Nandini forwarded her hand for a handshake which Manik gladly accepted. They stood in the balcony staring the sky for a few minutes when Manik felt a bit uneasy. He decided to go to his room but after walking a few steps he felt dizzy and collapsed on the floor leaving a shocked and numb Nandini behind. She rushed to him and bend down keeping his head on her lap. Nandini wanted to shout but it seemed like her vocal chords had ditched her right at that moment and all one could hear was mere whisper

Nandini (whisper) – Manik...!!

After being in shock for a few seconds, she recollected herself and shouted

Nandini (in a higher decibel) – Manik ....Get Up...Listen if this is any drama, trust me I won't spare you (she said vehemently)

Realizing no change in his body, panic started taking over and she immediately called Abhi.

Abhi – Nandu, where are you...Come down we are planning to go out..!!

Nandini – Abhi..Manik...!!

Abhi – Oh Manik...listen bring him as well...he must be inside..Get him along

Abhi heard Nandini's sobs and the same freaked him out.

Abhi – Nandu...why are you crying..??

Nandini – Abhi...Manik...!!

Abhi – Ya Manik what (Meanwhile Abhi's talks grabbed everyone's attention right when he asked Nandini the reason for her sobbing)

Nandini (with great difficulty) – Abhi...Manik...unconscious...please come fast...!!

Abhi – What unconscious....wait where is he..??

Nandini – In my room..!!

Abhi – We are coming..!!

Saying this he disconnected the call..

Abhi – Cabir Call the doctor...Manik is unconscious..!!

Cabir – What..!!..what happened..!!

Mukti – Abhi Stop joking...!!

Abhi – Guys Why would I joke about this...Cabir please call the doc...Someone please get the elders to Nandini's room....Let's rush...!!

Saying this everyone ran to Nandini's room while Alia informed the elders. Soon everyone gathered in Nandini's room. Navya embraced Nandini who was visibly petrified to see Manik's state. Abhi and Dhruv held Manik and shifted him to the bed.

Cabir – Guys doctor is on the way, shall be here soon..!!

The elders to rushed in. Nyonika and Dadi sat on the bed next to Manik

Dadi – Manik Baccha...wake up...kya hua isse..?? (What happened to him..??)

Amms held Nandini's shoulder and gestured her to get up. Nandini numbly followed her instructions. Amms then took her to the couch and made her sit there while all this while Nandini had her eyes glued to Manik.

Amms – Kanna...kaise hua yeh sab..?? (Child how did this happen)

Nandini (Closed her eyes remembering) – Manik came to my room...we talked..we were happy and then he decided to go back and a few seconds later he was lying unconscious.... I didn't know what to do...Amms he...he...!! (broke into sobs once again)

Mukti rushed to Nandini.

Mukti – Nandini...Shshh...Listen to me...Bhai will be fine...nothing will happen to him okay...Are you listening to me...Nothing will happen to him (Offering her a glass of water)... Here take this...and don't cry..!!

The youngsters witnessed the conversation with tears in their eyes. It was the same Mukti who's harsh words once broke Nandini while today as scared as she was, she didn't let Nandini break rather Mukti's words gave Nandini an assurance that she was seeking.

Supriya – Nyonika has something like this happened in the past as well..!!

Nyonika – I don't know...he never told us...!!

Raj – Hold on...Dhruv...can you get his bag from his room..??

Dhruv – Sure Uncle..!!

Soon, Dhruv returned with the bag. Raj opened the bag and his fears did come true. He called up someone and asked.

Raj – Hi this is Raj Malhotra...Last Saturday, I had taken a few medicines from your store, can you please tell me the serial number for the same.

Caller (on the other side) – Sure sir...can I have your mobile number in order to cross check..??

Raj shared his number and disconnected the call after getting the desired information. He then dialed another number

Raj – Hi Rohtash,...where have you reached..??

Rohtash – I am on the way Raj...Don't worry I'll be there soon..!!

Raj – Can we do something in the meantime...I mean the wait ...

Rohtash – Listen I know you are worried but I am sure it isn't anything serious..!!

Raj – Hmm...Acha Rohtash...those medicines that you had prescribed Manik...what is the dosage frequency for the same..??

Rohtash – He needs to take it twice in day... Don't tell me he has missed the dosage today..!!

