With Diwali just two weeks away, the preparations in the Maheshwari household were keeping everyone on their toes.

Naina had not realised what really needed to be done. The dynamics of her sasural were very different to that of her maika. Nanaji was a very well-respected businessman and also highly regarded in their family and community. When Ramdhari mentioned the amount of sweets and savouries that would have to be made and the number of visitors expected over the Diwali season, Naina sat down nervously rubbing her kangan.

She approached Nanaji after some deliberation and stood fidgeting with her pallu "Nanaji, woh... Ramdhari ne bataya ke bahoot sara sukha nashta aur mithai banani hai Diwali ke liye... maine Chachiji se samajh toh liya tha... par mujhe andaza nahi tha ke itna banana padega. Nanaji, mujhe nahi lagata main kar payungi... sab galat ho gaya toh kissi ko bhi khila nahi payenge..."

Nanaji patted the sofa next to him and said as she sat down "Beta, humare yaha shuru mein, Motichoor ke dedh-sau and Besan ke dedh-sau ladoo bante hai, panch kilo ka chiwda aur sev banti hai, aur teen kilo ka fafda... Aur jaise kuch khatam hone aata hai, aur banta hai." Naina paled further hearing the exact numbers. Nanaji now smiled and added "Aur yeh sab banana ke liye maharaj aayega, samjhi? Tumhe sirf dhyan rakhna hoga... ke sab theek se ban raha hai na aur theek se rakhwa lena... aur jab kuch khatam hone mein aaye toh maharaj ko bulwa ke aur banwa lena." Naina nodded in understanding and relief.

As she stood to head to the kitchen, she asked softly "Nanaji, agar main thodese ladoo banao toh? Woh... Sameer keh rahe thay ek baar, ke unhe Naniji ke hath ke ladoo bahoot yaad aate hai. Utne ache toh nahi banenge... par mujhe woh Besan ki khusboo ghar mein bahoot achi lagti hai." He smiled again "Aare beta, issme poochne wali kya baat hai? Tumhara ghar hai... aur tumhari peheli Diwali hai yaha... tumhara jo mann kare pakao, aur jaisa chaho ghar sajao. Beta bahoot saalon baad iss ghar mein, ghar ki aurat hai, yeh sab dekhne ke liye. Main toh bahoot khush hu..."

And so, she started preparing for her first Diwali in her Sasural, and Ramdhari made countless trips to the bazaar to fetch something or the other for his Bhabhi.

Dozens of little diyas were bought, soaked, dried and then she sat down to paint them. Sameer found new ways and reasons to hover around her. When Naina looked at him in surprise as he settled down next to her, he tried to justify "Aare, mujhe bhi bahoot acha lagta hai... ke Diwali ke liye aise diye paint kare!" She asked smiling "Aapne pehele bhi banaye hai aise diye?" He muttered something about seeing something similar in Delhi.

She shared as she made some markings on one of the diyas "Pata hai?! Maine toh, pehele jab aati thi tabhi socha tha, ke Diwali mein toh yeh ghar sajane mein kitna maza aayenga! Yaha toh kitne jyada diye laga sakte hai... Chachaji ke yaha toh balcony mein sirf thodese hi rakh sakte hai. Uppar se girne ka darr bhi toh hota hai na... Pata hai? Ek baar woh humare uppar jo Megha ben rehti hai na... unki balcony mein se ek diya gir gaya tha. Girte girte bhuj toh gaya tha... par neeche Taiji khadi thi, toh unki saari mein sara tel gir gaya aur bahoot bada nishan ho gaya tha. Phir toh poochiye mat... Taiji ne jo sunni thi Megha ben ko! Bechari Megha ben..." Then chuckling softly, she added "Preeti toh bahoot khush hui thi... kehne lagi acha hai... Taiji ki yeh saari aur nahi dekhni padegi!"

Sameer thought, Yeh sahi idea hai! Panch litre tel khaas mangwana chahiye... isski woh sari bhayanak Taiji saaris pe dalne ke liye!

As she prattled on, Sameer was mostly content to just watch her and let her chatter drive away the years of disquieting silence from his heart. Every now and then, she would ask him if the distance between the dots or stars or whatever else she was painting on the lamps seemed right, or if a certain colour combination would work better than another. After a few attempts at offering his opinion, he realised that she wasn't really asking for his ideas, and just making some approving noises or nodding his head was the perfect response.

He instead let his mind admire her loosely tied tresses and the tinkling red bangles in her hands. The red bangles reminded him of the one red glass bangle he has in his side table drawer upstairs. He started wondering when exactly he could expect her to shift upstairs. Had this dating phase lasted for long enough? And how was he supposed to know if she was satisfied with his attempts at wooing her?!

His eyes then wandered to her shoulder and to the slightly peeking black bra strap from under her purple blouse. There were a few more ideas on his To-Do-List... but he could continue with those even after she moved upstairs, right? After all, the romance would just be beginning then, right? He shifted uncomfortably thinking about the hidden black lace and then headed to the kitchen to fetch himself a tall glass of cold water and to try to give his overactive imagination a rest.

That night, when she mentioned that the pop-up shops selling Aakash Kandils were up in the bazaar, they made plans to go buy one the next evening. He asked her to be ready by the time he got home.

A little later Sameer stood in his window gazing at the permanent Aakash Kandil that is the moon. It had been the full moon just the night before and the moon was still gloriously luminous. There was a slight chill in the air. It was just the sort of night when hearts are bound to grow restless in yearning for the beloved. His yearned too, to curl up with her in his arms. He pondered on that night spent in her bed and arms once again, as he did frequently.

