Title is the song 'Kuch iss tarah' by Atif Aslam from movie 'Genius'

When Sameer came to their room after dinner, he looked around for the shopping bags. There was no trace of even a single one. Thinking that maybe Naina had put away everything in the cupboard, he checked everywhere, but could not find any of the items they had bought today. As soon as they had reached home, nanu had asked him to come to the library. He and nanu, along with Vivek and Rohan from Mumbai, had a video meet with the lawyers. Though Sameer had resolved the matter, lawyers wanted all of them to be absolutely clear about the terms before the documents were presented in the court. Any discrepancy from their side could weaken their case. Meeting lasted till they were finally summoned for dinner.

Though he was dying to be with her, Sameer had not got a chance to even talk to Naina after reaching home. Even in the car, she seemed to be preoccupied. He wondered if it was because of what happened in the trial room. But she didn't appear offended at that time. Should he ask her, or should he straightaway apologise or maybe, wait for her to say something.

The sound of door made him look up.

"Abhi phir se meeting kyon thi? Tumne toh kaha tha sab discuss ho gaya hai." Naina asked in a distressed voice.

His face relaxed in a smile, "Kuch nahi bas papa aur Rohan ke saath bhi points share karne the. Nothing to worry about. Tum itni pareshan kyon ho rahi ho iss case ke liye?"

"Case ke liye nahi, tumhare liye. Yeh poora week tum kitne tensed the. Na theek se sona na khana. Mujhe achha nahi lag raha ki main kuch help nahi kar paa rahi." Her eyes reflected her concern.

Cupping her face, he drew her closer, "Tum hi toh help kar rahi ho. Tumhe dekh ke, tumhe apni baahon mein leke... meri saari tension ek second mein phurr ho jaati hai."

"Phurr?" She chuckled.

He nodded, and took her in a tight hug, "Bas tum aise hi mujhe hug karti raha karo."

She wrapped her arms around him, "Woh toh main karungi hi. Mujhe achha lagta hai."

"Umm... aur kya accha lagta hai?" He moved a little, to look at her face.

"Sab kuch. Ab mujhe sab kuch achha lagta hai. Tum baarish ki tarah aaye ho meri life mein... tumhare aane se jaise har rang dhul ke naya ho gaya." Her eyes glittered with happiness.

He lifted one hand to touch her cheek with his knuckles, "Mujhe toh sirf ek hi rang nazar aa raha hai."

"Kaunsa?" She gave him a puzzled look.

"Green. Pehle uss saree mein... aur aaj lehenge mein... green colour ne meri jaan le li." He uttered in a low voice.

Her cheeks flamed instantly, the moments playing again in her mind.

"Naina, you looked so beautiful. Main ek baar phir se tumhe... uss lehenge mein dekhna chahta hun." His hand moved to her neck, fingers threading in her hair as he rubbed her jaw with his thumb.

"Saare bags mummy ne alag room mein rakhwa diye. Woh lehenga... woh bhi unmein hai." She stated, her eyes lowered to his chest.

He closed his eyes. The image was as clear as he had seen then.

"Agar har shopping trip aisi hogi toh main... I'll go crazy Naina." He murmured, nuzzling into her hair while his hands clutched her waist to pull her closer. Her hands rested on his shoulders.

