Chapter - 50

Location - Hill
Though the song and also the dance session was ended; due to some reason; the love still prevailed in all its intensity as the mood of bonfire night and in the wake of it; all smitten pairs of doves excused themselves and dispersed to bask in the blissful and everlasting hangover of Love with their significant others including Cabir who luckily got the needed company of his beloved Navya through a Video Call. Where everyone chose to take a walk around; MaNan preferred lying on the fresh grass; wrapped in each other's arms and enjoy in the leisure pursuit of gazing stars - something which he had been fond of since a forever and she too had grown attached to after years of being with him. With a breath-taking view of his favorite twinkling stars before his eyes and an outshining Nandini humming some melody in her dulcet voice against the crook of his neck; curled up to him cozily - Manik was having his time of sheer peace and pleasure. Adding to his delight and attracting his all attention towards herself; Nandini shifted her head down to rest on his heart and again began with her doodling antics.

Her such baby habits - inclusive of toying with his fingers, features, hairs or in short, with him and all of those twee babyish tantrums - had become his absolute necessity over time and now that she had a mother developing within her along with their love; he feared that her this facet might be permanently lost. True their little one would undoubtedly be a bundle of cuteness but he didn't want her babyness to get crushed under responsibility and motherhood. He was too much in Love with and used to the hidden child within her to let it die and so to make sure nothing unfortunate as his fears happens, he leaned down to suck her lips gently and then asked, tilting her face up to him and snuggling her close Ek Promise karogi mujhse? Confused and curious by his abrupt solicit, she raked her delicate fingers through his hair and just gave a smiley nod and then reposing her straight on the ground, he relaxed his forehead on hers and rejoined, playing with her hair Promise me ke baby ke aaney ke baad you won't change a bit. Mujhe pata hai Mamma banjaogi tum per please tum apni yeh cute aadatein mat chodna. Please! Main inke bina nahi reh sakunga! She chuckled at his serious but not so serious and awe - inspiring request; and then replied impishly Per Mani! Mujhe bada toh hona padega na! Baby kya sochegi? Ke uske Mamma abhi badhi hi ni hui. Haww! So bad! Understanding her mischief; that was glinting in her eyes - he smiled and said, after kissing her pout and huddling up more to her Nothing is bad. Baby will also admire her Mamma. Aur maine kab kaha baby ke saamne baby banne ke liye. Tu sirf mera baby hai - toh sirf mere saath hi yeh antics karna. Okaye? Tickled pink by his words; she kissed his cheeks tightly and then replied, locking her hands on his nape and brushing his nose with hers Tumhari pampering aur coddling ke rehtey main kabhi yeh sab nakhre karna chod bhi nahi sakti Mani. Promise! Convinced by her words; he just smiled and then getting totally into her chotuness mode; she made a pout and voiced the need of her appetite, patting her tummy Phirse Bhook lagrahi hai Papa! Like always happens; his lips split into a wide grin at her adorbs and then after pecking her pout to his heart's content, he kept his hand on her tum and asked lovingly Accha! Toh batao kya khana hai mere babies ko? Sweet ya Spicy? Unable to decide on anything even after taking whole 10 minutes to think over; she made an irritated face and replied, giving him a helpless look Nai samajh ara kya khana hai! Kuch bhi chalega! Bas khana hai. Endearingly, he eased her scrunched up nose with his thumb and spoke, after kissing it Koi baat nahi Shona! Umm! Tum ruko - Main abhi aya okaye?

Saying so, he took off lickety - split down the hill to the car and in a flash - returned with a box of large size Dominoes triple cheese pizza in his hand. Seeing the delicacy that required a minimum of an hour long drive back into the main city to be bought - amusingly fetched by him within hardly a minute, she asked, obviously perplexed Yeh Kahan se aya? He first helped her sit comfortably with a pillow supporting her back and then replied, handing her a slice I know iss condition mein baar baar bhook lagti hai. Isliye maine kuch basic heavy foods jo tumhe khaney ka mann karsakta hai; khareedker gadi mein rakh diye they. Burgers, pastries, cakes bhi hain. Yeh warm tha toh main le aya car se. You okay with it ya wanna have something else? For some good 30 seconds; she just stared at him in disbelief and then twinkling at his all - embracing care; she said, after crawling up to him like an infant and settling in his lap I Love You Shoo Much Papa! With all his profound affection, he cuddled her close and replied, gritting his teeth out of love I Love You Too Shona! Bohot Bohot Sara!

