The sound of metal hints to me that Kanji bhaiya might have arrived. I finally get up from the bench, noticing that the sun has already set. I go back to the kitchen to confirm it is indeed Kanji Bhaiya. Yes, it's him! He needs to leave early this evening for some personal work and that's why he's preparing the meal a little earlier. As he starts cooking, I wander in the living room again.

We have hardly 10-12 days in our hands to spend in this house. It's not even a year since we started living here, as a newly wedded couple.

A newly wedded couple??

Well, we were in love with each other for four years before getting married. We passed every test of love, but 'marriage' has a different meaning and different expectations altogether. So it doesn't matter how much you know the person before, you know him all anew in the marriage. Marriage comes with its commitments, promises and responsibilities. If a married couple is expected to fulfill all these in front of the society, then there's also a very personal and private aspect of it. And that is, fulfilling your and your partner's physical needs. Yes, this is me, who is saying this. Besides giving birth to a new life with reproduction, it gives you pleasure... bodily satisfaction. And over this period, I've realized about my own needs too.

It was impossible for my topper brain to NOT go through the magazines and books, when I had started connecting the dots. Sameer's taunt of me dropping Biology in 12th never left my mind. And my quest to know about it pushed me ahead constantly. So even if I don't know many things, I certainly know some things now.

I always used to wonder how Sameer knows everything about the physical relationship a man and a woman share. It was him teaching me every lesson about it, so it was a bit obvious that he must know it. It would burn me in restlessness knowing he knows how to start, where to start from, what's next and what's the ultimate step. And it's not just Sameer, I think it's about all boys. If we all have the same resources of information, then why do boys always know more about it than girls? Me and my friends literally had zero idea till the time of our weddings. Then how do boys know more and where they get all the information from?

The fact used to disturb me sometimes. But then Sameer confessed to me once that how the boys in his hostel in Nainital and the group of boys he would mostly be around in Delhi, had led him to get exposed to this knowledge in a wrong way. He had told me how he watched some disturbing films with them, unwillingly. He was guilty about it and that's what adolescence does to boys. But it never tempered my trust in Sameer.

There's a difference between viewing and experiencing.

I've been into this business for 10 months now. No, not the boutique one, the one that's privy to only Sameer and me, the business of discovering the new alleys of intimacy... We do this business in the mornings, in the afternoons, in the evenings, in the nights, on the bed, on the stairs, on the couch, on the hammock, in the kitchen, in the garden, anytime and anywhere in the house....

And whenever we kissed or moved ahead in our journey of exploring this man-woman relationship, I knew Sameer had experienced exactly what I did. It was his firsts too after all. His every gasp, every groan, his muscles flexing when I'd touch him, his body reacting to mine when he would pull me, his heartbeats getting paced when sharing an intimate moment with me... everything is proof.

In this short span of time, whenever we were indulged in it, I was losing my mind, wanting more. The only difference used to be that I never knew what that 'more' was. I was skeptical. But Sameer has been aware of all this process for years...

How did he resist himself from not touching me? And not kissing me?

When he had demanded a kiss for the first time, it was in college. But even that was just a cheek kiss demand. The lip-kiss one started only after our wedding preparations commenced. But all the time, I knew he was only preparing me for it. He must have hoped to get a sneaking kiss for sure, but he never pushed me for it. He was always 'okay' when I said 'shadi ke baad' for his attempts. He was again 'okay' when he didn't get even the lip-kiss on our honeymoon, forget our 'Suhaagraat'.

He must surely have had some dreams about our first-night, he certainly had some wishes for our honeymoon, but nothing of that sort happened. If you don't call this an unconditional love, then you must be emotionless.

How did he exert so much control on his wishes... his desires... his yearning for me... while I could never show that control?

How he must feel after stopping himself in between, while he knows what's next?

I've seen him getting frustrated at times when he had to stop after a point. The way he keeps his eyes shut for long, not uttering any word, it adds to my guilt. I've seen him once rushing to the bathroom after he had to stop and get off of me and I was almost in tears thinking I am the reason for his frustration.... The sexual frustration... But he had never shown it or expressed it. Rather, he had always engulfed me back in his arms. It's all me who builds the castles of unnecessary thoughts.

