Chapter - 21

Location - Malhotra Mansion - 6 Am

Manik was already awake and was doing his favorite activity - clapping his eyes on his wife - admiring her beauty and drinking the serenity that soothed and calmed every cell of his body. He was softly caressing her visage with his fingers and dropping a kiss on every feature of her pretty phiz - making her smile in sleep. He observed her breaths were deep and heavy indicating that she was sound asleep - and Nandini slept so thoroughgoingly only when she would be worn-out. Getting Nandini worked up due to whatever reason - would be the last thing Manik could let happen and if by chance - it did - he would do every possible thing to revivify her. He knew her fragile body was too much enervated because of the Marriage arrangements - and just sleeping wasn't a solution. He picked up his phone and silently messaged someone and smiled on getting a reply a few minutes later which meant his work was done. He again turned to Nandini and began - nuzzling her neck and brushing his lips on her skin - breathing in her sweet smell - his most favorite way of waking her up and her most liked way of being waken up -  every dawn. An immediate rush of blood in her cheeks - colored them in red - feeling him close as skin to herself and her lips twitched into a lovely smile. Still in the process of coming out from the land of Nod - she entwined herself around him for a cuddly morning teddy bear hug and he happily engulfed her in one. She muttered a sugary Good Morning against his shoulder and instantly got it back with a My Babyadded to it. They pulled apart and he said, pecking her lips How is my chotu baby this morning? She burrowed herself in his warmth like a newborn does to its mother and replied Baby is feeling cold. Want Papa's hug. He kissed her cheek and wrapped the duvet around them after making her lie over himself and en-sheathing her in a hug. She lifted her face and rested it on his - joining their foreheads and brushing her nose with his - stroking his face with her thumb cupping it in her hands and said I Love You - A Little More This Morning. Saying this she sucked his lips mushily and then he replied, kissing her back I Love You More Baby! She smiled and began playing with him - doodling on his face and ruffling his hair - and he too joined his baby - biting her finger when it stopped on his lips and tickling her time and again. After a sweet short toying time - the kids got a little serious and without a warning - Manik flipped, taking her beneath him and fused his lips with hers for a morning kiss to which she responded instantaneously. Breathless, they drew back - and then Nandini said, raking his hair Lets Go Manik! Its already 6:30 - Sab jaag gaye honge. He sat up straight and helped her too in doing so and replied Hmm! Baby tum neeche jao - Mujhe by Block The Ads"> Office ka thoda sa kaam hai! Woh finish karke I will join you. She nodded and then moved downstairs - after getting freshened up to find the entire Mansion hushed - so quiet that she was able to hear the unhurried flow of morning breeze - which connoted that every body were still snoozing. She thought of going back to the room but she din't want to distract him from work  - so she decided to stay back and sip some morning coffee in the Garden. She entered the kitchen, quickly prepared a Cup of java for herself and strolled towards the Garden Area along with some wafers to munch alongwith. 

When near to the bower - she saw Veebha already there enjoying some lone aurora time with herself - gawping the dewy blossoms that spread in their lavish Garden. Nandini's morning greeting brought her out of the trance and they exchanged smiles. Nandini seated beside her on the adjacent chair - both of them quite excited on finally getting some time to talk to each other. An awkward silence - the one that happens when two strangers are put together - filled the air and after a couple of minutes of hesitating, Veebha spoke - breaking the quietude So Nandini! We never talked - but I know you must be having bits of information about me. But I seriously don't know anything about you except for the fact that My best friend is crazily in Love with you. So there is a dire need for me to know much about you. You know your stubborn husband din't tell me anything about you because I din't attend your marriage. Nandini supped a sip to hide the blush that crept on her face on his mere mention and replied, smilingly Oh! I am so Sorry for that. As a compensation - I am here now to answer all your questions - Shoot with as many you want. And do tell me about yourself also. We never talked much about you. And then both started catechizing each other and soon gelled up - eased and comforted in each other's company - laughing sharing  experiences - mostly schooling encounters of Manik that were narrated by Veebha and heard by Nandini. 

