Next day Sameer woke up early in the morning. He was happy, as today was his most awaited day, he prepared himself for confess his feeling to Naina. He went to a park near his house. As he entered the park, he felt different sensation this morning, he found the park was more beautiful than before. He heard the birds chirping sound, which erased all his worried. He noticed the leaves dancing with air and little flower had blooming more from previous day which was making him more delighted.

Today he observed everything that he had not noticed before. He started jogging with new energy in the beautiful environment, after sometime his eyes turned to his little friend. He was unknowingly the reason of their meet again. Sameer went to him and wrapped his arm around him. He was sitting on the bench reading a book. He was stunned by Sameer's sudden action but soon he saw Sameer happy face.

"Thank you Aadi... you are a god gift for me." He elated as breaking the hug and saw his surprised face.

"Maine kya kiya?." Aaditya confused.

"Tumhare karan mujhe meri zindagi mil gayi... batao tumhe kya chahiye jo bologe wo karunga." He offered Aaditya.

"Mujhe na kuch nahi chahiye, bas aapke face pe yahi smile hamesha rahe, vaise bhaiya aaj aap itne khush kyo hai... kya baat hai...kahi koi ladki pasand to nahi aa gayi?." He teased to Sameer.

"Aisi koi baat nahi hai, ye sab padhate ho tum." He showed a fake anger.

"Ab mai chota nahi raha, mai ab bada ho gaya hu aur college jane laga hu." He defended himself from his anger.

"Ha.. ha pata hai, padhate kam ho aur masti jyada tabhi to aisi baatein karne lage ho." He scolded.

"Agar aap ne mujhe sach nahi bataya na to mai... mai Vishakha aunty ko bata dunga." Aaditya threatened him.

"Kya, bata donge?" Sameer asked with fear to hear his threatening.

"Yahi ki aapko pyaar ho gaya hai... aur aap hum sab se chhupa rahe hai and ladki ka naam nahi bata rahe... Please bhaiya bhabhi ka naam batao na." At first he threatening to Sameer then pleading him.

As he heard bhabhi for Naina from Aaditya's mouth, a current passed his whole body. He felt that his whole body was trembling as thinking that if she would accept him, she will be known by many new addresses like bhabhi.

"Achchha ek shart pe... tum ye baat kisi ko nahi batao ge, promise karo." Sameer placed a condition in front of him.

"Nahi batauga... par aap mujhe unse milana hoga... Promise ." He too demanded him.

"Thik hai, par abhi nahi... sahi time aane par." He said in a slow voice.

He was not sure of her reaction when he would confess to her. That she will accept his proposal or she will refuse.

"Ok...I will not tell anyone." Aaditya promised him that he would not broke his trust.

"Achchha ab mai chalata hu... bye aur man lagakar padhana." Sameer ruffled his hair when he left the park.

After Naina freshened up, she stepped inside kitchen to help Preeti. Preeti noticed the swelling in her eyes, and she looked at her face carefully.

"Kya dekh rahi hai?... mere face pe kuch hai kya?" Naina asked while touching her face.

"Hai na." Preeti replied plainly.

"Kya?" Naina confused.

"Teri hasi gayab hai... tu rat ko phir se roi thi...kyo Naina kyo?...Naina kab tak aise apne aap ko takalif degi. Please ab use ek bura sapna man ke bhul ja. Sameer ab nahi aayega aur tu Sharad se rishta tutne ke liye kabhi apne ko blame mat karna...Jo bhi hua usme teri galti nahi thi, Pandit ne iske liye aaj tak tujhe aur na hi mujhe aur kisi ko bhi galat nahi samajha hai." Preeti explained as for reducing her pain and found her forehead warm when she touched it.

Naina did not say anything and stared at the flame without any interest. She could not comprehend how to deal with the situation that arose from her own heart. Her heart wanted to meet Sameer but her mind resisted. She wanted to give her life a chance that might have returned her happiness.

"Naina tera to matha garam lag raha hai, tu raat ko soi thi na." Naina nodded her head in yes. "Chal medicine leke kuch der so ja, teri tabiyat thik nahi lag rahi... mai time se tujhe utha dungi... chal please." Preeti came along with Naina to her room and lay her on the bed. Naina closed her eyes, a few tears drop fell on the bed. Naina found herself weakened.

After an hour when Naina came out of her room, breakfast was arranged on the dinning table. She was shocked to see every dish was all her favorite. Naina looked at Preeti with her moist eyes. The dining table filled with pavbhaji, dhokla, and some fruit salad.

