The next morning, Sameer got ready for the day feeling a little unsure as to what awaited him downstairs. When he entered the dining area, Nanaji was sipping on his tea and browsing the newspaper as usual. He muttered the usual Good Morning Nanu, as he took a seat at the table as well.

Ramdhari appeared almost instantly with his coffee and announced that breakfast would be served in just a few minutes. When one sip of the coffee assured him that she had made it, Sameer asked him "Waise, nashtay mein kya bana hai?" Ramdhari replied "Aloo paranthe ke sath raita hai, aur phir mithe main Suzi ka halwa." Just the mention of Aloo parathas was enough for him to realise that he was not in any trouble with his wife. If she had cooked his favourite, then all was well!

Over the next ten to fifteen minutes, Ramdhari made a number of trips from the kitchen with hot Aloo parathas covered with a generous helping of butter. As they were almost finished with the parathas, she arrived from the kitchen with the Suzi ka halwa.

She was back to her usual attire of one of the daily sarees, the parrot green with pink flowers and bright pink blouse, the gold chain around her neck and his Naniji's kangans on her wrists. The new addition from the night before now sparkled on her finger and though Sameer had not quite noticed their temporary disappearance, the big gold jhumkas were back in her ears.

Though Naina wished him a Good morning and asked him how much Halwa would he like, she did not meet his gaze. Her eyes were mostly lowered, or focused on the wall clock, or the plates, or busy inspecting the corners of the room to ensure that the mausi who had been coming for the last couple of days especially to clean the house for Diwali had got rid of all the cobwebs. There was some discussion between Nanaji and Naina about when the Maharaj would be coming to finalise the order for the Diwali Mithai and sukha nashta.

Sameer headed to the college feeling a little confused. He still couldn't decide if the dating phase could be considered as successfully concluded and also what next? Naina was no better off either. He seemed to be making every effort to treat her as a good friend. No, not a good friend... it was more than that, definitely at least as a special friend or maybe even more...

After the pooja that morning, she sat down to read some paath from the Ramayana trying to find some answers to the war waging between her heart and head. As she read parts of Ramayana that day, she dwelt more on the relationships between different couples. Something that struck her was that though all these couples, be it: Ram and Sita, Laxman and Urmila, Bharat and Mandvi, Dashrath and Kausalya, Dashrath and Kaikayi, were husbands and wives who loved each other, the way they loved each other was very different.

She pondered on the couples that she had grown up seeing around her. The dynamics of the relationship between Chachaji and Chachiji, were very different to that between Tauji and Taiji. Maybe some couples stayed in separate room. Should she ask someone? Maybe there was no one way of what a marriage was meant to be.

When she really thought about it, wasn't she getting everything she had wanted? A safe home, a kind and considerate family and the freedom to make many small decisions for herself. He was now very friendly and did everything that a husband would be expected to do, right from financially providing for her to taking her shopping for Aakash Kandils, and all the other fun things like movies and chaat. He had even got her roses! She made a mental note to go check on the state of the Gulkand and give the jar a stir if required.

And yet, there was a feeling of apprehension within her that just wouldn't subside. A tiny voice asked in dread, what if he some day met and came to love someone as ardently as she loved him? What if he decided that he wanted a marriage of love and not one of compromise and just amicable friendship?

She didn't know if she would be able to survive if he walked away, but she believed that she would surely cease to exist if she tried to walk away, while there was the slightest of chance. Feeling helpless she decided once again, that all she could do, was love him as he let her.

That day in college, Preeti and Swati couldn't stop gushing over the ring. Naina kept glancing at it all through the day and reassuring herself that it's presence on her finger counted. Afterall, he could have easily got her just a saree or some earrings, the ring had to mean something, right?

Swati had been to Bombay to meet a couple of prospective grooms for the past few days. The trip had not resulted in any good news. She had rejected one of the guys as he had been far too serious for her taste. He did not watch movies, she lamented. And life without the pleasure of watching movies with her husband was unthinkable! The other boy had rejected her, as he wanted a girl who was career minded since he was considering moving abroad.

