Chapter - 37

Location - Malhotra Mansion

The eventide was softly casting its spell and twilight had illuminated the blue heavens; welcoming a new breezy nightfall - when Lord Morpheous tickled the beauty swaying in his lap; breaking her catnap. Her lashes slowly upraised to see the one dear face; that her eyes revered 24 x 7 and whose image was painted on her heart; on every basic unit of her existence; by destiny and her Aiyappa. Lifting her head off his shoulder; where it was resting; She smiled; admiring her Man who looked nothing less than an innocent naive newborn while sleeping; and her mind wondered if it was even possible for a rugged hombre as him to seem that cute and according to what she was seeing; it definitely was. Unable to control the urge to kiss his pouty smiling lips; she leaned over him - causing her velvety tresses to cover his face under their soothing shade; and placed her lips on them; neither pecking nor kissing; just brushing them tenderly as a gesture of love. Giving an instant reaction to her lovely action; his lips curved into a smile and owing to the connection and sensitivity they had between and for each other's body; his arm tightened its grip around her waist and snuggled her close. A smile crept across her face and slight heat reached upto her cheeks as warmth; his secure warmth; blanketed her - filling her heart with contentment and completeness. Having a cute Greek God hubby whom one loves to the moon and back sleeping hard by and expecting lips to not do their work; was something beyond the bounds of feasibility; and sensing the soft abuts of her lips on his face; he smiled and said throatily Kya baat hai? Aaj bada pyaar aaraha hai mujhper? Hmm? There goes a saying that nothing in the world can be tagged more sexier than a Man's sleepy voice and going by this epigram; his voice sent shivers down her spine and awakened the butterflies in her stomach. She was amused at the way her body responds to his everything even after two years of marriage; so disastrously sentient; be it his touch, look, voice or mere presence; his one move and her body would set itself at fire. Even now; that heaviness of his vocals had done their job; and she could feel the tiny hairs on her nape spike out of thrill. But suppressing the erotically naughty thoughts; aware of unfavorability of both time and his condition; She smiled and replied, slowly as a whisper; mussing his hair Pyaar toh hamesha hi bohot aata hai and yeh toh aap jaantey hi ho Mr. Malhotra! Dying to see her face; he sedately opened his eyes and was happily surprised to find her so vicinal; her hair fallen on his face and her forehead reposed on his with her eyes closed. A sigh escaped; directly from his heart at the gorgeous sight before him and without wasting another second; he cupped her neck and fused his lips with hers and to his good; her lips instantly molded into the kiss as if were in longing for it. He drank her moans and breathed in her enchanting fragrance; while amplifying his kiss with each passing second and she simply let him; enjoying his unsaid expression of dominance and possessiveness. Running out of oxygen; they pulled apart and he said, playing with her hair - tucking them behind her ear and again letting free I can just grow old being in this position. Such a beautiful evening. Mrs. Malhotra your prettiness is growing two - fold with every blink of my eye. Whats the secret hmm? She blushed profusely at his compliment and replied; skimming her delicate fingers over his phiz Umm!! Its purely the effect of your love Mr. Malhotra. Being the naughty soul that he is; he gave her a smirk and again took her lips for a kiss to which she replied with equal fervor. They pulled apart heaving and gasping and after taming her raced heartbeats and deep breaths; she sat upright and asked Manik chalo utho! Agar hum 5 minute aur lete rahey toh mere lips swell hojaenge tumhare kisses se aur mujhe Cabir ke sweet taunts sunne padenge. He smiled sheepishly on her accusation; which was a very truth in itself; and replied, raising his spine off the bed to sit beside her and nuzzling his face in flexure of her neck As always I am not at fault. Tum ho hi itni addictive and moreish ki it requires all my strength to control but still I fail miserably. Saying this he again moved closer to her lips but even though having the mutual feelings as him; she jumped out of the bed; not letting him do what he wanted to and said, making her way into the washroom Abhi ke liye bas Mr. Malhotra. I seriously don't want to give Cabir a chance to goof at us - Wo bhi sabke samne. He pouted at the failed attempt like a 2 - year old kid who was denied a candy and seeing this; Nandini came running back to him and rejoined, gritting her teeth out of love Tum ese cute adorbs karte rahogey toh I will eat you up. Saying this she tightly kissed his lips; for a couple of seconds; much to his benefit and then said, cupping his face in her hands Now Smile and jaldi se fresh hojao. Nichey jana hai. He smiled ear to ear; on getting his wish fulfilled; and nodded; seeing which she too smiled and advanced to get freshened up.

