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Maahir's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable. "Next week's college trip?" he repeated, his voice neutral, as he studied Manik's determined face. Manik's grin faltered for a moment, before he nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Maahir's gaze lingered on his brother's face, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt, but all he saw was conviction. He sighed inwardly, knowing that this conversation was far from over.

Maahir's gaze bore into Manik's determined expression, his mind racing with concerns. He knew that look - it was a mixture of conviction and defiance. Maahir's instincts screamed at him to be cautious, to consider the potential consequences of giving in to Manik's demands. But as he searched his brother's face, he saw a spark of resolve that gave him pause.Manik's eyes locked onto Maahir's, his jaw set in a firm line. He could see the hesitation in his brother's eyes, the weighing of options. But Manik's own mind was made up. He was willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted, to prove a point. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for Maahir's response, his entire being focused on getting a single nod of approval.

"I will think about it manik..." Not the words escaped from his mouth and the next second, manik protested.

"What is there to think bhaiyaa...You agreed not deny ...toh sochna kya hai??" He asked, his eyebrows frowned at him.

"That not how it works manik, tujhe trip pe jaana hai toh I need every single detail about it. Then only I can decide about sending you or not. Now drop the topic and get ready ...clg ke ...liye ...late ..ho rhe ho .." He looked at his wrist watch and concluded. But manik didn't know when to stop.

"No bhaiya...mujhe pata hai aap ab bologe you will think...par no aap baad me mana kar doge ...I know you ...Lekin nahi ..mujhe jaane iss ...trip ...pe..." His voice was filled up with stubborn tone and maahir directed him stern glare.

"Trip do hafte ke baad hai manik...you need not want to worry about it now....maine kaha na I'll think about it...and you make sure you don't get into any trouble...I MEAN IT..then I'll decide..." Manik's face scrunched up in protest

"Then promise me you will agree after getting the details..." Maahir sighed and looked at him with a firm expression.

Just as it seemed like the argument would escalate further, Maahir pulled a temporary end to the argument.

"Kaha na I'll think about it. Now drop the topic and get ready for college..."Manik was about to open his mouth again with a whining look, "One more word of protest and You will not be going to the trip ... understood?!" Manik's face fell, his eyes welling up with tears. His lower lip trembled as he struggled to hold back his emotions. The sight of his brother's sad face was like a punch to Maahir's gut, but he steeled himself against it.

Without another word, Maahir turned and walked out of the room, leaving Manik standing alone, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. The silence between them was oppressive, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.

Wiping his tears, manik went to bring his bag. While maahir sat inside the car and lost in his thoughts, waiting for his arrival.

As Manik stepped out of the car, he vanished into the college crowd without a glance back. Maahir's eyes followed the empty space, his expression softening into a quiet disappointment.Maahir's hands moved mechanically, steering the car away from the curb. He merged into the traffic, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, his mind elsewhere.

As Manik walked with a sad look written on his face, "Boo!!" Someone screamed from behind making him flinch.

Turning back, "Adi..Yaar pagal hai kya tu..!" He glared at Aditya, Idiot in name of his best friend. Aditya was busy laughing.

"Tu haste he reh ...mai jaa rha hu.." Huffing angrily, manik started to Move.

"Arre...ruk yar...Mani...kyu gussa hota hai yar...itne din baad mile...toh maine socha toda surprise karu...lekin tu toh gussa hogyaa.." An adorable pout formed on his lips and manik hugged him tightly. Both smiled happily, after 1 week they are meeting eachother. They missed eachother badly. And only aditya calls manik as Mani and no one else can do that. He is very possessive and protective with his best friend.

Pulling back from the hug, Aditya landed a whack on manik's head, who yelped and frowned, "mara kyu mujhe?!"

"Acha aur kya karu..?! Fir se tabiyat kharab hua na tera...aur tune mujhe bataya bhi nai.." He said, angrily. He got to know from his brother today morning as Maahir and Abeer had a talk.

"Wo...kuch...nai hua yaar ..bas toda sa"
Manik stammered.

