When I asked Anyone up for Forever, I definitely didn't expect more than fifty people to reply, but I am left surprised!

And offcourse, not me updating after almost two months.. okay, I apologise sincerely for the late update but things have been quite hectic lately.

I am again not sure of this chapter so do tell me how it is.

Inline comments are always welcomed and specially when your author is in need of too much motivation.

Enjoy Reading!

___

Around three weeks later, Nandini finally
got a day off from Manik's morning excercise session. It almost felt the same as of getting a leave from work and Nandini was happy, so happy that she wanted to cook him his favourite meal and although the offer was too tempting, Manik settled on a kiss from her.

She had to leave for her work too and he knew the days were tiring for her sometimes. And then, she hardly cooked these days so cooking a whole meal would only add more exhaustion.

Niyonika: Manik! Are you even hearing me?

Manik hurriedly shook his head hearing his mother's angry tone. He looked at her only to find her already staring at him with a glare. Manik gulped, glancing around at the table once.

Okay. He knew what was the problem.

Manik: What happened, Maa?

Niyonika: What happened? You dare to ask me? Where is Nandini? This girl! She never eats on time and this is all your fault. You don't let me say anything to her!

She blabbered, angry and upset. Manik saw his father shake his head from side. He wanted to laugh out loud but he didn't dare to. An angry woman is like a wounded tigress and he would be a fool to instigate her more.

Manik silently stood up and held her shoulders, halting her in the middle. She gave him I-am-serious look.

Manik: I know, Maa but she is getting ready. We didn't go for exercise today and she wanted to sleep for more.

Niyonika: Fine. I am not scolding your wife. Go and call her now.

Manik laughed and nodded his head before walking to his room. Reaching there, he had expected to see her running from one corner to another in a hurry to get ready but to his surprise, Nandini stood in front of the mirror, covered only in her white towel and doing something weird.

It took him a moment to realise that she was actually mimicking him.

Nandini: Nandini! Eat this. No, do this. Like this. Why are you so careless! Nandini!

Manik pressed his hand on his lips to control his laughter. He wasn't supposed to think like this, but standing there his wife truely looked like a cute cartoon.

Nandini: Nandini. I am going to office, have your medicines and take rest. I don't want any complaints!

She laughed at her own mimicking and then pressed her hand on her covered belly. Since it was only three months, she had grown a small bump and she looked absolutely adorable. He already had a hard time keeping his hands off her stomach whenever they were alone.

Nandini found his habit irritating but never stopped him. Infact, she had a seperate gallery in her mobile having his pictures or videos where he was talking to their baby. He knew she loved whenever he showered them both with his attention. Like her, their baby was a big time attention seeker too.

Manik's first instinct was to go inside and wrap his arms around her, caress her baby bump or kiss her senseless but he did nothing. He silently stood at the door and watched her for a little more.

He looked on as now she talked to the baby, her eyes twinkled on every word she said. It was like she was trying to coax their baby to grow fast because she was so excited to hold him or her. She said she was eagerly waiting. She then pouted, asking the baby what would he or she liked to be called. She thought of a name or two but then chuckled when she didn't find anything good.

The more Manik stood there and watcher her talk to their baby or herself, the more he fell for her. She was so beautiful, so strong, and he admired her strength.

In the period of three months, Manik had watched her suffering from so close. There were foods she liked before, she didn't like now. There were some certain smells that made her trip to the bathroom.

And then there was her changing body. A few days back, she tried to wear an old clothing only to realize it no longer fit her.

Manik had stood there watching as the smile faded away from her lips. She kept back the piece of cloth in the farthest corner of their wardrobe, like she always does whenever something hurt her. She picked up another, tried it and it was tight too. She was almost close to tears but still she smiled as she came to him, held his hands and said, "Manik see, our baby is growing so fast."

He had just smiled at her, unable to pronounce any word. He feared she might see how scary it was for him, watching her let go of the things she loved so dearly.

His father had already tried to prepare him of the consequences the pregnancy might bring but Manik knew, nothing could really prepare him for what was to come. It was only the start and there were six more months to go. And that day, when he had told her he was not sure, this was exactly what he meant.

