The dance floor gradually began to fill with more couples, but two souls were still cherishing the tranquil ambience draping them. Their bodies moved in their own accord like they were cast in some kind of a spell. To everyone witnessing them, they had set high couple goals effortlessly. The photographers not wanting to miss the opportunity captured them from every angle possible. They were already being in talks ever since they had entered the hall and this dance had added more to the buzz.

They didn't know how long they had danced, but their eyes didn't break the contact until they heard a loud thunder of claps and hooting. That brought them back to reality. Sameer immediately backed off keeping distance between them while Naina's cheeks flushed from being the centre of attention. Both of them looked anywhere but each other and just passed a smile towards the guests who looked them in adoration.

Even Kabir was confused by their actions. From what he had discerned from Sameer's words, they surely weren't in love. So what was it? He was even more curious to know about the entire thing and decided to meet him the next day.

They both made their way towards the table where Kabir and Anika were sitting, waiting for them to come since the buffet was now open for the dinner. As soon s they came near the table, Anika remarked, "Aa gaye aap dono. Kitne pyaare lagte hain aap dono sach mein. Nazar na lage kisi ki bhi."
They both just managed to pass a smile along with mumbling soft 'thankyous' to them.

Naina had gelled up pretty well with Anika. When they had left their husbands' side earlier to take a stroll around, Anika had begun the conversation by commenting on husbands forgetting their wives in front of their best friends to which Naina had giggled. She had made her meet a few ladies in her knowing who had wholeheartedly welcomed Naina's presence.

The two had then gone towards the starters' section to explore the various elegant dishes. From soups and salads to Masala Tikkis and Kebabs, from dainty finger foods to crunchy croquettes, the mouth-watering platters had grabbed everyone's attention. Many were new to Naina but Anika was there with her to recommend the best ones. They had shared their likes and dislikes which assisted in rapport formation between them. Both were savouring some crispy Paneer Cheese balls when Mr Mathur had asked for everyone's attention.

All four of them made their way towards the buffet. Anika was chatting with Naina, "Mujhe toh inn badi badi parties mein bilkul mazaa nahi aata. Sab dikhawa hi karte rehte hain. You just cannot be yourself."

Belonging to a Bengali middle-class family, she was a physician by profession and believed in simple living. Naina was satisfied to have found a good company, "Fir toh aapke aur mere khayalat bilkul ek jaise hain."

"Please mujhe 'aap' kehke mat bulaiye, its too formal. Aur humare husbands friends hain toh hum bhi huye na?" Saying this she flicked her brows. Naina passed a smile and nodded.

Kabir who was walking behind them commented, "Haan haan, ab mujhe toh bhul hi jaaogi na tum." Both the ladies giggled looking at each other. The three of them moved forward with Sameer trailing behind them. He was busy checking a file in his phone when a girl about the same age as Naina appeared out of nowhere and stood in front of him, breaking his trance. She was dressed in an emerald green evening gown with her hair styled perfectly in a high bun.

"Hi, Sameer!" Her enthusiasm was evident in her shrill voice. "Uh...Hi Mia." Sameer said in a plain voice, not wanting to show any sort of interest. The party was going on a fine note for him and the last thing he wanted was to come across the only person who was standing right in front of him.

Noticing that Sameer wasn't with them, Naina turned around and found Sameer standing with a girl. She couldn't recognise who it was as her back was facing towards Naina. Kabir came towards her and following her line of vision, said, "Oh god. Gaya yeh toh kaam se."

Her eyebrows furrowed trying to understand what he meant, "Koun hai woh?" Kabir answered in a surprising tone, "Aapko nahi pata koun hai woh. Bataya nahi aapko Sameer ne? Woh Mia hai. Mr and Mrs Mathur ki beti. Bechare ke peeche paid hui hai."

She found her name familiar and her eyebrows relaxed as she realised it was the same girl Mrs Mathur had mentioned about when she had come that day with the invitation.

"Ohh...N-nahi nahi...bataya tha Sameer ne...bas dekha nahi na kabhi toh yaad nahi raha." She said a bit hesistantly under his intent gaze. He bent a bit towards her and mumbled, "Mujhe toh yeh bilkul pasand nahi hai. Aap hi bacha sakti ho Sameer ko uske prakop se. Jaldi jaao."

