He loved her for his present though, she loved him for her future

(_thehijabiwrites)

When he fell in love with her, he just wanted his present life to be beautiful. That's more of a 'man' thing. He falls for a woman and wants his present to be with her, never thought of his future, maybe because, he knew she'll be with him forever while she loved him for she wanted a future with him. She doesn't care about her present or past but she wants her future to be beautiful and for that she needs to be with him whom she loves to be her partner.

Adyant's Car

Adyant: Anju. Ek sawal poochna hain.

Anjali: Of course, tabhi tho apne yaha bitw..

Adyant: I'm serious, Mrs. Anjali Dhawan!

Anjali stared at her brother dumbfounded. He's a very jolly person but if at all he's being strict, then you will have to realize that you shouldn't talk anything that would make him lose his temper.

Anjali: Kya hua, Bhai? Sab teek tho hai?

Adyant: Bas ithna kaho ki how did Manik and Nandu break their relationship?

Anjali: Arey they ha....wh-at?

Her jaws were dropped down in shock while Adyant had a casual expression and watching outside while sitting beside her in the backseat.

Adyant: Seedhe sawal pooch liya, ab jawab bhi dhe.

He turned to face her and she gulped on seeing the rage in his eyes.

Anjali: Bhai! Its not..I mean- I.

Adyant (sarcastically grinned): Tumhe laga tum mujhse chupaoge aur mein marne thak kuch bhi jaan nahi paoonga. Ek businessman hun mein who even won best businessman awards in the past. Bina dimaag se business nahi kar saktha, so you should have been careful while playing around me.

Anjali looked down on not able to meet his gaze.

Adyant (sternly): Will I get an answer or not?

Anjali (sighed): Nahi de sakthi.

Adyant: Anjali.

Anjali: Bhai. Please, try to understand. It was their secret and I knew it because I was there when it was happening. Hadn't you gone for the yearly pilgrimage during Nandu's engagement, even you would have got to know about their relationship. Kuch bhi teek nahi tha. Aur wo rishtha sirf Guddu aur pari se jude hue nahi tha. It was also about friendship. Sab kuch ab nahi batha sakthi mein.

Adyant turned to the other side on seeing her sad.

Adyant: Ab nahi tho kabhi aur, you will have to tell me. I don't know about others par wo theen chote bete hai na, jo dunya ke samne sabse strong dikhathe hain, unko khush karna hai mujhe. Unse important nahi hai ye hide and seek game mereliye.

He turned to look at her who was looking at him shocked.

Adyant: They deserve happiness. Strong hai par bache bhi hain, Anju. Aur kithna seh sakthe hain just because their parents had some issues with each other? I won't tolerate someone hurting them, chahe wo apna family hi sahi.

And he kept quiet while Anjali beamed in happiness.

Anjali: Mathlab..Mathlab..you will help me to get my guddu and pari back together? To complete their family?

Adyant glared at her and she pouted.

Adyant: Jo tune kiya uskeliye punishment hai behena.

Anjali: Koi nahi. Aap tho saath dega na.

She grinned while jumping on her seat and Adyant shook his head in disbelief. Nevertheless, he was willing to get Manik back in Nandini's life so that his grand-grand sons get their share of happiness.

The Temple

Adyant: Chalo, stick with your partner when you pray.

Like said, everyone followed his words willingly or unwillingly except for Manik and Nandini who stood in a dilemma. How can they stick with each other when their sons didn't know about them being a couple, unofficially for now, though or they thought so!

Karthik: Everything is fine, right?

Karthik whispered to Prathik who was standing on his left while Manvik was on his right sitting on a chair.

Prathik turned to face his brother and his blazing eyes were enough for Karthik to know that just like him, his little brother too knows about the Truth, now. He held Prathik's hand in his, who immediately tightened his hold on his brother.

Karthik (softly): I didn't know how to share it to you both. I'm sorry.

A whimper left Prathik's lips causing Karthik to blink his eyes not to cry in front of others.

Karthik: Don't, Malhotra. Be weak in front of your brothers but not in front of the world.

