Title is a motivational song 😉
jiski kadi judd gayi hai 'bharo maang meri bharo' se...
ho sakta hai kisi ke 'rang mein rangne wali' ne shayad 'sawalon ka jawaab' de diya ho

Well, we are a hopeful lot and would always keep our fingers crossed

Sameer could not get over the fact that Naina had planned such a huge surprise for him... and he did not even remember it was Valentine's Day. How could he not know. But then, this day or date had no meaning for him till last year. He found it silly that people chose one particular day, and went all mushy. Nonetheless, that was when he didn't believe in love. Now that the cupid's arrow had hit him, roses given by Naina made him feel special, her small notes brought a smile on his face, red imprint of her lips on each paper made him yearn for her, thoughts of their cake cutting brought back the taste... her whole idea of making it this elaborate and unique was intoxicating.

And then there was her proposal. Her words still resonated in his ears. She had enamoured him by professing her love, that too in such intense and deep way. She indeed loved him... as much as he loved her. And this thought filled him with enormous warmth and exhilaration. Though he didn't doubt the depth of her love earlier, hearing it from her brought a smug smile on his face.

When they went for the meeting, Naina was composed. She had cleaned her face and freshened her gloss, leaving no hint of the moments they shared on the rooftop. She did not look at him even once, but his mind kept going back to the two kisses, reminding him that he still had to claim four. Only when one of the department heads asked him about a particular client did he finally pay attention to the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, nanu made the announcement of wedding. It was interesting to see the surprised reaction of most of the people present. But everyone congratulated them. When the news spread, Sameer received many more messages from the staff. Naina got a few calls too. She was aware how this would be discussed. Maybe a few speculations, unpleasant ones, would be made... but it didn't bother her anymore. With Sameer, she was confident of facing anything. Also, the chances of people with such mentality were minimal in this office, where a healthy environment was propagated.

"So madam, ready to leave?" Sameer leaned against the doorway, crossing his arms a little after six.

"Haan bas ek minute." Naina hurriedly cleared her table. Since she wouldn't be coming for almost a week, she didn't want to leave anything disorganised.

"Chalo." Slinging her bag on the shoulder, she walked towards him moments later.

When they reached the parking, Sameer opened the door of passenger side, waving a hand at the seat. Giving him a curious look for such an elaborate gesture, Naina was about to sit in when she noticed a flower, and a note, on the seat.

"Mera idea mujhi pe." She grinned, picking up both the things.

The rose was a long stemmed, fresh and alluring bloom in deep red, with a small tag on it that read 'I love you.' With a loving smile, she opened the note

Sirf iss seat ka nahi
janmon ka hai saath hamara sanam

Tere naam humne kiya hai
jeevan apna saara sanam

Her eyes glittered when she looked at him, but her voice was teasing, "Mujhe aur Salman Khan dono ko copy kar rahe ho."

He stepped closer, "Maybe. Lekin iske baad jo karunga usmein kisi ko copy nahi karunga."

"Kya karoge?" She was alarmed at their closeness, but there was no space to move aside.

"Chaar abhi baaki hain jo tumne waste kiye the." His voice dropped to a husky whisper.

"Sameer hum office ki parking mein hain." She was aghast.

He stepped back, smirking, "Jitna wait karaogi utna interest lagega."

"Pakke Marwari ho tum." She remarked after getting in the car.

As they started for home, Sameer gave her a quick glance, "Aaj tumne sach mein bohot bada surprise diya Naina. Kaise kiye sab arrangements?"

She smiled, telling him how she went to the florist yesterday placed the order for cake, how she got the table and chairs placed on rooftop with the help of Dhruv, how she left early today morning to get the cake and watch that she had booked few days back.

"Maine toh socha tha ghar pe room mein bhi flowers rakhne ko, lekin Ramdhari ko kehna ajeeb lagta isliye sirf coffee aur breakfast ke liye unko bola." She informed him.

"Room mein?" He gave her an impish look, "Tumhe pata hai room phoolon se kab sajate hain?"

Her cheeks flared up as she shot a look at him, turning her gaze away instantly, "Waise... waise rakhne ko nahi socha tha maine."

"Waise kaise?" He raised his brows, giving a lopsided smile.