Standing a bit far from them, she watched Mia talking animatedly to Sameer while he just stood there, replying to her using only monosyllables. His expressions implied his lack of interest. It was his helplessness to stand and listen to her meaningless utterances, otherwise Mrs Mathur won't leave a second to make a fuss. She could never bear her daughter getting insulted in any form.

Feeling the need to do something, Naina tried to think since Kabir and Anika were momentarily watching between her and Sameer. 'Kuchh toh karna padega warna yeh kuchh galat hi samajh lenge.' And then, an idea passed through her mind though it was going to be a huge step. Gathering all of her courage she stepped in their direction.

Mia was busy telling Sameer that she was the one who had insisted her parents to go for the blue-white theme. He was having a hard time pretending to take an interest when a pair of hands looped around his arm making his gaze turn instantly. He was amazed to see Naina standing there putting a smile on her face, but didn't let it evident on his face and passed a smile too. Mia's mood took a three-sixty degree turn on seeing Naina.

If it was to be in her hands, she would have hugged Sameer out of excitement but composed herself realizing that he was a married man now. She had felt something burning inside her when she had seen them both on the dance floor as her only serious crush had gotten married. Her mother was beside her the whole time, inducing more envy as she said how good it would have been if only Mia was in the place of Naina. Now, as she was face to face with her, jealousy was the only thing she could feel and it was a natural response. You can't expect someone to be cool on meeting their crush's partner.

She thought as she glimpsed Naina, 'Aisa kya khaas hai isme jo Sameer ne mujhe chhodke isey choose kiya? Mom was right. She doesn't even deserve to stand beside him. Kaha woh aur kaha yeh.' It was just a harmless crush but her mother had overstated it due to which she couldn't understand her own feelings about him. Since her childhood days, she had been living on the principle of 'getting everything by hook aur crook' which her mother had taught her, the main reason why she was feeling so upset on losing Sameer.

A restrained smile formed on her face as she turned towards Naina, "Hey...Nice to meet you. Naina right?" Saying that she forwarded her hand.

Naina accepted and shook hands with her, "Ji...Nice meeting you too." It wasn't hard for her to recognize the look of aversion behind her smile.

Earlier too, when she was with Anika, some ladies were muttering behind her back making comments like,

"Kuchh dikhti bhi hai yeh..."

"Maheshwari ji ke pote ne yeh ladki pasand kari apne liye?"

"Saree toh dekho, pakka kisi street market se li hogi..."

"Aisi ladkiyo ko khub dekha hai maine. Paiso ke liye phasa liya hoga, aur kya..."

The last comment had pierced through her heart making her vision blur due to the dampness in them. Anika had noticed it and as if to console her, kept a hand on her shoulder and shook her head cajoling Naina not to listen to them. It took her an ounce of strength to bring back herself to normal.

Mrs. Mathur had been watching her daughter happily chattering with Sameer from a faraway distance. Although the fact that Sameer had chosen another girl didn't settle well with her, her heart was nevertheless satisfied seeing her daughter being happy until she spotted Naina, making her expressions sour.

Sameer placed his free hand on Naina's shivering ones and said, "Naina, this is Mia. Mia Mathur. Mr and Mrs Mathur ki beti."

"I know." She said with a smile on her face. Though she was smiling outside, her insides were shaking with trepidation only she could feel, but she didn't have any other choice.

Not willing to take the conversation further, Mia said, "Uhh...I would have to go now. Excuse me. Enjoy the party." Taking their leave, she went straight to her mother's side who was having a drink at the bar.

As soon as she left, they both departed from each other and made their way towards the buffet without saying a word.

On the other hand, Mrs Mathur saw the whole scene. She was furious to see how Mia's mood had turned unhappy when Naina had cut through her conversation. And now Mia's cry baby face was making her much angrier, "Mom, aapko pata hai Sameer ne aaj mujhse theek se baat tak nahi kari. Aur jaise hi woh ladki aayi, uska saara dhyan usi ki taraf chala gaya. Huh...dekha bhi hai aapne uss ladki ko, na koi class hai aur na hi koi standard."

Mrs Mathur consoled her daughter, "Beta, why are you being so upset? Sameer jaise hazaaron ladke mil jayenge tumhe." An evil smirk formed on her face, "Aur jahan tak uss ladki ki baat hai, woh main dekh lungi. Aise kaise usne meri beti ka dil dukhaya...hmm?" She cheered her up asking her to go and enjoy with her friends.

