The sun was up high, bright and shining just like our leads eyes. Both of them were looking at each other when Preeti squealed.

Congratulations!!

Sameer and Naina both came back to senses as Preeti hugged, congratulating them.

Shewta-Kya hua??

Preeti-Swati ka msg tha, Sameer aur Naina ke shaadi ki tarikh tay ho gayi hai, 2 mahine baad.

19 April ko.

Yes, the date was fixed. Both the families had secretly decided to fix an auspicious date for Samaina's wedding and give them a surprise. And as the parents called them, Swati and Munna messeged Preedit about it. Preeti hugged Naina who was equally happy. parting Preeti looked at Sameer.

Preeti-Congratulations jijaji!!

Preeti wished dramatically making Samaina blush. Pandit's parents too came forward, congratulated and blessed them wholeheartedly, along with Shewta.

Pandit dad-Aaj ka din bohot hi shubh hai, pehle hume hamare bache wapis mil gaye aur ab hamari dusri beti ki bhi shaadi ki tarikh tay hogayi.

Pandit mom-Sahi kaha aapne, bhagwan kare aise hi sab kuch acha aur khushaal ho. Aap sab yahi rukiye main meethai le aayi.

Pandit's mother got sweets and fed Sameer.

Shanti-Pura mat khana, thoda chodiye Naina ke liye.

Sameer took a small bite of the sweet and shanty then fed the same piece to Naina saying.

Shanti-Jhoota khane se pyaar badhta hai.

Shweta-Maa, mujhe nahi lagta ki inhe iski zarurat hai. Dono mein waise hi bohot pyaar hai, nahi Naina di?

Shewta teasingly asked, making Samaina blush and all laugh. All then sat down and spoke to the Agarwals who were surprised to hear the Raghav family. Pandit's father and Pandit himself told everything to Rakesh-Rama, praising Sameer. Everyone then discussed about the plans for the wedding and its preparations whheeen Naina's phone rang. She excused herself and went in a room which didn't go unnoticed by Sameer. After a while when the Agarwals disconnected the call, Naina came back and said to Sameer.

Naina-Ahh..Ab hume bhi nikalna chahiye. Meri bag aur saaman bhi wahi hai, sab leke aana hai.

Sameer-Tum ek kaam karo, yahi ruk jao main le aata hu.

Naina-Nahi-Nahi main bhi aati hun. Preeti aur jiju ko bhi thoda unke family ke saath time mil jayega.

Sameer-Ohk, no problem.

Both asked for their leave and left back to Sameer's house.

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

"Surprise!!"

All shouted loud making Sameer jerk in shock. Samaina had just opened the door and all of Sameer's friends popped upm surprising him.

"Happy Birthday!"

A girl fair and tall, with brown eyes and black hair hugged Sameer, whishing him. Hugging her back Sameer thanked her and one by one all his friends wished him.

Sameer-Tum sab yaha kaise??

Girl-Arre hume Dinesh ne call kiya aur kaha ki kisi Naina ne surprise plan kiya hai tumhare liye, and i suppose ki woh Naina yahi hai. Right?

Naina nodded smiling while Sameer just looked at her overwhelmingly.

Sameer-Thanks.

Naina-Always there.

Sameer's friends saw this exchange and coughed loud.

Boy1-Bhai hamara bhi to intro kara do, Naina ji se.

Sameer-Ha, Naina yeh hai Zain, Abhilash, Karan, Sunny aur yeh Aditi.

Naina greeted everyone and asked all to settle down while she served them water. After a few mins or so, Abhilash asked.

Abhilash-Ab bol Sameer, kya special baat batani thi tumhe??

Sameer and Naina look at each other and then sighing Sameer says.

Sameer: Mujhe tum sabko introduce karna tha Naina se,um...mere fiancée se.

As words left Sameer's mouth, everyone's jaw dropped down in shock.

Karan-Tumhari what??!!

Sunny-Fiance??

Sameer(exhaling)-I know bohot confusing aur amusing hai, par..sach hai. Naina meri mangetar hai.

Zain-Par kaise??

Zain asked and then Samaina told everything from the beginning, and also told them about the wedding dates.

Abhilash-I still can't believe Sameer, ki teri shaadi hone wali hai.

