Statutory warning : Don't start the chapter if you are pressed for time. It needs a lot of time. Real long one today...

Title is the song "Vaaste' by Dhvani Bhanushali

The drive back home was a quiet one. Sameer was relieved that there wasn't any apparent issue with Naina's general health, but his heart twisted painfully every time he thought about the moment when doctor quashed their hope. This is what he was fearing right from the time Naina had agreed to go with Harmeet's suggestion. They had a contented life... with Ayush. Why she had to complicate it... why she had to build a world of dreams which were next to impossible... why she had to burden both of them with this anguish...

"Sameer, tum theek ho?" Naina's gentle voice brought him out of his agonising thoughts.

"Hmm..." was all he could utter.

She placed a hand on his leg, "It's okay Sameer. Humein pehle se hi pata tha ki abhi aisa kuch possible nahi hai. Main bilkul bhi upset nahi hun. Tum meri fiqr mat karo."

He shot her a quick glance. She blinked to reassure him. He plainly nodded, and continued to drive. When they reached home, he remained seated in the car, "Tum chalo mujhe kuch kaam hai. Thodi der mein aata hun."

Naina was surprised, "Kya kaam hai? Project se related hai kya? Office jaa rahe ho? Main chalu saath mein?"

"Nahi Naina. Office nahi jaa raha. Mujhe kuch aur kaam hai. Tum ghar jao." His voice wasn't harsh, but Naina could feel the severe undertone.

Nodding, she opened the door to step out, then stopped and looked back with a smile, "Jaldi aana. Main wait karungi."

He remained seated after she was gone. The chaotic turbulence in his mind had become more tremulous. He didn't know what to do or where to go... but he knew he had to be on his own for sometime, till the storm inside him ebbed. He didn't want to lash out at Naina. His heart constantly reminded him that she was not at fault... rather, she would be more distraught than him. But his mind focussed only on the smile she gave him.

"Tum itni badi baat ke baad aise normally smile kaise kar sakti ho Naina?" He banged a fist on the steering, "Agar tum itni hi khush ho negative report se toh yeh sab shuru hi kyon kiya?"

A sound of faint laughter of nanu drifted out, making him realise that he was still in the porch. Putting the car in ignition, he reversed in speed, and drove away.

As Naina walked towards the door, she knew Sameer was not going for any work. He just wanted to hide his emotional distraught from her, because he didn't want to make her sad. She was upset too, but she had accepted the decision of destiny even before doctor put it in words. She admonished herself, for subjecting him to this sudden wave of euphoria, and then bringing him crashing down. Her eyes dampened as she recalled how ecstatic he was when she mentioned to him.

"I'm sorry Sameer. Mujhe shayad thoda wait karna chahiye tha tumhe batane se pehle. Doctor ne last month ke check up mein bhi kaha tha ki abhi koi possibility nahi hai phir bhi sabse pehle yehi baat dimag mein aayi aur maine bina kuch soche tumhe bol diya. I'm so sorry." Her thoughts filled her with guilt.

At home, she waited impatiently for his return, keeping herself busy with arranging their already sorted cupboards, changing the bedsheet, putting fresh cushion covers, resetting the dresser... anything that would keep her from dwelling upon the morning events that had created this unwanted friction between them. She wanted him to speak up, to share whatever he felt... pain, grief or even anger. She wished she had talked about it in the car only. But then, she had no idea he would go away like this.

Sameer drove aimlessly on the wide roads of Delhi. His mind was a jumbled mess. Just a few minutes of this anticipation had taken him to a state of extreme bliss. Similar was the extent of pain when it turned out to be false. He could not take it. The pain was too much. How could one endure something this excruciating. He couldn't.

After an hour of driving, he turned back towards home.

Naina looked up from the phone as he entered the room.

"Sameer." She got up from the bed.

He did not go to the bed, but plopped down heavily on the couch, spent with the tumult of his emotions.

She went near him, kneeling on the floor, and took his hands in hers, "Please Sameer, aise chup rehke khud ko takleef mat do. Apna dard baant lo mujhse. Aakhir hum dono ka dard same hi toh hai."

He looked at her for the first time since he entered the room, "Agar same hai toh tum jaanti hi ho ki mujhe kis baat ki takleef hui hai."

She blinked, "jaanti hun. Par tum bhi toh jaante ho ki doctor ne last time bola tha abhi koi chance nahi hai. Main hi over excited ho gayi. Dukh mujhe bhi hua hai Sameer, kyonki choti si hai sahi lekin umeed hum dono ki tooti hai."

"Main isiliye kehta tha ki humein aisa kuch nahi sochna chahiye. Kya kami hai hamari zindagi mein Ayush har tarah se hamara beta hai ab toh. Hum kyon khush nahi reh sakte?" His frustration was evident from his voice.

She pressed his hands, "Ayush hai hamara beta. Usne humein kitni khushiyan di hai. Kisi aur ke aane se woh khushiyan badhengi hi. Sameer, Ayush ko bhi bohot achha lagega agar uske paas"

"Naina." Sameer said in a louder voice, making her go silent. He got up from the couch, and went to the terrace door.

Lowering his head, he squeezed his eyes shut, his voice restrained, "Baad mein kya hoga mujhe pata nahi. Lekin abhi jo ho raha hai woh..."

