An early update for my lovely readers... hope you will enjoy reading😊😊

Sameer sitting alone in his cabin with a satisfied smile recalled his discussion with Mr Shah today morning, after sending everyone out from the meeting room... knowing his business who has a manufacturing unit of readymade garments too, Sameer proposed his idea...

Sameer offered him, "Mr Shah, since now we are business partners so I have a plan... why not we promote your products and brands along with Maheshwari's tag... by this we will work on new marketing strategies with minimal cost and increase popularity of your company..."

Mr Shah asked curiously for his detail plan, "I didn't get your meaning... can you explain more please"

Sameer suggest, "why don't you put an exhibition of your readymade garments at my office premises, at ground floor... I mean you can display and sell it on discounted rates and my company will bear all the expenses completely... this way we will advertise our names together and can get the public review about it... a kind of marketing strategy... will get this publicized in news and magazines too... this will boost your company rapport in market... everyone will know about the collaboration between us..."

Mr Shah smiled agreeing to him, "well I must say, it's quite different but seems interesting way of advertising... my products in your premises... no problem, I will organize it within today itself..."

Before he left Sameer said finally, "but I think we should start with only one range of clothing... why not with Indian traditional wears for women... means in India, people attract more towards cultural and traditional market easily... and keeping simple daily wears for office will attract more buyers rather than fancy party wear..."

Mr Shah patted on his shoulder happily, "I must say you are very smart and have good business ideas... I am sure this deal will be a boost for both of our companies... god bless you..."

Since Mr Shah himself believes in cultural values and ethics, liked his idea very much... he assures his full support and organize everything within few hours...

Sameer asked his Marketing team to take the lead and ensure for today, exhibition is only open for their staff with an unimaginable discounted rate... from tomorrow onwards they can open for outsiders too after seeing the review...

Naina Preeti visit the hall at ground floor where all kind of Indian readymade suits with latest design and fashion were displayed... they converted the attached rest rooms as changing room for their comfort...

Preeti said excitedly, "yaar hum toh shaam ko shopping par jaana chahte the, yahaan toh abhi mauka mil gaya... par mein toh yeh sab kam hi pehenti hun... tu apne liye le le na..."

Naina though like the dresses and designs as per her choice but knowing her financial condition didn't show any eagerness... she replied casually, "yaar discounted hai par free nahin... aur mujhe vaise bhi kisi cheez ki jarurat nahin..."

She thinks, "iss month ki salary abhi aayi hai aur sab kharch kar diya toh poora mahina kaise katega... agar Preeti ko kahungi toh voh help karne ke liye force karegi..."

Preeti still not get convinced with her excuse and asked her to at least take a trial for some dresses for herself...

Naina agreed reluctantly and tried few dresses which look splendid on her... while in changing room she thinks, "Preeti kitni zid kar rahi hai par mein usey kaise bataau ki mujhe in savings ki kitani jarurat hai... aane waale waqt mein mujhe mera aur baby ka akele khyaal rakhna hai... mujhe Preeti ko samjhana hi hoga... vaise bhi mein kuchh bhi pehnu, kise farq padta hai..." her face become dull thinking she has no one in her life who cares for her, pamper her... though Sameer praised her last night but she doesn't want to keep any false hopes...

She came out from dressing room and returned all dresses at counter... she dragged Preeti outside, "dekh Preeti, mein jaanti hun ki dresses bohot sundar hai par mein abhi inhein nahin le sakti... please samajh... jab bhi mera budget hoga mein khud tere saath shopping par chalungi par aaj nahin..."

Preeti agreed half-heartedly and buy one dress for herself... she always respects her decision and self-respect and doesn't want to force her for anything... soon they came back to their desks...

Getting his evening coffee, she went inside but Sameer stopped her to discuss on some matters... as per Marketing team feedback, exhibition went very well and appreciated by their staff and even Mr Shah himself called him to thanks for his brilliant idea... which gives a lot of publicity to his company on first day of their collaboration...

