I know I made you all wait for too long but the update is the length of four chapters

The soft morning light filtered through the flowing curtains, basking the room in a muted glow. Naina opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She tried to move... the familiar weight on her belly brought a smile to her face. She placed her hand on his arm that lay over her, and turned her head to see the sight that made every morning beautiful for her.

Sameer... the center of her universe, the reason of all her smiles, the actual light of her life... her true happiness.

As he slept on his side, his face resting near her shoulder, his hair fell on the face. One thing that did not change in all these years was the way his hair covered his forehead, giving him an innocent as well as a mischievous look at the same time. But then, there were so many more things that did not change... rather, nothing did. Except for the numbers that were added to their time of togetherness.

"Good morning, jaan." His sleepy voice broke her reverie.

She turned slightly to face him, "Good morning."

"Tum ab tak sharmati ho, Naina." He smirked.

Naina pressed her lips, "Jee nahi."

"Toh jawab kyon nahi diya?" He quirked up a brow.

"Bola toh good morning." She said plainly.

He tightened the arm around her to pull her closer, "Jaan kahan bola."

Her lips curled at the corners, "Aur tum ab tak shararat karte ho."

He rubbed his nose with hers, "Jiski itni khoobsurat biwi ho woh kaise shararat na kare... tumhare liye pagal zaroor hun par itna bhi pagal nahi hun main ki aisa mauka chod dun."

"Tumne itne saalon mein kab koi mauka choda hai... aaj jab hamare bachhe itne bade ho gaye hain tab bhi tum unke saamne aise hi karte ho. Sameer, kam se kam bachhon ke saamne toh mat..." Her words were cut short by a peck from him on her mouth.

"Aaj ke din bhi dantogi kya?" His voice was soft.

The smile was back, and her face glowed with the rapture and contentment that was spread in her heart, "Happy Birthday... jaan."

He chuckled at the way she still paused before saying the word, but then, this was his Naina... shy yet bold, demure yet a temptress, blushing yet fiesty, simple yet enticing, an open book for him yet intriguing every now and then. Years of togetherness did not change anything between them. He was still mesmerised by her, his eyes still searched for her all the time, he still ached to touch her after being apart even for a few hours, he still wanted her in his arms first thing in the morning and last thing at night, his heart still lost several beats if she winked secretly at him, his breath still got erratic if she initiated a kiss, his blood still heated up at the way she melted in his arms... he still couldn't get enough of her.

"Tum nahi bologe?" Her mellow voice was still the sweetest song for him.

He squinted his eyes, "Maine kya bolna hai? Aaj mera birthday hai, tumhara thodi."

She gave a half smile, "Thank you toh bol sakte ho."

Raising himself on his elbow, he bend down to kiss both her cheeks, "Thank you jaan."

Her arms went around his neck to pull him for a kiss and he was left spellbound yet again.

He was still reeling from the effect when there was a knock at the door.

"Kavita hogi, maine hi usse aaj jaldi chai dene ko kaha tha." Naina explained while she got up to open the door and take the expected tray from the girl.

Ramdhari was now given the task of only cooking for them, other chores were handled by Kavita, a permanent help who was a simple, laborious girl, diligently taking care of everything she was told.

As they sipped tea sitting on the swing outside in the balcony, Naina reminisced, "Itne saalon mein ek din bhi aisa nahi gaya jab maine bhagwanji ko thank you na kaha ho, tumhe meri zindagi mein laane ke liye. Aaj ka din mere liye sabse important din hai kyonki tum iss duniya mein aaye... sirf mere liye."

Sameer linked the fingers of his free hand with hers, his eyes filling up with memories, "Lekin mere liye zindagi tab shuru hui jab tum meri zindagi mein aayi. Tab tak main sirf duniya mein maujood tha... tumse milne ke baad main jeene laga... isliye mujhe lagta hai aaj wali party humein satrah saal baad karni chahiye... sahi mayne mein toh main tabhi pachaas saal poore karunga na."

She gave him a teasing look, "Yeh sab kehne se kuch badlega nahi. Sach baat toh yehi hai ki aaj tum pachaas saal ke ho gaye aur agle saal main ho jaungi. Umr ho gayi hai hum dono ki, Sameer Maheshwari."

He lifted the hand he was holding, bringing it to his lips to plant a kiss on the back of it, "Jab tak hamara pyar aisa hi rahega, hamari umr sirf ek ginti hai... aur mujhe inn numberon se koi farq nahi padta. Meri Naina ko apni baahon mein leke main hamesha waisa hi mehsoos karta hun jaisa tab karta tha jab tum college mein mujhe itni mushkil se hug karne deti thi."

She put her empty cup back on the table and took the one from him as well before looking back at him, "Tum ab bhi waise hi ho, Sameer, college jaise. Main sach mein khushkismat hun kyonki mujhe tum mile. Tumne meri zindagi ko itna khoobsurat bana diya ki mere paas batane ke liye shabd nahi hain."

"Kyonki tumne woh kahani duniya ko suna di, isliye shabd nahi hain. Naina, jab tumne pehli baar bataya tha na ki tum hamari kahani likhne wali ho toh main bohot darr gaya tha... ki pata nahi sabko kaisa lagega. Hum doosron ko na batayen lekin hamare doston aur ghar walo ko toh pata chalna hi tha ki yeh hamari hi kahani hai. Lekin aaj mujhe garv hai ki tumne aisa kiya. Anjaan log chahe na jaane ki yeh sirf ek film nahi balki hamari zindagi hai, lekin iski safalta ne bataa diya ki aaj bhi sachha pyar baaki sab ahsaason se upar hai. Aur itne saare awards jo tumhe iss film ke liye mile unhone hamari kahani ko ek misaal bana diya." The pride in his voice was unmistakable.

