Chapter - 41

Location - Malhotra Mansion

True is the saying; new days bring newer hopes and each day the infinities expand into greater ones; moments change and so does your  destiny. Never mark any day; any hour; any minute or any second as the best or worst; because you have no idea what fate has in store for you. Just be happy and happiness will be all that you will get; smile and reasons would themselves knock hard at your doorstep; all ready and dying to get into your little space.

Wese Nandini! Tu wapas kabse hospital join karrahi hai? Aur kitne din ki leave baki hai? Cabir inquired; as they all sat gathered on the dining table for the breakfast; which was more of a healthy, chirpy and full family banter and repartee with loads and loads of light - hearted moments. Nandini served Manik another Paratha and replied, while feeding an all  ready to go school Aarav Umm! Abhi full two weeks ki leave baki hai. Actually woh camp ke 14 days; they are getting counted as my working days aur since; leave ke time maine service ki toh abhi wapas join karne mein time hai. Cabir let out an Oh! and then said, crossing the fork and spoon in his plate; indicating that he was done with his meal Lucky You haan! Wese lucky hum bhi they itne din se par Gross! Aaj se wapas we have to get back on our job. He then turned to Manik, who was busy in giving nudges to Nandini to eat along and added; tapping on his shoulder to seek sidetrack his attention from Nandini to himself Tujhe yaad hai na Manik? We have so many meetings lined up today with the labels. Manik sighed as his mind quickly read out the to - do list of the day for him; a schedule which was hell - jam packed and then he replied Haan Yaar! But before that I have some conferences waiting for me. Kuch documents pe signatures bhi deni hai. Dhruv then jumped in the convo and suggested Labels ke appointments afternoon mein set hain. Toh ek kaam kartey hain. Hum chaaron jaker reviewing karlenge aur tu office ka kaam khatm karke ajana. Is that cool? Manik gave his consent to the idea with a nod and then Cabir said; taking Aarav in his arms and walking out of the dining hall Okay then! I will drop Aarav and see you guys at the studio. Bye Everyone! See you soon. Saying this; he exited with Aarav; followed by Fab 3 after receiving toodle - oos from the one's who would be staying back.

Bohot zyada kaam hain? Main saath mein chalker help kardun? Nandini offered her help while buttoning his tuxedo; and he replied smilingly, pulling her closer by waist Kaam toh hain per I will manage. Tum rest karo. Aur tum theek ho na baby? You look pale. Kal raat bohot sataya na maine? Tired ho tum?Muffling her arms around his neck, she shinned up on his feet and answered I won't lie to you Manik. Thakan toh hai; per for sure kal raat ki wajah se nahi. In fact na; do teen din se hi thakawat horahi hai. And this piece of gen was enough to freak the hell out of Manik and he asked in a fretful tone, cupping her face Jaan tumne pehle kiun nai bataya? Aur main pata nahi kya karraha tha! How can I not see this? I am so .. He was abruptly shushed by a peck from  Nandini and then she spoke, while easing the pucker formed between his brows with her thumb Relax Mani! Main bilkul theek hoon. Weather change horaha hai na; shayad uski wajah se. Chalo ab tum jaldi se jao aur phir mere paas wapas ajao. I am already missing you. Heaving a sigh on getting assured by her; he smiled and kissed her softly and briefly as her lips were already sore and then replied; pulling apart Mujhe aaney mein late hoga baby. Aur shayad main call bhi nahi karsakunga. But promise me; ke you will rest. Kabhi kabhi lazy hona acchi baat hai. Koi tumhe punish nahi karega. So you will be only lazing around; no work at all; and lunch acchey se karogi. Okaye? She bobbed her head like an obedient child and then said, adjusting his tie Same applies for you too. Work ka bahana banaker lunch skip karne ki sochna bhi mat. Okaye? With a smile; he guaranteed her and then after giving her some more pecks and a forehead kiss; he vamoosed to kick start the hectic day.

