Kuchh Ankahi Baatein

Mixed feelings

The next morning arrived with a fresh wave of enthusiasm and confidence. Sameer got ready for college, a noticeable glow on his face.

Rohan, noticing him, smirked and teased, "kya baat hai bhai... kal bhabhi ghar aayi aur aaj aapka chehra dekho, kaise khila hua hai..."

He leaned closer, raising an eyebrow mischievously, "waise kal raat tu badi der tak Nanu ke kamre mein kya kar rahe tha... Nanu ko Naina bhabhi ke liye mana raha tha kya?"

Sameer smiled, a little shy but clearly happy, "woh... actually kal maine Nanu ko Naina aur apne baare mein sab bata diya... aur tujhe pata hai, Nanu ko toh Naina pehle se hi pasand thi... Naina wahi hai jo unhe mandir mein milti thi... Nanu ki mandir wali friend"

Rohan's eyes widened in surprise, "kaun... woh prasad wali? Jiski tareef Nanu hamesha karte rehte the?"

Sameer's smile grew even wider, "haan, wohi... woh ladki Naina hi hai... ab toh lagta hai manzil aur aasaan ho gayi... ab Nanu jo mere saath hai... unke aashirwaad se dekhna kaise mein apni manzil jaldi hi paa lunga..."

Before he could finish, Rohan pulled him into a tight hug, "aur main bhi toh tere saath hoon har kadam par... mujhe bhool gaya kya?"

Just then, two more arms wrapped around them from behind, "aur hum bhi hain bhai... apne pyaar ko paane ke baad humein mat bhool jaana..."

Munna and Pandit had entered and heard everything. The four of them burst into laughter, their bond stronger than ever.

Still joking and smiling, they got ready together and headed towards the breakfast table, where Nanu was already waiting—watching them with a content smile, as if his world felt complete seeing them so happy

Nanu: arey badi der laga di aaj, kab se wait kar raha hun, jaldi karo phir college bhi jaana hai na"

Rohan smirked mischievously, unable to resist teasing, "arre Nanu, isse kuch mat kahiye... isse toh sirf college jaane ki jaldi hai. Naashta toh yeh roz kisi aur ke haath ka bana khata hai... voh toh hum bechare hain jo Ramdhari ka kachcha‑pakka kha kar guzaara kar rahe hain..."

Sameer immediately choked on his food, coughing badly.

Nanu quickly patted his back, worried, "arrey sambhal... kya matlab tera, Rohan? Ab college mein kaun isse ghar ka khaana khilayega? Tum dono toh ghar se khaana bhi nahin le jaate..." he asked, surprised.

Sameer looked visibly nervous, trying to avoid eye contact, "Nanu... isse chhodiye na... iski toh aadat hai bakwaas karne ki... aap apna khaaiye... der ho rahi hai na..."

Rohan and the others exchanged glances, suppressing their laughter, while Sameer kept his head down, pretending to focus on his breakfast—but the slight smile on his lips gave away everything.

Nanu watched him carefully, a faint knowing smile appearing on his face... as if he was slowly starting to connect all the dots.

Munna couldn't resist adding more fuel to the fire. Grinning widely, he said,

"Arre Nanaji, woh hai na aapki laadli Mini... yeh toh sirf uske haath ka khaana hi khaata hai. Aur humein toh haath bhi nahin lagane deta!"

The moment the words left his mouth, everyone burst into loud laughter, teasing Sameer mercilessly. Rohan nudged him, while Pandit clapped dramatically as if a big secret had just been revealed.

Sameer's face turned red with embarrassment, "abey tum log... chup karo yaar..." he muttered, trying to hide his smile and focus on his plate.

Nanu, however, joined in the fun, his eyes twinkling with mischief, "sahi hai beta... abhi se haq jatana shuru kar diya..." he said, chuckling softly.