Naina smiled, "Ab itne handsome hero ki kahani thi toh sabko pasand aani hi thi. Jab hum premier ke liye gaye the dekha nahi tha kaise sitiyan baji thi jab tumhari pehli entry hui thi... hawa mein udte baal, aankhon pe chashma, hothon pe woh shararat bhari muskaan, aur kisi se na darne wala woh style."

He threw his head back and laughed, "Woh meri nahi uss naye hero ki entry thi. Sitiyan uske liye baji thi."

"Lekin mujhe toh sirf tum dikh rahe the... har scene mein. Aisa lag raha tha wohi pal fir se jee rahi hun main." Her eyes brimmed with emotions.

He pouted, "Woh gusse wale bhi? Naina, tumne woh gusse wale scene kyon daale? Sabko pata chal gaya maine kab kab aur kitna gussa kiya... bachhon ko bhi. Sana toh ab tak chidati hai mujhe Yash wali baat pe."

"Offo baba, maine isiliye sab ghar walo aur doston ko pehle hi bol diya tha ki aadhi se zyada cheezen sirf film ke jaisa banane ke liye daali hain aur kahani ki sirf main story hamare upar hai." She tried to calm him.

"Sana samajh gayi thi ki Yash wali baat sach hai." He was still miffed.

A short laughter spurted out of her, "Waise sach toh hai na, Sameer. Yash se milne pe aise hi toh react kiya tha yaad hai?"

Sameer pursed his lips, giving a sheepish look.

Flashback begins.

It was a big day for Sana in school as she was to be awarded the 'Best Student' trophy for being a topper throughout and also for being A level karate black belt, and bringing numerous accolades to school. She had also performed exceedingly well in debate and dance competitions. Her all round excellence had been a matter of pride not only for her parents, but the school as well. The ceremony was held every year for class twelfth students, a little before the Board Examinations.

Sameer and Naina reached the school well before time.

"Hello aunty. How are you?" The first person to greet them was an unknown face for Sameer.

Naina smiled warmly at him, "Main bilkul theek hun, beta, aap kaise ho?"

He scrunched his nose, "Aunty aapne fir se mujhe aap kaha. Please mujhe Sana ki tarah hi treat kijiye na."

Sameer felt strange at the ease with which he was talking to Naina and mentioning Sana's name.

"Achha baba, tum. Ab tum yeh batao Sana kahan hai?" Naina was equally comfortable with him.

"Aaiye main leke chalta hun. Hum sabko ek jagah hi assemble hona hai, jinko bhi aaj award milne wala hai." The boy pointed at the other end of the building.

Naina gave him an appreciative look, "Congratulations, Sana ne bataya tha tum bhi select hue ho."

The boy gave a conscious smile, lowering his eyes, "Jee aunty. Thank you so much. Mujhe cricket match ke liye prize milega."

"Chale Naina?" Sameer cleared his throat, squaring his shoulders.

The boy looked up sharply at him, slightly amazed as if he had noticed him for the first time.

"Oh Yash, yeh Sana ke papa hain. Tum pehle kabhi mile nahi na. Aur Sameer, Yash eleventh se Sana ka dost hai." Naina introduced them to each other, realising that Sameer had not met him before.

"Hello uncle. So nice to meet you. Sana hamesha aapki baatein karti hai. Usne aapke pictures bhi dikhaye the last year jab aapko Businessman of The Year ka title mila tha. Sorry, maine pehle dekha nahi warna pakka pehchan leta." Yash wished him politely, giving a genial smile.

Sameer smiled back sarcastically, avoiding Naina's glaring look, "Dekhte kaise, tumhara saara dhyan toh Naina pe tha."

Yash did not understand the sneering remark, and replied cheerfully, "Haanji uncle, Naina aunty meri favourite hain. Main hamesha Sana ko bolta hun ki uski mummy perfect hain sab cheezon mein. Isliye Sana bhi A one hai school mein."

Sameer gawked at him... in one go, Yash had shown admiration for both his girls... and this didn't go well with him.

He placed a possesive arm around Naina's shoulder, and moved closer to her, giving a stern look to Yash, "Meri wife aur meri beti best hain isme koi doubt nahi hai. Ab agar aapki tareef khatam ho gayi ho toh zara bata do ki Sana kahan hai."

Yash had the same soft smile, "Uncle aap bhi mujhe aap bol rahe hain. Please mujhe bhi apne bete jaisa hi samajhiye na... waise Jai se bhi meri achhi dosti hai."

Naina had to press Sameer's hand hard to stop him from retorting. Just because it was his children's school, Sameer walked behind Yash in silence, his teeth clenched.

Seeing Sana receiving the trophy and the subsequent speech of Principal about her made his mood turn ecstatic. But seeing Yash on the stage reminded him of his existence again.

Later, at home, Sameer was restless to talk to Naina about him, "Bolo na, Naina, woh ladka itna kyon peeche pada hai tumhare aur Sana ke... Jai se bhi dosti kar li. Naina, main bata raha hun, agar usne zara bhi Sana ke aas paas aane ki koshish ki toh main usse agle consignment ke saath parcel karke Japan bhej dunga."

