Title is the song 'Kalank' from movie of same name

Ayush and Monty, had been playing in the garden for sometime when Bhalla aunty called them inside to have fresh juice. After gulping down tall glasses, they decided to play with Lego blocks. Simi was resting in the room when they went there.

Monty pointed at his toys cabinet, "Mummy main aur Ayush yahan race tracks bana lein?"

She nodded, smiling, "Khel lo. Juice piya tum dono ne?"

They bobbed their heads and scrambled to get the large box out before settling in the corner which was designed for Monty's games. A mat on the floor, few shelves and a large drawing board were set up so he could play while his mom could keep a watch on him. Since his grandparents were here, this area was rarely used, but today they seemed to be busy with Ayush's parents to finalise the details of the event which was just days away.

Few minutes later, Bhalla aunty entered with juice for Simi. Ayush noticed how she helped Simi aunty to get up, put a pillow behind her back to sit comfortably, then dabbed her forehead with dupatta. Looking at Monty, he asked in a concerned voice, "Teri mumma ko fever hua?"

"Nahi." Monty stated with a shake of his head.

Ayush looked back at Bhalla aunty urging her to finish the juice when she made a face after having just half of it, then asked in confusion, "Phir woh apne aap kyon nahi uthi?"

Monty glanced back at his mom, "Meri mummy jabse fat hui hain, unse utha hi nahi jaata. Lekin papa ne bola hai jab hospital se meri new sister ko le aynege tab mummy wapas pehle jaisi ho jayengi."

Ayush was confounded, "Hospital toh tab jaate hain jab fever hota hai. Wahan baby bhi milti hai kya?"

Monty fiercely nodded, "Mere papa ke hospital mein sab auntiyon ko baby milta hai... kisi ko boy kisi ko girl. Maine kaha mujhe sister chahiye toh papa ne kaha hum sister layenge."

Ayush beamed, "Mere paas bhi sister hai, Riddhi." He hunched his shoulders and snickered, "Jab hum unke ghar gaye the toh mujhe Ashu bulati thi... abhi choti hai na."

Monty shook his head intelligently, "Nahi, cousin wali nahi, mere papa real wali sister leke denge. Woh hamesha hamare ghar mein rahegi. Phir mere mummy papa uske bhi mummy papa ban jayenge."

Ayush pondered over this news before speaking, "Main papa ko bolunga tere papa ke hospital se mujhe bhi sister laake dein."

Monty chortled at his naivety,"Oye buddhu, teri mummy ko bhi jaana padega. Jaise meri jayengi. Tab hi baby milta hai."

Before Ayush could ask more questions, Monty prodded him to make a new setup with their Lego blocks, and his interest was soon into arranging the little pieces to form a structure.

Late in the evening, while the kids were engrossed in watching a movie in other corner of living room and elders discussed the impending party, Harmeet walked in with slumped shoulders.

Sinking on the sofa besides his wife, he rubbed his forehead tiredly, "Madhav, ek kadak si chai pila de yaar."

Bhalla aunty looked at him, "Aaj zyada thak gaya kya puttar? Koi surgery thi?"

"Aaj Elena ki emergency surgery karni padi. Kuch complications aa gayi thi." Harmeet informed.

Simi asked in concern, "Sab theek hai na? Vibhor aur Shikha ko bataya?"

When Harmeet nodded, she panicked, "Unki haalat toh kharab ho gayi hogi. Itni mushkil se doosri baar surrogate mili hai. Baby theek hai?"

Harmeet rubbed his face, "Shikha toh khud hi faint ho gayi thi. Thankfully Elena ka blood pressure control mein aa gaya aur surgery kar paaye. Baby premature hai lekin utna weak nahi hai."

Bhalla aunty let out a relieved breath, folding her hands, "Babaji ki meher hai. Bas ab bachhe ko jaldi se theek karke Shikha aur Vibhor ko de dena babaji, dono ne bade dukh uthaye hain."

After a few sips of his favourite tea, Harmeet explained to Naina and Sameer that Vibhor was his friend, who had brought his wife Shikha to him one year back, when they were unable to keep their pregnancy for more than two months even third time. After conducting several tests, and trying all options, it was concluded that it was too risky for Shikha to go on trying like this as chances of safe pregnancy were almost nil in her case. Her uterus was weak to bear the weight for full term. Even if they tried to take every possible precaution, there were grim chances that she could survive the childbirth. Though Shikha still wanted to take a chance, Vibhor refused to go ahead. With great difficulty, Harmeet had diverted them to opt for surrogacy. Unluckily, their first surrogate suffered a miscarriage too. It was Harmeet's repeated efforts that could find another girl who agreed to bear a child for the distraught couple. The pregnancy was going well since last eight months, but a sudden crisis at Elena's home caused excessively high blood pressure, which led to a fall, leading to the need for immediate delivery. Harmeet let out a tired yet relieved exhale, reliving the experience.