He thought, Yaar Aakash Kandil toh aa hi jayega... par hum Honeymoon pe kab jayenge?! Their college holidays would continue for about two and half weeks after the Diwali celebration was over. Surely Nanu would be happy for him to take a week or so off from work... but how could he bring up the topic of wanting to go for a honeymoon?!

He cursed that Dadi for instigating all those baseless and stupid thoughts. He was also so mad at himself for allowing her to manipulate and taint the beginning of his relationship with Naina.

He knew she was not the only one to be blamed here, he had been very self-absorbed in his own behaviour towards Naina from the very beginning. But things had started getting better over time. They had interacted and spoken a little a couple of times and he had started feeling comfortable with her. Even if he had not admitted it to her or anyone else, her Halwa, Cakes and those shy smiles in the college, had all started adding a sweetness to his life that he had never experienced before. And then Dadi had doused everything with her special concoction of Karela juice!

He felt so ashamed of lashing at her and accusing her and her family of duplicity and forbidding her for visiting the house on Sundays. Everything had gone downhill from there on. Learning of the preponed Bidai... and then her revelation that Nanaji had asked for her consent before the wedding. That had seemed like the last straw! He still couldn't completely reconcile his Nanaji's behaviour in that regard, but he no longer resented it.

The only thing he was now thankful for, was his own softening of the stand against her arrival in this home. But what an utter moron he had been proposing these separate rooms! And then to make matters worse, he had not brought up the matter for discussion when she was staying upstairs after the Bidai. God! This was such a big mess!!!

After a lot of thinking around this and not being able to come up with any ideas on how to propose a honeymoon in front of his Nanaji, he called his Mom from the factory the next day. Vishakha was very pleasantly surprised. Though she spoke to her Bahu almost on a weekly basis, a call from Sameer was quite unusual. After exchanging pleasantries for a bit, Sameer said "Mummy, woh... actually main soch raha tha ke agar aap log Diwali ke liye yaha aa jaye toh humme bahoot acha lagega. Naina ki peheli Diwali hai humare ghar mein... aap aur Deepika uske sath honge toh..."

Vishakha cut him off sounding apologetic "Beta, mera toh bahoot mann tha aane ka... mujhe bhi Bahu ki peheli Diwali manane ka armaan hai... par Rohan ke Dadi ki woh US mein rehne wali behen aur unki family aa rahe hai." Sensing his disappointed silence, she tried explaining further "Sameer, woh log bahoot saalon baad aa rahe hai... aur actually unke Natti ki mangni ki baat chal rahi hai. Issliye mera yeha se nikalna bilkul bhi possible nahi hai. Par main promise karti hu ke Christmas ki chuttiyon mein hum pakka aayenge! Deepika ko bhi dus din chuttiya hai."

Though pleased to hear that they were making some concrete plans to visit over the Christmas break, Sameer was disappointed that it was almost two months away.

As decided the newlyweds went shopping for the Aakash Kandils that evening. The bazaar was overflowing with Diwali related artifacts, clothes and shoppers of all ages. Mothers struggled to balance their squirming young ones on their hips while bargaining with the vendors who had their wares displayed on handcarts. Grandmothers were telling the toddlers off for pulling things off the carts and threatening them with no fireworks this year. Teenage girls were giggling endlessly over something or the other as they tried to decide between the yellow or green bangles, or the golden or silver heels.

Sameer looked around, helplessly wondering why couldn't they have bought the lanterns from some big shop? Who cared about saving the ten rupees as promised by his wife?! Naina couldn't decide between the star shaped one and the one shaped like a Chinese lantern. Finally, Sameer insisted that they buy both saying they would hang one in the porch and one in the terrace. Not looking forward to repeating this experience in a hurry, he also directed the vendor "Aur ekdum achi quality wala dena... kum se kum do-teen saal toh chalna hi chahiye!"

As they walked away with the new purchases, Naina suddenly pulled on his arm stating the Rangoli being sold on one of the carts was fifty paise cheaper by the unit, compared to the shop closer to their home. Another fifteen to twenty minutes were spent deciding on the colours and then the quantities. The vendor then proceeded with wrapping them in little makeshift newspaper packets. As she paid him, the vendor asked "Bhabhi Geru hai ghar pe? Warna thoda dedu??" When she looked at Sameer in question, he shrugged his shoulders wondering why in the world would she think that he would be aware of the inventory of Geru at home! So, some Geru was purchased as well.

Before, she could suggest any other shopping, Sameer said "Naina, I am sure Preeti bhi tumhare sath bazaar aane ki rah dekh rahi hogi, right? Usse shayad bura lag jayega agar tum uske sath koi bhi shopping na karo... toh thodi shopping uske sath karne ke liye chod dena..." His wife nodded at him with a very thankful expression, thinking how considerate he was, and how thoughtless she had been. Sameer mentally congratulated himself on coming up with an idea to get out of being forced to spend any more time in the bazaar and that too without hurting her feelings!

Nanaji was very content to see things coming along so harmoniously. Seeing his grandson getting involved in the shopping and preparations alongside his Bahu made his eyes crinkle in joy every now and then. He wondered if this would be the right time to propose her moving back upstairs.

