Two days later ,

Today Anita thought of visiting Nandini as they three will be leaving Mumbai day after tomorrow . Vihaan And Shrikant told her everything and she stopped talking with Vihaan giving him punishment for whatever he did. But still she don't want to leave again without informing her best friend. She wants to apologise to them for Vihaan's deed  and also want to tell Nandini truth , she deserves to know.

After sending driver away she entered inside the Murthy Mansion and just after when she entered , another car entered inside through the gate and Neyonika walked out of the car .

"Hey Nandini stop , I want to talk to you ...... Actually I want to apologise " she said when Nandini was about to go upstairs after greeting Anita .

"No need Aunty  " she said and was about to go ASAP as she is not interested in talking with anyone.

"U seriously need to know what I have to tell because it's important for you and I don't want to hide it from you any more " Nandini stopped and turned back to hear her. 

"What is it?" Nandini was more attentive now .

"Ohh What a pleasant surprise !" They heard the mocking voice from behind and it was Neyonika. She actually came here to meet Nandini but she got biggest shock of her life and it broke her once again.

"Neyonika .... You " it was mixed emotional voice of Anita , she was very happy to see her best friend almost after 18 years but more than that she was guilty to stand in front of her .

"Yes it's me and finally I can see why my son is suffering again ...... I think I shouldn't have trusted anyone again, it's all my fault that my Manik is suffering " hurt and disgust were visible in her eyes.  But disappointment in her eyes is for Nandini.

"Today I had come here as a mother to get my answers but see again after years I am heartbroken as a friend , you guys taught me in worse possible way that I shouldn't have made friends " she wasn't screaming like a dramatic woman but her calm voice covered with hurt was more dangerous.

"Neyonika listen ....." Anita asked.

"No , u listen ...... U r the reason behind my broken house and broken marriage , u betrayed me but still I lived my life for my Manik...... But Nandini you ....... You were worse than her u broke my Manik ....... U almost killed him " Nandini grew alert hearing her words , till the time she was silent and blank ,not knowing what to feel though Neyonika's allegations hurted her.

"Almost killed him?" She was scared for unknown reasons.

"Practically u didn't but eventually he injected himself with the drug just because he couldn't handle the pain , sorrow and failure in love ..... My boy is so strong from outside but his heart is so fragile and he is so sensitive , he can't handle pressure ...... Years ago also he was weak still he survived but this time he is broken and lost " with the shivering heart she remembered the incident what happened 2days back.

"He took drugs?" Her heart was wounded again by hearing most dreading news ever. No matter how much she pretends but the truth is she is still alive today just because he is breathing. There is no life beyond Manik.

"What happened to Manik , Mrs Malhotra ?" Raman and Ishita came into living room hearing commotion around house.

Flashback ,

That day Manik returned to his house after finishing everything between their unnamed relationship .

He don't know, he did right or wrong. He don't know how to cope up with the given things , his heart is flooding with so many emotions and his mind is exploding because of overthinking of the ongoing events. He don't know how to control his emotions and thoughts , she could have handled him perfectly but she is not here . She has become habit of him that he couldn't even think about anything without her , she was always there for making things better for him .

Nothing was there who wasn't screaming her presence around him and he wanted to get rid of the mirage of her if she is not going to come back again. With unstable mind he opened the drawer of his side table, beside his bed , he took the syringe and the bottle of drug which he has purchased in last month with the help one man whom he had met once  in one of the club, months before. That time that boy have suggested him to try but he denied that time.

In the past few months he was in pain but he never felt this much helpless and tired of life that he just wanted to end this pain by taking away his life. Everything stored inside him from his childhood till today replayed in his mind , his family , his friends , his love and lastly his unborn child . He inserted the nip of syringe in his skin, the adrenaline rush passed in his body and slowly he closed his eyes and his body fell over the mattress. His promise, that he won't do suicide in his life , came to his mind before injecting drug and that made him took the medium amount so that he won't die but he can be away from pain for some time.

In the afternoon Neyonika came to Malhotra mansion for lunch and got shocked hearing Manik is home today because he never showed up in day light . In fact he is barely spending time with her , he daily visits his home for few hours and she makes sure he will eat in front of her and that is the only time in a day where he eats . She wanted to visit Nandini but everytime Manik holds her back he don't want his mother to see this side of her friend.

