Next day Sameer gets ready for office earlier than his usual time... he was missing her so badly that didn't get sleep whole night... to divert his mind he opened his laptop and starts working but all in vain... leaving everything in frustration, he came out in balcony sitting near swing where she usually sits missing her presence terribly, "mat jaaya karo Naina aise mujshe dur... sirf kuchh ghanto ki doori ne mujhe yun bechain kar diya hai... tumhare sirf aas paas hone ke ehsaas se jo dil ko sukoon milta hai mein bata nahin sakta... itane saalon tumse pyaar kiya par kabhi tumhein ehsaas tak nahin hone diya... par aaj mein tumhare dil ki har baat janana chahta hun... jo galtiyaan maine ki hai tumhein dukh dekar, uski maafi maangana chahta hun... iss nayi subah ki tarah apne rishtey ki bhi ek nayi shuruaat karna chahta hun... bas ek baar tumhare dil ki baat jaan lun phir jaisa tum chaahogi voh karunga... I really love you Naina, aur tumhari khushi se badhkar mere liye kuchh bhi nahin... please jaldi vaapas aa jaao... aur nahin raha jaata tumhare bina..."

His trance broke hearing Pandit calling him loudly... seeing him in balcony all dressed, Pandit shocked, "tu yahaan hai aur mein tujhe saare ghar mein dhundh raha tha... tu itani jaldi kyun ready ho gaya office ke liye... vaise tujhse bohot jaruri baat karni hai..." saying this he kept the file in his hand on table with a worried look...

Sameer looking his face extremely tensed and nervous, asked, "what happened... any tension... mujhe kal bhi tu thoda pareshaan lag raha tha par mein puchhna bhool gaya... sab theek hai na..." he recalled last evening also Pandit was disturbed after receiving the call when they reached home... in his eager to meet Naina, he forgot to ask him...

Pandit hesitantly forward the file in his hand to him, "I got all the information what you asked... just read it..."

Sameer took the file from him and checked the documents in the file... his eyes left wide open in shudder reading the contents inside... he looked at Pandit getting extremely surprised, "how could this be possible... are you sure about it... koi galti toh nahin huyi tujhse..."

Pandit smiled faintly looking at him, "I wish huyi hoti... before giving you I personally checked it so many times... I just can't believe it that how can someone be so ruthless with such an innocent girl... I can't even imagine uspar kya beetegi jab usey pata chalega ki..." he feels bad and frustrated on what he finds about Naina's past...

Sameer shouts getting panicked, "never... usey kabhi nahin pata chalega... did you get that... she will be shattered completely... you know how sensitive and innocent she is... I... I can't lose her..." his voice chocked, and eyes blurred with a sheer thought of feeling her pain... how she will handle herself after knowing the biggest truth of her life... the most hurting truth... he wants to keep her away from all tensions and cannot endure seeing her in so much pain any more... even if he has to lie or hid the truth, he was ready to do so for her happiness...

Sameer coming back into the room, opened his closet to keep the file inside, when saw their divorce agreement file also there... with trembling hands, he picked up the file in his hand... just after the moment she signed it, he had never given a slight glance on it and kept it in his drawer, untouched...

He took the file in his hand, recalling how he forced her to sign on this and she was terribly begging him to give her a chance to explain... to accept her... she was nowhere at fault but bear all his torture due to his anger and his ignorance of her truth... feels more ashamed...

He opened the file and instantly his eyes glued on the documents leaving a soft smile spread on his face... Pandit seeing his changed expression, came towards his side and leaned over to have a look into the document and shout, "yeh kya hai... tujhe pata tha, yeh sab pehle se... I mean usne compensation clause par pehle hi cross kar diya tha... tu ne mujhe bataya kyun nahin..."

