After Nandini left with Maria from there, Alya looked towards Mukti,

Alya: Thanks babe for this awesome evening. Will never forget.
She said scaractically while glaring at Abhimanyu with her eyes filled with hateren, killing him with her looks who didn't even look in her direction for once for him she didn't exist in the room. He sighed face palming himself while he rested his head on the couch least interested of what's going around him.

Man: Alya don't take this in a wrong way.
He said making her understand while she frowned angrily gritting her teeths.

While Mukti stood helpless looking at Abhi who had relaxed his head closing his eyes on couch not bothering about anyone.

Mu: Alya I am really ashamed. I hope you understand.....
Before she could complete Alya left from there stomping her feet in anger.

Mukti sighed and looked angrily towards Abhimanyu who was calmly sleeping by now.

Gritting her teeths she snap at Abhi

Mu : I lost my bestfriend today just because of you.
She said angrily while her eyes were filled with tears of being embarrassed and humiliated.

Man: Mukti relax. I will talk to Alya later and handle the situation your friendship won't get affected.
He assured her, to calm her down.

While he stood as a spectator all this while for the entire situation which took place.

Mu: Manik don't tell me to relax. I have never being humiliated like this ever before. My own husband stood against me, pointing his fingers at me for his sister making me feel I am no one, taking his sister side who was so wrong. Who insulted someone so much for such a petty reason.
She said with rage.

Man: It's Nandini, Mukti. You guys are so close don't address her like this as if she means nothing to you, only because of today's situation.
He said calmly not liking the way Mukti addressed Nandini.

Mu: Yup Nandini, I was never hurt to this extent ever before than today. She made me feel as if I am nothing to her. As if I am an outsider.
She said with tears flowing from her eyes.

Man : Mukti please relax.
He walked towards her taking her in side hug while Abhi too looked at them.

Till now he was listening quitely while other thought he was being ignorant.

Abhi: Is Alya more important to you than Nandini ?
He asked the most unexpected question while Mukti stared at him with disbelief.

Man : What ? From where does this question come at the first place Abhi.
He asked him being surprised by this stupid question.

Mukti stared at Abhi face while he too was looking at her.

Abhi : I am just asking a simple question Is Nandini more important than any outsider yes or no ?
He asked again looking at Mukti

Mu : Yes
She answered while having a frown.

Abhi : Good so now what other people feel or think should not affect you. Family comes first then these temporary relationship base on how much balance you have in your account shouldn't matter.
He said calmly while Mukti looked at him blankly.

Abhi: For me, my sister was more important than anyone. I know she wasn't entirely right and she should have not said that to your friend but you know her too. She is really very sensitive and emotional at times over situation where she love and care for one, she really love's the little girl. I have seen her the way she looks at Maria and today seeing her crying I could make out my sister too was breaking, the same way when she used to stay awake late nights remembering Mom and Dad.
He said with tears remembering the incidents while Manik too got affected knowing about Nandini vulnerability the girl too had her set of pain and difficulties.

He sighed and continue

Abhi : After knowing all this you still wanted me to stop her and ask her to apologise to some stranger who means nothing to me. Mukti I respect your point of view but I can't lose one of my last and beautiful relation what I have built up for some temporarily fake one which means nothing to me. I know I am sounding selfish.
He said raising his hands looking at her being sorry while Mukti too realized he was right. What was Alya to her nothing more than what Nandini was. She is her family. And family protect and take side of each other whether the person is right or wrong. They don't leave and go against one but stand together against anyone.

Abhi : I already have my bunch of problems going on which you don't have any idea of and at any cost I don't want Nandini to have any second, negative thoughts regarding me now. When things are getting so messed up. All I need from her is to trust me blindly which she has done till now. And I am not in hell spoiling this for anyone.
He said sighing finally taking out his frustration which he had kept in him for so long.

Man : What happened ?
He asked moving towards Abhi while Mukti too stood shocked after knowing this new, alien information.

