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FATE TWISTED BY LOVE

CHAPTER 52

Sameer couldn't believe that Kabir & Naina were getting engaged the next day. He didn't know what to feel about all this. He glanced at the invitation card once & saw the first name... Kabir Sehgal... but he stopped right there after reading his so-called friend's name. He didn't have a strong heart to read the other name printed on it & he got up furiously.

Nanu saw his grandson walking towards his room angrily. He understood that Sameer hadn't read the invitation card. He thought, "Ek baar Sameer... ek baar tu wohh invitation card padh leta toh tera gussa apne aap shant ho jaata..." Looking heavenwards, Nanu prayed, "Hey Prabhu... mere bacche ko sahi raasta dikhaaiye. Jaanta hun wohh toot chuka hai, uska dard dekh sakta hun main. Bas kuch aisa kijiye, jisse mera Sameer Kabir aur Nisha ki sagaai mein jaaye... Uska jaana bohot zaroori hai, warna usse kabhi pataa nahi chalega ki usne Naina ke baare mein kitna galat socha hai, kitna galat kiya hai meri bacchi ke saath. Bhagwaan... meri Naina beti jahaan hai usse surakshit rakhna. Main jaanta hun wohh wahaan khush toh nahi hogi, par usse bhi shakti dena ki wohh iss kathin samay ka saamna akele kar paaye. Naina par apna aashirwaad banaaye rakhna bhagwaan, kyunki wohh wahaan akeli hai." Wiping the tears away, Nanu walked back to his room with a heavy heart.

In his room, Sameer paced furiously. He had already thrown few things around & created a mess of his room. He was angry with himself that he didn't see the love blooming between his friend & his wife earlier. How could he be so blind all this while? He sat down on the couch & shouted, "Kyun bhagwaan??? Yeh sab aapne mere saath hi kyun kiya? Main pehle akele khush tha naa? Fir kyun Naina ko meri zindagi mein laaye? Aur agar laaye hi the, toh kyun mere dil mein uske liye pyaar jagaaya? Aapne... aapne toh mujhse har baar mera pyaar chinn liya hai, toh fir aise logon ko aap meri zindagi mein laate hi kyun ho, jo mere saath meri zindagi mein rahe hi nahi?"

Wiping his tears, he looked at the photo frame of Naina's parents & spoke, "Dekh rahe hai naa aap? Mujhe chode hue abhi aapki beti ko ek hafta bhi nahi hua aur wohh kal Kabir ke saath sagaai kar rahi hai." He stood up & walked towards their picture. "Yeh sab jaanne ke baad bhi main aapki beti se nafrat nahi kar paa raha. Jaante hai kyun?" Pointing towards his heart, he said, "Kyunki aapki beti ne mere iss dil mein apne liye permanent jagah banaa li hai. Main Naina se bohot pyaar karta hun. Itna pyaar karta hun ki yahaan dard ho raha hai, bohot dard ho raha hai. Mujhe Naina ki itni aadat ho gayi hai naa ki mujhe wohh iss kamre ki har ek cheez mein dikhaayi deti hai. Aaj bhi uski khushboo mehsoos karta hun main iss kamre mein, iss ghar mein. Aisa lagta hai ki abhi kahin se aakar kahegi ki Sameer main waapis aapke paas aa gayi hun hamesha hamesha ke liye. Kya aisa ho sakta hai? Kya meri Naina kabhi mere paas waapis aayegi? Pataa nahi kyun aaj mera dil yeh maanne ko taiyaar hi nahi hai ki kal Naina Kabir se engagement karegi."

Looking at her parent's photo with teary eyes, he asked, "Kya mujhe kal unki engagement mein jaana chahiye? Kya main meri Naina ko kisi aur ka hote hue dekh paaunga? Nahi... nahi... main... main... main nahi jaaunga... nahi dekh paaunga usse kisi aur ke saath... Kal... kal meri Naina ek nayi zindagi shuru karegi Kabir ke saath. Bas Naina ko khush rakhna. Fir wohh bhale hi mere saath naa ho..." He walked towards his bed & curled up. With the tears flowing continuously, he drifted to restless sleep.

Nanu had come to his room to check on him & was more worried after seeing the mess in his room. He quietly kept all the things on its rightful place & sat on his grandson's bed. Brushing his fingers in his hair slowly, Nanu's eyes misted instantly watching his grandson's tear-stained face. Though Sameer had used harsh words for Naina & had hurt her with his vicious words, Nanu knew that he had used his anger as his weapon to conceal his heart. He was his grandson after all, so Nanu knew how Sameer would react in certain situations. Nanu knew that Sameer had used his anger to shield his own feelings. But whatever he did to Naina wasn't justified. Even if he was angry, he shouldn't have spoken those brutal words to his wife. He should've treated her with respect.

Looking at him worriedly, he got up & left. When he reached downstairs, Ramdhari asked, "Nanaji... Sameer bhaiya nahi aaye aapke saath? Maine aap dono ke liye khaana lagaa diya hai." Nanu replied softly, "Aaj bhi bina kuch khaaye Sameer so gaya hai. Pataa nahi aisa kab tak chalega? Jab se Naina gayi hai, Sameer ne thik se kuch khaaya hi nahi hai. Munna aur Pandit bhi mujhe bataa rahe the ki Sameer office mein bhi kuch nahi khaata, bas coffee par coffee peeye jaata hai. Bas prarthna karta hun ki sab jaldi thik ho jaaye aur mere dono bacche khush rahe ek saath..."

Sameer got up early the next day & busied himself in his work & started making an important project presentation in his study room. He wanted to stay away from the storm that was brewing in his heart & mind. He thought that he would distract himself with the presentation, but it didn't work. His mind & heart were having a constant war between them. His mind wanted to be practical & his heart was making him emotional & vulnerable. His mind believed that his Naina had betrayed him & was getting engaged with Kabir today while his heart denied it all. He wasn't sure whom to follow right now. As his phone rang during afternoon, he came back to reality. The moment he saw the caller id, he ignored it. It rang several times but he wasn't ready to talk to his best friends now.

