Hey peeps,

Don't worry I'm just alive and surviving as you all are. Feeling the same as me.

Honestly Sorry wouldn't be enough I know things are kind of mess from my side. I didn't want to mess the story at least. This story is mine and I could make whatever I wish, unlike our lives. So, Neither my story should compromise nor the characters. For that, a mental break was needed. Still need it yet I can't put my story in the hold or discontinue, this is my baby and I can't abandon it. Shit happens like fucking daily and I wanna find something good that could put a smile on my face, even it is not reality. And today, I wanna put happy tears in your eyes, make you all happy. Hopefully, I do.

Before you start, I wanna thank each and every person who looked out for me. That was the kindest gesture I received from you all. Thank you from bottom of my heart. People who follow me know why I haven't updated for so long. Thank you for understanding me. And putting all positive in me. At bad days if I receive such concern message, I felt I wasn't that bad. I felt I deserve to be loved and cared. Thank you. Nothing is nasty but I'm not liking how things are shaping. I hope God show us all the ray of hope and give us the strength to move forward with all lessons and kindness. Hope Pandemic ends and our lives get better. May, people find the source for the job, shelter and food. Just don't be hard on yourselves, good times will come and you all need to wait for it. #Staysafe #Stayhappy #Staykind #StayPositive #SelfLoveIsMust #TLCforeveryone #Thankyou

Thirdly, Do you even liked the new change in Wattpad? I guess I'm too overwhelmed with this new update of Wattpad, seriously they have taken down Newsfeed. I'm disappointed with it. Let's not forget the change in the Library, God who on the earth developed that. Yes, agree with change but still, our stories aren't secured here. That was the thing I was expecting from them and this came out the syllabus. Wattpad acts weird, Totally.

What do you suggest as the best platform? I'm not willing to add my books in any apps like Inkitt or Dreame or soon on. I'm looking for something permanent. I'm not sure yet. I just wanna things better than I'll think on it. Yet, I'll continue to update here for sure. Don't worry I would not abandon you all.

Fourthly, Ping me or Dm some beautiful romance, thriller and suspense books. If it is Manan and Shivika or general fiction is welcomed. This home page isn't satisfying me anymore with their suggestion.

Before you start have some tissues if you are emotional.

Recap- Nandini hinting Manik with her pregnancy. (For more read previous chapters, so sorry for not being regular I was, once upon a time)

I'm in love with inline comments. Looking forward to learning your thoughts. Will also love if shower your love with votes.

Happy reading

6.3K+words

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Manik's Pov

I felt some moments on the bed, but I knew Nandini was sleeping peacefully in my arms. I glanced behind with drowsy eyes, saw my son who was goofing happily, and he grinned cuddling to me. I smiled at his antics and turned to Nandini's side only to see, Avni trying to wake up my tired wife.

Pumpkin!! Shush! She giggled and hugged Nandini and slept. My eyes went on the digital clock which was stating 9 am. We just slept like half an hour back. Oh! God. I screamed internally!!

Pappa!! Avni ran and slept beside me as Abhay was now sleeping on me completely. 

Don't you have school? I questioned them.

We have at 10.30. We still have time. Avni slept on the left extended hand of mine.

Okay. Had your breakfast? They nodded no. I got up from the bed picked both of them in my arms. They were too delighted today for some reason. And I love it. Neither Abhay was throwing tantrums nor Avni was upset. Meaning it is going to be a happy day.

Daddy, can we not go to school today? Did I say, my son wasn't throwing tantrums? scratch that. A way for Happy Day. Note my sarcasm.

Of course not, YOU ARE GOING TO SCHOOL. He pouted at my stern command, Avni rolled her eyes at his usual antics. 

Wait! What about David? I just left my guest with not so unknown people. So much for 'Atithi Devo bhava'.

Oh! Yeah, we dropped him before coming here. Avni recited for me, as I took them to Abhay's room to freshen up. 

Dropped where? A few minutes back my wife gave me a heart attack. This David is no less than Mafia or is he??

To the venue. I frowned still not understanding.

You are throwing a success party for winning the deal, right? I nodded my head at Abhay's words.

So, he is helping out mom with Alya aunty and Dhruv uncle. 

