"I'm sorry sir lekin six rooms ek saath available nahi the. Aapke chaar rooms ek villa mein hain aur do uske thoda aage. Waise teen rooms mein already aapke friends check in kar chuke hain." A man at the front desk informed Sameer when they reached Westin Resort in Gurgaon.

"Check in kar chuke?" Preeti was surprised. It was unlike Sanjay and Raghav to be anywhere on time.

Sameer nodded, "Sanjay ne bataya tha. Subah shoot se wapas aake woh seedhe yahin aa gaya tha. Aur Raghav airport gaya tha. Pallavi ko pick up karke woh bhi direct aa gaya."

"Pallavi bhi aayi hai? Mujhe bataya kyon nahi?" Preeti beamed.

Naina felt a sinking feeling. So, it was finally happening. Pallavi... a name she hadn't heard earlier. She was the girl.

Preeti shook her, finding her lost, "Naina, kahan kho gayi? Chalein?"

"Uh..haan." She quickly followed others towards the golf cart that waited to take them to their rooms.

The resort was spread over a very large lush green area. Rooms were separate villas of red brick buildings, situated at little distance from each other. Manicured lawns all around, with flowering plants and thick trees gave the place a crisp, tranquil feel. Golf carts were used to move around as everything was a little away from each other to give privacy to each section.

There were two villas booked for them. One had two rooms each on the ground and first floor while the other had only ground floor rooms. Larger one was already partially occupied by their three friends. It had a common meeting room on first floor. Preeti asked Sameer to take the fourth room while she and Naina took the other villa which was few meters ahead. Though Sameer wasn't happy at the prospect of staying away from Naina, there was no way he could manage to shift next to her. After freshening up, Preeti and Naina, along with Ayush, went over to the common room where others were waiting for them.

Naina felt a strange nervousness increasing within her with every step she took towards the room.

"Hello people. Look who's here." Preeti announced with exuberance, making three heads turn towards her.

First person Naina noticed was a beautiful, elegant girl who flashed a beatific smile to Preeti before rushing to meet her at the door. Naina stood transfixed at the perfection that the girl was. Taller than Preeti, and even her, she was no less than a model. Her long, silky hair fell behind her back in a shiny mass, making her round, glowing face look more striking in contrast. With her exquisite features and dark eyes, she seemed to be a perfect match to Sameer.

"Aur yeh hai Naina." The mention of her name brought her back with a jolt.

"Hey Naina. I'm Pallavi." The girl extended a slim hand, smiling warmly.

"Hi. I'm..."

"Tumhe kaun nahi jaanta. Main toh kabse wait kar rahi thi tumse milne ka, balki hum sab. Sameer ke muh se itni tareef suni hai tumhari." Pallavi said excitedly. Naina searched her eyes to see if there was any sarcasm behind her... but Pallavi seemed to hide it perfectly if indeed there was some.

Sameer tried to do damage control, "Ab... ab Naina itni achhi hai apne kaam mein toh uske kaam ki praise karni hi padegi na. Sirf main hi nahi nanu bhi kehte hain. She is very talented."

Pallavi glared at him, "Tum har baat mein kaam ko lane ka bahana mat dhundo. Aur agar ek baar bhi office ya meeting ka naam liya na toh swimming pool mein dhakka de dungi."

Sameer frowned, twisting his hands in exasperation, "What the hell... pool wali baat ke liye blackmail karna allowed nahi hai."

Preeti held Naina's hand and dragged her inside the room, "Inko chod. Chal main tujhe Sanjay Raghav se milwati hun."

Sanjay stood up, "Hi Naina. Remember me? Hum pehle mile hain."

"Of course. Jaipur mein. How are you?" Naina managed a smile. Sanjay dipped his head to the side.

Next to him stood an extremely fair complexioned guy, with an unruly mass of thick, curly hair and a pleasant smile, "Aur main Raghav."

Naina nodded at him, taking the hand he offered.

