Title is the song 'Kesariya' from audio teaser of 'Brahmastra'

Sameer was filling up the bottle in the kitchen, talking to Preeti who was warming up milk for Arhaan when Vishakha entered.

After putting away the cups she was carrying, she turned to her son, "Sameer, mujhe lagta hai ab Naina ko jitna ho sake stairs avoid karne chahiye. Jaise breakfast aur lunch room mein bhejti hun, main dinner bhi uske paas hi bhijwa dungi."

She had seen how strenuous it was getting for her, especially to go up. Tonight, when Sameer was helping her back, Naina seemed to have a dizzy spell. She had clutched the rail with one hand halfway through, leaning on Sameer.

Preeti worriedly looked at her, "Mummy, Naina saara din bed pe rehti hai. Sirf yehi time hota hai jab woh thoda move karti hai. Mujhe doctor ne kaha tha exercise bohot crucial hai. Aapko nahi lagta Naina ke liye din mein ek baar neeche aana exercise ka hi ek form hai. Agar aap khaana room mein bhejoge toh yeh movement bhi band ho jayegi."

Before Vishakha could reply, Sameer intervened, "Nahi Preeti, Naina ke liye exercise se zyada rest important hai. Twins ke case mein sab kuch different hota hai."

Vishakha smiled, nodding, "Tu theek keh raha hai. Maine toh isliye pehle hi tum dono ko neeche wale room mein shift hone ko bola tha. Agar ab bhi aana hai toh main kal phir se saaf karwa deti hun."

"Neeche wale room mein choti balcony hai mummy. Naina suffocated feel karegi. Upar terrace pe baithne se usse achha lagta hai. Aajkal toh raat ko bhi ghabrahat se uth jaati hai. Aapko pata hai, hum log ab bhi fan chalate hain." Sameer informed. He had initially been skeptical about keeping the fan on in late November, but the way Naina sweated, and twisted all night in bed, he decided to go ahead, wearing a sweatshirt himself. Last thing he wanted was to catch a cold which would make him stay away from her.

Preeti was surprised, "Tumne doctor se pucha itni garmi kyon lagti hai? BP toh theek hai na?"

"Normal hai." He explained, "Twins ke liye body ke changes single pregnancy se zyada intense hote hain, chahe physical ho, hormonal ya metabolism maintain karne ke liye. Dono babies ki growth ke liye extra blood form hota hai jisse heart rate badh jaata hai. Uska flow tez hota hai toh body ka temperature high ho jaata hai. Upar se itne weight ke saath har movement ke liye extra effort chahiye."

Preeti looked at him in wonder, "Tumhari doctor ne itna sab bataya? Meri wali kabhi detail mein explain nahi karti thi. Bas itna bol deti thi ki hota hai, nothing to worry about."

Sameer could not tell her that he had acquired all knowledge from the file that Dr Amrita had shared with him. But it was also true that she herself was very forthcoming about every problem they discussed. He smiled, "Dr Amrita har baat clear karti hain. Hum choti se choti problem ke liye bhi unhe phone karte hain toh achhe se samjhati hain, hum dono ko. She's very good."

Vishakha patted his cheek, smiling, "Isiliye aadha doctor tu hi ban gaya hai."

He pursed his lips, suddenly conscious of the way he had narrated everything. It did sound like a doctor's explanation. Thankfully, no one teased him about it. Vishakha again insisted that Naina should not take the stairs unless it's for their hospital visits.

"Tum chinta mat karo. Hum din bhar uske room ke chakkar lagate rehte hain. Usse lonely feel nahi hone denge." Preeti affirmed.

Sameer nodded in agreement before placing the filled bottle in the fridge and picking the one which was chilled. Naina preferred chilled water.

Later, as he supported her with an arm around her shoulder while they were walking along the length of the terrace, she looked up at the starlit sky, "Dekho Sameer, aaj kitne saare stars dikh rahe hain."

Winter rain two days back had cleared the air of pollution and smog, making the sky more visible.

He pointed at the brighter stars, "Woh dekho, papa mumma apne grandchildren ko celebrate kar rahe hain, apne friends ke saath."

Her eyes twinkled as she looked in the direction he was pointing, "Unhe toh pata hoga na ki unke grandchildren boys hai ya girls."

