The view on both sides of the road was incredibly breathtaking as the golden Esteem car maneuvered through the ghat roads. The spring leading to blossoming of the flowers, trees branching out and growing new leaves, the shade of orange spread on the roads due to the blooming Gulmohar... and in addition to all the beauty, it was the cloudy weather that was calling for unexpected rains in upcoming days.

Naina leaned forward more, crossing her arms on the open window of the car and resting her chin on it. The wind messed her hair, but she loved it. The speed of the car blurred her vision, but she was fine with it. She closed her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply and filling her entire body with contentment. She watched the cars passing behind as Sameer overtook them, waved at the kine of cows as the car slowed down and swayed her hand in the air as the vehicle took the speed again, as if she was sitting in a boat and was playing with the water.

Sameer glanced at her, seeing her all cheerful and enjoying the moment. He chuckled and shook his head, focusing back on the driving. The scenic views had put a pause to their non-stop chatter for almost 20 minutes and now he was feeling left out and missing her already.

He pulled the cassette of 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' out from the music player, which they were listening to till now, and inserted another cassette into the player. Checking the cassette cover once, he rewound the side A right till the beginning and pressed the play button.

A victorious smile took place on his lips when Naina turned back listening to the tunes of their favorite song, heaving with a huge smile as Alka Yagnik's vocals rumbled in the car. Pushing his elbow on his window and resting his temple on his fist, he quirked his brows, as if telling her through his eyes— 'see, I got your attention back!!'

Naina laughed at his gesture, perceiving what he just did there. She smirked, now jumping into the game and on her way to completely bowl out Sameer. Sliding her window up, she shifted the cushion on her back on the window and turned fully to Sameer. While Sameer was busy contemplating what she was doing and focusing on driving at the same time, she stretched her legs and settled her bare feet on his lap. Sameer's heart skipped a beat when she raised her brows and bit her lips, as if telling him through her eyes— 'deal with it then!!'

He accepted his defeat by laughing and shaking his head again, his left palm landing on her foot involuntarily and massaging it slightly.

Naina closed her eyes and leaned back, crossing her arms on her chest and now reveling in Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik's vocals.

'Ek din aap yun humko mil jayenge...

Phool hi phool raahon mein khil jayenge...

Maine socha na tha...

'Ek din zindagi itni hogi haseen...

Jhoomega aasmaan, gayegi yeh zameen...

Maine socha na tha...'

Her lips widened on their own and she started humming the tune. Sameer couldn't resist craning his neck towards her, finding sukoon on her face.

How he wished to capture this moment into his camera!!!

Her leaning back relaxed and her feet on his lap while he was driving. But he wanted the photo privy only to him. Not even the person developing the reel should see it. But that wasn't possible. So for now, his eyes worked as the camera and absorbed Naina's smiling face into his soul.

Naina broke from her short nap due to a jerk. She opened her eyes, scanning around and realizing Sameer had stopped the car.

"Kya hua?" She asked.

"Shayad koi view point hai yahan pe..." Sameer replied, peeking through the window after spotting some crowd. "Chalo dekhte hai..."

They walked till the point hand in hand, getting to know it was Khandala view point from a chai tapri owner. Standing away from where the others were, Sameer pulled Naina closer to him, letting his hand be on the curve of her waist.

The mountain range of the western ghats and the valleys mesmerized the duo as they kept gazing at it. It wasn't lush green, yet the sheer beauty of nature soothed their hearts. Naina extended her arm on Sameer's midriff, not really worrying about watchers, but doing what her heart wanted to do. This was the peaceful moment they were seeking for for a long time, and they finally got it amidst the haste yesterday.

That Naina was utterly grateful to Sameer for leaving one spare day before leaving would be an understatement. They spent yesterday celebrating Gudhipadwa together and feasting on Puranpoli made by Naina. It was Naina who suggested that there's nothing wrong in adapting the language and culture of the state they were living in and a festival is the best opportunity to start with.

In the afternoon, she made a trip to the market with Preeti to purchase some necessary items for travelling and did some shopping for her and Sameer too, including a new pair of jeans for both of them. Sameer had insisted on her wearing some trendy clothes and not just the salwar suits the whole time and she fulfilled his wish by wearing one right from today.

She was wearing a white top with a pink floral jacket on it, paired with her new grey jeans. Sameer went all black with black t-shirt, black jacket and a black jeans. Needless to say, he was looking insanely handsome and Naina found the view on her left better than the Khandala view point.

She still remembered Sameer's reply when she had asked where they were going, his hoarse voice reverberating in her ears.

'Woh jyada important nahi hai... tum bass itna dhyan mein rakhna ki hum apne 'asli' honeymoon par ja rahe hai...'

The blush and goosebumps overtook her body again, just like the way it happened that night. Since then, Sameer has been constantly teasing her, asking whether she knows what is the real meaning of 'honeymoon' and indirectly reminding her of her blunders in Ooty.

