Inside the cabin, Naina was feeling a bit distracted from her work. Her mind was going back to Sameer again and again after last night. He had consoled her by saying that she was strong enough to deal with her problems but what about him? After watching him on the balcony, she was sure he was still struggling inside. But suppressing it under the smoke of the cigarette won't be doing any good. She needed to take a step. She just couldn't sit and watch him destroy himself. Maybe she could take help from Pandit after all he knew better about him.

Her reverie broke when she saw Smriti entering inside her cabin, smiling to herself. She walked and sat on one of the chairs opposite Naina, still smiling. Naina sensed something weird and called her name bringing her back from whatever dreamland she was in, "Kahan khoyi hui ho?"

The smile turned into a full-fledged grin as she said, "Oh god Nainaaaa...main kya bataun...lagta hai Waahe Guruji ne meri sunli...Haayeee...itna handsome tha na woh..." She sighed in contentment.
Seeing her friend in this state, she asked, "Koun?"

"Arey aaj main kisi se takra gayi thi. Woh dusri taraf se aa rha tha. Hum mein se kisi ne nahi dekha aur jaisa movies mein hota hai na, by god, bilkul waisa scene bann gaya. Uska mujhe girne se bachana, ankhon se ankhon ka milna, ek dusre mein kho jana. Mujhe toh samajh hi ni aya sapna hai ya haqiqat. Mere sapno ka rajkumar..." She clapped her hand shut sighing dreamily, her eyes twinkling.

Naina chuckled slightly. The way Smriti described the whole scene swiveled her mind back to when she had shared a similar moment with Sameer in the conference room that day. It was the first time they had been so close in proximity. The sensations she had felt then returned back, only this time they were stronger than before, as if she was reliving that moment. Her back pressed against his muscular front, the sudden rise in temperature of the air engulfing them, his warm calloused fingers gripping her arms firmly, his face close to hers. Her insides tingled as she found herself reminiscing more such moments. Smriti's waving hand in front of her eyes brought her out of daze, "Lagta hai Mrs. Maheshwari Mr. Maheshwari ke khayalo mein kho gayi, hai na? Yaar tum dono kitne sahi ho..." She hauled the last word while Naina's face flushed.

"Waise tumhe lucky feel hota hoga na. Tum Mrs Naina Sameer Maheshwari ho, the Maheshwaris ke iklaute waaris ki wife. Naam mein hi itni jaan hai. Batao na, kaisa lagta hai tumko?" She asked in a chirpy voice visibly looking excited. Naina didn't how to answer as she had never really thought about it. She had never been accustomed to so much attention and authority, "Nahi aise alag se kuch special nahi lagta. Main yahan par ek Financial Accountant banke aayi thi. Sirf surname change hone par meri post change nahi hogi. Main ab bhi wahi hun." She said calmly.

Smriti was impressed, "Tumhare thoughts kitne ache hain yaar. Itni samajhdar ho tum. I guess mujhe alag se jaanne ki zarurat nahi hai ki Sameer sir kyu tumhe pasand karte hain. Aur ek main...pata nahi mujhe kaisa milega. Aaj pehli baar kisi ladke ke liye strong sa feel ho raha hai. Agar woh firse kisi tarah mil jaaye na, I am not going to leave that chance. Kiss kar dena hai maine usse wahin pe aur fir-"

"Bas bas bas...aage ka agar tum mann mein socho toh better nahi hai?" Naina said in amusement.

Smriti smirked again, "Kyunnn? Fir se yaad aa gayi kya apne "unn" ki? Comeon yaar...don't pretend like you haven't done it." She raised her eyebrows before continuing, "Main toh yahi sochti hun, jab tum lunch karne jaati ho unke cabin mein, tab lunch hi hota hai yaaaaa kuch aur..." Wiggling her eyebrows, she said passing a wink towards Naina who was now feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed thinking how Smriti could talk about it so openly. Smriti had always been a bold and straightforward person. She had never been the one to shy away from talking about kisses and other stuff, but for Naina, they were a whole lot of deal, and that too when she was being linked with Sameer. They hadn't even held hands properly. The ones in the past had been out of formality to put a show to others.

About the lunch part, it had become a part of their routines to have lunch together in his cabin. Sameer would always send a call for her through the peon during lunchtime. Initially, time would pass in silence, but now they were growing attuned to it. The conversation wasn't limited to a few words but had progressed to sentences. At times, even if Sameer would be busy, he would always send the lunch box to her cabin, making sure that she had eaten but never said it in open.

******

Later that evening, the three of them had returned back from the office extremely tired. Sameer and Pandit went to the former's room to freshen up while Naina too entered her room to change into comfortable clothes.

Now, the main concern was what to be cooked for the dinner and how. She opened the fridge and leaned to look for anything which could be made handily. Sameer descended the stairs rotating his arms in a sleeveless t-shirt that was accentuating his solid muscles. The whole day's tiredness was taking a toll on him. His gaze fell on her.

Wending his way towards the kitchen, he offered to help her even though he was extremely tired. He understood that she won't be able to manage alone. Naina couldn't be more thankful for being so tolerant.

When Pandit came down, he found his brother and his Bhabhi cooking together which nearly had his eyes pop out. The sight made his heart fill with elation. Taking out his mobile phone, he didn't miss the chance to capture the endearing moment without their knowledge.

Keeping his phone back, he sat at the dinner table rubbing his hands in excitement, "Kya baat hai...aaj toh saath mein khaana banaya jaa raha hai...kuchh acha hi bann raha hoga..."

Sameer who was pouring the curry in bowl murmured towards Naina who was keeping the Chapattis in the casserole, "Abhi dekhna kaise saari excitement niklegi iski jab dekhega kya bana hai." Naina chuckled slightly making himself smile. True to his words when Pandit opened the lid, the expression on his face was that of pure hatred. It was Aloo Matar and he loathed green peas.

