A glance by the passenger seat, Mia still withheld enthusiasm and energy even after the day at school. Sharmishtha warned softly, "You'll fall Mia."

Mia craned her head behind to see her aunt, "I won't fall, principal mam." Giggles filled up the silence that prevailed in the car. She returned back to sight seeing.

People around Sharmishtha maintained a polished distance away from her; few in due respect but many in fear. Only Mia took the liable exception to outstand all of them.

Unlike children of her age, Mia seemed too brave and daring. The little one's characteristics had a very striking resemblance of Swara and some of Aditya.

"Stop!" Mia's screech pulled Sharmishtha out of her trance, "MeeMee, stop the car." She threw a glance at her and back to the window.

Sharmishtha frowned, "Let me--" She steered the wheel to halt the car, "What is it?" Hardly, her little one turns hyper and adamant.

"MeeMee--" Mia began with a hand on the window, "Take this down. I want to see Miss." She urged in a whinny tone as she stared through the window.

"Miss? Who?" Instead of an answer, all that Sharmishtha received from Mia was a pout. Ah! She knew the upcoming action which follows- Mia's famous tantrum.

In an instinctive manner, she lowered the window pane in a defeated sigh. Mia's face glowed brighter at the gained victory, "Miss! Miss! Look at me."

When Mia succeeded in gaining the attention of a certain 'Miss' she wanted to, Mia hopped on the seat she stood upon. Oh yes! With shoes removed.

"Mia?" That call--- definitely it seemed familiar yet Sharmishtha had no recollection of the face, "Yes Miss." The excited kid popped out her head and waved at the recognised lady.

Back in the car, the elder woman's hand reached out in reflex to catch Mia, "Sit back properly, little one." A young feminine voice instructed as her hand seized Mia's shoulder.

Sharmishtha's eyebrows relaxed a little when she got a clear view of the 'Miss' who cajoled the kid. Ah! It's her-- the woman her son vowed to forsake everything.

"Pavi Miss you are not going home?" Mia questioned, her head tilted a little. Her favourite teacher followed perfect timings; be it reaching or leaving. So it made her wonder how she was still there.

I'll be going soon." Pavithra smoothened Mia's locks as she provided an answer. Time had passed but the bus she waited for didn't arrive.

Only then, she noticed the strong gaze from the driving seat. Mrs. Gagodia - her employer or rather her beloved's mother had been there. Seated and gauged every action of hers.

A short nod and small smile- Pavithra could only greet her despite the rigidity that seeped in. She had been ignorant with all the attention Mia attracted to her. Good lord!

"MeeMee, can we drop my Miss?" Mia displayed the soft hopeful eyes to her aunt. The kind she often used to melt people around. She didn't want to leave her favourite miss alone.

Sharmistha's gaze wavered to the kid and back at Pavithra. Sure, the young lady had been thrown off guard by Mia's demand. A little reading of features and she could already tell.

"I reside in the other way you live, sweetie." A polite way to disagree with the truth, "So I could do very well by myself." Pavithra made a clean dismissal to her plea. The air between the family and her was still wintry.

"Get in." Sharmistha looked away, "We'll drop you off." In all the victory squeals of Mia's, Pavithra's dismissal seemed to only wither. She had no choice but to accept the only prevailing offer.

Again, the little one urged her to sit beside the older woman. Pavithra sat with Mia having a comfortable seat on her lap. Of all the thick wind that blew around, Mia played a soothing breeze with her rants.

Aditya's fond words for his darling Mia of how she could brighten places even at eerie situations made sense to her now. The little one was sure a precious sunshine to be protected at any cost.

Exhaustion pulled Mia to a soft slumber. Pavithra gave a faint rhythmic pats on her back and often kept checking. Sharmistha noticed it all, the care and admiration she held towards Mia.

"How's she in school?" A genuine question it was. Last time, Mia's mother couldn't make up for the Parents- teacher's meeting. Swara possibly collected the reports on the behalf.

"Mia is a confident and positive child. She doesn't get easily distracted and achieves what she actually wants. Of course, she's a little talkative but knows when to not do so."

She had many kids to handle; a lot of them at that. Each of them carried characteristics of their own- Some naughty, some introverts, some- a mix of both. To get them balanced was a bonus of her job.

"She's a blend of all of us," The older woman couldn't keep the tug of smile away, "But a little more of my daughter." Swara and Mia have a very striking resemblance to each other.

"That she is." She spent a very limited time with Swara yet, the similarities can be spotted easily- be it voicing against false or the zeal to work for their goal set.

Silence brought them back to the earlier phase. Just then, Sharmistha decided to speak out her views on the situation that still lingered in shadows, "You cannot be a perfect match for my son."

Pavithra's eyes darted a little. Perfect match? Indeed she wasn't. Aditya and she could never fit in if compared with the materialistic world they live in.

"A queue of ladies would rush up for my son the moment they knew about his bride search. Hadn't been for the public fiasco he brought upon." Sharmistha passed a look.

