So here goes the update as promised. And do lemme know if you liked it.?

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Nandini's POV.

"I hate you! Ap chalay jayen meri Zindagi say!"

"I don't wanna see your face!"

"Dad loves you so much Neha please get back to him!"

All these voices echoed in my subconscious during the heavy sleep and I felt restless. There was something which wasn't right.

What's happening!

I tried to turn my side in between the visions but felt a severe pain in my back and I suppressed a small scream as I opened my eyes to notice how much uncomfortable my body actually was.

Where was I?

Wait...I fell asleep in Manik's lap on the bench. Yes. I was in the hospital and Dad was in the ICU.

I blinked my eyes a few times and tilted my head a little only to smile unintentionally.

There was my man who really was the reason of my being, my support system, my Manik. He had his head resting with the wall with his eyes closed. He was in deep sleep. His lips were a little parted as he breathed softly. His chest heaved slowly and I noticed dark circles under his eyes.

Suddenly a small guilt arose in my heart. He was in this uncomfortable condition because of me and my problems. It's always me who cause him problems but he never complaints. He always loves me back with all his might.

My Manik...a man with golden heart who can set the whole world on fire on just my single wish.

I stared at his face with droopy eyes and he a moved his head a bit which made me go stiff but he relaxed back immediately to fall asleep again.

My heart turned into woo-woo glue as I couldn't fail to realize that how much handsome and perfect he was even in his this worn out state.

The teenage girl in me fell in love with Manik Malhotra all over again and I bit my lips to stop smiling like a fool on my own thoughts.

Shaking my head and taking a sigh I felt that Manik's one hand was in my hair and other was wrapped around me holding me carefully into him. He was protecting me even in his sleep.

This made my heart swell with proud as I held his hand which was in my hair and touched his palm with my hena cladded hands.

It was Tiger Bhai's shadi and everything was a mess now. We all were happy but at the moment all of us had a fear what if everything gets ruined...

Aiyappa please mery Dad ko theek kar den.

Please.

I'll make it up to him.

"If you'll sleep then only your Dad will be ok!"

I remembered how sweetly Manik made me fall asleep like I was a little baby.

Oh I guess you're a baby. My subconscious snickered and I quietly brought Manik's palm to my lips. I placed a soft kiss on his skin and breathed in it.

"I love you!" I whispered lowly backing off from his hand and once again looked up to him smiling in his sleep.

He felt it.

"Thank you so much Manik! For everything!" I whispered more and felt tears stinging in my eyes but I quickly pushed them away because I really felt a need to use the restroom.

Carefully I untangled myself from Manik's death grip and got up. His jacket which was wrapped around my torso fell down which I picked up quickly and spread it across his chest. I guess he was really tired otherwise he surely would get up on my movements.

I smiled at his adorable face once again and cupped his cheek only to place a soft peck on his forehead.

"I'll be right back!" I whispered in his ear and rushed towards the restrooms.

Washing my face and after getting freshen up. I slowly walked out of the cabin only to find Jack leaning with the wall just beside the door.

I smiled softly and raised my eyebrows at him to ask what.

I think he didn't go home because he was still in the clothes he was wearing earlier. The ripped jeans and a black buttoned up shirt.

"I went to get a coffee and when I came back you weren't there in Manik's lap. So...!" He told me lowly rubbing his hand on the back of his neck almost sheepishly.

I smiled on his care and walked towards him. He stood straight and looked down at me. He also looked disastrous. His eyes were red due to lack of sleep and he was vulnerable. I pitied him so much.

So without saying anything, I tiptoed a little only to wrap my arms around his waist. He immediately hugged me back firming my head on his chest.

It was my thank you gesture and he knew it.

"You should be with Twinkle!" I murmured softly and he placed his chin on my head shaking it slowly.

