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Hello, my lovely readers! 🤍🌸

How are you all doing?

Before we begin, thank you so much for all your love, votes, comments, and support. Every single one of them truly makes my day. 🤍

This chapter is a little calmer than the previous ones. Sometimes, a story needs quiet moments before the journey moves forward, and this chapter is one of those moments.

I hope you'll enjoy spending a little more time with our Angel and her beautiful little family. 🫶

Happy Reading! 🤍✨

Some days have a quiet way of slipping past unnoticed.

One sunrise blended into the next.

The afternoons became a little warmer.

The evenings carried the familiar fragrance of blooming jasmine drifting in through the balcony.

And before anyone truly realized it...

Aira's Class 9 annual examinations had come to an end.

The nervous revision.

The late-night notebooks.

The neatly arranged pens.

The whispered prayers before every paper.

They were all over now.

For the first time in weeks, the apartment felt peaceful again.

There was no rush to leave early every morning.

No timetable hanging on the refrigerator.

No anxious reminders from Meera asking if her angel had packed everything.

Instead...

there was laughter again.

There were slow Sunday breakfasts.

Movie nights where Mishti somehow occupied more of the sofa than everyone else combined.

And evenings filled with Kathak practice that echoed through the spare room with the soft rhythm of tiny anklets.

Life had settled into one of those rare, gentle chapters that asked nothing from anyone except to enjoy it.

...

Almost.

Because one important day was still waiting.

The scholarship examination.

The entrance scholarship test for Rajasthan Royal Academy.

One examination.

One opportunity.

If Aira qualified, she would earn admission through her own hard work.

Meera had reminded her more than once that none of this was necessary.

If Aira wished, she could easily be admitted without worrying about scholarships.

But every single time...

the answer remained exactly the same.

A quiet smile.

A determined pair of dark eyes.

And graceful hands moving confidently through sign language.

"I want to earn it."

Not because anyone expected her to.

Not because Meera had ever placed such a burden on her shoulders.

Simply because Aira wanted to know...

that she could.

And Meera had smiled.

Because she had long since learned something about her little angel.

Once Aira made up her mind...

it was almost impossible to change it.

Not through persuasion.

Not through affection.

Certainly not through harmless bribery involving chocolates.

Although Meera had tried that once.

It had failed spectacularly.

...

The scholarship examination was now only two days away.

The admission letter.

The future school.

A completely unfamiliar place.

New classrooms.

New teachers.

New faces.

New beginnings.

All of it waited quietly beyond that single examination.

Aira never said much about it.

But Meera noticed the little things.

The way her angel spent a little longer checking her notes.

The way she absent-mindedly twirled a pencil while thinking.

The way she occasionally paused beside the small temple in the living room before continuing whatever she had been doing.

She was nervous.

Not frightened.

Simply...

hopeful.

And perhaps hope was its own kind of nervousness.

...

That Sunday passed gently.

Nanu spent most of the afternoon pretending to read the newspaper.

Everyone knew he had been staring at the same page for nearly forty minutes.

Nani continued knitting another tiny sweater for absolutely no one in particular.

She simply liked knitting.

Meera worked on a few office files from home, pausing every now and then whenever Mishti decided the papers clearly belonged underneath her tiny paws.

The little white kitten had declared war on paperwork months ago.

She had not lost her enthusiasm.

Nor had she won.

Aira sat cross-legged on the rug nearby, surrounded by neatly stacked books.

Every now and then, she would underline something.

Turn a page.

Look thoughtfully toward the window.

Then continue reading.

The apartment was filled with comfortable silence.

The kind shared only by people who no longer felt the need to fill every moment with conversation.

Outside...

the sky slowly shifted from gold...

to orange...

and eventually...

to deep blue.

One by one, the lights inside the apartment came on.

Dinner was shared around the table with the usual teasing, laughter, and several dramatic complaints from Nanu about how everyone unfairly monitored his dessert.

Nani disagreed.

Meera agreed with Nani.

Aira quietly sided with whoever happened to be losing the argument.

Mishti sided with whoever might accidentally drop food.

As far as she was concerned...

that was the wisest strategy.

By the time the clock crept toward night...

the apartment had grown quiet once more.

Doors closed.

Lights switched off.

Blankets pulled close.

Before long...

everyone appeared to be asleep.

At least...

that was exactly what one particular grandfather wanted the rest of the family to believe.

The apartment rested beneath the quiet embrace of midnight.

Only the faint ticking of the wall clock disturbed the silence.

Tick...

Tick...

A bedroom door opened ever so slightly.

A cautious face peeked inside.

Nanu.

He adjusted his glasses with all the seriousness of a man preparing for an undercover mission.

Moonlight spilled softly through the curtains.

On the bed...

Meera slept peacefully on one side.

Curled close beside her was Aira, sleeping soundly with one hand lightly clutching the edge of Meera's night suit as she always did.

It had become a habit years ago.

One neither of them had ever tried to change.

Nestled comfortably near Aira's pillow, wrapped into a tiny white ball of fur, Mishti slept peacefully too.

The little kitten's ears twitched every now and then, as though she were dreaming about something important.

Probably food.

Or chasing wool.

With Mishti...

both possibilities were equally believable.

Nanu carefully looked at Meera first.

Still asleep.

Good.

He quietly stepped closer before gently tapping Aira's shoulder.

Once.

No response.

He tried again.

This time...

Aira's eyelashes fluttered.

Slowly, those familiar dark black eyes opened.

She looked around sleepily before her gaze landed on Nanu.

Then instinctively...

she glanced toward Meera.

Still sleeping.

Nanu immediately raised one finger to his lips.

"Shhh..."

His whisper was barely audible.

"We mustn't wake your Maiya."

Aira gave a tiny nod.

Almost immediately, the sleep disappeared from her face.

