MANAN- I am here

20.Getting The Photographs

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  When I was a student, teacher of our class used to catch the students and glare at them conveying they are going to teach him/her a lesson. Now I am experiencing the same as the student in our class sitting before fab5. When Manik told about his friends I thought I can face it but now I really regret my decision.

  "Ok, other than your mom's case, is there anything that you are hiding?" this was from Mukti who is a bit liberal than other two. "Nope" this answer made me look at Manik. I thought of objecting it and revealing the fake relationship. "Ok then we will forgive you two only on one condition" said Aliya to which all were eagerly waiting for her condition. "You will allow us to help in your mother's case." Manik had warned about this. "Okay" I said without further arguing.

  We told all the leads we got from our investigation. Then they came to a decision that they will distribute the investigation. Kabir will handle all the biological and chemical related things with the help of his mother. Aliya and Druv will try to find the owner of the 'Akinak chemist  lab'. Well Mukti said she is ready for action but Manik immediately called Abhi and informed him to join Mukti in any action. Me and Manik will try to find the one who injected 'Inakil' in my mother's body.

   I was already tired from all their talks, so when all of them left I plopped on my sofa closing my eyes. What I forgot is, nobody lets me to sleep. I heard my door bell ring. I was welcomed by Manik who I thought went with his friends. "Get ready, we are going to your house" I froze at my spot listening him. I told him about having my mother's dead photograph but never thought we were going to ask it today. I have to face it. So I got ready and through out the ride I was practicing how to act in front of my family.

  I entered my house taking a deep breath but was greeted by Sakshi, Kartik having their dance. Then I realised that it is their engagement. I saw my father having a smile which disappeared seeing me. I never thought that I would be a shame to my father. I always followed the rules he implemented but all I got was rejection at the end. They stopped dancing seeing me and all glanced at me. "See who is here. My ex-daughter in law." This was Kartik's mom who don't know when to shut or open her big rhino like mouth. "I know you are the bad fortune to this house. You came here to tarnish my son's life. But this time.." she was left hanging when she saw Manik behind me.

  Whole house was confused. I was about to go but was stopped by Manik's hand in mine. "Aunty, we are not here to tarnish your cheater son's life. You have no right to call Nandini a bad fortune. Your son was the one to cheated on Nandini with her step sister, then why are you calling her the bad names?" he asked when my own father kept quite seeing my insult. "You don't know anything Manik. Her bad fortune is the reason she is still unmarried dear. She don't even have anyone who she can show 'see, he is my life partner'" she said and I wanted so badly strangle her to death.

 "She have me" this statement made me turn my eyes to his which only showed the sincerity and the glowing truth. I heard a large number of gasps, probably from the people gathered in our house. "We are here to inform that we are getting engaged in two weeks. I thought of inviting everyone in the family but I forgot that our family is no more ours." My legs were shaking by now by Manik's confession. "It's not like.." Kartik's mother was cut off by Manik's palm in front of her face.

  "I think this is the last time you are seeing your father Nandini. I won't allow this so called family of yours here onwards. So talk to your father and come back, we need to go soon." I didn't even move. Then I got an idea to get the photos.

  I went near my dad "Dad, I am investigating mother's case and before you interrupt Mom's death was a murder. I want the photos of her dead body when you took it." He saw me with a lot of regret, hurt, guilt but at last he went to bring the photographs. A brown envelop was handed to me "I am sorry, I could not be the best father but can I have a chance to redeem my mistakes?" he asked to which I was confused about it. " I will think about it. I should be going now." I said and turned to Kartik's mom "Sorry for the disturbance because of me. Please enjoy the party." I said and dragged Manik with tears flowing down my cheeks.

  On the way I was confused about my dad's apology, tensed to open the envelop and the most important thing, did I give the false hope of being  a real girlfriend to Manik? I definitely like him and respect him but I need to talk to him.