She could comprehend his unspoken words. Placing a hand on his arm, she said in a gentle voice, "Main samajh sakti hun tumhe kaisa feel ho raha hai."

Still looking at the floor, Sameer opened his eyes, "Tum bohot practical ho Naina. Shayad isliye tumne pehle se hi koi sapna nahi dekha. Lekin main tum jaisa nahi hun maine toh sirf do ghanta mein ek nayi zindagi ke pata nahi kitne sapne dekh liye the. Tum shayad woh dard mehsoos nahi kar paa rahi jo mujhe ho raha hai."

She inhaled deeply before replying, "Practical ka toh pata nahi... par mujhe tumhare dard ka ahsaas hai."

He turned his face towards her. She swallowed, "Kuch khone ka dard kya hota hai main achhe se jaanti hun Sameer."

He straightened, the angst in his eyes giving way to regret, "I... I didn't mean that. Mera matlab"

She let out a small smile, cupping his face with one hand, "Tumhe clarification dene ki zarurat nahi hai. Tumhe khud se zyada samajhti hun main. Mujhe pata hai tum kisi kaam se nahi gaye the... tumhare andar ka toofan mujhe na effect kare isliye kuch waqt akele rehna chahte the."

He clutched her wrist with both hands, "Itna achhe se pehchanti ho toh samajhti kyon nahi... main tumhe aur khud ko yeh dard sehte hue nahi dekh sakta."

She looked at him earnestly, "Lekin iss dard ke badle humein woh khushi toh mil sakti hai na jo hum dono chate hain."

"Kis keemat par Naina?" His voice was filled with hurt, "Agar phir se aisa hua toh... aur phir se... hum kab tak koshish ke naam par khud ko yeh sazaa dete rahenge."

She was surprised, "Sazaa?"

"Aur nahi toh kya? Jab doctor ne khud bol diya ki woh humein koi encouraging news nahi de sakti toh hum kisse umeed laga rahe hain?" He held her shoulders.

Naina blinked hard to contain her tears before speaking, "Maana ki abhi doctor ne koi khaas umeed anhi di hai. Par ek chota sa chance hone kuch na hone se toh better hai na."

"Toh tum kehna chahti ho ki iss chote se chance ko pakad ke hum baithe rahein, aur har baar apne dil ko aisi chot dete rahein?" There was a hint of accusation in his voice.

"Nahi sameer, main bas tumhe itna batana chahti hun ki kuch paane ke liye humein pata nahi kiti mushkilon ka saamna karna padta hai. Life mein sabko sab kuch nahi milta. Par iska matlab yeh nahi ki hum maan lein humein kuch milega hi nahi." She again tried to pacify him.

He left her and looked away, "Mere liye sabse important tum ho Naina. Jo nahi hai uski chahat mein main woh nahi khona chahta jo aaj mere paas hai."

She lifted his hand, pressing it to chest, "Main hamesha tumhare paas rahungi Sameer. Ismein koi shaq hai kya tumhe?"

He looked into her eyes, "Mujhe darr lagta hai Naina. Kahin yeh sab koshishen, yeh hospital ke chakkar, yeh medicines... kahin tumhe kuch ho na jaaye ya mujhe."

"Sameer." Her voice shook. Planting a kiss on his knuckles, she uttered, "Aisa kabhi nahi hoga. Tum jo bologe main waisa hi karungi."

He wrapped his other hand around their joined ones, and pleaded, tears streaming down his eyes, "Toh rok do yeh sab Naina. Mujhe nahi chahiye kuch bhi. Hum dono aur Ayush complete family hain. Mujhe kisi aur ki zarurat nahi hai. Please, yeh sab kuch aaj se hi band kar do. Koi medicines nahi, koi doctor visit, ultrasound... kuch nahi."

She stared into his eyes. The extent of his pain and fear was clearly visible. She could not expect to find a new happiness if this was the price to pay. Sameer was right. They were a happy family. There was no need to go through such torment.

Slowly, she nodded, and smiled, "Tum kahoge toh main saans lena bhi chod dungi Sameer. Yeh toh bohot choti si baat hai."

He kissed her forehead, "Jaan, hamesha saath reh sakein isliye hi yeh maang raha hun tumse."

She straightened, and wiped his eyes, "Ab se hum ispe koi discussion nahi karenge. Bhool jayenge ki aisa kuch hua tha. Hum apni life pehle ki tarah jiyenge, jahan humein pata tha ki hum Ayush ke mumma papa hain. Kisi tension ko apne beech nahi aane denge. Okay?"

He nodded, smiling in relief.

Days passed, then months, but Naina stayed true to her promise. She did not go back to Dr Amrita. When Harmeet once asked whether she had changed her doctor, she told him she had changed her mind... and she was no longer keen to continue with the treatment. His persuasion had no effect on her.

It was a week before the end of summer vacations. Vishakha and Vivek had taken Ayush to the club where grandparents day was being celebrated. Nanu refused to accompany them as he wanted his afternoon siesta. But Deepika had tagged along as she was getting bored at home. It being a holiday, Rohan and Preeti had left to party with some of Rohan's friends, leaving only Naina and Sameer at home. Ramdhari had also taken a leave for a day, to meet some of his relatives.

