Abir slowed down as he reached down and thought of not panicking everybody..and spotted Mishti and Kuhu coming out of Massima's room..

Seeing Abir's eyes Mishti sensed his distress..

Abir jogged up to them.

"Pata nahi Kethu ko hua Kya Hein...ro rahi Hein...kuch Bata nahi Rahi...Kuhu tum ek glass paani leke aana please... Mishti Chalo.."

Abir held her hand and pulled her lightly along him...as Kuhu moved to the dining table..

Mishti asked Abir what happened and at his desperate shake of head ran ahead of him..and came to a sudden still as she reached the door..

" Wh..."

His incredulous outburst was stopped by a palm clamping his mouth..

****

Mishti was tensed to see the worried look of Abir...

And when he said Kethu was crying she was genuinely alarmed...

But as she raced up and was about to step in ..

The scene in front of her was endearing.,

Nihaal and Kethu ...her face cupped in his palms...!

She stood there a second admiring the duo...

Oh God..!! Abiir..!

How will he react if he see them like this..??

Mishti felt him closing in and before she could stop him he was at her back witnessing the very scene she admired....

But if Abir disturbed them Kethu will be hurt ..and everything. .. will turn into a nightmare....She just turned and put her hand over his mouth... holding him by his waist....

****

Abir was not able to believe his eyes..

Nihaal...and Kethu..!!!

How? When?

He heard Nihaal pouring his heart out and was stunned.

Mishti pulled him back to the wall a bit forcefully as Kuhu hurried up to them with a jug..

Mishti signalled her to be silent and to take a look in the room..

Kuhu tiptoed to the door with a frown..which cleared away in a second seeing the tableu inside...

"Set..!? Sach mein!?!"

She moved back to the duo and asked in a gleeful whisper...and then bit her lips realising her gaffe ... She looked contritely at Abir..As Abir looked at Kuhu and then to Mishti understanding that both did know about what he just saw in his room.

" What's going on? Tum donon ko pehle se pata Hein ? Kab se chal Raha heinyeh sab?"

Abir's voice was Stern but low and Kuhu saw that his questions were directed to Mishti...

Fearing another confrontation Kuhu jumped in..

"Mishti ki koi galti nahi Hein bro...mein batati Hoon..."

And she told him how they came to know about Kethu's liking for Nihaal and Nihaal's cordial response to her whenever they met ...

" Bas aaj Mishti ne morning jab Nihaal bro se mila toh aise hi bata Diya ki Kethu's health is not okay...just to get his reaction..heina Mishti..!?"

Mishti nodded looking at Abir guiltily...

"But suddenly ab yahaan pe Kya hua humein kuch nahi pata....aap the na bro...? Hua Kya tha?"

Abir was now getting the full picture...

Kethu like Nihaal..

Nihaal too like her but he kept his distance out of respect for their bond..

Now when Kethu heard about Nihaal's talk about his marriage with Mishti she broke down..

Why was Nihaal prodding him about his and Mishti''s relation....??

His eyes widened in realization that Nihaal know about him and Mishti...and was goading him share it with him...

And now it somehow backfired on him...or did it..?

" Kuhu tum neeche sambhaalna...keep everything normal...mein aur Mishti is situation ko sambhaaltha Hoon..."

Kuhu nodded and put forward her request..

"Bro! Kethu..umm..really likes him.....koi gadbad math karna."

Abir nodded slowly and Kuhu left hurriedly. Mishti let out a relieved breath which was caught halfway as he pulled her to him ...

" Scheming beautiful witch...Kaise sabki zindgi suljhathi ho apni jaadu se....."

His palm cupped the side of her neck...as the other arm went around her waist...

" Abir...Kya Kar rahe ho...koi dekhlenge..."

Mishti tried to push him away... looking around worriedly..

" Kuhu won't let anyone up...and this is a blind spot for ppl in the hall...toh..itna kuch chal Raha tha ....aur mujhe bataya nahin.."