"No I should be with my little sister! You need me more!" He whispered back in a strict tone and I felt blessed. "Besides! Twinkle is sleeping! Aunty hain usk sath. She's fine. I talked to her before she went to sleep!" He told me further in a chill tone and I looked up a bit to see him smiling at me. I smiled back and he cupped my cheek.

"Sab theek ho jaye ga! Aj nahi tou kal everything is gonna be okay!" His tone was firm and I nodded half heartedly. "You're my fighter jungli billi! And I have seen you coming out stronger from every situation!" He knew how to cheer me up and this time I let out a giggle nodding my head.

"Jungli nai hoon me!" I spoke in a fake angry tone and poked his chest to which he chuckled. "But thanks!" I spoke in gratitude and he shook his head placing a soft kiss on my hair.

"Nandu tu mjy bht pyari hai. Agar Mukti k baad koi meri life me lady important hai tou wo tu hai. Tery tears bohat precious hain. Tu unko waste mat kar!" He spoke in a small tone and I parted away from him holding to his hands.

"Jack apny Dad k liye aansoo bahana apko waste lagra? Aj Dad jis situation me hain wo meri waja say hain Jack!" I asked lowly staring at his face and he sighed shaking his head.

"Nahi Nandini! Par koi waja bhi tou ho. It's not your fault. Wo teri waja say is situation me nahi hain. Stop blaming yourself for everything. It's your mother. She was the culprit but we also shouldn't talk bad about the deceased so it's no one's fault! Ya sb hona tha Nandu. Aur ho gya. Tu bus apny Aiyappa say pray kar that everything gets ok!" Jack retorted back and I just lowered my head thinking of so many things all together.

"You're hurting yourself. Is sb me Manik ka kya fault hai?" On the mention Manik I snapped my head up with wonder in my eyes.

"Manik?" I asked in a bit surprised tone and he nodded.

"Yes. Haven't you seen how much worried he is for you. I know Manik aur tery Dad ka koi comparison he ni hai par Nandu apny liye na sahi for Manik just be strong. Tuny dekha na how much worried he is for you? He loves you aur usy tery tears bht hurt kiye hain aj!" Jack spoke knocking my head and suddenly Manik's vulnerable sleepy face flashed in my head to which I nodded in guilt.

"I'll be strong for him!" I sighed in determined tone once again looking up at Jack.

"Now that's like my Jungli Billi!" He exclaimed patting my head and I jumped giving him a hi-five.

He was my stress buster.

"Abhi chalain. Manik jaag gya tou he'll get worried!" He suggested holding to my hand, walking already and I nodded following him with hot steps.

As soon as we reached the corridor I looked towards the bench where Manik was sleeping earlier.

It was empty.

I frowned. Where was he?

Before I could ask Jack I heard few angry shouts which took my attention and I turned my head only to see Manik's back.

He was arguing with a poor male nurse.

"What do you mean you haven't seen my wife? Is it even a hospital? Meri patni gayab hai aur tum mjy relax rehny ko bolry ho?? I'll burn this hospital brick by brick agar meri Nandini ko kuch bhi hua smjhy?!" He roared at the poor male nurse and he paled as if he was about to faint.

I palmed my face and sighed while Jack let out a chuckle whispering a "told ya he'll be worried" in my ear.

Without replying to his comment I preferred running towards my Husband who was about to snap the poor nurse's neck. I reached Manik and came infront of him.

"Hey hey! No Manik! Stop!" I shrieked in worry placing my hand on Manik's warm chest which was heaving up and down in short pants because he was angry as well as worried sick.

"Nandini!" Manik cried out in worry looking down at me with panic filled eyes and I stared back nodding my head.

"Oh my!" He exclaimed pulling me into his arms and squishing me into his chest. I reciprocated with equal favour and I felt his body trembling lightly.

Oh Manik what am I gonna do without, love!

"Nandini!" He whispered my name taking deep breaths in my hair as if assuring himself that I was safe back into his arms and my hand reached up to his neck caressing his skin.

"I am here. Don't worry. Am here!" I whispered back in his chest and he squeezed my body harder.

