Once Naina gave the medicine, Ayush felt better. But he didn't want to eat dinner. Naina offered to make him whatever he wanted but the pain had scared him and he refused to have anything.

"Main tumhare liye kuch leke aaun... tumhara favourite?" Sameer tried to lure him into eating.

Ayush shook his head, "Mujhe nahi khana."

"Achha theek hai, jab bhook lagegi mujhe bata dena." Naina stroked his hair as she sat with him in the bed.

Ayush turned and wrapped his arms around her, digging his face in her waist, "Naina, mujhe tumhare paas rehna hai."

With a smile, she leaned and placed a kiss on his head, "Main tere paas hi hun. Tu aaram se sojaa."

He lifted his head slightly, "Sameer, aap bhi mere paas baitho."

Sameer immediately complied by sitting on the other side of the bed, rubbing his arm, "Don't worry, dost, main kahin nahi jaunga."

In a few minutes, she could feel his hold go limp as he drifted into sleep.

She looked hesitantly at Sameer, "Aap jaake so sakte hain."

"Mujhe yaad hai jab Ayush ki tabiyat kharab hoti hai usse sab apne paas chahiye hote hain. Main bhi yahin rukta hun." Sameer blinked assuringly at her.

It was around midnight when Naina gently put Ayush on his pillow. She glanced at Sameer who was comfortably sleeping next to him. But sleep was far away from her. What happened earlier played in her mind distinctly, making her look at the way Sameer had one protective hand on Ayush. The truth hadn't changed his love... it didn't result in any acrimony in his feelings towards Ayush... or her. Watching the two people who meant the most to her sleeping peacefully, she wished she could always see the same serenity on their faces. Would things remain the same?

She slipped out of the bed and walked to the balcony, searching for the companion she sought when her mind was troubled. It was bitterly cold, but sky was clear, with a shining half moon, and its glittering contemporaries scattered all around.

Drawing the lapels of jacket closer to herself, Naina looked up at the moon, "Sab kuch badal jaata hai bas tum nahi badalte. Kaise dekh lete ho itna kuch, yun hi chup reh ke?" She stared at the twinkling stars, and a melancholic smile curved her lips, "Shayad tumhare saath yeh sab taare hain isliye tumhe himmat milti hai. Jaise Sameer ne mujhe himmat di aaj... aur main unhe Ayush ke baare mein bataa paayi. Kitni aasani se unhone sab kuch janne ke baad bhi Ayush ko apna liya... kya mere liye bhi woh aisa hi sochenge?"

Her heart beat wildly with a fearful apprehension, "Sameer ko dekh ke lagta hai mere liye bhi ek nayi zindagi ho sakti hai. Lekin agar..." A tear rolled down her cheek, "Main unhe khona nahi chahti, par kya main unhe paa sakti hun? Bolo na, ek zindagi se doosri mein jaana kya itna aasan hoga? Jo pyar unki aankhon mein, unki baton mein, unki har smile mein hai agar woh pyar khatam ho gaya toh main... main nahi bardasht kar paungi. Bohot kuch khoya hai ab Sameer ko kho diya toh... iss baar marr jaungi main."

A big lone star twinkled brightly, close to the moon. Her blurry gaze drifted to it, seeing it as her mother who always comforted her. She didn't need words to convey her dilemma to her mom.

"Main jo karne jaa rahi hun woh theek toh hai na, mumma? Main sach ko chupa ke Sameer ko dhoka nahi dena chahti. Lekin yeh sach kahin unhe mujhse door toh nahi kar dega? Main... main Sameer se door nahi ho sakti ab... nahi mumma, main unhe chod ke kahin nahi jaa sakti. Please, koi ishara toh do, main kya karun?" She waited for an answer, looking at the sky... but the star just seemed to twinkle brighter... and moon seemed to smile.

When her hands started to freeze, Naina came back inside. There was no answer... as always.

She didn't know when she slipped into sleep, getting up only when there was a knock at the door.

Vishakha peeked inside, and waved at her to come out.

"Aise karo, aaj Ayush ko ghar pe hi rehne do. Kahin phir se pain hua toh? Ghar pe main dekh lungi." She was genuinely worried.

"Lekin aap... aapko din bhar pareshan karega. Office jaana zaruri hai nahi toh main leave le leti." Naina was surprised at her offer.

