If only people knew what their future had for them...!

Would you like to know what your future holds for you.?

Or a better question would you trade your present to know what your future holds...?

Or would you be able to live your life the same, if you knew what your future held for you?

They say destiny has its own plans for everyone, all you have to do is be strong to take whatever it gives you, patient enough to handle yourself through those weak moments and most of all smile.

Yes, smile to all that moment it throws at you, be the warrior of you own story take it all with a smile.

But that doesn't mean that you will just sit there stating I'll get whatever that is meant for me. Of-course you won't get more than you have been destined or a little less then destined.

But you have to work. Smartly or hardly depends on you! Get out of your comfort zone do things which you might have not opted to otherwise.

And so was the situation for Nandini.

Life had thrown all the mightiest possible worst memories and situations for her.

What worse than having your own brother wanting to kill you, What worse than not having a single person by your side, What worse than living with a guilt of someone who died to save you, What worse than wanting to live your life to the fullest but being burdened with the thought that the moment you let someone enter your life you are risking their life to, endangering them with a problem which wasn't even theirs in the first place.

All this was handled by Nandini alone.

A 23-year-old self-made girl with a multi-million property she made for herself and above all no aspects regarding what life and love looks like.

Scared always but yet with a firm and strong smile to not let people see through.

A beautiful confidence to not let break through those deep brown ocean eyes.

An ecstatic charm to let people deceive into believing that she has it all under control but in true sense was all alone in the dark of the night.

The only love and strength she had in this miserable comfort of life was the three people she loved the most and would actually give her life if asked for,

Trisha, a lovely child with no guard of her parents who died saving Nandini. To say along with Trisha, Malini and Samarth treated her like their own daughter and what did god brought those two beautiful souls a brutal death and for what? For trying to be loving and warm towards a beautiful girl. Since then Nandini has always been so guilty about their death. Taking the blame upon her. Still giving her sleepless night and no peace in her heart at all. Trisha was always like a child to Nandini since her birth, she always goofed around with her and pampered her with all the love she didn't even knew she was capable of giving.

Rithvik, they say blood relations run deeper but if there is someone who proved this wrong then it was him. A brother, a protector for Nandini, when all her beliefs went in vain for the love called family, he stepped in to give her that warmth and provide her the fair chance of what one of the strongest relations in the world feels like, a pure relation between a brother and a sister.

Navya, they say if you don't have anything on this earth you would still survive, but if you don't have a friend, a partner who would be like your literal guard in all the worries you won't be able to get through life. A person who would defend you even when the world is against you. Someone who would listen to all your continuous blabber or would understand your silence when the words fall short. For Nandini, Navya was that best friend that could ever exist.

And now she was here in India, a place she never wanted to come because native places are meant to give you the peace and calm of being home, a comfy feeling which you won't feel even if you travel the whole freak 'in world.

But for Nandini all that her native place provided was the feeling of restlessness, spine thrilling chills and agony. The only something good she felt was a few vibes which made her feel like something good was bound to happen.

But only if she knew how much of well would it bring, but for that she had a truckload of bad things waiting to happen to her.

Ridhima's P.O.V

Wednesdays,

If there's a day in the entire week I hate more than Monday's then it definitely has to Wednesday's.

Cause they make you feel like a strangled person hanged on a cliff.

Because if you leave the rope you are going to fall and die anyways and neither do you have the strength to pull yourself back upwards.

And so are Wednesday's neither does it gives you the motivation Mondays provide you and neither is the weekend any closer to feel all relaxed. Strangled.

Karan: now ridh if you are done with you and your theories about Wednesday's let's get started, we have a long day ahead.

Karan said as he came from back and hugged me placing a small kiss on my neck forwarding me the cup of black coffee which gives me the only good vibes needed to get through midweek.

Me: morning love. How do you always guess what is going on in my mind?

Karan: that's for me to know and you to find out. Also, I made you some French toast please have that meanwhile I'll go and take a bath.

Now trust me him cooking for me always kind of turns me on and I swear on all the abundant Love I have for coffee, Him all shirtless and all goody is something not to be missed. And for that I replied to him saying,

Me: how about we have a shower together and then have the breakfast.