"Dhatt." She turned her face towards the window, but he could see the smile in her reflection.

His heart did a somersault. This was the first time he didn't see any fear in her at such innuendos. He couldn't ask more as they reached home where the restrictions of separate rooms dampened his chances. Also, Vivek and Rohan were due to arrive shortly, which made Vishakha more excited as she directed the cooks and Ramdhari repeatedly, asking Naina something or the other in between. After the food issue was solved, she whisked Naina away to check the clothes that had arrived after alterations. He couldn't get a single private moment with her.

An hour later, Vivek and Rohan were home. Vivek gave a hug to Sameer, winking at him, "Tumhari mummy ne punishment de hi di."

Sameer shrugged helplessly.

Rohan stepped forward, taking Sameer in a firm embrace, "Bhai. Aakhir mera sapna poora ho hi gaya."

Sameer chuckled as they parted, "Tera sapna meri shaadi tha? Apni nahi?"

Rohan let out a sigh, "Aapki hi tha, kyonki aap saamne se hatoge toh hi mera raasta banega na. Aap Ring Road ke police barricade se zyada border ki fence lagne lage the... jo permanent hoti hai."

Sameer smacked his head playfully. Hearing the voices, Vishakha and Naina came out of the room. After greeting his mom, Rohan turned to Naina.

Rubbing his hands, he whispered, "Ab dekhna bhabhi, aapke pati ke gusse ka switch kaise on hota hai." Before she could react, he said loudly, "Hi Naina. Arre waah, tum toh glow kar rahi ho. Mujhe nahi pata tha mere khadoos bhai se shaadi karne ke naam pe koi ladki khush bhi ho sakti hai."

He flicked his brows in question at Naina. She glanced behind him, at a fuming Sameer, and pursed her lips, "Rohan."

He quickly held his ears, looking back, "Oh sorry sorry sorry. Naina nahi... aap toh meri bhabhi ho." He smiled sweetly as Sameer relaxed... the smile turned prankish next moment when he turned to Naina, "Happy Valentine's Day Naina..." He fished out a rose from his pocket, presenting it to her and said in a low voice, "...bhabi."

Naina rolled her eyes at his perpetual antics to irritate Sameer. Before she could take the flower, Sameer grabbed it from Rohan, "Tune aaj se pehle toh kabhi Valentine's day wish nahi kiya."

Rohan looked at him innocently, "Aaj se pehle Valentine's day pe Naina ko jaanta nahi tha na."

Sameer gave him a grilling look. Naina held his arm, pressing it. He looked at her. She blinked her eyes, conveying him to cool down. Rohan watched in wonder as Sameer calmed instantly.

Seeing the look that passed between them, Rohan let out a fake cough, "Dikh raha hai Valentine's day happy gaya."

Sameer winked at him, now smiling, "Of course. Aur tera?"

Rohan grinned, "Happiest jayega. Main Preeti ko dinner pe le jaa raha hun." He gave them a thoughtful look, "Waise aap log kyon nahi gaye kahin?"

Sameer shrugged, "Hamara style alag hai."

"Oho!" He raised one brow with a playful smirk, but did not ask anything.

Sameer had suggested in the afternoon that they go out. But Naina had refused. After seeing the mad rush on roads and outside every single eating joint they crossed, whether it was a fastfood chain or an elite high-end restaurant, he was glad they didn't attempt. It appeared the entire city wanted to dine out. He wasn't too keen to spend their moments surrounded by several other couples. The small but exclusive arrangement that Naina had made in the afternoon was perfect, and now he had his own way to steal some more time with her... at night.

Before Rohan could tease Sameer about it, his phone started to ring. Seeing the id, his face broke into a bright smile.

"Hey Preeti. I've reached home. Kitne baje nikalna hai?"

His smile was replaced with a frown as he silently listened to her.

"Lekin aaj..."

He sulked more as she cut his sentence midway.

"Uske baad..."

After hearing her out, he slammed the phone on side table, after saying a glum goodbye.

Naina gave him a sympathetic look, "Program cancel ho gaya?"

He nodded sadly, "Preeti ko ek interview session conduct karna hai, different countries ke experts ke saath. Kisi aur ka kaam uspe dump kar diya."

