Info:
'Beend' in Rajasthani language means bridegroom

"Sameer, bhai aise hi dekhta raha toh Naina se pehle saari duniya ko pata chal jayega." Sanjay whispered, tapping Sameer's leg under the table when his eyes did not move from Naina even after the dance had ended... nor did the dreamy smile leave his face.

Sameer instantly lowered his head, becoming aware of the people around.

Naina stood talking to the dancers once the music stopped. The girl who had asked her to wear a ghagra the other day praised her outfit, "Dekha didi, kitni sundar lag rahi ho aap. Agar yeh chunri sar pe pehen lo toh bilkul dulhan lagogi."

Other girl, who hadn't spoken to her last time, admired her as well, "Jab sach mein dulhan bani hogi tab toh tumhara 'beend' behosh hi ho gaya hoga... abhi bhi kitne pyar se dekhta hai, shaadi ke itne saal baad tak."

Naina was taken aback, "Shaadi? Lekin main toh..."

"Waise tumhara beta bhi bohot pyara hai... bilkul tum jaisa." The girl looked in the direction of their table, her eyes on Ayush.

Naina's eyes drifted to their seat. She gave a clipped smile and said she needed to go.

Back at the table, she was talking to everyone in the same manner, laughing at Sanjay's jokes and fussing over Ayush... to stop herself from dwelling on the girl's comment. After food, they went down to their floor. Since Sanjay was to stay with Sameer for the night, they said their goodnights at the door, and went to their respective rooms.

Once Ayush was asleep, Naina got up to stand at the large glass window. A full moon in the sky smiled back at her. Her mind had been in a tumultuous chaos since the girl on terrace had called them a family. She was thankful it wasn't mentioned in front of Sameer... how he would have felt... she squeezed her eyes shut. His kind heartedness shouldn't become an embarrassment for him. She should probably be more careful that no one gets such notion in future. But then, he always seemed to be there whenever she needed anyone.

She thought about what all had transpired in last twenty four hours. The events of last night in the lift, and her breakdown... Sameer had been a big support all through. Her heart lurched as she recalled how she had held his arm, and wanted to hide behind him to feel safe. She gulped... yes, she did not hesitate even once to touch him. This was so unusual for her... and this wasn't the first time either, she had held onto him earlier too... even if both the times it happened involuntarily. But when he offered his hand last night, and helped her walk over to her side of the bed, she had taken his hand knowingly.

Was it because she had started to trust him? Naina was shocked to realise she did trust him more than anyone else. But how could she?

She stared at the moon, "Maine toh maan liya tha kabhi kisi pe bharosa nahi karungi... phir ye kaise? Nahi, Sameer ko main sirf teen mahine se jaanti hun, itne kam samay mein... jab saalon ki jaan pehchan kisi ko samajhne ke liye kaafi nahi hai toh sirf teen mahine mein unpe bharosa kaise ho sakta hai!"

Whether it was a voice from her heart, or the moon, she didn't know... but it seemed the words were not just in her mind, "Tune bharosa kiya nahi hai, Naina... ho gaya hai. Apne aap. Sameer pe poora bharosa hai tujhe. Kabhi ek second ke liye bhi tera dil ghabraya hai Ayush ko uske saath dekh ke? Nahi na. Jab tu Ayush ke liye uspe bina soche trust kar sakti hai toh iska matlab jaanti hai na... in spite of your resolve to never trust anyone, you do now. You trust Sameer."

She twisted her neck to look at Ayush. Yes, she never once hesitated to let him be with Sameer. Time and again, he had shown how much he cared for Ayush... just like her. The thought was a pleasant realisation... after her parents, Sameer was the only one who was as much concerned about Ayush as she was. The trust had been built by his effortless concern.