She chuckled at herself, slapping her forehead and blushing profusely again.

"Kya hua?" Amused, Sameer asked her.

She only shook her head, hiding her blush and stating they were getting late. After clicking some photos and a tea break, they left for Lonavala.

It must be 12:10pm when they reach the resort in Lonavala, right at the time of check in. Even though they had kept their bags ready at night, some last minute packing, Rakesh papa's long list of instructions and a small chit-chat session with Preeti in the parking when she came to see them off, they finally left by 7:30 in morning.

The six-lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway was in the process of construction... but well... It has been in the process of being made for eight years now, and still not complete. And so was the condition of Mumbai. Sameer had a very nice comment on it—

'Jab hum pachaas saal ke honge na Naina... tab bhi Mumbai aise hi jagah jagah par khudi hui milegi... ek raasta dhang ka nahi de sakte yeh log hamein...'

— taking out his frustration of the dug up Mumbai roads.

Naina was agape looking at the resort Sameer had booked for them. The property must be widespread in acres, with greenery in the surroundings as if it was built right in the neighbourhood of nature. It was almost a two minute stroll from parking to the reception and Naina couldn't take her eyes off the big trees, small trees, bushes, flowers all around.

While waiting at the reception for the formality to be completed, Naina scanned the area. It had old antique pieces, big couches with velvet covers, big vases, beautiful paintings and glass tables with flowers kept in vases again.

"Sameer, yeh toh–"

"Bilkul nahi..." Sameer cut her in even before she could complete her sentence. He grabbed her hands, voicing, "iss baar hum apne paison se aaye hai Naina... thoda toh tumpar kharch karne do mujhe?"

His pleading eyes brought a smile to Naina's face. She chuckled, nodding and signalling through her eyes that she's okay with it. She had known for years now that Sameer always wanted to treat her like a Queen, and it looked like the moment had finally come.

The way to their room was again a five minute walk as a bellboy and a helper led them ahead. It had sitting areas in the open with wooden benches, a machan built on two trees that again had wooden tables and benches kept for lunch/dinner. Some small bridges for the water streams flowing below, hammocks and swings tied to the trees, grass growing from the gaps between the rocky tiles on their path and wooden cottages seen in between the greenery. And it was only what was on their way.

Sameer had booked a tree house for them for which they had to climb at least fifteen stairs. The floor, the walls, the roof– everything was made of rich wood but the interior had a nice touch of modern amenities and luxury to it. Naina ran to open windows and the big glass balcony door, gasping at the view of Sahyadri mountains seen from it. She fathomed that it wasn't just a balcony, it was a wide open space that had a seating arrangement for two, a hammock tied on the railings, a bathtub placed in the open and a staircase leading somewhere down.

Continuing her exploration and rushing downstairs, Naina was met with a patio– a small dining table with three chairs right near the staircase, a swing suspended on chains with cushions on it, two wooden sun loungers with towels and bathrobes placed neatly in a nearby rack and gosh... it had a damn private swimming pool. This area wasn't visible from the front side at all. And looking at the expanse of trees around, she knew it wouldn't be seen from anywhere for that matter.

She loved being in nature's lap...

Coming back up again, she found Sameer removing his black jacket, fixing his mobile phone between his ear and shoulder.

"Haan Papa, aap bhi khayal rakhiye apna... aur khana time pe khaiye..." he said, tossing the jacket on the bed and disturbing the swans made of white turkish towels unknowingly. He had booked the honeymoon suite for them.

A smile crept on his lips and he disconnected the call, tossing the mobile on the bed again. The Nokia 5531 mobile was the second purchase they had made along with the car. Sameer clearly stated that if the car was solving their transporting problem then buying a mobile phone was solving the communication problem. And she couldn't refuse it when he reminded her how they both experienced the dire need of a portable telephone in the past at various incidents.

But it was expensive. Who pays 16 rupees for a minute? She could never understand that.

She ambled towards him, taking one step at a time and so did he. Spreading his flat palm on her waist, he pulled her closer, gently, and looped his arms behind her. In response, Naina circled her arms around his nape, returning him a sweet smile and conveying how much she liked the resort through her eyes.

No words were exchanged for a few moments... it was only the two pairs of eyes that talked so much...

Sameer dipped down to her, aiming at her lips and capturing them in his in a soft kiss. Basking in the love of her husband, all his efforts to make this vacation memorable for them and for how drop-dead gorgeous he was looking at the moment, Naina responded to the kiss with all her heart. Little did she know that it wasn't merely a simple short kiss. It was a long one, keeping their lips at work. She soon found Sameer tilting their heads by sliding his left hand up to the back of her neck and deepening the kiss.

They were in the fourth year of their marriage now, yet her body always reacted the same to Sameer's touch... to his kisses... Jolts of current passed through her entire body, sending emergency signals down there to be prepared for the upcoming and she started feeling the wetness in her core. She inhaled deeply as Sameer's wet lips kept playing with hers, his teeth nipping her lips at times and his tongue teasing or rather challenging her entire system. It was now the turn of his right hand to glide on her petite body, feeling her bare skin under her white top for a moment but then dissing that idea and sliding up over the top and cupping and kneading her breast in his big palm.

