Sameer sat at the breakfast table, pushing around a few pieces of fruits in his plate.

Nanu glanced at him, while buttering his toast, "Kha kyon nahi raha, Sameer? Chaar piece liye hain unse bhi khel raha hai."

"Nanu, mann nahi hai." He said, without looking up.

Vishakha, who was sitting next to him, placed a hand on his forehead, "Tabiyat theek hai na?"

Sameer smiled at her, "Theek hun, mummy, bas aaj bhook nahi hai."

Vivek eyed the items on table, and chuckled, "Haan bhai, aaj iske paranthe nahi hai na... hamare bete ko yeh sab toast, porridge jaisi cheezen thodi pasand aati hain."

Sameer turned to his dad, "Papa, khaata toh hun hamesha. Yeh healthy hai, aaj bhi kha leta lekin bas aaj dil nahi kar raha."

Ramdhari, coming out of the kitchen with tea, offered, "Sameer bhaiya, aapke liye alu parantha bana dein? Paanch minute bhi nahi lagenge. Boiled alu rakhe hain."

Sameer's eyes shot up at him, "Tujhe boiled alu banane aate hain?"

Not only Ramdhari, but three more pairs of eyes looked at him.

"Sameer bhaiya, hum toh roz hi alu boil karte hain." Ramdhari answered hesitantly as he couldn't understand if he was being scolded or Sameer was joking.

"Toh kabhi banaye kyon nahi?" Sameer asked.

Vishakha took pity on a puzzled Ramdhari and asked Sameer, "Tujhe khana kya hai? Dish bata na... uske liye alu boil karne hain ya roast yeh hum khud dekh lenge."

"Dish hi toh bata raha hun... boiled alu." Sameer explained patiently.

Nanu raised his brow, "Aur yeh nayi dish ki jaankari aapko achanak kahan se hui? Koi cooking classes mein enroll kiya hai ya online recipes dekhi kisi international chef ki?"

"Nanu, mujhe bhi nahi pata tha yeh ek dish hoti hai. Kal hi malum hua." Sameer excitedly informed, then turned to Ramdhari, "Tujhe toh pata hona chahiye tha na, itne saalon se khana bana raha hai."

Vishakha sniggered, "Boiled alu dish hoti hai yeh kisne keh diya tumhe? Arre, alu hum boil karte hain jisse unki aur bohot saari dishes bana saken, jaise alu paranthe, grilled sandwich, bread roll, samose, bread pakore, cutlets... aur bhi kaafi kuch."

Sameer gaped at her, stunned. For a few seconds, he couldn't comprehend that Naina had fooled him... and then, he was embarrassed. In spite of running a company successfully, he wasn't aware of such a simple fact, and she could gauge his naivety.

"Mujhe pata nahi tha." He scratched his head, bringing his attention back to his plate.

Nanu laughed aloud, "Chalo iss bahane tune kuch toh seekha, cooking se related."

He quietly finished the fruits in his plate while the elders continued their teasing... but his entire focus was on Naina's subtle smiles when she was telling him about boiled potatoes.

Sameer had just reached office when there was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in." He said without looking up, expecting Lakshman with some files.

"Good morning, Sameer sir." The sweet voice was nothing like his office helper.

His eyes eagerly drank the sight that brightened his morning instantly, "Naina tum? Good morning. Please come."

She walked in with a small bag in hand, and placed it on the table next to the sofa, then looked at him, "Aapke alu paranthe."

A contented smile spread on his face... he wasn't sure she would remember. He couldn't have breakfast at home in anticipation, still, in a corner of his heart, a doubt lurked that she might not get the paranthas for him. Now, seeing that she not only remembered, but brought them to him the minute he arrived, gave wings to his imagination.

Dressed up in a beautiful saree in dark pink, she brought him the same breakfast, while he waited for her on his terrace. The touch of red in the parting of her hair, a small glittering bindi on her forehead, string of black beads around her neck, glass bangles tinkling on her wrists, a bunch of keyrings tucked at her waist... she was every inch his wife. With a shy smile, she placed the plate in front of him, sitting next to him. Lost in her, he touched the parantha, only to burn his fingers. She quickly held his hand, and took the burnt finger between her lips.

Sameer closed his eyes, drawing in a sharp breath. If the mere thought could make him shiver, he wondered how it would be when her lips actually touched him.

"Sir, aap sun rahe hain na? Are you okay?" Her voice made him open his eyes with a start.

