Before you kill me, a heartfelt sorry for being dead for so long.

And no, I'm not dead (literally).

____________________________________

I spoke to Arjun's mother a day before leaving for Paris. I met her especially because I really wanted her to have Arjun back in her life. I understood why their family fell apart and I'm not blaming any single person for it.

It was a short meeting but we had plenty to talk about. She was happy that Disha was out of our lives but what she couldn't control her excitement about was Ahaana and Aryan. She knew about her grandchildren for last many days but she really didn't want to show up in our lives like an uninvited guest.

I promised her a meeting with them the next time she flew to Paris and she promised to stay for a few days which I honestly would love.

But the main motive of this meeting with her was Arjun.

A day ago...

"He misses all of you auntie. He really loves you and uncle. He deserves to be forgiven," I said.

"I have forgiven him Amaya," she sipped her wine.

"Oh,"

"But I haven't forgiven myself," she added.

"For?"

"For making your life hell," she was drowned in her own pool of remorse.

Okay.

"But I'm fine now," I declared.

She looked up and tried to read my eyes. She smiled bitterly and said, "I snatched the best days of your life,"

I chuckled and replied, "Trust me, I wasn't living a better life before marrying your son," 

She couldn't understand what my words meant as I saw her trying to comprehend my sentence. I felt it should be that way. My slightly cracked parents' behaviour shouldn't be publicised.

Wow. I actually hate them to my guts but still don't want others to know about it.

Well, hate for anyone in this world should always be kept to yourself.

"And my son made it worse," that slight sarcastic smile on my face simply faded away.

I took a sip of my coffee and plastered a nice smile on my face as soon as the brim of the cup parted from my lips. 

"I shouldn't have forced you to marry Arjun. I'm-"

"You don't need to be sorry," I cut her sentence in the middle.

She was taken aback.

"I knew you were going to say I'm sorry Amaya. I didn't know anything like this would ever happen and stuff. Relax auntie. It is nobody's fault,"

She didn't say anything after that.
After about two minutes of silence, I realised it was time for my flight and I had to take a leave.

"I must take a leave now. Visit us very soon," I stood up and she followed.

"Won't you stay?" She asked.

I exhaled and smiled nervously.
"Not really. I've missed a lot back home. I have to go,"

She nodded and silenty walked me to the parking lot.

I was about to sit inside the car when she hugged me and whispered sorry into my ears and trust me, I really felt sorry for this woman whom I personally never blamed for anything that happened in my life.

Such a kind soul.

***

And here I am in Paris, sitting in my office and catching up with all that I had missed.

I have planned a special dinner with my babies and my friends tonight. I have missed them so so so much. It's unexplainable.

My time in India was really exhausting. I missed the warmth of my home, the laughter of my children, the madness that we all do together, the fun moments I have with all my friends and every single thing that I realise I had truly missed while being away from home.

It's strange that I never missed my parents' home the way I missed Paris. Okay, I understand and accept that Paris is like the most happening place on this planet but a home is always home.

***

"Gosh Amy, this is literally heaven," Kabir savoured a bite of lasagna and passed the compliment.

"Thank you Bro," I smiled.

"Seriously girl, this is amazing," Sarah said.

"My sister knows how to cook. I saw her struggling through the thing though," Aahil teased.

"Shut up Aahil. I had a great deal of difficulty learning this entire recipe and I failed like thrice or something but I finally got it...I hope so. And I know how to cook,"

"That's what I said," he laughed and everybody joined.

"This really is awesome. Teach me please," Zara said.

Sarah sipped her wine and looked at Meera who was absolutely silent this whole time.

"Ahaana baby, why aren't you eating?" I asked while I poured some wine into Kabir's glass.

"She is angry," Aryan said while his mouth was already full.

"Why? And Aryan, chew your food first and then speak baby," I said firmly and then looked at Ahaana who wasn't even touching the food.

"Sorry mumma," Aryan muttered and continued eating.

"What is it Ana?" I gently asked.

She didn't reply and started eating without any expressions on her face. Her nose was getting red though and I knew it meant danger.

