Location - Villa

They all sat on the table and started to discuss the plan for the day. Manik first said Guys lets stay here in the villa today. Nandini ke pairon me abhi bhi dard hai and moreover its 5 PM. The day has almost finished. What say? Nandini din't liked the idea and saidNo Manik! Mujhe itna bhi kuch serious nahi hua hai jo tumlog itni tension lerahe ho. Bas thoda dard hai, kam hujaega. Lets go out somewhere. Manik gave her a stern look but she just ignored as she din't want to waste the day just because of this minor pain - which had been taken too seriously by her husband and friends. Cabir seconded Manik and said No Nandini! He is right. Pain thoda hai, per agar tumne rest nahi kiya toh badh jaega. Aur hum sab wohi karrahe hain jo tum karti agar hum me se koi tumhari jagah hota. So guys decided, we are spending our day here. Everyone agreed but Nandini being Nandini, again argued saying No guys. We came here to have fun and not get bored sitting in the villa and waste our day. Cabir replied as soon as she completed Who said we are wasting our day? Ummm .. Let me think! Yeah! What about partying at poolside till it gets dark and later we can watch a movie? Everyone readily agreed and Nandini too gave in as she knew that no one would pay heed to her and also because the idea was interesting. They all finished their lunch and returned to their rooms to get dressed in their swimming costumes. Nandini called the Manager and asked for some snacks and drinks - only non - alcoholic. She had decreased their alcohol intake to just one time a week as she wanted her family to be healthy and alcohol just doesn't have any sort of perks or benefits. It was hard for them but on her insistence, they had distanced themselves from it.

Manik carried her to the room and placed her on the bed. He was thinking whether to let Nandini swim or not. Yes! Nandini Malhotra could swim. It was like a routine for Manik to swim and he being him, wanted Nandini to be with him at that time also - as he would get to romance with her. She would always sit on the edge whenever there would be a pool party while everyone enjoyed. So he decided to teach her and he was successful. And now she was a pro in swimming, just like Manik. Whenever she would get time, she joined Manik and they both would spend hours in - 30% swimming and 70% romancing while swimming. She shook him out of his thoughts and answered, as if reading his mind (that she did all the time) I can swim Manik. Trust me. Its okay now. Bas thoda sa dard hai. And promise, if it starts paining again, I will tell you. Nandini promise. He agreed seeing her cute pleading face and replied Okay! If you can swim then its good for me. Its been long we have done some romance underwater. He completed and winked at her. She blushed and said Mr. One Track Mind! Romance tab hoga na jab hum bahar jaenge. Aur agar hum aise hi baatein karne laggaye to hogayi swimming. And Manik Please .. let me walk by myself. Tum subah se mujhe carry karrahe ho. Tumhare haathon me dard hujaega. Its not paining so much that I can't walk. Please. Pretty please. She again made a pleading face, this time with a pout and with her hands folded. He pecked on her pout and replied Okay! You always win using this weapon of yours. You know I can't deny you when you make this pout and you are really misusing it. Aur rahi baat haathon me dard honey ki toh, you have a misconception about your weight. You are not even close to heavy. And moreover I Love carrying you. So that wasn't a problem at all. She got happy hearing him agree and quickly got on her feet to get her swimming costume.

Even though she had learned swimming and had become an expert, she din't prefer wearing a bikini as she din't want to show her body to anyone other than Manik. She had tried it once, when they were on their honeymoon, on Manik's wish only to have it removed within no time. Manik too din't ask her to wear a bikini on a pool party as he knew she was uncomfortable with it. She would wear it very rarely, only when she would be swimming with Manik. Otherwise, she would wear a sleeveless and 3/4th swimsuit - that exposed only 1/4th of her legs and her hands. She changed herself into the swimsuit and Manik wore his shorts, leaving his upper body bare. They walked to the poolside and found Dhruv and Cabir standing in the pool in their shorts. Cabir saw them coming and mocked Arey wah! Tumlog to jaldi agaye. Humein laga romance karrahe honge. Manik faked a laugh and said Ha ha ha! Very funny. By that time, Aliya and Mukti too joined them wearing their bikinis. All of them got into the pool and started playing, splashing water on each other, picking each other and throwing in water. Cabir suggested for a swimming race between MaNan and they happily agreed. Manik could win easily - him being a champion - but he din't want Nandini to loose. So every time they did a race, he would make her win. She knew this fact and she also protested, but he would plainly dismiss her accusations saying she was better and faster than him.This time also he did the same and the usual bickering started and ended up nowhere.

