Title is the song 'Sapna hai sach hai' from movie 'Panipat'

"Hayee, kitni pyari lag rahi hai hamari beti." Bela held Naina by shoulders and enthused over her appearance.

Sameer proudly grinned, standing next to her as Bela picked up a puja thali and moved it clockwise in front of them at the door. After putting the plate aside, she dabbed her ring finger at the corner of her eye and touched it behind Naina's ear, "Nazar na lage. Shaadi chahe pehle ho gayi thi tumhari, lekin chehre pe rang ab aaya hai nayi dulhan wala."

"Aur main aunty?" Sameer looked at her hopefully, "Meri bhi toh shaadi hui hai."

Bela gave him a soft pat on the cheek, "Haan haan pata hai. Bachpan se dekh rahi hun tumhe, lekin tab se ab tak mila ke itni baar smile nahi kiya hoga jitna shaadi ke functions pe karte hue dekha."

He rubbed the back of his neck when others teasingly agreed with Bela, who put the same 'nazar ka tika' behind his ear as she had done for Naina.

It was a lovely evening, without any formalities, filled with warmth and love. Bela's kitchen was like a café, with chairs placed against a high counter. Ayush climbed up easily on the chair, placing his foot on the support. Swinging his legs, he demanded dhokla, which Bela immediately placed in front of him.

"Mujhe pata tha tu aate hi yeh mangega. Isliye pehle se bana ke rakha hai." She pinched his cheek.

He popped one square piece in his mouth, waving his head in delight, "Mera favourite ban gaya hai."

Preeti narrowed her eyes at him, "Oye bhukkad, Sunday ko toh tera favourite chocolate pancake tha jo maine banaya tha."

Anand placed his hands on waist, glaring, "Aur Saturday ko isne kaha rasmalai favourite hai jo main Chandni Chowk se laaya tha."

Ayush kept swinging his legs, gulping down the small pieces, undeterred, "Mujhe sab kuch achha lagta hai toh main kya karun... jhoot thodi bol sakta hun. Yeh saari cheezen meri favourite hain jo nani banati hain, jo dadi maa banati hain, jo Preeti maasi banati hain aur jo baaki sab le ke aate hain."

Nanu let out a loud laugh, "Tu bada hoke hotel kabhi mat kholna. Kisi aur ke liye kuch nahi chodega."

Naina was amazed to see how comfortable Ayush was in their house. He talked with confidence, demanded whatever he wanted, ran around as if he knew everything about the place.

Preeti noticed her surprised gaze, and nudged, "Don't fret. Ayush roz aata hai yahan. Mummy jab tak usse kuch khila na de unhe kitchen incomplete lagta hai. Aur papa mein toh nayi energy aa gayi hai. Kal hi mummy keh rahi thi saalon purana gardan ka dard aajkal yaad hi nahi rehta unhe... gayab ho gaya hai."

Naina did feel overwhelmed with the affinity they both showered on Ayush... and her.

Through Preeti had relentlessly teased her on phone, she did not pursue the same topic again. Rather, she told about her new assignment, and the possibility of visiting Mumbai next week.

Sameer gave her a thoughtful look, "Ya toh tum office mein bribe deti ho... ya phir office ka bahana bana ke khud hi har thode din mein Mumbai ki flight ke leti ho."

Preeti flared her nostrils, "O mister, sab tumhare jaise nahi hote. Naina se milane ke liye jo bhi...."

Sameer shushed her quickly, turning to see if any of the elders had heard what she was trying to disclose.

Naina chuckled, as he folded his hands, pleading silently to her to stay quiet.

Preeti raised her chin in air, "Jinke ghar sheeshe ke hon... aage ka tumhe pata hi hai."

Sameer held his one ear, accepting defeat. Charmed by his gesture, Naina pulled his hand down. He winked when he found her gaze full of love, making her lower her eyes immediately, blushing.

"Nikal le beta Preeti. Yahan toh censored romance shuru hone wala hai." Preeti sighed, attempting to get up.

Naina stopped her, "Don't be silly. Aisa kuch nahi hai."

"Toh aisa hone de na. I don't mind." She grinned, winking at her as she settled back on the sofa, hugging a cushion.

Naina stared at Preeti, aghast... till Sameer leaned and planted a quick kiss on her cheek, making her gasp.

The two shared a high five, making Naina run away from there.

Next morning, after breakfast, Sameer asked her to come with him, for a surprise.

"Bata do na Sameer kya surprise hai." She tugged at his arm as he brushed his hair.

