I Need You To Be There... For a little more than Always!

Epilogue part 4:

ANOTHER LEAP OF A FEW YEARS....

Ahaana: I want all the arrangements to be the best.... The guests will start filling in any minute. It's mom and dad's 25th anniversary, nothing should go wrong today.

Ahaana said to the servant as she checked onto the arrangements.

"Woah... Someone's on roll today! "

She heard a voice behind her and turned glaring at the person.

Ahaana: Aditya Thakur..... Where the hell were u??

She asked placing her arms on her waist.

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Writer's pov:

Ohk so for the last part of this story. I wanted to give an insight of all their lives when the kids had grown up. So here we jump directly to MaNan's 25th anniversary.

As the scene goes we see all their kids now grown up to youngsters. Ahaana, 19 year old now, even though the youngest one in the entire lot is the one who is doing all the preparations for her parents with a little help of her best friend and cousin Aditya (19 as well)

Take a deep breath and read ahead the last and the final chapter of "I Need You To Be There... For a little more than Always!"....

Pov ends!

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Adi: Sorry na yr.. I was stuck somewhere!

Ahaana: Stuck... Yeah right! So busy with some new girl at college that u forgot that ur best friend needed u today!

Scratching the back of his neck Adi have her a cheeky smile.

Adi: Come on ahaana... U knw I love u right! I just forgot.

Mukti: Like father like son...

Mukti said as she walked in and hit the back of his head.

Adi: Mom...

Adi said rubbing his head.

Ahaana: Hi Mukti mami... Good u came, can u plz go and check on Mom once, Aliya aunty and Navya aunty too must be on their way, I'll send them upstairs.

Mukti: Sure!

Mukti smiled at her and walked upstairs while ahaana turned towards adi.

Ahaana: Now can u plz go and check onto the food arrangements! I hv to go up and see what are our fathers doing up there.

Adi: Ohk ohk chill... I m going!

Adi said loosing his hands up in surrender.

Ahaana: Hang on... Do u know where is Mia Di?

Adi: No.... She must be with Harsh bhai and Diya di only...

Ahaana: Ohh no... I hv sent those love birds to get the surprise ready! But where is Mia Di?

"Over here..." came a cheerful voice from the door as Aliya, Navya and Mia(21 yr old, college going, Cavya's younger daughter) entered together. Ahaana smiled looking at them while adi walked away to check onto the other arrangements.

Ahaana: Ohk so I want all the oldies up there. Males in the guest room and females in mom's room.

She said looking at Aliya and Navya.

Aliya: Oldies??? From where do I look old to u?

Ahaana: From the fact that u all are almost 50... Now go na aunty, mom is waiting for u.

Navya: Ohk ohk we r going madam.... But when are u going to get ready?

Ahaana: I just hv to check on dad and ur husbands once and then I'll get ready. Mia Di would u plz manage it here till I come back. Adi is also here...

Mia: Sure babe.. Just go!

Mia said pushing her away as Ahaana ran upstairs. She moved directly towards the guest room and entered inside to hv her eyes broaden at the view in front of her.

Ahaana: What the Hell... Why aren't u guys ready yet?

There in front of her lay Cabir, dhruv, abhi and Manik on the bed, with their eyes fixed onto the T.V. as a football match was being played.

Manik: Princess just 10 minutes, u don't worry we'll be ready soon!

Manik said dismissing her off with his eyes still fixed upon the screen. Ahaana huffed at it as she walked ahead and directly turned off the TV.

Cabir: Arey yr!!

Ahaana: Come on... Get up all four of u... The guests are gonna come soon and u all r watching this match.

Manik: Ahaana... Its ohk na, its our party, we are allowed to be late in this!

Ahaana: Dad... FYl, Mom is almost ready!

Ahaana said wrapping her arms around her chest knowing this will hit the spot.

Manik: So soon? Shit...

Manik muttered as he sprung up from the bed making the others groan.

Abhi: Manik yr chill... Nandu ko hum dekh lenge...

Ahaana: Umn... All ur wives have also ready. So I would suggest u all to hurry up Now.

Hearing them all groan, Ahaana walked out of the room as she walked to hers and got ready for the party.

About half an hour later, the entire Malhotra Mansion seemed filling in with all the guests. Fab5, Navya and Abhi had joined the kids to greet the guests.

Manik, on the other hand got ready soon and moved to his room towards his wife. He entered the room only to stop in his tracks at the sight in front of him.

Manik: Out of the world....

Nandini looked up at him, a blush creeping onto her face as she stood up.

Nandini: What's out of the world??

