ִֶָ 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐

Hello, my beautiful and handsome Tulips! 🌷🤍

How are you all doing?

Before we begin, if you're enjoying this story, please don't forget to vote, comment, follow, and share it with your friends. It truly means a lot to me and motivates me to keep writing. 🤍

Today's chapter is a little different.

Some of you might have a lot of questions while reading...

and that's completely okay. 🌸

Happy Reading! 🌷

Morning sunlight slipped quietly through the wide glass windows, painting soft golden patterns across the polished wooden floor.

The apartment was unusually peaceful.

Somewhere outside, birds welcomed the new day.

Inside... music began to play.

‧₊˚♪ [ प्रीत की लत मोहे ऐसी लागी
हो गई मैं मतवारी
बल बल जाऊँ अपने पिया को
हे मैं जाऊँ वारी वारी
मोहे सुध बुध ना रही तन मन की
ये तो जाने दुनिया सारी
बेबस और लाचार फिरूँ मैं
हारी मैं दिल हारी
हारी मैं दिल हारी
तेरे नाम से जी लूँ
तेरे नाम से मर जाऊँ
तेरे नाम से जी लूँ
तेरे नाम से मर जाऊँ ] 𝄞₊˚⊹

At the center of the spacious practice room stood a young girl.

Completely still.

Her eyes remained gently closed.

One slow breath entered her lungs.

Another left.

The world around her seemed to fade until nothing remained except the music.

She wore a simple ivory Anarkali embroidered with delicate threadwork along its borders. The fabric was light enough to sway with every movement yet graceful enough to flow around her like quiet waves.

Around her slender ankles rested a pair of tiny silver anklets.

Not the heavy ghungroos worn for stage performances.

Just a few tiny bells on each anklet.

Soft.

Elegant.

Every movement they made carried the gentlest...

Chhan...

A familiar pendant rested against her collarbone.

It had never left her.

Not even once.

Her long black hair had been gathered loosely behind her with a single soft band.

A few silky strands had already escaped, brushing lightly against her cheeks whenever the morning breeze wandered in from the half-open balcony door.

She slowly raised both hands before her chest.

Her palms met.

A quiet namaskar.

Not rushed.

Not rehearsed.

Simply... sincere.

For a heartbeat, she remained like that.

Then her fingers unfolded.

Gracefully.

Each finger opened one after another, almost like the petals of a flower welcoming the first light of dawn.

Her wrists rolled outward in smooth circles.

One hand floated upward above her head.

The other extended gently to her side.

Every finger curved naturally.

Every line remained soft.

Nothing looked forced.

Nothing looked mechanical.

It was as though the music itself was guiding her hands.

Her right foot moved first.

Chhan...

Then the left.

Chhan...

Heel.

Toe.

A delicate stamp.

Another.

Her movements carried remarkable control.

Not loud.

Not dramatic.

Just precise enough for every rhythm to reach the floor exactly when it should.

Golden sunlight drifted across her face.

Her skin seemed almost luminous beneath it.

Soft pink lips rested in the faintest smile.

Long lashes framed deep black eyes that slowly opened with the music, carrying quiet devotion in every glance.

She wasn't dancing for an audience.

She wasn't trying to impress anyone.

She simply danced because somewhere within those movements...

she felt at peace.

‧₊˚♪ [ तेरी जान के सदके में कुछ ऐसा कर जाऊँतूने क्या कर डाला मर गयी मैं मिट गयी मैंहो जी, हाँ-हाँ जीहो गयी मैंतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतूने क्या कर डाला मर गयी मैं मिट गयी मैंहो जी, हाँ-हाँ जीहो गयी मैंतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतेरी दीवानी दीवानी ] 𝄞₊˚⊹

The rhythm grew livelier.

So did she.

Her feet answered without hesitation.

One measured step.

Another.

Then a graceful diagonal glide across the room.

Her hands shifted effortlessly from one mudra to another.

Her fingertips gathered delicately before opening outward again, as though releasing invisible flower petals into the morning air.

One wrist circled.

The other followed.

Her elbows remained relaxed.

Her shoulders never tensed.

Every movement flowed seamlessly into the next.

The mirrors surrounding the room reflected countless versions of the young dancer.

Each one moving with the same quiet elegance.

Each one smiling just a little differently as sunlight caught the flowing fabric of her dress.

She completed one gentle turn.

Then another.

The hem of her Anarkali bloomed softly around her before settling again.

Her anklets answered faithfully.

Chhan... Chhan...

Without breaking rhythm, she shifted her weight and continued into another sequence of footwork.

Heel.

Toe.

Stamp.

Glide.

Turn.

Every sound blended naturally with the music echoing through the room.

Another spin.

This one a little faster.

The loose band holding her hair slipped lower.

She never noticed.

She continued dancing.

One more graceful turn.

Then another.

The band finally surrendered completely.

Dark strands cascaded freely over her shoulders and down her back in one smooth wave.

For the briefest moment, her hair lifted with the motion, catching the golden sunlight before settling around her like flowing silk.

Several loose strands framed her face.

Others followed the movement of every turn.

It looked effortless.

As though the dance itself had decided to free them.

She didn't pause to fix them.

Didn't seem aware of them at all.

She remained completely immersed in the music.

‧₊˚♪ [ इश्क जुनूँ जब हद से बढ़ जाएइश्क जुनूँ जब हद से बढ़ जाएहँसतेहँसते आशिक सूली चढ़ जाएइश्क का जादू सर चढ़कर बोलेइश्क का जादू सर चढ़कर बोलेखूब लगा लो पहरे रस्ते रब खोलेयही इश्क दी मर्ज़ी हैयही रब दी मर्ज़ी हैयही इश्क दी मर्ज़ी हैयही रब दी मर्ज़ी हैतेरे बिन जीना कैसाहाँ खुदगर्ज़ी हैतूने क्या कर डाला मर गयी मैं मिट गयी मैंहो जी, हाँ-हाँ जीहो गयी मैंतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतेरी दीवानी दीवानीहो हो हो हो हो हो ] 𝄞₊˚⊹

Now the dance softened.

The footwork became lighter.

The expressions deeper.

Her eyes spoke long before her hands did.

Wonder.

Faith.

Joy.

A quiet longing that could never quite be explained.

One palm lifted toward the morning light.

The other rested gently near her heart.

Her fingertips curved into another graceful mudra before drifting outward once more.

She tilted her head ever so slightly.

A small smile appeared.

Not performed.

Not practiced.

Simply genuine.

She took three measured steps forward.

Paused.

Turned slowly.

The silver anklets sang again.

Chhan...

The pendant resting against her neck caught a thin ray of sunlight.

For a fleeting instant...

it shimmered softly beneath the movement of her hair.

Then disappeared once more.

The room remained silent except for the music...

the gentle rhythm of tiny anklets...

and the quiet confidence of someone who had spent years finding comfort within every step she danced.