"Han ji...apko toh sab toda toda sa he lagega... seriously tu pagal hai kya...viral fever tha na Tereko... tujhe tabiyat kharab karne me maza aata hai kya ..." Manik stopped him, holding his ears and asking a sorry.

"Sorry yarr ab tu bhi mat daant plss...mai thik hu yar ab... don't worry" Aditya rolled his eyes but forgave him.

"Maine ek hafte leave kya le liya aur tu fir se tabiyat kharab karne lag gya ...idiot Bhardwaaj!" Manik rolled his eyes.

"Ab bas na ...bol rha hu na thik hu..." He replied, getting annoyed as his mood is already annoyed.

"Oh hello...ye tone na kisi aur se use kar mujhse nai samjha....aur ye bata subah subah kyu muh bana rhe ho ..." Manik glared at him but pouted sadly as he asked.

"Kya hai batana"

"I don't think bhaiya trip ke liye manenge.."
He said sadly.

"Kyu? Ab toh sab thik hai na yaa koi problem hai?" Manik shook his head in no.

"Nai yar problem toh nai...bas Hitler aise he nai Maan rhe hai...bahut Hitlergiri dikha rhe hai aj kal...pata hai kal toh beemar tha na Mai ...tab bhi maara mujhe unhone"he sulked and complained cutely, making aditya chuckle at his antics.

"Haan toh tune kuch kiya hogaa.." He said simply knowing his dear friend would have earned it by himself.

"Mai kyu kuch karunga ...Hitler ko toh humesha mujhpe gussa karna hota hai..huh" he made an angry face.

"Aise kuch nai hai idiot...ek tu hi hai jo humesha unka gussa ko provoke karte rehta hai..." Manik glared at him cutely.

"Tu na jaa...baat mat kar mujhse...mere dost ya ki unke ....huh humesha unki side leta hai tu...ja...huh" Aditya pulled him back as he was about to move.

"Abey baith...kaha Jaa rha hai tu...pehle ye toh bata bhaiya trip ke liye kyu nai Maan rhe hai...aur trip toh 2 hafte baad hai na ab se todi mana karenge...tu thik se bata na...hua kya hai?" Manik pouted and told him everything that had happened in the morning and how much angry he is with maahir. By the time he was finished with telling, Aditya whacked him hard.

"Ouch...lagti hai mujhe!" He glared at him.

"Han toh lagne ke liye he toh maara...idiot ..he clearly said that he will think about it...mana todi kiya unhone Jo tu itna sulk kar rha hai... There's a huge difference between thinking and Denying"
Manik pouted. But he don't know why, he feels that his brother will deny.

"But mujhe lagta hai wo mana he karenge"
Manik sulked again.

"Aur tujhe aise kyu lagta hai?" Aditya asked him.

"Bcoz mujhe pata hai ...aise he karenge ..." He felt sad as he thought his brother won't agree because of what he have done on the past.

"Mani...tujhe pata hai na tere Khushi se badkar bhai ke liye kuch bhi nai...aise nai ki he won't understand your feelings....wo zarur mana nai karenge yar...tu kuch bhi mat soch...bhai will agree ok...and abhi 2 hafte ka time hai...abhi se kyu tension le rha hai tu...chill man!!" Saying, he hugged him. Manik nodded in understanding.

"Yar Maine gusse me baat Kiya unse subah subah aur  bhaiya ko bye bhi nai bola...he would have been upset..." He pouted sadly.

"Isiliye toh tu pagal hai...ye koi baat hai naraz hone ki...chal chod ...shyam ko jaake sorry bol de aur hug karlo...bas hogya na baat...ab tu muh mat bana...aur chal class ke liye time hogya .." saying he dragged him with him to their class.

Manik and Aditya's friendship is a perfect blend of humor, loyalty, and camaraderie. They share a effortless connection, with Aditya often serving as the voice of reason to Manik's impulsive nature. Their banter is witty and playful, yet they always have each other's backs. Together, they make an unbeatable team, navigating life's ups and downs with laughter and ease.

