MANAN--In a different world

Chapter 1

Dedicated to MinaMalik

At his favourite and usual hangout Manik sat with a bottle of beer and his black laptop working on the recent business deals that his company is to undertake. It has been just 2 years since he had entered into this financial world and he had already achieved great success. His dad's company which was shattered was pulled back into form and now is competing with the biggest firms........all because of Manik Malhotra.

Manik usually worked from his home office but he loved working here in his booth at the bar in order to change his monotonous surroundings. As he engrossed himself into the world of checks, budgets, and all he didnot took his eyes off the screen even once until his phone vibrated on the table.

It was already past 6 so he knew who was it. Without hesitation he picked up and answered," Hello?"

It was her. " Hi hubby. How's my best boss doing?"; Soha replied.

"Missing you darling...", he replied. "How is my princess?".

"She had been waiting for you but has finally slept.", Soha said looking down at the 1 year old cutepie sleeping on her lap.

"I don't know how you do it, Manik. ..one day with her and I am already hell tired."

He smiled weakly," Well, I got used to it I guess. It had been 1 year".

"I wish I had been there.", Soha replied. "No, no I and Mannat get it. You have to work.", Manik replied softly.

Soha asked innocently asked," So you won't mind if I take another project?"

"What", Manik said pain evident in his voice. " But you came home last week. You missed Christmas too."

" I know Darling. But it is a really big opportunity. And you and Mannat don't need me much. You guys are just fine. And you can work from home,Manik."

Manik let out a sigh, knowing Soha had already made up her mind. " Alright. If that's what you want then I am okay. When are you leaving then?"

"Next week." She replied.

"Next week?? You just got back!"

"But I will spend the whole week with you two. How often do I stay so long."

Never..Manik sadly thought. " I'll be back soon."

"Okay. I love you", Soha replied cheerfully leaving a fake kissing noise into the phone.

"Love you too,"Manik replied before hanging up.

After it Manik did not feel like working anymore. Instead he closed his laptop and arranged his belongings. He walked out of the booth and settled on the stools beside a man who was probably in his thirties. The man was staring at his glass. Manik asked the bartender to give him whatever the other man was having.

The man looked at Manik and said," Scotch is kind of strong for someone your age boy."

Manik smiled,"I need something strong to forget the woman at home."

"Don't forget her while she is still there." Manik could see deep pain when the man spoke those words. He asked," What is your name?"

"Rishab.......Rishab Murthy. You?"

"Manik Malhotra." He pulled out his hand. It took some time for Rishab to understand that he was asking for a handshake. He took hold of Manik's hand and shook it.

"Nice manners, huh? You must be gentleman. Your father taught you well boy."

Manik half smiled and replied," I guess so."

The bartender placed the Scotch on the table and Manik gulped it down.

" You wanna slow down that. I don't want a young boy to lie drunk here." He let out a chuckle.

" No. It was just a last before heading home. Moreover I have to smell this off before I tuck my daughter in bed.", Manik said.

" Daughter?? How old are you?" Rishab asked. He was surprised.

Manik laughed and replied," Just 22 years sir. And my daughter is 1 and a half years old. She is my life.... Want to see her."

"Sure. And I will show my life too.".

Both of them took out their wallet. Manik showed the picture of Soha with Mannat.

Rishab had a picture of a young girl with a woman around the age of Rishab. " There... The girl is my younger sister, Nandini Murthy and the woman is my wife."

"You have a beautiful sister and a wonderful wife...."Manik complimented.

" Yeah, Nandini is my life. She is 20 now and was studying music before........." Rishab stopped.
"Before my wife died a few months ago due to cancer. All now I have is her."
Rishab looked down to hide his tears that were flowing down his eyes now. Manik not knowing what to do just sat silently. After a few moments he placed his hands over Rishab's shoulder and patted him gently. He felt guilty for speaking those words about forgetting his woman.

Rishab wiped his tears and spoke,"Now Nandini wants to give up her love for music and wants to pursue her career in medical...... For what happened. She really loved my wife like her own sister. She thinks she can save others but what she fails to understand that the evil disease can kill all of us......."

Manik felt the acute pain the man was going through. He called the bartender and slammed a hundred dollar bill and said," one more round for both us."

"Are you rich? "Looking at the bill.

Manik smiled shyly and replied " yeah some what."

Both of them gulped down their drinks. Manik got up to leave when he noticed that Rishab was too drunk and should head home.

" Would you want me drop you. I think your sister may be worried by now." Manik told.

Rishab looked up at Manik and replied," I am fine boy " and as he got up from the stool he tripped over his own legs and fell on the ground hitting his head on the side table in the process.

Manik rushed to him and tried to pick him up. His head was bleeding......" We should head towards the Hospital..its pretty deep."

But Rishab snorted," Just call my sister. Nandini would take me home."

"But...."

"Just call her.."

Thus Manik began scrolling down Rishab's contacts inorder to call Nandini.

Here it goes. My first manan ff. Hope you guys like it. Please vote comment and share. Please do tell me what you think about it...forgive me because of my mistakes.
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With love,
Yours writer.