Aditi-I know, mujhe toh laga tha ki yeh banda na 'professional' hi rahega aur kabhi bhi personal life mein kisiko pata nahi payega. But i am really happy.

Sunny-Congratulations mere bhai.

All once again wished him and also Naina.

Karan-Congratulations to you too Naina..Bhabhi.

Naina-Thank you (blushing)

Aditi being the most happy and excited on hugged Naina tight and even cheek kissed her. Looking at this all laughed except Sameer. Pulling behind he said.

Sameer-Aye chee yaar, Aditi!!

Zain-Hume pata hai ki bhabhi sundar hai, par zara control rakh khud par.

Aditi-Shut up, aise kuch nahi hai. Aur cheek kiss kiya hai yaar, its so common (To Sameer) Aur tum! Itne kya jealous ho rahe ho ha? Tumne to sau diye honge Naina ko , maine ek diya toh problem ha?

Smacking Zain's arm, Aditi stated and teased Sameer; which made Sameer and Naina both blush. Just then the bell rang so Naina excused herself and went to open the door while Sameer nudged Aditi to shut up. But opposite to that all the others joined her and started teasing him more. The whole evening went happily as Sameer cut the cake and all sat chatting and playing cards along with getting to know Naina.
It was almost dinner time when Preeti called Naina and she excused herself put of the game. She spoke to Preeti and informed her that she would eat at Sameer's place itself and return late. Hanging up she was about to go in when Aditi came there with a glass of cold drink for her. Passing the glass she said.

Aditi: Yeh lo, ab in logo ka video game shuru hua hai toh hamari koi jagah nahi hai.

Naina(chuckles): Thanks.

Aditi: You know, you're really lucky to have Sameer...forever.

Naina(Smiling): Yeah.

Naina looked at Sameer who was busy playing with his friends.

Aditi: He is a real gentleman you know. Maine uske saath ek hi baar kaam kiya hai par uske jaisa aaj tak koi co-actor nahi mila.

Naina looked at her with interest, wanting to know how his friends thought of him.

Aditi: When I was a newbie, mujhe bohot akele mehsus hota tha. Sab ache, experienced log the. Zain bhi kaafi famous tha aur wahi tha jiske saath baat hoti thi; kyunki hamare hi scenes aur rehearsal ek saath hote the. Sameer bhi aata tha set pe Zain se milne and he used to make sure that I wasn't feeling alone. He used to come talk to me, invite me to parties and then we became friends. And now, we are really close. Har baar hum bahar jaate hai ya party mein hote hai toh woh dhyan rakhna hai ki main ghar theek se pohonchu. Boys ke iss group mein, main ek akeli hu par inhone kabhi mujhe awkward ya uncomfortable feel nahi hone diya. And Sameer is hell humble and loyal. Baakiyon ka toh nahi pata par Sameer ke baare mein keh sakti hu ki woh kabhi kuch galat nahi karega.

Naina looked at Sameer and smiles understanding that there wasn't one who would talk bad about him. He indeed was a gem, her gem.

Aditi: Chalo ab mere saath tum bhi inn logo ke nakhre sehen karo, kyunki yeh sab ladkiyon se bhi upar hai.

Aditi and Naina laughed and chatted for a while when the boys were hungry. Naina immediately served them the food brought by Dinesh and all had a treat.

***********************
The night sky was a picturesque.  A black to navy gradient was the backdrop of full moon; the night sky was clear giving a beautiful view. The moon was surrounded by an ethereal glow with millions of stars sprinkled behind it, just like party lights. And as they turned on, the party lights at Sameer's house turned off. All his friends bid him bye and Aditi promised to stay in touch with Naina. Samaina bid then and as Naina closed the door, sameer thanked her.

Sameer: Thank you so much Naina….for making my birthday so special. 

Naina: There's nothing you need to thank for. Aapne mere liye itna kuch kiya hai, yah uske saamne kuch nahi hai.

Sameer : Tumhari khushi meri khushi hai aur maine jo kuch kiya woh apne liye kiya.

Sameer said cupping her face and Naina smiled.

Naina: Toh ab mere khushi ke liye bhi ek kaam kariye...1 min.

Naina went in the room and came out with her hands behind and said

Naina: bataiye yeh kaise hai?

Saying this Naina gave a box wrapped in a glittery paper to Sameer.

