Title is the song 'Banke titli' from movie 'Chennai Express'

After the pooja, Naina and Sameer went to take blessings from nanu.

"Nahi beta, ladkiyan toh Lakshmi hoti hain, pairon ko haath nahi lagati." When she bent down to touch his feet, nanu stopped her and took both of them in his embrace, "Tum dono ki aane wali zindagi mein sirf khushiyan hi khushiyan ho."

Naina smiled at Sameer. There was no denying the fact that she would be happy... because Sameer was with her.

Sameer looked at her fondly, promising himself that he would never let her smile fade away.

They took blessings from all elders. Preeti pointed at her feet when they neared her. Sameer pretended to bend down. Preeti crossed her arms, lifting her chin in air. Smirking, Sameer showed her a punch.

Naina pinched her cheek, "Jethani main hun tumhari. Pair choone hain toh tumhe choone padenge."

Laughing, Preeti hugged her. Naina hugged her back, giving an amused look to Sameer's frown as he rubbed his hands in irritation.

"Kya Naina, sab gale laga sakte hain bas main nahi. Sabse zyada haq toh mera hai na." He groused when they were left alone after Preeti was summoned by her mother.

Before she could answer, Ayush came running to them, "Naina, tumhe pata hai woh wali aunty ne kya kaha mujhse?"

She looked in the direction he was pointing... at Bela.

Naina was perplexed. Bela aunty was too sweet and affectionate towards her... why would she say something to Ayush.

"Kya kaha baby?" Sameer asked, when he saw Naina lost.

Ayush widened his eyes, "Unhone kaha woh meri nani hain. Aur unke saath jo tall wale uncle hain na... woh mere nanu. Woh sach mein mere nanu hain kya, Sameer papa?"

Naina blinked hard to not let the tears find a way out in front of Ayush. She wanted to give him a family where he had parents... Sameer had given him a complete family tree. He had given roots to the little boy who was devoid of a mother's name at the time of birth. Now he was surrounded by all loving relations.

Kneeling down, she held his shoulders, "Agar unhone kaha hai toh woh tere nanu aur nani hain... jaise yahan pe dadi maa aur dadu hain. Dekha, tujhe kitne saare log pyar karte hain."

Ayush gave a beaming smile, "Ab toh mere paas bohot saare log ho gaye khelne ke liye. Nani ne kaha main kabhi bhi unke ghar jaa sakta hun, unke saath khelne. Aur woh mere liye cheese wala burger bhi banayengi."

Sameer patted his cheek lovingly, "Tum ho hi itne cute ki sabko tumhare paas rehna hai."

"Lekin mujhe Sameer papa aur Naina ke saath rehna hai." Ayush wrapped his arms around Sameer's neck, kissing his cheek.

Sameer hugged him tight, "Mera beta mere saath hi rahega."

Naina went to Bela, who was telling something to Preeti in low voice.

"Aunty... oh aap log baat kar rahe hain. Koi nahi main baad mein aati hun." She was embarrassed when Bela stopped abruptly.

A broad smile spread on her face, "Tumhare baare mein hi baat kar rahi thi. Main Preeti se keh rahi thi ki tum uski behen ho toh meri beti hui na. Toh kyon na hum shaadi tak tumhe apne yahan le jayein. Ek hi ghar mein vidaai kaise hogi."

Naina was overwhelmed by her simplicity. The few occasions when she had met Preeti's mother, she found her to a very homely, genial woman, who loved everyone. Her pleasant smile was a part of her personality. Preeti's father, Anand, was also a polite, humble person, with no airs of being a well known Chartered Accountant, who owned a large audit company.

"Aap kyon taklif karti hain aunty. Aapko pata hi hai hamari shaadi pehle se ho rakhi hai. Yeh toh bas isliye..." Naina was cut short by Anand who approached them.

"Beta, shaadi toh wohi hoti hai jismein parivaar ke sab logon ke chehre pe khushi ho. Bela ki baat ka bura mat manna. Hum tumpe koi faisla nahi thopna chahte. Bas itna batana chahte hain ki Preeti ki tarah tumhe bhi apni beti maante hain. Hamare ghar ko apna maayka samajhna, aur jab chaho aa jaana. Humein khushi hogi." He placed a hand on her head.

