Title is the song 'Ek din tera ho jaunga' from movie 'Naqab'

Naina was thankful that Sameer didn't stay after the kitchen incident. She was in no position to face him. Was he really... could he have... kissed her?

Hiding her face in her palms, Naina shook her head. No he wouldn't. She was sure. Sameer had not even touched her before their ma... she gulped, realising that she had acknowledged it as what it was... a marriage. Even though incomplete, it had bound the two of them together for lifetime. But she had to find a way... to free him... to let him lead a life away from her demons.

In the evening, Ayush picked a red kurta for himself, "Naina, main yeh pehnunga. Sameer ne kaha tha unhe bhi kurta pasand hai."

"Toh ab tu apni choice ke nahi Sameer ki choice ke kapde pehenega? Meri baat toh maanta nahi hai... main gussa ho jaun kya?" Naina showed him fake annoyance.

Ayush wrapped his arms around her neck, kissing her cheek, "Tum gussa mat hona. Kal jo tum bologi woh pehen lunga. Aaj Sameer ke ghar jaana hai toh unki choice maanni chahiye na... woh kitne khush ho jayenge. Tum na... tum bhi Sameer se puch ke hi dress pehenna... unke jaise colour same same karke." He put a hand on his mouth and chuckled.

Flustered, Naina got up with a jerk, "Mujhe jo achha lagega woh pehenungi. Kisi se puchne ki zarurat nahi hai."

Ayush pouted, "Tum achhi friend nahi ho."

With a fake smile, she pinched his nose, "Lekin tu sabse achha bhai hai... jo mujhe iss musibat mein daal diya... teri wajah se jaana padega unke ghar. Chal ready hoja."

Ayush frowned, "Haww. Meri wajah se thodi. Sameer toh pehle tumhare sir the na... mere friend baad mein bane. Hum unke ghar sirf tumhari wajah se jayenge." And he stuck out a tongue at her, before running away to the washroom to freshen up.

Naina thought of the time she considered him only her boss, before she realised she had fallen for him. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that one day he would get so close to her.

Looking up, she sighed, "Zindagi mein jab bhi kuch maanga, tumne nahi diya. Lekin ek chahat, jo maine kabhi sapne mein bhi nahi socha tha mujhe milegi, tumne bina maange de di... kyon? Sameer ka toh soch lete? Woh ek khoobsurat kal deserve karte hain... unka aane wala kal mein mere andheron ka daag kyon laga rahe ho?"

After the pooja at home, Sameer eagerly glanced at the gate several times.

"Mujhe Naina ki baat manni hi nahi chahiye thi. Main pick karne jaata toh kab ka leke aa gaya hota. Ab pata nahi woh kitni der se aayegi." He muttered in frustration, hitting his palm with the fist of another hand till he recalled her reaction in the kitchen at her house.

"Oh no! Kahin aisa toh nahi Naina ne uss baat ki wajah se apna plan change kar liya. Damn Sameer, tujhe aisa nahi karna chahiye tha. Abhi Naina ne tujhe accept tak nahi kiya aur tune baat itni aage badha di... I think mujhe hi jaake Naina aur Ayush ko le aana chahiye." He grabbed the car keys from a stand near main door and rushed out.

Sameer had reached the gate to open it when Naina's car came to a halt near it. His eyes sparkled at the familiar number plate. Ayush alighted from back seat... he had taken Preeti's words too seriously. Naina stepped out, and went to the other side to pick up a bag from the seat next to hers.

Unable to take his eyes off her, Sameer took in every single detail... she was again wearing an Indian outfit, a midnight blue kurta with flared bottoms. The sprinkling of golden sequins on the kurta gave it an appearance of a night sky... with twinkling stars. And she was of course the moon... glowing more than any star, any light, any diya on the parapets of houses around.

Unlike Sameer, Naina just gave him one quick glance but it was enough to see that he was dressed in a black kurta. If white formal shirts made him look suave, he was devilishly handsome in black traditional wear.

"Hey. You're late." He held out a hand.

Naina was taken aback at his unabashed gesture... next moment chiding herself as he held Ayush's hand, grinning at him, "Toh tumne kurta pehen hi liya."

"Aapne kaha na... isliye. Dekho ab mera bhi apke jaisa same to same." Ayush tugged at his kurta smugly.

"Waise late wali baat tumko hi kahi thi... meri zindagi mein pehle kyon nahi aayi?" Sameer whispered as they walked in, having correctly deciphered momentary widening of her eyes.

