"Nandu get up ...... Ur Dudu , Bubu , Jackie are hungry " her mother yelled at Nandini from kitchen but she didn't woke up.  She was sleeping on the couch in living room. In the afternoon she was watching cartoon and after eating her lunch she slept there only , it's her routine now .

"Nandiniiiiii" this was alarming voice so Nandini woke up instantly but didn't make a move. Now she don't work and her family is totally okay with it but she is also not letting anyone do any work , she is on one month long rest .

"If u won't come here in next five then forget ur coffee " hearing to this she yawned then after relaxing her muscles , with shaky steps she went inside the kitchen.

Her attire ( she wears simple and comfortable clothes in home)

"After ur coffee ...... Feed them ...... I have brought biscuits from market , u don't need to buy new" her mom said , she put strainer on her cup to strain tea . Nandini lazily wrapped her arms around her mother from behind.

"Thanks mommy " she kissed her left cheek and mother instantly became happy . Her foul mood was gone , Nandini have magic of calming people. Her mother didn't like her Dudu, Bubu, Jackie at first but then slowly she accepted them and started caring about them .

Nandini enjoyed her coffee along with boring daily soap on tv and her mother beside her , watching the tv show interestingly with a cup of tea.

"Mummaa u guys should go to our village in Mangalore at least for month or two .... Even doctor suggested clear environment for Papa " Nandini again brought that topic for discussion . Her parents were thinking about this one month trip as her grandfather isn't well but when she left her job and told her parents that she got replaced then they ditched this plan.

"We can't go..... Rishabh is kid and because of his school we can't go leaving him alone".

"But u two can ..... I am here , I will take care of him ..... Even I need to find a one suitable job ..... Now I am bored by sitting in house and strolling insta ..... See Mumma think about papa too , he don't feel good when he is not doing anything , so there in fresh environment he will be distracted and even grandpa needs him" somewhere Nandini was correct and Ishita reluctantly agreed but still final decision will be taken by Raman , because she don't want to chose any of it , she is okay with both.

"Okay ..... Ur father is down to ask him come upstairs ..... Next is his fav serial ,within 15mins " Nandini looked at her mother in disbelief.  She sighed and got up from her place. 

"Okay" and within a half minute she was in the parking , she has very good habit of skipping stairs in hurry. She came down to see outside, it was drizzling . Her father also ran into the parking to save himself from rain .

"Go fast ...... It's ur serial time " she said when he stopped in front of her .

"Haa ..... But u don't get wet ..... Okay?" He sternly reminded her and she nodded with a pout . He went upstairs. She went out to find her 3 munchkins .

" Dudu , Bubu , Jackie ......  come here " Nandini again ran inside the parking and also brought her pets inside the building so they won't get drenched in rain water. It's mid mansoon so nowadays rain is usual visitor in Mumbai.

She is so free and free from everything including her feelings for unwanted people and responsibilities . But deep down she knew this normalcy is the facade of thousands of unspoken words and the feelings she has suppressed ,which are burried inside her broken heart.

"Evening snacks time " Nandini heard Diya's voice from behind . She was kneeling down on the floor giving biscuits to her pets.

After leaving her job she started her new job of making life of street dogs little better by giving them food for 2/3 times in a day. She wasn't that fond of the idea of having pet animals but that day when she found Dudu was injured nd his wound was undressed , he was roaming with injured foot . So she gave first aid to him and that was the time she realised every creature on earth is same , they too have life and they also have basic needs . So instead of buying one expensive pet for fun she adopted these street dogs and from that day she always gives them food and the things she could provide . Sometimes their friends , other street dogs also comes to her and she behaves equally with them. 

"Hmm " she replied to Diya , they do talk with each other but things aren't normal like they used to be , Nandini nd Swaroop only gives replies to Diya , whenever she says something. She never apologized and they never forgave her, actually they need to have a good conversation to sort things out.

"We need to talk" Diya said after taking a long breathe . Till the time Nandini was done with her food feeding to dogs .

"Umm actually I have to help mom in cooking" Diya reluctantly nodded to Nandini's excuse . Both of them knows cooking is the last thing Nandini will chose over talking . Well , Nandini gave her direct hint that she don't want to talk which she received instantly .

"Nandu wait " both of them heard Swaroop's voice he came running to them with flowers and chocolates in his hand , cladded in formals .

"Ohh this time it's orchids " Diya exclaimed , it was another attempt to have conversation with them .

"With same bubbly silk " Swaroop added , looking at Nandini. 

"Give me that silk " he gave it her reluctantly not knowing why she took that , because everyday since last month she never took that , it was always him who used to eat that chocolate.

