Yun Hi Tu Mere Saath Rehna - An Abhimaan x Mishbir Fanfic (C48 : P22) - Page 21

Thanks for the update. Look forward to more Abhimaanlicious moments. Would love to see shaadi planning

Chapter Forty Two

With the entire Goenka debacle behind her, Abhira started anew, throwing herself head-first into her career. She took on new cases and spent hours reading and researching. She started seeing Krish a lot more, getting tips and tricks from him, to become a more seasoned lawyer. When Krish had offered for her to join the firm under him, Abhira had declined, stating she didn't want to benefit off of nepotism, and that she wanted to build a name for herself before she tied herself to the Singhania name.

“The firm will wait for you,” Krish promised. “Waise bhi, mere baad toh tumhe hi chalani hogi na. Siddhi ko toh law mein bilkul interest nahi hai. Toh tum hi ho, jiske bharose main firm chod paunga.”

“Mamu, yeh bohot badi responsibility hai,” Abhira protested. “Main kaise aapse firm le sakti hoon? Aapne itni mehnat se usse itni uchaai pe laaya hai.”

“Isliye toh, main tujhe yeh saunpna chaahta hoon,” Krish replied. “Itni mehnat hai meri iss firm ke peeche. Itne saalon tak maine iss firm ko apna sab kuch diya hai taaki woh aaj iss mukaam pe pohonche. Aur phir main isse kisi bahaar waale ko dedu? Meri mehnat toh mere bachchon ke liye haina. Kisi bahaar waale ke liye nahi.

Maine hamesha se yeh socha tha ki main firm Siddhi ko dunga. But jaise woh badi hui, mujhe samajh aa gaya ki usse iss sab mein bilkul interest nahi hai. Toh maine socha tha ki uske bachchon ko dunga. But ab usme bohot saal hai. Kya pata tab tak main rahoon ya nahi. Aur phir, uske bachchon ke liye wait karne se achcha hai main tujhe dedu. Waise bhi, kya pata unka bhi law mein aptitude hoga ya nahi. Lekin, tu toh haina… Itni achchi lawyer tu already hai, Abhira. Thode experience ke saath toh tu kitni zyada achchi lawyer bann jaayegi.

Abhi toh tune bas apne career ki shuruat ki hai. Abhi bohot saal hai tere paas, kaam karne, kaam seekhne, aur ek kaabil lawyer bann'ne. Tujhe kalse firm nahi sambhaalni. Abhi bohot time hai tere paas. Abhi se itna mat darr.”

“Itni badi baat boldi aapne, aur ab keh rahe hain ki darr mat. Aise thodi hota hai, Mamu?” Abhira whined. “Ab toh main har time bas yehi sochti reh jaungi.”

Krish chuckled at that. “Main toh sirf tujhe aage ke liye prepare kar raha tha. Mujhe kya pata tha tu itna overthink karne lagegi?”

Abhira's only answer was a pout. “Achcha baba, theek hai,” Krish placated. “Abhi yeh topic rehne dete hain. Tu abhi kaam toh kar. Phir hum 5 saal baad yeh topic uthayenge. Tab dekhenge firm ka kya karna hai. Tujhe tab join karna ho toh karna, warna nahi. Waise, usse pehle bhi join karne ka mann kare toh koi manaayi nahi hai. Woh toh bas tujhe pehle khud se kaam karna hai, isliye maine yeh time limit set ki hai. Agar tu aajse 5 din baad mujhe aake bolegi ki tujhe firm join karni hai, toh mujhse zyada khush aur koi nahi hoga.”

“Thank you, Mamu,” Abhira mumbled, hugging Krish around his chest. Krish laughed exuberantly, hugging her back. It was still such a huge luxury that he got to have this. Naira Bua's granddaughter, in his arms, safe and sound. He'd never thought he'd see the day. He only had Mishti to thank for this. Despite her grievances, Mishti had reached out to him. She could have easily not done so. There were hundreds of lawyers in the country who she could have sought. Funds had never been an issue. Yet, she chose him. Because he was family. She thought of him as one of hers despite all the bad history that she had with his family. He would forever be grateful.

“Waise, aap Armaan ko apni firm mein position kyun nahi offer karte?” Abhira asked conversationally.

“Paagal ho gayi kya? Mishti Bua se unke aankhon ke taare ko door karne ki galti karne ke baare mein main soch bhi nahi sakta. Waise bhi, Armaan khud hi nahi aayega,” Krish laughed.

“Aapko aisa kyun lagta hai? You know he idolizes you, right? Aapke saath kaam karne woh ek second mein haan kar dega,” Abhira argued.

“He might idolize me, lekin Mishti Bua uske liye kya hai, shayad tu yeh nahi samajh paayi hai, Hiru. He can give up anything for her. Main toh uss list mein phir bhi bohot neeche aata hoon. I think, tujhe chodke, woh Bua ke liye saari duniya chod sakta hai,” Krish explained.

“I know Armaan aur Badi Maa close hain, but…” Abhira trailed off, not knowing what she exactly wanted to say.

“Haan,” Krish agreed. “Woh dono bohot close hain. But it's more than that. Bua ke saath usse pehli baar Maa ka pyaar kya hota hai, yeh samajh aaya hai. Tune kabhi notice nahi kiya kya? Woh unki taraf kaise dekhta hai? Almost reverential. Waisa woh shayad hi uss duniya mein kabhi kisi aur ke liye feel karega.”

“Hmmm,” Abhira hummed. “Badi Maa bhi usse bohot pyaar karti hain. Jab dekho unke munh pe uska hi naam rehta hai. Waise, aap kisiko batana mat, but I think Bhaiyu is jealous, ki Badi Maa unse zyada Armaan ki baat karti hain.”

Krish guffawed at her words. “Yeh tera mera secret.”

Abhira's eyes crinkled at the pronouncement. Something as silly as a shared secret with her uncle, something so very mundane, felt like a huge milestone to her. Earlier, she'd never had anyone to keep secrets with. Who would she share everything with, but her mother? So, there were no secrets from her. But now, she had a huge family - aunts, uncles, cousins. Once upon a time, such a thing had felt like a pipe dream. Now, it was her reality. She was probably the luckiest girl in the entire world.

______

An animated Krish pounded on Armaan's door, vibrating out of his skin in excitement. He had just drafted a proposal for the academy and wanted to show it to his brother before pitching it in front of his beloved sister-in-law.

Ever since their visit to the institute, Krish had thought of little else. His mind teeming with a million ideas that he had scribbled in his notebook had finally led to a very cohesive and exhaustive plan on how they could revive the academy. Abhira hadn't asked him to do anything, but Krish hadn't been able to help himself.

So, here he was, wanting to run it by Armaan before he showed his ideas to Abhira, lest he be laughed out of the house for his stupidity. He was very sure of his plan, but another set of eyes didn't hurt. This plan was Krish's baby and when he went to Abhira, he wanted to be more than a 100% confident that his plan would work.

Armaan may not have any idea about how a dance institute worked, but he had dealt with endless businessmen to have a good understanding of how any business worked. And, his expertise would lend a fresh perspective to Krish's plan, letting him know if it was truly viable or not.

“Kya hai, Krish?” Armaan asked as he opened the door. “Itni raat ko bhi tujhe chain nahi hai?”

He was dressed for bed in his soft pyjamas and plain tee, Krish could see, and for a moment he felt guilty for disturbing his brother's sleep, but then shrugged it off. He was the younger brother, after all. Annoying his elder brother was kind of his prerogative. “Bilkul chain nahi hai,” he agreed, stepping inside the room despite Armaan's protests.

“Krish, abhi main busy hoon,” Armaan stated. “Tu kal aana.”

“Nope,” Krish answered lazily. “Aapko aaj hi time banana padega.”

“Jaa na, Krish!” Armaan whined.

“Aap faltu mein apna aur mera dono ka time waste kar rahe ho, Bhaiya,” Krish chuckled. “Aapko bhi pata hai ki main aise hi yahaan se nahi jaane waala.”

“Aisa kya hai jiske liye tu kal subah tak wait nahi kar sakta tha?” Armaan enquired.

“Yeh!” Krish stated, showing Armaan his laptop.

“Tere laptop ka kya karu main? Agar chal nahi raha toh I'm sorry, mujhe isse theek karna nahi aata,” Armaan stated.

“Oho, Bhaiya,” Krish laughed. “Itne impatient kyu ho aap? Laptop bilkul achche se kaam kar raha hai. Mujhe aapko ispe kuch dikhaana hai.”

“Yeh koi time hai kya film dekhne ka?” Armaan harrumphed. “Baad mein aana.”

Abhira's chuckle filled the room at his words, making Krish look around. He finally spotted her face in Armaan's phone, thrown over the bed. “Ohhhhh,” Krish teased. “Tabhi mujhe bhejne ki itni jaldi thi? Abhira Bhabhi se jo baat kar rahe the! Haan, bhai… Unke aage humaari pooch kahaan hai?”

“Haan toh? Tum logon ki bala se toh main usse baat bhi na karu ab?” Armaan questioned.

Krish shook his head and lept onto the bed, making himself comfortable against Armaan's pillows. He picked up Armaan's phone and waved wildly to Abhira, who waved back with a laugh. “Aap zaroor baat kariye, Bhaiya. Aapko koi nahi rokega. Waise, koi rokega toh bhi aap sunenge thodi! Lekin phir itna chedna toh banta haina? Kyun, Bhabhi?” Krish directed the last bit at Abhira who nodded enthusiastically.

“Of course,” she agreed. “Come on, Khadoosmaan! Be a sport.”

“Mujhe nahi khelna koi sport-wort,” Armaan argued. “Aur tum zyada iss Krish ki side lena band karo.”

“Maine kya kiya?” Krish pouted. “Sach-sach baat toh boli lekin sachchai ki ab iss zaalim duniya mein koi value hi nahi rahi.”

“Oyye, nautanki! Idhar-udhar ki baatein karna chod aur waapas apne kamre mein jaa,” Armaan instructed. “Abhi main busy hoon.”

“Aise toh aap hamesha hi busy rehte ho,” Krish argued. “Kabhi Bhabhi ko hum sabke saath bhi toh time spend karne dijiye. Hamesha unka saara time monopolize kar lete ho aap! Aur jo bachta hai wahaan Rajvansh Villa mein koi na koi hota hai.”

“Toh kal kar lena Abhira ke saath time spend,” Armaan declared. “Abhi mera time hai uske saath.”

“No, no, no!” Krish exclaimed. Turning back to the camera, he said, “Bhabhi, aap please kahiye na Bhaiya se! Woh hamesha aise nahi kar sakte!”

“Yeh sab rona kisi aur ko sunana,” Armaan replied, refusing to budge.

“Armaan, tum aisa kyun keh rahe ho?” Abhira interrupted. “Krish, tumhe pata haina, tum jab chaaho mere paas aa sakte ho. Tum toh mere favourite ho, tum jaante ho na?”

“What the hell, Abhira!” Armaan cried. “Yeh tumhaara favourite hai? Main nahi?”

“Uhhh,” Abhira pretended to think, making Krish laugh at the scandalized look on Armaan's face. The duo spent the rest of the night making fun of Armaan and laughing their hearts out at his offended pout. Krish ended up falling asleep right there next to Armaan, the academy's proposal long forgotten.

