Preeti closed the door thanking them once again for coming and support her in this condition... she turned to see Naina standing in center of the room looking all lost... her eyes were glued towards the way where they left with a gloomy look on her face... she was happy to see him here but it ended with another argument and he left ignoring her again...

Preeti gets more confused seeing all this and jerked her hand, taking her back from her thoughts, "Naina yeh Sameer sir, yahaan... itni subah subah... kaise... kyun... I mean seriously, I was not expecting him to come here..." she was still in shock seeing Sameer at her house in early morning hours...

Naina compose herself explained, "haan... voh tujhse milne aaye the... tere liye bohot worried the... after all tu unki employee jo hai... he is really a very nice and caring boss... tu so rahi thi toh maine socha coffee bana dun... bas voh galti se haath jal gaya toh daant pad gayi... tujhe toh pata hai na unhein galti karna pasand nahin..." she said giving fake excuses for their weird behavior and tried to divert her mind...

Preeti smirks sitting close to her, "Naina... don't you think he has some feelings for you... I mean Maheshwari group of company ke CEO aur ek assistant ki itni chinta... I am telling you kuchh toh gadbad hai tu maane ya naa maane...." she asked suspiciously tapping her finger on her cheek...

Naina hit on her forehead, "oye, karamchand jasoos... tu na jyaada dimaag mat chala apna... ab chal aur jaldi se ready ho jaate hai... kahin koi aur aa gaya toh hum yun hi baithe hai... aur aaj mandir bhi jaana hai na... pooja ke liye..." she tried to divert her mind getting suspicious on her relationship with Sameer...

Preeti's eyes get watery recalling today she has to do her parents last ritual, "Naina... mein kar paaungi na... aaj ke baad voh log hamesha ke liye iss duniya ko chhod kar chale jayenge... mujhse dur... mein akeli rah jaaungi..."

Naina keeping her in a soft hug, "Preeti tu akeli nahin hai aur dekh maine kaha tha na ki agar tu aise dukhi hogi toh uncle aunty ko kitna bura lagega... aaj tu jo itni bold aur independent hai unhone hi tujhe iss laayak banaya hai... toh tu unki parvarish ko aise sharminda nahin kar sakti... yeh tera farz hai aur unka haq jo aaj tu unhein pyaar aur samman se vidaa kare... mein jaanti hun hamare samaaj mein yeh farz hamesha se ladke karte aaye hai par unke liye tu hi unka beta thi, toh tu kaise pichhe hat sakti hai... aaj ki pooja tu khud apne haathon se karegi..."

Preeti wiped her tears getting confident, "tu hai na mere saath, toh mein kaise haar maan sakti hun.." she hold her hand firmly making her wince when realize her fingers burnt... she immediately apologize, "sorry... sorry... mein bhool hi gayi thi... chal ready ho jaate hai... aur tu aaj koi kaam mat karna varna haath mein dard hoga... mein kar lungi sab kuchh bas tu mere saath rahna..."

Naina smiled lifting her mood, "okay madam... ab ja aur jaldi se ready ho ja... mein pooja ka saaman ready karti hun... phir Panditji se bhi baat kar lenge ki kya aur chahiye hoga pooja mein..."

Preeti asked in confusion, "Pandit se... par usey kaise pata hoga ki pooja mein kya lagega... voh part-time panditgiri bhi karta hai kya..."

Naina laughed hitting on her head, "bewkoof, mein pandit bhai ki nahin mandir wale Panditji ki baat kar rahi hoon... vaise tujhe badi yaad aa rahi hai pandit ki... tu kehti toh mein rok leti aaj bhi..."

Preeti giving a "kuchh bhi" look to her got up to get ready when saw a bag lying near sofa, "yeh kiska hai..." she opened seeing Naina's clothes, "yeh tera bag... yeh kapde kahaan se aaye Naina... tu toh kal nahin laayi thi kuchh bhi apne saath..."

