PS: There is a lot of hindi in this chapter! I wonder how I could write so much Hindi!! I hope you guys don't mind.

In Mumbai:

"Cabir! Cabir utho. Time ho raha hai" Navya was trying her best to wake up Cabir.

"Paanch minute aur please" he was cribbing.

"Nai. Utho jaldhi. Manik kabse uth ke baitha hain hall mein"

"Arey yaar. Just 5 minutes. Mein kal raat late soya"

"Fine. I'll come back in five minutes" she said and left the room.

Downstairs, in the hall Manik was sitting with a cup of coffee in his hand.

She went and sat next to him.

"Slept well?" she asked. He nods in a yes.

"Aankhein toh kuch aur hi bataa rahe hain" she said.

"Tumhe jo sahi lage" he said.

"Manik kab tak tum aise rahoge. Na theek se khaate ho na time pe sothe ho. You're destroying yourself" she said.

"Navya yaar, subah subah apni pravachna shuru mat karo ab" he said in an irritated tone.

She knew he would react like that, it's been quite common. But still, she felt bad.

She got up and was walking away, when he held her hand and stopped her.

"Acha sorry bhabhi ji. That was rude"

"It's okay" she smiled looking at him.

"Kya karoon mein Navya, tumhi batao ab"

"Manik. Mein tumhaari dard samaj sakti hoon. I understand. Par tum? Tum apne aap ko samajh nai rahe ho. Manik tumhe yaad hain mumma kya kehti thi? Tum aur Cabir hamaari family ki strength ho. Tumhe aise dhekh ke Cabir ka kya haal ho raha hain tumhe andhaaza bhi nai hain. Woh beech raat uth jaata hain, tumhaara naam pukaartha hain and he starts sweating"

"Are you serious?"

"I am. Usne mujhe tumhe yeh sab bataane se manaa kiya. Par mujhe nai lagta tumhe help karne ke liye mere paas kuch aur raasta hain. You need to know Manik, that we all are suffering to see you like this. It's been an year Manik, tum ek saal se bas aise ghar pe baithe ho. Do you even realize? Tum kaise the Manik, you hated staying at home doing nothing. Kam se kam basketball khelne toh jaate"

"I am trying Navya. Par mujhse nai hota" he said and that's it. He broke down.

Navya is used to this. This happens every other day.

"Shh. Chup ho jao Manik" she said hugging him, patting his back.

Cabir got up and was watching all this from upstairs. He himself was crying. But he is strong. He has become the pillar of the family since their parents passed away.

He looks to his right that, to the wall that held this huge portrait of all them together. They were all smiling, looking beautiful. It was a picture from Manik's 21st birthday.

"Not fair huh mumma. Not at all fair. Dhekho tumhaara laadla kaisa ho gaya tumhaare bina. He is broken. The problem is he's not trying to fix himself, instead he's destroying himself more. Please help me na. Meine sab try kiya lekin kuch farak nai padaa. Please do something. Please find someone who'd help him come out of it. You know, may be he needs some one to put all his attention on, just like it was you before. If he finds someone who he can love as much as he loved you, he'll get over it. He'll be normal" he was talking to the photo, looking at his mom.

"Kya scene chal raha hai tum donon ka" he said coming downstairs.

"Subah subah rona dhona shuru" 

"Tu ready nai hua ab tak?" Manik asked him.

"Meri biwi ko tum kidnap kar gaye toh mein ready kaise ho sakta hoon"

"Jao. Nahi toh mujhe bolega ki mere wajeh se late ho gaya"

"Manik j aatu mere liye kuch karega?" Cabir asked.

"Kya?"

"Pehle bol karega ki nai"

"Depends"

"Fine. Mujhe nai bataani"

"Acha bol karoonga"

"Aaj tu mere saath office chalega?"

"Kya? Cabir nai yaar. I can't"

"Tu ne bola tu karega"

"Toh tujhe yeh karne ke liye nai bolna tha. Tu jaanta hai mein nai karoonga"

"Manik aaj mera birthday hain. Tujhe yeh tak bhi yaad nai hai"

Manik was shocked. He was always the first one to wish him, before anyone else. No one would ever wish him before he does. It's like their thing. They spend the whole day together and you have seen it already.

"Cabir. I am sorry yaar. Pata nai kaise bhool gaya"

"Ab toh wish kar"

He gets up and hugs him.

"Happy birthday Bhai. I promise aage se kabhi nai bhooloonga"

"Agar maafi chahiye toh mere saath office chal"

"Theek hain" he accepts immediately.

Navya's happiness has no boundaries now.

"Jaldhi se ready ho jaa. Aadhe ghante mein niklenge. Navya iske liye suit nikaalo" he says to Navya.

She comes close to Cabir, kisses on his cheek and says, "Happy birthday Cabir. I love you"

"Awww! Look at you both. Mere saamne hi?" Manik says.

"Jab teri waali aayegi tab mein bhi yahi dialogue boloonga"

"In your dreams"

"Haan! I already dreamt about it"

"Come on Cabir. Who would want me?"

"Who wouldn't?"

