Malhotra Mansion

All the family members were sitting in the dining hall. Aakash was sitting on the head chair while Ashish was sitting on his right side with Nyonika beside him with Manik beside her. Varsha was seated on the opposite side of Aakash's left with Arjun sitting beside her, laughing and talking to her.  Ruhi who was seated beside Arjun got up from the seat and held a glass and spoon in her hand clinking on it.

Ruhi-" Hello everyone present here, may I have your attention please. I want to share a super good news with everyone. So can I?" She asked looking at everyone who nodded in a yes, while Manik and Arjun just sighed looking at their overexcited sister.

Ruhi-" The news is that Mr. Arjun Malhotra and Mr. Manik Malhotra are going to collaborate with each other for the most talked about project of Mr Taneja. As Mr. Taneja has selected both of them today itself. So a big big congratulations to both my dear bhaiyu and Maan Bhai." Saying this she held both of them for a hug.

Ashish and Nyonika were very happy seeing their kids like this together. Specially Manik and Arjun working together after that dreadful day was like a blessing to them.

Aakash and Varsha looked at each other maybe conversing something among themselves. They then looked at all other members who were waiting for their reactions, seeing all eyes on them they both gave a full blown smile and congratulated both the boys, though Manik noticed their deceiving eyes. 

Ashish- "Congratulations to both of you beta. I'm so proud of you both."

Var-" They had be the best after all its Malhotras. This really calls for a celebration."

Ashish-" Ofcourse Bhabhi we will. But Veer bhi hota toh acha hota. Why didn't he come with you both."

Aakash-" Ashish NYC branch mein thoda kaam baaki tha. He will be here soon. Ab Kya kare he loves his work so much."

Nyonika-" Koi nahi bhaiya, woh bhi aa jayega toh puri family Ek saath hogi after so long. But then work comes first." She smiled looking at them but didn't get any warm reply from any of the elder Malhotras.

Manik just couldn't see his mother's insult and was going to say something but Nyonika held his hand under the table. He just got his hand out of her hold

Manik-" Mera ho gaya dinner. I'm sleepy will see you guys later. Good night." Before going to his room he kissed his mom's cheeks and Ruhi's head from the back ruffling her hair and took the stairs. 

************
Murthy House

Nitish was sitting on the couch reading some reports of his patients and time to time looking at his watch and then at the main door.

That is when the Gauri's phone rang which was on the table.

Gauri-" Nitish, zara phone uthana. Shayad Nandu ka hoga." She said from the kitchen. Nitish picked up the phone to see the caller ID to be..

"MANU BETA"

Nitish-" Tumhare ladle Damad ka phone hai. Khud uthao. Main nahi baat karunga." He said making a face.

Gauri-" Nitish!!!! Bacchon jaise harkatein matt karo. Pick up the call I'm busy in the kitchen. Ho sakta hai Nandu kar rahi ho phone usske phone se."

Nitish really didn't want to pick it up but then did as he thought that maybe Nandu would be with him.

Nitish-" Hello, nandu baccha tune iss duffer ke phone se kyun call kiya? Kahan hai tu?"

Manik-" Umm... uncle namaste woh main Manik bol raha hoon., and Nandini abhi tak ghar nai pahuchi?" He asked a bit tensed now. He had been calling her number from so long but when she didn't picked it up he thought to call Gauri Maa.

Nitish-" Matlab Kya hai tumhara? Nandini tumhare saath nahi hai Kya? Itna late ho gaya hai tumne usse akele jaane diya ghar? Pehle itna kaam karwaoge meri Princess se aur phir akele raat ko ghar par jaane doge? What is this Manik?" Nitish started scolding Manik. 

He was calm till now as he thought that Nandini would be with Manik. Though he always use to tease Manik and get irritated with him but that was just for fun. Deep down he really admired Manik and was happy for his daughter who chose a gem like guy for herself.  Now his inner father was scared a bit to know that his princess was alone at this time of the night.

Gauri heard the raised voice of Nitish and came running to the hall to see him shouting on Manik over the phone.

Gauri-" Kya hua nitish?? Kyun chilla rahe ho?  Give me the phone."

Gauri-" Haan Manik bolo Kya hua?"

Manik-" Gauri Maa, Nandini Abhi tak ghar nahi aayi? Aap rukko main Abhi jaata hoon dekhne. She told me that she will leave after me as she had some work. I'm so sorry, I'll get her home please dont stress yourself." He was picking up his car keys to go.

At the same time the door bell rang loudly. Nitish ran to open the door and saw Nandini coming inside the house and  she was looking very angry. Her face was all red with anger and she was blabbering something.

Gauri-" Manu, beta wait. Nandini is home. Don't worry. Bas thode gusse mein hai. Lagta hai kuch hua hai. You relax okay. Let her anger cool down main tujhe call karungi thode der mein. Baccha you sleep. Good night." Saying this she cut the call after she heard a small 'Okay' from the other side.