Sameer suggested, "Interview ke baad chale jaana."

"Yehi toh." Rohan threw his hands in air in exasperation, "Yehi problem hoti hai media world ki. Koi fixed timing nahi. Preeti ko zabardasti kisi aur ka interview handle karne ko de diya, aur koi idea nahi hai kitni der chalega. Inn foreigners ko nahi pata aaj Valentine's day hai jo aaj ka time fix kiya... unki love life nahi hai toh kya doosron ki bhi nahi hai."

Vivek came out of his room after freshening up to find Rohan all charged up. He quirked up a brow, "Preeti se jhagda hua kya?"

Sameer controlled his smile, "Yeh ghar ka nahi, international jhagda hai. Rohan unn sab foreigners se naraaz hai jo Valentine's day ke din kaam karte hain."

Vishakha waved her head sadly, "Aur nahi toh kya. Bechari Preeti ko din raat kaam mein uljhaye rakhte hain. Theek se na shopping karne dete hain na Rohan ke saath ghoomne ka time milta hai. Isse achha toh job chod de."

Rohan softened on hearing his mom's complaints, "Nahi mummy aisa kuch nahi hai. Preeti apne kaam mein dedicated hai aur usse enjoy bhi karti hai. Main nahi chahta woh apna job chode. School time se uska interest journalism mein tha. Aur rahi baat kabhi kabhi plans cancel hone ki..." He shrugged, "... main bhi toh karta hun, kisi sudden meeting ke liye ya factory ke kisi issue ke liye. It's okay. Hum kal dinner pe chale jayenge."

Vivek grinned, "Dekha mera beta kitna samajhdar ho gaya hai mere saath reh ke."

Nanu's excited voice echoed in the room as he entered the house after his card distribution exercise, "Bhai waah, ab lag raha hai shaadi wala ghar hai. Bahar tak chahal pahal sunai de rahi hai."

Rohan dashed to his grandfather, hugging him after touching his feet, "Nanu, I missed you so much."

Nanu laughed, "Tum dono bhai mujhpe practice karte ho kya... saare dialogue pehle mujhe bolte ho phir..."

Sameer rounded his eyes as Naina and his parents first looked at him then at Rohan, while Rohan gave a sheepish smile, "Kya nanu. Itna bhi nahi jaante aap apne naatiyon ko. Humein bachpan se practice hai. Training jo aapne di hai."

"Oye." Vivek glared at him with fake anger, "Tere kehne ka matlab maine koi training nahi di?"

Rohan turned towards his dad, "Sorry to say papa lekin iss case mein nanu se zyada expert koi nahi."

Vishakha rolled her eyes, "Tum logon ko zara si bhi sharm hai ki nahi. Vivek, aap bhi bachhon ke saamne kaisi baatein karte hain. Aur papa, aap kuch toh khyal kijiye... aapki beti aur bahu dono hain yahan."

Vivek looped an arm around his flustered wife, "Papa ki beti aur bahu kisi se kam hain kya? Dono ne hi love marriage ki hai phir pyar ki baaton se kya parhez?"

Sameer grabbed the opportunity and put his arm around Naina's shoulder, drawing her closer, "Of course papa, yahan koi kam nahi hai."

She gave him a bewildered look, similar to what Vishakha gave to her husband. Loud laughter rang in the room, making both women blush.

Vivek held up his hand in surrender, "Achha achha ab serious ho jaate hain. Yeh batao Vishakha, kal ke liye kuch aur chahiye? Pooja ki koi arrangements baaki hain toh mujhe bolo, main subah karwa dunga."

Nanu leaned back, "Haan bhai, ab tum sambhalo. Maine cards ka kaam kar diya. Ab main aaram se Ayush ke saath baith ke shaadi ke functions enjoy karunga."

Vivek glanced at the rooms above, "Lekin Ayush hai kahan? Hum toh abhi tak mile hi nahi apne grandson se."

Naina smiled, "Ayush Deepika ke saath hai. Iss baar usne meri help lene se manaa kar diya uske kapde decide karne ke liye. Humein surprise dena chahta hai. Deepika aur mummy ke saath jaa ke shopping ki hai usne."

