Naina was dispiritedly sipping on a cup of lukewarm tea, as her Nani reported the humdrum news of the neighbourhood the next morning.

Rama had left for her job about half-past-eight. Few months back, when Malati's health had started deteriorating, she had left her old job in Ahmedabad and started working at a local school. Working locally provided the advantage of cutting down on the commute and being able to reach her mother quicker in case of emergency, but it also meant diminished earnings.

The shrill phone ring unsurprisingly fastened Naina's heartbeats. But since the previous night's deliberations, she was resolved to pipe-down her excitement and hopes. She took slow steps towards it telling herself it was very likely just one of her Nani's acquaintance or maybe Madhu calling to check on her.

Even when, she heard his clipped "Naina??" she did not allow her heart to be buoyant. She greeted him politely but impassively "Hi Sameer. How are you?"

He started "Hey, I am so sorry! I ended being outside for much longer than expected last night. Got back past eleven and didn't think it would be a good time to call you."

Her heart lurched at his apology, but she quickly steadied it "That's okay. There must be much to be done before you travel back." And then she added, almost to persuade herself "I don't expect you to call every day. I am much better now. In fact, I haven't taken any pain-killers since yesterday."

"Naina, what's wrong? You don't sound right..." He asked feeling uneasy. She brushed away his concern "Nothing's wrong. I just didn't sleep very well at night." He probed "Why? You said you are feeling better now, right?" She stuttered slightly "Yes... I am well. I just couldn't fall asleep for long last night... I think I have been sleeping too much during the day... yes, that's why."

In a bid to divert his attention from her, she asked "How are Deepika and Ollie?" He replied, "They are both fine... Deepu has been busy visiting the elders in the family with her new husband in tow!" He added chuckling "Ollie seems a little overwhelmed now by the amount of food offered everywhere! He probably won't be eating Indian for at least few months after he returns to London."

Naina smiled fondly at the mention of that jolly young man and remarked "Deepika is very lucky to have him." He wondered for a moment if he had detected an undertone of longing in that statement. Shaking off the feeling, Sameer nodded "Yes, he is a good bloke." He then added laughing softly "Right now, Deepu and he are pulling their hair out wondering how they are going to pack all the gifts that they have been receiving!"

She almost asked him if he had started packing but found it too hard to formulate that question. Just the thought left her feeling queasy.

Naina abruptly tried to end the conversation "Sameer, I have to head out to buy some medicines." Surprised, he asked uncertainly "Do you have to leave right now?! Can't you go after some time?" She lied "Maa forgot to refill Nani's prescription in the chaos of my accident. Nani has to take it right after breakfast."

He sighed "Okay, carry on." And then asked just as she was about to end the call, "Will you be home in the evening? Deepu wanted to talk to you." They ended the call, after Naina assured him that she would at home and would await Deepika's call.

That went well... I didn't ask him any personal questions... nor did I try to extend the call. Naina tried to laud her willpower. And yet her vision grew blurry with the tears that threatened to overflow.

* * *

Sameer sat his eyes still on the phone. The unmissable lack of enthusiasm from her end had left him feeling rather let down. A wave of irritation coursed through him. Would it have been the end of the world if she had chatted with me for a bit more?! Couldn't the trip to the chemist have been delayed by another ten minutes?

This was exactly what he had been afraid of! Already the lines of communication were starting to get distorted. And he was still in Ahmedabad. What hope is there to make this work from thousands of miles away?!

After gloomily dwelling on the call for few more minutes, Sameer headed upstairs and stood warily outside the room currently occupied by Deepika and Oliver.

Deepika was issuing some instructions to her hubby to pack the bags in a certain matter. Oliver grumbled "Deepu, all these years of being in a relationship, and I never knew that you are such a tyrant when it's comes to packing!" Deepika smirked "In case you are having second thoughts now, let me remind you that I am your lawfully wedded wife now. So, now be ready to meet the real me!" Ollie rolled his eyes in mock horror "What have you done to my sweet ever accommodating girlfriend?!" Deepika put one hand on her hip and swinging an imaginary whip with the other, she mocked back "Oye, stop fooling around and get on with your assigned work!"

Sameer smiled slightly, enjoying their usual banter. He recalled the time when he had first realised that Deepika and Oliver's relationship had moved onto a far more serious phase than just casual dating. Despite his broadmindedness, he had been apprehensive. The social and racial differences between the two young lovebirds had been glaring, and Sameer had been afraid that his sister might get her heart broken in due course. Over the years however, his scepticism had slowly turned to deep admiration for the couple's commitment towards each other.

