As Naina served a breakfast of Methi theplas with curd and achar, Nanaji remarked that he was taking a visiting client out for dinner that evening and hence would be running late. Hearing this Sameer was elated thinking they would be on their own! He thought, he better come up with a plan to make the most of this opportunity.

But as much as he thought, he couldn't finalise anything that seemed fool-proof. She had completely missed his intent with the first two. He did not want to repeat the same mistake. Over the past couple of days, he had contemplated on using a direct approach and just buying her a card confessing his love. In fact, he had even headed to a card shop, but in the end had decided to proceed as per his original plan.

Since breakfast, Naina was feeling a little nervous at the thought of spending the whole evening alone with him. It was getting very hard, with him constantly being around her. Even the evening before, he had insisted that they watch some TV together after he got home from the factory. When she tried to use the excuse of working on a presentation for work, he had offered his help and then spent couple of hours in her room discussing it at length. Well, he had come up with some very good and practical ideas, which she had been happy to incorporate, but it had still been very unsettling.

Hence, when Naina spotted the trio in the college, she immediately said to her devars "Hi, aaj sham ko main Chinese spring rolls try karne wali hu. Aap dono bhi aana ghar pe. Sameer shayad chee baje tak aayenge, hai na?" Pandit announced happily "Neki aur pooch-pooch! Aare hum toh isse bhi pehele pohoonch jayege. Kuch help chahiye toh woh bhi bata dena!" Munna leaned a little closer to her and remarked softly "Kya baat hai... bade naye naye dishes try kiye ja rahe hai... kissi ko impress karna hai kya?" Naina blushed at the implication and trying to ignore the remark said a quick goodbye.

Sameer felt like the universe was out to deliberately ruin his plans! Ek toh waise hi ghar pe har waqt uss Ramdhari ke sath kitchen mein lagi rehti hai... ya toh Nanaji ke pass sare rishtedaron ko yaad karne mein... aur ab maine socha ek sham akele honge toh... toh inn dono ko bula liya. Aise toh ho chuka dating!

As he finished his extra lecture for the day and exited the classroom, he was still irritated. Munna-Pandit's constant teasing regarding how Bhabhi was dedicated to fulfilling his cravings for all cuisines, left him feeling vexed even more. Jab dekho bus khaane ki sujhti hai inhe! Mujhe spring rolls nahi, meri biwi chahiye!

And then, to add to his misery, he saw her sitting on a bench, lost in some discussion with that boy from her class that he had spotted her with even in the past. Mujhe chod ke, aur har kissike sath time spend karti hai yeh!

He decided on something and marching over said "Naina, aaj sham ka spring rolls wala plan cancel ho gaya hai. Kuch banana mat. Bus sade-panch ko taiyar rehna. Hum movie dekhne jayenge." She looking a little uncomfortable tried to object "Sameer, mujhe movie nahi dekhni... bahoot kaam hai mujhe." He thinking she was still upset about the couple accompanying them for the last movie outing said "Chinta mat karo... Munna-Pandit ke sath jayenge. Humara teeno ka bahoot mood hain woh nayi film Suhaag dekhne ka. Aur Nanu bhi aaj ghar pe nahi hai... toh tum bhi chalo. Akele ghar pe baithne ko koi jarurat nahi hai." She gesturing towards the books spread open, replied "Mujhe such mooch bahoot taiyari karni hai aaj sham ko... bahoot notes nikalne hai..."

Sameer looked at the boy sitting with her and said sounding annoyed, "I am sure, inhe koi problem nahi hoga agar tum ek din notes banana chod kar, apne husband ke sath movie dekhne jaogi, right?" The other young man starting to feel a little uncomfortable himself, address Naina "You carry on. I think we will be able to cover most of the topics in the next few hours. Baaki ka notes main bana lunga... You can read them tomorrow in college." She asked him sounding a little apologetic "Are you sure?" He nodded smiling. She turned to Sameer and said "Theek hai... main taiyar rahungi." Sameer walked away feeling like he had just won some battle.

Naina was ready in a pastel pista green chiffon saree at half-past five as indicated by Sameer. When she arrived home from college, Ramdhari had informed her that Sameer had called home to tell him that they would be eating out as well and hence he need not cook any dinner.

He honked from outside the gate about 5:40 pm and she rushed out. Sameer muttered something about the traffic being uncommonly heavy and hence the delay. As she got inside, he drove off thinking, Saree pehenke kyun aayi hai yeh... Date pe movie dekhne ja rahe hai, ya kissi pooja mein?! Exerting some control over his tongue, he focused on the road for the next five minutes or so.

