Sitting in her parked car at the end of the street, Natasha read Naina's text

Wapas aaja. Hum ghar jaa rahey hain

The lines on her forehead eased as a gentle smile replaced her worried expression. A weight lifted off her chest. She didn't need any further explanation. Naina's brief message had told her everything she needed to know. Whatever had been tormenting her friend had been resolved.

Natasha knew Naina like the back of her hand. Though Naina never voiced it, Natasha was well aware of the insecurities buried deep within her. After all the hardships and rejections she had faced, Naina had started to consider herself unworthy of love. The brave, confident facade she wore was merely a mask, a shield to protect herself from the vulnerability she feared. After coming back from Singapore, Natasha had noticed the spark of love in Naina's eyes, which appeared to have erased her apprehensions. But today, the same fear had surfaced in her friend's eyes, raw and acute. She didn't know the reason yet, but she was glad Sameer had been able to pull her out of it. That was all that mattered. She would talk to Naina about it later, when the time felt right. For now, the brief reassurance in the text was enough.

As she noticed Sameer's car drive out of the society gate, she let out a breath of relief, 'Bhagwanji, in dono ko kabhi alag mat karna please.'

Naina rested her head on the window, her eyes following the passing light poles as they blurred into streaks of gold. The quiet night air seemed to echo the tranquility she felt within. A gentle smile played on her lips. The turmoil that had gripped her heart earlier had melted away, leaving behind a certainty that spread like warmth through her chest.

She turned turned her head slowly to look at Sameer. His face radiated similar calmness, his lips relaxed into the same peaceful smile. Sensing her gaze on himself, he gave a quick look to her. Without a word, he reached over to her lap and gently clasped her hand. Bringing it to his lips, he pressed a feathery kiss on the back of it, then placed their joined hands on his chest, right above his heart. Naina felt the thrum of his heartbeat beneath her fingers. A shaky breath escaped her lips.

Sameer slipped his fingers through hers and uttered in a low, breathy voice

Meri dhadkan ke ahsaas se sihar jaati ho
mujh tak aate aate achanak theher jaati ho
kya hoga jo main
saanson mein samaa jaun
tum toh haath thamne par hi bikhar jaati ho

Her eyes went wide, both at his way of reciting and his insinuation.

'Tum...' Trying to hide her blush, she exclaimed, 'Tum poetry kabse likhne lagey?'

Sameer arched a brow, seeing through her attempt, then a crooked smile played on his lips, 'Madam, isey shayari kehte hain. Jo pyar karta hai na, shayar khud b khud ban jaata hai.'

'Achha?' Naina pursed her lips thoughtfully, then added, 'Mujhse toh nahi hota.'

Again, Sameer gave her a deep look before declaring, 'Tumne mere jaisa pyar kiya nahi ab tak.'

The familiar smile stayed on, making her cheeks colour again. They were just a few minutes away from home when Sameer's phone buzzed with a call from his dad.

Putting the phone on speaker, when he answered, Girish asked, 'Sameer, tu ghar kab tak ayega?'

'Kya hua papa?' Sameer got worried at his urgent tone, 'Sab theek hai na? Mummy...'

'Arey sab theek hai.' Girish quickly put his fears to rest, his voice brimming with excitement, 'US wali company ke saath jis collaboration ki baat ho rahi thi woh final ho jayegi shayad. Unka mail aaya hai. Aaj raat dus baje meeting rakhna chahte hain. Tu jaldi aa jaa.'

Sameer didn't know whether to be excited with the information or feel disheartened. It was a major collaboration which would strengthen their company's presence in the US, but the timing was not right. A meeting at this hour meant that his time with Naina would be cut short. Still, he masked his feelings with enthusiasm., 'Main paanch minute mein pohonch raha hun papa.'

'Waise Naina bhi abhi tak nahi aayi. Usey late hoga kya?' The concern in Girish's voice was evident even through the call.

Glancing at Naina with a small smile, Sameer responded, 'Naina mere saath hi hai.'

The next hour was filled with a lot of discussion between the three men as they quickly finished their dinner.

Anaya nudged Naina, finding her eyes on Sameer almost every second, 'Uh bhabhi, kuch special plan tha kya aaj ka jo iss meeting ne spoil kar diya?'

