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Here's the surprise update...

TANHAYEE

CHAPTER 3

NAINA...

I was waiting at the airport for Preeti when suddenly I felt HIS presence. I looked around to find him. But it was of no use. I couldn't trace HIM around. The flights from Delhi & Ahmedabad had been announced a while ago & there was huge flow of people walking towards the exit. Did I really feel HIS presence? Was my heart hallucinating? It couldn't be. This is the first time since last seven years that I was feeling this. My heart couldn't be wrong about HIM.

I was looking around, when someone tapped on my shoulder. "Behnaa... Kisse dhoond rahi hai? Main toh yahaan hun.", Preeti screamed. Before I could react, she took me in a bone crushing hug. My eyes misted immediately as I was meeting her almost after eight long months. We were in touch on calls but I missed her presence by my side every day.

I miss those days when I would wake up early in the morning & splash water on her face to wake her up. I miss those days when we would fight over a dress, sometimes for the food too. I miss those days when Chachaji & Chachiji along with me would tease her for her marks. I miss those days when we used to dance & sing together. I miss those days when we used to have dinner together. I miss each & every second that I spent with them in our house in Ahmedabad.

"Main itni dur se tujhe milne aayi hun aur tu kis soch mein doob gayi?", her voice broke my thoughts & I hugged her again, "I missed you Preeti.", that was all that came out of my mouth. She squeezed me in her hold, "I missed you too." The tears finally made its way from our eyes.

It was my driver's call that interrupted us & we moved towards our car. Once at home, we joined Phulla Bua for breakfast. Preeti constantly kept on blabbering about how Chachiji was showing her pictures for prospective grooms. Chachiji had asked me to convince her so that at least she would show some interest on this topic.

Preeti wasn't ready to marry & I needed to talk to her about it. I had asked Phulla Bua to talk to her but she wanted me to do it instead. I closed my eyes, took few deep breaths & then carefully broached the topic, "Preeti... Sunn na. Chachiji sahi toh keh rahi hai, tujhe unki baat maan leni chahiye. Shaadi ke liye haan toh karde. Dekhna fir Chachaji aur Chachiji ek se badhkar ek rishtey laayenge tere liye." I paused looking at her stunned face for a moment & continued, "Ek minute. Kahin tujhe pehle se koi aur pasand toh nahi, isiliye mana kar rahi hai kya? Agar aisa hai toh mujhe bataa, hum milkar ghar par sab ko manaa lenge."

She gave me a blank look & spoke, "Naina... Mujhe na toh koi pasand hai aur na shaadi mein koi interest. Toh yeh baat tu mujhse kar hi mat. Pataa hai mujhe, mummy ne tujhe bola hoga mujhe samjhane ke liye. Aur tu unki laadli beti jo hai, turant maan gayi hogi mujhe manane ke liye. Kyun?"

I glared at her, "Tujhe kya problem hai shaadi karne mein?" She smiled at me innocently, "Bohot simple hai Naina. Jab tak tu shaadi ke liye nahi maanegi, tab tak main bhi shaadi nahi karungi." I sat there speechless after hearing her reply. How could she think of that? She knew everything about me & my life. Then how could she say that?

I looked at Phulla Bua for help, "Sahi ho toh keh rahi hai. Tu Preeti se badi hai, jab tak teri shaadi nahi hogi, wohh kaise shaadi kar sakti hai Naina? Tu shaadi ke liye haan keh de, fir Preeti bhi maan jaayegi." I couldn't utter a word. So, they both were in the same team now trying to convince me for marriage.

How could I tell them that I can't marry anyone except the one who isn't mine anymore? I closed my eyes composing myself, "Dekh Preeti. Tu jaanti hai na ki main shaadi kyun nahi karna chahti. Fir tu kyun yeh sab kar rahi hai. Tu shaadi ke liye maan jaa behen. Please mere liye."

