Zeeshan’s pov

“Kaha jaa raha hai itni subah?” mumma asked as I stepped into the kitchen to make some breakfast for myself.
(Where are you going this early in the morning?)

“Kaam hai mumma,” I replied, toasting some bread for myself and mumma.
( Have some work, mumma.)

“Morning zeeva mumma,” Veer said, toddling towards mumma and almost bumping into me.

“Morning mumma ki jaan. Ready for school?” she asked, ruffling his hair. Veer is being homeschooled because of his health but his psychiatrist has given a clean chit for him to attend school normally from next year.

“Mhm,” he muttered.

“Oye, where is my good morning?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. He simply rolled his eyes at me.

“Dekho-dekho isko mumma,” I said, gasping lightly. This kid brings out the craziest in me and I don’t even blame him because I do it willingly.
(Look-look at him mumma.?

“Zeeva mumma,” he called out, and mumma hummed in response.

“Ye beard wale uncle ko bol do veer inko nahi jaanta,” he muttered, sitting in his place and stealing my toasts. Mumma stifled her laughter and I was too stunned to speak.
(Tell this bearded uncle that veer doesn't know him.)

“Kyu veer?” mumma asked, taking a deep breath.
(Why veer?)

“Mumma ye beard wale uncle meri icecream nahi lae and he didn’t even come home early and veer miss him everyday,” Veer muttered, his voice breaking in the end and tearing my heart into pieces.
(Mumma this bearded uncle forgot to bring icecream for me and he didn't even come home early and veer miss him everyday.)

“Oh my little one, come here,” I said, softening my voice and pulling him up onto my lap. He protested but soon laid his head on my chest, making himself comfortable.

“I am sorry baby. I promise I will come home early and we will have a sleepover in my room for a week. How about this?” I said, rocking him gently in my arms.

“No,” came his muffled response, almost inaudible.

“No? So will you tell me what I can do to earn your forgiveness, Veer?” I asked gently.

“No,” he whispered, choking on his tears.
“No again? Okay, how about we go for an ice cream tomorrow?” I said, trying my luck again and wiping his tears with my handkerchief.

He shook his head and said, “Movie?”

“Movie it is and then we will have ice cream and when we come back we will have a sleepover. How about this?” I asked, finally taking a breath of relief.

He nodded and made himself comfortable on my lap, hiding himself in my arms. Dropping a small kiss on his forehead, I continued finishing my breakfast. Mumma shook her head with a content smile and continued her breakfast too.

“Okay Veer, study well. I promise to take you out tomorrow. Hm?” I said, gently settling him at his desk.

“Pinky promise?” he asked, raising his small finger.

Joining my finger with his, I said, “Pinky promise.” Finally smiling, he nodded and took out his notebooks.

Dropping a small kiss on his forehead and gently closing his room’s door, I left to persuade another baby of mine.

Maybe I should take the case files and my ID for some personal touch. Nodding at myself, I walked back to my room and grabbed the things I needed.

“I am leaving mumma,” I shouted. After hearing her response, I walked straight to my car and drove off to her place.

As soon as I reached in front of her home, I called Vidit to know the status of her car.

“Kya hai saale,” he shouted in annoyance as soon as he picked up.
(What, asshole?)

“Kyu sadh raha hai subah subah lawde,” I asked, fixing my hair in the rearview mirror.
(Why is your mood spoiled early in the morning, idiot?)

“Mai ni bataunga. Tu bhok kyu disturb kara hai tune,” he replied. I rolled my eyes at his dramatic ass.
( I won't tell you, just tell me why did you disturb me?)

“Kaam hogya?” I asked. (Did you do the work?)

“Ha hogya, nikal ab,” he muttered in annoyance and ended the call.
(Yes, now fuck off.)

What’s with his annoyed ass?

Shaking my head at his behavior, I drove to the front of the house’s door and honked lightly for the guard to open it.

“Kisse milna hai sahab?” the guard asked, running towards me.
( Who do you want to meet sir?)

“Mrs Mehra. Tell her I am Ayesha's colleague and tell her to not inform Ayesha. I am here to surprise her.”

He nodded before calling Mrs Mehra. “Can I see your ID?” he asked after ending the call.

“Sure,” I said, giving him my CBI ID.

“You can go in, sir,” he said after a minute or two, opening the gate. I thanked him and parked next to Ayesha's car since the slot was empty. I also double-checked her car’s tires which were thankfully deflated just enough for my plan to work.

Walking straight to the door, I knocked, waiting for someone to open it.

“Hi, welcome,” a woman in her thirties said, stepping aside. I nodded with a polite smile before stepping in.

“You must be Ayesha’s colleague. I am Sunaina Mehra, her bhabhi,” she said, her voice gentle and welcoming.