(Let's see what is Nandu blabbering)
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Nandini-" How can a person be so irresponsible and such an asshole. These rich spoiled brats are good for nothing. Akal toh hoti hi nahi hai par akad badi dikhate hai. I so wish I could have strangled that guy." Nandini kept her bag on the couch and went to the dining area and grabbed a bottle of water. She was drinking water along with cursing and this was all seen by Nitish and Gauri. But the only thing they were not able to do was calm this tiggress.

Gauri-" Nitish jaake pucho na Kya hua Nandu ko? Itna kyun gusse mein hai? And where was she till now?" She pushed him a bit ahead.

Nitish-" Aye.. pagal ho gayi ho Kya? Gussa dekha hai uska. Dimag bohot garam hai Abhi uska. Baad mein baat karte hai. Tumko itna hi Janna hai toh jao pucho usse." He this time made Gauri go ahead. They both were pushing each other forward and in that process both came near Nandini.

They were eye-talking with  each other when Nandini spoke.

" Maa, papa!!!! Bas bohot ho gaya aapka isharon isharon mein baat karna."

Gauri-" Kahan thi tu Ab tak baccha? Upar se Manik bhi nai tha tere saath. Who kitna pareshaan tha as you were not picking up his calls."

Nitish-" Nandu koi problem hai beta? Kya hua?" He caressed her hair.

Nandini- " Main freshen up hoke aati hoon. Tab bataungi. And mujhe kuch nahi hua it's just I met an idiot on my way. Toh bas wahan thoda jhagda ho gaya. You guys don't worry aati hoon main." She kissed Nitish's cheeks and ran to her room.

Gauri-" Nandu Manik ko ek call yaa message kar dena woh pareshaan tha tere liye." She shouted from the back.

That's when she remembered about her mistake. She looked at the wall clock handing in her bedroom and saw it was 9 P.m ans she left office at 7 p.m sharp, if she is even a minute late to call manik after reaching home Manik makes a big deal out of it and here she was an HOUR late. 

"Ajj toh tu gyi Nandu, Ayyippa please bacha lena apni pyari Nandu ko." 

**************

Nandini's Room

Nandini after praying to her aiyappa for the 10th time again picked up the phone and dialed his number. He picked at the 1st ring itself.

Nandu-"Hello Manik...main.."

Manik-" Main what main Haan Nandini. Where have you been all this while? I called you zillions of times, texted you but no neither you picked my calls nor replied to my messages. Do you have any idea about what all I went through when I couldn't contact you. Heights of irresponsibility Nandini." Manik started scolding her as soon as he picked her call not even giving her a chance to speak. But the last line of her being irresponsible made Nandini more angry.

Nan-" Manik Malhotra I'm not irresponsible do you get that. And lower your volume. Before firing on me you should atleast already know that why was I late. I wasn't partying without you that you are shouting at me like this."

Man-" Ohhh really now I should lower my volume, fine here you go I'm lowering my voice. I know you weren't partying. But atleast when you were getting late then you should have called me or texted me. Was it that difficult."

Nan-" I didn't do it intentionally  Manik. And you also don't pick my phone a lot of times but I don't shout like this on you. Just once I didn't pick your call and you are getting all hyper. You didnt even tried knowing that why was I late. But no, you won't do that. You all boys are same. All you guys know is to show your power and anger that's it! I don't want to give any explanation."

Man-" Wait what!!! What did you just said? All guys are same. Hello whom are you comparing  me with? I'm not like some idiots to show my power and do wrong with anyone okay... hua Kya tumhe achanak."

Nandini-" Mujhe kuch nahi hua hai. It's just that I met someone while coming home and had a tiff. But tumhe usse Kya. You go na shout at me. But mere ko na baat hi nahi karni tumse." She complained like a kid now who's parent scolded her without any of he fault.

Man-"which guy you met Nandini ? What exactly happened? Please tell me Nandu did something happened  while you were coming? Are baba say na... acha sorry I won't scold you now." Manik got tensed now.

Nan-" Kuch nahi hua hai, I just gave that idiot good for nothing spoiled brat a lesson. Aaj toh mera accident hote hote bacha, and that old lady usse bhi yeh maar deta. In place of saying sorry to her he started shouting.  Main unko help karne aayi toh that guy and uske chamche mujhepar hi bhadak gaye toh bas I also have them a piece of my mind. I would have called the police but woh aunty ji ne manna kar diya. Insab mein late ho gaya. Mujhe woh mil jaaye na I will strangle him to death." She just squeezed the sponge ball in her hand and still roaming in her room.