‧₊˚♪ [ हे मैं रंग रंगीली दीवानीहे मैं रंग रंगीली दीवानीहे मैं अलबेली मैं मस्तानीगाऊँ बजाऊँ सबको रिझाऊँहे मैं दीन धर्म से बेगानीहे मैं दीवानी मैं दीवानीतेरे नाम से जी लूँतेरे नाम से मर जाऊँतेरे नाम से जी लूँतेरे नाम से मर जाऊँतेरी जान के सदके में कुछ ऐसा कर जाऊँतूने क्या कर डाला मर गयी मैं मिट गयी मैंहो जी, हाँ-हाँ जीहो गयी मैंतेरी दीवानी दीवानीतेरी दीवानी दीवानीऐ ऐ ] 𝄞₊˚⊹

The melody slowly began to settle.

She understood without thinking.

Her movements slowed with it.

One final sequence.

A graceful turn.

Then another.

The last spin was slower than all the others.

Controlled.

Elegant.

Her loose hair traced a dark arc through the sunlight before settling gently against her back.

The tiny bells gave one final answer.

Chhan...

She drew both hands toward her heart.

Joined her palms once again.

Lowered her head.

Silence returned as naturally as morning itself.

For a few quiet seconds...

she simply stood there.

Breathing softly.

The sunlight rested upon her face.

Her loose black hair framed delicate features that had grown older over the years...

yet still carried an innocence that made her appear much younger than she truly was.

Then...

a warm voice drifted in from the doorway.

"Angel."

The girl's eyes brightened instantly.

Before she even turned...

the corners of her lips curved into the smallest smile.

A smile reserved for someone who had long ago become her safest place.

Without speaking a single word...

she turned toward the voice.

Standing quietly near the doorway was Meera.

A fond smile rested on her face.

Nestled comfortably in her arms was a tiny white kitten.

Soft white fur.

Little pink paws.

Bright blue eyes that sparkled with endless curiosity.

The moment those blue eyes landed on the girl standing in the middle of the practice room...

they lit up.

"Mew!"

(In Mishti's tiny kitten world: "There you are! I've been looking for you!")

The girl's smile appeared almost instantly.

Gentle.

Bright.

The kind of smile that belonged only to home.

Meera laughed softly.

"I know."

She gently scratched beneath the kitten's chin.

"Someone has been searching for you since the morning."

Mishti answered immediately.

"Mew! Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Exactly! She disappeared! I checked everywhere!")

The little girl's shoulders trembled with a silent laugh.

Her long black hair, now completely loose after the dance, slipped over one shoulder as she tilted her head.

A few silky strands settled across her face.

Others rested against her back like a dark waterfall.

She made no attempt to move them.

She had already forgotten about them.

Her entire attention belonged to the tiny kitten trying very hard to climb out of Meera's arms.

Meera sighed dramatically.

"Look at this."

"I've officially been replaced."

"I've been holding Madam all this time..."

"...and the moment she sees you..."

"...I no longer exist."

Mishti looked at Meera.

Then back at the girl.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Sorry... priorities.")

Meera placed a hand over her heart.

"I can't believe you just admitted it."

The girl lowered her eyes, trying not to laugh.

Her smile grew wider anyway.

Unable to resist any longer, Meera carefully bent down and placed the kitten on the floor.

The tiny paws landed with the softest little taps.

For exactly one second...

Mishti sat perfectly still.

Then...

she raced across the room as fast as her tiny legs could carry her.

Straight toward the girl.

"Mew! Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Found you! Found you!")

The girl immediately knelt.

Before the kitten could even reach her feet, she had already opened both arms.

Mishti climbed into them without the slightest hesitation.

As though she had done it a thousand times before.

The girl lifted her gently against her chest.

The kitten gave one satisfied little purr before rubbing her tiny face beneath the girl's chin.

Her tail flicked happily.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: "Much better.")

The girl's eyes curved into crescents.

No sound escaped her lips.

It never did.

Yet happiness never seemed to need words around the people she loved.

She carefully kissed the top of Mishti's tiny head.

Then gave her one slow, careful little twirl.

Not enough to make her uncomfortable.

Just enough to make the kitten blink in pleasant confusion before purring even louder.

Meera watched them quietly.

Every morning.

Exactly the same.

One little girl.

One tiny kitten.

Both somehow convinced the other was the greatest treasure in the world.

Her heart softened.

"My two babies..."

She shook her head with an affectionate smile.

"I don't even know which one of you is smaller."

The girl looked up immediately.

Still holding Mishti securely with one arm, she began signing with the other.

'She's smaller.'

Then, after a tiny pause...

another quick sign.

'Much smaller.'

Meera laughed.

"Really?"

"You think so?"

The girl nodded with complete seriousness.

Mishti looked between them.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: "Excuse me? I heard that.")

Meera covered her smile.

"I think someone disagrees."

The girl glanced at the kitten.

Then gently booped her tiny pink nose with one finger.

Mishti blinked.

Then answered with another tiny...

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I forgive you... this time.")

The silent laugh that followed lit up the entire room.

Meera simply stood there for a moment.

Watching.

There had been a time when this child barely looked at anyone.

A time when even standing near another person had frightened her.

Now...

there was laughter in her eyes.

There was peace.

Perhaps not all the time.

Not every day.

Some wounds still lingered quietly inside her.

But moments like these reminded Meera just how far her little Angel had come.

She walked closer.

Without saying a word, she gently brushed a few loose strands of black hair away from the girl's face.

The silky hair slipped through her fingers before settling neatly behind one ear.

"You danced beautifully."

The signs stopped.

The girl's cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink.

She instinctively lowered her eyes.

Compliments still embarrassed her.

They always would.

Meera smiled knowingly.

Then she opened both arms.

"My Angel..."

The girl didn't hesitate for even a heartbeat.

Still cuddling Mishti carefully against her chest, she stepped forward.

Meera wrapped one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back.

Then lifted her effortlessly.

As though she weighed almost nothing.

The girl settled against her shoulder with complete trust.

Almost automatically.

One hand rested lightly around Meera's neck.

The other continued stroking the tiny kitten, who seemed perfectly content to remain nestled between them.

Mishti stretched lazily.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: "This is nice. Nobody move.")

Meera smiled so warmly that it reached her eyes.

"My two cuddly children."

"What am I supposed to do with both of you?"

The girl looked at her.

Then slowly raised one hand.

With practiced ease, she signed...

'Love us.'

Meera's expression melted.

"I already do."

"More than you'll ever know."

She kissed the top of the girl's head.

Then smiled again.

"Now..."

"Breakfast is waiting."

"And your Nanu has already asked twice where his little partner is."

A playful sparkle appeared in the girl's dark eyes immediately.

Mishti let out another cheerful...

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Breakfast adventure!")

Meera laughed.

"I knew you two would agree with that."

Still holding her Angel safely in her arms...

and with Mishti comfortably curled between them...

the three of them walked out of the practice room together.

For anyone watching...

it wouldn't have looked like a woman carrying a child and a kitten.

It would have looked like home.

The moment they stepped out of the practice room...

the comforting aroma of freshly prepared breakfast welcomed them.

The apartment had slowly come alive.

Sunlight now stretched across the hallway, warming every corner of the home.

Meera carried her little Angel all the way toward the dining area without putting her down even once.

The girl didn't protest.

She had long grown used to it.

