Love isn't that complicated, its us who's getting it complicated

(Affu)

People always say that love is complicated. But, what they never noticed is, its not the "love" which is complicated. Its their "heart" which is complicating that feeling. One must be in his/her own control to know the exact meaning of that feeling before falling in it as its also called a "trap" between two heart which could never be broken.

In the car

Nandini breathed a sigh of relief on realizing that their car didn't get crash with the other but soon enough, it was turned into a surprise. She looked down at her hand which was entwined with Manik's hand making her to stare at them painfully. The way their hands fitted into each other was always a favorite sight of her's and today on seeing it again, after a long 10 years, she didn't know when tears started to form in her eyes.

Composing herself, she looked up at Manik who was busy in driving and she knew, he wasn't pretending but didn't notice it yet. How would he?! When it was always him who holds her hand whenever he sits for driving. He used to find peace in her, wherever he is!

Drinking her tears back, she tried to get her hand out of his grip and that was the moment, he looked at his hand which was entwined with her's making him aware of the peace that he's going through was from that mere touch of her's.

He stared at her, who was looking the other side busy in trying to get her hand out of his grip. Inhaling a sharp breath, he left her hand and gripped the steering wheel to control his emotions while Nandini shed a drop of tear and wiped it without anybody's notice or she thought so.

Manvik, who was sitting right behind her got to see it and he reclined back to his seat.

Manvik (thought): Manik Malhotra seems to be an interesting topic!

He stared at Manik and then at his brothers who's gaze was still on Manik.

Karthik: He seems to be of our type. Why don't we get to know him?

Karthik muttered in a voice only audible to his brothers who smirked at him which meant DANGER for Manik Malhotra!

Soon, they were in front of the site and Nandini, immediately got out of the car followed by Manik.

Prathik: So, any plans?

Manvik: Probably night time is the best! You know, Mamma has got her eyes on us every now and then.

Karthik: I know right! She's really a wonderful media woman.

They too got out of the car and followed Nandini while Manik was busy in talking with someone. Probably a middleman between the business partners.

Prathik: Mamma..?

Nandini, who was busy in taking a good look at the site just nodded at him to continue further.

Prathik: Mamma..?

She nodded again..

Prathik: Mammaa..?

And she looked back at him while heaving a sigh, who gave her a grin.

Prathik: You shouldn't ignore me!

Nandini (sighed): Fine, go ahead with your never ending doubts!

Prathik (pouted): That's not fair! I'm your son, so its your duty to get me out of my baseless thoughts.

Karthik (beamed in joy): Oh my God Prathik! You finally realized your thoughts are baseless! I'm so happy.

He faked an excitement and spoke like a girl making Nandini and Manvik to chuckle.

Prathik: Oh my God Karthik! Finally, I realized that I'm no different from you.

And then Karthik was running behind Prathik.

Nandini: Karthik..Prathik..stop running. You'll hurt yourself.

Manvik: Chill Mamma! I'll get them back safe!

Nandini smiled at Manvik who rushed behind his brothers as they were in a huge building and she was hell worried of them falling somewhere and hurting themselves. Manvik is a lot responsible when it comes to family.

Sometimes, she wonders, how come her sons can be more like Manik, like she has never seen any kid being this similar to his father. She even was jealous of Manik for being this similar to their sons.

"He hates ignorance?" she heard his voice and balled her hands in a fist.

Nandini: He's my son, after all, Mr. Malhotra.

Manik kept staring at Nandini and then the boys who were talking within themselves but standing afar.

Manik (thought): Why is it so difficult for me to get my eyes off them? Why do I feel a kind of protectiveness for them as if they're mine!

On this thought, he snapped his head at the boys wide eyed but then composed himself.

Manik (thought): No Manik! Stop thinking rubbish! Just because you feel some kind of similarity in you and her kids don't make them yours. She's..she's married to..someone else and they're..his kids. Miss D..It might be because..because..

He came up with another thought..

