Mishti shut her alarm and snuggled under the duvet...

Abhi nahi...

5 mts more....

She heard her door Creek..

" Abhi nahi Kuhu...mujhe thodi der aur sone de."

Mishti mumbled half asleep and pulled the duvet over her head..

Even half asleep she was conditioned to Kuhu's way of getting her off the bed..

Mishti clutched the duvet hard which was to be ripped away from her..

" One , two ,three "

Nothing happened and the odd silence put her mind in alert mode..

She carefully put her head out of the duvet , rubbing her eyes and scanned the room...and her eyes went aghast at the vision leaning on her cupboard ...arms tied before him.

Mishti let out a squeal...then cupped her mouth herself..

Abir..!!!?

"Tum..tum mere room mein...Kya..kyun..Kya Kar rahe ho ?"

Abir moved himself from his position and walked towards her..

Mishti got up and covered herself with the duvet .. hiding her state of partial undress.... sliding to the headboard..

" Nice reaction..!"

Abir commented..

" Ab midnight mein koi kamre mein khuse to use payback Dena padtha hai na.."

Abir's eyes danced in merriment.

Mishti  took and put on her specks and adjusted the duvet which went on slipping.

" Acha..mein jaata Hoon...woh Massima tumhe bula Rahi hai...kuch Kal ki arrangements ke bare mein ...aur haan..aaj Main unkeliye aarti ka Diya leke gaya tha.."

He continued as her brows went up in question..

" Aur Kuhu Kunal ke saath jogging keliye gayi Hain...Ab aaj special Pooja kuch hogi...tum logon ke wajah se....fresh hoke jaldi aajao.."

Mishti was reeling from her morning surprise.

" Ab utho bhi...phir se so mat jaana."

Mishti nodded mechanically..Abir once again swept his eyes on her and turned with a secret smile on his lips..

Mishti sat straight...

Pay back indeed..!..

******

All were present at the arti when Mishti reached Mandir..except Rajshri..who needed extra rest due to last night's stress..

Meenakshi welcomed her and made her stand in front of her... beside Abir ..Nanu lead the prayers and performed arti at mandir and then turned to Abir..

"Abir...is tarah har saal humari Khushi mein shamil hona..."

He did arti for Abir and put Tikka on his forehead...

Abir bend to take aashirwad from Nanu..

" Mishti beta..sabko Prasad do.."

Nanu passed the thaali to Mishty..

Kunal jumped to snatch Prasad from her but she ducked away..

"Tumhe toh last hi milega..."

She distributed Prasad to everyone ..then Kunal..and then looked around for Abir..

Abir had moved to the hall.. browsing through the newspaper..

" Tumhara Prasad.."

Abir took the Prasad and  Mishti's eyes went to his wrist...

"Waise yeh bhi payback tha..!"

Abir's eyes flew to hers in question...

Kaisa payback...?

But Mishty just threw a look of challenge and moved to Kunal and Kuhu....

At the breakfast table all were happy and Meenakshi sent  a heartfelt prayer to God to take care of her family's happiness always..

******

"Many many happy returns of the day Sir!"

Abir was warmly greeted by his employees as he passed them on his way to his chamber...

Slightly surprised as he never celebrated his birthday and no one till date gave him birthday wishes inside Rajvansh group of companies...Abir thought about what would have brought the change...

Mark opened the cabin door as  Abir reached his cabin.

"Many happy returns of the day Sir."

Mark smiled broadly as he took Abir's work phone from him..

Sir..your laptop is here .Today's schedule has been mailed to you.. please check out .you have a video conference  with our Europe division heads..at12..

"Mark..hold on.."

Abir cut him and asked the question bothering him.

"You've been with me for 3 years and even though you knew it was my birthday you haven't wished me then..what changed all of a sudden..."

Mark's face was thoughtful for a moment..then replied..

