So here we are again. Extremely sorry for falling off from this radar. Went through a real rough patch. After battling with meningitis and its after effects which gave light sensitivity to my eyes and a severe back problem, I tested positive for Covid and had to go through another exhausting routine of tests and medicines. It's unfortunate that it happened when we were so close to the end of this story. Sorry that you all had to wait for so long. But I'm back now... to continue this journey of Samaina

Title is the song 'Dil na todunga' by Shambhavi Thakur... a song by BLive music

Hospitals had long back stopped scaring Naina. When she was a child, the mere name made her wince and whip up every possible excuse to her parents to avoid a visit if she fell sick. All those fears were quelled by cruel twists of fate.

Today, however, as she and Sameer stepped into one of the well known hospitals of Delhi, her heart thudded with apprehensions again. Harmeet had asked her to get a checkup done, to know the extent of healing. Dr Amrita Kaushal was his senior, and he had already discussed Naina's case with her.

Pleasant looking elderly Dr Amrita smiled at her warmly when they were seated in her room, "Hello Naina. Harmeet ne aapke treatment ki details bheji hain mujhe. I think he has given you the best possible solution. Let's see abhi kya state hai."

Sameer waited while Naina was taken for a check up. He looked around the room. Several pictures of chubby babies flashing toothless smile adorned the walls. Unknowingly, his lips curled. He recalled the one time when he had visited Sanjay after his daughter was born. Ojal was about four months old at that time. He had instantly fallen in love with her every antic. The way she grinned at him... the way she kicked in air, which was a demand to be picked up, Sanjay had told him... the way she clutched his shirt when he held her. Everything felt so... so satisfying.

Sameer straightened with a jerk, vexed at the direction of his thoughts. He had felt a similar longing when he met Arun and Anjali's daughter in New York. But he didn't want to nurture this desire. He wasn't ready to kindle something that may or may not be in store. And if it wasn't, he didn't want to hurt Naina by showing his disappointment. Her own hopes had soared since the surgery. He had seen her eyes glitter with new dreams. He couldn't lie to himself... he was dreaming too. But he didn't want Naina to feel that she was the cause of any distress if they were fated to face one.

The sound of door brought him out of his thoughts. While doctor walked back to her chair on the opposite side, he looked at Naina as she settled on the one next to him. She smiled, but he could see that it didn't completely reflect in her eyes.

Doctor Amrita cleared her throat, making them turn their attention to her, "Well, things are definitely better than before lekin..." She paused, making Sameer feel a nervous twist in his stomach, "...hamare paas abhi bhi koi definite answer nahi hai. Aapka case bohot complicated hai Naina, aapko pata hi hai. Jitni improvement abhi dikh rahi hai, yeh pregnancy ko support karne ke liye sufficient nahi hai. Main yehi suggest karungi ki aap jo medicines le rahi hain woh continue kijiye. Usmein ek addition kar rahi hun. Isse bhi start kar dijiye." She scribbled something on her prescription pad, and tore the paper. Slipping it inside the file that a nurse had brought in while she was talking, she forwarded it to Naina, "I'll see you next month."

Once they were seated in the car, Naina waited for Sameer to start, but he sat silently, his eyes fixated ahead.

"Kya hua Sameer? Kisika wait kar rahe ho kya?" She asked, perplexed.

He let out a long exhale before slowly turning to face her, "Are you upset?"

That is when it dawned on her. He was still lost in doctor's words. She smiled softly, "Sameer, humne decide kiya tha na, ki hum iss baat ko apni zindagi ka sabse important topic nahi banayenge."

He sighed, "Par important toh ban raha hai Naina. Tumhare chehre pe jo yeh..."

She didn't let him complete. Taking his hands in hers, she smiled genuinely, "Koshish hai... sirf ek koshish. Aisa thodi hai ki hum khush nahi hain. Sab kuch toh hai hamare paas. Please Sameer, tum yeh mat sochna ki agar yeh nahi hua toh main depress ho jaungi ya khud ko blame karungi. Nahi, aisa kuch nahi hoga. Mere paas tum ho, hamara beta hai, itni pyari family hai. Mere paas complete life already hai."

She scanned his eyes, which were clouded with fear... for her. She lifted his one hand, placing a kiss on the back of his knuckles, "Sameer, tumne mujhe khud ko accept karna sikhaya hai. Aaj tumhare saamne woh Naina nahi hai jo Agra se aayi thi. Yeh tumhari Naina hai... Naina Sameer Maheshwari. Mujhe ab kuch bhi face karne se darr nahi lagta. Jo bhi hoga, I'm ready to accept it."

