CHAPTER FIVE

"Hey Alia ,it's me. Please call me back. I need to tell you something." She listens to the voice mail Aarul has sent her and smiles.

Dialing his number she waits as he answers after the second ring, " hey Alia."

"Hi bhai. How are you doing?"

"I am good. Listen I have my art gallery opening the coming sunday and I'd really like if you'd be here. Can you join me?"

"Of course I will come bhai. This is the first time you've asked me to join you somewhere without me forcing you so I will be there." Alia answers smiling.

She never gets a call from her brother. It's always her calling him and bugging him around and this is the first time in forever that he asked her to be there for him so of course she is going to go and be there for him.

She gets out of her room and knocks the door next to hers,"Amy."

She enters to see Amyra wearing her big glasses and reading one of her file.

"Aarul bhai is opening his art gallery and he asked me to be there. You want to join me to home?"

Amyra thinks for a while before she nods. Alia stares at her as if she's seen something impossible then with a big grin she rushes to Amyra and hugs her tight. Amyra laughs at her antics as Alia rushes to her room shouting.

When at first Alia came to stay with Amyra in Dehradun, she got really angry thinking just like always her parents has sent someone to hover over her and keep a constant eye on her each and every activity. But when she saw Alia lost in her own self always baking and trying all new recipes possible, she knew Alia has come for herself and not for Amyra. And like the good sister she is, she tasted each and every baked stuff Alia prepared and became her critic.

Alia walks in her room and sitting on the bed she takes the photograph she has of her parents from her bedside table and smiles," I am going back to mumbai. And I hope this time I won't run away. It's really difficult to face everyone there. From the past three months, I haven't answered anyone's phone. Just like Amyra I am ignoring everyone. I know it's wrong but lying is worst. When they ask how am I and how am I doing, it's difficult to say that I am fine when I am not. I miss you mom dad."

She gives into her tears and cries silently as she hugs the photograph. Though she's never spent much time with her parents, she knows everything about them. Her Riddhi maa has made sure that she knows her parents well, and she knows they'd have loved her unconditionally and they'd never let her cry just like her Riddhi maa never let's her. But she knows now she has to grow up and run to her Riddhi maa with each and everything.

They have already lost a daughter and with Amyra being away and Riddhan being always busy and never giving then time, she knows it's wrong. It's just not the way her Riddhi maa and Armaan uncle should be suffering.

She then looks at the photograph next to her parents and takes it," what should I do A? Should I come back pretend that I didn't mess things up? Or should I say sorry to everyone and let them hate me? What should I do?"

"The first thing you should do is stop feeling guilty!" Amyra says from the door and shakes her head," you really need to get over it di. It's not healthy." She takes Aayan's photograph from Alia and sits next to her, " I don't know much about love, di but maa has always told me the key to it is forgiveness. And I am sure bhai must have forgiven you by now. So pack your stuff and get ready. We are going home!!" She shouts the last part and hugs Alia.

Alia smiles and nods. She is so thankful to Amyra for being there when she needed a comforter. Amyra sat with her, had a pint of ice cream while Alia sulked and cried. She gave her peace everytime there was a war going on in Alia's mind and she knows that her family will always be there for her.

***************

"I can't believe you made me do this, you ass." Aarul shouts as he throws his phone at Aayan who has a big grin on his face as he catches it.

Alia finally decided to come back. Though it was very easy to go after and and talk to her after knowing where she was but Armaan has told him not to go after her or Amyra will take it otherwise and go MIA again. And everyone knows when it comes to Amyra, no one has the right to mess around. Even after knowing exactly where she is, all sat put. Even Riddhan didn't go after her.And he knows that's the exact reason why Alia chose to go and stay with Amyra. No one could go to Amyra until Amyra allows and there was nothing he could do.

He sat patiently, counting each day for the past three months. The day Armaan told Rahul and Muskaan that Alia is going to stay with Amyra, he got a call from Meher giving him the information but one more call from Armaan told him, it was useless. Going to meet her was off limits. He wouldn't dare to cross Armaan and go over his words. So he sat and counted each day. Giving every aspect to his thoughts and giving every thoughts a reason to see if anything fits to why his bride left in at the altar.