He giggled so softly with all his charm.

He just removed few hairs that were laying on my face because of the soft breeze blowing and looked straight at my heart through my eyes.

Whenever he looks me in the eyes, I can see all the love he has for me. All the adoration, care, patience, and above all love and respect.

Three years back when his parents died, I saw all of him. His eagerness to have them back, his loneliness, his vulnerable side, his emotional instability all of it.

It had just been a year for us together and I might sound selfish here but I had to make a career and that was important for me. I know my brother has it all and even if I don't work, I won't even have to ask for anything but I wanted to be on my own. Even then when I informed him about 8-month course I wanted to pursue on event management he didn't let me stay back with him. I knew if I told him he might get upset but what he did, the patience he held was something that made me head over heels for him.

Or the way he dealt with my parents when they heard some nasty rumour about me. He calmed them as if it was a task meant for a kid.

I would not be wrong if I say I feel all jealous of him because my brother does loves him more than me. Just kidding but bhai has always liked him the most always even my parents have always trusted me so much with him.

To say that he is my fiancé, my partner to confide in sorrow and happiness, the love of my life and if even possible my soulmate for all lives gives me so much of pride and joy.

And as I said and as I knew there was no going back now, Karan took the almost empty cup of coffee from my hand placed it on the table nearby and with all the love and might placed his cold lips on my hot one!

And even before I knew he picked me up and started walking towards the shower.

Nothing gives you more pleasure than to be in the arms of the man who would literally do anything just to be with you and make you all loved.

Just the thought of intensity we held for each other made me shudder, as if understanding my dilemma, he immediately slowed down his pace and started making circles on my back, taking care of me as a delicate glass doll who on applying pressure would break down.

I still feel all giddy with the thought of love he has for me.

Slowly picking up with my pace he kissed me with so much fondness.

And then our little quick shower turned into a hot, passionate make out session where along with water flowing down out bodies the walls heard our moans and groans.

Leave it up to this guy to make you feel like the luckiest lady on the earth.

Finally laying me on the chair and placing a sweet forehead kiss and a thousand "I Love You ", he went into his closet to get dressed up.

And me still blushing about the thoughts of what we just did.

I started to walk towards my closet all unsure of what I was going to wear.

Finally reaching out to the same blue ripped denims I always wear, though I have like a hundred more, pairing it with a black simple tee and grabbing a simple pink jacket, slipping into my white converse sneakers I moved out of the closet.

Only to feel a sudden blow at my heart as if something strong hit me. I was about to fall when suddenly Karan held me securely in his arms.

Karan: are you okay ridh?

Karan asked me holding me in his arms panic and worry visible in his eyes!

I was feeling so low all of sudden and the amount of pain and negative vibes I was experiencing alerted me about something.

I have a power disguised as curse rather.

This is happening to me since I was a kid, whenever there was something bad going to happen to someone connected to me in some sort of ways, I always have this kind of episode.

Me: Karan please take me to bed I need to lie down for a moment. I am not able to breathe. It's the same episode I get when I get intuitions about something bad about to happen.

His gaze immediately turned from worry to sympathy and helplessness as even he knew there was no medicine, he could treat this curse with.

He gently laid me on the bed holding me in his arms. His one hand rubbing my back and with other he helped me drink some water. After that placing the glass back on side table, he slowly tried to remove the frown lines from my forehead by slowly pressing my forehead.

Its power because I would know who the bad thing is going to happen with, when I cross someone who is going to go through this, I have the same episode, when I meet them after the initial episode I have I know something bad is going to happen to them.

And it's a curse in disguise because I know that they are going to suffer but I am all helpless and left in this writhing pain. Because neither can I tell the one who is going to suffer and neither does this pain subsides. So, it's a power disguised as a curse.

After few moments when I felt normal, assuring Karan for the thousandth time that I am feeling okay we were on our feet towards the garage to get into the car as we had to leave for Nandini's place.

I don't know much about her I just know this that Malhotra Industries have a merger going on with Murthy Industries and that Nandini is like a family to Navya who by the way is Cabir's sort of bride to be, obviously if they both agree to marry each other.

