Sixteen years later

"Thanks again Paul! We are so pleased that you have decided to partner with us for your new project too. Rest assured we will give it our hundred percent." Naina shook hands as she got ready to take leave of her client. The tall, sharp-nosed, bald man beamed back "As always, we are equally excited! Let's meet with the teams next week to finalise the details." She nodded as she stepped out of his cabin "See you then!"

Dressed in a smart, dark-grey dress that ended at her knees, paired with a black blazer, Naina walked away. The clicking of her heels echoed in the muted corridor as her mid-back length hair swung gently. "Thank you Anna!" she called out at the receptionist, while simultaneously typing a message to her team on her mobile to share the outcome of her meeting.

As she entered the parking lot, Naina noted with satisfaction that the meeting had been wrapped up earlier than expected, which meant she wouldn't encounter the peak traffic and had enough time to pick-up some essentials for dinner.

A small smile fleeted across her face as she approached the red Mini Cooper, purchased just the month before. After driving Sameer's old car for years, she had finally bought one for herself. And was very pleased with her decision to go for a small car, which was much easier to manoeuvre around the narrow roads of London compared to the sedans her husband preferred.

After Jai's birth, following a difficult pregnancy, Naina had put her plans for the business venture on hold for few years. Enjoying and cherishing his childhood had become her priority. And the little one had been extremely demanding! The long restless nights when he woke up wailing for frequent feeds; or crawled around the flat in search of anything that could be used as a chewy toy during his teething phase; or even later as he scampered around pulling on things and constantly creating a new mess for his parents to clean up; had kept Naina on her toes. At times, completely exhausted, she would haplessly wonder at his endless source of energy!

When Jai turned three and started pre-school, she had decided to pursue her professional aspirations once again. Juggling the demands of a young family and trying to establish a new business hadn't been an easy task. In fact, it had been extremely daunting at times! But she had never been one to easily give up on anything. Lot of hard work and late nights after putting Jai to bed had eventually paid off. And of course, her husband's support and guidance had been invaluable!

Her phone buzzed. Noting the caller-id, Naina accepted the call and put it on speaker "Hello Maa. I was going to call you on reaching home." "Are you driving? Okay, we can talk tomorrow. I am going to Vimla's for dinner today. So, I thought of calling you before I left." Rama explained.

When Naina enquired "Is Nani also accompanying you?" her mother sighed "No beta... she hardly eats anything at dinner these days. I had made her some kheer earlier. I have started giving her the tonic prescribed by that new doctor. Hopefully her appetite will improve."

After a small pause as she changed lanes, Naina spoke "Let's take her to the specialist in Ahmedabad when I come there next. Maa, I will book my tickets soon. I just got the confirmation of the new project that I was waiting for. If the initial meetings proceed as per the plan over the next couple of weeks, then I will plan the meetings with the suppliers in India for early next month."

Her mother's voice immediately perked up "So you are really coming next month! Amma will be very pleased to hear that. She has been constantly talking about all of you. Listen, send me a few new photos of Jai. That will keep her happy for few days!"

Naina laughed softly knowing how her grandmother must have been hounding her mother for the latest news and photos about Jai. The old woman absolutely doted on her great-grandson! She could still clearly recall the look of pure joy and adoration on her grandmother's face when she had first placed a ten-month old Jai in the elderly woman's lap.

"Okay Maa, will send you some recent photos soon. Have fun tonight and convey my regards to Aunty-Uncle. Love you!" she ended the call.

As she took the exit from the motorway, she relaxed, feeling the serenity of her suburb already working its magic.

Few years back, they had decided to move out of central London and bought a house in the area where Deepika and Oliver resided. Vishakha and Vivek lived about a fifteen minutes' drive away. After living about an hour away for years, Rohan and Sanjana too had moved very close when their eldest daughter had started secondary school. Living in close proximity to their parents as well as each other allowed the younger generation to spend a lot of time together over playdates and sleepovers.

* * *

On entering the house, Naina heard the TV playing in the lounge. A slight smile tugged at her lips, thinking it was nice to come home to the sound of some Hindi show. Slipping off her heels and dropping her keys in the designated key-bowl, she peeked in the lounge to catch sight of the young girl perched at the edge of the sofa. Lost in latest episode of Indian Idol, she was anxiously twirling her dark curls.

