"Shh, you want to wake them up?"

• ♡ •

Heer walked into the kitchen after freshening up. She was surprised that it was half-past eight and no one had bothered to wake her up. She saw Kabir busy in the kitchen as usual. They hadn't spoken anything last night after that hug. Heer wouldn't deny that he had been there like a good companion. She felt so vulnerable last night. She craved for human comfort. Kabir had provided her that without any questions, requests, or conditions.

"Hey, morning!" He greeted her. 

Heer passed him a grateful smile. "Morning," she spoke perching upon the kitchen stool. "Where is Advi?" She asked glancing around the kitchen.

"Misha was going for a jog, Advi was bored so she tagged away with her." He answered pouring hot tea in a cup. He walked around and placed it before her. 

"Thanks," Heer said, pulling the cup before her. The aroma of the ginger blended with that of tea made her feel better. "Also for last night!" She spoke without looking up at him. 

He sat on the stool beside the one on which she sat. A plate of sandwiches was placed before him. While he pushed another towards her. He didn't know what he must say. Whatever Heer had been through wasn't fair to her. He couldn't sleep with his clouded mind until late, last night. He sort of understood why Heer had limited options. He was sure many in the society already knew about her pregnancy out of marriage and abortion. Obviously, in a society such as there's, a woman like that wasn't accepted. However, if it was a man who got a woman pregnant out of wedlock, he'd still have the privilege to marry as per his whims.

"So..." Kabir sighed, still pondering what he should say.

"You don't have to say anything for the sake of it. I am sorry if I, you know, burdened you with my crappy past." She spoke raising the cup to her lips.

"No, you didn't Heer. Frankly, you didn't deserve whatever happened, in fact, no woman deserves to be treated that way. Where did you find such a jerk?" He exclaimed picking up the sandwich.

"Front-bencher in computer science class," Heer replied with a hint of amusement.

Kabir looked at her astounded, a smile threatening to appear on his face. He chuckled unable to contain it. "And what were you? Back-bencher?" He asked out of silly curiosity.

"Bingo!" She replied after taking another sip of her beverage. 

"Damn," he muttered proceeding to eat.

"Are those cheese sandwiches?"

"No, they aren't, they are the regular sandwiches without the cheese." He replied as she picked a sandwich from her plate.

"Sitting in backbenches during class has its own charm," she spoke after a pause as she ate.

"Yeah, I know. I used to sit under the bench, used to sit up only for attendance."

"Woah, and you never got caught?"

"I did, luckily a teacher who liked me caught me. She gave me an earful and that's it. Mrs. Singh was her name. She was a very nice lady. Taught Consumer Services or something like that!"

Heer chuckled, "You seem to be quite a rebel. What happened to that Kabir? Why this drastic change?"

Kabir's smile faded. It was as though he realized he had put his guard down and had let Heer in for a nice chat. "I am the same," he said, eating his breakfast.

"No, you're not. You are not a back-bencher anymore. You're like that front-bencher who follows all the rules."

Kabir didn't react and continued chewing. "That back-bencher became a father to a daughter. He needs to stop being a rebel and be a disciplined man at one time or another. Daughters look up to their fathers you know."

Heer smiled sadly, "Not all daughters. But Advika does." She silently proceeded to eat. 

Kabir kept the silence intact and ate while simultaneously flipping through the newspaper. Heer was looking at the newspaper lost in her thoughts. She didn't seem to like her father much. Just like he wasn't fond of his.

"Mom!" Advika squealed running into the kitchen.

"Hey, sweetie!" Heer's face lit up seeing Advika. "How was your jog with Bua?"

"It was fun," Advika spoke moving to the refrigerator.

"Advi, no cold water!" Kabir and Heer spoke in unison, almost immediately their gazes met. 

"Mom, Paa.." Advika pouted.

"Advika, have normal water," Kabir spoke dismissively. His daughter obeyed walking across to the other side of the kitchen to have normal water.

"Good morning, Heer!" Misha greeted cheerfully.

Heer passed her a smile greeting her back, "Good Morning,"

"You're free right?" Misha asked walking over to the refrigerator.

"Bua, no cold water!" Advika said quickly.

Heer chuckled as Misha made a face while Kabir smirked at her. On her way to the water dispenser, Misha playfully tapped Kabir's shoulder. He only smiled. Heer noticed it. He did smile but with his family. Well, he did smile at times with her as well. 

"I need your help," Misha spoke walking around the kitchen counter after drinking water, " Bachelorette Party!" Misha winked.

"Oh my God, you both are actually doing it?" Kabir spoke up.

"Yes," Misha answered smiling.

"I thought Rohan's parents didn't want all of that..."

"Well, who is telling them? Rohan and I decided we'll have a small party. He will hold one at his place and I am planning to have a party at Tanya's place."

"Mom said yes?" 

"Our mom?" She asked raising her brows.

"Obviously!" Kabir muttered.

"Whose telling her? Look they come here on Tuesday night. My party is tomorrow night."

"Mish, don't you think it's a bad idea? If they come to know..."