While on the other hand maahir who has reached his office, gone through some important files. Yet he couldn't concentrate as his mind roamed with manik. He knows that he can't stop the boy from having such fun. But still he's apprehensive about sending him as the boy never took his health or safety seriously. Also he can't imagine staying away from his kid for long. It's really difficult for him. He was in dilemma about agreeing to what manik asked. He don't have the heart to upset his kid by denying but his insecurities held him back from agreeing. He was brought back to reality when someone faked a cough. He looked up and got surprised on seeing her.

"How are you Mr Bhardwaj?!"  Khushi Singh Chauhan pulled out her lovely smile and maahir smiled warmly at her, standing up and hugging her tightly.

"I'm good how are you?!" She gave him a soft smile, "I'm good too..mannu kaisa hai...ab tabiyat kaisa hai uska?"

Nodding his head with a smile, "he's fine now...tu bata how was your trip?!" She could clearly see something is off with him, his eyes told her.

"Han wo sab acha tha...tu ye bata...is everything fine? Why do I think you are looking off?" Maahir shook his head, "kuch nai ashi... tu bata mujhe bataya kyu nai ki tu aj aa rhi hai..." She made him sit and sat next to him, locking her gaze on him.

"What's wrong maahir? Sab thik hai na..sach sach bata mujhe....mannu thik hai are you worried about him??" She got tensed and he took her hands on his.

"He's perfectly fine ashi... Don't worry..mai bas kuch soch rha tha... nothing else...pls don't worry.." He hugged her and she nodded.

"Aise kya soch rha tha tu? Jo itna pareshan lag rhe ho?" She asked, raising her eyebrows...maahir sighed.

"Manik ko ek trip pe jana hai...I know i should not hold him back...but i don't want him to stay away from me for long... i don't want that ashi...aur ye baat bol ke I can't stop him everytime... I can't be selfish right...par..." And he shared whatever he had in his heart.

When he was finished telling , Ashi nodded in understanding, then she spoke in a gentle voice, "Maahir ...I can understand par tu bhi soch rha hai na you should also allow him to have fun ..toh bas ...let him have...your happiness lies where his does ...I know tum dono bhaiyon ko ek dusre ke bina rehna mushkil hai...par thats not how it works always...kabhi kabhi ye bhi practice karna padega na ..abhi trip ke liye 2 hafte hai na...zyada mat socho maahir...mannu ko bahut excitement hoga iss trip ko leke ...pichle baar ke baad ek saal hogya hai wo kisi trip pe nai gya...let him go for this one....maahir...." He nodded, her words, slowly sanking inside him.

"Listen to your heart, Maahir, aur apne intuition par bharosa karo. Tumhein pata hai ki Manik ko yeh trip kitna zaroori hai. Toh, phir kya hai? Tumhein Manik ko jaane dena hoga, aur usse khush karna hoga...Aur haan, Maahir, ek baat aur - tumhein apne fears aur doubts ko control karna hoga...just believe him..."

Ashi's gentle hands wrapped around Maahir's, offering a soothing calm to his frazzled nerves. "Maahir, I know it's hard for you to let go, but you have to trust Manik to take care of himself," she said softly. "He's growing up, and this trip is a chance for him to spread his wings. I know you're scared, but you can't let fear hold you back from giving him the freedom he deserves." Ashi's eyes locked onto Maahir's, filled with empathy and understanding. "You're an amazing Brother Maahir and Manik adores you. Ghar jaake usse baat kar...samjhao usse that he should take care of himself ...his health and safety are very important...tera bacha hai...ofc samjhdaar he hoga na...fikar mat kar yar..."Maahir hugged her tightly. The talk with her had always helped him like it did just now. He needs to talk to manik. And he'll.

"Thank you so much for clearing it up for me ashi..." Punching him hard on his shoulder, she said with a mocking smirk,
"Bestfriend ko koi thank you bolta hai?!" He glared at her but shook his head in no.

She laughed and he rolled his eyes but ended up laughing along with her. They hugged eachother again.

