There couldn't be a better title for the last chapter 🥲

Thank you for being with me in this journey 🙏 Today, before we start the last update, I want to say that I can never express how much you all have given me. Though you thank me for the stories, let me tell you that it has been possible only because of your support throughout. Motivation for my books are Samaina, but I dedicate this book, 'Na Jaane Kyon' to all my precious readers 🤗❤️

Naina was pleasantly surprised to see the décor of her room at office. The walls were in muted earthy shades, giving the room a calming effect, along with a touch of sophistication. Her leather chair had been replaced by a larger, more comfortable one. A recliner was added to the seating arrangement of two low chairs and table. Sameer stated it was for her to relax when she felt exhausted. On the side console, besides file cabinet, was a small crystal vase with two sticks of her favourite, white lilies. Her desk was same, but it had been given a coat of lighter paint, making the room look bigger. What added smile to her amazed expression were the two frames on her table. Walking over to the other side, she picked up one with the picture of twins, as they smiled at the camera. Other frame had a candid shot of all five of them, captured by Rohan when they were in the garden one evening. The babies were both looking at Ayush with fascinated eyes as he tried to show them the flowers, while the parents adoringly smiled at their children. Next to the frames was a notebook, similar to the one she had when she used to pen down the tumult of her heart while she maintained a calm exterior for the world. Just like how her life had changed, a floral pattern had replaced the black cover of notebook.

"Kuch likhna chaho toh isme likhna." He patted the notebook.

She smiled, "Ab apne dil ki har baat tumse keh sakti hun. Ab mujhe koi uljhan, koi darr hai hi nahi jise likh ke dil halka karna pade."

"Toh kuch meri tareef mein hi likh do." He winked.

"Aapki tareef ke liye shabd kam pad jayenge." She replied with a wink too.

"Hayee." He dramatically placed a hand on his heart, "Seedha dil pe laga."

"Nautanki." Laughing, she turned her attention to the room.

Sameer had transformed the room completely, making it more to her liking. It did look like a workplace, but not formal and stiff.

"Bohot sundar hai." She exclaimed, taking a deep breath as she moved her gaze around the room.

"Tumse zyada nahi." His breath fell on her neck, making her suddenly aware of the fact that he had stepped much closer.

"Office hai Sameer." She whispered when his arm snaked around her waist.

"Hamara hai." His lips brushed over her ear.

She gulped, "Iss time..."

"Time bhi hamara hai." He did not let her complete the sentence.

"Koi... koi aa jayega." Her voice faltered as he turned her to face him.

"Ek din, issi office mein achanak tum saamne aa gayi. Tumhari aankhon mein kuch aisa khoya ki aaj tak khud ko dhoond nahi paaya. Uss din jo kahani shuru hui thi, woh aaj kitni aage aa gayi hai, phir bhi lagta hai bilkul nayi hai. Itne dino baad tumhe office mein dekh ke aisa lag raha hai jaise pehli baar jab tumhe yahan dekha tha." She could see the glow of happiness on his face.

Placing her hands on his chest, she shrugged, "Mujhe toh aisa nahi lag raha. Tab kahan tum mein himmat thi ki mere itne kareeb aa sako."

He pursed his lips, "Yeh baat toh sach hai. Uss waqt toh theek se tumhe dekh bhi nahi paata tha. Isliye baar baar meeting rakhta tha jisse tum presentation do aur main jee bhar ke tumhe nihaar saku."

"Pagal the tum." She chuckled.

"Ab bhi hun... tumhare pyar mein." His thumb grazed her lower lip.

"Dhatt." Her cheeks covered in a rosy hue as she tried to push him.

His arm curved tighter on her waist, and he pulled her close with a jerk.

"Sameer." She gasped, worried that someone might walk in any moment.

"Band hai... locked." He said lightly when her gaze flicked to the door.

When she looked at him, his eyes glinted with mischief, a smirk lifting one corner of his lips. She raised her brows in question, wondering what was playing in his mind.

His head lowered, till his lips were almost touching hers, "Office mein tumse romance karne ke bohot saare plans ab tak baaki hain."

"Achha." She was amused, "Tumne kab koi mauka chora tha. Yaad hai, kaise tease karte the mujhe hamari shaadi ke baad... pehli wali shaadi."

