"Happy Birthday!"

• ♡ •

It was late afternoon, Heer sat on the bed with Advika cuddled up in her arms. They had a lazy day. Everyone in the troupe had wished Heer when she had gone down for her morning rehearsals. Advika had tagged along with her. Almost everyone knew that her husband and daughter had come down to surprise her on her Birthday. Kabir hadn't spoken to her ever since he came back into the room after breaking a sweat.

Heer was disputed in her thoughts ever since the confrontation they had had in the morning. Kabir walked in back into the room and sat on the bed. Advika hurriedly looked at him and he nodded. Heer looked on trying to understand their silent conversation. Advika got off the bed promptly and rushed to the suitcase. She returned with a huge box wrapped in elegant light pink colored gift wrapper. It wasn't the blingy kind but a very sophisticated one, it screamed it was Kabir's choice.

Advika had a vast smile on her face, "This is your gift from the two of us!" She spoke, giving Kabir a toothy grin.

Heer smiled taking it, her curious eyes stuck on the note pasted on the top corner. "Thank you," she spoke, her hand turning the cuboid box to read the note.

Happy Birthday to the world's most wonderful woman.

You're simply the best we could ask for. 

With Lots of Love,

Kabir & Advika.

The ghost of a smile appeared on Heer's face. That was definitely Kabir's words written in Advika's small cursive handwriting. "That's so sweet, thank you!" Heer smiled at Advika, her eyes quickly moving to glance at Kabir. His eyes were fixed on her. Oh, those eyes seemed to be saying a lot. She quickly tore the gaze away from him and started unwrapping her gift. First came out a dress. It was a honey yellow summer dress that frilled sleeves. It had prints of white flowers and dark green leaves. It was simple yet beautiful. Heer loved the feel of the fabric. She picked up the dress, analyzing the length of the dress, she could say it would end at her knees. She loved it, it was something she would have picked up among hundreds others. 

"Did you like it?" Advika asked excitedly. 

"Like?" Heer said with distaste. "I love it!"

Advika grinned, "Yay, open that box now..."

Heer's lips formed into a smile seeing her excitement, "okay," she picked up the small jewelry box and opened it. Before her lay on the velvet bed of the box a double leaf shaped, long dangling earring. "Gosh, this is so pretty," Heer spoke gently tracing her finger over the metal. Her eye scanned the name printed on the lid of the box that read Chandani Jewlers. Damn, those were definitely made of gold. 

"Now this," Advika spoke handing her another box. It wasn't hard to guess that it was footwear. She opend the box to find dark green colored wedges that went perfectly with the dress. Her mouth dropped in sheer admiration of the pair of heels. The wedges seemed to be between two to three inches. Just how much height she liked. "It's perfect," Heer smiled.

"Yay! So Paa and me passed on all three levels."

"You guys went shopping for me?" Heer asked Advika her gaze moving upto meet Kabir's eyes. His eyes simply looked back at her, this time filled with softness. It was hard to not feel anything looking at him. However, Heer managed to keep her emotions in check.

"We ordered the dress and heels online, and went to the shop to buy earrings." Advika answered, "now quickly go and change."

"Why?" Heer asked with a  frown.

"Come on," Advika said holding her hand. "Go wear these..."

"But..." Heer spoke looking up at Kabir.

He shrugged his shoulders. Disappointed at his lack of intervention she glanced back at Heer. "Come on mom, you're the Birthday girl you need to wear your birthday dress."

Heer knew there was no way she could escape Advika's pleas. She quickly changed into the dress wearing the earrings and heels too. She left her brown hair open. She loved how she looked. It had been a while since she had got a dress that made her look pretty. She stepped out of the washroom to find her daughter waiting in anticipation. Her compliment came swiftly by, "Mom, you look so pretty!" 

Heer smiled her cheeks tightening as a blush replaced when she noticed Kabir watching her with parted lips. 

"Come fast," Advika said holding Heer's hand to guide her back to the bed. Heer noticed the iPad in Kabir's hands. Once she settled beside him, he tur ed the screen. Heer's smiled wavered, staring at waving people. Kabir's parents, Misha and Rohan, Maanav and Esha, and also her mother and her brother were on the call. She was further surprised to find Varsha's parents join the call. 

"On the count of 1, 2 , 3..." Misha spoke smiling widely and everyone began singing the Birthday song for her. Heer's lips parted, her eyes immediately looking at Kabir. 

He slid his right hand into her, "smile!"

It took a lot for Heer to not break into tears. She couldn't even remember the last time someone had put genuine efforts to make her Birthday a memorable day. She stared at the screen to find her mom staring at her struggling to keep herself from crying. Heer's hold on Kabir's hand tightened as her eyes continued to look at the happy faces singing her birthday song. Even though it wasn't in synchronicity it was beautiful. Heer smiled biting her tongue inside.