"Aap theek hain na?" She gave a concerned look, seeing his flushed face.

"Ha... haan. I'm... I'm fine. Woh main kuch soch raha tha toh..." He swallowed, trying to erase the sari clad image that seemed to impose itself on the one in front of him.

Naina pointed at the bag, "Maine alu paranthe yahan rakhe hain. Lakshman ko bol diya tha, woh abhi plate leke aata hi hoga."

Sameer pursed his lips, and nodded, watching as she left the room after a brief smile. His eyes were still stuck to the door when it opened again, and Lakshman came in.

It was the best alu parantha of his life. He immediately sent a message,
'Aaj ka breakfast punishment nahi reward tha. You are a great cook. Thank you.'

It was an hour later when the phone finally beeped to give him the message that he had been waiting for 'Glad to know you liked it. Lekin thank you kehke aapne ek aur punishment earn kar li hai.'

He smiled, typing the reply 'Tum punishment deti hi nahi. Isliye main baar baar galti kar deta hun.'

He got double blue tick soon on the message but no reply. Sighing, he put the phone aside, muttering to himself, "Iski pitch pe khelna aasan nahi hai. Sameer beta, bohot papad belne padenge."

Naina was able to make another trip to one more well known market next day, which thankfully wasn't as eventful as the previous one. Sudden arrival of some foreign clients kept Sameer busy, along with nanu for rest of the week, and he didn't get a chance to go to Naina's house again. Interaction of a few minutes in office was the only respite he had from his hectic schedule.

Following weekend was the one before Ayush's birthday. Naina had to shop for the small party she was planning on Thursday. The shop she had discovered in close by market was the best for decorations but she needed to shop for Ayush's clothes first. Saturday morning, they decided to visit the mall.

Mrs Bhalla had just recahed home after her morning brunch. Her husband had stayed back for a game of chess with his friends. After dropping her, the driver left for the club. Mrs Bhalla was opening the gate when a big black car stopped across the road. Big cars were not an unusual sight in their street. She wouldn't have given a second glance had it not been for Naina's friend, who alighted from the car.

"Oho puttar, aap aaye ho. Achha kiya jo aa gaye. Aaj toh Naina ki chutti hogi na... free hogi woh. Jab dekho kaam mein lagi rehti hai, kabhi office ka, kabhi ghar ka. Usko samjhao zara ghooma phira kare. Maine kitni baar kaha mere saath club chale lekin hamesha manaa kar deti hai." Bhalla aunty beamed at Sameer as he entered the gate.

"Hello ma'am. Jee main bolunga Naina ko." He smiled politely.

"Haan aur kya. Nayi hai Dilli mein, usse batana kitni achhi achhi jagah hain yahan shopping ke liye aur khana toh bas kamaal. Doston ka hi kaam hota hai yeh sab dikhana. Tum log hafte mein ek din toh le hi jaaya karo usse bahar. Yeh koi umr hai uski saara time kisi na kisi kaam mein uljhe rehne ki." Bhalla aunty's mild grouse showed her concern for Naina.

Assuring her that he would try to explain the same to Naina, Sameer took her leave and started to climb the stairs. He noticed the lock when he was halfway.

"Kya hua, puttar? Wapas kyon chal diye?" Bhalla aunty, who had been examining her new plants, stopped to look at him when he came down.

"Lock hai. Shayad Naina ne pehle hi aapki baat maan li." Sameer pointed at her closed door, trying to hide his disappointment behind a formal smile.

Bhalla aunty furrowed ber brows, "Achha? Bahar gayi hai? Chalo koi nahi. Yehi toh keh rahi thi main. Bas beta, usko akela dekhke mann thoda bechain ho jaata hai. Ek toh mummy papa ka dukh, upar se Ayush ki responsibility... aur phir husband bhi itni door baitha hai."

The ground slipped beneath Sameer's feet. He stared at the old lady with open mouth... his face ashened. Thankfully, she wasn't looking at him.

Before he could find his voice to ask anything, the sound of gate announced the arrival of Naina and Ayush.

"Wow. Aap mujhse milne aaye ho na? Mujhe pata tha. Aap pakka aaoge, meri bday party ke liye help karne. Aapne promise jo kiya tha." Ayush jumped excitedly, seeing him.

Since she couldn't call him sir in front of Bhalla aunty, Naina simply nodded at Sameer. His colour drained face and empty eyes made her wonder if everything was okay.

"Accha hua, puttar, tum dono aa gaye. Yeh bechara toh jaane wala tha. Aa jao, main sabke liye mango shake banwati hun." Bhalla aunty offered.

