Sunday 13 October 2013

Whispers of Spring.....Chapter 7



Chapter 7



The rain poured incessantly. The thunderstorm had broken as soon as they had finished dinner. Beeji had refused to allow Raj to leave before partaking of the meal. Now she and Adi were in the kitchen arranging for candles and lantern, as the lights had flickered once already. Raj finished his call and sat down next to Naina on the sofa. She was holding Tanu in her arms who was clinging tightly to her, scared to death with all the noise. Outside, the storm rolled through the mountains with rumblings of thunder and flashes of lightning. There was a zigzag flash of lightning followed by a deafeningly loud burst of thunder, drawing a whimper and sob from Tanu.

Raj reached out and put a hand on Tanu’s back, “Tanu, there’s nothing to be scared of, sweetheart. It’s just a storm. It will be over after sometime. Come on, let’s go. It’s late, and you begin school tomorrow.”

Following another loud crack of thunder that seemed to rise from the very bowels of the earth, Tanu tried to plaster herself more into Naina if that was possible, closing her eyes tightly and whispering, “I won’t go. Aunty, tell papa, I’ll stay with you. I won’t go. I won’t. If I go outside, the rain monster will take me and Furry.”
Naina felt her nape getting moist with Tanu’s quiet sobs and asked gently, “There’s no monster sweetie. Who told you that?”
Tanu mumbled, “Beena dai. She said when the monsters come with rain, they are so hungry that they make loud noises and look for small children to take away.”
“What nonsense?” Raj was furious, “I had no idea they had filled her little mind with such superstitious bullshit.” He looked at Naina helplessly and tried again, “Tanu, Beena dai was lying. It’s just the clouds that are making noises. I won’t let anything happen to you. Come here.”

In response, Tanu turned her head in Naina’s chest and held out her hand to her father. As soon as he took it, she pulled it between herself and Naina, “No. You also stay.” With Raj’s hand held against her heart, Naina stilled and looked at him like a rabbit caught in headlights. He didn’t move a muscle. His eyes glittered with some emotion she could not fathom. For what seemed like eons, they simply stared at each other. Raj could feel her heartbeats through the fabric of her kurta. Then, with clinched jaw he slowly pulled his hand away.

Naina rose with Tanu and walked to the window. That’s when the power went off. Raj started toward the kitchen, just as beeji entered the room with a lantern along with Adi who carried a packet of candles and matchbox.

Adi kept the candles and rushed to Naina. “What happened mumma? Is Tanu scared?”
“Adi bhaiya!” Came the low voice from Naina’s bosom, “Aren’t you scared?”
“Oh no, Tanu! There’s nothing to be scared about. The noise is only because God Indra is fighting with the bad demon who stole the water.”

Tanu lifted her head from the safety of Naina’s neck and looked down at Adi, visibly intrigued now, “What?”
“Mumma tell her the story,” Adi implored.

Naina settled on the window sill with Tanu and Adi sat opposite, holding Tanu’s hands, as his mother narrated softly, “Indra is the God of thunder and storms and is the strongest and the greatest warrior. Once a very bad demon stole all the water from the earth. Everywhere there was turmoil. No one could do anything, as people, animals, flowers, and trees started dying. When Indra came to know about the evil demon’s deed, he pledged to take back the water from the demon. He came riding on his chariot of clouds in the sky and challenged the demon. Indra’s anger caused the thunder and he brought out his weapon to kill the demon. Both of them clashed, and after a huge battle, Indra finally killed the demon. The water was released again in the form of the rains.” She turned Tanu’s face toward the window as lightening flashed outside, “Did you see that Tanu? That’s Indra’s weapon. It’s called vajra. With that he struck down the demon. And that booming noise thereafter is of the demon falling down. So you see, there is nothing to fear. God is out there taking care of us.”

“Really Aunty?” Tanu had sat up. She shifted down from Naina’s lap and looked out. The moment she saw another lightning, she pressed her face against the glass, “Another one. That means God has hit the demon again. Right Adi bhaiya?” She turned her face toward Adi who was kneeling next to her now, his hand thrown across her shoulder. “Yes…look there’s another one.”
Leaving the children, Naina went and sat next to beeji.
Raj spoke with a smile, “That was awesome Naina. You really have a way with kids.”
“Children’s innocence is also their biggest strength, Raj. It helps them adapt fast and accept the positivity presented to them. Tanu lost her fear the moment she knew that the rain monster was being beaten by someone superior. Her fear turned into hope.”

