Sorry, this one is totally unedited. Please point out the mistakes.

The office party was attended by all employees of the Marketing floor. Sameer accepted everyone's wishes with a smile. Over last few days since Naina had been working here, she had been acquainted with most of the staff. Though she was cordial with all, the bond she had developed with the gang of four from the floor above couldn't be recreated. Thus, she quietly stood in a corner as people crowded around Sameer.

"Naina, how are you? Markets ka project kaisa jaa raha hai? Koi problem toh nahi hai na?" Nanu asked her in a gentle voice, approaching her.

"I'm very well, sir. Koi problem nahi hai. Maine teen markets cover kar li hain. Do ki report bhi ready hai. Aap kahein toh aaj dikha sakti hun." Naina replied.

"Arre nahi, aaj nahi. Aaj main zara party mood mein hun." Nanu laughed, "Mere Sameer ka birthday mere liye bohot special din hota hai. Yeh toh iski zid ki wajah se office aa gaya warna... khair chodo. Lekin haan, tum apne birthday pe chaho toh chutti le lena... aur agar tumhara yeh boss manaa kare toh mujhe batana, main uska boss hun... usko bhi chutti deke ghar bitha dunga."

Nanu noticed a sharp wave of anguish flash in Naina's eyes before she lowered them. He was jolted by her reaction to something that was a reason of cheer for everyone... birthdays always meant celebration. Why did the mention evoke such reaction in her?

When she looked back at him a few seconds later, her eyes were vacant, "Mere liye Ayush ke baad sirf kaam special hai, sir. He's my younger brother. Mujhe leave Ayush ke birthday ke liye chahiye hogi... parson. Bas half day. Lunch ke baad ka time kaafi hoga uski party ki preparation ke liye."

Nanu had not failed to notice how she changed the focus from herself to her brother. On face, he smiled widely, "Arre waah. Lekin beta party ke liye itna kam time kyon? Tum poore din ki leave lo. Okay? And no argument over this."

"Lekin sir woh report..." Naina protested.

Nanu held up one hand, "Mujhe pata hai kaam important hai lekin rishte sabse pehle aate hain. Hum jo bhi hain apne rishton ki wajah se hain. Yeh jo khushiyon ke chote chote pal hote hain na... kabhi festival, kabhi birthday ya anniversary, aur kabhi aise hi kisi apne ke saath ke... unn palon ko samet lo. Yehi humein muskurana sikhate hain, yaadein dete hain, khush rehne ki wajah hote hain. Jo tumhare liye khaas hai, uske liye waqt nikalna kaam ko nazarandaaz karna nahi hota. Hamari company mein kabhi kisi ko aise occasions pe leave lene se manaa nahi kiya jaata. Haan, mujhe pata hai, kuch log iska galat fayda utha lete hain... lekin hazaaro logon mein se agar sau do sau galat kar rahe hain toh uski wajah se baaki sabka haq nahi cheen sakte. Yaad rakhna beta, jo log humein pyar karte hain, humein apni duniya samajhte hain, unke liye hamare paas waqt kabhi kam nahi padna chahiye."

Naina could feel the sting of tears in her eyes. Nanu immediately realised his mistake... his words must have brought the memory of her parents.

"Ab tum report ki tension mat lo, bas Ayush ki party ki planning karo... aur haan, main Sameer ko bol dunga ki parson ki full day leave maine approve kar di hai. Theek hai?" He changed the topic.

Naina nodded, blinking hard to contain the tears within her eyes.

Sameer had seen nanu talking to Naina. He badly wanted to join them but he was surrounded by people from staff. Finally, when the phone started to ring and he saw Ayush's name on the screen, he did not let the chance slip.

"Hey Ayush." He cheerfully answered the phone, walking towards the most important people in his life.

"Happy Bday to you, Naina ke sir. Aapne mera card dekha? Aapko kaisa laga? Maine special wala banaya aapke liye. Nice hai na?" The exuberance of little boy could be felt through the phone as well.

Sameer had reached the corner where Naina and nanu stood. He mouthed 'Ayush' to Naina and smiled widely, "Thank you, best friend. Tumhara card bohot achha laga. Tumne kitni beautiful drawing ki hai. Yeh mere birthday ka best gift hai."

