Ahana's POV

I closed the file and stretched my hands up in the air. I was so tired from juggling since early morning with tons of meetings. I am finally done with all of them and ready to go home. To be very honest I love this feeling of staying busy day and night. It gives me the feeling of containment like I am doing something meaningful with my life.

Aryaan always used to say you should make yourself busy enough that no other thoughts should fill your head. When you are bored with life means you are doing something wrong. Stop for a moment and think about it. I didn't get the time or a chance to think. I am glad. I hope he would be proud of me. I know he would have utterly disappointed with me about choosing Abeer but he would have accepted it right away.

I smiled with slight tears as I blinked them away. I opened my diary and took out the fountain pen he gifted me in school. I still remember crying my heart out because I wanted that and mom-dad refused to buy it. Then you broke your money bank just so I would stop crying and focus on the exam in front. How stupid you were!

I gulped a tear back and looked outside the window. There was so much rush on the roads. People were getting home after a long working day. I took a deep breath.

I miss you, Ugly face! Today a bit more as it's our birthday. I stopped celebrating it long back when you left me alone. You said you won't but you broke our promise. People tried making me understood that it would make you sad that I don't celebrate it because of you but I don't care. I want you to be sad like how you made me. That day a part of me broke forever and it still remains broken and sometimes that pain gets unbearable but I don't say it. I not just lost my brother but my best friend and companion.

Sometimes it just feels like yesterday when you were right beside me giving me life-changing advice about career and studies and life basically. Only if I knew the future. There are so many things that I want to share with you and I want to hear as well but you are not here anymore. So I just write everything in your diary when I feel like talking to you. The pages ended some years back but I am still managing using some ways as I put my notes in that diary in a hope that you will read it someday.

There is one thing that still remains a secret between just us is that is how much I loved classical dancing. No one knows about it till now. I just want that to be our secret like how no one knows about your little crush on our school teacher or about the prank you played with the lizard on mom. Not a single soul knows about it and mom still thinks it was done by that Akhil who used to stay next door.

He moved out now and he was still annoying. So many things changed since you left but I have still held my promise of not changing ever for anyone or anything. I kept on fighting like how you told me you. I never gave up on anything nor I forgot the words you spoke.

If given a chance, I just want to go back once and tell you two things I never got to say to you, as to how much I am proud of you as the person you became and how much I love you.

Enough of being senti. You would have laughed, right? We were never surgery sweet siblings. I loved the fights the most and me winning each time although mom taking your side. I wish I would have gotten more time to spend with you but...

Anyway, Rohan is doing just fine. I just keep on finding you in him that why I have decided to call him Bhai like how I used to call you but no worries, you still remain my first preference like always. I chuckled a bit at the thought.

He has found his soulmate in Arohi. I am damn sure you would have got along with her so well. She is just like you. Soft and sweet. I love her a lot and she is perfect for him. He has stopped getting those panic attacks and has gathered the pieces of his broken messed up life along with Arohi but I know he still misses you as much as I do. He still cries remembering you.

He doesn't say but I have learnt to read him over the years. Just like how I used to read you. He has helped us throughout. Maybe, out of guilt at first but the care he showed was always genuine. When I call him Bhai it's not just because I find you in him but I genuinely consider him as my brother. He has taken care of me for years and has always been there holding my hand tight and assuring me that today or tomorrow it will get fine. He was breaking inside but always had the biggest smile for me. He has done so much for me and us over the years that I don't think I would ever be able to repay him. He won't ask for as well. But...

I just want to see him happy like how you always wanted. What an irony. Remember how much I hated him for taking the opportunity away from you years back? I didn't talk to you for days. I remember you telling me that he was mentioning shifting somewhere else because I didn't like him and I didn't mind because I truly hated him.

But today the same person is someone who is closest to me and someone I can rant things. He has become a protective older brother filling your space and I couldn't be thankful enough. I love him a lot and would go to any lengths just to see him happy and I know he would do the same for me. Thank you, Bhai. It's because of you I at least had him all these years. Else I would have broken alone. Mom has let go of her anger as well. I wish you were here to see this day. I knew how much you wanted this to happened and it did finally but I guess we paid a high price.