Raj looked at his hands, “It’s partly my fault. When Tanu needed me the most, I was in the hospital. She grew up among the Devisar palace maids. Because Rajasthan doesn’t get much rains, there are many superstitions attached to storms and rains. Those women passed on their beliefs to Tanu.” He looked up with a sad smile, “Her being a girl didn’t help matter. Most of the time she was left to her own devices. That’s why she was so withdrawn and shy when you saw her first. But thanks to you all and everyone at the Rawin Mahal, she is finally opening up.”

“You don’t have to worry about her at all Raj,” beeji leaned across and patted his hand, “Now she is where she belongs. She is home, and so are you.”
********************************

Raj got up. “It’s been a long day. We should go beeji. It’s past Tanu’s bed time.”
“And who says I am letting you drive in this storm?” beeji stood up too. “You and Tanu are not going anywhere.”
“Beeji, please. I’ve driven in worse weather and rougher regions. We’ll be fine.”
“Raj, no arguments. There’s no way I am going to let you leave this house in this weather, especially when even the street lights are out. Absolutely not. You are staying the night.” She turned to Naina, “The kids will sleep with me. Raj can sleep in Adi’s room.”

In the end Raj had to agree. Beeji gave him her brother’s track pants and T shirt to change into. He visited her occasionally and had a few clothes lying about. Naina settled the kids in beeji’s room and went to Adi’s room with a jug of water. Beeji was there chatting with Raj. She wished both a goodnight and came out. Beeji halted her just outside her door.
“Naina!”
“Yes, beeji.”
“Will you be OK tonight?”
“I’ll be fine beeji.” She came back and laid her head on beeji’s shoulder, “You are a darling to worry so much. But you don’t need to. I haven’t had them in years now. Even then, it’s a relief that the kids are with you.”
Beeji hugged her tight and left her as Naina looked at her back, whispering to herself, “I am sorry for lying beeji. I won’t have you worried over me.”

Raj leaned against the doorjamb, having heard the coded conversation, and watched Naina go into her room across the corridor. He couldn’t help wondering what that was all about. He turned from the door of Adi’s room and looked around. It was a lovely room. Adi was a neat boy. His books, toys, and other things were all well kept. The walls adorned pictures of him and Naina, and some with beeji. There was not a single picture of his father, the mysterious Mr Bhatia!
********************************

Broken souls never reveal how they feel…..they're full of pains and hurts "still" real. Parts of a poem she had read recently came back to her as Naina walked slowly toward her window and stared out blankly into the dark night. The storms always awoke memories that she could never wash off. She had learnt to wall those memories in so securely that only she was privy to them now, and she had every intention of keeping it that way. No one…not even beeji had any idea of the cravings she still had to have a bath in the dead of the night daily…sometimes twice…sometimes thrice. She wanted to forget, but the chains of the past were bound too tightly around her to do that. They resurfaced now and then. Like today, when that man in the market….She had somehow averted showing him her face again. It had taken all her self-control to shove that fear back and carry on with the day. Her tears, her fears, her worries were her own. The tears that she shed in the privacy of her room were never allowed to trouble her little family. She was all alone in this…always and forever.

Naina rubbed her eyes and admonished herself for indulging in self-pity. She was gifted with a natural calm and was certainly not morbid; but somehow tonight the dark sky, the pools of dark shadows all around, and the dark uncertainty of the future had her in her clutches. Would that man believe Raj and let the matter drop? Or would he dig? And if he does? Oh God, Adi…She cannot let them get hold of Adi. She sat down on the bed with a thump. She had to think…plan. But first, she had to get this dirt off her. Within seconds she was under the shower. By the time she came out of the washroom, she had the outlines of a contingency plan. She changed into a nightie and slipped under the covers after blowing off the candle.

She had thought she would find it difficult to sleep after the first big scare in seven years, but the moment she closed her weary eyes, she was asleep…her tired body finally taking over. Not much time passed before the nightmare began…It was always the same…his laughter, the old lady’s smirks and taunts, the ugly old man’s lustful, lecherous look and alcohol-ridden breathing, and that touch…that’s when the screaming always began.

