Title is the song 'Dil leke dard e dil de gaye' from movie 'Wanted'

It was the second half of May, and Delhi was sweltering in dry heat. Schools were closed for summer vacations, markets remain deserted during daytime, roads were less crowded. Only those who couldn't avoid it, ventured out during daytime.

At the breakfast table, Rohan informed nanu about his upcoming Mumbai visit. Since he had completed one year of his training in the unit there, he had returned to Delhi office after his marriage.

Nanu looked at Preeti, "Beta, tum bhi chali jao. Do din ki hi baat hai, ho sake toh chutti le lo."

Rohan gave a wide smile, "What an idea nanu." He quickly turned to Preeti who sat next to him, "Please yaar chal pado na. Warna main kaam kaise karunga."

Preeti gave him a strange look, "Main kaunsa tumhe office ke kaam mein help karti hun."

"Arre lekin tum nahi aayi toh saara time tumhe miss karta rahunga aur phone karta rahunga. Kaam ka time hi nahi milega." Rohan made a sad face.

Vishakha let out a sigh, "Papa, aapne kuch zyada hi training de di hai mere beton ko."

Nanu laughed, "Achha hai na. Khush rahenge dono."

Rohan smiled, "Aur agar Preeti saath chalegi toh aur bhi khush ho jaunga."

She nodded, "Okay. Kal subah jaana hai na. Kal waise hi meri chutti hai. Do din ki le lungi."

Rohan gave her a quick hug, making her frown. Nanu laughed, while Vishakha rolled her eyes.

Sameer and Naina came down after a while, and joined the family for breakfast. Though it was Saturday, they were to go for a meeting, in a restaurant.

Preeti eyed Naina's full sleeve top, "Tujhe garmi nahi lagegi ismein?"

Naina smiled, "Its okay."

Vishakha concurred with Preeti, "Haan Naina, kuch comfortable pehen lo. Informal meeting hai. Kya farq padta hai."

"Main theek hun mummy. Restaurant mein bhi AC hoga." Naina replied.

Vishakha looked at her thoughtfully, "Naina, agar tum yeh soch ke hesitate karti ho ki hum log kya sochenge, toh aisa kuch nahi hai. Tum jo chahe pehen sakti ho. Yeh koi filmy sasural nahi hai jahan hum bahu ko Christmas tree ki tarah saj dhaj ke rehne ke liye kahenge."

Naina had actually picked a sleeveless top then decided against it, not sure if Vishakha would approve of it, since she had never seen her wear cut sleeves. In fact she was always in sarees, though not traditionally dressed.

Preeti had the same observation, "Mummy, aap kyon hamesha saree pehenti hain? Jahan tak mujhe yaad hai, maine aapko aise hi dekha hai bachpan se."

Vivek looked at his wife, "Ab batao. Meri toh kabhi sunti nahi, ab Preeti ke sawal ka jawab do."

Vishakha chided him in low voice, "Kya aap bhi. Bataya toh tha aapko. Sabke saamne bolna zaruri hai."

Sameer narrowed his eyes, "Mummy, aapki kuch purani photos hain, shayad mere paida hone se pehle ki, usmein aapne jeans pehni hui hai. Lekin maine bhi aapko real mein saree ke alava kuch aur pehente nahi dekha. Aisa kyon?"

"Offo tum log toh peeche hi pad gaye." Vishakha frowned, "Mujhe saree pasand hai bas isliye."

Naina felt there was some other reason. She looked at Preeti. She herself had known Vishakha for a short span. But Preeti had known her since childhood. Maybe she had some idea.

But her next sentence was enough to show that she was as clueless, "Mummy, saree kitni bhi pasand ho lekin itne saalon tak roz pehenni pade toh koi bhi bore ho jayega. Aapka dil nahi karta kabhi kabhi kuch new style try karne ka?"

"Nahi." Vishakha said stiffly, "Yeh tum sabko subah subah meri saree se kya problem ho gayi aaj? No more discussion on this. Ab chup chaap breakfast karo."

The topic was put aside as they all finished their breakfast and continued with their work. In the afternoon, after Naina returned from the meeting, she called Preeti to her room and showed her shopping.

The idea didn't seem well to her, "Dekh Naina, mummy ke opinions change karna thoda mushkil kaam hai. Agar unhe saree pasand hai toh isme hum kyon tension lein? Woh humein thodi keh rahi hain pehenne ko."