Prathik looked away while biting onto his lips and Karthik stared at Manvik who was observing something keenly. He followed Manvik's gaze to see Manik and Nandini standing beside each other, not too close nor so far. She was making Manik to fold his palms who was unfolding it again and again much to her displease. But what Karthik didn't notice was Manvik's gaze which was also on Anjali, who was admiring Manik and Nandini.

Karthik (thought): They look so perfect with each other. What made you leave each other Mom-Dad?

He kept his gaze down then. From nowhere, he felt his palms getting folded and up in air. He looked up to see his mother showing her warning glares and he smiled for the sake of her. A smile which didn't reach his eyes.

She did the same to Manvik and Prathik too.

Nandini: Folding palms simply won't work. Ask for something from God.

She walked back to stand beside Manik, who was staring at his sons with a winning smirk as if he was proud that his sons are so like him.

Manvik: You'll get me to Mrs. Mukti Thakkar right after our prayer.

He spoke while looking at his brothers and then ahead to close his eyes for praying. But Karthik and Prathik frowned. Prathik, for seeing Manvik's expressionless face while Karthik, for hearing Mukti's name. He expected Manvik to go to Anjali as she was the main person in the riddle given to Manvik. Not that Anjali wasn't a person in the riddle given to Prathik but Abhimanyu held more importance in it and here Manvik wants to meet Mukti, who's not even included in the riddle. He now knew, Manvik has got his own plan too just like Prathik did.

They too closed their eyes and the boys prayed only for one thing like they always did- a forever with their father when they meet him one day but for Prathik and Karthik, they've already realized his presence in their lives.

Post prayer

It was the time for Malhotras and Thakkars to have a look at the Temple's beauty. Since, its Paris and visiting a temple in there was a first for them, they decided to take a tour of the temple. Manik carried Manvik throughout the tour until Manvik asked him to send him with his brothers as he needs to use washroom which was outside the Temple. Though, Manik offered to come along, Manvik denied saying he wants to sit in the car.

The boys made their way to Mukti, secretly on seeing her alone watching some paintings placed around.

Manvik: Bhai, Prathik. I want to be alone with her.

He said to his brothers.

Prathik: What? But why?

Manvik: I need to get this riddle done, by now.

He said while staring at Karthik who looked at Prathik to see him growing tensed.

Prathik: Now? But why? You can..

Karthik: Prathik. Help me to carry him near to Mrs. Thakkar.

Prathik: But Bhai..

Karthik: Prathik!

Prathik exhaled a frustrated breath but then helped Karthik to take Manvik to a bench placed nearby to where Mukti was standing.

Manvik: You guys can leave, now.

Prathik stood watching him tensed when Karthik assured him through his eyes. Karthik turned to Manvik and held his hand.

Karthik: Just don't take anything in haste. Listen to your heart. Remember, we're one call away. All you gotta do is call out our names. Hmm?

Manvik nodded and Karthik and Prathik left him with Mukti alone. While taking a deep breath, Manvik looked up at Mukti, who was still busy in admiring the paintings unaware of the boys' presence.

Such a pure art lover she is, that was the only thought came in Manvik's mind on watching her curious glances at the paintings.

Manvik: Are they that beautiful?

He spoke in a high pitched tone so that Mukti could hear him and the latter turned to face him in surprise.

Mukti: Manvik? Tum yaha?

She strolled towards him in worry.

Mukti: Yaha kya kar rahe ho tum? Are you alright? Aur Manik..Manik hai kaha? Tumhe chodke kyu chala gaya wo?

She knelt down in front of him and he could see worry in her eyes. Why so much worry for him? Aren't they just strangers or distant relatives?

Manvik: Relax! I'm perfectly alright. I just wanted to have some lone fresh air, you know, away from everyone and everything. And this place is so calmer compared to the front area of the Temple. I asked Mr. Malhotra to leave me with my brothers, who are away somewhere as per my wish.

Mukti relaxed visibly and she smiled.

Mukti: You guys are seriously crazy. Like, which patient wants to sit alone and who allows a patient to be alone either?!

Manvik: I want to and my brothers never say a No to me, either.

Mukti chuckled.

Mukti: Yeah. Quiet loving you guys are. Ab aur bhi yaha beitna hai kya?