Naina could not help but laugh at his solution, "Sameer, itna stupid idea toh Jai bhi nahi dega."

"Achha, ab Yash ke khilaaf mera bolna stupid lag raha hai... Naina, yeh ladka galat hai main bata raha hun." He scowled.

She held his shoulders and made him sit on the edge of the bed, standing in front of him, "Yash achha ladka hai, Sameer. Aur woh sirf ek dost hai Sana ka. Kabhi koi galat harkat nahi ki usne."

His eyes filled up with the fear that was gnawing at the back of his mind, "Naina, woh... woh mere sapne mein... uska naam bhi Yash tha. Upar se yeh sab waisa hi ho raha hai jaisa hamare saath... matlab kuch hadd tak... mujhe darr lag raha hai, Naina."

"Sapne mein toh hamari beti ka naam bhi Suman tha... lekin aisa nahi hai." She raised one brow.

Sameer let out a frustrated sigh, "Offo Naina, par Yash toh Yash hi hai na... uska kya? Agar woh dono ek hi college mein gaye toh? Aur uske baad..."

She weaved her fingers through his hair, giving a comforting smile, "Yash ke papa army mein hain. Unka transfer ho gaya hai aur woh exams ke baad Ahmedabad se chala jayega. Sana usse dost hi maanti hai usse zyada kuch nahi."

The relief on his face was evident as he let out a long exhale.

"Waise Sameer, agar aisa hota bhi toh kya hua... aakhir hum dono ki kahani bhi toh school mein hi shuru hui thi. Tab agar mere papa bhi aisa soch ke tumhe kahin parcel karwa dete toh!" She gave him a teasing look.

He pulled her with a jerk, wrapping his arms around her waist and hiding his face in her belly, "Mujhe tumse door koi nahi kar sakta tha... woh toh main hi pagal tha jo khud chal pada tha unn ulte seedhe khyalon ki wajah se... lekin meri kismat hamesha se tumhare hi saath thi isliye humein dooriyan bhi door nahi rakh payi."

She bent down and kissed on top of his head, "Toh ab itna kyon soch rahe ho? Agar hamari beti ki kismat mein bhi pyar aayega toh filmon ke villian type papa banne ka iraada hai kya tumhara?"

He shook his head, making her shudder as his stubble tickled her skin through the soft material of her dress.

Unaware of the effect on her, he muttered again, "Lekin aise kisi ko bhi apni doll ke paas kaise aane dunga... matlab humein pata hona chahiye na, kaisa ladka hai, kaun hai, theek hai bhi ya..."

"Sameer." She groaned, not able to bear his hot breath on her skin, along with the raspy grazing of his chin as he spoke.

He looked up sharply. One look at her face and his eyes darkened. Placing one hand behind her head, he pulled it down for a kiss. She didn't realise when he gathered her in his arms and placed her on the bed, without leaving the contact of his lips with her skin.

Flashback ends.

It was Naina's turn to blush at the end of the story.

"Dekho, fir se sharma gayi. Naina yeh kitni purani baat hai, tum ab toh..." He cupped her face.

She didn't let him complete, "Achha chodo. Woh sab toh Sana ke saamne nahi hua tha. Lekin jo tumne Mohit ke time kiya woh kaise chupate Sana se... kahani mein nahi hota toh bhi usse pata chala na!"

Sameer was defensive, "Dekho woh toh jayaz tha. Aakhir woh ladka meri beti ko mujhse cheenna chahta tha."

Naina slapped her forehead, "Cheen nahi raha tha... shaadi karna chahta tha Sana se. Sana ki hi pasand tha na!"

"Kuch bhi ho, mujhe bas gussa aa gaya tha." He huffed.

Flashback begins.

"Papa please, aap ek baar mil toh lo Mohit se. Woh bilkul aapki tarah hai... honest, decent aur hard working. Business toh uske papa ka hi hai par woh ab akele handle karta hai, jabse uncle ki death hui hai." Sana told Sameer about the boy she had chosen.

"Sana, baby, tumhe kaisa pata woh itna achha hai? Ho sakta hai woh yeh sab tumhe dikhane ke liye kar raha ho... matlab, achhe impression ke liye... nahi, gussa mat karo, main bas yeh keh raha hun ki tum abhi choti ho na toh jaanti nahi ho duniya ke baare mein, isliye tumhe...." Sameer's blabbering halted when Naina placed a hand on his arm.

He looked at her in desperation. The thought that his little girl had grown up enough to select a life partner for herself made him uptight, and he was surrounded by apprehensions for the boy in question.

"Sameer, ek baar mil lete hain na. Sana keh rahi hai toh Mohit achha ladka hoga." Naina looked at him earnestly.

Sana nodded, "Achha hai, mumma. Aur papa, main itni bhi choti nahi hun. Agar hoti toh aap mujhe akele London bhejte kya MBA ke liye? Maine wahan do saal dekha hai Mohit ko."

Sameer held up his palm, "Dekho Sana, tum kuch nahi jaanti ladke kaise hote hain. Main bata raha hun woh sirf naatak kar raha hai. Aise kaise achha ho sakta hai? Aur agar ho bhi toh meri doll ke liye achha nahi chalega... mujhe best ladka chahiye."

Sana looked at her mom helplessly.

Naina blinked at her in assurance, then turned to Sameer, "Achha theek hai, hum sirf ek baar milke usse keh denge ki humein woh pasand nahi hai. Aur Sana ko bhi nahi."

