20th May 1994

A book in her lap, her eyes fixed on a nondescript spot on the wall, Naina sat in her bed. Immersed in the dissection of the earlier event. She hadn't lied when she shared the circumstances around her father's death, but, in her deepest crevice of her heart, she knew that her anxiety in that moment had been solely for Sameer. Seeing his closed eyes, she had been consumed by sheer white fear. The thought of losing him had been too frightening to comprehend.

Recalling the immense relief in the moment his eyes had fluttered open, was a big eye opener for her too. I am falling for him.

A knock on the door had her scrambling out of the bed.

Sameer took in her simple white shalwar-kameez clad form, as she opened the door appearing slightly breathless. Seeing him there, she fired away "Are you feeling unwell? Do you need to see a doctor?!"

He smiled "I am fine, Naina. And why are you so flustered?" "I didn't expect to see you here. Thought you might be here because you need something..." Her voice trailed off.

He replied with a thinking expression "Well, in that you are not wrong... I do need something. I am here, to take you up on your offer." Noting her questioning look, he smirked "I remember you mentioning that you have come prepared to entertain me. Believe me, I have been getting bored out of my mind for the past hour! So, entertain me now." She asked uncertainly "Entertain you now? How?? I will have to think of something..."

Sameer chuckled softly seeing her cute confused face "Don't worry, I have already got it figured. There's a pool table in the games room. Let's hit it!" She bit her lower lip "But, I don't know how to play." His gaze on her lips grew intense and he admired her perfect little mouth. Perfectly kissable...

He quickly diverted his eyes and said "Well, consider yourself lucky, because you now have a private tutor for the afternoon!" She scrunched her face "What private tutor??" He turned away sounding impatient "Come on! It's me... I will teach you. You have exactly two minutes to grab whatever you need and meet me downstairs!"

Five minutes and a mad dash around the room later, Naina entered the games room. Seeing him bent on the pool table, adjusting the balls in a black triangle, she asked him hesitantly "Sameer, are you sure you shouldn't be resting?"

Looking up, he noticed that she had pulled on a multicolour dupatta over her white outfit and applied some lip-gloss which was making her pout look even more delectable. He replied a little gruffly "Stop fretting... I am fine."

Once the table was set, he went on explain the rules of the game. He then advised her how to select a cue stick that felt right, and the different ways players could position themselves while taking a shot.

She muttered listening "So, it's like Carrom. I used to play it with the Mehta kids during summer." He scoffed "Yes, just as Cricket is like Baseball, or Rugby is like Soccer!"

Naina felt a little out of her depth to start with but slowly started enjoying the game. Of course, there were a lot of faux pas, and this led to a lot of teasing from his end and grumbling from hers! But both were equally enthralled by the other.

As Naina discovered over the course of the afternoon, her tutor was very dedicated to the cause of teaching. He was quick to step up, when just instructions did not seem to suffice and her technique needed some correction, or if it was a particularly difficult shot. Sameer would stand behind, his arms encircling her, murmuring directions on how and where to hold or angle the cue. But to the poor student's dismay, this only worsened her aim. The proximity did absolutely nothing to help her concentrate better!

After about an hour and half into the game, he asked her to keep practicing and slipped out on the room to check on something. Few minute later he returned with a big smile and two bottles of beer!

Naina's eyes almost popped out as she stuttered "What... is this? Where did you find the beer?" He sounded confused "When you know these are beers... why ask what is this?" She hissed "You can get in serious trouble over this." "With whom? I don't see anyone here..." He shrugged as he placed the bottles on the side table and pulled out an opener from his pocket."

She asked sounding on the edge "Where did you find these?" He opened one bottle and offered it to her. As she vehemently shook her head, he asked "Do you not drink?" Looking at him in utter shock, she muttered "What sort of girl do you think I am?!"

Narrowing his eyes, he asked sounding irked "And exactly what sort of girls' drink beers?!"

While she huffed and puffed, he continued with a steely note in this voice "The Queen of the Commonwealth and the former Prime Minister of England drink. A lot of females amongst my friends and some in my family too drink. Most of them only occasionally, but they do. So, please enlighten me Naina, what sort of women does it make them?"