Manik walked closer towards her wrapping his arms around her waist.

Manik: My wife... She is just out of this world! But then, u don't look bad urself.

Nandini: Really?? Thank u for the compliment...

Manik: Ur welcome... So, u know what, My wife is quite busy today in work and stuff, I was thinking if u would want to come to this party with me, I would be glad if u did!

Nandini: And what about ur wife? Won't she mind?

Manik: She won't...

Manik whispered back caressing her face making Nandini raise her eye brow at him.

Nandini: And how can u be so sure?

Manik: Coz she knows one thing very well.... There is no one who can ever take her place in my life....

He replied back sincerely making nandini blush harder as she nodded.

Nandini: No one...

Manik bent forward placing a soft kiss onto her forehead.

Manik: I was waiting for u.... What was taking u so long?

He asked softly after taking a step back from her. Nandini smiled up at his words and moved away from him as she picked up something from the dressing table.

Nandini: I was finding this!

Manik looked at what she was holding before looking up at her almost in shock.

Manik: U still have this?

Nandini: Manik.... This is one of the most special gifts u have ever given me. This was ur first gift to me, the day u confessed ur love for me.....

Manik: 26 years ago!

Nandini: Symbolising Hamesha!!! Forever....

A broad smile crept onto his face as Manik took the infinity bracelet from her and made her wear it on her right wrist.

Manik: So Mrs. Malhotra.... Shall we?

He asked forwarding his hand towards her. Nandini smiled broadly at him and held his hand nodding,

Nandini: Of course....

They moved downstairs to join the party only to have all the eyes turn towards them in Aww. They were undoubtedly the best couple people would find and that could be seen in the reactions.

Nandini looked around the entire place beautifully decorated when her gaze feel onto Ahaana walking towards them and she smiled broadly,

Nandini: U look beautiful.... And so do all ur arrangements!

Ahaana: Thanks Mom!! And a very very Happy Anniversary to both of u!

Ahaana chipped happily as manik pulled her into a hug.

Manik: U look stunning!

Ahaana: I hv to yr... My oldies have completed 25 years together.

Manik: Old... And me! Talk to ur mom girl.

Manik said straightening his coat while the other two laughed.

Ahaana: Dad... Look at Mom! She easily fits in for my elder sister. I m sorry but I don't think I can say the same for u yr....

Manik made a bad face at his daughter as he wrapped his arm around Nandini again,

Manik: I don't wanna talk to people who don't value me!

Ahaana shook her head at him as they moved ahead meeting all the guests. The party started in full swing with praises and guys being showered over MaNan. Fab5's romantic songs were being played onto by the DJ, as the crowd took over the dance floor.

About an hour into the party, Mia walked towards Ahaana and whispered something to her. She smiled broadly at the information and looked all around when finally her eyes landed over Diya and Harsh.

Harsh looked back at her and winked with a thumbs up.

"Ur surprise is ready!" said Mia when Ahaana smiled broadly.

Ahaana walked ahead towards the staircase and moved 4-5 steps up before turning towards the crowd with a bright smile on her face.

Ahaana: Excuse me everyone!!

She said loudly taking in all the attention while the DJ turned off the Music.

Ahaana: First of all Good Evening all of u... And a very big Thanks for coming here tonight. This day is probably one of the most special ones for all of us, special my parents as we all are here to celebrate 25 years of their togetherness..... Well, I know me standing here and talking all the stuff about them might bore a lot of u, but then it will mean much much more to those two people who mean the life to me.

Both Manik and Nandini smiled broadly at her nodding softly.

Ahaana: Mom-Dad... Congratulations to both of u! And unlike everyone else, I couldn't actually think of anything as a gift to the two of u, but I do have a sweet little surprise for u....

Both Manik and Nandini looked at her confused, while she stood there smiling purposefully. When suddenly Nandini felt a pair of arms around her waist as she was lifted off the ground.

Nandini: Manik....

She yelped for help out of surprise, until she heard her attacker laughing.

Nandini: Vivaan!!!

Vivaan laughed harder at her voice and put her down only to hug her.

Vivaan: Surprise....

Nandini: Oh my god... When did u come? And how? Why didn't u tell me?

Nandini asked happily throwing question after question to her.

Manik: Nandini... He just said Surprise! Why would he tell u before if he wanted to surprise us?

Manik said interrupting her making Nandini stop as Vivaan hugged Manik. He hugged his son tight, patting his back before moving back.

Vivaan: Happy Anniversary guys!

