12th Dec 1998

"Naina! Ollie and I are split in our opinion of which palace we like best. He likes the main palace, more for its size and opulence, but I prefer Dasi Mahal. I have been trying to explain to him how it seems to have more soul, but he won't listen!" Deepika pouted as she walked hand in hand with Oliver to where Naina stood.

Oliver exclaimed "Deepu, how can you compare the two?! Were you even listening to that guide just now? The furniture in that royal bedroom is made of solid gold and silver. That alone probably costs more than the whole of Dasi Mahal!" Deepika smirked at him "And in spite of that, the kings preferred to find warmth in the wooden beds in Dasi Mahal!"

Turning to Naina, she asked "Which one do you like most?" A nostalgic smile gracing her lips, Naina answered "Dasi Mahal. It will always be closest to my heart." Deepika looked at Oliver triumphantly "Even Naina likes it better!"

Her husband shook his head muttering something about women and their reasoning being beyond his understanding. Spotting something more interesting to photograph, he walked away.

After pondering on something as she stared at Naina for a bit, Deepika remarked "I think, yesterday evening was a big success! Didn't I say that dressing up and having some fun would do us good?!" As Naina smiled and nodded, she went on in a teasing tone "You are looking happier today. Please tell me you met someone interesting! Any new romance in the air?" Blushing deeply, Naina muttered "Nothing like that. Believe me, I am definitely not looking for any new romance!" Deepika pouted "Oh... and here I was, hoping for some juicy gossip!"

Just then, one of their group members called Naina to ask some advice about some article in the gift shop. Asking Deepika to excuse her, Naina went in to assist with the shopping.

* * *

Vivek was sitting chatting with some guests when Sameer entered the lounge keen for a cup of coffee. He had spent the quite some time in the lemon grove after Naina left, mulling over the new revelations. It was a lot to take in.

Catching Sameer's eye, Vivek waved him over. As Sameer approached their table, Vivek spoke "Sameer, Dinesh here says he met you few years back during your last trip to Ahmedabad."

While Sameer tried to refresh his memory, Dinesh exclaimed "We met in Ahmedabad too, but our first meeting was here in Sudhagadh itself! Young man, remember you had joined us for dinner at the main palace?"

Sameer offered his hand smiling "Of course. How can I forget?! How are you? And all well with your wife and kids?" Taking a seat at the table, Sameer went on "Mom mentioned that you would be here for the wedding. I am so pleased you could join us from today itself." Dinesh smiled broadly "Beta, we are like family now! Jaiprakashji trusted me with a part of his business before his untimely demise. I consider it my good fortune to have inherited the fruits of his hard work."

Sameer nodded, smiled, and listened to Dinesh share the news of how well that business had done over the years. His Nanaji's intuition about Dinesh's business acumen had proved right. Sameer was impressed to see how Dinesh had adapted the business model in line with the evolving market requirements.

Based on previous conversations with his parents, he knew Dinesh was keen to buy the rest of Nanaji's business too. Vishakha had tried to oversee the operations as possible over the years but had mostly left it to Nanaji's trusted managers. It was getting harder for her to remotely manage the business and was considering selling it.

And so, Sameer cordially listened to whatever Dinesh had to say, be it about the business, or his son's academic excellence, or their last holiday to Rome! For, as Sameer had learnt over the years, suffering small talk in silence is after all an important skill for any successful businessman. And as he listened, his businessman's brain kept ticking in the background.

* * *

An hour later Sameer headed outside. Kabir and few other young men were lounging outside in the garden. A game of chess was in progress at one table, while the rest just sat chatting.

Kabir remarked to Sameer "Haven't seen you all afternoon. Where have you been?" When Sameer replied, "I was with some of the business-related guests.", Kabir arched an eyebrow "All afternoon??"

For a moment Sameer considered sharing about Naina and their connection from the last trip, but, looking at everyone around, decided it was neither the time nor the place for it. Shrugging his shoulders, he murmured "There are so many things to be attended to. Been busy with something or the other."

