Hello everyone...

I'm back with the last chapter of this story...

This is the longest chapter so far...

Enjoy reading...

And do let me know in the comments section if you liked the story...

TANHAYEE

CHAPTER 5

NAINA

Four pairs of eyes were fixed on me waiting for my reply. Many things were going on in my mind & I needed to think this out thoroughly before making any decision. "Main soch ke batati hun." That's all I said & heard their sighs as if they hadn't expected me to say that.

Without prolonging the discussion, I bid them 'Goodnight' & headed to my room. I didn't even turn once to look at them. I knew if I saw HIS face now, I would give in instantly. I needed to plan well this time before doing anything hastily again. Once I laid back on my bed, the tears yet again made its way. Today, after a long time, I had talked to Sameer about my feelings, my insecurities, my hurt & my pain, which I had never done earlier. But it was not all of it. I knew from a long time that my decision of staying away from Ahmedabad had hurt my family, especially Chachaji. His strong Naina had decided to take such a difficult & rough decision. He hadn't stopped me from it & instead, he had complied with Phulla Bua's help.

Though I had left my family, my home & my hometown, I was never in peace. My conscious was reminding me about the guilt all the time. I knew I had made a severe mistake by doing this. I shouldn't have hurt my family. Chachaji & Chachiji never said anything but I always saw Preeti's accusing eyes every time she came to meet me here.

Sameer had broken my heart but that didn't mean I should've punished my family for that. What was their fault? They had always loved me & supported me throughout when my own father had neglected me my entire life. How could I do this to them? Was my love for Sameer so important that I forgot about my family's feelings? Did I give more importance to my heartbreak than their love? Did I put Sameer's love above theirs?

The answers to all were a big 'YES'. I knew all the way that I had been wrong in making this decision. Today, even Sameer accused me that I shouldn't have left my family, my home & Ahmedabad to spend my life alone. He was right, I shouldn't have done that, so I was quiet all the time whenever he asked me about it. My guilt was getting too much to handle today, especially when he pointed it out several times.

I've never regretted any decisions in my life. I never regretted loving Sameer even after he hurt my feelings so many times. I never regretted that my own father resented my birth & treated me like a trash. I never regretted when anyone used me for their own selfish benefits intentionally which happened several times before, even if I knew what they were upto. I've regretted only two decisions so far. First one being the time I had broken up with Sameer because of my cowardness & then the second one of leaving everything behind for my own hurt & pain.

It was time to mend all the broken relations & I set my mind to work. After an hour, I went back to the kitchen to fetch water for me, that's when I saw Preeti & Phulla Bua along with Rohan & Sameer sitting in the garden. They haven't gone home yet? I walked to them & as usual, Sameer sensed my presence before anyone & looked at me with the same smile that I had missed so much. My heartbeats automatically skipped its beats, when I saw the gleam of love in his eyes. His love for me hadn't changed one bit.

The others too turned to see me, "Arey Naina... Aa baith. Tu coffee piyegi? Preeti ne banaayi hai." I smiled, "Haaannn... Main khud le leti hun." I served myself a cup of coffee & heard Preeti discussing about her next day meeting. Rohan asked her if he could tag along with her but she denied, "Tum kya karoge wahaan aakar? Main parlour ke kaam se jaa rahi hun, tumhari typical board meeting nahi hai."

We all chuckled hearing their banters. All the while, my gaze was locked on my love who reciprocated it with his charming smile. It was Phulla Bua's voice that broke our eye lock, "Naina... Ummm... Tumne kuch socha?" I understood what she was referring to. Without meeting her gaze, I replied holding Sameer's stare, "Haaannn... Main Ahmedabad jaane ke liye taiyaar hun."

I saw everyone smiling happily. Rohan was about to book the tickets for us, when Phulla Bua spoke, "Main bhi tum logon ke saath aa rahi hun. Yahaan akeli kya karungi? Toh meri bhi ticket book kar dena." We all agreed & he booked our tickets for the day after tomorrow. As for tomorrow, Preeti was having her meeting & even we needed to wind up our work here.

"Naina... Tum kal leave apply kar dena so that aage koi problem na ho.", Rohan said looking at me. "Hmmmm... Thik hai.", I agreed. Sameer hadn't spoken a word till now, he was just watching & hearing us, which was getting on my nerves. Why wasn't he speaking? Wasn't he happy that I agreed to visit Ahmedabad that too after seven long years?

"Chalo bacchon... Main sone jaa rahi hun, bohot neend aa rahi hai. Tum dono dhyaan se ghar jaana.", Phulla Bua retired to her room & we remained seated there. "Ummmm... Preeti... Andar chalo. Mujhe tumse kuch important baat karni hai.", Rohan dragged her away from the garden giving us some privacy. It was only me & Sameer in the garden now.

We were sitting on the chairs opposite each other. I couldn't take his silence anymore & asked, "Tum khush nahi ho, mere Ahmedabad jaane se?" He was already staring at me, "Tumhe aisa kyun lagta hai Naina?" "Kyunki tum kab se chup ho. Kuch react hi nahi kiya tumne Sameer?"

He stood up & offered me his hand, which I held in an instant. We stood facing each other. He leaned a little & asked me, "Tumne yeh faisla apni marzi se liya hai na Naina?" I should've known this. "Haannn Sameer... Maine yeh faisla bohot soch samajhkar liya hai." "Are you sure? Iss faisle se pachtaogi toh nahi na Naina?" I looked deeply in his eyes, "Nahi... nahi pachtaungi Sameer."

"Chalo Laila Majnu... Bohot raat ho gayi hai. Aur kal bohot kaam bhi hai. Bhai... Chalein?", Rohan teased a bit. "Goodnight Naina... Kal milenge." "Goodnight Sameer.", I said softly. Both the boys left around midnight. "Naina... Main tere saath tere room mein so sakti hun aaj?", Preeti asked a bit hesitantly.

"Tu aise permission kyun le rahi Preeti?" This was the first time I saw her nervous, "Ummm... Wohh main teri privacy disturb nahi karna chaahti, isliye permission le rahi hun. I understand if you want to stay alone tonight." What is wrong with this girl? I didn't think much & pulled her towards my room.

Once we freshened up & were sleeping besides each other, I asked, "Preeti... Ab bataa... Tu itna formal kyun behave kar rahi hai? Kya hua hai tujhe?" She answered after a minute, "Naina... Saat saal pehle tu mujhe, Papa aur Mummy ko chodkar yahaan rehne aa gayi. Maine kitna manaaya tha tujhe, yaad hai. Kitni baar kahaa tha ki mat kar yeh sab, mat jaa hume chodkar. Par fir bhi tune ek baar bhi meri baat nahi maani."

I knew where the conversation was going & was dreading it too. She continued, "Aaj jaise hi Sameer tere saamne aaya, usne tujhe Ahmedabad jaane ko poocha aur tu maan gayi Naina... Bas yunhi? Kya Sameer tere liye mujhse, papa-mummy se jyada important hai? Main hamare liye tumhare pyaar par sawaal nahi uthaa rahi, main jaanti hun ki tu humse bohot pyaar karti hai. Bhale hi papa-mummy tere Chacha-Chachi hai, par tune hamesha unhe maa-baap ka darja diya aur mujhe bhi apni sagi behen maanti hai. Main tere pyaar par shak nahi kar rahi behen, bas mujhe yeh jaanna tha ki kya Sameer ka pyaar hamare pyaar se upar hai? Actually chod. Jaane de iss baat ko kyunki main shayad iska jawaab jaanti hun."