Giving a cold look, she continued, "Saat saal ho gaye hai Naina tujhe Ahmedabad chodkar, hume chodkar, Sameer ko chodkar, par ab bhi tu usme hi atki hai. Arey aage badh Naina." Phulla Bua continued, "Aur nahi toh kya? Tu yahaan akeli reh rahi hai aur usne shayad shaadi bhi kar li ho, baal bacche bhi ho sakte hai. Tu kyun uss ladke ke liye apni zindagi barbaad kar rahi hai. Wohh jahaan bhi hai, khush hi hoga."

I couldn't even for a moment imagine him with someone else. I shut my eyes & started taking deep breaths to calm the storm that was erupting in my heart now. When I opened my eyes after a few minutes, Preeti spoke, "Dekh Naina. Agar tu shaadi nahi karegi toh main bhi nahi karungi. Agar tu akeli reh sakti hai toh main bhi reh sakti hun. Toh please mujhe manane ki koshish bhi mat karna aage se."

She left the dining table & went straight to her room. I glanced at Phulla Bua who gave me a small smile, "Preeti ne jo bhi kahaa, wohh bilkul galat nahi hai. Jaise tujhe hakk hai apni zindagi ke faisle lene ka, waise usse bhi hai. Aur abhi jo humne tumse kahaa uspar ek baar sochna zaroor", she too left towards her room. I sat there alone for a long time. A lot of thoughts crossed my mind.

How could they think that I will agree to marry anyone? Marriage was out of my life's list. The moment I left Sameer; I had decided my own fate. When I came to Mumbai, my priorities were set which didn't include marriage at all. But now, how would I convince Preeti to marry? I can't let her stay single because of me. She can't punish herself for my decisions & faults.

I need to talk to her & make her understand that she can't stay alone all life. I made up my mind & knocked on the door, "Naina... Andar aa ja." I opened the door & saw her sitting on the couch. She was doing something on her phone. I sat next to her & started speaking.

"Dekh Preeti, tu jaanti hai ki main shaadi kyun nahi karna chahti, fir kyun tu apni zindagi mere liye barbaad kar rahi hai. Mere reasons alag hai, please behen tu toh meri baat samajhne ki koshish kar. Main nahi chaahti ki Chachaji aur Chachiji ko yeh khushi bhi na mile. Pehle hi meri wajah se unhone kitna kuch sahaa hai aur agar tu bhi shaadi nahi karegi toh unhe kitna bura lagega. Please Preeti, ek baar shanti se soch iss baare mein. Unki ek beti toh unke sapne poore na kar paayi, toh kya ab unhe apni khud ki beti ki shaadi ka sapna bhi todna padega?"

I was about to get up from the couch, when she spoke, "Maine mummy-papa ko pehle hi bataa diya tha ki main shaadi nahi karungi. Unhe bhi maine wohi kaha, jo kuch der pehle maine baahar kahaa tha. Toh ab jo bhi karna hai wohh tujhe hi decide karna hai Naina." Saying that, she walked into the bathroom to freshen up.

What is wrong with my sister? Why can't she understand? How could I agree to get married to anyone? I went back to my room & let my tears flow freely. I had never thought that my decisions would have such repercussions. I didn't want Preeti, Chachaji & Chachiji to suffer because of me. They've already done so much for me.

I can't let Preeti take such harsh decisions for herself. I made up my mind & called up my boss. "Hello... Ummm... Kya aap shaam ko mere ghar aa sakte hai? Mujhe aapse zaroori baat karni hai." He agreed & asked if he could bring his brother along. I agreed too & we disconnected the call.

My heart had suddenly started thudding loudly when he asked me about his brother joining us. He had never mentioned that he had a brother. Wait... Did I ever ask him about his family? No... I never asked. I rubbed my chest, trying to stop the ache that had started since morning.

We had our lunch quietly & I informed them that my boss along with his brother would join us in the evening. Phulla Bua was happy that her favorite person was visiting us. We spent our whole afternoon in our rooms. I don't know why but as the time passed, I was feeling some restlessness.

It was five in the evening when I heard the doorbell. I knew Phulla Bua or Prreti would open the door as they were already present in the living room. I had just come back to my room to change. When I opened the door of my room & walked towards the living room, my dupatta got stuck to the handle of the door. I turned to remove it from the handle, when a gush of air passed through me.