His efforts to get close, her flushed face, bewildered expressions, unsuccessful attempts to keep a distance... all memories surfaced in his mind. But more vivid were the ones from before that, when she had no idea about his feelings.

"Naina, tumhe andaaza bhi nahi hai tumhe dekh ke kitne armaan uthte the mere mann mein. Aur unhe chupana kitna mushkil tha. Tum saamne hoti thi par main dil ka haal keh tak nahi paata tha, romance karne ka mauka toh door ki baat hai." He breathed.

"Sorry." She could understand to some extent. When she realised her love, though she was not longing for moments with him, it wasn't easy to maintain the mask of a professional, or a neutral relationship when her heart went into an overdrive every time she saw him.

The softness in her eyes, the apologetic scrunch of lips, the rising warmth on her cheeks as she seemed to be lost in the same memories made his heartbeat escalate. His hand slowly moved down her arm, till it found hers, to intertwine their fingers. Their eyes remained locked as he pulled their conjoined hands up, opened her palm, and pressed their palms flat against each other. Their gazes turned to their joined hands. Her hand was much smaller, fitting perfectly within his large palm. His lips formed a small smile as he stared at their hands, his eyes flickering with the emotion that she had recognised a little late, but had become familiar with in the past years.

His voice, when he spoke, was thick, "Yeh haath apne haathon mein dekhne ke liye jaane kitni raatein jaag ke guzari hain." His eyes drifted back to her, "Tumhe apni baahon mein lene ke liye usse bhi zyada din khud pe control kiya. Tumhare kareeb aane ke liye bohot lamba intezaar kiya maine, Naina."

She swallowed, somewhat astonished at the sudden fluttering of butterflies in her stomach. She was his wife, mother of their babies, yet he was able to give her the same tingling sensation all over just with his words and his deep look. His touch managed to send her heart in a tizzy, his embrace swooned her, his kisses...

Her gaze fell to his lips, unknowingly. The butterflies wanted to fly out of the cage, flapping wildly as the thought of his kisses made her shiver.

Feeling triumphant at the effect he could see on her, Sameer tilted his head, leaning towards her lips as he whispered, "Lekin ab sab kuch badal gaya hai... ab mujhe intezaar nahi karna padta."

Before he could feel her soft lips, there was a knock at the door.

They stilled, looking sharply in the direction of voice that resonated in the room, "Madam ji, hum andar aa jaayein?"

"Uhh." Sameer grunted, moving away from her, "Bas ek cheez nahi badli... hamare pyar ke dushman. Har jagah aa jaate hain."

Naina stifled a smile as he headed to the door and pulled it open with a stony expression.

Lakshman faltered for a moment, seeing him, then smiled nervously, "Good... good morning sir. Aapne kaha tha madam ko subah aate hi unki pasand ki coffee deni hai. Wohi leke aaya hun."

With a forced smile, Sameer waved at him to enter. Lakshman gingerly walked past him, before beaming a smile at Naina, "Good morning madam ji."

"Good morning Lakshman. Kaise hain aap?" She asked in a gentle voice.

"Ekdum theek hun. Bohot khushi hui baba aur baby ke aane se." He said in a hesitant voice.

"Thank you." Naina smiled warmly.

Lakshman left the room hurriedly, without looking at Sameer who stood with crossed arms near the door.

Naina couldn't help the teasing chuckle when they were alone again, "Itne gussa kyon ho rahe ho. Tumne hi kaha tha usse coffee ke liye."

The corridor outside had started to fill with activity as more staff members arrived. Sameer knew he couldn't continue with what was disturbed few minutes back as there were chances of others to come over to meet Naina.

Letting out a disgruntled breath, he waved his head, "Mujhe kahan pata tha ek din yeh coffee bhi pyar ki dushman ban jayegi."

"Hey Naina." It was Farhaan's voice from outside.

He walked in with a wide smile, "So good to see you back. How are you?"

"Hey Farhaan." She extended her hand to meet his, "I'm good. Thank you."

"Hamare angels kaise hain?" He asked enthusiastically. Farhaan and Dhruv had come to meet the babies at home few days back, and were thrilled to see their similar antics as they had never actually seen twins so closely before.