She entered inside his room and saw heart wrenching scene in front of her which shook her till the core , he is sleeping peacefully on bed but syringe nd bottle of drug is scattered on the floor. She cried, screamed his name several times but he didn't responded. She immediately called doctor but she went through horrible time because unwanted thoughts never left her mind even for a second . She literally felt her death is in front of her when he didn't responded to her voice , every woman on the earth is weakest and strongest when it comes to her child.

Doctor was very disappointed with them, because he never thought Manik can be associated with drugs. But as he knows them since ages that's why he kept that thing to himself as Neyonika requested him. He told her Manik will be in his senses till tomorrow morning , it was his first time so it didn't harmed him way too much but if he continues to take drug then it will lead to his death in very short period. She stayed near Manik , she was crying because she was alone and scared.

"Aaahh......Mom " he screamed when she slapped him real hard when he got his consciousness back . It was the first time in his 26yrs that his mother slapped him , but he deserves it .

"What mom , Manik ? ....... What u have done to urself? ..... My Manik was never like this ..... This is so unacceptable from u...... I understand ur sad , u r in pain but no pain is worth enough to lose ur life Manik ...... There are thousands of people living worst life still they are fighting...... Then why can't you?...... Do I matter nothing to you ? ........ Don't u care about ur mom ? ....... What if something would have happened to you ?..... How and for whom I should live ? ....... If u r going to continue to do such things na ,then please Manik kill me before that...... I can't see u like this , everyday " she was stern in the starting then she started crying and lastly she is pleading in front of him by folding her hands and crying helplessly. He held her hands in his .

"Mom please don't say such things ...... It's hurting , I don't like to see you crying or pleading ..... Please don't cry " he too started crying.

"And what about u Manik ...... What u done was right ? ...... No Manik , u r going on wrong path ..... It's breaking me to see u like this ...... U r only my family baby" .

"What I can do mom ...... U r hurt seeing me like this , u were scared just with the thought of losing me ...... But I actually had lost my baby mom " he cried hysterically.

"Ur baby?"

"Yes mom ..... My baby ...... She was pregnant and accident happened ...... We lost our baby mom...... I couldn't saved our child ..... I couldn't save us ...... I failed ....... I am worst father , I had promised her I will protect my baby ...... But see I lost my unborn child " he cried like a baby and she don't have words to console him . She is living in same pain then how she can give him hopes when he already have lost his baby and she lost her grandchild.

"How is Nandini?" No matter how angry she is on Nandini but she still do care for her and she is still willing to listen her side for doing this with Manik , because she wasn't just his gf but her best friend too .

"She is changed..... She is not my minion ....... She don't care about me ...... She don't trust me mom ...... She believed on recording but not on me , she believed that I am heartless father who left her when she lost our baby just for stupid shoot..... How she can think so low of me ?...... She believed on that and did everything but she didn't come to me and confronted that thing with me "  .

"Aisi koi baat nahi jo usane kaha ho aur mene wo kiya na ho ...... World ke samne kabhi na jhukne wala Manik Malhotra usaki har ek baat ke aage jhukata tha ..... Maa mene sab kiya ...... Shadi bhi kar leta agar wo zid karati..... Par usane mujhe chod diya ..... kyu ?...... Kya me itana bura hu , maa ?" We simply think people are weak hearted and coward that they chose to run away but we never think what they might have gone through , that giving upon life seems easier.  Not every person is same to handle every mess and it's completely okay, u just need to have right person who can hold u back. Neyonika tried her best as a mother to make sure he won't do such things again but she knew her son is a mess and no matter what but only Nandini can love that mess .

She took care of him whole day , she never left his side fearing his next moves . Today in the morning he left house for some extra shots as he has left that show already but still he have given commitments . And she thought about visiting Nandini , she is very angry on Nandini as a mother of Manik . She will do everything to save her child and also friend inside her wants to know her side because she knows how Nandini is . She also brought that jwellery box with her .

Flashback ended.

"So today I came here , to ask you where my child was lacking that u chose to leave him ...... I always believed that my Manik is very lucky to have you , but I think I was wrong...... I always knew he will never marry someone and I was okay with that but I don't know why that day I thought of buying these jwellery for you ..... And after yesterday's incident I am sure my Manik can never love anyone but u, so take this ..... I don't want to keep it with us because it's urs and it will haunt us in future ...... See the irony u chose his step brother for marriage ..... Thank you Anita once again u snatched my Manik's right for ur son " Neyonika brought that jwellery thinking of applying reverse psychology on Nandini but she lost her hopes , her allegations broke Anita's heart and she knew she deserves Neyonika's hatred but she never wished anything bad for Manik or Neyonika. She never saw Manik as her step son but always try to love him because he is Neyonika's son. Nandini was lost to hear any other thing, she just want to see her Manik , only she knows how she is breathing after listening his dreadful deeds . It was shocking truth for Murthy family and everything was confusing.