Since morning, there was a cover of white fluffy clouds in the sky, completely hiding the sun. A few wisps of darker ones in between brought a possibility of rain, but since Delhi monsoon was never on time, there wasn't much hope.

Sameer was busy with some work on his laptop when a loud sound from outside made him look up. Much darker clouds met his vision, with rumbling of intermittent thunder, bringing a smile to his face. That time of year was here which evoked a different longing in him, thinking about those two nights in Naina's house, when she had fuelled his fantasies by getting drenched. Now he had added images of previous year, her steamy dance to a famous Bollywood song. With the first rain of monsoon, his thunderous heartbeat matched the outside sound, his eyes twinkling with dreams of many more such moments. He looked over his shoulder when he heard some movement near the door.

Naina stopped at the door, seeing Preeti rush up the stairs, "Tum log party se itni jaldi wapas kyon aa gaye?"

"Arre yaar kal hamara ek major event hai aur main dry cleaner ko apna uniform wala outfit deke bhool hi gayi thi. Abhi Rashmi ka phone aaya toh yaad aaya. Pehle usse pick karna padega. Rohan bahar wait kar raha hai, main receipt lene aayi hun." Explaining in a harried voice, she rushed to her room.

Waving her head at Preeti's habit of forgetting things, Naina entered the room with a smile... to find Sameer standing at the glass door which was open. Room was filled with cool breeze.

"Kitni achhi hawa chal rahi hai." She went ahead to stand with him, enjoying the pleasant weather.

He gave her a suggestive look, "Baarish hone wali hai."

She looked up at the sky, overcast with thick clouds, "Lagta toh hai."

The moment she said it, big droplets started to tumble down rapidly, covering the floor of terrace within seconds. A floor below, dry ground lapped the welcome downpour, filling up the air with musty, earthy petrichor. Naina inhaled deeply, soaking in the effervescence after a long, dry summer.

Sameer slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer, "Baarish se bas ek hi khyal aata hai."

"Mujhe bhi." Without looking at him, she asserted in a pleasant voice.

He dipped his head, rubbing his nose in her hair, his voice turning heavy, "Toh phir intezar kis baat ka hai mauka bhi hai, mausam bhi aur dastoor bhi."

She held his hand which had found a way through her top and started to wander on her belly, "Mauka bhi hai, mausam bhi aur dastoor bhi... pakode ke saath adrak wali chai ka."

It took him a few seconds to sink in what she said in that deep, husky voice... and when he did, he lifted his head with a jerk, "What?? Pakode? Naina, main toh..."

With a mischievous giggle, she pushed him and ran towards the door, "Mujhe pata hai tumhe pakode kitne pasand hain."

"Mujhe kuch aur zyada pasand hai Nainaa suno toh..." Grumbling, he sprinted after her.

She was already taking out required things from overhead cabinet when he reached the kitchen.

"Dekho na, kitna pyara mausam hai." He held her shoulders from behind, turning her towards the window, whispering huskily in her ear, "Mujhe toh already tum baarish mein bheegi hui nazar aa rahi ho... jaise pehli baar dekha tha. Main, tum, baarish... perfect combination."

She swatted his hand which was sliding down her side, tracing the curve of her waist, "Jab already nazar aa rahi hun toh bheegne ki kya zarurat hai." Moving away from him, she started to mix the batter, "Baarish ke saath perfect combination sirf chai pakode ka hai. Kisi se bhi puch lo."

"Yaar Naina tum kitni unromantic ho. Mujhe nahi chahiye koi pakode wakode." He whined, raking his fingers through his hair.

She looked back over her shoulder, "Achha? Aaj toh monsoon ki pehli baarish hai isliye maine socha... par rehne do, aane wali baarishon mein bhi kyon bheegna jab main hun hi unromantic."

He was behind her in a flash, his frown replaced with an expectant smile, "Nahi jaan tum toh bohot romantic ho, hamesha se. Aaj hum inki awaaz pe hi romance kar lete hain, next time boondon ke saath kar lenge. Okay?" He slowly traced a finger over her arm, dragging the sleeve up with it.

She added the seasoning to batter, hunching her shoulder, "Hum kitchen mein hain Sameer. Koi aa jayega."

"Nanu so rahe hain. Baaki sab bahar gaye hain. It's just you and me." He moved her hair and placed a kiss at the side of her neck.

She jerked an elbow back in his stomach, "Kitne besharam ho tum. Hato, mujhe batter taste karne do."

Moving to stand beside her, he held her wrist when she lifted a finger dipped in batter. Her eyes widened a bit as he slowly took the finger in his mouth, the glint of mischief evident in his dark eyes.

"Umm... perfect... meri Naina ki tarah." He licked the finger clean... and winked.

Her cheeks flamed up. She didn't know he would turn a simple task into something so sensuous.

Still holding her hand, he looked into her eyes, "Chaho toh aur taste kar sakta hun." He started to pick each of her finger, "Isse... phir isse... phir isse" With other hand, he tucked at her lips, "Yahan bhi taste kar sakta hun."

Naina came to her senses when his lips had almost brushed hers. Pushing him away, she mumbled a "Dhatt' and turned her back to him.

Before Sameer could get back to what he was doing, the sound of main door made them alert.

"Dekho zara kaun hai. Abhi toh kisi ne aana bhi nahi tha." Naina craned her neck.