Understanding she had managed to provoke his ire, she muttered in a flat voice "But I don't." He put the bottle to his lips and took a long swig, "That is perfectly fine. It is, and should be, your choice. I just don't think it gives anyone any right to judge others."

Sameer set up the table again, and they continued playing for a some more time. But, the atmosphere in the room had changed. The earlier laughter had vanished, and the sentences exchanged were slightly strained.

Seeing her altered demeanour, he was exasperated at himself, Is this how you try to lighten her mood?! Playing pool was supposed to draw her out of her melancholy state from the morning. Brilliant job mate!

He is entitled to his life choices! Naina strived to convince herself. She wasn't sure what was bothering her most. His censure about being judgmental, or the clear chasm between their thoughts and lifestyles?

Sometime later, Nanaji entered the room. Seeing the almost finished bottle of beer in Sameer's hand, he asked gruffly "Where did you find that?" Naina watched with surprise, as the young man replied nonchalantly "I asked Balwant. It is such a hot day!" Nanaji sounded a little annoyed "And why are you not resting?! I specifically told you to get some rest." Sameer replied in a placating tone "Nanu, I am all good. There's nothing to worry about. I did rest for some time but started getting restless in the room. And thought that after the morning's events, Naina could do with some distracting and cheering up too."

Nanaji turned to her "Are you feeling better now?" Smiling she replied "Yes Nanaji. I am feeling much better. Sameer has been kindly teaching me how to play pool." The elder man's eyes softened.

He remarked after a small pause "Sameer, one of my business associates is currently staying at the hotel in the main palace. When he learnt that we are here, he left a message with Balwant. I just spoke to him and he has invited us over for dinner." Sameer protested "Us? Nanu, what will I do? I don't know him." Nanaji waved away his objection "Dinesh is here with his family. His kids will keep you company. He knows your mother quiet well and is very excited to meet you."

Looking at Naina, Sameer made a last attempt "What will you do here? Maybe you can join as too..." She was quick to squash that line of thought "Please enjoy your evening with you friends! I will be happy to have a quiet time catching up on my reading. I will spend some time with the palace staff and plan some things for tomorrow." Nanaji looked pleased at her stand, and addressed his grandson "Great, let's head out in about an hour?" Left with no option, he nodded along.

The game was quickly wrapped up, and Sameer trudged to his room to get ready for the evening. As he shaved, showered, and donned a dark grey shirt with his jeans, he wondered grudgingly why this man was keen to meet him. So what if he knows mom?! Since when, and how exactly does he know her? Maybe, he had a crush on her in their younger days... But why would he want to see me then?? I would never want to see Naina's kids!

His thoughts loudly screeched to a halt. Only momentarily though.

What the hell?! Where did that come from now? Seriously.... Are you thinking about her kids and if you would want to see them twenty years from now? Looks like you do have a concussion after all! He stood staring at the new alien version of himself in the mirror. Nanaji's knocking shook him out of his musings.

* * *

Though Sameer went through the evening amicably chatting with Dinesh and his family, there was something nagging at the back of his mind. The food was enjoyed, but a tad bit less than expected.

Dinesh turned out to be about ten years his mother's junior, and hence Sameer's theory about his perceived interest in meeting Sameer was crushed.

Mrs. Dinesh's English vocabulary was limited to: Yes, No and nodding her head. Hence, she answered the few queries from his grandfather and then mostly just smiled through the evening. As Dinesh boasted about his latest car, or their recent trip to Dubai, every now and then he would turn to her with a 'Hai ni?' and she would nod in vigorous agreement.

The kids: a boy and girl, were about ten or so. They stuck to conversing with each other, once they had answered the mandatory questions like, Which standard are you studying in? What are your hobbies? Do you like to watch cricket? Do you play cricket?

Few hours later, while on their way back, Nanaji noting Sameer's bored expressions, remarked "Dinesh might seem like a bit of a bigmouth, but he is an astute businessman. His new venture has been a huge success and is only growing." Following a small pause, he shared "I am considering selling him some part of my business."