******

The dinner went fair with all four of them sitting together, talking about things from here and there. The party was nearing to its end. Few of the guests had already left. Kabir and Sameer were busy talking to one of the latter's shareholders whereas their wives were waiting for their conversation to get over so that they could leave. A bit later, Anika got up muttering about their husbands wasting unnecessary time and asked Naina if she would accompany her to the restroom to which she politely refused.

Getting bored sitting alone, she too got up to have some water. She was on her way when someone collided with her, a bit harshly. Feeling something cold and sticky on her belly, she looked down. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw her front drenched fully with a liquid. She instantly lifted her gaze only to find Mrs Mathur smirking for a second and the next moment, immediately turning her expressions to that of being sorry, "Oh my god, I am so sorry...Pata nahi mera dhyan kahan tha."

The fabric of her saree had become sheer making it to stick on her skin due to which her blouse was now visible. She felt exposed in front of so many people. The burning gazes of others felt like they were making holes to her body, making her froze. Not able to think what to do, she just stood there clenching her fists tightly, controlling her emotions which were at the brink to spill out in the form of tears.

Satisfied with her gloomy face, Mrs Mathur commented in a raised voice, "Oh come on, it's okay Naina...waise bhi tumhare paas toh isse 'mehengi' aur 'achhi' sarees hongi, hai na. Maheshwaris ki family mein gayi ho tum, iss baat ki kya tension hogi tumhe." Saying so she sneered. Lowering her volume so that only Naina could hear her, she said, "Aakhir... Isiliye toh Sameer se shaadi kari hai tumne. Right?"

Naina gasped.

At that moment, she just wanted the ground to swallow her when she comprehended the meaning of her venomous words. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes when felt something warm being draped over her. Sameer who was busy with the shareholders had observed the whole scene. He had been trying to find her when he didn't see her on the place she was sitting earlier. It was then had he spotted her with Mrs Mathur sensing something wrong. The choice of Mrs Mathur's words had made him furious. Pulling off his blazer, he had rushed towards Naina and covered her exposed front. Keeping an arm around her shoulder, he turned furiously towards Mrs Mathur making her gulp with fear.

"Chalo mere saath." He mumbled softly looking down at Naina. He wasn't expecting any words seeing the condition she was in, so he just held her and made his way outside. Mr Mathur tried to stop him but Sameer just showed him his palm without stopping. Kabir and Anika too rushed outside following them, concern written on their faces.

Sameer ordered the vallet to bring their car who immediately hurried to the parking lot. Within a few minutes, their car was standing in front of the entrance. Anika helped her to sit inside while Sameer went towards the driver's seat. She tried to console her, "It will be fine Naina. Don't worry."
Naina didn't say anything. She was still in a daze.
He noticed this as he ignited the engine and finally left from the place.

The whole car ride went awfully quiet. Naina just sat like a statue, her eyes fixed on nothing in particular. She didn't know whether it was the confined space of the car or her choked up emotions, but she was feeling suffocated. Her throat was parched. Mrs Mathur's words were constantly nagging her ears along with those nasty remarks of the ladies in the party. She had been told about her vile personality and that is why before coming to the party, she had made up her mind to not let anything go wrong from her side. Yet something had gone wrong, unintentionally. She felt humiliated. She felt helpless. She wanted to rewind that moment so that nothing would have happened.

She glanced sideways towards Sameer who sat with a rigid face. He hadn't uttered a single word to her. Was he angry? On her? His words from two nights ago were still afresh in her mind.

'Yeh jo kuchh bhi ho raha hai na, uski zimmedar tum hi ho'

'Jabse tum aayi ho kuchh na kuchh gadbad ho rahi hai'

Why did Mrs Mathur do that to her? Why does it happen all the time with her? What did she do deserve all this? Overburdened by her emotions, she closed her eyes in despair.

The car finally entered through the gates of the Maheshwari Mansion. Sameer slowed it down and parked it. After turning off the engine, he relaxed back in his seat and rubbed his hand on his face feeling wearied. And why not? So much had already happened in the day. He turned towards her and opened his mouth to say something but couldn't as she instantly stepped out as if she was counting on it. Unlocking the main door, she went inside. Sameer too rushed behind her.

