15th December 1998

A little after half-past-six in the morning, a young intern entered the room to check up on Naina. But then uncertainly stood at the entrance, seeing that there were two instead of the one expected occupant in the patient's bed. Finding a family member in a patient's room wasn't unexpected but finding an adult man in a female patient's bed holding her so intimately was rather unusual!

He tentatively nudged Naina awake "Ma'am, I have to check your temperature, blood pressure and couple of other things. The senior doctor will come by for his rounds in about an hour-and-half or so." Sameer sat up too, blinking around uncomprehendingly for a few moments.

The intern smiled at him "I am Dr Umesh." Without waiting for any response, he continued "She was still a little disoriented when I stopped by last night. But she is already looking better than yesterday!" After pointing a light at her eyes, he nodded approvingly "Her reflexes are also so much better."

Then casting a gaze at Sameer's attire, and noticing the blazer and tie discarded on the chair, Dr Umesh remarked agreeably as he made some notes on her chart "Looks like you had to rush from somewhere after hearing about your wife's accident. You must have been terribly worried about her!"

"We are not married." Naina muttered timidly in response. A shadow of confusion flashed in the doctor's eyes, before his demeanour changed, and he tersely remarked "You will be taken down for the x-ray in sometime. But based on my check-up, I don't think there is anything severely wrong with your shoulder."

As the doctor left, Sameer mumbled crossly "Whether we are married or not... what's his problem??" Naina sighed "That's how things are here Sameer." She added "Pass me some water please."

Sameer stood up and stretched a little while she sipped on the water. He then fussed over her as she slipped out of the bed and made a trip to the bathroom.

A boy carrying a tray full of little glasses of tea peeked into the room asking how many they would like. When Sameer shook his head at the offer, Naina asked him to leave back just one.

She had barely taken a sip or two, when an older man stood in the doorway. He was the same person Sameer had noticed sleeping on the wooden bench outside her room when he arrived.

Clearing his throat, the man informed Naina that he had been sent by Radhika to keep an eye on her during the night. After enquiring about her health, he shared that some of her colleagues were expected to arrive soon and he would leave then. Naina thanked him for sticking around during the night and he soon left to find some tea for himself.

Sameer headed to the bathroom to freshen up. Naina was lost in thoughts as she sat sipping on the hot drink.

As soon as Sameer stepped out of the bathroom, she asked him "Won't your family be wondering where you are? What did you tell them last night?" He sighed "I just asked Kabir to cover for me. Naina, I could hardly tell Mom and Dad that I was coming here. Don't worry, he will manage." He chuckled wryly "It's not the first time we have had each other's backs!"

She bit on her lower lip as she contemplated on his words. Casting a look at the clock on the wall, she spoke "Sameer, I think you should head back now. My colleagues might arrive anytime... and I don't want them to see you here. It will give rise to unnecessary questions." He started protesting "I can't leave you alone till the senior doctor comes by and gives you an all-clear." She shook her head "No Sameer. I really don't want to risk any speculations or gossip!"

He was exasperated "Naina, it's just a job! And who are they to judge you?" She muttered crossly "Don't presume to understand my situation. It's not just a job! It's a job, that's my livelihood, one that I desperately need. Sameer, my Nani needs heart surgery, and I have to save for it. I cannot jeopardise her health by any recklessness! You will go back to your world with the liberal western values in a few days, but I have to live here and face my co-workers every day. Being able to hold my head high in front of them matters to me."

His shoulders slumped. At the back of his mind, he also knew that he would have some huge explaining to do to his parents when he got back. And yet leaving her alone didn't feel right.

Sitting next to her, he clasped her hand gently "Naina, after all that you shared last night, how can I leave you here alone? There is still so much more that we need to talk about. I am still struggling to come to terms with everything... there are still so many questions."

Her eyes softened as she squeezed back his hand "I know it's been a big shock for you. And you will need time and will have some questions. But now is not the time for it. We can talk later." A pensive look overcame her as she spoke again "We were planning to meet in Ahmedabad, right? Well, after this accident that might not happen now, but you can call me." She added smiling slightly "We have a phone connection at our place now. Write down the number."

Sameer grabbed the pen and a scrap of paper from the board left by the junior doctor. As he scribbled her number and asked for her address too, his heart was growing heavier thinking that she did not want to meet again. Is she gently trying to tell me to not build up any hopes?

