Chapter 16

Part 16: School wala Romance

Naina and Sameer's affair once again kicked back with full force. School started post the winter break and Sameer was probably the happiest to see the vacations finally end. Sameer- who once shirked away from school as much as possible; here wanted to spend his entire day there, just so that he could see and speak to his sweetheart.

On Day 1 as usual, Mr. Maheshwari and Miss Agarwal were the first ones to enter the class. Sameer didn't want to waste a single second of his newly revived love life. He quickly closed the door of the classroom, took Naina's hand and twirled her into a tight hug in his arms behind the door. He was elated to see the tinge of crimson on Naina's cheeks and the happiness in her eyes. "Sameer...koi dekh lega! she muttered shyly and he let go very unwillingly. The first period seemed like full-on judaai ka mausam to Sameer. Unable to speak to her openly, he resorted to his pen tapping tactics. He took the pen in his hand and eyeing Naina, tapped his pen twice on the table. Naina looked at him and saw him smiling flirtatiously, awaiting her response. She smiled back at him, her eyes full of love. Naina shyly tucked away a lone strand of hair on her face behind her ear; and then reciprocated with tapping her own pen twice on the table. This to and fro pen tapping carried on for a while when she heard something unusual. Sameer tapped the pen once, then paused. He then tapped four times, again a pause. The third time, he tapped thrice and smiled playfully at Naina, waiting for her to respond to his I Love You'. Naina blushed so much she was afraid that Shanti teacher would notice the redness in her cheeks. Naina kept smiling shyly, looking at him continuously through the corner of her eyes. She too then tapped her pen to voice over her I Love You too' to him! Naina and Sameer felt it was a wonder the class was continuing amidst the romance brewing up between them. Both Sameer and Naina remained blushing post this and were bought to their senses only by the bell marking the end of the first period.

That whole day Sameer's face was turned towards Naina, instead of the blackboard. Naina gestured to him to pay attention in class, but his eyes responded with a firm, yet playful No'. "Arey Maheshwari sahib...wo khidki ke bahar kya Zeenat Amaan khadi hain jo aap tabse wahi ghure ja rahe hain? asked the Chemistry teacher, as the class roared with laughter. Naina blushed and looked at Sameer with an "I told you so expression. "Meri Zeenat Amaan to mere saamne baithi hai, mumbled Sameer, loud enough for only Naina to hear. "Kya kaha? sir asked. "Uhh...sir kuch nahi. Sir, wo mujhe ek doubt tha. Wo aapne bataya tha na ki jab do alag alag tatva (elements) pass aate hain, milte hain, to ek yaugik padarth (compound) ban jata hai. Aur fir wo...hamesha ke liye saath jud jaate hain? said Sameer, eyeing Naina slyly out of the corner of his eyes. Naina blushed even more as only she understood that Sameer was talking about their own lifetime unison- the chemistry of two hearts which now beat as one! "Haan toh? sir interrupted Sameer and Naina's chain of thoughts. "Sir...Umm unke kuch examples bata sakte hain? Sameer hastily covered up. Sir said, "Sameer, tum baaravi kaksha me jaane wale ho- board ki kaksha mein; aur tumhare basics itne weak ho rahe hain? and went on to answer Sameer's question, oblivious of the romance being perpetrated right underneath his nose. As the bell rang for recess, Naina came upto Sameer with an excuse and said, "Examples hain...Sodium carbonate, Potassium permanganate, Calcium ni... Sameer cut her in between and asked, "Naina-Sameer? Naina's cheeks turned red and she whispered, "wo bhi..., and ran away blushing. Sameer stared after her with love. God! He just couldn't resist her. The next moment, he too ran behind her shouting, "arey ruko, uska formula to batati jao!Munna and Swati looked at each other at this, and laughed. They had their own love story cooking up. Looking at these two couples, Pandit decided it was high time he too told Preeti about his feelings towards her.