Sameer answered from behind, "They are good too."

Farhaan turned in surprise, his smile intact, "Oh Sameer. Sorry aapko dekha nahi. Good morning."

He walked to stand beside Farhaan, "Good morning. Tum aaj akele kaise? Dhruv kahan hai?"

"Chutti pe hai." Farhaan shrugged, "Aaj ladki dekhne jaana hai usse."

Naina raised her brows in surprise, "Dekhne? As in arranged marriage?"

Farhaan rolled his eyes, "Well, actually Natasha usse kuch months se pasand hai par tum jaanti ho na Dhruv ko. He was too shy to say it. Woh toh mujhe matrimonial site pe uska profile dikha toh maine Dhruv ko idea diya ki parents ke through approach kare. It worked. Dono ek do baar akele mil chuke hain. Aaj parents ke saath meeting hai, formally."

Naina flicked her brows at him, "Ab tumhari turn hai. Kab aa rahi hai Sanya?"

Farhaan rubbed the back of his neck, "Actually, main... woh..." His eyes moved from Naina to Sameer, "Main six months mein yeh job chor raha hun. I'm going to Australia. Hum wahin shaadi karenge. Yahan kuch complications hain, dono ki families ki... matlab, parents toh ready hain par relatives... you know, sabke alag alag objections..." He did not we to get into the details.

Sameer held out his hand, "Congratulations. I'm glad ki tumne apne pyar ka saath dene ka faisla liya. Believe me, yeh best decision hai. Aur jab apni family saath hai toh kisi aur ka mat socho."

Farhaan let out a relieved breath, shaking hands with Sameer, "Thank you. Hum dono bohot confused hain. Aapki encouragement se better feel hua. I'm sure Sanya bhi khush hogi jab usse bataunga."

Naina chuckled, "Haan, zarur batana. Usse sunn ke achha lagega."

Farhaan laughed, "Sach mein lagega. Iss case mein woh zyada nahi badli."

After he was gone, Sameer narrowed his eyes, "Yeh kya tha?"

Naina came around the desk. Adjusting the knot of his tie, she replied with tongue in cheek, "Mere handsome husband ki secret admirer hai Sanya. Hamesha se. Bataya toh tha ek baar."

Praise from her made him let out a proud smile, "Mujhe bas ek admirer yaad hai. Aur woh mere liye kaafi hai."

Before he could come back to his lovey dovey mood, Naina moved back, "Chalo ab jao. Office kaam karne aaye hain, romance karne nahi."

He twisted his mouth, "Yes boss." And walked out dragging his feet.

She rolled her eyes at his childish tantrum, "Aur mujhe laga bachhon ko ghar pe chor ke aayi hun."

Once they got to work, the day was gone before Naina even realised. Only when Sameer buzzed on the intercom that they must leave did she check the time. They had decided in the morning that they would leave a little early since it was Naina's first day away from the babies. At home, the babies got excited the moment they saw her. It was the longest she had stayed away from them. They squealed as she picked them up together. By now, almost everyone in the family had got into the habit of taking them together in the arms.

She talked to them softly, till Sameer took Ansh in his arms, and kissed his cheek, "Mera champ apni baby sister ka dhyan rakh raha tha na?"

The little boy rolled his lips, as if trying to talk. Sameer nuzzled his nose in baby's tummy, making him gurgle loud. Anaisa let out a scream, demanding the same attention.

Nanu took Ansh from Sameer, laughing, "Naaraaz ho gayi. Tune pehle usse nahi liya."

The moment Sameer held Anaisa, she grinned, kicking fiercely. He tickled her, "Aapko sabse zyada papa pasand hain na. Abse papa pehle aapse hi baat karenge. Baaki sabka number cut. Okay?"

She threw her arms in air, trying to reach his face. Sameer bent his head, letting her fingers reach him. She directly attacked his sunglasses.

Naina smirked when she got busy playing with them, not looking up at Sameer, "Ab samajh aaya usse kya zayada pasand hai?"

He pouted at Anaisa, "Papa ko miss nahi kiya?"

She let out a cooing sound, then went back to the glasses in her hand.