Sometimes, if Meera felt like carrying her...

she simply let herself be carried.

Mishti, however...

had entirely different priorities.

The instant she caught the familiar smell drifting from the kitchen...

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Food first. Cuddles later!")

Before Meera could even reach the dining table, the tiny white kitten had already wriggled free with surprising determination.

She landed lightly on the floor.

Then trotted proudly toward her little feeding corner.

Her fluffy tail stood high in the air like a tiny white flag.

The girl watched her leave.

Then looked at Meera.

Then back at Mishti.

The tiniest expression of betrayal crossed her face.

Meera noticed immediately.

A laugh escaped her.

"I told you."

"When breakfast arrives..."

"Nothing in this world is more important than food for Madam Mishti."

The girl looked toward the kitten again.

Mishti had already lowered her face into her little bowl of warm milk.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Busy. Please don't disturb this important meeting.")

Meera finally set her Angel down beside the dining table.

The girl's silver anklets chimed softly the moment her feet touched the floor.

Instead of sitting immediately...

she turned toward the elderly couple already waiting nearby.

A bright smile appeared on her face.

She joined both palms politely.

Then signed with practiced ease.

'Good morning, Nanu.'

'Good morning, Nani.'

Her grandfather's face brightened at once.

"There she is!"

"My partner finally decided to come."

"I was beginning to think your dance had adopted you forever."

The girl's eyes curved into smiling crescents.

Before she could answer...

her grandmother folded her arms with exaggerated seriousness.

"Haan ji."

"So now you remember that two old people also live in this house?"

"We've been waiting here while Her Highness finishes dancing."

The girl immediately shook her head.

A tiny, guilty smile appeared.

Then she quickly walked over and wrapped her arms around her Nani.

The older woman lasted exactly three seconds before her pretend annoyance disappeared completely.

"Acha, acha..."

She smiled, gently patting the girl's back.

"Now how am I supposed to stay angry?"

Her grandfather laughed.

"I told you."

"Our Angel has a special superpower."

"One smile..."

"...and your Nani forgets every complaint."

"I do not!"

"You absolutely do."

"I do not."

The girl looked between them.

Then silently laughed.

She had seen this conversation many times before.

It almost always ended the same way.

With both of them smiling.

Meanwhile...

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Excuse me... while you all are discussing important family matters... I've almost finished my breakfast.")

Everyone turned instinctively.

The tiny kitten had indeed almost emptied her bowl.

Her entire focus remained on finishing every last drop.

The girl walked over and crouched beside her.

Resting one hand gently on Mishti's back, she watched with complete fascination as the kitten happily lapped up the remaining milk.

A few seconds later...

she unconsciously made the funniest little face.

Her nose wrinkled.

Her lips pressed together.

Almost as though simply watching someone drink milk required great courage.

Meera saw it immediately.

She raised one eyebrow.

"Oho..."

"..Angel."

The girl looked up innocently.

Meera tried very hard not to smile.

"You don't drink milk yourself..."

"...but you're making faces at poor Mishti while she's drinking hers?"

The girl's ears turned slightly pink.

She quickly looked away.

Her grandfather cleared his throat dramatically.

"I would like to officially state..."

"...that my partner has done absolutely nothing wrong."

The girl looked toward him immediately.

His expression was completely serious.

For almost two whole seconds.

Then he winked.

She covered her smile with one hand.

Her grandmother sighed.

"There."

"These two always become a team."

"No wonder I have to manage this entire house alone."

The girl immediately began signing toward Meera with quick, fluent movements.

'Maiya...'

She pointed toward Mishti.

Then gently shook her head.

'She's drinking happily.'

A tiny pause.

Then another sign.

'I'm happy for her.'

Meera couldn't hold back her laughter anymore.

"So that's your explanation?"

The girl nodded earnestly.

Completely convinced it made perfect sense.

Meera leaned down until they were almost at eye level.

"Hmm..."

"I believe you..."

She smiled softly before brushing a loose strand of black hair behind the girl's ear.

"...but one day..."

"...my Angel is going to drink her milk just as happily."

The girl immediately looked toward the ceiling for one brief second.

The expression on her face clearly said...

Kanha Ji... please save me.

Her grandfather burst into laughter.

"I knew it!"

"My partner has already started asking for divine help."

Even Mishti paused long enough to lift her tiny head.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: "What's wrong with milk? It's delicious.")

The girl looked at the kitten.

Then dramatically pointed at the bowl.

After that...

she slowly shook her head.

Mishti blinked once.

Then returned to drinking.

Apparently...

some debates simply weren't worth joining.

Mishti certainly thought so.

The tiny kitten finished the very last drop of milk with complete satisfaction before sitting back proudly.

She licked one tiny paw.

Then carefully cleaned her face as though she had just completed the most important task of the morning.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Excellent breakfast. Five stars.")

The girl's shoulders shook with another silent laugh.

Her grandfather pointed dramatically toward the kitten.

"See?"

"Even Mishti knows milk is good."

The girl looked at him.

Then slowly narrowed her eyes.

Without missing a beat, she signed...

'Mishti is a cat.'

She pointed at herself.

'I'm not.'

For exactly two seconds...

complete silence filled the dining room.

Then everyone burst into laughter.

Her Nanu clutched his chest dramatically.

"I've been defeated."

"My own partner has used logic against me."

Her Nani smiled while arranging the breakfast dishes on the table.

"Good."

"Someone had to."

Meera couldn't stop smiling.

Even after all these years...

there were still moments when her little Angel surprised everyone with the most innocent arguments.

She gently squeezed the girl's shoulder.

"Come."

"My clever little lawyer."

"Time for breakfast."

The girl nodded obediently.

She bent down first.

Carefully refilled Mishti's small bowl with fresh water before giving the kitten one gentle pat on the head.

Mishti immediately rubbed against her ankle.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: "Approved. You're my favorite human.")

Only then did the girl walk toward the dining table.

Her silver anklets gave another soft...

Chhan...

Chhan...

The familiar sound echoed through the apartment.

By now...

everyone in the house had unknowingly begun recognizing those tiny bells.

Whenever they heard them...

they knew exactly who was coming.

Her Nani gently pulled out the chair beside her own.

"No, no."

"Our little one sits here."

The girl smiled and obediently sat down.

Almost immediately...

Meera reached over and began gathering the long strands of black hair that had fallen across her face during the dance.

"So much hair..."

she murmured affectionately.

"And someone forgot to tie it again."

The girl looked up with innocent eyes.

Then sheepishly shrugged.

She had forgotten.

Completely.

Meera smiled knowingly.

"I thought so."

With practiced hands, she tucked the silky strands behind the girl's shoulders before loosely securing them again with the same soft hair tie that had escaped during the dance.

"There."

"My Angel can actually see her breakfast now."

The girl gave an exaggerated little nod of approval.

Her grandfather watched the entire exchange before whispering just loudly enough for everyone to hear,

"I still say she looked like a tiny fairy with her hair open."

The girl's cheeks turned pink immediately.

Her Nani laughed.

"And then she'll complain while eating because her hair keeps falling into her plate."

"Hmm..."

Her grandfather considered it thoughtfully.

"That is... unfortunately... also true."