That night; what a rollercoaster it was! Her evening started with a public love confession followed by a brutal accident in a few hours.

"Again, looking for matches beyond that declaration wouldn't be an issue. But then, it's Aditya." She sighed. Her dearest son vowed to step down from the position if he was ever forced to forsake Pavithra.

At times, when her mind wavered in the fear of consequences, Aditya always remained firm in their relationship. He's been ready to make sacrifices, even if that costs his position, family to stake.

Pavithra had been left to dilemma for the love and sacrifices he kept giving while she could hardly return any of it back, except to love.

"If this has anything to do with his name or wealth, I can give it to you-- infact in double." Sharmistha directly put forth the words.

"I-- The one I fell for is Aditya. Only Aditya and not the name which follows aunty--" Pavithra paused, "Can I call you that?"

Sharmistha, a little startled, yet gave a nod for her to proceed and the car halted for the signal, "I may not be a perfect lady you desire for your son. While he--- he's just a dream man anyone wants to share a life with.

Indeed, for a man like him there ought to be a queue. But aunty, are those chosen women liked by Aditya?" The very question pushed Sharmistha to a deep ponder. Has he liked any of them? None!

Horns blared at them and only then Sharmistha looked ahead. The signal turned green and all the vehicles around had started to move.

"To the right and we can halt." At last! Pavithra's tensed muscles loosened up at the sight of her neighbouring. Once she returns home, a strong cup of chai could only aid back her lost energy.

Just two blocks away from her home, the car ceased. She settled the sleeping child on the seat only after giving a soft peak. The elder woman played witness to her actions, she knew.

Pavithra stepped out and shut the door with caution. She looked through the windshield that had been open to thank her but instead she was interrupted,

"One day, Aditya would inherit the entire business. What if in the passage of work he doesn't provide you the attention you deserve?"

Sharmistha expected her face to falter, or anything but not a smile; the subtle, kind smile she always has.

"Indeed, he may miss timings and I understand. But then Aditya knows how to handle responsibilities and relationships, what to prioritise without a setback; I trust him on this."

"Good day, aunty." On the note, Sharmistha watched the young lady walk away into the apartment.

That question was personal; a blaring question which pushed her to gain freedom (divorce) with a tragic fall of losing her own son by the end.

Yet, how easily the girl answered--- I trust him. Trust-- something she never placed on anyone; none of them and this girl hardly blinked an eye before she stated with ease.

Sharmistha remained there for a long time, still stunned and musing only to end up with one solid conclusion:

Maybe, Aditya found his right one.

~

The tree swayed by a gentle breeze made some soft pink petals of cherry blossoms to flaunt its feathers as it bid goodbye to the tree and went along the wind.

Rest of the blooms remained at its place in bunches, glowing softly at the last hour of sunshine. This tree; could anyone believe the very tree stood lonely, almost dead with branches alone a few months ago?

The long winter died and the spring had started to bring life to all. A feeble smile made way to Swara's lips as she finally pulled her gaze back from the cafeteria's window.

Books. Snacks. Friends.

Seated in a round table at the corner of the cafeteria, they had been occupied for the preparations of the boards. Atleast, her friends were for the past three hours.

To her left, Arya and Jay seemed lost in their math calculations as they munched the fries. Otherside, Sanskaar took the charge to explain to Aditi about certain terms in economics.

And she? Well! All she did was to draw random doodles on her commerce text; above the title 'Companies Act' for the past twenty minutes.

Oh good lord! Swara sighed and held the book up. Neither could she study nor could she disturb others from study. That left her with only a choice- to while time all by herself.

Swara's gaze halted at a certain person. He seemed focused; to the book and back to Aditi as he often took sips from the hot coffee mug.

Sanskaar, a precious blessing she got for herself in life. The journey back in months had been harsh to her- nightmares, insomnia and loss of appetite kept her on run.

He wasn't conditioned to be with her. Swara wouldn't have made a big deal on that shortcoming from his side. Sanskaar had so much resting on his shoulders already, she knew it.

Yet, he chose to stay.

For her.

With her.

All the calls after another nightmare were attended to dawn the reality to her. He accompanied those numerous insomniac nights in video calls, satisfied only after sleep hits her.

Such a long list it was. But what caught Swara was him. His willingness to hold on to 'them' despite her being emotional collapse. He chose to build it up with her. For her.

Ah! Her lips had started to ache a bit with those smiles, but nevermind. The view before her kept Swara entertained for a good few minutes.

Not until he caught her. Red handed. Swara borrowed herself with the text. Heavens! Why did he even look at her? Her face coloured, flustered at the situation.

Still, she looked up. Okay. It's him and no one else. Wait a second. How did Aditi get shifted to Sanskaar's place? The book in her hand lowered with confusion.

"Searching?" Swara paused. That voice, it was too near her from the side. She turned and there he was. Hardly a few inches parting them away as their eyes met. Her; surprised. Him; smirking.

Alarm blared in her head. Escape! Run! - her mind made commands and Swara knew it was for the best. She abruptly stood, "I need air." and walked out, ignoring the confused stares.