Chacha Chachi along with Rishabh were off to attend some function that they were invited in and after having their lunch; Navya and Nandini settled in the hall to have some girly lone time and best - friend talks; which they rarely managed to get amidst their busy schedules. Navya was elucidating about her next Classical Singing Venture; that was going to be held in sometime; when suddenly; Nandini stood with a jerk and ran into the guest washroom; her movement exhibiting her retched state. A worried Navya went after her and helped her by massaging her back; while she ralphed dipping her face into basin and when she was done, Navya asked, after making her sit on the sofa and handing her a glass of cold water Kya hua tumhe achanak Nandu? Abhi toh theek thi. Kuch galat khaliya kya? Nandini gulped down the glass in one go like a thirsty desert traveller and then replied, dry - heaving and throwing her head back to relax Pata nahi Navya kya horaha hai. Subah se doosri baar hai yeh. ThankGod Manik ko pata nahi chala. And not only this; I am feeling very exhausted since some couple of days; meri upper body main halka sa pain horaha hai aur ab yeh vomitings. Seconds lapsed and on not getting any reply from the one she was talking to; Nandini opened her eyes to find her sitting as if she has seen her Mata Rani; her dilated eyes jutted out of their frames and her lips curved into a smile or to be more accurate; into a Cheshire cat grin which was just getting more and more stretched with each passing second. Confused; Nandini gave a What Happened? look and then she replied, somehow suppressing her excitement and holding Nandini by her shoulders Tumhe abhi tak samajh nahi aya ke yeh sab kiun horaha hai? Not able to get the eureka; probably because of her sickness; Nandini shrugged and shook her head in a No; seeing which Navya slapped her palm on her forehead and without saying anything; just grabbed her hand and dragged her gently to MaNan room upstairs.

Navya bataogi ke kya baat hai? Aur kya dhoondrahi ho tum? Nandini asked a bit irritated; as since last 5 minutes Navya was acting like a deaf and dumb person; neither listening nor saying; and was just rummaging through her wardrobe. At last; after another couple of minutes; on having found whatever she was searching; she banged the closet door shut and said, seating herself in front of her and poking Nandini's forehead Pagal ladki! Doctor hoker bhi tumhe pata nahi chala ke yeh symptoms Pregnancy ke hai. Subah subah thakaan; nausea aur tumhari upper body mein pain. Yeh sab tab indicators hai. Ab aur der mat karo; yeh kit lo aur jaker test karo. Humse toh bilkul bhi sabar nahi horaha. Like any other woman who would be at her place; Nandini was numb; as much with bewilderment as with happiness. She was just staring at Navya with gleaming eyes; ecstasy of the mere heartwarming thought of becoming  a mother and bearing his child; their love; in her womb; evident in them. This was something serendipitous; 9999999% unexpected; and possibly that is why this news proved to be thousand folds more breathtaking and exhilarating. Tears rimmed her smiling eyes and eventually fell down her cheeks as that out of the world feeling seeped in to her blood and gushed through her veins; warming her and she uttered with a huge lump in her throat, keeping her hand on her tummy M .. Main Mam .. Mamma? A buoyant Navya smiled and then said, leading her to the loo Yeh toh hum tab bata sakenge jab tum yeh test karogi. Jao jaldi aur humein khush khabri sunao; taaki hum khulke naach sakein. Both her mind and heart; at that moment; were a mess as a variety of emotions processed within her altogether; amazement - exuberance - elation and most of all hope in cahoots with fear; fear of getting a negative result but giving her hope a bigger chance; she took a deep breath and entered into the washroom to face the upcoming most thrilling moments of her life.