Today is my birthday, Bhai. Our birthday. But nothing makes me happy. I am sad. I am really sad and I want you to be here with me.

Tears started coming out of my eyes and flowed through my cheeks unapologetically. I sniffed and wiped but there was no stopping. I heard a gentle knock on my cabin door. It must be Abeer.

I wiped my face with the tissues but he didn't wait for me to say anything and barged inside. He looked concerned seeing my face but he is used to it as it's every other year that I am saddest on this day particularly.

"I knew it would be the same. I didn't even buy cake." Abeer said taking a chair and keeping in front of me as he got seated holding my hand in his.

"I am glad." I said trying to smile but I couldn't.

"You okay, Hana?" He asked with concern as I shook my head a little with more tears flowing.

"I am not. I miss him." I said with a broken voice.

"That's why you arranged all the meetings today? In the hope that you won't remember if you get busy?" He asked wiping my face. I nodded.

"That was the plan. I am stupid." I said letting out a chuckle. He gave me a gentle smile.

"No, you are not. People do all kinds of childish things to get away from that pain." He said. I sniffed and looked at him.

"It's okay." He said with a small smile.

"Did Rohan call?" He asked as I gave him a confused look.

"At night. In front of you?" I asked as he gave an apologetic look.

"Right. I guess he doesn't know about this state of yours?" He asked as I shook my head again.

"I don't think so as I never let that show." I said wiping my face, "But he always made a point to be with me on my birthday."

"Really? I don't see him now?" Abeer said as I hit him hard with a frown.

"Shut up. He is busy. Besides, you are here so it's fine." I said giving him a small smile.

"Still, he should have come. I mean he is like your brother." He said making a face. I rolled my eyes.

"He isn't like my brother but he is my brother. Just like Aryan." I said.

"Then you are supposed to share, right?" I widened my eyes and looked at the side and there stood Rohan.

Though I had a tiny hope that he won't miss my birthday when he called last night it got broken. I don't believe he actually came.

"We promised not to keep things. I kept it but you didn't." He said coming inside as the door behind got closed.

"Bhai? What?" I said still not believing. I stood up and looked at Abeer and then Rohan again.

"You can cry alone but I shouldn't. Why such hypocrisy?" He said coming closer from around the table and wiping my tears.

"I didn't want to make you worry for me." I said pouting at him. He shook his head.

"Wow, Ahana. You make me even more worried like this." He said looking down at me. I sniffed.

"I am sorry." I said in a low voice. He engulfed me in a hug. How much I missed him and his warm hugs.

"I won't say those things like you shouldn't cry and that he will get sad. So just cry your heart out." He said making me smile a little.

"I am going to celebrate though." He said making me frown as I pulled back.

"Bhai..." I shouted but he didn't let me complete it.

"No, we have already arranged it and it was supposed to be a surprise but we both knew how much that might have irritated you so we came here to take you." He said pointing at Abeer and looking back at me.

"But Bhai I don't want to. I hate this day." I said with annoyance. Just a little of it.

"Hana, I have always let you have your ways no matter what so you should listen to me as well, right?" He asked as I nodded with a pout.

"Fine. Just for you and this jerk." I said making Rohan laugh.

"That's like my sister." He said hugging me tightly. I smiled widely.

"Wow, you are surely leaning some manners from your brother." Abeer said rolling his eyes.

"Don't say anything against him." I said holding Rohan's arm as he gave Abeer a smirk.

"Yeah, yeah..." Abeer said with disappointment.

"Where is Arohi?" I asked looking at Rohan.

"She is helping with preparations." He said with a shrug.

"And yes, happiest birthday, love. Stay with me like this forever." He said pulling me closer and pecking on my forehead.

"That's not a thing to say." I said happily as those two most important boys in my life smiled looking at me.

**************

The party was small with just us and I was glad not seeing any extra guests ruin my mood anymore. I cut the cake and fed it to everyone present just leaving my little Princess as she is not allowed to eat.

People sang and clapped for me. Arohi was throughout by my side looking after me when I already told her countless times that I am fine. But she being herself won't just ignore the fact that I look red from crying. She is just too sweet for this world and I am glad to have her in my life as Rohan's life partner.