"No Neyo ...... I never wanted that trust me , I have always wished for his happiness , I didn't know that Vihaan lied to me and Manik still loves Nandini ..... Otherwise I wouldn't have agreed for this marriage...... And now I know the truth so today I came here to tell this truth to Nandini so that she will never marry Vihaan " Anita tried to explain herself. .

"What truth ? ....... The truth that how u betrayed ur childhood best friend ..... Great " Neyonika sarcastically chuckled.

"Let me share my past ...... I know nothing is going to change our present ...... But at least give me a chance to share it ..... Please" .

"Okay ....... Say it even I wanna know what went wrong between us that u did this " .

"I think we should call others too ...... Let's clear everything out today in front of everyone ....... Our lives and mistakes has been interlinked with each other " she suggested and others agreed. Neyonika called Manik , Anita called Shrikant nd Vihaan. Raman and Ishita were trying to digest the on going scene where as Nandini was lost in her Manik, she is eager to meet him and only him.

..................||

Shrikant and Vihaan came there ASAP after her call . The atmosphere was awkward and embarrassing for everyone as they never thought they all be together under one roof. Without speaking anything they were just waiting for Manik . Nandini's eyes were stuck on door .

"Manikk " without looking anywhere she swiftly ran into his arms . He stumbled back due her unannounced forceful hug but soon he engulfed her safely in his arms.  She shed tears in his warmth , she assured herself that he is real and safe in her arms by hugging him more and more tight . She broke the hug and cupped his cheeks, she kissed his face many times , calming her heart down. She was scared and that was visible in her tears .

"I am fine" forgetting the world and their fight for some time he assured her like her old Manik because she is behaving like his old Nandini.

No matter what but u can't unlove the person u have loved once . It's impossible to erase the essence of love craved on ur heart . Love is a involuntary moment of heart which controls the soul of lovers .

"Ahem ahem " Vihaan teased them. Nandini came back to her sense and distanced herself from him she wasn't embarrassed for her this act but her mind was clouded with many emotions . Manik's blood started boiling seeing Vihan there but soon he remembered that Vihaan means nothing to Nandini . Nd Vihaan was confused that why he teased like this , like his brother, it's weird .

"Mom why u called me ? ........ In between these people ?" He got angry seeing other unwanted people .

"Calm down Manik ........ And just be quite for sometime ....... This is needed for everyone " he listened to his mother . And now everyone is ready for this chat session.

..................||

Flashback,

Anita Arora a little girl shifted to Pune with her uncle and aunty . Her mother and father died just after a year ,after her birth and then she lived her life with her uncle and aunt . Due to her uncle's transfer they shifted to Pune she was 5yrs old kid.  They cared for her but still their love wasn't like her original parents though they used to fulfill her every need .

They were poor and used to live in small house near to Deshmukh Wada . Neyonika was alone , she never had friends because of her free and adventurous nature but then she met Anita . They were of same age they became good friends . They both were opposite but still they were very comfortable and understanding with each other.  Soon they started going in same school nd in same class , Neyonika's father used to pays fees for both as Anita's uncle was financially unstable and school was for high profile kids .

They both grew older with individual thinking and different opinions but they were together and their bond was unbreakable. Anita was good traditional girl , she was shy and reserved kind of person and Neyonika was completely different ,free spirited girl . Anita's beliefs on customs, rituals and marriage were strong like every other girl but Neyonika was different she was more interested in business and her freedom.  They both were completing their BBA for different purposes , Neyonika wanted to learn more as she was brilliant student in studies, she wanted to pursue MBA in Oxford University that's why she was studying hard and on the other hand Anita wanted to do a job after graduation so that she can fullfill her responsibilities for her family.

Neyonika's father always treated Anita like his daughter and always helped her financially or in any other thing. Anita nd Neyonika's thoughts were different but they used to love each other so much that they won't hesitate to sacrifice their lives for each other . They used to roamed together on Neyonika's bike on the streets of Pune , they were quite famous for their friendship.