***

The coming days were some of the best in Sameer and Naina's life. Everything seemed set, like a puzzle had been solved. Naina had started to teach Sameer again and this time, she didn't shy away from her father. Rakesh too had mellowed down now as he felt indebted to Sameer for forgiving his son. Or perhaps he was scared that Sameer might reveal the truth to everyone in school. Whatever it was, he had to bite his tongue whenever it came to Sameer. Their study time in the library and post-school in empty classes had an ample dose of romance in them. Naina would make Sameer focus, whenever he seemed lost in her eyes and Sameer would lovingly bring back Naina into reality, when she was lost in his. Sameer started doing much better in studies, thanks to his new teacher-cum-girlfriend. The school teachers were surprised and happy at his progress.

Apart from their study time, the library was witness to an exchange of many romantic moments between Naina and Sameer. During one of their class library periods, Sameer and Naina were sitting besides each other, reading. Naina had got up to get another book. She was away for a whole two minutes. Sameer got desperate and stood up. He moved over to the other end of the shelf where she was, and traversed slowly across it to catch her eye. She looked so cute he thought, engrossed in that book. Naina looked up and saw two of the most intoxicating eyes in the world- her Sameer's eyes. Sameer smiled at her through the stack of books. Naina smiled back in an abashed manner, and the two pairs of eyes became fixated upon each other. Naina started moving across the shelf and Sameer followed her. The two moved parallely, on either side of the shelf, not taking their eyes off each other. Rakesh sir was sitting at his desk, oblivious of Sameer flirting with his daughter right under his nose. Then as Naina was about to keep the book in her hand back onto the shelf, Sameer looked about to check if anyone was watching them. Making sure no one was nearby, he immediately put his hand on the same book. Slowly his fingers traversed their way towards Naina's, and held them. Naina blushed and their eyes met once again, while their fingers played with each other's. The bell rang, putting an end to their eye contact session. From then on, this shelf-romance became a ritual for them during the class library periods.

During another of their library study sessions, Naina and Sameer decided to catch up on Mathematics. It was Sameer's most dreaded subject, but he was at ease- because Naina was there to take care of him. Sameer opened the maths book he had got issued from the library and was solving the questions marked by Naina. He turned over to the last page to cross-check his answers when his eyes fell upon something. He stared at that page- realization hitting him. "Ummm Naina! he said. "Bolo Sameer...kuch samajh nahi aaya kya? Naina had looked up from her own book. Sameer looked about to check if the coast was clear. "Haan...Naina agar khud ka naam kaata tha to mera bhi to kaat deti na! Kham-a-kha Rakesh sir se mujhe daant pitwa di! said Sameer, now sniggering hard. Naina looked over at the last page of the book that he was pointing at. Her heart skipped a beat. It was the same FLAMES game that she had played on that book long back, while being lost in thoughts of Sameer. "Isi wajah se us din tumhare pujya pitaji mere piche pad gaye the Rakhi lekar...baap re...ek to das baar seat change ki maine..., Sameer shivered as he recalled that samuhik Rakshabandhan, and then added in a lighter tone, " varna tumhare papa ko mere jaisa handsome damaad kaise milta...mera matlab badtameez aur nalayak damaad! "Haaye tere pyaar me kya kya na bana main Naina, kabhi bana nalayak, kabhi kameena..., he sang playfully, as he recalled how Naina had saved the day for them. "Tumhe...tumhe kaise pata chala ye mera hi naam tha? asked an embarrassed and flustered Naina. "Gadha nahi hun main! Haan bas thodi der se chamka. Exams ke time pe book issue ki maine, lekin padhati to tum thi na mujhe. Aur tumhare aur mere alawa ye book kisi aur ke pass to thi hi nahi! he laughed and pulled her cheeks. "Sameer loves Naina and Naina loves Sameer! he reiterated as he looked at the FLAMES game, and saw Naina's cheeks turn beetroot red. Aww, she looked so cute, he thought. "Naina...tabse...? he smiled and asked. "Shuru se..., Naina replied, as she looked up into his eyes with embarrassment. The two were again lost in an eyelock. (Nazar milte hi shuru hoti thi kahani pyaar ki...din dophar guzarte the jab gali me yaar ki...kabhi jhoot bola nahi tha kabhi...bahaane banana lagi...YUDKBH plays in background).

