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Kartik plays on some music softly on the radio. It's a jazz music station and he remembers how he took Naira to the jazz street – an open street where live jazz music is played and many food cafes are present.

Flashback

After the carnival, Kartik and Naira are hungry. He takes her to the jazz street. She is hearing jazz music for the first time.

Kartik: You like jazz?

Naira: jazz? Maine kabhi suna nahi hai...I will try but...

Kartik: you will like it I feel...its soft and romantic...Naira loves it especially the saxophone. They both order their food and the server tells them it will take some time because its crowded.

Kartik: thoda time lagega Naira..tab tak just enjoy the music

Naira turns her chair and enjoys the light singing and the play of drums, piano and the sax! She nods her head slightly and taps her foot in appreciation. Kartik watches her feet in play, his gaze moves up to her smooth legs that are bare in that short, cute summer floral frock. Her dress flutters slightly in the wind and he gets to see a hint of her thighs. Naira straightens her dress, Kartik looks up immediately and pretends to look at the musicians.

Some minutes later he turns his gaze again- his eyes sweep up from her legs to her bare arms – that shine in the streetlight. Naira flicks her hairs back- she is feeling hot, she picks her scarf and ties her hairs into a loose pony. Kartik smiles as it means he can watch her face without the silky interuptions (her hairs)...

He has a strange fixation to her lips – he imagines them as soft flower petals, they now curve into a smile. He watches as she claps her hands, he looks around – the musicians take a bow...

Naira (happy): That was awesome...tumhe jazz music ke baare me kitna pata hai?

Kartik: Thoda bahut...yahan pe radio station hai – Jazz all day! Usme hamesha jazz music hi hota hai..

Their food is served. Naira excuses herself to wash her hands, Kartik watches her hips as she walks.

Kartik(mind): Whats happening with me ! God...she is soo attractive...I have to control myself...

The rest of the dinner is spent with some light talks and well concealed glances at each other by both Kartik and Naira...

Flashback over

Kartik parks his car and turns the engine off. There is a silence in the car and he watches the gentle breathing of Naira. He raises his hand and reaches her forehead-...she has a beautiful smile on her face, she clutches the teddy tighter.

He removes his seat belt and calls out Naira's name twice. She smiles but doesn't open her eyes. Her scarf comes over her cheek and lips, he slowly comes closer to remove it she feels his fingertips on her lips and opens her eyes in a flash.

Kartik (removes the scarf): kabse bula raha hoon tumhe..we are home !sleeping beauty !

Naira (rubbing eyes): Sleepiing beauty?

Kartik: haan...tumne sleeping beauty ke baare me sunaa hoga na?

Naira (yawning): Of course...ek princess jo kayi saalon tak soti hai aur phir ek din uska prince charming usse Kiss karke uthaata hai..

Naira realizes what she just said and shifts in the seat uncomfortably. Kartik pretends not understanding it so as to not embarrass her more. They both get out of the car and head to the elevator.

Kartik presses the elevator 2-3 times, it doesn't open. Naira spots a board and points it to kartik. They both sigh tiredly....The elevator is broken down and will be repaired only the next day.

Kartik(sigh): Friday night workout....chalo ....we have to get up 12 floors...

8thFloor

Naira (gasping, tired): Kartik...stop...huff...pufffff....lets sit here.. for some time please..

Naira sits down resting her body on her hands semi-lying on the stairs. She has closed her eyes and is breathing hard. Kartik comes down the stairs and sits next to her. He is catching his breath but he loses more as naira is lying in front of him – looking all sexy ! and that pose....

Kartik (looking other side): Chalo Naira...

Naira (getting up and sitting): Please 2 min..main bahut thakk gayi hoon. She removes her phone and checks the pictures of the carnival.

Naira: Kartik..yeh dekho.....kitne funny lag rahe ho tum..she bends towards him and he bends towards her. It's a picture of Karik with the funny pink moustache. Naira finds his picture very funny and laughs holding her hand on her mouth.

Kartik: Oh god...so embarrassing!

Naira: I gotta show this picture to Teena..woh toh hass hass ke paagal ho jayegi !

Kartik: Don't you dare do that !..he tries to snatch her phone, she takes it back and laughs again

Kartik (taking his mobile out): If you will show her that, main usse yeh pic dikhaoonga...he shows her picture with the pie-face !

Naira: Ohh God...Kartik noooo..please delete it..yeh dekho..yeh maine tumhari photo delete kar di..she deletes his pink moustache picture..dekho...ab tum bhi please delete karo..