Say whom? I was shocked so were Avya, it is not every day you get to hear that Alya and Nandini are working for the same cause. If I remember this is the first time, hoping not to be last.

Mrudula's parents. Avni added in amusement. So, it just not me everyone is finding baffled. Now, I know what was cooking in my wife's head.

Something is cooking. We all three commented in unison.

Leave that. Now, get ready I'll drop you off to the school. I have an important meeting to attend at 11 am. Though Abhay tried his puppy face, Avni and I threw him literally in the wash tube. We burst into laughter when he shouted he already had a shower. 

Aww, get clean up again. Avni and I ran off from there before he rewards us with his wrath.

I freshened up in our other room which was in the downstairs, I didn't want to disturb Nandini from her sleep. She looked pale, where I already troubled a lot. It didn't felt right to wake her up. 

I was in the company of Avni who was blabbering what she did from the morning, it mostly included jogging with David and her fight with Prathik. Though my eyes raised at the jogging with David, I should be in that place not him. Then I breathed as I threw cold water on my sleepy face as I already had a shower with Nandini an hour before. 

You know what? I came out of the bathroom wiping my face.

See here? I walked to her, bend to her level to see the phone she was pointing out. I smiled seeing pictures of Prathi and his sister, which he updated on his Instagram.

##

To all the people out there,

She is out of League!! 

##

I laughed at the words he wrote in it. So, cutely possessive.

What's wrong with it? When I saw my daughter glaring at me.

He didn't even let touch her. I said to him, I'll also help Smitha masi to get her ready. But no, he didn't even let me touch her. I hate him. My Pumpkin's lips were tight-lipped, meaning she was pissed off.

And he wrote this in his story to tell me in capitals. How rude? If only I had a sister, I would've shown off to him. My bad I hate got such grown-up brother. Eww. I can't dress him up. When I think my daughter can't amuse me more, she daringly challenges me coming up with high standard drama. 

You want a sister to show off!! It came like a statement rather question. She never fails to surprise me like her mother.

Yup. Even I get so bored with Abhay. He is an oldy. Her sarcasm didn't have par. 

Who is old? Your father is an oldy!! That spoiled brat, I gritted my teeth at my son, who was busy throwing daggers at his sister.

You are grounded, my son. His eyes widened finally realizing what he commented unknowingly.

Truth is bitter, Mr Malhotra. You're getting old. I know he was taking revenge because everyone calls me as his brother. Elder brother is right. Trying to shove off his brave self.

Stop it both of you. Avni became referee between us to stop us pulling each others hair. What am I two? What's got into me? I started getting fighting with my kids. Seriously. Abhay is wrong, I'm just getting young. That's right. I smiled brightly at my own assumptions.

What are you even smiling at? Abhay was pissed off totally. I grinned more to irritate him.

Let's talk about it later, now explain to me what's this? huh! He showed me pictures of Nandini and mine on Instagram. My lips curved upwards automatically. A Night to Remember. I'm going to note down in my journal soon.

You went to the amusement park and didn't take us. How rude? Avni added with a hard glare.

It was a Date with my would be. I proudly announced to them, both were throwing daggers at me, as I whistled joyfully. 

You never took me. Avya complained to me unison. Making me halt, I titled my head. Then again walked carelessly. 

Avni, you still didn't pick my suit? All I saw was the red face of my daughter. Must say, teasing them gives me weird satisfaction, Now don't call me a sadist.

Daddy!! She pulled my hairs forcefully, I kept laughing at her annoyance. Abhay was busy throwing solid punches on my chest violently. 

You are so bad. Man, they are singing together too. I giggled, trust me I tried controlling my laughter but I couldn't. I broke into more laughter.

Ms Malhotra, My suit, I'm getting late for the meeting. I added just to add some salt on their irritation.

Fine. Avya marched to the closet. I laughed at their angry faces. 

Oh! My God!!! I heard a scream from the closet. I walked inside to see their reaction and it was priceless. Abhay was gaping clearly, and Avni, she was adorning herself. 

Aww, I look so handsome, Thank you, dad. Abhay hugged me by waist looking at the pencil sketch.