That evening when Munna stopped by, Nanaji managed to pull him to one side and said "Munna, tumhare dost ka dimaag theekane pe aa gaya?" Munna smiled "Nanaji, bus samjhiye 90% kaam ho hi gaya hai..." Nanaji even more pleased to hear this report, said "Main soch raha tha... inn dono se baat karu... Bahu ko uppar sift karne ki... Diwali bhi aa gayi hai..."

Munna thought for a bit about Sameer's agenda to date his wife before confessing that he liked her and said "Nanaji, meri maniye toh... aap kuch din ruk jayiye. Mujhe lagata hai Sameer khud hi baat kar lega Bhabhi se." Nanaji's face beamed "Khud baat karega?! Such mooch tujhe aisa lagta hai? Beta, aisa hoga toh phir toh sone pe suhaga!" He finished off smiling contently "Waise, mandhrane toh laga hai Bahu ke aage-peeche... Chalo, tum kehte ho toh usse khud hi baat karne dete hai. Ab itne din intezaar kar liya hai... toh thoda aur sahi!"

The next day at the dinner table Nanaji informed Naina "Beta, woh aaj Kamlesh ki biwi ka phone aaya tha... keh rahi thi ke kal Karwa Chauth ki badi pooja rakhi hai usne, toh tumhe bhi wahi vrat kholne bulaya hai. Maine socha... tumhari bhi pehli Karwa Chauth hai, humare parivar ki baaki auraton ke sath pooja karogi toh acha hi hoga."

Naina nodded feeling rather relived. She had been feeling a little confused on how to proceed regarding this. Talking to Preeti, she had realised that her Chachiji and Taiji had been invited to some relative's place. Chachiji had felt that it was best that she should start getting involved in these sorts of events with the ladies from her Sasural, and hence had not extended the invite to Naina.

She now asked "Nanaji, kya main car le jau kal? Mujhe theek se yaad nahi hai unka ghar... Farookh chacha ko toh pata hoga na... aur rickshaw mein jaane ke liye bahoot dur hai na Gandhinagar..." Nanaji stopped eating and looked at her perplexed "Aare, driver ko kyun le jaogi?" Indicating at Sameer, he added "Yeh aayega na tumhare sath... vrat kaise khologi isske bina?!" Sameer coloured slightly and then remarked "Ha... sirf aasman wale chand ko dekh ke toh nahi khulta yeh vrat, right? Apna personal chand bhi toh tumhe leke jana padega sath..."

Nanaji almost choked on his food! He was thinking, Munna ka andaz bilkul sahi hai! Ab Delhi dur nahi... She blushed and stammered "Ha... woh... main toh bhool hi gayi thi... aapko bhi aana padega... peheli baar hai... toh yaad nahi raha..." Nanaji advised Sameer, "Aur, tum bhi zara theek se pooja ke liye taiyar hoke jaana sath mein." As Sameer nodded, he was experiencing some butterflies in his tummy after hearing her say peheli baar hai...

The next day in the college while sitting in the canteen with Munna and Pandit, Sameer waved away the offer of samosas. Pandit teased "Kya baat hai Bhai, lagta hai aaj tune bhi vrat rakha hai!" He looking confused asked "Maine bhi rakhna hota hai kya??" Munna and Pandit laughed and continued teasing about how they had never expected him to become such a patni-vrata pati.

Seeing his irritation increasing considerably, Munna asked "Kya hua? Itna ukhda ukhda kyun lag raha hai?" Sameer confided "Yaar, ab kuch samajh nahi aa raha hai, ke aage kaise baat badhau... ek hafte se uppar ho gaya... almost saare ideas bhi khatam ho gaye... par ab kya karu?!" Pandit asked more to the point "Tere dating plan ka result kya aaya hai? Pass ho gaya??" He muttered "Woh bhi toh kuch samajh nahi aata... yaar, kaise samjhega ke woh khush huyi ke nahi?!"

Pandit after mulling over something replied "Yaar, hai toh bada problem... matlab usually agar ladki phool lele ya bike pe ride ke liye ha karde, toh hum samjhenge ki ladki patt gayi... par tere maamle mein Naina toh aise hi yeh sab kar legi. Toh isske basis pe toh kuch pata nahi chal sakta. Aur baat aage badhana bhi bahoot muskhil hai..." Munna looked displeased "Ponga, tu na kabhi koi achi baat mat karna! Bus koi problem hi dikhti hai tujhe..."

Ponga exclaimed "Aare, issme galat baat kaha se aa gayi?! Acha tu hi bata... Sameer toh woh nahi kar sakta na jo dusra koi bhi ladka karega aise doubtful situation mein..." Sameer asked him eagerly "Koi aur kya karta??" His friend replied "Simple hai yaar... dating ke baad, baat aage badhane ke liye toh ladki ko propose hi karte hai! Par tu toh Bhabhi ko pooch nahi sakta na... Kya mujhse shaadi karogi?" After a few moments, both his friends burst out laughing at this twist in the tale, while Sameer felt even more worried now. He muttered without thinking "Ha yaar... yeh toh socha hi nahi tha... thodehi usse directly pooch sakta hu, Kya hum honeymoon pe chale?"

Munna smiled "Acha... toh asli problem yeh hai... ke ab bhai ko honeymoon pe jaane ki jaldi ho rahi hai!" Sameer blushed and refuted "Nahi toh... aisi koi baat nahi hai... par kuch toh baat aage badhe. Pata nahi kyun Nanaji bhi kuch nahi bol rahe hai..." Munna shifted a little uncomfortably recalling he had advised Nanaji just the day before, to not bring up this topic for discussion as of now. He had thought Sameer wanted to spend more time wooing Naina but seemed like his friend was already running out of either ideas or patience.

