A/N: I'm back with an update! Long chapter ahead! Enjoy! Also please read the author's note at the end of this chapter!

|MEERA|

I stuffed the clothes into the bag and wiped my face continuously. My eyes were burning but the tears weren't stopping. Someone knocked on my door. I wiped my face hastily and took a deep breath. "Come in!" I closed my eyes and cursed when my voice cracked.

"Meera are you ready?" I knew it was my Dad and cursed under my breath. He hates it when I am low and I hate to show this side to him. "Are you crying again?" I still had my back turned facing him. I shook my head and wiped the trail of tears that cascaded down my cheek.

"No, I'm not!" I replied with a hoarse voice. I heard footsteps and after a while felt my Dad's hand on my shoulder. He kissed the back of my head and pulled me into his chest. That was the end of my stupid acting. I hugged him close and sobbed into his chest.

Dad pulled me closer and rubbed my back. " I don't want her to die, Daddy!" I exclaimed in between sobs. Dad shushed me and whispered sweet things in my ear. I hadn't called him Daddy in years. "She was there when they abandoned me! She made me feel worth it, she told me and assured me a million times that it had nothing to do with me! She helped me find you and Mom! She's always taught so many things. "

I took a deep breath after ranting out everything. "That's not all! She accepted me when no one wanted me!" My Dad let out a shaky breath and pulled me tighter. After holding me for a few minutes he pulled away and directed a glare towards me.

"When will you ever realize that you are wanted and mean everything to us! I understand what happened was not fair by any means but that does not mean you have to keep reminding yourself about that, repeatedly!" He gritted out each word while I just stood there with my eyes on the floor.

"Your father is right Meera! We hate it that you think about that so much! You belong with us! We are nothing without you and you need to get that through your thick stubborn head!" She walked towards me and tucked a piece of hair behind my ears. She brushed my tears with the pad of her thumbs and placed a firm kiss on my forehead.

I know that my parents love me a lot but I can't help but think what would have happened to me if my biological parents would have never abandoned me. I am sure they would have treated me badly. This was one scenario that always crossed my mind. The other one was what if my parents had never found me?

I would have forever been in the orphanage, I would have not known what it would have felt like to have a family. I would have never known the feelings of having a sibling. The feeling of being in your Dad's protective arms or feeling the warmth of your Mom's hug.

If today I am happy and have a family is only because of Sister Brenda. I owe it all to her. She accepted me and found me a family. Well, it was I who found Mom first but before that, she was the one who soothed me when I couldn't let go of my old parents. She gave them an earful and asked them to never bother me again if they had an ounce of humanity left in them.

"Stop thinking so much! We love you and there is nothing more to that! You mean the world to us!" My mom and Dad both squeezed me into a hug in between them, which caused me to giggle as it reminded me of the number of times they had done that with me in the past.

"Okay, guys! That's enough, stop! I am not eight anymore!" I exclaimed and tried to push them away. They hugged a little harder and let me go. Finally, I could see both my parents relaxing. "Meera, no matter how grown-up you are you will forever be our little girl!" Dad exclaimed and tweaked my nose. I scowled at him and swatted his hands away.

I rubbed my nose while my Mom chuckled. "I agree! Meera, I know she means a lot to you but you have to control your emotions baby! She wanted to meet you. You need to be cautious of how you present yourself before her. Right now she's very weak, we can't let her know that we are sad. She always wanted all of us to be happy. Nothing would make her feel content than knowing that all her children are happy and settled in their lives."

I took a shaky breath and nodded my head. I know what she means. I remembered Sister Brenda's warm eyes and her soothing voice. I would never want to hurt her. "Yeah, I get it!" My Mom gave me a sympathetic smile and nodded my head.

"Good! Pack your bags Meera. Andy might be back from college anytime now. We are leaving the minute he gets here. Our flight is in another three hours!" Dad typed away on his phone with a mean glare on his face. I frowned wondering what it was about.

"Annie, can I talk to you for a minute in our room!" My Mom frowned but nodded her head anyway. " Sure!" She gave me a reassuring smile and followed my Dad who almost sprinted out of my room. That's unusual, they never storm out like this.

I tip-toed towards their bedroom and placed my ear against their bedroom door. I know I know this isn't exactly ethical but I had a feeling they were talking about me and I do not really appreciate when people do that. I absolutely hate that.

