Mumbai

It was 12 at night, both Manan we're standing outside an ice cream parlor. Or to be precise, Nandini was sitting on the car bonnet and Manik was leaning to it.

Manik- Nandini why are you eating with you hand. Spoon hai na toh usse khao.

Nandini- oho Manik!!! Kabhi kabhi manners ko side mein rakhke enjoy bhe krna chahea. Ese zada mzza aata hai.

Saying this she again got busy in eating. He was looking at him smiling, she was making pouts and all kinds of faces as the ice cream would drop or fall from her hand. She then looked at him and offered him the tub of ice cream. He nodded his head in a no and she spoke

Nandini- lelo golden opportunity hai. I don't offer or share my ice cream with anyone. Ab mein krrae hu lelo.

Manik did not say anything and sucked her fingers while we're full of ice cream looking in her eyes.

Nandini's face turned red with his actions and she looked down.

Manik- hmmm... the best ice cream i have ever tasked.

Nandini- Manik. ..

She pushed him from his shoulder. He laughed seeing her face. Both went home after their mini date and slept hugging each other.

It was midnight when Cabir came out of him room shouting everyone's name. Manan we're the first one to come out.

Nandini- Cabir kya hua??? Why are you worried??? Navya..... Navya thiik hai na.

Cabir- nae. She's in pain. Due date toh abhi 1week baad ke hai pr she's saying labour pain hai.

Nandini- mein dekhti hu.

Nandini rushed to her room while Manik consoled Cabir. The others too gathered around. Soon Nandini came and told them it was time, so Cabir picked up Navya and took her to the hospital. Manan and Cavya in Manik's car and the rest in their's. Nandini had informed in the hospital to keep the OT ready. They reached the hospital and the hospital authorities took Navya to the labour room. A nurse came to Nandini and said

Nurse- Dr.Nandini sorry pr Dr.Isha toh toh out of town hai aur Dr.Sasha toh 3months ke off pe hai.

Nandini- what???? Why didn't you inform me earlier???? (She shouted)

Nurse- Dr. Ab aapko he kuch krna hoga...

Nandini- are you out of your mind. I'm a cardiologist not a gynecologist.

The rest we're hearing the conversation silently. Nandini bit her nails in worry.

Neyonika- nandu tu krskti hai beta. Basic knowledge toh hoge he na tujhe.

Nandini- neyoma aap samajh nae rahi ho. Mein... mein...

Cabir- please Nandu ab tu he kuch krskti hai please...

Manik- you trust me??? (He came ahead and held her shoulder. She nodded her head in a yes). Then go ahead. Believe me you can do it. Nothing will go wrong..

He kissed her forehead and she nodding her head went away with the nurse. Cabir was pacing around. Manik held his shoulder and spoke

Manik- everything will be alright buddy. Don't worry. Beth yaha pe.

Cabir- I hope so...

After about two hours they heard a baby's wail. Soon Nandini came out with a baby in her hand. She turned to Cabir and spoke

Nandini- congratulations Cabir. You are a father of a baby boy. Loo pkro...

Cabir held the baby boy in his arms carefully. The baby looked at him with wide eyes.

Cabir- he has my eyes...

Manik took Nandini is a side hug and kissed her head.

Manik- well done Dr.Murty and congratulations new chachi.

She bit her lips and looked down shyly. While the others we're adoring the baby Cabir spoke

Cabir- Nandu, Navya thiik haina???

Nandini- don't worry Cabir. She's being shifted to the VIP ward. We can meet her soon.

Soon a nurse came and informed them that Navya had been shifted and that she was conscious. Nandini with everyone entered the room.

Nandini- how are you Navya??? Kahi pain toh nae haina??

Navya- nae Nandu hmm thiik hai. Baby???

Cabir came ahead and showed her the baby's face. She sat up and held him in his hands. Her eyes teared and she looked at Nandini.

Navya- thank you Nandu. Hummare bete ko iss duniya mein laane ke lia...

Nandini- kyu tumhara beta mera kuch bhe nae hai??? Afterall Maasi hu.

'Maasi' yaa 'Chachi' the younger clan spoke together. Nandini hid her face in Manik's chest and the others including him laughed.

Mukti- ab humsb ko bhe baby se milna hai. Iss joker ne kisi ko bhe paksdne nae diya.

Navya glared at Cabir while he passed her a sheepish smile.

Alya- arre pehle yeh toh btao baby ka name kya socha hai???

