Hello everyone!✋😄

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! *Jumping like a maniac*

I know, y'all have already guessed that the tale of Abir and Mishti has not ended yet from the title itself. So, are you ready to witness how it ended? Go fast, Abir is waiting for y'all!

I haven't done any proofreading so there might be some typos. Beforehand sorry! Let's dive directly into the story. Hopefully, y'all will enjoy it. 🤞

Please read the Author's note in the end.

Happy Reading!💚

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5 years later...

...Zindagi  kaisi hai paheli haye,

Kabhi toh hasaye

Kabhi yeh rulayee...

Zindagi...

"Few more steps to reach, Abir, Come on! You can do it. You have to complete the target today" boosting my morale I continued jogging after glancing at my smartwatch. It will take two more minutes to reach my house.

Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya,

Har fikr ko dhuyein main udaata chala gaya...

Barbaadiyon ka shog manana fijjul tha, 

Bardbaadiyon ka shog manana fijjul tha...

Barbaadiyon ka jashna manata chala gaya,

Barbaadiyon ka jashna manata chala gaya...

Har fikr ko dhuyein main uda...

Suddenly the song changed, startling me. Umm... I guess I wasn't paying attention when the previous one ended as I was busy adoring my surrounding. These melodies...Hmm... these lyrics are so true. The lyricists must have churned these simple yet philosophical lines from their heart. Whenever I listen to them, I can relate to these at every level. They are like a summary of what life is: full of ups and downs.

While thinking this, my gaze fell on the two munchkins probably waiting for their school bus: Chris and Laura who waved at me frantically and I waved back along with two flying kisses. They giggled and acted as if they caught them. Their mother, Emmy smiled at this exchange while shaking her head. They are my neighbours and as I like kids, so I pamper them a lot, whenever they gatecrash into my house. I jogged passed them soon and my house came into view. Ahh finally!

"Hey young man!" I heard Uncle George screaming from his garden when I opened my gate after reaching. I asked," What's up Bro? Enjoying coffee?" teasing him as I very well know that Aunt Mel must have given him some medicinal bitter juice. He scoffed," Yeah! Indeed it is coffee" while rolling his eyes and then continued," Well... how come you woke up so early today and even jogged? Haven't got any date yesternight?" ending up with his as usual teasing smile. I rolled my eyes, started," Uncle..." when Aunt Mel cut me off," Oh, you two stop this! George drink it fast or else..." glaring at Uncle and he quickly obliged while I muffled my laugh. Aunt Melissa then turned to me," And you! Don't you have an office today? Abir for the first time, you woke up early, so use it at least in an effective way" she said smiling her best to me. I ruffled my hair with my hand and smiled cheekily. Of course, everyone here is aware of my lazy ass. Well, some habits always remain with us no matter how much a person changes. 

" And yes, I forgot to tell you, your Mom called me yesterday as you didn't pick her calls. Probably, you were sleeping your ass off at that time, so she called me instead. She informed me that it will take her some more days there and call her once you're free, she will tell you the details" she informed grabbing my attention. I nodded and said," Okay. See ya!" Again she stopped me," Wait! There's a post in your letterbox. Do check that out. The postman had come here a while ago and dropped it there. Who the hell on this earth writes a letter in the age of Social Media and that too to you?" she asked in a confused tone. Uncle Geoge chipped in," Ahh... It must be his beloved or one of those flings whom he must have impregnated" casually and laughed his heart out. I and aunt glared at him, ready to pounce on him anytime and he abruptly stopped mouthing a sorry. We couldn't help rolling our eyes on his such stupid antics. I must say this, he always reminds me of my Nanu, who's no more. He was so much like Uncle George and I always feel the same vibe with Uncle George like that of Nanu.

I marched towards the letterbox while saying," Aunt Mel, I don't know. Maybe it's some parcel..." and shrugged," Ummm... see it's a parcel, not a letter" I said showing it to her then to which she smiled sheepishly and mouthed a sorry.

I waved off my hand at that and replied, whispering," Ah, no need! It's fine. But yeah do me a favour. Just include some more bitter medicinal potions to his diet. He always laughs at my expense. So, I want revenge. Will you?" while eyeing to Uncle George who was trying hard to hear me but couldn't. Melissa smiled ear to ear and showed a thumbs up. I smiled at her cheekily and threw a wink at George leaving them. And soon I marched into the house escaping from further teasings with that parcel addressed to me, Abir Rajvansh and... and was posted from INDIA????

