Heylo my dear people, I am back with another update. I am sorry for being late. Had hectic weeks... Hope you like the update  !!

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Mira was trying hard to be cheerful for her parents who are excited to meet Nandu and Aaryan as it is their first visit after the wedding. She was battling with her emotions. She was confused how to face her Amma and Appa. . Already they are worried much for her health. She did not want them to be tensed about her by letting them know about her weird dreams. But she don't want to lie either.

She went downstairs and saw her Amma and Appa busy in kitchen. Her Appa was always by her Amma's side supporting her in all the household chores. She was always amazed at the bond that they share with each other. She was thankful to god for giving her such a loving parents.

They saw her coming towards them. "Ahhaaan Savitri... See who is here... My Bangaru woke up so early today?" He teased his daughter.

"Appa ..." She whined which made both of them laugh.

"I was feeling so tired. Wedding Hangover". She giggled.

Savitri and Prabhakar passed a worry look to each other and Savitri caressed her head and spoke. "Miru I told you not to stress yourself much. Hmm ok! From today you are not allowed to do anything without my consent ok?"

"Amma I did not mean that way. Just one or two days. I will be ok. Anyways today Akka and Jeeju are coming. How can I stay calm when they are here? Please Amma... I won't stress much." She kissed her Amma's cheeks.

"Ok! But you should keep your promise." Her mother needed assurance and Mira nodded her head.

The family spent some more time in the kitchen with Mira chitchatting about her college days and Savitri preparing food for the guest. They had breakfast and waited for Aaryan and Nandu.

One hour later, they heard the doorbell ring. Mira went to attend as she knew it would be them. But she was surprised to meet Abhi along with them.

"Abhi... You here?" She squealed in happiness.

"Ahem Ahem. I think someone forgot her Akka and is only concerned about her new friend."

Mira heard her akka complaining. She quickly pulled her in a hug not paying any heeds. She was so happy to meet them. They went inside and met Savitri and Prabhakar.

After chitchatting, they went to freshen up. Aaryan was changing after a warm shower and found Nandu fiddling with her fingers deep in thoughts. He went near her and held her shoulders.

"What is it now? You seem to be tensed about something."

Nandu looked at him with a worried look. "I was thinking... How to present Abhi's matter to Chikkamma and Chikkappa. I am tensed about their reaction ". She shared her worry.

"Well, I am even more worried about Mira's reaction." Aaryan sighed.

"Yes handling her is difficult. Especially when she still have weird dreams about that man. I don't understand why he don't spare her even in dreams. Wish I know what exactly had happened to her. But I know she was hurt to the core and I don't want that to happen to MY SISTER AGAIN."

Aaryan sensed pain, helplessness and anger in her voice. He hugged her tight comforting her.

"Let us see. First let Abhi speak to her and meanwhile we will present it to Uncle and Aunty."

"Chikkamma and Chikkappa it is." She corrected him with a teasing smile.

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Abhi went downstairs after freshening up and his eyes were searching for her. He was excited to meet her all the way. But was quite nervous on confessing her feelings to her. He wanted to tell his past to her. Once he disclose everything, he will find peace he thought. He was greeted by Prabhakar and got to know that Mira is in the garden.

He found her sitting in the swing chair with her headphones on. She had a frown brows and Abhi wondered why. As far as he knew, Mira wasn't someone who will put on a serious face even when she is sad. At least not when she is with her family and friends. He went near her and sat in front of her with a smile. Realizing someone's gaze upon her, Mira opened her eyes and found him sitting in front of her.

"Abhi... When did you come?  Sorry I was into the song." Mira tried to apologise.

"Hey no need to be sorry, I just came now. You. Being the smart one, didn't even give me a chance to make you feel sorry." He giggled.

She smiled in reply.

He stood up and started fiddling with his fingers. Mira noticed change in his behaviour. She tried to find the reason from his body language.

"Miru, I want to have a word with you. Shall we go out?" He asked a bit uncertainly.

She thought for a second and agreed. "I will go and get ready. Give me 10 minutes."

A break was needed for her. She was still sad about her dream and did not really come out from that irritating feeling. Abhi always made sure she is relaxed for which she didn't think of any other possible intention for this outing.

He was excited and nervous about her reaction whereas all she wanted was to forget about her dream. He messaged Aaryan that he is taking her for a coffee data and that he will confess his feelings for her. Aaryan wished him luck.

Mira got ready and they went to a small hangout place. Abhi didn't know how to start the conversation. He was quite nervous and Mira noticed this. She cleared her throat.

"Hmm Abhi. You don't have to be nervous with me. I am your friend. You can share your thoughts with me." She gave him a warm smile.

Abhi was relaxed with her words. He smiled in return and closed his eyes. Took a deep breath.

"Mira... First of all, I want to thank you for coming into my life. I was in dark. All alone. Not wanting to do anything more in life. My family had almost lost me. But you came as a ray of hope... Effortlessly broke the ice between us. I am not a guy who allow anyone to enter my small world. But you came just like that without even seeking my permission. You have become my best friend within a short span of time. I can't even thank you enough for what you have done to me. Thanks for changing me. For good obviously. I know you won't like me thanking you. But I had to say this." He held her palms in his with a genuine smile.

As expected, Mira was not pleased with the "Thank you" part but was indeed happy to know that she is the reason for his change. From her akka, she knew how worried his family was. Now seeing him genuinely smile, she became happy.

