Title is the song 'Jhoom' from album of same name by Ali Zafar

Her eyes shut, Naina rested her head on the seat as their car turned towards the main road after leaving the party.

Sameer glanced at her, "Tiring ho gaya na tumhare liye."

She did feel exhausted. Letting out a breath, she opened her eyes, "Lekin aana toh tha hi. Kuch social compulsions bhi hote hain."

He pursed his lips, feeling bad for forcing her. He had thought it would make her feel better, since she hardly went out these days, except their fortnightly trips to hospital. But maybe, it was a wrong speculation. Since it was a closed place, he had seen how much she was sweating in spite of powerful air conditioning. The large crowd didn't help either. He found her fidgeting consciously when a few elderly women commented that she had become unrecognizable, and advised her to keep a check on her weight. One even said that it would be difficult to shed it post delivery and then her husband would not like to be seen in her company. Though she laughed as she said the same, Naina's face fell after she was gone. Usually, she wasn't the one to bother much about her physical appearance, but probably what he was thinking in the morning was true... she had started to feel insecure lately.

Once they reached home, he offered to carry her up the stairs.

She gave him an amused look, "Iss condition mein? I'm sure mera weight tumse zyada ho gaya hoga."

He bend down, placing one arm behind her knees but she clutched his shoulder, "Nahi Sameer. Don't. I can walk. Mujhe uthaya toh hum dono gir jayenge."

He straightened, looking at her intently, "Main tumhe girne de sakta hun kya?"

A gentle smile erupted on her sweaty face as she uttered, "Kabhi nahi. Par main bhi toh tumhe takleef nahi de sakti na." He opened his mouth to refute but she held out her hand towards him, "Main sach mein khud jaana chahti hun, jisse thodi exercise ho. Bas tum mera haath pakad lo, mujhe sambhalne ke liye."

With one arm wrapped around her waist, he held her extended hand and led her up the stairs slowly. She asked him to get her night wear while she entered the wash room urgently. Few minutes later, he knocked. The door opened a crack and her arm snaked out. Her face wasn't visible. Instead of her clothes, he placed his hand in her open palm, tuned it and kissed on the back of it.

"Please Sameer, kapde de do." Her weary sigh was far from the quivering voice he had expected.

Getting closer to the door, he tried again, whispering in a husky voice, "Main help kar deta hun."

"Nahi." The reply was too sharp and quick, followed by a tired voice, "Main zyada der khade nahi reh sakti. Please."

He immediately handed her the kaftan. She was indeed tired. At present, she needed care, more than his expressions of love. He darted out of the room as she shut the door of washroom.

Naina stepped out in a vacant room. Letting out a swoosh of air, she reached the bed, and sat heavily on it. She had wanted to take a bath, owing to all the sweat, but had no energy. All she could manage was wash her face and spatter some water over herself before slipping into the comfortable nightgown. This seemed to be the only outfit that allowed her to breathe. Her gaze fell on her feet. Swollen to more than double their original form, they looked deformed. She shifted with great effort, dragging herself towards the pillow... maybe placing two pillows under them would help.

"Ruko." Sameer's voice made her look up at the door.

He was carrying a small tub which he placed near her feet. It was half filled with water. He pulled out something from his pocket and sprinkled the contents in water before kneeling down.

"Ismein pair rakho. Tumhari tiredness bhi chali jayegi aur swelling bhi kam hogi." He gently lifted both her feet, lowering them in the tub.

She closed her eyes as a wave of relief coursed through her. The water was warm, just perfect to seep out the heaviness from her legs slowly. When she felt him sitting next to her, she opened her eyes, smiling gratefully at him, "Thank you."

He grinned, "Always at your service ma'am." And winked, "Massage bhi achhi karta hun. Try karke dekho, saari thakaan phurr ho jayegi."

She let out a chuckle, "Salon kholne ka iraada hai kya, jiske liye yeh sab training le rahe ho?"

He curled a finger under her chin, bringing his face closer, "Salon kholunga bhi toh... exclusively for Naina Sameer Maheshwari. Aur main tumhara masseur... personal. Sample chahiye?"

"Dhatt." She pushed at his chest, turning her face away but he had seen the tinge of colour that spread from her neck to her face.

"Achha batao, better feel ho raha hai?" He changed the tone, asking her softly.

"Hmm." She moved her feet a bit, then gave a questioning look, "Lekin isme kuch daala na tumne... woh kya tha?"

"Salt." He proudly drew out the bottle from his pocket, "Garam paani mein salt daalke pair soak karne se swelling bhi kam hoti hai aur aaram bhi milta hai."

She gave an astonished look to the bottle of table salt sprinkler, and burst out laughing.

He frowned, "Salt hi toh hai." Then stared at it uncertainly, "Kuch aur hai kya? Table pe toh ismein salt hi hota tha pehle. Maine khud fruits pe daalke khaya hai."

