Title needs no introduction... the popular song of Salman Khan that played in the show

Once they drove out of the lane, Sameer gave a quick glance to Naina. There was a contentment on her face as she looked out at the passing view, unlike the previous day when they had driven into the city.

He pondered for a while, then asked casually, "Mujhe Agra ki famous chaat khaani hai. Chalogi?"

She looked at him in wonder, "Yahan chaat khaoge?"

"Maine bhi toh tumhe apne college campus ki special chaat khilayi thi. It's time you return the favour." He shrugged.

Naina checked the time, "Lekin Sameer, humein late ho jayega. Ghar pe sab lunch ke liye wait kar rahe honge."

"Maine Saloni bhabhi ko call kar diya tha ki hum lunch tak nahi aa payenge. Aur agar tum apne handsome se pati ko bhooka rakhogi toh shayad mere dark circles aa jaaye." He made a sad expression.

Naina said promptly, "Dark circles bhooke rehne se nahi raat bhar jaagne se aate hain."

He quickly gave her a wink, followed by a crooked grin, "Ho sakta hai phir raat ko jaagne se hon."

Her eyes widened at his suggestive remark, colour spreading on her cheeks faster than the trees zipping past their window. He grabbed her hand, pressing it against his heart while keeping his eyes on the road, "Gaurav bhai ki bike leke aate toh zyada achha hota. Car mein tum bohot door hoti ho."

"Bike dekh ke Beena aunty aise impress nahi hoti jaise tumhari car dekh ke hui." She chuckled.

He was glad she was talking about it lightly. Lifting her hand, he brushed his lips over the tips of her fingers, speaking in a heavier voice, "Uss moti aunty ka reaction dekhna hai toh wapas chalte hain. Unko apne pyar ki picture ka sirf trailer hi dikha dunga na toh teen din tak hosh mein nahi ayengi."

She laughed, remembering Beena aunty's saucer eyes when she had held Sameer's hand, and when he had kissed over her head, she had almost passed out. Any display of affection was a scandal for her. But then, she had the habit of scandalising just about anything. With a relieved sigh, Naina leaned back in her seat. Beena aunty was a closed chapter in her life now.

"Naina, chaat." Sameer's prompting brought her out of her thoughts.

"Umm... Chaat gali chalte hain. Mumma ko wahan ke gol gappe best lagte the." She smiled.

Chaat gali, or Khau gali, was a street in Sadar Bazar dedicated to street food. Besides chaat items like golgappe, papdi chaat, dahi papdi, dahi bhalla, alu tikki, it had stalls serving Indianised Italian and Chinese and other popular street food items.

Naina looked at the stall she usually frequented with her mom, "Yahan che alag taste ke paani wale golgappe milte hain. Mumma kabhi decide hi nahi kar paati the ki kaunsa unko zyada pasand hai. Har baar kehti aaj pakka apna favourite decide karungi jisse next time wohi khaun lekin shop pe aate hi bhaiya ko mixed plate ke liye bol deti."

Sameer pulled her to the same stall, "Hum bhi issi se start karte hain."

After having a plate with six different tastes, Sameer narrowed his eyes in deep thought, "Ek baar kha ke toh samajh nahi aaya." He motioned to the stall owner, "Ek ek plate aur do."

Not that it helped. He relished all tastes equally. So did Naina. They tried other things as well, till she could eat no more.

"Sameer, please ab aur nahi. Itni chaat kha ke toh main ek week tak kuch aur nahi kha sakti." She pleaded when he pointed at the pav bhaaji stall.

"Achha kulfi." He dragged her to the corner, asking for two stick kulfis.

"Iski bhi jagah nahi hai." Naina grumbled.

The shopkeeper grinned, "Madam, meetha sabse zaruri hota hai. Khaana hum kitna bhi kha lein, jab tak uske baad meetha na mile, adhura sa lagta hai."

