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Chapter - 29

Location - Malhotra Mansion - 8 PM
After getting freshened up and relaxing for a couple of hours, Chacha - Chachi and Rishabh walked into the dining hall where MaNan were waiting for them. From the time they had arrived, both Chacha and Chachi were observing Nandini's body language which was very much; more than usual; protective or to be more precise, over - protective towards Manik. They even noticed the weakness and strange fragility in their all time Macho son - in - law; but despite being hell worried; they kept mum giving them enough time to express the matter themselves. Even on the dining table; she was being too careful about him - was feeding him herself without any shyness and was time and again asking him something in whisper to which he was replying her with just a smile. With a little light - hearted discussions and many frolicsome moments between Chachi, Rishabh and Manik - they got done with the yummy dinner and gathered in the hall for some more chats.

Nandini excused herself for a couple of minutes and quickly fetched Manik's medicines from the room. Unable to keep shut anymore and take the suspense, Chachi asked seriously - looking at Nandini - who was giving the medicines to Manik Nandu sab theek hai na? Main tabse dekhrahi hoon tu kuch ajeeb sa behave karrahi hai. Aur ab yeh dawai. Manik tum theek ho na beta? MaNan looked at each other and realized that it was high time they should report the incident to them but Manik didn't want to repeat that in front of Nandini as he knew that some minute pieces of the frightful ambush were still stuck in her heart and slightest reminder would refresh them again and seeing those tears in her eyes was the last thing he wanted. He glanced at Nandini's face which had already started turning pale and to avoid further damage, he opened his mouth to resist but was cut - off by Chachi who said sternly Aur koi bahana bananey ki sochna bhi mat. Tum dono ke chehre per likha hai ke kuch hua hai. Meri jaan nikli jarahi hai. Batao baat kya hai? Seeing no way out to give the interrogation a miss, he straightened himself and calmly narrated the whole incident to them all the while holding Nandini's hand tightly. His heart was again getting throbbed seeing the dread returning on her face; although she was keeping herself composed in front of everyone; he was well aware of her disturbed condition that her timid eyes and firm grip of her both hands on his were demonstrating him loud and clear. His deep eyes that were hooded with concern and also fear; fear that her pain might return; were the only thing that were holding her back from weeping.

Not wanting an ounce to get them more wrought up and jittery, Manik bowdlerized the reminiscence but even the brief depiction was terrible enough to rack their nerves and whiten their knuckles. By the time he ended, Chachi was drenched in tears, Chacha was completely strung up and Rishabh was stiffened at his place out of horror; all their faces woebegone, expressing clear consternation and rue. Unable to utter anything because of the huge lump formed in her throat, Chachi just took both of them in a Hug and wept her heart out. Rishabh and Chacha too joined them for a touchy family hug. After what seemed like ages, they broke the hug and then Manik said, wiping away Chachi's tears and side - hugging a still crying Rishabh We are sorry Chachi pehle nahi batane ke liye. Actually sab itni achanak hua ke kya karein na karein kuch samajh hi nahi aya. And no more crying please. See I am completely fine now. You all know I don't like tears. Saying this he turned to Rishabh and added, mopping the tears off his face Rishu you only say na that I am your superman. Then tu ro kiun raha hai? Be strong Champ. Rishabh, like an ideal brother, steadied himself and asked Nandini, cupping her face Tum theek ho na? I am sorry I wasn't there when you needed me. Both MaNan smiled seeing how their little Rishabh who was a baby to them had now turned into a mature and caring brother. Even though Rishabh had grown to be a 6 feet tall, 23 years old young Man, he was still a kid to her and to soothe her baby brother, Nandini just nodded, planted a kiss on his forehead lovingly and took him in a hug. Manik then turned to Chacha, who was visibly fretful, and said, holding his hand and patting it reassuringly Tension mat lijiye Chacha. Main bilkul theek hoon. In a reply, Chacha just gave him a weak smile and raked his fingers once through his hair like a father. Rishabh stood upright and asked in a wrathful tone Koun tha woh Bhai? Aur usne aap per kiun attack kiya? Manik again made him sit beside him and replied Calm Down Hulk! Well that is a big story and don't you worry about it. Your sister and my mini monster had taught that jerk a very good lesson. Nandini playfully hit Manik and their smiles managed to curve the trio's lips into smiles and cheered the situation to some extent.