"I missed you a lot ashi" He locked his gaze on her eyes and she smiled warmly, snuggling in his embrace.

"I missed you more maahir..."

Maahir and Ashi's bond was forged in the fire of shared experiences, tempered by trust, and strengthened by the knowledge that they would always be there for each other, no matter what life threw their way. Their conversations were a testament to the depth of their connection, flowing effortlessly from laughter to tears, and back again. As they talked, Ashi's empathetic ear and gentle words wove a soothing balm around Maahir's frazzled nerves, calming his fears and doubts. Her presence was a sanctuary of comfort, a safe haven where Maahir could be himself, without fear of judgment or rejection. With Ashi by his side, Maahir felt seen, heard, and understood, his thoughts and emotions reflected back at him with crystal clarity. As they hugged, the warmth of their friendship enveloped them, a sense of belonging and togetherness that only comes from sharing life's joys and sorrows with someone who truly gets you. In that moment, Maahir knew that he could face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that Ashi would be there to support him, to offer a listening ear, and a comforting presence.

Maahir walked into the living room, where Manik was sitting on the couch, staring at his phone. He sat beside him smiling at him warmly, but manik moved from him making him frown. Then he understood, he's still angry with him.

"Manik... I'm sorry subah subah gussa Kiya.." manik cut him off..

"Aapne kaha evening aake pasta banaoge ...par dekho ye hai na apka evening..." It was 10.45 pm and maahir sighed, his list is getting long.

"Ek important meeting tha manik...i promise subah bana ke khilaunga ..." Manik shook his head sarcastically.

"Arre nai na...apko toh bahut kuch important hoga... except me...toh jao wohi karo ap...mujhse baat bhi kyu kar rhe ho ap ..jao na" Maahir rolled his eyes.

"Zyada mat bol...tujhe pata hai... nothing is important to me than you..." Manik made a face saying "yeah - yeah"

"Manik" He called him out sternly.

"Dekho apko abhi bhi gussa he karna hai...aap na jao...kal mai beemar tha fir bhi maara aapne, aj subah subah bina baat ke daant liya aapne mujhe...aur ab mujhe manana hai apko lekin ab bhi gussa kar rhe ho...aap na bhaiya baat he mat karo mujhse...mai jaa rha hu..." He stood up to go, pocketing his phone, but maahir pulled him back.

"Baith chup chap...baat kar rha hu na Mai .."
Manik struggled in his hold but atlast he had no option other than sitting beside him.

"Mujhe nai karna koi baat aapse..." Manik said, taking out his phone again.

"Manik...listen to me plss" Manik shook his head and turned on music on full volume, annoying maahir.

"Will you stop doing all this and listen to me?!" He danced to the tune, shaking his head in no.

Calming himself,

"Acha I'm sorry...I know i shouldn't have done that..." Manik showed more attitude, not listening to him. He enjoys troubling his brother like this. It's not like he gets to enjoy this everyday, it's rare and he is no where letting it go anytime soon.

"Ab bas na plss...nai daant rha hu mai ab se...stop it..." Maahir rubbed his forehead and sighed at his stubborn kid. It's really tough to pacify him.

He got up and went to get fresh up then headed to the kitchen making manik jump in happiness.

"Bana liya na tere favourite pasta...chal ab kha...aur naraz mat ho mujhse..." Manik raised his eyebrows at him and took the plate and devoured the taste. But didn't spoke a word.

"Manik..." He sighed as the boy just walked out.

Following him, maahir apologized continuously.

"Mai bol rha hu na ab gussa nai karunga...baat sun na meri..."

"Ab bologe aur agle paanch minute me gussa karne lag jaoge ap ... isiliye don't talk to me.." manik replied simply.

"Acha Mai kyu gussa karne lag jaunga? Tu kuch galat karega tabhi gussa karunga na...tu toh aise bol rha hai jaise mujhe bahut acha lagta hai tumpe gussa karna..." Manik rolled his eyes. That's the truth ..huh!

"Sach toh wohi hai na bhaiyaa" he mumbled slowly but maahir heard it.

