I was not going to update today for I really don't feel fine, but then I am just doing😌❤️

Also, you guys can expect happy happy updates after this.

Do shower your love on this chapter.

And this is really unedited.

Enjoy Reading.

_____

Nandini let out a small sigh as she checked her phone again to see if there had been any message or call from Manik but was disappointed when she found none.

It stung her heart but was he really to blame? She knew he was not.

Three days.

It had been three days she had been ignoring him or more like avoiding him. She was not angry anymore. She was not even hurt, but somehow, she just didn't know what to say to him.

That day, Manik was about to clarify the matter. He would have done it too if not Mukti who had knocked at their door and took Nandini with her.

Apparently, she needed help with selecting a dress for an outing with her friends. Manik had been really angry at her for disturbing them for such a small matter. He even made it an issue on the dining table and then Raj had to interfere asking him to stop.

Manik remained angry the whole way to the hospital. However, he talked to the doctor politely and asked everything he had to.

From her diet to if there were any complications in her pregnancy. Even the doctor seemed surprised and told them not many men take interest in knowing everything but then Nandini knew, t was her husband. He cared way too much.

She knew he had zero idea about pregnancy and it made him more anxious. He didn't know what to expect and somehow, not knowing things irked him.

A ding on her mobile broke Nandini's trance. She looked at the screen confused which displayed a message from Aman.

"Bhabhi are you and Manik sir still fighting?"

Nandini frowned. First, why was Aman asking her such a personal question? Second, how did he even knew about their fight? Manik would never tell him. Worry took over place as she dialed his number the next instant.

Aman: Hello, Bhabhi. How are you?

Nandini: I am fine, how are you doing?

Aman: I am fine bhabhi.

Aman stopped, hesitation clear in his voice as if he had suddenly realized that he shouldn't have messaged her at such an odd time.

Nandini: What is it, Aman? Is Manik fine?

Aman: I don't think so, Bhabhi.

Nandini: What? Why?

Aman: Bhabhi, Something has happened to Manik sir. He has never been so aloof. He even cancelled all his meetings today and never left his cabin. I am really worried.

Nandini: At what time he left?

Aman remained silent for a moment, surprised that she was not at home too but then answered.

Aman: He didn't, Bhabhi. He is still in office.

Nandini frowned more. It was already past eleven. What was he doing at office this late?

Aman: Niyonika mam called too and he said he had work but he is not even working.

Nandini fell silent. Somewhere down the line, she knew their fights drained Manik emotionally. But she had not expected this from him.

Although he had always been like that, seeking her attention at every possible moment but this time, he had not budged her even for once. She was completely unaware of what was going in his mind.

She was so much into her own misery, not knowing what was she even supposed to tell him that she didn't realize how she had been depriving him of her time and love.

Three days, and she had not even paid him a proper glance. She didn't ask him if he had his meals, although she made sure from Niyonika that he ate.

She had been taking night shifts from that day. It was an emergency that day, and the next too, she just did willingly. She was avoiding him and she thought he wouldn't realize that?

Is that way he was always sleeping when she reached home in the morning to freshen up?

Did she hurt him so much? Nandini wanted to deny and console her poor heart but she knew the truth too. She had hurt him, this time a little bit too much.

Aman: Bhabhi? Are you still there?

Nandini: Y-Yes. Aman, please don't let him leave before I message you now.

Aman: But-

He interrupted, shocked because he thought she would scold Manik and ask him to go home but nevertheless, he agreed.

Aman: Okay, Bhabhi.

Nandini hung up the call without replying. She had no idea what was she supposed to do. She just knew it was time she set the things right. Whatever it was, they will solve it together. She wouldn't push him away anymore.

Communication is the key.

Taking permission to leave the hospital from the higher authorities, Nandini drove home with a hope to set things right.

As she reached home, she found Niyonika sitting in the hall, still waiting for Manik. Niyonika looked surprised seeing her there.

Niyonika: Nandini, bacha - What happened!?

She asked, panick struck her.

Niyonika: you drove alone at this time? Is Manik with you? Nandini?

Nandini: Maa, I am sorry.

Niyonika fell silent making her look down. Niyonika was not angry with her but she was upset. She could see what they were doing with each other and she was worried.

Nandini: I am so sorry, Maa. I shouldn't have behaved lke this.

Niyonika: It is okay.

Nandini: It is not, Maa. I behaved like a stupid woman. I should have handled things better.

Niyonika: I agree with the last part but it is for both of you. You both are idiots. You call me to make sure you both are okay, but won't call each other.

Nandini: M-Manik asked you about me?