"Well, what did you expect Arjun? That they are never going to see each other?" I frowned and then my eyes widened when I realized who they were talking about. "Yes, Annie! That's what I hoped for anyway! It has been almost two to three years since they have seen each other and she has been better! I don't want him to show up and make it a mess! I cannot or better yet will not watch my little girl go through that again!"

Great just fucking great! They were talking about Veer and me. This day is getting just better as we speak. Please don't forget to note the sarcasm. I can't believe I assumed they would never suspect anything. I am so dumb! Obviously, they know we weren't on good terms as we were in the past, to put it loosely.

We have been distant since we turned eighteen but I thought they would think it was because we were busy with our respective training and then our postings. But I was a fool. They have known all along. I cursed under my breath and pressed my ears further into the door.

"Arjun! Shut up! Stop screaming. Don't be stupid or unreasonable! If you remember correctly Sister Brenda requested that she wanted to see both of them. Did you forget that Viraj was raised by Sister Brenda and Veer adores her just as much as Meera does?"

My heart stopped for a minute. Veer is going to be there too. How can I forget this? I knew who they were talking about but the reality is only settling in now! I'm going to be sick.

I swallowed the bile that formed in my throat and shook my head trying to clear my thoughts. I needed a minute but my Dad once again bellowed. "Okay! I get it! But, if he hurts her once again I am going to teach him a lesson. This time I'll be the one screaming and you will have to control!"

My Mom let out a sigh of frustration. "Arjun please stop screaming! Just behave, do not create a scene! Our daughter is grown enough and I am sure she can handle herself!" She warned him frantically. "That's rich coming from you darling! Considering the spat between you and Naina!"

My Mom screeched and I think she hit him. What are they talking about? My Mom and Veer's mom fought? "Shut up! I know I was unreasonable that time but it's different now! Don't do anything stupid!"

I sighed and went to my room. I knew I had to face him one way or the other. Our parents were after all the best of friends. More like family, this was bound to happen. I just didn't think it would happen this soon. I sat on the bed and groaned.

I stuffed the rest of the clothes into my bag and paced around the room. To be honest, the two years that I didn't see him were probably the most peaceful years in all the seven years that we had avoided each other.

The pain was still there but I had learned to live without him. Although some days I really did wish that we were friends. Those days were the hardest. I hate the way things ended between us, I hate that he gives me the cold shoulder. But, I can't waste the rest of my life hung up on him when he not willing to make any sort of effort.

I was lost in my thoughts when my phone started ringing. I sighed when I realized who it was. My best friend Sheena Pathak. We met during our 11th tuitions and have been inseparable ever since. I think I would have definitely broken down without her support after what I went through with Veer.

She is a game developer in a reputed company. She had always been a techie and I am so proud of her for doing so well. Her Dad owned a product business and her Mom was a chef just like my mother. Over the years Mrs. Pathak and Annie James my Mom got along really well.

"Bitch! You came yesterday and you didn't even call me? I am officially calling off our friendship!" I let out a chuckle, oh how I missed this banter with her. "Sheenu! I am sorry! In my defense, I was really tired and exhausted."

She clicked her tongue and I am sure she's shaking her head in disappointment. "Well, then you could have called me today!!! So not cool Meeru! I do not appreciate this at all! I missed you like crazy and I have so many things to share! Can we meet today at least?"

I sighed and zipped my bag placing it on the floor. "I wish I could but we can't Something came up and looks like I'll be falling into an endless depth once again only this time I don't know whether or not if I'll be able to save myself from completely drowning."

She sighed dramatically and groaned. "You know how I hate it when you talk in riddles! Get to the point Meera!" Closing my eyes I took a deep breath and ranted the entire thing that had just taken place this morning.

"Well, I'll be damned! I am so sorry babe! Don't let that ass get under your skin! You are only doing this for yourself. Don't even acknowledge his presence!" I shook my head and clicked my tongue.

"Only if it were that simple Sheena! It's complicated! Although you are right! I have moved on and this should not affect me!" Sheena laughed which irked me a bit. "Why the hell are you laughing?" She cleared her throat.

"Umm, nothing just thought about something! Look Meera I know this is complicated and I know you do not wish to see him but it is what it is just don't overthink things like you usually do. He's an ass if you can just let him know what he's missing! Also, if I could I would have come with you but work is hectic."

