Congratulations 🎉🎉
And celebrations 💃💃💃💃
Finally our dream has come true 😍 Just seeing the promo with Ashdeep together has given such contentment and ecstasy, don't know what will be the condition when the song comes. Just cannot wait for it 🙈

No words for the title 💞

Ayush was the first one to wake up in the morning... bright and cheerful.

"Good morning mumma papa. Main uthne mein first aa gaya." With a toothy smile he moved his gaze from one to other.

Naina opened her eyes instantly, sitting up in front of her upright son, "Ayush, itni jaldi kyon uth gaya? Teri tabiyat toh theek hai na? Kahin pain ho raha hai?" She touched his forehead, neck and wrist frantically.

He shook his head, "Kuch bhi nahi ho raha. Meri sleep finish ho gayi."

She let out a relieved sigh, and leaned to kiss his forehead, "Buddhu bachha, dara diya mumma ko."

"Main koi ghost banke aaya jo aapko dara diya." He puffed his cheeks, "Buddhu thodi hun main, ma'm ne bola main toh intelligent hun."

Naina rolled her eyes, murmuring in a low voice, "Haan baba tum dono hi ho smart aur intelligent. Buddhu toh main hun. Kal uthte hi Sameer ka drama chalu tha aaj iska ho gaya."

Ayush shifted his attention to Sameer, who was still asleep, "Papa, utho na. Dekho kitni saari morning ho gayi."

Squeezing his eyes hard, Sameer stretched his arms, dragging Ayush towards himself. Grinning, Ayush wrapped his arms around his neck and lied down with him. But when Sameer tried to kiss him, he shirked away.

Sameer's eyes flew open, "Kya hua mere bete ko, papa ko good morning wali kiss nahi doge kya?"

Ayush scrunched his nose, gingerly touching his cheek with index finger, "Aapki beard chubhti hai. Aap isko cut kyon nahi karte?"

His gaze shot to Naina, who bit a corner of her lip. With a lopsided smile, he looked back at Ayush, "Main cut kar leta par kisi se manaa kiya hai."

From the corner of his eye, he could see Naina's alarmed expression as Ayush asked promptly, "Kisne?"

But he didn't look at her, innocently replying to his son, "Woh... mere doctor ne."

Ayush was surprised, "Beard ke liye doctor ke paas jaana padta hai?"

Naina stifled a chuckle under fake cough.

Sameer pressed his lips in a thin line, shrugging, "Beard cut karne se pehle puchna padta hai... doctor se. Woh allow kare tabhi kar sakte hain. Warna doctor gussa bhi ho sakta hai."

Ayush fell silent, thinking about what he had been told. Before he could ask more questions, Naina nudged him, "Chal ab jaldi se naha ke ready ho ja. Yahan ghoomne aaye hain na, baatein baad mein karna."

Ayush happily jumped off the bed, "Main apne aap baathi karunga. Mujhe yeh shower chalana aa gaya."

Previous day, she had explained to him how to operate the complex shower system,

"Naina." Sameer drawled after Ayush was inside the washroom.

She looked at him with questioning eyes.

"Mujhe shower chalana nahi aata." He whispered, winking.

Her cheeks warmed up instantly, but she kept a straight face, "Tumhe dimaag chalana toh bohot aata hai. Use it and figure out yourself."

He kept looking at her intently. After a few seconds, she was unable to hold his gaze. With a shy smile, she looked away.

Letting out a smirk, he got up, came to her, and leaned to peck her lips, "Abhi good morning baaki hai."

She pressed her lower lip under her teeth, watching him leave the room. Even without words, he left her in a puddle.

Ayush finished his bath, dressed up for the day, and had a glass of milk which Naina had ordered in the room. Since he wasn't very hungry, he wanted to watch some TV till she finished her bath and got ready.

"Agar bhook lage toh yeh cookies kha lena. Main thodi der mein aati hun. Tu tab tak aaram se TV dekh. Okay?" She directed him.

He dipped his head, already engrossed in the show, nibbling the cookie.