"Happy Birthday Heer!" Mish squealed, and everyone else dropped by a lone or two to wish her. Her attention was on the screen but her hand tightly held Kabir's. 

Kabir couldn't take his eyes off her. By the tight hold of her hand he knew that she was holding back a lot. Maybe Misha made the day for Heer after he screwed up. 

"Thanks, everybody," Heer smiled, "this... was a wonderful surprise." Kabir noticed how Heer had unconsciously snaked her arm around Advika's waist. Suddenly he was seeing a new, deeper layer of Heer. She was more hurt than he thought she was. She had wounds hidden deep. He didn't know what caused them. He didn't know if they were even healed. But her beautiful smile hid a lot of pain. And unknowingly he had added another scar to her. 

"I hope Kabir told you that it was my idea that he should pay you a visit," Maanav spoke up.

"No way! It was my idea and partly Misha's." Kabir countered.

"Hey, most of it was mine. You two can't come up with good gifts." Misha challenged. 

"Hey, it was my idea too..." Advika complained and everyone started laughing while Heer placed a kiss on her forehead whispering a, "I know it was yours!"

The call didn't last long, Heer barely spoke to her mother or brother. Kabir also noticed his mother's plight when Heer spoke longer to Varsha's parents and bis parents than her. Her brother simply disappeared while her mother stayed. 

"Okay then, the three of you have fun." Misha said on an ending note.

"Yeah, have fun!" Maanav winked while Esha smiled nudged him. 

"It was so good talking to you all, take care and keep in touch!" Esha spoke smiling and waving. 

"And have fun!" Maanav winked grabbing his wife's hand.

"Maanav get off the screen!" Misha screamed.

"You have fun too!" He remarked his voice laced with amusement. Heer couldn't help but chuckle.

"Thank you for all your wishes!" Heer spoke smilingly, waving at them. "Bye!"

Once Kabir took the iPad back onto his lap did Hee realize that her fingers were interlaced with Kabir's. She looked down at their hands and then up at him. His attention was on the screen. She slowly released the grip of his fingers, gradually pulling her hand back stealthily. 

Kabir's lips twitched up in amusement, he kept staring at the screen as she broke their sweaty hold. "Advika, you ready to go sightseeing?" 

"Yes!" She squealed.

"Let me change," Heer spoke getting of the bed.

"No. This looks nice."

"But, sweetie, I can't walk in heels."

"Wear shoes but don't change the dress." Advika suggested.

Heer sighed, looking at the dress, her white canvas shoes would go fine with the dress actually. 

"Paa, get up." Advika walked to the bed to hurry her father to get off the bed. Heer glanced at him as he got off the bed and walked to pick his shoes up. He looked at her but said nothing. It was harder to be around him after everything that had happened and pretend as though nothing had happened.

* * *

Heer had slept with Advika curled up in her arms again. Heer didn't want to part with Advika. Since the last evening, Kabir had barely spoken to her. There was a sudden vacuum between them. Heer hated how things had changed. Advika and Kabir were ready to fly back to Mumabi. She still had a few shows and hence few days of traveling remaining. She wasn't the only one who was upset. Advika was visibly irritated at the thought of going back home. The girl wouldn't leave her side. 

"I don't want to go," she mumbled sitting beside her, her face pressed against Heer's side. Heer put an arm around her placing her cheek against Advika's head. 

"I will be home soon," Heer assured her, rubbing her arm affectionately.

Advika's frown didn't fade, her hand rested on Heer's thigh. She didn't say anything. Heer glanced at her with a heavy heart. She didn't want to part with Advika as well. She looked up to find Kabir looking at them. He held her gaze for a few fleeting seconds before indicating to Heer that it was time for them to leave. 

She nodded, "Come on Advi, time to fly back home." She patted her back.

"I don't want to," Advika said in a hushed cry, hugging her tighter.

"Advika, you won't even know how days pass and I will be with you. Now, be a good girl and go wash your face."

Advika reluctantly got up from the bed and walked towards the washroom.

"Heer, stay here. I don't think you should come to the airport with us." He spoke softly his gaze stuck to the washroom.

"Yeah, she's upset. It will be better if I see her off from here." Heer agreed. Advika walked out. Heer smiled getting off the bed. "Come on let's get you to the taxi. Do you want roll this bag out?" Heer asked pointing to the small roll-on suitcase. 

"Yes," Advika answered.

Heer tried to keep her smile in place. But seeing them get on the taxi was so hard. She had gotten too attached to them. "We will talk everyday!" She said kissing Advika's cheek.

