Thank you all for being so supportive about yesterday's debacle. I was so drained, but your words of solace did infuse energy to start writing again... I love you all 🤗

Title is the song 'Tera chehra jab nazar aaye' by Adnan Sami

Naina tried to tell everyone that she was fine but she wasn't allowed to leave the bed.

Ayush held her wrist securely in a tight grip of both his hands, "Naina mumma, main bhi nahi uthta na bed se jab fever hota hai toh aap bhi mat utho. Fever theek karna hai na?"

Naina placed a hand on his cheek, "Lekin mujhe fever nahi hai. Dekh, mera haath garam nahi hai."

Ayush turned his neck to glance at Sameer, who just entered with a bowl of fruits, "Fever nahi hai Naina mumma ko. Matlab yeh theek ho gayi?"

Sameer shook his head, "Naina bohot tired hai. Agar bed se uthegi toh aur tired hogi. Phir fever ho jayega. Hum dono Naina ko bed se uthne nahi denge tabhi theek hogi."

Ayush vehemently waved his head from side to side, "Hum nahi uthne denge."

Naina gave a desperate look to Sameer, "Main koi kaam thodi kar rahi hun, Sameer. Lekin aise lete rehna achha nahi lag raha. Zara si walk karne do please."

"NO!" He pushed at her shoulders, making her lie back, "Rest matlab rest. Uthna allowed nahi hai tumhe."

Ayush placed a hand on his mouth, giggling softly. Sameer flicked his brows at him.

"Aapne Naina mumma ko daanta. Unko toh koi gussa nahi karta. Bas wohi mujhko karti hain... kabhi kabhi." He bit his tongue playfully when Naina frowned at his statement.

Sameer held one ear, "Sorry Naina."

She sat up instantly, intending to pull down his hand but before her face could even begin to soften at his gesture, he brought his hand down, "Lekin agar meri baat nahi maani toh aur bhi daantunga... bilkul waise jaise tum Ayush ko daant ti ho." He looked at Ayush and winked.

The little boy hunched his shoulders, amused to see that Naina was being ordered.

She twisted her lips but it didn't have any effect on Sameer. Realising that she had no option, she sighed, "Theek hai. Ho jao dono ek team mein. Mujhe toh koi pyar hi nahi karta."

Ayush lifted himself on his knees, wrapped his arms around her neck, and kissed her cheek, smiling pleasantly, "I love you Naina mumma."

Sameer sat on the other side of the bed, circling his arm over her waist, and planted a kiss on her other cheek, "I love you Naina."

She smiled widely, holding both of them by taking her hands back to their faces, "I love you too."

Ayush craned his neck to look at Sameer, "Aapne aisa hi sikhaya than na."

Same memory flashed in their minds as Naina and Sameer looked at each other.

Unaware of their reminiscence, Ayush declared excitedly, "Main tabse sabko I love you too bolta hun."

"Sabko?" Sameer raised a brow, "Kis kis ko bola?"

Ayush started to count on his fingers, "Bade dadu ko roz bolta hun, Rohan chachu aur Preeti maasi ko shaam ko jab bye kiya tab kaha tha, Deepika bua toh baar baar I love you kehti hain isliye unko bhi bolta hun, dadu aur dadi maa ko... aur mam ko."

"Mam ko?" Both asked in unison, taken aback.

He nodded, "Haan. New wali arts teacher hain na, jab unhone meri colouring dekhi toh kaha 'Very nice Ayush. You are a good boy. Love you.' Maine bhi unko bola I love you too. Same to same jaise aapne bataya tha."

Sameer grinned, "Waah beta, issi speed se chalte rahe toh tum baap se aage nikal jaoge. Mere jitna time nahi lagega jab tumhari turn ayegi."

Naina shushed him, "Kya bol rahe ho? Uske saamne aisi baatein karni chahiye kya?"

Ayush looked from one to other, unable to decipher the meaning of their opposite expressions, and its reason.

"Maine wrong bola kya? Three bolna tha?" He was confused now.

"Nahi yaar, bilkul theek bola." Sameer laughed, "Sahi jaa rahe ho tum."

Even Naina couldnt control her laughter. Ayush was satisfied that they were laughing again. He went on to tell some more anecdotes from school, making them wonder where he got such hilarious ideas.

Later, Sameer took him to his room and helped him pack his bag for next day. After tucking him in bed, Sameer switched on the planetarium. Whole room was awashed with tiny stars.