Sameer was surprised "But why Nanu?!" The old man smiled "Weren't you advising me to be start training people to take on more responsibility?"  His grandson tried to argue "Nanu, training someone is one thing and selling your business quite another."

Looking pensive his grandfather replied "Beta, not every hard worker has the head for business. I don't want to risk the livelihood of the employees who have been with me all these years. I think selling to Dinesh will be a good choice."

Sameer stayed silent for a couple of minutes and then said "Nanu, I understand where you are coming from, but I just don't see the need to rush ahead. Nanaji nodded "I agree. Anyway, we have just started the discussions. As I understand, Dinesh is still looking for an investor. These things can drag on for months, if not years!"

Once they were back, Nanaji retired for the night. Seemed like Naina had done the same already. Sameer thought about heading out for a swim, but discarded the idea considering his grazed elbow was still a little sore from that morning's little accident.

* * *

Naina had sat chatting with Balwant and some of the palace staff over dinner followed by some masala tea. Later she had tried settling in one of the lounge areas with a book, but the surroundings had been eerily quiet. The same rooms which had felt alive a couple of hours before, now had a haunting air about them. The slightest noise anywhere had her jumping nervously. After anxiously glancing at the clock for what seemed like the hundredth time, she had returned to her room and pulled out her book.

Even Agatha Christie's masterpiece 'And then there were none' couldn't hold her attention for long though. Her thoughts kept going back to her last conversation with Sameer. His displeasure at her seemingly judgemental behaviour kept gnawing at her.

The more she dwelt on it, the more she started questioning her validity of her ideas. Didn't she always preach to the tourists, that wholeheartedly embracing the culture of a new place, would only enrich their experience? Even if she didn't want to embrace a different lifestyle, the least she could do was stop critiquing others for their choices.

Based on what she had studied under psychology during first year at college, Naina remembered that often people with a superiority complex are the ones who are quick to judge, and which in turn is a sign of an underling low self-esteem. She didn't think she suffered from a low self-esteem, but like most people, she surely had her own share of insecurities.

Deep questions, with no quick answers.

As she drifted off to sleep at some point, there was a sweet smile playing at the corner of her lips. Her mind was replaying the memory of the fragrance of his cologne encircling her, along with his arms, as he corrected her grip on the cue while playing pool earlier that day.

* * *

10th December 1998

Naina stood in the doorway of the games room. Some kids were at the pool table, while two were engaged in a game of table tennis. The loud teasing and laughter in that room were a stark contrast to the otherwise silence still prevailing in Dasi Mahal.

Over breakfast, Radhika had apprised them that most of the guests were jet-lagged and sleeping in. The trips planned for the morning were to be now moved to the afternoon.

As one of the boys at the pool table yelled a 'yes!' on hitting a difficult shot, she inadvertently smiled at the memory of the few hours spent there with him.

Naina then headed to a room where Vibha was assisting some of Radhika's team with sorting of costume jewellery and Dandiya's for the event planned for the evening. Amid the endless chatter and jokes being cracked in the room, she silently worked on.

Suddenly Piyush, who had welcomed them the previous evening addressed her in a teasing tone "Naina, you realise you are here for a wedding, right?! Looking at your serious face the guests might start wondering if the bride or groom has run away." He laughed at his own joke extending his hand to another colleague for a high-five.

* * *

Pushing his empty cup away Sameer looked towards the entrance to the lounge where breakfast had been served. Well, considering it was about 11 am, it was more brunch than breakfast.

Ishita sauntered over to the table he was sharing with some of his cousins. "Sammy, have you seen Deepu? I have been looking for her since ages!" The usage of the version of his name usually reserved for only his closest friends jarred on his ears. He shook his head "I don't think she has come down yet." Ishita pouted "Is Ollie already here?" He replied "No, his flight will land about now. So, I think he will arrive about teatime." As she turned to leave, she batted her eyes "Tell Deepu, I am heading to the temple with Sanju and the others. Will see you later!"

