They stood lost in each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity, the heat emitting from them mingled with the longing searing both. Must have been just a few minutes though, cause though the peanuts in the kadhai did acquire a colour that pronounced them unfit to be used in the chivda, they weren't completely burnt.

Sameer sounded a little hoarse "Maine kaha tha na... jal jayenge." She blushed even deeper. He watched on in fascination, starting to comprehend what the word Laaj means.

She tried to carry on with the Mission Chivda, with a renewed vigour. But with all the little mistakes that she kept making, under his burning gaze, it took much longer than expected. Once the chivda was ready, she immediately offered him some in a katori. He muttered "Coffee bhi bana do please..." She happily obliged "Ab bahar baithiye... main abhi le aati hu." He almost pouted "Bahar kyun baithu? Naina... main cricket chode ke, akela lounge mein baithne thode hi aaya hu..."

Naina felt a kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttering in her tummy. Now that the much-awaited moments were here, along with the joy, her nerves were making their presence felt very strongly too. She felt like she needed a few moments on her own to let the feelings sink in. She said softly "Aap change kar lijiye... main bhi zara fresh ho aati hu... subhe se rasoi mein hi hu."

He reluctantly headed upstairs to change out of his whites. As he changed, he was thinking of the time just spent in the kitchen. Her teary smile had pulled at his heart, though he had tried to keep the moment light and continued teasing her. But the way she had willingly leaned into him, he had sensed an acceptance from her in that gesture, and that had calmed down his fears.

He had been angry to start with but had started cooling down especially after hearing her on the phone with Preeti. The tel maalish and balm had been enough, to massage his ego and soothe his hurt.

But when she reminded him of those stupid words that he had said to her a long time back, he had wondered in disbelief if she had not sensed any of his love? All this time that he had been trying to give her the courtship experience, had she not felt anything changing between them? Had none of it melted her heart? But today as she almost collapsed against his chest, his heart grew strong again.

She heading to the bathroom, first splashed some water on her face and then smiled at herself in the mirror. Could this be the start of a fresh start?

Then heading to her room, she tidied her hair and applied some Ponds Dreamflower talcum powder from the new pretty purple container. She loved this fragrance. It lent something to extra feminine to her person. She looked down at the orange-purple saree and contemplated changing into something else, but then felt that might seem like going a bit overboard, after all they were just having a cup of coffee in the lounge. And then just for a moment, she wondered why was she getting so excited? Just because he was no longer infuriated with her, that did not mean something monumental was about to change in their lives. Or could it?

As Naina brought the coffee out, she looked nervously at the empty sofas and chairs, before settling down on the one that he was already occupying. He first complimented her on the chivda. And then both went silent for a bit, suddenly feeling an awkwardness, that they thought they had long left behind.

She not able to come up with anything sensible, asked him how many extra players had showed up that day and he thought, Kitne extra players aaye thay yeh jaan kar yeh kya karegi? Kuch bhi poochti hai yaar! Yet he talked about the players, the opposition team and also their team's standing in the league at the moment. She nodded and smiled, thinking all the time, Cricket chod ke kuch aur baat nahi kar sakte yeh?!

He turned the TV on and switched on some channel playing some songs. Both smiled at each other every now and then, till he gathering a lot of courage reached out to hold her hand. When she almost jumped nervously, he drew her ring finger closer to him and asked "Ring pasand aayi na tumhe?" She replied smiling "Bahoot achi hai! Preeti aur Swati ko bhi bahoot achi lagi. Swati keh rahi thi woh bhi apni sagai mein kuch aisa hi design banwayegi." He faking a smile asked "Aur tumahre baaki sare doston aur rishtedaron ko kaisi lagi?" She replied sounding confused "Aur toh maine kisiko dikahyi nahi..." He thought Chalo sukhar hai Bhagwan ka, matlab aur sau logon ke reviews nahi sunne padenge!