It took us around half hour to reach there because it was a rush hour. We entered the mansion and I was mesmerized with the way the entire look was pulled.

On the front is gate made of vertically placed glass and wood along with a semi-circle dome placed on top of the gate which had this cute little flower decorations.

On entering, there is this very simple but elegant fountain placed which literally soothes the site and then there is a lavish garden where there are a few swings, someone sitter while some like an entire desk sort of swings where more than one people could sit which were decorated with these cute pillows and toys. And then there was this one huge swing which was attached to a huge tree which was slightly towards the end of the garden.

The garden was decorated with all sort of nice twinkle lights and small lamps placed along the walk-way. And there were this cute little lanterns and other decorations hanging from the trees. It had flowers like baby breath, sunflowers, orchids, black and white and pink roses, smooth, climbing, panicle, French hydrangeas, stargazers, carnations all the other flowers I probably don't know the names of. But most of them were similar to the ones we had in our garden. I wonder how beautiful would this garden look in the dark when all those beautiful lights would have been lit.

And then there was a nice swimming pool with a fancy design on the opposite of the garden and between this was a nice entrance to the door of the mansion and opposite to this was an underground parking for vehicles.

The guard came to get our car so that he could park it and then we started walking towards the door.

There was a small slope that directly lead to the doorway. The mansion seemed much more modern than I imagined. It has those beautiful large glass walls a nice shrubs and ornamental plants placed at each nook giving it an earthy and peaceful but still elegant look.

The entire insides of the mansion were painted in pastels of white and off-white shades and the furniture was all modern, blackish and other smooth pastel coloured.

In short it was very pretty. I must say designing this would have took a pretty much entire village.

As we entered, we saw Manik, Cabir sitting there along with two other girls.

One of them who I recognized to be Navya from the picture Cabir had shown us back then.

And the other one was I am guessing Nandini. Sitting there in a cute dungaree and sophisticated posture.

The maid told them about our arrival and all four of them came towards us and we greeted each other.

As soon as I greeted Nandini, those negative vibes and the blows started hitting me again.

And I knew that the pain I am facing right now is all that Nandini has to go through. It is her. She id the one who is going to suffer and my heart just pained more at this. She looks so kind and so concerned. Why would god put such a beautiful soul through such a mess?

I know that I don't know anything about her but there is one thing I can surely tell and that is that she wouldn't even have harmed a single ant in her entire life.

Sometimes just by a single look at a person you can tell what they are capable of and what not. And she definitely didn't seem like someone who would have done anything bad to anyone.

Noticing my discomfort, Karan held me in by waist firmly but strong enough to not let me fall.

Nandini: are you okay Ridhima? you don't look comfortable is there anything I can get you?

Nandini asked me as if she noticed my discomfort immediately.

Patting my hand on my head and taking a few long breaths I replied to her.

Me: no, I am all fine it's just something that happens. Don't worry please I am all okay.

Cabir and Manik started giving me puzzled looks and I just nodded in a no to them.

Navya: why don't you all take a sit and I'll get some refreshments for you all. And are you really okay Ridhima? You can lie down if you want for a while the other come, I'll take you to the room.

Navya looked at me with so much of concern and care in her eyes, for a moment I wanted to yell at Cabir and tell him that marry this beautiful girl right here but again it's their decision.

How could you be so concerned about a stranger who you just met few seconds ago?

But then again that is where the beauty lies in. People who are really kind and generous don't care about the fact that they know someone or not they are just kind version of themselves always.

Me: thank for so much of concern but I am really fine. Please don't worry. I'll just sit for a while and I'll will be all fine.

Navya smiled at me and asked the maid to get some refreshments for all of us.

After a while the Mukti joined us and we greeted each other and left for the meeting.

While we were on our way to Taj hotels where the meeting was being held Karan again asked me about how I was feeling and I replied I positive.

Taj hotels, 10:00 P.M.

As soon as we all parked our cars and entered the lift,

Manik: are you okay ridh, what happened to you?

