Thank you soooo much for such a warm welcome. Love you all 🤗
So here we begin another tale of love... between two characters who we adore beyond anything. Beginning is slow, but as we know

Jaise ahista ahista kali khilti hai
jaise subah hoti hai... ahista, ahista
waise pyar ka izhaar bhi ahista ahista
ussi ka toh mazaa hai 🥰

So go ahead, read on and let me know your views. One more thing, I plan to end this story in one book only 😂

"Mummy, jaldi aao."

The loud scream reverberated through the morning silence in the house. Vishakha, who was instructing the servants about breakfast, rushed to her son's room on the first floor.

"Kya hua, Sameer? Tu theek toh hai na beta?" She worriedly looked him up and down.

Standing in the middle of the room, dressed in trousers and vest, his hair still wet and tousled after bath, stood Sameer, holding a yellow shirt.

"Yeh dekho... kya hai yeh?" Frowning, he held it out to his mom.

Vishakha took the shirt and checked it... the buttons were intact, ironing was perfect, there didn't seem to be any stains.

She gave him a puzzled look, "Kya hua iss shirt ko?"

His eyes widened, "Aapko yeh mark nahi dikh raha?"

Vishakha held up the shirt against the light streaming through balcony door. Still nothing.

She turned to him, "Isme koi mark nahi hai, Sameer."

He snatched the shirt and pointed near the second button. There was a faint line of about half an inch, a mark of pen.

"Yeh dekho. Mummy, yeh nishaan saaf kyon nahi hua? Aapko pata hai na mujhe kisi tarah ka daag tolerate nahi hota." He was fuming.

Vishakha narrowed her eyes at the almost invisible line, then looked up at him, "Itna halka hai yeh, beta. Pen ka nishan hai na isliye ek baar mein saaf nahi hua. I'm sure ek do baar aur wash hogi toh chala jayega. Waise yeh toh tumhari tie ke neeche chup jayega na, kisi ko dikhega thodi... so it's okay."

Sameer was shocked, "Mom, yeh aap kya keh rahi ho? Kisi ko dikhe na dikhe mujhe pata hai ki nishaan hai. Main yeh shirt nahi pehen sakta. Aap isse le jaaiye aur jo karna hai kijiye... bas mere cupboard mein yeh dubara nahi dikhni chahiye."

With a weary look at her son, Vishakha rolled the shirt and walked out, muttering to herself, "Iss ladke ki yeh aadat samajh hi nahi aati. Chashma laga ke dekho toh bhi nishaan kisi ko na dikhe lekin isko nazar aata hai. Yeh mujhe pagal bana de usse pehle iski shaadi kar deni chahiye. Phir sambhalti rahegi koi bechari iski yeh perfection ki aadat."

In his room, unaware of his mom's wishes, Sameer carefully picked out another shirt from his cupboard and checked it thoroughly. Satisfied at its perfection, he dressed and rushed out for breakfast.

Jai Prakash Maheshwari affectionately smiled at his grandson as he hopped down the stairs, his silky hair flying with each step. Dressed in a dark suit over a white shirt, along with a tie, he was ready for office. The formal attire would have clashed with the light stubble for anyone else, but the same combination added a boyish charm to Sameer's handsome looks. The habit of working out every single day had given him a lean and fit appearance, and Jai Prakash Maheshwari very well knew the interest he generated amongst girls wherever he went. But his biggest grouse was that in spite of being the grandson of such a romantic person, Sameer never fell in love.

"Good morning, nanu." Sameer settled on the chair next to the pleasant old man.

"Good morning, beta. Achha lagta hai jab tu waqt ke khyal rakhta hai." Nanu smiled warmly.

Sameer picked up one toast, and started to butter it lightly, "Nanu, yeh punctuality aapne hi sikhayi hai. School ke dinon se hi mujhe time ke hisaab se sab kuch karna pasand hai. And now that I know how important it is, main time ko sabse valuable maanta hun."