"Agar chutti ki requirement hoti toh sochne ki zarurat nahi hai... apna hi toh office hai. But you need not. Maine teen teen bachhon ko bada kiya hai. Don't worry, Ayush ka khyal main rakh lungi. Tum bas aaj usse daycare mein mat chodo." Vishakha's attempt to convince her made Naina gape at her.

"Aur haan, usse uthana nahi. Winters mein itni jaldi utha ke nehla deti ho. Arre, chutti wale din toh bachhe ko bachhe ki tarah rehne do. Ab Sameer ko utha do aur tum log jaake ready ho jao main breakfast banwa deti hun." After directing her with full right, Vishakha walked away.

Preeti's words flooded back to Naina's mind as she stood perplexed... was she actually bi polar?

Sameer felt relieved when he came to know Ayush would be at home. After breakfast, when he went out, Naina was sitting in her car, a frown on her face.

"Kya hua, Naina?" Sameer knocked at her window.

"I don't know. Car start nahi ho rahi." She turned the key in ignition several times, but the car didn't make any sound.

Sameer turned to a waiting driver, "Harish, mechanic ko bulwa ke car theek karwa dena."

He went around and opened the door at driver's side, "You come with me."

Having no other alternative, Naina got into his car. As they left the house, Sameer looked at her. He could feel she was troubled about something, probably Ayush, "Naina, don't worry. Ayush will be fine. Ab toh pain bhi nahi hai. Aur mummy hain na... kuch hua toh woh sambhal lengi."

"I know. Ayush shuru se bohot strong hai. Bohot zyada dard ho toh hi ghabrata hai warna woh jaldi se batata bhi nahi ki usse koi problem hai." She smiled.

Sameer gave her a deep look, "Maine kaha tha na, tum dono bilkul ek jaise ho... tum bhi kahan batati ho. Tum toh apna koi bhi dard share nahi karti... kisi se bhi."

Naina looked at him. He gave her a quick glance before turning his attention to the road... but in that one glance he had seen a hint of worry, along with shards of pain.

"Naina, kal hamari baat adhuri reh gayi thi. Agar tum chaho toh abhi..." He wanted to rid her of the weight she seemed to be carrying.

"Hum wapas ghar aake baat karenge. Jo mujhe kehna hai woh koi kissa nahi hai, meri ab tak ki zindagi hai... aapse milne se pehle tak ki aisi kahani hai jo meri iss zindagi se bilkul alag hai. Yeh raasta bohot chota hai mere liye usse sunane ko." She said in a shaky voice.

After reaching office, they left they walked together towards the main entrance. In the lift, Sameer pulled her close to him when a group of unknown people got in, talking noisily. She did not even look at anyone, but did not shirk away when Sameer held her by elbow, keeping her back pressed against his chest. The group got off at the fourth floor, leaving two of them alone. But he didn't leave her. His proximity soothed her, giving her strength she knew was much needed. His protective hold was an assurance, that he would be there... for her.

The day was like any other office day till lunch time, after which Sameer called her up, "Naina, you remember Mr Mahajan... last time main aur nanu gaye the meeting ke liye lekin aaj nanu nahi hain toh kya tum chalogi? Main akele nahi jaana chahta."

"Ya sure. Kitne baje chalna hai." Work never required a second thought.

They left for the meeting at three. Mr Mahajan's Gurgaon office was a modern, elegant media agency which was filled with handsome men and attractive girls, a few of whom greeted Sameer with bright smiles. His discomfort left Naina amused.

"Hansne ki kya baat hai. Tumhe toh gussa aana chahiye, jaise kal aaya tha, Niharika pe." He frowned, detecting a hint of smirk while they waited outside the office.

A faint blush spread on her cheeks, "Aisa kuch nahi tha. Aur woh baat alag thi."

Before he could ask more, Mr Mahajan's secretary approached them, "Mr Sameer Maheshwari, please come. Mr Mahajan is waiting for you."

"Actually, it's not me alone. Main aur meri partner, Naina... Ms Naina Ma... umm... Agarwal bhi hain. So unless he's ready to meet both of us, I'd prefer to wait." He said in a polite but firm voice.

The secretary flushed, "Of course. He wants to meet both of you, Mr Maheshwari and Ms Agarwal."

A gush of warmth and love surged through Naina's heart. It was such a common omission, not even worth noticing... but he had not just noticed, he got it corrected too. For him, she mattered everywhere.

