Title is a song 'Dil maang raha hai mohlat tere saath dhadakne ki' from movie 'Ghost'

It was a sleepless night for Naina. Her cheek burned everytime she thought of what Sameer had done. Not just his fingers, she could even feel his lips on her skin. And what baffled her the most was that she loved the feeling. The way he showed his possessiveness, and called her 'Meri Naina', her whole body was covered in sweat even thinking about it. The way his eyes conveyed what he didn't say, she felt a pain churning deep inside her. The way he held her, firmly yet not with force, she never wanted to get away. His closeness was getting addictive.

It was a sleepless night for Sameer as well. He could not shake off the dancing image of Naina from his mind. Her expressions changed with each line, especially in the first song. The longing was visible on her face when she lip synched the verses about pining for her love. How long would he have to wait to see the same yearning in her eyes for himself... the wait was getting unbearable.

Next day being Saturday, Naina made Ayush sleep longer in the afternoon so he could enjoy the wedding without feeling too tired. In her room, she brought out the few formal traditional outfits she had. These were all bought by her mom on Diwali each year. Since they never attended any function of relatives, and for her dad's office circle, she and Ayush rarely accompanied their parents, she had just a small collection. Her phone started to ring before she could make a choice.

Vedika's lively voice boomed, "Sunn Naina, jaldi bata kya pehen rahi hai."

"Umm, soch rahi hun black wala suit pehnu ya blue and yellow. What do you suggest?" She eyed the display on the bed.

"Dono rejected. Lehenga pehenna hai. Yeh bata konse colour ka pehenegi." Vedika huffed.

Naina frowned, "Lehenga? I don't have one."

"Yaar Naina, don't be a disappointment. Shaadi mein suit? Yuckk. Lehenga nahi hai toh jaake leke aa abhi." Vedika commanded, then recalled something, "Wait a minute. Tune ek baar bataya tha ki tujhe ek designer ne lehenga bheja tha... unki shop mein teri dress kharab ho gayi thi isliye. Woh lehenga hai na tere paas?"

The yellow and pink lehenga was stowed away in the bottom shelf of her cupboard since it had come. Naina bent down to check the packet, "Hai toh sahi. Lekin Vedika, maine kabhi bahar lehenga pehna nahi hai. Over lagega shayad."

"Are you out of your mind? Shaadiyon mein kuch bhi over nahi hota. Listen, you have to wear this only. Mujhe company chahiye. Promise me tu lehenga hi pehenegi." Vedika was insistent.

Naina pulled out the bag, and turned it upside down on the bed. The pink lehenga spilled out, along with dupatta and yellow blouse.

"Vedika I'm not sure. Yeh bohot zyada lag raha hai." She placed the dupatta on her shoulder and glanced in the mirror.

"Picture bhej. I'll tell you." Vedika wasn't ready to give in to her excuses today.

After Naina sent her the picture, she assured her it was the perfect outfit for the evening, neither too heavy nor too simple. She also asked Naina to come early as Dhruv had asked for some help with a special surprise that he was planning for his sister.

Ayush was dressed in a bright silk shirt and black jeans when Sameer reached their house in the evening. Since the door was open, he didn't ring the bell and walked in. He was about to call out to Ayush who was sitting with his back to him when Naina rushed out of the kitchen, holding a glass... and he lost his voice.

"Ayush, jaldi se milk shake pi le. Sameer aane wale hain. Humein late ho jayega." She thrust the glass in Ayush's hand and turned, to come face to face with Sameer.