Nanu was proud of his grandson. Sameer had joined the family business two years back after a professional degree in management and in these two years, he had brought in many fresh changes in the general methods that were being followed. Mr Jai Prakash Maheshwari and his son in law, Vivek Somani, both were impressed with the business sense Sameer seemed to possess. Nanu did not regret his decision of adopting him.

Years back, when his only daughter Vishakha had refused to show any interest in taking care of the empire he had established, he was disheartened. She got married to the boy she had chosen for herself. Jai Prakash was happy with her choice when he met Vivek who was successfully running a factory in Ahmedabad. Within one year of marriage, however, Vivek suffered a huge setback in his business when his factory caught fire, resulting in death of a few employees. Besides the financial loss, he lost his credibility in the market and had to leave Ahmedabad. Whatever money was left after paying back all loans was distributed amongst his employees, a major sum given to the families of those who died. Vivek and Vishakha shifted to Delhi, with her father. Jai Prakash Maheshwari was a well known name in textile industry and had a vast setup which he was running alone. He was more than happy when his daughter and her husband not only came to stay with him, but Vivek also joined him in business. 

A few years after her marriage, Sameer was born and very next year came Rohan. That was the time when the thought came to Jai Prakash Maheshwari... that he could adopt the elder son of his daughter as his legal heir. Except for the change in surname from Somani to Maheshwari, nothing changed for Sameer. They all lived together, Vivek and Vishakha were his parents, and his nanu was always his nanu... a friend, guide, teacher, mentor and his biggest support.

"Achha nanu, ab toh koi problem nahi aa rahi na aapko laptop operate karne mein?" Sameer asked, sipping orange juice.

Nanu smiled in satisfaction, "Jab mujhe itna achha teacher mila hai toh problem kyon ayegi. Arre yaar, ab toh main perfect ho gaya hun. Kal video call se kuch interview bhi liye."

Sameer stopped eating and looked up, "Interview? Kis liye? Abhi humein new staff ki zarurat hai hi nahi."

"Hai beta. Tu aur Rohan akele sab handle karte ho. Tumhare liye ek assistant hona chahiye... dono ke paas ek ek. Woh kya kehte ho tum log... man Friday." Nanu chuckled.

Another voice reached them, the mischief in the tone unmistakable, "Nanu, man Friday aap bhai ke liye dhoond lo, mujhe toh girl Friday bhi chalegi... balki daudegi. Aur sirf Friday hi kyon, Monday se Thursday bhi bula lena usse."

Sameer turned to see the playful smile on his brother's face, "Saturday Sunday bhi bula le tu. Job thodi de rahe hain nanu, teri shaadi kara rahe hain usse."

Rohan excitedly turned to nanu, "Sachhi. I love you nanu. Aakhir aap ko ahsaas ho hi gaya ki ab iss ghar mein ek bahu aani chahiye."

Vishakha, who had just entered the dining room with parantha for Rohan, gave him a light smack from behind, "Tu toh ghodi pe hi baitha raha kar. Pehle bhai ki shaadi toh hone de. Ek saal hi sahi par bada toh hai na tujhse."

With a sad face, Rohan pulled a chair and sat down, "Yeh ek saal ke chakkar mein har baat mein mujhe peeche kar dete ho. Bhai, tum please kar lo na shaadi. Jab tak yeh breaker nahi hatega meri gaadi aage kaise chalegi?"

Sameer looked at his family in wonder, "Yeh aap sab log har baat ko meri shaadi pe kyon le jaate ho?"

Vishakha placed a hand on his head, giving a warm smile, "Kyonki beta, ab time aa gaya hai ki teri life mein bhi koi saathi aaye. Pehle padhai aur ab kaam, bas ismein hi uljha rehta hai. Sameer, ek pyar karne wale jeevanasathi ki ahmiyat kya hoti hai yeh tujhe tabhi pata chalega jab tujhe kisi se pyar hoga."