I smiled, she was always so supportive. I wished she could have come but I know she might be busy. "But, remember that I am only a call away! If he does anything call me. I will immediately catch the next flight and together we will kick his sorry ass. Am I clear?"

I laughed loudly, "Yes ma'am noted. Okay Sheena I need to go now. Andy will be home any minute and we have to leave." She once again reminded me to call her and fill her in about what will happen once reach Dehradun. With one last bye, we ended the conversation.

Exactly five minutes later Andy came home. He packed his bag and about twenty minutes later we loaded the luggage into the trunk of the taxi and we drove towards the airport.

I stared at the trees, buildings, and various other things as we drove towards the airport. I took a deep breath and a small smile played on my lips as I remembered the first time Veer and I were going to ride on the plane. We were only three years and our siblings weren't even born then.

I felt familiar emotions resurfacing once again. I think I'll go crazy with so many memories being played. I have never had so many emotions swirl up in the past few years. I wondered what was the reason for so many flashbacks. I closed my eyes and braced myself for what was about to come.

|Flashback|

|AUTHOR|

Naina and Annie along with the kids were going to Pune today. Viraj and Arjun were finally done with their deployment and were currently posted there. The little munchkins were the most excited. They were eagerly looking forward to the plane ride.

At the airport, after Naina and Annie checked in their respective luggage they sat on the waiting bench. The adults were busy talking about something while Meera and Veer were excited about the plane ride.

"Vee! I so happy! We going in my favret vehicle! Aeroplane!" Veer smiled at his best friend's excited exclamation and nodded his head.

"I happy to Meewa! We have so much fun! Why you like aeroplanes so much?" Veer asked his friend out of curiosity. Meera shrugged her shoulders and stared at the planes from the glass with glee on her face.

"I don't know. I want to fly like a birdie! Birdie always so happy Vee! They chirp and free in the sky!" Meera threw her hands in the air and exclaimed excitedly. Veer laughed but understood her sentiment.

"I want to be like them. Free and happy in the sky. Also sky pweety!" Veer nodded his head seriously agreeing with her explanation. "Yes, the sky is pweety!" He replied with a cute serious tone. Once they were done with their cute conversation both their moms pulled them on their feet as an announcement was made to start boarding the flight.

Meera skipped excitedly while holding her mother's hand. Veer did the same with his mom. They were happy to see the kids this excited. Veer and Meera sat next to each other. Meera took the window seat while Veer sat next to her.

Annie sat next to him while Naina didn't mind sitting behind the lot. She knew Annie wanted to see Meera's reaction. Meera stared at the view from the tiny window in the plane with an awed look on her face.

She let out an excited squeal and laughed. "Mommy Vee it's so pretty!!! We flying! Like the birdie! Yaay!" She clapped her tiny hands together. Veer nodded his head and imitated Meera. Annie clicked various pictures of them together.

"Meewa will you take me on the plane when we grow up?" Veer asked her innocently. Meera nodded her head and hugged her best friend. "Yesh Vee of course!"

It was that very moment she decided that she will fly a plane when she grows up. As she grew up she realized she wanted something more with it. So just like her father, she decided to serve the nation, hence she joined the Airforce. She never regretted making that decision.

|Flashback ends|

|MEERA|

Everything had happened according to my will. Only if I could have kept the promise that I made with Veer. Reliving those memories wasn't easy. "God! Di can you stop moving? I'm trying to sleep here!" I didn't realize I was moving shoulders so much. My idiot brother was sleeping on my shoulder.

That wasn't the issue the real issue was that he was drooling on my shirt. I stared at him with absolute disgust and pushed his head away. He groaned and glared at me. "Stupid! This is so disgusting! I'll make you wash my shirt! Why must you sleep like that? You are not at all a gentleman!"

He rolled his eyes and leaned against my mom who was busy giggling at our banter. My idiot of a brother smirked at me and slapped my shoulder and I hit him back. We were both fighting like a bunch of kids. Dad whistled to catch our attention. We immediately stopped and stared at him.

"That's enough! Behave! You both aren't kids anymore!" My Mom on the other hand was trying to control her laughter. "Whatever! He started it!" Andy pinched me and I pinched him back. "I'm am not in the mood! Enough! Behave!" My dad bellowed from the front seat. "Cut it out, Andy!"