Ayush beamed, "Mere stars kitne beautiful hain na, Sameer papa. Aap bhi apne room mein laga lo. Phir aapka room bhi nice ho jayega."

"Mere paas chaand hai." The words were out before Sameer could stop himself.

Ayush sat up, bewildered, "Aapke paas moon hai? Mujhe kyon nahi dikhaya." He threw his comforter, "Mujhe abhi dekhna hai."

Before he could sprint out, Sameer held him, "Tumhara sone ka time ho gaya na. Naina mumma gussa karegi abhi jaoge toh."

Ayush made a face, "Phir main aapka moon kab dekhunga?"

Sameer chewed his lip. If Naina got to know what he had blurted, he would surely get an earful from her. He glanced around the room. The answer struck him when his eyes fell on balcony door. Pointing at it, he smiled widely, "Woh wala moon jo bahar hota hai. Mere room se dikhta hai na. Main uski baat kar raha tha."

Ayush looked at the curtained door, then slapped his forehead, "Offo Sameer papa. Aap kitne buddhu ho. Woh moon room mein nahi sky mein hota hai."

Sameer patted his head after he laid down again, and kissed him good night before leaving the room. He smiled, whispering to himself, "Aasmaan ka chaand sabka hai Ayush, lekin mera chaand... sirf mera."

When he reached his room, his personal moon was standing near the glass door, gazing outside. He stealthily reached behind her, and picked her up in his arms.

Naina was startled momentarily, then smiled, "Main chal sakti hun. Aise kab tak uthaoge?"

His eyes remained on her as he walked slowly towards the bed, "Main tumhe zindagi bhar apni baahon mein utha sakta hun."

She circled her arms around his neck, "Aur agar main moti ho gayi... bohot moti? Phir kya karoge Mr Maheshwari?"

He gazed at her lovingly, keeping her in his arms even after reaching the bed, "Tum jaisi marzi ho jao, mera chaand hi rahogi. I love you Mrs Maheshwari."

"I love you too." She grinned, "Maine bhi tumse hi seekha."

His eyes turned dreamy as he thought about that day, "Tumhe pata hai mera dil kitni zor se dhadak raha tha jab maine tumhare kareeb khade hokar yeh kaha... believe me Naina, it took all my will power to not look at you while saying it."

"Aur mujhe laga tum itni feel ke saath isliye keh rahe ho kyonki kisi se pyar karte ho." She scrunched her nose, thinking about her silly misconception.

His eyes danced mischievously as he gave her a crooked smile, "Pyar toh tha... kisi se."

Her punch landed on his chest, "Haan toh jao na ussi ke paas. Ussi se pyar karo."

He gently put her on bed, and sat in front of her, his hands on the mattress on her either side, "Is it an invitation?"

Her cheeks warmed up instantly. He grazed them with the back of his knuckles, "Mera pyar hamesha se tum thi, Maina... sirf tum."

"Phir bhi tumne kabhi mujhe iss naam se nahi bulaya. Kabhi galti se bhi nahi." The name never failed to send tingles down her spine. He called her so often by it, yet she had never heard it in all those months. She was surprised at his self control.

Sameer let out a long exhale, "Tumhare saamne galti karne ka soch bhi nahi sakta tha. Woh bhi tab jab tumne aisa golden chance diya tha." His eyes sparkled, "Main tumhare kareeb rehne ke bahane dhoondta rehta tha Naina, aur uss din tumne apne ghar rehne ko puch liya. Main khushi se pagal ho raha tha. Mujhe laga isse achha mauka nahi milega apne dil ki baat kehne ka. Lekin..." The corner of his lips dropped.

"Tumne nahi kaha, par mere dil ne mujhe pehli baar tabhi ahsaas dilaya tha, ki main tumse kitna pyar karne lagi hun." She recalled her realisation.

"Aur tum apne dil ki baat pe gaur karne ki jagah ghar ke kaam karti rahi." Sameer complained.

When she gave him a perplexed look, he reminded her, "Raat bhar hospital mein jaagne ke baad tum din mein bhi nahi soyi, aur na khaana khaya. Tab bhi aise hi chakkar aaya tha."

Her face turned sombre, "Sameer, tumhe pata hai na Ayush mere liya kitna important hai. Uss waqt sirf wohi meri zindagi ko baandh ke rakhne wali dor tha, warna main kabki bikhar jaati."

Sameer took her hands in his, pressing them to assure her.

