Location - Malhotra Mansion - 7 PM

The sky was decor'd with million of fireworks - that were cracked one after the other - the entire Mansion was covered with flowers and entwined lights - forming a worth - watching scenery behind the chandelier - made Mandap that stood in the centre of the Garden - around which the seats for the guests were arranged - every seat having a basket full of rose petals that would be showered on the Bride and Groom. From the dinner tables that were laid in the backyard - to the lavish menu for supper - to the hall of the Mansion which would be the reception area with a Flower Built Porch under which the Bride and Groom would sit - to the seating arrangements and Mandap in the Garden - everything was extra - ordinarily Royal - Nothing, not even the chairs or carpets were ordinary - how could they be? After all it was the wedding of The Manik Malhotra's buddy and his friend - he couldn't have let anything to be run-of-the-mill - everything needed to be regal.

The pearl bedizened portal saw the entrance of all the Richies, Grandees, Nobles and Tycoons in town as the fortunate guests to witness the most happening celebration in town - who were welcomed by Cabir and Mukti. The main gateway of the Mansion was flooded by the Media reporters who were dying for a glimpse of the inside but to their dismay - Manik had kept the security damn tight - and everybody knew the reason for this - he din't want their family affair to become a Page 3 issue. The ambience was nothing less than a Royal fiesta - but what was par this excellence were the hosts - who were actually looking like the palace - dwellers - royality environing each one of them - the Men bearing their exquisite emir - like aura and Ladies - flawlessly complimenting their counter - parts - each one looking like a princess or rather queens - akin to the Goddesses of Paradise - purely seraphic and empyrean. Every On - Looker was dumbfound at appearance of each Kin of the to - be - couple; specially at the most breath - taking and Super-cali-fragilistic-expialidocious pair of the lot - MaNan - who were actually looking like a monarchical pair - the August King and his beauteous Queen - whom every pair of watching eyes were stuck at in awe and admiration - the women drooling over him and men ogling at her. Uncountable praises heaped them - for the marviness of their pair and their sublime mien as they greeted all the guests personally as a mark of courtesy.

When the gates were closed - after the arrival of all the listed guests - MaNan were asked to fetch the wedding procession from the outhouse as it was high - time for it. While on the way - Manik was just beholding her - an additional and involuntary activity that he was engaged in since the time he had seen her - and Nandini thought blood have frozen in her cheeks for she was constantly blushing at his constant gaze and attention. She looked at him from under his lashes and said, tightening her grip on his hand - that was entwined with hers," Manik! Please stop staring at me. The butterflies are just not stopping their dance in my stomach." He squinted around and pulled her along to a nearby tree - sure that being a couple of minutes late and romancing a little won't be harmful - and said huskily, holding her close from her waist," As always! I am not to be blamed. You have no idea how difficult it is to distract myself from you - these eyes are kind of glued on you. The sound of your bangles and this red color on you - is making it too much difficult." She blushed a little more and replied, keeping her hands on her chest," And do you think you are torturing me any less? You don't know how much its hard to concentrate on other things when you have a bewitching husband who is constantly gaping at you. But if we keeping stealing moments for us - then we will surely miss our Friend's wedding. Lets go na!" He came deathly close to her lips, and muttered against them," We will go but let me wipe off some more lipstick of your lips - you know it looks much more good when on my lips." Saying this, he spooned his palm around her neck and sealed his lips with hers for another indulgent kiss - for which she readily gave in. Breathless, they broke the kiss and Manik said, after planting a kiss on her forehead," I am afraid some evil eye may catch my Baby. I don't know if that Kala tika will help but I can't take any risk - you have put it na?" She smiled and replied, returning the kiss on his cheek,"Haan baba its there! My over - protective brother had put it in front of you only na. Ab chalein? I don't want to keep the love birds waiting!" He nodded and they moved towards the outhouse - hand in hand and eyes locked with each other's.