Kabir went silent trying to decide whether to ask Sameer about what he had been doing in the lemon grove. He had been out for a smoke earlier, when he saw Sameer walking out of that area. He had been further baffled by the fact that Sameer had been alone. What had he been doing there on his own and then why did he not mention it to him?! Had he reminiscing about the past? Did that part of the garden hold any special place in his memories?

While Kabir was still deliberating, one of the tour buses arrived and the guests started alighting. Oliver walked over grinning "Hey guys, you really missed out! That Main Palace is just so grand." Oliver continued sharing his impressions with the people at the table, most of whom had already been dragged to see many such marvels by their parents during their multiple previous trips to India.

Sameer's eyes landed on Naina who was accompanying one of his elderly aunts and carrying the lady's bulging shopping bags for her.

As her eyes met his, Naina's face instinctively lit up with a warm smile.

His heart did a few somersaults as it finally witnessed the wonder it had been craving for. It was a smile made of sunbeams, fireflies, first snow and unadulterated joy. His Harinakshi, he had finally caught a glimpse of her!

Naina watched his eyes crinkle and lips curl in a smile. Her contentment in that moment - it felt like returning to and walking around an old much-loved home. Like, after dusting off the dust and cobwebs gathered over years, she could now curl up in her favourite chair by the window with a cup of hot tea and continue reading that gripping unfinished book.

As she walked by, her eyes lingering on Sameer, Kabir muttered "Going by that smile she just gave you, that must have been a hell of an apology!" Sameer turned to him startled "What do you mean?! How do you know?" Kabir was puzzled by his friend's reaction "How would I know?? Because you told me before heading over to her to apologise..."

Sameer gulped nervously as he tried to remember if he had shared something with Kabir last night in his drunken state. He just managed a weak "When did I tell you?" Kabir scrunched his face "Yesterday, outside the temple, when else?? You went to apologise to her about being rude to her at the breakfast table, remember?" Sameer let out a breath "Of course."

Kabir went on with a thinking look, "But, I must say, I was quite surprised to see you dancing with her last night." Sameer countered "Why were you surprised? Everyone was dancing. I saw you with swaying with Siddhi." Kabir shrugged his shoulders "Come on man, Siddhi was just after all the latest news about Atif. Plus, you know I am not the straying type."

Sameer was once again pondering on whether this would be a good time to bring Kabir up to speed on his past connection with Naina, when his friend remarked "It must be strange for you coming back here. Are you finding it hard?" Sameer mumbled anxiously "Why would you think that?" Kabir replied softly "Well, considering your last time here, was also your last trip with Nanaji and-"

"Sameer! Beta, your mother is looking for you. She immediately wants you in the groom's lounge." a man in his fifties hollered from the porch. Sameer stood up rolling his eyes and headed inside muttering "I hope she doesn't insist on more 'Dinesh time'. I will catch you later."

* * *

As Naina and few others wrapped up the kid's crafts session for the afternoon, Radhika entered the room.

Many earthen lamps in various stages of painting were scattered around. Some broken bits, the casualties of accidents by tiny hands, were dumped in a small tin bucket. Paints and brushes lay strewn on various tables. The final products were laid out on one table to dry. Each Diya was placed on a piece of paper with the maker's name on it.

Radhika enquired how at the session had been received and then nodded with satisfaction as Vibha shared a favourable feedback. As she prepared to leave, Radhika announced "Listen up everyone! Just because, today evening is supposed to be a dress-down event for the guests, does not mean I want any of you to be shabbily clothed! Make sure you are all report back to your allocated tasks by half-past seven."

* * *

Naina stood at her window staring at the lemon grove, her thoughts dwelling on her earlier conversation with Sameer, as expected. Her heart felt lighter, much more than it had in a long time. All afternoon, only one thought had been buzzing through her mind, He left me a letter, which means he didn't discard me without a thought.

Until this moment, she had not openly admitted, even to herself, just how much her perception of self-worth had been tied to his perceived worthlessness of her. The doubts had been weaved into the very fabric of her being. Was she so easily forgettable? Had he not found anything in her worth a second look? If he didn't find her special, why would anyone else? And anyways, what did she now have left worth offering to anyone? If the best of her wasn't enough for him, the rest of her wouldn't be enough for anyone.