Interrupting them once again and making Nandini jump out of Manik's lap, Cabir appeared from the dark and for a change didn't tease but informed, grabbing a chunk of the open - pie for himself and taking his seat Manager ka phone aya tha! Yeh yaad dilaney ke kal award function hai. Are we going? Before Manik could answer, Nandini held his hand and said excitedly Main bhi chalungi Manik. Mujhe Live dekhna hain tum sabko award lete huay! This came as a stark surprise for both ManBir - as Nandini was someone who always out rightly hated and shrank from Industry Functions - mainly because of the hovering media, super active paparazzi and of course the thousand recording Cameras focusing from every possible angles around - that would oppressively snatch all rights of being a normal human from any celebrity guest. Most of all she was shit afraid of the huge crowd that consisted of people she only knew but didn't know - maybe because she was too used to staying in her limited sweet world with only her Manik and other loved ones around. And as a consequence; she kept herself far far away from such gatherings despite her long - standing hankering to directly witness her Man and friends getting awarded with best so and so trophies. In view of the absolute fact that she felt uncomfortable; Manik too never forced her to tag along with them in spite his own deep - routed desire of rejoicing in the proud moments with her by his side. But this time; perhaps her changing hormones had again did the wonders they've known for and caused her to behave enthusiastic for something she loved to ignore. Astound by the least expected declaration; ManBir took on for a brief silence and savying their state of minds from their goggle - eyes and agape mouths; Nandini rolled her eyes and justified, lying down again with her head in Manik's lap Itna bhi shock honey ki baat nahi hai. Aur yeh main nahi - baby chahta hai. She wants to see her Daddy get honored. Ab Baby ki khwaish toh puri karni padegi na. Ab am sleepy. So Sleepy. Good Night! I Love You! ManBir smiled at her antics and then bending down; Manik kissed her temple and replied, caressing her hair I Love You Too Shona! Good Night! Cabir to muttered a 'Sweet Dreams' and being totally fatigued after an overlong eventful day; she fell asleep in no time while ManBir continued with a friendly muted conversation.

