Kartik's POV:

I sat on the edge of the bed, my head in my hands, feeling the weight of the past two days pressing down on me. Mishti's absence was like a gaping hole in my heart. I knew Naira was right, but the guilt and confusion were overwhelming. How have things gotten this bad?

"Kartik," Naira's voice broke through my thoughts, gentle yet insistent. "Let's go and bring Mishti back home. Please, Kartik, she wasn't looking good. It's been two days."

I looked up at her, seeing the worry etched on her face. She was right, as usual. Mishti had been through so much, and I had only added to her pain. "I know, Naira," I said, my voice strained. "But I don't know how to approach her. I've hurt her so much. I should have forgiven her, but sometimes I start believing Bua's words. But then again, she's my sister. How could I just..."

Naira sat in front of me, taking my hands in hers. "Kartik, she's your sister. The same sister you loved so much when you were kids. Mishti yearns for love. I don't know what's stopping you, but Kartik, you're hurting her."

Her words pierced through the fog of my guilt. I remembered how close Mishti and I used to be, how much I had loved and protected her. How did I let things get so out of hand?

"Kartik," Naira's voice was soft, almost a whisper. "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded, bracing myself for whatever was coming next.

"Do you..." she paused, taking a deep breath before continuing, "do you hold Mishti accountable for our baby's death?"

The question hit me like a punch to the gut. I felt the blood drain from my face, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked at Naira, her eyes filled with pain and uncertainty. She needed an answer, but how could I give her one when I wasn't even sure myself?

"I..." My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, trying to find the words. "Naira, I don't know. I don't want to, but sometimes... sometimes, it's just so hard to forget."

Tears welled up in Naira's eyes, and she shook her head slowly. "Kartik, she's your sister. Our baby... it wasn't her fault . You know she instantly came that day and took me to the hospital. Kartik agar vo nahi aati toh who knows if I would have been alive today or not . It was never mishti's fault . It was our fate kartik. You know that, right?"

I closed my eyes, the memories flooded back—Naira in pain, Mishti rushing her to the hospital, the lifeless form of our baby girl in Mishti's arms. It was an image that haunted me, one that I couldn't shake.

"I know," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I know it wasn't her fault. But seeing her holding our baby... it just... it broke something inside me.I can't just forget mishti holding our dead baby and bua's words naira . I definitely do not believe bua's words but it has somehow affected me "

Naira's tears fell freely now, and she reached out to touch my face. "Kartik, you have to let go of this anger, this guilt. Mishti has been suffering, and so have you. Holding onto this isn't helping anyone. And now we all should just let go our past and look up to the future where our new baby is coming hmm."

I felt my own tears start to fall, and I couldn't hold back the sobs that racked my body. "I'm sorry, Naira. I'm so sorry. I don't want to blame her. I don't want to blame anyone. But I just... I don't know how to move past this.I still sometimes get the image of you crying and everyone just blaming her and I couldn't even do anything because I don't know what to do ."

Naira pulled me into her arms, holding me tightly as we both cried. "We have to try, Kartik. For Mishti, for us, for our family. We have to try. It's been years kartik . You and me had everyone. She didn't have anyone kartik . Everyone blamed her for something she never did ."

I clung to her, feeling the weight of my grief and guilt bearing down on me. I knew she was right. I knew I had to find a way to let go of the pain and forgive—not just Mishti, but myself as well.

"She took drugs, Naira," I whispered, the memory of finding her in that state still fresh in my mind.

"And she stopped, Kartik, And why did she take drugs . Kartik she did because of us . She wanted to forget the pain . Me and you were having each other to hold on , to cry on but she , she didn't have anyone to hold on to cry on . So she took her relief in the drugs which is wrong I know but " Naira countered, her eyes searching for mine. "She stopped because she realized her mistake. She was hurting, and she made bad choices, but she's trying to move forward. You need to do the same."

"But Bua..." I started, but Naira shook her head.

"Bua has always been superstitious and judgmental towards mishti . You yourself told me kartik how bua always made mishti feel bad and down on herself now You can't let her words dictate how you feel about your sister. Mishti needs you, Kartik. She needs her brother back. The one who used to protect her, who used to love her unconditionally."

I felt a lump in my throat. "I don't know if I can," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "What if I've hurt her too much already?"

"You won't know until you try," Naira said softly. "Go to her, Kartik. Show her that you still care. Apologize for the hurt, and let her know that you're there for her. It's never too late to mend the bonds of family."

Her words resonated deep within me. I knew she was right.