Her heart was elated. Nanaji, he did leave me a letter. And he tried to call me, even from Malaysia! He wouldn't have turned his back to me, and our baby. You have to tell Chintu, that his Papa would have loved him too, just like his Mumma does.

Her heart had started talking to the deceased old man after the miscarriage. The young grief-stricken girl had not known whom to share her pain with. The idea of her baby all alone, somewhere so far away, had been too overwhelming, almost to the point of leaving her slightly unhinged. Only the notion that Nanaji was there with him had helped her hang on to her sanity in those moments. She beseeched the elder man to never leave her baby alone. Again and again, she implored him that it was his flesh and blood too, and whatever wrongs she and Sameer may have committed, the cross was not her baby's to bear.

He left me a letter. It was enough to start building back her broken worth. Wounds that run deep cannot heal in mere minutes or hours, but the process can begin, and the pain can start ebbing.

Naina pulled on the baby pink shalwar-kameez gifted by Vimla aunty. It had a smattering of embroidery embedded with tiny fake pearls, as had been the latest craze that season. As she went through the cosmetics packed, she wished she had brought along a darker shade of pink lipstick but had to settle for the almost nude look. Slipping on the simple pearl drop earrings, she looked at herself in the mirror, after a long time, with renewed anticipation.

Before she stepped out of the room, Naina pulled out Deepika's dress and accessories to be returned. Her eyes lingered on Sameer's tuxedo jacket now hanging in her cupboard. He had dropped it in her room the previous night and she had not dared to open the door even to return it. As she left the room, Naina unsuccessfully mused on how she could return the jacket to him without anyone noticing it.

* * *

As well as the guests dressing up for various events for the past couple of days, things would be getting even more hectic from the next day onwards. Considering this, the theme for that evening was 'Chill and Chaat!'

The evening had been planned as an opportunity for everyone to lounge around in comfortable clothing, put their feet up, mingle and enjoy various games. Keeping in line with the informal theme, the food to be served that evening was going to be an assortment of popular Indian street food.

Tables with various card and board games had been setup in the different lounges and sitting areas.

One side of a lounge was dedicated to Carrom boards, while the other side offered the all-time family favourites of Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, Chess and so on.

One room was dedicated solely to serious rummy players, who glared at any amateurs who even dared to peek in! Another card room was occupied by an assortment of young and old guests who were looking for some light-hearted fun.

The games room was of course occupied with number of youngsters busy smashing the balls either on the ping-pong or pool table.

The younger generation was mostly in jeans and t-shirts, and a handful of the overseas guests lazed in their shorts. The older men happily waddled around in their white cotton kurta pyjamas, while the women tried to appear effortlessly chic in their fine cotton shalwar kameezes or pastel Dhaka silk sarees.

Waiters walked around the rooms offering plates of samosas, kachoris, bhel, kachi dabeli and such other delicious treats. A pani-puri stall had been setup in one of the porches which was catering to a never-ending line of gastro enthusiasts. Yet another stall offered Baraf-ka-Gollas and Kulfis.

* * *

Though she was trying to appear calm and composed, Naina felt like she might soon spontaneously combust! The last hour of trying to encourage the twenty-odd kids to play nice seemed like the biggest challenge of her professional life so far.

As she tried to break another fight over whose turn it was to play with the toy gun now, she internally ranted, If Radhika thinks this idea of a kids play club to allow the parents to enjoy a carefree evening is so 'awesome', why didn't she volunteer to run it herself?! Naina, she is surely trying to punish you for all the dancing that you indulged in yesterday. Banishing me to this kids-only zone is nothing short of a conspiracy! Just to keep me away from Sameer! Even as the last accusation crossed her mind, she shook her head at its absurdity.

Naina cast a glum look at her watch. It would be another thirty minutes before two of her colleagues would be arriving to replace her and her current partner Jyoti. As two small girls started to squabble over a doll, Naina despairing thought, What wouldn't I give to just close my eyes and fly away right now?! But her despair quickly changed to excitement, as she decided to do just that! Or at least pretend to!

