I lost a major part of my draft today morning so if you feel the story appears disjointed at any place, do let me know. I retyped in a hurry so might have missed out on some connecting scenes.

"Papa, yeh dekho mujhe mera brown belt mila aaj." Sana squealed the moment Sameer returned one evening.

His eyes went wide, "Brown bhi mil gaya? Tum kya express speed se seekh rahi ho?"

Sana pouted, "Kya papa, aap mera mazaak udda rahe ho?"

Sameer quickly took her in a hug, "Main apni doll ka mazaak kyon udaunga... main toh bas hairan ho raha hun ki meri yeh choti si, pyari si, nazuk si baby kab itni badi ho gayi ki karate mein itne levels cross kar liye."

Sana smiled proudly against his chest, "Main koi nazuk wazuk nahi hun. Coach sir ne kaha main sabse strong hun. Unhone toh next month competition ke liye mera naam bhi likh liya."

Sameer was shocked, "Competition? Nahi Sana, koi zaroorat nahi hai kahin aur jaake yeh sab karne ki. Tumhe lag gayi toh?"

She rolled her eyes... and he could see the little Naina.

"Papa, mujhe kaise lagegi? Main khud ko bachana jaanti hun." She shook him, bringing his thoughts back to her.

"Lekin beta, doosre school mein koi tumhe jaanta thodi hai... wahan aise dheere dheere nahi marenge. Lag sakti hai, Sana." He fretted at the thought.

Sana slapped her forehead, making him smile amidst all the tension.

"Dekho papa, yeh karate isliye seekha hai na jisse main strong ho sakun." She showed him one palm, waving her head from side to side.

He nodded.

"Apna khyal khud rakh sakun." She raised her brows.

He nodded again.

She put her hands on waist, "Toh sabse ladna seekhna hoga na. Waise aapko pata hai, school mein bhi koi dheere dheere nahi maarta... coach sir kehte hain jab tak hum ek doosre ko sach mein enemy samajh ke hit nahi karenge humein pata nahi chalega kaise attack karna hai."

Sameer took her in his arms again, kissing the top of her head, "Isse achha toh tumhe inn classes mein bhejte hi nahi. Main hun na apni doll ke liye... main kabhi tum pe koi musibat aane hi nahi dunga."

Sana looked up at him, smiling, "Offo papa, mujhe kahan kuch hua hai. Bilkul theek toh hun. Aur yeh classes toh aapka aur mumma ka best decision tha. Pata hai, kal jab main aur Avni school se nikle toh bahar do boys ne humein dekh ke seeti bajayi."

Sameer clenched his teeth, fuming, "Kal main aaunga tumhe lene... pehle kyon nahi bataya, main aaj hi aake un ladkon ki khabar leta."

"Uski zaroorat hi nahi thi. Unhone toh bas seeti bajayi, humne unhe hi baja diya. Maine aur Avni ne milke itne kicks maare ki ek se toh chala bhi nahi jaa raha tha, aur ek ki aankh poori blue ho gayi thi. Aaj the hi nahi woh school ke bahar." Sana giggled.

Sameer looked at her in wonder. The confidence she had at the age of sixteen was something that had come from the upbringing Naina had given. He wasn't only proud of her, but of Naina as well.

"Doll, main driver ko bolke kal se car bhej dunga... tum, Avni aur Bhavya car se aaya karo." He was still feeling concerned for their safety.

"Relax papa, iski zaroorat nahi hai. Pandit chachu ne bhi bola tha car bhejne ko par humne kaha hum Bhavya ka khyal rakh lenge. Hum girls hain par weak nahi hain. Mumma ne bataya hai mujhe ki koi tang kare ya kuch bole toh kaise handle karna hai." Sana pacified him.

"Mumma ki kya shikayat kar rahi hai meri beti?" Naina joined them in the room, done with her writing for the day.

"Tumhari koi shikayat kar sakta hai kya?" Sameer beamed, seeing her.