"Here." Arohi said once we got seated on the swing outside the house in the yard. I threw a confused look at her.

"Birthday present for you." She said with a smile.

"I don't..." I said shaking my head a little.

"What? We are family so why can't you take it? You won't say no to Rohan?" She said with a frown as I smiled.

"Yes, of course." I said taking the box from her hand and opening it. It held a beautiful idol of Ganesha. I adored it with a full smile taking it out of the box. I loved it. I looked at her with a full smile.

"OMG, it's beautiful." I said. She smiled back.

"I have the exact one. My mom gave it to me when I started working outside asking to keep him with me forever. He is closest to my heart and I wish you will do the same." She said as I nodded. How much respect and adoration I have for this woman.

"I will keep him with me forever. I promise." I said giving her a small smile.

"And just don't cry alone. We are here for you. Right?" She said putting her hand on my cheek. I gave her a smile.

"I am sorry. I won't ever." I said as Arohi engulfed me in a hug.

I find myself lucky that I got these people for me. All of them may be Aryaan left behind. He knew how to cherish people. He always helped everyone and bound people. Today, I am just grateful for having them in my life. I don't feel lonelier or sad anymore. I am just happy. I looked at the dark sky above which held tones of stars. I smiled gently as a tear left my eyes.

******************

Rohan's POV

I felt something deep inside me broke when I saw Ahana cry her heart out for Aryan. I always thought she would tell me everything she felt. But I guess she has learnt a few things from me only. Was I too busy with my life that I didn't pay much attention to her? Or was I ignorant because she got married?

I need to talk with her but after her birthday is over. I walked inside her cabin pushing the door. She looked surprised but I can see the happiness in those eyes as she blinked the tears away.

I let out a sigh before approaching her as I know I might break down as well. Aaryan, the person who binded us both together. But I guess we found my true best friends after he left me. Before that it was all about him and me. I had no one but him.

I don't remember anyone standing for me the way Arjun and Ahana did after he left me alone in this cruel world yet again. Sure, I have got my peace now but just like this girl in front of me, I remember him everyday. He is a part of me and I won't ever separate him from me.

He will live as long as I live. I wiped her tears but what about me and these never ending trail of thoughts that it has left now? I wish he was here today with us. I took a deep breath when we reached home.

Everyone shouted happy birthday and sang along but that pain which we felt was inevitable. Me, Ahana, Aunty and Uncle. We smiled but there were those broken pieces inside us which were piercing inside us and giving that never ending pain.

I made my way out when I saw Ahana and Arohi sitting on the swing.

"Hello, ladies!" I said cheerfully. They both smiled back at me.

"See Bhai." Ahana showed me Ganesha idol. I smiled taking it. I looked at Arohi who gestured with her eyes as she smiled a little. I smiled back as I looked at Hana.

"Isn't it beautiful?" She asked through smile. I nodded and gave it back to her.

"Yes, it indeed is. I didn't buy anything but we will get something for you." I said taking a seat on the other side of Hana.

"I don't want anything. I happy that you both came." Ahana said with a smile as she hugged me. I smiled as I looked at Arohi who was smiling back.

"When is the wedding?" She asked moving a little and looking at both of us. I was about to speak but Hana beat me to it.

"You started again?" She asked making her expressions irritated one. I again opened my mouth but she was fast enough.

"You said a year Bhai and it's already been over a year now." I let out a sigh hearing her nonstop bickering.

"I know, and I'm going to meet her parents tomorrow." I said as fast as possible before she speak again. I was proud that I actually beat her.

"Really?" She asked getting excited.

"Yes, really." I said making a face.

"OMG, I'm so excited. I need to do a loads of shopping. Lehengas for different ceremonies, makeup and what not!" Ahana said with her excitement level being at the peak. Arohi let out a laugh as I just rolled my eyes.

"Hello, we aren't getting married tomorrow. It's a process." I said. Ahana gave me a disappointed look.

"Thanks for telling." She said being sarcastic. Arohi chuckled again and I shook my head a little.

"Umm..." She started eyeing me. I raised my eyebrows at her with confusion.

"You okay?" She asked. I let out a sigh. I won't be lying maybe then she will open up. I'm going to be as transparent as I can.