She wondered if all these happenings since morning were a sign... a sign that her place in his life, and in his family were secure.

Mr Mahajan had met Naina a few times when he came over to their office. He was a flamboyant, middle aged man whose tastes were quite royal, going by the extravagant look of his office. After the meeting, that lasted longer than they had anticipated, he insisted that they had dinner with him.

"Naina madam, aap pehli baar aayi hain office mein, aise kaise sirf coffee pi ke chali jayengi." He insisted when she said it would be difficult to stay for dinner.

Sameer was aware that Mr Mahajan was just trying to be a good host, without any wrong intention, but he didn't want Naina to feel uncomfortable.

"Aaj nahi, Mr Mahajan, hum log next time saath mein dinner karenge. Aaj kuch aur engagement hai." He countered.

"Dekho ji, engagement ho ya shaadi, khaana toh sabme hota hai. Hum punjabiyon mein jab tak badhiya si dawat na ho, koi occasion complete nahi hota." He laughed at his own silly joke.

Naina softened, seeing a glimpse of Bhalla aunty in him... and to Sameer's surprise, asked him if it was okay with him to accept the invitation.

Dinner at a posh restaurant in upscale Gurgaon set them back by another hour.

Just as they sat in the car, Sameer's phone started to ring.

"Haan Rohan... bas start karne lage hain. We'll be home in one hour." He answered the phone, adjusting the ear pods before he secured his seat belt.

"Oh no! Kab hua... abhi kya situation hai... Preeti ne bataya kab tak open hoga." He looked out, checking the buildings around as Naina peered at him nervously.

"Are you sure? Umm... main dekhta hun... I know but Ayush ghar pe... oh okay... fine, I'll let you know." He ended the call but did not start the car.

"Kya hua? Ayush is fine? Nanu theek hain? Ghar pe kuch hua kya? Preeti... Preeti ka kya bol raha tha Rohan?" Naina asked in an urgent voice, her heart thudding with premonition.

Sameer placed a hand on her shoulder, "Ayush bilkul theek hai, aur baaki sab bhi. So is Preeti. Usne bataya ki aaj Prime Minister ke ghar ke bahar ek explosion hua hai aur kuch gunshots sunai diye. Abhi do ghate pehle. Nobody has been hurt lekin Delhi border seal ho gaya hai. Hum agar niklenge toh border pe jam mein phans jayenge jo kab open hoga pata nahi."

Her eyes widened, "Toh hum kya karein?"

Sameer took her hand in his, "Rohan ne suggest kiya hai ki hum yahin ruk jaayein... kisi hotel mein. Lekin Naina, agar tum comfortable nahi ho toh hum nahi rukenge."

"Lekin Ayush... woh kaise rahega? Aur agar pain hua..." Her brows creased in tension.

Sameer patted her hand, "Ayush din bhar maze se khel raha tha. Usse koi pain nahi hua. Kyonki din mein soya bhi nahi isliye thak gaya tha toh mummy ne khana khila ke sula diya."

Relief was evident in her eyes. She had spoken to him before leaving the office in the afternoon. He was absolutely fine, playing football with Ramdhari in the afternoon sun.

"Toh?" Sameer's question brought her back to present situation.

"I think practical yehi hoga ki hum yahin ruk jaaayein." She accepted, lowering her head.

"Thank you, itna trust karne ke liye." He smiled.

Since the news had spread, Sameer couldn't find a good hotel close by. The one that showed rooms available was ten kilometers inside of Gurgaon. But there was no option, so they started for their destination for the night.

Seeing her lost in thoughts, Sameer switched on the music five minutes later, "Tumhe pata hai, Naina, main jab bhi confused hota tha, ya bore hota tha, ya kabhi kabhi bina reason ke, drive pe chala jaata tha... drive and music on FM is a perfect combination. Mujhe aisa lagta hai jaise songs hamare dil ki woh saari baat samajh bhi lete hain aur express bhi kar dete hain jo hum khud nahi keh paate."

She couldn't agree more, "Kabhi kabhi songs mein hi humein woh jawab bhi mil jaate hain jo hum dhoond rahe hain."

