

The girl stumbled few times before she could get back on her feet in pain. Turning towards the sisters, the girl spoke, "Thank you... meri help karne ke liye. Ek aur choti si help kar dijiye please. Mujhe mere ghar tak chod dijiye? Mujhse thik se chala nahi jaa raha hai. Mera ghar bas aage wali galli mein hi hai."

"Kyun nahi, hum tumhe tumhare ghar tak drop kar denge.", Naina replied as she could clearly see that the girl was unable to walk by herself. The sisters helped the girl to get in the car and Naina drove towards the girl's residence.

Naina and Preeti helped and settled the girl in her apartment. Before the sisters could leave, the girl stopped them, "Please... thodi der ruk jaaiye. Aap dono ne meri itni help ki, ab mera farz banta hai ki main aapko thik se thank you bolun. Bas mere saath ek cup coffee hi pee lijiye."

The sisters exchanged a look as the girl insisted them to have coffee with her. The girl's aunt arrived at that moment and was shocked to see her girl's condition. On asking, her aunt got to know how both the sisters helped the girl and brought her home. She too insisted and the sisters decided to have coffee with them.

"Mera naam Aditi hai. Mujhe Ahmedabad aakar bas do mahine hi hue hai.", the girl introduced herself. "Hi Aditi... main Preeti aur yeh hai meri behen Naina. Waise tum yahaan akeli rehti ho?", Preeti asked.

"Nahi Preeti... wohh meri maasi hai. Main yahaan unke saath rehti hun.", Aditi said pointing to the woman who was making coffee for them. She continued, "Maine ek mahine pehle hi yahaan job join kiya hai."

"Arey waah... yeh toh acchi baat hai. Tumne kahaa ki tum apni maasi ke saath rehti ho, toh tumhare parents kahaan hai?", this time Naina asked. Aditi's eyes misted, "Wohhh... main... main anaath hun... bachpan mein hi mere mummy-papa car accident mein guzar gaye the. Main tab se hi maasi ke saath rehti hun."

Both the sisters apologized while Aditi wiped her cheeks, "Tum dono ko sorry kehne ki zarurat nahi hai. Waise tum dono kya karti ho?" They chatted for an hour having their cups of coffee and snacks while talking about their lives in Ahmedabad.

"Chalo... abhi hume jaana chahiye. Bohot late ho raha hai.", Preeti said while getting up. Naina added, "Preeti thik keh rahi hai. Waise Aditi... tum yahaan kisiko jaanti nahi ho aur ab hum acche dost ho gaye hai. Toh main soch rahi thi ki tumhe meri shaadi mein aana chahiye. Logon se milogi toh jaan pehchaan bhi badhegi."

"Yeh lo meri shaadi ka card. Tumhe aur Maasi ko meri shaadi mein zaroor aana hai.", Naina handed her first wedding to Aditi.

Aditi's hand trembled as she took the wedding card from Naina. As she read the details in the wedding card, her eyes misted while Preeti and Naina shared a glance.

Preeti came ahead and shook her, "Aditi... tum... tum thik toh ho? Tum achanak se rone kyun lagi?" Aditi wiped her tearstained face, "Kuch nahi... bas kuch yaad aa gaya tha."

Naina observed her for a few more moments and her gaze shifted to a photo frame in the room, "Tum Samrat ko jaanti ho, hai naa? Warna mere shaadi ka card padhte hi tumhari aankhon mein aansoon nahi aate." Preeti too was curious now, "Bataao Aditi... kya tum Samrat ko jaanti ho? Tumhara kya rishta hai Samrat se?"

"Main Samrat Ahuja ko jaanti hun.", Aditi replied and then turned to her aunt, "Kitni choti duniya hai naa Maasi? Jisse durr rehne ki kasam khaayi thi, aaj main ussi ke sheher mein hun. Aur aaj uska shaadi ka card bhi mere haath mein hai.", saying that Aditi started crying, making the sisters worry.

As she calmed down, Aditi faced the worried sisters, "Haan... main Samrat ko jaanti hun. Hum... hum ek dusre se bohot pyaar karte the."

The reply shocked the sisters. "Tum... tum Iti ho?", Naina asked perplexed. Now Aditi was curious, "Tumhe yeh naam kisne bataaya? Ek minute... kya Samrat ne mere baare mein tumse koi baat ki hai Naina? Bolo naa... main... main jaanna chaahti hun ki kya ab bhi Samrat mujhse nafrat karta hai."

