"Main aane wale kal ke baare mein kuch nahi jaanti, par main apna waada pura karne ki koshish zaroor karungi Nanaji."

That day, when he had called her inside the hospital room, he had shared his vulnerabilities with her. Though he didn't tell her the exact reason behind this marriage, he did assure her that his decision was right and they will realise it later.
She recalled the day,

She was a bit confused when he had asked for her to come inside since she didn't have any idea about what he had to talk about specifically to her. She entered the room and saw him smiling fondly at her. It was still so difficult for her to register everything that had happened in the last few hours.

She took her seat on the chair beside his bed and asked, "Aapne aise achanak se mujhe kyun bulaya Nanaji? Kuchh baat hai kya? Kisi chiz ki zarurat hai aapko?"

Nanu gazed her with affection, "Tum meri sabse bahadur bacchi ho. Itna oonchaa darja diya hai tumne mujhko jabki main toh tumhara apna bhi nahi hun-"

She cut him off, "Aisa mat boliye Nanaji. Aapke alawa iss duniya mein mera hai hi koun. Ab aap bhi chale jayenge toh kaise hoga ..." Her voice wavered a bit in the end and a tear escaped from her eye.

Caressing her head lightly, Nanu replied, "Aise rote nahi beta. Mujhe kabhi na kabhi toh jana hi tha na ..."
Naina sniffed.

After a little pause, Nanu continued, "Tumhe pata hai maine tumhe hi Sameer ke liye kyun chuna?"
She shook her head in negation.

He said, "Kyuki mujhe pata hai ki tumhari nazar mein rishton ki kya aihmiyat hai. Tumhe lag raha hoga ki maine srf sameer ke baare mein sochke tumhara usse rishta jod diya jabki main toh tumhare guzre hue kal ke baare mein sab kuch janta hu .. Mujhe tumhari bhi bohot fikar hai beta ... Jo chiz hume atit mein fasaa ke rakhti hai, woh hume dukhon mein bhi fasaa ke rakhti hai ... Hume aage badkar apne aane wale kal ko behtar banana chahiye ... "

Naina couldn't utter a word and quietly listened to him.

"Sameer bhale hi khud ko mazboot aur sakht dikhata ho par andar se woh bilkul masoom hai. Maine dekhi uski aankhon mein woh bebasi, woh dukh jo usne apne dil mein chhupa rakhe hain. Mere jaane ke baad sirf tum hi ho jo usey himmat de sakti ho. Mujhe pura vishwas hai tum uska saath kabhi nahi chhodogi ... Nahi chhodogi na?"

Naina inhaled a deep breath and clutched his hands, "Main waada karti hun Nanaji ... chahe jo bhi ho, main iss rishte ko puri tarah se nibhaungi aur aapka vishwas nahi tutne dungi."

She had promised him but would she be able to fulfil it? This question was constantly stirring in her mind soon after Sameer had left from there. Somewhere, she had even thought of telling him about the hospital conversation but had chosen against it after what he said.

Jaisa chal raha tha, waisa hi chalne dete hain. This meant they would be doing all the things normally but would live in the same house as strangers even after being married. She knew it was much easier said than to do. The only relation which they had previously was that of a boss and an employee, which is far away from a relationship. This meant they would be doing all the things normally but would live in the same house as strangers even after being married. Funny how the tables had turned.

She had sat for a while in solitude gazing at the stars, thinking about the tough ride ahead and left to sleep after a while.

But sleep was was far away from her eyes. She was staring at the ceiling. This house felt alien to her even though she had been living here for a while now. She was feeling like an unwelcomed guest in this house which was supposed to be hers too since she was practically the daughter-in-law of this house.

In the last few days, she observed how Munna-Pandit never left Sameer's side even for once. They were indeed his pillars. At least he had them but she...she didn't have anyone. When she had needed her so-called family members the most, they had abandoned her like she was some sort of a waste. She couldn't help but be a bit jealous of their bond. It was natural since it was difficult for her to watch something she had desired for all her life- love & care. Though she knew it was wrong to think like that, she couldn't help it.