Just one step inside the gate and it was Naina's second shock. She pursed her lips.

Three of them entered the main door together.

Deepika beamed at her little friend, "Ayush!! Kitne din baad aaya hai. Happy Diwali."

He was equally thrilled, "Happy Diwali."

She ushered him to the garden, to show the display of lights.

Naina placed the bag she was carrying on the table, giving a sheepish smile to Vishakha, "Sorry ma'm, mujhe koi Indian sweets banane nahi aate isliye main cake bana ke laayi hun. I know Diwali pe cake koi nahi khaata..."

Nanu didn't let her finish, "Aisa kisne kaha ki cake nahi khate... Sameer ko toh cake bohot pasand hai... aur mujhe bhi." He opened the box to reveal a delectable looking chocolate cake, with a fine layer of white frosting. His eyes brightened, "Kya baat hai, Naina... lagta hai tum baking mein expert ho."

The words almost blurted out of Sameer's mouth that she was an expert at almost everything... but nanu's hard stare kept him in check.

"Sameer beta, tum cake khake batao kaisa hai." Nanu stuffed a piece in his mouth, adding in a low voice, "Aur muh ko band rakho jisse aaj hi saara raaz bahar na aa jaye."

Vishakha smiled warmly at Naina, "Cake ho ya mithai, baat toh meetha khane ki hoti hai, kyonki festivals khushi ka mauka hote hain. Achha laga dekh ke ki tumhe kitchen se allergy nahi hai, jaise mere bachhon ko hai."

"Mummy, aap sikhao toh sahi, main toh kabse ready hun seekhne ke liye... kam se kam coffee banana hi sikha do." Sameer went behind his mom, holding her by shoulders, but his eyes remained on Naina.

Vishakha reprimanded him lovingly, "Maine ab kuch nahi sikhana. Teri biwi ayegi na, ussi se kehna... agar usse kuch aata hoga toh. Warna aajkal sab bachhe tujh jaise hi hote hain."

"Theek hai, biwi se hi seekh lunga sab kuch." Sameer shrugged, a sly smirk on his face.

Naina had turned scarlet, not only at the conversation but also the way he looked at her, unfazed by the presence of his mom and grandfather.

Nanu cleared his throat, "Ab kya saara cake akele hi khaoge, barkhurdaar? Hamara hissa kahan hai?"

Sameer immediately cut two pieces and offered to nanu and Vishakha. They praised it wholeheartedly, saying that it was a welcome change from all the heavy sweets they had been eating since last few days. Vivek came out of his room, acknowledged Naina's greeting and tasted the cake, instantly rolling his eyes in appreciation.

Sameer felt a surge of pride course through him. Not only by her presence, Naina made his family happy by her gestures too. It indeed was a positive sign.

Later, all of them got together in the porch to light a few sparklers and just a couple of crackers. Keeping in mind the pollution these things created, nanu didn't want their family to be adding to it. While Vivek, nanu and Deepika were busy with Ayush, Vishakha took Naina inside, to show their mandir. Sameer kept hovering near them on some pretext or the other.

When Naina merely folded her hands for a fraction of a second and moved away, Vishakha was surprised, "Tum pooja nahi karti kya?"

The vacant look in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Vishakha, "Nahi ma'm. Mujhe ab zyada faith nahi hai. Bhagwan meri baat kabhi nahi sunte."

"Aisa nahi kehte, beta. Bhagwan toh sabki sunte hain. Jo sabke liye achha hota hai wohi karte hain. Shayad aaj tum na samajh pao lekin ek din tum jaan jaogi ki har baat ke peeche koi reason hota hai." Vishakha rubbed her arm, explaining in a soft voice.

A wry smile appeared on Naina's face, "Mumma bhi aisa hi kehti thi. Unko bohot vishwas tha. Lekin kya hua unke saath... aise achanak ek din..." Her throat choked.

Vishakha took her in a hug, stroking her hair. Naina straightened after a few seconds, having pulled herself together, "Sorry ma'm."

