In a general sense, fundraising is the process of seeking and collecting voluntary financial contributions by engaging individuals, businesses, charitable institutions, or government agencies. While fundraising typically refers to efforts to gather money for a social cause, for the MURTHY'S, it was considered a social commitment.

This particular event was an annual one organized by MURTHY Inc. to raise funds for underprivileged children. The collected donations were intended for shelters and NGOs to aid in the development of underprivileged children.

The irony here lies in Mr. Murthy's extensive dedication to organizing a fundraiser for underprivileged children while conspicuously neglecting his own daughter for the past ten years. Every year, he and his wife would put on a grand show, portraying themselves as charitable and humanitarian. However, the reality was quite different, and fortunately for a few, Nandini was returning just before the fundraiser, providing them with a golden opportunity to showcase their parenting skills.

The fundraiser, being a significant event, attracted attention from the media and paparazzi, eagerly anticipating the return of the sole living heir of the Kapoor family (Nandini's mother's side) after a decade.

The invitations for the fundraiser had been sent to all wealthy investors in Delhi, including the clients of the Murthys and, hush-hush, the Malhotras, who were also significant clients.

The day of the fundraiser arrives.

Nyonika: Raj, what do you think about the fundraiser? Are we going to contribute directly or just present the donation on behalf of the company?

Raj: I think we should go with the company presentation, as the invitation mentions the company's name.

Manik: Dad, can I do my bit? Fab5 has decided to donate from the proceeds of our shows. It's not a huge amount.

Nyonika: I am proud of all my children. You never fail to make us proud. Manik, this is our way of giving back to society. Although we haven't faced any issues, there are many children who struggle even for a single meal.

Raj: We are proud of you, Manik. Stay blessed. Now, let's eat and be ready on time.

Meanwhile, at the Murthy Mansion...

Nandini wakes up to find a notification on her phone - an email from The Murthy's inviting her to their annual fundraiser for underprivileged children. 

                                            The Murthy Corporation cordially invites you to attend                                          its annual fundraiser to benefit the

Under privileged children 

from AURA NGO &VIKAS NGO

along with several reupdated NGO'S of Delhi

Tuesday,26-5-20

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Murthy Mansion
8554 Pillar Hill Road
Mumbai

She couldn't help but laugh at the irony of them organizing fundraisers for the development of children while treating their own beneficiary poorly. She decides to let them do as they please since today is her last day in the mansion.

As Nandini casually dresses up, she notices people rushing around the mansion, turning it into a party venue. She feels like an outsider in her own home, as her stepmother has changed everything, erasing any trace of her mother. The mansion no longer feels like a home but more like a five-star hotel with excessive glamour.Her mom was a woman of class and goodness however the new woman had given the manor a particularly uproarious and bombastic touch that it felt as though she remained unaware of this chateau.

She was stunned to see both Mr and Mrs Murthy running all over to check whether the plans were appropriate to flaunt their riches. She went into the kitchen to snatch some juice and oat since she knew nobody there had the opportunity to ask her for some morning meal

Milli: Oh lord, why are you dressed so casually, Nandini? Don't you know we have the fundraiser today at home?

Nandini: Hello to you too, Mrs. Murthy. Regarding my dress, I like it this way. As for the so-called fundraiser, I'm sorry; I didn't know the time had changed from 8 pm to 11 am.

Milli: Why did I even ask you, idiot? Now, stop making snide remarks and go get ready. There are people all around the mansion, and I don't want them to say that we mistreat you at home and don't provide you with good clothes.

Nandini: Mrs. Murthy, first of all, I don't care what people think about you or me. Besides, you do treat me well—calling me honey and all. And finally, this isn't my HOME; it's just a mansion. Wait for me just till today because tomorrow morning, I am flying to Mumbai.

Milli: Whatever. Don't eat my head, you idiot. Let me work because I have to go to the salon. Get ready properly for the fundraiser. We Murthys have an image to maintain. I will send someone with a dress and makeup artist. I don't want you to ruin our reputation.

Yash: [In a harsh voice] Nandini, I don't need any stain on my reputation. Do as your mom says.

Nandini: She isn't my mom, Mr. Murthy. Please, I know how to get ready. I have been taking care of myself for ten years alone. She got up from the dining table and went back to her room.

8:30 pm Murthy Mansion

The hall of Murthy Mansion was filled with wealthy investors from Delhi and Mumbai. It was a page 3 event that no one wanted to miss. Women with heavy makeup were gossiping about a new Versace collection, some were complimenting each other's dresses, and the men were engrossed in discussions about politics and cricket.

