Everything since Tuesday after we left Rayan's home has been going pretty fast. I don't even realize what is happening and sometimes when I do I finally see our lives getting back to normal.

As much as I wanted to go work in the office I couldn't. I didn't want to leave my children and neither did I want to control my anger seeing Mr. Arora and Ira every day.

Neil and I have spent the entire week working from home. Myra kept her word and she looked after them when they were in school. Neil or I would go pick them up and it was relaxing to know they are in front of us every time. I couldn't just trust Maya no matter what and Vidhyut has been helping by keeping an eye on her.

On one side as I see our enemies getting defeated on another side I see the mess my friends have created for themselves and me.

Foziah and I are busy with our business. Myra and Alia are doing their jobs while simultaneously planning their weddings together. Zar and Sara, the preggies, Alia calls them have been blowing up the girl's group chat on WhatsApp.

They are either disagreeing over some fact or Zar points out how she is currently feeling and Sara agrees with her saying, I know right, happens during pregnancy.

There are times when they get into a situation where they fight over I am right, you are wrong.

And those are the times I hate the most because then their only question, Avni, who do you think is right?

And I seriously have no idea who is right because they argue over ridiculous things. I know Sara would be someone who takes everything pretty seriously and Zar currently has so many mood swings that she acts nothing less than a teenager.

And those are one of the times Foziah takes fun. She usually gets back online at night and she sends the laughing gifs to show how much she is enjoying it.

While Alia and Myra have their own fears of how to handle things after marriage. They both have more busy schedules than any of us considering Myra is working on something and Alia is a doctor. They do share some wedding plans with us asking for our opinions.

Sara gives a lot of opinions than any of us, she is just direct even if what she says won't be agreeable to another person. Thankfully Myra has gotten well along with everyone.

Zar on the other hand seems to have made up her mind to not like Sara in particular because the other day she was chatting normally with Alia in the group. She even mentioned to me that Alia visits her regularly at Kiaan's home and has brought her some gifts.

I knew then things could get so much better if Zar and Sara became friends. We all could actually have fun together without arguments. The idea of them patching up and making us all laugh suddenly looked tempting to me.

I just wanted to get them together but they hardly stay in a room. When the fashion designer said me about the next collection she had prepared which is a maternity outfit photoshoot I immediately knew what to do.

Sara loves photos and doing exciting things while Zar is just looking for something to distract her mood from boredom. I asked the fashion designer if it was fine if Zar and Sara did the photoshoot. She said as long as they are carrying the look and giving the camera exactly what it needs that would be fine. I know they are both beautiful and can easily sell this collection.

"Oh my god! Me?" Sara had asked me dramatically when I asked her if she would do the photoshoot.

"Yes." I laughed. "If you are fine with it and of course ask Kabir if required."

"I am hell excited!" She cheered. "I hope Zar doesn't ruin this for us."

And her worry seems to come true because Zar didn't actually agree to do it. After all, Sara was involved. The whole point was to get them together so I had to convince her that she could do it for fun and experience something which hasn't.

I was able to get them to meet the fashion designer on Thursday and I don't know how things went because I didn't go to the office. The photoshoot won't be until next week as of now they have given their measurements and all but I hope during the time they spend together they just bond up somehow.

Zar had texted me a Thank you on Friday letting me know that she is enjoying it and that she is glad she got something to get her mind away from everything going on in her life. I know she is afraid of the pregnancy going wrong somehow and we still have a pending conversation about why Rayan wanted to talk to her.

Maya does as she is asked and she lets Ira know she has kidnapped Niam and Navya. On Saturday I pick them up from school and drive them to my in-laws. I know they will be safe here so Neil and I decided it will be the best.

As planned Ira calls me and she talks in a changed voice. She asks me to come to the location which I asked Maya to tell her. Ira assumes Niam and Navya are there so I have to play along.

Neil seems to play well with Mr. Arora and I feel terrified as we get all set to leave. Everything has been going as per our plan and I know it's all about timing and luck now.

