Ugh. I probably had a lot to rant a few hours back but my mind is blank right now. Shit happens. Yeah.

I published the chapter two days back by mistake and a lot of you were trying to know what happened while I was away. So next time if something like this happens - please do check my message board once. I had posted the announcement there right after few minutes.

Also, Thankyou for all the love on the previous chapter. This chapter probably has less of Manik. Actually, hardly Manik.

And Inline comments are always love❤️

Enjoy Reading.

____

The same day, Nandini reached home earlier than she was supposed to. She even pushed one of her important appointments to the following day stating she wasn't feeling well. She felt more weird for being sick for three days in row.

There was a different kind of unsettling feeling inside her stomach, the one she couldn't put into words.

She looked at the tablets kept on her streched palm with a bad face. Manik had told her they would visit the doctor together. He didn't want her to go alone, reason; even she didn't know so she just helped herself with the tablets.

She grabbed a glass of water from the side table and gulped down the tablets in one go. Keeping the glass back, she streched out her legs and let out a sigh. Just as she was about to lay down to sleep, a knock on the door disturbed her.

Nandini frowned, wondering who it could be. Niyonika and Mukti were out for a function in the neighbour. Manik was in office and Navya and Cabir were not talking to her.

She opened the door only to gasp in surprise.

Navya.

Navya was confused. She didn't know what to do anymore. Cabir was still miffed with her and she didn't blame him. For a fact, she too knew how wrong she was to drag Nandini in their personal matter yesterday.
But the fact that Cabir refused to understand her point of view, was still hurting her.

She needed an advice, someone to guide her. Taking the matter to Niyonika or Raj would make it weird. Mukti was young and unmarried - there was no way she would understand and Navya couldn't approach Manik after yesterday. So the only person remained was Nandini.

Her heart ached as she remembered how she belittled her own bestfriend yesterday. She didn't mean to but she did. Now, she was scared. What if Nandini too refused to understand her?

But even after all this, she ended up knocking at her door and as Nandini showed up, Navya could tell how shocked she was.

Nandini: Navya?

Navya: C-Can I come in?

Nandini nodded with hesitation clear on her face. She didn't want to confront Navya, not atleast right now when she was not feeling well but now that Navya was here, she couldn't deny too.

Navya entered inside and sat on the bed reluctantly. She wanted to say so much. She wanted to share so much but from where do she start?

Nandini: Navya, Are you okay?

She nodded her head, eyes drifting down for she could no longer face her.

Navya: I- I am sorry.

Nandini frowned, pretending as if she didn't know why was Navya apologizing but Navya knew better. She knew Manik too. Manik wouldn't hide anything from Nandini, at any cost. He might have shared everything with her already.

Navya: I know you know everything, Nandu.

Nandini didn't say anything for a moment but when she saw Navya looking down. She stepped forward and held her hand.

Nandini: I am not weak, Navya. I get angry at Manik too, I speak back too but when we are outside our room, I respect him enough not to answer back or shout at him. I am not saying every woman should do this, but it is just something I feel my husband deserves. He provides me with everything I wish for, respects me and cares for me so this is the least I can do.

Navya didn't know what to say. She remained silent as Nandini smiled and made her sit down.

Nandini: I know you didn't mean it, Navya. It might have happened in the heat of moment.

Navya: Aren't you angry?

Nandini nodded in no. She was not angry. She was just hurt but at this point, Navya wouldn't be able to catch or handle it.

Navya: I-I am so sorry, Nandu. Trust me- I didn't mean anything of it.

Nandini: It is okay.

Nandini smiled faintly at her, assuring her that she was there for her. Navya seem to melt down as a tear trailed down her cheek.

Navya: All I wanted was to secure our future. I just wanted him to have a back up plan.

Nandini: Backup plan?

Nandini frowned in confusion as Navya nodded her head.

Navya: Nandu, Cabir doesn't have a permanent job. I don't earn too. I am not saying Manik bhai is selfish, but we can't be dependent on him for our whole life, right?

Navya was not entirely wrong. Although Cabir earned quite well, it was not something that would help them for lifetime. He could lose his job any given day and then? They would have to ask and eat.