Sana pulled her hand and made her sit with them, "Mumma, aap toh best ho. Aur yeh sirf hum hi nahi, sab log kehte hain. Yash toh aapka fan hai... hamesha aapke baare mein baat karta hai."

The name made Sameer look sharply at his daughter, "Yash? Yeh kaun hai?"

"Mera friend hai papa." Sana had a wide smile.

His eyes narrowed as a long, almost forgotten dream raked through his memory. Yash, that was the name of the boy who had married his daughter in the dream... and was also showering a lot of praises on Naina.

He swallowed... was the name a hint that his dream could be true? He gave a thoughtful look to his daughter who was animatedly telling Naina something about Yash.

"Umm, Sana, yeh Yash jo hai... yeh tumhara friend... yeh kaise friend bana? Pehle toh kabhi naam nahi suna." He tried to sound casual.

Sana was nonchalant, "Yash new hai na school mein. Abhi hi aaya hai. Uske first day sabse pehle main hi uski dost bani thi. Jaise hi woh class mein enter hua, mujhse takra gaya aur meri saari books gira di. Fir usne hi sorry bolke uthane mein help ki. Tabse hum friends ban gaye. Ek week baad mumma aayi thi school mein fees pay karne toh usse baat bhi ki thi." She looked at her mom, "Aapko yaad hai na, mumma, woh jo tall sa boy tha? Aapne pucha bhi tha kahan se aaya hai woh toh usne kaha tha woh Delhi se aaya hai?"

Naina nodded, and gave a slanting glance to Sameer, stifling her smile. She knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

Seeing the creases on his forehead deepen, she told Sana to go and tell Ramdhari to cut some fruits for Sameer.

"Radu chachu." Sana went out, screaming from the corridor.

She could very well pronounce the name now but the habit of calling him by this name made both her and Jai address Ramdhari this way... and he was too happy to be called so.

"Sameer, mat socho. Aisa kuch nahi hai. Yash bas ek naya dost hai Sana ka. Bohot achha ladka hai, shaant aur saleeke wala. Usne mujhse bade respect se baat ki aur thank you kaha kyonki Sana ne uski madad ki thi books ki list banane mein aur baaki cheezon mein. Maine dekha tha, woh Sana se bhi achhi tarah baat karta hai, koi shararat nahi karta." She placed her hand on his.

Sameer jerked his head, his thoughts a jumbled mess now, "Na... Naina, yeh sab kuch... Yash... naya aaya hai... pehle din takrana... tum... tum bhi toh solah saal ki thi na."

She pressed his hand, "Yeh bas ek ittefaq hai. Main Sana ke saare doston ko jaanti hun. Aisa kuch nahi hai uske dil mein... na Yash ke liye, na kisi aur ke liye. Tum yeh sab soch ke pareshan mat ho."

Sameer pursed his lips. The name, and the uncanny similarities in the situation had brought a turmoil that couldn't be calmed even by Naina's soothing words. And to his utmost horror, this Yash, just like the one in his dream, was earning praises from both his girls.

Next few days, however, pushed it to back of his mind as he got submerged in work at office.

"Mummaaaaa, papaaaa, dekho TV pe kya aa raha hai!" Jai hollered loud enough to get the entire household scampering to the living room on Saturday evening.

"Kya hai, Jai. Itni zor se kyon chilla rahe ho? Shaktimaan fir se aane laga hai kya?" Sana chided him.

Shaktimaan was Jai's favourite show, one that went off air a few years back but he still watched the recorded episodes, each time enjoying them as much as he did when he saw them first time.

"Jai, bolo na kya hua?" Naina asked worriedly, glancing at the screen and him simultaneously.

He pointed at the TV, "Abhi dekhna, kiska naam aayega."

They all stared at the screen wondering why Jai was watching a news channel.

