Title is the song 'Dil dooba' from movie 'Khakee'

When Naina opened her eyes early morning, she felt much better than other days. Maybe it was sleeping in her own room, or the warmth of babies and Sameer on the same bed. Smiling, she lazily moved her eyes over the three of them, all asleep. Preeti was right, her babies slept a lot. She had felt the same in hospital once, and had asked Dr Samarth. He dispelled any doubt about their health, saying that since they were born few weeks before time, and were smaller than single babies, more sleep would help them to gain strength. She gazed lovingly at them, sleeping next to each other, their tiny fists touching.

When she raised her neck, her eyes went to her husband's face. Sleeping on his stomach, his face towards them, he had one arm around his head. His hair fell on the forehead, almost reaching his eyes. The darkness on his jaw was more pronounced now, making him even more handsome. She remembered how she had teased him last night. As the whole of previous day played in her mind, she could comprehend why he was craving for her time. Ever since she reached home, she had been busy with someone or the other, if not the babies. Except for a few minutes after he had carried her to the room, they had not got any time together. A fond smile spread on her face... this was nothing less than acute torment for her possessive husband. In the end, he could not even get the kiss he asked for. Pursing her lips, she sighed. With the babies between them, she couldn't reach him for it even now. Slowly, her fingers weaved through his hair, sweeping them away from his forehead. A small smile formed on his lips. She quickly tried to pull her hand back, not intending to disturb his sleep.

Sameer grabbed her hand, taking it back to his hair, and murmured in a groggy voice, "Karo na, bohot achha lag raha hai."

Feeling somewhat guilty, she said softly, "Sorry."

"Sorry? Kis baat ke liye?" He asked, opening his eyes.

She played with his hair, "Tumhe utha diya aur..."

"Aur?" He prompted.

She uttered haltingly, "Tumhara pehla kiss... woh reh gaya."

Even with hooded eyes, he managed a wink, "Kisne kaha reh gaya."

She thought for a moment, then asked, her brows furrowed, "Matlab?"

He tried to touch her with his hand that was around his head, but couldn't. Sighing, he flicked his head, asking her to come close.

"Kaise aaun, dono hain na beech mein." She waved at the babies, then glanced at his other hand that was under baby's quilt, "Tumhare doosre haath ko kya hua?"

Slowly, he lifted the corner of quilt, and her eyes softened. His other arm, folded at the elbow, was next to their baby daughter, her fingers curled around his thumb.

"Bohot der se aise hi pakad ke so rahi hai." He whispered.

Naina bent down to kiss the little girl. Her head was close to Sameer chin. He dipped his head and pressed a kiss on her forehead.

"Aise first kiss le liya tha kal maine." He smiled when she looked at him.

She gave a mischievous look, "Lekin mujhe toh nahi mila."

Lifting himself on his elbow, he winked, "Don't worry sweetheart, Marwari hun, koi udhaar nahi rehne dunga. Interest ke saath milega tumhe."

"Dhatt." She blushed, moving back, "Soch ke bola karo. Bachhe hain yahan."

"Unhe abhi kahan samajh aa raha hai." He grinned, "Jab tak mauka hai, faayda uthana chahiye."

"Pakke marwadi ho." She smiled.

******

It had been a week since Naina came back home. Sameer hadn't joined office yet. But the pressure of work was increasing with each passing day.

One morning, after he ended a long talk on phone with one of his employees, Naina suggested, "Sameer, I think tumhe ab office jaana chahiye."

"Abhi se? Ab jaake toh yeh dono thode khelne lage hain. Main office chala gaya toh kitna kuch miss kar dunga." He whined.

"Lekin kaam ko bhi neglect nahi kar sakte. Tum wapas aake inke saath time spend kar lena." She said.

Sameer sat on the edge of the bed, leaning over his little ones, "Mujhe inke saath dher saara time chahiye. Kuch ghante kaafi nahi hain."

She smiled as both babies turned their neck to look at him, their eyes shining.

Ruffling his hair, she spoke in a thinner voice, "Papa, humein bhi office le chalo."

