पलकों में कैद है एक ख्वाब तेरा,

दिल में बसा है हर जवाब तेरा।

यूँ ही नहीं हम तुझ पर फिदा हैं,

हर साँस से जुड़ा है नाम तेरा। 🌸

---

The day of Nyra's birthday arrived with a mix of anticipation and quite reflection. Samaira and Meher looked more happier than Nyra. They had already wished Nyra at night and now were in her room, selecting dresses for Nyra.

"Ye sukha nahi pehne denge, kuch tadakta bhadakta select karenge."

(We'll not let you wear this, we'll select something spicy.)

After 10 minutes, the room looked like a mess. Dresses lay on the couch, bed and even on the side table.

"Yaar, kuch bhi accha nahi mil raha!" Meher said in a frustrated tone.

(There's nothing good, yaar!)

"Shi me, dundhte dundhte thak gaye, ek ghante se zyada ho gaya, par kuch accha mil hi nahi raha." Samaira plopped down on the couch.

(Really I'm exhausted. Its been one hour and we haven't find any nice dress yet)

"Tum log ruko, mai dekhti hu," Nyra started finding something of her taste. She took out a blazer and a mini skirt and showed it to them. "Ye kaisa hai?"

(You guys wait I'll look for it)

( How's this?)

They both looked up. Samaira smiled and said cheerfully, "Mast hai! Thand se bhi bach jayegi aur fashionable bhi lagega."

(Wow! Nice! You'll also not catch cold and it'll look fashionable.)

"Ha, waise bhi maharani sahiba ko thand zyada lagti hai," Meher poked out.

(Yes, and anyway you majesty feel more cold.)

Nyra rolled her eyes and went to take a bath. After more 30 mins, the girls were now ready.

[A/N: Iss baar mai aap logo ke outfit describe karke dungi and aapko wo Pinterest pe dundke yaha comment karni hai. Jo bhi sahi comment karega, uska naam mai baad me photo ke sath add kar dungi 🌷]

Nyra wore a mid-length wool-blend overcoat in a warm caramel shade. Underneath, she paired it with a top with a turtleneck neckline and a black mini pencil skirt that ended till her thigh. Black over-the-knee boots were her footwear. She wore a simple gold pendant and a black leather tote.

Samaira carried a short-sleeved polo t-shirt with a V-neckline. For bottom, she paired it with a high-waist denim maxi skirt in a medium-blue wash. It had an A-line flare, fitting snugly at hips and thighs. At last, she wore a brown belt which matched to her brown tote bag.

Meanwhile, Meher wore a romantic gradient mesh with a babydoll style blouse. It had rainbow colours. The sheer organza fabric along the sweetheart neckline added to its looks. Puff sleeves added airy vibes. A light-wash blue shorts denim with frayed hems went perfect with her looks. The whole look went perfect with the white shoes.

Afterwards, they headed downstairs. Nyra was wished by several maids and guards. She made her way to the dining table with Meher and Samaira.

"Janamdin mubarak ho, beta," the old maid from earlier wished.

"Thank you, dai maa," Nyra replied. The old woman smiled and kissed her forehead.

They were eating their food, chatting and yapping happily. Arjun entered the area.

"Good morning, beautiful ladies," he greeted them with a sweet, boyish grin.

"Good morning, uncle/papa," they wished in unison.

"Happy birthday, Nyra."

"Thanks, papa," Nyra said sweetly.

"Accha, tumhari party shaam 6 baje start hogi. To you can call all your college friends and any others," Arjun added.

(And your birthday party will start at 6 in the evening so...)

"OK, I will," Nyra nodded.

"And by the way, you'll get a surprise after coming from college, so don't be late," Arjun said calmly.

Nyra's face widened with a grin. "I love you, papa." She hugged him lovingly.

"I love you too, meri bacchi."

Meher and Samaira's face turned in awe. After finishing their breakfast, they headed towards their car, started the engine and drove away.

---

They entered the college and as they stepped out of the car, "Happy birthday, Nyra," everyone present there wished enthusiastically.

"Thank you, everyone," she greeted back. They moved inside, several others also greeted Nyra.

"Yaar, aaj aane ka mann bhi nahi tha. Nyra ka birthday hai, kuch toofani karte hai," Meher suggested.

(I was not in the mood to come. It's Nyra's birthday, let's do something adventurous.)

