Retour en arriere

Hum kahan aye hain Manik? Nandini questioned Manik as they stepped out of their limosine to face the front of a huge edifice standing amidst lush viridescent vegetation. Manik took her in a side - hug and replied, walking along with her into the premises Khud Dekhlo! She gave him a nod and they directly entered into the building, breaking through the huge horde that was waiting for their turn to get the tickets; thanks to Manik who had already arranged for them as being the over - protective husband he is of his Princess; making her a part of such a hubbub was something not even worth considering. Nandini almost stiffened, finding herself underneath a vast and high aquatic vivarium; basically an underwater tunnel with glass ceiling that served as window to the huge water - tank above, that housed probably every kind of marine fauna and flora that Nandini had ever known; with only the ground below her feet seeming coarse in contrast to the other bluish transparent walls of the expanse. 

Unlike the surprised expression, which adorned her face when they visited DisneyLand, she now had an amazed one; with her mouth agape with bewilderment - betokening her astonishment about the possibility of her atypical dry presence under an ocean with all its inhabitants moving alive. Deciphering her state from her eloquent orbs, he smiled and asked bringing her out of the daze You like the place? She grinned widely and replied, skimming her fingers over the vitreous screenUnbelievable Manik! This is so beautiful. Kya yahan pe big fishes bhi hongey? She asked innocently to which Manik answered, after pecking her cheeks Haan! Sharks hain woh bhi 38, alag alag. And your favorite, Coral reefs bhi hain. Her lips took the shape of the letter O inviting a peck from him, which he gave and then he rejoined Agar tum chaho na toh hum underwater bhi jasakte hain. You want to? Nandini smiled broadly and bobbed her head exuberantly like a kid who have been offered an extra scoop on his Ice - cream cone. He smiled and then said, intertwining their fingers Okay! Per ussey pehle let me show you around. She looked at him and asked in her sugary baby voice Manik Tum yahan pehle aye ho? He gave her gentle tap on forehead with his, and replied Haan Baby! Jab yeh first time open hua tha tab. At that time, somehow I was very fond of fishes so Dad bought me here. Bohot keenly observe kiya tha sab toh abhi tak yaad hai. She smiled and kissed him on his cheeks and then they advanced to check out the aquarium. 

After surveying almost half - of the wide area, passing across the large sized sharks and sundry fishes with Manik acting as a guide for Nandini, they reached the dive - in area where the coral reefs along with small fishes were kept. This specific zone was detached from the rest of the aquaria, situated to the rear and allowed only one diving party at a time that would be spending a whole of one hour underwater, privately, accompanied by a volunteer. While collecting their costumes, a few steps away from Nandini, Manik saw her playing with a colorful betta fish - that seemed to have befriended his Baby. He sedately moved closer to her and leaned beside her to have a clear view of her big doey eyes, shining, and the naive smile on her face seeing the fish unfurl its fins and tail like chinese fan when she poked its tiny mouth - abutting the inner side of the tank - with her finger. Her childlike antic and the esctatic clapping of her long lashes mesmerized him and he felt every beat of his heart taking her name as a prayer - overjoyed on being fortunately owned by such a pure soul who finds happiness in little things around her. Taking her in a back hug, he kept his chin on her shoulder, not blinking even once, not wanting to miss the serene sight of his childwoman for even a nanosecond. She slowly took his hand and said, continuing the prodding with his index finger Its so cute na Manik and pretty also. He kissed her cheeks and repliedThey are. But Not more than my Baby. A light blush crept on her cheeks and he asked impishly, pointing towards the kissing gouramis What do you think about them? Aren't they romantic? She gave a shy smile and replied, turning about and snaking her arms around his neck They are. But not more than my Baby. His lips twitched in his famous - smirk and then he said huskily, raising his left brow and pulling her closerAccha? Ab compliment diya hai toh mujhe uske hisaab se chalna padega na. More than ready to give in to his wish, she closed her eyes and he lovingly fused his lips with hers for a passionate kiss; a contact he considered more vital than breathing, for his sanity and survival. The tick - tick sound of the approaching attendant's shoes, made them break their kiss too soon and then Manik said, handing her the provided garms and gears to be worn along with a peck Yeh Pehenlo jaldi se so that we can go inside and meet your new friend. She complied and then they both changed themselves into the given Black Jumpsuits.