The next day, Naina gave Sameer the letter she had penned down for him, when she thought she had to leave for Vanasthali. She had later cleverly taken it out from his bag, before he got a chance to read it. Ohh, she reminisced, it had been then that she had gotten his phone number, written on his ID card. How the Universe had helped them both to take baby steps towards each other! Anyways, Naina felt it was her first love letter and it had been for him. He had all the right to read it. "Ye kya hai Naina? asked Sameer curiously. "Padho, lekin akele mein...ye tumhare liye hi likha tha...jab mujhe laga mujhe Vanasthali jana padega, said Naina, embarrassed, and ran away from there. Sameer stared after her as he stood under that tree in the playground and opened the letter to read:

Sameer,

Sameer Maheshwari! Main kabhi jaanti bhi nahi thi ki duniya me aisa koi hoga, jiske liye main ye likhungi jo main aaj tumhare liye likh rahi hun.

Sameer- hawa ka ek jhonka. Theek isi tarah se tum meri zindagi me aaye. Aur is tez hawa ke jhonke ke saath main dhool ke ek kann ki tarah udne lagi. Sirf isliye ki tumhare saath, tumhare pass reh sakun! Jab tumhe pehli baar dekha, to dil ki dhadkanein badh gayi. Jaise hi tum mujhse takraaye, aisa laga jaise kisi ne zindagi me rang bhar diye hon. Kaanon me pyaar ke gaane bajne lage. Mera jaise khud par se bas hi hat gaya. Na kuch soch saki, na sun saki...bas seedhe class me aakar pyaar ka doha likh diya. Isse pehle to sirf main aur meri padhai the, pyaar to sirf filmon me dekha tha. Lekin tumhare aate hi aisa laga ki mere saamne mera Prem aa gaya tha. Jis ladki ko prem ka, pyaar ka, matlab hi nahi pata tha, jise pyaar ke gaane ka bhavarth hi nahi samajh aata tha, wo ladki in ansune, anchuye jasbaaton ko choone lagi, unhe mehsoos karne lagi- tumhe mehsoos karne lagi!

Shayad tumhe ye ajeeb lag raha hoga sunne mein. Par aaj mujhe apni khushiyon se zyada tumhari khushi ki fikr hai. Main tumhe hamesha hasta hua dekhna chahti hun Sameer! Isliye, aaj raat bhar baith ke maine Maths ke saare formule is notebook me likh diye hain. Kaash main tumhe padha paati, par asha karungi ki tumhe inse kuch maddad milegi. Mujhe galat mat samajhna. Shayad hum ab kabhi milen bhi nahi. Chunki ab main is school se, tumse door jaa rahi hun, main tumse apne dil ka haal keh dena chahti hoon. Tumhe iska jawab dene ki zarurat nahi. Bas samajh lena, ki kahin koi hai, jiske dil me tum hamesha dhadkan ban ke dhadakte ho...koi hai jiske liye tum hamesha khaas rahoge, uska pehla pyaar rahoge.

Sameer- Main tumse pyaar karti hoon. I Love You Sameer!