After few more hours, he heard a knock on the door & Nanu walked in. Sameer knew that it was time for Kabir & Naina's engagement party & Nanu had come to inform him. Without meeting his grandfather's gaze, he asked, "Kahiye Nanu... aap... aap kyun aaye hai yahaan?" Nanu sat beside him & replied, "Main... main tujhe yeh bataane aaya hun ki main Kabir ki sagaai mein jaa raha hun."

Sameer was hurt yet he replied, "Thik hai." When Nanu didn't get up even after few more minutes, Sameer looked at him & asked, "Aapko late ho jaayega Nanu... aap... aap jaaiye." Sameer controlled his emotions & tears that he didn't want his Nanu to see. But his Nanu knew that he was hurt & broken & he needed him the most, but he also knew that his stubborn grandson won't believe his words. He would believe only when he would see that Kabir was getting engaged to Nisha & for that, Nanu wanted him to attend Kabir's engagement. Nanu had asked his Rahu-Ketu to convince their friend & they had tried too by calling him several times, but their stubborn friend had ignored their calls deliberately. Even Kabir had called him a couple times.

So, Nanu was here now to convince his grandson. He spoke, "Sameer... main... main chaahta hun ki tu bhi mere saath chal." Watching different emotions crossing on his grandson's face from hurt to anger to helplessness, Nanu continued, "Main koi zabardasti nahi kar raha, bas yahi kehna chaahta hun ki ek baar... ek baar wahaan chal Sameer... shaayad tu jo soch raha hai, waisa kuch naa ho. Jo jung tere dil aur dimaag ke beech chal rahi hai naa, uska jawaab tujhe wahin milega. Aur agar tu nahi aaya aaj, toh shaayad aage ki poori zindagi pachtaayega. Kyunki zindagi hamesha ek hi mauka deti hai sab thik karne ka aur agar tune aaj iss mauke ko thukraaya toh tujhe waapis aisa mauka kabhi nahi milega Sameer. Main aaj yahaan kisika paksh nahi le raha, bas yahi chaahta hun ki mere bacche khush rahe."

While Sameer remained quiet & was processing his grandfather's words, Nanu continued, "Iss mauke ko haath se mat jaane dena Sameer. Yahi tujhe teri Naina tak pahunchaayega yaa toh tujhe hamesha hamesha ke liye usse durr kar dega. Iske baad shaayad tu kabhi Naina ko dekh bhi nahi paayega Sameer." Nanu got up after saying the final words & left the study room. Nanu could sense Sameer's emotions all over the place & wasn't sure if he would attend the engagement party.

Sameer pondered over his grandfather's words for few more minutes & walked back to his room. Glancing once at her parent's picture, he made up his mind. Nanu reached Kabir's place in the next twenty minutes & was received by the couple at the entrance. Kabir & Nisha looked behind him & were sad seeing that Sameer hadn't accompanied him.

Nanu entered the house & met everyone. Munna & Pandit along with Anjali asked about Sameer. Nanu just shook his head slowly making the others restless. Everyone had wanted Sameer to come except Preeti. She was too angry on him & never wanted to see his face.

Kabir & Nisha waited for over half an hour & then her parents called them to start the engagement rituals. Though the couple along with their friends & Nanu were upset because of Sameer's absence, they had to start with their engagement. The couple had invited only their close family & friends. Even when the rituals were going on, Kabir kept looking at the entrance with a hope to see his friend.

Kabir & Nisha exchanged rings amidst lots of cheers & applauses. What the couple & everyone missed was a pair of eyes who was observing this celebration from a distance. Sameer had left the house after Nanu & had waited in his car outside Kabir's house. He wasn't sure if he had made the right decision by coming for the engagement. Between his mind & heart, his heart had won the battle & here he was, standing in front of Kabir's house.

Sameer had wanted to see Naina for one last time before she would become Kabir's fiancé. His poor heart just wanted a glimpse of his Maina for one last time. He wanted to imprint her image in his mind, heart & soul for forever which would be enough for him for this lifetime.

Taking a deep breath & with a heavy heart, Sameer entered Kabir's house & decided to watch the engagement function from a distance. He saw Kabir leading someone to the stage. Sameer's heart pained as he knew that he was about to see the love of his life getting engaged to his friend. As the girl turned & stood facing the guests, Sameer froze.

She... she wasn't Naina. Then who was she? Why was Kabir & the girl exchanging rings & where was Naina? Sameer couldn't believe his eyes. Everything happened in a slow motion in front of his eyes & he stood rooted to his place. He felt dizzy & his head spun. Before he could hit the ground, two pair of hands got hold on him.

Munna & Pandit had seen Sameer entering Kabir's house & had been keeping a watch on him from the past few minutes. They had moved near him which their best friend hadn't noticed. The moment they saw Sameer losing his balance, they had come forward to hold him. Even if Sameer was wrong, his friends would never leave him alone. Though they didn't talk to him in the past few days, still they stayed around him & kept a watch on him through his assistant.

Munna & Pandit had asked Sameer's assistant to look after his meals & each time his assistant would inform them that he wasn't touching his meal at all. Mundit were worried about him but they never showed it in front of him as they wanted their friend to realize his mistake on his own.

But today, they knew that they would've to keep their differences away & help him. Nanu searched for his Rahu-Ketu & was shocked looking at the scene at a distance. He immediately knew that the person they were holding on was his grandson. He walked faster & reached them in few seconds.

The sudden commotion drew Kabir's attention & he spotted Sameer. He whispered to Nisha, "Sameer... Sameer aa gaya hai." While the guests stopped the couple several times before they could reach the couch where Sameer was still unconscious. Munna had already called their family doctor & everyone was waiting for him. Kabir spoke, "Munna... Pandit... tum dono Sameer ko kamre mein le jao. Tab tak doctor uncle bhi aa jaayenge." The friends carried him to the nearest guest room & rested him on the bed.

After few minutes, the doctor arrived & did a check-up on Sameer. He spoke to Nanu, "Maheshwariji... Fikar ki koi baat nahi hai... bas weakness ki wajah se chakkar aa gaye honge. Jaise hi Sameer ko hosh aaye toh usse kuch khilaa dena. Maine injection de diya hai aur yeh kuch davaaiyaan hai. Sameer ko kehna ki khaane mein jyaada laaparwaahi naa kare. Time se khaa liya kare. Waise Sameer thik ho jaayega fir bhi agar meri zarurat pade toh mujhe phone kar dijiyega, main aa jaaunga. Ab chalta hun."