The next morning, Krish woke up to an empty bed. It took him a moment to get his bearings and realize he'd fallen asleep in Armaan & Abhira's room. Though Abhira had not lived in the room for months now, it seemed wrong to think of the room as just Armaan's, especially when so many reminders of Abhira were littered throughout the space - her photograph on the bedside table, while another one of Armaan & Abhira together adorned the walls, her preferred bedspread on the bed, her favourite pillow tucked neatly in the middle of the bed. Her favourite novels were stacked along the bookshelf, trinkets that she'd purchased still lovingly put on display, the air fragrant with her preferred room freshener. She might not live here anymore, but this room still belonged to Abhira, perhaps more than it belonged to Armaan.

Krish thought of everything that Armaan & Abhira had gone through and the serenity they had found with each other, and his heart warmed. Armaan had always been very important to Krish. Ever since he was a child, Krish had seen Armaan struggle under the weight of the expectations of this family, had seen him go above & beyond to keep everyone happy, most of the time at the cost of his own happiness. And now, he saw Abhira put Armaan's wishes, his happiness, and his comfort above anything else. It made him rest easy, knowing that Armaan had finally found a home in her. Though he was younger, Krish had always felt a lingering sense of protectiveness for his elder brother, had felt the urge to give him every happiness of the world right at his fingertips.

After all, Armaan always did so much for him. Even when they were children, Armaan had always made sure to do everything to keep Krish happy. He would take the fall for Krish’s mischief, would lovingly put Band-Aids every time Krish hurt himself, would stay awake with him as he studied for his exams. As they grew up, it was Armaan who taught Krish how to drive. It was Armaan who took Krish out for his first drink because he wanted Krish to test his limits in a safe environment rather than be caught unaware during a night out with friends. It was always Armaan who Krish had turned to, no matter what happiness or sadness he wanted to share, and Armaan had always been there like a steady rock, with an assuring smile and a warm hug to welcome him home.

At times, Krish felt that Armaan had been more of a father to him than his own father had ever been. For all that Armaan had done for Krish, for all that he still did for all of them, for the way Armaan loved him so very much, all Krish ever wanted was for his brother to find his own happiness. And now, he finally had it. Abhira was perfect for Armaan in every way. And she was Krish's absolute favourite person in the entire world. Nobody was happier than him that they had each other.

The shrill ring of his alarm brought him out of his thoughts. He scrambled to search his pockets and quickly shut it off. Belatedly, he realized he'd never gotten a chance to show Armaan his proposal last night, busy as he had gotten with speaking to Abhira. He tended to do that often. Laughing with Abhira always felt so good, nothing else seemed to matter. She was the brightest spot of even the dullest of his days. He'd never thought he'd feel such affection for anyone other than Charu & Kiara, but Abhira had quickly become as important to him as his sisters were.

Determined to see the proposal through today, he made his way down the stairs, hoping to catch Armaan before he left for work, but apparently some project had required his immediate attention and he'd already left for the day.

“Bhaiya ko proposal dikhaya?” Aryan asked.

“Nahi dikha paaya,” Krish pouted.

“Toh ab? Aaj toh Bhaiya office ke liye nikal bhi gaye hain!” Charu stated.

“Aap aise hi Bhabhi ko dikha do na, Krish Bhaiya,” Kiara coaxed. “It's just Bhabhi. Kuch galat bhi hua toh kya fark padta hai?”

The other two murmured their agreement, but Krish shook his head. No. He couldn't do that. He could never show Abhira something half-finished. Yes, she wouldn't mind, but he would. The academy was Abhira's legacy, the one tangible reminder she had of her family, and Krish could not mess this up at all. He had to make sure everything was perfect when he went to Abhira.

“Bhaiya, why don't you show Vidhi?” Kiara suggested. “Woh Bhaiya se bhi zyada achche se aapki help kar paayegi. After all, woh itne saalon se academy se judi hai. She'll be able to help!”

“Oh, that's a great idea!” Aryan echoed. “Woh toh academy ko leke itni passionate bhi hai. Krish Bhaiya aap unse hi baat karo!”

Krish brightened up at the suggestion, new-found excitement bubbling inside him. Why had he not thought of this? “Yeh achcha idea hai,” he agreed. “Aaj hi milunga usse!”

Charu looked at Krish, intently observing the change in his demeanour at the mention of Vidhi. They'd met each other only once, but even then, she had seen how Krish and Vidhi seemed to be unable to help themselves from being in each other's orbit. Of course, it was too soon for anything to actually have happened, but Charu knew her brother. If he spent time with Vidhi, he would definitely fall for her. Charu had never seen him react to a woman like the way he had with Vidhi ever before.

After Kiara and Aryan had left for college, Charu cornered Krish. “Krish, tu jo bhi kar raha hai, soch-samajhke karna,” she advised.

“Charu, tu itna mat soch,” Krish replied. “Main Vidhi se sirf project discuss karne jaa raha hoon. Aur kuch nahi.”

“Maine Vidhi ka naam toh liya hi nahi,” Charu stated, a small smile playing on her lips. Krish exhaled sharply. He had walked right into that one. “Shut up,” he cribbed. “Ab mujhe late ho raha hai toh main jaa raha hoon. Bye!”

He ran away from her, lest she say something else that would in turn make him say something he wasn't ready for. Charu giggled, unbearably excited for this new chapter in her brother's life. This would be so much fun.

Thank you for another great update. Look forward to reading more

Chapter Forty Three

Armaan grinned wide as he walked up the entryway of the Rajvansh Villa. It had been a gruelling day at work and he was so happy to be home. Home. He hadn't even realized when he had started referring to the mansion as home. It was definitely more of a home to him than the Poddar Mansion had ever been.

As he eagerly climbed the steps, the front door opened, and there she was - the love of his life. Abhira Sharma. The woman who had made him happier than he had ever thought was possible. His feet carried him up even faster, straight into her arms. He breathed deeply, finally at peace as her scent surrounded him, as her arms wrapped around him in an intimate embrace.

“You're late,” Abhira murmured and Armaan didn't have to look at her face to know she had an adorable pout on her face. He pulled back just enough to see her and sure enough, there she was, her lower lip jutting out in the cutest manner. Unable to help himself, he leaned down, stealing a quick kiss.

“Armaan!!” Abhira cried, pushing him away. She frantically looked around, making sure no one had seen them.

“What?” Armaan cribbingly asked.

“Mujhe kisiko aur wajah nahi deni humein chidhaane ki,” Abhira replied. “Waise bhi har time sab pareshaan karte rehte hain. Phir unhone humein ek saath dekh liya toh aur unke jokes badh jaayenge.”

A warm chuckle escaped Armaan's lips at her words and Abhira's face lit up in response, the sound travelling straight to her heart. Before, she had seen Armaan so carefree so very rarely. Always bogged down by the unachievable expectations of the family, Armaan had somehow managed to balance all of it for years, but had lost his playful carefreeness to it. Slowly but surely, with the help of the entire family, Abhira was gently coaxing it back out. Every time Abhira saw Armaan truly relax and enjoy life, her heart skipped a beat.

Especially because it took so little to bring him joy. Something as little as a hug or a kiss on the cheek made him grin so wide as if he'd won a lottery. Maybe, he had. After all, Armaan hadn't grown up with the love, care, and affection that Abhira had. No one had hugged Armaan close after he'd had a nightmare, no one had kissed his scars better, and no one had ever verbalized their love for him as he was growing up. It had only been expectations and responsibilities in the Poddar family that had raised him, not warmth and adulation.

So, to see him make her entire family his own as well, to blossom in their admiration, and to see him shed the weight he carried, made everything better in her life. Madhav used to tell Abhira that there was a lightness in Armaan that he'd never seen before Armaan realized he was in love with her, but Abhira had never seen him more carefree than he was after meeting her family. Yes, Armaan had been wary of them at the beginning, just as she had been, but they'd all carved a place for themselves in Armaan's life with an ease that Abhira had never anticipated.

Armaan had always been the more reserved one out of the two of them and it took him some time to get comfortable around new people. Even with her, it had taken time before Armaan was ready to extend a hand of friendship to her, despite the fraught circumstances they'd found themselves in. So, to see the Rajvanshes win him over so easily had been a welcome surprise. She was glad that Armaan had been able to forge such a deep relationship with Abir & Mishti, and so easily gel with the other members of the family. He joked with the Rajvansh cousins just as he did with the chorus gang and he respected the elders of the family just as he respected Manisha & Manoj. It was so heartwarming to see him become such an important part of the family.

Abhira felt truly happy now, with her family and Armaan by her side. The worries that had chased her since she'd lit her mother's pyre seemed so far in the past now - the constant belittling by Kaveri, the bitterness from Ruhi, and Sanjay's harsh words nothing but distant memories. Her life was full of love & happiness now, because her family had made it so, because Armaan had made it so. He had met her at every turn and done everything to make Abhira feel safe, secure, and happy in their relationship. And she was so very grateful.

“Tum dono saari raat aise darwaaze pe hi khade rahoge ya andar aane ka bhi koi iraada hai?” Abir's voice pulled Abhira back to the present, as he jogged up the walkway, Mishti in tow.

“Bade Papaaaaaa,” she whined.

“Nahi, main toh bas apni general knowledge ke liye pooch raha tha. Waise mujhe koi problem nahi hai,” Abir laughed. “Lekin maine socha itna achcha ghar hai apna, jahaan araam se baith sakte hain. Aise poori raat khade rehna thoda uncomfortable hoga, nahi? Aur agar tum dono ko itna shauk hai aise uncomfortable rehne ka toh thoda darwaaze se hatke hi khade ho jao taaki baaki sab toh aa-jaa sake. Jabse dekh raha hoon, tum dono hilne ka naam hi nahi le rahe!”

“Bade Papa, yeh aapki pyaari Heera hi jabse aise khadi hai,” was Armaan' prompt reply. “Main bhi andar jaana chaahta hoon, lekin yeh mujhe jaane de tab na!”

“Bas, bas,” Mishti intervened as she saw Abhira pout. “Tum dono meri bachchi ko chedna band karo. Aur chalo andar chalte hain!”

Together, the four of them made their way inside the house. The family was involved in their usual banters inside, arguing over something or the other. While usually Armaan loved to come home to a noisy and happy family, today, he wanted some time with just Abhira. He tugged her up the stairs, not bothering to greet anyone. Abir laughed at his eagerness, but didn't say anything as Armaan led her away, even as Abhira's expression morphed into one of shock.

Once in Abhira's room, Armaan quickly freshened up. When he came out of the washroom, Abhira was lounging on the bed, scrolling through her phone to pass the time. Wordlessly, he slid in bed beside her, gathering her in his arms. Abhira melted in Armaan's embrace, sighing deeply. “I missed you,” she mumbled.

“I missed you, too,” Armaan answered. “Are we still on?”

They'd planned to go for dinner and a movie, wanting to get out of the house for a bit. But, Abhira was feeling especially cuddly today, or so it seemed. Armaan didn't mind. Any time spent with Abhira was time well spent, no matter what they did.

“Of course, we are!” Abhira exclaimed, shattering Armaan's dreams on a night in. “We have to go! It's Veer Zaara.”

“Tum bol toh aise rahi ho jaise tumne aaj tak woh film dekhi nahi hai,” Armaan laughed.