They were so engrossed in each other that they din't realise when they reached the outhouse and were still walking in trance. An abrupt dash against a smirking Dhruv bought them out of their reverie - and on coming back to the real world from their lalala land - they saw every one giggling and a wind of embarrasment gushed over them and to add to their discomfit, Dhruv said," Yaar! Aaj toh apne romance per break lagao. Let me and Alya be in lime light today." MaNan just flushed and dismissing all the simpering, Manik cleared his throat and said, in his all time Famous Attitude," Sorry Buddy! Can't help in this matter. Anyways lets go - your bride is waiting." Being the shiest one - he turned red at the mention of his bride and Nandini said, pulling his cheek," Aww Dhruv! You are so cute." Dhruv smiled and replied, giving her a rose from the bouquet kept near him," And you are gorgeous! A small token of appreciation for your beauty." She happily took it from him with a Thank You in return and they advanced to go but the elderly woman stopped them and said coming to MaNan and giving Nandini a pearl neckpiece and a Sarpech with a feather to Manik," Jaaney se pehle Nandini, yeh Kanth Dhruv ko pehnado - Yeh rasam bhabhi ko karni hoti hai. Aur Manik tum yeh Kalgi Dhruv ki Pagdi me lagado - yeh shagun hota hai. Aur phir tum dono milker yeh Sehra chadado." MaNan complied and First Nandini made Dhruv wear the Kanth followed by Manik - who tucked the broach on the front of his turban and then both of them together tied the Sehra around his Pagdi - completing the ritual. All of them moved out to the lawn where a white Mare was waiting for Dhruv as the ride to Mandap along with all other Baaratis. As per the custom, Manik handed him the sword encased in its sheath and bent down to lend Dhruv his shoulder - stepping on which he climbed the mare.

Since there were no Camera Men allowed - the responsibility of capturing these precious moments rested in the hands of family members and in the absence of Cabir - who was on Bride's side, Nandini took few pre - procession pictures and then Manik took the Camera from her - one because he din't want her to do any work and two - coz he wanted to click some untold pictures of Nandini and he did took - lots of them - secretly - when she was laughing talking to Vihaan, Sneha and Dhruv - when she was blushing on getting a compliment - when she was tucking the loose strands of tresses that were falling on her face, behind her ear and many more and noticing this, Dhruv slapped his shoulder and said."Abhi jitni pictures chahiye lele. Per shaadi ke time aisa mat kariyo. Warna mere wedding Album me sirf teri Nandini hogi." Manik replied, playfully punching his stomach," Saaley! Ab tu bhi mujhe satayega? Wese yeh pictures tere album ke liye nahi mere liye hai. Don't worry teri album me Aliya hi hogi." Dhruv gave him a blushy smile through the Sehra and after long time they covered the mere distance of a lone meter between the outhouse and Mandap - that had become quite long due to the mad dance of his relatives - and finally came at the artificial temporary Gate of flowers that was made to distinguish the two - places - where Navya, Cabir and Veebha were waiting to failte the Baraatis in a traditional manner - Navya holding the ashet to do the Aarti. On entering, the guests were guided to their seats and Dhruv along with - MaNan and CaVya - moved to the wedding Mandap. Veebha offered to go and fetch Alya - and Dhruv took his place - awaiting his Bride and after a good 15 minutes - Alya walked in along with Mukti and Veebha - looking way too beautiful in Indian attire and the common bells of tickling rang in his heart as happens with every Groom on seeing his Bride. Alya took a shy glance of him stealthily and blushed at his astound expression.