Sameer: Naina iski zarurat nahi hai---

Naina: Please please, bataiye na!!

Sameer: Naina---

Naina: Please!!!

Making a puppy face Naina pleased him. Giving in he opened the box and it was a gentleman premium case consisting of shades, watches, a wallet, 2 pens and a phone case.

Naina: How's it?

Sameer: Naina it's...incredible. Aa….main yeh kabse lene ka soch raha tha par time hi nahi mil raha tha toh le nahi paya aur aaj tumne yahi….Thank you so much!

Naina: Pakka you liked it?

Sameer: I love it. 

Sameer picked up the shades and then suddenly realised that it had his name on it, he then gave a look at every stuff which also had his name inscribed. 

Sameer(in awe): Naina yeh...yeh customized hai?

Naina: Ha, maine specially banwaya. 

Sameer looked at her and hugged her tight thanking her.

Sameer: Thank you so much.

Naina: Mm-hm, aaj aapka birthday hai toh no thank you for gift. Actually no thank you at all, kyunki Dosti mein no sorry--

Sameer: No thank you.

Both giggled; Sameer caressed his name on the accessories and asked.

Sameer: Waise Naina, yaha sirf mera naam kyu hai? Tumhara naam kyu nahi?

Naina: Woh...aap kabhi bahar pehen ke gaye aur kisne dekh liya toh..isiliye nahi likhwaya. Aur, mera naam toh yaha hona chahiye na.

Naina kept her hand on his heart and looked at him. Boring into her brown orbs, Sameer pulled her close and said.

Sameer: Naam hi nahi, tumhara chehre hai yaha aur chinta mat karo jald hi official papers par bhi tumhara naam hoga.

Sameer said huskily and Naina looked down. But not blushingly rather with nervousness. Hooking his finger under her chin, he pulled her face up and asked.

Sameer: Kya hua?

Naina: Kuch bhi toh nahi. 

Naina lied and it was evident.

Sameer: Naina, hua kya hai? Tum Shaadi ke liye ready nahi ho?

Naina: Nahi, aisa nahi hai.

Sameer: Toh kya hua hai? Tum itni stressed kyu ho?

Naina: Sameer, it's....it's just that...sab kuch aise ho raha hai, ekdum unexpectedly. Hume koi idea nahi tha aur aaj ekdum se sabne date fix kardi toh---

Sameer: If you want we can post pone it.

Naina: nahi--

Sameer: Naina there's no problem. Main baat kar lunga. If you're uncomfortable..--

Naina: I'm not. Sach mein; main bas...maine bas kabhi expect nahi kiya tha ki main kabhi..you know..shaadi and all. I mean pata tha mujhe ki meri bhi shaadi hogi par yeh nahi pata tha ki itne ache ghar mein, itne ache insan se hogi. Aaj jab tarikh nikli tab mujhe laga ki kya main sambhal paungi? Kya woh saare responsibilities le paungi? Aisa nahi hai ki mujhe aur time chahiye, yeh nervousness shaadi hone tak rahegi. Bas yeh saare Hope's, dreams, wishes mere aapke, sabke sab sambhal paungi ya nahi...I just don't know.

Sameer(softly): You'll be the best daughter in law and wife Naina and I have all my faith. Mujhe pata hai ki thoda difficult hoga but we'll do it together. Mujhe yeh bhi pata hai ki naye ghar mein, Naye gharwalo ke saath it will be different, but I'll be there for you.

Naina:Hmm (nodding) Mujhe pata hai ki sab alag hota par mujhe yakeen hai ki sab ke saath aur aapke saath yeh alag bhi sabse best hoga.

Naina said looking in Sameer's eyes with all her trust and love. Sameer too nodded and wrapped his arms around her tight to which she too responded.

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

The blazing midday sun shone relentlessly on the hikers. The roads shimmered in the heat of the midday sun. The sunlit skyscrapers pierced the hot, blue sky whereas the after noon sun bathed the buildings in its warns light. Preeti's house was hustled bustled with her in laws pampering her and Naina packing her bag as she was leaving back to Delhi. Shweta was helping her when Naina's phn rang, giving it to Naina she said. 

Shweta: Di, as... Sameer jiju .

Shweta giggled and went out the room giving her privacy. 