"Yes, mom!" She smiled a little. Heer's heart melted at that, her  little girl was trying to be brave. Heer took her hand off the window of the car and stepped away. Her glance reached Kabir who was waiting to get on the back seat beside Advika. She held his gaze. 

"Have a safe and happy flight home!" She wished. He nodded and was about to get on the car. But suddenly stopped and turned back. 

He took a step towards Heer, his hand hurriedly but gracefully reached her face. His fingers resting behind her ear and his thumb on her cheek. His lips pressed against her forehead to leave a goodbye kiss. "Take care," he whispered. In the blink of an eye, he had turned and sat inside the car. Heer looked on as the car moved out. Only when she saw Advika waving at her she raised her hand up to wave back. Her mind stuck at Kabir's little gesture.

That night Heer's room was filled with deafening silence. The show had wrapped up by nine. Heer had had a quiet dinner all by herself and had reached back into the room instead of sitting at the diner chatting with the team. Heer had a pillow placed on her lap, her fingers gently caressing the material. She just couldn't stop thinking about Kabir. He knew she had feelings for him just like he had for her. His soft good bye kiss was looping in her head. He had occupied most of her mind, so much that even throughout the performance she was only thinking about him. 

The knock on the door broke her out of her thoughts. She walked up to the door not caring that she was in a pair of pajamas and loose tee. 

"Dev?" She greeted him smiling. However, the smile didn't really reflect from inside. How could Kabir even ask her that dirt smearing question? 

"You okay?" Dev asked his thick eyebrows furrowing.

"Yeah, why do you ask?" Heer asked looking at him.

"You seemed a little zoned out on stage today. I have never had to give you so many cues." He explained.

"It's nothing, Dev," Heer spoke.

Dev sighed leaning against the door frame folding his arms. "I am not leaving until you tell me what is it."

Heer inhaled deeply looking away. "I am just missing them."

An instant smile made it on Dev's face. "Seems like I am becoming better at understanding you. I guessed so. That's why I got you some chocolate pastry." He grinned, and leant sideways to pick up a cloth bag he had placed by the wall. 

"Dev you didn't have to..."

"Heer, cut the formalities. I never say anything when you are there for me except thank you. Besides, I have been a little hard to handle in the past days. It's just that I don't know." He shrugged his shoulders. "I have never been so insanely attracted to someone. I mean she seems so perfect... but I went totally put of the line to get drunk to propose to her. Had you not stopped me from drunk calling her to tell I love her. I would be in a fix right now."

"Dev," Heer said cautiously studying his face. "Did you.."

A grin broke out on his face. "Yep. I flirted and asked her out on a date. She said okay."

"Wow." Heer mumbled wondering if she should share with Dev the little she had learned about Shalini. "Now I understand why you are treating me with that!" She smiled, a genuine curve this time.

He grinned, "Well, two birds one stone," he winked.

"I am happy for you, Dev!" She spoke taking the bag from him. 

"Thanks Heer!" He uttered gratefully looking into her eyes.

"Listen Dev, I know you like Shalini alot. But she's been through bitter relationships before. I just want you to know that."

"If that's your way of telling me to not screw up and hurt her, I totally heard it." He smiled.

Heer giggled, "Good then, good night. Let me have my pastry in peace."

Dev chuckled, "good night!"

Heer had barely shut the door when her phone rang. She hurriedly left the cover on the table to get her phone. A bright smile made it to her face as she caught the caller id. She hurriedly ran her hand through her hair, only to realize she had it in a bun. She unrolled her hair glancing at the mirror, as she settled them. Taking a deep breath she received the call sitting comfortably on the bed.

"Hey!" She greeted, slightly disheartened to not see Kabir.

"Hi, mom!" Advika squealed, the happy smile on her face made Heer's lips curve upward. 

There was no trace of Kabir. Advika went on telling Heer about their flight, how it had rained heavily in the evening and about her father letting her help at preparing paneer pie that they had for dinner. Heer's stomach let out a grumble as though unhappy about missing out on the pie. Their conversation went on while a little part of Heer waited for Kabir to show up. 

"Advika, time to sleep!" She heard Kabir from the other end. Won't he show up on the screen to talk to her? Heer wondered.

"Okay,Paa." Advika's answered.

Heer smiled, "have a good night sleep," she blew a flying kiss to Advika who pretended to have caught it and rubbed it on her cheek.

"I miss you.." she said softly.

"Ask, Paa to give you a bear hug from my side too!" Heer spoke, her eyes fondly looking at the screen. Heer was thrown into an abyss of wonderment at times. The connect she had with Advika was so strong, it was as though she was a part of her. She felt her eyes growing moist.