It was really a great fun Chachi! Seriously! Bohot enjoy kiya humne Dhruv aur Alya ki shaadi me. It was a killer. How I wish aaplog bhi hotey. Cabir admitted ebulliently to Chachi; as all of them sat gathered in the hall - sipping their preferred evening beverages and munching snacks. Hearing this; Rishabh made a face and replied Bas na Cabir Bhai! Aap mujhe aur jealous mat feel karwao. Already I was dying to come over here. Yahan itni exciting Marriage horahi thi and I was getting bored there sitting idle among unknown people. I so hate Ams for that. Everybody smiled and then Chachi said; seconding Rishabh Sacchi mein! Pata hai Nandu - Main thi wahan per mera sara mann yahin laga hua tha. Itni boring shaadi thi ke har thodi der baad meri aankh lag jarahi thi. Na Shah Rukh ke gaaney, na masti. Yeh bhi koi shaadi hui. Giggles of everyone filled the hall at Chachi's frustrating description and speaking for the poor Mangalorian hosts; Chacha said Shanno Ji! Itta bhi bura shaadi nai tha. Theek hi tha. And Cabir Beta we would have come; infact humne tayyari bhi karliya tha per last moment pe wahan shaadi agaya. I hope Dhruv and Alya ne mind nahi kiya hoga. Manik kept his hand on Chacha's and assured Arey its okay Chacha. They din't mind. We know ke wahan rehna bhi zaroori tha. He then turned towards Chachi and Rishabh and said, wrapping his arm around Rishabh's shoulder And about enjoying marriage - you can do that now also by seeing the photographs and videos. Acting instantaneously; Cabir got up and connected his Hard - disk to the TV and played it for Chacha, Chachi and Rishabh; much to their joy.

MaNan were busy romancing secretly while all others were engrossed in the Video - when Ramesh Kaka came and informed about someone's arrival. Manik permitted to allow the person in and on finding Angad, MaNan stood up in courtesy and welcomed him respectfully. Nandini introduced him to Chacha and Chachi as the doctor who had treated Manik and they thanked him genuinely for saving their son like son - in - law only to get it politely dismissed. After greeting everyone; he seated on the couch and then Nandini asked, curious and worried Is everything okay Angad? I mean tum aise achanak yahan. He smiled at his friend who gets twitchy very easily and answered Yeah Doc all is well! Don't panic. So Mr. Malhotra how are you now? Manik smiled and answered, holding Nandini's hand All Cured! After all I have the best Doctor in country as my wife. His certain answer brought a smile on everyone's face and finally letting the mystery behind his sudden visit unveil, he said Thats Good! By the way I came here to discuss something important with you Doc. Nandini gestured him to go ahead and he continued Actually our hospital and AIIMS Kashmir had organised a medical camp in collaboration in a village. Various check ups kiye gaon me rehne walon ke as wahan per koi bhi medical facilities nahi thi and usi checking ke dauran; we found that there were 9 people in that village jinko serious heart problems hain. Unmein se 7 are children jinke hearts me hole hain and baaki dono adults hain jinko Valves ki problem hai. And the worst part is they have to get operated soon - and since you are the leading Cardiac - Camp ne tumhe suggest kiya and mujhse kaha to ask if you agree for this or no. That is why I am here. So tum jaogi na? As soon as he finished; Nandini's smile faded away and a myriad of thoughts started popping up in her head; Manik needed her and leaving him in this injured situation was something she couldn't and would not even think of doing but at the same time there were 9 people who were in a battle against death and she was the only one who could help them in winning it. How will he manage without her? How would she stay away from him? How can she leave him ailing? But what about those 9 people? Who will cure them if she refuses? - Numerous questions were blasting her mind and sadly, even after knowing all the answers; she was confused and hence couldn't give them. Same was the case with Manik; Only the thought that she would be going away had made his heart thump wildly - he knew that staying away from each other was as hard as chewing steel; forget staying they couldn't breathe normally but he was also aware that if she doesn't accept this request keeping him and his health in mind; she would drown herself in guilt and would never forgive herself. He knew she was nonplussed and he needs to encourage her; by supressing his selfishness and getting ready to face his greatest fear of not having her around; as there was no way he could let her hate herself; he would rather prefer burying himself. Replying on her behalf, Manik asked Angad Kitne din ke liye jana hoga? And kab? Angad instantly answered For two weeks because hum ek saath operations nahi karsakte and if you agree then you have to leave immediately; within a few hours. Angad's words hit them like another blow and their already sunken hearts almost fell to their feets; two weeks? 14 days? 336 hours? 20,160 minutes? 1,209,600 seconds? and she had to depart immediately; this situation was more like a nightmare for them; no looking, no touching, no kissing, no cuddling and no having each other around - even hell wouldn't be so scary.

