The Inherited Library

“Mish, wake up, honey,” Raghbir whispered in Mishti’s ear. She slowly opened her eyes and was happy to see her boyfriend first thing in the morning.

“What time is it?” she asked in her sleepy voice.

“It’s time to get up before you get late for your meeting,” Raghbir replied.

“Still, tell me the time, please,” she requested.

Knowing she would get up with a jerk by listening to the time, he held her in his arms before whispering, “It’s 8:30 am.”

Mishti tried to get up, but she was locked in Raghbir’s arm, and moving was tricky. He let her go, and she quickly rushed to the washroom. On the mirror, she noticed the post-it notes and read, “Take your time while I prepare breakfast. I will drop you as well. So please relax and smile.” Mishti smiled, read the note, and kept it on the dresser before returning to the washroom.

Once ready, she joined Raghbir in the kitchen, and they both prepared coffee. Raghbir set the breakfast table, and they ate their breakfast. After finishing, they left for work.

Raghbir and Mishti met for the first time in a cafe that Mishti owned and quickly developed a close relationship. Raghbir is a famous Hollywood actor, while Mishti runs a cafe in Andheri. They have been in a steady relationship for the past five years and have lived together for two years. When they decided to live together, they introduced each other to their families. Still, it’s a secret that their families don’t know about - except for Mishti’s Naanu (Maternal Grandfather), whom she trusts and loves more than anything in the world.

“Bir, did you check the script I recommended a few days ago?” Mishti asked.

“No, not yet, Mish. The current shoot is taking all my time. But I will check it soon. If you are recommending it, it will surely be good,” Raghbir replied with a smile.

Raghbir stopped the car in front of Mishti’s cafe, and they hugged and kissed before she got out of the vehicle. “I’ll pick you up tonight,” Raghbir said, and Mishti nodded.

Mishti got busy managing her work and looking at the stock that was supposed to arrive today. She had to set a menu for the day and was waiting for her staff to come soon. The morning was always hectic for Mishti as she had to guide her staff, look at the kitchen, and mentor everything by herself. But she still loved it. Her cafe still had posters of Raghbir, and she was still his fan, but no one knew that Mishti was now in a relationship with Raghbir. They had successfully kept their relationship hidden from the outer world.

Mishti was busy in the kitchen when the manager walked in and looked at her with concern.

"Is everything okay, Rohan? You look tense." Mishti asked.

"Boss, your phone is ringing constantly. The calls are mostly from your home and your boyfriend. I think you should take the call." Rohan suggested.

Mishti nodded, walked out of the kitchen, took her phone from the desk, and left the cafe. She checked the missed calls and found they were mainly from her mother and Raghbir. She quickly dialled Raghbir's number, knowing something was off.

“Hey, Mish!” Raghbir said as soon as Mishti called him.

“Bir, what happened? Are you okay? You sound serious,” Mishti replied.

“Mish, I have booked your ticket for Jaipur; you are leaving tonight,” Raghbir said.

“What? Why so suddenly?” she inquired.

“Mish, Aunty was trying to call you, but you didn’t pick up, so she called me. Naanu isn’t keeping well. You have to go to Jaipur as soon as possible. Tell Rohan to handle everything, and I will pick you up in a few minutes. I am on my way,” he replied.

Upon hearing about her Naanu’s ill health, Mishti fell onto the ground. Her Naanu was the only person she loved the most in her family. He was her godfather, confidante, best friend, and everything. The only person she thought understood her well, besides Raghbir, was her Naanu. She never once imagined that she might lose him one day. She was still in shock when she saw Raghbir's car entering the lane of her cafe. She rushed to the car and got inside. Mishti quickly hugged him and started crying. Raghbir calmed her down, and they talked for a while. Mishti then exited the car, returned to her cafe, and told Rohan about everything. She gave him the responsibility of the cafe and left with Raghbir.

Mishti tried reaching her Naanu throughout the journey, but nobody answered her calls. Nobody responded to her calls, being her Naanu, her parents, or any other relatives, which worried her more about the situation. Finally, her brother answered the call and told her about his situation. Once she reached home, Mishti sat in front of the house temple, praying for Naanu’s health, while Raghbir packed her luggage. Then they left for the airport.

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