"The Businessman of the Year Award for this year has been announced and this year it has been bagged by a very enterprising and promising entrepreneur, Mr Sameer Maheshwari, Chairman of Maheshwari Industries. He is the first person to be conferred with this award at such a young age. Nonetheless, it is indeed well deserved for his contribution to the textile industry and his innovative products that have taken not only the National but International market by storm, making our country a well known name in International Fashion Circuit, along with Maheshwari Industries."

They all gaped at the screen which showed Sameer's picture in a dark blue suit, crisp white shirt and a pink tie, smiling at the camera with arms crossed against his chest... looking breathtakingly handsome.

Sameer stumbled behind a few steps as Naina crashed into him, ecstatic at the news, "Sameeeerrr, congratulations. Akhir tumne yeh mukaam paa hi liya."

His arms came around her as the whole thing slowly sank in. Sana and Jai wrapped their arms around his waist as well, overjoyed and beaming.

Naina lifted her head and smiled brightly, through teary eyes, "Main bata nahi sakti main kitni khush hun. Yeh sapna kab se dekh rahi thi main... I'm so proud of you. Tum mera abhimaan ho, Mr Sameer Maheshwari."

Jai stepped back, giving her a confused look, "Mumma, abhimaan matlab... hindi mein bolo na."

Sana turned to look at him, "Jai, itne bade ho gaye ho tum, itna bhi nahi pata abhimaan hindi hi hota hai."

He raised both his hands, twisting his fingers, "Arre, par meaning toh batao koi."

Sana placed one hand on his shoulder, smiling, "Iska matlab pride."

Naina tried to move but Sameer held her waist by one arm, keeping her close while he looked at his children, "Jaise tum teeno mera abhimaan ho."

Naina wrinkled her nose, though smiling, "Topic ko badlo mat. Yeh bohot badi baat hai, Sameer. Mujhe yakeen tha iss baar yeh award tumhe hi milega. France wali deal ke baad kitni tareef hui thi tumhari sab newspapers mein. Jab itni mehnat ki hai toh uska phal bhi milna hi tha."

He lovingly looked at her glowing face, "Yeh sirf meri mehnat nahi hai, tumhare bina yeh deal kabhi nahi ho paati. Tumne poore do mahine apne sab kaam chod ke designs pe research karne mein madad ki, naye patterns taiyar karwaye, market ke..."

Naina didn't let him complete, "Bas, bas, zyada lambi list mat banao, itna kuch nahi kiya maine... bas tumhe assist kiya hai. Aur yeh award iss ek deal ke liye nahi hai... itne saalon se jo lagatar tum mehnat karke naye naye ideas market mein laa rahe ho... har badi agency ke contract tumhe hi mil rahe hain... yeh tumhara kamaaya hua naam hai. Sameer, nanu ke sapne ko tumne sirf poora hi nahi kiya balki usse itni unchi udaan di hai ki aaj nanu ko bhi tumpe bohot garv hoga."

Sana gave a quick look to Jai, "Ab garv ke liye mat kehna, hindi mein bolo na."

Jai widened his eyes, "Garv hindi hi hota hai... itna bhi nahi pata aapko?"

Naina pinched his cheek, "Ab tum apna english hindi hi karte rahoge ya papa ko congratulate bhi karoge."

Sameer bent a little as Jai pulled his arm, and both kids kissed on his cheeks before screaming 'Congratulations' in his ears from either side. Overwhelmed, Sameer took all of them together in his arms.

It was the most coveted Award for a businessman in the country. Though Sameer had won many laurels in the previous years and a new glass case had to be added in his cabin in the office to display the trophies, he had not expected to win this title so early in his life. After a massive setback few years ago, he had wanted to curtail the business to minimise the risk. But Naina had assured him that the situation was nothing but an exam that life had brought for them.

"Sameer, tumne college mein apni mehnat se woh kar diya tha jiski kisi ko umeed nahi thi, tumko khud ko bhi nahi... tumhara rank aaya tha aur final year mein tumne top bhi kiya tha. Fir yahan kyon darr rahe ho?" Naina had tried to calm him.