As the doctor left the room, Nanu sat down on the bed with a thud. "Pataa nahi kiski nazar lag gayi hai mere dono bacchon ki khushiyon ko? Yahaan Sameer ki haalat mujhse dekhi nahi jaa rahi aur... aur wahaan Naina akeli hai. Pataa nahi wohh bhi kis haal mein hogi? Bhagwaan... bas jaldi se inn dono ko milaa do, taaki inke dukh aur dard kamm ho jaaye aur firse inki zindagi khushiyon se bhar jaaye."

Munna sat near his feet & spoke softly, "Nanaji... sab thik ho jaayega... aap... aap please roiye mat. Ab toh Sameer ko bhi pataa chal gaya hai ki Naina Kabir ke saath nahi hai. Usne dekha Kabir aur Nisha ko ek dusre ko angoothi pehnaate hue. Ab sab thik ho jaayega Nanaji... sab thik ho jaayega..." Munna kept his head on his leg & cried.

Kneeling down on front of Nanu, Pandit said, "Nanaji... bas Sameer hosh mein aa jaaye toh uski saari galatfehmiyaan durr ho jaayengi aur wohh Naina ko dhoondne nikal padega. Hum bataayenge naa usse ki Naina kahaan hai aur Sameer jhatse Naina ko waapis le aayega. Dekhna aap Nanaji... Naina bohot jald hum sabke saath hogi."

"Aap logon mein se koi Sameer ko nahi baateyega ki Naina kahaan hai...", Preeti's voice boomed in the room loud & clear. All turned towards the door where she was standing. Kabir moved towards her, "Yeh kya keh rahi ho Preeti... Naina Sameer ki biwi hai aur abhi wohh wahaan akeli reh rahi hai. Aise kaise hum Sameer ko kuch naa bataayein? Uska poora hakk hai yeh jaanne ka ki Naina kahaan hai aur kis haal mein hai."

Preeti stepped in the room & met her brother's worried gaze, "Kis hakk ki baat kar rahe hai aap bhai??? Aur ek baat main aap sabko clear kar deti hun ki Naina ab Sameer ki biwi nahi hai. Aap sab shaayad bhool gaye hai ki Naina ne shaadi se pehle hi divorce papers sign kar diye the, iska matlab yeh hai ki ab yeh dono married nahi hai. Koi rishta hai hi nahi ab inn dono ke beech toh kis hakk ki baat kar rahe hai aap bhai?"

Preeti turned & faced Nanaji & Munna, Pandit... "Sameer ne pehle jo galti ki thi usko shaayad undekha kar sakte the, agar wohh Naina ke saath acche se rishta nibhaata. Par jab wohi galti dusri baar dohraayi jaaye toh usse galti nahi kehte. Aur Sameer ne jo Naina ke saath kiya wohh koi galti nahi thi, usne sab soch samajh ke kiya hai. Usne jo kiya wohh gunaah hai Nanaji... jo shabd usne Naina se kahe, usse galti nahi kehte."

Nanaji spoke, "Mera Sameer Naina se pyaar karta hai Preeti... dekha hai maine uski aankhon mein, dekha hai maine uska dard." Preeti replied instantly, "Jab Sameer Naina par bharosa karta hi nahi hai toh kya faayda uske pyaar ka Nanaji? Sirf pyaar kaafi nahi hota ek couple ke beech. Unke beech understanding honi chahiye, commitment hona chahiye ek dusre ki taraf aur sabse important, bharosa hona chahiye ek dusre par. Bharosa hi toh neev hoti hai kisi bhi rishte ko mazboot banaane ke liye aur Sameer ne Naina par ek baar bhi bharosa nahi kiya. Naina ko laachi aur characterless kahaa isne, wohh bhi do do baar. Chalo pehli baar maaf kar sakte hai Nanaji, par ab Naina ke saath ek saal rehne ke baad bhi woh Naina par thoda sa bhi vishwaas nahi kar paaya? Maaf karna Nanaji... par isse pyaar nahi kehte. Pyaar usse kehte hai jo bina koi shart ke pyaar kare, bharosa kare, saamne waale ki khushiyon ke liye khud ki khushi ko kurbaan kar de."

"Sameer ne kiya hi kya hai Naina ke liye? Jab dekho tab Naina ko laalchi aur characterless bol deta hai, jab mann hua toh Naina acchi hai, jab mann hua toh usse yeh sab kehkar uska dil tod deta hai." Meeting everyone's misty gaze, she spoke, "Aap mein se koi bhi Sameer ko Naina ke baare mein nahi bataayega. Nanaji... aap keh rahe hain aa ki Sameer Naina se bohot pyaar karta hai, toh chalo... ab mujhe bhi dekhna hai ki Sameer bina kisi ke madad ke kaise Naina ko dhoondta hai. Saccha pyaar karta hai naa Sameer Naina se, toh ab usse wohh saabit karna hoga. Saabit karna hoga ki wohh Naina ke laayak hai."

Finally, letting the tears flow, Preeti spoke, "Naina... meri behen abhi kis haal mein hogi yeh sab aap soch bhi nahi sakte. Aur wohh kiski wajah se durr huyi hai humse? Iss... iss Sameer ki wajah se. Toh ab Sameer khud meri behen ko dhoond ke apne saath laayega. Aap sab honge mahaan jo Sameer ko maaf kar sakte hai, par main Sameer ko kabhi maaf nahi karungi. Jab tak Sameer Naina ko manaakar yahaan waapis nahi laata, tab tak main usse maaf nahi karungi. Aur aap mein se koi bhi Sameer ko Naina kahaan hai, yeh nahi bataayega. Sameer ko apni galti khud hi sudhaarni hogi aur saabit karna hoga ki wohh Naina ke kaabil hai bhi yaa nahi."

Nisha stood next to her sister-in-law & spoke, "Preeti sahi keh rahi hai Nanaji. Sameer ne Naina ke self-respect ko baar baar hurt kiya hai, toh ab usse khud hi apni ladaai ladni hogi. Naina ko khud hi dhoondna hoga. Main Preeti ki baat se sehmat hun. Sameer ko prove karna hoga ki wohh Naina se sach mein pyaar karta hai. Main Naina ko bas kuch hi mahino se jaanti hun aur usse acchi dost aur behen mujhe kabhi nahi mil sakti. Sameer ne Naina ke saath jo bhi kiya, wohh maafi ke laayak nahi hai."