When her gaze drifted back to the moon, its smile appeared to say more. Her eyes remained blank. But the inner voice couldn't remain suppressed for long... he had earned her trust for more reasons than just Ayush. She pressed her lower lip as the incidents of previous night once again seeped into her mind... why did she think it was okay to hold onto him? Why did she feel safer with him? Why did she not flinch when she touched him? Why the hell did she not blast him for being here all night... she had rather thanked him. Closing her eyes, she drew in a sharp breath... she had accepted the fact that a stranger was in her room all through the night... she hadn't been threatened... she hadn't doubted his intentions.

"Heck! I do trust him... more than I realised." She blurted, to the moon.

He had never tried to take a step towards her... never. Whether it was on Ayush's birthday or yesterday... even in the flight... he had always been a thorough gentleman. Probably that was the reason she felt safer with him, and relied on him.

While she was lost in finding a reason for her faith in Sameer, in the other room, Sameer was asking Sanjay for tips to break the walls Naina had built around her.

"Aaj jo hua usse dekh ke itna toh samajh aa gaya ki Naina bohot himmat wali ladki hai... strong and independent." Sanjay exclaimed when they discussed the evening happenings.

Sameer smiled fondly, "Woh toh hai. Akeli rehti hai, lekin self sufficient hai. Ayush ke liye itna sab karti hai... woh toh meri help lene se bhi hesitate karti hai."

Sanjay gave him a grave look, "Yehi baat sabse important hai, Sameer. Tu jo bhi kare, usse help jaisa nahi lagna chahiye."

"Kya matlab?" Sameer was perplexed.

Sanjay sat up straight in bed, holding a pillow in his lap, "Naina ko teri kisi harkat se aisa nahi feel hona chahiye ki tu uske saath sympathy dikha raha hai, ya isliye Ayush ko ya usse help kar raha hai kyonki tu sochta hai ki uske liye aasan ho jayega manage karna. Nahi. Naina ko agar aisa feel hua, toh shayad usse bura lagega. Aaj ek din mein jitna maine usse samjha hai, woh khud ko incapable ya helpless type ka toh bilkul nahi samajhti."

Sameer silently pondered over what he said, then nodded, "You're right. Jab usne apne parents ke baare mein bataya tha, tab yehi kaha tha... ki usse kisi ki sympathy nahi chahiye. Lekin Sanjay, farq kaise pata chalega? Matlab, main uske aur Ayush ke liye agar kuch karta hun toh woh help na lage, aisa kaise ensure karun?"

"Dekh bhai, tujhe jatana padega ki unke saath rehke tujhe khushi milti hai. Matlab tu dil se karta hai jo unke liye karta hai. Aisa kabhi mat kehna ki tum rehne do main kar dunga... balki kehna ki tum chaho toh main bhi kar sakta hun. Agar usne haan kaha toh achha hai... usse lagega uske kehne pe kiya tune."

"Aur agar usne naa keh diya?" Sameer asked with

Sanjay narrowed his eyes for a while, then grinned, "Toh agli baar haan keh degi."

Sameer couldn't help laughing at his optimism.

Sanjay sobered down, "Waise Naina teri fiqr toh karti hai yaar. Tere naam ki, teri reputation ki chinta hai usse. Dekhna, haan bhi jaldi hi bolegi."

Sameer looked at him with wide eyes, "Shaadi ke liye?"

Sanjay smacked him on the shoulder, "Help ke liye. Seedhe shaadi pe pohonch gaya. Thoda sabar rakh bhai. Lekin mera dil kehta hai teri gaadi patri pe aa hi jayegi."

"Tujhe lagta hai Naina ke dil mein bhi koi ahsaas hoga?" Sameer asked with hope.

"Hmm. Tune bataya tha na, woh sabse door door rehti hai, alag si... lekin tere saath uska comfort level nazar aaya mujhe. Jaane anjaane mein woh tujhe apne kareeb accept kar rahi hai. In fact, mujhe lagta hai uske dil mein already tere liye jagah ban gayi hai... bas usse khud ko ahsaas hona baaki hai." Sanjay analysed her behaviour.

