Title is the song 'Tera hoke rahoon' from the movie 'Behen hogi teri'

"Main tumhare liye kuch khane ko laata hun... tum yahin rest karo." Sameer smiled at Ayush and went out.

Seeing the door of Naina's room shut, he presumed her to be inside. The sight that had met his eyes few minutes back again made his pulse go racing. And the dream that it had brought made him shudder again. He had been effected by Naina since their first meet, but these two days of staying in her house had made him yearn for her even more. The proximity made the distance between them more pronounced... and unbearable.

Lost in thoughts, he reached the kitchen, when her voice made him halt just short of entering. With her back towards him, she seemed to be talking... maybe on phone. Swiftly, he turned to go back and not eves drop when her own name from her mouth fell in his ears... the same moment he noticed her phone lying on the dining table. Intrigued, he moved towards the wall, hiding himself from the view even if she turned. Naina was talking to herself... and his curiosity peaked.

Naina had come to the kitchen to find something to do... mainly to divert her mind. Her face was still flushed at being discovered by Sameer in her drenched state... that she was standing in the pouring rain willingly mortified her even more. She went about arranging and rearranging the mugs drawer as she kept mumbling.

"Pata tha ghar mein akeli nahi hai, phir bhi baarish dekhte hi chal padi... kya ho jaata hai tujhe, Naina. What will he think... kaisi bewakoof ladki hai. Aise koi baarish mein bheegta hai kya bachhon ki tarah. Mumma kitni baar samjhati thi. Lekin nahi, tune toh kasam kha rakhi hai apna tamasha banwane ki. Oh God! kitni stupid hun main... uss dress mein hi chali gayi bahar." She slapped her forehead.

By the time Sameer came to the kitchen, she had moved to the cutlery drawer, noisily taking out all spoons, forks, knives, ladles and other things, placing them on the platform... while blabbering to herself, "Ek kaam theek se nahi kar sakti. Ayush ka khyal rakhna ki jagah khud baarish mein bheegne chal padi. How irresponsible, Naina. Aise mein Ayush ko teri zarurat pad jaati toh... uth gaya tha na woh. Agar Sameer nahi hote toh... Sameer is doing a favour by being here. Aur tu unpe sab kuch chod ke nikal padi apne dil ki baat sunke. Ekdum idiot hai tu, Naina."

Sameer could hear her rants, but not very clear amidst the clanking sound of cutlery. A smile played on his lips as he realised she was chiding herself. He had always seen her composed and in control. This cute side of her came as a surprise, but an adorable one.

"Naina." He stepped ahead, to stand in the doorway.

"Huh?" She turned abruptly, almost shocked at his voice... and several forks fell from her hand.

"Oh!" She bend down promptly, gathering them from the floor.

Sameer took two steps and ducked to pick up the ones which went a little far from her reach.

"Yeh lo." Placing them on the platform, he straightened, "Ayush ko bhook lagi hai. It's a good sign... matlab uski tabiyat ab theek hai. I guess usse kuch khila dena chahiye."

"Of course. Main abhi bana ke laati hun." Forgetting the forks, Naina went to the other side to take out the batter of pancakes from the refrigerator.

Sameer could see her flushed cheeks. She was indeed embarrassed about what happened earlier. He decided to leave her alone and went back to Ayush... to let her work without getting conscious.

Ayush was thrilled to see the pancakes. Seeing him polish off two of them, Naina felt relieved... evidently, he was much better. With the relief came another realisation which made her heart sink, but it could not be avoided.

She hesitantly looked at Sameer, "Ab Ayush kaafi better hai. Aap... aapko... I mean... you need not..."

However hard she tried, the specific words didn't seem to get a voice.

Sameer understood though. He had been aware all along, but now, when the time was here, a sudden emptiness gripped him. He didn't want to go... he couldn't bear the thought of living away from Naina... and even Ayush. The little boy had become as much a part of his life as Naina.

He wanted them... both of them.

Swallowing to rid himself of the dryness in his throat, he uttered, "I know. I need to go. I'm glad Ayush ab theek hai." He placed the back of his hand against Ayush's neck, then forehead. The skin was cool to his touch. He smiled at Ayush, "Tumhara fever chala gaya. Ab tum pehle jaise masti kar sakte ho."

"Aap kheloge na mere saath." Ayush gripped the hand that had just touched his forehead.

"Umm, Ayush, main ab apne ghar jaa raha hun." Sameer tried not to sound as dejected as he felt.

Within a split second, Ayush was in his lap, wrapping his arms around Sameer's shoulders, "Naii. Aap naii jaoge. Mujhe aapke paas rehna hai."

"Ayush." Naina exclaimed, horrified as Ayush pressed his face against Sameer's chest.

"I'm... I'm so sorry. Aapki shirt..." She pointed at his heart.