Raj sprang up in the bed after the first scream, and all his inborn instincts came alive. Naina! That was Naina. He tried to rush but fell down before the second step. Cursing loudly he reached for the prosthetic when he heard her scream again. He let go off the limb and reached for the stick. Getting up he reached for the candle stand and hobbled across to her room. He found her thrashing in her bed and mumbling, “Leave me…(sob, sob) Let me go…please…don’t touch. I beg you. Let me go.”
“Naina!!!” Raj shook her lightly. “Wake up…wake up.”

Suddenly she shot up. Her eyes opened, and he stared at a pair of unfocussed, terror-stricken eyes. She clutched his shirt, “They will take Adi. I have to hide him.” He called out a few more times, but she was in a daze. He sat on the bed and spoke her name softly over and over again. But she continued to give him a blank stare and then shrunk back toward the headboard. He tried again and again, “Naina, it’s me. Raj. I won’t hurt you. Open your eyes.”

Finally, her eyes lost the empty look as she appeared to recognize him. Next moment she had flown across the bed and thrown herself into his arms, hugging him with her life and crying relentlessly. He held her tightly till her sobs ebbed, all the time speaking to her softly, calming her, stroking her hair. He reached out for the glass of water kept on the bedside table and made her drink it. He adjusted himself on the bed beside her, all the time holding her. She relaxed before mumbling once, “Don’t leave me.” He promised he won’t and rocked her till she fell asleep again. Even then he didn’t let go and tightened his hold. Everything had changed in twenty-four hours. Somehow Naina had become very important to him. He refused to analyze the reason…not yet. He rested her head on his shoulder and caressed her arm till his eyes closed. Before sleep came, his last thought was, “I won’t let you step on another minefield Naina. Whoever is responsible for shattering you this badly will pay, I promise.”
********************************

For seven years she had suffered these nightmares. This was the main reason she had weaned off Adi to a separate bedroom at an early age. For the last three years or so she had been lying to beeji about not having them anymore. They came on their own free will…with or without any trigger. She was used to waking up in the night crying, sweating, and shaking and then taking hours to calm herself back to sleep. But last night was unlike any other. Naina woke up feeling warm and more refreshed than she had ever been. She remembered the hellish nightmare, and she also remembered the beautiful dream that followed soon after wherein she had found paradisical bliss and security, comfort, and peace in a man’s arms for the first time…in Raj’s arms. She still felt the strength of his arms holding her and recalled feeling protected. She didn’t remember sleeping so fitfully after a nightmare as she did the previous night. She closed her eyes and flopped back into the pillows. What a strange dream! She had never let any man touch her in all these years, but Raj was different. He was a genuine person, and she trusted him. Maybe that’s why subconsciously she sought his help in her dream. Yes…that had to be it. After all he couldn’t have been here, could he? Naina looked around just to make sure, but couldn’t notice anything out of place. She slapped her forehead and smiled at the foolish notion, before getting down from the bed.

She was arranging the teacups in the kitchen when Raj walked in tentatively. He had changed into his own clothes. He seemed to have taken a shower as his hair was still wet, from which few droplets dangled…just like Adi. Her son always needed a last-minute rub by her.
Naina grinned and passed him a hand towel. He raised his brow, and she pointed to his hair. He took it and rubbed, wishing her Good morning.
“A very good morning to you too, Raj. Did you sleep well?” She smiled and passed him a cup of tea.
Raj responded perfunctorily and stared at her as she went about her task of pouring tea in two more cups and arranging biscuits.
“What about you Naina? Slept well?”
“Like a baby,” she smiled. “It’s great to wake up to a clear sky. Isn’t it?”
He nodded with a slight frown. Naina greeted beeji heartily when she walked in. “How’s the garden beeji? Hope there wasn’t much damage.”
“No, Naina. Everything is under control. Thankfully it wasn’t much windy last night. With the sun out, the extra rainwater will be taken care of.” Beeji returned Raj’s good morning hug and sat down, chattering with Naina who looked her normal chirpy self. By this time Raj was sure that she didn’t have any recollection of the events of the previous night. He kept glancing at her as he fiddled with his phone and responding to beeji’s queries, but she showed no signs of any trauma.

