Merry Christmas 🎄💖⛄🌟
Wish you all a season filled with love and happiness

Sameer frowned as he bit into the cake slice. Even after eating three of them, he didn't feel the slightest bit sleepy. How come Naina was drowsy by having just one piece. He checked the recipe he'd followed and scanned it carefully for anything unusual in the ingredients. There was nothing that could have such an effect.

'Simple sa marble cake hai, koi plum cake thori jisme liquor dalti hai. Fir Naina ko achanak neend kaise aa gayi? Usey dekh kar aisa lag raha tha jaise tired nahi nashe mein hai.' He mumbled to himself, thinking about few minutes back when her head had started to tilt sideways while she was struggling to keep her eyes open. When he had asked if she would have some more cake, she had said she wanted to sleep.

'Tum theek ho na?' He had asked in concern.

Naina had nodded sluggishly, offering him a sleepy smile, 'Achanak... bohot neend aa rahi hai. Shayad tired...' Her words trailed off as her eyelids fluttered.

Seeing her state, he had suggested, 'I think tum zyada hi thak gayi ho. Tumhe so jaana chahiye.'

Without showing any sign of protest, Naina had stood up. He was expecting her to deny, and stay with him a little longer. He was seeking some appreciation for the cake... in ways different from mere words. But he swallowed his disappointment, knowing she needed rest not because of physical exhaustion but due to the toll of mental strain of her meeting with Tina. She had been putting up a brave face but he was sure Tina's sharp words must have left a deep impact, judging by how Naina was always affected after every meeting with Anuj and Tina.

Without saying anything, he had accompanied her to the room. The moment her back had hit the bed, almost instantly Naina had fallen asleep. As he had stood by her side, it did perplex him why she was knocked out after eating a slice of cake. His disappointment had changed to a tranquil feeling though when he noticed her relaxed features, that made her look serene and peaceful. He had pulled up the comforter over her before going back to the terrace to clean up.

Now, as he lay in bed, there was one thing he felt contented about... that he would tackle Anuj in the way the latter deserved. He had been gathering information about him since he got to know of the situation. Naina had bound him in a promise, and he did not want to hurt her by breaking it, but he was trying hard to find ways around it. The call had finally come on that rainy day... the day that had changed the dynamics between him and Naina completely. The only reason his anger had dissipated at that call, the one that had disrupted the beautiful moments between them, was because it had shown him a way to help Naina get what she deserved.

Sameer recalled the day Naina had opened up to him about her past. He was unable to fathom how anyone could treat his own sister with such indifference. On top of that, the abandonment by her father, mistreatment by Tina... it boiled his blood to know about the lifetime of neglect Naina had endured. Even though he could not help her directly, he was determined to find a way to set things right. That first meeting with Sagar had shown him the way.

Flashback

Sagar did not answer when Sameer made the first call. But on the second try, he picked up.

'Hi Sameer.' His voice was flat, 'Kuch kaam tha?'

'Uh Sagar... I need to meet you.' Sameer stated with some hesitation, reminded of the way he had acted with Sagar.

Seemed like Sagar hadn't forgotten either. In a sarcastic tone, he asked, 'Kyon? Fir se koi shart lagani hai?' Before Sameer could answer, he declared with finality, 'Dekho sameer, mujhse baat karne ka ya mujhpar chillane ka koi fayda nahi hai. Main tumhe Naina ke baare mein kuch nahi bata sakta. Keep me out of it.'

Sameer rubbed his forehead in embarrassment, 'Sagar, I'm really sorry, uss din tum par chillane ke liye. Sach mein bewakoof tha main. Lekin aaj mujhe tumse Naina ke baare mein nahi balki Naina ke liye baat karni hai.'

'Kya matlab?' Sagar was confused.

Sameer couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he declared, 'Naina ne kal mujhe Anuj ke baare mein aur apne pehle wale ghar ke baare mein bataya. Sab kuch.'

'Okay.' Sagar stated, 'Toh mujhse kya puchna hai? Ab toh tum bhi sabkuch jaante ho.' He stressed on the word 'sabkuch'.

