Manik's Pov

I straightened my specs on my nose again. As I looked outside the plan. I hope I reach on time, I sighed. Where my mind was occupied by my work again.

Mr. Malhotra? I heard from air hostess, I nodded to her as I continued my work. My eyes just stuck to my laptop screen nothing more.

Do you want me to serve anything for you? She asked the same question for an 'nth' time. When she knew my answer will be 'no' again. I gave one look. She knew my answer. She gave her flirtish smile. I fixed my specs back, giving will-stop-that-shit-looks to her. And all I could see her leaving me alone with my work. I hate that lady already. She gonna be fired soon by me. I hate people when they aren't dedicated to their work. Especially, Flirting. I gave one look to my trusted guard, George and he knew what I wanted him to do. He nodded his head in approval.

God! I'm so pissed off. 

I took a deep breath. 

Manik, Calm down. 

My mind was everywhere. I could really concentrate on anything.

Fuck! The work!

I shut my laptop and kept it aside. I erased my frowns. This is not happening. Man, When will I reach India. When?

I sighed, it takes more than an hour to land. I bite my lips not knowing what to do. I'm already late.

I did the best. I closed my eyes for some good sleep that can distract me.

##

Cabir? I cringed looking at him when I came out of airport instead of my driver or Sanskar.

How was the business trip? he questioned me.

That's good. I said as my guards filled their car trunk with my luggage. I settled on the passenger seat in Cabir's car while he took driving seat.

I didn't expect you here. I said him, it's like impossible to even imagine him near me, I let go. Sigh. I switched on the phone.

I know. 

Sanskar was caught up in an emergency so he called me up to pick up. So, I'm here. He stated I nodded my head to see any calls or messages. To disaster, nothing was there still. 

Cabir, thodi jaldi yaar. I guess I'm already late. I said looking at my watch. I don't want more trouble now.

You are not just late, buddy. You are screwed up. He laughed at my expenses. I could only get more pissed with his so-called tease.

I scrolled my phone. When I got my desired number. I dialed only to know it was switched off. God!

He was only my option. I guess, he is literally screwed up like me. I hope they haven't troubled him more. If done, I'm so gone.

Cabir, kithna dur hai yaar? I'm not myself. I'm not able to think anything straight. I just want to reach sooner. 

If no traffic. I promise you to reach there by 10. He added as he speeded the car in Mumbai traffic. I rubbed my nape. I tried to call back only to receive the same answer.

I was frustrated now. I tried to distract. It would've been better If Sanskar was here. Rather than Cabir. I really don't get along well with him now. There is no such bond between us like years back. When I meant taking my steps back away from him. I meant it. I really do.

That friendship between us is broken. Today, if any ask me, do I want to mend that? I really don't think it's necessary not because I've Sanskar but because we don't have that 'trust', which I used flaunt to the world years back. How things have changed. How am I changed? I exactly don't know. But graph which was touching bottom line often is raising today. Is what I sum up my life. I appreciate it because I do deserve that. I deserve every bit of happiness. And today I own them.

I started calling my savior to kill the time. I don't like to be awkward. But all goodness died today. As he didn't pick my call. Are they purposely ignoring me? I pouted looking out.

Trying to call Sanskar? I guess he saw, my phone. I clearly locked my screen, wallpaper is something I don't want anyone to see. it's too personal for me. And I don't share my personal to any.

Hmm. I said trying to locate, where he is taking me out.

His phone is not with him. I frowned but didn't question more as we pulled into some restaurant kinda thing. I looked him with questioning eyes.

All are inside. He said pulling out a shopping bag to me.

You look total zombie without sleep. 

I better say you to freshen up before you show up there. I nodded my head as I pulled the bag from his hand with my goggles on. I covered my face, I don't want a scene here. Especially any press.

We both sneaked in. As we went to the washroom. Truly I looked nothing but a zombie, Messy hair, bags under my eyes without sleep and paleness without food. I hardly had time for anything. I just wanted to finish work and come back. That's it.

I changed soon as I washed my face. Where I felt constant gaze on me. I gave 'what' look to Cabir.

They fit perfectly to you. I mean your kind of style it is. He added as if he meant something.

It depends on who did my shopping. I smiled at him.

