I planned to hate the emotion called 'love' which you made impossible to happen

(_thehijabiwrites)

There are people who always run away from love and take an oath that they would never wish to fall in love until, they meet that one person. That one person whose glance is enough to smile even without a reason. And then happened which they feared the most. Love.

Our Nest

Manvik: I can walk.

Manvik repeated the same sentence, when Manik picked him up in his arms.

Manik: And I can see it.

He walked till the entrance of the Mansion and Nandini followed with a bag in her hand which had Manvik's medicines and plasters which will be needed in future.

Karthik: He didn't even let us to hold Mann. What is this man?

Prathik: A human being!

Karthik gave him a wrathful look making Prathik to give a grin back to him.

Prathik: I've been asking the same question to myself and you repeated the question so I had to be a little witty!

Karthik: A little? You're a lot witty, dude, much to my dislike.

Prathik: Not my fault!

Karthik: Is completely my fault that I asked for your help!

Prathik: Yippee! Big Brother finally understood me!

Karthik ignored him and then stared at Nandini who wasn't even having a frown on her face while looking at Manik and Manvik who were still bickering for carrying him like a baby.

Karthik (thought): Why is she smiling while looking at them? Isn't she supposed to ask Mr. Malhotra to listen to what Mann is saying? Oh God! My head is blasting.

Soon, they were welcomed inside their home with Anjali putting teeka on Manvik's foreheads for his well-being.

Manvik: Mamma! Ask him to put me down.

Instead Manik walked upstairs and Nandini looked at Adyant, who was staring at the retreating figures of Manik and Manvik.

Nandini: Um..Mein abhi aayi. Karti, Prati, come with me.

She too rushed upstairs to avoid Adyan't curious glances while the boys followed her.

Upstairs

Karthik: Uh, Mr. Malhotra, not there but in here.

He pointed at the boys' common room to Manik, who was about to enter Manvik's room along with his son.

Manik: Nandini?

He turned to Nandini and raised his eyebrows who nodded at her and he walked inside the common room with Manvik in his arms who was gaping at his parents.

Prathik (frowned): Did they just have an eye-to-eye conversation?

He looked at Karthik who seemed to be lost in thoughts.

Prathik: Bhai? Is everything alright?

He spoke out of concern and got to meet Karthik's blank orbs.

Karthik: Tonight should be our night!

Prathik nodded back and they got inside the bedroom only to see Manik placing Manvik on the bed.

Manik: Nandu, he needs a bath. Sponge bath, right? I'll change and come, thab thak tum uskeliye warm water ready karo, okay?

She nodded at him and he walked out. Nandini too walked inside the washroom to get some water ready for Manvik leaving the boys to gape at them.

Prathik: Tonight is really our night!

Manvik: What?

He spoke still in daze.

Karthik: Mamma was never this comfortable with any other man. What's so special in this guy?

He settled beside Manvik on the bed and Prathik simply sat on the floor.

Manvik: Are we having an 'OUR NIGHT' tonight?

He asked confusedly and Karthik nodded.

Manvik (nodded): Well, I too think the same. This tall guy is really making some knots in my brain.

Prathik: Mamma is really close with him. But how do we get to know what was their relationship is past?!

They looked at each other and then realized something.

Boys: Wait! Where the hell is Alishka Dhawan?!

"Over here." they looked out to see Alishka walking inside with a bowl in her hands.

Alishka: Bhai. Your favorite brownies.

She kept the bowl on the small table placed beside the bed.

Karthik: Ashu, he can eat only healthy f..

Before he could complete, they saw Manvik munching on it making them to sigh.

Alishka (giggled): Its healthy. Mamma made it for him.

Prathik: Oh. Hold on. We were looking for you.

Manvik too stopped eating and stared at Alishka along with the rest two.

Alishka: What did I do?

Karthik: Manik Malhotra's details.

Manvik: Where is it?

Alishka bit her lips and then gave a nervous grin.