Sensing Naina's eyes on her, she glanced in her direction and uttered "Hi! I didn't hear you come in." Naina responded "Hi Mukta! Is your favourite still in the competition?" Pausing the show, the youngster replied smiling widely "Yes! I really hope she wins!" and then added "Do you need some help with those groceries?" Noting the duration left on the show, Naina shook her head "There's just a few minutes left... finish it and then come to the kitchen." Eagerly bobbing her head, Mukta muttered "I'll join you in five!"

She had taken a few steps towards the kitchen, when Naina asked loudly "Is Jai home?" Mukta called back "No, he has gone to Deepu Bua's directly after school."

While she unpacked the groceries, Naina mused exasperatedly – Again?! I have to tell Sameer to have a word with him. He can't keep up this behaviour! The boards are coming up... When will this boy understand the importance?! Every other day he finds an excuse to head to Deepu's!

As promised, Mukta joined her in the kitchen soon "What can I do?" Pointing in the direction of some fruit, Naina instructed "Can you please peel and segment those mandarins and cut some strawberries while I will chop the other fruits. I have told Deepu we will bring a dessert over. I have already picked some readymade custard and sponge cake. Tara really likes it." She added chuckling "And of course the boys will gobble anything they are served!"

Deepika and Oliver were now parents to a fifteen-year-old girl Tara, and two boys; Neil who was thirteen and an eleven-year-old Rory. Jai and Tara had pretty much grown together and shared a very close bond. Though there were three years between them, Jai and Neil shared a common love for music and Rory pretty much idolized his two elder brothers and was happy to tag along irrespective of what they were doing.

As she peeled the bananas, Naina enquired "So, how was your day?" Mukta shrugged as she muttered "Day was okay... Mostly worked on an assignment that's due next week." Then she added with a big smile "I got an A on my last paper!" Naina grinned back "Well done Sweetie! You have been working so hard... I was sure you would do well. See, you were nervous for absolutely no reason!"

A small pause later, Naina raised a brow "And how are things between Maggie and Tony?" Mukta sighed dramatically "I seriously can't wait for this project to be over. They are so annoying! Bickering over every little thing, all the time! I am like... guys just go get a room!" Suddenly realizing what she had said, she coloured and muttered "I mean... to argue... or fight... or whatever... just spare me your drama"

Naina tried to pretend that she had not understood and instead smiled "I am so proud to see you handling the situation so well! Learning to deal with different people and their personalities is just as important as the actual curriculum. In fact, sometimes even-"

The sound of the front door interrupted their conversation and an impish smile lit up Mukta's face as she uttered "I can't wait to tell him!"

Thirty seconds later, Sameer peeked into the kitchen and greeted "Hello... And what are my two favourite girls up to?!" Before Naina could reply, Mukta exclaimed "I got an A for my last assignment! Ma'am really liked the data analysis you had suggested I should include."

Sameer beamed back "Congrats Munni! We must celebrate!" Knowing that she shared his sweet tooth, Sameer added his eyes twinkling "Let's go to Desserts Galore before you head back to the university on Monday."

Naina tutted "Stop calling her Munni! You know she doesn't like it anymore..." Her husband shrugged "Doesn't matter how old or tall she grows... she will always be the little money who used to cling to my legs, and I will always call her Munni!"

Naina pouted at the young girl who was blushing at the memory of her childhood antics "Why is he the only one still allowed to call you Munni?"

When Sameer winked "It's all a matter of my charms Sweetheart!" Naina glared at her husband "Charms?? Do I need to remind you how frequently you have to colour your hair these days?!"

Mukta giggled at their banter, as he tried to feign innocence "That's only to make sure that I can still stand next to my hot wife and not let someone else sweep in!" Blushing, his wife muttered "Stop with your fake compliments..." He pretended to be hurt "Why are my genuine sentiments being labelled as fake?"

Turning to the young girl, he spoke in a conspiratorial tone "Keep an eye on that John next time he drops in to borrow or return something while we are at Deepu's. And then tell me if I am imagining things."

John was Deepika's next door neighbour with three kids. The two families got along well and frequently socialized. John's eldest daughter, Ingrid, was Tara's classmate and close friend too. John tended to act extremely chivalrous in the presence of ladies, and Sameer often teased Naina that John was especially gallant towards her.