He searched her eyes, for any hint of frustration, but all he found was serenity. His tensed face eased up, breaking into a smile, "Mere liye tum perfect ho, har haal mein. Aur hamari life bhi."

Her smile was wider, "Jaanti hun. Tumhe kya lagta hai yeh himmat kahan se aa rahi hai." Leaning ahead, she planted a kiss on his cheek, looking at him lovingly after moving back, "Mujhe perfect banane wale tum ho, Sameer."

They did not talk about the same topic in coming weeks, though Naina continued with her medicines diligently. Weather had started changing a bit, with mornings and evenings turning cooler and pleasant.

Driving back from office one evening, Sameer suggested, "Naina, chalo iss weekend pe Kasauli chalte hain. Friday subah niklenge, Sunday ko wapas aa jayenge. Wahan ka mausam toh aur bhi achha hoga abhi."

"Iss weekend kaise jaa sakte hain, Sameer? Saturday ko..." She stopped abruptly.

It was evident that he wasn't aware. Shrugging nonchalantly, she kept a straight face, "Saturday ko mujhe kuch kaam hai."

"Oh!" He sighed sadly, but did not ask more.

On Friday evening, when Sameer checked his watch after dinner, he was pleasantly surprised that they had finished much before the regular time. Early dinner meant he could have more time alone with Naina. However, when he stepped out after his shower, she was in bed, her eyes shut.

"Naina, tumhari tabiyat theek hai na?" He hastily marched to her side of the bed, perching on the edge as he touched her forehead.

She opened her eyes, "Haan. Mujhe kya hoga?"

He was perplexed, "Toh itni jaldi kaise so rahi ho? Tired?"

She smiled, "Subah teen baje uthna hai. Mummy ne isiliye aaj jaldi dinner karne ko kaha tha."

"Teen baje? Kyon? Kahan jaana hai?" His brows furrowed.

Naina rolled her eyes, "Offo, kal karwa chauth hai na. Subah sargi ke liye uthna hai."

His eyes lit up. One year back, this was the day his life had taken an unexpected, but beautiful turn. The frown was back next instant.

"Lekin subah subah kyon? Subah ka time toh mera hai na." He whined when he realised that his morning moments of togetherness were also being sacrificed.

Naina gave him a patient look, "Sunrise se pehle hi kha sakte hain. Last year Bhalla aunty ne bataya tha. Mujhe zyada kuch nahi pata par itna malum hai ki din bhar kuch nahi khaate."

"Din bhar bhooke rehna padega? Kyon?" He was shocked, unaware of this aspect of the fast he had seen his mother observing ever since he could recall.

Naina pinched his cheek and smiled, "Tumhare liye. Yeh fast har wife apne husband ke liye rakhti hai."

Sameer shook his head vehemently, "Nahi, tum mat rakho. Poore din bina khaana khaye kaise rahogi? Woh bhi meri wajah se... I don't like this. Tum aisa kuch nahi karogi. Mujhe inn sab cheezon mein koi vishwas nahi hai."

Naina sat up, taking his hand within her palms, "Sameer, baat vishwas ya custom ki nahi hai. Tum jaante ho main bhi yeh sab nahi maanti. Lekin ek tradition maan ke toh follow kar sakte hain na... jaise humne shaadi ke saare rituals kiye the."

He pursed his lips, knowing fully well that he couldn't make her budge. Clasping his other hand over their palms, he looked at her earnestly, "Achha theek hai, par ek promise karo ki tum khaana skip nahi karogi. Main chupke se bahar se mangwa lunga. Kisi ko pata nahi chalega."

A chuckle escaped her lips, "Kitne bholuram ho tum."

"Uhhh Naina." He squirmed, "Yeh naam kisne bataya tumhe?"

"Preeti ne ek baar kaha tha, Bela aunty tumhe aise bulati hain. Bilkul sahi bulati hain." She pulled his puffed up cheek.

"Tab main chota tha. Abhi mujhe koi bho... aise naam se nahi bula sakta." He whined like a child.

She poked his wrinkled brows, a teasing smile om her lips, "Mujhe toh yeh naam perfect lagta hai tumhare liye. Main abse tumhe bholuram hi bulaungi."

He grabbed her wrist, his face solemn, "Ek shart pe... tum kal bhooki nahi rahogi."