He pulled her into a hug and pressed his lips on the forehead "I will try to delay my departure to Ahmedabad till tomorrow and come by again later in the day. Even if I must leave today itself, I will stop by the hospital on my way, okay?" Wrapped in his warmth, she nodded sanguinely and then remarked "Seeing that I am feeling much better anyways, they will probably discharge from the hospital this morning." He looked relived at the thought "Let me know as soon as you are back to Dasi Mahal."

Naina nodded and spoke "Please convey my thanks to Deepika. Both, for being here yesterday, and also for ensuring that Radhika did not notify my family last night. Maa and Nani would have been besides themselves with worry! And stress isn't good for my Nani given her heart condition."

As he stood up, he asked her again "Are you sure you want me to leave now?" She nodded with the faintest smile on her lips. Sameer unwillingly muttered "See you soon." and left her room.

Naina would have expected to feel like her heart was being ripped out of her body, as he walked away, and yet she didn't. For some reason it did not feel like the final goodbye. Maybe it was his choice to spend the night holding her, or his reluctance to leave this morning, or a combination of both, but suddenly everything didn't feel all too bleak.

* * *

Sameer was experiencing a dull ache in muscles of his shoulder, the one on which Naina had fallen asleep during the late hours of the previous night. The hospital bed had been very narrow and bedding rather lumpy. But he felt grateful, that at least this once, he had been part of her ordeal in some way.

His disappointment, at her insisting on his leaving before the arrival of her co-workers, still clung to him. It had been too soon to wrench himself away from her warm embrace, to return alone to the world of cold stark reality. He was dismayed that he had to put his grieving on hold. And then felt the pain in his heart surge, as he realised that she had been stuck in this state of limbo for years.

Sameer had just exited the car, when he noticed Dinesh accompanied by some luggage standing in the foyer. Dinesh responded looking surprised, as Sameer greeted him "You have been out early!" Then taking his clothes into account, Dinesh added "Or did you not get to bed at all last night?" Not quite answering Dinesh's query, Sameer muttered about being busy checking on something important.

Choosing to don the hat of the host, Sameer instead continued "Hope you had a good time. You are travelling awfully early. Hope you got some rest last night!" Dinesh replied "I must confess, I slipped away to bed much before the Bidai rituals started! There are some important meetings I need to attend in Ahmedabad today."

Sameer smiled amicably "It was great to catch-up with you and to learn of all the wonderful things you are doing with the business." Dinesh beamed "I was hoping to show you the changes we have implemented since I have taken over your Grandfather's business, while you are still in Ahmedabad. In fact, I will be very happy if you can spare an evening and join my family for dinner. Yes, you absolutely must! My son is also currently home for this mid-term break. I would love for him to listen to your amazing experiences of working in so many countries."

Though not really looking forward to another evening with Dinesh's family, Sameer nodded agreeably "Of course! Let me get in touch with you." Dinesh immediately pulled out his visiting card and pointed out the numbers he could be easily reached on. Bidding him a goodbye, Sameer rushed to his room, desperately hoping that his parents were still asleep.

Luckily, he made it to his room without encountering anybody. He had just changed into some tracks and t-shirt, after grabbing a quick shower, when someone started banging on his door. Opening the door revealed a disgruntled looking Vishakha. Vivek stood a few paces away, shuffling through a file.

As Sameer muttered "Good Morning Mom." Vishakha retorted "What happened to you last night?! Where were you at the time of the Bidai? I must have asked at least ten people to find you." Vivek approached them and added "Sameer, what's going on with you?? First, you disappeared during the day to go check on some driver and guide in the hospital, and then again went missing at night too! You know how your mother gets..."

Not able to think of anything else, Sameer fibbed "I was with Dinesh in one of the smaller lounges for some time, as he was planning to leave early this morning. He wants me to come by and see the new setup and see the changes he has made. We got talking and sort of lost track of time..."

Seeing that this justification seemed to have pacified Vivek, he continued "Mom, after that I came to the room to quickly refresh and sat down to rest for a few minutes. I don't know how but I accidently fell asleep." Vishakha sounded incredulous "You fell asleep during your brother's wedding rituals?!"