Tumhari hoke bhi na ho saki,

Naina

Sameer was dumbfounded as he read each and every line of the letter, over and over again. He recalled Naina's happiness when her admission to Vanasthali had got cancelled. He recalled her willingness to teach him, despite the fact that he was competing with her brother. And when she wanted to give him dahi-shakkar before the cricket match! She had cared for him since then. He looked at the letter and remembered how she had cleverly taken the notebook with the formulae back from him. He remembered her trying to open his bag that day after their first study session in the library. Naina had been in love with him since day 1. He had always known that- felt that she liked him. She herself had told him many times that she fell in love with him at first sight. But reading the honest confession of an innocent young girl, about him being her first love- the confession of the girl he came to love and cherish so deeply, moved him. His heart welled up with emotion. Fate had intervened. What if Naina had indeed gone to Vanasthali? He shivered at the thought. He would have been still the same guy- deprived of love and care, unable to love anyone more than himself. A careless, egoistic and arrogant teenager! And he had tried to hurt her- the girl who had done so much for him, without knowing who he really was. Naina- who never knew of love before, had opened her heart out to him- then almost a stranger. He was impressed by the depth of her love. He felt grateful that she loved him so much and she was there with him even now. He felt indebted to God, pleased that he fell in love with a girl as genuine as Naina.

He ran over to the playground where the girls were playing Shatapu'. Naina saw him standing there- the look in his eyes was intense and full of emotion. He gestured her to come with him. As soon as they were alone, he put his palm on her cheek. He felt a stronge urge to kiss her and let her know what she meant to him. But he somehow resisted his own instinct and said, "Jawab dena zaruri hai, hamesha zaruri tha- tab bhi...aaj bhi...Main bhi tumse pyaar karta hoon Naina. I Love You too...Aur haan, tum meri hi ho, aur meri hi rahogi...samjhi! With this, he became so overcome with emotion that he pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you Naina, tumne mere jaise paagal se pyaar kiya. Mujhe tumne sikhaya ki pyaar ka matlab kya hota hai. Thanks Naina. Main is duniya ka sabse lucky ladka hoon! Sameer said, his eyes moist with tears. Naina completed him. Period. They moved away minutes later, worried that someone would see them in this compromising position, but their hearts- their hearts felt together.  

***

Sameer and Naina smiled, laughed and loved, more than they ever had in their lives. Sameer was careful to adhere to Naina's pavitrata limits, but he dared not tell her how wild his imagination had become, lest she would get angry again. Sameer loved her with all his heart, but more than that, he respected Naina and her principals. He wanted to be only as intimate with her as she felt comfortable with and as was appropriate for their age. He knew their passion if ignited would be difficult to tame. For now, he was happy to kiss her in his dreams. There was no rush- they were bonded for life and for many more lives to come, he knew.

***

One fine morning in class, Naina and Sameer were chit-chatting happily before school began. Coming to school early gave them some privacy- where they could talk freely without the fear of being caught by anyone. "Sameer, Naina asked playfully, "class ki sabse sundar ladki kaun hai? "Ummm..., he acted as if thinking and then said, "Kamya! Haan Kamya hi to hai! Naina was miffed as he laughed. He loved making her jealous. "Acha to Kamya ki hi balcony pe jaaya karo na aadhi raat ko!  Mere ghar pe kyun aate ho? she replied in a huff. "Haaye Naina, tum jalti ho to jaanleva lagti ho, Sameer said in his flirtatious tone. "Koi haseena jab rooth jaati hai toh aur bhi haseen ho jaati hai..., Sameer started singing. Naina still seemed vexed. "Arey meri jaan...yun to humne laakh haseen dekhe hain...tumsa nahi dekha..., Sameer sang again, his hand on his heart. He looked over at her. She seemed to have melted a little. Encouraged, he started singing animatedly, "Tumse acha kaun hai...dil lo jigar lo jaan lo...hum tumhare hain sanam, tum hamein pehchaan lo.... Naina started giggling and playfully poked him, "Tum bhi na bahot kharaab ho...hamesha mujhe chedte rehte ho! Sameer said, "Arey Naina...tum sawaal hi aise puchti ho...mujhe tumhe dekhne se fursat milegi tab to kisi aur ko dekhunga na! Lekin haan, tumse pehle na mujhe Julia Roberts bahot pasand thi! Sameer told her. "Julia Roberts? Ye kaun hai? asked Naina. "Yaar Naina...tumhe Julia Roberts nahi pata? Sameer was aghast! At this, he opened his wallet and took out a paper clipping inside it. He showed it to Naina. "Ye to...ye to bahot sundar hai... ye angrez bhi tumhari girlfriend thi? Hey bhagwaan Sameer, matlab mera number teesra hai...,said Naina, slapping her palm on her forehead, her disappointment evident on her face. "Ek minute...ek minute...brake maaro zara apne tez dimaag ko. Itni tension lene ki zarurat nahi hai..., Sameer said, and added, "Meri paagal girlfriend...Julia Roberts meri favourite Hollywood actress hai...Aur tumhe pata hai mere room pe iska bada sa poster hua karta tha...aur ab usi poster ki jagah tumhari wo blue dress wali badiii siii photo hai..., he smiled, tapping her playfully on her head.