Ayush squealed from the other side, "Sachhiiii. Aapko samajh aayi na drawing? Maine usme..."

"Sab samajh aa gaya... garden, sky, flowers, clouds, tum aur main. Aur tumhara happy bday wala sticker bhi." Sameer laughed.

"Sticker isliye lagaya kyonki mujhe abhi happy bday ki spelling nahi aati na. Lekin jab aapka next wala bday ayega, toh dekhna, main happy bday ki spelling bhi seekh lunga aur aapke name ki bhi. Phir main sab kuch likh ke banaunga." Ayush said with confidence.

Sameer talked to him some more. The solemn look on Naina's face had changed into a small curl by the time Sameer disconnected.

"Ayush ne wish karne ko phone kiya tha." He looked at both of them simultaneously.

"Maine usse kaha tha lunch time mein hi phone karna jisse aapko disturb na ho." Naina replied.

Nanu pondered for a while, then looked at Sameer, "Tu apne dost ko bula le na shaam ko. Uss bachhe ne itne pyar se tere liye card banaya, tujhe phone kiya... usse bhi hamare saath chalna chahiye dinner pe."

Sameer gave a shocked look to nanu, but he turned towards Naina, "Beta, kya kehti ho? Aaj shaam tum aur Ayush bhi chalo hamare saath. Sameer tumhe pick kar lega."

If he could, Sameer would have hugged nanu. With great difficulty, he controlled his excitement. But Naina didn't let his joy last.

"Thank you, sir. Lekin yeh aap logon ka family occasion hai. I don't think it would be correct. Mere aur Ayush ke liye bhi thoda awkward ho jayega." She declined in a gentle manner.

"Waise toh aisa kuch nahi hai. Tum sabko jaanti hi ho, sivaay Vishakha aur Deepu ke. Lekin chalo koi baat nahi. Agar tumko comfortable nahi lagta toh main force nahi karunga." Nanu accepted her decision without second try.

Sameer was crestfallen... but his expression changed again... at the same speed.

"Lekin main aisa bhi nahi hone dunga ki Sameer apne naye dost ke saath apna birthday na manaye. Sameer, aisa kar, shaam ko Ayush ko ice cream ki party de. Bachhon ko ice cream bohot pasand hoti hai. Jisne itne pyar se tere liye khud card banaya hai, uske liye kuch toh karna chahiye na tujhe bhi." Nanu suggested.

Before any of them could say anything, he turned to Naina, "Yeh toh chalega na? Sameer ko jaanta hai Ayush toh iske saath jaane mein koi problem nahi hai. Aur haan, waise toh mera beta responsible hai, lekin isse bachhon ka koi experience nahi hai. Tum bhi saath chali jaana. Warna yeh Ayush ko itni ice cream khila dega ki uska gala hi kharab ho jayega."

Naina opened her mouth to give a polite refusal, but nanu smiled brightly, "Usse achha lagega... Ayush ko."

Sameer looked at Naina, keeping his fingers crossed behind him. When she nodded at nanu, he wanted to hug her too... right away.

Nanu noticed his fisted hands, and smirked, "Ab cake cut kar lein? Sab wait kar rahe hain. Ya kuch baaki hai?"

Sameer blushed at his teasing remark, and turned immediately, walking towards the table where the staff was waiting for him. After he had cut the cake, it was sliced and placed along with other snacks, and everyone got busy enjoying the spread. Sameer saw Naina talking to a few people, and nibbling on a small piece of cake. Though he wanted to go to her, he wasn't sure he would be able to keep in check the excitement bubbling in him for their ice cream program. Also, he didn't want to give her a chance to make an excuse again.

After the party, he went to nanu's room, and hugged him tight, "Thank you so much, nanu. Aapne mera birthday aur bhi special bana diya."

Nanu patted his back, "Control yaar. Mujhe pata hai tera mann khushi se chillane ko kar raha hai lekin zara apne emotions ko kaabu mein rakh... abhi bhi aur shaam ko bhi. Samjha?"

He dipped his head in agreement, "Aap jo bologe waisa hi karunga."