Naina glanced at her sister once before replying, "Haan... Samrat ne mujhe Iti ke baare mein aaj hi bataaya tha. Par... par tum ro kyun rahi ho? Tum toh Samrat ke saath sirf timepass kar rahi thi naa? Pyaar vyaar toh karti nahi thi, fir yeh aansoon kis liye?"

Aditi chuckled still teary-eyed, "Haan... main toh Samrat ke saath sirf timepass hi kar rahi thi, koi pyaar vyaar nahi tha. Sahi kahaa tumne Naina... maine Samrat se kabhi pyaar nahi kiya. Tum... tum dono ko jaana chahiye, bohot late ho gaya hai."

Saying that, Aditi turned towards her room still limping and stopped at the door. Turning towards the sisters, she added, "Naina... shaadi mein invite karne ke liye thank you... par... par main shaadi mein nahi aa paaungi. I am sorry and congratulations... Main bhagwaan se pray karungi ki tum dono iss shaadi mein bohot khush raho..." And she entered her room still struggling to walk.

The sisters stood stunned as they heard Aditi weeping in her room. Preeti turned to her aunt, "Yeh aise kyun ro rahi hai? Agar isne Samrat ka dil toda tha, toh abhi aise kyun react kar rahi hai jaise Samrat ne kuch galat kiya ho?"

Aditi's aunt wiped her tears, "Tum dono ko kya lagta hai? Kya sach mein Iti ne uss ladke ka dil toda hoga? Kya sach mein Iti ne Samrat ke saath sirf timepass kiya hoga? Main jaanti hun ki tum log abhi hi mile ho, isliye shaayad Iti ko acche se jaante nahi ho. Par fir bhi tum dono ko sach mein lagta hai ki meri Iti uss ladke se pyaar nahi karti?"

Naina faced the aunt, "Sach kahaa aapne. Hum aaj hi Aditi se mile hai aur Samrat ko main paanch saal se jaanti hun. Aap jis tarah se humse sawaal kar rahi hai, iss-se main itna samajh sakti hun ki aap Samrat aur Aditi ke rishtey ke baare mein bohot kuch jaanti hai. Aur abhi jis tarah Aditi ro rahi hai, iss-se yeh toh saaf hai ki wohh Samrat ke saath timepass toh nahi kar rahi thi. Sach kya hai Maasi, sirf aap hi hume bataa sakti hai. Toh bataaiye, kya hai inke rishtey ka sach?"

Maasi made up her mind, "Waise toh mujhe Iti ne kasam di thi ki yeh baat main kisise nahi kahun, par iss kasam ko todne ka ab waqt aa gaya hai. Main ab aur meri bacchi ko yun tadapte nahi dekh sakti."

Turning towards the sisters, the aunt started, "Aditi ne bachpan mein hi apne maata-pita ko kho diya tha. Samrat ameer gharaane se hai aur hum middle class ke log hai. Hamari waise bhi koi barabari nahi ho sakti. Fir bhi Samrat aur Aditi ek dusre se bohot pyaar karte the. Fir ek din, Samrat ke pitaji ko inn dono ke baare mein sab pataa chal gaya aur fir wohh hamare ghar aaye. Unhone Iti ko daraaya, dhamkaaya ki wohh Samrat ka picha chod de. Agar Iti ne aisa nahi kiya toh wohh Samrat ko unke ghar se, unki jaaydaad se bedakkhal kar denge. Aur agar Iti yeh sab Samrat ko bataaya toh wohh mujhe maar denge."

Wiping her fresh tears, the aunt continued, "Hum dar gaye the beti. Hum unse ladd nahi sakte the aur naa hi Samrat ko sab sach bataa sakte the. Isliye Iti ne Samrat se kahaa ki wohh uss-se pyaar nahi karti, sirf timepass kar rahi thi. Naa chaahte hue bhi meri Iti ne Samrat ka dil toda taaki wohh koi galat kadam naa uthaaye. Uss din se aaj tak, meri Iti kabhi chaein se nahi soyi hai. Meri Iti Samrat se aaj bhi bohot pyaar karti hai beti. Aur main jaanti hun ki wohh kabhi yeh sach kisise nahi kahegi. Main tumse yeh sab iss liye keh rahi hun kyunki ab main meri beti ka dard dekh nahi sakti. Nahi dekh sakti meri beti ko yun tiltilkar marte hue."

