A small chapter but an important one!

******

The other day came really soon. I decided not to go to office as for me to being at home was more important. Nandini was still silent. All my family members tried talking to her but she replied in few words like yes, no, maybe.

Unknown to everything Mahi and Neel were still the joy of the house. Neel being ill Nandini made him stuck to her almost the whole time. Mahi was sent to school along with Aarush. She nagged so much and even cried holding me not wanting to go to school but we really can't compromise on her education. So I suggested her that I would drop her to school and even pick her up and in return we will even go to her favourite waffle store to eat waffles. She loved waffles. She can nag in the middle of the night for those waffles.

When I went to pick her up from school, she told me everything what happened in school. From her doing her classwork to her getting a star on her palm. She even told me Neel gets Three stars but she only got one today. She usually feels jealous when Neel gets more stars. But today she told me she is going to give this star to Neel. I couldn't be more proud on my daughter.

Mahi was a brat clearly because for the first time, she told me she pulled some girl's ponytail and even threw colours on her entire white uniform. I had to scold her but she just shrugged it off. Who is she like? Nandini hardly bullied anyone. I... I don't think I would have bullied in my childhood. Did I?

"Papa... When will Neel come to school with me?" She asked as she finished eating her favourite waffles messing her whole uniform. I just hope Nandini don't kill me for this. she had complained to me few weeks back that Mahi's teeth are going to be ruined because of access chocolate eating.

"Soon princess." I replied and cleared her face with handkerchief.

"how much soon?" She asked again blinking at me.

I fell silent. How much soon? Doctors have given us only two weeks' time to think about the treatment and it's already three days that we are still thinking.

"I don't know" I replied lowly and picked her up from the table. Her school bottle hung on her neck. She sipped some water and wrapped her tiny hands around my neck. How much I love pampering her. Oh my sweet little baby!

"But Mamma says Papa knows evelything. How could you not know?" she spoke and I sighed.

I wish I could be the super dad like Mr. Incredible. But I am just a simple human and simple father.

"Mahi the only thing you should know right now is... Neel is going to be back soon with you in school. Okay? No more question" I told her and settled her on passenger seat.

She stayed mum and I ran the car on the roads.

"Mamma doesn't speak much. Why?" She asked playing with the cap of her water bottle.

I sighed. Even she loved when her Mamma talked to her just like me.

"Neel is not well and Mamma is sad" I replied.

She stayed silent while I kept my all attention on the driving. Reaching to the home I saw my house full with all my family members.

But I got excited as I saw Aryaman and Pihu too settled down on couch along with Cabir and Navya didi. I placed Mahi on the floor and she ran towards Pihu.

"Bua...." She cried out in happiness and Pihu picked her up giggling and whispering something in her ears.

Cabir and Aryaman walked up to me and hugged me one by one patting my back.

"thik hai?" I heard Cabir asking in reply I just sighed heavily.

"Bhai...." I heard an extra loud chirp followed by me engulfed in to the warm hug.

"I missed you" I heard a small whisper in my ear and I smiled hugging her back.

"I missed you too. How are you?" I asked her breaking the hug and she stood there smilingly holding my both hands.

"I am good. I heard about... about Neel... I couldn't stop myself from coming here. Cabir Jiju was already coming so I asked Aryaman if we can..." She trailed off and Aryaman joined her beside.

"How could I say no? I was going to call Nandini but then I felt it's good we come here in person" He spoked and I sighed.

I gestured all of them to settle when I saw Nandini and Bhabhi walking out with a plate of snacks and tea-coffee. She stood beside me.

Mahi noticed her and ran to hug her.

"Mamma...." She yelled and Nandini picked her up.

"Hey... How was school?" She asked throwing her all hair behind her ears. I could just admire the most important ladies in my life smilingly.

"It was boring..." Mahi shrugged her shoulders and I could just shake my head. This girl seriously need to know the importance of education.

"And you spoiled whole uniform?" Nandini asked.

"I didn't. Papa did." Mahi replied showing her tiny winy finger at me. I instantly widened my eyes in shock.

Nandini gave me a look and I shook my head "Liar... You ate waffles. I didn't"

"You took me to the store. So you did" Mahi replied almost immediately and I just stared at her with wide open mouth. Little brat!

I narrowed my eyes at her "I am not taking you there anymore" I complained.

I could see Nandini smiling shaking her head. She placed Mahi on the floor and Mahi being the excited kid as always ran around the house. God know how does she get all this energy from.