About an hour - later or so, after sharing some more details about both the incident and Manik's health, they decided to bury the topic for then and forever, on Manik's request and move on for good, considering it as an unfortunate phase of their life which had passed and then calling it a day, they bid each other good night and retired to their respective rooms.

In the room, Manik was sitting on the bed, resting his back on the headboard with Nandini nestled in his lap. Unlike daily when she would be silently cuddling Manik like a baby and doing cute and adorable stuff, Nandini was constantly driveling, probably in a fit to deaden the miserable memories of the mishap that were awakened again and had started to torment her. Her struggle to snatch her voice out of her choked throat and the nimble flickering of her eyelashes to avoid the tears from flowing down were not unnoticed by Manik who was dying a thousand times out of guilt for evoking the abysmal event that she had forgotten with great difficulty. No matter how much the injuries that are afflicted on the soul are medicated, they are prone to get refreshed again with just a paltry reason and same was happening with Nandini; the images of those 24 hours were again haunting her spirits and enfeebling her and seeing her falling apart again, was killing Manik.

Not able to see her that way and knowing, words would no longer remedy her pain, he moved closer to her and pressed his lips on hers softly, cupping her cheeks. As if waiting for him to do so, her lips molded with his and her tears ran down her cheeks breaking free from her control. The kiss wasn't vehement but intense, passionate yet slow; a kiss full of love and love only. Getting intimate with her was the only way, he thought, would subdue the storm raging inside her, so he sedately started caressing her hair, mutely conveying his motive and to his surprise, she din't resist and responded to his touch. He pulled apart and she said, voicing her want for first time in their 2 years of marriage, looking deep into his eyes that were void of any lust and only full of love; infringing her own pledge of not doing it until his wounds recover I Need you Manik. As an indication of his approval to her plea, he again fused his lips with hers for another zephyr - like but evanescent kiss. She withdrew her hands from his shoulders and slid her shirt down her arms, unbuttoning it herself and laid down on the bed beside him. He reclined himself cheek by jowl with her and said smilingly, tracing her features I Love You Nandini and I am fine. Her lips twitched in his favorite smile and she lovingly replied by giving a gentle buss on his lips. Locking her big doe with his and engaging her in a soul - talk; he benignly started skimming his fingers on her velvety skin, trailing them over her collarbone then gliding them down her shoulder blades to wrists and fondling the exquisite curves of her waist ever so lightly and sensitively while she just kept eyeballing him; drinking in his presence and love. A lone tear escaped her eye which he warmly caught with his lips and then kissed her orbs - relieving them. Her hands spooned around his nape and her fingers ruffled his hair mildly, as he brushed his lips on her skin like a feather; extremely gentle and pleasant in touch - as if she was a crystalline doll who would break into fragments with a little pressure. There was no biological urge and horniness in their conduct, neither were they on the hots - the only feeling felt was love; their kind of love; the purest and the ardent one; the contact was more of a silent conversation of comforting between two halves of a single soul where one was making the other realize and confirm about his absolute presence with a promise to always be there. He was talking and playing with her, was making her smile and giggle heartily while himself tittering against her skin. Pulling the duvet over them, he got over her; bringing his rugged body in contiguity with her supple one; shadowing her with his broad physique; and occupied her; their lips interlocked in an interminable chaste kiss and fingers entwined compactly. Her loud moan and his groan marked their another consummation and his hand moved on its own accord, loosening its grip on her hand, to scoop her cheek and after kissing away her tears, he engulfed her in his arms and planted a kiss on her forehead.

The serenity of her face with a content smile filled every nerve in his body with solace and to thoroughly weed out the lingering fear from her heart, he said, making her lie over him and staring into her eyes while massaging her hair Baby please forget all that. Agar tum itna low hujaogi sirf uske mention se - toh kese chalega? You are my strong baby who have successfully defeated the evil demons of that day phir ab kiun darraha hai tu hmm? Main bilkul theek hoon, aur tumhare rehte, humesha theek rahunga. I know its thoda difficult, but you will do it for me. Please. She smilingly gave him a childlike nod and then replied, after giving him an innocent kiss, as pure as a driven snow; and reposing her forehead on his, cupping his face I am sorry Manik. I shouldn't have let it effect me. But I promise, I won't from now. I Love You Bohot Sara. Manik smiled and said I Love You More Baby. Giving each other some more pecks and after a good cuddling session, they fell asleep snuggled in each others arms.

