Chapter - 28

Location - Malhotra Mansion - Afternoon

An ambience of jovial merriment and laughter extended throughout the huge mansion and even the zephyr flowing inside; tittered along - that was heard as a soft melody which served as a background score to the euphonious tee - hees of the love - birds; who were snuggled in each others arms; teasing each other and giggling mirthfully; reminiscing their beautiful moments by walking down the memory lane. Aww! My Baby! You were shoo cute. Look at your cheeks. Sho chubby chubby. Roly - Poly. Manik said pulling Nandini's now not so plump cheeks while looking at a picture of hers from S.P.A.C.E days in their album that they were going through. Nandini got down from his lap and replied, puffing her cheeks and folding her arms across her chest I was chotu that time. Don't tease me na Manik. I was little sha baby. He effortlessly nestled her again in his lap and said, wrapping his arms tightly around her and giving a peck on her poutTu ab kahan bada hua hai? Abhi bhi chotu sa hi. Teeny - weeny sha. Mela Baby! She smiled and replied, pecking him back Keshe bada hoga baby? Papa honey hi nahi dete. Manik smiled and said, resting his chin on her shoulder blade Papa kabhi bada honey bhi nahi denge. Tu bada hujaega toh keshe chalega? I Love You sho much re. Bas I wish those tubby cheeks of mine come back. Don't know where they went. So that I can do this. Saying this he tenderly bit her cheeks and then kissed on them lovingly. She turned the page and replied, showing him the picture where he was doing what he just did You ate all of them. Don't say they disappeared. Monster Manik! Her lips twitched in a smirk seeing him smug and to avoid further razzing, he quickly flipped over the page.

Manik you remember this day? She asked him while skimming her hands through a still where Nandini was lifted up in Manik's arms and they were surrounded by Fab 4, Navya and Chacha - Chachi; happiness evident on everyone's faces. Nandini titled her face to look at him and he answered Of Course I do Baby. 2 June. The day when you made me Proud. I can't tell you how much happy I was. She smiled and said, after planting a kiss on the corner of his lips You don't need to tell Manik. It was visible in your eyes.

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The visit to Mangalore made Manik realize one more fact other than the obvious one of Nandini loving him; that Music wasn't her passion but only a liking. He had perceived this opinion after going through her room and the way she enthusiastically explained him everything about the science instruments. But he din't know the reason behind Nandini taking up Music and shunning her actual interest . Not wanting her to toy with her future and ambitions; he decided and confronted Nandini about it. As a matter of fact, she denied saying he was mistaken but when Manik used the ultimate weapon of blackmailing, she revealed to him that she took it up as the college was offering her the scholarship and also because she did not willed to burden her Chacha - Chachi who were already stressed with the expense of Rishab's treatment. Even though knowing about her self - respect; he had hesitantly offered her to take the monetary responsibility and according to what he had envisaged, she clearly but politely refused; understanding his concern.

Being aware of her aspirations and yet quietly letting her sacrifice was something that Manik couldn't digest and to convince her to pursue her dreams; he thought of finding another way out and did a research that gave him information about the entrance exam which would provide a scholarship in a medical college if passed with good numbers. Finally getting a hope and with loads of motivation from Manik, friends and family; she applied for the test.

Even though it was Nandini who had attempted the exam; restlessness was clouded over Manik who was impatiently pacing the hall and tapping his feet in anticipation as they all waited in the hall for the results to be declared; surrounding Cabir who was sitting in the center with the laptop, biting his nails and continuously refreshing the website. It wasn't that he din't have confidence in Nandini and her calibre; he was more certain of it than anything else in this world but it was just that he was scared that Nandini would be heart - broken if the results don't show up to be positive.

Putting an end to his and every body's wait, the link finally worked and Manik's breath bated and he clutched Nandini's hand tighter as Cabir started entering the numeric digits of her Hall - ticket in the bar provided. While all the eyes were glued to the laptop screen, Nandini's gaze was fixed on his face, drinking in his love that his tensed face and quivering lips bespoke. A smiled spread across her face, seeing him smile and the next second, she was in his arms and twirling in the air.Nandini Murthy! You topped the entrance exam. I am so proud of you Baby. I Love You so much. He exclaimed and engulfed her in his arms, crying out of ecstasy - that was thousand times more than anyone else' present at that time.

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Manik turned the leaf and Nandini's eyes glinted with awe recalling the heart - warming gesture of Manik that the photograph gave a glimpse of. Manik was shown warning Nandini about something in the picture while giving her a bag and some tiffin like thing and she was carefully listening to him. She endearingly traced the picture with her hands and said, entwining her fingers with his I Love You so much Manik. For being such a caring boyfriend. Saying this she bent a little down to kiss Manik - the one in the picture - but was stopped by the real one Manik. She looked at him questioningly and he muttered, coming deathly close to her lips Kiss the real one who is dying for it. She smiled and without waiting another second, he took the lead and kissed her passionately and she responded with equal fervor.

