Chapter - 15

Location - Malhotra Mansion

After about 4 hours at 7 PM - Manik opened his eyes to find Nandini by his side, gaping at him lovingly - resting herself on her elbow and smiling. Seeing him wake up Nandini - leaned and softly pecked on his lips. He smiled and asked, pulling her closer What were you staring at hmm? She caressed his cheek and replied I was admiring my life. How are you feeling? He pecked on her lips and answered smilingly When you are by my side - there no chance of me feeling bad. I am perfectly fine. She grinned and then they both sat on the bed - resting their backs on the headboard. Manik stretched his muscles and said huskily Nandini lets swim. I am feeling a bit strained. Need to do some work out. Itne din se nahi kiya. Lets go. Nandini stepped out of the bed and said a bit equivocally Umm Manik tum swimming karo. I will just sit there. I am not in a mood. Manik found her answer a bit awkward - as it was so not like Nandini to rebuff his wish - especially when he was low. He was looking at her curiously, trying to figure out why was she refusing when his eyes fell on the calender behind - and Eureka! He mentally slapped himself for forgetting that it was her first - day and for making her feel uncomfortable. Not wanting her to get embarrassed - he just stood up and replied Oh! Ohkaye. You just sit there by the pool. She smiled inwardly at his understanding and said in a mellow tone Tum change karlo tab tak I will make some coffee. You might be having a head ache na. I am downstairs. Come soon. Saying this she left leaving him baffled - once again - at the way she would know everything even before he could utter. He shook his head in disbelief and got into the washroom with a smile - to get changed.

Ad interim; In the kitchen, while preparing coffee - Nandini called Fab 4 and asked them to come home after an hour along with Navya and Aarav - as she knew though he was saying he was fine - he was still perturbed and a good family time would definitely do the healing. She was arranging the coffee and some snacks near the pool when she felt two dear hands - encircling her in a hug from back. She held his hands that were on her belly and asked softly Kya hua Baby? He tightened his grip a little - careful not to stress her and repliedNothing. It feels good to be close to you. Inhaling your sweet scent. Is there anyway we can get permanently glued to each other? She chuckled at his doltish yet cute question and turned about. She slid her palms on his bare torso and said muffling her arms around his neck Sadly there isn't any way but we don't need to get glued Manik. We always stay so close na. He made a cute pout and replied Haan we stay but I don't like moving away from you - even for a second. I Love you so much. She kissed his lips softly and saidAww! I Love You too my Baby. Now have this coffee and take some dips - I am sitting here okaye? Saying this she handed him the coffee mug along with some biscuits and after sipping half of it - he gave the cup to her to drink and dived into the pool.

She sat on the edge, keeping her legs in water - supping coffee and taking pleasure of the sight of her handsome husband swimming - the way he pushed the water with his long muscular hands - the way his tattooed verso rippled - making him look more rugged and sturdy. Her man was a sinfully sexy hombre - an extraordinary Oeuvre of God - one of his kind - she complimented mutely for an umpteenth time. He saw her gazing at him that way and smirked seeing the effect he had on her - he was well aware that a world of female horde was gaga over him but he felt winsome only when she eyed him the way she was doing then. He swam back to her and stood in front of her - ruffling his hair with his fingers - water dripping down his robust chest.

She instantly reddened at his sudden appearance and started looking everywhere but at him. He walked closer to her and said throatily, making her look into his eyes Nandini! You don't need to shy. I am all yours sweetheart. Its nothing wrong if you are admiring your husband. And its not like I don't do it with my wife. Her eyes bulged out of their sockets hearing him talk so openly and she blushed a pink but shooing it away - she caught his ear and replied twisting it lightly Accha? You are getting audacious day by day. You need to get punished. He freed his ear from her hold and said, getting deathly close to her lips You can punish me later - first let me kiss my beautiful wife. Saying this he rammed his lips on hers - kissing her passionately and fondling her curves - and she replied with equal fervor - tracing his hard chest and pulling him closer.

Their intense moment was broken by the door bell ringing continually. She pulled apart and said blushing hard Woh maine sabko bulaya tha. I think they came. I will go and check on them. Saying this she ran inside - leaving him feeling guilty for getting carried away so easily and for exciting her in that condition. For the first time he thanked God for sending Fab 4 while they were having a private mo. He dictated himself to get hold on his desires for some days - a kind of wonted praxis that happened every month. He took a splash around and made his way into the hall - drying himself to find all of them sitting.

