We lose people and things we never thought we could even lose.

• ♡ •

Kabir didn't have it in him to sit and watch the wedding ceremony. He slipped out of the hall for a walk. The longer he sat and looked on the more he was reminded of his first marriage. He was mad at himself for being attracted to Heer. He knew that it wasn't just physical attraction and that was what bothered him more. Was it just physical attraction he could blame his body and get away. But he had started feeling things. She had started becoming important. He had started caring for her, he felt the need to protect her and be there for her. 

The day was a pleasant one. It was barely ten on the clock. Kabir walked around the garden of the resort. 

"Seems like I wasn't the only one who couldn't sit there and tolerate the mantras that go on and on." He heard Maanav's voice. He looked aside to find him seated on he bench under a tree. 

Kabir smiled sitting beside him. "It seems a never ending ceremony. It should be over by one, I guess. That's three hours from now."

"No way, at least two!" Maanav argued.

"No that's too much." Kabir spoke thoughtfully.

"Wanna bet?" Maanav grinned.

"Hmm, what terms?"

"I win you give me one of your restaurants. You win, I give you fifty percent of my company's ownership!"

"Shut up, Maan!" Kabir chided.

Maanav smiled at the nickname his brother used. "It feels like ages since you last called me that!"

Kabir's lips curved up and his gaze rested on his brother's face. "I am sorry, I really shouldn't have held..."

"No, Kabir. I am sorry. Besides I think we called truce with the clause that no more apologizing!"

"Yeah!" Kabir nodded.

"You want to talk about Heer? Doesn't seem like you guys just met close to what three months back." Maanav spoke up turning in his seat so that he was looking at Kabir.

"Yeah, she gets along fine with Advika. They are practically inseparable. She's very fond of Advika."

"All that you would have wanted!" Maanav said gingerly.

"Yeah," Kabir nodded in agreement.

"Kabir, what about you and Heer?"

"Maanav, let's drop this." Kabir spoke up.

Maanav sighed, "I saw that coming. You haven't accepted her entirely, have you?"

"Maanav, Heer and I are in a happy place. We are co-parents and that's really sufficient for us."

"Yeah, right. That's why you guys needed a room after the dance last night!" Maanav scoffed.

"Maanav, we went to change and that was it. It was just a dance, for Misha's sake." Kabir spoke up feeling a dire need to clear what Maanav thought.

"Kabir, I am your brother. I am not dumb. Yesterday, while practicing you weren't even touching her but at the dance well..."

"So what? That means nothing. I have danced with many women before."

"Granted. But still there's no way I am buying your nothing. You look at her that way, Kabir." Maanav spoke staring at his brother who made no attempt to meet his eyes.

"I don't!" Kabir argued even though he knew he did.

"You didn't even ask what way?"

"No shit Sherlock!" Kabir muttered.

Maanav smiled, "You still get very hostile and defensive when you're lying."

"I am not!" Kabir said sharply.

Maanav's grin widened. "What's the problem? She's your wife, it's okay to like her, love her and you know..."

Kabir sighed. "Varsha, was my wife!" He held up his hand his thumb pointing at the ring.

Maanav's smile dropped as he looked closely at the ring. "That's your old ring."

"It was always this ring and it will always be. I can't accept Heer and give her what was Varsha's." Kabir met Maanav's eyes this time.

"Get over it, Kabir. Varsha," Maanav paused, "she was your wife, now it's Heer. You freaking like Heer. Accept it and move on. You're not replacing Varsha, you're just making room for a person who means a little more than something to you like Varsha did. You didn't belong to Varsha. People don't belong to other people. There was a time when you were with Varsha. She's gone and will never come back, Kabir. She wouldn't want you to be stuck where she left you. Move on!"

"I can't," Kabir said with a heavy voice. "She was supposed to be there with me and Advi, she just left us." Kabir spoke lowering his head his hands locking together tightly.

