Sympathy gives pain while assurance gives peace

(_thehijabiwrites)

Giving sympathy to someone will only increase their pain, it would never decrease it. But, if you put yourself into the person's shoes, who's suffering from pain, and assure them that everything is going to be fine, then that's a path towards peace.

Rising Hopes School

Manik parked his car in the parking area of the school and the kids got out followed by himself. On seeing the three heroes of 'Rising Hopes' coming with an unknown man increased the curiosity level of the students present around.

Naila: Why is everyone whispering around? I mean, why do they even speak in others' ears if they want us to hear the thing that they pass in others' ears!!

The boys looked at Naila and then at Alishka and then at each other.

Manvik: I should have guessed it. She's really a lot like Ashu!

Naila: Excuse me? I have my own personality, dude!

Prathik (glared): And, I seriously hate the way you speak with us, miss whatever!

Naila: Do you think I care?!

Karthik: Of course not! Its written on your face!

Naila (grinned): I'm glad!

Alishka just ignored it and walked towards Manik who was gaping at the kids and he remembered how he used to see the same fights happening between Navya and Cabir as they were the ones who never got along, but its the destiny that they fell in love later on!

Alishka: Mamu!

Manik looked down to see Alishka poking on his legs. He smiled before picking her up in his arms.

Manik: Haa Ashu..

He bit his tongue and then stared at Alishka who was about to speak something.

Manik: Is it fine if I use 'Ashu' instead of 'Alishka'. Its such a big name.

Alishka (giggled): Why not, Mamu! You can call me whatever you want. Oh, don't tell about the name. Bua will kill you, its her who kept the name for me.

Manik smiled on remembering how she always loved finding names for new-born babies. No matter whoever the baby belongs to, she would love to find varieties of names for them.

Manik: Tho boliye! Kya chahiye aapko?

Alishka (grinned): Can we go for a date?

Manik widened his eyes at her.

Alishka (giggled): Oh, that's what Papa taught me whenever we used to go together, alone! Just wanted to go out with you.

Manik breathed a sigh of relief.

Manik: You really scared the hell out of me and what is your father teaching you. Like seriously, date?!

He scrunched his nose making Alishka to giggle.

Alishka: Papa is weird but I love him!

Manik smiled at her and unknowingly, his gaze went up to the boys who were still busy in bickering with Naila. He didn't know why he always look up at them but they do give him a kind of assurance, like he's got someone to hold him. Just the same way he felt with Nandini.

Alishka: So, will you come with me?

Manik (smiled): Why not!

Alishka (excitedly): Okay, so we're going to my favorite place, right after school. Done?

Manik: Done!

She kissed his cheeks as a token of thanks before getting down and walked ahead while dragging Naila along with her.

Manik: She's left!

Manik pointed out while staring at the angry looks on the boys' faces.

Karthik: I thought I had a pair of eyes!

He walked away making Manik to blaze fire through his eyes.

Manvik: Well, thanks! Unfortunately, need to be a little polite.

Manik (sarcastically): Why don't you teach such manners to your brother who just walked away without even considering that I'm a human being who deserve a 'thanks'?!

Prathik (unknowingly): Well, according to Mamma, he's a lot like our father who's way too reserved.

And they both walked away once they realized what Prathik said, not before Manvik passing a glare to Prathik who smacked his own head.

But, Manik's brain went on a race again!

Manik: He's a lot reserved!

He muttered to himself before getting in his car and drove away.

In the School Canteen

Alishka: So, my work is done.

Manvik: Of course not!

Alishka (raised her eyebrows): Why not!

Prathik: Apparently, your brain is still with that little devil which is why you're speaking non-sense. Did you forget that you're supposed to get to know Manik Malhotra?!

Alishka (rolled her eyes): Hadn't my brain with me, I would have been giving a tour of this school to Naila but I'm sitting here and discussing with you about the plan.

Karthik: Then you better know, Miss Dhawan, that you still have a lot to do to say 'my work is done'.

Alishka: Oh come on, Bhai. Getting him to say yes to my proposal was the toughest work or else, I don't need to do anything to get the truth out. I'm a born actress.

Boys: Who better than us can know it?!

Alishka ignored it and got up to move towards her class.

Karthik: Why did you say it, Prathik?

Prathik (sighed): I told you buddy, it was a slip of tongue.

Manvik (annoyed): It wasn't needed, Prathik. He shouldn't know anything related to our father. Nobody holds the right to know about our father when we know nothing about him.

