Location - Malhotra Industries

Hush and quietitude spread across the whole 200 square feet premises of the Malhotra Industries Main Branch in the Northern Suburbs of the Mumbai city; when the news of Mr. Malhotra's arrival bruited about. Each and Every member of the staff; from hirelings to white - collared workers were literally frozen on their positions; some pretending and some sincerely engrossed in their works but the worst situation was of the head honcho; who was pacing to and fro - treading the office place again and again to make sure anything and everything was impeccable and regulated; exactly the way Manik liked. The already baited breaths of the workpersons now hitched in their throats; as the telecom rang which indicated that HE had reached. Controlling his shaking legs and wiping the cold sweat off his forehead; the Manager hurriedly strode towards the lift for receiving Manik while all the others just raised on their feet and stiffened themselves with their hearts beating noiselessly in their mouths; praying and hoping for the 'storm' to subside soon i.e., he should make an early exit without taking away their job for whatever reasons. As always happens; all the waiting faces turned pale; white as sheets; when the doors of the lift parted and their CEO entered along with his four permanent guards; who were kept for protecting him from the always present Media and Paparazzis infront of the Office Gates - Thanks to his 'Rockstar' image. 'Nothing Changed' was the first thought that popped in everyone's mind on seeing him; he was the same like they saw him on his last Visit; A personification of Urbanity and Austerity; His face stern and authority pouring out from his debonair persona. Carrying his imperious and officious yet suave attitude; he answered Manager's greeting and started to move when came a voice, his favorite, of Nandini - who had just come after attending a call Mr. Malhotra! Have you forgotten that I have come along with you? The burning sensation of fear was replaced by the cooling relief; in the hearts of employees on getting the pleasant surprise of finding Nandini; the key to their Master's heart; in the office - and they smiled ear to ear; as her mere presence was enough to keep him composed; something that always proved beneficial for them and ensured their safety as well as job security. Though she never interfered in the business matters or in cases when Manik's angry behaviour was justified; but her being there - always maintained a tranquil and peaceful ambience - as her one look was powerful enough to cool him down. Signaling her a mute sorry; He forwarded his hand to her with his bewitching smile - that shocked the blue out of the new employees who believed that Smiling was something that wasn't possible for their Boss to do as they had never seen him with his wife. Flashing her vibrant smile, she held his hand and whispered something in his ear that instantly brought a grin on his face and seeing this; one of the fresh candidate asked to his older colleague; somehow regaining his voice, as slow as a whisper Yeh Kya horaha hai? Boss aur smile? And yeh ladki koun hai unke saath? The person faked a smile as MaNan passed by him, towards the Cabin and then replied Wife hai Boss ki. Thank God woh bhi aayi aaj. Pata hai? Woh jab aati hai na tab Boss ka ghussa mano exist hi nahi karta. Tuney news to suni hogi na about how much Manik Malhotra loves his wife. Bas usi pyaar ki thodi glimpse hai yeh. The one who questioned smiled; already impressed by the genteel lady - love of his guv'nor and then they both continued with their work; not wanting to take any risk of getting into their Sachem's bad books.

Manik woh sab chodo Baba aur pehle lunch karlo. Yeh zyada important hai. You can do it later also na. Nandini said to Manik who was busy in adorning the Cabin's Showcase with Nandini's Trophy that she was awarded for winning the best cardiologist title. He slid the glass to the side; Closing the case and replied, looking at the Award with eyes full of pride Baad me karsakta hoon per I couldn't wait anymore. I was dying to place it here. My Cabin has become more dignified with this. Nandini smiled and shook her head; at the way he had disregarded his medals that were covering all the walls of the room and then said, dragging him from the cupboard to the couch and making him sit Enough of boasting about your wife Mr. Malhotra! Ab khana khayein? Medicines leni hain tumhein. Saying this she sat next to him and dished out some food; that she herself had prepared for him separately; and said, seeing him making faces at the soup I am Sorry Manik! I know tumhe aisa khana bilkul pasand nahi hai per bas thode din. He took a spoon full of the soup from her hand and said, smilingly, while feeding her the same You don't have to feel guilty Baby. I din't knew ke soup tumne banaya tha. Kissing her one hand; after intertwining it with his; he continuedTumhare haath se piya hua pani bhi mujhe extra tasty lagta hai. Phir yeh soup to tumne banaya hai. I can eat it daily. She chuckled at his cheesy line; but she knew he meant it and replied, after pecking on his lips I Love You Mani. The word 'Mani' broadened his already wide smile and he spoke, after pecking her back I Love You too Baby. Thoda zyada when you call me Mani. She smiled and gave him a quick hug and after feeding him full and getting herself fed by him; she gave him the medicines which; as always; he gulped down with a lot of frowns.