Naina gave a slight wave to her head, "Sameer, kisi se chupana ya kuch prove nahi karna hai. Aur sach kahun, subah ki heavy sargi ke baad din bhar khaane ki requirement hi feel nahi hoti."

"Lekin Naina..." His another attempt was put to rest as she placed her finger on his lips, shaking her head, "No more lekin. Main karna chahti hun. Please."

He held her hand, pulling her hand down, flattened her palm and placed a kiss on it, "Toh main bhi fast rakhunga... tumhare liye."

She lowered her eyes for a few moments, then looked up, "Husbands apni wife ko gift dete hain, karwachauth pe... aisa Bhalla aunty ne bataya tha. Tum nahi doge mujhe?"

He cupped her face, smiling, "Tum bolo to sahi, jaan, tum jo kahogi woh milega."

"Promise?" She raised her brows.

"Pakka promise." He answered with conviction.

Her eyes twinkled triumphantly, "Mera gift hai... ki tum fast nahi rakhoge."

"Naina!" Sameer huffed, "Yeh koi gift hota hai? I don't accept it. Tum cheating kar rahi ho."

She pressed his hand, "Sameer, tumne promise kiya hai... pakka promise."

Eventually he had no option but to agree. Naina let out a relieved breath. She didn't want Sameer to go without food, knowing how difficult it would be for him. For herself, she had experience of previous year to go by. She hadn't fasted knowingly then, but had ended up doing so as she didn't feel hungry all day after the heavy morning meal. This time, she was willing. Even if she did not have much faith in the actual reason, she wanted to keep the fast of karwa chauth. As his wife, she wanted to do it... for him, for herself, for them. She wanted to do what every normal Indian wife did for her husband. This normalcy in her life was a gift of destiny, and she valued it more than anything. Also, this day held a special place in her heart... it was the anniversary of their first step of togetherness.

A jingling sound jerked Sameer out of his sleep next morning... rather, sometime in the night. He rolled to the other side, and was greeted with emptiness. Partially opening one eye, he scanned the bed. Finding it devoid of his favourite view, he groaned, turning around with half open eyes.

His sleep was blown away by the sight before him. Naina was standing in front of the mirror, wearing a pink suit, with dainty silver work on it, and a dupatta with silver border. The mangalsutra around her neck was her only jewellery, besides the clinking bangles that she was slowly slipping over her wrists. Her open hair cascaded down her back, a few locks falling over the shoulders. Sameer was awestruck at how beautiful she looked, even without any makeup or accessories. Lifting himself up, he dragged her pillow to his chest, thinking of ways to appreciate her.

Hearing the shuffle, Naina turned, and furrowed her brows immediately, "I'm so sorry tumhari neend kharab ho gayi. Main try kar rahi thi ki awaaz na ho par yeh..." She eyed the glass bangles, then smiled at him, "...tumhi laaye the na yeh kaanch ki chooriyan, isliye ab bhugto."

Sameer gently put away the pillow and walked to her. There were still a few bangles left in the box in front of her. He picked them up and started to slid them down her wrists, "Laane ko toh main sone ki chooriyan bhi laa sakta tha, lekin sone ki chooriyon mein sirf chamak hoti hai khanak nahi, isliye mujhe tumhare haathon mein kaanch ki chooriyan hi pasand hain..." He ran his fingers over them, making them jingle, "...aise khanakti hui."

She pulled back her hands, shaking her wrists in front of him, and giggled, "Isi khanak ne tumhari neend kharab kar di."

His arms went around her waist, jerking her closer. His gaze dropped to her lips as she took a sharp audible breath, "Agar soya rehta toh..."

"Toh?" She whispered, looking into his eyes.

His gaze roved over her, before coming back to her face, "Yeh pink suit, yeh kaanch ki chooriyan, gale mein hum dono ke naam wala mangalsutra... tumne itni mehnat ki hai apne husband ke liye, tareef toh karni padegi na."

A gentle push at his chest made him stall when he leaned towards her, "Mr husband, aaj mera fast hai. Aaj koi badmaashi nahi."

He narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment, then let out a knowing smile, "Fast toh sunrise se hai Mrs wife, abhi tum khana kha sakti ho toh... baaki sab bhi allowed hai."

"Kitne besharam ho tum." She tried to keep a straight face but the colour on her cheeks made his eyes sparkle.

"Main toh bohot shareef tha madam. Tumne hi besharam banaya hai." He whispered huskily, tightening his arms around her before he claimed her mouth. The kiss was soft and deliberate. She felt his hands move from her back to her waist, skimming over the curve in sync with the movement of his lips against hers.