She took the bottle from him, still laughing, "Salt hi hai. Par abhi tum fruits pe nahi daal rahe. Iss treatment ke liye thoda zyada chaiye hota hai." Twisting the cap, she emptied about a spoonful of salt in the water, closed it and handed back to him.

"Oh." He muttered, "Aisa toh likha nahi tha."

"Kahan nahi likha tha?" She asked casually, swaying her feet to dissolve the salt.

He quickly shook his head, "Nahi woh... ek insta post dekha tha."

She turned to look at him in astonishment... he remembered this from an insta post, and applied it when she needed it most. Fondly, she pinched his cheek, "Tum bohot cute ho."

He held her wrist, pulling her close to his face as his gaze raced between her eyes and lips, "Aur tum bohot sundar."

Just as he was about to end the distance between their lips, he felt a soft blow below his chest, followed by a hitched cry from Naina. He moved back. She had one hand on her belly, and was leaning backwards.

Looking at him with a twisted smile, she shrugged, "Lagta hai ek baby ko tumhara idea pasand nahi aaya."

His eyes darted to her belly. Placing both palms over it, he felt the rapid movements.

She leaned to the other side, grinning, "Oww, shayad dono ko hi nahi aaya."

He flashed a big smile, "Ya shayad zyada pasand aaya isiliye dono khushi se dance kar rahe hain ki unke papa unki mumma se itna pyar karte hain."

"Tum na, bachhon ko bigaad ke rahoge." She waved her head, smiling shyly.

"Ayush aath saal mein girlfriend banane ki baat kar raha hai, inhe paanch saal mein sochna chahiye. Progress, you see." He winked.

"Oh God!" She rolled her eyes, "Tumhe toh bachhon se door rakhna padega."

"No way." He leaned, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissed on the top of her belly, "Mere teeno bachhon se mujhe koi door nahi rakh sakta. Tum bhi nahi."

His head rested on her chest now, as he kept his arms around her. She lovingly weaved her fingers through his hair, "I wish teeno bilkul tum jaise ho."

He let out a relieved breath. The agitated, silent version of her was gone. She was back to her normal self. Maybe it was just the tiredness. Few minutes later, he lifted her feet, dried them with the hand towel and tucked her in bed before putting away the tub. The sleep was peaceful when she didn't object to his back hugging, rather placed his hand under her cheek.

As another week went by, the weather started to change in Delhi. With half of October gone, mornings and evenings turned pleasant with a trace of upcoming winter season. Festival season had begun, resulting in excitement all around.

It was the day of their appointment with doctor. The babies could be seen clearly in sonography now. They had been seeing the images every two weeks, but each time it left them in awe. While Naina felt overwhelmed at the progress in development of both babies, Sameer was enamoured by the fact that he would have both of them in his arms in two months time.

"Doctor, mera weight... kuch zyada nahi hai." Naina asked hesitantly after she got off the weighing machine later during the check up.

"It's a good sign." Dr Amrita noted it down in the file, "Weight gain hona important hai."

Naina carefully eased herself in the chair, wiping the sweat off her face, "Mujhe garmi bhi bohot lagti hai. I'm always sweating."

Dr Amrita looked at her with a solemn face, "Fever toh nahi aaya na?"

Sameer was quick to respond, "Nahi doctor, fever nahi hua. Par strong AC mein bhi Naina ko sweating hoti hai. Raat ko so bhi nahi paati."

The doctor explained that it happened in some cases. She stressed upon the need for more hydration and gave some suggestions to deal with the problem. When Naina excused herself to go to the washroom before leaving, Dr Amrita told Sameer to be more careful about her movements and not leave her alone if possible. She stressed upon the need for some physical activity when Sameer told her about Naina's fatigue.

"Uski energy se do babies ki development ho rahi hai. Obviously she'll feel exhausted and worn out. Par thodi exercise zaruri hai. Bas khyal rakhna ki woh khud ko force na kare." She explained.

While driving back home, Sameer asked Naina if she wanted to have ice cream.

She shook her head, "Rehne do Sameer. Ghar pe hi mangwa lenge. Mujhe kahin jaane ka mann nahi hai."

He pointed at the café where she loved to divulge in their special sundaes, "Yeh flavours ghar pe kahan se milenge. Tumhe achhe lagte hain na. Zyada time nahi lagega. Aur thoda change bhi hoga tumhare liye. Chalo na Naina."

She pursed her lips, shaking her head in negative.

He brought the car to a halt near the café, "I know tum thak jaati ho par café door thodi hai. Bas do kadam hi toh chalna hai."

Her eyes drifted outside. The café had some outdoor seating as well. She could see two couples on separate tables. Just then, a group of five six girls walked out, giggling over something. The sound made Sameer's gaze move to them. When he looked back, Naina was looking at him, a strange expression on her face.