Looking at Kabir, Nisha continued, "Waise main yeh bhi nahi kahungi ki iss sab mein Naina ki koi galti nahi thi. Usne bhi khud hi itni misunderstandings ke liye jagah banaa di thi. Kabir... tumne jo promise Naina ko diya, uski wajah se yeh sab hua, aur kahin naa kahin tum inn sab ke liye responsible ho. Jaanti hun, tumne nahi socha hoga ki aisa bhi kuch hoga, par sab ho hi gaya. Naina aur Sameer hamari wajah se aaj saath nahi hai. Main yeh engagement ke liye sirf isliye ready hui taaki Sameer ki misunderstanding clear ho. Par aaj main yahaan sabke saamne yeh kehna chaahti hun Kabir ki jab tak Naina aur Sameer waapis ek nahi hote, tab tak main tumse shaadi nahi karungi."

Kabir wasn't stunned with his fiancé's announcement as he himself had decided the same. Taking Nisha's hands in his, Kabir spoke, "Main khud bhi yahi karta. Jab meri wajah se yeh dono alag hue hai toh fir main kaise ek nayi zindagi ki shuruwaat kar sakta hun? Tum naa bhi kehti tab bhi main inn dono ke milne ke baad hi tumse shaadi karta. Jab mere dono khaas dost akele hai, mushkil mein hai, toh hum kaise khushiyaan manaa sakte hain Nisha?"

Turning to his sister, Kabir said, "Preeti... tu jo keh rahi hai, wohh bhi sahi hai... par ek baar dono ke baare mein soch le shaanti se. Kahin aisa kuch naa ho jaaye, jisse dono kabhi mil hi naa paaye. Preeti... tune bhi toh Sameer ki aankhon mein Naina ke liye pyaar dekha hai naa? Fir kyun hume manaa kar rahi hai Sameer ki help karne se. Sameer ko Naina ka pataa bataa denge toh wohh jaldi Naina ko waapis laa paayega. Dekh Preeti... main tera gussa samajh sakta hun, par abhi yeh waqt gussa karne ka nahi hai. Naina wahaan akeli hai aur usse hamari aur khaaskar Sameer ki zarurat hai. Tu kyun nahi samajh rahi?"

Preeti retorted, "Mujhe kuch nahi samajhna hai ab? Aap mein se koi Sameer ko kuch nahi bataayega, bas... aap... aap sabko meri kasam hai." Kabir along with everyone froze at her sudden words. Nanaji got up from the bed & stood in front of her, "Preeti... Sameer ne jo kiya usse hum badal nahi sakte. Shaayad main khud ab tak wohh sab bhool nahi paaya hun. Thik hai... jaisa tu chaahti hai waisa hi hoga. Sameer apne sacche pyaar ko khud dhoondkar waapis laayega, yeh mera vaada hai tumse. Tum jitna pyaar Naina se karti ho naa usse jyaada main mere dono bacchon se karta hun, poora bharosa hai mujhe Sameer par aur uske pyaar par. Main mere Sameer ko jaanta hun, sab sach jaanne ke baad wohh kisi bhi tarah Naina ko waapis le aayega. Unn dono ka pyaar itna kamzor nahi hai. Mere bacche bohot jald saath honge. Dekh lena Preeti..."

There was a knock on the door & Nisha's parents entered to call the couple as the guests were asking for them. Kabir & Nisha along with Preeti left while Nanu, Munna & Pandit stayed in the room waiting for Sameer to wake up. After an hour or so, Sameer opened his eyes & looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. His gaze landed on his Nanu who was sitting next to him.

Munna & Pandit were next to him as Sameer tried to get up, but was unable to do so. Nanu kept the pillow behind his back for support while his friends helped him to sit comfortably. Sameer muttered, "Main... iss kamre mein kya kar raha hun? Main... main toh Kabir ki engagement party mein aaya tha..." And then everything came back to him in a flash. He remembered about Kabir & the other girl's engagement.

Sameer asked, "Wohh... wohhh... main... maine dekha ki... Kabir ne kisi aur ladki ko ring pehnaayi. Naina... Naina... kahaan hai??? Wohhh... wohhh ladki Naina toh nahi thi... kaun thi wohh?" Sameer stammered all the time recalling the images of Kabir & the other girl. Munna handed him a glass of water & gestured Pandit to bring him something to eat.

While Pandit left, Nanu spoke, "Sameer... tu yeh sab dekhkar behosh ho gaya tha. Tune iss hafte thik se khaana nahi khaaya hai, isliye kamzori ki wajah se chakkar aa gaye the tujhe. Beta... hum baaki sab baatein baad mein karenge, pehle tu kuch khaa le aur yeh davaai le le. Jab hosh mein rahega tabhi hum sab jo kehne jaa rahe hai usse thik se samajh paayega."

Pandit arrived at that precise moment with a plate of food followed by Kabir & Nisha. Preeti stood a few feet away from him & was observing him. Nanu fed few morsels to his grandson while Sameer was looking at the girl standing beside Kabir. His eyes moved to the handhold & Sameer's eyes misted. He understood what all would've actually happened & what worst he had assumed about his wife. He understood that he had misunderstood his wife once again & accused her of all the same things that he had done earlier. He didn't even need any explanation as everything fell into place now.

Sameer looked at his grandfather who too was teary eyed. As soon as Nanu kept the plate away, Sameer hugged him tightly & cried. Nanu rubbed his back slowly & caressed his head. "Ssshhhhh... Sameer... rona band kar pehle. Mera Sameer rote hue bilkul accha nahi lagta." Sameer ignored his words & kept crying. The pain that Naina & he was going through was all because of him, his overthinking & his misunderstanding.