But Sameer was eager to know if she like the dresses and buy something for herself... they had heated argument when he offered her financial support giving bank cards... she denied any sort of help from him... even he didn't want her to feel offended on herself for any reason... he had seen the bag carrying new dresses which Kamya might have brought for her, but she rejected her also...

Thinking much he finally asked casually focusing his attention to screen, "well... I think it was good that Mr Shah exhibit his new collection in our office... I heard mostly staff bought from there... you also went there with Preeti... so how's the feedback..."

Naina smiled, "ya.. I have seen it... everyone like the designs and moreover it was so reasonable also... even Preeti who didn't like much Indian wear also bought for herself... after all, who would like to miss the opportunity to get such a huge discount on branded clothes" she said excitedly sharing her views...

Sameer asked hesitantly, "and you... I mean, you wear Indians only, so hope you too liked some dresses... their designs, color, fabric..."

Naina replied excitedly, "yes... designs were awesome... of course, I liked it... in fact most of the designs were pretty new in market... I have never seen it before..."

Sameer was now more eager to see what all she bought, he asked getting impatient, "so which design you bought... I heard they had so many varieties, patterns..." to not get more suspicious, he changed his tone hiding his excitement, "voh actually it's our new collaboration so I thought to have complete details... otherwise we might lose our profits too with this new idea of publicity..."

Naina smiled assuring him, "don't worry... I don't think it's a loss for our company... in fact, Mr Shah also seems a gentleman and person of values... they delivered what they promise... I had reviewed about them earlier when I was preparing presentation... their company reviews are very good in market... you should rest assure of this business deal..."

Sameer irritates thinking, "poora market review de diya, moral lecture de diya par apni shopping nahin batani... isko kuchh samajh kyun nahin aata..."

Keeping himself cool he asked again, "well... can you show me some samples...? I want to see the quality of their products... so we can plan some more marketing ideas for future..."

Naina asked confusingly, "samples... but I think exhibition is already closed... mein marketing team se check karti hun if they have some samples available with them..." she stood to go when he asked losing all his patience, "why... you must have bought it also... you can show me that only..."

He stunned hearing, "I didn't buy anything... mein toh sirf dekhne gayi thi..." she said innocently flushing all his hopes... he shouts suddenly, "what... lekin kyun...?"

Naina shivered on his tone when he said lowering his tone, "I mean... tum gayi thi na, toh kharida kyun nahin... I thought you like the quality and designs..." his frustration was clearly visible in his voice...

Naina stood numb thinking, "phir naraaz ho gaye... I wish kharida hota... shayad company publicity ke liye jaruri tha, par mujhe kisi ne aisa nahin bataya... ab pakka phir daantenge..."

Seeing her face became pale and dull suddenly he said, "you go... will discuss later..." she nodded turning back and quickly went out...

Sameer clutching his hair in his hands, gets fully frustrated, "I can't handle it... mujhse nahin hoga yaar... yeh ladki mujhe paagal kar degi..."

Pandit entered seeing him sitting holding his head, "what happen... tabiyat kharaab hai kya... kada mangwaau..." he chuckled to tease him more...

Sameer lift his head slightly said with a sarcastic smile, "nahin... kismat kharaab hai... kaade se bhi kuchh nahin hoga mera toh..."

Pandit giving a confused look sit in front of him... upon asking Sameer told him all his planning to let her buy some new dresses for herself... and how efficiently and cutely she ruined his plan...

Pandit burst into laughter seeing his sullen face, "Mr Maheshwari, jinki aaj tak eb bhi... matlab ek bhi business deal fail nahin huyi, unki pyaar mein ki gayi pehli planning super duper failed... maza aa gaya yaar... tu ne toh khud apna record tod diya, voh bhi apni biwi ke haath... sachchi yaar she is so cute na..."