I took a deep breath and started guessing the reason of her anger.

"Who wants ice cream after dinner?" Aryan and Karan's face lightened after hearing it's mention but Ahaana didn't show any expression.

"Talk to her when you'll put them in bed," Aahil whispered and I nodded.

We all ate in silence after that. I was going mad from inside because I just wanted to know why Ahaana was behaving like a brat.

After all of us finished, everyone went to the living room while Kabir served ice cream to Karan, Aryan and Ahaana. The two of them were having a nice time having it while Ahaana was sitting quietly and took only a spoon from it, keeping aside the rest of it.

This was making me worried because Ahaana can be moody but she never ever stops eating. 

I helped Pyaali clean the table and as I walked into the kitchen with the dishes Pyaali told me that Ahaana threw a shit load of tantrum while having her lunch and after that she straight away went to her room, hugged her life sized teddy bear and slept.

This really set my mood off. I was so happy this morning that I would get to spend some really good time with my babies but Ahaana wasn't being herself.

At nine thirty sharp, I asked Karan, Ahaana and Aryan to go to bed. Zara took Karan to the bedroom where they'll be sleeping for the night and I accompanied the children to their bedroom and tucked them in bed. Actually, all five of them were going to stay at my place for the night so Karan was also going to sleep here itself.

After kissing Aryan to sleep, I walked upto Ahaana's bed and laid next to her.

"What's wrong love?" I asked gently caressing her forehead.

"Nothing," she replied.

"Then why did Aryan say that you were angry?"

"Because he thought so,"

"Then is it true?" I asked.

"No," she denied.

"Okay. Then why didn't eat tonight?" I asked.

"I didn't feel like eating,"

"Oh my god. How did your tummy manage to remain full after skipping your lunch too. Tell me that little secret of yours," I playfully asked.

"Aryan told you that I didn't have lunch?"

"No. But someone told me and baby, that really didn't go well with me. It's bad to put your anger out on food," I firmly said.

"I won't do that again," she said and hugged me.

Awww...

"Ana...what's the matter baby?" I swept my fingers through her soft brownish black hair.

"Can dadda never live with us?" My eyes went wide and it took me around ten seconds to digest the question.

"He can live with us," I recovered and said.

"Then why doesn't he live with us?"

Arjun, your turn to answer.

Just kidding.

"Because your father lives in India and we live in Paris. Neither of us can afford to leave what we have at our respective homes,"

"What can he not leave?" She innocently asked.

"His family, friends, business, house...There are tons of things that he has back home. It's hard to leave everything behind,"

She kept quiet for sometime and snuggled into my chest. After a while, she looked up and asked, "Mumma, have you always lived in Paris?"

"No," I replied casually.

"Where did you live before?"

"India. I lived in Delhi. You visited that place, met your father...that used to be my home," I smiled and said.

"Did you have your family, friends and work there?" She asked. 

"Yeah but you know I was still a college student when I left India with you two angels in my tummy," I smiled and kissed her forehead.

She nodded and said, "Oh,"

"Did your friends and family come with you?" She innocently asked.

"Yeah. Kabir and Zara. Meera was already waiting for us here and I met Sarah and Aahil here, in Paris.  So yeah, my friends were always with me,"

"And dadda. Your mom and dad. Your brothers and sisters. Your other friends?" She asked.

I gulped and started thinking for an explanation.

"If you can leave your home then dadda should also come to live with us just like you did. He should also leave India,"

"Not everyone in this world have to walk with us till the end," I said.

"What's the end?" She threw another question at me leaving me baffled. 

Fuck what's the end?
Death.

"End is the new beginning," I hugged her tightly and before she could throw another crazy question at me and take me down those deep conversations, I kissed her on her cheeks and whispered Good night.

"Mumma," she held my arm and called for me.

"Yes darling,"

"Can I talk to dadda tomorrow?" She asked.

I smiled genuinely.

"Of course baby,"

She had a wide smile on her face and then she turned around, hugged her teddy and closed her eyes.

I couldn't stop myself from admiring my baby.

