Dear All ,
Thank you so much for all those encouraging words. I have read all of them and felt very happy to know that you are enjoying this journey. Unfortunately , I couldn't personally reply to each of your comment individually this time. Sorry about that.
Below is the next chapter. I hope you will enjoy reading it just like the previous ones. Do let me know your thoughts on this update. Happy reading and will eagerly wait for your comments.
Thanks and Regards
Ashwathy
CHAPTER 19 -HOME IS WHERE THE HEART LIES
Sameer and Naina , sat at the deck having tea . Newspaper was lying on the table and both were looking at the photo especially the one in which Sameer was kissing Naina. At that moment everything had happened quick, there was no time to analyse on emotions that emerged out of that incident. Thinking of loosing her was something he couldn't imagine. When the Lioness came near her stomach, his heart had reached his throat. He was in such a situation that he couldn't act and had to let her face the wrath by herself. That's not something that he had in mind for them. He wanted to be the one who faced all the troubles. And then to his luck, lioness turned her back and walked towards her mate. At that instant, all he could think was to thank god and pull her into a tight embrace. He didn't count the kisses he showered on her and where all he showered, or who all saw them in that act. All that mattered for him was her safety, her survival and the need of a life with her.
"Naina , what was running thru your mind when the lioness sniffed your stomach?"
"I was praying that she shouldn't attack on my stomach and leave me alive without being able to give birth. At that point the need to have your child in my womb was more than anything.
To tell you the truth, while we kept making fun of planning etc , the thought of carrying our baby in my womb never seeped in but the moment I saw her sniffing my stomach , the need to labour our baby was more than anything. It was like , if I am alive then I need to give you a child."
"But Naina marriage is not just for laboring a child rt?? For me its about partnership, doesn't matter if we have a kid or not. At that time what mattered to be me was just you."
She smiled looking at the photo, "I can see that Sameer. I never thought you would turn out to be so emotional. I was happy she went with out causing harm to anyone. I knew you were safe behind me but I also had the responsibility of seeing to that my womb was also safe."
"Why is it so important for a woman to be mother??"
"Probably that's the essence of being a woman."
"So what happens to women who cant give birth , then what would you say??"
For this she didn't have an answer. She kept looking at him wondering what if she is not able to conceive, what would she do. She had never factored this point. Would he hate her or marry someone else. Suddenly, the bright ,sunny, happy morning seemed clouded.
"Lost for words darling ??"
She was looking at his face, slightly pale "I don't know Sameer, I never thought of it ."
"Then let me enlighten you with my understanding. Naina, a woman's existing is not just to give birth, there is more to life than that. True one day or the other everyone wants to be a parent but that isn't the only and the important attribute of a lady. My dear though you are educated , your thoughts regarding this matter is very archaic.
My mom gave birth to me and then what ?? Is she with me ?? Was she ever with me?? Now would you still call it as essence of being a woman??
Essence of being a woman is to have a heart that can nurture, care and share her life with her loved ones. As far as giving birth is concerned that's just another part of human life cycle to keep the species alive.
So MY QUEEN, it doesn't matter if you are able to give me a child or not, what matters is your presence in my life , by my side as a part of me.
Does that make sense?? "
"Yes..." She said with a very confused look on her face. He knew she wasn't convinced , after all age old teachings cant be just erased from mind so easily .
"Naina, what if I cant give you child?? Have you ever thought of it that way?? What will you do? disown me ??"
"No Sameer , NEVER!!"
"Then the same holds good the other way around too!! We marry not to procreate but to have a companion to share our life . In due course if we are blessed with a child well and good , but that doesn't essentially define the essence of a gender nor the relationship we share.
Well , I guess we had enough for morning gyan session , I will take a quick bath and come."
He got up , after placing his cup on the table. He had taken just few steps towards the bedroom when Naina asked him , "Sameer , don't you want to have a child of your own??"
"I have never thought of it , Naina."
"Ok.."
How could he tell her that he didn't trust himself to be able to be a responsible parent. The idea of parenting scared him. Its not that he didn't want to be one but what if he turned to be like his mother, then what would happen to that child's life. He walked towards the railing of the deck, held it tightly while he looked at the Lion playing with his cubs. He seemed so at ease. Sameer , wondered if the beast was taught how to be a parent or it just came naturally to him. Naina got up from her seat and stood behind him, then slowly snaked her hands around his stomach and placed her head on his back.
"Sameer , you will make wonderful dad."
"Really ??"
"Yup. You didn't believe in love rt?? Now do you feel the same about love??"