The next morning, Nandini woke up feeling the nuzzling of his face in the crook of her neck and slowly opened her eyes, wishing him a Good Morning. He replied to her greeting and kissed her cheeks. A smirk appeared on his face, seeing her eyes lowered in shyness and the immediate rush of blood in her cheeks making them warm; which implied that she had remembered her bold proposal last night. Understanding her sheepishness that was evident from the way she was looking everywhere but at him, avoiding the eye - contact with a meek smile; he said, tilting her head to face him Open your eyes Nandini! She shook her head faintly in a no and pouted her lips and Manik smiled seeing her cute antic. He pecked her pout, again repeated his words only to receive the same answer. Giving her a cheek - to - cheek air - kiss, he said in an impish tone Nahi khologi? Okay then don't blame me for this. Knowing what was coming, she instantly opened her eyes but Manik being Manik started tickling her mercilessly, making her split her sides and himself guffawed, enjoying her belly laugh. Seeing her get breathless out of laughter, he stopped and took her in a bear hug and planted a kiss on her temple. Breaking apart, he spooned her cheek in his palm and said You don't need to get embarrassed Baby. Just like I own you, you own me too. And there is nothing bad in expressing your desire. To be honest, I Loved it and I would love if that keeps happening. He ended with a simper and she puckishly slapped his shoulder.

Turning off the jokey mode, he yanked her closer and sealed her lips with his for a beautiful morning kiss. They were still not enough and the kiss was able of surviving for a few more moments, when the loud ringing of Manik's phone interrupted them. But him being him, din't let her go and continued with what he was doing, giving a damn to the call. On running out of oxygen, they pulled apart and he dug his face in her hair, fanning her neck and ear with his heavy breaths. Seeing no sign of him doing so, she picked his cell and answered the call to hear Dhruv's apologetic voice Good Morning Buddy! Sorry tujhe itni subah subah disturb kiya. Nandini instantaneously replied, shooing away his guilt Good Morning Dhruv! Its me Nandini and its okay. You don't have to be sorry. Dhruv smiled and said Oh Hi Nandini! Good Morning. Manik soraha hai kya abhi?Nandini softly kissed Manik's cheek making him smile and answered, mussing up his hair with her fingers Haan! Kind of! Anyways. Tum batao itni subah call kiya. All okay na? And where are you guys from last two days? Na koi message, na call. Dhruv sniggered at her complains and replied Calm Down Mini Monster! We are fine and Manik ko sahi se rest mile aur tum uska acche se dhyan rakh sako, isliye hum nahi aye. She smiled and then asked, hearing the fracas at his end Whats this noise Dhruv? You guys are out somewhere? Nandini heard some sort of announcement over the phone and Dhruv replied hurriedly Haan Nandini we are out. Actually at airport. We have a flight to Paris today na. I know Manik is not well and we were even canceling per Mukti aur CaVya din't let us. Sorry! We thought of coming to see you guys per time hi nahi mila. Hope you guys don't mind. Nandini immediately sat up and said Oh Shut Up Dhruv! Why would we mind? In fact we are sorry we completely forgot about it. And there wasn't any need for canceling your honeymoon. Just Relax and enjoy yourself. And abhi Aliya ko phone dene ki zaroorat nahi hai. I know she might be too excited. And I can hear the flight call. Have a safe journey! Manik too shouted in a lazy tone, pulling Nandini back in his arms Take Care and Enjoy buddy! Give a ring after you guys reach. Dhruv smiled and then bidding them bye and asking Nandini to look after Manik, he hung up the call.