Still playing with her fingers he asked "Nail paint nahi lagati tum? Matlab maine jyada dekha nahi hai tumhe lagate... tumhari ungliya itni nazuk si hai, toh acha lagega, nahi?" She replied blushing "Woh, rasoi ke kaam karne pe jaldi nikal jata hai... aur phir adha-adhura acha nahi lagta... issiliye." She looking at him for a bit asked "Aap ne baal katwaye na kal? Main soch hi rahi thi jab aap Kalyan se aaye, ke kuch jyada hi badh gaye hai..." He responded "Ha. Tumhe chote ache lagte hai kya? Mujhe actually thode baade rakhne hi aadat hai..." She quickly assured him "Nahi nahi... aapke jaise hamesha hote hai, waise hi ache lagte hai. Aap ko suit karte hai. Ekdum Salman Khan type!"

He smirked "Aur woh toh tumhara favourite hai, right?" She not recalling ever mentioning that to him, asked surprised "Aap ko kaise pata?!" He smiled mischievously "Mere ek jasoos ne bataya tha." She countered cheekily "Agar mere baare mein kuch pata karna hi tha, toh bus seedhe seedhe pooch lete... jasoos ki kya jarurat thi?" He chuckled at her reply feeling a little impressed by this attitude and replied "Hello... maine koi jasoos choda nahi tha... woh toh self-appointed tha! Aur fee mein chocolate liya tha mujhse..."

He then went on to tell her how Deepika of her own accord had gathered all this intel when she came visiting Naina's home and then shared with him. Naina smiled "Bahoot sweet hai!" He asked in a teasing tone "Kaun? Main??" She shook her head and said "Aap toh ekdum teekhe hai!" He remarked sounding a little smug "Ha hu. Par tumhe toh waise bhi jyada teekha hi pasand hai, right?" She flushed yet again.

All through this conversation, he held on to her hand. When Naina feeling rather shy tried to pull it away, he entwined his fingers with hers and tightened his hold. Though they talked about the mundane topics for the next hour or so, both were more focused on the hand hold and the feelings of completeness that it evoked.

Naina debated with herself whether to broach the topic of her withholding the information regarding her marital status at work. She wondered if it might be better left alone rather than risking the return of his anger, but she didn't want it to fester.

She started softly "Sameer... woh... mujhe aap se kuch kehna hai... par pehele aap promise kijiye ke aap puri baat sunenge aur naraaz nahi ho jayenge..." He nodded "Bolo..."

She recounted how she had applied for the apprenticeship the day he had told her in college that he did not accept their relationship and had asked her to call off the Bidai. He shifted uncomfortably finding himself at a complete loss of words, as she spoke of that day. She then went on to tell him about Mr Joshi's conversation she had overheard on her first day there and the impression he seemed to have already created about her just based on seeing her arriving in the car.

Sameer interrupted her "Isiliye bus mein jaane ki zid kar rahi thi tum?" She nodded "Ha, mujhe darr lag raha tha ke agar woh mujhe seriously hi nahi lenge toh? Kuch seekhne ko nahi milta, toh pata nahi koi dusri achi opportunity milte ya nahi..." After a small pause when he stayed silent, she continued "Isiliye maine shaadi ke baare mein bhi unhe khud hoke kuch nahi bataya."

He asked "Par tumhe nahi lagta ke tumhe yeh internship ka chance, unka working women ke baare mein ka opinion change karne ke liye use karna chahiye thay? You could have just proved them wrong, shown them that a woman could be just as dedicated, irrespective of her martial or financial status, right?" She admitted "Ha, shayad. Par maine uss waqt sirf khud ke baare mein socha tha. Koi samaaj sudhar ke concept ko leke nahi..."

He asked thinking "Ab bhi job karne ka soch rahi ho?" She faltered a little wondering what his real question was but answered truthfully "Mujhe kaam karna acha lag raha hai... itne saal itni padhayi ki hai... main sara knowledge waste nahi karna chahati." He wanted to ask why she wasn't considering joining their business as Nanu had always suggested, but it didn't feel like the right time.

They both pulled back, as they heard Nanaji's footfalls approaching the lounge. Nanaji was very pleased to see them both sitting together chatting, chalo lagta hai gaadi phir patri pe aa hi gayi! Sameer explained that he had not participated in the game and hence was home early, and then enquired "Nanu, aap aaj jaldi nahi uth gaye?" Nanu replied "Ha beta, pata nahi aaj neend hi nahi aayi theek se. Baar baar aankh khul rahi thi."

