Hello everyone...

I'm back with the next part.

Do like & comment, if you like the story.

Ignore the mistakes.

With lots of love,

DIKU...❤

CAN BROKEN HEART BE MENDED

CHAPTER FOUR

SAMEER

We drove towards my home on our bikes. It took us more than an hour to reach home due to traffic. As it was a routine to collect all the junk food for our night outs, we got home late. Nanu was still awake to meet his naughty RAHU-KETU. I had already informed Nanu of our night out before leaving office. Nanu was listening to radio & Ramdhari was cleaning the kitchen as usual.

Munna & Pandit entered into the house with a loud squeal. Nanu came forward & squeezed each of their ears tightly & scolded them, "Kyun itna shor machaa rahe ho tum dono. Shanti se nahi aa sakte kabhi. Aise kaun aate hi chillata hai. Aur kitne din.... Nahin... Nahin... kitne mahino baad aa rahe ho. Kabhi hum se bhi milne aa jaaya karo." Pandit said, "Aaahhhhh... Nanaji chodo na kaan... dard ho raha hai. Meri koi galti nahi hai. Yeh chillana ka idea Munna ka tha. Main toh bas aise hi... aaahhhhh... Sameer kuch madad kar na."

"Maine kaha tha tujhe chillane ko??? Tu ruk ja, baad mein mil, fir batata hun tujhe Pandu... Nanaji aap iski koi baat mat maano... Jhooth bol raha hai woh. Aapko lagta hai mere jaisa sidha sadha ladka aisa kuch idea dega. Aaahhhhh... Nanaji kaan chod dijiye na... Sach mein dukhne laga hai ab.", Munna acted as if in pain.

Nanu left their ears. And both the RAHU-KETU sighed in relief. Then they both touched Nanu's feet. He blessed & pulled them in a hug. I was smiling seeing their precious bond. This was my real family. They were my lifelines. Nanu called me towards them & I joined them in a group hug. I relaxed in their presence.

Nanu already had his dinner. So Ramdhari served us dinner & Nanu sat beside us listening to his RAHU-KETU's banter. Nanu retired to his room bidding us goodnight & we sat there in the living room watching 'Andaz Apna Apna'. Ramdhari too left to his room after finishing all the chores.

As soon as Ramdhari left, Munna got up & switched off the television. I knew what was coming but still I sat there motionless. Munna politely asked me to move to my room. They both followed me quietly. Once we were in my room. Munna started with his questions, "Toh ab bataa baat kya hai Sameer. Subah se dekh rahe hai hum ki tu bohot pareshaan hai. Bol kya hua?" Pandit too joined, "Haaa yaar Sameer... Bol na... Kya hua hai? Aur tu Naina se kyun milne gaya tha?"

I took a deep breath & told them everything that had happened with Sunaina. They were listening attentively & didn't interrupt me. Then I told them about my meet with Naina in the café. Still they didn't say anything. When I finished updating them, they sat there expressionless. I didn't know what else they wanted to hear. So, I shook both of them by their shoulders & said with irritation, "Arey kuch toh bolo. Aise chup kyun baith gaye dono. Kuch toh react karo."

Pandit was the first to react, "Tune yeh sab hume pehle kyun nahi bataya. Do din se andar hi andar ghut raha tha tu. Aur hamare poochne par bataa raha hai yeh sab. Dekh raha hai Chenu. Hume best friend, bhai kehta hai yeh. Aur baatein chupane lagaa hai ab toh. Itna paraaya kar diya tune yaar hume. Itna dard akele hi seh raha hai. Munna tu hi bol ab kuch."

Munna wiped his tears & crushed me in his hug. Pandit joined us too... I couldn't control anymore & cried my heart out. They too cried feeling my pain, sharing my pain. They were my lifelines forever. Our bond was too precious for me. After sometime we left each other. We freshened up & went to the balcony & sat there.

"Sunaina ne jo bhi kiya woh accha nahi kiya. Par tu jo Naina ko karne ko bol raha hai woh bhi sahi nahi hai Sameer. Sirf isliye ke Sunaina tujhse pyaar nahi karti aur tujhe boyfriend material nahi maanti, tu Naina ko teri fake girlfriend banne ke liye pooch raha hai. Tu keh raha hai ki tujhe revenge nahi lena, toh Naina ko fake girlfriend banne le liye kyun poocha tune. Aur sirf Naina hi kyun? Koi aur kyun nahi? Sameer bataa baat kya hai?", asked Munna worriedly.