'Nahi. Koi plan nahi hai.' Naina's reply was too quick and abrupt as her head whipped towards Anaya, 'Kaisa plan? Hum... hum toh bas Nutty se milne gaye they.'

'Okay.' She grinned, 'Mujhe laga shayad dinner ke baad ice cream ya coffee ke liye jaana ho.'

With a smile that went too wide, Naina shook her head, 'Aisa kuch nahi hai.'

Anaya glanced around to ensure no one was paying attention, then leaned in closer, 'Aaj aap bhai ko kuch zyada hi pyar se dekh rahi ho. Kaho toh meeting se kidnap karke room mein bhej dun?'

'Anu.' Naina gasped, her cheeks flushing as her ears burned with embarrassment. What was it with both brother and sister? How could they say such things at the drop of a hat?

Anaya chuckled at her reaction, 'You're so transparent bhabhi.' She pinched Naina's cheek lovingly, 'Red cheeks suit karte hain aapko.'

'Anu, you're impossible.' Naina's voice was a hushed reprimand, her gaze inadvertently moving to Sameer.

As she had expected, his narrowed eyes were on them. Anaya noticed her brother's jealous expression, and stuck her tongue out at him.

'Chalein Sameer.' Before he could react, Dadaji pushed back his chair and got up, 'Baaki ki baatein study mein discuss kar lenge.' With a heavy heart, Sameer followed his father and grandfather.

Back in the room, Naina lazily finished her night routine and got into the bed. Though she missed Sameer's presence beside her, she felt a lightness in her heart. The smile failed to leave her face as her mind replayed the whirlwind of emotions she had been through since morning. The day had begun with an overwhelming dream come true moment. She hadn't yet soaked in it fully when a misunderstanding spiraled into despair, leaving her questioning everything she held dear. And then, like a lifeline, Sameer had shattered her doubts with his heartfelt declaration of love, filling her world with colors brighter than ever. Naina closed her eyes, her heart warming up at the memory. His assurance, his words, his touch, his gaze... it all felt surreal. She felt at peace now, secure in the knowledge that they did belong together. The smile on her face deepened as she whispered to herself, 'I love you, Sameer.'

It was past midnight when Sameer stepped into the room. His eyes sought Naina, finding her asleep in the center of the bed. After changing, he sat on the edge of the bed, admiring how peaceful she looked. It had indeed been a rollercoaster of a day for her. She must have been exhausted, both physically and mentally. Careful not to disturb her, he slipped in under the cover. A few strands of hair covered her face. His fingers brushed against her skin as he tucked them behind her ear. The soft touch made her shift slightly, her lips parting as she let out a contented sigh in her sleep. He gently slid his arm under her head, pulling her closer. The warmth of her body against his brought him a sense of completeness. She stirred again, her hand instinctively finding its way to his chest, as if even in sleep, she sought his presence. Tightening his arms around her, Sameer kissed the top of her head softly and whispered, 'I love you, Naina.'

*****

Naina gently dabbed her damp hair with the towel, looking at her reflection in the bathroom mirror. The haze of steam surrounding her gave her a softened look, almost like a dream sequence of movies. Her features were slightly blurred, yet her eyes twinkled brighter. It was the glow of Sameer's love. When she had woken up earlier, she found herself nestled in his embrace, her head resting against his chest and his arms holding her close. Reluctantly, she had slipped out of his arms, reminding herself it was a weekday and she couldn't give in to such indulgent fantasies.

Towel in hand, Naina stepped out of the bathroom, only to stop in her tracks at the sight before her. Sameer stood in the closet area, clad only in track bottoms, his bare upper body gleaming under the morning light. He must have showered in the guest room as his hair were wet at the ends. He appeared engrossed in some kind of search, shuffling through his wardrobe.

Hearing her footsteps, he spoke without turning around, 'Naina, meri white shirt nahi mil rahi. Zara help kar do, please.'

Naina stood frozen for a moment, her gaze fixated on his bare back. The way his toned muscles created undulations with every movement made her heart race, skipping several beats at the sight.

Sameer turned around when he didn't hear a response, his brows furrowing, 'Help kar do na please. Mujhe conference ke liye late ho raha hai.'