Sagar was a little reluctant but Sameer persisted, and they finally agreed to meet the next day, because Sameer did not want to delay anymore.

When Sameer arrived, Sagar was already there, seated at a corner table with a cup of coffee in front of him as he worked on his laptop. He acknowledged Sameer with a nod as the latter pulled a chair across him.

'Thanks yaar.' Sameer said as he sat down, 'Aur ek baar fir se sorry, last time ke liye.'

Sagar leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, 'Sameer Maheshwari aur sorry? Yeh change kaise possible hua?'

A sheepish but fond smile appeared on Sameer's lips, 'Naina ki wajah se. Usne mujhe poori tarah se badal diya hai.'

The expression on Sagar's face turned softer as he reminisced, 'Naina hamesha se aisi hai. School mein bhi uski wajah se kitne ladke...'

Sameer cleared his throat before Sagar could finish. Without giving him a chance to talk about boys around Naina, he pressed, 'Sabse urgent matter Naina ke ghar ka hai. Maine tumhe uske baare mein discuss karne ke liye hi bulaya hai.'

Sagar shrugged, shaking his head wearily, 'Maine har tarah se koshish karke dekh li Sameer. Agar Naina case karne ko ready nahi hai toh kuch nahi ho sakta. Uske papa ke will ki wajah se Anuj hi uss ghar ka haqdaar hai. Agar will nahi hota toh bhi Naina ko apna hissa lene ke liye case karna hi parta. Lekin yahan toh uske papa ne khud hi woh ghar Anuj ke naam kar diya hai.'

'Aur Naina kehti hai ki Anuj ab woh ghar sell karne jaa raha hai.' Sameer murmured, more to himself.

'Hmm.' Sagar hummed, 'We can't stop him.'

Sameer looked up at him, his eyes narrowing, 'Tum Anuj ke baare mein kitna jaante ho?'

During his research on Naina's case, Sagar had not focussed on Anuj as a person. For him, it was more important to gather details about the situation than the person. He could not give much information to Sameer. But he was sure about one thing, which he conveyed, 'Naina ka bhai Naina se kisi tarah ka connection rakhne mein interested nahi hai. Main lawyer ki haisiyat se usse directly baat nahi kar sakta tha kyonki Naina ne mujhe appoint nahi kiya tha lekin ek dost hone ke naate maine do teen baar restaurants wagerah mein uske saath wali table par jaakar baitha jisse usey samajh sakun. Ek baar woh apni wife ke saath tha toh ghar ki baatein hui thi dono ke beech. Naina ka naam sunte hi usne gusse se kaha tha 'Pata nahi tumne Naina ko batane ki zid kyon pakri hui thi. Tumhari wajah se usse baat karni par rahi hai baar baar. Aaram se ghar bech dete aur usse saare connection khatm ho jaate.'

Yeh sunkar uski wife ne uski haan mein haan milate hue kaha 'Tum sahi ke rahe ho Anuj. Lekin socho, agar tum usey nahi batate toh kaise pata chalta ki uski nazar papaji ki property pe hai. Pehle toh bara natak karke khud ghar chor ke chali gayi aur ab usey mummyji aur papaji ki yaadon ke bahane apna share chahiye. Main bata rahi hun, Naina hamesha se tumhe ghar se nikalna chahti thi, jisse poore ghar pe kabzaa kar sake.'' Sagar drew in a seething breath, 'Sameer, mujhe woh dono hi bohot selfish aur chaalak lagey. Unki baaton se aisa laga jaise woh bas Naina ko uski har yaad se torkar alag karna chahte hain.'

Sameer's face tightened, his eyes darkening as anger coursed through him, 'Anuj samajhta kya hai apne aap ko. Main usey Naina ke saath aisa nahi karne dunga.'

Sagar looked away helplessly, 'Yehi toh problem hai. Hum log apni taraf se kuch kar hi nahi sakte. Legal terms mein sab kuch Anuj ke favour mein hai. Naina agar uspar case karne ko ready bhi ho jaaye toh bhi jeet mushkil hogi.'

