Mishti :)

Mr Shrivastav called me this morning and said to not come there because he is out of town for an emergency. Abir's mom had come to my room with a cup of tea, so she overheard our conversation. I had no other option left than staying here today. I thought I would escape today after lying about work. But I couldn't anymore..

"All the cousins are there, go there, they won't make you bored! " she said pointing towards the garden area.. I nodded and went there. It's like an open kitchen. Everyone was making sweets. Abir was making jalebi..

"Ms Agarwal, you didn't go to work today? " Abir asked me, everyone's attention shifted to me. I shook my head negatively . He gestured to the house helper to give me a table... I sat near them.. The cousins were sitting above the carpet and were making sweets.

"Everyone introduce yourself to her! " Abir said.

"Hii! Myself Astha! "

"Hii! Myself Eva! "

"Hellooo! Myself Arya! "

"Helloo! Myself Ivan! "

They all said about their studies and about themselves.. Astha and Ivan are Abir's younger chacha's son and daughter.. Astha has just completed her graduation, while Ivan is doing her masters.. Eva and Arya are siblings and they are Abir's elder chacha's children. Eva is doing masters and Arya is doing his internship.. There's not much age gap between them..

"And he is Ayansh bhai and Sharanya di! " Astha said pointing towards the door from where both were coming.. "Ayansh bhai is the eldest son, but! " she took a pause, I looked at Abir seeing the hesitation on her face.. "His parents are no more! " he said, my eyes stayed glued on the surface.. "But you know, he is everyone's favorite and one of the most sorted person. And of course only married person among us, all of us are single! " Eva said..

I needed a note to remember all their names and relationship, but then why all were telling me about all this? It's how they were trying to keep a conversation without making it awkward.. I smiled at them.. I looked at Sharanya, she was looking little lost. I thought to have a conversation with her regarding bhai, but then I made myself understand that it's about them and a third person will make it more complicated. So I dropped that idea..

"Look there! Ruhaani bhabi is coming with badi maa! " Ivan said, a young lady was coming with Abir's mom. So he addressed Abir's mom as badi maa. But another young lady was with them as well.. "Who is she? " I asked him.. "Ohhhhhh sheeee! " everyone said in union and in a teasing manner looking at Abir.. "Bhai who is sheeeee? " Astha asked him and the way she was pressing each words it felt like that lady is Abir's girlfriend..

Abir rolled his eyes at her and concentrated on his jalebi..

"Actually she is Ziya! She is our neighbors one and only daughter. She has just completed her mbbs internship and came here. She studied in Australia. Abir bhai had a huge crush on her.. Abir bhai loves traditional outfits more and she always wears traditional, it makes him go even more crazy.. I think he comes here this time because she's here! " she explained.. I nodded my head..

I shifted my gaze to her, she's wearing a white saree..

Indeed everyone was wearing white, it's Navratri's second day.. I looked at myself, coincidentally I was wearing a white dress too, but it's a jumpsuit.. It just made me feel inferior for some reason..

"Bachha party, come here for breakfast! " Ruhaani di called them, they all left except Abir and me.. I could see the dining table from here, Ziya was helping her too. She's a very beautiful girl. I looked at Abir who was doing jalebi. "You still like her? "I asked him, but got no response. He doesn't share much about his personal stuff..

I felt the urge to make jalebi, it was looking interesting.. " Can I make jalebi? I want to make some, " I said, but he denied.. "Why? It looks interesting. I am getting bored, give me that utensil.. I will make jalebi! " I said and made a poker face.. "It's risky, I can't give it to you! " he said, I furrowed my eyebrows..

"It's not riskier than scuba diving. Are you out of my mind? " I put some sense in his head and stood up.. He first refused but then he had to agree with me.. I sat on a table, he sat next to me.. "I just have to make round round , right? " I asked him, taking the utensil.. He chuckled and nodded..

"Don't make fun of me, I can do it. It's easy! " I said.

"Okay mam! " he said teasingly, I rolled my eyes. But when I started I could not make the rounds properly, "You have to increase the speed! " he held my hand and taught me how to do it.. "You have a crush on Ziya, but you still flirt with me, I mean with others as well! " I said , his complete focus was on the jalebi..