As the sisters bid their goodbyes, they were silent all the way to their apartment. Many things were going on in their minds, but none voiced it out till they reached home.

As soon as the door closed, Preeti asked, "Naina... ab kya karegi?" Naina faced her sister, "Karna kya hai? Ye dekh rahi hai?", she said pointing towards the invitation cards. "Shaadi ke cards chapp gaye hai. Jaise main Sameer se pyaar karti thi, waise hi Samrat Aditi se pyaar karta tha. Humne shaadi ka faisla le liya hai, toh ab yeh shaadi hokar rahegi." Saying that, Naina went inside her bedroom while Preeti still stood there stunned hearing her sister's reply.

"Yeh meri hi behen hai naa? Aisa kyun behave kar rahi hai yeh? Jab hum dono ko pataa hai ki Samrat aur Aditi ek dusre se ab bhi pyaar karte hai, toh yeh kyun beech mein aa rahi hai? Unn dono ko milaane ka chodkar, yeh khud Samrat se apni shaadi ki baat kar rahi hai. Maine Sameer se thik hi kahaa tha. Meri behen paagal ho gayi hai. Par... par mera dil aur dimaag abhi bhi sahi chal raha hai aur ab sab sach jaanne ke baad, main naa toh Naina ko aur naa hi Samrat ko koi galti karne dungi. Ab toh tum dono ki shaadi nahi hogi, main hone hi nahi dungi. Samrat ki khushi Aditi ke saath hai aur Naina ki khushi Sameer ke saath.", Preeti declared while Naina stood at her bedroom door hearing her sister's words.

Naina had a restless sleep that night. Everything that had happened that day haunted her. What was she going to do now? Were Preeti's words, right? Was she seriously going to stand in between the two long lost lovebirds? She didn't know when she finally drifted to sleep during the early dawn.

Naina got up late the next day and found her apartment empty. As she entered the kitchen, her gaze landed on the note written by her sister, "Main baahar jaa rahi. Bohot urgent kaam hai. Do ghante mein waapis aa jaaungi. Aur haan... Samrat bhi tab tak aa jayega. Fir chalenge wedding cards baatne."

Naina had already made her decision when she had drifted to sleep last night. It was time for action now. She just hoped that whatever she had decided was going to be the right decision for everyone.

Soon, Preeti and Samrat arrived and they started the distribution of the wedding cards. They first went to their close relatives' place and then their common friends. Everyone was surprised with the sudden decision of their marriage, especially their friends. But no one commented anything and congratulated them wholeheartedly.

Munna and Pandit were very much shocked after receiving the wedding card. As soon as Naina, Preeti and Samrat left, Munna and Pandit rushed to Maheshwari mansion. They were now worried how their best friend would react to this sudden marriage. They had no idea that Sameer was already aware of all this.

Munna and Pandit reached Maheshwari Mansion to find Samrat, Naina and Preeti already sitting in the living hall. Vishakha and Vivek were already attending them. "Arey Munna, Pandit... tum dono bhi aa gaye? Chalo accha hai. Tum sab baitho, main abhi sab ke coffee banaakar laati hun.", Vishakha headed towards the kitchen while Vivek continued to talk to Samrat.

As Munna and Pandit settled next to Preeti, Pandit asked in general, "Sameer aur Rohan kahaan hai? Dikhaayi nahi de rahe?" Vivek replied, "Sameer toh office mein hai aur Rohan apne kamre mein hai. Wohh aaj ek bohot hi urgent meeting hai, isliye Sameer ko office jaana pada. Rohan ki thodi tabiyat thik nahi hai toh wohh aaram kar raha hai. Ramdhari gaya tha usse uthaane, abhi fresh hokar thodi der mein aa jayega."

Preeti glanced upstairs few times which didn't escape her sister's eyes and she nudged her sister, "Yeh baar baar upar kya dekh rahi hai tu?" "Main toh bas aise hi ghar dekh rahi thi.", she fumbled while replying.

As Vishakha emerged with Ramdhari with the cup of coffees, Rohan too joined them and settled opposite Preeti who was already looking at him. Rohan winked at her and she huffed in anger.