He narrowed his eyes, "Kya baat hai Naina? Koi problem hai kya?"

Her face softened with a smile, "Kuch nahi. Main isliye keh rahi hun ki mujhe ghar drop karke tumhe office jaana hai. Aaj chutti thodi hai Mr Maheshwari jo yahan time paas karein."

He let out a sigh, remembering that it indeed was a working day. Without more argument, he started the car.

Vishakha was in the living room. She smiled pleasantly at them as they entered, "All well?"

"Jee mummy." Naina smiled back, "Doctor ne kaha hai growth perfect hai."

"Good." Vishakha nodded in satisfaction, "Chalo main tumhe room tak le jaati hun." She looked at Sameer, "Tu toh office jaa raha hai na?"

Sameer picked up his bag from the chair, "Haan mummy, main nikalta hun. Aap Naina ke liye lassi zarur banwa dena. Aur Ramdhari ko bolna lunch ke thodi der baad juice dede. Shaam ko chai nahi, milkshake bana dega. Usse kehna..."

"Bas baba." Vishakha held up a hand to interrupt his incessant list of instructions, "Naina ka khyal humein bhi hai. Aur Ramdhari... usse toh aajkal sirf Naina ki hi fiqr hai. Tere kehne se pehle hi usne yeh saari list mujhe suna di thi. Saath mein teen snacks, do baar fruits aur khaane mein iski choice ka menu."

With a sheepish grin, Sameer waved at his mom before giving a quick peck to Naina on her cheek. Leaving her blushing, he rushed out.

Vishakha chuckled at her son's over enthusiasm, "Main kabhi soch bhi nahi sakti thi yeh ladka apni wife ke liye itni choti choti baaton ka khyal rakhega." She patted Naina's cheek, "Par usse aise dekh ke bohot khush hun. Tumhara deewana hai mera beta."

And the colour on her cheeks turned deeper.

Vishakha helped her up the stairs slowly, "Achha suno, iss weekend ek Dandiya program hai. Ho sake toh thodi der ke liye chalna. Orphanage wale organise karte hain par sponsor hum log karte hain. Unke liye funds collect karne ka source hai. Tum nahi aaogi toh wahan Sameer ka mann nahi lagega."

In the evening, Naina stood in front of the cupboard, eyeing the clothes, most of which didn't fit her anymore. She spent her days at home in loose kaftans and had a few maternity outfits which she wore to hospital. They were comfortable, but simple clothes. She had not bought anything dressy, because she felt no need for such outfits. Also, nothing could look good on her in her present state. There were days when she did not even feel like looking at herself in the mirror, scared to see how much more bloated she had become. At Niharika's party, everyone looked so elegant. She really felt out of place. Even today, at the café, the girls were all dressed smart and chic, while she carried her swollen self everywhere.

Not that she resented putting on this weight, especially after Dr Amrita had assured her that her weight was directly related to her babies' health... but seeing her expanded version made her wonder how Sameer could still find her beautiful. Yet, he did. The adoration in his eyes had only increased with time. Every day, when he returned from office, he would first peck her lips then her tummy, and tell her he missed her and the babies.

That evening was the same. He grumbled when he was back home, "This is unfair Naina. Main saara din tum teeno se alag rehta hun aur tum saath mein maze karte ho. Kitna miss karta hun main apne babies aur unki mumma ko."

She pouted, "Jaise humne toh tumhe miss kiya hi nahi."

He caressed her belly, "Tum teeno saath the aur main akela. Naina, main bhi tum sab ke saath rehna chahta hun. Jitni baar yeh kick karte hain mehsoos karna chahta hun, jitni baar tumhe uthne mein takleef hoti hai tumhe help karna chahta hun, jab bhi tumhara kuch khane ka mann kare main ussi waqt laake dena chahta hun. Aur woh khake jo tumhare chehre pe smile aati hai woh dekhna chahta hun. Jab tum dono se baatein karti ho main woh saari baatein sunna chahta hun. Tumhe pata bhi nahi hai tum kitni sundar lagti ho jab hamare babies se baat karti ho."

Overwhelmed by his musings, she placed a hand on his cheek, "Tum hamare har moment mein saath hote ho Sameer. Main jab bhi babies se baat karti hun woh saari baatein bas tumhari hoti hain. Tumhe pata hai, jab main shaam ko inhe batati hun ki tum aane wale ho toh double kick karte hain."

He smiled wide, and bent down to bring his face in front of her belly. Softly stroking, he spoke in a gentle voice, "Hey kids, papa is back. Ab hum saath mein khel sakte hain."

As expected, the kicks welcomed him, making Naina hold onto his shoulder for support.

He kissed her stomach again, "Ab mujhse wait nahi hota. Bas tum dono jaldi se aa jao."