The moment Swara stepped out, she fanned herself with her hands. It's too hot and that excuse wasn't a lie. Geez! The blood rush hasn't stopped yet.

"You lost your pace." Her lashes dropped. That familiar voice doesn't need to be recognised. She knew it like her breathing. He stood by her side, watching ahead of the busy roads.

"Hands down. I'm not good at pre-hand preparations." Her whin made Sanskaar chuckle. Of course Swara and before preparations were not quite a good pair.

"Anyways, the stare back there? It's rude." There! He had to come for it. But was it her fault? Definitely no.

"I don't find fault in staring at my boyfriend, any problem?" He laughed instead at her tone, her way of defence got him with giggles.

"But your flustered face says another tale, princess." Swara glanced at him and looked away. Him and his way of observing details. Good lawyer in making, yeah!

"Ouch." Sanskaar half faked at the shove he received on his shoulder and Swara leaned into him. As usual a supporting arm held her, "What is it?"

"Our schooling is about to end. Just these exams and we'd be in different lanes." She mused softly, lost in thought.

Indeed. Each of them had plans, all different from another. Jay and sports had been destined since ever like he was for law. Swara picked up music. Aditi had been thinking of literature and for Arya, it's fine arts.

Zero chances of crossing paths. Unless, they sort time from their schedules to meet up. And it may not turn all of them in like what they are now.

"Isn't it how life goes? All changing and unpredictable. But we still have the chance at our hands," Swara's gaze from the setting sun shifted to him, "To hold on or let go."

Swara embraced him. A little more firm than usual as his voice lingered. She wished, hoped it was the former and not the latter.

But who knows what life holds for them?

~

Reema kept her smile constant. Reason? Swara had fallen back to her routine of narrating her day like before. It warmed her heart to see the girl becoming better and not otherwise.

"So conclusion: Exhausting day. I can't wait to hit my bed already." Swara finished all her rants for the day. God! Her eyes were sore already.

"You still have a day left for exams to start. So take a rest, I'll call you for dinner." Reema suggested as she placed a hand on her cheek.

"Sure." On the note, Swara hopped from the kitchen cabinet and only after she gave a kiss and a bear hug, she left. Reema hoped her child would be at peace like now.

Swara was on her way to her room until Aditya called for her, from his room. She stood by his room's threshold in response but she couldn't move in further.

Past bruises didn't let her move forward. He had shut the door back then--- it gave her the message, she didn't have space either in his room nor his life. Since then Swara never even tried to step in.

Hesitation of hers brought Adiya to a realisation. Those previous actions that caused her to stop and not step him. So he took steps forward to initiate, "Come in."

The wounded part wanted to shut him down, let him taste his own bitter medicines but it was her soft part that won. Somewhere, she yearned to be with her brother. Her brother.

Small steps forward- Swara was in. Aditya couldn't help but smile, "Actually I need help." He took a glimpse of the frame in his hand and back to her.

"I'm going to place it on the nail. Tell me if I am keeping it right?" And Swara nodded. Cool! Aditya climbed the stool and placed the frame.

The minute her eyes set upon the frame, Swara yelped, "This one?" No! This--- this can't be here! Swara couldn't believe what she had been seeing.

"Yes. Why?" Aditya cranked his head to look at her. The shock, disbelief on her face, he tried so hard to sniffle the smile, "But why this?"

"What do you mean?" Her brother had completely turned to her side with a question. Okay, how was she supposed to tell she painted that one?

"The colours and strokes used in this scenery painting are pretty good, looks natural. So I purchased it months ago from a talented boy in the exhibition. It skipped my mind so why not now?"

That day, Sanskaar managed on her behalf while she hid. Swara had been so happy back then; she found joy in those small unknown gestures Aditya did for her. It wasn't the money, it was his appreciation.

"Of all places, why here?" She couldn't help but ask. He will be seeing the painting when he could wake up, it was just straight opposite from his bed.

"Because I want to see it every day when I wake up." Aditya's eyes softened as he stared at the painting. His little sister's efforts to make this a full picture made work till two in the night.

She owned it. But Aditya had another reason too, that painting was a scenery with dawn as a setting. Dawn- a promising light for another beautiful day. Dawn- a promise he'll have his sister with him in one good dawn.

"Have I placed it accurately?" His call broke Swara from her musings, "A little to the right." She suggested-- her mind still to her painting, her brother and the bubbling contentment.

Aditya stepped down from the stool. A few steps back, he stood beside Swara who stared at the frame, "Do you like it-- that much?"

"I do. More than you can ever think." A genuine smile on Swara made her more pretty.

Only then Aditya realised.

Little steps, little effort can always pace way to one's heart.

A/N: So back again.

This time for good. I'm planning to wrap up tf somehow this time, very confident about this. So yes! We are going to come back with the weekly update system for now. I don't expect people to stick on due to my inconsistency but if you do, then please know you are cherished for making me happy as well.

We'll that's a big A/N so let me stop it here.

Thank you, once again ✨