The cute couple mutely gave each other approbation through eyes - as they stood facing each other for the rite of exchanging garlands. When Dhruv raised his hand to posit the festoon around Alya's neck - Cabir lifted her on his shoulder - a compulsory action in every wedding that ensures some fun amidst all the serious customs - and as an instant reaction - Manik lifted Dhruv and he easily made her wear - leaving Cabir pouting and everyone smiling. Only CaVya, MaNan, Mukti and Veebha along with Dhruv's mother and the elderly woman were in the Mandap, seated around the PujaSthan. The chanting of the Mantras began and Alya's give-away rite was fulfilled by Cabir as her brother - followed by Nandini who tied their knot - the gat bandhan - as Dhruv's sister - in - law. The Nuptial rounds began and lots of rose petal - from all around were thrown at them - drowning not only the Bride and Groom but everyone present in the Mandap in them and taking advantage of it - Manik showered them on Nandini - instead on DhruLya - and she was left with no other choice but to smile and show him his eyes - despite knowing that won't have any effect on him. During all the rituals MaNan were holding each other's hand and smiling - reminiscing their wedding - paying 40% concentration on the ceremony and 60% on each other - sometimes teasing and blushing on stolen kisses - that they were giving each other - hidden to every body's eyes. The priest announced DhruLya as the legally wedded couple after the Sindoor and Nuptial chain rite and they were given blessings from the elders and best wishes from their true friends - cum - family.

There was still time for the banquet - so DhruLya were taken into the reception hall and seated under the rose made portico on the dais at one end of the hall - facing the guests - who were one by one coming and congratulating them with gifts. MaNan too gave them an envelop as a prezzie and Alya excitedly opened it to find honeymoon package of a week to Paris but on seeing the date which was of a week later DhruLya frowned and observing this Manik said, apologetically," Sorry Buddy! Woh Album ki date is due this week - so you can't go immediately isliye." DhruLya smiled assuringly understanding his POV and Dhruv replied," Don't be sorry buddy! Work comes first. ThankYou for the amazing gift. We actually planned to go Paris. Its the most romantic place for newly - weds." MaNan smiled and on finally getting a chance to do his favorite task i.e., picking at MaNan - Cabir said, bringing some humor into the scene,"Arey Dhruv! Tu bhi na! Romance ke king ko romance karne ka lecture deraha hai? Ussey sab pata hai - Tujhe yaad nahi hai - yeh Nandini ko wahin legaya tha - purey ek mahiney ke liye. I wonder itne din dono ne kya kiya." Everyone chuckled and Nandini just hid herself in Manik's chest out of shyness. He encircled his arms around her and asked, giving a vexed look to Cabir," Tujhe sharam nahi aati aisi baatein openly karne mein? Bohot maza ata hai na tujhe humein embarass karne me?" Cabir grinned evilly and replied," Bohot! Wese saaley! Tu romance karey to chalega aur main sataon toh besharam? Kalyug! Ghor kalyug!" Manik shot a dagger look at him and said," Accha? Besharam! Ek chota baccha hai ghar mein - uska toh lehaaz karle aur humein baksh de. But wait! Aarav hain kahan? Kabse ussey nahi dekha!" MaNan got worried but before they could panic more, Navya said," Arey guests me se kuch bacche uske dost hain school se - aur tum log to jaantey ho janab ko gatherings bilkul pasand nahi hain - isliye maine unhe room me bhej diya. Games khelrahe honge."

As soon as she finished, MaNan saw Aarav approaching with a boy and a girl and heaved a sigh on seeing him safe. He came near them and Nandini asked, cupping his

face," Baccha aap itni der se kahan they? Sorry! All of us got so busy." Aarav released Nandini's ears from her hold and replied," Don't be sorry Maasi ma! I understand. Its wedding so there will be lots of work. Leave all this - I want you to meet someone." Nandini upraised her eyebrows in question and Aarav said, introducing his friends to MaNan," Neha and Amar - meet my beautiful Maasi ma and my hero - My partner. Maasi ma! Partner! These are my friends." MaNan lovingly met the children and Neha said, looking at Nandini," You are really beautiful Ma'am - more than what Aarav told." She then turned to Manik and added, giving him a rose," And I am a big fan of your sir! And I want to say that I Love You." For the first time - Manik blushed because of some other girl and he replied, accepting the rose and again offering it to her," Thats so sweet! I Love You too doll! Please accept my rose." The 6 year old toddler ebulliently took the rose and then - the trio left to resume their gaming session. Nandini was just adoring Manik - she loved the way he behaved with children - so politely and tenderly. No one could have ever imagined this side of Manik - maybe not he himself until Aarav came into his life. He would be the world's best father to his daughter - undoubtedly - she thought, whenever she saw him with kids.