"Abhi ek jagah na sara toofanipan nikal jayega, udti firgi aasmaan me," Samaira warned.

(I'll hit you so hard that your adventurousness will go flying in the air.)

Nyra bursted out laughing. "Accha chalo sirf ek lecture attend kar lete hai, attendance to lag hi jayegi," Nyra suggested.

(Ok let's take only one lecture. Atleast our attendance will be written)

Samaira and Meher nodded along her and they went to their class. After one lecture, they stepped out of the college.

"He bhagwan, mujhe to coffee peene ke baad bhi yaha baitha de, to bhi badi acchi neend aaye," Meher said dramatically.

(Oh God, even if after drinking coffee I sat here, I'll definitely get a good sleep.)

"Really, yaar," Nyra nodded along while Samaira just shook her head on their nonsense. "Ab chale? Bhookh lag rahi hai."

(Let's go now I'm hungry)

She dragged the other two with her towards the car. They were now sitting comfortably on a bench in a serene garden. It had many types of roses-red, yellow, pink, orange and baby blue. The garden looked serene.

"Waise aaj bhot shanti hai as compared to my other birthdays," Nyra said breathing calmly.

(BTW today's day is more quiet than my other birthdays.)

"How?" Samaira asked.

"Today no one is around except us. The only people I want to be with me on my special days. Bas do logo ki kami hai-ek bhaiya aur dusri Mahi didi." Nyra looked up in the sky as if finding the one person in the invisible stars.

(Only two persons are less-brother and Mahi di.)

Samaira put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. Tere bhaiya aaj aa jayenge aur rahi baat Mahi didi ki, to wo to hamesha tere sath hai, tere paas hai. Tu dil pe haath rakh aur unka naam pure dil se pukar, woh pakka aayengi aur bolengi 'Happy birthday, meri laado.'"

(It's okay. Your brother will come today and if we talk about Mahi, she's been always with you, near you. You keep your hand on your heart and speak her name, I definitely can say that she'll come and say 'Happy birthday, my laado.')

Nyra kept a hand on her heart and whispered slowly and low," Mahi di." She opened her eyes and saw a girl laughing delightfully waving at her, "Oye, birthday pe koi aise udaas rehta hai kya? Chal, mere liye smile kar de. Happy birthday, meri laado. Rab tujhe hamesha khush rakhe. Mai hamesha teri saath hu. Don't worry, OK?" And she disappeared from Nyra's sight.

[Oye, who stays sad on birthday? Now smile for me. Happy birthday, my laado. May God always keep you happy.]

Nyra's smile faded instantly and she almost shouted,

"DIDI!!!"

Meher and Samaira held her. "Kya hua?! Why did you shout?!" Meher asked in a panic tone.

"Didi! I saw didi! She-she was waving at me, told me to smile! She was there!" Nyra said, pointing at some distance.

"Shhh, shhh, calm down. Breathe... breathe," Samaira said, comforting her.

Meher hugged her from the side. "Calm down, bacche. Calm down."

Nyra's breath turned normal after a few minutes and she again looked up in the sky. "Kash aap hote to sab theek hota. Reyansh bhaiya yaha hote, mummy aur mere beech duriya na hoti. Mai shayad aisi na hoti."

[I hope if you were here, everything would be normal. Reyansh would stay. Me and mom would be normal. I wouldn't be like this.]

A silent tear escaped her eyes, but Samaira wiped it away. "Chal, bohot ho gaya. Ab rona nahi. It's your birthday, yaar. Enough now. You'll not cry. It's your birthday."

Meher smiled and added, "Aur abhi toh madam ko birthday bombs bhi milne hai."

[And ma'am hasn't even received birthday bombs.]

Samaira, with a great joy, added, "Ha, we forgot about birthday bombs, right?!"

Nyra stood up hurriedly, moving backward. "No, no, no! Nahi sochna... bhi... mat!"

But Samaira and Meher were fast. They ran towards her and both caught her by her arms.

"Ab kaha jayegi, bacchu?" Meher said, wiggling her eyebrows.

(Where will you go now?)

"Aur kitne saal ki ho gayi tu? 20 na?!" Samaira asked teasingly.

(How old are you? 20?)

"Chalo to phir start hota hai!" Meher said, showing her fist.

[Let's start then.]

1... punch from Meher.

2... Samaira's fist landed on her back.

