Malhotra Office
Manik cabin was on the last floor with his PA desk, 4 conference rooms, auditorium, record's room, a rest room and small cafe.

Cabir came out from the lift in hurry as he was late because of Veer project work which was more difficult than a board meeting for him, projects nowdays.

He was grumbling and crusing his teacher for just kind of stupid work.

While moving towards Manik cabin he dumped into Amaya as both of them were lost in their own thoughts.

Cabir : Hold on lady be alittle careful.
He said smirking while Amaya glared at him angrily.

Amaya : So you too Gentleman, keep your big eyes open.

Cabir: Look's like Manik got finally some brains of letting you go.
He said looking at her who was carrying her handbag while leaving.

Amaya pointed her finger and shouted.

Amaya: Better mind your tongue Mr Dhawan. No one ever leave Amaya Matur but Amaya leave the person.
She said in her attitude.

Cabir: Ohh god so much self obsession I wonder when will my friend understand what kind of lady are you, he is leaving diamond heart to be with black coal one.
He said making a tuch sound in pity.

While Amaya frowned.

Amaya: You better think twice before insulting me, and taking out such words from your bloody mouth.
She shouted angrily.

Cabir: Lady mind your tone and pitch I too can shout, away more louder than you.
He said deathly while Amaya made a Whatever face.

Just then Jocab approached them as he heard some commotion going on near Manik cabin.

Jacob: Mr Dhawan I am so sorry I forgot to inform you Sir won't be coming today.
He said with apologized tone.

Cabir looked at him with questioning eyes

Cabir: Why?

Jacob: There is some emergency, he didn't tell me what it is. So can I schedule your meeting with him for tomorrow.
He said trying to make a note in his diary.

Cabir: Yup.
He said and took out his phone to dial Manik.

Amaya stood there is check whether Manik pick's up Cabir phone or no.

Cabir tried a couple of time but there was no response it was just ringing.

Which made Amaya relax making her realise that he is not picking anyone calls, she smile and started moving towards the lift when Cabir tried again for the last and he shouted on the receiver loudly gaining her attention.

Cabir: Manik what the hell kabse phone try kar raha hu yaar.
He said angrily.

Cabir: Haa toh mute par karni ko kisini bola.
He shouted on his lame excuse.

Cabir: Okay.....I came to office where are you kya emergency mi hai tu

Cabir: What ??? How is she now ?
He asked worriedly while Amaya came back to Jocab desk so she could hear clearly pretending to check some file.

Cabir saw her and purposely started talking alittle more loudly and said things to make her feel jealous.

Cabir: Good you didn't come, take care of Nandini.
He said Nandini name more loudly

Cabir: Finally you got some brains to understand who is important to you more. I am happy you guys can spend some time together alone.
He said smirking looking at Amaya who was taking out her anger on the pencil which she was holding she broke it into two pieces.

Cabir: Acha, okay enjoy your happy time..... with love of your life take good care of my little sister Nandini.
He said moving towards the lift and entered inside.

Amaya self talk: Bloody hell I am like fool from morning trying to call him continuously and he is busy with that bhenji like seriously. Manik this is not done.
She said angrily and threw the file away and moved towards the lift pressing the button angrily grinding her teeths.

Jacab came back from the record room to find the files broken pencil fallen down his desk completely mess up, while Amaya pacing near the lift angrily.

Manik Pov

I talked to Cabir, he was acting extra cheesy today.

Whatever it should not matter to me.

My day went peaceful as I was busy with my presentation and Nandini knowing that I am busy with some important stuff didn't bothered me rest of the day. Well probably she was in the room only, not sure I didn't check on her. I twice got down for beverages and once for lunch that time I didn't find her down.

In evening I had to go out to meet my client's and was going to have my dinner with them.

Around 7.00pm when I went to our room to find her still sleeping which made me realized she was all the time sleeping. I out change in my formals and left bidding by to Naman who was playing in his room.

Nandini Pov.

I went back in my room, first thing I did was ate my medicine, then due to weakness I went to sleep.

I was deep in my sleep when the disturbance of my phone ringing continuous broke my sleep.

With Great difficult I got up, I saw towards the clock to see the time it was 8.15pm which made me shock. I have slept the entire day it reminded me.

I got up with jerk, quickly freshen up and went down stairs to find Naman doing his homework while jenny feeding him dinner.

Nan: Jenny Why didn't you wake me up ? I have slept for the entire day.
I scolded her.

Jenny, she was a middle age woman, a widow having no kids, who used to come late morning and do household chores and take care of Naman in my absences. Pick him from bus stop, making him have lunch snacks, bathe him but now my boy have bath by himself only He has become big😊😉 When around 6.30 I would return back home she would leave. Sometimes I would come by 8.00 too she would stay with my son so long and would never compliant she was a sweetheart.

Jenny: Mam you were not feeling well so I didn't distrub you.
She said softly with guilt.

Nan: Ohh God, Manik would be so annoyed with me. I slept like forever.
I said panicking.

Naman walk towards me.