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With the euphonious tweeting of birds and sun rays sneaking through the dark curtains and falling on her face, Nandini stirred in sleep and fore mostly reached out her hand to feel his warmth that had been missing around her since quite some time. Even after thoroughly rummaging the bed and not finding his strapping body; she lazily opened her eyes but only half to scan the room for him and instantaneously smiled on seeing him right before her and adjusting the curtains open. 'Mani!' She mumbled his name in her morning husk voice and with a smile; he strode across the room to the bed in a wink said, taking her in his arms Good Morning Shona! Chalo ab jaldi se utho aur breakfast karlo. Der hogayi hai na bohot. Wrapping her tiny hands around his waist; she shook her head in a No and murmured, hiding her face in his chest Good Morning! Per mujhe ni uthna. Aur hum ghar kab aye? He engulfed her cute slothful form in his warm embrace and said, giving gentle strokes to her hair Hum ghar raat ko hi agaye they. Aur mere all time early - riser baby ko kiun nahi uthna hai? She nuzzled more into him and grumbled about the queasy ill - feeling she had firstly realized on getting back to senses Sab shaky shaky lagraha hai and I feel like vomiting. A wise man's words of wisdom state that when concern for a Loved one strikes; mind and logic are automatically shut and the heart becomes the only active organ in the body to rule, reign, act and react and suitably; Manik's heart too induced an impromptu panic attack as it was beyond him to see her suffer with any damn ailment - be it some sickness or even a mere mosquito bite - and with worry written all over his face; he sputtered frantically Vomiting? Why? Oh My God! I should've been more careful. Fever hoga tumhe! Shit! I shouldn't have taken you out in the cold. Baby just breathe okay; I will call the doctor. He freaked out - totally at his wit's end and began dialing the doc's number but not letting him do so; she pulled him closer and said, dulcifying his anxiety with her ever so enchanting smile Mr. Malhotra! Before you wreak havoc in the entire world just listen to me. Mujhe fever nahi hai. Bas nauseous feel horaha hai. Thodi der mein kam hojaega. It then struck him as the sagacious whip - smart boss came back into power that she was having one of those infamous fits of morning sickness and nothing grave but still he wasn't satisfied as she wasn't completely fine either and sensing it; she asked, in an attempt to divert his mind Wese why did you wake up so early? Aur tuxedo kiun pehna hai? Kahin jarahe ho? Her question reminded him of the important meeting with foreign delegates that he had arranged at the Mansion itself so he didn't have to leave Nandini behind and for which he had woken up much earlier than usual but now that he knew she was not well; leaving her side was just not even worth considering and so; taking off his tuxedo - he replied Haan woh ek meeting rakhi thi ghar pe. Per I will cancel it now. I need to be with you. But before he could do what he had just said; Nandini seized his phone and coaxed Iski koi zaroorat nahi hai Manik. Kuch important hoga isliye tumne agree kiya ghar bulwaney ke liye. Itna bhi kuch serious nahi hua hai. I just need to sleep for some more time. Tum jao. Clearly he was not persuaded and neither seemed ready to buy any of her assertions and easily apprehending it; she sighed and gave the undertaking Accha Baba Promise! Agar tabyat aur kharab hui toh I will call you. Tum neeche hall mein hi toh ho. Nandini Promise! Due to the abounding solicitude for her; his doubts were not entirely dispelled but relying on her most trust worthiest swear; he gave in - although half - heartedly; and replied Hmm Okay Shona! Tum sujao! Aur agar bhook lagey toh breakfast table per rakha hai - khalena. And agar yeh nahi khana toh mujhe call ker batado - I will send something else. Okaye? She affirmed and then tucking her in the bed; he recited his instruction guide (pun intended) once more and after himself making her sleep - he impressed a kiss on her forehead and moved downstairs for the awaiting official task.

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Haan Manik! I am perfectly fine. Okaye! Nandini again reassured Manik over the telephone and hung up another call - another one out of those frequent multitudinous check calls he had made from hall to room in last 3 hours; after she had awaken. She smiled to herself at his relentless regard and then said, continuing her heart - to - heart chat with their Love budding in her womb while knitting her first baby garment Dekha! Phirse apke Daddy ka call tha. Wapas se puchrahe they if aap aur main theek hai ya nahi. Ab aap hi batao; unke rehte humein kuch hosakta hai kya? Nahi na. Per unhe koi kese samjhaye. Mamma toh bohot thak gayi hain unhe bata ker - ab aap hi jaldi se aao aur unhe samjhao ke humesha tension lena acchi baat nahi hoti. She paused for a moment; and then rejoined emotionally, keeping her hand on her belly But apko pata hai? Aap bologey na tab bhi apke Dadda fikr karna ni chodenge. You know why? Because he Loves us very very much. He doesn't show openly per na he is dying to hold you. Mamma agar impatient hai na aapko dekhne ke liye toh Dadda super - impatient hai. He he! Bas aap jaldi se aajao. Dadda apko akela toh nahi chodenge per Mamma also loves you equally. Aapko godi mein sulaker; huggie karna hai - cuddle karna hai - kissie karna hai. I know apke bas mein nai hai per kya karein? Mamma wants you so much na. The baby surely wasn't even as big as a pea but her tiny soul was already connected with that of her Mother and maybe; just maybe - in a spiritual way - she must've smiled on listening to her Mother's love wrapped in a blanket of words for her and her Father; which beautifully reflected as a special glowing smile on Nandini's face and this touchy - feely scene tickled the sentiments and brought tears in the eyes of Manik - who had returned soon after making the call.