I've hurt them so much, if this is what she is thinking, then what would Chachaji & Chachiji think about me? I got up & pulled her up too. I hugged her finally & sobbed. It was time to accept my mistakes & mend everything. "Preeti... Please mujhe maaf karde. Main... main bohot boori hun na? Maine tujhe, Chachaji aur Chachiji ko bohot hurt kiya hai na??? Maine yahaan aane se pehle ek baar bhi tum logon ke baare mein nahi socha. Main apne gham mein itna doob gayi thi ki maine tum sabke dukh ke baare mein socha hi nahi."

I cried harder & she rubbed my back, "Naina... Rona band kar." "Nahi Preeti... Aaj nahi. Mujhe aaj bolne de. Bohot taklif di hai maine sabko. Main itni selfish kaise bann gayi ki mujhe tum sabke aansoon aur dard nahi dikhai diya. Main itni selfish kaise ho gai??? Preeti... Tu nahi jaanti ki main har roz issi guilt mein rehti hun. Kitni baar hi socha ki main waapis aa jaun. Par fir Papa, Tauji aur Taiji ki kahi baat yaad aa jaati thi ki main unpar bojh hun, jaise hi wahaan aaungi, wohh meri shaadi kara denge. Aur main Sameer ke alava kisise shaadi nahi kar sakti Preeti. Main bohot pyaar karti hun usse, bohot bohot jyada."

"Naina... Aur tujhe lagta hai ki hum teri shaadi kisise bhi yunhi hone dete?" "Preeti... Maine Chachaji aur Chachiji ko bohot hurt kiya hai. Kya wohh mujhe maaf karenge? Mujhe darr lag raha hai Preeti. Main saat saal dur rahi hun uss ghar se. Pataa nahi iss baar jab main waapis wahaan jaaungi toh kya hoga?"

"Kya hoga Naina beta? Aur tu itna darr kyun rahi hai?", we heard Phulla Bua's voice. She switched on the lights & sat beside me. She hugged me & caressed my head, "Tu darr mat Naina. Main hun na tere saath, hum sab hai tere saath. Aur fir iss baar toh tera Sameer bhi tere saath hoga. Toh tu bilkul bhi darr mat. Hum sab dekh lenge."

"Sach kahun bua. Mujhe yeh darr nahi hai ki yeh log meri shaadi ki baat shuru kar denge. Mujhe yeh darr hai ki kya iss baar Chachaji aur Chachiji mere saath khade rahenge. Maine unko bohot taklif di hai. Kya wohh meri iss galti ke liye mujhe maaf karenge?" "Naina... Tu jaanti hai na ki papa-mummy mujhse jyada tujhse pyaar karte hai. Unki sabsi acchi beti rahi hai tu, ab bhi hai aur hamesha rahegi, toh tu yeh faltu ki baatein chod aur jaane ki taiyaari kar. Papa-mummy ko mast surprise dete hai. Mazza aayega..."

"Haannn... Mazza toh aayega. Chalo ab dono so jao. Raat bohot ho gayi hai. Naina... Jyada soch mat. Tu jo bhi karegi usme hum sab tere saath hai.", Phulla bua kissed us on our foreheads & bid goodnight. "Naina... Tu sach mein iss stupid si shaadi ki baat se darr rahi hai?", she raised an eyebrow at me. This girl knew me too well. I wasn't afraid of the marriage thing.

After spending seven years in Mumbai, I'm quite confident to stand up for myself. I turned to Preeti, "Tune sahi kahaa, mazza toh aayega hi jab hamare parivaar ke saamne Sameer mere saath hoga.", I winked at her & she hugged me tightly. "Yeh hui na meri behen waali baat... ummmm... Waise mujhe bhi thodi help lagegi.", she asked nervously & I got her point without being told.

"Don't worry. Main jaanti hun teri problem sirf tere Jijaji hi suljaa sakte hai?" She was in shock & uttered, "Jijaji... Maine thik se suna na???" "Oye drama queen. Ab so jaa. Late ho raha hai." She pulled away my pillow & asked, "Nahi... No sona... Pehle bataa. Tune sach mein Sameer ko maaf kar diya?"

I took a deep breath, "Preeti... Inn saat saalon mein main itna toh samaj gayi hun ki main Sameer ko kabhi bhool nahi sakti, bohot pyaar karti hun usse, apni jaan se bhi jyaada. Agar uske liye main mere gharwaale, mera ghar aur mera sheher chod sakti hun, toh main kitni der tak usse naaraaz rehti."

"Jo bhi saat saal pehle hua, usse mujhe koi shikaayat nahi hai ab. Iss judaai ne hume ek dusre ki importance sikha di, hamara pyaar bhi gehra ho gaya hai aur hamara rishta bhi, jo ab koi nahi tod paayega. Agar usne ek galti ki thi Munna ki baat sunn ke, toh maine bhi tum sabko aur Sameer ko chodkar galti ki hi na. Aur jab hum dono ek dusre se itna pyaar karte hai toh fir yeh naaraazgi kaisi. Maine already saat saal akele guzaar liye hai. Ab aur akela nahi rehna chahti Preeti. Mujhe mera parivaar aur mera Sameer waapis chahiye." She hugged me & then asked excitedly, "Toh aage ka plan kya hai?"

"Plan???", I was a little confused. "Haannn... Plan... Dekh behen main tujhe bohot acche se jaanti hun. Ab Sameer ko tune maaf kar diya hai aur yeh main bhi samaj gayi ki yeh baat Sameer ko pata nahi hai. Dekha tha maine, kaise tum dono garden mein itna durr durr khade rehkar baat kar rahe the. I'm sure ki tere iss dimag mein kuch toh chal raha hai. Ek ghanta yunhi room mein band nahi thi tu. Toh chal ab chupchaap bataa kya plan hai."

I smiled enjoying her observation, "Tu mujhe kuch jyada hi acche se jaanti hai Preeti..." She just shrugged & waited for my reply. I told her my so-called plan which she listened quietly & then agreed to help me too. I told her that this should remain only between us, even Rohan shouldn't be aware of this. Afterall, he had also trapped me unaware. She accepted this a little reluctantly but was nonetheless excited to go to Ahmedabad with me.

We were busy the next day in winding up all our work. I & Rohan came back home in the afternoon & after an hour, Preeti too joined us. I was done with my packing till late evening & was desperately waiting to meet Sameer. He wasn't around the whole day. Where was he? He didn't have any meeting or anything, then where was he busy the whole day?

I started preparing for dinner. Preeti too helped me in the kitchen. Once I was done preparing dinner, I went to freshen up. There was no trace of Sameer yet. We all were waiting for him to join us for dinner. I asked hesitantly, "Rohan? Sameer kahaan hai?" He replied, "Bhai aa jaayenge thodi der mein. Wohh papa ne unhe subah call karke ek client se milne bheja hai." He looked at his wristwatch, "Thodi der mein aa jaayenge. Hum aisa karte hai, dinner shuru karte hai. Tab tak Bhai aa jayenge."