Mukti: what, ridh is not feeling okay?

Me: before anyone of you ask me again about how I am feeling, let me tell you guys I am okay nothing happened just a bit tired nothing else

Karan looked at me and nodded in a question mark face to which I blinked my eyes and nodded in a slight no gesturing him to not let everyone know about this thing.

Karan nodded at me while making a "you'll have to tell me about it after wards" face.

To which I blinked my eyes.

But among all of these there was someone looking at me very intently and that was Cabir.

And I know I had a storm of questions coming at me once we both were alone.

We met and the sponsors, producers and the meeting started.

The sponsors told all of the concerns they had regarding the concert that was to take place in a month.

Me: see I might have a problem to your solution. But you might have to find more sponsors.

Sponsor: what are you kidding me right now Ridhima? Tell me your plan and then we will think about that.

Manik: it would be nice if we used a civilized language here. I know you are worried and so are we but I will not take this language.

I knew from the moment he said that, Manik was fore sure going to give him a good piece about this and he deserved this anyways. He has been bullying us since a long time.

Me: so, since the problem is that we are getting so many requests regarding the extension of the place where concert is going to be held and also our annual break is coming. Meaning this concert will be the last one we perform before going on a four-month break, I have an idea, we are ready to push our break few months back, we are willing to do a tour within India and after our break is over the first thing, we are going to do is release a song and then go on a tour in other continents. Obviously given the fact that we have enough viewers and enough tickets being sold. Your agency will first conduct a survey regarding the wishes of fans and then you will give a statement, refund all the tickets which are being cancelled and then you will inform us and then we will start the preparations of the tour.

Everyone has an amused face. Obviously, who did they think Ridhima Seth was?

I don't say anything or if I don't speak doesn't mean that I am weak it just means that I am prepared to reply them but in a polite and more savage way.

After discussing few more points, the meeting was done.

We were on our way towards the restaurant to have some food since it was almost one in the noon and all of us were starving.

Karan: okay stop about everything already and eat first then we will talk about the rest of the things.

Karan interrupted everyone because everyone agreed on having food but no one seemed to stop their discussions and other talks.

We reached at the restaurant and seated ourselves at a nice table, from where we had the view of the sea or the land ends.

Again, as all of us were busy chatting, Karan ordered food according to everyone's preferences.

This was Karan always so caring and worried. He'll entertain you when required, care for you always, look after you always. He in short was the mother-hen of the entire group. This small thing makes me fall for him more day by day.

How can someone be so caring, selfless, entertaining and kind. Also let's not forget the good look here. What is this man even?

I was so fluttered by the way he was cajoling Mukti about some topic she hated.

I felt like kissing him right here, right now

And looking for the perfect chance when the other three were busy among themselves and Karan was looking for something of his phone...

I made him face me by holding his face and turning it towards me and pressed my lips on his so hard and after a few seconds I left him and concentrated on the conversation others were having, like nothing happened at all.

He was so awestruck and amused. Maybe because this is not me, this is not how I would behave and I was trying so hard to control my laughter.

Manik: what happened to you bro, why are you so shocked?

Cabir: you like someone just kissed you out of nowhere!

Mukti: or wait, someone did actually kiss him...

Oo oo this was not supposed to happen

All of them turned their gazes at me and I was trying so hard to not smile and blush but I had to come up with a more sarcastic reply.

Me: so, what if I did? He is mine and I can do whatever I want.

And their faces were worth seeing.

After a few seconds of laughter, we all busted out laughing so loudly.

By the time we controlled out laughter somehow, our food was served.

This is us, always together, always so worried and concerned about each other.

I can't remember a single day when I didn't had fun with them or that I was bored while I was out with them or also that I didn't enjoy my time with them.

Never

This never happens when the five of us are together

Or as a matter fact when the eight of us are together,

Duh? Don't you dare forget Abhi, Dev and Latha.

After finishing our lunch, we headed towards the parking.

Mukti: you guys go ahead Abhi is already waiting for me in the lounge we are going for a movie and then to a beach later.

Cabir: o someone has plans.