* * *

"Another terrible hand. It's all because of that black cat that crossed my way in the market today!" the elder man sitting next to Sameer shook his head. Dressed in jeans and a bottle green collared t-shirt, Sameer was palying rummy with his uncle, aunt and Rohan. He winked at his partner Rohan and chuckled "Chottu kaka, it is not your bad luck at play here. It's all because of lady luck who has casting smiles at our groom here from across the room!" Rohan smiled at Sanjana, who was at another table with some of her cousins, and Chottu kaka grumbled how he should have chosen to partner with Rohan rather than his own wife.

Champa kaki countered "What about my bad luck? I have been tied to this man for the last thirty years!" As Rohan and Sameer broke into giggles, Chottu kaka smirked "Laugh all you like right now, but I can guarantee, this is exactly what your wife will have to say about you, after you have indulged all her whims for thirty years!"

Radhika entered and walked around the room, stopping to have a word here and there with some of the key hosts, probably checking if they were happy with the arrangements so far. Sameer briefly considered asking her about Naina's whereabouts, but then immediately discarded that idea recalling her inquisition of Naina from that morning. He had spotted some of the staff helping with the evening's activities but hadn't caught sight of Naina. Is she off-duty for the evening? Are the staff expected to just stay in their room if they are not working?

As one game ended, Sameer called over another cousin to take over his spot and left the room.

A quick survey of the other lounges proved futile too, till he heard some loud squealing and shrieking from a room towards the back. He walked over curiously and then stood by the window beaming widely.

There she was. Haphazardly moving across the room, in a pink outfit, with a blindfold tied on her eyes. Several young children were running around her screaming in delight. It was clear they were playing blind-man's buff, but it didn't seem like she was making any real attempt to catch any of them.

While most of the kids just stayed at a safe distance, some of the more adventurous ones would run close to her, tug on her kameez and then run away again. She pretended to be very annoyed and made some threatening remarks like 'I am going to get you!' or 'Wait till I get on hands on whoever that was!' One of her co-workers stood close to the door, ensuring none of the kids left the room and egged on the kids to trouble Naina aunty.

He stood gazing at her, thinking about their chat from earlier and analysing it.

Initially he had been very dismayed and outraged about her assumption that he had left her the money. What sort of man had she thought him to be?!

Did he look like someone who would pay for sex? Even while living in places like Thailand as a single man, which are notorious for their flesh trade, he had never indulged in something so despicable. And more importantly, what in their interactions over those days had led her to believe that he would think of her as a call-girl?

But the more he thought about her mortification and the hurt in her eyes, it became clear that in absence of a letter, she had not known how to interpret the meaning behind the cash. A small part of him felt annoyed at Nanaji for leaving the cash without a note, and a bigger part of him grew livid at the incompetent palace staff who had failed to deliver his letter.

It had been just the start of their relationship; in fact, he hadn't been sure if he could even call it a 'relationship'. But there had been something surreal about that time with her. And he had wanted to explore where it could lead. Something about her simplicity and ability to shine regardless of her surroundings had left a mark on his heart. And of course, the chemistry had been unmissable, to say the least!

She was a strange mixture of old and new, something familiar and yet mysterious. It was hard to put it into words or explain, but he had felt drawn to her like he hadn't ever before to any of the girls around him in UK. And never again to anyone after her either.

Hence, what had seemed like her indifference, had hurt like hell! It had hurt both his heart and his ego.

Doing the manly thing, he had refused to dwell on his heart and had instead focussed on his ego. He had targeted all his anger at her assumed audacious behaviour, of not communicating with him in any manner post that night. How did she dust off our time together like something irrelevant and move on with her life like we never met?!

Sameer buried the longing of his heart as deep as possible. But fact remained; the heart wants what the heart wants! The longing overtook him at unexpected times all through the years. Through all his travels, and as he went about the most mundane of tasks, his heart would pang out of the blue. Sometimes it was the sight of some pretty bangles while strolling through a local market, or at others just a simple sunset. A sense of incompleteness would descend upon him. He would desperately miss the part of him that he had left behind with her.