Sameer extended the kulfi towards her, giving a mischievous smile, "Meethe ke bina sach mein adhura lagta hai."

She quietly took the kulfi and moved away. They were at the end of the lane, which led to a small park. In the evening, it was filled with people, but at this time, there was no one around. Sameer followed her to the park.

"Bohot hot ho tum." His voice made her look at him in shocked surprise.

His eyes flicked to the stick in her hand, "Kulfi kitni tezi se pighal rahi hai."

Her eyes darted to her hand. Droplets were running down her fingers since she had not started eating yet. She looked back at him, taking the kulfi in other hand and flicking the sticky drops from other, "Kuch bhi bolte ho. Kulfi wale ke saamne..."

He waited for her to finish, but she lowered her eyes, going silent.

Leaning sideways, he said in a low voice, "Maine kahan kuch kaha. Bas yehi toh ki meetha hona chahiye... khaane ke baad." He then faked a startled look, "Naina, kahin tum... kya tum woh soch rahi ho... God Naina, tum yahan bazaar ke beech mein kaisi baatein sochti ho."

She gaped at him, "Tum... tumne kaha..." Squeezing her eyes shut, she drew in a sharp breath, "Jaane do."

He walked ahead without a word. When she sensed his absence and opened her eyes, she found him going towards the large tree around the edge of the park.

Naina rushed after him, chiding herself for saying it. Looked like she had annoyed him.

"Sameer, suno, I'm sorry. Mujhse galti hui. Pata nahi maine aisa kyon socha. Tumne toh normal hi bola tha. Main hi pagal hun..."

Rest of her words were lost in the gasp as his arm wrapped around her waist, and turned her swiftly to pin against the thick tree. He intently looked into her eyes, "Pagal hi rehna... meri tarah... aur hamesha aisa hi sochna... kyonki jo tumhe laga maine wohi bola tha."

His hoarse voice brought a sudden rush of heat to her cheeks. She stared at him, her heart jumping hard at this sudden proximity in an open area. With a slow movement, his other hand came up, placing the chilled kulfi over her lips. Her lips parted, and she bit slightly into it. He tilted his head, his eyes focussed on her lips. She bit again, when he didn't remove the kulfi. Moving closer, he placed his lips on the other side of same stick. She closed her eyes as his lips slightly brushed against hers. Tightening his hold on her waist, Sameer pressed her against the tree, impatient for the kulfi to finish.

It was a new sensation. Frozen kulfi against their burning lips turned the teasing into something more potent. To her surprise, Sameer lifted his head, even before the miniscule distance between their lips ended. He slipped the stick sideways, letting the few remains cover her lips.

"Mujhe aur kulfi chahiye." He whispered in a raspy voice.

Only when Naina looked at her hand did she realise that hers had fallen long back. But when she noticed his gaze on her lips, she knew what he meant. Raising her chin, she closed her eyes, opening them instantly when instead of what she was expecting, she felt the pad of his thumb rubbing lightly at the corner of her lower lip. She flushed again, at her thoughts going repeatedly in the same direction.

Sameer took his own sweet time. His gaze flickered between her eyes and lips, while hers remained on him, melting into the inky depths of his dark ones. The back of his fingers rested on her chin, the thumb slowly traced the line of her lower lip. The reflection of his thoughts was mirrored in her caramel pools, which turned into the colour of honey in bright outdoors.

Naina swallowed, and instantly his attention was on the movement of column of her throat. He gave a quick glance around. There was no one in the park. Leaning to the side, he checked the gate which was hidden from view otherwise as they stood behind the large tree. The park seemed to be only for them. Straightening up, he stepped closer, pinning Naina against the tree. Placing his hand under her ear, his fingers threading in her hair, he leaned to her lips.

Naina welcomed him, tilting her head to adjust the way he wanted. Sweetness of kulfi still lingered on their lips, but it was no match to the sweetness they found in each other. The kiss was brief, yet deep enough to relinquish the thirst they had been feeling for each other. Sameer wanted to let his lips continue the trail along her jaw and neck, but he controlled himself. This wasn't the right place.