Naina: Hello!

Sameer: Hi, nikal rahi ho abhi?

Naina: Nahi, thodi der mein niklungi.

Sameer: Aa..tumhe agar koi problem na ho toh, um... 5 minute neeche aa sakti ho?

Naina: Neeche kyu?

Sameer: Woh, actually main set ke liye nikla tha aur Preeti ka ghar on the way tha toh socha tumse milte hai.

Naina: Aap abhi neeche aaye hai?

Sameer: Ha, main parking lot mein hi hun.

Naina: Ohk, main aati hun.

Sameer: Ha.

Naina disconnected the call and informing Preeti she went down. She came in the parking lot and searched for him when she heard her name.

Sameer: Naina!

She turned and went to him.

Naina: Hi!

Sameer: Hi! Ho gayi packing?

Naina: Nahi, thodi last minute packing baaki hai.

Sameer: I'm sorry, main tumhe airport chodne nahi aa pa raha. Trust me important shoot hai isiliye delay nahi kar paya.

Naina: It's ok, there's absolutely no problem. As it is Jiju ko Office ke ek meeting ke liye waha uss area mein jana hai toh mujhe drop kar denge.

Sameer: Hmm. Toh?

Naina: Toh kya?

Sameer: Toh...umm wapis kab aaugi?

Naina(smiles): Ab woh toh aap pe depend karta hai.

Sameer: Kaise? 

Naina: Ab shaadi ke baad aap mujhe yaha jab le ayenge tab hi toh main yaha aaungi..

Sameer: Oh! (Teasingly) Toh ab hum directly shaadi mein milenge ha.

Naina: Nahi, shopping ke wakt milenge hi na. Main shaadi ka joda aapke bina thodi decide karungi aur aap bhi aapki sherwani mere bina mat lena.

Sameer: Ok madam, aur koi hukum?

Sameer asked dramatically and Naina smacked his arm blushing hard. He laughed aloud and then took her in his arms. She too hugged him inhaling his scent that would last for the time they would be apart. 

Sameer: I'll miss you!

Naina: I'll miss you too.

Naina parted and Smaeer cupped her face kissing her forehead 

Sameer: Main chalta hun.

Naina: Hmm.

Sameer: Bye!

Naina: Bye!

Sameer was leaving but didn't want to. He was about to get in the car when Naina stopped him. He turned around and looking in his eyes Naina moved closer to him, and going up on her toes she kissed him on the cheeks. Shocked by her moves Sameer couldn't react at all. And by the time he came into senses, she had sprinted off. Touching his cheeks, he blushed and his lips curled into a smile. Grinning wide he sat in his car and made his way to the set.

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

One month later,

The Agarwal's arrived at the Maheshwari mansion and were welcomed by everyone. Vishakha had held Ganesh Pooja for Samaina so as to start with the wedding preparation and announcement and thus asked the Agarwals to come. Dressed in a Dark green saree and orange-golden border with minimal make up, Naina was looking ethereal. Sameer smiled looking at her and she too passed one. Both touched each other's family's feet and took blessings. 

Swati: Bohot sundar dikh rahi ho.

Naina: Thank you, aapki bhi saadi bohot achi hai.

Swati: Sameer ki hi choice hai, woh hi laya tha Mumbai se. 

Naina: Oh!

Vishakha: Panditji aate hi honge, aap sab baithiye. Swati Chai nashta ka dekho.

Swati: ji. 

Swati went inside along with Naina while Rama Rakesh sat down in the living room.

Rakesh: Acha hua ki pooja rakhi, isi bahane milna bhi hogaya aur bohot cheeze hai shaadi ki jo discuss karni hai.

Vivek: Woh toh hai.

Dadi: Ha, maine aur Vishakha ne bhi yahi sochke aaj pooja rakhwai. Saari baate bhi ho jayegi aur fir kuch dinon mein card bhi chapwa sakte hai. Ek baar pooja ho jaye toh shaadi ki taiyari shuru.

Rama: Ji.

Swati and Naina got the snacks and all chatted for a while till the Pandit arrived. Samaina then sat down for the pooja and prayed for a no-trouble, happy wedding.

