The white fog widespread all around with the tiny water droplets on the leaves. Streets were deserted, with no trace of birds. People were in their own warm cocoon, with sleep not willing to leave their eyes. Whereas one of our lead i.e. the hero was out for a jog. Getting tired he sat on one of the benches kept there, pushing his jacket-cap down; he gulped the remaining water left in his bottle.

He sat there for a while when his phone beeped. He unlocked it and saw that it was his manager who had messaged him today's schedule. He sighed and kept his phone back in the pocket. It had become his routine of working early and getting himself busy with his work-out. Unlike the days before 2 months, where he used to wake up at the sweet good morning messages from her.

2 months(sigh)....he couldn't believe it had been 2 months since he last met her....or heard her. His family was in touch with her but he wasn't, cause it was difficult, not only for him but for her too, to become normal as friends cause they weren't the ones.

Sighingly he got up and jogged back to his house, he rang the bell and saw his reason-to-be-happy open the door.

Meanwhile, in the capital of India, Delhi, was a girl who was still in the bed. No, not sleeping but just laying looking at the far corner of the room. Just then her mother comes in with 2 cups of tea. The girl sits upright as her mother sits besides.

Rama-Good Morning!

Naina(in a low voice)-Good Morning.

Rama-Yeh rahi teri bed tea. Hmm.

She passed the cup to her daughter and had their morning beverage together. Rama was about to go when she remembered something.

Rama-Acha Naina, Woh pinki ka kuch saaman hai, mere bag mein jagah nahi hai toh tere bag mein baith jayega kya?

Naina-Aa....Woh...maine abhi tak bag nahi bhari, par aap lake dijiye main adjust karlungi.

Rama-Hai Bhagwan Naina, kal nikalna hai hume aur tune abhi tak bag nahi bhari.

Naina-Maa main bhar dungi, aap chinta mat karo. Sorry.

Rama(softly)-Sorry ki baat nahi hai Naina, par tum kab tak aise rahogi? Itni shant ho gayi, hamesha gumsum rehti hai. Agar tujhe itni taklif ho rahi hai toh Jaa na uske paas, hamari baat kyu maan rahi hai hai?

It was after a long time that Rama started this topic. She couldn't see her daughter like this, all broken but couldn't even do anything as it was her daughter's decision. Naina looked at her and said.

Naina-Arre dusre log apne bacho ko baat mane ke liye kehte hai aur aap mana kar rahe ho. (chuckles)

Naina tries to lighten her mother's mood but gets a stern look instead. She sighs and hugs Rama saying.

Naina(softly)-Kuch nahi hua hai maa. Mujhe koi taklif nahi ho rahi hai, bas thodi tabiyat kharab hai. Goli le lungi toh theek ho jaungi.

Rama-Naina, ab toh goli mat le. Pichle 2 mahino se har 2 dinon mein goli le rahi hai, aadat lag gayi hai tujhe unki. Ab band kar de Naina, kuch ho jayega.

Naina-Kuch nahi hoga maa.

Rama(strictly)-Naina!

Naina(sighingly)-Theek hai, nahi lungi.

Rama-Chal, ab tayar hoja warna kaam ke liye der ho jayegi.

Naina-Hmm.

Naina hummed while Rama went back to her daily schedule.

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

"Packup"

The director ordered the day off and all went back to their green rooms. The actors planned of an evening chill out at pub and were on their way to ask Sameer to join them too. Sameer heard a knock on his room and opened the door to see her co-star Aditi there.

Aditi-Hey! Tum aaj raat free ho?

Sameer-Kyu? Kuch plan hai?

Aditi-Actually, Hum sabne pub jaane ka plan kiya hai....Wanna join?

Sameer-Actually....nahi...aaj nahi ho payega....next time.

Aditi-Tum humesha yahi kehte ho aur phir hum sabke saath nahi aate...kya hogaya hai tumhe? Pehle toh aise nhi karte the...