Naina scowled at her husband "Rather than John... you need to keep an eye on your son who has been hovering around John's daughter for months now! He has again gone to Deepu's directly after school!"

As she transferred the fruit chopped by Mukta into a large Tupperware, she continued sounding anxious "I really wish Ollie hadn't set up that studio for the kids to work on their band in his garden shed. Jai constantly uses that as an excuse to hang out there. Like I don't know that it's only because Ingrid comes over to learn guitar from him!"

As he poured himself a glass of water, Sameer smirked "Well, after all my son had inherited my charms." She silently scoffed on the inside – And also your affection for 'I'!

Seeing her frown deepen, he added in an appeasing tone "Sweetheart, let him enjoy his teenage. Crushes, dating... all these things are normal at this age. We can't stop it. And we shouldn't!"

Instead of being mollified, she exclaimed "You better talk to him! Sameer, I am telling you... I am so not ready to become a grandma yet!" He almost choked on his water "Grandma? Where the hell did that come from?!" Quickly his expression turned to one of horror "Have they been..." The rest of the question trailed off uncertainly as he realized that they had company.

He turned to the youngster "Munni, do you know something??"

Trying to control her laughter, Mukta replied "Kaki has been watching The Secret Life of the American Teenager with me, in which a fifteen-year-old girl gets pregnant while attending band camp."

Realizing the source of his wife's overactive and anxiety triggering imagination, his shoulder slumped in relief.

Deciding to leave the couple to themselves, Mukta slid off the high stool she had been occupying at the breakfast table "I have some stuff to complete before we head out. Call me when you are ready." But before she made a move to leave the room, she said in a comforting tone "Kaki, Jai is still just trying to impress her! Your grandkids are a long way off..." and then added cheekily with a thoughtful expression "Going by the speed at which things are progressing between them... by my calculations, it will be at least another fifteen months or so."

For a moment Naina paled and then narrowed her eyes understanding that Mukta was just pulling her leg "That's not funny! Keep teasing me about things like this and young lady will find yourself grounded even before Jai!"

Mukta grumbled "Kaka has already declared that I am not allowed to date till I turn thirty and now you are threatening to ground me..." Looking at Sameer she sulked "And I am five years older to Jai, so why is it okay for him to date?!"

Sameer raise an eyebrow "Are you saying there is someone you want to date?" She shook her head "No... but still shouldn't I have the option?" He smirked at her "Why don't you ask for your father's permission? But wait... that would mean you would have to call them, right?"

She started to edge towards the door muttering "I don't want to date anyone and don't need any permissions..." He shot back in a tone implying there was no room for arguments "Call your parents even if you don't want their permission for anything! Manish sent me a message earlier today asking if you are okay. Your family is worried about you. In fact, make sure you call them before we head out." She mumbled as she left "Sure, I will call my family."

Looking at Naina, he uttered exasperated "I seriously don't understand her reluctance to talk to her family!"  She muttered in reply "Why did you have to make a big deal? You could have just explained... she is still young... and you know how sensitive she is about these things."

Noting his wife was getting upset, he moved closer and hugged her gently "Sweetheart, you know I love her dearly... but she has to learn to balance her relationships now. And we must consider Ramdhari and Champa's feeling too." She replied in a peace-making tone "I will talk to her again."

Checking the time on her phone, Naina remarked "I will grab a quick shower and start getting ready. Deepu said we should come over about half-six." He nodded "Go on, I will come upstairs in a bit. I have to make a call."

His gaze lingered on the empty doorway for long after she had left. The same question that had often left him restless occupied his mind yet again. How can the best of intentions at times lead to such unexpected and unsought outcomes?

Years ago, he and Naina had developed an unwavering fondness for Munni. As a result, they had wanted to provide her a good education, which they believed would form a strong foundation for a successful life.

Naina had attributed much of her success in life, both personal and professional, to her English medium schooling. For not only had it given her an edge throughout her career, but her fluency in English had been the sole reason why she had met Sameer during his first trip to Sudhagadh. Though it is not the only template of success in life, it had been very significant in hers. And so, she had wanted to give the same benefit to Munni.