Angad was staring at them with hopeful eyes; eyes of a doctor who was concerned for his patients and understanding their dilemma; he gave a friendly advice Doc I know you want to be with your husband but he is fine now and your family can look after him. Now just think about those 9 lives in danger. Only you can save them. Angad gave his piece of mind demonstratively but little did he knew that all of it wasn't easy; infact not at all easy; She could agree and without any hesitation he would let her go and she might save all those hearts but amidst all this - Will they be able to survive? Was there any guarantee that their hearts won't stop pumping blood and their bodies won't run cold? With truck loads of difficulty they had been away once for same period and had experienced what living in an abyss felt like and again they were standing at the doorstep of the netherworld; Sigh! Time does loves testing patience.

Both their brains were in a brown study analyzing all these aspects and self - queries; and seeing them so lost; Angad said - keeping the flight ticket on the table and gearing up to leave I know its complicated. You have an hour Doc. Give me a call after you decide. Take Care! Appearing in the scene for MaNan; who were too puzzled to see off their guest; Cabir asked if it was okay for Nandini to take along Manik but to their dismay; Angad gave a negative consent citing the Camp rules as reason and then saying bye to everyone; Angad exited.

Nandu beta tu ja! Hum sab hain na Manik ke saath. Uska acche se dhyaan rakhenge. Chachi said in support of Mukti and CaVya; who were counselling Nandini with the same since the last 10 minutes. Unable to convince herself again; she kept mum and then at last, keeping a mountain of rocks on his heart; Manik admonished, snatching the voice out of his choked larynx Baby sab theek kehrahe hain. Those 9 people need you - you have to go to save their lives. I know its really tough for us but agar humne apne baarey me socha toh those hearts can die and even after being together; we won't be happy - you will be remorseful and I can't see you that way. Hain na? She bobbed her head cutely in a yes and then he added; smiling at the her baby ways Toh phir! You will go na? Go and make me proud. Be the knight for those people. You will na? Not able to figure out any other way to escape the predicament; she affirmed with a heavy - heart and excused herself to pack her stuff.