He dropped her off in front of the gate saying he would park the car and be back in a few minutes. Naina looked around in vain trying to spot her devars for a bit till he joined her. When she asked him where they were supposed to meet Munna-Pandit, he muttered "Woh log nahi aa rahe hai... unka plan change ho gaya... aaj busy hai kuch kaam mein." She stopped in her track "Toh, aap kal chale jayiye... aaj hi jana jaruri toh nahi hai." He pulled her by her hand, "Main kyun cancel karu?! Mujhe toh aaj hi dekhni hai. Chalo, film shuru ho rahi hogi."

Five minute later after buying the tickets, as they settled in their seats, Sameer hoped that this movie would not lead to his wife crying half the time. He had already asked around and established that it was not a love triangle and that both the couples end up happily together. The movie was also known for its peppy songs.

Sameer need not have worried about the choice of the film, as Naina seemed happy enough to see Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan romancing Nagma and Karishma to start with. And later on, was so engrossed in the plot around Ajay's father being framed and imprisoned, that she pretty much sat on the edge of her seat. Sameer was thinking, Yaar isska bus chale toh shayad screen mein hi ghuss jaye! Maine socha tha, zara khandhe pe hath rakhunga... well, koshish karunga... par madam toh pura movie mein hi khoi hai.

During the interval, he came back with one Mangola, one packet each of popcorn and mini samosas. When Naina looked at him in confusion, he explained "Aaj cola peene ka mann nahi hai... aur Mangola mujhe ek pura nahi jayega, toh maine socha share kar lete hai. Aur same same do popcorn se toh socha kuch variety ho jaye, right?"

She nodded, her heart beating wildly, at the prospect of sharing the drink bottle and the food with him. This would mean she would have to sit closer to him. She had been trying to sit as far as physically possible, even at the risk of falling off her seat!

The sharing of the food and drink in the dark, of course led to more than a few instances of touch-and-blush. Sameer now tried to make the most of the date, leaning over and whispering his observations about the movie, the ambience of the theatre, the elder romantic couple seating in the row ahead of them and so on. Naina struggled following the plot of the movie for the forty minutes or so post the interval. She was only too aware of his arm or fingers brushing against her, or his warm breath fanning her ear and neck every time he whispered something. As soon as the food was over, she scurried back to the edge of her seat, trying to tame her galloping heart.

Sameer sat back shaking his head and wondered if he should get more snacks to share. But she firmly turned down this idea, when he asked if she would like something else to eat. Finally, he decided to focus on the movie too and see if he could learn a thing or two from the heroes on the screen about romancing his heroine. Well, running around tree and singing songs was hardly a real solution, he thought dejectedly.

As they exited the theater at the end of the movie, big group of boys was boisterously singing the song Gore Gore Mukhade pe Kala Kala Chasma. One of the boys got a little carried away and started eyeing Naina suggestively. Sameer losing his cool, pulled her to one side slipping his hand around her waist and stepping in front of her and asked him loudly "Kya problem hai? Kabhi ladki dekhi nahi hai kya? Nazar neeche rakhna, warna tumhari ankhon ka aisa haal karunga, ke tumhe zindagi bhar kala chasma laga ke ghumna padega, samjhe?!" Another slightly older boy from the group tried to settle things by asking the younger boy to apologise and pulled him away from there. Sameer did not draw his hand away from her waist till they exited the theater premises.

Naina felt a little apprehensive. Would he be angry at her too? Not that she had done anything to provoke such a reaction from that guy, but she had often heard her elders blaming the girls who were targets of eve-teasing. She gathered her pallu around her as she walked by his side. Though he had put his arm around her in anger, it had made her feel safe and secure. And the way it grazed lightly against her bare waist... her poor heart started racing again!

He walked in silence to the car, thinking maybe he should have chosen a movie that was not likely to be so crowded, and then felt angry at himself for thinking like a coward. Holding her close helped him feel calmer, but the very next moment the feel of her velvety waist set his heart hammering in his chest. He instinctively rubbed his thumb against her, trying to reassure himself he wasn't daydreaming again.

As they settled in the car, she unable to bear his silence and the perceived accusation behind it, mumbled "Sorry... woh... khamakham aapka mood kharab ho gaya. Par maine toh dekha bhi nahi tha... kissiki bhi taraf..." He looked at her in surprise "Tum kyun sorry ho?! Aare isme tumhari kya galti thi? Naina, main tumse thodehi naraaz hu.... Chodo... unfortunately aise cheap logon ki kami nahi hai humare yaha..." She smiled in relief.

He asked softly "Chaat khane chale? Maine yahi soch ke Ramdhari se kaha tha ke hum dinner bahar hi karenge." She nodded beaming in answer. He blushed slightly at the wave of joy that engulped him seeing her response.

