Chapter - 46

Location - Mumbai Street

Tere ishq mein;
Main ta jeeya ..
Tere Pyaar mein;
Basta Gaya ..
Tu Lout aa .. Yun na Sataa ..

Shona Kahan ho tum? Please! Please Be Safe! Manik muttered under his breath in a choked tone; more like a plea; on not finding any clue of her even after going through almost the entire suburbs of the city with a fine - tooth comb and leaving no stone unturned for about last 1 hour . Cabir who had been with him; kept a reassuring hand on his shoulder and said with a voice full of faith so that he gets a little strength Shaant hoja Manik! Woh theek hogi! Uncle ne commissioner se baat ki hai na! Dekhna abhi pata chal jaegi! Wearily; he pushed Cabir's hand off from his shoulder and replied, breathing heavily and crying constantly Kaise Shaant hojaon Cabir? 6 ghantey hogaye hain ussey miss huay. Pata nahi kaha hogi! Kaisi hogi! Kuch khaya bhi hoga ya nahi! Woh careless nahi hain ke bina kuch bataye gayab hojaye. Naraz hoti toh bhi batadeti. Per Navya ne kaha na ke woh naraz nahi thi. Ghar ke liye nikli thi. Phir kahan hain ab woh? Just when he stopped; as if to give answers to his questions; his phone began blaring loudly in the desolated street where he was standing; indicating a call from an unknown Caller ID and without giving it a time to ring for even another second; he received it with baited breath and hope of getting some hint about her and heard an unfamiliar but formal voice asking Am I speaking to Mr. Manik Malhotra? He instantaneously confirmed it and then the speaker continued Sir I am calling from City Hospital. Your wife had been brought in here and is hospitalized. You are needed in here. The mere word 'Hospital' made his soul jump out of his skin and chilled his already frozen spine to an extent of getting cracked and break down into fragments. All his senses were paralyzed with fear and his blood had literally run blue but then gathering himself and turning himself deaf and dumb to Cabir's interrogation; he disconnected the line and hightailed it to where his Nandini was.

The already frantic heart that was beating in his mouth instead of his original position; smashed into smithereens and fell to bits; after barging into the Room. No. 42 and seeing her lying unconscious on the bed. Uprooting his feet from the floor; he ran towards her with Cabir treading on his heels and asked the nurse on duty, cupping her face with gentle hands and clapping his red - rimmed eyes on it Kya hua hai? The nurse; like any other fangirl of his; was stiffened dead at her spot on seeing him live in front of her and despite wanting like crazy to reply or in other words; talk to HIM; she couldn't even let out an atom of carbon dioxide - one because of the enthralling blow that came out of the blue and two; because of the jam her Vocal chords had suffered owing to the glorious blow. But being that HIM; who didn't give a damn to world or the entire universe getting burnt down into ashes when things concerned his Nandini; and on not getting the answer to the question which was gnawing his insides; he gave her a deathly glare which was enough to scare her shitless and just when he was about to sputter some petals of rose; black rose; through his gnashing teeth, the Doctor who had treated Nandini appeared as a messenger from God to rescue the poor thing and gave in the low - down, after a brief formal greeting She had just fainted Mr. Malhotra. But is fine now. It maybe one of those fainting fits of pregnancy or Something allergic might have triggered this. She was found in a flower nursery. Cabir having no knowledge about anything like that; just shifted his gaze to Manik - who replied after a nod, knowing exactly what had fanned the flames of dizziness in her Lavender! She is allergic to it. She must've smelled it somehow. Is she fine now? How is she? And Baby? Cabir just stood as a silent spectator and after hmming an 'Oh-I-Got-It-Now' doctor-ish hmmm; the physician replied with a smile Don't worry Mr. Malhotra! Both of them are fine. She is just under the effect of the upshot of smelling the allergen. She will be up in sometime. You can even take her with you if you want. He sighed a long; really long; breath on getting the testimony of her good health and then heeding to the Doc's suggestion immediately, he asked Cabir to get the discharge formalities done as the nightmarish sight of seeing her on a hospital bed; for any damn reason; was the last thing his eyes and heart could tolerate.