" Woh..mein.batane keliye kuch tha hi nahin..you saw na..now only both have realized they like each other... even I didn't expect Nihaal to crack too soon..uhh... Abir...Tum Nihaal ya Kethu se gussa toh nahin hei na..?!"

Abir looked at her paniky eyes and reassured her..

" No. Never.....I love him as my brother.The one person refuge I had from school days to unburden myself...even about you....and Now to have him as my brother in law is such a wonderful gift..."

He caressed her forehead...

"And you did this...Nihaal fell into your trap.. that is epic..!.."

Abir smiled widely...

" You are not thinking about me right now ...right....?"

Mishti asked pushing him lightly on his chest..

Looking at him with suspicious eyes she tied her hands on front...

" You are dreaming about that ride out there .. Thinking of blackmailing your friend .. right...You.You are impossible Abir.."

" Now... it's called fun..ab Chalo .. Nihaal ko pappu banathe Hein...!"

Mishti shook her head in exasperation but smiled as she saw glimpses of old Abir ..The Prankster Abir ....

***

Kethu was having the moment of her life...

Nihaal liked her !!...and he just told her that..!

And about how his feelings developed for her in time from her being his friends sister to a much more important person in his life..

Now shyness overwhelmed her as she looked into his confident smiling eyes ..

" Till now I was thinking that I should let Abir know about my feelings and then tell you...but now ..When he is back I am going to tell him.."

" What's going on...??!"

Both Kethu and Nihaal got onto their feet as Abir's Stern voice cut through their cozy exchange..

"Uhhmm...Abir..don't..misunderstand ..umm..we..I..Oh God..! This is too soon.."

Nihaal stuttered and lamented in the end and looked at Abir and Mishti as she bit her smile ..in response to his accusing glare..

Kethu looked at Nihaal's face adoring his stupefaction and moved close to him..

Nihaal was startled to feel her fingers threading into his and looked at Ketki in disbelief..

" Bhai...mein pehle hi aapse kaha that ki jin ko mein pasand karoongi unko mein pehle aap se hi milvaoongi....lekin...thoda late hua yeh baat bolne mein kyunki ..yeh aapka dost pehele tha..Ab.. mujhe pata nahi ki aap donon ke beech Kya baat chal Raha tha...lekin jab.."

" Bas Kethu.!!..idhar aaa.!!"

Abir commanded and Kethu looked at Nihaal...in slight fear...

Nihaal just pressed her hand in reassurance and let her go..

Abir hugged Kethu...

" Tum okay ho na?..ab Mishti ki saath Chalo.. we'll talk about this a bit later...but first I have to ..."

He paused meaningfully and looked at Nihaal who was gearing up for a confrontation..

" Par..."

Kethu was reluctant but Mishti pulled her with a loving hand ... winking at Nihaal.. giving him a reprieve that Abir was not mad at him..

As Kethu came out of the room..she asked Mishti.. very much disturbed..

" Mishti..kahi in donon ke beech...Meri wajah se..."

Mishti took Kethu to her room..

" Abir ko koi bhi problem nahin hai Kethu...he is on cloud nine now that his sister turned out a pro in recognising diamond when she sees one."

"Sach ?.. lekin Bhai.. Bhai toh...oh God ..woh acting Kar Raha hai..!!?"

Mishti laughed as Kethu rubbed off her tears ..

" Un donon ka rishtha bohot strong Hein Kethu..Ab it's your responsibility to nourish their bond..samjhi...?!"

Kethu nodded with happy eyes .

" I'll just freshen up and change .. Mein Kuhu ko bulati hoon.."

Mishti took the phone from her pocket and messaged Kuhu to come and give Kethu company..

****

Nihaal looked at the gruff face of Abir... waiting for the blow ..

Either verbal or even physical..

" So you were telling me about your and Mishti''s..uh.. marriage.. right...then how come I heard you tell my sister .. that..."

Nihaal interjected...