Raj – Not just today...I think he has been missing it for a while now..!!

Rohtash – Wait I have just reach the hotel...I am coming to the room...!!

Raj – Ok

Nyonika – Raj ...what dosages...what medicines are these...??

Raj – Nyonika.... Manik is suffering from high blood pressure... About last year he complained Rohtash of headaches and constant giddiness in his stomach. Rohtash got a few tests done and realized the root cause is his high blood pressure which shot really high at certain instances. These medicines are for the same. He needs to take them twice in a day to stay in control

Nyonika – But he never told me Raj...!!

Raj – He never told me too Nyonika...Woh toh I met Rohtash last week and at the same time Manik called him telling him that his medicines shall soon empty out, and he requested Rohtash to arrange for the same since he couldn't make it for the check up then..It was then I asked Rohtash and he told me...I confronted Manik too when I gave him the medicines but he said he is fine and there is nothing to worry...he assured me but there is a lot to worry about I guess..

Rohtash (entering) – Allow me to check him in order to deduce whether we should worry or not..!!

Raj – Thank God You are here...Look at him...

Rohtash – Relax Raj..he'll be fine...

Saying this Rohtash started examining Manik. After a few minutes he turned to Raj

Rohtash – Raj I wouldn't lie...Manik has not taken his medicines which has resulted in increase of Blood pressure level...look right now the higher limit is above 200..it is dangerous for his age...Raj though blood pressure irregularities are pretty common these days courtesy the lifestyle yet if not properly taken care, the consequence can be grave...Talk to Manik and make sure he doesn't take his health lightly...

Nyonika – Thanks Doc.. we shall make sure of that.. but for now...

Rohtash – For now I have given him an injection...when Cabir told me, I had guessed it must be something related to his BP so brought the drug along...but I didn't knew that he had skipped his medicines though..nonetheless he shall regain consciousness in a while

Dadi – Thanks Rohtash... Also, from next time anything happens to him, please make sure you tell us for if Raj had not visited the hospital we would have been completely oblivion about all this...!!

Dr.Rohtash nodded and left. Cabir was about to accompany him out but Nandini chipped in asking if she could have a word with the Doctor. Cabir nodded and Nandini walked out with the Doctor. Nyonika couldn't fight the tears and so did Dadi..

Nyonika – When did he become so big that he started hiding Maa..??

Dadi – He had grown up, I didn't knew he had grown apart

Raj (Caressing his head) – He did Maa...right when I became "Chacha" from "Chachu", I knew he had drifted apart.

Soon, Nandini too joined in

Abhi – Everything okay Nandu...What did you discuss with the Doc..??

Nandini – Abhi...Manik cannot live on medicines for all his life...I mean he is too young...being dependent on medicines in this age is definitely not right...I wanted to discuss with him the other probable remedies for his ailment..and thankfully there are..!!

Dadi – What are they Nandu..??

Nandini – Definitely not your tears Dadi...so you need to stop crying first...and there are a certain exercises, yogas that he can do to keep his BP in check, plus he needs to follow a proper diet plan and we need to ensure that..I have asked the Doctor if the dietician could pay a visit so that we could plan his diet chart accordingly...About exercises and Yoga and instructor shall come tomorrow morning..Let's see how that pans out..!!

Nyonika – Maa, idly toh Manik should stay with us but I know he wouldn't agree for this..i was thinking if we could ask Ranjan (their cook) to shift to Manik's place, he is the trusted one and he would take care of the diet too..

Dadi – That is a good thought Nyonika but he handles things at your place...then what would happen to that..??

Abhi – Dadi, if I may, I can ask my cook's wife to cook at their place, she cooks well and I really don't think there would be any issue with that...!!

Nyonika – That would be great...Thank you beta..!!

Supriya – Why Thank You...Aren't we all one family... Helping each other rather being there for one another, that's what families are for, right Nyonika ..!!

Raman – Absolutely...and Right now Manik needs us...Let us focus on him for his health should be our priority now... and Raj don't worry whatever it is we all are in it together...!!

Raman hugged Raj while Supriya hugged Nyonika, the hug had the assurance of being one family, being together in sorrows and in happiness.