Navya: Tomorrow, when we will have our own child, do you think it would be okay to see him running to Manik bhai for money? 

No, Navya knew it was neither fair nor it made any sense. She had seen how after her father's death their relatives turned away their faces, all because they feared they might have to feed the daughter and mother. Navya for a reason knew Manik was not like that, but then they didn't think their relatives were like that as well. They did show so much love and empathy when her father was alive. They talked to him like he owned the place and after his death, dismissed his family like they were mere servants. She didn't want any of it repeating with her family now.

Nandini fell silent, understanding her point of view.

Navya: I just told him he should consider business as a back up plan and he got angry at me saying I don't trust his brother. It is not the truth, Nandu. I do trust Manik Bhai, but I don't trust destiny.

Nandini: I-Is this the reason Cabir is avoiding me too?

Navya: I-It is because of m-me. I am so sorry Nandu. I never wanted both of you to have any differences because of me.

She sniffed and Nandini immediately took her in a hug.

Nandini: Navu, It is okay. Calm down, please? You know, Navu - Cabir is like a carefree person, he doesn't like binding himself to things and when you asked him to get into business, his first reaction was reluctance. I understand your point of view and I am sure Cabir will understand too if you explain him calmly or maybe I can talk to him?

Navya nodded her head as Nandini smiled at her. While standing behind the half open door, all Cabir did was stare at the floor in guilt. The moment he came to know Navya was in Nandini's room, he ran there. He didn't want Navya to throw accusations at Nandini.

But the moment he heard her, he understood her point of her, her insecurities and the care for their future. He sighed and knocked at the door.

Nandini and Navya were a little starled seeing him there. Cabir walked inside and Navya immediately stood up to explain herself but before that Cabir pulled her in his embrace, muttering a string of apologies.

Navya couldn't hold herself too. She burst out crying feeling the familiar warmth instead of the cold shoulder he had been giving her from the past days.

He patted her head and his eyes caught Nandini who was smiling at them. He looked down and she ended up chuckling.

Breaking the hug, Cabir made her drink water and as suddenly everything came to halt, the air around them turned awkward.

Navya: Nandu, you two sit, I will get us tea and some snacks.

Nandini: Navu-

Navya blinked her eyes and left the room leaving both of them alone. Nandini started clearing the side table to avoid him while he stood there staring at the floor.

Cabir: Bhabhi?

Nandini hummed, still not sparing him any glance. It made him feel bad for she had never done that. She was his bhabhi, next to his mother for him and her doing that didn't feel right.

Forgetting everything, he stepped ahead and wrapped her arms around her from behind. Nandini resisted for a second but gave in.

Cabir: I am sorry, Bhabhi.

Nandini: You disappointed me, Cabir.

Cabir backed down, guilty as she turned around and stared at him in utter disappointment.

Nandini: A mere argument and you thought it was better to ignore me?

Cabir: No No, bhabhi. You are taking it wrong. N-Navya was angry and I didn't want her to hurt you by saying anything so I thought it was better if I distanced myself from you. I am so sorry.

He held his ears and Nandini did melt looking at him. But still she huffed and turned away her face.

Nandini: What do I get in return?

Cabir: How about a box of chocolates?

Nandini: No, how about an icrecream treat for a whole week? You, me and Navya.

Cabir: Bhabhi! Do you want Manik bhai to bury me alive?

No, actually Manik would roast him in a pan and eat him without any regrets.

Nandini: Manik wouldn't know. I assure you of that, so tell me, deal done?

Cabir: Only if I have another choice.

Nandini shook her head with a giggle as he bowed down dramatically.

Cabir: By the way- Bhabhi!

Cabir started saying something but all of the sudden, Nandini felt giddy. She blinked her eyes and shook her head a little. Cabir seemed to realize it but before he could even point out Nandini palmed her mouth and ran to the washroom to throw up.

Cabir helped her by patting her back and made her stand. He was saying something. Nandini saw his lips moving continuously as he guided her to the tap. She cleaned her mouth with a foggy mind.

Nandini: M-Manik.

