Hello Guys!

Here's your long update. I hope you enjoy.

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It's been a week since Nandini was in hospital. Her stay in hospital would be quite long as she had a major surgery. As per doctors, she has to stay two more weeks in the hospital. Nandini was all grumpy hearing this. She always hated hospitals and the medicine smell around its rooms. She tried to convince Manik in every possible way to take her home but no use. He was being all protective and strict in case of her health which was quite obvious. Even her in laws and father also shook hands with him in this matter. They all were hell concerned for her.

In this whole week Ishani never came to hospital. She always used to lock herself in her room. Nandini also never asked about her. No one said a word about previous incident infront of Nandini as stress wasn't good for her health. Ritesh never talked with Ishani since that day neither she tried to converse with him. Maid used to prepare their food and they used to have it separately whenever they want to have. Ritesh was observing Ishani. She looked pale and lost. Dark circles were there under her eyes. Whenever he thought to talk with her he would remember Nandini, her outburst, her terrible state and he would back off. This was their routine of whole week.

One day, at evening -

Ritesh was sitting beside Nandini along with Manik and they were having great time together. Suddenly Nandini looked at clock and then at Ritesh.

"Papa, don't you wanna go home? It's almost dinner time?" She asked. Ritesh's expression changed. He gave her small smile.

"Yeah. I was about to go only. Chalo, Manik, I will take your leave now. Both of you, take care. Bye princess, Love you." Saying this he kissed her forehead and was about to leave when Nandini held his hand. Ritesh turned and looked at her who was already looking at him with serious expressions.

"Don't do this, papa." Said Nandini. Manik looked at her while Ritesh gave her confused look.

"What are you talking about, princess?" Asked Ritesh. Nandini sighed.

"Don't behave like this with maa. Don't leave her alone like this. Don't punish her and yourself because of me. You both need each other." Said Nandini. Ritesh stood there shocked while Manik looked on worriedly.

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Ishani was sitting on floor taking a support of bed. She had a photo album in her hand. Opening it she caressed the photo inside it lovingly.

It was Nandini's photo when she was five months old. Ishani was giving her a bubble bath and our baby Nandu was in full mood of playing with her mumma. She was throwing foam at her while Ishani was laughing giving her bath. The moment of mother and daughter was clicked by Ritesh who had bought brand new camera just to take pictures of Nandini. Ishani smiled looking at it with moist eyes.

"My baby is looking so cute and pretty. Always smiling. Mera achha bachha. Kabhi bhi maa ko tang nei kiya. Always listened and behaved like a good baby. Always. Par Maa ne kya kiya? Maa left her baby alone when she got another one to take care of. Maa ignored you. Maa hurted you. Maa made you cry. Maa threw hurtful words at you. Maa always demeaned you. Maa taunted you, discouraged you. But my baby.. my baby beared everything quietly till now. My baby never complained, never demanded. Just listened and did everything maa asked her to. Meri Nandu.. mera betu.." said Ishani choking at her words. She went to another pic and smiled.

It was a picture of Nandini when she started crawling. Ishani was sitting on her knees opening her arms asking her to come near her and Nandini was crawling towards her raising her hand while grinning. Ishani's tears fell as she caressed the photo.

"Mera baby.. kitna attached tha mumma se. Always clinging to me like a koala. We used to have so much fun while bathing, then making you ready, teaching you small small poems, teaching you how to eat, how to walk, playing hide and seek with you in garden, roaming around the lake at evening, making you eat your food, singing lullaby for you, telling you various stories of prince and princess, not to forget- your favorite cindrella! How much happy life we had together." Whispered Ishani in a trance. Changing the photo, she laughed a little with tears looking at her.

It was a photo of Nandini's first birthday. In photo, Nandini had hided her face in a crook of her mother's neck when Ritesh was trying to feed her cake. She was crying that time. She was very annoyed and frustrated because of people who came to attend the party as they all used to take her away from her parents and pull her cheeks, make her tickle, pull her nose etc etc. Disadvantages of being chubby child. So as a result, at the time of cake cutting, she was in no mood to do anything and was all grumpy and cranky. She was even pouncing angrily on the people other than her parents who would try to take her away.

"We were so happy in our small world hai na? My baby used to roam around me every now and then. Bas maa maaa maaa. Papa ko milke tease karte the hum dono, yaad hai betu? On Sunday, we used to make papa fulfill our every wish. We trio used to go out somewhere for a small picnic. Our games, your pranks, your naughtiness, your laughter, your giggles everything is as fresh as it is in mind still. Jaise ki kal ki baat ho.." said Ishani moving to another photo caressing it.

