Threads of Destiny

Chapter 33: A Piece of Home

Two Weeks Later

"Maitree, it's not like that, you have to do it gently," Khushi said, mimicking the way to knead the dough,

Maitree shot her an annoyed look, her hands elbow-deep in the dough for Poori. "Don't look at me, focus on the dough," Khushi said, trying to keep her attention on her work.

"Mujhe na hoga, tumhe karlo," Maitree said, shrugging as she slid the bowl towards Khushi.

"Ha ha... Mujhse hii sab karwaloo, bhaji be toh mein ne hii banavayii," Khushi teased, gesturing to the cooked bhaji simmering on the stove. "Phir tumne bataya kyuu tum breakfast banna loongii?" kneading the dough

"Yun hii," Maitree replied, shrugging with a mischievous smile

Khushi rolled her eyes, but before she could say anything more, she dipped her fingers in a glass of water and lightly splashed it in Maitree's face.

Maitree laughed, flicking some dough back at Khushi. "Oh, you think that was funny?"

Khushi dodged it expertly. "Oh, it's all fun and games until someone gets dough in their hair!"

The two sisters continued to bicker and laugh, filling the room with warmth and playful energy. A day after Manasi and Maitree's hug, Maitree asked to meet Khushi and Shourya, who were staying at Rudra's place. Khushi, thinking Maitree needed some space, had planned to give her time. But when Maitree showed up in the living room at Rudra's house, Khushi couldn't hold it together anymore. She hugged Maitree tightly, and no words were exchanged. Both of them, and everyone around them, knew the painful past was behind them now.

Shourya and Khushi moved back to Manasi's house, and Maitree decided to extend her stay for another two weeks. The four of them had a blast at Manasi's house—movie nights, game nights, and a spa day, which Shourya skillfully avoided. However, Rudra had to leave a week ago; as the head of his department, he had to return to work along with Sonakshi

"Every Morning" Shourya murmured with a small smile seeing the girls bicker in the kitchen

"I just eat bread for breakfast now" Manasi said shrugging and sitting at the dining table

"Are you sad that we are leaving today?" Shourya asked pulling a chair for himself

Manasi nodded "I am thinking about moving to Mumbai, to be closer to the girls"

"I will start looking for a house" Shourya said smiling placing both his elbows on the table

Khushi's hands paused mid-air as she was about to roll out a poori. "Wait, what?" She turned to Manasi, eyes wide.

Maitree, equally surprised, wiped her hands on a towel and faced her. "You're serious? You'd really move to Mumbai?"

Manasi smiled softly, looking at both girls. "Yes. I spent so many years searching for you, and now that I finally have you both, I don't want to come back to an empty house." She glanced at Shourya. "I think it's time for a fresh start."

Khushi beamed, rushing over to hug Manasi tightly. "This is the best news ever!"

Maitree, overwhelmed, hesitated for a moment before joining the hug. "You better not change your mind later," she teased, but her voice held a warmth that hadn't been there before.

Manasi chuckled. "No turning back now. Shourya's already looking for a house, so I guess it's happening."

"Then it's settled!" Shourya announced, clapping his hands. "Mom is moving to Mumbai, and now we just need to find her the perfect place."

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"Rudraaa, Ma said she's moving to Mumbai!" Maitree exclaimed over the phone, flopping onto the bed.

"Maitree, you've said that like three times already," Rudra sighed. "I'm happy, I promise. But more than that, I really miss you."

"I know, honey. I miss you too," Maitree said, sitting up.

"No, you don't," Rudra scoffed.

Maitree chuckled as she pulled her suitcase out from under the bed. "And why do you think that?"

"Because if you really missed me, you'd be back by now," Rudra whined.

Maitree laughed, shaking her head as she unzipped her suitcase. "Rudra, you're acting like a child right now."

"I am not," Rudra shot back. "I just miss you"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "I do too, but that doesn't mean I can magically appear in Mumbai right now."

"Yes, it does," Rudra argued. "You just book a ticket, get on a plane, and poof—you're back in my arms."

Maitree sighed dramatically. "I'm coming back today, Rudra. Can't you survive today?"

"Nope."

She chuckled, shaking her head as she started folding her clothes. "You're impossible."

"And you're cruel," Rudra countered. "Leaving me all alone like this."

"You literally have work, your friends, and Sonakshi around you all the time," Maitree pointed out.

"But none of them are you," Rudra said, his voice softer now.

Maitree's hands paused, warmth spreading through her chest. "I'll be home soon," she promised.

"Good," Rudra murmured. "Because I'm counting the hours."

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"I will miss you," Maitree said, hugging Manasi tightly as she stood at the airport, preparing to leave.

"I will miss you too. I'll see you soon," Manasi said, breaking the hug with a reassuring smile.

"Hello? I'm right here! I'll miss you too, you know," Khushi said, waving dramatically beside Maitree.

Manasi chuckled and pulled both girls into a warm embrace. "I'll miss you both," she said as Shourya rolled the suitcases toward the check-in counter.

Manasi smiled warmly. "And I'll be in Mumbai soon."

With one last glance at them, Maitree tightened her grip on her suitcase handle. "I'll call when I land."

And with that, Maitree turned toward her gate, her heart both full and heavy, knowing she was leaving behind a piece of home—only to return to another.

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