" Abir...I know..it sounds weird..but .. I just wanted you to tell me...that Mishti affect you as much as Kethu affect me...There I said it..I should have asked you directly...but just had to dig my grave to do this.."

Nihaal shook his head ruefully..

" Toh tumhein pata Hein.!..kab se?"

Abir's question was inquisitive.....

" I saw you two outside Rajshri aunties room on her chemo day.."

That was enough for Abir to realise that while his friend was honoring his friendship he didn't do justice to their bond....

"And I was going to talk to you about my feelings for Kethu..to ask your permission to officially ask for her...but.. I felt a bit let out when you didn't share such an important event in your life... despite me being just a phone call away..."

Nihaal was going on with his explanation and he was surprised at the pull on his shoulder... facing a beaming Abir...

" I am so happy that Kethu chose you ...and I promise you I'll be a better friend from now on"

Nihaal's eyes widened with happiness..as they welcomed their new relationship with a hearty embrace..

***

After the initial euphoria ...the fact that Meenakshi was eager about Nihaal and Mishti''s alliance was sinking in and Abir had sought details from Nihaal..

Nihaal on the other hand could only tell him that his Mom was praising Mishti just to get his reaction rather than asking him directly..

May be Meenakshii aunty want Mishti to complete her studies and make this rishtha official at that time...but his Mom in her eagerness was spilling the beans..

Abir and Nihaal had then came down to meet with Rajshri...

He just wanted to know whether Massima too was aware of his Mom's plan...

Abir wanted Nihaal to keep his and Mishti''s relationship secret till this marriage planning was thwarted...and Nihaal too had an idea of how stubborn Mom and Son was ..and that Abir didn't want to put Mishti on the spot..

Rajshri was very happy to see Abir and Nihaal..and mostly her eyes were on Abiir.,her questions were for Abir and towards Nihaal she showed her gratitude for supporting them wholeheartedly...

" Rajshri aunty doesn't know about moms plans ...I am sure of it.."

Nihaal had said to a thoughtful Abir..

***

Abir 's face was carefully masked when all were seated at the dinner table..

Meenakshii and Parul seemed very much happy that Nihaal had decided to stay over..

And their enthusiastic intention was also being expressed as Parul urged Mishti to serve the paneer makhani .. Nihaal's favorite dish...which Mishti did with a confused look at Nihaal..

Nihaal responded with a wink and Mishti looked at Abir's face sensing something off.

Meenakshii too was sensing an aloofness on Abir's part...

" Kya hua Abir... tumhara friend barson baad stay over Kar Raha Hein...tumhara chehra itna serious kyun Hein..."

Abir looked at Mishti a bit seriously..

And turned his face to Meenakshi..

" Mera dosth aaya Hein...Ghar ka daammad thode Hein yeh.. ismein itne mehman nawazi ki Kya zaroorath..."

Meenakshi's face clouded at the direct jibe and her eyes fell on Mishti who was feeling equally uncomfortable..

" Aise khana milenge toh mein Roz hi aaoonga na.."

Nihaal joked to lighten the tensed atmosphere..

"Nihaal Bhai..you are most welcome...ab in ladkiyon ke beech...apna ek aadmi aur ho toh maza hi kuch aur Hein.."

Kunal said excitedly..

Kuhu had given him the jist of the events that went down and Kunal too was genuinely exalted at the prospect of having Nihaal as BIL.

" Haan ab yeh bhi Ghar ka beta hi toh Hein..."

Nanu too supported Nihaal..

Kuhu smiled up and kicked a silent Kethu lightly under the table telling her to cheer up...

Mishti was feeling awful at this exchange between Mom and Son...but as she looked at Abir...she was surprised to see him wink at her ...

***

Kethu was confused at Abir's behavior...

She thought of Mishti's words and Bhai's behavior at the dining table....

Mishti was sure that Abir Bhai was positive about her and Nihaal's relationship...but ...

" Tum soyi nahi ab Tak..."

Abir's voice woke her up from her thoughts..