As soon as she was out of hearing, Amba sniggered "See you later Sammy!" and the rest of the groups broke into giggles. Sameer cast a very exasperated glance around the table. One of the other cousins remarked "Well, she is not that bad... I am sure, she will grow on you over the years." Sameer muttered morosely "Yeah, probably by the time I am on my deathbed!" This only earned another round of chuckles.

He sat musing over his unsuccessful attempt at finding Naina that morning. He had checked all the likely places but drawn a blank. Is she still hiding in her room?

Vivek walked over and asked Sameer to spend some time with some business associates who had just arrived downstairs for brunch. Though he would rather be somewhere else, Sameer immediately headed over to play the gracious host.

* * *

Sometime around mid-day Radhika came looking for Naina and advised her that Deepika and her group were ready to head out. Naina quickly abandoned the task at hand and rushed to the foyer with a wildly beating heart. Would he be joining the group too? Would he insist on 'catching up' now?? What should I say???

In the end, all the worrying proved needless. The group waiting for her consisted of females only. Deepika confirmed that they were all quite excited at the prospect of a shopping in a real Indian village bazaar! The chatter in the minibus was mostly focussed on the Garbha Night planned for that evening and the outfits planned.

On reaching the bazaar, Naina tried following almost the same shopping route that she had years ago: brass artefacts, ethnic scarfs, and jewellery. But, the women in her group were quite easily distracted by the stalls offering spices, incense sticks, wooden spatulas and so on. Everything in the bazaar seemed liked a bargain not to be missed and a mere fraction of what they would usually pay for in London!

Hours and much haggling later, when they reached jewellery stall which was the final stop on their list, Naina let out a sigh of relief. Deepika smiled at her apologetically "I am sure this is not what you were expecting. I have to admit, we have all gone a bit overboard today!" Naina replied warmly "It's absolutely fine. In fact, I am really pleased to see that you all enjoyed this experience."

Deepika observed as her eyes wandered around "I can see why Bhai recommended this place so strongly. It does have a wonderful vibe." Naina silently nodded. As they approached the jewellery stalls, Deepika remarked nostalgically "Bhai had got me a necklace from here years back. It's absolutely gorgeous! And so versatile too... I am hoping to find some earrings and maybe a bracelet to go with it. Actually, I was going to bring it along, but forgot it back at the hotel."

Naina couldn't help feeling a little proud of her recommendation from back then. Nor could she help remembering the choker that was stashed at the back of her cupboard back home. A number of times she had decided to get rid of it but failed. Every time, her fingers would end up tenderly caressing the clasp he had tied around her neck.

As her group noisily pointed out various items of interest in the stall, Naina stood to one side stepping in as and when required. Though the women in her group did not speak the local dialect, they quickly figured out the art of asking the price and then shaking their hands and appearing shocked at the quoted price. With little help from Naina, most of them successfully managed to get a fair discount.

Suddenly Naina excitedly pointed out some earring hanging in one corner to Deepika "Don't you think these will go well with your necklace?!" Deepika beamed too "They are prefect! The colour and shape of the stones really match what I have. Ask him if he has a bracelet too." As the vendor started rummaging through his bags of unpacked wares for a matching bracelet, Deepika looked at the earrings in her hand and then at Naina quizzically "How did you know that these would match my choker?"

The smile on Naina's lips faded, she replied a little shakily "Did you not mention that you were looking for something in blue?" When Deepika shook her head, she looked away "Oh... must have been someone else from your group who asked me to look for something in blue." She was saved from any further discussion on the topic as the vendor laid out a couple of bracelets with cobalt blue stones and Deepika started deliberating on the best match. Naina quickly moved away to assist some of the other ladies, mentally scolding herself for the blunder.

On the way back, Deepika took the seat next to Naina and smiled "Thank you so much! I think we have done well! Everyone is really happy with the shopping." Naina smiled back "You are most welcome." Deepika glanced at her watch "Can you believe it! We were there for over three hours! Thank God, I will be back before Ollie arrives."

Naina arched an eyebrow "Are some of your friends arriving today?" A wide smile spread across Deepika's face, and unlike the earlier ones, this one lit up her eyes too. She replied, "Ollie, that is Oliver Quinn, is my husband." Naina asked smiling "Have you been married for long now?" She shook her head "No, it's been just about four months now." Naina exclaimed "Congratulations! You are pretty much a newlywed!" As Deepika nodded, Naina observed "So your family has just been through another big wedding."

