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I am not sure how you guys are going to like this part..tbh..I am not impressed with my work..🙈
Anyways... enjoy
|~~Tere bin na lage Mera Mann~~|
Chapter 46
Toronto
Piya stood at the balcony of her posh apartment... gulping away the scroching scotch...
That day she was a happy woman when she stepped into RGC...
To give Abir a surprise visit....
She had all her dreams fulfilled..
A successful career....
Numerous admirors...
Wealth and Power...
And the love of her life ... For whom she was his priority...
Her secret love from school days ...which turned into a sweet obsession at the college and a compulsive need after being collegues...
Abir...
She had first noted the lanky Indian boy...in her school...a lone wolf ...
She was a silent girl then...and didn't have the courage to approach him even if her thoughts were all about him...and she saw how any girl enamoured by his brooding handsome looks got the worst response.... outright rejection..
She was invisible to him then....
He remained her sweet secret until they met again in the college...and this time Neil bonded with him easily...a sting that she still have against her brother...
But through him she was standing in front of Abir.. talking to Abir.. hanging out with Abir...and witnessing firsthand how Abir simply and deliberately broke the hearts who sweared their love for him....
She knew for sure ..if he ever knew her feelings about him...she will be casted off..just like that....and once after seeing a girl wipe off her tears in front of him she had summoned enough courage to ask him why he was not interested in love , dating or hooking up .
She had got a clear answer..with a hard stare..
He doesn't believe in love...and he clearly don't trust women to be capable of love...
Then his eyes softened..
You are the only girl-friend I have ...!
The moment he said that words they were etched on to her heart...
She would be his only girlfriend .!!
And she made sure that she remained that ..
She manipulated the meeting of their parents...
And the result was too good to be true..
A partnership with RT...!
Abir was already working as an intern there after his college hours...
Then after college and higher studies Abir branched out to RGC and Meenakshii aunty let him have the lion's share of RT.. leaving it more or less to Abir... along with a new partner ship with her Dad..,
And she had access to RV mansion..all the time...
Then Both Neil and she joined RGC....
And by that time Abir had become a Compulsive Obsession for her...
The Toronto project was her excuse to pry Abir from Neil's closeness...her brother...her twin..
May be he could connect to her even though she lacked that connection...He knew something was amiss and once asked her about it frankly...
She told him the sob story of being always the second choice.. for her family as well as at work...she felt bad at manipulating his love for her ....but to think that Abir was close to Neil was making her burn with jealousy...
And Neil left RGC for her ...
leaving Abir to her..
At home she had given enough and more hints to her mom whenever it was possible with work and Abir in the same sentence...!
And her mom ..true to her nature...had done the mental match making too...
Everything was going on in her favor ...
Till Mishti came into his life...!!
Piya seethed in anger as she recollected the day she first laid eyes on her...
Abir was preoccupied... through out their conversation....even so that her Mom's proposal went over his head...
She had never thought he would agree to her crafty request...but Meenakshii aunties displeasure made sure that Abir agreed to her terms....
She had always used Abir's coldness towards his mom to her advantage...to give wind to his suspicions and put innocuous suggestions in his mind...
And that day she did notice the way his eyes widened at the mention of Mishti's name and the way they took in Mishti''s arrival with Kunal... ...
She had a hunch that something has changed for Abir...
That the girl affected him... somehow..
And she did react ...she very well knew Mishti was onto her way in and her collision with Mishti was intentional...
Then the next day.. Mishti was in RGC !! she was livid at seeing her interaction with Neil and then to her utter disbelief..her Abir...the workaholic Abir ... ditching work to escort Mishti..!!
Then the unbelievable birthday bash..! That pictures ...Kunal send her...!
The man who never allowed her to celebrate his birthday was having a bash at his patio..!..with her..!
She had thought about them and had told herself that Abir was doing all this for Rajshri aunty...he was just being nice to his house guests..
And that was her mistake...
Piya told a long swig from the bottle...
She believed in Abir and he betrayed her..