Naman: I didn't even know you were home the entire day. I thought you were at work.
He said sadly pouting.

I was surprised to know this, didn't Manik informed him about me being at home.

He could have wake me up. Where was he right now.

I looked at Jenny but before I could say Naman spoke.

Naman: Miss Lopez (he used to address her with this name). You didn't tell me mummy was home.
He said angrily.

Jenny: Naman baby Mam was not well . So Sir told me to let her take rest. And if I would inform you, you would run to her room that's why.
She explained herself.

Nan: It's okay Jenny. Don't be guilty. It's 8.30pm you should leave it's getting too late.
I said worryingly as travelling so late for her in the remote area where she stay's in not safe.

Jenny: Don't worry Mam you take care. I will manage.
She smiled widing up the dishes and then leaving.

Naman: How are you now mummy?
He asked me lovingly cupping my cheeks.

Which made me smile brightly on his concern.

Nan: I am good baby don't worry.
I said taking him up in my lap kissing his forehead.

Nan: So what is my baby studying.
I asked him while he smiled sheepishly and said.

Naman: Maths.

Nan: Need any help.
I said taking his book in my hand checking out his sums.

Naman: Not yet....it's manageable.
He said getting down from my lap.

He is smart like his daddy. He hardly ask's me to explain him some stuff unless if he has miss some thing back in school. My baby is a scholar.
I smiled proudly.

Nan: Where he daddy?
I asked sitting next to him while he resumed with his work with great concentration.

I saw his study room door which was open implying he was not in there, whenever he is inside he close's the door and sit's.

Naman: He went out for some work.
He said looking at me.

Nan: Now ?
I asked in surprise.

Naman: No 7.30 he left....he had a meeting.
He said sipping his juices.

Nan: Okay.
I said sadly and walk to kitchen as I was hungry. Not eating anything all day made rat's run in my tummy now.

I just completed my food and our landline phone rang.

Which made me wonder who called up so late at 9.00 that too on landline.

Naman picked up the phone.

Naman: Hello Malhotra residence.
He said in his American accent which made me giggle.

My baby is become big and completely an American.

Naman: Mrs Murty u mean nanima.
He asked being unsure while I smiled brightly it was my amma phone.

Naman: Nani I am good how are you? How is nanu? When are you two coming here? We only talk on Skype.
He asked so many questions and said the last one sadly.

Naman: Okay I am fine....no no I have become a big boy now.
He said in his Naman Manik Malhotra attitude.

I walked up to him.

He smiled...

Naman: Yup Mummy is fine...she is right here near me..... Byee Love you.
He said handed me the phone running upstairs to brush his teeths.

Nan: Hello amma...How are you.
I asked her softly with watery eyes. I was talking to her after so many days.

Maya Murty: I am fine beta How are you?
She too had become emotional I could make out from her voice.

Nan: I am good amma...How is appa? I am missing you both alot.
I asked calmly.

Maya: Appa is fine we too are missing you alot kanna.

Nan: So finally you got time to call me.
I said pouting.

Maya: You are so busy baba....I am trying to call you from past 1 and 1/2 hour but your cell phone is just ringing. How much you work kanna. You don't take care of yourself.
She said scolding me.

Which made realized Amma was the one who was calling me. I didn't even check my phone yet.

Nan: Amma you are not there here na to take care of me.
I said with tears flowing from my eyes.

I have not seen my Parents from past 5 years. I miss them so much.

Maya: Come home kanna. I and appa want to see you.
She said helplessly.

Nan: I too amma.

Maya: How is Manik ?
She asked.

Nan: He is fine....he work's so hard amma. He is a very busy nowadays.
I said smiling sadly.

Maya: You take care bacha....We love you.
She said.

Nan: Haa you too take care of yourself and appa, love you both. Bye
And I cut the call.

This made me think about my happy times with Amma Appa....when I used to fall ill, amma would be all night awake on my side and appa would too come home soon. And now I can't even tell them.......so far away we are....like different continents.... I am away from them.

My trance was broken by Naman shout from upstairs.

Naman: Mummy can you come up to put me to bed......I am damn sleepy.
He said shouting on top of his voice probably he had called me a number of times but me being in my dreamland would have not listened to him, that's why he shouted so loudly now. Nandini be awake.

Nan: Coming baby.
I replied to him.

Full day I slept which made everything messed up... my daily routine.....I got up on some odd timing and now it's time to sleep again awesome. These antibiotics tablet errr.

I crused under my breathe and walked upstairs.

After putting my son to bed I walked downstairs waiting for Manik.

He didn't even drop in a message of him going for a meeting. As I was checking on my phone. I saw a couple of miss calls from amma, Navay had sent me some images of dresses to select and give opinion and then down were her countless messages as I didn't reply and then her miss calls which were after every 2 hours.

Nandini get ready today she will make you remember your nani I mentally prepared myself. But what excuse I will give her. If I say I was not feeling well she will freak out and knowing her nature Born titled Miss Dramaqueen it make even more difficult.