" Woh umm.mein..sone wali thi..."

" Bina mujhse baat kiye?!"

Abir's question made her a bit fearful..

" Bhai ..Maine aapse kuch bhi chupaya nahi Hein...mujhe bhi pata nahin tha ki..."

" Woh bhi tumhein pasand kartha hein....heina?!"

Kethu nodded ... slightly... wringing her palms warily..

Abir held her shoulders and made her look up..

" I am proud of you Kethu Sethu...tumne mujhse Jo vaada Kiya tha voh bhi poora karliya aur aise aadmi ko chuna jiska buraayi mein bhi nahi Kar saktha..."

Kethu looked at him with eyes filled with happy tears...

But then her face clouded a little..

" Woh Nihaal ki baat ka zyada importance mat Dena....mein Hoon na...aur tumhein pata heina ki Mishti iss bare mein kuch nahi jaanti... Kuhu ne bola ki yeh sab Mishti ki planning thi.....hei na? tum Jo suna uske bare mein kisi se bhi kehna mat...I will solve this mess okay.."

Kethu nodded in relief..

" Waise pehle Wala meeting meine disturb Kiya tha...toh Maine Socha thoda time tum donon ko milna chahiye....waise aaj ke baad woh toh poora busy hi hoga...toh..Aajao yaar..!"

Abir called out and Nihaal stepped into the room... slightly embarrassed at the situation..

Kethu blushed as Kuhu and Kunal peeked inside with wide smiles...

"..Sent him out after ....say 20 mts okay...is se zyada time nahin de saktha ab...aagey ki scheduling sab in bees minute mein hi Karna...!"

Nihaal gave a light punch to Abir as he turned to leave with a smile...

Kunal was waiting outside Kethu's room with Kuhu...

"Uhh..Abir Bhai...we both will stay here ...and bring Nihaal Bhai to your room...koi dekhlenge toh normal lagna hei na.."

Abiir nodded in agreement as Kuhu hugged him happily..

" Thanks bro...you are wonderful!!"

Abir patted her head affectionately and walked to his room.....eyes looking around for her presence....

Mishti would be with Massima...

He needed to talk to her ...to be close to her to give his heartbeats it's rhythm...which did skip several beats at the thought of losing her to anyone or anything....

His eyes were glued to Rajshri's room as he neared his room...and therefore didn't notice the hand that extended from his room...

Hauling him inside....

****

Mishti was on pins and needles even after Abir's reassuring wink...

Badimaa was too tired and slept even before she went to check her after dinner..

Her mind in a flux she went to meet Meenakshii and Parul...as per her usual routine ...

Mishti found both of them ..in downspirits ...but couldn't ask them anything directly...So she just went on enquiring about RT and about their day ...

Meenakshii felt a bit relieved at seeing the smiling face of Mishti and both she and Parul shared their day with her asking all about her first day and Mark's vacation...

Prompting them to retire for the night..she walked up to the stairs... with a resolute face.

She needed to know what disturbed Abir this much that he was rude to his Mom...that too in front of Nihaal...

***

"Mishti!!!"

Abir whispered as he was pulled in and the door was shut...

Mishti left her hold and stood still ..her figure washed in moonlight...

As Abir stretched out his hand to her ... and she moved away .. saying " Alexa lights".. flooding the room in soothing light...

Abir looked at Mishti... standing with her back to him.,and understood clearly that she didn't approve of his performance at the dinner...

His rudeness to her Chotima..

Ab ise manane ke baad hi kuch baat ho paayega...

Mishti let out a small shriek as his arms scooped her up to his chest...

" Abiir..mein gussa Hoon tumse.. chodo mujhe..!"

"Mujhe pata Hein ki tum gusse mein ho..."

Abir said as he walked up to their space...

" Toh pehele gussa thanda Karthe Hein na..phir mein sabkuch Batata Hoon.."

" Toh...kuch baat Hein... Kethu kyun ro rahi thi batao ...Maine poocha lekin woh taal Diya ..."

