Title is the song 'Ik vaari aa bhi jaa' from movie 'Raabta'

The jog helped Naina clear her mind. She ran not to work out physically but to pump her heart to tiredness, so that it doesn't overpower her mind again. Had the alarm not gone off when it did, she would have led Sameer to a deception that could ruin his life, and of those he loved as family. Besides promising herself to be more careful about her own feelings, she made a steely resolve to neither get close to him nor get affected by his talks. No, she wouldn't let it bother her... at least, not let him know how much it stirred her.

She had no idea the resolve would fall to pieces that evening itself.

Sikandar was a childhood friend of Vivek who had moved to Europe long back and was settled there for more than twenty five years. He had come to Delhi to sell off some ancestral property which was difficult to maintain from outside the country.

At lunch table, Vivek informed his family, "Maine aaj Sikandar ko dinner pe invite kiya hai. Vishakha, yaad hai Anita se mili thi tum? Sameer chota sa tha jab Sikandar ki shaadi hui thi."

Vishakha raised her brows as she recalled the couple, "Arre haan, Anita yaad hai mujhe. English nahi bol paati thi bilkul, isliye usse complex hota tha hamare kitty group mein."

Vivek laughed, "Woh pachees saal pehle ki baat thi. Ab woh Europe mein rehkar aisi English bolti hain ki hum Indians ko accent hi samajh nahi aayega." He looked at his children, "Tum logon ka koi plan hai kya bahar jaane ka? Sikandar ke bachhe bhi aa rahe hain... ek beti aur ek beta. Tum log ghar pe rahoge toh unhe bhi company ho jayegi."

Sameer smiled, "Ghar pe hi hain, papa. Mera aur Naina ka koi plan nahi hai."

Deepika mentioned she had her tuition class but would be back before dinner time. Rohan sheepishly informed that he had to go out with Preeti.

Vivek chuckled, "Tu toh chala hi ja. Warna Preeti ke gusse se tujhe kaun bachayega."

Rohan blushed as everyone teased him.

Vishakha guided the cooks to prepare a large spread, to impress her NRI guests.

In the evening, Ayush developed a toothache all of a sudden and Naina had to take him to the doctor. Sameer wanted to accompany them but she insisted that he must stay back as it would not look good if none of them are at home when the guests arrived.

Sikandar and his wife were a lively couple, who laughed a lot, and were trying their best to show that they were still Indians at heart.

Sikandar praised the Madhubani paintings in the living room, "Bhai waah, yeh hota hai art. Aur tumhara woh jhoola jo bahar garden mein rakha hai, dadaji ke ghar ki yaad dila deta hai. Kyon Anita, isn't it beautiful?"

His wife gave a bright smile, "It's simply amazing. Typical Indian look hai. Maine wahan bhi apne ghar mein sab kuch traditional rakha hai. Vishakha, you all must come there."

"Why not. Hum log jaldi hi plan karenge." Vishakha smiled back.

"Yaar Vivek, jabse yahan aana final hua, sabse pehle teri aur Vishakha bhabhi ki yaad aayi. Tumhara Sameer paida hi hua tha jab hamari shaadi hui thi, aur uske turant baad hum shift ho gaye. Kuch bhi kaho, video call mein woh dosti mehsoos nahi hoti jo saath baith ke chai peene mein hoti hai." Sikander stated gleefully.

His two children were not really 'children', it turned out. The boy, Nirav, and girl, Niharika, were both younger to Sameer and Rohan but grown ups. Niharika being elder, had just finished her MBBS and was planning to do a specialist course. Her brother was in college. Sameer found both of them to be pleasant company.

Vishakha prompted him after the three of them had been talking for half an hour, "Sameer, inn dono ko apna ghar dikha do. Yahan hamare beech baith ke waise bhi tum youngsters bore ho jaoge."