Munni had proved herself capable of making most of the advantages offered. Blessed with a bright mind and a can-do attitude she had achieved academic success year after year. Everyone including her parents had been very pleased with her performance for the first few years.

In the year following Jai's birth, Champa too had birthed a boy who they named Manish. Slightly disappointed at the thought of her parents seemingly lavishing all their attention on the new child, Munni had sulked for some months and then had decided to prove how she was still the smartest one. Much to her parent's frustration she started talking to them in English. This reminded poor Champa and Ramdhari of the days when Sameer had first moved to India. If interacting with their boss who spoke only English had been daunting, appearing clueless in front of their own daughter had been even worse!

Despite their repeated warnings, Munni continued her impertinence. In fact, not only did she speak the tongue they were not comfortable with, but also started mimicking the behaviour of the kids at her school who came from families which belonged to a different social stratum.

Irked by this, and not wanting to endure the same difficulties yet again, when it came time for Manish to start school Ramdhari enrolled him in a Hindi medium school attended by kids of his friends.

This only resulted in increasing the divide in Munni's mind.

Growing up in the huge Maheshwari mansion, it was easy for her to weave a fantasy world and pretend that she was more closely related to Sameer and Naina. She absolutely idolized them both! And knew that her affections were equally reciprocated.

Every time they visited India, her Kaka-Kaki brought her heaps of gifts from London. Even when they couldn't visit, they always made it a point to send her things with their friends or relatives travelling to Ahmedabad. Munni easily ignored the toys and t-shirts that were gifted to Manish and focused only on the pretty dresses and accessories she received. To her these gifts were a proof that they considered her a part of their family, just as much as she did.

Agreed, not able to indulge her craving for all the pretty pink stuff while shopping for Jai, at times Naina did go overboard and brought heaps of things for Munni. Maybe some of it was an unconscious result of indulging the little girl in herself who had grown up without many of these luxuries. Maybe she saw a bit of herself in Munni. And the way the girl's voice overflowed with excitement and joy as she described when she wore what and how much all her friends liked it... It brought such warmth to Naina's heart!

After the difficulties with her first pregnancy the doctor had advised of increased risks with the next one. Also, Jai had suffered from more than the average bouts of illness before he turned two. Being slightly premature, his immune system had taken longer to develop. This had caused the new parents many sleepless nights and much anxiety. Sameer had staunchly declared that he did not want to put themselves through the uncertainty and fears again. Naina too decided that she was content with the blessing that she had already received and did not want to push her luck.

Little Jai had filled their life with his non-stop babble and frolic. His twinkling eyes and vivacious giggles had chased away the darkness luring in the deepest cervices of her heart and soul. But through everything Munni had always occupied a corner of her heart and thoughts. She still made time to talk to her tutors and ensured Munni had access to all the essentials to support her education.

During Naina's first trip to India as a mother, Munni had insisted on her visiting her school with Jai, who she had very early on claimed as her cousin. Her innocent love as she eagerly showed off her Kaki and baby cousin from London was so endearing that it turned into a ritual that they adhered to during every subsequent trip to Ahmedabad!

* * *

Mukta stood at the window of her room. With the house situated at the top of a hill, it offered a view of the rooftops of the many surrounding houses. Though it had been few months since she had moved to UK the sight of the numerous chimneys against the steadily darkening sky still felt alien. Alien and alluring like a scene from a fairy tale.

She smiled thinking it was apt as her life had turned out to be no less than one of the fairy tales that she had grown up reading. The only difference is instead of a prince, Kaki-Kaki were the ones to sweep me off my feet!

Their arrival in her life had filled it with possibilities which otherwise would have been highly improbable. It is said that a girl's first love is her father, but in her case, her biological father had paled in front of the young man who had moved into her house when she was a wee little toddler. Watching him and Naina together and spending time with them had etched on her malleable mind the image of a happy family she had yearned to be a part of.

Their move to London had left a void which people around her had not comprehended. She had slowly learnt to deal with the change. Accepting her Kaki-Kaki's and little Jai's occasional presence in her life, she had clung to their memories and the gifts that they left behind. Her parents had first indulged her fascination with amusement and later with confoundment.

Few years had passed, her innocence insulated by a mix of hopes and daydreams. Her school friends, awed by her tales and the imported pencil and lunch boxes or pretty accessories that she wore to their parties, had treated her as their true peer. Being a clever and confident child, she had her teacher's admiration too and had flourished.

