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4 years later

Arohi's POV:

"Congratulations, Arohi, your design has been selected. You will be designing for the show this time," the room echoed with applause as everyone congratulated me.

I rose from my seat, shaking hands with my manager. Eva and Jules enveloped me in a hug.

"You did it, babe," Eva said with a grin.

"I knew you'd be selected. Now we'll work with the coolest designs," Jules exclaimed excitedly, as Leia, our manager, chuckled at our enthusiasm.

"Okay, okay, guys, enough. Let me breathe," I chuckled, trying to catch my breath amidst their excitement.

"Your designs are really good, Arohi," Max said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Max," I replied, feeling a sense of pride in my work.

"Um, Arohi, would you like to go out tonight?" Max asked hesitantly.

I raised a brow at his question, chuckling softly. "I'm sorry, Max, I am really busy. Some other time, surely," I replied politely

As I made my way to my cabin, I immersed myself in my work, going through designs and plans. Time seemed to slip away as I lost myself in the intricacies of my projects. Checking the time I realized it was already 5 o'clock. Packing my belongings, I bid bye to my colleagues before stepping out into the gentle London breeze.

"Abhishek," I heard someone shout, and my body tensed at the sound of that name. Shivers ran down my spine as memories flooded back. Slowly, I turned around to see two boys, and I released the breath I didn't know I was holding.

Taking deep breaths to calm myself, I boarded the bus, settling into the window seat and gazing out at the passing scenery.

4 years. It had been four years since I left everything behind – my family, my friends, and my husband, Abhishek Mehra. A sad smile tugged at my lips as I remembered them. I missed them all – my parents, my grandparents, Ashu, Nikhil, Riti, Varun, Sameer, and him. Memories of our time together flooded my mind, bringing a mix of emotions – love, longing, and nostalgia.

I remember the day I left home, with nowhere to go but the airport. The confirmation from London University for a student exchange program had been sitting in my inbox, but I ignored it until then. I had enough savings to buy a ticket, I took a leap of faith and landed in this new city. Luck favored me, and I landed an internship with a renowned designer, eventually securing a job.

Everything was going smoothly there in Mumbai. Finally we were making progress in our marriage but then my life turned upside down. A lone tear escaped my eye. The bus came to stop, getting down I move towards my apartment.

Arriving at my apartment, I longed to hug my parents and tell them how much I missed and loved them. Though I had made friends in London, none could fill the void left of Riti and Sameer. I wondered what they were doing now, and if he remembered me, or if he had moved on with his life, building a family of his own. I wish if I could just forget him...

"MUMMA" "MUMMA"

I  smile to myself, I guess I can never forget him, when I have got these two little reminders of him that are always with me. I smile looking at my babies who are running towards me and bend down to engulf them in a hug.

"How many times have I told you, don't run like this" and they both smile sheepishly and kiss my cheeks and run away. I laugh at them. Like father like kids.

Yes kids. Mine and Abhishek's. : Abhir and Abhira. The reason of my living. My sunshines. Their name means fearlessness, strength, and charm. And they are just like their father. They both are a perfect blend of us. Abhir got his eyes from his father and Abhira got hers' from me. Their lips are just like their father, and they look the exact replica of their father when they pout.

I wash shocked when I got to know I am pregnant, but then I remembered that I forgot to take the pills that day. The doctor suggested me to go for an abortion as I was just 20. But I couldn't. I couldn't get myself to let go of the baby that kept connected me with Abhishek. How could I kill our baby? I was contemplating but it all ended when the doctor told me that I am pregnant with twins. I decided to keep the babies and it was the best decision of my life. Though it was difficult at times but worth every penny. They gave me a reason to live. To be away from him but still be close to him.

"Mumma I wan p-cakes" Abhira said with a pout.

"Ok mera bacha, I'll make it" I say pecking her pout and she giggles. (My baby)

"Abhir bacha what do you want" he made a thinking face and then there was this mischievous glint in his eyes. I squinted my eyes at him when he said "Bulgellllll"

"No. No burger" I narrowed my eyes at him. Abhira giggled and he glared at her.

"Bhai, bulgel not healthy" said like the grandmother she is.

"Shut up Ru"

I wore my apron and started preparing pancakes, while these two got back to their playing. They really are just like their father, always making mess here n there. But yeah one glare from me and they will clean it like good babies.

"Mumma see I male ths" Abhira came with her drawing book. For a 3 year old, her drawing skills are tooo good. At least she got something from me, huff. (See I made this)

"It's wonderful bacha. Now Abhir Abhira wash your hand and come have your pancakes" I call out placing their plates on their high chairs. They come running and sit on their chairs. "Yummy" they said together.

Taking one last look at them I go to my room to freshen up. I take a quick shower and change into comfy clothes. When I go out I'm met with silence. Well this is fishy.

When I enter the kitchen my eyes are wide open. These two are not only bundle of joy but also a bundle of trouble. The whole kitchen is a mess. They must have tried to take something out but it led to things falling on the floor. I shake my head and clean it.

"Mumma" I turn around to see Abhir. I pull him up on the counter and in sweet voice he says "solly. Ru wanted choco so I tak out nd everthng fell" (sorry, Ru wanted chocolate so I was take out and everything fell)

Abhir always fulfills his younger sister's wishes, even if it means getting into trouble. They both may fight the whole day but when it comes to his sister, Abhir is always on alert. He loves her dearly and she does the same. Just she is a little too trouble maker and he is a little too mature.

I kiss his nose and he giggles "It's okay bacha. But don't give her chocolates all the time okay" he nods like a good baby. I put him down and he rushes back to his toys.

I cleaned the mess and played with my babies. Their laughs and giggles are the best part of my day. Later at night Caroline also came back from her trip. We share the same apartment and Caroline was way too happy after listening to my pregnancy. She helped me throughout the years and especially with the kids. She adores them a lot while they trouble her a lot.

Looking at them sleep soundly makes my heart flutter that I made these two.  I miss him every day, but in Abhir and Abhira, I found my solace and love beyond measure. They are a constant reminder of the love we shared, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sometimes I just want to call him and tell him about the babies, but I am afraid. What if he says he doesn't want anything with our babies? What if even after knowing about them he chooses Malvika and her baby? I was hurt years back, I don't want my kids to go through the same. I will not let anyone hurt them, even if that person is their own father. I will protect them from the whole world....

To be continued…