“Nice to meet you, Mrs Mehra. I am Zeeshan Kapoor,” I replied politely with a small smile.

“Sit,” she said, pointing toward the couch. I nodded and made myself comfortable.

“Would you like to have something?” she asked as she sat on the couch next to me.

“No, I am good. I just need your help,” I said.

“My help?” she asked, confused. I nodded and she gestured for me to continue.

“So Ayesha and I are close friends and I recently pissed her off by doing something stupid. She is not ready to listen. Can you help me convince her so I can explain my side without any interruption? You just have to convince her to travel with me,” I explained, hoping my sincerity and desperation would convince her.

“What did you do?” she asked, suddenly alert.

“It’s not what you think. We just had an argument and I said something I shouldn’t have,” I replied quickly before her mind could wander to something far worse.

“And why do you think I should trust you?” she asked, her voice completely firm.

“I understand your worries ma’am, and for now I can’t say much,” I replied without hesitation. “I can do anything for her happiness. But hurting her? I’d die before even thinking about it.”

“Fine,” she said, finally calming down.

“Make yourself comfortable. Eshu must be getting ready, I’ll be back,” she said with a gentle smile. I nodded and returned it with mine.

Looking around, I noticed a wall full of family pictures. My feet unconsciously took me there and I wasn’t complaining because I saw my love’s happiest face in those pictures. Her eyes were empty but her face was filled with life, love and happiness.

“Take care of my Eshu. Her heart is very fragile. Don’t let me dig your grave with my own hands,” Mrs Mehra said, looking at the pictures.

“I swear on my life,” I replied, hoping she could see the sincerity in my eyes. She nodded with a smile.

“Let’s go. I made some cheese sandwiches and tea,” she said. I nodded and walked with her.

“Do you prefer tea or coffee?” she asked as we sat at the dining table waiting for Ayesha.

“Tea.”

“Oh great. My husband and Eshu both love coffee. Now I will finally have someone in my team,” she said gently.

“Aapko bhabhi bula sakta hu mai?” I asked cautiously.
( Can I call you bhabhi?)

“Bilkul bula sakte ho,” she replied softly.
(Of course you can.)

“Here, have some sandwiches.” Just as I was about to refuse, she added, “They are Eshu’s favourite.” Nodding with a smile, I took a bite.

“Bha-, what are you doing here?” came Ayesha’s shocked voice. She stared at me with wide eyes, looking as beautiful as ever.

“Hi,” I said casually, giving her a secret wink.

“Eshu sit. Come and have your breakfast first or you will get late,” bhabhi said. She nodded and sat next to me, all while glaring at me.

“I’ll go make some fresh coffee for you. Start eating,” bhabhi said as she walked away.

“No bhabhi it’s fine,” she said but was shut up with a sweet glare. A small chuckle escaped my mouth and I quickly masked it with another bite of my sandwich.

“How dare you show up at my house unannounced and eat my damn sandwiches, you kabadi insaan,” she whisperyelled, getting up as soon as bhabhi stepped away.

Sighing, I pulled her down next to me and shoved a bite of sandwich into her mouth which made her shut up and chew aggressively, throwing daggers at me with her eyes.

“Jawaab do,” she demanded as she finished chewing.
(Tell me?)

“Aapko lene aaya hu,” I replied, leaning a little closer to her.
(I am here to pick you up.)

“Kyu,” she asked, leaning back.(Why?)

“Aapko bola tha na maine kal. Aaj mujhe aap bhi nahi rok sakti,” I replied, looking straight into her eyes and watching her cheeks turn red.
(I told you yesterday didn't I? Today not even you can stop me.)

“Aapko lagta hai mai aapke saath jaungi?” she asked, matching my intensity.
(You think I'd go with you?)

“Utha kar le jaunga lekin aaj aapko mana kar rahunga,” I replied, keeping my voice firm yet soft, only for her.
( I will pick you up but today I will earn your forgiveness.)

“Stop fucking acting like an idiot and just tell me what the fuck do you want from me you Zeeshan fucking Kapoor,” she said through gritted teeth, her anger spilling through every word.

“You. Only you. In this life, in the next life, in every lifetime,” I replied calmly but firmly, watching the blush on her cheeks deepen. Before she could reply, bhabhi returned with her coffee. Breakfast continued quietly with casual conversations here and there.

“Thank you for these delicious sandwiches, bhabhi,” I said, getting up with my plate.

“It’s fine. You can leave your plate here. The househelps will clean the table later,” bhabhi said with a smile. I nodded and placed the plate down.

“Oh and by the way, the car with the number 2030 had its tires deflated. I parked my car next to it so I thought I should inform you,” I said innocently.

“It’s mine. Fuck, I will be late,” she said, eyes widening. I gestured pleadingly to bhabhi. She shook her head with a quiet smile and nodded.