It was the first time for Nandini unlike Manik who had been to several such places and had already attempted the major scuba diving sport; so her getting nervous was totally justified. As if reading her mind using the twiddling of her fingers as hint, Manik intertwined their fingers and said, while they stood on the edge of the ginormous tank - all ready to nosedive Don't get scared. Main hoon na! This particular set of three words, when cadenced in his husk voice held the power of vanquishing her greatest fears and the same happened again; she could actually see her jitters drowning dead in the Adam's ale, she had just jumped in with him by her side, holding her hand protectively.

The very next moment, she found herself in the midst of a blue world; floating weightlessly in the amniotic fluid; her entire body numb except her hand tangled with his. Being adept at treading water, Manik took the lead and ushered her into the denser layers, conversing with her through his eyes and acquainted her with every bit of the new world her eager eyes were dying to see - like a father does to its baby who wishes to know everything. He smiled, against his snorkel - seeing her glittering eyes through the murky medium as they moved across the soft corals hypnotically swaying back and forth to the rhythm of water. He gently held one from the school of rainbow colored fishes, moving in unison along the reef much like a huge flock of birds and placed it in her hand to see the expected exhilaration in her body language. He was sure of loosing one of his precious kiss of hers to the tiny creature, had there been no air - tube restricting her lips; a prospect he discerned from the awe - inspired fluttering of her eyes. Being the cutie - pie she is, Nandini let go the fish after a few seconds of adoring - so that it could join back its group - an act he couldn't resist awing at. He wrapped his arms firmly around her waist and she instantly proximated her body to his in response as they headed into the darker regions wherein the larger fishes dwelled. 

I Love You Manik! Nandini admitted all of a sudden with a hug, as soon as they exited the tank after finishing their 60 Minute Long underwater tour. Her this gesture took him by start but he hugged her back more tightly, as he always did, and asked I Love You Too Baby! Per achanak? Not breaking the hug, she looked up to him and replied Thank .. A loving peck by him shushed her even before she could begin and then he said, picking her up in his arms and making way into the changing room You are breaking the rule of our love Mrs. Malhotra! Remember? No Thank Yous allowed. He put her down after latching the door and continued, helping her in getting rid of the dive booties and finsAnd you don't even need to Baby. I want to take you all around the world, show you everything that you wish to see. No need of thank you and all; just keep smiling. He said caressing her cheeks lightly and the next second, he was rewarded by a passionate smacker; as she rammed her lips on his - overwhelmed by his statement to all intents and purposes. As if longing for it to happen, his lips molded into the kiss with equal fervor on their own; sucking and biting hers vehemently. Overtaken by amour fou, an emotion that was at rest for the last 4 days; Manik left her lips and buried his face in the crook of her neck; nibbling it and then soothing the bites lovingly. Breaking free from the haze created by her enchanting scent; he tenderly planted a lone kiss on her cheek and pulled back, controlling himself; heeding to the advice his subconscious mind had given him of waiting till they get back to their room. He softly kissed on her lips and said, brushing her hair with his fingers I don't want to spare such an aesthetic moment of ours to this changing room. It ain't worthy of that. Tum kapde pehenlo. I am waiting outside. Saying this, he left after planting a kiss on her forehead and she smilingly wiped the dew in her eyes that had borne seeing the respect he holds for her body and the way he suppresses his urges to ensure her comfort without making her feel guilty. Filling the 'Thank You' account of her Aiyyapa with one more zillionth Thank; for blessing her with Manik; she quickly wore her clothes and joined Manik who welcomed her with a warm smile and then they left to dine at the place's food court. 

*****

Nandini chalo! Kuch nai hoga. You have to do this with me. Manik tried encouraging his stubborn Baby who was cribbing like one - over giving ice - skating a try. She gave him a look - which was mixture of annoyance and scare and said or rather declared, folding her arms across her chest I am not going Manik! No way! Kitna thanda hai aur I don't know ice - skating ka I even and see! itne saaarey log hain. It will be so embarrassing if I fall. You know skating! You know everything in the world! So you only go. Diving bhi aati hai! Scuba Diving bhi karli! Ab skating bhi karna jaaante ho! Mujhe nai ata and I am not going to make a fool out of myself Mr. Malhotra Malhotra! She was complaining or rather blabbering so cutely out of nervousness that he just wanted to cuddle her right there; but chucking his idea seeing her vexed mood - he did the least he could do to enjoy her twitchiness - chuckled under his breath and then said making a puppy face, applying the ace card formula that instructed to use emotional blackmail to convince Mujhe ata hai toh isme main kya karun? I toh just wanted to do it with you. And tum hi toh kehti ho na ke I won't let you fall. Phir? He smugged seeing her I-know-what-you-are-doing mien, but finally getting over - powered by his efforts; she sighed in defeat and replied Okay! But only for you. He grinned his bewitching grin and then hurriedly slid her feet into the skates; not giving her any time to change her mind. 

