Title is the song 'Baarish' from music video of the same name by Stebin Ben

Dr Amrita picked up a doppler and covered it with the same gel she had used on the probe. After slightly moving it around on Naina's bump, she pressed it at one point. Silence in the room was broken by a rhythmic sound...

Thump... thump... thump...

Two pairs of inquisitive eyes shot up.

Dr Amrita smiled, "Baby ki heartbeats."

If they were mesmerized till now, this completely flabbergasted them, mostly Sameer. He had been reading the journal since last few weeks but nowhere he had read that such a thing could be experienced.

While he was still lost in the heavenly sound, Naina asked worriedly, "Yeh toh ek hi hai."

Dr Amrita, expecting this question, had already started to move the doppler to other side of her abdomen. No sooner she pressed it again, a similar sound boomed in the room, since the machine was connected to a speaker. This time, however, the sound was not as symmetric as earlier... it was like the baby's heart was a horse, galloping wild.

Sameer's heart filled with anxiety, "Heartbeat itni fast kyon hain? Doctor, koi problem toh nahi hai na? Baby ko..."

Dr Amrita raised a hand to put an end to his trail of apprehensions, "Babies ki heartbeat fast hi hoti hain. It's normal."

Naina furrowed her brows, "Toh pehle wali aisi kyon nahi thi?"

Doctor pointed at the screen, "Uss baby ki position peeche ki taraf hai. Isliye uski heartbeat humein clearly nahi suni. Lekin yeh wala upar hai. Machine ne iski heartbeats achhe se catch kar li."

After putting the doppler away, she smiled at both of them, "Aapke dono babies kaafi active hain. It's a good sign. Nothing to worry. Development check karne ke liye ab hum har teen chaar weeks mein sonography karenge."

The momentary relief at her words was again replaced by worry for Naina, "Lekin Preeti ki toh itni baar nahi hui."

"Kyonki Preeti ki single pregnancy thi." Dr Amrita replied, "Twins ke case mein regularly monitor karna padta hai. Jaise jaise babies badhte hain, unhe jagah kam padne lagti hai. Aise mein ensure karna padta hai ki ek ki position se doosre ko koi harm na ho."

The clarification eased their worries. After giving them one last look at the little ones on the screen, doctor turned the monitor towards herself and started typing on the narrow keyboard. The assistant helped Naina clean up the gel from her tummy and fix her clothes before they left the room.

Neither Naina nor Sameer could erase the hazy image from their minds even while they were seated in Dr Amrita's cabin after the sonography. It was one thing knowing that two lives were taking shape inside her body but it was an entirely different experience to see them moving and listening to their heartbeats.

Doctor gave them a detailed talk about the difference between single and twin pregnancy. Some doubts that Naina had, which made her different from Preeti, cleared up as she comprehended it was all because she was expecting twins. The doctor also told her a few situations which needed her to come to hospital immediately.

"Main tumhe dara nahi rahi. Bas tumhari aur babies ki safety ke liye bata rahi hun." She stated gently when she saw tensed faces of would be parents.

A nurse brought a file, along with a large manila envelope. Handing both the things to Sameer, Dr Amrita mentioned, "Maine kuch vitamin supplements add kiye hain. Aaj se hi start karne hain. Aur diet ka poora khyal rakhna. Fresh, nutritious meals at regular intervals are very important."

Sameer bought the new medicines from hospital pharmacy before assisting Naina to the car. Carefully placing the file, sonography report and the bag of medicines on the back seat, he took to the wheel, feeling contended as against the edgy state that he was in while driving here.

The connection that he had felt right from the first moment he had come to know of Naina's pregnancy had become much stronger today. He wondered how it was possible to love someone more when you already loved them with all your heart, your entire being. He smiled... it was possible. His love for Naina, which seemed to overflow his heart in the beginning, had only been growing with time. Taking a deep breath, his hand reached out to her.

"Stop!" It was an almost inaudible but strong hiss.

His head jerked towards Naina. Her eyes were scrunched shut, her lips pressed in a thin line.

"Naina." He gasped in horror, "Kya hua? Are you..."

"Stop." Her voice quivered, but her eyes didn't open.

Immediately pulling over at the side of the road, he snatched open his belt. Before he could bolt out of the car towards her side, she grabbed his arm. He looked at her in panic.

"I'm fine." Staring at him with tearful eyes, she managed to utter.