He knows more than I used to know you, Manik. He stated and he looked serious with the talk. I know where it was going. I just looked him. And started cleaning my face with the tissue. I sprayed perfume. In all Sanskar had packed everything for me, just the way I like them. He truly had girlfriend goals to be with me. I smiled the way I address him.

Everything has changed. Isn't it? He looked lost. I wanted to hug and say, No buddy. But the truth was what he said. 

Maybe yes. I said as I fixed my watch back on my wrist. I did my hair.

Even I and You. Without my knowledge, I looked him with folded hands against my chest.

I'm there where you had left me, Cabir. I'm still there. That was the truth of my friendship for him. I was there where he had left me all broken without trusting me. How broken was I? It was more overwhelming to me than my breakup. 

I'm sorry. I couldn't trust you, Manik. Everything was against you. He said calmly. I looked him with a sad smile.

You know what Cabir? He looked into my eyes. I don't know what it said to him, he immediately looked away. I could see guilt in his eyes.

Even if something against, you or Even the world would've pointed out, you. Trust me, I would've believed what you would've said me. Because I used to trust you more than the whole world. I was straight to the point this time. I didn't bit around the bush while talking to him this time or I didn't avoid talking about the same. Even I was surprised how I was talking to him. That easily, it felt like I was talking to the same Cabir, who was once my close friend. My buddy. I truly miss him. But I don't want to keep him in darkness. I want him to know what I felt about the whole thing. I badly want him to know.

I was manipulated by Mukthi. He bowed his head. I couldn't see that. Even though I had suffered for how he left me. I couldn't see him something like this.

So? I questioned him. I really don't want him to apologize me. Out of all people in my life. I really don't want someone not to apologize me is him. I'm really considerate to him than on any. I don't know why. I shouldn't be, right?

I need my place back in your life. I sighed a relief when he said that. I needed to hear this. I needed him to come back to my life, the way we were. For God sake, he is my damn buddy.

I don't think your place is taken by any. I gave final look to the mirror. As I packed my removed clothes and other stuff in the bag.

You wish? He gritted out of now where. I glared him.

That idiot. He is always behind. He knows everything. I don't like him. He sounded like a jealous baby.

Cabir, you are hearing what are you even saying. You are sounding jealous, Man. I patted his arms. I was totally amused by his behavior. I couldn't really believe he was jealous of Sanskar. Out of all.

Yes, he is. Bro. I heard from behind. I looked through the mirror to see him. He grinned as he pounced on my back. I totally balanced us.

God! Sanskar, get down. He was actually sitting on my hip. When I'm saying. I mean it. He is totally in girlfriend mood. I sighed. These people are just pressing the wrong button in me. I was losing my calm.

No, No. I missed you. He kissed my cheeks from behind. I rubbed my cheeks immediately. I really doubt he is straight. But I have to believe he is going to be a daddy soonish. I just can't wait to see their newborn. 

I missed you too. Now, please get down. I'm already pissed off. I said him, while he gets down in snap he knows messing with me is a really not good thing.

I already see that coming from you. He added as I took the bag and gave to my guard.

See you don't even care my existence in front of him. You don't see beyond him. I heard from irritated Cabir. I could easily say he justed boosted Sanskar's attitude, Now. And they gonna start again. 

You know, when I'm with him he can't see anything beyond me. Dramatic much. Add over dramatic from my side.

Shut up. I said him. He made a bad face. I looked Cabir, who was already burning holes of Sanskar head.

I hate him. Cabir added.

Feelings are just mutual, Mr. Dhawan. Sanskar can't just shut up. He just can't stop being impulsive and immature sometimes.

What on earth you both take to shut up for once? My head is blasting. I literally screamed at them. One just rolled his eyes other started his drama once again. Don't they get tired?

Then I need a chance to be your buddy again. I really didn't expect that from him. I just asked. But never expected something like this. I looked him with wide eyes.

He is such an opportunist. Sanskar and his comments. I swear. But that doesn't make any change in Cabir's attitude. He is firm in what he said. I looked him in a total daze. And something came out of my mouth, which shocked me too.

I'll give you one. You better work on it. I said leaving them to bicker. Did I wanted that or I just being impatient to get out, I said that or it was just an impulsive word of mine? I swear. I don't know. I have better things to deal rather than my friends. Let's go in the flow. Is what my heart and mind said. I just bobbed in understanding.