"Ahh!!" Nyra shouted, laughing much, crying less.

3... Meher's turn.

4... one by one, both the girls punched her.

Nyra moved to get free, but they held strong.

19... Meher's last punch.

20... Samaira finished the birthday bombs.

"Aye! Mummy, maar dala in saali kuttiyon ne!" Nyra fake-cried, holding her back dramatically.

[Ah! Mumma, they broke my back, bastards!]

"Chal chal, drama mat kar. Itna tez bhi nahi maara jitna tu acting kar rahi hai," Meher tried to shrug off.

( Don't do drama now. We haven't beaten this tight!)

"Tez nahi maara?! Arey, ye tez nahi to tez kya hota hai?! Tum dono na ruko, mai batati hu!!" Nyra ran towards them. Meher and Samaira ran with all their speed. They laughed wholeheartedly. Their laughter felt like a spell-binding harmony.

(Not hard?! Then what's hard?! Both of you wait there!!)

They all plopped down together on the fresh green grass, laughing and giggling in happy spirits. After some time, they all sat quietly on the grass. Meher laid half on the ground, Nyra's head rested in Samaira's lap.

"Yaar, hum kitni jaldi bade ho gaye na? Abhi paanch saal pehle hi to Samaira ne school join kiya tha, aur ab hum college me hai, ek sath," Meher said, looking at the delicate beauty around.

[We all grew so fast, right? Look, Samaira just joined school five years ago and now we're in college, that too together.]

"Bade hue hai, buddhe nahi. Aur waise bhi mai to abhi apne teenage me hi hu, tum dono hi ho twenties me," Samaira mocked.

(We've grown not old. And though I'm still in teenage unlike you guys in your twenties)

Nyra rolled her eyes. "Oh please, sirf six months me tu bhi bees saal ki ho jayegi."

[In six months, you'll also turn twenty anyway.]

"Jealous, jealous," Samaira flipped her hair.

"Haha, jealous?! Wo bhi tujhse?! Nah, the bure din bhi nahi aaye ki khudki best friend se jealous hona pade!" Meher raised her eyebrows.Nyra pressed her lips thin to suppress her laugh.

(Haha, jealous?! From you?! Please, my bad days didn't start that I had to be jealous of my own friend.)

"Tu ruk!" Samaira started tickling her. Meher couldn't stop herself and started laughing hard. Nyra also gave in and started tickling Meher along with Samaira.

Suddenly, an idea popped up in Nyra's mind and she started tickling Samaira instead of Meher. Meher recovered from her laughter and attacked Samaira.

They all laughed together. Their laughter rang like a euphoria in the quiet garden.

[A/N: Itna khush hona hai inki bonding dekhke, abhi baad me bohot lambe time tak inhe saath nahi dekh paoge.🤭]

Their reverie was broken by a call-it was from Samaira's mom. She picked it up, exchanged a few words and ended it. She turned towards the others and said, "Mummy ne urgently bulaya hai, kuch kaam aa gaya."

Nyra asked curiously, "Kya kaam aa gaya jo abhi bula liya?"

[What happened that she called you now?]

"Arey, wo kuch kharidna tha," Samaira said with a slight smirk on her face. She looked at Meher, who herself tried to hide her smile.

[Nothing, just had to purchase something.]

Nyra eyed her suspiciously but shrugged it off anyway. Samaira bid them bye and walked away.

Nyra and Meher now talked unstoppably. Just afterwards, Nyra's phone rang. It was Bhai. She picked it up cheerfully.

"I am going for departure."

"OK, I'll be there," Nyra texted back.

"Kya hua? Kaun tha?" Meher asked.

[What happened? Who's there?]

"Bhai has left for departure. He'll be arriving soon," Nyra replied joyfully.

Then they both stood and left for their respective places.

---

Reyansh had arrived in India. He now stood out of the airport. He took a long breath. "It feels good coming home after seven years."

His manager came towards him. "Sir, we are good to go."

Reyansh nodded and made his way towards his car. The way stretched long before him. The familiar roads, streets, shops were now different.

"Sab kuch kaafi change ho gaya yaha," he smiled, looking around.

(Everything's so changed here)

Raghav sat on the front seat asked, "Sir, how many years went since you left?"

"Seven," the only word came from his mouth.

"It's too long sir, but why did you left?" he asked curiously.