The younger girl paled a little "No, it was a fairly small one." Naina was about to express her surprise, but controlled her reaction reminding herself that it was none of her business.

Deepika seemed happy to change the subject and went on to discuss the surrounding areas and any recommendations for sightseeing for the rest of the journey.

* * *

Sameer had spent the afternoon politely smiling at everyone around while he patiently answered various queries and requests from their guests. Realising he had almost run out of patience, he stepped out in the garden. He was very likely to snap at the next person who asked him what time the evening function would start, or where they could find some diet coke, or complain about the toilet paper running out in their loo!

For the first time, he did not begrudge the way his sister had proceeded to get married. This one big circus was more than he could ever wish for! And they were just getting started. He groaned inwardly glancing at his watch, Where the hell is she?! Are the women buying the whole bazaar?

By the time he had finished helping some guests settle in earlier that day, Naina had headed out with one group on the shopping expedition. Even an expedition to the Antarctic would have finished sooner than this!

The same doubts that had seized him while trying to fall asleep the night before, were playing on his mind again. It is starting to seem like she is avoiding me. But why?!

Much to his relief, a bus rode up the driveway and pulled in front of the foyer. His aunts, cousins, family friends, all kept disembarking loaded with numerous shopping bags. It seemed his earlier doubt was not invalid. Looked like they had really bought the whole bazaar!

Finally, Deepika descended, closely followed by Naina. She was draped in a royal blue bandhej saree, very similar to the red one she had worn the previous day. Must be a uniform of sorts. Suits her though. She seemed to have lost some weight since that last trip here. The long hair added to her feminine charms.

Naina gulped nervously feeling the intensity of his unwavering gaze upon her. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a red t-shirt. There were slight dark circles around his eyes, probably because of the travelling and jetlag. As soon as they were near him, Deepika announced her eyes crinkling "Bhai, that bazaar is just awesome! We shopped like crazy." He chuckled softly "I can definitely see that!"

She smiled and then exclaimed "And guess what! Naina helped me find the perfect earrings and bracelet to go with the choker you had gifted me." He looked at Naina in surprise "You found them even after so many years?!" She shrugged and replied keeping her voice as neutral as possible "I guess, we were lucky." He nodded "Yes, definitely lucky."

Sameer turned to his sister "You really should hurry and freshen up. Ollie should be getting here soon." Muttering another thank you to Naina, Deepika rushed inside.

As Naina started following her, Sameer watched her in surprise for a bit. Then taking a few quick steps, he stepped in front of her blocking her path "You're leaving again? I have been waiting all day! I wanted to talk to you last night itself, but you fled to your room..."

She unsuccessfully tried to step around him and muttered "Sameer, I have just been busy with work. There is so much to do." He sounded incredulous "Too busy to speak to me for a few minutes?! Naina, it's starting to seem more and more like you are avoiding me."

All nervousness left her voice, as she looked him in the eye and asked, "And why would I be avoiding you?" He couldn't think of an appropriate response "I don't know...but...it feels like..." She scoffed "Of course! There is no reason why I would be avoiding you, is there?"

Seeing his confused expression for a few moments, she let out a long-drawn sigh "I really have a lot to do. This is not a typical assignment. Though guides, we are expected to help out with all the other aspects of this event as well." He huffed "Naina, last time you were working too. That didn't stop us from spending time together." Her voice was tinged with disbelief "Sameer, last time I was guiding a party of two! This time, there are already close two hundred people staying at this venue, and many more arriving over the next few days."

He glowered at her "What does that mean? Are you seriously saying you won't have any time for a chat?!" Her shoulders slumped "No, I am not saying that. I am sure, we will make the time. Just that I am busy at the moment." He almost spat "Well, make sure that you make the time soon!"

