It might be of a hundred years old, but you never remember birth date of it. It- friendship!

(_thehijabiwrites)

A person can become friends with anyone. Some friendship turns into 'best friendship' while some will still be a 'just a friend' friendship. Be it any kind, you would never remember when was the exact day you felt like he/she is someone so important in your life that you can't imagine a life without him/her. That's called true friendship. No meaning, no birth date!

Our Nest

Cabir: Listen, it was a mistake, chimpanzee!

Manik: I know right. You think we would waste your mehnath intentionally, chimpanzee?

They spoke in a high pitched tone while running to save themselves from Abhimanyu who was chasing the duo with a knife in his hand.

Abhimanyu: Oh yeah? Like you've never done that before!

And he took hold of Manik's neck after a long chase.

Manik/Cabir: Abey hatt!

Abhimanyu: Hatunga nahi!

And that brought the men out of their small reverie. This is how they used to behave in the past. No matter who started and who ended, but at the end, its always two against one. Even their one liners never changed, after all these years!

Cabir looked at himself and then at his friends before walking away while Manik and Abhimanyu just stared at his retreating figure.

Manik (chuckled bitterly): Kithna badal gaye na hum!

He looked up at Abhimanyu, who was still looking at the way Cabir just went.

Abhimanyu: Shayad!

And Manik too left with a sad smile on his lips but Abhimanyu stood rigid.

Abhimanyu: Why did he look like he was hurt? Wasn't it him who separated Manik and Nandu without any reason? Am I missing something?

He inhaled deep before staring at the void. He was clueless!

Inside the Mansion..

Cabir and Navya's room

Cabir had just walked out of the washroom after taking a shower. He could replay the scene just happened minutes before. He wanted to laugh out but on finding himself as the culprit for whatever his sister, best friend and nephews had gone through, he resisted from even being with his friends.

"Wow! Its beautiful!" Being startled, Cabir turned around to face the intruder in his room.

Cabir: Prathik! What are you doing here?

He walked to Prathik while wearing his shirt as he was just in a towel, till now.

Prathik: Nothing, Mamu. Just wanted to meet you to get your signature.

He forwarded the book in his hand to Cabir.

Cabir: Ye kya hain?

He stared at the book and smiled with pride dancing in his eyes.

Cabir: Another school concert!

Prathik smiled at him. It was never Nandini, but Cabir who used to give signatures for everything that needed parent permission. According to Nandini, after Manik, its Cabir who has right on her sons.

Cabir: But you are having your first public performance in two days right?

Prathik: Yup, its day after tomorrow. The day after your birthday.

Cabir's smiled vanished. He took his pen from the table and nodded at Prathik in positive.

Cabir: Oh!

He was about to sign in the book, when his grip on the pen loosened. Is it his right anymore?

Cabir: Prathi!

He closed the book and gave it back to Prathik, who looked at him confusedly.

Cabir: It needs parent's signature, Prathi!

Prathik: That's why I am here, Mamu. To get your signature.

Cabir (smiled): You don't need to come to me anymore. You know what I mean, right?

He patted Prathik's cheeks and moved to get a pair of trousers for himself.

Prathik: How come having a father will snatch a Mamu's right from himself?

Cabir turned to stare at Prathik, who was frowning. He walked to Cabir and held his hand to place the book in it.

Prathik: Mamma always taught us to cherish relationships, no matter what it is. You're our Mamu and nobody can take your place in our lives. We do have our father with us, now, but that doesn't mean he'll take your rights away.

Cabir stared at Prathik in awe. He ruffled Prathik's hairs while fighting the urge to hug him. He knew, his nephew is a copy of his best friend. Not too touchy!

Cabir: Then, give it to me.

He was about to sign again when Prathik held his hand.

Prathik: Why don't you sign with this pen, Mamu?

On seeing the pen which is forwarded by Prathik, Cabir went numb. The same pen which was gifted to him by Manik, on their first ever birthday that they celebrated together. Manik had the same pen too which was gifted by Cabir. They had 'My Buddy' engraved on the pens.

Cabir: Ye..ye kaha se mila?

Cabir stared at the pen before taking it in his shivering hand.

Prathik: I got it from your car. Lat night, I had some work in your car.

Cabir: In my car?

Prathik: Yeah. Well, I'm not gonna elaborate my work, but I had some work.

He shrugged his shoulders and Cabir chuckled before looking back at that pen.

Cabir: Not this pen, Prathi.

He was about to keep the pen on the side-table.

Prathik: Why not? Its a wonderful pen, besides, you have kept the cartridge full.

Cabir: Wo baath nahi hain. Mein..mein ye pen use nahi kartha.

Prathik: Why?