Taking a chocolate she divided into pieces and feed her pets . They ate it instantly , indeed they liked the chocolate to which she smiled .

"What about flowers?" Diya raised her eyebrows .

"I don't like those flowers" she said and went upstairs without saying anything.

A week after that court incident she started receiving bouquet of different flowers and same bubbly silk . In the evening, regularly one man comes to deliver these things to her address and Swaroop takes them on behalf of Nandini after coming back from his office.  15 days back he got a nice job in reputed company with a post of finance manager.

"U keep them ..... I am going " he said this to Diya and went to his building. She smiled painfully and caressed the flowers , she found herself relating to flowers because both of them are unwanted.

Nandini is very well aware of the sender and she is not at all concerned about him , so she never accepted his things. 

She grew so distant with her emotions that she rarely allows herself to feel anything rather than feeling hollow from inside.

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

Soft drizzling turned into heavy downpour outside the mansion . On the other hand Manik was inside with a new job application in front of him and glass of beer in other hand.

He was turning and tossing that letter in between the fingers of his one hand , other was busy in drinking beer and his mind was occupied with uncertain thoughts.

"Why r u so persistent ? " He looked to his left side where his brother joined him by sitting on the chair beside him. Manik gave one silent look to him instead of an answer to his question .

"Don't tell me u love her  ...... Because you, simply can't" Karan said and filled one glass with beer for himself. From that day he started living with Manik again, though thousands of times Manik asked him to leave but this time he didn't . But not for once he witnessed the same sight of big brother in Manik again , this time also he treated him like a stranger or known stranger.  Sometimes he was cruel , sometimes sarcastic , sometimes nasty but not for once he was good to him .

"I don't need certificate of my feelings from you " Manik gulped down his drink along with his rage.

"I know you don't want me at all , in ur life ..... U love her or not but please stop doing , whatever u r doing to get her back " he said calmly and thoughtfully . He has been keeping tab on Manik's actions since last month.

"Stop making me altruistic because I am totally opposite of it "  Manik groaned at him , he don't like people ruling his life or interfering in his matter.

"When I was in jail, a day before u rescued me ....... I nd Alisha, we talked ..... I was so lonely and she was holding onto me in my worse ..... Trust me I grew more attached with her during that whole time ..... I was ready to forgive her , she cheated on me but after that day I never felt being cheated by her , her intentions were clear ...... I literally told her I am willing to stay with her and I am ready to forget whatever she did as her mistake ..... I told myself what if it would have happened by mistake , like in her drunken or drugged state then I would have forgive her thinking it was a mistake and same way with different reality I was ready to forgive " without Manik's consent he started sharing his story about which Manik has no idea.

"Congratulations if u two r together " Manik said sarcastically, he was least interested in whatever he is saying .

"She told me I am the only person in her life for whom she cared , she loved and some part of her will always love me ...... She lived her period of love with me nd that's enough for her ...... But she can never change the real her no matter how much she loves me .... Practically she can't change who she is and I don't deserve what she is ..... She told me I don't deserve cheater..... I deserve better and I will get one who will hold onto me for the way I am ..... I am just feeling deprived of love and affection for time being and it will be okay after I will be out of jail " he inhaled deeply.

"Ohh great queen of sacrifices " again Manik mocked him.

"Similarly Manik , u can't change the real you and that will ruin Nandini ..... U should realise it and let her live the life she deserves " Karan didn't mean to discourage him or interfere in his matter but he knew how his brother is and he really think Nandini is better without them in her life.

"Just for the few couple of feelings I have changed my ways karan ..... I haven't slept with a girl after that day instead I chose sleeping pills nd it's been a month ...... Why ? ..... Because I didn't wanted to disrespect my feelings for her , I didn't cared she is in relationship or not ..... What I cared was for her , her presence and absence matters in my life ..... In whichever possible way I want her in my life ...... Alisha rejected u because u couldn't please her the way she wanted on bed , no one can love anyone selflessly " this time Manik couldn't control himself. He always lose control over himself whenever topic is concerned with her . Karan felt humiliated by his brother but it didn't affected much as it wasn't first time.

"This is pretendence Manik ...... All this is a facade ..... This is not u and forget about having sex, may be u can control ur lust for time being ...... But what about ur own inner demons? " .

"I am changing " .