When all was said and done - Nandini and Veebha - who were walking back into the house - saw Manik coming towards them with a brew Mug in hand and on seeing them returning, Manik made a pout and said So bad of you both! Akele coffee peeli? Mere liye wait nahi karsaktey they? Veebha noticed Manik saying this - looking at Nandini and replied, walking past Manik I am out of it Guys! Don't wanna disturb love birds early in the morning. Enjoy! Manik smiled and shouted aThank You - making Veebha smile and Nandini flush. He came near Nandini and picked her up in his arms - after handing her the Mug and said Tumne mere bina coffee kaise Pili hmm? You know na mujhe tumhare saath share ki hui coffee hi pasand hain. She took his arm and tightly wrapped it around her waist - as they laid on the swing in the Gazebo and replied I know Baba! Isiliye maine thodi si coffee pi - so that I can have the rest with you. He cozied her in his hold and said, taking a sip Eww! This is so kadwa! Nandini instantly sat upright and replied Oh! You just wait I will get some sugar! She began to go but Manik yanked her back - made her drink and then said - tasting it again Hmm! Now it is perfect! Sweet as honey! Like my baby. She blushed at his statement and replied, curling upto him and poking his jaw line with her nose If you keep doing such gestures then how will I concentrate on other works? Hmm? He pecked on her lips and whispered huskilyThat is why I keep doing these gestures. So that I have your attention and concentration all the time. You know na I can't share you. She smiled at his reply and said, intertwining their fingers Nothing in this world has the power to distract me from you. You are always there - everywhere - all the time - in my mind, heart and conscience. Papa comes first! Her answer made him grin his widest and all he could say in return was an I Love You. 

About a half hour later or so - they got back to the house - after spending some touchy - feely moments - and saw Cabir alone in the hall peeking around to find someone who would make a joe for him. On seeing MaNan approach, he smirked and before he could say anything, Manik said rolling his eyes Not early in the Morning Cabir! Cabir closed his half - opened mouth and replied, simperingThis one is due! Abhi nahi thodi der baad sataonga per sataonga zaroor! Btw Good Morning Princess! He said and pecked a morning kiss on Nandini's temple - taking her in a side - hug. She hugged him back and replied Good Morning Bhai! You sit. I will get you some coffee. Stating this she started moving in the Kitchen and instead of taking seats in the hall - ManBir too entered the kitchen - treading on the heels of Nandini and occupied the slabs on the either side of the stove - to give their angel company while she brewed up morn beverages for everyone - before waking them up. 

Nandini was mixing bournvita with warm milk in a baby mug - when she felt two teeny - weeny hands girdling around her legs and it din't take her even a second time to realize that it was Aarav. He gripped her tighter and said, in his sleepy voice Good Morning Maasi Ma! I Love You! Nandini smilingly turned about and replied, bending down and kissing his head Good Morning Baccha! I Love You More. Aaj aap inni shubah keshe uthgaye? He titled his head and said, after kissing her cheek I slept so much yesterday. That is why! Nandini smiled and Aarav left her and threw his arms open in the air - standing in front of Manik - asking him to pick him up in his arms. The all time ready to do so Partner - swiftly spooned him in his arms and Aarav said, muffling his arms around Manik's neck Good Morning Partner! I Love You. Saying this he relaxed his head on Manik's shoulder - who replied - firming the hug and snuggling him closerGood Morning! Love you more Champ! Still sleepy? Aarav just hmmed and Nandini offered him his special Milk Mug filled with bournvita but seeing him still snoozy Manik took it from her and made him drink - blowing air to cool the already warm milk to shoo away even the minutest impossible chances of the Milk burning Aarav's tongue and pouring little - bitty sips in his mouth - with ample mollycoddling and lots of kiss exchanges. CabiNi were left with no other option but to adore the two lovelies - giggling and cuddling while muttering sweet zilchs to each other. 