She whimpered, in need of him. Cabir left her for a moment seeing her grip on the slab and took out his mobile to call Manik. The ring had just connected and Nandini felt everything going round and round at such a speed that she no longer knew what was happening around.

Her hold on the slab loosened and she fell down with a thud, hearing Cabir take Manik's name first followed her hers loudly.

Manik was in the office, working with a bad face. He had to take Nandini to the doctor - it was the only thing roaming in his mind.

The small black letters on the white paper had always given him peace, a kind of satisfaction but today - they were annoying him to no extent.

For God's sake - He was the damn boss. Why couldn't he postpone this and go home already?

He cursed himself and at the same moment his mobile rang. Thinking it to be Nandini, he picked it up and frowned seeing Cabir's name flashing.

Cabir never ever calls him except for emergency. Wasting no other second, he picked up the call and heard a hurried 'bhai' followed by a thud and Cabir's loud shout for Nandini.

Manik's heartbeat accelerated as he stood up.

Manik: Cabir? Hello? Cabir!!

He cursed and cut the call before dialing again but there was no answer.

Letting out a loud curse, Manik ran out of his cabin while dialing at the home number.

The ring went on and went on, nobody picked it up. Manik was going mad in worry as he settled in his car and drove towards home.

He tried again, and this time a servant picked it up.

Manik: Hello, Dada- What is happening? Where's Nandini Mam? Is she fine?

Servant: Manik Baba, Nandini mam fainted. Cabir baba aur Navya mam is at home. The doctor is checking on her.

Manik: shit!

Manik hung up the call immediately and speeded up his car. She was not feeling well.

She told him. He should have been more careful. Why didn't he tale her to the doctor before itself?

Shit! Shit! Shit!

He couldn't be more stupid. Manik was going mad in worry as he reached home. Without even caring to lock his car, he ran inside and almost bumped into the lady doctor followed by Cabir.

Manik: Cabir! What happened? How's Nandini? Doctor?

He faced the doctor who smiled.

Doctor: There's nothing to worry, Mr.Malhotra. Mrs.Malhotra is absolutely fine.

Manik: But-

Cabir: Bhai, Bhabhi is waiting for you. Why don't you go to her? I will escort doctor.

Manik nodded. All he wanted was to see Nandini and make sure she was fine.

He ran to his room and saw his mother hugging her. Mukti and Navya were standing at the sides.

Mukti: Mom, Bhai is here.

Manik frowned as he walked inside. He looked at Nandini who was blushing profusely. She fainted, and she was blushing?

Niyonika: Good. Let's go girls. Nandini, bacha take care.

Nandini nodded and as the three ladies left the room, Manik came near her. He sat infront of her and hugged her tightly.

Manik: I got so scared. Are you fine?

Nandini: I am fine, Manik.

She grinned making him frown. As he broke the hug, he checked her forehead and neck making her slap away his hand.

Manik: Nandini, you fainted. What is happening? Are you really okay?

Nandini nodded. She slowly took his hand and kept it on her stomach.

Nandini: More than okay.

She spoke slowly, lovingly. Manik looked at her, processing the whole situation and as he did - his eyes widened and mouth wide opened.

Manik: Y-You mean- We- B-baby?

Nandini: Yes, We are having a baby. I am pregnant, Manik.

Manik continued to gap at her. Nandini laughed at his expressions as he lunged forward at her again, taking her lips in a messy kiss and then kissing her forehead at the end.

Manik: Oh My God! Shit! Nandini- I- baby?

Nandini: Yes, He is coming, Manik. Our baby.

Manik: No, It is she.

Nandini: He, Manik. I can already feel it.

Manik wanted to argue but the glow on her face and the shine in her eyes captured him. He sat there, shocked surprised and as the most happiest person alive on this earth.

Boy or Girl - it didn't even matter.

What mattered was they were going to have a baby.

Their Baby.

To Be Continued.

So, How was the chapter guys?

The reason why I update late at night is so I can probably sleep after updating and read the comments in the morning at once. I know I am little selfish here😂❤️

And yes, Nandini is pregnant, no disease :)

And one question- What do you expect from the further chapters or the story?

Thankyou
Have a nice sleep