He held her hands and moved it away from him , so that he could face her, "You are right , probably with time , my perspective might change too."
"Yes ..."
He hugged her tight. She seemed so soft and warm, and just fit right into his arms. As he walked towards the bathroom, there was a smile playing on his lips. She had managed to ignite a new feeling, and a new hope found its place in his heart, a hope that he would be a wonderful dad one day, probably like his father and Nanu.
Considering Naina's health, he decided they would spend the day at the resort. He knew she was feeling tired and in between she kept rubbing her back and lower abdomen, but not even once did she complain about cramps. That's his Naina, always smiling and thinking about his needs and happiness first.
So, he also decided that , they would just stay at the tree house and make full use of the day and night that was at their hands. The whole day, all they did was cuddling each other , or in between finding reasons to kiss each and then talk talk and talk. They told each other about their childhood, friends, family , fears, funny moments , crushes etc. As the night kicked in , they sat at the deck watching the forest. He placed a hand casually on her shoulders and she leaned on to him. He saw her hand firm on her stomach and he sensed her pain had increased.
"Naina , is it hurting??"
"Yeah , slightly. For me its always the 2nd and the 3rd , which drives me crazy. Anyways I have the medicine , will have it after 10 mins."
"Why wait for 10 mins??"
"We just had dinner , so need to wait."
"Do you want to go to the doctor??"
"Nah , I will be fine. I have pain killers. I do get these cramps most of the times but this time it's a lil more than usual. Might be because of the travel."
"We shouldn't have gone for that Safari. Even I forgot about it."
"Nah , I am glad we went. This whole trip is going to be special for me. I have never had such a life till date. My life always was confined to the four walls of my house, dictated by the rules of what elders' thought was right for us. What to wear, what to eat , where to go , with whom to go etc etc all was defined and decided by them. You have no idea how free I feel now."
"So, no regrets about this marriage??"
She didn't answer , she cupped his face with both her palms , pulled him close to her, then gave slow and passionate kiss.
"I guess you got your answer."
He didn't say anything , rather looked all the more amused.
"You blush a lot Sameer."
"Oh yeah...and madam is getting bold day by day...isn't it ?"
"Ha ha ha ..very funny."
"Naina, tomorrow we will be back to the old room and lot of packing to be done. You don't worry I will do it. I want you to rest well as day after tomorrow, we will be starting our journey back home. I had thought we will start late in the night but then changed the idea thinking that you might need a proper sleep."
"No Sameer , I would love to travel at night. Lets pack our bags in the morning and then rest during afternoon and evening . Late in the night , we will start . I have always wanted to go for a drive at night but chacha ji never took us out.
"Are you sure??"
"Yes !! "
"Good"
That night , as they hugged each other , Naina knew Sameer was not the same. He seemed to be holding her a lot closer than he used to. Something similar to that she experienced during Safari. She never understood why he didn't want to get back. Its not that she was going to leave him, she was going to be there with him in his house.
"Sameer , whats going on in your mind?"
"Hmm...I don't want to go back Naina."
"Why??"
"I am scared once we go back, everything will change between us. There will be other people around us trying to break our relationship."
"Its just going to be Nanu. Who else will be there??"
"Well, now when we go , mom and her family will be there."
"Sameer, whoever is there, its not going to affect our relationship. If someone can change the dynamics , its just us. People keep telling because of him/her/them relationship broke. They are all lying , if a relationship between husband and wife breaks its because they didn't want it to happen. In short it all depends on us. The point is do you want this relationship to last Sameer??"
"Yes Naina. Till I breath my last , I want to be with you."
"Then why fear??"
"You are right my lioness."
He took a deep breath and kissed her forehead, thanking god for bringing her into his life. She had started slowly becoming his anchor in life. As decided the next day morning was spent packing and after which Sameer went out to get some essentials for their journey back home. He returned just before the Lunch time. After having lunch , she lied down while he decided to take a dip in the pool. She understood he needed sometime to himself. By the time he came after the swim , he saw her sleeping with a hand on his pillow. He changed his dress and sat next to her. She sensed his presence and quickly moved closer to him . Next thing she did was ,placed her head on his lap.
"Sameer...don't worry, everything will be fine. I am there with you."
"I know and that's my worry too. Before, I really didn't care about my life but now there is this need to be careful and want to live, just like normal people."
"I know what you mean and you will, along with me and Nanu. Come lie down for some time or do you want to watch TV??"
"Nah, I will sit next to you. You take rest. It's going to be a long drive."
"You need rest as you are going to drive. Not me."