"U can't change the who u r ...... People changes but their soul doesn't ". Karan said and added further,

"Tell me were u guilty ? When u did that to her father ..... I am sure you r not guilty now too ..... Were u afraid what if he will lose his life ? ...... Did u cared for him as human ? ..... No ..... U also ruined the career of doctor just because he partially blackmailed you and u didn't even felt remotely responsible for it ....... U didn't because that's how u feel ..... And u can't change the roots of u Manik ..... She has a normal , simple life let her live that " .

"Are you done ? ...... Now bye " he got up from his chair and took his jacket along with that letter . 

"Where?"

"To bring her back in my life" Manik said with a enthusiasm and smile which scared him. Now he was sure Manik will get what he wants , he looked determined but more than love it seemed like his obsession for her.

"Weather outside is worse " he said with a concern because it's just 8pm still many routes are devoid of human presence . Mumbai has been always risky in mansoon because of urbanization chances of floods are very much viable .

"That's why I am going " he smirked evily and left the house .

Manik's attire

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

"Sir ...... Elections are here in Maharashtra, in two months ....... Political parties have started their rallies and public meetings " Manik heard over the phone call from his detective , he was driving his car in fast speed in heavy rain .

"What's the status of Satya Thakre and his political party? " Manik asked in cold voice with blank face expression.

"Public is already impressed with him so there is huge possibility of him becoming MLA again " .

"Anything else?"

"Yes sir ..... There is no competition for him to achieve that seat again ..... But this time he is aiming for big , he is going to take his father's position .... He will be fighting for CM's post but his party is not doing well in overall state ..... There are more than less chances for his party to win " .

"Do one thing hire people ask them to do his good publicity and spread fake ill rumours of opposition party ..... And work should be done casually no one should recognise it's happening with planning ...... Work should be spontaneous and clean " .

"Got it ...... But still I will suggest you to be alert because I don't think this will help that much " .

"It's politics ..... Games can change into seconds " Manik smirked as he took the last turn towards his destination.

"Okay sir " he disconnected the call and parked his car .

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

"Nandu get ur ass here and help me to set dinning table " she heard her mother screaming for nth time . She was busy in her phone and her father was watching the ongoing serial.

"Yaar ask Rishu ..... I am bored" she screamed from her place. She was laying on couch while scrolling instagram and passing a look or two on the screen of TV.

"Mumma I will set the table , I am very hungry " he agreed almost instantly because she is not going to listen and he is really hungry to waste time in argument , half hour ago he came back from his cricket coaching , he is so much tired nd hungry.

"Now at least open a door" her mother said sternly but Nandini made a bad face from her place.  Her father looked at her and she made extremely cute face, he signalled her that he will open the door.

"Who are you?" Her father asked politely after opening a door .

"Manik ...... Manik Malhotra , Nandini's boss" Manik said sheepishly while wiping raindrops from his forehead. He was little wet because of the rain.

"Can I come in?" He asked again when Raman didn't replied.

"Yeah sure" he gave him a place to enter.

"Mind me giving some place to sit ?" Her phone slipped from her hand on her face , oouch that really hurts. Her eyes widened seeing him flashing his smile to her and waiting for her to give him some place to sit.

"Why are you here Mr Malhotra?" She tried holding back her anger .

"To have a dinner with you guys " he passed a glance on activities happening in the house and spoke with warming smile.  His smile irked her , indeed he is looking cute but she knows who resides behind that cute face.

"I can have dinner , right Mrs Murthy?" He asked this, looking at Ishita who came to have look of their visitor , not knowing who is he and what he is doing she nodded in dazed.

"Sure ..... Come sit " he followed her till the dinning area , leaving two confused soul behind. Raman was confused that why Manik is here and Nandini was confused with his behaviour . He was extremely joyous for the first time which was totally fake , she knew he can fake emotions so easily with outsiders but this time he is sweeter than his capacity of being one. 

"Why r u hear ?" Rishabh's tone sounded angry more than surprised. He wasn't pleased by seeing him there .

"U should apply ointment to calm ur burning " Manik said with lipped tight smile which confused Ishita. 

"Huh?" .

"Ur elbow ..... It's bruised" he pointed at Rishabh's elbow there were few scratches , Ishita panicked and he told her they r minor , he will treat them after dinner.  He is really hungry and even Manik agreed that he too is hungry . Seeing his cute pout Ishita melted instantly and offered him a seat , now her frawns were cleared and she really liked Manik. This innocent man cannot be harmful for anyone she thought .

They started dinner when Nandini and Raman sitted on dinning table. After having his first morsel he realised why Nandini is not so great cook but it's his misconception because Ishita cooks good food but she is not that good in making punjabi food , today she made Aloo Paratha . Nandini also noticed he didn't liked food that much because usually there is a time of 20secs between two consecutive bites but today it's 30-40secs gap . But she don't care if he likes it or not .

