Easy to fall in love with more than one but hard enough to stay in love with only one

(_thehijabiwrites)

Its sometimes easy for some people to fall in love with more than one person. It wouldn't take them another week to get over someone whom you used to love. But there are people who can't love more than one person in the entire lifetime and such love is called True Strong Love.

We Care Hospital

Doctor: I'm pretty sure, you will be fine within a week or two.

"What" that came out from the boys' mouth startling Manik and Nandini who were relieved that their son would be fine within 2 weeks.

Karthik: Are you kidding me?

Prathik: 2 weeks? He would take the entire 2 weeks to get better?

Manvik: You expect me to stay in this hospital for 14 days? Where did you lose your brain? In Africa?

Manik: Shut up!

The kids looked at Manik in surprise to see him glaring.

Manik: He said 2 weeks not 2 months which is actually a blessing. Do you even remember how bad you were hit?

They gave him a blank look and then at their mother but seeing her not scolding him surprised them. She never let anyone scold them. Not even Cabir. Whenever they make some mischief, she hide it from Cabir, not that he scolds them, instead he supports them in doing it.

Manik: What are you looking at, now? Aren't you done with the treatment?

Manik snapped at the doctor, who was gaping at Manik in shock and immediately walked out of the room while instructing the nurse about Manvik's medicines.

Nurse: Um..he has an injection after breakfast!

"What" this time the entire room echoed and the nurse ran out.

Nandini (sighed): You're going to get it, Manu!

Manvik: You know what! You don't talk to me.

He laid on the bed facing the other side making Nandini to walk towards him.

Nandini: Manu!

Manvik: Don't talk to me!

Nandini: What did I do? You need to get an injection because its a medicine. Some medicines can't be given oral.

Manvik (cribbed): You didn't even scold him for shouting at me. You don't love me anymore!

She glared at Manik, who was staring at his son in amusement.

Nandini: Manik!

He stared at her back who was scowling at him.

Nandini: You're not scolding him, again.

Manik: What? So, you mean I will watch him shouting and fighting. He is supposed to rest.

Nandini: Haa tho pyar se samjhao na.

Manik (annoyed): Mujhe nahi aatha wo.

Nandini: Forget it!

She turned to Manvik and made him sit and then kissed his forehead.

Nandini: Mamma is sorry!

She held her ears and pouted at him.

Manvik (frowned): He won't scold me again?

Nandini: Nandini promise!

He grinned and snuggled in her chest making her giggle and she hugged him back.

Prathik: That's not fair. He scolded us too.

Karthik: Haa Mama! You're being "biased Mamma".

Nandini (sighed): Oh yeah, he isn't gonna scold you too.

They grinned and gave a victory smirk to Manik, who hid his smile and faked a glare at them.

Their moment was broken by a bang and they turned to see the door wide opened and entered someone.

Manik: Abhi?

Abhimanyu walked ahead with some plastic bags in his hands.

Abhimanyu: Hey buddy! Hey champs!

He walked towards Nandini and hugged her sideways taking everyone in surprise.

Abhimanyu: Hey Nandu!

Nandini eyed him and then her kids, who were glaring at Abhimanyu while Manik palmed his face.

Manik (thought): Isko ek baar mene bol diya sab sorted hai aur isne apna hakk jathana shuru kiya! Mere bache mujhpe gaye hai yar!

Nandini: Er..Hi!

She too smiled and then nudged him to take his hands off to which he just grinned.

Abhimanyu: Koi nahi! Aadath ho chuki hain. Pehle bada monster ab chota monsters!

She hit her head in dismay!

Karthik: What are you doing here, Mr. Thakkar?

His stern voice made Abhimanyu to look towards him.

Abhimanyu: Oh, I came to see my nephew!

Both Manik and Nandini widened their eyes at Abhimanyu in shock.

Prathik: Nephew?

Manvik: You have a nephew in Paris? Is he also admitted in this hospital?

Abhimanyu: Oh yes, I do. In fact, I have three nephews and one niece. One of my nephew is admitted in this hospital and his name is Manvik Malhotra!