I'll hang in this my room, Avni added with a grin looking at her portrait. And Abhay agreed readily. This smile is what I die for. Their soulful happiness. 

I look so innocent. She commented.

Just in painting, Pumpkin. All my daughter did was just admire herself not noting my remark. Abhay and I hi-fi at my words.

My suit!! Avni dashed on her stool to pick the suit for me from the closet. I had an important meeting today, relating to the deal I banged day before yesterday. 

I got ready in a jiffy with kids, who were quarrelling for the mirror. I nodded my head in disbelief as Abhay pushed Avni side to style his hair. My daughter scoffed at him and pulled his hairs mercilessly. God! Save me from both of them.

Manik's attire

I stopped their fight as I fixed both their hairstyle according to their wish. They could be too stubborn for my attention, and they fight purposely in front of me so that I pamper them more than others. That makes me love them more. 

Once we three were ready, I picked my essentials. And walked downstairs after picking their school bags too. Parenting is tiring but with infinity happiness and content.

As we entered the living room, my nostrils were hit by the delicious aroma of something baking. I peeped in to see Nandini working before the stove in her nightdress and loose bun for her longs hairs. She looked so candid straight from Pinterest. 

Jaanu, you woke up?? Abhay launched himself on the kitchen slab already to shower his mother with his loveable kisses followed by Avni.

Long back. She answered in a monotone without giving any attention to us. I kept our stuff on the coffee table made way towards the kitchen to help her out. 

Mamma, Only two muffins are in the oven. Avni pouted looking at the oven, sadly.

I want more. We said in unison, only to get accusing gaze from her.

I was gonna bake one, and I remembered your father. For some reason, she sounds pissed off by me, I showed her pearls to amend myself. I don't remember making her mad if not in bed. 

What's this?? I ate a small ball which she already put aside for us to serve. It was damn yum. Everything was just perfect. (In my home we call, Gundpangnama)

Appe. Flip this. She gave a small wooden stick to flip the appe, the pan was way different from other pans. I saw her grinding something. I didn't irritated and saw their lunch boxes were already. My wife works faster than any.

Appe!! Abhay gulped like me one by one with mint and coconut chutney. Avni was looking at oven longingly, where our muffins were still baking. Come out soon, I'm waiting.

We sat on the dining table after arranging breakfast, where I made pomegranate juice as a routine. I started eating breakfast as I feed Nandini who was feeding kids listening to their routine and checking on their school dairy. We completed breakfast, I was about to take a sip on juice, I got a notification about the meeting. I was busy replying to emails. 

Shit!! I screamed when juice fell on my attire. I was pissed off only to find my wife was calmly sipping her juice, where my kids were horrified at the scene.

What the hell, Mrs Malhotra? Abhay passed me tissues, as Avni helped me to wipe off the juice before it spoils entire attire.

What did I do? She started licking tacky pickle. God!! 

You purposely pushed it. I saw it. I stood up to change my clothes in a hurry.  

It was an accident. Her bluntness surely is getting my nerves.

Waise get used to it. I threw a hard glare at her made a run to upstairs.

He had an important meeting today, Mom. Abhay was lecturing her who was busy licking pickle. 

I went inside our room followed by Avni who was ready to pull out a suit, 

Pumpkin, Your mom has already picked the attire. I didn't hear anything from Avni, yet I continued my rant,

That woman can't speak up directly and play with my time. If she wanted me to wear this she needs to tell me, par nae, juice girana hain!! I was pissed off totally. I changed in a hustle without noticing attire much and turned to Avni who was gawking holding something in pink. 

What's that Pumpkin? Avni looked up with a bright smile and twinkling eyes. Man, she looked like Picassa of Adorable.

Papa shoes?? I frowned seeing girl baby shoes.

Baby shoes!! I caressed it softly. That clicks something

Pink colour shoes for my Aashi. I heard myself saying it in past. 

Aashi!! That was her's, what it is doing in our room? I mean I kept it in the storeroom.

Where did you get it? I questioned her after taking hold of it. 

It was on your shoe stand. I scowled at it, as far as I remember, I never brought it out of the storeroom. I would never bring my past to my present. Why would I? When I have a beautiful present and future.