“Of course dekhi hai,” Abhira answered. “But I want the full experience, Armaan. Sitting in the middle of a crowd, feeling every emotion with them. And I want to watch Main Yahaan Hoon on the big screen. But, more than anything else, I want to watch you watch the film! Tumne toh nahi dekhi haina?”

“Ugh, fine,” Armaan relented. “We'll go.”

“Good,” Abhira grinned. “Waise show abhi ek ghante baad hai, and the theatre is only fifteen minutes away, so we don't have to leave just yet.”

“Good,” Armaan repeated, hauling her over him and rolling around so that he was flat on his back, Abhira a delicious weight on his chest. Abhira rested her head on his chest, humming contentedly.

“Did you have a good day?” She asked, making conversation.

“It was great,” Armaan told her. “Every day at work is great. Mujhe bohot achcha lagta hai, Ira. Leaving the firm & joining the NGO was the best decision I made. After you, of course.”

Abhira giggled at his words, her entire body vibrating with happiness. Armaan felt every rumble in his heart. This was all he ever wanted - for Abhira to be so exceptionally happy, the way she was right now. “I'm glad,” she stated. “You deserve this.”

“I love you,” he declared, seemingly unable to hold it in any longer. He loved her so much, it felt like his heart would burst with it at times.

“Love you, Khadoosmaan,” Abhira grinned, pressing a kiss to Armaan's clothed chest.

“Chalo ab,” she commanded some time later. “Film ka time ho jaayega.”

“Chodo, yaar. Film mein kya rakha hai? Let's just stay here,” Armaan protested, tightening his arms around her.

“Armaaaaaaaan,” Abhira complained. “Maine tumse kaha na! Mujhe film dekhni hai. Tum nahi jaoge toh main akele chali jaungi.”

“No way,” Armaan declared, rolling around once more and pinning her to the bed. “Sharmaji, aap yahaan se hilke toh bataiye!”

“Achcha? Bata dun?” Abhira questioned, a mischievous grin lighting up her face. Without waiting for an answer, her arms ran across the sides of his body, resting against his waist. Then, she started tickling him, taking Armaan by surprise. He lost his balance and fell on the bed, laughing loudly.

“Ab— Abhira!!” He managed to say between breaths. “Chodo mujhe!”

Abhira shook her head, manoeuvring herself so that they were both lying on their sides. Free from Armaan's hold, she let him go, quickly jumping off the bed as he caught his breath. “Last chance, Advocate Poddar!” She stated with a giggle. “Aap aa rahe hain ya nahi?”

“Tumhe toh main batata hoon!” Armaan cried, rushing to her, easily catching her and swinging her around in his arms as if she weighed lighter than air.

“Armaan!” Abhira gasped through her laughter as he tickled her in revenge. “Stop it!”

Armaan relentlessly continued his attack but stopped when Abhira started coughing due to lack of air. He helped her onto the bed and made her drink some water. When her breathing returned to normal, he immediately apologized. “I'm so sorry, Abhira! Are you okay?”

“I'm okay,” Abhira assured. “It's fine, Armaan. I'm okay.”

Still, Armaan ran anxious fingers along the planes of her face, making sure she was okay. Then, he pulled her into his arms, hugging her to his chest. “I'm really sorry!”

“Oho, Khadoosmaan!” Abhira chuckled. “Itni tension mat lo. Kuch nahi hua! Ab chalein?”

“Haan, meri Maa! Chalo!!” Armaan exclaimed. Abhira grinned up at him, placing a loud kiss on his cheek. “You're the best, Armaan!”

As they made their way down the stairs, they saw Abir & Mishti making their way downstairs too. “Arrreeee! Aap kahaan jaa rahe hain?” Abhira asked them.

“Movie dekhne jaa rahe hai,” Mishti replied. “Woh, Veer Zaara re-release hui haina. Abir ko bohot pasand hai.”

“Hum bhi!” Abhira cried exuberantly. “Chalo, saath chalte hain!”

Abir saw Armaan's face fall at her suggestion and shook his head. His Abhira was such a dodo at times. The two of them had barely gotten any time together to relax and unwind in the past few days and now that they were going out, she wanted to hang out with them instead. It simply wouldn't do. “No, no,” he vetoed the idea. “Aaj meri aur Angry Chorni ki date night hai. Tum oldies ke saath hum apni date kharaab nahi karenge!”

“Hawww, Bade Papa! Aapne mujhe oldie kaha?” Abhira cribbed.

“Haan toh?” Abir questioned. “Tum sab itne zyada boring ho. Main aur Mishti hi tumse zyada lively hain! Aur phir, itni mushkil se Mishti maani hai. Yeh humaara time hai. Hum sab… Kisi aur din chale jaayenge!”

“Achcha, theek hai,” Abhira stated. “Aap log jaiye. Hum kisi aur din chale jaayenge.”

They all walked out of the house and as they sat in their respective cars, Armaan caught Abir's attention, mouthing a quick thank you. Abir shook his head with a grin, and told Armaan to have fun on his date before leaving.

At the movie theatre, Armaan steered Abhira to the popcorn counter, getting a huge tab of her favourite caramel salted popcorn along with a large size of Pepsi to go with it. They found their seats and sat down, a few rows away from Abir & Mishti. Abhira noticed the two of them were already seated, having foregone a snack. They seemed to be engaged in an intense conversation and for a moment, she was curious about it. But then, Armaan demanded her attention and she happily turned to him, making conversation with him.

“So, sach-sach batana. Tumne yeh film kitni baar dekhi hai?” Armaan asked her.

“Maine kitni baar dekhi hai yeh important nahi hai, Khadoosmaan,” Abhira laughed. “Important yeh hai ki tumne ek baar bhi nahi dekhi hai.”

“Toh kya hua?” Armaan wondered.

“Toh kya hua?!?!?! Tumne iss duniya ki best film nahi dekhi? Aur tum yeh pooch rahe ho ki kya hua?” Abhira exclaimed. “How can you say you've experienced everything in life agar tumne Veer Zaara nahi dekhi?”

“Achcha, baba,” Armaan chuckled. “Dekhte hain yeh film. Chalo, ab shuru ho jaayegi.”

As the lights dimmed out and the film started playing, Armaan tried to watch the film. He really did. Shah Rukh Khan did look extremely handsome and Preity Zinta was absolutely gorgeous. But, Abhira was better. He found his attention being captivated instead by her, following her every move as she got completely engrossed in the film. The way her expression changed with every new scene was a sight to behold. It was clear that she was just as moved with the film as she had been when she watched it the first time.

An hour or so in, as Veer said goodbye to Zaara at the railway station, she burst into tears, sniffling and sobbing. Worried, Armaan immediately pulled her into his arms, thankful that he had bought the reclining seats. She pushed herself closer, and somehow ended up on his lap, not that Armaan was complaining. He hugged her tight, and she snuggled into his arms, moving her attention back to the film. It was a slippery slope after that. It seemed like every scene made her cry more than the last. He watched her cry her way through Zaara's turmoil, Veer's arrival in Pakistan, and then sob loud as they said their final goodbyes at the fort. But it was truly the pre-interval scene where Veer signed his life away for Zaara's peaceful marriage that she truly lost it. Armaan gently shushed her, dropping kisses to her head, her cheek, her nose, willing her to feel better.

As the lights came on for the interval, Abhira came back to herself, remembering just where they were as she looked around. She scrambled to get out of Armaan's lap, but he held her firmly. “It's okay,” he assured her. “No one cares.”

It was decidedly not true. A lot of people were staring at them, whispering softly, clearly judging them. But, Abhira decided she didn't care. She needed to be close to him, and close she would be. Involuntarily, her eyes fell to Abir & Mishti. They were seated firmly in their place, having no intentions to leave. She saw Mishti wipe Abir's tears first and then her own as well and smiled.

She snuggled closer to Armaan, resting her head on his chest. “Do you think we'll be like them?” She whispered.

“Like whom?” Armaan asked, confused.

Abhira subtly pointed towards the older couple, bringing a smile to Armaan's face. “I hope so,” he replied. “They're so perfect together. Tumhe pata hai, itne saalon tak main sochta tha ki Chachi Sa aur Chachu Sa se zyada achcha couple koi nahi ho sakta. I used to think they're the ideal partners. They're such good parents to Kiara and Aryan, they are so supportive of each other, and everyone can see how much they love each other. Mujhe lagta tha unse better koi nahi ho sakta.

Lekin, ab mujhe samajh aa raha hai ki main kitna galat sochta tha. Badi Maa and Bade Papa jaisa couple I don't think maine kabhi dekha hai. In fact, I don't think kisine kabhi dekha hoga. They're absolutely perfect. And I wish, ki hum bhi unke jaise ho. In fact, if we're even like 10% of them by the time we're their age, I will consider our marriage very successful.”

“Me too,” Abhira agreed. A moment later, she had another question for him. “Armaan, kya tum mere liye woh kar sakte ho jo Veer ne Zaara ke liye kya? Aise… Uski khushi ke liye apni poori zindagi qurbaan kar sakte ho?”

Armaan chuckled. “Abhira, aisa sab sirf filmon mein hota hai. Real life mein nahi.”

“But still,” Abhira pressed. “Hypothetically. Would you?”

“I don't know,” Armaan admitted. “Sirf meri baat hoti, toh main bilkul hesitate nahi karta. I would do anything for you. Agar mujhe yeh lagta ki tumhaari khushi, tumhaari bhalayi isme hi hai, toh main zaroor karta.

Lekin, sach toh yeh hai ki mujhpe aur bhi toh responsibilities hain. The chorus gang, Chachi Sa, Chachu Sa, Papa… They all depend on me. Shayad, unke baare mein sochke main hichkichata. But, yes. I don't think I would try everything in my power to make sure that your life is as peaceful as I can make it while also doing my best to get out of the situation.

Abhira, main Veer jaisa nahi hoon. Shayad hi real life mein koi aisa hoga. Lekin mujhe yeh bhi pata hai ki tum bhi Zaara jaisi nahi ho. Tum kabhi aisi situation nahi honi deti jahaan baat itni bigde. You'd have handled everything. And if you couldn't, tum kabhi kisi ko khudke saath bura sulook karne bhi nahi deti. You'd have fought back.”

“You're right,” Abhira murmured in agreement. “Main kabhi weak nahi padti. And I'm sure, tum itne achche lawyer ho… Kuch na kuch toh tum soch hi lete.”

“Definitely,” Armaan chuckled.

The lights dimmed again as the interval ended and the second half of the film started. Armaan held Abhira close, making her rest her head on his chest. He then pressed his own cheek to the top of her head. They watched the rest of the film in silence, taking in the story. Armaan found himself engrossed as he watched Saamiya fight the case with utter dedication and sincerity. She reminded him so much of Abhira and he found himself rooting for her to win, for not just Veer but for herself as well.

He got so invested that by the time Veer and Zaara saw each other again for the first time in twenty years, he was tearing up a little. But then, when Veer recited his poem in the courtroom, he completely gave in to his emotions, letting his tears fall freely. Abhira felt their wetness and looked at him, her own eyes swollen and red with tears. She reached up, wiping his tears, making Armaan smile.