He shrugged, "Of course. Dhyan se dekho. Tumhe stars pink colour ke lagenge. Matlab samajhti ho na?"

She peered carefully, falling for it for a moment, then huffed, "Pink stars? Tum apni aankhen check karao."

He winked, "Jabse tumne mujhe pink sunglasses gift diye the, mujhe sab kuch pink hi nazar aata hai."

She let out a weary laugh, "Achha ab andar chalte hain. Main thak gayi."

After she had been to the washroom and had settled on the bed, she asked him, "Sameer, sach batana, agar ek bhi girl nahi hui toh?"

He took her hand and placed a kiss on her palm, "Toh main tumhe apni princess bana lunga."

She eyed him with a solemn expression, "Tumne ek baar kaha tha... iss baar nahi toh next time... did you..."

He quickly shook his head, "Sweetheart, hamare paas Ayush hai, aur ab yeh dono aa jayenge. There will be no next time."

She kept staring at him, wondering if he was saying it because he didn't want her to go through all this again or he really felt that whatever they'll have would be enough.

He took her hands in his, speaking in a low voice, "Agar ek aur chance liya aur phir se twins hue toh... kuch toh country ki population ke baare mein socho yaar."

She blinked, till he let out a spurt of laugh. Pursing her lips, she smacked his arm, "Kuch apne baare mein bhi soch lo. Paanch bachhon ke papa banke kaise lagoge."

He raked his fingers through his hair smugly, "Main toh itna hi handsome lagunga, paanch bachhe ho ya dus."

Her eyes widened as she clasped her mouth, a lod gasp still escaped.

He chuckled, "Kidding. Aisa koi plan nahi hai."

Another smack hit his chest.

That night, Naina prayed not just to bhagwanji but her parents and naniji too... asking them to grant Sameer's wish of a daughter.

Next morning, he told her about Vishakha's concern. Initially Naina was not ready to eat all her meals in the room. That was the only time she could be with the family, after staying in the room for whole day. Though someone or the other kept her company most of the times... Deepika checked on her regularly, Preeti often came in with Arhaan, her meals, snacks and whatever she needed was usually brought by Vishakha, and Ayush hopped in every now and then, to tell her about his school, show her the homework or just to talk to the babies. But having dinner together made her feel better. When Vivek and Rohan discussed office related issues with Sameer, she felt connected to work. Though Sameer and Rohan had stopped their banters when she mentioned to both of them about the impression it was creating on Ayush, they still sometimes pulled each other's leg which she enjoyed. Deepika's chatter about her college was fascinating too. Vivek and Vishakha's fussing about her food and health fulfilled the place of her parents. And nanu... his presence always made her feel calm and relaxed. Being with all of them, basking in the care and concern they all showed to her, she felt blessed.

But she agreed with Vishakha's suggestion. The dizzy spells she had experienced in last two days were scaring her. While Sameer was away, she had spoken to the doctor, who said she shouldn't be moving around unless someone was with her.

"Tumne subah wali tablets le li na?" Sameer's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Nodding, she realised the pressure on her bladder, and started to get up.

"Kahan jaa rahi ho?" Sameer was next to her instantly.

"Aur kahan, washroom. Kabhi kabhi lagta hai wahin apna bed laga lun. Din raat chakkar lagate lagate thak gayi hun." She sighed wearily, lifting her heavy form with his help.

He kissed her temple, "Bas paanch che weeks baaki hain. Uske baad yeh dono tumhe andar se nahi, bahar aake pareshan karenge."

In spite of all the inconvenience she was facing, her lips curled into a smile as she stroked her belly, "Main pareshan nahi hun, bas helpless feel karti hun ki khud se uthna baithna bhi mushkil ho gaya hai."

She didn't want to tell him that this dependency reminded her of the time when she had just come out of coma, and her mom helped her around with everything. She hated the comparisons, but however hard she tried, something or the other rustled up the memories of the days she didn't want to remember. It did dent her confidence sometimes, making her anxious about what was in store for them. It was Sameer's soothing words that always pulled her out of the gloom.

When Sameer left for office, Deepika was already in the room, it being a holiday in her college.