Coming out of her room, Vishakha was happy to see them back before time, "Ansh aur Ana thodi der pehle hi soke uthe hain. Din mein uthe tab thode cranky hue the par zyada roye nahi. Ayush aur Aru ke saath khelte rahe phir baby food khake so gaye."

"Thanks mummy." Naina smiled, "Agar aapka aur sabka support nahi hota toh pata nahi main kaise manage karti."

Vishakha chided her lovingly, "Dadi maa ka zyada haq hota hai apne pote poti pe. Tum ghar pe bhi rehti toh bhi inn sabko main zayada waqt apne paas hi rakhti."

Nanu swung Ansh around, "Arre bhai dadi dada toh bohot khush hain bachhon ke saath. Ansh, apne mummy papa ko bol de jaldi aane ki zarurat nahi hai. Hum sabki team bohot strong hai. Saath milke khelenge saara din. Haina?"

In response, Ansh made a pleased, yelling sound.

******

Within a few months of joining office, Naina's routine had fallen into rhythm, so had the time of babies. Before leaving, she and Sameer would bathe the little ones, who now frolicked in water as they could sit. While Sameer dressed up after his bath, Naina would feed them and put them to sleep, before getting ready. When the babies got up after about three hours, nanu and Vishakha would be there to play with them. They enjoyed the mashed fruits and baby food, along with bottle feed. Once Ayush was back from school, and Deepika from college, they wouldn't let the babies sleep till late afternoon. By four, Vishakha would forcefully push the elder ones out. When Naina and Sameer returned in the evening, the babies were either sleeping, or would have just gotten up. They remained playful throughout the evening, sleeping peacefully at night. Unlike earlier months, they now needed to be fed only twice during the night.

But tonight, Anaisa was unusually active. She did not sleep even after Naina's several attempts.

"Kya hua baby ko?" In a soothing voice, Naina stroked her cheek, "Aaj sona nahi hai kya?"

She twitched, dropping the corners of her lips.

Quickly bringing her close to her chest, Naina patted her back, "Meri Ana toh sabse pyari hai. Neenu nahi aayi toh koi baat nahi. Chalo, hum khelte hain. Papa ko sone dete hain. Woh thak gaye honge na." Whispering, she took the baby out to the terrace. Sameer had already fallen asleep. And she didn't want him to get disturbed.

The weather had turned pleasant, announcing the approaching winters. Anaisa looked up when Naina pointed at the stars. For a few minutes, she was silent, then suddenly jerked, looking around.

"Kise dhoond raha hai mera baby?" Naina was sure there had been no sound that could make her search for anyone. But Anaisa craned her neck in all directions.

When Naina asked her again, she pointed at the stars.

"Tumhe achhe lage?" She smiled.

Anaisa pointed towards the door, doubling up in her arms. Naina took her inside. She still pointed at the main door. Puzzled, Naina stealthily opened the door of their room and stepped out. Only when Anaisa led her to Ayush's room did it dawn upon her. She associated stars with Ayush. Seeing them up in the sky had reminded her of Ayush, and she wanted to go to him.

The moment they stepped into his room, the baby squealed delightfully, seeing her elder brother.

"Abhi bhai bhi neenu kar raha hai. Usse subah school jaana hai na. Chalo, hum bhi so jaate hain. Kal khelenge." Naina said after she had let Anaisa touch Ayush once.

Back in the room, the baby again protested when Naina put her to bed.

"Shhh baby. Papa uth jayenge." Naina placed a finger against her lips.

Anaisa rolled towards Sameer. Before Naina could stop her, she crawled up near his head and patted heavily on his face.

"Uhh... kya hua?" Opening one eye, he asked groggily.

Anaisa giggled, then tapped his face again. He held her tiny palm, placed a kiss on it, and smiled back.

"Papa."

All sleep flew out of Sameer's eyes instantly. He stilled, his eyes wide. Naina was astounded. It was the first word their daughter had uttered. Her voice was soft, like a feather... it was sweet, like honey... it was calming, like chimes of the bell... it was melodious, like the chirping of birds in the hills... it was dulcet, like falling rain.

It was beautiful.

Anaisa silently gazed at her dad, then her mom. Her smile slowly faded when they kept staring at her, without any comforting gesture.

