I am Adil -- a boy from Bombay.
I'm just 20 years old, and I've been working as a bike mechanic to keep my life moving forward. I was never too interested in studies.
I have two elder sisters -- both completed their graduation through a government scheme without paying any fees, But my parents got them married off to guys like us -- mechanics.
Anyway, my elder brother-in-law -- Ashraf bhai -- is now a mechanic in Dubai, so Dilshad Aapa lives in a flat in Mumbra.
The garage where I work is owned by Santaji Bhau. He owns 15 autos and 4 tempos.
These days, I handle almost all the work at the garage. My salary is going to increase soon too. My parents, my younger brother Parvez, and my little sister Saima -- we all live in an old chawl.
Yes, it's tough, but that's our real world.
One day, a call came from my brother-in-law in Dubai.
He said --
"Dilshad Aapa is pregnant... and she gets lonely at home. I'm going back to Dubai for 3--4 months... why don't you go be with her sometimes? You sleep well in AC anyway."
Alright, let me introduce my family again:
Ammi and Abbu
→ Elder sister: Dilshad Aapa
→ second sister: Jabin Aapa
→ Me: Adil
→ Then there's Parvez and Saima -- twins, but their faces are totally different.
Right now, both of them are about to turn 18.
Until then, they help out at Abbu's kebab stall.
Saima actually enjoys the work a lot.
Parvez works as a cleaner, but the rest of the time he's glued to PUBG.
Jabin Aapa works at a beauty parlour -- she does makeup, very stylish much like malaika arora.
But my favourite is Dilshad Aapa -- she's a natural beauty just like sonakshi.
And she's also the richest one in the family.
Now I'm going to her place.
Dilshad Aapa and Saima both take after Ammi -- fair-skinned, long hair.
And me, Parvez, and Jabin Aapa -- we look like Abbu. Dusky, but fit and handsome!
I'm going to meet Dilshad Aapa after 3 years.
Since childhood, she's loved me the most.
Whenever I needed money for a school tie or anything, she never said no.
This is the first time we're meeting after COVID.
Adil reached the 9th floor.
His heart was racing -- part nervous, part excited.
He was about to congratulate Dilshad Aapa on her good news.
She was expecting... and yet, somehow, all he could think about was how it would feel to see her again. Up close.
As the lift door slid open, he adjusted his collar.
He rang the bell.
And then --
The door opened... and it felt like heaven had cracked open just for a second.
There she stood.
In a silky pink gown, soft fabric clinging gently to her curves.
Her face -- glowing, full, round with radiance.
A hint of fatigue in her eyes, but that smile... that same old smile that used to calm his storms.
"abhi yaad aai? Pagal hai kya tu?" she teased softly, and without another word, pulled him into a hug.
The scent of her hair, the warmth of her skin -- it all came rushing back.
He wrapped his arms around her, instinctively -- maybe too tightly, maybe not enough.
And for a moment, they just stood there. Holding her waist.
No words. Just heartbeats.