Title is the song 'Dil mera chahe' from movie 'Kalank'

The long flight came to an end as the aircraft started to descend over New York city. Since it was late evening, the city glittered with well lit skyscrapers and bright roads, which looked like streams of light dividing the city into neat sections.

Ayush frowned as he looked down the window, "Yeh toh same lights hain. Hum wapas Delhi aa gaye kya?"

Naina held his shoulders, leaning to point out tall structures to him, "Delhi nahi hai New York hai. Dekh, kitni saari buildings aur lights hain. Stars jaisa lag raha hai na."

His face broke into a grin, "Yeh Preeti maasi ka America hai?"

Naina nodded with a chuckle, "Aur kya, teri Preeti maasi ka hi America hai. Usse sab jaante hain yahan."

Sameer laughed, "Sab nahi toh aadha sheher toh jaanta hi hoga, I'm sure."

It took them a long time to get through immigration and collect their baggage. Sameer suggested that they have something at the airport itself, before taking another half an hour ride to the hotel. After a dinner of burgers and fries, when they hit the road, they could see the city in its actual glory.

With glimmering streets, sparkling restaurants and illuminated shops all along, it appeared to be in a celebration. If roads and sidewalks were wide and spacious, buildings were astonishingly tall and eye catching. Fast zipping cars looked like a part of some video game. They did not find the journey too long, soaking in the essence of a new place, which was nothing like any other they had ever been to.

Hotel was another grand looking structure, with flags of USA displayed on both sides of its huge entrance. After finishing the registration formalities, the manager called out to a helper, asking him to escort them to their suite, which was on thirtieth floor. The lift however took just a few seconds, lesser than the time their office lift needed to take them to fourteenth floor. They stepped out into a luxurious open area, which was unlike narrow hotel corridors. On one side was what appeared to be café, with very limited seating, and a few doors visible at quite a distance from each other.

The smartly dressed porter waved at one of the doors with a smile, "This way sir."

He explained that few floors had luxury suites only for families... where children accompanied parents, this being one of them. It had only two suites, the other one being occupied by a family from Singapore. There was a separate entertainment area for kids staying on the floor, along with a café that was open round the clock. The café was exclusively for the guests of that particular floor, catering mainly to the children.

"We don't want our little guests to go without their energy doses and sugar rush." The porter smiled at Ayush.

The suite itself was an exquisite contemporary apartment look alike. It had a sitting room, with a couch, two easy chairs and a dining table. The passage from hall led to two bedrooms.

Ayush was thrilled to see the bright colourful room, which incidentally had stars painted on the ceiling. He jumped on the bed, loving the excessively thick mattress.

Naina held him when he fell on his knees, "Sambhal ke Ayush, abhi chot lag jaati na."

"Nahi mumma," he grinned, standing up immediately, "Main gira thodi hun, maine toh khud hi sitting wala jump kiya hai."

Sameer smiled, "Mera beta champion hai. Aise kaise gir jayega."

Ayush gave him a hi five, hunching his shoulders at Naina. She pinched his cheek, "Tu badmash banta jaa raha hai."

Sameer sat on the bed, taking Ayush in a hug, "Hum holiday pe hain. Badmashi allowed hai."

Naina waved her head with a smile, and started to open Ayush's suitcase to arrange his clothes in closet, as father son got busy in checking other things in the room. Tiredness of long flight kicked in very soon, making Ayush start rubbing his eyes. Naina helped him to freshen up and change while Sameer arranged their clothes in the closet of their room. In no time, they all were off to sleep.

The room was filled with a subdued glow when Naina opened her eyes next morning. She glanced around. It was a large room, having a pleasing décor, unlike the usual hotel settings. Pastel wallpaper on walls looked pleasing. A wide couch, along with an easy chair sat in one corner, next to a table. Closet area was separate, next to the passage that led to washroom. She liked the huge, wide mirror, placed next to a wooden cabinet near the passage. The place was softer on the eyes, perfect to stay for two weeks, as they had planned. Her eyes then darted to the source of light, the window behind the curtains.

