Title is the song 'Chaar kadam' from movie 'PK'

At night, when Preeti and Rohan were with Naina while she played with Arhaan, Sameer went to nanu's room. Rocking slightly on the easy chair, he was engrossed in a book, his spectacles perched on his nose. A slight knock made him look up.

"Arre Sameer. Kya hua? Naina theek hai na?" Nanu put away the book in hand, surprised at his untimely visit.

Sitting cross legged at his feet, Sameer smiled, "Sab theek hai nanu. Bas aapse baat karne ka dil hua."

Taking off his spectacles, nanu placed a hand on his head fondly, "Tere dil ka darr samajh sakta hun beta. Aur teri bechaini bhi. Lekin yeh waqt ghabrane ka nahi himmat dikhane ka hai, khud se zyada Naina ke liye."

Sameer looked at him, "Main koshish kar raha hun nanu. Aur himmat, woh toh shayad Naina mujhse zyada rakhti hai. Isiliye darr lagta hai. Aaj hospital mein..." And he narrated what Dr Amrita had told him, about the complications that could come up because of Naina's past issues.

Nanu let out a long breath after Sameer had finished speaking. Stroking his grandson's head, he said in a soothing voice, "Naina ki pichli zindagi ke nishan hamesha apne hone ka ahsaas dilate rahenge. Kyonki woh uski zindagi ka hissa hain. Chah ke bhi na tu na woh khud, unhe apne se alag kar sakti hai. Isliye unhe mita ke nahi unke saath rehna hain tumhe. Jis drug ne Naina ko do mahine ki neend mein sula diya woh waqai bohot khatarnaak rahi hogi. Zaahir si baat hai uska gehra asar itni aasani se khatm nahi hoga."

The anxiety on Sameer's face intensified, "Nanu, mujhe laga tha ab sab theek hai. Lekin doctor ki baat se mera dil ghabra gaya. Main Naina ko hamesha khush dekhna chahta hun. Uski aankhon mein phir se kisi dukh ki parchai mujhse bardasht nahi hogi. Humne dono bachhon ke liye bohot se sapne dekhe hain. Main unn saare sapno ko Naina ke saath poore hote hue dekhna chahta hun. Uske liye mujhe kuch bhi karna pade main karunga."

Nanu smiled, "Naina ka jitna zyada khyal rakhega utna hi usse hausla milega. Uska hausla tujhe bhi himmat dega. Beta, hum doctor nahi hain. Isliye hum woh sab nahi jaante jo shayad Naina ki doctor samajh paa rahi hai. Lekin agar usne kaha hai ki abhi tak sab theek hai toh humein uski baat maan leni chahiye. Yaad hai tune mujhe bataya tha ki unhone tujhe ek file di thi, Naina ki haalat ko samjhne ke liye. Ho sakta hai abhi bhi unhone yeh baat isliye ki ho jisse hum Naina ke case ki nazakat ko behtar samajh sake. Sameer, mujhe yakeen hai agar koi darne ki baat hoti toh woh zarur batati. Aakhir woh sirf ek doctor nahi hai, Harmeet ki wajah se unke saath ek rishta ban gaya hai. Haina?"

Sameer nodded, "Unhone bhi yehi kaha. Lekin main iss baat ko apne dimaag se nikal nahi paa raha ki unhone aaj Naina ke pichle case ko mention kiya."

Rubbing his shoulder, nanu reassured him, "Itna mat soch. Khud bhi khush reh aur naina ko bhi khush rakh. Roz subah uthkar sabse pehle apne dil ko bata ki bas kuch hafton mein dono bachhe hamare ghar mein aane wale hain, aur woh dono tere aur Naina ke saath saath hum sabki zindagi mein dheron khushiyan leke ayenge. Kisi aur khyal ko apne dimag se door rakh. Warna tere maathe ki shikan Naina ek second mein pehchaan legi."

Pursing his lips, Sameer smiled, "Aap theek keh rahe hain. Naina ko fauran pata chal jayega agar mujhe koi uljhan hogi. Aur main usse koi tension nahi dena chahta. Isiliye toh ghar pe rehne ka decide kiya hai, jisse uske saath rehke usse khush aur relaxed rakh sakun."

Nanu leaned back in his chair, "Baaki sab bhagwan pe chod de. Unhone jo bhi socha hai, tumhare achhe ke liye hi socha hoga. Main Gayatri se har roz yehi kehta hun ki apne bhagwan ke paas rehne ka fayda uthaye aur tum sabke liye sifarish karti rahe."