Though everyone knew why the three guests had arrived in the Maheshwari Mansion, Rohan asked, "Toh Samrat... aaj kaise aana hua yahaan?"

"Kya yaar Rohan? Tujhe bola tha ki hum tere ghar hamari shaadi ka invitation card dene aayenge. Itni jaldi bhool bhi gaya?", Samrat countered. Rohan rubbed his neck, "Sorry... wohh main bhool gaya tha." Preeti raised her eyebrows at him while he looked away embarrassed. He hadn't forgotten anything. How could he say that he was dreading this moment? It was sheer luck that Sameer had to attend the urgent meeting or else Samrat would've faced his brother's wrath today.

Samrat got up from the couch and introduced the sisters, "Uncle... Auntie... yeh hai Naina Agarwal, meri fiancé, aur yeh hai Preeti Agarwal, Naina ki behen. Hum yahaan hamari shaadi ka invitation dene aaye hai. Thik 10 din baad hamari shaadi ki saari rasmein shuru ho jaayengi. Toh aap sabko aana hai." Samrat handed over the wedding card to Vishakha and Vivek who congratulated them half-heartedly.

Vishakha's eyes had misted, yet she controlled herself. Naina was the first one to bend down and touch their feet, and soon Samrat followed. Placing her hand on Naina's head, Vishakha blessed her, "Naina... sadaa sukhi raho."

As Naina stood up, Vishakha took her in a warm hug and whispered, "Naina... I hope tum jo karne jaa rahi ho, wohh sab ke liye sahi ho." Naina felt a mother's warmth and replied, "Main jo karne jaa rahi hun, wohi sahi hai." And they broke the hug.

Naina clearly saw Vishakha's misty eyes and she realized that Sameer's mother knew about her. Naina gave her a smile and turned to her sister, only to clash with the cup of coffee her sister was holding for her.

"Ooops... sorry Naina... yeh garam coffee tere dress par giri hai. Jaa... jaldi paani se saaf kar le, warna daag nahi niklega.", Preeti felt sorry for her actions. Vishakha guided Naina upstairs to his son's room.

Naina who had been in this house several times knew where she was heading. "Wohh... main neeche ke room mein hi dress saaf kar leti. Aap mujhe yahaan kyun lekar jaa rahi hai?", Naina voiced out the obvious as soon as she reached near his room. She couldn't say anything in the living room as she didn't want anyone to know that she was well versed with Maheshwari Mansion, especially in front of Samrat.

Vishakha replied, "Neeche toh sirf kitchen aur mere Papa ka room hai. Wahaan ke bathroom ka nal kharaab hai, isliye main tumhe yahaan upar laayi." Pointing towards her son's bedroom, she continued, "Yeh Sameer ka room hai. Abhi wohh nahi hai ghar pe, toh tum use kar lo."

Before Naina could say anything, Vishakha left swiftly. Hesitating for a few moments, Naina finally pushed the door open, taking in everything in his room slowly. Closing her eyes, she inhaled his fragrance that lingered in his room despite his absence.

Touching everything that came in her way slowly, Naina made her way towards the bathroom. Clicking the door open, she turned the tap on to clean her dress. She was halfway through her cleaning, when she felt his presence behind her and she looked up in the mirror in front of her.

There he stood behind her, watching her intently. Sameer took few steps towards her and stood behind her, his gaze fixed on her reflection in the mirror. The voice of the running water also couldn't distract them.

Soon, Naina came back to reality and broke the eye-lock. She was about to turn off the tap and leave, when she felt him moving. His hand came around her and held her hand. Naina trembled with that touch but remained immune. She didn't want him to know what effect he still had on her. But Sameer knew her better. He too had shivered with that touch. Afterall, it was after ten long years that they had held each other's hand.

"Tum... tum kya kar rahe ho? Haath chodo mera.", Naina chided. Sameer neglected her anger and held her hand under the running water, "Kapdon par se coffee saaf karna yaad tha, par haath pe giri coffee se haath jal raha hoga, yeh yaad nahi raha tumhe Naina?", Sameer scolded. "Dekho... kitna laal ho gaya hai tumhara haath? Jal nahi raha kya?"