"No and you?" I said. She gave me a small smile.

"I'm better now but..." She said and let out a deep breath. Arohi put her arms around Hana and pulled her closer.

"Ahana, we need to seriously decide on a few things." I said.

"I live miles away from you. You need to tell me a few things. If something is bothering you, if you are unhappy about something. I want you to tell me those things." I said in and attempt to make her understand. She kept looking down.

"How am I suppose to know otherwise. It's just not done, yaar!" I said with a little tint of frustration.

"I know. I was just..." She said shaking her head and gulped.

"I mean you both are already worried and busy with a lot of things. I'm an unnecessary burden. I don't want to bother you with my nonsense." She said letting out a small chuckle.

Burden? Nonsense? I never thought my Hana would think that while talking with me. I thought she freely discussed everything with me. Did she never actually thought of me as her own or did I make her feel like that?

"It's not nonsense, Ahana. You are our family. And family is never a burden. You make me worry." Arohi said as I couldn't speak anything.

"Who would listen if not us? What busy life?" Arohi said further.

"We both are never busy for you, okay?" She said as Ahana smiled a little.

"She might not have thought me as her family ever." I said shaking my head with a small sad smile.

"I will beat you, Ro. If you ever said that again!" Ahana shouted. I frowned at her.

"I would do the same with you." I said as she smiled.

"I love you." She said holding me and Arohi close.

"I love you, too. But I won't be this understanding next time. I would grab you ear and ask you." Arohi said making us chuckle.

"Fine." Ahana said letting us go.

"I'm sorry. I never got to say you this." She said as I threw a confusing look again.

"For what?" I asked.

"When Aaryan gave up that contract for you then I hated you. A lot actually. And then I thought of throwing you away from that room. So everything happened with you after that was because of me." She said and I stared at her for a good two minutes.

"You kidding me, right?" I asked still not sure about what she said. She gave me a sly smile.

"Nope." She said.

"I don't believe you, Hana!" I shouted as she started laughing. Arohi looked confused.

"I know. I'm sorry. Don't be angry now. It's been years already." Ahana said holding me again. I frowned at her.

"What did you do?" Arohi asked.

"I told lied to mom that he has some bad habits then he take girls to his room then how of a bad influence he is on Aryaan and I also used to prank him many a times. Like switching his toothpaste, putting extra salt in his food, sometimes making it extra spicy." Ahana said as I threw her a glare. Arohi widened her eyes trying to contain her laugher.

"What? But I can't tell that looking at you now." Arohi said. We let out a sigh.

"It changed later as we started knowing each other." Ahana said.

"Actually he made us sit and sort out things. I didn't know you did that else I would have never shook hands with you." I said as she started laughing again. This time with Arohi on her side.

"Whatever. You still love me." Ahana said.

"Anyway forget that. Tell me what is happening in your lives?" Ahana asked with raised eyebrows.

"Are you two fighting even now?" She asked as Arohi threw me a glare.

"Yes, she does." I said in a complaining voice.

"Excuse me? Am I crazy to fight without anything?" Arohi asked.

"Maybe. Who knows." I said shrugging my shoulders making her annoyed. I just love to annoy her. Ahana chuckled looking at us

"Ahana, just take my side for once." Arohi shouted.

"Yes, Bhai. Why would she fight just like that? You must have done something." Ahana said making me roll my eyes.

"Really?" I asked.

"Come on yaar people, I can't choose. It's like choosing between mom and dad." Ahana said with tiring expressions as we both chuckled.

"Yes looking at you we actually feel you are our kid." I said.

"I got to handle two of them." Arohi said and started laughing along with Hana making me frown.

********

Aai and Baba that's what I call them now. They said they would love if I call them mom and dad or whatever I like and I chose the same way Arohi calls them.

They gave me their ever so bright smile. The one which they reserved just for me as Arohi always complain. Well, I can't blame her. I'm that special anyway.

Aai started with her mission feeding Rohan as soon as I got inside the house. When I was full and out of capacity, she told me she will start with lunch preparations and with some great efforts from my and Arohi's side she agreed to sit with us for a few minutes.

"So I am here to talk about our wedding." I said looking at their faces carefully. They both lit up immediately.