Sameer looked back at the photoframe of his grandmother, "Nani aapki baat zarur manengi, hamesha ki tarah."

"Yeh hui na baat mere sher." Nanu heavily patted his back, grinning, "Chal ab jaa Naina ke paas. Meri beti ka achhe se khyal rakh. Agar usne ek bhi shikayat ki toh tujhe murga bana dunga."

When Sameer frowned at such atrocious punishment, nanu reminisced, "Naina ko pehli baar issi baat pe khul ke hanste hue dekha tha."

His eyes were glazed too at the memory. In this very room, Naina had started to accept his family as his. He stood up, his heart much lighter than what it was in the morning. Bending down to touch nanu's feet, he uttered, "Itna ashirwad dijiye nanu ki Naina hamesha aise hi hansti rahe."

After he left, nanu folded his hands and closed his eyes, silently praying for both of them, their unborn kids and all other members of his family.

Sameer stopped at the door of his room. The scene inside was too adorable to be disrupted. Preeti was seated on the bed beside Naina, while Arhaan was standing, leaning on Naina's shoulder. He had started to stand with support off late. Preeti had her hands open, and seemed to be calling him. He shook his head everytime, and buried his head in Naina's neck. She had one arm around him, other hand resting on her belly. Preeti again tried to lure him by showing a toy. He peered at the toy, then lunged to take it. When Preeti pulled it back, he lost interest and went back to snuggle into Naina.

Rohan, who was seated on the couch, laughed, "Preeti, accept kar lo, Arhaan bhai pe gaya hai. Bhabhi ke aage usse kuch nahi chahiye."

Preeti pouted, opening her arms, "Aru baby, mummy ke paas nahi ayega? Dekh mumma ke paas two two toys hain." She waved different coloured toys in both hands.

Arhaan squealed, throwing his hand in air to grab the toy. Preeti let him take one. The moment he laid his hands on it, he was back to Naina, gurgling as Preeti made a face.

She sighed, "Le behen, tera ek aur deewana. Abhi se yeh haal hai bada hoke toh yeh Sameer ko pakka competition dega."

Rohan smirked, "Oye Aru, koshish bhi mat kariyo. Bhai ko jaanta nahi hai tu. Apni Naina ke liye kisi se bhi bhid jayenge."

"Bhabhi hai teri. Naina kyon bolta hai." Sameer's irritated voice boomed in the room as he entered.

All eyes turned to him. A second of silent ensued, then Rohan smirked, "Dekha Aru, trailer dekh ke hi soch le picture kaisi hogi."

Arhaan drew closer to Naina, his eyes on Sameer, and hid his face in Naina's neck. She held him tighter, cooing softly, "Aru, bade papa ko hello nahi bologe."

Preeti looked on in amusement, "Jab Naina paas hai toh Aru ko kisi se Hi Hello nahi karna."

Sameer bent down and held out his hands, smiling lovingly at Arhaan. He gazed at him for a few seconds, then grinned and stepped ahead. Sameer picked him, and twirled, making him let out an excited squeal.

Giving a smug look to Preeti, he exclaimed, "Aru, apni mumma ko bolo woh apni kursi sambhale. Aisa na ho ki badi mumma ki jagah tum Naina ko hi apni mumma bana lo aur yeh bechari sabki chachi hi banke reh jaaye."

Preeti got down the bed, shrugging, "Aru, apne bade papa ko bol main toh khush hun. Naina jaisi mumma tere liye best hogi."

Rohan stood up, letting out a weary exhale, "Woh toh hai. Par papa... papa toh Rohan hi best hai."

"Chal chal." Sameer chided playfully, "Tu aur best? Aaj tak kis cheez mein best hua hai zara batana. Bada aaya best papa banne."

"Offo." Naina groaned, "Tum log kya kar rahe ho. Bachhe ke saamne aise ladte hain kya? Sameer, maine kaha tha na tum Rohan ke saath bina baat ke jhagda nahi karoge."

Both brothers quickly held one of their ears, giving a sheepish smile. Preeti held both of hers, "Meri bhi galti hai. Naina is right."

Arhaan looked at each one of them, then held his ear, thinking of it to be a game.

They all laughed together.

Naina waved her head, "Dekha, bachhe aise copy karte hain."

Rohan moved ahead and took Arhaan from Sameer, pinching his nose, "Oye, tu baby hai ya bandar."

Preeti smirked, "Tumhara beta hai. Ab soch lo kya hai."

He gasped, "Tumne mujhe bandar kaha!"

"Hush!" Naina exclaimed loudly.