Prathik: We do know about him, okay? He's our father and nobody can know him better apart from Mamma. Just because he isn't with us or we don't know his name doesn't make us know nothing about him.

He walked out of the canteen making Manvik and Karthik to sigh. Prathik is the most affected one among them.

Karthik: You shouldn't have said it, Manvik. You know how much sensitive he's with that topic.

Manvik: I do. But..sometimes, I lose hope, Karthik. I don't want him to wait and then get nothing in return. It will hurt him.

Karthik: Won't it hurt you?

He asked softly and Manvik looked away.

Manvik: Maybe, you know the answer.

Karthik: Let Manik Malhotra be the topic, for now.

Manvik too got up from his seat.

Karthik: Buddy!

Manvik turned ahead and Karthik stared in his eyes.

Karthik: Get his smile back.

Manvik nodded and moved out.

Karthik (muttered): I hope they'll be fine.

It was always Karthik who made sure that his siblings are happy. No matter what, he wanted his family happy and smiling and he's ready to do anything for it.

Panache

Alishka walked inside with Manik and pulled out a chair for him making him chuckle. They took their seats.

Manik: Your favorite place seems to be so comfortable and peaceful.

Alishka: After all, it's Bua's place.

Manik stared at Alishka in surprise.

Alishka: Don't tell me you don't know who owns 'Panache'!

Manik nodded in No. Alishka slapped her forehead in displeasure.

Alishka: Such a budhu, you're. 'Panache' is owned by 'Miss D' or call it 'Miss Nandini Dhawan'.

Manik: What? But, isn't she interested in Media? That was her major in university too!

Alishka (suspiciously): How do you know her major in university?

Manik bit his tongue on seeing the little devil's suspicious gaze. She completed her studies in Georgia, as far as I know!

Manik: Erm...she..she is my sister's..sister-in-law. So, I know that..! Actually, she did half of her university life in India so..I know that from Navya!

Alishka nodded though she was shocked with this new information given by Manik, unknowingly!

Alishka: Well, she's still a media woman. She owns Paris' "Dans Le Journal la France" media company. But, she also have some cafes and music schools as her side-business so her entire business including the media company falls under the name 'Panache'.

Manik nodded in understanding and shook his head on remembering how she used to talk about having a chain of cafes under her name.

Manik: But why Panache? Why not her name?

Alishka (grinned): That was the Malhotras' wish!

"Malhotras?" someone asked from behind making Alishka and Manik to turn around.

Manik: Ma?

He looked back to see Nyonika along with Abhimanyu and Mukti.

Mukti: Can we also join you?

Alishka (grinned): Why not!

And they joined them.

Alishka (thought): Oh God! How am I going to get the truth out of Mamu, now! The entire family is here. Maybe, I need to be extra sweet!

Abhimanyu: Waise, ye Malhotra's wish kya hotha hai, Alishka?

Alishka frowned at him.

Mukti: Arey, you were just telling the same.

Alishka: Oh! I was talking about my brothers. It was their wish to name it Panache.

Nyonika: But, what's the connection with Malhotras and them? You could have said its your brothers' wish also!

Alishka: Offo, Naani. I speak like that whenever I speak about them doing something together. After all, they're Malhotras.

Mukti: How come they're Malhotras?

Alishka: Its their surname!

Abhimanyu: You mean, their father's surname is Malhotra?

Alishka halted her blabbering and met 4 pairs of curious eyes.

Alishka: Um yeah! Why don't we order something for us.

She diverted the topic easily but Manik was the one who was lost in his thoughts.

Manik (thought): I don't believe it. Like, was her husband's surname too Malhotra?! What kind of destiny we have?!

Alishka: Hey Uncle John!

Their thoughts were broken by Alishka's chirpy voice making the rest to smile. Though, they can see her mother in her, especially whenever she fights with her brothers like how Navya used to fight with Manik, they can also see a bit of Nandini's bubbly nature in her!

Alishka: Meet Uncle John! He's the manager of this branch! Uncle John, meet my extended family!

She showed her hands and extended it making John to shake his head.

John: Hello Mam and Sir! Good afternoon!

Alishka: Uncle John! I need my favorite, how about you all?

She turned to the Malhotras.

Manik: Um..I would go with something hard..I'll go for Cordusio! And yeah, it should be a long shot!

John (smiled): Oh, don't worry about the shot. We'll make it as per your choice.

But Alishka sat there with widened eyes at his choice!

Alishka: Um..usually, espresso is a bit bitter and this drink also falls under espresso.

Manik (casually): Yeah, I know that!

