It was a little after half-ten at night when the Maheshwari family returned home, after bidding goodbye to all the guests and completing some formalities related to the venue and caterer. After collapsing on various sofas, chairs, and even on the carpet, the event was discussed at great length, especially reasons for why some of the guests had not attended the ceremony.

After dwelling on Payal's attire, jewellery and mehendi for some time, the females discussed their own for much longer! While the men congratulated themselves on the choice of their caterer and agreed that they got a really good deal with the decorator as well.

Then the topic shifted to the trip planned to Raipur for the day after. Though no one was quite sure how it had come to be, during the course of the evening, when the plan was been discussed with Payal, Shobhna and Santosh had been extended an invite too which they had happily accepted. Despite some cajoling, Vikas and family could not extend their stay and were still planning to leave the next morning, but Savitri was to stay back for a couple of weeks now.

The two grandmothers were the first to retire for the night, post which everyone slowly followed suite.

Once in her room, Naina stood before the mirror admiring her look one last time, before she started removing the jewellery. Her fingers halted midair as she was about to pull out the rose he had tucked in her hair. Her eyes widened thinking what it would have seemed like if someone had happened to come by at that moment. Hey Bhagwan! Kitni baddi ullu ho main! Socha bhi nahi ke kissine hume waha kone mein dekh liya hota toh kya sochte?! Kahi yeh toh nahi samajh lete ke hum dono ke beech kuch... kuch chal raha hai...

Then her shoulders sagged - Ullu toh main puri hu... humare beech kaha se kuch ho sakta hai?? Hum toh...sirf... friends hi reh sakte hai. Aur jaise bachpan se gharwale kehte hai... waise special friends bhi nahi.

She tsked - Bechari Mumma... unhe kya pata special friends ka kya meaning hota hai... kitne saal mere dimag mein bhi confusion raha jab school mein ladkiya special friend banana ke khayal se hi sharmati thi! Samajh hi nahi aata tha ke iss mein sharmane wali kya baat hai... Sameer toh humesha se hi mera special friend tha. Phir pata chala ke Mumma wale aur duniya wale special friend mein kitna difference hota hai!

"Naina! Change kar lo toh jaldi Rohan bhaiya ke room mein aao. Hum Raipur trip ka kuch plan bana rahe hai." Sameer called from the other side of the closed door. Startled out of her thoughts, she replied "Haa.. bus panch minute mein aati hu!"

The moment she stepped in his room, Rohan teased eyeing the rose still pinned in her hair "Yeh tum donon ne aaj matching gulab kyu lagaye thay?? Aare bhai koi naya fashion nikla hai toh mujhe bhi ek lagane ko deta... in fact mujhe aur Payal donon ko dete!"

Self consciously touching the rose, Naina blurted "Nahi! Yeh toh bus Sameer ne laga diya... toh..."

Rohan's eyebrows shot up "O...", while Sameer muttered in a rush "Woh toh bus aaise hi dikha... aur isske lehenga se match bhi toh kar raha tha. Toh bus issi liye!"

Rohan nodded with a thoughtful look "That's right... aur luckily tumhara kurta bhi isske lehenga se match kar raha tha... nahi?" Amused at the blush now creeping up Sameer's face, he added "Waise, I must say... pink is definitely your colour. Payal ki sab cousins apne hone wale jiju ko chod kar jiju ke bhai ko hi admire kar rahi thi!"

Sameer flushed even more, "Kya bhaiya... aap toh aaise hi meri tang keechne lage", but Naina glowered "Gulab lagake ghumoge toh madhu makhiyan toh mandharaengi hi na!" He countered looking baffled "Par lagaya toh tumne hi tha!"

While Rohan contemplated on this exchange, deciding to deflect the topic, Naina muttered "Tumhe toh trip ka kuch planning karna tha na?"

For some time the trio discussed everything to be packed - snacks, cards, boardgames and cassettes.

* * *

Far far away... the world outside her window, stretched eerily quiet and white for miles. And it seemed to Preeti like it had sucking all the colours from her life too. At twenty-two, it should been bursting at the seams with excitement for the future, and here she was stuck in a place where each day seemed almost like a replica of the day before. But what more could one expect in Chester? With a population of two hundred and fourteen, as per the last census, most of whom were way past being regarded as middle-aged, she had not moved here with any great expectations. And yet, Chester managed to crush hers almost on a daily basis.