" Well sir ...the reason is you..all these years you were not ready to be happy on this day.. there would be some stress disturbing you ...but today you have decided to be happy..and it kind of resonates off you..."

Abir sat in his chair... introspecting on Mark's words..

His happiness...

Her face smiled at him in his mind and Abir surreptitiously opened his phone and accessed the private file...her smiling candid pics ..

And what did she mean by payback..he unconsciously caressed his bracelet..

"Ahem..Sir..files.."

Mark reminded him discreetly As Abir snapped out of his thoughts.

" Nice bracelet sir..looks perfect on you.!"

Abir didn't miss the twinkle of mischief in Mark's eyes..and Mark also didn't miss the telltale blush creeping Abir's ears..

" Umm.. Thanks..Mark..I have Massima's hospital details..then umm.. Mishti and Kuhu's phone numbers... mailing you now...so I want you to keep them as emergency numbers..just as  my home number and Kunal's..okay.."

"Okay sir..very well.."

Mark's phone chimed and he looked at it..

" Piya ma'am want to meet you now...may I send her in.."

" Give me ten minutes to go through this files and then send her.."

Abir the business tycoon was back in a flip second..

 ******

Piya was impatient to meet Abir...

" Hey..why are you drilling holes in the carpet Piya..

He was off work yesterday... would have a bit to catch-up na.."

Neil eased himself on the swivel chair and looked at Piya's antics..

" Seriously Neil...I am eager to see the new Abir Rajvansh...!!.. couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what Kunal send..  birthday party..!!OMG.."

"So who was that chick with him yesterday..?"

Neil.asked casually..

"What chick..?...Are you high ..twin bro...Abir Rajvansh and chicks don't come in one sentence...You of all people know that..!!"

Piya  totally rebuffed the idea..

" Okay..you are right...Just saying I saw him with a short haired spectacled girl..."

"Ohh...! That would be Mishti..and now you are making sense...Abir is very fond of Rajshri auntie's daughters..Something would have come up..leave it.."

Neil thought of his sister's interpretation...hmm.. likely.... Mishti.....but why Mark was so tight lipped as to Abir's whereabouts...he had asked Mark about Abir and got an evasive reply...

" Now get up ..We too need to wish the birthday boy.!"

Abir was smiling as he accepted wishes from a gushing Piya..

" What a shock I got when I opened Kunal's insta ..wow..Abir.. something is definitely changed..!"

" Happy birthday man!"

Neil too hugged and wished Abir..

"Well ...Piya..I was totally sleeping and suddenly they put me in the center of a surprise..I could very well not deny them na..?!"

"Well...I know you abided by your families wishes most specifically for one person ryt..?"

Piya said with a cheeky smile..

"Specifically for one person...hmm.. interesting...I just left you guys for a week and so much happened at my back..."

Neil egged Abir..

Abir struggled hard to maintain his composure in front of his friends..as he realized that mention of " a specific person" immediately made him think of her...

" His Massima ..bro.." Piya explained

"Rajshri auntie...I don't know how...she is so sweet but has good commanding power.. Abir becomes totally soft when it comes to Rajshri auntie..You should have saw that scene ...Neil ..Abir taking ashirwad from Meenakshiii auntii.."

Neil was now looking at Abir in wonderment.

"Wow.. definitely many happenings in this week.! Anyways now back to work Piya...

Seeing you Abir..You owe us a treat!."

Neil walked out as Piya wished him again..

*******

Mishti made herself busy managing along with Parul for the necessary protocols to be done to admit Rajshri at NY Presbyterian hospital.

Parul had contacted Nihaal as per Abir's instructions and Nihaal was to coordinate everything there.

Rajshri was feeling very low..she was having minor bouts of headache and nausea...and the dread of being away from family was eating her up...

Meenakshiii sat beside Rajshri...

" Kuch bhi Sochkar pareshaan mat hona....bachiyaan tumhare paas har waqt hogi...lekin tumhe bhi hum sabkeliye ladna hoga.Your confidence is the best antidote for this enemy.."