Niyonika: Trust me, he is the reason I didn't come to your hospital and scold you. He told me Maa, Don't say anything to her. Let her do however she feels fine. Aise karta hai koi? Tum dono apni ladai mei sabko pareshaan kardete ho. Jab itni parwah hai, toh ladai kis baat ke bacha?

Nandini: It is all my mistake, Maa. Manik is not even at fault.

Niyonika chuckled out loud and Nandini looked at her confused.

Niyonika: See, this is exactly what he said. It is all my mistake Maa. Nandini is not even at fault. I don't know what happened between you both but I hope you both sort it out okay?

Nandini nodded firmly, tears brimming in her eyes. How was she even supposed to make it up for him?

Niyonika: Good. Now, go and freshen up I will make something for you.

Nandini: No, Maa. You go, I will wait for Manik.

She blushed when Niyonika looked at her with a teasing smile. She didn't need to be told that Nandini had plans. She patted her head and muttered a good night before leaving for her home with a smile.

Maybe, tomorrow was indeed going to be a good day.

Manik stared at Aman with suspicious eyes. Aman was acting weird. He had clearly told Aman he was in no mood to work but still he went on to barge in his cabin with a file that was not even important.

We should do it today, sir. That's what he had said when Manik questioned him.

He shook his head, yawning silently. He needed sleep desperately. He nodded when Aman went on to elaborate another stupid point, completely ignoring the sleepy state of his boss.

Something told him Aman was doing it deliberately. Proving his suspicion right, Aman's phone dinged seconds later. He checked it, sighed and then stood up making Manik frown.

Aman: I guess it is enough for today, Sir. You look sleepy too.

Manik: I am sleepy from the past half an hour. What made you so considerate all of the sudden?

Aman's eyes widened as he shook his head dramatically.

Aman: What are you saying, Sir. I am sleepy too.

He yawned, completely fake.

Aman: See.

Manik: Yeah sure, I can see. Go now.

Aman: Thankyou, Sir.

Manik: Don't be over dramatic and inform me when you reach home.

Aman smiled and nodded before almost running out of the cabin. He was afraid he might end up messing things if he stayed back for another moment.

Manik chuckled at his behaviour. He collected his things and left the office. He didn't want to go home but there was his mother waiting for him.

Although he had strictly told her not to wait for him, he knew she would and he didn't want to worry her anymore.

He reached home as slow as he could. Nandini was not there anyways waiting for him, and he felt it useless to go on time.

Letting out a tired sigh, Manik entered inside the mansion. Planning to sleep in their other room, he was passing through the hall when the delicious aroma of his favourite food filled the air.

Manik looked around and his eyes fell on the kitchen. The lights were on and there was this familiar warmth radiating off it.

Aman acting weird, that message and the way he left abruptly. Manik's sixth sense worked faster and he approached the kitchen with desperate steps.

And there, dressed in a cute minion night wear, his wife stood with her back facing the door, decorating the food she made to coax him.

Oh yes, there was a trap being laid for him. The one he would always willingly walk in.

Manik let out a shaky breathe. Had he started hallucinating now? Or was she for real?

Did it meant he will no longer have to pretend to sleep in order to see her?

Nandini: Manik, Aap aagaye? Go and freshen up. I will set the table by then.

Manik: Why are you here?

It came more rude then he intended to. He watched as she stilled for a second before turning around to face him with a wide smile. He averted his eyes not wanting to let down his gaurd in front of her.

Manik: You had night shift, right.

He tried to justify his rudeness. It was her home as well and he had no right to question why was she here. But he was angry.

Nandini: Manik-

Manik: No, Stop right there, Nandini. You don't get to do this. Go on and avoid me all you want. And don't even dare to come close to me.

He warned, scared that she will come ahead and he won't be able to stop himself from hugging her tight. He took a step as she did what he asked not to.

She climbed on his feet and he found his own hands resting on her waist on their own. She pushed her face up and pecked his lips.

Manik stood silent, trying hard not to melt. He hated how vulnerable he was infront of her.

She stepped back before kissed his cheeks.

Nandini: Come, Let's eat.

No, Manik was angry. He was supposed to deny. He was not supposed to let her hold his hand and guide him to the chair. It was not fair. He was not supposed to sit there like a damn child waiting to be served but then he did.

Instead, he was so pathetic to break down on the food as if he had been starving for ages. He felt her hand ruffling his hair as he ate. Only then he realized he was alone eating. She still hasn't touched anything.

He opened his mouth to voice it out and the moment he did, he choked. Worried, Nandini came by his side and rubbed his back. She gave him water but instead of it, Manik wrapped his arms around her, hiding his face in her stomach.