The twenty odd people working in the biscuit factory, where she had joined as an assistant to the accountant, were friendly enough. But Preeti had nothing in common with them. Her boss, Cedric, was a serious sort of man in his mid-fifties who was most content when left alone with a stack of ledgers. But Cedric had been forced to find someone who could help him with the more mundane tasks when the volume of the operations had more than doubled over the last year after the owner had installed some new machinery. Before the move, back home, Preeti had often temped for his sister, who had recommended her to Cedric when the opportunity arose.

Though Preeti had some qualms about the location, she had most eagerly grabbed at the chance to get away from the prison called home. It couldn't even be called a gilded cage. The little flat located above the convenience store her father managed could have been deemed a cage, but hadn't been pretty enough to be categorised as gilded. She had spent the last thirteen years of her life there dreaming of spreading her wings someday.

So, this little cabin in the middle of nowhere was still an improvement. Agreed, though it wasn't possible to step out whenever she wanted to, considering the sub-zero temperatures, it was still a space where she could breathe must easier.

And the pay was decent. Much more than what she had been making as a temp.

Over the last couple of weeks she had grown a little friendly with of the bakers, Angie, and started spending time in the factory kitchen whenever Cedric didn't have much for her to do. Hearing Angie natter away about anything and everything as she experimented with new things to add to their line, was probably the only highlight of Preeti's day. It reminded her of the times when her mother used to cooks trays of samosas to sell in the shop.

Today being Sunday, instead of being at work, Preeti was sitting by the window, sipping on a big mug of cocoa.

The snow fall outside had grown heavier over the last few minutes. A nostalgic smile flickered on her lips as she recalled Naina once sharing in a letter how Preeti seemed to her like a princess from a faraway land living in a pretty snow globe. In that moment, she had found the idea rather amusing, and even endearing to a degree, but now it reeked of isolation and helplessness.

Suddenly her heart panged for Rapunzel, the princess banished to live a lonely life in a tower with just birds to speak to. Had she really fallen into love with the prince, the first person to enter the tower? Or had she just clutched at the first hand offering an escape from life imprisonment? Who had even thought of romanticizing her vulnerability? Or had it just been the author's attempt to urge young girls to not accept the confinement forced upon them and instead fight the way out?

Maybe... the princess did not end up spending the rest of her life with the prince who rescued her from the tower. Maybe, once she met others she made a choice that was more suited to her temperament... Or maybe after recusing her, the prince realised that beyond the opportunity for gallantry that she had provided, there wasn't much to her...

Preeti shook her head realising she was digressing from her own problems. Her mind travelled to the recent letters from Naina and Pandit. Where Naina's had been filled with excitement of Rohan's upcoming engagement and news of all the preparations underway, Pandit's had been filled with anxiety, demanding to know why she hadn't written for a while now.

As a slight flush coloured her cheeks thinking how she had taken the easy way out by sending a quick congratulatory telegram instead of writing back to either, she groaned internally - But what am I to write to them?? How am I supposed to gush over the engagement preparations to Naina while I feel wretched about this secret I am keeping from her? And I cannot break my promise to Pandit to never lie to him. But how can I share any of my anxieties without spilling all the beans?!

Much like the snow outside, shame unfurled within coating her insides with another layer.

Shame. It wasn't completely new. For almost as long as she could remember, she had experienced it in varying degrees and for various reasons. But it had almost always been associated with one person. Her father - Ajit. And that in itself added to it. But it was hard to find any redemption for that man! In fact he kept finding new ways to prove that he was beyond any.

After they had relocated to Canada, she had spent couple of years feeling confused, unable to reconcile her father's account of their life as he shared with family back home to their actual life. They lived in a tiny two bed flat above the convenience store that he managed. But on the rare phone calls home, he boasted of a big house with a huge garden. That he lied was clear, but why wasn't clear to her. But if he lied, there must be something wrong in the way they lived. And hence some shame took root.

Ajit was determined that despite his choice to move his family across the seas, they should all continue to be as Indian as possible, especially his wife and daughter. He criticised almost everything about their new home and neighbours. Hence, Preeti struggled to understand whose way of life was right - her family's or the kids in her class.