Alishka: Er..I tried to get it but he..seems to be so reserved, you know..

Prathik: Then, why isn't he so reserved with Mamma?

"Who isn't reserved with Mamma?" Nandini walked out of the washroom while holding a tub of water in it and the boys immediately walked to her and took it from her, except for Manvik who was glaring at her.

Manvik: Mamma. I don't think its light weighted.

Nandini: Arey, its just a small tub.

Karthik: Yeah right. We can see it. You can't hold a lot of weight, don't you remember what your doctor said?

"Doctor?" they looked at the entrance to see Manik's worried glance at Nandini and she sighed at him.

Nandini: Its nothing. Delivery ke baad mere uterus thoda weak hogaya tha and it never came in notice until 2 years ago. Medication se I can get rid of it. Its something common in about 70 percentage of mothers in the world.

She spoke while blinking her eyes in assurance at him, who looked away in despair. He wasn't there when she was in need.

But what they didn't notice was the boys' surprised faces. Watching her sharing about such a personal medical issue with Manik just increased their suspicions.

Alishka: Whatever Bua, you should be careful.

Nandini (bowed down dramatically): As you wish, Miss Kapoor.

She turned to her boys and the sat on the bed.

Nandini: Acha bacho, baahar jao, Manu keliye sponge bath dhena hain.

Karthik/Prathik: We're not leaving him alone.

Nandini sighed and then turned to Alishka who smiled at her.

Alishka: Come soon.

She kissed Nandini's cheeks and walked out leaving Malhotras along with Nandini.

Nandini: Manu, teek se beitho, let me remove your clothes.

Manvik: Whhaaaatt? Why will you remove my clothes?

Nandini (sarcastically): So that I can give you a sponge bath. Now, stop with it. Lemme remove them.

Manvik: Mamma. Not my clothes.

Nandini: Kyu? Mamma hoon teri. I'm giving you bath since the moment I learnt to give bath to babies which is, within some months of your birth. Ab hato apna haath.

She tried to remove his hands which were preventing her from removing his dress.

Manvik: So what? I was a baby back then.

Nandini: I stopped giving you bath when you turned 6, not a baby, Mr. Malhotra.

Manvik: And now I'm 9 years old, so you're not allowed to see me.

Nandini (glared): Manu..

Manvik: Nope! Not happening.

Instead of glaring at him, Nandini glared at Manik who stood looking at Manvik with his eyes widened. He turned to Nandini and grinned on seeing her glares for him.

Manik (thought): Ismein bhi tujhpe gaye hai tera ek beta, Manik!

He clearly remembers how he never lets anyone to see him shirtless. Even in front of Nandini, he took a lot of time to adjust.

Manik: Um..Manvik, yaha pe sirf hum log hain, then what's the issue?

Manvik (freaked out): So? Does it mean I'll go all naked in front of everyone in the world? And..and..how will I remove my clothes in front of you?

Manik (sarcastic grin): By using your own hands. Kyu? Nahi ho paega. Koi nahi, hum sab hai na. We'll help you out.

Manvik (pissed): Mamma! Ask him to be quiet.

Nandini: Manvik! Behave.

She glared at him for using that tone referring to his father, though he doesn't know Manik is his father, she wouldn't want him or any of her sons to disrespect Manik.

Manvik (pouted): Mamma, please. I can't be naked.

Nandini: Offo, who's asking you to be naked? Just remove your shirt. Your brothers or Manik will clean the lower area. Khush?

Manvik (horrified): What? Why Mr. Malhotra?

Manik: Why not me?

His tone sounded nothing but hurt and he felt dejected. Nandini tried to assure him but he wasn't even looking at her but only at Manvik.

Prathik: Because, he's not that comfortable with everyone apart from me and Karthik.

For some unknown reason, they couldn't see him in pain.

Manik (smiled): Well, if that's the case, then I'm not looking at you.

He turned around and Manvik looked at Manik.

Manvik: You're not looking at me, eh?

Manik (chuckled): No. I'm not.