Cabir: Aiveyi..

He kept the pen in his pocket securely.

Prathik: I thought it was special for you, so you would use it for your nephews' bright future.

Cabir stared at Prathik, who was just staring at the pen in his pocket.

Prathik: Or else, is it because the MAN of ManBir is special to you?

Cabir couldn't even move his gaze away. Prathik took the pen from Cabir's shirt's pocket.

Prathik: ManBir is what engraved on it.

Cabir took the pen immediately from Prathik's hand and signed in the book with his hands shivering all the while. Its been 10 years since he has touched it, apart from caressing it.

Prathik: Thank you, Mamu!

And he took the book from Cabir and moved to the door.

Prathik: Mamu.

Cabir: Haan..yeah?

He was zoned out for a while.

Prathik: You will always be the best brother!

And he walked out while Cabir smiled, though he was confused to hear it from Prathik all of a sudden.

Manik's Bedroom

Nandini: Manik, yeh?

She showed a black shirt to Manik, who looked disinterested.

Manik: Nandu, bola na mene. I'm not celebrating any birthday.

He started to wipe his hair, as he had just came out of shower, but he's still not good at drying hair. Nandini walked towards him and made him sit on the bed and took hold of the towel in his hand.

Nandini: And I too cleared that you'll celebrate your birthday this time, unlike the past 10 years.

She started to dry his hair, but she could also find sadness in his eyes. He wasn't looking at her, yet she noticed it. She got settled on his lap and made him face her, while drying his hair.

Nandini: Why are you running away, Manik?

Manik: I don't know. I just..can't do it. Sab kuch ithna aasan nahi lag raha hai mujhe.

Nandini: Aasan hain!

She kept the towel on the bed and cupped his cheeks.

Nandini: Sab kuch aasan hoga, when you have a control on your mind. You think Bhai and you have got nothing to do with each other, but in reality, you guys can't stop worrying about the other. That's what happened in the morning today when you got worried for Bhai's hand. That's what happened when I saw Bhai pacing around the other night when you were late to come home.

He held her tight in his arms and hid himself in the crook of her neck. She hugged him while rubbing his back and soon, she felt him crying.

Manik: I don't know what to do. Will you help me?

She broke the hug to look at her innocent man-child. She smiled while wiping his tears away and kissed his forehead.

Nandini: I will always be with you.

He smiled broadly hearing her.

Nandini: Manik! I won't force you for anything, but just listen to your heart. Jo dil kehthe hain, wo hamesha sahi hotha hain.

Manik: Arey, but I don't know what my heart wants either.

Nandini: Offo! Tum kithne budhu ho!

Manik (glared): Nandini!

Nandini (glared): What?

Manik (pouted): I'm not a budhu!

Nandini (rolled her eyes): And I'm a 20-year-old chick!

He pulled her closer to him.

Manik (smirked): Lag tho rahi ho!

She smacked his head making him to pout. She smiled while caressing his hairs.

Nandini: Manik! You have a pure heart and heart always wants that which you want. Heart always chooses right. Tum wo karoge jo tumhe khushi detha hain. Now think what will make you happy!

Manik kept looking in her eyes before looking away.

Manik: Maybe, I need to think a lot!

She made him face her and kissed him softly and he let her take the lead.

Nandini: Know that I'm always with you!

He smiled while resting their foreheads on each other's.

Manik: I know!

Downstairs..

Mukti: I told you, I'm not gonna touch you.

Mukti sped away from Abhimanyu, who was running behind her with his towel.

Abhimanyu: Problem kya hain? I just asked you to dry my hair.

Mukti: Haa tho tum karo na, its not like you don't know.

Abhimanyu (pissed): Of course, I know that. But I need to reply to one of my patient's mail.

Mukti: So?

Abhiamnyu: What do you mean by 'so'? I'll catch cold if I don't dry my hair, now. Like right now.

Mukti: Oh please. I know you're just trying to irritate me. You know I hate touching damp hair.

Abhimanyu: Excuse me? I just took a shower, so you can't expect me to have dried hair, and who the hell ask someone to dry his dried hair?

Mukti: Tumse tho wo bhi expect karna chahiye!

Abhimanyu (pissed): Mukti!

Mukti: What? Don't expect me to behave like a wife of some saas-bahu shows. I ain't getting scared of that tone!

She waved her hand at him and he pulled his damp hair.

Abhimanyu: Tu beewi hai ki husband?

Mukti: I've been asking this question for the past 9 years, jawab nahi mila abi thak!

Abhimanyu: Milega bhi kaise! Tu tho khudko hubby hi manthi hai! Aur mein beewi, kyun?

Mukti: Why are you behaving like a spineless hero of a saas-bahu show?

