Note : 4000 words. Thank you for always supporting this story ❤️

Day 65, London 11:55 pm

Mishti was sprawled in her bed, watching a random movie on her laptop when her bedroom door creaked open, almost giving it a whole ghostly vibe. The fact that it was also nearly midnight, added to the haunted effect, but that hardly lasted a second for as soon as Mishti sat up, she saw little Simi was crawling towards her bed. Mishti jumped off the bed and picked the baby up, rubbing her nose with her.

"Your parents are stupid, you know that?", she cooed to the baby who laughed out loud, even when she understood nothing.

"Yeah? They think I don't know they are upto something", Mishti grinned, still talking to Simi, who like always immediately grasped her pendant and began playing with it, "Let's go find out what are they upto by leaving you here, okay?".

Mishti walked out of the room, carrying Simi but realized that the house was pitch dark. She frowned as she reached the stairs, walking down extra carefully. Simi was beginning to panic, given the darkness, so Mishti was trying to talk and keep the baby engaged, but as soon as she reached the drawing room, the room lit up and familiar faces screamed together, startling both Mishti and Simi.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISHTI"

Mishti grinned as Jo jumped upon her, hugging the life out of Mishti, squeezing baby Simi in the process who broke into loud cries, making everybody laugh. While Jo took her from Mishti, trying to calm her down, Mishti was engulfed in hugs after hugs as she realized that apart from Abhay and Nishant, two of her friends from work had also made it. So did the old granny who lived across them and another of their neighbors she usually baby sat for. Everyone had birthday caps on, and Nishant forced her to wear one too. The entire drawing room was over flowing with balloons and confetti, apart from a huge banner that read "Happy Birthday Mishti".

The balloons as always brought back memories and Mishti's first instinct was to check her phone - Abir wouldn't forget her birthday would he? But with that, she also realized she had forgotten her phone upstairs and even though she was itching to go get it asap, Nishant dragged her towards the table where they had set the huge cake, oblivious to her turmoil.

One look at the cake and Mishti found herself grinning, all her longing for Abir's wish vanished. Of course he remembered - there was no one in the world who except him who could think of a princess cake where the princess wore specs, and causal frocks instead of gowns, sitting on the roof of a bus. There was also a small miniature bowl of khichdi made on the cake - the sight of which made her chuckle.

She looked up at Nishant, mouthing an "Abir?" and Nishant nodded, his heart warming at the happy twinkle in Mishti's eyes. Maybe he was actually judging Abir a bit too much - Abir really knew what made Mishti happy because truth be told, he had found this idea for the cake absurd.

But Mishti was absolutely delighted, she happily cut the cake as everyone clapped and sang for her, and fed Simi first who was now getting drowsy. Nishant waited for Mishti to turn and when she did, he rubbed the cream all over her face only to be whacked nicely later. Everyone watched, holding their stomachs laughing loud as the duo ran around the living room, trying to smudge each other with more cake.

After a while, both Nishant and Mishti sat down on the couch and burst out laughing before moving to wash their faces. While coming back down, Mishti was quick to pick up her phone even though she didn't get a chance to check because the audience downstairs was cheering for the birthday girl.

Jo had already put Simi to bed by the time Mishti came down, but what Mishti hadn't expected was a huge white screen set up in the corner that was projecting the video call from the laptop.

Bade Papa, Badi Maa, Varsha and Shourya, Kuhu and even Jasmeet were smiling at her on the screen, along with Kartik-Naira, Naksh-Keerti, Badi Dadi and Naitik. Mishti was touched because she knew it was early morning in India, given India was four and a half hours ahead of London.

Another round of birthday greetings followed, Mishti only managed to smile politely at Kuhu, Jasmeet and elder Singhaniya while she was beaming at Bade Papa and Badi Maa but they were there trying to make amends, that thought definitely meant something to her.

It was when Badi Maa was obsessing over how much weight she had lost that Mishti noticed the IV cannula attached on her hand and went into a total frenzy, panicking. It took Bade Papa a while to calm her down, but he patiently did, telling her how it was a mild BP fluctuations.

"Umar go gyi hai aapki Badi Maa ki, ye sab toh chalta rahega", he teased his wife, finally making Mishti smile, while Badi Maa flushed immediately with her signature "Jee, aap bhi".

"But you should have told me Bade Papa, it wasn't fair", Mishti complained, pouting.

"Apne peeche ek bodyguard chodd gyi h aap yha, bhul gyi? Nothing is happening to us with him right here. And we didn't mean to hide anything, but we knew you would panic unnecessarily, after all hai toh aap apni badi maa ki gudiya rani", Bade Papa laughed, comforting Mishti who was now chuckling with tears in her eyes.