I don't want to ignore it though. The kind of patience Sameer has shown in all the process, I actually don't want to test it much. The fact that I actually want to give in, but everything has stopped since last one month.

Amidst all the uncertainty of our future, the decision to be taken about the boutique, Sameer's decision of becoming a hero and finally everyone agreeing for our Mumbai chapter, we faced so many troubles in between. The constant attempts of convincing elders, the uneasiness if everything will fall into place or not, all led to our setback in our night affairs.

Which I wish to resume soon... no, it's not my wish... it's my need now...

"Bhabhiji... khana bann gaya hai... mai jaa sakta hu abhi?" Kanji Bhaiya says, coming from the kitchen.

I nod and see him leaving within 5 minutes. I inspect the dishes Kanji Bhaiya has prepared. The aroma of the food is so tempting. Sameer will definitely be happy. I collect all the ingredients for preparing Sooji Halwa. But while in the process of making it, I'm caught by my fickle mind again.

Why am I remembering only these specific moments today?

Is it only that one question by Swati that triggered me to think about it or is it any signal to something?

Sameer had mentioned that we should create special memories in this house till we are here. Well, every moment spent in Sameer's arms is special for me, doesn't matter the house or the city. But he has given his heart to this house, paying attention to every single detail to the interior, to the furniture, to the coloring, to everything... So I'll make this special... just for him.

I'm upstairs in our bedroom after cooking the halwa and lighting diya near bhagwanji. I scan our room. After arranging a few things at their places, I look around again. Everything is neat and clean, except for the pink nightie that was still lying haphazardly on the corner of the footboard.

I pick up the nightie, rubbing my thumb on it, I feel its fabric. It's so soft. How will it feel on my bare skin? Having worn cotton undergarments all my life, I'm tempted to have a feel of this satin on my skin. I turn to my left to find my reflection in the three mirrors and I walk closer to have a proper look. I blush recognizing this is Sameer's favorite place to observe me while I'm getting ready.

How many times has he stood behind me to watch me adorning myself...??

He helps me with the safety-pin on the blouse sometimes, tying the dori on the back too. Sometimes he picks a flower from the garden and tucks it in my bun and sometimes assists me in wearing a necklace or earrings. But I know the real reason behind him seeing me like this. That's because he gets to see both of my sides at the same time. I know he likes to stare at me. My front in the mirror and my back directly. He adores seeing me draped in sarees or suits. I have seen his eyes roaming on every curve of my body. When he thinks I'm wearing bangles, I'm actually gazing at his gaze through the mirror.

The way he looks at me, does something to my body. No, not just something. It does so many things. Right from making my heart beat speedily to curling my toes, from twisting my guts to forcing me to squeeze my thighs, from letting the butterflies flutter in my stomach to the throbbing in between my legs. He has the power to do anything with my body.

But as I always love to keep a balance, this torture is never one-sided between us. I know what 'I' do to his system too. The frequent act of him running his tongue on his lips shows how badly he wants to kiss me, his fists showing his control to not to grab me for a makeout at the time of leaving for an important function, his mouth agape sometimes conveys that I've bowled him out with my outfit, and his straining erection in his pants... well, the moment I was acknowledged with this information, I noticed his erection more than necessary.... challenging both our self-control.

If a saree or a designer suit does so much to his system, then how about this pink nightie?

Will he look at me the same way then?

I want to make our remaining days special here and the nightie is in my hand. Is there really a connection between nightie and suhaagraat? Chachiji and Phulla Bua Dadi were also blushing with the thought of satin nightie while Preeti and I were looking at them like stupids.

Sameer has bought this nightie for me with lots of dreams associated with it, which are unfulfilled even now. What should I do? He wanted to see me in this nightie since our honeymoon. And then he was slightly expecting for our relation to move ahead with the 'suhaagraat' there. But neither did I wear the nightie, nor did our suhagraat happen. Till date.

And I'm baffled.

My periods are due in two days. And Diwali is starting right from my fourth day. And then, we are leaving for Bombay. Can I connect all these things together?

We have been doing nothing after my periods during last month. Everything is at a halt.

Is Sameer giving me more time to adapt with this thing?

Did he think he scared me by telling me that we would be naked?

Has this impacted on his decision to move ahead?