Nanu leaned closer with a mysterious smile.

"I have..."

he paused dramatically,

"...a very important mission."

Aira blinked.

A mission?

At this hour?

She sat up carefully, making sure not to disturb Meera.

Her fingers moved softly through sign language.

What mission?

Nanu's eyes sparkled.

"The Ice Cream Mission."

For one whole second...

Aira simply stared at him.

Then her dark eyes widened.

Before either of them could react...

"Meow..."

A tiny sleepy sound rose from the pillow.

Mishti slowly opened one blue eye.

She stretched both front paws before letting out another soft,

"Meow?"

Nanu gasped dramatically.

"Our third partner has reported for duty."

Mishti blinked twice.

Then answered proudly,

"Meow!"

(Mishti's Translation: "Obviously. Did you think you were leaving without me?")

Aira quickly covered her mouth with both hands, her shoulders shaking with a silent laugh.

Nanu pointed toward the kitten.

"I knew she'd never abandon the mission."

Mishti sat up proudly, her tiny tail swishing once.

"Meow."

(Mishti's Translation: "Food-related missions require my professional supervision.")

She climbed straight into Aira's lap without waiting for anyone's permission.

Nanu nodded with satisfaction.

"Excellent."

He pointed toward Aira.

"Our youngest agent."

Then toward Mishti.

"Our fluffiest agent."

Finally, he placed a hand over his own chest.

"And the mastermind."

Mishti looked at him for exactly three seconds.

Then...

"Meow."

(Mishti's Translation: "That title is still under discussion.")

Even Aira couldn't stop herself.

A silent laugh escaped as she lowered her head.

Beside her...

Meera shifted ever so slightly in her sleep.

All three of them froze.

Not a single sound.

A few long seconds passed.

Meera settled comfortably once again.

Only then did Nanu let out the tiniest relieved breath.

He looked at Aira.

She looked back at him.

Without saying a word...

both of them shared the exact same thought.

Mission successful.

So far.

Nanu carefully reached for the doorknob.

Very...

very...

slowly.

The bedroom door opened just enough for the three secret agents to slip outside.

Aira walked on her tiptoes.

Mishti remained comfortably perched in her arms, looking unusually serious for someone whose greatest responsibility in life was deciding where to nap next.

The hallway was wrapped in silence.

Only the soft glow of a night lamp lit their path.

Nanu glanced behind him.

Then ahead.

Then behind him again.

He lowered his voice to an almost inaudible whisper.

"Agent Angel."

Aira looked up.

He pointed dramatically toward the living room.

"Any suspicious movement?"

Aira looked exactly where he had pointed.

After a few seconds of careful inspection, she shook her head.

Then her fingers moved through sign language.

Everything is clear.

Nanu nodded with satisfaction.

"Excellent."

He turned toward Mishti.

"And Agent Fluffy?"

Mishti blinked.

"...Meow."

(Mishti's Translation: "I'm only here because someone mentioned ice cream.")

Nanu placed a hand over his heart.

"Such dedication."

Aira's shoulders trembled with another silent laugh.

The little trio continued forward.

They had almost reached the living room when...

Mishti suddenly wriggled out of Aira's arms.

Before anyone could stop her...

the tiny white kitten landed softly on the floor and began trotting ahead with surprising confidence.

"Mishti..."

Nanu whispered dramatically.

"No running."

"Meow."

(Mishti's Translation: "The kitchen is this way. Please try to keep up.")

She continued marching proudly, her fluffy tail standing straight in the air like a tiny white flag leading an expedition.

Nanu looked at Aira.

"I think..."

he whispered,

"...she promoted herself."

Aira nodded with complete seriousness.

Then signed,

Mission Leader.

Nanu pressed his lips together to stop himself from laughing.

"Accepted."

The three of them crossed the living room without making much noise.

The moonlight spilled through the large balcony doors, painting pale silver patterns across the floor.

Everything remained peaceful.

Everything remained quiet.

Everything remained perfectly under control.

Until...

Nanu's slipper let out the tiniest,

Sqeak.

All three of them froze.

Mishti immediately sat down.

Aira instinctively held her breath.

Nanu slowly lifted one foot and stared accusingly at his slipper.

"You picked the worst possible moment."

The slipper, quite wisely, offered no defense.

A few seconds passed.

No bedroom doors opened.

No lights switched on.

The apartment remained silent.

Nanu sighed in relief.

"False alarm."

Mishti gave a tiny,

"Meow."

(Mishti's Translation: "Your undercover skills need improvement.")

Aira lowered her head, her shoulders shaking with another silent fit of laughter.

Nanu pretended not to hear the criticism.

With as much dignity as someone could possibly recover after being judged by a kitten...

he straightened his shoulders.

"Agents."

He pointed dramatically toward the kitchen entrance, only a few steps away.

"The treasure awaits."

Aira's eyes sparkled.

Mishti's ears perked up instantly.

Because if there was one thing the tiny kitten understood perfectly...

it was that adventures were wonderful.

But adventures involving snacks...

were even better.

Nanu carefully opened the freezer.

The cold air escaped in a tiny white cloud.

His eyes sparkled.

"There you are..."

He triumphantly pulled out the small family pack of sugar-free vanilla ice cream.

Aira's eyes widened immediately.

She clapped silently.

Mishti stretched her tiny neck from Aira's arms, sniffing curiously.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: Is this the mysterious midnight treasure?)

Nanu placed a finger over his lips.

"Shhh..."

He whispered dramatically.

"This mission is highly confidential."

Aira bit her lower lip to stop herself from laughing.

She quickly nodded.

Mission accepted.

Within moments, three bowls appeared on the kitchen counter.

One tiny bowl for Aira.

One slightly bigger bowl for Nanu.

And a very tiny saucer for Mishti.