Sameer mumbled "Not the actual rituals... I was very much there! Just towards the end. Anyways, it's not like I had any part to play." Before Vishakha could reply, Vivek placed an arm on his wife's shoulder "It happens. He must be tired with all these endless rituals! Most of the men who had stuck around for all the rituals had dozed off at some point."

Turning to Sameer, he continued "Good you spent more time with Dinesh. I really want us to come to some decision regarding the remaining business. Later, tell me what Dinesh had to say." Sameer nodded in agreement, happy to be off the hook at least for the time being. Vivek addressed Vishakha "Let's go and review these details with the Rathis. They must be waiting for us downstairs. Radhika has asked us to approve these expenses before we leave."

As his stomach growled, Sameer realised that he was hungry. He had barely swallowed a few bites just for the sake of appearance the night before. Slipping on a pair of sandals, he headed to breakfast.

* * *

Vibha was sharing the highlights of the previous day with Naina, while Guptaji walked around the Naina's room adding his special comments whenever he felt that Vibha was not doing a good job. Every now and then, Guptaji read her chart and expressed his opinion that the doctors would definitely let her go home that day.

They had arrivedwhen Naina had been taken downstairs to get some x-rays of her shoulder. She had been pleased to find them waiting for her when she returned to the room. And had also been relieved that she had insisted on Sameer's leaving for Dasi Mahal before their arrival.

The senior doctor arrived for the rounds soon and after checking her and studying the x-rays, confirmed Guptaji's forecast. He declared Naina fit enough to travel back to Ahmedabad that day. He prescribed some strong painkillers to help during the journey and explained which symptoms should prompt a visit to a doctor once she was back home. A week in the sling was recommended to help with a quick recovery, along with some instructions for controlling the movements of the shoulder.

Guptaji shook the doctor's hand and thanked him for the excellent care that his colleague had received in the hospital since the previous afternoon.

He then declared "Vibhaji, you help her get ready. I will go complete the check-out formalities and settle the expenses." When Naina asked Vibha to hand over her purse muttering uncertainly "I don't know how much the bill will come to... but I think I have about five hundred with me." Guptaji waved away her concerns "Don't worry about that! Radhika has already given me the money to settle the hospital bill. Since it was their private car and driver, the guests will be covering your expenses."

Naina let out a sigh of relief. She had been anxious that this accident might put an unnecessary setback in her savings.

Vibha had brought along one of her own shalwar-kameez, for Naina to change into. Though a couple of sizes too big for her, Naina was soon comfortably dressed in a violet cotton shalwar-kameez and the ladies left the room in search of Guptaji.

* * *

About an hour later, Naina stepped out of the car and entered Dasi Mahal via the side entrance. Her eyes searched for him in vain as she proceeded to her room.

Has he left for Ahmedabad already? Have we missed each other again? Naina nibbled on her lower lip trying to bite down trepidation rising inside. She tried to remind herself that he had already taken her contact details, so even if they didn't run into each other now, it would be alright.

Sometime later, Naina stood studying the contents of her bag. Everything had been dumped in a little haphazardly. Vibha had kindly offered to help and packed her clothes. Naina had then sent her away, assuring her that she would manage the few other miscellaneous items.

As she added the small velvet box to the bag, Naina absentmindedly thought how she didn't get a chance to wear the American Diamonds set that her mother had insisted on her carrying with her. She would have worn it for the wedding, had she not spent the night in the hospital. But the memory of spending part of the night in his arms was far more endearing than decking up for someone else's wedding!

She unsuccessfully tried to close the bag with her one had for a bit and then decided to leave the task for her colleagues. Heading towards the table she picked up a paneer paratha from the plate Vibha had sent for her earlier. Rolling it, Naina nibbled on the paratha as she stood by the window gazing at the lemon grove.

What was it with this place?! So many fragments of memories, both old and new, and yet now they all seemed to fit together seamlessly.

Someone knocked on her door. Thinking it must be one of her colleagues to collect the luggage, Naina quickly stuffed the last bite in her mouth and then immediately regretted it as she struggled to swallow it as she opened the door.

She stood in the doorway, the astonishment quite evident on her face, at the unexpected visitor standing outside. Shifting a little uncomfortably, Kabir smiled sheepishly "Hi... sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. Looks like you were having lunch." Naina muttered smiling back at him "No, it's okay... I was almost done anyway."