Sameer quickly dipped his head to the side. Naina again assured Sana when she frowned.

Mohit turned out to be a charming, handsome boy who not only brought a positive vibe with him but his light hearted talks made Naina and Jai laugh most of the time he was there. Naina didn't fail to notice the adoration in the boy's eyes whenever he glanced at Sana... and the same appreciation reflected in her daughter's eyes. Though Sameer pretended to be stiff and unrelenting, Naina knew he was affected when Mohit told how Sana was a big support when his father passed away unexpectedly, leaving him all alone, since his mom had died when he was much younger. Even Jai found Mohit to be a courteous and affable person.

He sided with his sister after Mohit had left, "Papa, aap aisa kyon keh rahe ho ki ladke aise hote hain... main bhi toh ladka hun... kya main kisi ko dhoka dunga?"

Sameer quickly looked at him, shaking his head, "Nahi Jai, tum mere aur Naina ke bete ho, tum kabhi kuch bura nahi karoge kisi ke saath. Lekin sab aise nahi hote."

Sana came to stand in front of him, her black eyes gleaming with the confidence she had on her choice, "Papa, main bhi aapki aur mumma ki beti hun. Aap dono ne mujhe sahi galat ka farq sikhaya hai. Mohit galat nahi hai... na hamara pyar galat hai. Jaise aap mumma se itna pyar karte ho waise hi Mohit mujhe maanta hai. Maine pyaar ka matlab aap dono se seekha hai... dekha hai kaise aap dono khud se zyada ek doosre ki parwah karte ho. Yehi izzat, yehi parwah, yehi bharosa Mohit ke behaviour mein dikhta hai mujhe. Lekin usne ek baat aisi kahi jo mere liye bhi unexpected thi."

Sameer eyes widened in indignation, "Dekha, maine kaha tha na kuch na kuch gadbad hai. Kya kaha usne? Tumse koi badtameezi ki? Kuch kaha tumse? Tang kiya tumhe? Mujhe batao, doll, main chodunga nahi uss ladke ko... uski himmat kaise hui meri beti ko aisa kuch kehne ki."

Sana's voice was low against his high pitched tone, but the affect made him go quiet, "Usne kaha mere parents... yani aap dono... mujhe jitna pyar karte hain woh duniya mein koi nahi kar sakta. Aur aise pyar ko woh chot nahi pohochana chahta. Usne kaha agar aap dono mein se ek ko bhi hamare rishte se aitraaz hoga toh woh aap logon ka dil dukha ke aage nahi badhna chahta. Usne kaha ki chahe hamari shaadi na ho paaye, woh saari zindagi mujhse hi pyar karta rahega... aur intezar bhi. Usne kaha ki agar main aur mere parents kisi aur se meri shaadi karana chahte hain toh woh kabhi hamare saamne aake humein kisi mushkil mein nahi dalega."

With each of her sentence, the wall around Sameer's heart started to collapse.

His voice was still a little reserved though, "Yeh kaisa harne wala pyar hai. Agar itni parwah hai usse tumhari toh peeche kyon hat raha hai. Usse ladna chahiye tumhare liye, tum dono ke liye... saari duniya se."

Sana smiled, "Saari duniya se ladne ko taiyar hai Mohit. Bas mere parivar se nahi ladna chahta. Papa, aap dono ki kahani pata hai mujhe. Aap dono ke bachpan mein parents ka pyar nahi tha. Lekin main lucky hun ki mere paas aap ho, mumma hain, Jai hai. Mohit ne bhi apni mumma ko bohot jaldi kho diya tha... aur ab papa ko bhi. Uske liye parivaar ke pyaar ki bohot value hai. Isliye woh aap logon ko dard de ke hamare liye khushi nahi paana chahta."

Naina placed a hand on Sameer's shoulder, "Jis ladke ko pyar aur parivar ka itna ahsaas hai uss ladke se achha kaun hoga hamari beti ke liye, Sameer. Sana ki pasand pe mujhe poora bharosa hai. Aur main jaanti hun tumhe bhi hai. Yeh kashmkash Mohit ki wajah se nahi hai tumhare dil mein... uske liye tumhari aankhon mein maine haan padh li hai. Tum iss baat se bechain ho ki tumhari beti tumse door ho jayegi."

Sameer took Sana in his arms, kissing the top of her head, "Sana, beta, tum kab itni badi ho gayi pata hi nahi chala."

"Main kahan badi hun, papa. Main toh abhi bhi aapki wohi Sana hun jisse aapki stubble sabse zyada pasand hai... aur jiske liye aap ab tak ek din chod ke shave karte ho." She looked up, placing one hand on his prickly cheek.

"Haww. Aur ab tak mujhse kehte ho ki mujhe pasand hai isliye aisa karte ho." Naina brooded with a fake frown.

Jai was instantly next to his mom, his arm around her, "Offo mumma, aapke liye main shave karna band kar deta hun. Aap chodo papa ko."

Keeping one arm securely around Sana, Sameer pulled Naina with the other one, startling her as she landed on his chest. Sana smiled adoringly at her parents while Jai frowned.

Looking at Jai triumphantly, Sameer chuckled, "Pehle tumhari shave karne ya chodne layak growth toh hone do, chotu. Aur meri biwi ko mujhe door kiya toh dekhna... Naina pe pehla haq mera hai."

Sana laughed, seeing her mom blush at his open declaration, "Papa, aap kabhi nahi sudhroge."