She had learnt to adapt to this lonely lifestyle. Only she knew the struggle of changing herself from an innocent, sensitive girl to a strong-headed, independent woman now. She had moved on from her past but still, some remnants used to haunt her. Hoping this new beginning in her life brings something good, she drifted off to sleep.

* * * * * *

The next day, Sameer was going to resume his work since the pace of the company had become slow. Naina woke up with a start when she heard his room's door being shut with a thud sound. Not getting enough sleep last night, she was feeling too tired to go office. Somehow picking herself up, she paced towards the bathroom to freshen up and get ready.

As she went towards the dressing mirror after having a shower, she gazed at her reflection. As soon as she noticed herself, some flashes emerged past her mind and a girl appeared in front of her in the mirror.

She was getting dressed up with newfound contentment of being newly married. She filled her parting with sindoor. She took the mangalsutra from the table and tied it around her neck. She quickly bent forward to stick the red Bindi on her forehead withthe utmost attention. After lining her eyes with kohl she glanced at herself, adjusting the saree once more. Her hair was dripping wet so she didn't bother to style them. The bangles of her red and white chudaa clinked as she roughly threaded her fingers through them to detangle them a bit. Her face was glowing with the excitement of her newly wedded life. She was clad in a beautiful red and golden saree with eccentric patterns of henna adorning her hands. She took a last look on herself and gave a sweet smile before leaving.

The ping of the notification on her phone brought her back to reality. She saw her own reflection in the mirror. The girl she saw in the mirror was so cheerful and innocent contrasting to her gloomy and sullen personality. She had hopes and dreams twinkling in her eyes for a new beginning while on the other side, she didn't even look like she was married. No sindoor, no mangalsutra, no chudaa, nothing which symbolized their espousal. She was dressed up like she does every other day wearing a simple cotton teal-coloured Kurti with off white palazzo pants, her face devoid of make-up except for a light-shaded lip gloss, all of these conveying how hollow her life had become.

After neatly combing her hair, she checked for the notification which informed her of the meeting scheduled for the day. Grabbing all her things, she locked the door from outside and rushed downstairs. She went towards the dining table to have her breakfast only to find that Sameer had already left, much to her relief. It would have been uneasy for her to face him.

Ramdhari had noticed her reserved behaviour previously too but chose to say nothing. He felt bad for her that she had no one to talk to.

"Kaisa laga aapko khana, Bhabhi?

She paused eating. Bhabhi. The word felt foreign to her ears. He was the only one who had acknowledged her as his bhabhi which made her feel content.

"Bohot achha laga..." She gave him a warm smile.

Ramdhari gave her an uncertain look, "Hume pata hai aap humara mann behlane ke liye bol rahi hain. Sameer baba aur Nanaji toh humesha hi kami nikalte rehte the."

Naina chuckled softly, "Aisa nahi hai. Nanu mujhe batate the jab woh mujhse mandir mein milte the ki kaise woh roz aapki taang kheenchte hai. Par sath mein aapki taarif bhi khoob karte the ki kaise aapne poore ghar ko sambhal rakha hai. Aur main bhi dekhti hu aapko, aap kitni mehnat karte hain."

Her words made his heart grow full with respect for her. He could see why Nanu chose her. Her amiable nature could make a place in anyone's heart.

"Sach bataye bhabhi, hum sochte the ki Nanaji ke baad ghar soona ho jayega... Par ab aap aa gayi hain toh yahi lag raha hai ki iss ghar ki rounak jald hi waapas aa jayegi..." He said with regard for her in his eyes but a bit of sadness due to Nanu. She couldn't say anything but gave him a faint smile before getting up to leave for the office.

* * * * *

The air inside the building was tensed, not because of some mishap but because of the unexpected return of their boss. Being aware of his attachment with his grandfather, they knew what emotional issues he must be going through, so they were trying their best not to give him any reason to dampen his mood.