After few minutes, when his sobs subsided, he left Nanu & got up from the bed. He walked towards Kabir & the other girl. He stopped in front of Kabir & asked, "Tumne... tumne iss ladki se engagement ki? Naina... Naina kahaan hai?" Kabir pulled Nisha beside him & introduced, "Sameer... yeh Nisha hai... meri fiancé... wohi Nisha jiske liye maine 'KN' wala pendant banaaya hai. Naina bas meri help kar rahi thi Sameer. Tumne usse bohot galat samajh liya. Maine... maine hi Naina se promise liya tha ki wohh Nisha ke baare mein kisise kuch naa kahe. Isliye Naina ne tumhare itna poochne par bhi tumhe sach nahi bataaya. Sameer... yeh jo bhi hua hai wohh sab meri wajah se hua hai. I'm sorry Sameer... main nahi jaanta tha ki mere ek promise ki wajah se tumhara & Naina ka rishta toot jaayega."

Sameer took a step towards him & asked, "Agar mujhe Nisha ke baare mein pataa chal bhi jaata toh kaunsa pahaad toot padta tum par Kabir, jo tumne Naina se aisa promise liya? Sirf tumse apni promise nibhaane ke liye, Naina ne mujhse jhooth bola. Jisne aaj tak kabhi mujhse kuch nahi chupaaya, uss Naina ne mujhse yeh baat chupaayi. Kabir... bataa mujhe ki aisa kya ho jaata agar mujhe tumhare aur Nisha ke relationship ke baare mein pataa chal jaata? Main tum dono ke beech aane waala tha kya? Bol naa Kabir... Aakhir kyun tujhe yeh sab humse chupaana tha?"

Kabir told him about his insecurities of being teased for all his broken relations. He told him about the college fiasco about Ayesha & then about Naina too. He didn't want to be a laughing stock again this time. Sameer heard his side silently while others were surprised with his sudden silence. Once Kabir finished, Sameer chuckled, "Bas... isliye tumne yeh sab chupaana thik samjha? Kabir... tum soch bhi nahi sakte ki mujhe kaise kaise khayaal aa rahe the. Maine kitna galat samjha Naina ko, kitna kuch bol diya... wohh sab keh diya jo mujhe kehna nahi chahiye tha. Kitna galat samjha maine Naina ko... iss baar bhi maine usse hurt kiya aur main jaanta hun ki Naina iss baar mujhe maaf nahi karegi."

Sameer wiped his tears & continued, "Main meri aur Naina ki pehli wedding anniversary waale din Naina ko apne dil ki baat bataane waala tha. Naina se kehne waala tha ki main usse bohot pyaar karta hun." Closing his eyes, he recalled everything & told them about how he always felt insecure whenever he saw Naina with Kabir. He asked Kabir, "Tumne hi mujhse kahaa tha naa ki meri shaadi ke ek saal baad tu Naina ko apni biwi banaayega? Wohh baat reh rehkar mere dimaag mein aa rahi thi. Jab se main London se aaya tha, maine mehsoos kiya ki Naina mujhse baatein chupaane lagi hai, mujhse jhooth bolne lagi hai, aur wohhh bhi kiske liye? tere liye Kabir... jab dekho tab tu Naina ke aaspaas hi rehta tha. NGO ke kaam mein hamesha Naina tere saath busy rehti thi, tere saath jyada time bitaati thi." He told him how he felt about all this & narrated all the incidents from the jewellery shop to his surprise for Naina for dinner to his sudden visit to NGO that evening when he had heard the proposal. Kabir kept quiet all the while feeling more miserable. He hadn't expected all this to happen in this way which resulted in the separation of Naina & Sameer.

When Sameer finished, Nisha asked, "Sameer... tumne abhi kahaa naa ki tum Naina se bohot pyaar karte ho? Yeh kaisa pyaar hai Sameer... jahaan trust hi naa ho?" Coming forward, she continued, "Tum sab shaayad jaante nahi, par main aap sabko kuch bataana chaahti hun. Sameer... tum dhyaan se sunna..."

Sameer nodded & she started, "Jab main Kabir se pehli baar mili thi naa, tab hi mujhe yeh sabse alag lagaa tha. Jaante ho kyun??? Kyunki Kabir ne mujhe pehle hi Ayesha aur Naina ke baare mein bataa diya tha. Uske baad main Ahmedabad meri family ke saath shift ho gayi aur fir Kabir se mili. Uss din Kabir ne mujhe Naina se milvaaya uss party mein. Sameer... yeh jaante hue ki Kabir Naina ko pasand karta tha, main Naina se insecure nahi hui. Kyunki maine dekha ki Naina ki aankhen uss party mein sirf tum par hi tiki hui thi. Tumhare liye uske dil mein jo pyaar hai naa, wohh saaf saaf mujhe dikh raha tha. Aur Kabir... Kabir ko mile hue mujhe jyaada time nahi hua tha tab, fir bhi maine uss par trust kiya Sameer... Jab aap kisise pyaar karte ho naa, toh usse unconditionally trust karte ho. Kabir ne mujhe bataaya tha ki wohh Naina ke saath NGO mein kaam karta hai, par maine kabhi unn dono par shak nahi kiya. Naina tumse pyaar karti hai aur Kabir mujhse... Jab main Kabir par trust kar sakti hun toh tum kyun nahi Naina par trust kar paaye Sameer? Ek baar Naina par trust kar lete naa Sameer... toh aaj Naina yahaan hoti, tumhare saath. Sirf pyaar karna hi sab kuch nahi hota. Tumhe uss insaan par unconditional trust bhi hona chahiye, tabhi wohh rishta mazboot banta hai. Sameer... tumne pyaar toh kar liya, bas bharosa nahi kar paaye Naina par, aur iss wajah se aaj wohh tumhare saath nahi hai."