Sameer-Aise kuch nhi hai yaar....ghar pe todha kaam hai....next time pakka.

Aditi rolled her eyes and said..

Aditi-Fine....Par next time pakka ha..

Sameer-Hmm.

Aditi-Bye..

Aditi waved her hand to Sameer and went to the other actors. Sameer shut his door and sat on the chair thinkin about what Aditi said. His life had changed since past 2 months, he had stopped going out for parties, for trips and was just working. It had been days talking to his friends and even his family which was noticeable easily. Anyone could tell that there was something going on with him. But he didn't want that, he wanted to be back normal not for him but for his family. Because one way or the other his behaviour was making them sad and he knew it. He saw himself in the mirror and thought to himself.

Sameer-Bas ab Sameer, aur akela nahi rehna hai tujhe , aise kisi aur ke liye nahi par apni family ke liye tujhe khush hona hi hoga. Ab aur dukhi nahi hona. Waise bhi todhe dinon me Kabir ki shaadi hai toh uske saamne atleast khush rehna hoga tujhe.

Sameer promised himself to be happy henceforth and picked his bag and got in his car. He fished out his phone and typed a message.

Hey Sweetheart. ½ ghante mein tayar rehna, aaj bahar jayenge.
Bye love you.❤

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

The music from the ocean waves hitting the sea walls the morning wind hitting the sailboat's masts in the birds singing brought joy. But not to the travellers who had just entered Mumbai. The hot and humid climate made everyone perspire and it was irritating all. The Agarwals were in Mumbai and now were going to Phulla Bua's house.

'Aao Aao Rakesh.'

Phulla bua welcomed the guest at home, as everyone touched her feet.

Bua-Arre Beena, zara pani lana.

Phulla bua called her daughter-in-law to get water and asked all to settle down. Phulla bua was Rakesh's real aunt who had 2sons Jagdish and Anand. Jagdish and his wife Beena had a daughter Priyanka (Pinki) and a son Pralay. Whereas Anand-Bela had an elder son Arjun who was married to Juhi. It was Pinki's wedding for which all had gathered. Beena greeted everyone and served them water.

Rakesh-Buaji, Bhaisaab kaha hai?

Bua-Jagdish toh woh hotel gaya hai saare bookings karane. Agle hafte shaadi hai, aur parso se saari rasme shuru ho jayenge toh abhi hi tay kar liya toh accha hai.

Beena-Ha, aur fir parso haldi ke liye hatelhi chale jayenge kehte hai sab tamjham wali karte hai hume bas rasme karni hai.

Rama-Yeh acha hai, waise bhi decoration ke alawa bhi toh kitne kaam rehte hai hume.

Bua-Woh toh hai. Waise Preeti, Pandit nahi aaya?

Preeti-Dadi Bua woh, usse thoda kaam tha toh aa nahi paya. Dopeher tak aajayega

Beena-Ab aisa bhi kya kaam hai ki 2 ghante aur ki chutti na mile? Ab ek hi taraf ka parivar hai toh waha toh ache se ghule mile. Ab Pralay ko hi dekhlo 6 mahine hi hue hai naukari lage phir bhi 15 dinon ki chutti mil gayi.

Taiji made faces while, Preeti looked at her sharply. Everyone knew that she never liked Pandit and would always taunt her or him about it. Preeti calmed herself and said.

Preeti-Private job hai na Pandit ki, Pralay ki tarah bank wali nahi hai, isiliye nahi mili.

Now it was Beena's turn to look at her sharply. She was gonna say something when Bua instructed her to get some snacks while everyone others to get freshened up. As Naina got up to go in the guest room, Phulla bua stopped her and made her sit besides her.

Bua-Kaisi hai meri laddo?

Naina-Main achi hu dadi bua.

Bua-Chal, dikh toh nahi raha. Kitni dubli hogayi hai.

Naina-Woh....kaam badh gaya hai toh isiliye.