"Acha ji...aise baat hai toh main kyu tujhe manane aaya fir? Mai bhi gussa hoke chale jata na.." Manik pouted.

"You don't love me bhaiya...jao ap ..huh" He said, sadly making an adorable pout.

"Aise nai hai manik...I love you a lot.." Maahir's mind wandered around with some thoughts and manik's whining brought him back to reality.

"Toh fir kyu humesha Hitlergiri dikhate ho bhaiya..."

"Jaise tu hamesha pareshan giri dikhate ho...wese he!" Manik glared at him.

"You know what...meri galti hai mujhe baat he nai karna tha aapse...huh" He walked to the terrace with his headphones.

Maahir, sighed in defeat. He should have controlled his mouth. He walked to the kitchen again and made hot chocolate before walking to the terrace.He knows that his kid is stubborn, but he is no less. If his kid is  stubborn not to talk with him, then he is also stubborn on making him talk.

"Fir se mujhe pareshan karne ke liye aagye ap...huh" he turned to the other side with an annoyed look.

"Tu aa sakta hai...mai nai aa sakta kya?" Maahir raised his eyebrows, sitting beside him with his hot chocolate.

Manik just rolled his eyes, though he is wearing headphones, he is not listening to any songs. Just to annoy his brother he is wearing but the boy is idiot.

"Headphones utharega...no need to wear it when you aren't listening to anything!" Manik's eyes went wide. How does he know?!

"Aapko kaise pata?!" Manik gave him a look with corner of his eyes.

"Is this the first time?!" Manik pouted. That's the truth.

"Mujhe nai karna aapse koi baat...aap kyu kar rhe ho aise jao...na! Huh...apko bahut saare important hoga na...wo karo ap..." He huffed, angrily.

"Wohi toh kar rha hu...!" Maahir shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

"Acha ye apka zaruri kaam hai?" Manik asked, with a glare.

"Ji bilkul...koi shak hai Tereko?" Manik pouted, but didn't said anything.

Maahir pulled him in his embrace, manik didn't struggle.

"I'm very sorry manik...I know i could have handled it with more patience...but i really don't know how I lose it when it comes to your health and safety... I'm sorry..." He held his ears and manik immediately removed it.

"Ye kya kar rhe ho..ap...apko pata hai na ...mai bas apko pareshan kar rha hu...kyu itna serious ho jate ho yar bhaiyaa... it's ok mujhe pata hai...aap mujhse bahut pyaar karte ho isiliye gussa aata hai apko...par mai bhi toh chota sa bacha hu na..." Maahir chuckled, hugging him from one side.

"Acha ji..19 saal ka bacha hai tu..." Manik pouted.

"19 saal toh kya bhaiya... humesha aapke liye toh bacha he hu na..." Maahir's eyes welled up.

"Hmm.." he replied, simply, pushing his tears back.

"Acha ab mera hot chocolate do ap...yaar ap toda jaldi mana nai sakte kya mujhe ..bechara mera hot chocolate thand hogya hoga ab..." He sulked.

"Ab tu intentionally mujhe pareshan karne ke liye mana nai aur bol rha hai jese maine wait karaya Tereko..." Maahir raised his eyebrows but shook his head in disbelief when manik just ignored him devouring in his hot chocolate.

"Ab naraz nai hai na tu?"

"Mai toh naraz hu aapse abhi bhi..." Maahir sighed, tiredly.

"Par nai rahunga agar ap ek baat ke liye mana nai karoge toh..." Maahir knew what it could be.

"Trip?/Trip!" Both said together, while manik's voice was filled up with excitement whereas maahir's voice was filled up with concern.

"Ji...ap mana nai karoge na??" Manik's face fell as his voice sounded far from acceptance.

"Ok let's talk about it..." Manik frowned cutely.

"Talk about what? Bhaiya??" He asked cutely.

"About my conditions!! You agree to it and you can go to the trip!" Manik jumped on him making him stumble back but somehow he managed, hugging his excited kid back.