Did Abhay go to storeroom? When her reply came no, I don't understand. Before I think over I got a call from Vishwas, I left the shoes on the bed stand carefully and picked Avni in my arms, who was in no mood to stop gawking the shoes. This girl was obsessed with this shoe for sure.

Whose shoe is that?? I didn't know what to say.

We soon made downstairs, where Nandini was waiting for us at the end of the staircase all excited. What's wrong with this woman?

Mela kya? I frowned by hearing her.

Yup. I wore it. See, I look dashing, right? I gave an extra ramp walk to her to show off. 

Mai kuch aur bath kar rahi thi!! What was she pointing at even?

What?? See Nandu, I'm seriously getting late for the meeting. Hum baad mai bath karenge, Okay? I kissed her pout, who was madly raging at me.

The hell with your meeting and you! Go to hell. She threw the middle finger and walked away. I was mortified with Abhay and Avni.

What's wrong with her? We looked at each other.

You forgot something. Like anniversary, birthday, kiss day, confession day or any such. These girls are too particular about dates and anniversary. Is he even ten? By my looks, he understood very well and took a ran from me.

I guess, you really forgot something or she is hinting something else, altogether. I threw a sharp look, gave quick check on dates, in fact in this month we certainly don't have any such day Abhay mentioned. I don't get this.

Jaanu!! I went near the couch where Abhay was already trying to coax Nandini, who was complaining to Alex like a baby. Gosh! This woman should stop getting cuter.

What happened Baccha? She cuddled herself into my chest making me chuckle at her antics.

Tum bohuth dumb ho. No, you're growing dense. I chuckled hearing it.

Tell me what I'm not getting. Your Mani is getting dumb na, you help me. I tucked her hairs behind her ears.

I'll. Do I have way? She was flushed in madness. For some reason, I was enjoying her tantrums and antics. She was GLOWING in capitals in real.

Tell me then. She nodded her head negatively.

You go and attend your meeting. Will talk after it. What's wrong with her? I'm still not able to point out.

The meeting can wait. Not you. C'mon, tell me. I coaxed her as I brushed her hairs and eyed Abhay and Avni to leave who were equally stubborn as their mother. Kids these days, I tell you. Don't they know the meaning of giving privacy? Do they?

Mood nae. Go and attend your meeting. She didn't let me persuade her also. She just pushed me out of our apartment along with kids and respective bags. I could safely say she wasn't that mad when she pushed me out of the home. That made me breathe in relief though it was temporary because I was actually worried about her weird behaviour from the past three days.

What's wrong with Jaanu? I questioned the two who were walking my beside, as clueless as I'm. I'm not alone in this. We entered the lift soon. 

Don't know. She was acting way weird, which is so not her but trust me that was effing cute and adorable seeing her naughty. Abhay added he was actually right. She looked damn cute than ever.

I agree. But I have a strong feeling she was hinting something. And we didn't pick it. Avni should stop ageing in her mind. Think like ten from now on, is what I thought. Yet, thinking what she said. Actually, erase the former sentence. I want her to be a little mature to guide me. We got out the lift soon drove off to their school in my car.

Yeah. If I remember, she was doing the same from last night. They both threw a stink eye for not picking them. What I didn't understand what she was actually pointing out? She was beating around the bush. Can't she speak and say for once.

You know what I found something. We heard excited Abhay Malhotra from the passenger seat. For a change my daughter let him have the seat just because she was sitting on my lap as I was driving. 

What so exciting? He didn't answer to Avni but played something, I heard that language vaguely familiar, Nandini's mother tongue, Kannada, Kannada song. I didn't understand a word or I didn't know what my son was excited about it until I heard JAANU.

https://youtu.be/B8Qd0sl3DZA

(Core inspiration to put up, Nandini's nickname as Jaanu, was this movie - So, I never changed even when people said it's too cheesy to call JAANU rather JAAN)

We all glee at the song, I would surely practise for Jaanu and sing for her, I know she would be elite to hear it from me in her mother tongue. Even I've composed a song for Jaanu in Hindi, It was my first Debut composing and singing in Music Industry and I received a Filmfare before her for the same. I saw how proud she was that day. It brings so many memories of our college life. How we enjoyed our courtship in those days. It was priceless moments in my life.

https://youtu.be/eNTAj6J1mcU

##

I shared my experience of how I had composed songs for her. Avya were hearing it with interest unlike other kids and even asked what inspired me to write those lyrics, and the answer was their mom alone. She was the inspiration of me. In between the talks we reached to the school. I dropped them till gate after with heartwarming kisses and hugs of assurance and made sure they entered their school and signalled the guards to have a watch on them, carefully. Though my enemies were out of my way, I can't take any risk with my kids. 