Sameer looked down to see the mark. Ayush had just finished eating. His mouth was still smeared with honey that Naina had spread on the pancake. And now, the sticky, pale mark glared conspicuously on Sameer's shirt.

"Oh!" He was himself surprised at how little it bothered him. Somehow, the mark did not look like a stain, but a sign of affection and fondness that Ayush had for him.

Naina gave a stern look to Ayush, controlling her voice as he was still recovering, "Chal mere saath, pehle clean karwa apna face. Sameer ka shirt kharab kar diya na tune... ab gussa karenge woh tujhe."

Ayush peered at the shirt, moving his head away from Sameer instantly, and gave a fearful look to him, "So... sorry Sameer."

"It's okay. Kuch nahi hua." With a wide reassuring smile, Sameer patted his cheek, "Aur main tumhe kabhi gussa nahi karunga.

Ayush grinned, "Sachhi? Kabhi bhi nahi?"

Sameer shook his head, the smile intact on his face.

Ayush gave a triumphant look to Naina, his eyes dancing, "Dekha? Sameer mujhe gussa nahi karenge."

To say that Naina was astonished was a mild statement. She was bewildered. Sameer's reaction to a mark on his shirt was highly unexpected. Her mind voice knocked, "Shayad Ayush bimar hai isliye react nahi kiya. He must be itching to get rid of this shirt."

She extended her arm at Ayush from other side of the bed, "Face wash toh karna hai na. Jaldi aa."

Ayush tightened his hold on Sameer, adamantly refusing to let go, "Tum towel yahin leke aao. Main Sameer ko chodunga toh woh chale jayenge."

"Naina. He has still not completely recovered. Koi baat nahi. Tum itni tension mat lo." Sameer raised one palm to assure her that he was fine.

Confounded at his unexpected reaction... rather, non reaction... Naina fished out a small napkin from the bedside drawer and went inside the washroom to dampen it. Ayush refused to move away from Sameer's lap, and she was left with no option but to sit on the bed in front of him. Gently holding Ayush's chin, she wiped his mouth and cheeks clean.

Both held their breaths, aware of their closeness, trying to pretend it wasn't effecting them, keeping their gaze only on Ayush, hearing the wild drumming of their heartbeats, and hoping the other was not able to hear it as clearly.

"Ab mere paas aaja aur Sameer ko jaane de." Naina stood up and stepped back instantly once the job was done.

"Naii. Sameer, aap mat jao." Ayush clung to him fiercely.

"Ayush shirt toh change karne de. Dekh uspe nishaan lag gaya." Naina reasoned, pointing at the mark.

"Tum saaf kar do. Main Sameer ke paas hi rahunga." Ayush pouted, unaware of the bomb he had just dropped.

Naina pressed her lips hard to not let the gasp out. Sameer tried to refrain himself from kissing Ayush... for what he had done unknowingly.

The next moment, his hopes were dampened, just like the towel that she extended towards him. But luck seemed to be in his favour today as his little saviour again sprang into action.

"Sameer ka haath jal gaya tha na. Tum clean kar do." Ayush directed his sister in a commanding tone, not letting his grip on Sameer's hands loosen.

Once again, left with no option, she sat in front of them... and focussed her eyes on the pale mark. She did not have the courage to look up at him. Under any other circumstances, she would have forcibly taken Ayush away from Sameer, but presently, owing to his ill health, he was extremely possessive and anxious. As for Sameer, she couldn't let him keep sitting with a stained shirt too, knowing his compulsive response to any blemish.

Sucking in the corner of her lower lip, she lifted her hand to his chest. Sameer stopped breathing. But his thundering heartbeat turned more rapid as her fingers touched him. The thin material of his shirt and thick, damp towel could neither contain the heat nor the wave of pleasure that coursed through him as she pressed the damp cloth against him, rubbing lightly.

Naina could feel the racing beat of his heart pulsating under her fingertips. The motion of rubbing thankfully camouflaged the trembling of her hand. Her own heart drummed in her ears... heating up her face to a bright, crimson red. Ever since she had acknowledged her feelings for him, this was the first time she was knowingly touching him. When he had burned his hand earlier, concern had taken over the nervousness. Holding his hand, she had felt his pain afflict her manifolds. At that time, her entire focus was on how she could soothe his burn. This... wasn't the same. As she rubbed over the stain, the memory of the day when she had applied ointment on his back became vivid in her mind... would the muscles of his chest also ripple under her hand if she touched him directly! Horrified at the direction her thoughts were taking, she rubbed vigorously, her teeth pressing hard on her lip.

Sameer couldn't tear his eyes away from her. Her head slightly lowered, her teeth digging into her lip, the deep blush on her face, thick lashes hiding the hazel pools that he longed to gaze into... Sameer felt a strong urge to hook his finger under her chin and lose himself in her eyes... forever... and never leave.

"Naina, main... main... tum..." The words spilled out unknowingly.

