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 ...

Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ***********************************************  There was pin drop silence inside the car. But inside Manasi's mind, there was only noise. "Maybe this noise will cease", she thought as she saw Vipul at the window. Manasi got down from the car and wiped her tears. "I knew you would come", her mind screamed.  Vipul saw her face, it was a total mess. He tightened his fist and said, "Manasi I don't want you to meet my daughter again".  Manasi's world shattered, she had just hoped for some pragmatic way through this. "So she is his daughter. And he doesn't want me to have any personal connections. He is drawing a line. And what was I expecting! The clover leaf, the name Manavi, in reality, didn't mean anything", Manasi thought.  "Yes Vipul...Sir", she replied. "It's just business we should talk. I promise". Manasi faked a smile. Vipul nodded and looked away, to le...

  Link to previous part - Previous Part. ********************************************** Manasi looked at Vipul, tears were rolling down her eyes.  "Are you alright dear?", Vipul asked and Manasi stared at him. But Vipul was talking to Manavi. She was still hugging Manasi's leg with her hand, while the other hand was held by the lady. She lightly nodded at Vipul.  "Why did you let her out?", Vipul said to the lady in a stern voice. The lady grasped Manavi's both hands and lifted her up. "Sorry Sir, she bolted out of the room suddenly. So..so I couldn't...", her voice was quavering.  "Okay, now please take her to the playing room", Vipul ordered. As the lady was taking her away, Manavi kept turning back and smiling at Manasi. Manasi stood there looking at the happenings. She couldn't fathom the situation. Wiping her tears, she sighed. "How do you know her?", Vipul asked Manasi, in a rather aggressive tone.  "Can we......

Link to previous part - Previous Part. ***************************************************  "I did underestimate her. She is a thorough professional", Vipul thought as he stared at Manasi who was explaining him every detail of their Proto.  Manasi looked into Vipul's eyes and he nodded. Now, Manasi seemed more composed and undoubtedly competent for her job. Vipul extended his hand to shake hands with her. Manasi, hesitant for a split of second, later, shook hands with him, showing more of her professional image. "There's still the same warmth", a thought crossed her mind. But she managed to conceal her emotions.  "Okay Sir! Let's fix a date....and a...a time to meet again", Manasi controlled her feelings some more. "We'll have to discuss the costs and quantity Sir", she guised her expressions and smiled.  Vipul looked at her smile and exhaled. "Sure. Let's talk over", he replied with a similar smile, going along with...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. ********************************************* Manasi crossed the road and entered the office building. She wondered what the little girl was doing in there. "Maybe her mother works here. Or maybe her father. Was it her mother accompanying her? Such a sweet girl she is....", she shook her head. "Snap out of it Manasi. We've to crack this vendor deal today. You can do it", Manasi's inner thoughts. "Hello Ma'am! Sir is waiting for you in his cabin", the receptionist told Manasi and escorted her to the cabin. 'Managing Director' read the name plate on the door. The receptionist knocked, she let Manasi in and left. As she entered, Manasi was staggered. She stood still, clutching the file tightly with one hand and raking her hair with other. "Vipul!", she blurted. A tall wheatish man, athletic build, well groomed hair, wearing a tailored suit was standing at the desk. "Please take a ...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. *************************************************** Manasi stood under a huge Gulmohar tree, sipping water from the bottle. She had visited three vendors already, since morning. But as promised to Kripa she didn't want the trip to be unproductive. So even after not getting desirable outcome from the prior rendezvous, she decided to move on to the fourth vendor. The office of 'Clover Fabrics' was right opposite the Gulmohar tree. Manasi kept the bottle back in the car and carrying file and her bag she crossed the road. Manasi reached the building and looked up. There were large glass panels with partially visible rolls of fabrics and neatly stacked bundles. At the entrance was a small canopy for shade. She went in. There were potted plants, palms, bamboo and snake plants, on either side of the pathway. She climbed the floor and found a clean, professional yet quietly stylish ambience. The interiors were not flashy, but seemed conf...