Fab - 4 got busy among themselves and taking advantage of it, Manik pulled Nandini towards him, holding her waist and kept his finger on his lips, asking for a kiss. She complied and placed her lips on his and both of them immersed in water. They moved closer and kissed each other senseless. Feeling the need to breathe, they broke apart and soared out of water, panting and breathing heavily. They saw Fab - 4 still busy among themselves and sighed a relief as their getting caught would start a new bout of teasing. Manik lifted her, holding her waist and made her sit on the edge. He encircled his hands around her waist and said Enough of swimming for you. Zyada stress karogi toh pair phirse dard karne lagenge. She din't want to but seeing his worry she smiled and simply nodded. He too smiled and said, lightly patting her cheeks Good girl!. After some more swimming and lots of fun, drinking and dancing, they decided to move out as it was dark and the temperature was dropping. It was 8 PM. All of them moved into their rooms and gathered in the living area after taking showers. They walked to the Resort Hotel for the dinner and decided to watch a movie after coming back from dinner. While eating dinner, they planned the next day's schedule. Nandini suggested for sight seeing and everyone readily agreed.

After satisfying their hunger, all of them came back to the villa and settled themselves in the living area. Cabir asked which movie will they see and recommended a horror movie. Aliya and Nandini refused but eventually agreed as the other four members insisted. They decided to go for The Conjuring and Cabir played it from his hard disk. Manik laid on the couch with Nandini over him. Cabir sat down near their couch with Mukti beside him. Aliya and Dhruv occupied the sofa. Cabir switched off all the lights, setting up the mood. As the movie started, initially Nandini was calm but as it progressed she clutched Manik's shirt and snuggled into his chest out of fear. Manik giggled at her state and asked if she was scared. Nandini glared at him and replied in a vexed tone Yeh kaisa sawal hai Manik. Tumhe pata hai na mujhe kitna darr lagta hai horror movies se. Aur phir bhi tum yeh puchrahe ho. He chuckled and razzed her saying dramatically The Tigress Nandini is scared. Oh My God! I should save this moment. She shot a dagger look at him angrily and turned her face making a cute pout. He cupped her chin and pecked on her pout and saidAley! Mela baby to gussha hogaya. Sholly. He embraced her in a protective hold and continued Darr kiun raha hai baby? Papa hai na. Kuch nahi hoga. Now smile. She instantly smiled and nestled closer to him. Even after getting assured by him, Nandini cudn't help getting scared. She hid herself in his chest, clasping his shirt tightly and covering her face with it whenever a horror scene came. She watched the rest of the movie, sneaking through his shirt and he laughed inwardly observing her cute frightened form. Finally the movie came to an end and Nandini heaved a sigh.

As she straightened herself and sat, a sudden Bhooo! scared the shit out her and she crashed back into Manik's chest exclaiming Aaaa! Manik! Manik! Bhooot! bhooot! Maine kaha tha nahi dekho horror movie. See ! Koi hai .. pakka! As she finished her rant, she heard a loud laughing sound and realised that she was trolled by Cabir. She moved away from Manik who was trying hard to control his laughter. She gaped at Cabir who was rolling on the floor and laughing like a lunatic, mimicking her reaction. He saw her staring at him angrily and sniggered for a second and again burst out chortling. She squinted the room to find everybody guffawing and lurching on their places, on her cost and at her chagrin. She picked a random cushion from the table and darted towards Cabir blazing with avenge. Cabir saw her charging near him and ran picking himself to save his life, shouting a dramatic Bachaoo! Bachaao!Nandini too hurtled behind him, chasing him as he galloped across the room. All the others busted their guts, enjoying the live Tom and Jerry show in front of them. Cabir stopped on getting tired and Nandini barged into him with the cushion, hitting him playfully while he shamelessly feigned screams and giggled profusely. Manik walked towards the battlefield to rescue his friend and swiftly lifted her holding her waist and pulled her away from him - snickering at her irated form.