Sameer sighed, looking at nanu, "Ab mummy aur melodramatic ho jayein usse pehle humein chalna chahiye, nanu. Warna yeh abhi ki abhi meri shaadi kara dengi."

Rohan laughed, "Don't worry, bhai. Shaadi ke liye jo sabse zaruri hai woh yahan nahi hai abhi. So no tension."

Sameer quirked up his brow, "Kya?"

Rohan winked, "Ladki."

Giving him a frustrated look, Sameer pushed back his chair and walked out. Ramdhari rushed after him with his and nanu's bag while the room filled up with laughter of those still seated.

Nanu opened the passenger side door and settled into the seat next to Sameer a few minutes later, "Yaar tu aise ladkiyon ki tarah shaadi ki baat pe sharmaya mat kar. Meri naak kat jaati hai."

"Main sharma nahi raha tha, nanu. Lekin roz roz yehi baatein... lagta hai shaadi nahi ki toh main useless hun. Why all this shaadi business is so important?" Sameer whined.

Nanu threw his head back and laughed as the car hit the road.

Seeing Sameer's wrinkled forehead, he placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling gently, "Barkhurdaar, useless toh nahi par adhoore ho tum. Shaadi aur saathi kyon zaruri hain yeh tum tab samjhoge jab tumhare dil mein bhi pyar ki lehrein uthengi. Koi milegi ek din jiska dil bhi tumhari tarah masoom hoga... uski saanson mein mitti ki mehek hogi aur chehra aisa hoga jisko dekhte hi apna banane ko jee chahe."

"Matlab jo milegi usko inn sab parameters pe judge karna padega pehle... kehna padega ki madam, one minute, pehle main nanu ke bataye hue saare boxes mein tick kar lu phir hi aapko apni life partner bana sakta hun. C'mon nanu, aisa aapke zamaane mein hota hoga ab nahi. Yeh love at first sight and all... not possible." Sameer said with an incredulous shake of head.

Nanu leaned back on his seat, a knowing smile playing on his lips, "Zamaana badal gaya hai, beta, lekin pyaar aaj bhi wohi hai. Agar sachha pyaar ho toh aapko ek baar aankhon mein dekh ke hi pata chal jayega. Aankhen khuli kitaab hoti hain... bas aapko bhasha samajh aani chahiye. Aur itna yakeen toh mujhe hai ki mera beta pyaar ki bhasha padh lega."

Sameer rolled his eyes, but did not reply. With his eyes on the road, as he maneuvered the car through morning traffic, his thoughts drifted to the girl he crushed upon in first year of college, Niharika. Though they became friends later, but they were not a couple ever. Even his initial liking for her wasn't strong enough to keep her in his thoughts all the time, or make him search for her the moment he reached college. In fact, at times, he didn't even realise she was missing from the group and realised her absence only when she joined later. That definitely could not be love. She was a friend, like others. She was still in the college WhatsApp group, but he never felt the need to send a personal message to her.

A slanting glance at nanu made him realise that his grandfather was again reminiscing about his own days... a softness in his eyes, and curved lips were an indication that he was lost in the thoughts of nani. Sameer wondered how deep must have been their love that even after years of her passing away, nanu was always thinking about her.

His mind, however, went back to work related issues the moment they reached office. Sameer and nanu had individual cabins. The large office employed a good number of people in various departments. Nanu never failed to notice the appreciative glances Sameer received from some of the female employees. But his grandson seemed to be oblivious to the most beautiful feeling. He hoped someday, someone came in his life who could make him see what real love was.

And he was sure such a day would come... he just wanted it to come soon.

It was almost lunch time when Sameer was walking back from the conference room to his cabin when he saw nanu through glass door, talking to someone on a video call. There seemed to be some tension on his face. Sameer halted for a moment, then opened the door and went in.

