Dear All,

I want to dedicate this chapter to Randeep Rai as it's his birthday today. He has so beautifully captured the essence of Sameer Maheshwari and turned it into an unforgettable ITV character. In Sameer and Naina, I found my muses and decided to give creative writing a try. I will forever be grateful to the cast and crew of Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai for this gem of a show.

Happy Birthday Randeep!!! Wishing you much joy and success today and always!

And now, here comes the next part :)

About twenty minutes later when Sameer reached the front porch, his wife was busy placing and lighting the diyas on both sides of the stairs leading to the porch. The Chinese lantern inspired Akaash Kandil, that he had hung in the porch the day before was already switched on and casting some red and blue glow. Nanaji was standing in the doorway, watching his bahu light the diyas with his lips curved into a very content smile.

Sameer joined his Nanu and stood admiring her and soaking in the festive atmosphere. A few firecrackers could be heard every now and then. Suddenly Sameer turned to his grandfather and said "Nanu, woh Shuklaji aaj pooch rahe thay ke kitne Patake chahiye. Maine unhe order diya hai, kuch factory ke liye aur kuch ghar ke liye. Kal subhe tak aa jayenge." Nanaji nodded, "Acha kiya beta, iss baar yeh Kalyan jaane ke chakar main baaki bahoot saare kaam reh gaye. Aur such kahu toh aaj kal bhoolne bhi laga hu main..."

Naina called "Nanaji, ek diya Rangoli pe bhi rakha hua acha lagega na?" Nanu nodded "Ha ha... bikul." As she finished with the diyas, her eyes landed on him. The deep purple kurta definitely suited him and highlighted his fair complexion. Seeing her eyes on him, Sameer pointing to himself with his index fingers, raised his eyebrows. She blushing, made the sign of Mast with her right hand.

As Naina headed inside to put the empty diya thaali, Nanaji called to her "Naina, Ramdhari ko zara lounge me bulao, usska Diwali bonus ka lifafa dena hai. Abhi abhi sham ko Farookh ko bhi de diya hai." Naina nodded and then indicated something to Sameer who muttered "Nanu main abhi aaya" and rushed upstairs.

Few minutes later Ramdhari happily touched Nanaji's feet after Nanu handed him the envelope with the bonus and praised his hard work all year through. Ramdhari looking a little shy replied that he was blessed to be working in a household that treated him like a family member.

Sameer handing a plastic bag to Naina said "Tum bhi dedo... akhir hain toh yeh tumhara hi chamcha!" Naina made a slightly pouty face, but then quickly smiling addressed Ramdhari "Bhaiya, yeh na khaas aap ke liye humari taraf se..." He looking a little bewildered murmured "Bhabhi... yeh kiss liye??" Sameer added in a teasing tone "Aare khol ke toh dekho... aur yaad rakhna, yeh sirf tumhari Bhabhi ki taraf se nahi hai! Mera bhi kabhi koi kaam muskurake kar liya karo!"

Ramdhari now excitedly pulled out the contents to reveal a denim jean. He looked at in awe for a bit and then turned to Sameer "Bhaiya, humne toh aapse kaha tha ke aap ki koi purani jeans humme dede... yeh toh ekdum nayi hai!" His bhaiya smiled "Aare, Bhaiduj pe ghar jaoge toh, naye kapde pehene chahiye." As Ramdhari nodded beaming, Sameer added further teasing him "Dekh lena Jeans aur T-shirt me dekh ke, tumhare gaav ki saari goriya ekdum flat ho jayegi!" Seeing the now profusely blushing lad, Naina added "Bhaiya, mujhe toh lagta hai, Kakiji ab jaldi aapke liye koi Ramdulari dhundh hi legi!" Nanaji chuckled softly hearing all this conversation and then asked him "Tumhara train ka ticket ho gaya na?" He confirmed that he was heading to his village for a few days the day after Laxmi Pooja.

Before they got in the car, Naina asked Sameer "Kurta acha laga na aap ko? Mujhe toh aap pe yeh colour bahoot acha lag raha hai!" He replied in a teasing tone, "Hmm... woh kya hai na, mujhpe toh saare rang hi ache lagte hai..." She flashed him a big smile and responded "Issme fayda toh mera hi hai... shopping karte waqt mujhe jyada sochna hi nahi padega..."