Sameer scowled him, "will you please shut up now... dekh mein pehle hi bohot pareshaan hun ab tu mat shuru ho jaa... this girl is beyond my imagination... yaar maine hamesha suna hai ki ladkiyon ko shopping aur discounts se kitna pyaar hai aur ek yeh hai meri Naina devi... alag hi mitti ki bani hai..."

Pandit suppressing his laughter said, "dekh bhaai... yeh bohot seedhi saadhi ladki hai... isko dekh kar hi samajh aata hai ki koi planning, scheming iss par nahin chalegi... par haan, business mind chhod kar agar dil se kuchh plan karega toh shayad baat ban sakti hai... try again... all the best..." saying this laughing loudly he left him alone to re-think...

Before Pandit left out, Sameer called him back giving a pleading look... they are childhood friends and knows well whats going on their mind... before Sameer utter, Pandit replied irritatingly, "kitna besharam hai na tu... tujhe bilkul sharam nahin aati mujhse aise kaam karwate huye... dhele ki izzat nahin bachegi meri agar kisi ko pata chal gaya... par apni behen ke liye toh karna hi padega par dekhna saare badle na liye tujhse toh..."

Pandit left leaving him alone in cabin with a smirk on his face, "ab batata hoon madam ko... mera charm abhi aapne dekha nahin Mrs Maheshwari... business mind flop ho gaya par aashiq ka dil fail nahin hoga... mere dil ki awaaz tum ansuni nahin kar paaogi... promise..."

In evening, Naina went to inform Sameer for her planned evening outing with Preeti but seeing him busy in some discussion with others, left after informing Pandit only...

Getting free after an hour, Sameer asked about Naina when Pandit informed, "voh toh Preeti ke saath dinner par gayi hai... tu busy tha toh mujhe bata gayi..."

Sameer feels hurt, "aaj bhi... I mean akele... puchha bhi nahin..."

Seeing his sulky face, Pandit laughed, "chinta mat kar... aaj humein bhi invite kiya hai, agar tu chaahe toh... matlab jaane se pehle Preeti khud aayi thi invite karne par tujhe straight kehne se thoda ghabra rahi thi, isliye mujhe bola hai..."

Sameer asked impatiently, "kahaan jaana hai... I mean venue bataya usne..."

Pandit said hesitantly, "par Sameer, are you sure you want to go... I mean it's not a lavish hotel or some big restaurant... will you be comfortable eating at local place... even Preeti was also bit hesitated calling you there..."

Sameer smiled, "it doesn't matter... jab uski ek jhalak dekhne ke liye mein bina bulaye aadhi raat ko Preeti ke ghar ja sakta hoon toh aaj toh phir bhi invitation mila hai... the matter most is with whom I will have dinner and spend time... shayad thoda aur janane ka mauka mil jaaye... varna toh madam bhagati rehti hai dur dur... jaise hi paas jaata hun lagta hai 1000-watt ka current lag gaya ho usey... ek dam shocked ho jaati hai..." he laughed imagining her shocked and nervous face whenever he went close to her...

Pandit laughed, "yeh huyi na baat.... chal ab varna der ho gayi toh pata chala donon akele masti karke ghar chali gayi... vaise bhi Preeti ne yeh Naina se surprise rakha hai..." they too left to meet them at mall...

Naina Preeti went for shopping in nearby mall and select dresses for Preeti... spend few hours in selection, getting fully tired Naina said, "chal na kuchh khaate hai... meri toh bhukh se jaan hi nikal rahi hai..."

Preeti smiled seeing her cute face, "chal, par aaj teri pasand ka... jo bhi tera man kare..."

Naina said excitedly, "toh aaj gol gappe khaaye... matlab bohot man kar raha tha par mauka hi nahin milta... phir chaat, phir dahi bhalle aur papdi bhi... aur please uske baad ice-cream aur jalebi bhi... Mr Maheshwari toh kabhi khaane hi nahin denge mujhe yeh sab..." she said making grupmy face as Sameer will surely reject her to have spicy and junk street food... as always without giving any reasons... and she has no dare to even ask him...