Nanu looked at the kitten.

"You only get a tiny taste."

"We're not starting a feline ice cream addiction."

Mishti blinked.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: I make no promises.)

Aira covered her mouth, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

Nanu noticed.

"There..."

He handed her the bowl first.

"My partner always gets served before me."

Aira accepted it with both hands.

Then, using sign language, she smiled.

"Thank you, Nanu."

He answered in the same language without missing a single sign.

"Anything for my partner."

The three of them sat together on the kitchen floor.

Not because there weren't chairs.

But because somehow...

secret midnight snacks always felt more exciting on the floor.

For a few peaceful minutes...

there was only silence.

The soft clink of spoons.

Tiny happy meows.

And three partners enjoying their secret.

Mishti took the tiniest lick from her saucer.

Her blue eyes became impossibly round.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: Cold! But... strangely wonderful!)

Nanu laughed so hard he almost dropped his spoon.

Aira gently scratched beneath Mishti's chin.

The kitten immediately began purring.

Then...

Nanu looked left.

Looked right.

Leaned closer.

And whispered dramatically,

"I think..."

"...we deserve one more scoop."

Aira stared at him.

Then slowly pointed toward the staircase.

Her meaning was obvious.

Maiya.

Nanu waved his hand confidently.

"She's sleeping."

"We have plenty of time."

Aira wasn't convinced.

But...

her partner looked very sure of himself.

So after a second of serious thinking...

she nodded.

Just once.

Nanu grinned like a child who had successfully convinced his best friend to join the adventure.

He stood up.

Walked toward the freezer again.

Opened it.

Reached inside.

And at that exact moment...

a familiar voice floated into the kitchen.

"So..."

"...this is where everyone disappeared."

Nanu froze.

Completely.

The ice cream tub remained in his hand.

Slowly...

very slowly...

he turned around.

Standing at the kitchen entrance...

arms folded...

trying very hard not to smile...

was Nani.

For two full seconds...

nobody moved.

Mishti looked at Nani.

Then at Nanu.

Then quietly walked behind Aira's leg as if she had nothing to do with any of this.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: I believe this is what humans call... getting caught.)

Aira looked down at her half-finished bowl.

Then at Nanu.

Then at Nani.

Finally...

she slowly hid her spoon behind her back.

As though the missing spoon would somehow erase all the evidence.

Nani raised one eyebrow.

"Really?"

Nanu cleared his throat.

"I can explain."

"Oh?"

"I was merely..."

"...checking whether the freezer was working properly."

Nani looked at the open ice cream tub.

Then at the three bowls.

Then at the spoon in his hand.

"I see."

"And does the freezer usually require bowls and spoons for inspection?"

Aira's shoulders trembled.

She was trying so hard not to laugh that her cheeks had turned pink.

Nanu glanced at her.

"Partner..."

"...please don't laugh."

That, unfortunately...

made it even harder.

Even though no sound escaped her lips...

her sparkling eyes gave everything away.

Nani sighed dramatically.

"I knew it."

"The mastermind was never my granddaughter."

She looked directly at her husband.

"It was always you."

Nanu placed a hand over his heart.

"I refuse these accusations."

"I am an innocent citizen."

Nani folded her arms tighter.

"An innocent citizen who recruited a fourteen-year-old child into a midnight ice cream mission?"

He looked thoughtful.

"...when you say it like that..."

"...it does sound slightly suspicious."

Even Nani couldn't hold back anymore.

A small laugh escaped her.

And just like that...

the entire kitchen filled with warmth again.

Nani shook her head.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do with the three of you."

Her eyes moved from Nanu...

to Aira...

then finally to the tiny white kitten sitting proudly between them.

Mishti looked back without a hint of guilt.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: We regret absolutely nothing.)

Nani couldn't help smiling.

"Of course you don't."

She walked closer before crouching in front of Aira.

Very gently, she brushed a loose strand of long black hair behind the little girl's ear.

Then she tapped the tip of Aira's nose affectionately.

"My baby..."

"Do you know what tomorrow will bring if you keep eating ice cream at midnight?"

Aira lowered her eyes.

She already knew.

Nani smiled knowingly.

"A runny nose."

"And then you'll be the first one complaining."

Aira slowly lifted both hands.

Her fingers moved apologetically.

Sorry...

Nanu said one spoon wouldn't hurt.

Nani immediately turned toward her husband.

"I knew it."

Nanu looked thoroughly betrayed.

"Partner!"

"You weren't supposed to expose me."

Aira's eyes curved into silent laughter.

She quickly signed again.

Sorry...

Truth comes first.

Nani nodded proudly.

"See?"

"Our granddaughter has better principles than you."

Nanu sighed dramatically.

"I have been defeated by my own partner."

Mishti raised one paw.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: An excellent plot twist.)

Another round of laughter spread through the kitchen.

Nani looked at the nearly empty bowls.

"Enough now."

"No more."

She reached over and gently took Aira's bowl before placing it inside the sink.

Then she looked at Nanu.

"And you."

"Mr. Secret Mission."

"You have sugar."

"You know very well you're not supposed to be sneaking around eating ice cream in the middle of the night."

Nanu rubbed the back of his neck like a schoolboy caught copying homework.

"It was sugar-free..."

"It still doesn't mean unlimited."

He smiled sheepishly.

"...Fair point."

Nani's expression softened.

She was never truly angry.

Only worried.

Always worried.

Especially when it came to the people she loved.

She cupped Aira's cheek.

"My baby..."

"You don't have to join every adventure your Nanu plans."

Before Aira could answer...

Nanu protested dramatically.

"Excuse me."

"My adventures build character."

"They also build colds."

Nani replied instantly.

"And who spends the next two days sneezing?"

Nanu quietly looked toward Aira.

"...She does."