Naina went to her room. Sameer wasn't anywhere. A little smile played on her lips, thinking how he had been all accepting to Ayush's demands, yet making her cheeks go red from time to time. Not even once he sulked over staying in the other room, rather eased her hesitation. If he was wildly impatient at times, he was pleasantly accepting at others... all the more when it came to Ayush. How could she not fall in love with him more and more with each passing day. His every gesture conveyed how he loved both her and Ayush.

Lost in his thoughts, she reached the large mirror, and looked at herself. Helping Ayush dress up and sorting his clothes, her bun had become loose, making some strands fall on her face and neck. She untied her hair, and rolled them into a knot at top of her head. Once Sameer was done with his bath, she would quickly finish her morning routine so they could go down for breakfast.

She heard a click. Turning towards the passage to go to the closet, she glanced at the end of it... and her heart knocked out of her chest, leaving her rooted to the spot. A white towel around his waist, Sameer was walking with his head lowered, frisking his wet hair with one hand. Drops of water clung to his bare torso, sliding down as he walked ahead barefoot. Only when he was right in front of her, he stopped abruptly, when her feet came in view. His eyes darted up... and darkened instantly at the way she was looking at him. Realising that she was staring unabashed at him, Naina stepped away to hide her heated cheeks, absentmindedly towards the mirror. A crooked, knowing smirk bloomed on his face. Hearing his steps moving away from him, she breathed in relief. Now was not the time to let him know what his glimpse had done to her. Chewing her lip, she was waiting for him to get dressed and walk out of the closet area when the sound of door closing made her look behind.

Her heart plummeted to the bottom of her belly. Sameer had locked the door of their room. Now he was walking towards her with a knowing smile, and a glint in his eyes which she could very well decipher. With his every step, her heartbeat escalated, the heat on her cheeks intensifying. She looked down immediately, at the floor... till his feet appeared in her vision, stopping when his toes brushed against hers. Her head jerked up sharply, but lashes veiled her eyes within seconds when his burning gaze amplified the sound of her heart pounding in her ears.

It was a mistake.

She was now looking at his chest, which seemed to glow in the streaks of sunlight falling on his shoulder. Her gaze got stuck where the drops still lingered, glistening on his skin. A few, from his shoulders or neck she wasn't sure, started their undulating journey over his rapidly rising and falling chest, getting lost in the cracks of his abdomen. Inadvertently, her hand lifted, to trace their path. She drew in a sharp breath next instant, pulling it back. It wasn't right to start something which couldn't be finished.

He held her wrists before she could move. She gave him a pleading look. He twisted her hands, trying to bring them around him. She resisted, knowing fully well that she would lose all semblance once she touched him. Fighting with him, and more with herself, she turned to escape this ordeal. His firm grip on one of her wrists didn't let her get out of his hold. They stood still for a moment, one part of her hoping to be freed to end this torture, one part dying to turn and go into his arms, yet another wanting him to be more assertive, and another to be practical and remember this wasn't the time... one part, however, urged her to give in to her yearning of erasing each of those drops with her lips, which had dared to touch him so closely.

Before she could decide which part to give in to, Sameer gave her a strong tug, which made her turn and crash into him. One hand flew to grab his shoulder, while other landed on his heart, feeling its wild hammering under her palm. Her face turned upto him when his fingers closed on her waist, over the thin material of her night shirt. With a jerk, he pulled her close. Her heels lifted, her face just inches away from him. She could see the fire in his eyes, and felt herself burn with the one inside her. She wondered how the water drops still remained perched on his collarbone and shoulders... and not sizzle away. The heat from his body was searing her skin, which was craving for his touch. This proximity wasn't new for them, still it gave her goosebumps... last four days of distance because of travelling, tiredness followed by last night with Ayush, combined with awareness of the lack of time at this moment electrified their closeness.

"Sameer, bahar Ayush..." She whispered, before her mind fogged up completely.

"He's busy. Maine door lock kar liya hai." He breathed in a raspy voice.

She blinked a few times, hoping to bring back her frenzied pulse in control when he leaned closer, his eyes stuck to her parted lips. Her gaze raced between his eyes and lips.

Just when the distance was about to end, a shrill sound of hotel phone made him groan in frustration.

"Let it be. Khud band ho jayega." Sameer pulled her closer when Naina tried to get to the phone on dresser.

