Appa

Hello everyone. This is our very first interaction. I am so happy to see you all liked me, my character and my bonding with the two kids. Thank you very much.

I am really very happy to be a part of this story, playing this character. Nandini is such an amazing child. Being her father makes me really proud. Since childhood, she has done great things. And now, seeing her accepting an award for her hard work in such a short span of time after starting to work, makes me super happy.

Everytime, she used to accompany me, when i had to receive an award. She used to cheer out loud for me, and tell everyone she finds about the award. May be she was giving me the hint to do the same when she receives one. And i sure am going to do that.

She was totally surprised to see me there. I had a very important conference and i don't have a chance to miss that. Well, until last night i didn't even know about this event. I know she must have thought i would feel bad for not being a part and so she decided to not even tell me about it. But glad someone from her work, which i later got to know was Manik called me up and informed me about it.

I checked the timings of my meeting and booked the next flight available.

After landing down in mumbai, i went some shopping as i had no time pack my stuff.

And then i found these super cute dad-daughter gifts. A pair of t-shirts and then a keychain and necklace set.

Nandini is very fond of jewelry and i am sure she will like these.

"Sir, these are not for kids. The kids section is that side" one of the helpers said when i was looking for the t-shirts.

"I am afraid, those won't fit my daughter" i said.

"Sir, this is above 10 years section" she said again.

"Well, my daughter is 23" i said and she was surprised.

Great Ram! People still are hitting on you.

"Sorry sir" she smiled and left from there.

My wife doesn't have an idea what she missed out.

Anyway, i got the pair of t-shirts that read i am her super dad, i am his super daughter and the key chains. Then i thought may be i should get something for Manik too, after all they have finally started talking to each other.

Son-in-law? Nah! That sounds too much, and doesn't go with his image.

When we are super dad and super daughter, he is also a super man right? So i chose a super-man logo cap for him. After getting all of them wrapped, i left for Nandini's office.

The building is huge. And there are a lot of people going around, in colorful outfits.

I asked someone if they could help me find Nandini, my phone was dead so i asked him to call her.

"Appa" she was surprised to know i am here.

She came running down for me.

My daughter looks gorgeous. Mumbai sure has done magic on her.

"I love you so much for this surprise" she said hugging me.

We had some pep-talks and i scolded her for not informing me about the party. She took me upstairs to the party place.

It was noisy.

Shivam walked up to us, and i didn't entertain him much. Nandu assured that he isn't bothering her anymore.

I was waiting the main man to come, when he finally made the entry.

He started singing our favourite song and made me dance along with him.

He is just the way Nandu mentioned.

My daughter looked so happy in his presence.

Well, i was a little jealous to know the smile on her face now belongs to someone else. You see, she was all i had all my life and now when it's time to share her with someone else, it hurts. It is not easy for a parent. Kids are everything for us. But we have no choice. I was happy that these kids finally made a move to get closer, but then i was upset that she was going away from me, with every step she goes close to Manik.

But then i changed my opinion after having one little conversation with him.

"You know, life really hasn't given many reasons to be happy. Isi liye choti choti baaton mein khushi dhoondthi hain. But now, i want you to be the biggest reason for her happiness" i told him.

I wanted to know what he would say. That was kind of a test for him.

Okay, don't hate me for putting your favourite Manik in trouble. I am after all a possessive father.

The way he answered my question, that moved me. My daughter always used to say that i am the biggest reason for her smile. And he exactly said the same.

"Uncle, i can never replace you. You are her happy place and that's going to be the same forever. Bas mujhe thodi si jagah dedo. I am not asking for more. Aur haan, meri mumma ko bhi. I haven't told her yet, but i am sure, she would love to be a part of our small world"

He is ready to accept my daughter the way she is, he is okay with me being my daughter's happy place and above all, he is asking me to let him join in my family. What else could i wish for.

"We would love to have you both" i said.

He gave me an assuring smile.

Then, our little interaction was interrupted by Nandu.

It's time she took the award.

Manik and I were extremely proud to share the moment with her.

Manik suggested to have dinner together with his mom. So now let's see, how the fourth and final member of the new family is going to treat us.

Nandini says Manik is just like his mother. And if it is so, then i am going to consider myself as the luckiest father.

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Manik and Nandini drive home in their cars.

"I will see you in ten" Nandini said.

"Okay" Manik went inside, and Nandini drove into the apartment.

"So appa, how is Manik like? Kaisa laga aap ko usse mil ke?" Nandini asked.

Appa was lost in thoughts.

"Appa, i asked you something"

"Huh? Sorry kanna, i was thinking about something"

"About what?"