Naina could feel the emotional turmoil Shikha must have been through. She asked Harmeet, "Ab Shikha ji theek hain? Aur baby bhi theek ho jayega na?"

Harmeet smiled, "Poora din bohot tension se bhara tha, lekin ab sab control mein hai. Shikha baby ko dekhte hi khushi se pagal ho gayi. Baby ko at least ek month toh hospital mein hi rakhna padega. But he's a fighter. Elena ki pregnancy bhi smooth nahi thi. Still we managed to save everyone. Next week woh hospital se discharge ho jayegi. She's happy with the money. Vibhor aur Shikha khush hain ki unka sapna poora hua. Main relieved hun ki ek aur ghar mein yeh khushiyan aa gayi."

Bhalla aunty patted his head, "Tere papaji aur main itne kismat wale hain ki tujh jaisa beta mila." She looked at Naina, her eyes shining with pride, "Harmeet ko yahan khushiyon ka doctor bulate hain. Kitne hi aise log hain jinke ghar mein bachhe ki khushi iski wajah se aayi hai."

Harmeet placed a hand on his mother's arm, a little embarrassed, "Offo biji, mujhe saara credit mat do. Zyadatar cases mein toh sirf sahi treatment chahiye hota hai. Ab main doctor hun toh treatment dena mera kaam hai na."

Simi proudly looked at her husband, "Hum sab jaante hain aap practice ke saath saath research ke liye kitni mehnat karte ho. Sahi treatment dena hi toh main baat hai Harmeet ji. Aapka success record 99 percent sirf isliye hai kyonki aap har case mein poori jaan laga dete ho."

Harmeet laughed consciously, "Aaj mujhe koi award dene ka irada hai kya aap sabka?" Not intending for his family to praise him further, he changed the topic, "Biji, return gifts ki list de do mujhe main event manager ko bhej deta hun. Aap logon ki baaki taiyariyan ho gayi na?"

An animated discussion ensued, putting an end to hospital talks.

Next day, while Sameer was busy making replies to mails and giving required directions to office staff, Naina helped Ayush to dress up after his bath. Though he was staying in Monty's room, his clothes were in his parent's room. He insisted on buttoning up his shirt on his own, and was able to do so perfectly.

Naina lovingly kissed both his cheeks, "Mera baby sach mein big ho gaya."

Ayush gave a smug grin, his eyes lighting up next instant, "Mumma, aapko pata hai Monty ke papa ke hospital mein babies milte hain. Simi aunty wahan se Monty ke liye ek sister leke ayengi. Aap bhi mujhe ek sister le do please. Main apne aap le aata Monty ke saath jaake lekin usne bola mumma ko jaana padta hai." He tugged at her hand, "Please hum bhi le aayein ek sister, Riddhi jaisi nahi real wali... jo aap dono ko mumma papa bolegi."

He failed to notice the pallid state of his mom when Monty barged in, calling him impatiently for breakfast treat of chocolate pancakes. Waving at Naina, Ayush ran out, grinning at the prospect of a yummy meal.

It was another half an hour later that Sameer finished his work, and removed the ear pods. Stretching his arms, he looked around the room to find Naina standing in front of the cupboard, busy in folding the clothes. With a smile, he walked to her. Unlike other times, she didn't seem to sense his presence. Another thing that startled him was that she was picking up same ironed tshirt, unfolding it, and folding again.

"Naina." He gripped her elbow, making her turn.

She jumped, as if she had been in a trance, and gaped at him for a second, before placing a hand on her chest and letting out a chuckle, "Mujhe... mujhe dara diya tumne. Kaam ho gaya? Rahejas ko saare details send kar diye? Aur woh Mr Mahajan ki payments ke clarification ke liye bank se baat karne ko bola accounts department mein? Purushottam ko bata diya na ki contract papers..."

He placed a finger on her lips, "Sab ho gaya. Ab tum bolo, tumhe kya hua?"

"Mujhe?" Naina shrugged, giving a wide smile, "Mujhe kya hoga? Kuch nahi."

Sameer kept staring at her silently for a few seconds.