Naina headed to the kitchen and brought back a cup of tea for Nanaji. She mentioned to Nanaji that the Maharaj had called earlier to explain that part of their order is ready, but the Motichoor ladoos were still pending and hence he would bring it all the next morning. Diwali was starting the next day and as they discussed the preparations, she happily exclaimed "Mujhe toh aaj hi bahoot diye lagane ka mann ho raha hai!" Seeing her back to her chirpy self, Nanu smiled at her indulgently "Aare toh lagao na... ek din pehele se diye nahi laga sakte, aisa toh koi rule nahi hai! Sameer ki Nani hamesha kehti thi... jab bache ghar mein ho aur khush ho, bus tabhi humari Diwali ya Dashehra hota hai!"

The phone rang and Sameer answered. After exchanging pleasantries for a couple of minutes, he handed it to Nanaji saying "Naina ke Tauji hai, aap se baat karni hai." Nanaji chatted for a few minutes now and then ending the call informed them "Tum dono ki peheli Diwali hai, toh Jagdeeshji ne humme kal shaam ko khane pe bulaya hai." After a minute of thinking, he went on "Dekho tum dono aaj sham ko jaake Naina ke saare gharwalon ke liye shopping kar aana. Aur Naina, kal Maharaj jo le aaye, thoda sath bandh lena."

Sameer addressed his wife "Naina, shopping karne na bazaar nahi jaayenge... woh naya mall khula hai na waha achi badi showrooms hai, wahi jayenge. Waha AC bhi hai! Nanu, theek rahega na?" Nanu nodded in agreement "Tumhara jaha mann ho chale jao... bus sab ke liye dhang ke kapde kharid lena." An hour later the newly reconciled couple happily headed out for their first gift shopping adventure.

On reaching the shop though Sameer's enthusiasm soon started dwindling, seeing how long she contemplated on the saree designs and colours and deliberated if they would be getting the value for their money. Thirty minutes later, he announced "Naina, mujhe lagta hai, kyun ki yeh meri tarraf se tumhare maike walon ke liye pehla gift hai, choice bhi meri hi honi chahiye! Right?" Naina had to nod along, when he put it like that. After that things moved really quick. Another thirty-fve minutes later they had brought clothes for all the Agarwals.

Sameer, then turned to the salesman and said "Ab kuch everyday wear ki sarees dikhayiye." She seemed surprised "Everyday wear kyun? Bus yeh ek-ek function wear wali theek hai Taiji aur Chachiji ke liye!" He mimicked the Bajaj bulbs advert "Puray ghar ke badal dalunga!" As she appeared clueless, he explained "Aare mera matlab hai, tumhari sari ghar wali sarees replace karenge. Bahoot din jhel li maine!"

For the next hour he made her drape sarees in an array of colours and prints. Naina blushed and fumbled and objected every now and then... but it did not change his resolve. Finally, he decided on five, two of which would go with her red blouse that he particularly liked, one that exposed the beauty spot on her back. The shopkeeper remarked "Sir, ek baat kahu? Ghar ki saadiyon ke selection mein humne kissi pati ko itna involve hote dekha nahi hai pehele!" Sameer looked at him strangely and asked "Par jayada der toh biwi ghar ke kapdon mein hi dikhti hai, nahi?" The shopkeeper nodded thinking this was line of marketing worth pursuing when women came looking for daily wear sarees.

Naina then said "Sameer, Nanaji ke liye bhi koi kurta lele?" He smiled in agreement. As they looked at Kurtas for Nanu in more sober colours and designs, her eyes were drawn to one in deep purple that was being shown to another customer. She murmured to him "Woh baingani colour wala bhi acha hai na?" He chuckled "Pagal ho gayi ho?! Nanu aisa colour nahi pehnenge... Yeh dekho, yeh grey wala acha hai, nahi? Mujhe nahi lagta Nanu ke pass ke colour hai."