As he breathed against her ear, her senses seemed to understand just one thing... him. He engulfed her completely. His strong distinct scent was in her every breath, his heart hammered in the same rhythm as hers when their bodies pressed against each other, his lips found the sensitive spot behind her ear, making her knees turn to jelly. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as his lips trailed over her jaw. She waited... till he reached the corner of her mouth. When he stopped, she tilted her head slightly, brushing her lips over his. That was all he needed. In a flash, he was kissing her fiercely, with all his control snapping when her lips moved frantically with him. He had waited one week for this moment... one full week. And now, when the moment was here, a potent fire started building in his body, spreading through him, causing his ears to ring and his heart to thud erratically. Her hands slipped behind his neck, tugging at his hair to pull him closer. He bit her lower lip, making her gasp, and grabbed the chance to deepen the kiss, reaching every corner of her mouth. Her response was mind blowing. She was giving as much as she was taking. It was only their third kiss, but she wasn't unsure anymore. It was like they knew each other since forever... and it was natural for them to kiss so passionately, knowing how to please the other. Sameer was dazed by her passion. He could have never thought she would be so responsive. And it fuelled his desire even more. When they eventually broke the kiss, his lips refused to let go of the contact with her skin. While his hands fiddled with the hem of her tshirt, eager to feel her skin, his lips left a trail of kisses on her neck. The thought that he had kissed her on this very part when she was wearing the green lehenga made him go for the same spot again. She hissed, feeling the same pain. He blew over it, then inhaled her intoxicating scent. He was ready to go back to her lips when she suddenly stiffened in his arms. Only then he realised that his palms now rested on her bare skin, under the tshirt. His thumb was over her belly, while other hand was in the small of her back. And she stiffly stood with her eyes squeezed shut.

Slowly, he pulled his hands out, and brought them to hold her face. Kissing the tip of her nose, he murmured, "Easy Naina. Kuch nahi hua. Main hun. Tumhara Sameer."

Her lips trembled. But she didn't open her eyes. An almost inaudible whisper left her lips, "I'm sorry."

He kissed her closed lids, before placing a chaste kiss on her forehead, "Don't be. I love you. And I promise, tum bohot jald mujhe utna hi apna manogi jitna main tumhe maanta hun."

Her eyes opened, and she stared into his dark ones.

"God Naina! I just cannot stay without kissing you." He groaned, drowning in the melted caramel pools as he claimed her mouth again, in a kiss that made her toes curl.

When she slept in his arms, he swept her hair away from her face, smiling, "You are an angel... my angel... meri kahani ki pari."

Monday morning, when Naina was packing Ayush's bag for day care, Vishakha crossed their room.

"Aaj main jaldi ghar aa jaun, Naina? Jaise uss din aaya tha." Ayush placed his elbows on the bed, resting his face on his palms.

"Nahi Ayush. Mummy ko disturb karega tu. Tab ghar mein na hum mein se koi hoga na Deepika. Tu shaam ko hi aana, hamare saath." Naina stuffed his casual clothes in the bag.

Ayush pouted, "Aane do na. Aaj Deepika ki chutti hai. Usne kaha tha woh mujhe terrace pe jhoola jhulayegi. Shaam ko tum jaane nahi deti kyonki sardi hoti hai."

Vishakha knocked at the door before Naina could answer. They both looked up.

Smiling at Ayush, she prodded him, "Jao beta, tumhare tiffin mein dekho aaj kya banaya hai Ramdhari ne."

Brightening at getting something interesting, Ayush sprinted out. Vishakha turned to Naina, "Maine pehle bhi kaha hai, Ayush ko school ke baad ghar aane diya karo. Dekho Naina, woh tumhara bhai hai jaanti hun, lekin ab tumhare saath saath hamara bhi toh rishta judd gaya hai uske saath. Jab achha khasa ghar hai toh daycare mein kyon chodna hai?"

Naina fidgeted with the bag she was holding, "Mummy, Ayush aapko tang karega. Kabhi khelne ko kahega kabhi sau sawal puchega. Aapko bekar mein disturb karega."

Vishakha walked to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Agar tumhari mummy hoti toh bhi Ayush ko daycare bhejti?"

The bag slipped from Naina's hand. Vishakha smiled, bending down to pick it and place it on the bed.

She looked at Naina tenderly, "Tumhare parents pakka bohot pamper karte honge Ayush ko. Ek toh chota hai, upar se itne saalon ke gap ke baad paida hua. Lekin main bhi kam pyar nahi karti usse."

Her affection made Naina feel guilty... she hadn't even told Vishakha that Ayush wasn't her real brother. She lowered her eyes, "Mummy, Ayush... Ayush ko humne adopt kiya tha."

