A tired man quietly huffed out a breath as he looked closely at his Samsung Phone.   It read 9:18 pm.   It has been a long day and it is not over yet!   He roughly moved his hands over his wary face and rubbed his temples as he re-engaged himself in reading the report on his desk.  

The area was a large space decorated modernly in white, grey, and black.   Two large ceiling to wall windows looked down on the busy streets where street lamps were now lit.   Overhead fluorescent lights brightened the room in contrast to the night sky.   White and grey marble tiles shined back.   Black book shelves lined half the wall of the office on one side.   The other side showed important certificates and achievements that had been attained by the man and/or his company.   Two black sofas in an L-shaped formation in the corner with a glass coffee table made for a quaint sitting area.   

The only colourful piece in the room was an oil painting depicting the Canadian Rockies.   It was placed on the wall opposite to where the large glass desk and currently occupied revolving chair were found flanked by the large picture windows in the room.   The space was meant to be contemporary but appeared more intimidating.   

Someone was brave enough to enter the space, as a knock was heard on the dark wooden door.   The man leaned back on his revolving chair and ordered:   "Come in!"

A good-looking man with rimless glasses and thick jet black hair peeked in from the door before stepping into the office.   The man at the desk looked up with a frown.

Man at the desk:   "Nikhil!   You haven't left yet! It is late.   What are you doing here?"

Nikhil dressed in dark slacks and a light blue shirt with his jacket on his arm entered the office: "Hey, I just had some last minute work to do on the accounts.   I saw the light on so thought maybe we could leave together?   You are right, it is late.   So whatever is pending can wait till tomorrow."   He ended his speech with a careless one shoulder shrug.

Man with a slight shake to his head retorted:   "No, I have a little bit more left but you should go home otherwise Ahalya is going to be so upset at you and then probably at me for keeping her husband at the office THIS late!"

Laughing, Nikhil replied:   "Don't worry so much!   Ahalya is travelling on business this week and I have already spoken to her.   Don't try to divert me by talking about my better half. The issue is still about leaving the office.   By the way, what are you doing?"

Man with a sigh and another rub down on his face with his hands:    "Just reviewing the report from our project managers in California.   I thought I should remain updated on everything going on there."

Nikhil looked on confused:   "But to my knowledge, Aman is handling things well in California.   Why are you worrying?   Also, you have other priorities that include some people who are waiting for you at home.   They need to be handled and taken care of as well.   So I unanimously declare that we should leave."

Man dragged his hand through his black hair in frustration and raised his voice:    "Nikhil!   Please don't remind me of my responsibilities!   I am doing my best and please don't forget that you are just my business partner."

Nikhil disappointingly shook his head and looked up defensively:   "In the office, I am definitely your business partner but don't forget that I have known you since college, Maan.   You are a close friend if not family.   And moreover, I care about you.   You can bully others with your angry voice and irritation, but not me!   So as I said before, it is time to go home NOW!"

Saying this Nikhil walked over to the desk as a chagrined Maan got up slowly from his desk and started packing his bag.   Nikhil crossed his arms on his chest and waited while tapping his foot. He looked on harshly but with a sense of dismay as well.   The man behind the desk would not even have budged or given him an inch, if Nikhil had not thrown a tantrum.   It is so sad to see what has become of him.   And what I have to resort to doing?

Nikhil continued with his lecture but gently:    "Maan, right now, Sam and Dadima only have you to rely on.   Please understand.   They need you just as much as you need them.   After Rajveer and Anya..."

(Note:   Dadima means grandmother.)

Maan glared warningly at Nikhil with a pointed finger added and bit out forcefully:   "Nikhil don't!   I am leaving with you right?   Then just drop it!   I don't want to talk about this again.   How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

Nikhil held up his hand in defeat and entreaty:   "Alright, man!   Calm down!   Come on, I have an idea.   I will drive you home and let's leave your car here for tonight.   I will stay over since Ahalya is not home anyways.   Tomorrow morning, we will come to work together.  This way I will get a warm home-cooked breakfast and you will have me for company!"

Maan glaringly nodded his head and with his bag walked out of the office leaving Nikhil to turn off the lights and close the door of the office behind him.   Nikhil followed Maan but silently prayed:   "Dear God, please bring back the smile on my friend's face.   Or maybe send someone that can help him do that because I am at my wits end."

******************

The car approached the driveway of the large brown brick house with the sizeable and unique turret overlooking the huge courtyard.   The house was in a smaller cul-de-sac surrounded by three other substantial houses.   Maan had taken such pride in planning and designing this house that it took him almost a year to get everything right.   Then he had built it from the ground up and had incorporated all of his family's requirements and specifications.   He had worked long and hard on this dream house that had all the comforts and amenities imaginable and was meant to be a treasure trove of wonderful memories and happiness.   But now, this same dream house appeared just as lonely and empty like its owner.

Nikhil parked the car and both of them stepped out walking towards the entrance.   Maan used the key to open the door and disarmed the security alarm.   He turned on the foyer light and looked at Nikhil.

Maan with slightly drooped shoulders:   "I am going to take a shower and go straight to bed.  We will leave for work at 7:30 am.   Will that work for you?"

Worriedly and with a frown, Nikhil inquired:   "What about dinner?   Don't you want to eat something?   Let me check in the kitchen.   I am sure Dadima has kept something for you."

Nikhil hurried in the direction of the kitchen but Maan stopped him with his angry words:   "I am not hungry, Nikhil!   Please don't start again!"

