Ever been selfish? If not, just love someone. You can be selfish to protect that person and you might not even know that your one decision can bring tears in many other pairs of eyes. Love isn't just about being selfish but giving pain too, especially, if you're the only source of love for someone.

Cabir and Navya's Room

Cabir was surfing through his mailbox when a particular ID caught his eyesight. The very same ID which once, was the reason of his own destruction. With shivering hands, he clicked on the new mail and got to read,

Hello Mr. Dhawan,

I hope you're doing well. Its been years since we've contacted. I was going through my old cases when your sister's case came in my view. I couldn't help but to pnder about her. How is she, now? I believe everything is going smoothly in her life.

Do reply me.

Regards,

Dr. Mathew.

Cabir shut his laptop the next moment. He was breathing heavily and it showed from his face, how much does he regret reading one such mail 10 years back!

Flashback..

Why didn't he reply yet? Will he tell my doll isn't normal, now? NO. NO. NO. Its nothing like that, Cabir. She's fine. Its just a nightmare due to Manik's anger. He'll get rid of his anger and she'll be fine soon. But its important to make sure that doll is fine.

"Ping" Oh thank God! His reply have come.

Hello Mr. Dhawan,

I'm sorry that I kept you waiting. I was busy with back to back appointments that I couldn't get a free time to reply you. I went through your mail and I realized that your sister is still not able to take someone's anger. Either it could be because of those prints which were left in her heart by your mother or it could be because, she made herself believe after her mother's death that she doesn't have to see anger around her as she has you and your grandfather who pampers her well.

I'm also glad to know that she's trying to reach love in her life. She'd done a very good job by falling in love. Love heals. But son, she needs soft love. Yes, being in a relationship does make you feel about ups and downs of life but her mind isn't ready for it. Not so soon, at least. It was your duty to make sure that she never remember about her mother which you might have done well but her boyfriend's anger got her back to those memories. I would like to suggest only one thing. Ask him to be gentle with her. If he gets mad at her for something, then ask him to either be quiet or be soft with her or try to control himself. Her mind isn't like a normal girl's mind which can understand his point of view too. It would take time. If he can't, then that would take your sister back to square one and you do know how difficult it was for us to stop her nightmares. I would also suggest you to bring her once to me if she gets anymore nightmares.

Regards,

Dr. Mathew.

I shut my laptop and I didn't know when tears rolled through my eyes remembering how I got to see her going hysteric when she was happily talking with me a minute back. No no no. My doll won't be that scared kitten again. She is my strong baby sister. She'll never return to her old self. You've promised her, Cabir. You've promised her a good future when she agreed to come back to you. Its your duty to keep that promise.

I need to talk with Manik, again.

I walked out of my room and got out to drive towards Malhotra Mansion.

"Manik." I called out for him on entering Malhotra Mansion. "Manik bete gym mein hain, Cabir beta." Kaka informed and I just nodded at him before strolling towards the Gym. "I don't care, okay? I don't care if you can't get him to me within an hour or not. He dared to eye my girl. That Sam. Just get him to me and I'll show him what happens to those who eye Manik Malhotra's girl." I stood stumped on hearing him. He still didn't forget that incident! Even after doll's pestering and she's sleeping there believing that he forgot about everything. "You just get him to me. Jithna kaha uthna karo. Baaki mein karoonga." and he hung up the call while I could see his eyes blazing when he was doing weightlifting. "He dared to eye my girl, right. Mujhse meri Nandini ko cheenna chahthe ho na tum. I wouldn't even mind to kill you, Sam Raichand." I could see it him. His insecurities which doll always talk about. I shrugged it off saying he's fallen in love for the first time in his life and he just can't think about a life without her but I've never thought I would get to see Manik harming someone due to the very same insecurities.

"Manik." I whispered out and he seemed to notice it. His body went stiff but then he stared at me without any emotion on his face. "Cabir. When-when did you come?" asked him and I could notice his nervousness. He didn't want me to know about it. He knew I would go against it. We never harmed any, even if its for our silly pranks. "

"Bas abhi. Kisse baath kar raha tha tu? I just got to hear you asking someone to get some guy. Kiske barein mein bath kar raha tha tu?" I asked while crooking my eyebrows and I noticed him to looking the other way. He hated to lie to me. "Ah. You know how angry I get at people who disobey me. Its just..um..just Harshad. I just got to know he might..he might try to get out new deal. Yeah, so just..taking care of it." he said and I gulped the lump in my throat. He's changing to someone else.