Naina fidgeted, looking away, "Sameer kaam khatam karne do. Simi bhabhi ne aaj ke liye ghoomne ka schedule bana ke diya hai. Humein breakfast ke baad nikalna hai."

He took the tshirt she was holding, and placed it behind her on the shelf, smiling gently, "Lo, khatam ho gaya kaam. Mere saamne hi iss tshirt ko paanch baar fold unfold kar liya tumne."

She sharply looked back, turning to him with a sheepish smile, "Oh sorry. Main actually... main soch rahi thi... ki humein bhi Simi bhabhi ke liye kuch gift lena chahiye."

Sameer flicked her nose, "Itni si baat. Aaj hi le lenge. Tumne woh sab toh de diya na jo hum inke liye India aur US se laaye the?"

"Haan." Her voice sounded normal, "Lekin tab godbharai ka nahi pata tha. Kuch baby se related lete hain unke liye."

Curling his other arm around her waist, Sameer took a step ahead to cage her between him and cupboard, "Apne liye kuch honeymoon se related bhi le lo."

Placing her arms on his shoulders, locking them behind his neck, she fluttered her eyes with a straight face, "Honeymoon toh khatam ho gaya na. Ab hum aunty se milne aaye hain, phir wapas ghar, apne routine mein."

With one hand, he pulled her arm to bring it over his shoulder, and placed her hand on his heart, "Jab tak iss dil ki dhadkan tumhare naam se tez hoti rahegi, hamara honeymoon chalta rahega... chahe hum kahin bhi hon."

A grateful smile bloomed on her face, her cheeks warming up. Her mind prayed to be worthy of such love. A sheen appeared in her eyes as she stared into his, "Aur meri dhadkan mujhe jitni bhi saansen degi, woh har saans main tumhare saath jeena chahti hun."

"Itna pyar kaise karti ho mujhse?" His hand reached to cup her face.

"Tumse toh har koi pyar karega Sameer. Tum ho hi itne achhe. Mushkil kaam toh tumne kiya hai. Mujhse pyar karke." Naina couldn't help the overwhelming feeling. Her voice was heavy, coated with emotions, "Sameer, tumne mujhe sab kuch jaante hue bhi accept kiya, yeh baat..."

"Maine tumhe accept nahi Kiya Naina." His firm voice cut her before she could complete, "Maine sirf pyar kiya tumse... aur pyar mein kuch accept karne jaisa nahi hota, kyonki pyar dil se hota hai, planning se nahi."

There was so much she felt in those brief moments, her mind jumbled with so many thoughts, that she couldn't understand what she wanted. She wasn't insecure... she wasn't harping over what all she went through before he came in her life... she had stopped dwelling upon what was lost. Then why her heart twisted sometimes when he showered her with unconditional love.

Sameer looked at her with concern spread on his face, "Kya tumhe abhi bhi..."

His words fell silent at her quick shake of head. Wrapping her arms around him, she melted in his arms as he took her in a protective embrace. A big load lifted off her chest while her mind set to work.

The day was quite enjoyable. They took Monty along with Ayush for sight seeing tour. Ayush was extra energetic, over enthusiastic and tireless even after spending the whole day running, whether it was at the Zoo, or the famous Ripley's Aquarium, even on top of the CN tower. At the market place, boys did remain quiet, but only till they all were in a jewellery store. Their non stop frolic continued in the restaurant and in ice cream shop. By the time they all reached back home in the evening, both children were finally feeling a little tired. While others had tea, Simi got dinner served for both boys, stating that they would fall asleep early since they would be exhausted soon. Ayush would have stayed up for some more time but seeing Monty go to bed, he too followed him.

After dinner, when they were in their room, Naina stood before Sameer, wriggling her fingers against her belly, a gesture he clearly knew was an indication of her nervousness.

"Sameer, mujhe... mujhe kuch kehna hai tumse. Please tum gussa mat hona. Just listen to me once." Her voice was hesitant.

He gave her an astonished look, "Gussa kyon hounga Naina? Aisa kya hai jo tum itna hesitate kar rahi ho?"

She nervously twisted her fingers, gathering courage to speak up what was on her mind. Sameer came closer to her, and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes, "Jaan, what is it? Tum subah bhi kuch upset lag rahi thi. Mujhe ghabrahat ho rahi hai. Please batao kya hua."

She gulped, "I... I think we should... have... a baby."

He kept looking at her with a blank expression, having no clue what she meant.

Mustering courage, she licked her dry lips, "Hum... hum bhi try kar sakte hain surrogacy..."

"Shut up Naina." He hissed, furious at her suggestion.

