Chapter - 32

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Location - DisneyLand Hotel

The Sleeping Beauty suite offered a special service where all the Disney Cartoon Characters along with the Disney Sleeping Beauty Princess Aurora and her Prince would join the guests for breakfast in the private lounge of the suite. Manik was aware of this, as informed by the Manager, but kept it a secret from Nandini so that he gets to see her babyish shocked expression that he loved to the Moon and back, once again; her big doe eyes popping out of their frame and her lips rounding in a perfect O. Deeply exhausted by the previous day's frolicking and enthusiastic jaunt; Nandini was still swaying in the arms of Morpheus and Manik; being used to such excursions; was up by his regular time. After adoring his Baby, who was curled up in his arms comfortably, for almost an hour, he very sedately sneaked out of the bed and tugged his shirt beside her, so that she doesn't wake up.

He freshened himself and then moved to the dining area; that had an extra entrance for the Staff people; to check on the breakfast arrangement. A smile spread across his face when on entering he saw the gathering of all the Disney Characters - about whom his Nandini keeps orating like a small kid with utter fascination. He politely greeted all of them for which he received warm smiles in return and then Mickey Mouse approached him and said Good Morning and Welcome Mr. Malhotra! Hope you had a pleasant night. Manik smiled at him and replied Good Morning! Yeah We had a great time. Actually My wife - She is sleeping! Need to wake her up! Do you guys mind waiting? Even after knowing they would and amazing his Egoistic self, probably because of her Love for them, he asked and Mickey answered, keeping his hand on Manik's shoulder Oh! We thought You are our only guest. But luckily we have a Princess too. Please take your time. We are here. Manik glanced at all other characters who were smilingly nodding and said Umm! She is a little tired, in fact, too tired. We were on a day - trip to DisneyLand yesterday. Very delicate she is. I want to let her sleep for some more time. Is that okaye? Every one smiled at him and then Mini Mouse came forward and replied, making Manik sit on the chair Oh Why Not? We would love to wait for her. Till then, why don't you have a cup of joe with us? Saying this she picked the pitcher to pour some coffee but Manik stopped her and said Oh No No! I can't, without her. All gave him a questioning look and seeing those, Manik added I don't like the coffee that she hasn't tasted and she drinks only from my cup. So coffee without her, is a bad Idea. Saying this Manik gestured all of them to sit to which they complied smilingly and then Mickey said, taking the seat beside Manik's Okay so now that we have time. Tell us more about your lady. Your concern has made us curious to know about her. You are no less than a Prince so no doubt she must be a Princess. Does she like us? Finding himself surprisingly at ease with them, he smiled and replied, amiably Oh Yeah! She loves you all. Like really Loves you all. We are in a relationship for 4 years and the only thing she is crazy about, after me, is you all. There hasn't been any Disney Movie which she has left unseen. Though she is a young Lady - but is still a small baby. They Awwed in unison, that made Manik blush a little and then Daisy Duck said, excitedly Oh! How sweet. Thats very rare to see so pure love. You have been in a 4 - year relationship right? So that means, a Love Marriage! Tell us about your story. I am sure it must be a heart - melting one. Manik giggled recalling their roller - coaster journey, from animosity to hate to friends and then Love, and replied Not at all! I don't mean it was bad - Just that its different from others. Kind of twisted. Intrigued by his words, all of them insisted him to explain in detail and giving in to their wish, he said Umm! I won't go in detail because its quite lengthy. Let me make it brief. Our story is very much similar to the Beauty and the Beast one of yours. Almost the same. Minnie mouse looked at him from head to toe and said But You don't look like a Beast from any angle! Both Mickey and Manik chuckled and then the latter replied Though I don't look like a beast but I was one when she stepped into my life. She was 17 and just like a kid but managed to wreak havoc in my heart. Initially we were arch enemies, always at each other's throat and ready to slit the other's nerves. She was the thorn in my flesh and I was her bugbear - Monster she called me. But then gradually we came close, and solely because of her maturity and innocence. We were pulled towards each other like a magnet and a nail. Slowly, she invaded my darkened personal space and lightened it which awakened the human inside me. Don't know how and when exactly, but she stole my heart and now, the scenario is like - I often wonder how I was living without her. She has that supernatural power of cracking the toughest nuts, just with her eyes. Its impossible to not fall in love with her after meeting her. Mesmerized by his narration, Daisy Duck asked, rubbing her chin Is she that beautiful? Now that was a topic, Manik could effortlessly write down novels about, but keeping it simple so that they aren't bored, he replied For Me she is the most beautiful girl on this planet. And even she considers herself the most prettiest in the world - because she says I am her world. And the most enchanting part of her is her heart plus her bright smile. I was literally a Monster, who din't even spared a smile to anyone; forget talking the way I am now. So you can imagine her charm and positivism. Visibly smitten just by his description, Mickey said Wow! Your Princess has already impressed us. Can't wait to meet .. Oops! How dumb of us! We din't ask her name only. What is it?Manik smiled at him and replied Nandini! Minnie jumped in their convo and exclaimed Lovely Name! Please go get her. Really want to see your Love. She was joined by others and not having a heart, the old vicious one which Nandini had replaced with a virtuous one, to deny their earnest pleas, he reluctantly agreed and excused himself to fetch her. 