"Sorry ki koi baat nahi hai. Aise mauke pe dil bhar hi aata hai. Meri maa ko gaye hue toh saalon ho gaye, lekin aaj bhi unko yaad karke aksar meri aankhen bhar aati hain. Beta, jo chale jaate hain woh hamare dil mein hamesha rehte hain isliye hi hum rote hain. Isme kuch galat nahi hai. Apne emotions ko express karne ke liye tumhe embarrass nahi hona chahiye. Aur rahi baat bhagwan ki, toh unke faisle ke aage hum insaan kuch nahi kar sakte. Lekin mera dil kehta hai, tum jaisi ladki ke liye unhone kuch bohot achha socha hoga. Dekhna, tumhe tumhare hisse ki khushi zaroor milegi. Tum deserve karti ho." Vishakha's soothing words made Naina give a small smile.

Sameer had stopped at the door when he heard Naina talking about her faith in God. He feared his mom's reaction, who was deeply religious. But their conversation filled him with satisfaction... Vishakha not only seemed to understand Naina's pain, she also felt Naina deserved a lot in her life. He was more confident now, that his family would accept Naina with open arms.

"Naina, tumne woh jhoola dekha hai, hamare purane wale ghar jaisa? Chalo main dikhata hun." Ayush dragged her to the stairs a little later, feeling at home in the house where he came every week.

"Abhi nahi jaana. Andhera hai upar." Naina stopped at the foot of the stairs... though she had been on the terrace during her previous visit, she didn't feel appropriate mentioning it in front of Sameer's family.

Vishakha called out, "Nahi Naina, lights lagi hain sab jagah. Dekh aao. Ayush ki favourite jagah hai woh. Kitni bhi garmi ho, wahan hi khelta hai jab bhi aata hai."

Deepika walked up  with them, "Naina didi, Ayush ki hi nahi meri bhi favourite hai woh jagah." She looked back to ensure that no one was within hearing range, and whispered, "Mummy papa upar kam hi aate hain isliye main aaram se phone pe busy rehti hun... bas Sameer bhai free chode jhoole ko toh."

"Sameer jhoole pe baithte hain?" The surprised question was out before she could hold back.

"Shocking hai na? Pehle nahi baithte the... ab toh mostly evening mein wahin hote hain. Pata nahi kya sochte rehte hain. Shayad koi new project plan kar rahe hain." Deepika answered casually, leading Naina to the terrace.

The walls covered with strings of tiny bulbs had lit up the whole place. Since it was slightly windy, most of the people had decorated their houses with fairy lights and electric candles, instead of the traditional diyas. Ayush and Deepika got busy on the swing instantly. Naina walked around, admiring the view that appeared as if the starry sky had descended on ground... and since it was closer now, its effulgence had increased many folds. As far as her eyes could see, the city glittered with brilliance.

"Naina didi, main Ayush ko neeche le jaa rahi hun, usse paani pina hai." Deepika hollered from the other end.

"Main le jaati hun, Deepika." She rushed to them.

"Hum abhi aate hain na, aap ruko." Deepika assured her and went down with Ayush.

Since Ayush was familiar with the house and had mixed up quite well with everyone, Naina let them go. She had seen the carefree happiness in his eyes when he talked about his visits here... and now she knew why. Everyone pampered him, played with him, fussed over him... giving him the love that any child of his age craved for. Ayush had found a home that he unknowingly was missing since their parents went away.

With a sigh, she gazed at other houses... the lights were temporary. They would be gone tomorrow. Same darkness of night would envelop the city then... not everyday was Diwali.

A strong gush of wind made her dupatta fly behind. She placed a hand on one shoulder, holding it from slipping away completely. When she tried to pull it, it seemed to be stuck somewhere. Naina turned... to find half her dupatta wrapped over Sameer's chest. His hand over it kept it in place. She stared at him, wide eyed.

"Thank you. Tumhara gift bohot achha laga." He took a step ahead, still holding her dupatta.

"Gift? Kaunsa gift?" Naina was perplexed.

He smiled, "Jo cake tumne banaya hai yeh mat kehna ki tumhe pata nahi woh mera favourite hai. Tumne mere liye itna effort daala toh mujhe bhi thank you kehna chahiye na."

Naina blushed to the roots. He had once mentioned in Jaipur that he loved plain cakes with sugar frosting. After baking one in the afternoon, her heart had prompted her to add the frosting.

With a jerk, her eyes darted to his hand that closed over her palm. She resisted when he lifted it, but her meek struggle was no match to his determined pull. He glanced at the bracelet that adorned her delicate wrist, and fingered the hearts, "Thank you, apne dil ki baat sunne ke liye. Tum na sahi, tumhara dil toh mujhe samajhta hai."