He let out a sigh, "I wish." Looking up, he drawled, "Naina, main inke bina kaise rahunga poora din?"

She picked up one baby, flicking her chin at the other for Sameer to pick up. As they sat facing each other, with babies in their arms, she told him what her father had once said, "Jab maine MBA join karne se manaa kiya, kyonki main Ayush ko chor ke din bhar college mein nahi rehna chahti thi, tab papa ne samjhaya ki main jo bhi karungi woh Ayush ke liye hi hoga. Life ka rule hai, kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padta hai. Unhone kaha, hamare paas chahe aaj paison ki zarurat na ho, par paise kamaana ek basic necessity hai... khud ke satisfaction ke liye. Bachhon ke kal ke liye humein apna aaj dena padta hai. Sab parents karte hain. Yeh koi sacrifice nahi hai, duty hai unki. Hum dono toh bohot lucky hain Sameer ki job karna hamari majboori nahi hai. Lekin job na karna hamari aadat nahi banni chahiye, papa ne kaha."

Sameer was amazed at the likeness between her father and nanu. Maybe that was the reason at times he felt Naina talked like nanu... she had learnt it from her dad.

Smiling, he looked at his daughter, "Dekha baby, mumma ne kaise papa ko sahi raasta dikhaya. Tum bhi hamesha apni mumma ki baat manna."

Naina raised a brow, "Maine dikhaya? Agar main nahi kehti toh tum office se permanent chutti kar lete?"

He lowered his head, whispering to the baby, "Apne angels ke liye aisa bhi kar sakta tha."

"Aur ghar pe kya kehte?" Naina was amused.

He gave her a smug grin, "Sameer Maheshwari ko kam mat samjho madam. Kuch planning kar leta."

"Jaise godh bharai mein kiya tha." She chuckled.

He shrugged, proud of what he had done, "It worked."

She could not deny that he had indeed pulled on an unthinkable plan.

Flashback

Sameer was excited when Vishakha mentioned Naina's godh bharai as she completed seven months. But his enthusiasm dampened when Rohan informed him that it would be a women only function.

"Lekin kyon?" He protested, "Mere bhi toh babies hain. Kam se kam mujhe toh aana allowed hona chahiye."

Rohan smirked, "Mujhe bhi nahi tha, jab Preeti ki godh bharai hui thi. Aapko pata nahi chala kyonki aap office mein the. Mujhe ghar mein hote hue bhi room mein band rehna pada tha."

Sameer scratched his chin thoughtfully, "Koi toh tareeka hoga... iss function ko gatecrash karne ka." His eyes lit up suddenly, "Hum bhi ladki ban ke jaa sakte hain, sar pe dupatta daal ke."

"All the best bhai." Rohan raised his hands in resignation, "Count me out. Agar pakde gaye toh mummy sabke saamne hamara band baja dengi. Sorry, main yeh risk nahi le sakta."

Sameer let out a long breath, "Sahi keh raha hai tu. It's too risky. Alag hi nazar ayenge. Mummy ek second mein pehchaan lengi."

"Thank God aapko akal aa gayi." Rohan patted his shoulder before leaving, "Function din mein hoga. Din mein waise bhi hum log office mein hote hain. You won't miss anything."

After his brother was gone, Sameer mumbled, "Of course I won't miss anything. Jab Maina taiyar hoke aati hai na, toh hosh hi udda deti hai. Aisa mauka kaise miss karunga." Chewing his lip, his mind started to conjure ideas.

Next day, at the breakfast table, he asked, "Mummy, aapne caterers ko menu de diya?"

"Menu bhi de diya aur instructions bhi." Vishakha beamed, "Saari Naina ki choice ki dishes hain. Aur ice cream ke flavours toh puch mat. Variety dekh ke Naina khushi se pagal hi ho jayegi."

Mention of ice cream got Ayush excited, "Chocolate bhi hai na?"

"Bilkul hai." Vishakha laughed, "Teri favourite ice cream na ho aisa kaise ho sakta hai."

Sameer's head jerked up, "Ayush rahega function mein?"