He didn't respond. All he did was untied her hair and slowly caressed her scalp with his fingertips. This was another thing he had gotten used to , massaging her head. Soon , she found herself dosing .
He woke her up around 7:30 to have an early dinner. By 9:30 they were all set to get back home. While he boarded the luggage into the Jeep, she said bye to few of the staff she had gotten close to, this included the driver and the guard of the Safari Jeep. As they bid farewell, she thanked all of them for their beautiful service and promised to return soon. Sameer noticed that people liked her and accepted her with ease. He had a smile on his face seeing her this way.
"Why are you smiling"
"Hmm...well I just realized that I married a true blood Commoner Princess!! "
"Huh?? What does that mean.."
"You will realise soon."
They travelled for nearly an hour and reached the very same Dhaba, where they had , had their dinner on the way to resort. He parked the Jeep a lil ahead , under a tree and waited.
"Why have you parked it here?? Its dark and we already had our dinner ."
Even before he could, she saw a White Contessa Classic taxi closing in towards their Jeep. Two people got out of it . She couldn't recognize them initially as it was very dark, but as they came near, she understood one person was Parth and the other was Nanu's Driver Vishwas.
"Whats going on Sameer??"
"Just sit there while we place all the bags into the other car."
With in minutes , they moved the bags into the other car . Then Sameer asked her to move into Contessa car, while Vishwas took the Jeep and went back towards Gir Resort. Parth was in the driver's seat and Sameer was about to enter the front passenger seat when she heard Parth saying , "No Sameer. You sit at the back seat with her. I will be your Parthsarathy today."
Sameer smiled and sat behind along with her. She noticed Parth was wearing shirt that was similar to that of taxi drivers.
"Whats happening guys?? Will one of you tell me, what's going on ??"
Parth didn't respond , he looked at Sameer through the rear view mirror deciding if he needs to keep her informed. He saw Sameer, possessively putting his hand around her shoulders pulling her close to him.
"Nothing dear. Nothing to worry."
"Then why don't you tell me Sameer?? Parth Stop the car will you. What is happening I need to know Parth?"
Parth didn't bother to answer as he had to concentrate on the road. Even the slightest distraction might end up in a disaster and his whole purpose of being here with them would go futile.
"Naina, let him drive. We will discuss once home , not now. Please..trust us. As of now, you just need to know that we were just being careful.
"What about Nanu?? He is alone."
"No he isn't. Munna and Pandit are there with him. Ramu Kakka is also there at home. Don't worry there are others too , who are watching the movements in that house. Just relax everything will be fine. "
Naina , understood these guys had heard something. Sameer's post breakfast trip to the nearby market to get essential wasnt very convincing but she didn't question as she thought he was upset of getting back. Another thing that she noticed was , he hadn't shaved today , his excuse was that he was feeling very lazy. But now with so much happening and the silence in the car only shouted trouble with a capital T. She , like her companions, kept her eyes fixed on the road but soon weariness took over and her eyelids started to droop and in mins her head was on his chest while he held her tightly. Parth slowed the car and gave him a Peshawari shawl to cover her and specs for him .
"Sameer, don't worry. I wont sleep off. Trust me brother."
"I trust you Parth, but if something happens to either one of you, I will never be able to forgive myself Parth. You are equally important ,Parth."
He didn't say anything further. The journey on state highway 111 to National Highway 47 was in absolute silence. As the vehicle entered the Rajkot Highway , Sameer sat up straight pulling Naina even more closer and double checking if the car doors were locked. Parth slowed the car towards the parking bay and asked , "Sameer , is she ok. She hasn't even moved a bit."
" Morning she said , she was not feeling well. Since we were to travel tonight, I gave her Paracetamol after dinner." He didnt think there was a need to share personal details of his wife to Parth, as there wasn't any medical situation attached to it at the moment. The reality was that Naina was on painkillers for her cramps and this made her drowsy and it worked in their favour.
"Ah ok. No wonder. Anyways nice that she is sleeping. Sameer , we need to be extra cautious from here on. These are the two truck numbers that I got. If you see anyone of them pass by let me know."
Sameer took the paper from him and made a mental note of the number. He knew though they had covered half the distance without any issues , the next half especially Rajkot highway was the most dangerous stretch . Till they reach SH 17 it would be like driving on ice. Lil into the highway, Parth realized a truck was following them. Even after Parth gave signal to overtake , the driver didn't seem interested at all to do so.
"Sameer, he is closing in on us , so cant see the number plate. Would you be able to turn back and look?"