I checked the address while entering the house, only to find it was from Ahaan. Huh? Why Ahaan had posted this to me? What's in this? He could've informed me by calling me or through email as well. I don't think he had mentioned something like this the last time we talked.

The clock in the drawing-room struck 7 grabbing my attention. Shit! I need to hurry up or else I'll be again late to office and my sweet Mom will kill me! I hurriedly placed the parcel on the dining table in the dining area and marched to my bedroom. Soon got done with selecting my formals and went to take a shower. It took me 15-20 mins to get done with my regular chores and soon I entered the kitchen. Hmm... today I have got some time, so I'll have a good breakfast rather than the regular cereals and all. I miss the full-fledged Gujarati breakfast as Mom isn't here but soon she will be here and I'll enjoy her food. But for now, let's keep it simple. Some Khichdi will suffice. Yes, I will make that only, it's easy and will take a little time. Even some pickle is there...hmm so Khichdi, it is!

I started preparing Khichdi, it took 20 mins and finally I placed the cooker on the flames. Huff... I grabbed an apple and fetched the newspaper from the porch. Eating the apple and turning over the pages of the newspaper, I sat on the dining table, waiting for my Khichdi to get over. Reading the headlines, I got bored of it, so quickly turned to the business page but there was nothing important, much to my disappointment. 

I tossed down the newspaper and right at that time the cooker whistled, I quickly turned off the gas. Waited for some time for the steam to go while setting the plate. And in some minutes, I finally got to place my fav Khichdi in my mouth. Ummm... it's good though not as good as Mom's, but it's eatable. Mom, if I wouldn't have been required here, in Toronto then I would have surely gone to Ottawa for that deal. But urghhh... the main branch needed my attention and that's why Mom had to leave in my place. And now she's taking more time to come back as Aunt Mel said. I should have gone in place of her. I miss her. Wait! I can call her, right! Also, she had said to Aunt Melissa.

I fished out the phone from my sweatpants and dialled her number while checking the time, she must be available now, but it had a voicemail saying she's in a meeting. Shit, bad timing. 

Involuntarily, my eyes fell on the parcel kept on the other side of the table. Oh, shoot! I completely forgot about it. I quickly fetched a scissor to open it and did so while munching on the Khichdi.

The contents of the parcel surprised me. Two letters and some chocolate bars? So, the thing which Uncle George predicted has become reality or what? No, Abir! Gadhedo! It's from Ahaan for God's sake, that too from India. Stupid fellow! Before thinking, first, open them na. I opened the small letter written by Ahaan, of course, I know his handwriting! I stopped eating and began reading the letter numbered one on it, that Mr Duffer has written to me when he could have simply called me:

Dear Gadhedo Abir,

Hey! Now don't make that irritating pout. Come on! I always call you Gadhedo. Hehehe!I know you must be wondering why suddenly I posted a letter and chocolates to you when I could have called you straight away. Sabar kar yaar! Why are you so restless always? First, tell me how are you? Oh, wait! Why I'm even writing this when I can call you right now? Okay! Okay! Now no more ghuma-oing the talks. Coming to the point, actually, it's a surprise for you. I was a little apprehensive before sending these to you but Kash told me to go ahead, so I did. The other letter and the chocolates aren't sent by me. I really don't know whether I did right by sending these to you but I couldn't deny the actual sender after so many requests made by that person. I know you don't want to think anything about India or contact anyone except me but please open and read the other letter. Please it's important and I think after knowing who is the original sender and the contents of the letter, you'll be so grateful to me that you'll be thanking me for this. Okay! Jokes apart do read that because it's important. Do whatever you think is right and remember I'm always with you!

And call me often yaar. I miss you. I miss my best friend. I know you're not gonna comply to it but still, I'll say: Come back, buddy! Please!

Your's Sadu Buddy,

Ahaan

There's a dried teardrop faintly visible on the page where he has asked me to go back. I caressed it while shedding some tears myself reading the last line. Nothing has changed between me and Ahaan in all these years, though we had experienced a fair share of ups and downs in our lives. But still, our friendship sailed through all those days and is still sailing. Even though we are in two different corners of the world. 

Thinking about Ahaan and India, I got reminded of those terrible times. The time when all our lives turned upside down. The time when Dad left us and went away to the heavenly abode above...