The kids dropped their jaws down.

Nandini (whispered): Abhi Bhai!

She nudged him but what she didn't notice was the tears in Abhimanyu's eyes. He missed hearing 'Bhai' from her. It was only her who called him Bhai. Though, Navya is younger to him, she never calls him Bhai as they're best friends since childhood while Mukti is his love. It was Nandini, the first girl who addressed him 'Bhai' which was enough for him to burst in tears.

Abhiamnyu: Arey mein shaheed nahi honewali hun, tere bache bilkul uske baap pe gaye hai. Bas threatening, no action.

He too whispered back and then turned to the boys.

Abhimanyu: Your Mamma is my sister so hua na tumlog nephews mereliye!

They gaped at him for a while and then turned towards Nandini for an explanation.

Nandini: Um..you know, we were friends back in India aur mein..I considered him to be a brother just like Cabir Bhai.

Prathik: You never told us about a brother other than Mamu to us!

Nandini (nervously): Uh..wo..darasal baath yeh hai ki..

Abhimanyu: Oye! Kya C.I.D. ke tarah meri behen ko tang kar rahe ho? Bola na usne, we're like siblings. Why are you getting hyper for it? You guys are her sons and will remain so.

Manvik: Don't you think you're being so confident that we'll buy whatever story you narrate?!

Abhimanyu: Fortunately, I don't lie. If you wanna believe, buy it or else, throw it!

Manik gave him a "what" look and Nandini giggled silently.

Karthik: Where is he from?

He turned to Manik, who seemed confused at his question.

Karthik: Well, he behaves crazy and different from normal human beings.

Manik (grinned): Oh yeah, we used to call him descendant of a Monkey.

Abhimanyu (gritted his teeth): Malhotra!

Manik/Boys: Yeah?

They looked at each other with different emotions, Manik with pride while the boys in awkwardness.

Abhimanyu (smirked): Well, I meant, the Giraffe Malhotra. Shut it!

Manik (glared): Pitega tu, Chimpanzee Thakkar!

Abhimanyu (pissed): Manik!

Prathik: Oh someone please send these kindergarten kids out. My head will burst open.

Manvik: Exactly, you should at least know there's a patient.

Abhimanyu (muttered): Kaha ke patient, ye tho apne baap pe gaya hai, hamesha monstrous.

Nandini: Kuch kaha aapne?

She raised her eyebrows with a smirk and he glared at her.

Abhimanyu: Nahi. Par, pehle tum sab ko khana khaana hain.

He moved towards the plastic bags and took boxes of food from it.

Abhimanyu (authoritatively): Chal. Sab log, beit jaa!

Karthik (whispered): Isn't he being a bit arrogant?

He stared at his brothers who were glaring at Abhimanyu.

Manvik: He is. In fact, he hugged Mamma. How dare he?

Prathik: Arey, for that, we can punch him later but for now, we need to stop being so bossy. I hate someone ruling over me.

Karthik/Manvik: Do you think we love it or what?!

Prathik: How do I know?! Well, I don't even care.

Nandini: Karti, Prati. Have it!

She made them sit on the nearby couch and served food in their plates.

Manvik: Not happening!

He spoke when Nandini settled beside him with a bowl of soup in her hands.

Nandini: Patient kaun?

Manvik: Me! But, that doesn't mean I can't have my favorite food. I want butter chicken.

Nandini: Yeah right! I'm gonna give you butter chicken when the doctor asked me to give only light food for a week.

Manvik (horrified): Is he crazy? I need to eat tasteless food for an entire week! Food is life, Mamma!

Abhimanyu chuckled hearing the same phrase from the kids which he used to hear from Manik while the latter one was so happy to hear it from his sons.

Nandini: Well, unfortunately Mr. Malhotra, just for time being, medicine is life for you.

Manvik: I'm not gonna eat it, Miss Dhawan!

Miss Dhawan wasn't so pleasant for Manik to hear and he made a mental note of removing that tag from her name.

Nandini (glared): Manvik!

He pouted sadly at her.

Nandini: Not happening!