Karan: shut up Cabir. We'll see how days more are you going to be free for.

Cabir: fine, sorry.

Karan: Nice. Now, we are heading towards home what plan do you guys have?

Cabir: nothing much. We will leave for home to. Manik and Karan go and get the car. For how long are you planning to make us stand here in sunlight.

To which Karan simply nodded his head.

Manik: such a drama queen!

And when Cabir said this I knew what he meant. There is a truckload of question coming towards me. Let's get ready for the battle.

As soon as they left Cabir started with the questions.

Cabir: out with it right now ridh.

Me: fine. I am telling. You know about the intuitions I have right?

Cabir: yes

Me: so, I am having those intuitions for Nandini.

Cabir's eyes almost bulged out of his sockets.

Cabir: what?

Me: yes, Cabir I am affirmative. I had one in the morning before coming here and one after I met her. That is why Karan was holding me so hard.

Cabir had so many questions and emotions itched on his face. But the one which concerned me the most was protectiveness.

But his eyes softened again.

Cabir: okay first things first, Manik can absolutely not know any of this. Secondly, since you have already had these intuitions it's only fair on my part to tell you something which might help you with pain. But you can't say a single word about this to manik or anyone else.

I just nodded, scared at the thought that what he might tell me next.

Cabir: Nandini is Viraj's sister. Viraj is trying to kill Nandini. Manik is kind of into Nandini. And Nandini doesn't wants any relationships right now because that would make the person with her a target to. And I know manik and Viraj are kind of best friends but, we don't know the hated Viraj has for Nandini. And till what extent he might go to kill her. We were never fond of Viraj but manik is and if viraj hates Nandini more than his friendship and care for manik. If at all they are together Viraj won't think about manik there are chances manik could get hurt in this entire scenario.

To say that I was baffled or my mind was just blown away at the information I was just exposed to would be an understatement.

I tried to form words but I wasn't able to and eyes were now watering with tears.

As if reading my mind and understanding the dilemma I was going through Cabir held me in his arms.

He was holding me with such a care providing me the warmth I need.

Me: Cabir...?

I questioned him and he wiped my tears and looked at me.

Me: what is Manik's fault in all of this? How are we going to protect him? I am worried for him! I don't want him to get hurt here. And how can he be so cruel? How can he kill his own sister Cabir? How?

Cabir lightly squeezed my hands,

Cabir: trust me this are the same questions I want an answer to. But there is one thing here I can assure you about, that nothing is going to happen to Manik! We won't let anyone touch him.

I nodded at him understanding the meaning of his words.

Me: how do you know all of this Cabir?

Cabir: Navya told me most of these things. While where Manik's part is concerned I had a word with him about the same. Few days ago, Nandini had an accident and she was admitted to hospital by manik and from there I observed everything so I know and I asked him. Plus, we all know about Latha's sister to. So then matching the dots was not that tough. And the other thing here is that Nandini is very sweet. She feels like one of us. She is legit kid; I don't want her to suffer. And trust me when I say suffer it's not something small. She is battling depression. She can't eat properly. She can't sleep properly without pills and even after them. She is so scared that before talking to someone new she probably thinks it through thousand times.

To say that the pain I feel while having intuition was a joke around what Cabir just told me, a small hysterical cry left my mouth.

Cabir hugged me again wiping my tears.

Cabir: we have to be strong here ridh. If not for anyone else than for Manik at least.

Me: not only for Manik we will do whatever we can for Nandini to. Also don't you think it's time for us to play cupids again.

I said with a small smile playing on my lips.

Cabir who was also misty eyed smiled at this.

Cabir: true. Also, I decided I'll tell this to everyone together. But since your smile is so dull, I'll let you know. Me and Navya have decided to marry each other and also, I think I might be falling in love with her.

Me: what?

I literally said that out so loud and jumped on him hugging him and he twirled me around while reciprocating the hug.

I am happy for him he has always been a friend, a brother and a partner in crime whenever I need him and after Naina di he was sort of lost but I guess Navya could work on that. And guess what I am already seeing a tat bit difference here!

Me: I am so so happy for you monkey. And for the record I really like Navya a lot already.