"Sameer... Sach kahun yaar. Mujhe toh Sunaina pehle se hi pasand nahi thi. Pata nahi kya dikha tujhe usme ki tu usse pyaar karne laga. Par tujhe khush dekhkar hum dono chup rehte the. Par ab aur nahi yaar. Sunaina tere laayak kabhi thi hi nahi. Nahi deserve karti woh tujhe. Tu bohot accha hai. Naina ek bohot hi acchi ladki hai. Tujhe pasand bhi karti hai. Aur shayad isiliye woh maan bhi jaaye teri fake girlfriend banne ke liye. Fir aage kya Sameer? Agar tu yeh soch raha hai ki Sunaina tujhe kisi aur ke saath dekhkar jalegi, toh tu bilkul galat soch raha hai Sameer. Woh sirf paiso se pyaar karti hai. Tune hi kaha na abhi, ki tujhe koi revenge nahi lena. Fir Naina ko fake girlfriend ke liye kyun pooch raha hai?", Pandit pointed the obvious.

They were looking at me, waiting for my answer. But what could I say? I myself don't know why I asked Naina to be my Fake Girlfriend. I just shrugged & looked towards the sky as if I would get my answers there.

It was past midnight when my phone beeped with a message. I opened the instagram notification to find Naina's message. Unknowingly I smiled to myself & opened her message which read, "Hiiii Sameer. Mujhe tumse important baat karni hai. Kya hum kal mil sakte hai? Mere paas tumhara number nahi tha isliye yahan message kar rahi hun. Good night."

I thought of sending my number but I stopped myself & send her a message instead, "Hii Naina. Main bhi tumse milna chahta hun. Kya tum mujhe kal shaam 5 baje R-City Mall mein milogi? Tum chaho toh Preeti ko bhi saath laa sakti ho." She replied instantly agreeing to meet me at the entrance of the mall & asked me to bring Munna & Pandit too. I replied with a thumbs-up smiley.

When I looked up from my mobile, I saw two smiling faces in front of me. "Aise kyun smile kar rahe ho tum dono?" Munna replied still smiling, "Kiska message tha Sameer?" I just shrugged & said solemnly, "Ummmm...Woh Naina ka message tha, keh rahi thi milna chahti hai kal, kuch important baat karni hai. toh maine usse kal Rcity mall me shaam ko 5 baje bulaya hai. Preeti ko bhi saath laane ko kaha maine. Tum dono bhi saath chalna please."

They both exchanged a glance & said excitedly, "Hum toh zaroor aayenge." My heart almost stopped beating, when Munna casually said, "Naina ko fake girlfriend nahi, real girlfriend banaa Sameer. Bhale hi usne maan liya ki woh tujhe pasand karti hai, par I'm sure ki Naina tujhse pyaar bhi karti hai. Tujhe kya lagta hai Pandit?"

"Hmmmm... Mujhe bhi yahi lagta hai Chenu.", Pandit winked at me. I blushed unknowingly. Did I actually blush??? I was surprised with my own reaction but I remained quiet. But they had definitely not missed my reaction. Munna asked me a little curiously, "Naina... Kaisi lagti hai tujhe Sameer?". I knew where the conversation will lead me, so I just lied, "Aaj pehli baar hi mila hu usse. Itna jaldi kuch keh nahi sakta."

Pandit just raised his eyebrows & said, "Thik hai. Kal toh mil hi rahe hai na... Dekh lenge hum jo hume dekhna aur samjhna hoga. Kyun Chenu???" Munna just nodded with a mischievous grin. I closed my eyes & opened instantly. What had I seen? Nooo...nooo... This can't be happening. Pandit patted my back & teased, "Kya hua Sameer. Kahin Naina ka chehra toh teri aankhon ke saamne nahi aa gaya naa... jo ekdum jhat se aankhen khol di."

