We awoke with the dawn, filled with anticipation, as Reema was scheduled to arrive on her morning flight. After preparing myself, I arranged for a cab to take us to the bustling international airport in Mumbai. Maa and I were filled with an overwhelming sense of joy; her glow and happiness were visible. The chill in the air today compelled us to don our warmest sweaters. As the first light of dawn began to break, we set out from our home to get Reema. As we arrived at the airport, the clock struck 6 am, yet the darkness still enveloped the surroundings.

Maa and I stood together outside, close to the arrivals gate of Mumbai Airport, eagerly anticipating my sister's arrival. Her journey from Florida had concluded, and she would arrive any moment now. We stood in eager anticipation for her arrival. After six long years, we were finally reuniting with her, our beloved Reema.

Maa must have shed countless tears on the day she departed for her journey overseas. We were so happy for her, but we couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy about her safety in that new place, where she'd be on her own without anyone to look after her. She was determined to face the world on her own, handling everything that came her way, despite being just an 18-year-old girl.

After some time, my younger sister emerged, shuffling along as she pulled her luggage behind her. Maa caught sight of her first, and in an instant, they dashed towards one another, embracing tightly.

"Oh, Bacha(Kid), welcome back home," Maa said.

Maa and Reema wept softly, embracing each other for a lingering moment. As I watched the bond between mother and daughter, tears streamed down my face. Maa released her from the warmth of her embrace and took her hand gently.

"You've transformed remarkably! Oh my goodness, you look stunning now that you have changed your style!" Maa beamed with joy, enveloping Reema in a warm embrace.

Reema then caught sight of me behind Maa and exclaimed, "Di (Elder sister), my dear Di! I have missed you deeply," enveloping me in a tight embrace.

"I missed you too, Bacha," I expressed. Today, a sense of harmony enveloped me. Our family was finally whole. My sister had returned, and that was all I truly desired.

"I trust you won't be returning," Maa said firmly to Reema.

"Certainly not, Maa; I'm here with you now. I missed you both so much," Reema said, intertwining her arms with mine and beaming with joy. Maa was right; this time, there was undeniably something distinct about her. She is a stunning girl, but today she radiated an extraordinary light. A smile crept across my face as I pondered the possibility of a fresh romance blossoming in Reema's life, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the moment I could return home to uncover all the details.

We arranged for a cab to take us home, and by the time we arrived, it was time for breakfast. Before we left for home, Maa had lovingly prepared my sister's favorite breakfast, upma (spiced semolina porridge), for us. We savored the meal, and feeling utterly fatigued, Reema and I decided to drift off to sleep for a while.

We occupied the same room, while Mother was in a separate room. As soon as we settled onto the bed, slumber enveloped us.

We slumbered uninterrupted for six hours. As sunlight broke, we stirred from our slumber, and Mother prepared a delightful feast for us to enjoy. Our conversation flowed endlessly about it during lunch. Reema revealed plenty about her time, her encounters, and her lifestyle during her stay in Florida.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Reema carefully unpacked her bag. She had brought a skincare routine for her mother, which was focused on maintaining her youthful appearance. She had brought a selection of delightful items and a lovely outfit, and I am certain that Mother appreciated every aspect of it.

Following the evening meal, Maa withdrew to her room for an early rest. Poor Maa was utterly exhausted, having spent the entire day preparing food for us. I made Reema her favorite hot chocolate milk and then headed to the living room, where she was happily chatting on her phone. Her smile lit up the room, and I sensed she set her mobile down the moment our eyes met.

"Come sit here, Di. I want to talk to you," Reema said with a smile, gesturing to the seat beside her, and I took my place next to her.

"What did you think of the dresses I picked out for you?" She inquired with a playful tone.

"If our mother finds out you bought me such daring lingerie, she will have your head," I said with a smile.

"Come on, di, they were so beautiful. I needed to get those for you." Reema said with a smile.

"I have no idea when I'll ever wear those," I remarked, exasperation evident in my tone.

"When you go on your honeymoon, make sure to wear them," she said, and I shifted the conversation.

"Maa and I are filled with joy. At last, you have returned to us," I said, gently stroking her head with affection.

"Di, I have missed you and Maa immensely. Whenever I felt like giving up, I would envision both of your faces, and that would inspire me to continue," she said.

"You are a remarkable young woman, Reema, and we take immense pride in all that you have accomplished," I remarked, savoring my sugarless hot chocolate. Its flavor was sharp and acrid, yet the warmth it provided was undeniably comforting.

"Tell me what's going on in your life. We've exchanged countless stories, yet you've never opened up about your romantic experiences," she inquired, looking at me with a pillow resting on her lap.

"Since I don't have any. That's why?" I asked, attempting to completely stop her next query. However, Reema's relentless pursuit will not stop until I answer her every question.

"Come on, Di, you can't be serious! You really didn't fall for anyone?" she inquired, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"No... I didn't, and even if I had, my physical attributes wouldn't make anyone fall for me," I said, and that was the truth. Ajay never experienced any feelings of attraction toward me or any other men I encountered afterward. It was merely a union of practicality. With Vijay, it was an exceptional experience; the affection between us blossomed over time. It was a mystery to us when our hearts intertwined.

"Di, appearances are the least important aspect of a relationship. To find a suitable partner, one must first be a suitable person," Reema remarked.