"Aise kya dekh rahi hai? sab teri hi pasand ka banaya hai... ab kaisi hai tabiyat?" She concerned as checking her forehead.

"Naina aaj thik nahi lag raha to mat jao." Pandit suggested her with concern.

"Mai thik hu... mai college ja sakti hu..Aap dono meri chinta mat kijiye." She reassured them as sitting on a chair.

"Chal to phir ye tere liye special pavbhaji banaye hai." Preeti said excitedly.

"Par mai ye sab nahi kha paungi." She denied.

"Aap akeli kahan hai saliji hum hai na sab khatam karne ke liye... kyo Preeti." Pandit looked at Preeti but he received a glare from her.

"Tu bhi na kya zarurat thi itna pareshan hone ki... tu bhi baith sab ek saath breakfast karenge." Naina requested to see her serving the breakfast.

"Ha Preeti baitho na tum bhi hamare hi saath breakfast kar lo." Pandit too requested with love filled eyes.

Everyone started their dinner with fun. Naina praised as the food was so delicious and testy. Pandit too praised Preeti cooking of the food.

"Manna padega Preeti, aaj to tumne sach me bahut achchhi pavbhaji banai hai... din par din tumhari cooking achchhi hoti ja rahi hai....Naina pata hai, hamari shaadi ke bad shuru shuru me Preeti kaise khana banati thi, kabhi namak kam to kabhi mirchi jyada...Kuch yaad aaya Preeti." Pandit teased her as reminded her previous mistakes for cooking.

"Kya Pandit aap bhi purani baaton ko leke baith gaye...Us time mujhe utna achchha khana banana nahi aata tha phir bhi maine try to kiya tha na ...Naina lekin ab mai bhi tere jitna to nahi par chalne layak to bana hi leti hu." Preeti tried to prove that she had now made a good food now and turned fake anger on her face while glaring at Pandit.

"Ha ha ab to tum bahut achchha khana banati ho." Pandit turned his voice soft as escaping her anger.

"Ha Preeti tune sach me badiya pavbhaji banaya hai aur dhokla bilkul vaisa hi bana hai jaise chachaji ji banati hai... maine to pahle hi kaha tha tujhe bhi khana banana aa jaayega, tu bekar me dar rahi thi ki mai nahi seekh paungi ab dekh jija ji bhi tarif kar rahe hai." Naina boosted her efforts.

"Sach me achchha laga na tujhe Naina ya phir mera dil rakhane liye kah rahi hai." Preeti asked nervously.

"Sachhi me mast hai... teri kasam." Naina reassured as clearing her fear.

On the other hand Sameer arrived dinning area after being ready to go to college. He sat beside Rohan on the dinning table. Deepika stared at him suspiciously and looked around to see everyone but everyone was busy with their breakfast. Rohan noticed her movement, he looked into her eyes to see where the focus was. He found she was staring Sameer with shocked. Rohan at first did not understand why she looked at Sameer in surprise but soon he too was surprised. Sameer looked very handsome and he dressed a red shirt with blue trouser. They never seen him wearing a red like bright colour shirt since he came to Delhi. A smile adorned in his face. Vishakha too noticed this change in him. Deepika wanted to ask him but Vishakha asked him before that.

"Sameer kya baat hai aaj bahut khush lag raha hai? aaj kuch special day hai kya?" Vishakha asked as looking at his smiling face.

"Ha bhaiya bataiye na kya special hai aaj?... aur aap aaj subah kahan se aa rahe the wo bhi big wali smile ke saath... aaj kuch to zarur hai... kya baat hai Sameer bhaiya?" She requested him with made a sad face.

"Koi baat nahi hai, jaise other day hota hai vaise hi aaj bhi hai... aur mai subah park gaya tha vahan Aadi se mila tha aur uski utpatag harkatein soch kar hasi aa gai thi." Sameer was defending himself and control of his excitement.

"Chalo agar yahi baat hai to tumne ye red colour ka shirt kyo pahna hai?...Pahle to kabhi nahi dekha tha tumhe aise bright colour pahne huye." Rohan too inquired seeing his behaviour.

"Man kiya isliye pahan liya... kyo nahi pahan sakta kya?" Sameer protested him.

Vishakha agreed to Rohan and said in a concern. "Rohan thik kah raha hai, aaj tere chehare aur aankhon me ek alag si chamak hai. Vahi chamak aur khushi hai jo papa ke jane se pahle tere chehare par hoti thi. Tu mane ya na par mera dil kahta hai aaj kuch to hai jo tu hum sab se chhupa raha hai, par mai tujhe force nahi karungi."