After they were gone, Anita looked at both Vivek and Vishakha, "Humein aap se kuch khaas baat karni hai. Yeh phone pe nahi keh sakte the." She turned to her husband, and he nodded.

Sikandar patted Vivek's arm, "Maine kaha tha Anita se, koi formality nahi hai, ghar ki hi baat hai. Yaar, hum soch rahe hain kyon na Sameer aur Niharika ka rishta kar dein. Saalon ki dosti hai hamari, achhe se jaante hain ek doosre ki family ko. Tum apna ek office Europe mein khol lena jise Sameer wahan se operate karega."

Naina had just reached the door when she heard the offer... every single word. A marriage proposal for Sameer... she had no idea the mention also would slice her heart with a sharp knife.

Unaware of her presence, Vivek laughed aloud, "Yaar Sikandar, hum dono bhai ban sakte hain par samdhi nahi." Seeing the shocked expression of his friend and his wife, he quickly clarified further, "Sameer ki shaadi ho chuki hai aur Rohan ki fix ho gayi hai. Both my sons have chosen wives for themselves."

Sikandar was taken aback, "Sameer ki shaadi? Kab hui? Tumne bataya hi nahi. Meri Rajan se kal hi baat hui, usse bhi nahi pata tha jabki woh toh yahin rehta hai."

Vishakha replied to his query, "Actually kuch din pehle hi hui hai shaadi. Bas achanak se sab hua phir papa bimar pad gaye toh hum rasm karke bahu ko ghar le aaye, socha baad mein bade scale pe sab organise karenge."

Anita was as shocked as her husband, "Lekin ab kahan hai aapki bahu? Ghar pe dikhi nahi. Maayke gayi hai kya?"

Naina took a deep breath and entered the house, holding Ayush's hand. All eyes went to her.

Vivek smiled, waving a hand at her, "Lijiye, aa gayi hamari bahu, Naina." He turned to her, "Beta, yeh log tumhare hi baare mein puch rahe the."

She wished them with folded hands and prompted Ayush to do the same.

Anita checked her from top to bottom. Dressed in jeans and a thick jacket, sans any makeup, she didn't look newly married from any angle. Her eyes widened as she took in the small child with her.

Vishakha gestured to Ayush to come to her. Making him sit, she asked, "Theek ho gaya pain? Kya kaha doctor ne?"

Ayush looked back at Naina who answered, "Ek molar aa raha hai, uski wajah se pain tha. Doctor ne medicine aur gel de diya hai. Main Ayush ko uske room mein chod deti hun."

"Room mein akela kya karega. Aise karo, upar le jao. Sameer Nirav aur Niharika ko leke gaya hai, tum bhi jaake unse mil lo." Vivek pointed at the first floor.

"Yeh bachha? Aapne kaha Sameer ki shaadi abhi hui hai toh..." Anita was puzzled at the presence of a child, peering after them as they went up the stairs.

Vishakha was quick to put her speculations to an end, "Ayush Naina ka bhai hai. Their parents... they are no more, isliye Ayush hamare saath rehta hai."

"Oh! That's sad. Itna chota bachha aur parents... umm, kaafi age difference hai na dono mein?" Anita narrowed her eyes.

Vishakha shrugged impassively, "I never asked. Jo bhi hai, humein kya. Naina se shaadi ki hai Sameer ne aur Ayush Naina ki responsibility tha toh usse aana hi tha saath. Not that we mind. Mujhe toh bohot achha lagta hai uske saath. I love kids."

Sikander, who had by now recovered from the initial shock, laughed lightly, "Phir toh aap bohot achhi grandmother banengi, bhabhi. Jab ghar mein aur bachhe honge toh aapki kitty party yahin ho jayegi."

Anita also relaxed, "Ab shaadi ho gayi hai toh yeh mauka bhi jaldi hi ayega."

Vishakha grinned proudly, "Of course. Ghar pe bachhe hon toh ghar mein rounak rehti hai. I'll be the best grandmother, dekh lena."