After a couple of moments of awkward silence, Kabir rushed to explain his presence "I just ran into your colleague Guptaji. He mentioned you are back from the hospital. I am leaving for Ahmedabad soon, and then have a flight for Delhi early tomorrow morning."

Naina mumbled "Oh..." And then added trying to make some conversation "So, you will be spending a few more days in India?" He replied "Yes, I will be staying with my relatives in Delhi for a week and then head back to London."

As she nodded, he asked sounding concerned "How are you feeling today? Is the shoulder alright? Guptaji said the scans this morning confirmed there is no major injury and that you will be back to normal in a few days! I just wanted to check on you once before I left."

Naina responded her voice thick with emotions "Thank you... I am feeling much better now. Sameer said, you were at the hospital yesterday. Sorry, I didn't realise it then..." Kabir quickly brushed away her apology "That's okay. You obviously weren't in the state to register everyone around you."

Once again, they stood in silence, but the type that is neither comfortable nor uncomfortable. Each weighing what should be said and what should be left unsaid.

Kabir gazed at the sweet looking young woman in front of him. Yes, she was definitely attractive, with beautiful eyes and a lovely warm smile. But the way Sameer had described her that night in Amsterdam and considering his friend had never been able to get over those few days with her, he had expected her to look like some stunning catwalk model. Strange are eyes of love!

Suddenly Kabir chuckled softly "Shakespeare was clearly mistaken when he said, What's in a name?" Naina looked up at him, slightly startled, at this seemingly out of context remark.

Noting her confusion, Kabir shook his head "I feel so stupid now... How did I miss it?? First, his out of place annoyance at you... then, he couldn't keep his eyes off you! And you were so worried for him during that little cricket match incident... I mean, who frets so much over a stranger?!"

Naina muttered flushing a little "Last time he fell off a horse and lost consciousness... I was simply scared recalling that time. I thought he was really hurt this time too." Kabir was lost in thoughts for a bit as he vaguely remembered something that Sameer had mentioned about a riding accident.

Brining his attention to the present, Kabir continued softly "I should have realised something when I found you crying that day. And that time when you both were dancing together on the cocktail night... you seemed to be so deep in conversation! I couldn't put my finger on it, but there seemed some undercurrent in your interactions, whatever I saw of them anyways."

She disagreed "Kabir, how could you be expected to guess? You didn't know anything about Sameer and me..." He responded with a pained look "Oh, but I did."

He continued as she stared at him wide-eyed, "I should have wondered, what was the likelihood that he would get over Harinakshi and start eyeing another girl the moment he was back here?!" Naina's lips trembled a little as she uttered uncertainly "Harinakshi?? Where did you hear that?"

Kabir shook his head sadly, air quoting with his finger "What's in a name?" As she blinked uncomprehendingly, he shared "Sameer told me about you some time back... but he called you Harinakshi. He failed to mention that it wasn't your real name. Naina, I just didn't add two and two together because of the names."

A smile flickered at the corners of her lips, as her heart jumped in joy. He had mentioned me to his best friend! The memories of our time together had been deemed worth sharing.

Kabir asked "When are you heading back?" "We will be leaving soon now... In fact, when you knocked, I thought it was someone to help me with the bags." she explained.

"Would you like me to help with something?" he asked eagerly. Naina started to shake her head and then stopped abruptly "Just one second!" She darted toward the cupboard and then came back with a jacket. Holding it out, she spoke colouring a little "Can you please return this to Sameer? I wasn't sure how to get it back to him."

All her apprehensions dissipated, when he took it with any questions and smiled "Don't worry, I will give it to him. He was in the foyer saying goodbyes to some of the guests, a little while back. I will inform him that you are leaving soon."

Before either could say anything else, Mihir approached them. Looking at Kabir sceptically, he addressed Naina "Are you packed? Guptaji asked me to bring down your luggage." Naina pointed at the bag on her bed "It's packed, but can you please close the bag properly before taking it down?"

While Mihir pushed and prodded the lid of the bag, Kabir muttered "I will leave you to it..." Naina smiled at him "Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your India trip and have a good journey back." Before turning to leave, Kabir suddenly patted her good shoulder "Take care of yourself, ok? And I hope we meet again. Soon."

Naina stood still, watching him walk away, taken aback by his parting words. The unexpected warmth brought a gleam to her eyes.