After coming back from the trip with Ahaan in hurry, I got to see Dad in the most critical and horrible condition through a small see-through round glass in the ICU. Remembering it still sends a chill down my spine. He laid on the hospital bed with several machines, pipes, needles etc attached and pierced into his big yet fragile body. Talking to the doctors we got two news, one bad and another good. The good news was though it was a major heart attack, as because it was the first one, the recovering chances were pretty much good. Also, Dad responded to the treatment very well.

But the bad new, perfectly put, the worst news was that the doctors had found some traces of leukaemia in his blood samples and tumour in the brain while full-body scan. It shattered both me and Mom. But as we had some time and still hope, as said by the doctors, we gathered ourselves. We consulted several doctors and got one response that we should treat Dad in Toronto, Canada as some best facilities and finest doctors specialised in this are available here. And as we wanted the best for him, so we flew to Toronto in 2-3 days, after Dad recovered. All this while Ahaan and his father stood by our side, like pillars of support and I'm still so grateful to him and uncle.

We were hopeful that Dad will fight this as he was showing improvement when treated by doctors of Toronto. But... but three years ago, we lost him. He couldn't fight the disease, the one who was my hero, succumbed to it. But not before putting a great and strong fight against all adversities. I'm proud of him but sometimes I think what happened was good because the pain he endured during the chemo sessions and surgeries was tremendous. And it was so hard for Mom and me to see him suffer each day but his smile never faded away till the day he... he passed away. Probably, he wanted to make us feel strong through those assuring smiles although he was under huge pain. My hero, my Dad! I miss you, I really do!

Thinking about him, the tears started spilling out on their own accord. This happens always. I wiped them with the back of my hands and sniffed. That wasn't the only loss to us, the last blow was still there ready to shatter our already haywire lives. It was my own Uncle, my Dad's own younger brother who fraudulently snatched our business which was made by Dad and Mom's sweat and blood. As we both were busy with Dad's treatment and I was busy completing my graduation there, we had given all the charge of the business to him and he betrayed us. After we left India for Dad's treatment, he started procuring all the assets slowly under our nose and literally waited for Dad's death. The two years was enough for him and after Dad's death he came out clean leaving the already mourning mother-son duo shattered. That was the last blow. But as it's said: 'The worst days either make you strong or breaks you completely', that's exactly what happened with us. Due to that, I got to see the fierce tigress which my Mom is. Though she was grieving, she stood up against injustice and betrayal. With the help of Ahaan's father, we filed a case in which he was our lawyer. He helped us fully and eventually, the matter got settled as we won the case. But as the betrayer was my Uncle, so Mom gave him his share of the business and we completely moved out to Canada and got settled here in Toronto. This was our mutual decision as there was nothing left in India besides betrayal, some close friends like Ahaan and his family & some well-wishing relatives. All of them supported the decision except Ahaan who was at first mad at me but eventually gave in after sensing the need and situation.

The reason he was mad was actually, I completed my graduation here in Toronto, leaving him and the college for two years. As it was getting difficult for me to manage things, so Mom-Dad suggested me to get done with it here rather than wasting my years and I complied. But Ahaan was hopeful after Dad's death that I'll go back to India. And then the things took an evil turn as said before and we moved here.

All this while, I wasn't in contact with any of my friends except Ahaan. As I got busy settling the new business here with Mom so I hardly got any chance. The business picked the pace instantly and in two years it became a well-known company. Also since the last one and half a year we have been working on expanding the business overseas. This happened when Ahaan joined our company and started helping in expanding the business in India. And now the RAJVANSH ENTERPRISES  is doing awesome. We are planning to expand it more. So, I hardly get time to go back to India and as Ahaan is handling well there so I don't really need to go. But as always he complains about this. I know he misses me and me too but... nevermind. But I know for sure, one person would have been so happy due to this. Yeah, of course, that's Kashish! Hahaha! Sometimes when I video call Ahaan, she always pretends like she is happy that I'm not around but it somehow shows that she too miss me just tries hard to not show. Even with Ahaan, she had asked me to go back but it was done slyly. That Shopping Mall is crazy, I'm telling you. She doesn't know herself. Well, I'm so good na, so they all miss me but I seldom interact with them except Ahaan.