As the film ended, Armaan found himself hugging Abhira close, happy that he had realized his love for her in time and had been strong enough to save them a similar fate where he was stuck in a marriage he didn't want, always wishing for Zaara. He was so glad they were together now, in the present. Silently, he vowed to himself that he would never take Abhira or their relationship for granted ever. He would always love Abhira with his whole heart. She was the light of his life, and always would be.

------

Hello, y'all!!! An Abhimaan chapter to make up for all the drama we've had in the past few chapters :p Hope y'all had fun reading!

I'm on a vacation now, hanging out with my cousins, so updates may be a little infrequent for the next couple of weeks. Let's see how it goes tho.

Thanks for reading and keep commenting!❤️

Hey missing the story.....when are the chapters coming.... waiting

Originally posted by: ashsamik

Hey missing the story.....when are the chapters coming.... waiting

Hey! Sorry been busy with irl stuff. I'm writing a new chapter so hopefully this weekend there'll be an update!

“No, absolutely not!” Vidhi exclaimed as she read over Krish's plans for the academy. They hadn't had a chance to meet before due to her busy schedule and had finally met up to talk after a couple days of Krish reaching out to her for help.

Which he desperately needed, she was now realizing. His plans for the academy were categorically incorrect. They just would not do. Teaching the likes of hip hop and salsa at an Indian classical dance academy? Absolutely not. She would never let it happen for as long as she was alive.

And she told Krish as such. “This is an academy for students of Indian classical dance forms like kathak and bharatnatyam. Not some random dance class where you just teach whatever takes your fancy. There is legacy here. A reputation that has been earned over more than a generation. Yes, we are struggling to make ends meet, but that doesn't mean we need to resort to such measures.”

“That's very elitist and puritanical,” Krish scoffed. “You think that only classical dance forms deserve respect? Other dance forms are also art. They require just as much effort and training. Why can they not be taught at the academy? I never suggested we stop teaching classical dance. Just that other dance forms should also be taught.”

“I don't think I need lectures in classism from a man who is wearing shoes more expensive than what I make in a whole year,” Vidhi snorted.

“And I don't need to listen to someone who is so rigid and unaccepting of change,” Krish fired back. “Also, just for your information, yeh shoes sirf hazaar rupaye ke hain. Inhe customize maine khud kiya hai cause that's how I like them. So, please, stop judging a book by its cover and grow up!”

“I grow up?” Vidhi cried. “No! You grow up! Understand the importance of our own culture before being mesmerized by others. Wahaan log Indian cheezein apna rahe hain lekin Indians yahaan baithe goron se impress ho rahe hain.”

“West mein log woh cheezein try kar rahe hain jo unke liye nayi hai. Toh agar Indians bhi nayi cheezein try kar rahe hain toh tumhe itni problem kyun hai?” Krish questioned. “I thought you were a modern woman of today. Lekin tum toh…”

“Main toh kya, haan? Aisa zaroori hai kya modern sirf apne culture aur traditions ko bhool ke hi bann sakte hain? Tum kehna kya chaahte ho? Just because I want to promote Indian Classical Dance over your western ones, I'm not modern? How small-minded!” Vidhi exclaimed.

Before Krish could retort, their argument was interrupted by a new voice. “Time out!” A man shouted, coming to stand in between them. “Jabse dekh raha hoon, tum dono toh rukne ka naam hi nahi le rahe!”

“Toh tumhe itni problem kyun hai, bhai? Kaun ho tum?” Krish asked.

“Abhi toh tumne khud hi bata diya,” the man grinned. “Bhai!”

“What?” Krish questioned, confused.

“What I mean is… I'm Vidhaan. Vidhi ka bhai, aur iss academy ka Admin Head,” the man, Vidhaan, introduced himself.

“Hi,” Krish replied, offering Vidhaan a hand. “I'm Krish.”

“He's Abhira's brother,” Vidhi supplied helpfully. Krish grinned at the introduction, not bothering to correct her misconception. It made him extremely happy that she thought he was Abhira's brother, not brother-in-law.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Vidhaan smiled. “And I'm sorry about her,” he said, pointing to his sister. “Isse control karna thoda mushkil hai. Humne toh paagal khaane phone kiya tha ki woh log isse le jaaye but woh bhi isse dekhke darr gaye, toh humein hi jhelna pad raha hai.”

A laugh burst out of Krish at his words, while Vidhi whacked his arm, affronted. “Shut up! Zyaada bakwaas mat kar. Jaa aur apna kaam kar.”

“Wohi toh kar nahi paa raha!” Vidhaan complained. “Tum dono ki argument ki wajah se! So, tell me… Problem kya hai?”

Vidhi rolled her eyes, but didn't respond. So, Krish took it upon himself. He gestured for Vidhaan to sit down and then launched into his proposal once again, taking Vidhaan through his presentation. As Krish talked, he could see Vidhaan's eyes light up at his suggestions, his smile widening at a few points.

“This is great!” Vidhaan crowed once Krish was done. “Absolutely brilliant, actually. Tumhe zaroor apni behen ko dikhaana chahiye. Agar unhone isme se 30-40% bhi implement kar diya na, it'll be a game-changer for the academy.”

“I'm glad you think so,” Krish smiled. “But are you sure? Should I make some changes? Do you have any other insights?”

“Not really,” Vidhaan shrugged. “Tumne har cheez pe kaafi dhyaan diya hai. This is so thorough, I can't think of anything. But, agar mujhe kuch yaad aaya, toh main tumhe zaroor bataunga.”

“Thank you,” Krish grinned, grateful.

Turning to Vidhi, Vidhaan stated, “I know you're probably not comfortable with the idea of westernization and introduction of Bollywood dance and whatnot… But, you know… Aajkal yeh saare dance forms zyada trendy hain. Log yeh sab seekhna chaahte hain. Not everyone has your passion for folk dance. Aur waqt ke saath humein bhi badalna padega na?

The institute really needs this. Isn't it better ki hum thoda sa compromise karke yeh jagah bacha lein, instead of being so rigid? Phir yeh itna jo hai, woh bhi nahi rahega.”

“But…” Vidhi tried to argue. However, Vidhaan shook his head, not letting her say anything.

“You've seen the numbers. You know how bad things are. Please don't make me spell it out. We need to make some changes. Maine inme se kuch cheezein pehle bhi suggest ki hai, but I was never able to get through to you. The old owners never cared enough either. But, ab cheezein badlengi. Unhe badalna hoga.

I know how important this place is to you. Do you want to lose it forever?” Vidhaan asked gently.

Vidhi shrugged, eyes filling with unshed tears. Vidhaan shook his head fondly, pulling her into a hug. “It's going to be okay,” he whispered.

“I hope so,” Vidhi mumbled. “I know main bohot possessive ho rahi thi, but perhaps both of you are right. This place needs help. Agar yeh sab karne se cheezein better ho sakti hai, toh humein definitely try karna chahiye.”

“That's my girl,” Vidhaan cheered.

Krish watched the two of them, a big smile on his face. It warmed his heart to see them like this. It reminded him so much of the easy affection between the Rajvansh cousins, and also between their little Chorus Gang and Armaan. He was so lucky to have such good people to surround him, and now he'd just found two more.

A few moments later, Vidhaan turned to Krish and said, “This looks really good. I think tumhe apni behen se ek baar baat karni chahiye about all this. If she agrees to implement it, we could really benefit from it.”

“Thank you, Vidhaan,” Krish expressed profusely. “Your vote of confidence really means the world. And Vidhi… I know ki shayad tum poori tarah convinced nahi ho, but I promise, jo bhi ho jaaye, this academy will never lose its sanctity. I'll do my best to protect it.”

“Thank you,” Vidhi mumbled. “And I'm sorry. Mujhe itni rudely baat nahi karni chahiye thi.”

“It's okay,” Krish laughed. “Maine bhi tumhe kam nahi sunaaya. Let's put it behind us. Friends?” He offered his hand to her.

Vidhi looked at him for a moment, as if trying to decipher if he had ulterior motives, but Krish had none. There was a girl in front of him, one whom he thought he liked, so he wanted to spend more time with her, get to know her better, and be her friend.

His sincerity must've shown, because Vidhi took his hand, shaking it. “Friends.”

“Thank you,” Krish grinned. “For taking time out to see me. But maine tum dono ka bohot time le liya hai, so ab mujhe chalna chahiye. I'll see you around.”

“Thank you, Krish!” Vidhaan exclaimed. “All the best for this project. I hope tumhaari behen maan jaaye.”

Saying their final goodbyes, Krish was off. Vidhaan's faith in his proposal had really boosted his confidence and Krish's eagerness took him straight to the Rajvansh Villa, wanting to speak to Abhira as soon as possible. Luck was on his side, because Abhira was home, enjoying the weekend with the rest of the family.

He wasted no time in approaching her, lest he get cold feet later. “Bhabhi, mujhe aapse bohot important baat karni hai.”

“Kya baat karni hai?” Abhira asked him, giving him her full attention.

“It's about the academy,” Krish replied. “I know aap iss waqt kaafi options explore kar rahi hain, lekin mere paas ek plan hai. And I think… Isse academy ki bohot help hogi.”

“Oh?” Abhira breathed. “Let's hear it then! I'm sure tumne kuch achcha hi socha hoga!”

Being given the go-ahead, Krish got down to business, opening his presentation once more and walking Abhira through it. He didn't notice when the rest of the family stopped doing whatever they were and crowded around the two of them, listening to his pitch intently.

Krish took his time, going in excruciating detail about every little thing, talking for hours. When he was done, his throat was dry and his ears were bleeding from the sound of his own voice, but Abhira had a wide smile on her face.

“Krish, this is absolutely brilliant,” she said. “Mujhe nahi pata tha tum iss academy ko leke itne zyada passionate ho.”

“Thanks Bhabhi,” Krish croaked. “But yeh bas ek idea hai. Aap sirf mera mann rakhne ke liye jhooth mat boliyega. Aapko agar koi cheez achchi nahi lagi toh please bina hichkichaaye mujhe bata dijiye.”

“Arreee! Achchi kaise nahi lagegi?” Abir cut in before Abhira could get a word in. “This is phenomenal, Krish. Main toh 110% convinced hoon. Humein tumhaara plan bilkul aankh bandh karke follow kar lena chahiye. Kyun, Heera?”

“You're right, Bade Papa!” Abhira agreed enthusiastically. To Krish, she said, “Main bilkul tumhaara dil rakhne kuch nahi keh rahi, but this is absolutely genius. Tumne har cheez ke baare mein itni depth mein socha hai, har choti cheez ka itna achche se dhyaan rakha hai. Frankly, main toh kabhi itna nahi soch paati.”

“Thank you,” Krish mumbled, bashful under all the attention.

“Come on, Krish!” Mishti exclaimed. “Aise nahi. Be proud of yourself. You've created something so good. Aise pheeka thank you nahi chalega!”

“Waise bhi, thank you toh humein kehna chahiye,” Kunal added. “Tumne toh Abhiru ki poori problem hi solve kardi. Isse achcha proposal koi nahi ho sakta!”

Krish chuckled. “Thank you!! Main Bhabhi ki thodi si bhi help kar paaya, yehi mere liye bohot hai.”

“But mere liye nahi hai,” Abhira complained.

“Kya hua, Bhabhi?” Krish asked immediately. “Aap boliye. Aap jaisa chaahengi waisa hi hoga!”