He grinned at her lovingly, "Meri Naina bhi yehi kehti hai."

"Tumhari Naina ne jo Mohit ke liye kaha woh samajh aaya ya nahi?" Naina gave him a stern look.

He quickly brought the hand to his one ear, keeping her in the loop. Her body lifted because of his action, and he took the opportunity to place a kiss on the tip of her nose, "Meri Naina kahe aur main na maanu, aisa kabhi ho sakta hai kya?"

Her deepened blush was thankfully hidden when Sana squealed in delight and hug him hard, "Thank you, papa, you're the best."

"Best hain tabhi toh maine pasand kiya." Naina gave him a proud smile.

Flashback ends.

Sameer sighed, "Haan kar toh di thi, Naina, par ajeeb sa lag raha tha. Apni beti ki zindagi mein kisi aur ko dekhna aasan nahi tha."

Naina held his hand between her palms, "Jaanti hun. Lekin Mohit koi aur nahi tha... Sana ke liye woh tha jo tum banke aaye the mere liye. Beti ko apne ghar se bhejne ka dukh toh maa baap ko hota hi hai lekin iss baat ki khushi thi ki usse Mohit jaisa jeevanasathi mila, jo na sirf usse samajhta hai balki utna hi pyar aur samman deta hai jitna Sana usse deti hai. Woh dono ek doosre ke liye bilkul perfect hain, Sameer."

He nodded, lowering his head.

She craned her neck, looking into his eyes, "Ab toh theek hai na sab? Ab toh Mohit se problem nahi hai na tumhe?"

He furrowed his brows, turning towards her, "Baaki toh theek hai par woh tumhari itni tareef karta hai toh gussa aa jaata hai mujhe."

"Kyon? Tumhe woh tareef jhooti lagti hai kya? Main tareef ke kabil nahi hun kya?" She fluttered her lashes.

He hooked one finger under her chin, "Tumhari tareef main zindagi bhar bhi karun toh kam hai."

"Toh?" She raised her brows.

He twisted his mouth, flicking his head, "Yaar Naina, woh jab tumhare aage peeche ghoomta hai na toh mujhe achha nahi lagta. Har baat mein mummy best hain, mummy aapka jawab nahi, mummy aap kitni beautiful ho... yeh sab kehna zaroori hai kya? Shaanti se nahi baith sakta aake?"

"Offo mere jalkukde patidev, tumhara kuch nahi ho sakta. Apne bete se hi jalte ho toh daamad aur baaki sab se jalne se kaise rokun tumhe?" Naina lifted the hand she was holding and placed her cheek against it.

His face cracked into a smile, and he caressed her cheek with his thumb, "Waise kab aane wale hain hamare yeh badmash bachhe?"

Naina looked at her watch in alarm, "Sameer, Jai do ghante mein aane wala hai. Maine toh abhi tak Kavita ko bataya hi nahi uske liye kya kya banana hai. Sana aur Mohit usko pick karne layenge. Chalo tum bhi ready ho jao jaldi se. Main abhi aati hun."

He pulled her back as she tried to get up, making her land in his lap. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he looked into her soft brown eyes, "Jo abhi aaye nahi unki itni chinta hai aur jo tumhara paas hai uski fiqr nahi hai?"

Her face relaxed into a loving smile, her fingers going up in his hair, "Tumhare alu paranthe main khud banaungi."

His face lit up, "Thode zyada banana. Bohot dinon se nahi khaye hain."

She pinched his nose, laughing, "Haan baba, dher saare banaungi."

"Umm, lekin mera birthday gift nahi dogi kya usse pehle?" His eyes darkened as his hold tightened around her.

"Uhh, Sameer yahan... hum bahar hain." She ducked her head to the side.

"Toh andar chalte hain." He was up in a flash, with her in his arms.

"Arre arre, utaro mujhe. Ab main utni halki bhi nahi hun." She clutched his shoulders.

"Madam, main abhi bhi waisa hi hun. Tumhe utha ke poore ghar ka chakkar laga sakta hun. Aur andar sirf tumhare liye aaye hain, warna main kissi se darta nahi hun." He stood in the center of the room, looking intently at her.

Her arms went around his neck, "Jaanti hun. Tum aise hi rahoge hamesha."

The breakfast definitely got delayed, but they were ready when the sound of car from the main gate made Sameer get up and open the door even before the door bell rang.

A loud, collective scream greeted him.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPAAAA!"

Sameer smiled as Jai, Sana and Mohit rushed in, taking him in a hug together.

Mohit was the first one to speak, "Oho Jai, zara aaram se. Papa ko iss umr mein itna zor se pakadna theek nahi hoga."

Sana gave him a chiding look.

Sameer's expression changed instantly, "Iss umr se kya matlab hai tumhara? Abhi bhi exercise karta hun roz, tumse zyada push ups kar sakta hun. Koi bhi competition karke dekh lo, tumhe hara na diya toh kehna."

"Papa, aap sabko hara sakte ho." Sana held his arm, making him sit on the sofa, "Aur aap Mohit ko jaante toh ho, woh aise hi aapko tease kar raha hai."

Sameer knitted his brows, glaring at Mohit who smiled, "Waise Sana theek keh rahi hai, papa. Aapse jeetna mushkil hoga. Exercise ki kya zaroorat hai, aap toh mumma ki balcony ki pipe se chadhne ki practice se hi fit honge abhi tak."

Sana rolled her eyes, "Mohit woh bas movie ka part tha. Mumma ne bataya toh tha."

