"Hello Bhabhi", Sameer called Preeti as he knew she was the one who he could depend upon now. "Hello Sameer, kaise ho? Pandit abhi ghar par nahi hai." "Pata hai, mujhe apse baat karni thi". "Mujhse? Kya hua?" "Maine ek galti kar di" "Kya? Kya kiya tumne", she sounded worried. "Woh actually...", and he narrated the whole incident. "Hmm... Tum dono ke life itna complicated kyu hai yaar." "Bhabhi please meri help karo na" "Of course Sameer, par mujhe samjh mein nahi aa raha ki madad kaise karoon?" "Aap Naina se baat karo, uske dil mein joh bhi confusions ya galatfehmi hai usse dur kar do. Aur haan usse batana mat ki maine sab kuch apko bata diya. Woh kuch keh rahi thi ki usse samjh mein nahi aa raha hai how she is feeling and all. Please aaap baat karo usse." "Dont worry main baat karti hoon. Sameer please bura mat manna, par I think ki tumhe bhi bohot delicately handle karna padega. I know you love her par tum jaante ho na ki tum Naina ke utne kareeb kabhi aa sakte ho ya nahi mujhe nahi pata. Tum dono ke beech kuch physical hoga ya nahi, main nahi jaanti par tumhe samajhdari se kaam lena padega. Dubara aisa control mat khona. It's important that tum dono ke relationship mein koi misunderstanding na ho." "I know bhabhi, pata nahi kiya hua mujhe. Aage se dhyaan rakoonga". "Isme tumhari bhi galti nahi hai, tum khudko already bohot takleef de rahe ho... kair main baat karti hoon usse aur phir tumhe bataungi usne kya kaha." "Thanks a lot bhabhi". "Thanks ki zaroorat nahi hai Sameer, main tum dono keliye kuch bhi kar sakti hoon."

"Pata hai, ek toh main waise bhi Swati ke wajah se pareshan hoon aur ab yeh, at least ek problem toh solve hoga." "Swati ke wajah se pareshan kyu ho Sameer?". Oh god what had he uttered. "Kuch nahi woh bus generally keh raha tha ki Swati bhi worried hai na, Naina ki shaadi ke baad kya hoga..." "Baat ko ghumao mat Sameer sach bolo. Swati ne tumse kuch kaha?" He revealed the incident in his office and Swati's reaction to her. "Sameer tum uske baato ka bura mat manna, woh aisi he hai bachpan se. Naina ko lekar todhi protective hai na isiliye. Aaj tak mujhe bhi nahi pata Swati Naina ko lekar itni protective kyu hai. Please tum bura mat manna, waqt ke saath woh samajh jayegi." "Bhabhi Swati ke baare mein Naina se kuch mat kahiyega" "No no Sameer main aisa kuch nahi kahungi. Chalo abhi main rakti hoon, parlor ka kaam hai aur aaj shaam ko Naina se baat karke main tumhe call karti hoon."

Preeti wondered why Swati was so stubborn. She and Naina had explained to her numerous times that Sameer would keep up his promise, would not separated her from Naina but she always reverted back to square one. Though Naina is her sister and Swati her best friend from 2nd grade, she had a very hazy picture of the beginning of their relationship. Till now she did not know how they both realised their feelings. She hadn't noticed Naina being inclined to Swati in any other way than of a friend. But, when they were in college she was shocked to hear about their relationship. It took her several days to come in terms with the fact. Naina never showed a sign but once Swati revealed their relationship, she could have definitely said Swati always created a doubt in her mind, but Naina. It was shocking. Till date she doesn't know the exact kind of relationship they shared or how close they are. Right now her priority was to mend things between Sameer and Naina. Her heart went out to Sameer, he cant express his feelings openly, it must be difficult for him to control. God please give him the strength needed and please don't let Naina even unintentionally hurt his feelings.

"Naina jaake dekho darwaze par kaun hai. Aur haan iss baar daud ke mat jaana", chachiji's voice came from the ktchen. "Jee chachiji", naina who was writing an article in her room, left it to open the door. "Preeti tu, kaisi ho?"
, she hugged her sister even before she could step inside the house. "Main theek hoon behan". "Chachiji Preeti aayi hai". "Preeti , beta kaisi ho aur damadji nahi aaye?", Chachiji left her work in the kitchen to meet her daughter. "Nahi woh todha busy hai toh nahi aa paya." Naina dragged her inside her room saying , "Chachiji hum dono kamre mein honge" "Theek hai jao".