He did not pay any heed, placing a hand on the countertop and dipping his head to look at her, "Hawa se band hua hoga. Jab kisi ne aana hi nahi hai toh... toh iska matlab hum akele hain na."

The sound of clearing throat made him jump. They both looked back. Preeti stood at the door of kitchen, her arms crossed, smiling at them.

Sameer rubbed the back of his neck, "Uhh Preeti... tumhe kahin jaana tha na?"

She grinned, "Haan. Lekin maine cancel kar diya."

He frowned, "Rohan... Rohan wait kar raha hoga tumhari."

She shook her head, "He's gone. Main thodi tired thi isliye party ka plan cancel, aur drycleaner ke paas bhi woh akele chala gaya."

Sameer shrugged, "Toh tumhe rest karna chahiye. Tired ho na."

"Ab nahi." She stated, her teasing glance moving from one to another, "Filhaal main kuch aur hun... kabab mein haddi." She chuckled, "And I'm loving it."

Sameer scoffed, "Not cool. Apne ghar mein bhi koi privacy nahi hai."

Preeti walked in, flicking her brows, "Privacy chahiye toh apne room mein jao."

Sameer twisted his lips, "Main toh kabse keh raha hun lekin Naina ko pakode banane ka bhoot sawar hua hai."

Naina's stared at him in shock, her face burning at his insinuation. Preeti burst out laughing, "Oho Mr Majnu Maheshwari, thoda intezar karo. Ek baar Naina ke saath chai pakode pe maine tumhe invite kiya tha aaj tumko yeh golden chance mil raha hai. Waise tum invite karo ya na karo, main toh aa gayi."

He let out a sigh, "Tab ki tarah ab bhi door se hi dekhte rehna padega Naina ko. Kyonki yeh haddi toh ab jaane se rahi."

Preeti clicked her tongue, "No way. Main toh yahin rahungi aur apni behen ki help karungi."

When Preeti turned towards the stove, Naina glared at Sameer. He winked, and blew a silent kiss. Swiftly, she turned her back to him, colouring to the roots at his behaviour in front of Preeti.

They had fried one lot when Naina noticed Preeti's sweaty face, "Offo Preeti jab teri tabiyat theek nahi hai toh rehne de na. Thode se toh banane hain. Main kar lungi." She ushered her towards the chair near the refrigerator. They had almost reached it when Preeti retched. Keeping a hand on her mouth, she ran to the washroom.

Naina quickly turned off the gas and ran after her. So did Sameer.

"Kya hua Preeti? Yeh achanak teri tabiyat itni kharab kaise ho gayi?" Naina asked her in panic when she stepped out after a minute.

Rubbing her belly, she replied wearily, "Please Rohan ko mat batana. Usne manaa kiya tha phir bhi maine kal bhel puri, sev puri, alu tikki... ughh... aur bhi sab tarah ki chaat ek saath kha li. Subah se ajeeb sa lag raha tha. Par ab better hun."

Sameer touched her forehead, "Doctor ke paas jaan hai? Ek baar dikha lete hain."

Preeti shook her head, "Indigestion hai, jo frying ki smell se trigger ho gaya. Nothing to worry. I'm feeling better now."

Naina wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "Achha ab tu jaake rest kar. Bohot ho gayi help. Chal main leke chalti hun."

Preeti chuckled, "Yaar Naina tu bhi na. Itni si baat pe aise treat kar rahi hai jaise pata nahi mujhe kya ho gaya. I'm fine. Main chali jaungi." She flicked her brows in the direction of kitchen, "Tum dono apna continue karo. No more kabab mein haddi."

Sameer quipped, "Lekin tumne pakode toh khaye hi nahi."

Preeti scrunched her nose, "Don't even mention. Aaj main shayad kuch bhi nahi kha paungi."

Naina waited at the foot of the stairs till Preeti vanished in the passage towards her room, then turned, "I hope Preeti ki tabiyat zyada kharab na ho jaaye."

Sameer was worried too, "Thodi der mein jaake ek baar dekh lena. I think doctor ko consult kar lena chahiye."

Preeti was asleep when Naina went to check on her later. By dinner time, when everyone was back, she was still feeling nauseated, and refused to eat. When she threw up again next morning, Vishakha did not accept her theory of indigestion and called the doctor home.

An hour later, the whole family rejoiced as the doctor confirmed that Preeti was expecting.

Sameer hugged Rohan, "Abhi tak tujhe sab kuch sikha raha hun ab tere bachhe ko sikhana padega kyonki tu abhi bhi bewakoof hi hai."

He frowned, "Yeh aap mujhe congratulate kar rahe ho ya meri beizzati kar rahe ho?"

Sameer grinned, "Sorry sorry. Abse careful rahunga. Warna aane wale baby ko lagega uska baap kitna nalayak hai."

"Mummy." Rohan drawled, "Bhai ko samjhao na."

Nanu laughed, "Arre yaar tum sab na ab bade ho jao. Ab next generation ki baari hai. Kab tak tum logon ke nakhre uthata rahunga. Bas tum sab ka patta kat gaya. Ab main sirf Ayush aur iss aane wale baby ko pamper karunga."

