Yolo! I'm back! So for starters, thanks to everyone who reads this book, and more to those who vote and comment. You guys are valuable to me :') Thanks for giving this story a chance, though it is dark and a little on the negative spectrum.

Secondly, if this part seems a little cliché, it's totally intended. Nandini in this story is a bookworm, and often tends to quote and relate her personal life to characters from novels or those of significance. There! You can read now ;)

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Nandini

I was sitting by the balcony in my house, lost in thought. Lost in thought always meant lost in Manik and Naina. I was contemplating the major changes in my life over the past few days. There was just so much happening in my personal life that I couldn't really watch out for my project's progress.  I was getting mails after mails regarding the checkpoint discussions and the overall progress and modifications meetings. Briefly speaking, my life was a mess with so much happening so quickly.

I turned to the tomato sapling in my balcony and touched it, in admiration. That sapling was true evidence of how much Manik and I had grown in our relationship. We lived happily, and then we died, and now between us lay a beautiful baby, like the little new sapling, bound to the roots that made us, us. The tomato plant had survived several generations; the one growing then was like the 8th descendant of the parent sapling Manik and I planted. The mere presence of that sapling brought peace to my mind. It was like my 'make-believe' Manik Malhotra, who was constantly around me, at home, the loneliest place without Manik. It also felt like our love probably never really ended, because that one parent sapling had given rise to so many more, as if our love was multiplying. "Jab main tumhare saath hoti hoon na, with you... Nothing bothers me."

"Manik! Manik, please! Manik no!" He had enticed me into the balcony, laughing heartily while forcing me to eat a tomato, to really check if the redness of the tomatoes added to my flushed face. Stupid Manik! I had tested his patience by not seeing him all day and he, as revenge, tried to kiss me-which I fully gave into-only to be embarrassed for my desperation.

"Come on, Nandu! Please, I wanna see na!" He grabbed me in his hold and nudged it on my lips in persuasion. I smiled and wiggled out, and accidentally, he'd dropped it into the soil in one of my plant pots. I palmed my mouth to exaggerate.

"Haawww! Yeh toh gir gaya, Manik! Now how can I show?" (Haawww! This piece fell down, Manik!) Inside, I was jumping with joy for successfully escaping eating a vegetable for Manik's lame games! Not like I was really ready to do it, but now I could claim that I didn't get a chance, since he couldn't do anything about it. He grunted and crouched to reach it.

"I'll plant this tomato. Phir iske bacche honge na, tab tumko bahut pareshaan karenge, you just wait and watch." (Then this plant's babies will trouble you, you just wait and watch.) I giggled at the seriousness in his face. Excited by his own challenge, he dug a small hole, and placed the tomato faced down on the soil. I was intrigued too, by the biology of the growth of a plant. I crouched beside him, touching the plump butt of the tomato and giggling to myself.

I was such an idiot around Manik, mainly because I became a self-sufficient adult way before other children were even teenagers. I lost my childhood, in isolation, and with him, I could enjoy it all over again.

"Iske bacche bhi honge?" (These plants have babies?) He smirked at me, shielding the tops of my hands with both of his. Together, we covered the tomato with soil, after which he dusted my hands, cleaning himself in the process too.

"Haan, toh ek sibling banti hai na, bichaari plant ki?" (Yes, don't you think the poor plant needs a sibling?) He lifted me by my butt effortlessly, and I giggled. He was so cute! I wrapped my arms and legs around him and he caught onto my bare thighs, given I was wearing shorts. I'd teased him enough, and he demanded a reward from me, making that night memorable for both of us, as he succeeded in his mission.

I grazed my fingers over the leaves of the sapling. "What do I do about Manik? Mr. Mehta ko bhi main handle kar sakti hoon, but Manik... he's impossible! Harr baat manta hai unke, blindly!" (I can handle Mr. Mehta, but Manik... he's impossible! He listens to everything Mr. Mehta says, blindly!) I shook my head in disbelief. It was as if I was relying on the plant to do something about him. Suddenly, the plant was a representative of Naina. She knew how to protect Daddy from evil people; it was Manik who was hard to convince. Now that we weren't actually together-together, I was helpless. He was like an adamant baby, who wouldn't listen to me, regardless of what I would say. I couldn't take a sudden departure from him, though. I was growing too attached to his presence in my life. I wanted him. "I'm scared... he'll choose her over me."

***

Manik

We were at Aryamann's birthday party, with baby Naina. No matter how ridiculous it sounded, she had no place to go. Not to mention, she was the only baby in the crowd. Occasionally, Sonali offered to look after Naina but Nandini was exceptionally furious about it, plus our baby didn't like Sonali. She would be quiet at first and then cry for hours to make her parents upset.

