CHAPTER 11
ABIR'S POV
Last night, I was not able to sleep at all. I kept turning on the bed for hours and yet, I was never able to sleep. Two things kept running in my head. One, my afternoon encounter with Mishtipie. After that, the urge to be close to her has increased ten-folds. All I wanted to do, was to stay close to her. To stay with her.
Second, her ignorance. Somehow, her ignorance bothered me a lot. She has never ignored me and the whole day she acted as if I never existed. I got frustrated. A lot.
So, in the middle of the night I went and visited her. And guess what? Just after seeing her, I felt loads better. Seeing her smile gave me happiness and seeing her talk to me normally gave me peace. I just realized that she has the power to make my day a better one just with her one smile. Yes, I was a little disappointed that she didn't trust me enough, but then, she also promised me that she would always believe in me in the future, no matter what happens.
But one thing I couldn't understand. Kunal and I have ignored each other for weeks and months together for so many petty reasons. But not once was I this much bothered.
Why is it that I can't handle her ignorance?
Right now, I am working out in my house gym. After completing my workout with my usual hundred push-ups, I get up and wipe my face with a towel and walk back to my room. I quickly take a shower and wear a black T shirt and a jean and head out immediately, hoping to not get noticed by my mother today.
"Abir, stop.", thinking of the devil, and the devil arrives.
I turn and face my mother. "Please, Mrs. Rajvansh. I am not in the mood for business."
She raised a single eyebrow and looked at me challengingly, "But you have time for the Maheshwaris?"
"Not a word against-", I was cut off by her.
"Silence Abir. Today I will speak and you will listen. You will stop your visits to the Maheshwari Sadan immediately. Cut-off all your ties with them. They are our potential business rivals. I don't want you to fraternize with the enemy."
Anger flared through my veins. I clenched my fists tight to control my anger, "The enemy? Who was it, that wanted to only work day and night, and forget about her family? The Maheshwaris have always given me love like their own son and I will forever be loyal and thankful to them. Nothing you say can change that."
By the way her tone rose a pitch, I could say she was furious, "They can love you like their own son but you will never become their son. You are my son and you will listen to what I say."
I was agitated, "Being treated like a son by the Maheshwaris is better than being your son. I will visit the Maheshwari Sadan as and when I want."
She glared at me for a few seconds, "Fine. Go and have fun with the Maheshwaris. Why should I care? Children nowadays give more importance to others than their own mothers.", she mumbled to herself.
I laughed humorlessly, "Mothers are those women who care for their children. One cannot become a mother by just giving birth to her children. You may have given birth to me, but I would always consider Rajshree ma more of my mother than you ever were."
I stared back at her before asking, "Is that all or anything else?"
She glared at me, "What about the company? What are your plans?"
I crossed my arms, "I told you earlier. I will work as a normal employee for a minimum of six months and then, I would take up the CEO post. Starting this Monday. I hope you are okay with the conditions."
She sighed, "You don't leave me with any other option, Abir. Why do you always want to go against me?", she looked desperate this time, with a tinge of something else in her eyes that I couldn't guess correctly.
Was it regret?
"I don't want to. It is just that all your ideas and policies clash with my perspective most of the time. I will leave now."
With that I quickly went towards the door with my car keys and left for the Maheshwari Sadan.
***
The Maheshwari Sadan has a very gloomy atmosphere today as well, since Kunal is leaving now in the morning. As I go inside, I find all the family members standing in front of the idol of Lord Krishna, praying. I join them and I pray to my partner to keep all of these gem-hearted people happy and safe.
And then we went and settled on the dining table to have breakfast. Ma served us her famous Khichdi today as well.
Kunal whined, "Mom, today as well?"
She slapped his arm, "Once you go to Mumbai, you will miss my Khichdi every day. You might as well have some now."
I chuckled silently and ate my breakfast. It is very true, though. Rajshree ma's Khichdi is to-die for. Kunal is definitely going to miss her food.
I looked straight in front of me at Mishti. She is eerily silent today and I know exactly why. I slowly stretched my leg under the table and kicked her leg slightly. She came out of her reverie with a jerk and looked straight me, with wide eyes and an open mouth.
I blinked at her reassuringly, indicating that everything well be fine. Once she understood what I meant, she gave me a small smile and nodded at me slightly.
This is exactly what I like in our relationship the most. Without having the need to speak, the other person understands what is going on in our mind. Along with being transparent and always truthful, we understand and compliment each other so well.
I finished my breakfast with a small smile lingering on my lips. Kunal went to his parents and took their blessings. Then, he went to Mishti and hugged her tight for a few seconds and wished her good luck for 'everything'.
He finally came to me and gave me a light hug and then he patted my shoulder, "Abir, all the best for your job. And also, I know you will take care of Mishti, in my place, like a brother.", he had a smirk playing on his lips by the end of it.
But what he said shook me.
Brother? Me?
Of Mishtipie?
Is that what I am for her?
I am pretty sure my eyes would be as wide as saucers. I didn't know how to react. I didn't know why but just thinking about Mishtipie being my sister didn't go well with my heart. I felt something heavy on my chest. I turned slightly to see Mishti glaring at him with her mouth wide open.
He turned to her with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Yeah, Mishti?"
Say no. Say no. Please say no.
Mishti gave me a very awkward and weak smile.
Oh.
So, does that mean she accepts his words? I am like her brother?
I turned to Kunal and gave him a curt nod with a tight-lipped smile, "I will protect her. Always. But I am not her brother", I mumbled the last part to myself.
So that is what I am. Mishtipie's brother. There are so many words to describe our relationship but siblings?
Kunal hugged me again and I loaded all his suitcases in the trunk, with the help of Vishamber dad. Kunal bid ma and Mishti bye and got into the car with us. I could see ma getting emotional and Mishti consoling her. I sighed and got into the driver seat and started the car. The entire ride, there was an eerie silence present in the car. But I didn't think about it much as my mind was already a little pre-occupied.
Once we reached the station, we once again hugged each other and wished him good luck. Once he got onto the train and it left the station, we got back to the car and I drove us back home.
My mind was revolving around one thing.
Why is it that my heart couldn't handle her being called my sister?
The two us have been special for each other. I can consider her my best friend most definitely, but why am I having a problem with her being my sister?
Kuhu was my best friend first and gradually with time, I considered her to be my sister. But I've known Mishtipie for around 15 years now and she has been my best friend for an equally long time. And yet the thought of Mishti being my sister repulses me.
"What are you thinking about?". Dad brought me out of my thoughts.
I shook my head slightly, "Nothing, just about Kunal."
He had a smirk playing on his lips, "About Kunal or about how he addressed you today?"
I looked at him suddenly. Did I hear him right?
"Huh?"
He gave me a distant smile, "Nothing, concentrate on the road."
I nodded and drove back home safely.
But my mind and heart are still confused and disturbed.
If she is not my sister, then what is she?
***
Hey! This is Chapter 11!
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