Preeti introduced Ayush and all of them were immediately engrossed in talking to him. Naina initially felt a little awkward, but they were soon able to draw her in their conversation, making both her and Ayush a part of their group.

"Pallavi, be careful. Naina ke saamne aise openly mat bolo please. She could get suspicious." Sameer whispered to her when he felt all were busy in listening to the funny anecdotes of Raghav.

Pallavi scrunched her nose and folded her hands in apology, "Sorry. Ekdam se muh se nikal gaya. I didn't realise."

With a smile, Sameer nodded. This little exchange was noticed by Naina though she could not hear their hushed words. Her belief strengthened.

An hour later, they planned to go for a swim, and have lunch at poolside restaurant after that.

Naina was already in the kids pool with Ayush when Sameer got into water with other two guys. While Pallavi and Preeti took laps in the adjoining one, she played with Ayush who constantly splashed water by his frantic movements. She had her back towards Sameer. After a few minutes in water, when he couldn't wait any longer, he swam towards her.

'Naina, main Ayush ka dhyan rakhta hun tum Pallavi aur Preeti ke saath enjoy kar sakti ho." He called out from behind.

She turned, "Nahi it's okay. Ayush ko abhi bohot achhe se swim karna aata nahi hai isliye usse deep side mein nahi le jaa sakte. I need to be with him."

From his floating position, Sameer straightened to put his feet on the base at this shallow end and waded towards the partition between the two pools. In the bright sun, water glistened on his bare shoulders, and Naina felt her breath quicken. She hadn't given it a thought yet, that he would also be in the pool, in swimming trunks.

"Toh kya office wala suit pehen ke swim karta?" Her mind voice admonished her, and she felt her cheeks flare up.

"Hum sab yahan saath aaye hain toh aise alag alag thodi rahenge. Chalo Ayush ko bhi leke chalte hain." Sameer held out one hand towards Ayush.

"Oye Sameer, jo thodi bohot aati thi woh bhi bhool gaya kya jo kids pool mein jaa raha hai." Raghav hollered from a little distance, earning a chuckle from his friends.

Sameer glared back, signalling with his eyes to make them quiet. He needn't have bothered though, Naina was too lost to understand the meaning.

But her admiring session was cut short as Pallavi and Preeti joined them, and urged Naina to come with Ayush. Naina had never shied away from wearing shorts or dresses of any length, but today, even in a costume that was one piece bodysuit with shorts pattern, she felt conscious as she stepped out of the small pool to enter the main one.

It was Sameer's turn to lose not one but several of his heartbeats. He was instantly reminded of the time he saw her in the rain. Similar charcoal black, with some stripes of red and white, hugged her form as snugly as the dress that day. Water droplets slipped down her bare arms and neck as she moved, and his throat felt unbearably dry. It was a vision of barely two seconds before she was in water again, but the sight was enough to make his fantasies go on an overdrive.

Naina was a little surprised to see that Pallavi and Sameer didn't try to be with each other even once. Whenever they talked, there was a smooth friendliness between them, which neither felt too strong nor much distant. Pallavi was quite at ease with Raghav though, who appeared to be most fun loving person, and was enjoying every moment of his return to his friends. His constant teasings earned witty retorts from Preeti, leaving all of them in splits several times. Sanjay had a warm, elder brother type of persona, taking care of everyone.

All of them had a great time in water... swimming, splashing, playing with a large ball. Ayush was safe with floaters on his arms which were provided by the resort. An hour later, when Ayush said he was feeling hungry, Naina told Preeti she would leave.

"Ayush ko wahan pool chair pe bitha de. Humne already snacks order kiye hue hain. Let him eat and enjoy here only. Bas hum sab bhi thode pictures click kar lein phir chalte hain." Preeti said.

Wrapped in the large towel, Ayush was more than happy to munch on the different types of dishes served beside him. Preeti called out to a staff member and handed her phone to click a few pictures. Some shots later, they didn't realise when they drifted to the deeper side.