“Krish, tumne itna achcha plan banaya, but sirf itne se kaam nahi chalega. Ab isse oversee aur implement bhi tum hi karoge,” Abhira ordered. Then, remembering herself, she added, “Agar tum manage kar pao toh. Koi zabardasti nahi hai. But meri bohot help ho jaayegi.”

“Aap… Aap mujhe… In-charge banana chaahti hain?” Krish questioned, gobsmacked.

“Tumse achcha aur kaun hoga iss kaam ke liye? Yeh tumhaara plan hai! Toh execute bhi toh tumhe hi karna padega na!” Abhira stated.

“Yes,” Mishti agreed. “Abhira is absolutely right. Krish, tumhe yeh kaam karna chahiye. Tum sab kuch bohot achche se handle karoge, beta. Hum sabko pata hai ki Abhira ke baad, shayad woh tum hi ho, jo iss academy se itna attached hai. Tum kabhi iska bura nahi chaahoge. And you'll give more than your 100%. I have full faith in you.”

“Aur jab tumhe help chahiye hogi, hum sab toh hai hi,” Abir added. “We're always there for you, jab tumhe zaroorat ho.”

“Hum bhi, aur Bhai ki cheque book bhi,” Kunal laughed. “Tumhe kisi cheez ki koi tension lene ki zaroorat nahi hai. Bas mann lagaake kaam karna!”

“Please, Krish!” Abhira pouted. “Tum mere liye itna nahi kar sakte?”

“Aapke liye toh main kuch bhi kar sakta hoon, Bhabhi,” Krish confessed. “Lekin shayad aap yeh nahi samajh rahi hain ki aapne mere liye aaj kya kiya hai. Thank you so much.”

“So, deal pakki? Tum apna saara time academy ko doge? And you'll implement this wonderful plan of yours?”

Krish looked around, overwhelmed by the eager and excited faces that greeted him. It seemed that all of them had unanimously agreed that Krish was the best person for the job. And Krish? He couldn't believe it. The institute had such a special place in his heart. Dance had always been his passion, and he had always wanted to make a difference with it. This project was the perfect fit. A chance to take both those things so close to him, and work to make a change with them. Nothing would bring him as much joy as doing this.

So, how could he ever say no? “Done deal,” he murmured softly, and was greeted with loud cheers and hooting. Abhira immediately pulled him into a tight hug. Krish could feel the other members of the family slapping his back as a gesture of a job well done. He felt a warm hand caress his head and instantly knew it belonged to Mishti. Pulling away from Abhira, he turned to her and she was looking at him with something akin to pride. He'd never seen anyone look at him like that other than Armaan & Abhira. Feeling too overwhelmed, he hugged her, a few tears falling onto Mishti's shoulders, as Krish held her tight.

“You'll do great,” Mishti assured him. “Mujhe tumpe poora bharosa hai.”

“Thank you, Badi Maa,” Krish sniffled. A moment later, he asked, “Main aapko Badi Maa bula sakta hoon na?”

Mishti pushed him back, so he could look at her face when she said, “Of course bula sakte ho.” She reached up and wiped his tears. “All the best, Krishi.”

“Thank you!” Krish grinned.

“Okay! Agar aap sabka K3G reenactment khatam ho gaya ho, toh sab apne kaam pe waapas jaaye? Rakshabandhan ki kitni tayyaari abhi bachi hai! It's Abhira's first with us. Humein bohot cheezein final karni hai,” Hrishi said.

“Bhaiyu, you know aapko kuch karne ki zaroorat nahi hai! Hum sab saath hain, yehi mere liye bohot special hai,” Abhira laughed.

“Shut up!” Prajakta ordered. “Humein jo karna hai karne de!”

“Aur nahi toh kya!” Shrey cried. “You can't stop us, Hiru. And be ready to be vowed!”

Abhira giggled. “Okay, mere cute se bhaiyas aur bhabhi. Jaisa aap sab chaahein!”

As everyone busied themselves in discussions for the upcoming celebration, Mishti noticed how Krish was staring longingly at them, his attention fixed on Hrishi and Shrey who were animatedly discussing their plans. Mishti knew how close Krish was to Abhira, how important she was to him. And she could understand his feelings well.

After all, hadn't she once been in his shoes as well? She'd felt this same longing for Nanko. They'd become so close after she'd married Abir. Kunal was the best friend a girl could ask for. He was the best devar a woman could wish for her. But, she still yearned for more. To have a closer connection to the man who had become her brother in everything but blood. It had taken her a while before she'd been able to muster up the courage to ask Kunal if he would be open to the idea of celebrating Rakshabandhan with her.

Looking back, Mishti realized she'd been a fool. Kunal had always thought of her just as she had of him. He'd teared up and immediately agreed. And so, they'd celebrated the festival together for the first time, and every time since then. It never got awkward, even though there was once a time when Mishti thought she might have to marry Kunal. And Abir had been the happiest, seeing the two of them forge such an unshakable bond.

In many ways, Krish & Abhira reminded Mishti of herself and Kunal. So, she would do for them what she wished someone had done for her. As the beginnings of a scheme took root in her mind, she looked up to Abir, seeing his eyes mirroring her thoughts. After so many years together, they didn't need words to communicate. They never had, actually. Abir had always been able to read her silences better than anyone else. One succinct nod, and she knew they were both on the same page. Glad for it, she turned her attention back to Abhira and Krish, nodding along to their conversation. Abir & her would handle the rest. Just as they always had.

Later that night, the couple approached Abhira before bed. “Kya baat hai!” Abhira exclaimed when she saw them. “Aaj toh mera lucky day hai. Aap dono mujhse milne aaye hain!”

Abir chuckled. “Tujhse kuch baat karni thi.”

“Boliye na! Sab theek toh hai? Any problems?” Abhira asked.

“Koi problem nahi hai,” Mishti assured her. “But thodi important baat hai.”

“Kahiye na!” Abhira urged.

“Woh, main aur Nanko Rakshabandhan ki tayyaari kar rahe the. And we were thinking of inviting the Poddar family. Tujhe kya lagta hai?” Mishti asked.

Abhira's face lit up. “Idea toh bohot achcha hai, Badi Maa! I love it!”

Abhira had never celebrated Rakshabandhan before, because there was no one to celebrate it with. It had been just her and her mother. And they did celebrate Holi & Diwali, but otherwise, they didn't really have any reason to celebrate, what with it being just the two of them. This would be her first ever Rakshabandhan and she was extremely excited. She had found out that she had not one, not two, but three brothers, and of course, her beloved Abhir Bhai, who might not be with her anymore, but she believed he was looking down at her with her Mumma and wishing the best for her. And of course, her brothers were already so excited, planning so many things. Their excitement fed into her own, and she was looking forward to the day very eagerly. Celebrating it with the Poddars would make the occasion even better.

“Idea toh achcha hai,” Abir agreed. “Lekin kya Kaveri Ji maanengi? Pehle hi itna tamasha ho chuka hai. And frankly, main nahi chaahti ki woh aake koi aur scene create kare. Plus, she doesn't seem to like you much, Angry Chorni. Mujhe uss din kuch drama nahi chahiye.”

This was the only point of contention between the couple. When Mishti had clearly laid the plan out for Abir, his only issue had been that with the Poddars, they would never get away with inviting just the kids. They would have to invite the entire family. And Abir had no love lost for Kaveri. Or Vidya.

In the weeks that had followed since Armaan had revealed of his eavesdropping escapade to them, Abir & Mishti had consciously distanced themselves from Vidya. They wanted no part in building relations with a woman who thought so lowly of their child. Yet, in the presence of others, they were civil with her for she was nice to them. Kaveri Poddar, on the other hand, was a separate matter entirely.

“I know, Abir,” Mishti sighed. “Kaveri Ji ke saath problems hain. But baaki family bhi toh haina. Aur especially, Armaan aur baaki bachche. This is their first Rakshabandhan with Abhira. Tum batao, kya Kiara aur Charu ka mann nahi karega apni Bhabhi ke saath celebrate karne ka?”

“You're right,” Abir gave in, thinking about the kids. No matter what issues he had with the matriarch of the family, he could see how much everyone else, and especially the kids, loved Abhira. They all adored their Bhabhi. “For the kids. Hum Kaveri Ji ko khud invite karne jaayenge. Hopefully, woh mana nahi karengi.”

“That's my boy!” Mishti cheered, hugging Abir.

“Thank you, Bade Papa!” Abhira cried joyfully, reaching out to hug both of them. “You're the best!”

Abhira's joy at the proclamation made it all worth it. The joy he got by making sure that Abhira had everything she could possibly want felt deeper than any other joy he'd ever felt. Abir would have invited anyone over if it made Abhira so happy, even his own father who had only ever hurt him. Kaveri Poddar was nothing.

___ ___ ___

The Poddars, having finished breakfast, were getting ready to leave for their respective commitments for the day when the doorbell rang. Aryan opened the door, surprised to see Abir & Mishti. “Abir Uncle! Mishti Aunty!” He cried happily. “Kaise ho aap?”

“Hum toh bilkul theek hain! Tum kaise ho?” Abir asked.

“Ekdum first class!” Aryan grinned.

“Aryan, tum apni Dadi Sa ko bula doge kya?” Mishti asked after they'd exchanged pleasantries.

Obediently, Aryan nodded, going inside to inform the family. “Mishti Aunty aur Abir Uncle aaye hain,” he said. “Woh aapko bula rahe the, Dadi Sa!”

Kaveri scoffed. What was there to say? Had they found a new way to insult her that they'd come to see her so early in the morning? She opened her mouth, intent on telling Aryan that she was interested in seeing them and they could leave, but of course, Armaan eagerly hopped outside before she could. The other members of the family followed. Not having any other option, Kaveri did too.

When she reached the front door, Abir was engaged in a conversation with Manisha while Armaan had gravitated towards Mishti, like always. It made Kaveri's blood boil, how the two of them always sought each other out, how they seemed to have a deep understanding of each other. It nagged at her how Armaan would always smile so brightly at Mishti, how he would always be so happy in her presence. Even at home, Armaan would keep talking about her. His entire day was only full of stories about his precious Badi Maa.

“Mr. & Mrs. Rajvansh,” she greeted them, making them turn to her. The fact that Armaan & Mishti stopped giggling at whatever they were was an added bonus. “Yahaan kaise aana hua?”

“Hello, Mrs. Poddar,” Mishti greeted her back. “Main aur Abir aap sabko Rakshabandhan par invite karne aaye hain.”

“Rakshabandhan?” Madhav echoed, confused.

“Haan,” Mishti smiled. “Woh, hum sabke saath Abhira ka pehle tyohaar hai. Isliye hum sab chaahte hain ki bohot dhoom-dhaam se manaaye. Humaari bachchi itne saalon baad mili hai. Aur uske saare bhai kuch zyada hi excited hain. Toh bas… Humne socha ki aapka bhi toh Abhira ke saath pehla Rakshabandhan hai. Charu aur Kiara bhi humaare ghar ke bachchon jaise hi hain. Isliye, taaki woh bhi Abhira ke saath celebrate kar paayein… Agar aap sab aayenge toh humein bohot achcha lagega.”

“Yeh toh bohot badhiya baat ki aapne!” Manoj cheered. “Abhira ke saath tyohaar manane mein mazaa toh bohot aayega.”

