Before I start 

Happy Deepavali to you all!!

No recaps, reread the story if you have forgotten them. I'm sure some have.

10200 words

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Manik swiped the pictures of Ruhi on his phone, as he led on the bed for the whole week. He wasn't allowed to get down from the bed for the next two weeks. He needed bed rest and everyone are stubborn to make it happen except him. He hated staying at home that too with Cabir's company a big 'No' from Manik. He couldn't help but oblige the fact.

He prohibited Nandini to look after him, especially lifting his body when he needs. It wasn't good for her and the baby. His parents and Nandini were looking after the company. While Cabir was caretaker of Manik with Ruhi tagging them around. Though she is of no help but baggage for Cabir. She irritates the shit of him.

Manik, apple juice pe le. Cabir kept the glass on the side table as he helped Manik to get up from the bed. He supported him, Manik drank the juice sip by sip.

In round the corner, things have changed for good between brothers. In fact, none could imagine Manbir this good. They started sharing a good bond like never before. Yet the constant taunts were the same. But this they were harmless mostly friendly ones. Malhotra couldn't be less happy about it.

Thanks. Manik with the help of him stood on his foot. They took a small walk in the balcony. It was a daily routine for brothers in the evening taking rest and lazing around the home with lots of healthy food. Because they are prohibited to step out of the home. For one whole month. It was too good for their bonding in the meantime. They were cherishing it. Cabir was finding a mentor and close friend in Manik. Where Manik was there whenever his younger brother needed. It is all new things between them. It is nice to smoother their relationship.

Ruhi, Catch it. Both boys looked down to see Ruhi and Hailey playing with a ball in their common lawn. Manik smiled looking at the scene. Ruhi looked happy, she is having a great time in both homes. 

Manik didn't push ASR or Khushi from Ruhi, in fact, his daughter was getting everything double from both parents of her. She was loved the same way, she did by both parents. In all, she got more love from them. She looked happy with attention, affection, care, and love, she was getting. On toping, her being on the bed for the rest was really proving her advantageous for the Manik's princess. She had the advantage of bunking school. She was so happy that she is free from homework. Though she had lingered the torture of healthy foods, which she hates to guts. She hates Doctor Malhotra. Period!

However, ASR couldn't clear the wall between which Manik had created for them. He was trying his best, but Manik didn't allow him anymore. He was hurt deeply more than that he was scared to get hurt by his friends again. He had already enough from them, he didn't want more from them.

Daan and Manik's relationship was also stagnant. But Daan was happy that nothing worse happened in between Manan. If, he would've blamed himself for destroying Manik's life. He knew things aren't that good between Manan, but he knows it won't turn any worse due to the maturity of both of them in their relationship. He learned that they are strong enough to pass this phase, their years of love and separation has taught them a good lesson for life. One thing they had a conclusion that they are meant to be together in each up and downs of their life with one constant word called LOVE in between them, which brought them till here.

It sounds so strange for me, you know. Cabir started looking at Ruhi and Hailey's bond. No doubt, Hailey took care of his daughter like no one. But still,

About what? Manik lean to the railing to see his daughter running with ball and Hailey just behind her heels.

Your ex, taking care of your daughter. It sounds so odd. But doesn't look so odd in real, seeing their pure bond. Cabir had already noticed how she was looking after Ruhi, there was no doubt, she was best at what she was doing. In fact, she was out of the world.

I agree. Mostly many. Manik smiled and waved at his daughter, who gave flying kissing to him, he returned her back one. It was usual.

Ahem. Ahem. They both turned to look Navya standing behind with orange juice. Nervousness, clumsiness, and fear were clearly evident in her face, making Manik roll his eyes. Because Navya thinks Manik as anything but human, he is already irritated by it. But holding it for Cabir. He doesn't want to ruin anything for his brother.

Cabir, Your Juice. You forget to have them. Well, if Manik has Cabir as his caretaker, Cabir as his own Madhubala. That's what Manik calls her. Typical Madhubala.

Yeah. Manik settled down on the couch with his help. While Manik witnessed slow-motion eye contact, it was intense. That Manik felt he is an unwanted kabab in the movement. Damn! They look so filmy. Not to miss touch me not hand wala scene. His eyes fall out looking at the scene. It was damn ten minutes. They were stunned in their own place. If by chance, he would pass out seeing their soul-searing kiss for sure.

Dang, it man, Kiss her already !!! Manik didn't know, he was getting impatient that they weren't kissing her, or he being in the scene. As much as he wanted to be out of the scene, he wanted to see the scene. Damn! I know he is being shameless, can't blame his wife is the influence. 

That broke the intense scene. He was definitely kabab mai haddi- he learned it when he earned a hard glare from his dear brother. Navya ran out of the scene placing the glass on the couch all red and mortified. What was she doing with Cabir that too in presence of that great hulk? She questioned herself all embarrassed. She wasn't sure what embarrassed her more, that she was ready for the kiss so early or Manik being in the scene? Urghhh!

Maine tera kya bigada hai? How? How on the damn world you do every time? It was really not first for Manik to listen to this, he already been in such places. He had already caught them red-handed. It was a cockblocker show all-time for Cabir Malhotra with Navya, all thanks to the Manik Malhotra himself.

I don't know. Manik laughed louder throwing his head back. It is fun to see the clear frustration on his brother's face.

Why don't you kiss her already? Manik questioned controlling his laughter when he saw the bad face on his brother.

Don't you, go there. Cabir warned him. It was really sensitive to deal with Navya, he already knew it. It was his first time to deal with girls. He could have any girl in the world. He could play with them. But he never did that. Girls didn't give him the kick, which money gave him. He went behind it than girls. This was his first yet very much complicated. A woman can be this difficult he never knew. All his life, he had girls throwing on him. This was first, he was forcing himself on a girl, just to share his life with her. The irony, I say.