Maybe not equal to Nandini; but Navya too was highly nervous and edgy; biting her nails and pacing impatiently outside the washroom whilst praying relentlessly and hoping against hope to get positive result. Disturbing her mumbling and chanting and at the same time; making her wish come true; the door flung open and Nandini zoomed out; laughing, weeping and dancing all at once - barely able to control her felicity; and pounced on Navya - who din't took a second to comprehend the issue and instantly hugged her bestie back whilst crying herself out of glee. After good five minutes; they broke apart and Nandini said or rather shouted joyfully in an ear - splitting voice I am pregnant Navya!! Oh My God!! Oh My God!! I can't believe this. Manik! Manik kitna khush hoga!! His daughter .. Our daughter is going to come. Basking in her sister's mirth; Navya too joined her frolicking and then said, wiping her tears Bohot Bohot Mubarak ho Nandini! Hum behad khush hai tumhare liye. Ruko hum Manik ko phone milatey hai. Pagal hojaenge sab sunker yeh news - bilkul hamari tarah. Saying this she picked her cell but just when she was about to dial Manik's number; Nandini snatched it; startling Navya and then justified No Navya! Main itni badi news phone pe nahi dena chahti. Mujhe Manik ka reaction dekhna hai jab ussey main yeh bataongi. Aur tum bhi kisiko kuch mat batana okaye? Main aur Manik saathme announce karenge. Navya gave her word to do so but then getting a little serious; she asked; making sure she doesn't sound scary Per Nandini tum toh ready ho lekin Manik? Kya woh tayyar hai iske liye? Matlab jab bhi hum mein se koi tum dono ko chedta tha bacchon ko lekar toh Manik hamesha yahi jawab deta ke uske liye abhi time hain. In contrast to what Navya had reckoned, Nandini smiled and answered, taking Manik's photograph kept on the table and caressing it affectionately He doesn't express Navya per apni beti ke liye palke bichaye baitha hai woh. Mujhper koi pressure na padey isliye he used to say like that. He din't want to make me feel stressed and so we were waiting to happen it whenever the destiny had planned it to; on its own. Once again; Navya punched her brain along with swearing some words to it for underestimating their bond and for propping such a stupid question and then chucking it; she asked; seeing Nandini walking out of the room Oh Madam! Aap kahan chali? Dekho Nandini aise time per aaram karna hota hai. Bacche ki jaan ko khatra hota hai teen mahine tak. Kya karne jarahi ho tum? Watching her steps and taking it slow, Nandini replied I know Navya. Bas mujhe na Manik ko alag tarah se batana. I have some ideas. Aur rahi baat aaram ki toh bas aaj raat tak main apni man mani karsakti hoon kiunke ek baar Manik ko pata chalgaya na - toh I am sure woh mujhe khudse chalne bhi nahi dega. Saying this she giggled along with Navya and then the latter declared Acha theek hai! Per jo bhi hai usme hum tumhari madad karenge aur zyada kaam bhi hum karenge. Knowing there was no benefit in arguing with her very own Yo Navya; Nandini assented and then the duo began working out on Nandini's 'idea'.

The elaborate and protracted five hours that began post Navya's exit and which Nandini spent counting minutes and seconds; finally came to an end as the horn of Manik's car blared his arrival. Wearing her ever charming smile and controlling her extreme urge of whizzing down the stairs and yelling the supernews at the top of her voice to him; as she wanted to spill the beans in a unique way that would knock the blue, green, red, yellow and all the colors of joy out him; She took a deep breath and trotted to the hall to find him striding towards her, looking tired and with a homecoming smile spread across his face. Just like a child does to his mom on returning from a heavy school day; Manik enfolded her in his arms and muttered against her shoulder I Missed You so much Baby! I was feeling suffocated. Feels like I have got the life back. Nandini lovingly kissed his neck and replied, patting his back I Missed You too Mani! My Love is Worn - out?Pulling apart; he reposed his forehead on hers and answered Worn out tha! Tumhe dekhkar saari buri feelings na khidki se bahar chalejati hai. Bas I am very hungry. Tumhari tabyat theek hain na? She smiled and blushed at the little secret she was keeping but then shooing it away; she replied in her sugary voice I am as fit as a flea. Tum jaldi se jaker change karlo! I will set the dinner. Heeding to her at once; he gave her a quick peck and made his way up to their room for getting freshened up.

Putting on his tracks and vest; after a hot stress - bursting shower; Manik descended the stairs and moved into the dining hall to see her arranging the dinner with a smile; a different and more bonny smile; and as usual; getting victimized by its contagious nature; his lips too twitched upwards from their corners. Sab kahan hain? Aur mera mana karne ke baad bhi tumne kaam karke mere liye kya special banaya hain? Manik asked with a pinch of firmness; taking her in a back hug and resting his chin on her shoulders. Had it been any other day; Nandini would have felt guilty of going against his wish but this time her 'violation' was worth and now that the moment; she had been literally dying to experience; was there, she inhaled a little extra oxygen and replied, initiating her stratagem of disclosing him the 'Thing' indirectly; by dropping hints Chacha - Chachi aur Rishabh kisi relative ke ghar gaye hain for a party. They will come tomorrow. Aur maine akele nahi banaya sab; Navya bhi saath me thi. Okay so today we have Stuffed Pattypan squash, Brussel sprouts with pecans Ravioli, Roasted Garlic Mashed Fingerling Potatoes, Creamed Pearl Onions, Sauteed Baby tomato and Baby corn Soup and Baby Carrots glazed with brown sugar syrup.  Naming out all the recipes she had cooked using 'Baby' ingredients; Nandini tilted her head to see if he had got the inkling but unfortunately he din't - as he was 101% sane and was just smiling; the most uncertain posture anyone; especially a would - be - dad; could have after coming to terms with such a news.  Probably he wasn't smart enough to gauge the case or his brain was in a zizzing mode due to the weariness or maybe this thing wasn't anywhere near even to his subconscious mind and substantiating her not - so - pleasing yet correct observation, Manik said Wow! Delicious everything is looking. Can't wait to gorge on it. Saying this he took his seat; leaving her a bit disappointed but nevertheless; she glossed it over with a snicker as she had alternate plans ready and then keeping aside all other thoughts for a while; she concentrated on feeding her foodie and famished hubby.