The clock struck 8 breaking my never-ending thoughts. Pheww! I rubbed my face with my hands, clearing my mind and wiping the tear trails as well. Whenever I get to spend this alone time I always end up thinking these things. That's why I always get myself indulged in work. Long gone the wanderer, irresponsible, Dad's apple of eyes Abir. Now it's the all about the suited up, responsible, Rajvansh enterprises' MD, Abir Rajvansh. But still, some habits like laziness in taking care of myself hasn't left me yet though I've become very much responsible. Besides, when I get free time apart from business gatherings, which is usually on weekends I spend it with Mom or sight-seeing. I had my fair share of flings to pass time but nothing materialised further. And that's the reason Uncle George passed that flings comment as he already knows me really well. Living in this area for nearly five years, we have developed a great bonding with our neighbours. And me being me, I gelled up with all of them and that's why they always treat me as a family member, especially Uncle George and Aunt Melissa.

Suddenly, the other letter, green in colour, and those chocolate bars grabbed my attention while fetching some water. I have seen these bars somewhere before, but I'm unable to remember where. Umm... leave it. I grabbed one of them and started munching after finishing my Khichdi. I also took the green letter in my hand and as soon as I picked it up, a familiar fragrance hit my nostrils. But I can't really remember from where I have smelled it before. It's lavender? Ummm... Yeah, it's lavender. Instantly, it provided a calmness. After so many years... Is it? Abir you're overthinking. I shrugged off these thoughts and opened the letter.

As soon as I folded open the letter, instinctively my eyes fell on the name addressed to me. Am I dreaming? I rubbed my eyes but still, nothing changed. It's...it's...It's written 'Dear Ajjeb Aadmi ;P '! And instantly my eyes moved to the name written in the end signature of the letter, only to prove my doubts true.

It was written 'Your's Angry Woman- Mishti   ;)   '.

Holy shit! It's a letter from Mishti!!!!!!!

Like seriously???????

I instantly stood up and rushed to the kitchen sink. I washed my face to wake me up. Certainly, I'm dreaming, why would she write to me? That too when we have not been in touch after that fateful day lest even met. I sat again on the chair and opened the letter. Woah! It's written that only. I'm not dreaming, it's the reality.

But why so suddenly? Yeah, I've restricted Ahaan to give my whereabouts or details to anyone rather than him or his family as I don't have faith left on the people back there, which included friends and college mates. And now, he posted Mishti's letter to me. Why? And most importantly, why the hell Mishti has written to me? We aren't even in contact and why so suddenly? What happened suddenly?

That day at the airport, I realised that it was a mere infatuation, but a very strong one which could have transformed into something more but nothing happened. But why suddenly fate is pushing me back there from where I have left? It was a Petrichor like infatuation fated to be short-lived. I don't know... what's happening? Urghhh...

Nevertheless, I have to read it, maybe something important might be there. Yes! I will read it now. Glancing at the clock, I realised I have an hour as I can go a little bit late like always. So, yeah Abir, let's read this. You can do it, come on! 

I mustered up all my courage and started reading:

Dear Ajeeb Aadmi   ;p

Hey Weirdo! I'm writing this in a hope that it will reach you because I don't know whether Ahaan is ever gonna send this to you. I had asked Ahaan about your address and all so that I can myself post this but he denied straightly stating you don't want to contact anyone. So, I wrote this and gave this to him to send it to you. I'm hoping against hope that this will reach you. I trust him but I also know that he's overprotective for you so I really don't know if this letter will ever be able to make a way to you. Ok... leave it! Tell me how are you? Aare why I'm even asking? You are fine, I know, what will happen to you? You will always remain Ajeeb and eat other's brains. And as now you are the MD of Rajvansh Enterprises, I'm sure you must be doing your weird antics and procedure there as well. Oye, beware! Or else your employees will leave you for your weirdness. Hahahaha!

You must be shocked that why I wrote to you after these many years. So, coming to the point straight: actually, I wanted to thank you... yes, thank you for those wise words on the trip. Because they made me what I'm now and helped me move on from my past and start afresh. You know I and rain have become friends again! Can you believe it? I am no longer afraid of it, all thanks to you. Due to your playful pull into the rain that day, I overcame my phobia and past as well, though slowly. I have again started to enjoy and cherish the heavenly showers and it's pearly drops. 