"Hey Sameer, be careful." Raghav yelled as Sameer's foot slipped and he fell backward, going under water for a few seconds.

Sanjay and Preeti immediately held his arm. Naina was perturbed by everyone's concern, till Preeti whispered to her, "Sameer is not a very good swimmer. Balki usse paani se thoda darr lagta hai. Isliye deep side mein nahi jaata. Bas shallow mein swim karta hai."

The person with phone called out to them to pose at the same spot. Naina found Pallavi on her one side, Sanjay behind her and Sameer right in front. He lurched again... and just when the camera clicked, her hand went up to hold his shoulder to support him, unintentionally. The expression that floated on his face was thankfully not captured. He didn't have to see to know the touch. He could recognise it even in his sleep.

Gathering courage, he masked the feeling and turned slowly. That is when it registered to Naina where her hand had landed. She pulled it back with a jerk, giving him a guilty look, "You... I... lost my balance."

She was even more embarrassed with Pallavi around. But others seemed to be oblivious of everything.

Sanjay's sensible voice made them end the pool party, "Guys, time to eat. Ab khud ko tired nahi karte. Shaam ke liye bhi kuch plan karna hai."

They agreed. After a shower in their rooms and lunch later, they decided to take rest for an hour or so. When Naina stepped out of her room with a cup of tea in the evening, Preeti was out too, seated on the chair placed outside her room.

'Hey. Kaisa lag raha hai?" She asked in a chirpy voice.

"Bohot achha hai. Ayush ne sach mein swim enjoy ki." Naina smiled.

'Hmm. Toh ab kya plan hai?" Preeti raised a brow.

'Whatever. I'm okay with everything." Naina shrugged.

'Yaar, hum na cycling kar sakte hain. Yahan tracks pe bada mazaa aata hai. Cycles mil jayengi lekin bas ek issue hai." Preeti scrunched her nose, and continued, "Pallavi ko nahi aati. Woh left out feel karegi."

Before Naina could say anything, Preeti was smiling widely again, "Waise Raghav karne nahi dega. Aur zyada senti ho gaya hai jabse Pallavi ki shaadi fix hui hai."

The cup did a great favour to Naina by not slipping from her hands. She gaped at Preeti, "Sh... shaadi? Pallavi aur Sa... woh shaadi kar rahe hain?"

Unaware, Preeti bobbed her head, "Haan. Love marriage hai. She loves him too much. Badi mushkil se maane hain gharwale kyonki Ishaan ki poori family US mein settled hai."

Naina was puzzled now, "Ishaan?"

"Oh sorry yaar. Maine explain hi nahi kiya. Pallavi na Raghav ki cousin hai, maasi ki beti. Ahmedabad mein rehti hai. Lekin dono bohot close hain isliye hamesha vacations mein yahan aati thi. Tabse hamare saath bhi mix up ho gayi. Ishaan se US mein mili thi jab wahan apne relatives ke paas gayi thi, college time pe. Itne saalon se long distance relationship chal rahi hai. Kabhi kabhi hi mil paate the. Ab jaake baat fix hui hai. I'm so happy for her."

So was Naina... happy. She couldn't wipe off the smile from her face. Pallavi wasn't... she wasn't the girl. But then, there was someone... Sameer himself said so. Letting out a long exhale, she decided to not think about the one. She had earlier promised herself that she would be happy for Sameer, and for whoever he chose for himself. Her love was not conditional... she never wished him to belong to her.

Naina was much happier and carefree in the evening when they all walked around the property. Pallavi was more likeable to her now. Only then did she realise how her attention was focussed on Pallavi the entire day... she had dominated her thoughts throughout. The realisation startled her. She was jealous, she was feeling possessive... for him. A blushing smile spread on her face.

After a late dinner in the open restaurant, they retired to their rooms for the night.

"Good morning." Ayush woke up quite early next day, shaking Naina out of her sleep.

"Mmm Ayush. Soja na. Itni jaldi kyon uthna hai?" She turned her face the other side. Having no responsibility of house work and other chores was making her feel relaxed and lethargic.

