Chapter - 17

Location - Malhotra Mansion

Since Dhruv was basically a Punjabi munda - almost all the guests from his side were typical Loud Punjabis - who would prefer staying at the Groom/Bride place - and attend the functions. Not wanting their beautiful house to get jammed - Manik had arranged their stay at the outhouse - which was big enough to accommodate all the guests. All the boys were ready in their Hard Black tuxedos except for Dhruv who was in white - a little hatke coz he was the groom - and were welcoming the guests when Dhruv's mom came to Manik and said Beta Manik! Our guests are a little loud - Please don't mind if they end up doing something that they shouldn't. Manik smiled at her and replied Its perfectly fine Aunty. They are our guests and will be treated as they should be. Unless it doesn't harm anyone - I am cool with it. Dhruv's Mom patted his cheek and said Thanks beta. And where is Nandini? I need her - things become hard when she is not around. Manik glanced at the door of his room and replied Aunty she is getting ready. Abhi aati hi hogi.

As soon as he finished saying, the room door opened and he saw Nandini hurriedly walking down the stairs - wearing a Hard Black Brasso Bordered Georgette saree with a open back net and sequined red blouse with short sleeves - her Pallu fitted perfectly on her shoulder - her hair tied in a fancy up-do - jeweled in diamond feathered ear cuffs that she was tucking in on her way, a pair of diamond wristlets - one in each hand, and a simple delicate one - string diamond waistband. As always, Manik was enchanted by her - she wasn't wearing anything heavy - yet she looked no less than the bride. She rushed towards them and asked eyeing ManikHow am I Looking? Jaldi jaldi me I got ready. Hope its upto the mark. Cabir - who was equally astound by her appearance said, coming close to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulderThank God tu jaldi jaldi me tayyar hui. Agar time lekar tayyar hoti na - toh guests pakka confuse hujate Dulhan ko lekar. You are looking so pretty. Saying this he kissed her temple and she thanked him.

Dhruv's mom then took some Kajal and said, applying it behind her earTouchwood! You look beautiful beta. Btw baaki ladkiyan kahan hai?Nandini smiled and replied Thank You Aunty. Navya aur Mukti, Aliya ke saath parlor gayi hain. They are on their way. Will be here anytime. Though every body had given her a compliment - she was sure of her beauty only because of his intense gaze - that was stuck on her - making her blush. Before Manik could say something, Aunty dragged her along for cross - checking the caterers once again. Cabir saw Manik's vexed expression and whispered in his ear Itna chid mat. Aisa torture hotey rahega puri shaadi khatm honey tak. Meri behen pehle se hi bohot busy hogi tayyari me. Zyada tang mat kariyo ussey. Samjha! Manik rolled his eyes and replied Accha? Bada pyaar araha hai apni behen per? Mujhper bhi kabhi rehem karliya kar. Udhale jitna mazak udana hai mera - jab apne per ayegi na tab baat kariyo. Bada aya! Aur rahi baat apni wife ke saath time spend karne ki toh woh toh main karunga hi - You think anyone can stop me? Saying this he started to go behind her but Cabir held his hand and said Mere Romeo! Romance ke liye puri raat hai. Chup chap yahan thair. Main akele in sab ko nahi sambhal sakta. Manik sighed - accepting his defeat and stayed back with Cabir.

Within next ten minutes - the entire hall was filled with the guests - who were talking so loudly that Cabir literally shut his ears with his hands. The three boys were annoyed with the constant hugs from the Uncles and haye-kitne-suney-mundey-hain from the Aunties. The only thing that was keeping them sober and guiding them indirectly was Nandini - who was effortlessly handling the guests along with the arrangements. It din't take her much time to make all the Aunties her fan with her ever-friendly nature and bubbly smile - except for some envious souls who were burning in jealousy - probably because of her beauty or the attention she was getting. Manik saw some elderly Aunties blessing her and caressing her cheeks - praising her beauty. Even being encircled by so many guests - she was blushing hard - sensing his gaze on herself and her blush was doing nothing - but making him more restless.