Nandini had come as an angel and blessing in his Life and showered selfless Love on him but nonetheless the truth however still remains that he had spent a motherless lonely childhood which can never be undone and on watching his child get that purest Love and a flawless Mother - filled his entire being with felicity. Her affecting words; like always; tugged at his heartstrings and to pour out the uncontrollable burst of immense Love; he just darted towards her and captured her lips for a consuming kiss. Needless to say; she was taken aback by the sudden intense gesture of Love but howbeit; she responded with equal fervor; tangling her fingers with his hair. Rendering her breathless; he pulled apart - himself puffing and panting and said, entwining his hands with his and kissing her knuckles You know right? That you are going to be the bestest mother. Accha hua jo maine bataya nahi call per ke main araha hoon. Nahi toh main Mamma - baby ka itna sweet convo miss kardeta. Giving a pursed lip smile, she replied, tongue - in cheek Mr. Malhotra! Eavesdropping karna acchi baat nahi hoti. He just smugged sheepishly in return and then noticing the needles and wool in her hand, he asked, furrowing his brows Baby yeh kya karrahe ho? She exuberantly showed him the teeny - weeny pair of red woolen socks she had woven and chirped Yeh na baby ke liye socks hai. Maine banaye hai. Kese hain? Very affectionately; he kissed the eensy knitwear and then replied, after planting a kiss on her cheek too Bilkul tumhare jese. Cute - chotu and pretty. She blushed at his compliment and then getting rid of his blazer; he folded his sleeves and said, taking the needles from her Baby ke liye clothes main bhi banaonga. Mujhe batao yeh kese karte hain. All smiles; she pulled his cheeks and replied You are so cute Manik! and then slapping his hand, she took the needles back from him and added But I am not going to teach you. Sab kuch tum hi karlogey baby ke liye toh main kya karungi? He laughed at her remark and then closing the knitting kit, he said Okay Shona! I won't interfere in this. Per abhi lunch time. Chalein? In reply; she threw her hands open in the air and more than ready to do so; he picked her up in his arms and made his way down the stairs and into the hall to feed his babies with the afternoon meal.

. . . . .

Draped in a ravishing Red and Gold contrasted Saree with her hair styled in a sophisticated curly loose up-do and wearing a pair of ethnic jhumkas, an intricate diamond bangle in each hand and a similar designer ring as jewelry for the night - personifying gorgeousness, class, elegance and simplicity altogether; Nandini turned to an all ready Manik - who just stepped out of the washroom and asked, twirling around Main kaisi lagrahi hoon Manik? And please be honest. Its such a big event and I don't want to embarrass you. Making a blank face; he walked closer to her and replied, with a straight face Honestly bolun toh - I am Sorry! Interpreting his words in her own negative way; she lowered her head and asked sadly, in an undertone Sorry kiun? Using his index finger; he lifted her chin to make her face him and answered throatily, getting his lips deathly close to her red hued lips Because I am going to ruin your lipstick. And before she could grasp his words; Manik pinned her to the wall behind and fused his lips with hers - forcing her and their interlocked hands against the wall. His lips were passionate and aggressive - praising her for looking so sinfully exquisite and also punishing for committing the sin of demeaning herself. Helpless and pleased at the same time; she moaned and writhed against him - that only caused him to intensify his ardor. On running out of oxygen; he broke apart and then jerking her closer; he slid her blouse down from her right shoulder and said sternly, after giving her a deep bite of love Iss baar kehdiya. Phirse esa socha bhi toh mujhse bura koi ni hoga. Tum mujhe kabhi embarrass nahi karsakti. Meri jaan ke baarey mein esa kehne ka right kisiko nahi diya hai maine. Tumhe bhi nahi. Saying this; he fixed her blouse back and then she replied, blushing crimson and buttoning his shirt to deal with it I am Sorry! And thankyou for giving the best and most apt answer. Her rosiness reddened as he sucked her lips again and said against them You deserve every bit of it. Tearing their intimacy apart; came a loud blare of horn from Cabir's car - who had come to pick the couple up along with another car of Fab 3 - and to avoid his teases that he would patently poke at them if they get late - MaNan quickly shared another brief kiss and then hurried out - after a necessary final touch - up.