The drive to the Mansion was quite uneventful or in fact totally quiet; with Cabir at the wheel and a visibly disquieted Manik on the backseat with Nandini cocooned cozily in his arms. He was constantly and incessantly pecking her face; his lips behaving kind of too frightened to leave her skin; and was staring at her fixedly with all those 360 minutes of separation, 120 minutes of desperate longing and the hellish fear he had felt all this while stinging in his eyes as tears - as if trying to console his intimidated self of her hale and hearty presence. On reaching the Mansion; he carefully stepped out of the Car with her in his arms and without speaking a word or even sparing a glance to the ones who were waiting for them; he zoomed into the house and made his way up the stairs and then into their room. Unable to take the suspense anymore that had been created by Cabir's repeated 'Ghar aker batata hoon' - Mukti asked, being completely wrought up Batayega ab bhi ya kal tak wait karna padega? Bol! Putting an end to the procrastination and getting them off the tenterhooks; Cabir sank into the sofa and enlightened them with anything and everything about the recent concurrence. All of them heaved the long held breaths and then moved to their room to wait for her to gain conscience.

Back in the room; Manik airily freshened her and changed her clothes into the comfy night ones and just when he tugged her under the blanket and Fab 4 set their foot inside; Nandini stirred - which alarmed Manik and as would be expected by even a new born child - muttered his name. In a swift reflexive reaction; he took her again in his arms and after a bit of struggling with the her long lashes that were suddenly feeling too heavy out of giddiness; she blinked her eyes nimbly to adjust the focus of her fogged lenses and after getting a defined image of his worried sick face, she smiled weakly and said, raising her hand to cup his cheek Main theek hoon Mani! With tears trickling uncontrollably down his cheeks, he kissed her palm and just pulled her close for a bear hug and then replied, mumbling against the crook of her neck Don't ever do that to me again. I almost died. I Love You So Much! Having gained the consciousness enough to be stable; she dropped a kiss on his shoulder and then said, ruffling his hair I Love You too. Shh! Shh! Don't cry na baba. Please. In response, he just clasped her more to himself; almost crushing her bones; and totally being aware of his condition - she happily let him do whatever he was doing to despite the physical discomfort.

The hugging and soothing would have continued the whole night and maybe even after that; and Fab 4 would've let them but being themselves on pins and needles, they couldn't give their care for her a wide berth and so; they moved closer to them and then Cabir asked, keeping a brotherly hand on Nandini's head Tu theek hai na? Respecting the fact that they too were hell antsy; surely not equal to him but to a great extent; and on getting finally comforted by her warmth, he pulled apart and taking the chance; the super edgy Mukti; jumped on the bed, pushing Manik aside and began giving Nandini a verbal rap across her knuckles, after a quick hug Choti tu pagal hogayi hai? How can you be so irresponsible? Phone bandh hogaya tha toh seedha seedha ghar aana chahiye tha na? Aur jab pata tha ke lavender hota hai toh kya zaroorat thi flower shop mein jaaney ki? Kuch severe hojata toh? Aagey se kiya na toh I swear mujhse bura koi nai hoga. Before Nandini could put her most probably apology in words, Manik got down the bed and remarked in a full gutted tone Chod na Mukti! Tu bhi kissey bolrahi hai? She doesn't care. Khamakha apna time waste mat kar. No matter how much we plead, request or whatever - karengi toh yeh apni marzi ka hi. Saying so, he grabbed his track suit from the cupboard and loped off into the washroom, leaving everyone open - mouthed and Nandini in state of nerves. Everybody fathomed that he was angry but only Nandini saw the hurt and disappointment accompanying the displeasure and it instantly gave birth to guilt and remorse within her. She knew that he wasn't upset with the stupid stubborn wish of having Peanut and the consequent walking out but with the impetus and amateurish stunt she had unintentionally pulled on him. True it was purely unmeant and fortuitous but the damage was definitely an aftermath of her negligence. She knew she had gave him reasons to not smile and also that only she could reverse the game. She sighed realizing only a sorry wouldn't manaofy her Monster this time and then smiled knowing she would mollify him anyway even if it takes moving heaven and the earth.