"Sry to interrupt you Sir , but we really don't get ur idea of visiting us " Raman asked after while .

"Sir is really not needed , u r elder to me .....  U can call me Manik " Nandini choked on her food and started coughing . He immediately passed her glass of water.

"U should concentrate on food while eating " he said tenderly with a concern. Both siblings were very annoyed with his acting because he was perfectly convincing but they knew him better.

"About my sudden visit then I came here with a purpose ..... As u all know Miss Murthy got replaced in her previous job because that wasn't her field to work and she deserves something which is best for her " .

"What it is ?" .

"Her dream job of Pilot  ...... A private Pilot to be precise " again food got stuck in her throat but she didn't showed it to others.

"I am sorry but I heard u have music company " .

"Yeah I do ..... But I also have my private jet".

"But she haven't done her type rating training" .
 

"I know but that is needed when u r going to work for one specific airline ..... Here she needs to fly only one plane , we have talked about this earlier ...... That's why it took one whole month to arrange the plane which she has practiced during her CPL training" Nandini stopped eating because he doesn't seem to stop surprising her with his effortless lies .

"She never told us before" .

"Yeah that because we were quite unsure about that particular plane ..... She didn't wanted to give u hopes when she wasn't sure but she trusted me enough not to join any other job " now her parents were convinced.

"Umm is this job for her or because of her ? ...... I mean u always had private jet so u must be having pilot already and old plane too" he asked suspiciously. 

"No ..... It's just a good opportunity for her and I am in need of one pilot ...... Actually my previous pilot died because of cancer, just two months back ...... I was in search of private pilot then one day I got to know about her being pilot ..... That's why I gave her previous position to someone and gave her temporary leave " Nandini wondered When his previous pilot died ? unknown to the fact that he lied again .

"What's your descion Nandu?" Her parents asked her.

"Umm I don't know Papa ...... I mean most of the time he is here in India , he rarely goes out of city ...... So my job will be once or twice in a month or in months " she wasn't going to join him again.

"Don't worry Miss Murthy ...... I know that's why, this new official letter ...... Ur salary will be constant and will be given to u at the month end ,which is 10 lakh "

"It's much more for a pilot " she objected instantly.

"I know, but there is one condition ..... It may not sound good to u but it's very beneficial and easy ...... I mean she have to look for my travelling she will be my private pilot already and other days I want her to drive for me ..... I am sorry but I am very bad in driving and I have seen her fine skills ..... I think she could handle it better " .

"What about ur previous driver?" Her mother asked instantly . Nandini slapped her forehead and Manik was confused with a question.

"Unfortunately he left the job last week ..... His girlfriend is quite demanding , she asked him to find any better job than driver ..... Poor boy was helpless" he made a story within second and irony is he didn't know who was his driver that her mother is talking about.

"Nowadays girls are really demanding" her mother commented.

"Not everyone ..... Few are still that innocent and gives same respect to every job , just like ur daughter " after hearing this from his mouth her mother was delighted that her daughter is different nd precious, he said this deliberately so they won't refuse her working as driver.

"Nandini u should accept the proposal ...... It's best for you " her mother accepted it almost immediately.

"Umm Mumma" her father sense the discomfort in her response.

"No Ishita ..... Let her think nd then decide .... Mr Malhotra it will be her descion if she wants to join or not , because she knows what's best for her " she smiled at her father , he never pester his descions on her not even in excitement.

"I will tell you later on.  ....... I need time " she said and he gave simple acknowledging smile.  He had done almost 90% work but still probability of her joining is less than 50% , he needs to make it 100% . He won't let go his efforts wasted.

They all were done with dinner and he was also done with his job offer and food . So Nandini and Rishabh were waiting for him to leave their house , Ishita was okay with him staying because she was already happy with offer and also she liked how calm and well mannered person he is . Raman was neutral.

"Thanks for food ...... But you will mind if I stay little longer ...... I mean my car broke down as I told u I am not good at driving ..... So I will wait until raining stops " he show his fake hesitation while asking this , he added his car broke down but in reality it's fine he just said it to convince them more with his sincerity and in this heavy rain no one is going to check whether it's really working or not .

"If u guys r uncomfortable ...... It's okay I will stay in car" he saw them thinking for a while so he spoke further.

"U can stay with Rishabh in his room" Mr Murthy told him before he could leave , humanity is still alive in humans.

"Let's go champ ...... I will put some antiseptic on ur bruises " Ishita was flattered with his care but Nandini almost fainted in her mind .  Rishabh looked at him with astonishment .

