Title is the song 'Kuch toh hai' from movie 'Do Lafzon ki Kahani'

Nanu was sleeping peacefully in his bed. Sameer entered the room, slowing his distressed footsteps. Naina waited at the door, clutching the wooden panel. She didn't know what the doctor said, but whatever it was, had to be vital for which Mr Maheshwari needed to be taken to hospital.

"Nanu." Sameer pressed the shoulder of sleeping old man gently.

He didn't stir.

"Nanu, uthiye please. Aapko... aapne khana nahi khaya ab tak." Sameer shook him, refraining himself from creating panic by mentioning the report.

There was no movement.

Fear gripped him, and he shook harder, speking in a louder voice, "Nanu, nanu uthiye na. Please nanu, kya hua aapko? Aap uth kyon nahi rahe?"

After making the urgent call, Naina immediately joined Sameer, kneeling next to the bed. She patted his cheek, rubbed his hands... but nanu didn't move.

"Aap hatiye." She pushed Sameer away, perching on the edge of the bed, and pulled the blanket down from his chest, placing her head near his heart.

The heartbeat hummed in her ear.

She straightened and looked back, "Maine ambulance bula li hai. Aap sab ko bata dijiye. We'll take him to hospital."

Without waiting for his reaction, she rolled the blanket and placed it under nanu's feet. When it didn't give much elevation, she grabbed two pillows from other side of the bed, lifted his legs and placed them under his ankles at lightening speed. When she looked back, Sameer was standing with a frozen expression.

"Jaiye Sameer." She screamed, making him scramble out.

Picking the jug of water from side table, she wet the corner of her pallu and started dabbing nanu's face, "Sir... sir please open your eyes." She placed the wet cloth on his forehead and eyes, "sir... nanu... nanu uthiye na... aapne kaha tha main aapko... dekhiye, aapki beti bula rahi hai nanu, mujhse baatein kijiye." She didn't stop talking, nor dabbing his face.

"Uhh k... kaun... Sameer?" Finally, a feeble voice fell in her ear.

"Nanu, Sameer aa rahe hain... abhi bulati hun." She breathed in relief, as the blaring siren of ambulance from distance fell in her ear.

Nanu had mild awareness when he was put in the ambulance and taken to hospital. She followed in the car, along with Sameer while Rohan brought Vivek and Vishakha in his car.

Doctor was with them almost immediately.

"Don't worry, he's okay. Hosh mein hain this is a good sign. Chota sa procedure hai, blood pressure normal hote hi hum surgery kar denge. Darne ki baat nahi hai." He assured the frantic family members.

"Lekin doctor, hua kya hai? Papa subah toh bilkul theek the." Vishakha queried, extremely worried.

"Theek nahi the... bas humein pata nahi tha. Abhi reports aayi hain toh sab kuch clear hua. Unki do arteries blocked hain. Stent daalna padega. Achha hua jo pehle hi pata chal gaya, nahi toh mostly cases mein patient ko attack aata hai ya woh collapse ho jaate hain tab test hota hain. Sameer ne last time insist kiya toh humne yeh test bhi kar liye... aur situation clear ho gayi." Doctor informed.

Vivek was anxious, "Are you sure koi khatra nahi hai? I mean, agar koi better treatment chahiye, ya kisi specialist ko bulana hai toh main..."

The elderly doctor smiled, "Tumhare papa ke liye sabse bada specialist unka parivar hai. Daro nahi. Kuch nahi hoga. Stent lagte hi woh bilkul theek ho jayenge. Bas thodi si precautions... woh bhi thode din ke liye. Abhi woh senses mein hain, baatein kar rahe hain, sabko pehchaan rahe hain all this is a positive sign. Since he's calm, BP bhi jaldi hi stabilise ho jayega. Aapne achha kiya jo unke pair elevate karke unhe hosh mein le aaye."

"Doctor, nanu... nanu ko kuch hoga toh nahi?" Sameer spoke up finally, his face taut with tension.

Doctor smiled genially, patting his shoulder, "Tumhare nanu ko kuch nahi hoga, Sameer. Apni age ke hisaab se woh healthy hain. Yeh ek chota sa procedure hai, koi normal surgery nahi. Ek ghante mein ho jayega aur kal tum apne nanu ko ghar le jaana."

Naina slipped her hand in his, covering their joined hands with her other palm, and reassured him, "He will be fine. Don't worry."