Naina held out her hands, showing the bags, "Aaj nahi, aunty. Yeh saari shoping karke thak gaye. Zara fresh ho jaate hain. Ayush ne bhi apni t-shirt ko ice cream khilai hai usse change karna padega."

Bhalla aunty chuckled, pinching Ayush's cheek, "Five years ka ho raha hai agle hafte. Bina giraye khana kab seekhega?"

"Five days baad. Jaise hi five years ka hounga, main big ho jaunga na. Phir thodi giregi ice cream." Ayush grinned.

"Dekhte hain." Bhalla aunty gave him a challenging nod, then turned to Naina, "Jaa puttar, yahan garmi mein khade rahe toh tum sabne bimar ho jaana hai."

Naina went up the stairs, followed by Ayush, who hopped up with springy steps, and Sameer, who somehow managed to drag his lifeless form... his world shattered to pieces.

"Sir, aap baithiye, I'll get water. Ayush, jaake kapde change kar aur fresh hoke aa." Naina directed them as they entered the house.

After Ayush vanished to his room, Sameer could take it no more. He got up and walked to the kitchen.

"Tum married ho toh bataya kyon nahi." He asked curtly, standing in the doorway.

Naina froze. She didn't realise Bhalla aunty could have mentioned about her lie to Sameer sir.

"Bolo Naina. Jab tumhara hus... husband hai toh office mein yeh kyon likhwaya ki tum single ho?" Sameer hissed, the word piercing his heart.

Slowly, Naina turned, her face pale. His hands fisted at the guilt in her eyes... so it was true.

"Kyon, Naina?" His voice was a mere whisper, but menacing enough to make her tremble.

"Sir, maine yeh apni marzi se nahi kiya. Mujhe pata hai yeh galat hai. Lekin... iske alawa koi raasta nahi tha mere paas... I... I had to do it." Her hesitant voice was like molten lava to his ears.

He took two steps ahead, to stand right in front of her, "Marzi se nahi ki toh shaadi kaise hui? Kisine force kiya tumhe? Kab? Tumne bataya kyon nahi? Kon hai woh mujhe uska naam batao... main usse chodunga..."

"Shaadi nahi... jhoot ke alawa koi raasta nahi tha, sir." Naina corrected him.

Sameer kept staring at her, his senses completely jumbled as he tried to comprehend the meaning of her words... but his brain seemed to have taken leave.

"Shaadi nahi... toh husband kaun hai? Kahan se aaya?" He gave her a puzzled look.

Naina shook her head, "Na husband hai, na koi shaadi hui hai. It's all a lie."

Sameer was dumbfounded.

"Aap... aap chaliye, main batati hun." She waved a hand towards the living room.

"Nainaaaa. Maine change kar liya. Abhi main tumhare sir ko apne new clothes dikha dun?" Ayush came to the kitchen, looking up at both of them simultaneously.

"Uhh... Ayush, mujhe sir se kuch office ki baat karni hai... tu thodi der TV dekh le." Naina held his arm, to take him back to the room.

"Office ki baat kyon? Aaj chutti hai na... aur aap toh meri bday party ki baat karne aaye ho na, Naina ke sir?" Ayush frowned.

Sameer stood like a stone, unable to think, while Naina hushed her little brother to make him understand that they had to discuss something important... and promised him that they would plan his party after that.

After putting the cartoon channel for him, Naina stood holding the knob of closed door, mumbling to herself with tears of guilt in her eyes, "I'm sorry, Ayush. Lekin ab Sameer sir teri party ka hissa nahi banna chahenge. Mere jhoot ne tujhse tera dost cheen liya. Shayad woh dubara yahan kabhi nahi aayenge."

Wiping her eyes, she took a deep breath, and walked to the living room, to face the consequences of her lie.

"Mujhe sab kuch sunna hai... sab kuch." Sameer held his hands together, pressing them hard to suppress the storm brewing inside him.

Taking the chair adjacent to him, Naina strated in a low voice, her eyes fixed on the floor, "Mummy papa ke jaane ke baad main Agra mein nahi rehna chahti thi. Isliye yahan jobs ke liye apply kiya. Socha, nayi jagah, naya mahaul shayad mujhe unka dukh bhulane mein help karega. Kuch mushkilon ke baad job toh mil gayi, lekin yahan rehne ki jagah milna impossible lag raha tha. Maine pata nahi kitne logon se baat ki... agents, landlords, brokers... lekin kahin baat nahi bani. Main kisi aur area mein rehna nahi chahti thi kyonki mujhe safety chahiye thi. Jab saari koshishen bekaar hone lagi toh aisa laga ki shayad mujhe Maheshwari sir ko manaa karna padega... ki main yeh job nahi le sakti."