Okay. But damn! Kiss her for once. And say, You're her's. She is seeking that from you. I could see it, clearly in her eyes. This is what he saw in her eyes, a broken heart can only feel someone's pain. He read it there. He knew what she was looking in his brother's eyes. What was stopping her?

You think so. Cabir stated more than a question. It was proven Navya was read better by Manik than himself. It helped Cabir to gain her, to free her from her past. He was slowly filling the confidence in her as Manik said. He is already winning her trust to be her life partner it was all because of Manik's family. All three were helping to get his love. He was truly great full for them.

I know so. Manik saw his daughter running behind Hailey with colors in her hand. No doubt, his daughter was getting naughty day by day. But he knows where to stop when she is overly pampered by everyone. 

Everyone in the home pampers and spoils her and that doesn't include Manik. He knows, he should play the role of a strict father whenever it is necessary. Because he can't expect anyone to do that for his daughter. For Malhotra's, she is their only ladli, as Manan hasn't disclosed Nandini's pregnancy to anyone. She is spoiled to rotten by everyone in the home and nothing changes in Murthy's home too. And Manik himself volunteered to keep track of his daughter's behavior. He really didn't want her to turn another younger Nandini or Manik. And that doesn't mean he doesn't spoil her. He does, and he knows the limit very well.

What's your story with Hailey? I still can't believe she was your girlfriend. She doesn't look like your type. Don't get me wrong, you are so introvert and she is so hyper. And too bold and straightforward to keep with you. I don't get it. Cabir questioned him when he saw Hailey screaming top of her voice with Ruhi while playing with colors. She is absolutely different.

Cabir, ek batha tha hu, hasna math. Manik was smiling himself already like an idiot. He nodded his head unsurely.

Hailey and I never had a romantic relationship. For God's sake, We couldn't even kiss each other. Cabir gaped at Manik as he talked in Chinese.

Now, Don't give that look to me. Manik was clearly embarrassed.

Tho Aur kaise deku? You haven't kissed her. Like seriously? Manik palmed his face.

Hain. We both tried you know. A lot. Nothing sparked or made us feel to be intimate.

In fact, we stayed with each other in one single room, still, we couldn't reach anything but lying down next to each other. Not even cuddle. it was like sharing a room with a boy for me. He was already flushed at the fail attempts, he made with Hailey to work on their relationship. Can anyone leave such a life? It is a straight question of Cabir. But Manik back then wanted to have a soulmate relationship with her so bad as she was someone who understood him and his life so well than any girl out there. Then again, God has already written his name with Nandini, which he wanted to erase knowing what was coming in his future if he hasn't settled with Hailey. 

I still can't believe. Cabir nodded his head in disbelief.

How many days did you stay in the relationship with her then? 

2 years. Cabir just wandered he misheard the words or he didn't hear them.

What?

Tumne sahi suna. It's 2 years. Manik walked to the couch. He sat there relaxing slight awkwardness to share about his personal life, which he never did. It was always between him and Hailey, Cabir was the first one to know about it. 

I still can't believe. How can a man, survive in a relationship without any romantic feelings. Mathlab, what relationship you both had? I can't even question your manly hormones or desires, because you already have a daughter at the end of your college in Nandini's tummy. He was still amused and wondered what was in between Hailey and Manik that keep them so long with each other.

Our relationship was very sacred, Cabir. I could never put it in words for anyone. In fact, I never shared this with anyone. Not even Nandini. The only thing she knows is that Hailey was my ex that's it. She never liked to hear about my relationship with any girl. She was over-possessive and obsessed with me at that time. It was too dangerous for my own good. Cabir was very attentively listening to him. If someone had said the same thing before Manan's marriage, Cabir would've made fun of it and Manik would've laughed at his guts if someone says that he would be sharing his crucial past with his good for nothing younger brother. Things turned drastically between them. Importantly, Cabir was no judgemental about Manik. He was changing for very good.

Pele se kahani bathayega? Manik nodded his head.

It all started seven years ago.

Life was totally different, Manik Malhotra was different. I was never like this. I used to like partying, drinking till I pass out, enjoying life to full level. My life was all about college, hospital, friends, and drinks. That was my world. I have spoiled myself too badly. I was not introvert. Masti karna. Apne mai, khushi dund na, Apne friends, ke sath apne sari khushi batna. Dusro ko treat karna. Apne aap ko dundna. That was my life.

You get the kick with money in your life. I used to get the kick by flirting with girls. Harmless and healthy flirt. It was fun for me that is what I always said to the world. But truth was,

I wanted to forget a girl of thirteen years, who stole my heart. I was finding her with every girl I meet. I knew I couldn't get the same girl with thousands of girls, whom I met daily. I was suppressing her memory by being with other girls. But I couldn't move further than a dinner date with them. I used to feel very guilty and ashamed to spend my time on any girl than her. But I was stubborn to get rid of her. I was not ready to believe that I should settle my life with the girl, whom I shared my first kiss. I was trying and trying. It never happened.

Hailey, ASR, Daan, Khushi, Alya, Aryaman and Lisa were my friends. I know Daan from childhood, from Thomas, my caretaker. When dada dadi expired, I was left alone again. I was always pampered and attended by them. When they are gone for good. I couldn't find the same attention from mom dad. I missed someone taking care of me. That never happened with dadi and dada. They were let me experience what was grief. Until they were gone. When I landed here, I was lonely. Mom & dad never turned up, even if they wanted. I slowly started being bitter unknown to me. I wanted to seek their attention by hook or crook. I wanted them to look after me. I did horrendous work to get into their look. They drew the conclusion that was I getting bitter day by day, I needed to be thought some discipline. They sent me away from them. I never wanted to go not because I wanted a family but because I found someone who could feel up loneliness with whom I found my home. 

