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MALHAN HOUSE:

Manisha was exiting her room when she heard some noise coming from the guest rooms. She looked in bewilderment at the brooms, mops, other cleaning and sweeping tools in the corridor. Usually, Saturday mornings are exactly opposite in the Malhan house, quiet and peaceful.

"What's happening in the house today?", She muttered with furrowed eyebrows and went downstairs. Mom was sitting in the lounge and giving instructions to Saleem Bhai.

"Saleem, did you understand everything I've told you? Please bring all the items carefully.", Mom said to Saleem Bhai while giving him a piece of paper.

"Ji, main samaj gaya aap befikr rahe", Saleem bhai said assuringly and left the place.

Mom turned her head and saw Manisha standing at the corner.

"beta why are you standing far away, come here", Mom called out. Manisha nodded her head and walked forward.

"Mom is something happening in the house today?", Manisha asked curiously.

"Yes beta, our family is coming", Mom replied.

"From Punjab?", Manisha questioned in a hopeful tone.

"Yes, from here", Mom said with a smile.

"Yayyy" Manisha exclaimed. "I'm so happy mom, when did you know? ohh Please make them stay longer".

"Don't worry they will be staying here for about more than 2 months. It's a Malhan's tradition. Did I never tell you this before", Mom asked with furrowed eyebrows.

Manisha shook her head indicating a "No".

"Oh! My Bad".

"When we first moved to delhi it was very hard for us to live here alone and for all of them to let us go, as we all are very family-oriented. At that time papa ji (Abhishek's dada ji) decided that no matter what the whole family would spend some months of the year together in the haveli. A few years later, when Abhishek and elvish started going to school then summer vacation was the time duration we decided to spend in the haveli." Mom explained.

"Wow, that's amazinggg", Manisha said in awe.

"Everything was going as planned but when Abhishek completed his studies and started doing business it got impossible for all of us to go to the haveli together, so that's why for the past few years the whole Malhan family spent their time here at our place. And they can manage the work from here virtually along with elvish because they have quite a great workforce at the company by Almighty's grace. Or sometimes if anything needs their presence they go back for few days"

"That's great! but when are they coming mom?", Manisha questioned.

"In the evening, they informed me last night about their plan", Mom replied.

"Oh, I've to do so many things. Mom, please guide me as well if you want me to do anything. I want to help you.", Manisha said excitedly.

"Obviously, without a daughter's help how a mother would complete her work", Mom said with a smile looking at Manisha's enthusiasm.

"beta, I wanted to say something I hope you will understand", Mom said reluctantly.

"Ji mom", Manisha said.

"You will have to shift to your actual room,

Abhishek's room.", Mom took a deep breath and continued " I know it's going to be difficult for you knowing Abhi..."

Before mom could complete her sentence Manisha placed her hand on Mom's hand and said with a tight-lipped smile " I understand Mom what you are trying to say, It's okay".

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