Abir wanted to jump in joy...

Pull Nanu's cheeks and take his aashirwad..

Trip Nanko and make him fall on the sofa causing the girls to pester him.

Dance around everyone holding Mishti in his arms...

Even hug his Mom and kiss her cheeks..!!!

Instead...

Keeping his face grave ..he calmly went up the stairs and shut the door of his room...

Then taking a deep breath he jumped on to the bed like a child on trampoline.. !

His happiness knew no bounds..!

They are getting almost 3 days together and moreover they can spend it with out pretence...!

After the initial joy he took his laptop and hurriedly checked for some things and video called Mark..

He just have to upgrade his plans for their special day..!

Mark was visibly shocked to see an elated Abir and even more when he started listing out his requirements and flight plan..

He could only nod and smile at the way his boss was acting..

*******

Mishti moved to Chotima with her question.But before she could ask Meenakshii said..

" Maine aisa kaha kyunki agar use pata chalega ki tum mere saath kaam Kar rahi ho toh woh koi Aur Tana na mare Aur phir se woh Kunal Kya kehtha Hein world war 3 na ho jaaye.."

Parul laughed at the reference.

" Nahi Chotima...woh aisa kuch bhi nahi kahega.."

Mishti unconsciously defended Abir and then bit her lips realising her slip..

Meenakshii looked at her with wide surprised eyes and then laughed..

" Parul dekho...yeh toh uski tarafdaari karne lagi..itni jaldi party badal di.."

Mishti tried to protest in vain..as Parul patted her reassuringly..

" Mishti hum na tum donon ko dekha Hein bachpan Mein Aur ab bhi .Aur humein itna toh pata Hein ki aapas Mein tum dono Shayad khoob jhagdenge par tumhein bhi uski utni chintha Hein jitna tumhein is Ghar ke baaki logon ke baare Mein Hein..."

Meenakshii seconded the thought and added.

" Aur usko bhi tumhari chintha Hein..Shayad isi vajah see woh thoda rough behave kartha hoga.tum toh waise bhi ziddi ho...Ab jab Tak Greenville see vaapas aati Hein uske saath jhagadna mat okay..! Aur Rajshri ki pass Mein hoongi toh uska bhi tension tum mat Lena.."

Mishti could only nod at the love and trust the two women bestowed upon her and Abir...

As she walked back her mind was a mixture of feelings... happiness at having an opportunity to spend time with Abir and guilt at sort of deceiving the family who considered her as a daughter.

She can't even back out from this apartment selling now..

Not that she was not going to repay her loan.. That is her responsibility as a daughter.

But it has taken a backseat in her priorities now.. Whatever..she was doing this for Badimaa and Kuhu..she never held a moral ownership of that house even though she is listed as the nominee.She can invest it for Kuhu atleast.

****

" Mishti are you okay with the flight journey..?"

Kunal was sceptical as he lounged in her bed and watched Mishti pack her things..

Kuhu and Kethu came in and took stock of the situation..

" Mishti..you are going back to Greenville ..right? Toh yeh kurthis sab kyun pack Kar rahe ho...our friends will kill me if they see you in these ultra Indo wear..move..! let me do your packing. Kunal isko idhar se le jao Aur exams ki thodi help karvado.."

Kuhu pushed Mishti away from the backpack.

Kunal pulled Mishti out of the room and then to his room..

" Mishti...it's not done yaar..Valentine's day is one day away and I am struck with books...and you who should help me is going off to Greenville.."

He sat down totally depressed as Mishti tried to lift his spirits.

" You were backtracking and she friend zoned you...try something else and see.."

Mishti said blankly...

Kunal looked at her disbelievingly...

" Are you waving "That" green flag...oh..thank you Mishti...I will make you proud ."

Mishti smacked him as he thumped his chest and told him to look at his books ...

*****

Abir lay on the diwan on the loft ..hands tied behind the head... looking at his incomplete painting...

A smug smile playing in the corner of his mouth...

His eyes were dreamy... remembering how soft and pliant she felt in his arms and her sweetness...

And now to get 3 days with her ..and nights...!

He sat up in anticipation unable to stop smiling at his impatience...

He wanted her already.!

A knock on the door and the sound of it being pushed open brought him back to real time..

Wiping off the goofy smile from his face and taking some deep breaths and putting on a frown he sprinted down the stairs..