Milli Murthy was busy with her social bees, boasting about her dress and makeup, emphasizing how Yash spoils her by buying the latest collection of jewelry and dresses. She couldn't stop bragging about how amazing Soha was and her taste in makeup.

On the other side, Mr. Yash Murthy was talking about his business achievements, how he had sealed a crucial deal with The Malhotras, and how they too were attending the fundraiser. He was busy bragging about his company, Aryaman's dedication to the company, and how he was a proud father.

Amidst this chatter, where people were busy with fake smiles and admiring each other's jewelry, the Malhotras made their entrance. All eyes were on them. Women were jealous of Neyonika Malhotra looking so stunning, men were envious of Mr. Raj Malhotra's success, and the girls were busy ogling at the handsome guy with a perpetual smile—Manik.

All women had chosen to converse with Neyonika and ensure their young ladies become Manik's better half

Manik's attire

Such was the impact of the Malhotras on people. But when the entire hall was talking about them, there was a girl who entered and scoffed at everyone. She looked like an angel and a Greek goddess in a wine-colored one-shoulder outfit.

Nandini's ootn

Mr.Murthy: 

Distinguished guests!  Ladies and gentlemen

It is a great pleasure for me to be here today.

I would like to seize the opportunity to congratulate us on launching this outstanding fundraising campaign in which many urban organizations are involved. Our donations in this month have amounted to 50, 000 dollars - the sum that will be transferred to the NGO'S . On the boards you can see the faces of young under- privileged children who need our help. The money will be donated for modern medical equipment. Our goal is to decrease the number of infant deaths under our sponsorship. To achieve this noble goal, we have organized a charity ball and a charity fair. I am honored to thank all sponsors, organizations and private persons, who care for people in need 

Today, we are often constrained to our own domestic affairs. We think of our own children but what about the children who don't have anyone .Life is so beautiful. God presents us with this gift of life not to suffer from what we can have as our right. On paper, kids are protected and have primary care. In reality, the situation is quite, quite different.Our mutual efforts, our support - all this children  need most of all. Together, we will fulfill our duty of cherishing every human life.

In closing, I wish to thank all of you, our sponsors and donors, for your donations.

Let's go on building the bonds of friendship and goodness through cooperation and mutual respect

Thank you all for being with us, joining us, and supporting our beginnings. Thank you all!

There were individuals all giving praise to Mr. Murthy's speech, but for Nandini, it was all so amusing. She was seeing her dad, who pretends to have so much compassion towards children. Is he even, for real?

Mrs. Murthy: With immense joy, I would like to call upon stage my lovely stepdaughter Nandini, who has come over from Australia after 10 years and plans to pursue her further studies here in India at SPACE. She is an impressive singer, just like Nandita, and we love her just like she deserves to be. Come, honey (with a mischievous grin). I have always treated her as my own daughter and wish she comes and sings a song for us and for Nandita.

Nandini was surprised by the sudden call from her stepmother, who used a perfect stage to show how good of a stepmother she was. But the mention of her mom's name forced Nandini to go and sing.

Nandini [in her mind]: Just sing a song and leave; that's it. Chill out. With very slow steps, she went up and took the mic. She was uncomfortable with so many flashy, fake smiles people were giving her, but she had to sing. So, she took her guitar and started singing.

Do listen to this song; the lyrics have a lot of importance.

I'm sorry but 

Don't wanna talk,

 I need a moment before I go

It's nothing personal

I draw the blinds

They don't need to see me cry'

Cause even if they understand

They don't understand

So then when I'm finished

I'm all 'bout my business and ready to save the world

I'm taking my misery

Make it my bitch; can't be everyone's favorite girl

So take aim and fire away

I've never been so wide awake

No, nobody but me can keep me safe

And I'm on my way

The blood moon is on the rise

The fire burning in my eyes

No, nobody but me can keep me safe

And I'm on my way

By the end of the song, people were astonished by her singing. They were genuinely applauding and appreciating her performance. However, for Manik, he could feel the music, sense the pain in her voice, and it was this pain that he wanted to alleviate. While her looks had already captivated him, it was her emotional depth that drew him closer.

After finishing the song, Nandini walked off the hall to avoid the crowd. She detested being surrounded by fake people, especially at a fundraiser where pretense was all too common. 

Mrs. Murthy reassured everyone, saying, "Don't worry, she's just a bit shy. Let us all continue with the party." People seemed satisfied, and Milli started chatting among themselves, ignoring Nandini.

Yet, her voice couldn't leave Manik's mind. He felt an urgent need to talk to her, a sudden desire to shield her from the world. He wanted to envelop her in his embrace and never let her go. His mind was in turmoil, so he decided to step out for some fresh air.

 How was Nandini' song? 

Why is Manik feeling so?

xoxo