"And who has to make warm soup?"

"You do."

"And who gets scolded?"

"I do."

Nani folded her arms.

"So you've finally understood."

"I've understood..."

"...that I should have hidden the evidence better."

For a heartbeat...

there was complete silence.

Then Nani burst into laughter first.

Aira's shoulders shook with another silent laugh.

Even Mishti let out a cheerful,

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: I approve of this family.)

Nani finally surrendered.

She opened both her arms toward Aira.

"Come here."

Without hesitation...

Aira stood up and walked straight into her embrace.

Nani hugged her close.

Not tightly.

Just enough for the little girl to melt against her.

She gently kissed the top of Aira's head.

"My precious child."

"Next time..."

"If your partner here plans another secret mission..."

She glanced meaningfully at Nanu.

"...come and wake me first."

"I'll stop him before he corrupts my granddaughter."

Nanu gasped in mock horror.

"Traitor."

"I thought we were a team."

Aira looked between the two of them.

Then slowly raised her hands.

We're all one team.

For a second...

nobody spoke.

Then Nanu smiled.

"The wisest person in this house has spoken."

Nani nodded in complete agreement.

"I've been saying that for years."

At their feet, Mishti rubbed herself against all three of them before curling around Aira's ankles.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: Family meeting complete. I vote we all go back to bed.)

Looking at the tiny kitten...

and the little girl smiling with her eyes...

both grandparents found themselves smiling too.

Some moments never needed grand celebrations.

A shared laugh.

A small midnight adventure.

And the quiet comfort of being together...

were more than enough.

For another minute...

none of them hurried.

The clock continued ticking.

The freezer was finally closed.

The bowls were washed.

And every trace of the great midnight operation quietly disappeared.

Almost.

Nani looked toward her husband.

"Come on."

"Enough adventures for one night."

Nanu sighed dramatically.

"So this is how great legends retire."

Nani smiled.

"They retire with healthy grandchildren."

He couldn't argue with that.

Aira picked Mishti up into her arms.

The tiny kitten instantly curled against her chest with a satisfied little purr.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: The mission was successful. I shall now accept my reward... sleep.)

Aira gently kissed the top of Mishti's tiny head.

Then she looked at Nanu.

Her fingers moved.

Good night, Partner.

His face softened immediately.

He answered in sign language just as naturally.

Good night.

Sleep well.

Then he leaned forward and lightly kissed her forehead.

"My brave little partner."

Nani smiled at the sight.

"My two children."

One had silver hair.

The other hadn't even finished growing up.

Yet somehow...

they always managed to become partners in every harmless little adventure imaginable.

She shook her head with amused affection.

"Go on now."

"Before Meera wakes up and discovers her midnight criminals are missing."

Nanu straightened instantly.

"Strategic retreat!"

Aira's eyes curved into another silent laugh.

Holding Mishti carefully, she padded toward the bedroom beside her grandparents.

The apartment had fallen completely silent again.

Only the soft padding of tiny feet echoed through the hallway.

Inside the bedroom...

nothing had changed.

Meera was still asleep.

One hand resting on the empty space where Aira had been lying only a little while ago.

Almost as though, even in her sleep...

she had been searching for her little girl.

Aira's expression softened.

Very carefully...

she climbed back onto the bed.

Mishti hopped down first before curling into her familiar little spot near the pillow.

Aira slipped beneath the blanket.

As soon as she settled beside her...

Meera unconsciously shifted closer.

Without opening her eyes...

she wrapped one arm gently around Aira's shoulders.

Exactly as she always did.

The little girl relaxed instantly.

Safe.

Warm.

Home.

Nanu quietly watched from the doorway.

His smile turned gentle.

"There she goes."

"Back where she belongs."

Nani nodded.

"Always."

The bedroom door closed with the softest click.

Outside...

the moon continued watching over the sleeping city.

Inside...

three generations rested beneath one roof.

Completely unaware...

that by morning...

one tiny runny nose would expose the entire Midnight Ice Cream Mission.

And one certain Maiya...

would have absolutely no difficulty discovering exactly who the mastermind had been.

Morning arrived quietly.

Golden sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Tiny beams of light wandered across the bedroom walls.

Outside...

birds had already begun their cheerful conversations.

Inside...

someone made a very tiny sound.

"...Hh'ng..."

Aira's nose scrunched.

She rubbed it sleepily against Meera's shoulder before burying her face into the soft fabric of her Maiya's night suit.

A second later...

"Hh... chhoo!"

A delicate sneeze escaped.

Meera's eyes opened almost immediately.

She blinked once.

Twice.

Then looked down.

Curled against her exactly the way she had fallen asleep...

was Aira.

Still half asleep.

Still hugging her.

Still looking impossibly adorable.

Except...

her tiny nose had turned slightly pink.

Meera smiled softly.

"Good morning, my angel."

Aira slowly opened her dark eyes.

The moment she saw Meera...

they curved into sleepy little crescents.

Her fingers lazily lifted.

Good morning, Maiya...

The signs were slower than usual.

Sleep still clung to every movement.

Meera kissed her forehead.

"Did my baby sleep well?"

Aira nodded.

Then...

"Hh... chhoo!"

Another sneeze.

Meera paused.

One eyebrow rose.

"Angel..."

She gently touched Aira's forehead.

No fever.

Good.

Then she lightly pinched the little girl's nose.

"Why is this nose looking so unhappy today?"

Aira innocently blinked.

As if she had absolutely no idea.

From the pillow beside them...

Mishti stretched both tiny front paws.

Then let out a luxurious yawn.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: Good morning. I slept wonderfully after our successful mission.)

Aira's eyes widened.

She quickly looked at the kitten.

Then at Meera.

Then back at Mishti.

Her expression silently pleaded,

Not now...