Cabir calmed himself and walked towards Nandini who was sitting with her cheeks swelled and lips cutely pouted. He sat near her and said holding his ears Sorry Mini Monster. Don't get angry na. We were just having fun. And you know, I love teasing you. Now smile. She wobbled her head in a no and he asked Nai hasegi? She again nodded and he rejoined Theek hai then don't blame me for this. She turned towards him and gave a questioning look. He evilly smirked and suddenly started tickling her. She tried to hold but exploded giggling and plunging on the sofa and pleading him to stop. After rendering her breathless, he stopped tickling and she looked at him and answered jejunely Its ok! Per agey se kiya na toh chodungi nahi main tumhe. Pata hai kitna dargayi thi main. Cabir sneered and asked Accha? Kya karegi aagey se kiya toh? Nandini got into her puerile mode and hugged Manik who was silently sitting beside her and watching the bro - sis manaofyingsession and grinning, and replied in a childish voice Agey se kiya na toh Papa ko batadungi. Phir woh tumhe punish karenge. Hain na Papa? She made an innocent face and looked up at Manik. Fab - 3 were just sitting back and awing over the MananBir scenario. Manik too played along and answered Ofcourse Papa punish karenge na. Oye Cabir! Agey se mere baby ko pareshan kiya na toh dekhna. Nandini showed Cabir her tongue as he bobbed his head - faking getting scared by Manik's warning. After a minute silence, the trio looked at each other and tee-heed on themselves along with Fab 3.

None of them was sleepy as they had just rise at 4 PM. Having no other option, they decided to watch another movie, a romantic one this time. Aliya suggested for a movie and Cabir played it. Manik was lying resting his head on the arm of the couch with Nandini relaxing on him. While others were engrossed in the movie, Nandini was busy playing with his fingers and doodling hearts on his chest. Manik was observing her babyness but kept mum, letting her do what she wanted - quietly adoring and cherishing her naive actions and smiling constantly. Just the way happens with small babies, she fell asleep playing - nuzzling her face in his chest and hugging him tightly. He sensed her breathing steadily and looked down to find her sleeping. He smiled and kissed her head and cuddled her closer in his warmth. The movie wasn't much interesting so slowly everyone fell asleep unknowingly on their places.

The next morning, all of them were sitting on the breakfast table and planning the day's schedule. Cabir surfed the net about the sight seeing places and said Guys there aren't any visit worthy places in Goa. Only beaches and churches. Lets just roam around the city and taste some good Goan cuisine. What say? Everyone concurred and then Aliya exclaimed And then we will go for shopping. Yayyy! Cabir rolled his eyes and said irritably Phirse shopping? Yaar tumlog kitni shopping karogey? Your wardrobes are flooding with clothes still you want to shop? Hadd hai yaar. No I am not going for any shopping wopping. Aliya snapped back at him and replied Oh Shut Up Cabir ! We have come to Goa and haven't shopped at the famous Goan market. We need to have some soveniers and moreover, if you return like this empty handed then what will Navya and Ahaan think? You should buy them some gift Cabir thought for a while and answered smugly Actually Aliya you are right! It just slipped my mind. Okay then we will go for shopping but after exploring the city. Otherwise you girls will spend the entire day in shopping. All of them agreed and geared up to move.

Nandini held Manik's hand and asked a bit hesitatingly Manik I have heard about a Church here. Its a goan heritage and is considered very holy. I want to go there. Can we please? Manik smiled and said cupping her face You don't need to plead Princess. Just order. Your wish is my command. You want to go there. I will take you. Happy? She grinned widely and sprung in his arms and said Very very happy. Manik felt more happy seeing her getting so excited. He loved this thing about her that where ever she goes, she searches for God - just to pray for his well being and success. He doesn't believe in God but he was a doting worshipper of her faith. Her undying trust in her Almighty - was the thing he admired the most. The way she found positive in heaps of negativity - with her reliance on God always amazed him. Though he din't have faith in these theories, yet he prayed - only for her - for her happiness.