"Dekho Naina, bahar sun aa gaya. Yahan se ducks dikh rahe hain. Mujhe bahar jaake dekhne hain. Naina, utho na." Ayush came running back to the bed after peering out of large windows.

"Window se dekh le. Mujhe nhai uthna." She mumbled, dragging a pillow over her head.

"Main utha dunga." Ayush climbed the bed with determination, and started to tickle her.

"Ayush nahiiii." Naina screamed, throwing the pillow. He didn't stop, making her burst in laughter.

Naina was excessively ticklish and he knew it. She rolled off the bed but he didn't stop, making her scamper on her feet and dash towards the door. Ayush ran behind her, his fingers wriggling to show that he wasn't done yet. Naina ran around in the small garden in front of their villa, laughing her heart out.

Sameer's eyes snapped open at the most unexpected, crinkling sound of Naina's cheerful laughter. Throwing the blanket aside, he rushed to open the door and stepped out. Ayush was holding onto her top and was tickling her with one hand, making her double over, going hysterical. Mesmerised, Sameer stepped ahead. Next moment, she managed to free herself and sprinted in his direction, still looking behind at Ayush... and crashed into him, laughing.

Sameer's arms instantly went around her...

Her head turned sharply to him... and she went silent.

They stood rooted... with her hands on his chest, his arms around her waist, their eyes locked, their faces too close...

"Catch kar ke rakhna Sameer." Ayush screamed, reaching them and started to tickle her again.

Unable to control, laughter spurted out from her as she twisted in Sameer's arms. He held her tighter, enchanted by the way she threw her head back and laughed with her eyes squeezed shut. Her hands fisted on the neck of his tshirt, while she tried to save herself from her little devil... forgetting the situation for a moment.

"Ab bahar aa gaye na. Ab duck dekhne chalo." Ayush finally had mercy on her, and stopped.

When she could breathe again, the surroundings dawned on her, along with one shocking realisation after the other. She was actually in Sameer's arms, it wasn't a dream... he had come out of Preeti's room... he was in his night suit, his sleepy eyes and messed up hair confirming that he slept here.

Naina almost fainted... in his arms.

She stared at the open door behind him, then at his face, her eyes as wide as they could be.

"Kya ho gaya, bhai? Subah subah kaun shor kar raha hai?" Another sleep laden voice emerged from the room... and a figure appeared in the doorway.

It was even a bigger shock for Naina to see Rohan standing there, rubbing his eyes repeatedly as he stared at them open mouthed.

All three of them were zapped... for different reasons. Naina, somehow, came to her senses, and pushed at Sameer's chest, to free herself of his circle of arms. He stepped away quickly, leaving her. Rohan raced his eyes from one to other, astonished at the scene he had just witnessed.

'Yeh... yeh toh Preeti ka..." Naina managed to utter.

Sameer nodded furiously, "Tha. Par raat ko... actually raat ko Rohan achanak aa gaya, surprise dene ke liye. Sirf Preeti aur Raghav jage hue the. Humne thodi der baatein ki mere kamre mein toh... toh Preeti ne kaha ki main aur woh room exchange kar lete hain kyonki yeh room bada hai aur hum dono... matlab main aur Rohan... humein yahan zyada comfortable rahega. Isliye raat ko humne apne rooms exchange kar liye."

Naina wanted to hit herself. How could she think anything about Sameer and Preeti.

"Hi Naina. Main sabko surprise dene aaya tha lekin yahan... yahan main khud shock mein hun." Rohan was still looking at both of them.

"Good... good morning Rohan. I thought Preeti... Preeti hai yahan. Sorry." She fumbled, mortified, and looked at Sameer, "Sorry."

Without another word, she held Ayush's hand and started to walk back to her room when Ayush tugged at her arm, "Naina, ducks."

"Main leke chalta hun." Sameer offered, and Ayush was with him in a second.