It was an absolute wonder how the woman infront of him, knew almost everything before and yet was ready for it, because Manik knew, if he had to do it, he wouldn't have.

Manik shook his head, a goofy smile taking place on his face as he closed the door behind properly and walked ahead. Nandini saw him from the mirror and the moment she saw his smile, she had he had been her audience from long. She giggled as he hurried to her and wrapped her arms around her.

She blushed, his touch leaving her giddy as he sneaked his arm on her bare waist. Manik laughed himself before pressing his lips on her head.

Manik: Someone was mimicking me?

Nandini: and?

Manik: and, Nothing. I enjoyed it. By the way, what were you doing exactly?

Nandini blushed, before pushing herself on him more. He shifted a little but held her.

Nandini: I was trying to bond with our baby.

Manik: Trying to bond or trying to have him or her on your team?

Nandini: Both.

Manik laughed, nodding his head along as she chuckled.

Manik: So did you two bond well?

Nandini: Yes, and he is on my side already.

And there goes everything! Manik rolled his eyes at the remark but said nothing. It was a topic of a war he knew he would never win.

Manik: And why are you not ready yet?

Manik frowned when he saw her face falling. He turned her around, worry setting inside him immediately. He stared at her for a good moment before she finally removed his hand and walked to the bed to get ready. Manik stood there patiently waiting for her to share her worry.

Manik: Is everything alright?

Nandini bobbed her head but Manik was far away from being satisfied. He walked to her and she held his hand with a small smile. As he made her sit down and sat beside her, Nandini spoke.

Nandini: I thought about it a lot, Manik and I have taken a decision.

Manik: What is it?

Nandini: I- I have decided to drop my job now.

Nandini half expected him to be disappointed or atleast say something but Manik said nothing. Okay, He had definitely seen this coming but this soon? They both had a detailed conversation on this topic already and this was definitely not what they had decided.

Manik had expressed how he never wanted to put hold on her career and she had assured him time to time but yet, when it was happening, Manik couldn't help but feel bad about it.

Manik: But why so suddenly?

Nandini: Manik, I know this is not what we have decided. I know I told you I would want to work atleast till my fifth month but honestly, it is getting too much for me. I get so overwhelmed at times in the hospital and sometimes I just get so tired.

Manik: Would you be okay with it?

Nandini: I don't know, Manik. Maybe I will be really sad of it for a few days, or maybe even for few weeks. I have been working from three years, and I love my work but for now, my priority is our baby and I don't want to risk anything.

Manik: Nandini, this- it is your career and I don't want you to put it on hold because of our baby.

He looked at her helpless, not knowing where this was going. Another thing she had to let go? How was it fair that he still had everything and she was losing it all?

Nandini: You don't have to look at it that way, Manik. And if not now then two months later, I might need to take leave right? So why not do it when I feel like?

Manik nodded silently. He looked down, thought for a moment before letting out a sigh. Maybe it indeed was for the best. Her comfort mattered the most.

Manik: It is your career and your choice. I will support you in whatever you do. Just be happy, okay?

She nodded and he smiled at her, bending down to kiss her head. Nandini squeezed his hand in return.

Nandini: Thankyou, Manik.

Manik: No, trust me, if any of us is to say thankyou, it should be me. I don't know how to put this into words, but you make me the happiest man alive on this earth you know? I feel so fucking blessed to have you!

Nandini giggled at the amount of energy he just poured in the last sentence and he ended up laughing too.

Manik: Okay, for the very few last days, do you mind have me as your personal driver? I promise I would deliver the best service.

Nandini: Sure, why not.

Manik chuckled, and they sat in silence for a few minutes until Manik realized why he was here.

Manik: Fuck! I was supposed to take you for breakfast!

Nandini laughed when he stood up and pulled her out of the room, hurriedly but still making sure she was fine.

Turned out, Nandini's personal driver got stuck in an important meeting in the evening and she had take a cab to home since calling someone to pick her up felt too dramatic.