Naina sat in front of Preeti on the bed, "Tujhe kuch bhi chahiye ho, kisi bhi time, mujhe bolna. Don't hesitate even for a second. Aakhir maasi aur chachi dono banna hai mujhe toh degree earn karni padegi na."

Preeti smirked, "Soch ke offer dena behen. Baad mein mat kehna main faayda utha rahi hun."

Naina smiled, "Offer valid hai. Jitna chahe use kar."

Preeti beamed, "Wow mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha itni VIP treatment milegi. This is amazing."

Vishakha sat on the other side, "Kal se muh bana ke ghoom rahi thi aur ab dekho, nazar na lage."

Preeti bit her tongue sheepishly, "I thought indigestion hai."

Vishakha lovingly chided her, "Mujhe pehle hi laga tha par tumne toh kal se bhel puri sev puri ki ratt laga rakhi thi."

Preeti lowered her eyes, "Maine uss din itni saari chaat kha li toh laga uski wajah se... upar se Rohan aur gussa kar raha tha ki maine uski baat nahi maani aur khaati gayi."

Vishakha smiled, "Aisa hota hai beta. Achanak se kisi cheez ki craving hoti hai aur woh milte hi bas khaate jaane ka dil karta hai. Abse agar kuch bhi dil kare toh mujhe kehna, main bana ke dungi."

She looked back at Rohan, "Aur tu isse bilkul nahi daantega. Koi shikayat na aaye mere paas."

Rohan spread his hands helplessly, "Main daant ta hun? Mummy, main toh aisi koshish sapne mein bhi nahi kar sakta."

Vivek patted his head lightly, "Karna bhi mat. Beta, happy marriage ka sabse bada secret hai biwi ki har baat maano."

Vishakha pursed her lips at her husband, then smiled at Rohan, "Mujhe pata hai tum dono ki nok jhonk pyar wali hi hoti hai par abse Preeti ka aur zyada khyal rakhna. Yeh badi jaldi hyper ho jaati hai isliye bachhon ke jaise usse jhagadna mat. Ab tum dono khud parents banne jaa rahe ho toh thode mature ho jao."

In the evening, when the news was broken to Deepika and Ayush, Deepika immediately hugged Preeti, "Thank you Preeti bhabhi. Mujhe toh soch ke hi itna exciting lag raha hai ki ab main do do tingus ki bua ban jaungi."

Ayush pouted, "Tingu nai hun main."

Preeti pulled his cheek, "Tu toh ab big boy ho gaya hai. Tereko thodi tingu bola. Tingu toh yeh hai." She pointed at her tummy.

Ayush narrowed his eyes, "Monty ki mummy ke jaise aapke tummy mein bhi meri sister hai?"

Preeti shrugged, "Ab sister hai ya brother yeh toh pata nahi."

Deepika clapped, "Ayush ko bhi sister chahiye aur mujhe bhi niece. Toh decided."

Naina laughed, "Decide tumko nahi karna hai. New baby girl ho ya boy, hamara baby hoga. Aur hum sab bohot pyar karenge usse. Haina?"

Both children waved their heads in agreement.

Coming months were like a dream. With passage of time, Preeti's stomach started to show the bump, and when she was nearing the end of her term, she was exhausted of carrying around the weight.

"Uff Naina, aur kitne din baaki hain due date mein?" She sat on the sofa in living room, "Main toh bohot thak gayi."

Naina gave her a loving pat on the head, "Apni due date bhi yaad nahi hai kya? Ek week hai abhi."

Preeti sighed, "Poora ek week! Kaise niklega Naina. Mujhse toh hila tak nahi jaa raha."

Rohan perched next to her, "Utha ke le chalun room mein?"

Preeti gave him a tired look, "Be practical Rohan. Tumhe bhi pata hai mujh football ko ab tum nahi utha sakte. Kamar toot jayegi. Papa banne se pehle dadaji ban jaoge."

Vivek, who was at the dining table behind them, cleared his throat, "Kisi ne mere baare mein kuch kaha?"

"Oh shit." Preeti looked back quickly, "Sorry papa, woh matlab nahi tha mera. Main toh generally bol rahi thi."

Rohan gave a wide smile to his dad, "Aap toh abhi tak ekdum young and handsome ho papa. Aapka profile kisi dating site pe daale toh line lag jayegi."

Vivek leaned, lowering his voice, "Apni mummy ko mat batana. Warna jis din late hua sau explanation deni padegi. Lekin haan, woh site zara batana kaunsi hai."

Vishakha was the one to clear her throat this time. Vivek straightened, giving her an innocent smile.

She waved her head, "Kuch bhi bolte ho tum log. Pata hai, bachhe ko sab sunayi deta hai. Kya sochega woh ki uske dada kaisi baatein karte hain."

Sameer nodded thoughtfully, "Nahi mummy, Rohan ka beta ya beti hai na. Woh toh iss site ka address yaad karega. Aate hi apni shaadi ki planning jo shuru karni hogi."

While others laughed, Rohan raised a brow knowingly, "Planning kitni bhi kar le, shaadi toh uski Ayush ke baad ho hogi. Bas Ayush aapki tarah shaadi ke naam se bhagne wala na bane."

Nanu chuckled, "Kitna bhi bhaagne wala ban jaye, lekin Sameer ki tarah jab uski ghanti bajegi toh dekhna."