" Tum ho... Meri confidence..isiliye mein apne aapko sambhaal Rahi hoon..Meri bachiyon ka khayal tumse badhkar aur koi nahi rakh sakthi..mujhe pata hai.."

"Tumhe kisiki bhi fikr karneki zaroorath nahi Hain..theek ho jaana bas..."

Meenakshiii held Rajshri's hand ..

"Ab hum donon ko bohut saari khushiyaan saath mein dekhni Haina..in chaaron bachon ke.."

Rajshri smiled with sadness...

" Hmm...woh toh Hain.."

"Ab tum rest karlo... Mishti ,Kuhu..donon  kahaan gayi?"

"Mein yahi hoo auntie.. Aurr Mishti ko hospital se kisika call aaya tha...poori files submit karni hai ..aisa kuch..toh woh kuch der pehle Massi ko batakar gayi Hain!"

"Mishti akeli gayi Hain..?" Meenakshiii asked.

" Nahi...Kunal bhi Hain saath mein ..dono car leke gaya hai.."

Parul explained as she came into the room..

" Mein aapko yeh baat bataane hi aa rahi thi..".

"Acha..ab hum sab chalthe Hain..Kuhu Dadi ka khayal rakhna.. Rajshri...kuch bhi stress nahi Lena.."

Meenakshiii left the room accompanied by Parul.

*******

Mishti and Kunal reached the hospital reception.Kumal looked around..

A tall lanky man approached them..

"Kunal right?"

" Ohh.. Nihal Bhai...thank God you recognised me...I wouldn't have ... you have changed.."

Nihaal smiled and patted Kunal

" Acha..now will you introduce this young lady .

Hi I am Dr.Nihaal Saxena.. consultant paediatrician.working under.."

" Nihaal Bhai...poora bio bataoge Kya...yeh Mishty hai...utna kaafi hai...baaki aap khudbahud samajh jaayenge..ouch!"

Mishti had stepped on his feet..

" Nice to meet you Dr.Nihaal..Thankyou for meeting us here..and for helping us  so far..I am Mishti. daughter of uh..umm the patient.. Rajshri.."

"It's okay Mishti..no need to be formal with me either.. I am family too..was just pulling his legs ...you know.."

Nihaal smiled broadly..

" Yeah pulling legs and breaking legs are now done things in my daily horoscope.."

Kunal said with a sore face.

Mishti and Nihaal laughed...

Mishty found Nihaal most helpful as he had already made arrangements and required appointments with specialists despite his busy schedule..

As they discussed the diagnosis and  apt course of treatment for GBM considering Rajshri's recent cardiac issue.. Mishti was feeling overwhelmed ..this was her face to face confrontation with her Badimaa's reality... she tried to gain rein on her emotions..but  tears slipped uninvited...

Kunal ..held her hand ..and kept holding..

Nihaal explained the procedures in simple manner and Mishti cleared her doubts ..

After confirming the time and venue for admission both Mishti and Kunal thanked Nihaal profusely..

" Bhai...you are amazing..Abir bhai did the right thing by contacting you.....Bhai ne aap ko call Kiya Kya?.. Birthday Boy shayad office mein busy hoga!"

Mishti averted her eyes at Abir's mention and Nihaal caught her action...

"Umm.. Mishti....."

Nihaal looked at Kunal and then at Mishti.. unsure of what he was about to ask..

"Ummm..woh..just to clear a doubt..is this Mishti that Mishti the Mystery... Kunal??!"

" See I told you...ab Bhai ne ise itni beautiful lines ke saath describe Kiya hai toh.Yehi woh infamous ladki hein...I told you ..you will understand her on the way..!!.."

Mishti's face was red in embarrassment..

Nihaal laughed out loud...