Manik (thought): She might be a divorcee! Yeah, she is! That's why her so-called husband is never at home and the kids never spoke about..him.

He composed himself and looked ahead to see Nandini speaking on phone. He moved ahead and got to hear.

Nandini: Haa Bhabi, hum pohanch gaye hain. Is Bhai back home? Oh! Teek hai. Bye!

She hung up on the call and turned back to bang in Manik's chest.

Nandini (gasped): God! Manik! You scared the shit out of me!

Unknowingly, a smile spread across his lips on hearing his name other than Mr. Malhotra.

Manik: Aaj bhi Bhai ke har ek bath jaanna hai, huh?

She looked up at him to see hatred in his eyes making her sigh at him. Hearing something against her brother is like a sin for her.

Sometimes, too much of love is sinful!

Nandini: Mere Bhai ne koi galathi nahi ki hai, Manik Malhotra. So, stop accusing him.

Manik: Wow! So, you mean mene galathi ki hain?

Nandini (sighed): When did I even say that? It was the situation but that that doesn't mean I can hear you speaking against him.

Manik: Oh I get it. Nandini Dhawan can hear speaking anything against anyone but not her Bhai, right?

Nandini (lost her cool): Don't forget that I didn't let him either to speak against you. I was always in between you both.

He pinned her on the wall keeping in mind that the boys didn't notice them. He didn't know why-but he didn't want them to witness this scene.

Manik: You were always in between us but you never gave into me, Miss Dhawan. Everything, everything was your Bhai for you. I was nowhere in your priorities.

She flinched with his tone though he wasn't loud. She could read hurt in his eyes which looked red and rigid.

Nandini: I always..was the one..who sorted your problems, Manik.

Manik: Yes, because, you never wanted your brother hurt. I was a fool to not notice it but now I do, on seeing you all happy with your new family. But, it wouldn't continue for so long, Nandini. I.Will.Ruin.You..

He sped away and her tears made its way out.

Nandini: You don't notice it now, Manik. Whatever you noticed in the past was right. I cared for you but you..you think I don't. Bhai se kuch zyada pyar karna galathi hai kya?

She wiped her tears on seeing her sons walking towards her.

Manvik: Mamma! Are we done with this tour?!

Nandini: Yeah, we're done. Let's leave!

Prathik held her hand and forced her to look at him.

Prathik: Did you cry?

She gulped hard and nodded in No.

Nandini: Wh..what? Crying? Kyun? Why would I cry? Pagal hogaye ho kya?!

Manvik: Stuttering isn't your thing, Mamma!

Nandini (scared): No. I didn't stutter. I was just..surprised that you asked such a question. Um, chalo, I don't know why you feel like that, but I didn't cry.

Karthik saw Manik walking towards them with an angry look on his face, after bidding bye to the man who was along with them for the entire tour.

Manik (curtly): Let's leave!

He was about to move when Karthik held his hand halting his movements.

Karthik: Did you hurt my Mamma?

This raised Nandini's heartbeat. For sure, she didn't want her son to fight with his father. While, Manik stared at Nandini, who was staring at them in worry but what he noticed was her eyes and her face, which looked dull and it proved him that she cried.

Prathik: Didn't you hear him, Mr. Malhotra?

His voice held anger in it. Prathik could at least control his anger while Karthik and Manvik can never in their life could control it, which scared Nandini to no extent.

Nandini: Karthik, leave his hand!

But, he paid no heed to it.

Nandini: Karthik, tumne suna nahi hai kya?

She moved to him and held the same hand which was holding Manik's hand.

Karthik: I've asked him something, Mamma. Let him answer and I would leave him.

Nandini: Why on Earth would he hurt me?Kya rishtha hai hamare beech?

She spoke and glared at Manik which got him out of his trance. He was in a debate to say or not to say Karthik whether he had hurt Nandini or not and she knew him well.

She hit the right chord!

Manik: Why would I hurt her? Who is she to me to at least hurt her? She's my grandfather's friend's granddaughter. Does it give me any right to hurt her?