My brother dearest was about to protest but shut his mouth because my Mom gave him the look. I smirked at him while he rolled his eyes. We finally reached the Airport. I knew for a fact that we were going to be traveling with Viraj Uncle's family and Veer was going to be there.

We entered the airport with our luggage at our tow. My heart started beating rapidly as I followed my Dad who got our luggage checked in and moved towards the seats where clearly three people were seated.

No this can't be happening. I clenched my fists tightly and gulped. I felt someone push their fingers into my fist. I turned and found my Mom giving me a look of sympathy. I smiled at her and assured her that everything was fine.

I sighed in relief when I saw only Viraj Uncle and Naina Ma'am along with Tanya seated. I never stopped calling her ma'am. She was the best teacher I ever had. They hugged each one of us when we reached them. "It's so good to see you Meera!" Naina Ma'am hugged me and caressed my back.

"Likewise ma'am likewise! I really do miss your stories! Also, I have to tell you that I'm a big fan of your books! So can I get an autograph later?" I pulled away and asked her. She laughed but nodded her head.

"Of course anything for my favorite girl! How are you holding up?" I shook my head and shrugged my shoulders not knowing what to say. "Fine, I guess! I hate that she has to go through so much! We visited her at least once a year and I regret that we weren't able to that in the past few years!"

Naina patted my cheek and shook her head. "It isn't your fault! We have all been kind of busy for the past few years some more than others. Life goes on Meera and I'm sure she'll understand that and won't hold it against any one of us." I sighed nodding my head.

Naina Ma'am and my Mom used to take Veer and me to visit Sister Brenda at least once a year. They would always leave us with her for the day. She would tell us so many things and bestow so much wisdom upon us. She always looked at Veer and me with a glint in her eyes. I always wondered what that meant.

I was a lot in my thoughts when Viraj Uncle pulled me into a hug. "You have turned out to be a remarkable young woman!" I pulled away and smiled at him. He patted my cheek. "I'm so proud of you! I heard you're doing really great with all the flying."

I smiled shyly and shrugged. He laughed and shook his head. Just then Tanya bounded towards me giving me a huge hug. She rocked us back and forth. I burst out laughing. "I missed you so much!!!! Can we go shopping later???" I laughed hugging her close and nodded my head. "Sure, Tanny! Anything for you!"

She pulled away and glared at me. "I'm kind of mad at you Di! You didn't even text or call me once!" I gave her an apologetic smile and hugged her once again. "I'm sorry! I had a lot of things to do. I promise to make it up to you!"

She sighed against my ear and nodded her head. "I will think about the apology if you're willing to spend a whole lot!" Her mother glared at her but I mouthed that it's okay. "Sure anything for you!"

Pulling away she gave me a satisfied look and nodded her head. Everyone greeted each other. The only person missing here was Veer. Just then I turned and found what I had been looking for or was I really looking for it?

My heartbeat accelerated. Veer Gupta walked in wearing a leather jacket with his jeans and a pair of aviators sunglass on his face. He walked towards his mother and sister. He handed the two cups that he was carrying in his hands to them.

It has been two years since I saw him. He looked good really good. I was staring at him. Fuck! Even after all these years he still makes me feel those things. Whatever! I don't give a fuck! He ruined it and I am not going to budge. I gave him a blank look and sat next to Mom. Asshole greeted everyone but refused to even acknowledge my presence

I unlocked my phone and scrolled through it to keep myself busy. Only if I were actually that interested in my phone. I felt someone's eyes burning into me. I drew my attention away from my phone and my eyes connect with a pair of similar black ones. The eyes I have trying to avoid. Fuck! This was indeed going to be one long trip. I want my soul and sanity intact at the end of this trip.

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A/N: I missed you guys! I'm hoping you missed me as well. I'm so sorry for not updating the story for the past few days. I wasn't really feeling well and then I kind of had to battle some issues. Nothing serious though.

Anyway! Damn, I can feel the tension between Meera and Veer!!! I'm excited to write the further chapters!!!

Also, I love writing about when Meera and Veer were kids! They're adorable!

Although I do have one question! Why is Veer being so mean?

Hope you liked this chapter! If you did please do vote and comment! I would love to know what you guys think!!

I would like to thank RoshniPawar8 for making these amazing aesthetics. They're so cute!!!