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Post the announcement of results; Nandini was supposed to join her college in the next 7 days. Albeit it was Nandini who was joining the college, Manik was the most excited about the new start of her career and at the same time he was also nervous thinking about how she was going to deal there alone without him being around. Just like parents prepare for their child's first day at school, Manik too had made sure to get everything set for his Baby; from filling her room with college bags and new clothes that he himself had shopped to buying the course books to even checking the environment and infrastructure of the college to make sure his Nandini would be comfortable; he had done every mere thing himself that too with great solemn and enthusiasm. His this commitment had stole everyone's hearts; be it Chacha, Ams or the already impressed ChachI.

Nandini had tried to stop him from getting worked up so much but her requests fell in deaf ears and his over - caring and protective gestures made her fall in love with him all over again. She was touched and overwhelmed seeing the way he was mollycoddling her like her Appa, fulfilling her all said and unsaid wishes with utter wholeheartedness and toiling after her like her Ma, keeping account of her every minutest need.

Seven days later, on the first day of her college, standing outside the gate, Manik, like a typical mother, was handing her all the necessities - her college bag with books and stationary that he had cross - checked for umpteen times, her lunch box along with a stern warning to finish it clean and a 3456724th repetition of full set of instructions about staying safe, not talking to anyone who seems bad, giving him a ring after every class and of course a promise to stay safe.

Even after secretly appointing 3 guards who would look after her inside the premises without getting noticed by anyone, Manik had waited that day for her, outside in his car the entire day so that he would be available in case of need but that was the last time he did that as Nandini happened to spot his Car and upon returning had strictly ordered him not to continue this daily and get exhausted to which he had to give in forcefully; pressurized by her threat of not eating her lunch if he repeats the act.

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I can't believe you had kept guards after me and I din't notice it for five years. So dumb of me. Nandini said and made a cute stupid - me pout. Manik kissed her pout and replied impishly No re Baby! You are not dumb. Its just that I am more clever. Nandini's mouth rounded in a big O and she hit Manik playfully while he giggled heartily and then took her in a bear hug. He planted a kiss on her temple and said Wese Baby! Maine tumse kabhi pucha nahi but tumhe bura toh nahi laga na guards ke barey me janker. I just did it to pr.. He was shushed by the soft touch of her lips on his and then she replied You don't need to explain Manik. I know you did to protect me. And why would I mind getting Pampered? In fact it made me feel special. I Love You too. He smiled and took her in his arms for another teddy hug.

Manik iss picture me I am looking so bad. See! Messy hair and My face is looking so ugly. Lets remove this pic na. Saying this she moved her hand to detach the picture of hers that Manik had captured while she was studying for her first internals with a pen rolling between her lips and her finger playing with the eyeglasses that sat on her nose; andPhat!! Ouch Manik! Why did you slap my hand? Nandini asked while rubbing her hand and Manik replied For calling my Baby ugly. How dare you say that? Aur tumhe kahan se mera baby bad lagraha hai? You know you were looking so cute and innocent that I had a hard time controlling myself from cuddling you. She smiled and he continued, staring at the picture Kitni hardwork ki thi tumne. I still remember - pura one month tum raat ko soyi nahi thi. In fact, soyi hi nahi thi except those 4 hours in the afternoon. Khaney me bhi you were careless. Tum kitni weak hujati thi un dissections and theories se. And this repeated during every exams. I hated that very much. But see your efforts have proven so fruitful. My small Baby is the now the best cardiologist of the country. She smiled and replied, resting her head on his shoulder Tum bhi toh nahi sotey they na Manik aur na hi theek se khatey they. Sirf tab hi nahi, all those 5 years, jab bhi exams hotey they you were always by my side. Apna sara work bhul kar mere saath jagna, mere saath khana aur mujhey encourage karna. Weak main hoti thi aur chehra tumhara pale hujata tha. Manik you have a greater hand in my success and even you can't deny that. Me becoming a doctor was more yours dream than mine. He smiled and said, after turning the page to reveal a collage of two photographs where he was receiving his first awards - one in Music industry and other one for the youngest and best CEO in Business Just the way you are the sole reason behind my success. You know tumhare aney se pehle I din't believe in Good Luck and all but then tum ayi and brought my, sorry, our good fortune. Tum na hoti na toh main handle nahi kar pata do cheezein ek saath. If you hadn't pushed me for doing MBA, Malhotra Industries would've got ruined. Tumne agar uss choti company ka Album lene ke liye persuade na kiya hota toh Fab 5 aaj itna famous nahi hota. Hum toh sochrahe they ke hamara standard low hujaega but see, we were wrong. That Album was a blockbuster. Its all because of you Nandu. My Lucky Charm. Saying this, he spooned her cheek in his palm and sucked her lips with utmost tenderness while she just sat surrendered, feeling his love that he was pouring in the kiss. I Love You both said in unison and smiled after he pulled apart and reposed his forehead on hers. They stayed in that position for a few minutes and then Nandini said, closing the album Lets go down Manik! Time for some snacks. Its 3 PM. My love must be hungry na? He bobbed his head childishly and then they exited the room, after keeping the album back in the drawer and sharing another sweet brief kiss.