As soon as Naina reached home that day, Ramdhari rushed to her "Bhabhi, abhi thodi der pehele phone aaya tha! Woh humare factory ke kissi truck ka accident ho gaya hai." Naina felt dizzy as the words factory, truck and accident brought some horrific images to her mind. She stammered and trembled "Sameer?? Woh... unnhe... kuch hua?" Ramdhari rushed to assure her "Bhaiya bilkul theek hai... aur Nanaji bhi..." She murmured trying to take a few deep breaths "Shukar hai Bhagwan ka... par kissi aur ko laga kya??"

He looked a little lost as said "Bhaiya ne humme itna kuch bataya nahi... bus aap ko batana hai ke unhe aaj sham hi Kalyan ke liye nikalna padega. Unki train saat baaj kar dus minute ki hai. Unhe ghar aate aate shayad che sawa-che baaj jayenge... toh aap unka do-teen din ka bag taiyar rakhe."

Naina checked the time and it was already close to half past five. She now regretted heading to the tailor with Swati to pick up some blouses her mother had given to stitching.

After a quick wash, she headed to light a diya in their mandir. She prayed for the well-being of the whoever had been involved in the accident. After some instructions to Ramdhari to make a batch of paneer paranthas to pack for Sameer's dinner, she headed upstairs.

This time she entered the room too lost in thoughts of what could have happened and why he was required to visit Kalyan, to feel any awkwardness or dwell on any other emotions related to them. She quickly looked around the room, trying to find a bag that would suffice for a trip planned for a couple of days. She had helped Chachiji pack for her Chachaji a number of times and all that learning now kicked in.

She used the chair by his writing desk to climb on and pull down a medium size bag from top of his cupboard. About ten minutes later the bag had been wiped down with a damp cloth and after a good shake was left in the terrace to air out for a bit.

Then returning to his room, she surveyed the contents of his cupboard. It was quite neatly organised, probably by Ramdhari. She pulled out a couple of ironed trousers and formal shirts that could be worn with them. Next, she chose a pair of jeans and three t-shirts and then some track pants and a t-shirt to sleep in. She ran downstairs to grab a thin towel from the extras stored in one of the cupboards in her room and a new Cinthol body soap bar and one of Rin too from the storeroom. She then feeling a little shy pulled out a few pairs of vest and boxers from one self in his cupboard and added them to the newly formed pile of clothes on his bed. She wasn't sure if he used a specific bag for carrying his toiletries while travelling, hence put his Brylcreem, comb, a small container of talcum powder, the toothpaste and toothbrush from his bathroom, into a transparent plastic bag.

Thinking she had got it all mostly covered she headed to the kitchen to check on Ramdhari's progress and then packed a couple of small bags of some Khakhras, Chakli and Shukhadi. Then suddenly recalling something she set about putting together a small packet of essential medicines. As she was almost finished, they heard the car pulling in the driveway and both Naina and Ramdhari rushed outside.

Sameer had travelled back in Nanaji's car and mentioned that someone from the factory would bring his car home later. Ramdhari collected Nanaji's bag, but instead of heading inside stood there expectantly. Nanaji now explained that one of their trucks which had gone to Bombay for a delivery had got in an accident near Kalyan. As per the reports they had received the accident had been caused by the other party and the drivers had incurred only some minor injuries. The delivery being completed, the track heading back to Ahmedabad had been empty. But the truck had toppled over and there had been a fair bit of damage to the vehicle. A lot of formalities would have to be completed in order to file for an insurance claim. Hence Sameer was heading to Kalyan accompanied by Munshiji.

Sameer seeming a little preoccupied, muttered to Nanaji that he would go check on his packing and headed upstairs. Naina called out to him "Aap apna shaving ka samaan dekh lijiye... maine baaki sab nikal ke rakha hai, bus do minute main uppar aati hu."