____________________________________
Naira and I exchanged a look of shared determination before heading towards our parents (Karan and Meera's) room. My heart was pounding, a mix of fear and hope swirling within me. It was time to confront the past, to face the pain head-on, and to make things right for Mishti.

As we approached the door, Naira squeezed my hand.

"We'll do this together," she said softly, giving me the strength I needed to push forward.

Author's pov -

They both knocked on the door, and after a moment, it swung open to reveal Meera's concerned face.
"Kartik, Naira, what's wrong?" she asked, immediately sensing the seriousness of our visit.

"Can we come in?" Kartik asked, his voice steady but low.

Meera looked up, her eyes wary. "What is it, Kartik?"

"It's about Mishti," Naira began, her voice gentle but firm. "We need to bring her back home. We've hurt her deeply, and it's time to make amends."

Karan sighed, rubbing his temples. "And how do you propose we do that?"

"By apologizing, by showing her that we love her and want her back in our lives," Kartik said, his voice cracking slightly. "She deserves to know that we care and love her."

There was a long silence, the tension in the room almost palpable. Finally, Karan spoke, his voice flat. "Ask her if she wants to come. If she does, she can come. If not, then she doesn't have to."

Kartik stared at his father, a mix of anger and confusion bubbling up inside him. "How can you be so indifferent? Don't you love her? What happened to you both. Papa she's your princess yaar?"

Meera looked away, her face a mask of pain and regret. "It's not that simple, Kartik."

Kartik felt a surge of frustration. "Then make me understand. Why have you been so negligent towards Mishti? Why do you let Bua say those horrible things about her? She's your gudiya raani mumma and papa she's your princess"

Karan's eyes flashed with something unreadable, but he remained silent. Kartik's heart sank, realizing that there was something deeper, something they weren't telling him.

They were hiding something .
Something which will bring darkness in their lives.

Naira stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "Whatever it is, we need to put it aside for Mishti. She needs us now more than ever. Please, let's bring her back."

Meera's eyes filled with tears, but again she remained silent.

Both kartik naira stood there wanting to get an answer from their parents but alas their parents stood there. 

As Kartik and Naira left the room, Kartik felt a hollow ache in his chest. He knew that bringing Mishti back wouldn't be easy, but it was a step they had to take. They had to show her that she was loved, that she was wanted. And maybe, in the process, they could start to heal the wounds that had torn their family apart.

But the question lingered in his mind: What were his parents hiding? Why had they been so distant towards Mishti? As they made their way to find Mishti, Kartik vowed to uncover the truth, no matter how painful it might be.

For now, the only thing that mattered was bringing Mishti back home. And with Naira by his side, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

____________________________________

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Mishti lay quietly, cradled in Abir's arms, her eyes tracing the lines of his face as he slept. His hold on her hand was firm yet tender, as if even in his sleep, he was ensuring she felt safe and loved.

A small smile played on Mishti's lips as she watched him, his peaceful expression making her heart swell with affection. She gently brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, careful not to wake him.and then she simply kissed his forehead.

The man she loves , loves her too .

The thought of him loving her makes her smile as she holds him tightly . Abir stirred slightly, his grip on her hand tightening for a moment before his eyes fluttered open. He blinked, his gaze focusing on Mishti's face. A sleepy smile spread across his lips as he took in the sight of her.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky from sleep.

"Good morning," Mishti replied softly, her smile widening.

Abir stretched, still holding her hand, and then pulled her closer, burying his face in her hair. "I could get used to waking up like this every day," he said, his voice muffled.

Mishti laughed softly, the sound like a melody to Abir's ears. "You're saying this from the last two days "

"Because it's true every morning," he said, lifting his head to look at her. His eyes sparkled with warmth and affection. "You're beautiful, you know that?"

Mishti felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Stop it," she said, playfully pushing his chest. "You're just saying that because you're still half asleep."

Abir chuckled, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm wide awake now, and I mean every word."

She rolled her eyes, but her heart fluttered at his words. "You're impossible."

"And you're irresistible," he countered, his grin widening. He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to get a better look at her. "So, what do you want to do today?"

Mishti shrugged, snuggling closer to him. "I don't know. Maybe just stay like this for a while?"

"Sounds perfect to me," Abir said, his voice tender. He kissed her again, this time on the lips, a slow, lingering kiss that made Mishti's heart race.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless. Mishti looked into his eyes, feeling a rush of emotions. "I love you, Abir."

Abir's expression softened, his eyes filled with a depth of emotion that took her breath away. "I love you too, Mishti. More than anything."