Sensing his presence, Deepika's gaze turned towards the door. The merry look on her face waned. She addressed Sameer "Is Mom looking for me?" Sameer let out a long-drawn sigh "No, I am looking for you." She turned away mumbling "Did you want something?"

Taking a few strides towards her, Sameer stood in front of her "Deepu, I don't get it. What are you so mad about?! I mean, it's not like I abandoned her knowing the truth! I never knew anything dammit!" Noting her still sullen expression, he continued sounding exasperated "Don't give me this silent treatment! What you think I should have done about something that I was completely oblivious about?!"

"I understand that you didn't know about her pregnancy or the miscarriage. But how could you be so judgemental about her situation while you didn't know that the child was yours?! You were furious at her when we left the hospital. Would it have been such a terrible thing if she had been with someone else too? Why should the rules be different for men and women? If a guy sleeps around he is a stud! But if a girl sleeps with more than one guy, she is a slut?" Deepika demanded her eyes narrow angry slits.

Her brother's shoulders slumped. Shaking his head dejectedly, he muttered "I wasn't angry at her... I mean... I was. But not because of what you are thinking. I was more disappointed and hurt thinking she had moved on so quickly."

Deepika retorted "She moved on so quickly?? You were the one stuck on that Izzy for ages... even after you moved to Malaysia! So where exactly did you little 'thing' with Naina fit in?"

"What the hell are you talking about? Izzy and I had broken off months before my trip to India." a baffled Sameer responded. His sister spoke in an accusatory tone "But you were still stuck on her! I distinctly remember you enquiring about Izzy's letters every time we spoke!"

His eyes widened "Izzy's letters?? Don't be daft! I was waiting to hear from Naina. As it turned out, she never got my letter with the contact details." His voice turned low "And I thought she just wasn't keen to stay in touch."

After a few moments of silence, Sameer implored "Deepu, believe me, she wasn't just a summertime fling for me. I... I really liked her."

Oliver had been extremely surprised, to say the least, when Deepika had revealed to him the past connection between Naina and Sameer. But in a way, it had made sense why his wife and Naina had quickly developed such a strong attachment to each other. Naina was the person who had understood Deepika's predicaments, and Deepika had been a connection to her lost love for Naina.

As Deepika tried to take in her brother's words, Oliver asked perceptively "Sammy, you still like her, don't you?"

It was Deepika's turn to look baffled now, as Sameer nodded looking flushed.

Oliver pressed on "Have you told her that? What does she say?" Looking a little flustered, Sameer shook his head "I haven't told her. I mean, I am sure she understands it... but I am not sure if she will want to pursue this any further..." Oliver was surprised "How can you assume that without asking her?! Stop looking so glum! I can't believe that you are already looking defeated without even putting up a fight!"

Sameer glanced at the younger man fondly and then smirked "Mr Oliver Quinn, your brother-in-law Sameer Maheshwari doesn't give up easily, in anything!" Oliver beamed "So, you have a plan??" Sameer replied with a glint in his eyes "That I do! But I am going to need a wingman." Then looking at Deepika with a hopeful expression, he added "Actually make it two!"

After Sameer left the room, some fifteen minutes later, Oliver turned to his wife "You don't seem very convinced??" A shadow of uneasiness fell over her face "Ollie, I think I might have created some extra problems for Bhai..." Oliver squinted "What??" She gulped nervously "I might have led Naina to believe that Bhai had strong feelings for Izzy even after he met Naina."

Oliver felt some of his optimism slipping away as Deepika recounted her conversation with Naina about Izzy and Sameer. Oliver patted her shoulder with slightly less conviction "Don't worry, Sammy will bring her around. Surely she can't overlook his gigantic gesture!" Deepika very much hoped that Oliver's prediction would come true.

* * *

Naina woke up to her mother's gentle prodding and a smiling face. She asked groggily "When did you get back? I think I fell asleep while reading." Rama caressed her head "It's okay. You need the rest. But wake up now, else you will be up for half the night." As Naina sat up, Rama announced with twinkling eyes "I am making your favourite Onion Pakoras with tea. And yes, I will make them extra crispy for you!"