Nandini passed the Coffee cup to Cabir and excused herself to wake everyone up but hardly when she was climbing the second step - she saw everybody coming down themselves - looking fresh yet little yawny - and wished them all a Good Morning to which they replied in unison. The sleepy heads slumped on the sofas in the hall - Mukti leaning on Nandini's one shoulder; Alya beside her, sitting throwing her head back with Dhruv's head in her lap and Navya - Veebha on another Sofa. Seeing them so dozy she bent to take the coffee mug and said, giving it to Mukti Wake Up my zizzers! We have a wedding today if you all have forgotten.  Mukti placed the cup back in the tray and replied, reposing her head in Nandini's lap Choti please soney dey na! Kal itni masti ki ke my whole body is paining. Alya and Dhruv are also so tired. Tujhe kuch kaise nai hora? Instead of Nandini, Cabir answered to Mukti's question - while coming along with Manik and Aarav Tu bhi kissey yeh question puchrahi hai Mukti? We all know ke even if she will be tired she won't open her mouth and say. Nandini made a fake angry pout and Cabir added, pulling up Mukti from her lap and sitting between them I can clearly understand when you are angry and when you are not. So don't make these cute faces. He made Nandini relax her head on his shoulder and continued, caressing her hair And I am absolutely correct. Itni choti si tu hai - rest kiya kar warna kuch din mein gayab hojaegi. Everybody chuckled and Nandini playfully hit him on his chest and said, while Cabir passed the cups to everyone I am perfectly fi .. She was interrupted by some girl's voice who was greeting Manik and she looked up to see a posse of beauticians with their assistants - and some boys carrying parlor equipment. Manik turned - after asking one of the servants to guide them to the empty room at the end of the first floor corridor - to find everyone giving him a whats-going-on? look and he casually said, eyeing Nandini I know you girls are very exhausted and your bodies need some relaxation. Since you all won't go to the spa leaving the work - I have arranged the spa at home only. Aliya and Mukti jumped in excitement and flung in Manik's arms together Thanking him. He saw Nandini's expression doubtful and before she could refuse, he came near her and said, cupping her face Now don't argue ke preparations kaise hongi. You don't need to worry! I have called some more footmen to help and  Moreover the wedding is at 8 PM -  so we have loads and loads of time. And about serving the guests - I have sent Ramesh Kaka with some skivvies, menservants and  chef who would handle the breakfast and lunch in the outhouse only and Dhruv will be there for supervision if needed. You just go and let my dainty body ease up. Okaye? She bobbed her head like an obedient Baby and mumbled an I Love You against his heart - hugging him tight. He kissed her head and replied an I Love You More Baby - while others went all smiles and exclaimed an aww! in chorus. After about a half hour - the boys who had come along with the coterie - left after arranging the spa equipages and the girls were called upstairs. Aliya, Mukti and Navya ran - super excitedly, already energetic with joy followed by Nandini, Veebha and Sneha - who was invited by Nandini on Manik's suggestion. Nandini asked Aarav to come along but he clinged to Manik and refused saying he would be staying with his Partner and Dadda as he was also a gentleman like them - making everyone smile. 

The boys then got engaged in the decoration and arrangements of the wedding - Manik in the hall overseeing the setting up of lights, flowers andMandap -  that was being set up in the Garden as DhruLya wished to tie the Knot under the star laiden sky - he wanted everything perfect as it was his Buddy's marriage after all; Cabir was helping Manik and also dictating the Menu for dinner - as given by Nandini - to the Chef and Dhruv was in the outhouse serving the guests along with his Mother and Ramesh Kaka. Up in the room which had turned into a spa - the girls were having a gala time and on getting their bodies pampered - they realized how much it was needed and were constantly praising Manik for being so thoughtful. While other girls were selecting what kind of massage and baths should they take - Nandini was at leisure - taking pleasure of the overindulgent treatments - sweet almond aroma therapy massage, shea butter and cream body wrap and warm rose milk bath - that Manik himself had selected and instructed the head beautician to offer Nandini. She was all the time thinking about him and smiling - seeing the enormous amount of care and heed - he showers on her - indulging every part of her being in it - be it her heart, health, body or mind - he gave equal importance to all. The room had became heaven for the girls - lit up with only scented candles and a tranquility spread around that soothed every cell of their bodies - a soft music in the background that calmed their nerves - they couldn't ask for more. All the girls were throwing bouquets at Manik and at the same time teasing her - as they knew Manik had done all this for Nandini and she just blushed and smiled in return. 

4 hours later, in the afternoon - the girls bucked up to move downstairs - refreshed and revitalized with the much needed coddling and getting catered up to their every whim - and Nandini expressed her gratitude to the team saying Thankyou all! It was a bliss - You people breathed life into us. The crew smiled and their head replied You are welcome Ma'am but our service is not yet over. We are hired for the entire day and we will leave after decking you all up for the wedding. Nandini shook her head in disbelief and Mukti said, coming near Nandini - keeping her elbow on her shoulder Choti Don't Mind but I am definitely going to kiss Manik. How can he be so sweet yaar? I just Love him.  Nandini just nodded and all other girls tee - heed - and then Veebha saidEvery time I think ke Manik had changed this much - he does something that compels me to praise you more. Agar kisine mujhe 10 saal pehle yeh bola hota ke Manik kisiki itni deep karega - toh hum sab toh has dete. Aliya seconded her and added You are right V! Manik has changed for good and its all because of Nandini. And you know what V? Had it been not Nandini - our lives wouldn't have been so sorted. She is love! Saying this Aliya side - hugged Nandini from other side and joined her head with hers and seeing MukLya - the two most difficult ladies on the planet so attached to someone other than Fab 5 and herself - Veebha just gave an amazed smile and said You are a magician Nandini. I din't knew these two girls love you so much. Wow! Mukti kissed Nandini's temple and said, hugging her tight Love? She is my jaan. My partner in crime. My choti. All Nandini could do was just hug the two sweeties tighter and say Aww! I Love You Both so much! Navya too joined them complaining for being left alone and the girls shared an affectionate sisterly hug. They broke the hug and all the girls moved downstairs to see the decorations done and the boys - along with Vihaan cross - checking the preparations. 