He held her one hand tightly while the other was gripping the fencing of the rink for support; as she tried skating taking baby steps. Feared after experiencing a good dozen of almost - slips in the last 5 minutes; she clutched his hand more strictly and said Mani Please Na! I don't want to do it. Mujhe darr lagraha hai. He smiled seeing her cheeks turning red due to cold and then asked, hugging her from back and holding her securely in his embrace Abhi bhi dar lagraha hai? She pushed herself more into his chest and answered in an obvious tone Sabse safe jagah mujhe khada kar ke pooch rahey ho yeh sawal? Nahi lagraha ab dar. Bas thandi lagrahi hai. Manik giggled and then said, kissing her tomato cheeks, making them more crimson Ab bhi thand lagrahi hai? She playfully hit his hand, seeing him laugh at her blush and then composing himself, Manik rejoinedAccha Baba no more teasing! But time for some action. So Mrs. Malhotra! Here we go! The following second, Nandini heard his skates squishing against the ice and found herself gliding easily in sync with him; feeling the icy breeze whispering over her skin that gave her reasons to titter. He stealthily kissed her cheeks that were painted rosy - red by the cold wind as they whooshed past the murmurs and flying people with an increased pace; swirling and slewing on the frozen land. This is so much fun Manik! Manik smiled hearing her exclaim clearly amidst the blaring sound of music and her excited screams but being the ever romantic husband; there was no question of him letting go such an awesome chance of sharing a little warmth in the icy dry ambiance through a kiss. He smoothly veered her about, frightening her for a moment and then said, adhering her body with his I want a kiss. Smilingly, she covered the negligible distance between their faces and pressed her lips on his; giving a damn to her timid side that was refraining her against doing so by citing the presence of people around as a reason. Known for their romance and inclination towards it; none of the Parisians in the rink affronted, instead, they hooted and whistled and clapped; witnessing their moment of Love. They pulled apart, keeping the kiss short and succint; not wanting to share the pleasure with the on-lookers more than required. Dawned by the sweet epiphany; as they pulled apart; realizing her recent stunt - she turned red as an apple and instantly hugged him tight; burying her face in his chest and he happily enclosed her in his arms. 

*****

Manik Yeh Tumhare Liye! Nandini said, giving Manik a rectangular thing wrapped prettily in a gift paper; as they sat on the garden swing chatting with each other on random topics. Guessing already what could be under the sheets, Manik took it from her with a smile and asked Yeh Kisliye Baby? She smiled and replied, tongue - in cheek Actually main yeh tumhe wedding night per dena chahti thi. Per tumhare gift me main itna kho gayi ke I forgot about this. I hope you will like it. He gave her his perfect smile which grew widest when the decorative paper unwrapped to unleash her personal Black Diary which she always kept cached. Expounding her idea of gifting him her confidential diary - which coincidentally was also the question playing in his mind then; she said, opening the diary for him to reveal its first page that had 'Monster Manik'calligraphed over it in bolds This diary knows all the secrets of my heart and I think you have all the rights to know about it. Isliye I am giving it to you. Intrigued by her words, he first traced  his name smilingly and then turned the page to know her so called'secrets'. The world stopped for him; so did his heartbeats when the leafs turned one by one; displaying only his name written gazillion times in pygmy fonts all across the pages but with changing prefixes. He knew very well about her super - romantic side but he never had ever thought she could do such a gesture. The real meaning of her words, her life's secrets - which now he fathomed was him and only him; tickled his heart to pink and he looked at her with utmost love. Seeing the light about his delight from his gleeful face, she smiled and said, after kissing the corner of his lips You are the only secret of my heart Manik. I am maintaining this diary since maybe forever; from the time I met you. First I used to do it when I would be angry on you but then It became habit and slowly I started loving scribbling this - little did I know I have fallen in Love with you. He listened her every word like a devotee as if it was a recitation of a Holy Book and she added, taking out the middle page of the book that had some lyrics written on it And You know! I wrote this piece when you were angry on me for that Soha blunder. That was the time I got know the depth of my love for you and your importance in my life.