Mishti blinked.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: What? Did I say something?)

Meera looked between the kitten...

and her suspiciously innocent daughter.

"Hmm..."

"I have a feeling someone knows something."

Aira immediately shook her head.

Far too quickly.

No.

Meera tried very hard not to smile.

"I haven't even asked the question yet."

Aira froze.

Caught.

A tiny blush slowly appeared across her cheeks.

Just then...

another sneeze escaped.

"Hh... chhoo!"

Meera sighed with exaggerated sympathy.

"My poor baby."

She gently brushed Aira's long hair away from her face.

"I suppose we'll have to give you warm milk with turmeric today."

The reaction was immediate.

Aira's eyes became round with horror.

She sat up so quickly that the blanket almost slipped away.

Both hands began moving rapidly.

Maiya...

Please...

Not turmeric milk...

I'll be fine...

I promise...

Meera laughed softly.

"So..."

"Now my angel suddenly has enough energy to argue?"

Aira folded her arms.

Pouting beautifully.

From beside her...

Mishti contributed helpfully.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: I support the patient. The yellow drink looks suspicious.)

Meera looked at the kitten in disbelief.

"Not you too."

Mishti simply sat down with perfect dignity.

Clearly...

she intended to stand by her best friend.

Meera smiled, shaking her head.

"I see."

"So it's two against one this morning."

Outside the bedroom...

someone suddenly chuckled.

A familiar chuckle.

Nanu.

He had heard just enough to understand exactly where this conversation was heading.

And somewhere behind him...

Nani's amused voice floated down the hallway.

"I told you."

"The evidence always sneezes."

Nanu quietly closed his eyes.

"...We've been discovered."

The Midnight Ice Cream Mission...

had officially come to an end.

After freshening up, the three of them finally stepped out of the room.

Mishti trotted ahead proudly, her tiny paws making almost no sound against the floor, as though nothing unusual had happened the previous night.

The guilty parties certainly weren't acting guilty anymore.

Only one member of the household still carried a tiny cloud above her head.

Aira.

She walked quietly beside Meera.

Every now and then, she would steal a cautious glance at her Maiya's face.

No signs of anger.

Not even disappointment.

That should have made her feel better.

Instead...

it somehow made her feel even guiltier.

Inside her heart, another conversation had already begun.

One that no one else could hear.

Hey Kanha ji...

Now what do we do?

Please think of something.

Maiya isn't saying anything...

And that's even scarier.

She stole another tiny glance toward Meera.

Still smiling.

Still calm.

See...?

This is exactly what I was afraid of.

When Maiya smiles this quietly... it means she's thinking.

Thinking is dangerous.

Because then she remembers everything.

A tiny sigh escaped her.

And Nanu...

He started the whole mission.

Mishti approved it.

I... may have helped a little.

Very little.

Her eyes drifted toward the kitten happily walking ahead.

Mishti looked completely carefree.

As if ice cream had never existed.

As if she hadn't been sitting beside the freezer with sparkling blue eyes while Nanu proudly announced the "midnight celebration."

Aira puffed her cheeks ever so slightly.

Look at her...

No guilt.

No worries.

Nothing.

How unfair.

Mishti glanced back at her and answered with a cheerful little,

"Meow!"

(Mishti's translation: I regret absolutely nothing.)

Aira almost smiled despite herself.

Traitor.

Then her thoughts wandered back toward Kanha ji once again.

Please save us.

Especially Nanu.

Nani will definitely scold him again.

And if Maiya gets upset...

Her expression softened immediately.

...I don't like it when Maiya is upset.

Even if she's upset because of me.

So please...

Do something.

You're very clever.

I'm sure You can think of an idea.

Whether Kanha ji answered or not...

only He knew.

But somehow, every single time Aira quietly shared her worries with Him, her heart always became a little lighter.

As though simply telling Him everything was enough.

Beside her, Meera noticed the thoughtful little face without saying a word.

She simply reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Aira's ear.

The child looked up instantly.

Meera smiled.

Aira smiled back.

A very small one.

But it was enough.

Some worries became easier to carry...

simply because someone you loved smiled at you.

That smile followed them all the way to the dining table.

Sunlight streamed through the nearby window, painting warm golden patches across the floor.

The apartment felt peaceful.

Comfortable.

Like every ordinary Sunday morning should.

Aira was the first to fold her hands toward Nanu.

Then toward Nani.

A bright smile appeared on her face before her hands moved gracefully.

Good morning, Nanu.

Good morning, Nani.

"There she is!"

Nanu's face immediately lit up.

"My partner has officially arrived."

Nani smiled over her glasses.

"And look at that."

"She remembered us before breakfast today."

Aira's eyes curved into an innocent smile.

Beside her feet, Mishti proudly walked into the dining room with her tiny tail standing straight.

She looked at everyone one by one.

Then announced her own arrival.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: Good morning, humans. I am also present.)

Nanu nodded very seriously.

"Good morning to you too, Madam Mishti."

The kitten seemed satisfied with the greeting.

She marched toward her tiny bowl with all the dignity of a queen beginning her royal breakfast.

Meera watched the little scene with a smile before gently pulling out Aira's chair.

"Come, Angel."

Aira obediently sat down.

A warm glass of chocolate milk already waited for her.

Beside it...

a freshly made paratha.

A small bowl of curd.

And sliced fruit.

Aira looked at the food.

Then quietly looked at Meera.

Her expression alone said,

Maiya... this is too much.

Meera knew that look by heart.

"No."

She smiled knowingly.

"Don't even start."

Aira lowered her eyes in surrender.

She had already lost the argument before it had even begun.

Meanwhile...

Mishti had become completely occupied with much more important matters.

Her little bowl of kitten food.

Followed by her warm milk.

Nothing else in the world existed anymore.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: Breakfast first. Everything else can wait.)