But then one day she had learnt how fickle and cruel kids could be. She had been in year ten when some girls from her class had started gossiping behind her back how her parents were mere caretakers, and she was more a charity case to the owners of the house where she lived than their family. Over few months the gossiping had transitioned to sniggering in front of her. They had accused her of distorting and misrepresenting the truth.

Dazed and not knowing how to deal with these allegations, Mukta had started withdrawing into a shell. She was no longer a small child who was completely oblivious of the realities of life. There was after all truth in their words and yet her heart could not reconcile to the idea that she meant so little to those that she considered family.

Though she still tried to appear self-confident on the outside, internally she struggled to figure out her identity. Over the years her parents had grown accustomed to the notion that though their daughter she did not really fit in their world. Their relatives from the village found her education, upbringing questionable and labelled her a snob.

When year eleven started Mukta decided to move schools but found that her mental turmoil still followed her. About that time Naina had visited India and noticed the changes in Mukta's demeanour. Presuming that maybe some boy was behind these mood swings Naina had tried to pry the truth out of her. Much to her shock the truth had been something very different.

A bewildered Mukta had laid out all her heartaches and insecurities in front of her Kaki and then asked in an almost broken whisper, "I understand that we are not quite family... but Kaka and you do love me, right?"

After few moments of stunned silence, Naina had pulled the heartbroken teenager into a tight hug and tried to assure her "Of course we love you! And you are family to us."

During the rest of her stay Naina had spent a lot of time with Mukta and tried to ease her doubts and fears. Convinced that her connection with the Maheshwari family wasn't a delusion on her part, Mukta had cheered up and refocused on her academics.

Stepping away from the window and her memories, Mukta glanced at her mobile still debating with herself. But then taking a deep breath she dialled her brother's number.

* * *

Naina pulled out the pink striped bag pushed at the bottom of her handbag. During lunch time earlier that day the sale sign outside the lingerie shop had lured her in. Her eyes glinted naughtily as she hid it at the back of her closet. His valentine's day gift is sorted! And well in advance too!

Over the years, after gifting him many things from chocolate, clothes, perfumes to hot air balloon rides, she had established that nothing pleased her husband as much as herself wrapped in something sexy.

Then, recalling something, she rummaged through one of her shelves till she found the bag she was after. Peeking at the contents, she walked over to Mukta's room but hearing her on the phone, she turned back, feeling relived that Mukta was talking to her parents.

She understood Sameer's thoughts but did not want to appear too disapproving to Mukta. The poor girl had dealt with too much of that already.

Years before when she had learnt of Mukta's conflicts, both internal and external, extreme guilt had consumed Naina. She had decided that though she had been motivated by the right ideologies, she had not considered how various aspects of the child's life would be affected. Though she and Sameer had endeavoured to give Mukta a good education which would open a world of possibilities, they had not understood that in the process Mukta had found herself feeling emotionally and intellectually isolated in her own home.

Naina had spoken at length to Champa and Ramdhari too and discovered that they were just as confounded by the situation. To her astonishment, their greatest worry had been – How are we going to get her married? There aren't any boys in our community who will want to marry a girl whose head is full of all these modern ideas and who thinks she is better than most of us!

After her return to London, Naina and Sameer pondered a great deal over the challenges ahead of Mukta and what they could do to support her. After much deliberation, Sameer asked Mukta if she would be open to the idea of moving to UK post her graduation. The girl was ecstatic to say the least!

Post conversations with her parents a plan was put into action.

After completing her higher secondary education, Mukta was enrolled in a college in Mumbai to pursue her graduate degree and started preparing for the university admission in UK for her masters. Sameer had also arranged for her to work part-time with a business associate, to get some work experience under her belt. Living away from home where no one judged her for her family's socioeconomic standing, allowed Mukta to blossom as never before. And working very hard, she had proved herself extremely deserving of the chances being offered.

Just a couple of months back she had moved to UK and started pursuing her master's degree in business administration. Once again, she had impressed everyone with her sincere efforts and the results.

"Come in beta!" Naina called out in answer to the knock on the bedroom door. Mukta peeped inside and muttered "Just wanted to let you know that I had called home." Naina nodded as she applied some light make-up and asked pleasantly "How are your Amma-Baba doing? And is Manish enjoying junior college?"

