Sameer quickly moved back to the drawer and searched for another cassette. Anything but Salman Khan. He found one of Shahrukh... Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Naina watched in amusement as he placed the cassette in walkman and played the song

Tum paas aaye
Yun muskuraye
Tumne na jaane kya
sapne dikhaye

Ab toh mera dil
jaage na sota hai
kya karun hayee
kuch kuch hota hai

He waited with bated breath, putting both hands on her belly. For first few lines, there was no movement. But then, as the main line of the song played, baby started to move again.

"Dekh lo, Shahrukh ke gaane pe bhi dance kiya." He gave a relieved smile to Naina.

The smile was wiped off by her words next instant, "Usko thoda time laga par jab pata chala ki is film mein bhi Salman hai toh khush ho gayi."

And he recalled the time when he had taken Naina to watch this movie in theater. He was not aware of Salman's role in it. How Naina had shrieked when she saw her idol on screen...  he had committed the same mistake again.

"Aisa kuch nahi hai. Usse gaane pasand hain, meri tarah. Apni mummy ke jaise koi hero nahi." He convinced himself as he told her.

"Sirf gaane ki baat hoti toh shuru hote hi usse hilna chahiye tha na. Lekin usne time liya." She was enjoying the pure jealousy on his face.

"Salman Khan ki fan kaise ho sakti hai? Dekha thodi hai usne abhi Salman ko?" Irritation was clear on Sameer's face.

"Matlab tum maante ho ki Salman ko dekh ke uske fan ban sakte hain... kyonki woh handsome hai." She quipped, catching him on his words.

He frowned, "Dekho Naina, abhi se meri beti ko yeh sab mat sikhao. Woh kisi faaltu hero ki fan nahi banegi."

"Dekho Sameer, meri beti jiski chahe uski fan banegi... fir chahe woh Salman ho ya Hrithik." She huffed in the same tone.

"Achha main koi aur gaana lagata hun." He stood up, not wanting to annoy her and also to prove his point.

"Nahi ab aur nahi. Bas ab baby ko aaram karne do. Itna bhi dance karana theek nahi hai." She stopped him.

"Mujhe pata karna hai... usse Salman pasand hai ya gaane." He implored.

She could not control her laughter anymore, seeing the earnest look on his face.

He crossed his arms, standing with puffed cheeks.

Going close to him, she untangled his arms, taking them around her waist and wrapped her hands behind his neck. Lifting her heels, she placed a kiss on each of his cheek, bringing a smile on his face.

"Tum itne cute kyon ho, Sameer?" Her fingers played with his hair on the neck.

"Achha? Main cute hun? Maine socha tha main tumhe handsome lagta hun." His eyes glittered as she looked at him with love.

Her brown orbs filled with admiration, "Handsome ho... bohot handsome ho... mere hero ho. Aur dekhna, hamari beti ke bhi hero hoge... tum... koi aur nahi."

His heart jumped in joy, "Sach... Salman bhi nahi?"

She shook her head, "Baaki sab baad mein. Sabse bade aur sabse khaas hero sirf tum rahoge... hamesha."

In excitement, he pulled her close with a jerk.

"Oh sorry." Realising his folly, he quickly stepped back a little, holding her carefully.

"Tumhe lagi toh nahi na?" He searched her face for any sign of pain.

"Kuch nahi hua mujhe. Main aur baby dono theek hain." She smiled.

Next moment, he picked her up in his arms, rolling his eyes to tease her, "Uff Naina, abhi se itni bhaari ho gayi ho. Abhi aur teen mahine baaki hain."

She could see through his mock huffing and puffing, "Thodi exercise kiya karo jisse strong ho jao. Uthana toh tumhe padega hi."

"Madam, main bohot strong hun. Sirf tumhe hi nahi, tumhare saath apne che bachhon ko bhi utha sakta hun." He pushed out his chest, straightening his posture.

She buried her face in his chest as he laughed aloud.

Gently laying her on bed, he gave her the vitamins and other medicines.

"Ab tum aaram karo. Baby ne thakaa diya hoga na." He kissed her forehead, adjusting the quilt around her.

Naina watched him as he went about doing everything that she used to do before sleeping earlier. He had effortlessly taken over all her work, both at home and at office. She insisted on going to office because doctor had asked her to continue with as much activity as possible, but the workload was absent. He showed her the samples and new products, consulted her on designs, discussed the new policies but never left anything unfinished for her. And now, at home... from locking the doors to filling up the water jug to getting her a mug of warm milk... he did not forget anything.

She was aware of the sudden changes in her mood. Just about any time, she started to feel irritable and annoyed. She had even snapped at him on a few occasions. But he had remained patient and caring all the time. Not even once did he seem weary of her, enduring all her tantrums and listening to her demands... fulfilling most of them. She had even distanced herself from him in between. But he did not complain. Sameer, who could not stay apart even for a day, did not get to hold her in his arms for a week. Later, she had felt guilty about it but at that time, all she wanted was to be alone... away from everyone who was telling her what to eat and what was unhealthy. He did not show any discontent or frustration. Only when she went back to him did he say how much he had missed her.