Nandini: Chalo, ab tho hato hath.

Manvik: Is it necessary to remove my clothes to have a sponge bath?

Nandini: Nahi. Bilkul bhi nahi. I'll do one thing. I'll pour water on you without removing these clothes. Kyu?

Karthik: That was a pretty bad joke!

Nandini: It wasn't meant to be a joke, Malhotra.

Karthik grinned on seeing her glare.

Nandini: Manvik!!!

Manvik took his hands off his body, letting Nandini to remove his shirt off his body. He cringed his nose when he was shirtless.

Nandini: Karti, hold his left arm. Aur prati, hold his right leg.

They both did what they were asked to, accordingly. While Nandini cleaned Manvik's upper body with the sponge dipped in soap water first and then used a towel to dry there.

Nandini: Manu, will you let him to clean you lower area?

Nandini whispered to Manvik making sure Manik doesn't hear it, as he looked quiet restless who was turned to the other side.

Manvik (confusedly): Let whom, Mamma?

Nandini pointed at Manik and Manvik widened his eyes, he was about to shout a NO when she pleaded through her eyes.

Nandini: You don't want me to clean you, okay, I'm respecting your choice but at least, let him do it. He's big enough to know to give a sponge bath. Karti aur Prati ko tho experience nahi hai na, baby!

Manvik seemed to look convinced and he nodded at her who beamed in joy. She was sad that their sons aren't giving Manik the importance that he deserves yet, its not their fault. They don't know who Manik is to them. They were always reserved just like Manik. She didn't call them a copy of their father for name sake. They had everything that Manik had in him. Had they knew Manik is their father, she knew either they'll accuse their parents for hiding it from them or they'll burst into tears.

Nandini: Manik, ky...

Manik: Haa..Is he fine? Kuch chahiye kya, Nandini?

The kids snapped their heads at Manik on finding worry in his voice.

Nandini (sighed): Nahi. Kya tum Karti aur Prati ko help kar sakthe ho, in giving Manu a bath? They don't have much knowledge in it.

Manik (skeptical): Uh..he doesn't like it, phir tum k..

Manvik: Its fine. I have..no issues with it.

Manik turned to face Manvik who was looking down.

Manik: You sure?

Manvik bobbed his head. Manik walked towards the bed and settle beside Manvik and he saw his son clutching onto the quilt which forced him to smile and he looked at Nandini, who frowned on seeing his glance. She mouthed a 'what' to which he just shook his head.

Manik: Kabhi kabhi doosron ko apni zindagi mein entry dena padtha hain thaaki hame jab unki zaroorath pade, thab madad keliye poochne ke zaroorath na pade.

Karthik's head shot up towards Manik in shock and then he stared at Nandini, who was staring at Manik with an amused smile which turned into a loving smile. The same smile which always gave them.

And it just added one more feather to his list of doubts!

Manvik: You seem to have a lot of knowledge in real life.

Manik: Kisine sikhaya aur mene seekh liya.

He held the hem of the quilt and looked up at Manvik.

Manik: May I?

Manvik nodded reluctantly letting Manik to take the quilt off.

Manvik: Mamma...!!

Nandini (giggled): Cool!!

She turned around just like how Manik did some moments ago. Then followed was a father-sons moment.

Karthik: I'll hold onto his leg. Mann, stop moving your legs, for heaven sake, idiot.

Manvik: Don't look at me. That's my private area.

Karthik rolled his eyes at him.

Prathik: FYI, everyone has a private area in their bodies. Its not something special for you. So, stop exaggerating stuffs like that stupid Queen-bee of our school does for every minutest thing.

Manvik (frustrated): Shut up!

Karthik/Manik: You need to shut up!

Manik: Kya bachon ke tarah lad rahe ho dhono!

Manvik: He teased me.

Manik turned to Prathik and gave him a small glare and he pouted while looking at Karthik.

Prathik: He's glaring at me, Bhai.

Karthik turned to Manik, who glared at him too making Karthik to turn towards Nandini.