Preeti looked at the phone anxiously for the probably hundredth time. She had been out earlier running some errands foe her mother, when Naina had called a couple of times wanting to speak to her. When she returned the call, Ramdhari had informed her that his Bhabhi had stepped out for some time. She wondered what had happened between her sister and Jijaji, post her last conversation with Naina the morning before. Sameer had still been giving her the cold shoulder at that point. She hoped that he would at least keep up the façade of all-is-well, during the visit today.

Her parents were very excited about having the Maheshwaris over for the first meal post the bidai. Bela had already run the menu by Naina to check for Damadji's and his Nanaji's preference. There were a lot of gift-wrapped packages piled on the bed in Preeti's room as well. More than the average number of diyas had been lit in the balcony and the star shaped pink Aakash Kandil in the balcony was emitting a rosy glow.

Pralay called from the balcony "Naina didi ki gaddi aa gayi!" Taiji who was sitting on the swing apparently too tired from the preparations, grumbled "O bai... ab yeh Naina didi ki gaddi kab se ho gayi? Fakhir ke sar par taj!" Bela remarked "Bhabhiji, ab toh, jo uske pati ka, woh uska bhi hua, nahi?" Taiji making a face, started getting her heavy frame of the swing, ready to receive the guests.

Preeti dashed to the balcony, just in time to catch a glimpse of Sameer pulling out some bags from the boot and handing to Naina, as she issued some instructions to him about the other boxes. Nanaji said something to them and both laughed together. Preeti's breathing evened out, Chalo lagta hai, sab theek ho gaya... ya kum se kum Jijaji ki narazgi toh khatam ho hi gayi!

The Maheshwaris were welcomed and for some time everyone seemed to be talking at the same time, asking similar questions regarding everybody's health and general well-being. Within a minute of Naina's arrival, the sister exchanged a couple of looks and Preeti established that all was well indeed. Further discussion would of course have to wait till they were on their own.

The men from both the families settled on the sofas, while the women on the dining table chairs. The men were soon engrossed in discussing the Kalyan trip and the progress regarding the accident claim being filed. Damadji's initiative and hard work with regards to this trip was highly praised, which brought a warm glow to Sameer's face and a look of great pride to his wife's.

Tauji then suggested the names of some highly regarded lawyers specialising in these types of legal matters, while Chachaji started discussing how to maximise the depreciation of such assets and the tax savings associated. Rakesh with not much to offer in this area, issued some instructions to Bela and Preeti to bring out the cold drinks and chips that he had especially picked on his way back today.

The women now started discussing more topics related to the preparations for the Diwali. Tauji almost interrogated Naina, and then at length criticized her choice of grocer from who she had ordered the Poha, the dairy from which she has bought the ghee for the besan ladoos and anything else she could think of. As she shared her own recommendations, Naina mostly focused on her handsome husband, barely listened but at appropriate intervals nodded a "Ji Taiji." After a while their conversation moved on to Pooja's sister-in-laws upcoming engagement, and the new list of demands received from the groom's family.

Sameer feigned interest in the discussion about the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections for a little bit, but finally excused himself muttering something about wanting to spend some time with Taiji and Chachiji. He drew a chair next to his wife and started listening to the conversation on this side of the room with a lot more interest. But the women all grew rather conscious of a guy listening to their conversation, especially one who is the esteemed Damadji and tried to find something of his interest.

Bela enquired about the family in Delhi and their planned next trip. Sameer mentioned that his mother and her family were thinking of visiting Ahmadabad towards the end of the year over the Christmas holidays. This information accelerated Naina's heartbeats, as she started mentally calculating the number of days preceding this event. It would mean, she would have to definitely move upstairs in time for their visit! But realising that the visit still seemed few weeks away, her shoulders slumped a little.

Taiji meanwhile had been eyeing Naina's saree and thinking to herself, O Bai... Itni bhaari saadi! Aur baal bhi itne istylish banwaye hai... Pata nahi khud ko kaha hi maharani samajhne lagi hai... Sasural mein koi kuch bolne wala nahi hai, toh isske toh kuch jyada hi par nikal aaye hai! Bechare Damadji... kitne saadhe kapdon mein aaye hai, bilkul iss awsar ke hisaab se. Kuch seekhe innse! Taiji was about to snap at Naina, when she recalled the last time Sameer had defended her choice of dressing and clearly said that Naina could do as she pleased.