Naina realized she had seen this bag in Pandit's hand... she took it from Preeti's hand and covered up, "haan... voh maine Pandit bhai se kaha tha ki aate waqt ghar se laane ke liye... tu ... tu jaa, jaldi se ready ho jaa..." she literally pushed her inside washroom to avoid her asking more questions...

Taking a relief sigh she sits back on sofa and pulled out the dress for herself to change... soon she realized and hit on her forehead, "shit... iska matlab voh subah subah yahaan mere kapde dene aaye the... oh god... matlab, he touched my bag also... aur maine toh unhein doodhwala hi samajh liya..." she laughed imagining his face as doodhwala...

Her cheeks turned crimson feeling shy... "why he behaves so caring and concern for me sometime...? din ba din meri life ki sabse complicated mystery bante ja rahe hai... kya karte hai, kya sochte hai, kuchh pata hi nahin chalta... aur jubaan par toh jaise hamesha angaare rakhe rehte hai... aur phir yeh care karna... uff... paagal kar denge mujhe... bachpan se topper rahi hun par yeh complex mystery mujhse nahin sulajhti... kitne difficult hai Mr Complicated Maheshwari..."

Naina Preeti quickly got ready and left for Mandir to do last ritual of her parents... they came back by afternoon fully tired and exhausted... taking a short meal they both slept...

Naina preferred to stay with Preeti for tonight also as she might be felt alone, which was heartly appreciated by Preeti... they spent rest of the evening chatting and sharing their life experiences... mostly Preeti who was sharing her childhood experiences with her parents making Naina realize that she had never spent such close moments with her own parents... but why?

Naina feels that though from outside Preeti seems so bold and outspoken but inside she is also same as her who craved for love and someone's care... unlike Kamya, Preeti seems more understanding, reliable and dependable...

Coming back from Preeti's house, Sameer didn't call her anymore... at one side he was missing her presence terribly but annoyed too on their indifferent behavior towards each other... 

Pandit seems very restless and tensed about Preeti, unknown to his own feelings for her... whole day they both tried to avoid discussing on their confused feelings but can feel easily how much agitated they both were on the whole situation...

Sameer asked him to go in evening and meet Preeti but Pandit refused, "it doesn't look nice going again n again... what will she think... and anyways we are not even friends... I don't want to make it complicated for her... and Naina is already there with her, so I am not worried much for her... if anyone else wants to go then..." he said with a teasing smile looking at Sameer...

Sameer frowned on his looks, "why are you looking at me like this...?"

Pandit laughed like a mad man, "bhai, manana padega vaise... jis chehre ke pichhe school, college ki saari ladkiyaan paagal thi usko teri dream girl ne doodhwala bana diya... saari reputation ka kachra kar diya teri..."

Sameer finally smiled, "aur yeh bas meri Naina hi kar sakti hai... saari duniya se alag jo hai..."

Pandit assured, "hmm yeh theek kaha tu ne... vaise tujhe pakka nahin jaana na..." before again getting another scolding Pandit changed the topic, "then let's go home.... I am really feeling very tired... vaise ek baat kehni padegi itna handsome doodhwala sirf meri behen ko hi mil sakta hai..." he laughed teasing him more and soon they left for home...

Sameer expected her to be back home at night, but all his hopes shattered when Pandit confirmed that today also she is staying with Preeti only... after Pandit left, Sameer quickly make some calls and spent whole night almost awaked missing her badly but after their morning argument he didn't feel like to call her either... he did observer her gloomy and pale face and doesn't want her to be upset for anything... 

Naina spent whole day with Preeti and tried her best to keep her happy, forgetting the sudden demise of her parents... as truly said... life must go on...

Next day Naina woke up very early morning seeing Preeti still sleeping next to her... seeing it's still dark outside, she went out in hall and wait for him expecting might be Sameer visit them today also... she waited for him for long but there was no sign of him... 

She looked at her slightly turned red fingers thinking, "shayad maine kuchh jyaada hi ummide laga li hai... voh toh kal bhi Preeti se milne aaye the, after all unki employee jo hai... I should not keep false hopes..." taking a deep sigh she came back in room laid down with Preeti and slept back...