"Nanu aap?"

Abir was surprised to see Nanu sitting on his bed ...uhhh...bed!!

" Aap soya nahi abhi Tak.!..kuch kaam tha?"

Nanu ignored his question and asked Abir..

" Yahaan pe koi uchal kood Kiya tha Kya..bed aise kaise behaal banadiya tune...?"

Abir scratched his forehead in search of a lie..and noticed his phone lying on the table..

" Woh..Mein .phone dhoonde Raha tha..ki bed Mein rakha tha ya table pe.....haan table pe .got it..!"

" Woh Mein...tum Kal jaa rahe ho na...?"

Nanu asked carefully.

Abir turned and sat on the bed avoiding facing Nanu..

" Chal na tho padega na... Meenakshii Rajvansh ki request Hein...unki laadli keliye.."

Abir said in a carefully disturbed tone..

" Oh...haan woh tho Hein...Aur Meri bhi laadli Hein...tum nahin the na... par woh apne problems hote hue bhi ek din bhi mere pass aakar mujhse baat kiye Bina nahin rahi."

Abir felt guilty.

But didn't respond.

" Tum kabhi mat bhoolna ki woh tumhaari responsibility Hein.. Use izzath Aur Pyaar ke saath le jaana aur le aana...yehi baat samjhana tha mujhe..."

Nanu's tone was unusually grave and his words too were unusual for Abir..

He turned to face Nanu not understanding what he meant .

" Nanu..I do respect her...and I know very well how she cares about all of you and how important she is to all of us..and don't worry I will take care of her...uhh..if she let me.."

Nanu nodded but still looked unconvinced..

" Waise best friend kehne se sab hota nahi..Mein pehle bhi kaha hai Mishti ki baare Mein agar kuch kehna Hein toh tum mujhse keh sakthe ho..."

Nanu gave him an opening....

Abir fidgetey eyes looked around the room but at Nanu..

" Kuch bhi nahi Nanu..aap bhi na...I am going with her tomorrow... Maa bhi khush aur woh bhi..."

"Aur tum"

"Mein bhi khush...." He said with out thinking .

Abir bit his tongue at his slip..

" Tera Nanu umr se boodha hoga par Dil see ab bhi Jawan Hein aur yeh..tumhari aur Mishti ki aaj ka badla badla tevar ke bare Mein mujhe sab pata Hein..."

Nanu said in a Stern tone and Abirs eyes widened in realization..

Nanu ko pata chalgaya !!

"Uhh..Mein.. Nanu..." Abir turned away from Nanu fearing his reprimanding any time.

" Are Pyaar hua Hein tujhe ..mujhse nahi share karoge toh kis se karoge... Gadheda.!"

Nanu's laughter shocked him..

" Naanu....aapko pata tha na...isliye .. isliye mujhe counter de rahe the neeche ...Nanooo.."

Abir bear hugged his best friend...

" Subah subah aise nazara dekhne ko Mila ki kaleja thanda pad Gaya..Ab batao mujhe ki yeh Sab hua kaise...tum toh yahaan tha hi nahi...!!?"

Abir took in a deep breath and took Nanu's hand in his and slapped himself..

Nanu was shocked .

" Yeh Kya ..Abiir?"

" Waise sab sun ne ke baad aap mujhe pitne wale ho.. isliye.."

Abir sat at his Nanu's feet and narrated the entire events that happened between him and Mishti..when he said how Mishti cared for him and her struggle and misconceptions coupled with his ego led to their estrangement Nanu's eyes widened...

When Abir said about his misunderstandings about Mishti and Kunal and then Neil..Nanu did smack him hard on his head...

" Gadheda kahinka..!"

" Ab mujhe pata Hain ki Mein uske Bina itne saal jee toh Raha tha lekin Zindagi uski haathoen Mein thi.."

Abir looked up at Nanu and saw his slight change of face..

"Nanu..woh Maa.."

Abir knew the shadow that passed on Nanu's face was none other than his worry about Maa.

" Tum uski chintha ab mat Karo... Mishti toh uski jaan Hein na..woh is rishthe ko apna lenge...lekin abhi use kuch kehna theek nahi hoga.. tumhein bhi apne relationship ko waqt Dena chahiye...new Generation ki soch apnao...ek doosre ke saath raho...ek doosre ko waqt do..Gharwalon ke bare Mein kaun sochtha Hein...?!"