"Main tera tutor nahi hun. Bas raasta dikha raha hun. Chalna tujhe khud hi hai. Aaj toh teri bechaini dekh ke maine zara madad kar di lekin iska matlab yeh nahi ki main tere liye baat pakki karunga. Barkhurdaar, pyar karne ka jigar hai toh usse jitne ka hausla bhi khud hi jagana hoga. Haan, agar help chahiye ho toh bata dena." Nanu laughed.

Sameer grinned, "Of course chahiye hogi, nanu. Aapse better love guru kahan se milega mujhe."

Nanu gave him an amused look, "Aaj tera birthday hai toh yeh makhhan le leta hun, warna number kaat leta tere."

Sameer brought up the query that had been lingering in his mind since morning, "Nahi nanu, sach keh raha hun. Dekhiye na, aapko maine kabhi kuch nahi kaha apni feelings ko lekar. Phir bhi aapko pata chal gaya... kaise?"

Nanu let out a long exhale before speaking, "Tujhe yaad hai woh raat jab main aur tu baith ke meri aur teri nani ki pehli mulakat ki baat kar rahe the. Teri aankhen dekhi thi maine uss waqt. Sameer, main tujhe tujhse bhi zada jaanta hun. Lekin usse bhi zyada main pyar ko pehchanta hun. Aur maine teri aankhon mein pyar ko dekh liya tha."

Sameer gave him a startled look. He himself hadn't realised at that time that the feeling was love.

Nanu smiled, "Hairan mat ho. Yeh tajurba jo hota hai na, aisa hi hota hai. Aapke dil ke andar ka jo sabse strong emotion hota hai, usko aap apne andar hi nahi doosre logon mein bhi dekh paate ho. Lekin teri aankhon mein tab ek uljhan thi, ek bechaini. Aisa lagta tha tu khud se, apne andar ke pyar se lad raha hai. Maine socha bhi ki tujhse baat karun, lekin phir laga ki shayad tujhe khud yeh ahsaas ho toh zyada achha hoga."

Sameer recalled the time when he had mistaken Ayush to be... he laughed at his stupidity. Nanu looked at him with questioning eyes. He shook his head.

Not prodding him to disclose, nanu continued, "Aakhir kuch dinon baad woh uljhan khatm ho gayi. Jab teri aankhon ke baadal chante toh maine teri muskurahat mein woh ahsaas dekh liya. Bas yeh pata lagne mein thoda time laga ki woh ladki kon hai."

This was what had amazed Sameer the most, "Ahsaas toh aapne aankhon mein pehchaan liya lekin maine Naina ki name plate thodi lagayi thi. Aapko yeh kaise pata chala ki woh ladki Naina hai?"

Nanu broadened his shoulders proudly, "Meri parchayi hai tu. Tera haal mujhse chupa nahi reh sakta. Naina ko dekh ke tere chehre ki chamak se poora kamra bhar jaata tha. Uski choti se choti baat tujhe kitna effect karti thi dekha maine. Aur Vikas wala case... jaanta hun tu kisi ladki ke saath aisa behaviour bardasht nahi kar sakta lekin Vikas ke liye jo gussa, jo nafrat thi teri aankhon mein... jaise usko jaan se maar dalega. Sameer, jab hamare sabse azeez shaqs ko koi hurt karta hai toh aisa hi gussa aata hai. Teri parwah, tera uske liye concern, har baat mein uski tarafdaari karna... mushkil nahi tha yeh janna ki Naina hi teri woh special friend hai jiske liye tera dil dhadakta hai."

Nanu's explanation made Sameer panic, "Na... nanu. Iska matlab sabko..."

"Arre nahi yaar. Sab tere nanu jaise intelligent thodi hain. Maine toh dil ke maamle mein PhD kari hai na, isliye maine pehchan liya. Tu fikar mat kar, itna bhi aasan nahi hai baaki logon ke liye tujhe samajhna." Nanu assured him.

"Haan, jaise Naina kuch nahi samajh paati. Maine hint dene ki koshish bhi ki hai lekin woh hamesha yehi bolti hai ki main uske aur Ayush ke liye pareshan na hua karun." Sameer uttered sadly.