Munna mumbled "Hmm... kuch sochte hai... tab tak tu apne Mehboob ke deedar se hi kaam chala le..." Pandit suddenly said "Waise dating aur shaadi ke beech ke aur bhi padaav aata hai... engagement ka! Par uske liye bhi pehele wahi sawal poochna padta hai, Kya mujhse..." His voice trailed off seeing Sameer's annoyed expression.

Sameer arrived home in the evening about half past five. Ramdhari served him some coffee and nashta, explaining that Bhabhi had just gone in to get ready. Sameer looked at the clock a little confused thinking it was still well over an hour before they had to head out. After finishing the evening snack, he headed upstairs to freshen up and get ready as well.

Twenty minutes later after a quick shower, as Sameer stood looking through his meagre collection of ethnic wear, his eyes were drawn to one in particular. He had pushed it to the back when he last wore it and had snapped at Ramdhari when he had offered to iron it. He now grabbed it and called out to Ramdhari, asking him to drop whatever else he was doing and iron it. Another fifteen minutes later, when he returned downstairs, his wife was still locked in her room.

He settled on the sofa and watched the TV for some time. A little after half-past six, he impatiently knocked on her door "Naina, aur kitni der lagegi?? sham ko uss taraf traffic bahoot badh jata hai!" He heard a muffled reply "Ho gaya... bus aur dus minute lagenge." He muttered to himself "Matlab... ho gaya ya dus minute aur lagenge? Dono kaise ho sakta hai..."

Fifteen minutes later he knocked again "Naina, pandhra minute ho gaye! Kya hua?? Kuch problem hai kya??" She opened the door almost as he finished. Sameer stood almost holding his breath. She was draped in an Orange saree with red border and pallu which was covered in golden zaari, with a matching red blouse. A heavy gold choker, gold jhumkas and some red glass banlges intermingled with more gold bangles adorned the rest of her. She asked sounding a little anxious "Theek lag rahi hu na? Pata nahi baaki sab ladies kitni bhaari sarees aur jewellery pehenegi. Maine dopahar mein Mummyji ko phone bhi try kiya tha... par unka number baar baar busy ja rha tha." His eyes took in the light pink lipstick and her kajol lined eyes, seemed like she was wearing some blush and eye shadow too, but he wasn't sure. When he replied "Ha, achi lag rahi ho..." his voice suddenly sounded a little hoarse.

Naina felt her knees go a little wobbly seeing him in the Maroon kurta he had worn at the time of their wedding. She had seen the wedding photos so many times now, that she knew by heart, that there were 4 buttons at the top and there was a little embroidery in the same colour around the neckline. But how was it possible that today he looked even more handsome than the photos?! Her grip on the door handle tightened a bit.

As she turned to grab her golden purse from the bed, he asked "Baal aise roz wale hi style mein kyun bandhe hai?" She asked confused "Matalb? Toh phir kaise?? Khule toh nahi chod sakti hu..." He elaborated "Aare... woh Pooja ke din jaise kuch alag juda banaya tha... ya woh kabhi-kabhi pehele nahi kuch alag plait banati thi... jab peheli baar ghar aayi thi..." She understanding replied "Woh French Plait toh Preeti banati thi... mujhe aapne baalon mein banana nahi aata... aur bun toh parlour wali ne banaya tha... woh bhi nahi aata... kyun bure lag rahe hai kya baal aise?" He replied "Nahi... bure nahi lag rahe hai... bus aise hi khayal aaya."

As they walked away from her room, he added "Baaki itna taiyar hui ho, toh parlour wali ko hi bula leti..." She thought a little gloomily, Matlab baal ache nahi lag rahe hai...

They were almost out of the door, when he remembered something and dashed upstairs. Couple of minutes later he descended the stairs with something in his kurta pocket. As they sat in the car and drove away, he noticed that she had applied some mehendi on her hands. A few curious glances later he was sure it was just a simple design of some dots and diamonds. So, she had not written his name anywhere, he thought a little dejected. He recalled that her mehendi after the Bidai had been quite elaborate, almost covering most of her forearm. Had his name been hidden somewhere in that intricate floral pattern? He wondered, if the grooms in real life also searched for their name as shown in the movies.

An image of them sitting in their wedding finery on a bed strewn with rose petals while he traced the patterns on her hand with his fingers flashed through his mind, and his heart grew heavy at the thought of all the missed chances.

As much as he might try, he wasn't sure if he would be able to bring back the magic, if they would be able to shake off the memories of all their failed firsts.

Even if they one day decided to recreate that moment, would it be free of the melancholy memories of months spent apart? True, by that time they would have grown to understand each other better, but wouldn't it also mean that somewhere along the line the excitement of the new and shiny would have waned off at least a little? They would not be able to bring back her first night in his room, how much ever they wanted to.

She kept glancing at him. He seemed to be lost somewhere, and it did not seem to be a happy place. Yet again, she wanted to reach out and caress his scowling brow, tell him that everything would be alright. She asked tentatively "Sab theek hai na? Aap kuch pareshan lag rahe hai..." He smiled at her and shook his head dismissively "Kuch nahi... ha, bus woh factory ke baare mein hi kuch soch raha tha."