Sensing the tension building in the air, Cabir smartly diverted the topic and again asked the question which remained unanswered due to Mukti's interruption Yeh Sab Chod! Tu bata ... Headache ya kuch horaha hain? You okay na? Nandini smiled at all of her chums and replied, resting her head on Mukti's shoulder Main bilkul theek hoon. And I am Sorry Guys. Bohot pareshan kiya na maine? Promise aagey se kabhi nahi karungi. All returned the smile favor and then Mukti inquired seriously while stroking Nandini's hair Wese who got her to the hospital? And that moron driver! Woh kahan hain? Chodungi nahi main ussey! Everyone also got curious and then the fully awared Cabir replied Shaant Hoja Manik ki female version. Some gentleman took her to the hospital but woh hanare aaney se pehley hi chala gaya! Aur rahi baat Driver ki toh maine ussey baat ki. Woh bechara isko pagalon ki tarah dhoond raha tha. Manik ke darr se na ghar aya aur na hi phone karke bataya. He chuckled and so did everyone at the latter epic fear file story of the Driver and then the Motherhen Mukti said, after kissing her temple Hmm! Chalo jo hogaya so hogaya. Ab tu aaram kar. Hum sab chaltey hain. Bohot der hogayi hai. Kal phir ayenge. Okaye? Nandini urged them to stay back for some more time and depart after having dinner but covering the actual purpose; of giving them their needed couplish time; with some lame excuses that were luckily convincing; they bid her goodbye and shouting the same for Manik - retired for their respective abodes.

Clad in his Vest and tracks; Manik stepped out after taking a spun - out shower and saw her looking at him with a puppy face and the hyper adorable sorry pout. Acting opposite to the strong desire of just going to her and pecking that pout countless time; for he was actually mad at her; he shot a quick blank look at her and exited the room without saying a word - much to her dismay. She thought of going after him but then chucked it as by the look of his red face; getting off the bed was not at all a good idea. Clueless and confused; she just sat back wondering where and what for he might have gone and at last, after ten minutes or so; he showed up with the answer of her self - queries in his hand - a plate of food; needless to say - their dinner. Bearing a tongue that was under the capture of some kind of zip; he sat in front of her and began feeding her as if nothing happened. All her attempts to talk were failing as whenever she opened her mouth, he would stuff a morsel in it and then giving up the trying before his trick; she let the actions speak and made him eat too along with her to which he surprisingly didn't resist.