We agreed & I served them dinner. As they were done with it, our landline rang. Preeti picked up the call & heard the person on the other side & just replied, "OK." She looked at us, "Sameer ka call tha, wohh apna aur Rohan ka saaman lene ghar gaye hai. Ek ghante mein aa jayenge."

"Rohan... Tum khud saaman nahi laa sakte the kya? Bechare ek toh poora din meeting mein busy the aur fir ab waapis unhe ghar jaakar tum logon ki bags laani padengi. Dophar se tum yahaan ho, pehle hi jaakar saaman le aate toh unhe itna ghumna nahi padta na." I was surprised, it was after a long time that I saw her taking Sameer's side openly.

It was already ten by the time Sameer came at our place. I took him to the guest room where they would be staying for the night as we had an early morning flight. He freshened up & joined us in another fifteen minutes. I heated the food for him. Phulla Bua had already retired to her room while Rohan & Preeti had gone out to buy ice-creams for us.

I served him dinner & sat beside him at the dining table. He brought the first morsel to my mouth, "Main jaanta hun Naina, tumne bhi dinner nahi kiya hoga. Lo khaa lo." My eyes automatically misted & I opened my mouth so he could feed me. We both fed each other quietly without speaking a word. Only our eyes did all the talking. It was the first time in these seven years that I felt sated.

When I was back after doing the dishes, I saw Sameer sitting on the couch & watching some movie. I walked a little ahead & was shocked to see that he was watching Pooja Didi's wedding video. From where did he find that compact disc? He gestured me to sit beside him & we continued watching it, reminiscing that day.

I asked him curiously, "Tumhe yeh CD kahaan se mili?" He replied without looking at me, "Pandit ne uss photographer se ek copy extra banva li thi mere liye. Jab bhi akela mehsoos karta tha aur tumhari bohot yaad aati thi, toh isse dekhkar mann behla leta tha." I didn't know what to say to that. So, I kept quiet & enjoyed watching it with him. After a while, even Rohan & Preeti joined us. We enjoyed talking about all the fun we had during that wedding.

Preeti & Sameer narrated the whole story to Rohan about how she helped him to convince me to accept his true love & give him a chance. Rohan heard each & everything attentively. I was happy seeing that Preeti was again getting attached to her favourite Jijaji. She even teased Sameer about that groom's sister who had been running behind him from the time she had arrived at the wedding.

"Kaash main bhi tab Ahmedabad mein hota toh kitna mazza aata.", Rohan said dreamily. Preeti smacked him on his head, "Kya mazza karte tum? Agar kisi dusri ladki ki taraf nazar uthaake dekha bhi na Mr Rohan Somani, toh tumhari ek ek haddi tod dungi main. Samjhe??? Aaye bade, mazza aa jaata."

Rohan ran behind Preeti towards the garden & we laughed at their antics. "Naina... Tum khush ho na?" I smiled widely, "Haan bohot." He asked again, "Darr lag raha hai?" I looked at him & he knew the answer. "Naina... Main hun na tumhare saath, toh tumhe darne ki zarurat nahi hai, main sab sambhaal lunga."

"Jaanti hun Sameer. Tum ho, isiliye main Ahmedabad jaane ki himmat kar paa rahi hun." He stared at me for a while & asked a little hesitantly, "Naina... Mujhe tumse important baat karni hai. Akele mein." I gestured him to follow me & we entered the terrace. This place has been my favourite since I arrived in this house. I have spent my maximum time here with HIS memories & found my solace. And today I'm here with him.

We stood there feeling the cool breeze around us. After a few minutes, he held my hand & turned me towards him. The warmth of his palm on my cold hand was very much soothing. He didn't leave my hand & neither I pulled away, we stood facing each other.

"Naina... I'm sorry for everything." "Sameer..." "Shhhhh... Naina please aaj mujhe bolne do. Agar aaj nahi bol paaya toh aage fir kabhi nahi bol paaunga." I shut my mouth & blinked my eyes. He continued, "I'm very sorry Naina... Maine tumhe bohot hurt kiya hai. Ek baar nahi, bohot baar kiya hai aur tumne har baar mujhe maaf kiya hai."

"Pehle school mein maine unn ladkon se shart lagaakar tumhe hurt kiya, tumhara dil tod diya. Jab uske baad hamare beech sab thik ho gaya tab Nanu guzar gaye aur mummy mujhe apne saath Delhi le gayi. Wahaan jaakar main galat sangat mein pad gaya tha aur main tumhara pyaar ka vaada bhool gaya. Tab bhi maine anjaane mein hi sahi par tumhe hurt kiya tha. Uske baad jab main Delhi se lauta toh maine tumhe avoid karna shuru kar diya tha, kyunki main khud ko manhoos samaj raha tha. Tab bhi tumne mera saath diya aur mujhe apne pyaar ka ehsaas karvaaya. Tumhe tab bhi bohot hurt kiya tha maine Naina."

"Uske baad hamare rishta ekdum mazboot ho gaya. Fir Arjun bhaiya ki wajah se tumne mujhse rishta tod diya. Sach kahu Naina, meri zindagi mein Nanu ke baad agar maine bohot pyaar kiya hai toh wohh sirf tum ho. Main bohot hurt hua tha. Par jab college mein pataa chala ki tumhari shaadi ho rahi hai toh bas main paagal sa ho gaya tha. Main tumse bohot pyaar karta hun Naina isliye mujhe bardaasht nahi hua tumhara kisi aur ke saath hona."

"Isliye maine jaanbujhkar Sunaina ko tumhare saamne propose kiya. Main tumhe dikhaana chahta tha ki agar tum shaadi karke meri jagah kisi aur ko de sakti ho toh main bhi meri zindagi mein tumhari jagah kisi aur ko de sakta hun. Main tumhe jalaana chahta tha, par pataa nahi tumhara dil kis mitti ka banaa tha ki meri kisi bhi harkat se tumhe fark nahi pad rahaa tha. Par fir dheere dheere mujhe ehsaas hone laga ki main galat kar rahu hun isliye maine Sunaina se baat karke, usse sab sach bataa diya aur hamara rishta tod diya. Naina... Main tumse bohot pyaar karta hun isliye jab uss kamine Sharad ne tumhe thappad maara aur waapis maarne jaa raha tha, main apna gussa kaaboo nahi kar paaya aur maine usse bohot maara. Koi meri Naina pe haath uthaaye yeh main kabhi nahi dekh sakta."

He closed his eyes in anger remembering those days. "Uske baad Munna ne mujhse promise liya tha ki main tumse koi rishta na rakhun kyunki usse yakin tha ki tum aage chalkar mujhe chod dogi apne parivaar ke liye. Aur agle din hi Chachaji ne hamare rishtey ko manzoor kar diya tha. Sach mein Naina, uss din main bohot bohot khush tha par jaise hi mujhe Munna ka promise yaad aaya, main thoda seham sa gaya. Aur maine agle din hi tumhe yeh bataa diya. Naina... Maine socha tha ki tum mujhse ladogi, Munna se ladogi, aur hume samjhaogi ki tum mujhe kisi bhi haal mein kabhi chodkar nahi jaaogi."