"Bata parlour kaisa chal raha hai?". "Acchi chal rahi hai Naina". "Mere saare bridal makeup tumko sambhalna hoga hai?". "Yeh bhi poochne wali baat hai, meri pyaari behen ki shaadi hai, main khud apne haato se tumko taiyaar karoongi. Accha taiyaari se yaad aaya, shaadi ki taiyari kaisi chal rahi hai". "Abhi tak kuch shuru nahi hua Preeti, agle hafte mummyji aa rahi hai Delhi se, tab shuru kar denge". "Theek hai...", Preeti wondered how to start the topic. "Toh kaisa gaya kal ka dinner plan?", she finally managed to start it. "Woh... accha tha", she noticed how Naina's expression changed. "Kya hua? Yeh tumhara chehra utar kyu gaya?" "Kuch bhi toh nahi Preeti." "Dekh jhoot mat bol mujhse, kuch toh hai joh tu mujhse chupa rahi hai." "Woh Preeti... kal Sameer aur main... matlab hum dono... woh kulfi..." "Dekho mujhe yeh woh kulfi samjh mein nahi aayega, joh bhi kehna hai mujhse saaf saaf bol." "Wahi toh problem hai, mujhe kuch saaf saaf samjh mein nahi aa raha hai toh tumse main kya bolun" "Matlab?" "Matlab yeh ki kal Sameer todha paas aa gaya, maine usse rok di par, ek pal keliye aisa laga jaise main behak gayi. Yeh sirf kal ki baat nahi, engagement wale din, galti se chu liya usne mujhe aur do din pehle office mein gale lag gaye hum. Par yeh sab mujhe ajeeb nahi laga. Kuch alag mehsoos hua." "Matla tumhe uncomfortable laga jab Sameer tumhara kareeb aaya?" "Nahi, yahi toh problem hai, mujhe uncomfortable zara bhi mehsoos nahi hua, balki..." She hesitated, did not know how to accept the fact or say the fact out loud. "Mujhe ach... accha laga Preeti, matlab comfortable tha, I felt peaceful. Mujhe bohot confusion ho rahi hai ki mujhe waisa mehsoos kyu hua." Shayad tumhe Sameer accha lagta hai, matlab ki woh tumhe samjhta hai, tumhari khushi ka khayal rakta hai, ghar walo ke samne tumhe support karta hai. Maybe he has become close to you isiliye tumhe ajeeb nahi laga." Naina was deep in thought. "Tumne iss relationship ko accept kar liya na Naina?" "Haan Preeti" "Pakka? Kya tum dil se Sameer se shaadi karna chahti ho, matlab are you ready to accept him as your husband?" "Haan Preeti." "Maybe issi wajah se tum confortable feel kar rahi ho, because tumhara rishta jud gaya hai Sameer ke saath. Tum dono ek dusre ka khayal rakte ho. Shayad issi rishte ke wajah se tumhe kuch ajeeb nahi laga hoga uska aise tumhare kareeb aana. Matlab aise bhot saare marriages bhi toh hai jinme pyaar na sahi understanding aur commitment toh hota hai couples ke beech". "Haan shayad tum theek keh rahi ho, matlab sameer ka saath hona accha lagta hai, main khush rehti hoon uske saath".

"Naina mujhe kuch poochna tha tumse?", she hesitated before asking the question. "Poocho na". "Tum aur Swati kitne kareeb hai Naina." "Matlab?" "Matlab physically..." Naina kept her head down and shuffled her feet, "Kareeb hai par... utna bhi nahi". "Clealy batao" "Preeti tum toh jaanti ho mere baare mein mujhe bohot sharm aati hai. Pata nahi utni himat kabhi..." "Naina clearly jawab do". "Hum dono haath pakadte hai, ek dusre ke kande par sar rak kar baate karte hai, gale lagte hai, aur ek do baar usne mere gal pe kiss kiya hai." "Aur tum?" "Maine kaha na mujhe kabhi himmat nahi huyi." "Toh iska matlab do saalo mein isse zyaada kuch nahi hua?" Naina nodded in a no. "Kya tum kabhi Swati ke aur kareeb aa sakti ho?" "hmm shayad" "Aur Sameer ke?" "Yeh tu kya bol rahi hai Preeti? Sameer dost hai mera". "Toh iska matlab aage se Sameer ke zara bhi khareeb nahi jaogu" "Nahi waisa nahi, bas todhi doori toh rahegi. Par Preeti tumse kuch aur kehna tha. Sameer yeh sab agar expect karega toh?". "Pagal ho? Tumhe lagta hai woh tumhe kabhi force karega". "Nahi, kabhi nahi", Naina relaxed thinking about Sameer, he would never force her. "Toh phir?" "Hmm, mujhe usse baat karni hogi, aaj usse theek se baat bhi nahi kiya, shayad usse laga hoga mai usse gussa hoon. Par ab todhi clarity aa gayi hai, toh sameer se bhi baat kar leti hoon". "Hmm... baat karle." "Tum yahi ruko main usse phone karke aati hoon", Naina got up and called his number.