Sameer paced the cabin, his brows knitted together in tension, "Naina, college ki padhai sirf mere khud ke liye thi, lekin yeh sab akele mera nahi hai... tumhara hai, bachhon ka hai, itne log jo yahan kaam karte hain unka hai, unke parivar ka hai... yeh zimmedaari hai meri, unn sab ke liye jinko mujh par bharosa hai. Main kisi ka bharosa nahi todna chahta."

She got up and came to him, holding his hands apart so he doesn't wrench his fingers which he had been doing for quite some time.

"Tum kisi ka bharosa sapne mein bhi nahi tod sakte. Yeh sirf kuch baadal hain jo thodi der ke liye sooraj ke aage aaye hain... lekin inse sooraj ke astitva pe koi asar nahi hota. Woh toh aise hi chamakta rahega, aise hi roshni deke duniya mein har raat ki subah laata rahega." She looked into his eyes.

He pulled her into his arms, burying his face into her neck, "Lekin main sooraj nahi hu, Naina. Main galat saabit hua hun toh galti manni chahiye na. Tumne pehle hi kaha tha yeh clients kuch zyada hi jaldi dikha rahe hain aur saari terms ke liye aasaani se haan kar rahe hain toh humein satark rehna chahiye. Lekin main hi samajh nahi paaya. Tumne toh yeh bhi kha ki inke liye woh Japan wala contract nahi chodna chahiye... par mujhe laga yeh deal zyada badi hai. Aur aaj iss galat faisle ki wajah se itna bada nuksaan ho gaya. Unka payment nahi aayega, kyonki ab unka koi namo nishan hi nahi mil raha."

She rubbed his back, "Hamesha safalta hi milti rahe toh uski keemat halki ho jaati hai. Insaan thokar khake sambhalta hai aur agla kadam zyada samajhdaari se badhata hai. Humare liye yeh nuksaan zaroor hai par usse zyada kuch nahi. Agar raaste mein pathhar aa jaye toh mudkar ghar nahi chale jaate, Sameer... uss pathar ko peeche chod ke aage ka raasta tay karte hain, fir chahe uss pathar se apko thodi chot hi kyon na aayi ho."

He lifted his head, giving her a piercing look, "Yeh patthar nahi hai, maine ek pahad khada kar diya hamare raaste mein."

She shook her head, "Sabse pehle toh yeh sochna chodo ki tumhari akele ki galti hai. Tumne sirf sujhaav diya tha, faisla board ne liya tha... hum sab barabar ke hissedar hain."

He squeezed his eyes shut, throwing his head back, "Tum jaanti ho maine hi sabko convince kiya tha... yeh meri haar hai."

She held his face between her palms, making him look at her, her gaze firm, "Mera Sameer kabhi nahi haar sakta. Sab jaante hain tum kabhi galat nahi karoge. Agar humein dhoka mila hai toh yeh hamari galti nahi hai. Lekin iss dhoke se haar maan ke baith jaana galti hogi... jo main tumhe karte hue nahi dekh sakti. Sameer, itne saalon ke anubhav ne humein bohot kuch sikhaya hai. Mujhe yakeen hai koi raasta nikal aayega. Lekin uske liye tumhe iss mayoosi se baahar aana hoga. Mujhe mera pehle wala Sameer wapas chahiye."

He was amazed by her confidence... and her faith. With a deep exhale, he nodded, his lips pressed in a thin line.

Her thumb pulled at his chin, "Yeh sirf mujhe hi karna mana hai aisa rule nahi hai... tum karoge toh tumhe bhi sazaa milegi."

And Naina broke her own rule of no kisses in office, lifting her heels to take his mouth for a comforting, but stirring kiss. Yet again, Sameer felt the fog of disappointment dissipating in her warmth... and the brightness of bliss bringing a new energy in him.

