Manik's PoV
"Aaaahhhh it feels soo good to be back." I said and fell on my bed. I had returned to India after a tiring five days. Gaya tha teen din ke liye but I had to extend my trip due to various reasons.

After I got home I came to know dad was in Pune and he was to return after two days. Perfect time for me to get Nandini home.

Talking about Nandini. We would talk over call whenever we got time and text over the day but it had been days I had a proper chat with her. I had missed her like crazy. Obviously, this isn't the first time I am away from her. I have been away for months together when we went for tour but with time it gets difficult. I thought it would get easy with time but it just gets soo damn difficult. I just cannot stay away from her not physically not mentally.

It was 5 in the morning when my flight landed. I had slept in the flight and so when I landed I was fresh as a flower. When I reached home everyone was asleep so not wanting to wake them I entered my room.

I basically had nothing to do and also I was fresh so I decided to hit the gym. I messaged Nandini and got changed. I entered the gym and plugged my phone blasting my playlist on full volume. It was sound proof guys so there were no issues.

I did a 30 minute cardio and then jumped to weights. Just when I started the music was interrupted by my phone ringing. Panting I disconnected the Bluetooth and answered the phone of my lady love. It was 6:30 and she was up early. Impressive!

"Hello meri jaaaan." I sang and she giggled. Aaah! Kill me already.

"Hellllo Manik. What? You've hit the gym already?" She asked. She knew me soo well.

"Ha. I was really fresh toh socha sab carbs ko burn karne ka wakt aa gaya hai." I laughed at my own statement. "Accha why are you up early?" I sat on the bench placed in the gym area.

"Are there is an important meeting that I have to attend so isiliye." She said.

"Accha suno, What time do you get out of office today? Dad is not home and I plan on staying home today so why don't you come meet my family?" I suggested.

"I don't mind. I am surprisingly free today after 12." She said and I know for sure she must be smiling.

"Great. I'll pick you up from your office. Lets have lunch at my place. Yeah? I'll call Fab5 or lets do one thing we'll go out for lunch." I said.

"Sounds good but lets have lunch at your place. Call the others there only." I agreed and we spoke for some more time but we hung up as she had to leave.

"Home sweet home." I smiled and got back to my workout.

"Hello mere bacche." Mom wished me as soon as she saw me get down for breakfast. After my workout, I got freshened up and changed into casuals and went down.

"Hello." I hugged her and kissed her cheek. "Maa Nandini and Fab5 are coming for lunch today." I informed her and she nodded.

"Nandini ko khaane mein kya pasand hai?" She asked setting the table while I helped her.

"You can make anything. Though she is a foodie and she can eat anything but Biryani is her favourite." I said.

"Tere jaisi hi hai teri patni." She said and I blushed whining a mom.

After everone got down and our pleasantries were done I got to the main topic. "Guys you remember right prank karna hai hume?" I asked.

"Manik I think we should drop it." Bhabhi said looking at mom unsure and she nodded as well.

"Oh hello. She is not innocent as she seems, thik hai. Trust me she'll be angry at first but woh chup rehne walo mein se nahi hai." I said and bhai smirked.

"What do you suggest we do?" Bhai asked and I mirrored his smirk. Game is on Ms.Murthy.

I explained them everything. Though Maa said it was too much she agreed at the end when I emotionally blackmailed her.

We had our breakfast after which mom and bhabhi left to prepare lunch while I sat in the living room with bhai and daadu.

We were talking casually, passing our time after a very long time when daadu decided to leave for his room cause he wanted to rest.

It was 10:30, when I decided it was a good time for me to get into some decent clothes cause I had to pick Nandini up.

"Manik mujhe toh pick karne ke liye kabhi tayar nahi hua?" Bhai questioned and I glared at him.

"Accha phir next time mein seedha shaadi ke kapdo mein hi aajunga. Itna shock ha na aapko to see me dressed? Shaadi karlete hai." I suggested.

"Shut up." He threw a pillow at me making me chortle.

I ignored his teasings and made my way towards my bedroom to get changed. I wore a simple tshirt and faded blue jeans. I wore a watch and left grabbing my car keys and wallet.

"Here he comes, kaha jaa raha hai Manik?" Bhabhi asked. I looked at her to confirm if she was teasing. She was not. Thankgod.

"Woah actually I have to pick Nandini up." I said and her genuine smile automatically turned into a teasing one. Kya switch laga hai kya. So swiftly she changed.

"Mom abhi se joru ka gulam ban gaya hai yeh toh." She said looking at mom while mom laughed.

"Mommmm." I whined like a kid making a bad face.