Nanu thought about what he had seen during the day, and let out a sigh, "Beta, Naina ke dil mein koi gaanth hai. Kuch hai, jo usko chubhta hai. Jab Vikas wala case hua tha, tab mains mehsoos kiya. Woh darr, woh khamoshi... Naina ek bohot confident aur smart ladki hai. Lekin uss din kuch palon ke liye woh jaise Naina nahi thi... jaise woh wahan thi hi nahi, kisi aur duniya mein chali gayi thi. Sameer, main Naina ke baare mein zyada toh nahi jaanta, lekin uski aankhon mein ek khaalipan hai... ek aisa khalipan jisne uski zindagi ko bhar rakha hai. Tujhe pehle uss  khalipan ko mitana hoga. Tabhi uske dil tak jaane ka raasta milega."

"Uske parents ki death ko kuch hi time hua hai. Dono ek saath... usko bohot bada shock laga tha, jisse shayad woh ab tak bahar nahi aa paayi hai." Sameer flinched as he recalled her teary outburst.

"Sameer, Naina ko bohot saare pyaar ki zarurat hai, beta. Usse kabhi chot mat pohochana. Haan main jaanta hun tu aisa nahi karega... lekin agar kabhi uski kisi baat pe gussa aaye toh ek baar uske nazariye se sochne ki koshish karna. Ho sakta hai jo baat tujhe buri lage woh uske liye sahi ho. Jo bhi karna, sambhal ke karna." If Nanu's words amazed Sameer, they did make sense when he thought about them later.

Before leaving the office in the evening, he called up Naina and fixed a time of an hour later.

"Mummy, main aap logon ko hotel mein milta hun na. I know maine kaha tha koi program nahi hai lekin kuch dost hain jinke liye mera jaana zaruri hai." Sameer tried to pacify Vishakha when she objected to his going out.

When Sameer confirmed that he had no party planned with his friends, Vivek had booked a table for all of them in one of the best hotels of the city.

"Toh unko bhi bula le dinner ke liye. Sameer, yeh special plan humne tere liye banaya hai aur tu hi nahi ayega toh..." Vishakha was miffed.

Sameer wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "Kitni tension leti hain aap har baat ki. Main kyon nahi aaunga. Bas thodi der ke liye jaa raha hun. Wahan se direct hotel aa jaunga. Aapka special plan kaise spoil hone dunga, mummy."

She softened, "Promise?"

"Promise. Pakka promise." Sameer grinned.

"Arre waah. Itna pakka wala promise kiya hai toh phir mujhe koi tension nahi. Chal jaa. Time pe aa jana. Enjoy." Vishakha patted his cheek lovingly.

Sameer realised he had unknowingly said what he had learned from Ayush. He smiled to himself while driving towards Naina's house, "Sirf tum hi nahi, Naina... Ayush bhi mujhe apne rang mein rang raha hai."

The moment he entered the house, Ayush came running to him. Sameer scooped him up in his arms.

"Happy wala bday, Naina ke sir." He looped small arms around his neck, kissing hard on both cheeks.

"Wow! Itna pyara wish toh mujhe kisi ne nahi diya." Sameer was overwhelmed at his enthusiasm.

Ayush wrinkled his nose, "Kyon? Bday pe toh sab aise hi wish karte hain. Haina Naina?" He craned his neck for confirmation from his sister.

Sameer's eyes drifted towards her. Along with ankle length jeans, she was wearing a peachy pink cropped top which had flaps going around her waist and were tied at the back. She looked breathtakingly beautiful. Her open hair fell in a silken mass around the shoulders, and he had a strong urge to run his fingers through them.

Her embarrassed voice, however, brought him back to the surroundings, "Ayush, niche utar. Agar faaltu baatein karega toh sir nahi leke jayenge tujhe. Bolenge Ayush bad boy hai."

Ayush placed his tiny palm on Sameer's cheek and turned his face towards himself, "Main bad boy hun?"

Sameer ducked his head and placed a kiss on Ayush's plump cheek, smiling, "Tum sabse best ho."

Ayush poked his tongue out at Naina, "Dekha. Jo bolta hai wohi hota hai. Tumko bad girl bolenge."

"Nahi. Naina bhi sabse best hai." Sameer blurted... and fumbled when he realised, "tum... tumhari best sister hai na, isliye."

If she did notice, Naina didn't react.

"Toh chalein?" Sameer quirked up a brow at Ayush.

"One minute." Ayush wriggled in his arms. Sameer put him down and he rushed to his room.