And somewhere in his heart, Sameer was sure that nanu would recover soon.

They all met him in the private ward. He talked to Vishakha and Vivek, convincing that he was in no pain or discomfort.

"Arre bhai, itni kya fiqr kar rahe ho tum log. Main toh aise hi picnic karne aaya hun. Kal wapas chal padenge." He comforted Vishakha, seeing her teary face.

"Kya papa, aapko aise waqt mein bhi mazak sujh raha hai." She grieved.

Nanu patted her arm, "Waqt saare achhe hote hain, beta. Bas hamara nazariya badal jaata hai. Tum bhi achhai dekhne ki koshish karo. Samay rehte test ho gaya, main hospital aa gaya aur ab stent lag jayega toh yeh dil phir se pehle ki tarah normal ho jayega. Sab kuch toh sahi hai iss waqt mein. Iss baat ki khushi manao, na ki isme rone ka kaaran dhoondo."

As they all were leaving the room, nanu called out to Sameer. When he halted, nanu asked him to bring Naina along.

As they both stood next to his bed, he gestured Naina to come closer. She lowered herself thinking he wanted to say something. Nanu blessed her, stroking her head, "Beta, mujhe achha laga tumne itni jaldi meri baat maan li. Tumhare muh se nanu sunte hi behoshi bhaag gayi. Ek do baar aur sun lunga toh ekdum fit ho jaunga."

"Aap bas jaldi se theek ho jaiye, nanu. Main abse nanu hi bulaungi, phir toh aap kabhi bimar nahi padenge na?" Naina managed to say, her voice heavy with emotions.

Showing her a thumbs up sign, he looked at Sameer, "Ab tera number baad mein, mere liye sabse pehle meri beti hai... jab tak main parnana nahi ban jaata."

When his meaning dawned on them, Sameer pursed his lips, trying unsuccessfully to hide his blush, while Naina turned and left the room.

"Kya nanu aap bhi. Mere saamne kuch bhi bolte the ab kya Naina ke saamne bhi? Dekha kaise bhaag gayi." Sameer pouted.

"Arre sharma ke gayi hai, yaar. Khair, main bas mazaak kar raha tha, koi order nahi de raha. Naina ne bohot dard dekha hai, ab usse khush rakhna. Jaa, jaake dekh kahan gayi." Nanu pacified him in his usual style.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Sameer went out. Vishakha and Vivek were seated on the metal chairs.

"Mummy, Naina kahan hai?" He asked when he didn't see her anywhere.

"Mujhe kya pata, Sameer. Gayi hai uss taraf. Bata ke thodi gayi jo mujhe pata hoga." Vishakha pointed towards the passage.

Sameer dashed down the corridor, not paying much heed to his mom's haughty tone.

Vivek narrowed his eyes at his wife, "Yeh tum kaise bol rahi thi? Naina bahu hai hamari."

Vishakha glared at him, "Pata hai mujhe. Issi baat ka dukh hai. Dekh rahi hun bina kundali milaye shaadi karne se kya hota hai. Ghar mein aate hi hospital le aayi papa ko."

Vivek scowled, "Bas karo, Vishakha. Kis tarah ke baatein kar rahi ho? Itni narrow thinking toh papa ki bhi nahi hai. Aur tum... tum toh bohot modern kehti ho khud ko. Phir yeh sab baatein kisi TV show ki buri saas ke dialogue se seekhi hain kya?"

"Aap rehne dijiye. Papa ki tarah sochne lagi toh saari duniya ko gale laga lena chahiye. Naina ke baare mein bina pata kiye, bina kuch jaane, bina kundali dekhe bas shaadi kar li hamare bete ne. Yeh bhi nahi socha ki kahin uske sitaare hi uske parents ki death ka kaaran na ho. Aap maano ya na maano, kuch log hote hi manhus hain. Jahan jaate hain buri khabar milti hai. Mujhe toh lagta hai Naina bhi unmein se hi hai." Vishakha said bitterly.

Vivek was furious, "Tumhara dimaag kharab ho gaya hai jo aisi ulti seedhi baatein kar rahi ho. Mat bhoolo Vishakha, mera bhi koi nahi tha jab hamari shaadi hui. Agar papa bhi tumhari tarah mujhe manhus maan ke shaadi se inkaar kar dete toh?"

"Aap khud ko Naina se compare kar rahe hain? Arre aap toh successfully apna business chala rahe the." Vishakha was appalled at the comparison.