The girl covered her smile with one hand.

Meera placed a warm paratha onto her plate.

Then a small bowl of curd.

Fresh fruit.

And finally...

a glass of milk.

The girl's smile disappeared.

Instantly.

She stared at the glass.

Then slowly...

very slowly...

looked toward Meera.

Then toward Nanu.

Then back at the milk.

The expression on her face resembled someone being asked to solve the world's hardest problem.

Her Nanu noticed immediately.

He leaned a little closer.

In the most confidential whisper imaginable...

"I have a plan."

The girl's eyes brightened.

He glanced left.

Then right.

Making absolutely certain Meera and Nani weren't listening.

They both pretended not to notice.

"We distract your Maiya..."

he whispered.

"...and I'll secretly finish half."

The girl's eyes became round with shock.

Then laughter danced inside them.

Before she could respond...

Meera spoke without even turning around.

"I heard every single word."

Her Nanu froze.

Slowly...

very slowly...

he looked up.

Meera was standing with folded arms.

One eyebrow raised.

Trying very hard not to laugh.

"So..."

she asked sweetly.

"Should I bring one more glass for you too?"

Her Nanu cleared his throat.

"I think..."

"...I suddenly remembered that sugar patients should be very responsible."

Her Nani nodded immediately.

"Wonderful."

"Please continue remembering that."

The girl finally couldn't hold it in anymore.

A completely soundless laugh escaped her.

Her eyes shone.

Her shoulders trembled.

And for a fleeting moment...

the entire dining room seemed brighter simply because she was happy.

For a few peaceful minutes...

nothing else was said.

There was only the quiet music of an ordinary family breakfast.

The soft clink of spoons.

The rustle of newspapers.

The occasional chirping of birds drifting in through the slightly open balcony door.

And every now and then...

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "In case anyone forgot... I'm still adorable.")

The tiny kitten had finished eating long ago.

Now she wandered lazily around the dining table.

Sometimes rubbing against Aira's legs.

Sometimes attempting to chase the tiny reflections of sunlight dancing across the floor.

Aira broke a small piece of her paratha.

After making sure it wasn't too hot...

she held it out toward Mishti.

The kitten sniffed it politely.

Then looked back at her with complete seriousness.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Thank you... but I prefer milk.")

Her Nanu laughed.

"Rejected."

"Our Angel has officially been rejected."

Aira looked at Mishti with exaggerated disappointment.

Then signed dramatically...

'Traitor.'

Mishti blinked.

Yawned.

Then curled herself comfortably around Aira's chair as though absolutely nothing had happened.

Everyone laughed again.

The warmth inside the apartment felt effortless.

Unforced.

Natural.

Exactly the kind of mornings that slowly stitched together hearts that had once known only loneliness.

Meera quietly watched her daughter between bites of breakfast.

Four years.

Sometimes she still found it difficult to believe.

There had once been a little girl who wouldn't even lift her eyes.

Who had flinched whenever someone moved too quickly.

Who had believed silence was safer than trust.

Now...

she still carried her fears.

She still startled at loud voices.

Still preferred quiet corners.

Still had nights when nightmares chased away sleep.

Healing had never been a straight road.

But there were mornings like this.

Mornings when laughter reached her eyes.

When she teased her Nanu.

When she argued with a kitten.

When she signed so quickly that her hands became a language of their own.

Those tiny moments...

meant more than anyone else could possibly understand.

As though sensing someone watching her...

Aira looked up.

Their eyes met.

Meera smiled.

Not the kind that asked questions.

Not the kind that expected anything.

Just one that quietly said...

I'm here.

Always.

Aira's expression softened.

Almost instinctively...

she lifted her hands.

'Maiya...'

She paused.

Searching for the right signs.

Then continued.

'Breakfast... very tasty.'

Meera placed one hand dramatically over her heart.

"My goodness."

"I've received a compliment this early in the morning."

"I should write today's date in the calendar."

Aira immediately shook her head.

A tiny smile appeared.

Then she corrected herself with another quick series of signs.

'Every day... tasty.'

That made Meera laugh even harder.

"That's better."

"I was wondering whether my promotion had already been cancelled."

Her Nani chuckled.

"See?"

"I always tell you."

"Our little Angel notices everything."

She just says it in her own time.

Aira lowered her eyes shyly.

Her fingers reached for the glass of milk again.

She looked at it...

made another tiny face...

then glanced toward Meera.

Meera noticed.

But this time...

she didn't say anything.

No reminders.

No gentle persuasion.

No negotiations.

She simply continued eating her own breakfast.

After nearly a full minute...

Aira looked back at the untouched glass.

Then at her Maiya once more.

Almost as if making a deal with herself...

she wrapped both hands around the warm glass.

Closed her eyes.

Took one careful sip.

A very small one.

When she opened her eyes again...

everyone was still quietly eating.

No one had applauded.

No one had celebrated.

No one had pointed it out.

Her shoulders relaxed.

She took another sip on her own.

Meera saw it from the corner of her eye.

But chose not to react.

Some victories...

were too precious to interrupt.

They deserved to remain beautifully ordinary.

Outside...

the Sunday morning continued to unfold beneath a bright blue sky.

Inside...

love lingered in the smallest things.

In shared breakfasts.

In playful conversations.

In silent understanding.

And in one little girl...

who, without even realizing it...

had slowly begun believing that this home...

would never ask her to earn its love.

The breakfast table slowly emptied.

Her Nanu folded the newspaper.

"I'll water the plants before the sun gets stronger."

Her Nani gathered the empty bowls.

"I'll clean these."

Before either of them could pick up a single plate...

Meera reached out.

"No."

"You both sit."

"I'll do it."

Her mother immediately protested.

"You cooked."

"So let me at least..."

"I know."

Meera smiled.

"But today is Sunday."

"And Sundays are my turn."

Her father laughed.

"There."

"I told you."

"Once she decides something..."

"No one wins."

Meera simply smiled without denying it.

Some habits never changed.

Meanwhile...

Aira had already carried Mishti's little bowl to the kitchen sink.

She washed it carefully.

Just as Meera had taught her.

Not spilling even a drop.

When she finished, she wiped the bowl with a small cloth before placing it back in its corner.

Mishti watched the entire process with great interest.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Excellent service. I shall continue living here.")

Aira giggled silently.

Then bent down and gently scratched beneath the kitten's chin.

Mishti instantly began purring.

A soft...

steady...

content little sound.

Her Nanu watched the two of them.

"You know..."

"I still can't figure out who adopted whom."

Meera looked over her shoulder.

"I've been wondering the same thing."

"I think Mishti believes this entire family belongs to her."

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Obviously.")

Another round of laughter filled the apartment.

The sunlight had shifted by now.

Golden beams stretched across the living room floor.

The little bells on Aira's anklets chimed softly as she walked toward the balcony.

She stopped there for a moment.

The morning breeze gently lifted a few loose strands of her long black hair.

Below...

children were already riding bicycles.

Someone was flying a bright yellow kite from a nearby terrace.

A vegetable vendor called out from the street.

It was an ordinary Sunday.

Peaceful.

Alive.