And in no second, Karthik left his hand making Manik to walk out while Nandini breathed a sigh of relief.

Nandini: Doosron pe gussa nikaalne se pehle ek baar sochna chahiye!

She spoke while glaring at Karthik, who's face softened a bit.

Karthik: I..I can't..see you getting hurt!

She sighed and then turned to the rest two, who mirrored Karthik's expression. She forwarded her hand making them to hold it together.

Nandini: I'm not getting hurt. If at all I get hurt, I would come to you because I know, its you three who can give me peace.

She kissed each of their foreheads which relaxed them.

Nandini: Apologize to him. Will you?

They nodded at her making her smile.

Nandini: Let's leave!

And they walked out of the building to see Manik inside the car but his expression wasn't pleasing at all. Nevertheless, they got inside the car and he drove away, back home.

Our Nest

Nandini walked inside the Mansion leaving the boys in nervousness while Manik walked out of his car after parking it.

Manvik: Mr. Malhotra!

Manik stared at them boys who were looking here and there while taking deep breathes which made him frowned and worried.

Karthik: Um..

He started to inhale deep breathes.

Manvik: Actually he meant..um..

And he too did the same while Prathik was biting onto his lips and calming himself.

Manik: Are you..fine?

He moved towards them worriedly and stared at them in curiousness.

Karthik: Um..yeah, we're..

Manik: Then, why are you sweating..?

Unknowingly, his hands traveled to Karthik's hairs and in a moment, he relaxed. Karthik kept staring at him with something unknown in his eyes. Manik held Manvik's and Prathik's hands which were cold.

Manik (panicked): Why are you all cold? Are you all fine..?

Just like how Karthik felt the new sensation in him, Manvik and Prathik too felt it. A warmth in that man's touch, who's a complete stranger to them. Or was he?

Manik: Kuch bol kyu nahi rahe ho tum log..? Are you guys..

"We're sorry" they muttered in unison halting Manik's rants.

Karthik: Sorry for behaving rudely with you.

Manvik: Its just. Mamma was..hurt and we thought it was because of you.

Prathik: We can't see her hurt.

"Sorry".. and they dashed inside while Manik kept staring at them..

Flashback..

"Nandu, how many times should I tell you? I'm not gonna apologize to her." I said for the nth tome while Nandini stood in front of me with puffed up cheeks. "Manik, kya problem hai? Its just about saying a word called 'sorry'. That too, its your sister. Muku se sorry kehne mein kya dikhath hain?" she glared at me while keeping her hands on her waist and for a moment, I wanted to give in her cuteness but my EGO would shatter the next moment, its not only her in front of me, but I've got my sisters too with her. "Nope. N.O.P.E Nope." Manik declared and Mukti who was sitting on the couch beside Nandini too glared at me. What's my fault, in reality?!

"Nandu, let it be. Tu bhi kisse baath kar rahi hai. Inkeliye tho 'sorry' bolna mathlab is like carrying a mountain in his own hands." Mukti mocked and I glared at her. "Oh hello, bina galathi karke sorry bolne ke zaroorath nahi hain." I too replied in the same tone.

"Bina galathi? Oh come'on Bhai! Scolding Mukti for no reason is your fault." this time, it was Navya who retorted at me. Why? Why do I have sisters and a girl whom I love with the same character!

"Exactly! You were scolding Muku just because she said NO to Abhi Bhai's proposal. I mean, what's wrong with you? Its not the first time she's saying No to someone and being a brother, you should've gone all protective for her." Nandini made faces and I get her point. She has seen me getting possessive for my sisters but Abhi doesn't fall in my hate list. He's my best friend and I know Mukti will be safe with him but my stupid sister can never get it.

"Guess what! My brother isn't like my boyfriend at all, Nandu!" Navya jumped in the conversation and I grinned seeing Nandini's pout. Navya keep taunting Cabir which irks Nandini and she always questions my sister for her behavior. Well, the reason is only known to me. I haven't proposed Nandini yet, reason being- I wanted to get Cabir's green signal before I propose her.