"Mere bacche ko tease mat karo." She said sternly. "Manik you go." She said and I nodded.

I drove out of my driveway and got down on the road. There was traffic obviously. Aisa lag taha tha ki sheher ki saari gaadiyan raste par thi. Everyone was hell bent on making me late. Jaise taise I reached her office to find her waiting for me.

She looked soo pretty. She had worn ethnic. It wasn't anything over the top. She had worn a pretty pastel colour kurti with white straight pants. Her hair was left open in her natural curls and her ears were adorned with jhumkis and her face in a natural glow with just her lipgloss. It wasn't too dressy just perfect for the day.

She saw my car and walked towards it entering inside. She kept her bag behind and looked at me and then she was in my arms hugging me as if I would disappear. I hugged her back with the same force though it was uncomfortable as we were in the car but we cared less.

"I missed you soo much." She mumbled into my neck snuggling closer.

"I missed you too baby." I rubbed her back kissing her head.

We pulled away and I kissed her forehead, then her nose and finally took her lips in for a kiss. It was soft and slow at first but soon the desire and the longing kicked in and it turned passionate and rough.

We pulled away gasping for air and I joined our forehead. "I love you." I mumbled and she smiled the most gorgeous smile ever." And someone looks breathtaking. Ready to impress my mom, huh?" I kept her at an arms length and admired her while she blushed and nodded.

"Chalo lets leave I don't want to keep Aunty waiting." She said while I looked at her with wide eyes.

"Wow, abhi se mother in law ki taraf daari.Nice. Yaha apna boyfriend 5 din baad mila hai uska kuch nahi." I shook my head dramatically while she slapped my shoulder.

"Manik nautanki mat karo. You know what I meant." She said and I nodded sarcastically making her laugh. We reached my house after a little while with lots of talks and laughter and also the music playing in the background.

"Accha you do one thing, tum aage jao mein aata hoon." I told her.

"No Manik. Eksaath jayenge." She declined completely, not leaving room for argument. I looked at her for a second but then nodded in agreement.

I parked the car and then stood besides her. "Ready?" I asked.

"Ready." She took in a deep breath. Ab aayega maja!

Nandini's PoV
I was nervous as hell but having Manik with me I knew everything would be okay. We both entered inside to see everyone was in the living room talking.

Talking about the house. One word. Amazing. It was classy, homey. The interiors done were fabulous. It instantly made me comfortable. The house was all white but had pop of colours like the couch was a vibrant colour catching attention the carpet below it was in a contrast. In all it was modern.

"Mom." Manik called grabbing her attention. She got up from her seat and walked towards us.

"Namaste Aunty." I said and bent down to touch her feet. "I really love the interior." I complimented looking around.

"Namaste beta." She said. "And thankyou. Andar aao na." She welcomed me inside.

I sat on the couches placed after wishing everyone while Manik stood in front of me. I was playing with my hand in nervousness when he blinked his eyes in assurance.

Aunty sat besides me and we engaged in a small talk. She was really sweet. She had prepared snacks for us which we all were eating.

"Nandini." Aunty called me. Her voice sounded serious so I looked at her. "I really like you. No doubt you are amazing but this is a love marriage. With a heavy heart I don't approve of this." She said. My eyes instantly landed on Manik and he was as shocked as me. Tears instantly filled my eyes and I tried not to cry and make a scene here.

"Neyo yeh tum kya bol rahi ho?" Daadu said.

"Papa aap Raj ko jaante ho. He will never approve of it. Before this goes out of hand I think it is better and in the best interest of everyone that we stop this." Aunty said. "Nandini tum samajh rahi ho na?" She asked and I nodded.

"I agree with mom Nandini. When Manik told us about you we were shocked and I wanted to stop him right there but knowing how impulsive he is we decided to talk with you." Bhai said.I was speechless. This was not how we were expecting things to turn out. I wanted Manik to say something but he just stood there, his lips tightly sealed.

I got up grabbing my bag ready to leave. No I wasn't angry but what she said made sense. I think in love we completely forgot about other things.

"Aunty I understand what you are trying to say. I know that aap jo kuch bhi karoge Manik ke bhale ke liye hi karoge. You know we always said this ki we will never run and get married. We will try convincing our parents but never run and disappoint you guys." I stopped. I wiped my tears. Even after trying to stop them they fell. Traitors." And aapko sorry bolne ki jarurat nahi hai aunty. I understand. I wish though this wasn't the case." I caught her hand and said.

