Before starting onto this chapter, I want to thank each and everyone of you for the immense love and support on "Forever". Trust me guys, we haven't even started properly yet and I already feel blessed.

Extremely sorry for this supper late update.

Also, Inline comments are highly appreciated. ❤️

Enjoy Reading!

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Night, Malhotra Mansion

Nandini was making the bed in their room along with muttering numerous harmless curses for her dear husband who was late today. Suddenly a slow and hesitate knock on the already open door interrupted her in mid.

She turned around and found Mukti standing there looking down. Nandini almost looked alarmed when she noticed Mukti fidgeting with her fingers. She looked more than nervous and the way she didn't ran upto hug her like everytime, it only confirmed her doubts. Something was definitely not right.

Nandini: Mukti? Why are you standing there? Come inside.

Nandini smiled at the younger kid who nodded before closing the door and entering inside, making Nandini frown at her actions even though she said nothing.

Mukti: Bhabhi-

Mukti blushed all of the sudden much to Nandini's surprise. She waited for a moment for her to say something but when Mukti didn't utter a word, she let out a sigh and took her to the bed.

Nandini: Kya baat hai?

Mukti: Bhabhi- I want to share about something with you.

Nandini smiled at her, trying to put her at ease as she walked to the side table to get herself a glass of water.

Nandini: and that is?

Mukti: Bhabhi, there's a guy in my college I- I like.

As the words left Mukti's mouth, Nandini who had just taken a sip chocked on the water only to end up coughing vigorously. Mukti immediately hurried to her rubbing her back up and down to calm her down.

Mukti: Aaram se, aap theek ho?

Nandini: Mukti, What are you saying?

Mukti: Bhabhi, please hear me out.

Nandini nodded and as Mukti sat on the bed again with a scared look, Nandini tried her best to keep a smile on her face and sat infront of her holding her hand.

Nandini: Muku, I am not going to scold you. Tell me the whole thing.

Mukti: His name is Zubin, bhabhi. He joined last year and we were good friends first but- but we like each other now.

Mukti ended up looking down again and it took Nandini a moment to digest what Mukti said before a huge grin took place on her face.

Nandini: Mukti! Did he confess?

Mukti looked up dumbfounded and Nandini ended up laughing at her expressions.

Nandini: Arey! You have to show me his picture, okay!

Mukti: Bhabhi, Aap gussa nahi ho?

Though Mukti didn't expect Nandini to be really angry, she did expect some disapproval or atleast a little bit of scolding.

Nandini: Buddhu! Why would I? You are an adult and it is your life. Infact, I am happy for you.

Mukti: Aur aap Manik bhai se baat karoge na?

Mukti's words were enough for the smile on Nandini's to disappear. Nandini shook her head in a silent no as she stood up leaving Mukti's hand.

Even though she wanted to help Mukti, she couldn't agree to this. Not after the fights they have had in past due to Mukti's matters. Although it was the lack of communication and understanding in their relationship at that time, she couldn't deny the fact her involving in Mukti's matter was one of the major reasons behind it.

And then, Manik had strictly warned her not to help Mukti in such matters and she didn't want to go against him.

Nandini: I am sorry, Mukti but I can't do this for you.

Mukti: But-

Nandini: Mukti, No. I am not going to talk to Manik regarding this.

Nandini was clear and Mukti looked down disappointed. She stood up to go back when Nandini held her hand again.

Nandini:  Mukti, why don't you talk to Manik about this?

Mukti: Bhai- he will get angry, bhabhi!

Nandini: and what makes you believe that?

Mukti fell silent making Nandini smile even though she felt a little angry at Mukti. Last time during Ricky's matter, Cabir had said right. Mukti doesn't trust Manik or she does, but is too scared to involve him in her matters.

She agreed Manik was short tempered and even today he would get angry in extreme sometimes but at the end of the day, he loved his family like anything. She was sure he would understand.

Mukti: Bhai has always been like that, Bhabhi. Aap jaanti hai na kitna gussa karte hai bhai.

Nandini: aur tumhe lagta hai Manik ko gussa karna acha lagta hai? Mukti, you need to open up to him. You know, I can still talk to Manik. Maybe it would result him in getting upset with me for few hours, or max for the whole day but at the end of the day, he is going to be hurt knowing his own sister didn't find him worthy enough to share it with him.

Mukti: Bhabhi! Aisa nahi hai.

Nandini: And who is going to make him understand the same?

Mukti fell silent and Nandini continued.