But before she could take his heed and continue, Ayush banged on the door, "Mumma, phone aa raha hai. Main dekh lun?"

"Nahi main dekhti hun." She hollered back and ran to answer the intercom in bedroom.

With a sigh, he went to dress up. The kiss had to wait.

"Reception se call tha. Keh rahe the breakfast time dus minute mein khatam ho jayega. Tum aisa karo, Ayush ko leke jao..." She looked at Sameer as he stepped out of the closet, in jeans and tshirt.

"Let it be." Sameer eased her tension, "Hum aaj yahin café mein breakfast kar lenge. Tum ready ho jao main tab tak dekhta hun Ayush kya kar raha hai. Phir sab saath chalenge."

Relieved, she rushed to finish her bath.

When they reached the café on their floor, they were surprised to find another Indian couple seated there. The porter had mentioned a family from Singapore to be staying on this floor. Maybe these were new guests.

"Hi." the man waved at them, "Good to get some company after a week of being alone."

Sameer smiled back, "Hello. We came here two days back."

The man stood up, offering his hand, "I'm Arun. My wife Anjali and..." he looked around, mumbling to himself, "Yeh toofan kahan gaye."

Anjali pointed at the chair opposite her, nodding at them, "Aap log chahe toh humein join kar sakte hain since we are the only people in this café."

It was a large table, with eight chairs. Anjali smiled warmly at Ayush after the introductions, "Ek hi beta hai aapka?"

"Jee." Naina helped him sit properly.

Before she could say more, they heard loud voices coming from towards the buffet table. Anjali sighed, "Meri life bhi kabhi itni hi sorted thi. Then I was hit by double hurricane."

They saw two boys, about Ayush's age, running with big grin on their faces, jostling with each other to reach first.

"Main pehle aaya." Said one.

The other poked his tongue at him, "Puch mummy se, main pehle aaya. Tu loser."

Arun took his chair, grinning at them, "Arre yaar dono hi first ho. Achha Aastha kahan hai?"

A girl, little elder to them appeared, from behind the same counter, "I'm here dad."

She was flustered when she reached them, "Main nahi leke jaungi inko next time. Pehle kehte hain strawberry shake chahiye. Woh banwaya toh kehte hain nahi chocolate chahiye. Chocolate aaya toh inko mixed fruit pina tha. Maine uncle ko bola rehne do, inko sirf plain milk milega. Maine counter wale unclo ko bol diya..."

Her eyes fell on new people, and she turned silent, looking keenly at the family.

Her mom smiled, "Yeh meri beti hai Aastha. Ten years ki hai. Aur yeh, Aryan aur Abir, mere double toofan, che saal ke hain."

Ayush beamed at them, "Abir toh mera friend hai. Mere school mein hai."

The kids became friendly with each other very soon. Arun and Anjali were of Indian origin, but had stayed back in Singapore after they completed their PG degree together. After working for few years, they got married. Aastha was born after five years of marriage. When they decided to go for a second child, they were blessed with twin boys.

Anjali shook her head wearily, "You have no idea Naina how comfortable your life is at the moment. First baby na sirf ten percent trouble hota hai, ninety percent comes with the second one. Aur mere case mein toh ninety into two ho gaya."

Sameer looked at the children, who seemed to be quite contented playing with each other in the enclosure created specially for children. It had some video games and a few gadgets which simulated almost any game they wanted to indulge in.

He smiled at Anjali, "Abhi toh dekh ke lagta hai pakke friends hain."

Arun chipped in, laughing, "Don't go by their sweet smiles. Dono milke mujhe aur Anjali ko pagal kar dete hain. Aur jab Aastha inke saath mil jaati hai, tab toh bhai pucho mat. Waise abhi itne khush hain kyonki Ayush ke saath hain. Kisi new friend ke milne se unki excitement double triple ho jaati hai. Phir aapas ka jhagda bhool ke uske saath khelne lagte hain."

After breakfast, Naina and Sameer bade goodbye to the couple while Ayush promised his new friends he would play with them in the evening. Naina could see how much all four of them had enjoyed the games.