"Par jab tum agle din se college nahi aayi toh mera dil bechain ho gaya. Maine kabhi nahi socha tha ki tum itna bada kadam uthaogi Naina. Tab se ab tak maine khud ko kitna kosa hai Naina. Kaash maine wohh promise waali baat tumhe naa bataayi hoti. Kaash maine khud hi Munna ko samjhaaya hota ki tum aise kuch nahi karogi. Kaashhh..."

He sat on his knees & held his ears, "I'm sorry for everything Naina... For each & every hurt & pain, I'm so sorry. Maine tumhe bohot miss kiya hai Naina inn saat saalon mein. Hamesha sochta ki meri Naina kahaan hogi, kaise hogi? Ek ek pal mera dil tumhare liye roya hai Naina. Please mujhe maaf kardo. Main kabhi tumhe hurt nahi karunga aage se. Main tumhe har khushi dunga Naina. Please mujhe meri har ek galti ke liye maaf kardo. Meri zindagi mein main tumhari jagah kisi aur ko kabhi nahi dunga Naina... I Love You Naina... I Love You a lot. Please mujhe maaf kardo. I'm very very sorry. I'm very very sorry Naina."

He cried like a child & I couldn't hold my tears too. I made him sit on the swing & then I sat beside him holding his hand. "Sameer... Ab main kuch bol sakti hun?" He nodded his head slightly & I continued, "Maine hamesha hi tumhari har galti ke liye tumhe maaf kiya hai Sameer kyunki main jaanti hun ki tum mujhse bohot pyaar karte ho. Aur hamare pyaar par mujhe hamesha se bharosa tha kyunki maine hamesha pyaar nibhaana sikha hai. Aur main tumhe bhi yahi sikhaana chaahti thi. Aur tum sikh bhi gaye Sameer."

"Par iss baar main kamzor padd gayi mere parivaar waalon ke liye. Jis papa ke liye maine tumhare pyaar ko thukraaya tha, unhe toh meri raddi bhar ki bhi kimmat nahi hai unki zindagi mein. Mujhe thappad maar maar kar Sharad se shaadi ke liye manvaaya gaya. Sach kahun Sameer, uss waqt meri zindagi mein kuch mere hisaab se ho hi nahi raha tha. Pehle tumse rishta toda fir Sharad se juda, yeh dono bhi maine majboori mein kiya. Par tumhe pataa hai sabse jyada mujhe taklif kab hui?"

He shook his head & I continued, "Jab tumne Sunaina ko meri jagah di tumhari zindagi mein. Tumhe kya lagta hai ki mujhe fark nahi pad raha tha tumhe uske saath dekhkar. Bohot fark padta tha Sameer, bohot fark padta tha. Mera haath pakadne mein tumne saal laga diye aur uska haath tumne jatt se pakad liya. Tumhari bike par bhi kitne saal baad baithi main, par tumne Sunaina ko ek hi jhatke mein wohh jagah bhi de di. Mujhe jalaane ke liye hi sahi, par tumhe meri jagah usko de di thi Sameer. Kya tum jaante ho ki maine Sharad ko kabhi mujhe choone nahi diya tha. Jab usne choone ki koshish bhi ki thi na, toh main fauran dur ho gayi thi usse kyunki mujhe tumhare alaava kisika choona bardaasht nahi ho raha tha. Mujhe bohot taklif hui thi Sameer tumhe Sunaina ke saath dekhkar bas main kabhi dikhaati nahi thi."

"I'm sorry Naina... Mujhe pataa hai ki main jitna bhi maafi mangu kam hi hai. Please mujhe meri har harkat ke liye maaf kardo. Main aage se aisa kuch nahi karunga tumhe hurt karne ke liye. Chaaho toh main ek stamp paper par likhwa deta hun ki tumhe chodkar har ladki meri behen aur maa samaan hai."

I couldn't help the chuckle that came out with the way he was declaring his love for me. He smiled too. "Arey aisa mat karna Jijaji..." Preeti interrupted & entered the terrace with Rohan. Sameer was on his feet, "Kya... kya kahaa tumne Preeti?" She just smiled & repeated, "Arey aisa mat karna..." He scrunched his nose & asked, "Uske aage ka bolo Preeti." "Maine uske aage kya bola tha? Kuch bola tha kya Rohan?" She smartly avoided & teased Sameer.

"Preeti... Please bolo na...", he requested too sweetly & I knew Preeti wouldn't break his heart this time & said, "Jijaji... yahi sunna chaahte the na aap?" She raised her eyebrows & Sameer took her in a hug. "Iska matlab tumne mujhe maaf kar diya Preeti?" She replied, "Waise aapne mujhse toh maafi maangi hi nahi Jijaji. Par fir bhi main aapko maaf kar rahi hun, kyunki meri pyaari si behen ne aapko maaf kar diya hai. So don't even dare to say sorry to me. I've already forgiven you."

Sameer turned to me swiftly, "Naina... Kya yeh sach hai? Please ek baar bol do toh mere dil ko tasalli ho jaaye." How could I not forgive my love when I've always treated him as my first priority & loved him more than anyone in my life? I took a step towards him, "Haannn Sameer... Maine toh tumhe kab ka maaf kar diya tha."

"Tohhh..." I saw the glitter in his eyes, when he walked to me. I replied, "Tohhh..." He went down on his one knee, "I Love You Naina... Please be mine forever... Will you marry me???" I hadn't expected him to ask this. I already had an answer for this. Without delaying it, I replied, "I am, was & always be yours Sameer... And Yesss... I will marry you..."

He jumped in happiness & hugged Rohan. Preeti hugged me too & congratulated us. Rohan stood beside me & spoke, "Naina... oops... Ab se mujhe kuch aur bulaana chahiye. Ummmm... Bhabhi kaisa rahega?", he asked me taking me in a side hug. Sameer & Preeti turned to us, "Ekdum perfect..." We all had a group hug. It was after an hour of chitchatting, we bid goodnight & headed to our rooms.

We hardly slept for three hours & then were ready to leave for the airport. We boarded the flight & reached Ahmedabad in the next two hours. I was happy to be back home. The journey from the airport to my home was a memorable one as I was seeing the familiar surroundings after such a long time.

Rohan & Sameer were going to accompany us to our home. I was very much happy but was a little nervous too. I don't know how will everyone react after my sudden arrival. The car stopped right in front of my society & my nervousness intensified. Everyone stepped out of the car but I was still sitting & fidgeting with my dupatta.

"Naina... Chalo...", Sameer offered his hand. I slowly slipped my hand in his & got out of the car. People standing nearby looked at us curiously. We ascended the stairs & reached our floor. I took in the familiar place minutely remembering all the times I had spent here. Preeti pressed the doorbell & we stood aside.

The door opened & she screamed, "Surprise..." Chachiji was stunned to see me. She stood there motionless for a while, seeming too much in shock & Preeti nudged her, "Mummy... Aise kya dekh rahi ho? Sach mein Naina hi hai. Koi bhoot voot nahi." Chachiji came out of her trance & shouted, "Bhagwaan jhooth na bulaaye... Aji sunte ho. Dekhiye kaun aaya hai? Jaldi aaiye na."