Nandini: and if I am not wrong you already shared this with Cabir right?

Mukti looked down, nodding her head. She had already shared it with Navya and Cabir and they both told her to talk to Manik and Nandini but Mukti was scared. She didn't want to involve Nandini in this matter after Manik warned her not to incolve her in her matters or else she would have asked Nandini to talk to everyone.

All she could do was request Nandini to talk to Manik but now hearing Nandini, she realised how right she was. Her brother would be hurt.

Nandini: I agree Manik gets angry easily. He loses his temper but that doesn't mean you hide things from him, Mukti. He is your elder brother and he cares for you.

Mukti: W-What if bhai didn't support me?

Nandini: As far as I know your brother, if the Zubin is a right person, there's no way Manik won't like him.

Mukti: Aap sure ho?

Nandini smiled and nodded making Mukti sigh in relief.

Meanwhile, Malhotra Industries

Manik was still in his cabin, typing furiously on his laptop. It was past ten in the night and he was definitely late. Nandini was waiting for him at home.

All of the sudden, his cell rang and believing it to be Nandini, he picked it up without even looking at the caller I'd.

Manik: Nandini-

Abhi: It is me!

Manik frowned, stopping in midway and looked at the screen to confirm. It was indeed Abhi.

Manik: What?

Abhi: What What? You are so rude, Manik. I am your elder, you cannot talk to me like that!

Manik rolled his eyes before leaning back on the chair. The elder Murty sure knew how to press his buttons.

Manik: What did you do now?

Abhi: Manik!

Manik mentally laughed hearing him whin. After Ayesha, it was Abhi whom Manik found like Nandini, and in so many ways. This man was literally a gem and though Manik realised it, he never said it loud.

Abhi: I didn't do anything! She just got angry with me for no reason.

He defended himself and Manik let out a low chuckle already guessing the matter. Abhimanyu Murty was famous for pissing off his wife Ria Murty atleast twice a week and Manik was his ultimate solution since he was the most experienced among the youngsters.

Abhi: She doesn't understand. I got late and she threw me out of the room.

Manik opened his mouth to say something but before that Abhi continued.

Abhi: I mean, I know I should have atleast informed her but I had work na and she has never done this before.

Manik: Maybe she just wants you to pamper her?

Abhi: You think so?

Manik: I know so. This is what Nandini does everytime and today, Nandini and Rhea had a movie plan. You know, what might have happened.

He laughed out loud as Abhi cursed under his breathe before he smirked realising what Manik said.

Abhi: I didn't know Nandu throws you out of the room.

Manik: My wife is too sweet to do that but at the same time, she is too smart in giving such ideas.

He literally remembered the prank Nandini played on Cabir with Mukti last week. They mixed colour in his shampoo and poor Cabir roamed around in green hair for the whole day.

At the end it was disclosed, Nandini was the one who gave this idea. He wouldn't be surprised if he found colour in his shampoo too some day.

Abhi: Manik?

Manik: Yes?

Abhi: What happened?

Manik: Ah, Nothing.

He let out another sigh before closing the laptop. Work could go to hell, he needed his wife at this moment. He was missing her, that's it.

Manik: Abhi, I am sorry but I need to go. Just tell Rhea a sorry and make her something, it would he enough.

Abhi replied something, or probably complained that Rhea already had her dinner but Manik didn't hear it. He had already pressed the red button and was now throwing his things in his bag carelessly.

Manik's face curved up into a smile as he took fast and desperate steps to the door. It was almost eleven by now. Knowing Nandini could shoot him at the door itself, he made sure to buy her favourite chocolates and a red rose bouquet.

That would be enough to save him from her wrath and then who knows it might even earn him a sweet hug? The thought alone made him smile wide. Though Nandini wasn't really a materialistic person, but when it came to receiving gifts from him, she loved it more than anything.

He chuckled entering inside and was surprised as he came across Mukti who was sleeping on their bed snuggling in their blanket peacefully instead of Nandini. He frowned and looked around the room to spot her.

Manik: Nandini?

Within few seconds, Nandini was there walking out of the balcony with a sweet smile and Manik let out a sigh seeing her.

Manik: Where were you? And what is Mukti doing here?

Nandini: Voh, Mukti ko na aapse baat karni thi kuch, aapka wait karte karte sohgayi.

Manik: Kya baat?

He asked, walking to the couch to drop his office bag and then walked to her.

Nandini: Voh Mukti se puchiye na. Yeh kiskeliye?