Seeing him opening the laptop, definitely for doing work; she rapidly packed the lunch boxes and said, moving near his chair on which he was seated and keeping her hand on his shoulder Manik mujhe batao ke kya karna hai. I will do it. He smiled at her care and as a matter of fact; replied pressing her hand; denying her help coz letting her work was the last thing he could do No Honey Bee! Aur kitna kaam karogi tum? Subah se you are toiling and you know na I hate it. Bas kuch documents review karne hain. You sit and let my baby relax for sometime. Please! Mere liye! Her all thoughts of arguing and persuading him were drowned as there was nothing in the world; even the things against her will; she would not do - when he would bring it on his name and so; accepting her defeat - she smiled and said, after kissing his head Okay! I will sit there. Agar if you need any help to tell me. She said even after being sure that he would rather hire a new person than making her work and receiving a nod, she left him with the work and settled on the sofa. Though she had grabbed a magazine; her 90% attention was only on him; her eyes checking him every two minutes from the corner to see if he was getting tired and noticing this, Manik smiled and said, not shifting his gaze from the laptop screenDon't worry Shona! Main bilkul theek hoon. You can concentrate on the magazine. A red tint colored her cheeks on being caught and not being able to subdue her growing concern any longer, she stood up and replied, shooing away the blushManik aur kitna kaam karogey? Phir meeting me bhi jaogey. Bas karo na. Mujhe batao I will do it. Luckily, his reviewing was done and much to her relief, he shut down the laptop and said, coming towards her and cupping her cheeksHogaya Baba! Thoda sa hi toh kaam tha. Flumping on the sofa, he pulled her in his lap and remarked, tucking her hair behind her ear Do You know that you are the best wife in this world? Smiling, she muffled her arms around his neck and replied, brushing his nose with hers Ab husband best ho toh wife ko bhi best hona hoga na. Locking his hands on the small of her back, he smiled and said, snuggling her close Kaise milgayi mujhe tum Nandini? Kya karta main tumhare baghair? Tumhare aiyappa ko jitna bhi thanks karoon na kam hi hain. She smiled and replied reposing her head on his shoulder Aiyappa made me for you only na. There wasn't any chance of us not crossing each other's path. Accha ab mujhe batao ke kitni der I have to do the thing which I hate the most? He looked at her questioningly to which she rejoined, making a pout Stay away from you. Pecking her pout, he caressed her hair and replied Bas 30 minutes! Uske baad Papa will come back to Baby. She first hmmed and then said, kissing him on his cheekBest Of Luck! He kissed her back; but on lips and replied, making her lie comfortably on the sofa ThankYou my Lucky Charm! Ab you rest - take a nap until I come back okaye? Bas main yun gaya aur yun aya. You know na you can sleep aaram se. Wese to koi ayega nahi but still I will take this remote and lock the door. Sleep peacefully okaye? She bobbed her head and smiled; a favor he returned with a forehead buss and after sharing a short sweet kiss; he locked the room and joined the dealers who were waiting for him in the conference hall.