"It all comes from experience, Reema. When you don't fit into the social norms of beauty and size, people can be quite cruel. It's all about appearance and size. Every man desires a stunning woman by his side, and I believe that is perfectly acceptable. I am not someone who should compel them to like me. If a person has no feelings for me, then I cannot force them to feel the same way, right?" I inquired of her.

"That's true, but I know what a treasure of a person you are," she said, gently holding my arm and resting her head on my shoulder.

"What exactly happened with Ajay? You all were on the brink of exchanging vows and I recalled your words, suggesting he might be a suitable companion," she inquired.

"He discovered his heart's desire. He found himself captivated by Kavya even more deeply. I realized that If that were to occur after marriage, wouldn't my life be ruined? People would label me as a divorcée. Whatever happens, it's for the best; that's my motto." I declared.

"But you didn't feel anger toward him, Kavya, or the circumstances. If I were in your position, I'm not sure how I would have managed the situation," Reema said.

"I experienced deep pain, but then it dawned on me that love can strike anyone, anywhere, at any moment. It would have been a mistake for him to marry me, fully aware of his feelings for Kavya. I have decided to forgive them, and in doing so, I reclaimed my peace," I said.

" Di, you are an extremely polite person. I really appreciate you. Someone is waiting for you somewhere. I know you will find your happily ever after soon," she said, kissing my hand, and I returned her smile. I gave up hope of finding love a long time ago. But now, Reema and my mother are the only people who matter to me.

"Alright, enough about me. What about yours?" I inquired, and Reema's cheeks flushed a deep crimson.

"Now that I'm back with you all, I wanted to tell you earlier. Last week, Shekhar, my boyfriend asked me to marry him. He is eager to meet all of you to discuss allying." Her words made her cheeks flush, and I found myself overwhelmed by my feelings. I embraced her tightly.

"You've found your true love; I'm genuinely excited for you. My precious little sister is about to become a bride. Oh my goodness... I can hardly believe it," I exclaimed, a wave of joy swelling within me.

"Quiet now... di, quiet... Maa is resting. I will speak to Maa tomorrow, and I need your assistance." She uttered.

"But enlighten me about this, Shekhar. From where does he hail? Do you have a photo of him?" I inquired with enormous enthusiasm.

"Hold on, let me share his picture," she said, then pulled up her phone and showed me the photo. To my surprise, it was the same boy who helped me choose jewelry at the showroom.

"You're not serious?" I inquired with a smile, unable to grasp the reality of the situation unfolding before me.

"Really, Di," she said.

"He is the ideal match for you, Reema," I remarked.

"Thank you, Di, but are you familiar with him?" She inquired with a confused expression on her face.

"But there is one thing... where did you both meet?" I inquired of her.

"Our paths crossed during our studies. We have been together for the past five years. Last year, he journeyed to India to collaborate with his cousins and reconnect with his family residing there. We have been in a long-distance relationship for the past year. He had a strong desire to come to the airport, but I informed him that I hadn't mentioned him to you all, so he decided to stay away. I'm meeting him tomorrow," she said blushing.

"My babysitter is in love, and that's the reason for the glow," I said, but her expression abruptly changed.

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

"We both hail from distinct social backgrounds. He belongs to one of the wealthiest families in the city. He oversees the Mumbai location of their chain of showrooms." She spoke with a furrowed brow, "He loves me, and I can feel it, but I come from a fractured background and a modest upbringing. I'm uncertain about how his family will respond."

"Love conquers all, Reema. Despite my lack of competence in things of the heart, I believe it is critical to attempt to build harmony. Love is something that comes easily, but maintaining that love is a difficult task. Amidst the many obstacles that lie ahead, it is essential to hold steadfast to the power of your affection. Despite whispers and challenges, remember that your journey is for the one you chose to love and cherish. Do not allow external influences to undermine the bond you share." I declared.

"But, Di, what if they refuse to accept the marriage?" She asked me.

"We're there, and I'm positive that nobody can refuse my baby sister, Reema. You are a bright, capable, ambitious individual, and above all, a remarkably humble person. Shekhar has deep feelings for you. Don't worry; focus on the positive aspects of the situation. There is a solution for every problem," I said, as she rested her hand gently on my lap.

"I truly adore Shekhar and wish to share my life with him," Reema expressed, and I gently caressed her hair with affection.

"Please tell Shekhar to join us tomorrow. Don't worry, I will make sure to persuade Maa," I said. Instantly, she rose and embraced me warmly.

"You're the best, Di," she said.

"Anything for my dear sister," I replied.

We continued our conversation for a while longer, and then I retreated to my room, seeking a restful slumber.

Reema wanted to speak with Shekhar, so I moved to my room to give her some privacy. I smiled since I used to chat with Vijay about anything and everything, including hours of casual chats and late-night discussions. The divorce consumed Maa, causing her to lose herself in her thoughts and become distant from everything around her including me and Reema. Vijay was my solace. I never had the opportunity to share with him about my mother. Since I had already broken his heart, I felt compelled to strengthen mine by giving my mother and younger sister my full attention.

Yet, I shall hold those moments close to my heart for all time. I recall every single moment we've shared. I brush away the tear that cascades down my cheek. I wish that wherever he may be, he may find happiness.