Nandini was sleeping on her stomach, very much like he does, covering her face in his shirt that she was clutching tightly in her tiny hands. Manik shook his head smilingly, wondering how she maintains the cuteness tag of hers even when in deep sleep. Completely against his will and reasoning his own subconscious mind that was constantly nudging him to back off - he budged closer to her for himself ruining the sight of his Baby sleeping like one, that he could gawk at for ages, by waking her up. He certainly din't want to but thinking about her joy on meeting them and remembering their eagerness, he slowly began waking her up by taking her in his arms and nuzzling her ear. She instantly smiled and uttered, in her sugary voice Mani! Good Morning. He felt his insides melting and his heart swelling in awe; just the way happens and a feeling which he loved, whenever he hears the wordMani! in her honey - laced voice. Cupping her cheek with his palm, he bent down and softly kissed her dry lips and then said Good Morning Baby! My chotu body is so much tired? Adding more warmth to his heart as well as body, she snuggled more into him and said Hmm! Bohot sara! I just feel like staying in the bed all day. Her reply made him ponder again over his already half - hearted decision of waking her up, but giving it a try he kissed her forehead and said I Know Honey! Per breakfast karna hai na. And there is also a surprise for you. Being the most exuberant soul on this planet, as he believed, when it came to surprises - she sat upright with a jerk, shoving all her laziness out of the window and exclaimed Surprise!!! What is it? Manik tittered at her excitement and repliedThat You will know only when you go and get freshened up. Without even replying, she jumped off the bed and ran into the washroom at a breakneck speed, leaving him behind, snickering. 

Manik tum na bohot burey ho! Khud kehte rehte ho 'suspense is killing me' aur mujhe wait karwatey ho. I hate you. She huffed like a child, making a pout and imitating him while he led her down into the dining hall, covering her eyes. He smiled at her antics and then replied, pecking on her pout Liar! You can't hate me at all. Its impossible.  Her lips twitched in a small smile hearing his true statement but hiding it, she spoke, folding her arms across her chest Still I am Cutty with you. You are making me wait so much. Such a Monster you are Manik. He again pecked on her lips and said, drawing back his hands from over her eyes Okay My Angry Bird! Calm Down! Here is your surprise. Before she could open her eyes properly, a loud 'Hey!' scared her and she instantaneously, hid behind him and clasped his shirt tightly, closing her eyes. The Characters got a little worried as well as guilty, for frightening her and eyed Manik. He blinked his eyes in assurance and said, holding Nandini's hand Relax Baby! All okay! Dekho toh sahi who is here. She slowly opened her eyes and peeked from his back like a two - year old; awe - striking the already awed cartoon characters. As soon as she saw the toons, who are seen only during the parade that too from a distance, standing right before her eyes, in her suite - she tilted her head and looked at him with exactly the same expression - the imagination of which has been keeping him smiling since the time he woke up. He gave her a nod as a confirmation of their presence being real and the next moment, he saw her hopping at her place, high as a kite, clapping her hands with a wide grin on her face. Adding to her glee, Mickey Mouse came near her and said, taking her hand and bussing it Welcome Princess! How are you this morning? She din't reply and just hugged Mickey which he happily reciprocated and then, breaking apart - she kissed his cheek and replied Hello! Very Happy I am. Thanks to you all. Saying this, she ran to the other characters and greeted them with so much zeal that anyone watching would misinterpret her to be a child. Mickey then came near Manik, who was feasting his eyes on Nandini; drinking in his solace - her glowing face and shining eyes; and said Now I know why you love her so much. I hope you din't mind the hug and kiss. Manik smiled at him and then replied puckishly, wrapping his arm around Mickey's shoulder Umm! I am possessive about her but I need not be jealous with you. Rather I am afraid for you as Minnie is also here. Mickey made a fake fret face, making Manik chuckle and then they moved towards Nandini and other characters. 

