IT ENDS WITH US

CHAPTER 1

NEW YORK

The weather has taken a turn in the city, and Mannat is strolling casually on the streets when it gets a bit cloudy. Hoping it will get clear in a while, Mannat manages to get herself a coffee from a nearby cafe. She feels an unexplained restlessness in her bones, and she thought a nice quite stroll outside would soothe her nerves. Sipping from a steaming cup of her coffee slightly burns her tongue, and now cradling the cup closer to her chest, she takes a turn towards the direction to her apartment. Ever since Mannat moved to New York, quite strolls like this, always helped her to clear her mind and settle her nerves. It often gets difficult to take some time out for herself, so she decided to make a habit out of it.

Particularly today was a difficult day for her as some memories have been flooding her brain with images that she would rather avoid right now. But somebody has said it right that Regrets have their unique ways to conjure up a million different thoughts in your mind.

MANNAT'S POV

It's not like I'am an exception, of course, I have regrets in my life that I would rather not think about, but there is no escaping to them today. Pleasant images from the past flashes before my eyes - the carefree, silly and happier days from my life which I had 6 years ago and I shook my head hoping to chase them away. Sighing heavily, I hurried at my pace to reach my destination and breathe in the familiar comfort of my apartment. I clicked the door shut before plopping down on the couch, propping my feet up to lie in a more comfortable position. The coffee cup almost finished when my phone starts to buzz. and I reach for it to pick it up from the center table. I sat up straight when I saw the caller ID and instantly hit the answer button.

POV ENDS

"Ishima!"

said Mannat answering the phone call.

"Mini! How are you princess?"

asked Ishita

This is what Ishita used to call her lovingly. Hearing Ishita's voice puts a small smile on Mannat's face, and she sighed contently.

"Where were you? I have been calling you from the past 30 minutes.."

asked Ishita

"Sorry Ishima! I had you worried, I was out, and I forgot to take my phone with me."

said Mannat apologizing

"Is everything okay? You sound stressed?"

asked Ishita

"No everything is fine! Why wouldn't it be?"

replied Mannat knitting her eyebrows together, and Ishita senses her anxious nerves.

"You forgot to take your phone because I am guessing you were absent minded."

said Ishita

"OH! Uh-I"

"How does she got that?"

said Mannat to herself while she cleared her throat on her phone and Ishita decides to break the stretching silence.

"I didn't tell you everything to make you worried, you know!"

said Ishita

"How is he doing now?"

asked Mannat worriedly.

"You know he will feel a lot better once you are here."

said Ishita

"I will be there.. this weekend, don't worry."

said Mannat

For a few more minutes Mannat and Ishita talked about everything and nothing when Mannat took a minute to muster up the courage and voice out the sole thought that's been nagging her these days.

"Can I ask you something Ishima?"

asked Mannat

"Mini since when you have to ask about it! What is it?"

asked Ishita

Mannat swallows a lump in her throat before continuing

"Am I a good daughter?"

asked Mannat

"Of course!"

answered Ishita without missing a beat, clearly taken aback by this question

"Why would you ask that Mini? You are the best daughter any parents could ever ask for.. You have no idea how much we both love you."

said Ishita comforting Mannat.

Hearing the sincerity in Ishita's voice Mannat feels tears welled up in her eyes. Ishita isn't the one to beat around the bush, so she softly raises a question.

"Do you know why we named you Mannat?"

asked Ishita softly

"Because you liked the name?"

Said Mannat with heavy voice.

Ishita smiled softly at her innocence.

"No, you know you were like a wish to us, we went through a lot of things to get you in our life. When we lost all hope to become parents then you came to us like a wish and that is why we named you 'Mannat'. You were like that little wish which was granted after a tough penance. And we are so blessed to have a daughter like you. Mannat you are very precious to us."

Said Ishita while Mannat just hummed in response.

But she knew there was still something troubling her little Mini.

"Tell me what is bothering you Mini?"

asked Ishita

"I feel like I have not been a good daughter."

said Mannat

Sensing that Mannat has more to say Ishita doesn't interrupts her.

"I-I haven't been..."

sighed Mannat while she continued

"I haven't been around much, you know! How do I explain it? You gave me a new life, me being not your daughter.."

said Mannat

"You don't have to, no need to explain. I understand what you mean, besides you have never been good with words anyway. Mannat every relation is not blood related. Our relation is of heart. Our hearts are connected, why do you feel that you aren't good enough.."

Asked Ishita

"Ishima"

said Nandini

"I get what you mean, and you have nothing to be guilty about. Just because you haven't been living with us doesn't mean you have been any less of an amazing daughter. And we always wanted you to be independent."

said Ishita

"But you guys always missed me. And I was not around. The times you needed me the most I was not there with you two."

said Mannat

"No. we didn't. Mini, don't do this to yourself sweetheart, please? We kept our visits frequent these past years, so we have not missed out on anything if that's what you were going to say."

said Ishita

Sighed Mannat

"Now that you're coming back, we couldn't be happier"

said Ishita

"I still feel disappointed."

said Mannat

"We couldn't be more proud of you. Why do you feel disappointed with yourself?"

asked Ishita

"Because I should've been there with you guys."

said Mannat

"You have been Mannat. Now don't overthink it, we want to see you happy."

said Ishita

"But Ishima.. "

said Mannat

"I don't want you stepping in our home like this, do you hear me, young lady? You shouldn't be thinking like this when you are nothing but an amazing daughter."

said Ishita

Figuring there is no whining from Ishita, Mannat nodded her head meekly before agreeing with her.