When Mukta had finished answering her queries, Naina pointed at a small bag on the side table "I have got some bracelets and earrings for you girls from Marrakech. Pick the colour you like."

In the recent years, Naina had started exploring other regions to export artifacts from. She had also partnered with a business in USA and supplied to them. In addition to India, she now travelled to places in Turkey, Greece, Spain, Morocco to find suppliers and products for her business.

After studying the contents for a bit, Mukta held up her selection "Is it okay if I keep the aquamarine set?" When Naina smiled in approval, the young girl gushed "Thanks Kaki. It will match a couple of my outfits!"

Sameer entered the room and asked "Everyone ready? I just need a few minutes." As Naina muttered "I am almost done..." Mukta rushed out of the room saying "I need five! I was on the phone..."

* * *

Oliver opened the door and noticing it was just the two women, he enquired as he hugged Naina "Where is your husband? Don't tell me he is still working!" Chuckling she admitted "He is in the car taking an urgent call from a US client." Oliver rolled his eyes "Marrying into a Marwari family... What more should I expect??"

He then addressed Mukta "And young lady, how are you? All set to take the business world by storm?!" The young lady in question blushed "I haven't even finished my first semester yet!" He winked "Well, you are learning from two of the best!"

As they entered the lounge, Deepika who was arranging some cutlery on the dining table beamed "Hello my lovelies!" Naina replied "Hello to you too! I will just pop the dessert in the fridge." Gesturing towards the back of the house, Deepika addressed Mukta "The kids are all in the studio, if you want to join them." As Mukta headed towards the exit to the garden, Naina called after her "Tell Jai I have got a t-shirt for him to change into."

As Deepika helped Naina make space for the dessert in the fridge both quickly updated each other on the latest happenings in each other's life since their last catch-up. Considering they had spoken at length just the evening before, there wasn't a lot to report!

"Look what I found!" Sameer announced as he entered the kitchen, his arm around a boy who closely resembled him but was already an inch taller than him.

Naina lips instinctively curved into a slight smile. The sight of her two special boys together never failed to instantly warm her heart.

Since it had a been a couple of weeks since he last dyed his hair, a few streaks of gray were showing up near Sameer's temples. He needed reading glasses now, but otherwise he had managed to stay in good shape. He was donning a pair of jeans and a branded, charcoal-grey, knitted jumper that Naina and Jai had gifted him for Christmas that year.

Though Jai looked a lot like his father, over the years he had developed a close likeness to his namesake too. All his cousins teased their grandmother that she loved Jai more than them for this very reason!

Handing Jai a plastic bag, Naina instructed "Go freshen up and change."  Pushing his mop of unruly hair behind, he scowled "Why do I have to change?? It's just a family dinner!"  His mother retorted "Because you are looking scruffy! And smelling!" Sameer winked at his son "Girls like smartly dressed boys. And I think, I heard a certain young lady out there..." Colouring at the realization that his father was referring to Ingrid, Jai left the room muttering "I will change, but only because mom is insisting... not to impress anyone!"

"I told you to talk some sense into him. Not to share your pearls of wisdom on impressing girl!" Naina glared at her husband. Not wanting to further antagonize his wife, Sameer shuffled out of the kitchen "I think Ollie is calling me..."

As soon as he left, Naina huffed at her sister-in-law "He refuses to take me seriously! Deepu, has Tara mentioned of anything brewing between Jai and Ingrid??" Deepika smiled reassuringly "Don't worry... they are all just going through the phase of crushes. But I will keep an eye out and let you know if things start getting serious, okay?"

Appeased, Naina changed the topic of conversation "We are going to visit Mom and Dad tomorrow. You saw them today, right? How is her back?" Deepika shared details of her visit to her parents earlier in the day and their age-related ailments.

The sound of the front-door opening was followed by the rise in the volume of the conversation in the lounge. Soon Sanjana entered the kitchen and uttered breathlessly "Sorry! We got delayed! Had to make a detour on the way to pick some craft supplies that Ruchi needs for a project to be completed over the weekend!"