Just then Bela said "Naina, yeh saree bahoot hi sundar hai! Teri Mummuji ko jarur batana ke mujhe bahoot achi lagi." Preeti added in a slightly teasing tone "Aur aaj yeh chamatkar kaise ho gaya?? Tune parlour jaake baal banwaye?! Ekdum mast lag rahi hai..." Bela agreed too "Ha beta, ekdum pyaari lag rahi hai. Bhagwan jhoot na bulwaye, par kahi meri hi nazaar na lag jaaye!" She smeared a bit of her own kajal behind Naina's ear.

Sameer's chest puffed up in pride, hearing all these compliments as a result of his choice and input. He happily remarked "Chachiji, acha hua aap ne hi kaha... warna meri baat toh sunn hi nahi rahi thi... aadha ghanta behes kar rahi thi kal ke sirf ghar ke log hai... kisiki shaadi thodehi hai... itni bhari saree kyun pehenni hai! Aare... kitne bhi log ho... kya farak padta hai... ache kapde toh kabhi bhi pehen sakte hai!" Bela nodded in agreement "Naina, Damadji bilkul sahi keh rahe hai." Further emboldened by this endorsement, he now turned to Preeti "Aur Parlour ka idea bhi mera hi tha!" Naina objected "Kuch bhi... aap ne kab kaha tha? Maine toh khud hi appointment liya tha aaj." He countered "Hello... woh toh maine Karwa Chauth ke din bola tha... issiliye gayi thi tum. Idea toh mera hi tha!"

Naina now trying to prove that she had some good ideas too, turned to her sister "Preeti, tujhe inka kurta kaisa laga?" Preeti happy to see them getting along well again, beamed "Jijaji, aap toh na ekdum jabardast lag rahe ho! Hamesha ki tarah... Aur yeh rang toh aap pe bahoot hi acha lag raha hai!" Naina now adjusting her imaginary collar, declared "Thank you Preeti! Kyun ki yeh mera choice hai. Yeh kurta na, maine inhe gift kiya hai." As Sameer chuckled softly at her antics, Taiji thought, O Bai... acha hi hua maine kuch kaha nahi! Yaha toh bilkul hi ulti Ganga beh rahi hai.

Tauji called from the other end "Aare Bahu, ab khaane ka bhi dekho... ya aaj sirf baaton se hi pet bharne ka irada hai?" All the women rushed inside and set about warming and then serving the food. Bela had made every effort to cook up a feast, with Paneer Makhanwala, Kaju curry, Panchmel Dal and Baadam Kheer. First the men were served, and then the ladies sat down for their meal. Once they cleared away dining table and tidied part of the kitchen, everyone reassembled in the lounge.

Chachiji now arrived with an Aarti thaali and Preeti with an assortment of packages. The Maheshwaris were seated in specific location deemed auspicious and then Taiji proceeded with the Aarti, while Tauji handed the gifts. Nanaji and Damadji received a silver glass and shirt-piece each, while Naina got a Saree and pair of gold earnings. Some packages were handed over for Vishakha and family too.

Nanaji now prompted Naina and Sameer to present the gifts for the Agarwal family. Most of the Agarwal family was very impressed with just the logo on the shopping bags, even before they peeked inside. Naina mentioned that all the shopping had been as per her husband's choice, which obviously resulted in everyone praising the gifts a little extra.

Taiji looked at her beige coloured saree, thinking this was a very unusual colour, very different to all the other colours in her wardrobe. Chachiji couldn't stop gushing over her pale green coloured one and all the embroidery on it. All the men nodded and murmured something about their Kurtas, while Pralay smiled fleetingly at first seeing his t-shirt, but then jumped in excitement when on unfolding it, a Spider-man was revealed printed across the front.

Naina handed a bag to Bela saying "Chachiji, yeh Golu ke liye hai. Sameer kehne lage ke woh ghar mein sabse chota hai... toh uske liye kuch lena hai. Kanha wala set hai... sath mein mor-pankh wali topi bhi hai!" This brought another round of smiles to everyone's faces.

Preeti was over the moon seeing her beautiful dress in a turquoise chiffon, "Jijaji, aap ka choice to ekdum best hai!" As Sameer smiled broadly, she turned to her sister and asked eagerly "Naina, Jijaji ne tujhe kya gift diya hai Diwali ke liye?!" Naina replied with equal enthusiasm "Special Diwali ke liye aaya hua Biscuits ka gift box hai. Aur pura ek bag bhar ke cream biscuits bhi!"