"You sure? You sound nervous, buddy." I said and he just shook his head at me while passing a small smile. Manik. What are you doing? "I'm sure, buddy. Its just..I didn't want to bother you. Mera gussa ka tho tujhe patha hain na. I jsut get out of control." and that got my attention. I still remember reading Dr. Mathew's mail. He clearly said that doll should never get back to her old memories and Manik, he's just doing the same. Even if I try to make him understand, he won't budge. He's trying to harm someone behind our back. What if he does something in future that will force my doll to get back to her old self. NO.

"Buddy!" I looked at Manik when he shook me. His concern etched face got me on two ways. Am I going to choose one among them now? "Tu kuch..keh raha tha kya?" I asked while rubbing my face. "Hua kya tujhe? I just asked about the preparations going on? Engagement hai dho din baad." he said and I realized I don't have enough days to make a choice too. How will I get her married to him when he's still not over with his insecurities. She's not any normal girl. It took me two years to bring my doll back in her and what if Manik takes that self of her's away?

"Everything is going good. I just came to check on you. Fine, gotta go. Navya..navya had asked me to get something important for the preparation. We'll meet soon." I said and hugged him and I blinked my tears on knowing my choice is going to be Doll. "Tu Navu ke pregnancy ke wajah se kuch zyada hi weird bann gaya. Anyhow, take care and bye. Meet you soon, buddy." I bit my lips to control my tears on seeing that smile on his face. I faked a smile and walked out of the Gym and then the Mansion and I didn't know when those tears rolled out of my eyes.

I'm choosing my doll over my buddy. I'm choosing my sister over my best friend. He's my brother but she's my child and like every father, I can't bear my daughter in pain. If its my brother who's gonna cause her pain, then let it be. Let my doll be over him!

I'm sorry, buddy!

Flashback ends..

Cabir: I knew you wouldn't be able to fall for some other girl but my doll. She...she..she was so fragile and I just..wanted to protect her. Kaash. Kaash mein uss dhin wo mail nahi ki tho shayad..shayad I would have tried to change your state of mind instead of leaving you there alone, forever. I'm sorry, buddy. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry!

He palmed his face and cried out. Though his cries came out as muffled, only he knew how terrible is the sound of his heart which is still breaking into zillions of pieces whenever he sees Manik and Nandini meeting each other in secret, when it was him in the past, who always gave them chances to meet the other.

Downstairs

Manik walked down the stairs to see his sons surfing through their IPad. He inhaled deeply before moving towards them and settled on the couch, opposite to them.

Manik: Hey! Good morning!

The boys looked up and nodded and then looked in their IPads again which made Manik annoyed.

Manik: Oh hello! I need attention.

Prathik: Had it been in the Refrigerator, I would have given you some from there.

Manik (sarcastically): Ithna ghatiya jokes kaise maarthe ho?

Manvik: Maarna mathlab killing or beating, right.

Manik: Forget it! I didn't even speak to you.

Karthik: Apparently, we can't forget that, which happened just a minute back. Our brains aren't that weak.

Manik (groaned): Can I know what's so important in that IPad?

They looked up at him while frowning.

Karthik: And why would we say it to you?

Manik: Because, I'm elder than you and one shouldn't neglect the elders.

Manvik: Oh well, Mamu taught us not to give so much of bhav to elders.

He waved his hand in air casually.

Manik (shocked): Cabir taught you that?

Prathik: Nope. We were talking about Abhi Mamu!

Manik's jaws dropped down in shock.

Manik: You accepted him as your Mamu?

Karthik: He's not that bad and we don't hurt those who have good hearts.

Manik (muttered): Kaha se ache dikhthe hai wo gadha!

He looked up again to see them scrolling through their IPads.

Manvik: Bhai! I'm telling you, we need to check on this guy.

Prathik: Exactly! He seems to be so close to Mamma!

Karthik: Shh!

And this halted Manik's self-talks.