His unabashed gaze moved slowly from her face till the floor, and came up with the same deliberation. When he had seen the lehenga, his imagination did not do justice to how it actually moulded on her perfect frame. She was dressed to give him a heart attack for sure, going by the way his breath had become erratic. Long, flowing pink fabric made her look like a mermaid. The flimsy dupatta could not hide the delectable curve of her waist. She was the perfect muse for a painter, absolutely stunning in the bright outfit and a hint of makeup. Long earrings dangled in her ears, brushing against her neck which had a simple gold chain resting on her pronounced collar bones. Long slender arms in cut sleeved yellow blouse ended in handful of bangles on her wrist... but he could see two hearts partially visible under the bangles. That is when it occurred to him... ever since Diwali, Naina had been wearing long sleeved outfits whenever he had seen her, hence the bracelet wasn't visible. She had not taken it off. The realisation made his eyes sparkle, and he looked at her face. Naina noticed his gaze on her wrist, and covered it with other hand. The glint in Sameer's eyes was enough to tell her that he had noticed the bracelet.

"Main paani laati hun." She fled to the kitchen, her entrancing outfit reminding him of the matching kurta that had come with this lehenga. Maybe one day they would wear them together.

Ayush turned, hearing her voice, and beamed at Sameer, "Hello Sameer. Dekho main milk shake finish karke ready ho gaya."

Sameer smiled, and took the empty glass from him, "Good boy. Bas hum abhi chalte hain."

He walked to the kitchen. After filling the glass of water, Naina took a deep breath, and turned. Sameer had almost reached the sink when she took a step ahead, without looking up. And her hand crashed into him, half of the water spilling on his shirt.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." Naina panicked, flicking his shirt with her other hand.

Sameer did not give even one look to the shirt that was totally drenched. The sound of her bangles as they jingled while she rubbed his chest, her touch, her closeness... the shirt was forgotten.

"Yeh toh poora gila ho gaya. Aapko change karna padega." She frowned at the wet patch that covered him from collar to abdomen.

Sameer gave her an amused look, "Change kaise karun? Yahan doosra shirt thodi hai."

Naina recalled his clothes in the guest room, "Wahan hain kuch kapde. Aap change kar sakte hain."

"Woh office ke shirts hain, Naina. Shaadi mein thodi pehen sakta hun. Aur agar ghar gaya toh late ho jayega. Tumne hi kaha tha na jaldi jaana hai humein." His mind was working in another direction now.

"Lekin aap aise thodi jaa sakte hain. Achaa yeh shirt de dijiye main press se sukha deti hun." She suggested the only possibility that came to her mind.

Sameer raised his hands to his top button. He had already opened it when Naina held his wrist, her eyes wide, "Yeh kya kar rahein hain aap?"

"Tumne hi toh kaha shirt dene ko. Utaar raha hun." He stated simply.

Naina felt like slapping her forehead. She had suggested without thinking.

"Haww, aapne apna shirt kaise dirty kiya?" Hearing their voices, Ayush came to the kitchen, and gave a shocked look to Sameer's shirt.

Before they could explain, he grumbled, "Ab hum shaadi mein nahi jayenge kya?"

Sameer crouched near him, "Zarur jayenge. Bas mujhe kuch aur dhoondna padega pehenne ke liye."

He pretended to think, then peered at Naina, "Yaad hai tumhare iss lehenga ke saath ek kurta bhi aaya tha shop se? I think main woh pehen leta hun. What say?"

Ayush clapped his hands, "Arre haan. Woh toh big wala hi tha."

They both waited for her answer. Naina stared at Sameer. She remembered clearly what the note said about the kurta.

"Naina, lao na kurta. Nahi toh shaadi finish ho jayegi." Ayush shook her.

A complacent smile spread on Sameer's face as Naina hurried out of the kitchen. This house was a blessing for him. Whatever he wished for, it was granted. Few minutes back, he was hoping for such a day... not knowing that the day was today itself.

He asked Ayush to wait while he followed Naina to her room, entering after a knock. She held the yellow kurta in her hand.

"Thank you. Jiske liye tha, ussi ke paas aa gaya." He winked, taking it from her.

Naina didn't know what to say. She stood rooted while Sameer walked to the guest room. Within minutes, she heard his scream.

"Nainaaaa."

