Sameer looked lovingly but helplessly that beautiful lady descending from stairs almost running. Naina came with an envelope and carefully handling her saree. Though wearing a saree was not new for her, but running here and there with the pallu on head was not that habitual too. Before Nanu too, she used to wear saree, but he strictly refused for pallu, as always see and treat her like a daughter but not daughter in-law. But of course there were only few people who thought this way.

She came with an yellow and golden envelope in just three, four or maximum five minutes, but till then mamiji not only remained standing, but scanned the whole living room almost. Naina came to her handed her the envelope and bent to touch her feet. She couldn't even be straight, when her stern earpiercing voice echoed in air and went souring Sameer's taste too. "Areyy Naina bahu... Ye tumhara maayeka nhi hai... Hamare yha 251 ka shagun to shadi me kaam karne wali naain bhi nhi leti... Aise lifafe jab tumhare maayke wale aayenge sankrant ka shagun lekar tab unhe pakda dena... Arey Maheshwari hai hum... Class hai hamara..."

"Maaf kijiyega mamiji, galti ho gayi... Mai abhi dusra lati hu...", ignoring her taunt on her family background, softly naina replied.

Sameer felt that bitter taste of mouth soothed by pure honey. Though he didn't like Naina pleading and saying sorry, but liked her humbleness. And above all he was understanding that she was doing everything to sustain his relationships. But he couldn't see this being a silent spectator only and was about to say something infact about to lash out, when Naina coughed and when he looked at her, she nodded a no with pleading eyes. And he didn't need to think that how she got to know his mind or heart or mind, ahh whatever, she could read him like a book, understand him like a sweet poem and see through him like her own heart. He smiled faintly tilting his head and thought, "There is something that money can't buy, morals, manners, intelligence and of course class...",he thought of these lines said by nanu several times a day. Though never taken seriously ever, but the very moment made him realise the powerful meaning hidden in these words very clearly.

It was just 5mins gone, when Naina cleared the delicious spread of snacks and tea from centre table. She came after keeping everything, back in the kitchen and sat beside mamiji hopefully to be a part of family discussions and gossips. But shockingly everyone's expressions were different seeing her there. Sameer smiled sweetly but mamaji went all silent and shifted uncomfortably and mamiji frowned looked at her, scowled and snapped on her,"Naina bahu... Tu yha kha ghus rahi hai bado me... Ja jakar raat ke khane ki taiyari kar..."

"Ji mamiji... jati hu... wo aapse...", She said this time a little hang back and stood up hurriedly to leave. Though she wanted to say something but interrupted by mamiji.

"Aur haa... Naashte ki tarah khaana bhi rukha sukha mat bnana... Kuch acha bnana... Arey Ghee ke bina khana hota hai bhala... Aur itna feeka... Ekdum teekha sa chatpata khana bnana.... Aur haa thoda kuch meetha bhi.... Arey haa, alu mat bnana, wo tere mamaji ko sugar hai naa...",she said cutting her in between.

"Ji mamiji...",she left replying softly.

Sameer, who was still frowned thinking that from which angle she found that kachoris, mirchi vade, and other snacks 'rukha sukha and feeka', rolled his eyes on last line and felt like smacking his head tight. He was already disheartened seeing her being insulted again and again but stopped him to interrupt almost pleading every time, and now when she had left the scene, he too didn't found anything alluring there and left for study asking them to relax. Naina just came there to pickup the low wooden stool, saw him leaving from corner of her eyes.

After a while, Naina headed towards study with a bottle of water. Sameer looked up to see the invader but puffed his mouth and turned his back to her, when see her entering. Seeing him behaving like a kid, she chuckled and asked," kya hua... Muh q fula liya...."

"Qki tum bhut buri ho... Mujhe bolne q nhi diya niche...",he crossed his arms on his chest replied all sulkily.

"Areyy par aapko q bolna tha kuch... Mamiji ko acha nhi lagta naa...", Naina replied lovingly ruffling his hairs and then tiding the flicks up.

"Haa toh, Mujhe bhi acha nhi lga naa jab unhone tumhe wo sab kha...",he wrapped his arms around her waist but said still sulkily.

"Toh kya hua jo unhone kuch kah diya... Wo badi hai naa... Aur fr mujhe bilkul bura nhi lga...",she replied careressing his arms and dusting off imaginary dust from his shoulders.