Outside, they bought a bottle of water from a shop and cleaned their hands of the stickiness of kulfi. When they walked through the chaat gali to reach their car, a man approached them.

"Sir, madam, Taj ke tickets chahiye?"

Before Sameer could brush him off, he added, "Aaj se paanch din ke liye night viewing hai. Chandni raat mein Taj ki khoobsurti nahi dekhi toh kya dekha. Mere paas valid tickets hain. Shaam tak toh saare khatam ho jaate hain. Bas fifty rupees extra deke aapka kaam yahin pe ho jayega."

Taj Mahal closed down for visitors in the evening, except for five days in the months... full moon night, two nights prior and two after. Naina realised full moon was two days away. Though she had stayed in Agra all her life, she had never visited Taj at night. As a kid, it was nothing more than a picnic spot for her, later a historical monument which she read about in history books... and when she was of the age to understand the love behind its construction, she had begun to hate the concept of love.

She wanted to see this spectacle tonight, but she knew they would be leaving for Delhi shortly. It would appear strange if she asked to stay for another night.

Sameer had visited his cousin in Agra many times, but he too never thought of going for a night viewing of Taj. Neither had he associated much importance to the story of love, having no interest ever. Now, as he thought about it, a visit to Taj on an almost full moon night would be enchanting.

But he didn't voice his thoughts. Coming here was not easy for Naina. He didn't want to prolong her misery by asking her to stay for one more day. Also, how would he explain the reason to his family.

Looking at the man, Sameer shook his head, "Thank you, lekin hum raat tak nahi ruk rahe."

The man persisted, following them to the parking area, "Arey sir, itne badhiya time pe aap Agra mein hain. Log toh plan karke aate hain chaandni raat mein Taj Mahal ko dekhne. Golden chance hai sir."

Without answering to him, Sameer clicked the key as they reached their car. The man glanced at his number plate, trying again, "Dilli kaunsa door hai sir. Ek visit karke phir nikal jaiye. Itna badhiya mauka hai. Ek baar aap dekh lenge na, har mahine ayenge, apni begum ke saath."

Naina gave a polite smile to him, "Bhaiya, hum Agra ke hi rehne wale hain. Humpe time mat waste kijiye, tourists ko pakadiye."

Disappointed, the man went away.

Sameer started to drive back to Gaurav's house, "Tumne dekha hai raat ke time Taj Mahal?" He asked her casually.

Naina shook her head, "Kabhi socha hi nahi. Din mein toh bohot baar aaye the jab school mein thi. School picnic pe bhi yahin laate the, ya Fatehpur Sikri."

Sameer watched her from the corner of his eyes, "Kehte hain full moon mein Taj alag hi dikhta hai."

"Pata nahi. Waise bhi aaj full moon thodi hai." Naina said in a low voice, leaning back in her seat.

Both wished to be here, but both didn't want to pressurise the other.

Ayush was playing with Riddhi in the open courtyard. Nanu sat with dadiji and Vivek. Gaurav was standing on the other side, talking on phone. As Sameer and Naina walked inside the gate, Ayush came running to them and threw his arms around Naina's legs, "Naina mumma please please please."

Had Sameer not held onto her, she would have lost her balance. Once she was stable, he kneeled, and gently made Ayush leave her legs, giving him a questioning look, "Itne saare please kis baat ke liye?"

Ayush pursed his lips at him, then gave a pleading look to Naina, "Bas one day... bas aaj ke day yahan rehne do na. Mujhe Riddhi ke saath aur khelna hai. Kal main pakka chalunga aapke saath. Pakka promise."

Sameer gave a quick glance to nanu, who was quiet. He was the only one besides Sameer who knew how hard it was for Naina to be here in the city. His gaze silently conveyed that he had left the decision to them. Taking a deep breath Sameer opened his mouth to gently refuse.