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

Nandini instantly followed her parents and stood there in front of their half closed door , hiding herself . She was here for eavesdropping because she was curious about her parents opinions .

"Raman" Ishita took his name when they sat on their bed.

"Hmm"

"U looked unsure about this job offer ...... U didn't liked it ?" She asked whatever she felt.

"Nandini looked hesitant that's why ...... I sense there is some tension going between two ...... I guess they have thing between them in which hearts are involved " . This shocked Nandini .

"Why u felt that? "

"Do u seriously think a Billionaire will come to have dinner with us and just to deliver his job offer letter, personally ? ...... When he have thousands of people to do this ..... She might have rejected it at first place that's why he came to us so we can convince her" His observation really shook both ladies.

"U don't like him ? "That's the first thing she asked because she liked him but she don't want to be blind when it concerns her daughter .

"It's nothing like that , my choice doesn't matter if she loves him . I know my daughter she is very passionate , calculative and uncompromising when it comes to people in her close circle . If she loves him then it must be deep and person should be deserving ".

"Then why didn't u agreed for job ?..... I mean we always wanted to see her flying in the sky ...... This Job is perfect for her " .

"Off course we always dreamt of that and before vanishing into oblivion I want to see her flying ....... Even I am aware of how incapable I am nd how she is filling my place in our family ....... So  this would be  best thing she would do for us nd herself by taking this job " .

"I am not understanding what is problem with u two ? "

"Problem is Manik , if she is trying to stay away he might have hurted her and I don't want to force her into anything ...... She is independent nd capable enough to take her own descions...... And our agreement will put her in fix that's why I didn't said anything " .

"I understand and sry but what about your last wish ? ...... U wanted to see her flying and I don't how she will fulfill her dream when she has responsibilities which she will not ignore ?" This time tears were rolling down from her eyes , she didn't wanted to bring this topic but sometimes life can be deceiving .

"I don't want to be that much selfish to ruin her whole life just for my one last wish that would be the worst thing I can do with my daughter, to force her into something for which she is not ready ..... It may be my last wish but after that it's about her whole life I don't want her to regret by doing anything for me " he said the truth because parents always do this with their children , though they does this with good intentions but sometimes life doesn't go good along with intentions.

"I am jealous of our daughter ....." She rested her head on his shoulder , she always envied Nandini for having father like him . Ishita's father was also a good father but Raman is exceptionally adorable  , they are middle class people but still he never thinks ahead of his children . Managing money for her education wasn't cake walk for them but he made sure to earn that much money, any how.

"U were always " he chuckled and kissed her head .

Here outside the room Nandini was crying mess , how her parents are best in the world she thought , they are so practical yet emotional . She don't know what she has done to have them both .

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

"Hey stop sprawling on my bed " Rishabh yelled at Manik in low pitch , only audible to the members present in his room .

"Can't you let a man rest for a while " Manik said while relaxing his whole body on his soft mattresses.

"Obviously u need rest ...... Afterall doing so much acting in single take , must be tiring" he taunted Manik and he chuckled at little boy .

"No doubt , u both are real siblings " he kept his one hand below his head and closed his eyes .

"Hey get up from my bed man ...... Actually get out from our house ...... U r so evil and so manipulating , u wrapped our parents with ur lies ...... U r so deceitful , do you know that?" He was venting out all his frustration on Manik , which irked him and he got up from his bed very quickly that actually scared Rishabh from inside but he tried to act strong.

"And u r so like ur sister ...... Can't u guys see how much I am trying not to shoot u with gun for being this courageous and outspoken in front of me " he growled at Rishabh in annoyance and started finding something in his room .

"Wh.... What ar.. are you .... Finding?" That poor thing was so scared of this monster but still put brave face in front of him.

Manik opened the first aid box , took one cotton boll nd dipped it in Dettol then he also took one tablet out of box .

"Hmm clean them ..... Nd have this medicine " Manik kept them on his palm.

"My parents or Di , no one is watching so stop acting " Rishabh said.

"This is painkiller it won't kill u ..... So have it and sleep ...... I am going after talking with ur sister " this time he was serious and it amused Rishabh.

"Stay here but don't go to my Di "

"Just shut up nd sleep ..... Don't worry I am not going to harm her " still Rishabh looked unconvinced.

"I promise" don't know why but he trusted his two words and did what he was asked for. Manik waited for some time and then left for her room .

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

Let me know if you found any mistake.

How was the chap ?
(Please tell me if story is lacking in something )

.............. Aish ❣️...............