Navya and Cabir looked at each other and then Navya spoke

Navya- Nandu mein aur Cabir chahte hai ke tum iska name rakho.

Nandini who was in a side hug with Manik looked at her in shock.

Nandini- mein... mein...kese Navya.

Cabir- because it's all because of you we have him with us today. You have bought him to this world so jldi se btao.

Nandini took him in her hold and looked at him with loving eyes. She kissed his forehead and spoke

Nandini- Abheer.... Abheer Dhawan. Kesa hai???

So this little Taimur is our Abheer.

Ranveer- bhabi name ka mtlb kya hai??

Nandini- the name means " a Mighty person".

Cabir- so it's done. We name our son Abheer Dhawan.

He kissed Navya's crown and everyone smiled. Nandini too looked at Abheer who was sleeping in her arms. She careful moved ahead and adjusted him in his crib. He had held her finger in his hand. Nandini tried to free her finger but the hold was tight. Finally she freed her finger from the little one's hold and turned to the others.

Nandini- so ab aap sb ghr jao. Subha aajana. More than 2 people are not allowed to stay.

Cabir- okk then I'm staying.

Nandini- aur saath mein, mein ruk jaati hu.

Cabir's mom (Jaya)- beta tu chali ja. Mein ruk jaati hu aue koe bhe dikkat hue toh tujhe phone krdenge hum. Tu bhe thaki hogi.

She nodded her head in a yes and then turned to all the men.

Nandini- you all go out. Yaha pe aapsb koe kaam nae hai ab.

The elders understood while Manik, Ranveer and Dhruv frowned.

Ranveer- kyu bahar kyu???

Neyonika dragged him and the other two along with her.

Neyonika- tum dono (Dhruv and Manik) tumhare biwiyo se puchna kyu. Aur Veer tu chl ghr jana hai papaji akele honge.

Cabir too left to complete the formalities and the others left for home. Manik waited in Nandini's cabin as she was still with Navya.
On the otherside Nandini told Navya how to feed the baby. Pecking his forehead she too left.

Manik- Nandini tumne sbko bahar kyu bheja?? (She turned red because of his question). Arre why are blushing. Btao na nae toh mein Cabir se he puchung.

Nandini- kyunki mujhe Navya ko btana tha ke feed kese dete hai.

Manik- so tumhe pta hai???

Nandini- Manik shut up. Bohot beesharam hogae hai aap.

They reached home with Manik constantly teasing Nandini and Nandini could only blush.

Next day was usual for everyone. Finally the gynecologist had arrived and she checked Navya properly. Assuring eveyone, she discharged Navya saying both the baby and mother we're not allowed to go out for atleast a month. Outside the hospital, the media had gathered to have a glimpse of our famous RJ nd drummer's son. They escaped the media and finally drove to Cabir's house where everyone was busy making arrangements for baby's arrival. The naming ceremony was kept after two days so that both mother-son could take proper rest.

Leap of one month
It has been one month since Abheer's birth. He was everyone's favourite. He would love to stay in his favourite chachu and chachi's arms. Nandini had formed a special bond with Abheer. He would always snuggle to her warmth feeling a mother in her while for Nandini, she too experienced somewhat a same feeling. She started to feel about her and Manik's child. A mere thought of it would always make her blush.

It was yet another day. The anonymous person had not called her after that day. She thought it was someone playing pranks with her so she thought of telling Manik everything. But she was unknown to the fact that someone had his/her eye on every move of her. She thought of surprising Manik so she went to Malhotra Industires. Luckily as she arrived the Malhotra men had just come out of the conference room. Ranveer saw her coming out the list and nugged Manik. Manik through his eyes asked him 'what'. He then gestured Manik towards the lift. He excused himself and went to her.

Ranveer- bhabi!!!

Nandini- RV tum yaha???

Ranveer- haa mein bhe doo din pehle he join kiya. Learning basics from bhai and paa. Aap yaha pe???

Nandini- thought of having lunch with your bhai. Ab unke pass toh mere lia time hota nae hai toh socha mein he aajao.

Ranveer- yeh baat toh sae hai. Bhai kitne dino se ghr bhe nae aae.

Both chuckled and Ranveer led her Manik and Anurag. Both of them we're talking to the deligrates. One of them saw Nandini coming towards them so he asked

Deligrates- who's that young lady.

Both Manik and Anurag turned to see Nandini coming along with Ranveer. She flashed a smile seeing Anurag and Manik and they returned her one.

