Chapter - 16

Location - CaVya's Place - 7 AM

Nandini was drying her hair - standing in front of the mirror - dressed in a Beige Chiffon top and paired Black skin tight jeans - that CaVya had gifted her last night - and as a quotidian habit - Manik was beside her - watching her adorning herself with a glint of admiration in his eyes when Navya walked in with the breakfast. She wished them good morning - and started with the task of waking Aarav up for his school. As a matter of fact - as per the prerequisite morning affair of every household in the world that has school going children - Aarav began cribbing and trying all possible excuses and tricks to avoid going school. When nothing helped, Navya reminded him that his Massi ma was watching all this and if he din't wake up then Maasi Ma would think that he is a bad boy. And this threat was enough for Aarav to drop all his tantrums and jerk out of his sleep. He instantly got up and said, rubbing his eyes Good Morning Massi Ma. Good Morning Partner. See I woke up. Don't think I am a bad boy. MaNan smiled and Nandini replied, sitting beside him on the bed Good Morning baccha! Why would I think that my baby is a bad boy? You are a very good boy. Now get up fast and get ready for school. Aarav nodded and asked, stepping out of the bed Massi Ma will you help me in getting ready today? Nandini kissed his cheeks and answered Ofcourse sweetheart! He too kissed her back and left saying he would take a bath and come back. Navya handed the coffee mug to Nandini and said Pata nahi kya jadu kardiya hai tum dono ne usper. Bas tum dono me se kisi ka bhi naam lo aur janab fat se manjatey hai. Din bhar Massi Ma aur Partner. Iske teachers aur friends bhi pareshan hai iske jaap se. Nandini and Manik just grinned and awed at new found gen about Aarav's daily routine - which involved missing MaNan every next second.

After about 20 minutes - Aarav returned - wrapped in an oversized towel - holding its hem with one hand and his school uniform in the other. Seeing him having a tough time walking in the big towel - Manik picked him in his arms and made him stand on the bed. Nandini took the towel and gently dried him up - and Manik silently watched the duo smilingly - both muttering sweet nothings to each other and pecking each other frequently. Nandini quickly dressed him up in his uniform and seated him on the mirror table - feeding him the breakfast while Manik combed his hair. At sharp 8 AM, the bus arrived and Aarav vamoosed - after giving good bye kisses to both his Massi ma and Partner.

After his egress, Nandini too bid Navya bye and left with Manik for the Hospital. Within 20 minutes they were at the infirmary - and after dropping her safely and wishing her a happy birthday once again with a kiss - he drove back to CaVya's place - as it was their pad for practicing that day.

Getting done with the day's music quota - Manik made some calls and enquired about the happenings in the Office. It was 12 noon and he was over with work - lazing on the bed and missing Nandini - when an idea struck him. He so wanted to spend the entire day with her and the only way he could do that was by joining her at the hospital.

It was not unusual but rare for Manik to turn up at hospital - he would love to do that every day but his workaholic wife had drawn restrictions on his wish - reasoning that she looses her concentration on work in his presence. She felt so - but Manik never saw her getting distracted from her work for even a millisecond - a quality he revered his wife for - her dedication and seriousness towards her work was something that made every person who knew her - hold her in high regard. She was the fons et erigo of concentration and determination - he thought - every time he saw her at work. The way she guided her interns, motivated them and solved their doubts - with so much brilliance - and the way she turned into Mini - Monster when any patient would be neglected - made it his favorite hobby to watch her work.

But he wasn't so fortunate to fulfill his wish daily - but today he was adamant and he knew she wouldn't mind because she would be wanting to be with him equally as he - as its her birthday. He hurriedly changed into his tuxedo and shorts and steered his car to the hospital.

The receptionist's eyes popped out seeing him in the hospital as happened every time he came - afterall he has that aura to spell bind every pair of eye that takes sight of his. He clicked his fingers infront of her eyes - bringing her back from her lalala land and asked about Nandini. She turned red with the embarassment of being caught drooling over him - by he himself and hesitantly replied that Nandini was in her Cabin.