"Nanu Nanu...you are a rockstar....!" Abir stood up and clapped in Joy.

" Toh Valentine's day ka Kya plan Hein..??"

Nanu wiggled his brows..and Abir gave him a shy smile..

" Woh ..umm..ahemm..

...aap young Hein par itna bhi young nahi Hein ki Mein itni personal secrets aapko Bata soon..I respect you too much.. Nanu.."

"Itna sharmana kisliye...? Are Mein Teri suhaag raat ke baare Mein thode pooch Raha hoonn..."

" NANU!!!"

Abir jumped and cupped Nanu's mouth..

Nanu stilled and looked at Abir who was now hot pink in colour..

Abir took off his palm and grinned sheepishly..

" Hmm..New Gen...humara zamana bhi Kya zamana tha... aankhon aankon Mein baat ...Door se aahe...Aur muddathon ke baad Shaadi..ab Sab Ulta ganga behene laga Hein..Hmm.."

Nanu said looking at Abir thoughtfully..

"Uhmm. Tum na ..mere phone pe Mark ka number send kardo...mujhe us se ek kaam Hein.."

Abir was now confused .

" Aap mujhe Bata sakthe Hein..na...Mark ...? Kyun?"

Abir prodded Nanu and Nanu shifted on his stance a bit uncomfortably...

" Uhmm.. nothing much..mujhe Tum bas number de do.zyada sawal mat Karo!."

Abir took his phone and sent the contact number to Nanu's phone..all the while looking at him wierdly...

As Nanu reached the door he turned to Abir.

" Waise Valentine's day ke theek nau mahine baad children's day Hein...aise hi Bata Raha Hoon ki mujhe abhi ParNanu nahi ban na.Let me chill some more as Cool Nanu... okay..be responsible."

Abirs mouth went wide in shock and he clamped it shut with his palms...

His face neck and ears....simultaneously turning into multishades of red..

Even after Nanu left Abir stood there not able to emerge from the shock he gave .

Was Nanu giving him a veiled warning..??!

He shook his head and thought about the purpose of this trip..

He should come clean with Mishti.

But she is stubborn and will continue insisting upon paying him back ..! And she will find ways too for that ... already he was tensed about her working somewhere ..

Better not to reveal anything now.

****

Next morning after Artii and breakfast both Abir and Mishti came down with their backpacks..

Mishti was apprehensive on many levels..

Abir too was fidgetey due to the shadow play he was going to do with Mishti.

Meenakshii and Parul took her tensed look as to her concern for Rajshri and Abir' s look as his discomfort...

Nanu who was privvy to all secrets too was having a sombre face..

Kunal was visibly in down spirits as well as Kuhu and Kethu...all with their own reasons..

" Uhmm..Mark is waiting for us ..let's go.."

Abir turned to Mishti..

Kuhu hugged Mishti...

" Sabse milna...Sneha will be waiting for you..and sabko Mera Pyaar Dena ..us Avi ko nahi..baaki sabko.."

Mishti smiled weakly and nodded..

" Aur bro se jhagadna mat..!"

Mishti made a face at Kuhu..and they hugged again..

" Kunal ka khayal rakhna...uhm..ache se.."

Mishti whispered into her ears and Kuhu felt a wierd elation in the pit of her stomach.

****

Abir helped Mishti to put on her seat belt and sank beside her .

" Are you sure Mishti...woh apartment tumhara Ghar hei na..Do you really want to sell it..?"

His question put a doubt in her mind ..but then she said clearly..

" Haan...it's my home...and I don't think this is a wrong decision. Maine Aur Kuhu ne bohot soch ke ye decision Kiya Hein.. tumhein pata heina Badimaa ki sivay Mera aur Kuhu ka koi family nahin Hein..ab humara Greenville vapas jaake rehna toh possible nahin Hein.. studies, treatment ,follow ups.Job..phir .."

" Phir.?" Abir asked innocently..

" Phir Kya..kuch nahin..suno....haan..so there is no point in keeping an apartment vacant na..

Aur Massima's treatment is long-term..so when she will be deemed fit for outpatient treatment we will need a place here in New York .."

" What..!!. You are planning to move out..?"

Abir turned her to face him...