Why are all the relationship complicated here. And why does she get a feel that Naina might have feelings for Sameer. She didn't want to pin point it in front of Naina because it might confuse her further. For now it is better that she doesn't think in that direction. But what about Sameer should she tell him that Naina might have feelings for him. Feelings that might lead to something more between them. But what if she doesn't, what if he starts hoping for a relationship and what if all his hopes come down crashing. She couldn't do that. It is better not to share any of her thoughts with anyone. Maybe with time things might start to get clear.

Another doubt raised in her mind, what exactly is the equation between Swati and Naina? Does she feel the same about Sameer and Swati or does she feel strong for one or she feels only for one. God! What kind of a confusion is this. She knew all relationships were complicated but this was some extra level of complexity. Sameer had depended upon her to clear Naina's confusion but who would she depend upon. She knew for sure speaking with Swati wasn't a solution. But she had to speak with her to know her perspective on Naina's relationship with her and with Sameer. Why did she still have doubts on Sameer?, why can't she trust him? All this was giving her a headache. She held her head and sat on the bed.

On the other hand even Sameer was clutching his head thinking about the day. The bell rang and he wished it would be Preeti to inform him about the conversation with Naina. A ray of hope flashed in front of his eyes when he heard Naina's voice from the other side. "Sameer..kaise ho?" "Main theek hoon Naina, tum theek ho?" "Haan, woh mujhe tumse kuch kehna tha." "Bolo na Naina." "Woh, I am sorry aaj bohot weirdly behave kar rahi thi na." "Are Naina tumhe sorry bolne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Tum apni jagah sahi thi. Aage se I will be careful, aisa kabhi nahi hoga." "So ab humare beech no more awkwardness, hum jaise the waise he rahenge. Tum jaante ho, tum here sabse kareeb dost ho Sameer, tumhare saath toh main sabse zyaada comfortable hoti hoon. Main nahi chahti usme koi badlav aaye." "Tum theek keh rahi ho Naina, humare rishte main no more awkwardness."

Preeti noticed naina standing in the balcony with the phone in her hand, though she couldn't hear what she was saying, she could see her expression and something was different in the way she was speaking. She took slow steps in the balcony, a smile stayed constant on her face, she fiddled with the edge of the dress and occasionally even blushed. The happiness was evident in her face, was it all just because she considered Sameer her friend or was there something more to it. Any fool would definitely say that to-be-married couple were talking over the phone. Does Naina know how exactly she feels for Swati and Sameer. Or is it all because of Sameer, is he trying to pull Naina towards him. No he wouldn't intentionally do that. He understands her relation with Swati. That's when she got an idea. Sameer should speak to Naina regarding her relationship with Swati. He should have a complete idea of their relationship, maybe he will be able to understand what she is missing out. Probably not now, when the time is right. But she needs to tell Sameer to ask Naina about her relation with Swati. She was sure Naina would reveal to Sameer what she is not telling her. And more than her it is important for Sameer to know what is the dynamic between Naina and Swati. She just hoped things would not get more complicated than what is already there. She smiled when she say Naina cutting the call and coming out of the balcony.

"Baat karli Sameer se?" "Haan Preeti. I am sure mere behaviour ke wajah se woh udaas ho gaya hoga. Par ab sab theek hai. Humne decide kar liya ki ab hum humare rishte mein kisi bhi tarah ke awkardness ko aane nahi denge." "Chalo accha hai. Main ab nikalti hoon Naina. Pandit ka office se aane ka time ho gaya hai, toh mujhe chalna chahiye." "Todhi der aur ruk na, jiju se main baat kar loongi." "Sorry naina, jana toh padega." "Theek hai bye." The real reason she wanted to reach home was to call sameer and share her observation. Obviously not the entire observation but what was important for him to hear at the moment.

***

"Bhabhi Naina ne phone kiya", he sounded excited over the phone. "Pata hai tab main wahin thi, mere saath baat karne ke baad phone kiya usne." "Toh Naina ne kuch kaha? Uski confusion dur ho gayi?". She thought what to reply to him and modified her statement as "Haan woh Sameer, actually baat yeh hai ki tumhe toh ghar walo ke baare mein pata hai. Rakesh tauji ne khud Naina ko kabhi zyaada pyaar nahi diya. Aur taiji tauji hamesha usse tanne marte the. So jab woh tumhare saath hoti hai, woh ekdum free mehsoos karti hai. Tum care karte ho uski aur genuinely fikar karte ho. So she is very comfortable Sameer. Tum chinta mat karo, Naina tumhare saath ekdum khush hai." She stopped thinking how to continue further. "Sameer ek aur baat karni thi tumse" "Kya hua bhabhi? Aap pareshan kyu hai?" "Woh, I know tumhe todha ajeeb lahega par please Naina se Swati aur uske relationship ke baare mein baat karo na. Matlab yeh janne keliye ki woh dono kitne close hai aur kya pata kuch cheezein aur clear ho jaye. So please sahi waqt dekhkar tum Naina se iss bare mein poocha. Kyuki frankly mujhe zyaada nahi pata unn dono ke baare mein. I feel it is important for your relationship." "Ok bhabhi. Thank you Naina se baat karne keliye." "Thanks ki zaroorat nahi hai, tum meri behen ki khushi chahte ho aur usse zyaada main bhi kuch nahi chahti."