Manvik: Aap galth kar rahi hai!

Abhimanyu (chuckled): Wo galth nahi galath hotha hai, Mr. Malhotra!

Boys/Manik: Tujhe isse kya/ You think we care?

Abhimanyu pouted sadly and started to eat silently.

Nandini: Is that the way you speak to elders?

She snapped at her kids on seeing Abhimanyu's sad face making the kids to glare at Abhimanyu who started to grin at them back in victory.

Manvik: Fine!

Boys: Sorry!

They clenched their fists and looked away. Apologizing without their will is so damn difficult for them.

Abhimanyu: Nandu!

He glared at her on seeing the discomfort on the boys' faces.

Abhimanyu: Why are you scolding them? They're kids. Don't be a khadoos like your brother.

Nandini gave him a disbelieving look while the kids raised their heads to have a look at him and this time, he had a genuine smile on his face.

Abhimanyu: Waise bhi, I'm their Mamu, tho haq bantha hain mujhpe inka.

The boys looked surprised.

Abhimanyu: Chal, wo sab chod. Jaldhi khana khao, Daadi aanewali hai and if she sees us not eating then she's gonna eat me raw. Jaldhiiii.

Hearing him, both Manik and Nandini chuckled and the boys too had a smile on their faces.

Manvik (pouted): Mamma, I hate tomatoes!

Nandini: Manu!

He pouted. Soon enough, he saw both his sides on the bed getting dipped.

Manvik: Aye! Don't breathe. I might smell chicken from it, bro!

Karthik and Prathik chuckled.

Karthik: Unfortunately, we're gonna have tomato soup together.

Saying it, Karthik made Nandini to feed him first spoon of soup followed by Prathik making the rest to adore them.

Manvik (concerned): You know sacrificing isn't needed.

Prathik: This is called fulfilling triplet's rule! Come on, open your mouth. Mamma, now feed this lizard!

Manvik made a bad face though he was enjoying his brothers' pampering. He opened his mouth wide and Nandini fed him smilingly.

Abhimanyu: You're lucky to be their father.

He whispered to Manik who was staring at his family in happiness.

Manik (whispered): I know!

Our Nest

Adyant: Kya chal raha hai, Anju!

Anjali, who was instructing the workers to pack to Manik's, Nandini's and the boy' clothes looked at him confusedly.

Anjali: Fog chal raha hain!

She replied sarcastically making him to glare at her.

Anjali: Kya? Dikhtha nahi hai kya aapko? I'm getting Guddu's and pari's clothes. They might be staying there for a day or two. Manu ithna bhi teek nahi hua na.

Adyant: Dikh raha hai, par samaj nahi paa raha hai ki tu kar kya raha hain.

Anjali: Kya bol raha hai, Bh..

Adyant: Why are you trying to fill Manik in Nandu's family, Anju?

Anjali stared at her brother in horror.

Adyant: How come is he having a space in it? Just because, her family is incomplete doesn't mean we can add someone in it.

Anjali (stuttered): Bhai, you're thinking something..foolish. Aisa kuch bhi n..

Adyant: Is it your Guddu?

Anjali (confused): Huh?

Adyant: Is it your guddu my Nandu's guy?

Anjali's breath hitched in her throat and her eyes went wide while Adyant stood stiff.

Adyant (sighed): You're making everything obvious for me to believe what I assume to be true.

Anjali (composed herself): Just because I love Guddu doesn't mean I'm trying to pair him with pari, neither he's the..g..guy whom pari left back in India. I trust him, isliye usko pari ke saath rehne keliye bola mene. Rotlu has his own family, and I know pari would never like him to leave his family and take care of her and her sons. Usse guilt feel nahi karwana mujhe.

She walked out of the room but Adyant stared at her retreating figure with the same frowns on his forehead.

Adyant: Why am I not able to trust her, on this issue?

We Care Hospital

Manvik: You're gonna send me back home.

Manvik spoke to the doctor who started to sweat in fear while the rest two just sighed at Manvik.

Manvik: Helping me or not?

He gave a bad glare to his brothers.