"Really?" Aai asked looking at me with so many hopes. I felt happy just looking at their brightened faces.

"Yes, I think it's high time that we should find some time from our schedules for this." I said looking at Arohi who had a small smile playing on her lips and back at them.

"We need to start with preparations. So much is there. How we are suppose to arrange everything? Arohi, first we need to get you Sarees and..." Aai started ignoring our presence and being in her own world. We chuckled looking at her.

"Aai, relax. We still have to fix a date." Arohi said. As she gave us an apologetic smile.

"That's the first thing to do. Not Sarees." Baba said making her embarrassed. They are cute!

"Ha, but..." Aai said looking at me reluctantly and then moved her gaze to Baba. I gave a questioning look.

"I mean..." She said again but didn't speak anything further.

What's wrong with people? Why is everyone being reluctant?

"You can say anything you want to. Since when people started reluctant in talking with me? First Ahana now you both." I said looking at Arohi and back at them.

"What she is asking is. How should we arrange everything?" Baba asked for her. I was still clueless.

I still had that same questioning face.

"You are North Indian and we are Maharashtrian." Baba said and now it made sense.

"How would you want your daughter to wed?" I asked.

"We are fine with anything but..." Baba said looking at Aai and back at me.

"But?" I asked raising my eyebrows.

"But we would have loved if we go by Marathi I mean Maharashtrian wedding." He said and I chuckled shaking my head a little.

"Then done. It will be a Marathi wedding." I said with a shrug. They lit up again as they gave me a wide genuine smile of them.

"What about your parents? Would they agree?" Baba asked as my smiled faded away.

"You have talked with Ahana's parents. Those are mine as well. They will be taking part from my side." I said plainly trying not to come out as rude as those are not my intention. It's just that topic pisses me off.

"And one more thing." I said further as they gave me a questioning look.

"Don't get excited and start with preparations alone. We all are here and we all will arrange together." I said and they smiled again giving me a nod.

"Besides, I want a destination wedding." Arohi declared as they frowned.

"What?" Baba asked.

"Meaning?" Aai asked as I chuckled a little.

"Means, Aai, she wants to wed away from Mumbai." I said explaining her.

"Why?" She asked deepening her frown.

"Because there is too much media here. He is world famous and people know me here. I don't want a whole media coverage on my marriage." Arohi said explaining her part.

"What about you?" Baba asked.

"I'm okay with wherever she wants." I said with a shrug.

"We will think of some place." Arohi said.

"Okay then." They both nodded in agreement finally.

"But it will happen according to our rituals, right?" Aai asked with a doubt. We let out a laugh.

"Yes, Aai. Don't worry about it." Arohi said.

"It's fine then." She said lightening up.

"Let's get the preparations started." She said getting up with happiness visible on her face. Baba were smiling widely.

I smiled looking at them. I should have done this before but nevertheless.

"Aai?" Arohi shouted.

"I'm going to talk with Sunanda. Not doing anything alone." She said as I smiled shaking my head.

"Hold on, wait for me." Baba said getting up and vanished following her inside the house. I let out a sigh without bothering to move from couch.

"Thank you." Arohi said giving me her sweetest smile. I can keep staring at that all day long.

"You don't have to be." I said smiling back at her. Her hazel eyes held something more. I just couldn't read them.

"Just thank you for fighting with me and for me." I said making a dramatic face as she let out a laugh. I smiled looking at her happy smiling face. I want her to be like this always. I know I could do anything and everything to keep this smile intact.

"You are stupid." She said as the expressions changed to something reluctant and I knew what is coming next. My parents!

"What about your parents?" She asked. I told ya!

"I don't know." I said with a shrug, running away from that topic as always. I just don't want to mend things now. It's not going to work. I'm just done.

"Rohan?" She said glaring at me.

"They won't come, Arohi. We haven't spoken for over a decade now. They don't care." I said trying to explain my point.

"They might not but you are still their son. Even if they disowned you, it's your responsibility to go and talk with them and invite to your wedding. It's their call if they want to or not. Don't decide for people. Let them decide on their own." She said and I just listened to her without saying anything.