"Best of luck for your future Manik. I hope you the best and I hope you stay happy always. I will always love you." I walked towards him and stood in front of him. "Aur agar agli baar aisa prank phirse khela toh chodungi nahi tumhe mein." I smirked.

What? I know him a little bit atleast. I know he won't go against his parents but he won't give up until he tries.

Everyone gasped and Manik looked like he could faint. I rolled my tongue inside my mouth.

"Oh my god Nandini you are a genius. I love you already. Pata kaise chala?" Bhabhi asked laughing giving me a hi-five.

"I think I know him a little bit ki he won't give up without a fight but I wasn't sure lekin aunty looked at Manik when I was crying asking if she should continue to which Manik blinked his eyes. Bass that was it." I said and giggled.

"Dekh liya. I told you right bohot shaatir hai yeh. She is not innocent." Manik said. I glared at him.

"Oh hello kisne bola tha yeh prank karne ke liye. Start mein toh I swear I got an heart attack." I said and walked towards aunty. "Woh all thanks to aunty mujhe pata chala warna toh mein rone wali thi." I side hugged her. "And aunty I am angry at your son ha." I said and she giggled.

"Oh you should be." She supported me. "And beta sorry about earlier. Meine aur Myra ne mana kiya tha lekin Manik ne humari ek nahi suni." She apologised followed by bhabhi.

"Its okay actually. I have played a lot of pranks on him as well toh yeh toh hona hi tha." I shrugged. It was true. It was only fair.

"Manik yeh toh bohot samajhdaar hai." Aunty caressed my head making me smile.

"Samajhdaar toh hai lekin this is all because I know ab manana padega. And she will not leave me." As soon as Manik finished this a pillow hit him on his face. "What the hell?" It was me.

"Yeh le Nandu." Mom handed me one more pillow which I threw at him but he dodged this one.

"Sorry na baba." He apologised and I huffed and nodded.

Daadu was a silent spectator all this while. I looked at Manik and gestured towards daadu. "Daadu kya hua?" He sat on his knees in front of him.

"Puttar I am thinking Raj ko kaise manaenge. Itni acchi ladki mein gavana nahi chahta. Khandaan ko baand ke rakhegi jaise aaj tak Neyo aur Myra karte aa rahe hai." He said and I blushed. Manik looked at me and smiled making me blush more.

"Oyehoye Manik ise toh blush bhi karna aata hai." Bhai said and I looked down embarrassed.

"Stop teasing her you guys." Bhabhi came to my rescue and I smiled widely at her.

"Kya chal raha hai yaha?" And here comes the gang. Cabir walked in first followed by the others.

"Aajao baccho." Aunty welcomed them inside. I gave hugs to each and everyone after which we all settled down.

"Aunty bohot bhuk lagi hai." Cabir said rubbing his stomach. Navya shook her head.

"Khaana tayar hi hai. Mein khana lagwati hoon. Tumlog aa jao after 5 minutes." Aunty said. Bhabhi followed her. I looked at everyone and found them busy amongst themselves so I walked towards the kitchen.

"Aunty kuch help kardu?" I asked.

"Nahi beta. Go spend time with them. Meine Myra ko bhi bola woh toh sunti hai nahi mera. Kamse kam tum toh sunlo." She pouted making me giggle.

"Unke saath toh humesha time spend karti hoon. Infact aap jaake baitho bhabhi aur mein kar lenge manage." I told her to which she denied.

We quickly set the table bhabhi left to call the others while I went in to get salad. After I came in all the seats were occupied except one which was besides Manik. Irony!

I placed the salad on the table and went and sat besides him. Everyone self served while Manik served himself and me. Such a sweet boy.

"Yeh kya hai?" He asked frowning. I took a look at the sabzi.

"Manik methi ki sabzi hai." I said in a duh tone.

"Mom I thought you won't make it today."bHe whined.

"Today is a normal day Manik. Nandini guest nahi hai she is toh family." Aunty said making me smile widely.

"Manik what is the big deal khaalo na. If you don't like it don't have it." I shrugged.

"Actually Nandini it is compulsory to have it." Bhabhi said and I looked at her in confusion. "Actually both the Malhotra brothers hate green leafy vegetables so Mom made a rule that ghar pe roj ek sabzi banegi aur woh sabko khani padegi. No tantrums." She explained further.

"Accha hua aunty rule change nahi kiya. Manik come on khud ko bhi serve karo and give it to me as well." I said stifling my laughter while he glared at me.

He took the tiniest serving of the sabzi and passed the bowl to me. I looked at him with a straight face. What is wrong with this guy? Itne nakhre.