"Bata diya toh surprise kaisa. Bas thoda sa wait karne ko keh raha hun Naina... tumne toh mujhe kitna lamba intezar karaya tha." He pursed his lips.

She scrunched her nose, a guileless look on her face, "Sorry. Tum badla loge kya?"

He pulled her cheek, that had puffed up, "Nahi jaan, main tumse badla le sakta hun kya?"

She fluttered her lashes, "Hamesha toh kehte ho 'Naina, iska main badla lunga... iska hisaab lunga'."

It was then he saw the pretence of innocence. She was teasing him.

Pulling her flush against his chest, he brushed his knuckles along her cheek, "Badla aur hisaab, dono sirf pyar ka... intezar ka nahi."

"Achha ab chalo. Mujhe dekhna hai hum kahan jaa rahe hain." She turned away, hiding her rosy cheeks.

When he did not stop near his car, she frowned, "Walk karke jaana hai kya?"

"Nahi... hawa mein udna hai... phir se." He pointed at something behind the car.

Naina was bewildered when she reached there, "Bike pe?"

Sameer gave a crooked smile, "Yaad hai jab tum ek baar meri bike pe baithi thi... tab main chahta tha tum mujhe pakad ke baitho. Tab toh woh wish poori hui nahi, par aaj... well Naina, iss baar achhe se pakad ke baithna, kyonki main last time ke jaise sambhal ke nahi chalane wala."

Naina laughed as she recalled the day, "Tab kaunsa tumne sambhal ke chalayi thi. Har jhatke pe mujhe lagta tha abhi gira doge. Kitni dari hui thi main pata hai. Bike pe pehli baar baithi thi, woh bhi apne boss ke peeche."

His face turned grumpy, "Darr lag raha tha toh pakad leti. Lekin tum toh ho na Jhansi ki Rani... ek baar bhi balance nahi bigda tumhara. Main bechara poore raaste gadhhe aur pathhar dhoond ke unpe bike chadhata raha lekin madam se itna nahi hua ki mere kandhe pe toh kam se kam haath rakh le."

"Bohot bechara the tum... sachii. Itni achhi road pe kitni mehnat kari gaddhe aur pathhar dhoondne mein." She pinched his nose playfully, then looked away, taking a deep breath, "Sameer, tumhe pata hai na tab ki baat alag thi. Agar majboori nahi hoti toh main kabhi bike pe baithti hi nahi."

Sameer took her hand in his, nodding slightly when she looked at him. A soft smile played on her lips, "Honestly, tum the isliye maine lift accept kar li thi. Koi bhi aur hota toh... chahe mujhe wahan se walk karke hi kyon na aana padta, lekin kisi aur ke saath bike pe baithne ka main uss waqt bhi nahi soch sakti thi."

He knew she was right. Even though she hadn't admitted to herself, but she had started to trust him by then.

Flashback

Naina had been busy gathering things for Ayush's birthday party. She had placed the order for cake but wanted to prepare all other food items at home. She had tried the stores in vicinity but couldn't find quite a few items. One day, when Bhalla aunty noticed her sullen face as she entered the gate, she asked Naina if everything was all right.

"Aunty, Ayush ke birthday ke liye decorations toh ho gayi lekin khane ke liye mujhe kuch specific cheezen chahiye woh yahan kisi shop mein nahi hain. Ab Ayush ka colourful theme incomplete reh jayega agar coloured jelly, sprinklers, cherry candies aur baaki sab nahi mila." She explained in a tired voice.

"Le... itni si baat pe muh latka ke ghoom rahi hai. Puttar pehle hi puch leti." Bhalla aunty lightly smacked her arm.

"Aapko pata hai kahan milega?" Naina's face lit up.

"INA market. Yeh saara saaman, aur aisa bohot kuch tujhe INA market mein mil jayega. Yahan se zyada door nahi hai. Dilli haat, jo tere office ke raaste mein aata hai, uske bilkul saamne hai. Lekin apni car leke mat jaana. Parking sahi nahi hai wahan ki. Chahe toh mere driver ke saath chali jaa." Aunty solved her problem instantly.

"Thank you, aunty." Naina beamed, "Driver ki zarurat nahi hai, main cab le lungi."