"Thank you, Naina. I'm really very happy ki mujhe Ayush ke saath yeh time spend karne ka chance mil raha hai." He turned to look at her.

"Aapko pata hai na aaj aapko punishment nahi milegi kyonki aapka birthday hai isliye deal break kar rahe hain." She smiled warmly at him.

"Lekin tumne toh pehle bhi kabhi punishment nahi di." He shrugged, a tenderness seeping through him at her teasing.

She laughed lightly, "Yeh bhi aapko pata hai, ki main aapko punishment nahi de sakti... aap boss hain mere."

"Nahi. Sabse pehle dost hun. Yaad hai na? Yahin accept kiya tha tumne." He pointed towards the dining chair where she had accepted his friendship proposal, "Aur aaj ek dost doosre dost se apna birthday gift maang raha hai. Yahan office ka koi rule nahi hai... koi policy break nahi hogi."

She gave him a questioning look.

"Call me Sameer. Please. Sir sunke lagta hai mera 27th nahi 57th birthday hai." He said earnestly.

Naina laughed at his exaggeration, but lowered her eyes at his request, "I'll... I'll try. Thoda mushkil hoga, Sameer... sir."

His heart jumped to his mouth at her pause before 'sir'. Elated, he offered, "Main help karunga na. Tum jaise hi Sameer bologi, main aise..." He placed a finger on his lips, "Aise kar dunga... jisse tumhe pata chale ki aage sir nahi bolna hai."

Ayush didn't give her a chance to answer, as he dashed out of his room, "Main ready hun, Naina ke sir. Chalein?"

Naina raised her brows at him. He dipped his head to confirm. She had taught him to use the restroom before going out anywhere, so that he didn't have to run to one the moment they reached someplace.

"Idhar aa." She sat on her knees, to tuck his shirt in properly. Sameer watched fondly as Ayush held her face within his palms and kissed the tip of her nose, "Tum bad girl nahi ho. Main joke kar raha tha."

She pinched his nose, smiling, "Main bhi."

Sameer joined his index finger with the thumb, winking at Ayush, "Aaj bohot handsome lag raha hai mera dost."

Ayush beamed, "Aaj aap bhi iss flowers wale jacket mein ekdum hero lag rahe ho. Naina, mere best friend bhi hansome lag rahe hain na?"

Sameer had worn a casual evening blazer in floral print, over a white t-shirt, along with jeans. He didn't know Naina would be asked to rate him... but the thought wasn't bad. He raised his eyes to her, a question in them.

She looked at Ayush, "Tu bhi new dress pehenega na birthday pe... sir ne bhi pehni hai."

Ayush admired him from top to bottom, "Aapka new dress mast hai."

"Let's go." Sameer grinned, holding Ayush's hand.

With Naina sitting next to him in his car, the day was indeed turning out to be beautiful. Ayush clasped his hands over his mouth when he saw the number of containers in the large ice cream parlour.

"Itne saare ice cream... kaise choose karunga?" He moved his head from one end to another, perched up in Sameer's arms to see the display.

Naina chuckled, "Tune khani toh chocolate hi hai... phir kya choose karna hai."

The man behind the counter offered, "Aap choco chip try kar sakte ho, ya choco nut... uske alva choco vanilla, chocolate fudge, blast of chocolate, Belgian choco delight, fruity chocolate, choc-a-block..."

"Oho Rajhdhani express, tham jao zara. Bachhe ko confuse mat karo." Sameer intervened his speedy narration.

Looking at Ayush, he asked, "Taste karke dekhna hai pehle? Phir decide karna kaunsa chahiye."

Ayush nodded with enthusiasm, thrilled at the option of having so many different chocolaty flavours. But after four spoons, he refused to taste anymore, and asked for chocochip.

"Naina, tum kya logi?" He asked craning his neck to look beyond Ayush.

"I'll not take anything, sir. Mujhe ice cream khaas pasand nahi hai." She shook her head.

Sameer didn't force her. After they were seated at a table, he excused himself, and went to the counter again.

When two tall glasses of cold coffee were served along with a large bowl of ice cream, Naina was surprised, "Yahan coffee bhi serve hoti hai? I thought they had only ice cream."