Both put a finger on their lips, going silent. Sameer smirked as they walked out. After shutting the door, he gazed at his wife. Her face was relaxed, her eyes twinkling. Being with Arhaan always brought a different glow to her face.

"Tum kahan reh gaye the Sameer. Pata hai Aru kitni cute harkatein karta hai. Usne no kehna seekh liya... matlab, kehna nahi gardan hilana. Har baat mein no bolta hai. Aur jab khud khade hone ki koshish karta hai toh itna cute lagta hai. Ab toh saari baatein samajhta hai. Aur mere paas aane ke baad jaldi se wapas jaana hi nahi chahta." Her enthusiasm as she talked about Arhaan was opposite of what she was most of the day. Gone was that dull, tired face. She went on and on, telling him about the antics of little Arhaan.

Sameer sat beside her, cupping her cheek, "Tum bohot achhi mumma banogi."

She frowned, "Main abhi buri mumma hun kya? Ayush se puch ke dekho."

He shook his head, "Buri nahi, perfect ho. Ayush ko isliye hi toh har koi itna pyar karta hai. Tumne usse itna pyara jo banaya hai. Aur ab Aru bhi waisa hi lagne laga hai. Aise hi hamare dono babies honge. Pyare se, thode naughty lekin cute se."

Her eyes went to her stomach. Placing her hands on both sides, she smiled, "I wish dono tumhare jaise hon."

"Umm... handsome ho ya beautiful, mujh pe hi jayenge." He raised his collars, "After all itne smart papa ke bachhe hain, hero ya heroine hi honge na."

She lightly punched his chest, "Main dil ki baat kar rahi hun buddhu. Dono ka dil tumhare jaisa hona chahiye, itna pyar karne wala."

"Hoga." He grabbed her fist, keeping it over his heart, "Bohot pyar karne wala hoga. Kyonki hamare babies chahe mere jaise ho ya tumhare jaise, dil same hoga."

She gently dragged their joined hands to her belly. The babies would be like them in every way, no doubt, whether it was physical appearance, their traits or habits. They would be a reflection of love, of their love... hers and Sameer's. She was more determined to bring the two lives safely to the world. If she had come this far, a few more weeks shouldn't be that tough. With Sameer by her side every moment, she was sure they would be holding the little bundles of joy in their arms very soon. Her heart expanded as the thought resonated in her mind. A total of six weeks was all that was left. She smiled to herself... no, it definitely didn't feel difficult anymore.

That night, Naina slept better. A calmness had descended on Sameer too. What nanu said made sense. They had to have faith in doctor. Not that they didn't but the conversation in the morning had left him jittery. First Naina, then nanu worked as a balm on his edgy nerves. It was only a matter of six weeks now. He would be with her every second, ensuring the safety of both her and his babies. Caressing her hair, he smiled to himself... yes, he would do everything to make it less difficult for her.

Coming weeks cleared their notion. Last month of pregnancy, that too with twins, was nothing but difficult. Yet, Naina braved through it, holding Sameer's hand. When she felt breathless, he would rub her back, prompting her to exhale through her mouth. When she wasn't able to walk, he would carry her to the washroom, and back. When she felt too hot, he would constantly wipe her face and neck with a damp towel. When the cramps in legs made her cry out in pain, he would massage with oil. During her emotional spurts he soothed her, and when she snapped at him sometimes, he showered her with love, without losing his calm. When her anger waned, she would burst into tears, telling him that she wasn't worthy of him, and he deserved someone much better. He would rub her arm, keeping her in a soft embrace, and comfort her with small kisses on her face, professing his love with each one, till she smiled.

It had been two weeks of such ups and downs. One evening, Ayush was showing his paint book to the babies while Sameer was busy on a phone call. Each time Ayush opened a new page and placed it on her belly, a kick or shift greeted him. He was thrilled.

"Mumma, lagta hai inko bhi painting pasand hai isliye khush ho rahe hain." He stated in an explanatory tone.

Naina raised her brows, keeping a solemn face, "Oh achha. Painting dekh ke khush ho rahe hain. Mujhe laga teri awaaz sunke tere saath khel rahe hain."

He slapped his forehead, "Abhi koi khelne ka time hai. Dekho zara, bahar kitna andhera ho gaya."

"Arre haan." Naina peered out the glass door. With the beginning of month of December, it was quite dark outside even though the time was just seven. She looked back at Ayush, "Achha aaj kya khane wala hai tu dinner mein? Vegetables khata hai? Aur fruits? Dadi maa jo bolti hain woh finish karta hai na? Unhe tang toh nahi karta?"