I walked ahead only to see them already coming beside me. This two are just unpredictable to me.

I see huge gush in front of me. One part of terrace restaurant was booked, by Raj Malhotra for family dinner, surprising right. That news almost choked me back, when I learn about the same by Cherry and Vishwas.

He is really trying to impress me. Because it is my favorite restaurant out of all in Mumbai, only my friends know about it. And I find it very fishy that Smitha is helping him out but she isn't aware that it's one of the waste things, she is even trying to do.

Everyone was quite busy in eating and gushing with each other. And they aren't aware I was coming here. At least not today. Only my dad knew as he was the one who arranged my jet and Sanskar to pick me up. I guess I would yell to make things okay. 'Surprise'.But how?

Dad? I heard from Smitha, I was just behind Cabir and Sanskar but still, I could see them.

Hmm. My dad was too into his plate. If anything Malhotra's love unconditionally anything,  that is just food. 

I still can't understand why dinner is arranged here. I mean it's Manik's favorite restaurant. what are we doing here when he is not around? I rolled my eyes.

Kithna Pyaar kartha hai tera baap tujse. I heard a whisper from Cabir. I hit him to shut up. Sanskar chuckled under his breath.

Who said he is not here? I slapped my forehead. He just ruins my surprise every time. Like every time.

Dad, stop joking he went to China. I personally set his schedule for next week. She shrugged off. My dad just glared her. Where in return they gave him a pointed look. I just love it.

Surprise. I shouted making everyone flinch. I giggled at everyone's expression. 

Papa. My smile brightened up seeing him after so many days as he came running to my arms. He crashed into my waist. I pulled him into a hug as picked him up. That feels finally home to me. I kissed my little boy, who is responsible kid of mine.

You Finally came. Relief was covered on his face. I kissed his cheeks. He giggled as he tightened his hold on my neck. He missed me.

You look more handsome, Abhay. He gave shy smile in return. Where my mom came running to my arms. I hugged them tightly.

I can't still believe you are here. I mean you were supposed to come next week, right? She questioned me back. I kissed her cheeks.

Mamma bear. I completed everything sooner. I just came running back. I said her, she smiled in delight seeing me back.

Kithna pathla hogaya mera baby bear. kuch kaya bhi ya nae? She started checking me, I let her. As my eyes roamed on one person, who was just looking at me. Tears were ready to pour out when she acknowledged I was seeing her. She looked away. I deserve more now.

Neyo, just leave him, Usne suba se kuch nae kaya hai. I glared my dad. He just shrugged in return. I hate when he keeps my tab, like doted father, which he is really not.

What? Manik how careless you have become nowadays. She started one more round. But this time Cabir saved me almost. I hugged younger clan and took blessing from elders. Greeted Murthy's and Kirloskar's. Who smiled back in return. Abhay was still in my arms, I didn't let him go. He just stuck with me, I also needed same, I missed him very much. And I also know he is ready for his tantrums on me now. it's just a start.

I walked lastly to my beloved ladies. Who neither came or looked me. I just messed up. I put Abhay back in his chair next to Prathik.

I stood behind her chair. And finally kissed her hairs from behind resting my hands on chair. 

Are you still mad at me? I whispered in her ears.

Does it matter? She looked more piss off. I felt bad for her. 

Nandini. I completely ignored others just bend forwarded only to see glassy eyes of her's. She didn't look back. Looks like I need more time to sort out with her in private of course. 

I love you. I kissed her temple. She smiled finally making me smile more but she covered up with a straight face again remembering that she needs to be mad at me. I let her be because I can really sort with her in private.

Hey, baby Pumpkin. I called her out. She didn't even react back. Call her stubborn, she is, when she is angry. Out of all the people, Avni Malhotra got mad at her daddy. Can you just believe that? Can you?

She hasn't talked to me from past two weeks. When I try, she just ignored me as If I never existed. I felt really really bad for same. I can tolerate anyone one's silence even Nandini's but not my daughter's. I can never bear her going away from me. I can never.

I walk up to her. She just concentrated on her plate. She really didn't look up. 

You are so screwed up. I glared Sanskar. I know it, he doesn't need to say that.

