Bygones! A MishBir Story

Chapter 10: The Impossible Question?

Mishti and Abir were about to leave their room when Abir stopped Mishti. He held her hand and placed his hand on her. Kuhu was about to enter their room when she overheard Mishti Abir talking and stopped.

"Mishti! I have to tell you this because I don't want to keep any secrets between us." Mishti looked towards Abir with curiosity. "Mishri is again trying to reach out. She just wanted to know if you were ok. Mishti.. I know too much is going on right now and I am nowhere forcing you to meet her or respond to her right away. But maybe think about it when you are ready. She seems to be a nice girl, who really wants to know you. She seems to be mature too. Who knows you would get to bond with her well. The bond that you were trying to build with Kuhu but couldn't majorly because of her shortsightedness and immaturity. Maybe your bond with her will not be as messed up as it is with Kuhu. She definitely seems more understanding to me. Maybe your relationship with her can be as strong as mine and kunal. Even stronger maybe. Don't be scared about anything. She has already taken the first step. You don't even have to worry about that. All you have to do is take that second step. Not now but when you are ready. Just think about it ok?"

Mishti nodded and Abir smiled towards her while cupping her face. Kuhu felt different after hearing about the conversation. She always wanted Mishti to leave her family and go back to wherever her parents were. She always had taunted and screamed at Mishti for being an outsider to her family, for being a burden to her family. She hated it whenever Mishti addressed her as her sister. She always just wanted to have a life without her. Yes, their relationship was always messed up. And now that her mother and her sister were actually in the picture, there was a huge possibility of Mishti bonding with them and being a part of that family. There was a possibility of Mishti having a sister's bond with Mishri, which would make Kuhu happy because she finally got what she had wished for years. But yet, she didn't feel the happiness. She felt something that she wasn't able to understand.

"Abir, I understand. I am not saying you are wrong. I understand. I can also see why Mishri is trying so hard or taking that first step. She loves the idea of having a family. She loves the idea of having a sibling. I have done that many times. Especially with Kuhu. Me not wanting to meet anyone just doesn't have to do with the fact that mentally I am all over the place. But it has also to do with the fact that Badi ma and Bade Papa have no idea of what's going on. I know they won't say anything. I know they won't stop me, instead they will support me. But I want them to know. I don't think my conscience will let me do this wholeheartedly without knowing that they are in this with me like you are. Having them on my side with you, makes this a lot more easier for me." Abir cupped her face and kissed her again on her head. He closed his eyes and nodded again. The way she was inclusive of her relations always made him admire her. The way her life was surrounded by darkness, it would have been very easy for her to fall in that darkness. Especially when she constantly had people pushing her into the dark hole. But she didn't let that happen. Even if others had pushed her out of their life, she had enough self respect to not beg them for anything. She instead, with her head held high, always fought for the relations that included her. Fought for her. Her strength always left him surprised.

As Abir and Mishti walked out of their room, they ran into Kuhu. Upon being asked, Kuhu informed them that Kunal was waiting for the three of them with the car. Mishti was surprised to know that even Kuhu and Kunal were joining them. Inquisitively she looked towards Abir and Abir winked back with a smile on his face. Kunal knew about Abir's plans and he wanted to help. He knew he had not left any stone unturned in doing wrongs. It made him very guilty. And now he had decided to do every right possible and make up to his mistakes if he could. After a lot of insisting and begging, Abir agreed to take his help. Kunal had asked Kuhu to only join if she could keep her issues with Mishti aside as he wouldn't want Abir or Mishti to be stressed or affected by her immature behavior.