"What was he doing here? Why this sudden concern for you?" Mihir's terse words broke through the daze. She faltered a bit before replying "What's sudden about it? He was there at the hospital yesterday. Just wanted to see how I am feeling now."

Mihir still pressed on "And what was that about 'hoping to meet you soon again'?" Losing her patience, she retorted "It's something called manners and etiquettes! Which unfortunately some people seem to lack."

Bristling at her accusation, Mihir wordlessly picked up her bag and left the room. A quick trip to the bathroom later Naina picked up her purse and headed downstairs too.

* * *

"It has been our good fortune that you decided to give this partnership a try. Asmita madam will be so happy to hear that you have been so pleased with our services!" Guptaji assured Radhika yet again. As expected, he was committed to playing his role as the spokesperson for Royal Tours.

Radhika nodded at his remarks and murmured her thanks. She then turned to Naina "Believe me I wanted to rush to the hospital as soon as we received news. But there was so much going on here!" Naina smile politely "It's okay. I can understand how busy you all must have been."

The older lady continued feigning her concern "I really wish you hadn't got caught in this accident! I was so worried thinking that you were alone yesterday." Naina too stretched her lips into an extra wide fake smile and replied far too sweetly "Radhika ma'am, you had nothing to worry about! Deepika and Sameer stayed by my side till I was settled. Coming to think of it, considering they are literally the hosts, I am sure they had so much to do too!"

Radhika paled hearing Naina's implied assertion that people who cared had managed to make the effort. Guptaji guilelessly once again started singing the praises of the distinguished guests and their excellent manners, while Mihir smarted remembering Naina's previous dig at him about etiquettes.

Attempting change the topic of conversation, Radhika handed them envelopes with tips that the guests had specifically left for the guides.

Naina's eyes strayed towards the main entrance, probably for the hundredth time. They were standing at some distance from the steps leading to the foyer. Didn't Kabir say that he would tell Sameer that I am leaving? Why isn't he here then?? The questions kept playing in her head.

Once the luggage was satisfactorily loaded, the driver keen to beat the heavy traffic hour urged the travellers to board the vehicle.

Tiny cracks started appearing in her earlier composure, as Naina tried to prolong their departure. She started rambling some words of gratitude to Radhika for the fantastic learning, the opportunity to visit the beautiful venue and anything else that she could think of. Radhika stared at Naina with slight disbelief at her seemingly bipolar behaviour, thinking, Wasn't this girl just mocking my prioritising?!

Finally running out of things to say, Naina turned towards the car with a heavy heart. The confidence that had filled her while watching him walk out of her hospital room, now seemed to be leaking out her as the beads of sweat that dotted her forehead even on that cold winter's day.

"Naina!" his voice floated over the few meters between them as Sameer rushed in her direction. She along with everyone else turned towards him. While the others assembled there looked at him with mild curiosity or surprise, Naina's heart instantly filled with contentment as her eyes drank in the sight of him briskly approaching her.

"Hey, Kabir just found me! I was in my cousin's room." He uttered as soon as he stopped in front of her. Catching his breath, he continued sounding unsure "So, you are leaving now??"

As Naina nodded, Guptaji exclaimed "Yes Sir! In fact, another minute or two and we would have missed the chance to bid you a goodbye!" Sameer took Guptaji extended hand and smiled fleetingly as the older man vigorously shook his hand. Guptaji's words of gratitude and praise fell on inattentive ears, as Sameer's entire attention was only focussed on Naina.

He muttered a vague "My pleasure..." at some point and then addressed Naina "How was the check-up this morning?" Under the unwavering attention of her colleagues, Naina briefly reported the doctor's diagnosis and the do-and-don'ts prescribed.

Realising that a more intimate conversation seemed out of question, Sameer bid her a safe journey and thanked the rest of the team for their hard work.

Guptaji decided who would sit where in the car. Naina was offered the front seat next to the driver deeming it more comfortable than the crowded backseat. Just before she entered the car, Sameer managed to whisper, "I will call you tonight about nine." Naina flashed him a quick smile accompanied by an almost imperceptible nod.

As the car drove away, Sameer and Naina's eyes were locked for as long as possible. Vibha finally urged her "I know Dasi Mahal is beautiful but stop craning your neck! Settle down comfortably, we have a long journey ahead."

Naina unwillingly wrenched her gaze away from the fading structure. How she had dreaded the sight of this place on her way here a few days back, and now leaving it behind was a torture in itself!