The conversation went on for another hour or so with a lot of gifts that had been sent across for Mishti, with all other guests leaving or retiring, except Nishant who was teasing Mishti siding with the family. Abhay and Jo were missing too but Mishti thought they were with Simi.

After Mishti was done gushing for all the home made pickle Badi Maa sent and the new laptop Bade Papa gifted her, along side some more gifts from Kartik and Naira, they finally cut the call around 3:30 in the night. Mishti was exhausted and so was Nishant, they decided to retire for the night too after Nishant earned another whack for gifting Mishti a China tea pot set as a birthday gift.

Climbing up the stairs, Mishti was impatient to check her phone and as expected, there was a strings of messages from Abir waiting for her. But what she hadn't expected was the view that welcomed her when she pushed open her bedroom door.

Her room had a bunch of read heart ballons tied to every pillar of her bed and they read "Happy", "Birthday", "Angry" and "Chorni" respectively.

There was also a huge bouquet of fresh flowers waiting for her on her bed that she immediately picked up and sniffed, her heart melting at how soft the petals were against her skin. There was a gift card attached to it, she noticed a moment later and excitedly opened it. It was his hand writing, she realized as she grinned ear to ear - someone had scanned and printed it and pasted it on the gift card.

"Lagti hai nadaan si, per jeene ka tareeka janti hai,
Ye ladki gehre dard me bhi hasne ka saleeka janti hai.

Happy Birthday Angry Chorni".

Mishti couldn't stop smiling, Abir's words for her always meant the world to her, especially times like these when he would read her better and easier than she ever read herself. And more than that she had missed his shayris so much all these months. She had hoped and longed for him to write her one again but he hadn't, the only exception being the one he wrote her in that crooked origami bird he had made for her.

She immediately dialled his number, and he picked up before the first ring even finished. It brought her the realization that he had indeed been waiting for her.

"Mishti!", Abir smiled as they finally saw each other, "Mai kab se tumhare call ka wait kar rha tha".

"Tumhe Sharam nhi aati? Birthday k din koi khud call karta hai?", Mishti raised a brow at him, smirking.

"Are but mai kaise call karta? Mai call karta toh tumhe dikkat hoti na, there was a party planned and your family was waiting", Abir broke into explanations immediately but was cut off by Mishti.

"Come on Abir, tum mere liye dikkat nhi ho, tum -", she stopped short as the realization dawned on both of them, their eyes met and they ended up chuckling.

Somehow they had ended up recreating one of their moments, but the roles had been reversed.

"I loved the flowers, and the Shayri", Mishti spoke, looking at Abir and then slowly added, "and the cake too".

She watched his eyes widen, he hadn't expected her to know probably but soon that surprise was replaced by love - she could see it in his eyes. Of course she would know his ideas.

"There is more", he spoke again, this time surprising Mishti who was immediately excited as she looked at him and then looked around, finally seeing the huge box kept on her table. She frowned at Abir but walked towards it nonetheless, opening the ribbon such that the cover fell open in its own, making her gasp.

"Abir", she exclaimed, unable to believe what she was seeing, tears filling her eyes.

It was a freaking doll house.

Similar to the one she had, but more better, more beautiful and most importantly more strong.

There was another gift card placed inside that she picked, but as she opened it to read, she heard his voice reciting what was written - raw emotions reflecting in his voice and writing.

"Ek naya ghar banaunga, Jis ghar ki har baat hogi kaamalo wali,

Is me rahegi ek ladki, teen sawalo wali.

Ek chota sa lawn banaunga, pyare se phool khilaunga,

Barish me bhi, ghar me dhoop le aaunga,

Aur us dhoop me chamkegi, uske kaan ki Bali,

Is me rahegi ek ladki, teen sawalo wali.

Chhat pe Chand tangega, taare aangan me aayenge,

Sach honge sare sapne, jo bhi man me aayenge,

Phir wo hasi hasegi, whi gulalo wali,
Is me rahegi ek ladki, teen sawalo wali"

Mishti couldn't help the tears that rolled down her eyes, she actually had goosebumps. But when she looked at him in the eye, she realized he was no less, he had tears rolling down too.

"Abir!"

"Mishti"

That's all they could say for a long time, no words could explain what Mishti felt anyway. She was definitely overwhelmed with his shayri, but the doll house he had made her had undone a lot of emotions inside her. He had found access to her deepest insecurities and tried to mend something that wasn't even completely broken.

"How did you know about the doll house?", Mishti asked after a while, composing herself.

"Kuhu told me. She was apologizing and -", Mishti watched Abir's face tighten as he mentioned Kuhu, and even though he had turned his face she could see he was still very angry at Kuhu. She was about to say something when Abir turned to her again, their eyes met, and he shook his head, making Mishti smile.

