As the morning sun filters through the window of his room, Naman wakes up from his slumber. He opens his eyes, adjusting his vision to the morning sunlight and relaxes on the bed.

A small smile is playing on his lips as he remembers the events of the previous day. Well, no one has ever effected him in a way that Ishika has done. Her child-like demeanor is what has encapsulated him, however, he knows there’s a mature woman underneath. Okay, he enjoys the silly banters with her but right now, something has gotten into him. After that sweet and intimate, yet lingering moment with her, he is drawn toward her. He can’t help but think of her, and of course, her antics.

As he checks his phone, he’s reminded of his plan. Of course, he has made a plan, and this is the high chance for him to know her a little more. He decides to seek Anamika’s permission and take Ishika out for lunch, a precise lunch date? Ah, it’s too early to call it a date. However, the feeling is ticklish and he needs to get to work for that. He’s got a rehearsal to handle. He smiles softly and hops out of the bed. He needs to start preparing for the day.

*****
Ishika is having her coffee, when Anamika stands by her side, glancing at her. Understandings her stern gaze, Ishika turns to her and the latter shows her a medicine strip, seeing which she bites her tongue.

“Ishu, dawai kyun nahi li?” Anamika asks, her tone gentle yet concerned.

“Oops! Main bhul gai, sorry!” Ishika replies, downing her gaze.

“Bas tujhe coffee chahiye hoti hai naa! Ishu, dhyan rakha kar, we cannot take any risks,” Anamika explains, her tone laced with concern for her.

“Sorry na! Abse aisa nahi hoga. Main dhyan rakhungi,” Ishika says, her tone soft, gaze apologetic.

“Aur agar dhyan nahi rakha, toh mujhe strict hona padega,” Anamika warns her, and in the meantime, Vineet interrupts.

“Aur tumhari behen bahut strict hai, Ishu, dhyan rakhna,” He says, his tone playful.

“Tum dono meri sunte nahi ho toh mujhe strict toh hona padega na,” Anamika gazes at Vineet while Ishika giggles.

“Huh, maine kya kia? Ishika ki wajah se tum mujhe bhi dantne lagi ho, ye bilkul sahi nahi hai, Biwi,” He says, making a face.

“Arey, main toh beech mein hoon nahi, jiju! Ab aap bade ho aur aapne mujhse vaada kiya tha ki Di ki daant se mujhe bachaoge, toh aapko thodi dant toh khani padegi na,” Ishika says innocently.

“Ye achcha hai, tum dono emotional karke, apna kaam nikalva leti ho,” Vineet says, playing along.

“Aur aap hamari baat maan lete ho, humse pyaar karte ho naaa….isliye,” Ishika says, and later, they complete the line in unison, causing him to smile.

He says nothing but pulls them both into his arms. He’s a safe haven for Anamika already, but for Ishika, he’s a safe sanctuary, actually, these two are her safe place, where she feels loved, cherished and safe. Leaning into him, Ishika couldn’t keep a control on her emotions and her eyes brim with tears and she didn’t know when the tears fell off her eyes, soaking Vineet’s shirt, leaving him startled. He breaks the hug, and looks at her.

“Hey, tum ro kyun rahi ho? Arey main mazaak kr raha tha, tumhari behen tumhare sath zyada strict nahi rahegi, I promise,” Vineet tries to convince her, wiping the tears off her cheek.

“I know, she loves me and the baby too,” Ishika says, her tone soft.

“Arey toh rone kyun lagi?” Anamika asks, concerned.

“Kuch nahi, Di. Main bas yeh soch rahi thi ki main lucky hoon naa, jo aap dono mujhe miley. Zindagi itni khoobsurat nahi hoti, aur na main apne sapne poore kar paati,” Ishika says, her tone laced with gratefulness, and her eyes filled with emotion.

“Apne sapne toh tum zaroor poore karogi, Ishu, hum dono hai na!! Aur haan ek kaam aur kar sakti ho tum?” Anamika says.

“Kya karun?” She asks innocently.

“Naman se dosti karlo, tumhari language mein he’s a Bandar, hai na, toh ab bandar se dosti karlo,” Anamika teases her, her tone playful.

“Huh! Uss bandar se mujhe dosti nahi karni hai, samjhi aap?” Ishika responds irritatedly.

“Kyun nahi karni dosti? Itna achcha ladka hai,” Vineet says, speaking on Naman’s behalf.

“Han, aapko toh vo achcha hi lagega, aapka best friend hai wo, lekin vo mujhe bahut satata hai, fir bhi, maine usse dosti ki hai, sirf Di ki khatir,” Ishika says.

“Achcha kiya, aajkal rehearsals mein bahut shanti rehti hai,” Anamika teases, a smile playing on her lips.

“Haan, haan, aapka hi fayda hai. Nai toh vo roz mujhse lad sakta hai,” Ishika says, not wanting to accept that she feels a little more than what’s between them.

“Main usse kahunga wo tumse na lade, thik hai?? Ab chalein?” Vineet asks, his tone soft.

Anamika nods, and they leave the house, Vineet has a shoot in the same area where Anamika’s boutique is situated. So, he offers to pick the ladies in the evening again, and the ladies are delighted. As they begin their ride, Anamika gazes at her husband, feeling  proud of him.