He hugged her tight still murmuring something inaudible. She smiled and tightened her hold too. Just few moments passed and she remembered something and said,"areyy.. mai to ye puchhne aayi thi ki kamal bhaiya hai to please wo pass wali sweet shop se rasgulle mangwa dijiye... Rasmalai bnani hai..."

"Hein... Rasmalai... Naina mai rasmalai hi mangwa deta hu.. tum paresan mat ho naa... Sirf khana bna lo... Aur haa jyada paresan hone ki jarurat nhi, jo tumhe thik lage wo bna lena...",he said hurriedly estimated it as a tough sweet to make.

"Offoh... Wo mai dekh lungi... Aap bas rasgulle mangwa dijiye.. aur haa, mujhse promise kijiye ki chahe jo ho, aap dinner ke waqt koi gussa nhi karenge aur mamji ko kuch nhi bolenge...",till now she had understood the nature of mamiji and now worried for any clashes between them.

"Naina...",he whined.

"Please... Mere liye... Dekhiye Aapko meri kasam...",she was well aware of his rage and also knew how to control him.

"Thik hai... Lekin bhut jyada kuch hua to mai chup bhi nhi baithunga...", He warned her pointing a finger.

"Okay... Ab rasgulle...",she said and he nodded.

***********************************

Sameer checked every dish and his eyes widened seeing those rich delecasies spread over the table, but scrunched his nose as that was all very spicy and oily visibly. Seemed like Naina took extra care to follow mamiji's instructions. Though he never liked to eat spicy and oily, but knew one thing very well that not gonna question her for this and would eat whatever she had made, as never wanted to give mamiji any chance to snap over her.

Mamiji settled down on table scanning everything closely, but kept her mouth shut, seemed like not found anything to object. A few moments passed and Naina came last with bowl of sweets. She stared to serve, first with mamaji and then mamiji, but left Sameer's plate empty. Sameer looked at her confused but silent as knew her very well.

"Arey... Sameer ko to paros... Pta nhi kha dhyan hai is ladki ka...", though he was silent but mamiji couldn't leave any chance to lash out.

"Ji mamiji.. wo...",she was about to say something when Radhe came with an already served plate. She quickly replaced the empty plate with the full one. His eyes sparkled seeing one of his favourites achari alu dum. And its also included paneer kofte and mix daal fry like others plate, but less oily and spicy.

"Ye kya... Sameer ke liye alag se q...", mamiji asked confused a bit.

"Mamiji... Inhe teekha khana pasand nhi naa aur itna ghee wala bhi nhi khayenge, isiliye...",she softly replied serving them and mamiji bent on her plate nodding and mumbling something inaudible.

She had completed with servings and asked them to start. And Sameer suddenly said to her,"arey, tum bhi to baitho... Tumhe nhi khana kya..." And Naina almost slapped her forehead and closed her eyes as could see an expected taunt coming, but mamiji didn't say anything but stared at her as if waiting for her response to yell.

"Nhi.. aap khaiye, mai baad me kha lungi...", softly she replied with a deep breath hoping that he would understand.

"Kya matlab baad me... Akele kaise khaogi... Chalo baitho...", it was close that he hold her hands and make her sit forcibly.

"Areyy Sameer beta... Kah rahi hai naa wo ki baad me kha legi... Ab mama sasur ke saamne baith ke kaise khayegi... Chal tu kha, wo kha legi baad me...", this time mamiji was not only soft but tried to be reasoned as well.

"Kya matlab mama sasur ke saamne... Itni chairs to hai, side me nhi baith sakti kya..",he thought confusingly and about to give words to his thoughts, when she came near with hot fulka and when he looked at her blinking her eyes almost pleaded and her lips moved to say an inaudible 'please' that was heard by only him.

Mamaji and mamiji had started to eat, but neither his eyes was ready to leave her nor he was ready to eat without her. Seeing him still reluctant, tilting her head she again mumbled a please, but he shook his head refusing her plea. A tear shone in her eyes perhaps on her helplessness and she turned away from his eyes and wiped the corners of her eyes. It was too much for him, first she gave him her swear, then this tear, ahh, he could never take it, so sighing a long breath, gave in and bent on his plate started to eat, thinking annoyingly,"ye ladki mujhse kuch bhi karwa sakti hai.... Ab se iski koi kasam nhi maanunga..."