"I scolded Mukti because, she lost a gem like person as her soulmate. There would be no one in the world who could love my sister like him." I spoke while looking at Mukti, who avoided my gaze. "Manik, you know me well. I'm not a girl who's up for any relationships. I don't want to have such a life." Mukti spoke while looking down and I sighed seeing her. Her insecurities regarding love would never fade away. I stared at Nandini, who gestured me to be fine making me smile.

"Muku, life mein hamesha happiness milna zaroori nahi hain. Sometimes, we need to search for that happiness which you're neglecting. Hum dhono mein zyada difference tho nahi na but see, I'm willing for a relationship because I know, I would be in need of that particular love for my entire life. It brings you peace." Nandini spoke while settling beside Mukti and took her in a side hug to which Mukti smiled hugely and I knew I fell for the right girl.

"Mujhe tho bhool hi gayi tum log." Navya pouted at them who by now were hugging each other. Mukti pulled Navya to other side and made it a group hug. I bit my lip while smiling ear to ear and stared at Nandini who was now, assuring me that Mukti is fine and I couldn't help but agree to her because I know, she's got her back.

I'm so much in love with her!!

"Bhai, ab tho sorry bolna hi chahiye." Navya spoke bringing me out of thoughts and I glared at her who was giggling at me along with Mukti. "Ye sorry ka koi story hain kya?" Nandini spoke confusedly and Mukti busted out laughing. "Story ye hai ki, Manik Malhora never apologies to anyone, he nearly sweats like a heart patient if at all he's in need to apologize to someone." Mukti said on anyone's behalf and Nandini stared at me wide eyed making me to look away.

"Oh my God, Manik! You really can't apologize to anyone? I mean, sweating bhi?" Nandini spoke in disbelief and I glared at all 3, who started to laugh together making me to sulk. What's the big deal in it? "Not just sweating yar, Bhai goes all cold from top to bottom." Navya dded. "Ye kanuse bimari hai, Malhotra?!" Nandini spoke in between her laughter. "Ughh, shut up" but they simply didn't stop laughing. Great! I shouldn't have got three of them together. Its a bad trio!

My weird destiny!!

Flashback ends..

Our Nest

At night

Nandini walked inside the kitchen to see Naila emptying the bottle of "Lime Juice". Nandini widened her eyes on realizing it belongs to her sons, especially Prathik, he needs Lime juice at least 2 times a day.

Nandini: Ahem ahem..

Naila bit her lips and turned to Nandini with her eyes closed making Nandini to giggle silently.

Naila: I'm so sorry. I was just playing around but I didn't know it was Prathik's lime juice.

Manik, who entered inside kitchen to look for Naila got to see her apologizing and Nandini giggling.

Nandini: Oh really! How come you didn't know it was Prathik's juice when you were actually emptying the entire bottle? Waise, kisine Prathik ka naam bhi liya tha, jaanboochke kiya tha kya?

Naila opened her eyes slowly and got to see Nandini walking towards her, who was on a chair near to the water sink.

Naila (scared): Um..wo..I'm sorry!

She held her ears and Manik smiled at her innocence while Nandini pulled her cheeks.

Nandini: Tumhari Mamma ko jhoot bolna nahi aathi phir bhi, she never accepts her pranks in front of anyone.

Manik stared at her in surprise. She still remembers how Mukti is!

Naila (smiled): Mamma pranks khelthi thi?

Nandini (frowned): Kyu? Tum nahi janthi ho kya?

Naila (casually): She never played any pranks. She's always my serious Mamma.

And she knew, its because of the broken Fab 5 where she call herself the culprit. Mukti might have a rigid personality but its only for outsiders while for her family, she's that naughty soul of the entire family.

Naila: Where are you lost, Maami?

Manik palmed his face on hearing her.