What do you think about joining Dhruv and Alya in Paris hmm? Manik asked Nandini, while tucking the ear - rings in her ear - standing in front of the mirror. She blushed recollecting their super - romantic 30 Days and 31 nights long honeymoon in Paris - where they made myriads of unforgettable and wondrous memories. He naughtily kissed her red cheeks and she replied, snaking her arms around his neck Mr. One - track mind. Though I would love to but we won't disturb the newly married couple. Its not good na. Agar koi humare beech ajata toh tumhe pasand ata? He wrapped his arm about her waist and said, decreasing the already negligible space between them Pasand? I would have literally killed that person. I can tolerate everything but interference in our private moments. And hum kounsa unhe disturb karne jayenge. I toh want to go so that I get some cozy time with my honey bee. Saying this he nibbled her earlobe making her hiss and weak in her knees, but chasing away the butterflies in her stomach, she moved him away poking his shoulder and replied Honey Bee is always yours. 24 x 7. But now we have relatives at our place and we need to attend them. So lets pause our romance and go downstairs. He pouted sadly to which she smiled and dragged him out after pecking on his lips, ignoring his jejune and annoyed tantrums.

Retour en arrire
It was 5th day after their Marriage; Manik and Nandini were sitting on the swing in their balcony at night, with Nandini ensconced in Manik's lap and Manik playing with her wedding chuda and tracing his Name written on her palms with Mehndi; discussing about the Party at Cabir's place from where they had just returned. He kissed her hands for an umpteenth time and then said, placing an envelop in her hand A small gift for you. I hope you will like it. She lightly pecked on his cheek and opened the envelop excitedly to see two tickets for a flight to Paris the next day. A blush crept on her face and he muttered huskily in her ear, after kissing her tomato cheeks I hope you liked the destination for our honeymoon. Chalogi na mere saath? Her cheeks adorned a more darker shade of red and she replied, holding his hands that were wrapped around her waist Yeh bhi koi puchne wali baat hai? I will come with you wherever you would take me. Per Manik one month? He sighed and replied lowering his head Haan I am sorry. Woh we have a concert na isliye sirf ek hi month. Per don't worry! We will go again. Nandini was left open - mouthed at his craziness and then she said, patting his forehead lightly Mr. Malhotra I meant to say ke one month is quite a long time. Not less. He pulled her closer and replied throatily Its not Mrs. Malhotra! You know what Nandini? This trip is not something that I have planned recently. And its not the only trip I have planned. Jabse tum meri life me aayi ho tabse I am doing this. Main tumhare saath har jagah jaana chahta hoon. I have been to many places but I want to visit them again with you. I want to show you the world or to be honest, I wanna show the world that I have you - the most beautiful person in the universe. Our honeymoon is just a start. Touched and Over - whelmed by his words, she din't say anything and just captured his lips with hers for a passionate kiss. He was surprised for a moment, but then responded with equal fervor. Breathless, they pulled apart and then Nandini abruptly jumped off the swing, to which Manik asked Kya hua Baby? Where are you going? She started walking into the room and answered Packing Karne aur kahan? Kal flight hai na. Itni saari packing karni padegi. Saying this she opened the cupboard to begin but was startled by Manik, who swiftly lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He seated her on the bed and said, cupping her face When I am here then why to fear? Maine already hum dono ki packing kar di hai. So just relax okay? He said and pointed his fingers towards the travel bags kept in the corner of the room. She glanced at them and then asked, looking at her clothes in the cupboard Per Manik saarey kapde toh wese ke wese hi hain cupboard me. He made her lie down on the bed and replied, lounging next to her and taking her in his embrace Haan toh? The dresses in the cupboard were shopped for marriage. Jab main tumhare liye shopping karraha tha tab maine iss trip ke liye alag se dresses khareede. Aur wohi uss bag me hai. Wese toh I have bought all the accessories and shoes also - per phir bhi tum kal check karlena. If you need anything ya if you don't like the clothes toh let me know; we will shop again. Okaye? She smiled seeing the amount of care and love he showers on her and said, shinning up on him and hugging him tight Tumne khareeda hai toh sab perfect hi hoga. I don't need to cross - check. Good Night Manik. I Love you. He titled her face, cupping her cheek and replied, after kissing her lips Good Night Baby. I Love You too. After Sharing another pretty good night kiss and while whispering sweet nothings to each other they closed their eyes to catch some forty winks.

To Be Continued ..