They had just settled on the swing hanging in their Garden Gazebo with a cup of joe and some evening snacks, when they saw the main gate opening, making way for an auto to come inside. Both Nandini and Manik jumped off their places in excitement seeing Chacha - Chachi and Rishabh stepping out of the vehicle. They hurriedly started moving towards them carrying big grins on their faces. As soon as he caught sight of Manik; Rishabh dropped all the belongings he was holding and rushed to him at the speed of a bullet and crashed into his bosom with so much intensity that Manik almost lost his balance. Despite feeling a twinge in his stitches; he affectionately engulfed him in a fatherly - cum - brotherly hug.

Manik had always been Rishabh's favorite; from the start but overtime their relationship transformed into a more close - knit one. Knowingly or unknowingly Manik became as important as an elder brother to Rishabh and for Manik - Rishabh had been nothing less than a child; a little brother - he was as much dear or probably a little more to Manik as he was to Nandini. There hadn't been any specific or particular incident that brought them this closer; it happened gradually, with mutual sharing of Love, Care and interests between the two. It was possible only because of Manik and his diligence that Rishabh was now cured and had regained his voice.

When Manik started spending time with Nandini and her family by staying at their place for hours; he had build his own special connection with everyone. For Chachi, he was always a Sona Munda,her Shah Rukh Khan who would taste all her weird experiments and gratify her with a little flattery. He was also the blue - eyed boy of Chacha - with whom he would discuss about goings - on and in return also learn important facts about handling business. With Ams, he shared a cordial relationship that was bound by soberness and esteem, and last but the most closest to his heart was Rishabh with whom he played and spent most of his time with. Thats when the wish of seeing Rishabh speak and get confident happed in his heart and in a fit to make his this yearning come true; he had, on hotfoot, tracked down the best psychiatrist and got him treated. Only Nandini knew about him paying the bills of the hospital whereas others were in an illusion; as had been shown to them by Manik; that the Doctor was a friend of his and wasn't charging any fee. This was the biggest reason of Nandini's ginormous respect and gratification towards him; she had become his worshiper in true sense when he brought fruitition to the hankering that she had considered to be a will - o' - the - wisp, a chimera and yet had longed years for it. And now, with his moral support, encouragement and succor, Rishabh was, like normal boys of his age, studying in a Business college and pursuing his MBA, following the footsteps of his Rockstar.

I missed you Bhai. How are you? Rishabh asked with a choked emotional tone and thats is when realization dawned upon MaNan that they had forgot to inform them about the attack. Nandini gave Manik a 'what-to-do-now?' look and he just blinked his eyes, which meant they would say it to them once they get settled. She smiled and he replied to Rishabh, after kissing his headI am absolutely fine Rishu. I missed you too yaar. They broke the hug and Manik asked like a big brother, cupping his face as if he was still a kid How are you? Holidays shuru kab huay? Bataya kiun nahi? Rishabh opened his mouth to answer, but was interrupted by Chachi's all - time - genial voice Kiunke maine Mana kiya tha ussey. Taki hum tumlogon ko suprise karsakein. Aur tum dono ke chehre ka ye glow dekhsakein. He smiled and then greeted her and Chacha with a warm hug. Seeing him get all the attention, she made a long face and complained This is so Bad! Manik ko dekhkar aap log mujhe bhulgaye. Koi mujhse pyaar nahi karta. Chachi instantly moved to her, so did Chacha and said, hugging her Tujh jaisi doll ko koi bhul sakta hai kya? Kaisi hai meri Nandu? Her sullen face instantaneously turned bright but before she could reply, Manik said puckishly, side - hugging Rishabh Wese to theek hai per abhi red hugayi hai. Shayad jealousy se. Envious Mini - Monster!Everyone chuckled seeing her cute angry antics that were undoubtedly just as long as a minute as she herself, like every time, started smiling seeing everyone's glee. After a good greeting session in the lawn itself, Manik asked the servants to unload the luggage and then they all moved inside and settled in the hall.

To Be Continued ..