Sameer smiled amidst tears and said, "iska matlab usey kuchh nahin chahiye tha... mein... mein kitna galat tha uske baare mein... apne gusse mein maine dekha hi nahin ki usne sirf mere force karne ki wajah se iss par sign kiya tha... voh... usey meri property, paiso se koi matlab nahin hai... usne toh iss compensation clause ko bhi cross kar diya tha... she is not like others... I am a big fool jisne ek baar dekha tak nahin in documents ki taraf..."

Pandit hugged him tightly shedding tears in happiness, "dekha maine kya kaha tha... aakhir teri zid galat saabit huyi na... bekaar hi tu ne itna waqt usey yun pareshaan kiya... ek baar usake sign karne ke baad documents dekh liya hote toh itni confusion nahin hoti na... kitna rulaya tu ne meri behen ko..." he said hitting him a soft punch in a complaining tone...

Sameer parted all smiling wiping his own tears, "tujhe jitna maarna hai maar le... teri behen ko jo itna dukh diya hai maine... par bhagwan ka shukra hai ki mein galat saabit hua... par ab waada hai ki mein sab theek kar dunga... bas ek baar uske dil ki baat jaan lun, phir dekhna kabhi usey apne se dur nahin jaane dunga... agar voh dil se iss rishtey mein khush hai toh usey uske hisse ki har khushi milegi... voh jo chahegi, jaisa chahegi mein karunga..."

Pandit laughed teasing him, "voh toh mujhe pata hai... poora joru ka gulaam jo hai... aur ab toh pakka tu usey ek pal ke liye bhi chhodne wala nahin... but I am really so so happy for you... vaise ab aage ka kya socha hai... I mean humein Naina se yeh sach chhupana hai aur tera yeh bakwaas sa contract bhi cancel karwana hai..."

Sameer smiled back seeing document in his hand, "yeh contract jis tarah jabardasti maine sign karwaya tha, ek din Naina ke saamne khud apne haathon se phadunga... dekhna chahta hoon uski aankhon mein voh Khushi jo meri wajah se voh kabhi mehsoos nahin kar paayi..."

They both gets relieved seeing a positive hope in their relation ahead when suddenly Sameer said, "Pandit yeh donon files humein kahin sambhal kar rakhni hogi... kisi ke haath naa lag jaaye... I can't afford ki usey kabhi bhi sach ka pata chale... tu jaanta hai voh nahin sambhal paayegi khud ko..."

Pandit said feeling sad for her, "tu sahi kah raha hai... Naina ko pata chala toh usey bohot dukh hoga aur yeh divorce papers jab bhi dekhegi vahi sab yaad aayega... jab tak sab theek nahin hota usey har dukh takleef se bachana hai humein..."

Sameer too agreed and handed him both the files, "tu sahi kah raha hai, inhein yun yahaan rakhna theek nahin... tu inhein locker mein rakh de... yeh Naina ke haath nahin lagani chahiye... usey aur pareshaan nahin dekh sakta mein ab..."

He handed him one more file, "aur yeh uski medical report bhi le jaa yahaan se... agar dekhegi toh pareshaan ho jaayegi..."

Sameer recalled when he spoke to Doctor about Naina's panic attack's he advised him to keep her away from all tensions... in her current medical condition, the excessive mental stress which she is enduring for so long can lead her into severe depression... she can even lose her mental balance also...

Sameer handed him some more business-related files to keep it in study locker... Pandit called servant and asked to bring all the files in study room... he followed servant to keep it safely in locker placed in study room... the moment he stepped out from room his phone buzzed...

He smiled seeing the caller's name on his phone... earlier he called Preeti in morning to wish her again, but call got unanswered... he quickly answered the phone and start chatting with her... wishing her again...

They chatted for quite some time standing there only in corridor... soon after finishing the call he went in study and keep all the files in safe locker and left for office with Sameer... after last night, they both are not in mood to see Kamya's face at breakfast table knowing how much shameless she is... oblivious to them, one shadow standing near window, smiling evilly seeing their car going out from mansion...

Naina after talking to Preeti last night, sits in balcony for some more time and slept only during early dawn hours with a peace in her heart... spending some moments with him only were good enough to leave a contented smile on her face...