"Okay." Naina's voice made him look at her sharply, in amazement.

She smiled warmly at Ayush, and picked up Riddhi in her arms, patting her cheek, "Aapko bhi Ayush ke saath khelna hai?"

Riddhi nodded fiercly, "Ashu bhaiya ke saath... ghummi."

Gaurav walked to them, having finished his call, "Iski ghummi ka koi end nahi hai. Aap saara din ghuma lo phir bhi ghar aane ko ready nahi hoti. Aate hi door ki taraf haath utha ke kehti hai ghummi."

Riddhi grinned, enjoying the attention everyone was giving her. Naina kissed her chubby cheek, "Ghummi karayenge jab aap hamare ghar aaoge. Aaj aap Ashu bhaiya ke saath khelo."

Bobbing her head happily, Riddhi placed a sloppy kiss on Naina's cheek.

Ayush frowned, "Woh meri mumma hain."

Saloni, who had just come out with a plate of pakodas, chuckled at his tone, "Mumma ke liye itna possesive."

Ayush clung to Naina's arm that was looped around the little girl, "Naina mumma ko bas main kissi karunga aur..."

Sameer picked up Ayush before he could say more, speaking loudly, "Yeh batao tumne Riddhi ko kya kya sikhaya. Cycle chalani sikhayi?" He pointed at the tricycle in the corner.

If elders understood the situation, no one said anything, shifting their attention to pakodas. Saloni, however, saw the blush creeping up on Naina's face.

While Ayush continued with his story, "Yeh toh choti baby hai. Iske paas tricycle hai. Woh sikhate thodi hain. Woh toh sab babies ko aati hai. Mere jaisi big wheels wali cycle legi tab sikhaunga."

Nanu exclaimed as he walked to where Sameer and Ayush stood, "Haan bhai hamare Ayush ke paas bade wheels wali cycle hai." Lowering his voice, he asked, "Side wale do chote wheels ke baare mein batana hai?"

Ayush shook his head vehemently.

With a smile, Sameer let him down. He ran back to Naina and tugged at her arm to put Riddhi down, whisking her away to the tricycle. Saloni looked at Naina, "Chalo hum chai le aate hain. Ban gayi hogi."

Once inside, she said in a sober voice, "Shukar hai Ayush Sameer bhaiya ko permission deta hai."

Naina widened her eyes at her, quickly lowering them at her teasing smile.

Saloni chuckled, "Bachhe aise hi hote hain. Riddhi Gaurav ko mere paas tak nahi aane deti."

Naina rolled her eyes, "Aur kuch log bade hokar bhi aise hi rehte hain."

It was Saloni's turn to be surprised, "Sameer bhaiya bhi?"

Naina pursed her lips, shrugging... and both burst into laughter.

When they reached the kitchen, The cook had already placed cups in the tray.

Seeing the number, Naina asked, "Baaki sab kahan hain?"

"Rohan aur Preeti ko mummy ne bhej diya, ki thoda ghoom aao. Aur mummy Vishakha bua aur Deepu ke saath shopping gayi hain. Deepu ko leather shoes aur bags chahiye the." Saloni informed, "Tumhe chahiye kya? Yahan ka leather ka saaman bohot famous hai. Markets bhi door nahi."

Naina realised that the family were not aware she was from the same city. She was thankful that no one mentioned it to them, not knowing it was unintentional or deliberate... but it saved her a lot of awkward question. Presently, she smiled at Saloni, "Next time aaungi tab dekh lenge."

After tea, Saloni and Naina were strolling in the porch when she asked suddenly, "Naina, aaj tum log ruk rahe ho toh Taj Mahal dekhne chalein? Aaj se night viewing ke liye khul jayega. Yahan se bohot paas hai."

Naina grinned, "Wow. Chalte hain. Maine kabhi raat mein nahi dekha."