Rohan and Sanjana had two girls; fourteen-year-old Simran and Ruchi who had just turned ten. To start with, Simran and Ruchi had not spent a lot of time with their other cousins, but over the last couple of years, after Rohan moved closer to his siblings, their friendships had strengthened too.

Pulling a large container out, Sanjana asked "Deepu, can I leave the salad on the table?" Deepika chuckled "And the salad queen arrives!" Well aware of the nickname bestowed on her, Sanjana beamed "It's a new recipe with grilled beets and pumpkin! Ro really liked it when I tried it last week."

Sounding a little worried, Naina asked the new arrival "How is Simran doing now? Hope those girls haven't bothered her again..."

Simran had been the victim of cyber-bullying by some girls at her school. Things had got so bad that Rohan and Sanjana had to approach the school authorities for intervention.

Looking pained, Sanjana replied "They have stopped giving her a hard time after the school suspended them for a few days. But Simran is still a little on-edge. Ro and I have decided that if things don't improve, we will transfer her to Tara and Jai's school. At least there she will have them to look out for her."

As Deepika and Naina nodded approvingly at this idea, Ollie asked from the door "Why are you girls still in here? Come sit with us." Deepika replied "Just give us a minute... the puffs are almost ready."

Soon the three couples sat in the lounge sharing the latest happenings in each other's lives.

Over the last year, they had started a new tradition. The three families would gather for dinner on the last Friday of the month at one sibling's home. As decided years ago, it had become a norm for them to celebrate Christmas at Deepika's and Diwali at Sameer's. Only instead of Halloween, the family would head to Rohan's place to celebrate the arrival of Ganesha.

Tara accompanied by her cousin sisters and Ingrid entered the lounge and announced in a chirpy tone "We are going up to my room. Mukta Di is painting our nails! Neil and Rory are on the PlayStation." After some greetings were exchanged between the adults and the youngsters, Naina distributed the jewellery she had brought along for her nieces.

She held a set out to Ingrid and smiled warmly "I think the stones on this will match your beautiful eyes." Surprised by the gesture, the teenager mumbled shyly "Thank you Mrs. Maheshwari. You didn't have to get me anything..." The poor girl was further flustered when Tara remarked in a teasing tone "Aww Ingrid, isn't it super sweet of Naina Mami to get you a gift too?! Don't I always tell you Jai is sweet just like his mom?" Blushing a deep red and blinking her greenish-grey eyes, Ingrid rushed out of the lounge and upstairs.

"Tara, behave!" Deepika immediately chided her daughter. But Tara just shrugged in reply and left the room followed by the other girls who were all giggling and couldn't wait to report to their Bhai this latest exchange between Ingrid and his mother.

Deepika called out to the eldest among them "Mukta, don't spend the whole evening with these silly girls! Join us soon and tell us what the young are up to these days!"

Sameer settled next to his wife and mocked softly "I thought you don't like her... and here you are complimenting her eyes." She murmured back "That's not true! I have seen her grow up. She is a sweet girl. I just worry about Jai..."

He tenderly gazed at her for a few moments. One of the things that he greatly loved about her was how fiercely protective she was of her family. Whether it was her mother and grandmother, himself and Jai, Mukta, or his parents and siblings, she had always given her hundred percent to the family. Putting his arm around her, he whispered against her temple "Love you." Before she could reply, he added in a teasing tone "Looks like, just like me, my son is partial to beautiful eyes." She pouted "Sameer... stop pulling my leg..." He smirked back "I am not kidding! I am still enchanted by my Harinakshi's eyes."

"Bhai, please reserve your romance for later!" Deepika called from the other side of the room. Rohan feigned a scared expression "Do you have any idea how much grief Ollie and I have to put up with from our wives thanks to the high bar set by you?!" Eyes overflowing with mirth, Oliver held up his glass "To our evergreen Romeo and his Juliet!"

The house echoed with clicking of the glasses, the laughter in the room and the shrieks of the teenagers from above.

* * *

(Dear All,

Hope you enjoyed this final installment of TOFL.

I have greatly enjoyed writing this different version of Samaina. Writing is my hobby, but the true motivation to keep writing keeps coming from the engagement shown by the readers. And for that, I am very grateful to all of you! Your insights, feedback, pointers, and appreciation has helped bring this story to its conclusion.

Lots of love always and a big hug!

May)