Everything was going great but then they gave their final exams and before their results Neyonika's father passed away. It was heart breaking for both of them . Then after a result due to Neyonika's mother she had to sacrifice her dream for Oxford University and she started studying in symbiosis.

Anita started working in Deshmukh industry as Neyonika's father had promised her job if she will get good marks in last year, so Sachin completed his father's promise. That time Shrikant was returned from London after completing his MBA. Malhotra's and Deshmukh's were buisness partners . So Shrikant also joined Deshmukh industry as his first work experience . Mr Malhotra and Mr Deshmukh were good friends so before leaving the world Mr Deshmukh have granted permission for Shrikant to work with him for a year or two.

Anita was normal employee but Shrikant was working on the place of CEO of company. She was simple, beautiful girl to whom ,rude and arrogant business man like Shrikant got attracted . After six months he confessed his liking in front of her but she denied , he was stubborn enough not to let her go . So eventually they ended up being lovers in next six months. She started feeling so happy that she never felt in her whole life and he was completely changed into a romantic lover.

They started spending more time with each other that distance between Neyonika nd her started increasing. She was busy in her studies and Anita was busy in her life. Still they used to spend few hours with each other . Anita also told her about her love life that she is in love with someone in her office but never shared details , Neyonika was happy for her friend. Because Anita never got so much love in her whole life , she always have lived compromising life.

Soon year passed away quickly with same routine but only thing increased and that was the love between Anita and Shrikant.  They were like inseperable souls. Neyonika completed her MBA and instantly after that Santok asked her hand for Shrikant . Malhotra's and Deshmukh's were already friends so everyone agreed to that , Neyonika protested first but finally she too agreed because of her mother, but Shrikant was totally unaware of this .

In one afternoon Neyonika told everything to Anita about her marriage , it was shocking and heart breaking for Anita . She tried to talked about her and Shrikant but she never got a chance. Then she asked Neyonika is she happy with marriage because she was never interested in marriage. But Neyonika said yes she is ready for marriage because her mother won't let her work nor she will let her live peacefully without marriage , so she is happy with Shrikant , because according to her he will let her work after marriage and he seems nice guy , not conservative person. She thinks she can't get anyone better than Shrikant for arranged marriage . Her happiness , shine in her eyes for work and hope from this marriage broke every dream and hope inside Anita .

She was stuck between best friend and love and she don't want to choose any. Her love for him is unconditional but whatever Neyonika nd her family did for her is way to much and she can't forget that so easily for her own selfish reasons. It's time to pay back. 

She left the Pune by leaving two letters behind one was for Neyonika saying that she has been eloped with her lover and please don't try to find her , she herself will come back after things will be settled as her uncle nd aunt are very furious. Another letter was for Shrikant it snatched everything from him, first he got to know about his marriage with Neyonika to which he denied but his parents forced him and she also gave her swear to him that he will marry Neyonika nd if he ever had loved her then he won't back off from marriage. This was the least or most she could have done for her friend and she did that , forgetting about him, her love.

He didn't agreed instantly but he tried to find her till the day of his marriage but he got nothing instead of heartbreak. He changed drastically, he started living like a dead body void of any emotions. He was filled with her memories only , he never considered Neyonika as his wife , he never touched her or gave any rights , he was silent in front of world. He used to drink alot to forget her. 

At a one night he was so drunk and emotionally drained out , he was crying hysterically and Neyonika came to him . He wasn't in his senses when they consummated their marriage , she did that willingly because she was his wife and also he was first man in her life , so she was attracted to him and slowly slowly she started feeling for him and finally in few months she started loving him . He regretted that night but she was unaware of his feelings. He never touched her after that night and she thought he is giving her space.

Everything was going normal but then Neyonika got pregnant because that night they didn't used protection . Whole family was happy except Shrikant . He didn't like this news because he thought no one have any right on him except Anita.

Helpless, broken and lonely Shrikant was roaming on the streets of Mumbai in the late evening then he heard some screams from near park and he saw her, he ran towards her and hugged her tightly. After 7 months he saw her , he was happy beyond limits and she was pregnant with his child. After leaving Pune she came to Mumbai , she was new nd alone in the city but then she met Raman and Ishita who gave her shelter.

He took her to the hospital and everything was fine it was just normal pregnancy cramps. He was beyond happy when he got to know she is pregnant with his child , he forgot the world and his family too.

"Shrikant u r married ....... Please go away" she spoke softly.