He turned towards Sameer and Naina who were trying to control their giggles but eventually broke into a fit of laughter. Pandit smacked Sameer's shoulder, "Saale...ek toh itne din baad aya hun, yahi mila tha mujhe khilane ke liye..." He twisted his face away feigning resentment but Naina took it seriously. She immediately chipped in, "Aap please naraz mat hoiye. Actually mujhe thik se khana banana nahi ata hai, toh jaldi mein samajh hi nahi aya kya banau. I am sorry, Agar pata hota aapko pasand nahi hai toh main kuch aur bana leti..." Sameer and Pandit kept staring her making her conscious. Sameer knew Pandit was joking but Naina's apology caught him off guard.

Pandit felt bad for her, "Arey aap sorry kyu bol rahi ho. Main mazaak kar raha tha. Isme aapki galti thodi na hai kuch. Mujhe matar pasand nahi hai par main khaa leta hun. Iss gadhe ko meri taang khinchni hoti hai har baar, isliye aapko nahi bataya. Main bilkul gussa nahi hun..." He passed an encouraging smile towards her, simultaneously earning a smack on his head from Sameer.

"Zyada draamebaaz nahi banta jaa raha hai tu. Naina tum iski baat pe dhyan mat diya karo. Maine kaha tha na Ponga hi hai yeh, tumhari koi bhi galti nahi hai..." He paused before saying, "Chalo ab khana khaate hain, itni mehnat se banaya hai, aur haan sabzi mein zyadatar Naina ka hi haath hai...maine zyada kuch nahi kiya..." He said with a slanting gaze towards Naina who was looking at him in a daze. It was Sameer who had done half of the job in cooking the whole dish yet he was giving credit to her. 

As if sensing her thoughts, his eyes found hers, blinking in reassurance, easing her discomfort. Pandit too joined in, "Woww...mast bani hai Bhabhi..." Connecting his index finger with the thumb, he gestured towards her. Her lips curved in a placid smile. 

The rest of the dinner went on a comfy note along with the boys' chucklesome banters in between. Pandit's arrival had lifted their moods for sure. They both didn't leave any chance to include Naina in any part of the conversation so that she didn't feel left out. Inside, she was feeling lighthearted after ages. She wasn't familiar with these pleasant moments. Previously, she used to see herself as a stranger in this house but now a sense of affinity had begun to encompass her.

The uplift in Sameer's spirits didn't go unheeded by her. She saw how Sameer had forgotten all of his fusses just by the presence of his best friend. But Pandit won't stay here forever. She was afraid Sameer would again go back into his dark cave of loneliness and she didn't want to see him in such a state. The sound of his laughter which was presumably due to another quip by Pandit caused a fluttering in her heart. Watching him in admiration, she silently prayed to god to protect this smile from all the evil eyes.

Amidst the conversation, Pandit narrated the whole incident of him colliding with Smriti in the office and how a girl anonymous to him had sent butterflies to his stomach. Naina found it synonymous with what she had heard from Smriti and thought if they were talking about each other, but kept it aside till further confirmation.

Sameer chuckled, "Check kar le, kahin yahi toh nahi teri woh 'sapno ki malika'..."

"Kya pata...ho bhi sakti hai...teri hi building mein hai, firse milna mushkil toh nahi hoga..." He said shyly rubbing his neck making Sameer roll his eyes which didn't go unnoticed by Pandit, "Pehli baar main kisi ke liye itna alag feel kar raha hun, usse firse milna hai mujhe. Bas ek baar humari pyaar ki gaadi chal jaaye. Soch na, main uska Pav, woh meri Bhaaji, teekhi si, chatpati si. Woh Idli, main Sambhar. Woh Mirchi, main Vada. Hum dono ka combo na ekdum perfect hai." He said propping his elbow on the table, his hand under his chin.

Sameer and Naina watched him taking off to his dreamland. Both of them looked at each other and after a sec broke down in soft giggles seeing his antics, especially the last line. Only Pandit had this talent of relating everything to food. He was brought back to reality by their laughs.

"Tum log haste raho...ab mujhe hi kuch karna padega...usse milna hi padega" He said with utmost determination.

"Thoda dhyan rakhna aap. Kabhi kabhi jo jaisa dikhta hai woh waisa hota nahi hai. Pehle ache se jaan lena uske baare mein..." Naina advised as her chuckles subsided.

Sameer's eyes didn't deflect from her for even once. Her unsophisticated side swayed him. Her words appeared to be more suitable for herself, 'Kabhi kabhi jo jaisa dikhta hai woh waisa nahi hota.' Every day, he gets to see a new layer of her personality unfold before him which makes him want to know more. 

"Aap sahi keh rahe ho...Main dhyan rakhunga iss baat ka..." He said with a small smile. 

Later, they got retired to their respective rooms. Pandit was going to stay in Sameer's room. Sameer was sitting on his bed with a file opened on his lap, his laptop in front of him on the bed. Pandit exited the bathroom after a shower and moved towards the bed beside him. 

"Kaisa chal raha hai kaam? Tera woh confusion clear hua? Kya decision liya fir tune?" He asked in a single go while Sameer waited till he was done before answering, "Haan ho gaya clear. Naina helped me." His voice was low. 

Pandit watched him with a questioning gaze after which Sameer told him everything about the meeting. Throughout the conversation, his eyes carried an unknown emotion that Pandit could not decipher. He just kept staring at his best friend cum brother for a few minutes even after he was done telling. 

"Tu mujhe ek baat bata, Naina ne kabhi tujhse iss shaadi ko leke shikayat ki hai? Ya kabhi tujhe pareshan kiya ho?" He asked.