Food was good and praised by mamaji and mamiji both, but he didn't uttered a single word. Though he ate everything, she served in his plate, but refused for any second helping. Though mamji prodded him to take a sweet atleast, but neither he took nor she requested, very well understanding that his dam of patience could break down any moment now. Somehow the dinner got completed and mamaji left first saying Sameer to join him as he wanted to talk something important. He was about to follow him also, but suddenly mamiji remembered something and said to her,"areyy... Naina bahu... Mai to puchhna hi bhul gyi ki tere maayke ka shagun kab aayega..."

Sameer got a shock and looked at her with a jerk as knew her weak composure on this issue. She too stiffened a bit and asked a little shaky,"shagun.... Mamiji wo..."

"Haa to... Sankranti ka shagun... Arey hamare yha to itni cheeze hoti hai, ab utna nhi to shagun ka ek dibba mithai hi bhej de, akhir ko beti byahi hai... Pta hai naa tujhe ki maayke ki mithai ka hi baayna hota hai...",she asked in her usual taunting tone.

She hummed and shook her head agreedily and mamiji added again,"unko phone karke yaad dila dena aur kah dena ki 13 tareekh tak bhej de sab..."

"Ji... Ji mamiji...",she replied softly, but he could sense the tremble in her voice. As on the pretext of having water, he was still there and observing her keenly, maybe wanted to say something too. Fidgeting her fingers she fisted her palm in sides of her saree and blinking her eyes she was trying to hold back those tears. Mamiji turned to leave after completing her instructions and Sameer kept the glass back on table and moved towards her to hold her, but suddenly mamiji turned again and asked,"areyy Naina bahu... Ghar me meethi saunf ya churan hai to laa de jra... Fr ye sab kaam khatam karke tu bhi kha lena..."

"Ji mamiji... Abhi layi...",she replied hurriedly and left for the kitchen and Sameer kept looking at her retreating figure helplessly.

***********************************

"Aap mujhse gussa hai...",she asked very cutely but a little worried too.

It was around 40mins of that moment when he entered in the room and after completing her chores and done with the last task of  keeping the milk in guest room for mamaji and mamiji, she had came just 15 mins before him. He entered in the room silently and looked at her sitting resting her head on backrest of bed. His heart ached seeing her tired and sad, he walked and sat beside him. Just then she sensed him and asked restlessly opening her eyes.

"Haa toh... Khana nhi khaogi to gussa nhi hounga kya...",he replied making a sulky pout, but extended his hand with a morsel of food from the plate he came with.

"Aapko kaise pta ki maine...",she ate the morsel from his hand with a sigh of relief but asked too.

"Q.... Itna to janta hu naa tumhe... Bilkul khyal nhi rakhti naa apna...", though it was not new, but made her smile on instant and her eyes gleamed with warmth of his love.

"Aap hai naa, mera khyal rakhne...",she replied with all the love of her heart.

"Aur agar kabhi mai naa hua to...",he asked casually, but made her very restless in a jiffy.

"Q... Aapko kha jana hai.. aap khi nhi jayenge... Yhi rahenge, mere pass...",she said quickly tensed but strong too.

"Haa nhi jaunga... But ye btao ki khana q nhi khaya...",he asked and kept feeding her all this while.

"Mujhe lga ki aap gussa hai... kaise bilkul chup ho gye the aur thik se khana bhi nhi khaya aapne...",she said lifting a bowl from side table, contained some pieces of rasmalai.

"Janti ho naa ki tumhare bina khana acha nhi lagta mujhe...",he said and feed her another bite as well as took the bite of sweet as she extended her hand with, for him.

"Mujhse bhi akele...",she couldn't complete as a lump of various emotions choked her voice and made his face blurred in her eyes.

He looked at the moisture in her eyes, shook his head in no and keeping the plate aside, shifted a little closer to her and encased her in a soft hug, and said after few moments dropping a kiss on her forehead,"nainaaa... Mai hu naa... Mai tumhe kabhi akela nhi hone dunga..."

She smiled in tears nodding a yes and he said again,"chalo ab kha lo ache se.... Aj khana bhut tasty tha... Fr thanda ho jayega to tum nhi khaogi...",he said and extended the plate towards her.

"Aap hi khilaiye naa...",she said and didn't do any effort to take the plate from his hand.

"Tumhe mere haath se khana bhut pasand hai naa...", he asked smiling making a bite and feeding her, as noticed it sometimes before too, but she never really mentioned as that night.