It was Twinkle.

Nandini Manik Malhotra. My Adobe.

Cabir blinked his eyes animatedly at Manik. He still couldn't believe what he just heard.

She was the sweet thing, I ever experienced in my life. She was one tough girl I had ever met. The attitude was running more fastly than blood in her veins. Sharp tongue. She was pampered hell lot by her parents. Her mistakes were covered up always. She was the apple of her parents.

When she slowly started being my addiction, I was not aware. I was no less. I gave her one challenging life back then. She had my heart before she knew it by herself. I had her's.

Back then I couldn't name it but I knew she was someone whom I wanted my life in the future. You see this room of mine, which is connected to her's room. Cabir nodded his head, he never found the logic why were their rooms connected.

When our parents were planning to build this building. I clearly remember that night, Nandini was our neighbor and she is your best friend, you never liked her spending time with me. You were little but you were so jealous Nandini getting attached to me. You never let her be with me you used always drag her off. Though she didn't like your attitude towards me, she didn't want to make you sad, you're her best friend before me, at the same time she doesn't want to give up her time with me. Cabir was hearing a story that happened just round him, however, he was too small to understand a thing between Manan. When he understand the meaning of Love, Manik & Nandini were already parted their ways forcefully. Cabir was totally amazed about their childhood bond, though he roughly remembers how he used to brag in between in them always. Then he calmed his guilt thinking he was too small to understand them and their bond.

Then she came up with this dangerous plan, sneaking in my room in the middle of the night to spend some time with me. Can you imagine? she climbed to my room with the help of a water pipe which would land her in the first floor back then, I was stunned when she woke me up and told her karnama to reach me. This repeated for two days, then I gave up this won't be changing because she is too stubborn to listen to me about her safety, that's when I requested my parents to have skywalker to our room. Though they threw some weird expression at me, they finally fullied my wish without giving many thoughts, for them we are just little babies. Nandini's joy had no bounds. Later we made our share of memories in our rooms and skywalker. Manik looked at skywalker with bliss, he could still see how he was tickling his little Twinkle. Whose laugh echoed in both their rooms. How could even give up on her, who dipped him in happiness, when he couldn't find a way out of the darkness. 

It was just beautiful moments in my life. I proudly say she was My sweetheart, then her stubbornness brought her more close to me. Her laughter and antics still in my mind so fresh it feels it was just yesterday. Cabir could really see that love in Manik's eyes and voice. He was whipped by His Twinkle when he didn't even know the meaning of love.

You were in Love with her. Manik smiled at his brother's statement, he leans to the railing with that soft smile reminiscing all moments of happiness back in his memory. There would be lot of memory in Manik's life, a lot of memory he had forgotten or vaguely remembered but that was not in the case of His Twinkle, he remembers a single day of it like it happened yesterday.

Yeah. I know it today. Not back then, it boosted my attitude, Twinkle's antic was no less, she used to warn girls who would talk or eye me admiringly. It was increasing my esteem more, it was like I had a girlfriend in my world, who is special to me as I was to her. My day would start and end with her. I was in a position like I had everything I gave no thoughts for her behavior with other girls. Though I stopped her fighting with them, however, I couldn't really understand her possessiveness or obsessiveness towards me. A clear regret was in his eyes for not picking her behavior, but he was a teenager, who was happy in a world where he had a girl to show off and feel deeply. He was too busy with his feelings that he hadn't thought why was she like that.

She had it in her blood, her mother. Ishitha aunty. 

Her Possessiveness also gave me advantageous in my teenage, I had all her time. It's not like lovey-dovey as you expect. We didn't click in instant, but gradually she becomes my Adobe, I needed that time. I didn't needed her console or a listener. I needed someone with whom I would be myself. She is the only woman with whom I really lived without hesitation. That was comforting. Her lap was my safe place. The boy was in a mist without his knowledge, though Cabir saw his tears falling from his eyes which were pooled with his deep affection and love for his girl. He didn't disturb the feeling Manik had. He let him relive those moments with her in the back of his memory.

Things got better with us fighting and consoling. I was good, just for her those times. Unless for the world, I was a rude and undisciplined boy, who needed a strict environment. I was totally broken when they announced that I won't be staying with them anymore. I was going to shift to boarding school the next day. Manik's mocking chuckle did pull a wrong string in Cabir's heart. 

I was adamant not to leave. Some bits really wanted mom dad's love and attention, which really didn't come. I was happy when they got married, I thought I'll be more happy with them. Then they forgot me in their world which had another son and their business. I was nowhere, just nowhere. Cabir couldn't breathe a second, he was suffocated completely.

I was left alone completely that's when dada dadi took me. I was leading a pampered life with them when they were gone, I was back to square. Mom & Dad didn't want me, they had everything already, I felt I was the past baggage of their beautiful life before marriage. The remorse and agony are what Cabir heard in his cracked voice, somewhere he found, Manik had the grudge on his parents still leaving him without care about him. Cabir did experience a tight pain in his chest hearing Manik, surprisingly.

The worse part, I had to leave the Adobe of mine. For others, it may be a place for me it was her. Just her. 

I couldn't just leave her, she needed me as much as I needed her. Things weren't even that good in Nandini's life too. Her brothers used to envy her, her parents would fight always. She needed an escape, I was her's. Being Nandini's best friend, Cabir wasn't really aware of the worst and best things of her life. Not his mistake, for the world, she was that sassy attitude girl, who had everything perfect only she knew what she lacked in her life. She covered up her scares with her attitude and sternness, never let anyone touch the wall she created around her.