Not only this, thanks to you I've got a bunch of amazing life-long friends in Ahaan and Kashish. Of course, Anjali is my constant but these two have acquired a significant place in my life. But I always crib with Ahaan as he doesn't give any info about you. Such a stupid he is and so are you! I know you have restricted him but he can tell at least small things but Nah! Pheww! 

And you'll be happy to know that after you boosted my morale back then, I got my self-confidence back. And now I'm comfortable with who I am, with my specs and all. All thanks to you... Mr Maha Ajeeb Rajvansh. God knows why your words affected me so much and till now I abide by them. I know you're still a logophile. Also, I have got back to Daadu and Di the very next summer vacation after our trip. They were so happy to get me back and I think it was my best decision, thanks to you yet again!

Offo... in all this, I forgot to tell you about the main thing. Guess what? Oops, you can't guess it, main bhi na! Okay, so the thing is: I have successfully cleared the UPSC examination and now you can call me an IFS officer. Yess! I'm Mishti Agarwaal, an Indian Foreign Service holder. I'm so happy you know. It's all because of you and your words which changed my perspective towards life. And yeah my first posting is in Toronto, Canada, just got the confirmation letter after the last exam. I have to join the embassy in two weeks. Yayyyy! I always wanted to go there but see I can finally go now, not only there but to any other country with that golden Diplomat passports. It took me four years to reach this place after facing those rigorous training and exams, but now it seems like it was worth shedding blood and sweat. I'm so excited that after getting the confirmation letter, here I'm writing to you sitting in the other room while those three monkeys are outside partying. I felt like sharing my happiness with you so wrote this although I don't know this will ever be gonna reach you or not. Nevertheless, I'll give this to Ahaan, after writing, hopefully, he will send this to you...

Abir, thank you so much for everything you did for me. I'm so grateful to you. And I'm really sorry about your loss. I got the news about uncle's demise, three years ago but couldn't contact you for obvious reasons. I wish I was there with you at that time... sorry! But I'm happy that you fought back fiercely not only the grief but also the outside world. You didn't escape the situations like me and emerged out victorious. You made Rajvansh enterprise which is excelling so much in such a short time. I'm so proud of you. 

Now don't think how I got to know these things, I've got sources na. Hehehe! Of course, these things are known to all here. So, don't worry!

But in all this, I miss you. I know it is weird as we interacted for merely a day or so and here I'm saying this. Probably, you could have forgotten me (in that case, I'll kill you). Nevertheless, I miss you. You gave me so much so how can I forget you? That's why here I'm thanking you after five long years. So, ungrateful of me. I wish you could have been here all these years like others are. But it's okay!

Please come back soon! (Ahaan made me write this. So, whenever you want or willing to come back then do that, please. He really misses you even though he is the only one in touch with you)

Once again, thank you so much Ajeeb Rajvansh for everything. I just wrote it to you because before joining the services I wanted to thank you, so did it right away. Hopefully, I'll see you soon and if fate permits we will meet as well. Good luck Abir! And wish me luck as well, I'm in serious need of it here. So, better wish me luck or I'll kill you the next time I meet you.  :P

Your's Angry Woman, 

Mishti  ;)

P.S.- Don't you dare frown over the salutations. You and I had made a pact back then about these names. Thought to remind you in case your Ajeeb brain has forgotten it. After all, you're ageing na. So, thought to help you beforehand. And yeah, chocolates are there, do eat them. I'm sure you'll love them, after all, it's from my special collection. Enjoy! Bye!

Woah! There's so much to process. I kept the letter down and began pondering about what I just read while resting my chin on my clasped hands. She wrote to me to thank me for everything that happened with her in all these years. But am I really responsible for it? Am I worthy of it? Of course not! I didn't do anything rather than just spilling out what I felt back then. And those things affected her so much that she literally think that it is all because of me! I honestly don't know what to feel or even say. It's totally her will power and strong level-headedness which has made her what she is now, a Strong Woman! But that silly girl thinks that it's me.