Nandini was happily astonished to see Manik gelling up so well, that to with the Cartoon Characters and having his gala time. She knew he would do it for her but to her delight, he was sincerely having a whale of a time. They all had the served American Breakfast, with loads of chatting and light - hearted moments along with compulsory romance and as was expected by Manik, all the Characters became fond of her in such a short time - so much that they were reluctant to take leave. Bound by their duties and to prepare for the Parade, they unwillingly bid them good bye with a promise to see each other in the parade. MaNan too followed them and checked out of the hotel to explore the rest of the DisneyLand. 

By 12 noon, they had toured almost the entire Park and then they entered the Disney Village where they first had their Lunch at McDonald's and later took a ride in the PanoraMagique Balloon that flew them over the entire DisneyLand. After having a fun time playing games at the NEX Fun Bowling and Games - where Manik taught her how to bowl with considerate doses of teasing; they entertained themselves to the wits by taking all the water rides at the Disney Village Marina. They exited the Disney Village licking ice - creams as the clock struck four - which meant the Parade would begin. As was decided, MaNan attended the Parade and to their merry, the Characters waved at them specifically and blew kisses which Nandini returned with equal love and zing. Post Parade, the characters again met them - but only a few of them such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, and themselves accompanied MaNan in the jaunt, acting as guides. They had dinner at the Mickey Mouse Club House and the trip finally came to an end, late in the night and taking scores of selfies and the Miniatures forms of the Characters gifted by the toons themselves as souvenirs, they toodle - ood and departed for the Mandarin Oriental. 

... 

Baccha! Massi ma and Partner will come very soon sweetheart and also bring so many gifts and chocolates for you. Nandini said to the 2 - year old Aarav over the phone, who was being stubborn to meet his Massi Ma and Partner, lying in Manik's arms on their bed. Both MaNan smiled hearing him crib cutely over the phone in his improper language No! No! No! Mom ish shaying (saying) dish (this) flom (from) 2 daysh (days). Tab (kab) aodey (aaogey) aap? Manik took the cell from her and replied, endearingly What is this champ? Aap zid karrahe ho? And ro bhi rahey ho? Aapko pata hai na Maasi ma aur Partner dono ko apke tears nahi pasand. Chalo be a good boy and wipe your tears jaldi se. Manik smiled listening him sniff which meant he had done what he was told to and then he continued Very Good Boy! Apko pata hai hum kiun aye hain yahan? He asked Tiun? innocently and then Manik rejoined Hum yahan Aarav ke liye new wala X-Box and Batman toys lene aye they. But you know yahan ke airport uncle ki plane waley uncle ke sath fight hogayi. Aur unki dosti honey me thoda time lagega. Isliye we are stuck here. Per promise aap jab Grand Mom ke ghar se wapas aoge na toh we will be there with your favorite chocolates and toys. Only if you don't cry. Agar Dadda ne mujhe bataya ke aap rorahe ho phirse toh hum nahi ayenge. Manik explained affectionately with a tinge of firmness and horrified by the thought of them not coming back, Aarav replied Otay! Otay! (Okay! Okay!) I won try (cry). Pomish (Promise). Massi Ma Pomish (Promise).  MaNan smiled and after hearing all his rigmarole very keenly for quite a while, they exchanged some virtual hugs and kisses and hung up the call. 