They moved towards food court laughing when Preeti's phone buzzed... seeing Naina busy in selecting place to sit, she quickly text replying to Pandit informing their location... she kept it as a surprise for her... though she promised to not interfere in their relation but as a true well wisher she will not leave any chance to get them close... she had seen longing in their eyes which they themselves are ignorant...

Taking a corner seat in food court, Preeti pick up their order from counter... Naina getting her craving to have street food for so long, about to keep the first gol gappa in her mouth when saw Sameer coming towards them from other side... it burst in her hand only, dripping water back in her plate... shattered her all hopes... not again...

Preeti laughed seeing her reaction saying, "yeh company culture nahin hai... aaj maine khud invite kiya hai... darr mat, kuchh nahin kahenge... teri hawa kyun nikla jaati hai sir ko dekh kar..."

Naina said making faces, "pehle nahin bata sakti thi... ab phir lecture milega... shaam ko hi dresses ke chakkar mein daant padi hai aur ab yeh sab unhealthy street food... aur paagal unhein kyun aisi normal jagah par bulaya... unhein shayad aadat bhi nahin hogi..."

Before Preeti replied, they reached to them... always being from the royal family and introvert in nature, Sameer hardly visit any such places... though he doesn't have any arrogancy but never got chance to visit crowdy places or mall, as he always keeps himself indulged in his business since after he is back from London completing his studies...

They joined the girls, thanking Preeti to invite them and Sameer gifted a beautiful designer wristwatch and Pandit gifted a designed bag, which she accepts hesitantly...

Sameer turned her focus on Naina and surprised to see her all quiet again... he noticed her smiling face from far when they were looking for them but now again, she was very silent... seems nervous too...

Preeti asked his preferences to eat and left with Pandit to order... seeing her alone he asked hesitantly, "what happen... you are not eating anything..."

Naina smiled dimly thinking, "ab aapke saamne yeh kaise khaaun... paanch minute aur der se nahin aa sakte the... kam se kam ek golgappa toh khaa leti... vahi baat huyi ki haath ko aaya aur munh na laga..."

She said slowly hiding her craving, "ya... nahin matlab... haan... abhi khaati hun na... yeh toh Preeti ka hai, mera order abhi aaya nahin..."

They both remain seated quietly whereas Sameer was busy in chatting on his phone... in few minutes time, keeping his phone aside, he picked up a gol gappa, filled it with tangy water and forward to her mouth, "mein gussa nahin karunga... khaa lo... I know tumhara man kar raha hai yeh sab khaane ka..."

Naina felt extremely embarrassed that how did he know what she was thinking but now can't denied too as she was really craving for it too much... might be due to her pregnancy, she craved more for spicy and tangy food but doesn't have anyone around who can ask for her choice of food... who can pamper her...

But today, his small gesture touched her... she eats silently when feeling his warmth, a tear drops from her eyes... he quickly wiped her tears getting worried, "isn't it too spicy... dekha mirchi lag gayi na..."

He was looking for water when she held his hand, "nahin, mirchi nahin hai... bas aise hi..." he looked at her confusingly as unable to understand that if it's not spicy then why she was crying... confused...

Naina pick up another piece from plate and feed him too, "dekha bilkul mirchi nahin hai..." he ate it for her sake as never in his life he had such food... though he has his taste buds for Indian food but eating junk street food was never be on his platter... but today he ate first time and enjoyed it too... she too let him taste every item on table... and he didn't deny...

Pandit Preeti looked at them at far and smiled... seeing Pandit's eyes slightly wet, Preeti keep her hand on his arm to console him, "I think they need time to understand their feelings... and as friends we should help them... so deal..."

Pandit smiled, "deal... par soch lo.. he is a real crazy and tough to handle... isko samjhana aasaan nahin..."