Amms saw Dadi lost in her thoughts

Amms – Kiran ji....Please donot worry...children they tend to distance themselves after certain age or may be after certain accidents or tragic events...We as adults just need to assure them and make our presence felt in their life...they'll come back..!!

Dadi – Shabana ji ... Manik he was suffering but he never said anything at all.... These children why do they think so much...I mean who's told them to overthink...

Just then Nyonika saw Manik trying to open his eyes. She signaled everyone to stay quiet as Manik was waking up. Manik tried to move his left hand but found an unusual tight grip over it. He rotated his head towards his left only to find Nyonika looking at him intently without blinking her eyes. It did not take him a moment to realize that the grip on hand was of Nyonika.

Manik (in a feeble voice) – Chachi...

Nyonika – Haan beta...do you need anything...how are you feeling now..??

Manik – I am fine Chachi (trying to get up).

Cabir – Wait... why are you always in a hurry...Hold on warrior...in case you have forgotten let me remind you, you were unconscious a minute back.

Cabir came forward and held his shoulder supporting him in getting up while Nyonika placed pillows on the back to give him the support. Once Manik was comfortably seated, he looked around to see worried faces.

Manik – Sorry guys because of me you all got troubled...I am fine really..!!

Dadi – Dekha Shabana...this is what I was talking about...overthinking...I have no clue what is with this breed of younger generation... and Manik you..You should thank the Gods that you are unwell.. Nahi toh itna maarti ki chal bhi nahi paata tu..khota kahin ka..!! (I would have beaten you so much that you wouldn't be able to walk..Idiot)

Cabir – Aray Dadi...he is totally fine...look at him he is sitting comfortably and this pillow in my hand in very eager to touch his skin so here you go..

Saying this Cabir threw a pillow at Manik, followed by Dhruv and Abhi.

Manik – Guys what is wrong with you...!! Why are you showering these pillows on me..??

Raj – Because you deserve it... I should have pulled your ears last week itself when I handed you over the medicines...So tell me Manik you promised me you'll take care of your health right...(Manik nodded)...then how come not even a single tablet of this strip is eaten...Did you eat your medicine..??

Manik – Woh Chachaji...

Raj – Haan Manik I am listening...woh what...tell me..!!

Manik – Woh actually...

Raj – Actually what happened Manik...say na..taking time to come up with a perfect excuse...Tell me did you miss your medicines...??

Manik – Chachaji...

Raj – Manik I am asking you for the last time...Did you or did you not...??

Nyonika – Raj Calm down...Can't you see he is not well..??

Raj – Unwell...I know Nyonika...I am not blind...but then I can't turn a blind eye to his actions though..

Dadi – Right Raj...Manik so tell me...did you take your medicines...and on that note what are these medicines for... Not that I don't know yet I want to hear it for you...

Dadi words were dipped in sarcasm and eyes carried a fury that got Manik's breath stuck in his throat

Raj – Of course Maa...your darling grandson will tell you everything...right Manik...Come'on Dadi wants to know

Manik looked at Dadi and gulped in fear. Angry Dadi was like a ferocious tigress who no one liked to pick up a fight with for you would always end up losing a big way

Manik – Dadi... these medicines are to keep my BP in check..It shoots up at times... and I..

Dadi - I...what Manik..??

Manik – I...Amidst all the preparation I forgot to take them for a few days..

Dadi – How many days Manik..??

Manik – a week I guess...!!

Dadi – Khote de puttar...dimag kharab ho gaya hain tera...bevkoof kahin ka...kya samjhta kya hain khud ko tu..hain...jo manmarzi hogi who karega...itna bada ho gaya hain tu...hain..bol (Idiot...have you lost it...what do you think of yourself..you'll do whatever you want...you've grown up so much..Come'on Speak up)

Manik – I just didn't wish to trouble you all..but I guess I failed...!!

Dadi – Raj call Rohtash...ask him if this High BP affects brain as well... kyunki yeh pagal ho gaya hain...!! (..For he has turned crazy)

Nyonika – Really Manik....you really think this is something that would trouble us...Yes we will be worried for your health but as parents that's our right...How could you hide it and that too for a year..??

Amms – Manik Kanna...it is very important to share your troubles with your family...that's what families are for...sharing never harms anyone

Manik lowered his head to hide the disappointment, that's when Nandini spoke.