All this while Nandini was admiring Manik silently, like she always did when he would be with Aarav. No one, not even Nandini herself had thought Manik would be so fatherly and caring towards a child, that too of his prime foe -  Harshad; a fact which he himself had buried deep under the earth's chest - as he din't want any minutest harm or derision to even touch Aarav. For him, Aarav was his son and if the question was of blood, then he was a boy borne from Navya's womb and whose father was his Best Friend Cabir. He had made clear, crystal clear, to every one knowing the poisonous truth of Aarav being Harshad's part - to root the belief out of their hearts and minds and never to bring it to their mouths in their entire life time. She was already a victim of his love, and his bond with Aarav had literally drowned her in the ocean of love. Every time she saw him with Aarav, a thought always cropped up in her heart regarding the extent of love he would shower on his own blood. She had attempted to ask him about his love for Aarav and also his views on having children, for a reason she herself din't know about, perhaps for the sake of the mother inside her - but had always shied away. Now that they were married and had shared everything, she shooed away the chariness and asked Manik ek baat pochun? A little taken aback by her act of seeking permission to ask him something, he pulled her closer and replied Nandini you know you can ask me anything without hesitance. Go ahead Baby. She smiled and finally queried Manik why do you love Aarav so much? Not that I mind. I don't. Infact I love it to bits and pieces but I just want to know. Manik smiled recalling the day when he first held Aarav and replied I Don't know Nandini. I Love him since the day I saw him. There is no specific reason as such. She smiled at his solemn answer and then put another question, stammering Acha! Woh.. Woh! What about .. What about your .. I mean our chi .. Child. I want to know what is your opinion about it. He smiled seeing the blood rushing into her cheeks and her fluttering eye lashes and then replied, kissing her blush and harboring her in his embrace You Don't need to be shy honey. Its your right to know. And I am glad you asked. Pucho kya puchna hai tumhe? I am all yours.  She looked down and asked, playing with his fingers that were tangled with hersNothing much. Just your feelings about that. He again kissed her now darkened blush and replied, chinning her up to face him using his index finger and tucking the strand of hair behind her earUmm feelings! Yes I do want to become a Dad but not so soon. Though we know each other in and out but lets spend time together alone before taking such a big responsibility. About number of children .. He paused and then rejoined, cupping her cheeks I want only one baby. Because I can't see you bearing so much pain. I am letting you once because I want our Love to take birth. As a baby girl. Bilkul tumhare jaisi. Choti si pyaari si. I know I haven't expressed till now but I always wished for this - since the time we have come together. She would be so small. Tiny tiny hands, legs - chubby cheeks - Your true copy. She would be always in my arms, resting her little head on my shoulder - Call me Daddy. Hehe. But its ok if you want a boy. Its .. He was shushed by the gentle touch of her lips, sucking his with sheer love. She pulled apart, keeping the kiss ephemeral and replied, climbing over him and reposing her forehead on his We will have a Baby Girl only. The tears of hope and bliss in his eyes while he was talking about his secret dream overwhelmed her so much that she fell for him all over again. Din't know how, but at that very moment a faith instilled in her heart that they would surely have a baby girl - their daughter - maybe her Aiyappa had agreed to it right then - after all it would be difficult to not grant such an honest and sober prayer. She bet the blue out of her brain for for thinking - even if it was 6 years back - for misinterpreting him as a heartless person. She looked into his eyes with so much love and reverence that he couldn't hold back and fused his lips with hers for a passionate kiss. Breathless, they broke apart and then Nandini said, after pecking on his mole I Love You So Much Manik. So Much. Manik smiled understanding her emotions and replied, after kissing her forehead I Love You Too My Baby. Bohot Sara! She smiled back and they engaged in their sweet mutterings with necessary kisses and pecks - amidst which they fell asleep. 

Late in the night, around 3 AM, Nandini woke up to quench her zero hour thirst and thats when she saw him rubbing his legs against the bed sheet in sleep; which clearly evinced that they were paining. She sighed at his habit of being stoical, concealing his ache and enduring it quietly, only to make sure his loved ones are not fazed and then moved to do something that any normal girl of her age would refrain from doing considering her self - esteem. In one placid movement, she sidled out of the bed, warmed some Olive oil in the oven and started massaging his feet benignly with it, effleuraging his heels and ankles. Thanks to the fatigue engendered by their sportive outing, he was kipping profoundly, that made it easy for Nandini to tend his swollen tootsies. Relief filled her heart, seeing his frown eased and lips curved into a smile indicating that his ache has assuaged. Beholding his peaceful sleeping form with a content smile and working on his feet with her fingers steadily, she unknowingly dozed off. 