Alishka (freaked out): Then, how can you drink it?

Mukti (chuckled): Because, he likes that taste.

Alishka (disbelievingly): Okay, you're so much like my brothers!

Manik (curiously): Huh?

Alishka: Arey, they drink only espresso flavored coffee with long shots. Like, how can you drink something bitter?

Manik didn't know when his lips curved into a sweet smile on listening that the boys too fall in his list.

While for the rest three of them, they were just getting curious minute by minute.

Mukti: I need a freshly brewed coffee!

Abhimanyu: Just a simple iced coffee!

Nyonika: You might be having iced tea too, don't you?

John: Of course, we do, Mam. Our cafe is for every drinks, not just coffee.

Nyonika: Thank God! I just need a iced tea!

John: Okay, anything else?

Manik: No, thank you!

Mukti, Nyonika and Abhimanyu snapped their head at Manik in surprise, who was reading the menu card. They were surprised because, Manik was never a polite person, not after Nandini left him. Maybe, her mere presence brings the best out of him!

John: I'll get your orders, Sir. Um..Ally!

He turned to Alishka who bobbed her head at him.

John: Should I make for them too ?

Alishka (giggled): I'm alone today.

John nearly got a heart attack on hearing that they sent Alishka alone with someone other than their family.

John: What?

Alishka: I told you right, this is my family. So, they didn't have a problem with it. Regarding them, you can expect them anytime, its their favorite place too.

John smiled and walked away.

Mukti: Whom was he talking about?

Alishka: My brothers!

Manik: They never sent you out, alone?

Alishka: Nope! Unfortunately, they're too protective, more than Papa!

Abhimanyu (muttered): Thank God, wo apne Mamu pe nahi gaye.

Manik (frowned): Tu ne kuch kaha?

Abhimanyu (grinned): Er...haa, its too hot in here!

Manik: Inside an air-conditioning cafe?

Abhimanyu (coolly): Yeah!

Manik (frowned): You're being weird.

Abhimanyu: Oh, for you everyone are weird apart from yourself.

Manik shook his head at him and Abhimanyu breathed a sigh of relief.

Nyonika: Waise Ashu! Um..I can call you that, right?

Alishka: Offo, why are you all worried?! You can call me Ashu!

They smiled at her.

Nyonika: Teek hai, tho Ashu. Why didn't you get your brothers with you?

Alishka: Because, its a Mamu-bhanji day today!

Manik smiled at her.

Mukti: Oops, sorry for ruining it.

Alishka: Its okay, Maasi! I don't mind.

Mukti: Relieving enough for me!

Alishka (smiled): Mamu!

Manik turned towards her.

Alishka: I wanted to ask you since a long time. Where's your family?

Manik got stiffened on his place and others stared at him expecting an outburst.

Manik: Family?

Alishka: Haa. Like, your wife and kids! Where are they?

Manik composed himself while curling his fists and Alishka noticed his every move.

Manik: I'm not married, Alishka.

Alishka (faked a shocked expression): What? But why? You're sooo handsome and you didn't get married yet. Arey, Mamma tells that every handsome man gets a beautiful wife then what happened with you?

Manik smiled sadly on remembering his and Nandini's dreams for their marriage.

Manik: Bas, ladki nahi mili.

Staring at his sad eyes, Alishka felt bad. She didn't want to see her uncle in pain. She held his hand in her's and smiled brightly at him.

Alishka: Its okay, Mamu. You'll get a beautiful wife, very soon.

Manik just faked a smile at her.

Alishka (thought): Mamu and Bua would have looked very cute with each other. They both have similar expressions whenever someone speak about a family. Huff! Everything is because of Bhai's Dad. He shouldn't have come to Bua's life. I could have got my Mamu and Bua married by now and Mamu would have become my Bhais' Daddy!!!

She sighed dreamily!

Manik: Ashu, where's the washroom in here?

Alishka pointed at a place and Manik got up and moved towards washroom.

Mukti: Ashu!

Alishka turned towards Mukti with a smile.

Mukti: I wanted to ask something to Navya, par time hi nahi mili. But, maybe you would also be knowing about it.

Alishka (frowned): What did you want to ask, Maasi?

Mukti: What happened to Nandini's husband? He's never at home!

Alishka sat rooted in her place on hearing that question? Nandini's husband! That term is very new to them. How can she reply when she doesn't even know if there's a husband of her Bua. All she knows is, her brothers have got a father but who could he be?!

Mukti shook Alishka's shoulders bringing her back to the world.