Saloni waved at her husband, who joined them. She told him the plan.

He loved the idea, "Abhi hi tickets book kar lete hain. Limited tickets hoti hain aur ek baar mein 50 visitors hi allow karte hain isliye tickets jaldi khatam ho jaati hain."

To their bad luck, tickets were sold out, it being the first day. Gaurav looked at them apologetically, "Sorry yaar, hum late ho gaye."

Naina was disappointed. Even after getting the chance, her wish could not be granted. Sameer was disheartened too. He had planned to ask Naina for the same when she agreed to stay back for another day. The idea was stuck in his mind since the man in market mentioned it. But maybe it was not destined to happen this time... maybe next trip.

The thought refused to leave Sameer's mind the entire evening... till something occurred to him. Naina wondered where he was when she didn't see Sameer for some time before dinner. Rohan and Preeti were back, so were others after shopping. All sat in the hall, enjoying sumptuous dahi bhalle, except Sameer.

"Kahan the tum?" She whispered when he walked through the door a few minutes later.

"Missed me?" He winked.

"Offo Sameer, sab yahan hain toh tum kahan gayab the?" She frowned.

With tongue in cheek, his eyes danced playfully, "Ek purani girl friend hai yahan... usse milne gaya tha."

"What?" Her shocked question was louder than intended.

Thankfully, combined voices of their family drowned her shocked exclamation.

Sameer shrugged, "Usne meri car dekhi toh message kiya. Maine socha hello bol aata hun."

"Woh tumhari car bhi pehchanti hai?" Naina narrowed her eyes.

"Off course." Sameer was enjoying the look on her face.

Naina chewed the edge of her lip before asking the next question, "Kabse jaante ho usko?"

"Ninth class se." he said nonchalantly.

Her eyes widened, "Tumne ninth class mein girlfriend banayi?"

He sighed, "I know, late ho gaya. Main actually thoda shy type ka tha."

She gave a quick glance to others, who were occupied with their own talks, then whisked him away to the corridor outside, pushing him against the door, "Tum ninth class se girl friend banake ghoom rahe ho aur mujhe kaha tumhe ladkiyon mein interest nahi tha?"

He was fairly surprised at her angry tone, but loved her jealous streak, "Umm... kuch serious nahi... bas kabhi kabhar dating. Normal tha sab kuch... nothing extra."

"Dating?" She gritted her teeth, "Tum ninth mein..." Her voice trailed off in anger, till she got a grip on herself and hissed, "Ninth class mein dates pe kaun jaata hai?"

"Arre baba ninth se start kiya tha. Sirf twelfth tak. Woh bhi tab jab yahan aate the." He said mildly.

She glared at him.

He leaned, matching her height, "Are you jealous?"

"Shaadi kar lete usse." She did not answer his question.

"Uske gharwalon ne college ke final year mein hi uski shaadi kar di." He uttered sadly.

Naina kept staring at him, the amusement in his eyes not hidden from her. With a straight face, she asked, "Mujhe leke chaloge jahan usse date pe le jaate the?"

It was his turn to be taken aback.

"Tum... tum wahan..." He fumbled.

With a gentle flick to her open hair, she walked away, leaving him utterly confused now... was she annoyed or not!

Naina smiled to herself. Initially she was mad at him, but halfway through she realised he was playing with her. Then it was her turn.

"Itna toh main tumhe jaanti hun Sameer Maheshwari." She mumbled to herself, helping Saloni and Preeti to lay the table for dinner.

After everyone retired to their rooms, Sameer held Naina's arm, "Chalein?"

"Iss waqt? Kahan?" She checked the time.

"Tumhe woh jagah dekhni hai na." He gave a bemused smile.

"Sameer." Naina looked at the closed doors of most of the rooms, "Hum dono ko pata hai aisa kuch nahi hai. Tum mazaak kar rahe the... aur main bhi."