"Here say good night to Paa," Advika spoke turning the iPad.

Kabir smiled waving at the front camera. "Good night, Heer."

"Good night, Kabir!" Heer said softly. He barely glanced towards the screen and then looked at his phone again. What on earth was so important that he couldn't take a few minutes to wish her proper good night? 

The call ended leaving Heer with a restless feeling. Was he ignoring her? It was good if he was, wasn't it? They wouldn't end up being pulled to each other. But, hell, it bothered her. At least a proper talk on the phone. She sat lost in her thoughts. Up until now she was angry at Kabir for greater reasons like questioning her character, and now she was mad at him for not talking to her properly. The man would drive her crazy. And then that was that forehead kiss he had showered upon her before leaving. She was weirdly craving to be around him. 

* * *

The flight had been tiring. Heer was tired, nervous and still excited at the prospect of seeing Advika and Kabir. The flight had delayed, as a result of which jet flight had landed at eleven at night instead of ten. Kabir had said he would be picking her up. It had been a little more than a week than she had last seen them when they had been at Kolkata. The ending of their tour had been tiring, especially because the play had been shot to be aired on OTT media service platforms. 

"Heer, Kabir is coming to pick you up?" Dev asked as they walked out of the airport building towards the parking. 

"Of course he is!" Shalini answered. Dev looked at her puzzled. 

She smirked, "did you not notice how she touched up her look soon after entering the building?" 

"Rubbish." Heer discarded Shalini's theory. She didn't know Shalini was that observant. She had simply made he herself look presentable after the tiring flight. It was definitely not for Kabir. She glanced at Dev, "Yes, he is coming." 

Dev grinned. "You two are adorbs." He remarked.

"I agree. I haven't seen a couple so in love after what...twelve years of marriage!"

Heer stiffened slightly at the assumption, but didn't say anything to that. Dev's brother had summoned his driver to leave a car at the airport parking for him apparently. Dev had offered to drop Shalini home and she had agreed without the slightest of resistance. The two of them seemed happy. Although they hadn't still told her that they were together yet.

"Heer, isn't that your sister in law?" Dev asked pointing to a woman, Heer immediately turned in the direction. 

"Yes, that's Misha and ..Advika!" Heer completed with child like glee hurriedly walking in their direction followed by the other two. 

"Misha! Advi!"

"Mom!" Advika squealed running to hug her. Heer quickly kept her suitcase aside and kneeled down to give Advika a proper hug.

Misha smiled heartily looking at the two of them. Heer was such a perfect fit into the lives of her brother and Advika. She greeted Dev remembering him from Advika's Birthday party. He introduced her to Shalini. 

Heer was surprised to find Misha. She hugged her. "So good to see you!" Misha gave a wide smile in response. Heer's eyes looked around. 

Misha note that and grinned. "Your dear husband went to look for parking. Let me tell him that you are here already." Misha spoke putting her phone to her ear."

Few minutes later, an SUV pulled up beside them. Heer's heart plummeted in anticipation. Should she pretend to not be excited? What if the others thought something was wrong between them? Should she say a hi? Or hug him? Her thinking didn't last long as Kabir approached her. Her eyes met his deep brown ones. 

"Hey!" He smiled putting his arms around her shoulder. Blowing a kiss in air beside her ear. 

"Hey!" She smiled putting her hand on his shoulder. This was awkward than she had assumed. He pulled away, "how was your flight?"

"Good," Heer answered unable to think clearly. Wait, her flight was awfully tiring. She turned to find Kabir greeting Dev and Shalini. 

"What a homecoming!" Shalinibremarked impressed. "Seems like you were most definitely missed a lot."

"Totally!" Misha smiled.

Heer giggled looking at Misha.

"Do you guys want me to drop.." Kabir offered like the perfect gentleman.

"No, no. Actually my car is here in the parking. I will drop Shalini." Dev explained. Kabir nodded looking between the two of them. 

"Okay, then good night!" Dev spoke turning to the other ladies.

"Bye cutie!" Shalini waved at Advika.

"Bye!" Advika waved shyly her other hand still tightly wrapped around Heer's.

As the duo left Kabir looked at the ladies, "Shall we?"

While Advika climbed up into the back seat of the car, Kabir leaned closer to Heer, "Misha fought with Rohan. Don't be delusional that she came to pick you up!"

"Shut up, Bhai!" Misha muttered annoyed pushing him away. 

Kabir chuckled which caused Heer's lips to curve up graciously. She looked at him while he was making a face at Misha. Something seemed off. She couldn't put a finger on it. But Kabir didn't seem like the same guy who kissed her good bye. He was back to being... distant. Or so she felt.