She had tried all possible ways to keep Abir to her..
Staged the accident scenario at Toronto..so that his focus would shift to work...
And it was a success too...he didn't even want to go back home in 6 months..!
It was a Bliss to have him for her only...the only thorn in the flesh was Mark...
But she had made every effort to draw his attention to her... from innocent flirting to parading in his room in skimpy nightshirts.. even flirting outrageously with Jacques....just to elicit a reaction from him..
.
She just lacked the courage to pounce on him fearing the dire consequences..
And then she got the news of Mishti being involved in Neil's venture..!
She deliberately showed him the most revealing dress Mishti wore in one of the event and the one with an intimate smile at Neil... edited clips..just to show him she has moved on...
And his attitude towards her did turn cold...
She even saw both having an argument on the inauguration Eve..
Then suddenly all these changed...!???
How ..??
She had wanted to spend this Valentine's day with him...just to mark her territory....but restrained herself from appearing too desperate...and obvious..
But she had called him and got the cryptic reply of Mark ..that he was off to an on-site business evaluation..
She was counting days to see him...and finally flew back to New York to surprise him and spend some time with him...
Her movements were getting wierd as she tried to hold the loosened robe around her...
Tears burned her eyes ...as she recollected the sight which welcomed her as she entered Abir's chamber.
***
Abir's coat lay on his chair...and voices were coming from his ensuite...the door ajar...
Piya was about to knock for formalities sake..but then she heard Abir talking...
Who was he entertaining. !?
Frowningly she peeped in....and got the burn of her life...
A girl was sitting on the breakfast bar...and the expanse of leg and waist displayed made her instantly volatile...
She was about to charge in when she heard Abir say...
"Nothing would be the same after this two weeks... without you..."
Piya saw the girl bend and touch his face...
And her eyes were shocked to see Abir's hand moving along the girl's knee...
Her involuntarily gasp startled her even more and she moved away immediately from the door...ready to play innocent if Abir came out ..
But the voices had stopped and she was disturbed at not knowing what was happening inside...
Should she risk getting caught?
Piya could not leave after knowing that a girl was with Her Abir...
She slowly peeked in and was baffled at first by it's emptiness...
Washroom...
They would be in..
Piya thought of what to do..
Abir.! .if he really discovered girls then she could use this to her advantage...and to be honest she did have her share of nameless faceless flings too..
May be she should let him enjoy the whatever inside..
And just as she was about to turn a strange voice stopped her ... making her curious..
She braved to look inside..and in a flick of a second her dreams which she built by painstakingly manipulating him..were burned into ashes.
Abir's naked torso masked her body but Piya could make out that she was topless...and he was kissing her like his life depended on her...and the hand that clawed on to his back..it held a distinct identity..and the black fumes of hatred started filling her abdomen..and as she looked on...
He broke the kiss...
Caressed her forehead and extended his hand to take the spectacles kept on the wash tiles.. along with the white shirt..
He made her wear the specs , covered her with the shirt and cupped her face...
"I love you Mishti... I am yours... Hamesha keliye...."
Her arms encircled him as she replied... huskily..
" I love you too.. Abir....!"
Mishti..?!!
****
The bottle was in smithereens as she hurled it at the walls...
The feeling of betrayal was giving her a bad taste in her mouth and she spitted venom...
Love.!!!? ..Abir was in love with Mishti...! and now she stood here lamenting like a fool...
She didn't demand love..!
She wanted him...!
And she will make him his ...
And she was going to enjoy making him his...her eyes glinted in odd satisfaction.
Just some improvisations in her plan would work wonders for her ...
Piya took her phone and asked her driver to pick her up in 10 mts...
She was going to party hard tonight...!!
She was a long-term player and a pro in manipulation...and the game had just began!!
*****
Same night..
Mishti and Kuhu were happy to hear that Meenakshii and Parul have shortlisted 2 homes which can be brought and occupied immediately...
And tomorrow being Sunday the property dealer had made arrangements for their viewing..
After taking decisions on the timing and preferences both were on their way back to their rooms...