The day was dedicated for a trip to Central Park. It was not just a park, but a small city in itself. Spread over a vast area, it had a number of interesting places within its boundaries and in vicinity. Ayush was thrilled to visit the Museum of Natural History, staring at the fossils of dinosaurs in awe. The earth and space center and hall of universe were both educational and interactive, making the visit entertaining. The Conservatory garden showcased beautiful blooms of the season. A concert hall, bright blue stream running through the park, trees laden with leaves of colours other than shades of green... it was in all a mesmerising experience. They had lunch at one of the restaurants in the park itself.

While they were being driven back, Ayush noticed the buses with open tops.

"Papa, woh wali bus aisi kyon hai?" He pointed at one when they crossed it.

Sameer checked what he was interested in and explained, "Woh ghoomne ke liye hai. Jisse sab kuch achhe se nazar aaye. Tumhe jaana hai aisi bus mein?"

Ayush nodded furiously, delighted at the prospect. Naina ruffled his hair, recalling the time in London when they had spent two full days roaming around the city in their Big Bus, as it is called. Sameer promised him next day sight seeing would be in such a bus.

By evening, they were back in the hotel. Ayush was more than happy to get back and meet his friends. Even Naina and Sameer enjoyed the company. Arun told them about the shopping areas where they could shop for gifts for the entire family back home while Anjali filled them up on the exciting places that kids enjoyed.

She looked at her husband, "Arun ko shopping ka itna shouk hai, kahin bhi jaata hai bags bharke le aata hai. Isliye apni yearly vacation pe main ban kar deti hun iski shopping. Phir bhi yeh manage kar leta hai."

Arun twisted his mouth, "Shopping karne se hi toh uss jagah ki memories saath jaati hai."

Anjali sneered at him, "We come to this place every year Arun. Har baar tum similar coats aur dher saare shoes, bags le lete ho sabke liye. It's not memories, it's extra luggage."

Arun gave a sheepish smile, "Toh extra suitcase bhi leta hun na."

Anjali waved her head, but her fond smile showed how much she loved her husband and kids.

They revealed that every year at this time they took a month long vacation to New York, since they loved the city. They preferred to stay in the hotel half the week and go out on just a few days. This gave them ample time with the kids, which wasn't possible at home, since they remained busy with work and children had schools and hobby classes whole day.

Arun explained, "This one month is complete family and relaxation time. We don't want to miss out on our kids' childhood in the mad race of career. Hamare paas decent jobs hain, security hai, toh kyon na ek month bachhon ke liye rakhe. Sameer, if you take my advice, tum bhi aisa hi karna. Abhi Ayush akela hai lekin jab uska bhai ya behen honge toh bhi ek yearly holiday zarur lena. After all, hamare bachhe hamare liye sabse important hain."

Sameer nodded in affirmation, "Right. Aapka yeh advice sach mein valuable hai. Ayush ke saath har saal hum log pakka vacation pe jayenge. Theek hai Naina?"

Naina dipped her head in acceptance. Arun's thoughts reminded her of her dad. It dawned on her that all the trips that she made as a child with her parents gave her a comfort and feeling of security that she would always be special to them. And this made her stronger, keeping her sane in the most difficult times, when she wanted to end her life. She survived everything because she could not imagine taking away their most cherished thing from her parents... herself. They were not just her strength, but the reason for her to go on... in spite of being inflicted with one wound after the other. Taking a deep breath, she pledged to be the pillar of strength for Ayush... and for Deepika too. She had developed a close bond with her, and Deepika trusted her more than anyone at home. She shared everything with Naina, taking advice not just for studies and further education, but also for issues with her friends, both boys and girls.

Anjali's voice brought her back, "Naina, bolo yaar, tumhe koi problem toh nahi hai na?"

"Huh?" Her gaze moved from Anjali to Arun to Sameer. They all looked at her, as if awaiting an answer.

She was embarrassed, "I'm... I'm sorry. Main kuch soch rahi thi. Maine suna nahi aap log kya baat kar rahe the."

Sameer pressed her forearm, "Naina, Arun bataa rahe hain yahan bohot achha river cruise hai. Jum sab saath mein chalein toh kaisa rahega?"

"Yeah sure." She gave a radiant smile to Anjali, "It would be great."