"Umm... let not talk about that," Reyansh replied with a sudden unease. Raghav nodded and they made their way towards the residence.

Inside the house, the preparation was in full swing. Balloons, "Happy birthday" balloons hung on the wall, the drink counter was being ready. The whole house was painted in red and black colour aesthetics.

Reyansh's car stopped in front of the house. He came out of car and stood in front of the main gate. All the guards and maids' face turned towards him, their eyes wide as if pop out anytime soon. Reyansh made his way inside. His father directed the workers.

"Reyansh, beta," the old maid spoke out. Each and every head in the house turned towards him. Arjun walked to him.

"Aa gaya tu, kitna bada ho gaya London jane ke baad."

[You came, you've grown big after going London]

Reyansh chuckled slightly. "Aur aap budde ho gaye."

[And you've grown old]

"Oye! buddha hoga tu! Mai toh abhi jawan hu!" Arjun said resentfully.

[Oye! You are old! I'm still young!]

Reyansh laughed at his whimsily behaviour. Arjun engulfed his son into fatherly hug. Reyansh hugged him back.

Rajshree emerged from her room, her eyes widened in surprise. "Reyansh!" Reyansh turned towards her and gave her a warm, affectionate smile. Rajshree ran towards him and engulfed him into a comforting hug. "Mera baccha aa gaya! Kaha tha itne saal? Maa ki yaad nhi aati thi? Tujhe pata bhi hai kitna yaad kiya maine tujhe?" Rajshree hands touched his shoulder, arm and finally rested on his cheek.

[My child came! Where were you all these years? Didn't you miss your mom? Do you even know how much I missed you?]

A single tear escaped her eyes. Reyansh brushed it off with his thumb. "Ho aa gaya na? Ab kahi nhi jaunga." Hmm... Reyansh tilted his head, kissing his mother's forehead with affection.

[I come now, right? Now I'll stay here with you.]

Raghav came inside the house. His eyes softened seeing the scene unfolded before his eyes. He gently put down Reyansh's bag and went out of the house.

Nyra stood out of the house. The moment the car came into her view, she rushed inside the house. The front door opened with a thud. Reyansh stood with Arjun and Rajshree looked towards her.

"BHAIYA!!"

Nyra ran towards him and hugged in a almost choking manner. Tears flowed from eyes while her smile was wide. Reyansh hugged her back.

"Happy birthday, meri laado,"

he whispered softly. The moment the words ringed in her ears, she broke into tears.

"Aap... aap aa gaye... finally... It feels so good after holding you like this in so many years!" Nyra's smile betrayed her tears with so much love. She pulled back, removed her hairs from back of her hand and smiled warmly. "Ab dekha sab kuch aacha ho jayega, phirse!"

[Now everything will be normal, again.]

Reyansh nodded, caressing her head with quite affection.

"Ab aap na jaiye or rest kijiye. Thodi der me party shuru hone wali hai," Nyra suggested.

Reyansh chuckled at her, or nodded slightly and moved to his room.

[Now you go and have some rest. Party will start in sometime]

"Decoration kaisi hai?" Arjun asked.

[How's the decoration?]

Nyra looked around with shimmering eyes and nodded. "Bhot aachi hai. I love it."

Arjun chuckled a little and patted her shoulder. "You go and get ready, okay?" Nyra nodded.

"Mai Meher ke ghar ready ho jati hu. Tha noise bhi bhot shor hai. Mai apna saman sath le jati hu." Arjun nodded and she moved to her room. She carried a bag with her and moved to Meher's house.

[I am going to get ready at Meher's house. There's noise already. I'll take my things with me]

Later, Nyra, Samaira and Meher were in Meher's bedroom. Nyra's dress was already selected. Samaira and Meher were fussing over what to wear.

"Yaar, kya tujhe theme black or red karni thi?! Hamare paas kapde hi nhi hai!" Meher dramatically sat on the floor, holding her head in her hand.

[Why do you kept the theme black and red?! We don't even have clothes!]

Nyra raised her eyebrow and pointed towards the pile of red and black clothes on the bed. "Ye kya h phir? Kachra?"

[What's this then? Garbage?]

Meher rolled her eyes. "To ye sab hamne already pehn liye hai alag alag events or parties me."

[But we've already worn those in events and parties]

Meher and Nyra were quibbling about clothes, Samaira took up a piece of clothes "I think I got something. You should also choose. It's 4:30 and we'll be good to go at 5:45. So better be ready on time."