The kiss took a feverish turn and Naina's mind sent alarming signals. She was torn between giving up to the physical pleasure and paying attention to her grumbling stomach. Her urge to stop Sameer fainted when his both hands reached her back and cupped her bottom, crushing their lower halves. As if he wanted to touch her all over the place at the same time.

Ughh!! It was becoming arduous now to stop him...

With a slight push on his chest, she pulled out from the kiss, letting them both suck in the necessary air.

Damnn!!! She had to... as even through the thick fabric of her jeans, she was feeling his growing bulge on her belly.

Sameer opened his eyes, finding lust yet slight hesitation in Naina's eyes.

"Yahan koi bahana nahi chalega Mrs. Maheshwari..." he said, tucking her hair behind her ear, "ab toh pata hoga na tumhe ki honeymoon pe kya hota hai?" he remarked, quirking his brow.

Naina facepalmed herself mentally. God!!! When would he stop embarrassing her by reminding her sheer lack of knowledge during their honeymoon? She mused.

However, she remained unfazed externally, not letting any hint through her face. She shrugged and replied, "haan... itna toh pata hai ki honeymoon par apne patni ko bhookhe pet toh bilkul nahi rakhna chahiye..."

Wow!! That was some comeback!!! She patted her back mentally.

Sameer frowned at her comment, not getting the context at first. But as realization dawned upon him, it was now his time to squeeze his eyes shut out of embarrassment, remembering how in a fit of his anger, he had let his Naina sleep hungry at night.

"Bhook lagi hai?" He asked, rubbing his neck. Naina scrunched her nose and nodded. Sameer let out a chuckle, "thik hai... lunch ke liye chalte hai..." he said, hearing a rumbling sound from his own stomach too.

"Aur lunch ke baad na, hum ghumne chalte hai..." Naina chirped, her eyes wide and twinkling, "mai na atlas bhi sath lekar aayi hu... yahan aaspas kafi achchhi jagah hai dekhne ke liye..."

This time Sameer nodded plainly, still maintaining a small smile.

Naina frowned and gazed at him, sighing. She took him to the bed, making him sit and herself climbing behind him.

Sameer groaned in pain when she massaged his neck and shoulders with pressure. He had been experiencing neck pain for a few days.

"Thak gaye?" She asked, working her thumb on his neck.

"Ummm... bass thodusa..." he replied truthfully. Driving for four hours only aggravated his pain.

"Thik hai... toh bahar ke spots hum kal parso dekh lenge... aaj yahi ghumte hai resort mein..." she suggested.

Feeling relieved both with her answer and massage, Sameer let out a satisfactory moan. Naina was never demanding, she was always okay with whatever the situation called for. Well, he too had shortlisted some places to visit near Lonavala, but he didn't want to tire themselves out. There was no point in getting out of the hectic work schedule in Mumbai, only to rush and visit places in a hurry during the vacation. They were here to rest, allow their mind and body to relax and rejuvenate fully.

"Waise... kitne dinon se chal rahi thi yeh planning?" Naina asked, pressing her fists down on his spine till his lower back.

"Do hafton se..." Sameer grinned, after hearing Naina's gasp. "Aditya madad kar raha tha meri... usko kaafi pata hai iss jagah ke baare mein..."

"Itne time se plan kar rahe the aur bataya bhi nahi mujhe..." She slapped on his shoulder.

"Surprise tha Naina... aur waise bhi mai tumhare iss birthday par kuchh kar bhi nahi paaya tha..." he twisted his mouth, his voice dropping.

It was as if their life was on auto-pilot mode since last two months. Going to the office wasn't compulsory for them, but staying at home affected their productivity due to the distractions and the chores. So they made it a point to go to the office daily right from the beginning, the professional environment helping them to submit episodes on time and work on the feedback then and there.

However, the monotony had slowly started creeping in, affecting their creativity. They had started facing a creative block but kept working due to the pressure of submission, which also led to their disagreements. There was no newness in their life, no excitement and no surprise even if they had Sundays off. It had hit Sameer hard when they both celebrated Naina's birthday on the 5th of this month by only eating pastries in a small shop... well, apart from a passionate lovemaking a night before.

That was the moment when Sameer decided to take leave from work for both of them. It was fair, every working person gets leave from the office. Only their industry was such that it had no fixed pattern of leaves. It should have though!!

***

After feasting on the delicious lunch in the machan, Sameer and Naina walked to explore the property. Thanks to the still cloudy weather, they were able to wander in the afternoon. The weather of Lonavala was much better than that of Mumbai, especially no humidity.

There were families roaming around too, children playing on the swing, some playing cricket and badminton in the open space, while a couple of couples just sitting on the benches and chatting.