Man-" Why did you got into a fight with them? Woh ladke agar galat hote toh? Koi gunde hote toh? Aise raat ko kaun help karta tumhari? You helped that lady very good Nandini but why fight with such people. We're they drunk? Did they do anything?" Manik knew that Nandini is a strong girl and can take care of herself but still the care n protectiveness inside him made him a bit tensed.

Nan-" Hello, what do you mean by I shouldn't have got involved?  Tumko Kya lagta hai main khud ko protect nahi kar sakti? Mr. Malhotra do not forget I'm a black belt in karate and also a boxing champion. Mere punches yaad hai na? And aise tum logon ke type ke logon ke wajah se duniya mein galat kaam ko badhava mil raha hai. If you won't raise voice against the wrong happening in front of you then you are indirectly being a part of it. If still you wanna talk about this then plz Manik cut the call as I'm not in a mood to talk." She just wanted to vent out her anger and unfortunately Manik became 'Bali ka bakra'.

Here Manik was just shocked that what was wrong with his GF. Why was she shouting at him. But then he thought that it's better to just agree with whatever she was saying that time otherwise he would be in kuch bigger problem.

Manik-" I know meri Mary Kom that you are too good with your punches and I'm proud of you that you can handle yourself. Bas thoda darrgaya tha main. You know me na, I can't bear a single trouble around you. Acha chalo Ab meri jaan shaant ho jaao and have your dinner. Ham kal baat karenge." He very calmly and softly tried talking to her.

Nandini just had a smile listening to Manik. She always loved this caring and loving side of manik specially when  he was trying to manofy her.

Nan-" Ok Majnu Malhotra, stop buttering me now. And I'm sorry zaada daanth diya Maine tumhe. I will take Care of myself. Tum sojaao main bhi dinner karke so jaungi. Good night Mani." She gave him a flying kiss over the phone and Manik just smiled more or say blushed a bit.

Manik-" Good night jaan ❤." He just kept his phone on bed still in that Nandu's kiss zone and said to himself

"Kya Manik, tu bhi Abhi tog mini monster ka raudra roop (dangerous side) dekhne milta. Hashhhh bach gaya nahi toh yeh kiss bhi nahi milti."
He was just ruffling his hair lying on the bed when a sound made him jump.
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"MONKEY MONSTER MALHOTRA!!!! HOW DARE YOU CALL ME A MINI MONSTER."

Actually he forgot to cut the call and Nandini also was going to cut the call but when she heard Manik's voice she thought he was about to say something but what she heard made her more angry. Manik just got up and sar his phone and cursed himself for not cutting the call.

Man-" Nandini... woh are aisa nahi.."

Nan-" You know what Manik, just GO TO HELL. DON'T CALL ME." She cut the call saying this  last.

Manik just tapped his head with the cell phone only cursing himself.
"Idiot, duffer, Kya kiya tune. Nandini ke aiyappa!!!!! Ab Kya karu?"

*************

Next morning
MALHOTRA MANSION

The elders along with Ruhi, Manik and Arjun were in the prayer room where Varsha and Nyonika were doing the aarti. After completing the aarti they were heading towards the dining area when they heard a voice 

" Good morning everyone, remember me?" A guy was sitting on the couch with his hands spread on armrest and having a smirk. hearing him all had a big smile on their face except Manik who just stood to see another drama unfold with this  guy in the house.

Aashish -" Veer.... what a surprise my son!!" he went towards him along with other. 

Veer-" Chachu, I missed you so much. And Mom and Dad surprise de sakte hai toh main kyun nahi. Aur jab puri family yahn hai toh main waha NY mein kya karta. Toh main bhi aa gaya." He hugged everyone, Arjun gave him warm hug which somewhere pinched Manik but then he maintained a neutral face. 

Nyonika-" Okay Veer, you get freshen up then join us for breakfast." she told him who was now side hugging her. 

Veer-" Aye Aye captain! And please aap log wait matt karo mera I would take time. You all continue and Chachi, aapke haath  ki mast masala chai plz. I really missed it." 

Nyonika laughed and replied-" Sure why not. Tum aao till then I will get it ready." 

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ArMan Industries

Arjun was working in his cabin when he heard a knock, he permitted the person to get in.

" I'm so sorry sir, woh actually the thing is...."before the person can say anything Arjun said

Ar-" You are again late Miss Aarohi. The reporting time for you is 9am sharp, and right now its 9:20 am. What do you have to say this time?" He asked her reclining back on his chair while Aarohi just wanted to take the battery out of this 'chalta phirta clock' but then she said

Aarohi-" Sir, I agree i was a bit late just 5 mins. And the rest 15 mins went to make your coffee. SIr here you go, your morning cofffee, without froth. The thing is that when I went to the pantry to make coffee for you so there was some issue with the coffee machine, then it got repaired after which I made your coffee. And Aapko toh pata hai na sir pantry se aapke cabin tak aane mein thoda time aur lag gaya. So dekha jaaye toh it was not completely my fault.."Aarohi kept on talking non stop and telling Aarjun about the happenings of the morning while holding his cup of coffee in her hand.