Later, I speeded to my office. I was actually running late to the meeting. In between driving my mind went on Nandini's weird behaviour, I mean she is spoilt brat because of me, but she never threw tantrums for more food that irrationally. Let's not forget about me, I hate the name of coffee and meat. I've thousands of mood swings, which I doubt man can even posses, how much ever I hate saying this, I'm surviving because of Veg food and rest brings nausea to me. And I faint wherever and whenever, how horrible is that even in front of your kids. What's happening with me? And Aashi's shoes what were they doing on my shoe rack? Damn, I don't understand anything. Maybe I'm growing dense as Jaanu hinting. With those thoughts, I parked the car right before the entrance of my office rather private parking spot of mine.

Finally!! I heard Vishwas's sarcasm, who was throwing rage at me with the number of calls, which I never received.

I made it. Walked casually, leaving him near reception as he was still throwing hot glares to me.

Clients were waiting for you. He gritted his teeth as he joined me to the private lift.

My family shouldn't wait for anyone. That's the policy. I answered him calmly because I can't let him know I was damn scared of his temper. Dude, he can burn the earth with that anger of his. Who would want that?

I can't argue with you. Be ready for bashing. Totally annoyed by calm behaviour, I smirked knowing I'm safe now. I just love how I exploit people by my behaviour and get my work done smartly with manipulations. 

A weird kind of proudness about myself. Does that make me sadist?

I walked in inside the conference waiting for nice bashing and how so not punctual I'm and so on. But only to be greeted with a welcoming smile. I smirked internally and eyed Vishwas, who was gawking at the clients before us. He threw stinky eyes at them who avoided as he didn't exist in that very room. I'm sure they had made hell for him before I entered the room and now acting all welcoming towards me,  Such was the power of The Manik Malhotra.

Even all my three dad's (Raj, Surya and Rahul) had come along with Vishwas dad for today's meeting. It was a significant meeting before we begin with Our Dream Project. And I could say all the government officials, new clients and Gram panchayath heads were floored looking at the interiors of our company. I simply didn't own top-rated construction company.

We had also invited all the Gram panchayat heads of the villages who would give detail the requirement for us. Though we searched thoroughly with locals and surveys, I wanted to have word with a person to know if they needed more infrastructure to make it modern town yet not leaving their current occupation. I made sure that the agriculture industry doesn't lack backward with coming development. I wanted to give them more outlook on modern agriculture and educate the people. One of the reasons I invited them, was to assure them, they still hold the ground from where they came from.

My team begin with the meeting and also giving importance to the other side people views. And answered the queries and made list of requirements needed by them. Meeting went for four hours than I estimated, But I could say we came to a good conclusion. And all were happy with meeting and our mission and vision of the Project. Hopefully, I don't let down the people who trust me for their village. I could say my fathers were beaming in happiness. I could say with their eyes. I personally escorted everyone in the meeting room to the dining area with my team. Who looked happier than me. 

My team did little victory dance along with me after everyone left with Vishwas and dads. We were on cloud nine, finally having our dream project, we did what we wanted to do. Though Fab4 were closest friends of mine. That didn't stop me making me know people outside them. I've personally handpicked my own team when I was in college, we used to study at once in the library not many know us being a team, we always worked together yet silent, though we all were in a different field, we came together for the common cause, to give something for the society and we needed a medium that was the company. That's when I established a company, they were there in my initial period but when I went bankrupt they didn't have a way but find out different jobs for ongoing commitments and when they knew I was again building an empire of my own after eight years, they came back to me without even asking. That was the kind of people I had in my team and today they are the directors and VP's of my company. I can proudly say they are my best gems without whom I'm nobody.

