It has been five days since Manik left... yet again! 

Sometimes I believe; we are not meant to be. But that doesn't change the fact I love him and will love him forever? Maybe not! Maybe till I get someone to love again if that's possible.
But one thing is sure; I never regret loving him. And it is just the fate, the destiny is written for us not being together.

Not everyone on this earth gets together with the one they love. Many don't. And I'm one of those many.

so, No hard feelings!

I smiled looking at myself in the mirror and brushing the invisible dust over my black saree. Among the few collections of my dresses n sarees, this one is the only one I found suitable for wearing on the party.

Yes! Now, we three are getting ready for the birthday party of Ria Sharma, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Sharma who has names in clothing export n import business. So, obviously their party will be entertaining elegant n famous persons, so we need to be conscious.

If not for Ria being Naina's best friend, I'd not have allowed them going to such rich parties where we are uncomfortable in every step. But I don't want my daughter to be sad.

"Mummaa... How do I look?" I heard Naina shouting while running to me and whirled around to show her frock.

This one I bought her yesterday when she complained that she didn't have a dress to wear at her best friend's birthday party. Even though it looks so simple pink dress, but it cost me 1,099 rupees from savings.

"You're looking like a princess, my Naina" I hugged her looking at her excitement n smiling face.

"Mumma, how should I do my hair?" She asked confused staring at herself in the mirror. Now she's talking like a big 'girl'.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I spoke "Just leave ur hairs open with clips. You look pretty." I did her hair while she got engaged in applying powder, my face cream, the lip-balm on her lips, and every little thing I had on the dressing table. She's really behaving like a grownup girl over-conscious about her looks!

"Mumma, I'm ready!" A voice from my back made me turn to the door only to see my hero standing with a smile looking no less than a film-star.

He'd worn his birthday dress with his favorite goggles. My mature boy, Neel!

"Wow... My prince is ready. Even I'm all ready. Is my princess ready?" I asked turning to Naina who's still busy with her make-up touch-up.

"Two minutes Mumma" She yelled not looking away from the mirror. I & Neel shared a look before shooking our head knowingly.

"Come soon. We're waiting in the living room." I & my hero walked out n he sat on the sofa while I checked the gas n windows close before we go out.

"Are you sure, you don't wanna buy her any gifts, only a card will do?" I asked while closing the living room's window.

I found it very weird when two days before Naina told me, we don't need to buy Ria a gift as she n Neel has made her a big birthday card. I know, even I can't afford any expensive gifts that she'd get from others, but at least we should buy her something or other when we're going to her party.

"Yes, Mom. We've made card for her. Let me bring it." Neel ran inside the room while I sighed.

Even if they denied buying any gifts, but still as their mother, I've bought a big Cadbury Celebrations, that they could gift along with the card.
Hope that would be enough!

"Mumma..." I heard Neel's voice n looked at his direction only to see him holding a half-chart paper size pink card on his hands carefully walking towards me.
They've denied showing me their card until it's done n they both have been engrossed making it since the morning till now, evening.

The moment Neel placed the card carefully on the round table, I gasped... in surprise with the beauty of the card.

"It's beautiful" words came out almost automatically from my lips while Neel stood with a satisfied grin on his face.

"I did the art while Naina crafted the butterfly as our craft mam taught us." Neel spoke.

I knew my children are gifted with art, especially Neel's drawings are so good; he's brought many prizes for it too, and I've planned to give them Art classes for which I'm saving money too.

"I'm ready. Let's go. We're late" Naina came out, finally! And we three reserved an auto to our destination.

I know, it's too much expenses today for the party, but couldn't help it. We're dressed up and having gifts that need to be held carefully so, riding a crowded bus is not an option.

---------------

We reached a bungalow which is lighted n decorated outside inside with many cars parked aside. Walking inside, we got a full party atmosphere; lights, flowers, and balloons everywhere with most of Ria's friends n classmates with their parents are present.

While Naina n Neel ran to Ria n their friends, I walked up to their parents whom I recognize during the parents' meets. Most of them have worn designer dresses, elegant gowns with sparkling necklaces n earrings while I've put on a simple pendant n earrings that I bought from the Mela.