Once all the shopping was dumped in the car, Sameer proposed that they get something to eat as he was starving. Heading to a small restaurant nearby, they enjoyed some steaming Pav Bahaji with extra butter and Milk shakes. Since she ordered Chocolate and he Strawberry, repeated sampling of the other person's milk shake was a must! He murmured to her "Tum har baar peeti ho, toh mera milk shake thoda aur meetha ho jata hai." And then seeing her blush he thought, Hayee... uppar se yeh meetha meetha sharmana... kahi mujhe jaldi hi diabetes na ho jaye...

Nanaji was very pleased to see all the shopping for the Agarwals. When Naina headed to the kitchen, he asked Sameer "Naina ke liye koi Diwali gift liya hai tumne?" When his grandson shared what he had planned, Nanu seemed a little perplexed and said "Beta, tumhara idea waise toh acha hai... par mera khayal hai tumhe kuch aur bhi lana chahiye... kuch aisa jo dekh ke uske ghar wale bhi khush ho. Yeh tumhara gift kisiko samajh nahi aayega!" Sameer was lost in thought for a bit.

That night as he closed the window, he contemplating on something asked her "Kal sham mein kya pehnogi?" She replied matter of fact, "Socha nahi hai... par waha sirf ghar ke log hi honge... toh bus koi bhi achi saree..." He shook his head "Nahi... bus koi bhi nahi... kuch khas peheno! Chalo mujhe dikhayo... hum select karte hai." She was fairly surprised but indulged him and started bringing out sarees that she thought fit for the occasion, but he was not easily pleased . After a lot of deliberation, he chose one in dark deep maroon with a heavy zari border. She objected "Sameer, yeh toh bahoot heavy lag rahi hai... kisiki shaadi mein thode hi jaa rahe hai!" But his mind was made and so she gave in.

As she put all the sarees away, she kept sneaking glances at him sitting on her bed flipping through some magazine. It was such a welcome sight, especially after this almost week long separation. She suddenly uttered "Maine yeh bahoot miss kiya." He raised his eyebrows "Yeh? Matlab??" She now feeling shy muttered "Yeh... matlab... aap ka khidki band karna..."

His heart leapt on hearing these words, but he pretended to not understand "Kyun? Ramdhari bhool jata tha kya? Ya usse theek se khidki band karna nahi aati?" Naina now wishing she hadn't said anything at all, fidgeted "Nahi... laga deta tha... mera matlab hai... maine..." He stood up and going closer, took her hands in his own, then looking at her intently he murmured "Maine bhi tumhe bahoot miss kiya." She not meeting his eye asked in an almost wishper "Suchi??" He tucked a strand of her hair behind the ear and replied huskily "Suchi moochi... bahoot jyada."

Then gulping nervously, he asked the question that had been weighing heavily on his mind "Naina, tumhe nahi lagta inn kuch mahinon mein... matlab jabse tum yaha aayi ho... humhare beech bahoot kuch change ho gaya hai?" She not hundred percent sure exactly what he meant, asked "Matlab?" He bit his lip a little anxiously and tried to explain "Matlab... hum ek dusre ko bahoot better samajhe lage hai... jaanne lage hai... ache dost ban gaye hai!" The moment he uttered the word dost, he mentally cursed himself, Biwi ko propose karne ka kya solid tarika hai! Dost... seriously??! And she looked up in confusion thinking, Abhi bhi sirf dost??

He tried to set things right "Mera matlab hai... doston ki tarah ek dusri ki company enjoy karte hai, right?" Wait, that didn't come right either. He tried again "Par dost nahi hai... matlab sirf dost nahi hai... dosti bhi important hai... par hum usse kuch jyada hai, right?" She nodded but thought, Kuch jyada? Pati-Patni toh usse bahoot jyada hote hai!

Thinking this conversation was not going the way he had hoped it would, he decided to follow his original plan. At least, she had admitted that their relationship had changed, and they now knew each other much better, so that was a good sign, right?

He bid her a goodnight thinking, Bus! Ab jaldi... For quite some time, she lay in bed dissecting their conversations from the day, trying to decrypt the meaning of his every word and gesture. She fell asleep that night with a big smile on her lips, remembering their entwined fingers from the afternoon. While he fell asleep with visions of a lot more of them entwined together.