"Hey, so are you guys dating?" That was a question we'd been asked so many times that day. Did we seem so couple-like? I agreed-she did clean my shirt when our child hit someone's plate off, spilling some food on me, and I helped her out when Naina pulled Nandini's hair with her baby hands. Honestly, God only knew what was up with the two of us. We weren't together but we had a baby together, wow!

"Hey! Whose baby is this?" A young drunk couple tapped Naina's cheeks once and began laughing to themselves under the influence of the booze. I gave them a fake smile.

"Mine."

I couldn't entertain myself with such people for long and so I retreated to a comparatively quiet corner with my daughter. Nandini was stuck up somewhere with Navya so I didn't have to worry. Aryamann was on a roll, dancing with 4 girls at a time! What a player!

"Guys... guys... Any couples in the house? How many of you met at bars? Can you dance, please, come on you all." I rolled my eyes at him. A typical rich spoilt brat, he was!

"Tu jaa yaar, Naina ko main sambhaalta hoon, usko part-time PJs sunaane wale RJs pasand aayegi!" (You go dude, I'll take care of Naina, she'll love the PJs part-time RJ Cabir says!) Cabir smirked at his comment. Sometimes he was funny, I agree, but sometimes just cringy. Cabir worked for a radio station on weekends. Apparently that was his passion. His mother forced him into IT because she didn't think men from middle-class households did RJ jobs and didn't think they were sophisticated professions.

"Nahi yaar, hum couple nahi hai." (No dude, we aren't a couple.) I shrugged, seating my daughter on the countertop, supporting her with both hands and swaying her back and forth. These little games would cheer her up. Literally, she was such a beautiful baby. She showed me that even without being a millionaire, a father could give his baby the world's joy.

"Haan yeh main bhi jaanta hoon, tum aur main, hum nahi hai!" (Yes, I know you and I aren't!) He chuckled again as he threw his head back up in a haze. I gave him a wry look-a more 'are-you-serious' look.

"Chadd gayi kya itni jaldi?" (Are you high already?)

"Yaar, tumlogo ko samajhna bahut mushkil hai. Chahte kuch aur ho aur kehte kuch aur hi!" (Dude, you both are hard to understand. You say something but want something else!)

"Mujhe khud samajh nahi aata, main kya tujhe samjhau!" (I don't know either. What do I tell you?) My baby was getting bored and reached out for her uncle, Cabir, but I was scared. Cabir was so high. He wouldn't drop her but I couldn't take a chance. I scooped her in my arms and cradled her with one arm. Ah... where's the stroller when I need it?!

My phone rang and I didn't take more than a moment's time to answer. As soon as I picked the phone,

"Manik! Nandini is out of control! Ma-" A small figure appeared on stage, with a microphone in her hand.

"Arre... you know what love is? I know! Mujhe... pata hai!" (I... know!) She gleamed, pointing to her frame and staring at her ring. It was the ring I'd given her when we'd gotten engaged. It was a sophisticated ruby gem, sitting on a white gold throne, shaped like a tiara. It cost me an arm and a leg; just kidding, but anything to make her happy. "Love... is like a gem for me. Ruby. Ruby gem ko Hindi main kya bolte hai?" (What do we call the ruby stone in Hindi?) She asked the audience, leaning in in a daze to add to the effect.

"Manik!" Some suggested, the 'some' who genuinely wanted to learn about love and who knew enough Hindi to answer. Nandini was giving love lessons! It didn't sound that funny to me then. I smiled at the subtle hint she threw there. My baby looked up at a happy Daddy and it reflected on her face too. She smiled at me beautifully.

Nandini went on and on, not really, she said about two more sentences before she collapsed into Navya's arms. I ran through the crowd to get to Navya as soon as I could. She managed to take Nandini out of the bar.

"Navya, what did I tell you? You had one job and that was to take care of her."

"Manik... I couldn't, I'm sorry." She held Naina for me, ensuring she wouldn't fail me that time. Nandini hopped to kiss our child. She gave her a little peck on the cheek, brushed her hair and flashed a cheeky smile. As Navya went back in, I pulled Nandini to an unexplored corner, where hopefully nobody would see us. Nandini leaned into me, with her eyes closed.

"Manik... tumne meri speech suni?" (Manik... did you hear my speech?) She breathed over my chin, touching my chest with one finger and then squinting to see if she was really holding out only her pointer finger. I shook her gently. How much did she really drink?

"Nandini, you're not allowed to drink! What's the point in going to thera-"

"Nahi, meri fikr mat karo tum. Baadme tum bhi mujhe chodd hi doge na..." (No, don't worry about me. I know you'll also leave me, right...) She was broken, but I needed to know what triggered her this time. It wasn't me. I was behaving just fine. The doctor had mentioned addressing the cause over cure. She swiveled her bloodshot eyes to meet mine. "Hai na?" Her eyelashes batted like crazy and oh my my! My heart... She was insecure, but why? I blatantly stared at her.