Nandini – You don't need to be disappointed Manik not with you at least...I have been in the place that you are in right now..You know that right....And if there is one thing that I have learnt or rather you've taught me in these couple of days is that the care and love one receives from the loved ones instills a great sense of security and stability in their life...you should not push it away...Never ... So look up right now...!!

Nyonika – Nandini is right Manik... Stop fiddling with needless thoughts... they would just mess you up.. just like you are right now... I mean look at you it looks like you've lost all the sense for you are being so unreasonable, impractical and immature at the moment...!!

A voice – Well that's what he is..immature

Everyone looked at the door to find Nyonika's sister Resha standing there.

Resha – Well sorry to say but he is the eldest yet look at level of maturity he has shown today...today is such an important day for sister, such a beautiful afternoon we had and his act in the evening spoiled it all.. just like a black spot on this auspicious day... anyways being an Orphan he is a bad luck to his pare...

Before she could say anything further, she was welcomed by a tight slap on her face. She looked around to know her assaulter and found it to be Nyonika.

Nyonika – Not a word more...How dare you call him a bad luck... Who gave you the right to talk in my family matters...this beautiful afternoon that you were just a part of was because of him...Manik... MY SON...dare you call him by that word ever again.. HE IS MY SON...

Raj – Rather OUR SON Resha....Let me tell you it is not Manik's illness rather your ill words were "a black spot on this auspicious day"

Mukti – And that is why I do not wish to let you ruin my day even for a second now...So Mausi I have booked your tickets you have a flight in about two hours...Rather than wasting our time..you should go and pack..

Resha – You guys are humiliating me for him... but let me tell you this guy here his attention these days on other things (pointing at Nandini)... He is more interested in distracting himself with other things or should I say other girls...Am I Right Nandini....

Manik – Mausi...Enough...You've spoken enough and I have heard enough... I didn't say a word when you were speaking about me but I won't tolerate a single ill word against Nandini...!!

Mukti – And she is not any other girl...She shares the same space in our life as Abhi, Navya and Fab5...I hope you remember that...!!

Resha – But..

Dadi – Resha out of this place now...don't force me to do or say something I donot wish too..

Resha walked out of the room while Mukti literally smashed the door on her face.

Dadi – I would like to apologise on her behalf...whatever she said what totally inappropriate..!!

Amms – You don't need to apologize Kiran....we can't change people's mindset...whatever she spoke for Manik was totally uncalled for and I am glad everyone here took a stand against the wrong...

Raman – Plus every family has one such masterpiece...you haven't met ours yet...wait for the wedding, they are notches higher than her..

Supriya – I hope their flight gets cancelled...God having them in the wedding is like inviting troubles with open hands..!!

Manik saw Nyonika was quiet all the while. He tried standing up but couldn't so stretched his hand out..

Manik – Chachi...

Nyonika looked at him while he gestured her to come to him as he made some space for her. She came and sat beside him and he just placed his head on her lap.

Manik – Chachi why are you worrying haan...?? Abhi thodi der pehle tak you were scolding me or abhi you are lost..I am telling you I do not like this version of you...For me my Hitler Chachi is the best...(Nyonika smiled a bit)...Waise chachi I'll tell you a secret, eversince she came here na, Me and Mukti were just praying that the fight between you doesn't get very serious..you know like it always does...we were fully prepared this time...(Nyonika raised her eyebrow)...aray Sacchi...how do you think Mukti got tickets booked so easily, we had already searched and saved flights for everyday and every time zone like morning afternoon evening etc so that we can ask her to go back the moment she tries to spoil your mood...But chachi we had expected everything but the slap that was masterstroke....Aaye haaye Meri Voilent Hilter (he said pulling her cheeks while she slapped on his forehead)

Nyonika – She spoke ill about my son....had she not been my sister I would have dug her grave right there...Manik always remember you are my child...the first one I ever held in my hands..no one can take away the right I have on you neither the right you have on me..

Manik (raising his hand in air) – Heil Hilter..!!

Nyonika – Pagal Ladka..!!

Navya (who was keenly observing Nandini spoke) – Nandu where are you lost...you haven't taken her words seriously I hope..!!

Nandini – Of course not Navya...but Manik and Mukti you shouldn't have spoken with her in that manner...