The promise of the extra crispy Pakoras, provided the much-needed incentive! Naina headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Naina bemusedly watched her Nani following the lifelong afternoon ritual. Everyday close to teatime, Malati would freshen-up and change into a fresh saree ready to receive any visitors that might drop by. Naina would often tease her grandmother that her 'hit rate' was less than fifteen percent as they rarely had more than one visitor per week, while Malati would counter that it was too late for her to let go of certain habit. The old lady would remind her granddaughter that the trend to phone someone ahead of visiting was very recent, and in the olden days people would always be ready to happily welcome any visitors, both expected and unexpected.

"Maa how much longer?" Naina called out as the aroma spread throughout the house. Rama mumbled something about her impatient daughter and her love for savoury fried foods.

Naina was bringing out a cup of tea for her Nani when a boy, of about eight, came huffing and puffing through their door. Nani scolded him immediately "Slow down Bittu! Always running... Last month your mother had to rush to the doctor to get your head bandaged and the before that your knees!"

Completely ignoring the older lady, Bittu excitedly screeched "A foreigner has come to meet Naina didi!" As Naina's forehead creased in confusion, Nani asked stumped "A foreigner? And to meet Naina?"

Bittu very self-importantly announced "They were asking Ramu kaka, where Naina Didi lives. Ramu kaka couldn't understand them, but I told them that I go to an English medium school and can show them Naina Didi's house." Rama arrived in the outer room part-way through Bittu's revelation "And what makes to think that they are foreigners? Just because someone is speaking in English?!" Bittu rolled his eyes "No Auntie! He is very white and has blue eyes."

The teacup in Naina's hand trembled. She could think of only one white man with blue eyes. Ollie is here?? But why? Is Sameer okay? She asked Bittu in a shaky voice "Where are the guests?" Bittu thrilled at this extraordinary occurrence, exclaimed "Pinky is bringing them up. I ran up super-fast to tell you!"

Rama addressed her daughter "Who could it be?" Before Naina could gather her wits, Pinky stood at the door "Naina Didi, someone has come to meet you." True to Bittu's claim a fair skinned, blue eyed young man stood in the doorway next to a pretty young woman.

As Naina exclaimed "Deepika!", both Rama and Malati looked with great interest at this new friend of Naina's, who had been calling their residence these last few days.

Quickly setting down the cup in her hands, Naina stepped forward "This is such a pleasant surprise! Sorry I wasn't expecting you two." Turning to the foreigner, she smiled warmly "Ollie, how are you? Please come in."

Oliver chuckled softly "It's not just us two though. Sammy is here too!" Taking a step in, he revealed the other young man standing behind him.

Did he say something about coming over on the call? Did I misunderstand? Naina paled for a few moments. Then seeing him looking very handsome, dressed in a pair of khaki trousers and a dark maroon shirt, the blood rushed to her cheeks shading them a delightful pink.

Her blushing face and surprised wide eyes overshadowed the crumpled pale green shalwar-kameez and the hair tied up in a messy bun. Sameer's eyes drifted to her free left arm and he asked gruffly "Why aren't you wearing the sling? Didn't the doctor ask you keep the arm in it for at least a week?!" "I had removed it while sleeping... Just woke up some time back..." Naina muttered.

Noticing her mother and grandmother's questioning gaze, Naina carried out the introductions "Maa, this is Deepika, her husband Oliver and her brother Sameer. And my mother and grandmother." Some quick hellos were exchanged.

Rama waved in the direction of the sofas "Please come in." As the guest settled on the three-seater sofa slightly squashed, she addressed Deepika warmly, slowly and deliberately utterly every word "Naina told us you were with her in the hospital. Thank you so much beta. Her Nani and I were so worried when we released that all this had happened, and we weren't with her."

Deepika smiled reassuringly "I can imagine. I am glad we were with her." Turning to Naina she continued "I was really sorry to have missed you on the last day after you were discharged from the hospital! By the time Bhai told me that you had come to Dasi Mahal, you had already left."

"I was there just briefly to collect the luggage," Naina explained as she moved to fetch one of the dining table chairs.

Even before he could get up, she had brought the chair halfway. Sameer wordlessly took it from her amid her slight protests and placed it closer to the end of the sofa that he was occupying.

Naina felt an invisible part of her lean closer to him, inhaling that familiar alluring fragrance. Sameer sitting in her living room, next to her, felt like a fantasy come true. He came all the way from Ahmedabad to check on me? Even when I was so rude to him this morning!

"Sorry... what did you say?" She stammered a little when she realised that Deepika had asked her a question that she had completely missed and was now waiting for her reply.