By the time Chachaji came out his room, Phulla Bua appeared in front of us with Rohan. Chachaji couldn't believe his eyes. Before I could step in, Chachiji stopped me, "Do minute ruk jaa Naina... Main abhi aati hun." Exactly in the next two minutes, she arrived with an aarti thali. She did our aarti & we stepped in.

Chachiji immediately hugged me & cried happy tears, blessing me continuously. Chachaji was next who kept stroking my head lovingly. Sameer & Rohan took blessings from them & joined Phulla Bua on the couch comfortably. Preeti served water to all of us & I joined Chachiji in the kitchen in preparing tea & snacks for all. We all enjoyed the simple breakfast amongst lots of laughter.

Once we were done, Chachaji asked, "Naina... Tum achanak Ahmedabad kaise aa gayi?" I glanced at Sameer who blinked his eyes in assurance & he took the lead. He told Chachaji how we both met in Mumbai because of our siblings' planning. He gave me a concerned look, "Beta... Tum jaanti ho na yahaan waapis aane ka matlab kya hoga?" I understood his pretext & nodded.

"Waise tumhe waapis aane ke liye saat saal lag gaye Naina?", he accused me. I closed my eyes & took a deep breath, "Haannn... Aur jaante hai Chachaji yeh saat saal kyun lag gaye?" I saw confusion written on everyone's faces. I looked at Sameer & answered, "Kyunki Sameer ko mujh tak pohonchne mein saat saal lag gaye." No one had expected me to say that aloud.

Before I could say more, Taiji hollered, "Arey Bela. Zara adrakwaali chai toh bana de, bohot sardard ho..." She stopped midsentence & stood rooted to her spot seeing all of us in the living room. She immediately spoke looking at me, "Ohhh Bai... Aaj yeh suraj kahaan se nikla hai, aakhirkaar saat saal baad yeh Maharani yahaan waapis aa hi gayi."

"Arey Bela... Iss moti ki aankhen kahin kharaab toh nahi ho gayi na? Isse baaki sab log dikhte hai bhi yaa nahi?" Taiji looked agitated as Phulla Bua kept taunting her one after the other to keep her at bay. Due to her loud voice, Tauji & Papa too entered & took blessings from her. She blessed them & again taunted Taiji, "Dekha Anand. Sab ne mere pair chukar mera aashirwaad liya, par iss maharani ne abhi tak mere pair nahi chuye hai. Itna khaati kyun hai tu, itni moti ho gayi hai isliye toh jhooka nahi jaa raha tujhse? Kam khaaya kar thoda."

We all controlled our laughter while Bela Chachiji served them tea & snacks. It was after a few minutes, Tauji asked Phulla Bua, "Aap itne saat baad achanak kuch khaas kaam se aayi hai?" She smiled the widest & said, "Haannn... Main yahan mere bacchiyon ki shaadi tay karne aayi hun." Everyone except us were shocked. She was our savour all the time. I knew why she joined us to Ahmedabad. She had anticipated the threat to our relationships from these people. She was trying to safeguard us from any harm.

Chachaji remained quiet but Tauji couldn't swallow the hurt & asked eyeing Sameer & Rohan, "Mujhe jahaan tak pataa hai, Naina aur Preeti ke liye koi rishta nahi aaya hai. Toh aap kiski baat kar rahi hai?" Taiji who had been silent till now found her voice again after hearing her husband's question, "Ohhhh Bai... Sahi keh rahe hai aap. Preeti ke liye rishta aa bhi gaya ho, par iss bin maa ki ladki ko kaun apni patni banaayega jo itne saal ghar se durr akeli rehkar aayi hai."

I saw Sameer fisting his hands in anger & I gestured him to be quiet. Chachaji understood his anger & kept his hand on his. Phulla Bua looked at Taiji & replied, "Tu bohot khushkismat hai ki tumhe humne hamari ghar ki bahu banaaya, warna sadd rahi hoti kahin kisi gaav mein. Aayi badi bolne waali. Ab dhyaan se sunn jo main keh rahi hun wohh, agar aage se kabhi Naina ya kisi aur ko taana maara na, toh tera iss ghar mein aana band karwa dungi. Samjhi??? Aur apna kaala mooh band rakh aur hamari baatein sunn chupchaap."

Phulla Bua shifted her gazes on us & continued, "Anand... Maine Naina aur Preeti ke liye ladke chunn liye hai, unhe tum sabse milne saath hi laayi hun." She turned her gaze to the boys & introduced, "Isse toh tum sab jaante hi ho, Sameer Maheshwari. Main hamari Naina ki shaadi Sameer se karana chahti hun aur yeh hai Sameer ka chota bhai, Rohan Somani. Iski aur hamari Preeti ki jodi sahi rahegi."

It was a treat to watch the shocked faces of Tauji, Taiji & Papa. They had lost their voices. Mustering some courage, Papa asked, "Aap mujhse bina pooche aise kaise meri beti ki shaadi iss baalon ki dukaan se tay kar sakti hai?" She looked at him & asked, "Accha... toh ab tumhe baap hone ka farz yaad aa hi gaya. Waise toh tune bachpan se Naina ki koi bhi zimmedari nahi uthaayi hai toh ab isse bhi durr hi reh. Ab tak Naina ka sirf naam ke liye pita tha, aage bhi shaayad tum wohi rahoge. Aaj tak kabhi ek baar pyaar se apni beti se baat ki hai, kabhi dil se aashirwaad diya hai usse? Nahi na... Toh Naina ki shaadi ke liye apni raay apne paas hi rakh."

She looked at Tauji & Taiji & asked, "Tum dono ko bhi agar koi apatti hai toh abhi bataa do." Taiji kept mum but Tauji asked, "Inn ladkon ke maa baap kahaan hai? Inse toh shaadi ki baat nahi kar sakte na?" Sameer spoke, "Mummy papa jald se jald Ahmedabad aa jaayenge. Aap uski chinta mat kijiye." He just nodded in reply. Both husband & wife murmured something & spoke, "Ab dono bacchiyon ki shaadi bade ghar mein tay ho rahi hai toh len den ki bhi baat kar lete hai. Anand... Rakesh ke paas toh kuch nahi hai jo wohh Naina ki shaadi mein de sake. Aur mera bhi aajkal kaam kuch thik nahi chal raha. Toh mere paas bhi jyada paise nahi hai isliye main bhi koi madad nahi kar paaunga. Ab jo kuch bhi karna hai wohh tumhe akele hi karna hoga."

I had expected this from them. I shared a look with Sameer. Before Chachaji could say anything, Sameer beat him to it, "Tauji... Aapko fikar karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai. Shaadi ka saara kharcha hum log hi karenge." He turned to Chachaji & joined his hands, "Hum sirf aapse aapki betiyaan lene aayenge. Aur kuch nahi chahiye hume Chachaji. Bhagwaan ka diya hua sab kuch hai hamare paas. Toh aap bilkul chinta mat karna, hum sab sambhaal lenge."

Rohan replied, "Bhai thik keh rahe hai. Hume kuch nahi chahiye. Aap kharche ki chinta mat kijiyega." "Sameer... Rohan... Maine meri dono betiyon ki shaadi ke liye bohot sapne dekhe hai aur kuch paise jamaa kar rakhe hai. Toh jitna mujhse hoga main karunga. Tum kharche ki chinta mat karo. Hum milkar sab dekh lenge. Kitne saalon baad hamare ghar mein ek saath itni badi do do khushiyaan aayi hai. Main koi kami nahi hone dunga inki shaadiyon mein."