Mukti: Ashu, tumne bathaya hi nahi.

Manik, who came out of washroom heard Mukti's next sentence.

Mukti: Why is Nandini's husband never at home?

He got angry for asking such a question to a kid. He marched towards the table.

Alishka: Um..I don't know. Actually..nobody knows..we have..never seen him in our lives.

This halted Manik's movements. "We have never seen him in our lives" that sentence caught his brain. Never in their lives? Not even when they were babies?

Abhimanyu: What? Never in your lives?

Alishka stared at them helplessly, no matter how much brave she could be, but her innocence never dies.

Alishka: Um..Yeah. Bua never talked anything..about him and we..never saw him. We don't know who he is.

Nyonika: Not even your brothers know about him? They have the right to know about their father.

Alishka: They don't speak about him.

Mukti: But why? Why would they ignore their father?!

Mukti was angry, she herself didn't know why she cares.

Alishka: They're not ignoring, okay. They're just hurt that they don't know who he is.

Alishka looked angry and the next second she realize she shouldn't have used that tone.

Aliska: Sorry! Its just..I can't hear anything against them!

She spoke meekly while looking down. Abhimanyu smiled and made her sit on his lap.

Abhimanyu: Its okay. Its us, who should apologize to you, we shouldn't have spoken like that. Now, can I have that pretty smile back on your lips?!

She smiled for the sake of him making him smile back at her. Nyonika saw Manik standing still lost in thoughts and by looking at him, she knew he must have heard it which wasn't a bad thing.

Nyonika: Manik, why are you standing there? Come over here!

Manik took his seat beside Alishka who was by now on her seat, but his brain was lost.

Soon, their respective drinks were placed on the table by the waiter.

Alishka watched Manik drinking the coffee who was blowing air in the coffee and she remembered how Nandini used to scold Karthik for doing it.

Alishka (thought): Something is really fishy and I think, I need to drop this plan!

She thought with a thoughtful face. Soon, she saw her chair moving backwards making her to squeal in shock.

Manik: What the!

Alishka (annoyed): Bhai, who the hell does such pranks?!

Manvik: Who did even prank on you,now!

Alishka: Like really, you three gave me a panic attack!

Prathik: Do you even know how panic attack happens?

Alishka: You just need to google!

Karthik: Oh, after all, you don't use your brain. Now, Mr. Malhotra!

He turned to Manik and gave a look.

Karthik: Could you move your sea closer towards your mother?

Manik: And..why would I do it?

Manvik: Simple, we need to join.

Manik: I thought, you can be a little polite by asking us if you can join or not?

Prathik: Why would we?! We're joining our sister and we don't need anyone's permission to join her.

Nyonika: Manik!

She showed her eyes making Manik to move closer towards her.

Manvik: You can do the same!

He said to Abhimanyu while pointing at Mukti and he (Abhimanyu) moved his chair closer to Mukt's seat like an obedient kid. He could literally see Manik's dominance in these boys.

And they took their seats with Alishka in between Prathik and Karthik, while Manvik between Prathik and Abhimanyu.

Manvik: Uncle John!

Hearing him, the entire cafe got attentive and the boys started to get more attention. Surprisingly, even the teenage girls had their gazes on the Malhotra kids!

Mukti (whispered to Abhi): You know what! I'm feeling like, I'm in Space Academy's canteen!

Abhimanyu gave her a confused look and she pointed at the girls' stares.

Abhimanyu (chuckled): I know right! He still has got that attention and doesn't give me a chance to be the hero!

Abhimanyu pouted sadly at the end and Mukti smacked his head.

Mukti: This time, its not Bhai who is beating you in looks!

He looked at her confusedly again and then looked at the girls to see them staring at...boy not Manik!

Abhimanyu (horrified): Gor kalyug!!

Mukti slapped her forehead while the rest turned towards Abhimanyu.

Prathik: What yug?!!

Abhimanyu gave a pity look to Manik.

Abhimanyu: Yar! Ab tu jeeke kya faida? Sab kuch lut gaya na!

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

Alishka: Eeeh! Language, Mamu!! I'll complain to Mamma and Bua about you.

Manik immediately made an apologetic face as he surely remembers how much Nandini hates it.

Prathik: Arey, but what yug did he mean?

Manik: Let him rot in hell! What is it has to do anything with you?!

The boys gave him an annoyed look.

Abhimanyu: Yar, phir bhi, dekh na. There's no lady in this cafe who's looking at you but only at these kiddos. I mean, seriously, tu kahi jaake mar jaa.