Getting done with the sumptuous dinner; MaNan retired to their room and were reclined on the bed; in each other's warmth; with Manik ranting about his day and Nandini finding the apt moment to give the surprising blow and in the fullness of the time; Manik said with a yawn and after kissing her temple and closing his eyes  Enough of baking your head now. I am really sleepy. She smiled on getting the chance and digging her face in the crook of his neck; she whispered Good Night Daddy! In a trance, Manik spoke Goo .. but stopped and at once shot his eyes open realizing what she said. With a jerk he raised to his spine and looked at her radiant face and that is when this thought took birth; but at the back of his mind and slowly it crawled to the front and occupied the entire space as his brain studied all the indications; her amplified smile, Baby vegetables and the recent 'Daddy' instead of Papa. Only with the thought; similar to Nandini; his heart began drumming violently in his chest and with the same hope as hers; he looked at her to voice that what ever he was thinking is nothing but the truth. Holding the dew in her eyes; she lifted her dress to expose her tum with 'Hello Daddy' written over it - for which she had used a lipstick - and then said, displaying a poppy seed kept on her palm to him Mani! This is how big your baby is in my womb right now. Your daughter. Congratulations! You are soon going to be a Daddy. For about 10 seconds or so; he just kept gazing at her and when her mellow words leached into him; he burst out crying covering his face with his hands. Nandini couldn't help but smile amidst tears seeing The Manik Malhotra blubbing like an infant; so overwhelmed; and just pulled him into a bone crushing hug to which he instantaneously responded.

Albeit Manik had been nothing less than a father to both Rishabh and Aarav; but that din't and would never alter the verity that neither of the two were connected to him biologically and even after this; unknown to what it felt to be a father in actual; Manik was more than satisfied.

But it was now; on getting to know about his child having come into the world; he was experiencing what the word 'Father' really meant and what are the emotions related to it; how it feels to give birth to a living being who would be entirely his flesh and blood and over whom; only he would have the right and this beatific apprehension was making his every cell and organ shed the tears of euphoria. Not mopping or trying to cease the sweet flow of salty water; Manik parted and started kissing her madly all over her face, spooning it with his palms and then slammed his lips on hers for a consuming and soul searing kiss while she just sat surrendered; smiling, sniveling and rejoicing in his verve and delectation. Breathless; he broke the kiss and then exclaimed in a cracking and peart but slow voice Our .. Our Love is .. is going to take .. take birth Jaan! My Dau .. Daughter is going to come. He paused; jumped out of the bed and then continued, this time in a more chipper and deafening tone; while she guffawed heartily I am Going to be a Daddy Nandini! Daddy of our Baby!! We are going to be Parents!!! I can't believe this!! Yuhooo!!! Yaayyyiiieee!!! He was spinning and whirling and whooping and hopping all around the room; capering like a maniac and seeing this; Nandini's rapture rose to the power of infinity and then in a swift moment; he picked her in his arms and said, clasping her tightly to himself I Love You So Much Nandini!!! I Love You So So So So So So So So Very Much!! Thank You!! Thanks a ton for this beautiful gift!! I Love You!! She brushed the wetness off his face and replied, after kissing his cheek I Love You too Manik! And Thank You too!! Baby hum dono ka hai na toh thanks bhi humein share karna padega. Very benignly, he stowed her on edge of the bed and said, squatting down in front of her and intertwining her fingers with his You are absolutely correct. Baby hum dono ka hai - isiliye ab ke baad tum yeh kabhi nahi kahogi ki you are pregnant. There is no I and You in our relation na; its always us. So that is why; its not only you but us who are pregnant. I know yeh kehna bohot aasaan hai mere liye per I swear Shona; I will endure every thing with you. You are carrying baby and I will carry you both. Vada karta hoon; is phase ke har ek second pe tumhare saath rahoonga. We will revel everything good and bad together jaise ab tak karte aye hain. Don't be scared of anything. She twinkled at him; her eyes reflecting the budding respect and reverence for him; and replied after rubbing his nose with hers Tumhare rehte mujhe koi cheez dara nahi sakti Mani! I trust you with every inch of my being.  He embossed a vowing buss on her T - zone and then without saying anything further; he made her lounge on the bed; leaning her back on the headboard and then with a million - dollar gleam; slid her top a little upwards and said lovingly like a touchy - feely to - be - daddy; after kissing her belly button Hi Baby! Its me! Your Daddy! Stay safe inside your Mamma! And come soon! Papa Loves You So Much! Saying this he again kissed her; and kept kissing; subtly and endearingly; while she smilingly sat; ruffling his hair and recording the first schmooze between Daddy and Baby in her heart; alphabet by alphabet; to cherish it there forever.