Flabbergasted - was the only word for the huge mass of pressmen, hackettes, photojournalists and the event correspondents - on encountering the most sought after but reserved and guarded celebrity figure; Mrs. Malhotra; out to take part in a popular social occasion along with her celebrated dear husband and other four gems of Fab 5. Albeit she had chosen to be bold and make an appearance but Manik being Manik Malhotra - couldn't - never - let any nosy and prying people with their probing questions approach her or even him - when she was alongside and so; putting up his austere and formal front - he shushed all the stringers with one gesture and after politely greeting the elated fans standing along the red - carpet together with Nandini; proceeded towards the main hall with his hand laced compactly and protectively with hers. Shona You Okaye Na? Manik asked as they took their seats around a table - in the front most rows of the auditorium. She gave his knuckles a tender stroke with her thumb and replied, with a contagious zing in her voice Tumhare hotey huay I am always more than okaye. Bas thoda extra excited hoon. I am going to see you taking the award live. Yayyiee!! Manik just smiled in return; enchanted like always by her ever - so fetching beatific face.

The event had already started by the time they had arrived and after a whole series of performances; hi - hellos with the other bigwigs of music industry and other award distributions - finally the host announced the nominations for the category that mattered to her and for which she had come out of her shell - 'Best Music Director'. As a matter of fact - her Love and band won and on hearing the spurt of thunderous and unabated applauds - Nandini's eyes filled with mist and every cell intumesced with Pride. With a snowballing rapture and inflating glory; they received the big accolade and when asked to speak a few words as per tradition; Cabir took the mike and spoke in his rich voice I have never spoken; in fact we'd never given any speech but today - I have a lots to say. It is said that behind every success - there is always a woman. And in our case too - there is a woman. The world knows whom we are talking about and luckily today we have her here with us. I won't call her on stage because she is a demure lady and doesn't like getting noticed but yeah - I will surely say that all this prestige and prosperity is with us because you are in our life. I know you are too modest to accept this and will also get mad at me but I need to - we need to - thank you for everything. Thank You for always being there as the biggest motivation and a strong and constant positive vibe. And like we have been doing and will surely do until our end - This one is for you. He ended raising the trophy and once again - the hall echoed with another torrent of ovation. Manik didn't take the mike; despite having so much to say; as he knew he wouldn't stop if he starts talking about her and he didn't want his love for her to become the hot content of magazines and highlight of newspapers. As can be guessed; Nandini gave Cabir a bear hug first followed by everyone else - as soon as they came back to her. Although Manik was quiet but Nandini wasn't blind to his emotions and was literally swept off her feet on reading what his eloquent eyes were bespeaking. Bound by the highly restricting factors; Nandini just signaled him a secret kiss and mouthed an 'I Love You' on which he smiled and instantaneously replied the same way.


Some more awards were bagged by Fab 5 - all of which they repeatedly dedicated to Nandini - and everything else too was going great until a young; seemingly coquettish Lady showed up at their table - with whose Label Fab 5 had deal signed. Maintaining the professionalism; they humbly welcomed her and much to irk Nandini - she sat too close to Manik and said, keeping her hand on his shoulder in an indecent manner Hey Handsome! Its been ages we met. How are you? And Must say! You are slaying it. Stop looking so hot all the time. Baffled by her brazen attitude; Fab 4 just gaped at Nandini - who was sitting stiff and shooting daggers at the Lady for flirting with her Manik - moreover, in front of her. Just because they were surrounded by so many known people and also because he was a chivalrous Man - Manik behaved and solemnly replied, shrugging her hand off his shoulder I am Good Ms. Lamba. And I hope you don't mind but if it's nothing urgent - Please excuse us. You see - we are not at work right now. Nandini wasn't a kind of jealous wife and there ain't any dubiety in it but yeah - she was possessive; hell possessive; about him just like him and Manik was well acquainted with this fact. He wouldn't tolerate any other man touching her and he knew that she too can't - And that is why he dismissed her at once but some people are born without shame and demonstrating that she was one of them; she laughed the insult off and to boil Nandini's blood - quickly pecked Manik on the corner of his lips and buzzed off bidding a good bye and see you soon. All happened so rapidly that no one got a chance to do anything but at the end - the damage was done and she kissed Manik - that too on such a sensitive spot. Nandini was so angered that tears flooded in and trickled down her red - rimmed eyes and shunning everything - she stood up and stormed out leaving a disoriented Manik behind.