Manik: Who's so close to Nandini?

And the boys looked up again but this time with a stern look on their face.

Karthik: I told you to be quiet. And you, Mr. Malhotra! Its nothing so important.

Manik (groaned): What's the big deal in sharing it with me? Am I not worthy of it, at least?

On this statement, the boys hid their anger and turned the IPad screen to Manik.

Manvik: This guy we were talking about. Mamma's business friend.

Prathik: He seems to be more than close to Mamma. Like, what the f***! Just a business friend, right?

Karthik: Relax! We'll just kick in his butt.

Manik stood up and snatched the IPad to have a look at the picture. He frowned on realizing that this guys isn't known to him. Seeing him clicking a picture standing so close to her made his veins tight. His jaws were clenched and his hold on the IPad became so tight that the boys got scared for their gadget.

Manvik stood up and snatched it from Manik with his eyes about to pop out.

Manvik: Were you planning to do my poor IPad's murder?

Karthik and Prathik glared at Manvik. He's too close to his gadgets that he can go all possessive for them.

Manik: Who's this guy?

Manik questioned in his fatherly tone and the boys looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders at him.

Karthik: How do we know? He's just a business friend, as per what mamma said.

Prathik: Well, you don't need to bother. Its our matter. Have a good day, Mr. Malhotra!

And they strolled away but Manik stood there huffing. Wasn't he here to confess to his kids about his identity?

He was- but seems like destiny isn't on his side!

Manik: Patha karna hi hai iss business friend ke barein mein!

He walked out of the Mansion in fury.

Dans Le Journal La France (Nandini's work place)

Nandini: I hope that story is covered.

Nandini was walking towards her cabin along with her personal assistant.

Miss Devlin: Yes, Miss D. Its all covered. Also, our reporters will be here soon to get your signatures to broadcast the news.

Nandini: That's fine. Send them once they think they could show it to me and yeah, tell them, our guidelines should be followed. Everything about that story should be perfect. Get it?

Miss Devlin: Yes, Mam!

And she walked away while Nandini opened her cabin's door and entered inside. She walked ahead and got settled on her seat when the intercom in her cabin rings.

Nandini: Yes! Miss D here!

Receptionist: I'm sorry if I disturbed you, Mam. But someone is here to meet you.

Nandini: Someone? As in any client? You can send the person if he or she has an appointment.

Receptionist: I'm sorry, Mam. He doesn't have any appointment.

Nandini (sighed): You do know that I don't accept any clients without appointments unless the situation is serious.

Receptionist: Yes, Mam. But he's claiming to be family?

Nandini halted her works and looked at the intercom weirdly.

Nandini: My family? Don't you know my family enough to believe in some stranger, Rachel?

Suddenly she realized, Malhotras and Thakkars are also living with her, so maybe, it can be Raj or Abhimanyu.

Nandini: Wait! What's his name?

Receptionist: Mam, he said he's not willing to speak to us. Should I let him speak to you like he wishes to?

Nandini: Yes, do it already.

The receptionist let the person to take over the other intercom and Nandini waited for the person to speak.

Person: How am I supposed to get inside your cabin, now?

Nandini (widened her eyed): Manik! Tum?

Manik: Yeah, mein!

Nandini: What the hell are you doing in here? Manik, its my office. Acha, whatever, just let the Receptionist speak to me.

Manik: Kyu? She wasn't letting me to come inside until I asked her to get your permission to talk to you.

Nandini (sighed): That's because I've asked her not to send anyone without appointment. Acha fine, I'll talk to her.

Now, it was the Receptionist.

Nandini: Rachel! Send him inside.

Receptionist: Sure, Mam. Thank you for your time.

And she hung up, but Nandini sat confused.

Nandini: How come Manik is here? He would never meet me in public. Oh God! I hope he didn't confess in my absence. But I did ask him to speak to them at night when I'm also present, right? Yeah, so he won't do it.

But then she groaned out loud.

Nandini: Par Manik Malhotra mera kaha suntha!

And the door got opened with a knock, revealing Manik Malhotra walking inside with Miss Devlin, who lead the way for him towards Nandini's cabin. But what Nandini noticed was his expressions. He looked angry?