'H... haan.' She stammered, diverting her eyes before they could stray down his face and quickly walked to his wardrobe, only to realise that he stood in the way. She turned her head sideways, avoiding to meet his eyes and mumbled, 'Hato, main dekhti hun.'

In a flash, Sameer's hands closed on her upper arms, pinning her to the open door. The towel slipped from her hand.

He flashed a cheeky grin at her wide eyed look, 'Tumhe laga mujhe sach mein shirt chahiye?'

Naina gulped, acutely aware of his bare chest pressing against her.

'Toh?' She managed to stutter, 'Toh... kya... kya chahiye?'

'Tum.' His eyes had a glint of something she couldn't fully comprehend.

Sameer had taken in every detail of her appearance in one glance. Her glowing face, framed by her tousled hair, seemed almost ethereal. Her eyes had a childlike innocence when they were this wide, yet he could see the sparks of the primal attraction that raged in him. Her cheeks were tinged with the hue that he loved on her. The way she averted her eyes, it was apparent how much she was affected.

'Raat ko mera wait nahi kiya aur subah mujhe uthaya nahi. Kyon?' He murmured, his voice deep and husky.

'Tum... tumhari conference hai na.' She reminded him, trying to maintain a semblance of resistance.

His hands started to slips down her arms ever so slowly, sending shivers down her spine. Leaning closer to her face, he whispered, 'You want me to go?'

Naina closed her eyes momentarily, torn between conflicting answers her mind and heart pushed at her. The sensation of his body against her, the heat of his breath, the intensity of his gaze... all of it was making the hair at the back of her neck stand upright.

'Abhi... abhi jaana chahiye.' She struggled to stay firm.

Sameer lifted his head. His gaze moved from her eyes to her lips, then slowly ventured down till where their bodies blocked the view. She was wearing a white top, paired with blue skirt. The open button of the top gave him a view of her slender neck. The fabric stretched over her front, making his throat go dry at the sight. Her arms were bare from the elbows, her skin soft and cool under his fingers on her wrists. With deliberate slowness, he tugged at her wrists, lifting them up. Naina's eyes clouded with uncertainty, then fluttered as she realised what he was up to. Sameer pulled her fisted hands to his bare waist, his eyes capturing every reaction of hers. When her fists brushed against his skin, both felt a jolt to their senses.

'Naina.' His low voice vibrated in her, 'Tum mujhe nahi rokogi?'

She was unable to form a coherent reply, aware of the pulsating feel of his skin on the back of her fingers. Her eyes sought his. The dark eyes looked back at her as if they could see through her every thought, every desire. Her gaze drifted lower. He must have shaved minutes back as his jaw was clean of the bristles that she always longed to touch. The fresh smell of his cologne dulled her senses. Like her own breathless state, his lips were slightly parted. His Adam's apple bobbed visibly when her eyes moved down his neck. His chest was at her eyes level, smooth and hairless. It rose and fell in sync with hers. Her gaze was immediately drawn to a mole, right over his heart.

The way she looked at him, in fascination, Sameer could not control himself anymore. Pressing her against the door panel, he placed a hard kiss at the base of her neck. The sensation of his lips on the sensitive part of her skin made Naina gasp out in pleasure. Unknowingly, her fists sprang open and her palms flattened over his skin. Her touch filled him with inexplicable sensation. He peppered several kisses on her neck, collarbone and the hollow of her neck. Every cell of her body felt alive with the thrill of his touch. Her hands started to move on their own accord, traversing over the smoothness of his back, fingers digging into his flesh every time his teeth grazed her, filling her with sensations she hadn't known she was capable of feeling. Her head tilted to the side, offering him more of herself. After tracing a path over the side of her neck, his lips slowly moved over her jaw, edging for a real kiss when a sharp sound made him snap out abruptly.

'Damn!' He grunted, leaning against Naina as he breathed hard.

'Kya...kya hua?' She didn't understand the repeating sound, which definity wasn't the ringtone of either of their phones.

'Alarm.' Sameer whispered, 'Conference.' He gulped helplessly, 'Mujhe jaana hoga.'

He had set the alarm in the morning when he woke up. Not that he had planned to do something but he knew he might forget everything if he got a few moments with Naina. Just to be sure, he had activated the alarm as a reminder.

'Oh!' Naina nodded slightly, 'Mujhe... mujhe bhi jaana hai.' But she did not make any effort to free herself from his hold. Rather, her hand pressed some more on his back, pulling him to her.

