Chapter - 42

Location - Hospital

Manik! Trust me; Sab theek hoga! Nandini gave verbal assurance to Manik; entwining his hands with hers; for probably an umpteenth time since morning. Very unlike to the confident him; Manik was totally keyed up from the time he had waken up and now when they were sitting in her Cabin and waiting for Nandini's Gynac friend to come with pregnancy reports; his restiveness seemed to have no bounds. Just like a cat on hot bricks; completely restless; he too was either treading the room with his index finger continuously rubbing his lower lip and a pucker creasing his T - zone or when Nandini would forcefully make him sit; his legs would do the honors and begin tapping themselves on the ground. On getting the same answer i.e., a faint smile; that he was giving every time she would ask him to calm down; and unable to see him so tensed; Nandini pulled him with a jerk, grabbing his collar and said softly, after kissing his lips briefly Itna worked up kiun horahe ho baba? Kya hua hai? Kal samjhaya tha na maine. Phir? Like a frightened 3 - year old kid; he hid his face in the crook of her neck; resting it on her shoulder and replied, wrapping his arms around her waist I don't want to loose any one of you. I know I am being greedy; but I Love you both. She couldn't help but smile at the babyish way he was admitting and then said, after kissing his forehead lovingly Mani! Pehli baar tum kisi baat ke liye greedy horahe ho. And I am sure Aiyappa tumhari saari wishes puri karenge. He just hmmed and understanding his silence; she too din't speak further and just raked her fingers through his hair as she knew doing that would soothe her disturbed man-child; at least to an extent if not completely.

Manik's breath literally stuck in his throat and his heart stopped beating in anticipation when the door knob clicked open and Ms. Raima; the leading gynecologist in town; entered after getting permitted by Nandini. The composed expression with a smile on her Medical College friend cum colleague's face was itself a clear demonstration for Nandini that everything was more than alright but Manik being super fretted couldn't gauge such an obvious goodness and asked What Happened Doc? Say it fast na! The two sensible ladies exchanged looks and smiles; cognizant to his state; and then Raima replied, putting his hanging heart back to its place Relax Manik! Hear me out. Okay toh jab Nandini ne mujhe bataya ke she is expecting; I was going to ask you guys to rethink over it because according to me Nandu is very fragile but still maine intezaar kiya reports ka and thankfully I did. I am really happy to inform you guys ke all the tests gave normal; in fact; excellent results. Her reproductive health is so well taken care of that koi complications paida honey ke chances hi nahi hai. Maine additional tests bhi karwaye they and woh bhi clear aayi hain. Fikr ki koi baat nahi hai. He was tuning in to Raima's each word; even the conjunctions and interjections; keeping his ears wide open and with his heart on his palm and finally; after hearing what he wanted to and was dying for; he sighed loudly and pulled Nandini for a bone crushing hug to which she instantly responded while Raima just sat admiring her two madly in love friends whom she had known for a quite a long time.

Though they knew Raima wouldn't mind but still maintaining the courtesy they broke apart and then Manik gave the good-news-giver too a quick side hug with a broad smile and said Thanks Raima! Thank You so much! Nandini toh bilkul theek hai per baby? Woh kesa hai? Aur kitne days old hai? Raima smiled and replied Well Baby is 3 weeks old and woh kaisa hai yeh toh main first prenatal check up ke baad hi bata sakungi jo ke 4 weeks purey honey per hoga. I will fix a date for you guys. Both the would - be - parents mouthed a hushed okaye! and then Nandini asked Wese Raima are there any precautions that I should follow as its are early days na. Raima smirked under wraps on getting that one chance she was looking for to tease the love - birds and replied, jiggling her eyes naughtily from Manik to Nandini and vice versa Haan! Miscarraige hone ke chances hai per that is out of question as Manik ke hotey huay aisa hona is next to impossible. Jab janab apko roz palkon per bithaker rakhte hain toh socho ab kya karenge. Exactly like what Raima had envisioned; the duo blushed profusely with meek smugs on their faces; seeing which she chuckled and then shrugging off the razzing; MaNan inquired about more details and measures to be taken and then taking the date of their first appointment; MaNan exited the hospital to announce the news to their dearest family.

Location - Malhotra Mansion

Whats the emergency guys?? All okaye?? Cabir inquired in an uptight tone; for himself and also on behalf of Fab 3; while advancing hurriedly towards MaNan; who were comfortably ensconced on a sofa in the hall and were awaiting their gang's arrival. The 'Come Soon! Emergency.' message from Manik had screwed them to wits and they had running like bats out of hell; shunning all their works and on seeing the two relaxing calmly and smiling stupidly instead of answering his question; Cabir growled Pagalon ke jese hass kya rahey ho? Bataogey bhi? Pata hai hum sab kitna darr gaye they? Aware of his and their concern; MaNan smiled and then Manik replied Chill Guys!! We weren't lying. There is an emergency. And to know what is it you have to go and check whats there in the oven. In a reply they received the expected 'Are You Both Crazy?' frowns and before Cabir could give his piece of mind; Nandini said ebulliently, in her sugary voice Go na please! Giving in to her appeal that she made with a puppy face and after throwing a 'Unbelievable' look at both; Cabir marched towards the kitchen followed by equally vexed Fab 3 to find out what actually was their so called 'emergency'.