Aarav ran into his arms and he happily picked him - both of them hugging as if they have met after ages. They broke the hug and Aarav said, pressing his muscles with his tiny fingers You have so strong muscles partner. When will I get these? Manik smiled and replied You will get these when you will grow up and for that you have to drink lots of milk. But why do you want these muscles?Aarav again hugged him and answered I want them because you have them. I want to be just like you. I want this also - this titoo .. tooti .. what is this called?He asked innocently poking his tattoo. Manik giggled at his confusion and said That is called tattoo champ. And why do you want to become like me? Aarav smiled and replied playing with his wet hair There are two reasons. One because you are so good and strong and another because .. Manik raised his eyebrow and asked Because? Aarav moved close to him and whispered cheekily Because Maasi Ma loves you more than me na. If I become like you then she will love me also equally. Everyone present in the hall were just adoring the duo and chuckling hearing their cute convo. Manik laughed at his answer and askedAnd why do you think Maasi Ma loves me more? Come on champ! All of us know Maasi ma loves you more. Aarav shook his head in a no and replied making a pout No! She loves you more. That is why she stays with you. If she loved me more then she would have stayed with me. Nandini went all awe listening to him complaining so cutely.

She came near them and forwarded her hands to take him from Manik but he refrained and silently ignored - as lifting weight would give her cramps - and she blushed a little perceiving his gesture. She then held Aarav's hand and said Its not like that baccha. You have Mom and Dada at home. And if I also come and stay with you then who will stay with partner? He will be alone na. Aarav pondered over her words and replied You are right Massi Ma. Sorry Partner. Second reason cancel. But still I want to be like you. Manik smiled and said pinching his nose You don't need to say sorry champ. And you will be better than me. Now lets go up. I need to get changed. Aarav nodded and Manik excused himself for getting dressed up. Nandini offered to come along but he refused - not wanting her to climb stairs as its not good for her health. She wasn't an ounce uneasy with his behaviour - instead she was happy getting coddled by him - though secretively, but she loved it.

After seeing the nexus of love and admiration between MaNan and Aarav, Cabir said Yaar Nandini - tum teeno mein itni bonding hai ke agar kisi bahar waley ne dekha to woh yahi samjhega ke Aarav tum dono ka hi beta hai. Navya seconded Cabir and added Haan Nandini. Ab dekho na - humse zyada woh tumse pyaar karta hai aur bada hoker ussey Manik jaisa banna hai. Koi nai manega agar hum kahenge ke Aarav tum dono ka beta nahi hai. Nandini smiled and repliedAarav hamara bhi toh beta hi hai na Navya. And isme koi doubt nahi hai. He will be always our first child. Everyone smiled tuning in to her statement and then Mukti asked concerned about Manik Waise Nandini how is Manik now? She just blinked her eyes gesticulating that he was okay and moved into the kitchen to look after the dinner preparations.

Meanwhile, Aarav and Manik also joined the others and on not finding Nandini around he asked about her whereabouts. Aliya told that she was in the kitchen - cooking dinner. Manik got a little annoyed at her carelessness - as he was cognizant of the excruciating abdominal clonus - that she suffers with - during these days. He had seen her getting restless and irritated because of the cramps - every time - but she never expressed it openly to him - being the shy soul she is. He felt helpless and sad seeing her hardship and did the least that he could - make her rest. He placed Aarav on the sofa and entered the kitchen to find her - stirring the stew with one hand and holding or rather compressing her waist with other - trying to reduce the pain - hardly able to balance herself on her feet. He strode towards her and ordered the servants, swiftly spooning her in his arms Tumlog dekhlo sab. Menu toh pata hi hoga na. They nodded and he walked out with her saying everybody was asking for her - as he din't want to discomfit her but she smiled knowing why he did that. He seated her on the Sofa beside Aarav and himself sat next to her. Aarav sprung on her all of a sudden - and Manik saw the pain of pang on her face that she just drank silently with a smile.