Nikhil turned around to face Maan with a hurt expression in his eyes.   Calming down his frayed nerves, Maan continued civilly this time:   "I am tired and I just want to sleep.   If you want to eat, go ahead.   You know where everything is, just help yourself.   And make sure you put the alarm on stay, alright?   I will see you in the morning.   Have a good night!"

Nikhil acknowledged the instructions solemnly:   "Good night, Maan!   See you in the morning."

Maan returned the greetings again.   He walked towards the stairs on the side and climbed up towards his room.   He opened the door and made his way to stand in front of his full length mirrored closet and caught a glimpse of himself.   He critically evaluated the image that was reflected.

Somewhat exhausted and hardened eyes stared back at Maan.   His gorgeous eyes that always showed mirth and understanding now showed only hurt and anger.   They had become cold and glittering instead of the soft and loving dark brown orbs that were previously so expressive.   His lips that always had a smile were now set in grim line.   His nose that used to twitch in laughter now seemed to be stiff and formidable in pride and arrogance.   His cheeks had slightly hollowed and his chin was highly pronounced.   

Over the years, his 5'11" frame had become leaner and more muscular with his aggressive workouts to control his thoughts and sometimes even his actions.   He knew that women still found him attractive as he had been the recipient of more than a few admiring glances.  However, this was of no consequence to him as he was not interested in forming any type of relationship.   And at this very moment, his 32 year old body really wanted to feel refreshed and needed to relax.

He took one last glimpse at himself and then distorted the image by opening the closet to remove his night clothes.   He got the necessary items and walked towards the bathroom.   As he stepped into his large stand-in shower with the beautiful blue tiles and as the warm water sluiced down his toned body, Maan finally breathed deeply to quiet his overworked nerve endings.   He gently let the water move through his hair as he recapped the events early on in the day when he had to pick Sam up from the day care.

He was well aware that he needed to spend some time with Sam.   A discussion about what had occurred at the day care was necessary.   However, relating to the five year old Sam was very difficult for Maan.   Maan did not have the time or the inclination to get close to someone again just for the dynamics and circumstances to change.   He knew better as it would only bring pain and heartache.   Things had not been right for a long time and two years ago everything came to head.   Maan did not want to dwell on those thoughts tonight as his body was seeking refuge and more thinking just meant another long sleepless night.

So instead, Maan made the educated choice of focusing on his shower and the day's other events to stop himself from going towards the path of his feelings that old memories dredged up.   That is when the image of the woman in the grey dress and hazel eyes with the cute twin boy and girl flashed in his mind.   She had looked disapprovingly at Maan many times during the encounter but there was something else in those eyes too.   And then she decided to speak to him in that lilting and melodic voice but with probably a patronizing message that he had no interest in hearing.   Recalling some of the words spoken by the hazel-eyed woman caused a frown to mar his features and he thought:   "Maybe she was trying to apologize and I did not let her finish?"

Maan deliberated about it for a little while but then gave up with a shrug to his shoulders and finished his shower.   It isn't like I am ever going to run into her again.   As he dressed and left his bathroom, he opened the door to his room and went about his nightly inspection duties by walking over to the room on his left.   He quietly opened the door to see his grandmother sleeping peacefully.   A small smile appeared on his countenance and he shut the door without making a noise.

His exploration continued with soft steps as he walked towards the other room that was on his right.   The sight that he observed inside the room caused his smile to expand.   Using the light from the night lamp, he guided himself noiselessly towards Sam's bed where the child had thrown off all the covers and was sprawled in his bed with one of his legs hanging off of it.

Maan adjusted Sam properly in the small bed and tucked the covers around him protectively. Without realizing, Maan gazed longingly at the innocent face sleeping.   He took note of the space ship blanket that Sam cherished so much.   He caressed Sam's cute face that seemed to be pouting in his sleep.  The cut lip had been taken care of but it was still swollen and his arms had some scratches that were covered by alien band-aids.   

A smile came over Sam's face as he felt Maan's touch.   Something in Maan's heart fluttered but he refused to analyze his feelings as tiredness was making his way through his body.   Sam shifted a bit and reached out holding Maan's hand against his cheek.   Then he adjusted himself on his side with Maan's hand underneath his face.   Maan's expanded smile from before turned sad as tears filled his eyes.

Maan leaned in and whispered to Sam:   "I am sorry Sam.   I wish I could do more.   I love you but am so afraid.   Please forgive me."

As Sam settled himself around Maan's hand comfortably, a change of heart and mind were taking place.   Without giving it any other additional consideration, Maan quickly picked up Sam with his bedding and moved towards his own bedroom.   He placed Sam on one side of his bed and adjusted pillows and cushions against the small boy near the edge.  

Then Maan moved over to his side of the bed and lay down beside Sam.   He turned his head on the large pillow and quickly ensured that Sam was still in his dream world.   Then he did something that he has been doing quite frequently when he was exhausted, he pulled Sam closer to himself safeguarding him from all the demons that might interrupt his wondrous dreams.   Maan always returned Sam to his own room and bed before he woke up for school.  This way Sam maintained his own independence of being a "big boy" and Maan's secret of his nightly check-ups was safe from all.   Thinking these things, Maan finally let his shattered body rest while seeking comfort for himself and Sam from all the disillusionments in life.

*******************

Author's Note:   Hope you enjoy the additional update.   The Wattpad editor was giving me quite a bit of grief so I have fixed almost everything.   Please share your views and comments because they mean the most.   

I would love to have the readers take part in this game!   Since this book deals with mental health, all six chapters have a theme that depicts a certain emotion, feeling or incidence. The reader who is first to figure out that emotion for any of the six chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice.   You will also receive a shout out from me for being correct on my conversation board.   So start guessing!  

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