Then there was the awkwardness she had to deal with at school for everything - her accent, the oiled hair, roti-sabji in her lunch box, the lack of any pocket money. It was confounding how the aroma of the curries at home was stench for her classmates.

For some time she was convinced that managing a convenience store must be the worst paid job in the world! For after working even such long hours Ajit always claimed to be broke. How her classmates Mack - whose mother who worked in a dinner across the street, or Jessie - whose dad was a carpenter, earned enough that they could afford to buy a sweet treat at school at least twice a week was beyond her comprehension.

Till she learned of Ajit's fondness for gambling. Everyday during his lunch break, he would head to a laundromat, which had a backroom for illegal betting. Horses, hockey, soccer, cards - everything was on the table. And Ajit usually left the table with empty pockets.

Rekha's anxious glances at the clock while he was away and then scurrying to stay out of his way when he returned with a scowl, filled Preeti with resentment at her father for turning their home, which should have been a safe haven, into a place where she was forced to find corners to hide in.

To top it all, Ajit frequently ranted how he had been forced to leave his old parents back home to shower them with a luxury filled life. At times he berated Rekha for her family who had not offered to help in times of their strife, and at others he blamed her for not producing a son as now he would be forced to keep working till the day he died. And this too added to Preeti's shame. As if though by being born a girl, she had somehow failed her mother. To make up for it, she started working straight after high school. Going to university was never an option.

But the latest reveal was the worst! After what she had learnt few months back, Preeti had decided that it was time to move away from that toxic environment. The decision had led to many arguments, for it was clear that this move would greatly reduce her financial contribution to the household expenses. Unsurprisingly, Rekha had extended her support by remaining quite and not openly opposing her choice. But her daughter had long stopped expecting any rebellion from her.

Noting the cocoa in her hand had gone cold, she trudged over to the stove to reheat it.

Whilst waiting for it to simmer, her thoughts once again turned to Naina. And to that first trip to India when she had got a chance to get to know her cousin.

But again, Preeti had been filled with guilt at presenting a fake account of her picture perfect life in Canada. As per Ajit's orders, both Rekha and Preeti had been forced to lie through their teeth throughout the visit. The few pretty dresses and accessories purchased especially for this occasion were flaunted, and the stories about the home and social life in Canada were heavily embellished. For most of her father's family who lived in a village, that Preeti fluently spoke accented English had been in itself very impressive. Photos of a beautiful house with the family posing near the gate were shown around, while Ajit chided Rekha for forgetting to bring the other album with the inside photos. Preeti hated the pretending, and the trip as a result.

It was only when they visited Ahmedabad post Ajit's return to Canada that the trip turned a corner.

It had also made her question the notion her father always harped on - that he had been forced to make this selfless move to Canada just in order to give Rekha and Preeti a good life. Looking at the comfortable life the Maheshwari's led, she wondered why he couldn't have done the same living in India? The easy laughter that echoed in the house, the warmth with which everyone treated each other. The whole family looked at Naina with soft indulgent smiles. Even Nirmala dadi, who kept her daughter-in-law on her toes, was always quick to indulge her Laado. And though she had not been able to place her finger on it back then, something soft and strong shone in the bond between Naina and Sameer. Despite a healthy dose of bickering that they engaged in, it was clear those two had each other's back.

Though slight envy, heavily tinted with longing, rose within, meeting the easily excitable fifteen-year-old girl with a big warm heart and sweet smile had been an unexpected but wonderful surprise. Not only Naina, the whole Maheshwari family, including Sameer's friends had been an absolute pleasure! Lying to them had been the worst of it all. The day before she bid them goodbye, Preeti decided that irrespective of what her father demanded, going forward she would not lie to Naina and Pandit. If they decided she was worthy of their friendship, it would be only after knowing the real Preeti.

Over the coming months and years, she had slowly opened up to Naina and Pandit. Bit by bit, she had shared the challenges and realities of her life, at least the one which were directly related to her. When it came to the situation at home, especially her father, she just didn't utter a word about it. How much they read between the lines, she wasn't sure. But she was grateful that they accepted her without any questions.

So, now she was at her wits end. How much longer should she keep mum about her father's vices and their domino effect?!

* * *

Sameer was driving the car occupied by Naina and the newly betrothed couple. All the elders were bundled in another bigger vehicle hired for the trip to Raipur. They had left Ahmedabad about half past six that morning, and planned to return the next evening.