The room resonated with loud laughter, making both Sameer and Naina blush... till a shriek from Preeti made all of them go still.

She clutched her bump, "Ahh Rohan, bohot pain ho raha hai."

Vishakha swiftly got up, "Rohan chal jaldi. I think pain start ho gaya hai."

Naina brought the bag they had prepared in advance, and all left for hospital within minutes. A little after midnight, the tensed family was informed of the arrival of a baby boy.

Vishakha was overwhelmed. She kissed Rohan's forehead, unable to say anything.

Nanu hugged him, his voice teeming with elation, "Lagta hai kal hi tere paida hone ki khabar mili thi. Aur aaj tera beta duniya mein aa gaya. Mujhe kitni khushi hai main bata nahi sakta."

When they were allowed to see the baby, not just Rohan but others too could feel the wetness in their eyes. By next evening, Preeti was discharged and went home with the baby.

Ayush had not been to the hospital. When he saw the tiny baby on Preeti's bed, his eyes widened, "Itni small? Preeti maasi, meri sister toh doll jitni hai."

Preeti smiled, "Sister nahi Ayush, yeh tera small brother hai. Ab tu iska khyal rakhega, toh yeh bhi tere jaise big boy ban jayega."

"Brother?" Ayush furrowed his brows, "Maine toh sister bola tha aap brother kyon laaye?"

Preeti nudged Naina, "Suna. Ab iske liye sister tujhe hi laake deni padegi."

While the elders knew what all Naina had suffered, Preeti, Rohan and Deepika were unaware of her dark past. Naina just gave a faint smile, and got busy in adjusting baby's things close to Preeti while Ayush inched closer, touching baby's fisted hand gingerly. He clutched Ayush's finger.

Preeti said softly, "Dekh tera brother hello kar raha hai."

Ayush was awed at the size of baby's fingers, "Iske hands kitne chote hain. Yeh crayons kaise pakdega?"

Chuckling, Preeti kissed Ayush, "Tu bhi itna hi baby tha. Jaise tu bada ho gaya, yeh bhi ho jayega. Bas apni mumma ko kehna isse tera jaisa cute aur good boy banaye." She glanced at Naina.

Ayush bobbed his head, "Haan mumma bana dengi. Unhone sabko good boy banaya hai. Mujhe bhi aur papa ko bhi."

Preeti could not control the spurt of laughter. Naina threw her an embarrassed smile, "Hans le. Thode time baad jab tera chotu bhi aisi baatein karega tab dekhungi kitni hansi aati hai."

Preeti lovingly took Ayush in her arms, "Kar le yaar. Bas aisi pyari pyari baatein karna seekh jaaye toh meri life set hai."

Later in the night when she laid down in bed, Sameer scooted closer to her, taking her in his arms. She placed her head on his chest, letting out a tired breath, "Aaj bohot thak gayi. Baby ke liye itne saare arrangements karne the. Tumne dekha room kaise decorate kiya tha maine? Preeti aur Rohan ko bohot achha laga." She chuckled, "Preeti keh rahi thi baby ko bhi achha laga, usne smile kiya tha aankhen kholte hi. Preeti is such a kid herself."

Sameer kissed over her head, "Tum ab so jao. Thak gayi ho na."

"Hmm." She hummed, getting solace from the warmth of his embrace, and drifted into sleep.

But sleep was far away from Sameer. Throughout Preeti's pregnancy, he had seen a different glow on Naina's face as well. And the previous day, when they had seen the baby for the first time, she seemed to be the happiest... even happier than baby's parents. And he could not deny that seeing the baby yesterday had awakened the yearning in him again. When he held the little one, a different kind of satisfaction filled him, giving a sense of wholeness. His eyes misted, wondering if the feeling would be similar when he... if he got a chance to hold their own baby.

Would he ever know...

Ever since that day almost a year back, Naina had not once brought up the topic. She did not mention visiting the doctor either. He had been relieved earlier, thinking that he had alleviated both of them from uncertain hopes. But he wasn't sure anymore. Was he not denying her something that gave her such happiness... such fulfillment? Was he not being selfish... by making her sacrifice just so he didn't have to face any disappointment? Naina had tried her best to convince him that she wouldn't be upset if fate doesn't bring any good news for them. But was it really her distress that he was worried about, or his own?

"But there has been no positive news in this whole time." A part of him tried to justify his decision by reminding him.

The sensible part again knocked his heart, "Lekin Naina ki medicines bhi maine hi band karwayi thi. Agar woh leti rehti, regular doctor ke paas jaati toh kya pataa"

He swallowed the pain that was gathering in his throat, "Naina ki aankhon mein kabhi kabhi ek parchai dekhi hai maine. Lekin mujhe saamne dekhte hi woh muskura deti hai. Shayad woh bhi aisa hi sochti hai lekin mujhse kabhi kaha nahi kyonki mujhe dukh nahi dena chahti thi."

Tears rolled down his eyes as he realised the blunder he had committed. He had to tell her... tell her that he was sorry... and he didn't want to stop her anymore. He would support her. He would hold her hand at every stumble, and never let her feel saddened, whatever is the outcome.

His mind voice knocked again, reminding him that Naina had always been the one with more strength. Last year, when he has devastated by negative report, she had taken the news bravely. Rather, she had tried to soothe him, pacify him and make him understand. But he had been stupid enough to remain adamant.