Mohit did not move his eyes from Sameer, "Oh haan, main bhool gaya tha. Lekin agar mumma ka room upar wale floor pe hota toh aap pakka chad jaate na pipe se?"

Naina entered the room, giving a calm look to her teasing son in law, "Agar tum kehte ho toh tumhari aur Sana ki kahani mein aisa kuch likh dungi. Chalega?"

Sameer gave a victorious smile, relaxing back on the sofa.

Mohit got up to wish Naina, hugging her. And Sameer was upright again, rubbing his hands.

"Mumma, aap jo chaho likh dena. I'm sure aapki kahani mein reality se zyada pyar hoga. Warna yeh madam toh saara din daanti hi rehti hai mujhe." Mohit winked at his wife.

Jai was next to show his love to his mom, "Wow mumma, aap toh pehle se bhi zyada sundar lag rahi ho. Maine kitna miss kiya aapko."

Naina looked him from head to toe, and frowned, "Aur tum itne kamzor kyon ho gaye ho? Mumbai mein hostel mein khana nahi khate kya?"

With a wide smile, Jai hugged her tight, "Har baar yehi kehti ho. Khata hun lekin yahan jaisa maza nahi aata. Ab do din aap achhe se khila dena."

Sameer stood up and came to him, "Bas do din kyon? Ek hafta toh rukna chahiye tha."

"Nahi papa, main internship kar raha hun toh bas do din ki leave mili hai." Jai scrunched his nose.

Sameer looped an arm around his shoulders and walked with him towards the sofa, asking about the internship and management course that he was doing. But his subtle way of taking Jai away did not fool Naina. She had seen his face the moment Mohit hugged her.

"Achha chalo ab baatein baad mein, pehle khana khate hain." She announced and they moved to the living room.

"Radu chachu, namaste. Kaise hain aap?" Sana excitedly greeted Ramdhari the same way as she had always addressed him.

"Hum toh bohot achhe hain, Sana baby. Aapke aur Jai baba ke liye aapki pasand ka khana banaya hai." Ramdhari beamed.

Mohit folded his hands to greet him and then pouted, "Aur meri pasand ka?"

Ramdhari gave him a sheepish look, "Woh humein aapki pasand hi nahi pata. Jab bhi aapse pucha aap keh dete ho ki jo Sana baby ko pasand hai wohi aapko pasand hai."

Mohit gave a wide smile, taking Sana in a side hug, "Woh toh hai. Meri wife ki choice hi meri choice hai."

Nudging him with her elbow, Sana looked at Ramdhari again, "Achha Radu chachu, aap kab apni wife se milwaoge?"

His eyes widened, "Yeh kya keh rahi ho, Sana baby? Ram, ram, ram." He quickly touched his ears, "Hum Hanuman ji ke bhakt hain. Unke jaise sirf apne Ramji aur Sita ji ki sewa karna hamara farz hai. Hum toh kabhi sapne mein bhi aur kuch nahi soch sakte. Sameer bhaiya aur Naina bhabhi hamare liye Ram Sita se kam nahi hain."

Jai pulled a chair, "Haan Radu chachu, sahi kaha. Papa ko Ramji bol sakte ho. Asli wale Ramji ne bhi toh apni patni ke liye yudh kiya tha, papa bhi mumma ke liye chote mote yudh kai baar kar chuke hain. Waise agar mumma na roke toh woh mera aur Mohit jiju ka ghar aana bhi band karwa sakte hain."

A loud laughter erupted on the table, making Sameer give a fond smile to Naina, who lowered her eyes.

Two of them were sent to rest after lunch while the younger ones started the preparations for the party. Sameer didn't want a grand party or celebration so they had assured him that it would be just family.

When Naina stepped out of the washroom, after getting ready in the evening, Sameer stared at her in disbelief.

"Tum... tumhare paas ab... abhi tak hai yeh?" He fumbled, gaping at her.

Naina was aware of the effect it would have on him. She smiled knowingly, "Wohi wali toh nahi hai. Lekin uske jaisi hi dhoond li."

His eyes roamed over her from top to bottom, and slowly moved up again. The green saree, with a thin golden border, still looked as enchanting on her as on the first day he saw her in it. Though she had put on a little weight, her waist was as curvy and it made his throat go dry. Similar blouse, same open hair... he was captivated by her one more time.

Though he was longing to take her in his arms, the look of appreciation, mixed with desire, in her eyes made him hold onto his yearning for sometime.

Naina let her eyes move over him the way he always did... unabashedly. His straight dark trousers fell around his ankles, making him look even taller than what he was. His narrow waist was emphasised by the dark leather belt. The pristine white shirt, which she always loved so much on him, streched against his chest and shoulders. He hadn't yet worn the tie, so his top two buttons were open, and her eyes took in the gleaming skin. The jacket was kept on the bed, waiting to be worn.

She stepped ahead, and held his hand. He lifted the other one to embrace her, but she stopped him. Sameer gave a confused look to her.

She let out a shaky breath, before speaking in a low, husky voice, "Tum bohot, bohot handsome ho, Sameer... jitna tum khud ko bolte ho usse bhi kahin zyada. Tumhari in gehri kaali aankhon mein itni gehrayi hai ki koi bhi pagal ho jayega. Jab tum muskurate ho toh aisa lagta hai jaise baadlon ke beech se achanak subah ho gayi... shave na karne se kya asar hota hai mujhpe yeh toh tum jaante hi ho... dil karta hai ki tumhare chehre ko sirf haathon se hi nahi, hothon se chu lun, baar baar."