Though this information brought a gleam to Preeti's eyes, the rest of the Agarwals had a slightly confused look on their face. Bela uttered in surprise "Gifat mein Biskut??!" Taiji forgot her earlier resolve to not take Naina to task and exclaimed "O Bai! Naina, kitne biskut khati hai waha jaake? Lagta hai gharwalon ke liye kuch chodti hi nahi hai yeh ladki! Dekh liya Bela, main na kehti thi, ke iss tarah ladkiyon ko har waqt apne mann se khane nahi dena chahiye... Sasural mein jaake bhi waha ke saare dabbe khali kar deti hogi... tabhi bechare Damadji ko usko alag dabba dena pada hoga..."

Naina coloured hearing Taiji's conclusions and started muttering "Nahi... Taiji... aisi baat nahi hai... main itna thodehi khati hu..." Sameer spoke interrupting her "Nahi, iss liye thodi diya hai... aur humare yaha koi kisika khaana nahi ginta. It's just a like a joke-gift between us..." Taiji and rest of the Agarwals were further confused by this never before heard of concept of a joke-gift. Bela uttered "Acha... toh woh nakli gifat tha... toh asali gifat kya hai??"

Naina blinked nervously for a moment or two before she thrust her left hand forward and announced "Yeh hai! Yeh ring inhone abhi pechle hafte hi di hai... Karwa Chauth aur Diwali ka combined gift. Diamond ki hai!" Thinking this made much more sense, all the Agarwals smiled and then nodded in approval, as they admired the ring from closer quarters. Nanaji leaned closer to Sameer and whispered "Maine theek kaha tha na? Tumhara biscuit box kisiko samajh nahi aayega!"

Sameer smiled back at him in acceptance and then said addressing everyone "Actually, woh ring sirf Karwa Chauth ka gift hai... Maine abhi Diwali gift isse diya hi nahi hai. Surprise rakha hai Naina se, socha tha aap sab ke saamne hi dunga."

He then walked over to Naina who stood with a slightly confused expression, especially seeing his empty hands. He then fished out a small blue velvet jewellery pouch from his kurta packet and pulled out a delicate looking Mangalsutra. Naina almost froze, as he took position behind her and started putting it around her neck. He suddenly feeling rather overcome himself, mumbled "Woh... isski shaadi mein... matlab... humari shaadi mein... aisa kuch nahi diya tha na... toh maine socha, ab le aata hu." Naina shivered slightly, as she left his finger brushing against her nape as he hooked the Mangalsutra.

Though Naina did not hear any background score in that moment, every time she recalled that moment in the future, the following words seemed to morph into the memory.

Tadeva Lagnam Sudinam Tadeva, Tara-Balam Chandra-Balam Tadeva।

Vidya-Balam Daiva-Balam Tadeva, Lakshmipateramghri-Yugam Smarami॥

Shubh Mangal Savdhaan III

As others gushed over the gift, Preeti and Nanaji's eyes brimmed with tears of joy, the only people other than the bride and groom, who understood the relevance of that moment.

The next fifteen minutes or so were a bit of a blur as far as Naina was concerned and probably for Sameer too. She touched the black beads very couple of minutes trying to make sure that she hadn't just imagined this event. Sameer went glancing in her direction, feeling in awe that this gorgeous girl was truly his wife.

At some point, when Sameer headed inside to use the washroom, Naina followed muttering something about ensuring he found the hand towel. But she instead headed to her old room, to take in this new sight of herself with the sacred black beads around her neck. On exiting the washroom, Sameer caught a splash of colour in the room across and realising it was his wife, headed there.

As Naina watched the newly married women, the mirror was reflecting, her husband joined her too. He stood behind her, their eyes meeting in the mirror, each trying to read what the other's eyes were reflecting. Both were lost for words for some time, finally Naina spoke "Yeh toh bahoot mehenga hoga na... isski kya jarurat thi... bus chotasa sone ka pendant hota toh bhi chalta..."

He noted, that she had only questioned the need for the diamonds, not the mangalsutra itself, but still replied in a teasing tone "Maine socha, agar tum phir se kisiko apni shaadi ke baare mein batana bhool jao ya sindhoor lagana... toh, kum se kum yeh toh hoga hi gale mein!" She looked a little bashful as she tried to object "Sameer... aisa nahi hai..."

He cut short her explanation "Woh chodo... Pata hai maine try kiya ke kuch aisa lu jo tumhari ring se match kare... exactly waisa toh nahi mila, par yeh kafi similar hai, right?" As he finished, he stepped even closer and holding her by a left shoulder, brought his right hand around to hold the mangalsutra pendant which was resting just about the point where her collarbones met. She trembled, as he lifted the pendant and his fingers lightly brushed against her. He moved even closer, his body once again anticipating her need for support.