Miss Devlin: Mam, he's here to meet you. But he doesn't have any appointments.

Nandini: I know that, he's family. You can leave, Miss Devlin.

Nandini stood up from her seat and Miss Devlin nodded.

Miss Devlin: Should I get some tea or coffee?

Manik turned to face her.

Manik: Yes. You need to get me something and that's a moment. A moment with her, your Boss. So, could you give that without disturbing?

The lady looked stumped at his authoritative tone and turned to Nandini who signaled her to leave to which she nodded and walked out of the cabin, closing the door behind.

Nandini: Manik! What was that? Tum usk..

Her rants got muted when Manik pulled her to him and crushed her to his chest taking her in surprise.

Nandini: Manik!

Manik: Who's that so close friend of yours?

Nandini: Huh?

She stood there confused. She was shocked to see him being aggressive as that never happened until he gets possessive for her. So why is he being possessive now?

Manik: Nandini! I really don't have patience.

Nandini: I know that, Malhotra! And if you don't want me to test your patience, then be clear.

She is no less when it comes to his aggression. Yes, she couldn't take too much of anger in past, yet, she tamed Manik's anger in seconds and that was something Manik loved about her. There was nobody who could handle him but she did. Even Cabir or Abhimanyu won't be able to talk to him when he's angry but Nandini could. But sometimes, she also prefer giving him some lone time to calm himself down which happens only when Manik himself asks her to leave cause he can't hurt her.

Manik (groaned): Your business friend, who happens to be so close to you. I want to know who's that person.

She frowned at it.

Nandini: Which business friend are you talking about, Manik? Mere ithne saare business mates jo hain, unmein se kiske barein mein baath kar rahe ho tum?

Manik (pissed): I'm talking about the close friend, Nandini.

Nandini (annoyed): Manik. Are you even in your senses? Why will I ever be friendly to any business clients? Mein apne clients ke ghar thak party bhi hai tho nahi jaathi.

Manik left his hold on her and then pressed the bridge of his nose while she gave him an annoyed look.

Manik: Okay. I don't know who that guy is. All I know is, he's some close business friend of yours and our sons are planning to get to that guy.

Nandini (confusedly): Close business friend? I don't have friends in this business world, Manik. Sab business mates hai jiske saath professional relationship hai.

Manik (frowned): What?

Nandini (sighed): Hua kya hain? Details tho dho, at least.

Manik: Wo..they said..they said, he's some close friend of yours and they..you know, they said he's being extra close. Tho mujhe laga, he's trying to be more than friendly..

She stood there clueless.

Nandini: They? As in..our sons?

Manik: Haa. Aur kaun! I got to know about this guy from them.

She bit her lips in confusion. Something she adores in her sons is, they don't interfere in her profession until it takes a toll on her health. How can they just think about getting to some professional business mate of her's, then?

Manik: I don't even know that guy's name. Bas photo dikhake chale gaye theenon.

His frustrated voice caught her attention. She made him sit on her chair and then opened her laptop.

Nandini: I have information on my clients. Ismein dekh ke bolo kaunsa client hain. Like you said, they'd shown his photo to you, right.

He looked up at her to see her scrolling through the laptop and he held her hand and made her sit on his lap. He inhaled a sharp breath and she watched him calming himself. He hated whenever he does this to her and he's hating it again.

Manik: I trust you. You should know t..

Nandini: I know that, Manik!

Manik: Then, don't try to justify yourself. Mein..gusse mein tha.

Nandini: Par mein ye justify nahi kar rahi hun, Manik. I want to know whom they're talking about.

Manik: But it won't seem to me in that way. I'm too guilty now.Tum janthe ho na, I don't compromise when it comes to you. I just..I just hate this side of mine. Mujhe aise nahi karna chahiye tha. I just barged inside your office and even behaved badly with your assistant. I didn't even think of the consequences, like, our sons or your Naanu could walk in whenever they want and would have seen me being harsh with you or seeing us together itself would have created a big fuss. Mein..I'm sorry. I don't know how to justify my act, Nandini. I don't know but..I'm really sorry.

She exhaled before making him face her and cupping his cheeks.