My heart skipped its beats as I felt HIS presence again. No... It can't be HIM. He can't be here. I turned to walk towards the living room & froze on the spot. My eyes collided with HIS. HE was here. My Sameer was here. I couldn't believe my eyes. This can't be possible. My heart had already stopped beating.

I heard Phulla Bua's voice, "Arey Naina. Wahaan kyun ruk gayi. Dekh kaun aaya hai?" My eyes didn't leave his even for a second. I was seeing him after seven long years. I wanted to run into his arms & hug him tightly. I wanted to ask him if he was fine. My legs on its own started walking towards him. I hadn't noticed Rohan, my boss & my friend who was sitting next to him on the sofa. I didn't notice the way Preeti was glaring at HIM. I didn't notice Phulla Bua's glances. I noticed nothing around me except HIM. His eyes were glued to me. I could still read his changing expressions clearly on his face.

"Hey Naina... Kaisi ho?", I heard Rohan's voice which broke our little eye lock. My eyes finally moved away from him & was now focused on Rohan. "Hi Rohan. Main thik hun. Tum kaise ho?" "Main toh ekdum mast hun." He turned towards his brother, "Bhai... Yeh hai Naina. Jiske baare mein maine aapko aaj bataaya tha." He turned to me, "Aur Naina. Yeh hai mere bhai, Sameer Maheshwari. Aaj hi Delhi se aaye hai mujhse milne. Kitne mahino se peeche pada tha, aaj jaakar aaye hai."

Our eyes met again & this time he forwarded his hand for a handshake. My hands as if having a mind of its own, moved automatically towards him at his gesture. A shudder passed through my body as I kept my hand in his warm one. "Kaisi ho Naina?" My heart felt at peace after hearing his voice after such a long time. "Main thik hun Sameer. Tum kaise ho?" He whispered softly, "Kaisa rahunga tumhare bina."

Our exchange didn't escape the rest. Rohan asked, "Tum dono ek dusre ko jaante ho?" Both of us didn't answer, but Preeti did, "Haannn... Dono bohot acche se jaante hai ek dusre ko." He again asked her, "Tum bhi Bhai ko jaanti ho?" She mumbled, "Mujhse accha toh koi nahi jaanta inhe."

All the while, Sameer hadn't left my hand & was looking in my eyes as if searching for some answers. Even I didn't try to pull my hand back. It was Preeti's voice which made us take a step back. "Hum baith ke baatein karein" She looked at both of us. I sat with her & Sameer sat next to Rohan.

The maid served tea & snacks to us. Phulla Bua & Rohan kept on talking while I & Sameer stole glances of each other. Even after seven years, he looked the same. Infact he looked more handsome than before. He was dressed in a white shirt which was paired with dark blue denims. His broad shoulders, his muscled arms & his long silky hair had started distracting me. I moved my eyes away from him as he was answering Phulla Bua's questions.

"Naina... Batao. Tumhe kya important baat karni thi.", Rohan asked me suddenly. I had forgotten all about it & then thought of how to talk to him about it, especially in Sameer's presence. Everyone's eyes were on us now.

I closed my eyes & thought, "Naina... Tujhe yeh karna hoga. Apni behen, Chachaji aur Chachiji ke liye karna hoga." I opened my eyes & looked straight at Rohan, & started stuttering, "Wohhh... Wohhh... main yeh poochna chahti thi ki kya tum... tum ab bhi mujhse shaadi karna chahte ho?" I saw everyone stunned with my sudden question.

Rohan stood up & was on his knees in front of me, "Kyun pooch rahi ho Naina? Tumne toh pehle mujhe apni zindagi aur pyaar ke baare mein bataaya tha na. Fir aaj yeh sawal kyun?" I took a deep breath, "Haannn... Maine tumse pehle jo kahaa tha wohi mere zindagi ki haqikat hai par main mere faislon se mere parivaar waalon ko aur dukh nahi de sakti. Main tumse pyaar toh nahi kar paaungi Rohan par poori zindagi tumhari acchi dost aur Jeevan saathi ban sakti hun."