Curious about the view from this height, she slipped out of bed and went to the curtained wall. The moment she pulled the string at the end, she couldn't help a loud gasp of marvel escape her. The wall was just about two feet from the floor, rest of it being glass upto the ceiling, with a few wooden beams on outer side. In front of her eyes was a magnificent view of New York city, bathed in bright sunlight. The buildings which were mostly glittering lights last night looked spectacular now, huddled against each other in their majestic glory. They were encompassed in such a way that it was unthinkable to believe they were put together by humans. The city looked like a piece of outer space. Entire skyline was covered with these skyscrapers, still the most imposing one rose above all others... the Empire State Building. Tallest building of the world at one time, it still towered over nearby structures majestically.

Naina's loud exclaim made Sameer pat the bed with a smile, expecting her to be admiring him. When his hand didn't reach its anticipated destination, he opened one eye a crack, searching for her. The space beside him was empty. Frowning, he turned over, to find her standing at the large window. Throwing the quilt away, he padded to her.

"Honeymoon ki subah apne pati ki jagah kya pasand aa gaya tumhe?" Slipping his arms around her waist, he leaned to nuzzle his face in her neck.

A soft smile spread on her face. Laying her arms over his, she whispered, "Tumko bhi good morning."

"Naina," He whimpered, "morning good kaise hogi agar tum mujhe akela chodogi."

"Akele kahan ho tum. Yahin toh hun... tumhare paas." She chuckled.

Lifting his head, he swiftly turned her around, his brows joined together, "Yeh toh main aaya hun tumhare paas. Tumne toh mujhe bed pe akela chod diya tha. Bhool gayi kya ki hum honeymoon ke liye aaye hain?"

She was amused, "Tum bhi bhool gaye kya, jo uthte hi kudkud karne lage."

His eyes widened, "Main kudkud kar raha hun? Main? Delhi mein toh roz kitne pyar se dekhti thi meri taraf uthte hi, aur yahan paas mein bhi nahi thi jab main utha. Yahan aake meri koi value hi nahi rahi tumhe. Yeh..." He waved a hand at the view outside, without taking his gaze away from her, "yeh jagah ab tumhe apne Sameer se zyada achhi lagne lagi."

"Kaisi baatein kar rahe ho Sameer?" She was taken by surprise at his grumblings.

"Achha, toh ab tumhe meri baatein bhi achhi nahi lagti. Matlab main bolun bhi na. Toh kyon aaye hain hum yahan jab tumhe meri baat sunni hi nahi." He retorded.

"Offo Sameer, kya ho gaya tumhe?" She cupped his face, "Kis baat pe gussa ho?"

He rolled his eyes, "Yeh bhi nahi pata madam ko. Haan. Kyon pata hoga. Inka saara interest toh bahar dekhne mein hai. Jaise main..."

Rest of his words couldn't find a way out as her lips closed over his, taking him for a deep kiss. Within seconds, he was kissing her back ardently, all his grouse forgotten. His arms circled around her waist, pulling her closer, making her rise on her toes to give him more access. Her one hand rested on his shoulder, while other went to back of his head. Her gentle, but demanding exploration of his mouth made him go back to her after they broke apart once. He just couldn't get enough of her, pulling her closer, though she was literally moulded against him. The fierce, consuming kiss left them breathless and panting.

"Isse kehte hain good morning." He licked his upper lip, breathing heavily.

She smiled, catching her breath while her swollen lips and flushed cheeks seemed to be inviting him again. He pressed his fingertips to her cheek, not surprised at the heat that seared his skin.

"Kya hua jaan... why so hot?" He asked with a crooked smile.

"Pehle tum batao tumhe kya hua tha? Itna gussa toh kabhi nahi kiya tumne." Still baffled at his sudden grumpiness, she questioned him back.

He twisted his mouth, "Mujhe meri Maina se door rakha toh main aise hi gussa rahunga."

"Lekin main door kahan thi, main toh yahin room mein thi." She placed her hands on his chest.

He pulled her with a jerk to end whatever miniscule distance that had come between them, "Ek inch ki doori bhi mere liye doori hai... I can't bear it."

"Aur tumhare maathe ki har shikan mujhe takleef deti hai... I can't bear it." She rubbed his forehead with her thumbs, her voice conveying the distress she felt.

He dropped a kiss on her nose, "Iska ek hi ilaaj hai, har waqt mere paas raha karo... ekdum paas."