With that, she moved to the wardrobe to change. Nyra looked towards Meher, who sat on the floor like a sobbing kitten.

[You wanna get on and proceed your majesty? Or want my heel to hit you?!]

She turned to pick the heel, but Meher was faster. "OK, OK, I am going. I am going."

She stood and checked her clothes again and found a beautiful dress. She picked it up and went to the wardrobe to change after Samaira.

Our birthday girl, Nyra, wore a deep rich wine red mermaid-fit bodycon dress. It featured a scoop neckline with thin spaghetti straps. The fabric was velvet, which looked ethereal on her well-maintained body. The dress hugged her figure perfectly.

Meher picked a chic black mini dress with a square neckline. A ruched fabric from bust to hem added a delicate symmetry. The sleeves were sheer and oversized puffs. The down-stitching detail at the bottom of the dress added to its reverie looks.

Samaira was dressed in a vintage mini dress in a galactic aesthetic. It was black velvety with silver-toned glitter and an A-line cut which cinched lightly at the waist, gracefully. The dress was shimmering under the light. It included a matching choker collar. It had long sleeves with a subtle puff at the shoulder. Its length was till mid-thigh. She paired it with a small black bag and black high heels. Her hair made her look galactic and whimsy.

Nyra moved earlier before Meher and Samaira. Her black BMW stretched in front of her house. She moved inside, her heels clicked on the tiled floor. Everyone in the room moved their eyes towards her. Her aura looked untouchable. She moved with confidence in every step, a spell-binding magnetic energy sensed around her.

Arjun smiled warmly at her daughter and moved towards the stage, grabbed the mic.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm so glad to have you all on this special day of my daughter's birthday."

He then gestured Nyra to come on the stage. She moved confidently and stood beside her father. "This is my beautiful daughter, Nyra. It's her birthday today. Everyone enjoy, and after some moments, we'll be cutting cake," he announced, and everyone again moved to their own business.

Meher and Samaira entered the hall just after, joining the celebration. The party was in full buzz now. Guests, relatives, and friends crowded the hall completely. Nyra's mouth ached after saying a hundred "Thank you"s and smiling all the time.

The girls finally made their way towards Nyra's bedroom and plopped together on the couch.

"Bhai, ye betisi dikhar dikhar to mera jabda hi tut jayega," Nyra rubbed her jaw lightly, while Meher and Samaira chuckled at her tantrum.

[After smiling so much, my jaw is now hurting]

"Oh, bas bas, abhi to shuruaat hai. Aage aage dekh hota hai kya!" Nyra scoffed at her while Samaira just shook her head.

[This is just the start. You'll seee what happens next!]

"Chalo ye sab chhodo, mujhe please click karni hai." Nyra picked up her phone and clicked hundreds of photos. The girls finally stopped and hurried downstairs.

The party downstairs was in full swing. Plates and drinks were everywhere, filling the hall with love and laughter.

Then a clinking glass was heard. Everyone looked towards the sound and it was Arjun.

"Attention everyone! It's time for cake cutting."

He smiled widely and moved to the stage. The cake was brought. It was a three-layer chocolate cake with lots of choco chips. Nyra's name was written on the velvety cake. Arjun and Rajshree joined her. Nyra glanced towards Samaira and Meher with those loving eyes, watching her. She gestured them to join her, but they just shook their head as Nyra pouted slightly.

"Come!" she commanded. Meher and Samaira threw their hands and stood beside her on stage.

Nyra's eyes sparkled, wonderstruck with wonderment around the crowd. And then he stood - Reyansh.

In the corner of the hall, leaning at his side, with a quiet warmth and affection in his eyes. "Bhaiya!! Aaiye na." She gestured her hand to invite him and he just followed.

[Bro , come now.]

And few the very first time, Samaira saw him. Dressed in black tuxedo, his shoulders were broad, and his posture screamed authority, and he walked with immense confidence.

"So, he is Reyansh."

A single thought came in her mind. He stood on the stage. Nyra stood between Arjun and Rajesh.

Rajesh stood beside Reyansh and Meher and Samaira were beside Arjun on either side. The candle lit. Nyra joined her hands together and wished. She blew out the candle and a loud applause filled the room. She forwarded her hand to cut the cake. The first bite went to Arjun, then to Reyansh. She then fed Rajshree. At last, she fed Meher and Samaira. They hugged her warmly. The cake cutting was done.

