Author - Jui Purohit.

 I knew I would make it happen. But there was a time when I had doubts. Self-doubts can be injurious- not to your physical health purhaps, but to your mental well-being for sure. "Ahh! It's difficult. How will you manage? Your job, your kids, your joint family.....everything demands time. And there are only 24 hours in a day. Don't exert yourself. It'll take a toll on your health too. The day before, you couldn't sleep. Yesterday, you had acidity. A few days ago, it was an upset stomach. And for the past month, you've been struggling to meet deadlines....".  This voice sounds familiar because it is familiar. It is not the world speaking. It is your own mind- reminding you of your limits, your fears, your exhaustion. Whispering how weak you might be, how many obstacles lie ahead, and how fragile your body feels in those moments.  It builds walls with logic,  brick by brick,  until even your dreams start to feel distant. But beyond all this noise, there is a...

  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?...