"Bilkul nahi." It was Sameer who answered, lowering himself next to Ayush, "Mera beta roz woh sab khaata hai jo iski dadi maa kehti hain. Unhone bataya Ayush jitna good boy unhone aaj tak nahi dekha."

While Naina smiled in satisfaction, Ayush beamed, "Haan, dadi maa roz mujhe good boy bolti hain." His eyes twinkled suddenly, "Aur dadi maa ne kaha tha next time jab school se off hoga toh woh pizza order karengi. Papa, aaj toh mera off tha. Aaj mujhe pizza khana hai."

Sameer straightened, "No Ayush, aaj weekend thodi hai. Hum Saturday ko order karenge."

The mention of pizza elicited a sudden craving in Naina. She fluttered her lashes at Sameer, "Pizza toh mujhe bhi khaana hai. Karte hain na aaj order."

He narrowed his eyes, trying to judge if she wanted it for herself or was pitching for Ayush. Because it wasn't a good idea for her to have such a heavy snack this late in the evening. It could lead to anything... nausea, bloating, indigestion, acidity, and a sleepless night eventually.

"No no. Hum Saturday ko lunch mein order karenge." He stated firmly.

Ayush and Naina looked at each other, them at him, and started in chorus.

"Papa please."

"Sameer please."

"Papa please please please."

"Sameer please please please."

They went on, till he held up his hands in defeat, "Okay baba okay. But last time. Aage se raat ko pizza nahi milega." He pointed a finger at them, in a warning tone.

Naina gave a twisted, winning smile, "Aage ka aage dekhenge."

He rolled his eyes, picking his phone. He had just disconnected after placing the order when Deepika barged in, "Ayush, jaldi chal. Marvel ki new wali movie aa gayi Netflix pe. Aaja dekhte hain. Aaj toh chutti thi na tera homework bhi nahi hai."

He immediately jumped off the bed, gathering his paint book, "Yesss. New wali movie. Ab main kal sabko bataunga maine dekh li. Samarth toh Saturday ko dekhne wala hai. Main usse first aa jaunga."

"Arre lekin pizza." Sameer called out as he ran towards the door.

"Pizza?" Deepika halted, "Aapne pizza order kiya aur mujhe pucha tak nahi bhai. So mean." She pouted.

"Tera Hawaiin bhi order kiya hai. Kaise bhool sakta tha." He replied.

She grinned, "Thank you thank you sweet bhai. Apne hamara movie time aur bhi perfect bana diya."

After they were gone, Sameer turned to Naina, "Sach batao, tumne sirf Ayush ko pizza khilane ke liye zid ki na."

"Jee nahi. Mujhe bhi khana hai." She asserted.

He tried to explain in a soft tone, "Subah se toh kaha nahi. Ab achanak kaise yaad aaya? Naina, tumhe pata hai na cheese wala pizza kitna heavy hota hai. Iss waqt..."

She held up a hand to silence him then looked down at her belly, "Sorry bachhon, subah se jo tumhe cheese khane ka mann ho raha tha woh tumhara papa nahi dene wale. No pizza."

"Subah se?" He was surprised, "Lekin tumne kaha hi nahi."

"Mujhe samajh nahi aa raha tha kya craving hai. Jab Ayush ne pizza bola toh pata chala mujhe cheese khaane ka dil hai." She said drily, "Lekin rehne do. Hazaar problems ho jayengi agar kha liya toh. Bekaar mein tumhe tang karti rahungi. Tum... tum Ramdhari ko kehke mere liye bas soup banwa do."

He stifled his smile, crossing his arms, "Cheese ki jagah soup... uske baad tumhe neend aa jayegi?"

She gave him an annoyed look, "Tumhe kya? Nahi aati toh na aaye. Mere hisse ka pizza kha ke tum maze se so jaana."

He couldn't keep the chuckle contained any longer, "Achha baba pizza kha lena. Itni si baat ke liye bachhon ke jaise muh kyon phula ke baithi ho. Tumhara itna dil tha toh pehle hi bataa deti."

"Pehle kehti toh tum pehle order kar dete?" Her surprise was genuine.

"Aur kya." Taking a seat in front of her, he folded one leg under him,, "Tumhari wish kaise poori nahi karta."

She rolled her eyes, settling her gaze on her belly, "Dekha babies, kitna jhoot bolte hain aapke papa. Uss din chips ke liye itne strict ho rahe, thodi der pehle pizza pe lecture de rahe the aur ab meethi meethi baatein kar rahe hain."