She gulped, "Jab woh behosh hua, mujhe laga meri duniya hi ruk gayi hai. Phir socha, uske paas bhi toh sirf main hi hun. Agar main toot gayi toh usse kaun sambhalega. Isliye khud ko mazboot kiya. Lekin khud ko aisa banana aasan nahi hota. Jo courage bahar dikhti hai, woh andar ki saari strength khatam kar deti hai... bilkul khaali kar deti hai insaan ko."

He opened his mouth to say something, but she placed a finger on his lips, "Phir tum aaye. Aur sab kuch badal gaya. Thank you Sameer, for not giving up on me. Jab mujhe khud se koi umeed nahi thi tab bhi tumne apni hopes khatam nahi hone di. Tumne kabhi mujhe force nahi kiya, lekin mujhe akela bhi nahi choda."

He lifted her hands, placing a kiss on the back of her palms, and looked into her eyes, "Ab tum kabhi akeli nahi hogi. Ayush ke paas uske mumma papa dono hain, baaki sab bhi. Aur tumhare saath main hun... hamesha. You know this... right?"

She nodded, a calm smile back on her face, "Jab mujhe ahsaas tak nahi tha tab bhi tumpe hi trust tha. Aur aaj bhi."

"Naina, jab last time chakkar aaya tab tum stressed thi. Iss baar kya hua?" He raised a brow.

"Mujhe... mujhe pata nahi tha ek shaadi mein itna run around karna padta hai. Sorry." She said with a childlike expression, holding her ears.

After looking at her for a few moments, he leaned and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, letting his fingers slip between the fingers of her hand. Profound warmth seeped through her. There was no way she could not love him more and more... with each passing day. He was about small things, making her life beautiful by his care, his thoughtfulness and his unconditional love. She had never felt this cherished, pampered and protected.

Sameer pulled away, only to align his face with hers. Almost in a slow motion, his lips found hers, as if it was the most natural course to take. Naina smiled into the kiss, parting her lips at his affection. The kiss wasn't needy or demanding, it was fulfilling... a promise, that they would always be there, for each other.

When he moved back, his fingers still remained linked with hers, while his eyes scanned her face. Finding a contentment in her features, he was relieved.

"Ab tumhe sona chahiye." Getting up, he straightened her sheet that was crumpled under him, and opened the quilt to put over her legs after she laid down.

He went around the bed, and settled in, covering himself with the same quilt. He pulled her close gently. His hand smoothly reached the curve of her waist as he turned his head slightly towards her.

Naina wondered how she got so lucky. She had never thought there was a way to heal her wounds. She didn't cry over them but the truth was, they never stopped hurting... till he caressed them with his love. He was the calm moon, that had cut through the dark night that her life had turned into. A part of her still felt guilty for not being perfect for him. But that part was so miniscule, that she could easily hide it behind the peace that awashed her life... with him.

"Naina stop." His assertive voice brought her out of her thoughts.

"Kya?" She flickered her lashes, wondering if he was reading her thoughts... no, not so clearly.

"Overthinking." He whispered, reaching out to rub away the faint creases on her forehead.

She took a deep breath, suddenly aware of how exhausted she actually was. Scooting even closer, she stretched her arm and took it around his torso, placing her head on his shoulder. Her lips accidentally brushed against his neck. His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. Naina felt her cheeks heat up. He leaned his head closer to her, taking in the bright crimson. But now wasn't the time to fuel the sparks crackling between them. He placed another feathery kiss on her forehead, then over her eyes, making her close them.

"So jao." Whispering gently, he switched off the bedside lamp.

Naina smiled, keeping her eyes shut, as she felt the rhythm of his heart under her ear. Slowly, every thought faded, and she drifted into a blissful oblivion, cocooned in the haven of his arms.

The early morning rays of sun filled up the room, making Sameer scrunch and open one eye. The abundance of light made him look back at the terrace door. Every night, Naina used to draw the curtains before coming to bed. Yesterday, he had brought her to bed, and forgotten to close the curtains, resulting in morning brightness fill up the room quite early. He checked the time. There was still half an hour before he needed to get up. A slight turn of head opened his eyes fully as he saw his wife, sleeping peacefully right next to him.

His heart filled with adoration for her. She was so beautiful, even when her past life had left her completely broken from inside. He could not even imagine what it would have been like for her... broken and alone. Losing everyone she loved must have been so hard, yet she had carried on with dignity. He could understand why it was difficult for her to accept him. Her trust had been shattered by those who were closest to her. No wonder she kept her distance, not trusting anyone. But once she did hold his hand, she wholeheartedly loved him.