Anurag- my daughter and Manik's fiancee.

Nandini- good afternoon papa.

She ignored Manik completely.

Anurag- good afternoon bache. What a pleasant surprise!!! (Turning to the deligrates) Meet my daughter Nandini and Nandu they are our clients.

She shook hand with them formally and greeted them.

Manik- alright so gentlemen, we'll seen you soon with our presentation. Kindly excuse us!!!

Shaking hands they left. Ranveer came near Manik and whispered in his ear

Ranveer- bhai volcano garam hai soch samajh ke aage bdhna.

Manik gulped but composing himself he glared at Ranveer.

Manik- you here???

Nandini- kyu?? Mein apne papa aur devar se milne aae thi aapse mtlb!!!

Manik- bs inhe se milne aae thi???

Nandini- haa aur kon hoga....

She sided hugged Anurag who kissed her temple. He made puppy eyes which surely did not work for her. The rest of the staff was watching the family drama going on. She royally ignored him and spoke to Anurag

Nandini- papa mujhe office dekhna hai. ..

Anurag- as my princess says....

He then introduced her to the staff and showed her every corner of the office himself. The staff was gaping seeing their boss smiling and laughing while Manik's puppy eyes did not go unnoticed by anyone. This was another shock for them. The Manik Malhotra who maintained his stern face all the time was pleading something to his fiancee which she was royally ignoring. Finally they came to Manik's cabin.

Anurag- aur yeh raha tumhare pati ka cabin in short tumhara cabin.

Ranveer- aree papa abhi pati thodi hai.

Anurag- yrr practice krra hu. Kuch he mahino mein hojaega na toh bs....

Ranveer made an oh face while Manan wanted to hide somewhere from their teasing.

Nandini- papa aap free hai???

Anurag- kyu kya hua???

Nandini- lunch pe chale???

Anurag- beta mere toh lunch meeting hai. Indono bhaiyo se puchlo.

Soon Rohan came and informed Anurag about his departure. Anurag kissed her forehead and bidding her bye left.

Rohan- bhabi how are you aur aapko hamara office kesa lga???

{Hope you all remember Rohan, Manik's pa cum brother. Anurag's friend's son}

Nandini- bohot acha.

Rohan grinned and Manik spoke

Manik- if you are done with your interrogation then back to work.

Rohan- sir don't shout at me. Mein resign krdunga aur phir mere se acha p.a. nae milega aapko.

Manik- are you trying to threaten me.

Roban- is it working CEO sir??

Manik- you are forgetting who's the boss here.

Rohan- exactly you are forgetting me who is the boss here (he spoke eying Nandini).

The trio giggled seeing Manik's irritated face.

Manik- mtlb mere koe izzat he nae hai na yaha pe....

Rohan- happy realisation CEO sir...

Manik- Rohan stop calling me CEO sir again n again. You know how much I hate it when you call me 'sir'.

Ranveer- lgta hai hulk angry hogya. Chl bhai khosakle.

He whispered in Rohan's ear and he too nodded in affirmation.

Manik- what's going on between you two???

He asked eying them suspiciously.

Ranveer- ehh.... kuch nae. Bye bhabi need to go. Shoot ke lia jana hai.

He hugged her and left. Rohan too left making an excuse. Manik looked at Nandini and smirked.

Manik- now it's only you and me Ms. Fiancee. ...

She made a whatever face and entered the cabin. She sat on the couch and ignoring him started admiring the interiors. Manik looked at her shocked. Nandini then turned to him and asked

Nandini- esa kya dekhrae hai aap???

Manik- you know kisi ke cabin mein aane se pehle permission lene pdti hai???

Nandini- well apne cabin mein aape se pehle kiske permission. ...

Manik smiled at her and placed his hand in front of her. She asked him what through her eyes while he blinked his eyes. She placed her hand on his and he led her to his chair and made her sit on it. She was about to get up when he held her shoulder and spoke near her ear.

Manik- you forgot Rohan ne bahar kya kaha???? He just introduced me to my boss aur boss apni chair pe he bethte hai.

She kissed his cheek and he smiled. He then came in front of her leaning to the table spoke

Manik- so why we're yoy ignoring me???

And it hit her mind. She was angry on him for not giving her time. She again made an angry face and spoke

Nandini- because you forgot your fiancee Mr. Workaholic Malhotra.

Manik- I'm sorry. I'll compensate for it. Keep it in waiting list till then. (she glared at him while he spoke making all types of puppy faces). Jaan please na I was really busy. Acha I'll spend the rest of the day with you pr please don't be angry.