She enquired about the on-going issue with the quality of the raw material that they had to send back recently, as it was not of the grade expected. He told her about how they had been getting workers to work extra shifts to make-up for the delay caused due to that issue, and also how difficult it had been to placate their clients considering this was one of the peak seasons for the textile industry. It had been a stressful time for all in their office. Thankfully, things were back on track now.

The thirty-odd minute drive felt too short, when he parked outside Kamlesh mama's residence. As they entered the house, they were soon surrounded by a lot of warm and welcoming smiles. Poonam eagerly drew Naina away to introduce her to some of her friends who were joining them that evening for the pooja. All the women where complimenting each other on their attire and accessories. As expected, Diwali shopping and preparations was another hot topic for discussion that evening. Poonam distributed bunches of gajras to all the women gather there. Everyone either fished hairclips from their purses or borrowed some from those whose had the foresight to carry some.

After some time, Kakiji joined the guests and proceeded with asking everyone about the health issues in their families. She had advice on home remedies for almost everything!

Finally, Mamiji announced that it was time for the pooja and Katha to start. The Pooja had already been setup in one corner earlier in the evening. All the suhagans now offered their prayers and any other offerings of fruits and meethai that they had brought along. Then they sought blessings from the elders in the house and finally settled down to listen to the Karwa Chauth Katha.

While the women were engaged with the Pooja related activities, all the men were assembled in another part of the house and happily munching on freshly fried pakodas along with some hot masala chai. Apart from the usual politics and cricket, that years prediction for GDP was highly debated based on the Diwali business rush.

Once the Katha was concluded, the women eagerly started awaiting the Moon's appearance. While the younger one's were still excitedly looking forward to catching a glimpse of their beloved through the sieve, most of the older women were mostly just looking forward to opening the fast and frequently commenting how this full day fast was becoming harder and harder to follow with their increasing age. The fast now presented an additional challenge of not being able to take their daily medication as required.

There was a bunch of kids running wild in the garden. Most of them had learned that it was best to stay out of their mother's way on this day, when she was already feeling rather drained and was more likely to snap at them at the slightest provocation.

To everyone's relief, the moon soon put in an appearance and almost everyone made their way to the terrace. Like all the other wives, Naina too first worshiped the moon and offered it some water, she then looked at the moon through the sieve and then at Sameer through the same. Unlike the wedding photos, today he had a slight blush and smile on his face. The intensity of his gaze had her lowering her eyes as she gulped anxiously. He now taking the cup from her pooja thali offered her some water and a few dry fruits to open her vrat.

Naina wasn't sure if it was the effect of the day long fast or just her husbands' charms, but she felt a little light headed. She grabbed the parapet wall to steady herself for a bit. He asked sounding apprehensive "Naina, theek ho? Tumhe baithna hai?? Main koi chair leke aata hu..." She quickly assured him, "Nahi, ab theek hu. Bus ek pal ke liye laga..."

The other husbands now started handing over their gifts to their wives. There were loud oohs and aahs all around. Naina not expecting anything from her empty-handed husband, turned to the other women with a big smile plastered on her face and started admiring their gifts. Poonam had received a pair of gold jhumkas, while her friend Sonal pulled out a heavy Kangiwaram in pink from a plastic bag with a famous Saree showrooms logo on it. Someone else had a pearl set and so on. Most of the elder men though just handed envelopes to their wives, as they had long run out of ideas and inclination for gift shopping.

Sameer lightly tapped her on the shoulder and pulled out a small box from his kurta pocket. He said a little hesitantly "Yeh, kuch tumhare liye laya hai..." Casting a glance around at the big packets in the hands of some of the women, he now wondered if he had made the right choice, as the box in his hand felt very tiny.

The sight of a gift in his hand flooded her with relief. She had already been mentally rehearing the story of how he had accidentally forgotten the gift at home. She smiled brightly and nodded "Thank you... aap ko yaad tha... mujhe toh expected hi nahi tha." He now feeling more confident after seeing her beaming, opened the box and held it closer to her. Naina's eye widened in surprise seeing a delicate sparkly ring.

As she took the box from his hand and looked at it closely, Prabha mami walked over to them and remarked loudly "Aare wah, Sameer beta... yeh toh bahoot khoosurat ring hai! Diamonds ki lagti hai... hai na?" As he nodded "Ji mamiji..." Naina's turned to him in astonishment "Diamonds??!" Mamiji continued approvingly "Aare toh phir... tumhari peheli karwa chauth hai! Kuch khaas toh dena hi chahiye tha. Dekhu toh kaise lagti hai tumhari ungli mein..." And saying so she pulled the ring out from the box and held it out to Sameer. He wondered momentarily as to what she expected him to do, when she laughed "Aare bhai.. tumhari shaadi mein toh hum koi thay nahi... aur mangni bhi hui nahi... chalo aaj humare samne Naina bahu ko anguthi hi pehna do!" There were a lot of approving sounds from all the people around them.

Sameer blushed a little and then taking the ring from Mami's hand, held it in front of her. Naina overcome with a myriad of emotions blinked a few times but stood motionless for a few moments. Sameer's face paled slightly feeling a little unsure. Mami teased Naina "Aare, kitni der intezaar karwayegi usse... tujhe achi nahi lagi hai... toh main hi rakh leti hu!" Naina sprang into action and quickly presented her hand "Nahi! Bahoot achi lagi..." He felt the anxiety fade as he slipped the ring on Naina's finger. Mamaji exclaimed "Wah bhai... ekdum bole toh maza aa gaya... haini haini?!" A minute later all the other women were back to admiring their own gifts.