Shona! Baby! Please meri baat toh suno. I am Sorry! Manik pleaded while climbing the stairs - after they reached back to the Mansion. Paying a deaf ear to him; she zoomed in to the room - took her night clothes and barged into the washroom - stomping her feet. True - Manik was no where at fault but also - she couldn't vent her frustration on anyone else and neither could she just go and murder that woman; and being the only one available - he had no choice but to bear whatever she does. Amidst all the mess; there was a constant small smile lingering on his lips on seeing her possessiveness and though it was killing him to see her so displeased - somewhere he was enjoying her this side too. About half - an hour later; during which Manik too got freshened up in another room; Nandini came out with the same furious face and completely neglecting him - pulled out a comforter and a pillow from the Almirah and reclined on the sizeable chaise longue of their room. In that pink night - suit and puffy puffy cheeks - she looked the height of cuteness and a strawberry - pie ready to get gobbled up and smiling at her bonniness - he moseid towards her and lying down on the couch beside her and sneaked into her blanket. Not even sparing a glance at him; she just turned to the other side and taking the opportunity - he took her in a back hug; coiling his hand around her waist. She didn't protest - but moved a bit away from him and reflexively - he snuggled more into her. Again she inched away and he crept more closer and this continued until she got trapped between him and the backrest of the lounge. He caged her in his arms and then said, keeping his chin on her shoulder Shona itna gussha hai mujhse? Sorry Baby! I am very Sorry! She sniffed; which was an indication that she was weeping and then replied, digging her face in the pillow She kissed you. Mere saamne. Woh bhi lips ke paas. I hate her. I hate you. Very smoothly; he turned her about and then said, kissing away her tears But I Love You! She closed her eyes and replied, covering her face with her teeny - weeny hands I hate you! Melting at heart like wax does in fire; he took off her hands, kissed her eyes and stressed I Love You! And I know you Love me too. Being the baby she is - she spat an immediate No - on which came his speedy Yes and after an elaborate Yes - No game; she finally gave up and said sniveling, hunching up in his chest Yes! I Love You too! And you are only mine. Only mine. Then tipping up her face, she kissed and pecked and licked and sucked the same corner of his lips for infinite times - as if to undo her kiss - and then he said, mopping the wetness off her face I am only yours Shona! Meri wajah se mera baby kitna roya na. Sorry! She wobbled her head in a No and replied, gnashing her teeth Yeh sab uss lady ki wajah se hua hai. You are not going to do any album with her. Cancel it. Anyways - he wasn't going to go ahead with the deal as she had intentionally did everything and made his Life cry and smilingly, he gave her the surety about the same Tumne kehdiya aur contract cancelled. Ab toh smile kardo please. I am dying for it. Granting his plea; she smiled and then said, with a puppy face I am Sorry! Tumhari galti nahi thi per phir bhi maine tumper ghussa nikala. Sorry! He cuddled her more into himself and replied, after giving a tight kiss on her lips Don't be Sorry! I am all yours. Shona ko sab kuch allowed hai. Thereafter, the silence and romance prevailed in a fusion and muttering sweet nothings - they slept on the couch itself - cocooned in each other's warmth.

To Be Continued ..