" Haan Abir..Phir ..Phir ke bare mein sochna hein.na"

She said with a secret smile.

Abir looked at her... miffed at her decision.but the ' Phir' carrot she was dangling was tempting..

"And that would be an investment for Kuhu..So that whatever be the situation she would have a place of her own.. I am dreaming high...I hope we'll get enough out of bargaining.."

Abir had pulled her to him and she rested her head on his shoulders as she shared her hopes..

They were airborne and she didn't even realize it.

Mishti looked at Abir knowingly..and he smiled at her pulling her closer..

Later Mark too joined them and the trio moved from one conversation to another with ease...

****

At Greenville

Sneha and Rahul were at the Greenville airport to receive them..

Rahul bearhugged her and went to greet Abir in awe..

Mishti turned to Sneha and obviously Sneha had her first question ready..

" Mishti...is he still single..? koi gf bana liya Kya..Kuhu was telling something.."

Mishti bit her laugh and put on a long face.

" Haan..he is taken...ab Kya bolu..aise jagah pe jaake sir rakh Diya...Tsk tsk..so sad.."

"Kya hua..ladki achi nahin hein Kya..?"

" She is okay okay type nothing special ....but very bossy..! Kya Kya karwathe Hein Abir see..! Aur yeh..abhi se henpecked .."

Mishti did the sign of " Gaya kaam se" and nodded meaningfully..

" Hmm.. doesn't care anymore..umm..me and Rahul.."

Sneha looked at Abir standing near to them with his backpack and smiled sheepishly, nudging Mishti.

Abir looked at Mishti sternly as she tried to wipe off the impish look from her face..

Mark had rented a Land Rover and put all their backpacks and luggage in it.

While Mishti and Abir joined Sneha and Rahul in their car...

" It's good that you came today.. Tomorrow and the next day we were going to be so busy...uhh Snoo..."

Rahul's remark got a light smack from Sneha as Mishti stifled her smile..

Abir looked at her and she winked at him.

But as they neared her home she was looking out eagerly and becoming silent..and Abir knew his decision was the right one...

She cared too much to let go...

Upon reaching her apartment Mishti tried to lift her feelings..

Sneha was apologetic..

" Yaar ..just arranged the cleaners and they have managed to clean a little only ..of course we did monthly cleaning as you requested..but this was a bit hurried.."

Mishti hugged her friend.

" This is great..and I..umm..haan I can do the rest ..and we are not going to stay here permenently no? One or two days to put this up for sale and arrange a property dealer to get clients .he will handle things ..heina Abir...?

I think that's the way it works..Abir is here to vett the dealer ...and if he got any clients ready then it's well and good ..we.umm can wrap this up sooner..."

Her voice was strained when she ended the sentence.

Abir simply looked at her ...and then turned his attention to Sneha and Rahul engaging them in conversation ... giving Mishti ample space to reunite with the memories that rushed into her mind...

She found the living room, kitchen and her room cleaned .and that Mark and Abir had kept their backpacks in there already.

And as she came back to join the her friends they were planning to leave..

" Mishti...we have planned a party at my place..small one ..in your honor..just us friends only since all wanted to see you..So..be there by 6 ish.. both of you.."

"Uhmm..I won't be able to make it..you see Mark and I have a business meet tomorrow .so we need a discussion time . And if everything go smoothly here today then .. we'll be off tomorrow ..!"

Abir said to them apologetically..

" But Mishti will be there...hei na Mishti..?!"

Abir looked at Mishti who was looking at him confused..

Going back...

Business meeting..

Abir was full on work mode..

That's why he brought Mark along ..you fool..!

Mishti let go of her sinking hopes and smiled openly..

" Why on Earth would I not come and have fun with my champs..of course I'll be there.."

Sneha and Rahul said their good byes and as Mishti entered her room the door was shut and Abir pinned her to it...

"Tum Meri girlfriend ki buraayi karegi...??"

Mishti looked up at Abir haughtily...

"Toh.."

"Tumhein nahi pata ki woh kaisi hei...she has the most fieriest eyes....like this..."

His fingers traced her eyelids...

"And cutest dimples and sexiest pout and lips..."

His fingers pressed her chin a bit to part her lips

"And"

As he swooped down to claim his prize ....she pulled his collar with two hands and turned him on to the door...

" And bossy..." She said.

Pulling him close to her face she kissed him...