Standing by the door; in Nandini shoes that she was wearing at the time of his London Concert; Manik was now realising how difficult it would have been for Nandini - to send him away that to with a smile. She was clearly pretending to be composed and was indulged in packing her stuff; with a creased forehead and knitted brows; her eyes blinking more than usual to hold back her tears that were threatening to flow. It was time for him to act the way she did when at his place; conceal all the otherwise emotions and reassure her that they can win over this challenge. He placidly moved near her and said, hugging her from back and resting his chin on her shoulder Baby I Know yeh sab itna asaan nahi hai per tum ek doctor ho; you have that strong power of saving someone's life. Its a fact ke main tumhare bina kuch nahi kar paunga per agar maine tumhe jaane nahi diya toh main shayad tumhe hamesha ke liye kho dunga. Yeh regret ke tumne kisiki zindagi nahi bachayi; yeh tumhe khajaega and I can't let that happen. I am sorry that I am not stopping you. Sorry. No matter how much ever she try to bottle them up; her feelings always betray her and disclose themselves; when Manik came before her. She left the packing business; veered about and crashed into his chest; sobbing hard and he engulfed her in his arms whilst himself crying. Had the dreadful ambush incident not occurred; maybe this brief yet onerous separation would have been less severe to endure but unfortunately; the mishap had happened; infront of her eyes and as a result of which; her capability of staying away from him had almost nulled and her solicitude for him had multiplied to infinity. Having knowledge of this; he let her cry her heart out and then said, patting her head lightly and rubbing her back Shona please rona bandh karo. I promise I won't be careless. Your promise. Main woh sab cheezein karunga jo tum kahogi. Bas tum jaldi se jao; gather some more pride for me by fulfilling your duty and come back. Karogi na tum? Mere liye? Hamare liye? Though not much but she was consoled to some extent and knowing her weeping would weaken his courageous resolve and make the yearning all the more infernal; She curbed her tears and replied, tilting her head upwards to look at him How come my impulsive monster became so sensible? Jis Manik se mujhe pyaar hua tha agar woh yahan hota toh mujhe bilkul jaane nahi deta. He would crib like a baby. Like always; she managed to make him smile and then he said, pulling her more into himself as if trying to adhere her body to his Main abhi bhi wohi Manik hoon. Per kya karun? You have rubbed off on me and yeh usika nateeja hai. The same small smile did touch her lips too and the next second; she fused her lips with his and he requited readily. They kissed; french kissed and smooched; all at the same time - ardently yet fervidly; lovingly and vehemently; slowly and fastly; in a fit to quench the need of next 14 days. Reluctantly and after rendering each other huffing and puffing with cut and swelled lips; they broke apart and then Manik said, in an endearing yet firm tone This is the first time I am letting you go alone out of station to a new place. Promise me My Baby won't get bothered or exhausted. Tum apna wese hi khayal rakhogi jese main rakhta hoon okaye? Whenever I will call you will pick up. Jab tumhe kaam hoga toh just drop a message. No ice - creams because wahan already thand hogi aur I know tumhe aise wierd acts pull karne me maza ata hai but not this time. I want you exactly the same I am sending you. Ek gram bhi tumhara weight kam hua ya meri jaan mujhe tired lagi - I swear I will get angry on you. Okaye? She shinned up on his feet and replied, after pecking his lips and muffling her arms around his neck Promise! The same conditions applies to you too. Tum koi kaam nahi karogey, time per medicines logey, you will drink milk and also eat food properly. Kal tumhara Angad ke saath appointment hai and Cabir will accompany you. Tumhari dressing daily Mukti will do and you will not stop her saying you can do it yourself. No swimming and taking shower. Tumhare saarey kapde already ironed hai - saari cheezien; your wallet, phone charger, glasses; sab kuch drawer main hain. Main jab aaongi tab tak tumhare wounds recover hojayenge agar tum woh sab karogey jo maine kaha. And agar aise nahi hua toh I would get upset with you. Promise me that you will do all this. Smiling, he planted a buss on her forehead and all over her face and gave her the promise. After spending some good 20 minutes with each other; they resumed the packing - most of which was done by Manik who stuffed her travel bag with all the warm clothes and anything and everything that she might need and was habitual to - that included one of his shirt. Before joining every one in the hall; they kissed one more time amorously; that they thought might help them in keeping sane.