Abhi: What I had feared of...
He said looking at Manik in dazed and both friends communicate throught their eyes after that knowing exactly what happened without exchange a single word.

Man: I am with you, you know that right. Just don't worry. We will handle this together.
He assured him holding his both shoulder while staring in his eyes to make him realize he is strong while Abhi sighed having unknown tears in his eyes. He had being strong for such a long time and now losing himself bit by bit. How long will he manage to pretend infront of everyone while in real he is breaking, so many things actually keeps on happening which make him hold his resentment inside his heart while he carry's a carefree smile wherever he goes. The thought of losing his sister was scaring him like death. If she ever get's to know about the truth he won't be able to ever face her again. And what about her, she will never ever trust anyone in her life if she knew her only family ie her dear brother had till now just told bunch of lies about every single thing what actually had happened in real.

Man : I am there to hold your back.
He said taking him in a hug knowing  exactly what war was going on inside him.

Abhi too hugged him back while for the first time after so long he broke down. Making Manik hold him more tightly while rubbing his back to calm him down as he kept on shielding silent tears.

Abhi: He is in town.
He said in Manik ears softly.

Man : He won't reach her. We will stay around her always. Relax.
He said and tried to break the hug while Abhi holded him again whispering in his ears.

Abhi: Handle Mukti, make up any fake story but near to the truth don't lie. I am too drain to think of an excuse about this stupid outburst. I don't want her to know anything. It's not that I don't trust her but I don't want the truth to be know to anyone. If no one knew, the chance of it's coming out would be more less. But at the same time don't lie just give the nedded information which you think is safe to share.
He said while composing himself and broke the hug.

Manik nodded and turned to his side to see a curious Mukti standing not knowing what's going around her.

Abhi : I need some alone time. You guys have dinner don't skip and send Nandini and Maria food in the room. Good night.
He said walking out from there to his study room.

Mukti moved forward to stop him but Manik holded her hand nodding in a NO, telling her to let him go.

Mu: What's going on ? Is there any problem for Nandini. Is her life in some kind of threat ? What are you guys hidding from me.
She asked being worried for Nandini.

Man: Relax, you need to calm down first.
He said making her sit while tears were flowing from her eyes thinking of all negative things.

Manik gave her a glass of water and sat next to her.

He was not much worried about his baby as she was in safe hands. Just prayed that she shouldn't cry much and spoil her health. And most importantly he had a long way to deal with her bundle of tantrums and mood swings, which his doll will show him soon for shouting on her and getting angry.

Man : You need to listen calmly whatever I am going to tell you now. No questions or being judgemental. Just listen.
He warned her making up a story in his head near to all the facts which he has to share.

Mu : Okay
She assured calming herself down.

Man: You know Abhi isn't in talking term with his family ie Murty's for a long time.
He said while Mukti nodded.

Man: So the reason is not told to Nandini exactly about why they stopped talking. And Abhi doesn't want Nandini to get involve so he has kept her away from them.
He said while Mukti frowned.

Mu: What's the reason ?
She asked the most obvious question while Manik glared at her.

Man: I told you to just listen no questions.
He said angrily.

Mukti nodded keeping the glass down and paying full attention to him.

Man : There is some personal issues they are having Abhi has remained adamant not ready to compromise for so long that's why now they are trying to communicate to Nandini who doesn't know anything about it.
He said indirectly the truth framing it differently not giving her all details.

Mu : Okay but what's the reason of the fight between them ?
She asked curiously while Manik glared at her.

Man : It's not the right time to satisfy your inquisitive mind but to hold your family together Mukti. Abhi needs you to be on his side rather than asking questions which are of no use.
He shouted on her while Mukti looked away being embarrassed as he was right.

Mu : Okay
She said while Manik stood up going away from there, upstairs.

Next day,

Nandini and Maria were sleeping hugging each other with Maria head on her chest holding her waist tightly and Nandini too holded her close.

They were looking so cute and in peace.

On other hand Manik was already up early. Poor guy didn't sleep at all yesterday because of his daughter being upset and away from him. He was disturbed and blame himself too for his impulsive nature towards his little princess who cried so much.