I had to give up when mom begged me to leave when dad and I had a fight, which was turning nasty, I was fighting for Nandini and myself. Everything inside me smashed into pieces. Maybe they wanted my betterment but they didn't want take up the responsibility of it. I was crushed. Nandini's devastating state didn't help me more. It ruined her and me forever. We have that scare deep inside us. Surely, the damage was unbelievable on their souls. They struggled more than needed in the pain and death.

We had our share of sadness in the family. We had to give up at that time till the time come for us again if we meant too.

I had lost the hopes of Nandini. But I knew if someone could bring my hope was Nandini's stubbornness. That's what happened in my life. Her stubbornness is what brought her to me. Cabir smiled brightly hearing it, something really good happened with Nandini's stubbornness was that in Manan's life.

It was a goodbye day for me, my things were packed so tide that nothing of mine was left in this home. It was upsetting that I couldn't see tears in mom and dad. They wore a cold face to let me go. 

Nandini didn't come out of her room that day. I bid bye to every Murthy's politely. I was a good child to them those days. They were good to me as I was Nandini's closest friend. They loved me little because I was reason of Twinkle's brightest smile. 

I made an excuse saying I had my thing in Nandini's room, they let me go. I ran to her room, she was crying so bad, all flushed, I remember it even today. People say what would a fourteen boy knows about love and loss, then again they didn't felt a percent of what Nandini and I felt at that time. It was a separation, maybe we won't able to see each other ever. There won't be us anymore in each other life. Our hope was ruined already to top all the insecurities we both had. Cabir couldn't still believe how they came so far today.

I didn't know how it happened. When our eyes connected it clicked to us, a life without each other was - the self ruining. 

We got intimate for the first time, 

We kissed each other. I don't know who first initiated, we just kissed each other furiously. I had conveyed all my emotions for her in that kiss, we weren't sure we would've another kiss with each other. That made us kiss more deeply. I still remember I was shaking nervously with things I was sharing with her, unexpectedly. That need was unexplainable. I was not lusting, I was in love with her already. She is the soulmate of my life, I knew it back then. I decided that she will be the only girl who is my first and the last kiss is what I promised myself when I broke the kiss.

I didn't want to leave her in remorse. I wanted her to find me because she had that guts in her system, which I lacked mostly back then. I was not sure mom and dad would ever expect me here, I had this conclusion already in my mind that I was not coming back ever to this huge Mansion. They didn't even expect me to come back, I could read that in their actions and words. Again, I didn't want to lose my Abode, thanks to me, I never thought this Mansion as my home but her. It wasn't that difficult to leave this place but it did scare me daylights to think my life without her. I couldn't do that, I had literally imagined my whole life with her already it was difficult to forget her. Or possibly imagine a life without her. How can I even do that? I need her in my life. Period. 

That sure was I about her. Manik ended with the same determination, he had back then, It was her and only her.

Then why Hailey or any other girl? Manik I don't understand that. When Cabir questioned all confused, Manik had this saddest smile on his face.

It took eight years for her to reach me, Cabir. 

Eight years!

I waited for her, the pain of separation burned my soul too badly, my hopes became hopeless in waiting for her. Maybe she didn't need me as I needed her, that scared me more than death. I needed a distraction, my mind wanted to prove myself that I could have a life without her that was I proving myself. Deep down I knew, everything was absurd and wrong. She was my destination, I was desperately waiting for her. 

I left behind a broken girl, who had her ways get her things back. And I, topped on it. I know she'll do everything in the world to have me. Before leaving I challenged to get back at me for ruining her precious First Kiss. Twinkle had this fantasy for the First Kiss. I had triggered her, got the expected voltage from her. Asked her to find me if she could. I clearly captured her face in my mind how she was boiling at my cunning smile. I just spoiled our precious moment, I didn't know how to get her back, if not that. Manik laughed at his silly plan's to have her, what in the earth he was thinking when he thought that even. It sounded any but nonsense today.

Days passed to months; years rolled. There was no sign of her. I couldn't forget her, she was all in my mind and soul. To distract myself I started drinking and smoking. I was destroying myself, I not being attended by mom and dad added more stress and depression inside me. There talk and visit were limited maybe once in a year, they were too caught up with business and you, they hardly had time for me. They never called me back, I didn't want to come back too, except for her. I was attached to her emotionally. When she also didn't come to find me, that last hope of my life also destroyed, It Was Just Me. Alone in an unknown place and people. I was sickened of my own. Those were some of the worse years in my life. Cabir's ear straightened hearing the last line, there was more to come, the worst part.

Seeing my detouring condition my school warden gave me an address of a psychiatrist, I was in need of it. Years of pain and loss made me abandon. I needed someone to listen to me, I want to loosen up myself, to restart my life again. Cabir wondered how less he knew about Manik and his pain, how lowly he had actually judged his brother taking rumours seriously from others, nevertheless, he noted one thing about Manik, that he never gave up even when everyone left his side. He had this strong emotion to stand back to fight against all evils. He never let people or life to destroy his living.

ASR came into the picture at that time, he was the one who complained about my habits to the warden. I was maddened at him, he was Boy Head of our School, Khushi was the Girl Heal by his side. They were great friends then, they somehow convinced me to go to the doctor with the warden, if not they will reach out to my parents for my behavior. The last thing I wanted in my life was the Parent word. That word tortured me inside. I had to obey them, walk up to this doctor, he was a extremely handsome in the fifties. 

He had this Tomboy daughter, and that's none other than My bestest friend Hailey.

We clicked like we know each other for years. Doctor uncle was a Playboy of his days, he had countless affairs in his college, one of those affairs included with Hailey's mom, a nightstand in precise. When they got to know Hailey's mother being pregnant with her, uncle left everything to take care of her, Hailey opted to live with her father when her mother found someone for her. Hailey didn't have one percent regret for choosing her dad against her mother. Her father was an ideal man for her. There was no day that I had seen her in tears. That man always gave the best for her, he could have any woman in his life like Hailey's mother. But he didn't, he feared the other woman wouldn't love his daughter. He gave away the thought long back. Even when we pressured him, he didn't allow any woman as his wife.