"Manik if you don't take a little more of that I am going to pick the bowl of paneer from your plate." I threatened. I had completely forgotten it wasn't just us and we had a audience watching us with wide eyes.

"You wouldn't dare." said Manik giving me a look.

"Try me." I challenged him. He very sincerely took the sabzi while I smiled proud of myself. I looked up to find everyone looking at me and Manik. I closed my eyes and muttered a sorry.

"Are Nandini sorry kyu bol rahi ho. Aaj tak Manik humesha aisa hi karta aaya hai and mom had to literally feed him." Bhai teased.

"Woh kya hai na Manik Nandini se darta hai." Dhruv said.

"Oh yes Nandini is scary when it comes to Manik's health and vice versa." Mukti said.

I was very embarrassed. It was different in front of friends lekin in front of family it was very embarrassing.

"Guys bass karo yaar." Manik said and they nodded getting back to their food.

We completed our lunch and got settled in the living room. Daadu and Mom left to rest while we chit chatted.

"Manik I should leave." I told him and he looked at me.

"Itni jaldi. Its only 3. Stay na." He pouted.

"Ha I have to complete some pending files so have to reach home." I told him.

"Okay then. Accha about the concert." He asked me.

"Yeah about that he has been bugging me ever since to make him meet my boyfriend. So I think the concert it is." I smiled.

"I'll take a leave then?" I asked and he nodded.

"How are you going to go home?" He asked me.

"I'll book a cab." I casually said rummaging through my bag.

"I'll drop you. Don't even try arguing with me." He glared my way and I agreed. Khadoos kahi ka.

"Manik Aunty ko bulao na aur daadu ko bhi." I said and he nodded and went to call them. I wanted to bid bye to them.

"Guys I am going to leave now." I announced.

"Why soo soon yaar?" Mukti cribbed.

"I have to finish off my office work." I said and she nodded sadly. "And guys I think I will directly meet you'll on the day of your concert." I said.

"What the heck babe? The concert is still 5 days ahead. I am sure we can meet before that." Alya shouted and the rest agreed.

"Guys you people will be busy as well. And I have some stuff that I have to take care of." I answered.

"Not fair yaaar." Alya whined. They all were kids, I swear.

"What is not fair?" Manik walked in with Aunty and daadu.

"Manik she says that she will directly meet us on the concert day." Navya answered. Manik immediately looked at me and I blinked my eyes at him saying I'll explain.

"Aunty, mein chalti hoon."I said and bent down to touch her feet but she stopped me and hugged me.

"Ha and you can come whenever you want okay?" She asked and I nodded.

Similarly I bid bye to each and everyone. "Mom I'll drop Nandini and come." Manik said earning knowing looks from everyone.

"Guys I haven't brought my car here." I explained rolling my eyes at their behaviour.

"Accha toh hum bhi chalte hai." Cabir said.

"Nahi ruko I have to talk to you guys about something." Manik said and they nodded. "Chale?" He asked and I nodded. Bidding our final byes we left.

"So why can't we meet?" Manik asked as soon as we sat in the car.

"Woh you know how I told you that I want to start something of my own?" I asked and he nodded. "So I think I am going to start now. I cannot work under someone. I am not enjoying it. It has become very routine like no adventure. U getting?" I asked and he nodded.

"Okay then. If you need any help you can tell me." He said and I nodded.

"Waise Manik I forgot to ask lekin how was your trip to London?" I asked him.

"It was great. We have tour coming up so it was regarding that. Abhitak kuch final nahi hai kyuki you know tours go on for months so will have to check whether everyone is free though Abhi is hell bent on making me take it." He said.

Abhimanyu Singhania, Mukti's crush....you know what slash that boyfriend hai uska. Both are just not confessing baaki toh married hai woh dono. He was their manager. He owned a management company and he was personally looking after them cause Mukti.

"You guys should definitely take it." I excitedly said. I mean they have been on tours before and I know it has been great. So why miss the opportunity now.

"We plan on bass sab free ho." He said.

One thing I loved about Manik is that he was always supportive. He always pushed me and supported me in my career and he motivated me.

"Here comes your destination." He stopped the car a bit away and turned to face me. "So five days ha?" He held my hand and kissed it.

"Don't worry roj baat karenge. You concentrate on the concert and I'll concentrate on my work." I told him and he nodded.

"Bye." He pulled me in for a hug kissing the top of my head.

"Bye." I kissed his cheek snuggling closer.

I am going to miss my boyfriend.

——————————————
Helllo readers!Thankyou for reading the book.Let me know how you find it.I know the second half is a bit boring.

Stay safe,stay healthy.

Love,
Your Writer.