For the second time in last half an hour, Sameer felt the ground beneath his feet slip away... had she not come here, he would have never met her.

Unaware of his condition, Naina continued, "Sabko ek hi problem thi... ki single, unmarried, akeli ladki ko ghar nahi de sakte. Kisi ne yeh nahi socha ki maine apni marzi se apna parivaar nahi khoya hai... bhagwan kyon akeli ladki se uske parents ko cheen lete hain... agar duniya mein akele reh nahi sakte toh akela kiya kyon mujhe?"

Her voice choked. Sameer immediately got up and brought the glass of water from kitchen that she had filled up for him but couldn't offer. Naina took a few sips, and placed it next to her on the side table, blinking rapidly to gain back control on herself.

She looked up at him, straight into the eyes, "Mujhe ghar lene ke liye yeh jhoot bolna pada. Mere paas yehi last option tha... mujhe har haal mein Agra se nikalna tha."

Sameer melted at her predicament. He was also ashamed of the anger that he directed at her, without knowing the truth.

"Naina, tum agar pehle bata deti... I mean... mujhe pehle pata hota..." He tried to think of the options to help her, but nothing came to his mind.

"Kaise batati, Sameer sir? Yeh jhoot mujhe kitni takleef de raha hai main hi jaanti hun. Bhalla aunty aur uncle bohot achhe aur genuine log hain... aur ab mujhe pata bhi hai ki woh kyon kisi family ko rakhna chahte the. Unhe dhoka dena mujhe andar se kitna chubhta hai yeh main kisi ko kaise bataun? Darr jaati hun soch ke ki jab unhe pata chalega toh kya hoga... kisi ko bhi pata chalega toh woh mere baare mein aisa hi sochenge jaisa aapne socha. Mujhe khud jhoot ne nafrat hai, isliye samajh sakti hun aapka impression mere liye kya hoga. Lekin sir, please... don't let this effect my job... wahan maine kisi ko dhoka nahi diya, koi jhoot nahi bola." She looked at him earnestly.

He clenched his teeth, annoyed at himself for letting her think like this, "Tum kisi ko dhoka de hi nahi sakti, Naina. Tumhari job pe iska koi effect nahi padega... kyonki yeh jhoot nahi hai... yeh sirf ek raasta hai, jiske bina tumhara aage badhna mushkil tha. Agar yeh poori tarah se sahi nahi hai toh 100% galat bhi nahi hai. Hum sabko apni life mein kabhi na kabhi jhoot ka sahara lena padta hai, jab hum sach samjhane mein nakaam hote hain. Iska matlab yeh nahi ki hum koi gunaah kar rahe hain. Nanu kehte hain ki jis jhoot se kisi ko takleef na pohoche uss jhoot ke liye bolne wale ko sazaa nahi deni chahiye... uski majboori ko samajhna chahiye. Tumne jo bhi kiya, yahan apni duniya banane ke liye kiya... aur zindagi mein aage badhne ki chahat rakhna galat nahi hai. Mujhe ismein tumhari koi galti nahi dikhti. Yeh jhoot waqt ki maang tha... aur iski wajah se kisi ko bura thodi lag raha hai. Isliye tum bhi itna stress mat lo."

Her eyes seemed empty, as if she had drifted to some faraway place, "Haan, life mein jhoot ka sahara lena hi padta hai... kyonki sach koi samajh hi nahi sakta... lekin jab sach saamne aayega tab... kaise saamna karungi main?"

He pursed his lips, "Don't worry, main hun tumhare saath. Agar tum kaho toh main kisi doosre ghar ka arrangement kar sakta hun. Hum log hamesha se yahan rehte hain, I'm sure mummy ki jaan pehchan mein hi koi ghar mil jayega."

"Nahi." Naina seemed to jerk out of some other world, "Nahi, aap please aisa kuch mat kijiye. Yeh ek aur dhoka hoga Bhalla aunty ke liye. Woh kuch mahino mein Canada chale jayenge, apne bete ke paas. Unhone mujhe aur Ayush ko apni family jaisa maana hai. Hamesha aunty uncle yehi kehte hain ki jab tak woh yahan hain, humein kahin nahi jaane denge. Main bhi nahi jaungi unhe chod ke."