About 40 Minutes later or so; Manik returned after, ofcourse, cracking the deal and stealthily opened the door of the Cabin, expecting his sleeping baby but to his surprise; she was very well awake and was reclined on the couch with his Tablet; munching on a chocolate whilst using the talking tom application and giggling when the cat uttered back her words. Maintaining the record; her adorbs compelled his heart to bounce in his chest in awe and his mind to ponder over the possibility of existance of anything cuter than her in the entire universe; which he knew, wasn't. Admiring her jejune antic; he sedately walked to her and asked; clearing his throat and hiding his smile; faking anger What are you doing Baby? Why din't you sleep? His sudden voice frightened her and the tab fell off her grip but on finding him; she heaved a sigh and said Manik! Thank God tum agaye. I was getting bored. How was your meeting? Manik sat beside her and replied, after kissing the chocolate off her lips Tumhare wish karne ke baad mera kaam pura na ho aisa kabhi hua hai? Yeh sab chodo. I told you to take a zizz na; then why are you awake? Hmm? She cuddled closer to him and said, nuzzling her face in the crook of his neck How could I? You know na I can't sleep without you. Ouch! Exclaimed his mind which Manik mentally slapped on forgetting this habit of hers; or better to say theirs; and replied smilingly, skipping the sorry part knowing she won't like it Oh! I see. She just mumbled a sugary hmm and giving in to his urge; he kissed her cheeks tightly and said, gritting his teeth out of Love How can you be so cute? I swear agar tum roz roz apni cuteness ese badati jaogi na toh I will gobble you up. Saying this he softly bit her cheek making her tee - hee and after kissing him back; she replied impishly, or to be more precise, muttered against his heartMr. Malhotra! Agar aapke employees ne apko aise dekhliya na toh sabko heart attack aajaega. Bechare wahan apni saansein rok ker baithey huay hain apke darr se. Chalein ghar? So that they can breathe. Manik tittered and after pretending to think over her words for a few seconds; he smilingly pecked on her lips and said As You say Princess! Your wish is my command. She smiled and then straightening themselves; they walked out of the cabin and soon went out of the staff's sight; much to their joy.

Location - Malhotra Mansion

Oh Ho Not Again! exclaimed Nandini on seeing the scene going on in the hall; Aarav stomping his foot in high dudgeon and shooting daggers at Rishabh - who was smirking devilishly at the little thing and saying Whatever You say chotu. Your Massi Ma loves me more. Because I am her brother. Instead of stopping the duo; all the elders where sitting back and enjoying as if they were watching a movie; except Chachi and Navya who were having hard time controlling the livid Aarav who instantly snapped back; or more truely roared; at Rishabh, clenching his teethNo!!!! Maasi Ma loves me more. Not you. Maasi Ma also loves me and Partner also loves me more. Ignoring Chachi's pleas and Navya's 'please stop it' signals, Rishabh laughed under his breath and said; adding fuel to the already lit fire No No No. You are badly mistaken. Who told you this lie? Don't you know? Your partner loves me more. Infact, before you came, he used to call me Champ. Ask your dadda. Aarav looked at Cabir; who gestured a yes; and then Rishabh rejoined See! I told you. Manik Bhai mujhe Champ bolte they. Phir tum aye toh maine unhe bola ke tumhe champ bulaye. Instead of thanking me, you are fighting with me? Bad Boy! By now, Aarav was foaming at the mouth; first Rishabh was arguing over his Maasi Ma's love; then he bought in his Partner also and then he was also claiming the nick name Champ to be his; so him Getting red with fury was inevitable. Extremely vexed, Aarav fisted his tiny hand tightly and barged toward Rishabh obvio to rain some blows on him; something he did only when he would get hopping mad; but acting as a savior for Rishabh who was not - so - scared and was shamelessly snickering; Aarav was stopped in his track by Nandini who had run to him and held him by his shoulders. Not looking back at the person who was holding him; Aarav jiggled to get free while saying Leave Me! I will not repair him. Hearing the word 'repair', both Rishabh and Cabir burst out guffawing; escalating Aarav's anger; and then Cabir said, amidst his laughRepair nahi Spare. Hahaha! The ickle baby was so much irated that tears started rolling down his cheeks seeing which; Nandini glared at the two maniacs and yelled Stop It now both of you!! One more word and I will throw you both out of the house. The next moment their heads fell and hearing Nandini's voice, Aarav veered about and complained, sobbingMaasi Ma! See na they are troubling me so much. He is saying you love him more, Partner also love him more and he also said that Partner pehle issey Champ bulatey they. I hate him. Nandini felt like beating the daylights out of the two brothers of hers for making her child cry but concentrating more on Aarav; she shot a black look at them and then said, taking Aarav in a hug and wiping his tears Nahi Baby! Don't cry. Aapko pata hai na Maasi Ma don't like your tears. And aap kiun ghussa horahe ho? He is a big big liar. Maasi Ma loves you more more and more. Okaye? Aarav sniffed and asked naively Aur Partner? This time, Manik; who had entered a few minutes ago after buying some Ice - creams when Aarav was grouching; replied, taking Aarav from Nandini Partner also loves you more. Bohot sara. At last, the kid smiled and said, after showing his tongue to Rishabh - who was bound to keep shut by Nandini I knew it. See! They love me more. You know partner he made so angry and and you know he was also making fun of me along with Dadda. Manik mopped the salty water off his face and replied, playing along Accha? These two na! They made Champ cry na. Wait I will teach them a lesson. Saying this Manik moved near the partners - in - crime and rebuked, after giving each a punch Don't you guys dare make fun of him. Sharam nahi aati chotey bacchey ko rulaney mein? Mazakh ek limit tak accha hota hai. You guys made him cry. How could you?Though he had punched them to satisfy Aarav; but he said all that in a strict voice - as next to Nandini; it was Aarav, whose tears stabbed his heart and realizing their mistake, Cabir and Rishabh said in unison, catching their ears and making sulken face Sorry! Aarav looked at Manik; asking whether to forgive or not; and then he replied, after Manik gestured a yes Its Okay! Everybody smiled seeing the bond between Aarav and Manik and after settling on a couch, with Aarav in his lap, Manik took out an ice - cream cup and said, opening it for Aarav Pata hai Nandini why I bought this ice - cream? Aarav raised his brows in question and Nandini asked, passing the ice - creams to everyone Kiun Manik? Manik endearingly filled Aarav's mouth with ice - cream and answered Because Champ got so angry na! Oh My God! I was so scared. Aap toh red hogaye they champ gusse se. Isiliye I bought this. To cool you down. Abhi bhi gussha? Aarav giggled heartily and shook his head in a No and then he said, making Manik take a spoon of Ice - cream I Love You Partner! So much! All went Aww and Manik replied, smilingly, pinching Aarav's nose I Love You too Champ.