Karthik: If you're not gonna send him back home then we're gonna send you back..

Doctor: Send me..where?

Prathik: To heaven!

The doctor gulped hard and stared at the boys who didn't look soft at all.

Doctor: But, you're not well.

Karthik: Doesn't matter. What matters is my brother's wish.

Prathik: So, you're telling it to our Mamma, eh?

He pointed at a distance where Nandini is talking with the senior doctor along with Manik and Abhimanyu.

Doctor: Um..I'll try. Actually, we have to get permission from our senior doctor s..

Boys: We don't care. Do it as we say!

He gulped again and nodded.

Soon, MaNan and Abhimanyu came back and doctor rushed out in jet speed to get hold of the senior doctor.

Manik: What were you talking with the doctor?

Manvik: Nothing.

Manik: Purely nothing?

Prathik: Yeah. We were just asking him about his well-being. You know, he seems to be from a poor family.

He faked sorrow in his voice and Nandini furrowed her eyebrows.

Nandini: When did you become so soft to people?

Karthik: He's born soft, Mamma. Aren't we your sweet babies?

Seeing his stupid grin, she was so sure something miserable happened with the doctor while Manik looked excited.

Manik: Mathlab doctor gaya!

And he walked out followed by Abhimanyu, who was laughing out.

Nandini: I hope I get better daughter-in-laws.

She muttered in an inaudible tone while the boys went clueless.

Hospital canteen

Abhimanyu: Bechara doctor. Hua kya, par?!

Manik: Ab mere bete hai tho bas guess kar tu.

Abhimanyu (smirked): Zaroor uske surgery date aas paas hi hain.

Manik chuckled hearing him.

"Guddu..Raja" they turned behind to see the entire family.

Anjali: Yaha kya kar rahe ho tum dhono?

Abhimanyu: Aap yaha kya kar rahe hain, Daadi?

Anjali (sarcastically): Khaana bhejne keliye aaye hain, kyun tu bhi le.

Abhimanyu: Tho hum khana lene keliye aaye hain. Aap bhi le.

Mukti: Shut up, Abhi. Aur batha, kar kya rahe hai yaha? You should have stayed with Nandini and the kids.

Manik (sighed): We're here to get some coffee for the kids. They don't eat well.

Soon, they went back to Manvik's room.

Manvik's Room

Manik: Why is he sleeping?

Manik moved closer to Manvik's bed and settled beside him startling the rest three.

Prathik (pissed): They gave him injection!

Nandini: He was in pain! Patha nahi achanak kya hua. Bhai..

Cabir, who was about to reply saw Nandini turning towards Abhimanyu.

Nandini: Aap..aap check kar lo na. He was fine in the morning, right?

Abhimanyu: Nandu, sunn. Its common to get pain. He had an accident yesterday, Nandu. Ithni jaldhi teek nahi ho paega.

He held her by shoulders and consoled her and she looked down to hide her tears while caressing Manvik's hand while Cabir felt bad that she didn't look up at him.

Mukti: Yeah! He's perfectly fine. Manvik didn't go under any open surgeries but he lost a lot amount of blood and that's one reason why he's in pain. Let him be here for one or two days. He'll be fine.

Hearing it, Karthik and Prathik looked at each other and then at Manvik.

Karthik: He should stay here, Prathik.

Prathik: But, he wouldn't listen.

Karthik: Need to make him listen.

Anjali: Bacho, ghar jaake fresh hoja and then come back.

Nandini: Mein nahi jaoongi.

Anjali: Arey par tu..

Manik: Daadi!

Anjali turned to him and he eyed Nandini, who was still on the verge of tears.

Manik: Its fine! We can freshen up from here too.

Anjali sighed and nodded but her eyes also met Adyant's suspicious gaze which was fixed on Manik and Nandini.

Anjali (thought): Oho! Seems like my good for nothing Bhai is trying to be useful for himself but useless for us. Kuch karna padega.

Anjali: Chal teek hain. Par, sabko andhar nahi rehna chahiye. Manu ko hawa milna chahiye. Bahar living mein beithe hain.

She literally dragged her brother along and others followed them.