Deepika tried to stifle a smile as she repeated "I was just asking how the recovery is coming along?" As Naina shared some updates about her recovery so far, Deepika thought to herself with satisfaction, Clearly, she is still very smitten with Bhai.

"How are Rohan and Sanjana? And how was the Pooja function?" Naina asked Deepika.

Rama who had brought a tray of water for the guests, wondered a little confounded at the conversation between her daughter and Deepika, Hasn't Naina been talking to this girl almost every day since her return from Sudhagadh?

Malati instructed her daughter "Bring out the Besan Ladoos that Vimla brought over earlier today, with the Pakoras. I have kept them in the flat steel container." Rama nodded at her mother and then asked the guests "What would you like, tea or coffee?" As Deepika started replying "Anything is fine Auntie..." Naina spoke "Maa, please make coffee. Sameer doesn't drink tea." The young man uttered in a rush "No Auntieji, anything will do. I do drink tea, but I just usually prefer coffee more." Rama smiled as she walked towards the kitchen "I will make coffee then."

Over the next few minutes, the conversation was largely steered by Deepika, Oliver and Naina. Every now and then, Malati would ask Naina a question which she in turn would translate and pose to the guests and then translate back their replies to her grandmother.

Sameer mostly listened in, remarking once in a while, as he eyes swept across the living room and what was visible of the other rooms through the open doors. He realised that the houses he was used to visiting during his India visits were much more affluent compared to this one.

The flat wasn't too small and was neat and tidy, but it was clear that the family struggled to maintain it. It hadn't been painted for a while, and the paint was peeling off the ceiling in one corner. The electrical wiring seemed like it hadn't been replaced in a long time too and was still the old style exposed coloured wires.

As he went to put the empty glass on the dining table, he noticed a small crack in the sunmica. The wall hanging with a print of camels by the table was fading at the edges.

Rama was visible through the doorway to the kitchen bending over the stove and frying the Pakoras. He decided Naina bore a marked resemblance to her mother, both in stature and countenance.

From what he recalled Rama worked in a school, but he wasn't sure if she was a teacher. Naina's words from the hospital rung in his mind. He pondered, Yes, her job is a necessity for this household, something Naina can't risk losing...

His eyes then travelled to the silver haired woman who was observing the conversation between the youngsters with a cheerful expression. Though frail in body, her sprit still shone strong.

Once again, his gaze was pulled to his Harinakshi, as she sat in there completely oblivious of her charms. A few strands of hair that had escaped from her messy bun, softly caressed her cheeks. The dupatta kept slipping off one shoulder and every time she automatically pulled it back in place. Her face completely devoid of make-up had a freshly scrubbed glow.

His trance was broken when Rama returned to the living room with plates full of the crispy hot Pakoras and the Besan Ladoos. Despite Rama's objections, Naina helped her fetch the hot drinks and the cutlery.

Deepika awkwardly offered to help, but Malati gestured her to sit. Rama translated "Amma is saying, you have already done so much for our Naina. Please give us a chance to thank you." Then her eyes glistening, she added waving at the food and drinks "Not that any of this is special enough. If I knew you were coming, I would have planned something better.

As Malati prompted her, Rama spoke "Yes Amma, I was getting to it..." She again addressed Deepika her voice heavy with emotions "We were so surprised to hear that the groom's family is related to Jaiprakashji. What an extraordinary coincidence! May his soul rest in peace, but Naina and we are already indebted to him for his generosity. That scholarship really helped when she was struggling to balance her work and studies."

Sameer and Naina instinctively glanced at each other thinking of the real reason she had been struggling at that time. He wanted to reach out and hold her hand but had to settle for a slight nod.

Deepika was astonished "Wow! You had received one of Nanu's scholarships?! I am aware he has set up many but didn't realise you had received one."

Naina blinked nervously as her mother looked at her strangely "Did you not tell Deepika about that trip with Jaiprakashji? And how much he helped you??" Naina started to stutter "Deepika, sorry... I didn't get a chance to tell you... Nanaji helped me a lot." Sameer interrupted "Auntieji, Naina did tell us, I think Deepu wasn't around when we spoke about it." Turing to his sister, he elaborated "Nanu had given her sort of a cash prize, it's wasn't one of his usual scholarships."

Deepika realising that she had goofed up, quickly changed the topic of conversation "Right... right. Oh Naina, I almost forgot! Anjali Maasi was asking about you're the other day when I spoke to her. Their driver is also doing better now, but his fracture will take another month or so to heal..."

Post this, for some time, the accident was discussed in great detail.