Sameer stood staring at nothing long after the car are disappeared. This was not the sort of send-off he had envisioned when Kabir pulled him out of his cousin's room and informed him about Naina's discharge from the hospital and her impending return to Ahmedabad.

He had hoped to be able to spend at least a few minutes alone with her, but considering she was almost boarding the car, that hadn't been possible. Her reprimand from the morning about how keeping up appearances in front of her co-workers mattered to her, had stopped him from asking her to step away for few moments of privacy.

For some time, Naina half-heartedly participated in a conversation with her colleagues, about the experiences of the last few days, the grandeur of the venue and the event. Then, as the extra strong painkillers taken especially for the journey started kicking in, she dozed in and out of sleep for the next few hours.

* * *

Naina reached Khed about teatime. Rama and Malati's shock and agitation on learning of her accident, left Naina feeling even more gratitude towards Deepika who had the presence of mind to forbid Radhika from informing them of the accident the previous day. Vibha and Guptaji attempted to ease their worries and reassured them of the doctor's verdict for some time, and then took their leave.

The older women fussed over Naina for the rest of the day, every now and then thanking Bhagwanji for the ensuring that she had escaped with only minor injuries.

After settling Naina in her room with some extra pillows, Rama stood in front of her little temple, lit a lamp, and recited all the prayers she could think of. The thought that she could have lost everything once again to another accident left her heart twisting in agony. Why couldn't the Gods smile on her home and bless them with some respite from their never-ending troubles? She again and again implored Durga to the protect her daughter and bless her with all the happiness and comforts that she herself had missed out on.

Caressing her forehead, Rama gently shook Naina awake close to 8 pm "Beta, wake up and have some dinner. I have made some soft khichadi and your favourite fried potato curry."

Before she sat down for the meal, her grandmother instructed Rama to perform the ritual for warding off the evil eye. As Rama wholeheartedly complied with her mother's orders, Naina pouted "Nani, I am not a kid anymore! All this Nazar Uttarna... isn't it for children?" Malati tutted "You are still our baby! And everyone needs a little extra prayer to protect them from the evils out there. I am sure someone amongst those strangers at the wedding functions must have cast an evil eye on my lovely girl."

Naina chuckled "Nani, you have no idea how rich they all were! Among all those beautifully dressed girls, I am sure no one noticed me." Malati quickly dismissed these claims "Only a complete fool wouldn't notice your beauty! The whole room lights up when you enter it." Naina fondly kissed her Nani's cheek "Only your eyes have this special power to see my beauty Nani!"

But as she sat down at the dining table, his words from when they were on the dance floor echoed in her heart - You're looking so gorgeous today! I can't keep my eyes off you. Her gaze darted to the wall clock, He said would call about 9... still another forty minutes to go.

* * *

As the serial that they were watching paused for another advertisement break, Rama addressed her daughter "Beta you have been sitting up for a long time now, go lie down." Naina muttered "Maa, I will go inside in some time. I want to watch this show for a bit longer." Rama grumbled "You are hardly going to miss anything... the story moves at a snail's pace in these shows!"

Noting the time, Naina uneasily pondered, Its almost half-past-nine now. Maybe he couldn't travel back today... or maybe he is travelling right now... or maybe he is just busy with his family. Maybe he will call tomorrow instead... All these maybes filled her with slight disquiet, but one lurked under them all, far too painful to be acknowledged, Maybe, after all, he might decide to not call.

Naina's mother headed inside, as Malati called out for some water from the bedroom she shared with Rama. Pouring her a glass of water, Rama placed the plastic water bottle on the side table positioned between the two single beds in the room. Malati asked "Why is she still sitting up? She should rest." Rama sighed "I will send her inside as soon as this serial is over."

Both the woman looked slightly alarmed as the phone rang. Calling out "Naina, I will answer it. Don't get up." Rama quickly headed outside, but her daughter was already picking up the receiver.

"Hello??" she sounded a little breathless. "Naina?" he asked uncertainly. Her cheeks warmed instantly, as she muttered "Hi..." He heard someone talking in the background at her end.

Rama stood frowning in the door "Who is calling at this time?" Naina licked her lower lip nervously and replied to her mother "Its... Deepika." Rama's eyebrows creased in uncertainty "Deepika... Who?" Naina muttered "I will explain later Maa."

