Nandini was involved in a video conference while shane stood behind her wondering about the change in his boss. It was not the first time that she was performing a video conference from home but this time the reason was someone else.

His thoughts were interrupted by a ring. He quickly answered the call. After a few sentences were exchanged the call ended and he walked over to nandini.

" mam mr.malhotra is here " he spoke while nandini nodded at him and asked him to go down first.

After 15 more minutes she was done. Walking down stairs she found manik sitting on the sofa in the private living room looking around.

" rupert why havent you shown mr.malhotra his room yet? " nandini questioned sternly.

" actually...it was me who asked him to wait here. I needed to talk with you about something " manik spoke a little nervously.

Nandini raised an eyebrow in question before nodding " speak "

" vo...i just wanted to thank you for today's incident " manik spoke feeling grateful.

" thank you is not needed mr.malhotra we had a deal so it was normal for me to send them " nandini spoke while manik shook his head a little. He knew that she would not take the credit. But he was still grateful for her thoughtfulness. He decided not to drag the matter and make her feel awkward.

" rupert show mr.malhotra his room " nandini spoke and left to her room.

Nandini's room

As soon as she entered the room her eyes fell on the cute bump on bed and a smile made its way to her lips. She walked forward till she reached the edge of the bed.

And there he was !!

Her little ball of happiness

fully covered by the thick fluffy duvet  all she could see was the tip of his hairs while his face was trying to bury itself deeper into the duvet to escape from the sunrays.

For a moment she wanted to draw the curtains and quitely leave the room not disturbing her little star's sleep but remembering about the surprise she prepared for him she had to harden her heart.

" jaan " she spoke caressing his hair while arhaan let out a whine.

" its wakey- wakey time baby..." nandini spoke.

Arhaan peeked his head out of the duvet and wobbled his lower lip letting out a weak " mumma "

Nandini immediately scooped him in her arms disstressedly while he rested his head on her shoulder yawning.

" kya hua aur ninni arahi hai " nandini spoke patting his back while he snuggled more into her neck.

" lekin baby abhi tho hume breakfast bhi karna hai na....  aur dekho mumma ne apkeliye ek surprise bhi ready kiya" nandini tried again and this time he immediately raised his head looking at her.

" surprise " arhaan spoke in a sleepy tone trying to stay awake.

" yes...but for that we have to get ready first....so shall we? " nandini spoke while he nodded his head while nandini chuckled at him and walked to the bathroom.

Dining area...

Manik was a little nervous as he paced back and forth looking towards the stairs every now and then.

He dint know why he was feeling so nervous wondering if that kiddo still remembered him. Will he recognise him? Will the little star be as happy seeing him as he is?

He dint have any experience dealing with kids. Little star was his first interaction with kids. Though it went way too smooth. But he knew that it had little to do with his ability and everything to do with how his mother taught him. So he wasnt going to take credit for that.

He still dint understood why nandini chose him. It wasnt like she cannot hire a highly qualified nanny for her kid. Knowing murthy's they could easily afford tens of them if they want to. But then what was the reason?

His stride came to an abrupt halt as he heard a squeal he turned around to see the little kiddo giggling looking towards him. And this was the moment he knew why.

Seeing that smile he streched his arms  a little eagerly. Arhaan quickly got out of his mother's arms and made a dash towards manik much to his mother's worry.

Manik quickly took him in his arms making her sigh in relief. She was frightened seeing him run like that.

" did my little star miss me? " manik spoke bouncing him a little while arhaan nodded at him eagerly while nandini was blank for a second hearing the nickname.

Arhaan never allowed others to call him with that name except her. She was a little jealous of manik seeing him getting the same privilege as her. For a second she regretted offering him a stay in her house. What if her baby son gets more attached to him?

She quickly consoled her self. After all it was her son's first friend so he might have gotten that privilege. But at the end of the day arhaan was her son after all. He wont be snatched away for sure.

Her son was her's only.

Having no idea of nandini's dilemma manik was busy cooing and cuddling little star to his heart's content. He saw nandini approching from the corner of his eye and offered her a smile.

Nandini nodded at him and turned towards arhaan who seems to have noticed his mumma. Manik watched amused at the leaning tower of pisa in his arms while nandini immediately took him in her arms feeling a slight sense of victory. Needless to say her son still has her in his eyes.

" So how was my jaan's surprise? " nandini asked while arhaan smiled showing how much he liked it.

Seeing his smile manik couldnt help himself from pinching his soft chubby cheek making him giggle more.

Rupert looked at the three people in front of him. Seeing their interaction anyone would say that they were a family of three.

As soon as the thought came he sadly shook his head Knowing how different the reality was.

He closed his eyes and prayed that the three of them would always be happy regardless of the shadows of their past.

_______________________________________

So how was it...?

What did you like the most....?

Seeing your enthusiasm in the previous update i also fulfilled my part.

Next chapter after 50+ comments.

If you complete the target then i will give the update tomorrow. How about that...?

With love
Devils_symphony