Nandini: Um..nowhere!

But suddenly, she realized what Naila just called her and stared at Naila wide eyed.

Nandini: What did you just call me?

Naila realized the blunder she did and widened her eyes and then grinned at her.

Naila: Um..kuch nahi.

She jumped off the chair and ran out of the kitchen while Nandini stared at her retreating figure dumbfounded.

Nandini: What did she even mean by that?!

"Unfortunately she admires you." she jumped in her place on hearing his voice, who entered inside the kitchen.

Nandini: What are you doing here, Mr. Malhotra?

He rolled his eyes at the way she addresses him.

Manik: Water..!!

He pointed at the water dispenser and she just nodded and turned back to her work, which was to make saffron milk for her sons and Alishka.

Manik: Look like you still prepare saffron milk for your brother.

He spoke when he saw her adding saffron in the milk on the stove and she stopped doing it. How is she gonna tell him that Cabir has stopped drinking it-probably because it brings memory with Manik to him.

Manik: Mein wapas aaya hun, why don't you make it for me like how you used to do it in the past.

He spoke while moving towards her and she immediately stepped away with the boiled milk in her hand making him smirk.

Manik: Scared much, huh?!

She glared at him and then got back to his tray.

"Mamma" here came the boys who immediately frowned on seeing Manik in the kitchen ALONE with their Mamma, standing in a hand distance to Nandini.

Boys: What are you doing here?

Nandini feared Manik opening his mouth for it will create problems between her sons and her.

Manik: Water!

He showed the dispenser just like how he showed it to Nandini with a sarcastic grin plastered on his face making her to breathe a sigh of relief.

Manvik: Dude, you've got a dispenser in your bedroom. Didn't you see it yet?

Manik stared at him astonished at the audacity that Manvik had in him.

Manik: Unfortunately, I doubt it. What if its to kill me? I don't trust you at all.

Manvik narrowed his eyebrows at Manik who shrugged his look.

Karthik: You know what! You gave us a nice idea!

Prathik: Yup. I'll mix some transparent detergent in it, maybe it will help you in cleaning your mouth. It speaks only "stupid".

Manik stared at the boys with only anger in his eyes and a giggle escaped Nandini's mouth making him shot a glare to her secretly.

Karthik: Why detergent? Let's go for Clorox bleach!!

That's it! Manik's volcano erupted.

Manik: What the f*** is wrong with you all?!

Nandini: Manik Malhotra! Behave! I don't want my sons to learn what you just used.

Manik was still huffing in anger but the boys were grinning sheepishly at what their mother said.

Nandini: And you..!

She turned to the boys.

Nandini: Is that the way you speak with elders? Apologize to him,now.

The boys widened their eyes but Manik slipped into morning incident again, which was creating a havoc in his heart since forever!

Karthik: Mamma! Not again. He was eating our head so we had to eat his head too.

Prathik: Dude, use something sensible. Eating his head? When did you become a zombie?

Manvik: Why don't you understand the meaning behind his sentence, idiot!

Prathik: I get it! He's crazy and so are you.

Manvik: And you're crazy's triplet!

Nandini: Shut up! And have this milk.

Boys grinned at each other. They got succeed in diverting their mother's mind from apologizing again which was noticed by Manik and he hid his smile behind that arrogance.

Karthik: 1..2..3..

He held the glass of milk in his let hand and held the bridge of his nose in right hand and gulped the entire thing in one go and kept the glass aside and ran out while grabbing a chocolate from the refrigerator to get rid of the milk's taste.

His brothers followed it and moved out of the kitchen while shouting to Nandini "its sleeping time" which meant she needs to be with them to make them sleep.

Nandini shook her head while smiling and then turned to Manik who was staring at the boys rooted in shock.

Nandini (thought): They seriously need to stop behaving like their father, at least in front of him.

She stealthily moved out of the kitchen without getting in his notice while he stood there gaping at the place where the boys stood.

Manik: Why are they so much like me?!!

To be continued..