“Eshu, you can go with him. I am sure he won’t mind.”

“Of course not,” I replied quickly.

“No bhabhi—” she began to deny.

“It’s okay bacha. Your car is not in a good condition. If you take a cab, you will be late, and I will also get late if I try to drop you. I have an important case hearing today. So go with him, and I will send your car with the driver once the tire is changed,” bhabhi said, leaving no room for argument.

“Fine. Let’s go,” she muttered, sulking like a small child before walking off.

“Thank you, thank you,” I muttered gratefully.

“Take care of my little girl or else you know,” bhabhi said with a smile. I nodded, smiling back before running to catch up with my girl.

“I am driving,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me.

“No. You will relax like the prettiest passenger princess you are,” I said with a big smile, opening the passenger door for her.

She stomped her foot on mine and sat with a glare. I chuckled, closed the door and quickly walked to the driver’s seat.

“Chale?” I asked, putting on my seat belt. She looked away with a hmm.
(Shall we go?)

Shaking my head with a smile, I drove to the most important place for me. She made herself comfortable and closed her eyes.

After a few minutes of peaceful driving and my love sleeping quietly beside me, she asked, opening her eyes, adjusting them to the bright sunlight, “Where are we going? This is not the way to the CBI office.”

“We are not going to the office. I got a half day off for both of us. Now go back to sleep,” I said, taking a smooth left turn.

“Then where are we going?” she asked, sitting up straight.

“Humare ghar,” I replied as I pulled into the driveway of the place where it all started.
(Our home.)

Author's Pov

“Boss woh dono ladkiya aagyi hai,” a man in his thirties said, knocking lightly.
(Boss those two girls are here.)

The boss wordlessly gestured for him to bring the girls in. The man nodded and returned with two fragile looking girls.

They were visibly uncomfortable in the above knee length dresses they were wearing. Their faces, covered in heavy makeup, looked anything but okay.

“What is your name?” the boss asked, looking at the girls from head to toe.

The girls flinched visibly and one of them stuttered, “A-Amelia a-and Z-zasha.”

“What beautiful names for such beautiful girls,” he said, walking toward them.

“Do you know why you are here?” he asked. The girls shook their heads in fear, choking on a sob.

“Oh poor babies,” he said, letting his hands roam over their bodies, making both girls flinch with discomfort and take a step back.

“DON'T STEP BACK,” he spat. The girls burst into tears of fear.

“St—” he was about to say something but was interrupted when a man barged into the room, huffing heavily.

“TERI HIMAAT KAISE HU ANDAR AANE KI,” he shouted, glaring at the man who had just entered.
( How dare you enter inside?)

“B- boss woh Zeeshan Kapoor,” the man said, breathing hard.
(B-boss that Zeeshan Kapoor.)

“KYA KARA USNE?” he asked, gesturing for the girls to leave.
(What did he do?)

“Uske aadmiyon ne humara ek shipment uda dia,” he replied, looking down.
(His men bombed our shipment.)

“ZEESHAN KAPOOR,” he screamed, throwing everything that came in his way.

“MAAR DO,” he added, throwing a glass wine bottle at the wall in front of him. It shattered into pieces, spilling red liquid everywhere, making him laugh psychotically.
(KILL HIM.)

“Boss,” that man said, widening his eyes.

“MAAR DO USKO AUR USKE AADMIYO KO. AUR AGLI BAAR APNI MANHOOS SHAKAL MAT DIKHANAA MUJHE,” he said, glaring dangerously at him. The other man flinched visibly and nodded before leaving.
(KILL HIM AND HIS MEN AND DON'T SHOW YOUR UNFORTUNATE FACE TO ME AGAIN.)

Another person's POV

“Did you inform Ayesha about our flight taking off?” a man in his thirties asked his wife.

“Mhm, I did. She will be sending someone to pick us up,” she replied, gently patting their six month old baby girl.

“I am scared,” the woman said after a few minutes of peaceful silence.

“Don't be, love. I am with you this time,” the man said softly, taking her cold hands in his warm ones.

“What if he finds out that I am back in India?” she asked, voicing her fears.

“Then we face him together,” he replied, looking at her with every ounce of love he had in himself.

Gently patting their daughter, he whispered, “You see her? You are her everything and mine too. We would hate for you to back off now. Let's face it together, as a family this time.” His voice was soft, and as if on cue, their daughter hummed and cooed, making the couple laugh gently and contentedly.

She nodded at him with a soft, tearful smile, and he responded with a gentle kiss on her forehead.

And just then an announcement echoed through the cabin. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce that we have reached safely in India. Please fasten your seatbelt as we prepare for a safe landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport.”

The couple did as instructed, and he held her hand wordlessly, giving her as much comfort as he could.

As the plane landed, she took a deep breath, preparing herself for the things that were about to unfold.