Naina found Sameer on the terrace with two new people. The boy was busy clicking pictures with his phone while Sameer stood talking to the girl... the one whose parents wanted him as her husband. A sharp jab in her heart made Naina press her lip hard. As if he could feel her presence, Sameer turned.

"Arre Naina, tum aa gayi." He rushed to her, a worried look on his face, "Kya kaha doctor ne?" Without waiting for her answer, he crouched in front of Ayush, asking gently, "Pain theek hua?"

Ayush touched his cheek, dipping his head to the side, "Finish ho gaya."

"Good boy." Sameer patted his other cheek and stood up, "Kya hua tha?"

"Uh... he's cutting a molar at the back. Cavities nahi hain." Naina stated.

"That's a relief. Aao main tumhara intro karata hun." He pointed at others.

"Niharika, this is my wife, Naina. Aur yeh mera friend hai, Ayush... Naina ka bhai." He turned to Nirav, calling out, "Hey Nirav, come and meet my wife."

Giving her a surprised look, Niharika exclaimed, "Oh wow. I didn't know you were married. Nice to meet you, Naina." She held out her hand.

Naina took it, smiling back, "Same here."

"So when did you guys get married? I mean, dad always talks about your family but he never mentioned this." Niharika queried in a heavily accented voice.

Sameer placed a hand on Naina's back, "It's a long story."

Nirav raised a brow curiously, "Is it a love marriage? Is your story like those Indian movies we watch... Jaa Simran, jee le apni zindagi." Though his English was accented like his sister, surprisingly, he spoke hindi in normal manner.

Sameer laughed at his dramatic expression, "Not really, but yeah, thoda drama toh hai."

Niharika's eyes twinkled in excitement, "Oh I would love to hear it all. You know, I'm so fond of love stories."

Nirav chuckled, "Yet she doesn't have one."

"Shut up." She threw a punch at her brother who dodged, and came to Ayush.

"Hey Ayush. That's such a cool name. How old are you?"

"Five years." Ayush opened fingers of his one hand proudly.

Niharika gave him a fond look, "He looks more like your son than..." Her eyes shot up as she realised what she was saying and apologised immediately, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that... it just... it was just an observation."

Sameer calmed her, "It's okay. Bohot log kehte hain." Naina kept an impassive face.

Nirav pointed at the large swing on the other side of terrace, "Tumko jhoole pe baithna hai mere saath?"

"Haan, mera favourite hai yeh jhoola." Ayush beamed, then looked up at Naina, "Main jaun?"

Sameer ruffled his hair, replying before Naina, "Jao." He looked at Nirav, and mouthed 'be careful'. Nirav gave a thumbs up sign and sauntered away.

Niharika grinned at Naina, "Guess hamare dono ke brothers ek jaise hain. Nirav is still very fond of swings."

Naina glanced in their direction, and before she could fathom, her thoughts slipped out of her mouth, "Probably we have similar luck in case of men in our lives."

Sameer gave her a confounded look, wondering what made her say such a thing.

"Not at all." Niharika laughed, flicking her brows at Sameer, "Meri life mein koi aisa handsome boyfriend nahi hai."

"Ho sakta hai tumhara husband aisa ho." Naina again regretted the moment she said it.

"No yaar, na main tumhare jaisi beautiful hun na lucky. So no chance." She let out a fake sigh.

Sameer brought up his arm to loop around Naina's shoulder, "You are very pretty. I'm sure your boyfriend, or husband, will be the luckier one."

Niharika chuckled, "You guys are so good for my self esteem. But believe me, mujhe abhi shaadi mein koi interest nahi hai. I have to finish my PG before even thinking about a boyfriend."

The cold wind, amidst single degree temperature, suddenly made Sameer sneeze loudly.

Naina turned to him. His arm around her made it look like a semi hug, but she paid no attention to it, looking at him with eyes full of concern, "Aapko thand lag gayi hai shayad. Humein neeche chalna chahiye."