Sameer looked at him, confusion was written all over his face, "Kya kehna chahta hai tu?"

Instead of answering him, he put forward another question, "Kuch saal pehle tak bhi tu itni ladkiyon ke saath raha hai? Unke saath toh kabhi tujhe itna nahi sochna padaa. Tu unse itni aaram se baat kar leta tha, time spend kar leta tha, toh fir Naina ke saath itna awkward kyun behave karta hai? Itna restricted kyu rakhta hai khudko uske saamne?" 

Sameer understood what he was trying to imply. Keeping aside his file, he stood up from the bed saying in an irritated tone, "Tu fir wahi baat leke baith gaya hai. Naina mein aur unn ladkiyon mein farak hai." He went and stood by the window.

"Kaise?" Pandit queried.

"Woh alag hai Pandit. Mujhe nahi pata ki main aisa kyu sochta hu uske baare mein. Aur woh ladkiyan mere liye kuch nahi thi. Unse shaadi nahi hone wali thi meri. Par Naina se hui hai. Chahe kuch bhi ho, main usko aise casually treat nahi kar sakta..."

Taking a deep sigh, he looked out of the window, "Pehle main confused tha, mere liye bhi toh naya hi hai na yeh sab kuch. Nanu ke jaane ke baad sirf ek hi cheez pe focus tha, company ko position pe wapas lana. Woh aur main ek dusre ko avoid hi karte the. But baad mein samajh aya ki main usey aur neglect nahi kar sakta. I was uncertain about her at first, fir dekha, mere har decision ko maan leti hai woh. Aisa toh nahi hai na ki usne apne mann se shaadi kari hai. Bohot chup si rehti hai. Apne flat mein bhi akeli rehti thi. Pata nahi kaise par aisa lagta hai jaise main uska akelapan samajh pata hun.  Ab dekh na, main tum logon se shuru se iss baare mein baat karta aya hun. Par woh kisse karti hogi? Kisko batati hogi ki woh mere baare mein ya iss shaadi ke baare mein kya sochti hai? Uska point of view toh kisiko pata hi nahi."

Pandit took a minute to process it all. It was hard for him to give an exact solution to his problem. However, he was satisfied to know that Sameer was gradually accepting this change in his life. He just needed to direct this relationship to a specific path.

"Sameer...yaar dekh...main tujhe nahi bata sakta ki tujhe iss time exactly kya karna chahiye. Woh tujhko khud hi decide karna hoga. Aur mujhe nahi lagta Naina se kuch problem honi chaiye, thoda time de khudko...aur usko bhi. Agar woh koi step nahi le paa rahi hai toh tu le..." He recommended.

Sameer nodded and kept gazing out, pondering over Pandit's advice. He knew it was his turn to do something, to make her talk to him, open up to him, so he could know if she has any problem with the marriage or with him. He didn't want to force her for anything.

"Main soch lunga kuch, par aaj ke baad...iss baare mein koi baat nahi hogi. Okay?"

Pandit bobbed his head, "Tu kehta hai toh nahi hogi."

They both made their way to the bed, Sameer picking up the file which he was reading previously. Pandit scurried beside him and leaned to take a look, "Waise yeh bata, teri Mr Kapoor se baat hoti hai teri? Kafi time ho gaya na unko gaye huye?...Tu ek kaam kar na, unko contact karke thodi guidance lele company ke liye."

Sameer's face turned stiff, "Nahi, mujhe kisi ki zarurat nahi hai. Unki toh bilkul nahi. Tujhe yaad hai na kya kiya tha unhone...kitna loss hua tha company ka...woh toh Nanu the jinhone sab kuch sambhal liya tha. Ab koi chance nahi lena mujhe."

"Acha bhai thik hai. Shaant. Dekh main do din baad wapas jaaunga, tab tak hum aisi koi mood kharab karne wali baat nahi karenge. Thik hai? Sab sahi kehte hain, shaadi ke baad dost apne yaaro ko bhul jata hai..." Pandit poked his shoulder playfully and smirked.

"Abey chal na, nautanki karwa lo bas...tujhe pata hai aisa kabhi nahi hoga..." Sameer came back to his original self.

They both chatted for a while before calling it a night. On the other side, Naina got up keeping her pen in the diary and shutting it off after being done writing the part of the story she was currently working on. It was a daily ritual to sit and jot down her feelings amidst the tranquil silence of the night. Moving towards her bed, she laid down pulling over the duvet, facing the ceiling. Today, the night appeared reassuring rather than uncanny as always.

Pandit's acceptance for her as his bhabhi was completely off the hook but now, she was preparing herself to fulfill her duty as his sister-in-law. So what if Sameer hadn't accepted her as his wife? She wasn't sure if he was even willing to do so in the future or if he would just end this relationship. This alliance was working on the principle of uncertainty. She had made up her mind to fulfill Nanu's promise as long as this would be working. Was she really doing this just for the promise? 'Yes', her mind proclaimed but perhaps, the heart said something else which she dismissed and drifted off to sleep. 

******

The white marble floor gleamed as the dawn broke through the windowpane. Naina was busy preparing her morning tea when a loud yawn resonated in the living room. She turned around and found Pandit standing at the entrance of the kitchen rubbing his eyes.

"Good morning Bhabhi..." He said in a drowsy tone.

She smiled, "Good morning."

"Aap chai bana rahe ho na, mere liye bhi bana do please. Meri neend usi se jaayegi..." He said and turned to leave.

Her vision followed him as he sat on the sofa. Adding more of each ingredient enough for both of them, she walked towards him and asked, "Kuch aur lenge aap Chai ke sath?"

"Nahi nahi. Aap bas chai hi le aao Bhabhi." Came his instant reply.