Bua-Thoda apni taraf bhi dhyan de Naina, sab theek ho jayega.

Naina hums and smiles while Dadi bua blesses her.

Bua-Aisi hi muskan hamesha tere chehre pe ho.(pause) Ja, hath-muh dho le aur mera kaam mein haath bata.

Naina-Ji

Naina goes and Dadi bua keeps looking at her retreating figure.

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

The beginning of the day was hectic, every now and then a new relative popped up to meet. Packing almost everything, the ladies were now preparing lunch Preeti, Rama and Beena were sitting on the dinning table chopping and peeling veggies, whereas Naina, Pandit and Pinki were sitting on the couch discussing about the menu. Just then Tauji comes there palming his phone as he was talking to Pinki's-in-laws.

Tauji-Beena, haldi ke liye aur kuch nahi chahiye na?

Taiji-Aa...nahi...acha rukiye, samdhan ji ko kahiye ki Pinki ke liye kacha ghee hum le aayenge.

Tauji-Aur kuch?

Taiji-Nahi...aur kuch nahi.

Hearing this Tauji goes back to his call and walks in the room.

Preeti-Taiji kacha ghee kis liye chahiye?

Rama-Haldi ke pehle dulhan ko kacha ghee pilaya jaata hai,shubh.

Preeti-Ohh!Mujhe nahi pata tha..

Taiji-Tujhe pata bhi kaise hoga? Tere sasural walon ne haldi thodi karwayi thi.

Taiji said spontaneously and then looked at everyone who were already staring her in shock. Taiji regretted saying it but didn't apologise and sprinted in the kitchen. Pandit got a bit ashamed as Preeti had to hear about it again and again. He thought a bit and got up saying.

Pandit-Aa...main neeche Papaji ki madad karke aata hu.

Preeti tried stopping him but couldn't as she knew it would've hurt him...deep. Preeti got hypered and was gonna go in to give Taiji a good word but Naina stopped her and calmed her down.

Naina-Preeti shaant hoja please. Teri tabiyat kharab ho jayegi.

Rama-Ha, Preeti aur ghar mein shaadi hai, saare rishtedaar bhi hai, khamakha jhagda hojayega.

Preeti-Par Maa!

Pinki-I am sorry Preeti di, mummy ki taraf se main aapse maafi mangti hu aur jijaji se bhi.

Preeti exhaled and calmed herselfjust for pinki's sake, she kept her hand on her shoulders and said.

Preeti-It's ok, tu tension mat le main baat karlungi. Pandit se. Bas tu Taiji se thodi baat kar le, mere saamne woh kuch bhi kahe par Pandit ke saamne..

Pinki-Main baat karti hu, aap bas thoda shant rahiye, aapke liye theek nahi hai.

Preeti-Hmm.

Preeti hummed and went in the room asking Naina to finish off her pending work.

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

The later day went in silence with only the wedding preparation. Pandit got involved in the outside works only and also didn't go unnoticed by Preeti. It was at night when all were in their rooms,and Preedit were alone together. Pandit just came out freshening up and was plugging his phone for charging when he felt two arms on his waist, hugging him from behind. He looked back and chuckled seeing his wife uncomfortably hugging him because of the baby bump. He turned facing her and raised his brows.

Preeti-Kya? Ab tumhe hug bhi nhi kar sakti?

He giggled and hugged her a bit side ways, not hurting the bump.

Pandit- I am sorry!

Pandit whispered in Preeti's ear kissing her hairline. She looked at him feeling all guilty and replied.

Preeti-Sorry toh mujhe hona chahiye, aaj Taiji ne job hi kaha...woh sahi nahi tha aur..

Pandit-Woh sahi hi tha Preeti.

She looked at him surprised. He made her sit on the bed and sat besides her, holding her hand.

Pandit-Har ladki shaadi ke saapne dekhti hai, tumne bhi dekhe honge par main woh sapne pure kar hi nahi paaya. Yaha tak ki mere gharwale hamari court marriage mein bhi nahi aaye.