They discussed the movie and their favourite scenes and songs, as he drove in the direction of Law Garden. After parking the car, as they approached another group of guys on the way to the stalls, Sameer placed his hand lightly around her shoulders sensing her tense a little. Naina momentarily relaxed, but then another set of butterflies invaded her tummy, as his perfume invaded her senses.

As per his request, Naina pointed him in the direction of her favourite Chaat stall. They walked in relative silence for the next minute or so.

But the moment they got there, Sameer knew his date was over. His Saali squealed in delight "Jijaji! Aap log bhi yahi aa gaye! Kaisi rahi film?" Preet was obviously not alone and her parents stood smiling broadly behind her. Naina fleetingly thought, Ek din Sameer ne issi ghar kya aane ko keh diya, yeh toh ekdum Jijaji ki fan ban gayi hai! Before, he could respond to any of her queries, Naina asked "Aare, aap log aaj yaha kaise?! Aaj toh Sunday bhi nahi hai..."

Chachiji replied "Bhagwan jhoot na bulaye... Beta, woh kya hua na... sham ko cylinder khatam ho gaya. Bhabhiji bhi bahar gayi hui thi, toh unke ghar se extra wala cylinder bhi nahi la sakte thay." Chachaji added "Aur tumhari behen ne waise hi humara sar khaya hua tha sham se ke Naina toh film dekhne gayi hai... aur yeh bhecari ghar baithi hai!"

Sameer greeted Chacha-Chachi and conversed with them amicably, mostly answering their queries regarding his family and work. But his ears were more tuned into the conversation going on between Naina and Preeti.

Preeti asked excitedly "Movie kaisa raha? Gaane kya mast hai na?!" Naina replied "Ha, bahoot acha tha... dono kya kamal ke action heroes hai!" Sameer wondered, Rambo ka action isse bore ho raha tha... aur yeh itna acha laga... kamal hai! Preeti looked around and asked "Aur woh Munna-Pandit kaha hai?" As Naina explained that they couldn't make it due to some urgent work cropping up at the last moment, her sister exclaimed "Aare wah!" And then seeing Naina's confused and Sameer's guilty looking faces, she corrected herself "Mera matlab tha... aare re... bechare... right Jijagi?" Sameer just smiled without saying anything.

Preeti then went on "Aur, kya kya khaaya?" Her sister blushed remembering the shared food and drinks and mumbled "Mangola, Popcorn aur woh chote wale Samose." Preeti had a dreamy look on her face for a few moments and then she turned to Bela "Mummy! Mujhe bhi shaadi karni hai... phir main bhi bahoot sari movies dekhungi! Aap log mere liye ladka kab dhundhoge??"

Chachaji laughed and replied "Beta, shaadi ke baad movies toh dekhne milti hai... par kaam bhi bahoot karna padta hai. Ab Naina ko hi dekh lo... waha jaake pura ghar sambhal rahi hai. Usse poocho college aane se pehele ghar ke kitne kaam karke aati hogi... warna tum toh tumhari Mummy ko do pyaaz katke dene mein hi itne nakhre dikhati hu!" Preeti pouted "Papa, aap bhi na... shaadi ke baad main bhi sab kuch kar hi lungi..."

They all settled on some tables that were setup in front of the Chaat and Pav Bhaji stalls and enjoyed an assortment of dishes. Every now and then, Sameer's eyes drifted to his wife's happy and animated face, thinking a little forlornly that she didn't look like this at home, at least not as often as he would like her to.

As they said goodbyes and walked back to the car, Naina eyed him sneakily, happy to have witnessed her Chachaji once again looking at him approvingly. She really couldn't find a fault in him. Once again, she thought there must be something lacking in her. Something that was only visible to the road-side-romeos in movie-halls or middle-aged uncles in buses.

As he closed the window that night, he asked "Aaj toh such mooch maza aaya na tumhe?" She nodded smiling and replied "Thank you..." He responded "Iss mein Thank You ki kya baat hai... Movie hi toh dekhne gaye thay. In fact, agar kisiko bolna chahiye toh, woh toh mujhe bolna chahiye. Tumne toh meri bahoot badi problem hi solve kar di!" She puzzled asked "Kaisi problem??" He grinned "Ab mujhe company dhudhne ki koi jarurat hi nahi rahi! Jab bhi kuch bhi karne ka mann ho... bus tumse kehna hai..."

Naina smiled a little uncertainly. He prodded "Maine theek kaha na?" She conceded "Ha, bikul..." As he headed to the door, he paused and said "Aur tum bhi." She blinked "Kya??" He smiled "Aur tum bhi mujhse kahogi jab tumhara kuch karne ka mann ho toh, right?" She nodded a little lost in her thoughts and wished him a goodnight. As she put some of her clothes away in the cupboard, she lightly caressed the cardboard container of Naturally Fair in one of the drawers.