The voice of RJ boomed in the car. However, it wasn't the cheerful, peppy tone like always

Aaj aapse kuch personal share karna hai.
Aaj maine kisi ko apne pyar se door jaate hue dekha... sach maniye unka hi nahi, mera dil bhi ro utha
Aisa kyon hua

Kabhi kabhi pyar ek aisi kashmksh ban jaata hai ki samajh nahi aata aage jaayein ya wahin tham jayein

Aap chah ke bhi pyar jataa nahi sakte, usse apna nahi sakte

Majburi ho ya koi darr, dard ho ya koi bandhan... kami aapki nahi, pyar ki bhi nhi... haalaat ki hoti hai

Humein sunne walon mein se agar koi bhi aisi  uljhan mein hai toh...
Main yahi kahungi ki iss bebasi ka dard samajh sakti hun

Jab zindagi ki majbooriyaan dil ko  kar deti hain toh na chahte hue bhi zindagi chalti toh jaati hai
lekin uss dard ka ahsaas pyar ke liye kitni mushkilen laata hai yeh wohi samajh sakta hai jo isme ulajh ke bahar aane ka raasta talash raha hai

Doston, kise chunna hai yeh toh aap hi decide karenge
Lekin aapke liye ek gaana meri taraf se

The words hit Naina so hard that she stared at the system as if it was her own heart that had been put out in open. As the music notes started, she recognised it as the song which often played in her mind.

Kaise batayein kyon tujhko chahen
yaara bataa na payein
Baatein dilon ki dekho jo baaki
aankhen tujhe samjhayein

She raised her eyes to Sameer, and found his gaze on her.

Milke bhi hum na mile
tumse na jaane kyon
Meelon ke hain faasle
tumse na jaane kyon

The pain throbbed in Naina's heart. They were truly tied in a bond for not just one, but many lifetimes... still she was not able to step ahead to end the distance which remained.

Anjaane hain silsile
tumse na jaane kyon
sapne hain palkon tale
tumse na jaane kyon

Sameer thought about how unknowingly he was drawn to her from the very first day. The reason was clear... that they were meant to be. Having her in his life was indeed a dream which he had started to see even before he realised his love.

Tu jaane na
tu jaane na
tu jaane na
tu jaane na

She sighed... it wasn't easy to build a relationship unless they knew everything about each other.

Nihgahon mein dekho meri
jo hai bas gaya
woh hai milta tumse hubahu
jaane teri aankhen thi ya
baatein thi wajah
huye tum jo dil ki arzoo

Nothing could describe their feelings better than this.

Tum paas hoke bhi
tum aas hoke bhi
ehsaas hoke bhi
apne nahi
aise hain humko gile
tumse na jaane kyon
meelon ke hain faasle
tumse na jaane kyon

When the song ended, Sameer stopped at the side of the road. Silence prevailed in the car as the music came to a halt when he turned off the ignition. None of them moved, reeling under the effect of the lyrics which meant much more than plain verses of a song.

"Naina, main bhi bohot dinon se yehi soch raha hun. Hum kabse saath hai lekin na jaane kyon hamare beech ka faasla mitne ka naam hi nahi leta... tumhari aankhon mein pyar dekhta hun lekin na jaane kyon tumhari zubaan khamosh hai... tum peeche nahi hat paa rahi lekin na jaane kyon tum aage bhi nahi aa rahi ho... main jaanta hun tum mujh pe bharosa karti ho phir bhi na jaane kyon yeh yakeen nahi hai tumhe ki main kabhi tumse pyar karna kam nahi karunga." Sameer looked at her with earnest eyes.

Naina pursed her lips. He was right in every observation. And he deserved an answer.

"Main jab yahan aayi thi toh har emotion se khud ko door karke, ek aisi zindagi jeena chahti thi jismein sirf Ayush ko uske hisse ki khushi de sakun, usse woh sab de sakun jo woh deserve karta hai. Job karna mere liye majboori nahi hai. Papa ne itna kuch choda hai ki paison ki mujhe aur Ayush ko kabhi kami nahi hogi. Lekin mujhe Ayush ke liye ek aisi jagah chahiye thi jahan koi usse judge na kare, uske baare mein aisa kuch na bole jisse uske mann mein sawaal uthe. Jaanti hun, kal ko jab woh bada hoga, usse sach batana hoga, lekin tab usme sach ko sunne ki himmat hogi, samajh sakega ki jo hua woh kaise aur kyon hua. Tab tak mujhe usse protect karna hai, aur usse woh pyar dena hai jo uski age ke kisi bhi bachhe ko ek family mein milta hai. Just because he was unwanted doesn't mean he doesn't deserve love... koi kaise ek chote se bachhe ko..." Her voice quivered and words got stuck in her throat.