They directed themselves to a path leading to the flow of the stream and the wooden bridge, taking a downward staircase. Finding it to be a good background, Sameer positioned Naina near a tree, asking her to pose. Naina smiled more to Sameer than to the camera, posing for two clicks maximum. She then almost snatched the camera from him, clicking his photos from all the profiles. He was such a good poser!

Sameer now wanted some photos of both of them. He scanned around and spotted a wooden stool with a vase near a cottage. He rushed to grab the stool, keeping the vase on the ground and placing the stool on the uppermost staircase. With the help of the timer, they clicked some photos– where for one, they stood close to each other, with Sameer holding Naina's shoulder, and then posing to the camera. For the second, he pulled Naina to his chest, surprising her with his act and causing her to grab his arms. He looked deep in her eyes, wanting to have an intense yet romantic click of them. But Naina burst into laughter, covering her mouth as she laughed and making Sameer smile too due to her innocent laughter. When they heard the click sound, they knew they would be getting a real candid shot.

For the third... well, Naina straightaway refused for the third one, stating they had spent enough reel and this was just the first day.

"Kya yaar Naina... Maine 3 reels pack kiye hai... sirf hamare liye... ek photo pleasseeee!!!" He said, making a face that Naina finds cute.

108 photos for a 3-day vacation? Damn!! That's too much!! Naina mused.

She couldn't resist again, no matter how many times she had fallen to the same trick again and again. She didn't want to sound like a strict parent to Sameer where he had to request or plead for everything he wanted. But given how Sameer spreads like water if given space, she has to behave like a matured one between the two.

Smiling big, Sameer set the timer and positioned the camera on the stool. He instructed Naina about the pose he wanted and ran towards her, grabbing her in his hold. But this time, he stepped a stair down, matching his height with Naina and showing his back to the camera. So for the third one, he looked at his wife, his life and his whole world with all the love in his eyes, while Naina looked at the camera, still holding onto his arms as if her life depended on it. It did though anyway.

They stood on the wooden bridge for a while, quietly observing the greenery and letting the melodious sound of the flowing water cure their fatigue. They walked along the stream hand in hand, and then settled themselves on a bench under a tree, earning the privacy they wanted.

They talked about everything on the planet earth. Like they talked about how Madhuri Dixit truly deserved the Filmfare award for her graceful performance in 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'. Like they talked how Papa made new friends in the library and society, was mixing with them and going out and how they were happy for him. Also how he decided to cook for himself for the three days without anyone's help. Like they talked about all the outfits they were going to wear in Aditya and Tanvi's wedding happening in May and how they were excited to attend the Maharashtrian style wedding. Like they talked about how just 10 days ago, Papa was extremely ecstatic for the whole day of the swearing-in ceremony of Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was elected as the Prime Minister of India again after the fall of the existing government. For someone who had grown up reading Vajpayee ji's poems, they could perceive how emotional he was that day.

Falling on the bed after returning, the two took deep breaths staring at the ceiling. They were informed about the Hi-Tea and evening snacks time but they decided to skip it and have early dinner.

"Naina... chalo na, swimming pool mein chalte hai..." Sameer sat up with a jerk.

"Kya??" The shock was very evident in Naina's voice.

"Haan...chalo na..." He pulled her through the wrist, making her sit up. Removing his jacket, he stretched his arms, throwing all the lethargy out of his body. Opening the glass partition, he wandered his gaze through the greenery, smiling upon listening to the chirping of birds.

When he turned to look back, Naina was still on the bed, her shoulders slumped and a pout formed on her lips. "Chalo naaa..." he persisted, "Ahmedabad mein hamare ghar mein swimming pool hoke bhi tumne ek chance nahi diya..."

Naina sighed heavily, giving up even before countering. "Achchha thik hai chalti hu... lekin..." she stood up, resting her hands on her hips. Sameer only raised his brows, asking her to continue. "Lekin bhigne ke wajah se meri tabiyat kharab ho gayi aur sardi zukaam ho gaya toh? Tum toh gussa ho jaoge na mujhpar?"

"Kya? Mai kyu gussa hounga tumpar?"

"Nahi matlab Ooty mein toh hue the na... toh shayad yahan par bhi..." her voice trailed as she left the sentence incomplete.

The frown on Sameer's face got replaced by a grimace as he squeezed his eyes shut. "Naina yaar... tum mujhe embarrass karna band karogi?"

Naina laughed holding her stomach seeing his sheepish face. He wasn't even matching his eyes and as she would always do, she pulled his cheeks and wobbled his face.

"Waise mai pehnu kya?" she asked, "inn kapdon mein toh nahi aa sakti na..." pointing at her clothes.

"Swimming pool mein kapde pehen ne ki kya zaroorat hai?" he smirked, pulling her closer.

It took only a fraction of a second for Naina to push him away and create space between them. Her hands landed on her waist again as she narrowed her eyes, as if asking through her eyes, 'really?'