I walked up to Aryan's bed and saw him in a deep slumber already. I caressed his hair and kissed him on his cheek. 

"I will also talk to dadda tomorrow," he suddenly opened his eyes and said.

Woah!

"You were awake all this time?"

"Yeah. Couldn't sleep because of all that talking and lights,"

"Sorry for that," I softly chuckled and kissed him again.

"Good night mumma," he whispered. 

"Good night love," I whispered back and turned the side lights off.
While shutting the door, I had one last glance at those two little bundle of joy and couldn't help but wonder how they were just growing too fast.

They had started understanding things and questioning the situations. I remember, I could also understand things but never had the guts to talk to anyone about it.

My mother was a crazy woman. She was abusive as fuck. I'm glad she is no more a part of my life.

I have forgiven her though.
I cannot hold on to it forever.

Everything is sorted and I'm happy about it.

Okay, not everything - Arjun and children...I understand but the bad things are over.

I walked down the stairs and walked into the living room.

"Hey guys," I said grabbing their attention.

I took a seat on the single seater couch and rested my feet on the leg rest.

"Why was she angry?" Aahil asked.

"She was upset. Aryan misinterpreted her mood,"

"Why such sudden mood?" Kabir asked.

"She wanted her father to move in with us. Glad she didn't ask me to take us all to India. She was sort of questioning why I left my home and why can't dad leave his home to come and settle down with us. It's sort of complicated. I don't know how these weird and deep questions are coming into her head," I said it in a go.

"Really? So somewhere she understands that you shouldn't leave this home and it should be her dad who should leave everything behind and come to them," Sarah said.

"Yeah...but I think none of us should leave our homes for anyone. Arjun needs to literally rebuild his life. He has lost so much. All these years, I built my life from scratch whereas his life kept on falling apart. I don't want to sound cruel or something but...it served him right,"

"Amaya...," Zara called my name in disappointment.

"What? She isn't being mean or anything okay? He made her life hell," Kabir explained to Zara.

"But he fought for me," she mumbled. 

"He is a good human. The only person he hated was me. I wish we had never met," I laughed bitterly after saying this.

Everyone tunred quiet.

Shit, I don't want to ruin this night. 
"We are not talking about Arjun tonight guys. Please," I requested. 

"Okay, update me about every single thing that happened while I wasn't here," I cheerfully said.

"Nothing much. Mom loved Sarah when she met her this weekend and she wants us to get married very soon," he looked at Sarah and gosh, Sarah was red.

"You didn't tell me a word about this," Kabir showed his fake anger.

"I wanted to share this news with my baby sister first,"

"Aahil? Baby sister?" I laughed while I said this.

"Yeah! Baby sister. Guys she's younger than me,"

"Whatever," I chucked it off while everybody laughed.

"She's my kid sister too," Kabir said laughing. 

"What?" I looked at all of them and I started laughing too.

Wow...so many brothers...I feel blessed.

In the mean time, I noticed, finally, that Meera was zip shut.

"Okay what's the deal with you Meera?" I asked.

"Meera has a news to share," Sarah said while snuggling close to Aahil.
"What news?" I asked.

"It's really interesting and spicy," Kabir said and this time, Meera turned red.

"Wow! Am I the last one to know about this?" I asked.

"Probably," Sarah said.

"What's it?" I questioned looking at Meera. Everyone tried to control their giggles and I knew something really good was going to come up.

"May I do the honours?" Aahil asked.

"Shut up Aahil," Meera finally spoke.

"Meera cut the suspense," I was getting impatient looking at everyone's faces.

"Meera met someone two months ago," Zara said teasingly. 

"Great. Then?" I asked still not getting the hint of where this was going. 

"She and Tahir-"

"Wait, I'll tell her," Meera stopped Zara from saying anything further.
"Who's Tahir?" I questioned.

"A guy I met in class 9th. We were great friends but then we went out separate ways-"

"Hold on...Tahir...is he the same tall and hot boy from our coaching class?" I asked.

"God, you remember him?"