"Mujhe toh dikha hi sakta hai. Main jaake khud mil leta hun." Vivek got up. Rohan accompanied him, keen to meet his nephew too.

Little later, as the dinner was being set, Ayush hopped down the stairs, holding Vivek's finger, "Aur aapko pata hai dadu, maine black wala coat bhi liya hai, uske saath..." he stopped abruptly when he noticed Sameer and Naina.

Tugging at Vivek's hand, he made him bend down to his level, whispering into his ear, "Aap Sameer papa aur Naina ko mat batana. Maine unko koi dress nahi dikhayi."

Vivek gave him a thumbs up sign.

Sameer ruffled his hair when he reached the table, "Tum toh mere friend ho na, phir mujhe secret kyon nahi bataya jo dadu ko bataya?"

Ayush clasped his hand on mouth, sniggering, "Ab aap mere friend thodi ho. Aap toh Sameer papa ban gaye na."

Sameer picked him up, making him sit in his lap, "Lekin mujhe tumhare saare secrets sunne hain, pehle ke jaise."

Ayush flickered his eyes around for a moment, lost in thoughts, then cupped his hand around Sameer's ear, whispering, "Main dadu ko keh raha tha ki main unko help karunga shaadi mein. Aapko thodi bol sakta hun, aapki toh shaadi hai."

Sameer was amazed how quickly he could think of something totally different, and make it sound convincing too.

While eating, nanu asked Vivek, "Abhi toh rukoge na yahan? Mumbai ki factory mein ab sab kuch theek chal raha hai toh thode din Rohan ko akele sambhalne do."

"Jee papa. Ab main yahin rahunga, Rohan ki shaadi tak toh kahin jaane ka plan nahi hai." Vivek affirmed.

Ayush heard the name Mumbai, and he was curious, "Aap jab jaate ho toh Mumbai jaate ho, dadu?"

Vivek smiled at him, nodding, "Haan beta, Mumbai mein bhi hamara office hai na."

Ayush's eyes widened, "Aap mujhe leke jaoge? Mujhe wahan sea beach dekhna hai. Deepika bua ne kaha Mumbai mein big wala beach hai. Hamare pool se bhi bada."

Rohan was excited at the prospect, "Brilliant idea. Bhai, aap log shaadi ke baad kuch din Mumbai aa jao na. Ayush ko main saare beaches dikhaunga."

Deepika brooded, "Mujhe koi saath chalne ko nahi kehta."

Ayush dipped his head at her, "Aap mere saath chalna, Deepika bua. Hum dono beach pe waisa hi house banayenge jaisa kal movie mein dekha tha."

Sameer agreed with him, "Hum sab saath jayenge Deepu. Lekin abhi nahi. Pehle hi shaadi ke liye leave li hai, abhi Mumbai ka plan nahi bana sakte. But I promise hum log chalenge."

Amidst light talks and planning for the upcoming functions, dinner was over, and slowly, everyone dispersed to their rooms. When Sameer went to his room, he wasn't dejected like other days. He just had to wait for others to fall asleep before he would sneak out like the night before. And today, he would lock his room first, so he could stay in Naina's room till early morning, without any fear.

But fate had other plans.

An hour later, there was a knock at his door.

Sameer was surprised to see Rohan when he opened, "Kya hua, Rohan? Itni raat ko tu yahan kya kar raha hai?"

"Bhai, aaj mujhe aapke room mein sona hai. Hum dono dher saari baatein karenge. Jabse Mumbai gaya hun aisa lagta hai aapse dil khol ke baatein karne ka chance hi nahi milta." Rohan walked in, without noticing the dumbfounded expression on Sameer's face.

"Uh... lekin main... main toh... main bas sone laga hun. Mujhe bohot... neend aa rahi hai." Sameer let out a fake yawn, twisting his shoulders.

Rohan sprawled on the bed, "Yeh acting kisi aur ko dikhana. Neend toh aapko pehle bhi kam aati thi aur jabse bha... I mean, Naina mili hai aapki neend toh pakka udd gayi hogi."

"Tu hamesha Naina kyon bolta hai?" Sameer scoffed, charging at him, forgetting all pretence of feigning sleep.