I'm so happy. We screamed in happiness. And left the conference room. Their eyes twinkled in joy making me feel overwhelmed in happiness. 

I entered my cabin to leave immediately after the quick talk with important clients and government officials. Even dads were busy with their group. Enjoying business meeting. Which I hated, my team ecstatically participated and conversed with Gram panchayat heads, made sure they weren't neglected here. 

Are you leaving already? I was about to enter washroom while removing my jacket. I turned to Vishwas.

Yeah. I've something important at home to do. I informed him as I successfully removed my jacket ready to use the washroom, but Vishwas had another plan today.

Seriously, we have clients still waiting to have words with you. We can have more clients coming. If you do that. I agree with him totally, my presence was important, but I feel my presence is more important elsewhere than here. That is home. Nandini.

Agreed. But nothing is important to me than my wife. And she needs me, right now. That's all matters. If you can excuse me, that would be really great. I was in badly need of using the washroom. Though I could say I was being childish and rude to Vishwas, I couldn't check my morals or manners while I'm behaving. I had eerie mood swings, which weren't helping me these days. 

Sorry for talking to you like that. I'm growing irrational, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disrespect you or your thoughts. I was too guilty about my behaviour towards him. He gave a pointed look.

You have mood swings worse than pregnant woman, you know that right? Totally not acknowledging my sorry's; meaning he wasn't mad at me. He is Gold, there is no doubt. He sees person more than their attitude, that's what I liked about him.

Don't even ask? I mumbled at him still feeling low, he lean-to door waiting for me to say more. When something hit me. SHIT! SHIT!!!!

Wait, did you just said pregnant woman?? He gave blank look.

That was sarcasm dude, chill out. Thinking I was offended by his remarks, while my mind was running in the speed of Usain Bolt. I covered my mouth in shock. DAMN IT!!

I held my head as tears started flowing from my eyes, I sat on my knees, dumbly. I was speechless, how couldn't see that coming? Damn you, that woman threw serious hints at me. What on the earth did I sell my brain to? 

Hey Hey. Manik. What happened? Look I'm sorry. You know what, you should really go home. He cajoled me like I was baby but I couldn't do anything but cry harder, so bad that Vishwas started passing tissues for me. When I didn't stop he gave me a complete box in worry and restlness, I don't know, how long I cried? I couldn't still sink the thoughts. Remembering it over again, I started crying more harder, I couldn't hold myself. When Vishwas couldn't stop me he called up my dad, who came running with Dad, Surya dad and Rahul uncle.

Manu, Kya huwa? I just hugged him and cried louder. I was getting worse with passing moment. I couldn't believe this was happening with me, with us again. 

Hey Champ, why are you even crying? Rahul uncle caressed my back, I looked at him, I wanted to say so many things, I couldn't, my throat was hurting, I don't think I could even say them with my overwhelming emotions. It was everywhere and I couldn't have the control over it. 

It's okay. Calm down. Vishwas's dad passed me water when I started hiccuping.

Manu, should I call Neyo. I nodded my head no, hastily. I don't want anyone to see me like this and also I wanted to stop crying, that was not happening. I kept throwing waste tissues on the floor which were wet and torn.

I'll call Siri. I quickly pulled Rahul uncle's phone, clearly afraid. I was scared to let her come out. In this condition a big No. What if something happens to her? I had already lost her ones, I can't afford that pain again.

No!! I shouted with my hiccups.

She is alone. Call up the guards and ask them to guard till I reach home. If anything happens to her or If anyone meets her before me I would sue everyone. I shouted at my dad acting all crazy, who quickly called up more guards at our home seeing my behaviour and also said Nandini was in the home only and didn't even contact anyone. That calmed my Devil a little.

I should leave. I stood up hurriedly with help of Surya dad, who insisted me to freshen up before I leave. I didn't have any option but to agree. I don't want her to get scared seeing me like shit. 

I cried more standing before the washroom mirror after doing my business, I bite my left backhand to control my sobs, until my eyes meet with my own reflection. Is it really happening? I cried I saw myself smiling. I couldn't believe my fate. I rubbed my running nose with tissues. I cried for a few more minutes.

