yun hi tu mere saath rehna

Chapter Eight

“Stunning,” Abhira whispered as she gazed at the photograph in front of her. A silhouette in red, gazing at the night sky from the balcony of a two storeyed home. It was clear that the photographer was in love with his muse. Which, Abhira knew was the absolute truth. After all, anyone who spent any time in their presence could tell how much Abir loved Mishti.

“It really is,” Armaan agreed, standing beside her, glued to her side. “She looks even more gorgeous. I didn't think it was possible.”

“Woh kehte haina, Bhaiya,” Krish added his two cents. “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Jisne bhi yeh photo kheechi hai, they must really love her from the bottom of their heart,” he echoed Abhira's earlier thoughts. 

“Normal si photo hi toh hai! Aap sab kyun itna emotional ho rahe ho?” Aryan whined. “Aisa kya hi khaas hai isme?”

“Aryan, tu na… Rehne de. Tujhe toh bilkul romance ke baare mein kuch samajh hi nahi aata,” Charu commented. “Bachcha hai abhi tu.”

“Yeh aap log har waqt yehi bolke mujhe kyun sideline kar dete ho?” Aryan questioned. “Itna bhi chota nahi hoon main!”

“Toh chup kar aur photo dekh!” Kiara ordered. “Aur agar nahi dekhni toh jaake wahaan Maa aur Papa aur baaki sabke saath bore ho. Humein toh shaanti se exhibition ka mazaa lene de!”

Their little chorus gang was standing in front of one the photographs for the exhibit that had been put together by Asha Kiran to raise money for the school. Jaise Banjaare Ko Ghar was a collection of specially curated photos from Abir Rajvansh's personal album that he was willing to auction. Every photo was of his wife, though her face was visible in none of them. Abir had captured the feeling of home that had made its way into his heart because of Mishti in such a beautiful way that every silhouette made Abhira tear up. She wished to have as fulfilling a love as theirs. 

Being one of the more influential families of the city, the Poddars had also received an invitation to the fundraiser, and the entire family had turned up on Kaveri's orders. She was still hoping to snag Abir Rajvansh as a client and wanted to use this exhibit as an opportunity. Especially knowing that Kunal Rajvansh would be in attendance as well, it would be like hitting two birds with one stone.

Too bad, Armaan had insisted on carting that girl along. She wasn't a part of Kaveri's family, never would be, but Abir Rajvansh seemed to have a soft spot for her grandson for some reason, and it had been imperative to bring Armaan along. So, she hadn't created a fuss when he'd informed the family that Abhira would be his date for the evening, even though she didn't like it one bit. Some sacrifices had to be made for the greater good, after all. 

“Kya ho raha hai yahaan?” Madhav asked, joining the chorus gang, with Vidya and Kaveri in tow. “Main jabse dekh raha hoon, sabki aankhein yahin gadi hui hai.”

“Kuch nahi, Papa,” Abhira answered. “Bas yeh photo dekh rahe the. Kitni sundar hai, nahi?”

Madhav glanced at the photo and hummed in appreciation. “Pyaari toh bohot hai. Kitne pyaar se li hai, dekhke hi pata chalta hai.”

“Dekhke kya pata chalta hai?” Abir asked, joining the conversation.

Abhira launched herself into his waiting arms, uncaring of everyone around them. Kaveri was left shocked at the gesture. Even Armaan had been more respectful to Abir than this girl was, treating him so familiarly. Even worse, actually. None of her own family ever treated her this way. They were always very respectful, greeting her by touching her feet and seeking her blessings. Very rarely did they ever hug her, only when the occasion called for it. And here this girl was, clinging to a man who was old enough to be her grandfather, without a care in the world.