Sameer shut his eyes and sighed, he quickly needed to find a solution to it. He took his black t-shirt off and threw it on her, "yeh lo... yeh pehno... sirf yahi..."

Catching his t-shirt, Naina looked at him bewildered. "Sameer tum pagal ho?"

"Yahan koi dekhne wala nahi hai Naina..."

Well, she was aware of that... but what to do with the innate shyness that comes with being a girl, even if it's your husband standing in front of you?

Moreover, him standing bare chest right there delayed her process of thinking.

"Ummm... tum chalo... mai aati hu..." she mumbled, pushing him towards the balcony when he insisted on going together.

Sameer sat on the sunlounger downstairs, checking the items placed in the open shelf next to it as he waited for Naina. It had towels, bathrobes, napkins, hair caps, two pairs of slippers and a bottle of moisturiser.

Getting rid of the jeans, he stood only in his boxers and started applying the moisturiser on his hands, feet and chest. Hearing footsteps on the wooden stairs, he turned around and his eyes got locked on his wife. Naina was wearing a white turkish bathrobe, clutching its sides close to her chest.

He smiled looking at her, trying to ease her after detecting the hesitation in her eyes. He figured how the hesitation soon changed into a blush when she noticed he was only in his black box briefs, and his smile changed into a witty grin.

He pulled her closer holding her palm, tucking a hair strand behind her ear that had fallen out of her bun. Taking some moisturizer on his palm, he applied it on her face and hands, massaging it at times. He then told her to put her foot on the lounger and applied the lotion from her foot to her thighs, holding her leg firmly when she jerked.

Sameer got down in the swimming pool first, measuring its depth. It wasn't big and hardly enough for two people... well, that's how he wanted it. He signalled her to come, sensing the fear in her body language. He knew it was her first experience with the swimming pool, rather it was her first experience with swimming ever.

He waited patiently as Naina scanned the dense trees in front of her again, her hand still clutching on the bathrobe on her chest. She was conscious of the open place but he understood it. A smile crept on his lips when she opened the knot and shed the robe on the floor. Her first instinct was to stretch Sameer's t-shirt down further, because it was barely covering her hips.

It did something to his system, as if an emotion spread through all his veins.

Why does a man feel it so satisfying to see his woman in his clothes? A thought crossed his mind.

She trusted the steel bars of the handle only for two steps. For the third step into the water, she preferred Sameer's hand, and after she misplaced her foot on the last one and slipped straight into water, it was his whole body for support.

Oh God!! It was deep for her.

Sameer held her firmly when she struggled to breathe, running her hands and feet in water and drenching them both. He hushed her, plastering her to his chest with one hand and caressing her cheek with the other. When she gained her balance and sanity back, Sameer looked deeply into her eyes.

THIS!!! Exactly this moment...

This was the exact moment that Sameer had waited for so long. This was the moment he had waited to happen in his own house, Krishna Kaustubhi.... their wet bodies clung on to one another in the swimming pool, Naina in his arms and him showering his love on her with his kisses.

Though delayed, he embraced this moment with all his heart, capturing the beauty and innocence of Naina in his eyes. She was looking at him with doe eyes, slightly embarrassed and much relieved. He wiped the chlorine water from her face with his thumb, feeling her soft chubby cheeks, from her dark and long eyebrows and easing the crease on her forehead with it and from her so very kissable lips.

With zero makeup on her face, her messy bun, wet face and her nails scratching on his shoulder as she held onto him for her dear life, she was looking nothing short of an enchantress, ready to cast her magical spells on him.

Why did he get so upset with her when she permed her hair only for him?

Why was he unhappy with the clothes she had brought with her to the honeymoon?

How could he even get angry at her for catching a cold which she had no control of?

He was such a fool to act like what he did on their honeymoon.

An awkward chuckle left his mouth as he averted his gaze, not able to look at her.

"Haso mat naa..." she complained by making a pout, thinking he was laughing at her for slipping into the pool.

"Nahi," he shook his head as he mumbled, "tumpar nahi has raha hu..."

"Toh?"

"Kitne bewakoofon ki tarah behave kar raha tha na mai honeymoon par?" he confessed, lowering his voice.

Naina frowned at how that confession came out of nowhere. She let him continue though, seeing his lowered gaze.

"Pata nahi mai sirf bahari khubsurati par dhyan de raha tha... aisa lag raha tha sab log sirf hamein hi dekhe... sab kuchh ekdum perfect hona chahiye..." he sighed, his shoulders slumping visibly. "Lekin mai bhool gaya tha pyaar toh mujhe tumhari androoni khubsoorti se hua tha na... sorry..."

Ahh!! She was only giving him savage replies for all the teasing he was doing about the whole honeymoon part. She didn't think he would actually introspect on that and feel guilty about it. And though they both had apologized to one another during their return flight, they hadn't really learned anything from those mistakes. So when she could find the earnestness in his eyes and voice, she found it enough after all these years.