Few minutes later, when she entered his room armed with a few packages of food, Nanaji was already there sharing some last-minute instructions about their contacts in that area who might be of assistance. Nanaji asked her "Beta, bag nahi bhara isska abhi tak? Usse bees-pachees minute mein nikalna hoga!" She mumbled "Ha, bus saaf karke rakha hai terrace mein... abhi layi Nanaji..." She almost ran to fetch the bag and forty seconds later was back in his room.

She addressed Sameer "Yeh sab cheeze theek hai? Main rakh du bag mein?" He replied casting a glance over the things spread on hi bed "Naina, itne kapde kyun nikale hai? Do din ke liye hi toh jana hai... aur yeh soap aur towel ki kya jarurat hai? Hotel mein yeh sab hota hai!" She replied "Kapdon ke ek-do set extra rahenge sath toh acha hi hoga na... kahi geele ho gaye ya kharab toh... Aur soap... maine socha ke shayad..." Nanaji cut her short "Sameer, bahu ne jo nikala hai rehne do. Jarurat nahi padi toh wapas le aana."

As she started packing, Sameer asked sounding a little annoyed "Aur khane ka itna samaan? Aare kahi jungle mein thodehi jaa raha hu... Bus dinner dedo sath. Baaki woh sab chakli, khakhra aur pata nahi kya kya hai! woh maat dena." She nodded looking a little let down. As he went to the bathroom to fetch something, she slipped a packet of something under his sleeping clothes, and then proceeded with packing the other things. Sameer said to her as he exited the bathroom, "Naina, woh Robert Ludlum ki kitab The Bourne Ultimatum padi hai mere table pe, usse bhi dal do bag mein."

Nanaji asked Sameer to collect some money from him when he came downstairs and left the husband and wife to themselves. She asked him as he flipped through some documents "Aap accident ki jagah bhi jayenge?" He nodded "Jaana toh padega hi... police report check karni padegi aur humare insurance company ka aadmi aayega photos keechne." She nodded and then added "Sambhal ke... woh truck mein chadhna mat! Kahi lag-wag na jaaye..."

He looked confused and responded sounding a little irritated "Truck mein kyun chadhunga?? Koi amusement park mein ka ride thodehi hai... jaanta hu dangerous ho sakta hai!" She nodded and suddenly finding herself on the verge of tears, muttered that she would see him downstairs and left the room.

Fifteen minutes later Sameer climbed down the stairs having changed in some fresh clothes and carrying the bag. Munshiji had already arrived with his bag and was in discussion with Nanaji. Naina handed Sameer a bottle of water for the journey and then some dahi-shakar to both the travellers. He muttered something on the lines of goodbye and take care but did not engage in a proper conversation with her. Soon Farookh Chacha drove him and Munshiji to the station.

She stood in the gate waving at the car, not sure if he was looking out. Nanaji seeing her bright eyes, patted her head "Aare, aa jayega do-teen din mein..." She nodded and then added in a small voice "Unka mood kuch theek nahi lag raha tha... kahi mujhse toh naraaz nahi thay na?" Nanaji smiled "Tumse kyun naraaz hoga bhala?" She tried to explain "Pata nahi... shayad maine unka samaan theek se nahi nikala tha..."

Nanaji shook his head "Aare, nahi beta... aisi koi baat nahi hai. Thoda nervous tha woh. Peheli baar aisa koi kaam karne ja raha hai na, issi liye. Factory ka kaam alag hota hai... ab waha jaake police, vakil, insurance company walon se baat karni padegi. Toh thoda darr gaya hoga."

Hearing this, she looked even more worried now "Par, unhe kaise aayega yeh sab?" Nanaji replied "Darro mat... kar lega manage. Aur akele thodi gaya hai... Munshiji sath hai aur sab jaante hai. Kal waha pahuch ke pata chalega ki kitna kaam hai aur kitna time lagega. Jarurat padi toh main chala jaayunga." Feeling a little calmer after talking to Nanaji she headed inside.

Post a fairly quite dinner, as Naina tidied the kitchen, Ramdhari informed her "Bhabhi, aap ke kamre ki khidki band kar di hai humne." As she seemed a little surprised at his initiative, he explained "Bhaiya humme bol ke gaye hai, ke jab tak woh nahi hai, roz jaane se pehele aapki khidki band kar de."