Baby. I sat on my knees. She didn't look me still. Her whole face was in a complete angry pout. I wish to gobble her at one shot.

I picked her up without caring anything. She started to wiggle in my arms. I didn't let her go.

One private Cabin. I ordered the manager, who nodded immediately as I walked behind him. I don't want someone to witness the fits she gonna throw at me.

Leave me. She yelled at me. As I made her sit on the couch. I beside her.

My baby looks beautiful. I tried my luck, she just glared me. She doesn't fall for compliments. Point taken and noted.

I don't want to talk to you. She started walking away. I pulled her back and made her sit on my lap.

Ethni naraz hai meri baby, Apne papa se? I kissed her cheeks. Her face was just red. She looked me but bobbed her head cutely. I just showered her with my kisses she let me.

I hate you. She said when she was calm, where tears were ready to pour out. I just hugged her from the back. I was really sorry for her.

Apne promise kiya tha. You won't go leaving me. You did. You broke the promise. I hate you. She rubbed her nose to my blazer. I let her because I can't say her to stop. If, she gonna cue me with the help of her Nanu.

Meri kaam tha baby. I reasoned out as I combed her long hairs with my hands, she just snuggled into my arms. I smiled finally. 

You know I was really not willing to go leaving you all especially my baby pumpkin. But I couldn't really send Vishwas behalf of me, right? He also has a small baby and he also wants to be with the baby, right? I questioned her, where she nodded understandingly. I sighed in relief. She is one understanding child. I was blessed truly.

I understood that. But that doesn't explain you leaving me here? She made my lap void and stood in front of me with folded arms around her chest. She badly needs an explanation. It's so difficult when she gets madwomen. I couldn't really concentrate on anything just because, she and Nandini or mad at me. 

Look Pumpkin, I know you really mad at me. But work was important. And I hardly used to be in a hotel. I used work all time then how can I look after you there. Ya pe tho meri baby ko kyal rakne ke liye sab the na. I asked her, she was fine with my explanation. But fully not ready to leave the matter. She was one heck girl with stubbornness until you make it up for her.

Is that convincing? I questioned her back.

A little though. She sat next to me leaning to couch. I need to please her more now.

You know I completed my work sooner. So, that I can reach my baby sooner and also I don't break her promise more. I opened my arms, she jumped with a big smile. 

I love you. I missed you so much. She showed her wide hands. My tiredness went in the air. My anger and frustration just left my system. 

I missed you soo much. I showed her my hands as I spread wider them in the air. She giggled and kissed my cheeks. I rocked her in my arms.

So? Are we fine now? I really doubted that. 

Maybe. Didn't I say?

What should I do for a 'yes'? I looked her.

You, better think to make it up. She showed her index finger to me. 

Okay, how about I say, I bought so many gifts to you and Abhay? She wasn't really pleased.

That you do every time. She shrugged flapping her hairs behind. I really love her attitude towards me. I giggled in mind while biting my lips. She is something, Man.

I really don't know you suggest. She forwarded her right palm in front of me. I looked puzzled.

I want you to promise me that you aren't leaving me behind when you are going? Bol Manzur hai? She waited for my response. I could clearly say my both kids were insecure. Insecure, I won't be there in future again like I was not in their past.

I still remember they throwing fits when I was leaving for China. They had literally cried in Nandini's arms in the airport as they didn't want me to leave. I felt so bad for leaving them here. But I really didn't have many options than leaving them here. I didn't want to take them to some unknown country when I won't be there with them most of the time. When I had better options here.

Pumpkin, I made her look me. I really need to make them understand. It's like high time to bring them out of their zone.

I made her sit on the couch. I sat on knees.

I really can't promise that to you, Avni. She looked me with the zapped look, she really didn't expected that from me. I patted her hands slowly, which were in mine. When she was ready to hear I continued.

I can't take you everywhere. It's my work. I roam around the world often for that. You know that. I can't take you, people, everywhere. Jab tumra school start hogana, You can't miss them. Right? She nodded her head. 

Papa can't always stay, he has work commitments. Like the way, you have a commitment to attending your school. That's how it works, Avni. 

Aur tum school attend nae karogi tho, how will you become a doctor? I questioned her.

I got it. But I don't like when are you away from me. I hate it, Papa. I always need you with me. She hugged me. I could only smile at her.