Preeti-Pandit please! Tumhara isme koi galti nahi hai balki tumne jo kiya woh koi aur kar hi nahi pata(pause) Tumne mujhe hamesha saath rehne ka waada kiya aur usse nibhaya bhi, chahe tumhare parents raazi nahi the. Ye mere liye bohot badi cheez hai Pandit, tumne mere liye jo sacrifice kiye hai uske mukable maine tumhe aaj tak kuch diya hi nahi.

Pandit-Tumne mujhe sab diya hai, ek saathi, ek dost, ek biwi aura b toh tum mujhe mera heera bhi dogi. Isse zyada kya mangu main Preeti.

Pandit caressed the baby bump as a lone tear escaped his eyes. Preeti wiped it off and side hugged him.

Preeti-Mujhe tumhare siva koi nahi chahiye Pandit, tum aur main hum dono hi kaafi hai.

Pandit-Hmm.

Preeti-Par abhi filhaal mujhe ice-cream khani hai.

Pandit unhugged and looked at his wife who had a cute pout and chuckled hard. He softly hit his head with hers saying.

Pandit-Pagal ho tum!

She giggled and asked him to get ice-cream. He reluctantly got up and opened the door just to see Naina standing there.

Naina-You ok? (seriously)

Pandit(sarcastically)-Not at all, tumhari behen ko ice-cream khani hai..abhi.

Naina(chuckles)- Ab usse toh main nahi bacha sakti.

Pandit-Usse toh swayam bhagwan bhi nhi bacha sakte.

Preeti-Ice-cream!!

Pandit-Laa raha hu!

Pandit said as he heard his wife whining for her ice-cream. He left while Naina went in to meet her sister.

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

Naina and Preeti were in the balcony talking to each other when Preeti asked.

Preeti-Tujhe aaj neend nahi aa rahi?

Naina looked at her knowing why she was asking this. She nodded her head and looked down.

Preeti-Pata tha mujhe ki tune goli nahi li, haina?

Naina again nodded her head but this time in a yes.

Naina-Mummy ne mana kiya hai.

Preeti-Acha hai, kab tak aisee goliyo pe depend rahegi, Aur kab tak uski yaad mein rahegi.

Naina-Mujhe iss baare mein baat nahi karni.

Preeti-Kyu? (pause) Naina hume pata hai ki yeh difficult hai aur tune yeh decision sirf hamari family ke liye liya hai. Par kya tujhe lagta hai ki tujhe yu dukhi dekhkar hum khush hai?

Naina looked at her, and Preeti held her hand.

Preeti-Move on kar le Naina, usse bhula mat par usse terei yeh wajah mat banne de jisse tu khush na ho. Ghar mein shaadi hai, sau log aayenge- sau sawaal bhi puchenge isilye yahi acha hai kit u wapis normal ho ja. Already bohot time beet chukka hai, ab bas hogaya.

Naina looked at a far away tree processing her sister's advice. Yes, it had been a long time, 2 long months and now it was her time to come back...back to herself, back to the Naina which all know. Suddenly Preeti exclaimed.

Preeti-Aur na shaadi main saare handsome ladke aate hai, ekhada chun le aur pata le. Waise bhi tere looks ache hai, sanskar acha hai aur...figure bhi achi hai.

Preeti talked excitedly and Naina chuckled.

Naina-Pagal hai tu sacchi..

Both the sisters laughed and heard the sound of footsteps. Preeti got happy seeing her husband with her favourite Ice-cream. Pandit offered Naina one but she denied saying.

Naina-Aap dono khaiye, main chali sone. Bye,Good night.

Preedit-Goodnight.

Naina greeted them and went back to her room.

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

The following morning as mesmerizing. The Gateway Of India was crowded with people who came to enjoy the sunrise and start their day where as some people were heading back to their houses, ending their night. The aves of the Arabian Sea softly hit the shore making the the bright morning special.