Kartik (naughty smile): lekin main delete nahi karne waala hoon...Teeenaaaa...he gets up and runs upstairs !

Naira: kartiiikkkkkk...rukoooo...Nooooo... She gets up and runs behind him. He is fast for her, she increases her speed..

Naira (tumbling down because of misstep): Papaaaaaa.....

Kartik (looking back): Oh nOOooo....Naiiraaaa...

He rushes to her. Naira is clutching her right ankle in great pain. She has tears in her eyes.

Kartik: I am so sorry Naira..are you okay? Wait wait...he removes her sandal and feels her ankle. She howls in pain.

Kartik: looks like a real bad sprain..lets get you home first. He holds her hand and tries to get her to stand. She shuts her eyes in pain and stands hobbling on one leg.

Kartik: Try..try to walk...

Naira uses his body to lean on and takes one step ahead. She yelps and her ankle buckles under her weight.

Naira (tears flowing): I can't....its paining too much...Kartik makes her sit on the stairs.

Kartik: we have to get you up...bas 4 floor bache hai..what do I do...wait..let me call up Teena..

He calls up Teena many times, she doesn't pick up. He looks at Naira she is crying silently in pain.

Naira (wiping tears): Its okay Kartik...I will try to walk...Kartik and Naira try again but its too painful for her.

Kartik: This won't work..don't put pressure on your ankle....there is only one way now...

Naira (pain): What?

Kartik: Naira....don't get me wrong but...he lifts her up..Naira is surprised, shocked and stunned !

Naira: Kar... Kartik.....

Kartik: Don't worry..I will not drop you..Just don't hold my neck too tight.

Kartik climbs up the steps slowly balancing Naira's weight. Naira looks at him, he is looking straight ahead. She feels bad for him, he is all sweaty. She rests her head on his left shoulder and he can feel her warm breaths close to his heart. She shuts her eyes in pain, tears flow down. He is gasping and looks at her tear-stricken face. She looks so sad and in pain, Kartik gets new energy to reach home faster – He wants to wipe out her pain forever !(imagiine krlena🙈)

They reach their apartment door and Naira rings the bell. 5 min later Teena opens the door and her eyes open wide – Kartik is holding Naira in his arms and they both are gasping. Their faces are all sweaty and red !

Teena(teasing): wo Hooo Hoooo....not bad for your first date ! Naira..u jumped straight in his arms...soo romantic..I am happy for you two...she comes to hug them...

Kartik (tired, gasping): Let us come inside...Naira has sprained her ankle...

Teena makes way for them to enter and Kartik places her gently on the sofa.

Kartik (concern): Are you okay? Is it still paining? Let me get some ice for you...

He wipes sweat off his forehead and goes to the refrigerator !

Teena: What happened? How did you get a sprain?

Naira explains to her everything, Kartik is back with some ice. He sits down and places her foot on his thigh to examine.

Naira (shifting): Its fine....I...I am okay..

Kartik (looking up to her): Naira..I am the therapist here..so let me just do my job okay...

Naira watches as Kartik gently feels her ankle and feet. She retracts them out of fear and pain and partly because his mere touch is creating havoc in her body!

Here Kartik is examining her foot, but his mind is registering minute details like the shapely feet, her painted nails, fair skin ! His hand is tantalizingly close to her creamy leg and it takes every ounce of his control to not feel it !

Naira (howling again): Owwwww....it pains too much.....

Kartik (swallowing): Ohh...I think it looks like a sprain or a muscle tear...I can't be sure...lets take you to the doc tomm...I will just bandage you and give you a pain killer...you will get lot of relief.

He bandages her foot expertly and gives her a pain killer to eat. He wishes her a good night and they retire to their rooms

Naira room:

Teena steps in when Naira is just going to sleep.

Naira: Teena?

Teena: just checking on you...how are you? Is it still paining?

Naira: Not that much...Kartik's bandage did the trick I guess...

Teena (whispering): Soooo...how was your date? What did you do? Did he kiss you yet?

Naira (shocked): What? Nooooo...we just had some fun...she narrates what all happened in the theatre, how much fun they had in the carnival and the Jazz street dinner...

Teena (frustrated): Ughhhhhhh....God...Naiiraaa....you missed out on soo many oppurtunities ....dark theatre, empty cabin in Ferris wheel, Jazz music.....I can just go on and on...you guys didn't even hug?

Naira: Teeena please....this was just our first date

Teena: oooooo..so when is your next date? Did he ask you out yet?

Naira: No...