"About Manik"

"Mein wahi pooch rahi thi. Did you like him? What's your first impression?" she asked.

"Kanna relax. Yes i like him. He is such a sorted kid. First impression toh bohot pehle ho gaya tha, and he is a perfect choice for you" Appa said.

"You really think so?"

"Of course i do. Acha let's go now. I don't want to be late for the first dinner" he said. They took the bags and went upstairs.

Nandini was going to change but then she thought may be Neonika would be happy to see her in her design. She quickly freshened up and went to the living room.

Appa was getting ready.

"Appa jaldhi. We are getting late"

"Haan haan done" he said coming out.

"I thought you were going to change?" she asked still seeing him in the same clothes.

"That's fine. Chalo let's go"

They both went down and Manik and Neonika were already waiting for them.

"Someone's looking absolutely stunning" Neonika said seeing Nandini.

"Hello aunty, are you talking about yourself?" Nandu asked winking.

"Playing smart huh. I am talking about you, you look gorgeous" she said hugging Nandini.

"Well, i must say you did a great job designing this, you actually didn't leave me an option but to look good" nandini said.

"Okay, if your mutual admiration is done, can we talk something important?" Manik asked.

"Sure" the ladies replied.

"Mumma this is Nandini's dad Mr. Ram Murty and Uncle this is mumma, Neonika" Manik said introducing them.

"Hello Mr. Murty. It's a pleasure meeting you" Neonika said extending her hand.

"The pleasure is mine" he said.

"Acha we'll do the talking on the way pehle batao jaana kaha hain? We are starving" Manik said.

"You should have told me, mein ghar pe hi banaa deti" Neonika said.

"That's okay, ab batao kaha jaana hain? Nandini what do you want to have?" he asked her.

"Anything works" she said.

Huff these universal answers Manik thought.

"Okay, dhaba chalte hain? What do you guys think?" Manik asked.

"Dhaba? Don't you think it's unhealthy?" Nandini asked.

"It's healthy to be unhealthy at times" Manik said.

"Unlce do you want to go the dhaba? Trust me mazedaar khaana milega" he said.

"Okay, i have no issues" Appa said.

"Okay. Dhaba then" Manik said and they got into the car.

Manik and Neonika in the front, with Manik driving the car, Nandini and Appa in the back seat.

"So Manik, Nandini is the" Manik guessed what Neonika was going to say.

"Acha mumma aap ne kya khaaya" he asked to change the topic.

"Hmm..Roti and alu ki sabzi" she said.

"Neonika ji, are you glad that finally these people have started talking?" Appa asked.

Oh God!
"Finally? Yeh log toh kal hi milein the, at our house" neonika said.

"Kal? Achha, toh aap ko window aur verandah waali story pata nai hain?" Appa asked.

"I have no clue what you are talking about" Neonika said.

And we get to see our Manik's cute facepalm!

Mar gaye!

"There's a big story, let's wait until we reach the dhaba" Appa said.

"Manik" Neonika said with a glare.

"Hehehee. Mumma relax. Waha pe cricket bat nai milega mujhe maarne. Wait until we get back home. Poora cricket kit aap ke saamne rakh doonga" he whispered.

Nandini was sitting calm. She was happy. Her three favourite people at a time. Something which she thought was never going to be possible.

"Miss Nandini, kaha khoyi hui ho?" Manik asked.

"Kuch nai. Nothing, acha how long is it going to take?" she asked.

"Count three, and look right" he said.

And when she turned right, she saw the dhaba.

Manik called up the owner and let him know that he was there. The owner is his friend, so whenever Manik visits the dhaba he makes sure, Manik gets his privacy, and no one notices him.

"Haan chaar logon kaa lagwaa diya beta, aa jao ab tum" the owner said.

He parked the car on the back side, and they all went in.

It was beautifully decorated with serial lights, and it was away from the crowd.

"I love this place" nandini said sitting on the couch.

Manik was sitting next to her.

Neonika and Appa were sitting on the chairs.

"I told ya" Manik said with a smile.

Poora menu chaan maar ke they ordered some delicious stuff including chole bhature, aalu paratha, and some starters.

Manik and Appa also ordered for lassi.

"Kya yaar punjabi dhabe mein aake, you are not having lassi" Manik said to Nandini.

"Okay, now if you both stay quiet, mujhe inn se kuch baat karni hain, in fact baat khatam karni hain" Neonika said.

"Yeah. why don't you guys go for a walk. Mein tab tak Neonika ji se baat karta hoon" Appa said.

"Nooo" both the kids said together.