"Mammy aisa kuch bhi nahi, aap sab bekar mi baat lekar baith gaye hai." Sameer stated.

"Par bhaiya.." But Vivek stopped to Deepika.

"Are tum sab bhi kya baat lekar baith gaye ho subah se, jab wo kah raha hai ki aisa kuch nahi, to kyo bekar me bahas kar rahe ho?... bechare ko nasta to karne do shanti se." Vivek defended Sameer from everyone.

As, Vivek was his stepfather, whom he never liked because he thought Vivek snatched away his mother from him. Vivek was the reason for him being away from his mother and his home. Vivek never showed him the love he had with Rohan and Deepika. But when he shifted to Delhi, their equation changed but not completely, some distance was still between the two. Now Vivek helped Sameer to some point of his business matter. Sameer too consulted him whenever he was confused about taking a decision and Vivek gave him a fair decision that was beneficial for his business.

But Sameer's step grandmother never liked him. She looked at him with narrowing eyes as she disliked his presence at the time on the dinning table. She was disturbed after  hearing to them. But she could not say anything because Vivek was present here and told her clearly that, she should not misbehave with Sameer which she had done to him in his childhood.

After listening to Vivek, everyone became silent and started having breakfast quietly, did not utter a single word.

"Are maine aise chup rahne ko kab kaha jo sab bilkul shant ho gaye, mai to bas Sameer ko mat chidhao kah raha tha... par Sameer aaj kuch to change hai tumme, hai na Deepika... par kya?" Vivek looked at him carefully and tried to understand the change in him.

"Ab aap bhi shuru ho gaye... mai ja raha hu college mujhe nahi karna breakfast." Sameer got up from his chair but stopped listening to Vivek.

"Sorry... baitho mai to mazak kar raha tha... sab ko dekh ke socha mai bhi try kar leta hu." He chuckled to see his sullen face. Deepika and Rohan joined him.

"Kya Sameer kabhi kabhi bilkul bachcho jaisi jid karte ho, ab chupchap pura finish karo." Vishakha chided.

His grandmother looked him with hate as she misunderstood that he was snatching her family from her hand. She felt her family did not listen to her about him. She was depressed to see their love for Sameer.

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

Today was the third day of her training program. Naina's heartbeat fast the whole way as she recalled Sameer proposal to meet in the lunch time. Her thought broke by sudden halted the car. She found they had reached the college. Pandit dropped Naina in the college at the right time.

"Naina agar tabiyat kharab lage to turant mujhe call karna... mai aa jaaunga." Pandit said in a concern before leaving the college.

Naina only hummed in response. She came out of the car and started heading to the auditorium. When she was passing the corridor heard the girls gossiping about Sameer. She burned in jealously to hear  their talking. The girls was linking Sameer name with a Professor.

One girl said "Mujhe to lagta hai Sameer Sir na wo jo economics wali miss Archana hai unhe like karte hai. Dekha nahi kya tune Sameer Sir kitne pyaar se unhe dekh rahe the, last week jab ma'am class ke liye ja rahi thi aur Sir samne se aa rahe the, tab maine notice kiya tha.

Other girl repiled "ha maine bhi notice kiya tha, Kaise Sameer Sir ke chehare par smile thi aur ho bhi kyo nahi ma'am hai hi itni beautiful ki koi bhi unhe like karega. Par Sameer Sir bhi kam handsome nahi hai, vaise dono ki jodi perfect hai. Chal ab class ke liye late ho rahe hai."

Naina was stunned at her place hearing their gossip. She wondered that Sameer talking about that girl yesterday. Her heart weakened again and eyes were moist. She ran immediately there and entered the hall. The auditorium was not filled with much people when she arrived in the hall, maybe she reached early today. She occupied a chair of her usual place.

Naina's mind went back to Sameer declaration on the previous day when he said that he liked a girl but he did not share his feeling with her. He was waiting for her acceptance. She wondered of her fate when she was first time ready for confess to her feeling, Sunaina came between them. Now she found a another chance but again a girl came in her way. She felt that her destiny was not Sameer, she cursed herself for her bad fortune that snatched her every happiness which she deserved.

Naina came out her thoughts when buzzing the hall of the people. She looked around and realised the hall was filled with people. Just then she felt a touch and she glanced that person. She saw Priya who stood with smiling face, then Priya instantly sat near her.