Kakiji hollered to Naina to come to her and show her the ring as well. Naina sat down next to Kakiji to bring her up to speed on all the latest news with regards to her phone calls with her mother-in-law and the Diwali preparations in the Maheshwari household.

Kakiji looked at her from various angles and then announced, "Abhi koi khushi ki khabar hai aisa lagta toh nahi hai... sahi kaha na maine??" Naina rightly catching the drift of her words, mumbled that she was right and then added something with regards to both focusing on their education for the time being. Kakiji shook her head disapprovingly "Aaj kal ke bache... kisiko humme koi khushi dene ki zara bhi paddi nahi hoti hai... ab humari Poonam ko hi dekh lo! Pata nahi kiss muhurat ke intezaar mein hai..."

Naina sat there at a complete loss of words, listening to Kakiji's complaints for a few minutes, before Poonam called her "Naina, zara mere sath kitchen mein toh chal. Khana parosne ki taiyari ek baar dekh lete hai." Naina nodded and started following her.

As she passed Sameer on the way, she stopped to softly say "Thank you... ring ke liye... sab ko bahoot achi lagi." He leaned forward and asked "Sab ka chodo... tumhe achi lagi?" As she nodded happily, Devang bhaiya approached Sameer from behind and said in a teasing tone "Sameer, yaha na vrat sirf Bhabhi ka khulega... tujhe apna upwaas toh ghar jaake hi kholna hoga... samjhe? Chal, filhaal toh humare sath taash khelne aa!" She blushed profusely and dashed behind Poonam Bhabhi.

As they entered the kitchen, she asked Poonam "Bhabhi, batayi kya karna hai?" Poonam replied "Aare, kuch nahi karna hai... sari taiyari ho gayi hai. Mujhe sirf thodasa dhaniya kaatna hai... woh toh maine tumhe Dadiji ke pass jyada baithana na pade issiliye bulaya. Phir shuru ho gayi hongi... Pakka mere baare mein hi baate kar rahi hongi!" Naina tried to brush it away "Nahi toh... woh toh bus Mummyji ke baare mein poonch rahi thi..."

Poonam turned and looking at her steadily said "Daro maat... mujhe bikul bura nahi lagta... bus kabhi kabhi thoda irritate ho jati hu! Bus har waqt ek hi baat ki rat lagati hai..." Naina unsure as to how exactly to respond mumbled "Sorry... aap ko tension ho jaati hogi na..." Poonam pushed the chopped coriander aside and started on some lemons "Aare tension ki koi baat nahi hai...woh toh tumhare Devang Bhaiya hi nahi chahate ke itna jaldi bacha ho. Kehte hai aati garmiyon mein pehele Europe ghumne jayenge... phir baad mein bache. Humara family planning chalu hai... par inhe kyun samjhaye?!"

Naina suddenly thought, what if Sameer didn't want them to be together as he didn't want them to start a family as of now. They were both studying and neither would want a child in the picture at the moment. That could be it, right? The reason that he was staying away though he seemed to enjoy her company and they were getting along quite well. She blurted "Toh kya aap bhi alag alag kamro mein rehte ho??"

Poonam looked at her in shock "Kya matlab? Aap bhi??" Naina tried to cover up looking mortified "Nahi nahi... aap bhi nahi... aap abhi... aapne kaha na family planning ke liye..." Poonam dismissed the idea "Aare nahi... alag kamre mein rehne hi kya jarurat hai?" She looked around to ensure they were alone and then spoke in a lower voice "Woh toh tumare Bhaiya condoms use karte hai." Naina's brow wrinkled in confusion "Condom? Woh kya hota hai?" It was Poonam's turn to colour now as she tried to think of how to explain.

As she transferred the lemon wedges to a bowl for serving, she suddenly looking very pleased with herself at having come up with an answer said "Condom na unki talwar ke liye mayaan jaisa hota hain. Aur jab tak talwar mayaan mein hoti hai, tab tak koi usse chahe jitna bhi use karle, kahi bhi jhande nahi gaad sakta!" This of course did not make any sense at all to Naina, but before she could ask anything else Mamiji arrived and urged the girls to rush and start serving the food.

Dinner was a scrumptious and leisurely affair. Most of the younger men were huddled towards one end of the room and rowdy laughter kept erupting from that direction every now and then. Poonam explained that one of Devang's friend had got married just a month back and was probably the target of all the teasing. The younger women now started teasing his wife who was sitting with them. Lot of nudges and knowing smiles were exchanged.

To Naina's chagrin, Poonam pointed out that though her Devrani had been married for almost six months, the Bidai had happened less than two months back. Some of the teasing was now directed at Naina too. One of the girls remarked "Lagta hai, tumhara pati ekdum satisfied hai... tabhi aaj diamond ring bhi mili hai... zara tips share karo..." Everyone else giggled good naturedly, while Naina coloured thinking of their separate rooms.

Post dinner there was a bit of chit-chat for a while, but then the guests slowly started taking leave. Plans were made to catch up with Kamlesh mama's family over Diwali and the youngest Mr and Mrs Maheshwari bid everyone a goodbye too.

The statement about sword being harmless while being in a scabbard made sense, but... As they drove Naina wondered a bit about this mayaan-aur-talwar and it's relevance in a married couple's life. She couldn't recall seeing one in his room. Pooja didi had never mentioned any talwars... but then she had never mentioned anything about family planning either. She had revealed to the family about her pregnancy about four months after her wedding and everyone had acted like it was the most expected and normal thing at that point in time.