"Sameer... mujhe bhi tumhari tarah bohot insecurities thi, par jab se Kabir meri life mein aaya hai, maine wohh insecurities peeche chod di aur Kabir ke saath meri zindagi aage badha rahi hun. Maanti hun... Kabir ne Naina se wohh promise nahi lena chahiye tha, par tumne bhi toh Naina par trust nahi kiya aur Naina... usne wohi kiya jo usne uss waqt thik samjha hoga. Jitna main Naina ko jaanti hun, usse main itna toh keh sakti hun Sameer ki wohh tumhare kahe hue words se bohot hurt hui hogi, isliye usne ussi raat wohh ghar chodne ka faisla liya hoga. Naina ne socha hoga ki jab tum dono ke rishte mein bharosa hi nahi hai, toh wohh kyun uss ghar mein rahe? Usne wohh ghar sirf tumhari wajah se choda hai Sameer... tumne usse gold-digger aur characterless kahaa, jo koi bhi ladki apne liye nahi sunn sakti. Toh ab tum hi batao, kaise rehti Naina tumhare saath uss ghar mein? Agar main bhi Naina ki jagah hoti, toh main bhi yahi karti. Tumne Naina ki self-respect, uske sapne, uska pyaar, uska dil, aur khaas karke uski rooh ko tod diya hai... ek hi jhatke mein Naina ka sab kuch tod diya tumne Sameer. Yeh mat sochna ki main tumhe taunt kar rahi hun, main bas wohi keh rahi hun jo yahaan shaayad koi nahi bol paayega tumse. Agar maine kuch jyaada bol diya ho toh mujhe maaf karna Sameer... mujhe apni choti behen samajhkar maaf kar dena..."

Sameer fell on his knees as all her words seemed true. He had misunderstood Naina again & messed up his life with his assumptions. He shouldn't have said all those hurtful words to her again. All the words that he had said to Naina rang in his mind & he felt guilty for everything.

Getting up, he looked at Kabir & Nisha, "Congratulations both of you... Kabir... tu sach mein bohot lucky hai ki tujhe Nisha jaisi life partner mili hai aur Naina jaisi dost, jisne itna sab hone ke baad bhi tumhara promise nahi toda. Main hi unlucky hun bas, jisse kabhi kuch nahi mila. Jo mila tha wohh bhi maine apne haathon se durr kar diya. Naina ne apna pyaar chodkar apni dosti ko upar rakha, aise dost bohot kamm milte hai Kabir. Tu sach mein bohot bohot lucky hai yaar."

Without looking back at anyone, he left from there & headed towards an unknown destination. The moment he crossed Preeti, she turned her face away in anger. Though Sameer had seen her reaction, he didn't stop. With continuous flowing tears, he reached his car & left.

Munna & Pandit were going behind him when Nanu stopped them, "Aaj usse akela rehne do. Main Sameer ko bachpan se jaanta hun. Wohh abhi nahi lautega. Jab uska dil aur dimaag shaant ho jaayenge, tab wohh khud waapis aa jaayega. Tab tak usse akele rehne do. Jab wohh waapis aayega, tab ek naya Sameer hoga hamare saamne, jo sirf aur sirf Naina ka pati hoga."

After few minutes everyone returned home a little relieved that finally Sameer knew the truth & would definitely chase Naina & bring her back. That night Sameer didn't return home & spent his night on a peaceful hill top. He visited this place whenever he felt lonely & wanted to find peace. Today was no different... He was feeling guilty for blaming & accusing Naina again. He should've forced her to speak the truth, but he knew that Naina wouldn't have been pressurized at all. She had heard his accusations quietly & hadn't uttered a word until he had... no... he didn't want to think about it... he had to think of getting her back.

Sameer sat beneath a tree & looked at the darkness ahead. His mind had gone blank totally. The revelations today had made him numb. He couldn't believe that he had made such a drastic mistake again. How could he hurt Naina in this way? He was still angry on her for choosing Kabir's promise over their relationship & love. She should've told him the truth & saved their relationship.

Sameer let his tears flow. After few minutes, when his heart & mind calmed down, he took out his phone & went through her pictures yet again as he was doing it every day & night. He caressed the phone screen as if he was touching her face & smiled through his tears, "I Miss You Naina... I Miss You so much... I'm sorry Naina... maine... maine tumhe bohot galat samjha aur bohot hurt kiya hai iss baar. Main jaanta hun ki tum mujhe iss baar jaldi maaf nahi karogi. Sach kahun toh main tumhari maafi deserve bhi nahi karta. Maine jo jo tumse kahaa wohh mujhe nahi kehna chahiye tha. Mujhe wohh agreements aur divorce ko waapis hamare beech nahi laana chahiye tha. Maine tumhare aur Kabir ke baare mein jo bhi socha aur kahaa wohh sab galat tha."

"Sach kahun Naina... mera mann nahi maan raha tha ki tum Kabir se pyaar karti ho, par pataa nahi mera gussa mujhpar itna haavi ho gaya tha ki main wohh sab keh gaya jo mujhe tumse yaa kisi ladki se nahi kehna chahiye tha. I'm sorry Naina... maine... maine tumhe itna hurt kiya, tumhara dil toda, aur shaayad tumhe hi tod diya... Naina... please ho sake toh mujhe maaf kar dena aur jaldi se mere paas aa jao. Main... main tumhare bina nahi reh sakta Naina... nahi reh paaunga... main tumse bohot pyaar karta hun aur aaj... main yeh vaada karta hun khudse ki main hamesha tumhe khush rakhunga, hamesha tum par bina koi shart ke trust karunga, aur meri aakhri saans tak tumse pyaar karunga... bas ek baar waapis aa jao Naina... yeh Sameer tumhare bina adhura hai..."

Sameer kept staring at her picture for a very long time & his tears didn't stop at all. He sat there the whole night & kept going through all her pictures & missed her more. When the sun rose, he finally got up & drove back to his home. When he entered, he saw Nanu sitting in the living room. Nanu looked up at him & smiled faintly. Sameer too responded with his weak smile & walked back to his room.

As he entered, he walked towards Naina's parent's picture. "Papa... mummy... maine... maine bohot badi galti kar di hai aapki beti ka dil dukhaakar. Aur ab main meri uss galti ko thik karne jaa raha hun. Bas aapka aashirwaad mujhpar hamesha rakhna, jisse main apni Naina ko waapis laa sakun. Jaanta hun maine Naina ko bohot dukh dard diye hai, par bas... ab se Naina ki zindagi mein sirf khushiyaan hi khushiyaan aayengi aur wohh main laaunga... Main vaada karta hun aapse ki aapki beti, meri Naina ko main kabhi akela nahi chodunga, usse itna pyaar karunga ki kabhi wohh mujhe waapis chodkar jaa hi naa sake."