Rohan jumped on the other side, grinning, "Dekha, neend gayab. Sirf naam se yeh haal hai, saamne dekh ke toh aap sona kya, saans lena bhi bhool jaate hoge."

Sameer huffed, sitting on the edge of the bed, "Sab chedne ko ready rehte hain. Koi yeh nahi dekhta ki main Naina ko miss kar raha hun."

"Aww mere love sick bhai." Rohan came down to sit next to him, "Actually main bhi Preeti ko miss kar raha hun. Isliye aapke paas aaya hun. Ek plan hai."

Sameer eyed him suspiciously, "Tere liye hai na. Mujhe kyon disturb kar raha hai."

"If you want, you can join." Rohan gave a crooked smile.

Sameer was confused, "Tere plan mein main kyon saath rahunga, third wheel banke."

"Offo. Aapse zyada smart toh aapka beta hai. Itni der mein Ayush ko bhi samajh aa jaata main kya keh raha hun." Rohan rolled his eyes.

Sameer smiled fondly at the mention of Ayush, "Ayush toh bohot smart hai." Looking back at Rohan, he asked, "Plan kya hai?"

Rohan got up and locked the door swiftly before coming back to sit on the bed facing Sameer, with one leg folded under him, "Preeti ka phone aaya tha. Uska interview abhi abhi khatam hua hai. Barah bajne mein sirf aadha ghanta hai. Poora din toh nikal gaya lekin Valentine's Day ka end hum saath mein karna chahte hain. Umm... mera room second floor pe hai. Wahan se kaise jaata. Isliye main yahan aa gaya. Shaam ko maine aapki terrace ke side mein ek seedhi dekhi thi. Hum yahan se chupke se jayenge. Bas aap Bhabhi ko convince kar lo."

Sameer instantly agreed to his plan, only because he addressed Naina as bhabhi. He called up Naina, and explained everything. After some reluctance, she agreed. Sameer and Rohan climbed down his terrace with the help of wooden ladder. Sameer called Naina to inform that he had placed the ladder outside her balcony.

"Main upar aa jaata hun tumhe lene." He suggested.

"Uski zarurat nahi hai Sameer. Main khud aa sakti hun." She assured him.

"Lekin seedhi pe kaise... tum gir gayi toh?" He gave a tensed look to the rickety ladder.

She chuckled, "Toh kya? Tum tooti tang wali ladki se shaadi nahi kar sakte?"

His tensed face broke into a loving smile, "Main toh tumse har haal mein shaadi karunga sweetheart... bas tumhe koi takleef ho woh mujhse bardasht nahi hoga."

Rohan nudged Sameer, "Apni love story ko thoda pause do aur bhabhi ko jaldi se aane ko bolo jisse hum yahan se nikal sakein. Kisi ne dekh liya toh musibat ho jayegi."

Sameer waved at Naina, ending the call. He was amazed to see the ease with which she held the sides of ladder, and stepped down smoothly, till she was more than halfway down. He held her waist and lifted her off, putting her on the ground gently. Naina tried to hide the faint redness on her face because of his act in presence of Rohan, who was grinning at them.

"Ab kaun late kar raha hai?" Sameer prodded Rohan, making him walk to the locked side entrance of their house.

Rohan was carrying the keys. They left silently, closing the door behind them, and got in the waiting car.

"Hi baby." Rohan flashed a beaming smile to Preeti as he slipped into passenger seat.

"Don't baby me. Tumhe kitni baar kaha hai mujhe cringy lagta hai." Preeti snapped.

Rohan sighed, "Yeh dekho. Apne fiancée se aise kaun milta hai... woh bhi itne dino baad... woh bhi Valentine's day, nahi night pe."

Preeti mellowed down, "Sorry yaar. Actually mera mood pehle se off tha aur tumne baby bola toh... sorry. Happy Valentine's day."

Rohan leaned and placed a kiss on her cheek, "Happy valentine's day darling."

Sameer cleared his throat from back seat.

Rohan looked back, "Kya? Wish bhi na karun? I'm sure aapne isse kahin better tareeke se wish kiya hoga bha... Naina ko."

The images from their own celebration played in both their minds, making Naina blush hard while Sameer gave a complacent look to Rohan, "We're married already."