Clutching his blazer in a tight grip, she hastily climbed up the steps followed by him. "Naina" he called out her name but she dodged it off. He saw her abruptly trying to open the door of her room but the lock didn't budge. As he went near her, he saw her shivering hands, which were unable to clutch the handle. The very same hands which he had held a couple of hours ago. He had almost forwarded his hands to help but just then the door unlocked. Without taking a look over him, she rushed inside and shut the door with a speed of lightning making him startled. He stood there for a minute or two contemplating to check on her. Seeing her so disturbed, he decided to give her some space.

Inside the room, Naina walked in the bathroom leaving his blazer on her bed and took a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. The vulnerability in her eyes was mocking her. She couldn't deal with so much embarrassment. She was breathing heavily. And with that, the dam finally broke. The tears she was holding escaped out betraying her resolve. Stripping out of her clothes, she stood below the shower and rotated the knob. The cold water drizzled out intermixing with her hot salty tears taking them with it as if erasing the traces of her weak self. She didn't come out until she steadied herself. After changing into comfortable clothes, she went to bed expecting for the sleep to come soon.

The Sunday morning came with an uninvited silence. Naina had still not come out of her room. Sameer was getting ready to go to meet Kabir as been decided the previous night. He was observing Naina's behaviour. Ramdhari too had told him that she had come downstairs only to take her breakfast  in her room only. He found her reaction a bit odd. Why was she being affected by it so much? Was she so sensitive? He kept aside his thoughts to ponder over them later and proceeded outside to go.

******

"Mujhe toh samajh hi nahi aa raha kaise react karun. Itna sab kuchh ho gaya?!" Kabir said with an expression of amazement on his face.

Sameer just looked down and nodded. Currently, they were sitting in a posh rooftop cafe and Sameer had just finished telling him all that happened from the beginning.

"Toh ab fir...aage ka kya soch hai?" Kabir asked after a pause.

Sameer answered in a low voice, "Pata nahi. Kuchh samajh nahi aa raha hai. Itna sab kuchh ho gaya hai. Do mahine ho chuke hain, par main uss change ko abhi tak accept hi nahi kar paa raha hu...You know main shaadi karna hi nahi chahta tha. Shaadi kya main kisi bhi type ki koi commitment hi nahi chahta tha." He ran a hand through his hair and closed his eyes in frustration.

Kabir began, "I can understand Bhai. I know bohot kuchh ho gaya hai. Hum mein se kisi ne Nanaji ka jana expect nahi kiya tha. But yaar, this is how life works. It throws the unexpected at you. Humein changes accept toh karne hi padenge. Main samajhta hun ki tujhpe kitna pressure badd gaya hai. Munna-Pandit bhi nahi hai aur fir yeh Shaadi. But tu isko avoid toh nahi kar sakta na. And that too jab tum dono ne itna sara raitaa faila diya hai bahar. Tumhare paas chahke bhi koi aur choice nahi hai."

Sameer said pinching the bridge of his nose, "I know. Jaanta hu ki main isko ignore nahi kar sakta. Par main kya karun? Hum dono hi ek dusre ko nahi jaante. Sirf office mein thodi bohot baat hui hogi woh bhi kaam se related. Aise kaise main uspe trust karu?"

Kabir said, "Dekh agar Nanaji ne sirf Naina ko chuna toh kuchh soch ke hi chuna hoga. Par hum kuchh nahi keh sakte. Maine aise bohot cases dekhe hain. Aajkal kisi pe bhi trust nahi kar sakte. We cannot judge a book by its cover. But main sirf ek possibility bata raha hun. Nanaji ne humse zyada duniya dekhi thi. Woh humse better logo ko parakh sakte thi. Isiliye tum dono kuchh baatein karna shuru karo. Ek dusre ko jaanna shuru karo."

Sameer went in deep thought. His friend was right. He cannot run from this reality anymore. Not after last night. He cannot just let it go as if nothing had happened.

"Mujhe koi problem nahi hai. Par woh bohot alag hai. Itna reserved rehti hai. 1-2 baar baat hui hai humari, humesha maine hi bola hai, woh bas chup chap sunn leti hai aur thoda bohot hi bolti hai." Sameer put forward his view.