His jaw itched to feel what she was saying.

"Jab uss baarish wale din tumhari t shirt bheeg ke tumhare seene se chipak gayi thi, uss din se aaj tak meri saansen ruk jaati hain jab tumhe aise dekhti hun." She moved her palm on his chest, feeling the heat of his skin through the thin shirt.

"Naina." His voice turned gruff.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, looking up at him with raw admiration in her eyes, "Sameer, tumhare kareeb aake, tumhari khushbu mein kho jaati hun... jab tum baahon mein lete ho toh tumhare dil ki dhadkan mujhe madhosh kar deti hai... jab tumhare hoth mujhe choote hain toh lagta hai ek hi pal mein main jal bhi gayi aur pighal bhi gayi."

He crushed her in his arms, peppering her face and neck with feverish kisses. When his hands moved behind her, she stopped him.

"Sameer, party ka time hone wala hai." Her own voice was raspy.

"Yeh sab pehle sochna tha. Jo tumne kaha... woh sab sunke kya main tumhe..." The words failed him as he came back to her lips.

The loud noises from outside, however, forced him to stop after a few minutes.

"Lagta hai Munna Pandit aa gaye." Naina turned her head with a jerk.

"Yeh party jaldi khatam karni padegi, Naina." His voice was still heavy as he tried to close the button of his shirt.

When they went outside, Sameer and Naina were surprised to see the visitors, who were not Munna Pandit. Sitting in the living room were Rohan and Nidhi with their daughter, Saumya... and Rahul Sonali with their two daughters Tanya and Trisha.

After the welcome hugs and wishes, Sameer asked them, "Tum log achanak kaise aa gaye? Mujhe nahi pata tha tum aane wale ho."

Rahul smacked him on the back, "Jaise tu achanak paida ho gaya tha aaj ke din... bas hum bhi aa gaye."

Rohan smiled, "Bhai, Sana ne phone kiya tha. Tumko na batane ko bola tha... surprise jo dena tha."

Sameer glanced at his daughter, who was efficiently handling everything, just like her mom, "Sana hi aisa sab soch sakti hai." Looking back at Rohan he smiled, "Isiliye subah se phone nahi kiya na?"

Rohan nodded.

Nidhi and Sonali were excitedly talking to Naina. Thankfully, after Saumya was born, Nidhi had slowly returned to her normal chirpy self. Though they couldn't have another child, Rohan and Nidhi were contended with one daughter.

Shortly, the sound of drum beats and horns confirmed Munna Pandit's arrival. Adorning birthday caps like kids, they entered in their usual style, least effected by the number of years that were added to their age.

"Aaj mere yaar ka bday hai... aaj mere yaar ka bday hai." Pandit sang loudly, beating the drum even louder.

Munna took Sameer in a tight hug, and rubbed his back, "Dekh bhai, dukh na manaiyo. Yeh din sabki zindagi mein aata hai. Koi baat nahi. Bas yeh soch le khush ho le ki sathiyane mein abhi bhi dus saal baaki hain."

While everyone laughed at his consoling, Pandit nodded in understanding, "Haan bhai, yeh baat Munna hi sabse achhi tarah jaanta hai. Aakhir dus mahine pehle jo pachaas ka ho chuka. Hum sab mein yeh hi sabse pehle sathiyaega."

Munna left Sameer and frowned at Pandit, "Abe yeh do chaar mahine upar neeche hone se kya hota hai. Hum sab ek hi saath chal rahe hain. Jab school college mein ek hi class mein the toh abhi bhi sab ek saath hi hoga na."

Preeti came ahead and held out a colourful packet to Sameer, "Inn logon pe aap dhyan mat dijiye jijaji. Aap hamesha aise hi rahenge... smart aur young... meri tarah. Waise happy birthday... yeh raha aapka gift."

Sameer grinned, "Thank you, saliji. Lekin gift ki kya zaroorat thi."

Preeti shrugged, "Haan, pehle maine bhi yehi socha ki kya zaroorat hai, jijaji ko maine apni behen de toh rakhi hai sabse bada gift... fir yaad aaya ki kuch mahino mein mera birthday bhi aayega toh kahin aap bhi aisa hi na soch lo." She flicked her eyes at Pandit, "Aapke bhai se achha toh main aapka gift hi le lungi."

Pandit quickly put away the drum and came to her, "Kya yaar Preeti, maine tumhare liye samosa tak chod diya aur tum ek gift ki keemat mujhse zyada laga rahi ho?"

Preeti pinched his nose, "Sazaa hai yeh tumhari... mere pyar ko do saal tak na samajh paane ki. Aur yeh sazaa toh tumhe hamesha milti rahegi."

Munna urged Sameer to open the gift. They all were surprised to see a huge pack of chocolates.

Preeti flicked her head at her sister, "Woh Naina ne bataya tha aapko meetha bohot pasand hai... toh socha yeh achha lagega aapko."

Sameer's eyes turned to Naina, glinting with mischief, "Haan, meetha bohot pasand hai mujhe."

The colour on Naina's cheeks contrasted with her dark saree.

The house filled with happy noises of both generations. Rahul asked Jai if he and Sameer still fought over Naina.

"Mat pucho, Rahul chachu, ab toh ek aur competitor aa gaya hai." Jai pointed at Mohit.