"Of course I do. We had a crush on him and I gave you a dare to give him a sweet long letter which you did and you guys became friends and later he became my friend too and we three used to hang out secretly and one day I got caught by my mother and the rest is history...I fucking remember that guy. I missed talking to him so much. Are you seriously talking about the same Tahir?" I got over excited and trust me, he was one heck of a creature. 

"Yeah," she nodded not able to control her happiness.

Everybody's mouth hung open.

"You know this guy Amy?"

"Yes. I used to know him. Something's cooking between you two right?" I asked Meera. 

She simply nodded controlling her excitement.

"How did you guys reconnect? I want every single detail," I told her and then I faced everyone else.

"Guys you all don't know a thing. I literally saw them stealing glances in the coaching class and from then on, my new passion was match making. I had decided I was going to get these two into a relationship. I had a crush on him too but it died very soon when I got a crush on someone else. Someone was always stirring between the two and I knew it. Oh my god, I still can't believe this," I couldn't stop rambling.

"And here we thought we knew everything. So you had first set them up?" Aahil asked.

"Yes. Ask her," I turned to Meera. 

"She is a bitch. She knew he was the one,"

"So how did everything happen?" I asked.

"We met on instagram again. We started chatting. And then remember I had gone to Vegas for three days?" She asked and I nodded. "I was with him. We had loads of fun and-"

"You guys kissed," I completed.

"No...We didn't kiss then but we kissed each other for the very first time at the airport when our trip ended and he was leaving for New Jersey. I couldn't get over him. It wasn't any usual casual thing. It was so real,"

I was honestly jumping after hearing everything.

"She didn't tell us the details," Sarah whined.

"I wanted to share it with everyone when we all would get together," Meera explained.

"I'm so happy for you," I squeezed Meera in a tight hug.

"The best part is yet to come," Kabir said.

And with that Meera showed her diamond ring that was resting in her finger and we squealed in excitement.

"He proposed to you!" I exclaimed taking her hand in my hand and grazing the ring with my fingers, remembering my days.

Fuck it.

I'm so happy for her...

"Yeah and we are getting married this June," when I heard this wedding  announcement, I couldn't help but call for a group hug.

"There are going to be two weddings and we have to take care of everything," Zara said.

"Yes and it's going to be one heck of a thing," Aahil said and all of us hugged each other.

We spent the entire night chatting, planning the two weddings, talking about everything that we were going to do in the coming days and in all these conversations, I had a strange feeling in my gut. I never got to experience anything like this. No excitement, no happiness...nothing for my wedding. Mine was done so quickly. Nobody was there with me. No friends. Nobody was even happy.

But I'm glad that I'm going to experience these two weddings of the people who are so close to my heart. I'm so happy that everyone is happy around us. I'm so happy that I have a family that's  constantly growing. I'm so happy that I have become everything I had every wished to become.

Everything's perfect...

Well not really.

Ahaana and Aryan want Arjun in their life.
How will this be possible when none of us are ready to leave what we have built behind?

***

A few days later when I was busy selecting fabric for the next line of clothes, I got a voice message in my phone.

And guess what, it was from Arjun.

Well, to update you all, Arjun was quite in touch with Ahaana and Aryan in past few days and they Facetimed a lot. I had no problem with it. Ahaana was happier than usual and Aryan couldn't stop talking about how cool his dad was. It made me jealous.
I am a cool mom too.

I think so...

Whatever.

I decided to listen to the voice message he had sent. I wasn't taking his calls at all. It wasn't because I was jealous or angry or something, it was just because I wanted zero Arjun drama in my life.

"Hey Amaya. You weren't taking my calls so I decided to send this voice message. It would be very kind of you if you could call me back, please. I'm coming to Paris and I didn't want to surprise you like an unwanted guest. I hope you don't have a problem with it. Take care. Bye."

____________________________________

Hey everyone!

How was the update?

It was a long and much needed chapter. I hope you liked it.

Please do like and comment as it encourages me to write more.
I'm really trying to write more and more.

Recently I fell ill and had to be hospitalised so I couldn't keep up with writing.

Comment down below if you liked the chapter.