Naina woke up late and quickly get freshen up... she came out seeing Preeti preparing breakfast for them... she went in kitchen hugging Preeti from back, "Happy birthday once again... sorry, aaj mujhe banana chahiye tha aur dekh tujhe kaam par laga diya..."

Preeti smiled showing her favorite pasta, "aaj mera birthday hai, toh treat bhi toh mein hi dungi... vaise bhi mujhe pata hai tu poori raat jaagi hai, isiliye nahin uthaya jaldi..."

They came out from kitchen and settled on table to have breakfast... while chatting Preeti handed her a packet, "yeh le... kal pandit dekar gaya tha tere liye... vaise ab toh mujhe sach pata hi hai toh iska matlab pichhli baar bhi Sir teri dress dene hi aaye the na..."

Naina nodded her head smilingly and opened the packet, finding her dress... she smiled thinking, "mein bhool gayi par inhein sab yaad rehta hai... par khud laaye toh diya kyun nahin... hamesha Pandit se bhijwa dete hai..."

Preeti said teasing her, "oye madam... ab dekhtei rahegi ki pehen kar ready bhi hogi... vaise manana padega hamare Mr CEO ko unki pyaari si assistant biwi ki har baat dhyaan rehti hai... uske comfort ka poora khayaal hai... not bad..."

Naina said feeling shy trying to avoid her teasing, "aisa nahin hai... voh mein kal office se seedhe aa gayi thi na... bas isiliye shayad... tu bhi kya kya sochti rehti hai..."

Preeti laughed, "mein toh sirf vahi soch rahi hun jo dikh raha hai... ab toh teri baari hai ki apni aankhen, dil aur dimaag sab khol kar samajh baat ko... aur haan yaad hai na maine kal kya kaha tha..."

Preeti holding her hand, "Naina, tu ne hi kaha tha na ki mein teri behen hoon aur tu kal mere liye koi gift bhi nahin laayi... toh aaj mein khud tujhse apna gift maangati hoon... waada kar tu Sameer Sir ke saath apne rishtey to ek mauka degi, voh bhi khule man se... saari purani baatein bhula kar aage aane wali zindagi ke baare mein sochegi... tujhe tera pyaar mil jaaye toh teri khushi hi mera sabse best birthday gift hoga..."

Naina smiled keeping her hand on her's, "pakka wada... par sach kahun mujhe jyaada koi ummid nahin hai... matlab shayad mein tujhe samjha na paau par itna jaroor hai ki maine apni zindagi mein har rishtey ko poori imaandari se nibhaya hai aur yeh toh meri shaadi hai... mein poori koshish karungi ki meri taraf se kabhi koi kami na rahe... par mein jaanti hun ki shayad mein kisi bhi lihaaj se Mr Maheshwari ke laayak nahin hun... unka ghar, pariwaar, unka status... I mean mein kahaan aur voh kahaan..." she said lowering her eyes feeling low about her status...

Preeti comforts her, "dekh Naina, rishta ameeri gareebi nahin dil dekhta hai... sir kya sochte hai pata nahin par itna kehti hun ki tujhse achchhi jeevan saathi unhein nahin mil sakti... tu har maayne mein laayak hai... aur jinhein teri kadra nahin voh ya toh andhe hai ya unki akkal par patthar pade huye hai..."

Naina laughed hitting on her head, "tu aur tere logics... chal office nahin jaana... der huyi toh pata laga aaj meri parade karwa di Mr Maheshwari ne... kal hi raat mein warn kiya tha ki der se mat aana..."

Preeti winked sheepishly, "beta, sab bahane hai... voh toh tere bina raha nahin ja raha hoga isliye bol diya... maine dekha tha kaise shakal utari huyi thi jaate waqt... bas chalta toh subah saath hi office jaate..."

They were chatting when Naina's phone ring showing caller name as Kamya... she disconnected as in no mood to talk with her at this moment... but it's keeps ringing again and again making her more restless...