DhruLya stayed at the entrance while the evil now-irritated twin levered the large oven's lid down with a force enough to root it out and on finding nothing but a mere bun; they made a similar weird 'Seriously? A bun?' face and then Cabir asked or rather shouted Guys there's a bun in your oven!! How is that an emergency?? The immediate reverberation of the phrase 'There is a bun in your oven!' came rapidly smoothing their hackles; which were raised due to MaNan's game of beating around the bush; and their confused plus pissed countenances morphed into that of bewildered ones; pupils dilating to an extent of bulging out of their sockets and lips slowly breaking and growing into smiles then bigger smiles and finally ear to ear broad grins and then the four hollered at the top of their voices; loud enough to rupture their own vocal chords and ear drums of the people in vicinity; of course out of joy and unable to believe the conclusion they have drawn from Manik's oh - so - easy indication Whattt???? Their excited one - word cry shook even the indestructible walls of Malhotra Mansion that were built of Ambuja Cement and causing it to shudder more; the four ran out to their lovelies to confirm the verity of whatever had propped in their brains and the sight before them; on reaching back in the hall; proved that instantly - a happier than happy Manik hugging a glowing pink Nandini from back with his hands on her tum, holding a tablet displaying a sonographic picture of a baby in womb - and then voicing the news for them, Manik said You got that right guys! We are Pregnant! The four pairs of witnessing eyes moistened at the overwhelmingly blissful news and letting them flow freely they strode across the hall; with a compulsory girly high pitched eee! eee! shrieks and fleeting claps at the speed of 10 per second from the MukLya serving as background music; and pounced on MaNan for an elaborate congratulating group hug.

Pulling away; the lovely sister's super lovey brother and the second self of Manik; came forward and said, holding their hands in his and after kissing them Thank You so much for such an amazing emergency. Thank You for making me a to - be - Mamu. Saying so; he lifted his arms to hug them but was mercilessly shoved and thrown to the sofa by the hyper enthusiastic souls; Mukti and Alya; who again embraced MaNan tightly ignoring all the black looks and effing and blinding from Cabir; Mukti to Manik and Alya to Nandini; and then moving away both dropped sisterly kisses on Nandini along with some sweet blessings and then making his own way; Dhruv too showed his glee with hugs and best wishes.

What the hell? Madhubala ko pata tha aur phir bhi usne mujhe nahi bataya ke baby ane wala hai? Cabir huffed after knowing the whole story from Nandini; as they sat in the hall relishing the khush - khabri with bowls of Kheer in their hands. Nandini opened her mouth to defend her BFF but was interrupted by a mellow baby voice of Aarav; who had just returned from school with his Mom; sayingGood Afternoon Everyone! Hello Massi Ma and Partner! MaNan smilingly replied to his sweetest chivalrous greets and then hopping into Manik's lap and nestling there, Aarav asked Who is coming Partner? Dada kiske baby ki baat karrahe hain? Manik and Nandini were envisaging this since a few hours and were really zealous to see Aarav's reaction on this as the little thing always kept praying to God for sending someone to play with him and so; without delaying, Manik answered Maine apko promise kiya tha na Champ ke apke saath khelne ke liye hum ek baby ko layenge. Woh baby ane wala hai. The hectic school days's exhaustion that was written all over his face; vanished into thin air and with soccer - like eyes and all his pomegranate seed like white teeth flashing, he exclaimed, jumping out of Manik's lap Sacchi Partner?? Sacchi Maasi Ma?? Mere saath play karne wala baby is coming?? MaNan bobbed their heads in yes whilst beaming at him which soon transformed into giggles and laughs as Aarav began with his merrymaking; rollicking and dancing all around with jejuneYayyiees and Yuhoos; doubling or to be more precise; four folding the mirth. But then all of sudden pausing, he came back to his Massi Ma and asked Per Baby ayega kab Massi ma? Being very well prepared for this sure shot question she knew was definitely going to be asked; for she was not even an ounce less than a mother to Aarav; she endearingly took him closer and replied, cupping his cheeksUmm! Baby ko aney mein thoda time lagega. 9 months. Heaven earth se bohot door hai na baccha isliye. Rounding his lips in an adorable O; he crawled placidly from the sofa to Nandini's lap and shot the other frequently asked and particular question, joining his tiny forehead with hers But Massi Ma! You won't love new baby more than me na? Aarav's possessiveness and the way he expressed it to the world; claiming her love as only his and even fighting for it; was something that always managed to strum the strings of her heart and like every time; this time too she was moved and a sheen of dew hazed her vision but blinking them away nimbly; she kissed his cheek hard and stated the perennial aspect of her motherly facet No Baccha! I will love you both equally. Because you both are my babies na. Promise! Getting the guarantee from his Maasi Ma; he smiled at her and then switched his intent look with eyebrows raised to Manik - who, like everyone else, was adoring the koochie - koo of two cuties - as if demanding the word of honor from him too and apprehending it after a few seconds of pondering; Manik smiled and said; taking him in his arms Promise from me too Champ! Twinkling; Aarav cuddled into his Partner's large torso, encircling his teeny - weeny arms around his waist and mumbled I Love You Partner! I Love You Massi Ma! And Promise I will love the baby also same. His avowal drove an automatic aww! from all and then MaNan replied 'I Love You Too!' in concert with loads of pecking and coddling.