He had been surrounded by truly exotic beauties during his travels and while he lived in Asia. But none of the Asian dolls with their shiny straight hair, rosy cheeks, or almond eyes, had incited the slightest fervour in his heart.

He had devoted most of his time and effort to expand the business using the emerging markets. In the beginning, whatever he had lacked in experience, he had made up in zealous single mindedness.

Most places he had lived in, had provided easy access to water, and he had factored in his love for water into his daily routine. Usually he would end his workday with a swim.

Any free time had been spent exploring the local towns, beauty of the landscapes and local cuisine. Seeing that he lived by myself, so far from home, his local colleagues would often invite him to meet and dine with their families. It was an activity that he greatly enjoyed as it allowed him a peek into the lives of the natives.

But at the end of the day, he would find himself in an empty and deafeningly silent house, which no amount of loud heavy metal music blaring from the Bose speakers could bring to life. The stack of pornographic VCDs in the drawer of his bedside table, provided some passing relief, but his bed remained cold and lonely. Despite all the bold naked beauties on the screen, in the final moments of release, his eyes would often close as his mind flooded with memories of a shy adorable face still flush from their lovemaking.

As another kid screamed in joy, Sameer's attention was refocused on the present.

Knowing that the abrupt separation had been hard on her too, that she had not chosen to cut ties with him of her own accord, felt liberating. Finally, he was free to dwell on the desires of his heart, and not attribute all the disappointment just to the trampling of his ego.

She continued to swirl around the room with her hands spread out, the kids erupting into giggles again and again at every miss. He glanced begrudgingly at her colleague by the door, as he imagined how much fun it would be to walk into her arms right now, and feel her fingers flutter over him as she tried to figure out who was her poor victim.

His daydream was broken as Kabir questioned him "What are you doing here?!" Sameer muttered "Nothing. I was just watching the kids playing. They seem to be having a good time." Kabir smirked "Are you sure, you were watching just the kids, and not the lady in pink?"

Sameer shrugged "And what if I was? Nothing wrong with that, is it?" His friend chuckled "Absolutely nothing wrong with it mate! But Videsi Babu stop ogling at the Gaav ki Gori for now, as you have been summoned for a game of poker."

Sameer reluctantly accompanied his friend back to the cards room, where a group was all set to kick off a game of poker using roasted peanuts for stakes.

* * *

Naina stood in the restroom, readjusting her dupatta, which she had removed while playing with the kids. She headed out after freshening up and tidying her hair. Some time back, she has happily handed over the responsibility of the play club to other members of her team. Not that she didn't find kids adorable, nonetheless decided that she couldn't handle more than one or two at a time! She found herself thanking her stars that she hadn't ended up becoming a teacher, a profession she had considered before discovering tourism. She was more convinced than ever, that handling a class full of kids, every day of her life, just wasn't her cup of tea!

After checking out the various rooms, she spotted Sameer in the cards room with a group of his cousins and friends. He was intently staring at his cards, biting on his lower lip, evaluating his next play. Naina flushed remembering that she had nibbled on that very lip the night before. Her own lips tingled at the memory.

Sensing her gaze, he looked in her direction. Their eyes lit up and the corner of their lips curved slightly. His eyebrows rose a little as if asking, What are you thinking? She blushed thinking she had been caught red handed and instinctively lowered her eyes for a moment. When she looked up again, he was trying to supress his smile with an expression saying, Caught you, didn't I?!

Naina walked over to Radhika who was standing to one side, in conversation with a man from the catering team. She updated Radhika on her handover of the play club and asked her for further directions. Radhika didn't have a specific task for her and asked her to just help with any requests form the guests. Nodding at the older woman, Naina cast a glance around the room, looking for an excuse to stay there.

The stars were in her favour, because Amba's daughter came looking for her mother for a toilet emergency. Seeing Naina, Amba who was playing Rummy, called her and handed her cards and spot at the table.

Though Sameer wasn't playing at that table, but she was happy with the chance to linger around him.