A while later, she emerged out of the kitchen carrying a wooden tray with two cups of hot simmering tea, a plate of biscuits and a small bowl of salted peanuts.

Pandit pouted as soon as she kept it on the table and frowned when he saw her picking one of the cup and turning to leave. But before she could move he interrupted, "Ab aap kahan chal di? Yahin baithiye na..."

"Nahi...main...woh..." She stuttered.

He got up and carefully took the cup from her hand saying, "Idhar baitho" He waited for her sit on the sofa chair before continuing, "Aapko na itna formal hone ki zarurat nahi hai mere sath. Pehle ki baat alag thi, ab alag hai. Aap mujhe apne bhai jaisa samjho. Kuch bhi share kar sakte ho aap mujhse, bina kisi hesitation ke. Hum ek family hain ab." He stated in a genteel way.

She knew they still weren't an actual family but the goodness in his words made her eyes turn misty. Not wanting to catch his attention, she blinked hard to hide them and passed a smile.

"Thank you." This was all she could say.

"Isme thank you ki koi baat nahi hai..." He said.

She wasn't sure what she was thanking him for. Serious or not but he had addressed him as her brother. Her family had always craved a son owing to their orthodox beliefs, as a result of which she never got the love and care she deserved, even from her real brother. She never let it surface but inside, her heart still craved affection despite the thousands of reassurances she had provided.

They both sipped through their respective cups of piping hot tea. He deliberately kept silent otherwise she would never open up. In an attempt to strike a conversation, she asked, "Uss ladki ke baare mein kuch pata chala aapko?"

"Kahan bhabhi...par haan...mujhe ek cheez yaad hai, jab woh mujhse takraai thi na tab uski files neeche gir gayi thi. Jab main unhe uthane mein uski help kar raha tha tab nazar padi thi, uska naam likha tha par yaad nahi hai, ek jhalak hi dikhi thi. Shayad sales department ki thi. Kuch S se tha...Sim...Smita...ugh...yaad hi nahi hai...Aap bhi toh kaam karte ho na wahin pe...please meri help kijiye na..." He insisted.

This short piece of information confirmed all of her doubts that the girl he was talking about was none other than Smriti and the boy she was talking about was none other than Pandit. The effect of their first meeting was evident in their eagerness to meet each other. But she decided not to reveal it, rather, she had a plan in her mind. Pandit had called himself as her brother, so it was time to perform some sisterly duties keeping in mind that she couldn't risk Smriti's feelings. First, she would have to see how honest he was.

"Main try karungi ek baar. Office mein toh bohot saari ladkiyan hoti hain na. Par aap mujhe yeh bataiye, aap itni restless kyu hai usse milne ke liye. Aapne toh sirf usey dekha hai, woh bhi bas ek baar. Sirf ek baar mein aapko kaise pata ki woh hi aap ke liye sahi hai?" She asked him keeping her tone normal.

"Sach bataun, I literally don't have any idea. Pata nahi kyu par bas alag sa mehsoos hua mujhe. Shayad isi ka jawab dhundne ke liye main usse fir se milna chahta hun. Bas dikh jaaye ek baar, uske baad toh main khud sambhal lunga baat ko." He smiled cheekily.

She gave it a thought and an instant plan popped up in her mind, a surprise one.

"Chinta mat kijiye, woh aapko zaroor milegi." She said passing a smile.

"Bhabhi...aapke muh mein ghee shakkar..." He said making her giggle.

Just then Sameer came into her sight. He was descending the stairs ruffling his messy hair, still looking sleepy.

As he saw Pandit and Naina sitting in the living area, he got confused thinking what they might be talking about together, and did she just giggle?

Walking towards them, he stood by the sofa chair, "Good morning." His voice coming out a little hoarse. The other two replied with the same.

"Kya baat ho rahi hai?" He asked but before either one of them could reply, his phone rang. Seeing the caller's name, he picked it and moved towards the garden.

Her gaze instinctively followed him which Pandit noticed. He smirked, "Aa jayega wapas, call pure din ke liye nahi hai."

She was snapped out of her thoughts by his words which made her embarrassed, "Nahi main bas aisi hi dekh rahi thi..." Her eyes refused to look up from the ground.

"Haan maine bhi dekha woh toh ki aap kahan dekh rahi thi." He chuckled making her too joining him.

As the laughter subsided, he said, "Pata nahi kaisa ho gaya hai yeh. Jab dekho kaam kaam kaam..." His gaze still on Sameer who was busy talking on the call with a stern expression.

"Yeh humesha se toh aise nahi honge na?" The question tumbled out of her mouth before she could think over it.

Pandit's face grew pale and let out a sad chuckle drawing her attention, "Agar maine abhi batana shuru kiya ki woh kaisa tha toh tum vishwas nahi karogi ki yeh wohi Sameer hai. Woh Sameer jo khulke apni life jeeta tha, khulke hasta tha aur dusro ko hasata tha, humari mehfil ki jaan tha woh. Sports, music aur padhai, sab mein humesha acha hi kiya hai usne. Par kisiko nahi pata tha dusron ke chehron pe khushi laane wale ki hi khushiyan chhin jaayengi..."

"Aisa kya hua unke sath?" She couldn't resist asking.

Pandit jerked out of his trance, "Woh batane ka right mere paas nahi hai, sirf Sameer hi hai jo aapko bata sakta hai. Main bas yahi keh sakta hun ki usne bohot mushkil se khud ko sambhala hai. Abhi toh jaake uske chehre pe woh hasi wapas aane lagi thi jo firse Nanu ke jaane ke baad gayab ho gayi. Jis din unki tabiyat bigdi thi, usse ek din pehle hum sab dinner pe gaye the, Nanu, Sameer, main aur Munna, hum sab. Bohot khush the, just like old times. Humare purana Sameer wapas aata hua dikha tha humein uss din. Par honi ko koun taal sakta hai."