It was a photo when they took Nandini on the beach for the first time. She was two years old and enjoyed alot while playing with water. She was posed with Ritesh in that pic. Ritesh was kneeling in water while Nandini had thrown her small arms around his neck and both were laughing when the waves used to hit them. Ritesh was holding her protectively in his arms. Ishani smiled.

"Vaise toh humesha mere aage peeche karti thi. Par jab Ritesh ko samne dekhti thi, tab unhe chodne ka naam nei leti thi. Papa's princess! Always used to change the team when papa is with you. There was always some special bond between you both. Still it is. Tab bhi dono milke mujhe akeli kar dete the aur ab bhi dekho.. abhi bhi mujhe akela kardiya tum dono ne. You both left me alone now also. Rather I made you both do it. Maine aap logo ko ye sab karne par majboor kiya. My behavior, my acts, my mistakes made you behave like this with me. I deserve this hai na? I deserve this but still I crave for you all. I do." Tears fell from her eyes rapidly and she was sobbing now. She clutched the photos near her chest.

"I miss you, betu! I miss you dearly. I realized all my mistakes. I know, I did very wrong with you. I did injustice to you. I behaved partial with you. I behaved like a true bitch. I know. But still you can not wipe away the fact that I love you. I agree I had hided that love of yours inside me somewhere deep down. I.. I was so blind in loving Rishu, taking care of his each need that.. that I knowingly or unknowingly gave less importance to your existence, your any little thing. You were always there in heart, baby. Always. But this stupid brain always used to overpower my senses. Society, the people around me and everything I hear or see made my mind very conservative and Orthodox. I won't lie but I started to think after your failure that only a son can make the parents proud. Only he would keep our reputation maintain in our society. I.. I truely never believed it heartily but ignoring all screams from my heart I just did what my mind told me. I always taunted you. Demeaned your profession, your field. Never praised you for anything you achieved. But you were always strong baby. And trust me, I am proud of you. Maa is proud of you so much. You survived through your failure. Your rised and shone again brightly. Infact more than before. But I was too lost in my beliefs and believes. All I could see was Rishab, his education, his studies, reputation, status and society. I didn't care what you felt then. I was so lost in all these meaningless things." Said Ishani. She looked at the frame of Nandini which was there in one of their room walls. She stood up slowly and moved near it.

Nandini was five years old in that photo. Her hairs were short and curly. She was wearing pink skirt and top and holding pink teddy bear near her chest tightly while grinning. Ishani caressed the frame with a small smile.

"You never complained, betu. Like a responsible mature girl you always managed to keep our head high. You never make us feel ashamed by doing anything. Infact, because of you we got name and respect in our society. It's not Rishu, it's you who actually made me pride so much but I was too adamant to accept that. People used to praise your talent infront of me. People used to talk about your politeness, your simplicity. People used to call me lucky to have you in my life. But look at me! I am that unlucky mother who lost her child even if she is infront of her eyes. I am that disgusting mother because of whom her child was about to loose her life not once but thrice. I am that stupid, idiot mother who begged for apology from her child making her stressed when she was on hospital bed. Instead of showering some love on her, instead of taking care of her I become so selfish to ask forgiveness. I.. I am that mother who made horrible mistakes or sins but still want her daughter back in her life. Yes, I do. I want you back in my life betu. I need you as much as I need Rishu. I love you as much as I love Rishu. Infact, now I think I loved you even more than Rishu but digged that feeling in a far corner." Said Ishani crying vigorously and slided down from the wall on the floor.

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"What.. what do you mean, Nandu? What are you even talking.." said Ritesh looking away from her. Nandini shook her head while Manik kept his hand on her shoulder. She looked at him who blinked his eyes in assurance. She smiled a bit and then turned to Ritesh.

"Papa, though I am in hospital, I can see and feel whatever happening around me. I know you're ignoring maa. Not going home on time, leaving home early in the morning. Why? By doing this you're not only punishing her but yourself too. Don't do this papa. Rishu isn't here. She become all alone. Atleast, you come here to spend some time but what about her? This is wrong, papa. I know.. I know how does it feels to be left out. I know. It hurts. I would never like anyone to go through this feeling let alone maa. So please, I request you. Stop all this." Said Nandini painfully. Ritesh shook his head with teary eyes.