The kind of morning she once couldn't have imagined existing.

Behind her...

Meera quietly watched.

She didn't call out.

Didn't interrupt.

She had learned, over the years, that Aira liked these little pauses.

Moments where she simply stood...

looked at the world...

and listened to it.

Sometimes silence wasn't emptiness.

Sometimes...

it was where Aira felt safest.

Mishti padded over and settled beside her feet.

Without looking down...

Aira reached for the kitten automatically.

Her fingers found the soft white fur as though they had done it a thousand times before.

They had.

A tiny smile appeared on her face.

Small.

Gentle.

Real.

And somewhere deep inside...

without saying a single word aloud...

memories stirred.

Not painful enough to steal this morning away.

Not gentle enough to disappear completely.

Just quietly waiting...

for the moment she would finally tell her story.

The balcony swing swayed gently beneath me.

Not enough to make me dizzy.

Just enough to feel comforting.

Mishti had somehow managed to claim my lap before I had even properly sat down.

I don't know how she does that.

Maybe she's secretly practicing magic.

Or maybe...

she simply knows this is her favorite place.

I smiled to myself as my fingers slowly scratched beneath her tiny chin.

Immediately...

she closed her bright blue eyes.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: "Yes... exactly there. Continue.")

I couldn't help laughing.

Well...

trying to laugh.

No sound came out.

It never does.

But Maiya says she can still tell when I'm laughing.

She says my eyes always become brighter.

I think she's making that up.

...

Actually...

she probably isn't.

Maiya usually notices everything.

Even the things I don't tell her.

Especially those.

Mishti stretched lazily before rubbing her tiny head against my hand again.

"Mrrp..."

(Mishti's translation: "You're thinking too much again.")

"I know," I answered inside my head.

"You're becoming just like Maiya."

Mishti blinked.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Obviously.")

I looked up at the clear Sunday sky.

Blue.

Peaceful.

Soft white clouds drifting wherever the wind wished to take them.

Somehow...

looking at the sky always reminded me of Him.

Kanhaji...

Good morning.

...

Did You see what happened during breakfast?

Maiya almost made me finish the whole glass of milk.

The whole glass.

Do You know how unfair that is?

I frowned dramatically.

And Nanu...

Poor Nanu tried to rescue me.

But Maiya caught him before Operation Save-Aira could succeed.

Honestly...

I think You should have helped us.

I waited for a few seconds.

Then smiled.

You're smiling, aren't You?

Traitor.

The breeze brushed gently against my face.

For some reason...

I always felt as though He was listening.

Not answering.

Just...

listening.

And somehow...

that had always been enough.

...

Sometimes I wonder...

if Kanhaji accidentally wrote someone else's destiny beside my name.

Because when I look around this home...

everything still feels too beautiful.

Too gentle.

Too safe.

As though one day someone will knock on the door and quietly say,

"There has been a mistake."

"This happiness belongs to someone else."

I know Maiya would immediately argue with them.

Nanu too.

Nani would probably scold them first and ask questions later.

Mishti...

well...

Mishti would probably bite their shoelaces.

That thought made me smile.

Still...

the fear doesn't disappear completely.

Maybe...

it never really will.

...

I wasn't always like this.

Four years ago...

I couldn't even imagine mornings like today.

Back then...

silence wasn't peaceful.

It was lonely.

Dark.

Heavy.

Back then...

I believed people stayed only until they had a reason to leave.

Then...

Maiya happened.

I still remember my first few nights here.

I hardly slept.

Every time I closed my eyes...

old memories would chase me.

Sometimes I would wake suddenly.

Breathing too fast.

My whole body trembling.

My heart pounding so loudly that it hurt.

I couldn't call for anyone.

Even if I wanted to.

No voice would come.

Only tears.

I thought...

if anyone saw me like that...

they would become tired of me.

Maybe even frightened.

Instead...

every single time...

Maiya woke up anyway.

I still don't know how.

Maybe mothers have magic too.

She never switched on all the lights.

Never asked,

"What happened?"

Never forced me to explain anything.

She simply sat beside me.

Held my trembling hands between hers.

And softly hummed a lullaby.

Again.

And again.

Until my breathing slowed.

Until my heartbeat stopped racing.

Until I fell asleep without even realizing it.

The next morning...

she behaved as though nothing unusual had happened.

She didn't make me feel embarrassed.

She didn't make me feel guilty.

She simply smiled and asked me what I wanted for breakfast.

That was all.

It was such a small thing.

But somehow...

it changed everything.

I think...

that was the day I started believing...

that maybe...

just maybe...

I didn't have to hide every broken piece of myself anymore.

Not from her.

...

I call her "Maa" when I sign.

She understands it immediately.

But inside my heart...

she has always been...

Maiya.

I don't know when that happened.

Maybe because every time I looked at Kanhaji with Yashoda Maiya...

I quietly wished...

that if I were ever lucky enough to have someone like that...

I would call her Maiya too.

So...

without ever saying it aloud...

that's what she became.

My Maiya.

I don't think she knows.

Maybe one day...

I'll tell her.

Or maybe...

she already knows.

She usually does.

...

Then there's Nani.

If someone met her for the first time...

they would probably think she is the strictest person in the house.

She reminds everyone to eat on time.

Sleep on time.

Take medicines on time.

Drink enough water.

She even reminds Mishti not to climb onto the dining table.

Mishti ignores that advice every single time.

But here's the funny part.

Nani is secretly the softest person I know.

If I don't finish my meal...

she pretends to scold me.

Then five minutes later...

she quietly cuts fruit into tiny pieces because she knows I'll eat those.

If I fall asleep on the sofa...

she complains that I'll catch a cold.

Then covers me with a blanket anyway.

Please don't tell her I know.

I think she likes pretending to be strict.

...

And then...

there's my partner.

Nanu.

I don't actually remember when we became partners.

One day he simply declared it.

Apparently...

every important mission in this house requires two people.

Him...

and me.

Sometimes our missions involve watering the balcony plants.

Sometimes feeding birds.

Sometimes convincing Maiya that one spoon of ice cream isn't really "ice cream."

That mission has never succeeded.

Mostly because Maiya is far too clever.

And because Nanu forgets that evidence melts.

I sighed dramatically.

Kanhaji...

Please don't tell Maiya...

But I still think Nanu and I were right.

Mishti opened one eye.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I support Team Ice Cream.")

"Of course you do."

"You support whichever team has food."

She purred proudly.

I had no argument against that.

Maybe...

she really was the wisest member of our family.

Or maybe...

she was simply the most honest.

If Mishti was happy...

everyone knew.

If she was hungry...

the entire house knew.

If she wanted attention...

well...

she never accepted "later" as an answer.

I scratched behind her tiny ears again.

She immediately leaned closer.

"Mrrr..."

(Mishti's translation: "Excellent. Your services may continue.")

I giggled silently.

See?

Very honest.

...

Do You know something, Kanhaji?

I wasn't the one who found Mishti.

She found me.

It happened almost a year ago.

Maiya had taken me to a nearby stationery shop because I needed some notebooks.

I remember it had rained that afternoon.

Not heavily.

Just enough to leave the roads damp and the air smelling fresh.