Karthik: Mamma! He's fine.

Prathik made Nandini to settle on the bed beside Manvik and kept a pillow behind as a support.

Karthik: You've listened to what Mr. Thakkar said right, so don't take tension. He's a doctor, after all.

Nandini nodded with a smile.

Prathik: We're coming. We need to get something from the canteen for Manvik.

Nandini: Par..

Karthik: We know his diet!

She smiled and they got out of the room leaving only Manik and Nandini beside Manvik.

Manik: How come they're so matured?

He looked at Nandini and she could see pride in his eyes.

Nandini (smiled): I don't know. All I know is I've never felt weak when they're around.

He too settled in the bed beside Manvik, facing Nandini and entwined her fingers with his.

Manik: Abhi ne kaha na, Manvik is fine tho bas uspe trust rakho.

Nandini: Its not about trusting, Manik. I..I can't lose..

Manik: Them!

She nodded at him and he leaned forward to kiss her forehead making her to shed a drop of tear. He never used words to assure her but his actions proved that no matter what, he'll be on her side to hold her when she's weak.

Nandini (whispered): I missed you!

Manik: And I missed it!

He stared at their entwined fingers and he feared he might shed tears which he didn't want to happen when they're surrounded by their family. It was just her right to see him in tears, not anyone else's.

"Knock" "Knock" they pulled away in a jiff and scared enough of expecting the worst.

Person: Its okay, I have seen you guys like this before too.

Manik: Ma!

Nyonika entered the room with a smile on her face and settled on a chair close to the bed.

Nyonika: Abhi told me everything.

Nandini looked up at Nyonika who was smiling at her.

Nyonika: Waise bhi, I can identify my son's blood without any proofs too.

Manik (shocked): You knew way back?

Nyonika: Nahi. Par doubt tha. The way they three behave isn't like Nandini but like you.

She held Manvik's hand softly and then winked at her son, who smiled at her.

Nyonika: He won't be able to walk for some days..

She muttered to herself while caressing Manvik's legs making her eyes go wet.

Nyonika: Where are Karthik and Prathik?

Nandini: They went to canteen. Manu keliye kuch lena tha dhonon ko.

Nyonika (smiled): They love him so much, right?

Nandini smiled and nodded in yes.

Doctor's Cabin

Doctor: But you told me to send him back home.

Karthik and Prathik glared at the doctor and poor guy regretted for replying back.

Prathik: You just have to listen to what we say or should we show a demo of what will happen if you don't listen to it?

Doctor: Er..no, its fine. Um, when should he be send back home?

Karthik: Who's the doctor? You or us?

Doctor (skeptical): Um..I guess, its..me? Yeah..me.

Prathik: Then, why the hell are you asking us? Do accordingly.

And they dashed outside but all the doctor did was gaping at them.

Doctor: I wonder who among the huge family is their father that they literally have got nothing related to softness in them. Probably, I should ask that lady to know it.

Making a mental note of it, he concentrated in his work.

Manvik's Room

Manvik: Where are Bhai and Prathik?

He asked to Nandini, after waking up from his sleep, and Manik sat there watching them.

Nandini: I'm saying it again, Malhotra. They've gone to canteen.

Manvik: Arey, its been 5 minutes since you're saying the same thing, Mamma.

Nandini: And you've asked the same question nearly 50 times in the past 5 minutes.

Manvik (pouted): You're irritating me, now.

She sighed at his behavior. Among her sons, Manvik is the most difficult to handle when they're sick. He gets all cranky and babyish that she feels like she's still handling her toddler Manu.

Manik: Waise, ye new side sirf apni Mamma keliye hai ya sabkeliye hain?

That was when Manvik noticed Manik sitting on a couch nearby.

Manvik: Why do I always get to see you whenever I wake up from sleep?

Manik (smirked): That's not the answer to my question.

Manvik: I'm not answerable to anyone.

Manik: Oh really? Nanduuuuu, sun na ye kya keh raha hai.

Nandini's jaws dropped down on hearing him calling her sweetly in front of her son while Manvik looked ready to burst.