My eyes widened & Munna teased more, "Hhmmm... Naina hi dikhi hai isko. Waaahh Bhai... kya effect hai Naina ka. Ab toh kal milna hi padega." Pandit suddenly interrupted & said, "Chenu tujhe kya lagta hai, Naina ko kal kya important baat karni hogi Sameer se?" Munna replied with his signature smile, "Mujhe lagta hai Naina ne kal isko apna decision batane ke liye bulaya hoga."

"Kya decision legi Naina? Sameer... Tujhe kya lagta hai?", Pandit asked me directly. I didn't answer & just shrugged, avoiding any further interrogation. Munna said confidently, "Agar Naina iss buddhu se pyaar karti hogi, toh woh iska stupid 'Fake Girlfriend' wala proposal zaroor accept karegi." Pandit agreed with him & I just went blank for that moment. I didn't answer them. Will Naina agree to be my Fake Girlfriend??? What Munna said was true? Did Naina love me? She had agreed that she likes me but does she love me too...

I faked some yawns & said, "Chalo so jaate hai bhai. Mujhe toh neend aa rahi hai." I got up hurriedly & moved towards the bed before any of them could say anything more. When I reached my bed, I heard them laughing which made me blush more.

I was thankful to the darkness in my room or they would've caught me blushing again. They joined me on the bed. They slept at either sides of me. When I murmured a goodnight, I didn't get any reply. I turned to see them & I found them sleeping already. I laughed looking at them & mumbled, "Khumbhakaran hai dono ke dono bhi. Bilkul mere jaise."

I closed my eyes & thought about my conversations with Munna-Pandit. I really didn't want to take any revenge with Sunaina. But then why I asked Naina to be my fake girlfriend. Yesss... I wanted to show Sunaina that I could be a very good boyfriend. But then still I didn't have an answer for 'Why Only Naina?' I was doubting my own love towards Sunaina now. Did I actually love her or I was just habituated with her presence...? What was it? I had to find answers to this...

I was confused. I don't know when I slept after that. I got up late the next morning. I could hear faint voices of Munna, Pandit & Nanu from downstairs. I freshened up quickly & joined them for late breakfast. Nanu was asking about their families & work. They were chatting non-stop. I also participated in their banter here & there.

Nanu asked us about our plan for the weekend, when Munna suddenly blurted, "Arey Nanu bohot important kaam hai aaj toh hume, R-city Mall jaana hai shaam ko kisi se milne." I raised my eyebrows at him but he didn't pay any heed to it & continued, "Hume shayad late bhi ho jaaye Nanu. Par fikar not, hum hai Sameer ke saath, sahi-salaamat usse ghar le aayenge."

I just buried my face in my palms, hoping Nanu won't ask me about the person we will be meeting. But nothing had escaped Nanu. He was very smart after all he was one of the best businessmen in the textile industries. "Kis se milne jaa rahe ho shaam ko. Mujhe lagaa aaj itne din baad weekend saath bitaa rahe ho, toh ghar par hi rahoge. Waise kya naam kaha tumne Pandit, kis se milna hai?"

Pandit said unconsciously, "Naina se milne jaa rahe hai Nanu." I was so going to kill his RAHU-KETU at that moment. They just couldn't keep anything within themselves. "Aur yeh Naina kaun hai?", questioned Nanu looking at us intently. Munna understood that I didn't want to talk about Sunaina & definitely not about Naina. So, he interrupted Pandit before he could open his mouth, "Woh Naina na meri friend cum sister hai, hamare office mein kaam karti hai. Usse thodi help chahiye thi. Isiliye main inn dono ko le jaa raha hun saath mein. Thoda mall me shopping bhi kar lenge. Diwali bhi toh aa rahi hai."

Munna had definitely saved my day. I was glaring at Pandit though for his slip of tongue. He slowly muttered a 'Sorry'. Nanu didn't pry further on that & soon left for his work with Munshiji. We had lot of fun reminiscing our school & college days. But all the time 'NAINA" hadn't left my mind. Yesterday night's conversation was still fresh in my mind.

Munna's words, "Agar Naina iss buddhu se pyaar karti hogi, toh woh iska stupid 'Fake Girlfriend' wala proposal zaroor accept karegi.", were still ringing in my ears. Will she really accept my proposal because she loves me? I didn't know why my thoughts were surrounded by her, when I should be thinking of Sunaina. "Kis ke khayalon mein khoya hai tu Sameer?", Pandit nudged me. I unconsciously said, "Naina." When I heard their laughter, I understood what I spoke. "Woh.... Mera matlab yeh tha ki... Woh...", I stuttered & they laughed more. I just smiled & hugged the pillow slightly.