Sameer nodded. Naina called out to Ayush, and they all came back to join others. On the pretext of checking on dinner preparations, Naina excused herself and went to the kitchen. Though it appeared from Niharika's talks that she had no idea of the proposal her parents had put up, Naina felt suffocated sitting in the same room where she had heard about their suggested alliance. She felt Anita's judging eyes, making a comparison with her elegant daughter.

"Uff Naina, what's wrong with you. Jab subah hi decide kiya tha affect nahi hona hai toh... kyon itna soch rahi hai." She admonished herself under her breath.

Ramdhari looked at her, "Arre bhabhi aap? Kuch chahiye kya? Humein suna nahi aapne kya pucha."

Her eyes shot up to him, making her realise she wasn't alone. Since the cooks had prepared dinner already and left, it was only Ramdhari in the kitchen, who was supposed to serve it.

"Woh... Ramdhari bhaiya," She searched for something to say, "haan, mujhe puchna tha ki sab ho gaya na. Kuch chahiye toh main help kar deti hun."

Ramdhari wiped his hands on the napkin on his shoulder, "Nahi Bhabhi, sab ho gaya. Bas hum nanaji ko unki khichdi dene jaa rahe hain."

She moved aside as he picked up the bowl and left. Taking a glass of water, she gulped it. However hard she tried, her mind was not letting go of what she had heard. In frustration, she pressed her forehead.

"Missing me." Sameer's whisper from behind made her swirl with a jerk.

He stood with his head tilted to the side, a crooked smile on his face.

"Naina, jab tum meri fiqr karti ho, mujhe bohot achha lagta hai." He took a step towards her.

She stared at him for a moment, before being reminded of how he was praising Niharika's looks. A frown appeared on her face, "Oh, mujhe laga aapko kuch aur achha lag raha tha."

He raised his brows, "Aur bhi kuch tha jo achha laga... tumhara mere paas khade rehna. Mujhe laga mere choote hi tum bhaag jaogi."

"Aur Niharika? Woh kaisi lagi aapko? I mean... she's so beautiful." Her jealousy refused to let her think sanely.

Sameer was puzzled, "Niharika? Woh kahan se aagayi?"

"Europe se. Shaadi karane laaye hain uske parents... aapke saath." She revealed scornfully.

"Whatt? Sh..." His loud scream was muffled when her palm closed over his mouth. Sameer's wide eyes became wider as she grabbed his collar with one hand, her other hand remained pressed over his mouth, while she pushed him beside the refrigerator, pinning him against the wall. Her eyes were at the door, where some voices could be heard... Vishakha and Anita crossed the kitchen door and went inside the house, probably to her room. Naina let out a breath of relief... only then, her brain registered their position. She was flushed against Sameer's chest, clutching his jacket and shirt together at the neck, her fist against his skin... with other hand, she had completely covered his mouth and chin. Suddenly, she was aware of his lips on her palm, the prick of his day long stubble against her fingers... and his pitch black eyes, glittering with pride.

Before she could react, his lips puckered under her hand, placing a kiss on her soft skin. She drew back her hand sharply.

"You're jealous." He grinned.

Mortified, she left his collar, "I'm not."

Sameer held her wrist, keeping her hand close to his chest when she stepped back, "Uff, itni jalan. Aur yeh jalan kyon hai?"

She gulped, "Jalan... jalan nahi... main bas... aapko bata rahi thi... ki Niharika ke parents... aap dono ki sh... shaadi karwana chahte the."

His eyes shone with a teasing glint, "Oh! Woh late ho gaye. Pehle aate toh..."

"Toh?" In spite of her mixed feelings, the question sprang up from her mouth.

"Toh main pehle hi unko milwa deta... duniya ki sabse khoobsurat ladki se, jisse meri shaadi ho bhi chuki hai aur ab dubara hogi." He lifted his hand, grazing her cheek with the back of his fingers, "Mere liye sirf tum ho, Naina... aur tumhare liye main."