Abhimanyu (irritated): Hua kya hai tujhe? Saas-bahu ki fever hai kya?

Mukti: Well, you're behaving like one such character.

Abhimanyu: Ughhhh! Why did I even get married?!

Mukti: You mean I'm a trouble now?

Abhimanyu (confusedly): When did I even say that?

Mukti: Mathlab tho wahi hain na. How dare you, Thakkar?

And Mukti started to run behind Abhimanyu throughout the house. Naila and Alishka who were having snacks in the dining hall got alert and looked up at the couple and then at each other.

Aishka: Are they fighting?

Naila: Nah! Just ignore it. Ye roz ka hain!

And she started to eat. Being aware of Mukti and Abhimanyu's petty fights by now, Alishka too got busy in munching on her snack.

Navya: Oh my God! Mukti, Abhi..ab kya hua?

She stared at the couple in disbelief.

Mukti: Navya, hato saamne se. He thinks of me as some trouble, now.

Abhimanyu hid behind Navya.

Abhimanyu: Navya, please save me. Teri behen pagal hain.

Mukti: Dekha! Ab mujhe ye pagal samajthe hain.

Abhimanyu: Oh God! Tumhare samne muh kholna bhi nahi chahiye.

Mukti: Tho math khol. 9 saal ke baad isko mein trouble lagthi hun. Bol jaldh hi, who is that girl?

Abhimanyu (confusedly): Girl? Which girl?

Mukti: Your girlfriend!

Abhimanyu (horrified): What?

Navya: What?

Mukti: Shut up, what ke bache! Aur jaldhi bol ladki kaun?

Abhimanyu: Are you crazy? Why should I have a girlfriend? I don't need another aafath.

And he bit his tongue while Mukti fumed in anger. Navya palmed her face and got settled on a couch, nearby.

Alishka: What's aafath?

Naila: An affliction...?!

Alishka: Whaaattt?! Oh shit!

And Mukti had started to run behind Abhimanyu again. This time,he crashed into Cabir. Mukti stopped to run and so Abhimanyu. He stood facing Cabir, who was staring at the couple, frowning.

Cabir: Tum log bhag kyu rahe the?

Alishka: Because apparently, Abhi Chachu took Mukti maasi as aafath!

Cabir widened his eyes and then stared at Mukti and Abhimanyu. Mukti seemed to come out of her trance and started to glare at Abhimanyu, who was trying to save himself from his wife. Soon, Cabir started to laugh.

Cabir: Aafath? Oh my God!

Abhimanyu (pissed): Tu chup rahega ya nahi?!

Mukti: I'm so gonna kill you both!

Abhimanyu hid behind Cabir,who was still laughing.

Abhimanyu: Shut up, dude!

He smacked Cabir's head making him to wince. Soon, he was awarded a punch from his wife.

Mukti: Don't hit him.

Abhimanyu: Oww! Nanduuuuuu! They are hitting me.

"Kaun hitting you, Bhai?" Nandini walked down the stairs and on seeing it, Mukti and Cabir ran away from there.

Abhimanyu: Dekha! They just ran away.

Nandini: Who?

Abhimanyu: Arey, Lady bheem and Bear were hitt--

And he widened his eyes on realizing his wife was being herself after a long span of time. He rushed behind to see whether she is fine or not.

Nandini: Lady bheem and bear?

She mumbled in shock while Navya was just staring at everything with a smile on her lips, though she was also crying. Its been too long since she had seen these petty fights.

Naila: Seems like, family is getting back together!

She looked at Alishka, who was also grinning ear to ear.

Panache

Manik was sipping on his Espresso, when he saw three chairs moving backwards and soon those were occupied too.

Manik: How come junior Malhotras are here too?

The boys just shrugged their shoulders and looked for a waiter around.

Karthik: Just wanted to have some coffee, and Mamma's place is the best for it.

Manvik: Along with Daddy Malhotra!

Manik smiled at it. Soon, their coffee was also served. Last time, they were here like strangers but this time, they are here as father and sons.

Prathik: I thought I had to bear only one, but guess I was wrong.

He spoke while staring at Manik and Karthik,who were sipping on their drinks while blowing air in it.

Manvik: I just hate the way you guys drink. You're spoiling the drink.

Karthik: Mr. Oh-I'm-so-clean!

Manvik: Yes?

Karthik: Buzz off!

And he started to savor his drink again. Manik chuckled while looking at an annoyed Manvik.

Manvik: You too!

Prathik: Oh forget it! We are here to drink something hot not something irritating like our voice.

Karthik: You can't drink a person's voice.

Prathik: Do I look like I care?

Manvik: You think we care whether you care about whatever we said or not?!