As she tightened her hold around him, and stroked his back, Manik broke down into sobs. His whole body shook at how vulnerable he felt at that moment.

Nandini: Manik? Calm down. It is okay.

She rubbed his back and kissed his head. He nodded leaving her. She offered him water again and this time he took few sips.

Manik: Why are you not eating?

Nandini: I will eat later.

Manik: Eat with me.

He broke a morcel and forward it to her. She ate silently. They sat in silence, feeding each other.

After dinner, Nandini walked to the kitchen to keep the empty dishes. Manik sat on the dining table waiting for her patiently so she left the dirty dishes for the next day and they walked to the room.

Once inside the room, Nandini expected him to burst out on her but to her surprise, he hugged her tightly.

Nandini: Aap gussa ho?

Manik: I am but I don't want to waste our time by fighting. Let me hold you for now.

She smiled hugging him back equally tight.  Manik broke the hug a minute later. He stared at her, or more like glared at her before walking to the balcony as if showing her how angry he was and won't talk to her.

Nandini chuckled and followed him silently. She wrapped her arms around him from behind and rested her head on his back silently.

Manik: I thought you didn't want to talk to me.

Nandini: Manik- that day-

Manik: You really thought it was okay to ignore me? Mera khayal nahi aya ek baar bhi?

Nandini: Aapka he toh khayal tha. I am so sorry, Manik.

Manik turned around abruptly and looked at her.

Manik: You know me more than anyone else, Nandini. You know I didn't meant it that way. I don't regret our baby, I can never. It is a part of you, and you think I would regret something so precious?

Nandini: I know.

Manik: You don't. You have no idea how I have survived these three days. You were not even looking at me, and I- it hurts, okay? I am so mad at you but I can't stay mad at you.

Nandini: I know.

Manik: What do you know?

Nandini: Everything. I am sorry, Manik. I don't know what happened to me. I just got angry. I know, I trust you but I was just taken aback.

Manik: So instead of letting me clear it, you ignored me?

She looked down, having nothing to say in her defence. Manik sighed as he made her look at him.

Manik: Look at me and tell me what is going in your head? Are you okay?

Nandini: I am okay. I just had nothing to say, Manik. I was scared we will end up fighting more so I thought it was better-

Manik: that it was better to avoid and not talk about it?

She nodded and he stared at her silently.

Nandini: You always understand me, Manik and I just thought you will, this time too. I took you for granted na?

Manik: You did, but it okay. You are fine, and that's all that matters. Come here.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. They stood there, hugging each other until Manik pressed a firm kiss on her head and parted away. She pouted and he giggled in return.

They sat down beside each other with Nandini's head on his shoulder and their hands entwined on his lap. The silence although was too comfortable to break, Manik had things to clarify.

Manik: Tell me, how didn't you know you were pregnant? You told me you did get your periods.

Nandini: It was light and I thought maybe it is because of my diet.

Manik: Hmm, but I was actually doubtful that day.

Nandini: When?

Manik: When we were talking about Cabir and Navya but you were so emotional so I couldn't say anything.

Nandini: Oh.

Manik: Oh? Shouldn't you be praising your husband?

Nandini: For what? You are toh monster na.

Manik: Nandini!

Nandini: Did I say anything wrong?

Manik: no, ofcourse not. I will tell you how monsterous your husband can be when I will take you to exercise from tomorrow.

Nandini: Exercise? When did we decide this?

Manik: I did, doctor said too. It is good for you and our baby.

Nandini: Manik, I don't want to na!

Manik: Too bad, You have to. So, from tomorrow morning, we both will go to the nearby park on a walk, and we will do some exercises and then -

Nandini: then?

Manik: Then I will help you burn some calories.

She looked at him confused as he chuckled before bending down and capturing her lips with his.

Manik: Like this!

Nandini: Manik!

He laughed loudly throwing back his head and in that moment, nothing felt more peaceful than his laughter. She cupped his face and kissed his forehead silencing him. He smiled and tugged her closer.

Three days did feel like three years and now when she was in his arms, he wouldn't let her go at any cost.

To Be Continued.

Hope, it was good.

Today, Someone in my colony commited suicide. Someone who was just in his thirties and had left behind a family. My heart feels so heavy. There had been constant sounds of crying from the time it happened.

I am not even sure why I am sharing this here but I just wanted to let this out. Mental health is everything. I don't get it why people fail to understand this.

Whatever it is, talk it out instead of keeping it in and letting it eat you from inside.

Anyways, next chapter on next Sunday.

Night guys✨❤️