MaNan were lying on their bed, in each other's arms - as everyone retired to their rooms for taking siesta - when Manik pulled out an album from the drawer and presented it to Nandini. Knitting her brows, Nandini took it from him and asked Manik what is this? He nuzzled his face in her hair and replied Gift hai mere Baby ke liye. Khud dekhlo. Enthusiasm brew up inside her on the mention of gift and she quickly opened the album to have a look at whatever he had brought for her. She was dumbstruck on finding the album filled with her pictures that were captured secretly in DhruLya's marriage; from engagement to wedding; and before she could enquire, Manik said, keeping his chin on her shoulder Tum jab busy thi na kaamon mein tab li thi maine yeh photographs. And befoe you berate me let me tell you - Maine Dhruv Alya ke bhi pictures liye hain and agar nahi bhi liye toh I can't be blamed. When you have such a gorgeous wife then it becomes impossible to divert attention. She blushed at his compliment and asked, skimming her hands over a still in which she was fixing her ear - ring Am I this beautiful? Without answering, he just turned her face and claimed her lips for a passionate kiss; sucking and biting them; making her moan with his dominance while she just sat surrendered in his lap, gripping his hair and pulling him closer. Rendering her and himself breathless, he broke the kiss and then replied huskily, nibbling her earlobe Calling you beautiful would be an understatement Baby. The way I behave around you; the way I kiss you and the way I go mad when I have you close; are all the effects of your immense beauty. I can just sit before you and spend my entire lifetime gaping at you. Nothing and no one in this world; for me; is more beautiful than my Baby. She blushed hard and he continued, caressing the love bites on her back And You need not ask it. These longlasting and deep marks of love that I leave on your skin and my neverending yearning to keep you as close as a second skin are themselves big testaments. Saying this he kissed over the bites; as soft as a touch of feather; and irrespective of the mild intensity - her body turned feverish and her already pink cheeks turned rosy - red. A naughty smirk twitched his lips to the left; seeing her inhale and exhale profoundly - her lower lip curled in between her teeth and eyes closed; her fragile body quivering like a dry leaf in response to his proximity. Knowing exactly where they would land up if the raging desires are not tamed and not wanting to weaken his 5 - day old operated and stitches bearing body; Nandini swiftly turned and gestured a silent No; keeping her fingers on his lips. Very well cognizant of the reason that her subconscious mind as well as heart was giving her; he smiled and pouted his lips to peck her delicate fingers; reddening her blush. Ebbing away the fluttering butterflies in the pit of her stomach and simmering down the heat; she kissed his cheek and said I Love You So Much Manik. Bohot bohot bohot bohot bohot sara. Cocooning her in his arms; he raked his fingers through her hair and replied, after planting a kiss on her forehead I Love You Too Baby. Much much more.