Naina was overwhelmed at how accepting they were. Bela gave her the same delighted smile, "Aur Ayush ke muh se nani sun ke toh aisa laga meri saalon ki muraad poori ho gayi."

Preeti gave her a wide eyed look, "Saalon ki se aapka kya matlab mummy? Main koi buddhi thodi ho gayi hun. Mere paida hote hi aapne mere bachhon ke sapne dekhne shuru kar diye the kya?"

Anand laughed at his wife's enthusiasm, "Sahi bola, Preeti. Tumhari mummy jab tumhe ghar laayi thi toh aankhon mein aansu bhar ke kaha 'aaj apni Gudiya ko ghar laayi hun, waqt ka pata bhi nahi chalega aur ek din apne naati ko ghar laungi'."

Preeti let out an exasperated sigh, "Meri toh koi value hi nahi hai. Pehle din se competition hai."

"Chup kar." Bela swatted her arm, "Apne bachhon se competition hota hai kya. Aur waise bhi, abhi hamara naati Ayush hai... jab tak tum dono usse senior nahi banati."

Preeti dragged Naina from there, "Chal behen. Meri mummy ka yeh puraan ek baar shuru hua toh rukne ka naam nahi leta." Looking back at her mom, she stated, "Ab aap nani ban gayi ho Ayush ki. Condition poori ho gayi hai. Ab mujhe ya Naina ko kuch nahi bol sakti."

Bela smiled fondly, holding her husband's arm, "Dekhiye ji, kaise jhatke mein humein ek aur beti aur naati mil gaye. Preeti jo bhi kahe, mujhe lagta hai yeh Ayush bada kismat wala bachha hai. Dekhna, jaldi hi uski kismat se hamari zindagi mein aur naati naatin bhi aa jayenge."

"Bela, zara apne sapno ke ghodo ko lagaam do. Bachhon ko apni zindagi apne hisaab se jeene do. Jo hoga, woh achha hi hoga. Tum Preeti ya Naina se aisi koi baat mat karna." Anand tried to calm his over excited wife.

Naina was waiting for a chance to thank Sameer for what he had done. With so many people around, she had not got an opportunity to tell him how grateful she was. When she noticed Ayush finishing his food, and licking his fingers, she got an idea.

"Ayush, chal main tere hands wash karwa ke laati hun. Kurte pe laga liye toh itna pyara kurta kharab ho jayega." She ushered him towards the washroom at the end of the passage.

Sameer glanced at her, while talking to a guest. Naina stopped for a second, and flicked her eyes in the direction of the passage, before walking away. He was already near the washroom when Naina came out with Ayush after cleaning his hands and face.

"Ayush, tu hall mein jaa main abhi aati hun." She prodded him.

The moment Ayush was gone, Sameer held her wrist and pulled her to a secluded corner.

"Kya ishara kar rahi thi tum? Kya iraada hai?" He asked, drawing her close with an arm around her waist.

Her eyes were soft, "Tumhe thank you bolna hai."

"Maine aisa kya kiya?" Sameer was still captivated by her gesture of calling him from amidst a room full of people with a single flick of eyes. He was unable to fathom that she was talking about her parent's photograph.

"Aaj tumne jo kiya hai Sameer, iske liye tum meri jaan bhi mangoge toh main khushi se de dungi." Naina had a radiant smile on her face, eyes brimming with tears. It then registered to him what she meant.

He leaned ahead and placed a kiss on her forehead. Naina wanted to say a lot of things, but her throat was constricted with emotions.

Sameer gazed at her. Romance wasn't on her mind. But it never left his.

He hooked a finger under her chin, "Jaan toh main hi hun tumhari. Nahi, jaan nahi... mujhe ek jawab chahiye."

"Jawab?" She  gave a puzzled look.

His looked into her eyes, "Naina, kya tum khush ho... dil se?"

The answer was evident in her eyes, but he wanted to hear the words.

Naina gazed at his hopeful face, nodding vehemently,  "Mumma papa ko iss pooja ka hissa bana ke tumne mujhe sab kuch de diya. Main kitni khush hun tumhe bata nahi sakti."

