Author - Jui Purohit.

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ************************************************************ Vipul moved his fingers through his hair, as he got up, in the morning. His head was spinning. Curtains were drawn back and the room beamed with sun's bright rays. He gulped some water and freshened up. And rushed to Manavi's room. It was a daily ritual that he kissed her forehead before going to sleep. But, Vipul had missed doing it for the first time since he was drunk. He always avoided alcohol, even at business parties. However, yesterday, he had over-indulged in the heat of the moment.  He unlatched the room  hastily and halted, all of a sudden. Manavi was sleeping with her head on Manasi's lap. Manasi, leaning against the headrest of the bed, was fast asleep. Manavi had clutched Manasi's hand tightly.  "The bond sure never breaks", Vipul thought and shook his head to steer clear of those ideas . "But why is Manasi here?". And in a flash he...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ***************************************************** Manasi didn't understand what Vipul wanted to say. "My daughter?", she exclamined. She thought he was blabbering in the drunken state. A male servant came with a glass of water. "Can you let the Madam know that Sir is here", Manasi told him. "There's no Madam in this house", the servant was confused. The same lady that was at the office with Manavi came in too. "This is my wife. She looks after Manavi. And I'm the care taker of the house", the servant explained.  "Where's Manavi's mother?", Manasi asked in a whim.  "Do you know this woman?", the care taker whispered to his wife. "Yes, she was at Sir's office. Manavi knows her too", she replied in a low tone. Manasi received a text from Kumar. "Is everything alright? Where are you?". She replied back. "Yes I'm alright. Reached ...

Link to the previous part  - Previous Part. ****************************************  "I thought, family members don't hurt each other. I'd always dreamt of having such a family", Manasi started to narrate her side of the story. She wasn't excited anymore, about the sparkling surroundings, dazzling milieu, any of that.   "Will you carry the burden entire life, alone?",  Kripa's words were ringing in her ears. And she had decided to clear the air. "When I was adopted from the orphanage, I was happy that my new family loves me. But their love lasted only till they'd their own baby. They educated me, and I'll be thankful for that, nevertheless I paid a price for it too. I did any and every chore I could. I slogged to study and do household work. I did every possible thing to make my foster parents happy. Yet, it was never enough.....Then...then I met you", Manasi looked at Vipul.  He was all ears. "You taught me to laugh again. Yo...

 Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ******************************************************** The crowd cheered as the brand Ambassador, a popular Bollywood star, cut the ribbon with a flourish. Amidst the clicking of cameras and showers of confetti, the scene was electric. Vibrant colours and buzz of excitement, with the dash of glamour made the ambience lively. The stores interiors were a stunning blend of modern and Indian flair. Intricate patterns and traditional motifs, the fusion was outstanding.  With the upbeat music and hum of conversation, the atmosphere seemed dynamic. Brand's signature products were displayed elegantly. Among the 'oohs and aahs', fashion enthusiasts, influencers and media people mingled, checking out the latest collection. Manasi was glad to be here. Kumar and her, greeted the owners and other dignitories.  "This is Vipul Kapoor", one of them introdced Vipul to Kumar. Vipul shook hands with him. "Kumar here! Glad to meet y...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ********************************************** Manasi was feeling low, as she always felt this day, every year. It was evident from her face. She wanted to finish her work without any hinderance though. "Kripa, I'd texted Vipul..Sir..regarding the delivery of goods. He hasn't replied yet. I'll give a call and check". Kripa nodded and made a gesture with her hands for Manasi to smile. Manasi shut her eyes and breathed. "Hello! Vipul Sir....I'm Manasi......", Manasi called Vipul to confirm the date. "My dad is busy. It's my 5th birthday today", Manavi picked up the phone. Manasi remembered her promise and hung up, hearing Manavi's voice. "I shouldn't talk to her. But it's her birthday, I should've atleast wished her", Manasi thought. And suddenly she blurted, "Kripa it's her 5th birthday". Kripa looked at Manasi, she was confused, "Whose birthday?...

 Link to the previous part  - Previous Part. ********************************* "Vipul Kapoor! Isn't he your college mate?", Kumar asked Manasi. He was gauging her expressions.  "Yes....yes sir he was. I had a meeting with him and it's great that he wants to collaborate", Manasi said as she went through the email. She tried to smile looking at Kumar. "Fabulous. It's settled then, I hope things go as you both wished to", Kumar said glancing at both Manasi and Kripa. And he left. Kripa stared at Manasi blankly. "Do you think this is okay?", her voice sounded concerned.  "I don't think it is okay, I don't know what has God planned. But Kumar sir has put trust in us and we'll have to prove it to him.  We'll have to keep personal and professional things separate Kripa. Don't worry about me, let's work towards finishing the assignment asap", Manasi tapped Kripa's hand. A few days later...... Manasi was ...