Well it was a special ay or rather say it as a special start….for Naina. She thought about her sisters advice the previous night and now she was all ready to start afresh. She woke up early and was helping with the wedding prep. When Preeti stepped down, she was surprised seeing her sister back to her normal mood. She inwardly complimented herself for this new change.

After when Pralay, Taiji an Rama sat down listing the items to be served on the big day, Naina and Pinki were all set to go to the parlour.

Pinki: Preeti di aap bhi aaiye na.

Preeti: Na baba mujhe kya karna hai, tum dono ho aao; mere face mask hi thik hai.

Naina: Pakka?

Preeti: Ha ha.

Naina; Acha tere liye kuch le aao?

Preeti: Ice-cream!

Rama: Arre kal hi toh khayi thi, bas ha warna khamakha sardi ho jayegi.

Preeti:(whining)Maa!!

Rama gave Preeti a stern looke and asked Naina not to get anything but just return soon. Naina nodded and went. As Naina and Pinki headed to the parlour, Pralay sat back writing down the dishes.

Pralay: Maa, rabdi bhi likhu na?

Taiji: Nahi nahi, rabdi ki jagah rasmalai likh, woh zyada acha lagega.

Rama: Ha kuch alag hojayega.

Taiji: Aur na woh aaj kal…kya woh…pasta, woh khate hai sab toh woh bhi rakh.

Pralay: Pasta shaadi mein kon khata hai? Sagai mein rakhte hai na.

Taiji: Arre main bol rahi hu na rakhte hai, likh tu.

Preeti:(taunting) Ha ha, aise bhi Taiji ko zyada pata hai, dbaki shaadiyon mein ahi toh nazar rehti hai unki.

Taiji’s eyes widened as Preeti said taunting her. Where as Pralay started laughing aloud, earning a hard arm slap from his mother. Preeti too giggled but stopped seeing her mother’s cold expression. Rolling her eyes she went to her room to rest and Rama apologized on her behalf.

 *****************************

The big day was here. The whole hotel was dawned with flowers, garlands, petals and lights. An alter made of leaves was built in the hall.  Small round table and chairs covered in white sheensheets were placed around. A big stage was also built in the garden where the Jaimala was to be held. A big board with the names of the birde and groom was placed near the main gate. All the people were running towards the gate as the baraat arrived. Naina knocked at Pinki’s room and as the door opened, she dashed in announcing the groom’s arrival.

Naina: Baraat aa gayi!

Pinki: Aa gayi?

Pinki asked Naina nervously and as she nodded Pinki got more tensed. The other 2 girls laughed and Naina closed the balcony door.

Naina; Bilkul bhi darwaaza mat kholna theek hai, dulhan baraat nahi dekh sakti. (To Preeti) Tu chal hum dekh aate hai

Preeti: Ha.

Preeti agreed and they went towards the gate to welcome the baraat . As they neared Preeti walked ahead but soon realized that her sister wasn’t walking.

Preeti: Naina, ruk kyu gayi?

She looked at Naina who stood petrified. She followed Naina’s gaze and saw him standing besides the groom.

 ***************************

“Main na Kabir ke shaadi ke liye bohot excited hu, college mein ladkiyon se sabse zyaa wahi bhagta tha aur aaj sabse pehle uski hi shaadi ho rahi hai. Usne kaha ki Mumbai mein hi shaadi hogi. Tum bhi aana ussi bahane yaha ka ghar dekh logi aur usse mil bhi logi.”

Naina remembered her and Sameer’s conversation before their relationship’s tragic end. She knew he had a friend named Kabir and that he too was going to get married this month but it din’t click, that the girl her ex-fiance’s nest friend was marrying was her 1st cousin. She closed her eyes tight cursing herself. Preeti who ha got her back in the room, sat besides her and consoled her.

Preeti: Naina, please ti khudko dosh mat de. Hume kya pata tha ki Sameer, Kabir jiju ka dost hai.