"Batana toh padega. Jitni zyada khushi, utne better style mein batana padega." His eyes glittered in anticipation.

She placed her hands on his shoulders, raised herself and kissed his cheek. He rejoiced in her exultation.

With an impish smile, he touched his cheek, "Bas itna hi? Maine toh socha tha mujhe kuch special milega."

Her eyes sparkled with promise, "Special hi hoga Sameer. Tumne mere liye jo kiya hai, uske badle mein tumhe sirf thank you nahi bolungi. Lekin abhi humein jaana hoga. Ghar mein itne log hain, abhi sahi waqt nahi hai."

Before he could ask her what she meant, Preeti's voice floated from the living room, "Naina, kahan hai tu?"

Her head jerked back at the voice, nervousness writ large on her face. Squirming in his arms, she implored, "Please jaane do Sameer. Sab hain bahar. Bohot embarrassing ho jayega kisi ne dekh liya toh."

With a sigh, he left her. Even after she was gone, he stood leaning against the wall. She was genuinely happy, he could see it in her eyes. Not that he doubted her happiness, but a shadow marred her upbeat mannerism whenever there was a mention of her family in his household. He could rid her of that flaky insecurity today... and it had truly left him contented. After their morning conversation, it dawned on him how much she must be missing her parents. As Naina had mentioned several times, her mom visited temples all over the country to pray for her happiness, to bring back the lost sparkle in her eyes... today, as she embarked on a journey towards fulfilment of that wish, he realised how Naina wished her mom and dad to be a part of this new beginning. He had called up Rohan, and asked him to take the small frame from Naina's bedside table in their room. Her tears when she saw the large frame had washed away every little grain of angst in her mind.

Feeling lighter, Sameer walked out to the main hall.

"Arre bhai, aap kahan the main kabse dhoond raha tha." Rohan grabbed his arm.

"Kya hua? Main ek call attend karne gaya tha." Sameer smiled warmly. However much he chided Rohan, the fact was he couldn't wish for a better brother.

Rohan waved at Naina, "Bha... Naina miss kar rahi thi aapko."

And Sameer's smile changed to a glower, "Tu bhabhi nahi keh sakta."

Rohan raised his brows at his fuming face, before breaking into a grin, "Yeh jo jal bhun ke koyla hote ho na, issi ko dekhne ke liye bolta hun." A fond look descended on his face, "Honestly bhai, aap dono ke liye bohot khush hun main. Naina bhabhi loves you as much as you love her. Jab aapne bataya tha, aur maine bhi jab unhe first time iss ghar mein dekha tha, toh kuch ajeeb sa laga tha... unke behaviour mein ek hesitation thi. Lekin iss baar unhe itna khush dekh ke, sabke saath itna comfortable dekh ke achha laga. Office ke shuru ke dinon mein jo stiffness thi unme woh ab nahi hai."

They both glanced at Naina as she talked animatedly with Preeti and her parents, a wide smile beaming on her face.

Rohan looked at Sameer, "Ek baat puchu? Gussa toh nahi karoge?"

Sameer placed an arm around his shoulder, grinning, "Pehle kabhi mere gusse se tujhe koi farq pada hai jo ab padega?"

Rohan flicked his brows with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Woh toh hai. Bhai, maine Preeti ko kaise propose kiya woh aap sabne dekha tha. Lekin aapne Nai... mera matlab bhabhi ko kaise propose kiya? Main sach mein bohot curious hun ki aapne unse chupke se shaadi kyon aur kaise ki. Please batao na woh shaadi ke liye kaise maani. Jitna maine dekha tha office mein usse toh lagta tha koi unke paas bhi aaya toh uski khair nahi."

Sameer rubbed the back of his neck, "Hamari shaadi pehle hui... uske baad maine propose kiya."

"Whatt?" Rohan's eyes popped out.

Vishakha called out to Sameer before he could tell further, asking him to meet some guests.

The few guests who had attended the occasion left after lunch, leaving only the family members at home.