Maanav placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Kabir, that's life. We lose people and things we never thought we could even lose. Whatever happened to Varsha wasn't fair to you and Advika. It wasn't fair to her. That doesn't mean you should be unfair to Heer. This maybe your second marriage but it's Heer's first. You may have another wife but Heer just as one husband and that's you."

Kabir sat silently staring at his ring. "Maanav, it's easier said than done. I just don't feel right, I had promised Varsha that she'd be the only one."

"Varsha is gone. You fulfilled the promise with her. Kabir, it's a closed chapter. You can always go back and read it once a while but you can't be stuck at that one page where she left. You have a life ahead. You have a daughter and a wife. You're lucky that you actually like Heer. Make a good family, Kabir, accept your past and move on."

Kabir sat quietly. He just wished Varsha would come out of nowhere and hug him. After a few minutes of silence Maanav's phone rang. He picked it up and silently heard. "We are just coming!" He said to the person on the other side. He looked at Kabir ending the call. "Mom is looking for us. She seems pissed that the brothers are missing." Maanav said sheepishly.

Kabir smiled a little.

 "Let's go and get bored..." Maanav said with a sigh at the end of the statement, getting up.

* * *

It was a breezy Sunday night. It had drizzled a little towards the evening but luckily there was no rain. Kabir had spent the entire day with Maanav from the morning ceremony, to taking a nap in the afternoon. Esha was with Heer and Advika most of the time. Kabir was surprised that Esha was bonding so well. Maybe the recent happenings in her life made her bond well with his daughter. 

"Kabir, where's your tie?"

"God, no. I hate ties." Kabir spoke with distaste.

"Come on, man. I might have an extra, cause Esha always packs extra." Maanav spoke walking to the suitcase. 

Kabir looked on horrified as Maanav started pulling his clothes out to look for a tie. "Maanan, stop. Don't sabotage the entire thing!"

Before Kabir could move towards him there was a knock on the room's door. He walked to the door. "Hi, Kabir!" Esha greeted dressed in a red and golden glittery saree. She walked past him. Kabir followed her in shutting the door.

"Maan, what the hell are you doing?" Esha asked horrified walking up to him.

"Hey, gorgeous!" Maanav greeted running his eyes up and down his wife's frame.

"Maanav." Esha began in a very crisp tone, "What are you doing?"

"Oh this, umm, I was looking for an extra tie." Maanav answered looking at the shirts and his boxers he had pulled out. 

"What makes you think there is an extra?" Esha questioned folding her arms.

"I know my wife." He winked at her. "Now could you please do the honours," he spoke stepping away extending his hand. Esha shook her head and leaned unzipping the pocket in the suitcase's flap. A smile lingered around Kabir's lips. He turned around giving the two their privacy. Maanav was totally in mood to have fun with his wife. It was sweet. 

"There you go," Esha spoke turning to her husband.

Maanav grinned taking it from her, "See, I know you!" He said and then quickly placed a kiss on her lips. While she widened her eyes. He winked and moved away. 

"Come on, Kabir wear this!" He spoke handing Kabir the tie.

Kabir looked at the tie and then at Maanav. "Seriously?"

Maanav took the tie from him, "You still don't know how to wear it?"he huffed helping his brother. While Esha smiled, organizing the mess her husband had made.

"Where is Heer?" Maanav asked Esha.

"She and Advika were still getting ready. They should be done by now. I will call them." Esha spoke picking up her phone.

* * *

As the elevator doors parted Kabir's gaze landed on Heer. It was as though the world around had gone dark. She stood inside dressed in a beige colored translucent saree, that had golden embroidery at the palloo and shimmering golden borders. A deep maroon colored blouse complemented it. His gaze quickly reached her face. Her lipstick color matched her blouse her cheeks appeared pinkish. His eyes finally met hers. Those eyelashes darker than usual. When her eyes met his she smiled. There was a brief shyness to her, hesitation in her body movements. 