Naina to avoid it for time being, turned her phone in silent mode when Preeti asked suddenly, "Naina, Kamya ko toh pata hi hoga na tumhari shaadi ka shuru se... toh phir bhi voh Sameer sir ke saath yun aise... maana voh log ek jaisi business family se hai par phir bhi usey sochna chahiye ki tu uski bachpan ki dost hai... aur Sameer sir tere husband..."

Naina, "aisa kuchh nahin hai jaisa tu soch rahi hai... infact Kamya toh pehle se unhein jaanti bhi nahin thi... voh toh hamari shaadi ke baad hi unse mili hai mere saath aur aaj kal hamare hi ghar mein rah rahi hai... shayad isiliye thodi jyaada frank ho gayi hai unse..." though she herself was disturbed on her behavior now days but didn't show up to Preeti...

Preeti asked shockingly, "tere ghar mein hai ka kya matlab... tu kya usey apne dahej mein lekar gayi thi apne saath... aur Sameer sir... unhone kuchh nahin kaha..." observing Sameer's rude behavior towards Kamya she was sure Sameer is not liking her at all...

Naina explained the reason of Kamya's stay in her house and how Vishakha wants her to unite with Karthik... she tells Sameer's disliking towards her and how much he is opposed to be get friendly with her... he even doesn't like her to stay at their home but remain quiet as she is Vishakha's guest this time...

Preeti's eyes widen in shock, "yaar kitna ajeeb hai sab kuchh tere ghar mein... matlab teri saas Kamya ko Karthik sir ke liye pasand kar rahi hai aur Kamya tere hi pati ke pichhe make-up thop kar padi hai... aur tu bewkoof chup chap sab dekh rahi hai... dhanya hai tu yaar..." she said folding her hand in front of her dramatically...

Naina said looking down, "Preeti, aisa nahin ki mujhe kuchh samajh nahin aata, par sach kahun itane dhokhe milane ke baad bhi rishton par se vishwas nahin utha abhi... aur dekha jaaye toh kya farq padta hai ki koi aur kya chahta hai... maayne yeh rakhta hai ki Sameerji kya chahte hai, unke dil mein kya hai... zindagi mein koi bhi rishta sirf aur sirf do logon ki marzi se hi judta hai... jab tak voh nahin chahenge kisi aur ke kuchh bhi koshish karne ke koi mayane nahin... agar unke dil mein mere liya jagah nahin toh mein jabardasti toh nahin kar sakti na... tujhe pata hai voh contract unhone mujhse jabardasti sign karwaya tha... voh apne aap ko mujhse azaad karwa chuke hai, aur aise mein mera unse kuchh bhi ummid rakhna ya unhein force karna iss rishtey ke liye namumkin hai..."

Preeti said agreeing to her, "Naina jo hua voh koi badal nahin sakta... yeh bhi sach hai ki jab tak voh contract hai tab tak yeh faasle mitane mushkil hai, par kya pata aane wala kal tumhare beete kal ki kadwi yaadein mita de... tumhein ek saath le aaye... jab achchha waqt nahin rukta toh bura waqt bhi kab tak thahrega..." she said keeping hope for their better future...

Naina all lost in her thoughts said abruptly, "Preeti maine zindagi ko ek pal mein badalte dekha hai... jaise hamari shaadi... kaash ek baar phir aisa ho jaaye... kaash mera pehla pyaar..." she stops realizing her blurt in front of Preeti...

Preeti shouts in excitement, "dekha maine kaha tha na that you are in love with him... teri aankhen batati hai... jaise tum donon ek dusre ko dekhte ho na.... wow... ab jaa aur jaldi se apne pyaar ka izhaar bhi kar de..." she pulled her in a bone crushing hug excitedly hearing her confession...