Beeji went to wake up the kids as Raj wanted to get back home early to get Tanu ready for school. He sat down in the living room with the newspaper.
“Raj!”
He lowered the paper and looked up to find beeji beckoning him to her room. He saw the kids were still asleep, and looked at her in askance.
She whispered, “I’ll wake them up in a few minutes. But first tell me, did you hear anything last night?”
“Hear anything? Like what?” Raj feigned a surprised look.
“I mean did you hear Naina crying or screaming?” Seeing the look in Raj’s eyes she tried to explain, “Oho…don’t worry Raj. I am asking because sometimes Naina gets nightmares whenever there is a storm. Something happened many years back that troubles her now and then. Since you were upstairs too, I am asking you. Normally I check on her, but I couldn’t leave the kids last night…..and so that’s why I…,” she broke off, “What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that, Raj?”
He put a hand on her shoulder, “Beeji, we need to talk.”
Before she could respond to his grave expression, Tanu woke up and called out to Raj.
“What’s it Raj?”
“I’ll call you later beeji.”
*********************************

The school kept Naina busy for the next few days. New admissions were still on, and new students needed to be helped with adjustment. She found Tanu standing quietly near the door of her office on more than one occasion before she would notice her. Once she did, Tanu would smile hugely and run across to her. By Friday she had made a couple of friends and reduced her trips to Naina’s office. Naina hadn’t met Raj since Monday morning as he was busy making trips to other towns throughout the week and familiarizing himself with the business. She had gone to Rawin Mahal on Tuesday morning, had prayed in the temple there, and then had gone to Raj’s suite to keep the holy flower she had got from Chamunda Devi temple under Tanu’s pillow. She had told the maid to let the flower be for forty days as per panditji’s instructions. Raj wasn’t there, having left for Chamba early in the morning. She had taken Tanu with her to school.
On Friday, after school, she wrapped up her work quickly as she had promised Adi she would take him to the movies. Beeji was spending the night with a friend who was sick and all alone. She was about to lift the receiver of the intercom for a final instruction to Nancy when there was a knock and Raj walked in.
He smiled at her, and it struck her that a different current of emotion swept into the room than what was when he was here last…warm and exciting at the same time.
She kept the receiver down, “Hello stranger!”
He halted in the middle of the room, “Does that mean you missed me Naina?”
“Oh…puhleez. Stop giving yourself so much importance. That was just an observation.” A smile touched her lips and her eyes twinkled.
“You are bad for a man’s ego, Naina.” He made a sulky face.
Her laughter resonated in the room, “Oh God Colonel…Do you try that gimmick when you want to draw attention…especially the female ones?”
“My dear Naina…for that, I don’t need any gimmicks. Just a look is enough.” Naina could believe that…and somehow the thought bothered her.
She grinned and gestured him to sit down, “Right. Now tell me what can I do for you?”
“I came to invite you, beeji, and Adi for dinner tomorrow. Nanisa will be home before lunch. She wanted to meet beeji urgently. I’ll give a call to beeji later.”
“Thank you Raj. I am looking forward to meeting Ranima again and hearing her stories about her Europe visit. Don't bother....I’ll tell beeji. She is with a friend tonight.”
Just then her phone rang. It was Adi, “Mumma when are you picking me up?”
“I am on my way Adi. Is Bobby also coming?”
“Yes mumma. OK. Bye. See you.”
Naina kept the phone down and looked up to find Raj staring at her, “How is Adi?”
“He is fine. I am taking him for a movie.” She paused for a second and asked, “Will you and Tanu like to come? It’s the latest part of Ice Age.
“Tanu would like that. Are you sure it won’t be a bother?”
“Of course not….Adi will be thrilled at this surprise. Let’s go.”
She stopped to hand over a few files to Nancy who had just entered the office. She had reached the door when the phone rang. Nancy waved her ahead. However, she waited as Raj went ahead to get Tanu. Nancy kept the phone after a hurried conversation.
“Who was that Nancy?”
“Weird. Some reporter of a magazine. He wanted to know your name and then said he wanted an interview with you. I told him you weren’t here. What shall I say if he calls again?”
Nancy waited as Naina spaced out for a few seconds, “Ma’am!!”
“Huh..oho…tell him I don’t have time for interviews. If he wants to know about the school, he should meet you.”
She looked up to find Raj staring at her with concern.