Seeing the girls enlivened, the boys exchanged looks and Manik asked Nandini who came and stood beside himSo how is my baby feeling? Surprisingly, she just kissed the corner of his lips as an answer and he smiled understanding it - and planted a kiss on her forehead. Cabir who was a little far away came near and said Its looking as if some people had a great time. Ab agar aaplogon ka beauty session khatm hogaya ho toh Brunch ke liye chalein? Subah se sirf Coffee per hi hoon - kuch minute aur der hui toh I will die of hunger. Everyone instantaneously agreed as they were equally famished and took their seats on the dining table except Aarav - whom Manik had already fed and was busy in playing video games in the room. 

They finished their breakfast and settled in the hall - when Aarav came running and hopped in Nandini's lap - who was between Navya and Of course Manik. He quickly kissed her cheek and lazed his head on her heart. Navya raised her hand to wipe out the chocolate from his cheeks and feeling her touch, Aarav said holding her hand Wow Mom! Your hands have become so soft. Just like Maasi ma. All smiled and Navya asked, playfully twisting his ear Accha? Maasi ma ke bacche! Hamare haath kab rough they jo ab soft hogaye haan? Aarav rubbed his ear which had just suffered a twist and said smirkingThey were not rough but not as soft as Maasi ma! He rubbed his cheeks with Nandini's and rejoined Her skin is so soft. Creamy creamy. Nandini kept her forhead on his and asked Accha? You like my skin so much? He blinked his eyes and replied, brushing his nose with Nandini's I like everything about you Maasi ma! I Love you. Nandini pecked on his lips and said I Love You too baccha! Manik jumped in between their natter and said, dropping a kiss each on their cheeks And I Love You both! Cabir who was smiling like a fool along with everyone else said Can you both stop being so cute? So that we can focus on other things. Every one tittered and Aarav - leaned over Nandini for a siesta as per his habit and after he fell asleep - Navya took him to place him comfortably in the room. 

Manik was updating Nandini about the status of preparations when his phone rang and he permitted the caller - who was waiting outside to come in. On seeing her personal favorite Zaveriapproaching with jewelry bags along with his assistant, Nandini gave Manik a questioning look to which he answeredRemember kal maine kaha tha na shopping ke liye jaenge! But we can't go out so I called him here. Nandini sighed and replied Manik You can't be serious! I have so many ..   She was shushed by Manik who kept his finger on her lips and said No arguing Nandini! Yaad hai na maine kal kya kaha tha? Kahin per likha nahi hai ke agar apke paas jewelry hai toh you can't buy more. And I want to buy you some ethnic stuff - that you will wear tonight. Okaye? She gave him an I-accept-defeat smile and agreed knowing there won't be any benefit in trying to reason as all her resistance would fall to blind eye and deaf ears. He lightly patted her cheeks and said Good Girl! And then turning to every one else who were anticipating an explanation, continuedSo all the pretty ladies - one more surprise for you all. Since shopping ke time tum sabka kuch na kuch rehgaya tha so I have called Zaveri ji here - buy whatever you want. V and Sneha - you both too and please! No shying. Its a request. All the girls gave him a You-are-too-much look and ignoring it Manik started going through the catalog and on still feeling their gazes, he looked up to them and said Stop staring at me and start choosing! And let me also choose something for my pretty wife. Giving him a last Unbelievable! glance - the girls began checking out the jewelry enthusiastically and seeing this Cabir bent down and whispered in Manik's earLook toh aise derahi thi ke tera idea pasand nahi aya. Aur ab dekh kitna khush horahi hain! These girls are impossible I tell you. Navya heard him and stated Hamari burai karna bandh karo aur yahan aker hamari help karo. MaNan sniggered and Cabir abruptly stopped smiling and sheepishly moved towards Navya - like a duteous hubby.

