After shifting uncomfortably in the bed for God knows how long, Sameer had managed to fall asleep, now to be awakened to the shrill ring of the alarm at what felt like an ungodly hour! He was trying to remember which exam he had that day, since that was pretty much the only time the alarm was ever used. His first reflex was to try to find the clock on the bedside table next to him, and when that failed, he tried reaching to the other side half wondering why in the hell did he leave the clock on the other table?! As he tried reaching for the other side, his hand instead brushed against his wife's back, who was also trying to feel her way around the bedside table on her side to find the clock in the dark. Feeling his hand suddenly on her, she almost screamed "Yeh kya kar rahe hai aap?!" and turned on the lamp next to her.

He blinked a few times trying to make some sense of what was happening and then feeling very embarrassed mumbled "Kya kar raha hu matlab? Aadhi raat ko itne jor se alarm bajega toh insaan usse band hi karta hai na?" She replied "Aadhi raat nahi... subhe ke sawa-chee baje hai." And then she added sounding annoyed "Aur itne jor se matlab kya? Jaise bhi bajta hai, aap ka hi alarm hai! Main koi apne maike se thodi na leke aayi hu..." He too replied sounding irritated "Sawa-chee ko uth ke kya karne hai tumhe? Shaadi... Bidai... sab kuch toh ho gaya. Ab aur kaha jana hai itna taiyar hoke?!"

She just got out of the bed shaking her head and muttered "Aap so jayiye. Main sade-saat ko utha dungi." Sameer scowling pulled the blanket over his face and tried to go back to sleep. But he was acutely aware of her movements, first heading to the bathroom to turn on the geyser, then opening the suitcase to get out her things and closing it, and then reopening it a minute later probably realising that she had forgotten something. The suitcase banged slightly against the wall as she put it back to the side, the slight noise sounding amplified in the silence of the dawn. He out of habit pulled the other pillow over his ears to muffle the sounds around, only this time unlike in the past, the pillow was warm and fragrant with her essence.

Naina looked at him feeling a little out of sorts, here she was going all out of her way to accommodate whatever was expected of her in this house, and he couldn't even bear for his sleep to be slightly disturbed. She should be the one complaining here! He had kept her up for what felt like almost half the night, with his constant tossing and turning. Every time she thought that he seemed to have settled, he would yet again either fluff his pillow or adjust the blanket. At one point she had been almost tempted to suggest that he should probably go for a walk or go get some other physical exercise since he was obviously not tired and ready for bed!

By the time Naina stepped out of the bathroom, it was only five past seven. Another ten minutes and she was accessorized for the day too. She realised that considering she did not have to wash her hair again that day, she had overestimated how long she would need. She wondered for a few moments whether she should wait in the room for some more time, but then decided to head downstairs.

She timidly called out to him "Sameer..." He responded by pulling the blanket off his face and making the sound of a hmm? He opened his eyes to see her standing by the foot of the bed, draped in a Red chiffon saree with some sequins work on it. She was also wearing the mandatory glass bangles intermingled with some gold bangles and the kangans that never left her wrists now, not even at night, as he had discovered over the last two nights. He had been hearing her slip on the few dozen bangles for the past five minutes. She said softly "Sawa-saat baje hai, main neeche jaa rahi hu..." Then feeling a little self-conscious of how he was looking at her with sleepy eyes she added "Maine kaha tha ke aap ko utha dungi neeche jaane se pehele, issiliye bata rahi hu."

He made another hmm sound and then as she started turning said "Aloo Parathe bana do." She turned back to him looking very confused "Kya?..." He said in a slightly teasing tone "Itne jaldi neeche ja rahi ho... toh pakka Ramdhari ke sath nashta banane hi jaa rahi ho, right? Toh maine socha mera order de deta hu... matlab preference bata deta hu." She not getting the joke started "Par abhi toh main kuch banna nahi sakti... woh pehle toh meetha hi banana hoga..." He chuckled slightly "Aare mazak kar raha tha... tum itna jaldi neeche ja rahi ho issiliye." She now getting it, coloured a little and mumbled "Kal bahoot late ho gaya tha... kahi Mummyji naraaz na ho jaye." He thought a little exasperated to himself, Kya farak padta hai... unhone kaunsa yaha rehna hai ya baar baar aana hai... But this annoyance was soon forgotten as she turned around and headed out of the room. He groaned inwardly, now confounded by an alluring view of her back in a red blouse tied with a dori at the top, thinking Blouse kum aur torture device jyada hai!