When we were walking back...

I suddenly heard the faintest little sound.

"Mew..."

So soft...

I almost thought I had imagined it.

I stopped walking.

Maiya looked at me curiously.

I pointed toward a cardboard box resting beside a closed shop.

Inside...

curled into the smallest little ball...

was a tiny white kitten.

She looked frightened.

Cold.

Soaking wet.

Her fur was sticking to her body.

She couldn't have been more than a few weeks old.

Those little blue eyes...

they looked at me with so much fear...

that something inside my heart quietly hurt.

Because...

I knew those eyes.

Not hers.

Mine.

I had looked at the world like that once.

Afraid that if someone came closer...

they would hurt me.

Afraid that if nobody came...

I would be left behind.

I slowly crouched in front of the box.

Careful.

Very careful.

I didn't try to touch her.

I simply waited.

The way Maiya had once waited for me.

After a few moments...

the tiny kitten stretched her little neck forward.

Then...

with great determination...

she climbed over the edge of the box.

Her legs wobbled.

She nearly slipped.

But somehow...

she reached me.

And before I even understood what she was doing...

she pressed her tiny head against my knee.

As if she had already made her decision.

I looked at Maiya.

Maiya looked at me.

Neither of us needed words.

She smiled.

That soft...

gentle smile that always reaches her eyes.

"We can't leave her here..."

she had whispered.

I nodded so quickly that my loose hair flew across my face.

That evening...

we brought her home.

Nani wrapped her in a warm towel.

Nanu searched the entire internet for what baby kittens were supposed to eat.

Maiya spent nearly an hour convincing the veterinarian to examine her immediately.

By night...

this tiny little stranger had somehow managed to become the center of everyone's universe.

I looked down at the sleepy little creature now resting in my lap.

Funny...

Back then...

I thought we had rescued Mishti.

Now I'm not so sure.

Maybe...

she rescued us too.

...

Kanhaji...

Do You know why I named her Mishti?

I smiled.

Because she's sweet.

Very, very sweet.

Well...

Most of the time.

Except when she steals Nani's knitting wool.

Or hides Nanu's slippers.

Or climbs onto Maiya's shoulder while she's working.

Mishti opened one eye.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "Those are creative activities.")

I nodded seriously.

"Of course."

"My mistake."

"You're an artist."

She looked extremely pleased with herself.

Honestly...

I think she understood far more than ordinary cats did.

...

The breeze became a little cooler.

I gently tucked a few loose strands of hair behind my ear.

Without realizing it...

my fingers drifted toward the thin chain around my neck.

The pendant rested quietly against my skin.

Just like it always had.

I held it for a moment.

Not because I was afraid.

Not today.

Just...

because it had become a habit.

There was so much about it that I still didn't understand.

Maiya had asked me about it once.

Only once.

When I couldn't explain...

she never asked again.

She simply accepted that I wasn't ready.

Just like she accepted every silence I carried.

Sometimes...

I wonder if she's waiting.

Not for answers.

Just...

for the day I choose to tell her on my own.

And somehow...

that makes me want to tell her even more.

Not today.

Maybe not tomorrow.

But someday.

Because there are no secrets I want to keep from my Maiya forever.

Only memories...

that still hurt when I look at them.

So instead...

I looked back at the sky.

Kanhaji...

You'll help me when that day comes... right?

The wind brushed gently across my face once again.

I smiled.

Somehow...

I already knew His answer.

Because...

He had already answered it once.

Four years ago.

He just hadn't answered it with words.

He had answered it with...

Maiya.

A comfortable silence settled around me.

Mishti had completely fallen asleep now.

One tiny paw rested against my wrist.

Her breathing was slow.

Peaceful.

I absentmindedly stroked the soft fur between her ears.

"..."

Kanhaji...

Do You think promises ever get lost?

The question escaped before I could stop it.

The breeze continued to sway the balcony swing.

No answer.

Only quiet.

I smiled faintly.

"You already know what I'm talking about."

My fingers unconsciously tightened around Mishti.

Riya.

Even after four years...

the name still brought the same warmth.

I still remembered that day.

The bangles.

The letter.

The promise.

"We'll meet again."

Such simple words.

Yet...

I had believed them with my whole heart.

I still did.

Maybe that made me foolish.

Maybe it made me hopeful.

I wasn't sure which one.

I carefully looked toward the glass door leading inside the apartment.

Maiya was probably helping Nani in the kitchen now.

Nanu was most likely pretending to help while secretly tasting something.

That thought made me smile.

Then...

my eyes drifted toward the small wooden cupboard near my bed inside my room.

Second drawer.

Blue cloth pouch.

I knew exactly what rested inside.

The bangles.

I had never given them away.

Not because I wanted to keep them.

Because...

they weren't mine.

They had always belonged to Riya.

I had simply been looking after them.

Waiting...

until I could finally return them.

Beside them...

carefully folded...

was her letter.

The paper had become softer with time.

The edges weren't as sharp anymore.

I had read it so many times that I almost didn't need to open it anymore.

Every single word still lived inside my heart.

Whenever I missed her too much...

I would quietly read it again.

Not because it stopped me from missing her.

Because somehow...

it made her feel a little closer.

Kanhaji...

You know where she is... don't You?

Is she happy?

Did she find a good family?

Does she still smile the same way?

Does she...

I paused.

A tiny lump formed inside my throat.

...does she still remember me?

For a long moment...

I simply watched the sky.

Then I shook my own head.

"No..."

I smiled to myself.

"That's not fair."

"If she promised..."

"Then I should trust her."

Maiya always said...

Trust wasn't something you measured every day.

It was something you chose.

Again.

And again.

Until someone proved they didn't deserve it.

Riya never did.

So...

I would keep choosing it.

Every single day.

And then...

there was Shona.

No one had ever called me "Aaru didi" quite the way Shona did.

"Aaru didi."

Such tiny words.

Yet every time she said them...

they somehow made me feel older than I actually was.

I wondered how tall she had become now.

Whether she still talked as much.

Whether she still laughed with her whole face.

Whether she still collected funny little stones from the garden because she believed every one of them looked different.

I softly laughed inside my mind.

She probably did.

Three months.

That's all we had been apart.

Then one afternoon...

Maiya had taken me back to visit everyone.

I had been excited.

Because I wanted to see Shona.

I had carried chocolates for her.

Even a little hair clip Nani had bought.

Instead...

Kamla kaki smiled before I could even ask.

"Shona found a family last week."

I remembered freezing.

Just for one second.

Then...

before sadness could settle...

something much brighter appeared.

She had been adopted.

Really adopted.

A family.

A home.

Someone to call her daughter.

I remembered looking toward the little temple in the orphanage courtyard.

Kanhaji...

Thank You.

That day...

I had smiled all the way home.

I missed her.

Very much.

But somehow...

missing someone felt different when you knew they were safe.

I hoped...

she had someone who braided her hair.

Someone who reminded her to finish her vegetables.

Someone who tucked her into bed.

Someone who loved hearing her laugh.

Just like I did.

I hugged Mishti a little closer.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: "You're becoming emotional again.")

"I know."

I gently kissed the top of her tiny head.