He groaned in response. The sound resonated from his chest to hers, making her look up at him. His eyes were hooded, as if he was absorbing the sensations her sudden action had unleashed. One of her hand moved up, her fingers threading in his hair as she pulled down his head and pressed her lips to his. It took a moment for Sameer to get over the surprise, but when he did, his mouth moved against her with such intensity that left no room for any other thought. He deepened the kiss, the heat of their bodies radiating between them. There was no denying the longing.

When they finally broke apart, both gasping for air, Sameer had a smile on his face. He loved this Naina even more. She was not shy of showing that she wanted him.

'I love you.' He let out a breathless whisper, 'Kuch aur bhi kehna hai, lekin woh shaam ko bataunga.' Reluctantly, he stepped back, the alarm still blaring in the room behind him.

Naina bit her lip, 'Shaam ko mujhe kuch kaam hai.'

'Jaanta hun.' Sameer smiled, 'Lekin uske baad wapas toh idhar hi aana hai. Haina?'

He quickly dressed up after shutting the alarm, winking at her as he left, 'Bye jaan. Mujhe miss karna.'

*****

Naina was working on the designs for the new campaign. It was a big one and Munna was quite impressed when she was able to procure it after assuring the client that she would provide a completely different idea for the launch. She had spent all morning on it, and was satisfied with the way it was shaping up.

Deciding to take a break, she called up the pantry and asked for a cup of coffee when her phone started to ring. The familiar name on the screen brought a smile to her face. The conference must have ended now. She picked the phone and answered in a soft voice.

'Hello.'

'Hi sweetheart.' Sameer's honeyed voice melted in her ear.

Naina placed a hand on her eyes, her cheeks heating up instantly, yet tried to show annoyance in her tone, 'Kaise baat kar rahe ho. Koi sunn lega toh? Tum office mein ho.'

'Main toh tumhare paas aakar bolna chahta hun.' The longing in his voice was mixed with mischief, 'I know you're missing me.'

'Sameer.' Naina hissed, 'Chupchap apna kaam karo aur mujhe bhi karne do.'

'Kaise karun?' He whined, 'File dekhta hun toh words nahi tum saamne hoti ho, screen par tumhara chehra dikhta hai, phone par tumhari picture. Ab toh Jimmy ki shakl mein bhi tum nazar aa rahi ho.'

She couldn't help the chuckle, 'Jimmy tumhe mujh jaisa lagta hai?'

'Mujhe toh poora ka poora office staff tumhare jaisa lag raha hai.' He sighed, 'Tumne mujhe pagal kar diya hai Naina.'

'Maine kuch nahi kiya. Tum khud pagal ho rahey ho. Apna dimag apni files mein lagao, inn ulti seedhi baaton mein nahi.' Though she wanted to sound exasperated, her voice came out playful and teasing.

'Achha?' He must have brought the phone closer to his lips as Naina could almost feel the warmth of his raspy tone that sent a shiver through her when he whispered, 'Toh suno tumne kya kiya hai. Sabse pehla kasoor tumhari aankhon ka hai, jo mujhe dekhkar jhukne lagti hai. Agla kasoor hai tumhare gaalon ka jo meri har baat par laal ho jaate hain. Aur tumhare honth...'

'Bye Sameer.' Before he could complete his sentence, Naina uttered quickly and ended the call.

She let out a shuddering breath, her eyes fixed on the screen as a shy smile lingered on her lips. He definitely had a way with words. She had never imagined she would be blushing while talking on phone with someone.

Just then, her phone lit up with a notification. Naina opened the text from Sameer. A single heart thudded in the message. As her lips curved into a wider smile, another text popped up beneath it.

Dimaag files mein lagane ki koshish karunga lekin mushkil toh bechare dil ki hai. Usey bas tumhare paas rehna hai

When she didn't reply for a few seconds, another message appeared

Tumhare gaal fir se laal ho gaye

Instinctively, her hand lifted to press against her heated cheek. She could almost feel his presence in the room when his next message displayed

I love you jaan

Her heart skipped a beat. With shaky fingers, she typed back

Me too

In his office, Sameer groaned aloud and placed the phone on his heart, leaning back in his chair.