"U can't take descions for me always....... I am not going to leave you ...... Not this time "

"Neyonika is my best friend "

"And I am father of ur unborn child "

"U r bounded by marriage ...... It's not correct"

"We r bounded by love ...... No other bound is pure as love ...... She is a very good person but she is nothing to me , I am spoiling her life too ........ I promise no matter what  situation arises but I will never leave you in any circumstances "

"What about ur other child ?"

"She can take him or her with her after divorce ...... And even if she don't I can take responsibility .... I am sorry Anita but please trust me that happened in the flow of moment and I was drunk , I wasn't in my senses "

"I don't know what to do ...... My mind is not allowing ...... I am feeling like I am cheating on her ...... I am sorry , we can't do this "

"And what about me ? ....... U know I can't live without you ....... Every other person is ur priority but not me ....... Call me selfish or anything but if won't come back to me I will die....... There is no point living without you , I tried living but I failed and now it's impossible ....... Before also u left me without thinking about me and I was very angry for that but I can't live without you please don't leave me ..... I will die " he cried and begged.

"I am ready ....... Take me wherever you want " she knew she is doing wrong but love is selfish and she chose her love over everything , she forgot the world for him , she knew no one gonna accept this but she can't live without him , those seven months were equal to hell for her , she is ready to pay any price for this.

He took her to the London because it's not easy to live in India when u r pregnant before marriage . Then he talked about divorce in front his parents but they strictly denied and they said they won't let him get divorce . He started getting irritated with his family ,at one night in his frustration he told Neyonika that she meant nothing to him , he don't love her. She was hurt but she had hope that he will love her and he was just angry.

Anita delivered a Vihaan and Shrikant should have been very happy as he was so excited for his birth . But don't know what happened he never felt that soul touching happiness but yes he was very happy seeing his first child. He wanted to give him each and everything and he did that too . His parents were asking him to come to India as Neyonika's delivery is near . He has started buisness in London so everyone knows he is working there but no one knows about his other family.

He wasn't excited or happy with Neyonika's delivery though he was ready for his responsibilities . But then Manik born and coincidently Shrikant was the first person who held Manik in his arms for the first time . His little body was so soft and he was so red  . He felt unknown pleasure when he hold Manik close to him and for the first time Manik smiled at his father , normally babies cry but he was smiling instead of crying. His beautiful toothless smile touched Shrikant's soul and within few moments Manik captured his heart forever . He named him ,Manik Malhotra.

Manik made him father in real sense though he was happy father already . Whenever he used to be in India it was always for Manik. He really loved his son very much . He also tried talking about divorce but failed everytime and then he stopped talking. They all are puppets in the hands of destiny and their lives are nothing but complicated.

They all were habituated to this life until Neyonika came to know about this after 8 years of her marriage . Then also her mother and in laws never allowed them for divorce , Shrikant was ready for divorce but not for the Manik. Things got more complicated Anita's guilt was increasing , Shrikant stopped worrying for Neyonika after their fights , Neyonika lost her all hopes , she was living only for Manik.

Things turned again when Manik came to know about this , that time every pretendence ended. Shrikant started showing his anger on Manik and Neyonika so they can hate him and live peacefully without remembering him, because he can't break his promise and leave Anita nd Vihaan , he also deserves Manik's hatred . Vihaan's hatred for Manik increased with time because of Shrikant's love. Shrikant's helplessness and Anita's guilt were increased too .

Neyonika suffered for no fault ,she just made mistake in knowing Shrikant. She lived her life like widow inspite of having husband. Anita lived like his wife but never got that right to wear nuptial chain , vermilion or his name for which she craved for her life , it was always her dream to live happy married life but still whatever she got was best that she never complained. And for Shrikant he never believed on marriage so Neyonika meant nothing more than responsibility and he never felt he is cheating on her because he told her before he don't love her and he never forced his husband rights on her , he felt bad for keeping her in name sake relationship of marriage , partially he destroyed her life by marrying her.

But never for once Anita and Shrikant regretted choosing each other over everything and everyone because love mattered the most for them , they might have failed in many things but their love won  .

Flashback ended...

Love is limitless and it has no boundaries and it cannot be calculated in right or wrong because love is love . Person can be wrong or right but love is sacred feeling which is not bounded by anything in the world .

................. End.............||

Let me know if you found any mistake.

How was the chap?

............. Aish ❣️...........