Frustrated, Sameer smashed his fist on the table, 'Legal terms mein nahi toh koi aur tareeka hoga. Lekin Anuj iss tarah Naina se jeet nahi sakta.'

'Are you out of your mind?' Sagar hissed, looking around to check if someone could have overheard them, then leaned ahead on the table, gritting his teeth, 'Listen Sameer, main koi by hook or by crook wala lawyer nahi hun. Yeh criminal jaise dialogue mere saath baithkar mat bol. Agar tera aisa koi irada hai toh I'm sorry, main tere saath nahi hun.'

He started to collect his things. Sameer placed a hand on his arm before he could get up.

'Sagar, yeh sach hai ki main Naina ke liye kuch bhi kar sakta hun. Par galat tareeka Naina ko bhi acceptable nahi hoga. Aur main aisa kuch nahi karunga jisse Naina ka dil dukhe.' He admitted, almost imploring, 'For this, I need your help. Please.'

Sagar could see the change in Sameer. Together, they had formed a strategy.

Flashback ends

Sameer sighed in relief. He was thankful to Sagar for all that he had been doing. Of course, after he got to know the real identity of Anuj and Tina, and had seen them in their true form, his work had become easier. yet, he was unable to find a way where Anuj could also be taught a lesson. Now, there was no stopping. A satiated smile played on his lips as he drifted off to sleep.

Sunday morning was a relaxed one at home. Naina was her usual self around others but it did not escape Sameer's eyes that her movements appeared different. He soon realised that her right arm looked a bit stiff, as if she was having some difficulty in moving it. When she reached for a bowl of porridge to place it on the table, he saw her wince. A little later, he found her cupping the upper arm with a light touch, the strain evident on her face.

'Are you okay? Arm mein koi problem hai kya?' He approached her, on the pretense of helping with other bowls.

Startled, she spun around, then smiled quickly, 'All good. Sote hue kisi odd angle pe mud gaya hoga. Isliye thora pain ho raha tha. Nothing serious.'

There was no reason to doubt the answer so he didn't prod further. Naina had planned to meet Natasha for lunch. She found Sameer waiting near the car when she stepped out of the house.

'Chalein?' He asked, straightening up.

She paused, tilting her head in confusion, 'Sameer main chali jaungi. You relax. Kal bhi meri wajah se tumhara poora din waste ho gaya. Aaj tum...'

Sameer raised his hand, cutting her off gently, 'Mujhe usi taraf jaana hai, kisi se milne. I'll drop you. Isi bahane tumhare saath kuch aur time spend karne ka mauka milega.' He winked.

'Hum saath hi rehte hai.' She smiled as she slid into the passenger seat, 'Mauka dhoondne ki zarurat nahi hai.'

'Par tum mauka deti kahan ho.' With a flick of his chin, he raised his brows, looking ahead while pulling out of the driveway, 'Tum toh so jaati ho.'

Naina turned to him with a jerk. Her cheeks instantly flushed a bright pink under his teasing glance. She quickly turned her head back to look straight ahead, trying to mask her embarrassment. She had been expecting him to bring it up since morning. Last night, the effect of medicine had suddenly kicked in, making her drowsy. She had never been very good with antibiotics. That was why she avoided taking them. They were like sleep inducing drugs for her. She felt bad that once again, because of her state, she had not appreciated his efforts properly.

'Sameer, kal raat main achanak se bohot tired ho gayi thi. Tumhe bataya hi nahi ki tumhara banaya hua cake kitna achha tha. Aur kuch bhi batana tha lekin bataa nahi paayi.' Her voice was warm and sincere, 'Pehli baar aisa laga ki mera birthday ek khaas din hai. Tumne sach mein apne sabhi efforts se mujh jaisi aam si ladki ko bohot special feel karwaya. Mere liye kabhi kisi ne aise aur itna kuch nahi kiya. Yeh do din hamesha ek khoobsurat yaad bankar mere dil mein rahenge. Th...'