"Ladkiyan na sorted boys ko date karti hain. Aur mujhe dhekho. Mein kuch karta nai hoon. Apne aap ko sambhaal nai sakta toh usko kya sambhal paunga. No one can take me for who I am"

"This is all temporary Manik. Tujhe yaad nai hain college mein ladkiyan kaisi tum pe marti thi" Cabir asked.

"Woh Manik ab nai raha" says and walks away.

"Don't worry Cabir. Mujhe yakeen hain isko aisi ladki milegi jo iski pain samajh sake. Bas hamein thoda wait karna padega"

"I hope it happens soon"

Since that day Manik starts going back to office.

He used to stay silent, do his work and come back home. He never interacted with anyone. His uncle was always there at the office, taunting Cabir for one thing or the other. He still used to remain silent, come back home, gulp over a bottle or two of beer and sleep. The same thing used to repeat everyday.

No one could stop him from drinking.

An year later, they could see him slowly changing. His drinking came down. He started opening up to people. Most importantly he cried less.

His visits to his therapist also came down, which was a great improvement.

It was the death anniversary of his sister and parents.

While he was looking for some file in his dad's wardrobe after they finished the puja, he finds his dad's diary. He never knew his dad used to write.

He opens the first page and there was a family photo of Manik, Mukti, mom and dad.

He could feel his eyes getting moist, but somehow he controls himself and starts reading.

While a few things made him smile, a few made him shed a couple of tears.

A few days before the trip and the incident happened, his dad stopped writing.

But in the last page he wrote, Manik saw something he never knew.

It was my dad's dream to send me abroad and study business. It never happened because he knew he wasn't capable to do that. I hope one day, I can send Manik and fulfill my dad's dream. All I earn is for my children. 

Meine bohot dhekha hain apni zindagi mein, i wanted a lot of things but couldn't get them. I will make sure my kids never have to face that situation. Not just my kids, no kid should be deprived of anything. I am so proud of Neonika for starting so many child welfare organizations. I am lucky to have a family that cares so much about others. God bless us all! 

Manik and Mukti are growing up to be wonderful kids. Navya and Cabir make me think of Neonika and I when we were young. As Neonika always says, they both will lead the rest of my kids in the right way. Cabir would be the best person to lead the company when I step down and I am sure Manik would not have a problem with it. He loves and respects Cabir so much. Infact I am sure if I ask Manik to take my position, he would definitely refuse.

 I have planned a surprise tour for the kids on the occasion of their 25th concert. Mujhe pata hain unn sab se zyaada toh neonika excited hogi jaane ke liye. She feels so bad to travel around alone for work without kids. Finally she gets to do what she loves the most. I got two new cameras for her, knowing how many pictures she clicks. I hope the trip ends well. Once we come back, I am going to discuss with Manik about his MBA. I am sure he would never say to no to me. 

After all he is my son!

Manik never knew his dad wanted him to go abroad. He felt so bad for not knowing what his father wanted.

He rushes to Navya's room with the diary.

"Navya. Open the door. Jaldhi" he keeps banging the door.

"Manik. Kya hua? Tum itne pareshaan kyu lag rahe ho?" she asked cupping his cheeks.

"Yeh dhekho" he says giving her the diary, with that last page open for her to read.

"Yeh tumhe kaha se mila?" she asked.

"Dad ke wardrobe mein" he said.

"Actually mujhe pata tha ki papa tumhe America bhejna chahte the. Unhone mujhe bataaya" and that shocked him more.

"Toh tum ne mujhe pehle kyu nai bataaya?" he asked.

"Mujhe darr laga. Aisi haalat mein agar tum akele jaate toh"

"Navya mujhe yeh karna padega. This is like dad's last wish"

"Tum jaoge?" she asked.

"Yes. mein jaunga"

"Yeh toh bohot achhi baat hain Manik"

"Cabir ko bulao. Usko bolo jaldhi ghar aa jaye"

"Okay"

"Nai wait. Mein khud office jaunga. Ek zaroori kaam hain"

"Kaunsa kaam?"

"You know what? Tum bhi ready ho jao. 10 minute mein niklenge"

"Suit nikaaloo?" she asked.

"Nai. khud karloonga. You get ready"

"Okay" she says and closes the door to get ready.

Navya gets ready and goes to Alya's room.

"Alya, mein Manik ke saath office jaa rahi hoon. Tum khaana khaa lena okay?"

"Okay. par tum kyu jaa ri ho?" she asked.

"Khud nai pata. Manik ne bola ready ho jao jaana hain"

"Manikkk!!" alya sighs.

"Navya are you ready?" he screams from downstairs.

"Yes. aa rahi hoon" she screams back.

"Why does everyone in this house only scream?"

"Because we are crazy, acha chal ab. I will see you in a while" she says kissing her head and goes down.

"Chalo" Manik says.

"Waah manik, I am impressed. Sahi se chuna outfit apni" she says looking at him.

"Thanks" he says smiling.

Navya is actually surprised to see him smile, a whole hearted smile.

They reach office and directly go to Cabir's room.

"Cabir ek minute bahar chal" he says getting in.

"Kya hua? Tum donon yaha kya kar rahe ho?"

"Pehle baahar chal" he says dragging him outside.