I'm always there for you. 

See even today, I came back early to you. Didn't I? She bobbed her head. I tucked her hairs carefully behind her ear.

Okay. I let this go. But I want some other promise in return. She was one smart kid. She knows how to get things for me. Don't she?

And what could it be? 

I want to stay with you till the wedding. I don't want you to pester me to go anywhere without my wish. I could only see her with dreamy eyes. Well, I guess I don't need to tell anyone how lucky I'm.

Is that fine with you? She questioned me. I hugged her tightly with almost teary eyes.

Yes, it is.

And why do you want to stay with me, your mama will get sad, that you won't be there with her? I brushed her cheeks. She has chubby cheeks just like Nandini. And I love their cheeks very much.

Who said I won't be with Mama, I'll be there for her too. She said as matter of fact. She was more excited for the marriage.

Then why do you want to stay with me?

To look after you, budhu. She hit my head, I glared her. She threw a meek sorry at me.

I love you for this meri maa. I showered her with my kisses. She just giggled.

I love you my son. She added in between her giggle. I just held her in my arms without a single word. I felt like I just hugged my mother. I smiled in delight.

Now again, Are we good now?

Of course, And I need to take care of you a lot. She looked me from head to toe.

You need to badly work on your weight. You lost your weight again. She stood in front of me with angry glare. Started her lecture. I snapped her by picking her back. I'm damn hungry now.

I'm very sure you will look after about it.

I'm gonna do with or without your saying. She declared back.

I love you, pumpkin. She giggled.

I love you more. She shouted with a big smile. I looked around only to see others giving startled look to me. I smiled awkwardly and asked waiter for a chair next to Nandini.

How do you do that? One question everyone had. I settled down in my place with Avni on my lap.

Do what?? I questioned them back as I asked waiter to serve as no one are in mood to do that.

How did she became lovey Dovey to you? I tried damn whole week she didn't even responded to one, how did she even melted against you when you are the reason of her madness? Nandini was aggressive, in fact she would pull her hair in frustration, which is because of Avni's endless tantrums, stubbornness, silence, anger and insecurity. How did she handled Avni, only she knows.

You know, I'm the great Manik Malhotra. And you also know there is no one in the world who couldn't not melt against my charms. I proudly said that lifting my imaginary collar as Avni stuffed food in my mouth. I sighed finally. I'm damn hungry.

And melting my daughter is not that difficult for my charms. I added, she glared both of us.

I know the way your charm works on her. Tumne usse kuch diya hoga. Usse dekthe hae, she would've melted for you. Nandini was not leaving one stone unturned. She is annoyed and bothered. God! Help me.

Hello, I didn't gave her anything. And my daughter won't melt for things but feelings. I was not leaving her in this matter.

Whatever. She shrugged. And glared me back. I did the same. We are still not done here, I need private space to fight with her because I know how to shut her up smartly.

Ab Mai kau. Ya phir nae? I was pissed again. And this time because of Nandini.

And she did the best. She stuffed my mouth.

Apne kalay bhi nae rakthe ho? Uprse phone pe muj pe chilathe ho, to take care and eat properly. Aur kudke Kayal bhi rakna nae atha, tume.

Khud aiyan mai shakal dekha tumne? She was now angry again. I don't like when she gets mad too. Because she is really dangerous when she is angry on me.

Ab chup chap muo kolo. I'm not leaving you that easily. She stuffed more food in my mouth with Avni. I hardly chew the bite and they just stuff another one. I looked for help but everyone were busy or I say trying to be busy. I didn't cared. I was here for my family.

With great difficulty I completed my food. I was in need of fine sleep in Nandini's arms. That's all.

We all ended our dinner in good note. Though I didn't interact much with any. I was fine with it. And they really forced me.

So, let's get going? I heard from Surya dad. He looked at Nandini, as she was staying with them not with Rahul uncle family. She needed her space and her real parents gave her one. I could only smile at their understanding.

No, Nandini and kids will stay with me. I really didn't gave a room for further discussion. I need them and I take them with all my rights. There mine.

They just nodded there head. I just threw myself on Nandini's arms, she just supported me, though she was mad at me.

Manik, As your back we gonna we  discuss about Marriage tomorrow in our home, so, I want you to be present with all of them. Mom announced me. I just closed my eyes.