  Link to the previous part - Previous Part. **************************************************** Kripa veered her laptop towards the other side, "Manasi, I've found some leads related to bamboo fabric. Come and have a look". Manasi pulled the chair and sat down across the desk with her notebook and pen to sort and jot down the important leads. "Ahaan Enterprises, Babulnath Coorp, Eminent Threads, Italian Works, Maharathi Coorp, Prithvi and Sons, Vigilant Textiles. Superb! I'm at it now. I'll visit them myself", Manasi enthusiastically said as she high fived Kripa. Kripa was about to say something when Manasi interrupted her, "No unproductive trips this time. I'll stick to the deadline Ma'am. Don't fret". Manasi did a 'zip the mouth' gesture. She went to the design board and glancing at the outfit murmured, "I hope you find your soulmate!". Kripa had zipped her mouth but instantly wanted to give a cue that their b...

Link to the previous part - Previous Part.   ************************************************************** "Bamboo! Yes, let's try bamboo fabric this time", Manasi stood up and exclaimed in a loud voice. She was having her 'Eureka' moment.  "That's a great suggestion", Kripa looked stunned. "Only thing, the boss should agree", keeping down the coffee mug in her hand, Kripa started sketching again. "Why not? That's a perfect marriage, this outfit and bamboo fabric", Manasi shifted her gaze to Kripa and suddenly, sat down. "Marriage! I wish I had possessed this insight sooner", Manasi's voice sounded low now. Kripa put the pencil down and looked at the design board, then walked towards Manasi. "Marriage...hmm! Some things are better forgotten dear", she patted Manasi's back lightly. "Roll up your sleeves. We'll have to search and contact the vendor, if the boss gives a green signal. I'll...

  Link to previous part - Previous part. ***************************************************** Manasi glanced on the hoarding at the corner of the street that read, "A girl is not a burden...She is a beginning". She got seated in the car. The face of the that little girl was still fresh in front of her eyes. She touched the clover of the keychain. Turning on the radio, she drove off.  "Zindagi...kaisi yeh paheli haye......kabhi yeh hasaye, kabhi yeh rulaye......". "What better a song than this right now!", she thought. Her phone buzzed and she stopped the car at the roadside. "Where are you dear? Did you see what time it is? Did you get the fabric? When are you reaching?", a barrage of questions came her way, in a blaring tone. Manasi held the phone far from her ears, "Kripa, dear, give me a breather, will you? I'm on my way to the office. Will reach asap". Manasi hung up. She parked the car in the designated parking in the basement...

Link to previous part - Previous part. *************************************************************  "Yes these are my car keys. Where did you find them?", Manasi's tone became gentler as she looked at the little girl. The girl was wearing the same blue uniform, with her hair tied in two piggy tails. Her cheeks were red as she had sprinted along the footpath. Manasi kept glancing at her from head to toe. "I thought I had found a four-leaf clover so I picked it up from the road. But then I saw the keys", the girl answered, as she caught her breath. Manasi took the keys, smiling gently. "Thank you for finding them. Do you like clover leaf too?", she asked. "Yes! I have a clover bag, a clover mug and a clover pendant too", the girl said. "That's lovely", Manasi said and looked around. "Why are you alone here", Manasi was about to ask when a middle aged man came running towards them. "Princess! Why did you run so fas...

  A beautiful smile on that innocent face, took her heart away. But, something felt uneasy, inside her. Manasi clutched her belly and exhaled promptly. She looked around but the innocent face had vanished in the crowd.  Manasi raked her fingers through her hair and stood on the street, still feeling a knot in her stomach, her eyes still searching. The street had posh cafes with teenagers queuing up at the entrance. The couples were holding hands, whispering in each others ears. Inside the cafe, were groups of friends sipping coffee and laughing at silly jokes. Alongside, there were garment shops buzzing with women and young girls. Daughters insisting their moms to buy more clothes, and moms arguing with them saying their cupboards were already full. Yet, surrendering to their daughters' demands, eventually. The school across the street had ended for the day and little kids adorning blue uniforms, were rushing out of the gates with their parents. Few kids were crying, hugging t...