Naina pondered for a while, "Preeti, jitna maine mummy ko dekha hai na, woh hamesha bohot confident aur groomed lagti hain. Lekin subah woh kuch ghabra si gayi. Yeh sirf choice ki baat nahi hai. Kuch toh insecurity hai."

"Offo, agar aisa kuch hai bhi toh tujhe kisne kaha CID banne ko. Mummy khush hain. Unhe khush rehne de. Agar sach mein koi insecurity hai toh kya tere puchne se woh bata dengi?" Preeti countered.

"Pata nahi. Lekin main koshish karna chahti hun. Preeti, please chal na mere saath." Naina pestered.

Preeti sighed, "Achha bhala din jaa raha hai lekin iss madam ko chain nahi. Chalo ji, Preeti ko aage karo yudh ke maidan mein."

Naina chuckled at her antics, "Koi yudh nahi hai. Zyada drama mat kar."

"Uske bina mera kaam nahi chalta." Preeti grinned, walking with her to Vishakha's room.

"Arre tum dono. Aao na." Vishakha looked up when they knocked.

"Mummy, main aapke liye kuch laayi hun." Naina placed the bag in front of Vishakha.

"Mere liye?" Vishakha's surprise was evident on her face as she opened the packet.

"Thank you Naina. Lekin maine subah hi bata diya tha ki mujhe yeh sab pasand nahi hai. Main aise kapde nahi pehenti." She pushed back the clothes in the bag, her face blank.

Naina smiled, "I know. Meeting se wapas aate hue Sameer kuch lene ke liye mall mein ruke toh maine yeh kapde dekhe, aur mujhe laga aap pe bohot suit honge. Ek baar try kijiye na please."

Vishakha looked up, "Dekho Naina, maine tum dono ko kaha hai ki tumhe jo bhi pasand ho, comfortable lage woh pehen sakti ho. Phir tum mujhe kyon force kar rahi ho? Main saree prefer karti hun."

Naina did not resent her harsh tone, still smiling, "Aur saree aap pe achii bhi bohot lagti hai. Lekin mummy, change ke liye hi ek baar yeh outfit try kar lijiye."

Vivek, who had just entered the room, saw the clothes, and remarked, "Arre waah. Yeh kitna soothing colour hai. Vishakha, jaise tumhe pasand aate hain bilkul waisa."

Preeti spread the clothes on bed, "Haina papa, mummy pe achhe lagenge na?"

Vivek agreed, "Bohot achhe lagnege. Bhai aap ladies ke paas kitni advantage hai, alag alag type ke dresses ki. Hum logon ko toh hamesha trouser ya jeans hi pehenni padti hai."

Vishakha opened her mouth to object, but stopped at his softer tone, "Vishakha, jaisa tumhe lagta hai waisa kuch nahi hai. Bachhe itne pyar se keh rahe hain toh ek baar try karke dekho. I promise agar aisa laga toh main khud bata dunga."

Naina and Preeti gave a puzzled look to both of them.

Vishakha lowered her eyes, embarrassed, "Actually Sameer ke born hone ke baad main bohot moti ho gayi na, isliye mujhe odd lagta hai western outfits mein. Saree mein sab chhup jaata hai."

Naina placed a hand on her knee, "Mummy, sabse pehli baat, aisa kuch nahi hai. Aur agar koi mota hota bhi hai toh ismein burai thodi hai. Agar aap apni khushi se saree pehenti hain toh theek hai, lekin aise kisi galat notion ke saath mat rahiye. Yeh kapde main aapke hisaab se laayi hun. Agar aapko comfortable nahi lage toh mat pehenna, lekin bina try kiye reject mat kijiye. Please."

Vishakha gave a tentative look to Naina, then to Vivek. He nodded in assurance. Letting out a deep exhale, she picked up the clothes and went to closet area.

Outer appearance had always mattered a lot to Vishakha. After Sameer was born, she was shocked to see that her pregnancy weight didn't go away post delivery. And after Rohan's birth next year, it settled permanently. She was never into any workout routine, nor did she try any. Controlling eating habits also was difficult, as she attended a lot of events and parties. Slowly, she accepted that she couldn't get back the same trim waistline, but her wider girth could be hidden in a well draped saree. When Vivek got to know of her apprehension, he tried to explain that she looked as beautiful as before, rather better, with the motherly glow, but Vishakha was too concerned about presenting a perfect picture in her circle. A saree was an elegant wear, but not too comfortable at home. Still, over the years, she had learnt to live with the discomfort.