He had barely opened his mouth when she flung herself at him... and burst into tears. His arms instantly wrapped around her. Sitting on different seats, it wasn't a very comfortable position yet he tried to soothe her. She said she was fine, which meant there was no pain or discomfort physically. That ruled out, he fathomed it was her pregnancy hormones which triggered this bout. He hoped it was just that, still it tormented his heart to see her in this state.

"Naina, jaan, bolo toh kya hua? Mujhe laga tum bohot khush hogi, jaise main hun." He spoke in a gentle tone, stroking her back.

If anything, he felt her sobbing harder against his chest. Unable to bear it, he cupped her face and kissed her deep. Her sobs got lost in his mouth. Within seconds, her shock dissipated, and she kissed him back. Only when he did not feel her hiccups anymore did he pull away, but kept her face within his palms.

"Tumne dara diya mujhe. Ro kyon rahi thi?" He asked in a smooth, gentle voice.

She knew why he had kissed her. It wasn't a kiss of passion... he had kissed her to calm her, to soothe her, to tell her that he was with her, to assure her that all was well.

Looking at him with damp eyes, she smiled, "Sameer... I can't believe it. Aaj sonography mein dono ko dekh ke laga... koi sapna hai." Her hand went over her belly protectively, "I wish sab kuch aisa hi rahe."

Letting out an exhale, he grazed his thumbs over her cheeks, "Aisa nahi, isse bhi better hoga, jab yeh dono born honge."

Her eyes twinkled as she thought about that time, "Dono... hamare dono babies. It... it feels unreal."

"Pata hai do kyon hain?" He lowered his voice, as if telling a secret.

She furrowed her brows, "Matlab? Kabhi kabhi twins hote hain... isliye."

He shook his head, "Isliye, jisse hum dono ki ladai na ho, ki kaun baby ko pakdega, kaun uske saath khelega, kaun baby ka favourite hoga." Moving back, he smugly pulled his collars, "Maine hi bhagwanji se kaha tha ki dekho, ek se hamara kaam nahi chalega, humein kam se kam do chahiye... dono ka ek ek."

She stared at him for a moment, then chuckled, "Tum na, poore pagal ho."

He leaned to kiss her forehead, "Aur tum iss pagal ki pagl...  jo khushi ki baat pe bhi ro deti hai."

"Buddhu, yeh khushi ke aansu the." She smiled lovingly.

He shrugged, "Khushi ke aansu Khushi ko hi bahane do. Kaun hai yeh Khushi jo apne aansu meri Naina ko de rahi hai? Usse bolo naam khushi hai toh khush rehna seekhe, aansu se break up kar le."

She waved her head, laughing, "Sach mein pagal ho."

She was back to her chirpy self when he started the car.

*****

Monsoon had finally hit Delhi, and it had been raining since last two days. Sameer had put up two easy chairs on his terrace, along with a small table. Since Naina liked to spend time out there, he didn't want her to stand. That is where he found her on a Sunday afternoon when he came out of the washroom after freshening up post a game of badminton with Ayusb. Throwing his towel on the couch, he walked out to join her, taking the other chair. The sky was overcast with dark clouds. A pleasant breeze had replaced the unbearable heat of last few weeks. "Lagta hai aaj bhi baarish hogi." He looked up at the looming cloud cover.

"Hmm."

The thought refreshed several memories, making his eyes twinkle, "Baarish ke saath kitni khoobsurat yaadein hain na hamari."

"Hmm."

All the images of the times when he had seen her soaked in rain became vivid in his mind... the first time at her house, when he had stayed back for Ayush... the night when his car had broken down and they both got drenched... the time when she had worn that yellow saree and danced to the most sensuous rain song of Bollywood 'Tip tip barsa paani'... and several occasions after that when they had together soaked in the rains, or rather burned together. Yes, with her, he could live the lyrics of the song 'paani ne aag lagayi'.

The memories were innumerable. But each one had the same effect, leaving him breathless. As if in answer to his thoughts, it started to drizzle. Seated under the awning, Sameer leaned to catch some drops on his stretched arm.

"Aaj phir se tumhare saath bheegne ka dil kar raha hai." He let out a wishful sigh.

When he didn't get an answer, he looked at her. Sitting with crossed arms, she was looking straight ahead. His brows creased... was this a look of anger?

Straightening up, he cleared his throat, "Achha lag raha hai na, yahan baarish mein baithna."