********************************

To be continued……….

42 comments:

  1. Hi Indu, I was in the process of my usually Sunday stalking of your blog and found you updated chapter7, love it Naina handle Tanu's fears brilliantly she made the cute baby understand that there is nothing to fear during a thunder storm, Raj is completely smitten/taken in by this kind, amazing woman. So sad she has these horrible nightmares about her terrible past she was really hurt, frightened for her son safety and it seems their true identity to be reveled but it seems that this reporter is determine to get an interview with her leading me to belive that her past included some one famous/ well known story that she was a part of that caused some mental and physical torture. Indu I am sorry for jumping to conclusion [ I honestly apologies] but this story is very interesting and exciting. Looking forward to the dinner with Nasisa.

    sharlene/sb1410

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    1. Hey Sharlene....Thanks a ton. Gosh I am really late in the replies this time. Durga puja was on, and so just didn't get time.

      No sweetie...you are doing well to understand where Naina's fears stem from. Whatever she went through must have been really horrendous for her to still suffer from nightmares even after all these years. The good thing is that she found comfort in Raj even though she thought it was a dream, which further means that just by trusting one man she has conquered part of her fears.

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  2. This was another fantastic update Indu. I love the way Naina deals with Tanu, comforting her and making her understand the reason for the storm. I also love the way that Raj kept silently oberserving her throughout his time there and he was able to pick up that she has issues with storms. I absolutely loved the speed he got out of bed and rushed to her room to comfort her once she screamed and the comfort and calmness she felt with his presence. I really like the way Raj is being a silent observer yet in his mind he is willing to do anything to the person that has caused Naina so much pain. It is always a treat to read you updates and you definitely don't diasappoint. Looking forward to what is in store next for these two.

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    1. Thanks Saf. Well, the only way to treat a child's fears is to distract them and steer them away from the fear. Raj heard screams and for a moment completely forgot about his condition....which clearly shows how concern for Naina has already taken precedence over his own self.

      Special thanks for the words of motivation my sweet friend...they mean a lot to me...always. Love you. :)

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  3. Marvellous update ! Naina's nightmares remind me of arthi from 'samarpan'. But seems like here naina is subjected to more of physical harrassment/abuse. her way of taking away tanu's fear of thunder storms and her positivity is superb. very curious to know why this reporter is so behind naina?-scorpiodreams

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    1. Thank you. :)

      Yeah, there's a similarity there with Samarpan's Aarti, but Naina's demons are more deep seated. The reporter obviously feels he has recognized her. Let's see.

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  4. Outstanding update Pal :-)

    Wow so Naina has been lying to Beeji for the past 3 years but the latter knows about the nightmares not letting her alone :-(....Aww the way Raj just went to her after he heard her cries and the way he held her all night reassuring that everything would be alright was so sweet....they are so getting under each other's skin it so beautiful to read <3

    Love the way Adi and Naina handled Tanu when she was afraid of the thunderstorms and rains.....the bound between the kids is a special one and that is one bound that won't be easy to break no matter what :-)

    Just love the banter between Raj and Naina after his return, they are two adorable....Raj makes her feel safe and she gives him a sense of belonging...Whomever tries to cause them or their angels any harm will be met with a force they never knew existed :D

    Pffttt I knew that the reporter wouldn't let Naina alone, I hope Raj is with her if/when he comes to hound her for a so called interview.

    Once again you've left me in awe with your brilliance my Dear....Keep up the excellent job *muuaahhh*

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    1. Oh Zet...I am so late in replying this time. Got involved with Durga puja and guests. I wasn't even sure I'd be able get the update in time, but somehow I did.

      Thanks pal. Raj and Naina are trusting another person after a long time...and that's the main reason they find such comfort in their friendship. They like spending time with each other without encroaching on each other's space. They definitely feel for each other, but thus far Raj is more involved than Naina.

      Love you for saying such nice words. I just write what flows at the time...and even though I know that it's average writing, I know I have a beautiful friend who thinks it is brilliant. :)

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  5. Loved the update......so Naina has nightmares and loved the way Raj was around to comfort her....wonder who that lecherous old man was!!!!! Hope Raj is able to find out Naina's secret and help her overcome her fears!!! How sad that such a confident, matured woman is reduced to a terrified one due to a past conflict!!! Love how the story is going Indu and love how consistent you are in your updates!