The next morning, as she served them breakfast, Naina informed them "Mujhe aaj sham ko late ho jayega. Shayad sade-saat baaj jayenge." Nanaji asked "Chachaji ke ghar jaa rahi ho college ke baad?" She shook her head and explained "Nahi, woh aaj college ke baad, Debate competition mein jaana hai." Nanaji asked "Aare wah, tumhe acha lagta hai attend karna?" She blushed slightly and replied "Actually, main participate kar rahi hu." Sameer looked at her in surprise and blurted "Naina, itne logon ke samne bolna aur woh bhi argue karna easy nahi hota. Bahoot practice lagti hain!"

She smiled at him and replied "Pata hai mujhe. Peheli baar nahi ja rahi hu... Aaj second round hai iss competition ka. Agar jeet gaye, toh phir finals agale mahine honge." Seeing their still surprised faces, she explained "Peechle do saal se humara team jeet raha hai finals... Kafi acha chance hai iss baar bhi jeetne ka." Nanaji responded "Aare beta, tumne bataya nahi kabhi iss baare mein." She just smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

That afternoon, he again wished her good luck for the competition before heading to the factory. After feeling restless for most of the day, about four in the afternoon he called Munna and told him that he really wanted to go and see her participate.

Munna not understanding his problem said "Toh jaa na... isme sochne wali kya baat hai? Debate toh open forum main hai. Wahi Mahatma Gandhi auditorium mein hoga, jaha yeh sari inter college competitions hoti hai." He answered "Yaar, par usne aane ko kaha thodehi hai... chahati toh bula bhi toh sakti thi." Munna tried to drill some sense "Aare, usse laga hoga tujhe koi interest nahi hai... ab sabko inn waad viwaad pratiyogitayon main jaana thode hi acha lagta hai!" He asked sounding a little dubious "Such mooch chala jao?? Tu chalega sath?" Munna chuckled "Aare bhai, Bhabhi ko support karne ke liye toh pakka aayunga! Sunn main Pandit ko bhi bolta hu."

After giving him the directions to the venue and deciding on the time Munna hung up. The trio arrived at the venue a little after half past five. The event was just starting and the opening speeches by the organisers were in progress. Sameer chose some inconspicuous seats in the middle rows, not wanting to distract her.

The event was quite enjoyable. It was evident all the participants were really passionate about debating and well prepared too. Sameer realised that the boy she was been studying with the previous day was her teammate Saurabh Mukherjee. So, they had been preparing for this competition, and not some exams, he thought.

He watched in awe, the way she expressed her ideas and opinions in a clear, concise and confident manner. The way she came up with counter arguments to points presented by the other teams. An hour and half flew by as the trio along with the other audience cheered for their respective teams and favourite participants.

When Naina and Saurabh were declared the winning team, Sameer most probably clapped the loudest. Somewhere along the line over the past few months he had seen glimpses of her fighting spirit, but today he was enthralled by it. As the winners posed with their certificates for some photographs, he walked to the front and stood at a slight distance watching her with pride.

She instinctively turned in his direction and coloured, as a result of both; surprise and the effect of his intense gaze. As the photo session was completed, she waved at him gesturing them to come closer. When close enough, Sameer and her Devars heartily congratulated her. She blushed happily and then turned to two elder looking men standing with her and introduced them "Yeh hai humare coach Thomas Sir aur yeah Mukherjee uncle, Saurabh ke pitaji." As she hesitated slightly wondering how to introduce him, he extended his hand and said "Main, Sameer Maheshwari, Naina's husband aur yeh Munna, Pandit mere bahoot close friends."

Thomas Sir smiled and shook his hand, while Mukherjee uncle exclaimed "Bahoot khushi hua aap se mil ke! Humko toh darr laga tha jab pata chala ki Naina ka marriage ho gaya... I was wondering, ke pata nahi isska in-laws ab issko compete karne dega ke nahi! Sab girls ko kaha aisa permission milta hai... I am very happy that you are a sensible young man, who is supporting her not only in her education but also these extra-curricular activities. Well done!" Sameer basked in the warmth of this compliment, as did Naina. Before leaving, Sameer congratulated Saurabh too, no longer feeling any resentment towards him.

After they left the venue, as Sameer dove them home, he asked her "Tumhe bura toh nahi laga na ke hum teeno bina bataye aa gaye?" She seemed surprised "Bura kyun lagega bhala?!" He replied "Tumne invite nahi kiya tha... par mujhe bahoot mann ho raha tha dekhne ka..." She explained "Usually mere gharwalon ko koi khaas interest nahi hota inn events mein. Toh mujhe nahi laga aap ko aana acha lagega..." Munna joined in "Aare Naina, maine bhi isse yahi samjhaya tha... itna sochne wali kya baat hai!"