"Naina." Rahul called out loudly.

Along with Naina, another pair of eyes turned in his direction as Naina walked over to him.

Rahul enveloped her in a hug, whispering to Jai, "Dekh raha hai?"

Jai nodded.

Rahul whispered again, to Naina, "Bas ek minute aise hi rehna. Mujhe dekhna hai ki itne saalon mein uska jalna thoda bohot kam hua ya waisa hi hai."

"Badh gaya hai, Rahul. Aisa na ho saalon pehle jis table se tum bach gaye the woh aaj tumhe dhoond le." Naina laughed.

With a knowing nod, Rahul left her... just in time to see Sameer walking towards them.

His arm went around Naina's waist as he pulled her towards himself, talking in a clipped voice, "Birthday toh mera hai na Rahul. Aur abhi raksha bandhan bhi nahi hai. Toh fir..."

Rahul winked, "Maine pehle check kar liya tha tere aas paas khane ka table toh nahi hai."

Jai's eyes widened, "Woh table girane wala scene jo movie mein tha woh sach mein hua tha? Papa, aap itne angry young man the?"

"Abhi kam hai kya?" Rahul chuckled at his grim expression.

Munna joined them, "Haan lekin ab sirf angry man hain... young nahi hai na."

Sameer shrugged, "Umr se kya farq padta hai. Meri Naina mere paas hai isliye main hamesha young hi rahunga."

Rahul and Munna gave him a lopsided smile, while Naina swatted his chest, "Lekin dimag se bachche ho... kuch bhi bolne se pehle sochte nahi ho."

He gave her an innocent look, "Sochta hun na, tumhare baare mein."

While others burst out in laughter, Naina turned crimson.

Rohan leaned on Munna's shoulder, "Bhai toh ab bhi bhabhi pe aise hi lattu hai jaise pehle tha."

Munna loudly exclaimed, "Aree Rohan, humse pooch... kya kya nahi kiya iske pyar ke chakkar mein."

Pandit furiously nodded, "Aur kya. Do mahine ki chutti aata tha aur itni mehnat karwata tha ki baaki ke dus mahine hum thakaan hi utarte rehte the."

Sana chuckled, "Lagta hai aaj papa ke saare secrets sunne ko milenge... jo mumma ne movie mein nahi daale woh bhi."

Naina held up her hands, "Bas bas ab koi kuch nahi bolega. Mere Sameer ka birthday hai aur sab ussi ke peeche pad gaye hain. Khabardaar agar kisi ne bhi usse cheda toh."

Sameer smiled smugly... the way Naina called him 'Mera Sameer', it always swelled up his heart.

Sana held her shoulders from behind, "Mumma, hum sab itne lucky hain ki hum iss SAMAINA ko jaante hain... yeh Naina ka Sameer aur Sameer ki Naina hum sab ke liye ek example hain. Koi kitna bhi tease kare, papa ko chidane ke liye aapke kareeb aaye ya aapko irritate karne ke liye papa ko gussa dilaye... lekin hum sabke liye aap dono ka pyar woh khushbu hai jisne hamari duniya ko mehka rakha hai. Maine aur Jai ne bachpan se aap dono ko ek doosre ke liye itna kuch karte dekha hai ki kabhi kabhi lagta tha aap shayad bhool jaate ho ki aapki khud ki bhi ek zindagi hai... lekin fir samajh aata tha ki aap dono hi ek doosre ki zindagi ho. Agar aapke jaise pyar ka ek hissa bhi kisi rishte mein aa jaaye toh woh rishta bohot khoobsurat ban jayega. Aaj hum sab aapse yehi kehna chahte hain ki Thank You, humein yeh pyar bhari duniya ka hissa banane ke liye... Thank you, humein sikhane ke liye ki sachha pyar kabhi nahi haarta... Thank you, humein itni saari khoobsurat yaadein dene ke liye... Thank you, hamare Samaina banne ke liye."

Sameer and Naina looked at everyone in awe as they all smiled with misty eyes and said aloud

WE ALL LOVE YOU SAMAINA

The journey doesn't end... because each end is a new beginning. Samaina would also be happy and contented in their world, even if we cannot see them in this story.

J have tried to keep in mind as many requests as I could fit in here but still a few were left. My sincere apologies to them. Maybe next time. I may have faltered in this chapter as my mind was fogged with too many things trying to spill out at the same time... please pardon me for that too. Hope you all like my effort.

Just wanted to share a little something about how the journey began. The story started with a random dream I had one night. It was Naina walking through huge gates, trying to hold herself against the strong winds  when suddenly a downpour forces her to take shelter under a tree. And all this was witnessed by a certain young man,  who stood in a window inside the building which was a little away from the gate. Naina, of course, was in a green saree.

And I just started writing, trying to build a scenario where this dream could be brought in. The thoughts started to take shape and I poured them directly in the form of updates one after the other.

The love that you all showered on this story gave me a new motivation... rather a new life. I became greedy for more love and continued this story not just chapter after chapter but book after book.

I'm too overwhelmed to write more but I don't want to leave without telling that each one of you has been a big motivation, a big support. This journey was beautiful because we all were together.

Samaina and Ashdeep are too dear to me to let go after one story. So I'll be back with another book in a month's time. Meanwhile, I'd try to give you some OS.

One last request, please don't be sad and upset about the story coming to an end. I am not like Sony. I'd definitely come soon... with a new Samaina, a new romance, a new beginning.

Love you all so much that words fail me today
Niki