Mukti – I know we were a little calm about the whole thing

Nandini (rolling her eyes) – Calm...seriously...

Manik – Nandini she deserved it...you reap what you saw...

Nandini – But Manik...baba she is elder to you ...!!

Manik – AND YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO ME

Everyone including Nandini gaped at Manik. The first one to recover from the shock was Cabir..

Cabir – Important and all..haan..!!

Manik – Of course..she is my friend Cabir...she is important

Abhi (raising his eyebrow) – Friend...when did this happen..Did we miss something...??

Nandini – Just before he fainted...he promised to stay my friend forever and then he got knocked out...Such a liar you are Manik...

Manik – Nandini not you please..At least...!!

Nandini – And what makes you think I would let you go so easily...

Amms - But Manik Kanna sorry to bring it up once again, there is something I wish to say I saw you were silent when unnecessary words were being spoken for you...just the way you took stand for Nandini you should have taken it for yourself as well...

Cabir – He would have but Amms...Nandini is different...They are "FRIENDS"...you see...!!

Everyone giggled except Manik and Nandini who of course glared at Cabir

Nyonika – She is right Manik...but before taking stand for yourself you should take care of yourself... and for that we have decided that Ranjan shall be 24X7 cook from now on...Nandini infact I was think we will have Ranjan too with us when we speak with the dietitian...hain na..!!

Nandini – Perfect Aunty..i think that makes a lot of sense (just then her phone beeped, checking the message she said)...Good..Manik get ready tomorrow at 6:30, the yoga instructor will be here...your training shall start from tomorrow...

Raj – And also Manik...I know you go to Rohtash every month for your check up...From now on let me know whenever that is...I would accompany you for the same...Waise I'll keep a tab on your health with Rohtash

Manik – Yoga...food..check up...People it is just a high blood pressure...nothing serious...Relax..!!

Nandini (throwing a cushion at him) – Are you fucking kidding me...you idiot...you asshole...(realizing her surrounding Nandini but her tongue)...Sorry for the language but he deserves it...!!

Cabir (chuckling) – No worries Nandini...please continue..

Nandini – Haan so what were you saying..just a high blood pressure..let me correct you Mr. Malhotra, a high blood pressure can cause you to have a heart attack; this same high blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes; It can affect a wide range or organs from kidneys to lungs to your legs...so It is not just a high blood pressure... Take care before ... You know what before me or anyone less I would suggest you to zip your mouth before I smack your head with pillow once again.

Everyone looked at Nandini with bewilderment before bursting out into laughter.

Raj – Ok..enough..I think now we should rest and let Manik also rest..!!

Nyonika – I'll stay with him..!!

Cabir – Oh no Chachi...let Nandini stay here...I think with the research that she has done on High BP, I am sure she'll be of better help to her "friend" whenever he needs it...Right..!!

Abhi – Waise I think with Nandini around, Manik wont have high BP at all

Alya – But what if staying with Manik makes Nandini the patient

The youngsters looked at Alya widening their eyes

Alya – Aray patient of High BP...with the amount of shouting she has done in past five minutes what else would you expect..??

Dadi – Acha okay...Nandu beta you'll be fine here right..!!

Nandini – Sure Dadi..

Just then Manik said

Manik – Chachu...are you still mad at me..??

Raj – What do you think....and please don't make these cute faces they wont work this time...Give me your phone..

Manik – Hain..

Raj – Give me your phone...I won't check your girlfriend's messages for I know you don't have one...such a useless fellow you are...I want your phone to put the reminder for your medicine and also I need your PA what is his name Varun's number...Will give him the responsibility to check on you regarding this

Manik – Chachu I am not a kid...!!

Raj – Are you sure Manik...because you do behave like one.

Everyone started leaving when Nandini said

Nandini – Abhi I need to talk to you..Could you please wait here for a while..??

Abhi – Sure Baby Doll

After everyone left, Abhi spoke

Abhi – Yes...what do want to talk about..??

Nandini – About Mukti...!!

Abhi – What about her..??

Manik – Haven't you noticed she's been unusually quiet today, except talking to Mausi, she hasn't spoken a word Abhi..??

Abhi – She did...she spoke with Nandini when she was freaking out and assured her that you'll be fine..!!