"I love you i love you i love you i love you....I love you sooooooooooo much bhaiyaa" Maahir pulled him back, making him sit down with lots of struggle as the boy is jumping like a monkey.

"Bas..chup baith...Listen to my conditions first ..."  Manik made a whiny face, anticipating that the conversation would take a turn for the worse, with his brother's response being exactly what he didn't want to hear.

"Manik, I know how much this trip means to you, but I have some concerns," Maahir said gently.

Manik looked up at him " concerns?!"

Maahir took a deep breath. "I'm worried about your safety and health. You know how reckless you can be sometimes, and I don't want anything to happen to you."

Manik rolled his eyes. "Bhaiya, I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself."

Maahir raised his eyebrows, "Abhi kaun bol rha tha thodi der pehle "mai toh chota sa bacha hu na!" Han?!" Manik looked everywhere and not at him.

"Idhar dekh mujhe...aur jo bol rha hu wo ache se sun..." His voice was firm and manik felt his face turning automatically, focusing on maahir.

"You need to be careful and cautious wherever you go...I do not want any carelessness towards your health and safety...am i understood?!"

Manik sighed, looking down at his feet. "I know, bhaiya. And I promise I'll be careful..ap chinta mat karo na" Maahir nodded

"Trip 2 hafte ke baad hai...and make sure you don't get into any trouble...one mistake and I won't think twice before denying it...and here it means, it includes your health as well...apna tabiyat ka khayal rakhna hoga tuje...agar tabiyat kharab hua na toh bhul jao trip ke baare me.." Maahir warned him who's eyes went wide as he shook his head in no rapidly.

"I promise...sachi I'll take care...pls aise mat bolo ap.." Maahir nodded, firmly.

"And very importantly, There will be security accompayning you...but they won't disturb your privacy ..and if I get to know that you dodged them and went anywhere...You will see the worst of me...You understood?!" Manik gulped. He wants to argue for this but knowing that it will not end good for him, he kept his mouth shut.

"I asked you something!" Manik looked up at him and maahir shook his head with a stern face, knowing what the look means.

"I won't dodge..." He mumbled in small voice, sadly.

"Naraz kyu ho rhe ho...i just want you to be safe...mai koi risk nahi le sakta manik...You know that right.."

"I know bhaiya ...mai samjhta hu...and i promise I won't pull any stunts...ap pls tension mat lijiye...I will take care ..."

Maahir was surprised with the sincerity He found in manik's voice. He put his arm around Manik's shoulders, pulling him into a hug.

"Aur han mujhe aapse kuch bolna tha..."

He pulled back from the hug and knelt down before Maahir. Maahir frowned at his
Behaviour.

"Manik... kya kar rha hai tu..get up.."

"I'm sorry bhaiyaa...subah aapse gusse me baat Kiya fir bye bhi nai bola...I was showing attitude to you ...pls mujhe maaf kar do na...ab se nai karunga..." He asked apology, cutey holding his ears.

Maahir shook his head in disbelief, making him stand up.

"Pagal hai kya tu? I can understand your frustration manik...mai bilkul gussa nai hu... it's ok... don't be upset now... thik hai..." Manik hugged him.

"Ap bahut ache bhaiya ho..." Maahir chuckled.

"Chal bahut raat hogai hai...let's sleep..."

"Wohi toh 12 baj rha hai bhaiyaa...kal leave le lu...pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls " Manik made cute puppy face, trying to melt him.

"Stop it...bahut leave le liya tune ye ek. Hafte...no more leave...now go to bed..."
Maahir's voice was firm and he ordered him.

"Bhaiyaaa plss Plss....mujhe neend aayegi fir college me...aur apko complaint mili toh aap bologe trip cancel...plsss pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls pls —"

"Ok fine ...Shut up now...chilana band kar... Jaa so Jaa..." Manik grinned.

"Fir daantoge nai na...kal pure din"  Manik asked to get assured, but ran to his room as maahir gave him a look.

Once he was gone, maahir chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief before moving to his room.

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~Nithila