"I don't flirt, it's how I talk.. It's normal for me! " he has said this before also. The way he avoided the question related to her, I didn't ask him again.. "Mishti, I have brought breakfast for you! " Ruhani di said coming to us, I handed him the utensil. Just when I stood up, my palm mistakenly brushed on the hot utensil.. I quickly pulled my hand and shut my eyes..

"I already told you, but only if you listen to me! " Abir scolded me and put my hand inside a water pot . Ruhani di came with ice cubes and put it inside the put.. My fingers were burning.. "I know what you can do and what you can't! See the results now, " Abir was furious, Ruhani di brought an ointment.. Abir applied it on my hand..

"How will you eat your breakfast now? " she asked me, Abir took the plate from her.. "I can manage by my left hand .. I will eat by spoon, so there won't be any problem! " I said, taking the plate from him I went upstairs to my room..

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The whole day I kept myself busy in the work, even Jeevika stayed with me.. It's getting hectic because I have to handle my business from home. In the evening, Jeevika left for garba night.. I stayed in my room, my eyes glued to the laptop screen.. Someone knocked on my door.. "Come in... " I muttered.

I looked up, it's Abir.. "Aren't you coming today? " he asked me, I shook my head negatively. "You have been working here since the morning. Come outside, garba is fun! " he said, "I really don't like all these, you go! " I refused clearly.. "Give it a try-"

I cut him off, "Abir, why are you wasting your energy on me? If I say No means No. I won't go there, don't disturb me.. Just leave me, " I said calmly, he pressed his lips together and sighed.. After he left I started doing my work again..

The cook sent dinner to my room.. I did my dinner while working, the whole day I kept working and I still couldn't complete it.. My eyes were tired.. It needed some rest. So after finishing my dinner, I thought about taking a walk on the lawn..

I saw Sharanya arguing with someone, I stepped close to her and tilted my head to look the other person. It's Abir. They both were having an heated argument, Sharanya left in anger, she was crying.. Even Abir left.. I continued doing my job, overthinking. I created my own theory after believing my assumptions.

Bhai's love towards Sharanya is one sided, Sharanya doesn't like him because he belongs to a mafia family. What's Abir doing in between?

I was walking aimlessly until I bumped with Abir. He was looking frustrated.. "What happened? You look so stressed! " I initiated the conversation, because I wanted to know about Mivaan bhai and Sharanya.. "I saw Sharanya crying.. Everything okay? " I added..

"I don't think everything can be okay. Your brother have created a big blunder and it's all messed up here.. I so wanna punch him-"

"O hello? " I showed him my index finger, grabbing his collar.. "Don't you dare to utter anything shit against my brother in front of me! " I warned him, he removed my hand from his collar. He took a pause, "I don't want to push my sister into a hell family, where murders are just casual things! " he said, the way he was saying bad words against my family, it's hurting my pride & ego..

"You don't even know anything about my family, their backstory. Then how are you judging them? Whatever they are now there might be a reason behind it. Villains are made not born. Stop saying anything about my family, mainly my brother. I won't tolerate it! " I stated, he took a step forward.. I didn't break our eye contact, his eyes became intense..

"Then why did you choose to stay away from them? " his question left me stunned.. I let out a deep breath. "Listen, I will never defend their actions, but also I won't give you the rights to judge them in front of me. And about Sharanya, being a brother I understand your concern. And it's valid.. I will talk with Mivaan bhai, he will stop bothering her! " I concluded and turned my heel to leave.

"You love your family a lot, don't you? " his words forced me to stop. "Yeah! I do. But I won't forgive them for anything! " saying I left. Everything is so complicated.. After coming back to my room, I dialled bhai's number. He answered my call in one ring.

Bhai! You know what your life is! How messed up it is. Then why do you want to drag a girl into this? Stop bothering her..

What happened?

Exactly! This is my question. What's happening? Why are you guys involving yourself in this underground crime? If there's a reason tell me? It's high time you guys need to stop all this. I am tired. I am seriously tired of all this drama..