Prathik: No..

Karthik/Manvik: Then buzz off!

Prathik huffed at them, who were busy in their drink.

Manik: Okay, what's the matter?

The three looked up and Manik smiled at them.

Manik: Ithna tho jaan chuka hun mein apne beiton ko. Kya chahiye aapko?

They looked at each other with a nervous grin plastered on their faces.

Manvik: Er..we have a wish.

He spoke while looking here and there. Manik leaned towards them and kept one of their hands on the other so that he could hold them together. Just like how Nandini does and the boys didn't complain but was loving this feeling.

Manik: All these years, I wasn't here to fulfill your wishes. You always went to Nandini or Cabir for it, but now on wards, I promise to fulfill all your wishes. Jab bhi kuch chahoge, yaha, apne Dad ke paas aana chahiye. Deal?

They smiled broadly at him.

Boys: Deal!

Manik (smiled): Tho bolo, kya chahiye aapko?

Karthik: Will you come with us tonight?

Manik: Tonight? Where?

Prathik: Its a place!

Manik (sarcastically): Wow! Really? I didn't know. Thank you so much for this information.

Prathik: You're welcome!

Manik glared at Pratihik, who grinned at him.

Manik: So, tell me, kaha..

Prathik: Arey, we told you its a pl--

Karthik: Malhotra!

He glared at Prathik, who pouted.

Prathik: Sorry, Bhai.

Karthik shook his head at him, while Manvik smacked Prathik's head for annoying Manik, who in turn did the same with him. Manik watched them with a smile. He found their bonding the most adorable. Sometimes, they behaved like friends while sometimes, the elder-younger brothers!

Manvik: Okay, so Dad.

Manik smiled hearing it. No matter however much times they call him 'Dad', he will always find it special.

Manvik: We want you to come with us tonight. Don't ask us where, we wont tell.

Manik (raised his eyebrows): Even if I use my 'Dad card'?

Karthik: Nope. Not happening. Because Malhotras aren't scared of anything!

Manik: Par ye Malhotra aapka baap hai!

Prathik: But you never listened to your baaap Malhotra, either!

Manik (pissed): Tum kuch zyada hi apne Mamu pe gaye ho!

And he regretted speaking it on seeing the looks on his sons' faces.

Karthik: And you know a lot about our Mamu?

The boys kept expressionless faces.

Manik: Aur tum kuch zyada hi mujhpe bhi gaye ho.

Manvik: Oh yeah, we know that. Mamma keeps saying that! Its Bhai who have inherited more than us from you.

Manik: Fine! You guys won. I'll come tonight wherever you take me to.

This made the boys to beam out of joy. They, at once moved towards Manik to hug him tight.

Boys: Thank you, Dad!

Manik, who was shocked for a second smiled before ruffling their hairs. They might be too picky when it comes to having body contact with someone, but their parents don't fall under that list.

At night

Our Nest

Manik has just returned from his work place. Raj and Manik have got a temporary work place until they open their joined venture with Murthys.

"Manik" Manik halted in his place on hearing his name from that person's mouth, whom he thought he would never be able to listen to anywhere in future.

Manik (muttered): Cabir.

He turned around abruptly only to see Cabir walking towards him. He had just parked his car when he saw Manik moving towards the entrance.

Manik: Yes?

He spoke, too formally, given their broken friendship.

Cabir: This..is for you!

He forwarded a slip of paper to Manik, who looked at his then best friend and at the paper confusingly.

Manik: What is it?

Cabir: You can have a look through it!

Manik took it from Cabir's hold and checked the paper.

Manik: Parent permission?

He looked up at Cabir, who wasn't looking at him.

Cabir: Boys are gonna have another concert in their school and the authorities always seek for parent permission even if its an indoor event. So..just sign in it and give it to any of the boys.

Saying it Cabir turned to leave.

Manik: Jahan thak mujhe yaad hain, you are their guardian for the school authorities.

Cabir halted in his place, but didn't turn around to face him.

Manik: Nandu ne aise bathaya mujhe..

Cabir: I'm their guardian, but not their father.

He turned to face Manik, who was staring at him expressionless.

Cabir: Aur ab tum wapas aaye ho doll ki zindagi mein tho, mera kya zarurath hain? Waise bhi..finally you proved to be the best lover, by believing in your destiny and achieving doll.

And he walked inside the Mansion. A tear slipped out of both their eyes.

Manik (whispered): Par khush nahi lag raha hai phir bhi, buddy!

He drank his tears back and then looked up in the sky.

Manik: I made the decision, God. Dil ne aakhir bathaya usko kya chahiye, Nandu.

He stood there determined to proceed with what he wants!

To be continued..