She smiled hearing him and mumbled an okk. He then called Rohan and asking him to cancel all his meeting hereafter. Nandini too informed in her hospital about the half day leave.

It was after lunch, Manik suggested to go to the mall as he wanted to change in some casuals.

It was almost dusk. Manan we're sitting there enjoying the view.

After a peaceful silence Nandini finally thought of telling Manik.

Nandini- mani.....

Manik- hmm....

Nandini- ek baat btani thi. ...

Manik- hmm....

Nandini- aap gussa nae krenge na???

Manik- vo toh baat sunne ke baad pta chalega na....

Nandini- nae pehle you promise, aap gussa nae krenge.

Manik- arre how can i promise. What if tumne koe blunder kiya ho??? Yaa phir you are in trouble without my knowledge???

"Usse ka toh drr hai" she muttered under her breathe.

Nandini- phir mujhe nae btana...

Manik- arre yeh kya baat hue!!!! Acha okk I promise mein gussa nae krunga. Ab bolo.

Nandini- ese nae pehle Nandini promise.

Manik- fine mere maa!!! Nandini promise ab bolo bhe....

Nandini - vo you remember about the nightmare, you asked me about the reason. (He nodded his head in a yes). Vo. ... vo... vo... someone had called me saying my family is in danger. I mean all of us including friends. I was tensed about it for two days aur phir nightmare (she saw Manik fisting his hand controlling his anger). Uske.... uske.... baad Diwali vaale.... vaale din, I thought of telling you everything 'cz of that petty issue we had fought. Apartment aane se pehle, I got a call from that same private no. And the person again threatened me saying if i say about our previous conversation to anyone then I might end up loosing someone close to me, someone very special. I was afraid and so thought of keeping num. The person asked for a meet to pr i declined it saying i have guards around me always.

Manik- that means agar guards nae hote toh tum chale jaati???

He spoke controlling his anger somehow.

Nandini- nae... nae... without informing you, nae jaati. Pr usdin ke baad I never got a call. It confirmed me that it was a prank call and someone was just playing around.

She looked at him whose eyes we're closed, jaw hard and hands fisted. It seems he would explode anytime. Nandini was really scared seeing him.

Manik- you said you wanted to tackle it alone. Tell me what did you do???

His voice was demanding and eyes red with anger.

Nandini- k... k... kuch... kuch... nae. Mein bhul gae aur uss insan ne dubara call bhe nae kiya.

Manik- good.... very good. Good going Ms. Murty. Thank yourself that you took a promise from me which is saving you. I'm really mad at you and I mean it. You took it so lightly???

Nandini- you are scolding me.....

She spoke with a shivering voice. He closed his eyes controlling his anger.

Manik- come let's get going.

Manik knew he would loose his calm anytime and he did not want to scare her. Nandini too knew the consequences so without saying anything she nodded got up. They started walking with Nandini behind him. They sat in the car and Manik drove off. He noticed Nandini was shivering due to cold as it was almost the beginning of December. He switched on the heater and removing his jacket gave it to her. She sneezed twice and looked at him from the corner of her eyes.

Manik- you're gonna catch cold. Mujhe tumhare zid manne he nae chahea. (She pouted at him with frowns on her forehead). Stop pouting, it won't work.

He spoke sternly. She made a grumpy face and looked to the other side. She was making all types of faces looking outside and dozed off unknowingly. He smiled finally seeing her.

Manik's POV
Why does she always has to fall in trouble. She did not inform me even. Agar gaurds nae hote toh this stubborn head would have definitely went to meet whoever the person was.... Pr it's strange, calling her continuously aur phir achanak se no calls. Was it really a prank call??? May be I'm overthinking. Yaha mein pareshaan hora hu and she's sleeping peacefully. Pr i can't stay angry with her. Seeing her face i always forget my anger. Godd.... why have you gifted her with so much innocence.....
POV Ends

Hey!!!! How's you all.

So finally the little secret is out to Manik. Nandini took a promise or the monster would have bursted.

What do you think, the anonymous person would sit quiet or make a move???

And finally our little champ has entered the story. Taimur Alikhan as Abheer Dhawan. Hope you liked that part.

From here on, the rowler coaster ride of Manan has started. Let's see what does their love has to face!!!

Ignore grammatic mistakes. Incline votes and comments.

Do tell me how was it.

Happy reading lovelies
😘😘😘