I couldn't decipher the expressions on Rohan's face. He looked confused & glanced at Preeti. She looked at Sameer & my eyes involuntarily met his. He looked far more hurt today. I could see that but I didn't have a choice. I had to do this so that Preeti would agree to marry.

"Tum sach mein Rohan se shaadi karna chaahti ho Naina?", Sameer asked me finally breaking the silence. I couldn't answer him. My mouth went dry all of a sudden. It was heartbreaking for me too to even think about this. But somewhere I felt that Sameer would've moved on in his life. Had he moved on???

I could see the anger in his eyes growing with each second. "Naina... Tum mujhse pyaar bhi nahi karti toh tum mere saath khush kaise rahogi? Main kaise tumhe khush rakh paaunga? Shaadi sirf dosti nahi hoti. Yeh jaanti ho na tum? Shaadi ka matlab bohot kuch hota hai. Aur main sirf ek samjaute waali shaadi nahi chahta. I want all. All of you Naina. Would you allow that?"

Sameer chuckled, "Don't worry Rohan. She would do anything for her family. Sab kuch karegi apne parivaar ke liye. Kyun Naina?" The tears that I had hold till now finally made its way. Preeti could hold no longer & she burst out, "Mr Sameer Maheshwari... Aap toh kuch na hi bole toh accha hoga. Shaayad aap bhool rahe hai ki aapne bhi apne so called parivaar ke liye hi apne sacche pyaar ko choda tha."

"Preeti... Tu kuch nahi bolegi.", I warned her but she was too furious to hear anything, "Nahi Naina... Aaj nahi. Aaj teri koi dhamki ya teri koi kasam mujhe nahi rok paayegi." She turned to Sameer, "Kya kahaa aapne? Haan... Yahi na ki Naina apne parivaar ke liye kuch bhi kar sakti hai. Toh aap bilkul sahi hai. Usne apne parivaar ke liye kya kuch kiya hai, yeh mujhse aur aapse jyada koi nahi jaanta. Par ek baat hai jo aap bhi nahi jaante aur wohh yeh hai ki Naina aapko bhi apna parivaar maanti hai. Isliye aaj jo iska haal hai na uski sabse badi wajah aap hi hai."

"Bhai... Kya Naina wohi hai jiske baare mein aap aksar baat kiya karte the?" He just nodded in reply. But Preeti wasn't done yet. She continued, "Kitna aasaan tha na aapke liye Munna ki baat maan lena aur Naina se rishta tod dena. Aapko pataa bhi hai usne kya kya sahaa tha tab. Sharad se shaadi ke liye wohh khud nahi maani thi, usse maar maar kar manvaaya gaya tha. Taiji, Tauji yaahan tak ki uske papa ne usko kitna maara tha. Aur aap toh mast Sunaina ke saath enjoy kar rahe the, wohh bhi apni marzi se. Farak hai dono baaton mein Mr Sameer Maheshwari."

"Ek ek din meri behen ghutghutkar mar rahi thi aur aap toh Sunaina ko apne bike par bithaake mast enjoy kar rahe the, café mein apne doston ke saath party kar rahe the. Arey aapko kya pataa meri behen ne kya kya kiya hai apne parivaar ke liye aur khaaskar aapke liye."

"Wohhh main hi thi jisne aapka saath diya tha, yeh jaanne ke baad bhi ki aapne ek bet ki wajah se meri behen ka dil toda tha. Har baar maine aapka saath diya tha. Par fir aapne kya kiya? Munna ki kahi baat maan li aur ek baar bhi Naina ke baare mein nahi socha. Wohhh manhoosiyat waali baat ke time bhi Naina ne aapka saath nahi choda tha. Wohh aapke har sukh aur har dukh mein aapke saath rahi. Aur aap, jab time aaya saath dene ka, toh Munna ki baatein jyada sach lagne lagi. Kyun???"