Karthik: Mamma, he's glaring at me too.

Nandini: Manik. Why are they just complaining about you to me?

Manik: You pampered them to no extent. You shouldn't have been that sweet to them. Kuch suntha hi nahi mera.

By now, he has completed cleaning Manvik.

Nandini: Mene kya kiya ab?

Manik: You spoiled them due to your extra-love.

Nandini: Yeah right. Pyar se samjhana tumhe aatha nahi, not my fault.

Manik: Haa tho teek se daantna bhi tumhe aathi nahi, not my fault.

Nandini (pissed): Can I look behind, now?

Manvik: No waitttt...!!

She sighed in disbelief.

Manik: Nandini, where are his clothes?

Nandini: I'll get it.

She took Manvik's clothes from the walk-in-closet and moved towards the bed making Manvik to hide himself under the quilt again. She settled beside him and made him wear the shirt before clearing it out that his body is dry enough to put clothes on.

Manik then helped Manvik to wear his trousers and then combed his hair with his hands. All this while, Karthik was simply staring at Manik and Nandini. Their closeness, their mutual understanding, their bickering. All these were so new for them. So new in their mother. The shine in their mother's eyes whenever she talks with their Mr. Malhotra is so real and beautiful.

Manik: And now, you're ready!

Manvik gave him a small smile.

Manvik (mumbled): Thanks..!

Nandini hid her smile on seeing Manvik thanking someone reluctantly and while watching the smile on Manik's face.

Manik: You don't need to. Um..I'll come back.

He walked out of the room and she knew he needs some lone time.

Nandini: I'll get food for you.

She cupped Manvik's cheeks and then turned to Karthik and Prathik.

Nandini: Aur haan, make sure he doesn't stress his plastered arm and leg, okay?

Prathik nodded at her but Karthik was lost in thoughts.

Nandini: Karti?

Karthik stared at her and she looked at him in worry.

Nandini: Kya hua?

She cupped his cheeks gently and he smiled at her while holding her hand on his cheeks.

Karthik: Nothing, Mamma. I was just thinking, if at all Mr. Malhotra had his own kids, he would have been the best father for them.

On this sentence, Nandini looked stiffened and her hand on his cheeks got dropped down. Karthik notice it, too.

Karthik: He took care of Manvik when he was nowhere related to him, so what would have he done for his own son?!

Nandini hid her tears and managed to smile before walking out.

Manvik/Prathik: What was that?

Karthik: Nothing. I was just stating the fact. Now, you need to shut up and lay down properly.

He made Manvik to lay on the bed and got himself settled beside his brother. Prathik took the other side and kept staring at Karthik.

Prathik (thought): Looks like big brother is up to something! But what is it?

Manik's Room

Manik: I wonder how Nandini brought them up when they're just like me!

He remembered the way Manvik clutched onto his quilt and this time Manik chuckled.

Manik: Nandu must have had a tough time, for sure.

Flashback..

"Excuse me? You're asking me to take my shirt off?" I asked Mom who gave me a curt look making me to pout at her.

"I can't go all naked, I'm sorry." I declared and and held my shirt in my fist so that she doesn't come and remove it off without my permission. How rude it is! How can she expect me to become shirtless in front of someone. Its my asset which I'll be showing off.

"Manik Malhotra! I'm warning you for the nth time, take it off by yourself or else, I'll do it myself." she threatened again and I didn't look at her. I didn't even tell her how much I missed hearing her scolding me. No. I don't hate her but I don't want her to pamper me too when she wasn't here to do it when I needed her.

I know she was at work. Had she been some businesswoman, she would have stopped going for work but working in military was difficult. Even though, she apologized to us for multiple times and we said we never minded, only I knew how much we're keeping in us due to our lonely childhood.

"Manik..." I looked at my left immediately on hearing that voice. Nandini. My Nandini.

"Tum teek ho?" she moved towards me in haste.