Keeping the call Sameer wondered about Preeti's request. Asking about Swati and Naina's relation. What did that mean? She sounded a little worried. Is there something that he needs to know? He will wait for the right time to find out about Swati and Naina. Even he needed to know why Swati did not have an ounce of trust on him. Why did she always feel that he was going to separate her from Naina. Atleast if not him she could trust her love. If there was anyone who needed to be worried it was him as he would not receive Naina's love but Swati's behaviour was weird.

***

The intercom buzzed and it was Sameer's call for Naina. "Jaldi aao Naina, tumhe kuch dikhana hai", he sounded excited. She went to his room and saw him reading a magazine with utmost interest. Once he saw she was in the room, he held her by her shhoulders and twirled with her. "Nainaaa, tumhara article chap gaya hai isme." "Sach", she took the magazine from his hand and saw her article. She started jumping with happiness. "Sameer... mera pehla article, sab tumhare wajah se", she threw her hands around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you... thank you so much mujhe encourage karne keliye." His hands spread over her back.

She withdrew from the hug, while still her hand was over his shoulders. he slowly tugged her hair behind her ears and cupped her face. "Tum khush ho?". She smiled, "Haan bohot". "Yahi toh mujhe chahiye", saying so ke gently kissed her forehead. She broke away from him and held the corner of the table, shy to look up, her eyes were fixed on the ground. "Kya kar rahe ho tum Sameer?", her voice did not contain anger of any sort.

He came behind her and rested his chin over her shoulder and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Kyu tumhe accha nahi laga?", he dipped his face in her neck and kissed her neck. She closed her eyes when she felt his lips on her neck, "Sameer...", what was wrong with her voice, it was as if she was under some kind of drug and loosing her consciousness. He turned her over, and held her close by her shoulder and asked the question again while looking deep into her eyes," Tumhe accha lagta hai na Naina?". She smiled and nodded her head. He smirked in satisfaction and cupped her right cheek, tilting her head to one side and kissed her cheek. "Tumhare gaal ekdum laal ho gaye", he said looking at her. "Accha? Ab dekho". She held his shoulders and planted a tight kiss over his cheek. But did not have the desired effect of kissing him. It did not make the thousand butterflied explode in her stomach like when Sameer kissed her neck. She drew back and was shocked to see Swati in place of Sameer.

"Ahh", she woke up with a scream. Panting for breath, she reached the water bpttle on her bedside and took large gulps. Preeti ki bacchi bhi na, uske wajah se yeh sab ho raha hai. Woh Swati aur Sameer ke baare mein nahi poochti toh yeh sapna nahi aata. But what did the dream mean? Even if it was a dream why did she feel dissapointed when she saw Swati instead of Sameer. She looked at the clock, it was 3 am. She tried to put herself back to sleep but the dream kept irritating her.

She caught hold of her phone and called Swati. "Hello..." her sleepy voice greeted her. "Itni raat ko phone kyu kar rahi ho Naina". "Woh bas aise he". "Kya hua sab theek hai na?" "Haan sab theek hai" "Toh hum kal baat karte hai mujhe bohot neendh aa rahi hai, good night." "Swati sun." "Kya?" "Woh tum kuch nahi... bye hum kal baat karte hai"

She sat wondering what to do. The next thing that struck her mind was to call him. With shaky hands she called his number. "Hi Naina", he said between his yawn. "Sameer... woh..." "Kya hua Naina? batao na". "Mujhe neendh nahi aa rahi thi, tum baat karoge mujhse". "Bolo Naina, kya baat karni hai tumhe." "Pata nahi, Sameer woh mujhe kehna tha ki... Haan... tumhare sawal ka jawab..." "Kaisa sawal? Konsa jawab? Kya bol rahi ho Naina?" "Kuch nahi, hum kal baat karte hai. Good night. She cut his call with racing heartbeat.

What in the world was she saying. Haan? Naina it was a dream. It is never going to happen in real life. A part of her relaxed hearing this thought but another part of her felt dejected with this thought. Will she be happy in real if she was going to experience it or was it for good that she wasn't going to expereinced it.

***********************

Now I will leave you with your confusion. Go on and think about the triangular relationship. Don't ask me what they feel as all your questions will be answered later in the story. Revealing that is no fun...

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