Kuhu stopped Mishti as they reached the top of the stairs..
" Mishti...we are doing the right thing na..I mean we are here as house guests...and it's inevitable that we should move out ... Dadi ..she enjoys everyone's company here ...and you know... Kethu is depressed too..and umm.. Kunal.."
" Haan...Kunal ko Kya hua..?"
Mishti looked at Kuhu with a mischievous smile and Kuhu... smacked her lightly..
" We are not going to move out tomorrow Kuhu...only after Badimaa regain her strength and that too if she wishes to move out...aur yeh baat tum us gadhedo ko bhi samjhana..do din se theek se baath bhi nahi Kiya Hein apni BFF se..."
Kuhu hugged Mishti impulsively...and nodded happily..
" Abhi bataati Hoon.."
Before Mishti could stop her she flew to Kunal's room...
Mishti let out a laugh at the ease with which Kunal's and Kuhu's relationship was going..she had taken up the mantle to motivate him and have also taken her studies.. seriously... even though only 3 months was left..
She should be telling Abir about them..but Kunal had said it was his responsibility and she needed to respect his emotions too..and she was sure Abir would jump with joy when he gets the news...
Abir..
Her eyes went to his door.. can she go in and find him...?
May be she can video call him a bit later...
She felt shy....
Her cheeks flamed when she thought of how brazen she was ...and that was a discovery..she could be free in front of him...in speech and in actions...she blushed as she thought of how he controlled himself and pampered her after...
She had worn his shirt ..the one he took off..as he rinsed and dried the stained spot..of her top..
And there was no awkwardness after that too..
They worked in sync and she was happy....
She changed into her nightdress...and went out to the balcony... enjoying the chill breeze ...and hugging herself wishing his arms were around her ...
" Your wish is my command..."
A whisper by her ear as warm strong arms wound around her from her back...
For a full second Mishti thought it was her dream...her mind making her see what she wanted ...then his face nuzzled her cheek..
" Abbiirr...! Tum..."
She turned alarmed and he loosened his hold but kept her in his arms...
" Abir..koi bhi aa saktha Hein..Kuhu Kethu Kunal... humein saath mein yahaan dekhlenge toh .."
Abir turned towards the railing where she kept her plants ...and said affably..
" Kethu is busy with Nihaal's call...I made sure that he call her .."
" Aha... perfect..."
Mishti folded her hands and shook her head slightly..
" And what about Kuhu and Kunal.."
" Umm.."
Abir struck a thinking pose ...
" I heard you come and you were with Kuhu...so no chance she is going to come again...and as for Kunal.."
"Mishtiii.."
At Kunal's sound at the door Mishti frantically signalled Abir to stop talking...
Abir who was confident till the last second now was flustered but hid himself straight by the balcony door..
Mishti was standing at the door as Kunal came and hugged her...
" Thank you Mishtiiii!"
" Kya baat Hain..Kunal... Thank you kisliye.."
Mishti asked trying to curb her anxiety as she kinda blocked the balcony door with her hand .
" I was a little harsh at you regarding the moving out...and Kuhu told me that you plan to do that if Massima is okay with it...so thanks for that decision and as a reward you got your BFF back.."
Kunal said as he walked back and plopped on her bed ..
" Use bhagao...Varna mein Bahar aaoonga aur use uthake baahar phek doonga..."
Abir whispered as he trailed his fingers on her hand on the door frame...
" Nahin..!"
Mishti was startled at her own voice..
" Nahin ..Kya nahin... aur Tum .. ye door pe kyun khadi ho...thand lag jaayegi na.. I'll close it.."
Mishti was frantic but tried to be cool...
"I feel warm..."
She said and twitched a bit as Abir took her hand and bit her fingers lightly...
Kunal was mildly surprised by her attitude..
" Tumhein fever toh nahi hei na...mein maa ko bulata Hoon..."
" Massi...no..no need..I am okay..just tired.."
Mishti said hurriedly..
Kunal came to her as she pulled her hand from Abir's hold...