"No, matlab. Hum kaha jaayenge. Yaha pe log hain and they'll recognize me, and we all will fall into trouble. Jo bhi baatein karni hain hamaare saamne keejiye" Manik said. And nandini was agreeing to whatever he said.

"Okay now enough you both.  Mr. Murty, tell me, what's with the verandah and window?" she asked.

"Okay bye. We are going. Aap ko jo baatein karni hain keejiye" he said and left with her.

"So let me tell you everything, Nandini moved to Mumbai three months back. Two days after she moved....." he said and started telling about the look-look game.

"I had no idea about all this" Neonika was surprised.

"There's more to it. So i tried, to talk to you, to Manik. But then Nandini didn't let me do. Last week when Manik had a release in a mall, he saw Nandini with another guy who was her colleague. He thought the guy is Nandu's boyfriend. And finally, the silence broke" Appa said.

"Wow, my son was jealous. Mujhe pata hi nai tha, ki use Nandini utni pasand thi. Infact kal meine jab inn donon ki introduction karwaayi, they behaved like total strangers" Neonika said.

"Nandini is going to yell at me, after going home tonight. For leaking their little secret to you" Appa said.

"We are their parents. We shouldn't be scared of them" Neonika said.

While they were talking, food arrived.

"Zara unn donon ko bulaaiye please" neonika said to the waiter pointing toward the couple.

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Manik

Hum donon ko waha se bhagaake pata nai kya baatein kar rahe honge yeh donon.

"What do you think they are talking about?" Nandini asked.

"What else. Your appa must have told everything to my amma aur woh ghar jaa ke cricket kit thod degi" I said.

"Cricket kit? Manik tum kya bol rahe ho? Ek toh mein itni nervous hoon aur tumhe cricket ki padi hui hain?" she asked.

"Hello madam, mera matlab tha meri amma mujhe maar maar ke mera cricket kit thod degi. Ek toh car mein meine promise bhi kar diya"

"Hahhahahaaa. Aww Manik tum bohot sweet ho" she said pulling my cheek.

"Sir, madam. Aap ko bula rahe hain, khaana ready hain" a waiter came up to us.

Holding each others hands, we walked back to the table.

"Distance" Mom said looking at our hands.

"Mummaa" i said.

"Will you please leave her hand? Aur Nandini tum, yaha aake baitho" mumma said getting up from her chair.

Yeh ho kya raha hain? Isn't mumma happy? With us?

I asked Nandini the same question, by raising my eyebrow. She gave an i don't know expression.

God ab yeh kya naya tension hain.

The waiter served food, and we were eating in silence, when suddenly uncle and mumma broke into laughter.

Nandini and i looked at each other, totally confused.

"Look at their faces? Meine bataya tha na aap ko. Hamein inn se nai, inhe ham se darni chahiye" Mumma said to uncle.

"Excuse me?" i asked.

"Manik, you punk. Itne dinon se itni important baat mujhse tum ne kaise chipaayi huh? I thought you were so dedicated to build this body par yaha toh reason kuch aur hi hain exercise karne ka. Aur Nandini tum, kal toh itni achhi acting kar rahi thi. Acting school toh mera beta jaa ke aaya, par tum bhi kaafi achhi acting kar leti ho" she said to Nandini.

"Acting toh aap ne bhi dhamaakedaar waali ki hain. Kya tha mom yeh? You scared the crap out of us" I said.

"A small punishment. Acha yeh sab chodo, and now let's have some serious talk" she said.

When she said the word serious, environment apne aap change ho gaya. I could feel the warmth on my palms.

"What now? Yeh kaunsa mazaak hain ab?" i asked, just to check if she was really being serious.

"Manik, mazaak nai. Listen, we have no problem with you both being together. But then that's not as easy as i just said. Because we are all like family, Nandini i am taking this liberty to talk to you. Tum donon baatein karo, share about your lives. I am sure you both must have had stories that you haven't told to each other yet. Humein tum logon pe poora trust hain. We know you are responsible kids, and we can see how happy you are together. So, talk to each other, share things you consider are worth sharing. And then decide what to do. There's no rush. But remember, this little time you dedicate to talking with each other, will make way for your future. Okay? You get what i am trying to say right?" she asked finishing her speech.

I was so lost in it, i didn't bother responding.

Same with Nandini.

Our parents were always cool and we talked easy. But this topic seemed very heavy.

"Hello? Tum se kuch pooch rahi hoon" she asked and now we came back.

"Huh? Haan haan. You're right. We'll talk. But mumma uss se pehle, khaana khaaye please????" i asked.

We finally finished our food. Uncle and i finished the lassi bottoms up. We had one more.

"So uncle, kaisa laga aap ko khaana?" i asked.

"Delicious. I never had authentic punjabi food until today" he said.