Where are you right now?

It should not bother you..

Ok fine! Don't get angry.. I will tell you everything once you come here, everything!

Sure?

Promise!

And one more thing, I can't stop loving Sharanya..

But bhai?

I will fix everything. Don't worry!

He cut the call before I could say anything..

I threw my phone on the bed. Once the truth will be revealed I will talk with Abir. And I hope my family will not disappoint me.. I slept early because I had to wake up early..

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Before anyone wake up, I left the house in the morning. It's not like I wanted to run away, but Mr Shrivastav has given me that time.. He wanted our work to end soon, so that he can enjoy his time with his family as it's Navratri.. Today I didn't have much work, so Jeevika didn't join me.. And moreover she's getting tired after constantly dancing.. It's not necessary to do dandiya everyday.

Mr Shrivastav forced me today to join garba night with his family, but I refused clearly. Just because it's fun, you all can't force me to join you. Abir , Jeevika were less, now it's this Shrivastav also.. Again I was roaming around in a park, I need fresh air after a working day. In Australia I used to go to the beach, but here I adjust it by going to temple or any garden..

I got a call from Abir, but I didn't pick up. He called me again, I cut it.. It's urgent, please pick up.. He called me again and this time I answered his call..

What happened?

Jeevika fell down from the stairs.. So I thought to inform you..

What seriously? How is she now? Anything serious?

Yes! Now she is resting, but she's in so much pain..

I cut the call and booked a taxi.. My poor girl!!

It took me half an hour to reach Rajvansh Villa.. After paying the driver, I ran inside.. I directly went to her room..

"Hey are you okay-"

But my words stopped in my throat after seeing her in garba traditional outfit. She was completely fine.. A pair of lehnga was there on her bed.. "Abir told me that you fell down from the stairs? " I muttered, she gulped..

"I feel so lonely there without you. Why don't you join me today, please! " she said taking a step back.. "Are you serious? Like seriously? I got so scared thinking about you. Why are you so obsessed with it, I don't want it! " I said angrily..

"For once? " she pouted, I rolled my eyes..

"I have never seen you in any traditional attire. Atleast wear this lehnga and get ready, " she said pointing out at the lehnga, I gave her an are you serious look.. "Where is Abir? I won't spare him today. This must be his idea! " I muttered, "Abir! " I shouted..

"Me here, hello? "

I turned back .. He was wearing a pant and a white vest above it.. He was holding a kurta and trying to open that button, so that he will wear it.. "How dare you to do such prank on me, I will kill you! " he started running, but I snatched the kurta from him.. After throwing it on the bed, I ran behind him , not before grabbing a cloth hanger. He was about to close his bedroom door, but I was fast enough to reach his room.

I pushed the door , he climbed on the sofa.. "See, it's not my fault.. It's your Jeevika who wanted an idea! " he spoke in between his heavy breathes, as I reached sofa, he jumped on to the bed.. "I was having a peaceful evening, do you think I will easily let you go after ruining it! " I shouted, he started throwing pillows at me..

I started throwing it back with the help of the hanger.. It's like we were playing cricket, the hanger was the bat and the pillows were balls. We both started laughing because it was funny.. We continued playing till all the cottons came out of every pillow and he was left with no pillow.. Then the prank think again hit my mind ..

"Do you really think, you can distract me by doing such stupid stunt! " I shouted and jumped on the bed.. He ran away, before I could go, my leg slipped on the bedsheet and I fell back on the bed.. "Abirrr! " I muttered in anger, gritting my teeth. "I won't spare you today! " I shouted, ouch my back hurt..

He didn't let me get up and hovered over me.. I stretched my hand above my head, trying to not let him take the hanger from my hand. He forwarded his hand to grab the hanger, I tried to push him. So he completely pressed me under him, we both stopped trying when our cheeks slightly brushed against each other..

We had a few seconds of an eye contact, it became awkward.. He took the opportunity and snatched the hanger away.. I flared my nose in anger and flipped our position by pushing him.. I sat on his stomach and grabbed his sleeve.. I started pulling his vest and hit him.. He flipped our position again, I pushed him again ..