Nani chuckled.

"See?"

"Even Mishti finishes her breakfast properly."

Aira looked toward the kitten.

Then back at her own plate.

Inside her heart...

someone was already listening.

Hey Kanha ji...

Please tell everyone that I really am full.

I haven't even started eating yet...

but somehow...

I already feel full.

A little miracle would be nice.

Maybe Maiya could suddenly forget about breakfast?

A second later...

Meera picked up the glass of chocolate milk.

The hopeful little prayer ended immediately.

"Angel."

Aira looked up.

Meera gently held the glass near her lips.

"Drink."

Without the slightest protest...

Aira obediently took small sips while Meera patiently held the glass for her.

Ever since she had entered this home...

there were certain habits that had never changed.

No matter how much she grew...

no matter how tall(according to her only) she became...

her Maiya still fed her with the same patience...

the same tenderness...

as though she were still the frightened little girl who had first entered their lives years ago.

The entire glass was finished.

Meera smiled proudly.

"Very good."

Now came the paratha.

A small piece.

Then another.

Aira quietly accepted every bite.

After nearly half a paratha...

she gently placed her fingers over Meera's hand.

Her signs were slow.

Careful.

I'm full, Maiya.

Meera tilted her head.

"So quickly?"

Aira nodded earnestly.

Very full.

Meera couldn't help laughing softly.

"My Angel has the tiniest stomach in the whole world."

She tore off another tiny bite anyway.

"Just a little more."

"For me."

Aira looked toward the ceiling.

...Kanha ji.

I think You switched sides.

You're helping Maiya today.

This is betrayal.

I trusted You.

She sighed dramatically inside her thoughts.

Fine...

I'll eat.

But only because it's Maiya.

Another tiny bite disappeared.

Then another.

Finally...

after Meera was satisfied that her Angel had eaten enough...

she gently stroked Aira's hair.

"There."

"Now I'm happy."

Aira smiled.

That smile alone made every extra bite worth it.

Just then...

"Hh... chhoo!"

A tiny sneeze escaped her.

Then another.

"Hh... chhoo!"

Meera's smile slowly faded.

She rested the back of her hand against Aira's forehead.

"No fever..."

"...but this cold definitely isn't imaginary."

She looked around the table.

One eyebrow lifted ever so slightly.

"Now..."

"Will someone tell me..."

"...how my Angel caught a cold overnight?"

Silence.

Complete silence.

Nanu suddenly found the folded newspaper beside him incredibly fascinating.

Nani became unusually interested in arranging the fruit bowl.

Mishti lowered her tiny face into her milk with remarkable concentration.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: I know absolutely nothing.)

Aira blinked.

Then looked from one face to another.

Inside her mind...

she immediately turned toward the only One she believed never ignored her.

Hey Kanha ji...

See...?

I told You this would happen.

Partner Nanu isn't saying anything.

Mishti has disappeared into her milk.

And now everyone suddenly looks innocent.

Please save us.

Especially Nanu.

Maiya won't stay upset with me for long...

but if she scolds him...

he'll make that sad little face.

Then I'll feel sad too.

After another few quiet seconds...

Nanu finally raised one hand.

"...I confess."

"The midnight ice cream mission..."

"...was my idea."

Nani folded her arms.

"I knew it."

Aira immediately shook her head.

Her hands moved quickly.

No...

I wanted ice cream too.

Please don't scold Nanu alone.

Mishti looked up proudly.

"Mew!"

(Mishti's translation: I was quality control.)

For one heartbeat...

Meera simply stared at the three guilty faces before her.

Then...

she laughed.

A soft, helpless laugh filled with affection.

She walked around the table...

knelt beside Aira...

and gathered her gently into her arms.

"My silly Angel."

"You were worried I'd be angry?"

Aira slowly nodded.

Meera kissed her forehead.

"I could never stay angry with you."

"But..."

She gently tapped the little girl's nose.

"My Angel has an important scholarship exam very soon."

"If you don't take care of yourself..."

"How will you show everyone how brilliant you are?"

Aira lowered her eyes.

Her fingers signed only two words.

Sorry, Maiya.

Meera smiled immediately.

"Sorry accepted."

Another kiss landed softly on Aira's forehead.

And somehow...

the entire dining room felt brighter again.

The warmth lingered long after the laughter faded.

Nanu rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"So..."

"...am I forgiven too?"

Meera looked at him for a long moment.

Then sighed dramatically.

"I suppose I don't have much choice papa."

"You've already recruited my Angel into your secret midnight missions."

Nanu smiled like a schoolboy who had just escaped punishment.

"I'll be more careful next time Beta."

Nani raised an eyebrow.

"Next time?"

"So there is a next time?"

Nanu coughed.

"...I walked into that one."

Even Aira couldn't stop herself from smiling.

Mishti stretched lazily beside her empty bowl.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: The mission may have failed... but the ice cream was worth it.)

Nani pointed a finger toward the kitten.

"You."

"Don't encourage them."

Mishti blinked innocently.

Then rolled onto her back.

As though she had absolutely no idea what everyone was talking about.

That earned another round of laughter.

For a little while...

nothing important was discussed.

The family simply remained together.

Talking about little things.

Sharing quiet jokes.

The kind that never seemed funny to outsiders...

yet somehow made home feel warmer.

After helping Aira finish a few more bites of her breakfast, Meera finally stood.

She gathered the empty plates before Aira immediately rose to help.

Before the little girl could pick up even one plate...

Meera gently touched her wrist.

"No."

"You have only one job today."

Aira tilted her head.

Meera smiled.

"Revise."

"My Angel's exam is just around the corner."

"You promised you'd give it your best."

Aira nodded immediately.

Both hands moved confidently.

I will.

I'll study properly.