Honestly, all these years as life happened to me, I forgot about her. I won't lie, I'm accepting it. But now after reading this, I'm realising that the memories still reside in me in a corner. Those two fateful days of my life, when I felt those forbidden and strong feeling full of passion for her, started replaying in my mind on their own. From our unexpected clash where I remained mum to the last time she waved me off in the campsite, I started reliving those golden memories. My eyes got closed on their own accord as those beautiful bright doe-shaped eyes behind the specs, plump appealing pink lips, sharp jawline with smooth milky white skin, her moon-like pretty face, her sweet lavender scent, her honey-laced voice etc began playing in my being. Her different expressions from angry to indifference to sorry face to amused ones to excited to frightened to crying to panic-stricken and lastly the strong-willed face started assaulting me and something... something stirred in me as it had happened all those years back. Again that strong pull towards this Angry Woman resurfaced but this time I don't know why it's happening. The last time it happened, I figured out that it was an infatuation, though it was a late realisation. Is this the same, this time as well? Errrr... Abir, you're thinking too much. Cut the crap!

All these years, Ahaan never uttered a word about their friendship to me, not a single word! What the hell? He could have said it to me, I would have not eaten him, right! Oh, wait! You're such a Gadhedo and Ajeeb. Nanu and Mishti have chosen the apt names for you, Abir! Huh! Of course, how could he? You were the one who restricted him from informing anything other than official matters to him na! Ok... leave it! But I'm happy that she got such deep friendships apart from just Anjali. And they all seem very thick with each other. One thing is certain, that Ahaan must have got through a hell of difficulties, thanks to this trio, TRIDEVIYAN. Well, he deserves it for hiding this fact! Yes! An evil chuckle left my lips imagining Ahaan getting troubled by Trideviyan. LOL!

But what's with this girl yaar? Her angry mode has increased to more ten thousand folds now. She has become more violent now. She literally threatened me that too not once but twice. She is now an Angry Violent Women is all sense. Well, old habits die hard just like my laziness. 

Nevertheless, I'm so elated for her. She went back to her family and I'm so grateful that she did. She had said it that it was her best decision and this made me feel relief and content. She had moved on from her past memories! Hey! Of course, it's not me as she is saying. I guess, as she invested her time all these years in career building, reconciling with family, accepting herself and achieving what she is now, is the main push behind this. It kept her distracted and slowly she overcame it, I suppose. And boy! She loves rain now! Isn't that awesome? Hell yeah, it is! This is the best thing that she has written. I'm glad that she has overcome her fears and nightmares.

And now she is an IFS officer, Wow! Like really... wowwwwww! She aced all exams and in two weeks she is gonna be here. Wait! She is gonna be here in TWO WEEKS. Holy shit! I again grabbed the letter and reread it. Yeah, she is coming here only, to Toronto! Damn! This is for real. And if she has written it 2 weeks ago, which I got to know from the date written then she'll be here in 2 days, probably. I need to talk with Ahaan about her whereabouts as soon as possible. He surely knows about her. Thanks, Partner! This idiot at least helped me for once... okay! I know he always helps me but you know he is my buddy so I'll always deny this fact. Hahaha!

Hold on! She is coming here and I need to surprise, or perfectly put, scare the shit out of her. Aare our IFS Officer Agarwal is coming so her SWAGAT will be grand na. I'll make sure that she never forgets this welcome ever in her whole life. Angry Violent Women just wait and watch, this Ajeeb will hunt you down even before you could realise. Hahaha! *evil laugh*

She has written that she missed me but now she is coming here. The moment she will arrive here, she will forget all those missing because this Ajeeb will be there na. But on a serious note, when I read the part where she has mentioned that she missed me, my heart melted, literally. I wasn't expecting that actually.  And here I'm, who was so smitten by her back then, had completely forgotten about her. Damn you Abir!

And how can I forget the part where she appreciated me for my achievements and all. I got melted in puddles while reading that. Those butterflies who got buried deep down back then resurfaced and did thousands of somersaults. Mishti, she affects me so much irrespective of all these years. Either I've gone nuts or I'm dreaming. This feels so unreal man! But it's happening with me. And like the last time questions started popping in me: Why fate is pushing us together? It was destined to be an infatuation, right? Then why this? And why she has to get posted here, in Toronto? Maybe it's a coincidence, but... Urghhh! Abir stop overthinking for God's sake. Whenever Mishti topic comes, you do only one thing that is OVERTHINKING! Breathe man! I sighed heavily. Okay, I'll go with the flow this time. I know already that we are the pawns of the game called life. So, I'll let life happen to me as I have always done. Yeah, this makes sense. But welcoming Mishti is a must. Hahaha!