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    1. Thanks Bharathi. :)
      Naina has gine through something very ugly before she came to Palampur...something that still haunts her. However, she has learnt to overpower those fears, keep things to herself, and move on, but sometimes some triggers cause the nightmares...such as the journalist recognizing her.

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  6. Fantastic update di
    Loved the way naina comforts tanu and adi is so cute when he also explains to tanu
    Poor naina ..Liked Raj comes to her room and comforts her
    The way he promised in his mind that he will do anything to the person who cause naina superb
    Great update
    Continue soon
    Eagerly waiting for next part
    Thanks for pm

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    1. Thanks Radha....for the appreciation and for being there each time. :)

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  7. Hey there Indu..First of all..let me confess of being guilty for not commenting on ur story.. I was a little bit wary of reading a new story which is not Yash Aarti so I stayed away only to be persuaded by a fellow IF member who assured me that ur story is really good..I gave it a try from the 3rd update and I like it alot..There is alot of familiarity in terms of your writing techniques so it doesnt really feel too different.. Raj and Naina reminds me of Yash Aarti of Samarpan ..Bitter past,present collides ..and how the trudge foward..
    The scene where Naina suffers from nighmare is just like Samarpan,the only difference is that Naina is alot stronger than Samarpan's Aarti I guess..

    Really looking foward to the mystery behind Naina's past,Aditi and Raj's previous marriage...

    (Tleshni)

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    1. Hi Tleshni...Welcome to the blog! I am so happy to see you here. Thanks for giving this a try. I guess there is a pattern to my writing.... I just hope I am able to do justice with this non-Yash/Aarti story.

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  8. wow,nice update yaar. hope raj will be able to diminish naina's sufferings. god naina must have suffered really bad. good update and please update soon.

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  9. Fantastic update Indu. Love how Naina wiped off Tanu's fear with her story.

    Oh,oh my! Naina had a very fearing past. Those faces and memories keep haunting her in her dreams. Aww Raj was their with her that night with the needed comfort. She thinks it was a dream and Raj also didn't mention anything about the past night.

    Am sure it will be Raj who'll free her of all the fears she had the past seven years.

    Nice part as usual Indu. :-)

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    1. Thanks Abie. :)

      That's how Naina is...She knows how to erase a child's fears, but she suffers from fears of her own, but doesn't seek help for them. Thanks fully Raj, for some reasons, has been attuned to her emotions...and now has experienced first hand how traumatized she is.

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  10. fantastic update di
    i felt that naina was subjected to physical abuse as she is having such nightmares i m very much happy that raj iswith her comforting her.........
    along with raj even i want that person to suffer a lot who made naina to suffer like this............
    naina is a woman full of positivity the way she fills happiness around her was amazing .............

    omg who was that reporter and why the hell he is behind naina hope he will not made her relive her past.............

    awesome di
    rosey

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    1. Thanks Rosey.

      You guessed right. Such nightmares and inherent fears are suffered by only those people who were at some point of time subjected to physical abuse. When in her full senses Naina lives the life to full, is positive, and loves to keep all around her cheerful and happy. Her demons are allowed to visit her only when she is by herself.

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  11. AMAZING!!! brilliant!!! was so sad when the part ended.. i just wanted it to continue on.. loved how naina is the one to ease tanu's fears.. and raj was there to ease nainas.. that was awesome.. the way he rushes to her.. the way he comforts her.. holds her.. awesome.. naina is an amazing person.. trying to hide her fears and pains from her little family..
    love their banter with each other after the normalcy of the week has consumed them.. so so excited about the movie outing.. and i really hope raj stays again.. doesnt leave naina and adi alone.. since beeji is not going to be there..

    really get curious about nainas past.. the reason why the reporter wants to talk to her.. hope you reveal some of that in the next part..

    anyway.. awesome part.. and eagerly waiting for the next.. take care

    ruchi (princess4120)

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    1. Thank you Ruchi. Glad you are with me on this.:)

      Naina's life is a paradox: She doesn't want her past predicting her future, but what can she do when the past chases her? She refuses to open up to anyone. Will Raj get through is the question? He does seem to have resolved to get to know all about her.