And that was when Manik too noticed the stares for the boys!

Manvik (pissed): No offence, but did he lose his mind somewhere?

He spoke while looking at Mukti.

Mukti: Unfortunately, he's just too happy that finally Manik has no attention from ladies. Quiet jealous he was, since the moment they became friends.

Karthik: Wow! What a friendship!

Abhimanyu: Well! That was not needed, I can see the sarcasm in it.

Prathik: Glad you still have got some brain in you.

Abhimanyu: Excuse me?! You were rude! How on Earth are you Nandu's kids, she's the most sweetest soul in this world!

Boys: Nandu?

Abhimanyu: Yeah! Any problem?

Alishka: Apparently, they hate endearment for Bua from anyone.

Abhimanyu: Not my mistake!

Boys (pissed): Mr. Malhotra!!

Manik who was enjoying their fight got alert!

Manik: Yeah?

Manvik: Ask him to shut up!

Manik: Why?

Karthik: What do you mean by why? Can't you see he's annoying the hell outta us?!

Manik: Do you think I care?

Prathik: You have to.

Manik: Why so?

Manvik: Because, we say so!

Manik (pissed): I'm not gonna listen to any damn person but myself and my parents, so your command won't work here.

Before the boys could retort back, John came with a waiter who had the boys' drinks.

John: Good afternoon hot-shots!

The boys gave a smile to John.

Boys: Good afternoon, Uncle John! Thank you for the drink.

John nodded at them.

Prathik: This looks so yum!

They sipped on their drinks while blowing air in it and Manik kept staring at them.

Alishka (thought): Okay, now I'm so sure that something is more than fishy!

She thought while staring at the way Manik had his eyes on the boys!

Manik: Where is Nilu?

Mukti: She's with Raj uncle. They wanted to have some fun time.

Manik nodded and Mukti sighed in relief. It was her plan to get rid of both Raj and Naila as they both were danger for their plan, especially Naila who wouldn't let any secrets related to Manik out.

Soon, they were done with their little DATE between an entire family and headed out.

Manik: Alishka is coming with me and so the boys.

He got inside his car without another word and the boys gave a look to Alishka who nodded at them. The next second, kids were in Manik's car who zoomed off to roads.

Abhimanyu: They're so damn similar to Manik!

He spoke and an exasperated sigh left his lips while Mukti and Nyonika kept staring ahead with their brains filled with only mixed feelings.

At night

Our Nest

Nandini: I'm sorry. I can't.

And she hang up on the call with a pissed face. She threw her mobile on the floor and thankfully, it didn't break since there was a carpet on it, and reclined back to her couch.

Navya: Ye kya thareeka hai, Nandini?!

Nandini ran her fingers over her face and got up from her seat after taking the mobile from the floor.

Nandini: I'm sorry!

And she climbed up the stairs making Navya aware that something isn't going good in Nandini's life. Before, she could move ahead, she got bumped with Cabir, who was walking lost in thoughts.

Navya: Where are you lost, Cabir?

She spoke annoying and was about to move upstairs when he held her hand which stirred some emotions in her.

Cabir: Madhyam is gonna come tomorrow for lunch. All of us should be at home, tomorrow. Don't fix any meetings in your company.

He took his hand back.

Navya: Why is he coming?

She spoke in displease. That guy never gave her positive vibes.

Cabir (sighed): Just a meeting! He wanted to meet Nandini.

Navya widened her eyes in disbelief.

Navya: You agreed to it? I can't..believe this, Cabir.

Cabir turned behind confusedly.

Cabir: What? Agreed to what..?

Seeing her glaring at him, he understood what's the matter.

Cabir: God! Navya, I didn't agree to him yet. It will be up to doll's decision. He's just coming for a lunch and I think its good, at least, I can know whether he's good or not!

Navya (pissed): Why are you doing it? Why are you doing it when you know she isn't gonna accept it?

Cabir: Lower your volume down, Navya. We're not alone, nowadays.

Navya (smirked): Exactly! We're not alone at home. We have someone's presence which you hate and that's the only reason Madhyam is coming tomorrow.

Cabir held his head in frustration and that was the moment, Manik walked inside with his family as they had gone to pick Raj and Naila who were in an amusement park.

Navya: That's the only reason why you wanted Nandini to get married to Madhyam.

This halted Manik's movements and he stared at his sister in shock.

Cabir: If you wanna fight, then let me tell you, I'm not in a mood. Why don't you understand, I haven't given my word to him. He asked for doll's hand and I said its totally up to her. Where am I at fault?!