Reyansh then held the mic and, "Good evening everyone. I ask you all to take your respective seats." Everyone took their own seats and Reyansh continued.

"You may be thinking that why all of the sudden I came back?! I am here to tell you about my upcoming project. The very first news is, I am going to build my own business in India. Secondly, the work has started and I'll show you all the video."

He then moved towards the laptop and started the video. A large area stood in front. A large and enormous building stood with a modern outlook. The area was clean and at peace. Almost six buildings were built and each had different designs. Inside the building, the theme was in white, black, and brown. The employee area was huge. The conference room was shining with quite boldness. The whole area and building screamed determination and authority.

The video ended, and a large applause filled the air. "I hope everyone liked my project. According to our assumption, the company is going to gain a lot of foreign investments are going to take place. The scalability is huge. Marketing price is going to be at sky and technical work is going on which will be completed. This was my dream project which is now going to be live. Thank you all for giving your precious time." Reyansh handed back the mic and was later praised by many for his confidence and quite determination. Samaira stood in a corner of the room, smiling warmly at his determination. It wasn't attraction or affection, but a quiet recognition of his hard work.

---

The girls now took over the dance floor. The bass of the music was high. They danced freely like the world around them didn't exist at all. Meher changed the melody and the music started.

Aata pata rahe na kisi ka naam...

Yahi kahe ye pal zindagi ka naam...

Nyra, Meher and Samaira were the only ones on the floor now. They were dancing their hearts out.

Aata pata rahe na kisi ka,

yahi kahe ye pal zindagi ka ke,

khudgarz se khwahish liye,

besaans bhi hum tum jiye,

hai gulabi gulabi sama...

The music filled their hearts. The girls sang together. Some guests just chuckled and smiled at their deep friendship. Some others rolled their eyes on their childishness. But all they knew was there will be no tomorrow if they stopped.

Sooraj dooba hai yaaron,

do ghunt nashe ke maaro,

raste bhula do saare gharon bhar ke.

Sooraj dooba hai yaaron,

do ghunt nashe ke maaro,

ghum tum bhula do saare sansaar ke..."

Samaira's well-pinned hair came undone. Meher's hip and waist moved with ease and Nyra twirled. The grin never left their face.

Ask me for anything,

I'll give you everything.

Saare bhula do saare gharon ke.

Ask me for anything,

I'll give you everything.

Ghum tum bhula do saare sansaar ke.

They moved in a circle. Their laughter and voices filled the air. Together, they leaned forward, then backward. Their hands up in the air swayed.

---

Guests now started to go. The bass of the music still hummed in the background. Nyra stood with her cousins, talking. Meher and Samaira ate ice-cream while yapping. Arjun and Rajshree were bidding goodbyes. Reyansh talked with some business friends.

"OK then, bye and happy birthday once again," one of her cousins wished and made her way out. Nyra sat overdramatically exhausted on the couch.

"Huff! Thak gayi. Paani de pyaas lagi hai."

Meher forwarded her a glass of juice. "Ye le juice pi."

[Huff! I'm tired. Give me water.]

[Take it have some juice]

Nyra rolled her eyes hardly. "Paani maanga hai, juice nahi." She then herself picked up water. "Paani ki pyaas juice nahi mita sakta." And she gulped down the whole water in once.

[I asked for water, not juice.]

[Juice can't take the place of water.]

Reyansh entered the area and made his way to the juice counter. Nyra's eyes darted towards him. "Bhaiya!" She waved her hand. Reyansh looked up and made his way towards them.

"Kya hua?" he asked lazily.

[What happened?]

"Mujhe aapko meri friends se milwana tha." She gestured towards Meher and Samaira.

[I just wanted you to meet my friends.]

His brows knitted and he murmured, "Meher?"

Meher raised her eyebrow, passed a small smile and nodded. "Chalo aapko meri yaad aa hi gayi," she said sarcastically.

[Oh, at least you remember me.]

Reyansh chuckled low. "Aur bata, how's your studies going on?"

[How are your studies going on?]

Meher rolled her eyes. "Bhaiya, yaar! Aap bilkul bhi nahi badle."

[Bhaiya, you didn't change at all.]