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  12. Just like Naina and Adi were able to give Tanu reassurance to cope with her primal fear of the thunderstorm which crept over her, sending chills down to the marrow of her bones, splitting asunder her calm exterior; Raj used himself as an umbrella to shield Naina from the recurring macabre, amorphous, nightmares of her past that were stalking her mind. You definitely know how to think outside the box dear! This is beyond awesomeness! Keep he utterly enthralled!

    Surish

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    1. Thanks Surish. Your words always make me pat myself. Your eloquence is truly commendable. Once again I loved what you wrote about Raj and Naina.

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  13. First of all, i would like to thank you for giving me an idea on how to lessen the fear of my little boy.. He was actually scared with thunder, and it was just awhile ago that he cried again upon hearing the loud burst of it.. Ur story was good timing really! I told him about ur story of GOD who was fighting with the demons, and am surprised coz he listen and suddenly stop crying. He has no words uttered but i could feel that somehow it helps! Thanks dear..
    U know what, that's one of the reason I look forward to ur story coz there's always something here that we could learn and share with, especially for the kids..
    Your story works wonder for me and my kid, love you for that!

    Another amazing updated dear! *claps

    Hated rains and thunder, but if it is the reason for Raj and Naina to get closer, might just wish for thunderstorm to stay for the moment, lol!
    I loved how Raj became the comforter of Naina and the trust that was build for him at that night. Was a pleasure imagining them like that..
    Now that he was very sure that she had some bad issues from the past, i don't think he would let it come to her again..
    Btw, the nightmare reminds me of Aarti in ur past story, yeah we haven't forgotten that yet dear..
    Oh I loved the morning tea scene, Naina was in her normal mode again!
    And they were just like a real couple..

    Oh Ranima is coming!
    Wonder if their relationship turn into a higher phase when she returns..

    Was Naina been raped or abused by someone? An old lady, an old man, a man, how are they related to her??
    Who was Adi's father? Was that the reason why the reporter keep on eying her? Did she changed her name? How will Raj help her for this??

    Curiosity at it's peak, hope u'll reveal them soon...

    Waiting for the next, movie date with Adi and Tanu..
    *HUGS

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    1. Hey Barbie...Thanks for the lovely review my friend. I am so glad that the story helped your little one. It's a story my mother used to tell my kids when they were small.

      Naina went through something very ugly all those years back...memories of which still torments her. But she bounces back fast, doesn't she? It's just her defence mechanism that works for her. But beeji knows her and Raj has seen past her defences.So even though she doesn't want anyone to be troubled because of her, unknown to her she has her protectors who are ever vigilant.

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  14. Awesome update Indu
    Love the way Naina Comforts tanu with the help of story
    Glad that Raj was therewith Naina to hold her n comfort her
    Ranima is coming ,,interesting
    Loved the update dear ,,,thanx for the pm,,,,rachna

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    1. Thanks Rachna.

      Yup, Ranima is due back. The more the merrier..:)

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  15. So beautifully written...especially Tanu's fears was well handled by Naina....absolutely amazing....looking forward to your next update Indu...

    .........Chitra

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    1. Thanks Chitra. Your words of appreciation are always special. :)

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  16. hello indu di, tried posting all d comment but i think it not possible
    have post on chapter 2 and 3 :)