Before Priya started talking to her, Sameer entered the auditorium along with another professor. He looked more handsome, he wore a blazer over red shirt. Naina heart beat uneven when she glanced at Sameer as he stepped inside the hall. Naina lowered her eyes as she knew that when her gaze met him she would not be able to control her throbbing heart.

After reaching the centre of the stage Sameer glanced in front of him and his gaze stopped when he found Naina. But he was perplexed why she down her eyes, he became panic thought of something wrong with her. He did not leave his gaze at her as he wanted to look at once her face who was the lifeline his. He did not mind anyone noticed it, this time his first priority her health. He was helpless to see her face and he could not do anything as whole hall was filled.

He wondered that she might be angry at him as he was said to her yesterday which was hurt her. The happiness that had filled enthusiasm inside him in the morning vanished instantly upon seeing her downed face. His heart sank, his mind totally blank. He could not comprehend what he had done with her, but instantly buzzed the many reason in his mind. He said to his mind " kya Naina kal ki baat se hurt hui ya phir aaj wo mere saath jana nahi chahati...  kahi aisa to nahi ki uski tabiyat kharab ho." He immersed in this thoughts.

In the other side Naina was calming her emotion and she raised up her head as drinking the water from the water bottle. When she was gulping down the water, her eyes went to Sameer, who was looking at her without blinking his eyes. She choked of water as realised that his gaze on her. Priya instantly rubbed her back for relaxing.

Sameer noticed her eyes were red when his eyes met her eyes. He became restless as knowing the reason for her health and what did trouble her. He thought, did his best day would be again spoiled. His face got dull and he immediately turned his eyes on Naina. He cursed his bad luck which was snatched his Naina everytime when he went to near her.

Naina observed his facial expressions changed, his face and his eyes sparkling when he was entered the hall but now he looked upset. This time Naina did not downed her eyes and asked him through raised eyebrows what happened. He shook his head as nothing happened. She smiled to see at him. Sameer heart felt calm down after seeing her smile but guilt caught his heart as maybe he was responsible for her pain.

Sameer came out of his thoughts when he heard of the professor's voice, he was directing Sameer about some training related material which was to be presented by Sameer today. After knowing the information Sameer displayed for all an hour through some project. When he left the hall, he once glanced to Naina and gave her a small smile. Naina heart pounded as his open declaration.

After coming out of the auditorium, he straightly went to his cabin. When he reached in, he let out a deep breath, as calming his mind. He loosened his tie when he sat on the chair. He closed his eyes and mumbled "sorry Naina, shayad tumhare is murjhaye chehare ka karan mai hi hu. Mujhe wo ladki wali baat karni hi nahi chahiye thi... galti kar di maine, mujhe tumhe kal hi apne dil ki baat bata dena tha, meeting to phir kabhi ho jati. But aaj mai ye chance jane nahi de sakta."

He determined his decision which he had to fulfil in any condition.

As lunch time was getting closer, Naina was worried that what excuse will she give to Priya when she goes out with Sameer today. She did not want to lie to her but she had no option except to lie. The concern as shown by Priya to her was genuine.

Half an hour later there was a lunch break and everyone started going out of the auditorium. Naina was thinking about what she would say to Priya.

Before she gives her an excuse, Priya said "Naina I am sorry aaj mujhe urgent work aa gaya to mujhe jana hoga, mai tumhare saath lunch nahi kar paungi... Please tum bura mat manna, kal pakka saath chalungi."

Naina felt a burden lifted from her heart which she carrying a few hours. She smiled back to her and replied "koi baat nahi di aap jaaiye, hum kal chalenge saath aur aap sorry mat kahiye, mujhe bura nahi laga."

Priya hugged her immediately and walked out of the hall. Naina relaxed as she did not have to lie. After few minutes she went to the parking that she knew that Sameer was waiting for her in the parking.

Sameer was waited her impatiently as he feared that she would not come, what would he do then?. And a frown line appeared on his forehead as soon as passing the time. But soon his dismay vanished when his eye fell on her. He mesmerized to see her. She was dressed a simple white kurti with blue salwar. She looked pretty but happiness was not reaching her eyes, they looked slightly damp.

Sameer opened passenger seat for her with smiled face, after she seated he too seat next to her. But he did not started the car, he was thinking something. Naina looked him in confusion and touched his hand.

"Sameer... Koi problem hai?" She asked worriedly.

"Nahi Naina." He immediately replied after feeling her touch. He asked her "Naina tumhari tabiyat to thik hai na, tumhari aankhe red kyo thi jab maine tumhe hall me dekha tha."