"Dekh raha hai Chenu... Bas ek din bhi nahi hua Naina se mile aur iska yeh haal hai. Aaj ke baad shayad hamara yeh dost sirf hamara nahi rahega...", he said laughing with Munna. I throwed the pillows at them. And there the pillow fight began. We got tired after a while & again resumed eating as our Pandit was hungry as usual.

My mobile beeped indicating an instagram notification which got my attention immediately. It was Naina's message which read, "Hum mil rahe hai na aaj?" It brought a smile on my face somehow. Munna & Pandit peeped into my mobile & smirked raising their eyebrows & teased me, "Toh Sameer reply karo, 'Main toh besabri se tumhe milne ke liye kabse taiyar hun' Kaho toh abhi aa jaun." Ignoring their antics, I replied, "Haaa... Hum 5 baje se pehle hi aa jayenge. Tumhe entrance pe milunga, jaise tumne kaha tha." Her response was immediate with a smiley.

It was already four in the evening, when we got ready to go to the Mall. We left on our bikes. We reached half an hour ago. So, we decided to look around for a while & then come back to the entrance at 5. We were roaming around, when I suddenly felt her presence.

I turned & my heart stopped beating. There she was in a red sleeveless top paired with black jeans. Her hair was left open. Her beautiful doe shaped eyes were kohled with kajal & a light red lipstick highlighted her delicious lips. Small red earing had completed her look. She looked hot & stunning in her simple attire. My gaze didn't move from her till Pandit whispered in my ear, "Ab muh band kar le bhai... Makkhi ghus jaayegi. Waise Naina ekdum hot lag rahi hai na?" I replied without thinking, "Haann... Bohot hot lag rahi hai."

My trance broke when I heard Munna laughing at me. I just face palmed myself for my stupidity. What was happening to me? Why was she affecting me so much? I was supposed to be in love with Sunaina, but I never felt this way with her. It was after meeting Naina that I felt all these weird feelings. What were these feelings? What the hell was happening with me?

I closed my eyes & took a deep breath & promised myself to understand my feelings towards Naina. When I opened my eyes, Naina stood in front of me with a smile. My lips automatically turned upwards & I smiled the first genuine smile that reached my eyes, my heart. I was content watching her.

"Hiiii Sameer. Ummmm... Hum entrance par milne wale the par main aur Preeti jaldi aa gaye the toh bas aise hi thoda ghum rahe the.", my heart skipped more beats hearing her soft voice. I was so lost in Naina that I couldn't reply. As usual, Pandit spoke loudly which broke my trance again, "Hum log bhi jaldi aa gaye the. Toh socha thode shops dhoondh lete hain. Diwali shopping bhi ho jaayegi saath saath."

I muttered a curse inaudibly & took a deep breath, looking at Naina, "Hiii... Naina... Yeh hai Pandit aur yeh hai Munna, mere best friends. Waise tumne inko office mein dekha hi hoga." I introduced them to divert my fast thudding heart. I really hoped that no one would hear my unsteady & fast heartbeats. Naina shaked their hands mumbling a low 'hiii...'

"Yeh hai Preeti... Meri eklauti best friend... Yeh bhi hamare saath hi hai office mein kaam karti hai... Tum log jaante hi hoge.", Naina said introducing Preeti. We all had friendly handshakes with each other, when we observed Pandit lost in Preeti. Well now was my turn, so I nudged him whispering, "Muh band karle Pandit, makkhi ghus jaayegi." And we all laughed out loud. Pandit & Preeti both blushed deeply...

"Woh kahin baith ke baat karen?", Naina said directly looking at me. I just nodded. We moved towards Pizza Hut which was just a few shops ahead. We settled down & Pandit asked for our orders. We all ordered three large Tandoori Paneer Pizzas & Pepsi, as we all were hungry. Pandit joined us back after placing our orders.