Without breaking the kiss, she grabbed his wrists, and peeled off his hands from her. Now was not the time to fuel the sparks crackling between them. Frustrated at this loss of contact, he raised his head, ready to protest. But she was quick to seal his mouth with another kiss, keeping his hands pressed on the sides against the dresser.

When they broke apart, he grumbled, "Not fair."

She chuckled. At times, he was just like Ayush... a kid, who wanted and demanded, and even complained if his demands were not met. But always loved back unconditionally. Still holding his hands, she raised herself on toes and leaned closer, to kiss his forehead softly, and slowly.

He could easily free his hands, but he let them in her clasp, muttering in a deep voice, "Itne se nahi chalega. Abhi toh..."

"Shhh." She hushed him, "Wrong timing. Mujhe jaana hai."

"Main bhi aaunga." He glared, disapprovingly.

"No." She said firmly, "Tumne mujhe promise kiya tha tum fast nahi rakhoge. Isliye yeh khana tumhare liye nahi hai. Tum yahin raho, main thodi der mein aati hun."

"Nainaaa." He drawled, "Fast hai ya mere liye punishment!"

She gave a quick peck on his lips before moving away, "Smile. Itne achhe din ki shuruaat muh phula ke nahi karte. Bas thoda sa wait kar lo. Main jaldi aa jaungi. Bye."

She was out of the door before he could throw more tantrums.

When Naina reached the dining hall, Vishakha had laden the table with several dishes, just like Bhalla aunty.

"Mummy, aapne akele itna kuch kyon kiya? Main aur Preeti kar lete na." She looked at the array on display.

Vishakha waved at the table, "Pehle mujhe bhi lagta tha itna sab kyon banana hai, lekin dheere dheere samajh aaya ki kuch dishes rasm ke liye hoti hain aur kuch isliye ki humein din bhar energy de sakein." He face eased into a smile as she cupped Naina's face, "Waise bhi, tumhara aur Preeti ka pehla karwachauth hai. Mera haq hai apni bahuon ko pamper karne ka."

Naina pursed her lips, "Maine last year bhi rakha tha."

Vishakha flicked her brows towards their room, "Tabhi se mere bete ka favourite din ban gaya hai yeh."

Rolling her eyes, Naina shrugged, "Lagta toh nahi. Kal se bas shikayat hi shikayat hai Sameer ko."

Giving a teasing chuckle, Vishakha pressed Naina's shoulder, "Toh aakhir usse realise ho gaya ki tumhe poora din kuch nahi khana. Itne saalon mein kabhi mere liye itna pareshan nahi hua."

Naina flushed, "Nahi mummy, aisa nahi hai. Woh toh..."

"Rehne do." Vishakha laughed, "Achhe se jaanti hun apne bete ko. Saalon tak mujhe sataya, yeh bolke ki shaadi nahi karunga, aur phir, aisa lattoo hua ki bina bataye shaadi kar li."

Before Naina could come up with something to hide her embarrassment, a door closed upstairs with a loud thud.

"Mummyyyy." Preeti's exasperated cry from the stairs made them look back.

Rubbing her eyes, she sauntered down, whining, "Aadhi raat ko uthne ka yeh rule kisne banaya hai mujhe zara naam batao. Aur jiske liye uthna pad raha hai woh khud maze se so raha hai."

Vishakha patted her head, "Bas ek din ki baat hai Preeti. Naina bhi toh uthi hai. Aur tum toh kitni baar poori raat office mein rehti ho. It's okay."

Preeti stomped her foot, "Kaise okay hoga mummy? Maine Rohan ko uthaya toh usne kaha mera fast thodi hai, meri neend mat kharab karo. Idiot kahin ka. Moral support ke liye hi uth jaata."

Vishakha made Preeti sit on a chair, smiling, "Hum dono hain na tumhare moral support ke liye. Chalo ab jaldi se kha ke tum bhi so jao. Kal chutti hai toh uthne ki bhi jaldi nahi hai. Poora din rest karna."

After Naina was seated, Vishakha forced them to eat all varieties of dishes, from fruits to sweets to fried savouries and juices. By now, Preeti was almost awake, and less irritated. Munching a piece of apple, she looked at Vishakha, "Mummy, ek baat batao, kya husbands ko nahi chahiye ki unki wife ki umr lambi ho? Unke liye koi fast kyon nahi hota?"