Sameer asked her "Par tumhe koi support karne kyun nahi aata ghar se? Preeti bhi nahi??" She laughed softly "Pehele aati thi... phir ek baar mere teammate ki tabiyat kharab ho gayi thi, toh coach sir ne usse last moment pe aage bhej diya, taaki humari team disqualify na ho jaye. Bechari ekdum stage pe jaake mano freeze ho gayi thi! Tabse darr ke maare aana hi band kar diya..." The trio chuckled at this story, surprised that there was something that could scare Preeti too!

Nanaji was very pleased to hear of her team's victory and asked Sameer to go get some ice-cream after dinner. A family pack of Chocolate ice-cream was opened and polished off that night, amid many smiles and Naina sharing some of her most memorable debating experiences.

Later when on their own in her room, Sameer suddenly said "Naina, sham se ek hi baat soch raha hu... jab tum bina darre itna confidently strangers se argue kar sakti ho, tab phir apne gharwalon ke samne itni shant kyun ho jati ho?" She had not thought about it quite like this before. She pondered on it for a bit and then answered "Shayad issliye, kyun ki competition mein sirf certificate ya trophy na milne ka risk hota hai, aur asli zindagi mein apnon ko khone ka... (after another thinking pause) Aur agar humme apnon se hi apne haq ke liye ladhna pade toh... in a way, asli maynon mein, hum ladhne se pehele hi haar jate hai, right?"

He hummed in agreement. He had experienced this time and again. Every time he had been deprived of something that he felt was rightfully his, the pain of losing was magnified manifolds by the fact that, someone he loved had acted in this manner.

She looked at him, her eyes taking in his furrowed brow and the pain in his eyes. She wanted to reach out and gently caress his forehead, to push out all the anguish that had gathered in him over the years. A helplessness arose within her, her heart lamenting, Why won't he let me love him???

A restlessness ceased them both that night.

As Naina and Preeti headed towards the college gate post the last lecture for the day, Preeti squealed "Aare Jijaji! Iss waqt yaha kya kar rahe hai?" Naina turned in the direction of her sister's gaze and spotted Sameer sitting on the bike just outside the gate. He was dressed in his usual jeans but an ink-blue and black stripped t-shirt that she had not seen before. A pair of aviators shielded his eyes from the sun, but in turn made her gaze turn more intense. Spotting the girls, he removed the sunglasses and waved at them.

As his wife and Saali approached him, Sameer took in the slight blush adorning her face. He wondered fleetingly why she wasn't wearing any lipstick, but soon decided that the natural rosiness was already perfect. She was in a dark green chunidaar with a green and red batik print chunni. He noted her empty maang, seemed like she had forgotten to apply sindhoor that morning in the rush to get to her office.

He smiled at them both and then asked Preeti about the well-being of her family members.

He then explained to his wife "Iss taraf kuch kaam tha. Maine socha tumhe pick-up karta hua hi chalu." Before she could say anything, Preeti exclaimed "Jijaji, aapne ekdum perfect socha! Aur timing bhi kya match hui hai. Waha humara lecture khatam hua aur yeha aap aaye... Aur agar aap panch minute baad aate toh humme miss kar dete!"

He said thoughtlessly "Miss kaise karta... main toh aadhe ghantey se yahi hu!" Both Naina and Preeti were surprised to hear this. Preeti thinking something smiled slightly, whereas his wife asked "Aadhe ghanety se?! Toh ghar kyun nahi chale gaye? Bore nahi huye aap?" He tried to cover up "Bore kyun hone laga? Woh koi pehechaan wale mile thay... unse hi baatey kar raha tha... woh log bus abhi gaye hai." He then instructed her "Pehele Preeti ko richshaw mein beetha dete hai, phir hum chalte hai."

Five minutes later, Preeti was on her way home in a rickshaw that was deemed safe by her Jijajji and was charging the appropriate fare as per her sister.

Naina tentatively got behind him on the bike. She sat keeping some gap and holding on to the rear seat bar. Sameer was more than a little disappointed by this distance between them, however started the bike. Once on their way, he said "Naina, mujhe na aaj woh Diljeet ke dhabe ka masala doodh peene ka mann hai. Pehele waha chalte hai." Naina wondered Waise toh kabhi doodh nahi peete... aaj achnak kaise mann ho gaya? Aur woh bhi kissi dhabe ka?? She said "Masala doodh toh..." He thinking, Yaar itna dur kyun baithi hai yeh? cut her off "Kya bol rahi ho?? Kuch sunayi nahi de raha hai..." She leaned forward and resumed "Maine kaha... Masala doodh toh apne ghar ke pass Ghelaram ki dairy ka hi bahoot acha hota hai... wahi chale?"