"Hey buddy, you're awake." he turned to find Karthik and Prathik walking inside with a a packet of something in their hands.

Manvik: What's that?

Karthik: Something for you.

He passed it to Manvik who tried to move his left hand but ended up wincing in pain.

Nandini: Sss..dyan se, Manu.

She held onto his left hand which was plastered and had a minor fracture.

Prathik: Aye! Its not necessary to use the same hand every time.

Manvik took it using his right hand and Karthik helped in opening the packet.

Manvik: Oh freak! Mamma, my love dark chocolate is here!

Kartik: Well, its the only tasty stuff which is healthy!

Manik gaped at Karthik and Manvik and then at Nandini who was smiling at the duo.

Manik/Prathik: What's so good in this Dark-ish bar?

They both looked at each other amused.

Nandini: Aye! Don't talk about my dark chocolate, okay!

Karthik: Exactly, its love, right buddy?

But Manvik was busy in relishing it.

Karthik: Aye! You didn't even share it with me.

Manvik: You know we don't share what's ours!

Karthik: That rule doesn't apply for family.

Manvik: Here, if you're cribbing like a kid.

Karthik: You idiot!

And Karthik showed his fist like he was ready to punch.

Manvik: Save it, Karthik. I know, you wouldn't touch me until I get recovered.

Karthik: Yeah yeah. Thank your God that you're a patient.

Manvik (scowled): I'm not a patient, okay. Besides, I wanna go back home.

Prathik: Not happening. You're going to be here until the doctors say.

Manvik: What the f***!!

Nandini (shocked+pissed): Manvik Malhotra!

And Manvik gulped hard.

Manvik (grinned): Um..you heard wrong. I said "what the fool".

Manik (smirked): That's not even a phrase!

But, along with Manvik, even Nandini shot a glare at Manik.

Nandini (gritted her teeth): Who better than you knows it, right!

Manik looked here and there making the boys to go more suspicious.

Nandini: Now, if I hear any of you using that word again, its a warning, you guys will be grounded for an year!

They gasped hearing her.

Manvik: Its better to drink tomato soup rather than getting grounded for an year.

Karthik/Prathik: Shut up!

Karthik: Mamma, we're sorry!

Nandini: You better be!

She moved towards washroom while muttering curses and Manik knew they were all for him.

Manik: Well, you shouldn't speak like that!

Hearing him, they turned towards Manik who looked at them sternly and for a moment, they did get scared.

Fatherly glares are new for them!

Prathik (nervously): Um..I don't think that's a sin, right guys?

He turned to his brothers, who mirrored his expressions.

Manik: Oh you mean, swearing is a good habit.

Manvik: He didn't mean that.

Manik: Then, why the hell are you guys using it? Yesterday, it was Karthik and today, its you.

Manvik widened his eyes and stared at Karthik.

Manvik: When did you start to lose control on your language, Mr. Moody?

Karthik shot a glare at Manvik, who had a shocked look on his face.

Manik (pissed): I'm speaking to you guys!

They turned their attention towards. They so wanted to tell him that he doesn't hold the right to scold him but something inside them stopped them from doing so. They never liked anyone talking sternly with them except their mother but today when Manik was doing it without any hesitation, they felt something different in them, it wasn't anger but it was more like happiness.

Like they think, he holds that right!

"What's happening?" someone walked inside the room and Manik turned to glare.

Manik: Tujhe tab aan tha jab mein inn logon ko kuch sikha raha hun, Abhi?

Abhimanyu gave him a weird look.

Abhimanyu: Tu kabse kisiko kuch sikhana shuru kiya?

Manik: Thakkar, shut up!

Abhimanyu: Aye Malhotra! Pehle teek se bol baath kya hai phir daant.

Manik: They're speaking in offensive language. Manvik repeated the same mistake that Karthik did yesterday. I mean, Nandini is also teaching them not to use it but they still are addicted to it. How bad it is to speak in that way, especially in front of elders!

The boys looked down sadly. Hearing him scolding, something churned up badly in them.

But, the next they heard was laughter.