Naina didn't do particularly well at her table, and neither did Sameer from that point on. Both were more interested in seeing how the other seemed to be faring. Frequent discreet glances were shared over the next few minutes till Sameer folded his cards and left the table.

He grabbed himself a drink and then walking over to Naina's group pulled a chair close to her. Sameer announced for everyone's benefit "Can't let poor Amba Di lose, right?" Feeling affected by his presence, Naina started to vacate her chair and offered him the cards "Maybe you should play, I am not very good at this anyway."

He blocked her exit and drawled "Well, in that case, it will be my pleasure to teach you." She sat back in her chair fumbling with her cards, awaiting his directions. One of the ladies at the table impatiently tutted "Come on girl, first play at least one card, and then carry on with the rest of your tuitions!"

As Sameer sipped on his drink, he kept whispering the best strategies in her ear. When Naina made yet another bad move, his aunt who was Naina's partner, sounded exasperated "What sort of advice are you giving her?! She is playing worse than before."

Sameer put up his hands in mock surrender and replied, "In that case, I will leave her alone." Naina's heart immediately grumbled, Did he come over only to leave me alone again? But before leaving the table, he whispered one last time "As soon as Amba Di is back, come meet me in the third... no, fourth terrace to the left. I will be waiting."

* * *

He is wating for me... She ensured that no one noticed her heading towards the point of planned rendezvous. With one last look over her shoulder, Naina stepped into the terrace her heart thumping loudly.

The scent of night jasmine growing in a large pot in one corner hung heavily in the air. The almost half-moon was high in the sky. Sameer stood leaning by the parapet staring into the night. Sensing her he turned and grumbled "Took you long enough..."

She glanced at the glass resting on the parapet wall feeling annoyed, He's drinking again?! Was the fiasco of last night not enough??

Trying to set aside her displeasure she responded "I left immediately after Amba Di got back. But ran into Guptaji on the way. He just doesn't stop talking! Finally, I told him that the Ragda Tikki was not to be missed and that it might run out soon."

He chuckled "He is quite a character, isn't he?" Naina scowled "Tell me about it! You have hardly spent any time with him." Sameer quipped "And nor do I plan to! I would rather enjoy the company of his fair colleague." She squinted for a moment, and then blushed realising that he was referring to her.

She still blushes just the same... his noted with pleasure and kept staring at her.

The silence felt comfortable for a bit, but then she awkwardly asked "Why did you call me here? And why the fourth terrace and not the third?" He smirked "Fourth, because being further away, it reduces the chances of anyone venturing here for a smoke. Or your Radhika catching us!" Naina rolled her eyes at the mention of that formidable lady.

"On a serious note, is she really difficult to work with?" He questioned. She shrugged "She isn't difficult as such, just a little nosy. Anyway, it doesn't matter. It's just a matter of a few more days. I am working with her just for the duration of this assignment." Then pondering on something, she continued "Actually I wasn't part of this assignment to start with, it was a last-minute change due to a colleague's personal problem. Maybe, Radhika is not confident of my performance due to that."

Sameer contemplated on this information and then asked "Do you not find it a big coincidence that you ended up replacing your colleague on this specific assignment? Almost, like, you are meant to be here, right now." Naina looked at him taken aback and then smiled uncertainly.

He suddenly laughed "Well, I have to give Radhika some credit though. Thanks to her, here I am, sneaking around with a girl like a teenager! I cannot remember the last time I have done this... Probably not even when I was a teenager!"

Her heart skipped a few beats. It seemed unreal, he was once again in front of her, on a terrace of Dasi Mahal. Naina curled her palms into fists, afraid that her fingers might reach out to caress his face.

She uttered "I suppose, being here, does take one back in time." He nodded watching her carefully "Yup, that it does. In fact, I feel like I have been acting out of character... you know... like I am not acting my age these last few days!"

After staring into the dark for a bit he confessed "Naina, I was so infuriated when I found out that Sanjana's family has decided for on Dasi Mahal as the wedding venue! The idea of spending time here again... seemed so unappealing at that point." He took a long sip of his drink.