He shook his head and muttered turning his head a little "Nahi... mera Diljeet ke dhabe pe hi jane ka mann hai... aaj mausam bhi acha ho raha hai... toh long ride bhi ho jayega."

Naina gulped a little nervously at the mention of a long ride. The weather was indeed pleasant, the October heat had started waning, and winters had started setting in. Mornings and evenings had started getting much cooler now, a few trees had started shedding their foliage too.

After riding for a couple of minutes, she asked leaning forward again "Yeh Diljeet ka dhaba kitna dur hai aur kiss taraf aata hai?" He explained that they would have to head on the highway towards Surat for about forty minutes for so.

After another minute or so of silence, she said "Sameer, uss taraf highway se thoda mud ke ek Shivji ka Mandir hai. Kya hum thodi der ke liye waha bhi ja sakte hai?" He asked surprised "Mandir? Aur abhi?? Naina, ride ke liye nikle hai, iss plan mein Mandir include karna jaruri hai kya?!" She nervously licked her lips once and nodded muttering "Koi baat nahi... woh... bus khayal aaya... Chachiji ne kaha tha..."

She went quite recalling her conversation with her aunt from two days back. Chachiji had called to issue her some additional instructions regarding the variety of poha and peanuts to buy for the Diwali season.

She had asked suddenly out of the blue, "Naina, tu aur Damadji woh Bholenath ke Mandir mein Pooja karke aaye na?" As Naina fumbled with some excuses how they had not found the time yet, Chachiji had sternly said "Beta, yaha-waha ghoome ka to tame hota hai tumhare pass! Tujhe pata hai maine mannat mangi thi ke Bidai theek se ho jaye toh tum dono sath mein darshan lene jaoge." As Naina tried to assure her that they would do the needful soon, Chachiji had ominously added "Beta, Bhagwanji ne sab kuch itna acha kiya hai, ab agar hum apni zubaan nahi rakhenge aur Bhagwanji naraaz ho gaye toh?!"

Since then Naina had been uneasy thinking, what if things not proceeding between them as hoped, was somehow an indication of Bholenath not being happy with her. Despite Chachiji's clear instructions at the time of the Bidai, Naina had not left comfortable asking him to accompany her to the temple to offer prays for their happy married life. She had tried to justify, that Chachiji had said Naina would come to the temple with her husband once the Bidai was completed in a satisfactory manner. But, surely her Bidai had not been completed as hoped for, right? Just because most of her relatives were satisfied with the outcome, did it mean it was all good and God would expect her to be happy with this outcome too?

Sameer observed her face in the rear-view mirror. She had accepted his objection to heading to the temple but seemed rather anxious. He questioned his own wisdom in saying no. Here he was trying to do things that would make her happy and at the same time saying no to her small request. He wasn't big on all this religious stuff, but if it made her happy what did it matter where they rode to?

He turned back slightly and said "Acha, aisa karte hai pehele Mandir jate hai, aur phir Dhabe pe jayenge, theek hai?" She smiled in relief "Suchi?" He smiled back and then said silently to her God, Bhagwanji, ab toh aap ke darshan karne bhi aa rahe hai... Ab toh yeh thoda pass baithe!

They had to stop twice to ask for directions, as the Mandir was situated close to a village and they had to take one of the exits off the highway. As they turned on one of the smaller roads, the tarmac road disappeared, and a dusty road started. It seemed the local representative elected from that area did not belong to the ruling party and hence the road had been forgotten by the administration and was filled with innumerable potholes.

At the beginning, Sameer was irritated by the terrible conditions of the road and complained to his wife, "Naina, kaisi jagah hai yeh mandir? Aur tumhe yahi aana tha??! Kitne khade hai? Mujhe to samajh nahi aa raha hai ke raaste mein khadde hai, ya khaddon mein raasta?!"

Though in no way responsible for the state of the road, his wife was still apologetic and tried to explain "Sorry, mujhe nahi pata tha ke raasta itna kharab ho gaya hai... ab toh mujhe bhi yaha aaye hue, do-teen saal ho gaye. Pooja didi ki shaadi ke baad ek baar aaye thay..."

As they passed through a particularly big pothole, Naina lurched dangerously and feeling scared of losing her balance, scuttled a little closer to him and grabbed his right shoulder. Suddenly Sameer lost the will to complain about the terrible conditions of the road and instead marveled at the warmth of her touch.

The next ten minutes or so of the bumpy ride, felt like the best ride of his life. They soon passed another couple on a bike too, that based on their attire seemed local to him. Seeing the young woman tightly holding her husband around his waist, Sameer thought the guy must be really lucky to get to ride with his wife on these roads on a daily basis!