Manvik: I want to sit here till everyone decide to leave. You can continue with your admiration for paintings.

He gave her a teasing smile at the end.

Mukti: Oops. I might have zoned out, right?

Manvik: Oh, you did. You love paintings a lot, huh?

Mukti: I do. One reason in me which my husband admires, fortunately.

Manvik (laughed): Well, its's a relief that you guys admire each other in something. Or else, I see you guys fighting every second.

Mukti (smiled): Pyar waha hotha hai jaha zyada ladai hotha hai, Daadi ki saying hain and I really believe in it.

Manvik: Oh, DJ's sayings are really thoughtful. You believe in it? Oh, you would, after all, you also love your husband and fight with him so much. Huh!

Mukti laughed out and nodded in yes.

Manvik: See, I guessed it right. So, how did DJ help in getting you hitched with Mr. Thakkar?

Mukti looked at him shocked on seeing the straightforwardness in him, who looked so chilled and curious for her.

Manvik: What? Why are you gaping at me.

Mukti: Uh, ahem. Isn't it too personal and something only adults talk about?

Manvik (casually): Nope. Mamu always told us how he helped many people in getting hitched with their lovers. He wouldn't have taught us if it was something only adults talk about.

Mukti palmed her face after hearing him.

Mukti: Well, that same Love guru was the one who helped me in getting hitched with your Mr. Thakkar.

She blurted out in frustration for Cabir as he was teaching the kids those, which they shouldn't learn about. While, Manvik stood shocked with her reply.

Manvik: Mamu helped you?

And Mukti suddenly realized what she said. She bit her lips and looked here and there. Nevertheless, she had to spit the truth out on seeing Manvik's curious glance at her.

Mukti: Um, yeah. Your Mamu helped me. He's my Jeeju so he ought to help me if he sees me in distress.

Manvik nodded though, he wasn't convinced on seeing her reply jiggled here and there.

Manvik: So, DJ never helped you. I thought, she helped you too as she was the one who helped Mamu to get hitched with Mami.

Mukti: What? Noway. Cabir proposed to Navya with Manik's help. Daadi never helped him, he never said her that he loved Navya.

Manvik: Wow! And, here I thought DJ is so good at matchmaking. I seriously thought that her world's most beautiful pair is Mamu-Mami.

Mukti (unknowingly): Of course, not. She always helped Manik as he was the only one who went to her speaking about his love..

Mukti Thakkar had to forget to take next breath while all Manvik did was staring at her. Mukti faked a smile which turned out to be a nervous one.

Mukti: Um. You know, he too loved someone..back in those days. Yeah, that girl. Ab chalein?

Manvik: Bhai will come. You can move ahead.

His voice was so demanding as if he wants to stay alone and Mukti nodded confusedly on getting to hear his tone different withing a second. Nevertheless, she walked away so that she doesn't spit the truth about their father out.

But Manvik stared at nowhere while lost in thoughts.

"Excuse me? If you don't know then let me tell you I'm the one who made world's best pair, 10 years back." Anjali's words rang in his ears.

"Mamma! Just one question and I'll sleep." I asked while laying my head on her lap and she sighed though she nodded in yes, making me to grin out of happiness.

"How did you fall in love with Dad?" I asked straightly and I got to see her saddened eyes. I did expect it. Whenever we ask about Dad, she smiles but her eyes spoke volumes of pain. I hate myself for asking about Dad but I couldn't stop myself from asking it. From the moment, I got to know about my friend who was a senior, learning some Romeo-Juliet in his class, I want to know my Mom-Dad's love story.

"I don't know. Bas, tumhara Dad khud kaafi hai kisiko bhi usse pyar hojane keliye. Bohath acha hai wo. Ithna ki, mujhe kabhi hurt nahi kiya, hamesha pyar kiya." She said with a constant smile on her lips. I smiled on realizing she loves him so much. Why aren't they together, then?

"You said you don't know. Then, how did you realize you loved him?" I asked confusedly and she giggled. What's so funny?