Kabir felt Maanav's hand on his back and he moved inside, two steps closer to Heer. He was accurately aware of her saree touching the fabric of his coat. She had left her brown hair open, they were molded into soft curls. 

"Where is Advika?" Esha asked only then did Kabir realize that his daughter wasn't in the elevator.

"Oh she, said she will meet us in the lobby. She went down with Maa." Heer answered.

Kabir was surprised when Heer addressed his mother as Maa. He, however, let his gaze remain fixed to the elevator floor. He wasn't going to look at Heer. Especially not when his brother was grinning and looking at him with utter watchfulness.

Once the elevator opened, Esha and Maanav walked out. Heer followed them. Kabir's inhaled as his eyes fell on her skin at the back. Her blouse had a deep round cut. The dark blouse made her skin appear fairer and he could tell it would be smooth. His mind issued warning signals but Kabir didn't want to look away. Heer was one hell of an attractive woman, she invoked desires in him. 

"Paa," Kabir was broken out of his thoughts. 

"Look at my pretty princess!" He exclaimed kneeling to hug his daughter. She smiled widely reminding him of Varsha. Her amber eyes shining just like Varsha's used too when she would be complimented. He kissed her cheek.

"You look pretty too!" Advika complimented. Kabir grinned at her adjective. 

"Advika, for men we use...?" Heer spoke looking at them. Kabir's gaze flew up to Heer.

"Handsome!" Advika answered immediately, "Paa, you look handsome!"

Kabir grinned, "Thank you, Princess!" His gaze once again stopped at Heer who was flicking a curl behind. 

* * *

The night had been very joyous one. Kabir was happy for Misha. She looked so happy. Rohan and her made a happy couple. There were too many photographs taken of the two families together. Maanav had been flirting with his wife throughout the evening. It was cute. Kabir had a hard time keeping his thoughts and eyes off Heer. He still felt her skin at his fingers from when he had put his arm around her shoulders for the photograph, as the photographer had suggested.

Heer was lost in her thoughts. She wasn't oblivious to Rajeev's attempts of being around her. He was a good distance away but his eyes were on her. Just like throughout the wedding ceremony in the morning he sat on the other side of the mandap looking at her. He hadn't made an attempt to talk but Heer was very aware of his gaze following her everywhere. 

Heer excused herself in the pretext of work and left the banquet hall. She needed some air to breathe. Just a night and then she'd go back to her normal. There would be no Rajeev. She sat on a secluded bench looking at the night sky. 

"All alone here?" She heard a familiar voice and sat up straight.

"Never thought you could carry a saree so well!" The voice came again. Heer turned her head a little to see Rajeev approach her with slow causal steps with hands in his pocket. Heer's gaze took in his form. He was sans his coat. But he had his waistcoat on, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up till his elbows. 

Heer got to her feet ready to leave. "How long will you keep running Heer?"

Heer narrowed her eyes at him. "You were the one who ran away!" She seethed walking past him. He held her wrist stopping her. "Leave my hand."

"I won't, until you talk to me, Heer." Rajeev spoke up turning around to face her. His fingers still grasping on ti her wrist.

"Talk about what?" Heer asked in a cold voice using her free hand to push away his hand.

"I am sorry, Heer. I know that's not enough for what I did. I regret  it..." he said softly meeting her gaze.

"I have been looking for you since a year now. Ever since I came back to India. Friends, batchmates, your cousins .... no one knew where you were. Mails, messages, calls what not. You just.."

Heer smiled bitterly, "A year back? I changed my phone number, email and deleted social media accounts within a month, Rajeev. Why now?"

"I have always regretted leaving you Heer. I accept that I was  selfish, cowardly man. I ran away when you needed me. It had been biting me for years Heer. I know I hurt you... I know you may not forgive me, but give me a chance to redeem Heer. Please..."

"Are you kidding me? Give you a chance? Rajeev it's been six years. I have moved on. I am married. Can't believe you actually said that..." Heer spat.