"Hmm... Kabhi kisi ne itne pyar se nhi khilaya...",she replied in a flow but got silent suddenly.

He could understand her sadness in this moment, so thought for a second and said,"achha... Fr roz mai hi khila dunga... Acha hai practice bhi ho jayegi...",she looked confusingly to him and he added,"haa... Jab hamare babies aayenge to.. unko.. bhi.. khilaunga naa...",he completed teasingly prolonging every word.

She chuckled and blushed at the same moment throwing away every sadness out of the window. He smiled heartily seeing her smile and kept feeding her with light talks of their day. Soon ended with food and sweets both, and she went to change her cloths for the night, as sameer had already changed but she was still in saree. She was in dressing room, when he remembered something and waited impatiently for her to talk about.

"Areyy Naina... Ye shagun-wagun.. whatever it was... Tum fikar mat karna bilkul, mai kal subah mamiji se baat kar lunga... Aj hi kah deta lekin tumhari kasam ke liye nhi kah paya...",he said, as soon as she came after changing and slipped beneath blanket near him.

"Ye sab mai dekh lungi... Aap uske bare me mat sochiye... Mai khud baat kar lungi, mamiji se...",she said lifting and balancing herself on one elbow, while knuckles of other hand traced his jawline and cheek. Amusingly he looked at her as first time seeing her making the first move. Naina was astounded too on her courage, but definitely that didn't matter now. Fascinating she careressed the light stubble on his cheek again.

"Nainaa...",he hold her hand on his cheek and whispered her name burning in the flames of intent desires.

"I love you..",she said huskily and kissed him on forehead.

"Mmm Naina...",he let out a long moan of her name as her lips covered his whole face with slow but deep kisses and a hand was busy in unbuttoning and exploring his torso.  His one hand threaded in her hairs and other found the way beneath her top, feeling the silky glide of her velvety skin. But oblivious of his moves, she was busy in marking every inch of his skin with her lips.

His musky male scents mingled with deep cologne, seemed like blurred her senses. She moved ahead from his face nipping the skin of collar bone softly, like he always did to her. He wondered as some bold actress possessed his naive Naina, when parting the seams of his shirt her lips touched him more intimately and hands moved like hungry explorer. He smiled sensing his own resemblance in her actions. An strange sense of pride and happiness took over him seeing her being all bold and doing everything unhesitatingly she wanted to do. Seemed like the comfort, the ease and the trust he was looking for, it was just there. His body reacted on her every move, every nerve was coiling with acute prospects of passionate dreams. Her enchanting softness moved over his hard angles turning him into puddle of desires. Still he knew that it was her last day of period and not sure whether they could take it further or not, so holding her tight, he muttered,"Naina... Mai..",she looked at him as if knew that it was coming.

She smiled, her expressions softened and keeping her head on his chest she mumbled breathing heavily,"bas teen din aur..."

"Teen din matlab...",he asked hurriedly with a mixed emotions of shock, surprise and excitement.

"Matlab... Mamiji log teen din baad chale jayenge...",she replied lovingly still resting on his chest.

"Toh...",his heart danced between lots of hopes and anticipations and he stuttered.

"Toh... Toh kuch nhi...",she looked at him lifting her head, then hide herself in his chest replying and blushing to the deepest shade of crimsons.

"Ab ye teen din kaise katenge Naina...",he said as the emitting heat of desires and anticipated moments of upcoming hoarsed his voice. She didn't reply but tightened her hold around him and burried herself in him some more.

**********************************

The sun came with beautiful golden rays with new hopes of mesmerizing moments with her. He opened his eyes earlier than usual, feeling her warmth missing from his arms. His smile became wider remembering beautiful cozy night and eyes wandered around searching for her. After two minutes she appeared from dressing room, draped in a beautiful fuchsia pink saree. For a moment, he regret the decision of making the dressing room in their room. "Sirf dressing area bnana chahiye tha... Dressing table types... Tchh...",he thought and murmured in despair.

"Good morning... Aj jaldi uth gye aap... Coffee lau ya green tea lenge...",he was so lost in his thoughts, when seeing him awake she asked and her honeyed sweet voice brought him out of his dreamland.

"Good morning sweetheart...",he replied spreading his arms and she slipped in smilingly.

"Acha btaiye breakfast ke liye kya bnau... Kya khayenge aap...",she asked as this was her daily question.