We all sat there in silence. Munna was the first one to speak, "Ummm... Naina... Sameer ne hume kal raat sab bataya. Toh tumne kya decide kiya? Tum yahi batane ke liye aaj milne aayi ho na?" Naina nodded in a yesss... She looked at me directly meeting my eyes, "Haaannnn... Maine kal raat hi decision le liya tha. Aaj wohi batane ke liye bulaya hai. Hmmmm... Sameer... Mujhe tumhara proposal manzoor hai." She closed her eyes for a second & again looked deeply in my eyes & spoke confidently, "Sameer... Main tumhari FAKE GIRLFRIEND banne ke liye taiyar hun."

Did I hear it right? Did she really agree to be my FAKE GIRLFRIEND? Munna's words started to ring in my mind again. Did she love me so much that without getting anything in return, she agreed for my FAKE GIRLFRIEND proposal? I didn't blink at all. I was just staring at her. Preeti coughed loudly this time, which brought me back from my wandering thoughts.

"Tum sach mein iske stupid idea mein iska saath denewali ho Naina?", asked Munna curiously. She nodded still looking at me. She had held my gaze intensely. I wasn't ready to speak yet. Before anyone could speak, the waitress arrived with our orders. We served some slices of pizzas on our plates & started munching. Naina hadn't started eating yet. But her gaze shifted outside. She requested Pandit to exchange their places. This confused us, but no one said anything. They exchanged places. Preeti & Pandit sat together & Munna, I & Naina sat across them.

"Ummmm... Tum abhi peeche mudke mat dekhna. Par Sunaina aayi hai yahan, apne boyfriend ke saath.", Naina whispered in my ear slowly. Now I understood why she had exchanged places. My heart started thudding loudly again at her close proximity. Before I could say anything, Sunaina appeared besides our table.

"Ohhhh... Hiii... Sameer... Tum yahan kya kar rahe? Arey Munna, Pandit tum dono kaise ho? Bohot time baad mile na hum?", Sunaina spoke in her sugarcoated voice. Naina had quietly wrapped her hand around my arm. We both felt the electric jolt at that. I looked at her. We both had a brief eye lock, when Pandit answered, "Hiii... Sunaina... Hum toh ekdum mast hai. Kyun Munna? Tum kaisi ho? Aur tum yahan akeli aayi ho kya?"

"Arey nahi... Main kyun akele aane lagi yahan. Main toh mere boyfriend Kartik ke saath aayi hun. Woh pizza ka order dene gaya hai. Lo aa gaya.", Sunaina said lovingly looking at Kartik. "Yeh hai Kartik... Mera boyfriend... Aur Kartik tum Sameer ko toh jaante hi ho... Yeh hai Munna aur Pandit... Sameer ke friends. Aur inn dono ko main nahi jaanti.", Sunaina said eyeing Naina & Preeti.

"Hiii... Kartik... Tumse milkar accha laga. Waise main introductions complete karta hun. Yeh hai Preeti, hamari bohot acchi close friend. Aur yeh hai Naina.... Humare Sameer ki girlfriend aur humari hone wali BHABHI.", Pandit had finally exploded the bomb. "Hiii... Sunaina... Hiii... Kartik...", Preeti just said for a name sake. Kartik nodded whereas Sunaina was looking at Naina keenly.

"Hiii... Kartik... Hiii... Sunaina... Tum dono se milkar accha laga. Bohot suna tha tumhare baare mein Sameer se. Aaj finally mulaakat ho hi gayi.", Naina said faking her smile & leaning on me completely. "Tumne bataya nahi Sameer... Tumhari itni beautiful girlfriend bhi hai.", Kartik said eyeing Naina.

I wish I could just punch that guy for looking at Naina that way. I just tightened my hold on Naina & said very calmly looking at Kartik, "Haannn... Meri Naina hai hi itni beautiful ki mujhe isse sabse chupake rakhna padta hai. Warna kitne logon ko mere punch khaane padte, agar kisi ne bhi meri Naina ki taraf galat nazaron se dekhaa hota." He understood my silent threat & left with Sunaina. They took the table just opposite us.

I looked at Naina, who smiled with all her heart, silently thanking me for saving her from that asshole's prying scrutiny. I just nodded & assured her in a soft voice, "Jab tak main tumhare saath hun Naina, koi bhi tumhe aise nahi dekh sakta. Sach mein punch kar dunga.", I winked & she blushed...