She felt a wave of relief-cum-affection-cum-gratitude wash over her. He had thought about her, even when he had been experiencing all that anxiety. Earlier she had felt quite upset when he left without really talking to her. She had wanted to hug him even if only for a moment, but instead had to just wave from the gate as he drove away.

That night, Naina tried to make sense of the loneliness that she was experiencing. Her bed which had experienced his warmth just once, for some reason felt uncommonly cold and empty. It wasn't like she was used to falling asleep embracing him, but not having a few new memories of their end-of-day conversation to mull over and hold close to her heart, felt unbearable. The idea of him on a train fast taking him away from her, too unsettling. She recognised that some of these thoughts were irrational, but it's hard to keep the hearts longings logical.

The next morning as she was serving Nanaji his breakfast, the phone rang and Ramdhari handed it to Nanaji informing that Sameer was on the line. Naina eagerly listened to Nanaji's side of the conversation, which was mostly some sounds of acknowledgement and then some instructions to ask Munshiji to call him at the factory post their visit to the police station. Towards the end he asked his grandson "Bahu se baat karni hai?" And then added on hearing Sameer's reply "Theek hai, main bata dunga usse." Ending the call, Nanaji said to her "Theek se pahuch gaye thay raat ko. Lodge pe char baaje ke karib pahuche thay. Abhi police station jaane nikale hai, toh jaldi mein tha. Kaha hai tumse sham mein baat karega."

She nodded and then headed to the kitchen thinking dejectedly, Itni kya jaldi thi... ek minute toh baat kar sakte thay... police station kahi bhaga toh nahi jaa raha hai!

She rushed back from the college well before 4 pm, wondering what time he could have meant when he said that he would call in the evening. Every time the phone rang, she rushed screaming to Ramdhari that she would answer it. When he finally called about half-past seven, she was in the garden near the gate saying bye to some neighbours who had dropped by with the invitation card for their son's wedding.

When Ramdhari hollered from the doorway, she mumbled a quick goodbye promising that they would definitely attend the wedding and ran inside. As she picked up the phone slightly out of breath "Hello..." He immediately said "Kaha thi? Bola toh tha ke sham ko phone karunga..." She replied "Char baje se rah dekh rahi thi... Aap ne koi time bhi toh nahi bataya tha!" He responded "Sham ka bola tha... dopahar nahi..." She suddenly recalling it was a STD call at full rate, muttered "Woh chodiye... aap theek se pahuch gaye? Aur police station ka kaam ho gaya? Woh driver theek hai? Vakil saheb kya keh rahe hai?"

He complained "Naina, kitne sawal ek sath puchti ho! Tumhare last sawal tak toh saamne wala pehela sawal bhool hi jaata hai... Ha theek se pahuch gaye. Police station gaye thay subhe, report ki ek copy li waha se aur phir accident ke location pe gaye thay. Humare vikal saheb ne ek photographer ko bheja tha. Bahoot sare photos liye hai. Insurance company was surveyor dopahaar mein aaya tha. Usse bhi mil liya hai. Truck ka kafi bura haal hua hai... mujhe toh dekh ke laga ke driver ka bachna koi miracle se kum nahi hai!"

She asked "Driver ko bahoot chot aaye hai kya?" He replied "Sham ko Munshiji aur main hospital gaye thay usse dekhne. Ek hath mein fracture hua hai aur tang mein thoda laga hai. Par tang ki injuries gehri nahi hai. Kal subah usse discharge bhi mil jaayega."

She asked hopefully "Toh phir aap ka kaam ho gaya? Aap wapas kab aayenge?" He explained "Aare nahi, kal humare insurance company ke office se unke official summary report milega. Usse apne vakil saheb ke pass Thane le jayenge. Phir dekhte hai woh kya kehte hai. Munshiji keh rahe thay, ke shayad aur ek-do din humme rukna hoga. Mujhe bhi kuch theek se kaha pata hai..."