She almost asked him 'and now?' but controlled her impulse. Instead, she managed to mutter "I wouldn't have come here either, had it not been for this last-minute emergency at work."

He responded softly "But, now, I am really glad to be back here. What about you?" She did not reply immediately. Naina wondered, Am I glad too? I suppose so...

But 'glad' as a word seemed very inadequate to even start describing what she felt. Her first reaction on seeing him after so many years had been akin to horror and disbelief. The following couple of days had left her further disillusioned about her relevance or the lack of it in his life. The chat in the lemon grove that afternoon had for the first time brought a semblance of relief. But, was it enough to gladden her heart?

"Naina, what about you?" he probed again. Though not sure of her own feelings, she tried to assure him "Of course, I am glad too." And then she added more truthfully "Knowing that you left a letter... it means a lot."

Maybe the relief it provided was too little too late, but she did not want to dwell on it, at least in that moment.

"So, you travel a lot for work, right? Tell me where you have been all these years." She remarked trying to divert her mind and the topic of discussion.

Sameer spoke about the key projects that he had been a part of, and how his role within the business had evolved over the years. She was impressed to learn how he went about setting up new collaborations in different Asian countries based on the demand in the western markets.

As he shared, she pondered on all the challenges he must tackle while dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She recalled feeling like she was walking on eggshells when she had dealt with foreign tourists on a handful of occasions. If a day or two spent trying to communicate effectively with them had been hard for her, how did he manage to build lucrative business enterprises with them? How did he manage to make his home amongst strange lands, again and again?

As her heart swelled in pride, her head questioned mockingly - What are you proud of??? Those are his accomplishments and you have nothing to do with them! Her heart promptly retorted – Well, I chose him, didn't I?!

Before her head could point out the highly questionable wisdom behind this choice, she quickly asked him "But, is it not hard when you don't even speak the local language?"

He shrugged lightly "Well, most of the business associates speak enough English to make it work. Sometimes, if required, I end up hiring a local translator. And when I intend to live in that place for a few months or more, I try to learn some basics of the local dialect."

She smirked "Is this the same guy who never learnt any Hindi?!" Sameer blushed a little "What can I say? I suppose, I no longer like to wear that cloak of ignorance that the younger me liked to flaunt."

She nodded in wholehearted acceptance, when he added "Life has a way of forcing us to grow up, whether we want to or not, right?"

After a few moments of silence, she asked "Do you still enjoy photography?" And then added in the way of an explanation "I mean, I haven't seen you with your camera much this time..." He smiled warmly "Yes, I still love to capture all the new places through my lens."

Her heart wondered a little pained, And does he find new faces in all these new places? How many more women must he have photographed after me? Her mind tried to clarify – By photographed, you actually mean how many more he had been with, right?

Oblivious of her thoughts, Sameer shook his head "People and such gatherings aren't really my thing... I enjoy photographing new landscapes and mostly nature at that." She drew some comfort from this declaration.

He chuckled wryly "I am already tired of these wedding functions and attending to guests! This is turning out to be a much bigger circus than I had expected. And there are still two more days of this and then some Pooja in Ahmedabad. Plus, there is another reception planned in London! Both sets of parents have truly gone overboard."

"Rohan and Sanjana seem to be enjoying it. As long as they are happy..." Naina responded. He laughed "I am not so sure about Rohan enjoying this, but he will do whatever Sanjana sets her heart on! The poor sod is totally crazy about her." Naina tried to defend the couple "I haven't spent much time with either of them, but they look happy together. Vibha says Sanjana is a lovely girl, and very polite too."

"Oh! That she is. I wasn't criticizing her... It just feels a bit too much." He tried to clarify. She replied "Sanjana is an only child, right? Maybe that's why her parents wanted something so big." He nodded "True... In fact, I think Mom and Dad wanted to go big too. They wanted to use this occasion to introduce Oliver to the family here."

Not aware that Naina was already privy to the details of his sister's wedding, he added "Deepika and Oliver had a very small wedding in London. This is the first time the family here is meeting them after the wedding."