When Naina entered the lounge Kakiji and Nanaji, both being very early risers were sitting in the lounge sipping on their tea. She paid her respects and sat down next to them, listening to their conversation that was mostly focussed on the health of other elderly members of the family. A little while later Vishakha too joined them and looked pleased to see Naina all ready for the day. Few minutes before eight Sameer and Bobby joined the family too, post which everyone moved to the dining table.

Some small talk commenced at the table, as Ramdhari served breakfast. The plan for heading to Kamalesh Mama's place for lunch was finalised. It was decided that Bobby and Deepika would be heading out about 10:30 in one of the cars with Farookh Chacha, as Bobby wanted to drop-in on some of his relatives on the way. While Sameer would drive all the other women and Nanaji in another car and they would leave a little after eleven.

When everyone had almost finished their breakfast a sleepy eyed Deepika joined them. She started gulping her glass of milk rather reluctantly, complaining all the while about her favourite Bournvita missing. Suddenly she turned to Naina and asked sounding very concerned "Bhabhi, aap kal raat phir se bed se giri toh nahi na?" When Naina confirmed that she did not fall again, Deepika proceeded to inspect her bump and tiny cut from the night before, announcing that she was all good now! Everyone around the table smiled indulgently, and Kakiji remarked that she would probably make a very good doctor. Bobby nodded approvingly, though it was not clear at what, whether at the idea of Deepika becoming a doctor or that it seemed Sameer's josh was now under control.

The phone rang and Raamdhari announced "Bhabhi, aapke maike se Preeti didi hai." Naina excusing herself from the table, headed to the lounge to take the call "Hello, Preeti?!" Her sister equally excited started from the other side "Naina! Kaisi hai tu? Main toh kal hi phone karna chahati thi, par Mummy ne manna kar diya. Kehne lagi acha nahi lagta ke bidai ke baad pehele din se hi hum sab tujhe phone karna shuru kar de. Tu theek toh hai na?" Naina replied "Ha, main theek hu... tum sab kaise ho?" Her sister confirmed that all was well in the Agarwal household too and then lowering her voice a little asked "Naina, tujhe raat ko guestroom mein akele darr toh nahi lagta hai na? Theek se neend aati hai? Mujhe toh yaha humare kamre mein bhi bahoot akela lag raha tha. Maine toh Mummy ko bola hai ke kuch din mere pass hi soye..." Naina mumbled "Nahi, abhi toh main uppar unke kamre mein hi hu..."

Preeti sounding shocked but also a little hopeful asked "Kya matlab? Tere aur Sameer ke beech sab theek ho gaya kya?" She replied "Nahi... woh bus mehmaan jaane tak ki baat hai." Preeti felt her chest tighten and finding it hard to say anything muttered "Acha, baad mein theek se baat karenge... Mummy ko tujhse kuch baat karni thi." She called Bela and passed the phone to her. Chachiji first bombarded Naina with a lot of questions about her well-being and how she was adjusting in the new house and then followed it all with some specific instructions.

After ending the call, Naina headed to the garden where Deepika was entertaining most of the elders by reciting some lines she was supposed to be saying in a drama in her school the following week. Bobby had retired to his room and Kakiji mentioned that Sameer had apparently headed out for a bit.

Once Deepika finished her performance, she expressed her wish to climb on one of the mango trees and Nanaji and Kakiji headed with her to that part of the garden to keep an eye on her. Naina now turned to Vishakha and said "Mummyji, agar aap ke pass kuch time ho toh... woh Chachiji ne kaha hai ke aap ko sara samaan deekha du ek bar." Her Saas was confused "Samaan? Kaisa samaan beta?" She explained "Woh sari sadiya aur gehene... Chachiji ne kaha hai aap Delhi jaane se pehele ek bar dekh lijiye, ke aap ko sab theek lagta hai na..." Vishakha not expecting this sounded a little confused "Aare beta isski kya jarurat hai? Tumne jo bhi apni pasand se laya hoga acha hi hoga..." Naina insisted "Please aap ek bar dekh lijiye... woh Pooja didi ki saas ko kuch samaan acha nahi laga tha toh wapas bheejwaya tha... phir chachiji ne dusra leke bheja tha." Vishakha finally understanding her concerns smiled and said "Theek hai beta... abhi dekh lete hai?" Naina agreed thinking that this was a good opportunity, considering Sameer was out too.