"I wouldn't do that Parth. That is inviting trouble. I am sure no one knows about our plan."
"But what if they have seen Vishwas on the way. Do you think he will spill the bean."
"NEVER. He wont open his mouth even his life is in danger. Don't worry. Just keep going for now. Once you reach the toll gate, park the car there and get down to fill some water. "
"That's like walking into them."
"Only if they know who we are. They don't know you are here with me. They don't know that we are coming in a taxi. At the moment, its just a doubt for them, then lets play along."
As suggested by Sameer , he parked the car in a very crowded place and went to get water. After a while Sameer saw two people get out of the truck and walking towards the car. As they neared the car one of them acted as if he had dropped something by mistake and bend down to retrieve it. Sameer knew for sure they were just checking. Naina's face was covered by the shawl and his chest. There was no chance for them to see her face. He knew , with his unshaven face and thick lens spectacles they wouldn't be able to recognize them and that too at night. He could see Parth walking towards the car and Sameer could see him talking to those two people in a very friendly manner. Seeing that Sameer relaxed and he cursed himself for being unnecessarily imagining things.
Parth was back in the drivers seat and soon started the journey.
"Sameer , you can strike the first number in that list. He was asking me who you were. I told him that I and my elder brother was bringing back my Bhabhi after Pagphere function."
"So , the information you got was right. "
"Yes Sameer."
"Are they convinced of what you said?"
"To my understanding, yes he was convinced as went to the near by tea shop to have tea . He isn't following us anymore."
"Which means there is one more truck who will try to create an accident."
"Yes Sameer."
"We need to be very careful because someone did manage to tell them that we are not travelling by Jeep. I think someone would have noticed us from the Dabha. That location to change over wasn't smart idea. Now we have somehow managed to escape. One more to go."
They didn't have to wait for long, with in half hour into journey many trucks went by and one among them was the other rogue truck. As they saw the truck pass by both sighed a relief. From then on the drive was enjoyable for Parth. Though cautious he was glad their plan worked. They reached outskirts of Ahmedabad early in the morning around 4.45 am. There was one more hours journey to reach his house but Parth stopped the Vehicle near a very small house.
"Naina, get up dear."
"Have we reached. I just slept like a log . Might be because of the medicine."
"Where is Parth and why have we stopped here?"
"We need to freshen up here and then when we enter the house. Nanu will be there to welcome you."
"Meaning ??"
"You are forgetting , officially it's the Gruhpravesh day of yours."
"OK...your mom will also be there rt??"
"Yeah ,...I guess. I doubt if she would get up this early ."
"Anyways, lets freshen up and then we will go to our home."
"Ok"
The house had just two rooms and one of the rooms was with attached bathroom. While newly married couple freshened up , Parth decided to rest for a while in the front room.
"Sameer, at least now tell me what happened??"
"Naina, while you were packing , Parth called me to tell that I need to be careful while I drove back at night as he got information that someone is trying to repeat something similar that they did to my dad."
"What??!! But don't you think that would be stupid to try the same thing to the son. Wouldn't the hands point into the same direction."
"Well I don't know. When people get desperate to achieve their goals then they end up making mistakes."
"What do you think , was there any truth in the information."
"We don't know yet because we got cautious and changed our plan." He lied to her. He didn't want her to know that they had figured out the trucks who were employed to carry out this task. Today was her day , she had all rights to be happy when she entered their home. Probably sometime later , when things have settled down he will tell her the truth.
"Is that all Sameer?? Why do I feel you are not telling me the whole truth."
"Naina, we have loads of time to discuss on this and trust we surely will discuss but as of now , lets get ready."
"Ok...Sameer , do you people have pooja room??"
"No. Why?"
"Because your mom might ask me to light the lamp and you know I wont be able to as I have my periods."
"Don't worry , she wont bother .She will have other things to worry, especially after seeing us there. We just have photos of god hung on the wall adjacent to Nanu's room. There is a stand , where Nanu lights the lamp and burns incense sticks .
"Then wont he ask me to light the lamp??"
"Darling , I will handle it . Before we start I will be calling Nanu , So ,that he can be ready with the Thali. At that time I will tell him. Don't worry."
"OK"
Sameer quickly freshened up and handed over a paper bag to Naina. She wondered how much these guys had planned for the day. There was lot going on behind her back. Not that it should matter. It was all done with a good intent . As she got out of the bathroom, she saw Sameer was dressed in Cream coloured silk Kurtha and white bottom. It had red embroidery done on the collar.