Jack came closer and winked at the male nurse who was still very much horrified. Before he could register anything Jack gesture him a "run for your life" sign to which he obliged robotically and ran away.

Manik who was still hugging me tightly suddenly parted away and cupped my cheeks. Then he started checking my body animatedly as if trying to find any sign of injury.

I allowed him to check his heart content but when I realized he's not gonna stop I held his hands in my soft grip. He tried to free them but I held tighter.

"Manik!" I called him but he was still scanning my body which made my heart constricted with pain. His eyes were so worried and he was still shaking. "Manikkk please listen to me!" I cried out in a little high pitch and his eyes darted to mine.

I cupped my cheeks and he cupped my hands. We both stared at each other.

"I am fine. I am okay. Mjy kuch bhi nahi hua!" I tried my best so that my voice doesn't shake. "I went to the restroom. I am absolutely okay! Please stop worrying ap mjy bhi pareshan kar rahy hain!" I tried my best to make him understand and his eyes soften. I could see the glaze of tears behind his eyes and shook my head caressing his cheeks.

What happened to him suddenly?

Why was he overreacting?

He didn't say anything but held my hands in his kissing to them almost madly and my lower lip trembled. Tears threatened to fall from my cheek and Jack slowly placed his hand on Manik's shoulder.

"Buddy she's ok! She's fine. I went with her. Me sath gya tha. I didn't leave her alone! Don't panic!" I think Jack was also pitying on Manik's worried condition.

Manik hugged my hands to his chest and didn't meet my eyes hanging his head down.

I looked at Jack helplessly and I rubbed his forehead.

"Tu smbhaal isko. Only you can handle your man. I'll go and look for Tiger Mukti. Wo bhi coffee peeny gye thy! Then we'll talk to the doctor!" He spoke in a small tone and I nodded while he walked away.

Now I looked at Manik and found him staring back at me.

Shaking my head with a small smile and held his hand only to drag him with me. Without any protest he followed. I found a dark corner which felt like a storeroom kinda place and carefully pushed Manik with the wall.

He stared at me knowingly and I got up to take his lips in mine for an assuring kiss. Almost immediately his arms were wrapped around my body as he hugged me closer to his replying the kiss with equal favour.

I let my fingers run through his hair and he sighed taking my lower lip between his teeth nibbling a little. We kept kissing which felt like an eternity and when I felt out of air I broke the kiss.

"I love you!" I whispered in a small pant and he looked at me cupping to my cheeks breathing heavily.

"Manik what's wrong?" I asked softly because his behaviour was worrying me.

Manik gulped softly and let his head fall in my neck.

"It was a very bad dream Nandini!" He whimpered over my skin and I sighed in relief.

Thank GOD just a dream.

___________________

Manik's POV.

"Manik! It was just a dream!" I heard Nandini's soft whisper in my hair as she tried to calm me down.

No it wasn't just a dream. That vision shook my whole being. It couldn't be just a dream.

"Nandini!" I knew I was going to cry.

"Jee Manik!" She again hummed in my hair and I pulled her up more into me.

"It wasn't just a dream!" I gave words to my thoughts and she remained quiet as if wanting me to speak further. I closed my eyes over her skin and took a deep breath so that I would be able to tell her. "I saw...!" I tried speaking but my voice broke and I felt tears stinging my eyes.

"You saw what Manik?" Nandini encouraged me to tell her more and I didn't have the heart.

All the flashes from the nightmare started screening in my head like a movie and two lone tears leaked from my eyes to fall over Nandini's skin. She trembled with me equally and I felt her pulling my hair now.

It was her gesture that she wanted me to look into her eyes.

"Look at me Manik!" She tried to speak sternly but her voice was also shaky. "Now tell me! You saw what?" She asked again trying to act daring and I looked into her eyes.

I saw those eyes going lifeless in my dream. I saw her beautiful red bubble face going white as snow. I saw her soul... leaving her body.