But as we reached the edge of the bed we both fell down on the ground, he pulled me to his embrace after wrapping his one arm around my head and other around my back.. I didn't get hurt because I was in his embrace, my face was nuzzled in the crook of his neck.

I felt sensational in his embrace, it's not uncomfortable.. His warmth was relaxing, I found solace in his fragrance.. He distanced me quickly and helped me to stand up. I felt the emptiness in my heart, our position was so comforting that I wanted to stay like that for a few more minutes . It's magical..

"I am really sorry for ruining your evening, but Jeevika really wanted you to join her! " he said, I was so lost in my thoughts that I just nodded and left for my room. I splashed a handful of water on my face, it's just a moment. I didn't want to memorize it..

Just a weak moment.

I definitely lost my mind..

It's nothing serious, there's nothing to think about . It happened because we were really close, our heartbeat was in sync and I just felt good.. It's normal! I made myself understand and freshened up..

I felt awkward going outside and having my dinner. It's just an accident, fuck this bullshit. Today everyone came back early, Aunty called me for dinner but I said I was busy and will do my dinner later.. As everyone finished their dinner, I went downstairs .. The cook served food for me, I sat on the dining table. I always take my food with Jeevika or do it alone in my room..

Here in this big hall, it felt awkward to do my dinner alone.. I could have told the cook to take it to my room, but it's not my house.. Yesterday there was no one so I told them to send my food to my room. I was randomly taping on my phone, until someone snatched it away..

It was Abir, I glared at him. "Bad manners! You should not use your phone while eating, " he kept my phone on the table and took a chair beside. The cook served food for him.. "You didn't do your dinner? " I asked him, "I got a call, it's important so I couldn't decline it! " he replied, I nodded and we both started eating..

He told all the househelper to leave, he finished his dinner before mine. What I liked was he waited till I finish and took my plate as well. Though it's little awkward for me, but I managed it. He washed all the left over dishes, I was watching it from upstairs .. He ain't that bad the way I imagine his image in my mind.. A smile formed on my lips and I went inside to sleep..

_________________

Today while coming back, I saw Yuvaan uncle, Abir's father, he was in a rush. His car would have hit mine, but our driver was fast enough to take a turn. He didn't even bother to stop his car, he just left in a full speed.  Abir was saying that Yuvaan uncle is in Australia, maybe I saw the wrong person and assumed it to be Yuvaan uncle..

As usual I slept early.. My days were getting hectic because it's a big project and both of us our company were trying to finish it in a few days, even though we have to do overwork. Because I can't stay here for so long, my own company need me as well.. It's difficult to manage all the work from here. I need to return back to Australia soon..

I woke up early before the alarm ring. Someone was playing a musical instrument which broke my sleep.. I went to the balcony because the music was coming from outside..

Abir and Ishani Aunty were sitting outside. Abir was playing Veena and aunty was playing harmonium.. She started,

Tu hi to jannat meri
Tu hi mera junnon
Tu hi to mannat meri
Tu hi rooh ka sukun
Tu hi ankhiyon ki thandak
Tu hi dil ki hai dastak
Aur kuch na janu mein
Bas itna hi jaanu

She took a pause, her voice was so soothing. Now I see where Abir got such a melodious voice. It amazed me more when Abir completed the next para, because I didn't know he can sing our hindi songs as well.. All his song have english lyrics..

Tujhe mein rab dikhta hai
Yaara mein kya karu
Tujhe mein rab dikhta hai
Yaara mein kya karu
Sajde sar jhukta hai
Yaara mein kya karu
Tujhe mein rab dikhta hai
Yaara mein kya karu

As soon as he completed he first worshipped the veena and kept it aside. He touched his mom's feet and hugged her. He really loves his mom a lot and respects her beyond everything.. I smiled and went inside.

This guy didn't wake up even after my thousands of attempts on the cruise, how does he manage to wake up here so early? Because it's not just about today, he wakes up early everyday.. I wanted to sleep more, but my work didn't let me.. I woke up Jeevika and then took a bath..