"Its all because of your DJ. Your father is the only person who went to her by himself telling that he loves me and wants her help to make me realize my love for him. Your DJ is one hell matchmaker." She replied and I stood amazed. DJ is really a wonderful matchmaker then.

Manvik: Dad, he is. Not any Mr. Malhotra!

And he held his knees close to his heart when a tear slipped his eye. He clenched his fists which resulted in his nails to pierce in his skin but that physical pain was nothing compared to the mental pain he's going through for now.

He waited a lot for this moment. To get to know who his father was. To get to meet his father. If not a forever, then at least a glance of his.

They were ready to let go off their father if he never wished to be with them but a glance of his would be cherished by them for their entire lives but now, when they got to know who that person was, everything broke in them.

Their father was someone whom they addressed 'Mr. Malhotra'. Their father was someone who was just a brother to their Aunt. Their father was the same person who pretended to be just a friend to their mother when in reality he was much more to her.

Why so much of lies? Why isn't he ready to accept to them that he was their father? Is he regretting for having sons like them. So much of insecurity built in them.

This wasn't the way their dream should have come true!

Manvik (whimpered): You could have told us, right?!

"Manvik" it was the same voice which he didn't want to hear for now. He looked up to meet that pair of concerned brown orbs.

Does he knew they were his sons to be this concerned?- Manvik thought to himself.

Manik: Kar kya rahe ho tum yaha? You told me that you'll be in the car aur na tum waha the, na Karthik aur Prathik.

Manik knelt down in front of Manvik, who kept staring in his father's eyes. As if he was searching.

Searching for love in them!

Manik: Teek ho?

He cupped Manvik's eyes gently on seeing him lost and vulnerable. It started to scare him. Manvik stared at the hand which cupped his face and he wished nothing but to crash in his father's chest.

Alas!

He neither want to do it. He was so blinded by his insecurity and rage that he knew, he would burst at anyone and he doesn't want that person to be Manik.

"Manvik" There came Karthik and Prathik running towards them. The moment, they got to see everyone near their cars but Manik and Manvik, they got alert and ran to where their Father and Brother were present.

Karthik: Oh, aren't you done with your lone-talks?

He spoke to Manvik while trying to sound sarcastic and then looked at a confused and wonrried Manik.

Manik: Lone-talks? What are you talking about? And, where have you guys been? You weren't present near our cars. Aur Manvik ko akela kyu chod diya?

Manik stood up and stared at Karthik and Prathik suspiciously.

Karthik: We were roaming around. Manvik likes to spend lone time whenever he comes to the Temple.

Manik: Who wants to spend lone time in Temples.

Karthik: Manvik does. Oh, he's stupid sometimes.

He laughed nervously and Manik nodded at him but his gaze went up to Prathik, who wasn't speaking anything but staring at him. That was so unlike of him. Prathik never shuts his mouth as he always finds some or the other thing to mock at people. In fact, its always Karthik who's reserved but now, it seemed like roles have reversed.

Manik: Tho chalein?

He looked at Manvik who was also staring at him. He found it weird when he felt both Prathik's and Manvik's eyes held the same emotions which he couldn't decipher.

Karthik: He'll come with us.

Manik looked at Karthik, who was glancing at Manvik and one could read the worry in his eyes.

Manik: Why?

Karthik turned to look at Manik, who looked so curious by now.

Karthik: Nothing! Just, simply. Can he come with us, please?

Karthik Malhotra pleaded! And that never happened unless the opposite person is Nandini or his brothers. Now, this was shocking!

Manik: Yeah!

Manik looked at Manvik and then at Prathik and then at Karthik. He remembered what Nandini said once that they don't like letting anyone or anything in between their secrets, sometimes, its always them, only them. And today, he got to see it too.

He walked forward to walk past Karthik and Prathik but then got back to where Karthik was standing making him to look at him. He bent to Karthik's level and looked in his son's eyes which was the exact pair like his.

Manik: Try to practice when you wanna lie. Nervous laughter is something which shouldn't happen when you lie.

Saying it, he walked away and Karthik sucked a huge breath in before exhaling sharply.

Karthik: How did he get it!

He muttered to himself before looking at his brothers who weren't even in a mood to think about anything.