When she stepped in front of the mirror in the beige trouser and off white top, she was surprised to see the person who stared back at her. The trouser had a broad waistband, fitting comfortably around her, and falling to her ankles in a smooth, narrow line. Top was of a material that neither clung to her, nor added to the width. It was a perfect fit, with quarter sleeves, making her look both classy and trim.

"Oh wow!" Preeti exclaimed as Vishakha went out to the room.

Vivek took off his spectacles, openly admiring his wife, "Kya baat hai, tum toh pachees saal pehle wali Vishakha lag rahi ho."

Naina carefully observed her face for reaction. Vishakha seemed happy.

She said in a soft voice, "Aap sach mein bohot achhi lag rahi hain mummy."

Vivek could see the elation in her eyes. He also knew she wouldn't admit easily. Clearing his throat, he looked at the girls, "Dekho bhai, mujhe toh yeh dress perfect lag rahi hai kal ke liye. Kal hum dono ko Faridabad mere ek dost ke yahan dinner pe jaana hai. Unhone naya farmhouse liya hai wahan, wohi dikhane bulaya hai."

Preeti was excited, "Mummy, yeh decide ho gaya. Aap kal yehi kapde pehnoge."

Vishakha felt a little conscious at the prospect, "Wahan nahi, kahin aur pehen lungi. Namrata bhabhi ne hamesha mujhe saree mein dekha hai, aise achanak..."

Preeti was adamant, "Nothing doing. Aapke kehne pe main aur Naina bhi Agra gaye tab saj dhaj ke gaye the na... ab aap hamare kehne se aise hi jaana. Namrata aunty bhi tareef hi karengi dekhna."

Naina couldn't be as assertive as Preeti, not having the same equation with Vishakha, but she tried, "Agar aap comfortable hain toh kisi aur ke opinion ka mat sochiye mummy."

"Achha baba." Vishakha held up her hands in resignation... more so because she herself was happy with the overall look.

Preeti squealed, then frowned, "Lekin main dekh nahi paungi. Hamari toh subah ki flight hai."

Naina assured her that she would click pictures and send her.

Vivek gave an appreciative look to his wife, "Ab toh aise dress mein Vishakha ko dekhne ka chance tumhe kai baar milega. Kyon Vishakha."

She tucked her hair behind her ear, "Aap log itna keh rahe ho toh theek hai. Pehen lungi kabhi kabhi."

Naina was relieved to see the happiness in her eyes.

Sameer was surprised next day, seeing his mom in the clothes Naina had bought. He was convinced it was a wasted effort, and Vishakha would never agree. He had never given it a thought earlier, but wondered now why his mother was reluctant. Also, what made Naina choose these clothes when she wasn't much aware of Vishakha's choice.

In their room, he asked her, "Naina, I'm really impressed. Mummy ne tumhari choice ke liye kuch kaha nahi?"

Naina gave him a smug look, "Kaise kehti? Meri choice ko woh bura bol hi nahi sakti."

He raised a brow, "Itna confidence. Honestly, mummy ko bohot mushkil se kuch pasand aata hai. Unke saath shopping gayi ho tum, tumhe pata hi hai."

She smiled, "Lekin meri choice pe unhe koi doubt nahi hai. Aakhir maine unke bete ko chuna hai."

It was his turn to be complacent, "Woh toh hai. Tumhari choice sach mein best hai. Aakhir sabse handsome ladke ko pataya hai tumne."

"Handsome? Tum?" She gave him a dry look.

He stood up from the bed and swiftly came to where she was arranging clothes in the cupboard, "Main handsome nahi hun? Madam, zara aankhen khol ke dekho, mujhse better toh koi filmy hero bhi nahi hai."

She looked him from top to bottom, scrunched her nose, and shook her head, "Bandar."

"Achha." He held her arm, grabbed the folded clothes and threw them aside, before pushing her against the door of cupboard, "Phir se kaho."

"Kya?" She remained defiant.

"Jo abhi bola. Main kya lagta hun tumhe?" He held both her wrists in one hand, and lifted her hands above her head.