"Aisa... aisa kuch nahi hai. Main aksar aisa cake banati hun. Ayush ko..." She shuddered as his thumb lightly grazed her inner wrist.

"Ayush ko kya?" Sameer was well aware of the effect he was having on her, he could see the goosebumps on her neck.

This time when she pulled her hand, he let it go, but kept her dupatta in her hold.

"Bolo Naina... Ayush ko kya?" He prodded.

It took her a few seconds to recall, before she could answer, "Ayush ko bhi pasand hai frosting."

"Wrong, usse chocolate truffle cake pasand hai, rich icing wala." He said, looking straight into her eyes.

When she didn't answer, he smiled, "Tumhara naam ekdum perfect hai... Naina. Kyonki tumhari aankhen tumhe jhoot bolne hi nahi deti... har sach dikh jaata hai inmein. Jaise abhi mujhe dikh raha hai."

She lowered her lashes immediately.

"Idhar dekho, Naina." Sameer said so gently, yet with such firmness that she couldn't stop herself from looking up at him.

"Tumhari aankhon mein main hun... sirf mera chehra dikh raha hai." He whispered.

She gulped. He noticed the column of her throat move. His voice was more confident, "Meri aankhon mein bhi sirf tum ho. Iska matlab samajhti ho? We are meant to be, Naina. Don't fight destiny."

Was it true? Was he really her destiny? Was he the one she never dared to even dream about? His eyes did reflect her face, his voice had no trace of pretence, his touch gave her a sense of belonging, his warmth made her feel alive... he really loved her.

Sameer noticed her eyes cloud with different emotions with every passing second.

"Sirf tumhari haan chahiye mujhe, Naina, baaki sab maan jayenge. Tumne dekha na mummy papa kitne khush hain tumhe dekh ke, aur nanu toh hamesha se..." he checked himself, "...hamesha tumhari tareef karte hain. Sab ek second mein maan jayenge dekhna."

The cloud lifted. The spell was broken. Her eyes again got the same forlorn look.

"I think humein neeche chalna chahiye." She tugged at her dupatta which was in his grip.

Sameer was confounded at the sudden change in her expressions and voice the moment he mentioned his family, "Kya hua, Naina?"

"Koi aa jayega... Ayush aur Deepika." She looked away, as if scared to look at him.

The same moment, animated voices from the stairway announced Deepika and Ayush's arrival. Reluctantly, Sameer stepped away.

"Naina didi, mummy aapko bula rahi hain, dinner ke liye. Aap chalo main bhai ko dhoond ke aati hun. Woh shayad apne room mein honge." Deepika announced and rushed back. Ayush took Naina's hand and pulled her along, telling about the games Deepika was teaching him.

Sameer, who was standing hidden behind the wide pillars, came out after they were gone. He was baffled by this sudden change in Naina. From melting right in front of his eyes, she had gone suddenly cold in one second. Why? What was it that bothered her so much? He had to find the answers. But he had to let them come from her on her own. The slight persuasion that he tried today wouldn't work, he was sure. He had to change his strategy. From now on, he would just show her how much he loved her, without demanding an answer, without asking for reasons for her denial, without coaxing her to accept their changed equation.

At dinner, Naina didn't look at him, except for a couple of times when he spoke to her directly. She politely answered all questions from his mom and dad, agreed with nanu when he suggested a few things and smiled at Deepika and Ayush when they included her in their excited chatter.

Before leaving, she thanked Vishakha for inviting her, and nodded when Vishakha asked her to come again soon. She wished him good night, along with others.

Nanu was surprised to find Sameer seated on the steps of swimming pool again later in the night.

"Kya baat hai, beta? Aaj toh tujhe khush hona chahiye, ghar pe na sahi office mein toh Diwali ki pooja tune Naina ke saath hi ki, aur ab usne yahan hum sabke saath samay bitaya. Tere chehre pe khushi ki jagah uljhan kyon hai?" Nanu sat with him.

Sameer shook his head, "Uljhan nahi, nanu, bas ek bechaini hai. Maine Naina ko apne dil ki baat bata di, lekin woh shayad mujh pe yakeen nahi kar paa rahi. Uski aankhon mein jo darr hai main usse padhne ki bohot koshish karta hun lekin aisa lagta hai jaise usne apne dil ki har baat pe taala laga rakha hai. Samajh nahi aata uss taale ki chaabi kahan se laun."