Sameer & Rohan nodded & took everyone's blessings. Everyone started discussing about the preparation of our marriages whereas Tauji, Taiji & Papa remained mute spectators. No one asked for their opinions as we didn't want to ruin our happiness. Sometime later, they left & now it was just our family.

"Chachaji... Mummy papa do din mein aa jayenge. Hum unke saath kal shaam aakar shaadi ka mahurat nikaal lenge. Aap Panditji ko bula lijiyega. Ab hume chalna chahiye. Kal milte hai." They were about to leave when Phulla Bua asked them to join us for lunch. They couldn't deny her request & stayed for lunch. We all freshened up & started preparing their favourite dishes.

It was time to start my plan so I asked Preeti if she had done her part. "Fikar not behen. Tune jaisa kaha tha maine waisa kar diya hai. Bas thodi der mein wohhh log aa jaayenge." I was happy that at least our plan was set to motion. I & Preeti helped Chachiji in preparing the special lunch. We were just done with it, when the doorbell rang.

Preeti ran to open the door & I too walked behind her, waiting for the door to open & invite our special guests. When they entered the house, Sameer looked stunned for a moment & then he glanced at me. I knew after seeing them he would know that I was the person behind their presence here.

"Sameer... Bhai tu kab aaya? Mujhe bataaya bhi nahi. Wohh toh Preeti ne phone karke bulaaya hume isliye yahaan jald se jald aa gaye." Sameer reached him in three long strides & hugged him, "Pandit. Kaisa hai tu? Wohh yahaan aane ka program ekdum achanak ho gaya isliye bataane ka mauka nahi mila."

The person standing next to Pandit was staring at Sameer with tear filled eyes. When Sameer's eyes met his, all damn burst open. He pulled Munna in a tight hug & cried. They kept murmuring sorry to each other. Everyone present there had tears in their eyes watching the scene unfolding.

"Sameer... Kaisa hai tu?" He didn't reply but kept hugging Munna. "Sameer... Aaj tujhe saat saal baad dekhkar main bohot khush hun." They left each other & Munna's eyes fall on me. He took slow steps towards me & then slapped me. I hadn't expected this at all. My cheek hurt a little but I didn't flinch. Sameer was by my side in a flash & shouted, "Munna... Kya kar raha hai tu?" The others too stepped ahead.

Munna turned to him & slapped him too. What was he doing? And why was he slapping us? "Munna... tu..." He cut Sameer's sentence & stared at me, "Sameer... Pehle mujhe meri behen se baat karni hai. Tab tak tu ekdum chup reh." He continued looking at me, "Naina... Main kya kahun tumse aur kahaan se shuru karun? Jab Sameer Ahmedabad rehne aaya na tab maine aur Pandit ne usse dosti ki. Ussi dauraan humne uski taklif dekhi, uska akelapan dekha. Tab se hum dono uski parchaayi bankar uske saath hai. Kabhi usse akela nahi rehne diya."

"Sameer ki har baat mein humne uska saath diya, fir bhale wohh galat hi kyun na ho. Hum hamesha saath rahe. Jab tu uski zindagi mein aayi toh hum khush the kyunki humne tum dono ki aankhon mein ek dusre ke liye saccha pyaar dekha. Isliye humne hamesha tum dono ka saath diya. Hamare saath Sameer khush toh tha par tumhare aane se uski zindagi aur bhi acchi ho gayi. Jo kami hum poori na kar paaye, wohh tumne poori kar di thi Naina."

"Maine tumhe bachpan se dekha hai. Hum ek saath school mein saalon padhe hai. Toh mujhe pataa hai ki tumhare liye tumhara parivaar kya maayne rakhta hai. Mujhe issi baat ka darr tha ki tum hamare bhai ko apne parivaar ke liye chod dogi. Aur tumne waisa kiya bhi. Tum shaayad jaanti nahi hogi Naina ki tumhare iss kadam se hamara Sameer kitna toota tha. Din bhar kamre mein band rehta, na khaata aur na kuch peeta tha. Uss andhere kamre mein itna kho gaya tha ki usne kisi aur ke baare mein socha hi nahi. Pataa hai kaisi kaisi baatein karne lagaa tha? Mujhe aur Pandit ko darr lagne lagaa tha ki kahin sach mein Sameer sanyasi na bann jaaye."

"Naina... Main jaanta tha ki tum Sharad ke saath rishtey se khush nahi thi. Aur wohh sab sirf apne parivaar ke liye kar rahi thi. Usse shaadi karna tumhari majboori thi. Tum agar Sameer se rishta na todti toh hum tumhari shaadi uss kamine se kabhi hone nahi dete. Par tumhe toh apne parivaar ki kahi har baar maanni ki kasam kha rakkhi thi fir bhale kisi aur ki jaan kyun na chali jaaye usme. Kyun?"

I knew he wasn't wrong at all. I knew Sameer was so much heartbroken that he could have harmed himself too. I at least had Preeti, Chachaji & Chachiji with me, but Sameer didn't even have a family whom he can call his own except for Munna & Pandit.

"Sameer ne tumhare liye kya kuch kiya tha yeh hum sab ne dekha hai aur wohh aage bhi karega. Tumne usse rishta tod diya tha par fir bhi usne hamesha tumhara khayaal rakha aur wohh kaise yeh tum bhi acchi tarah se jaanti ho. Sameer tumhare saath na hokar bhi tumhari izzat bacha rahaa tha, uss Sharad ki maa ke saamne. Yaad hai na tumhe? Har mod par usne tumhara haath thaama hai Naina... aur main jaanta hun ki aaj bhi wohh tumhare saath hi khada hai aur hamesha rahega. Aaj main eek thappad kya maara tumhe, Sameer daud kea age aa gaya. Yeh hai uska beintehaan pyaar jo kal bhi tha, aaj bhi hai aur hamesha rahega Naina."

"Maine Sameer se vaada isliye liya tha taaki waapis tum uska dil na tod sako. Kyunki iss baar agar tum uska dil todti toh wohh jee nahi pataa, iss baar apni jaan hi le leta. Uske liye tumse jyada important koi nahi hai Naina aur yeh baat tum bhi acche se jaanti ho. Sameer ne tumse mere vaade ki baat ki toh tumne jatt se maan li aur usse sahi bhi saabit kiya. Kyun Naina? Kya tumhe apne pyaar par bharosa nahi tha? Maine socha tha ki itne kathin daur se ubarne ke baad tum dono ek dusre ko kabhi nahi chodoge. Apni peechli galtiyon se kuch sikhoge. Par shaayad maine kuch jyada hi umeed kar li tum dono se. Pyaar par atoot bharosa hota na, toh yeh saat saal durr rehne ki naubat nahi aati."