Nandini cupped the side of his face, having the broadest smile on her face until they heard Ahaana,

Ahaana: If u all are done... Bhai, can I plz have u up here...

Vivaan nodded at her and he moved past the crowd and jumped up to stairs. Taking ahaana in a short hug, he faced the crowd.

Vivaan: Ohk people... Good Evening everyone! Sorry for the extra display of affection by my mother that u all just witnessed.

The entire crowd laughed at it while Nandini simply shook her head at her son.

Nandini: That's a Mother's reaction on seeing her son after a year and a half.... So shut up!

Vivaan: Sorry... Anyways, lets proceed.

Ahaana: Yeah.... There is this little fact in our family that Bhai has been closer to Mom while I hv been my father's princess... Its something that started when I was born and has grown onto us with years. But today, we both stand here trying to reverse our roles.

Vivaan: Exactly.... So for this extremely special day of urs, I m gonna talk to Dad and Ahaana has something to share with Mom, lets just hope this make us better as a family and maybe even help us cross that invisible bridge.

Both Manik and Nandini looked at each other at their words. They had never expected something like this coming their way. Yes, their kids were saying the truth. But they never spoke that out ever.

Ahaana: Mom....

Ahaana started softly looking straight at Nandini.

Vivaan: Both of us know that u have always been very clear about maintaining the privacy of the family. U never like Dad's excessive PDA, family media interactions and especially the two of us, getting into limelight just bcoz we are related to a famous personality. But today, we want to stand here and express ourselves in front of everyone, coz what we are gonna say is something we really really mean.....

A smile crept over Nandini's face as she saw both her kids waiting for her approval before starting. She nodded softly at them as Manik held her hand.

Ahaana: All through my growing years, I have always been closer to u Dad. I have always relied on u, much more than on Mom. Maybe it was ur biased love for me that pulled me towards u, or just the father-daughter relation as the world says. But Mom... I don't say it to u much, but I want u to know one thing today. I love u! And I love u as much as I love Dad. But more than that Love, I adore u Mom... And for me, I would feel accomplished in my life the day I can proudly say that I m ur daughter and I have ur traits in me. The way u have shaped ur life, on ur own terms, getting out of the easy life and making ur own path. The way u handle everything around u, be it home, be it work, be it us or anything else for that matter. I know this bcoz I know it all, and I know it right from the person closest to u. Coz that person standing next to u, knows nothing else better than loving u..... And I m not saying this just today, I hv mentioned the same to Dad a number of times before, I see u as my ideal much more than my Mother.

Nandini wiped off the tiny tear from the corner of her eyes as Manik wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. Nandini looked up at his smiling face and then turned back towards her kids as Vivaan spoke up.

Vivaan: Dad, I know u have almost the same complaint from me. I have never been open up to u the way I have been to Mom. Be it related to my studies or even my personal issues. U have always tried to gel up with me the way u have done with Ahaana, being more of our friend than a father. U really do expect me to come to u and tell u about my friends, about my studies, about the girl I like. But then u can't even blame me, u really have set high targets for me to reach.

Manik chuckled at his words as he continued,

Vivaan: I don't think I have ever been able to make friends like u have, from school to this day, u were all standing beside each other always. Fab5, the unbreakable. In studies, well I have nothing to say in that everyone knows where Malhotra Industries is today, and that just explains all ur capabilities. And coming to love.... I promise u Dad, U will be the first person I will come to whenever I find the Nandini for me. Coz after seeing the two of u, knowing ur story, and watching the relationship u two share, I don't think I would be satisfied in anything less than this....

Today, we stand here celebrating ur 25th anniversary and even after all these years together I can guarantee one thing.... That if given a choice between Mom and anything in this world, be it name, money, business, friends, Music or even the two of us.... U r gonna choose Mom each and every time. She may find it difficult to choose at times, but if its up to u.... I know u won't even blink an eye before giving up everything and choose just her. Because that is what makes u Manik Malhotra, and that is what makes the two of us Proud to be standing here as Ur Children.

Both Manik and Nandini moved forward at his words and hugged the two of them. The entire crowd got emotional at the personal moment as Fab4 and family cheered.

The music was turned on again as the party was resumed. The younger clan jumped up onto the dance floor pumping up the party a little higher while everyone enjoyed. Manik and Nandini moved on from all the guests to their friends. And that was it, what else could they need if they all were together.

Almost near the end of the party, Manik stood there talking to Cabir when his eyes feel over Nandini who was sitting along at the bar counter. He excused himself from the conversation and walked towards her. As if sensing his presence nandini looked up and smiled at him.

Manik: Why r u sitting alone?