Sameer was filled with a new sense of pleasure, "Bas Naina ek kadam utha le... baaki saara raasta main khud tay kar lunga."

"Kadam toh woh utha chuki hai bhai. Naina ne dosti ke liye haan ki, yeh pehla kadam tha... tujhpe bharosa karne lagi, yeh agla kadam... bas ab thoda sa aur aage aana baaki hai, tujh tak pohochane ke liye. Two third raasta cover ho gaya hai, one third bacha hai." Sanjay flicked his brows, flashing a big smile.

A shiver ran down Sameer's spine. Sanjay was right... it was her trust in him that made her rely on him in the lift, and in her room. Naina was indeed reducing the distance between them.

When Sameer went down to see off Sanjay early next morning, out of curiosity, Sanjay stopped at the reception and enquired about the boys.

"Sir, unhone khud manaa kar diya families ko inform karne ko. They threatened to sue us, lekin hamare paas unke behaviour ki bohot si footage hain. Manager ne unhe kaha agar humne woh footage police aur unki families ke paas bhej di toh... and they were quiet after that. In fact, ab toh woh apne hospital bills bhi khud hi pay karenge. Manager sir ne unhe bataya ki jo damage unhone lift ko cause kiya hai, uska cost unhe pay karna padega toh unhone hotel se apna naam disassociate kar diya. They are no longer our responsibility." A staff member informed them.

Sanjay was impatient to know the impact of the treatment meted out to them, "Haalat kaisi hai unki? Kitni denting painting chahiye hogi insaan banane ke liye?"

Another staff member informed, "Sir, damages kaafi hain. Eyesight normal hone mein two weeks lagenge. Skin pe reaction ho gaya hai. Ek ka shoulder dislocate hua hai aur ek ki ribs mein fracture hai, saath mein aur injuries bhi hain. Aur ek ko itna trauma ho gaya hai ki bol hi nahi paa raha."

Sameer was filled with a strange gratification. He was sure Naina would be equally satisfied.

"Why didn't he join us for breakfast?" Naina asked when he told her about Sanjay's departure.

"Uska shoot tha subah se. He wanted me to tell you that he enjoyed meeting you both. Maine bola ki next time jab bhabhi aur Ojal ke saath Delhi ayega toh tumse aur Ayush se zarur milwaunga." Sameer conveyed Sanjay's message.

Naina dipped her head in acceptance.

Immediately after breakfast, they left for the airport. Though the seating arrangements in the flight were same, this time Naina was cautious. She didn't fall asleep, leaving Sameer disappointed. He consoled himself with Sanjay's words of last night. The drive back from airport was easier with Ayush as Sameer kept him busy in talks, mainly about cars.

"Naina, if you want, pehle main utar jaata hun... jisse Bhalla aunty ko yeh na lage ki hum saath mein gaye the." He suggested.

When she agreed, he gave his address to the driver.

Vishakha was getting down from her car when the cab stopped in front of Sameer's house.

"Aa gaya beta... kaisa raha trip?" She smiled warmly at him, opening one arm to hug him as he stepped out of the cab, her other hand holding multiple shopping bags.

Sameer placed his chin on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her, "Bohot achha. Aap kahan se aa rahe ho? Kal ki preparation?"

Vishakha grinned, "Haan. Kuch last minute cheezen reh gayi thi bas wahi lene gayi thi."

Before Naina could stop him, Ayush hopped out of the car. Vishakha gave a surprised look to him, then was reminded of what her father had told her about Naina taking her brother along.

"Hello beta. Tum Ankush ho na?" She smiled at him.

Ayush furrowed his brows, "Nahi. Ankush toh mere school mein hai. Lekin abhi vacations hain isliye main uske saath nahi khelta. Aap Ankush ko jaante ho?"

Sameer held him by shoulders and made him stand ahead of himself, "Mummy, yeh Ayush hai, mera best friend."