Sameer too woke up early and gets ready earlier than his usual time... he asked suddenly, "is she coming office today?"

Pandit giving a confused look asked, "who... Preeti?"

Sameer frowned looking other side... soon realizing his folly Pandit smirks, "why don't you call her if you are missing her so much... I mean after all she is your assistant, and you don't like to get work suffered... vaise bhi probation period mein itani leaves allowed nahin as per company policy... right?" he said giving a wink to him...

Sameer immediately took his phone dialing her number but stops, "why should I call her... it's her wish, if she wants to come or not... anyways her fingers are burnt so better if she takes rest at home... kal se toh madam ne ek baar phone bhi nahin kiya... usey kahaan meri yaad aa rahi hogi..." he said slowly but Pandit grinned listening this that he really cares for her and missing her terribly... he prayed in his heart for them...

Reminding something Pandit asked, "I got a call from our security head that you send two guards somewhere during midnight... what happened?"

Sameer replied, "hmm... voh, I asked two guards to stay outside Preeti's house at night for their safety..."

Seeing a surprising look on Pandit's face Sameer replied, "haan toh kya karta.... kal dekha tha kitni carelessly bina dekhe darwaja khol diya tha... agar koi aur hota toh... donon ladkiyaan akele ghar mein hai aur itni laaparwahi... usye vahaan rehne se rok nahin sakta par uski safety ka dhyaan toh rakh sakta hoon na... I was just worried for her, nothing else..."

Pandit smiled keeping his hand on his shoulder, "yaar itani parwaah karta hai toh kehta kyun nahin... tujhe nahin lagta ab dil ki baat kehne ka waqt aa gaya hai... I mean koshish toh kar..."

Sameer remain quite lost in his own thoughts... is it the right time to confess his feelings and taking a step ahead in their relation... he is still not aware of her feelings and thoughts about their relation... he decided finally, "jab tak Naina ke dil ki baat nahin pata mein usey kuchh nahin bata sakta..."

Sameer came down at breakfast table when Vishakha enquired, "Sameer, I heard Naina is not at home from last two days... what happened... where is she...?"

Unwillingly he replied, "she is at her friends place... her parents died in an accident so Naina is with her to console her... but why suddenly you are so much concerned for her..." he didn't like Vishakha interfering in Naina's life...

Vishakha gets annoyed, "look she is part of family... and ya, I heard about that girl in HR department... but Naina should not go there personally... jyaada tha toh condolence ke liye kisi staff ko bhej dete... after all we are Maheshwari's... aise kisi middle class ghar mein jaakar rehna.. log dekhenge toh kya sochenge... she should take permission before doing this..."

Sameer replied casually making fun of her, "look who's talking... if I am not mistaken before coming to this house, you were also living in some shitty slum colony... and anyways she is my wife... so you don't need to worry about her... also don't ever try to force her for anything... she is very innocent and always oblige elders, but it doesn't mean that I will allow anyone to hurt her..." he said intentionally as knowing how Vishakha scheming and pressurizing Naina for Kamya and Karthik alliance against her wish...

Vishakha stunned listening this and shouts, "how dare you talk to me like this... don't forget I was married to your father..."

Sameer frowned throwing spoon in hand on table, "illegally... it was my mother who was legally married to my father... not you... just because of your betrayal, she died... so don't you dare to raise your voice ever in front of me... did you get that..." saying this he wheeled his chair away from dining area and left for office...

Karthik came seeing Vishakha sitting alone on table fuming in anger, "what happen Mom... why are you so upset... and where is Sameer and Naina....?" he asked casually sitting on the chair to have breakfast...

She shouted on him, "it's all because of you... agar tumne business achchhe se sambhala hota toh aaj CEO tum hote... na ki woh Sameer... kitni koshish ki maine ki tumhein tumhara haq dilwa sakun par tum hi iss laayak nahin saabit huye..." she thrown all her anger and frustration on him...