Songs from the movie - Maine Pyar Kiya were playing on the car's stereo. Sameer was humming along to 'Aate jaate... socha tha maine kai baar... woh peheli nazar, halka sa asar..', while Naina was looking outside the window with a slight smile.

"Naina! Meri cousin Seema ko tumhara lehenga bohot acha laga. Poonch rahi thi kaha se liya." Payal, who had been mostly giggling with Rohan in the backseat, suddenly asked. And added after a small pause, "Bohot pretty lag rahi thi tum!"

Pleased at the compliment, Naina, occupying the front passage seat, exclaimed turning around "Suchi Bhabhi?!"

Sameer glanced at her sideways thinking - Maine bhi toh kaha tha bohot pyari lag rahi ho... Mere diye hue compliments pe isse yakin nahi? Ya important nahi lagte?!

Oblivious of his doubts, Naina continued "I am so glad sab ko pasand aaya! Pata hai itna dhundh tha humne! Pure bazaar ke chakaar lagane ke baad mila... and of all the places Dadi ke Mohanlal ki dukkan mein! Mumma toh kehne lagi thi ke ab toh-" she almost bit on her tongue realising she had been about to expose Dadi's fib about the gulabi lehenga. Nervously smiling, she mumbled "Anyways... ha toh Bhabhi woh jo naya Vishali Creations khula hai na, usske next lane main thoda andar jaake aata hai yeh Mohanlal and Sons."

After discussing the outfits of a couple of other girls at the engagement with Naina, Payal nudged Rohan "Tumne inhe humari party ke baare mein bataya??" He chuckled, "Aare kal raat hi toh bataya tumne! Chance hi kaha mila hai mujhe?"

Ears perking at the mention of a party, Naina asked "Aap log koi party organise kar rahe ho?!"

Rohan shared that Payal's friends had come up with the idea to arrange a party the evening of their registered marriage to mark the occasion. It was going to be a small gathering, at one of her newly married friend's farmhouse, just meant for the youngsters. For some time the proposed party was discussed. Payal and Rohan's excitement was contagious and soon Sameer and Naina were pitching their ideas and assistance.

As they drew close to their village, Sameer muttered "Bhabhi, bus iss party ke baare mein Dadi ke saamne kuch mat kahiye.... Unhe shayad acha nahi lagega..."

"Acha kyu nahi lagega?? Aare shaadi ka chotasa celebration hi plan kar rahe hai! " Payal was confused.

Rohan awkwardly responded "Woh bus zara purane khayalat hi hai... toh unnhe lagta hai yeah registered shaadi-"

Not wanting to upset Payal by sharing Nirmala's stand that she would not be considered Rohan's wife till the traditional wedding ceremony took place in May, Naina quickly interjected "Bhabhi, Dadi ko lagta hai ke kahi aapko nazar na lag jaaye! Matlab... May wali shaadi ke baad toh pooja hogi... issiliye woh nahi chahati ki usske pehele jyada kahi shaadi ki baat ho." And then she added in her mind - Hey Bhagwanji... please mera yeh jhut maaf kar dijiye... par bechari Bhabhi ko kitna bura lagega! Aur Dadi ko kaun samjhaye??

When the youngsters reached their house in the village, the big eight-seater was already parked under the neem tree outside the courtyard. Seated in the porch, the two grandmothers, Vivek and Santosh were sipping on tea.

Alighting from the vehicle, Sameer asked "Papa, mujhe toh itni baar keh rahe thay ke aaram se chala... aur aap log itne jaldi aa bhi gaye?"

Nirmala exclaimed "Uss muye driver ko toh keh ke thak gaye ke dhire chala! Par sune toh na..." Santosh added "Jarur pet kharab ho gaya hai usska... aate hi toilet mein ghuss gaya. Issiliye itna fast chala raha tha!" Savitri tsked "Aare toh bata deta hume... mere pass toh sari goliyan thi... do de dete usse. Iss tarah toh darr ke maare humme heart attack aana hi baaki reh gaya tha."

While some conversation followed amongst the elders about the evils of these hired drivers, the new arrivals unloaded their luggage and headed indoors. Vishakha was in the kitchen, putting away some of the groceries that they had brought along while chatting with Shobhna.