" Fever toh nahin Hein...phir aise behki behki kyun ho...Bhai tumse bohot kaam karwata Hein Kya...tum itni tired ho Gayi ho.I really should to talk to Bhai about working you this hard..."
Kunal's tone was reproachful and Mishti defended Abir..
" Nothing like that Kunal.. tumhein kuch bhi kehne ki zaroorath nahin Hain...I am fine.."
"Tum keh rahi hei toh...hmm... anyways thaki ho ..so Jao... it's cold and close the door before sleeping... good night."
Kunal left and Mishti let out a heartfelt sigh..and felt him enfold her...his warmth
seeping into her through the thin fabric..
"Abiir...agar Kunal tumhein dekhliya toh.."
Mishti turned to him..
" Toh mein use batata ki mein kabhi bhi tumhein thand lagne nahi doonga... that I'll always keep you warm like this..."
" Mazaak chodo Abir..."
Mishti''s tone was grave..
And Abir bit his lips..
"Woh..it's..umm..I..
Mishti looked at him in amazement...the stuttering..and reluctance...it was a new trait in Abir...
She went in silently and returned with a pillow blanket... and duvet.
Abir's eyes widened..
She spread the blanket and set the pillow..and sat leaning on it...
Abir looked on at her ...her ability to read him...he was floored...
Mishti lifted her hands to him....
And with a sense of salvation he homed into her embrace...
❣️❣️❣️
Her fingers threaded through his soft hair as he slept peacefully...snuggled onto her warm softness..
She bent and kissed his beautiful eyes lightly...
❣️❣️❣️
He looked at her angelic face as he scooped her up and laid her on the bed...and tucked her ..and as difficult as it was to him...he pressed a soft kiss on her lips... rubbing his softness on her's..and slowly...left her room..
❣️❣️❣️
Mishti described to Rajshri the homes she and Kuhu went to have a view with Meenakshii..
Rajshri was happy that her daughters were happy... seeing their smiling faces were doing wonders to her weakened morale...
And she did notice a glow in Mishti...she was truly happy here ...but then she always was happy with her simple needs...but a mother's eyes could say something has changed...
" Ghar ka selection tum donon ka kaam Hein...ab yeh batao ..first week Kaisa tha..Abir se jhagda nahi Kiya na..."
Rajshri asked looking at Mishti intently...
Mishti averted her eyes..and turned away from her Badimaa... hiding her blush...in the pretext of folding Rajshri's shawl...
" One week kahaan Dadi...just 3 days....and I don't think bro had time to spare for her tantrums..umm...I think this is just awesome hum yeh select karenge.. Mishti dekhona....."
Kuhu said drooling over the house pics..
"Mishtiii"
Rajshri called sternly and Kuhu looked up sensing a trouble..
" Woh mein ..I aimed a paper weight at him..."
Mishti said in low voice..
" Mishti you didn't.. OMG... thank God you didn't throw it at him. "
Rajshri was sitting dumbfounded...and echoed Kuhu's words...
Mishti was silent...and both Kuhu and Rajshri's eyes widened in realisation...
" Oh no..!"
" Markers...I....umm...I was angry.."
"Mish.."
Rajshri was about to rebuke her but paused as Abir pulled in a doubled up Kunal... into the room...
" Mishtii...you ..haha..you rock yaar..I wish I could be a fly on that wall "
Kunal was having a hard time controlling his laughter which slowly eroded the shock on Rajshri's and Kuhu's face..and they let out a relieved breath seeing the sheepish smile of Abir..
" Confession chal Raha Hein Kya...paper clips bhi pheka mujh pe Massima..aapki beti itni violent kyun Hein..?"
He asked lightly and sat beside Rajshri.. his eyes taking in the flustered face of Mishti..
" Abir..pata nahi ise Kya ho jaati Hein..."
Rajshri warned Mishti through her eyes...
" Is ki taraf see..."
" Massima...I was wrong and she had reasons to be angry...aur aapko kisi bhi baat keliye mujhse sorry nahi kehna chahiye..."