She pointed at the bouquet even after knowing it was for her. Manik smiled sheepishly and handed it to her.

Manik: For you.

Nandini: Is this a bribe?

Manik: Ofcourse. Abh biwi khud nahi deti hai pyaar toh yeh sab karna padta hai.

Nandini made a o face and Manik laughed before bending down and placing his lips on her cheek, and then eventually wrapping his arms around her. He snuggled in her embrace and for a moment Nandini felt there was something wrong with him but didn't say anything.

As they broke the hug, Nandini started removing his tie while all he did was stare at her with some kind of uncertainty in his eyes.

Although Nandini knew there was something disturbing him from over a week now, she said nothing. She knew Manik wasn't the one to hide things from her. Infact, in their relationship- she at times may hide things but Manik believed in communicating. He would tell her even the simplest of the things and now when he wasn't saying anything, she was worried.

Holding his tie in one hand, Nandini kissed his cheek making him smile.

Nandini: Go and freshen up. I will set the dinner for you.

Manik: You ate?

Nandini: Yes, I was waiting for you.

Manik: Nandini!

Nandini: Jayiye!

She pushed him to the washroom and he just shook his head but nevertheless, did as she said.

When Manik came out of the washroom, the room was again empty and Mukti was still sleeping on the bed. As he walked to the bed, a low chuckle left his lips seeing the way she was snoring slightly. Adjusting her properly, he walked out of the room.

By the time he reached the dining area, he saw Nandini standing near the table and eating from the plate she has served for him.

She smiled sheepishly seeing him and he shook his head before sitting down.

Manik: Bhook lagi hai?

Nandini: Thoru si

Manik: Come, have with me.

Nandini: Nai na, itta he hai

Manik: Tum khayogi na toh mera khud pet bharjayega. Com'on

And even before Nandini could accept, Manik pulled her on his lap. She opened her mouth to say something but glared at him when he instantly pushed a spoon of rice in her mouth.

He fed her until she shook her head. Knowing she was full, he just wiped her lips and resumed eating with her still sitting on his lap reciting the events of her day.

Manik tried his best to keep up with her. He laughed at silliest of details she narrated him. It was until she stopped abruptly and stared at him seriously.

Nandini: Manik, how's everything in office?

And as Nandini had predicted, Manik stopped in mid, the smile vanishing from his face before he managed to fake a one and nod at her.

Manik: Haan-

Nandini: Share nahi karna hai?

Manik: Nandini-

Nandini: Aapko nahi share karna hai toh it is okay, Manik. I understand, you don't have to lie to me.

Manik smiled softly at her and she kissed his cheek.

Manik: you do know how much I love you, right?

Nandini bobbed her head and he slightly bounced his leg making her eyes go wide. She glared at him but he pretended as if he did nothing such that.

Nandini: Manik!

Manik: Kya? What did I do?

She whined, hiding herself on his chest as he laughed out loud before bouncing his leg again which made her slap his chest this time. As Manik ate his dinner, Nandini's mind drifted back to the conversation with Mukti. Absent mindely, she played with the button of his shirt and Manik silently noticed her actions.

Manik: Kya hua hai?

Nandini came out of her thoughts and looked back at him. Manik was done with his dinner and staring at her with a frown.

Nandini: It is nothing, Manik.

Manik: Are you sure?

Nandini nodded. Somewhere, even Manik knew she was lying or hiding something but he kept mum.

What right he had to ask her to share when he himself was hiding things from her?

That night, as they laid on the bed facing the opposites sides, tossling every second moment, none of them could sleep properly. Probably, the guilt of hiding something from the another was eating them up from inside.

To Be Continued.

And we are done with the first chapter!

I hope it was okay, if not upto the mark. Honestly, it is just starting and trust me, You guys are gonna hate me for being cruel here because yes, nothing is going to be easy for them!

Arrange Marriage was a fairytale. They met, they got married and they fell in love but, now comes the part where they have to handle- literally everything.

So it is gonna be a roller coaster ride and I hope you guys will enjoy it.

Would appreciate if you guys share your opinions with me regarding this chapter, this book or the entire concept.

I honestly don't promise frequent updates, but yes you guys can expect another update by the end of this month or maybe before that only.

If you are still reading this, then a big thankyou for all the love and support. Without you guys, "Arrange Marriage" and "Forever" would have been nothing!

And a special and a big thankyou to Diya543 If not you, I wouldn't have even thought of doing this. Again, what would have I done without you?

Okay, See you guys with the next chapter!
Have a nice sleep✨❤️