As they walked upstairs Naina quickly checked with her mother-in-law if the saree she was wearing was appropriate for the visit to Kamlesh Mama's house. Vishakha advised her that the saree was fine but just to wear a heavier jewellery set when they headed out.

On entering the room, to Naina's surprise Sameer was on the phone, with what sounded like talking to Munna. Seeing his mother and Naina entering the room, he quickly said his goodbyes. Naina now mumbled "Aap yahi hai... Kakiji toh keh rahi thi ke bahar gaye hai... theek hai main baad mein deekha dungi..." But Vishakha not understanding this hesitancy said "Aare acha hua tu bhi idhar hi hai. Zara iska bag toh uppar rakh de bed pe. Aur tu bhi dekh le kya deekha rahi hai, aakhir teri pasand hi toh important hai!"

Naina not knowing how to get out of this situation, indicated towards one bag to start with, the one with all her special occasion sarees. She spread out sarees and jewellery sets, and Vishakha started looking at them with genuine interest, asking questions or remarking on the pattern or the colour combinations and so on. Sameer watched on feeling rather out of place surrounded by all these sarees and saree related discussions. But this did not stop him from looking at a few sarees and thinking that certain colours would suit her more than others.

Once the contents of the first bag had been presented for inspection, Naina packed them away and now asked Sameer to bring over the second bag. As she opened the bag, she said "Yeh wali sadiya roz ke pehene ke liye hai." As the contents of this bag were presented, Vishakha looked at them a little puzzled, wondering about the sudden change in sense of style or taste but stayed mum. Sameer looked at the sarees and wondered at the loud colour combinations and the jumble of patterns that made absolutely no sense. He once again wondered about who created these prints?!

Not able to stay quiet he asked "Yeh tumne kaha se kharidi hai?!" Naina mumbled "Exact dukan toh nahi pata... par woh Taiji ke ek rishtedar ki dukan hai... woh udhar se hi leke aayi hai." Vishakha asked softly, as if something seemed to add up "Tum sath nahi gayi thi?" Naina shook her head "Nahi, bidai ki tarikh itni jaldi mein tai hui, toh bahoot sare kaam thay... Taiji ne kaha sadhi wali sadiya woh khud hi le aayengi..." Looking at her mother-in-law's face and Sameer's reaction Naina could see that they were not impressed with these and started feeling a little apprehensive, wondering if they would want to send these back.

He thought to himself, would she wear these and go outside on a day to day basis? Seemed like this was it, she did not have any other clothes with her. Would she wear these to college? Sameer now looking at these sarees thought, these were even worse than the one she had worn to bed the night before. But that also reminded him of the thing that he had found even more troubling at night... her blouse with the deep cut back. So, she would wear her modern blouses to college?!

He asked "College mein tum yeh sarees pehenogi?" Naina now feeling really uncertain where this was heading nodded her head in agreement. He spoke up "Nahi, college mein sarees pehene ki koi jarurat nahi hai. Shalwar-kameez hi pehena." Naina tried to explain "Par ab shalwar-kameez toh nahi laye hai sath mein... Taiji ke kaha tha ke ab saree hi pehenni chahiye." He declared "Taiji ne jo bhi kaha ho... main keh raha hu, roz ke liye college mein Shalwar-kameez hi pehenna. Jo hamesha pehenti ho... wahi le aayo."

As Naina looked more than a little lost at this directive, Vishakha spoke up "Naina, Sameer theek keh raha hai. College mein tumhe comfortable kapde hi pehenne chahiye. Roz itna taiyar hoke jana aur din bhar sambhalna aasaan nahi hoga beta." Then taking a small pause she added "Par purane kapde lane ki koi jarurat nahi hai. Main tumhe shopping le jayungi... waise bhi maine tumhare liye sirf shagun ki paanch sadiya hi layi hai Delhi se... toh thoda shopping yeh wala kar lenge." Naina not knowing what to say nodded. Vishakha asked her to put everything away and then suddenly asked her Son "Sameer, tumne naye wardrobes order kiye hai ke nahi? Beta, Naina ka samaan aise suitcase mein kitne din rakh sakte hai?" It was now Sameer's turn to make some excuse about the carpenter being busy and agreeing to come by in few days.