His gaze again shifted towards him, "Mujhe bas yahi darr rehta hai ki yeh firse kahin khud ko usi daldal mein na dhakelde jisse itni mushkil se isey bahar nikala tha warna iss baar chahkar bhi hum kuch nahi kar paayenge. Sameer ki aadat hai, apna dard dusron se chhupane ke liye woh khud ko kaam mein busy rakhta hai. Hum bachpan se uske dost rahe hain, uske bina kuch kahe bata sakte hai ki andar andar woh khud se kitna ladd raha hai. Par pata hai, tab bhi humari fikar karna nahi chhodta, aakhir yaaron ka yaar jo hai humara Sameer."

A lone tear trickled down his cheek which he wiped immediately and for the second time, Naina's eyes filled with tears, however, this time, she didn't hide them away. Her heart squeezed with pain reflecting from his words, her gaze which held compassion involuntarily shifting towards Sameer who was now standing with his back facing them.

"Dekho Naina, hum samajh sakte hain tumhari problem bhi. Agar tum iss shaadi se free hona chahti ho, toh ab bhi waqt hai. Koi tumse kuch nahi bolega aur na hi koi tumhe rokega. Hum sab sambhal lenge. It's completely your choice." He said after a moment.

Her mind was coercing her to say yes so that she could go back to her ordinary life, but her heart denied. There was an unusual feeling overtaking her body, an urgency which compelled her to say, "Maine Nanaji se ek waada kiya tha ki chaahe kuch bhi ho jaaye, main Sameer ka sath kabhi nahi chhodungi aur main iss waade ko nahi tod sakti. Bhale hi Sameer iss rishte ko accept na kiya ho, par main puri tarah koshish karungi ki woh koi bhi aisa step na lein jiski wajah se unko nuksan ho." Her tone was laced with a strange newfound confidence.

Pandit was flabbergasted by the determination in her eyes. He had expected her to consider his offer but she came up with something altogether different and at that moment, he thought, Sameer was right, Woh alag hai.

Sameer arrived back after ending the call that had taken more time than he had foreseen, unaware of the conversation which took place behind his back a few minutes ago. He sat beside Pandit still busy on the phone.

"Aap black coffee peeyenge na?" Without waiting for his reply, she announced, "Main bana ke le aati hun. Aur aap fresh bhi nahi huye hai na abhi tak. Jaldi jaaiye." Sameer looked up from his phone, clearly amazed. In a daze, he nodded his head. She stood up and kept the empty cups and plates in the tray after which she picked it up and stepped towards the kitchen. Sameer's gaze didn't falter from her. He had seen this attitude of hers only in the office but at home, never. The sight was much entertaining for Pandit.

He leaned towards Sameer and said, "Bhai, aise hairan kyu ho raha hai? Mrs. Maheshwari ke haath ki coffee milegi aaj tujhe."

Sameer's eyes narrowed in confusion, not able to understand what he was trying to imply to which he just shrugged.

******

"Smriti kal tum free ho? Shaam ko?" Naina asked. They were, as usual, talking in her cabin when she decided to initiate her plan.

Smriti answered, "Haan. Kuch kaam hai kya?"

"Mujhe thodi shopping karni hai aur tumhara toh itna acha taste hai, main chah rahi thi tum help kardo..." Naina bluffed her.

"Arey bilkul chalenge. You know main bhi kafi time se soch rahi thi. Mujhe bhi ek-do cheezein laani hai. Done." She gave a thumbs up.

Naina couldn't be more pleased with her small victory, "Okay then, kal shaam ko 6 baje hum uss cafe mein milenge jahan hum last time gaye the."

"Cafe jaane ki kya zarurat, direct mall chalenge na," Smriti proposed.

"W-w-woh...mera na woh Kitkat milkshake peene ka bohot mann kar raha hai kafi time se. Toh isiliye bas..." She tried to mask her nervousness to avoid any skepticism.

Smriti's mouth shaped in the form of an O, "Oh acha, aisa kya...Chalo toh fir chalenge."

Naina smiled hesitantly. It wasn't like pulling the wool over someone's eye was an everyday shebang for her. She was just doing this hoping for the outcome to be good. 

In the evening, Pandit attended his scheduled meeting with the shareholder due to which he came back late. Much to his surprise, Sameer and Naina were still waiting for him to have dinner. He was thankful that tonight it was one of his favorite dishes, Shahi Paneer. Gobbling up the entire food, he let out a loud burp making Sameer scrunch his face, "Bhukkad kahin ke." In reply, he just smiled closing his eyes, waving it off. 

Naina chuckled which again didn't go unnoticed by Sameer. It's been just two days to Pandit's arrival and he could see that she was getting acquainted  with him pretty well.

'Mere saath toh itna chup rehti hai' he thought.

'Because it was you who was avoiding her in the first place.' His conscience remarked shutting down his previous thoughts.

******

The next day, Naina reconfirmed from Smriti about their outing plan or fake outing plan to be precise. Pandit had told them the previous night that he would be going again to the shareholder company to complete some formalities and would be free by the evening.

Smriti reached the cafe at the said time but to her surprise, there was no sign of Naina. Thinking that she might have left the office late, she decided to wait for her. Looking for a suitable table, she made herself comfortable and called her.

"Kaha ho aap madam? Main pohoch bhi gayi hun." She asked.

Naina glanced at her wristwatch, 6:15 p.m. Shit. She had completely forgotten to keep the track of time all because of the last-minute changes that needed to be done in the monthly report.