Vishakha gave him a strange look, "Kyon nahi rahega? Uski mumma ka function hai."

"Lekin aapne kaha tha sirf ladies allowed hain." He countered.

Vishakha waved her head at his silly query, "Offo Sameer, Ayush toh bachha hai. Uske liye koi restriction nahi hai. Meri kuch aur friends ke saath bhi chote bachhe honge. Kids ka alag play area bhi arrange karwa rahi hun, inhe busy rakhne ke liye."

"Meri wife ka function hai, mere babies ke liye. Restriction toh mujh pe bhi nahi honi chahiye." He grumbled.

Deepika, who was sitting beside him, tilted her head and whispered loud enough for Vishakha to hear, "Bhai, aapne movies nahi dekhi kya. Ghoonghat pehen ke aa jaana."

Vishakha frowned at the suggestion, "Koshish bhi mat karna. Meri friends ke aage koi drama nahi chahiye mujhe."

Sameer rolled his eyes wearily, "Yeh idea pehle hi reject kar chuke hain hum."

Deepika stared at him with wide eyes, "Matlab aapne sach mein aisa socha tha?"

"Nahi. Bilkul nahi." He straightened, conscious of his mom's piercing gaze, "Woh... maine... maine bhi movies mein hi dekha hai. Kitna absurd lagta hai."

Vishakha retorted sternly, "Movies ki baatein wahin tak rehne do. Reality mein aisa nahi hota."

Whole day in office Sameer could think of nothing else. To rub it in even more, Naina sent him a picture of her outfit that had been ordered for the occasion... in baby pink.

"Pink." He shut his eyes, rubbing his forehead, "Jaan logi kya meri, Naina."

There had to be a way.

On the day of the function, Sameer was getting dressed when Naina stepped out after her bath. As she passed him, she tossed her wet hair back from shoulder. A few drops fell on Sameer, reminding him of a time when it had happened for the first time.

"Naina." His voice came out hoarse.

"Hmm." She turned. Seeing the drops on his face and hair, she was instantly apologetic, "I'm so sorry. Maine socha hi nahi paani itni door tak gir jayega."

Quickly coming closer, she patted his shirt with her towel, before moving to his face.

His arms locked around her shoulders, "Bina soche aisi galti roz kara karo." Taking a deep inhale, he whispered, "You have no idea how hot you look right now."

A knowing smile spread on her face, "Aaj zyada pyaar aa raha hai ya... makhhan laga rahe ho? Kuch bhi kar lo, aaj ke event mein tumhare liye no entry."

He sighed, "Tum sabko bada mazaa aata hai na mujhe torture karne mein. Agar ek, sirf ek, bechara pati aa bhi jayega toh kaunsa party mein khana kam pad jayega."

She playfully rubbed his face with her towel, giggling, "Kitne bechare ho tum, yeh sabko pata hai. Chalo, jaldi se ready hoke office jao. Phir mujhe bhi ready hona hai... pink dress mein."

He groaned, "Yaad rakhna, iska badla lunga main."

She pinched his cheek, "Tum hero ho, aise villain wale dialogue mat maaro."

He rested his forehead on hers, "Iss hero ki heroine toh tum hi ho. Ho na?"

Her palms flattened on his chest, "Woh toh main hun. Bas thode extra large size ki heroine hai tumhari."

Bending down, he kissed her swollen belly, "Meri heroine sabse sundar hai."

"Tumhe pictures bhejungi." She smiled softly, knowing how much he wanted to be here. She had even asked Vishakha to organise a party like Bhalla aunty had done for Simi, where everyone was invited. But Vishakha had clearly refused, saying that it was not an acceptable custom here, and all her friends held godh bharai ritual in this manner only.

As Sameer reached the door to leave, she called out, "Sameer."

He stopped, looking over his shoulder.

She walked upto him, as fast as she could, and hugged him from behind, placing her head between his shoulders, "I'll miss you."

He pressed her hand which was over his heart, "Tum yaad kar lena, main aa jaunga."

She lifted a little, whispering in his ear, "Jaldi aana."