She locked her hands behind his neck, "Jo hukum mere aaka."

"Toh phir..." With a glint in his eyes, his brows flicked towards the washroom door.

A faint blush crept up her cheeks that had just returned to normal, "Abhi... abhi Ayush uthne wala hoga. Nai jagah hai, kahin darr na jaaye."

He nodded in understanding, "You're right. Chalo chalke dekhte hain."

Ayush was still sound asleep when they reached his room. Naina opened the curtains, letting in outside brightness. Sameer knelt beside him, kissing his forehead. Ayush stirred a little, then went back to sleep.

"Naina, different time zone ki wajah se shayad Ayush ko aur sone dena chahiye." Sameer assessed his lack of energy to jet lag.

"Lekin yeh toh almost poori flight mein sote hue aaya hai." She came to him, touching his forehead worriedly.

He seemed fine. She patted his cheek, calling out softly, "Ayush, uthna nahi hai mere baby ko?"

He mumbled something, then stretched his arms out of the quilt, opening his eyes slowly, "Hum aeroplane se kab utrenge?"

She ruffled his hair, "Aeroplane se utar toh gaye the raat ko. Aankhen khol ke dekh, tu hotel mein hai."

He blinked a few times, then sat up abruptly, looking around with wide eyes. A big grin split his face after a few seconds of scrutiny, "Arre haan. Mujhe dream aa raha tha ki hum abhi tak aeroplane mein hi hain. Yeh room toh raat ko bhi dekha tha maine."

Sameer scooped him in his arms, kissing over his head, "Good morning my baby."

He quickly returned the kiss, "Good morning papa." He then lunged ahead, giving a kiss to Naina and greeting her , before jumping back to Sameer's lap and asked him excitedly, "Aaj hum America ghoomne jayenge na."

He chuckled, "Pakka jayenge. Bolo tumhe sabse pehle kahan jaana hai, park, beach, shopping ya..."

"Beach?" His eyes rounded, "Jahan big wala paani hota hai? Swimming pool se bhi zyada wala?"

Ayush had no recollection of the beach he had visited with his parents. The only idea he had was from the movies and shows.

Naina looked at Sameer, "Aaj beach nahi, aaj kahin aas paas ki jagah chalte hain, jisse jaldi wapas aa jaayein. Itni travel ke baad humein ek do din khud ko exert nahi karna chahiye."

He agreed with her. Though he himself never faced much problem of jet lag, Ayush could feel worn out very soon. He was also not sure about Naina, but he didn't want her to get exhausted either. They decided to just walk around the areas near their hotel, visit little cafes on streets and return by evening. After a late breakfast at the restaurant of hotel, they ventured out.

The city that was like a cosmic dream at night... all starry and luminous... was no less than a huge carnival in broad daylight. Hordes of people, of different origins, flocked the sidewalks. Little cafes dotted the roadside, with their striped awnings and wicker furniture.

Sameer securely held Ayush's hand, showing him something or the other repeatedly. Naina looked at them adoringly... no one could say they were not father and son. Blinking hard, she recalled when she had visited London with her parents. Ayush was just a toddler. Being extremely fond of outdoors, he was ecstatic to be taken around in a pram, avidly twisting his neck in all directions, as if he didn't want to miss any sight.

Her dad had laughed, "Dekh toh aise raha hai jaise bade hoke humein sunayega isne London mein kya kya dekha tha."

Her mother had lovingly looked at the baby, "Bilkul batayega, kyonki hum isse phir se leke ayenge. Sirf London hi kyon, hum isse poori duniya dikhayenge."

Naina had exclaimed cheerfully, "Papa, next time US chalenge."

Her father had immediately agreed, "Of course, London mein Queen se milne ke baad next stop toh White House hi hoga na."

Her mom had laughed heartily looking at sulking Naina, "Tere papa ko lagta hai Queen unka hi wait kar rahi hai."

A smile broke on Naina's face as her father frowned, but seeing her smile, he had softened. Looping an arm around his wife's shoulder, he had looked at Naina, "Bhai mere liye toh ek hi queen hai duniya mein, aur ek hi princess."