He couldn't help but adore her puffed cheeks. Her face already looked rounded, but when she showed fake anger, the way her cheeks turned fuller and her lips pouted, he could see a glimpse of a baby girl... the daughter that he so badly wanted.

Leaning, he softly pinched her nose, "Mere babies ko bhadkao mat. Unhe pata hai unke papa kitna pyar karte hain, unse bhi aur unki mumma se bhi."

"Ahh." Naina twitched, grinning as she felt the kick, "Lo, aa gaya jawab. Unhe tumhari baat pasand nahi aayi."

He brought his face to her belly, and whispered, "Papa loves you... more than mumma."

Naina stretched her back, pressing her lower lip under her teeth as the movements got stronger. She was sure both were moving. The pokes could clearly be seen under her tshirt which she hadn't yet changed after coming back from hospital.

Sameer's face lit up with a glorious smile, "Dekha, inhe pata hai. They are happy."

"Happy toh isliye hain ki unki pizza ki demand poori ho gayi. Kab se unka dil kar raha tha." She looked away nonchalantly.

"Achha." He quirked up a brow, "Unka dil? Matlab tumhara nahi kar raha?"

"Mera kya hai. Main toh chup chap woh sab khaa leti hun jo tumhara order hota hai." She shrugged.

"Order!" He was amused, "Main order deta hun tumhe?"

Her eyes open fully, she looked at him with childlike droop of lips, "Aur nahi toh kya. Naina, fried mat khao, Naina isse acidity ho jayegi, Naina raat ko chai mat piyo, Naina aur ice cream nahi milegi, Naina chips toh bilkul nahi milenge, Naina chaat kyon khaa rahi ho..."

He had tried to stop himself from bursting out but the way she mimicked him in a heavier voice, constant wave of head and a stern face, he couldn't control. It was only his laughter that made her stop. She blinked at him, unsmiling.

"You are so cute." Pulling her cheeks, he uttered when he could find his voice.

"Aur tum Hitler." She tugged at his wrists, trying to push away his hands.

"And you love this Hitler." He whispered, opening his palms to cup her face.

Her eyes met his dark ones as she matched his low voice, "No, I don't."

He shifted closer, looking intently into her caramel orbs, "Toh... mujhe kuch karna padega to make you fall in love with me."

The way his voice sounded, rough and throaty, she was already losing the game.

His gaze dropped to her lips. He inched closer. When he looked up, she got lost in his eyes. They conveyed so much, made her feel so many different things in a flash. His concern, his adulation, his admiration, his love for her... everything could clearly be seen in their inky depths. Her lips parted in anticipation.

Before he could reach his destination, a knock at the door made him almost jump.

Ramdhari's voice floated in the room, "Sameer bhaiya, yeh pizza aaya hai aapke liye."

Muttering under his breath for Ramdhari's always imperfect timing, Sameer got up to open the door.

He took one box after checking and pointed at Deepika's room, "Baaki dono Deepu ke room mein le jaa. Ayush aur Deepu movie dekh rahe hain, unhe de dena."

Shutting the door, he turned, still miffed, "Bees minute mein aa gaya. Inn pizza walon ko itni kya jaldi rehti hai."

Naina chuckled, "Thirty minutes ka promise hai unka."

"Haan toh dus minute baaki the na. Dus minute baad aata toh..." He grumbled.

She sat up straight, laughing, "Ab kaun bachha ban raha hai. Lao do mujhe mera pizza. Apna gussa uspe mat nikalo."

He made his way to the bed, taking a seat on his side and opened the box between them. Picking a piece, he lifted it to her mouth.

Naina took a big bite from the cheesy slice, and her eyes shut in pure joy, "Ummm. Perfect."

Sameer watched as she patted her belly, "Yehi chahiye tha na tumko, cheesy cheesy pizza."

Looking up, she smiled at him, "Lagta hai yeh dono Ayush jaise hi banenge, cheese ke fans."

She surged ahead and took another mouthful, savouring it with same delight, "Amazing. Kitna achha hai yeh."

Only when she had finished third bite did she notice that Sameer had not been eating. She turned his hand towards his mouth, "Tum bhi khao na. Sach mein yummy hai."

"Yummy toh hai, par pizza nahi, cheese." He uttered.

"Woh toh hai. Itni soft cheese hai. Ekdum melt ho rahi hai." She took a smaller bite this time, her eyes shutting again.

A second later, she opened them, perplexed, "Tumhe kaise pata cheese yummy hai? Tumne toh abhi tak khaya hi nahi."

Cupping her chin, he leaned and placed his lips on the corner of her mouth, where a speck of cheese was tempting him for last few minutes.

Next update on Wednesday