"Aise kya dekh rahi ho? Tumhare iraade kuch nek nahi lag rahe." Sameer slipped next to her in bed, raising his brows at the intent look that was fixed on him for quite some time.

"Tum bohot achhe ho, Sameer." Her thoughts spilled out.

"Aisa kya kiya maine?" He narrowed his eyes.

She shifted closer, resting her head on his shoulder, "Tum meri zindagi mein aaye... yeh sabse achha kaam kiya tumne."

"Tunhari rishwat kaam aa gayi." He shrugged.

She gave him a perplexed look.

"Tumne hi toh bataya tha jo tumne rishwat di thi bhagwanji ko... gai mata ko chaara khilaya tha manchahe var ke liye... toh bhagwanji ne mujhe phone kiya ki beta jao, sabse handsome ladke ko bhejna hai iss ladki ke paas kyonki sabse zyada isne hi maanga hai tumhe." He grinned at her.

She smacked lightly on his chest, making a fake attempt to turn away from him.

"Itni mehnat se jo var mila hai usse door hona paap hai. Aise hi rehna padega tumhe." He held her, kissing her on the temple.

With a long exhale, she snuggled into him, chuckling at his habit of self praise.

He gathered her in his arms, stroking her hair. Having her fall asleep on his chest was the most satiating feeling for him.

A week later, it was time for the next sonography. Doctor had told them beforehand. Since the baby had grown considerably, she had assured them that this time, they would be able to see more clearly. Sameer was not able to contain his excitement.

The image, when it appeared on the screen, was instantly gratifying. They could see the tiny hands and feet, along with a clear outline of head and body. They watched in awe as the small leg moved to one side. When the doctor pointed to them that baby was sucking its thumb, Sameer was flabbergasted while Naina let out a small laugh. It was an experience that filled their hearts with tender love for the yet to be born part of them, making them feel closer to it.

"Ab aapka baby aapko sun bhi sakta hai." Dr Shaila mentioned when they were back in the consultation room.

"Gaane bhi sun sakti hai kya?" Sameer asked eagerly.

"Haan bilkul. Aap halke music wale songs laga sakte ho. Bohot logon ko music ke saath bachhe ki movement zyada mehsoos hoti hai. Usse pata chalta hai ki bachhe ko gaane pasand aa rahe hain." Doctor explained.

Sameer gave a winning smile to Naina before looking back at the doctor, "Maine bhi yehi kaha tha ki hamari beti ko gaana achha laga hoga... Naina nahi maan rahi thi."

Doctor had met Sameer enough number of times to understand his childish excitement over everything, whether it was for his wife or child.

She smiled at him, "Ek baat batao, Sameer, tum hamesha beti hi kyon kehte ho? Tumhe kaise pata? Ho sakta hai ladka ho."

He shook his head vehemently, "Aap dekh lena, doctor, ladki hi hogi. Kyonki mujhe aur Naina dono ko beti chahiye."

Dr Shaila seemed to ponder for a while, then closed the file, handing it to Sameer, "Jo bhi hoga, bohot lucky baby hoga."

As they were leaving the room, she reminded Sameer to collect the reports from laboratory and pick up the new medicines she had prescribed.

He made Naina sit on the couch in the waiting area and went to the top floor to get medicines and report. There were two more women sitting behind her.

"Aaj bhi akeli aayi ho Tara? Aaj ke liye toh bhai sahab ko le aati, sonography hai." Naina heard one voice from behind.

"Rehne hi do unko, Meghna bhabhi. Pata nahi kya ho gaya hai unhe. Jab dekho chidte hi rehte hain. Kuch bhi kaam bolti hun toh kehte hain Raju se mangwa lo. Ab naukar se mangwa sakti toh unko kyon kehti. Yeh gussa aur chidchidapan mujhe hona chahiye lekin unko dekh ke lagta hai main nahi woh bachha paida karne wale hain." Another voice, of Tara, was exasperated.

The seemingly experienced Meghna bhabhi lowered her voice, "Aisa hota hai. Tumhe iss haal mein dekh ke unka mann nahi karta hoga tumse baat karne ka ya tumhare paas baithne ka. Iss waqt mein hum log mote ho jaate hai aur achhe nahi dikhte na, isliye pati door bhagte hain. Yeh pyar vyar sab kehne ki baatein hain. Asli baat toh yeh hai ki unko sundarta dikhai deni chahiye. Warna aise hi muh bana ke rahenge ghar mein."