Turning back, he planted a soft kiss on her forehead, "Samajh lo main tumhare paas hi hun."

She caressed her belly after he was gone, "Kaash aaj tumhare papa bhi function mein hamare saath hote."

By noon, almost all women had gathered in the living area, which was decorated with twisted satin ribbons and strings of mirrors which twinkled like stars whenever they caught a ray of sunlight seeping in through windows. Colourful flimsy curtains were swaying all around, making the place look dreamy. What looked most mesmerising was the ceiling... different sizes of silver stars dangled on thin twines of varying length. Since the twine was almost invisible, it appeared that the stars had just gathered up in air.

Vishakha noticed Naina gazing at them in awe, "Yeh Ayush ki demand thi. Uske favourite stars na ho toh party complete kaise hogi."

Naina looked at her gratefully, "Thank you mummy. Aap din mein bhi Ayush ke liye taare le aayi."

Patting her cheek lovingly, Vishakha smiled, "Ayush ki baat kaise nahi maanti."

Hearing his name, Ayush hopped towards them, grabbing Naina's hand, "Aapne dekha mumma, mere wale stars kitne beautiful hain."

She cupped his face, "Dekha. Sach mein bohot beautiful hain. Sun ke saath stars pehli baar dekh rahi hun."

He grinned, "Yeh magic hai. Jaise aaj magic show wale uncle dikhayenge."

"Magic show?" Naina was surprised.

Deepika, who had just joined them, replied, "Haan bhabhi, Ayush ke alava saat aath bachhe hain toh event company ne suggest kiya ki inke liye kuch entertainment arrange kar dete hain. Magic show, games wagerah."

Vishakha smugly pointed at the other side, "Ghar pe koi itna elaborate arrangement nahi karwata. Lekin maine kaha jab chote bachhe hain party mein toh unke liye kuch special hona chahiye."

Naina looked back at the end of the room, to find a setup with small tables and chairs for children who were accompanying their mothers or grandmothers. There were baskets of toys and colouring books, along with crayon sets. There was a low table on the side as well, laden with all favourite food items of kids... cookies, cupcakes, chocolates, brownies, doughnuts, French fries, candies and lots more.

For others, tables were set with different food items ranging from delicious chaats to delectable continental to appetising tandoori. Main course was waiting in the kitchen, which comprised of different cuisines as well. Vishakha had made sure she catered to all tastes. Arranging a party was always a challenging yet most satisfying thing for her. More so, if she managed to get a new idea or a special addition to the menu. Today's event was looking fabulous, thanks to the new event managers she had hired. She was apprehensive earlier, when they approached her on their own, but their ideas won her over instantly. Seeing not just the guests but Naina too appreciating the décor, she was contented.

For the customary ritual, Naina was made to sit on the wide swing that was draped in soft cloudlike white fabric, with large bows tied on both sides. the women gave her blessings, along with a gift and complimented her for the divine glow on her face.

One of the younger woman quipped, "Sach sach kehna, yeh glow twins ki wajah se hai ya tumhare husband ka pyar hai."

Naina felt her cheeks flare up.

Another younger woman chuckled, "Inka pyar bhi zyada hi gehra hai tabhi toh ek nahi do do bachhe."

Shocked, Naina looked at Preeti, her ears burning.

Seeing her state, Preeti whispered lightly, "Arre sab aisa hi mazaak karte hain. Yaad nahi mere time bhi kitne ajeeb ajeeb se comments kar rahe the."

"Main toh inhe theek se jaanti tak nahi. Mummy ke saamne... aur baaki aunties..." Naina was mortified at being teased in front of so many elderly women. She didn't remember having heard such remarks at the time of Preeti's godh bharai. But that day, she recalled, she had to step out several times for phone calls, as a very important meeting had come up in office with an overseas client. Maybe she had missed all this. The ladies, one after the other, were going on teasing her, making her go a shade deeper with each comment.

Preeti laughed, "Take it easy. Sabki godh bharai mein chalta hai yeh sab. Isiliye men ko aana allowed nahi hai. Jisse sab maze le sakein."