I finally smiled, Oh! My God, It's happening. It's really happening. I rubbed my fresh tears as I kept seeing myself. To believe myself and it was no dream, I even pinched myself to belive this was real. There was a kind of happiness and fear, that I couldn't put bare in front of anyone. And there were many raw and intense emotions which I can't remember I could possess. 

I washed my face neatly. Freshening up myself to look presentable in front of her. But no effort could stop my tears or my smile. Then I remember Nandini's GLOWING face. God! How dumb man could be. Can't he understand the reason for her changes? What kind of husband I'm becoming nowadays? I scolded myself.

Aiyyappa we are blessed. Oh! My God! I jumped unknowingly. I controlled my tears wiping it again.

I turned to move out but my reflection on the mirror caught me off-guard while tilting. I held my T-shirt tightly to see what was written on the back of the shirt. As I closely examined, I felt banging my head somewhere.

(Imagine it to be gents black t-shirt- on the back of the t-shirt)

Oh! My God, I was having this t-shirt all along, and I didn't fucking notice it. Nandini has gonna above the Par, to make it special for me. Harry Poter spell, she knows I'm crazy Potterhead in childhood.  

(Expecto Patronum, the spell that conjured up Harry's magnificent stag Patronus, roughly translates into 'I expect (or await) a guardian' in Latin, which is apt. ... In Ancient Rome, the word 'Patronus' meant protector, too, but with very different connotations)

This woman should be rewarded for her surprises. I started crying more hardly, this time it was getting harder to hold myself. I caressed foot impression in love. We are going to be ...

Manu, Manu come out. I heard dad's worried voice, I rubbed my tears with a tissue, cleaned my tears again. I hugged my dad tightly as soon as I came out, I guess, he is there for me, whenever I know I'm becoming father, is constant.

Shush! What happened? He rubbed my back.

I'm so happy. Is all I could say with tears still kissing my cheeks. My eyes were burning out and cheeks were hurting by a goofy smile. Yet, I couldn't stop. Somebody, stop me from crying so bad. I look like a cry baby. They were all confused by my uncanny behaviour. 

Vishwas passed my jacket, which I wore immediately. I took some more tissues before moving to my safe locker. I took out three files from it and walked out of the cabin and all men trailing behind me in worry. I rushed to one of the Tribal head cleaning my face again. I greeted him politely making sure I don't start crying again.

You said about the tribal area. I enquired him softly. He didn't understand but a fellow translator came rushing, who was appointed by us. He translated to him in his native language. That man comes from the tribal area, wasn't educated, was seeking to get help from the government to develop his area. His land wasn't included in the project by the government for some reason. But that area needed immediate attention, so he came along with neighbouring gram panchayat head for the help from us. I had put him hold to discuss with my team.

Would you mind If I adopt or foster your tribal area? I would do my best to improve it. I humbly asked him. His eyes watered in happiness. That expression on his face gave to me that, he agreed for my offer. I was so happy. 

He kept his hands on my head kindly and blessed me saying something in his native. When I looked at the translator he said to me, he blessed me, my wife and my kids. I thanked him wholeheartedly and asked the uncle to prepare papers for the same. And informed him, our support team would go to their tribal area to hear their demands shortly.

Then walked to the working floor with everyone following me. Before Vishwas alert everyone, they shouted congratulations for me and my team for the project. We had a small cake cutting with employees, which couldn't be ignored. 

I would announce two months extra bonus to you all. And the coming party of this Friday. I invite you and your family for the celebration. Please grace yourself. Every single soul on the floor hooted in happiness, I just wanted to make everyone happy today as I'm. I turned to Vishwas asked him to call Ghar and distribute sweets and give new attire for every single person, who is present there. 

I did this because I wanted spread happiness to everyone as Avni said. If God made you happy and blessed with your wishes, you should try and make happy at least few people if it is possible in your hands. That was the reason, I didn't want to disappoint anyone at least not today. I didn't want that man go with disappointment when he hade highs hopes on me. I'm happy that I did something for someone, who badly needed it. And this would be on my kids name.

##

Come I'll drop out. I didn't take the offer from Surya dad who worried and sick about me, I just drove off my car in the busy streets of Mumbai. And stopped at one of the jewellery stores and brought a flower bouquet and tube of ice cream. 