It really doesn't bother me what am I wearing, how am I looking, how poor am I. But I don't want my children to be teased, talked about, looked down on because of this. That's what I fear of!

Soon, they called for cake cutting and all the children surround Ria who's in cute fancy dress clapping for her wearing cone caps.

And finally, after feeding cakes with lots of wishes n hoots, the children started giving their gifts to her...
Neel already has the card with him but the chocolate is with me, so I walked searching for them in the crowd of children...

Where are they?  I got worried not finding them around Ria n other kids. They were here a moment ago.

Oh God!

When I was searching for them everywhere around... I suddenly spot Naina running into the crowd towards Ria holding a gift-wrapped box and Neel behind her holding the card and they gifted Ria who happily accepted that and opened along with others.

But the question is: Where did that gift box come from? I don't remember buying any!

I walked towards them only to hear a loud scream of Ria "Oh My God! A Make-up Kit. Thank you so much, Naina & Neel"

They all seemed too happy. Naina is smiling brightly with her achievement of gifting her best friend, the desirable gift. Neel is also smiling, every kid is excited with the unwrapping of gifts...

But I felt strange worries in me... Where did they get that gift? That's expensive!

Did they steal someone's gift?

Or Did they stole money to buy this? When? How? Where?

This is why they're denying me to buy any gifts! Now I understood!

They both looked so happy in involved with their friends, but I need to ask them what's going on? I need the answers.

I called Neel silently to a corner not wanting to create a scene here. I'll see Naina afterward, Let's first deal with the mature one!

"Where are we going, Mumma?" Neel asked while we walked to the corner. I turned to him after I checked around to see no one looking or hearing us.

"Where do you get that Make-up kit for Ria?" I asked sternly while he became serious n stiff.

Please don't tell me that you steal. I would feel failed!

"Sorry Mumma" he paused looking down while I looked at him with all my attention. "Someone gave this to gift her and told not to tell you, so we hide it from you. Maaf kardo please (Please forgive me)"

I'm shocked hearing to his confession. "Who gave you?" I asked but somewhere one name washing my mind which I ignored as it can't be true.

"MM" He pointed to the far end and I just turned my head in complete shock.

Manik!

There he was in suit-boot talking with the hosts, Mr. & Mrs. Sharma with a glass of juice on his hand.

What is he doing here?

I just keep on staring at him as if no one else exists in spite of the crowd around. Even Neel has slipped back to his friends.

He turned to held my eyes as if he could feel my intense stares on him... he smiled a bit at me before a lady in red gown block our view coming between us and started talking to him.

Piya!  I instantly recognize that lady in red.

I felt a pang of hurt and pain in my hearts even though I know... I understand we can't be together, we are not together.
But still, it's certain to feel this string of pain n jealousy seeing the one you love with someone else.

Not being able to control the waves of emotions washing my broken heart and the tears threatening to come out on their own being so stubborn, I just turned back and walked ahead wherever it takes me... away from him.

I know my children are safe inside with their friends, but I need to clear up my mind and lock up my heart.

Walking through the narrow corridor with dim lights leading the way, I reached the open air, the lawn, where I halted my steps and stood watching t the dark starless sky.

After Manik left that day...

I've known somewhere... even though the love n care I saw in his eyes is not false at that time, but time has changed now... the situation has changed.

Destiny has played its game... the cruel game.

If... Only if that one night would have been different for the good, maybe now, Nandini and Manik would have different lives than they have now. Neel n Naina would be calling me as 'Aunt' when I'd visited them with chocolates.

Not that I regret having those two innocent souls in my life, rather I'm glad that I'm being regarded as their mother. But I really miss the presence of other two close ones in my life; Neha Di and Manik!

"Nandini" A familiar soothing voice hit my ears from behind and I know who is it. I didn't turn.

I heard the footsteps approaching and finally, the person came in front.

"Nandini" he again took my name looking into my eyes... and I felt so good. I smiled.