Baby Kahan ho tum? Manik mumbled with closed eyes on not feeling Nandini by his side. He waited for a couple of minutes and when no reply came, he opened his eyes and was alarmed to find her balled up near his feet; sleeping, keeping her head on his feet and pressing his ankles with her fingers even in the unconscious state. His eyes softened like melted wax and brimmed with tears and he felt his breath hitch in his throat, seeing her staunch and ardent devotion towards him. He lifted her smoothly and placed her in his lap, gazing at her endlessly without a blink. He was already enamored and enraptured by her unfeigned and consuming love and her this abject gesture had enslaved him for an eternity. Caressing her hair lovingly, he kissed her lips softly and then pecked all over her face when a tear from his drenched cheeks fell on her eyes and woke her up. Seeing his red - rimmed eyes, Nandini freaked and asked, cupping his face in her hands and wiping his tearsManik what happened? Why you crying Baby? Tum .. Tum theek ho na? He din't say anything and just engulfed her in a bone - crushing hug, startling her for a second but she reciprocated with equal force and ruffled his hair to soothe him. After what seemed like forever, he broke apart and said Kiun kiya yeh sab? Why did you bother so much Baby? Nandini realized the reason of his behaviour and replied smilingly Isme bother jaisa kuch nahi hai. Tumhe dard horaha tha aur main chup chap kaise dekhti. Maine to sirf massage ki - agar main tumhari jagah hoti toh tum toh hospital hi lejate mujhe. She tee - heed saying this, making him also smile along and then he said, kissing her hands I Love You Nandini! Mujhse kabhi door mat hona please. Main jee nahi sakoonga. She smiled and just claimed his lips for a promising kiss and then replied, joining their foreheads I won't. Promise! I Love You too. He smiled and again took her in for another intense kiss. 

... 

Monster Manik! Stop Cheating in the game. There is no word like Shona. Nandini shouted at Manik along with a smack on his shoulder while they were playing scrabble. On Mutual consent;she thinking about his aching legs and him keeping in his mind her sleepless night; they agreed upon spending the day in the hotel room itself. Manik smirked and replied Hota hai Nandini! Shona word hota hai. Nandini crossed her arm on her bosom and asked, raising her eyebrowsAccha? Kya hai iska matlab? Being the opportunist he is, Manik yanked her deathly close and whispered in her earShona Matlab Nandini! She instantly turned scarlet and felt the urge to kiss him tight on the cheek but not wanting to let him win the game by hoodwinks, she shook away the blush and said, moving back  Mr. One Track Mind! For your information hum scrabble khelrahe hain! Romance Romance nahi. Tum aise lovey - dovey words banaogey toh kese hoga? Pehle Mishti! Phir Shona! Aur unka meaning pucha toh Nandini! Tumhari dictionary mein proper words nahi hai? You will loose. He smilingly listened her scolding and acting according to his label of 'One - Track - Mind' he again pulled her closer and replied Meri dictionary me sirf ek hi words hai aur woh hai Nandini. And I am ready to loose anything for you. This game is very titchy thing. She smiled knowing there was no way she could resist his bonniness and giving in to his allure, she closed her eyes seeing him advancing for a kiss.

Just then, as a disruption in their moment came Cabir's call, frustrating Manik and leaving Nandini to snigger.Saaley Paris aur India ke beech mein bhi teri timing perfect hoti hai. Manik taunted Cabir, who replied, feigning innocence on the other side of the lineKhudse Hojata hai! Main kya karun? Wese kar kya rahey they tum dono? He asked in a mischievous tone and Manik answered casually Woh Kuch Nahi! Scrabble khelrahe they bas. Cabir chortled over the phone, making Manik roll his eyes and then said Haha! What? Scrabble? Haha! Tu wahan Paris, ek mahine ke liye scrabble khelne gaya hai? Haha!! Arey mere Einstein - Honeymoon per scrabble kon khelta hai? Ussey better to tu jata hi nahi. Manik made a face and replied So? Isme itna hasne ki kya baat hai? Kal bohot der bahar they toh aaj room me time spend karrahe hain. Movies dekhi, swimming ki and ab khelrahe they. Listening him still guffawing, Manik rejoined, feebly - inaudible to abusy - in - arranging - scrabble NandiniHas kiun raha hai pagal? Honeymoon ka matlab yeh nai hota ke hamesha bed per rahein. Hasna bandh kar aur bol kiun pareshan karraha hai mujhe? Cabir smiled hearing his friend's views but keeping aside his emotions, he composed and replied in his Cabiraaastyle Baba Manek! Humein bhi aapse baatcheet karne ki koi iccha nahi hai. Kripya hamari behna ko phone dein. Manik sighed and straight away passed the phone to Nandini who jovially took it and got involved in a confab with her beloved brother while Manik busied himself in toying with her hair.