I glanced at my wristwatch and it showed 9:30 AM. Oops, I'm again late. hurry up, man! I placed the plates in the sink and hurried into the bedroom. Got myself ready in the formals not before keeping the letters and chocolates safely in my closet. It took me 10 minutes and I'm ready. Soon I started driving to the office and in between, I called Mom to which the same voicemail answered. Then I dialled Ahaan but didn't pick up! This boy! Huh!

I checked the time and according to it, in India, it should be evening so why this idiot isn't picking up the damn call. I started cursing him mentally but soon my phone started ringing making me stop and it was none other than the great Ahaan. Immediately, I picked it and started," Why don't you pick up the call in the first attempt? I know it's evening there so don't you dare give me that excuse that you were sleeping". He replied," Aare listen to me na. I was actually ina meeting my dear business partner which was at the verge of ending when you called that's why I didn't pick your call. But as soon as they left the first thing I did is calling you. Now happy!"  chuckling on my cribbing. " Oh, then it's fine. Wait! You idiot, why the hell you wrote to me when you could have called me? Han? Okay, I know your reason now..." I went on and on with my complaints and he replied to me as an obedient student responds in an oral test. But in no time, we started fighting as usual hurling abuses at each other. Buddies you see!  ;)

Ahaan gave me Mishti's details and all after hearing my long lectures. While talking to him, I reached office and soon my cabin but our talks seemed never-ending. Still, we talked for the next hour discussing the last five years, our company, anything and everything in the end. We always talk like this, whenever we get time from our busy schedules. They say Women talks are never-ending but in our case, it's the reverse. LOL! Nevertheless, I derived ample info about everything from him and ended the call when one employee came in with some files. Soon he left the cabin and my mind started planning how to execute the plans for Mishti. I just can't wait for the day she is arriving that is the day after tomorrow.

2 days later...

I'm standing here at the airport, checking the time every now and then. Time to time, I'm glancing towards the exit gate of the airport but still there is no trace of that Angry Violent Woman. Her flight had already landed since half an hour but this girl has not come out yet. Mishti, where are you?

After talking to Ahaan that day I got to know that all the things she wrote to me were true. I couldn't help but drop the idea of scaring her on her very first day here in Toronto. But still, I can give her a mini-heart attack na! So, I have customised a big banner on which it is written: "WELCOME TO TORONTO MISS ANGRY VIOLENT WOMAN!" in bold capital letters. She will be hell shocked on seeing it. Haha! Two men were standing behind me with that banner, I lifted my eyes to see the banner and couldn't control my laugh. Each time I see it, I couldn't resist myself from laughing out aloud. Even the people there and the people coming out of the exit gave me a bewildered expression at first and then smiled noticing the tulip bouquet in my hand. Some old man even came to me and said a while ago," Don't worry young man! She will surely say yes to you but I must say the nickname is weird" when I was getting restless. He soon left leaving me baffled even before I could clear his misunderstanding. At that time, pink shade crept up my cheeks on hearing his statement and some girl voiced an 'Aww' adding more fuel to the fire. I ruffled my hair out of shyness. Abir, control yourself!

Suddenly some clouds started accumulating in the once clear sky. Rain? At this time of the year? How? Someone screamed from within: It's because SHE is coming. Hell yeah! Rain and we have this unusual connection. So, how could Partner not pour down some of his heavenly drops today when Mishti is arriving? Thank you, Partner, thank you so much!

The cold wind started hitting me and some drops started descending as well. I so wanted to enjoy the rain but I don't want to spoil my appearance. I want to look perfect for her. So, I along with my two men moved inside the airport to avoid the downpour. 

Suddenly, a little blurry figure emerged out of the exit and that particular lavender fragrance started spreading. The petrichor and lavender fragrance got mixed, started hitting my face and indicated her arrival. The butterflies in my stomach started somersaulting when the figure became clear to my eyes. There she is clad in an olive green trenchcoat glowing her best and probably nothing has changed in her. Rather a sense of maturity and authority is reflecting from her persona. She looks more confident now and her aura is bewitching. Those doe-shaped eyes behind specs which held calmness a while ago are shocked as hell now. Oh, so the banner did it's a wonder. I did a little Garba mentally on my achievement. 