Kunal snickered at Mishti who was now in a very embarrassed situation..
"Mujhe toh pehle hi pata tha ki ambulance ki zaroorath padega...yeh nahin pata tha ki CEO maar khane waale Hein..and to think I was concerned for you... from now on..all my sympathies are with you Bhai.."
Mishti charged at him as Kunal ran out to the hall...
Meenakshii and Parul came out of the kitchen hearing the ruckus and was pleasently surprised to see Rajshri coming out of her room .. taking baby steps... holding on to Abir's arms and the 'catch me if you can' song coming out of Nanu's stereo...as Mishti ran behind a frolicking Kunal... jumping over the sofa..
****
Next day every thing went on usual pace except Mishti was a bit tensed ..as she looked frequently at her phone ...
Yesterday Abir was giving her desperate looks...all day ...as they couldn't risk being together with Chotima and massi in the home..
And she too was desperate....and in her haze..
She had taken a split second bdecision and had acted impulsively on that..
Abir had back to back video conferencing and when he was back he noticed her restlessness...
" What's the matter... tumhein kuch chahiye Hein Kya...?"
His hands were around her as she arranged their food....
' umm..can I take a 1 hr break.. I'll be back soon..sem exams are nearing and I needed some books.."
" Of course Mishti...your studies come first...and take a half day off..now that the rush of the day is over you can have your share of incentives too..but pehle kha lo.."
Mishti felt bad at lying to him..that was not her whole purpose.....but she had to..
Abir too had wanted to do some planning ..and just as she left he made his calls...
****
Mishti was a bit withdrawn and thoughtful as she reached back RV mansion...she was mildly surprised to see Abir's BMW already there..
She was greeted with a heartwarming sight of Rajshri sitting on the sofa...Abir sitting beside her... already freshened up...and all her apprehensions regarding her decision vanished...
Rajshri noticed her face with mild amusement as Mishti excused herself to freshen up..and was startled a bit as she looked back at Abir...
His eyes following Mishti with a sparkle...
" Abir... tumhein itne khush dekhke mujhe bohot acha lag raha Hein....aaj usne koi gadbad nahi Kiya na..?"
Abir shook his head smilingly...and prompted Rajshri to read..
By the time Mishti was back Abir had taken Rajshri to her room...and saw Parul beckoning her from Nanu's door..
"Mishti beta..bapuji ko bukhaar Hein Shayad..Maine Abir se nahin kaha kyunki woh di ki saath thi .tum Pratap bhaisahb ya Nihaal ko call Kar sakthi ho...mein unkeliye kadha bana ke lati Hoon.."
Mishti''s face shadowed a bit but she nodded..
" Aap Nanu ke paas hi rahiye ..I'll make the kadha and bring it to you...
Mishti''s reassurance made Parul smile..
" Tumhein aati Hein Kya...?"
"Haan...bohot times toh nahi banaya hein..par jaanti Hoon maasi..aur mein Nihaal ko bhi bulati Hoon.."
***
By the time she boiled the kadha...Abir spotted her in the kitchen...
Looking around he signalled her ... asking what was she doing..
She replied in the same vain ... putting her palm on her forehead .. indicating fever ..and before she could say Nanu...he was by her side ... concerned..
" Tumhein fever Hein toh idhar Kya Kar rahi ho..."
He put his palm on her forehead to check...and slowly withdrew ..
" Tumhein fever nahin Hein..."
"Haan...aur mein biljul theek Hoon... lekin Nanu is not well...and I umm have called Nihaal to come around and check upon him...ab yeh kadha Nanu keliye bana rahi thi...."
Abir was now more concerned and Mishti followed him to Nanu's room..
Parul was also looking tired... She had came home straight from work and found out Nanu's condition..and haven't even freshened up..
" Massi ...aap mujhe kyun nahi bataya...."
Abir said reproachfully..but as Parul said that she was concerned about Rajshri's weakened state and complications if she got the fever Abir nodded in understanding..