Naina felt relieved and smiled again. "Sameer tum angrezi picture bhi dekhte ho? Wo to bahot gandi hoti hain! said Naina, uncomfortable to learn this new truth about him. "Naina! Aisa tumse kisne kaha? Angrezi sirf ek bhaasha hai. Hamari aur unki sanskriti me fark hai- maanta hun. Lekin iska ye matlab nahi ki English films gandi hi hoti hain. Main to English gaane bhi sunta hun- Michael Jackson to mera favourite hai! Sameer told her. Suddenly a thought struck him, "Naina...tumne kabhi koi English film nahi dekhi na? Next time hum mere ghar pe ek plan banayenge...hum sab log baith ke ek English movie dekhenge...nayi hai...chinta mat karo...achi wali...bacchon wali...Home Alone! That next Saturday afternoon, the gang gathered together at Sameer's home, to see the first English movie of their lives, courtesy Sameer. As the movie came to an end, Naina and the rest of his friends were in splits. They had enjoyed the film a lot. Sameer had bought their misconceptions to rest about all English films having censored content.

***

With love abound on his side, Sameer gave a spectacular performance at the inter-school music competition and bagged the trophy. Naina had managed to excuse herself from school just to see Sameer perform. She had cited some head-monitor related duties at the competition and convinced Principal sir to allow her to go to the event, much to Sameer's glee. Well, this was the first time she had bunked school- another first in her love story with Sameer. Sameer even gave a small after-performance, while collecting his trophy and sang "Aate Jaate, Hanste Gaate, Socha Tha Maine Man Mein Kai Baar...Woh Pehli Nazar, Halka Sa Asar...Karta Hai Kyun Is Dil Ko Bekaraar...Ruk Ke Chalna, Chalke Rukna, Na Jaane Tumhe Hai Kiska Intezaar...Tera Woh Yakin Kahin Main To Nahin, Lagta Hai Yehi Kyon Mujhko Baar Baar, Yehi Sach Hai, Shayad Maine Pyar Kiya... Yehi Sach Hai, Shayad Maine Pyar Kiya...Haan Haan Tum Se, Maine Pyar Kiya, he concluded, looking at Naina all along. The piece was dedicated to her, she knew.