Nandini was busy with a new case and was buried into the file - when she heard a knock on the door. She permitted the person to enter without looking up at the door - in her bossy austere on-duty voiceand started with her rant, forwarding her hand - thinking the person to be her intern What took you so long Aryan? Forget it. Give me the file and get back to the work. You have to submit me the progress report of Mr. Singhania today. Instead of the file, she felt a known and dear touch - of his - on her hand and her eyes shot up to see him standing - shadowing her sitting form. She was happily surprised at his visit and a smile instantly appeared on her face - the one which was reserved only for him. He entwined their fingers and asked, removing the spectacles that were sitting on her elvish nose Whats up Doc? Seems really busy haan. And before you start scolding me - let me tell you - I am here to give company to my birthday girl - not to disturb Dr. Malhotra. She smiled and replied If that is the case - then you are allowed to disturb me today. It was a pleasant surprise. Please sit. He leaned closer to her and reached out to open her tied hair but Nandini stopped him and said No Manik! Not here in the hospital. I need to keep my hair tied. He made a pout and flumped on the seat opposite to her, still holding her hand. He handed her a chocolate and asked How was the day? Baby se zyada kaam toh nahi karaya na? She took a bite from the bar and replied No Papa! Not much. Btw how was your day? He wiped the chocolate on her lips with his thumb and said, sucking it It was good. We made some music. I checked some deal in the office and then I was missing you. So I came here. She blushed at his gesture and smiled at his answer.

They were talking when someone again knocked on the door. She freed her hand and gave the permission to come, putting on her glasses. Aryan came in and greeted Manik - but the poor soul was castigated by Nandini who said This is the limit of carelessness Aryan! Its been 25 minutes since I have paged you - what took you so long? You know I can't tolerate this behaviour when at work. You had a follow up with Mr.Singhania and here you are strolling. He opened his mouth to give an excuse but Nandini cut him and rejoined And Don't dare lie to me. I know what you were doing. I am deducting 20 points from your account. Now keep the file and Quickly start working with the report. You are not leaving without submitting it to me. Saying this she dialed an extension and asked to send Rhea to her Cabin. After getting nicely berated, Aryan ran out of the Cabin speedily - to work on the report - not willing to do over - time which he would be forced to on failing to submit it.

As soon as he left - Rhea entered and humbly said hello to Manik - controlling her excitement that was on peak on seeing him - as she din't want to get embarrased by getting scoldings in front of him. Nandini handed her the reports and asked I have gone through the reports - there isn't much progress in the case. What is the problem? Rhea cleared her throat and replied Ma'am the patient is very unco - operative. We have to struggle and plead him to have the medicine. And even if we make him take the dose - he spits it. Nandini pondered over her words and said Okay! I will talk to the patient. You can go and inform every body that I want them in my Cabin in 20 minutes. Rhea nodded and walked out of the Cabin. All this while Manik was was smiling and observing her and her changing behavior with her interns. She sighed and threw her head back on the chair - to relax herself before the interns gather in her Cabin. Manik moved near her and said, dropping a kiss on her forehead and massaging it Don't be so hard on yourself Doc. Its okay. He was at fault and he himself called for it. You don't need to feel bad. She held his hand and replied, kissing it I had just started to think and you understood it. Thats pretty fast Mr. Malhotra. He smiled and perched on the table and Nandini rejoined Manik you have to stay alone for the next four hours - I have a surgery. You can go home and relax if you want. Manik kissed her hand and replied Its okay! I will be here. At least you will be near. I can feel you around - home sucks without you. She smiled and said, resting her head in his lapOkaye. Manik noticed her tiredness and also her pain as she had her hands glued to her waist - since the time he entered - but was helpless; she would never back off from her work and responsibility and would just get annoyed if he tries to intervene. So he kept mum - and just caressed her hair - soothing her for some - time before she gets back in her form. He kissed her hair and whispered All the best for your surgery.She smiled and encircled her hands around his stomach - hugging him tightly and then straightened herself - adjusting her hair and coat. She then called the peon and ordered for two cups of coffee - as sharing wouldn't be possible in the presence of her interns.

Manik settled on her chair - as the interns landed up in her Cabin. Nandini sat on the couch along with them and started discussing about the surgery - explaining them the procedure and clearing their doubts like a perfect mentor. All this while - Manik was just staring at her - espying her actions and enjoying her mellow yet strict descriptive tone - the movements of her hands - forming imaginary diagrams in the air and frequently tucking the hair that were disturbing her - behind her ear and blushing sensing his gaze on her. He was so engrossed in her that - he din't realize that 30 minutes had passed and their session was over and it was time for her to leave for the surgery. She waved her hand and he blinked his eyes - gesturing that she can proceed and also that he would be waiting.