Manik walked towards Nandini room he knocked at the door but didn't get any answer. Finally he opened the door to find two beautiful lady sleeping cutely sticking to each other. And a smile automatically came on his face on see this amazing site.
He took out his cell phone clicking a picture of them to save this memory with him life long.

Closing the door he step out of the room carefully making sure he doesn't distrub their beauty sleep.

He went downstairs to make himself a coffee where he found Mukti already awake thinking deeply over something.

Man: Morning.
He greeted her while she too smiled and wished him back.

Mu : Morning.
She said softly.

Man: What's up ?
He asked making himself a coffee while she frowned

Mu: Clothes...
She mumbled.

Man: What ?
He asked being confused taking a sip.

Mu: I don't have clothes to wear for wedding. Okay I have many clothes but I thought of buying new ones this time. And Nandini what will she wear ?
She asked the toughest question while Manik shook his head in disbelief walking away from there taking his cup.

Upstairs a hour later.

Nandini stirred in her sleep squeezing Maria like a pillow who frowned and in return, she started moving away from her causing her to open her eyes. She frowned while opening her eyes but after looking at the little angel sleeping peacefully she smiled brightly and started kissing her cheeks continuously while Maria frowned too as her sleep was getting distrubed. She turned to other side mumbling

Maria: Papa...sleepy...papa
She said moving away.

Making Nandini laugh at her antics more and hugging her from back. Taking Maria small figure close she caressed her hair while kissing her arms, back, neck, hair alternately again and again.

After sometime Nandini got up to freshen up.

Maria woke up rubbing her eyes and frowned finding herself alone on bed. She looked around and soon realized she wasn't in her and her papa room. She sat there looking around quietly with silent tears in her eyes. The synonyms of innocence will be Maria for sure henceforth.

Nan: Good morning sun shine.
She said cheerfully while wiping her wet hair.

While Maria rubbed her eyes again to wipe away her tears. As she had promised her Nandi yesterday that she won't cry.

Maria: Good moning..Nandi
She stood on the bed coming to the edge where Nandini picked her up hugging and kissing her hair.

Nan: Had a good sleep my baby ?
She asked making her stand on the bed again while she simply nodded giving her a small smile.

Nan: What happened why is my cupcake mood so sad ?
She asked knowing well what's the reason.

But before she could answer there was a knock on the door and a servant stood carrying Maria clothes and other necessities. Making her realized Manik for once didn't forget about his daughter.

Soon Nandini freshen her up too they walked down hand in hand while Maria carried her big candy too along. Dragging it with her little figure.

The breakfast table was set with Abhimanyu reading the newspaper, Mukti making sandwiches and Manik talking to someone in near distant on the phone.

Maria looked in her papa direction who's back was facing her while being sad.

Abhi: Good Morning angel.
He called her out while smiling at her trying to make her happy  while she just waved at him giving him a small smile.

Nandini didn't paid any attention to anyone around her as if they didn't exist she behaved. She sat leaving a chair away from Mukti.

Abhi noticed this but chose to remain quitely as he didn't wanted another fight again that too in morning.

On hearing Abhi voice Manik turned around to look at his little bundle of joy standing quitely lost out here.

Making his heart cry to see her like this lost and quite.

Maria too looked at him waiting for him to call her with puppy eyes.

He then looked at Nandini finding her sitting leaving a chair between her and Mukti where she usually sits.

Mukti too felt bad but she ignored.

Mu: Good Morning Nandini
She wished her while she looked at her surprised not expecting this today from her.

Nan: Morning
She said with a smile.

Nan: Bhai how is your headache ?
She asked putting butter on slice of bread.

Abhi: After that bitter yuck mixture it's gone forever. Will never come atleast not when you are around me.
He said scaractically remembering it's taste.

Nan: Arrey Wow.
She said praising herself patting her back in return to his scarasm.

Nan: Maria come here.
She said turning around realizing she was still standing behind her holding her candy staring at Manik.