Vishakha was amused, "Achha, tumhara best friend toh bohot cute hai. Ayush, tum mere friend bhi banoge?"

"Aap Sameer ki mummy ho na? Toh main aapka friend kaise ban sakta hun? Aap toh big ho... aunty ho." Ayush said matter of factly.

"Oh haan, main toh big hun... tumhare saath ka toh Sameer hai." Vishakha chuckled.

"Nahi." Ayush shook his head, pointing behind Vishakha as Naina got out of the cab, "Mere saath toh Naina hai."

Vishakha turned to look at the petite, beautiful girl who was elegantly dressed in rose coloured bottoms with a black short sleeve tshirt.

"Hello ma'am. I'm Naina... Naina Agarwal." She introduced herself.

"Hello Naina. Mujhe bataya tha papa ne tumhare baare mein. Kaisa raha tumhara trip? Mere bete ne zyada kaam toh nahi karwaya na? Jaipur jaake shopping karne ko na mile toh main toh bohot frustrate ho jaati hun." Vishakha gave her an affable smile.

Naina gave a quick glance to Sameer, and turned her gaze back to Vishakha when she found his eyes on her, "Hum kaam ke liye hi gaye the, ma'am. But we did visit the markets."

Vishakha nodded before she turned to Sameer, "Tune kal ke liye kis kis ko invite kiya hai?"

"Papa ne kaha tha family ka hi rakhna hai isliye maine toh kisi ko bhi nahi kaha." Sameer shrugged.

"Tere papa ko maine manaa liya hai. Occasions pe sabko bulake party nahi ki toh occasions ka celebration complete thodi hota hai. Tu bula le apne friends ko." She grinned at him, then looked back at Naina, "Tumko bhi aana hai. Kal meri aur Vivek ki 30th anniversary hai. Tum aur Ayush zarur aana."

"Ji ma'am main... main kaise... I mean, yeh aapka family function hai. Main toh kisi ko nahi jaanti." Naina was taken by surprise by the sudden invitation.

Vishakha smiled, "Family mein sabko toh jaanti ho... office mein mili ho na. Mujhse aaj mulakat ho gayi. Bas ek Deepika bachi hai, usse kal mil lena. No more excuses. You have to come. Agar kaho toh tumhare boss se order dilwa dun?" Vishakha pointed at Sameer.

Naina opened her mouth to speak but Sameer didn't let her, "Office ke aur log bhi honge, I'm sure. Please aa jao."

Unable to say no to them, she nodded.

"Good. Kal milte hain." Vishakha patted her shoulder, then bent down to pull Ayush's cheeks, "Tum bhi aana party mein. Okay?"

He bobbed his head, excited at the mention of party.

Next morning, Naina was in Sameer's room in office, showing him some reports she had prepared about the Jaipur trip when the intercom started to buzz.

"Sorry sir, woh madam sunne ko ready hi nahi thi... kehne lagi main journalist hun aur aise corruption ko logon ke saamne lana mera kaam hai... she's coming towards your room." He could barely understand receptionist's harrowed monologue when the door barged open.

"Who the hell..." His head jerked up in annoyance, but the words died down as he started at the girl standing at the door.

"So Mr Sameer Maheshwari, you think you can get away with everything, huh? Lekin meri aankhon se kuch nahi chupta. Tum jaise har ek business tycoon ko apni mutthi mein rakhti hun. Mere aage sabki bolti band ho jaati hai... jaise abhi tumhari ho gayi." The girl walked in with slow steps, her eyes fixed on Sameer.

He took a deep breath, and stood up from the chair, crossing Naina to reach the open area where the girl had reached now.

Naina stood up as well, too stunned to speak.

Sameer shoved his hands in pocket, and squared his shoulders. The girl was just a little more than half his height, and looked barely in her teens dressed in a knee length outfit, with flat shoes. Her hair were tied in a tight pony, and her small eyes stared at him fiercely.