"Great. Aur miss healthy murty, aap ko kaisa laga?" i asked her.

She was having the pan, and her mouth was full.

"Eet washhh oooshhooom" she said.

"Hain? English ya hindi mein answer de do yaar, abhi se tamil seekhna mushkil hain" i said.

"She said it was awesome" Uncle covered up for her, "and for your information it was english" he added.

"Nai uncle, it's panglish. English while eating pan, so panglish" i tried to crack a joke that didn't work well.

"Manik mujhe icecream khaani hain" Mumma said.

"No way, you are not supposed to eat ice-creams, Doctor ne manaa kar diya hain" i said.

"Just one. Ek se kuch nai hoga" she said.

"No matlab no" i said. "Aap ice-cream nai..." i was talking, walking toward the car, when i saw these two women at the kulfi waala's cycle.

"Punjabi kulfi...with love from punjab" the board on his cycle.

"Mumma, Nandini come back now" i said.

"Don't even try Manik. She is a dessert freak" uncle said

New found info.

"It's okay kabhi kabhi ek khaane se kuch nai ho jaayega" he said.

We were waiting at the car for them.

"Uncle mumma sach mein khush thi na? When you told her about us?" I asked him.

"Manik, your mother truly is a superwoman. You know what, i want my daughter to become as loving as she is. Aur tum yeh sawaal bhi kya kar rahe ho? I didn't know ek hi interaction mein nandini developed so much liking toward you mother. And same is the case with her. Nandini hardly has a couple friends in Chennai. She was never this kind of a person is liye mujhe hamesha se darr tha. But now i see her totally changed. And i think, your mother has shown that motherly instinct to her, and that attracted her more"

"Just like how you attracted me. Uncle, you are a great father too. Mumma ke saath toh papa the, in every step of her life. Even now, she feels his presence everywhere. Par aap? You had to go through a lot. And it's really hard to imagine that, and trying to not let your daughter affected by all the negativity, you really struggled. And i want to become like you, who could go to any extent to protect his family"

Emotional talks. I could see a teardrop rolling down his cheek.

"Uncle, i am sorry, i didn't mean to hurt you" i said. I didn't know what else to say.

"It's hard to digest so much happiness at once, guess it's overflowing" he said wiping it off.

Hats off to this man!

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Nandini

How can someone deny for the dessert? Wohh bhi apni mumma ko? Wohh bhi jab unhone itna pyaar se poocha? Wohh bhi...acha enough.

I saw the kulfi waala and when Manik wasn't noticing us, i ran with aunty to his cycle.

Manik called us back, but bwaahahhaah, who's going?

"Kesar pista" i chose my flavor.

"I don't know the flavors" aunty said.

"Try malai. Coz it's your first" i said. He gave us both our kulfis and we were standing there looking at the men.

They were so busy talking to each other.

"Kya baatein kar rahe honge yeh donon?" i asked her.

"I am sure, tumhaari baare mein. That's the only common topic they have" she said.

"This is yummy Nandini....." she said.

"You like it? Yeh try keejiye" i told her giving mine.

"I am not sure i am not gonna stop with one" she said grabbing mine from my hand.

I asked for another one.

"Nandini, do you like Manik?" she asked.

Yeh kaisa sawaal hain?
"Aunty aap se matlab?"

"Matlab, tum sachh mein Manik ko pasand karti ho ya is it just an attraction thing?" she asked.

"I am sure it's not just attraction" i said.

"So you like him?" she asked.

"What if i say i love him?" i asked.

No more invisible barriers.

She choked at my question.

"That was totally unexpected" she said.

"Aunty, i have accepted it to myself that i love him. I just have to say it. Aloud" i said.

She immediately took me into a hug.

"Iss se pehle tum usko bataao, let me tell you, I love you. And i am so glad my son has you in his life" she said.

"Thanks for letting me into your son's life" i said.

"Oh did i really?" she asked pulling off. "I am the last person to know about this" she said with a pout.

"Awww. but you are the first person to hear what i just said. Appa ko bhi nai bataaya" i said and now that made her happy.

"You know Nandini, Manik apne dad se bohot pyaar karta tha. Aur wohh bhi. He always wanted to give us a comfortable life, aur usee chakkar mein he took a few wrong steps. Manik lost his happiness along with his dad. At some point of time, you need a father to talk out your heart. Aur yeh zyaada usee age mein hota hain, when he lost hsi father. And now i think, he found someone to talk to. Uski chehre pe wohh smile toh dhekho" she said looking at him with love.

"I would be the happiest person if that is so. Appa ki profession ki wajah se na, he is so used to kids around him. He gels up very easily"

"Manik has got a friend in your appa now" she said.