Alarmed, she ran to the guest room.

"Kya hua?" Stopping at the door, she asked.

"I'm stuck. You need to help me. Andar aao" His agitated voice seemed to be muffled.

Naina pushed open the door. Standing in the center of the room, Sameer had the kurta over his head, and around his face. His arms were awkwardly half inside the sleeves. The closed buttons made it impossible for him to pull it down, and the position of his flayed arms didn't allow him to take it off.

"Offo, yeh kya kar liya aapne. Ayush ki tarah phansa liya." She rushed to him, her only concern being his discomfort.

As she tried to push the kurta over his head, Sameer cried out, "Button chubh rahe hain mujhe."

"Ek minute. Be still. Hiliye mat." She ordered, raising her heels to reach the closed button panel that was over his face. One button after the other, she opened carefully, till the kurta loosened and gathered around his neck.

Only then did she comprehend their proximity. Their faces were barely a few inches apart. His eyes were so close that she could see the darker outline of his iris. His breath fell on her, making her skin tingle with its heat. She was suddenly aware that his bare chest could touch her even if she let out a breath, which she was holding for different reason till now. Pressing her lip under her teeth, she lowered herself on her feet, and turned to go.

"Ruko Naina." His voice was soft, but was compelling enough to make her halt in her step.

Sameer quickly pulled the kurta down and reached her.

"Why you care for me? Kyon itni fiqr hai tumhe meri?" He held her arm gently, making her turn around.

She gulped, looking at him without blinking.

"Bolo Naina, kyon itna ghabra jaati ho mujhe takleef mein dekh ke? Itni parwaah kyon karti ho?" He looked into her eyes.

"Mujhe... mujhe aadat hai chinta karne ki." She stuttered.

"Lekin itni chinta tumhe pehle sirf Ayush ki hoti thi. Ab meri har baat se itna farq kyon padta hai tumhe? Kyon mere har dard ka ahsaas ho jaata hai?" The questions were more like a statement.

She remained silent.

A smile curled the corners of his lips, "Tum mujhpe trust karti ho, meri chinta karti ho, mere dard ko mehsoos kar sakti ho, mere liye pareshan hoti ho, meri problem ko solve karti ho... mere liye itna kaafi hai, Naina. Kyonki hum dono ke hisse ka pyar main karta hun. Tum jab permission dogi main ghar pe bata dunga. Abhi ke liye bas itna kehna hai..." His fingers slipped down her arm, reaching to hold her hand, "...ki mujhe bohot achha lagta hai jab tum mere liye concerned hoti ho."

He didn't miss the way she trembled when his fingers grazed her arm, nor did he miss the quivering of her lips when he mentioned he loved her. The question came to the tip of his tongue... did she love him? But he reminded himself about his resolve, and controlled. What he couldn't control was the strong desire to show his own love. Lifting her hand to his chest, he place it on his heart.

"Feel karo. Mere dil ki yeh haalat sirf tumhari wajah se hai. Tum iss lehenge mein itni sundar lag rahi ho... main soch soch ke pagal ho raha hun ki jab tum dulhan banke apne ghar aaogi toh kaisi lagogi." He drew her closer.

Naina, who could feel the rapid thudding of his heart under her fingers, melted at the way he had unconditionally included her in his life. The magic of his eyes made her forget every scepticism, every incredulity. When her legs threatened to give away, her other hand went up on his own, to hold onto his shoulder.

"Main... aapko..." The words started to come out hesitantly... he had to know a few things about her first.

"Tumko... aapko nahi." He urged.

"Main... tumko..." She hesitated, but gathered courage again, "... mere baare mein... "

"Nainaaaa, tumhara phone ring ho raha hai." Ayush barged into the room, holding her phone.

It was like Naina woke up from a dream. She stepped away with a jerk, her eyes widening at the realisation of what she was about to do.

"Naina, lo na. Kitni der se phone aa raha hai." Ayush shoved the phone in her hand.