Nandini: Nothing.... Just thinking!

Manik moved closer, holding her onto himself as he asked,

Manik: Thinking about?

Nandini: How far we have come together!

Manik smiled at her words nodding as he followed her gaze and found her looking at all the kids who was sitting at the other side of the hall pulling each others leg.

Manik: I never expected them to say any of what they did today!

Nandini: It meant the world to me too....

Nandini whispered back to him making Manik turn back towards her as he planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

Manik: I have something for u!

He said taking out an envelope from his coat and handing it over to her. Nandini shook her head at his never ending gifts and opened it up only to find flight tickets to Venice.

Nandini: Venice... Whats this?

Manik: I realised we got so busy in life that we never had an actual honeymoon. It was always with Fab5, Mom-Dad or Ahaana-Vivaan.... So here it is, a Honeymoon vacation for us.

Nandini: Honeymoon.... Manik are u mad! We r celebrating out 25 year anniversary not 1 month anniversary.

Nandini said laughing at it when Manik suddenly held her hand and pulled her ahead making her bang onto his chest.

Manik: U can always think of it like the first month right.... U and me, alone in Venice.... Just imagine what all I would do to u!

Nandini gave turned tomato red at his words as she tried to push him a little.

"Uhm uhm.."

Manik immediately left her taking a step back before groaning as he saw the intruder.

Manik: Why?? Why u always?

"I.... I guess I just know when to make a grand entry!"

Manik gave him a 'Are-u-serious' look and saw Nandini smiling softly making him snap at her.

Manik: U know what, I can't take this... U only handle him!

With this he walked away making Nandini laugh out loud.

Cabir: Gosh... How much I love seeing him frustrated. I can't miss this opportunity, I'll see u soon Nandini....

Cabir said and walked behind Manik to irritate him more while Nandini laughed.

Later that night after the party ended all of them decided to stay at the Malhotra Mansion itself. They freshened up and were soon all sitting in the living room and chilling.

Navya: The party was amazing.... Ahaana, well done girl!

Ahaana: Thank you aunty!

Ahaana smiled broadly replying to her until a pillow was smacked on her face.

Adi: What thanks.... Who helped u?

Ahaana: Yeah... U did na... U helped me by doing literally nothing and ditching me at the last moment!

Adi: I-

Nandini: Ohk ohk enough.... U two are never gonna stop fighting! All 5 of u, Ahaana, Adi, Mia, Diya and Harsh.... Thank u very much for making day so special for me.

Vivaan: And what about me.... I flew down all the way from Dubai mom!

Nandini: But they did all the arrangements na!

Nandini said shrugging at him making him pout as Ahaana teased him and the others laughed.

Manik: And me.... Didn't I make ur day special Nandini?

Manik asked as he took a seat next to her, wrapping a stole around her.

Nandini blushed at his words before biting her lip,

Nandini: No... Not at all!!

Manik: Really?? Well that's a shame!

Nandini was about to reply to him when Ahaana spoke up,

Ahaana: Ohk ohk guys... Plz look around and bare all of us before u two start ur PDA and slip out with some details of ur special day. Coz u r highly mistaken if u think that I don't know about the amazing arrangements that Dad had done on the terrace last night.

Both Manik and Nandini's eyes broadened at her words while the others hooted out loud. Nandini looked down blushing hard while Manik stared at his daughter sternly,

Manik: Ahaana!!!

Ahaana: Sorry dad but it wasn't my fault that u didn't close the door... But don't worry I didn't see anything much other than the lights and decor.

Cabir and Mukti laughed the loudest at this and so did the entire younger clan except for vivaan who smacked ahaana at the back of her head.

Ahaana: Bhai!

Ahaana whined looking at him when Dhruv spoke up,

Dhruv: So vivaan... What plans from here? Are u still gonna go back or ur studies are all done?

Vivaan: No.... Now i m not going anywhere!

Dhruv: So what plans then?

Dhruv asked again making Mukti groan.

Mukti: Dhruv yr.... Why so serious always? U really r quite good into all this shitty uncle-talk.

Dhruv: Which by now u should hv also learned but I guess u r not that talented Mukti!

Dhruv said back giving her a sarcastic smile.

Manik laughed at this and patted dhruv's back while Mukti glared at Adi who was on the floor by now, laughing his guts out.

Cabir: Dhruv has gone savage in all these years. Gone are the days when we had our cute chocolaty shy boy hiding under the cap.

Nandini: I don't think I miss him that much... After all we have a dhruv part2 sitting quietly right amongst us.

Nandini said looking at Harsh who simply gave her a small smile without saying anything.