Naina hold her hand tightly, "nahin Preeti... abhi yeh sab ek tarfa hai... mein nahin chahti ki mere pyaar ka majaak bane... par yakeen kar jis din mujhe unke dil ki baat pata chalegi mein khud aage se apne dil ki baat bata dungi... promise... par tab tak tu kisi se kuchh nahin kahegi... wada kar... Pandit se bhi nahin..."

Preeti huffed making grumpy face, "kya yaar Naina... chal theek hai tere liye kuchh bhi..."

Naina stood to go washroom when Preeti called her again, "par Naina, inn sab mein jyaada der mat kar dena... aur haan, mujhe pata hai tujhe bura lagega par Kamya par mujhe aaj bhi shaq hai... sambhal kar rehna... kahin dosti mein pyaar ko daanv par mat laga dena..."

Naina smiled looking at her, "Preeti maana mein rishton par vishwas karti hun, par mein bewkoof nahin hun... har rishtey ki maryaada aur uski importance jaanati hun... aur yakeen maan, Sameerji mera pehla pyaar hai par usase bhi jyaada mein apni shaadi ke rishtey ko nibhane mein kabhi koi kasar nahin chhodungi... jab tak hum saath hai aur Sameerji nahin chahenge, hamare beech koi nahin aayega, aur mein kisi ko yeh haq kabhi nahin dungi..." she left in washroom leaving Preeti smiled seeing her confidence and believe on relations... though she is always soft hearted and naïve but surely not dumb... soon they both gets ready and left for office...

Sameer reached office much earlier from his usual time... after knowing truth of her past, he was more keen to see her... though he decided to not to reveal her but his own anxiety to meet her didn't let him stay at home anymore...

Naina reaching office, quickly prepared his coffee and heat the breakfast which she prepared and packed for him... thinking he might have again skipped his breakfast at home like last night...

She knocked twice but didn't get any response... she opened the door slightly and entered seeing him sitting near the window looking outside, completely lost in his thoughts... even today her presence didn't make him move today like always, making her surprise more...

Naina kept the tray on table and stood there waiting for his response... few minutes later she slowly went ahead and keep her hand on his shoulder... he came out of his trance and looked at her shockingly... since morning after knowing about her past, he was missing her presence badly... wants to hold her in his embrace and keep her safe and secure from outside world... but can't...

Naina asked touching his forehead, "are you alright...?" feeling her touch he held her wrist, "ya... I am fine... nothing to worry..." saying this he turned back towards his table to avoid her getting suspicious but surprised to see the homemade breakfast lying there...

Naina said hesitantly, "voh... I thought... shayad aapne breakfast..." seeing no reply from him she hurriedly picked up the tray, "mein vaapas le jaati hun... I am sorry..." she turned to go thinking he must not be liking her too much interference in his life, when he called her from back, "stop..."

Sameer giving a frustrated look scold her slightly, "why are you always so confused... did I said that I will not eat..."

Naina still confused standing there when he came close to her... taking tray from her hand he makes her also sit in front of him, "did you eat...?" he asked keeping his tone soft...

She nodded her head getting relived that at least he is not angry on her... he starts eating whatever she brings for him when he asked suddenly, "who told you I have not eaten anything at home...?"

She said in a flow, "mujhe laga... kal bhi aapne nahin khaaya tha toh... bas man kiya toh aapke liye le aayi... aapko pasand hai na aloo parantha..." after having her own breakfast made by Preeti,  she herself prepared aloo parantha for him and packed for Sameer and Pandit... before coming inside she handed one packet to Pandit also, who left to canteen with Preeti to have another round of breakfast...

Naina said, "vaise thanks... mein bhool gayi thi par aap meri dress le aaye... varna phir se Preeti ki dress leni padti..."

Sameer recall how beautiful she was looking last night in new dress with opened hairs... thinking something he asked suddenly, "Mr Shah ke saath aaj final deal hai... is everything ready..."

Naina nodded and gave all details to him.... while finishing his breakfast, he advised her to do some last minutes changes...