That time, I had these so-called great friends in my life. The hurt could be heard in his voice. 

Life was really great, Cabir. I promise they all were just awesome or I believed so. The backstabbers, bitterness it was, and Cabir picked that seriously. It had something, but he knew they were the disasters Manik had in his peaceful life.

When Nandini entered one by one everyone started showing their true colors. In the end, I saw myself alone. No one to hold my hand except Thomas and Hailey. Someone who knows my entire past still stuck to me was them. I'm really great full for them. Manik's gratitude widened when he saw Hailey laughing loud when Ruhi fell in the pool by chance. He giggled along seeing the scowling face of his baby. 

I had this life-ruining toxic in my life, I wasn't aware of in the name of friendship, Alya Sexana, and Aryaman Khurana. That turned worse when ASR and Khushi took my last bit of happiness and hope, my baby, Ruhi. If Cabir heard a cracking sound of Manik's voice, this shook him whole seeing him in tears of betrayal.

Ruhi is the definition of my life back then to today. I don't regret saying I love her bit more than I love Nandini. I had lived my life and death with her. There was a time, that Nandini would've lost the baby in her womb, I would say without a doubt, I could've died if she didn't make it up. That was my attachment to her. Nandini might had the baby in her womb but it was me who wanted her so bad, she was the only thing in the whole world I had as mine. Nandini had given up me long back, listening to her mom and Alya. In the end, Nandini successfully erased my existence in the world by giving my baby to ASR. Trust me, I was never this heartbroken or felt death than that moment, I begged her so bad. My screams went to her deaf ears. Tears didn't stop a moment in his eyes, not anymore. Cabir didn't know how to console him, he didn't have this guts to say something because he was guilty himself. He was tongue-tied. How wrong he was thinking about Manik, the whole time. He could really see it, just not today, but from the day she had entered in their life, One could easily see fatherly love of Manik, towards Ruhi. How wrong was that to judge someone, their silence was given an assumption. What has gotten to humanity? A shame it was.

The next few hours went with my tears of loss, That was not the end actually, there was more to come, 

Then I got to know Twinkle was met with a deathly accident. I would've lost her too. Daan managed to save her, I was revealed. I didn't lose her completely. 

when I went into her room to check on her. 

She asked Daan, 

'Who was I'?

I was frozen, I had not only lost my daughter but my love too. Manik rubbed his tears looking at his baby, who was busy dragging Hailey to the pool, she wanted revenge. And he hated those emotions of Ruhi, that she got from Nandini, he didn't want that in his baby. That revenge and stubbornness.

I wanted to scream at her and tell who was I actually, I couldn't. I simply couldn't say anything to her, the woman who drowned me both in happiness and death. I walked out. I lost all the strength of life.

I gave up my practice of doctor, I couldn't bring myself to treat anyone. I was in a condition, that I hated to breathe to live. A listener is what Manik needed that time, Cabir understood that but it was too late now. That phase of life is gone, but being a brother, he understood, Manik was stuck in the past still, he wandered the desert of loneliness even today. He wasn't really healed as he said. He was just damaged that needed anything but love and care from everyone. And he was ready to platter it for Manik.

I vanished to some lone land of mine, there were no parents, no girlfriend, no baby. It was Thomas and me. That space healed me to some extent. A place where I picked my broken pieces in bits.

Three years, three years it was to get the grip on myself. Finally, I landed in a place where I don't want to come in the first place. Thomas was adamant, I had come, he wanted me to settle with parents, he thought my parent's love could make me feel emotional, how wrong was he? 

They weren't even welcoming!

Yup, it happened again, my parents didn't expect me and weren't happy with my come back. Then didn't have go. I was back to the place which I stored most of my happiness, my room. It was nostalgia to rewind, how was I and what I became in the end, I felt nausea with that heady happiness and memories. This room of mine suffocated me. That was one of the reason, I stayed away from this Mansion.

I kept myself, away from everyone without putting a single hurdle in any way, I was paranoid about what people would think of me, what if they destroy me more. I was afraid of others' opinions on me. Then gradually, I got used to things and people bullshit about me, no matter what, I should stop caring what others think about me, what was I, I knew it, I didn't wanted a character certificate from anyone. 

Slowly you also started joining everyone, you hated me more, I didn't have this connection with you ever. You judging or hating me didn't hurt me a bit, I was careless or waved it off. I was selfish to keep my happiness, that's why I got back to what made me happy. Treating people. I was awe in it, the profession which satisfied and healed my tore soul, I started finding the smile in other's happiness. I don't regret being a doctor than a businessman. Cabir was ashamed of himself, totally by the end. Then Manik again continued refraining further thoughts of Cabir.

Years rolled again, and Nandini wanted to marry me. I thought my worst days are gone but you know I called my disaster more than needed by staying here. Nandini fell in love with me again, the worst part everyone wanted me to marry her except me, Given with no past, I would've jumped to the offer, that's what I craved in my life. Her. 

Then everything felt more meaningless to me. I couldn't say what happened to me or hurt her. This Nandini was far better than Twinkle was. She was someone who isn't in the past. Yet Stubbornness was still in her. I couldn't decide what I wanted, I was afraid this time she'll hurt me beyond repairs if she gets her memory back. Twinkle hated me so much that I ever experienced from anyone. She crossed all the limits in the name of revenge and hatred towards me. In this situation what would be my answer. It was 'No'. A big No.