"Hmm." The same monosyllable confirmed that she was indeed annoyed over something.

He shifted his chair slightly, to face her, "Naina, tum theek ho na?"

"Hmm." Her lips remained pressed together as she hummed again.

He dragged the chair closer, placing a hand on her knee, "Tum mujhse baat kyon nahi kar rahi?"

Taking a deep breath, she finally opened her mouth, without looking at him, "Mujhe nahi karni."

"Lekin kyon?" He was befuddled.

"I don't want to." She shrugged, throwing him a dry look before again shifting her gaze to a vacant point ahead.

He put a hand on her cheek to turn her face towards him, panic evident in his voice, "Naina, kya hua tumhe? Mujhse naaraz ho? Please batao maine kya kiya. Jaan, please mujhse baat karo na."

Nothing showed on her face at first, then a hint of childlike anger surfaced in her eyes, "Sab kuch tumhari marzi se hoga kya? Nahi karni baat mujhe. Ab iske liye bhi tumhara koi order hai kya?"

"Order?" He was perplexed.

There was definitely something that he was missing. Naina was miffed, for sure... and it was with him, almost sure... but he had no idea why, hundred percent sure.

"Umm Naina, kuch... kuch hua hai kya? Maine... mujhse kuch galti hui?" He gulped.

Her lips stretched in a fake smile , "Tum kaise galti kar sakte ho? Tumhe toh sab kuch pata hai. Bewakoof toh main hun."

He knew he was in trouble. He didn't know why, which was even more dangerous.

Giving her his most innocent smile, he said sweetly, "Tumhe bewakoof samajhne wala khud sabse bada bewakoof hoga. Aur woh main toh bilkul nahi hun. Jaan, tumhe pata hai na main tumhari har baat ki kitni value karta hun."

She pressed her lips together and looked away, clearly not impressed.

He tugged at her arm, trying to get to her hands, but she kept them crossed over her chest, not budging. Placing one hand on her leg, he made another attempt in a helpless voice, "Naina, please batao kya hua. Mujhe sach mein nahi pata tum kis baat pe gussa ho."

He noticed the column of her throat move as she swallowed, a sign that she was melting. He instantly kneeled in front of her, holding her arms, "I'm sorry sweetheart. Maine jo bhi galti ki hai please uske liye maaf kar do. I promise phir se nahi karunga."

Her eyes slowly shifted to him, a softness clouding her angry glare. Raising her brows she asked, "Promise phir se aisa nahi karoge?"

He shook his head vigorously, like a child.

"Meri baat maan jaoge?" Her tone remained same.

He too nodded with same earnestness.

"Next time mujhe nahi rokoge!" Her voice was more of a command than a demand.

His head swayed in negative... till his brows furrowed, "Wait... what? Maine kab roka tumhe?"

"Subah." Her chin went up defiantly.

His mind raced back to recall everything that happened since morning. What had he done that had left her so vexed. He had woken up early, when she was still asleep. After placing a kiss on her forehead, he had gone for a jog. When he came back, everyone was at the breakfast table. After a quick shower, he had joined them. He had gone out to play badminton with Ayush, Rohan and Deepu while Preeti had helped Naina up the stairs. An hour later, when he came to the room, he found her here, sitting alone and sulking.

"Aaj subah se toh hamari theek se baat tak nahi hui." He looked back at her, his face writ with confusion, "Tum kabki baat kar rahi ho?"

She rolled her eyes, "Aaj ki of course. Aur kya main pichle saal ki baat pe aaj gussa houngi." Suddenly her eyes stretched, "Tum sach mein mujhe bewakoof samajhte ho na, jo ek saal pehle ki baat pe aaj jhagda karegi."

"Nahi nahi nahi jaan." He mentally kicked himself for taking her in reverse gear, "Main bas itna puch raha tha ki kis baat ke liye roka maine. I mean, main thoda bhulakkad hun, mujhe yaad nahi aa raha kuch."

She focussed on the same vague point, "Tumne mummy ko manaa kiya mujhe chips dene ke liye. Mummy ne bola Sameer ka strict order hai isliye woh mujhe bilkul nahi dengi."

Slowly, it all started making sense. He remembered the brief conversation with his mom just when he was headed for his room.

Flashback

"Sameer, Naina se puchna usse kuch chatpata khaana hai toh main lunch mein banwa dungi." Vishakha stopped him at the bottom of stairs.