Just when they were about to kiss; someone knocked and that someone turned out to be Rishabh - for a change - other than their dear evil - twins who considered disturbing their private moments as a birthright. Distancing themselves a bit; decent enough to be infront of a kid; Manik granted the entry and Rishabh said, as soon as he stepped in I hope I am not here at some wrong time. Manik moved a little aside on the bed; making some space for Rishabh to sit and replied Ofcourse Not Rishu! But all of a sudden here? Everything okaye? Nandini too looked at him curiously and then Rishabh answered, taking out the Rakhi Nandini had sent on the recent Raksha - Bandhan and handing it to her Tumne rakhi bheji toh thi but that time I was missing you a lot. Hamesha to Chachi used to tie but this time I din't let her because I wanted to get it tied by you. Toh lo bandho ab. Saying this he bunched the five of his right hand for her to tie and she happily did so; with a glint of awe in her eyes on seeing the affection of her baby brother. She fed him a chocolate as sweet - half of which he put in her mouth and then he said, scooping her cheeks in his hands and bussing her forehead Sorry for not being there. But I promise - I won't let anything happen to you or Manik Bhai ever. I Love You. Tears welled up in her eyes at his mature and brotherly promise but blinking them away, she took him in a bone - crushing hug; the bro - sis special; and replied Why did you grow up so early baby? Your promise is the best gift any sister can get. I Love you too. Pulling apart, Nandini lovingly kissed his temple and then Manik said, ruffling his hair like he did when Rishabh was a kidYou are the best brother any sister can have. Proud of you. Holding Manik's hand between his two, Rishabh kissed it and replied And aap duniya ke best bhai, best brother - in - law aur best father ho. Aapko theek dekhne ke liye I can do anything. And I can't tell you how much content I feel whenever you say that you are proud of me. I don't remember much about Appa but I bet he would have been like you. Please take care. I can't describe how important you are to me Bhai. I Love You. The ever - strong Manik Malhotra too became misty - eyed at his earnest words but just like Nandini, he hid them and replied with a smile and side - hug Love You Too Champ. And Nandini sacchi mein our Rishu had grown up. Nandini smiled and nodded and after conversing for some more time; Rishabh left to catch some forty winks.

Post his egress, Manik again pulled Nandini in his lap and said Mrs. Malhotra! Lagta hai apka magic double hogaya hai. Kuch minute door rehna bhi mushkil hogaya hai. Giving him a smile, she adjusted herself more cozily in his lap and replied, snaking her arms around neck Magic to aapne chalaya hai Mr. Malhotra! Meri saari family ko apni side karliya. She pouted; feigning sadness and after pecking her pout, he said Don't pretend Shona! I know that you are more happy with this fact. Smiling broadly, she joined her forehead with his and replied Yes I am and Why wouldn't I? ThankYou for loving everyone .. She was shushed and taken aback by his unannounced kiss - as he rammed his lips on hers but eventually replied with equal fervor. Breaking the contact; Manik pecked her lips twice and said You know na I hate it when you thank me. And I should be grateful to you for giving me a family. So no thanks. Agli baar kaha na toh I won't kiss you. Rounding her doe - like eyes; she replied puckishly, pecking him back Now that is one thing my dearest hubby cannot do. Hehe! He smiled seeing her chirpiness and laid down with her after exchanging some more pecks and kisses to ease up for sometime before moving downstairs for tea - time.

To Be Continued ..