As Vishakha headed down, Sameer too exited the room with her, trying to give Naina some space. As they walked past the terrace, Vishakha held his hand and drew him to the terrace and said reassuringly "Daro mat main Naina ko achi shopping karwaungi..." He mumbled "Thanks Mummy, bus mujhe woh itne bhadkile rang ache nahi lage..." She smiled with a nostalgic expression "Bilkul apne papa pe gaye ho..." Seeing his expression hardening, she quickly added "Mera matlab hai, Sushil pe gaye ho."

Sameer looked at her completely taken aback. She never spoke of him. She went on softly "Sushil ko bhi bilkul aise rang pasand nahi thay... mujhe kehte thay, tum pe plain pastels hi ache lagte hai. Pata hai, itne saalo baad bhi, mujhse shopping ke waqt wahi kuch geene chune rang liye jaate hai." He asked tentatively "Aap ko ab bhi kabhi unki yaad aati hai?" She smiled tearing up "Of course beta. Aur tumhe dekhti hu toh aur bhi aati hai. Bahoot Sushil jaise ho... bus woh todhe shant swabhav ke thay." She had a faraway look on her face as she went on "Ab tum bade ho gaye ho... shaadi ho gayi hai, toh shayad behtar samjhoge... Beta, maine bhi Sushil ke sath apni zindagi ki shurwat bahoot umeedon aur sapno ke sath hi ki thi, waise hi jaise Naina aayi hai. Bahoot ache thay woh... aur hum dono bahoot khush... phir tum aaye, toh hum dono ki khushi ka theekana hi nahi tha." After a long pause she finished "Aur phir sab khatam ho gaya... bus zindagi se samjhoton ke silsilay shuru ho gaye."

She wiped away the tears that had been flowing steadily now and patting his head said "Bhagwan kare tumhari aur Naina ki zindagi mein kabhi koi khushi adhuri na rahe. Bhagwan tum dono ko bahoot lambi umar de." Hearing Deepika calling her, Vishakha smiled at him once more and headed downstairs.

Sameer sat down on the swing heavily. This was the first time as far as he could remember that they had spoken about his father. He had never known what to make of his parent's marriage. He had grown up seeing her lavishing all her attention on Mr Somani and his family, never knowing what sort of relationship she had shared with his father. Sometimes he had thought that maybe she never loved his father, or maybe his father had never loved her and hence she had so quickly and successfully moved on and found another family for herself. But it seemed, they had loved each other and had been happy together, but had just run out of their time together.

Meanwhile as Naina continued folding and packing away all the clothes, she was still confused by this latest event. She was thinking, Ajeeb insaan hai! Biwi toh chahiye nahi, par woh kya pehenti hai, issme jarur bolna hai! Main saree pehnu, shalwar-kameez pehnu ya koi skirt... isse kya farak padta hai? Shukar hai, Mummyji ne yeh sadiya wapas bheejne ke liye nahi kaha! Ha par yeh toh acha hua... kum se kum woh Taiji wali ajeeb sadiya ab pehenni toh nahi padegi. Preeti bhi sunn ke bahoot khush ho jayegi!

The Maheshwaris and Somanis went to Kamlesh Mamaji's place as per the plan. This time around it being a smaller gathering, Naina managed to actually understand who-is-who, and was pleased to get to know Poonam Bhabhi a little better. Mamaji was a cheerful man and his wife Prabha in the habit of comparing everything to her Bombay. Devang Bhaiya seemed like a friendly chap without a very strong personality. Lunch was again an elaborate affair leaving everyone was too stuffed at the end of it.

During conversation with Mamaji and Poonam, Vishakha discovered that some new market with good shops had opened on the way back some. And so, it was decided that after lunch Farookh Chacha would drive Vishakha, Naina and Deepika to this market, while Sameer would take Nanaji and Bobby home. Deepika was especially excited at the prospect of shopping with her Bhabhi.

The ladies spent a considerable amount of time shopping and of course had some stops for ice-cream and chaat. Vishakha on some level felt like life had given her another chance of trying to bridge the gap that had formed between her and Sameer, maybe her last chance. Her relationship with Naina was a blank slate and she could write a new story from hereon.