Oliver expressed his horror at the lack of traffic discipline on the roads in India. He joked "I think I am going to wake up with a lot of nightmares post our return to London about the crazy drivers here! Those truckers on the highways are something!"

While other's chuckled at his impressions, Naina's smile slipped at the mention of their return.

When Rama offered them some more Pakoras, Oliver used his limited Hindi vocabulary that he had picked over the last few days to compliment all Deepika's aunts they had visited "Bahooot... achaa ... hai, but my stomach will burst if I eat anymore!"

The two older women beamed in wonder at their very unexpected and yet so friendly young Caucasian visitor.

Rama turned to Sameer "Beta, you have hardly eaten anything. Have a Ladoo at least." Sameer could hardly tell her that all his heart had been hungering for was glimpse of her daughter. Well, much more than a glimpse, if you are truthful mate!

Holding the plate closer to him, Naina added softly "They are homemade by our neighbour Vimla auntie... You don't get good quality Indian sweets in London, right?" His eyes lit up as he took a bite of the sugary delicacy, realising that she remembered all his preferences and complaints from the last trip. First the coffee... now the sweets...

Following her abrupt ending of the call that morning, he hadn't been sure what sort of reception to expect from her. This is definitely going better than expected! Maybe, she really had to go to the chemist quite urgently...

Glancing at her watch, Deepika remarked "We should be leaving soon. We have plans to meet some cousins for dinner." Rama enquired when they were leaving for London and Deepika replied "Auntie, our flight is for the morning of the day after. Tomorrow we must finish the packing! There is so much stuff!"

The next few minutes, as Malati and Rama fondly thanked them for the visit and expressed their hope to see them all again, passed in a blur for Naina. He is leaving in less than 48 hours...

Naina automatically smiled and returned Deepika's hug as the young woman urged "I will write to you once I get a chance to settle down. Do stay in touch, okay?" Oliver too fondly pulled her into a half hug and said very earnestly "Take care of yourself." Seeing Naina's pale face, he winked trying to lighten the mood "And keep practising the steps I taught you! I might suddenly drop in for a surprise test." Unable to speak, Naina nodded along as she fought to keep her tears at bay.

Sameer stood battling with himself, unable to decide what to say to Naina in the present company. Finally, he muttered "I will... I mean, we will call you later, before leaving. Take care." He then addressed the older ladies "Thank you Auntieji and Nanaji, it was very nice to meet you both."

Deepika squinted at her brother grumbling on the inside, After coming all this way, he is chickening out?!

Naina clasped the back of the sofa very tightly as the guests walked out of the door, amid loving goodbyes from her mother and grandmother. Her eyes were trained on his retreating back for a bit, before her heart screeched, What was the point of all those wishful fantasies of kissing him a goodbye the last time around, if you are just going to stand here and watch him walk away now?! This is it Naina. This is it!

"I will just see them off..." she muttered and then dashed outside. Malati's "Wear your chappals at least-" was ignored as she started running down the stairs, an irrational fear of what-if-they-are-already-gone gripping her heart.

When she caught up with them on the landing of the floor below, his name was urgently called "Sameer!". As his eyes expectantly sought hers, she barrelled into him, hugging him tightly with her one good arm.

Luckily, the doors to the flats on that floor were closed, else this scene would have caused much gossip for days or maybe months to come! But oblivious to their surroundings, both tightly held on to each other.

Everything else faded away for Naina, other than the man she had loved with all of her. Burying her head against his chest, she tried to inhale as much of his essence as possible. She strove to feel his heartbeats, like her own life depended on their presence. She sought to gather his warmth, in anticipation of long cold nights ahead of her. And then she pressed her lips against him, kissing him the inevitable goodbye.

Sameer's heartbeats quickened, as she shivered against him, her rigid muscles not able to contain the anxieties that were vibrating at her core. For a few moments, he tried to soak in the feeling of contentment at having her so close to him of her own accord. But then he felt the moisture seeping into his shirt. She is crying?!

He tried to pull away to get a better look at her face, but she just clung harder. Finally, he managed to just tilt her face back a little "Naina?? Hey, stop crying..." But she continued to gaze upon his face through the salty cascade. As he tried to wipe them away, her tears washed away all his doubts and fears. For the first time, since the last couple of days, he felt at peace. He felt sure.

He smiled softly "I hope these tears are because I am leaving... and not because I came visiting?" She cast him an irritated look and sniffled "Sameer, how can you joke?! I... can't..." Not sure how to tell him that she couldn't bring herself to bid him a goodbye, Naina left the sentence unfinished and pressed herself harder against him.

