Love or Game (Complete✅)

Chapter 36 - "God's intention..."

Since we came back from Aryamaan's house, Maan has been sulking and in between sobbing too. However, after asking numerous time he doesn't disclose what is the matter? It's almost 1:30 am on the clock. Maan is sleeping beside me, holding my finger. His cheeks are a little swollen because of crying. He is looking so adorable. I bend in my side and osculate on his forehead.

"Why was he sobbing out Pappa? Does he miss his father? But he never told me this. Neither we ever had a discussion on his parental side. He is more mature than his age. He knows his mother loves him a lot."

I ruminate while keep on staring at his sleeping face.

"That doesn't mean you can fulfil his father's emptiness in his life."

My inner self counters my answers.

"But I am doing that only. I am his mother and father both. In these past 2 years, I never put any shortcomings in his care and upbringing. I always try to give him both sides love."

I try to nullify her allegation. But she again demands,

"You tried but have you succeeded? His tears are telling some other stories. A child needs both his parents. You accept it or not. But in any case, you can't hide him from his father for a long. Manik is coming. What will you say to him? Who is Maan and who is his father?"

Her question alerts my all senses. This question has been running through my head since I got to know that Manik is coming to meet our CEO regarding our upcoming project. I wanted to discuss it with Aryamaan too. But Maan's mood forced me to return early and our talk couldn't get started. I get up from the bed. A restlessness is overpowering me. The past which I willingly left behind, again has come in front of me. I don't know how Manik is now? I never tried to know about him or ELYSIAN in these years. But now I have to. I come to my study and switch on the laptop. I search ELYSIAN and start reading about it. As much as I read and go deep down into ELYSIAN's work, progress, turnover and ventures, my forehead gradually forms a 'V' in between my eyebrows. I can never think that my baby, my brain-child has become one of the top-notch companies in the architecture and decor world. Manik has led it into the zenith where even I didn't dream to reach.

"I knew only you can do it."

I mumble. My eyes unknowingly are searching for a photograph. ELYSIAN's CEO Mr Manik Malhotra has given so many interviews but not even a single page or article has his image. I search almost 50 to 60 journals, interviews and articles in the hope to get even a small picture of his but it seems he gave strict instruction to all the publishing company and media that they won't publish his any image. Being frustrated I start searching Youtube videos. Maybe he has some interviews but surprisingly there is nothing. How can a person be so influential that he can manipulate social media so efficiently? I bite my lips in exasperation. Suddenly, a thought halts my enthusiasm. What am I doing? Why am I trying to bring back those memories which I wanted to bury in my past? Manik was my past. Why do I need to know how he looks like now? In fact, I should think about how I can avoid meeting him. Because this meeting can again bring storms in my life. I was lost from his life 2 years back and I should remain lost like this. Manik will never come to know about me, about Maan. This is only good for me, good for my son. I flap down the laptop and come to the bedroom.

"For this, I have to ask Señor Carlos. If he helps then I can avoid this encounter."

I plan something and lie down beside my son. The heavenly fragrance coming from his body shoos away my every worry. I cuddle my buddle of joy and slips into a much-needed peaceful slumber.

......................................................

"Bhai, when will you leave tomorrow for Brazil?"