His wife rushed to assure him "Ha toh, kaise pata hoga?! Kisi ko bhi nahi pata hota yeh sab... aur aapne kaunse pehele aisa koi claim file kiya hai?! Dheere dheere aa jayega. Nanaji bhi yahi kehte hai..." He smiled at the other end, probably for the first time that day. They both believed he would be able to handle the situation. It dissipated some of his doubts and feelings of inadequacy.

He said "Thanks... kal sham ko phone karunga." And then asked softly "Tum theek ho?" She assured him that she was well and then added "Kal nau baaje ke baad phone karna, phir half rate ho jata hai na STD ka..." He mumbled "Theek hai... dekhta hu. Chalo Goodnight."

The next evening, she was in the kitchen about quarter past seven, when she heard Ramdhari call out, "Nanaji, bhaiya ka phone hai." She quickly washed her hands and wiping them on her pallu headed outside. Nanaji seemed to be listening to him gravely and then added "Ha main samajhta hu... theek hai main kal subha ki sade-che ki train se nikalta hu. Aisa karte hai, tum log sade-char baaje vakil saheb ke office pe pahuch jana, main wahi milunga. Koi aur papers toh nahi chahiye na yaha se?" After another minute of listening to Sameer, he said "Theek hai beta. Yeh lo bahu se baat kar lo... yahi khadi hai."

Naina asked sounding worried "Hello... kya hua? Aap theek hai?" He explained that Nanaji was required to complete some formalities as he was the legal owner of the business owning the truck. He then added "Naina, dekho Nanu bhi yaha honge toh do-teen din tum akeli rahogi waha... main soch raha tha tum chaho toh Chachaji ke yaha rehne chali jao." When she expressed some concern that there was a lot to be done at home, he suggested "Acha, toh phir agar ho sake toh Preeti ko bula lo..." She agreed to check with Preeti and her Chachaji, and then ended the call with a few instructions about eating properly.

The rest of the evening was now spent getting Nanaji organised for the trip. He left very early in the next morning. When Naina checked with Chachaji, he assured her that he would drop Preeti off that evening about dinner time and Preeti would stay with her as long as required.

About six that evening, Munna and Pandit arrived. When Naina seemed surprised, Munna informed her "Aare, Sameer ka phone aaya tha kal raat. Usne bataya ke Nanaji bhi Kalyan ja rahe hai, aur kaha ke hum ghar pe chakkar lagate rahe... taaki tum ekdum akela feel na karo." Again, she was touched by his thoughtfulness.

Seeing her looking a little forlorn, Munna tried to entertain her by sharing some news of Pandit's latest crush and together they teased him about his wandering eyes. Pandit was quick to point out that he just hadn't met the right girl, else he wouldn't have been on a perpetual search. After some time, Pandit headed out for a bit to complete some chores and promised to pick Munna on the way back.

Naina headed to the kitchen to make them some tea. As the tea leaves boiled and brewed, she thought about the young man sitting outside. They had grown up in the same school and college, their lives never intersecting all these years. Yet he was here today, easily slipping into the role of an elder brother. She loved her Arjun bhaiya dearly, but there had hardly ever been an easy camaraderie between them. Also, may be the fact that Munna understood her situation and unclear position in Sameer's life, and still genuinely accepted her as his bhabhi, made her feel closer and thankful to him.

As she added the milk and poured the tea, she dwelt on what Sameer had spoken to her once about Munna's affection for Swati. Though she believed what she had said to Sameer about the unlikely success of trying to promote a match between Munna and Swati given the Marwari-Gujrathi issue, she acknowledged to herself that part of that reluctance had also steamed from feelings of envy that she had been experiencing with regards to Swati's charms. She now felt ashamed that she had let her own inability to gain her husband's affections stop her from trying to help Munna. She couldn't control the outcome, but she could have at least made an effort for Munna's sake.