But she couldn't go in the evening as she got busy making a new recipe for Ayush. Next day being Sunday, Naina left for the said market after instructing Ayush to be in his room and not venture out. Since the place wasn't very far, she had expected to be back soon. When the apps on her phone showed no cabs, she walked down to the corner of the street and took an auto rickshaw. Surprisingly, there was only one where every day she had seen about half a dozen parked at any given time. And he asked for a much higher fare. Naina did not argue with him, accepting whatever he said, and reached the market shortly.

She was surprised to see the simple looking shops filled with rare and unique food items, both raw and ready to eat. The grocery shops stocked every ingredient that she could think of, from exotic herbs to aromatic spices, from imported candies, chocolates to fresh fruits and vegetables, from hard to find ingredients to flavourful goodies. It was indeed a grocery hub. The crowd was also thin, giving her ample time to check thoroughly before buying.

"Madam, aap thoda jaldi select kar lengi please. Mujhe shop band karni hai." Polite voice of elderly shopkeeper startled her when she was checking out the stuff on display, after selecting what she had to buy.

"Mera ho gaya. Yeh lijiye, bill kar dijiye." She went to the counter and placed the basket.

The shopkeeper gave her an apologetic smile, "Sorry madam, woh aaj protest ki wajah se hum log jaldi shut down kar rahe hain. Police ne security measure ke liye order diya hai."

"Protest? Kuch hua hai kya?" Naina gave him a shocked look. She wasn't aware of any unrest in the city.

"Traders association ka protest hai. Hamari yeh shops generations se yahan hai lekin ab naye chief minister ko yahan ke area ka beautification karna hai isliye yeh market unhe pasand nahi. Aaj ussi ke against protest kar rahe hain. We have customers who have been coming here since the inception of this market. And a good number of expats, jo non veg ka saara stock yahin se lete hain. We also supply to embassies." He explained.

"Oh! Itni purani aur amazing market ko toh expansion dena chahiye." Naina was surprised at govt's planning.

The shopkeeper packed her stuff and handed the paper bag, shrugging helplessly, "We are trying our best. Ab aap bhi jaldi se yahan se nikal jaiye. Police yeh road band karne wali hai. We are suspecting violence."

Naina's eyes went wide, "Violence? Aap toh... I mean, aapke jaise log agar yahan ki shops chalate hain toh violence kaise?" His courteous mannerism and polished accent was an indication that he was well educated and decent.

The man smiled, "Sirf English hi nahi, yahan mostly shopkeepers kaii foreign languages bol lete hain. Hamare customers different countries ke hain, unke saath conversation karne ke liye seekha hai. Madam, yeh shops hamari lifeline hain. Apne pet pe kisi ko laat nahi maarne denge."

"I hope yeh market permanently yahan rahe. Wish you good luck." She left the shop after paying for her purchases.

Naina realised she had spent almost two hours here only when she went out. She was surprised to see empty roads, which was a rarity in Delhi. Yet again, there were no cabs. She looked around for autos. A few were lingering on the roadside when she had arrived, but there was no sign of anyone anymore. A mini truck was parked little distance away, with rough looking men loitering around. The protest seemed to be much bigger than she presumed.

After waiting for a few minutes without any sign of a rickshaw, Naina called up Preeti and told her where she was stuck. When Preeti told her she was at the TV station, far away from the place, Naina felt the first streak of fear. She was stranded... at a place which would soon be surrounded by angry protestors and austere policemen.

"Sunn Naina," Preeti said urgently, "Tu wahan nahi ruk sakti. Main Sameer ko bolti hun. He'll come to pick you up."

"Sameer sir ko kyon..." Naina's objection was snubbed by Preeti's harsh voice.

"Shut up Naina. Yeh time office formalities ka nahi hai. Do you realise you are not safe there? Maine usse text kar diya hai. Tu apni location send kar... RIGHT NOW." She commanded forcefully, texting while she talked.

The moment call was cut, Sameer's name started flashing on her screen.

"Hello Naina, where are you? Tum theek ho na? Wahan kuch ho raha hai kya? Koi hai tumhare aas paas? Police..." His voice was as harried as Preeti's.

"Sameer sir, I'm fine. Abhi tak yahan kuch start nahi hua hai. Bas kuch blockades aur ek truck hai jismein..." She looked around to give him a clear picture.

Sameer's clipped voice cut her midway, "I'll be there in ten minutes."

And he reached in eight... on a bike.

After a quick glance around, when he was satisfied that matters were not threatening yet, he turned to the figure on his side. When Preeti had called him up, Sameer felt his heart drop down to the pit of his stomach... Naina had no idea how such protests went from peaceful to unruly in a second. As per her habit, she would not even look up towards anyone till the danger was too close to...