As they stood basking in the warmth and wonder of that moment, he was almost hypnotized by the image of them together. Wanting to make that moment even more Mukammal, Sameer slipped his left arm away from her shoulder and around her waist, bringing it forward to softly rest on her belly. His kurta sleeve grazed against her bare waist, and her muscles of her belly quivered in response.

Today she gave in to her need awakened long ago and turned around to burrow her face into his chest. He left the pendant and put his right arm around her too, to complete the embrace. This time he was sure, the heartbeats hammering wildly belonged to him.

When he tightened the embrace reassuringly, she almost whimpered and tightly fisted her one hand around some fabric of his kurta. He leaned forward wanting to bury his face in her tresses, but the elaborately decorated bun posed a challenge. As his mind tried to find a way around this problem, he brushed his one cheek against her head a little awkwardly, but none the less very contentedly.

It must have been a couple of minutes, that the lovebirds were lost in their little paradise, when there was clatter near the door "O Bai! Hey bhagwan... ab toh din-dahade hi... yeh sab!" As Sameer and Naina turned in the direction of the door feeling confused but their hold on each other still very much intact, Taiji stood in the doorway blocking most of it now. She started touching her ears uttering "Shiv shiv... Naina, yahi sab karna hai... toh kum se kum darwaja hi band kar leti!"

Naina now coming to her senses started pulling away, but Sameer replied "Ji Taiji... bhool gaya... abhi band kar leta hu!" Taiji hearing this was rendered speechless and headed outside, fuming to herself, Pata nahi iss ladki ne, aisa kya ghoot ke pilaya hai uss bholuram ko?! Jarur koi jadoo tona kiya hai... warna aise din-dahade kissi bhi jagah kyun apne hosh-o-hawas kho deta hai?? Humne toh kabhi aisa hote nahi dekha!

Naina hearing what he said, looked at him in shock and feeling more than a little embarrassed that her Taiji had found them in this state, mumbled "Humme bahar jaana chahiye... sab log intezaar kar rahi honge... kahi koi aur andar na aa jaye..." He half-heartedly loosened his hold and then followed her out after one quick look at himself in the mirror as he ran a hand through his own hair blushing a little.

Sameer settled on the sofa next to his grandfather and re-joined the conversation, or at least pretended too. Naina tried to converse with Bela and Preeti, all the while refusing to meet Taiji's eyes.

A little later, Nanaji asked Sameer with a slight tremor in his voice "Beta, ab chale?" Sameer picking up on the unease in his voice, enquired "Kya ho gaya Nanu? Aap theek hai?? Aawaj kyun aise ho gayi hai aap ki?" Chachaji seated close by too joined in "Bhaisaheb, aap theek hai? Bela, zara pani lao..." Nanaji sipped a little water and then answered "Pata nahi... undar se zara bechaini ho rahi hai... "

Taiji uttered "O Bai! Bela... mujhe toh lag hi raha tha ke shaam ke khaane mein yeh Panchmel dal bahoot bhari ho jayegi... lagta hai Bhaisaheb ko badhazmi ho gayi hai! Preeti, zara hazmola ki dibbi le aa!" Nanaji murmured "Nahi bhenji... yeh toh kuch aur lag raha hai... shayad mera BP ya Sugar badh gaya hai. Kal bhi kuch theek nahi lag raha tha." Tauji cast an irritated look at his wife and snapped "Beena, tum iss waqt apne tark-vitark nahi hi lagao toh acha hoga!"

Everyone sprung into action creating more chaos than resolving the situation. Bela offered to make some karela juice as she had read something about it in a magazine, Naina asked Sameer if they should ask Ramdhari to bring over Nanu's medicine pouch, Chachaji fetched some pillows to put under his feet.

Tauji finally taking control of the situation asked Rakesh to go fetch Dr Shah living in the next building if he was available. While they waited, Nanaji was moved to a bedroom and made comfortable in the bed.

Dr Shah arrived in a few minutes clad in his pajamas and carrying his leather bag reserved for home visits. A quick check established that Nanaji's BP was on the higher side, but not alarmingly high. After few questions around his general health and medical history, plus his current symptoms, the doctor decided there was a strong indication that his Sugar must be fairly high. Sameer placed a call to their family doctor and Dr Shah after a quick consultation with him, administered a small dose of insulin.

For the next hour or so everyone fretted, till Dr Shah announced that Nanaji seemed to be responding well to the insulin and it would be probably best if he consulted his regular doctor for further treatment.