They lay there for a while longer, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment. The world outside could wait. For now, they were content to just be together, cherishing the love they had found in each other.

Eventually, Abir sighed, a happy, contented sound. "Alright, as much as I would love to stay in bed all day, I think we should get up and face the day."

Mishti nodded reluctantly, though a part of her wanted to stay in his arms forever. "Okay, but only if you promise me one thing."

"Anything," Abir said, his eyes twinkling.

"Promise me we'll always start our mornings like this. Together."

Abir smiled, leaning in to kiss her once more. "I promise."

With that, they finally rose from the bed, hand in hand, ready to face whatever the day might bring, knowing that as long as they had each other, they could handle anything.

The morning sun had fully risen, filling the room with a warm glow. Mishti and Abir were finally getting out of bed, their laughter and playful banter echoing through the room. As Mishti reached for her phone to check the time, it buzzed with an incoming call from Tia.

"Hello?" Mishti answered, her voice still tinged with the happiness of the morning.

"Hi Mishti Ma'am ! We have an important meeting at Adobe restaurant at 2 PM this afternoon. We really need you there," Tia said, urgency in her voice.

Mishti glanced at Abir, who was already making his way to the bathroom. "Sure, Tia. I'll be there," she replied, smiling at the thought of getting out for a bit.

As she ended the call, Abir peeked out of the bathroom, curiosity written all over his face. "Who was that?"

"Tia," Mishti said, making her way to the bathroom door. "We had an important meeting at Adome restaurant at 2 PM and  she wants me to attend as it urgent "

Abir raised an eyebrow, a playful grin spreading across his face. "And you're going right , you know Mai almost bhul gya tha that my girlie is a CEO  ?"

"Of course," Mishti replied, leaning against the doorframe. " Also tum kaho toh chod du ceo bn na , but gharwali bnana pdega mujhe uske liye "

Abir nodded, stepping closer to her.
" Hahaa , I love you my CEO girl also gharwali toh m aise hi bnalu tumhe . Gharwali aur rich wife  mujhe dono chiye also , in that case, I think I'll head to the office too. Can't leave you alone, can I? And what would I do all alone at home?"

Mishti laughed, lightly pushing his shoulder. "You just can't bear to be without me, can you?"

"Absolutely not," Abir said, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "Besides, who will make sure you don't get into any trouble without me?"

"Oh, please," Mishti said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "I'm perfectly capable of handling myself."

Abir leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear. "I know, but it's more fun to handle you myself."

Mishti blushed, feeling her heart race at his teasing words. "You're incorrigible."

"And you love it," Abir murmured, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

She turned her face to meet his gaze, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Maybe I do."

Abir's smile widened, and he kissed her softly on the lips. "Alright, let's get ready for the day then. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one."

They both got dressed, the playful energy between them never fading. Abir kept sneaking glances at Mishti, making her blush with every look.

As they prepared to leave, Mishti turned to him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know, you could just stay at home and relax."

"And miss a chance to pick you in after the meeting?" Abir said, shaking his head. "Not a chance."

Mishti laughed, grabbing her bag. "Alright, Mr. Overprotective. Let's go."

They headed out the door, hand in hand, ready to face the day together. As they walked to the car, Abir gave her a sidelong glance. "You know, I was thinking..."

"Hmm?" Mishti looked up at him, curious.

"Maybe after the meeting, we could have a little rendezvous Just the two of us," Abir suggested, his tone casual but his eyes full of hope.

Mishti's heart fluttered at the thought. "I'd love that."

Abir's smile was radiant as he opened the car door for her. "Great. It's a date then."

They drove off, the promise of a wonderful day ahead, filled with love, laughter, and the unbreakable bond they shared.

___________________________________

As Mishti entered the Adobe restaurant, she glanced at her phone to confirm the cabin reserved for the meeting. She weaved through the crowded dining area, her eyes scanning the numbers on the doors and the faces at the tables. As she neared the end of the row, she suddenly froze.
Her heart dropped seeing the sight as a pain occured in her chest , tears started welling up in her eyes looking at the sight .

___________________________________
2.8k+ words .

Late update because I am on vacation but still wrote .

Now , that I'm seeing our story is getting read by so many people . I'm going to start setting targets.

Thanks to everyone for giving this story a chance , I hope I'm doing up to your expectations.

Also , what could be the secret mishti's parents are hiding can you guess ?????!

Also what did mishti see in the restaurant?

Target - 25 votes + comment as much as u can .

( Note - next chapter is already done and written by me . So , it's on you now . If you will complete the target, then I'll post it )

Thank you for reading 💌
~ Author T