Ever since Sameer had entered the office, without sparing a minute, he had gone straight to his cabin avoiding the surprised glances of his employees. They were glad he is back to work but that only meant more and more hours of work and fewer breaks.

He had been examining the records from past one hour when Manoj entered in. A frown appeared on his face on seeing his friend continuously working without giving even a sec to breath.

"Sameer, thoda break bhi lele kaam se... Subah se lagaa hua hai... Coffee mangwa du tere liye?" Manoj asked him.

Sameer finished reading the file and stretched his arms a bit, "Haan...mangwa de... Meeting ke liye saari preparations ho gayi hai na saari?"

Manoj nodded and replied, "Sab kuch ready hai... Are you sure about this decision?"

Sameer glanced towards him, "Haan yaar... Kisi na kisi ko toh wahan ka kaam bhi sambhalna padega na."

The said decision was about another branch of the company which had been inaugurated a few months ago in Ahmedabad. Being a newly established company, it needed someone to supervise it. Sameer wanted one of his two best friends to take that responsibility. When Pandit had declined, Manoj decided to take a stand. His paternal aunt & uncle were living there so accommodation wasn't a problem and he was more than willing to go taking it as a chance to prove himself.

Naina reached just in time before the meeting could even start, all thanks to following the principle of punctuality. She observed her colleagues a lot busier than the other days and attributed it to the arrival of their boss.

The meeting proceeded and mainly included Sameer announcing his decision about the Ahmedabad branch, telling them how they would have to think of smarter and cost-effective ways to increase their production, gaining profits, signing new contracts and last but not least taking their company's position to a new height.

With that, he concluded, "You all know Nan- I mean Mr Jaiprakash Maheshwari ne kitne dedication se Maheshwari industries ko iss mukaam par laake khada kiya. Humein isse triple dedication aur hard work se aur aage badhana hai. Any kind of casualness or negligence regarding work would not be appreciated. We can do it and I know, we will. Got it, everyone?"

They nodded and said in commotion, "Yes sir."

Throughout the meeting, Sameer's gaze didn't even once stop at Naina. Neither was he faltered by her presence nor was she by his, but still, something had changed in the air lingering around them. No one was aware of their secret and they didn't even intend to tell anyone due to obvious reasons.

Rest of the day had passed with Sameer and Munna discussing another branch's work with minimal interactions with Naina. Manoj was supposed to leave the next day. It was tough for Sameer since his best friend was going away from him, though he would visit him occasionally.

The next few days passed in a similar fashion at both home and office. As discussed, Sameer and Naina kept themselves away from any sort of conversation other than exchanging a very few words at work. The production of the company had finally gained a little pace and everything according to Sameer was running smoothly until one morning, Pandit came to his house carrying a worried expression.

On asking about the reason, Pandit told him about the disagreement between his father and him. His father had always opposed the idea of his son working in another company leaving his own family business. While Pandit had wanted to make himself worthy enough to handle his own business, his father never cared to understand that. Pandit wanted to expertise in trade and seeing his devotion, Nanu had suggested him to work with them until he got the much-needed exposure and experience. He had readily agreed on the offer and worked his ass off.

But now, his father was forcing, which was more like blackmailing him to go back to his hometown in Bangalore. He narrated the whole conversation between him and his father starting from how his father had asked about the company's status. The current low-key performance of the company made his father put stronger points and reasons for leaving the company.

Never in a million dreams could Pandit thought of leaving his best friend, not when he needed him the most. If he could, he would leave his family but not Sameer.

Sameer patiently listened to the whole conversation and took a deep breath. After pondering much over his words for a few minutes, he opened his mouth only to say, "Pandit... Mujhe lagta hai tujhe unki baat maan leni chahiye..."

Pandit was beyond shocked. He stared at his best friend for a moment contemplating what he just said.