Getting done with the food; he made her lie down and thats when; taking the opportunity, she held her ears and said in a honey; sugar, caramel and everything sweet - laced voice I am so Sorry Papa! I know I am at fault. Maine jaan boojh ker nai kiya. Wapas aatey waqt I thought to take some flowers along to say sorry to you isliye went to the shop. Lavender ki taraf dhyaan hi nahi gaya per achanak se kisine counter per laker rakhdiya aur yeh sab. Please talk to me na Papa. I am Sorry! Her cute beg - pardon was successful in ebbing the ire and melting down his heart like wax; but he wanted to make her feel; for the first time; culpable so that she doesn't repeat the folly again and so; putting up a sham of being unaffected; he just glanced at her once and then spoke at last but to the baby, leaning close to her tummy Hello Baby! Aaj Daddy ne aapko kitna miss kiya pata hai? 6 hours aap mujhse door rahey aur woh bhi hospital mein. But I know aapki ghalti nahi hai. Ghalti Mamma ki hai aur woh bhi badi wali. Main Mamma ki burai nai karraha per you know what? Aapki Mamma na Daddy ko bohot trouble karti hain. Kitni baar kehta hoon main unse ke dhyaan rakho - dhyaan rakho - unko kuch hojaega toh I can't live but unko koi farq hi nahi padta. Ab na main aur nahi bolunga. Unko khud samajhna hoga ke she can't always just do things, hurt me by hurting herself and get away with a sorry. Hain na? Chalo ab yeh sab jaanedo aur abhi sojao. Good Night. Daddy Loves You so much. Saying so; he planted a kiss on her tum and then reposed himself beside her but facing his back to her; even though it killed him to do so but still he did keeping an entire mount everest on his heart and letting it mangle under it for the sin he was doing and two hundred and one percent selfsame to his guess was her state - totally down in the mouth and lachrymose. For her; his silence was the biggest punishment - something that was beyond her and more than her flesh, blood, mind, soul could stand - but she knew that she deserved it and so wholeheartedly welcoming her just deserts; she put a nip in the making up bud for the time being and said, taking him in a hug and burying herself in his back I am phirse Sorry Papa! Ghalti baby ne ki na toh baby hi Papa ko manaega. I know you are cutty with me but I can't sleep without hugging you na. I Love You sho much. She ended her adorbs short story with a Good Night kiss - that she impressed on his back - and he couldn't help but aww and smile at her antic. All he wanted to do was veer about, burrow her in his chest and kiss her till forever but Alas! - the circumstances weren't favorable and he had certain significant duty of giving her some good brains and so saving his all love for later; he just held her tiny hand kept on his midriff and curled her closer - after all even he was habituated to sleeping snuggled with her. Meditating over their own different hiccups and taking recurrent glimpses of each other - they made peace with the nightfall and fell asleep.

The next morning was no great shakes and passed lifelessly with only her numerous efforts to bury the hatchet and his tight - lipped and close - mouthed disregards until the late afternoon when Fab - 4 showed up as per their daily routine. Everyone readily got the whiff of the abnormal dusty dryness in the ever romantic air of the Mansion but chose to not intervene and tried to lighten the atmosphere instead and accordingly, Cabir began a natter and asked Wese Nandini? Chacha - Chachi aur Rishabh kahan hain? Aaney waley they na woh aaj; phir kya hua? Nandini passed him a plate of refreshment and replied nonchalantly Haan woh itne din ke aarahe hain na; toh samaan wrap up karne me time lagraha hain. Teen Chaar din lagenge abhi. Cabir just mouthed an Oh! and before he could continue further; Aarav came running with Navya behind him - who had gone to pick him up from the school - and exclaimed, taking Nandini in his chotu embrace Massi Ma! Kese ho aap? Maine aapka kitna wait kiya kal. Its been 48 hours jabse maine aapko. I missed you. Making an awed face, she made him sit in her lap and said, after kissing him affectionately I missed you too Baccha! Aap ne hours bhi count kiye? Aww! Wese aapka school kese tha? The little thing too perceived that something was wrong as his Partner; like he did always; wasn't admiring them cuddling and if truth be told; he wasn't even looking at them and being a naive child, he din't hesitate and asked, all agog It was good Massi ma but Partner, apko ko kya hua? Kroshit hain aap? Not getting what he was saying; everyone's brows furrowed - including MaNan - and solving the hindi word puzzle the lad had created - Navya giggled and said Kroshit nahi baba; krodhit. Krodhit hota hai! The ambience did perk up after a long time as Cabir burst out laughing followed by others and also MaNan - who just tee - heed but genuinely - much to each other's joy while Aarav gaped at them with a smug and pink - face and then to shrug off the embarrassment; he quickly hopped in Manik's arms - who endearingly took him and said, asking for an aid to escape before his rib - tickled Dadda could poke more fun at him Partner mujhe cupcakes khani hain. Hum bakery jaker le ayein? Being all time at service of his Champ; Manik smilingly nodded and bidding everyone bye - walked out without even bothering to give her a look which, of course, saddened her all the more and witnessing all this and not being able to take their tiff and his sister's sullen face any more; Cabir pulled Dhruv along and moved out to go after Manik and have some needed words with him.