"Nandini..." She frowned, and her lip popped out adorably as if she was about to break down any moment. Just a few seconds back, she was super happy and preaching about love. She was so high. "Hua kya hai?" (What's wrong?) I was desperate for answers, and I was hoping that in her vulnerable state, she would tell me.

"HAI NA?" This time her hand was under my chin, directing me to look straight at her. I was still pissed off at her for irresponsibly drinking. She probably caught onto that. "Manik, maine jaanbuchke nahi piya. I just... couldn't." (Manik, I didn't intend to drink.) She was squirming out, and I held her stiffly with my arms. "Rehne do na, yeh batao... Tum mujhe choddke jaoge?" (Let it go, tell me... will you leave me and go?)

"Serious wali baat hai?" (Is it about something serious?) I was referring to something else and she was referring to something else yet that moment seemed like time had frozen for two irrevocably loving souls to unite.

"Hmm..." She hummed, settling on my chest. After ages, it felt like I was warm again. My wounded, ice-shielded heart thawed under her warmth. We had hugs that symbolized different things; around the neck meant I love you, under the arms meant I'll protect you and around the waist meant I trust you. That trust I didn't want to break, and I never did.

"Nahi choddunga, Nandini." (I won't leave you, Nandini.) I assured as she smiled, closing her eyes in the moment. All she said were silent apologies and promises, to heal and come out stronger than before, for Manik and Nandini.

***

The doorbell rang. It was 7:30 in the morning and I knew who it was. I unlocked the door, and she walked in, with a small smile on her face. "Naina ne khaa liya?" (Did Naina eat?) Her hands caressed my child with motherly affection. Naina was one lucky baby, to receive so much love from so many different people, who cared for her like their own child.

"Haan, ho gaya sab. Acchha suno, aaj bartan dhokar jaana. Mujhe kaam ke liye jaldi jaana hai?" (Yes, everything's taken care of. Okay listen, can you just wash the dishes? I'm getting late for work?) She smiled at me and nodded. "Bhaiyya, Didi kahan hai?" (Where's Nandini?) Yeah, I was a friendly boss for the most part. Rakhi and I had a little casual conversation every day; though she did household chores for me, I never treated her any differently than I would treat family.

"Chali gayi shayad jaldi... call karke dekhta hoon." (I think she left early... I'll call and ask.) I pulled my phone out of my pocket and searched for her number. I dialed but she canceled the call. I was about to put my phone back inside, when it buzzed.

*Stuck in a boring meeting.* ~Nandini

I smiled unexpectedly and locked my phone. I put Naina in her stroller and headed out to help with the household. I shoved the colored clothes into the washing machine, most of which were Naina's. Babies had to be changed so often and Naina was no exception. She drooled too, so much, and none of her clothes could stay on her for longer than 4 hours. I was worried the drool would wet her clothes and make her sick.

*Busy ho?* (Are you busy?) ~Nandini

I read the message, only to find some more I'd missed on.

*Text karoge?* (Can you text?) ~Nandini

I quickly typed.

*Itni subah ko vahan kya kar rahi ho?* (What ate you doing so early in the morning?) ~Manik

*Kuch kaam tha* (I had some work.) ~Nandini

Work? How come she was called but I wasn't informed? I was her client assistant but that was at HyLyte, not at Premiera. Maybe she was at Premiera? She could've informed though.

*7:30 ko kaunsa important kaam aagaya hai? Mr. Mehta toh 9 baje ko aate hai.* (What work is so important at 7:30 in the morning? Mr. Mehta comes to work at 9.) ~Manik

*Manik, I gotta go now. Okay bye.* ~Nandini

I was hell sure she was up to something. She derailed from the conversation and that was a clear sign. She just couldn't keep herself out of trouble, ever. I just hoped nothing serious was going on.

"Bhaiyya, Didi ab yahi rahegi aapke saath? Sab theek hai kya?" (Will she stay with you? Is everything okay now?) Rakhi always loved us as a couple. She thought we made the cutest family and she often mentioned how lucky Nandini was to have me in her life. I guess she was like the Navya for me at home. She didn't know exactly why we split but she was certain that we both were in love and we were meant to be.

Nandini's new secrets were bothering me. Why wasn't she telling me? She was never transparent about things in her life but when I hid something, she lost her mind. The last time she hid things from me, she had almost risked her life. P-PTSD. God! This woman! I needed to figure it out myself. She wouldn't tell me; that was for sure. Is everything really okay now? "Mujhe khud nahi pata." (I really don't know.) Rakhi gave me some words of consolation and made me some breakfast. She left soon after washing the dishes she used.