But no sooner her beautiful orbs landed on me, her dull shocked face brightened up with that 440-volt smile. Hayee! I can never get enough of her. I threw a wink at her smiling and she literally rushed to me. And before I could even think or say, I got engulfed in her tiny arms around me securely. Woah! I wasn't expecting this but she against me automatically gave me that long-forgotten calmness and peace. It felt shooting and both of us relaxed. Probably, she relaxed after seeing a known face in this new unknown country, which is very natural. But why did I relax? I don't know!

She pulled away and asked," I'm not dreaming, right? You're her for real! I can't believe it, Ajeeb Aadmi" excitement fully evident in her voice. Her chirpy honey-laced voice, I just realised that I missed it so much. Her voice is the same, shooting as always. She again started," And what the hell? You made such a banner for welcoming me. Seriously!? You have not changed a bit, I was so right! You were Ajeeb, you are Ajeeb and you will always remain AJEEB. Period" while smacking my arms. " Now why are you silent? Dahi jam gaya hai kya munh main? Han?" she asked mocking me, breaking my reverie. I was so lost in taking in her beauty that I didn't pay much heed to her talks. " Ah... Hi, Mishti! It's so good to see IFS Mishti Agarwal here. And about the banner, actually madam, I was waiting for my friend who is Angry Violent types but guess it's an IFS officer who has come in her place" I replied with a teasing smirk and ran my eyes from her head to toe teasingly.

" Abir tum na! You're hopeless, literally hopeless, Weirdo! Ajeeb kahinka!" she chided me again smacking my arms. " Now what's with you smacking my poor arm? No sooner you met me, you started assaulting me. You Angry Violent as hell Woman!" I said with a fake scared expression while dramatically caressing my arms. To which she just rolled her eyes, smiling.

" Abir, I was... aanchhu" she sneezes while saying something. Instinctively, I say," God bless you!"

" Already blessed" she smiled directly looking into my eyes.

And at this moment my heart literally skipped a beat. I raised my left bow in confusion to have an explanation from her but she shrugged it, smiling. Again she sneezes that too thrice in a row much to my horror.

" Mishtiiiii yaar... let's go to my car. It's cold here and it's gonna rain heavily as well. You'll catch a cold. We can talk in the car. Come on!" I said indicating to the slight drizzle happening while forwarding my hand for her. She looked up after nuzzling her nose with the back of her hands. "Abir every time we meet, is it necessary for God to do some downpour or what?" she asked chuckling and voicing out the same thing I was wondering a while ago. I replied," Maybe" with a cheeky smile and continued," Come on Mishti! Let's go. Your new life awaits you and surely you won't like to start it with a running nose" while again extending my hand to her. She nodded smiling, grabbed my hand and soon we got into the car dodging the heavenly showers which started drizzling as if welcoming Mishti to my life, yet again.

And now I can say it was fated to be like this. Petrichor spreads when it showers for the first time in ages. But it does shower every year so we get to experience the earthly fragrance namely petrichor each year. And I guess opened with me. I don't know what it is? I am now standing at the same point where I was dated back then just in another tangent but with the same old question: Is this infatuation or...? Well, I think I'll let life happen to me like always and I'll embrace whatever comes my way...

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

7560 words. Pheww!!!😅

So, how's it?😲🤔

And how is this surprise? Well, I have planned to update this early but got caught up with studies. Still, I sat down today to finally bid bye to this.😅

And about the ending, I think some infatuation can get materialise into more. It's not necessary that all those feelings have to die within oneself always. Sometimes, God does give chance to these feelings of us humans. So, I ended it in this way and of course with an open end. Also, as it's MishBir so how can I give such a cruel end to Abir and Mishti, full of questions to them? Giving a proper happy open end to them was a must na. 

Do tell me your honest views about this Petrichor series, especially non-MishBirians.And Mishbir lovers pour some love or hatred or anything about the ending and the series. Pretty please! *puppy face*

I hope you all will like it. If yes, then please don't forget to vote and comment as well. I will love to read your thoughts and views on this. Inline comments are most welcome! I'm a beginner so any kind of advice from seniors and juniors is also most welcome. 🤗

For more stories like this, please add this book to your reading list. But don't forget to vote. Please! And yeah give your review, don't be a silent reader. Even if you are finding it boring then do drop a word in the comments section. It will help me in improving writing and coming up with more interesting stuff. Come On! Don't be silent. I'll try to come up with a new story on Infatuation soon...😄

Till then bubyeee...

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~Signing off: Akankshya~
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