Karthik looked her annoyingly, "I told you earlier also, that I don't have any interest in handling business... I am happy at my current post and enjoying my work... look I am more of a creative person and Marketing role suits me more rather than CEO... so what's wrong in it... Sameer is perfect in all manners and you know it..." he replied genuinely as he really doesn't have any interest to handle business as CEO...

Vishakha burst on him, "it's my fault that I am thinking about you... but now at least listen me and try to be friendly with Kamya... I want you to marry her... she is only heir of Parekh Industries and it will empower your position in company also... your future will be safe..."

Karthik giving a disgusting look leave after saying, "sorry... but I don't have any interest in a girl like Kamya... I want my life partner should be simple and understanding, who cares for me and for my feeling... I don't want a partner to show-off in your high society... so, forget about it..." he left without turning back to her...

Vishakha throw all the cutlery and dishes on floor making a deafening sound echoed in the whole house in anger, shouted loudly, "how dare he... I will not leave this time... shaadi toh tumhari Kamya se hi hogi... mein bhi dekhti hun tum kaise mana karte ho... to keep Sameer down I find a middle-class local girl for him but for you I need someone like Kamya only... I know what you are up to par mein aisa hone nahin dungi... I will not let you win this time also... ab mujhe jald hi kuchh karna hoga varna sab kuchh mere haathon se nikal jaayega..."

Preeti woke up seeing Naina still sleeping peacefully... quickly using washroom, she freshens up and make breakfast for both of them... Naina listening noises from outside came out seeing her ready to go out... she asked, "Preeti tu itni subah kahaan ja rahi hai taiyar hokar... mujhe kyun nahin uthaya, mein help kar deti na... akele karne ki kya jarurat thi..."

Preeti handed her a cup of tea, "office... aur kahaan... mujhe pata hai yeh thoda jaldi hai par Naina ab ghar par rehne se toh kuchh vaapas nahin aayega na... tujhe pata hai mere Mummy Papa ne mere liye bohot sapne dekhe hai ki mein bohot tarakki karun aur unka naam roshan karun... toh uske liye mujhe aage badna hi hoga na... I can't disappoint them like this... ghar par baith kar aansu bahane se jyaada jaruri hai ki mein unke sapne poore karun, jisaje unhein sachchi khushi de sakun... unhein apni parvarish par abhimaan ho..."

Naina feels proud to get such a confident and understanding emotional friend in her life... she took her in her embrace caressing her back, "I understand your feelings and really appreciate it... jo darr ke himmat haar de voh meri Preeti nahin ho sakti... hai na... I am really proud of you and thank you once again to be my friend..."

They both sits back and chatting when Preeti hold her hand, "vaise ek baat kahun, kal phir se Sameer sir ki aankhon mein tere liye vahi chinta dekhi thi maine... laga chot tujhe nahin unhein lagi ho... kitne pyaar se dawai laga rahe the na tere haath par... pata nahin tujhe unki feelings kyun nahin dikhati... unke saamne aate hi teri jubaan par taala kyun lag jaata hai..."

Naina looked at her fingers and feels shy recalling his intense gaze on her which disturbed her a lot and ended up with this injury... she smiled when Preeti poked on her forehead, "madam... aap CEO ki assistant ho par mein nahin... toh time se office jaana padega na... chal ready ho ja..."

Naina stood but recalled she doesn't have any dress to change as Sameer brings only one dress for her last day.... Preeti offered her blue jean with yellow full sleeve top... a semi formal casual dress fit for office wear... though Naina was not used too of wearing western dresses but seeing no other option she chose to wear it...

They both gets ready and left for office... the moment they stepped out from building Preeti said confusingly, "Naina, dekh voh jo do aadmi vahaan khade hai, tujhe nahin lagta voh humein hi ghoor rahe hai... dekhne mein iss society ke bhi nahin lagte..."

Naina too said suspiciously, "hmm... maine balcony se bhi dekha tha... donon tere ghar ki taraf hi dekh rahe the... mujhe laga shayad tu jaanti hogi inhein..."