"Hmmm. You are right Ishima."

said Mannat

"You know mothers are always right."

Ishita lightheartedly retorts effectively bringing a smile on Mannat's face again.

"I love you so much Ishima!"

said Mannat

"I love you too sweetie! We cannot wait to see you pretty face. And we are so proud of you. We always wanted to see you independent and growing. Unless you wouldn't have cut you Tues with Anurag. What happened with you guys. I have always tried to ask you but you always dodge it. "

said Ishita

"Ishima, it's nothing I just don't want to talk about it. We were just school friends and now we have moved on in life. I'm sure he must have moved on too."

said Mannat.

"Well I doubt that."

Said Ishita

After hanging up the call with Ishita, Mannat decided to let her thoughts slide and relax. Even though she didn't do much talking, Mannat was glad that she didn't have to put her feelings into words because Ishita understood everything anyway. The only topic which hurts her is of him. The way she just left him behind without any explanation without telling him anything just cut him off her life.

I am finally going home. My place. INDIA. I am coming Mumbai. It's been years I've been to India. It actually feels good.

As Mannat laid down she remembered her meeting with Smaran. Mannat knows him since 3 years so she had to bid him bye before leaving

FLASHBACK

The sound of a doorbell had me stumbling towards the door, and I clicked open the door excitedly thinking the package I ordered for my parents has finally arrived, but only met with Smaran. My face fell down as a slight disappointment and surprise made its way up to my face, and Smaran noticed it before uttering a snarky comment

"Please by all means, don't look that excited."

said Smaran

"I-Uh didn't mean to.. I am so sorry! "

said Mannat

Mannat looked at him sheepishly, and Smaran smirks back before raising a questioning brow.

"I actually thought it's the package I ordered for Ishima and Papa. And you came so ..."

said Mannat

"Obviously.. It's something better ME!"

said Smaran smirking.

"Smaran"

said Mannat glaring at him.

"By the way, what package are you waiting for Mannat?"

asked Smaran

Mannat steps aside while talking to Smaran to come inside, and he flashes Mannat a grateful smile.

"I actually ordered some things for Ishima and Papa."

said Mannat

"Oh! okay. Being secretive hmm .."

said Smaran.

Smaran nods his head in understanding before packing himself on the couch, making himself comfortable.

"So you can take them with you for them before you leave? "

asked Smaran

"Exactly! I only have one day, so I hope it comes on time!"

said Mannat.

"It will arrive on time, don't worry. But... if the package doesn't arrive by the morning, I can always bring it to you."

said Smaran

"I already gave them your number in that case. If you get that you can courier to my address."

said Mannat.

"Hmm.. I can come to India also. What's the need to courier."

asked Smarann.

While Mannat just nods her head in response as she doesn't know what to make of the hint of sadness in Smaran's tone. He looks up to Mannat's face with a sad smile and exhales loudly.

'Sit with me please?

said Smaran

Mannat walked towards the couch, closing the distance, and sat next to Smaran.

"See Mannat I don't want to sound like a selfish person, but I wish you weren't moving away, you know!"

said Smaran

"I know!"

said Mannat

"You're like my family, and now you're leaving me too"

said Smaran.

Mannat knew he doesn't talk about his family, but he misses them too much sometimes.

"I... I cannot"

said Mannat stammeringly.

"No! I understand your family needs you, and it's about time you finally go and live with them. I am sure they must have missed you a lot."

said Smaran

Smaran always knows his way around words, and Mannat stares at him in awe with a bit of sadness in her eyes, as Mannat realize, she also doesn't know when will be the next time she will see him again. Smaran has been her best friend, since the time she has stepped in New York, Smaran was the only person she could trust on. They were like pillars to each other.

"They do."

said Mannat while Smaran nodded in response.

"I am really going to miss you Mannat. I wish you didn't have to go."

said Smaran.

"And you know why I have to"

said Mannat

"Yeah I do! You know I don't like the change, I don't cope well with it."

said Smaran.

"You will Smaran. Don't worry. And we'll talk on video calls in every weekends okay. And during holidays you can always pay me a visit."

said Mannat

"I am just a call away, don't forget that! And yes ofcourse I would come even if you wouldn't say that I would still visit you idiot."

said Smaran

"I will not."

said Mannat

"Time to go now!"

said Smaran as he stood up.

"Thanks for coming Smaran!"

said Mannat

"I couldn't miss a chance seeing your pretty face one last time."

said Smaran

And this last statement threw Mannat off guard, and she felt herself getting a little flustered.

"Well, not the last time"

said Mannat smilingly

"I hope not either"

said Smaran

"You can visit me anytime you want."

said Mannat

"I might take you up on your offer someday Mannat"

said Smaran

"Sure!"

said Mannat

Before leaving Smaran makes sure to convey his emotions by enveloping Mannat in a loving hug, a feeling of warmth and safety radiating from him. Needless to say Mannat will surely miss this life spent over here and most of all Smaran. He has always been there all this while and Mannat could not help but feel blessed that she has someone like Smaran in her life. She never felt as she had someone close confidant in her life.

But now it was time for her to face her past. After 6 years.