Cabir gave me a very goofy smile and before I could tease him more there, cars honked at us from behind indicating that they were here.

Cabir: not a word about any of the previous information to anyone ridh!

Me: aye aye captain.

And we bid each other byes and left for our destinations.

P.O.V Ends.

Narrator's P.O.V.

Manik and Cabir were in their car and they left the hotel.

Manik: so, where to Cabir? Or shall I drop you home?

Cabir: listen manik there is something I have to tell you...

Manik: so, what are you waiting for?

Cabir: I know you won't judge me but please know this that I have thought this through and I have decided to marry Navya.

Manik suddenly parked the car at the sideways and applied the break so hard that if not for the seatbelt they were wearing they would have been out of the car breaking through the front windshield.

Cabir: I'll will marry her manik. I haven't yet already got married to her. What are you trying to do here? Kill me?

Before Cabir could speak any further manik hugged him and Cabir too reciprocated the hug.

Manik: I knew it. I so knew that something has happened the way you were smiling so goofily and getting all emotional I knew was up. I can't even express how happy I am for you Cabir.

Cabir: you don't have to I know it all from your face.

Manik: have you told this to uncle, aunty or anyone else.

Cabir: only you and ridh know this.

Manik: oh okay. So, where do you want to go or what do you want to ...

Before Cabir could speak there was call on manik phone from his dad.

Manik picked up the call,

Manik: hyy dad!

Vivek: hello beta, where are you? Are you busy?

Manik: no dad I am free I was on my way to home.

Vivek: okay then listen don't come home yet, we had a call from the broker. He has seen a few plots for the factory we are planning to make on the merger. He was asking me whether any of us could go with him and take a look so that it could be finalized and then we could start the construction as soon as possible. Because we only have these three days in our hand after that we have to help with the arrangements of Suraj's anniversary and we won't be free and do I need to tell you how hard is it to find good plots in Mumbai.

Manik: okay then dad. I'll talk to him directly and we will take a look at all the plots today itself.

Vivek: one more thing manik...

Manik: yes boss.

Vivek: I actually am huh... take Nandini with you if she is not busy. It would be better if both of you had a look since approval of both the parties is required. Also, manik if there is any plot which is a mutual liking between both of you just message me and finalize the deal already. And ask the broker to start the paper work to. This project is already delayed enough I don't want to delay it anymore. I already had a word with Suraj regarding this even he has agreed with me.

Manik: okay dad. I'll let you and Suraj uncle know if the deal gets finalized.

The phone was connected to car's Bluetooth so Cabir already heard the entire conversation.

Cabir: uh uh so now manik has a date with Nandini how nice.

Manik: what rubbish! This is not a date. We are going to see plots and there will be a stupid broker with us to so please limit your thoughts brother.

Cabir: huh whatever.

Manik: let me call Nandini and I'll ask her about this if she is free or not.

Cabir: do you even have her number?

Manik: oo shit I don't have her number now how am I going to call her.

Cabir: here. Thank me later with chocolates and coffee treat.

Cabir said forwarding his mobile where Nandini's number was on the display. Manik dialled the number on his phone and called Nandini.

After a few seconds Nandini picked up the call.

Manik: hello, is this Nandini speaking.

Nandini: yes, it's me.

Manik: hyy Nandini, it's me manik.

Nandini: oo hello manik.

Manik: Cabir gave me your number.

Nandini: its fine manik you didn't have to clarify that. It's alright.

Cabir was having the time of his life seeing how nervous manik already was while talking to Nandini and since he was able to here everything as the phone was connected to car it was more difficult for him to control his laughter.

Manik was glaring at Cabir while gritting his teeth.

Manik: mm sorry. Actually, I called for some work-related stuff.

Nandini: yeah go on.

Manik: the broker has some plots for the construction of the factory and office. Its already so hard to find nice plots in Mumbai so I asked me if you were free, we both could go and have a look at the plots and finalize the area. So, are you busy?

Nandini: me and Navya are out for shopping and we are just exploring nearby places. Would it be fine if we both go tomorrow? If it's okay then only.