Naina set down the tray of tea and some biscuits and chaklis on the table. As Munna smiling broadly picked a cup, she said a little nervously "Ek baat poochni thi aap se... agar aap ko bura na lage..." Munna seemed surprised "Aare, chaho jo pooch lo!". She replied "Sameer bata rahe thay... aap Swati ko bahoot saalon se pasand karte hai. Toh aaj tak usse kuch bataya kyun nahi?"

He was even more surprised by this question, and after thinking for a few moments answered "Shuru shuru mein socha tha... ke baat aage kaise badha sakta hu. Par kabhi jyada himmat nahi juta paya." He blushed a little "Mujhe waise toh woh school ke dinon se hi pasand thi... Pandit ke bahane, uske ghar ke bahar bahoot chakar lagata tha. Ek do baar, unki society ke koi function mein baat bhi karne ki koshish ki thi. Par ussne kabhi koi interest nahi dikhaya. Phir mera college shuru ho gaya, toh woh jyada dikhti bhi nahi thi."

He put down the tea cup and continued "Actually, ek aur bhi baat hai... Sweety didi ki shaadi ka dekh rahe hai, saal-do-saal se. Main aisa kuch nahi karna chahata tha ke unki shaadi ko lekar koi problem ho. Agar Swati thoda green signal de bhi deti, toh yeh Gujrathi-Marwadi wali baat ko lekar waise bhi ghar mein bahoot problem ho jata..."

Naina feeling a little relieved that her earlier take on the situation had not been completely off the mark, responded "Maine bhi unse yahi kaha tha... par unhe shayad meri baat theek nahi lagi." Munna replied "Aare, uska sochne ka tarika thoda alag hai. Humari tarha gharwalon ya samaj ke baare mein woh itna nahi sochta." As she stayed quiet, he added "Par doston ke liye jaan haazir hai! Uske liye na, dil ke rishtay bahoot important hai."

She smiled fondly thinking how Munna was willing to let go of his own chance at love for his sister, and then said "Swati ke gharwale uske liya rishtay dekhne lage hai... agar aap ek baar try karna chahate hai, toh main usse baat karu?" He shook his head "Abhi nahi... pehele Sweety didi ki shaadi ho jaye. Agar tab tak Swati ka rishta nahi hota, toh phir try karunga."

Munna left soon after, when Pandit honked from outside. Chachaji arrived with Preeti just before dinner time and then left after giving both the girls a number of instructions.

Both the sisters were very excited to spend time together for a while. Naina had cooked Preeti's favourite Pav Bhaji and ordered strawberry ice-cream. They asked Ramdhari to fetch the video cassettes of couple of their all-time favourite movies.

Preeti after watching her sister glancing at the phone and the clock repeatedly, teased her "Jijaji unko jab time milega tabhi phone karenge... tere baar baar phone ko dekhne se kuch nahi hone wala!" Naina tried to brush away "Main toh bus aise hi... unke phone ka intezaar thodehi kar rahi hu."

And yet, she almost ran to the phone when it rang about half past nine. Preeti did not miss the instant twinkle in Naina's eyes when it turned out that the caller was indeed her Jijaji. Naina looking at the clock said "Aaj toh bahoot late ho gaya... Nanaji theek se pahuch gaye?" He replied "Ha, abhi Vakil saheb ke office se nikale hai. Nanu ki train almost ek ghanta late aayi thi. Toh sab kuch delay ho gaya. Waha sab theek hai? Tum kaisi ho?"

She gave him a summary of the day in the Maheshwari household, finishing with the news that Preeti had arrived to stay, till he and Nanaji returned. Sameer informed her that they were planning to file the claim the next day. If everything went well, they would be able to start back by nightfall and be back home the following morning. Both said some reluctant goodbyes.

The next evening, he called explaining that not all the work planned for the day was completed as hoped but they would definitely start the following evening. Naina said goodbye with her eyes glistening.

When Preeti tried to get her to understand that it was just a matter of another day before he would be back, she confided "Baat sirf unke wapas aane ki nahi hai... Pata nahi Preeti ab bahoot takleef hone lagi hai aise rehne mein. Mujhe toh kuch samajh hi nahi aata. Matlab waise toh woh bahoot ache hai... par pata nahi mere baare mein kya sochte hai. Kabhi kabhi lagta hai sab theek hai, aur phir kabhi bahoot darr lagne lagata hai."