"Naina bhi well settled hai. Aur usse dekh ke lagta hai woh achhi family se hai. Faaltu ki baatein kar ke aisa kuch mat kar dena ki tumhara beta hi tumse door ho jaaye." Vivek was irritated at his wife's perception.

Vishakha threw her hands in air, "Lo, ab yeh bhi meri galti hai. Maine toh Sameer ki baat chup chap maan li hai. Usse kuch thodi kaha."

"Toh ab apne dimaag se bhi yeh nonsense nikaal do. Papa ki tabiyat pehle se kharab thi. Arteries achanak block nahi hoti hain. Mahino se thoda thoda asar ho raha hoga. Aaj hi Naina ke aana aur aaj hi papa ko hospital laana sirf coincidence hai." Vivek tried to put this unnecessary discussion to an end before his sons, or Naina came back.

What he didn't know was... that Naina had been standing just around the bend in the corridor. After what nanu had said, she wanted a moment alone. Controlling her rapid heartbeat, she had a glass of water from nearby dispenser and was coming back when she heard her name from Vishakha's mouth. Her tone made Naina halt in her tracks. Now, after overhearing the conversation, she was aghast. She didn't know that after everything she had heard about herself from various people in the past, a new name was still awaiting her... manhus. Was she really a carrier of misfortune for those around her? Swallowing the pain of this new tag, she turned and walked back to water cooler, to splash her face with cold water.

As the water hit her, a strange feeling started forming in the pit of her stomach... like she was swimming for a long time, and her limbs had started to ache. She wanted to stop, to put her feet down on something solid, but water was too deep... her legs just kept struggling to keep her afloat. And suddenly, by an unexpected stroke of luck, she felt her feet touch the firm ground, tempting her to stop, and rest. Just when she was about to end the struggle, planting herself on the much needed comfort, a strong gush of water swept away the base... she was left with same nothingness, that engulfed her, making her frantically gasp for air to breathe when she felt herself go down, thick blanket of water, which was supposed to be the elixir of life, becoming biggest threat to hers. It was much better when she was aware there would be no place to put her feet... the temptation had costed her whatever little breath was left... and she was drowning.

But she wouldn't take Sameer down with her. She could not let him fall into the same pit as her. She had to leave him. After Mr Maheshwari was discharged, she would tell Sameer that it wouldn't work out for her. She would give whatever reason and leave, with Ayush. Thankfully, she hadn't yet told him anything about herself. It would help her to exit his life without a trace.

While Naina planned a bleak future for herself, the topic that started all this was not over for the elder couple. Had she stayed, Naina would have heard the remaining part too.

"Vivek, aap jo marzi boliye, inn sab cheezon ka kuch meaning toh hota hai. Yahan Naina ki ghar mein entry hui aur papa life mein pehli baar hospital mein admit hue. Mujhe apne papa ki fiqr hai, isliye aap mujhe aisa sochne se nahi rok sakte." Vishakha was adamant about her belief.

"Have some sense, Vishakha. Okay, agar tumhe yehi bhasha mein sunna hai toh suno... Naina ki entry hamari life mein kal hui thi, aur kal mujhe ek bada contract mila jiski main do saal se koshish kar raha tha. I think it's Naina's good luck. Uski news ke baad Rohan aur Preeti ki baat confirm hui. It's another stroke of good news." Vivek narrowed his eyes at her as his voice dropped, "Agar kuch bura hua hai toh Preeti ki baat pakki hone se hua hai. Do you think Preeti... woh bhi toh manhus ho sakti hai."

Vishakha gave him a shocked look, "Aapko pata hai aap kispe ilzaam laga rahe hain? Preeti ko hum bachpan se jaante hain. Jab aati hai ghar ko khushi se bhar deti hai. Woh kis angle se manhus hogi. Papa ki reports toh bohot baad mein aayi hain."

"Exactly. Papa ka test kal subah hua tha. Tab tak na Preeti aur na hi Naina ka rishta juda tha hamare ghar se. Toh tum yeh betuki baat kyon kar rahi ho?" Vivek scoffed, having made his point.

"Offo Vivek. Aap rehne dijiye. Main khud handle karungi yeh sab." Agitated at his reasoning, Vishakha turned her face away.