Seeing Manik fetching her this way gave Fab 4 a chance to tease them - and as a matter of fact Cabir started Had hai yaar Manik. Tu usko 2 minute ke liye bhi akela nahi chod sakta? You shouldn't be so nosy yaar. Give her some space. Mukti joined him and added Haan yaar! Bechari irritate hujati hogi na. Itna chipku kiun hai tu? Manik just rolled his eyes and Nandini answered, entwining their fingers I don't want any space in which he is not there. I feel like I am short of breath when he is not around. And I Love him being near me all the time. He looked at her lovingly and kissed her hand softly. Cabir got vexed by her answer and said Kya Nandini! Sara maza kharab kardiya. You have got very bold. Kuch karna padega. Every one giggled and Manik saw Aarav playing with Nandini's hair and brushing his little fingers on her face. He patted on his shoulder lightly and asked What happened champ? Ese kya dekhrahe ho Massi Ma ko? Aarav pulled Nandini's cheek and replied Partner! Massi ma kitni beautiful hain na. Aur kitni cute bhi hai. And her hair - I Love them. Saying this he kissed her cheeks, making her go all aww once again. Manik smiled and replied, teasing Nandini Arey no champ! She is not beautiful. She is like a potato! Nandini made an angry pout hearing this and then Aarav cupped her face in his teeny - weeny hands and replied kissing her pout No Massi Ma. Don't listen to him. He is just teasing you. You are very very beautiful. Just like a doll. And Partner don't trouble my Massi ma. Say sorry. Manik bobbed his head, faking getting afraid and apologized holding his ears. MaNan smiled and Aarav said in a sweet intonation, resting his head on her shoulder Massi ma I Love You. Nandini enclosed him in her arms and replied in the same way Massi Ma loves you too. Manik and all others were just sitting in awe watching the two cuties - and their babyness.

Cabir then said - breaking the adoration session Okay Guys! Enough of the koochie koo. Lets do what we are here for. We have a wedding and we haven't planned anything. Its high time - we should begin with it. Mukti - who was the most exuberant about the DhruLya wedding - replied enthusiastically Yeah! I was dying to share my plan. Thanks Cabir. Okay so since we have 12 days time - lets first get done with the shopping and finalizing this week. And after that toh we all know ke kounse kounse functions hongey. Choti you have to accompany us in the spree - coz sirf tujhe sarey rituals ke barey me acchi tarah se pata hai. Nandini looked up to them dejectedly and said I am sorry Guys! I won't be available for one week. Since I will have to take leave next week for wedding - I have to work double shifts for the next six days continuously. But promise! Baki sara work I will do. Manik was highly displeased at her decision of working so recklessly for six long days and that too in these days when she gets so weak that - she barely manages to maintain her stability due to the muscular spasms. And the worst part was he couldn't do anything - forget bearing so much pain - he couldn't let even an insect to bite her but in this matter he was impuissant and that fact was awakening the splenetic side of his. She would be ailing and still toiling - and he could do nothing but sit and see her enduring. The mere thought made him restless and observing this Nandini said, to cool down the turmoil that she sensed arising within him And don't you all worry. There is not a lot of work this week. I just have to supervise few cases that my juniors are handling. So It wont be so strenuous. She said all this looking at him so that he gets assured and she was successful - he smiled - which was a sign that he had agreed.

Cabir jumped in between and censured 6 din itna kaam karegi aur phir saari preparations bhi khud hi karegi. Aur hum kya baithkar haathon me mehndi lagayenge? Yaar tu hai itni choti si aur itna kaam karegi na to invisible hujaegi. Tu stress mat le - bas tu order deti ja aur hum sab arrange karenge. Nandini opened her mouth to argue but Aliya cut her and added Cabir is right Nandini. If you get so worked up them you will fall ill and we don't want to miss your bubbliness in our Marriage. So no arguments okay? All ears to their affectionate ultimatum - she just smiled and nodded in affirmative. After having dinner and some more discussion - they all left for their homes calling it a day. With an indulgent kinsfolk time - bad memories of the day were brainwashed and Manik was back to his usual form. After seeing off everyone - he lugged her to the room and both of them settled on the bed - after getting changed in their night suits. Nandini was resting in his arms - him facing her back and his arms wrapped around her waist. He nuzzled his face in her hair and said I am sorry Baby subah ke liye. I know indirectly I have hurt you and also made you cry. Sorry! Nandini smiled and replied cupping his cheek Do you know that I have rubbed off on you so much that you are apologizing even when you are not at fault. He he. And I cried because my life was so much hurt. They were your tears that were flowing from my eyes. You don't need to say sorry. I Love You. He bussed her temple and saidOf course you have influenced me for good. I Love you too my baby. And if you don't want to see me hurt then you will have to take care of yourself. Don't stress my dainty wife much - if they give you lot of work then tell me. I know how to deal with them. Nandini smiled and replied tightening his hold on her waist Okay my over - protective and super - caring husband. Understanding she wants some pressure on her waist - he firmed his grip on it and wished her good night with a kiss - a favor she returned and they slowly fell asleep.