"Are we late?" I heard another voice from door and I saw Dhruv and Alia entering in the house with Naina with them. Naina had clutched Alia's finger in hers. I smiled immediately.

Naina was a talkative but a little shy child. She opens up with a very great difficulty but when she does, no one can stop her chants.

"Naina Di...." I heard my kids speaking loudly and they ran towards her. Naina hugged both of them.

"Aunty... where is Aarush?" She asked Mukti Bhabhi. Oh... Did I forgot to mention? Naina... loved loved loved company of Aarush. It's like they both are always together. Although, Naina was a year junior to him but whenever there's a gathering if you want to find Naina... find Aarush.

I chuckled mentally. I won't be surprised if after some years, Dhruv will come with a proposal of Aarush and Naina's wedding. Oh my God... They are just kids right now.

"Beta he's... There he is... see" I heard Bhabhi as I came out of the future plans.

Naina almost rushed towards Aarush but this time something was definitely wrong. Aarush didn't smile at her like always. He didn't hold her hand in hand shake. I remembered Nandini telling me that Aarush was behaving a bit weird. But I royally ignored because at that time Neel's problems were more important. It is still but... I'll talk to him soon.

I could see Chachi serving teas and coffees to the guests and everyone engaging in to talks. Kids were gathered at another corner of the living room.

I could see Naina trying to bug Aarush who was quietly sitting. Aarush once jerked her hand away from his shoulder. Bad move Aarush... She may be your future girlfriend.

Naina again placed her hand on his shoulder and he jerked it up again. This time Mahi tried holding his hand but he showed her hand away and because the force was so much that Mahi almost toppled on the floor. I immediately rushed towards her and picked her up.

I looked at Aarush who was watching me. I could see all our family members' eyes turning towards me. I don't understand what is wrong with him.

"Are you okay princess?" I asked Mahi checking if there's some scar or something but she shook her head and looked at Aarush.

"Manik... Aarush you misbehaved again? How many times do I have to tell you?" Bhabhi scolded him while he looked down.

I held Bhabhi's hand and shook my head, she was boiling in anger by now.

"Aarush... let's play na?" I heard Naina again. Oh innocent kid!

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" There was loud roar from Aarush and Naina almost jumped on her place and Mahi hid her face inside my neck. I patted her back trying to shush her.

"Aarush... enough is enough..." Bhabhi yelled back at him fuming in pure rage.

But before she could say anything he ran towards his room upstairs "Aarush... come down now... AARUSH..." She yelled but the room door got closed.

This kid seriously has some problem. I mentally noted that as soon as I get a little time. I am going to have a chat with him.

Bhabhi was about to go upstairs when Bhaiya stopped her "I'll talk to him. Not right now. Please!"

She sighed and shook her head. I dropped her down on the floor and gestured them to play. Naina held her hand and they all walked a little away along with Neel and Abeer of course.

I too walked back in to the living room.

"I am so happy that all of us are together" I heard Pihu and I smiled.

"actually I and... Pihu wanted to tell you all something" I heard Aryaman.

I looked at Nandini who was equally confused looking at me. I instantly knew she doesn't have any idea.

"Woh... actually... Main..." Pihu stammered when Aryaman held her hand.

I furrowed my forehead.

"I don't know it's a news you all want to know but... Right now it all seems wrong and..." Pihu stopped in middle again.

"I am... I am pregnant" She whispered and there was a large pause in the house before I and Bhaiya almost jumped on her hugging her tightly.

"oh my God..." Chachi cried in happiness and the whole atmosphere was happy and euphoric.

I kissed her forehead and Bhaiya followed my step.

"I am so happy for you! My little sister is going to be a mother. Congratulations Mommy to be" I smiled and held her in a side hug.

"Congratulations brother..." I hugged Aryaman.

When our hugging session was going on I saw Pihu walking towards Nandini and I watched them.

"Bhabhi... I know it must be so difficult for you right now. I didn't want to share this news right now... I wanted everything to be okay first so that everyone can happily enjoy this news but...." She said while holding Nandini's hands.

"Bhabhi... hum sab hai Neel ke sath... usse kuch bhi nahi hoga..." she spoke while Nandini just smiled in return.

"Pihu... Congratulation. This is the most beautiful phase of a woman's life. Cherish it. Be happy... okay..." Nandini caressed her cheek and I smiled.

"Main abhi sabke liye kuch mitha leke aati hun" I heard Chachi.

"Mom rehne do na... aap janti nahi ke yaha..." Pihu spoke but she was cut by Nandini.