"Bhabhi, aapko pata hai mere kisi friend ke twin nephew nieces nahi hain. Siblings tak nahi. I'll be the first one. I'm so excited." She chirped in glee.

"Abhi excitement ho rahi hai lekin jab Arhaan ke saath yeh dono bhi Deepu bua Deepu bua kehke peeche peeche ayenge tab mat bolna 'Bhabhi, double trouble'." Naina chuckled.

"Not at all." Deepika said confidently, "Main toh ekdum cool bua banungi. Aap aur Preeti bhabhi hi complaint karoge ki aapke bachhe aapke paas rehne se zyada mere paas rehna chahte hain."

Naina nodded thoughtfully, "Oh toh tum nanny banne wali ho sabki. Mummy ko pata hai tumhari profession ki choice?"

"Mujhe kids ke saath rehna itna achha lagta hai ki main toh khushi se nanny ban jaungi. Lekin mummy ko heart attack aa jayega jab apne group mein batayengi ki unki beti ne kya profession choose kiya hai." Deepika grinned.

Naina laughed, "Tum mummy ko heart attack na hi do toh achha hai. Abhi inn sabko sambhal ke shauk poora kar lo, jab tak tumhari turn nahi aati."

Deepika blushed, "Kya bhabhi. Main abhi bohot choti hun."

Naina noticed her pink face, then asked softly, "Deepu, do you have a boyfriend?"

She shrugged, "Nahi. Ek do baar crush zarur hua hai lekin boyfriend... ab tak toh nahi bananya."

Her eyes and expression made it clear that she was telling the truth. Naina smiled, "Kyon? Apne brothers ke darr se?"

Deepika giggled, "Actually you're right. Reason dono bhai hi hain lekin isliye nahi ki mujhe unse darr lagta hai balki isliye ki main unke footsteps pe chalna chahti hun."

Naina continued to look at her, her eyes reflecting her confusion.

Shifting closer to her, Deepika elaborated, "Rohan bhai ko Preeti bhabhi school time se pasand thi, lekin unhone express nahi kiya, jab tak dono settle nahi ho gaye. Sameer bhai ne toh kisi mein interest hi nahi show kiya jab tak..." With a mischievous smile, she flicked her chin towards Naina, bringing a hint of colour to her cheeks.

Narrowing her eyes, Deepika noted, "Bhabhi, mujhe bhi lagta hai ek love story ko successful hone ke liye dono ka mature aur settled hona important hai. Warna life mein koi problem aate hi ek doosre pe blame daalna start ho jaata hai."

Her theory astounded Naina. It was a remarkable observation, coming from someone her age.

Proudly looking at her, Naina stated, "Deepu, tum toh already bohot samajhdaar ho."

Waving her head lightly, Deepika gave a sheepish smile, "Aisa kuch nahi hai bhabhi. Aap meri leg pulling kar rahi hain."

Naina took her hand between her palms, "Nahi. I mean it. Mujhe sach mein tumhare thoughts bohot impressive lage." She gave her a tentative look, "Achha ek promise karogi?"

Deepika nodded quickly, without hesitation.

"Jab bhi tumhe koi pasand ayega, ya kisi ke proposal ko tum consider karogi, toh mujhe zarur batana. Jo bhi baat ho, mere saath share karna. Tumhe koi confusion ho, ya kisi baat se pareshan ho, mujhse puch lena. Deepu, mujhe bhabhi nahi badi behen maan ke tum kabhi bhi mere paas aa sakti ho. Bolo, kya apni life mein aane wale naye chapters mein mujhe shaamil karogi?" Naina held out one hand in front of her.

Deepika grabbed it instantly, "Of course bhabhi. Aapse baat karne mein mujhe kabhi koi hesitation nahi hoti. I promise, agar meri life mein koi ayega, sabse pehle aapko bataungi."

Naina leaned back, smiling in relief. At the back of her mind, she always had a nagging worry about Deepika's safety. Being her confidante, at least she would be aware of what was going on in her world, and where she needed guidance. Though, she was sure Deepika was quite sensible and prudent, Naina always felt more responsible for her now that she was family.