Seeing her pensive expression, Naina quickly let out a beaming smile, "Ana, kya kaha tumne? Phir se kaho. Bolo 'papa'. Bolo na beta."

The baby grinned, looked at Sameer and repeated, "Papa."

He let out a swoosh of air, scooping her in his arms, "Meri doll ne mujhe papa kaha." Pressing several kisses to her face, he grinned foolishly, "Phir se bolo, jaldi se."

Anaisa repeated the word again and again, but her parents couldn't get enough of it. They were overwhelmed, crowding around her, kissing her, cuddling her, smothering her with their hugs. She was equally thrilled at their reaction. Sporting a beaming smile that showed all of her two teeth, she crawled on the bed, stopping in between to say the new word, then crawl ahead with an excited giggle.

It was past midnight when finally she got tired and drifted into comfortable sleep.

"Naina, tumne suna... meri doll ne mujhe papa kaha." With his head in Naina's lap, Sameer was still lost in the mesmerising feeling.

"Suna." She threaded her fingers through his hair, "Papa ki princess hai na, isliye sabse pehle tumhe hi bulaya."

He looked up to meet her eyes, "Main hamesha usse princess bana ke hi rakhunga. I promise."

She leaned to kiss his forehead, "Pata hai. Bohot lucky hain hamare bachhe jo tum unke papa ho."

He turned on his stomach, raising himself on his elbows, "Aisi baat hai toh... yeh luck humein aur baantna chahiye na."

"Matlab?" She furrowed her brows.

In a flash, he pulled her down on bed, coming over her, and let out an impish smile, "Do chaar lucky bachhe aur le aayein?"

Her shocked gasp drowned as he captured her mouth in a searing kiss. It was quite sometime before they finally drifted into the solace of sleep.

******

The entire house was in a state of frenzied activity. Preparations were in full swing for first birthday celebrations of Ansh and Anaisa. The room was filled with decorations of balloons, streamers and colourful cutouts of wishes. Sameer had himself gotten all arrangements done, with the help of other family members. Soon the house was teeming with guests.

Ayush had donned the role of elder brother perfectly, taking care of younger children who were amongst the guests. Ansh and Anaisa were exuberant, merrily enjoying the attention. They had recently started to take few shaky steps on their own. When they were made to stand to cut the cake, Ansh dunked a finger in the icing and took to his mouth.

Ayush quickly wiped his hand, "Offo. Kitna buddhu hai. Cake mein finger daalne se saara cake kharab ho jaata hai."

Naina stifled a smile, leaning closer to him as she whispered, "Aur kya. Maine koi bachha nahi dekha jo aisa karta ho. Ayush toh bilkul nahi karta tha."

"Mummaaa." Ayush drawled sheepishly.

The party was great fun for kids, as they played different games, got tattoos done, devoured a variety of their favourite dishes, and were overjoyed with the return gifts. After the guests had left, and other family members were busy with something or the other, Sameer and Naina were clearing the room. When he noticed the children, Sameer tugged at Naina's arm, showing her how Ayush had made Arhaan, Ansh and Anaisa sit on the floor in a circle, and was opening their gifts. The younger kids were too small to understand the meaning of gift, but they clapped each time Arhaan did, when he like a particular toy or game.

Naina leaned on Sameer's shoulder, her eyes on the children, "Yaad hai jab Ayush ke birthday pe tum achanak hamare ghar aa gaye the, aur insist karne lage the ki tumhe help karni hai. Tab tumhe kuch nahi pata tha bachhon ki birthday party ke baare mein. Balloons aur streamers tak lagane nahi aate the. Aur aaj dekho, sab kuch kitni perfectly organise kiya hai."

He wrapped an arm around her waist, "Help karna toh ek bahana tha madam. Mujhe tumhare saath time spend karna tha."

She tilted her head slightly to look at him, "Matlab tum Ayush ke liye nahi aaye the?"

He narrowed his eyes, "Ayush ke liye bhi aaya tha. Tumhare saath milke uska birthday celebrate jo karna tha."

She elbowed his abdomen, smiling knowingly.

He tightened his arm, rubbing her waist with his thumb, "Tab mujhe zara sa choo lene se tum ghabra ke bhaag gayi thi. Aur ab dekho, ghar ke living room mein kaise mujhse chipak ke khadi ho."