" Nanu..aap theek toh hei na..." Abir helped Nanu to sit up as Mishti sat beside him...
"Aap itne young Hein Nanu... bukhaar roh yeh kaadha peene see bhaag hi jaayega...yeh lijiye.."
Mishti fed him kadha sip by sip as Abir held him leaning on to him..
Parul let out a sigh seeing the kids peptalk her bapuji..
"Maa aayi nahin..?."
Abir looked at Parul questioningly...
" She went to finalize the property deal in the afternoon..and .she did ask for a meeting with the law firm to have a look at the papers..."
Parul replied to the raised brow..
Abir nodded and Mishti got up ...
"Tum donon thodi der aur Nanu ke pass rahoge toh mein fresh hoke aati Hoon...inko akela nahin rehna chahiye.."
"Massi yeh bhi humse kehne ki baat Hein...we are going to chill out here na Nanu..?"
At Mishti''s playful question Nanu raised his tired arm in a thumbs up..and Parul let out a relived smile...
" I'll be back when Nihaal comes..."
When he was sure that Parul had left .. Nanu excused himself...
" Abir...mein thoda so jaata Hoon.. Nihaal aagaya toh utha Dena.."
Mishti tucked him well with blanket and looked at Abir ...who signalled her to the sofa .
She shook her head.. and went to sit on the bed by Nanu...
" Are Gadheda...lights toh dim karde...aur woh curtains bhi ..."
Nanu said with his eyes closed..
Abir got up from the bedside and did what Nanu said...all the time making begging faces at Mishti...who had started rubbing Nanu's cold feverish feet...
" Thanks beta...I feel warm..." Nanu was happy that she remembered about how he get cramps..
" Aur Abir..no naughty business..."
Mishti blushed as Abir coughed to hide his embarrassment at being caught..
After a while as Nanu slept..Abir got up from the sofa and checked his temperature....
Mishti looked at him and he reassured her with a nod..
Then he quietly picked her up from the bed and dropped her softly on to the sofa...
" Can't risk fever ... tumhein apni bhi khayal rakhni chahiye.."
He whispered and sat beside her keeping a distance between them,..which was never a distance as their hands sought each other's..
And that was how Nihaal found them as he rushed into Nanu's room..
" Ahem...I hope I got in to the right room..yeh Nanu ka hi kamra Hein na...??!"
" Ab mein haq see tumhe 'Saale ' bula saktha hoo... zyaada taang mat kheecha Karo..."
Abir welcomed him with a mischievous warning...and guided him to Nanu...
Nihaal looked at Mishti who was having a tough time .. looking at him...and turned his attention to Nanu...
Mishti was now totally flustered...
She hadn't expected to see Nihaal again today..and she was still berating herself for putting him in a spot where he was pitted against his professional ethics and friendship..
***
Nihaal didn't expect his 3 'O'clock appointment , Agarwal.M to be Mishti..!
He had got up from his chair in surprise to greet her..
" Mishti...Tum...yeh appointment sab kisliye..you can talk to me ..we are friends right..."
He noted that she was a bit uncomfortable and immediately tried to put her in ease ..
"Ab tum aahi Gaye ho toh meri honewale saasuma ki bare mein thoda information share Kar Dena..."
This comment brought a smile to Mishti''s face..and Nihaal let out a breath..
" Now tell me about it...Abir ko pata hai Kya...? If he knows he would be coming with you...so I guess he is not aware you came here.."
Mishti nodded uneasily .
" Abir doesn't know...uhh...I needed a doctor's advise and a friend's support... that's why I took to the appointment way to see you.."
Nihaal was curious as to why Mishti would do that..and let her do the talking...
"I know it's wierd....but as such I am not in a position to discuss my umm situation.. with anyone at home..except Abir. My doctor is still..in Greenville...he is a physician...and here in New York ..I haven't started a health plan...so I am here ..umm..to ask for help.."
Nihaal was intrigued...
Mishti looked at him straight..and asked in low but clear voice.
"Can you suggest a good ob/gyn for me...uh..I would like to know my options regarding umm... contraception..."