He faced Sameer, "Aur tu? Maine tujhe Naina ko chodne ko kya kahaa aur tune usse chod diya. Itna sab ho gaya tha tum dono ke beech mein, fir bhi tune meri baat maan li. Mujhe dekhna tha ki tu mera vaada nibhaata hai ya nahi. Par tune toh apna ego beech mein ghused diya aur Naina se badla lene chala tha. Kyun? Sirf isliye taaki wohh bhi tera dard mehsoos kar sake. Sameer... Agar tu mera saccha yaar aur bhai hai na toh Naina bhi meri behen hai, bachpan se jaanta hun usko. Bhale hi jyada baat na ki ho par itna toh jaanta hun ki tujhse jyada wohh tadpi hai. Tujhe jitna dard hua hai na, usse jyada dard usne khud ko diya hai. Tera dil todne se pehle usne khud ka dil sau baar toda hoga."

"Chala tha badla lene. Aur jab Naina Ahmedabad chodkar gayi toh tu bhi chala gaya Delhi. Main khush tha tab kyunki tujhe ek hasta khelta parivaar mil gaya jo tujhse pyaar karne lage the, jiski chaahat tujhe bachpan se rahi thi, wohh tujhe finally mil gaya. Tu yahaan se kya gaya mujhe toh bhool hi gaya. Par main tujhe bohot acche se jaanta hun Sameer. Tune jaan bujhkar mujhse yeh saat saal baat nahi ki kyunki kahin na kahin tu bhi mujhe iss sab ka zimmedaar maanta tha. Pandit se baat karta tha tu, par mujhse nahi. Kya mujhe pataa nahi tha ki tere dil mein kya chal raha hai? Tune khud ke saath saath mujhe bhi doshi maan liya tha iss judaai ke liye."

"Jab Delhi gaya toh pehle laga ki tu Naina ko dhoondega. Par nahi, janaab ko pehli apni padhai suji, fir videsh chala gaya aur waapis aakar bhi Bhai ne Maheshwari Industries join kar li. Yeh nahi ki kisi jasoos ko lagaa deta apni Maina ko dhoondne mein. Mann toh kar raha tha ki tujhe Delhi aakar itna maarun ki akkal thikaane aa jaaye teri."

"Bas karna Chenu. Ab kitna sunaayega? Ab toh sab thik ho gaya na? Dekh dono saath mein hai.", Pandit finally interrupted the volcano that was blasting since last fifteen minutes. No one had said anything to stop Munna. Everyone heard him clearly as he had totally taken over the situation.

"Ponga tu toh chup hi reh." He again turned to us, "Tumhe kya lagaa ki main tum dono se maafi maangunga. Arey jo rishta mere vaade ke chalte toot gaya, kya wohh iske parivaar ke saamne tikk paata? Kabhi nahi... Sameer... Naina tere liye kabhi apne parivaar ke khilaaf nahi jaati... Sirf Chachaji ki sehmati kaafi nahi thi. Aaj bhi agar tum dono ek saath khade ho na toh wohh sirf Phulla Bua ki wajah se ho."

Phulla Bua came ahead & Munna bent down to touch her feet. What was going on? She blessed him wholeheartedly & then looked at our confused faces. She chuckled, "Aise mat dekho tum sab hume. Maine sirf Munna ko yahi bataaya tha ki Naina mere saath hai. Jab main Naina ko lekar Mumbai gayi, tab mujhe bohot bura lag raha tha. Fir ek mahine baad mujhe ek phone aaya aur wohh call Munna ka tha."

She looked at Sameer, "Bacchu... Jo kaam tum saat saal mein nahi kar paaye wohh Munna ne sirf ek mahine mein kar liya tha." I looked at Munna, "Tum... Tum jaante the main Mumbai mein hun?" He replied calmly, "Haannn... Jaanta tha. Par maine Sameer ko nahi bataaya kyunki main chaahta tha ki tum dono ek dusre tak khud pohoncho. Waise bhi bhaisaab ko mujhse baat hi kahaan karni thi. Par laga nahi tha ki tum dono saat saal lagaa doge milne mein."

Phulla Bua added, "Haannn... Munna se toh meri hamesha baat hoti rehti thi. Isliye Sameer ke baare mein har khabar thi mere paas, kyunki Pandit usse sab batata tha. Main chaahti thi ki dono apne pairon par khade ho. Taaki aage jaakar koi iss rishtey se manaa na kar paaye. Agar hum chahte toh Sameer ko bataa sakte the par humse aisa nahi kiya. Agar hum aisa karte toh wohh Mumbai aa jaata aur aaj jo wohh 'The Sameer Maheshwari' banaa hai, wohh nahi bann paata."

She turned to me, "Aur Naina... Main yeh chaahti thi ki tu bhi independent ho, taaki khud ke faisle tu le sake. Main agar aaj tum logon ke saath nahi bhi aati fir bhi tu itni saksham thi ki sabke saamne apne pyaar ke liye lad sake. Kyun sahi keh rahi hun na Naina? Agar aaj koi tere Sameer par ek ungli bhi uthaata toh tu Jhansi ki Raani bann hi jaati. Inn saat saalon mein maine bohot badlaav dekhe hai tum mein. Aur hum sab iss badlaav se khush hai."

"Jab Rohan pehli baar hamare ghar aaya toh hume tum dono ke dil tak pohonchne ka ek raasta mil gaya. Phir Preeti ne bhi madad kar di aur hamara maksad poora ho gaya. Par bhi afsos hai mujhe ki inn sab mein saat saal lag gaye. Kyun Munna?" He nodded in reply.

We didn't have any words for them. I just hugged him & cried, "I'm sorry Munna. Maine soche samje bina itna bada faisla le liya." I peeked slightly at him & asked softly, "Apni behen ko maaf nahi karoge?" Sameer too came from behind & hugged him, "Maaf kar de na Bhai... Please... Humne sach mein bohot badi galti kar di."

He looked at us, "Thik hai thik hai. Nautanki mat karo tum dono." He hugged us both together & we cried happy tears. Preeti, Rohan & Pandit joined our hug happily. And everyone rejoiced. Once we settled down, I went to Chachaji & Chachiji, "Aap bhi mujhe maaf kar dijiye please. Main jaanti hun mere uss faisle se maine aapko bhi bohot taklif di hai. Jo Naina hamesha kuch karne se pehle aapki raay liya karti thi, usne tabhi aapse ek baar bhi nahi poocha ki jo wohh kar rahi hai, wohh sahi bhi hai yaa nahi." Sameer too joined me, "Haann Chachaji... Chachiji... hume maaf kar dijiye. Humne hamari galtiyon ka pachtaava hai. Aur aage se aisa kuch nahi karenge jisse aapko yaa kisiko bhi taklif ho."

They took us in a hug & blessed us, "Hume ab peechli baatein bhoolkar, aage ki zindagi par dhyaan dena chahiye. Jo bhi hua usse kuch sikho aur aage kabhi aisa mat dohraana. Hamesha khush raho bacchon. Aur hamara aashirwaad toh hamesha tum sab par rahega hi."

Now, I was finally at peace but still there was something amiss. And I knew what. I glanced at Preeti & she winked. We all had our lunch happily talking about our experiences of the last seven years. The boys left after lunch towards the Maheshwari Mansion. All the elders rested in the afternoon while I & Preeti made a plan for evening.

While having tea in the evening, Preeti asked a little hesitantly, "Papa... Kya hum thodi der ke liye Maheshwari Mansion jaa sakte hai?" Chachiji asked, "Bhagwaan jhooth na bulaaye. Bas do ghante pehle hi Sameer aur Rohan ghar gaye hai. Ab achaanak kya yaad aa gaya tujhe ki unke ghar jaana hai?"