"I saw... I saw you dy--dying!" I whimpered and my patience broke. All the tears which I was holding broke the damn and started running down my cheeks like a waterflow while Nandini went pale.

I felt all the energy leaving my body and I fell on my knees in her feet. I hugged her legs and cried like a baby.

I didn't want to fall apart.

No!

I didn't want to make her worried then she already was because of her father but a single thought of her getting snatched away from me made me wild.

No I couldn't lose her.

No! No!

"I am sorry I couldn't protect you! You...you were..dying in front of me. In my arms. There was so much of blood! I...I couldn't save you! I tried but I couldn't!" I didn't know what I was wailing until Nandini sat on the floor just infront of me.

"Manik! Manik!" She took my name like a prayer and I looked at her to see her smiling.

"It really was just a dream!" I knew she was controlling her tears. She was trying to act strong for me. "Main... kahen ni ja rahi. Mjy kuch nahi hua. There's no blood. There's no one dying! Okay!" She added further and cupped my cheek forcing me to keep looking at her.

"Aur apko pata hai. Mjy marny say dar nahi lagta!" She spoke like a baby and this time tear shone in her eyes. "Jaanty hain kiun?!" She asked getting closer to my face until our foreheads were touching.

"Kiun k...me jaanti hoon. Ap death angel say lar kar mjy wapas apny pass lay ayen gay!" She spoke in a small tone and I let out a shaky cry. "Manik hai tou Nandini hai. Manik ni tou Nandini kuch bhi ni nahi. Haina?" She was now asking lovingly and I kept nodding my head. "I love you Manik!" She confessed nth time and I hugged her tightly.

"Meri jaaan!" I whimpered out in her hair as she straddled my lap.

"Hmm! Sirf Manik ki!" She whimpered back over my skin and I rested my head with the wall, closing my eyes.

"Nandini me tmhy ni kho skta! That dream woke me up with a jerk. And when I didn't find you in my arms I got so scared! Me dar gya tha. Bohat ziada dar gya tha. I felt me agla saans nahi lay paonga!" I whispered stroking her hair and she breathed in my neck. Then I opened my eyes and coaxed her to look at me.

"Nandini promise me! Promise me that you won't ever leave me like that! I can't bear it. Please don't!" I spoke in a little stern little worried voice and she nodded frantically holding to my hand.

"Manik I didn't want to disturb you bus islye he I didn't wake you up. I didn't mean to scare you. I am so sorry Hubby! Please forgive me!" She explained lowly and then blinked at me with her favourite puppy eyes and I sighed finally smiling at her.

"I know. You don't need to apologize just... don't do it again ok?" I spoke in my all time lovey dovey voice and she bobbed her head up down then hide her face again in my neck.

We kept sitting on the dark corner on the floor which felt like eternity. The silence in between us was peaceful until my phone shrieked and we both jumped.

I could hear Nandini's heart beating loudly and this made me sheepish. She looked at me with eyes and placed my hand on her heart shaking my head to calm her down. While with other I pulled the phone out of my jeans pocket and we both looked at the caller ID.

"Tiger!"

"Bhai!"

We both gasped together and I picked up the phone putting it on speaker.

"Hello Manik??? Where are you buddy? Nandu kahan hain???" Tiger was almost shouting and panic spread across Nandini's eyes as she tried to get off my lap to which I held her back.

"Where are coming Bro. Yahen hain hum! What's happening?" I tried to keep my voice as calm as possible and Tiger let out a happy laugh from the other side to which our eyes widened.

Excuse me! Why is he laughing?

"Manik! Nandu ko bol...uski prayers qabool ho gai hain. Dad ko hosh aa gya hai!" He was crying-laughing shouting and what else.

"Nandu! Hum anaat nahi huay!" He cried again and I looked at Nandini who was staring at the phone. She let out a loud sob on his words and I sighed in relief..

Welcome back to the world Susar Jee. Duh..