"Main bhi yahi chaahta hun Sameer...", came Nanu's reply. Sameer turned & saw his grandfather at the door. Nanu entered the room & opened his arms. Sameer instantly ran to him & hugged him tightly. He knew that he had hurt his Nanu too. "Nanu... mujhe please maaf kar dijiye. Maine Naina ke saath bohot bura kiya hai, meri wajah se aaj wohh hamare saath nahi hai. Nanu... Naina... Naina... waapis toh aayegi naa? Mujhe... mujhe maaf karegi naa?"

Nanu loosened his hold & spoke, "Mera Sameer kabhi haar nahi maan sakta. Ab galti ki hai toh maafi toh maagni padegi beta. Main jaanta hun jab tu kisise pyaar karta hai toh fir ekdum tootkar pyaar karta hai. Bas ab tujhe wohi karna hai Sameer. Naina se maafi bhi leni hai aur apna pyaar waapis bhi laana hai. Kal Nisha ne jo kahaa, uss baat se main sehmat hun ki jab aap kisise pyaar karte hai toh usspar attoot bharosa bhi karte hai. Jo galti tune kar di hai, ab usse badal nahi sakte, par usse sudhaar zaroor sakte hai. Chal... ab yeh rona dhona band kar aur apni Naina ko waapis le aa."

Wiping his tears, Sameer rushed towards the washroom & freshened up quickly. He had a lot of things to do. As he went downstairs, he saw Nanu waiting for him for breakfast. Though he wasn't hungry & was getting late, he decided to join his Nanu for the meal. Nanu & Ramdhari were relieved to see him eat finally.

While having his meal, he asked, "Nanu... kya aapko pataa hai Naina kahaan hai???" Sameer had wanted to ask this since past week but didn't have any courage to do so. Nanu remembered Preeti's words & shook his head. Sameer knew he was lying but he didn't prod more & finished his meal quickly.

He drove towards Kabir's residence for the second time in the past twenty-four hours. Kabir was about to leave for NGO when the doorbell rang. Preeti was getting ready to go to the café. As the maid opened the door, Sameer entered a little hesitantly. Kabir & Preeti stopped their respective work as they saw him approaching. Preeti ignored his presence & continued with her work. Kabir came forward & smiled weakly. He wasn't sure why Sameer was here first thing in the morning. When he had left last night, he was totally broken & had needed solitude. So, why was he here now?

"Sameer... tum... tum subah subah yahaan kaise?" Sameer looked around a little uncomfortably & replied, "Wohh... wohh... main yeh poochne aaya tha ki kya tumhe pataa hai Naina kahaan hai? Actually, maine Nanu se bhi poocha tha toh unhone kahaa ki unhe kuch pataa nahi hai. Munna aur Pandit se bhi poocha par wohh bhi baat ko ghooma rahe hai. Main jaanta hun ki sabko pataa hai Naina kahaan hai, par mujhe nahi bataa rahe. Isliye, main tumse poochne aaya hun. Kya tumhe pataa hai meri Naina kahaan hai?"

Preeti laughed out loudly & came forward. "Sameer... kya kahaa tumne? Tumhari Naina??? Really??? Jahaan tak main jaanti hun toh tumhara aur Naina ka divorce ho chuka hai, koi rishta nahi bachaa tum dono ke beech, toh fir Naina tumhari kaise hui? Tumne tohh meri behen ko gold-digger, characterless aur kya kuch nahi kahaa. Just because tumhe insecurities hai, aur tumhe trust issue hai, toh tumne itna sab kuch keh diya Naina ko? Tum samjhte kya ho khudko Mr Sameer Maheshwari? Jab mann chaaha toh meri Naina, jab mann chaaha toh rishta khatam, jab mann chaaha toh usse laalchi aur characterless banaa diya? Tum ho kya Sameer? Meri behen koi katputli nahi hai jisse tum jaise chaaho waise use kar sako. Tumne... tumne firse ek baar Naina ka dil toda, jiski wajah se aaj wohh hamare saath nahi hai. Sirf aur sirf tumhari wajah se Mr Sameer Maheshwari, aaj Naina kahin akele reh rahi hai. Wohh paagal ladki tumse kitna pyaar karti hai, yeh tum kabhi soch bhi nahi paaoge Sameer. Tumhari sab galtiyon ki sazaa wohh bhugad rahi hai. Jaane se pehle Naina ne mujhe bhi kuch nahi bataaya. Kitna hurt hui hogi, kitna royi hogi meri behen? Uska dard tum kabhi samajh hi nahi sakte Sameer. Tumhare paas Nanu hai, Munna Pandit hai, par Naina ke paas kaun hai? Kaun hai uske saath? Aur wohh akeli chali gayi? Hum sabko bina bataaye Naina chali gayi. Kiski wajah se haan? Bolo Sameer... Tab toh bohot bole jaa rahe the naa Naina ko, toh ab tumhari zubaan kyun band hai? Yeh jo bhi hua hai wohh sab tumhari wajah se ho hua hai. Naina... meri best friend, meri behen... mujhe bina bataaye chali gayi. Usne... usne mujhse promise kiya tha ki wohh kabhi mujhe akela nahi chodegi aur dekho... usne mujhe aur hum sabko akela chod diya. Sirf aur sirf tumhari wajah se Mr Sameer Maheshwari..."

Sameer retorted, "Haan... sab galti meri hi hai... Naina ne kuch kiya hi nahi? Tumhari best friend hai naa, tum usse apni behen maanti ho naa? Toh fir tumhe bhi kyun kuch nahi bataaya Kabir aur Nisha ke baare mein? Kabir toh tumhara sagaa bhai hai aur Naina tumhari behen, toh kyun tumse sab chupaaya? Dosti aur pyaar mein farak hota hai Ms Preeti Sehgal. Naina ne apni promise ko hamare rishtey se upar rakhaa, usne mujhse jhooth bola. Kyun? Kiski wajah se? Tumhare bhai ki promise ki wajah se. Naina ko apni shaadishuda zindagi se jyaada Kabir ki dosti important lagi."