"Thank God, you're here Nandini. At least, tum manao isko. He's got a cut on his chest with his guitar strings par kisiko hath lagana hi nahi de rahe hain." Mom sighed in relief on seeing Nandini. Wait. Does she think I'm gonna show my body to Nandini? Hell No.

"Manik, kya bachon ke tarah behave kar rahe ho? Medicine lagana hain na waha pe." and this time, it was Nandu who started to scold me.

"Hadd hain! How can everyone expect me to be naked!" I spoke out of frustration and she gave me a weird look.

"Fortunately, your husband will never go all Salman Khan in front of any girls because he is shy to show his body to others." Mom stated while smiling mischievously at me and I gave her an angry look.

"Seriously?" Nandini asked and she started to laugh. "And I thought I had a bad boy type of boyfriend." she added while laughing making me pissed.

"Nandu.." I warned her and she kept a finer on her lips. Good!

"Nandu, tum hi karlo ab." Mom gave the first aid box to her and walked out making me to freak out.

"What? You won't touch me." I spoke to Nandini and all she did was sitting beside me.

"Manik, you don't need to take it off, just unbutton first 2-3 buttons and show me only the cut. I'll apply medicine on it." she said and I nodded in No. Nobody can see my body.

"Nope. I can't let anyone to see my body." I said again and she glared at me. I glared at her back.

"Fine. I thought I had a hot boyfriend." she spoke dejectedly.

"Excuse me?" I spoke offended.

"You're excused. It seems like you don't look hot which is why you don't want me to see your body. Oh man, I should have known it before, uss Sam ka proposal accept karna hi tha. He's always a Salman Khan in front of us in college par k.." I pulled her on the bed and hovered above her to shut her up and she widened her eyes at me.

"Nandini Dhawan, you really don't want me to shut you up like how I did last night, do you?" I spoke while breathing heavily on her face and I could see her gulping hard which turned me on. I caressed her throat and bent to kiss her there.

"Manik.." she moaned while holding my neck. Damn! I'm losing it. I moved to kiss her lips when she stopped me.

"Pehle medicine phir kiss." she spoke out and I glared at her.

"Not working. I won't let you kiss me for an entire week if you don't let me put medicine on it." she declared and I widened my eyes at her. She really can do it.

"Fine." I uttered and she tried to get up.

"Arey move na, I need to apply medicine." she spoke while trying to push me off. Keyword:trying.

"Aise lagao. I'm enjoying it." I smirked at her and she glared at me again. Nevertheless, her hands made its way to my shirt's button hesitatingly and I held onto my shirt. Why is everyone behind my shirt!

"Yaha mein try kar rahi hoon to take it off aur tum demotivate kar rahe ho?" she complained and I took my hands off my shirt but then again, it went on my shirt.

"Hold it." she took my hands and placed it on her waist. "For the first time, I'm asking you to romance or else you won't stop being a shy bride for now." she added and I grinned at her. Romancing with her is my favorite habit!

She unbuttoned my shirt's first button and I dipped myself in her neck to inhale her fragrance. When she unbuttoned my second button, I kissed her neck softly and when she unbuttoned the third one, I bit her there.

"Ouch, Manik." she hissed in pain and I licked the spot to reduce her pain in which I got succeeded after getting to hear her moaning.

"Manik, don't bite okay. Let me apply the medicine properly." she spoke while panting heavily and I nodded. She caressed the cut on my chest and I hissed.

"Stupid. Its so deep. Kaun kartha hai aise bachpana." she too hissed along and I could see her eyes getting brimmed with tears making me to smile. It always happens whenever I'm in pain. I never cried instead she cries if I'm hurt.

"Teek se beit." and what she did next was a bit shocking. She pinned me on the bed and hovered above me to apply medicine.

"Wow. I'm loving this position, you know." I spoke huskily and she glared at her.

"Shut up! Ek tho teek se apna khayal bhi nahi rakhtha aur oopar se mazak kar rahe ho." she scolded while applying medicine.