Nandini: Manik. I won't say its okay. Its not so good to be this aggressive. Par mein ye bhi janthi hun that you're always insecure about me. We've been away for the past 10 years, phir bhi tum abhi bhi wahi Manik ho jisko mujhe khone ka darr hamesha se tha. Listen to me, Manik. I love you. I love you so much that I couldn't think about any other guy even after staying away from you. Don't think that I've never seen a better guy. I did, okay. In fact, not just good looking but I've come across many who had beautiful hearts too. Par wo jo affection tumhareliye hua na, wo kisike saath bhi nahi hua. Wo jo attraction tumse hua na, kisiko dekh ke bhi nahi hua. Aur wo isiliye tha, ki pyar hamesha gehra hotha hai and I gave myself to you. I gave everything of mine to you that I couldn't think of giving it to any other man. Aur aaj, I'm your sons' mother, isse kya gehra ristha chahiye for you to believe that I'm never leaving you and going to someone else?

All this while, Manik kept listening to her and he grew more guilty for seeing the sadness in her eyes. She was always upset that he couldn't get over his past and still fears to lose her to someone else. Maybe, she knew he trusts her but somewhere down the line, she used to ask herself, doesn't he trust her enough to be friendly with some other man?!

Manik: I..I don't know, Nandu. Its just, I couldn't get over with my childhood aur phir..Cabir bhi tumhe leke gaya tho mein zyada possessive bann gaya. I'm sorry.

He dipped his head while wrapping his hand around her waist and she hugged him back while caressing his hairs.

Nandini: I promise. I promise not to let go off you, this time. We'll stick together.

He nodded at her and she got lost in her thoughts.

Nandini (thought): Are the Little Malhotras up to something?

At night

Boys' Room

Manvik: How come he doesn't have any other weak points?

Abhimanyu: Aur kithne tang karoge yar?

Abhimanyu spoke while looking at Manvik warily.

Prathik: Come on! He's right in here. According to you, Manik Malhotra has only four weak points. 1- His Love. 2- His wardrobe collections. 3- His hairs. 4- His food. I mean, only four things?

Abhimanyu smiled while reclining back to his seat.

Abhimanyu: Pehle uska weak points ye nahi tha. Bohath saare tha. He was so protective towards his car, the key-chains he use for his car or bike, his love for horse riding, his love for food-doesn't matter if its even properly cooked but if its food, then he wouldn't waste it. His passion for music and then finally, the pranks he used to play on his sisters. Ye sab hi uska priorities tha.

He smiled while being lost in thoughts while the boys looked at him carefully.

Karthik: Then, why changes?

Abhimanyu sat straight and looked at them.

Abhimanyu: Because, your mum left him.

They stared at him in surprise.

Abhimanyu: Nandini loved his hair, she changed his wardrobe in a new style and he began to love it, she taught him to eat only properly cooked food and never overeat or have something that doesn't suit his stomach. And Nandini herself was, is and will always be everything for him. His life- she is!

They stifled their tears back while Abhimanyu's face did show the sadness that he was going through.

Abhimanyu: Tum logonko patha hain. Mein hamesha tumhare Mamu-Mami ko perfect couple bulathe the. Because, they were perfect in everything. They suit each other a lot, in every aspects but your parents were so different from each other. Their lifestyle, their characters, their talks. Everything is too different that nobody would call them a couple. But anybody could see the love they had in their eyes for each other, Isiliye, mere liye MaNan hamesha se hi perfect the.

Karthik: Just like a dream, they were. Right?

At his question, Abhimanyu smiled sadly while nodding in positive.

Manvik: Dreams are meant to be completed, not incomplete.

Prathik: And that's why Abhimanyu Thakkar needs to help us.

Abhimanyu: Aye! Abhi thak tho help hi kiya mene.

Manvik: Not yet, Thakkar!

Abhimanyu (tiredly): Jhoote Malhotras! Bol! Kaam kya hain.

What they said next was like a bomb for him.

Abhimanyu (meekly): You really don't like me, right?

They frowned at him.

Karthik: We never said anything like that!

Abhimamnyu (freaked out): Why would you need to say anything like that for me to know it? Do you even know the consequences of this step? Mujhe maar dalega saala. Ye bhi nahi sochega ki meri ek beewi hai aur ek bachi bhi hain.