The movement could easily be seen on the top of her belly. Every time they kicked now, the bumps would appear on some part of her bloated stomach. Sameer placed both his palms on the moving bumps. I never failed to fascinate him how the little ones always reacted when he talked to them. They did not breathe inside, but they could hear, smile and be playful. It was indeed a marvel.

"Uff Sameer ab bas karo." Naina giggled. The feeling was wholesome but she was exhausted, "Main ab aur khade nahi reh sakti."

Next moment, she was up in his arms. He walked upto the bed and laid her, like he was holding a glass doll. When he looked at her, her eyes were misty. Sameer would still get overwhelmed dealing with her rapid mood swings. He could not figure out how she could go from a giggling, excited person to a crying mess in mere few seconds.

When he coaxed her, he came to know she was upset about not having anything to wear to Dandiya night, "Mummy ne kaha tha humein chalna chahiye, par main kaise jaun. Ab tumhe akele jaana padega."

"Naina, jaan, it's okay. Hum next year chal lenge. Navratri toh har saal aati hai." Sameer tried to pacify her.

Her eyes watered, "Mujhe pata hai tum mere saath nahi jaana chahte, kyonki main kisi lehenge mein fit hi nahi aati."

He took her hand in his, stroking the back of it with his thumb, "Main jahan bhi jaun, sirf tumhare saath jaunga. Kyonki tum jaan ho meri."

Instead of cheering up, tears rolled down her cheeks, "Lekin main kitni moti ho gayi hun. Itni bhaari jaan ab tumhe kaise pasand ayegi?"

Letting out the spurt of laugh that had reached his throat would have been more disastrous, so he swallowed it, trying to keep a straight face, "It's better na. Now I have more of you to love. Tum jitni moti hoti jaogi mujhe aur zyada Naina milegi pyar karne ke liye."

"Matlab main sach mein bohot moti lagne lagi hun?" Yet again, his words released a fresh deluge of tears.

Unable to think of anything, he pulled her in his arms, stroking her head, "Moti nahi tum perfect ho. Jaisa hamare babies ki mumma ko hona chahiye. Jisse dono jab paida ho toh bilkul healthy ho. Kya tum aisa nahi chahti?"

She pulled away, smiling through her tears, "Of course chahti hun. Isliye hi toh woh sab khaati hun jo mummy deti hain aur tum bolte ho. Dekhna, hamare babies kitne pyare honge." She pulled his cheeks, "Bilkul tumhari tarah."

He exhaled, "Thank God meri tarah honge. Tumhare jaise hote toh rondu hi bante."

"Achha! Main rondu?" Naina frowned, "Main rondu toh tum kudkud kumar ho. Mujhe bhi hamare babies ko tumhare jaisa kudkuda nahi banana."

With his eyes wide, Sameer pointed at his chest, "Main kudkud karta hun? Main toh hamesha khush rehta hun. Main tumhe itna pyar karta hun aur tumne mujhe aisa bola? Kisi se bhi puch lo... bas uss Rohan ke siva. Aur uske case mein bhi meri koi galti nahi hoti woh kaam hi aise karta hai. Aur kisi ne bhi keh diya na main kudkud karta hun toh... mera naam badal dena."

Naina leaned back, closing her eyes and tapping her temple thoughtfully.

Sameer made a face, "Main tumse baat kar raha hun aur tum so gayi."

She slowly opened her eyes, plastering a fake smile, "So nahi rahi soch rahi hun... tumhara naya naam. Zarurat padegi."

He blew a tired breath, "Lagta hai ab tum mujhse pyar nahi karti."

To his horror, she shook her head from side to side, "Ab main kisi aur se pyar karti hun."

Sameer felt he was hit by tons of brick. Or maybe it was nightmare. Gingerly, he pinched her arm.

"Ouch!" Naina grimaced, rubbing the point where he had pinched.

His eyes stretched to maximum limit, "Tum... tum... kya sach mein... kisi aur se..." Rest of the words died in his throat.

"Haan." She shrugged, gently placing a hand on her belly, "Babies ke papa se."

It took full one minute for Sameer to grasp.

Before he could react, Naina shifted closer to him, gliding her hands to the back of his neck, "Buddhu, tum aisa soch bhi kaise sakte ho."

And she placed her lips on his. Warmth coursed through Sameer, like tranquil rain on the momentary storm that had sprung up inside him. He soaked in her fragrance that enveloped him with its soothing comfort and revelled in her taste that filled him with ecstasy.

It was much later that it occured to him... it was Naina who needed reassurance, it was her who was insecure, it was her mood swings that he needed to placate... but whole episode turned upside down. She teased him, she riled him up, she appeased him, and she only comforted him by showing her love. Smacking himself on the side of head, he smiled as he looked at his sleeping wife. Maybe her pregnancy hormones were rubbing onto him.

Next update on Monday