Naina: Unhone kaha tha, bataya tha mujhe par…par main bhul gayi.

Preeti: Naina, hum kuch nahi kar sakte, Agar tujhe yaad hota bhi toh kyat u iss shaadi mein nahi aati? AAti na, aur fir tujhe Sameer ka saamna toh karna hi padta; jaise aaj karna hai.

Naina looked at Preeti who raised her brows waiting for her to response. Naina slumped and nodded a no covering her face.

Naina: Pehle hota toh khudko sambhal leti main, par ab…aise achanak, main nahi kar paungi.

Preeti: Tune khudko promise kiya hai Naina, ki ab aur akelapan nahi, aur khudpe tara khana hai. Please.

Naina lifted her head up and kept looking at her sister, processing her words.

Preeti: Lastly decision tera hai. Neeche aana hai ya nahi yeh tu tay kar.

Saying this Preeti walked out leaving a thinking Naina behind.

 *********************

The Agarwals and Maheshwaris met as Kabir introduced Sameer as his best friend to his in laws. As soon as Rakesh saw Sameer, he craned his neck in search of Naina. Just then Preeti tapped his shoulders and whispered.

Preeti: Naina room mein hai, usse pata hai ki Sameer yahi hai.

Rakesh: Toh tu jaa na uske paas.

Preeti: Papa, uski zarurat nahi hai. Ek na ek din toh usse saamne aana hi hai, woh aajayegi khud hi. Hum sab tab tak mil lete hai unse.

Rakesh sighed an then went ahead to meet his friend. The whole Maheshwari family was here. Ad Sameer saw Naina’s family, fist he as surprised but then Kabir introduced them as the bride’s 1st cousin. He met everyone, asked about their well being and about Preeti’s pregnancy too. But his eyes were only waiting for Naina’s glimpse. And everyone could make that out. He just stood there silent hearing the talks of the elders.

Mere hissey mein tu nahi hai,
yeh bhi na janun kyu nahi hai.
Itna hi bas mujhko pata hai,
main tera galat ,tu mera sahi hai.

All of a sudden, all turned their eyes towards Sameer and he got startled. But then he followed their gaze and turned back just to see Naina standing there. They both looked at each other with several emotions for quite a few seconds.

Tere bin yeh gham hai,
kuch saansein kam hai.
  Ke tujhko pane se zyada khoyi jaaye .               
Dil royi jaaye (2), aankhon ke kinaare baitha royi jaaye.
Dil royi jaaye(2) Yaadon ke saahare baitha royi jaaye.

Naina came into senses first  and passed a small smile. She walked past him and greeted all the elders. She asked swati about her health and then met Advait. She acted normal and chatted with Swati and Vishakha but her mind was still at Sameer who was looking extremely hot in his dull brown coat. Just then as a savior Taiji called her and she went away.

Tere bina zindagi toh hai par,
jeene se aitraaz hai.
Maane hue hain do dil lekin, takdeerein naaraz hai.

It was the time for Jaimala when all the youngsters were called upon the stage. Sameer and some of Kabir’s cousins were standing behind Kabir while the same was behind Pinki with her cousins. Naina too stood there and when Samaina’s eyes met, she again faked smile and then to her distraction the ritual started. But it didn’t help Sameer though.

Kehta hai kahani, ishk ka yeh paani.
Sab doobe sahil pe, lekin koi koi aaye.
Dil royi jaaye(2) Yaadon ke sahare baitha royi jaayeeee…..

After the Jaimala when Naina was back down helping for the next ritual; Preeti hinted asking her if she was okay and Naina smiled nodding. She continued her work knowing that Sameer was constantly watching her. Dressed in a Pink magenta Patiala suit, open her and a soft touch of make up Naina was looking like a Fairy. A fairy who would’ve changed his life with her magic but this isn’t a tale, is it? This was a reality, a bitter reality where they weren’t toghtether.