"Sorry Smriti, end-time par thoda kaam aa gaya hai. I'll try yahan se jaldi nikal jaaun." She feigned helplessness to which Smriti replied, "Koi baat nahi. Abhi main hun yahin pe. Karlo tum kaam."

"Thank you." Ending the call, she immediately searched for Pandit's name in her contact list. Finally, she called him, "Pandit, aap abhi kaha ho?"

"Main toh abhi nikla hun yaha se. Kya hua sab thik toh hai na?" He asked sensing the haste in her tone.

She calmed herself and answered, "Haanji sab thik hai. Kitna time lagega aapko approx?"

"20-25 minute toh lagenge hi. Kuch kaam tha kya?" He asked to which she relied, "Actually...haan...main aapko ek address send kar rahi hun, ispe 7 baje se pehle pohoch jaaiyega and call kar dena pohochte hi."

He frowned at her odd request but still agreed, "Okay...par wahan hai kya?"

"Woh aapko tabhi pata chalega, jab aap wahan jaake mujhe call karenge." She told him.

"Achha okay." Saying so, he ended the call and opened his message box to see the address she would have sent, 'Salt Water cafe', Why was she asking him to go to a cafe? He knew she won't tell so he simply provided the directions to his cab driver.

Sameer who was completely oblivious to the whole scenario was busy in the meeting which implied Naina would have to wait, therefore, she settled on giving a once over on the report she was working on formerly.

Several minutes went by, here, Smriti was getting bored alone, there, Pandit had just pulled over in the parking lot of the cafe. Taking out his mobile phone, he gave a call to Naina.

"Hello."

"Hello Bhabhi. Main cafe mein pohoch gaya hun. Ab bataiye aapne mujhe yaha kyu aane ko bola." He asked walking towards the entrance.

"Aap cafe ke andar jaaiye aur aas paas dekhiye. Kya aapko koi nazar aa raha hai?" She asked keeping her fingers crossed.

Following her command, he entered inside and took note of the entire place. It was a decent looking cafe with simple decor and ambiance, crowded enough given that it was the weekend. Loud chatters and laughs mingled and resonated in the surrounding. Amongst the numerous faces, his gaze halted on someone. She was sitting by the window at the farthest corner, looking out, her chin placed on the fist of her hand which was resting on the table. Naina's voice from the other end broke his reverie, "Hello...Pandit...aap kuch bol kyu nahi rahe hain?"

"Bhabhi, yeh toh wohi ladki hai. Par yeh...aap...mujhe kuch bhi samajh nahi aa raha hai..." He let out his restlessness.

Naina smiled, "Aap hi usse milna chahte the na, ab aapke saamne hai toh jaake baat kijiye. Main aapko sab kuch baad mein bataungi."

Pandit stared at his phone still confused. He again glanced at her and found her sitting in the same posture. The way she kept checking her watch and the repeated sighs implied that she was waiting for someone. Taking it as a cue, he moved towards her table. Smriti felt someone walking in her direction which made her avert her gaze from the window. The minute she saw him, her eyes widened, heart racing with a jet speed.

She was so dazed that she didn't even bother to check the caller when her phone rang and picked it up. Naina's voice fell in her ears, "Hello Smriti. I am so sorry par main nahi aa paungi. Abhi kafi kaam bach raha hai." She said in an apologetic tone.

Unbothered by her friend's apology, Smriti said, "Naina, mujhe lagta hai main sapna dekh rahi hun. Woh ladka...woh ladka jisse main takrayi thi...woh mere saamne hai...meri taraf hi aa raha hai..." Her voice came out dreamily fused with excitement. 

Naina couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Dhyan se dekho, kya pata sapna na ho. Main rakhti hun. Tum enjoy karo." 

Smriti just nodded and kept the phone back on the table as Pandit stopped in front of her, a smug smile adorning his face. He had now switched on his play-your-charm-on-the-girl mode after he saw her reaction. The three-piece suit he had worn for the meeting was a catalyst to it.

"Hi." He said. 

"......"

"Excuse me?" Waving his hand in front of her face, he brought her out of her dreamland.

"Uh..yes?"

"Can I sit here? Baki sab tables full hain." He put on an unfortunate expression.

Smriti wanted to jump and dance with joy but was mindful about him being a total stranger.

Containing her enthusiasm, she smiled and said, "Yeah, sure."

******

In the car, Naina was satisfied with the completion of her task. There was a faint, steady smile on her face. She couldn't believe that she just set her brother-in-law with her friend. Sameer was keeping a note of her weird behavior sitting beside her. When they reached home, Pandit still hadn't returned. Sameer got worried because Pandit hadn't informed about being late. Seeing him worried, Naina became apprehensive thinking about the result of the date. She couldn't gather enough courage to tell him the truth until Pandit comes. Taking out the mobile phone from her purse, she called Smriti which went unanswered.

There were two possibilities, either the date had turned out to be a disaster and they both might be drowning in sorrow alone in some place or it would have turned out to be so good that they might be "busy" somewhere. She wasn't much bothered about Smriti's safety for she trusted Pandit and on top of that, Smriti was bold and fierce enough to take care of herself.

"Phone bhi nahi utha raha hai. Aise bina bataye kahan chala gaya..." Sameer mumbled.

"Ho sakta hai woh abhi bhi busy ho apne kaam mein..." She tried to reassure which went in vain when his irritated reply came, "Tab bhi batana toh chahiye na...aane do isko aaj, chhodunga nahi."

The hidden concern under his anger showed that he truly cared about them, 'Yaaron ka yaar hai humara Sameer'.

He was going to click the green button again when the doorbell rang. They both strode towards the door. Sameer opened it only to reveal Pandit who was grinning like a fool.

"Bhaiiiiiii..." He lunged towards Sameer taking him in a bone-crushing hug. Sameer's face crinkled in bewilderment and he withdrew immediately, "Kahan tha tu?" He asked with a serious expression but Pandit was far from even acknowledging it. 