"Yeh bohot purana ritual hai. Aaj ke zamane mein hum log umr lambi karne ke liye fast nahi rakhte. Uske liye hum apne husbands ki health ka khyal rakhte hain, aur apni bhi. Woh khud bhi conscious rehte hain. Karwachauth toh bas ek celebration jaisa hai. Jaise hum baaki festivals manate hain, aaj ke din bhi saj dhaj ke ek rasm kar lete hain aur husbands se gift demand karte hain. Honestly, agar tum log na karna chaho toh meri taraf se koi compulsion nahi hai. Main aisa nahi maanti ki ek ke khana khane ya na khane se doosre ki umr lambi ya choti hogi." Vishakha explained.

Preeti pouted thoughtfully, "Toh husbands bhi celebrate kar sakte hain na yeh festival."

Vishakha gave her an amused smile, "Tum chahti ho Rohan tumhare liye fast rakhe? Main uske kaan kheench ke rakhwa sakti hun."

"Na baba." Preeti said quickly, "Pehle hi aadha pagal hai, agar usse bhooka rakha toh poora pagal ho jayega."

Vishakha laughed at her panic, "Pagal toh mere dono bete hain, lekin alag alag tarah se. Rohan apne papa jaisa hai. Vivek ne bhi kabhi nahi kaha ki woh mere liye aisa kuch karenge. Na kabhi subah uthe. Lekin poora din mera bohot khyal rakhte hain. Unhone kitni baar bola ki mujhe yeh sab karne ki koi zarurat nahi hai par... mujhe achha lagta hai, aur baaki sab bhi rakhte hi hain. Meri friends ko pata chala ki maine karwachauth rakhna chod diya toh kya bolengi."

Preeti nodded, keeping a serious expression on her face, "Of course mummy, aapki sab friends ke liye aapko toh rakhna hi chahiye."

Not getting her sarcasm, Vishakha turned to Naina, "Maine socha tha Sameer bhi... kyonki woh apne nanu pe gaya hai har baat mein. Papa ko maine hamesha maa ke saath yeh vrat rakhte dekha tha. Main thodi surprised hun ki Sameer tumhare saath nahi aaya."

Naina blushed, lowering her eyes, "Sameer se maine promise liya ki woh fast nahi rakhenge. Maine hi neeche aane se roka."

Preeti grinned, "Isiliye. Warna abhi tak usne apni Naina ko double khana khila diya hota."

Their laughter made Naina colour up even more.

After food, Vishakha gave large bags to both of them, "Yeh meri taraf se tumhare liye. Shaam ki puja mein yehi saree aur jewellery pehenna."

"Phir se saree." Preeti rolled her eyes.

Vishakha gave a light pat on her cheek, "Bilkul. Puja ke liye jo ladies ayengi unhe bhi toh pata chale meri bahuen kitni sundar hain."

Preeti flashed a fake smile, "Bilkul mummy. Aisa mauka haath se kyon jaane dena."

"Aur kya." Vishakha agreed, "Yeh men toh kuch samajhte hi nahi. Arre, aise occasions hi toh hote hain apni latest jewellery aur trendy designer kapde show off karne ke liye."

Preeti nudged Naina as they reached the top of stairs, whispering, "Aisa lag raha hai shaam ko mummy ko presentation deni hain." Letting out a sigh, she looked at the bag in hand, "Lekin yahan slides ko khud ready hona padega." She winked at Naina, "Soch behen, agar office ki presentations mein bhi hum slides ko apne aap ready hone ko bol sakte toh kaam kitna easy ho jaata."

"Tera dimag jaldi uthne ki wajah se shayad freeze ho gaya hai." Naina chuckled, "Jaa so jaa. Warna shaam ko mummy ki friends bolengi unki designer saree wali bahu thodi khiski hui hai."

Sniggering, they both went to their rooms.

Naina smiled as she noticed Sameer sleeping with her pillow clutched to his chest. She checked the time. It was not yet five. Putting away the bag and her dupatta, she slid into the bed, slowly taking away the pillow. With a content smile, she nestled against him, shutting her eyes and gently placing one arm over his chest. After a moment, her eyes opened to look at him. He seemed to be in deep slumber. Her lips curled into a happy curve, her eyes taking in as much of his presence before they turned droopy.

Writing after a long time, and after a lot of turmoil. Not sure how it has turned out. Please excuse if it's not as you expected. Next one would take 3-4 days as I'm not able to handle both office and writing in the same manner as before