Navya: Because, this is the first time, you're bringing an outsider at our place.

Cabir: Fine, believe whatever you want.

He dashed upstairs and Navya walked inside a room in downstairs and banged the door close letting others aware that she's angry.

Abhimanyu (gritted his teeth): Why should I control myself!!

He was about to move when Nyonika held his hand and nodded in No. He curled his fists and looked at Manik helplessly who had a blank look on his face.

Abhimanyu: Manik?

On hearing Abhimanyu's voice, Manik moved upstairs.

Raj (sighed sadly): He shouldn't have fallen in love, not at least with someone related to Cabir!

He too walked away and Nyonika followed him.

Mukti (muttered): How come Cabir is so changed, Abhi?!

Abhimanyu: I don't know. I never had a sister in real!

But what none noticed was there were three other pairs of eyes who witnessed the entire scene.

Boys' room

Manvik: Mamma's marriage?! Like how could he even think about it!

And he punched in the punching bag. While Karthik was pacing from here to there and Prathik was simply taking deep breathes to control himself from bursting out like his brothers.

Karthik: Mamu! He's our Mamu right and he himself thought that we could live without our Mamma! How could he?!

The ringtone of their mobile broke their trance. It was a mobile given by Nandini to use in emergency whenever they're out of her sight.

Prathik: Yes! Who is it?

He kept the mobile on speaker as he wasn't in a mood to speak but the caller didn't stop ringing which forced him to answer the call.

Caller: Madhyam Khuranna, it is!

This made the 3 raging kids to snap their heads at the mobile.

Karthik: Why the f*** are you calling us, damn it?

And they heard Madhyam laughing.

Madhyam: Aaha! So much of attitude, huh. I wonder how could you be Nandini's kids. Oh, maybe, you're like your so-called father, eh?

Manvik: F*** off, you dirt!

Madhyam (smirked): I like the tone, little brats but sorry, I can't hang up.

Prathik: Then, we will hang up!

Madhyam: Oh, not before hearing me out, at least, I'm going to be your FATHER.

This made Prathik to not hang up on the call and looked up at his brothers with a blank face, who mirrored his expression.

Madhyam: Why? Shocked or do you know it already that I've given a marriage proposal to your uncle!

Karthik: You're not gonna get our Mamma, devil!

Madhyam (laughed): Insecure much, huh!

That mere word made them flinch.

Madhyam (smirked): So, what are the plans for your mother's marriage? How are you going to welcome your father?

Prathik (raged): You're never gonna become our father! Because, our father is still ALIVE, do you get it, Khuranna?! Don't you dare think about our Mamma in any way!

Madhyam (laughed evilly): Awe, poor kids. You love your father so much, even if you haven't seen him ever.

Manvik hung up the call and threw the nearby vase at the wall breaking it into pieces.

Karthik (growled): That guy needs to know what we can do!

The mobile rang and Karthik answered it but before he could yell, he heard him speaking again.

Madhyam: Why are you even called Nandini's beloved sons if you can't see her happy?!

They stared at the mobile blankly.

Madhyam (smirked): She wanted a family life but just for you guys, she dropped the plan thinking it might hurt you. Why are you trying to destroy her happiness? For your father who's not gonna come ever?!

Tears welled up in their eyes on hearing it. Madhyam managed to create a crack in between the strong wall that they built around them.

Madhyam: Let her live her life happily. Stop dominating her life, she's your mother not a slave.

The line went off and Karthik hung up the call with his shivering hands.

Prathik: Are we..destroying her life?

Karthik pulled his brothers to himself and they broke into tears. Those tears which they used to show only to their Mamma and today, they didn't want to show it to her, either.

For her happiness-they thought so!

Manik's Bedroom

Manik: You're taking her away from me again, Cabir!

He slumped on the couch and silently pulled his wallet out and stared at the picture inside.

Manik: I felt a connection with your kids. For a moment, I thought they were..mine..ours!

He inhaled a deep breathe while caressing her photo.

Manik: Maybe, it was just an illusion. Maybe, its because..they're yours and I still can't stop loving you!

He didn't know when he slipped into a slumber while drinking all his pain in.

Nandini's Bedroom

Nandini: God! Why is this Madhyam sending me messages on an on?! Didn't he get it yet that I won't go for a date with him!!

She held her head in frustration.

Nandini: Hadn't he been Bhai's important client, I would have showed him his real place!

Her gaze fell upon her hand and her eyes immediately teared up.