We both got ready and headed downstairs, the driver was waiting for us. I turned my head when one by one car started entering the mansion. I was right about yesterday, it's Yuvan's uncle and it's the same car.. Sharanya came running outside followed by Abir and Isha Aunty.. They took a moment to hug each other, Aunty did his arti..

I would have left for my work, but his eyes spotted me.. He came towards me, "Namaste uncle! " I said folding my hand, he nodded and patted my head slightly. Abir was with him as well.. He looked at Abir, they both had a conversation with each other through their eyes which I failed to understand.

"Uncle did you arrive here in the morning flight? " I asked him, that's when aunty came. "Yes, why? " she asked me. "Umm I thought I saw him yesterday, so I just asked! " I mumbled.. Uncle's eyes stayed glued on me.. "I reached here yesterday evening. But I had something important to do, so I couldn't come here. I had already informed Abir, isn't it Abir? " he said looking at Abir..

Abir nodded his head quickly. "Sharanya , we need to talk! " Uncle announced and gestured for her to come with him.. Sharanya gave a cold stare to Abir.. "But you just arrived here, take some rest! " Aunty protested. "It's about her business, I will take just half an hour, " he stated and took her to the lawn.. Aunty too left.. Abir's eyes followed behind them, like he was trying to hear the conversation from standing here..

"Will they talk about bhai with her? Does he know about it? " I asked him, but his eyes were fully focused on them and he went to the lawn.. I shook my head in disbelief and went to work..
Before Abir my my life was good, like I enjoy doing work all the day .. But from the day he have come into my life, I started feeling bored .. I also want to have fun.. But I don't want to, because I won't get this life in Australia. I would be all alone again , so I don't want to get attached with anything..

Today Jeevika didn't return early because we worked till 10:00 pm. Even we did our dinner there. I was so tired, but when I returned back I found out that the ac in my room was not working. I thought to share the bed with Jeevika, but there's a single bed in that guest room. She would have allowed me to sleep on the bed, and then she herself would have slept on the floor. So I didn't bother her..

There's several guest room, but they need to clean it. And it's already so late.. I went to Abir's room.. "Listen, my ac is not working! " I said, "I have informed the mechanics, they will fix it tomorrow! " he replied.. "How will I sleep tonight? Even that fan is not working properly, it's hot out there! " I pouted.

"I have an idea! " he said, "What! "

"Go and change your dress, I will arrange something for you.. " he said, I was already tired so I didn't argue and went to my room.. I changed my clothes and came back.. "Come with me! " I followed him, he took me to upstairs. I thought he had arranged a room there, but he had arranged two beds on the rooftop..

"I will sleep here? " I whispered in shock, " I will accompany you, see my bed! " he said pointing at another bed which was just after a little distance from mine.. "There is no mosquito, and the natural wind is cooler than the AC! So you will love it, believe me! " he said and jumped on the bed.. The cloud has covered the moon, so it's quite dark there..

The silence was peaceful.. I laid down on my bed and looked above.. It's quite relaxing.. Abir moved his eyes towards me, "Isn't it wonderful? " I nodded my head in response.. The soothing sounds of leaves and the cold wind, everything about my surrounding was amazing..

I looked at Abir, he was staring at the sky, a smile was there on his lips.. He's so simple and sorted. Like he have solution for everything, I thought he would tell me to sleep in his room.. But what he did was quite unexpected. He is such a big celebrity, world wide people know him and die to take a glimpse of him. Still he's so unbothered about his popularity, he's very much grounded.

And I love how he manages his work life and family .. He even take time for himself.. There's a lot to admire about him, I had never seen him shouting unnecessarily like me.. He's always so calm and chill..

Only bad thing is he never mind his own business, he pokes hin nose in my business.. Huh!

He slowly turned towards me, I didn't avoid but stared at him and smiled.. "What? What happened? Why are you smiling? " he asked me, maybe for the first time I smiled at him so genuinely. Because I misunderstood him a lot. "Nothing. I am just grateful for whatever you have done to me. This place is nice.. " I said and turned my head towards the sky..