I stayed in touch with guards to know about her status, so far no one came to meet her, that relaxed me a bit yet warned them to keep keen eyes on every single person who would enter the premises without disturbing neighbours. 

I entered my parking lot still holding myself not to cry in front of her. This moment was precious and priceless, soon I entered the elevator to look at her with new phase. I was excited. I was happy. I was overjoyed. I was afraid. I was scared. I was restless. I was thinking about my capabilities. Was I actually ready for this? What if history repeats with us again? What if somebody separate us again? No, I can't afford that at any cost. Thinking all this I walked outside the elevator.  

One of the guard took all things from hands. I gave it to him gladly.

Deja vu!!

That's what I felt.

I saw guards standing firmly in their place at every three meters, and everyone is alive and not wounded or hurt. I called up Mr Brown to confirm about Mukti's place, and he said she was there where she should be and not worry about her. I breathed in relief. There is no Sandeep Deshmukh or Mukti to destroy my life or Nandini's. 

I slowly walked rubbing tears, I couldn't lift my hand to ring the bell when I was before the apartment door. I was scared to do that, even my hands shivered in fear, what if something goes wrong? 

Gautham seeing my anxiousness rang the bell for me. He moved away to give me privacy seeing me with tears. I couldn't stop as I lean myself to the door to support myself.

And the door opened revealing my girl, my wife, My Jaanu.

Nandini's look

I held my head seeing her brightest welcoming smile. I couldn't believe it anymore. I started crying more louder than I ever cried, not even when I was so heartbroken. She didn't took a step or said me anything or even said me to stop. She stood with the same bright smile in her place, all glowing with happy tears. THIS WAS OUR FUCKING REALITY.

THIS WAS HAPPENING YOU US.

I LOVE YOU, MRS NANDINI MANIK MALHOTRA. 

I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU. Is all I could say with a sob as she took a step towards me and pulled me for hug still crying with me.

YOU ARE GOING TO BE FATHER, AGAIN. 

I'M PREGNANT. 

WE ARE SOON GOING TO BE PARENTS, AGAIN. I just held her more tightly by the waist as she whispered in my ears. Trust me even those I Love You and I Trust You, didn't make me so conquered, like this. This is an altogether different level of feeling to understand or tell anyone. It's euphoric feeling, I wanna keep just for myself.

I'M FUCKING GOING TO BE DAD, AGAIN. DAMN IT!!

End of Manik's Pov

##

Okay, that pretty emotional one than I expected to write. I had tears for some reason, I guess I got nuts myself. 

I don't know how it came out but I can say it was better than what I had expected to write. I wrote this chapter alone to feel these emotions. For some reasons whenever I tried to write it didn't happen until Today when I was left alone to write. I don't know it satisfied you or not. But for the first time, it did for me. I didn't plan to write so overwhelmed Manik in this chapter but as I wrote I felt this is way apt than my thinking. I don't wanna ask how it is today just because I'm happy I wrote this. Though it isn't perfect but it was best I could give for news.

Finally like after four months, I know no reasons would make you satisfied. I had issues, let's not talk about it. It's all shit for everyone out there in some or other way. 

I wanted to write so long, but I couldn't. I'll do it sooner. I wanted to update tomorrow but didn't want drag along. So, youpeople don't wait.

How are you all? Hope you doing fine?

What you felt? Would waiting?

Dumb Manik couldn't understand his wife was damn pregnant??

Was Nandini on mark in her hints? I tried to fit as much as I could, though there are many out there to surprise your partner with pregnancy. This fitted my story.

Manik? Did you expected him to cry so bad? I wanted to show little happy tears but that wouldn't justice emotional Manik. He deserved all the feelings after disaster in the past.

I know you wanted to write Nandini's side of Pov that will come in next update with kids' pov too. What do you think will be their reactions?

What do you think on spreading happiness, when you got something so dear from the God?

I know it's dragged, but I couldn't help this time. Sorry for that. I still need bring myself back to write.

Let's see what stored in the next chapter?

Till then miss me lots.

Will be waiting to hear from you. Take care.

Lot's of love.