Vivek took a deep breath, "Tumhe pata hai, Vishakha, jab Ahmedabad mein woh aag lagi thi... ek worker aag lagne se dus minute pehle hi apni wife ko station se lene ke liye chutti leke gaya tha. Jab pata chala ki uss room ke baaki sab log bach nahi sake, toh woh aur uski maa mujhse milne aaye the. Uski maa ne tab mujhe kaha tha... 'sahab, mera beta toh apni biwi ki wajah se bach gaya, lekin aapki kismat aapko le dubegi. Aapki gharwali sahi nahi hai aapke liye. Shaadi ke thode din baad hi aapka ghar, factory, business, naam, paisa... sab khatam kar diya usne. Agar uske saath rahe toh zindagi barbaad ho jayegi. Khud ko bachana hai toh usse alag ho jao'... unhone kaha tumhare saath rehne se meri jaan ko bhi khatra ho sakta hai."

She turned to look at him, her face devoid of all colour.

Seeing the disbelief in her eyes, he continued, "Woh padhi likhi nahi thi, lekin tum educated ho, samajhdar ho. Main nahi chahta aisi baat dubara tumhare zehen mein bhi aaye. Phir kabhi yeh mat kehna ki koi bhi bachha manhus hai. Har kisi ki kismat mein achha aur bura waqt aata hai, jiske liye koi doosra zimmedar nahi hota. Aur yeh health issues... age ke saath sabko medical attention ki zarurat hoti hai... mujhe aur tumhe bhi hogi... tab kya kahogi, ki hamare grandchildren manhus hain? Seriously Vishakha, this is unbelievable."

Understanding his point finally, she gulped, still reeling from the effect of what some random old lady told him in Ahmedabad. Had Vivek listened to her and instead of moving to Delhi, had decided to move away from her? She shivered at the thought... the happy family she was so proud of today was only because Vivek was not gullible.

"I'm sorry, Vivek. Main kuch zyada hi sochne lag gayi thi. Kal se jo ho raha hai, maybe it has given me too much anxiety. You're right. Ismein Naina ka koi fault nahi hai." She apologised.

"Good, tumhe samajh toh aaya. Ab khyal rakhna Naina ko iski bhanak tak na pade ki tumne aisa kuch kaha tha. Be nice to her. Woh bohot samajhdar ladki hai, tumhari body language se guess kar legi agar tum uske liye galat sochogi." Vivek was relieved.

Alarmed at her absence after having searched for Naina on the entire floor, Sameer was running back to where his parents waited when he saw her leaning against the wall in one of the side passage.

"Naina, tum theek ho? Kya hua tumhe?" He was next to her immediately.

Naina straightened. Looking at him, she realised this was neither the time, nor place to bring up her own apprehensions. With a weak smile, she waved her head, "I'm fine. Mujhe kuch nahi hua. Bas nanu... sir ke liye tension ho rahi thi."

Sameer held her hand, "Sir nahi nanu bolo. Tumne suna na unhe kitna achha laga... mujhe bhi bohot achha laga, Naina."

She nodded, pushing away the thoughts abetting her mind to agree to what Vishakha had said. When they joined the other couple, Naina kept her gaze to the floor, unable to look at Vishakha. Rohan was back with the medicines doctor had asked for. They were informed an hour later that since the blood pressure was still a little high, the procedure would be performed only next day, if everything went well. For now, Mr Maheshwari was asleep.

Sameer turned to his dad, "Papa, aap sab ghar jaiye, main yahan rukta hun. Sabka hospital mein rehna theek nahi hai."

Rohan offered, "Bhai, main aapke saath rukta hun."

"Nahi Rohan, tu aur papa subah bohot jaldi uthe the flight lene ke liye. You both need to rest. Mummy, aap bhi jaiye, nahi toh aapka migraine shuru ho jayega. Rohan, tu mummy papa aur Naina ko le ja. Kal subah main call kar dunga jab doctor time denge." Sameer insisted.

"Main bhi yahin rukungi." Naina said firmly.

Sameer shook his head, "Nahi Naina, ghar pe Ayush ko tumhari zarurat hogi. Aaj pehle din hi usse akele..."

She didn't let him complete, "Ayush se main phone pe baat kar lungi. He can take care of himself."

Sameer hesitantly agreed when she told him that Ayush was comfortably settled in the room arranged for him, and was happy with Deepika.

After Rohan and his parents left, he asked her to sit while he fetched two cups of coffee.