Years of training helped Nihaal to mask his surprise swiftly...
" I see...so you want me to refer you to an ob/gyn ...done...but to get her appointment will be a little time taking...Hmm..are you confident in my opinion Mishti..??"
" Of course..I wouldn't have come if I didn't trust you Nihaal.."
Mishti said.. trusting him...
" So call your physician and ask him to send your medical details to me...here in this mail ID.."
He handed over his card..and Mishti nodded
" and I'll look into it and suggest you the best option after discussing with Dr.Alice Trudy..and will try to secure an appointment with her at the earliest.."
Mishti nodded...and said in a low voice
" I hope you understand me and won't judge me for my decision....you know that ki mein kisi aur see yeh baat share nahin Kar sakthi..even..umm..Abir would discourage me if I discussed this with him... though..."
She paused and Nihaal gave her an understanding look...
" I am so happy for him ...well..I was in awe of him all these years.. ...so adamant in hating his Mysterious Mishti...!..so stubborn about the worthlessness of love...and denying any sort of pleasure till now...and you Mishti..
Thanks for loving him ...and making him understand the worth of loving another with whole heart...and you know what?.for him the first priority will be your well being..and to see you taking the first step ..he'll be okay with knowing that you are protected.."
Mishti could only nod a bit awkwardly..
" And don't know when... whenever it is happening.. your kid is going to be my responsibility... don't you dare take up some random paediatrician.."
Nihaal's comment made her blush and she nodded smilingly...
"As soon as I get your reports I'll work on it ...and I'll fill the prescription and bring it to you.."
At Mishti''s alarmed expression...
He added..." Of course.. Secretly."
As Mishti said bye and turned to the door Nihaal called her and came to her ... sheepishly scratching his forehead..
" Uhh. Umm..can I expect some return favor.with..Kethu...or is it too early...."
As Mishti rolled her eyes at him in warning..
" Yeah ..I thought so...typical bhabhi wali reaction...Chalo..we kids got ample time..."
Nihaal said in a deflated tone..
Mishti smiled at him totally in gratitude..
"Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me .and for taking care of my Kethu...."
" Both... always the pleasure is mine..and do tell him I am green with envy at him.."
***
And now as Nihaal checked out Nanu's condition Mishti was feeling super awkward..
And just as she saw Parul coming.. Mishti mumbled an excuse ...to be out of there...
Mostly because of Nihaal's laughing eyes ...!
***
" So... what's your plan ...are you going to confront Meenu aunty...?"
Nihaal's question was serious..
They were seated on the loft...
Abir had just described his realization, misunderstandings and torment he gave himself and Mishti...and how she made him open up...and Nihaal had laughed.. saying
"I can definitely relate to her doing that"
Now as Nihaal put the question Abir sighed,
" I don't get why Mom would do such a thing and how did she expect Mishti to agree to this ..even if ..."
Nihaal too was now perplexed knowing Mishti''s proactive and independent nature..
" Well..may be she'll spill the beans when time comes and as we both are in different relationships they can't do anything..my mom just wants me to settle...so I think I should give my Mom the taste of her own medicine..."
" If it's okay with you I will present your proposal to Mamu... unofficially... officially the rishtha should come from Bharti aunty.."
Nihaal brightened up at Abir's offer...
" Lekin...I wish her to have a career ....and you should promise me that you will do everything that's needed to fulfill her dreams..."
Nihaal nodded gravely...and looked at Abir quizzically
" So does this mean you are thinking of future plans too... with Mishti...?!"
Abir let out a sigh as he walked up to the window...as Nihaal supressed a knowing smile..
" You know her by now ...she haven't pulled out an inch regarding her stand in the finances..and though I wish I could shower her with whatever she wants she chose to remain independent...and I respect that..
So I guess she would need to finish her studies..and I have a hunch she won't join RGC..So whatever plan I have will have to take a backseat...oh God..!.how I wish.."
Abir paused and Nihaal looked at him intently..