'Boss.' Jimmy called out louder when Sameer did not respond first time, 'Conference ke minutes baad mein check karne hain toh main wapas jaun?'

Exhaling deeply, Sameer straightened and gave him an annoyed look, 'Teri shaadi hui hai?'

Jimmy shrugged sadly, 'Shaadi kahan se hogi Boss meri toh girlfriend bhi nahi hai.'

'Girlfriend ke chakkar mein parna bhi mat.' Sameer leaned ahead, his voice dead serious, 'Seedhe shaadi kar le. Life set ho jayegi.'

Jimmy narrowed his eyes, 'Yeh aap bol rahey ho? Aapne khud Naina ma'm ke saath do saal ki relationship ke baad shaadi ki hai. Aap unhe date nahi karte toh kya unse shaadi karte?'

A fond smile spread on Sameer's face, 'Of course. Meri shaadi sirf Naina se hi honi thi.'

'You're lucky boss.' Jimmy let out a sigh, 'Par sabki kismat aapki tarah thori hai jo Naina ma'm jaisi perfect wife mil jaaye. She's so beautiful. Also, she's friendly, understanding, empathetic...'

'Naina pe report dene ko nahi kaha maine.' Sameer lashed out, interjecting him tersely, 'Meeting ki report chahiye. Get three copies.'

Jimmy nodded and left the room. After he was gone, Sameer muttered a few silent curses, his gaze burning the shut door, 'Ek baar milkar itna sab kaise pataa chala isey? Kya Naina ko hi dekhe jaa raha tha?'

When he showed the minutes for approval, Jimmy didn't understand why his Boss snapped at him repeatedly even when he had prepared the report with all relevant points discussed in the meeting.

*****

'Hi.' Sameer beamed, leaning casually against the doorframe of Naina's cabin.

Her head bobbed up with a start. For a moment, her face lit up, then her expression shifted to a frown, 'Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?'

'Tumhe impress karne ki koshish.' He stepped in, hands in pocket, a playful smile on his lips.

Naina's brows flicked up. Placing her elbow on the table, she rested her chin on her fist and asked, 'Really? Tumhe laga main tumhe yahan dekhkar impress ho jaungi?'

'Nahi hui kya?' He reached the table, his eyes sparkling with mischief, 'Thora aur try karun?'

'No.' Naina's hand shot up to stall him as he leaned from the other side of the table, her eyes wide, 'Yeh office hai. Pagal ho kya?

'Haan.' His eyes turned intense, his tone softening as he met her gaze, 'Tumhare pyaar mein.'

Naina felt the same flutter in her heart and a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. A warm flush settled on her cheeks. Unable to say anything, she continued to look at him. It was a different feeling. She had always thought it was so cheesy, or rather cringe, when she heard such flirting words. Coming from Sameer, however, it felt sincere. She had equated being with someone as invasion of personal space which she despised, but now she longed for this proximity. This new side of relationship was a revelation for her, stirring feelings not just in her heart and body, but seeping into her soul. She had no idea love would be this beautiful.

'Uff Naina.' Sameer let out a sigh, 'Aise dekhogi toh... toh ghar pohonchne ka intezaar nahi kar paunga.'

A wild streak of colour spread on her face and neck. Immediately, she lowered her head, biting her lip in an attempt to stifle her embarrassment.

Clearing his throat, he asked in a teasing yet doubtful tone, 'Tum wohi Naina ho na jo subah mujhe...'

'Shut up.' Naina sprang up from her chair, leaning to press her hand over his mouth, her wide eyes darting behind him to the door.

Sameer chuckled against her hand, then puckered his lips to kiss on her palm. Startled, Naina pulled her hand back, gaping at him in disbelief.

'Arey baba koi nahi hai yahan.' He straightened, moving aside to point at the empty doorway, 'Aur ab tumhe bhi nahi rehna chahiye. Paanch baj gaye hain. Let's go.'

'Sameer...' She hesitated, '...maine bataya tha na mujhe...'

Sameer interrupted her with a knowing nod, 'Maine bhi bataya tha ki main jaanta hun tumhe kya kaam hai. Chalo Naina, hum saath mein woh ghar dekhne jayenge jahan tumhari mummy ki yaadein rehti hain.'

Next update on Tuesday/Wednesday