“Haan, Mishti Sa!” Manisha grinned. “Main abhi yehi soch rahi thi ki iss baar toh Kiara ko sirf apne Armaan Bhaiya hi nahi, apni Abhira Bhabhi ke saath bhi celebrate karna chahiye!”

“Hum zaroor aayenge,” Madhav promised, before his mother could reject the invitation. “Aapke liye bohot bada din hai. Agar humaari koi bhi help chahiye ho, toh zaroor bataiyega. Aapke ghar mein Abhira ka pehle Rakshabandhan hai… Koi kami nahi rehni chahiye.”

“Aapne itna socha, wohi kaafi hai, Madhav Ji,” Abir replied. “Tayari toh saari zor-shor se chal rahi hai. Ghar mein sab log bohot mehnat kar rahe hain. Aap sab bas humaare saath uss din celebrate karne aa jaiye, isse behtar aur kya hoga!”

“Thank you,” Mishti smiled widely. “Aapne humaare nyote ka maan rakha. Ab hum chalte hain.”

“Arree, aise kaise? Andar toh chaliye!” Armaan protested.

Mishti passed a sad smile his way, reaching up to ruffle his hair. “Abhi nahi, Armaan. Jis ghar mein meri beti ko kadam rakhne ki ijaazat nahi hai, uss ghar mein main kaise jaa sakti hoon?”

Armaan stopped short at her words, as did everyone else. They had never given it much thought before. Kaveri had forbidden Abhira's entry into the house, and they had all been content with going to the outhouse, and later the Rajvansh Villa, to see her. For them, it had been just another way in which Kaveri had expressed her disapproval for the woman Armaan had fallen in love with. After the countless ways she'd already said that, one more thing hadn't really mattered to them.

But now, hearing Mishti repeat those words, they were all filled with shame. None of them had ever tried to get Kaveri to take back her decision. Not even Armaan. Though Armaan had felt that her refusal meant that Abhira would spend less time exposed to all the people who would find every opportunity to make things difficult for her, it had also meant that she had been separated from him and the others in the house who loved her.

Abir & Mishti left from there, and a moment later, Armaan followed. “Badi Maa!” He called out desperately. “Badi Maa!”

Mishti turned at the sound of his voice, looking at him in question. Wordlessly, Armaan closed the gap between them and hugged her. “I'm sorry,” he muttered into her shoulder. “I'm so sorry.”

“For what?” Mishti asked, pushing him back to look at his face.

“Jab Dadi Sa ne Abhira ko ghar aane se mana kiya, maine kuch nahi kiya,” he explained. “I should have done something. Dadi Sa se baat karni chahiye thi mujhe.”

Mishti chuckled, rolling her eyes fondly. “Yeh toh jhooth hai,” she said. “Abhira ne mujhe bataya hai ki uss waqt kya circumstances the. You did your best. Mujhe tumse koi complaints nahi hai.”

“Still,” Armaan insisted. “Pehle at least Papa uske saath rehte the. Jab usne unhe ghar bheja, toh mujhe usse bhi le aana chahiye tha. She shouldn't have had to live in the outhouse alone.”

“Armaan, I know for a fact she wasn't alone,” Mishti replied. “Tum ya baaki bachchon mein se koi na koi hamesha aata-jaata rehta tha. Even Madhav Ji, Vidya Ji, Manisha Ji, and sometimes Manoj Ji too. Abhira was not alone.

Aur sach kahoon, I'm glad tumne kuch nahi kiya. Kaveri Ji already itni gussa thi ki Abhira outhouse mein reh rahi hai. Tumhaare kuch kehne se, agar woh aur gusse mein aakar Abhira ko wahaan se nikaal deti, toh meri bachchi kya karti? Isliye achcha hi hua ki tumne iss baat ko zyada force nahi kiya. Okay?”

Armaan nodded, not knowing what to say. “Oho, Abhira ke Khadoosmaan!” Abir chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Woh tumhe Khadoosmaan bulaati hai iska yeh matlab nahi ki tum har baat mein aise munh phulaake baith jao! Chill karo, yaar. Everything is awesome!”

“Kya awesome, Bade Papa?” Armaan pouted. “Dadi Sa bina kisi shart ke Abhira ko accept karne ab tak raazi nahi hui hai. Pata nahi kab tak chalega yeh sab.”

“Oho,” Abir teased. “Tum thoda zyada hi utawle nahi ho rahe? Waise, I get it. Jab main tumhaari jagah tha toh mujhe bhi badi jaldi thi Mishti se shaadi karne ki… Lekin thoda brake maaro! Abhi toh Heera mere paas aayi hai! Itni jaldi usse mujhe chodke jaane nahi doonga.

Tum thoda intezaar karo ab. Tab tak meri beti apne Badi Maa aur Bade Papa ke pyaar ke mazze lootegi!”

Abir didn't have the heart to tell Armaan that the acceptance he was waiting for might never come. He was aware of how things could go. Him & Mishti had tried so hard to get his mother to accept Mishti. Not the fake acceptance she'd shown for the sake of his happiness, but truly accept Mishti from her heart. It had never really happened. Even after spending years in the family, to the point that Mishti had become the nucleus around which they all existed, Meenakshi Rajvansh had never given up her notion that she was the wrong choice for Abir and for the family.

It had caused a lot of problems between them over the years as well, but in the end, Abir & Mishti had made their peace with the fact that some things weren't meant to be. As time passed, they'd all learnt to be civil to each other, and his mother had stopped actively trying to sabotage their relationship. That was the extent of her mercy for them.

With time, Armaan would see this too. It wasn't something that could be explained. It was something that he had to experience himself to understand. Neither Abir nor Mishti saying anything would make a difference. And they knew that very well. After all, who wants to hear such things about their own family? They didn't blame him, or Abhira for that matter, because there was a time when they both believed it too.

For their sakes, Abir only hoped that this epiphany would come to Armaan sooner than it had come to him. But till then, him & Mishti would always be there to hold their kids when they fell, just as Badi Maa and Bade Papa had been there for them.

------

We back, besties!!
Hope this longer chapter makes up for my absence for the past few weeks.

As always, don't forget to vote and comment. Thank you so much for all the love you shoe my little fic. It means the world. ❤️

Hopefully poddars be wont do any kaand in rakshabandhan celebrations. Look forward to more abhimaan moments too.

Chapter Forty Five

Abir stood at the top of the stairs of the first floor of the Rajvansh Villa, surveilling the last minute preparations as the household bustled about him. Abhira's first Rakshabandhan had to be perfect. He would leave no stone unturned to make sure of it.

He smiled, satisfied, taking in the grandeur. Their home had been transformed in just a few hours, every inch decorated with fresh flowers, draped in the finest silks. The heady scent of lilies, lavenders, and jasmines filled the air and Abir took a deep breath, letting the fragrance settle within him.

Just as he was about to go downstairs to check that the kitchen was in order, making sure that the extravagant menu that he'd settled on for the day was already underway, he felt a pair of familiar arms wrap around his waist. He felt Mishti rest her head on his back and grinned, turning around so that he could hug his wife properly.

“Hi,” he murmured softly, pressing a quick kiss to her mouth.

“Ajeeb Rajvansh,” Mishti grinned, “itni bhi tension mat lo. Everything is awesome.”

“But it has to be perfect,” Abir pouted. “Itne saalon baad aaj Heera humaare saath hai. Main chaahta hoon aajka din bohot memorable ho.”

“Memorable toh hoga hi,” Mishti countered. “Jab hum sab saath hain, toh isse zyada kisi aur cheez ki kya zaroorat?”

“But…” Abir sighed.

“No but,” Mishti instructed. “Tumhe pata haina Abhira bas yehi chaahti hai ki uski family uske saath ho? Usse inn sab cheezon se farak nahi padta.”

“I know,” Abir agreed. “Lekin tumhe bhi pata haina…”

“Haan, haan,” Mishti laughed. “Mujhe pata hai. You love this production. Tumhe toh waise bhi ghar bharne ka bahaana chahiye. Har function mein sabko invite kar loge aur phir mujhse kehte ho ki main tumhe time nahi deti.”

“Ohhhhhh,” Abir drawled. “Toh yeh baat hai. Tum jealous ho rahi ho, Angry Chorni?”

“Main koi jealous nahi hoon,” Mishti refuted immediately.

“It's okay,” Abir promised. “You can be jealous.”

“Abirrrrrr!” Mishti whined, making Abir laugh.

Pulling her into his arms, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Waise tumhe pata haina… There's no reason to be jealous. Mera saara waqt hamesha sabse pehle sirf tumhaara hai.”

“Oh! Lovebirds!!” Misha called out, breaking their moment. “Bohot kaam pada hai! Aap dono apni yeh lovey-dovey romantic baatein phir kisi din kar lena. Abhi chaliye aur apna kaam dekhiye!”

Abir rolled his eyes. “Why did we have kids again? Itne bade ho gaye ki khudke bachchon ki shaadi ki umar ho gayi hai lekin ab bhi humein akela nahi chodte.”

Mishti giggled, pushing Abir away. “You heard what Mishu said! Chalo. Jao. Kaam karo!”

Sighing, Abir did as she asked, but not before blowing Mishti a kiss, making her blush. Satisfied, Abir hurried down the stairs to the kitchen. Today would be awesome. Nothing would go wrong.

A sharp contrast to the liveliness of the Rajvansh Villa was the sombreness in the house across the street. “Maa Sa, aaj please Rajvansh parivaar ke saamne koi tamasha nahi hona chahiye,” Madhav instructed as the entire Poddar family assembled in the living room, ready to depart for the Rajvansh Villa. “Abir Sa aur Mishti Sa ne bohot pyaar se humein nyota diya hai. Uska maan rakhna humaara farz hai.”

“Madhav!” Kaveri roared. “Ab tum humein sikhaoge ki kiske saamne kaisa bartaav karna hai?”

“Main aapko sikha nahi raha hoon, Maa Sa. Bas bata raha hoon. Woh Armaan ka sasuraal hai. Wahaan humein achche se pesh aana chahiye,” Madhav countered calmly.

“Woh Armaan ka sasuraal nahi hai,” Kaveri argued. “Ab tak Armaan aur uss ladki ki shaadi nahi hui hai. Yeh baat mat bhulo, Madhav.”

“Bhool toh shayad aap gayi hain, Maa Sa,” Madhav stated. “Ki unki shaadi sirf aapki wajah se tooti hai.”

“Humein kuch mat kaho,” Kaveri replied. “Humne toh ijaazat dedi thi na Armaan ko, Rohit ke kehne pe? Lekin Armaan hi mukar gaya. Ab jo ho, humaari usme koi galti nahi hai.”

“Yehi toh aap nahi samajh paayi,” Madhav sighed, disappointed. “Aapne sachche mann se unhe manzoori nahi di thi. Armaan aur Abhira aapka dil jeetna chaahte hain. Iss tarah zabardasti ki haan nahi.”

“Toh unn dono ko samajhna hoga ki zindagi mein sab kuch nahi milta,” Kaveri declared.

Saying so, she walked away, the rest of the family silently following her. “It's okay, Papa,” Armaan soothed Madhav. “Dheere-dheere sab kuch theek ho jaayega.”