"Itne saalon mein ek inch bhi height nahi badhi lekin drama karne ki aadat kilo ke rate pe badh gayi." His voice was as serious as her expression.

Bewildered, Naina gaped from one to another... till the two of them burst out laughing.

Sameer forwarded a fisted hand, and the girl punched on it. They quickly gave each other a side hug.

Sameer turned to Naina, "Yeh toofan hamari zindagi mein bachpan se hai. Meet Preeti, school ke dinon se meri aur Rohan ki jaan khaati hai."

"Shut up. Meri company ki wajah se tum dono bhai popular the school mein warna tumhe kaun puchta." She swatted his arm.

"Rehne do yaar. Main, Sanjay aur Raghav toh school mein aaj tak famous hain." Sameer waved a hand in air.

Twisting her lips to tease him, she turned to Naina and held out a hand, "Hi, I'm Preeti Agarwal."

"Naina Agarwal." Naina clasped her hand around hers.

Preeti's eyes rounded, "Agarwal? Arre waah, aisa lag raha hai apni behen se mil rahi hun."

Sameer smirked, "Kiska dimaag kharab hoga jo tumhe behen banayega."

"Tum iski baaton mein mat aana, Naina. Yeh boring Maheshwari tha school mein. Rohan phir bhi mere type ka hai... you know, thoda masti partner. Iss duffer se toh ek ladki tak ko propose nahi kiya gaya." Preeti winked slyly at Sameer.

He shot a nervous look at Naina before blurting out, "Main sach mein kisi ko propose nahi kar raha tha... woh toh college ke first year mein ragging hui thi."

Preeti doubled in laughter, "Abhi tak tumhare hosh udd jaate hain. Hey bhagwan, lagta hai yeh experience ab tak hua hi nahi hai. Kyon? Phir se mera guess sahi hai na?"

Sameer glared at her, "Yeh incident main nahi batata toh pata bhi nahi chalta tumhe aur Rohan ko. You were still in XII standard that time. Remember?"

"I remember everything, Mr Bholuram Maheshwari." She winked again.

"Preeti will you stop it... woh sab school ki baatein thi." He flushed, being addressed by the name that his hindi teacher used for him.

Once their banters sobered up, Naina came to know that Preeti was Rohan's classmate from school, but was friendly with Sameer as well, who was one class senior to them. The trio spent a lot of time together as they were neighbours. She was known to Sanjay and Raghav too, being from the same school. After graduation, she had gone to New York to study journalism, and took up a job there after her degree. She had returned to India two days back, having decided to work here only now.

"Waise Preeti, sahi time pe aayi ho. Aaj mummy papa ki 30th anniversary ki party hai. You can meet everyone. Rohan bhi lunch time tak aa raha hai... weekend ke liye." Sameer said as they were having coffee.

Naina had tried to leave earlier but Preeti didn't let her, forcing her to join them for coffee.

"I'm so excited to meet Rohan. Usne bataya tha aajkal Mumbai ka unit dekh raha hai. Mujhe toh yakeen hi nahi hua woh akele yeh sab kar sakta hai. School mein homework tak toh khud karta nahi tha." Preeti chuckled.

"Naina, tum Preeti ki ek bhi baat ko seriously mat lena. Iski exaggeration ki aadat sab jaante hain." Sameer explained when he saw the surprised expression on Naina's face.

Preeti looked at her, and giggled, "Waise he's right. Mujhe inn dono brothers ko chidane mein bada mazaa aata hai. In reality, na Rohan itna dumb hai na Sameer buddhu. Lekin jab tak inpe do chaar jokes na maar lun, mera din incomplete sa lagta hai."

"Tumhe toh Rohan hi handle kar sakta hai. I'm glad mujhe nahi jhelna padega." Sameer smirked.

"Oh hello, Rohan ko main handle karti hun na ki woh mujhe." Preeti rolled her eyes.

She took leave after coffee, shaking Naina's hand once again, saying that she looked forward to meeting her in the evening party.

Next update on Friday