I will be there, mom. She nodded her head. She didn't drag more knowing my condition.

Nandini, please pick me up. I won't be able to walk. She gaped at me.

Manik are you fine? Should we see the doctor? You look pale? She started checking my forehead. I was fine. But I was really not well maybe jet lag.

I guess, I'm jet lagged. But I didn't know when beneath slipped. What did I just fall down. I asked myself with closed eyes. But I didn't get hurt.

Only to realize I was actually picked up. God!!!!

Uncle put me down. I yelled at him. Never the less he cared less to my scream, he just walked ahead making everyone amuse.

This is embarrassing. I clearly was. Getting picked in front of my kids is definitely one. When they are actually hooting and whistling with my friends.

You should've thought that before bothering my daughter. He climbed down the stairs effortlessly. He was still strongest man, who could lift me. But I felt like a child again.

Just because I bothered your daughter your picking me up and embarrassing me?? This man, I tell you.

Scores are settled. He grinned. I just tightened the hold around his neck. Now i really don't care what others think because I was enjoying it. Enjoying my rid. It's not always someone will pick you. And he did it from childhood and I feel I'm still his child. I want to be always.

My guards somehow covered our way from exist of restaurant till the car, I was gently placed in back seat. I smiled like a kid.

That was fun. I showed him my teeth. He just ruffled my hairs.

I know and your my kid always. I just hugged his waist with a boyish grin. He patted my head like I was a small boy. I'm still for him.

Now, please take care and have good sleep my boy. He rocked my chin. I nodded my head as Nandini settled down in driving seat, who was accompanied by Avni. And Abhay was next to me.

I bid a bye to them. As I fall on Abhay's lap.

I'm just sleepy. He kneaded my hairs. I smiled with my closed eyes.

You both need a hair cut. I heard Nandini, who was also kneading my long hair by driving the car.

And he needs to shave too. Avni added.

I can't less agree with that. I was in mood to bickering of girls. I turned my head to Abhay's stomach. He smiled at me with twinkling eyes. I ultimately see that in my son's eye.

How different he was?

He was also insecure like Avni, but he didn't show up like her but he really handled both the girls very well. I make it point to talk to him too. I want to attend him carefully without letting him know that I know he was insecure too.

Abhay. He just looked me.

Thank you for taking care of them, like a big boy. I really appreciate you. He smiled wider.

Your welcome. My boy was too innocent at the same time he was too mature. I like it that way.

That doesn't mean. I'm less mad here. He gritted his teeth in next snap of my eye blink. I guess scratch the above line. I never meant that.

Pagal aurtho ki sath chodke Gaye the aap.

Do you have single idea how bothered I was? Bolna asan hai, "take care of them". But being there and face their daily adventure you will get to know, what I actually suffered. They are not Barbie's, they are devil's. Real devil's. He was literally spitting his anger at me in whisper. Poor me. Sorry, poor my baby boy.

Okay, I know. I shouldn't have done that with you. I whispered back. We really want any more trouble in our life especially in this girl's name.

But you have done it again. Congratulations, Mr. Manik Malhotra your son is also pissed off by you. You better make it up for him. Warna I'm telling yo,u I won't spare you like last time. Mark my words. I could feel fire balls coming out of his mouth. Rather than words.

I will. I kissed his cheeks, he just pulled me in his arms and patted my head affectionately. I sighed. I had my own dad in him too.

I smiled at my thoughts. I was bothered again.

I was actually screwed up. Getting them all in order isn't that easy like it sounds.

All I did was sleep peacefully without caring about anything.

#

I know it's really not up to mark I tried my best. But I could only write this.

Well, as I said sequel is up. Wish me luck for this book too.

And this book is full of Manan and kids only. So, you don't have to worry.

How was it??

Let's do one thing.

You send me your wish list to be added in this book for the characters you like or you love to see.

All wishes are welcomed and I try my best to write them the way you want.

Need cover for this book. Any one can ping covers to my account [email protected]. I hope, I don't need to tell you the story line for it. Please don't make it clitche. Let it be like how the cover page should be. Simple. I want kids picture too like previous one.

Now, I'll go and come back with my hold book updates. I hope, I better start doing faster.

Miss me till then.

Good night.

Lots of love 😘😘😘