I hope not. In this journey of ours, I have bestowed immense trust on Sameer. And if I'm roaming while chirping and smiling and dancing around him, then he must know that everything is fine.

But, why does he only have to take a step ahead? Why can't it be me sometimes?

I entered this house as Sameer's wedded wife, my first step here during our 'Grahpravesh'. This house has witnessed us uniting our names together as husband-wife, this house has witnessed us uniting as business partners and experienced the progress and failures along with us, this house has witnessed our crazy kisses all over the places. So why can't the ultimate destination of this journey, i.e. us uniting physically be witnessed by this very house?

I feel the soft fabric of the nightie again and look in the mirror. Something awakens inside me. I rush to close the door of our bedroom. I don't even wish to go to the bathroom as I quickly take my frock off. I avoid looking at myself in the mirror though, I just don't want to see myself half naked right now. I put the piece of the nightie on, feeling the satin on my skin. After tying the knot of the robe, I finally see myself in the mirror.

I blush hard seeing me in this piece of cloth. But I'm not the only one here seeing myself wrapped in satin. I feel Sameer's presence in the room; I sense him standing behind me; I feel his gaze on me. The word 'naked' is ringing in my ears. I imagine him pulling the string of neckline of the nightie, the same way he did on that mannequin. And if he doesn't do it in real, then trust me I would make him do it and later punish him for missing it in the first place. I imagine him taking the robe off me by pulling the knot.

And I'm already melting. My heart is pacing at a bullet speed, goosebumps all over me and wetness down there. I'm already losing it. I take it off quickly and wear my frock again. Throwing the nightie in the cupboard, I shut the door hastily and while leaning on the door, I breathe for my life. There's a complete rush of hormones in my body.

I guess I'm finally ready... I'm ready for tonight... our 'special' night...

It's 8:15pm and I'm eagerly waiting for Sameer now. I just wish all his pending work is finished. He comes within five minutes with a wide smile on his eyes. His eyes tell me that most of the work is done.

He sits on the sofa, leaning back and heaves a sigh. He's been out since the afternoon. I offer him a glass of water and he returns me a kiss in the air. He never insisted that I give him water whenever he came from outside. But this is something I personally like to do. Probably a wish developed in me after seeing Bela Chachi doing the same for Chachaji for years. It's just a way of showing affection. But he shouldn't have kissed in the air, I'm already a gone case today.

"Saara kaam ho gaya Sameer?" I ask him after he finishes drinking water, just to confirm.

He returns the glass with a smile, "haan ho gaya... aur boutique ki deal bhi almost final ho gayi hai."

I turn to go to the kitchen but his hand on my wrist stops me. "Tum itni khush kyu lag rahi ho?"

Please let me hold my pretense for some more time, Sameer! So don't catch me off-guard. Or I'll be blurting out everything right here.

I shake my head in no. I hope he doesn't read my eyes too much.

He frowns for a second but then gives up. "Naina, bahot bhook lagi hai. Tum khana laga do, tab tak mai fresh hoke aur kapde badal ke aata hu..."

What? No...

I widen my eyes as he gets up to leave. "Aaaa... Sameer... mujhe bhi bahot bhook lagi hai... tum yahi neeche wale room me fresh ho jao na... aur kapde baad me badal lena..." I make a pleading face to make him believe that I'm hungrier than him.

He insists on changing clothes but I persist and push him in the room here, subsequently pushing in the bathroom.

I heat the food meanwhile and Sameer comes to the dining table in five minutes. He has rolled the sleeves of his white checked shirt and I'm gawking at the exposed veins on his forearms.

He's extremely delighted to see the Marwadi style dinner served on the plates. He sniffs and moans. Food can make Sameer happy in any situation. "Aaj kis khushi me yeh khana hai?" He quirks his brow and it's my testing time again.

"Bass aise hi." I shrug. "Aaj kuchh achchha khane ka mann kar raha tha."

I just cannot hide my blush and I can say it by the way Sameer is studying me. It wouldn't be wrong if I say that this man has done a Ph.D in me, he knows everything about me and he's able to figure out even the smallest of change in me. And that's what I'm worried about the most right now.

Sameer starts from halwa first, after I told him that I prepared it for him. He's devouring each dish with a satisfactory moan, closing his eyes. I know that all his moans, all the response is for the food, but I cannot think straight right now. My brain has to go to the wonderland, thinking about something else.