"Hi, Manik! What a surprise! I didn't expect to meet you here?" I spoke casually.

"Yeah! It's indeed a surprise!" he uttered not looking away from my face as if printing my picture on the mind.

"So, why are you here? And what's the need of buying that gift for Naina? I'd have managed." I asked as I never want anyone's mercy or pity on me. I know I can't afford, but taking someone's money like this, hurts my self-esteem.

"I know Mr. Sharma in business. And about the gift, It made Naina happier." Then he gazed down murmuring to himself "For the good start" I couldn't hear him.

"What?" I asked to which he looked at me & shook his head in 'no'.

"Can you please come with me somewhere?" he asked out of blue.

"What? Now?" he nodded.

"But... now... Neel n Naina are-" he cut me off.

"--I've told my men to keep an eye on them. We'll be back in less than an hour. Please" He held pleading eyes.

"O-Okh" I gave in the protest looking at his eyes and we both got into his car n he drove away.

------------------------

"This place?" I looked questioningly towards Manik who's already looking at my expressions. He nodded and I just step forward to cherish this place of our memory; Our place.

The five years back Manik n Nandini would trespass this disputed property which is attached to a lake and its beauty is multiplied by the old willow tree bending to touch the water.

They had so many memories of here when they used to bunk their classes and run here to spend some time together watching the sunset view on the lake, sitting on the bench. Sometimes a guard would come to shoo them from this disputed land and they'd still come stealthily.

Recalling the moments, Nandini turned her head towards the signboard at her right which used to state that 'It's disputed land'... but now what's written on it shocked her and her eyes widen to recheck if she read it right in nightlight.

"Private property. Owned by Mr. Manik Malhotra, owner of MM Heights" It reads.

"Y-You... bought this?" She asked him shocked.

"Yes! You never wanted this place to turn into a hotel, right! You like it as it is." He turned to look ahead at the lake. "It's still... as it is."

Nandini got overwhelmed hearing his words... 'He remembers' she thought and smiled.

They walked ahead nearing the bench, cool breeze hitting them making Nandini shiver as the wind passed her silk saree touching her bare skin. Just when she's wrapping her arms around herself, she felt a warm fabric covering her; Manik's coat.

She looked up to see him standing close in front, adjusting his coat on my shoulders before backing away and looking at the reflection of the full moon on the still water of the lake.

"You remember! The last time we came here together, you've wished to get married here in Christian wedding style wearing a long white gown and holding flowers." He spoke after a comfortable chilling silence, looking ahead at the lake water under moonlight. While I just recalled the memory rather than giving him any reply.

It's true! I always fantasize about the Christian weddings; their dress-up: white gown and tuxedo, their vows: 'i do' part and the kiss sealing it, and the flower that the bride holds...
It sounds childish, I know!

"Every time I come here, sit under the tree, and look at the lake for a long time, I could feel you with me.
All these years, when I worked hard n hard only to show you... that you did the wrong choice choosing him above me. I wanna prove that I'm not poor, even if I couldn't gift you cards n expensive gifts that every girl wishes to get from her lover, I could still wish you with my presence and hugs n kisses. Even if I couldn't take you on long drive rides, but I still could walk with you, hands in hands down the lane. Even if I couldn't arrange dates in the restaurant, I still can buy you a cone of ice-cream which we could share sitting at the roadside benches.

My parents were from the lower class who work really hard to earn three meals a day and want their only son to study hard n get a job and settle their financial problem. I've always been attached to you since you made me feel comfortable among all those rich students in our college. I used to feel that you understand me, my problems, and you didn't judge me due to my poverty status. When everyone just wanted to become my friend or girlfriend due to me being a good student and having good looks, but still they talk on my back about my torn bag or me riding a cycle to college whereas others came in cars or bikes... you are the only one who never felt ashamed being with me and riding with me on the back of my cycle. 