She halted abruptly. After a silence of a few seconds, she glanced at Sameer from the corner of her eyes. He was looking at her.

His low, teasing voice floated between them, 'Main chahta hun tum baar baar Thank you bolo, ya sorry, ya dono.'

She bit her lip, trying to suppress a shy smile that lifted the corners of her mouth a bit.

His voice turned to a husky whisper as he added, 'Aur main bhi.'

Naina pressed her palm to the right side of her face, turning to look out of the window. She felt a wild flutter in her heart and a swarm of butterflies in her stomach at his flirtations. The closeness he hinted at, sent another flush of warmth to her cheeks. Sameer, however, didn't press further. He shifted the conversation toward more casual topics. Though it was easier for her to engage in the same, she couldn't help but feel a tiny pang of disappointment. A small, secret part of her craved the teasing and innuendos. Those moments sent a thrill across her, awakening emotions she had never felt before, which were now getting stronger with each passing day.

When they reached the apartment complex, Sameer parked the car and walked up with Naina to the house.

'Hi sweetheart.' Natasha swung open the door, a wide grin pasted on her face as she flung her arms around Naina, 'Parson hi mile they fir bhi aisa lag raha hai saalon baad mil rahi hun tujhse.'

Naina chuckled at her exaggeration, hugging her back, 'Darwaze par hi milni hogi ya andar aa sakti hun.'

'Of course meri jaan.' Natasha dragged her in, waving at Sameer to follow them, 'Aap bhi aa jaiye jijai, warna kahenge ki saali ne shaan mein gustakhi kar di.'

Naina swatted her arm, 'What is this? Tu kabse aise bulane lagi sameer ko.'

'It's okay.' Sameer smiled, 'I don't mind.'

'Karna bhi nahi chahiye.' Natasha wriggled her brows, 'Aapko jijaji bulaun ya Naina ko jaaneman. The fact is, aapki jaan banne se pehle se Naina meri dil, jigar, jaan, jaaneman hai. Aapki entry hone se yeh toh change nahi ho sakta na.'

'Nutty.' Naina pulled at Natasha's hand, whispering, 'Chup kar.'

'Bas clear kar rahi hun, ki tujhpar pehla right hamesha mera hi rahega.' Natasha winked at her then slipped her arm around Naina's shoulder blades, clutching her arm.

Naina pressed he lips hard, wincing as a sharp sting shot through her arm at the sudden pressure. Her body tensed, and her gaze darted to Sameer, who was watching her closely, his brow furrowed. She quickly forced a smile, assuring him with her eyes that she was fine. Sameer didn't look convinced but thankfully, he did not question her.

After a few minutes, when he had left, Natasha teased Naina, 'Ab kya husband ke saath saath bodyguard bhi ban gaya. Har baar pick and drop karega? Kitne concern ke saath kehke gaya 'Akele mat jaana. I'll pick you up at five.''

Naina giggled at the way Natasha mimicked him, 'Tujhe har baat ka postmortem karna zaruri hai kya.'

Natasha narrowed her eyes, 'Oho! Toh ab madam bhi uski side lengi. Waah Naina, chaar din ke pyar mein bachpan ki dosti ki value bhula di tune.'

'Awwlele.' Naina pinched her cheek, 'meri jaan rooth gayi. Don't worry baby, tu toh mera bachpan ka pyar hai. Tujhse kaun alag kar sakta hai. You and me, we're true soulmates.'

'Yess.' Natasha exclaimed, throwing a triumphant punch in the air and the two burst out laughing.

Over a cup of tea, Naina asked about her days in Singapore and her upcoming job. Natasha informed her of the new position she would be joining shortly, which would be better in hierarchy and pay scale. Naina was thrilled for her.

Natasha put the empty cup down and shifted closer to her, her eyes filled with excitement, 'Enough about me. Ab tu bata. Teri love story mein kaunse grade ka scene chal raha hai... U, PG ya A?'