The next morning when Sameer woke-up about half past seven, the first thing that registered was the aroma of his favourite ladoos... he rushed downstairs in his sleepwear without following his usual routine. On following the appetizing smell to the kitchen, he found his wife in her parrot green and pink saree, stirring the besan in a large kadhai. He asked in surprise "Naina, kya hua Maharaj ne ladoo ka order cancel kar diya kya?" She smiled and said in a teasing tone "Aap ko bhi Good morning!" He smiled sheepishly and murmured a Good morning. She continued "Maine Nanaji se poocha tha... ke agar unhe theek lage toh main thode ladoo ghar ke liye bana lu... Diwali pe ghar mein yeh khusboo achi lagti hai, nahi?" His eyes sparkled "Mere favourite hain!" She smiled "Pata hai mujhe. Naniji jitne ache toh mujhse nahi banenge... par bhagwan kare theek thak hi ban jaye!"

He suddenly asked "Tumne yeh saree kyun pehni hai?! Kal layi toh hai nayi wali..." She laughed "Kal hi toh layi hai... abhi fall-peeko bhi toh karwana hai... aise hi thodehi nayi saree pehen sakti hu!" As he pondered on this, he thought there might be a business opportunity for ready-made sarees in the market.

But, turned his attention to the ladoos and asked "Aur kitna time lagega ladoo banne mein?" She looked bemusedly at his impatience and explained "Abhi kum se kum, do aur ghante toh lagenge." He looked at the flame and asked "Aare, itni dheemi aach pe kyun paka rahi ho? Thoda heat badha dogi... toh jaldi ho jayenge, right?" She smiling slightly replied "Kuch cheeze agar theek se pakani hai... agar hum chahate hai ke swaad ekdum perfect aaye toh unhe dheemi aach pe lamba pakana padta hai... jaldi karenge toh pak toh jayega, par utna tasty nahi banega." As he nodded, it suddenly hit him just how perfectly this analogy fit their relationship. He reached out and tucked few hairs behind her ear, not that they needed to be tucked! She gripped the kadhai handle a little tighter and acquired a rosy colour along with the besan.

Just then Ramdhari entered and exclaimed "Sameer bhaiya, aap itne subhe ktchen mein?!" And then added cheekily "Bhabhi ki maddat karne aaye ha kya?" Sameer just cast an irritated look at him and said "Ab tu kar de maddat... takki mujhe meri coffee mile!" Naina handing the stirrer to Ramdhari issued a couple of directives and asked Sameer to freshen up while she got the coffee and breakfast organised.

Once breakfast was completed, Sameer whispered something to Naina and she enthusiastically nodded. He soon arrived with a plastic bag and handing it to Nanaji said "Nanu, yeh aap ke liye kal liya tha. Humhari taraf se Diwali gift..." Nanaji pulled out the grey silk kurta and appreciated it with slightly misty eyes. As Naina bent forward to touch his feet, Sameer joined her too. Nanu's eyes further teared up seeing his Ram-milayi-jodi finally falling in synch with each other.

Sameer then rushed outside the lounge murmuring "Main abhi aaya..." He was soon back with a gift-wrapped box and other bulging plastic bag. He handed the box to Naina saying "Yeh tumhare liye hai!" She looking surprised started opening the wrapping, trying to find the place where it was taped in order to leave the wrapping paper as intact as possible, probably already planning to store it under the mattress to be recycled. He complained "Yaar, kitna dheere khol rahi ho..." Nanaji watched the proceeding amused. She mumbling "Bus ho gaya..." pulled the final piece of tape and opened the gift.

It was a big tin box of assorted luxury biscuits. She looked at it in confusion for a couple of moments, but that soon turned to glee as comprehension dawned. Eyes sparkling with joy and mirth, she squealed "Mera biscuit box! Aap ko yaad raha... Thank you so much!!!" He feeling both happy and relieved by her reaction, handed her the other bag saying "Iss mein aur bahoot sare cream biscuits hai. Aur yeh khatam ho jayenge toh hum aur le aayenge!" As she blushed and beamed, Nanaji looked in the direction of Naniji photo thinking, Such mooch tumhare jaisi hi hai... ekdum saaf dil ki... aur cheezo se jyada logon aur rishton ko ahmeeyat dene wali...