Suddenly Radhika walked over. Casting a curious glance at the unexpected couple who had appeared to be deep in conversation or maybe even an argument, she started "Naina, I was hoping to have a quick chat with you before the evening function is kicked off. Do you have a minute now?" Caught off-guard, Naina stuttered "Yes Ma'am... We can talk now." The older woman responded with a slight smile "I can wait till you finish whatever you have been discussing with Sameer. Please carry on." Radhika stood waiting for them to carry on their conversation.

As Naina stood lost for words, Sameer spoke smoothly "It's alright Radhika. I was just checking with her how our guests enjoyed the trip to the bazaar that I had recommended yesterday. She is all yours, for now." He turned and walked away.

Radhika discussed some certain aspects that she wanted Naina to focus on for the Garbha Night. Naina immediately went looking for the rest of the team.

* * *

The lawn was lit up with strings of fairy lights hanging on the trees. A small group of musicians sat on a temporary stage set to one side. Tables were set to one side heaped with boxes full of dandiyas.

A handful of kids were practising their dandiya skills. Most of the adults were still in their rooms getting dressed and a few were sitting on the assortment of chairs scattered around nursing their drinks.

Naina arrived with Radhika and two other young women on her team. Radhika explained to the youngsters gathered on the lawn that Naina and the two other women would be giving them quick tutorials on the basic steps for Dandiya and Garbha. This news was received with a great deal of enthusiasm, especially by the teenage girls.

Shortly the lessons were underway, and the students soon learnt that the footwork for both the dances was quite different. Dandiya was more about co-ordination with your partner or partners, while Garbha is more about finding and following your own inner rhythm.

When Radhika had approached her for this task, Naina had been a little nervous to start with. Her first instinct had been to make some excuse, but then she remembered what she had said to Sameer earlier that evening 'she was here to work'. And of course, once she had donned the costume and got her feet moving to the beat, the anxieties all seemed to melt away.

She had always loved dancing and would look forward to Navratri with great anticipation. It was the only occasion that gave her the opportunity to dress-up and sway to her hearts content. The idea of heading to a disco or nightclub whenever the mood to boogie hit was completely alien.

Sameer stood by the steps leading down to the lawn, his eyes transfixed on the girl clad in a deep maroon Ghagra-Choli and some chunky oxidised jewellery. She was performing some simple steps with her colleagues, which the other youngsters were trying to copy. A female singer was singing some peppy number in a deep voice.

Over the next ten minutes or so, more and more of the guests started joining the dancers. Soon there was a sizable crowd swinging their Dandiyas and their bodies to the music of - Pankhida tu motiyon ki la bahaar re, Mere meet ka main karunga singaar re...

As the tempo picked up, Naina's movements turned more energetic too. Sameer watched in fascination the fluid motion of her arms and the sway of her hips. His heart beats grew erratic every time she twirled, and her dupatta moved away from her exposing more of her slim waist. Her costume wasn't one of the most revealing ones, nor her jewellery the most expensive being worn that evening, and yet his eyes were glued to her.

The attraction that he felt for her was strong as ever. In fact, there seemed to be a new awareness in the way she carried herself. Gone was the slightly gawky girl that he had meet back then. She was all woman now, lush and desirable. Who are you kidding mate? She was no less desirable even back then!

Sameer stood wondering, just what was it about her that no other woman had been able to hold his attention after her? He had tried to blame the lack of his love-life in the recent years on demands of his professional life, but that was not the complete truth.

"Ishita is definitely looking hot today!" remarked the young man who had just joined him. Sameer turned to him stupefied "What??!" The other guy raised an eyebrow "So, who were you checking out, if not Ishita?" Sameer mumbled "Kabir, I wasn't checking out anyone..." Kabir just chuckled "Sammy, I am known you since the second grade! I have never seen you looking this whipped ever before! And only once have heard you sounding like a hopeless romantic, but you were flying high as a kite." As Sameer looked at him oddly, Kabir added after a small silence "Actually, I take that back. Cause I distinctly remember you following Mrs Taylor with this exact look when we were in fourth grade!"

While Kabir continued laughing, Sameer shook his ahead "Shut up man! I was just looking at the arrangements. Looks like everyone is having a good time, right?" As Kabir smiled, Sameer asked "Are you settled in now? Was the journey alright?" Kabir nodded "Yeah, it was alright. It was good that Ollie and I ended up travelling together. Deepu doing okay?" Sameer nodded "Yeah, she is okay. Come, lets grab a drink."