Well, he wasn't embarrassed to admit his mistakes. He had to apologise to her.

"Naina." Sameer slightly shook her... once, twice.

"Sameer, sone do na." She mumbled, snuggling closer to him.

"Naina, tumse ek baat karni hai. Please paanch minute ke liye uth jao." He whispered, tapping her shoulder.

With her eyes shut, she brought her hand up to his face, pulled it down and kissed his cheek, "Good night. Aaj kuch nahi."

The way her hand slipped down, he knew she was back in deep sleep almost instantly. Promising her, and himself, that he would talk to her in the morning, Sameer drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, the bed was empty when he woke up. He checked but Naina wasn't anywhere. He went out, to find her with Preeti, where both of them, along with Vishakha, were trying to put the baby to sleep.

Her eyes fell on Sameer. With a regretful expression, she stated in a hushed voice, "Raat bhar soya nahi. Preeti bohot thak gayi hai. Tum office chale jao main thodi der se aaungi."

He had no option but to leave without her. Naina did come before lunch time but he was tied up in a meeting till four. His lunch was also arranged with the clients. Since Naina was handling another project, she wasn't a part of this meeting. Once Sameer got free, she had a group discussion with her team, which lasted till it was time to leave.

The moment their car left the office premise, Sameer glanced at her, "Naina tumse kuch baat karni hai."

"Haan bolo na." She smiled pleasantly at him.

He was about to speak when a speeding bike made him quickly swerve the car to safety. He realised being in a driver seat wasn't the right place to have such an important discussion. And once they reached home, Naina would again get busy taking care of Preeti and the baby. He did not resent that, but he could not delay what he had to tell her. Taking a decision, he turned towards a café. Naina did not show any surprise. She knew how he fretted when she couldn't give him time. And she had been doing exactly that since last few days.

Once they were seated, Sameer called the waiter to order coffee for both of them. Just then, Naina's eyes fell on a little girl seated across the room, digging into a large bowl of ice cream.

"Uh Sameer, mujhe coffee nahi chahiye." She looked at the waiter, and pointed at the girl, "Mujhe woh same ice cream chahiye."

Sameer gave her a confounded look, "Ice cream? Tumhe toh ice cream pasand bhi nahi hai. Bolo toh kulfi mangwa dun."

She shook her head, "Woh ice cream badi appetising lag rahi hai."

He smiled, "Okay." Preparing himself to start the topic, he ran his tongue over his lips, "Naina, maine realise kiya hai ki main jo kar raha tha woh galat tha. I'm really sorry..."

His apology was left halfway when his coffee and Naina's large bowl was placed before them.

She immediately dunked the spoon and took a big mouthful, closing her eyes to savour the taste. When she opened them, Sameer was looking at her strangely.

She waved at his coffee, "Agar tum mere liye coffee order kar rahe the toh isme galat kya hai. Don't be sorry for such a small thing. Tumhe kaise pata hoga aaj mujhe ice cream khani hai."

He blinked a few times. She looked like a child, not the poised, suave Naina that she always was at public places. The ice cream seemed to be some exotic delicacy, the way she was enjoying it. To his surprise, once she finished it... that too at an unthinkable speed... she ordered another one, and then another.

"Naina, tumhara gala kharab ho jayega. Yeh teesra bowl kha rahi ho." He was astounded.

She ate with same rapture, "Antibiotic le lungi. Par abhi iss ice cream se better duniya mein kuch nahi hai."

When she called the waiter after third bowl, Sameer was a little stern, "Bas aur nahi khaogi."

"Nahi kha rahi baba. Pagal thodi hun jo ek baar mein itni ice cream khaungi." She gave him a matter of fact look before asking the waiter to parcel two packs of same flavours.

Whatever Sameer wanted to talk about took a back seat when she dozed off the moment they sat in the car.

Vishakha saw Naina putting the packs in freezer, and reminded her, "Preeti ko mat dena. Baby ko feed karana hai, usse cold na ho jaaye."

Sameer sighed, "Preeti kya kisi ko bhi nahi milegi. Naina ka iss ice cream ke liye pyar dekh ke lag raha hai dono packs yehi kha jayegi."

Vishakha narrowed her eyes, "Kya matlab? Maine kabhi Naina ko ice cream khate nahi dekha."

Naina tried to dissuade Sameer by conveying through eyes but he went on to narrate how she devoured not one, not two but three extra large bowls of ice cream in the café.

Smiling, Vishakha cupped her cheek, "Aaj achanak ice cream ka dil kaise kar gaya?"

"Kisi ko khate dekha toh mujhe bohot yummy lagi. Socha try toh karke dekhun. Lekin Sameer aise keh rahe hain jaise ice cream nahi maine pata nahi kya kha liya. Mummy, life mein ek baar thodi zyada ice cream kha lene se koi abnormal ho jaata hai kya?" She gave an accusing look to Sameer.

Vishakha laughed, "Not at all. Tumhara jab dil kare, jitni dil kare utni khao."

Naina was comforted by the fact that Vishakha did not see anything wrong with her one indulgence. But her happiness was short lived when half an hour later she summoned her to her room.

