MANAN- Strings of love

41. Reunion

    Thank you so much for so much comments and votes. So I heard the news of the death of Sushant. Singh. Rajput, very heart breaking news. I am still at shock hearing such terrible news. This is worst year I think, we are losing the gems of this country. RIP Sushant. Singh. Rajput.

     Moreover we are facing China, Pakistan and Nepal who just love troubling India. Recently we lost 20 gems from our Army. Yes, we can't go and fight but we can use our wallet power. Stop buying China products and start using Indian products. When you want to buy a brand just see whether it is made in India. Let it be a soap or a detergent. Even one rupee is important for India. 

    Abhi was narrowing his eyes like I committed a murder of his pet and he is doubting me for that. "So you were secretly meeting Manik" it was a statement rather a question. I immediately nodded no, but one look from him was enough make my decision true. So I nodded yes.

   "Nandini, he is dangerous. His company just bring dangers. The very example was your Anna, Amma and your Attige.  Yours and Shikha's name was not in secret factory database so you got saved. So from now on maintain distance." He was angry, that was for sure. 

   "From now on I won't meet him." I said even though my heart did a great no and the ache started again. "Not only him, don't meet that Aliya and family too. What you did for Aliya is enough. That father of hers rejected your mother and your anna. Stay away from that family." I wanted cry. He was true. 

   "Abhi, I know what he did was wrong but what did Aliya do? Please don't tell me to cut my ties with them. Please, hardly I make friends and Aliya is my friend rather than a half sister." Now I was in tears. Navya just left me betrayed and now all these days Aliya stood by my side. Leaving her made me want to cry.

   Abhi stood there trying to act tough, but his act was crumbling. After few seconds he sighed. He came and hugged and this was first time we were actually behaving like cousins. "Now, stop crying. It's your wish to do whatever you want, but remember be careful around them. By the way where is Aliya?"

   I came out of the hug and looked at him. "I don't know, but I know she is with Druv." His expression reflected shock. "Why would she be with him. When he clearly said he was just pretending to be in love?" then I explained him her stunt of running away.

   At the same time my phone went off. I picked up the phone "Hello?" I asked only to hear the angry booming voice of Harshad even Abhi could hear from such a distance. "I want you to be here now. Take your keys and come here now.!!" that's it he hung up

   "He sounded really angry. If you want I can accompany you?" I nodded and in half an hour we were at Saxena mansion. When I entered along with Abhi I didn't know the situation. When I saw who it was, I think I just wanted to run from there.

   There stood Aliya with a little belly bump along with Druv who had Aliya in his arms. I gulped and was about to go back when Harshad glared really bad. I gave a sweet smile to him thinking he may forget what lie I just told him.

     "You told she went to vacation with her friends." I lowered my head feeling guilty. "I am sorry. Let Aliya explain you everything." I said and at the same time Mr. Saxena came running. When he saw Aliya he directly went near Aliya and ripped her from Druv. I thought he will scold but he hugged her at the same time Aliya started crying telling about her situation.

     I was feeling jealous of them. Even he was my father he never did that to me even when I came almost being shot. If I were to cut the ties then the people here will automatically move away from me. I wish even Amma was here.

     Then Aliya started explaining everything, Harshad and Mr. Saxena were at the edge of their patience like they would punch Druv any moment. Nevertheless Druv stood emotionless but I could see he was tensed from his body language.

     "Whatever the reason be, I am not approving of this relation. He was at his worst behaviour before and how can we believe he will not repeat it in future? It's ok we will help you with the baby, but I am not letting this man anywhere near you!" Mr. Saxena was red from all the screaming.

    "If you don't mind can I say something?" every eyes were on me from the words that left my mouth. "I know I am an outsider, but we are not only talking about Aliya, but the baby too. Yes, with all your help Aliya can give good life to the baby and can be a best mother, but what about the father?"

    There was a silence and I feared they would just scold that I am no one to interfere. As no one said anything I continued. "A father is always a father we cannot replace it. When Druv is guilty and is asking sorry from all of you I think you all should think about it. I know how it will be without a father and I don't want another baby to suffer my fate." 

    Harshad looked at me with pity and I hated it. I know what happened with me was bad there was nothing to feel pity, I got a wonderful family only thing was I was not sitting on shoulder during fair, there were times I wanted to sneak outside and eat ice-cream at night but no on was there.

      "Druv ask your parents to come to our house, we will discuss the engagement and wedding dates, we will have to do all rituals within this month as media can get to know about Aliya's condition. If anyone have any problem they can rest and the rituals will continue." Mrs. Saxena's words brought the finality.

     Mr. Saxena was about to protest but kept quite with the glare that Mrs. Saxena sent. I think Mrs. Saxena got some confidence never have I seen fighting for herself but now she was glaring at husband. 

    "Nandini, bring your bags here you will be staying here from now. I will arrange yours and Shikha's room. Abhi even you are invited. Thank you for taking care of Aliya and Nandini. I will personally visit your house to invite your family." she said smiling without letting me object her decision.

     "Wow, never thought I could see such days." Abhi words made me narrow my eyes on him. "Don't give this look to me. I am just stating the fact. Try to stop Mrs. Saxena from coming to my home else I can see the future black eye of Mrs. Saxena." I nudged him to which just made an ouch sound.

     Druv was coming near us and I had to hold Abhi from punching him. he knew about him kidnapping us. "Hi Nandini" he said waving a bit. "Bye Druv, I think you should get lost from here. May be then I can feel some happy vibes near me." he said with a sickly smile on his face.

     Instantly Druv's face fell. "Now, what are you feeling?" His tone turned angry . "Like punching who is in front of me?" Abhi said still having that sickly smile. I thought now it was time for me to diffuse the tension. "Hi Druv, How are you? " I asked diverting the conversation.

    Druv smiled giving his answer and went away. When I thought of giving some earful to Abhi he was no where to be see.

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So the winner of the sating the reason for this wonderful story with a valid reason is @User22072207. Many of you wrote Shikha but never stated a valid reason. I really liked her perspective of observation. So congratulations you will get prolog and first chapter of my next story.

Character's opinion

Lotus_dream :  Do you think Aliya and Druv will be married?

Shikha : Is there ice-cream in their wedding?

Lotus_dream : I don't know.

Shikha : If there is Ice-cream there will be wedding.

Lotus_dream : I expected. Tell me will you go to your wedding only if there is Ice-cream?

Shikha : Exactly.