She wore the red Kanchipuram Silk Saree that was there in cover and tied her hair in a neat French braid. He looked at her through the mirror with satisfaction. He walked towards her and handed a box.
"What's it??"
"Open it."
"Another Jewelry set ??"
"Yes , but this belonged to my dad's mom."
"What ?? How did you get it now"
"Nanu had called me , later in the evening , to tell me that he was sending something special with Parth. For the first time Naina, he discussed about dad and his side of the family. He told me that dad's parents did care for me a lot but they had to leave to US and I was so small that they thought I would be happy with my mom. They didn't think it was right to take me away from my only parent. Before they went to US , they had left this with Nanu and told him to give it to their grand daughter in law. Look , this is my dad's Navarathna ring. Do you know what that means Naina?? I did matter to them...I did matter to them..probably out of fear they left the place ."
"Yes , looks like there is more that we need to unearth Sameer.."
"Not sure if its worth it Naina...Anyways , today is not the day to think about all that. Wear it Naina, and please put a larger red Bindhi like the south Indian women. I am hoping my dad will be happy to see ancestral jewelry on his daughter in law. "
"Yes he will be happy. Sameer, does Nanu , know about what you and Parth heard??"
"Not so much. Will talk later Naina. Get dressed and come soon, I will wake Parth ,
he will also need to freshen up. He is one loyal friend. Today he and Vishwas put their life at stake just for us."
"Yes"
7:30 AM at Mehashwari Villa.
They reached Maheshwari Villa at 7:30 am. Nanu was eagerly waiting for them. He did the Arthi and Naina auspiciously kicked the pot of rice as she entered the house. She stood at the center of the hall and looked around. She had seen this house only from outside. As her eyes moved towards the stairs, there stood, his mother along with husband and Rohan. Mr Somani looked totally surprised .
"Good Morning Mom."
"Good Morning Sameer. We weren't expecting you at this hour."
"Well , we do think alike. Neither did I think you would be awake at this hour. Looks like you were waiting for some news. By the way, to enter my house I don't think I need to inform or need invitation. You are forgetting this where I live. Anyways, let me introduce you all formally."
"Naina , this is my mother Mrs Vishaka Somani and her husband Mr. Somani. This is my step brother Rohan Somani.
And this people, is my lawfully wedded wife or should I say daughter in law of Mr. Raghuveer Raghunathan."
As his dad's name reverberated through the house , Sameer could see colour draining out of two people's face, while Rohan looked at them absolutely confused. Nanu , knew the situation was getting out of hands and the Sameer he was looking at was not the boy who had left Ahmadabad 7 days back. In order to lighten the moment, he quickly came in with Pedas .
"Now that we all know who we are , I think its time , the lady of the house get treated with Peda. Wont you agree Sameer."
"Of course Nanu."
Nanu fed both of them Peda and then asked Sameer to show her the house. He held Naina's hand and guided her to the stairs. As he reached the landing of the stairs, he came face to face with his mom and his step dad.
"Tough luck today, isn't it?? Thought history would repeat ?? Mr.Somani , I am my dad's son but I am not him. For that attribute ,I need to be thankful to the two of you because you threw me out of my own house and away from my own people when I was very young. You thought I would confine myself to the 4 walls of the boarding school but you were wrong , because I liked jumping walls and every time I did that landed on the streets. I wandered nights without anyone's knowledge and went back to the 4 walls only when the Moon left the sky. Guess what ,I realized I was not alone. In the shadows of the night , I found that, there were many like me .Initially I was attacked and left hungry by them but then I wanted to survive , and I am proud to say I did survive with all my might and you know how?? I stole from them and survived. In short , don't mess with me. This is the first and the last warning. Try dirty tricks, trust me I am worse than you are . You can't even imagine how my mind works , in which all direction it works and who all I can get to work for me. So be careful.
He then looked at Rohan and said " Unlike these two you seem to have a heart , hence requesting politely. Tell your parents not to meddle with me , else you will also be targeted for no fault of yours." Saying so, he walked towards his den, with Naina by his side.
Everyone looked at him with absolute surprise because this was definitely not the Sameer they had seen till now. His mannerism, his words, his body language , everything had changed. He seemed like a rock with no emotions. None of them thought that, one piece of jewelry from his dad and one tensed night on the highway ,could change Sameer the grandson of Jayaprakash Maheshwari ,into Sameer Jayaprakash Maheshwari THE BUSINESS TYCOON .
Precap : Sameer Jayaprakash Maheshwari , The Business Tycoon
Edited by WeRockTheWorld - 7 years ago
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