Nandini: I wish..we were together, Mani! I fee so lonely without you, even when you're sleeping in the next room to mine!

She laid on the bed and tears made its way out.

Nandini: Bhai aur tumhare beech problems kyu aaye the, Manik? Warna, aaj hum sath reh paathe! I wouldn't have had to see our sons craving for your love!

Irony it is! Life has given the two souls a chance to get together again but its them who failed to recognize their destiny and crying over their past!

Maybe, the following day is up for something intriguing in their lives!

Next Day

Nandini's Beroom

Nandini: What's wrong with you people? Why are you getting me dolled up?!

She asked to her sons after seeing them selecting her a traditional attire with needed accessories and arranging her make-up.

Manvik: Enough with interrogation, Mamma. Get ready in it.

Karthik: Well, I've got some YouTube videos. It might help us with your make up.

Prathik: Um..for hair, let Maami do it. We won't be able to pull it off!

Nandini watched her sons avoiding eye contact and the tone they used, it was different. Their voice..cracked.

Nandini: Track pe aa ja, Malhotras!

Hearing her tone, they knew they were caught.

Karthik: What track, Mamma? We're not hiding anything from you.

And she gasped watching his eyes. She strode towards him and cupped his cheeks.

Nandini: Did..you cry?

Her eyes welled up automatically. If something that she can't bear then, its their tears. She never raised her hand at them. She gave them the best upbringing but never raised her hand in teaching them anything because she wanted to fill their life only with love.

Manvik: No Mamma!

That was when her gaze fell on the rest two which broke her heart.

Nandini: Why??

This time, she cupped Prathik's and Manvik's cheeks on seeing the eye bags and the swollen eyes.

Prathik: Offo Mamma, we d...

Nandini: Prathik Malhotra!

He flinched with her tone.

Nandini: Being honest is what I taught you, didn't I?

And he nodded at her.

Nandini: Then, telling lies to Mamma is a sin, Malhotra!

Prathik tried to twist his fingers when Nandini caught his hand. Manvik and Karthik shut their eyes tightly. Prathik being sensitive is always a problem, he can never lie, not that the rest two can but comparatively, they were better!

Nandini: Answer me! Why did you all cry?

Prathik looked down and nodded in No.

Nandini: Mamma ne kuch galath ki hai kya?

Her voice had pain making the boys to snap their heads at her. Her eyes were welled up.

Manvik: No, Mamma!

Nandini: Phir?

The insecurity that she had in her got out. Losing Manik had brought the little Nandini back in her, whom only he could console.

Nandini: Fine, don't tell. But, you wouldn't talk to me until you're ready to share.

Prathik: Mamma?

Nandini: Mamma ko agar kuch pasand nahi hai tho wo tum logonka ignorance hain. I can't lose you three.

Karthik: He said we're destroying your life.

Nandini, who was about to move out of the room got alert and turned back to them confusedly.

Manvik: Karthik!

Karthik looked away and Nandini walked closer to him and made him face her.

Nandini: Who said what, Manvik?

She turned to Manvik and he knew they lost it on seeing her deadly glare.

Manvik: Ma..Madhyam said..we're destroying your life..by not letting you get married..

And that was enough to bring the Nandini Dhawan out whom the kids have never witnessed in their lives.

Prathik: We have no problem, Mamma. But..don't think like, we're destroying your life. You can get married. We have no problem with it.

She jerked Prathik to her by holding his shoulders and made him face her.

Nandini: You've no problem if I get married? If I get married to someone else other than your father, huh?

He looked up to see her tear- stained face and he immediately nodded in No.

Karthik: Mamma, you wanted a family life and we didn't know that. We're ready to do anything for your happiness.

She left Karthik and shouted.

Nandini: Haa, I wanted a family, okay.

The kids looked down to control their tears.

Nandini: But..it was always with your father!

They snapped their heads at Nandini in shock.

Nandini: If I ever, ever wanted a family life then it was always with your father. I wanted to see him being your father, being with you as your hero.

Tears made its way out of their cheeks.

Nandini (cried): And you thought..that I would think about being some other guy's? You thought, I could be this selfish that I won't think about you? Sirf ithna janthe ho kya apne Mamma ko?

They moved ahead to wipe her tears but she herself cleaned her face.

Nandini: Let it be! Tum logonko kya patha. You guys don't even know why is our father not in our lives. Its not your fault, its mine. Par, ab, I need to complete something incomplete.

She took her car's keys and walked out of the room and the boys followed her in worry.

Downstairs.

Nandini walked down the stairs furiously.