But among all good - Manik saw a lot of young males - ogling at her dreamily and openly, which was making her uncomfortable. He fisted his hand in anger seeing a group of some uncivilized village bozos - continuously goggling at her and giggling - passing comments. Dhruv observed all this and said I am so sorry buddy. Meri wajah se you have to bear all this. Main kuch bol bhi nahi sakta - yeh villagers khamkha baat ko bada dete hain. I am so sorry. Cabir who was fuming seeing their actions, said, gritting his teeth Mann to karraha hai jaker aankhein phod dun saalon ki. Manik we can't let them continue this. Manik smirked and replied Buddy! You don't need to be sorry. And Cabir you are right. I can't let them discomfit my wife. I know how to handle these jerks. Chal mere saath. Saying this he walked towards them along with Cabir and greeted them casually. Even in their presence - they weren't pausing their deed and seeing this Cabir asked in a sarcastic voice Arey aplogon ka dhyan kahan hain? Kuch le kiun nahi rahein aplog? One of them jumped from his seat and replied Jab itni khubsurat ladki saamne ho toh dhyan kahin aur kaise lagega? Suna hai Dulhan ki dost hai. Tumlog toh jaantey hi honge na. Aur batao iss pari ke baarey mein. Manik's jaw tightened and his eyes blazed fire - hearing all this. Had it been somewhere else - the guy would've been dead or lying on a hospital bed - but being bound by chivalry and surrounded by so many guests - he controlled himself but he just couldn't let him go so easily. He walked closer to him - shadowing the stumpy guy who was not even reaching till his shoulder - and replied in an austere toneJiss Pari ki tum baat karrahe ho - woh biwi hai meri. Agar shaadi khatam honey tak apni aankhein aur mooh salamat chahtey ho toh apni nazrein neechi rakhna aur mooh bandh. Uske ya kisi bhi aur ladki ke aas paas tum nazar aye - toh I swear yahan se ghar nahi - seedha hospital jaogey. The guy and his friends were aghast at his warning and immediately apologized - realizing they were no match to the rugged hombre with whom they unknowingly messed and speedily ran out. Cabir laughed seeing their petrified forms and said Waah mere sher! Kya mast dhamkaya unko. You just scared the shit out of them. Manik simpered and excused himself - saying he would be back in sometime.

He moved towards Nandini - who was talking to someone on phone and drew her along into a room. She was prepared for this as it was something that was certain to happen. He forced her against the door - clasping her bare waist in his hands tightly - making her hiss and smacked his lips on hers - without a warning and kissed her senseless. She was startled initially but responded with equal fervor - sucking his lips and biting them - digging her nails in his hair and pulling him closer. Feeling the need to breath - they pulled apart and Nandini asked, snaking her arms around his neckAm I looking so irresistible? He yanked her closer and mumbled huskily You have any doubt on that? Can't you see my condition? I know how I am resisting you. But you are least bothered. You were not even sparing a glance at me. She kissed his mole and replied Who said I wasn't paying heed to you? I was seeing every thing. The way you were gaping at me - and making me blush all the time and I also saw how nicely you threatened those boys. Manik was surprised thinking how she got to know about it - but then he knew she manages to keep every detail about him and said So you saw haan? I am sorry you had to bear it. And please don't ask me why I behaved so rudely. Those douche-bags called for it. But now its all sorted. Don't worry. She smiled and replied I wasn't even worrying because I know as far as you are there - nothing bad can happen. Saying this she sucked his lips once more and turned to go - as she heard Navya's voice - but Manik held her more tightly. She tried to free herself from his grip and said Manik leave me. Aliya is here. We need to go. He din't reply and instead, bent down and bit the mole on her waist and then sucked it - causing her breath to get hitched. She moaned his name and he again fused his lips with hers - not giving her any chance to protest. On running out of oxygen - they broke their intense kiss and then Manik said throatily I was dying to kiss this mole. It was needed to keep me sane until we get back to our room. Now lets go before I change my decision. She blushed and they walked out - after pecking each other once more.