"Yeah, right Heer. I am not dumb and deaf. I know this marriage is nothing for you. I have heard enough rumors and gossip around the room to know that you married a widower. Heer," he held her hand. "You deserve better, give me a chance ..."

"Shut the hell up. I am going to assume you never said that. I didn't deserve you!" Heer hollered angrily. "You are damn right. You were a loser. You ran away. You didn't have the guts it takes. Don't you dare point a finger at my marriage!"

"Heer," he held her arms tilting his head down to meet her eyes. "I know what I did was wrong and unforgivable. But you can't just subject yourself to this marriage. I know you still feel for me. I know you hate me too. But Heer throwing your life away and becoming a nanny for another man's daughter..."

"Shut. UP." Heer exclaimed enraged pushing his hands away. "Advika, means a lot to me. More than you ever meant. I won't hear a word against her."

Rajeev sighed exasperated, "Stop lying, Heer. I know that those two mean nothing to you. Are you doing this to make me feel bad?"

"I regret everything I had ,did and felt for you. You still think this is about you? Reality Check, Mister. This is not about you. This is about me. This is my life. I love Advika, I love Kabir, they are my family. I won't hear another word against them. Do you hear me? You were the biggest mistake of my life and I am done with you!" Heer screamed it all out in a single breath, her eyes rimmed red in rage.

She pulled her hands away and stepped away. "Never show me your face again!"

"You're lying!" Rajeev said aloud.

Heer let out a humorless chuckle. "You wish! Thank you for walking....running away. Because I deserved better. Better than you."

"Heer, I know..."

"Oh, shut up. I swear you try saying anything or even have the audacity to come beat me again, I won't think twice before telling Kabir."

Rajeev chuckled. "Really? Where is he now? I wonder if you even told him about us."

Heer glared at him. "You're the biggest jerk ever and for the record Kabir knows."

"Kabir knows what?" A third voice came. Heer and Rajeev looked sideways to find Kabir approaching them with his hands in his pocket.

Rajeev looked at Heer silently and then at Kabir. He forced a smile, "Heer and I were just talking. Seems like we..."

"You have a past." Kabir completed standing beside Heer. Rajeev stared at Kabir warily.

"Are you okay?" Kabir whispered to Heer. She looked at him slightly puzzled and nodded. 

"Rajeev, your cousin and my sister are happy. It's their day, and let's keep it that way. Stay away from my wife." Kabir issued a cold warning his eyes boring into Rajeev's. Kabir's fingers touched Heer's, he gently held her hand. She followed him away form the man. Heer turned sideways and looked at Kabir as they walked away. 

"Turn back to look at him, only if you want him to come behind you!" Kabir said softly. Heer turned to the front and walked along with him silently. She wondered how much of it he had heard. Nevertheless she was glad he came. Because she didn't trust herself around Rajeev. That man made her weak.

The entire night had gone in a blink. The trio had left the party soon stating they were tired. Advika was definitely drowsy. Jeer hadn't spoke a word after the confrontation with Rajeev. 

Heer helped Advika change for the night. Soon Advika was on the bed and Kabir was patting her head. Minutes passed. Advika was fast asleep. Kabir heard the washroom door open. 

Heer stood before the mirror in her night suit. She didn't have the patience to clean he rmake up properly. She had just washed her face and rubbed the make up off carelessly. Rajeev's words still kept resonating in her ears. Tears finally made it down her eyes.

When Heer didn't come into the room, Kabir walked towards the bathroom that was at the narrow entrance to the room. He saw her standing by the sink crying silently. "Heer?" He called worried, placing a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and met his eyes through the mirror. He gently turned her around and took her in an embrace.

Heer buried her face over his shirt, sobbing as her arms wrapped around him. "I hate him!" She muttered. Kabir gently rubbed her back feeling bad for her. He should have given that jerk a punch or two. He had broken such a wonderful woman. Kabir wrapped his arms around her comforting her, running his hands along her hair. Her words never stopped echoing in his ears, "I love Kabir".

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