Naina on the other hand was feeling completely overwhelmed by the unexpected affection and acceptance that she was getting from her mother-in-law. But she found it a little unsettling too, wondering at times if she was deceiving her. Deepika was another unanticipated joy, the way she was absolutely doting on her! Naina found it very hard to keep perspective and remember that this was most probably only passing.

That night when she found herself alone with Sameer, she felt she should be reporting to him about the shopping spree, after all he had set it into motion. In addition to her two large suitcases, there were an assortment of bags and boxes, stacked against the wall.

It seemed to her like he was preoccupied with something, in fact he had been quieter than usual since they headed to lunch earlier that day. Over dinner he had spoken to Nanaji only about some work-related phone conversation he had with a Mr Parmar that afternoon.

By the time she had exited the bathroom post changing into the same saree as the night before, he was sitting in bed flipping through a sports magazine. She awkwardly cleared her throat and said "Woh Mummyji ne toh bahoot jyada shopping karwa di aaj... maine bahoot manna bhi kiya tha, par woh bilkul bhi sunn nahi rahi thi." He just nodded smiling very slightly. Naina finding his silence rather disconcerting continued in a rushed manner "Char readymade suits liye hai, aur char dress materials. Kal tailor ke pass jaake silwane deke aayenge. Aur ek chappal aur ek sandal bhi liye hai. Maine kaha tha, ke chappal toh abhi kuch din pehele hi nayi li hui hai... par woh kehne lagi ke ab rishtedaron ke yaha bhi bar bar jana hoga... aur aapke sath bhi, toh leni chahiye."

When he still did not say anything, Naina not able to interpret his silence asked "Aap ko bura toh nahi laga na?" He now asked sounding confused "Bura kiss bare mein?" She tried to elaborate "Itna jyada shopping ho gaya... khamokham itna kharcha..." He shook his head and tried to assure her "Aare nahi... bura kyon lagega. Maine hi Mummy se kaha tha. Sorry, par mujhe woh tumhari Taiji wali sadiya bilkul bhi achi nahi lagi... in fact bahoot buri lagi." Then thinking she might have felt offended by his comment, he said "Sorry... mujhe bolna nahi chahiye tha... tumhe bura toh nahi laga na?" She replied controlling her smile to start with "Ha, bahoot bura laga... matlab lagi... woh sadiya." Hearing this they both started chuckling softly. He added "Pata nahi kaise aisa weird design koi bana sakta hai!"

She felt much lighter seeing him laugh. Without thinking she asked "Aap theek hai na? Dophar se aap ka mood kuch theek nahi lag raha tha..." He shrugged "Aisi toh koi baat nahi hai. I am ok." She had been about to ask him if he was feeling unwell or needed any medication, but then suddenly felt like he might not like her asking him too many questions. She nodded and then changed the settings on the alarm clock, remembering she had been ready too early that morning.

They soon murmured goodnight to each other and switched off the table lamps. As he lay in the dark, Sameer's thoughts once again turned to the conversation with his mother earlier that day about his father. He had found it hard to focus on anything else all day. He wondered yet again, about the validity of the assumptions that he had made all these years about his childhood, his parents, his importance in his parent's life and so on. Hearing his mother talk so warmly about his father today had been surprising, but more importantly it had been so reassuring. So, he had been a good man, a loving husband and father. Sameer contemplated how different his life would have been, had he grown up surrounded by two doting parents. Would it have made him a much better person? Maybe then he would have been capable of embracing this marriage and her...

If his restlessness had kept her awake the night before, she found his stillness that night even more unnerving.

Sameer and Nanaji headed to the factory the next day after breakfast, while Bobby headed out to meet some business associates. Naina spent the morning visiting the tailor with her Saas and Nanand. That afternoon Vishakha had invited four of her friends who lived locally for Tea and of course to properly introduce her Bahu to them, especially since one of them had helped with the gift shopping when Naina had visited her Sasural for the first time. The visit was pleasant enough, the conversation mostly focusing on the latest movies and some fashion trends. Of course, there was a smattering of worries and good news related to their respective kids and some complaints of their Saas and sasural in general.