"Aajkal mujhe koi bhi zakham dard nahi dete.", Naina replied firmly and tried to free her hand from his. But to no avail. Sameer didn't leave her hand for a few more moments. Her reply stabbed his heart, but he resisted his urge to apologize. This wasn't the time. They were alone in his bathroom, where anyone could walk in searching for her. He had limited time right now. But he wasn't going to waste this opportunity.

Naina broke free from his hold forcefully and walked outside as fast as she could. But she didn't know that Sameer was on a mission today. Before she could open the door of his bedroom, Sameer held her hand and pulled her.

Naina twirled around him while he too lost his balance and twirled. The flashbacks of their first meet in the school corridor turned true again. Their meets had always started with these twirls. It felt nostalgic. It felt as if these twirls were meant for them only.

Sameer regained his footing first and held Naina's hands. He felt the sparks again. Before Naina could push him, he backed her on the door behind her and caged her between his arms.

"Kya kar rahe ho tum? Mujhe... mujhe jaane do.", Naina stammered as Sameer stood too close to her. This intimacy was different from what they had felt back in their school days.

Sameer knew very well what was going on in Naina's mind. He could clearly read it in her eyes. He was back in his school days. He still could read her so easily.

"Sab... sab neeche wait kar rahe hai. Sam... Samrat neeche wait kar raha hoga.", Naina mumbled again. Hearing Samrat's name, something snapped in him and Sameer leaned closer to her face, stopping just a few inches from her lips.

Naina's heart stopped beating altogether as she realized their position. He had locked her in his arms. Was he going to kiss her? No... he can't do that. Not when she was here to invite them for her wedding with Samrat.

Meeting his intense gaze, Naina willed herself to be strong, "Main Samrat se shaadi kar rahi hun agle hafte. Tum ab mujhse durr raho. Hamari jo bhi kahaani thi, wohh dus saal pehle tumne khatam kar di thi."

Sameer's heart broke hearing her, but he steeled himself too, "Toh..." He murmured close to her lips. "Bolo na Naina... toh..." Naina remembered how he always said this, 'Toh', to her when he wanted her to say more.

As always Naina lowered her gaze while Sameer smiled. Nothing had changed between them. The love they had for each other was still the same or maybe had grown more. He had wanted to see if Naina still felt the same for him and he got his answer through her eyes and her heartbeats that were thumping erratically, matching his.

"Mujhe mera jawaab mil gaya Naina.", Sameer whispered making her miss her heartbeats again. Meeting his gaze again, Naina asked, "Kaisa jawaab?"

Stepping away from her, Sameer released her reluctantly. Folding his hands, he stood few feet away from her. "Main jo jaanna chaahta tha, wohh mujhe pataa chal gaya hai Naina. Jaao... neeche jaao. Sabko apni shaadi ke cards baato. Par yeh yaad rakhna ki main tumse bohot pyaar karta hun aur main tumhe kisi aur ki hone nahi dunga."

Naina shook her head and took a deep breath, "Meri shaadi mein apni family ke saath zaroor aana."

"Aaunga Naina... zaroor aaunga... jaanti ho kyun?", Sameer asked with a smile. When Naina remained silent, he continued, "Kyunki dulhe ke bina shaadi nahi hoti Naina."

At her stunned reaction, Sameer added, "Tum neeche jaana chaahti thi naa, toh jaao... par yeh baat yaad rakhna ki mere bina tumhari shaadi ki koi rasam poori nahi hogi. Jaao... karo apni shaadi ki taiyaari... main bhi dekhta hun ki do hafte mein tum kisse shaadi karti ho."

Naina didn't wait anymore and left his room hastily. She didn't trust herself anymore.

As the door closed, Sameer ruffled his hair and smiled happily, "Naina... do hafton mein tumhari shaadi toh hogi... zaroor hogi... par Samrat ke saath nahi... yeh mera vaada hai Naina... yeh mera vaada hai..."

How was the update?

This is the longest chapter I've written so far for this story.

Toh bataao bataao, aage kya hoga?

Thank you all for having so much patience with my late updates and I apologize for the delay.

We have finally shifted to a new house and now, I can resume writing my stories.

I have so many stories lined up and with the new year coming up, I wish to finish both of my ongoing stories soon and start writing the new ones.

Please do vote and comment, so I could get back all the motivation I need to write further.

Thanks everyone once again...

Next update will be up next weekend.

Till then, take care and stay safe.

With lots of love,

Daksha...❤️