    Chapter 4
    Beautiful part indu di,
    I like the conversation between raj nd his naanisa, she questions him about naina ha, making him curious about everything being connected with her.
    Naina is not secure going with raj, love d way he gave d order Shut up! Lol! Military
    Raj thought she is going for picnic, Love d teasing about d make up between naina and raj. These two still they had another one in d car awesome, little argument, For the sake of God. Haha
    Chapter 5
    Wonderful update indu di
    Naina got to go to the temple finally he agreed, aww she just wanted to pray for tanu.
    Panditji was talking in riddles because he has pictured her future with raj :D
    He is trying to get rid of d walking stick. He got blasted in a mine. I had imagined maybe something like that..
    Omg! Naina stomach growling was embarrassing haha and they had d picnic the never imagined doing hehe!
    Oh God! Did he break his leg, maybe a fracture. He doesn’t want naina’s help 
    Awesome part dear nd I love it, raj has stared revealing his part hope naina does so soon.
    Chapter 6
    Superb! Indu di
    Another beautiful one from you, raj thinks naina has a pity on him
    His past makes him think of her d other way round,
    Love d way she silently listened to him and pushed him gently “are you done” lol!
    The homes scene was beautiful, love it dear, so she sings too raj is getting to know more of her nature and feeling guilty for his previous behavior.
    The market scene I guess she has a link with d name d other man mention maybe..
    Now the atmosphere in d car is back to humor, she needs to make a toast on him with d kids nd beeji haha..
    “Been there… done that” maybe she means her past.
    Curious as Raj to know her past, hope she reveals it soon.
    Love every bit of d update Great write up *claps*
    Chapter 7
    Awe-inspiring update indu di,
    This was a great part, as it was d last update was reading it slowly and even going back hehe
    Love how naina calmed tanu with the story. Adi is a brave boy ;)
    Initially I was confused when beeji asked if she will be okay tonight, thought maybe because Raj is in d house but she said I haven’t had them for years now, so it means Nightmares. :o
    She gets nightmares that scare her to d core, really want to know more about her past, love raj’s immediate attention to her, he is now her protective armor. :D she has no idea raj was with her through d night?
    Naina is really amazing she hides her pain, insecurities nd cry out alone, a different woman in d day nd different in d night, hope she gets rid of her past soon.
    Tanu is adorable she goes to her office often before she made friends ;)
    Raj is back, love d little joke they made. A movie outing :D looking forward to it.
    Media media huh! That same guy I guess he wants to dig more, he will increase naina’s insecurities more raj will deal with him when he knows haha lolz!
    Really awesome chapter and I love every piece
    Looking forward to d next installment
    Thank you so much for d regular PM’s
    Take care dear!
    Billie.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Oh Billie...You really made my day. Thanks a ton for such lovely feedbacks of all the chapters. You have taken such pains to write down reviews for each chapter....I just don't know what to say. Tight hugs to you my friend. Love you. :)

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  17. Hey Di! Sorry for not commenting alot lately. Had been busy. Amazing update as usual! I'm loving the tenderness between Raj and Naina!! They have such silent chemistry, I dare say.

    Naina was amazing with the story she told to calm Tanu. And I especially like the way you are making Tanu feel more secure with Adi and Naina, like her little cocoon in with these two people!

    Loads of love! <3

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  18. Thanks Mohini.
    Hey...it's OK. Don't you worry about delays. Tanu is finding love for the first time in her little life. She adores her papa, but Naina and Adi kind of complete her world.

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  19. Hi sorry for the late comment. Had been out on vacation. Another beautiful update. You have set a high standard for your self that we expect a great update every time. Loved the way Tanu totally trusts Naina. Raj taking care of Naina was so sweet. Loved the untold love blooming between the two.

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    1. Hey Bharthi...no need to apologize pal. I understand.

      Thanks. I just write whatever flows when I sit down at the keyboard. It's you all who make it good and wonderful with your support. I can never thank you enough for that.

      The cupid had struck at the outset itself. It's their past that will not allow them to take their relationship to the next level...and which will keep them in denial of the real feelings.

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  20. This innocent tale was again has so much to feel which i may not be able to comprehend but making an innocent kid worries n fear vanish well i wish i too get naina aunty or adi bhaiya who makes me go my fear of ghost run away despite being so logical now.
    N as i told you in ch6 wat i blv the kids gets values from elderly is one of the reason i am myself working n see my colleagues kids as they are brought up with maids n the value system they cannot put in child as they only do what makes kid happy with them rather than making them understand wats right or wrong.
    But its an irony naa naian could not kept herself away from her deadly demons man that really scary too hear naina cries n later raj assurance after 7 years she got an anchor omg its beautiful n then how things flow normally adds more beauty to it now coming to another date hmmm that’s interesting n looking forward to but then reporter really find out naina with her hidden identity .
    Wow wat a updated full of upheavals
    regards..riya

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    1. Hi Ria....Thanks love.

      I totally agree with you what you say about how children are losing out on good values because of their rearing under watchful eyes of maids, who can never impart good values as only a parent can. The saying "Values are caught rather than taught " explains everything.

      Naina has found her way of life by making herself strong for others...for her son and the woman who rescued her...but who is there to take care of her insecurities? Raj has been God sent. He is slowly making inroads into her life.

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    2. well yeah n so is naina has been brought by almighty for raj to hear :)

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