"Congratulations buddy!" I exclaimed back and Nandini was now crying with silent tears. "We're coming!" I added with a smile looking at Nandini's face and he hung up.

"Manik! Mery Dad!" Nandini whispered now staring up in my eyes with hers teary ones as if trying to make herself believe and I smiled cupping to her cheek while nodding my head.

"Yes Nandini! Your Dad is fine!" I spoke lovingly and tears of happiness were falling down her cheeks. "Your Aiyappa has granted you another chance. A chance to mend what has gone wrong! You wanna avail it don't you?" My tone was soft and calming to which she nodded her head.

"Jee Manik. Main...main sb theek kardonge. I'll make everything okay. Me Dad say maafi mang loonge. Me unko bolonge k me sorry hoon. Apny bola tha na he will forgive me? Haina?" Her baby words really heartbreaking.

Wesay tou never in my life I would ever let Nandini to say sorry to anyone but it was her Dad.

I knew telling her father that how much sorry she was, it was really important for her.

So I started getting up pulling her along with me.

"Yes. I said it and I really meant it. It's gonna be ok!" I spoke with chiming voice and wiped her tears.

"Thank you Manik. For being with me!" She replied cupping my hands over her cheeks and I leaned forward until my lips met her forehead.

"Always baby love! Hamesha!" My lips lingered over her forehead as I spoke.

"Now let's go!".

________________

Nandini's POV.

I stood in front of the ICU. Gulping the lump back in my throat.

Dad was just behind the door. His life was out of danger and he was all fine back to normal.

Bhai had met him and now it was my turn.

I fidgeted with the thread of my tank top nervously and once again looked back to find Manik, Tiger Bhai, Mukti Bhabi and Jack staring back at me with warm eyes.

I asked Manik to come along with me but he wanted me to do it alone.

"Go on love! You can do it!" Manik spoke with a chuckle as he found me looking back nth time since last five minutes.

"Yes behna. Dad is waiting for the surprise. I told him koi special aya hai un say milny!" Tiger Bhai spoke smiling his heart out and I bite my lips making a face. Then I looked back at the door and took a deep breath.

Okay I can do it.

I slowly pushed the door open and slid inside the room quietly without making any noise.

The thing which made my steps frozen was the weak old figure lying on the bed covered with white sheets till chest. His eyes were closed and the wrinkles on his face were more visible now.

He looked so fragile and vulnerable that my heart constricted.

Oh Dad.

Once again tears rushed down my eyes as I slowly walked towards my father's bed.

He was sleeping that's what I guessed.

I was mustering up my whole courage so that I won't fall.

I finally reached his bed and looked at his feet which were also covered with white sheets.

Without thinking more I bent down and placed my head on his feet.

He flinched a bit and I closed my eyes letting few tears get soaked in the sheet.

Suddenly I started crying bitterly and I felt him moving with a gasp.

"Nehaaa!" He screeched trying to reach me to which I looked up he was stretching his hands to get me which I held immediately coming forward.

"Daddd!" I cried-gasped and his eyes widened.

"What...what did you say?" He asked animatedly and my hold on his hands tightened as I hugged to them close to my chest.

"Yes...Dad! Papa!" I again spoke in the same tone and tears were now shining in his eyes too.

His next move took me out by surprise but I immediately melted away as he pulled me in his arms and held me into his chest.

Woah... that's what was always missing.

The warmth of the real father. The protection the safety I felt in his arms was out of this world.

Though Manik never let me felt alone. He has always given me the warmth of a father. The love of a husband.

But Dad's embrace his fragrance his protection was so different and new. Which I really really liked.

"Neha beta. Meri jaaan! Mera chota sa bacha. Meri princess!" Dad was whispering kissing to my hair madly and it made me cry even harder.

"Papa!" I choked looking up at his face and he cupped my cheek crying.