For once, Naina was thankful Sameer was not around. She could not imagine how much he would have teased her later.

If only she knew...

The event company had been asked by Dhruv to contact Vishakha. He was doing so at Sameer's behest, since Sameer did not want his name to be associated with anything anywhere. Dhruv was the only name they were to be in touch with. He had instructed Dhruv to guide them about how to approach and what ideas to present. He knew exactly what would appeal to Naina, and had conveyed her choice Through Dhruv. When they had shown the samples, he was instantly floored. He had offered extra payment from his side... but on one condition.

And today, while Naina sat like a glowing moon amidst stars and clouds, blushing like a bride at the brazen remarks, he stood behind her, near the kids area... dressed as batman.

Sameer was introduced as Dhruv's friend, who was trying to gain some experience but could not reveal his face at the party as he had acted in some TV shows. The company, being fairly new in the market, was euphoric at the chance of getting into the elite circle of South Delhi. Getting paid extra was an added advantage. They did not show any hesitation to include Sameer... after all, he was doing it free of cost. The whole façade had helped him to reach here at the beginning of party, and observe the rituals while kids were busy enjoying the magic show.

When Sameer had initially thought about it, it felt absurd and undoable. But after racking his brain for a long time, this seemed to be the only option... get inside in a disguise, such that his face and head remains covered. The cape, mask, and cap hardly left any sign of his real self, except for his voice. So it was decided that none of the entertainers would be speaking on their own. A voice over artist was added to the group.

Sameer could not take his eyes off Naina when she came down. She looked ethereal, in that candy floss gown. The little tiara was something he had never seen before. It glittered in her hair, casting its sparkle on her cheeks and eyes. He felt a dryness in his throat, watching her take dainty, careful steps towards him. But halfway through, she sat on the swing, giving him a sideview. Not once she glanced at him, though her eyes had flicked over the group of children, a soft smile curving on her lips as she found them awed by the performance of magician.

Ayush clapped loudly at the magic trick, bringing Sameer's attention to him, "Saurav, tune aisa magic dekha hai pehle? Maine toh nahi dekha. Uncle ne kitne saare chocolates nikale ek glass se."

Saurav sat with open mouth, "Uncle ko bolein humein bhi sikha do? Phir humein mummy ko chocolate laane ke liye nahi bolna padega."

Ayush slapped his forehead, "Buddhu, magic toh bade hoke seekhte hain. Hum abhi school jaate hain. Mere papa kehte hain jab office jaane lagenge tab humein sab kuch samajh aayega."

Sameer smiled at his son's smart analysis. When the sound of laughter from other side reverberated, his eyes and ears quickly focussed back. Not just Naina, even he was amazed at the blatant teasing of all women. The colour on her cheeks made him sigh wistfully.

As Vishakha directed the guests for snacks, he, along with other guys in superhero costumes, did a small act but his eyes kept darting back to Naina repeatedly. Loud cheer by children made him feel somewhat guilty, but they were more than happy to see their fantasy heroes in person.

Nishit, another boy, younger than Ayush suddenly tugged at his cape. He looked down. The boy raised his small finger. Without thinking, Sameer pointed at the passage, "Wahan hai washroom."

He realised his mistake when Ayush spun around, looking everywhere eagerly.

"Kise dhoond raha hai?" Saurav asked.

Ayush scrunched his nose, "Tune mere papa ki awaaz suni? Woh aaye hain kya?"

Saurav searched around, "Yahan kisi ke papa nahi hain. Dadi aur mummy ne kaha iss party mein papa nahi jaate."

Shrugging Ayush was back to his colour book, teaching Saurav how to make clouds. Sameer let out the breath he was holding. Last thing he wanted was to be recognised.

Preeti's voice fell in his ears, "Chal Naina, chaat khaate hain."

The mention made her eyes shine, "Haan chal. Kabse dil kar raha hai. Lekin Preeti, mujhe zyada mat khane dena. Sameer hote toh khyal rakhte... Naina, yeh zyada teekha hai, Naina, paani aur mat lo, Naina khatti chatni se gala kharab ho jayega."