I couldn't let her have that joy of destroying me more. I was determined yet seeing this Skywalker, it itched me to walk towards it, I wasn't feeling good with negative reply for the marriage, I sat in between skywalker in complete dilemma, I was in two minds, one part needed her still after all the worst things happened with me and another part already gave up on her, slowly our past memories came in front of me, how happy I was with her; that teary-eyed girl who wanted nothing but me, who was calling for help churned my heart again. My legs made my way to her room, that was the first time I had walked in between skywalker after I left her here years back. I never made an attempt to her enter her room, it tempted me sometimes, given with past lessons, I didn't dare to hurt myself again but that day I couldn't stop myself,

That night she wasn't there. She left for a business tour. I started touching our things, that she stored safely in her room. That made me smile, it would've been good if we never had the past in our life. I couldn't feel my feelings in content, I had this scare that always reminded me how badly she failed me always. How she gave away my happiness to her brother. I chucked and continued to look at our stored memories. We made a lot of them, that smile could win any girls' heart. Nandini was the safest memory of his life.

That's when I came across her medical report. 

Precise psychiatrist of Twinkle, after I left, Nandini was broken as me, things turned creepy when her parents started having continuous fights, which had no time for her. Her parent's behavior slowly getting into Nandini's mind. She became impossibly possessive for her things, started to believe what her mother showed, she had this blind trust towards her mother rather than her father. She was afraid to lose me forever, and there was hint of doubt which she always carried in her towards her partner, just like Her mother, Ishitha, she was great influence on Nandini's subconscious, Aunty had this doubt on uncle that he might be having an affair with another woman, though uncle provided proofs many times, that woman couldn't trust her husband, it was easy for weak mind to grasp such things, and Nandini was one of the victims. Deep down things seated inside her, there was insecurity and doubts regarding me, I was not aware of this part of her life like she is not aware of my struggles without her. We avoided talking it back then when we meet.

Communication is very much important in a relationship, especially damaged people with scares need to be treated sensitively. Tell them and show them how much you mean to them. With given chances say what you are to the partner. 

That's where our relationship failed. Admitting the bitter truth of their relationship wasn't easy to Manik not because he was coward, but he was ashamed of how things would've been different if they had put their relationship more vocal. Things would've been magnificent eliminating all the worst years he had without her.

Now, I regret deeply, if we had talked and understood our past, Ruhi and I would've never suffered such horrendous things. When I got to know, about her insecurities, I felt ashamed of myself for not pestering her to tell me about her days without me. I was guilty that I didn't give her that assurance that she needed after seeing my way of life, she was seeking for it. Then I had to tease her a lot. She suffered more than me, I figured out. 

And Nandini only remembers those days with her parents, her memory with me completely vanished when she joined our college.

I knew I had a chance to heal her. To give the love she deserved. To the world, she was an arrogant brat, but she was my woman, who I know too deeply than needed. I took the chance to live with Brand new Nandini, killing all my emotions and memories with Twinkle. For me, she died the day, when she asked me who I was I. It was a new page altogether with her. My Wife.

In starters it was difficult, I had to love her again but she is completely a different person, altogether. Then again that was what I chose. The chance was heavy and risky for me, you people just made it more difficult for me. Days passed, when I was in love with this woman called, Nandini Manik Malhotra, I don't know, I didn't expect this soon at least, after all the suffering from the past, she made me fall to her new personality that I can't even imagine.

Nandini was the definition of my life, whatever she presented to me is what I took always. My happiness and sadness go in hand in hand with her decision always, it was not just today's truth, even when we were kids, that's how things went with me.

This woman not only made me happy and heal my scares, but she also gave me everything I had lost once. My parents, the people whom I gave up. Then I had to forgive her when she brought my baby home just for me. I was a goner, my baby hugged me in her presence. I got My Abode, I fell in love more with my Wife than I was with Twinkle. She made things easy when everything was complicated around me, including her. 

I don't know how to deal with things or her, yet she made it easy giving me all the space I needed from her.

Today here we are, He spread his hands wide with a content smile, it was there. Happiness. His hope had won against all the ill emotions he had when he married Nandini; his belief on God wasn't destroyed. His God held him and gave every deserved thing for the trust he had on him. 

We had made a lot of mistakes, got more heartbreaks, Years of painful separations, did unforgivable things to each other, felt other has venom who broke us, However, we are there, how we imagined our life back then. Nothing could stop our love, no betrayal could stop me to have that woman as my wife. No friend could destroy my character in front of Nandini again. No one could snatch my daughter from me, today. That far I have come in my life.

This time, I'm not letting anyone destroy my happiness. I've earned that happiness with years of struggle and I deserve that happiness and peace. In the end Cabir was sure, there is nothing that Love couldn't pass. True love should be something like that, Pure and selfless, Manik was an inspiration, truly.

None would dare to do it. Cabir patted Manik's shoulder in affection and promise to himself but there was sting of guilty inside his soul that he was one of the reasons for Manik's tears. He hated that, he 'll do everything to get rid of that sting.

Tell me about this college scene, when Nandini entered your life. Cabir wanted to know, what exactly happened. Especially, how things went back then. He just wants to know about everything from the Manik side. 

How did Hailey took things? Manik smiled at Cabir's question. Precise grining foolishly.

Cabir, let me tell you something. Hailey was never a hurdle to Nandini and my life. In fact, she was the one who pushed me to date Nandini, seeing the attraction we had on each other. Taking couch support Manik moved to see the pool area, he wanted to locate this daughter of his, who was in the mood of mischief. She hadn't done it till now, according to the time table. Something is definitely fishy.

You can actually visit her apartment. There are so many pictures of ours. That I don't know when she took. Cabir was amazed of such girls, are they even qualified to be the girlfriend.

How did you get in a relationship with Hailey then? All he wanted was to hit his head at the casualty Hailey had in the relationship with Manik. Which girl on the earth does that? Setting your boyfriend with some other girl.

