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Manik: I want to be a singer.

There was confusion written all over the faces of Raj and Nyo. There was hope on others.

Raj(sternly): What do you mean by you want to be a singer, Manik. You are the CEO of Malhotra Industries. You can't just come to me one day and ask me to change your profession.

Manik was scared to death but something inside him gave him courage. One glance at his friends and he continued after taking a deep breath.

Manik(helplessly): Dad, it's not one day. And this is not an overnight passion. I wanted to be a singer since the day you taught me how to use a guitar. Music gives me peace. I feel content every time I hold this guitar, every time I sing.

Raj's facial expressions changed due to the helplessness in Manik's voice.

Raj(shocked): Why didn't you ever tell us Manik. We have asked you about your choice in your last year of school.

Manik(weakly): I did, dad. I just told dadu. (He explained what all has happened)

Raj(hurt): You could have told me, Manik.

Manik(sadly): I was scared, you would disown me.

His head hung low. He raised his head only when he felt a sting on his cheek. Holding his cheek, he just realized he got slapped by his own mom. Nyo who was shocked with every new information that she got today had slapped him. Nandini flinched due to the sound, Mukti had tears. Everyone else was just looking at Manik and Nyo.

Nyo(with tears in her eyes): Who are you to think that I will disown my child?

Manik: Mom.

Raj handled Nyo.

Raj(softly): Manik, we won't disown you ever, boy. No parent would. Things when my dad was there are different from now. You just had to say us, Manik.

Taking a deep breath and controlling his emotions, he continued.

Raj: At this moment, what do you want to do? Are you planning to quit our company?

Manik: Dad, I won't. I know what this company means to you and our family. I can manage both.

Raj(concerned): It would be hectic, son.

Abhi(assured): We are there to help him, uncle. I and Nandini are there. In fact, no one is quitting their works. Then why Manik?

Raj smiled at these friends of Manik. They have always stood by his son. Even when he wasn't in contact with them, they used to get information about his well being through Cabir or Abhimanyu. Once in a while, they used to talk to Nyo or him.

Raj(smiling inwardly): Is it? What's your opinion Nandini?

Nandu got startled by the sudden question by Raj. She looked at Abhi then Manik, confusion written all over her face. Raj chuckled at her expression.

Nyo(pulling her cheek): God. Can anyone be cuter? 

Cabir(squealed like a teenager): Manik, I got a sister for you.

Manik glared him thinking he would take Nandini's name again. Cabir winked at him and said,

Cabir: It's Alya.

Alya(puzzled): What? Where did I come in between?

Cabir(teased): Because tu bhi Nandu ke liye cute ke alawa kuch nahi bolti and ab girlfriend bhi bas cute cute bol rahi hai. Maa beti lag rahe ho dono.

Everyone chuckled at them.

Raj: Manik, if you can manage both, we don't have any problem. Even if you can't, we would handle the company till the time you get settled into your profession. Aur waise bhi tumhari ye puri army hai na help karne.

Manik(stammered badly): Matlab...dad...I...can...am..

Seeing him struggling with his emotions, Cabir interrupted.

Cabir(seriously): Nahi, you are not pregnant, baby, yet.

Manik(glared): Cabirrr

Raj(smiled): Manik, we are as happy as you're with this decision. Nothing is more important than your happiness, son. Go, achieve everything, my boy.

Manik goes and hugs him muttering countless 'thank you's to him. Breaking the hug, he went towards his mom. Holding his ears he made his best possible puppy face to melt her anger.

Nyo(pouted): You can't take advantage of that cute face of yours. Not especially when I am trying to stay angry.

Manik(chuckles): Acha. Batao. Aap ka gussa kam karne mujhe kya karna padega?

Nyo: Let me think.

She pretends to think for some time.

Nyo(happily): I want you to be a very popular singer. Then I will flaunt that you're my son.

Raj(chuckling): Nyo, he is already popular.

Cabir(teased): Haan girlfriend, he is. Ladkiyan toot padti hai ise dekh kar.

Says the last line seeing towards Nandini. While Nandu looked down, everyone understood the tease in his voice.

Manik(rolling his eyes): Cabir, bhai, tujhe bhook lagi hai na? Go eat something.

Cabir(pretended to be surprised): Really?

Manik: yes.

Manik hugs Nyonika and goes towards Nandini and Abhimanyu.

Manik(softly): I need your support more than anyone else. Are you both ok with this?

They both look at each other before answering.

Abhi(grinned): Yes, but on one condition.

Manik(puzzled): What?

Nandu: We want free passes of all your concerts.

Manik looks at them in horror.

Manik(seriously): Yeh tumhara condition ho hi nahi sakta. Bolo, Abhi forced you to say this, right?

Abhi(sadly): Bhai, why are you accusing me?

Manik(dramatically): Kyunki main library nahi khol raha, jo yeh ladki free passes mangegi. It's concert. C.O.N.C.E.R.T. Loud music, hundreds of people. That's not her preferred area.

Nandu chuckled seeing Abhimanyu pout at Manik's explanation.

Nandu: He told me to ask this because he thinks you won't deny me if I ask something.

Manik(cheekily): waise, tum chaho toh passes kya puri concert tumhare naam kardun?

Raj and Nyo get surprised seeing their son flirt openly while Fab5 along with Navya and Abhi facepalms. Cabir goes towards Raj and Nyo.

Cabir(whispers): Don't panic. Iska Romeo mode on ho gaya bas.

He strolls towards them.

Cabir(with a fake hurt voice): Baby, puri concert Nandu ke naam kardoge toh mera kya?

Nandu: Bhai, he was just teasing me.

Cabir(disheartened): It's ok, Nandu. Let him answer. Bolo baby, Mere naam kya karoge?

Manik(sternly): Termination check. I am planning to replace you with some sane drummer. Mukti what say?

Mukti(excited): Perfect. I already have someone in my mind. He is the best with the drums. Wait, I am calling him now.

Cabir(proudly): Ajeeb log ho. Ek baat kaan khol kar sun lo. No one can replace 'the great Cabir Dhawan'.

Alya(raising an eyebrow): Is it? What's so special about you?

Cabir(teasing Alya): I can eat all your ordered food without cribbing about calories.

Dhruv(seriously): That's exactly why we want to replace you. More than practicing, you eat up all our foods.

Cabir(shocked): Dhruv, tu aise bhi bol sakta hai? Alya ne itna change kardiya tujhe?

Alya: Cabir, shut up.

Manik(smiled): ok guys guys. One group hug? One for all, all for one?

All four together pounced on Manik. Others admired their bond. Breaking the hug, they again start pulling each other's legs when Mukti excuses herself for a call and goes to her room.

Everyone too disperses to their respective rooms after some time. 

A/N - As mentioned earlier, I am posting some snippets of my books on Instagram. Insta Id- a_cosmic_dust. Follow if interested.