He looked down at her arm that was wrapped around his abdomen. The henna covered hand reminded him how she had teased that he would have to search for his name in the intricate pattern before he could as much as touch her. But on the day of Rohan and Preeti's wedding, he had been so enamoured by her throughout the day, and getting no time to be with her had fuelled his desire to such an extent that henna was all forgotten when he eventually got her to himself. A proud smile reflected on his face as he recalled her response. He loved the fact that she never shied away from showing how much she wanted him.

His heartbeat paced up as he looked at her face, snuggled close to his chest. Her soft brown hair was sprawled over her face and shoulders. He gently pushed them behind. There was a tranquility on her face, owing to a hint of smile on her lips. Maybe she was dreaming about him. He pressed his lower lip under his teeth, recalling the ones he had, which brought a much stronger response than a serene smile. He made a mental note to ask her later about hers.

As much as he wanted to remain with her, having her all wrapped around him, he needed to get up. Carefully, he removed her arm. She moved a little, and squeezed her eyes. He looked at the curtains. Slipping out of the bed swiftly, he went to the glass door and drew the curtains close. Naina pulled the quilt close, her face easing up. Sameer relaxed, seeing her unaffected by the noise and movement.

She was still fast asleep when he came out of the washroom after his shower. Once he was dressed for office, he went near her. Though he badly wanted to kiss her, he didn't want to take a risk of waking her up. The kiss had to wait.

Naina stirred lazily in bed, then stretched her arms out of the quilt. Even before she could look to the side, missing warmth confirmed that she was alone in bed. Her eyes scanned the room, going to the washroom door when she found no trace of her husband. The door was ajar. Darkness inside made his absence evident. Turning towards the side table, she picked up her phone to check the time.

With a smile, she sat up, looking at the post it note on her screen

Tum uth gayi iska matlab yeh nahi ki idhar udhar daudne lagogi. Room se bahar jaana allowed nahi hai, na koi kaam karna. Jo chahiye, Ramdhari ko call karke mangwa lena. Mujhe pata hai tum yeh baat nahi manogi isliye tumhe meri kasam hai
yeh karna padega, mere liye

Love you

Rolling her eyes, she peeled off the note from her screen and switched it on.

A loud gasp escaped her, "Dus baj gaye! Itni der tak kaise so sakti hun."

She opened her list and pressed against Sameers name. He picked up in one ring.

"Good morning sweetheart. How are you feeling?" His voice rang in her ears.

"Good morning. Sameer, tumne mujhe uthaya kyon nahi. Office ke liye..." She started in a guilty voice.

He interrupted, "Nanu ne kaha tha na, no office. Tumhe aaram karna hai. Achha yeh batao, neend kaisi aayi?"

"Ab uthi hun, dus baje. Pata nahi aaj aankh kyon nahi khuli." She whined.

Sameer smiled, "Good. Ab poora din sirf rest karna hai tumhe, okay?"

With a sigh, she rolled her eyes, "Aur kar bhi kya sakti hun. Tumne kasam jo de di."

"Mujhe pata tha, uske bina tumhe control mein rakhna mushkil hai. Aise hi thodi Jhansi ki Rani naam rakha hai tumhara... ghode pe sawar rehti ho." He grinned at the other end, imagining her eye roll.

Before she could reply, he asked, "Achha yeh toh pata chal gaya ki tumne mera note dekh liya. Lekin uska jawab?"

"Jawab? Naina glanced back at the piece of paper, "Usmein kahan kuch pucha hai tumne."

He lowered his voice, "Kiss choda hai, tumhare liye."

She stared at the paper for a few seconds, then chuckled, "Mujhe kaise pata chalta. Lipstick laga ke karna tha na."

"Mere hothon pe lipstick sirf ek jagah se aa sakti hai... tumhare hothon se." He breathed huskily into the phone.

Her ears heated up at his tone and his words. She uttered a quick bye and ended the call. Putting the phone aside, she picked up the note. His writing had covered more than half of it, but there was an empty space under his curved Love you.

Lifting the paper, she pressed her lips over it, closing her eyes as his faint fragrance pervaded her senses.

Phew 😅
Done finally. Though I've tried to cover all scenes, it might appear disjointed at some places. For me, the words seem to be swimming in front of my eyes 🙃

Hopefully, next one comes on Monday 🤞