Is he the one?

32) Half-successful Strategies

It was drizzling lightly making everyone enjoy the end of winter. The cold withered trees reciprocated the weather as the new leaves would bloom soon. School going kids felt sad as the winter would go soon and they would not get unexpected holiday. Rainbows formed around the city making people to gasp at its beauty. The 7 colours shone across the sun, slowly getting brighter into view like the colours entering into Naina's life with the presence of Sameer.

Naina looked cute with the red button nose which Sameer wanted to pull as he grinned widely at her. Naina huffed and turned to Arjun who was sitting beside her. She smiled involuntarily at him, only to make Sameer jealous. Sameer instead smirked and passed a flirtatious smile to Rita who was busy with her red tomato face.

"I am really sorry. I was in a bad mood because of some insane people."

"It's okay, Sir. I don't mind it. Afterall, it is you." Rita blushed to root. The spoon under Naina's hand bear the worst as she twisted it gritting her teeth.

"Ha ha! You are so funny!" Naina guffawed at a very poor statement of Arjun and her plan worked as Sameer glared at Arjun.

"Ppch!" Sameer whined. "Don't call me Sir. Call me, Sameer." Sameer added more sweetness to his voice as he looked deep into Rita's eyes which was tough for him. It didn't give him sparks as it did with Naina. It was like looking into a plain surface. Naina's jaws opened and she got punching the table. She glanced at him once who smirked at her and diverted his attention to Rita, and left the canteen; almost running.

Sameer grinned, combed his hair with hands, grinned in victory and got up as the plan of 'Jealous Game' by Pandit worked well on Naina; since school days.

"Sameer!" A irritating voice reached his ears.

"Sameer?" He frowned at Rita. "I am your boss! Not your friend!" He yelled.

"But....you only told...."

"Me? When?" He shrugged and walked away. He felt bad for her. But still she deserved it. She made a talented guy resign his job and pushed him into depression as she dumped on him. It was not even been 3 days and she was out to lure her boss. And, Sameer used this as a chance to get back his Naina.

She paced and those unshed tears in her eyes shone brightly. She reached the terrace and stood, watching the happenings of the world which was not visible to her as she was lost in her thoughts.

Naina expected him to be upset with her after that day. But he did opposite to it. His smile was more than any other day. His sweetness increased, making her confuse.

"No, Naina, no." She patted her cheek and she advised herself. "It is your decision. Be firm. Don't get jealous, okay?"

She gasped as she turned and felt someone's presence.

He stood there with his hands in pocket, searching something. His hair flew because the cold wind and drizzle. He slayed the look making her adore him more.

She didn't look less. Her long hair were tied in a ponytail which was now flying. Some tresses were falling on her forehead. The drizzling water drops were stagnated on her pulpy pink lips making him thirsty at her sight.

He ran his fingers into his hair which were wet slightly by now. She winced as she felt losing herself in him.

He fished out a box in which a white object with golden like yellow in the end came out. Naina's eyes widened in shock. He placed it in his mouth and was about to lit it.

"Sameer!" She called out to him as rage took over her. "It's harmful. Don't--" She tried to pluck it but he didn't let her.

"Why do you care?" He questioned and lit it.

"I-i am your friend...." She mumbled and plucked it and he furrowed his eyebrows.

"My friend?" He laughed sarcastically and continued. "My friends care about my happiness while you don't. In which way you are my friend?" He raised one of his eyebrows and looked into her eyes.

"I-i..." She stammered and looked down. "I care about your happiness...."

"Then why are you asking me to leave you? You are my happiness." His voice was soft as if explaining to her. He could clearly see the drop of tear that fell down from her eyes along with the raindrops.

"Naina." He took her hand in his. "You are my happiness. I will do anything for you. Anything! Please, understand."

She looked up into his eyes which were warm and soothing. "Sameer. Please don't take that topic! I am firm in my decision. Please don't!" She told and guilt was evident in her voice. She could feel his grip tightening at her hand as rage took over him.

He let out a deep breath and spoke. "Okay..." He left her hand harshly and turned. 

"From when you started this?" She interrogated and anger was high in her voice. 

"Years ago. Now I am addicted to it. I am sorry, Naina. I can't avoid it....." He gazed at her eyes which was now shedding some tears. His pale face turned cheerful and he beamed. "I was joking! And you cried! Just wanted to see your reaction. So, I borrowed it." He chortled, receiving a glare from her. 

"Tum na...." She ran after him as the frown softened and she broke into fits of laughter. He showed his tongue and ran fast. The laugh on her face was relived one and was pure which he missed in her in these days. Her eyes twinkled making him weak and the curve of her lips made his heart flip. Every time she smile or laugh in her melodious voice, it created a storm inside him. 

The innocent carefree flamboyant boy and girl was evolved into a mature responsible, enough to understand each other's pain and sacrifice themselves. Their appearance, way of speaking, style, home, knowledge, life, fate, everything changed. But one thing remained constant; their love for each other. 

She finally caught him and hit his arm profusely. "Don't ever try it once. I'll kill you!" She ordered and he tried to hide his chuckle. 

"Okay, maharani!" He told animatedly, getting a hit as reward. 

Both glanced at each other's eyes with different emotions flowing inside each. His was happy with the dream in which he would get back his Naina soon and they would be back together again. Hers was happy with the moment and then and there her mind was reminding her to enjoy it fully as she should live only with that memories in the rest of her life. 

The smile in his lips was out of the joy that he was halfway into his triumph. The smile on her lips was also reminding her that it wouldn't be permanent but just a momentary one. The flicker in her eyes caused his eyes to flicker. Afterall, the glitter would be there until he was there! 

The drizzle peppered its beauty to the scene as Sameer and Naina stood lost in each other's eyes with millions of thoughts roaming in their mind. But one query which was roaming for a long time, grabbed her attention. "Is he the one?" She questioned to which she answered by herself. "No, he isn't. Don't ever think of that. YOU DON"T DESERVE HIM!" She decided to herself and got distracted.

Her eyes popped out seeing a aged man with white hair entering their office. Sameer too looked in the direction but he could not recognize him. But Naina's reaction told him that something was not right. And a fear mixed whisper escaped Naina's mouth, "Papaji."
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Hey folks! How is it? 

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See you guys another day with next part, until then it's bye from Rashi, signing off from here. CHEERS!!!