Her heart plummeted, "Ek baar sun toh lo Sameer. Jaise..."

His fingers dug into her shoulders painfully, "Don't. Mujhe kuch nahi sunna. Hamara beta Ayush hai. Mujhe uske alava kisi ki zarurat nahi hai."

"Sameer please. Ayush ko bhi toh..." She tried to make him understand.

He left her abruptly, turning away from her, "Ayush abhi chota hai. Lekin tum aur main toh samajhte hain na."

She quickly went to stand in front of him, "Mujhe bhi chahiye. Tum kehte nahi lekin main jaanti hun tumhe bachhon se kitna pyar hai." Her eyes glistened with tears, "Sameer, bachhe ke aane se tumhe khushi nahi hogi kya?"

He gave her a hard look, "Meri khushi kisse hai tumhe itna bhi nahi pata Naina? Kya tumhe mera pyar apne aur Ayush ke liye incomplete lagta hai?"

She shook her head vehemently, "Bilkul nahi. Tumhara pyar toh hamari zindagi hai Sameer. Lekin tumhe bhi toh haq hai..."

He held her arms, jolting her, "Haq hai toh faisla mujhe lene do. Aur mera faisla yeh hai ki main aisa kuch nahi karunga. Hamara beta Ayush hai, aur sirf Ayush hi rahega."

Before Naina could say more, he stormed out of the room. She had expected such reaction from him. Even Harmeet had mentioned that he had a difficult time explaining to Vibhor and Shikha that surrogacy was an option. She would do the same. Determined, she rushed out after him.

Sameer took the flight of stairs and hopped up to the rooftop, which he had seen yesterday when Bhalla uncle had given them a house tour. Naina's suggestion had nettled him. They were happy in their world. Why would she come up with such an illogical idea. They were not like other couple who Harmeet was talking about... they had Ayush. Despite Naina not seeing him even as a friend in those initial days, this little angel had brightened his life every single time he met him. Ayush was their baby, he was their son now. Why would they need another child?

"Sameer." Naina's voice broke his thoughts, infuriating him further.

"Agar tum wohi baat karne aayi ho toh wapas chali jao, Naina. This discussion has no meaning." He said through clenched jaw, standing near the parapet, his back to her.

"Lekin isme burai kya hai Sameer? Tumne suna na Harmeet ji ne bataya ki aajkal toh normal log bhi isse prefer kar rahe hain. Phir hum kyon nahi?" She stepped closer to him, and placed her palms and head on his back, seeking the warmth that she needed to go ahead with the topic.

"Hum kyon?" His voice was a little louder, "Humein kya zarurat hai? Ab toh papers pe, school mein, sab logon ke saamne Ayush hamara beta hai. Tumhe ek aur kyon chahiye?"

"Sameer, agar sab kuch theek hota... mere saath... toh bhi kya tum aisa hi kehte?" Her voice quivered a bit, but she did not let any tears surface in her eyes. She didn't have to fall weak. She needed strength to make Sameer understand.

He turned to face her and held her by shoulders, looking intently into her eyes, "Sab kuch theek hai tumhare saath, hum dono ke saath. Hum Ayush ke parents hain. Yeh identity tumne mujhe di hai, aur main isse zyada kuch nahi chahta."

She opened her mouth to speak, when he spat out in anger, "What's wrong with you, Naina? Itni si baat kyon nahi samajh paa rahi tum?"

A slight clearing of throat made them turn with a jerk to the direction of sound. With a guilty expression, Harmeet stepped ahead from shadows of pillars.

"I'm very sorry. Aap dono ki baatein sunne ka mera koi intention nahi tha... lekin I couldn't prevent it. Maine sab suna."

Blood drained from Naina's face as she stared wide eyed at Harmeet. For a moment, Sameer was shocked too, but he composed himself, and asked, "Actually hum... matlab aisa nahi hai ki hum..."

Harmeet raised one hand, sparing him the nervous explanation, before speaking, "Main aksar raat ke andhere mein yahan aata hun. Iss silence mein din bhar ke cases ke baare mein sochta hun, apni research ke aspects re-evaluate karta hun. This place is my thinking corner. Aap logon ne mujhe dekha nahi kyonki andhera hai. Main khud aapki awaaz sunke aane wala tha par jo baatein ho rahi thi..." He paused, racing his eyes from one to another, "Can I help?"

Sameer quickly shook his head, "No no. Aisa kuch nahi hai. We are fine. Bas aise hi... chota sa argument ho gaya tha."