"Haan kyun nahi... main khud sabke liye Gajar ka Halwa banaungi" She spoke smilingly and patted Pihu's cheeks.

I sighed happily. Finally, she was trying to speak at least.

She walked inside the kitchen and everyone went busy in discussing how they should plan the baby shower already. Shaking my head, I walked inside the kitchen only to find Nandini already started making the sweets for us.

She looked at me and passed me a smile. I passed her a smile back.

I held her arms and kissed her forehead. A tear already appeared in my eye because I knew she was being strong for the family. She is not that strong neither am I. but we need to be happy in the family's happiness.

I held her face in mine and she kept looking down. I knew she was holding back her tears. I made her look at me and her were glassy and blurry.

"thank you" I spoke.

She understood my dilemma and just nodded with tears still in her eyes.

She placed her head on my heart and hugged me. I pulled her closer keeping my chin on her head. We both sighed hard knowing the phase is just going to be more difficult for us.

******

It was already night and we all had dinner. The kids were seated in home theatre room watching the latest cartoon movie so it was a relief for us.

All of us have gathered in living room for God knows what.

As I settled on the couch, I saw Pihu making Nandini sit beside me.

I looked around us and they all have settled down on sofa or on couch or on chairs looking at us.

I glanced at Nandini while she glanced back at me.

"Manik Nandini... see we know this is difficult for you both. But we need to know what all do you guys think" I heard Dad and I looked at Nandini instantly who looked down fidgeting with her stole.

"the more we delay... the more Neel..." Dad stopped abruptly as Nandini looked up her eyes already tearing up. I held her left hand in mine while she looked at me.

"did you both think about the treatment? Which treatment do you guys are going with?" Dad asked again maintaining the calmness in voice.

I looked at Nandini and then sighed heavily. We haven't really come on a mutual decision.

"Dad... we... I mean I think Surgery is..."

"We will go with the medication." Nandini announced while my eyes snapped at her. We? I never said I am okay with medications.

"Nandini... I told you medication is a temporary solution" I said while she looked at me.

"It will cure him. I know" She said and I closed my eyes in frustration.

"I think so too. I mean open heart surgery is a bit risky. They will practically open his heart and..."

I heard a sudden gasp beside me and I cut Chachi in between "Chachi... His heart has got the problem so... It is needed..."

"It's not... why don't you understand... he's just four Manik..." Nandini cried beside me.

"I know he's just four... but understand... this is important... medication will not cure him. it has risk..."

"And surgery doesn't have any risk right?" She snapped back and I licked my lips nervously. Of course it has. But...

"I think Manik is right Nandu... If the surgery goes well then... Neel is safe..." I heard Cabir saying in my favour. Thank God... someone at least think like me.

"And if not Jiju... Aap log samjhte kyun nahi hai... Doctor ne kaha tha na... Sirf fifty percent chance hai... I can't take chance with my son" Her eyes shed tears while I held her shoulders.

"I know... risk hai but... tum samjho please..." I tried speaking but she jerked me off.

"Maine keh diya na... no surgery... bas..." She yelled in tears and ran upstairs.

I sat down with my head buried deep inside my palms.

I felt a pat on my shoulder. I looked up to see Cabir sitting beside me "Kitna time hai before we..."

"Just two weeks... aur already thode din hog aye hai..." I cried out.

"Tension mat le... Hum... hum sab hai... tum sirf abhi concentrate karo usko kaise manana hai... Surgery important hai Manik..." He spoke while I nodded.

"I know... Janta hun... Par... Galat nahi hai wo... Chaar saal ka hai sirf mera beta... Main... main khud nahi chahta aisa kuch par..." I sobbed while he hugged me.

"Sab thik ho jayega... stay strong" He spoke and I nodded sniffing.

"I should go and see her" I spoke and got up to reach to my room.

As I walked inside my room, I saw her watching the sky outside. I closed the room door and walked towards her who was sobbing silently.

"Nandini..."

"No Manik... Tum nahi samjh rahe ho... surgery has got more risk..." She turned towards me crying hysterically.

"Listen to me Nandini... Medication has only some percent of chances that it'll heal his hole. Generally, who has a smaller hole it'll get healed by medication... Neel ke case mein...." I stopped as she shook her head.

"no... Wo medication se thik ho jayega." She spoke and I closed my eyes in frustration.

"Tch... Nandini... why are you being so stubborn?"

"And why are being so difficult Manik?" She snapped back and I looked away. how do I even make her understand?