Sigh! He came back to his friends and chatted with them, unknown that there were 2 pairs of eyes watching them.

***************************
The Maheshwaris were back at Sameer's house in Mumbai. All talked about the wedding just skipping the part of the Agarwals presence. As all were tired, they retired to the rooms. Munna and Sameer were supposed to sleep in the living room, as the other 2 rooms were occupied by Vivek-Vishakha and Swati -Dadi-Advait respectively. Munna was asleep soon but sleep was far away from Sameer's eyes.

He silently got up and walked in his balcony. He looked up to the moon and remembered how he used to talk to Naina standing just right there, watching the moon. He sighed thinking what games destiny was playing. First he was all happy alone then he met Naina, fell in love with her the time he was gonna confess her, they got aparted. 2 months long it got him to move on and when finally he was all ready to start over, destiny made them meet again. What did god want? If he wanted them together then why did he separate them? And if he wants them apart, then why did he get them together? He was questioning himself; when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned just to his Dadi there.

Dadi: Yad aarahi hai uski?

Sameer: uski kiski?

Sameer counter questioned Dadi acting innocent and she gave him a cold look.

Dadi: Sameer!

Sameer:(chuckles) Nahi, mujhe uski yaad nahi aa rahi hai.

Dadi: toh yaha kyu khada hai?

Sameer: Aise hi, khuli hawa hai toh aagaya.

There was silence for while as Dadi was just observing him.

Dadi: Itna pyaar karta hai usse toh shaadi ke liye manaa kyu kiya? Ha keh deta toh woh tere saath hoti na.

Sameer: Woh saath hoti toh aap khara mein hote na. Aur agar pyar ki baat hai toh woh toh main apne parivar se zyada karta hun.

Dadi: Ek baar ha kehke toh dekh, Main saari baat lungi.

Sameer: Ab koi baat nahi kar sakte Dadi.

Dadi: Kyu Itna pyar karta hai humse? Aisa kya kiya hai humne tumhare liye Saneer?

Sameer: Aapne jo bhi kiya hai woh shayad hi koi karta.

Sameer said in a meaningful way looking at Dadi. Dadi stayed mum for a while and then they both sat on the parapet.

Dadi: Pata hai, tune jab shaadi na karne ka decision kiya na tab mujhe ek pal tujhpe bohot garv hua. Tune jo bhi faisla liya woh apne parivar ke liye liya aur tere Dadu issi ke kiye toh jaane jaate hai.

She looked at Sameer and caressed his head saying.

Dadi: USS din toh sach mein apne Dadu jaisa lag raha tha.

Sameer smiled emotionally and held her hand. He pulled her in a side hug and said.

Sameer: Sahi kaha, main bhi Dadu jaisa hi toh hu. Dekhiye na, unki aur meri heroine ek hi hai...aap

Sameer said in a flirty tone learning a soft smack. They both giggled and hugged each other. Dadi blesses him saying.

Dadi: Teri zindagi mein woh saari khushiyan aayengi Sameer aur yeh mera vaada hai. Sameer just nodded and help her close thinking about his happiness....Naina.

Tu nahi humkadam toh raaste bure
Tu nahi,toh neend bhi aankhon se hai pare.
Khamakha hi pad gayi darrin kharab mein,
Tere bin tanhayee si dhadkanon mein chale.

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

The Big day was successfully over, all were now back to normal after the bidaai. Some guests went back to their houses whereas some were staying overnight in the hotel. The hotel staff started clearing everything. Preedit, Rama-Rakesh and some of the elders were sitting on the chairs placed in the garden, when he stood up saying.

Pandit: Main dusri pani ki bottle le aata hun.Preeti: Pandit chabbi de do, main mummy papa ke saath hi upar chali jaungi tum bottle leke upar hi aana.

Pandit: Thik hai, yeh lo.