"Kyon mummy, Naina ne aisa kaha kya? Aajkal woh yeh sab kam hi khaati hai. Acidity ho jaati hai na." He said.

"Haan lekin kabhi kabhi mann kar jaata hai. Abhi subah neeche aayi toh spicy wale chips dhoondne lagi. Last time jab usse khake pet dard hua tha tab maine baaki ke packets store room mein rakhwa diye the." She chuckled, "Naina khud chote bachhe jaisi lag rahi thi jab maine usse kaha ki humne ghar pe laane hi band kar diye spicy chips. Usne pucha kyon toh maine keh diya Sameer ka order hai ki Naina ko yeh sab mat dena. Sach Sameer, Ayush ki tarah muh phula liya tha usne."

He gave an indulgent smile, "Naina ko aise naaz nakhre karte kabhi nahi dekha, isliye ab woh jo bhi karti hai bohot achha lagta hai."

Vishakha patted his cheek, "Haan par jo dil kare woh khaana chahiye. Subah isliye manaa kiya ki tab tak breakfast bhi nahi kiya tha. Aur woh chips fried bhi hain spicy bhi. Agar uska dil hai toh main alu ke fresh chips bake kar dungi."

Flashback ends

Just to be sure, he asked hesitantly, "Tum chips wali baat ke liye gussa ho?"

"Congratulations, tumhari yaddasht wapas aa gayi." She flashed a sarcastic smile.

"Oh Naina." He lowered his head to rest his face in her lap, partly relieved that it wasn't something major, and partly dreading how he would handle her sour mood. Seconds later, he lifted his face and dropped a kiss on her tummy.

She placed a hand on her bump, "Dekha babies, kitne chaalu hain tumhare papa. Pehle toh woh nahi khaane dete jo tumhe chahiye phir pyar dikhate hain. Tum inki baaton mein mat aana."

He pouted, "Papa tumse utna hi pyar karte hain jitna mumma karti hain. Isiliye nahi chahte ki mumma ko ya tumhe koi takleef ho."

She gave him an accusing glance, "Toh phir manaa kyon karte ho, kabhi ice cream ke liye, kabhi chaat ke liye, kabhi chips ke liye? Pata hai na yeh sab main apne liye nahi kha rahi. Babies ki demand hai."

He pursed his lips, "Lekin jab tumhe acidity ya nausea hota hai tab babies ke saath saath tumhe bhi pareshani hoti hai na. Sirf isliye manaa karta hun. Aur woh bhi hamesha nahi. Jab tum teen chaar ice cream ke baad aur maangti ho tab rokta hun, jab ek saath saare chaat items khaana chahti hi toh kehta hun, aur aaj khaali pet tum itne spicy chips maang rahi thi isliye mummy ne bola."

She looked at her tummy, "Dadi maa ne isliye bola kyonki papa ne unhe manaa kiya hai. Papa ko bas order dena aata hai."

He cupped her face, "Nahi sweetheart, aisa nahi hai. Hum sab tumhari health ke liye worried rehte hain. Tumhe pata hai mummy ne upar aate waqt mujhse kya kaha?"

He repeated what Vishakha had told him to ask. Naina heard him with a straight face. But when he pinched his throat, to assure her that he wasn't lying, her eyes filled up with guilt.

"I'm sorry Sameer." She scrunched her eyes in frustration, "Main sach mein bewakoof hun. Kuch bhi sochne lagti hun." Holding her ears, she looked at him apologetically, "Please, maaf kar do mujhe. Ab kabhi tumse gussa nahi houngi."

With a smile, he pulled her hands down, "Husband se ruthna biwi ka haq hota hai. Ruko, main mummy ko bata deta hun ki baked chips bana dein."

She flashed a bright smile as he called up his mom and asked her the same.

Just as he disconnected, the clouds behind them rumbled, and the drizzle changed into a downpour all of a sudden. Naina pulled at his shoulder, "Tum yahan chair pe aa jao warna bheeg jaoge aur sardi ho jayegi."

His earlier thoughts made a comeback as he felt a few raindrops reach his back. He stood up, and held out a hand to her. She placed her palm in it without hesitation, thinking that he wanted to take her inside too. But he stood at the edge of covered space, one arm around her shoulders, other palm holding hers.

"Thodi der pehle main yaad kar raha tha woh saare moments jo baarish ne humein diye the." His voice dropped, "Jab tumne paani mein aag laga di thi."