Some hasty goodbyes were said and the Maheshwaris accompanied by Chachaji headed home where their family doctor was expected. Dr Pradhan, an elderly looking man who was also a good family friend, was already waiting for them with a worried looking Ramdhari, when they reached home.

As he checked Nanaji in the comfort of his own room, he asked a number of questions too, rechecked his BP and the currently prescribed medication. Some blood tests were ordered to be carried out the next morning.

Having established the patient was under no immediate threat, Dr Pradhan now relaxed and slipping into the familiar friendly tone remarked "Yeh kay baat hui Jaiprakash?! Diwali ke pehele hi din tumne toh bachon ko darra diya! Dekho toh kaise chahre utaar gaye hai sab ke..." Looking at Naina, he laughed "Jarur isski meethai ka asaar hoga yeh!" Naina turned paler "Woh... mujhe andaza nahi tha... warna Nanaji ko bikul meetha na khilati!" Dr Pradhan smiled at her comfortingly "Aare beta, tum bilkul mat ghabrao... Main toh saalon se isse instructions de raha hu. Chalo koi baat nahi, thoda uppar neeche toh chalta rehta hai. Bus ab thoda dhyan rakhna."

Dr Pradhan soon bid Nanaji a goodbye with some instructions and headed outside. As he stood with the rest of the family in the porch, he addressed them sounding a little more serious "Sameer, sab theek hai na beta? Mujhe aaj yeh kuch jyada thaka hua laga... factory mein sab theek hai na?" As Sameer nodded a little nervously, Chachaji said "Doctor saheb, abhi peechle hafte hi Bhaisaheb kaam se Kalyan gaye thay... unki lorry ka accident ho gaya tha. Shayad issi baat ko lekar pareshan rahe honge... ya jyada thakan hui ho."

The doctor nodded but said sounding a little unconvinced "Peechle mahine bhi ek baar aaya tha checkup karwane... tab bhi BP high ho gaya tha uska. Kuch tension mein lag raha tha... maine bahoot poocha bhi tha par usne baat taal di." Sameer now looked very uncomfortable and worried "Uncle, kuch khatre ki baat toh nahi hai na?"

Dr Pradhan replied "Dekho beta, hum chahe jitna bhi bhoolna chahe, age is a reality of life. Ab usse thoda aaram karna chahiye. Bata raha tha, tum bhi ab factory ka kaam dekhne lage ho. That's very good! Let him relax a little now." Looking at Naina he smiled slightly "Itne saalon bahoot tension uthaye hai usne... par ab toh bahu bhi aa gayi hai. Dono milke uska khayal rakho ab. Theek hai?"

He then went on to give Naina some instructions about his diet and mentioned that once the blood test reports were in the next day, he would review the medication and adjust as required. After Dr Pradhan left, Chachaji said to Sameer "Beta, chinta mat karo. Dawai aur aaram ka jald asar hoga. Aur tum kaho toh main aaj raat yahi ruk jata hu. Ya toh tum dono aaj neeche guest room mein hi sona, kahi unhe raat mein koi jarurat pade..." Sameer assured him "Nahi Chachaji, rukne ki koi jarurat nahi hai. Main toh Nanu ke kamre mein hi soyunga. Aur kuch bhi laga toh aap ko turant phone kar denge."

Chachaji shared some advice with Naina about ensuring that Nanaji was well looked after and then bid them a goodnight. Sameer asked her to sit with Nanaji while he changed. Ten-fifteen minutes later he was sitting next to Nanu in his bed and gently caressing his head. Nanaji tried to assure him "Main theek hu ab. Insulin ke baad kafi theek laga. Aare jao tum apne kamre mein so jao..." But Sameer did not budge. Naina too quickly changed into her pale pink shalwar kameez and sat with them for a bit offering Nanu water and adjusting his pillows.

Almost an hour later when Nanaji had dozed off,Sameer gestured her to go get some sleep herself. Before she left the room, she whispered to him "Darwaja khula hi rakhna... mein bhi apne kamre ka khula rakhungi... aur raat mein zara bhi Nanaji bechain lage toh mujhe awaaj lagana. Aur aap bhi thoda aaraam kar lijiye." As they murmured good night to each other, both were too focused on Nanaji to even remember what they had hoped the night would bring for them.

(That's it for today. I don't think I will be able to share an update tomorrow, but will definitely share one on Monday. Have a lovely weekend!)