Meera smiled with quiet pride.

"I know you will."

She never doubted it.

Not even once.

Because this little girl had never asked for anything she wasn't willing to work hard for.

She could have admitted Aira directly into the school.

There were enough contacts.

Enough influence.

Enough people willing to help.

But when Meera had gently suggested it...

Aira had simply shaken her head.

Then signed with complete certainty...

If I can earn it myself...

I want to.

That single sentence had made Meera's heart swell with pride.

She had agreed without another word.

Not because scholarships mattered to her.

But because they mattered to her Angel.

Across the room...

Nanu quietly folded his newspaper.

"So..."

"Our scholar begins revision today."

Aira looked toward him and nodded.

He smiled proudly.

"My partner is going to do wonderfully."

Nani pretended to sound strict.

"Only if she studies."

"Not if she spends the whole day talking to Kanha ji."

Aira's eyes widened innocently.

Then she quickly looked upward for barely a second before looking back at Nani.

The tiny movement was so obvious...

everyone noticed.

Nanu laughed first.

"I think Kanha ji has already been informed."

Aira lowered her head, trying very hard not to smile.

Inside her heart...

she spoke anyway.

Hey Kanha ji...

See?

Now everyone knows I talk to You.

You should've kept it a secret.

A best friend is supposed to protect secrets.

But...

please help me in the exam too.

Not too much...

Just enough that Maiya smiles like this again.

Because to Aira...

there was no bigger reward than that.

Watching her Maiya smile...

always felt like winning.

Meera glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.

Her smile softened.

"I should get ready."

"I'll be late if I don't leave now."

Nanu nodded knowingly.

"Go."

"We're here."

"We'll make sure your Angel studies."

Nani looked at him.

"You mean..."

"I'll make sure she studies."

"You'll probably become her partner again."

Nanu placed a hand over his heart dramatically.

"I have been accused without evidence."

"You wound me."

Nani didn't even look up.

"The evidence lives in your freezer."

That made Meera laugh again.

Even Aira's shoulders shook silently.

Mishti looked from one face to another.

Completely confused.

"Mew?"

(Mishti's translation: Why is everyone talking about the freezer again?)

A few minutes later...

Meera returned after getting ready for the office.

A simple pastel kurta.

Her office bag resting on one shoulder.

A neatly arranged file in one hand.

She looked exactly like she always did before leaving for work.

Calm.

Graceful.

Dependable.

Only one thing remained.

She walked toward Aira.

Her Angel was already waiting.

Almost as though this little goodbye had become part of their everyday routine.

Meera gently cupped her face.

"My Angel."

"Medicine after lunch."

Aira nodded.

"And warm water."

Another nod.

"No cold things."

Aira smiled sheepishly.

Then slowly signed...

I know.

Meera narrowed her eyes playfully.

"Do you really?"

Aira immediately looked away.

Which was answer enough.

Nanu quietly cleared his throat.

"I'll personally make sure she follows every instruction."

Nani looked at him.

"You?"

"The same man who organized a midnight ice cream party?"

"...Fair point."

Everyone laughed again.

Meera leaned forward.

Kissed Aira's forehead.

Then brushed a few loose strands of long black hair behind her ear.

"I'll come home early today."

"So don't miss me too much."

Aira quickly wrapped both arms around her.

Holding her tightly.

Just for a few seconds.

Then her hands moved.

Maiya...

Work carefully.

Come home safely.

Something flickered across Meera's eyes.

Even after all these years...

those silent words still touched her heart every single time.

She kissed the top of Aira's head once more.

"I promise."

Mishti suddenly trotted over.

With great determination...

the tiny white kitten placed one little paw on Meera's foot.

Then looked up.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: Me too. Come back soon. Someone has to refill my food bowl.)

Nanu burst into laughter.

"I knew it."

"The real reason has finally come out."

Mishti ignored him with complete dignity.

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

"I'll be back before you know it."

Satisfied...

Mishti gave one tiny approving purr.

Then walked back to Aira as though escort duty had officially ended.

Meera slipped on her shoes near the entrance.

Turned back one last time.

Three generations.

One little white kitten.

And one silent Angel standing in the middle of all that love.

It was the kind of sight she never hurried away from.

She smiled.

They smiled back.

A moment later...

the apartment door closed softly behind her.

The home became quiet again.

Not empty.

Never empty.

Just peaceful.

Inside...

Aira picked up her notebooks.

Her scholarship examination was only two days away.

And although she didn't know it yet...

those next two days would quietly become the final ordinary days before destiny began weaving new people into her life.

Those next two days would quietly become the final ordinary days before destiny began weaving new people into her life.

The apartment settled into its familiar rhythm.

Mornings began with Meera leaving for work.

Afternoons belonged to quiet revision.

Evenings ended with Nanu's endless encouragement, Nani's gentle reminders to eat properly, and Mishti's determined attempts to "help" by occupying whichever notebook Aira happened to be reading.

Nothing extraordinary happened.

And perhaps...

that was exactly what made those two days so precious.

Aira studied sincerely.

Mathematics.

Science.

English.

Social Science.

Hindi.

Every subject was revised carefully.

Whenever she became tired...

she would quietly walk onto the balcony with Mishti curled in her lap.

The evening breeze would brush through her long dark hair while she silently spoke to Kanha ji inside her heart.

Sometimes she complained.

Sometimes she thanked Him.

Sometimes she simply sat there...

enjoying the silence.

Meera noticed every bit of it.

Without saying much.

She only made sure her Angel ate on time...

drank enough water...

took her medicine for the cold...

and slept early.

By the end of the second day...

the sneezing had almost disappeared.

The cold had finally begun to leave.

That alone made Meera breathe a little easier.

Soon...

the night before the examination arrived.

There was no last-minute panic.

No rushing through books.