Did I really wink? Why was I getting so possessive about her? We just met yesterday. What was happening with me? I couldn't understand. I should feel jealous after seeing Sunaina with Kartik. But I wasn't jealous. Instead, I was irked with the way that Kartik had looked at Naina. God help me... What am I doing? Why am I feeling these strange feelings whenever I'm around Naina... I need to sort my feelings first.

I was so lost in my thoughts that Munna had to nudge me with his elbow to bring me back to reality. I gave him a glare & then focused on Naina. She looked at me & offered me a slice of her Pizza. I just moved a little forward & ate it. She took the next bite from exactly the same place from where I had eaten a while ago. I literally felt butterflies in my stomach with her act. No one had ever done that with me. I couldn't look away from her. She again offered the same piece & I deliberately ate the remaining piece licking her finger. She shivered & I was enjoying my effect on her as well.

We both continued the same & finished the entire pizza. Was I so much hungry? I knew I wasn't hungry for food but I was definitely hungry for love. I could clearly see in her eyes that she wasn't acting. I definitely felt a connection with her that I never felt with Sunaina. Did she really love me? I needed to find out. But how? I thought of taking help of Munna & Pandit. But they would tease me about it forever. I didn't have any option left except for taking my best friend's help.

I saw Preeti, Munna & Pandit were genuinely smiling at us. I could see their happy faces which reflected on our faces too. "Waahhhh... Kya Pyaar hai... Bhabhi humne kabhi Sameer ko aise kisi ke saath bhi khaate nahi dekha. Sameer bhai bohot lucky hai tu, jo tujhe Naina Bhabhi mili. Kitna pyaar karti hai tujhse. Kaash koi hume bhi itne pyaar se khilaata", Pandit said looking at Preeti, who just gave him a fake angry glare. We laughed together.

I took the glass filled with Pepsi towards me & took two straws from the can besides. I put both the straws in that glass & kept it between Naina & me. She understood what had to be done. We both bent towards the glass together, drinking & sharing the Pepsi. Pandit & Munna hooted & Preeti was just grinning happily.

We all finished our mini pizza party. I paid the bill declining everyone's offer to contribute their share. When we got up, I held Naina's hand possessively. She tightened her hold for assurance. Just as we got up, Naina had suddenly pulled me towards Sunaina's table. I didn't know what she was upto. But nonetheless I followed her.

"Byeee... Sunaina & Kartik... Pataa nahi wapis kab milenge. But it was nice meeting you both. Chale Sameer.... Hume Diwali ke liye shopping bhi toh karni hai na... Waise hi yahin late ho gaya hai... Tumhe pata hai na mujhe shopping karne mein kitna time lagta hai. Aur tumhari shopping bhi toh karni hai. Fir tumhe mujhe ghar bhi toh drop karna hai na.", Naina said nonstop looking in my eyes.

I left her hand & pulled her by her waist towards me & murmured, "Haannn... Jaan... Jo bhi tum kaho. See you guys around." We made our way back from the Pizza Hut. But I didn't leave her. I had still held her by her waist. I wasn't ready to leave her yet. I wanted to talk to her alone. But our friends weren't leaving us alone. We were stuck with them.

I just whispered slowly in her ear, "Tumse akele mein baat karni hai." I saw the color rising on her cheeks which I loved too much. She looked at me & said in her soft sweet voice, "Pehle shopping karle Mr Sameer Maheshwari. Fir jab tum mujhe ghar drop karne aaoge tab baat kar lena akele mein." She winked & I blushed.

God Lord... What was happening? Was all this just a pretense or real? I could definitely see that there was something more than liking towards the way she looked at me. I just needed to confirm. And for that, I needed to spend some alone time with her. The whole time in Pizza Hut, I was aware of her hand on my arm.

But the strange thing that had happened was I wasn't either jealous or affected by Sunaina's & Kartik's presence. I just needed to have Naina alone while dropping her home. But before that, I was too excited to do Diwali shopping with her...

So how did you find this part?

Will Naina be able to make Sameer realize what exactly LOVE feels like?

Do let me know in the comments section.

Should I continue the story?

Do like & comment, if you like the story.

Ignore the mistakes.

With lots of love,

DIKU...❤