"I sent one more gift - the most important one. You were complaining I don't share things with you, so this is my deepest feelings, lying bare", he smiled changing the topic, "It's in your cupboard".

That had Mishti intrigued. What could be more important than everything he had already done?

"On that note, how did you manage to do all these things? Who did this for you? Abhay?", Mishti asked, walking towards the cupboard but Abir laughed, his eyes merry. Mishti pushed to look at him - his laugh was still her favorite sound.

"Jo did", Mishti's jaw hung open at Abir's answer.

"JO? JOSEPHINE SAMUELS?", Mishti asked flabbergasted, making Abir laugh more.

"The very", he answered, still smiling.

"But I thought she doesn't like you", Mishti murmured, opening the cupboard, missing the drop in his smile.

"She doesn't, but she would do anything if that makes you happy. I convinced her this will make you happy", Abir recovered quickly, regaining his smile, and Mishti found a A4 sized present and jumped in excitement.

"You made me another painting?", she quickly grabbed it and settled on the bed, setting the phone on the bed with the pop up.

Abir began narrating another of his shayris as she opened the packing only to be gobsmacked with surprise.

"Jo kahte hue katrate hai, phool sare khil ke bhi,

Jo baat nhi kah paate hai, alfaaz sare mil ke bhi,

Wo bolti tasveer hai.

Wo baat jo abhi puri tarah jaani nhi,

Saamne aayi magar Maine pehchani nahi,

Wo bolti tasveer hai"

The painting was depicting a beautiful night view, dark blue sky sprawled all over with very few stars in the sky - so finite you could count them on fingers. There was a lake, and a wooden log. Sat there a silhouette, nothing could be made out from its features except how its eyes were fixed at that corner of the sky which had the bright moon, illuminating a little part of the silhouette. Everything was dark except one side of the silhouette on which moon was shining.

Mishti looked at the painting and then looked at Abir.

"Happy Birthday Chand", Abir croaked out, grinning. Mishti looked at the painting in awe before she finally looked at him and held his gaze.

"Iss Chand ka Aasman toh tum ho Abir - isme bhi, aur Sach me bhi", she smiled, watching how he got emotional at her answer. Neither of them could speak anymore, they sat in silence looking at each other for quite a few moments, until Mishti heard noises and realized Atul, Ketki and Kunal had jumped onto the bed and snatched the phone from Abir.

Another round of excited birthday wishes followed - Mishti was a little surprised to see Nidhi Mami and Kaushal Mama join Nanu and Parul Maasi to wish her. Eventually they cut the call and Mishti finally went to bed, but somehow so much more at peace then ever.

The evening came sooner than expected. They were all supposed to go out for dinner. Mishti was curling her hairs slightly when Nishant knocked.

"Mishti", he called her and Mishti immediately turned, sensing the seriousness. Nishant never called her Mishti.

"Someone is downstairs to see you, it was Abir's idea but I want to make sure you are comfortable and you want to meet. I did try to deny Abir but he said it would be better to ask your choice and -", he was rambling and Mishti somehow knew what this is about.

"Mom is here?", she asked straightaway, and saw Nishant's surprise sink in, before he absent mindedly nodded.

"Send her upstairs", she said and went back to curling her hair, "and please get ready on time".

"Mishti?", Nishant was still skeptical.

"I am fine Nannu, and I know you are going to be loitering outside anyway. Let her come up. Maybe it's time I have this closure too", Mishti stated and Nishant nodded, walking out.

A few minutes later, another knock followed and Mishti turned to face the woman who brought her to life.

Karishma entered with hesitant steps, trying hard to have a grip on her emotions. Her little daughter had grown up into a woman, and though she had seen her pictures over the years, seeing her in person was different. The pictures did no justice to how much Mishti had changed and Karishma only felt more proud of her daughter as she looked at her.

Mishti's heart was thudding so bad inside her chest but her feet felt frozen. The woman, her mother seemed so different. There were fine aging lines around her eyes. She was wearing a beige kurti and trousers - fashion game always on point - but her face had softened, Mishti realized as Karishma took slow steps towards her.

"Happy birthday beta", Karishma whispered, hesitant to hug her without her permission, so she just extended her hands to hold Mishti's, "I have been a disaster for a mother but you have always been my best daughter. Happy birthday!", Karishma's voice quivered as she dropped a kiss on Mishti's forehead.

On cue, tears rolled down Mishti's eyes and the next thing she knew she was sobbing out loud in her mother's arms. Karishma was sobbing equally bad, knowing pretty well these were tears of complaints, not acceptance or forgiveness.