"I'm sorry, Naina, tum jo kehna chahti thi woh main... tumhare aate hi itna sab ho gaya... mujhe kuch samajh hi nahi aaya... nanu mere liye bohot special hain, Naina. Unhe zara si bhi takleef hoti hai toh meri jaan nikal jaati hai." Sitting next to her, Sameer stated truthfully.

"Aap kyon sorry keh rahe hain. Sorry toh mujhe kehna chahiye... mere aate hi..." Her voice faltered as she recalled Vishakha's words.

Sameer leaned back in his chair, unaware of her state of mind, "Nanu ko ek week pehle fever aaya tha. Humein laga sirf mausam ka hai. Do teen din mein utar bhi gaya, lekin woh bohot weak feel kar rahe the. Parson jab doctor uncle ghar pe aaye toh unhone kaha test karana better hoga. Maine socha complete check up kara lete hain. Nanu toh maan hi nahi rahe the... kehte hain main koi buddha thodi hun jo yeh sab ki zarurat ho. I'm so relieved ki humein time pe problem pata chal gayi."

"Woh jaldi theek ho jayenge. Sab kuch pehle jaisa ho jayega." Naina assured him.

Sameer looked at her, a relieved smile on his face, "Pehle jaisa nahi, pehle se better... kyonki ab tum mere saath ho."

Blinking hard, she managed to smile a little.

Taking her hand in his, Sameer pressed it within his palm, "Nanu batate hain kaise nani ke aane se unki life mein sab kuch badal gaya tha, kisi problem ke aane se pehle hi uska solution mil jaata tha. Tumhara effect bhi kuch aisa hi hai meri life mein. Nanu ko koi major health issue hota usse pehle hi humein pata chal gaya aur unhe sahi treatment mil rahi hai. You're like an angel in my life, Naina. Ghar pe jaise tumne nanu ko sambhala, bina panic kiye woh sab kiya jo uss waqt karna chahiye tha... mujhe toh ambulance ka khyal tak nahi aaya... it was incredible. Doctor ne kaha yeh bohot achhi baat thi ki unhe hosh mein rakha, unconscious hone se haalat bigad sakti thi. Yeh tumne hi kiya, Naina."

"Maine kuch nahi kiya. Yeh toh aapki kismat hai jiski wajah se si... nanu... bilkul theek hain." She didn't want to give him any hint of the turmoil within.

"Iska matlab tum lucky ho mere liye." He flicked his brows at her, grateful for her presence in his life.

"Pata nahi. Aapko lagta hai koi kisi ke liye lucky... ya unlucky ho sakta hai? Do you believe in this?" Her eyes had a deep look, which he couldn't understand when she looked at him.

Sameer gazed in the direction of nanu's room for a moment, then turned his focus to their joined hands, "Honestly, main yeh sab nahi maanta. Kabhi kabhi mummy kehti hain ki sneeze kiya hai toh ruk jao, ya billi raasta kaat gayi hai toh baithna padega, ya aisa kuch aur... I don't see any sense in it. Ek blli toh road pe hi ghoomegi na... kisi na kisi ke saamne se guzregi hi. What is this stupid belief. Aur sneeze... woh ek physical reaction hai body ka, usko shubh ashubh ki category mein daalna matlab kal ko yawn kiya toh alag meaning hoga, aankh band ki toh alag... haath upar kiya toh shubh hoga, jump kiya toh shayad ghar pe musibat aa jaaye."

A small laugh spurted out of her at the way he made faces while describing every action. His eyes shot up to her.

"Mere liye har woh cheez shubh hai, Naina, jo tumhare face pe smile le aaye." His eyes twinkled even at the subdued sound of her laughter.

She stared at the candour reflecting in his eyes which left no doubt in her mind that he meant every word.

"Lekin meri smile ki wajah se agar aapko apni khushi khoni padi toh?" If he valued her happiness so much, she could not let him suffer because of her.

"Aisa kabhi nahi ho sakta. Jab jab tum muskura ke mujhe dekhogi, meri zindagi mehek jayegi. Agar tum khush hogi, toh mere liye din hoga, agar tumhari aankh mein ek bhi aansu aaya toh mere liye woh pal kaali raat ban jayega. Don't you see how much I love you, Naina? Tumhari har takleef se mujhe kitna farq padta hai, kya tumhe pata nahi chalta? Of course chalta hai, kyonki maine tumko bhi mere liye pareshan hote dekha hai."