The haveli was simple and moderately sized with two bedrooms on the ground floor along with the lounge and kitchen. While the first floor consisted of a single spacious hall and a big terrace. In the past, when Nirmala often stayed here for extended periods, the haveli used to be in a better state, but now it was stocked with just the bare essentials. After Vivek had got some roof related repairs done couple of months back he had got the haveli whitewashed. The smell of new paint still lingered in the air. The thin, pale blue curtains covering the wide windows were fluttering in the gentle wind.

"Mumma! Kitna acha lag raha hai gaav aake!" breezing into the kitchen, Naina lightly hugged Vishakha, "Bohot time baad aaye hum iss baar nahi?"

"Tum logon ke college, exams, submissions aur friends se fursat mile toh kahi aa ja sakte hai, nahi?" Vishakha smiled nostalgically and then addressed Payal who was standing in the doorway "Aa ja beta, journey thik raha tumhara? Lo abhi chai banayi hai. Naina uss bag mein biscuits ke packet hai. Thodi der aaram kar lo phir Kusum bua se milne chalenge. Kashi ka message aaya tha ke lunch wahi kare. Dopahar mein rest karke shaam ko kuldevi ke mandir jaayenge."

The visit to Kusum's turned out rather disheartening as the old lady wasn't having a good day.

To start with she was asleep when they arrived and partook of lunch. Later when she woke up, the conversations proved challenging. She kept mixing the past and present, repeatedly made the same enquires and couldn't comprehend that Rohan, who as per her was still a young boy, was getting married.

Seeing the uneasy reaction of the Desai's, when she asked, peering at Payal "Isske bhi maa-baap chal basay kya??", Vivek cut short the visit, sounding apologetic "Sorry Santosh bhai... aaj bua ki tabiyat kuch thik nahi lag rahi hai. Please aap innke baaton mein dhyan mat dijiye." He instructed Sameer and Naina "Aaisa karon tum inn logon ko jara gaav ka ek chakar lagawao... Naina, apne khet dikhao... aur ghar le jaao. Hum log thodi der bua ke paas baithkar ghar aate hai."

The stroll through the village was a pleasant change for Desai family. As they walked through the narrow lanes, the group slowly split into two, with the two men leading.

Santosh had many questions for Sameer about the demographics of the population, the agriculture in the region and his family's ties with the place.

While the women gushed about the baby goats in someone's yard, or the fragrance of the jasmine creepers. At one point Payal and Naina stopped to collect some flowers that were scattered just outside someone's gate. Shobhna reminisced about her childhood days when she used to visit her maternal grandparents and how all the cousins would run wild through the fields.

Listening to Shobhna's tales, Naina teased Payal, "Bhabhi, kuch saal baad aap aur Rohan bhaiya bhi apne bachon ko Dada-Dadi ke gaav le aana!" As Payal blushed, Naina continued pulling her leg "Mujhe imagine karke hi kitna maza aa raha hai - aap aur bhaiya pareshan hoke do-teen chothe-chothe bachon ke peeche bhag rahe ho!"

Lightly hitting Naina's arm, Payal asked "Aur iss sab mein tum kaha ho?? Main aur Rohan hi kyu bhagenge unke peeche? Tumhari bhi toh duty lagegi!"

Naina grinned "Haa bilkul, main toh bohot happily unke laad uthayungi! Pata hain jab Anish aur Amol chotte thay tab main bahot sambhalti thi unhe jab chutiyon mein hum Vikas mamaji ke ghar jaate thay."

Tapping her chin thoughtfully, Payal turned the tables "Aare par tum bhi toh apne do-teen ke peeche bhagne mein busy hogi na! Matlab jab hum apne bachon ko leke gaav aayenge... tum bhi toh unke cousins ko leke aaogi, nahi?"

Cheeks flaming hotter than the afternoon sun, Naina scrunched her face "Bhabhi! Meri baat kaha se aa gayi?!" Enjoying her embarrassment, Payal winked "Waise hi jaise meri baat aa gayi!" Then gesturing at Sameer, she added "Aur isske bhi do-teen honge!"