Mani Kahan ho tum? Nandini asked lazily opening her eyes and rising from her slumber; in which she had slipped unknowingly while recounting the day's incidents to Manik; and glanced at the wall clock to know it was just 3 AM. On not getting any reply; she pushed away the drowsiness and squinted around the room to find him standing in the balcony; gazing the stars. Placidly, she ambled towards him and what she saw made her heart sink to her feet; her Manik; who was over the moon a few hours ago was red with tears; tears she was sure weren't of happiness but dread and disquiet. She quickly shoved off the tears and asked, her voice panic - stricken Manik! Baba kya hua? Tum ro kiun rahey ho? Kya hogaya achanak? Please ro mat aur mujhe batao. Please! Saying this she took him to the swing and exhorted to disclose what was bothering; making him sit and ensconcing herself in his lap; and after a lot of fumbling and fiddling, he started Nandini tumhe kuch hogaya toh? Main abhi pregnancy ke barey mein padraha tha aur usme likha tha ke complications hosakti hain aur .. He was so intimated that he couldn't even or maybe din't wanted to use that word and so skipping it; he continued Tum itni nazuk si ho Jaan. Main tumhari life risk nahi karna chahta. I don't know what to do. It din't took her even a second to discern the turmoil going on inside him and his words even daunted her; she felt sapped and deterred just with the envision of consequences if their contemplation came true. Her ingenious brain too wasn't able to draw anything sensible but she knew one thing that nothing; not even his own life; was important for Manik than she herself and she loved him too much to subject him to the pain of living without her. She was also aware; in fact certain; that he would never himself can or would ask to get the baby aborted if the circumstances doesn't support and that is when; after analyzing everything; she concluded that she would do everything that it takes for her to stay alive for him; even if it requires killing the one they had longed for; and without any culpability because nothing was more precious to her than Manik, his smile and his peace - who was no one but she herself.

At last; getting the answers; she sighed and replied earnestly, while tousling his hair to tranquilize him Manik we won't have this baby if it brings along complications. The look he gave after this was an amalgam of utter shock and relief and augmenting the last - mentioned; she added with a smile Haan Mani! And its nothing iniquitous. We both love our baby but yeh baat bhi sach hai ke you are my first baby. Hum dono ek dusre se zyada pyaar karte hain. Main aisa kuch nahi karungi jisse tumhe mujhse alag hona padey. And why are you getting disheartened? Tum itne acche ho ke tumhare saath bura karne mein God ko bhi sharam ayegi. Aur by chance agar kuch aisa waisa hua toh koi nahi! Hum intezaar karenge. Okaye? Now don't cry!! Tumhe aise dekhker zyada dard hota hai. I Love You! and I will always be with you. Hamesha! Once again; he was bowled over by her soberness and the love she had for him; which was more denser than a mother's love; and fused his lips with her forthwith to which she responded with equal passion; pouring all the love in it to cool and quell his insecurities by promising a togetherness in lifetime, death and thereafter.

To Be Continued ..