"Thik hai..." Naina voiced, shrugging. She wrapped her hands on his nape and pecked his lips.

Sameer smiled on her innocence which he had fallen for in the first place. That still hadn't wavered at all. He leaned towards her lips, his move causing her to shut her eyes and curl her fingers on his hair. But then he detoured his way and moved upward, kissing gently on her forehead softly.

"I love you..." he whispered, knowing the reason behind her smile.

"I love you too, Sameer!!!" Naina enunciated.

Sameer expected her to respond with a forehead kiss or a cheek kiss, but Naina too had learned to surprise him now. He didn't notice when her palm slid down from his chest but he did notice a witty smirk forming on her lips.

In a flash, water was splashed on his face, her laughter reverberating in the environment.

And the game began!!

****

Amidst only the threats throughout the day, rain had finally started pouring in. Of course, the disturbed climatic conditions were showing up in the form of unexpected rains. It was dark outside, almost 10:45pm and everyone in the resort had locked themselves in their respective cottages.

Sameer's thumb was engaged for 15 minutes now, pressing the buttons of his mobile continuously. He had leaned back on his side of the bed, resting his body weight on his right elbow and stretching his legs. He forgot how much time had passed since Naina was in the bathroom, as the Snake on his mobile screen kept on elongating by eating dots, thanks to him.

With the sound of the click of the bathroom door, he was forced to move his head up from the mobile. A sight he couldn't avert his eyes off greeted him. It was when he heard the Game Over notification from the mobile, he realized he was staring at Naina for a while now... no... he was ogling at Naina.

She was standing in front of the mirror, combing her long hair with a hairbrush. But that wasn't a big thing, it was what she was wearing at the moment. It was a black satin robe that was going up her knees due to her raised hands. It had a knot tied on her stomach and its baggy sleeves had fallen till her elbows, showing her creamy and fair arms. Though her exposed bare legs were pulling all his attraction towards them and he was finding it tough where to focus.

He so wanted to see what was beneath that robe!!

He threw his mobile phone not knowing where it landed, and dragged himself to the edge of the bed. He noticed a lopsided smile adorning Naina's face.

She knew what she was doing to him!!

She turned to him, flipping her now combed hair on the back and looking straight into his eyes. He ambled towards her, enchanted by her seducing eyes and smile. Crossing the distance they met halfway in the room— Sameer stunned and mesmerized, and Naina determined and bold.

She looped her arms behind his neck, and by standing on her toes, she captured his lips in a long kiss. She kept it slow and gentle, keeping the control in her hand, but pulling back after a while when he started responding fervently.

A whimper spurt out from his mouth, his face bearing a slight frown. Naina sniggered looking at his displeased state, but she didn't want to drop her teasing mood yet. Tiptoeing again, she put soft kisses on his forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks— all when she came close to his lips, but didn't kiss them.

His hand made desperate moves on her waist, which were later stopped by hers.

"Patience Mr. Maheshwari..." she mumbled, now taking the tour of her kisses to his jaw.

Really?? Was she serious??

Sameer mused. Madness had taken over him the moment he saw her in the color of his fantasy. Black.

Only seeing her in satin, in that robe and all those interesting pieces she was wearing underneath it, it made him needy to feel all of her. And here she was asking for patience?

This woman would be the death of him...

He shut his eyes and gulped, adhering to her words and also locking his hands into fists. Naina continued her trail of kisses now to his throat, stretching the fabric of his dark blue t-shirt to get more of his skin. She scrunched her nose, not liking the t-shirt that was blocking her way to his chest.

Next moment, her hand was on the hem of his t-shirt and Sameer squealed in happiness when she took it over his head, throwing it somewhere in the corner.

Ohh dammnn!!! His sherni was so back...

Naina's palms roved on the planes of his chest, feeling a small patch of hair in the middle of his chest.

When her lips covered his collarbone and took the direction down to his chest, it became extremely difficult for Sameer to hold restraint on himself.

A hard bite on his left nipple and Sameer moaned in pleasure, throwing his head back. Naina's fingers brought his head down, her lips so close to his.

"Mujhe pata hai honeymoon pe kya hota hai..." she whispered, smiling, clasping his hand and placing it on the knot of her robe.

Sameer got his signal and his hands fumbled in desperation while opening the knot, pushing the robe down her shoulders. His breath hitched as his eyes roved on her.

On her pitch black satin nighty.

It was a one-strap sleeveless nighty with a deep v-neckline going much down to her chest. However, the black lace across the neckline hindered it from looking too exposing or vulgar. It showed the swell of her breasts only enough to leave him frustrated, his eyes lingering there more than necessary. He took a deep breath as he moved his eyes down further, at the bottom of the nighty that was above her thighs, again adorned with lace. It was simple yet elegant nighty, just like his Naina.