"I miss them."

I miss both of them.

Not every minute.

Not every hour.

Life had become fuller now.

Brighter.

There was Maiya.

Nani.

Nanu.

Mishti.

School.

Dance.

Little missions with Nanu.

Arguments about milk.

Secret conversations with Kanhaji.

Life had given me so many new memories.

But...

new memories never erased old ones.

They simply sat beside them.

Making the lonely parts feel a little less lonely.

Kanhaji...

When we meet again...

I wonder if we'll recognize each other immediately.

I think I will.

Because some people don't disappear from your heart...

Even if years quietly pass by.

Even if years quietly pass by.

I stayed there for a little while longer.

Not thinking.

Not worrying.

Simply...

existing.

The morning breeze brushed softly against my face.

Somewhere below our apartment building...

children laughed while riding their bicycles.

A vegetable vendor called out from the street.

A scooter passed by.

Somebody's wind chime danced gently in the distance.

Ordinary sounds.

The kind I had once been afraid of.

Not because they were loud.

Because they reminded me that the world kept moving...

whether someone was ready or not.

Now...

they felt different.

They felt...

safe.

I closed my eyes.

Thank You, Kanhaji.

Not because everything is perfect.

It isn't.

Sometimes I still get scared.

Sometimes I wake up before sunrise because my heart refuses to slow down.

Sometimes a loud voice still makes me freeze.

Sometimes I still remember things I don't want to remember.

I lowered my gaze to my hands.

The faint scars were still there.

Older now.

Lighter than before.

But they hadn't disappeared.

Neither had the memories.

Maybe...

they never would.

For a long time...

I thought healing meant forgetting.

Now...

I wasn't so sure.

Maiya had once signed something to me while gently applying medicine to my hands.

"Scars are not proof that you're weak."

"They're proof that you survived."

At that time...

I hadn't completely believed her.

Now...

I was slowly learning to.

Slowly.

Very slowly.

Just the way she had taught me everything else.

Without rushing me.

Without expecting me to become brave overnight.

...

I smiled to myself.

Kanhaji...

Maiya says I'm patient.

I think she's the patient one.

Do You know how many times I've accidentally hidden behind her because someone knocked on the door unexpectedly?

Too many.

And every single time...

she pretended not to notice.

A tiny laugh escaped inside my mind.

She never embarrassed me.

Never asked,

"Why are you scared?"

Never said,

"There's nothing to be afraid of."

Instead...

she simply stood a little closer.

As though silently telling me...

"If you're afraid... then we'll stand here together."

Maybe...

that was what courage really looked like.

Not forcing someone to stop being afraid.

Just refusing to let them face that fear alone.

Mishti stretched in my lap.

Her tiny pink nose twitched.

Then she opened one sleepy blue eye.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: "I have completed my nap. I now require snacks.")

I laughed.

Of course.

Food.

Always food.

"You've become just like Nanu."

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "I accept that as a compliment.")

I gently booped her little nose with my finger.

"You two are impossible."

She answered by rubbing her face against my hand.

Then...

quite suddenly...

she jumped down from my lap.

I blinked.

"Mishti?"

The little kitten confidently trotted toward the balcony door.

Then she stopped.

Turned around.

And looked at me expectantly.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "Come on. Everyone's waiting.")

I smiled.

She was right.

If I stayed here much longer...

Maiya would definitely come looking for me.

Not because she didn't trust me.

Because she always noticed when I quietly disappeared.

I stood from the swing.

My silver anklets chimed softly against the floor.

For just a second...

my eyes wandered toward the endless blue sky one last time.

Kanhaji...

Please...

Take care of Riya.

Take care of Shona.

And...

A little bit...

please keep taking care of my family too.

A gentle breeze answered.

Warm.

Comforting.

Almost playful.

I smiled.

"I knew You'd say yes."

Then I picked up the edge of my anarkali, tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and followed the tiny white kitten racing proudly toward the living room.

Home...

was waiting.

Mishti reached the living room before I did.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "I have returned. Please admire me.")

Without slowing down, the tiny white kitten bounded straight toward Maiya.

One...

Two...

Tiny jumps.

Then, with complete confidence, she climbed onto the sofa beside her.

Maiya looked down from the file she had been reading.

A smile immediately found its way to her face.

"Well..."

she murmured softly,

"Someone has finished her morning inspection."

Mishti answered with another proud little meow.

(Mishti's translation: "Everything is under control.")

I couldn't help smiling.

A moment later, I walked into the living room myself.

The apartment felt wonderfully peaceful.

Sunday mornings always did.

Nani sat comfortably near the window, carefully watering the little indoor plants she loved so much.

Nanu occupied his usual armchair.

A newspaper rested in his hands.

Though...

judging by the way he kept peeking over the top of it every few seconds...

he was paying far more attention to everyone in the room than to the headlines.

Maiya sat on the sofa with a few office files spread across the coffee table.

Tomorrow was Monday.

Even on holidays...

there was always something that needed her attention.

The moment she looked up and saw me...

her expression softened.

"There you are, Angel."

She signed the words as naturally as she spoke them.

Without thinking...

my feet carried me toward her.

Mishti noticed immediately.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "My human has arrived!")

She hopped off the sofa and hurried toward me instead.

Tiny paws.

Tiny tail held high.

Tiny determination.

Before I could bend down...

she reached me first.

Then stretched both little front paws against my anarkali.

Asking to be picked up.

I laughed silently.

"So impatient."

Carefully, I scooped her into my arms.

She immediately settled against me with complete satisfaction.

As though this had been her plan all along.

I gently rubbed beneath her chin.

Her tiny eyes slowly narrowed.

A soft purr filled the room.

Maiya watched us for a moment.

Then she held one hand out toward me.

I understood immediately.

Still carrying Mishti, I walked the remaining few steps.

She lightly adjusted a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

The dance had left most of it resting freely over my shoulders.

"You missed one."

She signed with an amused smile.

I looked down shyly.

Thank you, Mumma.

The sign came naturally now.

So naturally that I rarely thought about it anymore.

Yet...

every single time...

Maiya's eyes still lit up.

Exactly the way they had the first time I had called her that.

Nanu folded his newspaper.

"I have an important announcement."

All three of us looked at him.

Even Mishti lifted her tiny head.

He nodded seriously.

"Our Angel's annual examinations begin soon."

Nani smiled without looking up from her plants.

"As if anyone in this house could forget."

"I wasn't talking to you."

"You never are."

"I noticed."

I hid another smile behind Mishti's soft fur.

Some conversations between Nanu and Nani had no beginning.

They simply... continued every day.

Maiya chuckled before turning back to me.

Her hands moved gracefully through familiar signs.

Are you feeling ready?

Class Nine finals are close.

I nodded almost immediately.

Preparation is going well.

I revised mathematics yesterday.

Today I'll finish science.

Maiya looked pleased.

"I knew you would."

Then, after a brief pause, she added another sentence through sign language.

And don't forget...

Your scholarship examination is next week.

For a moment...

the room grew just a little quieter.

Not because anyone was worried.

Because everyone knew how important that examination was to me.

I lowered my gaze thoughtfully.