Finally realizing the absence of all of Nandini's family, Dhruv asked her," Wese Nandini! Chacha, Chachi, Ams and Rishabh din't come. Why? Is everything okay?" Nandini then remembered something and replied, giving both of them a ring each," Yeah! Actually Mangalore me one of my second cousin is also getting married - so they couldn't come but Ams had sent these rings as a your wedding gift with loads of blessings." DhruLya warmly smiled and made a note in their minds to give Ams a call and thank her - once they would be free. CaVya gifted them a pair of Platinum bands with their names engraved on it - an idea that was suggested by MaNan; Mukti presented them a shopping voucher that they would be using in Paris and Veebha bought a pair of watches for the couple.

Getting done with the felicitate and gift segment - the guests were taken for the nosh - up and every body were settled except CaVya, MaNan, Mukti and Veebha - who stayed back for serving and attending guests. Nandini was feeding Alya - who was surrounded by her now in - laws with whom she couldn't openly express about her health - consciousness - so Nandini smartly sneaked in the circle for her rescue. After guests snarfed up - the host gang occupied a table to break some bread and finished their meal on a hotfoot - as they had the last work of seeing off the guests along with return gifts and they din't want them to keep waiting as it would be againts the rules of couth and politesse. Dhruv's kindred had also wrapped up and were ready to depart - as they had their work pending back home. Vouchsaving every visitant with a pyxis holding a gold coin and a chocolate hamper - they bid them adieu and giving instruction to the servants to sew up the miscellany of all the watchamacallits scattered within the house and to leave cleaning of outdoors for the next day - all of them gathered in MaNan's room for some peaceful time after the elaborate hullabaloo. Manik had strictly given an order for every one to stay back as all were too much worn out - even DhruLya - not to mention MaNan had already made arrangements for their wedding night and as usual no reasoning or arguments stood a chance infront of Manik.

It was 12 : 30, Aarav was asleep in his room - and all the mature ones were busy unwrapping the gifts DhruLya received; Alya and Mukti being the super excited all the while. Manik was lying on his stomach on the bed, just in his tracks - nuzzling his face in Nandini's hair who was sitting on the floor along with others taking the support of the footboard of their bed. When all were busy with the gifts; Manik was immersed in playing with Nandini's hair and teasing her - by running his fingers on her neck or bare back that was exposed only to him - making her blush and shiver. They were exchanging naughty glances; involved in their own world forgetting everyone else - specially Manik who was just not diverting his attention as well as eyes from her and as a silent response, she was blushing looking at him from the corner of her eyes - while removing her jewelry and passing it to him. Though they had mastered in romancing furtively; they could never get unnoticed by one pair of detective eyes - their very own Cabira. Manik was again skimming his fingers on her back - this time along her spine; challenging her senses against keeping calm - causing her to tremble and catching sight of this; Cabir said, mocking clear in his tone," Arey Nandini! Why are you shivering itni hotness me bhi. Mujhe to paseene arahe hain." He said signalling his eyes towards Manik - who started looking here and there as if he is the innocent one but all were aware of his mischiefs and getting an idea from Cabir's words, Mukti jumped in and said," Ahaha! Zara dekho toh issey kaisey pretend karraha hai jaise kuch kiya hi nahi isne. Baksh de ussey! Kitna sataega bechari ko?" Everybody tittered and Nandini turned into a complete tomato and adding some more red to her cheeks - Manik replied," Jab hum dono ko koi problem nahi hai - to tum dono ko kya tension hai? And not my fault - agar tumlog ese 24 hours hamare aas paas rahogey toh saamne hi romance karna padega na." Cabir and Mukti sighed looking at each other and then Cabir said," Saaley! Thodi toh sharam karley! Aur dekhli teri dosti. Romance ke aagey humein indirectly jaane ko bol raha hai. Ab toh mujhe doubt horaha hai ke Dulha - Dulhan hai koun. Jissey impatient hona chahiye woh yahan baithker coffee peeraha hai aur yeh besharam - desperate huay jaraha hai." Manik rolled his eyes and gave him an angry glare whilst everyone else laughed and Nandini totally turned crimson. Manik then said, changing the topic and stretching his body, keeping his chin on Nandini's shoulder," I am So damn tired! Subah se itna kaam kiya." Cabir thwacked Dhruv's back and seconded Manik saying," Yeah Bro! Every cell of my body is pained and all because of this topiwala and his barbie. Yeh thakan tum per due raha." DhruLya smiled and replied in unison,"Anytime!" After a little more chattering and leg pulling - all retired to their rooms finally sparing the dying-to-be-alone