On seeing this Nandini frowned making her sit between her and Mukti.

And not on other side between her and Manik, where Manik would sit.

Manik continued to talk after noticing all. He looked again away facing his back.

Mu: Nandini today's at Navya haldi what time you have to reach there ?
She asked her while serving her dosa.

Mukti was acting normal as if nothing had happened between them which made Abhi smile. Being proud of her mature, wise wife. Who knew very well how to maintain peace in their house and life.

Nan: By 11.00
She said taking a bite.

Mu: Good we will get done with clothes in one hour. I have already selected dresses for you too just final fitting is felt.
She said being relaxed.

Nan: It's okay Mukti. I will manage my clothes you don't need to bother. I will wear one that I wore in your and bhai wedding as it is I didn't wear once also after that. They all are new.
She said being surprised after knowing the new information.

Mu: What No ways. You should be looking at your best. It's your bestfriend wedding and moreover those are now old. I have selected your and mine from Emma exclusive collection and they all are so pretty and elegant trust me. Moreover we will get delivery by afternoon. Isn't that great.
She said being excited while Nandini frowned not knowing what was exactly happening.

Nan: Who Emma ? And you already had your dresses ready yesterday ?
She asked being confused.

Mu: Manik shared the contact with me of Emma and I really liked her work so I changed our designer.
She said not sharing more details.

Abhi: Manik ???
He asked being surprised.

Man: Yup, waise from where have you brought this antique piece ? She stand in the kitchen frowning thinking about her wardrobe and particularly not more of her but of Nandini.
He asked Abhi keeping his phone and sitting on the chair next to him, who laughed at his statements.

While Nandini looked in Mukti direction with tears.

For her sake, she too wasn't wearing the clothes design by Alya although she loved them so much. What a beautiful soul she was.

Nan: Mukti you loved Alya designs so why aren't you wearing them ?
She asked while her answer made her cry.

Mu : Because for me you are more important and not her designs.
She said smiling while Nandini ran to her taking her in a hug.

Mu: I am sorry.
She said hugging her tightly.

Nandini broke the hug and apologised.

Nan: No I am sorry it was my fault. I am really sorry for my behaviour. And the way I addressed and talked with you. I am ashamed of myself sorry Mukti. I am really sorry. I shouldn't have done that I was just angry and in that I hurted you too which was so wrong. Sorry...please forgive me.
She said holding her ears while Mukti nodded on a No with tears and took her in a bear hug again.

Abhi : Well is PDA session over or we have to see more.
He asked them scaractically while both Nandini and Mukti smiled.

Man: Maria good morning princess.
He greeted his little princess who was silently seeing all things around her while munching her sandwich.

Maria pouted with tears flowing from her eyes after hearing her papa calling her, as she was waiting from when for him to look at her and call her, notice her presence and forgive her for making him angry.

Manik smiled at her opening his arms asking her to come towards him while she cried loudly running towards him.

Manik took her in his embrace kissing her forehead.

Man: Papa is sorry.
He said trying to face her while she holded his t-shirt tightly with her two tiny palms crying loudly not ready to leave him now.

Abhi too moved towards two of them and started rubbing Maria back calling her all sweet love names.

Yet she was not ready to see him or stop crying. She was saying sorry to her papa in this way.

Man: Okay enough of crying. I want a bright sun shine smile and kiss from my daughter and Abhi too wants one.
He asked seriously looking in Abhi direction

Abhi : Yup Maria friend too wants a bright smile and kiss.
He said poking her back with his finger.

While Maria finally looked with puppy eyes towards Manik face from below his chin pouting.

Making the two of them smile at her cuteness.

Maria: Sorri...
She said so cutely making Manik kiss her entire face.

Nandini too smiled seeing this and moved towards her bhai who took her in side hug kissing her forehead while their eyes and smile exchange silents words know too them.

Abhi took Mukti too in side hug pulling her towards him with his free hand. While she blushed like a tomato hidding her face in him.

Abhi: Thank u for always being so understanding