Preeti winked, "Sameer hai toh yahan."

He felt his heart drop down to his stomach. Had Preeti recognised him? He had not mentioned the plan to anyone except Dhruv and nanu. Preeti and Rohan had the habit of speaking without thinking, and he was scared they would spill the beans unknowingly. He needed some support at home front, if something went wrong and he needed to hide... nanu was always his saviour. So how Preeti could know, he didn't understand.

Naina narrowed her eyes, scanning the room, "Kahan hai?"

He immediately turned on his heels, his back to them.

"Idhar udhar kahan dekh rahi hai behen." Preeti giggled, making him give a discreet look over his shoulder, as Preeti pressed her index finger over Naina's heart, "Yahan hai tera Sameer."

Once again. He let out a sigh... of relief and longing.

A few minutes later, when they were walking back after having chaat, Preeti was summoned by Vishakha as Arhaan had started to cry.

"Tu yahan baith main Arhaan ko leke aati hun." Preeti rushed.

With a smile, Naina started to take slow steps towards nearby chair. Just when she was about to reach, a kid ran from behind her. Though he did not bang into her, nor she stumbled, but Sameer couldn't stop himself from clutching her elbow firmly.

Her eyes shot up.

Just for a fleeting moment, their eyes met before he looked down. The wide mask had little more than slits in the eye area, and most of his cheeks and half the chin was covered. There was no way anyone could identify him.

"Thank you." Naina said in a plain voice, "Kya aap mujhe chair tak chod denge."

Nodding, he walked with her, his head lowered.

Once she was seated, he turned and walked away quietly, without turning. Her tone was flat. She had definitely not recognised him.

After snacks, the women were engaged in some games, while kids enjoyed a comic act by two guys dressed as Tom and Jerry. In between, superheroes had to keep making friendly appearances. At one time, Sameer forgot about his role, as he was busy admiring his Naina who was laughing at something that Preeti said. Suddenly, her head lifted, and her eyes fell on him. Tugging at his mask, Sameer turned.

The person who played superman nudged him, "Yaar tu kya kar raha hai. Teri entry thi. Mujhe jaana pada. Aise kaam karega toh team mein nahi rakhenge."

"Sorry." He muttered.

Though he wasn't next to her, Sameer was happy that whole of the function, he could be around Naina. As the party came to an end, he had to leave with rest of the team, but not before Vishakha came over and thanked all of them.

He fidgeted with the end of his cape as his mother looked from one to another, "Aap sabne hamari party ke liye jo bhi acts kiye, bachhon ko bohot achhe lage. Thank you. Please, khaana kha ke jaaiye." She turned to Ramdhari, "Dekhna sab khana khake hi jaayein."

Sameer whispered to the coordinator, "Sir, mujhe ek shoot ke liye late ho raha hai. Main nikalta hun."

The man looked at him strangely, "Bina khaaye? Koi koi hi party ki feast offer karte hain. Jahan mauka mile chodna nahi chahiye."

"Jee sir, lekin ek din ke khaane ke liye main roz ki daal roti toh nahi chod sakta na." Sameer made a sad face.

The guy patted his shoulder, "Theek hai. Ab tumhari kismat mein nahi hai yeh sab toh kya kahein. Lekin yeh costume wapas kar dena. Warna tumhare ghar aana padega iske paise lene."

Sameer shook his head, "Nahi sir, aapko mere ghar nahi aana padega. Costume shaam tak office mein pohoch jayega."

Quickly getting into Uber as he stepped out of the house, Sameer smirked, taking off the mask, "Bach gaye."

The driver gave him a suspicious look. Sameer frowned, then took out his phone. Looking at the driver through the mirror, he spoke loudly, "Kaushal, meeting kitne baje hai. Saare papers ready kar liye na. New York wale order ka dispatch ensure karna. Main raaste mein hun, bas fifteen minutes mein pohoch jaunga."

When he found driver's eyes still on him, he flicked his brows, "Kya? Kabhi batman nahi dekha pehle?"