She gazed at him, unperturbed, "Maine jo bola tumne sun liya. Baar baar kyon bolun."

In the scuffle, few strands of her hair had escaped her pony, and now fell on her face. Sameer blew softly over them. She drew in a sharp breath, closing her eyes momentarily.

"Toh main bandar lagta hun tumhe." His voice wasn't the same anymore.

"Hmm." She pressed her lower lip under her teeth.

He dipped his head, blowing over her neck, then whispered against her ear, "Handsome nahi lagta?"

"Uh... huh." She twisted her hands, finding it difficult to continue with the teasing.

He closed the miniscule distance between them, crushing her with his body, and nipped her earlobe, "Bilkul nahi?"

"Sameer." She hissed, her hands aching to feel him, all pretence burned under his fiery ministrations.

He lifted his head. Her eyes were hooded. Loose hair strands lay across her face, giving her a windswept look. Lower lip was again claimed by her teeth.

"Kaisa lagta hun?" He breathed against her lips, pulling it free with his other hand.

"Meri jaan." She whispered, in a voice similar to his.

A hint of smile appeared at the corner of his lips, "Phir se kaho."

She kept looking at him with melting eyes. The caramel embers glittered with specks of longing.

"Jaan." She rasped, and he placed his waiting lips on hers.

She wriggled her hands. He let them free. Her hands immediately reached his face, tracing his jaw. The prick of his two day stubble on her fingers, and feel of his lips against hers made her moan. Sameer clutched her waist, letting his hand slip inside her top to feel her velvety skin. Her palms moved behind his neck. Grabbing onto his hair ends, she pulled him closer. He mirrored her move, taking one hand behind her ear, and pulling her closer, if it was even possible.

The hunger, the fire, the need was fueled by the kiss, which had to be broken when their lungs almost collapsed. She looked at him through hooded eyes, taking long breaths. His hand was still in her hair, and she loved the way he held her close. Their eyes were on each other, reflecting their desire.

"Tum jaan le logi meri." He breathed, losing himself in the whirlpool of every emotion that he loved, depicted on her face at the moment.

She tugged at his neck, and pulled him for another kiss, letting him know what she thought of him, through dominating strokes of her tongue. He could feel the stars... he could hear the music...

Music...

"Sameer, phone." She whispered against his mouth, stopping abruptly.

He groaned, "Abhi nahi."

"Sameer please. Kuch important hua toh." She urged.

Inhaling deeply, he turned to pick up the phone from side table, where it was put on charge as he had almost exhausted his battery in the meeting earlier.

"Hello." He snapped.

The expression changed, as he listened intently, nodding, "Okay... nahi main aaj hi kar dunga... its okay... I understand."

"Kya hua?" Naina placed a hand on his arm from behind.

He turned, looking at her helplessly, "Sab pyar ke dushman hain. Mujhe office jaana padega. Mr Singhal ke contract papers pe aaj hi sign karke bhejna hoga. Kal unki mother ki surgery ki date de di hai doctor ne. Woh keh rahe the agar aaj nahi hua toh do weeks tak rukna padega."

She smiled, "It's okay Sameer. Important hai tabhi unhone kaha. Tum jao."

"Tum bhi chalo na. Abhi sab rest kar rahe hain. Hum sham tak aa jayenge." He didn't want to go away from her.

"Nahi Sameer. Mummy bhi nahi hain. Nanu pe bachhon ki responsibility nahi daalna chahti. Tum jaldi se jao, aur jaldi wapas aana." She patted his cheek.

"Kaash main udd ke jaa sakta." He twisted his lips.

She lifted her heels, and placed a kiss on his jaw, "Main wait karungi."

The glint in his eyes was back, "Tumne jo pehle bola tha, phir se bolo."

"Kya? Bandar?" She fluttered her lashes innocently.

"Nainaaa." He pursed his lips.

She cupped his face, "Bohot handsome ho tum, sabse zyada... jaan."

"Hayee." He squeezed his eyes shut, placing a hand over his heart, "Aaj toh ghayal kar diya."

"Nautanki," She chuckled, "Ab jao."

Sameer quickly changed, grabbed his phone, and rushed out, stopping at the door.

He turned, "Wait karna mera."

She nodded, and blew him a flying kiss. He grabbed the imaginary kiss and put it on his heart, before sprinting down the stairs.

He had to come back as soon as possible.

Next update on Sunday