Naina rolled her eyes, trying to hide the red streak rising from her neck, 'Nutty, tu apni saari feelings ki investment meri love story mein kar degi toh tere pilot ke liye kya bachega? Singapore mein tujhe koi nahi mila? Ek bhi nahi?'

Natasha flopped back against the cushion, 'Lagta hai meri kismat mein one sided love story hi likhi hai. Jo mujhe pasand aata hai woh committed hota hai aur mere peeche aane walon se mujhe baat nahi karni hoti.' She gave a desperate look to Naina, 'Life mein sab kuch feel kar liya yaar... comedy, tragedy, melodrama, action... bas ek choti moti si love story mil jaati toh blockbuster ban jaati meri life.'

Naina and Natasha spent the day laughing and teasing each other. They ate the pav bhaji that Natasha had cooked and later ordered some burgers with ice cream, like older times. Naina did not mention about the meeting with Tina, nor talked about the house. She didn't want to dampen the carefree mood they both were in. Moreover, it was no point harping over it anymore. The house was sold.

When Sameer came to pick her in the evening, Naina appeared relaxed and cheerful. His concerns eased a little. Perhaps the pain was due to an awkward sleeping position only, and had subsided.

'So, how was the day?' He asked as they drove back home.

Naina's smile was wide, 'Perfect. Itne dinon baad Nutty ke saath time spend karke bohot achha laga.'

He couldn't help glancing at her repeatedly as she narrated a few anecdotes from Natasha's Singapore days. Her face was lit up, and her laughter came easily. Sameer was so lost in her that he nearly took a wrong turn till Naina pointed out urgently. Trying to avoid going over the flyover which would have taken them outside the city, he swerved suddenly. The jerk made Naina fall over the belt.

A sharp cry escaped her lips and her face twisted in pain as her hand pressed firmly against her belly. Alarmed, Sameer immediately pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to her, his eyes wide with concern.

'Naina! Tum theek ho? Kya hua? Belt se lag gayi? Doctor ke paas chalein?' He words rushed out in panic as he leaned to check if she was hurt.

Naina closed her eyes tight, her breaths shallow and uneven. After a moment, she shook her head slightly and managed to utter, 'I'm... I'm fine. Let's go.'

Sameer looked at her worriedly, 'Are you sure? I think tumhe lagi hai. Doctor ko dikha dete hain ek baar.'

A loud honk behind them made him look back, to realise that he was blocking the way to service lane.

Naina noticed the same, and pleaded, 'Please chalo. Main darr gayi thi. I'm okay now.'

He started the car and cleared the passage, but it did not escape his notice how Naina kept the belt pulled away from her. She was reluctant to let it touch her. He needed to make sure she was fine.

By the time they reached home, she was composed yet he followed her every movement. In the room, as she removed her handbag from her shoulder, his gaze dropped to the side of her belly. There was a stain of blood, prominent on her light coloured top.

'Naina!' He called out in alarm, 'Tumhe sach mein chot lagi hai.'

She froze for a moment, then turned to face him, her eyes wide, 'What? No. Mujhe kuch nahi hua.'

Sameer pointed to the stain, his voice laced with worry, 'Yeh dekho. It's blood.'

Naina's gaze darted to her side, and her expression faltered. Her fingers instinctively moved to cover the spot as she mumbled, 'Woh... woh sauce lag gaya tha, Nutty ke yahan.'

'Nahi.' He was convinced it was a blood mark, 'Let me see. Yeh sauce ho hi nahi sakta.'

Naina stepped back quickly, 'Sauce nahi, scratch.' She blurted, 'Chota sa scratch lag gaya tha.'

There was something in her demeanor that made Sameer suspicious. He narrowed his eyes, scanning her face, 'Naina, kya hua hai batao mujhe.'

'Kuch nahi.' She replied, the slight tremble in her voice belying her claim, 'Chota sa scratch lag gaya tha. Shayad haath lag gaya isliye bleed kar raha hai. Main saaf kar leti hun.'

She turned to go to the washroom. Sameer held her wrist, halting her. Before she could react, he spun her around to face him. His eyes locked onto hers as he murmured, his voice low yet commanding, 'Show me.'