Over the next hour or so, Naina spoke and Preeti listened. As much as Preeti tried to assure her that it was quite evident that Sameer's behaviour and feelings had greatly changed over the last couple of months, she drew a blank whenever the question of continued separate bedrooms came up.

That night Naina slept fairly well after a long time, having shared almost all her fears and dilemmas with her dear sister. But Preeti lay awake for a long time next to her, trying to process all this information and make some sense of it. She wondered at the huge mansion, cars and jewellery that Taiji and so many others envied Naina, while all the poor girl craved for was her husband's love and acceptance.

The next day was busy for the girls as there were some presentations due in class. Everyone was in the festive spirits and couldn't wait for the holidays to start from the following week. At some point, Mohan called Naina aside and spoke to her about something to do with their internship program for a bit, post which Naina seemed rather distracted.

After returning from college Preeti joined Naina and Ramdhari in finishing some final cleaning and reorganising. The Maharaj had called to check when he should come by with some samples to finalise the order, Naina informed him that she would be in touch once Nanaji was back. The last batch of diyas was completed and the girls spent some time going through the Rangoli designs book and shortlisting some patterns for various days. Naina had asked Ramdhari to forget about cooking an elaborate dinner for that evening and fixed some Maggie noodles for the two of them.

A call from Sameer confirmed that they were heading back that night and would reach home in the wee hours of the morning. Preeti now teased her sister about the glow on her face hearing about her piyaji's return.

She repeated sang the following song, post which Naina chased her faking some irritation but blushing all the time.

Ghar aaya mera pardesi, Pyaas bujhi meri ankhiyan ki.

Tu mere mann ka moti hai, In nainan ki jyoti hai....

The train was due to reach Ahmedabad about half five in the morning. Naina was up well before five and called the station to confirm the status and arrival time. After a quick bath, she set about boiling the fresh milk and getting things organised for an early breakfast if they arrived hungry.

Sameer stood near the door of the railway carriage, after making a visit to the toilet and splashing some water on his face. It was rather cold outside, the sun still taking his time in putting in an appearance for the day.

As the train sped past some tiny villages, he noticed some tiny bonfires with few men huddled around them. Smoke coming from tiny huts indicated that the women of those homes was already up and working on the meals for their families. A couple of bullock carts were trudging on the dusty roads, farmers probably eager for an early start. The Jawar and Bajara crops swayed in the fields.

The scenes outside were very familiar. He had watched this same terrain for years, every time he travelled to Ahmedabad. As he noticed a lake in the distance, he knew that in about another thirty minutes or so he would reach his destination. He always felt both calm and impatient during this final stretch of the journey, but today his impatience had reached new heights.

This trip had been an eye-opener in so many ways. When Nanaji had asked him to accompany Munshiji, he had been rather taken aback. He had never done anything like this before, forget doing... he had never discussed anything similar with Nanaji before. But, Nanaji had been persistent and assured him that Munshiji would know how to proceed.

While he had felt overwhelmed by the prospect of dealing with all the officials and institutions, he had also felt very disappointed by the fact that he would have to be away from her for the next couple of days. He had been constantly thinking of how to take things forward now and instead had to go away.

Instead of feeling thankful seeing the neatly piled clothes and everything she had kept ready on his bed for the trip, he had felt a little annoyed seeing the spare set of clothes, thinking she was happy to send him away for more than a couple of days. The extra food she had packed had reminded him of the food that his mother or Nanaji always ensured was packed for him to carry with whenever he returned to the boarding school.

He had refused the food and also questioned the need for the soaps. But it had all turned out to be useful after all. The accident had taken place about thirty kilometers outside of Kalyan and Munshiji had decided that it made more sense that they stay in a lodge in that vicinity as they would probably end making multiple trips to the local police station. The lodge was clean and tidy but offered the very basic facilities. There were no soaps or towels, or room service.