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

After 2 hours the Pooja ended, Sameer offered the prasad and Naina distributed it among the family members. All then settled down and decided the days they would go for shopping and also the arrangements that were to be done. It was then decided that the bungalow besides the Maheshwaris would be given to the ladkiwale and one behind them will be given for the common guests and friends; while the ladke wale will be here at the mansion itself. Soon the discussion about the designer and the wedding planner was done and Dadi asked the girls to serve lunch. Vishakha and Rama readied the plates while Naina asked Swati to sit and went to make hot puris. Even Sameer went to his room for attending a call whereas all the gents sat chatting. 

As Naina closed the fridge door taking out the pre-made dough, a hand held her arm and turned her around swiftly in a way that her back was now touching the refrigerator, and gasping she was about go scream when Sameer shushed her.

Naina: Aap...ap yah kya kar rahe hai?

Sameer: Kyu main apni hone wali biwi se milne nahi aa sakta?

Sameer said leaning closer to her.

Naina: Nahi...matlab, koi aajayega na.

Sameer: Toh aane do.

Naina: Aise...kaise? Sab kya sochenge?

Sameer: Yahi ki main tumse bohot pyar karta hun.

Naina: Sameer dekhiye, bhabhi ya aunty koi bhi aa sakta hai, aap bahar jaiye na.

Sameer: Aise kaise? Mujhe apna adhura kaam pura toh karne do.

Naina: Kya?

Sameer: Wahi kaam jo tumne Mumbai mein shuru kiya tha aur ab main yaha khatam karunga.

Naina looked at him with confusion when his hand made its way to her waist and he pushed her more behind towards the fridge door and looking into her eyes he moved closer. Naina closed her eyes as she felt his breath fanning on her face. Slowly she felt his rough stubble against her soft cheeks and then his lips. Giving a light feather like kiss on Naina's plum cheek, he rubbed his nose against hers and whispered.

Sameer: I love you. 

Naina smiled and hugged him tight making him chuckle. They stayed like that for half a minute or so when they heard some foot steps. Parting Naina quickly went near the stove and Sameer took a water bottle in his hand. Swati entered the kitchen as Sameer walked out, smiling knowingly she came towards Naina.

Naina: Arre bhabhi aap baithiye na, main kar lungi.

Swati: It's ok. Waise bhi maa aur Dadi mujhe kaam nahi karne dete. Baith baith ke mujhe bhi bore ho gaya hai.

Naina(chuckles): Par aap phir bhi itne jewellery bana rahi ho, maine dekhe saare bohot ache hai.

Swati: Woh bas aise hi hai, mera timepass bhi ho jata hai aur chaar paise bhi mil jate hai.

Naina: Ha woh toh hai.

Swati: Waise maine dekhe tumne Sameer ko diye gifts. Bohot ache hai especially yeh ki saare customized hai. 

Naina: Main toh normal hi lene wali thi, Kamya ka idea tha sab customize karna.

Swati: Wah! Sameer bohot khush tha waise. Kaafi saalon baad dekh rahi hun main usse pehle jaise.

Naina: Pehle jaise matlab?

Swati: Main inn sabko bohot pehle se jaanti thi, shaadi ke 4-5 saal pehle se. Tab Sameer bohot alag tha, I mean ab jaisa hai usse double. Mastikhor, hasmukh, shaitaan type ka tha par pata nahi beech mein kya ho gaya aur woh ekdum se shaant aur serious ho gaya.

Naina listened carefully and knew that the time Swati was talking about was when he got to know about his adoption. .

Swati: Woh Mumbai gaya, waha naam kamaya aur phir thoda pehle jaisa hone laga. Jab Advait hua uske baad woh zyada khulne laga. Par jabse tum aayi ho tabse woh ekdum alag ho gaya hai. Bohot hasta hai, hasaata hai aur uske aankho mein wahi chamak aa gayi hai jo pehle thi. Sab tumhari wajah se. Bohot pyar karta hai tumse.

Naina smiled and nodded, happy to hear that she could get the real Sameer back. Just then Naina's phone rang. 

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

The Maheshwari and Agarwal family sat down at the table for lunch, laughing aloud at Advait's antics when Naina came out all worried.

Hey guys!!

Here's the next chapter. Please do tell how it was. Also a special thanks to @RRao_13 for this beautiful cover. It's amazing Raksha❤

Love,
Shambhavi and Hemangi ❤