Manvik: Chill, Thakkar saab! He'll never kill you.

Abhimanyu: Tum mujhse chill ya fry hone keliye bolo but you can't deny the fact that I would get beaten up brutally after taking this step.

Prathik: I have a question. How did your wife even got ready to marry you? Which woman would want to live with someone who fears her brother so much that he would faint any moment.

Abhimanyu: Aye! Mein koi darpok nahi hun. Bas tum apne Dad ko nahi janthe ho. Uska gussa!

He shook his head at them in horror.

Karthik: To be honest, I really wanna test his anger as I've never seen him getting angry.

Manvik: Oh yeah! According to Mamma! We have inherited our anger from him but all I've got to see in him was being sarcastic, mocking and caring.

Abhimanyu (sarcastically): Khuda kare tumhe kabhi uska anger dekhne ka mauka hi nahi mile.

Boys: Why?

Before they could speak more, the room's door got opened and there entered Nandini.

Abhimanyu: Yeah, she can answer you in the best way for that question.

Nandini: Bhai, aap yaha?

She stared at Abhimanyu in surprise. She wanted some answers from her sons, hence she thought to have a word with them and entered in their room, only to see them indulged in a conversation with Abhimanyu, which was so surprising. When did they bond so well?

Abhimanyu: Um..I was just..talking with them.

Nandini: When did you start to talk with them in private?

Abhimanyu: Er..bas abhi abhi..

Nandini: Acha? Abhi abhi aapko koi message aaya kya kisise that you need to have a private conversation with my sons?

Abhimanyu: Kya Nandu. Tu bhi na possessive Hitler Mamma ki tarah bath kar rahi hai!

Nandini glared at him and then turned to her boys.

Nandini: Kuch suna tha mein aaj.

Prathik: Oh! We too heard a lot today. In fact, we're still hearing from you.

Nandini: Malhotra!

Abhimanyu stifled a laughter and Prathik glared at him.

Nandini: Badon ko ghoorna mana hai, Malhotra!

Prathik: Sorry, Mamma!

Nandini: Fine. Now tell, what was all about that business friend of mine?

At this statement, boys widened their eyes but what Nandini noticed was Abhimanyu's expression. He looked shocked and nervous.

Nandini: Mathlab Thakkar saab ismein shamil the!

Abhimanyu grinned before nodding in negative.

Abhimanyu: Of course, not. I don't even know what you're talking about. In fact, even they don't know what you're talking about. Hai na!

He turned to the boys who gave him an exasperated look with their eyebrows crooked and he realized Nandini won't fall for it.

Abhimanyu: Okay fine! We did something par ismein tera kya lena dena?

Nandini: What do you mean by mera kya lena dena? Aap log usse jhoot kyu bola?

Manvik: Mamma! It wasn't a lie. He was a close friend of yours.

Nandini: Like seriously, Malhotra? I don't ave business friends.

Prathik: Um..in there, its 'jhoot'. He's actually your cousin.

Karthik/Manvik: Duffer Malhotra!

And Prathik zipped his mouth while Nandini glared at them making them to grin.

Abhimanyu: Aye! Tu kya ghoor rahi hai usko?

He defended the boys while standing in front of Nandini and she raised her eyebrows at him.

Nandini: Mathlab, I can't even scold my sons.

Abhimanyu: Dekh, you can scold how much ever you want but then, its not their fault. I asked them to do it because it was a prank on them.

Nandini stared at Abhimanyu cautiously who had a very casual look on his face but the surprised looks on her sons faces meant, they were the leads in this game.

Nandini: I have my eyes on you, Malhotras!

She faced her sons making them gulp and she turned to leave.

Nandini: Aur Thakkar saab!

Abhimanyu: Yup, Dhawan sahiba?

Nandini: Giraffe is on his hunt!

And she walked out after passing him a grin making him to wobble his lips like a baby.

Abhimanyu: Mathlab, you're dead, Thakkar!

Boys: Its okay, we're with you, Mamu!

And Abhimanyu's happiness had no bounds. Hearing Mamu from them for the first time made him feel so special. He stared at them with a smile before pulling them for a hug and this time, the boys didn't hesitate.

It was indeed a special bonding that they shared with each other!

To be continued..