Vishakha asked everyone to rest for now as the day had been a busy one. That was the time Rohan could finally catch hold of Sameer again in his room, "Ab aapko batana padega. Main aapke room se tab tak nahi jaane wala jab tak aap apni story nahi suna dete."

Sameer gave him a calculated look, "Okay. Abhi bata deta hun. Lekin raat ko phir se yahan nahi aana. Mujhe akele rehna pasand hai."

"Akele? Matlab bhabhi permanently ussi room mein rehne wali hain kya?" Rohan could not let go of a chance to tease him.

Sameer smacked him on the back, "Naina ke baare mein tujhe kuch bhi bolna allowed nahi hai."

Rohan rolled his eyes, "Jaise hamari toh woh kuch hain hi nahi. Bhai, this is not fair. Maine aapko kabhi manaa kiya Preeti ke baare mein kuch bolne se?"

Sameer softened, "Naina hum sabse judd gayi hai. Main chahta hun usse har family member ka dher saara pyar mile. Uski life mein jo khalipan tha woh usse dubara kabhi mehsoos na ho. Naina ne bohot time akele bitaya hai. Ab aur nahi."

Rohan narrowed his eyes, "Yeh sab dil se keh rahe ho... ya bahana bana rahe ho bhabhi ke paas jaane ka."

"Tu nahi sudhrega." Sameer punched him lightly in the stomach, smiling.

When the family gathered for evening tea, discussion revolved around functions of next day. Vishakha was happy and satisfied with how things went today, which made her relaxed. She called up the caterers, reminding them about specific dishes that she wanted to be included in the menu. As the sun rolled down over horizon, nanu asked the decorative lights outside to be switched on. Whole house glittered with tiny bulbs, making it look like a part of starry sky that had descended on ground.

Nanu and Vivek strolled around the house, with Ayush, who squealed in wonder at the decoration, "Itne saare lights! Yeh toh mere room ke stars se bhi zyada hain. Yeh toh sky ke stars se bhi zyada hain na bade dadu?" He tugged at nanu's hand.

Nanu laughed, "Yeh toh bhai gin ke batana padega."

"Main gin lun? Mujhe 50 tak counting aati hai." Ayush said proudly.

Vivek laughed even louder, scooping up the little boy in his arms, "Tumhe ginne ki zarurat nahi hai. Saare stars se bada star pata hai kaunsa hai?"

Ayush craned his neck to see as much of sky as he could, "Pata nahi. Aapko pata hai?"

Vivek patted his cheek, "Yeh wala... hamara Ayush. Tumhare aane se hamara ghar itna beautiful ho gaya." He waved at the decorations.

Ayush gloated in the praise, then queried, "Aap meri shaadi mein bhi itni saari star wali lights lagwaoge?"

He watched in confusion as both men burst out laughing.

Vishakha soon called them inside for dinner. After dinner, when Naina went back to her room, she first made sure her clothes and accessories for next day were in order. Deepika had made some special arrangements, and she was looking forward to them. After changing into a tshirt and loose bottoms, she settled on the bed, checking something on her laptop.

Half an hour later, the sound of sliding door made Naina look up. She knew Sameer would come, but wasn't expecting him this early.

Putting the laptop aside, she rushed to him, "Sameer. Tum itni jaldi kyon aa gaye? Koi dekh leta toh."

"Sab apne room mein hain. Maine mummy se keh diya tha main sone jaa raha hun. Koi nahi ayega mere room mein." Sameer slid the door close, drawing the curtains.

Naina placed her hands on waist, giving him a sarcastic fake smile, "Bas yehi toh ek darr hai. Mere room mein toh kisi ke aane ka chance hain nahi. Aur koi galti se aa bhi gaya toh main keh dungi 'abhi main door nahi khol sakti, aapka beta aaya hai mujhse milne'... phir woh kahenge 'haan haan Naina, abhi tum Sameer ke saath hi raho, bechara itni mushkil se terrace pe seedhi laga ke aaya hai. Hum baad mein baat kar lenge'."

Sameer dipped his head to the side, watching her in amusement as she modulated her voice to imitate others.

"Ab aise kya dekh rahe ho. Tum na, mujhe bhi sabse daant padwaoge." She pouted, frowning at him.