The next morning was a monotonous one - except that Manik chauffeured her to the infirmary as they were practicing at Dhruv's place that day - which was just a km away from hospital. One shift was over and there was no call or message from Manik. It was some thing unusual - but she shrugged off her suspicions thinking he must be busy with songs and engaged herself in work.

It was 11: 25 at night and she was guesstimating sitting in her car, what must have been so important that he din't bother to give her a ring the entire day - an eerie incident that she was trying to eschew but was failing miserably. She herself had called him several times but he din't answer - adding to her anxiety. Praying and hoping that no eldritch and offbeat happening awaits her - she stepped in to find the entire house dark and only a candle - illuminated path - filled with white rose petals having some arrows shaped among them with red ones - that led her to their room. She opened the door to see the room pitch - black and some dim light shining in the balcony. She was confused at this unexpected surprise but then she thought maybe it was the reward he was talking about last night.

Keeping her purse on the bed - she walked into the balcony and found it decorated with jars of her fireflies - lighting up the space and rose petals carpeted on the floor. She removed her foot wear and moved in - taking his name constantly and squinting the surrounding for him. A gentle touch of a hand covered her eyes - and she knew it was him. She asked him what was all that for and in a reply he just started a countdown. On 1 - he drew his hands back and she opened her eyes to see a beautiful text feu d'artifice in the sky - wishing her aHappy Birthday with an I Love You Nandini. He sheathed her in his arms and whispered in her ear Happy Birthday Nandini! I Love You so much. She then realized that it was her birthday that she had forgotten. A grin appeared on her face - as euphoria flooded her senses - seeing his efforts. She veered about and hugged him - putting all her weight on him - and he kissed her head, engulfing her in his arms tightly.

After what seemed like forever, they pulled apart and Manik saw what he did all this for - her eyes gleaming with delight and joy. He kissed her forehead and her eyes - that held some tears - of happiness - and said Many Many Happy Returns of the Day baby. May you live long and I wish you get the world's happiness. She snaked her arms around his neck and replied Bless me that I Live until you are breathing because I can't imagine living without you. And I don't want the world's happiness - coz you are my world and your happiness is everything for me. I Love you too Manik. More than anything else in this whole world. He smiled and she sealed her lips with his - both of them kissing ardently - pouring all the love in it that they had for each other. Breathless, they broke the kiss and Nandini said joining her forehead with his I completely forgot about it Manik. This was incredible. Thank You so much. He cupped her face and replied intently If you keep yourself so busy then you are bound to forget. But I was waiting for it since two months. This is the most special day of the year - the day when my baby came into this world. I am grateful to your Aiyappa for this day - say thank You to him from my side too. And you don't need to thank me. I wouldv'e laid these stars in your feet if I could. You deserve much more. Nandini pecked on his lips and said I don't want anything else Manik - Aiyappa gave me everything by writing you in my fate. Manik smiled and replied Okay now time for another surprise. Please don't kill me for this. Just a second. Saying this he went and brought a small dark chocolate cake of unidentifiable shape - unevenly layered with vanilla cream and sprinkled with choco chips - with some candles and Happy Birthday Piped in a twisty hand - writing.

He displayed it to her keeping it on his palm and said sheepishly I wanted to make something else and it turned out to be this. I am sorry for getting such an ugly cake on your birthday. She was just admiring at the cute way he was ranting and shushed him with a soft kiss. He looked at her startled and she said, taking the cake from him This the most beautiful cake I have ever seen and the tastiest one too - because you have made with tonnes and load trucks of love. And this is one thing I am not sharing with you or anyone else. I will eat it all. Okay? Now lets cut it. He nodded and handed her the knife - taking the cake from her and held it in front of her to cut - in his palms - after lighting the candles. She blew the candles and cut the cake - while he smiled and sang the birthday song - watching her celebrating like a kid. He took a piece from the cake and said coming close to her I won't ask for a share after this. Saying this he fed her the cake holding it in between his lips - that led to another deep and intense kiss. While kissing her - he took her hand and slid a platinum ring on her finger with his name engraved on it. They parted - feeling the need to breathe and she smiled seeing the ring and he kissed on her hand. She forwarded her hand in front of him and said Now give me your ring with my name on it. I want to make you wear it. He was amazed once again at the way she reads him so easily and gave the ring to her which she happily slid on his finger.