Pandit handed over the keys to his wife and went towards the counter when he saw  his Sali sitting on the edge of the stage alone. He went towards her and saw her scrolling down his pics. As soon as she felt his presence she locked her phone and wiped her tears. He sat down besides her and asked.

Pandit: Kya hua?

Naina: Kuch nahi.

Nana denied and acted as if nothing happened.

Pandit: Naina, bolo!

Naina:(sighs) Kuch hai kya bolne ko.

Pandit: Ab woh toh tum hi batao.

She looked at him who was already looking at her waiting for her to respond. She finally gave in and inhaled sharply.

Naina: Bohot mushkile se….bohot mushkil se sambhala tha maine khud ko. Lekin 3 dinon mein, khudse kiya gaya vaada toot gaya. Aage badhne ka, move on karne ka, khush rehne ka vaada toot gaya; sirf unke aane se, unke kuch ghanto ke presence se.

Pandit: Toh uske presence se affect na hone ki koshish karo na.

Naina: Main nahi kar sakti, unki baate ya unse ki gayi baat, unki presence, absence sab bohot affect karti hai aur main inn cheezo ko rok nahi sakti.

Pandit: Lekin aaj toh tumne kiya na. Aaj tum sabke saamne ekdum normal thi.

Naina: Waho toh jiju, main sabke saamne normal thi lekin tab kya jab main akele rahungi. Sab hote hai toh baate hoti hai lekin akele mein sirf sannatta. Khudse baat karu toh bhi unki baatein yaad aati hai, khudko sheeshe mein dekhu toh bhi woh dikhte hai. Uss sannatte mein bhi mera dil unke hi bare mein sochta hai.

Pandit: Pyar karti ho usse?

Naina:(nodding) Pata nahi. Bas itna jaanti hu ki unki har ek cheez, har ek harkat mere bohot maayne rakhti hai. Main aur nahi sahi paa rahi hu. Unka yu paas hona par saath na honamujhe bohot dard de raha hai, jo main aur nahi she paungi.

She cried and let her tears flow, talking about her pain. But then suddenly she wiped them off and said.

Naina: Lekin main apni family ko bhi chot nahi pohoncha sakti. Main chahti hu ki woh khush raha, fir chahe uske liye mujhe woh na mile.

Pandit looked at the naïve girl whom he had seen and known for years. She was always strong and feisty but today she was broken, heartbroken as she had to choose between her family and her partner. And she wanted her family to be happy.

Pandit: Tum bohot special ho Naina, bohot kam log hote hai jo apni family ke liye apni chah cho de.

Tears made their way again and she let them roll down. Rama-Rakesh and Phulla Bua  were standing besides the stage and had heard the whole conversation. Rama started sniffing hearing her daughter’s miseries. While Phulla bua mae up her mind of giving Naina all the happiness she deserved. Naina slumped, and keeping her head on Pandit’s shoulder she weeped more.

Tere bin yeh gham hai, kuch saansein kam hai. 
Ke tujhko pane se zyada khoyi jaaye .                   
Dil royi jaaye (2), aankhon ke kinaare baitha royi jaaye.
 Dil royi jaaye(2) Yaadon ke saahare baitha royi jaaye.

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The Next Morning Naina woke up late….actualy just got out of the bed late as couldn’t sleep at all. She freshened up and packed all her stuff when Rakesh and Phulla bua knocked. She invited them in but Bua denied and said.

Phulla Bua: Tu ache kapdon me tayar ho ja aur neeche aa, hum ruke hai.

Naina: Tayar? Kyu?

Rakesh: Ladke waalon ke yaha jaa rahe hai, tere liye naya rishta aaya hai.

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Word count: 5296
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Atlast the chapter's here.

Please do vote and comment guys, it encourages a lot.

And also the next updates will be published fortnightly and they will be long as this. The college admission process has started and so our classes that is why we aren't getting much time, but we will try hard and update on time. Please just be patient and keep loving.

Love,
Shambhavi and Hemangi ❤