"Kahan thi yeh badmaash si Naina itne din? Koi office mein dekh ke keh hi nahi sakta ghar mein yeh madam aise chun chun ke taane maarti hongi." Sameer quirked up a brow, the corner of his lips curled up.

She narrowed her eyes, "Main taana maar rahi hun! Ek toh khud aise kaam karte ho upar se mujhe blame karte ho."

She threw a cushion at him, which he caught with one hand, smirking, and lunged at her. Naina escaped his grasp, taking a quick step back. Before he could get her, she sprinted to the other side of bed, grinning.

Sameer followed her without halting, chasing her all over the room as she dodged him, moving around chairs and couch and table but keeping away from him. She was however, caught unaware when he stepped over the low table and jumped to her side, circling his arms around her waist from behind. Naina clasped her hand over her mouth to muffle the scream that escaped her as he lifted her up in the air, twirling in a swift motion.

"Ab bolo." He stopped after a few seconds, keeping her in his firm hold.

"Neeche utaro mujhe." She tugged at his arms.

"Pehle promise karo mujhse door nahi bhagogi." He nuzzled his face in her neck.

"Achha baba promise." Her voice sounded urgent.

Only then he realised the reason for her haste... when he picked her up, her tshirt rode above the waistband, and his arms now rested over her bare abdomen. Sameer felt a wave of heat rush through him. The sleeves of his sweatshirt were pulled up, which put her soft skin in direct contact with his forearms.

"Sameer." She whispered.

Slowly, he loosened his arms, setting her down. With a quick twirl, he made her face him, holding her by waist over the tshirt. Her eyes were filled with a new emotion, which he could not read. Was she uncomfortable?

"Kya hua Naina? Mujhe laga tum..." He asked in a soft voice, placing a hand under her ear.

She did not move her gaze from him. He held his breath as he waited for her answer. Off late, her reactions had given him a different indication.

Finally, her lips moved, "Kal hamari haldi hai. Maine net pe check kiya... iss rasm mein woh log ek doosre ko haldi nahi lagate jinki shaadi hai."

He didn't understand. What he had asked was completely different from what she was saying now. He still waited, for her to clarify.

"Sameer, main... main tumhe sabse pehle haldi laga sakti hun? Main chahti hun mujhe bhi pehli haldi tum hi lagao." She was hesitant, but hopeful.

He smiled, "Itni si baat. Main nanu se kahunga woh mummy ko convince kar lenge. Aur agar ritual ke hisaab se yeh sahi nahi hoga toh main Rohan ke saath kuch na kuch..."

She placed a hand on his mouth, "Maine kaha sabse pehle. Main tumhe... aur tum mujhe."

"Tumne kuch socha hai kya? Agar koi plan hai toh batao main sabko ready kar lunga." Sameer offered.

She intently looked into his eyes. He knew she had something in mind... but what.

He followed her gaze when her eyes flickered behind him. In front of the mirror was a bowl, filled with a paste.

His looked at her tentatively, "Abhi?"

She shook her head, her eyes shining with excitement, "Abhi nahi. Pehle kal ka din shuru hone do. After midnight."

He was amazed by her idea. He had seen a few haldi functions. Usually, they were held in individual houses of those who were getting married. And Naina was right... forget about putting haldi on each other, the two people were not even allowed to meet.

His face lit up with a crooked grin, "Wow Naina, mujhe nahi pata tha tumhara dimaag aisi cheezon mein bhi chalta hai."

"Jiske paas dimaag hota hai woh toh har direction mein chalta hai. Par haan, bechare dil ki thodi mushkil hai." Naina said in a teasing voice.

"Kyon? Tumhara dil bhi toh mere liye hi dhadakta hai... kal raat ko bhi dekha maine." Sameer pulled her towards himself, reminded of the kiss of previous night.

He had expected her to look away, or smile shyly, but her smile was far away from that, "Kal ki baat kal khatm ho gayi. Aaj ki baat karein."

Okay, so I'm honestly inundated with some heavy work, hence couldn't take this update further.
Also, it's unedited. Sorry

Will try to post on Saturday. If I'm not able to do it, I'll post on Sunday.