"Ouch, baby its hurting." I hissed when the medicine came in contact with my skin. She bent and blew air on it and the placed a kiss on it making me to groan.

"Is it paining?" she asked with her eyes filled with worry and innocence and I nodded in No while smiling. She took some cotton and placed it on the cut with the help of a sticker and her job was done making me to roll her over the bed.

"I'm really famished, now. Don't stop me." and next I remember placing my lips on her lips making her giggle.

My crazy love!

Flashback ends..

At night

All day, everyone were busy in taking care of Manvik, especially Manik and Nandini. It was Anjali's order for boys to sleep early so that they could wake up next morning early for their practice.

But Tonight was still their night!

Just like his sons, even Manik couldn't sleep with the chaos in his life. He was messed up totally.

"You didn't sleep?" he looked behind to see a face filled with curiousness.

Manik: Hey Karti..uh, karthik, why didn't you sleep?

Karthik was surprised when he heard 'Karti' from Manik, the way Nandini calls him and he didn't let anyone call him that. Maybe Prathik and Manvik can hear others addressing them the way Nandini does but not Karthik.

Karthik: Um..I couldn't sleep. Your..mobile. You left it on the dining table.

He forwarded the mobile to Manik, who just realized that he had lost his mobile.

Manik: Oh..thanks.

He took it hurriedly kn knowing his mobile phone which is filled with his and Nandini's pictures shouldn't be reached in anyone's hand, especially kids and Adyant.

Karthik: Why didn't you sleep?

Manik: Uh..bas aise hi.

Karthik stood beside Manik while looking out for the stars in the night, standing in the huge common balcony of the Mansion with glass doors around.

Karthik: I had a doubt, maybe I could ask you that. Can I?

He turned to face Manik, who looked at him with an amused smile.

Manik: Yeah. Sure. What is it?

Karthik: What's love?

Manik (frowned): What do you mean?

Karthik: I meant, what's the definition of love for you?

Manik stood confused. Nevertheless, he cleared Karthik's doubts.

Manik: Love is nothing.

He turned to face Karthik, who had a blank look on his face.

Manik: It has no meaning except 'the one whom you love'. I don't know why do you have this doubt, now, but I would like to tell you're at the wrong place if you want a definition for love. For me, love was always the person whom I loved and it had no other meaning.

He stared at the stars again and smiled remembering how she loved watching the beauty of night sky.

Manik: Pehle mujhe ithna bhi nahi patha tha par jaise kisise pyar hua, tab patha chala, pyar wo thi. Jis sukoon keliye intezaar kar raha tha, wo sukoon hi pyar hai mereliye. My peace is my love and my love is nothing but just 'her'.

He was speaking everything with a constant smile on his lips. He turned to Karthik and held his hand hesitatingly at first but then he reminded himself, he holds that right!

Manik: Love has only one meaning, let it be love for your parents or for anyone else, it should have a single meaning. Love means that person for whom your heart beats! You need to sleep now.

He ruffled his hairs and Karthik nodded at him. Manik turned to leave and Karthik kept staring at him.

Manik: Waise..what was the need of it? I mean..achanak ye definition ki zaroorath kyu padi?

He turned to Karthik confusedly, who cleared his throat.

Karthik: Just like that!

Manik nodded though he was confused and left the balcony and that was the moment, Karthik looked back at the stars.

"Love has no meaning except 'the person whom you love'. And it should always have that single meaning. Love means that person for whom your heart beats! " she spoke while staring at nowhere.

"Why is it so? Doesn't it sound complicated?" I asked her and she looked at us.

"It did. Until I fell in love. With that person who believed in this complicated definition." she spoke again and this time her eyes shone out of happiness.

"Mamma?" we asked in surprise and she smiled.

"Whatever I said right now is what your father believed about Love. I don't even have a definition for love, at least he does." she bent to us and spoke smiling all the while.

Karthik: He was our father!

He fell on the ground with a 'thud' sound and finally a traitor escaped his eye.

To be continued..