She quickly pressed the green circle.

"Kitni der mein pohoch rahi hai, Naina? Maine kuch pictures bheji hain. Dekh ke bataa kaisa pattern hai, tujhe bhi achha lagega toh hum start kar denge." Vedika uttered everything in one breath.

"Haan, bas nikal rahi hun." Naina walked out of the room, to get a hold on her senses.

Sameer ran his fingers through his hair. She was about to say something... something which he felt was pivotal for their relationship. She was probably opening up... but the moment had passed. He didn't regret it though. They were presently in a hurry. He wanted to talk about her... about them... when they had all the time to themselves.

"Chalo Ayush, let's go." Closing the buttons, he weaved his fingers again in his hair to adjust them, and left the room.

Throughout their drive, Ayush was talking animatedly, including both of them in his conversation. By the time they reached the venue, Naina had gathered herself and was determined to keep her thoughts only on the impending event.

It was still daylight when they entered the decorated garden. Beautiful floral arrangement everywhere, along with a bunch of red and pink roses on each round table was spectacular. The tables were covered with rich velvet cloth in deep red, with chairs in white and pale gold arranged around them. Long vases attached to metallic stands were placed strategically, filled with flowers, and a few floral strings hanging from them. The scenario was mesmerising.

Dhruv was the first one to welcome them. He complimented Naina on her outfit, making Sameer realise that not only him, they were also seeing her like this for the first time. The thought didn't go down well with him. He decided to remain close to her.

Vedika and Farhan were working on a large board, along with few cousins of Dhruv. There were printed pictures of Himani and her soon to be husband, taken at different times over the years. Dhruv had decided to put up a collage depicting their togetherness till now. It was supposed to be a surprise for them. Making small hearts with rose petals in between the pics, they were matching it with the theme.

"Dekh Naina, kitne cute hain dono. Har ek pic mein ek story hai. Mujhe toh Dhruv ka yeh idea bada achha laga. Soch rahi hun Abhi ko bolun humein bhi aur pictures click karni chahiye jab bhi woh yahan aaye. Apni shaadi pe aisa hi kuch karna hai mujhe." Vedika gushed at a snapshot of the couple having ice cream, from each other's cones.

She glanced back at Sameer, then at Naina, and nudged her, "Aaj tujhe aur Sameer ko dekh ke bhi badi couple wali vibes aa rahi hain. Kya colour coordination hai yaar. Lag raha hai ek saath shopping ki hai."

"Vedika tum..." Naina went pale, as if she had been caught red handed.

"Okay okay, kuch nahi bolungi. But you look sizzling today. Agar Sameer ki jagah koi aur hota tere saath car mein, pighal gaya hota. Pata nahi yeh Sameer ko kaun pasand ayegi. I'm really curious ki unki choice kaisi hogi." Vedika rolled her eyes, making Naina go red.

Sameer decided to be a little away, with Ayush, but his eyes were on Naina, rather on people around her. He didn't miss the appreciative glances from Dhruv's cousins.

"Chain ki jagah gale mein mangalsutra pehen ke aana chahiye tha Naina ko." He muttered, fuming at the way two guys were looking at her.

"Vedika, petals khatam ho gaye. Aur kahan hain?" Naina asked, waving the empty basket.

"Wahan peeche rakhe hain. Leke ayegi kya? Mere haath pe sab jagah cellotape hai." Vedika pointed at the area behind the drape, lifting her hands to show pieces of tape stuck all over, which Farhan was using to stick the pictures.