Of course, he’s a famous filmstar and he has the capacity to keep a driver, but he doesn’t want to miss the pleasure he gets of driving along with his wife, and now, Ishika is his extended family. He’s very down-to-earth and his status doesn’t hurt anyone when he’s with his family. That’s the reason, Anamika loves this man a lot, and she knows that he loves her in the same way. Well, that’s how love is, there’s only giving.

*****
Ishika and Anamika reach the boutique and get into the form. Anamika is informed that there’s a parcel received, and as they open it, the ladies are surprised, especially Ishika. It’s another set of her ethnic designs under the nametag, Mosaic by Ishika. It includes lehengas and sarees, and they’re so meticulously curated, with all things love. Ishika is overwhelmed. She hugs Anamika out of excitement, who pats her head, reminding her that this is how her dreams are turning into reality.

Soonish, Naman joins them, and they began the rehearsals. He’s in awe of her art, not only on the fabric, but the way she carries herself, and how she is putting so much of hardwork into the fashion show. Of course, it’s not just Anamika but Ishika’s dream project too.

An hour later, everyone assembles in Anamika chamber, discussing the performances and next step. They have the fashion show coming in just two days. And right now, they’re done with the rehearsals. Anamika is quite satisfied at the moment. She glances at her team.

“Guys, I am glad, this is coming as I manifested it. Naman and Ishika are doing well as showstoppers. I am glad we could showcase all the designs for the bride and the groom. Also, Shilpi, Tanya, Abhishek, you guys are amazing. Let’s meet on Sunday, at the venue, I want all of you to be present there, okay?” Anamika says, tone soft, yet laced with professionalism.

“Yep, this is going to be a success, ma’am, as always,” Tanya chirps, her tone soft.

“Yes, and thanks for making me a part of it,” Naman says, his tone laced with affection.

“Aw, it’s my pleasure, Naman. Agar tum nahi maante toh ye show nahi hota, I am thankful, I have no words to thank you,” Anamika says, her tone soft.

“That’s my duty! Or say, it’s something I enjoy doing, aapko kaise mana karta,” Naman says, his eyes filled with gratefulness.

“I am glad, I’ll call you next time too, you can be my permanent showstopper,” Anamika says, her eyes filled with affection.

“Haan, wo bhi sirf tab, jab yeh meri baatein maane, toh hi, aap isey showstopper bana sakti ho,” Ishika chimes in the conversation, her tone teasing.

“Oh, aur jo main na maanu toh?” Naman says, averting his gaze on Ishika.

“Toh!! Toh prove ho jayega ki tum bandar ho! Kyunki bandar hi aise hote hain jo baatein nahi maante,” Ishika giggles, her tone playful.

“Ishu, tu fir shuru ho gai!! Ye galat hai,” Anamika pretends to scold her, only to find her giggling.

“Ye sahi hai, ab baaki ispe depend karta hai,” Ishika says.

“I’ll agree to every condition of yours, Ms Ishika, par pehle tumhe meri baat maanni padegi,” He says, his tone laced with sincerity, his eyes shimmering with mischief.

“Kaunsi baat?” Ishika rolls her eyest at Naman, and so does Anamika.

“Tumne kaha tha na coffee due hai, toh chalo, main tumhe coffee bhi pilata hoon, aur lunch bhi karvata hoon, chalogi mere sath?” Naman says, catching her off-guard.

She stares at him for a few seconds without blinking her eyes, and she comes out of her reverie with Anamika’s voice.

“Haan, tu jaa, Ishu! Mujhe vaise bhi ek client meeting ke liye jaana hai, toh tu bore ho jayegi,” Anamika says, her tone soft.

“Achcha toh tum mujhe beach pe bhi le jaaoge? I mean, dosti ki hai na, toh nibhani padegi, bolo?” Ishika asks, her tone soft.

“Ofcourse, jo tum kaho, abhi chalein?” Naman says, his face radiates sincerity.

Ishika nods affirmatively, she sends one glance toward Anamika and she assures her, or say allows her to go with Naman. She smiles and leaves with Naman. Of course, a little party celebrating their friendship won’t harm, right? Of course, they befriended the other day, and no matter how much she teases him or they argue, but she’s in awe of him. He has always motivated her and inspired her to be her better version.

Sitting beside him in his car, Ishika steals glances at Naman, his eyes fixated on the road. A smile makes a way on her lips. She’s curious of what he has kept in store for her.

“Hum kahan jaa rahe hain?” she asks, her tone soft.

“That’s a surprise. Par jitna main tumhe jaanta hoon, mujhe pata hai ki jo kuch bhi maine plan kiya hai, tumhe pasand aayega,” Naman says, his tone laced with affection.

“Aww, I am excited, please batao na,” She asks, her tone childish.

Naman doesn’t reply, but he smiles. After ten minutes, he stops the car, and blindfolds her, taking her by surprise. Then, he parks the car and paves her way out. Ishika keeps on asking him about their whereabouts, but he doesn’t speak. After what feels like an eternity, they stop and Naman removes the blindfold from Ishika’s eyes. She is flabbergasted at the scenario before her, such that, she exchange glances with Naman, totally stupefied at the moment.

*****
On the other hand, Anamika reaches home after meeting the client. She finds the house is eerily silent. As she enters in, she’s greeted to a sight, she hasn’t anticipated in a long time. She’s stupefied, unsure about how to react, but her heart feels full at the moment.

To Be Continued.