Boys: Mamma, stop!

She paid deaf ears and moved towards the entrance when her destination stood right in front of her.

Cabir: Doll..uh, Madhyam is already here.

He got confused on seeing her red face. She looked messed up and he noticed her tears making him panicked. But before he could move towards her..

PUNCH!!

Boys: Whoa!!

There Madhyam threw his head downwards with his lips bleeding just because of a punch from Nandini Dhawan!

While, there were some others too who were watching it in delight.

Mukti (shocked): She still punches so well!

Abhimanyu: Of course, you love punchers.

ANOTHER BLOW!!

Cabir: Doll, kar kya rahi ho tum?

Cabir, spoke out in shock after seeing Madhyam getting punched again.

Madhyam: What the f***, Nandini!!

Cabir glared at him for using that word for his sister.

But, Nandini threw another punch making him bleed more.

Prathik rubbed his eyes roughly and stood like a fool with his jaws dropped down.

Prathik: Mamma knows to punch?????

Karthik: Seems like, she does!

Manvik: Wow, this looks....

Boys: Hot!!

They echoed when Nandini punched him again but Manik, who heard it from the kids smacked their heads making them shriek lightly.

Manik: Mamma hai wo tum logonke, don't use that word!

They gave him a mean look and concentrated back in Nandini and Manik copied it.

Cabir (frustrated): Doll, what the hell are you doing?

Nandini: STAY OUT OF IT, BHAI!!

Cabir stood with his eyes widened at that sentence and her tone. She NEVER.EVER spoke back to him. She never raised her voice at him unless its to ask him to take care of himself.

The entire mansion stood still on seeing this Nandini. Navya rubbed her ears well.

Navya (muttered): Did I just hear her shouting at her Bhai?!

Nandini held Madhyam's collars and pinned him on the wall.

Manik (smirked): Seems like, she didn't forget her karate skills yet!

He muttered to himself but Abhimanyu did hear it who chuckled silently.

Nandini: Who the f*** are you to manipulate my sons?!!

The boys palmed their mouths on hearing her using that 'word' while Manik's jaws dropped down on hearing her. If at all, she abuses, then know it, she's angry and none could control it!

Nandini: Who the f*** told you that I wanted to get married to you? Who, you ras***?!!

Alishka and Naila palmed their ears and stared at Nandini with their wide-innocent eyes.

While, Madhyam started to choke and on seeing it, others tried to interfere but Cabir was standing still.

Navya: Nandu, chod usse. He might die.

Nandini (yelled): He should die! He has no right to come in between me and my sons. He is no one to my sons to tell them what they should do.

Manik snapped his head at her in surprise and then at the boys who were having tears in their eyes which pinched his heart.

Nandini: Nandini Dhawan ki zindagi mein aane keliye tumne uske bete ko use kiya. You have no f****** right to even speak to my sons by looking in their eyes. My sons are my happiness and you dared to call them my destruction.

She kept him down and punched in his nose making him fall on the ground.

Nandini: Next time, you mess with Nandini Dhawan, you will know that you're calling for death. Stay far away from me and my sons. Far, and I mean, it should be very far. H

She spoke while kneeling on the floor and pulled his hair in her fist.

Nandini: Henry!!

She stood up and shouted and the next moment, a tall well-built man came in front of her.

Henry: Yes, Mam!

Nandini: Throw this piece of shit somewhere far and make sure, he never gets a chance to get near my family.

Henry nodded and took Madhyam on his shoulders like a sack.

Nandini: I need some space.

She spoke to no one while eyeing her sons and dashed upstairs.

Mukti: Can't help it, but I did see a glimpse of Manik's Nandini in her!

Manik, who heard it glared at her and she immediately moved away.

Abhimanyu (rolled his eyes): You can smile at it, she wouldn't know.

And he too walked away making Manik to smile a little which fade away on seeing the boys' faces. He followed them till upstairs and now, its only Navya and Cabir left.

Navya: There's a huge difference between a lover and a mother!

Cabir stared at Navya blankly who had that knowing look on her face.

Navya: 10 saal pehle Nandini tumhare har baath maan liya because, she was just a lover par aaj aisa nahi hoga Cabir,kyunki wo ek Ma hain, lover nahi!

He kept staring at her and she moved closer to him.

Navya: Aur ek Ma ke sacrifice tho tumhe patha hain, kyu?

He looked away making Navya to chuckle dryly.

Navya: Stop being a brother now, because he's leading you to only sins!

And she too walked away while Cabir stood there lost in thoughts.