Abir's eyes widened at Mishti's new attitude and he knew better..not to compalain.!

He held her in arms and moved towards the bed without breaking the kiss...

Nibbling on the softness of her lower lips.....and she opened to him......letting his tongue explore her .....

Mishti's palm cupped his face as they slowly came out of the trance

Mishti blushed at what she did...

Abir smiled delightfully as he said.. tenderly caressing his lips...

" I like it..I like my bossy girlfriend..ab uski burayi kabhi mat karna..!"

Just then a knock on the door made both sit up.

" OMG Mark..!!"

Mishti said contritely..

" Sir .. Mishti's appointment at the Mayor's office is in half an hour .we should move.."

" Coming Mark..on our way out.."

****

The formalities at the Mayor's office were completed fast and the apartment was put up for sale ..by that time Mark had brought in a property dealer and Abir approved of him.The dealer looked happy at the prospect and informed them that a client had been interested in that property and he would send them the details soon along with buyers agreement if they come into a favorable deal.

Mishti was relieved at the pace with which Abir and of course Mark managed everything...if it was left to her she would have had to run from piller to post for days to find a buyer.Chotima was right in insisting upon Abir supervising this .

They had a mini lunch in between the meetings and by evening the deal was fixed for a fair amount according to Mishti..It seemed like the buyer was definitely interested in the house ..

Though losing her home to someone else pained her ...she masked it with her smiling face as she readied herself to meet her friends...

" Are you sure you don't want to come?"

Mishti asked Abir who nodded..

"Umm...I had this idea last time I came with you guys for the hike..and since I am here now need to work on it.let's see how this pans out..You enjoy with friends...it's your evening..I will stick out like a sore thumb among you guys and you'll feel bad about that...so chill..it's a happy day and rock the reunion...uhmm.. should I drop you off.."

Mishti knew Abir was right and she was irritated because she wanted to be with him but not possible because of his work..

Mark knocked and .peeped into the room.

"Your presentation is ready sir.."

" Hmm coming..."

Abir came upto her and looked at her miffed face tenderly..as she looked up he put on a blank face and complimented her on her look..

"You look just the right mix of casual.and chic..."

Mishti took his arm and pressed a kiss on his palm..

"I will miss you badly.."

Abir sighed and pulled her into his arms..

" I am gonna miss you too...but you know I am right na..so have fun and get back to me soon.."

As she walked away Abir looked at Mark and both got on to do what they arranged between them.

****

Mishti was happy to see familiar faces grinning at her and pulling her into bearhugs and grouphugs...

All were there

Sneha Rahul Christy Sanju Avi..and herself completing the team..

Avi was feeling a bit awkward around her but her understanding look gave him the courage to warm up to her..

Every body shared their life stories with Mishti and comforted her regarding Badimaa's health..

Later Sneha and Christy oohed and aahed over Mishti's portfolio pics in her phone... during her stint with Eve &Tal .

Even the boys couldn't resist wolfwhistling.. seeing Mishti in stunning outfits...

Mishti thanked every one for their love and wished the couple's on their first Valantines day ...as they sat cuddled to each other..

Avi was all smiles at how the pairs behaved..

"I'll walk you home..if I stayed here even a little longer I'll have to wash my eyes...see how mushy they have become.."

Avi gagged as Mishti smiled.

" Take care of her..Don't do anything foolish...Abir will be waiting up.."

Rahul called out from behind and Avi smiled sheepishly..

****

Abir saw two figures walking up towards the apartment entrance as he slowly paced in wait for Mishti...

And upon recognising the man his whole body stiffened..

Avi looked ahead and saw Abir waiting .

As they came face to face and age old communication happened between them..

Avi saw how Abir's taut face at seeing him mellowed into a smiling one as he looked at Mishti...

And how Mishti's face lit up seeing Abir waiting for her..

" Mishti..so .. tomorrow going back huh.."

Avi said looking at Abir who met his eye and turned away his face..

Mishti nodded..but Avi's next words stunned both of them

"I am so happy for you Mishti.. congratulations.you deserve such a person who would love you beyond himself...

He turned towards Abir..

"Congratulations Abir..!! You got a gem in your hand. Never lose her! "

I know I screwed up with her ..my loss..! But that doesn't mean I love her less...remember..if you hurt her ...I will be here ..for her .."

"""""