Navya, Mukti and Alya too weren't able to digest the long face of their bubbly doll and utilizing the absence of boys; they thought of cheering her up and also help her out and therefore, Navya said, taking Nandini in a side - hug Kya hua hai? Tumhara rakshas abhi tak nahi mana? Nandini shook her head in a No and then replied Bohot naraz hain woh! Aur ho bhi kiun na? I am at fault. Pehle maine ladai ki phir ese chaligayi aur phir sab jaantey huay bhi flower shop mein gayi. Mukti sat on the other side and said her point of view Nandini yeh tum bhi jaanti ho woh ghussa nahi hai. Bar bar tumhe ankhon ke koney se dekhraha tha. Bas thoda ukhda hai and you know iss bar he has all rights to. Mana ussey. Manjayega. Afterall he loves you like mad. Nandini exhaled loudly and said, fiddling with her fingers Wohi toh mushkil hai na Mukti. He is not listening to me only. Baat nahi karenge toh manana kese hoga? Maine bohot saarey ideas bhi sochey per jitne bhi they woh sab use karliye surprises dene mein. Ab kya karun? The NavMukLya trio exchanged smiled at the endmost bit and then the planning queen Alya jumped in and said with her ever vibrant smile Oh Come on Nandini. Pyar karne ke liye ideas kabhi khatm nahi hotey. We just have to cudgel our brain thoda sa. And what are we for? We will help you. I am sure kuch awesome will pop up. The contagious energy from Alya and her other two friends generated Positive vibes and instantly consenting to the offer with a big grin; she pulled the three in a group hug to which they reciprocated with like feelings and then the girly bull session ensued.

Saaley! Tujhe sharam nahi aati ussey aise dukhi karke? Bechari meri pyaari behen. Chehra dekha tuney uska? Kese utargaya hai bilkul. Monster kahika! Cabir rebuked Manik with a not - so - light thwack on his arms and then Dhruv seconded, doing the same on the other arm Haan Buddy! Kitna sad thi woh. Tu toh aise nahi dekhsakta na phir? Bar bar tujhe dekhrahi rahi thi per tu toh aise baitha tha jese woh hai hi nahi. Showing no reaction to the hits given by DhruBir, Manik handed Aarav the ordered chocolate cup - cake and then replied Nandini ke wakeeloun! Mujhey koi khushi nahi milrahi aisa jerk banker. I know ke ussey bura lagraha hai per I am doing all this deliberately. Main naraz nahi hoon ussey per she needs to know this ke har baar woh khudko lekar ghair zimmedar nahi hosakti. Madam saari duniya ki fikr karegi siwaye apne. Kal bhi mujhe sorry bolne ke liye bouquet lene gayi thi shop jabke she knew ke wahan lavender zaroor hoga. Kya zaroorat thi? Kuch hojata toh? Wolfing down the fifth cupcake; Cabir hmmed and asked, furrowing his brows Toh tu karna kya chahta hai? Sorry toh bola hoga na usney? Ussey dekhker toh lag bhi raha tha ke ussey realise hogaya hai. Then? What do you want her to do? Kab tak chalaega yeh apna baat na karne ka natak? Aur yeh itne saarey muffins kisliye? He pointed towards a big box of multi - flavored muffins that the waiter just brought and then Manik answered, opening the lid to show Sorries iced on muffins with smileys Teri behen ke liye aur kisliye. I know ussey samajh agaya hai and I am sure woh mujhe mananey ke liye kuch karegi. Aur bas main manjaunga. Wese bhi ab meri bardash se bahar hai yeh continue karna. Mujhe hi yakeen nahi horaha main itni der kaise door raha ussey! Cabir and Dhruv just smiled at his gesture and his hankering to be with her and then wrapping up their snack - outing; they got some cupcakes packed for the other ladies and scooted off in their car.

To Be Continued ..