"God, Bhai... please don't be a party pooper. It's just some of my girlfriends over to have a nice time. Mom, dad, Manav, bhabhi, they don't need to know."

"Fine!" Kabir threw his hands up in defeat.

"You're invited to Rohan's party." She spoke staring at him thoughtfully. "He said hell call you..."

"Why me? I am not interested!" Kabir exclaimed irked.

"Why? Because I told him to invite you." Misha shrugged. 

"And why on earth would you do that?" Kabir asked annoyed.

"Because..." Misha began in a high pitched voice, "I need you to have his back. Rohan is most definitely going to get drunk. Plus his few friends are big pervs. So I won't be surprised if they call some... you know. So I just want you around."

Kabir closed his eyes and looked away. "What about Advi?" He asked looking around. The girl had slipped away to probably watch her TV or complete a painting or maybe make those bead bracelets that Misha recently taught her.

"Umm, I can stay over with Advika." Heer offered.

"No, you're going to be around Misha," Kabir spoke decisively staring at Misha.

"Please, don't give me that look. It's a girl party but we don't have Male escorts coming over. It's a decent party with a little bit of liquor." Misha protested, with a hand on her hip.

"But Misha, one of us has to be with Advika," Heer tried explaining.

Misha looked thoughtfully. "Idea! Let's leave her in the care of my in-laws!"

"Yes, of course! They won't have any doubts. The three of us making an excuse... you fiance making an excuse and staying the night out. You are so dumb Mish!" Kabir muttered displeased.

Misha made a face, "I am getting married off. You can show some love for a week!"

"Like you are going to stop bothering me after marriage!" Kabir mumbled getting off the stool. He took the empty plate placed before Heer along with his to the sink. Heer had barely registered his action when he was at the sink. 

"I think one of you needs to shift the party to tonight," Kabir spoke while washing the utensils.

"He's right!" Heer expressed her support to his idea.

"Fine then," Misha breathed, "I will talk to Rohan."

* * *

"Don't drink Bhai, and please stick around Rohan," Misha spoke as Kabir wore his shoes. Rohan had decided to hold his bachelor party on that night itself. 

"Misha, are you done? Can I leave?" He asked standing by the door as his sister went on giving him instructions. Heer smiled looking at them while Advika's attention was on the TV screen.

"If by any chance you get drunk, please don't drive home. Call me or Heer. We'll come to pick you up." Misha spoke as Kabir stepped put.

"Misha, just calm down and go inside. Okay?" 

"Fine!" Misha muttered, "Bye." 

"Bye!" He spoke walking into the elevator.

* * *

Misha was right with her guesses. There was an entire troupe of party girls called over at one of Rohan's friend's place. However, Rohan wasn't high or drinking. He was mostly talking and chatting with his friends who were still sober. Kabir really hadn't spoken much. He sat on one corner flipping through a magazine. His gaze landed on a page covered with the picture of a beautiful modern kitchen. But it wasn't the kitchen's decor that caught his attention. It was the model, she had brown hair and chubby sweet face, just like Heer. Weird. He looked up flipping to the next page. 

The room was filled with guys flirting with the girls with either a bottle or glass in hand. A dance number was playing and a few of the guys were dancing with a few girls. He noticed Rohan chatting with a guy laughing at times. They both had almost filled glasses in hand. 

A girl winked at him. He quickly looked away. The girl, however, walked up to him, with two glasses in hand.

"Hey, handsome!"

Kabir grimaced internally. "Umm, I'd prefer my own company. Thank you!" He told her bluntly.  She made a face and walked away as quickly as she came up to him. He glanced at the time and sighed.

* * *

Kabir walked into the house at two in the night. He left the party only after most of the girls had left the place. Rohan was drunk but not totally wasted. He had seen him off. Kabir got good vibes from Rohan. The guy genuinely liked Misha. Loved maybe. He was happy for her. He gently shut the door and tiptoed to his room after leaving his shoes on the rack. The girls at home seemed to be fast asleep. He sailed into his room to find Heer awake. She was sitting cross-legged on the bed watching something on her laptop. 

Instantly she looked up, he shut the door and switched on the lights. "Not asleep yet?" He asked curiously.

"Yeah, I was just watching a movie."

"It's a few minutes past two!" He informed her peeling off his socks. 

"Yes, I know. I thought you'd be back by one. Then that would disturb my sleep. So I decided to stay up. Then this movie seemed interesting."

"I don't think I would have disturbed you. Even if I did, you're a heavy sleeper. Even if someone kidnaps while you're asleep you wouldn't know."

"No way!" Heer argued.

"Shh, you want to wake them up?" Kabir warned her, getting up from the bed to gather his night clothes.

"How was the party?" She asked him curiously.

He looked at her, surprised at her interest.

"Boring!"

"A bachelor's party was boring?" She asked making a highly expressive face with her eyebrows raised high up.

"Yeah.."

"Okay!" She surrendered her query. He was definitely a boring person. Even a bachelor party couldn't excite him. 