Naina got up and went behind the flying drapes. Telling Ayush to remain seated at his place, Sameer went after her. She had just picked the basket of flowers when the lights were switched on from some central point, and a huge pedestal fan whirled in her direction. Her open hair flew back with the strong gush of air. She raised a hand to her face, turning it to the side, and the basket came in the direction of air too, showering her with petals. Sameer stood transfixed in the small enclosure of yellow drapes, watching his girl being engulfed in a floral deluge. Unaware of his presence, Naina faced the fan, closing her eyes to enjoy the delicate flowers falling over her. She giggled as the wisps of hair tickled her, inhaling deeply to fill herself with the fragrance. Unlike girls of her age, she never had dreams of any romantic gestures by someone... but now, Sameer's image showering the same petals on her flashed in her mind. Jerking her head, she opened her eyes... only to see the dream turning into reality. He stood in front of the fan, his raised hand filled with petals which now landed on her, along with the ones from her basket. She blinked hard. But the image didn't vanish. When the basket and his hand were empty, he turned the direction of the fan, and walked to the table. Picking up another basket, he handed to her and took away the empty one.

"Yeh bhi ek sign tha, Naina. Ab tumhari life mein aise hi phoolon ki baarish hogi. Aur tum aise hi smile karke unhe aane dogi." He whispered, picking a petal from the border of her dupatta on the neck and sliding it across her collarbone, making her draw in a sharp breath.

She turned and rushed out of the enclosed area. Sameer smiled, "Tum darwaze khol rahi ho... dikh raha hai."

Dhruv's mom thanked them when she came to know about their contribution.

"Aaj tum sab bohot pyare lag rahe ho... Naina aur Vedika toh itni achhi lag rahi hain ki kitne logon ne pucha yeh ladkiyan kaun hain. Maine kaha bhai Vedika ki toh sagai ho rakhi hai, Naina ka pata nahi. Beta, tumhari sagai ho gayi kya?" She asked.

Vedika replied on Naina's behalf, "Nahi aunty, Naina hi hai jo abhi tak unattached hai... Dhruv ke alava."

Aunty smiled, "Main toh Dhruv ko bhi kehti rehti hun ki woh Himani ki tarah khud hi pasand kar le. Lekin yeh kehta hai isse abhi shaadi karni hi nahi."

One of his cousins joined them, "Chachi, Dhruv ko chodo, aap na meri baat kara do... main ready hun."

Sameer noticed how he eyed Naina when he said that. The conversation was already not to his liking, and now the unwanted attention.

He also joined them, standing right next to Naina, "Aunty, aap Dhruv ke liye pareshan mat hoiye. Abhi yahan na bhi ho toh jo uski kismat mein hai woh mil hi jayegi." He looked at the cousin, "Aur tumko bhi. Pehle padhai toh poori kar lo. College mein shaadi karne ki kya jaldi hai."

He stood straight, "College mein nahi hun. Job karta hun. Do saal se."

Sameer appeared surprised. He looked at Naina and exclaimed, "Kitna chota lagta hai na dekhne mein, Naina. Main toh sochta tha tum hi choti dikhti ho apni age se lekin yeh tumse bhi chota lagta hai... waise hai bhi. Do saal ka experience hai. Tumhe toh zyada ho gaya na, Naina?"

She wanted to say that her experience was also about two years only, but Sameer wasn't waiting for an answer. He gave a fake smile to the boy, "Shaadi ke liye time hai tumhe. Dhruv ki tarah thode settle ho jao phir sochna."

Taking it to be a normal teasing, others laughed while Sameer glared at the boy. Whether he got the message or not, but he didn't come near Naina again during the evening.

The collage was praised by all the guests when it was placed near the area where ornate chairs were placed for the bride and groom. Himani shrieked when she saw it, and hugged her brother with damp eyes. She hugged her groom next, earning loud whistles from cousins and friends. Not bothered by any of it, he too wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. Naina felt a heavy lump in her throat... Sameer loved her as much, and she loved him too... but were they destined to reach this stage? The marriage, or whatever happened between them, did it have any meaning till others were also a part of it, particularly his family? Like all the people here, would she see the same joy and contentment on their faces if Sameer introduced her as his wife?

The rituals were performed one after the other. Ayush was intrigued by everything, watching with interest that was unlikely in kids of his age.