Madhav looked at his son, not knowing how to break it to him that might never get better. After all, hadn't he harboured a similar hope decades ago? He'd thought his mother would accept Shivani someday, but even today, long after Shivani had passed away, Kaveri Poddar still hated the mere mention of her name. Not wanting to mar the happy occasion with such morbid talks, Madhav opted to remain silent instead, nodding at Armaan's words.

When they reached the Rajvansh Villa, Kaveri rang the doorbell and Armaan stood back, not opening the door like he always did. Something told him that Kaveri would not appreciate his familiarity with his family.

A moment later, Dhriti's cheerful face greeted them, instantly making Armaan smile. Her eyes zeroed in on him as well and she cried out, “Jeeju!” rushing into Armaan's open arms. Armaan chuckled brightly, wrapping her up in a hug.

“I missed you, Dhriti,” he murmured. Dhriti had gone back home to Mumbai for her exams and Armaan really did miss her. Being the child of such famous Bollywood actors did give her some leeway in attendance at school, especially with all the virtual classrooms after COVID, but she had to give the exams in person.

“I missed you too, Jeeju!” Dhriti exclaimed.

Before she could say anything else, a loud shout interrupted them. “Dhriti!” Anjali shouted, rushing to the door. “Tujhse kitni baar kaha hai akele darwaza nahi kholna! Kabhi toh Mumma ki baat sunn liya kar!”

“It's okay, Mumma!” Dhriti replied. “Mujhe pata tha Jeeju hi honge.”

“Hi, Mami Sa!” Armaan grinned, making Anjali turn to him. Technically, Anjali was also Abhira's grandmother seeing as she was married to Abir's brother, but both Atul & Anjali felt they were too young to be addressed as such, and had instead instructed all the Rajvansh cousins to call them aunt and uncle. And so had Ketki and her husband, Viren.

“Hey, Armaan!” Anjali smiled in greeting, pulling Armaan in for a quick hug. “Looking good!”

“Aapke rehte mujhe kaun dekhega, Mami Sa? You're looking gorgeous,” Armaan stated, gesturing to her lehenga. Anjali beamed at him before turning to greet the other Poddars and welcoming them.

Once inside, Armaan very easily blended into the family, greeting everyone, laughing and joking with them. Kaveri sneered at the display, her nerves grating on seeing Armaan be so friendly with these people. Until, her gaze landed on Krish Singhania who was standing in a quiet corner, observing the liveliness around him.

Krish Singhania. You couldn't be a lawyer without knowing who he was. The scion of the Singhania family was extremely well known all throughout the city, but especially in legal circles. He was undoubtedly the very best lawyer in the entire city, though some might argue he was the best lawyer in the entire country.

He had the biggest practice in the country for sure. People travelled from all over to get an opportunity to work with him. He handled the most high profile and sensitive cases, often representing huge industrialists and politicians. Some people called him a nepo baby behind his back, using his family's connections to gain such clients, but the fact remained that as far as work was concerned, he was untouchable. Maybe, he did use his family connections, but at the end of the day, he was the most successful lawyer anyone knew with a success rate of close to 90%.

Kaveri couldn't make heads or tails of seeing him at this gathering though. What was he doing, slumming it with the Rajvansh family? While the Rajvansh name might be lauded, the Singhania name was revered. They were keenly believed to be one of the founding families of Udaipur and commanded immense respect. Kaveri had never thought it possible to even breathe the same air as him, let alone see him in such an informal setting. The Rajvanshes might be rich, and they might be famous, even more so than the Poddars, but that was nowhere close to the stature of the Singhanias.

Kaveri may have had designs for Abir Rajvansh when they first met, but she could never fathom being in the same room as Krish Singhania. That was how untouchable they seemed. Not so untouchable now, she realized, when she saw Armaan walk up to him with a confidence she herself couldn't exude. He strode up Krish Singhania with absolutely no fear of rejection, and was greeted with a hug and a warm smile. Kaveri could not believe her eyes. For as long as she had known, Armaan had admired that man, practically worshipped him, had thought of him as a role model. And now, they were on speaking terms. Enough that something that Armaan said made Krish Singhania laugh.

“Maa Sa? Yeh Krish Singhania?” Sanjay leant in, whispering quietly, just as confused as Kaveri was.

“Humein bhi kuch samajh nahi aa raha, Jamai Sa,” Kaveri replied. “Woh yahaan kya kar rahe hain? Aur woh… Armaan ko jaante kaise hain?”

The two of them didn't have much time to discuss anything else because the next moment, Kaveri saw Armaan and Krish Singhania walking towards them. She was absolutely stunned.

“Mrs. Poddar,” Krish Singhania greeted. “A pleasure to meet you. I'm Krish Singhania.”

And it was, in a way. Krish had a lot of issues with the woman who was Abhira's grandmother-in-law, but he could not deny that he had always respected her as a professional. Kaveri Poddar led one of the most successful law firms in the city. She was the only woman in his knowledge who helmed such a firm. She might have been bequeathed the firm by her late husband, but she was the one who had managed to bring it to such heights in the last decade or so. And that was an admirable feat, one that Krish respected. So, begrudgingly, he could admit that it was nice to meet such a formidable woman, even if she was a nasty person in her home life.

And, it didn't hurt if a few well placed words from him made life easier for Abhira & Armaan. Krish was not arrogant or narcissistic, but he was self-aware. He knew the kind of respect he commanded in the legal fraternity of Udaipur, and if he could use that to charm the Poddar matriarch, he would. He was not beyond using dirty tactics where his kids were concerned. And, Abhira was good as his own daughter. For her, he could do this and so much more.

“Of course,” Kaveri answered, finally getting her bearings about herself. “Aapko kaun nahi jaanta, Mr. Singhania.”

Krish chuckled. “Woh toh aapka badappan hai,” he waved her off.

“Inse miliye,” Kaveri continued. “Yeh hai Mr. Sanjay Bansal, my son-in-law.”

“Hello,” Krish greeted but made no move to shake Sanjay's hand or say something else. He might have a certain degree of respect for Kaveri, but Sanjay Bansal was a loathsome person and nothing else.

“Ahhhh, Armaan!” Abir cried, making everyone's attention turn to him. “Kabse tumhaara wait ho raha hai!”

“Sorry, Bade Papa,” Armaan apologized, moving away from his little circle to rush to Abir. Armaan bent to touch Abir's feet and was greeted with an affectionate ruffle of his hair as always. Then, Abir pulled Armaan into a tight hug.

“Tumse kitni baar kaha hai,” Abir chided gently. “Har baat pe itna sorry mat bola karo.”

Armaan laughed and shook his head but said nothing. Of course, both Abir & Mishti had grilled into him, the need to be unapologetic, but it was something he was still learning. After all, patterns that had been learnt a lifetime ago were not so easily unlearnt. “Haan, haan,” he said. “Dhyaan rakhunga.”

Armaan's eyes roamed around the house, searching for someone and coming up empty. “Badi Maa kahaan hain? Dikh nahi rahi?”

“Bas,” Abir chuckled. “Aage peeche sirf Badi Maa-Badi Maa aur koi nahi. Main yahaan khada hoon lekin mujhse baat mat karna tum.”

“Bade Papaaaaaaa,” Armaan whined.

“Theek hai, theek hai. Nahi pareshaan karta,” Abir replied. “Waise, kis munh se kuch kahu tumhe main! Iss umar mein mera bhi yehi haal tha. Har time bas Badi Maa ki mala japta rehta tha main bhi. Shaadi ke baad toh Mishti se zyada main unse milne jaata tha. Aur actually hamesha se meri aur Mishti ki ladayi sirf iss baat pe hoti thi ki Mishti ko lagta tha ki Badi Maa usse zyada mujhse pyaar karti hai.”

Armaan laughed at that, delighted. “Badi Maa bilkul Badi Nani ki tarah haina?”

“Bilkul,” Abir agreed. “Badi Maa ne Mishti ko bilkul apne jaisa bana diya… After all, hamesha se unki laadli toh wohi thi.”

“Badi Maa hain hi aisi,” Armaan smiled. “Sabse zyada pyaari. Of course woh sabki laadli thi.”

“Of course,” Abir agreed. “Ab tum bhi toh sabse zyada apni Badi Maa se hi pyaar karte ho!”

“Koi shak?” Armaan fired back, making Abir laugh. “Not at all,” he promised.

Out of the corner of his eye, Abir saw Vidya's face fall, much to his satisfaction. After the way she'd spoken about Armaan, that woman didn't have any right to call Armaan her son, and Abir would make sure she knew that she wasn't the most important person in his son's life anymore. Yes, there was once a time when Armaan loved Vidya more than he loved anyone else, but now he had a whole new family to love and be loved by. And Vidya, with all her selfishness, would never be able to love Armaan as deeply as Mishti did.

Vidya's love for Armaan seemed to be about what he could do for her. Her love for him was limited to his usefulness. She didn't care for Armaan beyond that. She loved Armaan like one might love their car, because it made their life easier. No one deserved that, but especially Armaan, who loved everyone so selflessly.

Looking at Vidya's crestfallen face and fuelled by her own agitation, Kaveri interrupted their banter. “Mr. Rajvansh, function shuru karein?”

“Just a moment,” Abir smiled. “Abhira aati hi hogi. Woh, actually… Uska pehla tyohaar hai humaare saath, toh Mishti kuch zyada hi excited hai. Jabse usse ready karne mein lagi hai.”

“Excitement toh banti haina, Abir Sa,” Madhav grinned. “Hum sab bhi bohot excited hain.”

“Yeh toh aapki baat bilkul sahi hai,” Abir laughed.

Just then, Abhira & Mishti walked down the stairs, grabbing everyone's attention. Abhira was dressed in a sky blue lehenga, looking every bit the gorgeous woman Armaan knew her to be. She was chatting animatedly with Mishti, both of them giggling away as they descended the staircase.

Abir made a beeline for them, pulling Abhira into a tight hug. As Armaan watched the two of them murmur softly to each other, his heart grew warm. It never failed to amaze him, just how much love Abir & Mishti had to give to everyone around them. Since meeting them, his life had changed so much that at times it felt like a dream. How was it possible to be loved with such abandon? He didn't know.

Abhira turned slightly, looking at Armaan even as she remained pressed to Abir's chest, and grinned beautifully on seeing him, making Armaan grin in return. His hand automatically went up to his chest, trying to control his racing heart, garnering a few chuckles, but he remained oblivious to them, his focus solely on Abhira and her time stopping smile.

“Okay, okay! Let's start. We're getting late!” Mehr called everyone to attention.

Abir pouted, but let go of Abhira. “Jaisa tum kaho,” he agreed, deferring to Mehr, as he always did. It was one of the first things Armaan had noticed about Abir. While Abir was the man of the house, so to speak, it was actually Mishti, and then Mehr, who were the true decision makers of the family. Abir bowed down to them in all things. If Mishti wished it so, that's how things would happen.

Armaan had also grown up in a matriarchal family, with Kaveri being the supreme authority in their house for as long as he could remember. But that was after his grandfather had died. Armaan had barely spent any time with his grandfather, but from what little he did recollect, when the man had been alive, he had wielded all the power and authority in their family while Kaveri had none. That was also the sort of patriarchal mindset his entire family had grown up with. So, to see a man willingly step back to let his wife be the head of the family was so very refreshing for him.