The scholarship.

Royal academy of Rajasthan.

I had been preparing for it for months.

Not because anyone had asked me to.

Because I wanted to.

Maiya had never pressured me.

She had only smiled and said...

"If this is your dream... then we'll walk toward it together."

That had been enough.

She continued signing.

I'll drop you at the examination centre that morning.

After that, I have to meet someone for an important family matter.

Nanu and Nani will pick you up once your exam is over.

I nodded.

It sounded simple.

A normal plan.

A normal day.

None of us knew...

that before the sun set on that ordinary morning...

our lives would quietly begin changing once again.

Or at least...

that's what fate had quietly decided.

I simply didn't know it yet.

The living room settled into a peaceful silence once again.

Sunlight filtered through the large windows.

A gentle breeze slipped in through the half-open balcony door.

The apartment felt unhurried.

Comfortable.

Lived in.

Mishti, however...

had absolutely no interest in peaceful silence.

The tiny white kitten had discovered something far more fascinating.

A ball of soft wool.

It sat innocently beside Nani's knitting basket.

For exactly three seconds.

Then...

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: "A wild fluffy creature has appeared!")

Before anyone could stop her...

she pounced.

The little ball rolled across the floor.

Mishti immediately chased after it with complete determination.

Tiny paws.

Tiny hops.

Tiny attacks that looked far more adorable than dangerous.

The ball escaped.

Mishti refused to let it win.

Nani looked up just in time.

"Arre, oye..."

She tried to sound strict.

"That is not your toy."

Mishti froze.

Looked at Nani.

Then looked at the wool again.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: "With respect... I disagree.")

And pounced again.

The wool rolled even farther.

Nanu peeked over the top of his newspaper.

"I think the wool has officially been adopted."

"It certainly has not."

Nani replied, trying very hard not to laugh.

She finally leaned forward, gently scooped the energetic kitten into her arms, and rescued what remained of the wool.

"There, little madam."

She lovingly tapped Mishti's tiny nose.

"My knitting is already slow enough."

Mishti blinked.

Then immediately rubbed her face against Nani's cheek.

The pretend scolding ended exactly as everyone expected.

With affection.

Nanu folded one corner of his newspaper.

"I knew she'd escape punishment."

"Of course she would."

Nani smiled.

"Look at that face."

"There isn't a judge in the world who would convict her."

Meera laughed softly before closing the office file resting on her lap.

She placed it neatly on the coffee table.

"Enough work for today."

Work could wait.

Sunday afternoons belonged here.

Her eyes naturally searched for Aira.

The little girl had quietly settled on the carpet beside the sofa.

She wasn't doing anything in particular.

Simply watching everyone.

Listening.

Feeling.

Safe.

Meera's heart softened.

Without saying a word...

she gently patted her lap.

A silent invitation.

Aira understood immediately.

She shifted closer without hesitation.

Then, with complete trust...

she rested her head across Meera's lap.

As though it was the most natural place in the world.

Perhaps...

to her...

it was.

Meera's fingers slipped into Aira's long, silky hair almost instinctively.

Slowly.

Patiently.

Untangling a few loose strands left behind after the morning's dance practice.

Every now and then...

her fingertips lightly brushed over Aira's head in the same comforting rhythm they had followed for years.

No words were needed.

None at all.

Aira closed her eyes for a brief moment.

The gentle touch alone was enough.

Enough to quiet old fears.

Enough to remind her...

that she was home.

Across the room...

Nanu lowered his newspaper just enough to witness the scene.

A smile quietly appeared beneath his spectacles.

Nani noticed it too.

Neither of them said anything.

Some moments deserved to remain exactly as they were.

Undisturbed.

Wrapped in silence.

Wrapped in love.

The room remained quiet.

Not because there was nothing to say.

But because no one felt the need to fill every silence with words.

Outside...

the city carried on with its usual pace.

Vehicles passed.

Children laughed somewhere in the distance.

The afternoon sun slowly climbed higher into the sky.

Inside...

time seemed content to move a little slower.

Mishti had somehow escaped Nani's arms once again.

She circled the room with all the confidence of someone who firmly believed the apartment belonged to her.

Every now and then...

she would pause beside Aira.

Brush against her hand.

Receive a gentle pat.

Then proudly continue her tiny adventure.

Meera's fingers never stopped absentmindedly combing through Aira's long black hair.

Sometimes she looked at the files on the table.

Sometimes at the television.

But more often than not...

her eyes drifted back to the little girl resting peacefully in her lap.

There had been days...

years ago...

when even a moment like this had seemed impossible.

Now...

it had quietly become part of their everyday life.

Neither of them knew how precious these ordinary moments truly were.

Nanu quietly folded his newspaper and placed it on the side table.

He looked around the room.

At his wife.

At his daughter.

At the little girl resting peacefully in Meera's lap.

Then he smiled.

"It feels nice..."

he said softly.

"...when everyone's home."

Nani looked up from her knitting.

"It always does."

Meera didn't say anything.

She simply smiled.

Sometimes...

there really wasn't anything to add.

Mishti stretched lazily before curling herself against Aira's side once again.

Within moments...

the tiny kitten had fallen asleep.

Aira looked down at her.

Then back at Meera.

A faint smile touched her lips.

The kind that appeared without anyone asking for it.

Outside...

the afternoon continued as though it were any other Sunday.

Inside...

a family quietly treasured another ordinary day together.

None of them knew...

that the coming days would quietly bring new people into Aira's life.

That paths which had never crossed before...

were already moving toward one another.

That some meetings...

no matter how unexpected...

have a way of changing everything.

But those stories...

could wait.

For now...

there was only a little girl...

a loving mother...

a caring Nanu and Nani...

a tiny white kitten named Mishti...

and a home that had gently taught her something she had once believed impossible.

That love...

could stay.

And for Aira... that was more than enough.

──── ୨୧ ────

And that's the end of this chapter. 🤍

After waiting for so long...

we've finally stepped into a brand new phase of Aira's journey.

This chapter wasn't about big twists.

It was about showing how much a person can slowly heal when they're surrounded by genuine love, patience, and people who never ask them to earn a place in their hearts.

But don't get too comfortable... 👀✨

Your wait is slowly coming to an end.

Very soon...

Aira is going to meet them.

And trust me...

that meeting is going to change the story in ways neither she nor you are expecting. 🤍

Now tell me...

🌷 How did you like the four-year time skip?

🌷 Did you expect that the little girl from the previous chapters would still be the same Aira after four years, or do you think she's changed a lot?

🌷 How did you like Aira's dance sequence? Was it your favorite moment from this chapter?

🌷 And be honest... did our tiny Mishti baby steal the entire chapter? 🐈🤍

Also...

Did this chapter meet your expectations?

I'd genuinely love to know your thoughts because I read every single comment. 🤍

As always...

please don't forget to vote, comment, follow, and share this story if you're enjoying it. Your support means the world to me and helps this story reach more beautiful readers like you. 🌷

Take care. Stay happy. Keep smiling. Love you all bohottt saaraaa! 🤍🌷

Bye-bye!

See you all in the next chapter. ✨

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

Radhe Krishna🌷**