The recipe of foods that has to be given to Manik; His medicine doses; the procedure for his dressing and his appointment dates; Nandini instructed all of it in detail to Chachi, Mukti and Cabir and also repeated all what she had said to Manik in the room for about three more times and after doing all this; she vamoosed to the airport along with MukBir and her Mani. She bid everyone bye; except Manik; and neither did he say that to her because in their relation; the word 'bye' din't exist. They were not soul and body for just saying; they actually were and until and unless death knocks; bye wasn't of any use to them.

Getting done with the dinner, medicines and milk and after killing some time with Aarav; Manik sat by the pool gaping at stars. Already Missing her? came the voice, of that one and only person who did apprehend MaNan's Love other than they themselves, their Cupid brother, Cabir. He took the seat beside Manik on the bench and then Manik replied, letting out the sadness that he had kept under wraps from so long Miss is a very small word Cabir. I am not able to breathe. They say A friend in need is a friend indeed; and for Manik; Cabir was that friend - his human diary; his reflection - the only person who had been with Manik since forever; with whom Manik was more than ready to let out his feelings, freely. Albeit after Nandini happened, Cabir had been kinda fired from his this job for which he was as happy as Nod; but in her absence which was a rare plight - he was the one Manik could always count on. Cabir smiled at his hulk - turned - Romeo friend and asked Tu yeh soch ke pareshan horaha ke tu 14 days kaise katega? Drilling the ground with his gaze, Manik lightly shook his head and replied, twiddling with his fingers in restlessness Nahi Cabir! Main yeh sochraha hoon ke woh mere bina kaise rahegi. Woh dikhati nahi hai sabke saamne meri tarah - but I know woh kitna bechain hogi. Main na rahun toh usko bhook hi nahi lagti - forget food - usko mere bina neend bhi nahi aati. Pata nahi kese rahegi woh. Kya karun main. Even after being cognizant of all these facts; Cabir was still conversing about it as he knew that the only way Manik could miss Nandini less was by talking about her. He squeezed his hand and said Itni tension mat le Manik. Trust me she will be fine. Kaam me occupied rahegi. Mujhe to teri fikr hai. Tu kese rahega. Hearing this Manik slipped a little more down in the dumps and replied, throwing his head back and closing his eyes Pata nahi yaar. I don't know how. Aadat hai woh meri; buri bhi aur acchi bhi. This house, the room and even this air; everything suffocates me when she is not around. Usko hug karey bina mujhe neend nahi aati. She is like a drug; I need her all the time - her softness; mellowness; warmth - I need all this. I feel like dead. Aisa lagraha hai jaise kisine aadhi body alag kardi ho - woh bhi heart ke saath. Mayhap, this was the first time that Cabir's strategy wasn't working as Manik's face was getting more longer and said, making an attempt to soothe him Yaar tu itna sulk karega toh kese hoga. Jab woh kaam me hogi toh tu humare saath rehna aur uske free time mein ussey baat karlena. Wese bhi madam ne strict order diya hai 2 weeks yahan rehne ke liye so we are always there. Am sure she won't mind talking to you all day. The idea din't seem bad to Manik; infact it was quite rational and so; he just gave a tiny smile in answer and then not wanting to torture his already drowsy friend; he wished him night and retired to their room.

Meanwhile in the plane; the case wasn't any contrasting. Nandini was equally or probably more fidgety - talking with herself and constantly praying to her Aiyappa to keep him sound and patient. She wanted to cry her eyes out but possibly due to Aiyappa's acceptance of Manik's concurrent orisons of not letting her tears shed; she wasn't getting any chance as her team was surrounding her and she was obligated to explain them the objectives and procedures. Even though she was in a total theoretical and practical in - depth medical conversation; her heart wasn't; not even for a millisecond; void of his thoughts.