"Okay, no problem. Lekin tum daro nahi. Hum iss baat ka khyal rakhenge ki unke saamne sach kabhi na aaye." Sameer assured her.

She gulped, both in surprise and relief at his support.

"Umm Naina, if you don't mind, ek baat puch sakta hun?" He couldn't keep the question within himself any longer.

"Jee sir?" She looked at him.

He nervously chewed his lip, not knowing how he would react to her answer... but he couldn't let the gnawing thought remain in his mind.

"Kya tum... tumhare saath shuru mein... I mean, jab tum aayi thi first time... kisi ko husband kehke milwaya tha kya?" He held his breath.

The shake of her head was enough for him to let out a relieved sigh. He picked up the glass from side table and drained it, gulping the entire water in one go to soothe his dry throat.

"Nahi sir... uski zarurat nahi padi. Maine pehle hi bata diya tha ki mera hus... woh... Dubai mein rehta hai. Uska job wahin hai... kuch time baad ayega India." Naina had her eyes fixed on her wrenching fingers in her lap.

"Oh, isliye aunty ne kaha woh tumse itni door hai. Very good." He smiled.

"Jee sir?" She looked up, confused at his reaction.

Sameer rubbed his forehead, "Matlab... achha hai na... ab kisi ko nakli husband bana ke nahi laana padega."

She swallowed, hoping that what he was saying was true.

It was only after Sameer had gone to Ayush's room and Naina got up to put the glass in the kitchen did the realisation struck her... and her eyes turned wide. It was her glass which Sameer sir had emptied.

She found it difficult to look at him directly when he and Ayush later sat at the dining table to decide where all they would place the balloons.

Ayush called out to her, "Naina, hum kaunse colours ke balloons layenge?"

"Tu bataa... jo bhi chahiye woh le ayenge." She said while keeping herself occupied with other things.

Ayush tapped his forehead, "Ummmm... mera favourite toh blue hai... lekin mujhe red bhi achha lagta hai... Nitin ne apne bday pe green lagaya tha woh nice tha... aur yellow kitna pretty hota hai... orange toh ice cream jaisa achha hoga na..."

Sameer couldn't help but laugh at his description, and offered to do a colourful decoration.

"Sachiiii! Saare colours wali? Kar sakte hain kya?" Ayush was jumping excitedly.

Sameer looked at Naina, "Agar Naina allow karegi toh kar sakte hain."

Ayush dashed to her and pulled her hand, "Please please Naina, karne do na."

She smiled, ruffling his hair, "Maine kab manaa kiya... tere birthday pe wahi karenge jo tu kahega. Colourful it will be then."

Ayush made her sit with him and they together made a list of all things that they needed to buy.

"We can go tomorrow and pick up all the things." Sameer suggested.

"It's okay, Sir, hum aapko aur pareshan nahi karenge. Main le aungi. Aapka aaj ka din bhi waste ho gaya aur kal phir se..." Naina didn't want him to feel pressurised.

Ayush looked at Sameer, "Aapne apne liye balloons le liye? Aapke bday pe konsa colour lagaoge?"

Naina looked up sharply, "Aapka bhi birthday hai Ayush ke saath?"

"Haww, tumhare sir hain aur tumhe hi nahi pata? Inka bday 8 ko hai, mujhse pehle. First inki party hogi phir meri." Ayush said with a bright smile, proud of his knowledge.

"Oh! I'm sorry I didn't know." Naina blurted.

Ayush placed his hands on waist, "Aap humein bulaoge apni party mein?"

Naina glared at him, but Sameer picked him up and put him on his knee, "Tumhare saath hi toh party karni hai mujhe... tum chaloge dinner pe?"

Ayush looked at Naina, his brows raised in question.

Naina was in a dilemma, "It's not required, sir. Aap... aap apni family, apne friends ke saath celebrate karenge... Ayush kaise... I mean, aap uska dhyan rakhne mein baaki sabko time nahi de payenge. Main samjha dungi isse."

"Mere dono sabse special friends yahan nahi hain, Naina. Aur family ke saath main ghar jaake celebrate kar hi lunga. Ayush mera naya dost hai. Uske saath birthday nahi manaya toh mujhe bhi bura lagega. Please, manaa mat karna. Main Ayush ko... aur tumhe... dinner pe le jaa sakta hun kya?" Sameer asked before his courage left him.

Next update on Wednesday