Abir went straight to the Bay window...and without relinquishing her he sat leaning on the cusion .... keeping her on his lap.....

Mishti felt her resolve melting...

This Ajeeb aadmi has an endearing way to creep past her defenses..!

And with this blatant closeness she was really having trouble remembering the reason for her tiff with him..

Abir petted her as she slowly snuggled on to his chest ... resting her head on his shoulder..

He pressed a kiss on her forehead...and she looked up at him.....

" Ab bataoge bhi ki baat Kya hai?.. Chotima se aise kyun kaha...aur upar se Kethu ko bhi pareshaan Kiya..."

Abir held her close and Mishti felt his anxious sigh....

" I just want you like this ... forever close to me Mishti...and something is going on behind our back ...I felt a bit insecure and just...reacted.."

Abir's words didn't make any sense to Mishti as she sat up and cupped his face ...

" Now ...poori baat batao...aisa Kya hogaya ki tum aur Kethu donon upset hogaye... definitely it's unrelated to Nihaal...Tum donon toh use leker bohot khush Hein na..!"

"Well it's not unrelated to Nihaal..kinda related to you too..."

Abir's reluctance to open up was evident as he didn't want her to know and be hurt that her Chotima went behind her back for an important decision in her life....

"Uhhmm..well Kethu was upset because she heard Nihaal talking about his and your rishtha...!"

Abir said the words as nonchalantly as possible...but Mishti was shocked...and immediately stood up and looked at Abir incredulously....

" What the hell..! Nihaal aisa ...woh aisa kyun kahega..is this a bad joke??."

She was visibly upset and turned to go down obviously to corner Nihaal on this matter...

" Arre..Arre...poori baat to suno..."

Abir pulled her to him as he encircled his arms around her...and placed his forehead on hers..

" Nihaal ne humein dekha tha hospital mein ...and he knows about us..."

Mishti''s eyes widened at this news.....

Abir then explained to her how Nihaal tried the jealousy angle to get info from him and how it backfired on him as Kethu heard every thing..

" Kethu is liye ro rahi thi...?!"

Mishti asked disbelievingly..and Abir nodded..

" Toh yeh unka payback tha..he told me he would return the favor ...for what I said today morning.. thank God he spilled the truth on time....itna bura joke... Kethu should punish him though..."

" She would be doing that right now...!"

Abir said mischievously..

" Uff...tum un donon ka meeting bhi karvaya..not a bad bro...!"

Mishti said laughingly... lightly pushing him and running away from him..

" Bro mat kehna...Bro bilkul mat kehna..."

Abir followed her and hugged her from the back...and scooped her in his arms...and laid her on the Divan...

" Abhi Batata Hoon .."

Abir tickled her.and was rewarded with the most delightful laugh as she succumbed to his playful fingers...

Abir adored her disheveled state as he caressed her forehead..his eyes now taking in the way her top rode up revealed her waist....and the shimmer of his gift..and his fingers following up the eyes...

Mishti closed her eyes as his touch invoked in her a wave of need unknown to her...

" Ab yahaan yeh Kya chal Raha Hein..."

Both Mishti and Abir were stunned at the Voice...

Nihaal stood at the stairs..with his hands folded as Mishti moved back to hide behind Abir....just to rearrange her self...

Abir too sheilded her but threaded his fingers into hers..

" Tum.. you are early...!!"

Abir said scratching his forehead... embarrassed at being caught...

" Toh mein Jahaan tha wahi waapas jaaoo...I am totally okay with that.."

Nihaal turned with a crafty smile...

Mishti laughed at this as Abir stammered an urgent no..

Abir tried to sound not frustrated...

" Tum sone ki tayyariyaan shuru karo...hum...I mean mein abhi aaya..Jao.."

Nihaal looked at the duo with a whimsical smile....

His friend...the lone wolf he met years back had a contented smile on his face...

And the mysterious girl who haunted him...in his dreams ...was by his side ... holding on to him...

****