"Oh!" Vishakha's eyes widened. She had never thought he wasn't real family. After the initial shock subsided, she nodded, "Relatives mein se kisi ka beta hoga na. Koi baat nahi. Kabhi kabhi apna beta na hone pe aisa karna padta hai. Warna anchahe rishtedaar har cheez pe haq jamaane aa jaate hain. Kiska beta hai? Tumhare papa ki side se ya mummy ki?"

Naina contemplated for a while, then decided to go with truth, "Ayush humein ek mandir ke bahar mila tha. Koi ek blanket mein daal ke chod gaya tha. Humne bohot koshish ki uske ghar walon ko dhundne ki, lekin kuch pata nahi chala. Jab inspector ne kaha ki ab usse orphanage mein bhejne ke alava koi raasta nahi hai toh... humne usse adopt kar liya."

If Vishakha was shocked earlier, she was stunned now. Her eyes widened, "Tumhe aur tumhare parents ko koi idea nahi tha? Woh kisi aur religion ka bhi ho sakta hai."

Naina's eyes had a lost look as she recalled the helpless little baby lying on the cold floor of the temple, "Humein bhagwan ke mandir mein mila tha. Uss waqt woh sirf ek masoom bachha tha jise kisi religious identity ki nahi, bas ek pyar bhari goud ki zarurat thi."

"Tum toh bhagwan mein maanti tak nahi, Naina." Vishakha furrowed her brows.

"Miracles mein maanti hun, mummy. Uss waqt hum dono ko ek doosre ke sahare ki zarurat thi. Shayad isiliye Ayush ko koi ussi mandir mein chod ke gaya jahan main aur mumma roz jaate the." Naina stated.

"Tumhe kya hua tha?" Vishakha's question jolted Naina to present. She opened her mouth, but remembered what Sameer had told her. In fact, when Vivek's relatives had visited them, even Vishakha had streesed on the fact that it wasn't essential for everyone to know all details. If keeping a few facts to yourself could make your family happier, there is no harm in doing so.

"Woh mummy... uss waqt... mere papa ki tabiyat kaafi kharab thi." Her voice quivered as she mentioned the lie that they had told all relatives.

Taking a deep breath, Vishakha hummed in understanding, "Tumhare parents bohot himmat wale the, Naina. Warna aise bina kuch jaane kisi bachhe ko apnana aasan nahi hota. Khair, ab toh Ayush tumhara bhai hai... aur issi naam se sab usse jaante hain."

Naina nodded, relieved that Vishakha did not ask more questions. Rather, she smiled, "Itne saal tumhare saath rehke uski shakl bhi milne lagi hai tumse."

A smile appeared on Naina's face too.

Vishakha patted her shoulder, "Jo maine kaha uske baare mein sochna. Main disturb nahi houngi. Teen teen bachhe bade kiye hain. Bohot experience hai."

"Jee mummy. Agar aap kehti hain toh Deepika ke exams ke baad se Ayush ka daycare band kara dungi. Aur haan, aaj uski bus ke driver ko bol dungi ghar pe chodne ko... Deepika ke saath jhoole pe bohot enjoy karta hai." She accepted this time, feeling a lightness in her heart.

When Naina told Sameer about their conversation, he was unsure whether it was correct to let Vishakha know about this or not, but he was glad that his mother accepted it without much fuss. He had already told nanu and his father about Ayush, and they had been non judgemental about it. Now that Vishakha was aware too, he guessed maybe it was better.

On Friday evening when Naina picked up Ayush from daycare, he was unusually quiet. She asked him a few times, but he didn't say anything. Even after reaching home, he sat quietly in his room, unlike other days when he jumped around telling all family members about his school.

"Arre, aaj itna chup kyon baitha hai mera baby. Kya hua?" She sat next to him, ruffling his hair.

He didn't wince at his hair being touched, like other times. Naina worriedly shifted to sit in front of him, "Ayush, teri tabiyat toh theek hai na." She touched his forehead and neck.