By the time they reached the temple, Naina felt like every bone is her body was a little wobbly. And yet, there was a part of her that wanted to smile and do a little victory dance. She sat behind him on his bike! And that too holding him!!! There was a quiet strength in him, that always made her feel safe around him.

As Sameer parked the bike where a few other bikes and bicycles were parked, he noted an ancient looking stone temple about a couple of minutes away. The approach to the temple was lined with small pop-up shops. Most of the shops were closed, but few were open and were selling flowers, coconuts, prasad packets and other items required for the pooja. Naina informed him that she would buy the Pooja thali.

He stood to one side taking in the surroundings, while she completed her shopping. To one side was a small lake, partially covered with big round lotus leaves. A few white lotus flowers bloomed here and there and about half a dozen cranes stood on one leg by the edge of the lake.

A few stray dogs were lazily lounging under the canopy of a huge Peepal tree. One of the more curious ones, ambled to his side and started sniffing at his feet. Sameer, who had always been fond of dogs, chuckled and said to the dog "Pockets bilkul khali hai mere... kuch nahi milega!" The dog just happy to be acknowledged started wagging his tail and continued looking at him expectantly.

Sameer was starting to reach out and pat it's head when Naina called out in alarm "Sameer, please kutte ko hath mat lagayiye! Ussne kaat liya toh aapko pet mein saat injection lene padenge!" He turned to her and asked "Aare, itna kyun darti ho?! Aur katega kyun? Isski aankhe dekhi tumne? Dekho kitne pyar se dekh raha hai? Kuch alag hi kindness hai inn mein, nahi? Aur poonch bhi hila raha hai, matlab khelne ke mood main hai!"

She looked at him stumped, and then thought feeling a little annoyed Kutte ke aankhon mein ka pyar toh padh liya... bus meri aankhon mein kabhi kuch dikha nahi inhe! She turned away muttering "Agar kaat liya, toh phir doctor ko batana, ke injection ki koi jarurat nahi hai... woh kutta toh mujhe pyar se dekh raha tha!"

He chuckled and started following her. A couple of long strides and he had caught up with her. As they walked together, he remarked "Lagta hai, aaj kal tumhare Bhagwanji ka business kuch slow chal raha hai..." Seeing her confused expression, he elaborated "Itne sare dukkan band jo hai..."

She smiled slightly and responded "Woh toh aaj Tuesday hai na, issiliye. Kal aaye hote toh saare khule hote aur bahoot bheed bhi hoti. Parking bhi bahoot dur karna padta..." He nodded, trying to understand all these logistics around worship and offering prayers to certain Gods on certain days, and then remarked "Matlab, aaj yeh bakki ke dukandar kissi dusre mandir ke samne business karne gaye hai..." She laughed at this and replied, "Mr Maheshwari, manna padega... kya observation hai... aap toh bilkul businessman ban gaye ho!" He blushed slightly.

When they had almost reached the temple, he followed her lead and removed his shoes and put them in one of the metal shoe racks. When Naina bent forward to touch the first step of the temple, he just looked at her slightly amused and then climbed the stairs. She started with ringing the huge brass bell situated at the entrance and then offered a few flowers to Nandi. Sameer felt rather out of his element, but again rang the bell and then followed her inside.

The outside area had also felt calm and soothing, but the deep sense of peace once inside the temple was palpable. It was evident that the stone structure had been standing there for a very long time. He started reading the couple of little plagues of information that were hanging around the temple.

Meanwhile, Naina moved to the front and approached the Poojariji. She handed the Pooja thali and then explained that she wanted to perform an Abhishek. The Poojariji first offered the Bel leaves, flowers and prasad to the Shiv ling and then handed her back the thali. He then asked her to accompany him to the register to one side and asked for the details "Abhishek kiske naam se karna hai?" As Naina tried to remember if Chachiji had mentioned anything specific, the Poojariji prompted "Kissi khaas wajha se karna hai?"

She tried to explain "Woh, meri Chachiji ne mannat mangi thi... ke sab theek se ho jaye toh..." The elderly Poojariji asked "Pet se ho?" She coloured and gulped nervously "Nahi... woh Bidai ko leke mannat mangi thi..." He smiled kindly and asked indicating at Sameer who was now looking at the carvings on some of the pillars "Pati hai tumhara?" She answered softly "Ji."

Poojariji called out to Sameer "Beta, tum bhi yaha aao." When Sameer stood next to her, he asked their names and Gotra and noted it all down. Suddenly he said to her "Beta, sindhoor toh laga lo... pooja main khali maang achi nahi lagti..."

As she started to reach for the sindhoor, Sameer asked the Poojariji "Main laga du?" The elderly man smiled again and said "Aare, isme poochne ki kya baat hai?! Aisi jagah Pati sindhoor lagaye, yeh toh bahoot bhagya ki baat hi hoti hai, kissi bhi suhaagan ke liye."