Even though he was a few feet ahead, Sameer's ears had picked up the latest exchange between the girls. Turning around, he spoke "Bhabhi, desh ki population ki samasya ko consider karte hua... aath-nau ek hi family se toh kuch jyada ho jayenge... aaisa karenge jitna contribution aap aur Rohan bhaiya ka honge... uttna hi main aur Naina bhi karenge."

"Tum aur Naina... matlab??" Shobhna was quick to voice her puzzlement at the idea, whilst the other two tried to make some sense too.

Sameer stuttered as he tried to clarify "Auntie, mera matlab... tha ke hum dono split kar lenge... ek mera aur do isske... ya ek mera aur ek isska."

Easily buying his explanation, Shobhna laughed "Kaise aate hai aaise ideas tumhe? Payal, tumhara devar toh bohot hi funny hai!"

Sometime later, stopping at the top of a small hillhock, Naina shared "Lo aa gaya khet."

When Payal asked "Yeah samane wala jiss mein kuch veggies lage hain?", Naina elaborated "Haa yeh bhi hain, par itna hi nahi... woh jo dur padhon ka patch dikh raha hain na... waha se leke uss well tak humara hi hai. Uss taraf todhe phal ke ped hai, aur iss taraf season ke accordingly crops lagate hai. Abhi sabjiya lagayi hai, kuch mahine pehele toor dal lagayi thi. Waise humare khet mein well hain toh paani ka problem nahi hota..."

While Payal listened with interest, Shobhna cast a disgruntled glance at Naina - Badi aayi - Humara khet?! Dekho toh kaise chalaki se jata rahi hai ke isse bhi koi hissa milna chahiye property mein!

The rest of the conversation between the young women, on the way back, was lost on Shobhna as she trailed behind making mental plans to defeat Naina at her games.

* * *

That evening the two families travelled to the temple of the kuldevi located about fifteen kilometers from Raipur. Humble heads bowed to the goddess seeking her blessings.

Moisture gathered at the corners of Nirmala's eyes as she watched Rohan and Payal bend together in front of the family deity. Her heart prayed - Hey Devi maa, ek aur aurat iss pariwar ka hissa banane ja rahi hai. Isse sakti dena ke yeh zingdagi ke har padav par iss pariwar ko bandh ke rakh sakhe. Aur iss pariwar ko bhi sat buddhi dena ke humesha isska maan samaan banaye rakhe.

Dabbing her eyes with the pallu, she called out "Aare Vishakha, ghar jaate hi Payal beti ki nazaar uttar dena. Bohut pyari lag rahi thi sagai ke din." When Vishakah nodded "Ji maaji." the old lady immediately added, "Aur Laado kaha chali gayi?? Usse mere paas bhejna."

Once Naina arrived, "Dadi aapne bulaya?", beckoning Sameer over, Nirmala pulled out some money from her little batwa and thrusting in their palms, instructed "Jao, yeh devi maa pe chadha do... aur Panditji ka ashirwad bhi le lo."

As they stood in front of the goddess together, Sameer sneaked a glance sideways. Seeing Naina lost in prayer, he wondered - Yaar, main toh isske baju mein hi khada hu... toh phir madam itna kya mang rahi hain?!

While she was beseeching the goddess - Hey Devi maa, mere pariwar ki humesha raksha karna. Jaise aap ne mujhe itne saal Maa-Baba ki kammi mehsus nahi hone di, waise hi humesha mere liye iss ghar mein aur inn sab ke dil mein jagga bani rahe. Please mujhse kabhi koi aaisi galti na ho jisse Mumma, Dadi ya Kaka-baba mujhse naraaz ho.

* * *

On the way back, they stopped for dinner at a dhaba, renowned for being family friendly. The tantalizing aroma of the local, fresh produce cooked over the fire had the party salivating! Everyone savoured the dal-batti generously drizzled with fresh ghee and roasted bhutta,

Along with the good food a lively conversation ensued. The newly engaged couple was teased a great deal.

Vishakha recounted the first time the Maheshwari's had come to see her. She blushed "Main toh itni nervous thi, ke innhone chai mein extra cheeni mangi toh ghabrahat mein puri katori hi ulti kar di inke cup mein!" Vivek laughed "Aur maine jhat se haa keh di yeh soch ke inka shabhav bhi utna hi meetha hoga! Khair yeh toh baad mein pata chala ke mere andaza kitna galat nikla!"