"Manik wo... wo humara bacha hai... hume use bachana hai" She held my shirt on my chest and my eyes teared up.

"Wahi karna chahta hun... agar tum samjho tab na..." I spoke as I held her hands on my chest.

"being a father I know what I am doing" I told her while she still shook her head.

"Being a mother I don't approve... I don't..." she spoke and cried more.

"Nandini... if the medications don't heal him... it'll be worst... They can't even operate after that" I put the reality in front of her.

"And we can... we lose him forever" I spoke and her eyes snapped back at mine.

"And if we go with the surgery... we don't lose him right? Promise karke do... likhke do..." She challenged.

How can I write such thing when I myself don't know if the operation will be successful or not?

I shook my head "right now... I can only say we should go with the surgery... Baad ka baad mein dekh lenge"

As soon as I spoke she pulled herself away from me.

"Agar Mahi hoti Neel ki jagah tou tum yahi karte?" She asked out of nowhere. From where did this come from?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She looked away and shook her head but I held her wrist to pull her back on her place. No what did she mean by Mahi Neel ki jagah hoti tou main kya karta?

"What do you mean by the statement you made right now?" I asked a little coldly.

"Manik chhodo... kuch nahi..." She struggled in my hold but I held her wrist firmly.

"Tell me" I ordered and she jerked herself away causing my grip loosening on her.

"That you always wanted a daughter and tumhe koi fark nahi padega agar Neel ko kuch..." She let out her anger and bruised me emotionally.

Did she just say that?

Didn't I love Neel equally? Was Neel not my child? Not my Son? Was she the only one who was going through all the pain? For me both my kids are my lifelines, didn't she know this? Neel or Mahi... both are equal. Didn't she know it?

"Did you just... say that?" I asked stepping back a bit.

She closed her eyes "I am just thinking as a mother Manik... just as a mother... main Neel ko nahi kho sakti... Bas..."

"Tumhe lagta hai ki main... main Neel se pyaar nahi karta? Mujhe koi fark padta if he lives or..." I stopped even uttering the words she thought I would be okay with.

She stood there crying. I looked away instantly.

"I don't know... all I know right now is... I want my son to be safe... at any cause..." She yelled loudly and walked out of the room.

Tears ran down my eyes. I looked at the door where she stood without turning back "right now... I am a mother Manik... try not to think me like a wife but a mother... Try putting yourself on the father's place too" and she left the room leaving me all bruised and hurt.

Just because I chose the difficult treatment she thought I don't love my own child? My own son?

Yes, I always wanted a daughter that doesn't mean I would be okay if... if my son...

How could she think like that? How could she think so low of me?

I have always showed the equal amount of love and warmth to both my kids to see this day? To be questioned that I don't love the other one as much as I do to my daughter? And too by my own wife? The mother of my kids?

When Mahi was born followed my Neel. I held them both in my hands. Not just my daughter... but my son too. I love him too. And I know that losing him will cause me what pain. How could you say that Nandini? How could you?

******

The next day I was getting ready in the room when I saw Nandini entering inside. I royally ignored her letting her know that I was still mad at her for uttering such words. For questioning my love for my son.

I saw her pushing few garments in a bag and stuffing few stuff from the dressing table inside the bag.

She turned towards me and spoke "Main... I am... I am going to Chacha's house fore few days with kids"

My eyes snapped at her. Is she the one who's mad at me? Or should be the one?

"I need time to think." She whispered and I just looked away.

"I hope this don't cause us the life of our son" I whispered and her eyes met mine.

And I realised she was really really guilty for last night.

"Just put yourself in my shoe" She spoke tears running out of her eyes.

"I am already in your shoe Nandini. I am the equal parent. I am a father" I replied.

"A father who always wanted a daughter" She spoke and then gasped again regretting what she said.

I chuckled painfully "So if I wanted a daughter makes me a bad father for my son?"

"I didn't.... I just want some time" She spoke and without any further delay I walked out of the room and stopped once at the door frame.

"I know you are hurt and you are not in a state of mind to think. But I would still say if we delay this... we are going to pay... pay for this mistake Nandini... And the cause if Neel... Our son... OUR" I spoke and walked out of the room.

******

I know many of you will hate Nandini for whatever she spoke. But think as a mother. I know whatever she said is wrong It's just her emotions are all over the place. She has this immense pain of losing her son that she can't think of anything else.

I would just request you all to think her as a mother for now and not as wife.

and now the story is going to be a little spicy... A lot of hurdles on it's way!

PS - Sorry for a crap chapter!