After 5 long hours of another critical surgery - Nandini returned dog-tired and whacked; fatigue written all over her face. She traipsed into her cabin - to see lunch laid down on the table with some candles and Manik standing near the window - talking to somebody on his phone. He turned about and saw his life - his dainty and ickle baby - all feeble and shilpit - trudging towards him with a weak smile - hardly being able to balance herself on her feet. She came near him and said in a low voice, leaning on his chest Sorry Manik! Got a bit late. His heart pricked seeing her condition and he swiftly lifted her in arms and made her sit on the sofa. He sat beside her and said, resting her head on his shoulderBaby kya haalat hogayi hai tumhari. You know I can't see you like this. Cancel your double shifts - shaadi ki arrangements hum sab karlenge - you can come to the hospital - but please khudko itna maltreat mat karo. It pains to see you like this baby. Hearing him talking about cancelling the leave - she entwined their fingers and repliedDon't worry Manik. I am perfectly fine. Just a little exhausted. And I don't want to upset Dhruv and Alya by not participating in the wedding. By the way, what is all this? She asked pointing to the lunch laid table, diverting the topic - knowing he would argue and then definitely do something to change her mind. He understood that she is not going to give in and said glaring at herKarlo karlo. Topic change karlo - but I won't let you suffer like this. And this - Now that you are so busy that we can't go on dinner - thats why I have arranged it here itself - a candle light dinner - no no - a candle light lunch. She smiled and planted a soft kiss on his lips - tilting her head and spoke or rather whispered - due to her weaknessYou are such a sweetheart. I was starving and please feed me - I can't have it on my own. And you are not going to do anything about the shifts. I can't be careless towards work. He cupped her face and replied And I can't be careless when it comes to you. You don't have any right to be so tough with my small Baby. So you keep caring for your work and let me care for my baby. And you din't need to say - I was going to feed you anyway.

He placed some cushions on the sofa and reposed her comfortably - taking her legs in his lap as she rested her back on the arm of the sofa. He bent down and unwrapped the parcel - revealing a porringer with Mushroom and lettuce soup - a vegetable sandwich with some potato chips and a crock filled with Banana Chocolate Frozen Youghurt.

He had specifically chozen these foods for her lunch as he knew that eating mushroom would relax her muscles and decrease the severity of her cramps - Potato would give her the needed energy and the dessert would help her cravings. When they got together and he observed her irritated behaviour - he had done an extensive research on the internet - about things that would be good for her and appease her body - as that was the least he could do for her. He himself made sure some necessary foods get included in her diet that would deal with her cramps, bloating and mood swings - and also would support her health

A smile crept on her face - seeing the chow and recognising his efforts - she blushed a little. He poured some soup in a bowl and started feeding her - sucking it from her lips after every 3 spoons - making her go all red. They shared the sandwich - and Manik very cleverly gave her the bigger portion - knowing her body needs some good food to draw some energy. Getting done with the sandwiches - He fed her the sweet course with his finger - and watched her relish it like a toddler - pecking her lips every next minute.

They were enjoying their cute candle - lit lunch when Manik's phone rang. It was from the Manager and he picked the called to get informed that he was needed at a site to finalise a deal. He hung up the call saying he would be there in an hour and said to NandiniSorry Baby I need to go. The deal is an important one - but promise I will come back soon. She squeezed his hand and replied You don't need to be Sorry Manik. Go and complete the work. And Don't worry about me - I am alright. He smiled and said, cupping her face I will be back soon. Take Care. Saying this he left - after planting a kiss on her forehead.

Before leaving - he paid a visit to Dr. Sinha - who was Nandini's senior and a good friend of Manik - and requested him to loosen her schedule a bit - citing her weakness as a reason. Dr. Sinha readily agreed - knowing Manik would never interfere unless there is actually some reason. He promised that he would try and help as much as he could. Manik thanked him and walked out.