She waited to see if he chose to elaborate more. When he went quiet after that, Naina just said "They are both really nice. I am extremely pleased to meet Deepika." She exclaimed "And Ollie is so normal!" He asked perplexed "Why would he not be normal?"

Naina scolded herself, You just have to say the wrong thing at the wrong time! She replied sounding flustered "No... I meant... because he is... not Indian. I know, there is no reason why that would make him not normal in any way. I just haven't interacted with any non-Indian on a personal level before." And then she fumbled even more "I mean, this is not personal. I know I am interacting with him only for professional reasons..."

She expected him to start lecturing her about her prejudices. But he instead surprised her by nodding "I know what you mean. Mr Lau said the same when he met Ollie." Seeing her puzzled look, he explained "Mr Lau is our partner in Indonesia. He was in London few weeks back. Dad had invited him home for lunch and the rest of us too."

Sameer spoke about the new venture in Indonesia and how welcoming Mr Lau had been of him in his home. When prompted by him, she spoke a little about her job and the types of tours she usually conducted.

As she talked, his eyes drifted to her wrists. She wore a watch with a brown leader strap on one, and a single golden bangle on the other. Does she no longer wear multicolour bunches of bangles? he wondered. Her hands now seemed so bare compared to the ones he had gazed at in the photos.

Naina pulled the dupatta around her like a shawl as the night grew cooler. He remarked "You are cold. Shall we head in? Sorry, I don't have a jacket to offer you."

She smiled nervously and then spoke "Sameer, you dropped your jacket in my room last night. I couldn't figure out how to return it to you today..." He looked surprised "I left it there? I didn't realise that it was missing!" He shook his head "You have no idea... I woke up today morning with the worst headache I have had in years!"

Casting a look of displeasure at his glass resting on the ledge she retorted "Then why are you drinking again today? Can you not stay away from it even for a day?!" He looked at her a little startled, as she continued "Sameer, you shouldn't drink so much! It can't be good for your health. Vimla auntie's brother-in-law used to drink a lot and she was telling Maa that he has some serious liver problems now..."

Sameer uttered flabbergasted "What? Who??" She tutted "Vimla Auntie is our family friend and neighbour and her brother-in-law leaves in Mumbai. Anyway, that is not important. But you shouldn't drink so much."

"Naina, I don't drink regularly. Its just-" He started protesting. She cut him off "Don't think I haven't noticed the glass in your hand every evening for the past four days!"

He smirked "Oh... I didn't realise you were keeping an eye on me..." She coloured a little "I wasn't keeping an eye on you. But I do have eyes, and the constant glass in your hand would be hard to miss for anyone with half decent eyesight!"

Extending his hand, Sameer offered her his drink. She was surprised "What are you doing?!" He urged "Have a sip. Cause you probably won't believe me when I tell you that it's just coke." As she continued to look at him sceptically, he brough the glass close to her lips.

She took a small sip, feeling as though the Gods had offered her a taste of Amrit.

His eyebrows rose "Satisfied that it's not alcohol???" He shook his head "After last night, there is no chance I will have a drink tonight."

Naina suddenly felt that she had been too impulsive in sanctioning him. After all it is his life and I have no right to tell him how to live it. She muttered "Sorry, I shouldn't be offering you any advice." Before he could reply, she added quickly "I think I will head inside now. It is definitely getting cold." He nodded hesitantly.

As she took a couple of steps away, he asked abruptly "Naina, are you happy now?"

She stood very still for a few moments dwelling on his question, Happy? It had been a long time since she had truly felt experienced that feeling. Over the years, she had tried to get good at not being unhappy. But, not being unhappy, it isn't the same as being happy, is it?

Finally, offering a wobbly smile she whispered, "Goodnight Sameer."

He stood watching her leave, wondering what to make of her lack of reply. She did not say 'no', but her precarious smile did not say 'yes' either.

* * *

(This is it for today! It is a long update, so hopelfully it has made up for the 2 week break :) Looking forward to your feedback as always.

I hope you all are in good health. Take care and stay safe!

Lots of love, May)