"Yeh toh maine bhi notice kiya tha ki woh kafi reserved type ki hai. Sabka apna nature hota hai Sameer. Kuchh shuru se aise hote hain, kuchh ko haalaat aisa bana dete hain. Woh chup hai iska matlab yeh nahi hai ki she would be okay with all this." He continued after a pause, "Waise kaisi hai woh ab? Anika mujhe bata rahi thi kaise kuchh ladies uske baare mein ulta-seedha bol rahi thi woh bhi usey sunane ke liye." Kabir told him about those comments.

On getting this new information, it got clear to Sameer why she was so upset. He had blamed her for all this in the heat of the moment that night when it wasn't entirely her fault. Last night had been a new experience to her, new place, new people, yet she had put all her efforts to assimilate. But the question was, Can he trust her? Till now, he hadn't found anything wrong or suspicious, but that didn't mean he could trust her in one go. However, his intuition was telling him the opposite.

"Woh kal se room se baahar tak nahi nikli hai. Ramdhari bata raha tha kafi upset thi subah aur breakfast bhi room mein hi kiya. Main aaj baat karke dekhta hu usse." Sameer said slowly.

Kabir smiled, "Achha hai chalo. Maine apne 6 mahine ke experience mein itna toh seekh hi liya hai ki communication is very important. Mujhe aur Anika ko bhi bohot problem hui thi shuru mein. Fir meri mom ne hi hume samjhaya tha. Aur ab dekh."

Sameer smiled seeing his friend as a tinge of red crept on his face. What was his and Naina's future? Will they too become like that? What! Sameer aage ka baad mein sochio. Abhi baat karle woh hi kafi hai.

They discussed and talked about it for a while when Kabir said in a hushed voice, "Tu kahe toh main apne private investigators se baat karke uske baare mein info nikalwa sakta hun."

Sameer took a sip of his much favourite Café au Lait debating over his offer. Though it would be only beneficial to him, he said, "Nahi. Abhi nahi. Abhi waise hi kafi kuchh ho gaya hai inn 2- 3 dino mein."

Kabit nodded in understanding, "Okay. But if needed in future, I'll always be there."

Sameer had always been the one to have his priorities set. He barely needed anyone's advice as far as his personal life was concerned. In the professional front too, it wasn't always Nanu to guide him, he had himself excelled in his field. For the first time, he was confused and caught up in a situation he didn't know how to deal with and for that his friends were there for him, to help him, to counsel him.

This is why Munna-Pandit agreed on Kabir's words while they were having their weekly video chat. After knowing how Mrs Mathur and other ladies had ridiculed her, they felt a bit bad for her. They still hadn't accepted her as their Bhabhi but when they got to know that she was ready to comply with Sameer's plan, they just wondered what made her do so.

******

The dusk had passed by welcoming the dark night sky full of stars as if someone had sprinkled some glitter on it. Naina was feeling a bit better than the previous day. After dinner, not feeling sleepy, she went to the balcony. She had hardly eaten a few morsels but that didn't matter. Even if she was drowned in her own grief, it didn't mean that she wasn't observing him. He hadn't enunciated a single word since yesterday. She didn't know what he must be feeling after yesterday. 

It would not be wrong to say that she hadn't feel anything when they were on the stage. Thinking about it a warm feeling took over her heart. She had never felt that way before and at that point, she had thought that may be the evening won't be as bad as she was thinking it to be. But her little bubble of hope had burst as the night had ended on an unfortunate note. And now, there wasn't any space left for hopes and expectations in her heart, not when she decided to be unfazed by them.

Sameer got free from his chores at the dinner time. He went downstairs to the dining, checking on the food. His eyebrows furrowed. It looked as if it hasn't even been touched. He decided to talk to her but not before having his food.

Keeping his plates in the sink, he washed his hands and ascended the stairs, going straight to her room. The door was slightly open allowing him to peek inside. Much to his confusion, he found it empty. Just then his gaze fell on the balcony door which was open.

Entering the balcony, he spotted her sitting in one of the wooden based sofa chairs, a light shawl wrapped around her shielding her from the crisp soft breeze. She had folded her knees up, her arms encircling them. Positioning her face on them, she was immersed in a world of her own.