He went in and brought a gift and said giving it to her And this one is the reward for your achievement. She jubilantly took it from him and unwrapped it to find a jar full of her favorite chocolates that were exclusive of Paris - that she had tasted when they went for their honeymoon. She jumped and sprung in his arms like a 2 - year old does on getting her favorite toy - muttering a thank you. He hugged her back - laughing at her excitement and replied Pleasure is all mine my baby. Their hug was broken by Cabir's call on Nandini's phone. She picked it up - expecting a birthday wish - but came a panicked Cabir's voice saying that Aarav needs her.

Leaving everything behind, they rushed to Cabir's home and barged in - to see Aarav standing in the center of the hall with a tussie - mussie of roses in his hands. MaNan ran near him and Nandini asked worriedly Baccha kya hua aapko? You okay? Kahan pain horaha hai? Massi Ma ko batao. Aarav smiled and said giving her the bouquet Kuch nahi hua mujhe Massi ma. Happy Birthday to you. I wanted to wish you first - isliye yeh sab. He held his ear with one hand and continued Sorry if I scared you. Maine aapko pehle wish kiya na? MaNan let go of the breath - that they were holding all the while and Nandini pulled him in a hug and saidHaan Baby! Aapne hi pehle wish kiya. Thank You so much. But aagey se aise mat karna. Hamari jaan hi nikaldi thi aapne pata hai. Aarav broke the hug and said holding his ears Sorry Massi Ma. Sorry Partner. I promise next time I won't do anything like this. I Love you both. This time Manik hugged him and replied Its okay champ! Don't say sorry. We Love You too.

They were alarmed by a loud exclamation of Surprise!!! from Fab - 4 and Navya who pounced on Nandini together - wishing her. She was happily shocked seeing the hall bedecked in balloons and Happy Birthday Banners. She thanked all of them and asked what was the need of all this to which Cabir replied I know we would have done this better but then we realized ke you have a full day duty today and we have only the night to celebrate your Birthday - isliye all this. Happy Birthday Choti. Saying this he side hugged her and dropped a kiss on her temple. Mukti hugged her from the other side and said Kya yaar Choti tuney hum sab ka birthday itna special banaya aur khudke birthday mein kaam karegi? Not fair. Nandini smiled and answered You guys have already made it so special. Its more than enough for me. Everyone smiled and then Cabir went in an brought a two - tier cake and they all gathered around the table for the cake cutting ceremony. Aarav who was in Manik's arms was the one singing the birthday sound the loudest and clapping hard - after all it was his Maasi Ma's birthday. She cut the cake and fed him first and then to Manik followed by the rest. They made her sit on a sofa and one - by - one gave her the gifts - Cabir and Navya bought her a dress that she would be wearing on her birthday - Aliya and Dhruv gifted her a platinum band of friendship and Mukti got a huge teddy bear for her choti.

Amidst this gift segment - there was one baby who was hesitating to give what he had made for his Maasi Ma. Nandini noticed this on Aarav's face and called him near her and asked for the gift. He kittenishly took out a greeting card which he himself had made - with a sweet birthday message and a picture of Her and Aarav together. Nandini was at loss of words at this cute gesture of his and instantly curled him in her arms and said kissing his head This is the best gift I have got baccha. I will frame it and hang it on the wall. ThankYou so much. Manik please get it framed today itself. Manik nodded and Aarav's happiness new no bounds. After an hour of celebration, Manik proposed to return as Nandini have to go hospital early morning but Navya said since it was quite late - they should sleep and Nandini can go to work directly from their place as they had arranged everything. Aarav was the happiest listening to the plan as he would get to sleep with his Maasi Ma and seeing his excitement MaNan readily agreed. After some chit - chatting - all of them retired to their rooms and dozed off.

To Be Continued ...