" Sach mein .!! Mishti jab usne Meri school 10 th grade join kiya..tab se hum Best friends hai...aur pata nahi Kyu ek din usne mujhe  uski Mishti the Mystery ki story sunayi....kuch bad nahi kaha...lekin woh sad zaroor tha....And I wanted to meet her then very much. Now I am happy that Abir called me ."

Mishti was feeling awkward but managed to smile at Nihaal...

"Ab chale ... Mishti the Mystery...All maa's will be waiting for us..Nihaal Bhai..mere Bhai se baat karne se acha hoga ki aap hi unhe call Kare.. technical medical terms and all.. please."

Kunal requested Nihaal..

" Of course Kunal..I will call him and tell him things right away...waise  wish bhi toh karna hai.... I'll call him."

*******

Abir was totally embroiled in back to back video conferencing to the respective GM's of European countries where they have tie ups  with international and local tourism services and outlets..

As he switched off the conference screen and stretched his limbs Mark approached him with refreshments..

" Umm.. sir you were busy so I couldn't disturb you...Dr Nihaal had called and asked you to call back when you are free..."

Abir's brows twitched into a frown..

Nihaal...

Why? Any problem with Massima's admission?

Abir took his phone from Mark and called Nihaal..

"Hey... sorry yaar.. couldn't attend your call earlier..Bolo..kuch problem hai Kya? Hospital admission arrangements .."

" Thank God You called now..was just going to start rounds..no yaar..just called to wish you a very wonderful birthday..! I mean..we never had an opportunity to wish you  after school..but.. when Kunal told me..I thought I'd take the risk....waise....Ahemm..your Mishti the Mystery is very pretty...!"

Abir was stunned..

"Mishti..?.Tum Mishti se kab Mila...I mean..is she okay.?"

"Hey ! Abir...all is fine..She and Kunal came to meet me with Rajshri auntie's previous reports..her cardiac condition..why are you worried? She is definitely a strong girl..haan.. facing hard facts today was difficult..but I must say she coped well..and Kunal was super supportive.."

Abir tried to calm down... Mishti is okay..!

Then the part about Mishti and Kunal struck him..

"Haan...well I didn't know about that..so just assumed ."

" Well...here we are all set to welcome Mrs.Maheshwari. Kal milte hein.... we'll grab some time together tomorrow..I miss our times bro.."

Nihaal  was nostalgic..

Abir too sensed his friend's mood and agreed to his suggestion...

*********

Abir walked into the hall ..tired.. seeing no body around he went to the dining table and helped himself with some water...

Just then Parul came out of the kitchen area..

" Abir. Aagaya...I will bring coffee for you.."

" Nahi massi..thode der baad room mein bhej Dena...thakaan hai.. fresh hoke peeloonga.."

" Okay beta...woh aaj Nihaal ka phone aaya tha... toh Mishti aur Kunal usse Milne gaya ...Kunal ne kaha ki woh tujhe sab Bata dega.."

"Haan massi... Nihaal mujhe call Kiya tha...hum Kal mileage na..tab sab  batayega Shayad.."

Parul nodded.

" Ab Tum fresh hojao... coffee mein bhej deti Hoon.."

Abir turned and stilled as Parul Called for Mishti..

" Mishti beta Abir keliye ek coffee banana.."

Mishti kitchen mein..?

Well he can't very well  barge into  the kitchen just because his eyes craved her sight right..

He heard her replying after a small pause...

" Yes massi...abhi banati hoo".

Abir walked the stairs and his eyes were rooted at kitchen waiting for her glimpse as he walked to his room.

******

Mishti prepared the coffee asking Parul massi about Abir's way of coffee indulgence..they had a good laugh as Parul told her that Abir's preference for the type of coffee changes with his mood..

When tired he need coffee with milk and sugar..and while working black coffee without....

" Yeh lo.. Sam..can you please take this coffee to Abir's room?"

Mishti asked the house keeping staff.