He looked at her with sincerity, "Main serious hun. Tumhe dikhani hai... khaas jagah."

She was perplexed, unable to say anything when he dragged her to the other side of the hall. Her confusion multiplied when he started to climb the stairs. After three floors, he stopped in front of a closed door, retrieved the key from a small pot kept in one corner and they stepped out on the terrace. First thing that struck her was the bright moon in vast sky. It felt like she was in her old house. Devoid of any high buildings, sky appeared closer than it looked in Delhi.

Gripping her shoulders, Sameer took her to the outer edge, and pointed in one direction. With a gasp, Naina's hands flew to her mouth.

Taj Mahal stood glowing, very close to their house.

The soft, pure white monument reflected the moonlight, its mystique and grandeur all the more enhanced. She stared mesmerised, at the breathtaking splendour of the mausoleum which hardly meant anything to her earlier, but now, standing here with Sameer, she understood the depth of love that gave rise to such a splendid piece of art. Graceful and majestic, it preserved its identity even when the beauty of moon invaded the expanse of sky... glowing with a soft gold hue, rather than the silver shine of moonlight.

Sameer placed his chin on her shoulder, "Jabse maine uss guide ki baat suni, mera dil tha hum aaj ki raat Taj dekhen."

"Mera bhi." She whispered.

They stayed silent, not asking for explanations from other. They could very well understand what other must have felt.

After taking their fill of the view, Sameer slowly turned Naina to face him.

"Aaj... iss chaandni raat mein pyar ke iss khoobsurat tohfe ke saamne... main tumse kehna chahta hun... that I love you Naina. Na meri kabhi koi girlfriend thi, na kabhi banane ka khyal aaya. Sirf shaadi karne ka khyal aaya, tumhe dekh ke... kyonki tumhara saath mujhe ek do dates ke liye nahi, zindagi bhar ke liye chahiye tha."

She knew what it meant when Sameer said he would love her forever... and beyond. This was beyond... when love stays even after the hearts stop beating.

She looked into his eyes, "Aaj shayad pehli baar maine Taj Mahal ke banne ka reason samjha hai. Yeh sirf ek makbara nahi hai pyar ka symbol hai... aisa pyar jo kabhi haarta nahi, kabhi marta nahi... jaisa tumne mujhe diya hai. I love you Sameer."

He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, and flicked his eyes to one corner. Her gaze travelled to the direction... and registered the arrangement. A mattress was placed on the floor, covered with white sheet and white pillows, along with a duvet.

"Jab hum sab yahan ikatthe hote the toh raat ko yahan bed bana ke der tak khelte the. Aaj socha, agar wahan nahi jaa sakte toh kyon na yahin se Taj ko dekha jaaye. Yehi arrangement karne aaya tha main shaam ko." He explained.

Since the house was one floor higher than others around it, they wouldn't be visible to neighbours but... Naina looked at the door worriedly.

Sameer flashed the key, "Maine andar se lock kar diya."

She gave him an appreciative look. He smiled, and her heart broke into a frenzied beating pattern. Similar smile bloomed on her face, spreading warmth through her entire being. This man here, who had not just been adamant to pull her out of a dismal hole she had hidden herself in, was bent upon making not just her todays and tomorrows beautiful, but was filling up the darkness of her yesterdays with moonshine. He was nothing less than a magician. She looked up at him, and prayed silently to always keep that dazzling smile on his face. The smile that tugged at her heart every single time. His smile had given life to her, making her feel alive, not just exist. His warm smile was the warmth that thawed away the coldness that had enveloped her heart for years. This smile was her sun, making all her mornings worth getting up.

When his lips met hers, it wasn't just an expression of love, but a seal, a promise, a vow... that their love would be as eternal as the Taj that glowed in background.

Later, Naina closed her eyes, snuggling to him on the mattress... Agra would always remind her of this blissful night from now... this beautiful night of love under the stars and moon.

Next update on Wednesday