But then, it had always been quite evident that Varun jijaji had never been able to stay away from her. Preeti had chanced upon them hugging a couple of times in the early days of their marriage and had claimed that she was fairly sure that they had been kissing as well. Both the younger sisters had looked at each other and blushed wondering what it would be like to be hugged and kissed by their husband.

Sameer wondered why she was so quite since they left his Mamaji's house. The roads were fairly empty compared to earlier and they would reach home much sooner now. She had genuinely seemed to like the ring, so why had she gone on so silent now?

He prompted "Naina, kya hua? Itni shant kyun ho??" Suddenly thinking of something he added "Kakiji me kuch kaha kya tumhe? Dekho unki baaton ka bilkul bura mat manna.... Thodi bolne mein tez hai... par humare ghar ki baadi hai..." Naina brushed it away "Nahi nahi... Kakiji se toh bahoot achi baate huyi meri... Mummyji ke baare pe poonch rahi thi." He smiled feeling a little relieved and wondered then what was the matter.

She asked abruptly "Aap ke pass koi talwar hai kya?" He looked more than a little surprised "Talwar?! Nahi toh... Par woh kiss liye chahiye tumhe??" She now stuttered feeling foolish for asking this question "Mujhe... kyun chahiye hogi bhala..." He asked confused "Toh pooncha hi kyun??" She mumbled "Woh toh bus Poonam Bhabhi kuch Devang Bhaiya ke talwar ke baare mein keh rahi thi... toh mujhe khayal aaya ke maine toh kabhi nahi dekhi aap ke kamre mein..."

He pondered over this for a bit and then said "Aare, maine dekha hai... jab dulha ghodi chad ke shaadi ke liye jata hai toh uske kamar pe bandhi hoti hai bahoot baar." As she nodded in agreement too, he said sounding a little low "Main kaha aise dulha ban ke aaya tha, jo mujhe koi talwar deta..."

Naina thought, she had never dwelled too much on the idea of her wedding, as it was a topic broiled in lot of taunts and bickering between her father and Taiji for as long as she could remember. She had not dreamed too much about the day itself but had hoped for a kind family and a comfortable home. Her Sasural was beyond her expectations in terms of affluence and both the Maheshwari men were true gentlemen. But maybe he had dreamt of his wedding day...

She asked softly "Aap ke bahoot armaan thay kya, shaadi kaise hogi... iss baare mein?" He seemed a little taken aback "Nahi toh... maine toh kabhi shaadi ke baare mein socha bhi nahi tha... mujhe yeh sab rishton ka kuch samajh nahi aaya kabhi. Log bolte kuch hai, aur karte kuch hai... Maa-baap tak bachon ko chod dete hai, toh phir pati-patni toh waise bhi strangers hi hote hai, right?"

She contemplated on his words for a bit and said "Strangers toh sirf shuru-shuru mein hote hai... jab sari umar sath nikal jaye toh phir toh nahi rehte. Maine dekha hai mere Chacha-Chachi ko sath... bahoot understanding hai unn dono mein." She had wanted to mention the love that she had witnessed too but couldn't bring herself to mention that word in front of him. She continued "Nanaji bhi toh Naniji ko kitna yaad karte hai. Saaf pata chalta hai ke bahoot apnapan raha hoga dono mein." He just hummed, as they reached home.

As they entered the house, Nanaji who was sitting in the informal sitting area, turned down the volume of the radio and looked up at them expectantly "Kaisi rahi pooja?" Naina bent forward to touch his feet, saying "Bahoot achi rahi Nanaji. Kakiji aur baaki sab log aap ko bahoot yaad kar rahe thay. Keh rahe thay ke Diwali mein aayenge milne." Nanaji blessed her "Sada suhagan raho and bahoot khush raho beta." He then added "Aare, aaj uppar terrace pe gaya tha, tab tumhare diye dekhe. Bahoot pyare bana rahi ho!"

She smiled happily and started towards her room but turned back and held her hand out in front of him "Nanaji, yeh ring aaj inhone di, vrat kholne ke baad." Nanaji smiled broadly "Aare wah, bahoot pyari hai!" Turning to Sameer he remarked approving "Toh yeh li tumne... good... good..." Sameer admitted to her "Actually, Nanu ne hi mujhe bola tha ke kuch gift kharid lu tumhe dene le liye." She nodded, thinking that made sense, but then asked looking confused "Par aapko ring ka size kaise pata chala?" He smiled sheepishly "Woh, maine Preeti ko phone karke poocha tha." She smiled and mumbling thanks headed to her room.

Sameer had a quick chat with Nanaji about some business-related matters and then headed to her room to close the window. She was standing by the table removing her bangles. As he walked to the window, an incident from earlier in the evening came to his mind.

While eating dinner, as the younger men were teasing Devang's friend about his new nuptials, the young man in question had complained trying to divert their attention "Yaar, shaadi se pehele kahi bhi jaane ke liye main dus minute mein taiyar ho jata tha, ab toh taiyar hoke kitna time wait karna padta hai! Aaj hi dekh lo, main toh taiyar ho gaya tha par usske baad ek ghanta baitha tha ke yeh kab taiyar hoti hai..." Another friend with a tharki style of humour winked at him and said "Bhai, iss baat ko aise socha kar... jitna time biwi gift wrapping mein lagati hai, utna hi maza humme baad mein, unwrapping mein aata hai!" There had been round of laughter and some back slapping from the other men. Though a couple of them objected "Yaar, iske muh se toh bus aisa hi kuch bhi nikalta hai..." It was evident that they all agreed with his philosophy.