Sameer was baffled. He was talking about her, about them... and she was telling him about Ayush.

"Don't worry, Naina. Hum Ayush ko woh saara pyar, saari khushiyan denge jo uska haq hai. Ab toh uske paas family bhi hai. Kya tumhe iss baat ki khushi nahi hai?" He decided to first ease her fears before bringing up his question again.

She nodded, looking at her clasped hands in her lap, "Haan, family hai lekin unke liye Ayush mera bhai hai. Agar... agar unhe kal ko pata chala toh... Sameer, main nahi chahti meri wajah se koi aap pe ungli uthaye. Na hi main chahti hun ki koi Ayush pe ilzaam lagaye. Uska paida hona uski toh galti nahi hai na." She paused for a while before speaking again, "Aap sochenge ki main yeh sab kya bol rahi hun. Aapne mujhse kuch aur pucha aur main aapko kuch aur hi suna rahi hun. Kyonki meri life meri nahi hai... main sirf Ayush ke liye yeh zindagi jee rahi thi. There was no other reason."

"Aisa mat kaho, Naina." Sameer's voice was pained, "Tumhe apne liye bhi jeene ka haq hai... aur tumhe mere liye, mere saath, ek umr bitani hai... we will grow old together. Kya tum mere saath nahi chalogi... uss mukaam tak jahan hum peeche mud ke apni ek hansti khelti family dekhenge... children, grandchildren..."

Her eyes shot up at him, a fear lurking in them. Blaring siren of a police vehicle reminded them that they were on a deserted road. They needed to reach the safety of hotel. Sameer started to drive again, following the GPS. At the hotel, he registered themselves as husband and wife.

Once they were in their room, he looked into her eyes, unable to wait more for the answers he was seeking, "Tumne ab tak jawab nahi diya hai, Naina. I'm waiting."

Her eyes didn't falter... nor did her voice, "Mere paas aapke sab sawaalon ke jawab hain, lekin darr lagta hai... Ayush ke liye aur... aapke liye."

"I promise you, tumhara koi sach, koi raaz mera pyar kam nahi kar sakta." He cupped her face.

"Itna bada promise mat kijiye. I don't want to bind you. Mere baare mein jaan ke aap faisla lena." She couldn't bear the softness in his eyes.

"Yeh koi promise nahi mera pyar hai... aur yeh pyar pehle din se hai, Naina. Jab pehli baar tumhari awaaz sunke tumhari taraf mere kadam khud badhe the tab main jaanta tak nahi tha tum kon ho. Mall mein tumhare saath lift mein anjaane mein tumhari taraf khinch raha tha... tab shakl tak nahi dekhi thi tumhari. Office mein bhi pehle din dekhe bina hi tum mere dil dimaag pe aise chaa gayi thi ki aur kuch soch hi nahi paaya tha ghar jaa ke. Aur jab pehli baar tumhari aankhon mein dekha toh aisa laga inn aankhon se janmon se judda hua hun. Jo tumhari aankhon mein dikhta hai utna kaafi hai mere liye. Pyar mein koi conditions nahi hoti, Naina, jinke poore hone pe hi hum decide karein." He replied in a soft voice, reminiscing about the days he mentioned.

"Sameer, maine kabhi nahi chaha tha ki koi mile jo mujhe pyar kare, meri parwah kare, mujhe iss tarah se... itna important bana le apni life mein. Lekin aap... aap kab aur kaise chale aaye mujhe pata bhi nahi chala." She professed.

His heart flipped at her indirect confession, "Toh phir tumne khud pe yeh bandishen kyon laga rakhi hain? Jab hum dono ke dil ek hi chahat mein doobe hain toh roka kyon hai tumne khud ko? Aa jao, Naina... please aa jao."

She turned to look at him. He spread his arms, looking at her with hopeful eyes. She gulped, and walked to him slowly... but stopped just inches away. Her hands came up, to bring his arms down against his sides, "Yeh jagah aap mujhe denge ya nahi yeh abhi nahi... kuch ghante baad batana mujhe." Her voice was flat.

Today's update had the song on which the story is based... I love this song a lot, and the concept of this story was decided with the car scene where the song is played

Next update on Saturday