You, Me & the Alter(cations) - Farmeed AU

25.

"Aana." Haya raised a finger, Umeed nodding and hugging her tightly.

"Aun gi, I promise." She pulled away and smiled, going to hug her brother now.

"Take care." Sameer whispered, trapping Umeed in a tight hug, the hugs he always gave.

"You too, make me a painting for when I come." She tapped his cheek lightly and moved away, watching them reach for their small bags.

"Done."

"Text me when you reach home." She watched them walk in to the domestic terminal, a silent prayer that they arrive safely and that she gets to see them soon.

The trip was short, as well as unexpected. Umeed was not expecting their arrival, but did not realise how much she missed them until they actually came. The two short days spent together were filled with nothing but laughter and nostalgia, something she did not experience for nearly two years. Calls were good for communication, but not good enough. Umeed was grateful that the last minute plan worked out and she got to see the two people she was missing with everything in her.

She also got to know Aghu jaan started something she always wanted to do, a knitting business. Umeed remembered the baseless conversations they would have at night where Aghu jaan would tell how she wanted to sell mittens and other garments for babies. Umeed would encourage her but in the end she would refuse because it felt useless. Umeed was proud of her Aghu jaan for proceeding with something she enjoyed, especially something that was keeping her busy.

She walked over to where the arrivals was, instantly spotting his car and smiling.

"Hello there." She entered and watched him look over to her, sunglasses and a dimpled smirk on him. Before she could ask why she was being so suspicious, she saw a pair of small fluffy ears pop

"Coco!" She cheered, not even needing to reach for the cat who jumped into her arms, rubbing his head against her, purring instantly. Umeed's whole demeanour changed, her eyes lit up and her voice was excited, different to the slight annoyance and a pang of pain she was feeling bidding farewell to Sameer and Haya. Farjaad made that decision intentionally to keep her from missing them too much.

"Socha aaj hum dono lene aa jayein." He smirked, seeing her completely engaged in a baby-talk with the cat and pay no mind to Farjaad, which he was not meant o find offensive, but he did.

"Mera baby." She cooed, bopping Coco's nose and scratching his head, the cat loving too much, way too much for Farjaad's liking. Once again, Farjaad never ever received such treatment from Coco. Yet with Umeed, it was like Coco knew her since forever and was there to honour and be loyal to her.

"He's just a cat Umeed." Farjaad muttered as he turned to the road, driving to the exit of the airport.

"And you're just jealous." Umeed did not even look away from the cat, replying to Farjaad and continuing to scratch under Coco's neck, noticing his closed eyes and satisfied expression. Farjaad shook his head, very endeared. It was hard t believe that there was a stage where Umeed was scared of cats and cursed Coco, refusing to be in the same room as him.

"Kya khana hai?"

"Apne apartment chalo. Mera last minute kaam bhi ho jaye ga and we can spend time." Umeed requested, giving him the puppy eyes as if he wasn't going to agree anyway. Farjaad smiled and hit the accelerator once they were on the main road. "Pasta mangwana." She huffed, squeezing Coco in a tight hug.

"As you wish." He obliged, watching her give all her love to the cat who was surprisingly aware of what was going on. It made Farjaad wonder if he only pretended to be clueless and dumb around him.