Suddenly aware of their closeness, Naina tried to move away but he did not leave her, "Ab tumhe mujhse koi door nahi kar sakta. Tum khud bhi nahi."

That night, the kids slept without playing with their parents, tired with all the excitement and activity of the party. After securing the quilt around them in their cot, Naina started to stack the gifts in one corner. Ayush had dumped all the packets near the couch. Sameer stepped out of the washroom to find her collecting the wrappers scattered on the floor.

"Main help kar deta hun." He bent down to pick up one.

Same moment, she ducked to take it... and their heads banged.

"Ahh." She held onto her head, but the cry wasn't of pain. She giggled looking at him.

A smile made its way on his face. The head bang refreshed so many memories. The first one in Ayush's room, when her cheeks had coloured up. For the very first time, he had seen that hue on her face, and he had fallen more in love. It had happened a few more times in her house but what was vivid in his mind now was the one after their marriage... when he had held her face in his palms. Touching her in such a way, with their foreheads pressed against each other, he had been consumed by so much warmth and altruism, he just wanted to be with her, protect her, erase all her worries and confusions... and wished to be as close to her so he could hear the rhythmic cadence of every heartbeat of hers, or rather, be a reason for its wavering.

She shook him lightly, breaking his reverie. His eyes focussed on her, blinking away the glaze of memories.

"Aaj nahi karoge, phir se? Warna horns aa jayenge." Her half smile, and a sparkle in the eyes was enough to tell him that she was thinking about the same days, the same incidents.

Instead of holding her face, he slipped his hand behind her neck, pulled her face closer to his and touched their foreheads gently, "Tumhare kareeb aane ka koi mauka main na tab chod sakta tha na ab jaane de sakta hun."

She closed her eyes in bliss. As if their minds got connected to same memory, she recalled their first time as well. It had left her extremely embarrassed, not vexed or hateful. It had been a touch, with an unknown person, yet it had only bothered her for her carelessness and what he would perceive from Ayush's remark about banging their heads again. Naina of that time had not been perturbed by the connection their foreheads had made... maybe, it was a knock of destiny to wake her up, to clear her mind enough so she could see how the greys of her life were ebbing to give way to fresh hues of vibrant colours.

Her eyes fluttered open, only to meet his deep gaze, glittering with pure love. Her heart filled with gratitude, for her destiny taking such an unexpected turn, for bringing her from that day to this, for filing her life with all the happiness. She wished she had kohl in her eyes, so she could put some on the person in front of her, to ward off every evil from him, and from their wholesome life.

"Aise kya dekh rahi ho?" He asked, seeing her eyes clouding with a sheen of mist.

She cupped his face, raised her heels and pressed her lips to his forehead before mumbling a soft 'Thank You' with a dazzling smile.

When she looked at him, the intense depth of her eyes made his breath stuck. Sameer's heartbeat rose as he found himself drowning in her pristine caramel eyes. Her radiant smile was all he had wished for when he had first felt the hidden pain in them. And seeing it perfectly playing on her lips now was enough to make his heart swell up in contented pride.

"You're welcome." He whispered silently.

"Yeh pehli baar hai jab tumne mere Thank you ka normal jawab diya hai." She chuckled, "Pehle toh hamesha punishment dene ki baat karte the."

He placed his arms on her shoulders, "Punishment hi hai. Tumhe umr quaid ki sazaa mili hai, meri baahon mein."

She locked her hands behind his neck, "Isse achhi sazaa toh koi ho hi nahi sakti."

Behind her, on the other side of the glass door, Sameer could see the full moon.

"Dekho." He turned her, "Aaj woh chaand bhi khush hai ki mera chaand meri baahon mein hai."

Naina looked out at the darkness that didn't appear murky. It glittered... just like her life. The night was aged, but its beauty had only grown with each passing hour. The stars twinkled brightly, painting the black canvas in shining sparks. The moon smiled at them.

The peace of the night created an aura of bliss... the bliss that was her present... and her future.

Their future.

AND THAT'S A WRAP!!!!!!

Am too overwhelmed to write anything at the moment. Would post a gratitude note in a day or two ❤️