" I think you should have a talk about this with her...who knows..she might surprise you..!"
Nihaal gave a carefully veiled advise to Abir..
A commotion at his door diverted their attention..
"I think the gang has arrived...
Abir said smilingly...as Nihaal"s face brightened..
Kethu and Kuhu entered followed by Kunal .
As all camped at Abir's patio.. taking advantage of Mishti's absence they discussed about Mishti''s birthday party...
Sam brought refreshments to them...
Sensing Abir's restlessness Nihaal asked Sam about Nanu...and got the desired reply that Nanu was having a light dinner and Mishti was with him.
"Well...time for me to go.."
Nihaal got up pulling Kethu with him..
Abir smiled as Kunal and Kuhu awwwd and oohed at the blushing Kethu..
"I'll look at Nanu once more ...on my way..."
Nihaal called out as both of them made their way to Abir's room..
Kuhu turned to Abir..
" Bro we are doing the planning..at least you could try to be there..and I want Mishti happy and relaxed on her birthday...so no work..."
Abir's phone chimed at that moment..
He looked at the message and hid his smile..
" Sorry Kuhu.. just got this email...I have an on-site visit fixed on 29th...and I don't think I can spare My assistant moreover..it would do good for her to meet some of our GMs too.."
"No no Bhai..you can't do that..."
Kunal was dejected but Kuhu thought for a bit and then pleaded with Abir..
" Bro..it's great opportunity for her.i understand....and she won't let it go..but will you please try to bring her back by 1st night...we can give her a nice surprise that way.'
Abir nodded in agreement.
***
Nihaal entered Nanu's room...and saw Mishti feeding him..
She finished and wiped off Nanu's face.and handed him the pills along with a glass of water...
"Mishti.."
Nihaal acknowledged her presence as he checked Nanu's temperature.and asked him to rest completely for a few days..
As he helped Nanu to lie down..Mishti was about to leave.
Nihaal called out and stopped her by the door..
" Hey!..I noticed that you are avoiding me...Abir just told me what went between you two in these months ...and I am honored that you trusted me enough to come to me for help..."
Mishti.. looked at him relieved...and mumbled a thanks..
Nihaal took a cover from his bag and handed over it to her discreetly...
" Dr Alice 's office will contact you about the appointment..and I've mailed you the detailed instructions.."
Mishti nodded and Nihaal smiled as he said..
" Abir is truly lucky to have you.."
***
Meenakshii stopped on her track as her eyes fell on the two people standing beside Nanu's room...
She was concerned about bapujis health but couldn't leave the final discussion and closing of the deal.. and reach earlier...
Just as she was about to reach the hall...she spotted.. Nihaal and Mishti in front of bapujis room engaged in a seemingly intimate talk...
Deciding not to disturb them...she quietly sat down in the sofa.. marveling at the way her wishes were rewarded...
**""
Nihaal walked out to the hall looking up as Kethu waved him a discreet bye..and was startled to find Meenakshii smiling at him...in the hall...
He bent to take her aashirwad and assured her that Nanu was Okay..and after some talk. took her leave...
Meenakshii looked at after him with a sense of satisfaction but she hid her elation in time as she spotted Abir coming down.... with Kunal and the girls....
***
Mishti read out the instructions carefully..
Then put the strips in her bag after taking the first pill..and filed the prescription..
As she came out of her changing room and walked to the balcony browsing through the mails .
" What ..??.. OMG.."
She stood surprised as she spotted a lovely swing with cushions placed at her balcony..
When did he do this..?!!
Mishti sensed him as the lights in her room dimmed washing her figure in the dark and pale shimmering of moonlight..
Abir raised himself from the railing and moved to her...
❣️❣️❣️
Her fingers moved along his chest as she snuggled up to his warmth under the duvet covering them...
He kissed softly on to her already swollen lips ... pressing her close to him... adjusting her in his lap......
The slow movement of the swing and the warmth seeping from her lulled Abir into the peaceful sleep he ever had..
❣️❣️❣️
Fan Fictions
Cricket