"We are also half married." Rohan said in the same firm tone, "Aur sirf cheek kiss toh kiya hai maine... aise old fashioned dada ki tarah apna gala kyon kharab kar rahe ho."

"Oh God you two, chup ho jao. You know what Rohan, idea drop karte hain. Tum dono wapas jao. Main aur Naina drive pe chale jaate hain." Preeti growled at both brothers.

Sameer's mouth fell open as Naina smirked, "Best idea hai Preeti."

Rohan quickly sat straight in his seat, securing he belt, "No no, ab main kuch nahi bolunga, ladunga bhi nahi. Tum jahan chahe le chalo." He placed a finger on his lips.

Sameer pursed his lips, "Sorry Preeti. Meri galti hai. Par ab main tum dono ko aur disturb nahi karunga."

Stifling a smile at the way both were tamed with just one sentence, Preeti winked at Naina through rear view mirror as she started to drive. Naina gave a slanted glance to Sameer. Her heart melted seeing him sitting quietly, his fingers tapping on his knee. Naina slid her hand towards him, and placed it on the back of his hand, making him go still. He first looked at her hand on his leg, then at her. She flicked her brows, a hint of smile on the corner of her lips. Even through the course material of his tracks, he could feel the heat of her hand... or was it his own skin, heated up at her touch, he wasn't sure. But one thing he was sure of, she didn't know what havoc she was unleashing in him. Sitting a few inches from him, with a calm, yet enticing smile, she mouthed 'I love you'... and it took all of his self control to not push her back on the seat and claim that tormenting mouth.

"Preeti, yahan se right le lo. Tumne last time jo new ice cream parlour bataya tha wahan chalte hain." Rohan's voice broke the trance Sameer had fallen into. He took a deep breath to control himself.

Preeti instantly liked the idea, "Oh yeah. It's amazing. Wahan ke special flavours ki toh main fan ban gayi hun. Let's go there."

It was only when they were parked in front of the shop that Sameer realised Naina wasn't fond of ice cream. He looked around, "Yahan koi café nahi hai kya? Naina ko ice cream pasand nahi hai."

Preeti pointed at the next turn, "Yahan se left le lena, ek cosy sa café hai. Main aur Rohan ice cream khate hain, tum car le jao."

The idea appealed to Sameer. After the two got down, Sameer shifted to driving seat and Naina took the seat beside him. The café was indeed a small and pretty place but although it was midnight, most of the tables were occupied. Sameer didn't feel like sitting amongst so many people.

"Yahan tables kitni paas paas hain. Bohot noisy hai. Hum coffee leke car mein hi chalein?" He suggested.

Naina agreed, but asked him to get a frappe for her. When he came back with two disposable cups, they leaned against the car, sipping their drinks. Sameer glanced at his new watch, and moved closer to her, dipping his head to whisper against her ear, "Din khatam hone se pehle ek baar phir happy Valentine's day."

She didn't attempt to move away, rather tilted her head to face him, "Mere liye aaj ka din bohot special tha... abhi bhi hai."

With her face so close, he could feel her breath when she spoke, and could see a small speck of froth on her lip. His eyes couldn't move away from it. She saw the way his eyes darkened. With his gaze fixed on her lips, she knew what he wanted. Straightening up, she walked away. Sameer was taken aback for a moment, till he noticed she had gone to stand on the other side of the car... a place which was hidden from the view of passers by. He immediately put away his cup and went to her.

Naina clutched his jacket at the waist, surrendering to him as he lowered his head, pinning her between himself and the car. His tongue flicked over the speck that he had been eyeing. He felt her shudder, but he didn't go for the kiss yet, skimming his lips lightly over her jawline. She tightened her grip on his waist, showing her restlessness. He wasn't ready to give in, dipping his head to go down to her neck.

He felt her hold slackening. He thought she was backing out. But her hands slid inside his jacket, going around his waist as she pulled him even closer, and bit his earlobe.

Sameer lifted his head with a jerk, stunned at her action. Her eyes had a triumphant look as she turned her chin up and placed her lips on his, initiating an intense kiss.

Check out this interesting new story on Samaina by ChahekJainOfficial