She looked at him in surprise, 'What? Main... main kar lungi.' She stammered, trying to free her wrist, but his grip didn't ease.

'Sameer please. Tumhe kaise...' She tried again, hesitation evident in her tone.

His voice softened but did not lose its seriousness, 'Main husband hun tumhara. Chot kahin bhi ho, mujhse chupane ki zarurat nahi hai.'

Naina's eyes darted away, unable to meet his piercing gaze. Unknowingly, the fingers of her free hand clutched the hem of her top, on the side of the wound. She could feel heat rising to her face at the thought of showing it to him.

'Tum mujhe abhi dikha rahi ho ya doctor ke paas chalein? Inn dono mein se ek karna hi hoga.' His tone left no room for argument.

Naina shut her eyes. Slowly, she lifted the edge of her top a bit, but paused before she could reach the wound. Sameer bent down, resting one knee on the floor and gripped the wrist of her hand that was clutching onto the top, dragging it up to reveal a bandage that was soaked with blood at the edges.

His eyes widened in shock, 'Naina! Yeh kya hai? Kab laga? Tumne bataya kyon nahi? Oh God, this needs treatment. We need to see a doctor.'

She winced at his sharp tone, looking away as she answered in a low voice, 'Doctor ko dikha diya. Usne kaha kuch dino mein theek ho jayega.'

'Par yeh bleeding...' He paused as it registered to him that the bleeding was caused when the seatbelt dug into her belly. That was the reason of her scream.

He got up and moved towards the bed, taking her along, 'Tum baitho. Main bandage lekar aata hun.'

'Nahi Sameer.' Naina panicked again, 'Main manage kar lungi. Subah bhi maine khud hi bandage kiya tha.'

'Subah?' His brows knitted together, 'Matlab yeh Natasha ke yahan nahi laga?'

Naina bit her tongue. Sameer made her sit on the bed and kneeled in front of her, taking her hands in his, 'Tell me. Kaise laga? Aur kab?'

Lowering her eyes, she told him everything. There was no point hiding it now.

When she finished, Sameer shook his head, disbelief and frustration mingling on his face, 'Itni bari baat aur tumhe laga mujhe batane ki zarurat tak nahi hai? Kyon Naina? Kya mujhpar itna bhi trust nahi hai ki main tumhare dard ko samajh sakta hun?'

Her eyes shot up to him, filled with guilt, 'Aisa nahi hai. Tumpar poora trust hai Sameer. Mujhe laga itni choti si chot...'

'Choti si?' His voice cracked, and he exhaled sharply, trying to steady himself, 'Jiske liye tumhe injection lena para woh choti si chot kaise ho sakti hai? Injection ke pain ko tum odd angle pe sone ka naam deti rahi. Mujhe kal hi laga tha ki tum Natasha se milne nahi gayi. Par maine kuch nahi pucha. Aur aaj Natasha ne khud keh diya ki tum dono parson mile they. Tumne jhooth bola mujhse par maine socha shayad tumhare bhai bhabhi se related ya ghar ka koi kaam hoga. Par tum apni chot tak mujhse chupaogi yeh maine kabhi nahi socha tha Naina.'

His voice filled with anguish, his words trembling with concern, the pain in his eyes... it all pierced Naina's heart with a strong sense of guilt.

'Please understand Sameer, main tumse apna dard chupana nahi chahti thi. Agar aisa hota toh tumhe bhabhi ki kahi hui baatein bhi nahi batati.' She reasoned, 'Lekin yeh chot... agar tumhe pata chalta toh tum...' She closed her eyes, her voice dropping to a whisper, '... tum dekhne ko kehte toh main kaise...'

It took him a while to fathom what she meant. Slowly, his anger melted away at her sincerity. He shifted closer and cupped her face, 'Naina.' When she opened her eyes, he looked into them intently, 'Main dekh sakta hun. Haq hai mujhe.'

Naina's breath caught as her heart began to race.