"Apni Sapno ki Malika ke saath bhaiii..." He said. 

"Sapno ki Malika? Woh office wali ladki? Usse kahan mil gaya tu?" Sameer gave him a puzzled look. 

"Office wali ladki nahi, Smriti naam hai uska." He let out a dreamy sigh, "Kitna mann tha usse milne ka, Bhabhi ne kamaal kar diya aaj toh." 

A frown appeared on Sameer's face. Both of them turned at the same time to look towards her who was standing in the middle of the room, fidgeting her fingers. Pandit began to describe the whole thing one by one. He told him how Naina had sent him to that cafe where Smriti was already present, how the conversation had initiated between them in the middle of which they both learned about what relation they both shared with her. It hadn't been hard to deduce that they had been set up by her and for which they were extremely thankful. 

Throughout the entire narration, Sameer's gaze didn't falter from Naina that made her more conscious of herself. Surprise was an understatement for describing his reaction. He had never expected her to do something like that. He wanted to talk about it but seeing his best friend's delight, he saved it for later.

Pandit was literally on cloud-nine after his well-turned date which was evident when he kept telling them about it at the dinner too. Once all the awkwardness had subsided, Smriti had been back to her original chirpy self which had impressed him even more. They had actually gotten along really well given that it was the first time they were meeting properly. Pandit being Pandit had left no chance to flex his art of flirting but Smriti's equally witty remarks in reply had generated a spark between them. They had chatted for a long duration after which they had agreed on taking a stroll at the beach, the reason for his delay to return home. A mere collision in the corridor had left their hearts restless to see each other again. Being complete strangers, it won't have been possible if Naina hadn't put her intellect to use. 

"Bhabhi sach mein...aapka surprise bohot tagda tha. Smriti sach mein bohot achi ladki hai, ekdum tez-tarraar...kasam se aaj tak aisi ladki se nahi mila main...Thank you..." He said giving a genuine smile.

Naina shook her head, "Aap baar baar mujhe aise thank you mat boliye...Maine kuch bhi nahi kiya hai."

"Par tu toh kal wapas jaa raha hai na, Fir kaise karoge tume dono?" Sameer inquired.

"Humne kari thi uss baare mein bhi baat. Dekh itna toh hai hi ki hum dono hi ek dusre ko pasand karte hain, abhi yahi decide kiya hai ki hum contact mein rahenge, like a long-distance one. Isse yeh bhi test ho jaayega ki hum dono ek dusre ke liye serious hain ya nahi. Baad ki baad mein sochenge..." He kept his hands behind his head leaning back on the chair.

Sameer nodded in understanding while Naina went in deep thought. The concept of modern-day relationships including casual flings, hook-ups, blind dates, one night stands, no strings attached, and live-ins was something that was beyond her comprehension. She never really approved of them and wasn't sure if she was the only one to think like that.

******

It was Saturday. Pandit was supposed to fly back to Bangalore by the evening flight. The day had moved quickly with the preparations for his departure. This time, it wasn't as distressing and painful as the last time, rather, it was filled with content and peace. It was late afternoon when they had decided to leave for the airport to see him off. Naina was reluctant at first but had agreed on Pandit's constant persuasion.

Pulling over the main entry gate of the terminal, Sameer opened the trunk of the car and helped Pandit to take out his luggage carefully. Naina was standing looking around when her gaze fell on Smriti who waved her hand excitedly. Quickening her pace she reached towards Naina and hugged her as tight as possible, "Thank you so much!!!" She squealed in delight making her almost deaf, grabbing both the men's attention. As she withdrew, a befuddled Pandit came into her sight.

"Tumse baad mein baat karungi. Abhi I have to take care of something else." Her slanting gaze made him aware that she was talking about him. Stepping towards her, he asked, "Hi Smriti. Tum yahan kaise?"

"Yeh bhi koi puchne wali baat hai. Tum jaa rahe ho pata nahi kab miloge. Bhul mat jaana mujhe." Her tone lowered indicating that she was upset.

"Tum bhi." He said smiling at her cuteness.

It was time for the final goodbye. Both the men hugged each other as if their life depended on each other, their eyes turning moist. Letting go of him, Sameer sniffed, rubbing his fingers on his nose, "Apna dhyan rakhiyo...Uncle Aunty ko meri taraf se Namaste kehna. Unse bhi milne aaunga main jab free hounga toh. Unhe woh gifts zaroor de dena yaad se."

Pandit nodded biting his lower lip to prevent himself from bursting into tears, "Tu bhi apna dhyan rakhna  yaar. Sab thik hi hoga ab. Naina sach mein ek achi aur samajhdar ladki hai. Bas jaldbaazi mein koi galat decision mat lena."

Sameer hummed and glanced towards Naina who was standing with Smriti, smiling and talking to her. Looking down, he calmed himself by taking deep breaths, "Pohochte hi call karna."

Pandit nodded and walked around the car to go towards the ladies, "Bhabhi...kal aapne hum dono ki problem solve kardi. Agar aapka woh plan na hota toh shayad hum kabhi ek dusre se baat toh dur, mil bhi nahi paate. Main dil se duaa karta hun ki aapko saari khushiyan mile." He said keeping a hand around Smriti's shoulder who was grinning.

This time Naina replied, "Aapne khud ko mera bhai maana hai na, bas yahi samajh lijiye ki aapki behn hone ke naate maine apni zimmedari nibhayi hai." Her polite statement brought a smile to everyone's face. Finally checking the time, he proceeded to arrange his bags in the metal luggage trolley.