I know she was right. Even though they disown me years back, I didn't make any attempt to talk with them. I just let things stay as they were. I know nothing would have changed but a little effort wouldn't have minded. People around me told me many a times to just once talk to them but my ego never allowed me and it still don't.

I have always went by the way if they don't need me then I don't need them as well. I acted arrogant and rude. The thing I got from my dad I suppose which I hate the most.

"Rohan?" Arohi said again bringing me back from my thoughts.

"Fine, I will think." I said shaking my head as there is no point arguing with her. I know she will make me do things even when I don't want to do them. I have given her that power over myself and I don't regret it. Whatever she makes me do is only for my betterment. I know that very well. And she's not someone who acts stubborn on anything. Infact, she's the most calm and collected person I've come across in my life but at the same time she knows when to act tough. That's one of the things I admire the most about her.

"Don't just think. You have been doing that since ages now." She said with a frown.

"It's time for some action." She said further as I let out a sigh.

"Alright, I will go and ask them." I said finally giving in and accepting my defeat. She smiled widely.

I know I've made her wait for too long for this wedding. It's the only thing she asked of me and I even promised her that I'll marry her in a year which didn't happen. I ended up breaking my promise. Also a lot of drama happened in that year which we didn't anticipate, only making it more difficult. But finally things are going well and I don't want to keep her waiting anymore. And even I want to be upgraded to her husband post.

So I don't mind going through anything to make her happy and giving her the most beautiful wedding she always wanted.

"Sweetly?" She asked with raised eyebrows. I shook my head for being so pathetic but I madly love this girl so that's fine.

"Yes, sweetly." I said shaking my head a little.

"You okay?" She asked.

"About them? Yes, I have been fine since a long time. I have got the people who actually care for me and love me." I said with a shrug as she nodded.

"Arohi?" I said after a few moments of silence.

"Hmm?" She asked raising her eyebrows.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked. She threw a questioning look.

"Go on." She said giving me curious glances.

"Why did Ahana feel reluctant talking to me?" I asked as she stared at me for a good two three minutes.

"Doesn't she think of me as her own?" I asked further as she broke into a laugher. I frowned at her.

"Are you stupid? Why would she?" She asked coming closer to me.

"Then?" I asked.

"You seriously are so clueless about human emotions, Rohan. What would you do without me?" She said pulling me closer by holding my arm.

"What do you mean?" I asked deepening the frown.

"You went through so much because of Aryan in the past. You used to get panic attacks and you were literally miserable. You have gained this happiness after a long time. You have become normal and are enjoying your life." She said explaining to me. I nodded my head listening to her carefully.

"She is just worried that she might take that away from you. She is scared for that one thing. That doesn't mean she don't think of you as her own brother." She finished. I let out a sigh.

Why the fuck would she even think that? Stupid, useless girl. I need to take her class and I will.

"She is so stupid." I said.

"I know. Just like her brother." Arohi said pulling my cheek. I frown jerking her hand away.

"You are so cute." She said making a face. I deepened my frown looking at her.

"Don't call me that and go away!" I said pushing her away when she started clinging on me. Well, it would have been different if we were alone or in London but this is her parents house and we need to behave.

This woman has gone crazy.

"Aw are you shy? Because I saw you being so flirty in the party?" She said getting sarcastic and holding me tight.

"That was a different thing. Your parents are here." I said pushing her away

"So? I am with my future husband. What's wrong with that?" She asked smirking and coming closer yet again.

"Go away!" I said getting up finally.

"You look so cute when you are shy." She said getting up and facing me.

"I'm not shy. Who gets shy?" I asked looking around the place as she raised her eyebrows.

"Bullshit." I said and started walking away from this dangerous woman.

"Where are you going?" She asked following me with smile.

"I don't feel safe with you so I'm going to help Aai and Baba." I said making my way out of this room. Arohi started laughing.

"Hey, wait for me, Rohan." She said running after me but I just fasten my speed to get away.

________________________

Memories are timeless treasures
of a heart.

________________________

Yes that's all for now. A peek into minds of Ahana and Rohan.

The wedding is fixed finally after ages of waiting. Haha.

Let us know what you feel about this one.

VOTE if you like it.

We will be back with a brand new chapter.

Till then, bye.

Loads of love. ❤️