Forever yours

Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai...

Part 32

She couldn't get a hold on her feelings. The anger, hate, distrust or betrayal didn't seem to permeate her heart anymore. His care, concern, friendship, partnership, faith and above all love had taken over her heart and mind. How much ever she tried, she couldn't deny that she was losing it all again and falling for him all over again. After that night of promise that she could exhibit only friendship and he would pursue and fight for her love, he had never once pushed her. They had fallen into a comfortable routine, he would wake before them, get in his early morning practice, help her with hair or packing the school bag and drive her to school. Tenple dates and doctor's visits were also a part of the regimen. Since he was the driver that came with the car rather than the other around, he was indispensable for the clinic visit, and usually Arjun made it a point to join them as an elder so that they could avoid another one, and Rakesh also happily relinquished any daughter-related duties to whoever was ready to shoulder them.

Sameer and Arjun had an unspoken understanding about this arrangement coz as much as he trusted Sameer that he would never take advantage if his sister was left alone with him, the protective big brother antennae wiring did not shut off at the snap of the finger. Although he wasn't ready to openly discuss his sister and her love with either Sameer or Naina, he very well understood that though she didn't admit, she was most comfortable at the doctor's with him only.

Sameer was ready for the selection day and mechanically performed all the tasks as usual without faltering but his body language and fidgety fingers gave away the nerves. He knew he had never been so nervous about anything before, never exams also even if he had hardly studied, but today was different. He had responsibilities riding on him, he was answerable to many, and most of all, Naina, though didn't show it, was looking up to him and depending on him to gain a strong footing as the pair to be selected for the competitions. He couldn't fail, period.

Naina didn't say a word but she clearly saw that he wasn't his chirpy self and was unusually quiet. When they were ready to leave, Chachiji hurriedly came out of the kitchen with a small bowl and spoon. "Aare zara ruko tummlog!"

"Kya hai Mummy? Waise hi late ho raha hai", Preeti stated annoyed.

"Sameer beta, aaj tumhara cirket ka selecson hai na...Naina ne bataya tha. Toh yeh dahi cheeni khakar jao. Saare kaam achche hote hai". Chachiji looked at Naina to acknowledge her information and filled a spoonful to feed him.

He too looked at Naina and recollected that she had brought the same for him during the headboy competition match, but he had rudely declined. So, today she had repeated the gesture but via Chachiji. He gave a small smug smile presuming that she hadn't cared about how he had reacted to her gesture previously, her best wishes for him to excel prevailed. Though, if she had made the same gesture today herself, he would have gladly accepted it and even would have been ecstatic that she cared so much even if she labeled it as friendship. But she ensured that he would still get his good luck charm.

"Kya sochne lag gaye beta? Jaldi kha lo warna der ho jayegi". Chachiji drew his attention back to her.

He fed from her hand, "thank you Chachiji" and touched her feet for blessings. The trio hurried downstairs to the car and as usual Naina comfortably rode in the front.

After a couple minutes driving, seeing that Naina continuously stared outside the window and Sameer focused completely on the road, Preeti decided to intervene. "Naina, aaj Jijaji ka selection hai. Dekh kitne nervous hai. Tu kuch achcha bol degi toh unka mann shant rahega".

Naina glared at her sideways for calling him Jijaji so openly in front of both of them and asking her to do exactly that she had been avoiding since a few days, unnecessary small talk. She was sure that if she looked directly in his eyes, he would see right through her soul and understand her heart's desire. She was almost sure that she had forgiven him due to all that penance he was doing just to gain her trust and win her heart but she didn't know what was holding her back yet to say it out loud.