"Kuch bhi... Waise Naina, maine raat ko kuch kha nhi, lekin mere liye alag se mat bnana... Mai kha lunga jo sab ke liye bnaogi... ",He replied his usual one but then said remembering the incident of night.

"Aj kha hai, aage se aise mat kahiyega kabhi...",she pulled back and said softly but firmly. He stared at her confused as didn't understand the meaning and she cupped his face lovingly and continued," aap hai to sab hai... Sab hai isliye aap nhi..." , Though it was still a bit mysterious for him, but loved the fact of being most special in her life.

"Acha ab baki baat suniye...",she said sitting straight now, and he too be alert.

"Aj mai college nhi jaungi, isliye niche kuch puchhiyega mat... aur haa, mamiji agar shagun wali baat ko lekar kuch bole to bho aap kuch nhi kahenge... Yaad hai naa apna promise...",she said a bit tensed about the would be happenings.

"Naina.. agar ye shagun nhi aaya to kya hoga... I mean sweets hi to hai... Hum manga lenge... Nhi aane se kya problem hai...",he asked as didn't understand the implication of it as a necessity.

"Kuch nhi...fr Sankranti ko mera vrat hoga... Suryast ke baad hi kuch khaa paungi mai...",she casually shrugged her shoulder to inform him the after effects of not getting the 'shagun' from her maayke.

"Chup raho... Koi vrat nhi rakhogi tum...",he said quickly, and added more,"acha thik hai, wo sab baad me... Lekin mamiji se baat mere samne hi karna... I mean abhi ya sham ko...",she looked at him worried of his reaction, but he continued,"haa, mai kuch nhi kahunga... Lekin tumhare saath to reh sakta hu naa... Ab jao... Aur haa, meri coffee....",he said willing to end the topic for now, but decided that would never sit silent, if mamiji tried to insult or hurt her.

The breakfast was an quick but silent affair as Naina understood their taste till then and kept special care for that and her decision to stay at home skipping her college too liked by mamiji. Though sameer didn't like it much, but still decided to let it go as she told her earlier that there was not any important lecture that day. But both mamaji and mamiji were in a hurry, as they had an appointment with the doctor, and after that mamiji wanted to go to meet one of her friend, so Naina couldn't talk about shagun. After breakfast, Sameer left quickly bidding a goodbbye to all as he had a very important meeting, but signalling her to come after him. She thought for a moment and went behind him on pretext of giving him his bag, which he left.

He handed her his blazer as soon as she came near. She smiled and swiftly slipped that in his shoulders. He turned, encased her waist tightly, and said,"Naina... Promise karo ki abhi breakfast kar logi... Sorry jaan ki mujhe jana pad rha hai... But please tum kha lena... Nhi to mai...",he said as she was hungry, and her habit of skipping her meals was unsettling him.

"Kha lungi...",she replied softly.

"Acha haa... Raat ko thoda late ho jaunga... Wait mat karna, khana kha lena..",he informed her recalling his schedule of the day.

"Nhi khaungi...",she said with equally wide smile and softness. But the answer didn't disturb him, as knew her very well and shaking his head in disbelief, just kissed on her hairs and left.

***********************************

"Arey Naina bahu... Doodh to rakh de kamre me...", mamiji hollered her name.

It was a hell hectic day for her, as mamiji kept assigning work after work, and her demands was increasing by every moment. Now this was perhaps the last work for the day, as they had already had their dinner and now left for sleeping. Naina kept two glasses full of hot milk on tray, and went towards guest room. Though she had no intention of evasdropping but sharp voice of mamiji was not so low to ignore and unintentionally she overheard some part of their conversation.

"Arey... Mai kh rahi hu aapko.... Ye ladki, kadam bhari hai iske...ek number ki manhoos hai ye.... Jane kha se utha laye kakusa... Jab se ghar me aayi hai kuch acha nhi hota... ", Mamiji said to mamaji.

"Baat to teri thik lagti hai Prabha... Business me itna bada nuksaan, aur sameer ne to btaya tak nhi... Aj office nhi jata toh mere ko to pata hi nhi chalta ni... Aur doctor ne bhi...",mamaji said thinking something.

"Arey ab is ladki ka chehra dekh kar nikalenge to kya khak achi khabar milegi... ramji kare ki sab thik ho jaye bas, business ka ghata to fr bhi thik hai bas hamara sameer salamat rahe...kahi use kuch...",mamiji again spit venom against her.