Parul signalled Sam to stop as he came to the kitchen.

" Mishti..Tum leke jao...waise woh pooch Raha tha ki aaj hospital mein Kya hua uska details use pata nahi....tumhi batado...woh thoda tension mein bhi lag Raha tha ..  yehi Sochkar ..."

Mishti nodded..

"Okay massi..I will take it..Dr.Nihaal phone pe zyada nahin kaha hoga...mein...mein..batadoongi.."

******

Abir came out of the bathroom in towel ..hair still wet...he opened his wardrobe and pulled out tracks and T shirt..

As he was about to put on the T shirt his phone rang....

Leaving the shirt on his bed  he took the call... walking to the bay window and sitting comfortably on the cushions..

*****

Mishti...hesitated a bit before pushing open his door with her shoulder...and was greeted with the most resplendent view of Abir...

And she  stood still...eyes wide ..the vision before her .. animatedly speaking over the phone...the statuesque body moving regally as he shifted the phone from one ear to another... moving fingers through the wet hair...

Unknown feelings bloomed in her.. memories of all moments of closeness with him flooded in her.. unknowingly many changes happened to her in that short time span...

She felt a dazeness come over her...lips were bit involuntarily...her knees were going weak...

Mishti..?!!

No..No...keep your heart safe...her head warned her...

Mishti averted her eyes.. with great effort..and made an "ahem" sound..

" Keep it over the table Sam..No need to wait for me..."

Abir called out as he cupped the phone mic.

Mishti silently but a little haughtily...put the tray on the table..

*****

As soon as he called out at Sam..Abir senses went on Mishalert....

Mishti came with coffee..!

" Will call back you later...."

He cut the call immediately.

*****

Mishti turned in a hurry after keeping the coffee to leave... without making any noise...obviously he was busy...and she was battling with such bout of emotions the whole day...

And rammed straight to the taut wall of muscle which appeared in front of her...

Realising instinctly it is Abir she lurched backwards with her eyes pinched shut...and lost her balance..

Abir swooped her in his arms... keeping her close to his heart for a moment....and steadied her upright..

"Tum..theek ho?"

*******

Mishti was whitefaced as she released her hold on Abir's arms..

The ultimate need of solace she required from him after the day's gruelling session with the doctors .... frightened her..

She wanted him to take in her arms and keep there forever....but...

Never possible...!

Abir was feeling like the world was in his hands....but as soon as he looked at her face he knew something was off...

"Mishti ?"..

" Woh..kuch nahi...Tum..." She looked at him and the T shirt lying on his bed...

Abir didn't get what she was implying..

Mishti moved away swiftly to the bed and extended his shirt to him...

It was at that moment Abir realized his state of undress..he had totally forgotten even who he was when he sensed Mishti near him..

Hastily he pulled the T shirt over his head and mumbled an excuse..

" Woh Dr.Nihaal..."

"Nihaal hi kaafi hai Mishty..he is family..so no need to be formal .now tell me why they wanted to meet you rather than fax them the reports...??"

Mishti was struggling to find words to explain the rigerous and painful ordeal described to her for her Badimaa by the specialists..her eyes brimmed and Abir was at her side in a split second.

"Mishti...batao...Tum ab mujhe Dara rahe ho..aao ..baitho.."

He made Mishti sir on the bed...

Mishti never doubted Abir's care and love for her Badimaa and she started telling him what the doctors told her....tears now flowing unrestrained..

" Abir...mein Badimaa ko itni dard mein nahi dekh nahi paoongi..they are guaranteeing recovery but.. for that...she has to pass through this hell..."

Abir's eyes were moist by he time her voice became sobs..

Unaware of their need of a shore for their feelings Mishti slumped towards Abir..her sobs turning to hiccups..his fingers entangling hers in need of comfort..

Some one  appeared at the door...A pair of eyes took in the tableau ...and burned in vitriolic malice.