The rest of the day elapsed in trice; as the boon companions arranged a simple private wingding and beanfeast to celebrate the benison with some soft music and ample nattering which solely involved MaNan's pregnancy as the topic plus a pinch of missing the presence of Chachi - Chachi and Rishabh; whose arrival had been postponed from night to the next day for some valid reason; and then in the early hours of dusk; the 6 departed to let Nandini have the much needed period of repose.

After freshening and readying himself for the night; post everyone's egress; Manik stepped out of the washroom to find Nandini in front of the mirror; scanning her tummy from every angle and giving cute frowns to herself. Holding an idea of what might be going on in that head of hers; thanks to the succinct info he had gained from the previous night's research; he dawdled towards her and asked, hugging her from behind Kya hua baby? Aise kya dekhrahe ho ainey mein? She lifted her top a little and replied; showing him the dark characteristic linea nigraon her belly that she had just observed; and making a poker face See na Mani! This darkening on my skin. Its looking so bad. Mentally patting himself for guessing her dilemma correctly, he smiled and said, enlightening her with the bitsy gen he had obtained Yeh maine karwachauth wali night hi dekhi thi per tumse puchna bhoolgaya. Kal raat jab main surf karraha tha toh mujhe maloom hua ke its one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. A blush crept on her face with the quick reminiscence of Karwa Chauth night but shooing it away and concentrating on her problem; she asked Per kiun? Iski kya zarurat hai pregnancy mein? Manik chuckled under his breath and replied, after carrying her to bed in his arms and lounging her and himself on it Hormones ki wajah se hota hai baby. And not only this aur bhi bohot saarey changes ayenge. She first gave him an 'I am impressed' pursed lip look and then said getting back into the symptomatic pregnancy mode where the women get meticulous about their vital statistics Mani what if I get fat? You know na its so difficult to reduce weight! Aur agar yeh line aur jo bhi aur changes hongey woh kam ni huay toh? I will look so ugly na. He snuggled her into himself; knowing exactly how to answer the typical 'What Ifs and What Nots?' budding within his new in the pudding club wifey; and replied after kissing her softly Kuch nahi hoga Shona! Main hoon na! Yes you will get thoda sa chubby coz baby bhi hoga na. And kisne kaha tum ugly hujaogi? Haan thode marks and spots ayenge per phir chale jayenge. Whenever if you feel something like this then see yourself in my eyes. Tumhe apni true image dikhegi. Extremely beautiful. Aur agar meri jaan ko maintain karna hai toh I will do everything that it takes. Bas tum happy raho. Okaye? In a reply, she just took his lips in hers for a deep and passionate kiss; pouring out her all gorgeous feelings she had for him and then breaking apart; she said Tumhe bolne ki zarurat nahi hai Manik. Tumhare rehtey main sad ho hi nahi sakti. I Love You. Bohot Sara. He smiled and replied, massaging her hair and dropping feather - like kisses on her lips I Love You more! Then getting a bit serious, he held her hand and said, intertwining her fingers with his Baby main kal tumhari maternity leave ke liye apply kardunga. Furrowing her brows; she opened her mouth for reasoning and informing him that it was okay to work in the first trimester but was cut off by Manik, who rejoined, keeping his hand on her stomach where his child was developing I know ke three months tak kaam karsakte hain per I find it really irrational Nandini. Miscarriage ke honey ki probability in three months mein hi sabse high hoti hai. Yahi time sabse zyada careful honey ki zarurat hai. Tum jaanti ho main tumhe kisi baat ke liye mana nahi karta per Please Baby don't say no in this matter. Mujhe bilkul bhi risk nahi lena tumhari ya hamare baby ke heath ke liye. Please. She was amused by his nous and replied, giving in to his such an earnest and thoughtful plea You don't need to say please Manik. In fact you are right. Theek hai. Tum apply kardo. Per Mani main pura din ghar mein akele kya karungi? He caressed her phiz with the other hand and answered as a matter of fact Kisne kaha ke tumhe akele rehna padega? What made you think ke I will leave your side for even a second? Main rahunga tumhare saath hamesha. Remember? We are pregnant. Not only you. Aur issey pehle tum shuru hujao work is also important nd all toh let me tell you; Industries 9 months tak ek special team sambhallegi aur rahi baat songs ki toh woh hum ghar mein compose karlenge. I want to live every nanosecond of this phase with you shona. Speechless by his to the moon and back care; Nandini just smilingly nodded and murmured in his ear, nuzzling her face in the flexure of his neck As you say Mani. Tumhe jo karna hai karo. Baby bhi tumhara hai aur main bhi tumhari hoon. I will second every decision of yours. He smilingly kissed her head and then after some more heart to heart chatting about and with their little one and loads of their special romance and cuddling; they drifted into peaceful slumber.

To Be Continued ..