Together, they faced the board to inform about the crisis that had fallen on them... and together, they devised ways to sail through the difficult situation. The huge quantity of fabric, that was still undelivered, was offered to smaller firms at a lesser rate. Knowing their quality and reputation, it was lapped up in no time, turning their losses to break even. Though it took a few months, Sameer managed to get back the contract with the Japanese company. To their surprise, the new contract turned out to be much bigger than the previous offer... and the advance payment filled up the dent to a great extent.

Now, with the news of this award, all those difficult times seemed so trivial... but the lessons he got made him more cautious and smarter. He looked at his biggest award... his Naina, who was excitedly talking to kids about the impending Mumbai trip to receive the award.

A wide, contended grin appeared on his face, "Chalo, aaj celebrate karne ke liye hum bahar dinner karne chalte hain."

Sana and Jai dashed to their room to get ready.

He looked at Naina, "Toh?"

She quirked up a brow, pretending to be ignorant, "Toh kya?"

He took a step towards her, "Toh... zara achhe se congratulate nahi karogi?"

The sparkle in her eyes matched the glint in his, and she ran from his extended hand, dodging his grip. He ran after her, and entered the room behind her. The door was shut the moment he entered, and he turned in surprise. Her arms came around his neck as he held her waist, looking into the brown pools that shone with pride.

"I Love You, Sameer." She declared, and locked her lips with his before he could say anything... but there was no need for words.

When they parted a few moments later, he rubbed her swollen lip with his thumb, "Sirf ek se nahi chalega... ab award bada hai toh..."

She ran her fingertips along his jawline, admiration shining in her eyes, "Yeh award ke liye nahi tumhari uss photo ke liye hai jo abhi TV pe dekhi. Jabse uss white shirt ke saath suit mein dekha tumhe, dil pe control nahi ho raha tha."

A complacent smile spread on his face, "Achha? Yeh asar suit ka tha ya uss pink tie ka?"

"Pink se pyar tumko hai." She teased.

He raised his brows, "Aur tumko?"

Her eyes turned glazed, "Mujhe toh tumse hai."

"Baat ab tum badal rahi ho... yeh agar suit ke liye tha toh award ke liye?" He leaned again.

She put her fingers on his lips, "Abhi ka ho gaya... baaki rahi congratulate karne ki baat, woh wapas aake karungi."

In spite of her hand, he leaned to bring his face near her ear and whispered, "Main intezar karunga... aur haan, mujhe sachmuch pink se pyar hai, agar woh tumpe dikhe toh."

"Hato." Her face was covered with the colour he mentioned as she pushed him to get ready before the kids got impatient.

Next week, they all went to Mumbai together, for the award ceremony. Rahul and Sonali came to attend the award night as well.

Rahul enveloped Sameer in a tight hug, "Badhai ho yaar, tune ek baar top karna kya shuru kiya sher ke muh khoon lag gaya. Ab toh jahan dekho, Sameer Maheshwari ka hi naam hai sab se upar."

Stepping back, Sameer grinned at him, "Topper ke saath hone ka yehi faayda hai."

Rahul turned to Naina, "Tum kamaal ho yaar. Isko aisa seedha kiya ki jahan pehle muskurana bhi nahi aata tha, ab bateesi bahar hi rehti hai."

But the smile froze on Sameer's face as Rahul took Naina in a brotherly hug.

He moved back before Sameer could react, giving him a challenging look, "Bol... kuch bolke dikha... saale, apni behen ko gale lagane se tu toh kya tera woh carbon copy bhi nahi rok sakta mujhe... par haan, tujhe rok deta hai."

Naina and Sonali laughed. Everyone was aware of Jai's possesiveness, and left no chance to tease Sameer about it.

"Saala main nahi tu hai... agar Naina ko behen bolega toh mera saala hi hua na. Aur junior ko maine pata liya hai... bas usse thode thode din mein kuch rishwat de deta hun." Sameer looped an arm around Naina's shoulder possessively.