"Tujhe pata bhi hai tu kya keh raha hai...? Kya matlab unki baat maan leni chahiye?" He exclaimed. On getting no response from his friend, he continued, "Chahe kuch bhi ho jaye main tujhe aise chhod ke nahi jaane wala. Munna bhi nahi hai ab yahan pe. Tujhe kaam mein koi help chahiye hogi toh kaise karega. Main papa ko manaa kar dunga... Bas." He said.

"Pandit, mere bhai, samajh baat ko... For god's sake bacche nhi hai ab hum. Bohot responsibilities hai humare kandho par. Tum logon ne itna saath diya hai mera ab tak. Pata nhi kaise main yeh ehsan chukaun..." He sighed. "Agar uncle tujhe family business handle karne ke liye keh rahe hain toh bhi kya problem hai ismeee...? Apne bete se hi toh keh rahe hai na... Tujhe unki baat maan leni chahiye. Aur yeh kya matlab hai mujhe aise chhod ke nahi jaane wala, mujhe kya ho raha hai? Sab kuchh thik chal raha hai. Rahi baat company ki toh woh bhi handle kar sakta hu main. Ab aadat toh daalni hi padegi na..."

Pandit tried to convince him, "Sameer... Tu-"
Sameer interrupted him, "Nahi Pandit. Main samajhta hu uncle ka behaviour humesha se hi strict raha hai, par hai toh tu unka beta hi, bohot pyar karte hain tujhse. Aur agar meri wajah se tum dono ke rishte mein daraar aayegi toh main khud ko maaf nahi kar paaunga. Please bhai... Maanja... Mere liye... Humari dosti ke liye... "

It took ounces of strength to Pandit to nod in affirmation. He didn't want to leave his best friend, his brother in these crucial times. He was extremely worried about him. Nanu's demise, him getting married to Naina, handling the business, all this was so much to take in. He knew Sameer said all that keeping a stone on his heart. It seemed he was convincing himself more than Pandit. Arguing with him was of no use since he knew about his commitment towards his words. Guess complying with him was the only solution.

Naina witnessed the whole scenario from upstairs without giving them any hint of her presence. She felt sorry for the three of them. In this short period of time, she had very well understood the depth of the bond they shared. She silently prayed to keep their bond intact forever. A slight pang of guilt hit her for being jealous of them even though she hadn't intended to do it.

Pandit placed a hand on Sameer's shoulder and said, "Sameer, main bilkul bhi Papa ke decision ke favour mein nahi hun...Par sirf tere liye...Tere liye main unki baat maanne ke liye ready hun."

Sameer's face displayed contentment. With that, he hugged him, a bit tightly. A few tears of the pain of leaving each other rolled down their cheeks. But before their emotions overflowed, Sameer broke the hug and wiped his tears.

"Chal jaa ab, ghar pe wait kar rahe honge sab. Apni flight ke details ke baare mein bata Dena." He said in a bit cracked voice.

Some more tears rolled down Pandit's cheeks. Without uttering a word, Pandit proceeded towards the main gate.

Sameer saw his retreating back and sat on the sofa with a thud, resting his back on the sofa, staring the ceiling. Upstairs, Naina's condition too wasn't better. Watching their brotherly love for each other, her heart ached for their separation. She barely took 2-3 steps to go downstairs to console him, when she saw him going towards the study, shutting the door behind his back. She just stood there for a minute or two, her gaze still on the door and with a heavy heart went back to her room.

With this, the three wheels of the same autorickshaw rolled in three different paths leaving behind the traces of their everlasting brotherhood and friendship.

_____________________________________________________________

Gosh! Finally done.
Sorry for the late update, I was caught up in some work. I will try to give the next one soon.

And also, I haven't separated Samundit permanently. There's still a lot to be shown about their bond. So chill if you got worried :D

Hope you liked this update. Do tell me your views and do vote :)
New ideas and suggestions are heartily welcomed.
Stay safe and healthy.

Lots Of Love, Sim❣