"Crash.....",a loud sound of broken glass fell in their ears, making them aware of her presence. She was there looking at them, then broken glass and milk with wide eyes. She crouched on floor and hurriedly tried to collect the broken pieces of glass with shivering hands and misty eyes.

"Hey bhagwanji... Tod diya glass... Kitna apshakun kar diya... Jane ab kya hoga... Ab koi buri khabar naa lana bhagwanji... Sameer bhi ab tak ghar nhi aaya...",mamiji was pro in her dramatic expressions.

"Ahh...",she shivered and bit her lips in pain as a piece of glass penetrated her palm and tears spilled out of eyes.

Till now, Radhey and Kanchan di also came there. Kanchan di looked at her, sensed her pain, kept her hand on her shoulder and said," Naina bahu... Aap upar jao, ye sab hum kar denge...",she gave her the much needed get away and she got up and went running in her room upstairs.

************************************

Sameer came around 10 pm. Door was opened by Radhey and not her. Only this was enough to alarmed him. He asked restlessly,"Naina, Thik hai naa... Kuch hua hai kya ghar me..."

"Puri baat to humko bhi nhi pta bhaiya... Lekin wo jab dudh gira to uske baad se hi bhabhi niche nhi aayi...", Radhey was not aware of happenings before that.

Sameer hurriedly climbed up the stairs without giving any heed to his reply.

"Naina.... Naina... Kya hua jaan....",he climbed up hollering her name and switched on the lights when see her sitting in darkness.

Though he called her name, switched on the lights, but it didn't effect her and she was still sitting in her earlier position, shivering badly and looking at her bleeding hand without a blink.

"Naina, ye kya hua jaan...",he came near and asked seeing her bleeding hand and hold her immediately. His heart pained like squeezing and struggling for air seeing her bleeding profusely. Her pink sari went all reddish on a side. And he asked giving her a little jolt.

She breathed heavily, hold his hands, traced his arms and shoulders and asked,"aap thik hai naa..."

"Mujhe kya hua... Btaya tha naa late ho jaunga... Tum chhodo ye sab aur baitho yha... Kitna khoon bah rha hai...mai first aid kit lata hu...",he replied and said her to sit and turned to pull out the first aid kit from drawers. But instead of sitting, she hugged him very tightly taking deep long breaths as found air to survive after so long.

"Naina.. tum thik ho naa...",he asked wrapped her in himself. Her trembling was so strong that scared him a bit, and he asked instantly careressing her hairs.

"Hmmm.... Aapko bhut der ho gyi to thoda dar gyi thi...",it took her pretty 5 to 7 minutes to get her breathing normal and she replied thinking not to be a reason for his tensions.

He looked at her palpitating form, cupped her face, looked in her eyes. Though could clearly see her apprehensions and tremors but kept silence, giving her time to open as usual, and went to bring first aid kit first.

After her dressing, he changed first and said her to change and himself went downstairs to bring food for themselves. He didn't ask much nor gave her chance to speak much. Her condition was shackled him up, and he was really scared for some unknown reason, sensing something bad coming up towards themselves.

************************************

Neither of them was interested in food anymore, but ate somehow for the sake of each other. In the whole eating time, he kept talking lightly, tried to cheer her, but she was so lost in thinking something that couldn't reply properly. She looked so pale, so lost that he wanted nothing but to hide her in himself just then. Somehow with great difficulty that dinner got over, and he tugged her hand, pulled her in balcony and sat on floor bed holding her close. For some unknown reason his heart was thumping. His own assumptions were making him shudder in sweat. He hold onto himself, tried to remain strong and hold her tightly.

"Aapne mujhe btaya nhi ki aapko business me loss hua hai...",she asked playing with a button of her shirt. Seemed like her strong shell had started to crack, but her voice was so empty, that the hollow scared him again.

" Koi nhi Naina... Aisa kuch important nhi hai... Jo bhi hai recoverable hai... Business me to up down hote rehte hai, you don't worry...",he replied softly careressing her hairs but question definitely disturbed him as she never asked much about business, office and money, but suddenly this. And also wondered that what exactly happened that awared her about that loss.

She nodded and closed her eyes as if understood. He knew this was not over and waited patiently impatiently. Suddenly after some moments of painful silence she said again," please kuch baate kariye naa...."