Sameer closed the window with much more force than required. She looked up a little startled "Kya hua?! Khidki itne zor se kyun band ki??" He muttered "Bus ho gayi..." He stood looking at her uncertainly, thinking about another first being wasted... here she was in front of him, all dolled up for their first Karwa Chauth... and he couldn't even remove her bangles or gajras.

His eyes drifted to her finger sporting his ring now. When Nanu had suggested that he pick up some jewellery for her as he would have to gift her something, he had recalled the earlier remark from Pandit about the step between dating and marriage. They had missed that too and so he had decided to buy her a ring.

Suddenly feeling too angry at himself for this situation, he mumbled a goodnight and started towards the door. Naina had been struggling to remove the choker for a bit and called out to him "Sunniye, please jaane se pehele yeh haar nikalne mein help kar dijiye. Maine sham ko shayad hook jyada press kar diya, iss darr mein ke kahi gir-vir na jaye... par ab mujhe khul hi nahi raha hai!"

He stopped, gulped nervously and then turned towards her thinking, Yaar isske Bhagwanji toh such mooch dil ki baat sunn lete hai!

Sameer stood behind her wordlessly for a few moments, his eyes caressing her. Then taking a deep breath, he adjusted her plait even more though it was already out of the way. Naina flushed thinking that every goose bump that she could feel on herself must be visible to him too.

He tried to open the clasp with his fingers, but it was too tight. For a moment he wondered if he should look for a pincher of some sort, but then blushing a fair bit made up his mind. He whispered "Yeh toh dantton se hi kholna padega." As Naina stilled, he leaned forward without waiting for her permission. She trembled feeling his breath on the back of her neck. And then, as if that wasn't torturous enough, his lips brushed against her nape as his teeth tried to pry open the hook. Naina swayed slightly before she clasped the back of the chair in front of her. She bit on her lip to stop the moan trying to escape from her insides, as his teeth took their own sweet time fiddling with the hook and his grip on her shoulder tightened.

A minute later the stubborn clasp gave way and he unhooked the choker. And yet he stood close, his eyes still adoring her and his nostrils inhaling the fragrance of the chameli flowers in her gajras. He found the closeness both calming and arousing at the same time. It was soothing his soul but setting his body on fire.

Naina coming to her senses as he whispered "Khul gaya..." moved away still shivering a little and headed to the closet mumbling something about locking away the jewellery. Sameer continued looking at her for a bit thinking, Haye... aaj toh yeh khud hi kissi talwar se kum nahi lag rahi hai. Agar pehele se ghayal na hota, toh aaj pakka ghayal ho jata! She was thinking, Patta nahi yeh vrat ka asar hai ya innka... par aisa lag raha hai ke chakkar aake gir hi jaayungi!

He very reluctantly said goodnight and dragged himself away, only too aware that Nanaji was still sitting outside listening to the news on the radio.

An hour later, both were still tossing and turning in their respective beds. Sameer was realising what the words Bekarari and Besabri really meant. He could almost still feel her on his lips. He hoped he hadn't taken it too far and made her uncomfortable. Though she had turned quite pink, it hadn't seemed like she been annoyed at him for taking that liberty. Then he thought, Aur khafa kyun hogi? Biwi hai meri... haq hai mujhe usse pyar karne ka... chune ka... He couldn't shake off the images his mind had conjured after catching a glimpse of her red bra strap peeking from under her red blouse. Naina was still revelling in the sensations that the first touch of his lips on her neck had awoken in her. Seemed like the butterflies in her tummy were here to stay for a long long time.

Also, the earlier conversation with Poonam Bhabhi still played on her mind too. This concept of dhal-talwar... no, not dhal-talwar... it was mayaan-mein-talwar... well, whatever... it was rather confusing.

About year and half back, Swati had sneaked her a Regency Romance from Mills and Boons, promising her that it provided all the insider information. From what she could recall, the Duke-of-Somewhere had caught his sister in a very compromising situation with the visiting Earl-of-Somewhere. The situation had been that, the couple had been kissing passionately in the garden at midnight. The kiss had been described as something like, a few button of her bodice popped and the tender skin of her shoulders and neck was soon covered with little bites proclaiming her as his, and then his teeth nibbled on pink heavenly softness of her lips while his tongue plundered the nectar of her sweet innocent mouth and her bosom heaved in submission. There had also been some mention of his hand clasping her tiny waist and pulling her roughly against him.

The Duke had instantly drawn his sword and challenged the Earl to a duel. The Earl had of course immediately assured him of his ardent love for the heroine and offered to marry her as soon as a cleric could be obtained and promised that any children resulting from their union would inherit his Earldom.

This information had further cemented her understanding that a hug and kiss on the lips which might also involve some tongue was the epitome of intimacy between a man and woman. Though she had wondered briefly back then, if this biting was commonplace between lovers or just a childhood habit that this particular Earl had not grown out of. She now wondered, was this thing that Poonam Bhabhi had mentioned, something to cover the tongue while kissing??

As she finally slipped into oblivion for the night, her thoughts were refocussed on the joy of his ring on her finger and how he had looked through the sieve. Mera personal chand...