"Chalo. Main batata hun kahan pe hain. Hum yahan se round jaake doosre side jayenge toh wahan bohot saari ducks hain." Ayush dragged him.

Rohan kept standing at the door after they all were gone, scratching his head.

Naina sat heavily on the bed in her room. When she initially saw him, she thought she was dreaming. And she marvelled at how realistic her dream felt. His hard chest, his messy hair, his dark eyes, his rough stubble... all were so close. Only later did she realise that the feel of his arms was real, the warmth of his embrace was real, his piercing eyes were real... their closeness was real. But he wasn't the one to be blamed. Yet again, she had landed on him.

She had never been clumsy, or sloppy to keep stumbling. But with Sameer, it was happening way too often. Whenever she lost her balance, it was with him. As if falling for Sameer wasn't enough, she had to keep falling on him too. Was it some kind of sign... that he would be always there for her? Of course not, she chided herself. She neither believed in omens nor had much faith left in divinity... it was nothing more than coincidence. And this new habit of falling... she would watch her step from now on.

"Bhai, WHAT? Jo maine dekha woh kya tha? Meri aankhon ke saamne jo scene tha usse dimaag accept hi nahi kar raha... na aap ke liye na Naina ke liye." Rohan pounced on Sameer half an hour later when he reached their room.

Sameer wasn't yet ready to tell him about Naina, "Kya scene? Kuch nahi tha. Naina ka zara sa pair phisal gaya toh maine pakad liya. Bas itna hi."

'Bas itna hi?" Rohan repeated, wide eyed, "Yeh itna nahi bohot zyada hai. Ek week mein Naina ke baare mein yeh toh main bhi jaan gaya tha ki woh kisi ko apne paas phatakne tak nahi deti, choona toh door hai. Aur aapka kise nahi pata... aapki ladkiyon se arm's distance rakhna ki aadat hum sab jaante hain. Jab aise do log itne..." Rohan brought his palms close, "Nahi, itne..." he joined the palms together, "...itne paas aa jaayein toh sochna padta hai pair kiska, aur kitna phisla hai."

Sameer rolled his eyes, "Tera dimaag uthte hi aisi baatein sochne lag jaata hai kya? Mujhe laga tha shayad thoda badaa ho gaya hai par tu ab tak akal se paidal hai."

Rohan twisted his mouth, "Kaand khud karo aur taane mujhe maaro. Pehle hi samajh jaana chahiye tha ki aise rukhe sukhe bande ko kisi ladki ke paas jaake bhi ghantiyan nahi sunayi de sakti. Huh, main wapas so raha hun. Breakfast karne jaoge toh utha dena."

Rohan flopped back on the bed, making Sameer breathe out in relief. Once Rohan was fast asleep, his thoughts drifted back to the morning moment with Naina. The way she laughed, with abandon, made him wish he could see her like this more often. And the way she again claimed her rightful place on his chest, he wished she would always stay there. He had started to love these little accidents. Each time left her flustered and him, wishful... for more. Having her in his arms the first thing in the morning was no less than heavenly. Like a fresh bloom, her face radiated light. Her caramel eyes seemed much lighter today... devoid of all streaks of pain. And her laugh... it was the music which couldn't be compared to any symphony.

Constant ringing of his phone brought him out of the world he was lost in. Preeti reminded him of the breakfast time.

The group spent morning hours having some fun in the activity room of the resort till it was time to leave. Sanjay had to go back to the hotel where his unit was staying. Rohan left for airport.

In the parking, Pallavi turned to Naina, "It was nice meeting you, Naina. Aur tumhare Ayush toh sach mein bohot cute hai."

"Nahi. Main cute nahi handsome hun." Ayush retorded.

Sameer scooped him up, "Woh toh tum ho."

Naina held out her hand, "Mujhe bhi tumse milke achha laga Pallavi. And all the best for your wedding. Kab hai shaadi?"

"Diwali se ek week pehle. I'm so excited." Pallavi beamed.