Deepika had been sulking a little since they returned from the tailor, as she had been unsuccessful in convincing her mom to buy her a specific Doll and Kitchen set, that she had seen at her cousin's place the day before.

That evening Sameer returned home post dinner. He had taken his team and the people from the vendor who had installed the new machinery, out for dinner as the vendor side team was heading back to their head office soon. Dinner in the Maheshwari household had been a simple affair as things were on their way of returning to routine.

When Sameer entered his room, Naina was already changed for the night and sitting on her side of the bed. She was reading one of the books that she had borrowed from his collection, but smiled the moment she saw him and asked "Kaisa raha aap ka dinner? Nanaji bata rahe thay, bahoot logon ko project completion celebrate karne leke gaye thay?" He smiled back too "Ha, bahoot acha raha. Socha sab ne sath milke itna acha kaam kiya hai, toh thoda celebration bhi toh banta hai, right?"

Before he headed to the bathroom to change, he removed a big Dairy Milk chocolate bar from his shirt pocket and left it on his bedside table. For a moment, she wondered her heartbeat quickening a little, did he get it for her? The very next moment she mentally told herself off, for such stupid thoughts. It must be for himself... Nanaji had mentioned he ate chocolate if there wasn't any other dessert available. Or maybe it was for Deepika, she loved sweets just like her brother.

As he got in the bed, he picked up the chocolate bar and looked at it for a few moments with a smile on his face. She wondered, why was he smiling at the chocolate? Surely there was something special about it, the way he was looking at it. Before her mind could conjure up any more fanciful ideas, she blurted "Deepika ke liye laya hai aapne? Usse bahoot pasand hai na... aaj subhe bhi Mummyji se bahoot zidd kar rahi thi."

He blushed a little and said "Nahi, actually woh aaj mujhe factory mein mila..." She felt an acute pang of jealousy, something that she had never experienced in her life before, wondering at the person behind this bar of chocolate and the blush that it had brought to his face. She could not find it in herself, to ask him who had gifted it to him.

But she didn't have to, as he went on after a small pause "Actually, it's like a small joke. Munshiji ne diya aaj." She let out the breath that she hadn't even realised she had been holding. He now unwrapped it and broke off a portion and further breaking it into two pieces offering her one elaborated "Jab main chota tha aur kabhi bhi factory jata tha, Munshiji mujhe hamesha sari machinery ke naam poocha karte thay. Aur agar main sare naam sahi batata, toh mujhe a chota Dairy Milk diya karte thay. Aaj kehne lage, ke ab jab naye machinery ka installation hi karwaya hai, toh bada chocolate to banta hai."

Naina could hear the pride in his voice that he was trying to contain. She asked smiling "Bahoot khushi hui hogi na aapko ke aapka pehela project itna acha hua hai? Nanaji aur sab log toh bahoot impressed hai. Aaj Mummyji bhi unki sari friends ko bata rahi thi." He feeling a little self-conscious mumbled "Ha, acha toh laga... par kaam toh sare team ne kiya hai... maine akele toh kuch nahi kiya." She continued "Ha, par phir bhi... aapne project lead kiya. Yeh toh hai hi badi baat! Problems bhi toh aayi hogi na... sab kuch aapne aap toh nahi hua hoga na..."

As they discussed the project some more, he broke off another piece for each of them. He noticed how she held on to her piece for so long taking tiny bites that finally these was always a bit of melted chocolate left on her fingers, that she licked off with a relish. He thought a little intrigued that this seemed a little unlike her... he would have expected her to be very proper and not at all inclined towards any messy behaviour. As he told her about a couple of problems that they had encountered and how he had found some resolution, he saw her eyes reflect the joy he had felt in those moments.

Later as they lay in bed having turned off the lights, she said a small prayer to the Gods, wishing for his success in all his future projects, as these successes seemed to mean a lot to him and made him happy. Laying on the other side of the bed, he dwelt on an unexpected piece of information for a little bit, news that his mother was apparently talking to her friends of his achievements with pride, probably for the first time in his life. 

But what he wondered at length about was, why Naina had looked so pleased to hear about the successful completion of his project. She had looked genuinely happy for him, and maybe even a little proud of him. But why and how could that be, considering how he had refused to accept this marriage? How was it that she did not bear him any ill-will? It would take such an extraordinary goodness of heart, to not hold a grudge against him.