Nandini was just sitting idle watching Manik hand picking various sets and himself keeping them back on not finding them good enough for Nandini. He was searching for something gossamery and sublime - heavy yet subtle - something that would be good enough to compliment her beauty but nothing was akin to what Manik wanted. He gave Nandini a cute vexed look - making a pout that made her smile and she said, giving him a quick secretive peck Its Okay Manik! Anyways I have a lot of these jewelry. I will wear something from them! He pulled her closer and replied throatily My Princess won't wear 'something'. I had called him specially for you but nothing is good. Actually not their fault - you are getting so beautiful day by day that its getting impossible to find things that can match your beauty. Saying this he softly pecked on her lips making her turn red - and she replied meekly, smiling shyly Manik! Kya karrahe ho? Sab hain yahan. He too realized and pulled himself a little away - and again seeing the jewelry he said Zaveri ji! Bas yeh sab hi hain? Kuch delicate sa - exquisite but halka sa bataiye. Being an expert in cracking people's demand Zaveri ji asked his assistant something and on receiving a nod, he replied backEk Piece hai - shayad aapko pasand ajaye. Per uska rate thoda sa zyada hai. The next second Manik said Aap price ko chodiye - bas accha hona chahiye. Meri wife ki takkar ka.  Zaveri ji smiled and displayed the set to him and it was exactly what Manik was looking for. He asked Nandini about her opinion and as always - she was awestruck by his flawless choice and happily agreed. All the girls thanked Manik for the gifts which as per his nature - he din't accept citing some reason. It was 5 PM and Manik said Okay Guys! Lets make a move! 3 hours me muhurat hai - means we have two hours for getting ready. Nandini - tum sab jaker tayyar hojao jaldi se tab tak I will just see the Mandap settings. Nandini affirmed and he left along with Cabir - giving her a buss on her forehead. 

It was 6:30 - the boys were in the outhouse - attired in Sherwanis that were paired with their respective partners - Cabir donned a bright red sherwani; Dhruv was in a heavy zardosi off - white one and Manik wore a Navy Bluesherwani that fit his muscle-bound built, defining his jacked - up physique - with a special brooch that was common for the three boys and a Pagdi - carrying his regal aura with great eminence. After helping Dhruv; Manik and Cabir came back to the Mansion to take a final check on the arrangements - more excited to see their wives decked up in bridal clothes - when Pandit ji asked them about some Puja ingredient that they missed in the hustle - bustle. Manik got a little irritated on having to wait more to see his Life again as a bride - but nevertheless he would do it for his buddy and vamoosed with Cabir  to fetch the required item after texting Nandini as he knew she would get tensed if he leaves without informing her. 

Half an hour later - ManBir returned with the thing and handed it to Pandit ji - who was sitting in the Mandap. They hurriedly entered the house and saw - Navya, Mukti and Veebha - decked up in red - as was the code they decided for girls - dhaing keher on every onlooker and waxed some lyricals on their appearance but Manik's eyes were desperately squinting around to spot that one face - he was dying to see and noticing this - Mukti said Tu jissey dhoond raha hai na woh veranda mein hain per I am warning you - proceed on your own risk! She is looking damn damn beautiful. As soon as he heard about her whereabout he rushed to the veranda - sparing them a smile - and on reaching there - he felt his breath literally hitch and his heart beat stop. There she sat, on the floor - near the Door that opened into the garden - beading the flowers into the garlands - wearing a Navy Blue embroidered long koti along with a Red Lehenga that was outspread to form a circlet around where she sat - and a red net Dupatta veiled on her hair that were raised in a coiffure - bijoutered in just the jewelry that he bought her in the afternoon and a dozen of red bangles each in her hands that were designed in rich maroon black color of henna; her seraphic face glittering in  the moonlight - with only traces of Make up and her lips that were curved in a smile - hued in his favored red lip color. His eyes stuck at her - at the beautiful sight he was beholding - his Nandini looking nothing less than an empyrean - purely heavenly and drop - dead gorgeous - just the way she was looking on the day of their marriage. Everything around blurred and only thing he could see was Nandini. He walked near her taking small steps - his eyes not blinking even for a second - and took her name under his breath - sitting behind her to grab her attention. Only his voice and the intensity was enough to make the blood rush to her cheeks and color them in red. He cupped her chin and turned her - making her face him and said huskilyYou have any idea how beautiful you are looking? Just like a dream. I am not able to take my eyes off you and I don't even want to. I could just stand there and see you for a life time without even blinking my eyes. Lets get married again. Nandini took a look of him and replied, keeping her head on his shoulder and nuzzling the flexure of his neck You aren't having any less effect Manik. I would love to get married to you again - but we can't steal these moments which are special to Dhruv and Alya He just hmmed and kissed her lips - bending down - sucking them softly and she too responded with equal passion, clutching the collar of hisSherwani. It was a short kiss - of love and reverence - a way of praising each other. Pulling apart - he sang a couple of more plaudits for her beauty along with some chaste kisses and then sharing one more deep kiss to keep them sane in the gathering until they get some lone time - they advanced towards the out house hand - in - hand to get the wedding procession - Dhruv's Baraat as his brother and Sister - in - Law.

To Be Continued ..