Harmeet looked at ashen face of Naina, "Main aapke jhagda mein help karne ki baat nahi kar raha." He took another step, and placed a hand on Naina's head, "Biji ne tumhe pehle hi meri behen bana diya tha. Ab tumse milne ke baad sach mein dil ne tumhe apni choti behen maan liya hai." Looking back at Sameer, he shifted his hand to Sameer's shoulder, "Main sirf Naina ka bhai nahi, ek doctor bhi hun. Aap dono ki baaton se itna toh jaan gaya hun ki maamla kya hai. I really want to help you."

Sameer pressed his lips in a thin line. He didn't want to disclose anything about Naina or Ayush.

Harmeet could see the hesitation on his face, and plain fear on Naina's. Taking a deep breath, he said, "As a doctor, main promise karta hun ki yeh baatein mere alava family mein kisi ko nahi pata chalnegi, Simi ko bhi nahi. Biji ne jab mujhe bataya tha ki main kitni mushkilon aur mannaton ke baad paida hua tha toh mujhe ahsaas hua ki ek bachhe ki kya value hoti hai. Aisa nahi hai ki main issi wajah se doctor bana, lekin haan, research karne ka reason kuch had tak yehi tha ki meri koshishon se kuch gharon mein yeh roshni aaye. Aap log please mujhe galat mat samajhna. Main sirf itna chahta hun ki aap kal subah ek normal session ke liye hospital aa jao. Main biji ko keh dunga aap dono apne kisi dost se milne jaa rahe ho. Koi sawal jawab nahi karega. Aur aapki yeh visit bhi kisi ko pata nahi chalegi."

When he noticed apprehension on their faces, he held Sameer's hand in his palms, "Tum dono mein kitna pyar hai yeh tumne khud bataya tha uss din. If I'm not wrong, aaj pehli baar tumhara jhagda hua hai. Sameer, kisi baat pe disagree karna galat nahi hai, lekin uss baat ko abhi ke liye ignore karna bohot badi galti hai. Wohi baat dheere dheere badi hokar pyar pe bhari padne lagti hai. Decision tum dono ko hi lena hai. Lekin uss decision mein marzi bhi dono ki honi chahiye. Tum Naina ke liye ya Naina tumhare liye koi sacrifice kare toh dil mein guilt aa jaata hai. Aur kabhi kabhi do logon ke pyar se zyada bada ek person ka guilt ho jaata hai. Please, ek baar hospital aa jao. We might find a solution which makes everyone happy."

After Harmeet was gone, Naina looked at Sameer, "I'm sorry Sameer. Pata nahi kyon maine tumse aisi baat ki aur tumhe gussa dila diya. Lekin tum tension mat lo, hum kahin nahi jayenge."

The anger that had risen in Sameer like a roaring wave, had waned after what Harmeet said. Getting vexed, and reacting fiercely wasn't the solution. His gaze was soft when he took Naina's hands in his, "Sorry mujhe bolna chahiye. Yeh sab itna unexpected tha ki main... mujhe samajh hi nahi aaya ki main kya bolun, isliye gussa dikha diya." He lifted her hands and kissed her knuckles, "Ek baat sach sach bataogi?" When she nodded, he asked in a low voice, "Aaj achanak yeh khyal kaise aaya tumhe?"

Naina swallowed, contemplating whether she should just mention the case Harmeet had told them about, or tell him the whole truth. For a moment, she wavered in the favour of latter, but next instant, she realised she never wanted to hide anything from him. Slowly, she spilled out how she found the bond of Arun with his daughter adorable, reminding her of her own father. When Anjali mentioned that daughters are always treated by their fathers as princesses, she felt a longing flash in Sameer's eyes.

He remained quiet. It had never occurred to him that a momentary wish had been noticed by Naina. Seeing Aastha with Arun had definitely touched a chord in his heart. But he had suppressed it instantly, before it caused any despair to Naina. Apparently, he had been unsuccessful in keeping it a secret.

Naina told him how the same thought had pervaded her mind when they arrived here, and she came to know Simi would be giving birth to a daughter. And then what Ayush had said in the morning.

"Sameer, Ayush ko main..." She bit her lip, closing her eyes momentarily, "Ayush kaafi hai hamare liye."

He took her in his arms, unable to say anything at this point. A little part of him was guilty of having that thought back in New York. Another little was annoyed at life being so unfair to her, while a tiny little was in doubt, whether to take Harmeet's advice. And the rest was fearful, of the outcome if they did visit the hospital.

He felt pained... for Naina, and for them.

Next update on Saturday