He's telling me what all happened during the day, how the deal was with the boutique and the remaining stuff. But I'm barely listening to him. To show my attention to him, I look into his deep eyes or sometimes try to read his lips given that I cannot hear a single word he's saying. But even his eyes and soft lips are taking me into another world.

"arey... khao na tum bhi..." Sameer says. I'm barely focusing on my plate too.

I'm a mess.

He's now talking about our train to Bombay as I think I heard the words like 'reservation' and 'railway station'. While I'm just nodding to him, looking at him, but again absolutely lost.

I recall the bath I had taken before he came and how I put a tool to use this time. The good quality razor that I had purchased last month for emergency situations, given the smooth skin it gives, I had finally used it in 'that' place. It took me time to make it how I really wanted, but it seems to have worked.

I breathe deeply and I smell the fragrance of rose from my own body. I have used rose-water during the bath, the only option I could find in my drawers. I recall how I've arranged some enticing things in our bedroom to set the 'mood' and it makes me blush. I recall-

"Naina..."

Oh no...!!

"Huhh?" I ask innocently, pretending I was paying complete attention to him. Something that Sameer would usually do in the classes.

"Tum itna blush kyu kar rahi ho aaj?"

Well, if I could see myself in a mirror now, I may give a tough competition to tomatoes. Because I know I'm blushing that hard.

I divert his focus to food again and sigh in relief. He keeps his studious gaze on me and I continue to pretend as a good student listening to the teacher.

I have been a good student in something else too...

After dinner, I somehow convince Sameer how important watching TV is for him right now. And that there's absolutely no need to change clothes. He relaxes on the big couch as I thought. But I'm confused too. Either he already knows I'm upto something or it's his 'those days of the month' when he acts like a complete buddhu.

I make an excuse and go upstairs to our bedroom. I just hope he doesn't come up to check on me. Shutting the bedroom door, I grin widely. My heart has already taken a speed with the anticipation of the upcoming.

Though Sameer had brought only the robe and the long nightie to our honeymoon, which eventually made a place on the hangers in my cupboard, I knew there's a polythene hidden in his cupboard carrying more pieces of this very nightie. It had one short nightie above the knee-length and the innerwears from the same set.

I feel shy thinking about the satin undies already inside my clothes right now. I had worn it after the bath. Ufff... I have changed clothes a bit more times than usual today. I debate between the short one and the long one for a good one minute. I wear frocks but those are below the knee, even my school uniform was just below the knee.

But the moment I decided to go with my instincts, I had thrown my shyness out of the window. I want to see Sameer's reaction after seeing me wearing this, I want to see the desire and passion in his eyes. That's what I'm betting on tonight. So the short nightie wins by a huge margin.

I go downstairs slowly, taking each step carefully, preparing myself mentally for whatever is going to happen now. I thought of wearing high heels, to match up with Sameer's height a bit and also that this combination of pink nightie and silver heels would add to my look. But of course, my confidence and my balance while wearing high heels just push me down and down. It would also make noise so I chose my pink colored fur slip-ons. They are pretty helpful in not letting Sameer know that I'm coming.

Sameer is busy watching the 9:30pm news on DD. I mean really busy... Since when did he become interested in watching news? Well, good for me and my plan. I walk from the back side of single sofas and sit on the farther one. He notices me, passes a smile and resumes watching TV by sprawling like a MAHARAJA.

Oh!! I forgot to mention!! I've draped a shawl by the way. I want to make him clean bowled, as he speaks in the cricket language. And that part will happen now. I pretend to be watching the television to my right and as a minute passes by, I cross my legs to keep one on the other. The move parts the robe and expose my bare legs below the short nightie.

I fear damaging my eyes, because while I pretend to watch tv, I also try to look at Sameer's reaction from the corner of my eyes, both on opposite sides. Is there really something important going on in the news? Why isn't Sameer noticing me?

God!! Will I have to remain seated here till eternity or should I make one more move? I should have made a better plan than this. I cannot even facepalm myself.

I hear a gasp and that stiffens me. Yes, he has noticed it. I finally look at him to my left and I stifle my giggle. He has his eyes wide, mouth open and probably he has held his breath too. He's gawking at my exposed knees.