"Bhabhi, humne nanaji ko saari khichdi khila di." Ramdhari announced in a loud voice as he entered the kitchen. Naina jumped away, turning her back to them while Sameer immediately opened the refrigerator, taking out a bottle of water.

"Sameer bhaiya, aap thanda paani piyenge itni sardi mein?" Ramdhari gave him a startled look.

Sameer stared at the bottle in hand, as if wondering how it landed there, then shrugged, "Haan toh kya hua. Koi rule hai kya ki winters mein thanda paani nahi pi sakte."

"Lekin aapko sardi ho jaati hai." Ramdhari countered helplessly.

Sameer was about to uncap the bottle when Naina took it from him, "Aap thanda paani nahi piyenge."

He pursed his lips as she put it back in the fridge, "Agar pehle se pata hai ki iss cheez se tabiyat kharab hogi toh kyon karna hai? Zaruri hai khud ko taklif dena?"

Sameer gave a cheeky smile, revelling in her concern yet again. Naina blushed as it dawned on her that she had again acted as a caring wife. Turning her back to him, she started helping Ramdhari to serve dinner.

After a hearty meal, the guests prepared to leave.

"Apna Hindustani khana bhi kya lajawab hota hai. Khaane ke saath saath ungliyan bhi chaba jao aisa lagta hai." Sikandar was delighted at the Indian dishes he had eaten after a long time.

Vishakha smiled proudly, "Jab tak yahan hain, aap kabhi bhi aa jaiye. Anita, no formalities. And I'm sure bachhe bhi mix up ho gaye honge."

Deepika, who was also back by now, beamed, "Yeah Niharika di, do come again. I want to know everything about your college life."

"Sure. Mujhe bhi achha laga tum sabse milke." Niharika hugged Deepika, and kissed Ayush's cheeks promising to get some chocolates for him next time.

She moved to Naina, smiling pleasantly, "We'll sit together soon. Tum dono ki love story sunni hai mujhe."

Without waiting for Naina's answer, she leaned and pressed her cheek to hers. She then turned to Sameer and did the same, before he could react.

Later, in their room, Sameer held Naina's hands, "Aaj mujhe bohot achha laga."

"Kya?" The green eyed monster in her was raising its head again since she saw Niharika saying such informal goodbye to him.

Sameer was overjoyed at her possessiveness, "Tumhara yeh wife wala roop. Jo aag tumhari aankhon mein dikh rahi hai na, sach Naina, isme jalne ka alag hi mazaa hai."

She closed her eyes, annoyed at herself for being so transparent.

"Aankhen band karne se tum woh sach nahi chupa sakti jo maine dekh liya. Agar tum ab bhi nahi samajh paa rahi toh khud ko ek baar mirror mein dekho. Tumhari aankhen tumhe sach bata dengi." He said gently.

A knock at the door, accompanied by Rohan's voice made him drop his hands, "Bhai, aapko nanu bula rahe hain."

"Main thodi der mein aata hun, Naina, baat abhi khatam nahi hui hai." It was more of an assurance than a threat.

After he left, Naina wearily picked out a night suit and went to change. Inside the washroom, she stared at herself in the large mirror. She was already aware of what her eyes reflected. Love for him shone in her eyes, but it could not hide the pain which always stayed there. The two had blended to such an extent that she didn't know anymore whether this love was causing more pain or was an antidote to the existing one. Scared of her own assessment, she dragged her feet back, till she hit the door. Standing with her back against the door, she closed her eyes.

She was aware her heart screamed his name so loud that she was deafened by its voice. But she didn't know this all consuming, profound emotion had made her so attached to him. She was astonished at the intensity of her feelings at the mere mention of another girl in Sameer's life. Unintentionally, her possessiveness had taken over her resolve of maintaining distance... and he had seen it in her behaviour. Instead of going away, she had come even more close to him.