Reyansh smiled and darted his gaze towards Samaira, who kept her gaze down. Nyra moved forward. "Ye Samaira hai. Hum 10th class mein the tab aayi thi. Maine aapko pehle bhi bataya tha na?" Reyansh's brows furrowed in confusion, but he nodded anyways.

[This is Samaira. We all met in 10th class. I told you about it earlier, right?]

Samaira's eyes were still down in anxiousness. Then, she glanced up just once and whispered a small, "Hi."

"Hello," Reyansh said awkwardly.

Samaira lowered her gaze again and he busied himself talking with Meher and Nyra. Samaira didn't say anything but kept glancing from time to time. The talk faded away and he excused himself.

---

Later, Nyra was dragged by Meher and Samaira outside the house. Her eyes were blindfolded, Meher and Samaira guarding her throughout.

"Kahan lekar ja rahe ho?!" she asked confusedly, more excitedly. After asking the same question for over ten times, they finally stopped.

"Bas!!"

[Where are you guys taking me? Enough!]

Nyra's blindfold was removed and-

"SURPRISE!!!"

There it was...

A BIKE...

A BMW M1000 S...

the dream she had wanted forever...

the same one in black.

Her eyes were wide. Her mouth parted. She tried to speak, but no words came.

"Toh? Kaisa laga?" Samaira asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

[So? How is it?]

"This... this is... so..." Nyra's eyes filled with unshed tears and she hugged them both tightly. "I- I can't... describe."

They hugged her back tenderly. Nyra pulled back. "Par tum logon ne ye kyun kiya? Ye toh bohot mehnga hai. Mujhe itna kuch nahi chahiye." She looked towards the bike, then back at them. "Ye toh bohot zyada hai. Tum logon ke paas itne paise aaye kahan se?"

[Why did you guys do this? It's so expensive.]

Meher smiled warmly at her. "Pasand aaya ki nahi?" she asked, raising her brows.

Nyra chuckled. "Pasand? I loved it!"

[Leave money-did you like it or not?]

"Tumhe pata hai humne ye kyun diya?" Samaira asked.

[Do you know why we gifted you this?]

Nyra shook her head. "Kyuki ye tujhe hamesha hamare paas hone ka ehsaas dilayega. Tujhe jab bhai-bhai se full ho jaye, toh tu ya toh hamare paas aa jaati hai ya bike utha ke nikal leti hai." Nyra nodded. "Toh ab hum hamesha tere saath rahenge. Tujhe kabhi bhi bura lage toh tu is bike se baat karna, ye sochkar ki hum hain. Aur ek baat hamesha yaad rakhna- ye sirf teri bike nahi... hamari dosti ki ek nishani hai. Hmm?" Nyra nodded and hugged her.

[So that you always feel close to us. And when you feel heavy, don't you dare to lose us or go for a bike ride? It's so, now you'll always live with you. Whenever you feel bad, you can talk to the bike thinking that it's us. And always remember one thing, that is now only your bike, it's our sign of friendship, hmm?]

Meher paused seeing them. "Mujhe to tum bhul hi jaate ho." Nyra and Samaira chuckled at her childishness. Samaira forwarded her hand and they shared a group hug.

[You guys forgot me.]

They parted away. Meher asked, "Ab try nhi karogi? First ride?" Nyra nodded and started the bike. The sound was loud.

"Tum log bhi chalo. Dono ko ek‑ek baar ride karwa dungi." Samaira and Meher denied and she darted away with speed.

[ You guys also come. I'll give you one more ride].

[A/n : bike ride! Bike! Mujhe pata hai tum cutie ka dimaag kitna dirty sa hai, to pehle hi bata deti hu ki bike ride. Lekin ab isme bhi tum mujhe hi dirty minded bologe.]

Meher and Samaira now changed into comfortable clothes. They headed to the kitchen to get water. Meher excused herself to attend a call and Samaira started filling the jug from RO.

Reyansh started finding Nyra. He checked her room, balcony, living room and every place she could be found. At last, he reached the kitchen and found Samaira filling water. She wore pink pajamas with black and white teddy bear and bunny slippers. Her hair once styled were in a messy bun. Reyansh made his way towards her.

He stood at a distance and asked, "Umm... you saw Nyra? Where is she?"

Samaira turned towards him. He stood near the door with his black shirt of his tuxedo with sleeves rolled up and black pants. His hair once tucked were now tangled and covered his forehead. "She went out... for a bike ride."