It was Naina's turn now to announce excitedly "Aap log rukiye... bus ek minute!" She soon appeared with a package wrapped in some saffron-yellow gelatine paper and handed to Sameer sounding a little shy "Yeh, aapke liye liya tha kal..." His brows raised, he started ripping the gelatine paper "Kal kab?? Mujhe toh nahi samjha..." As a dark purple kurta was revealed, he chuckled in understanding "O... toh tum yeh mere liye dekh rahi thi!" She asked a little nervously "Aap ko acha laga?? Nahi toh hum colour change karwa sakte hai..." He beamed "Acha nahi.... Bahoot acha laga!" She now sounded excited "Suchi?!" His eyes shone "Aaj sham ko yahi pehnunga. Pakka!"

The Maheshwari men headed to the factory soon, while Naina went back to finish adding sugar, nuts and cardamom to the besan and rolling the ladoos. The Maharaj delivered the sukha nashta and meethai order a little later in the day, which Naina and Ramdhari tasted and then stored away. Naina drew a simple Rangoli with dots and filled in the colours during the afternoon. She then slipped out for a bit after teatime. Ramdhari looked at her in surprise for a few moments when she got back, but then beamed his approval.

When Nanaji and Sameer arrived back from the factory about half past five, Ramdhari served them tea and informed them that Bhabhi had just headed to her room to get ready. Sameer now knew better and assumed that she would take at least an hour.

While in her room, Naina caressed the biscuit box lightly. It felt like a treasure box, filled with the precious promise of a lifetime of togetherness. He had said Aur yeh khatam ho jayenge toh hum aur le aayenge! The first day of Diwali had already lit a very bright diya of hope and joy in her heart.

He was pleasantly surprised when she emerged from the room about half an hour later, decked for the evening in the saree he had chosen the previous night.

She looked so breath-taking that he almost forgot to breath for a few moments. He asked a little huskily "Tumne toh kaha tha ke tumhe aisa juda ghar pe banate nahi aata??" She replied appearing flushed "Woh... maine... subhe parlour phone karke appointment liya tha..." When he just gaped at her wordlessly, she nervously went on "Parlour wali ne kaha ke thoda make-up bhi kar lu.. theek lag raha hai na? Matlab bahoot ajeeb sa toh nahi lag raha hai? Maine kaha tha usse ekdum light rakhna..."

Sameer moved a little closer to her and then walked around her, his heart galloping, taking in the views from every direction. Her slender figure, her hair set in a bun decorated with one small ornament set with pearls, her already beautiful eyes even more perfectly outlined, the traditional gold necklace made with little coins with images of the goddess Laxmi on them. His eyes did not miss the maroon nail paint she had applied, reminding him of their conversation from the previous day. Few lyrics of the song Mere rang mein rangne wali, pari ho ya ho pariyon ki rani... flashed through his mind.

He found her so irresistible in that moment, that he said in a shaky voice "Ajeeb nahi... bahoot khubsoorat lag rahi ho... Naina, yeh dinner pe jana cancel nahi ho sakta kya?" She was confounded "Cancel kyun? Aur cancel kar ke kya karenge? Itna taiyar bhi hui hu..." He coloured thinking of many things that he could do and wanted to. His eyes drifted to the part of her waist and belly exposed on one side, the dark maroon of the saree contracting vividly against the soft creamy expanse of her skin. His fingers itched to pull the pleats away.

She unaware of the direction of his thoughts, looked at the wall clock and muttered "Sameer, humme nikalna hoga bus thodi der mein. Chachiji ne bahoot taiyari ki hogi... aapne toh abhi change bhi nahi kiya... Main na tab tak, Ramdhari se sare gifts car mein rakhwa leti hu." The mention of the gifts and all the shopping done the day before, brought him back to reality. Before he dragged himself away, he leaned closer to her and gripping her one arm gently but firmly said "Naina, aaj wapas aane ke baad mujhe tumse bahoot sari baate karni hai... aur ek bahoot khaas baat bhi." She nodded, a smile tinged with anticipation playing on her lips.

(Abhi toh Shaam aur Diwali, dono sirf shuru hue hai! 😉)