"Mujhe... koi farq nahi padta." Her eyes turned cold suddenly, as Vishakha's words came back to her, and she wondered if she was indeed bringing darkness to his life.

"Tumhe farq padta hai... bohot farq padta hai. Isiliye tum yahan ruki ho. Tum mujhe disturbed nahi dekh sakti. Tum mujhe support karne ke liye mere saath ho... aur mujhe sach mein bohot achha laga. Main hamesha strong nahi reh paata, Naina... koi nahi reh paata. Aur jab hum khud ko helpless paate hain, toh kisi apne ka sahara chahiye hota hai, sambhalne ke liye. Aaj meri zarurat mein tumne mujhe woh sahara diya hai, because you feel for me, you care for me. Aise hi main tumhari care karna chahta hun. Tum chaho toh ab apne dil ki baatein kar sakti ho. Yahan sirf hum dono hain. Main sab kuch sununga, jo tum kehna chahti ho." Sameer's voice was filled with warmth.

Naina looked around. Talking to him here... in the hospital... this was not the right place. She wasn't sure how she would be able to tell him everything at a place which had taken away so much from her. Also, she wasn't sure about his reaction either. And then, she wasn't sure anymore if she needed to tell him everything, since she wouldn't be here for long.

"Hum baad mein baat karenge. Abhi main Ayush ko phone kar leti hun." She brought out the phone from the pocket of jacket that she had quickly grabbed before leaving for hospital, to don over her saree.

When she had gone to his room at home, Ayush was busy setting up his planetarium with Deepika. He hadn't given much attention to Naina's appearance. Now, as her face became clear on the VC, he narrowed his eyes. "Naina, tumhare baal mein red red kyon hai? Tumhari shaadi ho gayi?"

And she realised she hadn't yet told him the real reason why they had shifted to Sameer's house. His inquisitive streak would have been fuelled had she plainly told him. Hence, she had decided to let him know slowly, as the rituals of marriage were performed in Sameer's house. But now...

"Bolo na, Naina, tumhari shaadi ho gayi kya? Kaise hui, maine toh dekha hi nahi. Tumne mujhe kyon nahi bulaya? Maine toh Dhruv se seekha bhi tha shaadi mein kya karna hai Naina, tumne mujhe kyon nahi bulaya?" He whined, the corners of his lips drooping sadly.

"Nahi Ayush, shaadi nahi hui. Shayad kahin se colour lag gaya. Shaadi hogi tab toh tu bhi aayega na. Main tere bina shaadi thodi karungi." She mollified him in a soothing voice.

Next moment, the voice was lost as Sameer leaned over her shoulder from behind, and smiled at Ayush, "Main bhi tumhare bina shaadi nahi karunga. Aaoge na, meri shaadi mein?"

While Ayush nodded happily, Naina held her breath. She could feel Sameer's hair tickling her ear... and his breath falling on her cheek. Oblivious to the effect he was having on her, or so she thought, Sameer chatted with Ayush for sometime before moving back.

She felt a tap on her shoulder, making her jerk her head at him.

"Ab tum saans le sakti ho." He whispered, with a lopsided smile.

Naina felt the colour rush up her cheeks. He did that knowingly. Mortified, she went to the other side of the passage, talking to Ayush in low voice. He instantly accepted when she told him nanu had fever and had to stay in the hospital for the night.

"Okay Naina. Jaise mujhe fever hua tab tumne mujhe khana khilaya tha na, nanu ko waise hi khila dena. Jab woh ghar aa jayenge toh main unka khyal rakh lunga." He directed her, showing his index finger.

"Theek hai. Lekin tujhe yahan darr toh nahi lagega?" Naina smiled at his easy acceptance, but was concerned.

Deepika came into the frame, "Aap Ayush ki tension mat lo. Main hun yahan pe. Waise he's a brave boy, usse darr nahi lagega. Haina Ayush?"

Naina was relaxed to see their camaraderie. She wasn't aware Ayush and Deepika had become so friendly. After a few minutes, when she ended the call and turned, Sameer was talking to the doctor. She waited for them to finish their talk before going to Sameer.

"Sab theek hai na? Kya kaha doctor ne?"

"Doctor ne kaha nanu ke baaki sab vitals perfect hain. Phir bhi stent lagane ke baad unhe kuch weeks poora aaram karna hoga. Koi heavy physical activity nahi, na zyada tension ya excitement. Kisi bhi extreme emotion se door rakhna hoga unhe. Bohot zyada khushi ya dukh unke heart pe pressure daal sakte hain." Sameer explained.