When he looked up, she was shocked to see tears in his eyes. With one tug, she pulled him in her lap, trying to keep panic out of her voice, "Tu ro kyon raha hai? Kya ho gaya mere baby ko? Kisine gussa kiya? School mein ladai ki kya? Bata na Ayush kya hua."

"Naina. Kal mere school mein function hai. Main poem sunaunga... stage pe jaake." He told her in a meek voice.

Heaving a sigh of relief, she smiled, "Yeh toh achhi baat hai. Ismein darr kyon raha hai?"

He shifted to look up at her, "Ma'am ne card diya hai. Bola, sabke ghar se only two log ayenge."

She smoothened his hair, smiling, "Haan toh main chalungi na tere school. Mujhe bhi dekhna hai mera Ayush kitni achhi poem bolega."

"Lekin baaki sab ke toh mumma papa ayenge, Kabir, Nihal, Pihu, Sanvi... sabne kaha unke mumma papa dekhne ayenge. Naina, mujhe bhi mumma papa ke saath jaana hai." His innocent demand and hopeful eyes made Naina bite her lip to stop her own tears.

Sameer had driven in just when Naina was parking. He followed her to Ayush's room, but stopped when he heard Naina asking him why he was crying. He was anxious to know but didn't go inside, lest Ayush did not open up in front of him. But what he said now made his heart twist in pain for the little boy. He quickly walked in.

"Arre waah Ayush, school ke function mein main aur Naina ayenge tumhare saath. Bada mazaa ayega." He said brightly, sitting next to Naina.

Ayush looked from him to Naina then back to him, "Dono aaoge?"

Naina nodded, smiling through misty eyes.

"Idea." Ayush jumped from her lap all of a sudden, his face lit up.

Sameer asked eagerly, "Kya idea hai champ?"

Ayush grinned, "Main sabko keh dunga ki aap mere papa ho aur Naina meri mumma hai. Phir kisi ko pata nahi chalega ki mere mumma papa abhi tak wapas nahi aaye."

"Chup kar Ayush!" Naina screamed at him, the tears brimming on the edge of her eyes. She stood up and turned her back to both Ayush and Sameer, roughly wiping her wet eyes.

Sameer was shocked at her reaction. He had never seen her talk with such anger... forget about talking to Ayush like this. Even the little boy looked at her with wide, petrified eyes. Sameer immediately gathered Ayush in his arms, talking to him in soothing voice, "Kal hum teeno ek saath chalenge tumhare school. Ab tum jaake apni poem learn kar lo. Kal achhe se bolni hai na stage pe."

Ayush gave a hesitant nod, then pointed at Naina, whispering in his ear, "Naina mujhse gussa hai kya?"

Sameer shook his head, "Aaj office mein zyada kaam tha isliye thak gayi hai. Main usse thoda rest karne ke liye leke jaata hun, tum change kar lo. Maine Ramdhari ko bola hai woh abhi tumhare liye milkshake aur french fries leke aa raha hai."

Ayush gladly dipped his head, and got up to go to Naina. He tugged at her hand, "Naina, tum rest kar lo. Main Ramdhari bhaiya ko bolunga tumhare liye bhi coffee bana dein. Okay?"

Ashamed of herself, she kneeled down and hugged him, "I'm sorry baby. Mujhe... mujhe samajh nahi aata main kya karun."

Ayush wound his arms around her neck, smiling, "Meri ma'am kehti hai humein kuch samajh nahi aaye toh unse puch lein. Tumhe samajh nahi aa raha toh tum apne sir se puch lo. Sameer tumhare sir hain na!"

She hugged him tighter, kissing his head, "Thank you. Main bhi apne sir se hi puchungi ab."

The moment Sameer shut the door of their room, she crashed into his arms. He rubbed her back, comforting her.

"Mujhe Ayush pe aise chillana nahi chahiye tha." Her voice was laced with guilt.

"Naina, don't be so harsh on yourself. Tum Ayush pe gussa nahi hui thi, tum sirf haalaat pe gussa ho. Tumhari jagah koi bhi hota toh isse kahin zyada gusse wala hota. Tum toh bohot tolerant ho Naina. Itna sab hone ke baad bhi tum mein koi kadwahat nahi hai." He said in a calming voice.