Turning back to the phone, she spoke into the mouthpiece "Sorry... please continue." He responded confused "Deepika?? Naina, how can you hear Deepika? She is upstairs!" She gulped nervously and ignored his question, knowing Rama was still listening to her conversation with interest "Did you reach Ahmedabad alright? Hope there was no problem with the journey..."

Sameer replied still a little confused "Yes it was all good. We reached Ahmedabad close to seven." His voice softened "How are you feeling now? Did your shoulder hurt during the journey?" She assured him "It was fine. Thanks to the pain-killers, I slept for the most part." He was relieved "Good."

A small pause later he continued "It was very strange saying bye to you earlier today, in front of all those people..." She agreed "Yes." Sameer expectantly waited for her to say something more, but she unnervingly stayed silent.

He poised few more questions "When did you get back? And did you get any rest after reaching home?" She again replied to the point "Yes, I had a long nap even after getting back. Guptaji and Vibha dropped me off about four." Feeling at a loss, he enquired "So, what were you doing now?" She muttered "Nothing much... was just watching some TV."

As Sameer went quiet, wondering at her seeming reluctance to engage in a conversation. She suddenly uttered "Sorry! Maa was listening... I couldn't speak openly in front of her. She just went inside." He let out a breath of relief "Oh... so that's why I was being called Deepika!" He then teased on "Are you still so scared of your Mom? I did not expect you to be so easily frightened! Am I the only one who is subjected to your reprimands?"

"You didn't tell your parent where you were last night, did you?! So, I am not the only one, who is scared of my mother." She retorted back a little crossly. "Touché!" he conceded.

She cast a quick glance in the direction of her mother's bedroom and then confessed "I was worried we might leave before meeting you! I know, we didn't get to talk, but at least you got there in time, right?" He rushed to assure her "Naina, I hurried as soon as Kabir told me!"

Her eyes and voice softened "It was so sweet of him to stop by my room. I didn't expect that!" As he hummed in agreement, she added shyly "Did he return your jacket? Luckily, he didn't ask me anything... I was a little worried about explaining why I had it." Sameer smiled at the other end in understanding and then replied, "You don't have to worry about him."

Naina asked sounding concerned "Did you get in any trouble for leaving during Rohan's wedding?" He sighed "Mom was a little annoyed that I wasn't around..." He quickly explained how he had made some excuses.

As someone called out to him, Sameer reluctantly muttered "Naina, I have to go now." She fidgeted with the curly telephone wire, her chest tightening, wondering if she could expect another call. He answered her unvoiced question "I won't be able to call you tomorrow as one of my cousins has organised a get-together just for the younger generation at his farmhouse. We are heading there tomorrow morning and coming back the next day. I will talk to you then, okay?"

She tried to infuse more enthusiasm than she could muster "That sounds great! Have fun. Talk to you later. Goodnight Sameer." "Goodnight Naina. Sleep tight." He put back the receiver.

Sameer spent a few moments staring at the phone. Then carefully slipping the folded note with her number back into his wallet, he went off to answer his uncle's summons.

* * *

Naina spent most of the next day resting. The ache in her shoulder had gone up considerably after the strong painkillers taken for the journey had worn off. The older women fussed over her, insisting that she drink hot turmeric milk at least twice a day. Knowing that he wasn't going to call, she went off to bed early. Though she tried not to dwell too much on him and his next call, her mind was inevitably occupied only with thoughts of Sameer.

The day after, Naina was near the washbasin having just finished lunch, when the phone rang. Malati answered it, but then put it down muttering that it had been disconnected. When it rang again less than a minute later, Naina called out she would get it, but her grandmother beat her to it.

With a wildly thumping heart, Naina stood a feet away, as Malati scrunched her face a little asking "May I know who is calling?" and then held out the phone to Naina "It's that new friend of yours... Deepika."

Deepika is calling me? How?? She must have got the number from Sameer... I hope she isn't too mad at me for not completely confiding in her! Many thoughts tumbled through her head as Naina pressed the receiver to her ear and spoke "Hi Deepika. How are you?"

Instead of Deepika replying, there was some murmuring at the other end and Sameer spoke "Hey, it's me. I didn't know what to do when your mom answered the phone the first-time around... so asked one of my younger cousins to pretend it was Deepika calling for you."