I'm never a person who knows how to express his feelings properly in words, even I stayed away from everyone who approaches me knowing that they r only for a purpose. But when I saw your persistent efforts to make friendship with me, when you smiled away all others' comments of u being poor n orphan, I couldn't help but get attracted to you.
I liked every bit of time I spent with you, I used to wait for the night to get over so that I could meet to the next day at college, I was so worried about you when you didn't come to college for 3 consecutive days in 2nd year due to your high fever. That time I realize that I wanted to keep you to me... I'm feeling those different feelings for you.

At first, I was afraid as to what will you think if I confess it? Will you break our friendship? I never wanted that, not in my dreams! Then slowly our spending time with each other increased and I felt that you too reciprocate the same feeling for me as I do. But when I used to see you as comfortable n frank with Sid, I used to doubt it. Maybe you're this friendly and extrovert with all!

Then gathering all my might, on the Valentines' day party, I planned to propose to you. I was still afraid, nervous n scared about your reply. But somewhere I'd that hope and believe that whatever I felt in your eyes, in your gestures for me is true and I have  a chance with you... to make you my girlfriend."

By the time he paused to look in her eyes, both their eyes are welled up in tears.

"But when... I saw those with my own eyes... I felt like all those imaginary bubbles I was drawing burst loud on me... I don't know what got me, triggered me to say all those words to you... How impulsively my insecurity and anger blindfolded my functional brain and stopped my bleeding heart from running back to your arms and wiping your tears... I didn't get to know."

This time both are crying sniffing and letting out their long-held tears in front of each other.

"I tried forgetting you... but couldn't. I got to know, that even when I'm working this hard for my company, it's all because of you. I could never keep you out of my mind, even when I tried to. And I always end up here, near this lake... where a small stupid part of me hopes that maybe it'll dash into you here!" He chuckled between his tears while she felt like crying aloud.

"And I ended up uncovering the real truth version of what I saw and slipped into huge guilt of breaking ur heart and even our chance when you, yourself came forward with the love confession. How foolish I could get!" he held the sad brief smile on his lips before his watery eyes focussed on mine with intensity.

"I know, I couldn't rewind the time and make everything correct, nor my simple 'sorry' could make it back like it was 5 years ago. Even if you forgive me, I know it will never be the same. But... But I'm truly regretful for that night, for everything that brought tears on these eyes. I could never see tears on your eyes and here I'm the sole reason behind it!" He tore the eye-lock they have and looked down not knowing what more to say...

He has finally taken out everything in his heart... His eyes guarantee the truth of each n every word that came out from his mouth directly from his heart.

"I've never visited this place after our last time... Not even once. I never got the chance to" She voiced this time breaking the silence and he looked up hearing her speak.

"I won't lie saying I'm not hurt, I did not cry, I don't hate u for whatever words u spoke that night, I..." She couldn't continue anymore as her voice broke and she face-palmed herself to not show her ugly teary eyes n running nose.

Without any delay, Manik wrapped his arms around her hiding her in his chest. He wanted to snatch away all her sorrow n pain and shower all the world's happiness on her, but he did the opposite rather and regret it too. She wanted to stay close to his heart, now and always, but the situation has changed now. It's not just she n he... many lives are connected now... many things happened... many things changed, and some affected while others still unaffected!

"I'm glad... that after so many years, we met and cleared the misunderstanding." She smiled pulling back. "Even though I used to see you in news articles, I never got the courage to walk to you and talk. Maybe I could have done it if the situation would not have turned this way. We're now sorted. I know, if I've felt the pain then you too have been through the pain. That time you believed that what you saw and concluded without giving it a second that. You didn't believe the bond we share but choose to think as the world thought. I know, it's common for one to choose its comfort first above any other emotions and relation. They choose money n richness above true love. And you too thought me as one of them."

She added while Manik looked down at the ground feeling sorry. Tears are welling out of his eyes while he just cried silently looking down and this sight pained Nandini's heart. She cupped his cheeks and brushed his tears with her thumb and continued...

"In all those days we've been together as best friends, we've developed the likings, care, protection, understanding about each other. But we still lack trust. I do love you, but did I acted like one? When you're shouting and cursing me, I should have slapped you, punched you, kicked you, and made you shut up and ask u the real reason behind everything and then explain it to you, but I choose to run away. Likewise, you should have asked me once, but you choose to believe what you saw.