When Abir had contacted her a month ago, he had been clear to her. He did not want her to force Mishti into forgiving her, he just wanted Mishti to have on outlet to let go of the grudges she held against her mother. And Karishma had decided to do exactly that after Abir had convinced Abhay to speak to her too.

Karishma held Mishti through her breakdown and wiped her eyes with her handkerchief after a while, before cupping her cheeks. Mishti looked away, clearly grumpy. It brought back memories of little Mishti back.

"I know I have messed up a lot, but I want to repent Mishti. I want to try and be there for you now on. I would move back with you if you let me, to India or to London if you are settling here. Maybe brick by brick I would be able to make this bridge I burnt. Would you like that? Would you let me?", Karishma pleaded, and Mishti looked up, taken aback. This wasn't what she was expecting.

To be honest, she did not know if she could let go of her complaints, or if she could ever see her mother in the same light. But another truth was that she had missed her mother a lot more than she told. And if one thing therapy had taught her, it was the art of healing a wound that could heal and cutting out the one which won't heal. This, she knew, might heal.

So she nodded at her mother, giving her the chance she was seeking. Karishma was equally delighted.

Later, she sent a "thank you" to Abir. She did not add anything, didn't explain. She did not tell him that this role reversal of their lives was overwhelming her.

But She knew he knew anyway.

Day 88, London, 4:00 pm.

Mishti walked inside the house with spring on her heels, Nishant who was behind her laughed at her child like excitement. Soon they had both settled on the couch, feeling lazy.

"Mishti are you sure about this?", he asked after some time, and Mishti glanced up.

"Absolutely sure. My work here is done. The inauguration today was such a success", she beamed, happiness filling her eyes, "and what I did today, I want to do in India. Settling abroad was never my plan. Of course I love you guys, but my dream was always to do something for my country - to raise its standards globally. The CEO is opening five new branches all over India, and I am going to work for all of them. I can't stop dancing in my mind", Mishti exclaimed, making Nishant laugh.

He was definitely going to miss this goofball.

"And also, I really want to go back to Abir too Nannu, he gave wind to my wings, I flew high and I would keep flying but once in a while, we miss our nests. I miss him. And I want to be live a lifetime with him", Mishti added, smiling brighter.

"So you forgave him?", Nishant asked as she got up, wanting to go upstairs. She paused and looked at him.

"We have a whole life to figure out forgiveness and trust and repentance. But what matters more is, we share that life together", she answered and walked to her room, leaving a satisfied Nishant behind.

The Mishti who had come to London 6 months ago, and the Mishti who had just walked up were two different persons and he was so proud of her for walking through this journey. He just hoped it was worth it.

Day 89, London 8:56 pm.

Mishti was packing her bags, and talking to Abir simultaneously. She hadn't told anyone about her return plans, this was going to be a huge surprise for all of them.

Mishti was actually surprised to see Abir's call. He didn't call her on his own a lot, especially only to "hear her voice". Mishti knew something was wrong, she could feel the emotions in his voice.

"Abir, I have been ranting for the last half an hour. You are only humming to my rants. What is wrong? You are scaring me now, big time!", she spoke, sitting down and hated the fact for nth time that he wouldn't let her video call him.

"Can I ask you a question?", Abir asked, his voice breaking.

"Ofcourse, but what happened?", Mishti panicked.

"Aren't you scared Mishti? Aren't you scared I might just break your trust again, your heart again? That I might just hurt you again? Ki mai tumse itne bade bade waadein karta toh tu per shyd mai haar jau? Unhe poora na kar Pau? Tumhe aisa nhi lgta kabhi ki tumhe mujse door chale jana chahiye?", Abir asked in one breath and Mishti could feel her heart breaking, not because he asked those questions to her but because she knew that he must be asking these questions to himself every day before finally asking her.

"You know the entire point of this separation was realizing we don't hurt just each other, we hurt ourselves equally by hurting each other", Mishti smiled, "Tum haar jaoge - that does not scare me. Pata h Abir tum kab har jaoge? Agar meri aankhon mein aansu aaye, toh tum haar jaoge. Agar main pareshan hui, toh tum haar jaoge", she spoke with a confidence she did not know she could muster, " per agar main tumse dur chali gayi, toh hum haar jayenge ... aur main humein haarne nahi dungi."

There was a huge stretch of silence post her words, and then she heard him murmur.

"Dekha partner, woh humein haarne nahi degi".

Mishti smiled amidst her tears. She could feel he was sobbing too, but she did not speak anything more.

Just few more hours Abir, few more hours.

Day 90, India, Rajkot Airport, 5:40 am.

Finally Mishti was home.

Note : It's really a great motivation when you leave something about the chapter in comments, makes me feel like yes you guys want to read more, or you are liking what happened. Even if you don't like it let me know, but please try and drop a small review at the end. Thank you 🥺