Sameer nudged him, "Ayush, itne dhyan se kya dekh rahe ho? Tumhe bhi shaadi karni hai kya?"

"Mujhe thodi, pehle Naina karegi na. Dhruv ne bola apni behen ki shaadi mein bohot saara kaam karna padta hai isliye main dekh raha hun kya kya karna padega mujhe." Ayush replied in seriousness with his eyes fixed on the ceremonies being performed.

"Umm, tum Naina ki shaadi ki tension mat lo. Uske liye main hun na." Sameer leaned closer to Ayush, speaking in a low voice.

Ayush pointed at the pheras being conducted, "Haan, aap bhi seekh lo. Aap bhi toh mujhe help karoge na Naina ki shaadi mein."

Sameer chuckled, "Of course. Mere bina Naina ki shaadi kaise ho sakti hai."

At the end of the pheras, when all were handed flowers to shower on the newly wedded couple, Naina felt the petals fall repeatedly on her. When she raised her eyes to him, Sameer winked. She quickly looked around, hoping none of her friends had noticed. They hadn't, thankfully.

At the time of vidaai, Ayush was again perplexed to see the bride crying.

"Naina, inko kya hua?" He asked, concerned for her.

"Jab shaadi hoti hai toh new house mein jaana padta hai. Himani apne iss house ko miss karegi na isliye ro rahi hai." Naina explained.

His little mind kept on processing the information till they started back in the car.

"Naina, new house toh achha hota hai, toh woh dulhan ro kyon rahi thi? Hamara new house bhi kitna nice hai." He asked.

Actual answer was something that Naina didn't want to give him. She smiled at him, looking back, "Usne shayad abhi dekha nahi hoga. Dekhegi toh khush ho jayegi."

Ayush waved his head in satisfaction, till another question popped up, "Jab tumhari shaadi hogi tum bhi new house jaogi? Tum pehle hi dekh lena."

She stole a quick look at Sameer, and blushed to find his eyes on her, "Main kahin nahi jaa rahi. Hum dono issi ghar mein rahenge."

Sameer chipped in before Ayush came up with something else, "Naina ko apna naya ghar achha lagega... tumko bhi bohot pasand ayega."

"Aapne dekha hai?" Ayush asked with a new enthusiasm.

Naina didn't let Sameer answer, "Ayush, bohot der ho gayi hai. Ab tu so jaa. Baaki baatein kam karenge."

The excitement and activity whole evening had exhausted him. Within no time Ayush was asleep.

Sameer had just taken a turn when a police barricade forced him to stop the car. Two policemen approached him.

"Haanji sir ji, kahan se aa rahe hain?" One of them peered inside, his eyes scanning everything.

Sameer gave a stiff look, "Wedding attend karke laut rahe hain. Koi problem?"

"Oho shaadi... daru waru lagayi hai kya? Zara check karao." The policeman took out a breath analyzer.

"Main drink nahi karta." Sameer said sternly, but breathed hard into the machine.

He observed the reading, than passed the machine to the other fellow, and stared at Naina, "Madam, aap kaun?"

"Meri wife hain. Aapko jo puchna hai mujhse puchiye. Problem kya hai? Aapko dikki check karni hai kijiye, papers dekhne hain woh bhi dikha dunga, aur kuch enquiry karni hai toh mera address lijiye aur ghar pe aa jaiye." Infuriated by his gaze and tone, Sameer got out of the car, standing to his full height in front of the policeman.

"Garam kyon ho rahe ho, sir, hum toh duty kar rahe hain." Other person came ahead, sensing trouble.

"Meri wife se baat karna aapki duty nahi hai." Sameer fumed.