They planned for the cruise after four days, had dinner and retired to their rooms. Ayush was more comfortable today, and tired too. After changing into his night suit, he got into the bed. When Naina asked him if he wanted them to sleep with him, he shook his head, mumbling a 'good night' in sleep laden voice. Few minutes later, she switched on his night lamp, and left the room, closing the door softly.

Sameer was still on his laptop, checking the mails as new day started in India.

"Ayush so gaya?" He glanced up momentarily, then went back to the screen when she nodded.

Naina went to the closet to pick her night suit. She had barely reached the cupboard when she was swirled around and pushed against it, his weight pressing into her. He leaned and nibbled on her lower lip. She was stumped, since just a few seconds back he was working in all seriousness. He bit lightly on the lip, making her gasp... and dived his tongue in. Her hands found a way to his back, as she kissed him fervently. When she got desperate to breathe, she broke away forcefully, but he seized her lips for another hot kiss, invoking restlessness in her. Her hands wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer. She loved the sensations bursting through her as he tried to feel very dip and curve of hers. He suppressed a groan when she took the charge of kiss, invading his mouth. The groan came out as a growl as the kiss got hotter in seconds. Panting for breath, he lifted his face to see her dishevelled state. It just made his need for her stronger, and he bent over the base of her neck, inhaling her scent.

His lips brushed over her ear as he whispered, "I was dying to do this for so long."

Her lips formed a quivering smile. So was she.

When his lips and tongue started to leave a trail from her cheeks to all the way down the column of her neck, a shuddering voice left her lips, "Sameer."

It enticed him more, if it was even a possibility. His impatient fingers fiddled with the zipper of her dress, which didn't seem to give away.

"Yeh kaisi dress hai?" He murmured in urgency, pulling down one sleeve to leave small kisses on her exposed shoulder.

When he tried peeling it off, she managed to hold onto his hand, "Sameer ruko. Dress phat jayegi."

"I don't care. New le lena." He reached for her other sleeve.

Naina turned around before he could rip it completely, and moved her hair to the front. She opened the clasp on top, looking back at him, "Ab khul jayegi."

In one swift pull, the zip reached its other end. His eyes feasted on her smooth, silky skin. She tried to turn, but his hands on her shoulders kept her in same position. Her back arched with a jerk as she felt his lips behind her neck, at the nape. Placing her hands flat on the panel of cupboard, she closed her eyes. He started to place feathery kisses on her bare skin as he lazily slipped the dress down her arms, making them leave the support of wall in the process. She was sure she would have fallen had she not been pressed between him and the wooden door. His stubble pricked her delicate skin, and his tongue over it made her feel on fire. A shudder left her lips when he placed wet kisses on the curve of her lower back, fresh and new sensations rocking through her. The universe of her mind just focussed on the exact places he was leaving his mark... her muscled tightened and loosened in anticipation of his next target.

He slowly turned her, his heartbeat racing crazily at the picture she presented. His hands slipped down from her shoulder to circle around her waist, while his lips pressed over her shoulder blade.

"I can't have enough of you." He murmured, tilting his head to kiss the throbbing nerve at the base of her neck.

Through the haze she was in, she noticed his half open shirt. Desperate to feel his skin, she fidgeted with the next button. When her shaking fingers couldn't manage, she held both panels, and pulled them apart, sending the buttons flying in unknown directions.

Sameer gasped, looking down at his shirt.

"New le lena." She whispered, and placed a kiss in the center of his chest, making him let out an audible groan.

Hastily, he got rid of his shirt, giving her more space to slather him with love. And she returned the favour ardently. Just like him, she left her marks on him, blowing over them when he hissed. When he couldn't take it anymore, he lifted her in his arms, his eyes fixed on her as he walked to the bed. Flopping her on the bed, he dashed out of the room, coming back within seconds after checking on Ayush. Locking the door, he turned to face the most ravishing sight of his life. Yes, she indeed was his strongest craving... not just of his body, but his heart too.

They let passion consume them and fulfilled the other's needs affectionately, yet fiercely.

If you thought I won't be able to update after yesterday 😉 just see what a little bit of motivation did... extra long and spicy chapter

Next update on Tuesday