Arjun-" Miss Aarohi.... May I please have my coffee becuase I like my coffee hot not cold and your long speech is making it cold." He asked sarcastically pointing at the coffee mug sehe was holding. Aarohi just bit her tongue and hastily moved to give him the coffee.

Aarohi-" Ohhh.. I'm so sorry sir main bhi na kuch bhi..ahha......hawwww" Atlast she had her eyes wide as saucer because...

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the she tripped on the rotating chair and because of which themug went flying in the air and landed on  Arjun's white pant. There was complete silence for 5 seconds with only Aarohi's wide eyes on arjun's pant and her  hands cover her mouth while Arjun was just sprung from the chair and was rubing his pant.

Arjun-" MISS AAROHI!!!!! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? AAAHHHH....." He ran towards the washroom in his cabin and started cleaning the coffee. Aarohi just tapped her head and made a crying face looking up.

Aarohi-" Hey, Krishnajee, yeh kya kardiya maine? Ab toh pakka meri naukri gayi. Are pagli, pehle ek baar check toh kar sir ko zaada toh nahi lagi na? Par jaau ki nahi? Ek kaaam karti hoon bahar se hi puch leti hoon." She went towards the washroom door and knocked.

Aarohi-" Sir, aap theek hai na, zaada toh nahi lagi na aapko? I'm so sorry sir. Really jaanbuchke nahi kiya maine, woh mera pair takra gaya chair se. Sir, waise coffee zaada hot nahi thi nahi toh.." 

Arjun-" Miss Aarohi, get out."

Aarohi-" But sir do you need some help? Main Shivansh sir ko bulau? He can get changes for you." she asked meekly, actually she was just trying to help him.

Arjun-" Miss Aarohi I SAID GET OUT OF THE CABIN NOW!!!!!" Arjun shouted being hell irritated this actually made aarohi scared but also angry. She was just trying to help him owing that it was because of her all this happened. She just left the cabin closing door behind. 

Here in the washroom Arjun was just looking at himself and the stain of the coffee which was prominent on his white pant. He just combed his hair with his fingers sighing in frustration. He wrapped a towel around his pant and came out to call Shivansh. First he saw here n there if Aarohi really went or not and then came out.

Arjun-" Shiv,kahan hai tu?.... Hash thank god, acha do one thing get me one of your suit.... Do not ask me why Shiv just do as I say and yes come fast.... haan theek hai bye." He cut the call and sat on his chair holding his head. 

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20 mins later...

Shivansh came inside the cabin calling Arjun when he saw him doing some work.

Shiv-" Arjun, tune mujhse yeh suit kyun mangwaya? tera wala toh acha hi lag raha hai." as soon as Arjun saw Shivansh he got up from the chair and went towards Shivansh. Shivansh laughed seeing him.

Shiv-" Oye.... tune apne pant ke upar towel kyun pehna hai? Are you by any chance trying to give competition to Ranveer Singh in 'the most wierd fashion style'. He was laughing at Arjun who looking at his friend just wanted to burry his best friend 6 feet down and kill Miss Aarohi because of whom all this was happening.

Arjun-" Shiv, esa kuch nahi hai. Tu mere ko suit de and stop your ravan style laugh plz." He moved forward to grab the packet when shivansh just pulled it back towards himself.

"Nahi, first you tell me what is with this new style of wrapping a towel over your pant. Bol na main dost hoon na tera." Arjun showed him his eyes but do best firends really give a damn to these glares.. no right? So even Shivansh was unaffected and in all this the towel fell down. 

Arjun just picked the towel and grabbed the packet from a shocked Shivansh who saw a big brownish stain on his friend's pant.

Shiv-" Aru, is your stomach upset? And agar tha toh why did you came to the office?" hearing shivansh Arjun just held his head and wanted to bang it somewhere. He shouted.

Arjun-" you idiot, there is nothing like that. This is not that stain, its just coffee, do you get that just COFFEE STAIN."Saying this he banged the washroom door shut on Shivansh's face and cursing Aarohi for all the embarrassment he had to face early morning in office. 

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New character

VEER MALHOTRA

The only son of Aakash and Varsha Malhotra. He is some months younger to Arjun and elder to Manik. Let's see what his entry in the story brings ahead for everyone.

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SO, How did you liked the chapter? Sorry for again being late.

Yes so this is special chapter from your writer's side. Enjoy reading.

Veer, what do you have to say about him?

Ruhi-Arjun- Manik? 

How will Manik save himself from Mini monster?

Do you want to say something about Miss clumsy Aarohi and Embarassed Arjun?

See you guys soonish, till then keep smiling and keep spreading love.

Your crazy writers 

Neha and amaya_kashaf.