When Aarul told him that he has his art gallery opening, his brain worked. He knew how he could make Alia come to him. So what if he can't go meet her. She can come to him and he knows her weakness.

"You know she'd never say no to me, didn't you?" Aarul threw his stuff in the bag and sat on the bean bag. Aayan smirks. Hell, he knew.

"Your sister loves your attention just as much as she loves mine." He pauses as a Aarul raise a questioning brow,"Or at least she use to. But I know she'd never say no to you especially when you asked her yourself."

"How sure were you?" Aarul asks as he takes the mug and walks to get himself a cup of coffee.

"As sure as my life." Aayan smiles as he takes the mug from Aarul and pats on his back,"this was the very first time you asked her to be there. She wouldn't say no for the world leave for me." He says as he stares at his best friend who has a sad smile on his face.

Aarul is the lone wolf of the family. He never asks anyone for anything and it was a big favor he asked from Aarul when he asked him to message Alia to call. And moreover to come and be there for the art gallery opening. It was a dick move, Aayan knows, but if it takes a dick move and a big favor from Aarul to meet his lovely runaway bride then be it, he thought.

"You owe me one." Aarul says as he finishes his coffee and walks to his room leaving Aayan alone.

Aayan smirks again as he looks at the portrait Aarul is painting,"few more days."

************

"Armaan please get ready fast, they'd be here anytime." Riddhima orders as she walks out of the room and gets down to the kitchen. She asks her helpers to prepare everything as soon as they can.

"Riddhima!!"Muskaan calls looking at the mess Riddhima is making. She walks up to her and holds her,"stop." Riddhima stops and look at Muskaan questioningly.

"Breath. " Muskaan orders her and Riddhima sighs then takes a deep breath and sit on the couch with Muskaan, "I don't want her to get upset again, di. She anyways hates me and this is just so much I can take." Riddhima smiles with tears in her eyes.

"She doesn't hate you Riddhima. She just needs her privacy." Muskaan holds her and rubs it,"don't worry. This time we won't let her go away."

"I hope we can do that." She cries silently and hugs Muskaan, "they are drifting away from us di. All of them."

Muskaan nods, "I know! I know! This is not the way we ever wanted our kids to be. They are just growing up."

"Growing away from their own parents?" She asks Muskaan who just shakes her head," I know it's difficult Riddhima. But all we can do is accept it."

"Accept what di? Amyra and Alia never wants to talk to us! We have no idea what is going on with them! I haven't spoken to Amyra for almost a year and it's been three months I have talked to Alia. Aayan never came back home from the day of his wedding! I have no idea what Riddhan thinks. He is so busy that he never come visit, never talks. I haven't seen that boy smile in ages di. And Aarul, He doesn't even consider us family! And my Ryna? Where is she di? What has she done wrong ? What was her fault?"

"Riddhima?" Armaan calls her and rushes as he sees her cry and hears Ryan's name. He takes her in his arms while they all sit in silence.

They have no idea what went wrong and how their life became such a mess. All they know is they'd do anything for their kids and for their happiness, even if it means crying and craving for them.

"I came bearing gifts!" Rahul's excited voice break the tension as Muskaan and Riddhima wipes their tears and stand smiling bravely. Rahul comes and hands the bags to them," I got all the stuff you both wanted. When are they coming?"

"They will be here any time soon now." Riddhima says as she keeps checking her phone.

"Have you heard from Aayan? He's coming for the dinner tonight?" Rahul asks Muskaan. She nods, "yes he will be here he said. After all he wants to meet his favorite sister too."

"And here I though I was his favorite sister" Meher comes joining them pouting.

"You were until you started talking." Muskaan mocks her and others laugh.

"I hate you muskie" she shows her tongue and Armaan holds it making her groan and others laugh more.

"Take it back." He says as she keeps groaning jumping on her place.