Reyansh nodded, "OK," and went away from there.

Samaira put her hand on her heart which raced wildly. "Baba ji, ye mere dil aise zor se kyu dhadak raha hai? Itni nervousness kyu ho rahi hai? Mai maanta hu ki mai introvert hu but ye..." Her brows furrowed in uncertainty. The next moment, Meher entered.

[God, why is my heart racing so loud? Why am I getting so nervous? I know I am an introvert but this...]

"Kya hua? Everything's fine?" Meher asked, sensing her unease. "I am fine. Let's go." They moved towards Nyra's room.

---

Meanwhile, Nyra moved from one street to another. The bike's engine roared with every race. She stopped at some spot, parked her bike and sat on a bench. She gazed the bike lovingly. Their memories started to flash in front of her eyes.

How the first time Meher cried?

How frightened Samaira looked when she first came?

How they even laughed at the silliest jokes?

And now they were grown‑up adults.

She closed her eyes and the day Samaira first came flashed in front of her eyes.

*Flashback*

The school buzzed with students. New batch, new students, new books and new friends. Samaira walked in hesitantly. Her uniform was neatly tucked and ironed, her bag hung loose on her shoulders and her hair were tied in a ponytail. She entered the classroom and took the corner seat. She sat alone there for half a day. Thoughts started consuming her mind wildly.

What if they bully me?

If they never want to be my friends?

What if they hate me?

If I fail in academics?

What if I can't be a good student?

In this pool of what‑ifs, someone snapped a finger in front of her. It was Nyra. She came out from her thoughts and looked up. "You are sitting on my seat," she said politely.

"Oh, I am sorry. You can sit." Samaira got up.

"Hey, I was joking. I thought you would also fight for a seat like others. You can be seated." Nyra made her sit back on the bench.

Samaira smiled. "I don't like to fight usually."

"Why? I mean when there's no one you want to fight for?"

"No, not then. Then I do what's right, without fighting or arguing."

"You're cool, you know." Samaira chuckled low. They exchanged a few more words.

Samaira asked, "Don't you have a friend?"

Nyra waved her hand. "No, it's not like that. I have one. Her name is Meher. She's just absent." Samaira nodded with an 'oh' face. They sat together the following day.

*Flashback ends*

Nyra chuckled. "Pagal ladki, aise baat ka rahi thi jaise mai koi kidnapper hu." She shook her head.

[Silly girl! She was reacting as if I am a kidnapper]

A long silence stretched in the atmosphere. A medical store was in front of her. A bike stopped in front of it. The man went to the shop. Nyra gazed his bike. The same bike of whose helped her.

The man came out of the store. His face was not visible. His back was turned towards Nyra but she knew it was the same man. He came to his bike and wore his helmet. Nyra quickly stood up and went to him. Her eyes went to his own helmet. "I'll not show my face now." She quickly wore the helmet and stood in front of his bike.

He removed his helmet visor.

Yes, the same hazel brown eyes she saw.

"What happened?" His voice was deep and hoarse.

Nyra blinked her eyes in the helmet and said, "Hi. I am the same girl you helped me with the bike that day."

The guy's brows furrowed but he nodded. "Ya, I remember."

Nyra smiled and said, "Actually, I wanted to thank you. It's my birthday today so I wanted to give you something."

The man waved his hands slightly. "Oh, there's no need. By the way, happy birthday."

"Thank you, but you have to take this." She said, forwarding a chocolate to him, the one she bought for herself.

"No, no, I don't want it. You can keep it to yourselves," he denied.

"Please, take it or else I'll think that you didn't like helping me." Nyra tried to convince him.

"OK, give it." He chuckled but took the chocolate.

Nyra waved at him. "OK, bye and thank you once again for helping me."

He waved back. "Bye," and kept the chocolate in his pocket.

She came back to her bike and the man drove away. She looked at the direction where the bike had driven away. Then, she herself drove away her own bike.

- - -

तना थिरके- थिरके

मन बहके- बहके

तेरा कहे‑कहे खुदको,

मेरे दिल की बात जाने कायनात

तेरे दिल की सुने बस मुझको...

आना बातें प्यार की लाना,

आना थोड़ा प्यार जताना,

रांझना हुआ मैं तेरेयाँ

कौन तेरे बिन मेरा,

ओ... कौन मेरे बिन तेरा।