"It is needed, princess. We did mistake. We have to suffer. I can not forget how you..." Ritesh couldn't complete the sentence. Her condition still sends shivers to him. Nandini rubbed his hand.

"Papa, I am all fine. In front of you. So don't think about all that. Whatever maa did was with me. If anyone has right to punish her then it is me. She didn't lack anywhere in her wifely duties. She stood as strong as rock in your every happy or bad times. And now when no one is with her, she is alone, you left her just like that? You can not leave her hand like this. I am not saying that forgive her or do anything which your heart doesn't allow to. I am just telling you to stay beside her. Behave with her like always. Whatever happened was between us. She never did wrong to you or caused you any-" Ritesh cutted her in between angrily.

"She did, damn it! She did wronged me. She caused pain to my baby, my child. She ignored my baby in my absense. She demeaned my daughter. She did so many things at my back and you are saying she did no wrong to me? Do you mean nothing to me? I love you more than my life and when I get to know that my life had beared so much and I was unaware of it, you think I would be at peace? I.. I used to go office early and came at evening. I used to get less time to spend with you all to know everything in detail. You never told me or complained about anything. Whenever she used to scold you infront of me I used to let it go or even shout at you only thinking that she's doing this for your good. A mother can never do bad to her own child. She knows best. I was always in this impression. I never knew what was happening behind my back. It's not only her fault, mine too. Because I took her for granted. I thought, my children would be raised well mannered and well disciplined under her supervision. I never tried to talk with her, with you about how you all are doing. What is happening in day to day life. I never knew. We used to enjoy my only holiday i.e. Sunday of the week so much happily that this doubt never came in my mind. How could I not see your pain, your longing? Why I couldn't stop everything that happened? Why I got so busy in my office and never paid attention what is actually going on in my home? This is my fault too and I am equally responsible. And you.. She behaved so much partial with you, she did so many mistakes still you're taking her side? Why? Don't be so great, Nandu. This world is too cruel for a pure and naive girl like you. I agree, she was a great wife and still she is. But she could never be a good mother. She couldn't keep my trust on her. She lost it. Whenever I think to go near her na, your image would flash infront of me complaining - Why papa? Why you want to talk with her? Why do you still care for that woman who literally took the life of your daughter, your princess? The father inside me who loves his daughter like anything doesn't permit me to go near my wife, Nandu. He doesn't." Said Ritesh breaking down at last. Nandini cried with him too. Manik immediately wiped her tears and nodded in no.

"Nandini, don't. No crying at all. No stress is allowed for you, did you forget? Sssh! Bas bas. Enough honey. Papa, please. Sambhaliye khudko. If you would cry like this then who will handle Nandini?" Said Manik taking Nandini in side hug while rubbing her shoulder a little. Ritesh nodded his head hearing him and wiped his tears. He gave smile to Nandini and wiped her tears too. Nandini sniffed and hugged him from his waist. Ritesh caressed her hairs.

"My princess is a most beautiful thing which Ishani ever gave me and I will be always thankful to her for this gift. But baby, every wound doesn't heal with a time. We need to take some efforts to heal it. Or sometime, it is possible to get infected more. Time can not be the best medicine always. Ishani has to understand. She has to make some move. She has to take some efforts to mend her mistake. First, she has to realize what is actually her mistake. Then everything will eventually start falling into its place." Said Ritesh breaking the hug. Nandini gave him a pleading look. Ritesh chuckled a bit while patting her cheek.

"You won't back off, right? Fine. I would behave normal with her. But don't expect me to give her any sort of comfort or consolations. I need some time." Nandini let out a sigh hearing him but nodded looking at stern face of her father. Ritesh smiled.

"Ok, now let me leave. You also have your healthy dinner without any tantrums. Don't trouble Manik." Said Ritesh. Nandini made haww face. Manik chuckled.

"Hawww! Papa, when I troubled Manik? I am very good girl." Said Nandini pouting. Manik gave a look to her.

"Haan haan of course. Very good girl. Now we will get to see the demo at the time of dinner and medicines. Hai na Nandini?" Asked Manik sarcastically. Nandini glared at him and whined hearing Ritesh's laugh.

"Papa! Tell him no! He's taunting your princess." Manik rolled his eyes hearing her while Ritesh shook his head.

"No princess, in this matter I can't say anything to Manik. You have to listen to him and have everything he ask you to. Got it?" Asked Ritesh on which Nandini made faces nodding.

"Fine." Manik chuckled hearing her grumpy tone while she gave him angry glare. He immediately changed his expressions to normal one.