"Dekhiye sir, humara aapko pareshan karne ka koi irada nahi tha. Yeh area thoda sahi nahi hai isliye check karna padta hai. Log drink karke gaadi chalate hain aur nashe mein mahaul kharab karte hain. Humein toh sabhi se puchtach karni padti hai. Aap naraaz mat hoiye. Aapke saath toh bachha bhi hai toh koi shaq ki baat nahi hai. Aap jaa sakte ho." The first policeman mellowed down.

Sameer was quite irritated by their mannerism and he was ready to give a piece of his mind when Naina's voice reached him, "Sameer, koi problem hai kya?"

Giving a furious look to the men, he got into the car, and drove away when they cleared the road.

"Aap itna gussa kyon ho gaye?" Naina asked after a while, seeing his mouth set in a grim line.

"How could he? Woh tumse aise kaise baat kar sakta hai?" Sameer blurted in an angry voice.

Naina was surprised, "Lekin usne aisa kya kaha? Bas pucha hi toh tha."

When he looked at her, his eyes were still fiery, "Tumhe kaise dekh raha tha... woh nahi pata chala tumhe?"

A painful look passed over her face before she hid behind a hard mask, "Yeh sab notice karne ki aadat nahi hai mujhe. Main kisi ki aankhen nahi badal sakti, lekin apni band kar sakti hun. I don't care koi kaise dekhta hai."

"You should, jisse pata chale ki tumhare aas paas kaise log hain. Kisi ki nazren galat hain toh unse bachne ke liye unhe pehchanna zaruri hai." Sameer countered in a strong voice.

Naina looked away, "Sabki nazren galat hoti hain. Koi kisi ko nahi pehchaan sakta." Before he could say that her words had hurt him, she continued, making it clear that she thought differently about him, "Aapke jaise log iss duniya mein nahi hote. Aap sabse alag hain. Aapki aankhon mein aapka saaf dil dikhta hai, lekin baaki sab... har nazar mein dhoka hai, har nazar mein fareb hai. Mujhe nahi dekhna kisi ki taraf."

Her voice turned heavier, and he knew her eyes were pooled up. Sameer stopped the car.

"Naina, idhar dekho." He insisted in a soft voice.

Slowly, she turned to look at him. Her damp eyes confirmed the pain he had heard in her voice.

"Tumhe koi aise dekhta hai toh mujhe achha nahi lagta. Main sabko bata dena chahta hun ki main tumhare saath hun." He held her hand within his palms.

The same promise was again visible in his eyes. He was making her weak every moment.

"Chalein. Der ho rahi hai." Slowly pulling her hand out of his grip, she straightened, looking ahead.

When they reached home, Sameer picked up Ayush like previous night and followed Naina. After putting him to bed, he came to the living room.

"Good night." Recalling the events of previous night, Naina didn't want to give him a chance to make her forget her decision. She had made a mistake in the evening, when she was about to tell him... she shouldn't get so vulnerable again.

But Sameer had different ideas.

"Itne din ho gaye, tumne abhi tak nahi seekha apne husband ko good night kaise kehni hai." He dipped his head to the side, giving her a lopsided smile.

A shiver ran down her spine. Husband was too much of a word for her. Reeling under its effect, she failed to notice when Sameer stepped closer to her. Only when his fingers reached his lips did her eyes register their proximity. He was close, but did not touch her.

"Tum phone wali good night ka jawab toh deti nahi... kam se kam saamne toh bol do." His eyes twinkled, as his hand remained in air.

Naina's gaze was fixed on his fingertips, recalling how they had touched her cheek previous night. Her eyes widened when the fingers neared her lips. She stopped breathing, and her eyes got shut. A few seconds later, they flew open, feeling his touch on her chin.

"Main intezar karunga... tumhare jawab ka... Maina." He said in a husky whisper.

"Ma... Maina?" She repeated.

"Yeh naam maine bohot pehle diya tha tumhe lekin batane ki himmat nahi thi. Ab bata sakta hun. Meri Naina... Maina. Iss naam se sirf main bulaunga tumhe... akele mein."

Next update on Monday