He crashed her on himself, kissing her like a madman and smiling amidst the kiss when she returned his kiss with equal fervour. His big palms stroked on her back, feeling the satin and then she was flipped in a jiffy, her back hitting his chest. Spreading his kisses on Naina's neck and shoulder, Sameer wandered his hands on her front, as if he wanted to feel her all at once.

"Yeh kab liya?" he asked in a daze of pleasure, pulling the strap down her shoulder and putting kisses.

Naina leaned back on him, resting her head on his shoulder and basking in gratification. His hardness poking on her lower back weakened her senses and her ability to speak. However, even though Sameer was giving every proof of what she wanted to know, she wanted to hear it from him.

"Kal..." she replied, her words coming out as mere whispers, "tumhe pasand aaya?"

He turned her again, her flipping hair almost smacking his face. "Bahooottt!!" he murmured and unleashed the beast within himself.

His frantic kisses on her throat, on the swell of her breasts, her erected buds but over the fabric, and as he crouched down, on her stomach— every touch of his lips on her skin was pushing her more and more in the pool of ecstasy, shutting her senses off one by one.

Her fingers found a new task for themselves as they played with Sameer's silky hair amidst the moans that were leaving out of her mouth. She opened her eyes when she felt his palms running on her bare thighs, sliding up under the nighty.

Their eyes met for a moment, exchanging permissions and consents through them. Sameer smiled a little and hooked his fingers on the hem of her innerwear, pulling it down with the speed of the snail, taking her out of her feet and then pushing her nighty up upto her waist.

What Naina experienced for the next few minutes was nothing short of euphoria, a paradise of pleasure where she was swimming on the clouds of physical bliss. The room was filled with pleasurable moans and satisfactory groans, with heavy breathing and thirsty hums. She squeezed her eyes shut on the peak of her sexual bliss, pulling Sameer's hair and shying right away after finding the pride in his eyes.

Unable to control further, Sameer got up. He kissed her deeply, letting her taste herself through his lips. Shedding his track pants, he picked and threw Naina on the bed, himself hovering on her.

The nighty slid up to her upper thighs, the mass of her hair spread on the white bedsheet and the pendant of her mangalsutra shining in the dim light of the room— everything was too alluring for him. He needed to take it ahead, he needed to be inside her... every cell of his body was begging for it.

Leaning forward past her, he opened the drawer of the nightstand beside the table, taking a packet out of it. His hand fumbled to open it but before he could tear a foil, Naina's hand stopped it.

Frowning, he looked at her. Did she want more foreplay? Well, it would indeed be too hard for him.

Ughhh... one hard thing was enough already.

"Ummm... Mujhe kuchh baat karni hai tumse..." She mumbled, pushing an exhale through her mouth.

"Kya?? Abhi??" Shock was completely evident in Sameer's voice. Really?

Naina only nodded, her face bearing a slight fear of stopping him midway.

He softened looking at her and cupped her cheek, stroking his thumb on it, "Naina... jaan... meri haalat ko toh samjho please..." he pleaded, taking her hand down and placing it on his crotch over the box brief.

Naina opened her mouth only to close it again. She was well aware of his aroused state but she also wanted to talk. She had this topic dwelling in her mind for a few days now. She would think of it at random moments, but she didn't open it up to Sameer as she herself wasn't sure of it.

She had forgotten about it completely while they were packing or even when she was shopping this nighty with Preeti yesterday. She had forgotten about it after coming here too, nor did she think of it when she was getting ready in the bathroom. But it looked like her subconscious mind was awake all this while and amidst all the fun and pleasure, it chose to express itself.

"Nahi, mujhe abhi baat karni hai..." she made that face that Sameer could never ignore.

Sameer sighed and sat on his knees, letting Naina sit up and fold her knees on either side. She adjusted the strap of the nightly, her gaze fixed on the bedsheet, while Sameer sat crossing his legs, resting his elbow on his knees and propping his chin on his fist.

"Bolo..." he said, as if he lost an argument with her and now was forced to do a task as per her wish.

Naina checked if Sameer was annoyed and wasn't in the mindset to hear. But he was looking at her in expectation, genuinely wanting to hear her out.

"Sameer, tumhe lagta hai abhi hame chance lena chahiye?" She came straight to the point.

"Chance? Kaisa chance?"

"Bachche ka..." her voice lowered.

Sameer straightened listening to her, taking a second or two to process what she had said. "Matlab... hamara bachcha?"

She nodded, still conscious about the outcome of this conversation.

"Lekin abhi toh hum kaam mein hi itna busy hai Naina... hamara schedule toh pata hi hai tumhe... toh... hum... kaise..."

"Hum kar lenge na Sameer..."

"Tum Naina... in saari taqleefon se tumhe guzarna hai... tum kar paogi kaam ke sath sath?"

He wasn't dismissing his role and responsibilities. But being a man, he knew he would only have to sit and watch her going through the pain at times and do nothing about it.