Hailey was safest woman for me to get protected. I bet even I walk naked in front of that girl, she will roll her eyes, 

Is she a lesbian? Cabir mocked casually, taking the juice glass finally, which His Madhubala left half an hour ago.

You got that, Junior Malhotra. Manik couldn't stop that ear to ear smile of his.

What the fuck? Cabir spilled the juice that he had in his hand when he heard that.

You dated a lesbian. Who are basically interested in the 'GIRLS'. He quoted that in the air, he was overwhelmed.

Cabir, Mera bhai, dono ka eki mathlab hai. Manik patted Cabir's shoulder with fake concern, which he glared him back.

You still wanted her to be your soulmate. Gosh! He threw unbelievable look at his elder brother.

Cabir happens. Even I was shocked to hear her sexual orientation. I was blown away when she literally explained how she wanted to fuck a girl or knocked a girl. 

She has this dirty and juicy details, I never want to hear. Manik remembers that absurd scenes with the voices of Hailey and her dirty deeds with girls in the background of his mind. Yew, he remembers how he puked out when she- 

You know, I tried to kiss her in my drunk state, because I couldn't cheat Nandini with my conscious mind, I could never. 

I went to this Hailey, who was busy grinding against the girl in the name of the dance, I was clueless about her sexual orientation, I was about to kiss her or trying to force myself to kiss her once, I wanted to prove myself that Nandini wasn't girl only in my life, I can have anyone. then Hailey gave this solid swat on my stomach, that's when she screamed at me, how she was a lesbian. I literally puked on the dance floor. I never felt this embarrassed than that day. That was the last, I tried to kiss anyone, it was Nandini alone. 

Cabir was actually laughing at the images he created based on Manik's word. It sounded funny to him, he was soon joined by Manik.

Hailey found it when she got in relationship with me for the first time. And that was so upsetting for both of us. Manik felt how silly it was. He had so many girls in his life. Yet, His God didn't make any relationship successful for him. It was like, he was embarked for Nandini only for all seven lives of his.

So, why did you still called her has your girlfriend? Cabir was not done yet.

To keep each other safe from everyone out there. We could escape from other hawk eyes and have our life. 

We had these crazy parties every weekend, no one allowed to it. Hailey could have her life and I can have mine. It wasn't really complicated. It was easy. I was given a package.

Nandini knew it? Cabir gave a thought in confusion.

You wish. There it had answers again.

Nandini wouldn't hear a word about my dates? She was this possessive. Manik showed his height to measure Nandini's possessiveness, Cabir had to agree with it.

What about your other friends? 

Hailey was open just for me, she didn't mingle with them more than needed. I was this bridge. She knew my secrets and me, her's. It was easy to deal with her. That was one of the reasons for my desperation. I wanted an easy relationship, which I could have her. 

With rest, it was dirty. I couldn't keep my personal life like I had a chance with Hailey. I was someone's property already, I need to keep myself safe from every girl out there for Nandini. It wasn't easy. 

Tell me about this college journey of yours'? Manik was about to start the topic,

Maniiiiiiiii. Nandini's frustration yell was enough for Manik to scream in annoyance.

Fuck, Ruhi. No, his daughter isn't disobedient, she had play prank on Nandini according to the timetable.

Cabir, take me to Nandini's room. He managed to take Manik to Nandini's room passing through skywalker. Where Nandini was busy glaring his daughter, who was gushing with pride taking whole Murthy's home on her head. 

Ruhi? She waved at Manik in a proud smirk, as she hugged her daddy leaving Hailey, who was busy looking at poor Nandini. 

Nandu, Manik called her softly, he showed his free hand to get her down. Where Nandini was adamant to not get down.

I'm not getting down. You heard me, Mr. Malhotra.

Kya huwa? Raman opened Nandini's room door which comes from Murthy's Mansion. Followed by the entire Murthy's family.

Papa. Nandini showed her arms to pick her, he had to, listening to the wild barks from the new pet, Ruhi got from ASR. Which could scare Nandini with full intensity. 

Nandini, come here. Manik called her sweetly. he knows her pregnancy hormones are on red alert. He needs to deal with her calmly.

Get that daughter of yours and get out. I'm not coming anywhere near you or her. You're bad.  Manik literally rolled at the drama. Sometimes, her hormones got his nerves.

I warned you, Ruhi. Didn't I? Ruhi pouted at Manik's coldness. 

I love him, Papa. He is so small. He doesn't even know how to bite? Ruhi reasoned herself further, trying to make him understand as if he never knows the facts about the dog, One of the reasons he never had his favorite pet because Nandini had this Cynophobia. She was scared of dogs. Be how small it is. 

And here Ruhi referring Great Dane as a small dog didn't fit well with both Manik and Nandini. And the size already reached Nandini's chest. How small it was or on which angel? Nandini couldn't understand. She scowled at her daughter. She gonna pay for this worst prank, she did on her.

As if you ever kept your fingers in its mouth. Nandini mocked her back, while she was safely resting in bridal style in her father's arm. Who was tired of the show he is getting from his daughter and granddaughter, and everyone was just enjoying the banter between the three.

Of course, I did. Ruhi was proud of her bravery.

He didn't bite me. That smug swept everyone in horror.

You did what? Nandini was frustrated and scared as a whole. The office without any Malhotra is already a pain for her in the first trimester of pregnancy, here her daughter is making things more stressful for her. However, she enjoyed that pain, that was what she missed in years. Being a mother.

Oye! Doctor Malhotra dekle teri beti kya kar rahi hai? Teri pet peche? Manik almost lost a beat of his heart, when he heard Ruhi's bravery, who would put a hand in dog's mouth, which was actually brought a few minutes ago. How can you trust a dog, when it is really brought to a new place.