"Wo kal rat ko nind nahi aayi thi is vajah se hoga." She replied hesitately.

After knowing that he was the reason of her pain, his guilt was increased. Now his desicion became more strong and he started the engine as embarked on the journey towards his destination with his life for the beginning of a new life.

***********

Once they left the college Naina asked in soft voice "Sameer hum kaha ja rahe hai?" As, when she looked the route was different from yesterday.

Sameer glanced at her with love filled eyes and with smiling face he answered "Surprise hai Naina.. tumhare liye.. Please wait."

Naina looked at her with blinking eyes and became confused about his behaviour. She wondered why he showing love towards her when he loved someone else. She looked out of the window, Sameer turned his eyes towards her and observed her face and found her calming face.

After 15 minutes they reached the destination and he parked the car side of the road. Naina was surprised to see the place and her eyes widened with shocked. Sameer looked at her surprise face and his heart swelled up as his decision was right.

"Sam...Sameer ye to..." She was stuttering and the happiness spread on her face.

"Ha Naina... India gate hai... kaisa laga surprise." He asked, looking at her eyes.

"Bahut hi achchha hai. Aapko yaad tha ki mujhe." She said excitedly.

"Kaise bhul sakta hu? College ke dino me tumne apni wish me India gate dekhana bataya tha." He beamed.

"Thank you.... your surprise is really previous for me, Sameer" She thanked him.

"Naina pahle India Gate dekh lo phir vaha garden me baithenge." He stated whlie pointed to far away a park.

Naina nodded, she was spellbound as her dream was fulfilled. It was her dream to see India Gate. Before going inside, Sameer takes off his blazer and throws the back seat of the car. They went to near the India Gate. Naina once glanced all over the place and found a lot of people present around it.

There were some foreigners, who were watching at India Gate from different angles and they were capturing some memory in the camera. Some people were from India but they belonged to different regions. India Gate is a popular touristic spot in Delhi. But that afternoon, due to clear weather and the sunshine intensified, the crowd was less.

For more than half an hour Sameer showed Naina the whole place. At first they saw the huge India Gate which was an important monument, that was a commemorating the memory of the Indian soldiers who died during the World War. At the base of India Gate is another monument, the Amar Jawan. This eternal flame was illuminated in memory of the unknown soldiers who laid down their lives to serve this country. Then they saw a fountain which was situated a few meters away from India Gate.

After exploration the whole place they both stepped towards garden and they sat on a bench.

"Sameer aap yanha aksar aate hai." She asked him in calm voice.

"Nahi Naina, bas do baar hi aaya hu aur tumhare saath aaj third time hai." He replied with love filled voice.

Naina heard his sweet voice and she turned her face to him as they sat next to each other's. She felt a goosebumps erupted in her stomach as they were sharing such proximity for the first time. Naina looked away where the two girl were playing as diverting her mind. She was hesitate to see him. Yet Sameer mustered up the courage to confess his feeling, then he kicked his mentally as he left something in his blazer. He immediately glanced at Naina who was busy adoring two cute little girls.

"Naina... mai abhi 2 mintues me aaya. Tum yahi rahna." He ordered her with concerning tone.

"Lekin Sameer mai kaise?" She hesitated.

"Bas Naina two minutes... Please." He requested.

"Okay."

Sameer ran towards the parking lot and immediately pulled something out of Blazer's pocket. As he was coming back to Naina, he bumped into someone but he did not notice the person as he wanted to reach Naina soon.

Before two minutes, he came back with panting. Naina amazed to see his gasp and took a long breath. She panicked and said "Sameer tum haff kyo rahe ho?, pahle baitho aur relax karo. Vaise tum gaye kaha the?"

But Sameer was not in a condition to say anything, at first he calmed himself. After his breath returned to normal, he said swiftly "Naina tumhare liye ek surprise hai." And looked her beautiful face.

"Kya?" She uttered.

"Pahle ankhein band karo." He ordered.

Naina without protested, closed her eyes as she was waiting his next.

After a few second he called her name in his melodious voice "Naina."

She opened her eyes immediately and looked at in front of her and shocked, before she could say anything Sameer's soft voice echoed again in her ear.

"Naina....Naina I love you."

He confessed his feeling, holding a red rose in his hand and he sat kneeling on the ground in front of her. His heart throbbing very fast as waiting for her acceptance.

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

So friends, finally Sameer confessed his love and is now waiting for Naina's answer. The next chapter will definitely be their love confession.