On her way home, Nandini stole a moment for herself. She thought about the changes that had happened in her life in the past three months. She had put on weight, her mood swings were always on high, she had few restrictions but then, she glowed everyday. Her heart was happy, a baby was growing inside her. The symbol of the love she and Manik shared. And the fact alone overpowered everything.

Sure, she was a little bit sad for leaving her job. She loved her work and she definitely didn't know how to sit ideal but nevertheless, it was for their baby and she could do anything for her baby, leaving her job was one of the smallest things.

She reached home a little due to the traffic. However, as soon as she entered inside, she heard loud laughter and complaints overflowing.

Navya, Cabir, Raj and Niyonika were there. Niyonika was cutting fruits, which she knew was for her while the other three were busy playing carrom board. Even the television was on in the background.

Memories hit her soon, remembering the time she used to run inside and hug Niyonika.

Cabir was the first one to notice her. He yelled her name, calling out for her with so much excitement that made her heart swell with happiness. He warned both Navya and Raj not to cheat and they only laughed at him.

Cabir: Bhabhi!

He took her bag and kept it on the couch. Navya immediately walked to the kitchen to get her water while Nandini greeted Raj and treated Niyonika with a hug.

Niyonika pulled her beside her and shoved a slice of Apple in her mouth, Nandini ate with a small pout. She hugged her tightly, muttering something under her breathe and slowly, what started with a hug turned into snuggle and before Nandini knew, she was sleeping right there snuggling close to Niyonika whose only remorse was about the uneaten fruits in the bowl.

Navya: She slept?

Raj: She seemed tired.

Cabir: Bhabhi works so much na.

Raj: Ofcourse, unlike you she is responsible.

Cabir: Dad! Mom look at him!

Niyonika: Cabir! Shh! Nandini is sleeping. You will disturb her!

Cabir immediately apologised nodding his head and grimmaced when Navya smacked his head with dare-you-disturb-my-bestfriend look.

Nobody really disturbed Nandini and for the next half an hour she slept peacefully. By the time she woke up there was no one else Niyonika. The television was still on but the volume was low. An old episode of a show Niyonika really liked played on the screen.

Nandini: Maa. Sorry, I slept.

Niyonika: It is okay, bacha. Go and freshen up. I will get you something to eat.

Nandini nodded, knowing the something meant fruits probably. She pouted as Niyonika patted her cheek with a small laugh. Nandini then moved to freshen up but by the time she was done, she was in no mood to eat fruits.

Okay, Fruits were delicious and even healthy but Nandini was really craving for some pickle.

Cravings were absolutely normal during pregnancy, yet Nandini could not make peace with her own. She had weird of the cravings most of the time, and although nobody really seemed to mind, she was embarrassed of her own self.

A day before yesterday, she wanted to eat pickle at two in the night. Yet Manik woke up and had walked to the kitchen to get her some without a single complaint. He even sat beside her giving her company until she fell asleep.

It was as if, it was not only her but also Manik who was going through all the pain. The whole day at office and still bending down to her demands at any given time, Nandini was all awe of her dear husband.

Keeping everything aside, Nandini snuck inside the kitchen to get some for herself. She was eating too much of it and Niyonika would not let her eat so sneaking would work always.

Satisfied, Nandini stepped outside only to grin when her eyes fell on Manik. She had no idea when he came back. Even others were there, and they all were gospping about something. And all of sudden, Nandini realised how much she missed him.

She caught their attention when she neared the couch. Mukti ran up to her to hide behind her when Cabir came ahead to hit her, while Navya scolded him. Raj and Niyonika looked at them with happiness written all over her face.

And amidst all the happiness, there was her husband with a wide grin on his face and hand held out for her. She let the smile fall on her lips as she placed her palm in his.

And even when she was losing something, she was gaining a lot.

To Be Continued.

I hope I didn't bore you guys. Two more chapters, and then we are picking up the pace.

Guess what is coming next!

And do drop down any scene requests or ideas you want to read, but please note I might not be able to use them because of the storyline but I will try my best.

Thankyou so much for being constantly supporting.

See you guys soon✨❤️