I was disturbed. I unbuttoned my shirt and dropped to my boxers, standing underneath the cold shower. The water droplets trickled down my body with ease while I closed my eyes, overanalyzing the situation. Why did I have to care so much? The shower wasn't helping me a lot either. Nandini, you're taking yourself down the destructive lane again, aren't you? I was asking my heart that; it was where Nandini lived. After several minutes, I came up with a conclusion. I need answers.

***

Nandini

I really shouldn't have made it there so early. The meeting was bullshit. It was a meeting in Premiera, about our current fund analysis and some modifications to the current projects. He presented some prospective plans and flaunted them. Aryamann was actually presenting his assistant's report on my behalf and I was asked to just be present, as a representative. At least I needed some benefit to compensate for the inequality in my position for the same deal!

I'd yawned twice in front of his face, as he went on and on about irrelevant things. He was so immature and under-confident to play the role of a CEO. Even Manik could do better! Manik... He didn't know I was here. Shit! I totally forgot. I reminded myself in the cab that morning to drop him a message but I was too tired and I fell asleep.

Just then, my phone vibrated. Manik. My face lit up. We had telepathy or some sort of connection, for sure. I wanted to attend to the call and hear his deep, half-sleepy voice but stupid surroundings wouldn't let me. I tapped the 'Decline' button, and slid into text messages. I sent him a couple of texts, apart from each other by about 2 minutes.

Sensing my diverted attention, Aryamann thought it was the perfect moment to discuss the flaws in my project. He began by saying how much of the client's resources our project was using up, and went on pointing the delays in the delivery of the product and errors in it. He sounded very condescending, putting the rest of the C-suite members in a very uncomfortable position.

I lifted my head up high, facing him while I faked a smile. "Good report, but I think next time you should get your assistant to do it." I didn't realize I sounded rude until the other C-suite members gaped at me for having raised my voice at a person who was placed at a higher rank than me. They didn't know about the deal, fair enough! "Some facts are not really right there. It is the graphics source code that's corrupted and not the database program. The program works just fine!" I swirled a pen between my fingers, trying to be slick with the situation.

It was an embarrassing moment for him. He looked around, to see a lot of people judging him. He shot some evil glances to his assistant for the wrong information, but it seemed like Aryamann was the one who messed things up for himself. I smirked at his volatile position, which was at stake. He anyways didn't deserve it at all. 

"I mean, like you mentioned, we have a lot of backlogs to complete and this meeting just ate up so much time." I sighed at my watch. It was 8:42, to be exact. These people had wasted one entire hour of my time for bullshit. The CFO from the crew took my side though.

"That's true, Madam. I think we should work on our goals, instead of just discussing them." He nodded to Aryamann in a polite manner. The C-suite was getting to see a side of their CEO they weren't aware of. Aryamann gave me an aggressive look. If he could, he'd probably slit my throat right there but too bad, he's bound to the promises and monetary desires of his father. Fathers had so much power in our lives, didn't they? Everybody dispersed but I didn't even stand up. Who did he think he was, getting away with an attitude like that with me?

"Nandini, just remember who you are." He threatened. I faked a smile and watched my feet as I swayed in ignorance.

"I do, I do remember... Aryamann." My smirk pissed him off, but I was glad. I am not Nandini Murthy. I am Nandini Manik Malhotra. I pulled the meeting room door open and headed out, almost bumping into Manik, who was leaning on the curb of the door, eyeing me suspiciously.  

"So yeh thi tumhari private meeting." (So this was your private meeting.) His sarcasm caught me by surprise. I didn't want him to peer further.

"Manik, Naina kahan hai? TUM USSE AKELA CHODDKE CHALE AAYE?" (Manik, where is Naina? YOU LEFT HER ALONE?) I gasped, to divert some drama. He mimicked my widened eyes and faked a chuckle.

"Ho gaya?" (Are you done?) I sighed in defeat. I didn't want him to know that piece of information, right away. I still feared that somewhere down the line, I'd depend on him too much and he'd leave me with nothing. He already knew a lot about me, which was scary enough to be honest.

"Manik, it's nothing, okay?"

The door behind me flung open, as he left the room, paying no heed to me. "Aryamann?"

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How did you like it? :') Oh come on, tap that star already 🙊 I added a bit of flashback, I hope that cheered you up and explained Naina's existence :P Thanks again! If you enjoyed this part, don't forget to tap the star or maybe tap the callout bubble and play with your words. ❤️

Question of the chapter: What is something very personal to you and you cannot let go because of sentimental values?

I'm eager to know! ;) Also, those few of you who support me so much, you motivate me to keep going :') You guys are blessings, and there's so much more to come because H. O. P. E. (Hold on, pain ends ;))

Also, I'm sorry if this is long but a little important. I'm attending a few classes these holidays so comment replies will be delayed. I hope that's okay! I'll certainly get back though. You people mean a lot. See you Thursday!