While she was happy to see her parents back to their loving teasings, they were relieved to see Naina slowly returning to her jovial self. She had picked up Ayush in her arms, "Aur yeh hamara chota sa prince hai, jise hum teeno milke bigaad denge."

Ayush squealed at her, pressing his tiny hands on her face. She kissed his chubby cheek, "Tujhe mazaa aata hai ghoomne mein?"

He nodded fervently, grinning.

Naina bobbed her head, "Hum sab dher saara ghoomenge. Okay?"

He nodded again, letting out an excited scream.

A tear blurred her vision when she saw him hopping joyfully today, and soaking up everything with similar eager eyes.

"Naina, tum ruk kyon gayi?" Sameer asked, stopping a few feet ahead. When he didn't find her next to him, he had turned to notice her looking at Ayush with a lost expression, standing at one spot.

Coming back to present at his voice, she smiled, shaking her head, and hurried to join them.

After walking for two blocks, they chose a pizza shop which had red clothed tables and white chairs. After they had placed the order, the middle aged lady behind the counter gave a welcoming smile to Ayush, asking him if he wanted extra cheese on his pizza. He nodded, with bright eyes.

Few minutes later, she placed the smaller pizza in front of him, along with a piece of cake and pulled his cheeks, "Anna's special cake for this handsome young man. Enjoy."

Placing their dishes on the table, she winked at Sameer and Naina, "This boy's gonna break a lot of hearts some years later." Then, checking the two of them, she shrugged, "Just like his parents I guess."

While Sameer blushed at such open compliment, Naina proudly looked at both her boys. Ayush thoroughly enjoyed the cheesy pizza and cake, for which Anna refused to charge. As they were leaving, she called out, "By the way, you guys make a beautiful family."

With a smug grin, they waved at her and walked out.

As Sameer had suspected, Ayush started to feel lethargic little later. They walked back to their hotel, which wasn't very far.

Once Naina had made him change and freshen up, Ayush wanted to watch an animated movie on the huge screen in the sitting room. She went back to her room when he got engrossed in the movie.

Sameer looked at her as she closed her eyes, resting her back against the pillows.

"Naina, din mein kya hua tha tumhe?" He asked after observing her silently for a while. Her misty eyes hadn't gone unnoticed from him. But he hadn't asked at that time, in front of Ayush. He was sure it was some memory that had rattled her... though he remembered her mentioning that this was her first visit to New York.

She slowly opened her eyes, but did not look at him... till he took her hand in his.

Shifting close to her, he said in a soft voice, "Maine kaha tha na, mujhse tumhe kuch bhi chupana ki zarurat nahi hai... na aansu, na koi yaad. Batao kya hua tha?"

Her eyes had a hint of dampness but her lips curved into a smile as she raised her gaze to him, "Kuch nahi hua tha. Bas hamari ek purani vacation yaad aa gayi thi." She blinked a few time, then smiled again, "Jab London gaye the Ayush ke saath, tab socha tha next trip US ka hoga. Lekin..."

He pressed her hand, his voice apologetic, "Mujhe pata hota tumhe yahan aake dukh hoga toh hum kahin aur..."

"Nahi Sameer." She cut him mid sentence, "Mujhe dukh nahi hai." Her eyes were glazed but her face turned soft, "Yeh khushi hai jo shayad andar samaa nahi rahi isliye aankhon se bahar chalak jaati hai. Ayush ke saath mumma papa ne chaar saal bitaye. Unke jaane ka dard rahega... lekin ab iss baat ka satisfaction hai ki woh chaar saal ek khushnumaa yaad hain mere liye. Ayush ke bina shayad..." She bit her lip, swallowed, and continued, "Ayush ke aane se unki life ke akhiri chaar saal aansuon se nahi, hansi se bhare the. Haan, aaj mujhe achanak London ki woh trip yaad aayi toh unhe zyada miss kiya, lekin yeh bhi sach hai Sameer ki tumhare saath reh ke main unke woh saare sapne poore kar paa rahi hun jo unhone mere aur Ayush ke liye dekhe the. Woh jahan bhi honge, bohot khush hote honge humein dekh ke. US aana bhi hamara ek sapna tha... jo tumne poora kar diya. Ab main mumma papa ko aise yaad karti hun jaise nanu naniji ko karte hain. Unki tarah main bhi apne parents ka muskurata chehra apni yaadon mein rakti hun."