Thank god I got waxed just the day before yesterday...

I pass a mischievous smile but he doesn't give any reaction. My heartbeat has taken a pace now. My face speaks of confidence but my heart louds nervousness. I can't believe I'm doing this. I lean back on the sofa, extending my hands on the handrests, posing like a Queen. A Queen telling her King what she wants from him.

This time he runs his tongue on his lips and swallows hard. Something inside me is being satisfied right now. Switching the television off in a lost state, he throws the remote control back on the couch and gets up. And I feel the thumping of my heart on the ribcage.

He takes strides unbelievably slowly, as if locking every bit of my sight in his eyes. How am I looking from his point of view? I'm curious. Crossing the big center table from the other side, he stands in front of me, keeping a distance of a few feet.

We have a brief stare competition with each other, trying to dive into each other's eyes as much as possible. We both are looking for answers. I know he's trying to discern if it is happening for real, that it's not his dream. His eyes tell me everything. And I'm trying to gather as much courage as possible, from the reactions he has given to me till now.

He doesn't move. So I take the next step again. I get up and walk towards him. I hope he knows he has to walk back and not stand there like a statue. On the other days, Sameer wouldn't move an inch. He likes to tease me. But tonight, he's dumbfounded and hence retreats back. The back of his knees finally hit the other couch and I smirk.

He swallows again, "Nainaaa... yeh..."

He points out at the shawl, because he knows what's beneath it. His voice is heavy and I understand the efforts behind uttering those words. I glance down once and I see his fists clenched tight.

"Dekhna nahi chahoge, Sameer?" I whisper.

His hand raises halfway through, but pauses. Why is he holding back so much today? I grab his retreating hand. He doesn't resist much and I keep it on my left shoulder. On the shawl...

His eyes shine and a warm smile appears on his lips. A small one though. He expands his palm fully and his fingers tickle my shoulder as he clutches the fabric. The move is so simple, but it has turned the environment hotter. We both are radiating heat through our bodies and I impatiently wait to get rid of the shawl.

He uncovers one end of the shawl on my shoulder and simply pulls the rest of the material down. The fabric slides down my body slowly, producing a friction between its thick material, satin and my skin. Goosebumps appear all over my body and I'm enthralled by it.

The process of getting unveiled has finally begun...

The shawl is thrown on the center table and Sameer's eyes travel all over my body. He must be so surprised, rather shocked. He might not have ever imagined in his dreams that his Naina would herself wear this nightie without any intimation and stand in front of him like a bold seductress. He gazes at me from top to bottom, he peers at the embroidery work of the lace, the knot of the robe and gawks at how the fabric is perfectly fitting my curves. His gaze stops at my knees for a good time, hoping to get to see more than what he sees. But the robe has covered my bare legs again and I chuckle.

My hands rise to his shoulders without my permission and soon, I'm tiptoeing. I have to pull him down a little through his neck and I put a kiss on his forehead. Yaarrrr!!! I should have worn high heels... I kiss his eyes, nose and cheeks... I love this routine whenever I initiate kissing. I bring my hand to his face, grazing his cheeks slightly with my nails. I am about to kiss his lips but he shifts his face to look down. My gaze follows his. He's debating whether to put his hand on my waist.

Why does he need permission to do these small-small acts, that he had done a hundred times before, whereas his wife is wearing 'that' very nightie of his dreams?

But that's how my man is...!!! He starts every act from zero, from the 'start' line. He believes that consent is needed every time and I couldn't fall more for him. I LOVE HIM...

I hold his hand and place it on my waist, very close to the knot of the robe. I drag it slightly behind, to my back, letting the heat of his palms feel on my body through the satin. He smiles genuinely. This time a little wider. And it gives me the cue to continue my work.

Where were we?

No. Hold on!! Where was I? Oh yes, on his lips... I mean... about to...

I resume my work to reach to his lips, tiptoeing again, but my slip-ons decide otherwise than to support me on the ground and I lose my balance. Result, I fall on Sameer and he falls on the couch behind him. So we both fall.

When will things go as per the plan in our case?