Visit to the police station had been a slightly nerve-wracking experience too. His only encounters with the men in khaki had been limited to the traffic Hawaldars during some routine checks for drivers license or that one time he had been flagged down for driving triple seat. As per Munshiji's advise he had mostly just listened in as they presented the necessary documents and collected the police reports.

It seemed the sub-inspector on duty had a problem with authority, as he made it a point to spit the remains of the tobacco he was chewing on in one of the corners, which had a board hanging there with a warning, Yethe thunkynas sakta manayi aahe (No spitting).

Sameer did not miss how Munshiji paid the boy who had fetched tea for them and all the other police station staff, while they waited for the official complaint to be registered by them. The main inspector who arrived almost close to lunch time, joined them for lunch in the small restaurant close-by, and talked a little about their case and mostly about the headaches around providing security for the on-going election rallies. He had ordered a Butter chicken and Chicken biryani for himself followed by Gulab jamum, and after polishing it all off walked away without any reference to the bill.

As the inspector left, Munshiji had muttered "Matlab Nathu phone pe sahi keh raha tha... galti dusre party ki hi thi." As Sameer looked at him in surprise, he explained "Aare Sameer baba, agar humre driver ki galti hoti toh yeah inspector abhi sirf fokat mein chicken daba kar na chala jaata... sath sath do char envelopes ki mang bhi karta." Sameer had stored away these and many other words of experience from Munshiji for his future reference.

Then it turned out that Nanaji was required to come down for the final process. Nanu's arrival had taken away a lot of his mental stress, but Nanu had looked so tired by the end of the two days.

Through all this, the few minutes every day of talking to her had been a source of constant joy and relief to him. That and the Shukhadi he had discovered, which she had sneaked into his bag wrapped in his night clothes. He smiled at the memory of how every night he had relished a piece as he wished he was with her and that he hadn't said no to the chaklis!

The distance had reinforced his need for closeness with her. He had missed everything about her; the morning coffee, the tinkling of her bangles, her instructions issued to Ramdhari sometimes in a high pitch voice, her smile, her eyes that quickly widened in surprise.

But most of all he had missed their conversations in her room at the end of the day. He couldn't wait to resume them. But not quite like they were now, he wanted to talk to her for hours without any regard to the position of the hands of the clock, and more importantly without leaving her for the night. Of course, he wasn't thinking about just talking with her, he blushed.

He would talk to her soon, tell her how he felt, and then hope and pray that she felt at least a fraction of the love he felt for her.

As the familiar railway gate passed by, he fetched his and Nanu's bags and informed Nanu that they would be arriving in Ahmedabad in another five minutes or so. Munshiji had decided to stay back for another day and visit his daughter who was married and settled in Bombay.

The rickshaw stopped in front of the gate and even before he had finished paying the fare, the gate swung open. Ramdhari rushed forward to pick the luggage, closely followed by her.

Their eyes met and time seemed to stand still. She eyes lingered over every feature on his face, taking in the slight dark circles around his eyes, his wind-swept hair and the day-old stubble accentuating his already strong jaw. His hungrily ran over her big bright eyes, the loosely and hastily tied hair, her sweet welcoming smile and the rest of her.

She fidgeted with her pallu, as she addressed him "Chalo acha hai train bilkul time pe aa gayi... maine do baar station phone karke check bhi kiya tha..." She then quickly approached Nanaji who was just a few paces behind and said "Nanaji, safar theek raha aap ka? Aap bahoot thak gaye honge na..." Nanaji replied "Ha beta, safar toh theek tha... par thak gaya hu. Ab yeh do-teen din ke liye travel karna, aasan nahi raha."

As they entered the house, she asked them if they would like to have their tea/coffee and some light breakfast or if they would prefer to rest for some time. Nanaji decided he would like a cup of tea in his room and then lay down for a bit.

Taking a deep breath and trying to sound rather matter-of-fact, Sameer said to her "Naina, main jaake zara fresh ho jaata hu...tum meri coffee bhi uppar hi le aana."