Phulla Bua asked me, "Kya baat hai Naina?" I couldn't lie & told them our plan. They weren't shocked & accepted our request happily. Preeti made a call to Rohan to confirm if Munna was still there with them. Mundit had decided to stay the night there which sounded much better & was in our favour.

I & Preeti got ready & made a call. We left towards the Maheshwari Mansion just hoping that everything happens as per our plan. When I pressed the doorbell to his house, a familiar figure opened the door. "Arey Naina Bhabhi... Aaiye na." Ramdhari bhaiya welcomed us in the house & went to call the boys.

"Naina... Preeti... Tum dono yahaan kya kar rahe ho? Ghar par sab thik toh hai na?", my heartbeat quickened after seeing my love in a red t-shirt which was paired with black trackpants. Preeti coughed besides me, "Behen... Mujhe pataa hai Jijaji kaafi handsome lag rahe hai, par jis kaam ke liye aaye hai, uspar dhyaan de please."

We entered further inside the house & I spoke, "Wohh... Hum ek surprise dene aaye hai?" "Surprise? Kaisa surprise?", he asked me in excitement. "Surprise tumhare liye nahi hai Sameer. Kisi aur ke liye hai." He looked confused. Rohan asked Preeti, "Mere liye hai surprise?" "Mere itne boore din bhi nahi aaye ki main tumhe surprise dun.", she said in a teasing way. He huffed & looked away.

"Naina... Sidhe sidhe batao. Kya chal raha hai?" I looked at Munna & replied, "Surprise Munna ke liye hai." "Mere liye surprise? Arey waahhhh... Kya baat hai? Bataa Naina, kya surprise hai?" I smiled happily, "Tumhara surprise tumhare peeche hi hai." He turned around & froze at his place. I called out, "Swati... Kamya... Tum dono darwaaze par kyun rukk gayi. Andar aao na."

Kamya held Swati's hand & dragged her in. Munna & Swati stood facing each other. "Hmmmmm... Hamare wajah se tum dono ne apna rishta tod diya tha. Ab jab sab thik ho gaya hai toh tum dono bhi sulah karlo please. Munna... hum jaante hai ki tum ab bhi apni frock waale pandit se kitna pyaar karte ho, isliye toh aaj tak shaadi nahi ki. Aur tu, Swati, tune bhi toh saare rishtey thukra diye kuch na kuch bahana banaakar, kyunki tu aaj bhi tere bandar se utna hi pyaar karti hai jitna pehle karti thi."

All of us left them alone & walked towards the terrace. After sometime, I asked, "Sameer... Mujhe tumhara kamra nahi dikhaoge?" He held my hand & took me towards his room amongst lots of teasing. "Madam... Wohh room ab se hamara hai, sirf mera nahi. Samjhi...", I nodded in happiness.

When I entered the room, I felt nostalgic. This would be our room after marriage. I definitely wanted to change the interiors as it looked more like a man's room. "Kya soch rahi ho tum?" I turned to him, "Yahi ki iss room ke interiors kaafi change karne padenge." He smiled & accepted, "Haaan... Changes toh bohot kuch karne padenge par usse pehle..." He pulled me towards him, "Sabko do din se hug kar kar rahi ho. Mera number kab aayega?"

"Acchaa ji... Toh aapko hug chahiye hai?", I asked raising my eyebrows. "Yeh bhi koi poochne ki baat hai. I Love You Naina... And I want all of you forever." I rested my head on his chest & he wrapped his hands around me slowly. This was our first ever hug but not the last. We stood in each other's arms for few more minutes relishing our first intimate moment. It was the noise of the shrill ring of his landline that broke our hug & he walked reluctantly to pick it up.

Whilst he was gone, I looked around & saw few of his favourite things, his guitar & his boxing bag. What caught my attention was a diary on his bedside table. I picked it up & read the last entry that was written seven years ago before he left for Delhi,

'Akela rehna bhi kya dard hai,

Kisi ko paa kar khona bhi kya dard hai,

Chinn leti hai duniya ussi ko tumse,

Jiske bina jeena sabse bada dard hai...'

My eyes watered immediately & all the memories came back in a flashback. "Mummy ka call tha. Kal subah ki flight se aa rahe hain sab.", he said while coming around me. When I turned to face him, he immediately looked worried, "Naina... Kya hua? Tum ro kyun rahi ho?"

I just hugged him & cried, "I'm sorry Sameer... Maine bohot hurt kiya na tumhe?" He held me tightly in his arms & whispered, "Naina... Ab se hum koi ronewaali baatein nahi karenge. Hume ab nayi yaadein banani hai, zindagi ka naya safar shuru karna hai. Toh promise karo ab se peechli saari baatein ek sabak samajhkar bhool jayenge. Mujhe meri Maina rote hue bilkul acchi nahi lagti. Toh jaldi se badi waali smile karo."

I moved a little to look at his face & saw him smiling already. I smiled amidst my tears & he wiped my cheeks slowly, tracing my face. I kept staring at his shining eyes that were darkening with my every touch. My hands had started its journey from his shoulders to his arms, to his biceps & then landed on his chest. I could feel his erratic heartbeats that matched mine.

He asked hoarsely, "Kya kar rahi ho tum?" I didn't stop my hands & then finally locked them around his neck. I tiptoed a little & slowly pulled his head towards me. I slowly kissed his forehead, then kissed his eyes one by one & then my lips touched his cheeks. He had closed his eyes & was waiting for my next move. I took a deep breath & captured his lips slowly. Our first kiss... That too in his room... No. No. In our room...

He didn't react at all for the first few seconds. But then before I could move away, he tightened his hold & deepened our kiss. My one hand locked on his neck while the other played with his hair. His hands that were wrapped around my waist, moved a little downwards & he pulled me up. I could feel his hardness. I moaned in his mouth & he groaned when he felt my body pressing against his body.

He softened his kiss & then we slowly came up for air. We looked into each other's eyes which was full of love & respect. I hugged him again, "I Love You Sameer..." He took a deep breath & murmured, "Finally boli toh sahi. Warna lagaa tha ki tum wohh teen magical words bolna bhool gayi ho. Jaanti ho, kal se tumne 'I Love You' bola hi nahi. Kitna tadap raha tha sunne ke liye", he pouted sweetly...

I just laughed out & said again, "I Love You Sameer... Now & Forever... Till I die..."

"I Love you too Maina..."

We stayed in each other's arms promising that we would always be together till death pulls us apart. Finally, I was happy that I would never have to stay alone & face the loneliness again & prayed that everyone finds their happiness in their better halves...

So here is the end of this emotional story...

I hope you all liked it...

I wanted to update this last part yesterday itself but I couldn't finish it yesterday...

I enjoyed writing this story but more than that, I've cried a lot while writing & reading too...

When I finished writing the third chapter, I was emotionally drained out...

I'm sorry if I've made you all cry in this difficult corona time...

Next update will be of 'Fate Twisted By Love' & then 'An Inevitable Intruder'

Do shower your precious love through votes & comments...

Do share my stories with your friends too...

Ignore the mistakes...

Stay home... Stay safe... And take care of yourselves & your loved ones too...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