Running his fingers in his hair, he continued, "Preeti... main maanta hun ki maine shaadi se pehle Naina se wohh sab agreemensts aur divorce paapers nahi sign karwaane chahiye the. Maine iske liye Naina se kai baar maafi bhi maangi thi aur usne mujhe maaf bhi kar diya tha. Ek saal mein maine kabhi bhi Naina ko kisi cheez ki kami nahi hone di, jab jab usse meri zarurat padi hai, main hamesha uske saath khadaa rahaa. Naina ne mujhe badal diya tha, meri soch badal di thi. Maine hamare rishtey ko poore dil se nibhaaya hai Preeti... aur yeh baat sab log maanenge. Maine hamesha Naina ko khush rakha hai. Aur usne kya kiya, ek promise aur hamara rishta daav par lagaa diya? Kya yahi keemat thi uski nazron mein hamare rishtey ki? Maine jab Kabir aur Naina ko jewellery shop mein dekha, fir mere ghar mein baatein karte suna, har baar maine pehle Naina ko acche se poocha tha. Maine kai mauke diye the Naina ko sach bolne ke par usne sach nahi bola... Tum trust ki baat kar rahi ho naa? Itna sab hone ke baad bhi maine bharosa kiya tha Naina par. Mera dil maanne ko taiyaar hi nahi tha ki Naina mujhe dhokha de sakti hai. Par jab itne mauke dene ke baad bhi usne sach nahi bola, toh main kya sochta Preeti?"

"Meri aankhon ke saamne Kabir Naina se apne pyaar ka izhaar kar raha tha aur Naina ne bhi usse accept karke wohh teen words Kabir ko kahe, jo usse sirf mujhse kehne chahiye the. Tum bolo Preeti... agar Pandit tumhare saamne kisi aur ladki ko propose kare aur wohh ladki bhi haste haste wohh accept kar le, toh tumhe kaisa feel hoga, huh??? Haaan... hai mujhe insecurities, hai mujhe trust issues, par maine kabhi Naina par shak nahi kiya tha. Yeh toh haalat aise ho gaye ki maine wohh sab dekha jo main bhi khud yakeen nahi kar paa raha tha. Agar tumhare saamne aisa kuch hota toh kya tumhara bharosa nahi dagmagaata?"

Preeti replied, "Mujhe Pandit par poora bharosa hai Sameer. Main kabhi usspar aisa koi ghatiya ilzaam nahi lagaati." Sameer chuckled, "Yeh sab kehne ki baatein hai Preeti... Jab khud par beetti hai naa, tab dusron ka point of view acche se samajh aata hai. Khair... main yahaan tumse koi behes nahi karna chahta Preeti. Mujhe bas yeh batao ki Naina kahaan hai???"

Preeti smiled, "Aur tumhe lagta hai ki main tumhe bataaungi ki Naina kahaan hai? Seriously??? Tum wohh aakhri insaan ho Mr Sameer Maheshwari jisse main Naina ke baare mein koi baat karungi. You don't deserve Naina? Aur main kabhi tumhe nahi bataaungi ki Naina kahaan hai. Itna keh rahe the naa kal ki tum Naina se bohot pyaar karte ho, toh bas apna pyaar prove karo Sameer aur Naina ko dhoond kar lao. Agar Naina ko tum apne saath le aaye, toh main maan lungi ki tum Naina se saccha pyaar karte ho. Tumhe koi nahi bataayega ki Naina kahaan hai, toh kisise koi ummeed mat rakhna. Jao Sameer... get her back if you can, till then I will wait..." Pointing towards the door, she said, "Aur darwaaza uss taraf hai..."

Preeti turned towards the table & collected her belongings. Waving goodbye to her brother, she left without giving a glance to Sameer. Kabir remained quiet till his sister left. Once she was out of sight, Kabir turned to Sameer, "Sameer... Tum jaante ho ki Preeti Naina se kitni close hai, aur jab usse pataa chala ki Naina hum mein se kisiko bhi kuch bhi bataaye bina chali gayi hai, toh Preeti toot si gayi hai. Tum uski baaton ka buraa mat maanna, abhi gusse mein hai toh kuch jyaada hi bol gayi. Uska gussa waqt ke saath kamm ho jaayega Sameer... Bas tum jaldi se Naina ko waapis le aao, fir sab apneaap thik ho jaayega."

Thumping his back, Kabir said, "Iss baar koi galti mat karna Sameer... Tum bohot lucky ho jo Naina tumse pyaar karti hai. Tum bohot khushkismat ho ki Naina tumhari zindagi mein aayi. Naina akeli hai Sameer aur usse sab se jyada tumhari zarurat hai. Hum sab ne galtiyaan ki hai. Main bohot guilty feel kar raha hun ki meri wajah se Naina aur tumhare beech misunderstandings hui. Main tumhe yeh toh nahi bataa paaunga ki Naina kahaan hai, par haannn... jab bhi tumhe meri zarurat hogi, bas ek call kar dena, main tumhara saath dunga. I'm sorry Sameer... for everything..."

Sameer smiled weakly & replied, "Tum sorry mat bolo Kabir... meri kismat hi kharaab hai. Jab zindagi ne mujhe itna haseen taufa diya tha Naina ke roop mein, main uski kadar nahi kar paaya. Galti toh maine bhi ki hai, par wohh tum sab se jyaada hai. Mujhe wohh sab nahi kehna chahiye tha Naina ko. I'm sure meri baaton ne Naina ko poori tarah tod diya hoga. Aaj meri wajah se Naina mere ghar mein aur meri zindagi mein nahi hai. Ab main koi galti nahi karunga Kabir... Main apne pyaar ko itni aasaani se mujhse durr nahi jaane dunga. Naina ko main apni zindagi mein, mere ghar mein waapis zaroor laaunga. Bas bhagwaan kare... Naina jahaan bhi ho, safe ho. Main... main usse jald se jald waapis le aaunga Kabir... And don't worry, mujhe Preeti ki baaton ka buraa nahi laga, kyunki uski kahi hui har baat sach hi hai. Naina bohot jald hamare saath hogi Kabir... main usse waapis lekar hi aaunga..."

With misty eyes, Sameer left Kabir's house & started the hunt for his Naina...

How was the update?

I wanted to write more, but this chapter had already crossed 8k words...

I know you all are waiting to know where Naina is...

The next update about Naina for sure...

'Bas thoda aur intezaar' for Samaina to come face to face...

Next weekend I will be busy, so there will be no update on Sunday...

I will try to update the next chapter on next Monday for sure...

Till then, take care & stay safe...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤️