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AN: thank you Sweetx,aka KrysVineet for the pics :* :* enjoy the chap :D

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The doctor called by RD treats Naman's wounds. Ruhana watches pained as the bullet is removed from his arm. And when the wound is dressed up, she goes to take a seat beside him on the bed.

They're all gathered in what's Naman's room in the house they rented. RD is there too, but just went ahead to see off the doctor.

Ruhana traces Naman's bandage with her fingertips...

"Dard horaha hai?"

"Nahi, come on chipku auntie, this is nothing!"

Naman looks cheerful. She only smiles sadly in return.

"Oye kaamchor uncle, tu toh bada kaam ka nikla... thank you. You saved me."

Naman smiles reaching out to touch her hair with his fingers. Then he touches her cheek gently.

"I'm glad I could."

The friends exchange smiles. RD walks in clearing his throat.

Ruhana lifts up her head from Naman's shoulder and straightens up.

"Uh... Police mastermind k liye search maar rahi hai. Main bhi is operation ko lead kar raha hu. Tum dono ek dusre ka khayal rakho..."

The friends look at each other and nod. RD leaves...

He thinks, "what is this feeling? It's not as if I'm leaving her forever! So why does it hurt.... Aur ye Ruhana ko kya hogaya... why is she so taken with Naman... ussmei aisa kya hai jo mujhmei nahi.... Damn! But mujhe iss sab k bare mei sochna nahi chahiye."

He half wishes Ruhana will chase after him, asking to be put on the operation.. But nothing happens.

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The next day.

RD is out with the police somewhere. Naman is alone with Ruhana at their residence.

Ruhana smiles as she enters Naman's room. Two trays of breakfast in her hands-

"Arey tum uth gaye.. Lo maine banaya.. Khaoge?"

Naman smiles as she sets down one of the trays down on the table.

"Here lemme help..."

Ruhana brings a spoonful of porridge to his face, but he plucks it out of her hand with his uninjured one-

"Pehle tum...."

Ruhana turns slightly pink but accepts the bite. Smiling she takes another spoonful and feeds him-

"Are you sure you're ok Ruu?" Naman asks, "tumhe mere saamne tough cop banne ki zarurat nahi..."

"I'm fine..... Really..."

She gives him a fake smile.

"Come on chipku auntie! Is that how you really feel?"

She sighs, "main thoda dar gayi thi okay? Mujhe laga mujhe kuch hojayega... aur fir tum waha aaye... toh main aur darr gayi thi... kya hota... agar main aur tum dono nahi bachpaye toh... tumhe kuch hojata toh... aur tumhe toh goli lagi thi... aur waha pe sab hungama hogaya... i know ki main tough cop nahi hu... I'm still stressed... so I'm chipku auntie after all.."

Naman laughs, patting her head soothingly, "nahi.. You really were brave! Tum chahti thi ki wo mastermind pakdaa jaye.. Tumne apni jaan ki parwaa nahi ki.. Aur... mujhe khush nahi hona chahiye, but I'm happy. I got to know how much you care for me... and it makes me feel special.."

Embarrassed, Ruhana drops her spoon, "stupid kaamchor uncle. Khud khaale... "

She thrusts the plate, placing it his lap... "tera doosra haat thik hai na.."

He laughs. "Are you shy now? Come on.... Are you a clone? You can't be Ruhana?"

Ruhana pouts, "what?! Stupid! Tum jo meri tareef kar rahe the.. Uska kya! Shayad tum bhi ek doppelganger ho!"

The friends laugh and the breakfast is soon done with.

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Three days pass. RD isn't back and it's just Ruhana and Naman in the rented house. The friends have a good time, taking care of each other. They take turns cooking, having fun and days pass as if they are on picnic. Naman's wound isn't deep which came as a relief and Ruhana is happy.

That morning, after breakfast-

"Kya baat hai Ruhana... aaj subah se itni chup?"

Ruhana doesn't respond, so Naman calls her name louder-

"Ruhana? Kaha khogayi?"

"Huh?"

She smiles coming out of her thoughts.

"Nahi... kahi nahi... bas kuch soch rahi thi."

Naman takes a seat beside her. They're in her room this time. He sighs-

"RD k bare mei?"

"Haan. wo... uska kuch ata pata nahi... aur wo mastermind-"

"Offo! Ye subah subah serious baatei? Yarr... tum chill karo... yaad nahi RD ne hume kya kaha tha? Dekho tum apni khayalon mei padke breakfast banana bhi bhul gayi-"

"Ohh!"

Ruhana begins to get up but he stops her.

"Tum baitho. Main abhi kuch banake laata hu."

"Arey par aaj meri baari hai-"

She shakes her head with a smile watching as he walks away.

'Naman...' she repeats his name like a mantra, 'tum bohot ache insaan ho. Kaash sab tumhare jaise hote.'

She thinks about RD and some others and frowns.

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In the kitchen-

Naman quickly texts RD. he hasn't told Ruhana but he's been in touch with his boss-

'Ruhana seems really shaken. She still feeling down. Kaam kaise jaraha hai. Maybe you should have taken us both with you.'

RD texts back within seconds, 'nahi.. Yahi sahi hai. Tum dono ek dusre ka khayal rakho. Isey ek breather hi samajh lo. Waise bhi hum uss master mind tak pahunchne hi wale hai."

Naman shoots back, 'OK.'

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Ruhana is still in thoughts when Naman gets back to her room, two bowls of hot poha on a tray.

"Sorry yar.. Bas yahi tha... a quick fix."

"Nahi Naman, ye kaafi hai.. Come... let's dig in."

They share a smile and finish their breakfast. Just as Ruhana is setting up the bowls aside, an idea strikes Naman.

"Hey, Ruu.. kyu na hum kahin ghoomne chale?"

"Huh?"

"Yes!! I know a spot... it's gonna be perfect... come along!"

Without waiting for her reply, he pulls her by the arm... and soon they are running through the streets. Ruhana laughs, her dupatta flying in the wind, asking him to slow down but he doesn't.

His grip on her hand is warm and firm which brings a smile on her face. He doesn't let go until they reach the spot he mentioned.

"What??"

Ruhana looks taken aback.

"Sundar hai na...?" Naman asks coming up behind her.

The Jheel which is close to the village was full of water, it's the only spot worth mentioning to attract tourists and Naman had come across it during his search operations.

"Bohot sundar." Ruhana answers with a smile. The weather is comparatively cooler and the pleasant breeze ruffles her hair.

He tucks a loose strand back in place and her grin widens.

"Come, let's go ride that boat....."

He takes her by her hand again to stop in front of a paddle boat.

He helps her get in and the duo start paddling.

"Are you sure? Naman, tumhe toh rest karna chahiye.."

"Concerned Are you? Main thik hu.." Naman assures.

Ruhana smiles.... It isn't totally sunny which is good. She's enjoying the ride. He smiles seeing her.

Soon they reach a small piece of land in the middle of the lake.

"What? Yaha ye bhi hai??"

Ruhana laughs looking at the small island which is as big as any single bedroom. A mandir stands in the middle of it, like a miniature hut. Bending down and peeping through the small entrance she can see a small bronze idol adorner with flowers.

"Yeh kaun se bhagwan hai?"

"Wish puri karne wale... maango jo bhi chahiye... you know yaha pe jo bhi couples aake unke future k liye wish maangte hai, wo puri hojati hai.."

"Acha toh ye love bhagwan hai?"

"Sort of.... Agar tum kisi se pyar karo.. Aur chaho ki uska pyar tumhe mile toh bhi bhagwan Wambar, tumhari sunenge..."

Ruhana laughs, "aisa kisne kaha tumhe?"

"Gaao walon ne. Jab yaha chaan-been karraha tha."

Ruhana laughs again, "Naman tum bhi na. Tum yaha mujhe ghumaane le aaye, ya apni love wish puri karane? Bolo?"

Naman looks away n awkwardly clears his throat- "dono... shayad.. Baat banjaye?"

"Acha ji!! Toh tum kisi se pyar karte ho! Kon hai wo lucky lady??"

Naman fidgets under her gaze and laughs it off, "arey yar.. Wo future wish thi.. Abhi koi hai nahi."

"Liar!"

She laughs but there's a pang in her chest. Why? Surely she never saw Naman as more than a friend... so why? And he's almost like a stranger.... Because...

Her thoughts are stopped as something is placed on her head. A flower crown...

"Yeh kya hai..."

She laughs, touching the flowers and looking at Naman who's kneeling before her. His arm is still bandaged and her heart hurts when she thinks he got injured because of her.

"My queen... I'm your knight for the day. At your service, your highness...!"

Laughter bubbles up inside her, a site which warms his heart.

"Good... I like seeing you smile."

"Thank you Naman. I mean, my knight for the day..."

"Tum chaho toh har din banunga-"

"Kya?"

Naman coughs, "nahi.. Uh kuch nahi."

Ruhana smiles, "seriously, thank you. Tumne ye sab mereliye kia na. Tumne dekha ki I was feeling a little off aur... i'm sorry.. Maine sirf tumhe chot pohochayi aur tum..."

"Arey pls no! Senti baatei mat karo. I'm fine... see..."

"Pfff!! Hahaha!"

Ruhana is laughing again, laughing until tears form in her eyes as he starts making all kinds of funny faces and posing as body builder.

"See I'm fine... main kickboxing karu... ya push ups... outch-"

An odd movement leaves him in pain which causes her to grimace.

"Take it easy. Come... lets offer our prayers and head back."

He nods, smiling at the way she's holding her arm.... Arm in arm, they close their eyes and make their secret wish.

Naman prays, "there is nothing I wish for... but you, Ruhana..."

Ruhana prays, "please let Naman be happy always.... I can't be happy like him... anyway so..."

The temple visit ends with them clicking several selfies...

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After a swift 15 minute paddling to the shore, the duo still feel refreshed. They're out of breath but still feeling great. They had a fun time racing against a couple of youngsters who were halfway and challenged them.

"Hum jeet gaye!!"

Ruhana exclaims as soon as her feet touch the ground...

She swirls around and jumps to hug Naman who loses his footing-

The impact causes him to stumble backwards and she ends up on top of him, her lips on his cheek.

(AN: lips hona chahiye kya? I was confused and then went with cheek haha. I'm evil, yeah. XD)

Ruhana quickly pulls back and gets herself together...

"Oops! sorry Naman, I got hyper! And... pfft!! Hahaha!! Chehra toh dekho! Kitna laal hogaya hai!!'

A red faced Naman can't look her in the eye, "hey stop it... ladki tum ho! par bilkul bhi sharmaati nahi.."

"Exactly... aur tum sharmaa rahe ho.."

"Chudail kahiki!"

Ruhana stands and begins to run when he attempts to hold and twist her hand. She slaps him lightly on the arm and runs away.

With a shy smile, Naman gets up to follow her.

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"Wow! Ice cream!"

Ruhana yells seeing a gola stall.

"Barf ke gole hai yar..." Naman says coming behind her

The earlier awkwardness is gone, thanks to her cheery nature.

"Same same..."

Ruhana pulls out her tongue at him... and they laugh in unison.

"Bachpan k din yaad agaye... "

Feeling Nostalgic, Naman reaches out towards the gola, she offers. They chat and have many more golas, each one just as sweet as their friendship.

This time it's Ruhana who pulls out her phone-

"Selfie time!"

She announces pulling him by the arm. Naman is shy at their closeness but manages to smile for the camera.

So what is this feeling!?

Five minutes later... It's nearly noon, the sun is beating down hard. He wipes some sweat from his brow.

"Maybe we should get some lunch..." he thinks checking his watch as he begins to walk. He's surprised when a hand comes to wrap around his arm, a head resting on his shoulder.

"I'm tired..." says a soft voice beside him.

He smiles at his friend. There's no one like her. There can be none. It's Ruhana, his chipku auntie. She's grown up and quite beautiful too... her eyes, her words, her smile.. Seem to sir something deep in his heart... is it what he thinks it is? Maybe he should just come out and say it...

"Hey! Tum kuch bolte kyu nahi??!"

Ruhana complains, as the duo continue to slowly walk along the roads, almost heading back home.

"Tumhe dekhte hi meri bolti band hojati hai.." he murmurs looking away.

"Kyaa?"

Ruhana pouts because she can't hear it.

"Maine kaha, ab ghar chalke aaram karte hai..."

She pulls her hand away from his.

"Are you tired?"

"Nahi... hey!! Ab kya hua? Why do you look upset Ruhana?"

Ruhana bites her lip and then she confesses in a small voice, "because I don't want this time I spend with you to end..."

Naman is stunned but then a smile blooms on his face. His heart is racing and he clears his throat. Ruhana has her head down...

She thinks, 'ye mujhe kya hogaya... kyu main aisi baatei karrahi hu... ' she chides herself.

"Pehle lunch pe chalte hai..."

Naman offers his arm and she links hers with his.

For now, it's okay to be like this, until the time comes.... She thinks to herself as they find their way to a Dhaba.

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After lunch, the duo ride on a bike they borrowed from an elderly man. The sun is quite harsh, causing Ruhana to squint.

"Naman!"

She yells as the bike wobbles.

"Are you okay??!"

Naman stops the bike under some shade. Wiping his sweat, he apologizes.

"Sorry Ruu, aaj raat ko hum ride pe jayenge... okay?!"

"NaMAN!" she yelps in horror as she looks at his bandage which is now stained in blood-

"Tumhara haat! Oh god!! Khoon nikal raha hai! Aur aaj maine tumhara bandage change kia bhi nahi..."

Naman tries to talk but she goes on, teary eyed.

"Kitni selfish hu main.. I'm sorry Naman... itni dhoop hai aur..."

"Shh--"

He places his index finger on her lips to shush her.

She blushes despite the situation. What the heck!?

"It's okay... dhoop se tum bhi toh pareshan ho! Aur ye bike ride ka idea mera tha."

"Par maine hi kaha tha ki.. Mujhe time.. Spend karni hai.. Tumhare saat..."

Naman laughs at how her voice wavers.

"Main bhi toh yahi chahta tha. Chalo ab ghar pe guppe-shappe maarte hai..."

He calls out a guy from a nearby shop. He hands him the bike... then purchases an umbrella form the same shop. Gulping down some water, they begin to walk under the hot sun.

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BACK at their home.

RD isn't back yet. Ruhana asks Naman to sit. She quickly changes his bandage. And then prepares some sherbat.

The duo freshen up themselves, cooling their sun-beaten bodies.

"Tum thoda aaram karo..."

Naman urges Ruhana into her room and makes her lie down.

"Khaana khaliya.. Dhoop mei exercise bhi hogaya... so jao.. Thodi der."

"Tum... tum sojao na..."

She lies down on the bed, defeated. The soothing air from the air cooler almost lulls her to sleep instantly.

"Main chalta hu."

Naman is about to walk away when she grabs his hand-

"Pls... mujhe chod ke mat jao.. Aur... mujhpe gussa mat karna.."

"Gussa?"

Naman is confused as he watches her fall asleep. He doesn't know how long .. but hours later.. They're both fast asleep. Him in the chair, holding her hand and her, on the bed...

A noise cause Naman to jerk awake.

He sees that RD has returned. He's stunned to see Ruhana standing behind RD, a small bandage on her forehead.

"Ruhana tum?"

Panicked, he looks back to the girl lying asleep on the bed.

"Doh doh Ruhana?!!"

A confused Naman looks on, RD says,

"Main batata hu, kon asli Ruhana aur... kon Nakli!!

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TBC

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AN: phew!! Kaisa laga chap! Typical ekta style ending tha kya?

I hope you enjoyed ur Naman dose, dear sweetx.

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Thank you friends, thank u sweetu... I hope ya all enjoyed this chap :D

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