Preeti decided to go and question them but Naina make her agreed to avoid saying, "dekh unhone hamara kuchh nuksaan nahin kiya toh kyun bekaar mein panga lena... chhod agar dobara dikhe toh baat karenge nahin toh police mein complaint kar deng..." they both agree and left in auto for office...

Reaching office Naina went to her seat and starts working... since she was not present from last two days, lots of e-mails were pending at her desk to be answered... she starts typing but suddenly feels pain on tips of her fingers which were burnt... but she was adamant to complete her work...

Sameer heard knock at her cabin door and permitted without seeing the person coming inside... Naina entered and put the coffee mug on his desk... feeling her presence around, his fingers stopped suddenly on his laptop... he lifted his head to see her standing there looking down, waiting for any instructions from him... she stands there expecting a lot of work must be pending in her absence...

He surprised looking at her in front of him... he was imagining her every then and now since morning but lastly feel dishearten when she suddenly disappeared... he was still unsure if she is really here or not... he narrowed his eyes keenly looked at her and suddenly a soft smile spread on his face...

She was always be her dream girl and today again he saw her in a different look... he always imagined her in different attires and looks, in his dreams... today she was not in her usual Indian wear... though the dress was very simple but she was looking eternal beautiful and stunning... today her hair was tied in a high pony flowing freely till her waist rather than her daily simple braided hair style... all thanks to Preeti who tied it in a high pony as her fingers were hurting... all together she is in her casual looks but looking elegant and there was a cute smile on her face too... giving an everlasting glow added to her beauty... simple beauty... it must be his dream only... he assure himself...

His trance broke with a sudden knock at door and Pandit barged in without waiting for permission... he frowned seeing him when Pandit grinned seeing Naina there... he was expecting her to be on leave today but here she was back to her work...

Pandit greets while passing from her, "Hi Ms Agarwal, I thought you were not coming today... but great... welcome back..." he moved towards Sameer to handed him file feeling strange silence prevailing in the cabin...

Sameer pulled his arm leaning down, whispering into his ears asking suspiciously, "tujhe bhi dikhai de rahi hai... is she in real...?"

Pandit pinched hard on his hand getting him out from his la la land and replied slowly, "dhyaan se dekh... tera sapna haqiqat mein tere saamne hai aur tu aankh nahin khol raha... gadha kahin ka..."

Naina looked both of them strangely as unable to understand what they both are up to...

Seeing her so confused Pandit stands straight and said, ""vaise, you are looking nice today..." she smiled slowly looking at them strangely and seeing no further instructions from Sameer, she turned and left out...

Seeing her going out Sameer gave a hard glare to Pandit asking, "what was that?"

Pandit looked at him confusingly and then chuckled, "see bro... I treat her as my sister... so don't give me that looks... and anyways if you didn't compliment her that doesn't mean I will also not... better you start learnt these things... it will help you in near future..." he winked to him and before getting more scolding, he rushed out from his cabin....

Naina came back to her seat starting her work... few moments later, Pandit came to her but slightly hesitated... he stood there feeling awkward to ask when Naina said with a smile, "she is fine now... aap chaaho toh jaa kar baat kar sakte ho... usey achchha lagega... and thanks uss din itni help karne ke liye... shayad mein akele na sambhal paati sab kuchh..."

Pandit smiled caressing her head like an elder caring brother, "bhai ko thanks nahin kehte... agar aur koi bhi jarurat ho toh bata dena... tumhein bhi aur ..." he stopped feeling shy to say further...

He turned to leave her when Naina stopped him, "voh ek help chahiye thi..." she narrates how two persons were standing outside the building and keep looking towards Preeti's house making them scared...

Pandit laughed slowly replying, "darrne ki jarurat nahin... voh hamare hi guards the... sorry tumhein bataye bina bhej diya... ab kya karein, kisi ko tumhari itni chinta jo thi... without assuring your safety kisi ko neend kahaan aati.. thoda ajeeb hai par aadat daal lo..." he winked naughtily pointing towards cabin and left leaving her in daze...

Enjoy weekend... next update very soon...