Everything took place so suddenly; at the speed of light; that Manik didn't get any time to take a check of the place she was going to camp at and now that he was free and there were still 2 hours approximately for her flight to land; he sat back on the couch with his laptop to investigate about the safety of the region. His eyes popped out in horror on finding the temperature of the Village in Gulmarg to be negative; below freezing point and on top of that; there wasn't any inn or hotel that meant she had to sujourn in either a tent or at most in a yurt. In his mixed vexed and anxious state; he started cursing someone; the rightful, deserving and unknown 'whoever' responsible for all that was happening - as it was the only thing he could do by sitting at a distance of 1382 miles away from her. But when he subdued the fret that was fogging his brain; it clicked to him that he could still actually play his protective part and discerning this; he sighed a relief and began surfing through commercial sites with a smile. He shopped for some; some as in many; thermal and woolly outfits including jackets, knitwears, gloves, beanies and socks; along with 2 pairs of winter boots and a heater - in short; everything that can keep his baby warm and then ordered for them to be sent by express delivery at her address. Confirming the order; he turned to see the time which showed 70 minutes extra to what he had set alarm for; which meant 1 hour and 10 minutes had passed after the estimated landing time of Nandini's flight. Pushing away the laptop and muttering self - abuses and lot many 'Shits' to himself; he ran to the bed and seized the phone and just when his thumb was about to touch the call option beside her contact number; his phone rang; flashing 'Baby' as the caller ID and he answered it in one rathe move to hear his name like a prayer in her dulcet voice. He smiled and asked lovingly How is my Baby? Ro to nahi raha na? She silently mopped her face and replied slowly I miss you Papa. Even the angels of the heaven and all the invisible creatures; the evil ones too; went all aww at such a babyish reply and voicing it for them and also himself, Manik awed and said, eyeing her photographs hanging on the opposite wall But why? I am toh there only with you. She made a sad pout and just hmmed and to divert her mind, he asked Accha Shona! When did you reach? Aur inni der se kiun call kiya? Abhi kahan ho tum? You are housed where? Bohot thandi hai kya? His trick worked and she let out a chotu sa chuckle at his bombarding; putting his heart to rest and answered Umm! I reached on time per airport se camp tak ke raaste me network hi ni tha - pata hai I was so scared ke kahin camp me bhi network aya toh? But thankfully yahan hain. Abhi I am in camp and I have been given a yurt. Per Mani - yahan bohot zyada sardi hai. Its all snowy and you know its - 7. Maine sarey warm clothes pehenliye phir bhi thandi lagrahi hai. He was continuously smiling; imagining how cute she might me looking after wearing all the clothes and after giving a Muah! through the phone; that made her blush; he replied Why fear when Papa is here hmm? Bas thodi der bear karlo baby. Maine kuch clothes aur heater bheja hai - kuch hours mein pohonch jaega okay?Now it was Nandini's turn to aww and after doing it, she said - returning the virtual kiss favor I Love You shoo much. I wish you were here. He smirked mischeivuously and replied, tongue in - cheek I Love You More. Per Nandini agar main wahan hota na toh theek nahi hota. Unable to get the hint; she asked Why? to which he answered huskily Kiunke agar main wahan hota na to tumhe yurt se bahar janey hi nahi deta tha. Itne cold; snowy weather main tumhe thodi heat deta - thodi heat leta. Yurt chodo - tumhe bed se hi utarne nahi deta. I mean itne romantic mousam mein; itni khoobsurat wife ke saath - you know na what would I have done. Aur agar tum bahar hi nahi jaati toh tumhara work kese ho pata? Red - was all she had turned by his audacious plans and Manik couldn't help but smirk hearing her rapid breaths. He bit his lower lip envisaging her hiding her flushed face with something and said, teasing further Nandini Stop Blushing. Save it for the time jab I will do whatever I said. Ironically, her blush reddened but this time she replied, in a quivering voice, cleverly changing the topic Manik! Maine khana khaliya! Tumne khaya na? Medicines liye? He smiled; knowing very well what she did and answered to her question. And they continued the talk; as neither could sleep without the other; getting sometimes cheesy sometimes emotional and exchanging kisses; trying to make the other feel good; till the sunrise and even after that until Nandini had to go for work and Manik for breakfast.

To Be Continued ..