It was 9 PM and Manik came back to the hospital to find her sleeping - resting her head on the desk. He moved closer to her and dropped a kiss on her cheeks. She smiled and said Agaye tum Manik. I was waiting for you. He wasn't startled as he was well aware of her policy of no-sleeping-when-at-work. He pecked on her lips and asked Maine zyada wait to nai karaya na tumhe? She opened her eyes and replied, straightening herself Its a bliss waiting for you. Now jaldi se take me home. Baby wants to cuddle in Papa's arms. He grinned and bent down to pick her - but she resisted as they were in the hospital.

On reaching home - they first had their dinner and then Manik carried her to the room. They quickly got changed into their night dresses and snuggled eachother in the duvet. Nandini was lying on top of Manik - resting her forehead on his and playing with his features and rubbing her cheeks with his - like a 2 - year old - while he just closed his eyes - letting her carry on with her adorbs. She kissed his mole and said Papa! He hmmed and she continuedI Love You. He smiled and replied I Love You more Baby. She made a pout and said No! Baby loves more. Manik pecked on her pout and said No No No. Papa loves baby more. She puffed her cheeks like shinchan - showing that she is angry and sat on his stomach, folding her arms across her chest. He chuckled at her antic and said Arey Baby Gussha? She just blinked her eyes and he added - pulling her puffed cheeks But I can make my baby's gussha vanish. You want to see how? Like this. Saying this he started tickling her lightly - making her giggle. He pulled her in a bear - hug and saidYou are such a baby Nandini. I Love you so much. She dig her face in his chest and replied I am your baby. I Love You Too. He kissed her head and said Only Mine. They slept unknowingly - while talking to eachother - curled up in each other's warmth.

The next 5 days passed with the same caring and loving. Fab - 5 were done with all the planning and had decided to shop once Nandini gets free as it was only her - who knew about all the things that are required in a wedding. They decided to split up and MaNan took Dhruv's side - Manik being his brother and MukBir chose Aliya. Since Dhruv lived in an apartment - Manik decided that the all the functions including the wedding will take place at Malhotra Mansion and everyone happily agreed. The wedding shopping for clothes and jewellery was done and the invitations were also sent.

It was the day of engagement and the entire Malhotra Mansion was in a hustle bustle. Everyone was busy with the arrangements - Cabir and Mukti were looking after the decorations, Navya had gone to pick Aarav from school and Nandini was busy with the caterers and Manik was sitting in the lounge - adoring his wife while sipping coffee - vexed at not being able to spend any time with her. It was afternoon and he hadn't kissed her - not even in the morning as they were woken up by Aliya and Mukti - who barged into the room and left taking her along. She too was equally craving - as it had now become a need for them to kiss each other frequently. She saw him ogling at her making a cute annoyed face like a kid who was denied his favorite toy car. She looked around and on finding every one busy - she quickly pecked on his lips that lit up his face. She smiled victorously thinking no body has seen her but her misconception was cleared by Cabir's voice Humne sab dekhliya Nandini. Yaar Manik! Mujhe lagta tha ke sirf tu hi desperate hai - per aaj yeh misunderstanding door hugayi. Naughty Nandini. Chupke chupke haan. Nandini blushed out of embarassment and Manik said, rolling his eyes Tumlog aise 24 hours aas paas rahogey toh chupke chupke hi karna padega na. Mukti walked towards him and replied pulling his cheeks Aley Aley! Itna ghussa? Sorry. But no sorry kiunke kuch dino ke liye you have to bear this judai Manik. You don't have any other option. He stomped his feet and MukBir laughed seeing his irritation while Nandini just blushed.

Location - Malhotra Mansion

It was evening and the hall was set for the ceremony. Nandini was the last one to retire to the room for getting dressed. As she entered, she saw Manik all ready in his Black suit - setting his hair standing in front of the mirror. She locked the door and stealthily walked near him and hugged him from back. He smiled and said turning around Finally! I have you now. Saying this he hugged her tightly - as if they were meeting after ages. She broke the hug and tip - toed to kiss him - driven out of

patience. He stood still and she slowly - sucked his lips first and then deepened the kiss - pulling his hair and clinging on to him. On not feeling him kiss back - she bit his lower lip and that was it. He thrust her to the wall and kissed her vehemently - invading her space with dominance - making her moan in between the kiss. Reluctantly they pulled apart - panting heavily - due to a knock on the door. He sighed and moved to open the door after pecking her lips once again. It was Dhruv who came to fetch Manik for some work and he left - saying her to join him soon downstairs and she too moved into the washroom to get freshened up.

To Be Continued ..