Manik: no worries I'll tell the broker to keep then on hold till tomorrow. But we have to go tomorrow we can't delay it more.

Nandini: absolutely. So how about we meet around 9 in the morning?

Manik: okay. I'll pick you up from your home at 9. Is that fine by you.

Nandini: yes totally.

Manik: okay bye then. See you tomorrow.

Nandini: bye. Have a nice day.

As soon as the call ended Manik took a deep breath.

Cabir was laughing like a maniac.

Manik: shut up now Cabir. Let's go to my house we will play some games.

Cabir nodded his head still laughing.

They both went to Malhotra mansion and the nit the gaming zone. Saw some movies ad had dinner and then Cabir left for his home.

Well as for Manik sleep was far away from him.

He was engrossed in Nandini's thoughts.

He was still thinking about the same when Nyeonika entered the room with a bowl of his favourite dark Belgian chocolate ice-cream.

Nyeonika: hello beta, how was your day.

Nyeonika said as he handed him the ice-cream bowl and lovingly caressed his hairs.

Manik: it was a casual day maa. We had a meeting. By the way I might have to leave for a tour within month.

Nyeonika: manik but your annual break is approaching. You promised me and your dad a vacation with us.

Nyeonika said expressing her disappointment in the new found information.

Manik: I know Maa, but we can't upset our fans. I am what I am today because of their constant love and support. The tickets were sold within few days of finalizing the location and there was still so much demand. So, we decided on this. All of us. I'll take you I promise a month late then I promised but yes, I will.

Nyeonika: okay okay. Have I ever won between you and your fans?

Manik nodded in a no with a goofy smile and popping a spoonful of ice-cream in her mother's mouth.

Manik: maa how does one differentiate between infatuation and love or something more?

Manik asked her mother while having his ice-cream.

Nyeonika was so surprised by his question.

"Does that mean he finally is interested into someone?" was the only thought running in his mother's mind.

Masking her expression on the question manik just throwed at her Nyeonika began to explain manik what he asked her.

Nyeonika: its very simple manik. When you are just attracted to someone by their looks you don't observe anything about that person except for their physical appearance. No doubt physical appearance, be whatever it may takes a role in getting the person noticed but love, its something that never wears off. You are not just attracted to them physically but you get attached to them on a mental and emotional level. You won't care about a person that deeply if its just infatuation. You won't be protective, concerned, hurt, jealous, heartbroken or even worried for them if its infatuation. Their pain would hurt you more, their smile would make you happier, their accomplishments would make you more proud, their worries and troubles would concern you more the them. This is how love feels. And just by a single glance at them your heart would flutter, it would race at a speed that is not even biologically possible, and most of all one look at them and you would feel like this is it. He/she is the one. You would literally imagine your entire lifetime with them. A single thought without them would be impossible. This is what love is!

Manik was in awe with the way her mother answered her question.

Manik: is this how you feel when you look at paa?

Nyeonika: yeah absolutely except I have one more thought, why doesn't he dyes his hairs. He looks like such a old guy. Handsome still but old.

To which both of them laughed loudly.

Manik: cut him some slack maa. He is 54, what did you expect? Also, you haven't seen him while jogging every girl passing by has their eyes on him. They don't spare me a single glance though I am right next to him.

Nyeonika: okay so now you will tease your mother haan? Are you that old already?

Nyeonika said lightly twisting Manik's ear.

Manik: ow ow fine, sorry maa I won't.

Nyeonika: now that's like my boy. Now go to sleep its past midnight already and you have to work tomorrow.

Manik: good night maa.

Manik said gently kissed her mother on her cheeks.

And with that Nyeonika smiled at him and tucked him with quilt while lowering the temperature of the air conditioner. She left closing the door behind.

And for manik he was loved the time he spent with his parents the only one who he always missed was his sibling.

Budding his thoughts away he went away to the land of dreams where he had everyone he loved by his side.

Not knowing what tomorrow had stored in for him, he snuggled into the comfort of the fluffy quilt.

-----------------------------------------

love,

Div.

Published on: 01-05-2020.

Word count: 6713