Humesha A MaNan FF (COMPLETED)

If. Only If He Knew..

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Murthy Mansion – Late Evening

Everyone was settling down after dinner. Navya had taken Zyaan to his room, while Nandini was with Arhaam, trying to make him sleep. Manik, Cabir, Mukti, Dhruv, and Aliya were sitting in the huge living area, sipping coffee and discussing the upcoming project.

Cabir, who was usually the clown of the group, looked a little lost tonight. Manik noticed it but didn’t say anything. Mukti nudged Cabir lightly.

Mukti: (teasing) "What’s wrong Evil Twin? Today you’re quiet… not cracking your usual lame jokes?"

Cabir gave her a small smile, but then looked at Manik and the rest.

Cabir: "Actually… there’s something I never told you guys. Something… personal."

Everyone looked at him curiously. Manik raised his eyebrow.

Manik: "Cabir… tumhare personal life ka matlab hai ya toh koi prank ya phir koi emotional drama. Bol na, kya hai?"

Cabir chuckled lightly but his eyes got moist.

Cabir: "You all know Navya, right? What you don’t know is… I share a very special bond with her son… Zyaan."

Aliya’s eyes widened.

Aliya: "Wait… you mean Zyaan, the boy who was here with Arhaam? That cute little kid?"

Cabir nodded, smiling softly.

Cabir: "Yes… him. Zyaan is… more than just Navya’s son for me. He’s… family. His mom, Navya’s elder sister, she was… she was really close to me. She…" (he pauses, voice choking) "…she died in an accident. And since then, Zyaan became… my responsibility in a way. I love that boy like he’s my own."

Mukti placed her hand on his shoulder.

Mukti: "Cabir… I didn’t know… You never told us. We always thought you’re the carefree one… but you were carrying this?"

Cabir gave a small nod, hiding his tears.

Cabir: "I didn’t want to bring my personal pain into our circle. But seeing Zyaan here… running around… calling Arhaam his brother… it just… made me realise how much I want to protect him. He has this innocence, you know? Like he trusts the world blindly. And I…" (he smiles sadly) "…I don’t want him to lose that."

The group was silent. For the first time, they saw the depth behind Cabir’s usually playful personality.

But Manik wasn’t just silent. His eyes were fixed on Cabir, but his mind was somewhere else.

Manik’s POV: Zyaan… Navya’s son… Cabir knew about him. But then… what about Arhaam? Who is he exactly? Why didn’t Nandini ever mention him properly? Why does he keep calling Nandini ‘Mom’ with so much possessiveness… and why does she avoid questions about his father?

Aliya tried to lighten the mood.

Aliya: "Cabir, I never imagined you with kids… but honestly, you look like the type who’d spoil them with toys and chocolates."

Cabir laughed softly.

Cabir: "Guilty as charged. Zyaan calls me his ‘Buddy Uncle’… but to me, he’s like a son. And Navya… she trusts me with him. She’s… she’s even considering… you know… marriage."