He knew that she just wanted a diversion of thoughts. He tried to think and recked into the depths of his mind for some suitable topic. A few seconds passed and he asked,"Naina... Tumhare college me is mahine ke baad preparatory leaves ho jayengi naa exams ke liye....", She just hummed and nodded as reply and he added more,"tabhi nanu ke operation ke liye next month ke first week ki date rakhi hai ... Tumhari chhuttiya bhi rahengi aur fr wha aram se reh payenge... Ummm, tum apni books rakh lena wha saath saath preparation bhi karti rehna...", He said this coz she was so attached to nanu and expected her to be agree smiling as she was very eager for that operation. But nothing like that happened, infact her shiverings increased, she clinged on him some more, her hands fisted on his shirt tightly. Seemed like he touched the wrong or perhaps the right nerve unknowingly.

Holding her tight, he careressed her arms bewildered on her reaction and said softly,. " Naina tum...."

But she pulled back from his embrace, closed her eyes, took some deep breaths and said struggling for breath," mujhe aapko kuch btana hai... Lekin wo sab jaan kar aap mujhse nafrat mat kijiyega please... Mai.. mai bardasht nhi kar paungi...", some tears spilled even after her control.

He looked at her all shackled. Her request made him numb. "Nafrat.... Aisa kya ho gya akhir...",he wondered and said,"Naina... Mai... ", But she stopped him showing her palm and said interrupting," please mujhe kahne dijiye..." He nodded understandably and she continued,"bhut sare sawal ke jwab dene hai mujhe aapko... bhut kuch adhura chhoda hai maine..." He shook his head in no vigorously and she hold his hands and started nodding a yes.

"Aapne mujhse puchha tha naa ki mai pehle mandir jati thi to ab q nhi jati... Aur wo ashram, uske bare me nhi btaya maine kuch... Lekin mujhe aj btana hai... Ye sab sirf meri wajah se ho rha hai... Aapko ye pta hona chahiye...",she stopped for a much needed breath while he looked at her restlessly. He wanted to hold her, he wanted to silenced her, he couldn't see those precious pearls of salt flowing carelessly. He hold her by shoulders and tried to say something, but she again stopped him pleading a 'please'.

"Mai... Jab... Taiji... ",She tried to find a way to say everything, tried to arrange words in a meaningful way but couldn't. For a long moment, she closed her eyes, took some deep breaths, wiping her tears started again without any prelude,"taiji ko hamesha se lagta tha ki mai... Meri buri kismat ki wahah se mere mummy Papa us accident me... Wo hamesha se mujhe manhoos maanti thi, kahti thi... Lekin... Lekin.."

"Naina, rehne do naa please...",he tried once to stop her but she continued after taking some deep breaths.

"Lekin Chachaji aur chachiji ne mujhe kabhi is baat ka ehsaas nhi hone diya... Pr ek baar, ek baar jab pralay, matlab... Taiji ka beta, uski tabiyt bhut kharab ho gyi thi, toh.... Toh ek panditji ne taiji ko kha ki....",she stopped by a hiccup. Sameer was all lost, confused and puzzled till now and listening everything open mouthed.

"Taiji ko kisi ne kha ki meri wajah se pralay ki tabiyt kharab hui hai aur jab tak mai us ghar me hu wo thik nhi hoga... Taiji ne... Taiji ne mujhe.... mujhe ghar se... Jane ko... Jane ko kah diya... ",She uttered a choked cry, while he hold her close to himself and said,"Naina bas karo ab..."

She hugged him and snuggled in him and said holding him," mai chhoti thi tab... Kuch samajh nhi aa rha tha... Chachaji bhi bahar gye huye the... Taiji ne meri ek nhi suni... Mujhe kuch nhi sujh rha tha ki kya karu, kha jau... Kuch samajh nhi aaya to mandir me jakar baith gyi... Pura din wha baithi rahi, roti rahi, fr..."

"Fr... Aur kya naina....",he didn't know how to react exactly. This was something he could never imagine ever.