It was Naina's turn to widen her eyes, "Toh woh saare video games isliye aaye hain? Sameer, tumhe sharm nahi aati, apne bete ko aisi baat ke liye rishwat dete hue?"

Sameer grinned at her, "Jaan, apni biwi ke liye toh main saari duniya ko rishwat de dun... aur sharm... woh toh tumhe pata hi hai."

While Naina turned crimson, Sonali winked at her.

Rahul smacked Sameer, "Tu nahi sudhrega."

The announcement to start the ceremony turned everyone's attention to the stage. They joined Sana and Jai at their table in front, waiting for Sameer's name to be called out.

The kids clapped hardest when the shiny trophy was handed over to Sameer. Naina wiped her eyes to enable her to see clearly, swallowing the lump in her throat. Seeing Sameer hold the trophy that placed him at Number One position amongst the businessmen of the country made her want to run to him and hold him tight. The achievement was not just her or his dream... it was the pedestal that would have made nanu proud... very proud of him. She folded her hands, thanking nanu for the blessings which she was sure he must be showering upon Sameer at the moment.

Sameer was inundated by barrage of questions from the media, who cornered him the moment event got over.

"Sir, this is a huge success for someone who is not even operating from a metro city. Aapne ek chote sheher se kaise manage kiya yeh sab?" One loud voice asked him.

Sameer looked in the direction, and gave a controlled smile, "Mehnat karne ke liye sheher ya desh ki nahi jazbe ki zaroorat hoti hai, hausle ki zaroorat hoti hai. Mere nanu ne mujhe hamesha se khud pe vishwas karke kaam karna sikhaya tha... aur maine wohi kiya."

Another shrill voice rose from behind, "Lekin aapne itni saari foreign companies ko kaise convince kiya ki woh aapke products ko try karein... jabki yahan metro cities mein ek se ek badi companies hain."

Sameer turned to look at Naina before answering, "Convince maine nahi hamare fabric ne kiya. Meri wife ne hamesha iss baat pe zor diya ki hum jagah aur mausam ke hisaab se samples bheje. Shayad yehi hamare favour mein chala gaya. Har naye contract ke saath saath humne naya fabric introduce kiya. Aur yeh innovation humein naye clients deti gayi."

A foreign journalist held out his mic, "Mr Maheshwari, on behalf of my company in France, I would like to congratulate you for this tremendous achievement. We are proud to be associated with a person of your caliber that you have reached this level on your own at this young age."

Sameer held Naina's hand and brought her ahead to make her stand next to him, "The person who has been instrumental in bringing me to this level is none other than my wife, Mrs Naina Sameer Maheshwari. This award is as much hers as it is mine."

"So you want to say she's your biggest support?" The French representative asked.

"No, she's not my support, she's my guiding force... the brightest star that has shown me the way even on the darkest of nights, the pillar that kept me standing when I had no energy left, the strength that encouraged me to work harder when I was dejected, the motivation that kept me going when I wanted to give up... she's the one who shaped me into what I'm today. If my grandfather showed me the way, my wife held my hand throughout and led me to this achievement."

The huge applause that followed drowned all other questions.

"Tum pagal ho. Mera naam lene ki kya zaroorat thi... yeh tumhari safalta hai, tumhari mehnat ka phal hai." Naina reprimanded him later, still under shock at the way everyone had opened the flashlights of their cameras to capture both of them after Sameer's speech.

Sameer gave her a fond look, "Haan, pagal hun... tumhare pyar mein. Lekin jo maine kaha woh mera pagalpan nahi tha, sach tha. Naina, tumhari wajah se hi aaj yeh din hamari zindagi mein aaya hai. Aaj mere paas jo kuch bhi hai, woh tumhari den hai... pyar, parivar, aatmvishvaas, taqat, yeh naam, yeh pehchaan. Tumhare pyar ne mujhe himmat di aur tumhare saath ne mujhe aage badhne ke liye prerna di. Yeh jo Sameer Maheshwari aaj duniya ke saamne khada hai, isse tumne iss layak banaya hai... ek toote hue, murjhaye hue, haare hue ladke ko tumne iss unchai pe lakar khada kar diya, apne pyar ki baarish se. Tumhara naam toh mere har pal ka hissa hai, kaise nahi leta."