Nandini turned after locking the door to see him relaxing closing his eyes in the same position which implied he was really exhausted. Nandini placed her dupatta on the couch, and without making any noise, quietly moved near him and started massaging his tired muscles - sitting beside him on the bed. He smiled feeling her touch and said, after turning around to face her and kissing her hands, holding them in it," I am Fine Baby! You don't need to make my delicate hands work." She bent down and replied, ruffling his hair while keeping her forehead on his," Khud hi sari care karogey ya mere liye bhi kuch chodogey? And I don't need your words to know your condition." He swiftly got up along with her and said, laying themselves properly on the bed, shadowing her petite frame under his broad one and caressing her cheek," I Know that you don't need words to understand me. And I admit I was a little tired but now that you are close and I have your beautiful smile - all my pain has flown out of the window." She smiled at his answer and asked, snaking her arms around his neck,"Oh if that's the case then is there any other wish that you want me to fulfill?" An intensity filled his eyes and he replied against her lips, brushing them with his,"Only you can fulfill this wish of mine Nandini. I want to get tired - and I want to tire you as well - until our bodies give up." She shyly smiled - understanding his words and just closed her eyes in compliance - more than ready to give him anything he wants. He saw her breathing increase and not wanting to waste any other second - melded his lips with her - sucking them ardently and receiving the same favor with equal fervor.

Pulling apart, he made her sit and gently slid her dress down her body - his eyes not leaving her face even for a moment - drinking the way she was dealing with his touch - closing her eyes and quivering as he left trails of kisses on her body. Both their breathing heavied, as their bodies chaffed eachother under the duvet - her hands clenching his hair tightly while he nibbled and bussed every inch of her body - making her writhe and moan his name in sweet pleasure. His nails dug in her waist - when she adhered herself onto him for support - weakened by his kisses - that just did nothing but ignited the already arisen fire within him - making him severe his love bites compelling her to shout his name aloud. Helpless, she was constantly whining in sync with his groans - crumpling his back muscles in her hands and rub her feet with his - unknowingly refreshing the previous scratches on his body. Her toes curled, pinching his legs that were tangled with hers, her back arched in a perfect curved and she let out the loudest moan at his unwarned and sudden take over - their entwined hands forced against the black mattress and their lips locked - as he completely occupied her whilst fondling her curves with one hand - not granting a pardon to even a point of skin of her - indulging her entire being in his love and amour. It continued until early dawn and on feeling their bodies numb - he put an end to their intimacy and kissed away her tears - gathering her in his arms. He stroke her hair, planted a kiss on her forehead and before he could say anything, Nandini snuggled her face in the crook of his neck and said," I Love You Manik! I Love you so much." Saying this she lightly pecked the corner of his lips and he replied, smilingly and kissing her temple," I Love You too! More, more and More." He felt her smile against his skin and cuddled her closer, encasing her in his warmth and soon both of them drifted in sleep.

To Be Continued ..