***

These days, Naina would only be too happy, when her cycle chain would come off. Sometimes, she herself took the chain out and went double seat with Preeti. Sameer would be waiting at the next alley, where Preeti would drop her off and Sameer would give her a lift on his bike. "Naina! Agar darr lage to mujhe pakad lena okay! Sameer would say; knowing Naina might not be comfortable being so close to him on his bike. But yeah, sometimes his mischievious side would get the better of him. He knew of Naina's restraint and would test her in between, if she still held the back of the bike or him. He would take her aback by putting the brakes hard, making her fall over him. Ahh...she felt so nice, so...so soft, he would think at those times. Naina would show her irritation at that, but would smile deep down. The smell of him, the proximity, his touch would made her go weak in the knees. She would sometimes put a hand on his shoulders for support; as a gesture that she too liked being close to him, but they had their limits to adhere to for now. Seeing this, Sameer would turn an obedient lover and would ride smooth as cream. And when they neared school, Sameer would drop off Naina, where Preeti would again pick her up. The only people affected by this arrangement, which happened quite often, were Munna and Pandit. But slowly, they too saw a way out. Munna got a chance to ride side-by-side with Swati as they both cycled to school. And for Preeti, Pandit was trying everything to woo her. Finally one day, Preeti had said, "ek hi shart pe haan bolungi. Sach bolna! Pandit gulped, "theek hai. Pucho! "Tumhe Tinde pasand hain? asked Preeti. Pandit was startled, "ye kaisa sawaal tha! Tinde kise pasand hote hain! Sach bolun ya jhoot? Ab mujhe bhi tinde khane padenge? Preeti's voice interrupted his thoughts, "tinde pasand hai ya nahi? she repeated. Pandit made a face and said, "Nahi, par tum bologi to koshish karunga khane ki! Preeti was elated, "Koi zarurat nahi. Bas yahi janana tha. Mujhe na aisa hi ladka chahiye jo tinde nahi khata. By God, nahi to shaadi ke baad bhi tinde hi khane padenge! Preeti had laughed and then blushed as Pandit comprehended her Yes'. When Sameer, Naina, Munna and Swati heard of the proposal and the conditions, they laughed their heart out. But Naina was happy for her sister, "Finally use uska Salman, Shahrukh, Aamir- all in one mil hi gaya tha!

During one of the times when Naina rode her own cycle to school, Sameer caught up behind Naina and Preeti. As usual, he adjusted his pace to keep up with them. Preeti smiled and raced ahead, to give the loverbirds their privacy. But at that moment, Sameer's bike stopped suddenly. He tried to restart it many times as Naina looked on. He finally decided to give it for repair and parked it aside. He called his mechanic from a nearby PCO who came and picked it up. It was already getting late for school. "Naina! Tum chalo...Main auto leke aata hun! Sameer asked Naina to carry on. "Auto to koi dikh nahi raha! Tum chaho to hum dono bhi is cycle se jaa sakte hain..., Naina proposed shyly and added, "Varna tumhe school ke liye late hoga na, aur mujhe acha nahi lagega agar tumhe daant padegi toh! Sameer smiled, "Acha...mujhe late hoga isliye? They both blushed. Sameer laughed as he sat down on the cycle and Naina prepared to sit behind on the carrier. "Tsh..., he muttered, "jaise filmon me hero heroine ko lekar jaata hai na..., he added with a wink, gesturing her to sit on the front. Naina blushed, but acceded to the request. She propped herself onto the rod in front of Sameer and felt his arms enclosing her, as he reached for the handles. She felt his heavy breathing on her neck. Sameer didn't move. He was glued to the spot. Whenever Naina was so close to him, he felt his emotions get the better of him. The duo stared in each other's eyes, aware of the romantic tension building up between them. Suddenly, Sameer took control of the situation and cleared his throat to bring his girl back into her senses. They were both embarrassed, but then Sameer said, "Hmmm...koi nahi madam...pyaar me aisa aksar hota hai! The couple laughed and talked as Sameer peddled the cycle to school. The bike breaking down mid-way had turned out to be priceless for both of them.

***

Arjun and Sameer too had become friends now. Principal sir had lifted the ban on Sameer for playing cricket and had made him the captain of the school team. Arjun had willingly relinquished the position for him and was helping him as vice-captain. Sameer would wonder sometimes, "God, if he knew I'm dating his sister, would he still be so kind? But Sameer and Naina were more than happy to keep their affair under wraps; to reveal it only when the time comes. Naina trusted Sameer and Sameer trusted Naina- that was all was needed. Arjun and Sameer were both exceptional players. Under their collective guidance, the school team became one of the most renowned in Ahemdabad and bagged several victories and trophies for the school. Sameer felt a sense of belongingness these days- a feeling of being at home, being with his family. He thanked God every day for blessing him with someone as special as Naina and promised to him, that he would never ever even unintentionally hurt her.