His arms went around her as she blinked hard, unable to speak.

A tug at his elbow a few minutes later made him turn.

"Papa, pichle wale game ka time ek week pehle hi khatam ho gaya tha. Maine kuch kaha nahi kyonki aapko award mila hai. Lekin aap ab faayda utha rahe ho. Bas ab meri mumma ko chodo." Jai wrapped his arms around Naina's waist, frowning at Sameer.

Rahul's smirked as he and Sonali came over to them, "Le bhai, aa gaya tujhse zyada haq jatane wala."

Naina lovingly kissed the top of Jai's head.

Sana held Sameer's arm, her exuberant voice making everyone look at her, "Papa, mujhe dikhao na apni trophy. Wow, kitni beautiful hai. Main school mein sabko bataungi toh woh believe bhi nahi karenge."

"Toh tum pictures dikha dena. Chalo sab log saath mein aao, main click karta hun." Rahul took out a small digital camera from his pocket.

Four of them posed along with the award. Naina glanced at Sameer in between the clicks, as his hand rubbed her back, left bare by the low neck of her blouse. He gave a quick, innocent look to her, and flicked his eyes towards the camera, hoping that the red on her cheeks was captured in the shots.

The party wasn't over, they realised when they reached Ahmedabad next day. Munna Pandit had planned a huge reception for them at home. The moment he stepped inside, both his friends jumped on Sameer, taking him by surprise... and Sameer was reminded of the years when he returned to an empty house during college vacations, only to find it alive and sprightly with the playful energy of his two goofy buddies. Today, the house buzzed with the same animated vibrancy.

"Aaiye aaiye, Maheshwari ji, aapka swagat hai hamare gareebkhane mein." Pandit exclaimed loudly after the two let him free from their bone crushing hug.

Preeti made a face at him, "Yeh jijaji ka hi ghar hai, Pandit."

Pandit stuck his tongue out in realisation, "Oh haan, dialogue maarne ke chakkar mein bhool gaya tha."

Bhavya nudged him in the ribs, "Maine kaha tha na aapse Naina maasi se dialogue likhaa ke yaad kar lena. Lekin aap meri koi baat nahi mante."

Pandit held his ears, kneeling in front of his daughter, "Achha baba, tumhari shaadi mein bhabhi se hi likhwa lunga aur bas wohi bolunga. Ab sabke saamne aise bezatti toh mat karo yaar."

Preeti pulled his hand down, "Tum apna drama ghar jaake kar lena, yahan jis kaam ke liye aaye hain woh karo."

Pandit stood up, giving her a perplexed look, "Kaam ke liye thodi aaye hain, yahan toh party karne aaye hain."

Munna loudly declared before Preeti could say more, "Haan bhai, aaj yahan jabardast party karenge. Aakhir hamara hero bhai itna bada award jeet ke aaya hai. Swati, tu zara Ramdhari ko bol woh saari badhiya badhiya cheezen platon mein sajaa ke le aaye main tab tak thoda naach gaane ka mahoul banata hun."

The children were more than happy to be with each other, and gathered in the center space to dance to the tunes of music that was about to start.

"Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare
Swami Jai Jagdeesh hare"

Everyone gaped at Munna with open mouth as the music floated in the air.

"Oh lagta hai, galti se mummy ki satsang ki CD le aaya." Munna scratched his head sheepishly.

Hearing the notes of devotional music, Swati rushed out of the kitchen. Seeing the expected goof up of her husband, she opened her bag and brought out the CD of dance numbers and handed it to Munna.

The house reverberated with the cheerful sounds of happiness, laughter and jubilation for a long time.

Next update on Monday evening