Everybody settled in the car and decided to visit the church first and then they would start with their drive. In the car, Alya asked Nandini By the way Nandini, How do you know about this church? Nandini turned towards her and replied Actually Ams had told me once that my parents had visited this church when I was born. People say that if we light a candle and pray for something with pure heart here, then it will definitely be accepted. Aliya too got interested and said Ohh is that so? Then I will also pray. I have lots of wishes. Everyone smiled while Manik was scanning her face as she mentioned about her parents and he was well aware of her sensitivity concerning this topic. She noticed him glancing at her and understood why he was doing so. She smiled and whispered to him Manik I am okay. You don't need to get worried. I don't miss my parents anymore because I have found them in you. Don't worry I am perfectly fine. Manik sighed a relief after hearing her and at the same time felt elated by her words. They reached the church and purchased candles. Manik too accompanied Nandini - as after falling in love with her even he had something to pray for - her well being. Nandini was aware of this fact but never talked to him openly about it as she din't intend to embarass him. They kneeled down in front of the cross and lit the candles. Nandini prayed for Manik's well being and Manik wished for her safety and happiness. They took the blessings from father and walked out.

They hopped in the car and began their journey of touring the city. They visited different beaches and halted at places that they found sight - worthy. They met many Fans on the way and mingled with them. After having lunch at a famous hotel - they finally reached the Market for shopping. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Nandini got a call from chachi and she excused herself. Fab - 5 were waiting for her when a group of girl fans approached them and started taking their photographs. While on the phone, Nandini observed a girl in the group behaving awkwardly. Her body language towards Manik seemed indecent. She saw her throwing herself on Manik - who just ignored her. Nandini found it cranky but shoved away the thoughts assuming it to be a genuine craziness. It wasn't like she was jealous or something of that sort. She wasn't an insecure wife but she was very good at foreseeing things specially when it came to Manik and Fab - 5. She was cool with the his fangirls but all fans aren't the same. She was well aware of the pros and cons the fame brings and she couldn't afford any spot on Manik's reputation. She had warned him and also Dhruv and Cabir about such possibilities and they had considered her advice.

After an autograph and photograph session - Fab 5 excused themselves and entered the Market. Nandini too finished with the call and joined them. While she was checking out some stuff, Manik came to her with a shawl and a saree. He showed them to Nandini and said This shawl I liked for chacha and this saree for Chachi. How are they? Nandini was astound by his ability to read her mind so easily and opined You have really expertised in reading my mind. I was just thinking and you are done with the selection also. How do you know me so well? Manik smiled and said after patting his nose with his finger Just the way you know me. Baby ke barey mein Papa ko pata nahi hoga toh kisko hoga hmm? She giggled and replied snaking her arms around his neck Mr. Malhotra! If you keep doing such heart warming gestures, time and again - then one day my love will grow so much that I will glue myself to you. He wrapped his arms around her waist and replied I won't mind that Mrs. Malhotra. Now tell me how are these two? If you say we can look for something better. She squizzed around and on not finding anyone near, quickly pecked on his lips and said If you have chosen then they must be the best. We will take this only. He smiled and hastily kissed her lips - startling her. He smirked and replied Its the punishment for evoking me. What you thought? You will tease me and I will spare you? Your husband isn't so kind .. He was interrupted by a call. It was from his Manager, he handed her the clothes and excused himself for a moment. She nodded and started searching something to gift Rishabh.