I hug Niam and Navya feeling a little emotional about the mess my mother's family caused in my life and I caused in my children's life. I know they are strong kids or it wouldn't have been easy for them to understand the problems we have gone through.

Right now though we haven't said anything about what we are going to do because they are children and I don't want them to panic while we are away.

"Enjoy the time with everyone," I tell them as I try to control my tears.

"Mumma." Navya looks at me sadly as she reaches out to wipe the tear. Neil is suddenly kneeling beside me and he puts his arm around me as he squeezes my arm. I turn to look at him and he nods giving me the assurance I need.

Everything is going to be alright.

I am so thankful for his support. He could go around blaming me it's all happening because of my mother's family. I was indirectly a reason for the havoc in our lives even though I know it's not my fault I still feel sad about it.

I wish my parents had thought about their children before doing anything. It's easy to get married but not to handle it because then it's not all about us it's about the family we have.

"Has someone troubled you?" Niam asks looking worried.

"No." I shake my head as I wipe my tears away. "I am okay."

He looks at me for a moment then looks at Neil who simply pulls him in a hug. "Everything is alright, my boy."

Navya leans in to hug me and I press a kiss on her cheek hoping things just go as expected.

As we stand up to leave I look at my mother-in-law, father-in-law, and Bebe who seem a little emotional too. I go over to take their blessings and they embrace me in a warm hug.

"Stay strong," Bebe tells me softly. "Just like you always have."

It seems like I am suddenly going into a war, and in a way I am. This is my war to go against a family who hates me to save a family who loves me.

Only I know how much I have craved to have a sister, brother... a cousin. Knowing that they are the ones trying to harm me and my family hurts but I can't welcome them with open arms when they have been stabbing me.

"You know you can do this." Neela maa tells me softly. "It's not anything new you have been in more difficult situations than this."

I nod as I hug her and I cry a little in her arms. It's not about I can't do this I can but I am hurt that this is even happening. Everything that has happened and everything that is happening suddenly seems to hurt a lot.

"Come on, Bhabi." DD smiles. "When this is all over I promise I will cook for you."

I chuckle as I hug him. "I am sure you are going to burn the kitchen."

"A Maggi isn't a big deal for me." He laughs.

"After all the tasty breakfasts and dinners she has fed you you will just cook her a Maggi?" Neil asks rolling his eyes.

"That's his effort," I say rolling my eyes. "I would love whatever you cook, DD."

DD looks at Neil and grins. Neil just rolls his eyes at him making me smile. They are cute.

"Don't be jealous." DD teases him.

"I am not jealou-" Neil begins to say but he sighs. "Forget it."

"Alia is saying us all the best," Neil says as he looks down at his phone when it beeps.

As we finally step out of the house I feel everything coming back to me. How all of it began. Even though I don't remember any of it Neil has given me enough information.

We have gone through a lot and we have come far together and I know we can do this.

Neil and I share a glance as we tuck our guns in our waistbands. I feel a lot of emotions together but determination and anger top all of them.

"Be careful, okay?" Neil asks me softly as we get in the car.

"Yes. You too, please."

He looks at me for a moment before he leans in to kiss me. He kisses me softly and I dwell on that moment with him wanting to calm my nerves.

"Why do you look stressed?" He asks silently when he pulls away.

It's dark outside and I can't help but admire his handsome face as I keep my hand on his cheek.

"I don't want things to go wrong. I am afraid." I tell honestly.

"It's alright." He whispers. "I know be positive thing doesn't really help but let's just not give up, okay?"

"I am sure we can think of something if things don't go as per plan. I need you to stay strong that is where my strength comes from."

I look down feeling the tears at the back of my eyes, I know this is not the time. Maybe I can cry for some time when it's all over just to let go of the sadness and guilt I have started to feel now.

"Okay?" He asks slowly after a moment.

"Okay." I give him a small smile.

❊❊❊

How was it?

The next chapter is the final to end this mess.

I am not sure what you expect after this is over but I just have something in my mind and hope that goes well. 😂

Why does it feel like it's already ending when it's not? 🥺

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