The smile was not fading and I could feel him staring at me.. There's no awkwardness, just some purity. Soon sleep took over me..

_____________________

When I woke up, I was in my room. Did he transfered me from the roof to here? A cooler was there near the bed. A smile automatically crept on my lips. I turned off the cooler.. It's 8:00 am in the morning.. I freshened up and went down stairs. Today I have no work. We have finished almost everything and I can finish my leftover work from Australia as well. So maybe it's my last day here.

I could have booked a ticket for tonight, but Mr Shrivastav has organized a business party in his house. I didn't want to attend but a lot of business people from various places will come there. I didn't want to miss that opportunity even though I have social anxiety.. It's the 6th day of Navratri.. Jeevika said that she will take rest, so that she can enjoy the last days of Navratri fully. So she declined to accompany me..

I have already given her a tons of work, so I didn't force her.. As it's not my hometown, so Mr Shrivastav had sent a gown for me according to theme.. It's been ages I haven't wore gown.. I decided to wear that gown today because I was in a good mood.. I freshened up quickly.

Jeevika was excited because she always wanted me to wear a gown, so her wish is getting fulfilled today. Now she wants to see me in traditional, which is definitely a daydream.. She helped me wear the gown..

I had already informed aunty that I would come late tonight. She's upset because I didn't attend any garba night.. "Mam, you know what. You shouldn't wear these gowns! " Jeevika said after taking a glance of me, it made me anxious and self conscious..

"Am I not looking good? " I asked her, "Good? You made me question my gender. You are looking so beautiful, so pretty, superb.. I mean look at yourself.. How are you still single ? Will you marry me? " she said being all dramatic.. It made me laugh and we both laughed again..

She left to her room as she got a call from her family.. I walked down the stairs, I was getting a princess vibe in this beautiful gown.. The feminine energy was all around me today. I expected Abir to be in the garba night, but he was here.. One thing clicked my mind, that from the very first day I haven't seen him going to garba night.. He's always forcing me, but not attending it..

His eyes stuck on me as I walked downstairs.. He was literally stunned and wasn't even trying to hide it. He was openly checking me out. It was so obvious.. "Are you going somewhere? " it's the first thing he uttered as I reached him.. "Yeah! Mr Shrivastav has kept a party. So I am going there! " I replied.. His expression became dull and he just said ok..

I was expecting him to say any flirting line or give any cheesy compliments.. But he didn't.. I stood near the shoe stand and pulled out my newly bought heels.. I wore it, but could not tie the lace.. Because I was wearing a off-sholder gown, it's totally tight fit which was not letting me to bend down.. Jeevika didn't even come..

"What happened? " Abir came to me, "Can you call Jeevika? I need help, I can't able to tie this strap of my heels! " I said, he looked down at my feet which was not visible due to my long gown.. Instead of calling her, he kneeled in front of me.. "Keep your feet here! " he said pointing at his knee..

"No no, you don't have to do this.. Just call her, " I protested, he gave me a cold stare.. I was getting late.. I wore my heel and kept half of my feet on his knee.. He tied the strap.. "It's a good capture, " Jeevika said out of nowhere, she just clicked a picture of him tying my heel strap.. "She came here, you can go! " I said to Abir and thought to leave..

But he held my hand, I looked at him.. "Now this looks more romantic, he on his knees, you are wearing a gown, he is holding your hand! Oh My God what on the fairytale, " she screamed in excitement , this time we both glared at him and she shut her mouth.. "It won't take me forever to tie the other one, put your feet here, " he said, I sighed and put my other feet above his knee..

I was done with my dressing.. I muttered a thank you, he followed me till the car.. "Did Mr Shrivastav forced you to join the party? " Abir asked him out of the blue.. I snapped my head at him.. "No no! Are you mad? Why would he do this? " I chuckled.. "No, it's just that a professional friend asked you to join a party and you are going without any complaints.. Here I am trying to convince you to join us in garba night, but.. Okay anyway enjoy! " he opened the door for me..

I stared at him for a moment.. I didn't have any words to explain.. I got inside the car, he closed the door and left..

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