Rohan, Sameer and Naina - immediately rose to Vishakha's defence and teased Vivek that if she was any sweeter he would have been suffering from diabetes by now.

Savitri sighed "Damadji aap ke time pe, panch minute hi sahi par ladka lakdi ek dusre ko dekh ke pasand karte thay... humare waqt toh... Vishakha ki Dada-Dadi aur Bua humme dekhne aaye thay! Humne to isske pitaji ko shaadi ke baad hi dekha tha."

Santosh and Shobhna too shared the memories of their first meeting, which had been arranged at some family friends house, and how a power-cut had happened due to heavy rains. Sameer smirked thinking - Bechare uncle tabhi aaise tej aurat ko haa bol diya! Uss din se innki toh life mein se humesha ke liye hi balti gul ho gayi hogi...

Stroking Payal's back, Shobhna uttered "Kaise time badal gaya hai... ab toh yeh bache ache se ek dusre ko samajhkar pasand karte hai. Humme toh Payal ke decision se bahut khushi huyi hai! Rohan toh heera hai hi par itna badhiya pariwar... raj karegi humari Payal."

"Auntie, Rohan bhaiya toh already Bhabhi ko ekdum queen ki tarah treat karte hai! Kyu Bhabhi?" Naina wiggled her eyebrows at Payal.

"Aur karega kyu nahi? Aare bhai humari Payal kissi princess se kum thodehi hai?!" Shobhna quickly countered. A pause later, she addressed Vivek "Bhaisaheb, aaj Naina ne aapke khet dikhaye. Humme andaja nahi tha itni zameen hai aapki iss taraf." Turning to her prospective son-in-law, she continued "Rohan beta, kuch saal baad na aap aur Sameer milkar waha ek mast farmhouse bana lena. Donon bhaiyon ko families ke sath holidays pe aane ke liye kitna acha spot ho jayega! Hum sabhi aa jayenge... Aaj-kal toh bahut fashion ho gaya hai farmhouse banana ka."

Vivek exclaimed "Aare behenji, woh saari zameen toh Naina ki hai! Haa woh agar farmhouse bandhe toh shayad humme waha holiday enjoy karne ka mauka mil sakta hai." Chuckling, he teased the owner of the land "Kyu Nainaji, humme aapke farmhouse mein entry milegi na??"

While Naina pouted "Kaka-baba...", Shobhna blurted "Oh... issne jab kaha humare khet toh main samjhi aapke hai." Naina smiled "Haa toh... jo mera hai woh humara hi hai."

Recalling some of Shobhna's weird behaviour or comments from the past few weeks, Vishakha decided to use this opportunity to dispel any misconceptions the Desai's might have about Naina.

Clasping Naina's hand, she said "Kya batau Shobhna ben... log kaisi kaisi baatein sochte aur kehte hai! Issliye humne Naina ko bahut saal pehele hi samjha diya tha ke kabhi yeh na samajhe ke hum iss par koi ehsaan kar rahe hai... ya yeh hum pe koi boojh hai. Bechare Rakesh aur Rama toh chale gaye... par isske liye bahut kuch chod gaye hai!"

Leaning closer, Naina placed her head on Vishakha's shoulder, "Mumma... zameen ka main kya kar sakti thi?? Kaka-baba ne hi itne saal sab kuch sambhala hai. Aur bank mein paise hone se main apne aap badi thodehi ho jaati?? Aap sab ke bina toh kissi anath ki tarah hi hoti main..."

Nirmala bristled "Anath ho tumhare dushman! Laado, tu toh humare ghar ka ujala hai, samajhi?!"

Deciding the mood was getting a bit melancholy, Vivek glanced at his watch "Sameer, ja bill settle kar de. Chalo ghar chal kar carrom ke kuch match khelte hai!"

As other murmured their approval, Sameer announced "Naina aur main partners honge! Dekhte hai kaun hara sakta hai humari team ko. Humara nine straight wins ka record hai!" Rohan smirked "Aaj Payal aur main partners honge, toh dekhte hai kaun jeetega!" Squaring his shoulders, Sameer held out his hand "You are on!"

* * *

(Hello dearies,

With a lot going on at both work and home, it's been hard to find the time to write. So, thank you all for your patience. Hope you enjoyed this part and do share your thoughts.

Take care all of you.

Love, May)