Sameer was quiet all the time & was listening to each & every word of Preeti with tears in his eyes. "Mujhe laga tha ki aap toh meri behen ko samjhenge, uski zindagi khushiyon se bhar denge, par aisa kuch nahi hua. Aapne toh usse ek aise raaste par chod diya jiski koi manzil hi nahi thi. Maine dekha hai Naina ko har ek pal aapko yaad karke rote hue, kitna tadpi hai meri behen aapke liye yeh main hi jaanti hun Mr Sameer Maheshwari."

Phulla Bua couldn't keep quiet after hearing all this, "Toh wohh tum ho jisne meri phool si bacchi ko akela chod diya. Khair jo hona tha wohh ho gaya, ab hum usse badal toh nahi sakte. Aage ka sochte hai." She turned to me, "Naina... Kya tu sach mein Rohan se shaadi karna chaahti hai?"

I didn't answer but Preeti did, "Naina ne iss shaadi ke liye meri wajah se haan kahi hai. Maine hi subah kahaa tha na ki jab tak Naina shaadi nahi karegi, main nahi karungi. Bas issi wajah se waapis madam ne yeh faisla liya hai. Taaki main shaadi ke liye maan jaun aur yeh fir se mahaan devi bann jaaye. Kyun Naina, sahi keh rahi hun na? Ab mere liye tu kisise bhi shaadi karne ke liye taiyaar ho jaayegi. Aur tujhe kya lagta hai ki main tujhe itna bada kadam uthaane dungi."

I stared at her & she continued, "Saat saal ho gaye hai Naina. Saat saal. Jab itne time mein tune shaadi ke baare mein nahi socha toh aaj tu mere liye yeh bhi karne ko taiyaar ho gayi. Kis mitti ki bani hai tu behen. Kabhi toh khud ke baare mein soch. Pehle tu unn gharwaalon ke baare mein sochti thi jinhe tere rehne na rehne se koi farak nahi padta tha. Fir tu unn ke liye sochne lagi jo tujhse pyaar karte hain. Arey kabhi toh khud ke liye jee le. Kyun har baar tujhe dusron ke baare mein sochna hota hai."

She started crying loudly & what I saw next was unbelievable. Rohan had taken her in his arms & she sobbed hiding her face in his chest. Everyone present there were crying. I don't know what was happening.

"Preeti... Bas karo.", Rohan said wiping her tears. He turned to me, "Naina... I'm sorry. Par maine aaj tak jo bhi kaha wohh sab jhooth tha. Jab tumne hamara office join kiya tab maine tumhara biodata padha tha. Usme jab maine tumhare school aur college ka naam dekha tabhi mujhe kuch yaad aa gaya. Fir maine Pandit ko phone karke pooch liya tha tumhare baare mein. Mujhe tabse hi sab pataa hai."

"Bhai ne kabhi tumhara naam nahi bataaya tha isliye thoda confusion tha par wohh Pandit ne khatam kar diya. Fir sab se pehle maine tumse dosti ki aur jab main yahaan aane laga tab mujhe Preeti mili. Usne bhi mujhe sab bataa diya. Fir humne plan banaaya tumhe test karne ke liye, main jaanna chahta tha ki kya tum ab bhi Bhai se utna hi pyaar karti ho yaa nahi. Aur tumne mujhse doori banakar yeh saabit toh kar diya ki tumhari life mein kisi ke liye jagah nahi hai. Fir ek din tumne khud hi mujhe apni adhoori love story bataa di."

"Tum mein aur Bhai mein jyada farak nahi hai. Tum dono ne bhi apne pyaar ka naam itni aasani se chupa liya. Maine mummy papa ko sab bataa diya hai aur unki wajah se hi aaj Bhai yahaan hai. Main toh kab se chahta tha ki Bhai Mumbai aaye aur main fir tum dono ko mila dun. Par Bhai maan hi nahi rahe the yahaan aane ko aur fir Preeti bhi toh nahi aa rahi thi jaldi, kyunki usse bhi apna mann halka karna tha."

She punched him on his chest & he chuckled. Before I could say anything, Sameer held my hand & pulled me towards my room.

How was the update?

Finally, it was Preehan & Samaina together...

Next update will be full of only Samaina conversations...

Do shower your precious votes & comments if you like the update...

Ignore the mistakes...

With Lots of Love,

Daksha...❤