He stepped forward making her aware of his presence but that didn't change her stance. Without making any noise, he settled himself on the settee at the right angle to her chair.

He noticed her carefully, to be specific her eyes, they seemed so distant. The very eyes he had seen from so close. Those bewitching brown eyes held so much depth which could make any person drown in them. Before the line of his thought went too far, he cleared his throat, he said.
"Naina...tum thik ho?"

A few seconds passed. Taking a deep breath, she nodded and bringing her legs down, sat properly adjusting her clothes. The Sindoor and the Mangalsutra again caught his eyes and a strange feeling overtook him. She said she was okay but her face telling a different story.

"Kya kal maine kuchh galat kiya tha? I swear maine puri koshish kari thi ki kuchh galat naa ho. Fir Mrs Mathur ko kounsi baat buri lag gayi?" Looking at him, she said her voice wavering a bit. That's when he noticed the dejection in her eyes. 

He looked down and said, "Tumne kuchh galat nahi kiya. Woh hai hi aisi. Unko apni beti ke alawa koi nahi dikhta. Usey khush dekhne ke liye woh kuchh bhi kar sakti hain, chahe kisi ko dukh hi kyun na pohochana pade."

"Mujhe pata hai Mia aapko pasand karti hai." She said interrupting him quietly and continued, "Kabir ji ne bataya tha kal mujhe."

Sameer mentally joined the dots and his mouth shaped in the form of 'O' as he realised the reason of her unexpected appearance when he was stuck with Mia. She had come as saviour but ended up being the sufferer, for which he felt sorry.

"Sab attraction hai. Main jaanta hun unn dono maa-beti ko. Saari high-class ladies aisi hi hoti hain. Inhe paise ke alawa kuchh nahi dikhta." He said in an irked tone.  She didn't say anything.

They sat in silence for  a few minutes. Sameer again shifted his gaze on her, "Uhh...I am sorry Naina." He saw her looking back at him with uncertainty and continued, "Maine gusse mein bohot kuchh keh diya tha uss din tumhe, jo ki sahi nahi tha. Kal bhi main kuchh nahi keh paya tha. " 

She replied softly, "Aapki koi galti nahi hain. Main samajhti hu. Hum dono hi ek dusre se anjaan hain, ek dusre pe bharosa karna toh bohot dur ki baat hai."

He stared at her in surprise. How did she know exactly what he was thinking?

"Usi baare mein kuchh baat karni thi tumse." He finally came to the point.

"Kya baat karni hai?" She asked.

"See, almost 2 mahine ho chuke hain humari Shaadi ko aur abhi tak hum ek dusre ke baare mein kuchh nahi bata sakte, jaise pasand-napasand, ya baaki kuchh bhi." He took a pause as he saw her watching him with a curious gaze. "My point is, humein ek dusre se thoda communication badana chahiye. I mean 2 mahine hone jaa rahe hain, kab tak hum iss sach se bhaagenge woh bhi tab jab humne khud itne bade jhuth ka sahara liya hua hai. Ab tak hum dono as a boss and employee ki tarah rehte aaye hain, par humesha toh nahi reh sakte na...Jaanta hu maine hi pehle din tumse kaha tha ki jaisa chal raha hai chalne dete hain, but ab mujhe samajh aa gaya hai, aisa humesha nahi chal sakta, not after yesterday."

The last line took her mind back to their stage moment. Was he talking about it? She looked at him in wonder.

He corrected himself when he saw her awkward expressions, "Mera matlab kal party mein jo kuchh bhi hua woh sahi nahi tha, aur usme kisi ki koi galti nahi thi. Agar usey ignore karke dekhe toh tumne notice kiya, kaise sab logo ne humpe vishwas kar liya tha? But agar woh kuchh aisa puch lete jiska humara pas koi jawab hi na hota toh?"

He was right. Their little game would have been over then and there. All the time they were on the dance stage, majority watched them with admiration. They have easily believed their playacting. Was it really playacting? Her heart questioned but she ignored it. With a light nod, she gestured him to go ahead.