"Fr... Fr sham ho gyi... Wha raat ko to nhi reh sakti thi... Pta nhi kisine kya samjha, lekin Phulla bua dadi ko khabar kar di... wo aayi aur... Aur mujhe ashram le gyi...", she again took a pause recalling those unfateful days of her life. But wiped her tears again and said,"mai bolna chahti thi ki mujhe nhi jana... Mai anath nhi hu... Chikhna chahti thi, chillana chahti thi, pr kuch nhi bta saki... Us din... Us din lga ki... Lga ki anath hona kya hota hai... "

She sat straight, wiped her tears finally and said this time looking strong but all shook and broken from inside,"Dusre din bua dadi ko sab btaya... Unhone jyada to kuch nhi kha.. lekin do din baad jab chachaji mujhe lene aaye to kha ki fr kabhi jarurat ho to mai wha aa sakti hu... Us din to samajh nhi aaya tha lekin fr jab ye baar baar ki baat ho gyi to samjhi ki unhone aisa q kha... Chachaji ne sabko roka, sabko samjhane ki koshish ki... Lekin tauji aur taiji ke aage jyada kuch naa kah sake... Dheere dheere chachiji bhi is baat ko manne lagi... Puja di ke shadi ke waqt se... Mera mandir aur ashram jana badh gya... Kabhi ek din, kabhi jyada... Pehle Puja di fr Preeti... Unhi dino mai nanaji se mili thi aur..."

He could never think of anything like this. This was not shock but a storm shaking his sanity. He hold her tightly but feeling broken from inside. Her every word was like a sword tearing his soul in parts. His entire being was in utter state of terror. But still he wondered that why she suddenly felt the need to reveal this to him and asked when couldn't think of anything else,"Naina... Tum ye sab aj q... Kuch hua hai kya..."

She nodded in yes and said again,"nanaji ko sab btaya tha maine... Unhone hi kha ki aapko ye sab naa kahu aur sab bhul jau... Fr aapne itna pyar diya ki sach me sab bhul gyi..."

"Naina.. mai...",he wanted to say something interrupted by her again,"lekin... Ab lagta... Ab lag rha hai ki sab sahi the... Mai unlucky hu aapke liye bhi aur is ghar ke liye bhi... Jab se tha aayi hu sab sirf kharab ho rha hai... Nanaji ki tabiyt, aapka business, aapki tabiyt.. sab sirf galat hua hai... Aapko loss ho gya.. us din aapki tabiyt kharab ho gyi... Mummyji se ladai huyi... Usse pehle bhi us party me... Wo award bhi nhi mila aapko....",she said recalling some past incidents.

He looked at her with wide eyes and she continued,"lekin aur nhi... Aapko kuch ho gya to mai ji nhi... Mai maaf nhi kar paungi khud ko... Nanaji ke operation ke waqt mujhe wha nhi hona chahiye... Aap jab subah office jaaye to bhi mujhe aapke saath nhi hona chahiye... Shayad mujhe is ghar... Is ghar me hi nhi... Nhi hona... Nhi hona chahiye, ya shayad is duniya me hi... Kitna acha hota agar mummy papa ke saath us din us car me mai bhi...",she cried hiding her face in her palms.

"Chup karo Naina... Chup ho jao please... Aur kuch mat bolna...",he pulled her in his arms and said tightening his hold around her.

She uttered deep choked cries. 'jali huyi kundali...' 'manhoos surat...' 'kali kismat...' everything was making a come back in her mind. She snuggled in him as if seeking assurance, but her cries getting intense by each passing moment. He somehow managed to hold her shaking being. Her tiny frame was shaking uncontrollably and he himself too was feeling very heavy and shook by her revealations but tried to hold onto his sanity and her too.

Her cries subdued by sobs and she slept or feebly languished in his embrace. He lifted her in his arms and made her laid on bed comfortably and careressed her hairs settling beside her. Tears were still spilling from her eyes. He closed his eyes squeezed recalling her every word. He kissed her forehead and kept his head on hers. Never in his life, he thought that he could ever think for any of these situations for himself. He could never think that he could ever hate someone like this, but the hatred he felt for her unseen relatives was so much to take. He could never think that anything could pain this much, but the enormous amount of pain he felt in those moments was so much to bear. The feeling that she wanted to go away from him, the words that she wanted to end her life was something that he knew gonna haunt him forever. He didn't know what exactly mamiji said to her that led everything to this, but definitely wanted to set everything on fire. The pain, the hurt, the anger, everything was like a deep and strong whirlpool of feelings, on its extreme best. He kissed her whole face impatiently and hugged her sleeping figure tightly and couldn't stop his eyes to spill the warm salty water. Even after every emotion, he knew, he decided and he thought that he had to set everything right for her.