Now, our past is clear... but our present is complicated, you're not the same nor I'm. I'm a mother now; a single mother who's first priority is her kids. I... I love you. I loved you back then, I loved you even when you're not here with me all these years, and I still love you... But all love stories are not meant to be completed." She said and Manik stiffened but didn't look up at her eyes as he's getting the meaning of her words.

He understands that they can't just forget everything and act as nothing happened and get married n have kids. She's broken and he caused it. Moreover, she's a mother now and he needs to be a father first before her husband.

Her eyes started to moist again with fresh saline drops and she knew she can't be here for anymore. She needs to do a final closure.

"Take care Manik" she whispered and stood on her tip-toes to kiss his forehead "Goodbye" she muttered turning around to walk away.

But before she could, Manik grasped her hand whispering a "No!" He finally looked up into her eyes and her heart weighed down watching the pain in his eyes. "No! I can't let you go." She opened her mouth to say otherwise but got shushed by his cold finger over her lips causing her shiver at the contact.

"You spoke; now let me" He paused n I remained silent for him to continue "I love you. I really do. And I'm not going to let my love walk away without a fight. I don't want to loose you again.
Nandini, you deserve someone to fight for you, to stand for you, to stand with you by your side, you deserve someone to love n care for you, you deserve someone to support you in every step, not because you can't manage yourself, but because with someone... you'll enjoy every step. You deserve someone to have mischief with the kids and got scolded by you along with them. You deserve someone to cook you dinner when you return tired from office, you deserve someone to hold you in his arms every night and kiss you goodnight while you gave him ur smile brightening his existence. Please give me a chance to be that someone." He begged with his moist eyes while fresh tears rolled down her cheeks hearing his words.

She gasped when Manik knelt down on both of his knees holding her hands. "Please give me a chance to win back your trust and make you realize how much I love you. No matter how many more '5 years' it'll take; I'll do it. Please!" He pleaded, resting his forehead on the back of her hands he's holding.

Nandini's heart ached to see him like this. Her mind was telling her to walk away leaving him while her heart told her to stay and say yes; that's what she did.

"Yes!"

Manik snapped his head looking up at her before asking to be sure "Yes?"

She choked on her tears before nodding her head positively and the next moment, Manik quickly stood up pulling her in a tight hug. "Thank you! Thank you so much" he murmured into her hairs hugging her more closer to him.

They stayed in each other's arms before pulling away. Manik wiped all the tears away from her cheeks and looked at her with happiness and set of determinations " I won't let you cry... ever again!" he said earning a smile from her.

"Let's get back. Kids must be looking for you!" he voiced after they stood looking lovingly at each other for a minute. She nodded and they walked towards the car.

"You said one thing wrong!" Nandini voiced as they're walking side by side towards the car.

"What?" Manik raised his brow turning his neck to her.

"I don't work in any office" she replied scrunching her forehead.

In return, he smiled opening his car's door for her "I'll get your degree certificates to get you at my office."

Nandini kept on looking at him for quite a while since he last spoke and started driving back. She's in daze not believing everything that just happened a few minutes ago.

"Not that I don't like your eyes on me, but if you keep on staring at me with such intensity I might lose my control" His husky voice hit her ears bringing her back to earth and her face heated up with it.

She turned her head to the window enjoying the cool breeze flowing through her hairs brushing her while he silently drove back to get her kids; soon their kids!

This is not the end... but the start of 'our' journey... Again!

The separate 'you' and 'me' have now started to converge its way to 'US'.

This will be the start of a new family, You, me and my kids... No, Our kids!

With the smile playing on both their lips... there set the way ahead.

You see, every time it ends with 'I love you, will you be my girlfriend? (Or) will you marry me?' but I thought to give it something different words and thoughts. Are you happy with Manan?

SO, penny of your thoughts about the ending?

Is the ending upto ur satisfaction? Or do you want something other, like??

Most important Q. Do you guys want an epilogue?

Okay then, Love you... Stay safe!