They came back to the hall and saw Aliya - looking extremely gorgeous - as always - in a white Saree - but this time it was the bridal glow that made her look angelic. She moved to the girls and they had a brief extol - each other session. Nandini was asking Navya about Aarav - as he had also gone with her to the parlor - when she felt someone pulling her Pallu. It wasn't hard for her to guess who it was and she turned about to find her baby - dressed like a perfect gentleman in a small black tuxedo - identical to the one Manik had worn - which he had shopped along with Manik because of his ever strong wish to be like his partner. Nandini bent down and said kissing his cheeks Aap toh bohot handsome dikhrahe ho Baccha. Perfect gentleman. He held the hem of his tuxedo and asked, standing beside Manik and posing like him Massi ma! Lagraha hoon na main bilkul partner jesa - same to same. Everyone awed at his cute question and Manik swiftly picked him up in his arms and dropped a kiss on his cheeks. Nandini moved near them and said Agar main kahun Partner se zyada acche lagrahe ho toh? Aarav sheathed his tiny arms around Maniks's neck and replied No Massi Ma. Partner is the best. I want to be like him. Manik grinned at his answer and then Nandini said Aww! Partner se itna pyaar? Aap bas unki hi tareef karrahe ho. Mujhe toh ek bhi compliment nai diya aapne. She made a fake pout and Aarav replied, pecking on her pout Aap toh hamesha acche lagtey ho Maasi ma. Aap parlor nai gaye tab bhi - Mom aur Mukti se zyada beautiful lagrahe ho. Aloo ke jese - Bulan." Navya and Mukti opened their mouths in shock while others just chuckled. Manik then said snickering Bulan nahi champ Dulhan. Aarav smugged and said Oops! Haan Dulhan. Nandini kissed his cheek again and replied Thank You Baccha. Aap bhi bilkul Dhruv chachu jaise lagrahe ho - Dulha. Nai nai - Bula. Aarav giggled and shifted in Nandini's arms - who took him in a motherly hug while others just awed over them - as always. Cabir then interrupted their koochie - koo segment and said Agar Maasi ma aur unke bacche ka lad pyaar khatm hugaya ho toh chalein? Ring ceremony karni hai ke nahi? Everybody agreed and Nandini moved to fetch the rings from her room - giving Aarav to Navya.

Nandini returned with the rings - kept in a plate full with rose petals and passed it to Dhruv's Mom. As per a ritual - the Groom's sister - in - law should hand over the ring to the Bride and Bride's sister should do the same to the groom. An elderly woman - who was Dhruv's grandmother's sister - came forward and asked the two - persons to take over their respective rings. Mukti took Dhruv's ring and Nandini stepped closer to take Aliya's. On seeing Nandini, the elderly woman said Beta! Dhruv ki bhabhi ko yeh rasam karni hai. Dhruv held Nandini's hand and replied Dadi yeh bhabhi hi toh hai meri. The elderly woman got confused and asked Yeh kunwari ladki teri bhabhi kaise hui? Pagal toh nahi hogaya tu? Dhruv smiled and replied Dadi yeh kunwari nahi hai. Iski shaadi ko do saal hogaye hain. The elderly woman - who was thinking her to be a young unmarried girl and was planning secretly to hook her to someone in her family - was confounded by the new found information and said Hain? Iski shadi hugayi? Woh bhi do saal pehle? Main toh issey kanwari samajh rahi thi. Itni pyaari aur nazuk si hai ke koi bhi dhoka khajaye. Nandini blushed and all the aunties - who were in a misconception like the elderly woman - started gossiping but cutting all the crap, Cabir replied Aapki ghalti nahi hai dadi. Sabko yeh dhoka ho hi jata hai. The elderly woman blessed Nandini and said Acha woh sab toh theek hai. Per beta tumhara pati aur Dhruv - tera bhai kahan hai? Dhruv pulled Manik - who was smiling watching all this and replied, making him stand beside Nandini Yeh hai mera bhai aur Nandini ka husband. Manik. Obviously - the crowd was smitten by the pair and after a little admiration, the elderly woman said Bohot khubsurat jodi hai tum dono ki. Sada khush raho. Chalo ab Dhruv ki bhabhi - rasam puri karo. Yeh lo. Saying this she gave her Aliya's ring and the ceremony commenced. First Dhruv slid the ring in Aliya's finger and vice - versa - both of them blushing hard - probably Dhruv a little more than Aliya.

Manik and Nandini were standing behind Dhruv - their fingers intertwined and their eyes reminiscing their day of sponsalia. Manik kissed her engagement ring and said, bending down to her ear I Love You Mrs. Malhotra. She pressed his hand and replied I Love You More Mr. Malhotra. They were sharing an intense eye - lock when they heard Cabir coughing. They broke their trance and then Cabir sneered Tum dono phirse shuru hugaye? Kitna ghuro ge ek dusre ko? Kam se kam yahan toh sharam karle Manik. Nandini turned a scarlet and Manik replied Apni wife ko dekhne me kaisi sharam? Aur yahan matlab kya? You think I care? Cabir sighed and said Manik Baba I know you don't care. But abhi Nandini is needed there. Dinner ka time hogaya hai. Hearing this, Nandini moved towards the girls and congratulated Aliya and Dhruv - followed by Manik.