Manik (pissed): What the hell, Abhi! Pee rakha hai kya tu?

But Abhimanyu didn't stop laughing.

Abhimanyu: Oh my God! You..you're..scolding them for swearing..when..when you didn't even speak a sentence without using at least a swear word in it.

The boys dropped their jaws down in shock and turned to Manik, who was giving a hard glare to Abhimanyu.

Prathik: What! And someone was scolding us.

He too gave a glare but to Manik.

Manik: Haa tho! I'm big enough to swear not a kid.

But, they could hear Abhimanyu laughing yet again.

Manik: Will you stop laughing, dude?

Abhimanyu didn't budge.

Karthik (frustrated): Stop laughing, Mr. Thakkar!

And that did it work, Abhimanyu stopped laughing to see Karthik glaring at him.

Abhimanyu: Did you just address me Mr. Thakkar?

Karthik: Yeah so?

Abhimanyu (annoyed): How many times should I ask you to call me Mamu?

They rolled their eyes in discomfort. Mingling with someone so easily isn't in their blood.

"Kids" Cabir walked inside taking Manik's and Abhimanyu's attention. But Cabir halted in his tracks on seeing his ex-best friends.

Prathik: Yeah, Mamu?

Abhimanyu gave Cabir a dry chuckle.

Abhimanyu: Of course, the one who doesn't deserve to be called is getting called!

He walked out of the room in anger and Manik knew it was for Cabir. He still wonders why is Abhimanyu more angrier when the topic is Cabir.

While Cabir stood clueless. But, the boys did notice the tension between the men.

Cabir: Um, this is for you guys.

He kept a bowl of Apple and Blackberry crumble.

Cabir: Its healthy and tasty. Kab thak hospital ke khana khayega.

The boys grinned at him and he ruffled their hairs and walked out on not able to bear Manik's gaze.

"Bhai.." Alishka ran inside along with Naila.

Manvik: Hey, Bhai is fine.

Manvik forwarded his hand towards Alishka and she snuggled to him while sobbing.

Naila jumped in Manik's arms who pecked her cheeks smilingly making the boys to look at each other and then concentrated back in Manvik and Alishka.

Manvik: If you were this sad, you should have come to meet me long back. You didn't even come to meet me in the morning.

Alishka: No Bhai. I was..I was scared. You were soaked in..blood.

She broke the hug and they could see tears in her eyes which was enough to freak them out.

Karthik: Aye! Why are you crying.

Prathik: You know, you look like a witch when you cry.

They wiped her tears making her giggle.

Manvik: That's it. We need to see you smiling or else, we would faint out of fear on seeing 'Witchie Ashu'.

Alishka (sobbed): Bhai. You were..you didn't even open your eyes..I got scared..after seeing blood. Don't ever leave me. I didn't even want to meet you but..Papa said, you're fine now.

She clung to him and held the rest two brothers' hands making them smile. They kissed her head together and Manik watched them with a smile. He could see the same love in their eyes which he used to carry in his own for his sisters.

Nandini: Ashu!

She looked back to see Nandini smiling at her while walking out of the washroom and she ran towards her who picked her up in her arms.

Nandini: Its so bad to cry like a baby, Miss Dhawan.

Alishka: I know.

Nandini: Then, stop crying and be the strongest.

She bobbed her head and smiled little making her smile too. She kept Alishka on the ground and her attention turned towards Naila who was smiling at her cutely.

Nandini: Well, in this case you're like your Mom. Not at all a cry baby, huh!

Naila (grinned): Mamma loves me when I jump around besides, your son is fine. Why to worry unnecessarily.

The boys glared at her and Nandini laughed out.

Nandini: Chalo, did you guys eat something?

They nodded in No.

Karthik: What! Then, eat something.

Nandini: Let's get some food to eat. Its lunch time, after all.

She looked at Manik and nodded who nodded back at her which was noticed by the C.I.D. Alishka Dhawan.

Alishka (thought): Hmm..Seems like my plan needs to be modified!

She smirked at the duo lost in her thoughts which meant Manik and Nandini should be alert!

To be continued..