"Nahi hoti. I requested them to get it from a cafe nearby." Sameer replied.

"Oh! Aur woh maan gaye?" She asked.

Sameer shrugged, "Maine manaa liya. Guess I'm good at it."

Ayush dunked the spoon into his bowl and scooped out a large heap. Naina held his hand before he could put it in his mouth, whispering in his ear, "Agar gira ke khayega toh sir gussa ho jayenge. Thoda thoda le. And be careful."

Sitting across the table, Sameer noticed how Ayush nodded quickly and took a small portion, carefully placing the spoon in his mouth so nothing spills over. Sameer had heard Naina's instructions to him, and was amazed how he easily controlled his excitement and tried to eat like grown ups. Naina wiped Ayush's mouth repeatedly,

Sameer smiled, "Rehne do, Naina. It's okay."

"Nahi, Sameer sir... yeh..." She stopped, when he placed a finger on his llips

"Aap meri Naina ko chup kyon kara rahe ho?" Ayush asked with a frown, noticing Sameer's gesture.

Placing his chin on his fisted hand, Sameer gave a crooked smile to Ayush, "Naina ko kuch yaad dila raha hun, jo woh bhool jaati hai."

Ayush looked up at her, "Tum toh kuch nahi bhoolti na?"

Before Naina could say anything, Sameer answered, "Naina bhool jaati hai ki mujhe sir nahi kehna."

"Aap sir nahi ho?" Ayush asked him.

Sameer shook his head in denial, "Main Sameer hun."

Ayush thought for a second, then asked, "Oh! Toh main bhi aapko Naina ke sir ki jagah Naina ke Sameer bolun?"

Naina's mouth fell open, zapped at what her little brother had uttered. Sameer was stunned too... but his heart immediately took a flight to seventh heaven.

Naina ka Sameer.

This was the most beautiful version of his name.

"Ayush. Tu bohot bolne laga hai. Chup karke ice cream kha." Naina finally found her voice, but she didn't have the courage to look up at Sameer. Had she done so, she would have seen the expression of ultimate rapture.

Seeing the stern face of his sister, Ayush knew he needed to keep his mouth shut now... and he shifted his focus to the ice cream, unaware about the storm he had leashed in 'Naina ke Sameer's' mind. He stared at her red face. Her downcast eyes didn't once glance in his direction.

When he couldn't bear the silence anymore, Sameer cleared his throat, and looked directly at her, "It's okay. Chota hai. Tumhe itna chup hone ki zarurat nahi hai."

Fiddling with her straw, Naina gave him a quick glance, and shifted her gaze to the glass again, "I'm... I'm so sorry, sir. Yeh ladka bina soche kuch bhi bol deta hai. I'm sorry on his behalf."

"It's all right, Naina. Mujhe Ayush ki kisi baat ka bura nahi lagta. Uski baatein hoti hi itni pyari hain ki bura manaa hi nahi sakte." Sameer said softly.

Her eyes shot up at him... as if she was judging his expression to know if he meant what he was saying.

"Believe me. Ayush ko main bhi bohot pyar karta hun. Agar tum jitna nahi toh shayad tumse kam bhi nahi." He said earnestly.

Naina gulped. Besides her parents and herself, Sameer was the first person who had shown such affection towards Ayush... and it filled her with gratitude for him.

As for Sameer, Ayush was the first one to give words to his dream, that too, in front of Naina. There could be no one dearer to him.

Thankfully, Ayush didn't spill his ice cream on his clothes at least, even if a few drops could be seen on the table. Naina quickly wiped them with a napkin.

When the car stopped in front of their house, Ayush wrapped his arms around Sameer's neck from behind, "Aapke bday ki ice cream best thi. Thank you. Good night."

Sameer patted his head, "Jab bhi tumhara mann kare mujhe bolna... hum phir se chal padenge. Sirf birthday pe jaayein aisa zaruri nahi hai."

"Okay." He accepted heartily.

When they entered the gate, Sameer noticed Ayush lift his arms, probably asking Naina to pick him up. He quickly exited the car... but she lifted Ayush with ease, and climbed the stairs.

Standing on the road, Sameer watched them, his eyes brimming with love and determination... to turn Ayush's prediction true.

Naina ka Sameer... it would be real.

Next update on Monday