Both their minds conjured thoughts about their relationship. While Sameer felt sad about their marriage rituals not happening in next few weeks, Naina steeled herself to play the role for coming weeks, before she could go ahead with her decision. She could not become the reason of nanu's distress by leaving the house when he was in such condition.

A dinner of sandwiches and another cup of coffee later, Sameer and Naina settled on leather cushioned chairs of the waiting room right across nanu's ward. Naina was lost in thoughts when she saw a nurse going inside nanu's room. She stood up, and looked at Sameer. His eyes were closed, arms crossed across his chest, his head rested back on the high edge of the cahir. Without disturbing him, Naina followed the nurse.

"Ma'm, aap so jaiye. Main bas BP check karne aayi hun. Sir bhi raat bhar nahi uthenge. Rest kar saken isliye mild sleeping pill inject ki hai. Otherwise, he's fine." When she asked, nurse explained in a low voice.

Nodding, Naina made sure that the blanket covered nanu properly and he was comfortable, before she went out and occupied the same chair again. Sleep was far from her eyes. The kind of varied emotions she had felt since yesterday, the impact had left her drained, yet, it wasn't sufficient to make her fall asleep.

A sudden weight on her shoulder stunned her to stiff position. Slightly turning her head and drifting her eyes to extreme corner, she found him resting uncomfortably, his breathing even. Sameer was fast asleep on her shoulder.

For a moment, she contemplated whether to wake him up. All the past instances rushed up in her memory one after the other... how he had been with her in every weak moment, whether it was the panic attack in Jaipur, where he stayed up all night, keeping an eye on her... or on her birthday, when she was delving into her painful memories... even when Ayush had fallen sick, he had been with her throughout. His touch never made her uncomfortable, nor did his closeness felt dirty. Though she had decided to move out of his life, at this moment, she could give him some support. If he slept at this odd angle, it would give him a stiff neck when he got up. With a deep breath, Naina supported his head, and gently placed it in her lap. Sameer stirred a little, before adjusting himself comfortably in the warmth that surrounded him.

Naina looked at his sleeping form as his head pressed against her abdomen. He was facing the other side, so she couldn't see his expressions, but a slight profile view hinted calmness on his face. With one hand under his head, and other one under his cheek, he seemed to be in a peaceful sleep. From what she could see, his hair fell on the forehead in a silky mass, almost reaching his eyes. So many times, she had wanted to run her fingers through them, to brush them away from his face. Gulping the hesitation today, she gingerly weaved her slender fingers in them, pushing them to the side. A low sound, something like a grunt, erupted from him. She quickly pulled her hand back, holding her breath. But he did not move. Few minutes later, unknowingly, her hand wandered into his hair again. This time, even after realisation, she did not remove it. As her fingers repeatedly slid through his soft, silky locks, she didn't even come to know when she drifted into a tranquil repose.

Sameer inhaled deeply, finding her alluring scent to be too real for a dream. He opened his eyes. The passage, door, sign boards... everything was titled sideways. He blinked a few times, to get a clear view... and a better understanding. That is when it struck him. The flash of yellow right in his face was Naina's saree. His hand rested on her knees.

He was lying in her lap.

And then, he felt her fingers in his hair. He blinked again. Was he still dreaming... or was it real?

When he sensed no movement from her, he slowly turned his face, staying in her lap. Her eyes were closed. With her head tilted backward, she was sleeping, her fingers entangled in his hair. He had no idea how he landed here... whether it was him, or she herself... whatever it was, there could be nothing more divine than this moment. When he adjusted his head a little, to enable himself to see her face properly, her other hand securely grabbed him, the arm resting on his chest.

Naina felt his movement, and instinctively held onto him, scared that he might slip off. Her eyes flew open. He shut his the same moment. She was relieved to find him sleeping. Pressing her lower lip under her teeth, she again stroked his hair, clearing his forehead.

And she knew. He was awake. The way his chest moved under her arm, she knew the quickening of breath was because of her touch. He grabbed her wrist when she tried to pull back her hand from his hair.

His eyes opened slowly. She stilled, her eyes wide.

"Roz aise hi utha sakti ho? Please!" His voice was deep, and throaty.

Next update on Sunday