He calls in for a meeting with everyone, his uncle as well.

"Hello everyone. I am sorry to disturb you all between your work. But I have an important announcement. Mein kuch dinon mein America jaa raha hoon, padhaai karne. To get an MBA. And since I won't be coming in two years, I have decided to do something, which I was supposed to do long back. I announce Mr. Cabir as the Managing Director of this company from today since I am stepping down. The papers will be ready by evening. I hope no one has an objection. In case you do, then you can come forward and talk to me" he says.

Everyone in the office loved Cabir. No one would have an objection to it. Except for one person. Manik's uncle.

"Manik, did you not think about considering my opinion before you make such a big decision?"

"I am sorry I didn't. Well, I think I have the right to do it. Since there's no chairperson, and I was the MD, I had the right to take that decision. And it is final" he said.

Cabir and Navya went dumb after hearing him.

"Tu kya bol raha hain Manik?" Cabir asked him.

"Andar chal" Cabir dragged Manik back to his room.

"Tu pagal ho gaya kya? Manik I am sick and tired of your behaviour! There is a limit. Pagalpanti ki bhi na hadd hoti hain. Mein tumhe kuch nai kehta iss ka yeh matlab toh nai na ki tu mere sarr pe chadh ke baithega? I didn't expect you to do this. Mujhe aisa lagta hai jaise tu ne mujhe humiliate kiya. Itna bada decision aur mujhe nai bataaya. Yeh kaisa ghatiya surprise hain?" Manik never saw this side of cabir, the angry young man, that too angry with him.

"Cabir meri baat sun. Mujhe dad ka diary mila" he says and gives the diary to Cabir.

Cabir falls back on the chair after reading it.

"He trusted me so much" he says, crying.

"That is the reason I took this decision. Mein tujhe humiliate kyu karoonga? Cabir tu mera bhai hain, you are my mirror. Mein jo khud se nai bol paata hoon na, tujh se bolta hoon. Aur jo bhi dad ne likha sab sahi hain. I never see myself in dad's position. You deserve it. Sirf tu hi hain jo dad ki legacy ko aage le ja sakta hain. Chachu ke baare mein mat soch. Dad ke baare soch. Woh kya chahte hain yeh soch. Cabir mujhe America jaana hai. I think this is a sign. They want me to heal. Yeh diary bhi mujhe aaj hi mila, unn ke death anniversary ke din. Cabir mein waapas normal hona chahta hoon. I want to get back to my old self. And I need this Cabir" he says sitting on the floor holding his hand.

Cabir immediately takes him into a hug.

"I am sorry. Gusse mein kya kya bol diya"

"Mujhe achha laga. Atleast you opened up. I know meine tumhe bohot hurt kiya bohot sataaya. It's understandable that you are sick and tired of my madness"

"You know I didn't mean all that"

"Are relax. I understand"

"Toh kab jayega?" Cabir asked.

"I need to take the exam first. Uss ke baad visa process. 4-5 months toh lagenge"

"January?"

"Probably"

"Okay. I am glad you finally took some decision"

"Kisi ko mere baare mein padi hain?" Navya asked clearing her throat.

They look at her and smile.

"Mujhe tum donon ko kuch bolna hain" Manik said.

Navya walks upto them.

"Bol" Cabir said.

"I love you both so much! Tum donon ko hamaari family se koi matlab nai tha. You came in and became a part of our family. Cabir tu jaanta hain parents ko khona kya hota hain, you suffered it. I guess isi liye sirf tu hi mujhe sambhaal paya. I owe you both my life. Mom dad ko na tum donon pe bohot bharosa hain ki you both will guide us. So always stay together and take care of us. You can't even imagine hamein tum donon ki kitni zaroorat hain. Alya especially. Woh toh abhi bhi Mukti ke baare mein soch ke poori raat roti hain. Navya help her. She is so talented and she's wasting it all. Use apni khud ki boutique kholni thi, she even asked mom to help her. She said that she'd return whatever mom gives once she succeeds. Usko abhi aisa dhekh ke bohot bura lagta hain"

"Manik, ek saal se ham tumhe aise hi dhekhte aaye. Tujhe abhi samajh aa raha hain ham donon pe kya beethi hogi? Manik agar koi hamaari zindagi se chala jaaye na, uska yeh matlab nai hain ham bhi jeena chod de. Hamaare liye bhi koi jee raha hoga, hamaari smile dhekh ke shaayad koi aur smile kar raha ho aur hamaari aasoon dhekh ke koi aur ro raha ho? Sometimes, it's okay to start living for others. You will find someone, for whom you'll change, for whom you'd do anything, go to any extent"

"All I have is hope Navya" he replies with a smile.

The answer has been found for Nandini's wish. Let's pack him up and parcel it to the University of Wisconsin, to that girl who is hopelessly waiting for some hope :)

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I know my writing skills have dropped down to may be 2 or 3 on a scale of 1 to 10 and I proudly accept it. But yeah, I need to start from somewhere toh kyu na start from something that made is so close to my heart, A Beat That Matched Mine :) !! 

Looking forward to reading your comments on my comeback!! I will try to be regular :)