Did you wash your hands? Manik gave Ruhi to Hailey. Who had to redo her handwash, to satisfy the Doctor? Thank god, she got rid of him, she can't really imagine her life with Manik. He was a pain for her. How did she survive two years with him, she is still finding the answer.

Manik, stop it already. Aren't you get bored with hygiene. Manik glared her as he picked Ruhi in his arms, carefully. There is no way he couldn't let her walk down when he is there. That was his way to pamper her.

Cabir. When Manik eyed at the dog, he understood. Cabir picked him in his arms, consciously. He doesn't want to get a bite that follows a series of injections.

Nandini, get down and go to the room. She literally ran away to their room when she was on her feets making everyone chuckled at her behavior. 

She is still scared of dogs, Raman commented laughing with others. Manik patted the dog, affectionately. He was in love with him already. He knows why ASR brought this specific dog for Ruhi, it was Manik's favorite. 

Did you keep the name? Manik tightened the belt around the dog. 

Nada! he just arrived. I was playing with him when Mamma came to make me have dinner, rest you know. 

Don't bring him to this room. Hmm! You can have him in your room but here and Malhotra Mansion. You understand. Ruhi pouted, then agreed to him. She doesn't want to scare Nandini again. Manik doesn't want Nandini to run being scared, it might turn harmful or cause any mishap; which isn't good for a pregnant woman.

Go and have your dinner. I need to deal with Nandini. Manik sends off Ruhi with the rest of Murthy's. 

I'm gonna stay with my pup. He gave approval for Ruhi, it's just they are too used to sleep with each other. 

Have fun. Manik screamed, Cabir and he made way to downstairs still laughing at Nandini's face, where Mrs. Malhotra was already complaining to senior Malhotra about Ruhi's doing and her dangerous pet, who is busy consoling their best, and the woman wasn't still done with her complaint, and they already heard earful from her.

Navya, dinner!! Manik yelled when he settled down on the couch with the help of Raj and Cabir. Damn! he is already hating this dependence, then again, he was getting the pamper, he was getting widely accepting them with open arms from the family.

They had eventually dinner with here and there chat. And Nandini nagging on most of the time just because Manik ordered to have diet food. This also followed with her drama in front of the family ended up getting one whole extra cheese pizza from Chef Cabir as a consolation, much to Manik's protest. He had agreed, when she was almost ready to cry, the last thing he needs when he is bedridden was fighting with her hormones, he had to give up for her mood swings. That followed was a movie.

They saw a movie to pass the weekend, where Nandini dozed before the interval of the movie in tiredness. Rest left the theatre room after the movie was over, leaving behind Manan.

Manik caressed Nandini's soft face with his thumb in admiration. She was getting a little plumpy. He pulled her cheeks out of fondness. He can't wait to see that adorable whale size Nandini again. Damn! how he controlled to not to say that in their first pregnancy. He knows this going in the same way as before.

Are you going to be my Whale? Manik chuckled at his words.

I heard that, Malhotra. Manik's eyes were out of the socket when he heard from her sleeping figure.

What My sexy doll? He coaxed at her narrowed glare. 

The Whale part. Manik's fake smile loosened its charm.

Did you hear it? He was regret to be so loud for her.

I heard it last time only. He was shocked. He just underestimated his girlfriend's ear back then. 

You didn't say anything back then? Smoothing her silky hairs, Manik questioned her

Because you added 'MY Whale', so I let go of the biggest insult from you. 

Damn! What am I going to do with you? Manik closed his lips with her's much to her thirsty hormones then all the theatre room witness the new movie, called Making love, especially an 18+ adult movie.

##

Olllla! This writer is back. 

I know it's been a year almost that I hadn't updated. 

With all apologies, I'm here. This time to completed this book no matter what. 

It may turn three more chapters. As I said before I won't be elaborating a flashback as I did in fate. I'll keep the past simple. And end it in a good note.

Anything you wish to see before the story ends. I'm definitely not rushing the story, that's how I planned the story. Hope you like it.

How important communication in a relationship, is what I wanna spread in this story. A small doubt could destroy someone's life.

How was the story so far? 

Many wanted me to continue this story, wanted me to give a meaningful ending. What is your idea of meaningful end? I love to read it.

Manik?

Ruhi?

Nandini?

Being a parent isn't easy. Never take up a drastic step if you aren't ready for the huge responsibility that comes along. That was the case, Manik had in this story.

Stop fighting before a child, you don't how far their mind runs. You are their role model, they pick it soon. A child's mind is a white page, whatever it sees and hears, they settle back of their mind as a permanent print. Be mindful before you open your mouth. Never ever fight in front of children. Never disrespect or doubt your partner in front of them at least. Insecurities don't come from anywhere but from the people we love.

Remember everything happens for a reason. Whatever you do, you'll get things you earned in your platter. However you try to replace, you get only deserved things at the end.

Good Karma will hold your hand always in the form of a person or thing. All you need is to be patient and have the Trust.

What scene did you like the most?

Cabir and Manik? Or Manbir? 

For all those who hated Cabir? Are you liking him now?

Navya? 

I damn! missed the kiss-miss. That isn't possible with Manan, because their shameless and won't miss any opportunity.

Hailey??

A Lesbian Girlfriend? Who expected that?

So Called Husband as a story of his own? A journey from childhood to adulthood. How was it?

Nandini, we did miss her side of the story, didn't we?

Ruhi is a happy going, girl?

Parents or being parents? What do you feel?

I don't know why this idea of Parenthood attracts me to write than any story. Let's see how it goes.

Do you by chance read any Non-Fiction story, if I write? Though I'm not planning. I'm asking you casually. 

Till then miss me.

I don't promise an update. But I promise this story will end before this year ends. which is two months' time. That would be fine I guess.

Goodnight

Lot's of love