Naina went very still, as Sameer extended his right hand and smeared a tiny pinch of sindhoor in her maang. The memory of him applying the sindhoor during the wedding ceremony was only based on the photos she had seen. But she knew that she would remember this moment with extreme clarity for as long as she lived.

Sameer looked at her standing with her eyes lowered, almost closed. Some of the Sindhoor had been sprinkled on her nose and forehead, he was obviously not skilled in this area, put it made her looked prettier. He mumbled "Waise bhi tum aaj Sindhoor lagana bhool gayi thi na..." She flushed remembering that she had deliberately not applied it this morning, as she was heading to the office. He noting the colour rising to her cheeks, blushed a little himself. When the Poojariji advised them to seek Bholenath's blessings, they bent forward together, their hands joined in prayer.

Naina muttered something about wanting to pray for a bit and sat down her eyes closed and her back against one of the pillars. As Sameer looked around little awkwardly, the Poojariji approached him and asked "Peheli baar aaye ho yaha?" When Sameer answered in an affirmative, he proceeded with telling him about the importance of the temple and the long-held belief by the devotees that offering prayers here was bound to fulfil their wishes. He said "Jaise tumhari biwi mannat puri karne aayi hai, bahoot log aate hai yaha... aur woh bhi baar-baar! Bahoot hi jagrut devasthan manna jata hai yeh mandir... saaf dil se mangi sari manokamna puri hoti hai."

Naina thought as she sat down to pray, that this was turning into a recurring problem, her feeling lost and not knowing what to ask for in her prayers. She tried to calm her mind and listen, hoping that God would offer her some answers, after all he knew all the questions in her heart.

She sat there for a while without hearing God speak to her, but the only thing that kept coming to her mind was, how Sameer had applied the Sindhoor, of his own accord. Why had he done that? Did he not understand the relevance of certain acts? How can he not understand how his actions play havoc with her feelings?! They were in a temple. He couldn't possibly apply sindhoor here, without it binding her further to him!

Was this God's way of talking to her?? And so, she prayed for both, him and their relationship, Hey Mahadev, mere Sindhoor ki raksha karna.

As they climbed down the temple steps, he asked her "Chachiji ne kiss baat ke liye mannat mangi thi?" She reddened a little and answered "Chachiji bahoot manti hai iss mandir ko... koi bhi pareshani hoti hai unhe, toh bus yehi pooja karne ki mannat mangti hai..." He persisted "Aaj tum kaunsi mannat puri karne aayi ho?" She without meeting his eyes, muttered "Woh, meri Bidai ko leke kaha tha unhone." He asked "Bidai ko leke kya kaha tha?" She replied in an uneven voice "Yahi, ke Bidai theek se ho jaye... Taiji ko darr tha ke shayad nahi hogi..."

He was about to say something rude about her Taiji, but then realised that though her Taiji didn't know it, the truth was, he had been against the Bidai. Turned out, her Chachiji's prayers were stronger than his Zid.

He had stopped praying a long time ago, not believing that anyone up there was listening. But it seemed God listened. Or maybe, it was just this specific God... he had prayed for her to sit closer to him, while on the road to the temple. And thanks to the bumpy dirt road, she had placed her hand on his shoulder. He could still feel a tingle there, mingled with profound joy and peace. Before he slipped on his shoes, he turned to look back at the temple's kalash and prayed, May her hand always be on my shoulder.

While Naina returned the Pooja thali, she saw him walking to the tea stall and buying something. As they approached the parking area, the dog from earlier came running wagging his tail. This time Sameer opened a packet of biscuits and spread them out for him. The dog jumped around happily a couple of times and settled down to enjoy the unexpected snack.

As Naina perched on the backseat again, she glanced back at the dog once again thinking, Pata nahi kutte ki aakhon mein kindness hai ya nahi... par inn mein jarur hai.

She placed her hand on his shoulder, not waiting for the bumpy road to start, nor did she remove it when the dirt road ended, and they joined the highway. Sameer cast a content glance at her dainty hand on his shoulder and then at the mandir kalash slowly fading in the distance as they rode away.

Diljeet-ka-Dhaba turned out to be an average dhaba, and the masala-doodh was also fairly average. Naina still felt that the one from Ghelaram's dairy was much better. But when he asked expectantly "Acha hai na??" seeing how happy he seemed while he sipped on this milk, she smiled and nodded "Ji, bahoot acha hai."

That evening when Naina offered the prasad from the temple to Nanaji, he too offered a prayer of thanks to Bholenath for this miracle. The next day, Preeti laughed heartily when she heard Naina confess that though she had agreed with him, the masala-doodh was really not as good as Ghelaram's.