Preeti laughed, "koi baat nahin... dusri party bhi bilkul idiot hai... let's see ek taraf rudeness hai toh dusri taraf innocence hai... ek taraf gussa hai toh dusri taraf sirf pyaar hai... ek dimaag se sochta hai aur dusra sirf dil se... par kehte hai na pyaar apna raasta khud bana leta hai..."

Pandit added making her laugh more, "correct... ek confuse aur dusra usase bhi jyaada confuse... bohot majaa aane wala hai..." they both burst into laughter seeing their crazy friends...

Pandit mesmerized looking her laughing madly, when she jerked him, "abhi ek story par dhyaan de... dusri baad mein dekh lenge..." she said winking to him and left to collect their order from another counter... soon followed by him smiling nervously rubbing his neck, "matlab chance hai abhi..."

Till they were back, Sameer feed her almost everything on table... he himself was surprised to see her eating so much... he always observed her low appetite but today she was simply different but looking adorable... while eating she herself didn't realize how his gaze was continuously fixed on her and she keep on talking sharing her random past experiences... seems first time she was talking to him without any hesitation... no fear... her eyes were having a glint making him forget her all surroundings...

Pandit placed the tray on table taking them both out of their reverie... the atmosphere was rather cool and comfortable for all... today even Sameer took bit initiative to speak in between surprising to Naina also... she saw him more relaxed and calmer rather than other days...

After a fun filled evening, they all left together... Preeti sits with Pandit at passenger seat followed by Naina Sameer on back seat... Sameer was tensed and feels hesitate to ask if Naina is again staying back with Preeti tonight also... but remain quiet...

The moment they reached Preeti's house, Preeti gets down from car followed by Pandit to bid goodbye...

Naina turned to open the gate when Sameer hold her hand asking, "are you again staying at her house tonight...?" his voice was restless...

Naina surprised on his sudden reaction but replied calmly, "nahin... voh Preeti ko bye karne jaa rahi thi... bas abhi aayi vaapas..." getting a relived sigh he left her hand ... to hide his emotions he said coldly, "ya... it's okay... It doesn't matter if you want to stay back... rather I need to discuss some office matters... aur haan voh usually mera fever reiterate hota hai toh I might need the kada... so..." he tried to justify his action to not make her suspicious on his intentions to spend time with her...

Naina felt sad thinking, "I know... my existence doesn't matter to you..." coming out from car she felt suddenly cold... composing herself she hugged Preeti to say bye when she whispered, "dekh le... aaj nahin rukne diya na tere Mr Maheshwari ne tujhe... maine kya kaha tha..."

Naina didn't reply as doesn't want to spoil her mood... quickly saying bye to her she sits back in car wrapping her arm around herself...

The atmosphere in car went calm and silent again... it was rather cozy inside, but she still feels bit cold... Sameer noticed it... he instantly unbuttoned his suit and took off his blazer and handed it to her, "put it on..."

Upon hearing what he said, she suddenly widened her eyes in surprise and looked at him, "no... it's okay.... I am fine..."

Sameer seeing her reluctant, giving a hard glare said in a different tone, "you are no more allowed for sick leave... so just put it on..." he was so firm and resolute that she couldn't seem to refuse... he murmured slowly, "I can't afford to see you sick anymore..."

Naina was still in shock when he himself put the blazer on her from back covering her... there was a time when he not even allowed her to touch his clothes but today he himself wrapped her with his blazer... before she refuses more, he sits back in his seat and close his eyes to avoid any further talks...

Naina was astonished on his act but remain silent seeing him resting now... she keenly observed the tiredness on his face seems he has not slept properly last night and must be very exhausted... to not to disturb him anymore, she too turned her face looking outside closing her eyes keeping her head on glass window... Pandit grinned widely seeing them from rearview mirror realizing how they both had started caring for each other but doesn't want to show up... crazy both...

Next update by tomorrow...