This cute moment between MaNan was witnessed by someone else unknown to them. It was the same girl who Nandini found a bit fishy. She hadn't seen Nandini's face and wasn't aware of her presence - here in Goa. She saw Manik kissing her and on finding him alone - she advanced towards him covetly and hugged him from back. Manik instantly felt the unknown touch and jerked her away. Nandini - who was busy rummaging through the stuff - was watching what was happening. Her doubts were proving correct. She thought of dealing with her but let Manik handle it as it was something between a Fan and a Celebrity. Manik turned around and recognized her - as the fan who was trying to get close to him - His jaw tightened with anger but he controlled himself and stated sternly Behave yourself. I am not saying anything that doesn't mean I will tolerate all this. She simpered and wantonly moved closer to him and replied keeping his hand on his chest Oh Come on Stop shying. I saw you kissing that girl. Usme aisa kya hai jo mujhme nahi? Jab woh tumhara faida uthasakti hai toh why can't I? She said pointing towards Nandini. Manik jolted her hand and walked towards Nandini. He slid his hand around her waist and said pulling her close - giving the girl a choleric expression Mera faida uthaney ka Pura haq hai inhe. Nandini Manik Malhotra hain yeh. Aur inmein woh har ek khoobi hai jo ek ladki me honi chahiye. Though Manik had given her an answer, Nandini was sure that this girl was upto something. Fab - 4 had also arrived there by now. Nandini looked at Cabir and signaled him to start recording all this. Without wasting a second - Cabir took out his cell and switched on the video Camera. He din't find the need to debate as he knew Nandini wasn't any envious wife and all of them trusted her intuitions - and if she had asked him to do so then he knew it was going to be something serious.

The girl seemed to be a rich spoilt brat and emitted negative vibes. After hearing Manik, she looked at Nandini from head to toe and then scornfully replied smirking evilly Oh Come on! Stop this drama of loving your wife. I very well know how you stars are. You pretend loving your wife infront of the world so that you can get away with your affairs. So stop this 'I am A good husband' act as I know how your character is. Manik was just disregarding the bullshit but Nandini was boiling in anger. She could tolerate anything but Manik's insult. The girl was blabbering nonstop and speaking ill about Manik. Nandini just couldn't hold back anymore. She stormed towards the girl and slapped her tightly across the face. The girl was flabbergasted and instantly raised her hand to hit her but Nandini caught her in between and twisted her hand. She wriggled her hand and scowled Stop your Nonsense right away. I don't react doesn't mean you will insult my husband and walk away. Listen to me very carefully. I can tolerate everything but not a word against Manik. She thrust her away and continued, brick-batting her You are talking about character? A girl who throws herself on boys and demeans them if they don't return the favor, is giving speeches about character. He is quiet because he respects the fact that you are a woman. Now before I loose my senses and do something that I shouldn't, just get lost from here. The girl was ashamed with the ignominy and Nandini had hurted her ego. She opened her mouth to give a threat but Nandini hushed her and said assertively A.aa! Don't even try jeopardising me. I am not a fool like you. She gesticulated her eyes in the direction of Cabir and continued He have recorded your awesome performance and if you do anything against Manik or Fab 5, this video will go viral and I am sure you can imagine the consequences. Now Out! The girl shot a dagger look at Nandini and left mortified.

Nandini turned to see everyone aghast. They were stunned at her sudden outburst, as it was so unlike Nandini. It was the first time she had reacted this way with someone. They were bound to get stunned. Nandini trudged towards Manik and stood in front of him holding her ears and said dejectedly I am really sorry Manik. I just couldn't take it. She was speaking so ill about you. I am sorry. She bowed her head in apology and made a sad pout. Manik smiled and replied after cupping her face and lifting it Why are you being apologetic Baby? She deserved what you did. No one has ever fought for me like this. And you have broken my another 'No one has ever ..' record. I am proud of you my Mini Monster. I Love You. She smiled profusely and said I Love You More. He embraced her in his arms tightly and she dug her face in his chest.

They broke the hug and Cabir jumped in between them. He hugged Nandini and said in her approbation, tapping her shoulder Kya baat hai Nandini. Tumne to aaj Mukti ka Lady Hulk wala title chura liya haaan. Kya mast sunaya ussey and why are you saying sorry? She called for it. Well done! Nandini smiled and thanked him for the compliment. Cabir turned towards Manik and said And Bro you were absolutely correct. Nothing can beat witty Nandini. Manik pulled her in a side - hug and said proudly Of course No one can! Cabir agained faced Nandini and asked puckishly Wese Nandini! Itni badi awaz tumne nikali kahan se? Tum itni choti si toh ho. Koi aur bhi hai kya ander tumhare? Everybody laughed and Nandini hit him skittishly, smacking his arm. After an elaboratePraise - Nandini confab, they decided to get back to the Villa as by that time they were done with the shopping - spree. They sat in the car and started driving back to the villa - terminating their delightful and tortuous jaunt.

To Be Continued ..