She looked up at him, her brows furrowed, "Lekin main Ayush ki life ki itni badi kami ko poora nahi kar sakti na. Ek ghar dena chahti thi usse, lekin school ke function mein saath jaane ke liye mumma papa tak nahi hain aaj uske paas."

Sameer cupped her face, "It is not your fault. Tumne bhi toh apne parents ko khoya hai. Naina, Ayush abhi chota hai. Isliye samajh nahi sakta. Tum toh samajhti ho na, life aur death kisi ke haath mein nahi hote. Please, tum khud ko kisi guilt mein mat rakho."

"Agar... agar uss waqt main usse adopt kar paati toh... kam se kam Ayush ke paas toh aaj parents hote." Her eyes had a forlorn look.

"Jaise tum Ayush ko apna beta maanti ho, main bhi maanta hun. Hum usse utna hi pyar denge jitna koi bhi parents apne bachhe ko dete hain. You believe me na?" He looked into her eyes expectantly.

"Tumse zyaada toh kisi pe bharosa nahi hai, Sameer. Khud pe bhi nahi. I know tum Ayush ko kitna pyar karte ho." She held his wrists, and gave a grateful smile.

Sameer took her in his arms again, wishing he could do something to ease her pain.

The idea came to him when he was working out next morning. After breakfast, while Naina was helping Ayush practise his poem, Sameer asked nanu and Vishakha to come to the library.

"Sameer tera dimaag kharab ho gaya hai kya? Papa dekhiye na isse, kaisi baatein kar raha hai. Arre Ayush bhai hai Naina ka, tu kyon adopt karega usse?" Vishakha was aghast at Sameer's proposal.

"Mummy, yeh mera decision hai. Main Ayush pe saare haq chahta hun. Sirf uska jija banke mujhe yeh haq nahi mil sakte." He was calm, having expected this reaction.

"Aisa kya haq chahiye tujhe? Humne manaa kiya usse yahan rakhne se? Tujhe ya Naina ko usse door rehne ko kaha? Kuch aisa kiya jisse tumhe Ayush ke liye insecure laga? Nahi na. Toh phir yeh kaisi zid hai?" Vishakha was agitated by his strange request.

"Ismein zid ki kya baat hai mummy? Nanu ne bhi toh adopt kiya tha mujhe... legally. Jab hum sab issi ghar mein ek saath rehte the toh kya zarurat thi aisa karne ki. Lekin kiya na. Ab agar main Ayush ko adopt karna chahta hun toh kya issue hai?" He explained, keeping his voice normal.

"Sameer", Vishakha screamed, "Papa aur tere rishte ko iss rishte se compare mat kar. Tu naati hai unka. Unka hi khoon hai. Aur Ayush..."

"Bas mummy. Don't say more. Main sun nahi paunga." He looked away, controlling the anger that simmered in him.

Vishakha gave him a shocked look, "Aaj tu Ayush ke liye mere against ho gaya, Sameer? Sach sunne ki taqat tujhme nahi hai toh kya koi sach bolega nahi? Ayush ke liye..."

"Sach abse yehi hoga ki Ayush mera aur Naina ka beta kehlayega. Yeh uski identity hogi." Sameer didn't let her complete, making his intentions clear.

Vishakha turned to nanu in frustration, "Papa, aap kuch bolte kyon nahi? Sameer kaise aapko aur..."

Nanu raised one hand to stall her, "Vishakha, Sameer koi chota bachha nahi hai. Agar usne aur Naina ne yeh faisla kiya hai toh kuch soch samajh ke hi kiya hoga. Aur mujhe inn dono pe poora bharosa hai. Yeh dono koi galat kadam nahi uthayenge."

"Inke saare kadam hi galat rahe hain papa. Ab tak jo bhi karte aaye hain usmein kya sahi tha bataiye. Humne kabhi koi bandish nahin rakhi apne bachhon pe lekin Sameer ne aise chup ke shaadi kar li. Arre isne toh bataya tak nahi ki Ayush adopted hai. Woh toh mujhe Naina se pata chala." Vishakha would have gone ahead with her rants had nanu not given her a stern look.