Seeing this unbridled display of affection, Deepika squeezed Oliver's arm in delight, and he smiled back at her in understanding.

"Naina, look at me." Sameer ordered his voice soft and strong. When she shook her head against his chest, he muttered "Stop crying, I am coming back." She instantly looked up at him in confusion "Are you coming back again tomorrow??" He frowned "No, not tomorrow. There's a lot to be sorted before I fly to London." She blinked uncomprehendingly "Then when??"

He intently stared at her for a moment and then replied, "I have to go to London the day after, but I will be back in about five weeks or so." She was baffled "Back after five weeks? How? And Why?"

Then an expression of horror came over her "Are you coming back to India to marry that Ishita?" "Marry Ishita? Are you mad?!" he too looked very horrified at the thought for a moment, but then smirked "I am coming back for a slightly mad but very cute girl."

Not wanting to misread his words, and not able to make any sense of what he was implying, she stammered "What... do you mean? How long will you be coming for?" He took a deep breath "I have decided to move to Ahmedabad. I don't know for long for... But I think we should spend some time together. Get to know each other properly and see what happens..." She wasn't sure if she had heard him right!

As he tried to read her reactions, she asked uncertainly "But what will you do in Ahmedabad? Won't you get bored? I know you have cousins and some family... but still..." He smiled slightly "I have decided to spend some time working with Nanu's business. There are a few possibilities that I could explore. I spent most of yesterday with one of Nanu's business associates... In fact, you might remember meeting him during the last trip, Dinesh."

A hazy face sprung at the back of her mind, but she didn't dwell on it. Naina was far too overwhelmed, He is moving countries to be closer to me?! What if he hates it here? Will he hate me too?? And how will he adjust here?!

She mumbled worriedly "But you can't speak Hindi or Gujrathi... how will you manage here?" He smirked "Hello... I didn't speak Malay, Thai or Indonesian either. I will manage here just like I did in all those places. And then this is still India, my birthplace." As she nodded with hopeful anticipation, he added softly "And you will help me too, right?" She chuckled through some lingering tears of relief.

Sameer fleetingly debated with himself if it would be okay to steal a quick kiss as her lower lip wobbled all too familiarly. But the moment end abruptly, as a couple of kids ran down the stairs eager for the evening playtime probably having just finished their homework. Naina pulled away suddenly coming to her senses.

"Why do you have to go then?" she pouted slightly. His eyes softened. Her slightly puffy eyes and the reddened button nose made a pretty picture, considering they were signs of her heart's yearning for him.

"I have to go and apply for the right type of Visa. There are few other things that need to be taken care of. Also, Kabir is getting married next month, and I can't possibly miss it! I will try to come back the week after his wedding."

"Kabir is getting married?! I didn't know... Of course, you must be there! Please convey my congratulations and best wishes." Naina flashed him a wide smile.

Then her smile slowly faded, as she added "Will I hear from you while you are away?"

Sameer smirked as tapped his back pocket with the wallet "I have your contacts details on me all the time! You will definitely hear from me." She blushed and then hesitating momentarily asked "Can I have your phone number? Just in case... your wallet gets stolen or something..." His worries placated, Sameer scribbled his personal address and phone number on his official visiting card.

Deepika who had been standing a few paces away, piped in "Bhai, add my number too." She turned to Naina "I meant it, when I said, stay in touch!"

Naina moved closer to her and spoke sounding a little hoarse "Deepika, I am really sorry. Believe me, I didn't mean to deceive you in any way..." "Deceive me??" Deepika peered at her appearing confused. Naina tried to explain "I mean... mislead you or hide anything... It was all just too difficult to share." A small pause later, she almost whispered "And he didn't know."

Deepika squeezed her arm lovingly "Shush... I understand." Naina quickly pulled the young woman, who had turned into a very dear friend over a very short time, into a hug "Thank you so much. For everything!"

After they broke apart, Naina accompanied them downstairs and stood by the gate till their car disappeared down the road.

Sameer's parting words, as he lightly caressed couple of her fingers holding out a hand from the car window, before the car pulled away 'I will see you soon, okay?' would play in her mind thousands of times over the next few weeks.

* * *

(Hello dearies, 

I am back to my fortnightly updates again! Hope you liked this part. Waiting to hear your thoughts :) 

Take care and stay safe all of you! 

Big hug and lots of love, May)