"Mjy maaf karden. Myny apko bht bura bola tha. I miss behaved with you. I shouted on you. I didn't know the truth. I am so sorry. Please. Please forgive me! Please! Main bohat buri beti hoon. Bohat ziada!" I wailed shaking my head and Dad placed his hand on my mouth with a horror face.

"No Neha. No. You're the most beautiful, innocent and loving daughter any father could have! Thankyou beta. For coming back to me. Thanks alot!" He spoke washing away all my guilts and once again I hugged him tightly.

"I missed you Dad. Please don't you ever dare to do this to me again!" I whimpered in his chest and his chest rumbled with a small laugh.

"I am fine princess. Aur ab tou tum aa gai ho na. Tou me aur bhi ziada acha ho gya hoon!" He spoke breaking off the hug and caressing my hair.

I held his hands and kissed them softly.Then I looked up to see him smiling at him.

"Dad! Mom ny jo kuch bhi kiya. Apk sath. Mery sath Tiger bhai k sath usk liye I am so sorry. I am sorry for everything! Ap Mom ko bhi maaf karden please!" I was again into so much guilt and Dad shook his head.

"Neha main...I was never angry with Maira. I can never be angry with her! Because I loved her truly. Loving someone is a choice. I choose to love your mother. If she didn't choose me back tou I can't blame her for anything. I couldn't force her to love me back!" Dad was heartbroken and I could feel him, he was trying to control himself so that he doesn't fall apart.

"Par han. Aik cheez jisk liye I'll never forgive her was...the way she choose to end her life!" Dad's voice shook and I gripped his hands for support.

"I wanted her with me. But..!" He couldn't complete his words.

"It was destined Dad. It was meant to be like that only! And I am sorry!" I tried to console him and he just nodded his head composing himself.

"Come gimme a hug again. Mjy khud ko yakeen dilana hai k meri Neha mery pass hai aur mj say pyar karti hai!" His sincere words made my heart ache and I immediately hugged him again.

We stayed like this for few minutes until. It was so peaceful and serene.

"Acha tou sara pyar beti k liye aur mery liye kuch nahi?" We heard tiger chirping and broke apart to look everyone standing.

"My handsome son. Come here!" Dad spoke lovingly and the next moment we both were in his arms. "I love you both so much. Thank you for coming back to me!" He whispered and he both hugged him tightly.

Then he broke away and I backed off to stand with Manik.

Who held my hand and hugged me side ways.

"Okay Tiger. Ask the doctor to prepare my discharge papers!" Dad suddenly exclaimed in excitement and our eyes widened.

"Dad come on you're not well!" Bhai spoke angrily holding to Dad's hands.

"No I am perfectly fine. We have a wedding to attend. Mery ikloty bety ki shadi hai. Aur wo decided date pay he hoge!" Dad announced and Manik let out a chuckle.

I looked up and asked what.

He mouthed a nothing and kissed my forehead shaking his head.

Inko kya hua?

"But Dad!?" Tiger Bhai again protested.

"Tiger. Meri Neha aa gai haina ab tou bus wo mera khayal rakh layge! Tum log Baraat ki tyari karo bus!" Dad was not listening to anyone and we all sighed.

"Finally Bhai ki shadi!" I whispered to Manik excitedly and he gave me an amused look.

"We're gonna have so much fun. Come on everyone!" Dad was clapping and I giggled clapping with him.

I had never witnessed his this side and it was hell of beautiful for me.

Looks like life with Manik, my brothers, Maa, my bhabis and now including Dad is going to be more exciting.

I hugged Manik's waist and I sighed in contentment.

Something very good was coming in our way I could feel it in my jellies.

Manik's affectionate hand on my back confirmed my vibes.

Soon we were going to get something really good.

Aiyappa Thankyou so much.

_____

So are you guys ready for some dhamaaal? And finally Tiger and Mukti are getting married it's gonna be fun.

And what's the good thing Nandini was talking about?

Any guesses??

Do lemme know and wait for the next chapter.

One chapter in one week insha'Allah.

Love cheers!