"Ok now bye. See you both tomorrow. Good night."

"Good night, papa. Bye." Ritesh went away leaving Manan alone in the ward. Nandini turned to Manik and crossed her arms around her chest. Manik raised his brows.

"What?

"What?"

"What what?"

"What what what?"

"What what what what?"

"Manik!"

"Nandini!"

"You're making me mad."

"I am already mad, hehe."

"Aaah! Maaaniiikkkkkk!"

"Aaah! Nandiniiiiiiiiiiiiii!"

"Uggh! I hate you!"

"I love you too!" Said Manik hearing which Nandini jumped on her place. Manik bit his tongue.

"Kya bola?" She asked looking at him impatiently. Manik gave her tight smile.

"Kya?" Nandini gave him glare.

"Abhi abhi aapne kuch bola. Kuch kaha. Say it again." Said Nandini. Manik shrugged.

"I just called your name like you called mine." Said Manik. Nandini shook her head vigorously.

"No no! After that. You said something when I said I hate you. What did you say?" Asked Nandini. Manik looked here and there.

"Voh.. main.."

"Yes. Say say. Tell me I am all ears." Said Nandini grinning. Manik closed his eyes and opened it again taking deep breath.

"I said that.."

"That..??"

"I..."

"You..?"

"Love.."

"Love..?"

"You!" Nandini felt her heart stopped beating for a moment hearing Manik.

"Mom!" Said Manik. Nandini made confused face.

"Huh?"

"I said - I LOVE YOU, MOM! Actually na, when we were talking I saw mom's message stating she is making my favorite Rajma chawal for me. I sent her thanks and I love you so in excitement I said it aloud too." Said Manik giving innocent look to Nandini. She flared her nose and looked away. Manik hided his smile.

"What happened, sweetheart? Was you expecting something else?" Asked Manik giving her teasing smile. Nandini threw flower on his face which was placed on nearby table. Manik laughed.

"You are such a monster, Manik. Huh!" Manik chuckled and replied.

"Ofcourse. I am monster of my mini monster." Said Manik on which Nandini whined and their sweet cute bickering went on.

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Ishani was still sitting on her place while hugging Nandini's frame near her heart. She was looking at nothing particular. Ritesh, after coming home came inside the room and got shock looking at her.

"Ishani.." he called her worriedly when she snapped out of her thoughts hearing him. He came near her and held her hand.

"What are you doing? Why are you sitting like this? Get up, let's go to bed. Come on." Said Ritesh trying to make her stand but she didn't move and gave him blank look. Ritesh looked at her.

"Do you hate me, Ritesh?" Asked Ishani on which he gasped.

"What non sense. What are you blabbering? You first get-"

"Nandu.. she also hates me. She.. she didn't want to even see my face. Hain na?" Asked Ishani looking at him. Ritesh shook his head.

"We will talk about this later. First you get up. You don't look well. I will ask Rama to send dinner in our room. Come.." saying this Ritesh was about to pull her up when she hugged him suddenly letting out a loud cry. Ritesh was startled.

"Ritesh.. please.. don't leave me alone. Let me also be part of your lives. I.. I won't trouble anyone. I won't go near Nandu. I don't need her forgiveness too. I will accept her every punishment happily. But let me atleast be there with you all. Let me just stay there. I will look everything from far. Main.. main Nandu ke kareeb nei jaungi. Kuch bhi nahi kahungi. But tell Manik.. don't snatch my daughter away from me. I.. I realised my mistake, Ritesh. Main Rishu ke pyaar mei andhi ho gayi thi, Ritesh. I couldn't see anyone or anything else infront of him. I was so lost dreaming about his future that I forgot I am destroying the beautiful present of my daughter. Voh panic attack ke time.. I didn't do it willingly. Main rukna chahti thi uske pass but then.. my stupid mentality. It made me blind. God will never forgive me for this. I know.. I accept my every fault. I am ready to do anything but just don't.. don't push me away from you all. I won't be able to bear that.
I need you all. I.. I need Nandu in my life. I know.. it's all my fault. I accept. But I.. I just wanna see her happy life, I wanna be a part of her happiness, her sorrows. I don't need anything else. I swear. I won't go near her. But please.. let me in. Please Ritesh..I beg you. Please..." Cried Ishani in his arms while Ritesh just closed his eyes in pain and tears slipped from his eyes too.

Screen freezes.

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Date Of Publishing - 12th May 2021.