Handing him a glass of rum-n-coke, Kabir held up his own. "Cheers" both the friends clinked their glasses and then went on to have a long sip. "I am so glad you are here!" Sameer looked at his childhood friend with affection. Kabir smirked "Being sentimental doesn't suit you. All the girls will start thinking you are going soft in your old age!" Sameer silently raised the middle finger at his friend, which only had Kabir laughing harder. His eyes turned in her direction, I hope she didn't think I am looking old... God, she looks perfect!

Kabir fondly looked at his childhood friend. They had been partnered by their class teacher Ms Robins for a 'make and introduce' a friend session during the first week of the school year when Sameer joined his school, and they had been inseparable all through to end of high school.

Kabir's father travelled a lot for work and his mother Manpreet did not speak any English back then. Well, she barely spoke any even now. Manpreet had turned to Vishakha to decipher the notes and homework arriving from school. An unlikely friendship had blossomed between the two women, the type which can happen only between migrants far from home. Manpreet had insisted on her children speaking Punjabi and Hindi at home, and Sameer had relied on Kabir to translate all the slangs and swears that other desi origin kids slung about. Of course, there was much more to their friendship! Their shared passion for sports, video games and music being some of them.

Suddenly sounding rather serious Kabir asked "Sammy, are you done with your globe-trotting lifestyle? I hope you are planning to stay in London for good now?" Sameer replied a little tersely "Come on man, all of you make it sound like I have been on some party-bus for the last four-five years! You do realise that I have been working my ass off trying to setup the operations in those Asian countries, right?" Kabir held up his hands in mock surrender.

Naina stepped away from the throng of dancers. She had been dancing for close to an hour and was completely exhausted. The newbies had picked-up enough steps to get them started and were now happy to be on their own. Grabbing a bottle of Mangola, she stood to the side guzzling it. Her feet hurt like hell! Coming to think of it, she had barely been off her feet since the morning.

Her eyes scanned the dancers but failed to find him. She then spotted him standing with another young man, sipping on a drink. She momentarily hoped it was just a cola and then shook her head thinking, High hopes you have of him staying away from his beer!

Naina noticed that several women were sipping from wine glasses. Deepika was sitting to one side holding a wine glass too. She was with a fair skinned guy who was sipping on a beer. Naina wondered if the guy with startling blue eyes and light brown hair was Deepika's husband Oliver. Her argument with Sameer from years ago came to her mind. She could now see why her judgemental behaviour about drinking women had bothered him so much.

Just then she saw a very well dressed, pretty, young woman approach Sameer and his friend. Though he seemed to resist for a bit, she pulled Sameer to join the dancers. Naina watched him move a little awkwardly to begin with, but then he soon settled in a groove.

Though his hair wasn't as long as it used to be back then, the unruly locks still kept falling over his forehead. He smiled apologetically at the couple dancing next to him as he bumped into the elderly lady. Naina's heart lurched dangerously at that smile. It had always been her undoing. Her fingers itched to push the hair from his face, to trace his strong jawline and his beautiful full lips. Why am I still so susceptible to his charms?

A while back, the day before some prospective groom was to come to visit her family, she had torn Salman's poster desperately trying to convince herself that she was ready to break his spell!

After the boy's family left, every cell in her body had shivered in dread at the prospect of marrying the guy and having to allow him to touch her. The moment the matchmaker had called with news that the boy's family were not keen to proceed, Naina had experienced immense relief. She had immediately announced to the ladies in her home that she was not ready to think about marriage for at least a couple of more years.

Feeling very irritated seeing him dance with some other pretty little thing, she turned and walked away thinking grumpily, I played the role of Juliet in the play just once, but he is perpetually playing Romeo! I hope she hits him on the head with one of those dandiyas!

( This part and the next one are much longer than any of the previous parts! Hope you enjoyed it. I promise the next one will be extra special :)

Hope you all are keeping well. Take care. Stay home and stay safe!

Lots of love, May)