Her legs couldn't support her anymore, and Naina slid down against the door, her eyes stinging with hot tears.

"I love you, Sameer. I love you so much ki tumhare naam ke saath kisi ka naam sunna bhi maut jaisa tha. Main kya karun? Kaise door jaun tumse? Kaise kahun ki jo tum meri aankhon mein padh rahe ho woh sach hai kyonki wohi sach hai. Kaise iss dil ko samjhaun ki tum mujhe nahi mil sakte... jab yeh dil tumhare alava kuch aur soch hi nahi paata. I can't stay away from you, Sameer... I can't." She broke down, hiding her face in her knees. All subdued pains struck her, reminding her of their existence as fresh tears kept rolling down her cheeks. It felt like tons of weight was placed on her chest, which made it difficult for her to breathe.

"Mumma, batao na main kya karun. I'm stuck... stuck between wanting to live this life, at the same time, wanting to run away from it." She hiccupped, wishing her mom was here to answer.

When Sameer came to the room after spending some time with nanu, she was in bed, with her eyes shut. He changed and laid down on his side, watching her back like every other night. Her jealousy had made his heart swell up in elation. Just a mention of someone with him made her eyes flare up... he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her hard at that moment in the kitchen, seeing the tip of her nose go red as she tried to suppress her anger. There was no doubt in his mind anymore.

She loved him.

Now, all he needed to do was to create some situation where she would confess. With a smile on his lips, Sameer drifted to sleep... while Naina spent a silent, sleepless night, fighting a battle with herself.

Sunday morning, since nanu was feeling much healthier, he walked out to the garden to soak some of the winter sun after a week of being in bed. Everyone sat around him, enjoying a morning of carefree talks and laughter.

"Bhai, ek badhiya si chaii ho jaaye toh mazaa aa jaaye." Nanu looked at the door, searching for Ramdhari.

"Papa Ramdhari toh ration lene gaya hai aur cooks abhi aaye nahi hain, aaj Sunday hai na, late ayenge. Main chai bana deti hun." Vishakha started to get up.

Naina was quick to be up before her, "Aap rukiye, main bana deti hun."

She was in the kitchen when she felt his presence even before he could enter.

She turned, to find him watching her intently, "Aapko kuch chahiye?"

"Jo chahiye wohi lene aaya hun." His voice was much heavier than his normal tone, sending shivers down her spine. The way he walked towards her with slow steps, the shiver changed into an inexplicable feeling that made the large kitchen grow smaller, emitting heat that wasn't expected on a winter morning. The heat of their locked gaze added to it, and she tore her eyes away, back to the saucepan where the tea simmered, just like her own feelings. As she felt him walk closer, her heart jumped crazily. It wasn't his usual stance. There was something in his manner that made the hair at the back of her neck stand.

He kept coming closer... more close... even more close... a little more and her back would touch his chest. She tried hard to appear unaffected. His arm moved... towards her waist. A slight tremble made her grasp the platform. Was he going to hug her from behind?

His hand went ahead of her... and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket.

She stood still for a few seconds. There was a crunch sound. She spun around to look at him. Standing at a little distance, he bit into the apple again, his gaze fixed on her. Her eyes went wide, as she realised he did it on purpose.

"Health ke liye achha hota hai apple... wohi lene aaya tha." He grinned.

She blinked, trying to control the racing heart.

"Uh Naina. Tumne kuch aur socha kya?" He asked, innocently widening his eyes.

She turned swiftly, going crimson at the thoughts that raged through her moments back.

Sameer left the kitchen with a winning smile.

I have a good news and a bad news.

The good news is that I got my first jab of vaccination today.

Bad news, arm hurts like hell, and down with fever. Got to know that arm will pain for two days. So, I'll try to give an update on Tuesday but if I continue to stay unwell, then on Wednesday.