"Ok Mr. Abhinav Reddy! Your thank you is accepted. Now what?" she teased him.

"Excuse me Sir. What would you like to have?" Their happy moment was interrupted by the waiter.

Abhi raised his brows asking for her choice. "One hot chocolate for me". Mira didn't think even once.

He was surprised. "Her favourite" he thought. His eyes widened and looked at her. She asked him why through her eyes. He shook his head in no and said. "One black coffee."

He was in a dilemma whether to confess his feelings. He wondered why Mira reminded him of 'Her' every time. Even the choice of drink. After battling with his heart and mind, he decided to let it out.

"It was three years ago, I met her. Anjali Rai!

She was an ardent follower of my blog. A software engineer from Bellary, settled in Hyderabad. She used to me message me. I used to see the response of readers but never really replied to anyone personally. But this girl was something else. She took the effort to contact me personally by getting my phone number. Gradually we talked and became friends. We used to meet once in a week."

He paused for a while and then continued.

"She was one of a kind. Just like you! She carried an aura along with her, spreading that charisma to everyone around her. Gradually she became my strength, pillar of support. I felt happier whenever I am with her. Late night talks, constant chats everything had an effect on our friendship. It was the start of a beautiful phase in my life. I fell in love with her. And finally decided to confess my feelings to her on my birthday."

He looked at Mira who was surprised to listen to his story.

"Things were easy for us. She reciprocated my feelings. We dated for almost 6months then. I thought of introducing her to Annaya and Vadina. I was sure they would be happy to meet her. Especially when Vadina was also a Kannadiga. But Anjali refused to meet them saying it was not the right time. One day she texted me saying she had a family function and had to go to her native place. Since then, I heard no news of her. I tried many ways to reach out to her. It was then I realised I have never met her friends or family. Not even her office. I didn't even let any of my friends know about our relationship. And on top of that, she didn't had any social media accounts. I know you feel like smacking my head for this. But trust me Miru, I was never bothered about anything when she was with me. I didn't want to hurt anyone with my foolishness. I was the happiest man one day and the next day I was left alone by my love just like that. I wanted some time to sink in. Hence I decided to go to London as per Annaya's suggestion. Even they don't know the details like this. They never asked me thinking it would hurt me. Till the day, I met you, I thought my life is a waste. But you made me realise life has its own meaning and I need to live for my parents, family and all the people who love me."

In any other circumstances, Mira would have smacked his head. Instead she felt an unknown happiness thinking she was one of the reason for he changed. She slightly smiled at him.

"Abhi what if she was forced to leave you. It could be anything. May be her family would have been against your relation. Or she could have been under house arrest, or something related to her health. At the worst, something would have happened to her. We don't know right?" She asked him.

"No... Nothing would have happened her. I don't want that. May be yes. She would have been forced to leave. I will believe so. I can't think of anything else Miru."

Mira saw his eye brimming with tears. She did not know how to react.

Abhi composed himself and continued. He held her hands startling her. He stared into her big eyes. She felt something unusual, some spark in his eyes which she couldn't decipher.

"Miru, trust me I am not desperate to be in another relationship. It's not that I have moved on completely from my past. But there is something with you. Since our first meeting itself, you reminded me of her. Your smile, helping mentality, cheerful nature. Everything! You are a replica of Anjali. I have thought of staying single forever. But then you came into my life. And your friendship made me believe in giving a second chance. I know it is not love. But not just friendship too. It was only when I was away from you, I realised how much you mean to me. I missed your smile, your talks, your fights, your presence. I used to stare at your pic. Listen to your songs. I don't know what all this means".

He saw something different in her eyes. A fear, a tinge of disappointment, anxiety! He wanted to confess everything before she react.

"It was only when Vadina and Annaya questioned me about our relationship, I started to realise it. Miru, I feel something for you and I don't want to name it either. So can we please take our friendship to the next level? I don't want to force you into this. I am completely ok if you are not ready. But don't avoid me or stop our friendship for this. I can't take that pain of loneliness again in my life."

Mira closed her eyes. A wave of mixed emotions washed over her. She dint expect Abhi to have feelings for her. All she could realise was his voice bearing the pain of loneliness.

"Abhi... please give me some time. " She managed to speak.

Abhi knew she needed some time and space for taking a decision. He respected her and decided not to speak anything further. They went back to their homes without speaking anything further.

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Dude, Hope you still have mercy to accept me as your friend. Before deleting this message, read it once for god sake!! Tried reaching you many ways. Got to know your whereabouts from your colleague. I am sorry for not believing you. You were right... Always. Stop your hide and seek now. The time has come. She is back... Wipe your tears and call me once you are done with your happy tears. This time I have to keep up my bro-code.

PS: Here is an exclusive pic of your girl. Thank me later ;)

-Ur Bava Karthik.

He stood there numb reading the message from his Bava and somehow managed to look at the picture.

He wished to scream out of happiness. But his voice did not come out.

He saw her... His best friend... His girl... His lady love... His one and only.

She looks ethereal. He did not care about his surroundings. He cried his heart out.

"My Baby!! ". It was all he could say bringing her picture close to his heart!

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Yes.. So there comes your favourite. I couldn't give a picture of your Abhi. I promise to give it in the next update. Pakka promise.

And what do you think will be Mira's reaction to Abhi? Please do comment and cast your votes.