After dinner, Aira carefully packed everything she would need.

Her admit card.

Pens.

Pencils.

An eraser.

A sharpener.

A transparent water bottle.

She checked everything twice.

Then looked toward Meera.

Her hands moved slowly.

Ready, Maiya.

Meera smiled.

"I know."

"You've worked very hard."

"No matter what happens tomorrow..."

"I'm already proud of you."

Aira lowered her eyes shyly.

Those words meant more to her than any result ever could.

Later that night...

after wishing Nanu and Nani goodnight...

she carried Mishti back to their room.

The little kitten circled twice on the bed before curling into a fluffy white ball near Aira's pillow.

"Mew..."

(Mishti's translation: Sleep now. Big day tomorrow.)

Aira gently stroked the kitten's soft fur.

Then looked toward the small idol of Kanha ji resting on the nearby shelf.

Inside her heart...

she smiled.

Hey Kanha ji...

Tomorrow is my scholarship exam.

I'll try my best.

The rest...

I'll leave to You.

And...

please don't let Maiya worry.

She pretends she's calm...

but I know she gets more nervous than I do.

With that final thought...

she switched off the bedside lamp.

The room slipped into darkness.

Within minutes...

both the little girl and the tiny white kitten were asleep.

Outside...

the city continued through another ordinary night.

Unaware that the following morning...

would quietly become the first step toward a future neither Aira...

nor the people waiting unknowingly on the other side of fate...

could possibly imagine.

•••

The first rays of sunlight filtered gently through the curtains.

A new morning had arrived.

A morning Aira had been preparing for for weeks.

Her scholarship examination day had finally come.

The apartment was awake earlier than usual.

Nani was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast.

Nanu had been checking the time every few minutes, despite pretending he wasn't nervous at all.

Meera stood near the dining table, carefully placing Aira's admit card inside a transparent folder one last time.

She checked it once.

Then checked it again.

Only after satisfying herself that everything was exactly where it should be did she smile.

Today...

her Angel would take the first step toward earning something entirely through her own hard work.

Meera carefully closed the transparent folder before looking up.

"Angel?"

Aira immediately looked at her.

Her hands moved with quiet confidence.

Everything is ready, Maiya.

Meera smiled.

"I know."

"But mothers are allowed to check one last time."

Nanu chuckled from behind the newspaper he had barely managed to read all morning.

"I think you've checked it at least ten times Beta."

Meera looked at him innocently.

"And?"

"What if I missed something the first nine?"

Nani adjusted the pallu of her saree over her shoulder before shaking her head with an affectionate smile.

"She's been more nervous than the child."

"I'm not nervous maa."

Meera protested softly.

"I'm... just being careful."

Nanu laughed.

"That's another word for nervous."

Even Aira smiled.

She quietly walked over to Meera and slipped her small hand into hers.

A gentle squeeze.

Nothing more.

It was enough.

Meera looked down at her Angel and smiled.

"Ready?"

Aira nodded.

A few minutes later...

everyone was standing near the apartment door.

Mishti circled around Aira's ankles once.

Twice.

Then looked up with bright blue eyes.

"Mew."

(Mishti's translation: You're all leaving? Who appointed me the queen of the house?)

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

"Our little queen is going to spend a few hours with Aira's Maasi."

"You'll be spoiled there too."

Mishti blinked.

That sounded perfectly acceptable to her.

After making sure the little kitten was settled safely...

the family finally stepped outside.

The morning air still carried a pleasant coolness.

The roads had begun filling with people heading toward their own destinations.

A short drive later...

their car came to a stop outside the examination centre.

Students stood near the entrance with transparent folders in their hands.

Parents offered last-minute reminders.

Some children looked confident.

Others looked terrified.

Aira quietly observed everything.

Then instinctively looked toward Meera.

Meera understood without a single word.

She gently tucked one loose strand of Aira's long hair behind her ear.

"My Angel..."

"You already know everything you need."

"So don't hurry."

"Read every question carefully."

"And simply do your best."

Aira nodded.

Her hands moved slowly.

I'll make you proud, Maiya.

A softness settled in Meera's eyes.

"You already have."

Beside them, Nanu smiled proudly.

"My partner is going to do wonderfully."

Nani placed a loving hand on Aira's head.

"Khush raho."

"All the very best, beta."

Aira smiled with her eyes before folding her hands respectfully toward both of them.

Then...

holding the transparent folder close to herself...

she turned and began walking toward the entrance.

Just before stepping inside...

she looked back once.

Meera raised her hand with a reassuring smile.

Nanu gave her an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Nani smiled warmly.

Satisfied...

Aira disappeared through the examination hall doors.

The three of them remained there for another quiet moment.

Only after the gates closed behind her did Meera turn back toward the car.

A neatly wrapped box of sweets rested on the back seat beside a few carefully packed gifts.

Nanu settled into his seat.

Nani adjusted the folds of her saree before sitting beside him.

Meera took one last glance toward the examination centre.

Then started the car.

Without another word...

they quietly drove away.

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨🌷୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

Chapter 25 comes to an end. 🤍

Now tell me...

🌸 How did you like this chapter?

🌸 Which scene was your favorite?

🍦 The midnight ice cream mission?

🐈 Our little queen, Mishti?

🤍 Or the warm family moments between Aira, Meera, Nanu, and Nani?

🌸 How do you think Aira's scholarship exam will go?

🌸 And where do you think Meera, Nanu, and Nani are heading?

I'd love to read all your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments! 🤍

If you're enjoying the story, please don't forget to vote ⭐, comment 💬, follow ❤️, and share. Your support truly motivates me to keep writing.

Take care. Stay happy. Keep smiling. Love you all sooo much! 🫶🌸

Bye-bye! 🤍✨

˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

Radhe Krishna🌷**