All the guests were having dinner - DhruManBir were dining with some men and the girls were a little away - Nandini was feeding Aarav who was half - asleep, Mukti was making Alya eat and Navya was looking after the Aunties. It was around 10 PM - when the Dhruv's Mom announced the dispersal as most of the guests wanted to rest. While everyone was busy seeing off the guests and escorting them to the outhouse - Manik sneaked Nandini in and took her to the pool side. Nandini resisted and asked Manik tum kya karrahe ho? Itna sara kaam hai baba - chodo mujhe. Manik slid his arms around her waist and replied, pulling her closerKaam karne ke liye lackeys ko hire kiya hai na maine. Tum uski tension mat lo aur chup chap yahan baitho. I have bought food - dinner me sab kuch non - veg tha to tumne kuch khaya nahi hoga. Ab don't crib and sit here - and no going anywhere jab tak you don't finish all this. Nandini smiled and said Give me two minutes - I will be back. Manik nodded and Nandini went and brought a plate full of Manik's favorite biryani. He gave her a questioning look and she replied, holding the plate in front of him Maine dekha tumhe - You had served yourself per jab tumne dekha ke I am not eating toh apni plate Cabir ko pass kardi. So now you also sit and have your favorite Biryani. He smiled cheekily at getting caught by her and then both of them sat on the chaise longue to have their dinner or rather to feed each other along with some vital pecks and kisses.

They had just started with their wine and dine - when they heard Fab 4 and Navya calling out Nandini's name. Manik shouted that they were at the poolside and soon all of them came - with some food packages in their hands. They took chairs and Nandini asked Guys yeh sab kya hai? Tumlogon ne theek se nahi khaya kya? Dinner accha nahi tha kya? Oh God! Pata nahi guests kya sochrahe honge - But how can this be possible? I have hired a cordon blue cook specialised in nouvelle cuisine - then yeh sab. Wait Let me talk to him. Saying this she stood to go but Cabir stopped her and said, making her sitArey meri Fikr Minister - shaant hoja. The dinner was regale and hum sab ne pet bhar khaya. Yeh sab toh hum tere liye layein hain. Sab kuch toh non - veg tha toh tuney kuch nahi khaya hoga. But guess we are late - tumhare pati dev ne already intezam kardiya hai. Nandini was over-whelmed by the care that her small family was showering on her and said smilingly Oh! That is really sweet of you guys. Per itna sab laney ki kya zarurat thi? Tumhe lagta hai main itna sab khaungi? Cabir chuckled and replied Pata hai tu itna sab nahi khayegi per sab se thoda thoda toh khasakti hai na? Sab kuch tera favorite. And today I am gonna feed my baby sister. Saying this he made Nandini sit on Manik's lap and himself took her place and started feeding her like a big brother. All others were just mutely idolizing the pair - a scene that depicted a pure bond and an exclusive side of Cabir - an emotional one - that could be seen only when he would be with his darling sis - treating and pampering her like she was a kid.

Getting done with the dinner - they started chatting on random topics and soon Nandini fell asleep - resting her head on Manik's chest - holding his collar tightly. Mukti saw it first and pointed everyone to look at the sleeping angel. Manik smiled and said, caressing her hair and snuggling her close She must be tired. Subah se non - stop she is working. Aliya moved closer to them and lightly dropped a kiss on Nandini's cheek and said She is really an angel. Iski wajah se aaj main aur Dhruv saath hain. Had she been not there for our reconcilation - we would have lost each other because of our egos. I am really grateful to her. Thanks for bringing her in our lives Manik. Manik smiled and blinked his eyes and then Mukti added Haan Manik. I swear we have forgot how to live without her. Her care and love is what is keeping us happy. Dhruv seconded her and saidKabhi kabhi toh iski innocence and selflessness just amazes her. Aaj ki hi baat dekho - dinner me hum sab ke favorite items they per Madam khud ke baarey me - least bothered. Everyone smiled and then Cabir replied, caressing her hair Woh aisi hi hai Dhruv. Jabse humne issey Manik ke liye accept kiya tab se she is bestowing her love on us and that too without any expectations. Manik was just listening to every one and smiling - feeling proud and happy - seeing how she has cracked the toughest of the nuts - the Fab 5 - and made such a big space in their hearts. He too kissed her temple and properly comforted her in his arms.