"Par agar saath mein milke isey handle karein toh sahi rahega. And uske liye humein ek dusre ke baare mein itna toh pata hona chahiye ki jab koi tumse mere baare mein puchhe ya mujhse tumhare baare mein, toh hum dono ko pata ho. Main aisa bhi nahi kahunga ki humein ekdum se iss rishte ko accept kar lena chahiye, husband aur wife ki tarah. But we could be like partners. Business mein bhi jab do parties ke beech mein deal sign hoti hai tab they work together to accomplish their goal. Hum bhi waise hi kar sakte hain. Bolo."

She pondered over it for a few minutes momentarily taking a glimpse of him who was still waiting for her answer. There was a change in the way he was talking to her. His tone had more of a polite touch to it. His words seemed sensible to her. Though it took him a bit longer to realise that he can't run away from reality, at least he had come to talk about it. And that was enough. There wasn't any harm in knowing basic details about it each other. It was getting way too complicated anyways. On one hand, they were pretending to be a couple in front of the outside world while inside, they were complete strangers. She had already decided to curb her expectations from anything. Going with the flow was much better.

"Aap sahi keh rahe hain. Humein saath milke hi chalna hoga. Hum ekdum se normal behave toh nahi kar sakte, par chhote chhote kadamo se shuruwat kari jaa sakti hai." She responded with a faint smile.

He was feeling relieved by her answer since he was feeling apprehensive about it. Their previous conversations hadn't been as steady as this one, for which he was thankful.

"Thank you for being so considerate." He said returning a tight-lipped smile.

"Jaanta hu yeh sab bohot ajeeb hai. But inn sab situations se deal bhi kiya jaa sakta hai. Bhale hi humari shaadi achanak se hui ho, yeh zaroori toh nahi hai na ki hum ek doosre ke liye sahi ho. I am sure tumhari bhi kuch expectations hongi apne life partner se, kuch qualities hongi jo tum usme dekhna chahti hogi. Right?" His question made her expressions turn grim. How can she answer that? She cannot tell him. Not yet. Noticing her lost somewhere, he called out her name softly. She came out of daze only to meet his questioning gaze. She answered looking down at her fidgeting fingers, "Nahi. Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai." She paused for a sec before continuing, "Aapki bhi toh apni wife se kuch expectations hongi na?" She diverted his attention to avoid any questioning from his side.

He looked away, staring at the trees which now made a rustling sound as wind gushed past through them. "Kabhi iss baare mein socha hi nahi. Main khush tha apni life mein Nanu ke saath aur aise hi rehna chahta tha. Par jab woh hospital mein the tab pata chala ki main ek delusional world mein ji raha tha. Aur dekho, zindagi ne sacchai se saamna karwa diya." He scoffed. "Yeh shaadi, yeh sab rishte... Main inme se kisi mein believe nahi karta isiliye tumse aaj hi sab kuch sort out karna chahta tha main."

She noticed how his tone shifted to that of sorrow as he recalled his days with Nanaji.

"Woh aapse bohor pyaar karte the aur humesha karte rahenge." She said in a smooth tone. He turned his gaze to her side. Their eyes met. Time froze. The only sound echoing was the rustling of leaves. Her hair had been tied loosely making some of the tendrils flow with the gust. Before the moment could grow any more intense, the ping of his phone brought them out of it. She awkwardly put the disturbing strands behind her ear. He took out his phone from his pocket, "Kafi zyada time ho gaya hai. Ab so jaana chahiye."

She just nodded and got up to go but before she could take a step he said, "Toh deal?" Before he knew, he had already forwarded his hand in a professional way taking her off guard. He couldn't even take it back now. He didn't know why he did that. Her gaze moved to and fro between his face and hand. She hesitantly forwarded her hand and joined with his. He further took hers in a firm grip shaking them a little. Her delicate and small hand encased in his tough one. Perfectly fitting.

She withdrew hers first, backing off a little and finally stepped towards her room while he just ran his fingers through his hair and let out a whiff of air.

As she reached the door, she stopped. Both of them turned around the same time. Their eyes met for a few seconds and then, she went inside.

Another of their balcony conversation got over, and this time on a calm note, surprisingly.

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First of all, I want to apologize to you guys for not keeping up my promise of giving regular updates. This is why I have given a long update this time.

Hope you liked it. Looking for your views. One more thing, it would be really appreciable if you give more in-line comments.

What do you think about Samaina's conversation? I was thinking to write more but felt tired already.

Do give your views.

I can't thank you guys enough for being so understanding.

Lots of Love, Sim❣