Nanu smiled, "Agar itna sab jaan gaya hai toh yeh bhi jaan le ki uss taale ki chaabi tere hi paas hai... yahan." He pressed a finger on Sameer's heart, "Maine tujhse kaha tha na, mujhe aisa mehsoos hota hai jaise Naina ke mann mein koi gaanth hai. Yeh sirf uske maa baap ke jaane ka dard nahi hai, kuch aur hai. Naina bahar ke darr se nahi nahi darti, lekin apne aap se ghabrati hai."

"Kyon?" Sameer gave a puzzled look.

"Yehi toh tujhe pata lagana hai. Dekh beta, uske dil pe kaisi chot hai yeh main nahi jaanta, lekin itna bata sakta hun ki agar tu sach mein usse pyar karta hai toh tujhe uske liye aur mazboot hona padega, aur patience dikhani hogi." Nanu stated in a solemn voice.

"Kya matlab, nanu? Kya main jaldi kar raha hun?" Sameer asked nervously.

Nanu placed a hand on his shoulder, "Nahi. Aur na hi karna. Naina ke apne ghaav hain jinka dard usse tere pyar pe bharosa karne nahi de raha. Tujhe dheere dheere unn ghaavon pe marham lagana hai. Ek din woh shayad sookh jaayein, lekin beta, yaad rakhna, gehre ghaav nishan chod jaate hain. Naina shayad apne woh nishan itni aasani se na mita paaye. Tujhe usse yakeen dilana hoga ki tu uske har nishan se pyar kar sakta hai. Woh bikhri hui hai, tujhe apne pyar se usse ahsaas dilana hoga ki tu usse samet lega. Yeh mushkil hoga, Sameer. Kisi toote hue insaan ko jab aap apnate ho toh uske saath saath uska ateet, uske dard, uske aansu aur shayad koi guilt bhi ho sakta hai... woh sab aapko apnana padega. Aapko uski daraaron ko apnana padega. Lekin ek baar usse bharosa dilane mein kaamyaab ho gaye na, beta, toh usse zyada pyar shayad hi aapse koi kar paaye. Kyonki jo insaan toot ke wapas khada hota hai na, usse har feeling ki, har rishta ki zyada qadar hoti hai. Naina is a fighter. She has survived. Aur agar woh apne andar ke darr se jeet gayi toh tujhe usse zyada pyar koi nahi kar payega, Sameer. Ab bata, kya tu itna sab kar sakta hai? Kya tu uske beete hue kal ke tukde samet ke aane wale kal mein uska haath pakad sakta hai? Kahin tu uske nishaano se darr toh nahi jayega?"

Sameer felt nanu had given words to everything that was troubling him since his talk with Naina on the terrace. He could see now, she was broken. He didn't know the reason but he knew she was scared to show him her broken side, for the fear of his reaction to her scars. He had to give her that assurance, he had to win her by accepting all her broken pieces.

And he would do that. He wouldn't let Naina hurt anymore.

"Hey. Kya kar rahi ho?" The moment she picked up the phone, he asked in a lively voice. If it was a question, she had to answer.

"Main bas sone jaa rahi thi." She replied.

"Achha! Itni jaldi hai mere sapne dekhna ki? Itna miss kar rahi ho toh aa jaun?" He chuckled.

If she had expected him to not make such statements after their talk earlier, she didn't know Sameer Maheshwari.

"Naina, aaj ki Diwali mere liye bohot special thi. Lekin agli Diwali isse bhi zyada khaas hogi, kyonki tab hum dono sirf office mein hi nahi, ghar mein bhi saath pooja karenge. Aur uske baad... tumhe wapas nahi jaana hoga." His voice had a different tone that left Naina shivering.

"Main jaanta hun tum kuch bologi nahi. Lekin tumhari saansen bhi mujhe bata deti hain ki tumpe meri baton ka kitna asar ho raha hai." He made her realise that her breaths were uneven. She quickly clasped her mouth with her hand.

Sameer smiled, "Achha ab kuch nahi kahunga. Lekin ek sach ko koi nahi badal sakta... tum meri biwi ho. Chahe kuch bhi ho jaaye, yeh rishta hamesha rahega because I'll always love you, no matter what. Good night... Mrs Maheshwari."

Naina kept standing with the phone stuck to her ear long after he had ended the call.

The new identity was unbelievable... Mrs Maheshwari.

Next update again after two days, on Thursday.

Hopefully, after next one, I'll shift back to alternate days.