Waving his hand the last time, he turned around and began to wheel it towards the entrance. He stopped when someone called out his name from behind. Just as he turned, Smriti's frame crashed against his, stunning him as well as Sameer and Naina who were watching them from a distance.

Withdrawing herself he looked him in the eye and kissed his cheek making his eyes as wide as saucers. Detaching herself she said, "Jisse tum mujhe bhul na jaao."

Pandit gaped at her with his mouth slightly open. She tapped his shoulder to bring him to the real world and said, "Ab jaao. Late ho jaaoge...Jaao."

Rubbing his neck shyly, his face as red as a tomato, he mumbled, "Bye" and finally left from there leaving behind smirking Smriti.

Naina began to look here and there when she sensed Sameer's gaze on her who might be judging her for her best friend. He stifled a smile seeing her uncomfortable stance and asked, "Chalein Naina?"

"H-haann." She muttered.

"Ek baar apni friend se puchh lo, usey ghar drop kar denge." He suggested. Even though Smriti was an employee in his own company, he didn't let his principle of professionalism interfere since he was somewhere sure that Smriti wasn't going to be just an employee after what he saw a few minutes back.

However, Smriti had politely denied Naina's offer by saying that she needed to visit some other place which is opposite to the direction they'd be going. A light hug was shared between them after which Smriti said, "Waise toh bohot saari baatein karni hai tumse, par main kabab mein haddi kyu banu...who knows tum dono kab kuch bhi shuru kardo...aaj toh mausam bhi itna acha hai..." She wiggled her eyebrows at the last line. Unbeknownst to her, heat crept up Naina's face as she stared at smiling Smriti.

She too left from there, not before giving a few more teasing remarks. Naina walked back to where Sameer was waiting for her in the car. As she made herself comfortable in her seat, he turned on the engine and drove away.

******

When Smriti had praised the weather, she wasn't joking. The sun had long back retired into the arms of the sea leaving behind a sky full of shimmering stars. The soft and gentle breeze was adding more to the tranquil weather.

They were currently moving on the busy roads of Marine Drive. The whole crescent-shaped coastline illuminated with sparkling lights resembling a string of pearls justifying its appellation, the 'Queen's Necklace'. The place was beginning to fill with fast-food peddlers and the lively crowd. The whole setting was enough to enthrall anyone who's traveling there at night. It seemed like both of them too were bewitched by the equanimity of the setting. The environment inside the car was calm.

Sameer glanced beside him to see her taking in the spectacular view outside. He had missed this place, the time when he used to hang out with his buddies, enjoying the flavorful street food especially the Malai Kulfi from their favorite stall. Involuntarily, he began to look for the stall, side by side focusing on the road.

"Kya hua?" Naina questioned when she saw him looking outside as if in search of something.

"Yahan pe ek kulfi wala hua karta tha. Hum bohot aate the uske paas. Ab toh kafi time ho gaya, wahi dekh raha hun, abhi hai ya nahi." He answered without averting from his task.

Finally, it came into his vision and he parked the car near to it. Naina watched him with a querying gaze to which he said casually, "Chalo."

Before she could reply, he was already out, unbuttoning his sleeves, rolling them up. He waited for her to come out and then locking the car, made his way towards the stall with her.

The Kulfi-vendor was a man in his fifties, busy pouring the flavored milk in the moulds.

"Kaise hain Kaka?" He asked.

The vendor lifted his gaze and immediately recognized him, "Aho Sameer baba...aap yahan? Itne time baad?"

"Bas aapki kulfi ki yaad aayi, toh main aa gaya." He grinned.

"Khup chaangle kele. Toh Malai kulfi hi kardu na ek plate?" He asked in a typical Marathi accent. ("Bohot achha kiya.")

"Nahi do dijiye aaj." Sameer looked beside him and saw Naina standing a few steps away, her gaze fixed on something. Following her line of vision, he found a small girl with her parents at the nearby Bhelpuri stall. Her father was carrying her in his arms, and her mother feeding her affectionately. They were having a perfect family time, chuckling and giggling whenever she would say or gesture towards something.

The sight mirrored what she had dreamed of since childhood. Her face fell. Anguish gushed through her heart but before it made its way to pour out through her eyes, a bowl with two Kulfi sticks appeared in front of her obstructing the view.

Turning, she found Sameer holding it, gesturing her to take it. She took it, again putting on a mask of being normal but he knew.

"Kulfi khaane se sabka mood thik ho jata hai." He remarked and took a step or two ahead.

"Kahan jaa rahe hain aap?" She asked.

Halting at his place, he turned and tilted his head motioning towards the sea, "Aao...thodi der baithte hain yahin pe."

"Aur dinner?" The question popped out.

He replied calmly, "Aaj bahar se pack karwa lenge. Jaldi chalo, melt ho jayegi warna."

His behavior was confusing her. She quickened her strides to match her steps with his. They walked silently in search of a suitable place to sit.
He was taking small bites of his kulfi looking ahead.

"Aapko kaise pata chala, ki mera mood kharab hai?" She asked him.

He shrugged and said gazing in her eyes, "Ab itna toh main tumhe jaanne laga hun."

____________________________________________________

Looks like I had underestimated the word count. I tried hard not to keep it too long, then too it has reached 8000+ words. Hope you liked it.

The 'Smridit' ship has sailed but their story would not be ending here, there would be more but now the focus would be on our Samaina.

There's a lot more left to the conversation. What do you think they would be talking about?

Do tell me your views regarding this chapter. I hope it was worth reading since I have already given so much time to it and made you guys wait for so long.

And also, "Blooming Hearts" has acquired the first position in "THE SAPPHIRE AWARDS". Thank you so much all of you. Even though I am not punctual enough to give you the updates, you still didn't stop loving and supporting this story. I feel grateful to have such wonderful readers❤

Lots of Love, Sim❣