After her mid morning small meal, Vishakha asked Naina to take a nap. Sleep was getting more and more elusive with each passing day. There was no position that was comfortable. When Deepika noticed her discomfort, she ran to her room. Few seconds later, she was back, armed with several pillows.

"Bhabhi, aap babies ke liye bhi pillow laga lo. Isse aapko better feel hoga." She placed the pillows on one side of Naina, all along her body. When she turned, her bloated stomach now rested on the cushion of two fluffy pillows.

Vishakha flicked her brows, "Sameer ka doctor banna samajh aata hai par tujhe yeh idea kahan se aaya?"

Deepika beamed, "Main aajkal jo show dekh rahi hun usmein bhi ek character ke twins hone wale hain. Woh aise hi soti hai."

Naina thanked her, finding it much easier to sleep on the side with her stomach resting at the same level. Even Sameer was pleased to see the arrangement in the evening. He had noticed Naina's unsuccessful struggle every day to find a position in which she could catch a few winks. Her even breathing that night brought a sense of peace to him. The only problem was, this pillow wall was right in between them. He could not even back hug now.

With a sigh, his eyes drifted to her belly. It was difficult to believe this was the same Naina who was so petite till an year back that his hands could completely circle her waist. It was indeed a wonder that skin could stretch to this extent, yet not break. Her troubles were plenty... itching, dryness, appearance of spidery veins on not just her legs and arms but on the chest too, and then there was swelling, which had been constant since last two months. Besides these visible factors, there were others issues... since her uterus pressed against all organs, both her stomach and bladder couldn't function properly. Indigestion, acidity, reflux, continued nausea till this stage... and the frequent trips to washroom. During last two visits to hospital, he had to stop midway so she could use the restroom in a restaurant. That too, when hospital was merely fifteen minutes drive from home.

And now, he had come to know from Dr Amrita that Naina had started to get dizzy spells. She had not mentioned it to him. He was furious initially, but realised why she did so... he wouldn't have left her side for a single second had she told him earlier. But he was glad she had told it to Vishakha, who was herself with her all the time or made sure that someone was in the room while he was in office.

With another five weeks to go, he wondered what more she would have to endure. The movements of babies, which were pure joy earlier, had become quite strong off late, making her twist and turn to bear the pokes. She always laughed whenever it happened, but he could see her struggle to breathe, letting out swoosh of air through mouth, panting heavily. She now walked with one hand on her belly, and one supporting her back. The pressure on spine had made it difficult to sit or walk.

He recalled how she had once put cushions on her stomach, to see how she would look in later stages. They had been happy at the false image of transformation, unaware that it would cause such immense changes in her life. His eyes fell on the cushions that they had used. Quietly getting up, he went towards the couch. There were six cushions in all. Facing the mirror, he started to place them over his abdomen one by one. Holding them in place, he walked to the cupboard with great difficulty, and pulled out one of Naina's dupatta. After he tied the cushions securely with dupatta, he looked at himself in the mirror. The bump wasn't as big as Naina's. He looked around. Only two pillows on his side of the bed seemed to be the answer. He stuffed them in his makeshift dupatta belt before checking his reflection. It wasn't satisfactory, but it was the best he could manage. Letting out a tired exhale after all the effort, he started to walk around the room. Just a few steps and he banged into the foot of the bed. Balancing himself, he placed a hand on the assortment, and moved again. Pillows and cushions were filled with fluffy cotton, hardly contributing to weight, yet his shoulders stretched and his spine bent backwards a little. Another challenge he realised when his foot hit the center table... you couldn't watch your step. What lay ahead wasn't visible anymore, with the protruding belly. A few more steps, and he knocked into the cupboard, which was in clear sight, but he was too busy holding onto his false baby bump.

"Uhh Naina. How tough it all must be." He grunted, removing the dupatta to rid himself of the cushions and pillows.

In just ten minutes, he had been frustrated. How was she coping up. No wonder the hormones messed up her mood every now and then. More than what was apparent was going on inside her body, sending her entire system into a rollercoaster ride.

Taking a deep breath, he placed the pillows back and settled on the bed. Leaning over her, he planted a feathery kiss on her head, getting back to his side immediately. Her comfort was foremost for him... at least whatever he could provide.

Next update on Thursday