Preeti nudged her, "Excited toh uss din se hai jabse Ishaan se mili hai. Ab toh aur itne saare reasons ho gaye... pehli karwa chauth, phir shaadi ki rasmein, phir Diwali... aur phir tera honeymoon."

Pallavi pressed her hands in excitement, "Aur inn sabke liye shopping karni hai mujhe. So let's go."

"Sameer, main Pallavi aur Raghav ke saath jaa rahi hun. Pallavi ko shaadi ke liye shopping karni hai aur usse meri help chahiye." Preeti informed them.

Raghav looked at Pallavi, "Seriously? Itne bure din aa gaye ki Preeti ke saath shaadi ki shopping? Tune Ishaan ko door bhagana hai kya?"

Pallavi wound an arm around Preeti's neck, "Tu mere iss idiot bhai ki baat mat sun. You'll be a great shopping partner."

"Main waise bhi kisi ki baat nahi sunti." Preeti winked, sticking her tongue out at Raghav.

Raghav sighed, "Bhai, tu aur Naina toh bach gaye. Jao, enjoy your road trip. Main zara ek kilo badaam khareed lun. Raaste bhar isko dimaag khilana hai toh pehle khud badaam khane padenge."

Sameer smacked him on the arm, "Itni bhi buri nahi hai meri behen. Tu har waqt mat cheda kar usse."

Raghav cocked a brow at him, "Tujhe kyon buri lagegi. Tera raasta jo saaf kar diya."

Sameer heart jumped out. He quickly pressed Raghav's arm, "True. Room exchange karke usne sach mein help ki. Warna Rohan mujhe pagal kar deta upar wale room mein."

"Room? Oh haan haan... Preeti ne room de ke sachmuch achha kiya." Raghav flicked his brows in appreciation at Preeti.

They bade goodbye to each other and left.

While driving back, Sameer smiled, thinking what he said wasn't a lie either. Had the rooms not been exchanged, he wouldn't have got the morning gift. Giving a slanting look to Naina, he found her lost in the view outside. Ayush was sleeping comfortably on the back seat.

"Naina, I hope tum bore nahi hui." He asked.

She turned to look at him, "Not at all. Mujhe mazaa aaya. Aur Ayush ne bhi enjoy kiya. Thank you."

"Phir se thank you." Sameer let out a breath with a swoosh sound, making her chuckle.

"Aap ab tak punishment ki list bana rahe hain kya?" She raised her brows.

"List toh bana raha hun. Aur ab tak kaafi long ho chuki hai." He said truthfully.

"Oh no! Itni saari punishment poori karne ke liye toh bohot time lagega." She laughed, taking his words lightly.

"Lagega. Kitna time de sakti ho tum mujhe?" He gave her a meaningful look.

Her breath got stuck in her throat. His question brought many meanings to her mind.

"I mean... kabse start karun? Abhi tak tumne mujhe kuch bhi nahi sikhaya kitchen mein. Woh toh sabse pehli punishment thi. Yaad hai?" Sameer said playfully, making her feel at ease.

"Aap seriously seekhna chahte hain?" She asked.

"Tumhe aisa kyon lagta hai main serious nahi hun? Main bohot serious hun, Naina." He gave a quick glance, adding a casual smile so that she doesn't doubt again.

She pressed her lip between her teeth. His such talks made her heartbeat go wild.

"Aap... aap jab kahenge main sikha dungi." She said in a low voice.

"Agar tum itni aasani se meri kahi hui baat maan jaogi toh mujhe kuch aur bhi kehna hai." Sameer gave her an apprehensive look.

"Kahiye na. Main toh maanti hi hun aapki baat." This time, she didn't see the undertone.

"Kya tum... kya tum apni ek sham mujhe dogi? Mujhe tumhe kisi se milwana hai." Sameer said it before courage left him once again.

Her heart sank, knowing who he wanted her to meet.

On face, she gave a bright smile, "Of course. Main bhi milna chahti hun."

His heart had grown wings, and it took a great willpower to not stop the car and take her in his arms.

Next update on Saturday