"Naina, yeh Preeti ki doctor hain. Usse check karne aayi thi. Mujhe laga ek baar tumhe bhi consult kar lena chahiye." She insisted.

Taken aback, Naina looked at her, "Mujhe kya hua mummy? I'm absolutely fine."

Vishakha smiled warmly, "Kahin koi deficiency na ho gayi ho jiski wajah se tumhe achanak itni ice cream khane ka dil hua. Paanch minute lagenge. Yahin mere room mein check karwa lo."

Without giving her a chance to refuse, Vishakha stepped out of the room, closing the door behind. Within two minutes of answering doctor's questions, Naina was aware what checkup was being done. She nervously looked at the door, "Doctor, jaisa mummy soch rahi hain waisa kuch nahi hai. Mere case mein... it's not possible. Mummy bhi jaanti hain. Pata nahi phir bhi unhone kyon insist kiya."

Doctor took out a test kit from her bag, "I know. Lekin aapke saare symptoms issi taraf ishara kar rahe hain. Ek baar test lene mein toh koi harz nahi. After all, miracles do happen."

Just to put their doubts to rest, Naina held the kit, "Doctor, I'm very sure lekin aap kehti hain toh main try kar lungi. Par abhi nahi. Main kal yeh test karke aapka misconception clear kar dungi."

Vishakha had mentioned to the doctor that Naina had some complications in her previous pregnancy because of which she was told that she would not be able to conceive again. But something in her mannerism had made Vishakha hopeful, and that is what she wanted to confirm. But when the doctor told her about Naina's reluctance, and her decision to conduct the test next day, Vishakha did not pressurise.

In her room, Naina kept staring at the kit. She had not even thought about this possibility. Her dates had gotten real messed up after she dropped taking medicines, making her lose track of how many days she was delayed. This month too, she was late, but she had no idea whether to put any hopes on that. Ever since Sameer had broken down in her arms, she had decided to not pursue this matter anymore. Nothing was more important in her life than Sameer. She did not want to see him in that state ever again. She had accepted that Ayush would remain their only child. And now, Preeti's son was like her own son. She smiled at the thought of the little bundle of joy... till her eyes caught the small plastic strip in her hand.

With a deep breath, she decided to go ahead with it, even though she was sure of the result.

What she got was... two pink lines.

Naina forgot to breathe. It was not possible. No way...

Putting aside the strip, she opened the cabinet and searched for fresh kit that she had purchased once. The second result was same as the first one.

Her hands flew to her mouth, clasping hard as her eyes brimmed over.

Sameer entered the room to find it devoid of Naina's presence. He saw the locked door of washroom and knocked, "Naina, tum andar ho?"

She did not answer but he could hear some sound. He knocked again, "Naina, main kal raat se tumhe kuch batana chahta tha. Yeh baat kehne mein pehle hi maine bohot der kar di ab aur nahi ruk sakta. I'm so sorry Naina ki maine tumhe samjha nahi, tumhe medicines lene se manaa kiya, doctor ke paas jaane se roka. It was wrong Naina, very wrong. Main duniya ka sabse bada gadha hun. Tumhe ussi waqt mujhe ek thappad maarna chahiye tha. Lekin tum toh Naina ho na. Sabki khushi ka khyal rakhti ho bas apne liye hi kuch nahi maangti. Lekin ab main chahta hun jo tumne ek baar maanga tha woh tumhe... humein... hum dono ko mile. At least hum apni taraf se koshish karenge. Tum sahi kehti thi, ruk jaana haar maan lena hota hai. Main ab haar nahi manunga Naina. Tumhare saath maine injustice kiya hai, lekin ab aur nahi. Mujhe nahi pataa isse kuch hoga ya nahi lekin tum apna treatment continue karo. Mujhe... mujhe lagne laga hai ki..." He thought he heard a sob from inside, which he attributed to her reaction to his words, "... ki humein yeh khushi zarur milegi. Lekin iska matlab yeh bilkul nahi hai ki main pichli baar ki tarah hosh kho baithunga. Nahi Naina, woh meri galti thi. Balki gunaah tha. Please mujhe maaf kar do. Please... let's give it a chance again. Main promise karta hun..."

The door opened... and she stood before him, shivering. Her face was red, stained with tears, and fresh ones kept rolling down her eyes.

He took a step ahead and engulfed her in his arms, "I'm so sorry jaan. So sorry. Hum kal hi Dr Amrita ke paas chalenge. Harmeet se bhi baat karenge. Tum saari medicines dubara shuru kar do. Agar koi aur test hai toh..."

Her shaking voice interrupted his blabbering, "Test kar liya maine."

He lifted his head, giving her a puzzled look, "Kaunsa test?"

With a trembling hand, she lifted the strip, "Sameer, test positive hai."

He gaped at it... a narrow piece of plastic, with two pink lines in a window. What did it mean? Slowly, he recalled the scenes from some shows and movies. His heartbeat accelerated in a flash.

"Two... two lines... matlab?" He stuttered, unable to move his eyes away from the piece.

Naina swallowed, "Matlab... I'm pregnant."

Now I know what exactly Hansa meant when she said, "Mei toh thak gayi bhai sha" 😅😅

This is by far the longest chapter of this book, hence the delay... I've written most of it today. Pat on the back 😁

Next update on Wednesday