Teena (making a face): guess this was just funnn date..one time date...you are soo safe Naira...good night

Later, at night

Naira is still thinking about her date with Kartik. She checks the pictures again. She has a smile on her face as she recollects the fun moments they had. The last pic is of the selfie at the Giant wheel. They both are very near to each other. Kartik has placed a hand on her shoulder to get her in the frame for the picture.

Naira (mind): Kya Kartik ko sach me mazaa aaya aaj mere saath...he was so sweet. Who chahta toh gussa ho sakta tha...mujhe chodke jaa sakta tha...but usne aisa nahi kiya..

She remembers the way he made her comfortable, how he took care of her sprain. She could see the concern on his face.

Naira (mind): Woh sabke feelings ka kitna khayal rakta hai...Bhai ki feelings hurt naa ho isliye jhooth bhi bola....usne mere feelings ka kitna khayal rakha...she remembers Gloria and Joyce....

Naira (mind): Teena toh keh rahi thi ki woh sirf babes ko date karta hai..lekin usne mujhe kitna special feel karwaaya..she picks up the teddy that Kartik had gifted her today. She teases the teddy with her index finger when she comes across a tiny bow on its neck, she had missed it earlier. She gets up carefully and puts her bedside lamp on.

She turns the bow so that it faces her now. The bow is crinkled, she smoothens it – she makes out small words..she brings it closer to her eyes and reads it – I LOVE YOU....

She can feel blood rushing to her cheeks and she has goosebumps all over. She stares at the teddy for a long time, tears find their way out of her eyes – she places her finger to wipe them and feels Kartik's fingers on her eyes. She opens her eyes – he is in front of her !

Kartik: don't cry Naira....I am here for you...I Love you...

TRRRRNNNGGGGGGGGG...Her mobile rings bringing her to reality. She still has the teddy in her hand, she checks her mobile and wipes her tears – Its Naksh on the phone..

Later at night

Kartik gets up to use the bathroom. He is returning back to his room, when he hears some noise in Naira's room. He turns and knocks softly calling her name. He gets no response, he tries the door knob- probably she forgot to lock her room.

He turns the knob and opens the door softly.

Kartik (softly): Naira...are you okay?

He approaches her bed, she is sleeping hugging the teddy he has gifted. He sits on her bed and watches her sleeping under the pain killer effect – a small smile on her face. He is sure that she is fine and gets up, when she turns in her sleep. Her night dress slips a bit and exposes her shoulder. Kartik looks away but is strangely tempted to see her. He sits back and glares at the shoulder, her flower-petal like lips. She smiles and murmurs in her sleep – she is irresistible now for him.

Kartik (smiling): Sleeeping beauty.....

Kartik remembers the fairy tale of the beautiful maiden who sleeps away only to be awoken by a kiss from her prince charming. Kartik again looks at her lips – they must be sweet like honey, he thinks...

Her lips shine in the semi-darkness of the room – a golden honey glow. He cannot help but gets attracted like a bee to honey...

He closes in to her reducing the distance and with warm breaths just about touches her petals with his cold lips ! They Kisss.....

....Kartik wakes up from his dream in a sweat. He is breathing uneasy, he touches his lips..they are trembling. He sees around he is in his room on his bed..

Kartik (running hands through hairs): This was a dream? Oh God ! I just cannot believe what I just saw...Me and Naira....really.....he feels his heart pounding. He goes to the kitchennete and drinks a bottle of water !

Now he feels in much control, his breathing is easier. He wants to take his mind off the dream so he plays the TV in low volume. He is surfing channels and he hears some noise from Naira's room.

He switches off the TV and walks towards Naira's room. He knocks softly calling her name. She doesn't reply, he tries the knob. He remembers his dream and is in two minds to go inside or not. At the same time he is worried for her. He shuts his eyes and turns the knob...when...

Teena: what are you doing here?

Kartik gets startled at Teena's voice from behind.

Kartik (stammer): I..I came to drrr..drink water...heard sooo some noise..so just came to check...

Teena (shrugs): Okay dude..so go ahead check her..

Kartik: you come in too..

They both step in and check Naira– she is fast asleep hugging the teddy just as she was in Kartik's dream.

Teena (whispering): She looks okay....lets go..

Kartik nods yes and leaves. Teena steps out of the room, Kartik is the last to shut her door, he glances once more at her sleeping face- her lips glow !

Teena (yawning): Good night...you better go and sleep....

Kartik smiles, goes to his room and lays down on his bed, he shuts his eyes – Naira's smiling face comes in front , he opens his eyes– he is not sleeping tonight !

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A/N- ii m thinking to write Valentine's story on Kaira its only 2 or 3 shots should i write or not? comment krke batao