"Jaise aap meri friend" i said.

"Excuse me ladies, aap logon ka yeh kulfi session khatam hua toh ghar chalein? It's too late" he asked.

We sat in the car, both of us in the back seat.

Manik was going to get into the car when the kulfi bhayya came.

"Saab ji paise" he asked Manik.

That's when we realised we didn't pay him/

"Kitna hua?" Manik asked.

"Ji 100 rupay" he said.

"Dho kulfi ke liye 100 rupay?" Manik asked taking out money from his purse.

"Nai sir, 5 kulfi ke liye 100 rupay" he said.

Gaye kaam se.

"Paanch kulfi?" Appa was also surprised.

"Haan woh....wohh kya hua na, aunty ki kulfi neeche gir gayi" i aid making up a story.

"Haan, haan meri waali kulfi neeche gir gayi so we had to buy one more" aunty finished it up.

"Toh baaki dho? Unn ka kya story?" he asked.

"Wohh..." i said.

"Wohhh..." aunty ko bhi kuch soojh nai raha tha'

"Wohh ke aage bhi kuch bolo?" he asked paying for them.

"Hum ne kha liya" we both said together.

"Dho dho kulfi? Mumma aap ne dho kulfi khaayi? Ghar chaliye batata hoon" he said starting the car.

"Appa are you alright?" i asked appa as he was silent.

"Yes kanna. I am super fine. Just a little sleepy. Travel bhi kiya na, thoda sa tired hoon" he said.

Manik stopped the car, reclined the seat for him. "So jaiye uncle, we will wake you up once we are home" he said.

How nice of him.

It took us 30 minutes to get back home and unknowingly i dozed off.

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Manik

Itni responsibility? Three of them were happily sleeping.

Uncle ka toh theek hain, par inn donon ladies bhi? Kulfi khaa ke aaraam se so rahe hain.

I stopped the car, and looked back to see the cutest scene ever.

Nandini was sleeping with her head on mumma's lap and mumma's hand was on her hair.

My two beautiful roses.

"Uncle" i woke up uncle first.

He looked around, "Pohonch gaye?" he asked.

I nodded in yes.

"Nandi..." he was going to wake her up and when i stopped him.

I slowly lift her up in my arms, and we walked inside. By now, mumma was also awake.

She wished uncle a goodnight and went home, while i was carrying my chaand in my arms.

She looks so pretty even in her sleep.

The ear rings were shining on either side of her face, making her glow more.

We reached the house, uncle opened the door, and i walked in.

I turned the bed lamp in her room, only to get surprised seeing her room. Details baad mein, first let me put her to bed.

"I'll go change and come back. Stay" uncle said and went to the other room.

I put her on bed, removed her shoes and set her legs straight.

She is such a sound sleeper itna sab ho raha hain and she is still sleeping.

I could take the bangle off her hand but the ear rings are tough. That sure is gonna wake her up if i try.

Covering her with a blanket, i turned the ac on and the left room closing the door.

"Goodnight uncle" i said as he came out too,

"Goodnight Manik and Thankyou very much. I really had a great time" he said.

"Are nai nai uncle. That's okay" i said.

"I will see you tomorrow then"

"Sure. bye uncle" i said and walked out and he locked the door behind me.

I went back home and mom was watching tv.

"Aap bhi so jaaiye, you must be tired" i said sitting next to her.

"I am happy today. Very happy" she said.

"I am really sorry mumma meine aap ko nandini ke baare mein nai batayaa" i said kneeling down infront of her.

"That's okay Manik. It was nice to hear it from her dad. Pata hain how happy i was when he was telling so many good things about you. He is such a nice man" she said.

"Indeed. He is so cool. Just like you. We are lucky to have parents like you both" i said.

"Stop buttering me up, i know all this is done to escape from the pitaai" she said.

Smart woman. I must say.

"Are nai baba, i mean it" i said.

"Acha theek hain theek hain. Go. fresh ho jaao and go to bed. You had a long day" she said.

I kissed her goodnight and went to my room.

It was indeed a long day.

I walked out to the verandah, to see a brightly smiling SRK.

"Mein bohot khush hoon" he said.

"Mein bhi. Thankyou SRK, agar tum nai hote na, toh shaayad Manik aur Nandini ki story hi nai hoti" i said.

"Pyaar toh pyaar hain. It will find it's own way. But i must say you are lucky to have the king of romance guide you" he said winking.

"Oh yeah!" i said.

"Chalo go to bed. I will see you tomorrow" he said and I waved to him.

Looking at her picture, i slowly slipped into the land of dreams.

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