“Papa, you will not believe what I handled today.”
Avni’s voice entered the room before she did. Avni, a beautiful 27-year-old woman, was undoubtedly the apple of herfather’s eye. She worked at the foundation as well, standing beside him in every possible way. Bubbly and confident, always hovering over his health, chiding him for missed meals, she was everything a devoted daughter could be, in every sense of the word.
She walked in, dropping her bag on the chair, visibly tired yet still glowing with energy. “The outreach van broke down right in the middle of Southall. I had to negotiate with the mechanic, calm down two volunteers, and still make sure the ration kits were distributed.”
Mishti hid her smile. Avni was overdramatic too, in the most endearing way. She thrived on drama in every corner of her life, almost hunted for it. Give her the simplest problem, and she would turn it into a full-blown crisis. Give her a slightly cold cup of coffee, and she would declare the entire day ruined. A mild headache turned into a heroic survival story. A short power cut felt like the end of civilisation.That was Avni.
Hugging her father, she turned to Mishti. “But I got it done. Every single family received their supplies.”
“That’s why I trust you so much.” VK shook his head fondly. “But you look tired.”
“Iamexhausted,” Avni said, dramatically slumping into the chair. “I cannot wait to get home and do absolutely nothing.”
“You won’t do nothing,” he replied calmly. “You’ll eat properly, and then just go to bed. No late-night calls with that idiot either.”
She laughed, and so did Mishti. Avni had been dating someone and was soon to get married.
“You can’t call him an idiot. I love Raj.”
VK rolled his eyes. “I love him too, but that idiot has all the time in his world to call you, not spare a few minutes for me. How fair is that?”
He reached out, adjusting the scarf around her shoulders. “You even have to start packing your stuff.”
“I’ll do it, Papa. Don’t worry.”
Mishti stood there, watching them. Some bonds were beautiful to witness. Even when they reminded her of everything she never had. This wasn’t the first time she wondered about seeing them, what it would have been like to have a father who protected and loved her the same way. A man who did not leave behind the blood of an innocent, bitterness and guilt that would haunt her for a lifetime.
She pushed those thoughts away as Avni turned to her.
“Mishti, what about you? You done for the day?”
“I am,” Mishti said honestly.
“Come on then,” Avni grinned. “Let’s go out for a drink. One soft drink for you, obviously. You need to loosen up.”
Mishti smiled, shaking her head. “I think I’ll pass today.Youneed rest more than I do. And tomorrow you’re visiting the Hounslow shelter again, right? So, better sleep early.”
Avni groaned. “Oh, yes. Early morning.”
VK nodded in agreement. “She’s right. You both should head home. Get rest.”
Avni stood up immediately. “Fine. We are going.” Then she pointed at him. “And you better not stay back too late. I’ll be waiting.”
“I’ll be there soon, my dear,” he assured her.
She picked up her bag, gave another hug to her father and turned to Mishti. “I’ll drop you off to your studio. I’m heading that way anyway.”
Mishti hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”
As they walked out together, VK watched them leave with a quiet smile on his face. Somewhere along the way, working together at the NGO, Avni and Mishti had grown close as friends.Almost sisters.Mishti trusted her and cared for herdeeply. And Avni, in her own vibrant way, had accepted Mishti without questions or conditions.
They were walking toward the parking area when Avni’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and scoffed dramatically, turning to Mishti.
“See? Now he decides to call. After making me wait the entire day.”
Mishti couldn’t help the soft chuckle that escaped her. “That’s because his day has just started for him,” she said gently. “It’s only afternoon in India, Avni. Let the man breathe at least.”
Avni grinned, knowing she was right. “Don’t take his side,” she whispered, before answering the call.