Even the thought had left him shaken and sweating. Grabbing the keys of his bike, which he rarely used nowadays, he had dashed out of the house. It was a feat that he had reached safe and sound, after driving at breakneck speed.

Naina stared at the bike, then him... stunned. Her astounded reaction made him realise what he had done.

"Yeh bike... woh... blockade ki wajah se car laana mushkil aur time consuming hota. Isliye main... don't worry, mujhe achhe se chalani aati hai. Meri hi hai... college time ki." He offered the reasoning.

Naina's eyes wandered to the single seat, a part of which was vacant. Sitting on the bike meant sharing such a small seat with her boss.

"Main... actually main kabhi... mujhe bike pe darr lagta hai." She stuttered.

A loud noise behind them made both of them look at the source. Two more mini trucks had halted behind the first one, and a huge number of men were gathering around the market.

Sameer jerked his head, "Naina, isse pehle ki bike le jaana bhi mushkil ho jaaye, we must leave. Yahan khade rehna safe nahi hai."

Having no option, Naina perched on the edge of the seat, cursing the design of bikes in general, which had such less seating space. There was nothing to hold onto either. The moment Sameer kicked it to start, she felt a jerk, making her jump down.

Sameer looked over his shoulder, "Daro nahi, main dheere chalaunga."

With a determined inhale, Naina straddled the bike, her legs on either side, which wasn't difficult in stretchable jeans. She placed her grocery bag between them, and clutched it hard from the sides. The metal bar dug into her back, but that pain was better than the discomfort of shifting ahead and getting closer to him.

Sameer went ahead and took the flyover loop for a u turn. Naina on his bike... it was something he had never imagined. While coming here, he was fraught with concern for her safety. But now, after they passed the police barricade, and she was securely seated behind him, he was consumed with a thrilling ecstasy. He stole a few glances at her through rear view mirror. Tension was evident on her face, as she sat stiffly, her lower lip pressed under her teeth, while wisps of windswept hair swayed on her face.

And he was jealous of the wind.

Every time the bike jerked, Naina gasped silently. She wondered how she had never noticed that the condition of this road was so bad. While driving her car, she always found it smooth.

Sameer frowned, muttering under his breath, when she didn't reach for his shoulder even once. When she had taken the seat, he held his breath, hoping she would clutch his shirt at least, if not his waist. But here they were, almost at the lane of her house, and she had not as much placed a finger on him.

"Naina, tum comfortable ho na." He stopped before turning, and looked into the mirror.

"Jee... jee sir. I'm okay." She replied, looking down at the bag that lay between them.

For a second, he wondered what she would have done had she not been carrying this bag. The thought didn't go well with his system. These few inches between them hadn't stopped her fragrance from surrounding him, hadn't stopped his heart from breaking into a rhapsody in anticipation, hadn't stopped a new dream from growing in his mind... of a bike ride sometime with her in future, when she would wrap her arms around him, and place her chin on his shoulder, breathing over his ear as she smiled at him while wind played with her hair.

Probably that day, he wouldn't feel jealous of the wind... because he would be as close to her.

Flashback ends

"Naina, uss din main marr raha tha tumhare ek touch ke liye... kandhe tak pe haath nahi rakha tumne." He gave her a dejected look.

She lowered her eyes, "Aur meri kya haalat thi pata hai?"

His eyes popped out in shock, "Kya tumhe bhi..."

She shook her head quickly, "Mujhe tension ho rahi thi. Apne boss ke saath aise bike pe... it felt so weird. Main kitna awkward feel kar rahi thi bata nahi sakti. Bas jaldi se jaldi ghar pohonchana chahti thi."

Sameer sighed, "Aur main chahta tha raasta bohot lamba ho jaaye."

She smiled, "Pagal the tum."

He pressed her hand, his voice low, "Ab bhi hun... pehle se bhi zyada. Kyonki ab tum mere saath awkward nahi hogi... mujhe pakad ke baithne wierd nahi lagega... hamari bike ride ko khatam karne ki jaldi nahi hogi. Haina?"

She placed her other hand on his wrist, giving him an adoring look, "Ab tumhare saath har raaste pe chal sakti hun... kitna bhi lamba ho. Kyonki ab main jaan gayi hun ki tum hi meri kismat mein likhe the... tab se."

When they hit the road, her arms were clasped over his middle, overlapping each other, as she mumbled in his ear how much she was loving the bike ride.

Next update on Wednesday