He pulled her in his arms, yet again enamoured by her strength and resilience, "I'm so proud of you Naina."

"And I so love you." She whispered.

For dinner, they ordered a light meal in the room, and decided to sleep early. Naina went in to put Ayush to bed while Sameer was replying to mails which needed immediate attention.

"Mumma, mujhe story sunao." Ayush snuggled into Naina, sleepy yet fidgety.

She started to weave her fingers in his hair, telling a story which she often narrated to him. After a while, when she felt his arms around her slacken, she moved.

"Nahi mumma, mere paas raho." Ayush opened his eyes immediately, clinging to her.

She settled back with him, "Achha theek hai. Tujhe sula ke hi jaungi."

"Nahi aap kahin mat jao. Mere paas so jao." Ayush said in a pleading voice.

Naina narrowed her eyes, looking at him, "Tu toh hamesha apne room mein sota hai na baby. Main kahin door thodi hun. Kuch chahiye hoga toh mujhe bula lena."

Ayush drawled, "Mujhe mumma chahiye... mumma ke paas sona hai."

Naina kept patting his shoulder lightly, chewing her lip. Ayush had insisted on sleeping with her a few times earlier, and she had accepted it without another thought, but tonight... she remembered Sameer outburst in the morning. How would she tell him that she wouldn't come to their room. Maybe, after Ayush slipped into deep sleep, she could go back.

But when she tried to get up again some time later, he grabbed her tshirt, letting out a whine, "Mumma mat jao."

She closed her arms around him, murmuring in a low voice, "Mumma tere paas hai baby. Tu aaram se so jaa."

He sat up, his lips dropping at corners, "Main nahi sounga. Aap chali jaogi."

"Ayush, kya hua baby? Tujhe darr lag raha hai kya?" Naina cupped his face, concerned at his sudden demand.

He shook his head, "Mujhe darr nahi lagta. Main big hun. Bas mujhe mumma ke paas sona hai."

"Mumma koi door thodi hai beta. Tu..." She tried to explain, but was rendered quiet by Sameer's voice.

"Sirf mumma ke paas? Ayush ko papa kyon nahi chahiye?" He stood at the door, his arms crossed, his cheeks puffed up.

Ayush spread his arms at him, "Mujhe dono ke paas sona hai."

With a grin, Sameer came in and got into the bed on other side, "Yeh hui na mere bete wali baat."

"Sameer main..." Naina started to explain, but he shook his head slightly, blinking once.

Putting Ayush on his pillow, he laid down on one side, "Aaj hum dono apne baby ke paas soyenge. Okay mumma?"

Her face relaxed into a thankful smile. Lying down next to Ayush, she replied, "Okay papa."

Contented, Ayush drifted into sleep in no time.

Sameer looked at her, speaking in a low voice, "Itni si baat nahi maan sakti apne bete ki? Zid kyon kar rahi thi?"

She gave him a tentative look, "Mujhe laga tumhe... I mean..."

"Naina, Ayush hum dono ke liye sabse important hai. Main kabhi nahi chahunga tum mere liye uski baat taalo. Ho sakta hai usse nayi jagah ki wajah se thoda uncomfortable lag raha ho. Yeh bohot choti si demand hai. Ek second ke liye bhi sochna nahi chahiye the tumhe." He continued to pat Ayush, while talking in hushed tone.

She kept looking at him... comparing the 'kudkud' version of him from morning to this 'concerned father' version. Both versions were a showcase of his immense love for her and Ayush.

Raising herself, she leaned over the little boy between them, and planted a kiss on his cheek, "I love you, Ayush ke papa."

He grinned, mirroring her action after she laid back, and kissing her on the cheek, "Love you too, Ayush ki mumma."

All three had a smile on their faces as their eyes closed.

Couldn't resist bringing Kudkud Maheshwari to honeymoon 😂

I have been quite inconsistent in updating last two weeks due to some reason or the other. I'm sorry for that. This might continue for another week or so. But hopefully by end of the month I'll be back on track. Thank you for bearing with me. At times, it's only your love that keeps me going ❤️

Next update on Saturday