Nandini – Not that Abhi...Listen you and mukti need to talk... Don't you think Manik's condition would have shaken her up to...Idly with you around she should have sought solace in you but did she..?? Have you ever thought why Mukti asked you to get engaged to her now when earlier the plan was to have all functions together in those 5 days..??

Manik - Yes Abhi..think about it...This was exactly what I was trying to talk to you about...You've talked with me and Nandini but have you spoken with Mukti yet...??

Abhi - Because that's not needed...I mean this ring on my finger proves it.. Doesn't it..??

Nandini - only to some extent Abhi...Only to some extent.. Sometimes our heart seeks security in words

Manik - and unfortunately her heart is still waiting for your words...

Abhi – Manik..

Manik – Let me complete Abhi...I am family...I can be away from her but she knows I would still carry her in my heart wherever I go like you would for Nandini... She needs assurance from you...

Nandini – Exactly an assurance that you will be with her despite of her short comings... an assurance that she could be herself around you...she doesn't have to fear for anything...She needs an assurance that the ring she has on her finger is not only because of commitment but primarily because of the love you have for her.

Manik – She needs to know that you count on her and that she can also count on you...!!

Abhi – I get it...I'll speak with her right away...waise Manik I was thinking of asking you to take care of your meds..but Raj Dad has chosen the right person...I would ensure that Varun is never off this pressure..infact this should be one of his KRA's...what do you think..

Manik – I think you are mad..get lost..!!

Abhi walked, rather ran out to look for Mukti. While Nandini on the other hand was laughing her heart out, a sight that brought a smile on Manik's face as well.

Manik – God you are weird...I mean all the weirdos in the world had to be either my family or friends...Why..

Nandini – Because you are the biggest giant weirdo of the lot my friend...!!

Manik sighed and remembered the moments that passed by. He realized that despite of putting hypothetical miles between himself and his family, he still carried them with him in his heart, his mind, and so did they for we do not just live in a world but a world lives in us. May be this was what family was, a promise, the eternal promise to be by side, the love that gives you the much needed security, the care that gives you reason to live. He thanked the almighty for blessing him with a support system and the best family who just support each other no matter what they were going through.

While on the other hand Nandini was overwhelmed with the support her extended family, her friends, Mukti and Manik gave her today. Mukti words when Manik was unconscious instilled hope in her while Manik announcing that she is important to him were like the word of honor that instantly made her feel sheltered. It is true that family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs, the ones you accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.

Meanwhile, Abhi found Mukti on the terrace

Abhi – You know you could use my shoulder in case you need one to cry on..!!

Mukti – I thought you were busy..!!

Abhi – I thought you knew I am always available for you...!!

Mukti – Why...why are you with me Abhi...I am a terrible person...My brother who took care of me ever since I was born, he was suffering and I was too lost in my own world to notice it and you know what the irony is, years ago I shouted on Nandini for being negligent towards him while actually she wasn't...and today when I actually was, I can't do anything apart from hanging my head in shame...!!

Abhi – Shame for what...you know what you did today...the same Nandini whom you had once scolded, you gave her hope today when she was breaking down...you know if you had not spoken at that time Nandini would have allowed all the negativity to consume her and walked out of Manik's life once again...You stood up for Manik and Nandini infront of someone who was uttering rubbish about them..you are not terrible Mukti...you are just a human ...A wonderful human who is ready to accept and rectify her mistakes...you are stronger than I'll ever be..

Mukti – But Abhi

Abhi – Wait I am not finished yet...Why am I with you...because "I love you stupid"...Do you really need any other reason, for I don't...I know my love in itself is a reason strong enough to have you by my side for the rest of my life. Mukti I cannot promise you much but that every time you feel a little lost, we'll look for our way home together, following the little maps stretched across our palms.

Mukti – That is more than enough for me Abhi..for Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing and I am blessed to have you in my life..Thank you for making me a part of yours

Abhi – The feelings are mutual love..

Andwith a few words Mukti's heart got the security that it had been searching forall this while.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------End of Chapter 24-----

Here you go with the update...hope you all like it...

Important – A note follows this update...please make sure you read that

Thank You everyone for the support..!!

That's it from me for today...See you guys..Cheers..!!