"Say yes" and he leaves as she nobs too. She rushes to Muskaan and hugs her glaring at Armaan,"your brother is evil. I don't like him muskie. I don't hate you. I love you."

"What do you want Meher?" Muskaan asks knowing very well about each and every tactics her daughter throws.

"Nightout."

"No" all of them shout simultaneously and she groans. That's why she keeps on buttering someone or the other or this happens.

"Please guys. My friend just came back from UK and he is throwing an amazing party." She pouts begging.

"Did you just say he?" Muskaan asks her pushing her away and she groans again,"I mean she. SHE wants me to attain." But they all shakes their head again.

"Dada please. I already said yes." She pleads to Rahul who shakes his head and moves away as she tries to hug him.

"You all are so mean." She speaks as she makes a sad face," I am 25 and still you all keep me locked in. Especially you!"she points at Muskaan," and you both make me work for you for free." She points to Rahul and Armaan who laughs at her,"and you!" She turns to Riddhima then smiles, "please Riddhi maa. Please just let me go this once and I will be a good girl. I will even do all the chores. I promise. You won't have to even bother washing dishes. I will do it all." She hugs Riddhima and others groan as they know what is she exactly trying to do.

"Okay fine. But you have to be back early the next morning. And no evilness of yours." Riddhima hugs her back and smiles while other just slaps their own heads. If Riddhima says yes, they all will have to give in.

"you are the best Riddhi maa!" She kisses and rushes to the kitchen, "I will do the dishes."

"You know we have help for the chores and dishes right?" Armaan asks Riddhima grinning. She nods," let her be Armaan. We don't want to suffocate her too." She says sighing as she once again checks her phone.

"We are home!" They all turn and soon Armaan is engulfed with a sobbing Amyra in his arms. Riddhima stands still as she keeps looking at the father daughter duo silently.

Alia waits for Amyra to greet everyone as she awkwardly stands and looks at them with tears in her eyes. Riddhan walks in and pushes her inside. She looks at him and shakes her head turning to leave but he holds her hand.

"Won't you give us a hug Aalu?" Armaan asks and that's all she is needed as she rushes to him and hugs him. Rahul takes her from Armaan and hugs her tight. She's then taken from Muskaan and then Riddhima.

"You said you needed a break. Does that mean not recieving the calls as well?", Riddhima slaps her on her head and hugs her again.

"Sorry!" She says and sobs as she hugs her Riddhi maa.

Amyra steals glances at Riddhima hiding behind Armaan. Armaan moves towards Riddhima so she goes and hides behind Riddhan.

"She won't bite, you know!" Muskaan says standing next to Amyra who jumps and sighs.

"Muskie bua!!" Amyra hugs Muskaan still looking at Riddhima who's busy talking to Alia with her hands around her.

"Go!" Muskaan whispers letting her go. Amyra takes baby steps towards Riddhima who's still talking to Alia.

"Maa!" Amyra says so softly, hardly anyone heard.

"She is busy." She turns and mouths to Muskaan but before she could say anything again, she is pulled in tight rib crushing hug with Meher who loudly fake sobs, "my sister! My little sister! Where were you my little sister. Did the earth eat you ? Where did you go?"

"Mahi my back hurts." Amyra groans pushing her away but she once again hugs Amyra," Why didn't you take me with you?? I missed you so much? This house is like hell without you. They gave me all the unnecessary attention you use to get. Don't ever leave me alone with all of them."

"That's it Mahi, don't cry! Don't cry!" Amyra gives in the drama Meher wanted and they both chuckle.

"Okay everyone let's sit." Armaan says as he takes Amyra away from Meher who mouths him thank you and sits,"how was your flight?"

"Tiring." Alia huffs complaining," she was sleeping the whole flight. I was wide awake and bored to death."

"Met Any hottie?" Meher asks sitting next to Alia making both Alia and Amyra groan. It wasn't a good topic when their dads were there who are super possessive if even a single Male's name is taken in front of them.