“Aao Abhira,” Mehr beckoned Abhira to her, making her sit on the couch. “Aaj tumse shuruaat karenge. Tumhaare saare bhai kuch zyada hi utawle ho rahe hain tumhaare saath celebrate karne.”

Abhira blushed, ducking her head. No matter how many times anyone said it, it still felt unreal. She had this huge family full of people who loved her so deeply. She was so lucky. “Mami, hum function start kare, usse pehle kya hum pray kar sakte hain?” She asked.

“Yeh koi poochne ki baat hai?” Mehr laughed. “Of course. Chalo.”

They all bustled to the pooja ghar to pray. Abhira reached forward and placed an intricate rakhi as offerings. “Bhai, I know aap yahaan nahi ho, lekin I'm sure aap jahaan bhi ho, mujhe dekh rahe ho. I hope aap, Mumma aur Papa ek saath bohot khush ho. Meri tension mat lena. Main yahaan Badi Maa aur Bade Papa ke saath hoon toh mujhe aur kuch nahi chahiye. Aap bas hamesha upar se mujhpe aise hi smile karte rehna. Happy Rakshabandhan. I wish hum ek saath celebrate kar paate,” she whispered softly as she prayed.

Abir, who was standing closest to her, overheard her and immediately gathered her in his arms. Abhira smiled through her tears, hugging him close, neither of them saying a word. They didn't have to. This was enough. Abir's steadfast presence gave Abhira the peace she'd longed for for so long.

After everyone had prayed, they moved back to the living room and Mehr directed Abhira to the couch once again. Excited, all the boys lined up to get a rakhi tied by her, making Abhira giggle. After a scuffle about who would be first, they decided to go youngest to eldest, making Ketan the first. Then, it was Shrey, and then finally, Hrishi and Prajakta, being the eldest, went last.

All of them participated in all the rituals enthusiastically, giving Abhira an abundance of hugs and the most outlandish gifts. Ketan got Abhira the entire collection from his upcoming line, all of it personalized for her, with motifs that he associated with Abhira, making her screech in delight. Shrey went a step ahead, having renovated the resort in Mussourie, making it as upscale as he could while also retaining its rustic charm. The renovation was why he'd taken so many trips to Mussourie recently, overseeing the entire process and making sure that everything was in order. Abhira hugged him tightly, crying at the gesture.

But truly, it was Hrishi's gift that made Abhira lose her control and start sobbing. He had put together a video of Akshara and their family together, showcasing the happy times they'd all spent together. As his silken voice crooned in the background, Abhira watched her mother's life before her birth unfold in front of her. If she had any doubts about how loved Akshara was, they vanished after watching the video. For all intents and purposes, Abir & Mishti treated her as their eldest daughter. She was only a few months older than Amish and it was clear that she had been the light of their lives.

There were so many videos from every visit to Rajkot, each more endearing than the last. She caught a glimpse of just how much her grandparents had loved her mother too, always squishing her and hugging her. She watched as her mother grew up, adored by her family - the Rajvanshes and the Maheshwaris, and even the odd Singhania who had stayed behind after Naira's death. The Goenkas might not have loved her mother the way every child deserved, but it was clear that her other family members more than made up for it.

It brought Abhira so much peace, knowing that her mother's life hadn't been just the sacrifices she'd made as an elder sister, but also the affection she'd been showered with as a beloved daughter. She was so grateful to have this piece of her mother, to see her laugh so freely, make mischief with her cousins, and just take that time to be a child. She hoped that those happy memories had brought her mother much needed solace when things got hard.

“Thank you,” she blubbered, hugging all three of her brothers. “Aap sab world ke best bhais ho. Aur main kitni lucky hoon ki mujhe aap sab mile. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Krish observed from the sidelines, a bittersweet ache welling in his chest. He was so glad that Abhira had such amazing people in her life, but as he watched her hug her brothers, he felt a deep sense of longing. He wished he could be there with them, share this moment with them. But, of course, outsiders may believe he was her brother because of how close they were, but that didn't change the truth. He was her brother-in-law and always would be. Not that it mattered to either of them, because he knew in his heart that Abhira loved him just as he loved her. Yet, there was a difference between a brother and a brother-in-law, and it wasn't something that could be bridged.

Mishti, who was no stranger to those emotions herself, understood without Krish saying a word and silently nudged Abhira, pulling her attention away from her cousins. Following Mishti's line of sight, Abhira spied a sulking Krish standing at the back, accompanied by Aryan, who looked similarly crestfallen.

Her lovable idiots. Mishti had been right. The two of them would never admit it themselves, but Abhira also craved the bond they wanted. And it seemed, she would have to take the first step. She was glad that Mishti had seen what Abhira herself hadn't, and had nudged her in the right direction. She couldn't stomach the thought of hurting two of the most important people in her life because of her ignorance, especially when she wanted the same thing as them.

Wiping her tears, Abhira went to them, taking each of their hands in one of her own and making them sit on the couch beside her. “And finally, mere do sabse special bhais!” She cheered.

“Bhabhi?!?” Krish exclaimed, taken aback by her pronouncement.

“Kyun? Tum dono mere bhai nahi ho kya?” Abhira asked. “Mujhse rakhi nahi bandhwaoge?”

“Bandhwayenge na!” Aryan immediately jumped up. “Of course, hum aapse rakhi bandhwayenge! Haina Krish Bhaiya?”

“Ha— Haan!” Krish stuttered, still in disbelief. “Hum zaroor bandhwayenge.”

After all, Abhira was the closest they both had to having an elder sister. Yes, Charu was elder to both of them, and Kiara was older than Aryan, but it was in Abhira's presence that they had both felt the protection of an elder sister for the first time. She had never been just their sister-in-law. They'd both accepted her as an elder sister a long time ago, but had never been able to admit it loud. With this, they finally would.

Grinning wide, Abhira tied a rakhi to both of their wrists, silently promising to always be there for her younger brothers whenever they needed her. The Poddar family looked on, for once, none of them having a single snide remark for the scene unfolding in front of them. Even Kaveri watched, amazed at the sanctity of this relationship that she had never really given much thought.

And then, it was Charu & Kiara's turn. They both did the rituals with Aryan, Krish, and Rohit & Ruhi first, saving Armaan & Abhira for the end. As they took turns tying lumbas to Abhira, all of their eyes misted. It was the first time they were doing it, and hopefully, would get to do so for years to come.

The younger Rajvansh cousins also fulfilled all the ceremonies, the house echoing with their laughter and banter as they bargained over presents and money. Then, the elders did the rituals - the Poddars very soberly with minimal fanfare, but Amish, being the only brother in a sea of sisters, took complete advantage of his unique position, making everyone laugh.

And then finally, it was the elders of the house. Ketki went first, as she always did, and then Mishti, who tied a rakhi to Kunal. Once she was done, she turned to Naksh, extending her hand for him to take. Naksh, surprised at her actions, blindly followed her lead.

“Aap rakhi nahi bandhwayenge, Bhaiyu?” She asked him softly, making his face crumple instantly. This was the moment he'd spent his entire life waiting for. For Mishti to acknowledge him as her brother again.

It had always felt out of reach, Mishti's hurt too much to ever be overcome. But lately, he'd been hoping against hope, praying that Abhira coming into their lives might finally be enough for Mishti to forget everything and move on. And she had. It had taken a long time, too long, almost his entire life, but finally, here he was, living the moment he'd spent all this time wishing for.

He'd always dreamt of it. For as long as he could remember, Naksh had imagined how it would feel when Mishti would forgive him. She had always been his favourite. His little firecracker who had wooed all of them so thoroughly in such a short time. Losing her had felt like losing a limb. Yet, he'd never been strong enough to face her after what their grandmother had done. By the time he'd mustered up the courage to do it, it had already been too late, and Mishti's disdain for Devyani had morphed into her disdain for their entire family.

Naira & Kartik had somehow managed to make things okay once again, but Naksh hadn't. He'd missed his chance and had spent all these years regretting it. But here it was. That one moment which would heal all his scars and make him anew. A brother. He was a brother again. After what felt like decades, he finally heard that form of address, one his heart had craved for, for so long.

“Bhaiyu?” Mishti called softly, trying to get his attention. Mistaking his lack of reply for his unwillingness, she said, “Agar aap nahi chaahte, toh it's okay. Maine socha ki… Hum pehle ki tarah… But it's been too long. I guess I'm late. But, it's okay. Mujhe bura nahi laga… Aap…”

Naksh hugged her tight, stopping her tirade. “Shut up!” He croaked. “Tu aisa soch bhi kaise sakti hai? Of course, I want it. Poori… Poori zindagi nikaal di maine, iss pal ke intezaar mein. You want me to forget it? Never. You're my Mishtu. Tujhse nahi bandhwaunga toh aur kisse bandhwaunga?”

He slapped the back of her head lightly in an affectionate gesture, making Mishti giggle. Pulling back from the hug, Mishti immediately tied a rakhi to his wrist, followed by Keerti, and then Krish and Radhika. The five of them shared an emotional hug.

Naksh pulled back, only to pull Abhira into his arms, thanking her profusely. “Thank you, Abhiru. Aaj teri wajah se, mujhe meri poori family waapas mil gayi.”

“Maine kya kiya, Bade Mamu?” Abhira asked, confused.

“Tune hi sab kuch kiya hai,” Krish answered in his father's stead. “Tere aane ke baad hi toh humaare ghar mein sab kuch theek hua hai. Shayad itne saalon se hum sab tera hi wait kar rahe the. Tere aate hi sab kuch theek hone laga. Humaari family phir se ek ho gayi.”

Abhira shook her head, wanting to deny his words, but Krish continued, a mischievous smile forming on his face. “Aur… Mujhe finally apna waaris bhi mil gaya!”

“Mamu!!” Abhira cried. “Main koi aapka waaris nahi hoon! Hum yeh discussion pehle bhi kar chuke hain!”

“That was not a discussion,” Krish argued. “Tune kaha aur maine suna. But woh sirf tera dil rakhne ke liye. Tu chaahe aaj join kare, ya 5 saal baad, ya 10 saal baad. Firm toh teri hi hai, Abhiru. Iss baat ko tu gaanth baand le. Baad mein mat kehna ki itni saari responsibilities main ek saath kaise sambhalu. Abhi se tujhe warn kar diya hai. Aur agar tu baar-baar mana karti rahegi toh aaj hi power of attorney tere naam karke retire ho jaunga. Phir sambhaalna apni firm akele.”

“Mamu!!” Abhira shrieked in protest, making everyone laugh. Everyone, but Kaveri. She stood there, absolutely gobsmacked. She would have fallen, had Sanjay not supported her. Abhira? The heir to the Singhania Legal Corridor? The largest law firm in the country? Kaveri had not seen that coming. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined that this slip of a girl who Kaveri detested more than anyone else in the world would one day rule over an empire that Kaveri could only dream of amassing in five lifetimes.

How had things happened this way? How had this orphan girl, who had no family to speak of, suddenly found such affluent families to back her? The Rajvanshes were one thing, but to know that the Singhanias were her family too? And close enough to casually announce her as their heir? Kaveri had grossly miscalculated everything. But, it was not too late. It couldn't be. She had to make this right. And she would.

Nice update. I wish Ab had noticed krish herself instead of mishti pointing it out. Good to see Abhira and Armaan happy with their family. I'd like to see more Abhimaan moments too.