Piya's fingers flew across the keyboard, her eyes glued to the screen as she eagerly awaited Tara's face to appear. The familiar chime signalled the connection, and a surge of anticipation rippled through her. Tara's radiant smile filled the small screen, the vibrant colours of her backdrop amplifying the warmth of the moment.

"Look at her, Piya!" Tara beamed, tilting the camera to reveal the tiny bundle cradled in her arms. The baby's gentle coos and a small, adorable hand reaching out drew a smile from Piya's lips, her heart swelling with a deep yearning.

Piya quickly typed a message, her fingers hovering over the screen before sending it. "I'm so sorry I couldn't be there with you." The vulnerability stung, but the love for her best friend outweighed the discomfort.

Tara's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Don't worry, I'm saving all the dirty diapers for you to wash when you visit!" Their laughter filled the air, a joyful exchange that momentarily erased the shadows of Piya's past.

Shifting the tone, Tara mentioned the generous paid leave and gifts that Rahul had provided. "He's been so kind, Piya. I'm really grateful." Her eyes remained fixed on Piya, reading the other woman's reaction carefully, aware of the complexities surrounding Rahul and Piya's relationship.

Piya's fingers flew across the keyboard. "I'm glad Rahul has been supportive. You deserve all the care and rest you need right now." She paused, her gaze flickering with unease.

Tara's brow furrowed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Piya," she began, her voice trembling, "can I tell you something?" She paused, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "You know me better than anyone in this world, right?"

Piya nodded, her fingers hovering over the keyboard, sensing the emotional undercurrent.

"I wouldn't be here—" Tara's voice cracked, "—not with this beautiful baby, not in this moment, if it weren't for you." She gestured around her room, her hand shaking slightly. "All of this exists because you, my stubborn, incredible friend, said yes to a project you didn't want. You stepped out of your comfort zone for me."

A tear slipped down her cheek, landing on the baby's soft blanket. "I'm forever grateful, Piya. Forever."

The silence between them was thick with emotion, tears flowing freely on both sides of the screen, their bond transcending words. Tara reached down and wiped her tears off on her baby's blanket.

"EWWWW !" Piya typed. " That was so unhygenic. Like a thousand times"

Tara laughed, the sound brightening the atmosphere. "Well, what can I say? Motherhood is a whole new level of messy!" She grinned, cradling her baby closer. "But," she asked, the smile disappearing, "Why do you still blame Rahul and his family for your mum's death?"

Piya's shoulders tensed, her lips pressed into a thin line as she contemplated her response. The pain of her past juxtaposed against the fresh beginnings in her present created a tumultuous storm within her. After a moment, she simply shrugged, unwilling to delve into the depths of her unresolved emotions.

Tara's expression softened, and she opened her mouth to continue, but a chime interrupted the tension. Zoltan's exuberant energy burst onto the scene, instantly brightening the dynamic.

"Piya! Tara! How are my two favorite ladies today?" he greeted them cheerfully, his infectious enthusiasm capturing Piya's attention.

Tara shot him a playful grin. "Look who's finally joined us without those crazy anime headphones of hers."

Zoltan's brows rose in surprise. "What headphones? Why don't I know about them?" he asked, his concern evident.

"You should have seen them. They were larger than her head, and she was always wearing them. I bet she even slept with them on her head" Tara replied with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

Piya chuckled, the warm memory lifting her spirits. "They were unique, not large," she typed, a grin spreading across her face as she recalled her headphones. She really liked them.

"Where are they? Did customs not allow them in the country because they thought they were an alien spaceship?" asked Zoltan.

Piya typed a quick message. "They were lost in the fire. But I'm saving up to buy a new pair next month."

Zoltan's eyes widened. "Oh, Piya, I'm so sorry to hear that. Sounds like those headphones were like a part of you." His empathy touched Piya's heart, and she felt a warmth spread through her at the thought of their supportive camaraderie.

"She says she's been saving up, so she'll have them back soon," Tara translated, chuckling.

Zoltan beamed. "Well, that's good to hear! We can't have our Piya without her signature look."

The trio broke into laughter, the shared joy bridging the gaps of sorrow and creating a sense of unity. Piya felt her tension easing, the laughter wrapping around her like a warm blanket.

Zoltan leaned closer to the camera, his gaze fixed eagerly on Piya. "So, tell me how'z the project coming along. Do you need any assistance with software acrhitecture? Sana seems to be nitpicking on everything. A bad egg, that woman. You girls better be careful around her. I never understood how could Rahul be with her for three years. Never liked her."

Piya typed quickly, her fingers dancing across the screen. "Yeah, she can be pretty demanding. But we're managing. Tara and I have a solid plan. We'll handle it."

Tara nodded in agreement, her eyes bright with determination. "Exactly. Piya and I are a great team. We've got this under control, Zoltan."

Zoltan leaned back on his chair, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "I like the sound of that! Just remember, if you ever need a little extra help, you've got me in your corner."