In an hour Mr Shah, a man in mid of his fifties, polite, fun loving person but a thorough gentleman, entered to their conference room with his team... they both greet each other and sits for final discussion and seal the collaboration...

Everyone congratulate each other and soon meeting ended with a pleasant note... they were about to leave when Sameer said, "Mr Shah... why not to have a coffee... I mean now we are business partners..." he requested him with a genuine smile...

Mr Shah accepted and stays back with him in alone... they discussed for some time in alone and soon he left after patting his shoulder, praising on his business acumen and intelligence for giving a wonderful idea for a new start...

Sameer sighed a relief with a soft smile uttered, "finally..."

After coming out from meeting room, seeing him still busy with Mr Shah in his cabin, Naina left to meet Preeti... as per their company rules, there was a small celebration of her birthday in their department only... but Naina being CEO's assistant and her friend was all welcome to join...

Preeti cut the cake and feed her first... after celebration, Naina asked, "vaise tera shaam ka kya program hai... kahin party ya koi dost..."

Preeti said, "nahin yaar... tere alawa mera yahaan koi dost nahin hai... aur tujhe mein aur nahin rokna chahti... kal se meri wajah se tu ghar nahin ja paayi toh aaj tujhe jaldi jaana chahiye... pata laga Sir tujhe dhundhate huye phir mere ghar aa gaye..." she said to tease her...

Naina keep her hand on her mouth, "Please dheere bol... kisi ne sun liya toh... vaise aisa kuchh nahin hai... mere hone na hone se kisi ko farq nahin padta... kam se kam unko toh bilkul nahin..." she said feeling sad as he had never shown any interest in her ever...

Preeti said, "kal raat ko unhein dekh kar aisa laga toh nahin par agar tu nahin maanti toh teri marzi... ek plan hai, aaj pehle shopping, phir dinner par chalte hai... meri taraf se treat... phir agar man kare toh mere paas hi ruk jaana varna ghar chali jaana... agar permission mil jaaye toh..." she said with a naughty smile...

Naina agreed to her and after having lunch with her came back to her seat... Preeti offered for Ice-cream but she denied politely, "agar pata chala toh pakka murga bana denge aaj mera... ab jab tak permission nahin milati – No Ice cream..." she said with a sullen face making her laugh on her...

Coming back to her seat, she kept herself busy in work... she got irritated by getting so many calls from Kamya but doesn't feel like to attend... Sameer was still busy in other meetings and both didn't get time to meet each other...

In an hour, Preeti came rushing to her, "Naina... chal jaldi se neeche... tujhe kuchh dikhana hai... pata hai hamare office mein ek exhibition cum sale lagi hai..."

Naina asked, "office mein sale... paagal hai kya..."

Preeti said getting impatient, "tu chal toh sahi... mein sach kah rahi hun... aur pata hai prices itne reasonable hai ki puchh mat... matlab all new branded stock in 80% sale... mujhe toh yakeen hi nahin ho raha..."

Naina too got surprised and agreed to go and have a look... the moment they stood to go saw Sameer was coming back to his cabin from meeting room discussing something with Pandit...

Preeti greet him politely when Naina asked his permission, "Sir... I just need to go down for some time... I will be back soon...."

Sameer hummed in response and left to his cabin without looking at her...

Naina left with Preeti but bit scared, "dekha... he didn't like any disturbance in between working hours... par tu sune tab na.. chal ab jaldi se vaapas aate hai varna daant padegi..." she murmured and left with her in elevator...

Sameer coming back in his cabin smiled thinking, "so finally plan works... ab dekhta hoon kaise shopping nahin karogi... seedhe kehta toh Madam phir se taane sunati par I know discount sunkar koi ladki shopping ke liye mana nahin karti..." he smiled proudly on his brilliant idea to let her buy some new dresses within her range... he doesn't want to offend her extending his help giving financial support... she loves her dignity and he respect it...

Hope you all like it... Next update by Saturday... enjoy n stay safe