"Dekho Sameer, Naina ne saaf kar diya. Maine kaha tha na, Naina sab kuch theek kar deti hai." Ayush placed his hand on Sameer's cheek and twisted his face towards himself.

Coming to his senses, Sameer realised Naina had moved away from the bed. He was amazed, as his skin still tingled where her fingers had rested. Licking his dry lips, he forced a smile at Ayush, "Very good."

"Aap dekho toh... abhi koi nishaan nahi bacha." Ayush grinned, pointing at his shirt.

Sameer peered down. There was a wet patch, but no other mark. Involuntarily, his hand lifted to feel his heartbeat.

"Paani hi hai. Abhi sookh jayega. Koi Nishan nahi chodega. Aap tension mat lijiye." Naina explained, seeing him fret over the wetness.

He glanced at her, and nodded, his fingers still on his heart. She picked up Ayush's plate and left. The moment door closed, Sameer hugged Ayush tight and placed a kiss on his plump cheek, "I love you, Ayush. Tum best ho."

"Haina. Toh aap rukoge na mere house mein?" Ayush was thrilled at this expression, taking it to be an affirmation.

"Umm, Naina se puchna padega." Sameer didn't want to do anything that made her uncomfortable.

"Main pooch ke aata hun." Ayush wriggled to jump from the bed.

"Nahi. Tum yahin ruko. Aaj aaj aur rest karoge toh kal se fit ho jaoge. Main... main pooch leta hun." Sameer firmly put him in bed before getting up.

Ayush waved his head, calling out after him, "Bolna Ayush ne kaha hai. Naina maan jayegi."

She had taken her dress which she had rinsed earlier, to put out in the small balcony. It was still raining but one dress could be adjusted in the corner which was protected by the projection from terrace above. When she saw Sameer, she was coming back with a mop to wipe the drops that had trickled down on the floor from the hand rinsed dress, leaving a trail from her room to the balcony.

"Uhh Naina... mujhe tumse kuch..." A sudden apprehension engulfed him, making him nervous.

"Ek minute, ek minute, aap wahin..." Naina hollered as he moved towards her, seemingly lost.

But her caution was too late... and Sameer slipped on the floor, landing on his back.

Ayush rushed out, hearing the commotion.

"Haww, aap itne big hoke gir gaye." He tittered, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

Sameer lifted himself to a sitting position, wrapping his arms around folded knees, and shrugged, "Gir gaya."

Naina lowered her head, trying to hide the spurts of laughter by pretending to wipe her face while Ayush hopped to Sameer, giggling.

"Tum hans sakti ho." Seeing her unsuccessful attempts to hide her sniggers, Sameer flicked his brows at Naina.

She raised her eyes at him, chewing onto her inner cheek, but couldn't control any more... and a carefree laughter erupted from her. Sameer was spellbound. Only once had he seen her laugh like this. The way her eyes glistened, washing away the pain that she seemed to be residing in them all the time... the way her face brightened, glowing with a new happiness... the way her hand delicately touched her nose... everything left him enchanted. This is how he wanted to see her... always.

"I'm... I'm so sorry. Meri galti thi. Mujhse paani gir gaya tha. Usse hi saaf karne ke liye..." She uttered in between, showing him the mop.

"That's okay, Naina. Main bhi dekh ke nahi chal raha tha." Sameer stood up, a smile on his lips.

"Aapko lagi toh nahi?" She raised her brows.

He shook his head.

Another bout bubbled out of her, before she raised her hand and blurted, "Hansne ke liye bhi sorry. It's just that... aap... aap aise bachhon ke jaise..." And she chuckled again, unable to explain any further.

Ayush tugged at his hand, "Aap mere jaise gire the? Aise?" And he sprawled on the floor.

"Buddhu, yeh kya kar raha hai? Tere kapde geele ho jayenge." Naina dashed to pick him up, but Sameer was faster. Ayush was in his arms before she reached them.

"Dekho, Sameer ke bhi ho gaye." Ayush indicated at a wet patch on the side of his trouser.

"Aap change kar lijiye. Ayush, tere kapde bhi change kar deti hun." Without looking at Sameer, she raised her arms to take Ayush from him. The little boy didn't want to be held up anymore, and slipped down from her arms, running to his room.

Contemplating how to bring up the topic of his staying for the night, Sameer had taken a few steps towards guest room when her voice stopped him.

"If you don't mind, kya aap aaj... bas sirf aaj yahan ruk sakte hain. Warna Ayush raat ko soyega nahi." Her hesitant question was like a lifeline for him.

"Sure. Main khud tumse..." He started to tell her, only to be cut short by Ayush's loud voice from the room, "Naina, mera blue night suit kahan hai?"

She vanished into the room, without knowing that Sameer himself wanted to stay with them.

I know the update is shorter than usual. Coming back to the same frame of mind is taking more time than I had expected. I'll try that you don't have the same complaint in next one.

Next update on Friday