Tara appeared to be shocked by her analysis, "Hum apni marzi se mote thodi hue hain. Aakhir unka bhi toh bachha hai. Ismein gussa dikhane ki kya baat hai. Aur kaunsa hamesha aise rehna hai. Maine toh gym mein booking bhi karwa li hai. Delivery ke kuch hafton baad hi jaana shuru kar dungi jisse wapas pehle jaisi ho jaun."

Meghna bhabhi sighed, "Tab tak yehi bartaav rahega unka, dekh lena. Iss haal mein kisi pati ko apni biwi nahi pasand aati. Koi khyal rakhta hai toh samajh lo dikhawa kar raha hai."

Tara was a little irked, "Iska matlab patiyon ko bachha toh chahiye par uske liye biwi ka figure kharab ho yeh bardaasht nahi kar sakte... fir toh unko..."

"Naina,chalen?" She was brought out of her eves dropping session by Sameer's voice.

As he helped her get up, she stole a glance behind. Both ladies were looking at her. Turning her head back to Sameer, she tried to smile when he asked her if she was feeling okay.

Sameer kept glancing at Naina on their drive back. She was quiet throughout. He initially talked about the sonography excitedly but she did not say anything. At one of the signals, he held her arm, to ask if she was feeling any discomfort. She shook her head, going back to silently gaze outside.

The words of those ladies kept ringing in her mind. Just a few days back Sameer had mentioned that she had become heavier. Did it mean... she shut her eyes tight. Sameer would never be the type of husband those women were talking about. But he did say that she was looking fatter... was all this love and care a pretence? Her thoughts were a jumbled mess.

Sameer could feel something was bothering her when she didn't discuss the visit at all even at home. After lunch, when he went to the room after telling Ramdhari about what all to cook for evening and for dinner, she stood in front of the mirror, staring at herself.

"Naina, tum pareshan kyon ho? Koi takleef hai toh batao na." He went to stand behind her.

Her eyes welled up, "Main ab sundar nahi lagti na tumhe?"

Shocked at this sudden change in her mood, he turned her to face him, "Tum toh sabse sundar ho, Naina. Maine aaj tak tumse sundar koi dekha hi nahi."

Her tears started to flow freely, "Woh pehle tha. Ab main moti ho gayi hun na. Ab tumhe mujh mein interest nahi rahega. Main pehle jaisi nahi dikhti na, isliye."

He didn't know whether to laugh or to get annoyed at her assessment. Both seemed to be bad ideas at the moment.

He put a finger under her chin and lifted her face up, "Jab tumhe pehli baar chua tha na, aise hi ek ungli se, tab socha tha ki meri kismat itni achhi kaise ho gayi ki itni khoobsurat ladki mere saamne hai... aaj tumhe dekh ke lag raha hai ki tum pehle se bhi kitni zyada khoobsurat ho gayi ho."

She blinked her eyes to clear her vision, "Pehli baar toh tumne god mein hi utha liya tha, aise kahan chua tha."

He stifled a smile, "Tab toh tum behosh thi... uske baad jab chua tha."

"Uske baad tumne baarish wale din... uss din..." She fumbled for words.

He watched with a crooked smile at the familiar redness spread on her face.

"Uss din toh mere hosh hi udd gaye the. Khud ko tumhe choone se kaise roka main hi jaanta hun." His voice turned hoarse as those memories flashed in his mind.

She blinked again, this time, to clear her mind of the images of that day, "Uske baad library mein... tab maine tumhe haath mila ke congratulate kiya tha, match jeetne ke liye."

He trailed one finger around her hairline, leaning closer, "Jab hum dost ban gaye the, aur tumne mujhe bataya tha ki Preeti aur Swati aane wale hain... tab tumne mujhse kaha tha ki main sabse zaroori hun tumhare liye... tab pehli baar maine aise chua tha tumhe... aur tumhari aankhon mein kho gaya tha. Tab mujhe laga tha tumse sundar koi ho hi nahi sakta. Lekin ab tum khud uss din wali Naina se zyada sundar ho gayi ho."

His dark eyes were brimming with love... and sincerity. There was no way she could doubt him. Maybe the women in hospital were not as lucky as her.

He turned her slowly to make her see their reflection in the mirror. She looked at herself. Her belly was fully rounded now, visible clearly even in the flared kurta. Out of habit, she placed her hands over it. Sameer smiled, and placed his hands over hers.

"Tum aise kitni khoobsurat lagti ho main bata bhi nahi sakta, jaan. Meri Naina aur meri beti... meri duniya." His low voice in her ear made her see herself in a new light.

His face over her shoulder, his eyes locked with hers in the mirror, his breath fanning her face, his hands over her stomach... she could see how beautiful he found her.

And together, they looked perfect.

"Sach Naina, tumhe dekh ke aaj bhi mere hosh udd jaate hain." He placed a kiss over her ear.

She closed her eyes, wondering how the butterflies could still flutter in her tummy when the baby was there.

Sorry again. There would be no update tomorrow as I have a presentation.

Would be back on Thursday evening.