The couch accommodates us happily as Sameer balances himself well. I land in his arms, my hands settled on his chest and behind his neck, my legs folded like his ....and the robe parted, showing my knees. He holds my hand on his chest with his and his other one surrounds my back, pulling me closer as we are lost in each other's eyes. We should actually laugh hysterically at the situation, but we don't. My small stunt has turned the ambitious into a sensuous one and currently we both are under its effect.

"Naina... tum..." He utters and I interrupt him again with my attack on his lips in the form of a scorching kiss. I can't waste so much time here in the living room. I need to act fast.

Sameer responds quickly and we kiss passionately. He finally seems to be out of the shock and reacting the way I wanted, the way I imagined. Like a beast...

While our tongues play with each other's in our mouths, Sameer traces my forearm with his palm, grazing his long fingers on my skin. He strokes my back with the other, most probably counting the layers of satin under the robe. And believe me, it's more than necessary.

My fingers toy with the buttons of his shirt, and I open the first two buttons to tell him not to misinterpret my intentions for just a make-out... to tell him it's more than that.

I dip my hand in his shirt and ugghhhh... the vest is very much there... why can't he skip wearing it even for a day? Especially today... Lately, he had stopped wearing it at bed, when we had reached the advanced level of this game and would shove our hands in each other's shirts. But during the daytime, this white cotton material persists to irritate me. Now I get the annoyance in Sameer's voice when his wandering hands on my body are often restrained by my bra.

I place my hand on his heart, though over the fabric. His heart is beating with as much speed as mine, he too is under the same effect of desires as I am. I slow down our kiss and pull out.

I know he wants to speak to me and I have been intervening constantly. But the necessity to talk first clearly reflected in his way of kissing. So I give him the chance as we look at each other.

"Nainaa... kya hai yeh sab?" He is soft as he speaks.

The fact that I didn't prepare myself for a question-answer session baffles me. His curious and concerned gaze makes me want to kiss him again, so hard... but he is my Sameer... who sometimes asks a hundred questions if he's not clear with the concept. And here, he's totally clueless about why his wife is clad in the 'pink nightie satin ki lace wali' that was never separated from its hanger, that how his wife found that polythene hidden in his cupboard and wore the short nightie, and how his wife is half-lying on him and kissing him like an insane.

While forming the answer to his question, I blush thinking of all the images that have been living in my head since the evening, I blush even harder thinking of all the scenarios that I've imagined for the upcoming. But communication is important too. I don't want to see his continuing concerned gaze at me at every step. He needs to know that tonight is finally going to be our night and that we will be creating our most beautiful memory here in this house.

I caress his throat with my hand, my pink nails are appealing so beautiful to me on his fair skin. I look at his lips, they are parted and wet due to our kiss. I look into his eyes again and the wait is still there. Am I torturing him by taking too long to respond?

"Sameer... tumne kaha tha na, iss ghar me hum yaadgar lamhe banate hai..." I kiss on his forehead to ease the frown present there, "toh kyun na aaj ki yeh raat hum sab se khoobsurat bana de?"

I stare in his eyes and I see more questions making space for themselves there. I caress his jaw, grazing my thumb-nail on his stubble. I hope he understands sooner than later. My confidence of taking a step ahead is slowly going down. I know he knows but wants to hear from me. I want to tell him too, but I won't be able to frame the exact sentence.

I rest my forehead on his and bring my lips extremely close to his, but not letting them touch. We both just breathe slowly... waiting... "Make me feel like a woman, Sameer..." I whisper on his lips. "Tonight..."

A soft peck on his lips and I get up, getting a hold of his hand, I pull him too. We are wasting just too much time here. We should get going. I take him with me towards the staircase and he follows me being awestruck.

We take the first stair and I hear him say, "Naina... tum sach me ready ho?" And I know it's just the first question.

I turn to give him a genuine smile, a kind of assurance, "Haan Sameer."

He follows me silently and I wait for the next question.

"Tumhe pata hai na tumne kis baat ke liye haan kaha hai?"

"Haan Sameer." My answer remains the same.

"Naina, tum jaanti ho exactly kya hota hai isme?"

I pause for a moment, not leaving his hand at all. We are in the small passage between the big staircase. We often kiss here. So I push him lightly on the wall and stare at him from top to bottom. I look at his jeans. There I see. The bulge. His straining erection.

How is he managing to question me under this level of arousal?