Mukti: Exactly.... And its like the history is repeating itself. I mean look at Diya and Harsh, they r exactly like Aliya and Dhruv. Although Diya seems more of Aliya speaking Navya's tongue.

Navya: Hey... What's wrong in my tongue?

Navya asked making everyone laugh louder.

Manik: But on a serious note Vivaan... What plans ahead?

Vivaan: I don't know dad... I think I wanna go slow for now! I wanna go step by step. I was wondering if I could intern in Malhotra Industries for some time.

Manik smiled broadly at his words as he sat up straight,

Manik: Off course... But why just an intern, its ur company Son! U can get in on one of the highest positions.

Nandini: No... Manik u shut up! If he is saying he wanna start as an intern then let him na...

Nandini said getting into the conversation.

Manik: But Nandini... Even qualification vise, he has completed his MBA, he deserves much better and its his own company.

Nandini turned towards Manik and said firmly this time,

Nandini: No... Its not!! He will not getting anything just bcoz he is ur son. As a mother, I know my Son is capable enough for this. But u don't recruit new employees, I do! And as a recruiter, I want him to prove his worth to me.

Manik raised up his hands in surrender and lied down on the floor.

Manik: I back out.... Do whatever u wish for!

Nandini smiled at her victory before looking up at her son again.

Nandini: U'll be joining as an intern.

Vivaan smiled broadly and nodded when Manik said,

Manik: But from next month, when we return back... Till then just chill, relax and enjoy, u just got back today....

Cabir: Return?? Who is going where?

Nandini looked at Manik, only to hv him wink at her as he said,

Manik: Nandini and I.... We r leaving for Venice tmrw night!

Aliya: For a month!!!! Woah.... So much planning going on and we didn't even know Haan!

Nandini: There was no planning aliya... He just surprised me during the party today.

Nandini said smiling when Vivaan sat up.

Vivaan: Seriously.... I just came today and the two of u are going! We won't even be able to talk properly....

Guilt took over Nandini's face as she realised it, she shook her head immediately at his words and spoke up,

Nandini: No No... Its ohk Vivaan! If u don't want us to go, we'll cancel the tickets. We can always plan it later na... U just say it once.

Manik: What? NO....

Manik snapped immediately holding her hand and glaring at her.

Manik: Come on Nandini... We r not canceling the plan, and vivaan is here itself.

Vivaan winked at Harsh as all of them sat there controlling their laughter.

Vivaan: But Dad u could at least postpone it right?

Nandini: Yes... That's an amazing plan.

Harsh: I hv an even better idea.... Why don't u two also accompany Manik Uncle and Nandini aunty. It would be a nice change for all of u, having a nice family vacation.

Harsh said pointing at Vivaan and Ahaana.

Adi: Yes, that's the best!

Adi too chipped in. Nandini looked at Manik once knowing he had different plans for this trip before turning back towards her kids who were looking at her expectantly.

Nandini: Sure.... That would be great I guess!

Manik: Ohk enough... Nandini, shut it! They are just pulling ur leg. Look at their faces yr!

Manik said making all the others finally burst out laughing while Nandini threw a pillow at Vivaan.

Vivaan: Chill Mom... U both go and have lots of fun!

Vivaan said finally hugging Nandini.

Soon the topic shifted over to Cabir and Navya's last vacation trip to Chicago and the night went on....

Later that day, Manik joined Nandini on the bed, making her snuggle closer to him.

Nandini: These 25 years passed so soon right. It seems just like yesterday that i was sitting right here all decked up as a bride while u were fighting with Mukti, Aliya and Navya to let u in.

Manik: Yeah and not to forget... They snatched off my credit card which lead to the three of them literally buying the entire mall for themselves!!!

Nandini chuckled at the memory before being pulled closer.

Manik: But I don't think I mind them doing that coz it actually gave me something much more precious...

Nandini blushed at his words resting her head onto his chest.

Nandini: All I know is that.... Its been 25 years now, and I don't think I would hv wanted anything to be any different from what it is now. Our life has turned out to be in best possible way I could hv ever imagined it to be..

Manik: Yes.... And the only reason for that is coz, We are Together!!!

Nandini: Humesha!!!

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And here, I officially end this story which turned out to be like a most beautiful journey for me....

Lots and lots of love to u! But yes, do remember...

Humesha.... Forever!!!

Yes, that has always been our favorite promise.... And we will keep it alive. For now check my profile @Navya_Mishra for another beautiful story of our favorite couple Manan😍😍💕💕

Love,

Navya!

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