Fab - 5 being the nocturnals - were not at all sleepy and so stayed back for a chinwag. Navya - who was a silent listener till now - sat beside Dhruv and asked him Wese toh humsab itne saalon se saath hain aur humein tum dono ke baarey me sab pata hai - per hum dawey ke saath kehsakte hain ke kisiko bhi yeh nahi pata hoga ke tum dono ki shuruat kaise hui. Aaj mouka hai toh yeh bhi batado. Manik too realised this and said Haan buddy! Tere barey me sab pata hai mujhe except this one thing. Bata na how it started? Dhruv being the shy one started blushing and seeing this Aliya replied, pulling his cheeks Aww! Dhruv. You are blushing. Okay I will tell you all. Everyone straightened themselves and sat lending their ears to Alya as she started Okay it all started when I came to know that Dhruv has feeling for Nandini. I asked him and when he confessed - we planned together for a proposal. But I don't know when and how - I was getting emotionally attached to him. Whenever I would see him with Nandini - I felt weird- jealous kind of. And I think it was the same with Dhruv. Phir during that revenge thing - we kissed each other - donno how it happened. And that made our feelings more complex - Phir ahista ahista we got close - he started taking care of me like no one else did and one day I realeizd - I have fallen for him. And then we confessed. That is how it all happened. Our cute and short story. Dhruv smiled and tangled their fingers. Mukti saw them blushing and replied Aww! That was sweet. Keep this love intact like our MaNan. Wese MaNan se yaad aya - guys humein in dono ki beginning ke barey me bhi kuch nai pata. Nandini ne uss din bonfire per thoda thods bataya tha - lekin woh uske feelings thi. Per tera kya Manik? All the time angry and hard Manik ke dil me Nandini ne entry kaise ki? Bata na. Everyone else also insisted and Manik agreed. He caressed Nandini's cheek and began Umm! Yeh toh mujhe bhi nahi pata ke kab she sneaked into my heart and also in my life. Harshad was right then - somehow I was obsessed with her - I don't know how but day by day it was becoming hard for me to stay away from her. Her naive antics, maturity and innocence paved their way into my heart. When I first found about Cabir - I was so disturbed that I needed someone badly - and destiny took me to her. That was the first time when we hugged and all my worries went flying through the window. I found peace in her arms. I indirectly shared my worry with her and she made me understand how to deal with it. Fate put us into situations again and again that we always found each other beside. In her inebriated state she promised to shine for me - humesha. She was the first person to have prayed for my happiness and most importantly - she gave me what I craved for. Her trust. Phir slowly, gradually hum paas aye - and pata hi nahi chala when she broke all the concrete walls of hatred that I had built around my heart and conquered it. Though I knew she was something more than just a friend - it took me some time to realize that it was love and when I realized it - it never stopped growing. I fell in love with every bit of her - uski badi badi aankhein - uske baal - uski smile - uska mujhse itna chota hona - uska irritate hona - the way she fit perfectly into my arms - the way her cute smally fingers filled the gaps between mine - mere liye uski care and sabse zyada her golden heart that she named as mine. Bas - tab se abtak aur jab tak I am alive - my love has and will keep growing for her. Our love story will end with us. She is my heart, my soul, the peace of my life, my child, my friend, my star and my lover. Jese us story me magician ki jaan ek totey me qaid hoti hai na - wese hi meri jaan Nandini me band hain. We might get old but our love will never. Sorry guys there is no end. Because our love story will end with us.

Just like happened when Nandini had shared her feelings - every one got teary - eyed listening to their ever introvert friend speaking his heart out. He himself had tears by now but to avoid tensing the atmosphere he blinked them away and said smilingly Okay Guys no crying and getting emotional. Its 11:30. Lets sleep. Got to wake up early tomorrow. Everyone affirmed and all of them retired to their rooms.

Manik carried her to the room and gently placed on the bed. He first changed himself and then carefully undressed Nandini and made her wear her night suit - not wanting to disturb her slumber. Switching off the lights - he cuddled her closer to himself and softly kissed her lips and after a little adoration - and some more pecking - he too shut his eyes to snatch forty winks.

To Be Continued ..