I finally dialed her number after my mental reasoning session. After three rings she picked up almost shouting on top of her voice, I didn't even get a chance to say hello. Wow!!!!

Navya: Nandini How are you ? Are you feeling okay right now ? Is the fever gone ? Did you have medicines and food.... you had proper food na ?
She kept on blabbering and shoting her questions on me but wait a second how does she know I had fallen ill.

Nan: Navya calm down I am fine....
I said to calm her.

Nav: Thank God....you don't have any idea I was so scared and Cabir he didn't allow me to visit you.
She said in angry tone, which made me confused why did Cabir stop her to visit me.

Nan: Why ?

Nav: Because your husband was at home, to take care of you huh....according to him I would spoil your lone time with him.
She said grumpily.

I got to know Cabir had inform her about my health and he got to know from Manik.

Nan: It's okay Navya.
I replied, Cabir would always have to be understanding, he had to handle Navya trantums. He was handling three kids at a same time you could say. Although Sanjana had become damn Mature at such a young age she was just like her father and veer was like Navya who would always freak out on small things even if he loose his handchief he would cry for 15 minutes.

Nav: Yup okay...
She said sarcastically.

Nav: Finally he got some brains, I am happy he understood your importance or atleast pretended today that you were more important to him.

Nan: Navya pretended....How can you accuse him like this....he stayed home for me.
I said annoyingly inorder to defend him.

Nav: Ohh come on Nandini your husband is not saint at all he is smart ass and know how to plan out things, I am damn sure there was some personal reason that's why he showed so much concern to you all of the sudden.... ever till now he has done something like this....
She kept on reasoning her self, how can she think so low about Manik.

Nan: Navya please stop it how can you think so cheap.
I said angrily.

Nav: Like really after so much going around how can you choose to be blind. Amaya she all the time clingy with him...infact
I shouted on her enough of this nonsense of Amaya and Manik being together.

Nan: Navya enough....Not a word I will tolerate against my husband now. I trust him and Amaya whoever she is I don't care.

Nav: Trust....trusting is okay Nandini but after knowing everything and naming it with the name of trust is stupidity. At the end it will break you when you will get to know you have all your life trusted a wrong man. And live in a lie.

Nan: Navya they are just friends nothing more.
I tried to make her understand.

Nav: I have seen them together and that was not at all friendly kind of thing it was more infact beyond just being friends. I am damn sure he is dating her. And if soon I get to know about him having a physical relationship with her too it won't surprise me.
She just completed all this nonsense, I was boiling in anger.

Nan: Navya How dare you....you don't have any right to say these cheap things about him who the hell you think you are huh.....I got enough of this all rubbish garbage from your mouth....and next time if you want to call me for this nonsense and to insult my husband like this so don't you dare call me. Infact I would break all my relations with you I am warning you for first and last time. I will never ever see your face and would think you never existed. I will think I didn't have a bestfriend and sister name as Navya as I can't tolerate a word against him you get that.
I shouted on her angrily for the first time I had ever been angry on her like this and shouting.

Nav: Wow for him you are ready to break your relations with me.
She was back on her square one her attitude which at times make me so damn pissed off.

Nan: I didn't say in Latin now.
I too snapped back.

Nav: So Mrs Nandini Manik Malhotra I wish you all the best for your blind trust which will soon break into pieces I hope you can bear your heartbreak. I tried to make you understand in zillions of way but your ignorance....for you your husband being some kind of saint will make you realize that you are so wrong. For a baseless, broken, and name sake relation you broke a pure bond between me and you. I will talk to you only when you realized that you were so wrong and I was right. And you will regret each and everything you said to me and not trusted me. Waste your time Nandini. Don't cruse your fate later as you will be yourself responsible.
She said with arrongance and cut the call. Wow she made this an ego issue.

Navya has always been bold,egoistic arrogant, she feel she is always right. Great what kind of persons I had in my life. She want to prove her point right so she is ready to even cruse me by saying I will regret, will have a heartbreak. How can someone say that my relation with my husband is name sake, baseless. Who the hell she think's she is ? I won't talk to her ever again. I was so wrong about her I thought she was my well wisher but she.....she made everything a game for her. She is so selfish she didn't think once also from my side how will she feel when someone will talk about Cabir like this huh. She won't defense him I mean no woman will listen to ill words about her husband.

I sat on the floor face palming myself. As always my eyes had it's tap open of tears flowing. I fail to stop them how much ever I try. I wiped them and just then Aakaash messaged

Aakaash message
Hey chubby cheeks how are you now ? Hope the fever is gone.....Get well soon.
Your Joker 😜

He was like some angel in my life whenever I feel low God know how come he always manage to send such kind of messages. I call him a Joker well he is a one. He uses his words so wisely that it will never hurt anyone.

I was thinking about all this and was about to reply when I heard the main door got open.

It was unusual for Manik to come, I always open the door he honk everytime when he come which alert me.

I went near the door worriedly and saw him coming in. He got inside the living room and sat on couch.

He was early today 10.30 for the first time he was home at this time from a meeting. I walked to him and was about to say something but......

To be continued.....