***

Another of the couple's favourite meeting places remained the water tap. That water tap was witness to their most precious moments they recalled. Naina had told Sameer how she had followed him like a puppy the moment she saw him for the first time. She pointed out to one particular tap and told him this was the one from which he drank water after he had bumped into her. And she had followed him and turned on the same tap, to drink the same water which had once touched his very lips. And then, there was their first proposal of their special friendship. It was the first time they had spoken to each other openly about their feelings. Even if it was for the bet, that conversation had started their love story for real. Naina told him she had still kept the wrapper of the Amul chocolate that he had given to her that day, much to Sameer's amazement. Sameer also recalled how he had accidentally touched Naina's cheeks for the first time at the same water tap, while trying to help her drink water. "Sach mein galti se kiya tha baba! Sameer defended himself as Naina became skeptical again. "Jaan boojh ke karne ke liye abhi bahot time hai, he added naughtily just to see Naina blush.

They would often meet at the tap during break or after school, and drink water one by one from the same tap. This was the closest their lips would be able to feel each other. Until that one day, at the end of 12^th standard, when the water tap witnessed another first' of Sameer and Naina. The board exams were nearing and school was going to be shut down to give students time to prepare for the exams. Sameer was really upset that school was coming to an end, and Naina was trying to cheer him up. "Hamare bhavishya ke liye hi hai na Sameer..., she said. "Mera bhavishya tum ho...aur mujhe tumse door nahi rehna..., Sameer responded gloomily. "Arey hum door thodi ho rahe hain...main bhi to tumhare bina nahi reh sakti na...aur main tumhe padhungi na is beech bhi...hum school me extra classes ke liye bhi aayenge...hum to milte hi rahenge..., she tried to convince him. "Hmmm...par roz school aakar tumse milna acha lagta tha na..., he said. "Kitna naatak karte ho na tum bhi..., Naina rolled her eyes at him as he continued to sulk at the corner of the tap. Naina suddenly decided something. "Idhar aao...suno..., she commanded. Sameer lent an ear to listen to her, still in a brooding mood. The school seemed deserted. Naina came closer to his face, near his ear. And then impulsively, she put her palm on his cheek and gave a kiss on that palm. Sameer was taken aback. His lips broke into a huge smile. "Ek minute...ek minute...ye kya tha...? Nahi nahi...mujhe samjha nahi...firse karo toh... his playful side was back again. Sameer had held Naina's wrist lightly so that she won't run away feeling embarrassed. She had impulsively covered her face with her palms. Sameer lovingly removed her hands from her face and looked intensely at her. He then leaned in and gave Naina a slow, deep, soft kiss on her cheek. It was the first time he had kissed her! He felt colour rush to his own cheeks as he saw Naina feeling happy as well as abashed. This first touch had stroked his fiery side. He was madly in love with this girl. He couldn't help but smile at her innocence- the way she had lowered her eyes shyly. Suddenly Naina's eyes widened with horror, "Hey bhagwan Sameer...wo kya hai...? she shouted. Sameer turned to where she was pointing. Before he could realize, Naina had leaned over and given him a soft kiss on his cheeks and run away giggling in embarrassment. He was astonished. He touched the place where Naina's lips had touched his cheek for the first time. He was sure that right now, he was blushing more than Naina had ever had. He jumped with joy and opened the tap and splashed water into the air around him.

The only thing Naina and Sameer missed out on was Kamya spying on them through the corridor. She felt extremely jealous that a handsome guy like Sameer had fallen for a simpleton like Naina and they were both having a secret love affair. She tried her best to spread the word, but with schools closed for the session and 12^th nearing to an end, no one really paid heed to her. Sameer and Naina were opposites- there wasn't a chance. And well, those who knew- they laughed at Kamya's stupidity. They had expected the school to know long back. The sizzling chemistry these two shared was difficult, if not impossible to hide.