Naina anxiously bit her lower lip for a few moments and then smiled "I am feeling much better. Deepika, how was your trip to your cousin's farmhouse?" Sameer asked in reply "Is your mom still around?" When she confirmed "Yes, it's my Nani", he uttered "Oh! That's grandmother?"

He then voiced the exact grumbling thoughts that had been running through Naina's mind since his last call, "The trip was good...But after having spent so many days together, I really couldn't see the need for another get-together!" As she mentally cussed the cousin who had been responsible for not being able to talk to Sameer the previous day, he added sighing "I guess he wanted to show-off his new property. I have to admit, he has put in a lot of effort... and of course money!"

She asked, "When did you get back?" He muttered "Just about half-an-hour back." Slightly surprised, she wanted to know "Why are you calling now? I thought, you would call at night, after dinner..." Sameer replied gazing out of the window overlooking the front garden "The Pooja is scheduled for today evening. Some of the relatives will stay back till late and then I won't be able to call you."

Her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness. Is he looking forward to these calls just as much as I am?!

They chatted for a few minutes about what each of them had been up to since they last spoke.

Suddenly recalling her earlier fears, Naina asked "Sameer, does Deepika know everything now? Is she cross at me?" He was surprised "Why would she be cross at you?!" After a brief pause, he admitted "But, she is mad at me, since I told her that... that it was mine."

Naina felt some butterflies in her tummy, but not the pretty colourful one... these were more like the dark sinister moths. Had the secret, that she had shared, driven a wedge between the siblings?

She uttered timorously "Sorry Sameer... I should have told you everything when we were on our own... that evening when we were in the terrace, I had considered it, but it just didn't feel like the right time. We were speaking normally for the first time, after such a long time... I just couldn't bring myself to spoil that moment."

As he imagined her lower lip trembling, the way it always did when she was upset, he desperately wished that they were having this conversation face to face. He tried to assure her "Don't worry... Deepu will come around soon. She has been extra sensitive these last few months and this news touched a nerve."

There was a knock on Naina's front door. Malati welcomed their neighbour Vimla, who had dropped in for an afternoon chat and handed over a bowl of some new soup she had made especially for the patient.

As the older ladies settled on the living room sofas, Naina mumbled to Sameer "We have a visitor, I can't talk now." He asked hopefully "Can't you speak from your room?" She shook her head "We don't have another extension." He muttered "Okay then, carry on. I will talk to you tomorrow. Take care." She softly replied "You too. Bye."

After spending a few minutes with Vimla auntie and assuring her that she would eat the soup in the evening, Naina headed inside to her room.

* * *

The next day, despite repeated complaints from her mother and grandmother, Naina found every excuse that she could to linger around the phone as much as possible.

But the phone stayed eerily silent for most of the day. Naina had already checked that the dial tone could be heard a couple of times before it rang about six in the evening. Much to her annoyance, it was just one of her mother's friend calling for some idle chit-chat. And then it did not ring again.

When the clock struck half-past-ten, Rama had to literally push her daughter to bed. 

As she rested her head against her pillow, Naina first fretted thinking of reasons why he hadn't called. She tried to calm her hearts anxieties - Is he not well? Did some problem arise within his family? Is Deepika okay? Did he and Deepika have a bigger argument? 

And then her head started volunteering the unasked-for reasoning – Does he not have anything better to do than calling you every day? What more is there to be said anyway? Just two more days left... He must have many more things to take care of before heading back to London. Stop this silliness of waiting for his phone calls like your life depend on it!

Naina lay awake for long that night, as she realised how she was slipping back into the same desperation for him that had seized her when he had left four years ago. Her brain repeatedly tried to talk some sense into her heart. Naina, have you seriously not learnt anything?? This time, if you crumble, it's all on you!

* * *

(Hi Everyone, Hope you are doing well. 

I had planned to cover more of the plot in this chapter, but first couldn't find the time and then it started getting too long! So, this is it for today. Do let me know how you find their conversations and interactions post the big reveal. 

Also, going forward, I won't be mentioning any dates at the start of the chapters as it's going to be in the present/future. 

And hope this time wattpad doesnt act up! LOL. Fingerscrossed, I will try to share the next update in 2 weeks time.

Take care all of you. Stay strong and stay safe.

Lots of love, May)