Her gaze shot up at him. The darkness in them brought a rush of colour to her cheeks.

"Dhatt." She looked away, hiding her smile.

His curled finger under her chin made her look up again, "Jab tumne uss yellow saree mein dance kiya tha... tip tip barsaa paani..." His voice turned hoarse at the memory, "...tab mujhe pata chala saawan mein aag ka kya matlab hota hai."

The caramel of her eyes sparkled with another memory, "Mujhe tab pata chala jab... jab tum Bhalla aunty wale ghar mein aaye the... baarish mein bheege hue."

His breaths started to get erratic as that night ran like a movie in his mind. He lifted the hand he was holding and placed it on his chest, over his heart, "Yeh dekho, sirf khyal se hi mere dil ka kya haal ho raha hai."

Her eyes drifted down to her hand under which his heart hammered wildly. Her own wasn't much different. Her gaze started to rise up slowly. The collared tshirt had buttons but he had left them open. Her hand moved from his heart, her fingers brushing over his skin that was visible between button panels. As she traced the base of his neck with the back of her fingers, he swallowed. Her eyes darted to the movement of his adam's apple. Keeping her palm on the side of his neck, she ran her thumb delicately over it. His skin burst into goosebumps. Holding his arm with other hand for support, she raised her heels and planted a kiss over it. He let out a groan. Her lips did not lose contact with his skin, travelling up to his stubbled jaw. She left a trail of small kisses from his neck to his jaw to the ear. As her teeth scraped against his earlobe, he could take it no more.

"Naina." He breathed in a voice thick with passion.

When her eyes met his, their smouldering darkness made her shiver... in anticipation. Catching his arm, she pulled him out of the covered part. The heavy deluge drenched them to the skin in no time. But the water did nothing to douse the fire that she had kindled in him. If anything, the drops stuck on her lips made him more impatient to claim what was his... and he did.

Their lips met with a fierce need, fueled by the memories of their previous trysts, and by the feel of each others heated closeness. It didn't matter who was in control, it didn't matter who dominated... they both equally sought what they needed and gave what the other desired, having learned precisely what pleased the other. Only when they couldn't breathe did they part, panting as they looked at each other with hooded eyes. His gaze travelled down to her form. The light coloured sundress was now stuck to her skin. Her rounded belly only made her more desirable. The feeling of having her in his arms, drenched in the rain, being able to touch her, kiss her, show his love in whichever form he desired filled his heart with such intense ardour that he didn't know what to do with it.

As if she could sense his desperation, Naina pulled his head down, capturing his lips for another stirring kiss that made him melt in her arms, in spite of the pelting rain. The fire shot off from her body into his, reaching his heart which exploded with the need to drown in the heat of their desires.

He abruptly pulled away, bent down and scooped her up in his arms. Her arm slipped behind his neck, other hand rested over his chest, which heaved with his quickened heartbeat. Carefully, he stepped inside, putting her down on the rug.

"Door." Her voice was a low, raspy whisper.

He was glad he had bolted it when he came in earlier. He didn't want to get away from her now, even for a second. In a swift motion, he pulled his tshirt over his head, throwing it on the floor. Her wet cheeks glowed with a darker shade of red, but her eyes roved over his bare chest, as mesmerised as the first time she had seen him like this, without any hesitation. Picking the towel that he had left on the couch, he urgently dabbed her hair, lest she caught a cold in this condition.

"Tum saath ho na... mujhe thand nahi lagegi." She looked into his eyes, reading his thoughts accurately.

Indeed, the room did turn hot as they gave in to the yearning of their mind, body and soul for each other. Time stood still as the powerful beats of their hearts fell into a beautifully paced rhythm, drenching them in love... yet again.

It's been three years today since I started spinning the tales of Samaina. Yes, today marks the third anniversary of beginning of KTNM. It feels unbelievable that I've been continuously writing for last three years. It is only because of the love that you all have showered on me consistently that has given me the courage to go on. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the comments, messages and dms that I receive from my lovely readers, who have remained invested in my stories in spite of my bad habit of not knowing when to stop 😁

Today's update also celebrates the anniversary of Tip tip barsa paani

Thank you everyone ❤️ each one of you have been phenomenal in building my confidence. Cannot tell you how much I cherish this family of mine 🤗 Love you always

Next update on Saturday