I lean on him, resting my full body weight on him. The feeling of his hardness is again restrained by his jeans. Ughh... I've started hating it now. When would this piece of cloth be off of his body?

Oh no!!! I'm thinking too dirty now.

"Tum ho na mere sath... bass..." I shrug. "Aur hamare beech jo kuchh bhi hoga, woh saare ehsaasaat hum ek-saath mehsoos karenge."

Again a peck on his lips and we resume climbing the stairs, which suddenly appear like a 1000 steps to me.

As we march closer to our bedroom door, Sameer pulls my hand again and I turn. "Naina, maine bataya tha na ki hum... I mean... hum dono... bina kisi... kapdon ke..." He's stuttering the same way he did when he told me that we will be naked while doing it.

I am standing on the last stair and he's standing just below mine. This way I'm just a little taller than him. But right now, he appears so big to me, and my respect for him even bigger. He's striking off all his doubts he has about my initiative taken for tonight and making sure I know what's supposed to happen.

"Mujhe sab yaad hai, Sameer... " I try to smoothen all his doubts with my gentle tone.

The last few steps to our room and a last question from Sameer. I hope so.

"Tumhe dard ho sakta hai Naina..." His voice and eyes are laden with a lot of concern for me. "kya tum sach me..."

My breath hitch for a second. I didn't know that the phrase 'no pain no gain' would apply here too. So the path leading to pleasure is decked with thorns of pain. Fair enough.

Wasn't I the stupid girl who burnt my fingers just to understand Sameer's pain?

I pull him again and walk backwards to the room. We are looking into each other's eyes as if that's where we live permanently. We enter the bedroom in a daze. Sameer is definitely more lost than I. The door is closed with the help of Sameer's back, as he was walking backwards when I strolled towards him.

He seems more relaxed now, the frown on his forehead has vanished and the stiffness in his muscles is eased. The fact that it all was started by me, but he is still waiting for my answer is making me go weak in the knees. I stand close to him and put my hand on his chest.

"Sameer, I want this. I want you. Aur isme dusri kisi bhi bhavna ke liye koi jagah nahi hai." I answer looking right into his eyes. The words come straight from my heart, something that is utterly genuine. I really want this now. Not just for creating memories, not just to fulfill Sameer's desires, but to satisfy my own needs too. But I need to know what Sameer's wish is at the moment.

"Do you?" I ask, raising my brows.

He chuckles. He's surprised by my question. Telling me through his cute smile that he has wanted it since forever. But I felt like asking him as he always does.

His gaze softens and he scans me again. His eyes take a halt at the lace on the V of the robe, the knot and again on my covered knees. He wishes to come back to my face but his eyes wander somewhere else, and for the first time he notices the ambience of the room.

He is stunned to recognise it after so long. And I follow his gaze and then back to his face to see his reaction. The room is dimly lit with the help of only candles and our bedside lamps.

Last week when we had gone out shopping for Diwali, Sameer had insisted on purchasing scented candles from an expensive shop. Till that time I never knew that candles do come in different shapes and are scented too. For me, candles only served the purpose of providing light when the electricity is gone, but Sameer introduced me to its new use unknowingly. The small, colored and round shaped candles are still glowing in the corners of the bedroom, and the fragrance turns the atmosphere pleasant and sensual. However, our bedside lamps are giving more light. Yes, we need more light on the bed.

After surveying the room with his keen eyes, Sameer's gaze is back to me. I can proudly say that he's extremely happy with all of it. All his doubts and concerns have disappeared now. I don't see any question in his eyes anymore. Rather, I see mischief and playfulness, and this does something to my system as it has always done.

"Yes, I do." He whispers, cradles my face in his palms and kisses me with his moistened lips.

I feel like living the fairytale dream again. Where the Prince promises the vows with a 'yes, I do' and then kisses his Princess. But my Prince, rather my King, is way too handsome and charming than the ones in the fairytale.

I feel like a new bride again...

*************

Hey Friends, I don't know what to do with my long chapters. But it had become really long one.

So I'm dividing this chapter in two parts. Let me know how was this one.

What was your favorite part here?

How will Samaina proceed from here?

Please, do vote and comment. I'd happy to see my readers getting a bit more vocal about what all they feel.

The next half will be updated soon.