She scooted closer to him, sitting on her knees and stroking his shoulders. "Sameer, tumne kahan tha na... ki meri pregnancy mein sabse jyada agar kuchh maayne rakhta hai toh woh hai tumhara waqt... aur tum toh ab har pal mere sath ho... mera khayal rakhne ke liye, meri har zaroorat ko poori karne ke liye...  chahe woh office ho ya ghar... "

A warm smile crept on his lips. She was of course right as always. He always wanted to give all his time to her when she would be carrying their baby. Wasn't that the reason they were using protection all this while?

Financial condition was never a big hurdle for him. He would turn the world upside down for her and their child. All he wanted was to pamper her, take care of her and observe the changes in her in every phase of her pregnancy.

"Woh toh mai hamesha hi tumhare sath hu... Har pal... har kadam..." he voiced, pulling her on his lap and letting her straddle him.

"Toh... tumhe kya lagta hai? Hum tayyar hai abhi?" She asked, caressing his jawline.

"Tum tayyar ho maa banne ke liye?"

Naina's eyes sparkled as she heard the word 'Maa', an unusual feeling spreading across her heart with it. She nodded, smiling big through her eyes. "Mujhe na... woh kehte hai na? Andar se feeling aa rahi hai..."

Sameer chuckled at her childlike enthusiasm. This tiny girl in his lap was talking about becoming a mother and the motherly instincts she already possessed being a woman.

"Toh mai bhi tayyar hun..." he replied, tucking a hairlock behind her ear and putting a kiss on her forehead.

Naina's smile widened on his answer and she wiggled in his lap, squeezing her shoulders out of happiness.

"Tumhe pata hai? Tum duniya ki sabse achchhi maa banogi..."

"Achchha?" She laughed, "aur tum duniya ke sabse papa banoge... Mr. Papa Maheshwari..." she commented, giving a slight jiggle to his chin.

If anything Sameer was so sure about his future, then it was this. Becoming a good father to their baby.

Apart from Nanu, he didn't really know what you call good parenting. He didn't really know what fatherly instincts are called. But listening to the word Papa for himself, his heart fluttered with emotions. He surrounded his arms on her back and engulfed her in his embrace, already feeling protective towards her and the baby.

"Mai tumhe duniya har khushi dunga Naina... tumhare kitne bhi mood swings rahe, nakhre rahe... Mai sab jhel loonga..."

"Aaaaa...." She whined, swatting his arm. He chuckled, pulling her cheeks hard and making her whim more.

She stepped out of his hold, crawling back to her place, twisting her mouth at him.

"Lekin Naina... tumhare periods toh bass abhi abhi khatm hue hai... toh phir?"

"Haan toh?" She shrugged, not getting the context of it first but then realising it. "Ohh, toh thik hai na... hum bass isse use karne band kar denge..." she waved the packet of condom. "Waise bhi... is sab mein time toh lagega hi... aur tum kaunsa kisi picture ke hero ho jahan ek hi raat mein sab kuchh ho jayega?"

Sameer raised his brow on her statement, "tum... mujhe... challenge kar rahi ho?" He voiced.

"Nahi toh.." unaware of his predatory gaze, Naina replied.

"Achchha? Dikhau tumhe?" He turned on his fours, marching towards her like a lion.

Naina didn't get time to act on anything as Sameer hovered over her, forcing her to lay down. His mischievous gaze softened for a moment again, and she braced herself for something coming out of his mouth.

"Lekin Naina... hamara apna ghar bhi nahi hai abhi tak..."

"Woh ho jayega na Sameer... Aur maine pehle bhi kaha tha na? Ki ghar logon se banta hai... deewaron se nahi..."

His lips took an upward turn and he nodded, leaning down and kissing her with all the love. If there was as much desperation before the conversation in his movements then now he was as gentle with her.

The remaining fabric on their bodies were discarded and he entered her, both moaning at the sheer pleasure they felt because of the direct contact.

With the sounds of rain falling hard on their roofs, the sounds of their pleasure hit on the wooden walls, competing with it.

In these eight years of them knowing each other, they had come a long way. Starting with a bet, to heartbreak, to redemption, to confession, to separation, to reunion, to college adventures, to break up, to patch, to getting caught by family, to fight with family for their alliance, to their wedding, to the career struggles, to coming to Mumbai and to finally enter this glamor industry as writers. They had come a long way!!

They had had their personal and professional struggles, they had had their ups and downs. They fell, they faltered, they cried, they decided to give up, they decided to hold, they decided to stay and they succeeded to survive.

Now, it was again a new journey in their personal lives. It was time for adorning new titles again... it was time for new responsibilities again...

And whenever it was written in their destiny, it was time to be Mommy Maheshwari and Papa Maheshwari soon.

********

Thanks for reading till here, I know it's a long chapter again.

We've seen it from the beginning in SKS that the decision of becoming a parent would be mutually discussed decision by Samaina. So Yupp, here's the conversation.

Let me know how you liked the chapter.

Do vote and comment.

Love, Mugs 🌸