"The food is ready. Let's eat." Riddhima says and everyone moves towards the kitchen.

Armaan holds Amyra and calls Riddhima. She turns and he calls her.

"Let's go eat Armaan. The food will be cold!"

"The food can wait. Come here."she walks to them and Armaan pushes Amyra to her hard.

She holds Amyra before the girl could fall and glares at her husband, "she was about to fall!"

"Not at your watch. Not at all." He says and walks towards the dining table leaving the mother daughter alone smiling shaking his head. Stubborn women!!

"Are you alright?" Riddhima asks as she checks Amyra for any sign of injury who stands still before a tear falls down and she starts sobbing hard.

"Amy, are you hurt?" Riddhima asks worried and panics but Amyra hugs her suprising her and continue sobbing.

"I missed you maa. I missed you so much."

Riddhima just stands holding her precious little daughter and let her sob as she cries silently.

"I missed you too my baby!"

***************

Aayan waits outside the mallik mansion as he keeps pacing in the lawn. For almost four months, he's not seen anyone. He spoke to his mother but that just it. A storm came and things turned bad. This is the house he grew up in. And this is the home he has been craving since he moved out. Never even in his life, he ever thought that getting in could be this awkward.

Taking a deep breath, he looks at the wide door again before entering.

Meher jumps on him as soon as she sees him and laughs," the man of the hour is here. Amy!!" She calls Amyra.

Aayan pushes Meher away and takes Amyra into a big hug as she runs to him. He laughs pulling her ponytail and tickles her,"finally you are here!

"Everyone is in the backyard. Dad and Rahul paa are barbecuing." She smiles holding his hand and the trio walks to the backyard.

Before walking out, he scans the place. Amyra shakes her head,"she is not here! She's Jetlagged and too tired. She's sleeping in her room."

"Who?" He asks trying and failing to keep his eyes from scanning the place making Amyra smile.

"Bhai, sometimes caring won't hurt you know." She says and walks to her mother and bua.

He greets the ladies who hugs him and then walks to Rahul who's fixing the rack of barbecue," hey dad!"

"Aayan." Rahil nobs,"I see you came."

"Mom asked me."

"This is still your home. You don't need permission or request come here." He says and gets busy with his work again. Armaan pats his back smiling," go join your siblings. We'll do the handy work."

Riddhan passes him the bottle of beer as he joins them,"Amy, how's work going?"

"Fine!"she replies unenthusiastic making him raise a brow so she sighs replying, "as easy as the elders show it, it isn't that easy. Especially me being the director's daughter. They agree to each and everything I say. I don't have things to improve into." She complains.

"Thought of joining here, dad and mamu don't spare anyone. And even mom gives hard time to people. I trained under them , I know."he asks looking at Rahul.

"Yeah! Ask me. They make me work like pig and don't even pay me much." Meher complains snatching Riddhan's beer bottle and takes a sip,"and they won't treat you like daughter here. They just rule the world and bark orders."

"I will be back." Aayan gets up and walking inside as Meher and Amyra talks about work and Riddhan walks to fetch another beer.

Though he is meeting him family after so long, he couldn't concentrate. Knowing, she's right under the same place as him and they are so close, he couldn't resist but think and meet her.

He walks towards her old room and knocks. He knocks again when she doesn't answer.

"Don't wake her up. She is tired." Rahul says. Aayan looks at his father and smiles, " she has to come face to face with me eventually dad."

"That's your personal matter son. But right now, she is tired and she needs rest." Saying he walks.

"I can't believe, you still blame me for all that happened." He says and Rahul stops.

He turns to his son," that's where you are wrong son. I just want to see you happy. And if it's still her, go after her. But if she is not then do not bother her."

Aayan waits looking at Rahul's back as his father walks away and smiles, " I don't know where my happiness stands dad. But I know where my peace is. Right behind this door. And I will let your little princess sleep today. I have waited almost 4 months, it's not a big deal I will wait for a day more. But coming tomorrow, is the day. Tomorrow! "

To be continued .....