Kabir walked out of the washroom to find Heer tidying up the bed. He helped her by tucking in the bedsheet on the other side.

"Good night," she wished as they both finally lay on the bed.

"Night Heer!" He muttered turning away feeling extremely sleepy.

* * *

Heer walked into the house at around four in the evening. She was evidently exhausted and sleepy. Of course, she would be she had barely slept for a little more than five hours. 

"Hungry?" Kabir asked her as she flopped on the sofa.

"No, I want to sleep." Heer sighed.

"Mom!" Advika squealed running out of her room. "Let's go to play badminton." 

"Hey, sweetie!" Heer took her into a hug. "How was your day at school?"

"Good. The maths hour was free because Mrs. Rebecca didn't come. So no homework today." She said happily. 

"That's nice!" Heer smiled.

"Let's go, I am ready. You change quickly!" Advika spoke getting off her mother's lap.

Heer looked at her. She hated crushing her happiness. Maybe she could just go and play a while. She was still thinking when Kabir spoke up, "Advi, she is tired today. Why don't you come with me  we'll jog around the entire complex."

"No, I want to play with mom. Mom, you're coming right?" She asked turning to Heer.

"Advi, she won't. She is tired. Them she has to go out with Misha Bua too." Kabir spoke glancing at Heer.

 Advika looked displeased. "Just half an hour please?"

"Advika." Kabir reprimanded.

"Paa, I am asking mom!" She said rudely turning to Heer.

Heer saw the disapproval of Advika's behavior in Kabir's eyes. He walked away silently. 

"Advi, you mustn't speak to Paa like that." Heer said softly, pulling her closer, "I am tired today. Maybe you could go with Paa and play with Adi and Dev uncle."

Advika's face lit up at the idea. "Okay!"

"But you will have to apologize to Paa. You back answered that's bad manners."

Advika pouted her face written with guilt. She nodded and made her way to the room. Heer was going to follow but decided to give the two of them some private time. She walked towards the kitchen to have some water. There were a few potted plants on the kitchen island. She looked on curiously. Kabir was definitely a very creative person.

She entered the room minutes later to find Kabir dressed in his joggers and tee. She smiled at him. 

"Sleep for a while. We'll come and wake you up. Misha has gone to the parlor and will reach Tanya's place directly. I will drive you there at seven." He told her and she nodded. She didn't care whether he returned his smile or not. She just wanted to sleep for some time.

* * *

Heer was rummaging through her wardrobe to find the cherry colored dress that she had bought the other day when she had gone shopping with Misha.  "There!" She sighed in relief and quickly took it out. 

Half an hour later, Heer found herself scrutinizing her reflection. The dress had an off-shoulder frill around the bust while it proceeded down to hug her figure graciously. The dress wasn't extremely body-hugging and that made Heer comfortable. It had a nice lace finish which made the cloth thicker. Heer had left her hair open, after giving it a blow-dry straightening. She put a bunch of her hair on each shoulder, no one could say the dress was actually off-shoulder with certainty. 

She checked her lipstick. It had been a while since she was actually attending a party. She hoped she looked just right. Off late she dressed very simple. She herself noticed how drastically her choices had changed. Was this the same her some six years ago, she would have definitely been looking a little more sexy and dressy. Heer tried putting on a smile.

She grabbed her sling and walked out to the room's door opening it. Kabir and Advika were going to drop her at Tanya's place where the girls' party was being held. 

Kabir looked up at the sound of the door. Finally, she was out. It was already fifteen minutes past seven. It would take a good thirty minutes to drive her to Tanya's place. Misha had already called to ask if they were on the way. The moment his eyes landed on her form the other thoughts started blurring out. She looked gorgeous. His eyes were glued to her face. She had a darker than usual makeup on. It highlighted her eyes and lips. 

Heer was slightly apprehensive about her look. She fidgeted with her sling purse. "Okay?" She asked looking at him.

"Yes, mom you look very pretty," answered Advika who stood beside Kabir. Heer smiled her gaze dropping to Advika. She walked towards the two of them. Kabir couldn't stop his gaze from going all the way down to her feet and then back up. The deep red dress suited her. 

"Let's go?" She asked looking at Kabir.

He nodded, walking to the door. He didn't like the effect Heer had at him at times. She just awakened his dormant male instinct. It was strange how she got him to look at her very carefully at times. 

"Did you take your phone? Is it charged?" Kabir finally asked as his mind started working rationally. 

"Yes, ninety-six percent charged. It's on vibrate and ring mode." She answered entering the lift.

She bent slightly so that her hands reached the back strap of her block heels to adjust them. Kabir who stood directly across couldn't help but get a peek a boo at her cleavage as she leaned. He was quick in turning his face to the elevator's closed doors. No doubt she was a wonderfully bestowed woman, but it just didn't feel right to be attracted to her even the slightest.

Yay, finally back here!

Do let me know your thoughts on this chapter. I am going to be more regular with this one now. Maybe one update in two or three days, at least.

Also, let me know how do you find the pace of this story.

-Anami!♡