'Ab tum yahan se hilogi nahi jab tak main ispar dressing na kar dun.' He smiled gently before he got up and went to get the first aid box.

When he got back, he made her lie down on the bed and asked her to let him clean the wound. Naina let out a shaky breath, her grip on the hem loosening as she slowly lifted her top just enough to reveal the gash on her upper waist.

Sameer's eyes dropped to the wound, his jaw tightening slightly as he took in the sight. With an antiseptic, he started to clean the area first, then carefully removed the stained bandage. His brows furrowed, and a faint shadow of worry darkened his face. Though not too deep, the cut was still red and raw, with blood around the edges. After wiping it off gently, he applied the ointment then covered it with fresh bandage. Once he was done, he glanced up at Naina. Her eyes were shut, her face turned to the side. His eyes drifted back to her waist. While cleaning, he had unknowingly bunched up her top to reveal more of her belly. A tightness gripped his throat as his gaze lingered over the smooth expanse of her skin. The dip on the side of her waist took his breath away. Unable to stop himself, he grazed his fingers along the curve.

A soft gasp escaped Naina's lips. Her muscles tensed and her skin erupted in goosebumps. None of these reactions were hidden from Sameer. All over the gleaming skin of her belly, he could see the tiny bumps. He let the back of his fingers graze her skin in a feathery stroke, skimming lightly from her side to her belly button. The sensation sent another ripple through Naina, and she instinctively pressed her hands to the bed, her fingers curling into the sheets. Reluctantly, Sameer pulled back his hand. Her eyes were shut. Though he could see how she responded to his touch, he wasn't sure it was just a physical reaction or she liked his touch.

Naina, even without seeing him felt his hesitation. She opened her eyes slowly. He was still crouching beside the bed. She sat up, took his hand and made him sit in front of her. His eyes were dark as he looked deep into her honey brown ones.

Overwhelmed by everything... his concern, his gentle care, his heated touch, his self control... Naina leaned in and pressed her lips to his cheek. Sameer's eyes went a little wide at the unexpected kiss, but he recovered quickly, cupping her face before she could move back.

'Naina.' He whispered, 'You're so beautiful.'

He placed a kiss on her cheeks one by one, then her eyes, then nose and chin. Expecting him to come to her lips next, she was surprised when he traced a path of kisses down her jawline, trailing to her neck. A gasp left her when he placed a kiss at the base of her neck. At the same moment, his one hand ventured beneath the hem of her top, his fingers moving in delicately over her stomach, avoiding the side where she was hurt.

Unknown sensations flickered through Naina, and his name fell from her lips unknowingly, 'Sameer.'

Her hands flew up to his chest, bunching up his shirt in fists. The trail he left with his fingers on her skin and with his lips on her neck ignited a fire in her. The craving for more of his touch engulfed her senses. He murmured somethings against the hollow of her neck, but the words didn't register.

He pulled back slightly, his eyes seeking hers. Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing laboured, just like his. While his one hand continued its tender exploration of her belly, he put the other behind her head and pulled her to close the gap between them. His lips took hers in a kiss that spoke of his wants, his desires. Her eyes fluttered shut as their lips moved in sync, a declaration that their feelings were the same, and so were their demands. In between, he moved apart for a few seconds, just to get some air, then came in again, seeking the same nectar. Their heated breaths mingled, igniting sparks through their body.

Just as Sameer was about to give in to the intoxicating pull of the moment, his fingertips brushed against the bandage on her belly. The faint texture beneath his touch snapped him out of the haze that had enveloped his rational thoughts. Reality slowly sank in. Naina was hurt. She was in pain. She had given in to her emotions, just like him, but he could not let his desires take over the need for her well being.

His kiss softened before he eventually pulled back. The skin of her face was red from his ministrations. Her lips were swollen, her eyes a little wide in anticipation.

He groaned. She was an extreme test of his control.

'Naina.' His voice was breathless, 'Ek baar tumhari chot theek ho jaaye, fir bataunga ki mujhe tumpar kitna haq hai.'

Next update on Monday