Is he the one?

39 ) Saviour - Nanu

He strode to the window and stood confused. He had owed to Naina that he would not marry her without her father's consent. What a fool was he? He had no idea about how to convince her grumpy father. He was so adamant. He thought as if he was a legend and he was always right. But he was absolutely not. Enough! There is no point in blaming him. He should find a way.

"Sameer . . . ?" A concerned voice distracted him and turned to face a smiling old man. Jaiprakash Maheswari entered the room. It was dark and sad few days ago, but now it contained with happiness and joy. But Sameer's face didn't seem to enjoy it. Sameer bent down to take blessings from his grandfather. The moment he touched his cheeks and said, "Kush raho, beta.", he felt peace and the anxiety and confusion flew away from him. Idea hit his mind. It was, his nanu.

His nanu always had a solution to his problems. He always had. How come he forgot it? Jaiprakash sat on the bed. Sameer pulled a chair from his study table and sat opposite to him. Both ready for a calm conversation; a soothing one.

"Main bahut khush hoon, Sameer." Jaiprakash said, very contended with the change in his grandson's behaviour. He was like a lost one for very long years. And, now within this week, he was really happy and slept well whenever he came to check on him.

Sameer smiled and asked, "Toh, aap Ahmedabad na jayenge na?" His eyes were filled with hope and longing ness for his grandfather. The fear of him leaving him alone again in this city was itching him from a long time.

"Nahi, Sameer." He clasped his hand with Sameer's. Still it felt to him like the small soft hand which he held with him when his daughter left her son. Years passed so soon that Sameer was grown up to get his own baby. Tears filled his eyes. He hoped he would be alive until then. He needed to be. That's the reason behind his forceful approach with Sameer for a marriage.

Sameer's face fell. He needed his nanu to be with him in these happy times. He was there for him in his hard times; when Sameer used to hug him and weep in this middle of night, he would not utter a word nor query him, he would just give him his warmth and support. No one would ever get such understanding grandpa ever! He also came with him to Mumbai and stayed for 2 years with him. But he left to Ahmedabad last year. Sameer had no change in him in these years; just the same sad one always. When nanu left, he was more into his agony. He felt lonely. Now, he was back to his normal after 8 years! And, he wanted his nanu to be with him. He wanted. He wanted to be happy with him again.

"Nanu, please, be with me."

Nanu smiled in calmly and spoke, "Nahi, Sameer. I can't be with you always. Accept it. Mujhe pata hai, tumhaare special friend, phir se tumhaare zindagi mein hai. Vah tumhaare saath rahega. She is, hai na?"

Hue of red crept of Sameer's cheeks and he nodded. "But, nanu--"

"Sameer, mujhe nahin pata, agar main har samay tumhaare saath rahoonga. Ye mere aakhiree din hain, main Ahmedabad mein rahane kee ichchha rakhata hoon, jahaan maine apana bachapan bitaaya. Usase pehle mujhe tumhaaree shaadee dekh lene chaahiye. Kya tum isake liye taiyaar ho, Sameer?"

Sameer's eyes were lined with tears. No! His nanu would not leave him that soon. "Nanu . . . " He mumbled and hugged the man before him. Nanu smiled, he was the same boy who used to cry in his arms, in the thought of his mother. He was indeed a mother for Sameer.

"Aisa mat bolo!" Sameer scolded him, still being in his embrace.

"Are you ready now, Sameer?"

"Will you surely leave me after my marriage?" Sameer pulled away and questioned, glancing sharply into his eyes.

"I have no other way, Sameer. Please understand, beta. Your girl will surely keep you happy. I will be happy there."

"Main taiyaar hoon, nanu. But one condition, main aapake saath Ahmedabad aa jaoonga."