Nanu's voice was a little uncertain, "Dekhiye, hamare yahan bohot si ladkiyaan kaam karti hain aur mujhe iss baat se koi aapatti nahi hai. Lekin yeh particular position ek ladki ke liye handle karna thoda mushkil hoga. Maine aapke credentials dekhe hain aur woh kaafi impressive bhi hain isliye main aur koi vacancy aate hi aapko mail karunga. Lekin iss job ke liye..."

Since Sameer stood opposite to nanu, he couldn't see the person on the screen, but the voice that floated in the room was soft and captivating, "Sir, there's no issue at all. I'll handle all responsibilities. Aap please aisa mat sochiye ki main timings ya work pressure ko leke koi complain karungi. A job is a job. Mere boss jo bhi hon, unhe mere kaam se shikayat nahi hogi."

"Beta, I'm sure you are highly capable. Isiliye aapki present job itni achhi hai. Management mein post graduation karke aap ek personal assistant ke liye kyon apply karna chahti ho jab abhi aapke paas better job hai?" Nanu asked.

"Sir, mujhe immediately Delhi shift hona hai... some personal reasons. Aur main bina job ke ek nayi city mein nahi aana chahti." Her voice seemed to be a little heavy when she said this.

Seeing the apprehension on the old man's face, she quickly added, "Lekin yeh job mere liye filler nahi hai. I assure you, I'll work with all sincerity. Aap chahe toh main bond bhi sign kar dungi... do saal, chaar saal... aap jitna bole."

The voice seemed to have something that made Sameer itch to see the face attached to it. Her earnestness wasn't for the job, he felt. His feet started to move on their own accord, driven by an inexplicable curiosity.

"Okay Naina. I'll discuss with my grandsons and and get back to you. Let's see how we can work it out." Nanu gave her a genial smile and pressed the key to end the call.

Sameer was disappointed to see the home screen when his eyes landed on the laptop in front of nanu. It was a delay of probably a single second.

"Ky... kya hua, nanu? Kuch problem hai kya?" He gave a little shake to his head, baffled at the sudden interest he was feeling in the owner of that sweet voice.

Nanu let out a long exhale, "Aaj ek ladki ki application aayi subah. Woh tum dono ke assistant ke job ke liye maine daala tha na, uske liye. Bohot desperate lag rahi hai."

"Lekin aap toh man Friday bol rahe the, nanu... phir ladki?" Sameer asked.

"Hmmm. Bas isiliye seedhe haan nahi bol paaya. Waise uski qualification hamari requirements se zyada hai, lekin usse bas kisi tarah Delhi mein koi confirmed job chahiye isliye main direct manaa bhi nahi kar paa raha hun." Nanu cleared the reason for his dilemma.

Sameer nodded in understanding, "Financial problem hogi."

Nanu narrowed his eyes, "Paison ki kami hai aisa laga toh nahi... na uske kapdon wagerah se na peeche jo ghar ka portion dikh raha tha usse."

Sameer could not think of any other reason.

Nanu looked at him, "Sameer, pata nahi kyon par uss ladki ki aankhon mein mujhe bohot umeed nazar aa rahi thi. Aisa lag raha tha jaise yeh job uska aakhiri sahara ho."

Knowing his nanu's soft heart, Sameer smiled, "Aap chahte hain toh appoint kar lijiye, nanu. Rohan toh waise bhi girl Friday chahta hai. Yeh ladki uske liye perfect rahegi. Aur agar yeh kaam uske liye mushkil hua toh hum usse koi aur position de denge. Ek ladki ke liye position create karna bada issue thodi hai."

The gleam of satisfaction and happiness on his grandfather's face made him happy too.

Once Sameer left the room, nanu sighed, "Kaash kisi ladki ke liye apne dil mein position create karna bhi tere liye itna hi aasaan hota, Sameer."

So this was Sameer Maheshwari. In next chapter, we'll meet Naina Agarwal.

Next update on Friday