Karthik: Back to home?

They nodded in an instant.

Karthik: You need to help me, baby brother!

Without saying anything, Prathik moved ahead making Karthik to sigh.

Karthik: I hope, they stop with this silent treatment soon.

He too walked ahead to help Manvik to stand on his feet and the three walked away to reach their cars.

In Manik's car

This time, all three of them sat in their father's car. One: They wanted to be together. Two: They wanted to be with their parents.

Nandini: Karti!

Karthik: Yeah, Mamma!

Nandini: How old are you?

Karthik: 9 years old.

And he preferred to check over his brothers again while Manik looked at Nandini confusedly, who let out a sigh.

Nandini: Prati.

Prathik: Yeah!

Nandini: How many birds are flying outside?

Prathik: I can't find any, Mamma.

Manik gave Nandini a weird look and the similar one to Prathik too.

Nandini: Manu!

Manvik: Yeah, Mamma!

Nandini: How many hands do you have?

Manvik: Two, Mamma.

Manik: Okay, that's it! What the hell is wrong with you, Nandini? Pooch kya rahi ho tum unn theenon se?

That was the moment, the boys got back to the present. Two of them were lost while one of them was checking on the rest. They were zoned out.

Nandini: What? I was just checking whether something is bothering them or not! Aur patha chala mujhe kuch tho hua hain. Warna, abhi thak mujhe kuch aur jawal mila hotha, like- What's wrong with you, Mom? No, I have ten hands. Birds stopped to fly. I'm 25 years old and so on.

Manik gaped at her for a while before laughing out which Nandini shrugged off and turned to her sons who were sighing in disbelief. She always does it. She knew they wouldn't share with her and that always piss her off. She doesn't want them to be in any problem but they're just like their father. Every problem is within them and not to be shown out, even if its their mother.

Nandini: So...Out with it when we get back home, Malhotras!

Karthik: Mamma! You gotta stop doing it. We're embarrassing ourselves.

Nandini: Good for you! That's for troubling me, every now and then.

She turned to look ahead.

Manik: Nandini. You need to give them their own space.

Nandini: So, you mean, I'm interfering in their lives?

Manik: Main aise kaha bhi kab?

Nandini: Kaha tho nahi par mathlab tho wahi hai na.

Manik (disbelievingly): Tumhe aise lag rahi hai par iska mathlab ye nahi ki wahi sach hain.

Nandini: Aaha! Ab tho mein jhooti nikli. Kyu, Malhotra?

Manik: Aadat tho badalna mushkil hi hain.

Nandini: Haa, Aadat. Aadat tho badal nahi saktha tabhi ye sab ho raha hain.

She glared at him and by that time, they reached their home.

Manik: Teek hain. Ab mein Manvik ko oopar leke jaatha hun warna mein hi pagal banjaoonga.

She glared at him one last time and got out of the car.

Nandini: Jaldh hi karo phir. I need to give Manu his medicines.

She walked inside the Mansion while muttering curses and others stared at her in surprise.

Manik (chuckled): Ignore it. Jithna ignore karoge, uthna hi apne paas aajathi hain wo. Hamesha usse bathein chupathe rehthe ho na, wo aadat usko pasand nahi hain.

He spoke to the boys while smiling but they just stared at him.

Prathik: Yeah. That's something we got from our..DAD.

Manik stared at Prathik without blinking his eyes, who was also staring at him with a lot of emotions in his eyes. Soon, he got out of the car to walk inside the Mansion.

Manvik: Can you take me to my room?

Manik nodded at him and got out of the car and then carried Manvik in his arms with Karthik following them.

Boys' Room

Manik: Is everything fine?

He asked once he placed Manvik on the bed, who looked down and nodded. Karthik and Prathik looked outside through the window without knowing what to speak to Manik, in the currnt situation.

Manik: Then, why aren't you looking fine to me?

Manvik: Sometimes, eyes speak a different story.

He looked up at Manik who could only nod at him and walked out of them room and closed it and stood at the door outside.

Manik (muttered): What are they referring to? Why can't I get it? I hope they're fine..

He walked away unaware of what's happening inside the closed room.

To be continued..