He stood up, his hands locked behind as he stared at the huge portrait of his wife, "Vishakha, aaj agar tumhari maa yeh sab sunti toh unhe bohot dukh hota. Tum toh jaanti ho woh har hafte anath ashram jaati thi, aur unn bachhon se kitna pyar karti thi. Agar Gayatri ki tabiyat itni bigad na jaati toh hum bhi do bachhe adopt karna chahte the. Kisi bachhe ko uske maa baap saath nahi rakh paate, ya duniya se chale jaate hain toh isme uss bachhe ka kya dosh hai. Aainda iss ghar mein aisi baat nahi sunna chahta main."

Vishakha threw her hands up in air, "Lekin maine kuch galat thodi bola. Ab Ayush hai toh... khair woh chodiye. Aap Sameer ko samjhaiye. Mujhe Ayush ke yahan rehne se koi dikkat nahi hai. Aur main kisi ko batane bhi nahi jaa rahi ki woh Naina ka sagaa bhai nahi hai. Phir usse apna beta banane ki kya zid hai Sameer ki. Shaadi ho gayi hai. Apne khud ke bachhe ho jayenge kuch saalon mein. Kyon kisi anjaan bachhe ko..." She stopped abruptly, looking at the two men.

Sameer took a few deep breaths before he addressed his mom, "Main Ayush ka school change karaunga. Aur naye school mein sab usse hamara beta manenge. Ayush bohot chota hai. Jaldi hi yeh rishta uske liye sach ban jayega."

"Aur jab tere khud ke bachhe honge?" Vishakha asked curtly.

"Ayush mera bada beta hi rahega, mummy." Sameer replied in a firm voice.

Nanu gave him a thoughtful look, "Jo bhi karna chahta hai Sameer, usse thande dimaag se soch lena. Tere har faisle mein tera saath dunga. Lekin main nahi chahta aaj josh mein aake tu aisa kuch kar le jiski wajah se kal ek bachhe ko kisi tarah ka complex ho jaaye."

"Maine aapse aur nani ki baaton se bohot kuch seekha hai, nanu. Unmein se ek hai, khud pe bharosa rakhna. Main aapko promise karta hun, Ayush ko adopt karne ke decision pe mujhe kabhi regret nahi hoga." Sameer gave a determined smile.

Nanu thumped his back, "Shabash mere sher." He then looked at Vishakha, "Tumhe khush hona chahiye. Aaj mera beta woh sapna poora kar raha hai jo kabhi Gayatri ki aankhon mein tha. Business ki, dhan daulat ki virasat toh sabke bachhe khush hoke lete hain, lekin hamare bete ne apni nani ke vichaaron ki virasat li hai. Aur iss baat ke liye humein uska saath dena chahiye."

Sameer looked at Vishakha with pleading eyes, "Please mummy, aap naraaz mat hoiye. Aap khud Ayush se itni attached hain. Sochiye, jab woh mera aur Naina ka beta ban jayega toh aap dadi ban jayengi. Will this not make you happy?"

"Lekin dadi toh main tere bachhon..." Vishakha was again cut short by nanu.

"Bhai, Ayush jaisa pota kismat walon ko milta hai. Mujhe toh abhi se Vivek aur Vishakha se jalan ho rahi hai." He sighed dramatically.

Sameer frowned, "Matlab aapko mere jaise nawase se shikayat reh gayi?"

Nanu laughed aloud, "Arre yaar tu toh Ayush ka bhi baap hai."

Grinning, they both looked at Vishakha, till she finally smiled, and nodded.

Sameer jumped to hug her when she raised a hand to stop him, "Abhi tere papa se baat nahi ki hai. Unse puchna padega pehle."

Sameer sheepishly rubbed his neck, "Maine bata diya unhe. Woh toh celebrate kar rahe hain ki woh dadu ban gaye."

Next update on Thursday