The driver shook his head in negative.

"Dekhoge bhi nahi." He muttered under his breath.

In the evening, when he entered the house, Ayush was in the living room with nanu.

"Papa." He squealed, "Aaj kitna mazaa ayaa pata hai. Humne magic show dekha, Tom and jerry ko bhi real mein dekha."

Nanu tapped a finger to his forehead, "Aur kaun tha... kaunsa man... mujhe yaad nahi aa raha."

Ayush clapped, "Superman, spiderman aur haan batman bhi. Papa, sab hamare ghar aaye the. Wahan pe." He pointed at the place where Sameer was just two hours back.

"Achha." He shrugged, "Mujhe kaise pata. Mujhe toh kisi ne aane hi nahi diya."

Ayush exclaimed, "Main aapko sab kuch bataunga. Saari party ki baatein. Phir aapko bhi aisa lagega ki aap party mein aaye the."

Nanu bobbed his head, "Haan bhai, sab bata do. Sameer ko aisa lagna chahiye ki woh party mein tha."

"Nanu." Sameer drawled.

Nanu winked, "Ayush, pehle papa ko fresh hone de. Baad mein batana."

As Ayush got busy with nanu, Sameer jumped two stairs in each step, rushing to his room.

Naina laid in bed, back in her kaftan.

"Aa gaye tum." She said, without opening her eyes.

He smiled as he leaned to kiss her tummy, "Hi babies, mumma ne aapko zyada pareshan toh nahi kiya."

Naina opened her eyes, "Main pareshan karti hun ya yeh dono."

He patted her cheek, "Kaisa tha function?"

"Boring." She said wearily, "Na khaana achha tha na company."

He was about to say that she had thoroughly enjoyed herself but better sense prevailed, and he gave a questioning look, "Kyon, mummy ne toh kaha catering achhi thi."

She struggled to sit up. He was by her side instantly, Helping her get up, and placed a pillow behind her. Once she sat comfortably, she looked at him, "Catering toh phir bhi theek thi par events company bilkul bekar thi."

"Achha." He started to open the buttons on his cuff, avoiding her eyes, "Achhe games nahi the kya?"

"Bachhon ke liye nahi the. Sirf ek magic show tha." She twisted her mouth.

"Aur bhi toh..." He paused, halting his instant reply, and said slowly, "Ayush keh raha tha kuch cartoon... umm... haan, Tom and Jerry ka live show tha."

"Sirf utna hi." Her voice was lower.

He glanced up. She looked into his eyes intently. A corner of his lower lip went under his teeth, unsure of what she was trying to do... she couldn't know... it wasn't possible.

Bringing her hand to his face, she placed a thumb on his chin, pulling his lip, "Batman aise nahi karta."

Sameer stared at her in stunned silence... till she broke into a laugh.

He gulped, "Tum... tumhe... kya nanu ne..."

"Nanu ko bhi pata tha?" She was surprised.

He nodded, "Nanu ne nahi... toh kaise... kya..."

She cupped his face with both hands, "Buddhu, kya main tumhara touch bhi nahi pehchanungi?"

He gaped at her.

"Jab tumne mera haath pakda, tabhi samajh gayi thi. Aur tumhari aankhen, unhe main andhere mein bhi pehchan sakti hun, mask mein toh phir bhi cutout tha." Leaning, she pecked his lips.

He gathered her in his arms instantly, nuzzling in her hair, "Oh Naina. Main kaise nahi aata. Tum itni sundar lag rahi thi, itni sundar ki iss batman ke hosh udd gaye."

She chuckled, "Waise bure toh tum bhi nahi lag rahe the. Aaj se mujhe... batman pasand hai."

He drew back, frowning, "Koi zarurat nahi hai, kisi batman watman ko pasand karne ki. Woh sirf costume tha. Main tumhara Sameer hi hun."

She waved her head in resignation, "Sab kuch kar sakte ho par jealous hona nahi chod sakte."

Flashback ends

I had skipped this ritual earlier, but on popular demand, I bring it as flashback ❤️

Next update on Sunday