Chapter - 52

Location - Island; Villa
With sky blues and pure milky whites; a beautiful canvas graced the blue in the depths beyond and the smooth, rounded, sugary sweet clouds in the foreground - the island had welcomed another of its aesthetic afternoons. Having taken the required amount of sleep her body was deprived of; Nandini woke up earlier than the usual him but didn't get off the bed - she couldn't - as the riveting sight of her Love tangled with her body and snoozing peacefully held her captivated and enamored. She lay cheek by jowl with and clapping eyes on him; her mind reeling an affecting and soul stirring film of all the gorgeous things he had done for her lately and soon a lone good tear trickled down her eye and into the pillow; as her heart warmed up at how he had laid the entire world in her feet in return of just her love. To say fortunate or lucky would be an understatement to describe what she felt being with him; as his - it was a feeling unexplainable; beyond exhilaration and above all the rhapsodies of existing seven heavens combined. From the gentleness he maintained despite the burning passion during intimacy to the way he had morphed her mere dream into reality and each thing he did before and after - every gesture of his Love as she reminisced; was making her fall for him - a little more hopelessly every second and in the virtue of it - she thought of doing something for him; anything that would make him feel special just like he made her by gifting such an amazing babymoon.

After a considerable period of deliberation on what she should and most importantly 'can' do for him in the unknown place - she finally decided on the only suitable idea i.e., Cook a sumptuous brunch for her foodie hubby. Her cooking or rather; working would definitely bother him but she knew the hidden fact that he Loved whenever she cooked for him and also that the food made by her; irrespective of sorts; was his favorite and so to quickly begin and finish preparing the token of Love - she kissed softly on his lips and sneaked out of the bed after; of course; making some arrangements to deceive his senses.

. . . . .

Wrapped up in a pink beach cover - up that she wore over a paired white two - piece beach swimwear; Nandini was set for the first day at Caribbean and after getting done with the Cooking business - she moved back to their bedroom to rouse her dear husband who - as a result of being way too tired - was still sound asleep. Sitting on the bed beside him; she bent deathly close to his ear and whispered, whilst raking her fingers through his hair Good Afternoon Manik! Time to rise and shine my rockstar. Hearing the melody of his favorite alarm; he stirred with a smile and replied in his sleepy husk voice, pulling her closer from waist and hiding his face in her damp hair Good Afternoon Love! What a beautiful start of the day. Tum kab uthi? Aur Kya time horaha hai? Saying so, he kissed her neck and smilingly caressing his face; she answered, after impressing a kiss on his temple Main bas thodi der pehle uthi and its 3:30 PM! On learning about the time; with a start - he shot open his eyes and sat upright with a jerk that obviously startled her and freaked out Oh Shit! Main itne der kaise sogaya! Subah 5 bajey tumne khaya and its 3:30! God! How can I be so irresponsible! I am So Sorry Baby! Such a lazy head I am! She tried to speak but not giving her the chance; he jumped out of the bed, zoomed towards his travel bag, grabbed his towel and then spoke, coming back to her and cupping her cheek Baby just give me 20 minutes! Eat an apple jab tak! I am Sorry! I will be right back! And before she could even part her lips; he pecked on her forehead and charged towards the bathroom and disappeared into it. Having envisaged this kind of impulsive reaction from him already; Nandini wasn't shocked a bit and just smiled - seeing his sedulous concern and then penning down a note with a message she was sure would calm his worry down; she placed it on the bed and walked out to quickly set up the brunch at beach.

. . . . .

Itne saal hogaye humein saath mein lekin tumhari bina suney pareshan honey wali buri aadat abhi tak gayi nahi. Tum bekaar mein itna worked up hogaye Manik - Main bilkul theek aur maine thoda sa lunch bhi karliya tha. Chinta toh mujhe karni chahiye kiunke tumne abhi tak kuch nahi khaya! Ab jaldi se woh frown hatao apne chehre se; wear my charming smile and come to the beach.
I am Waiting!
Love

Manik sighed a relief on reading the note that he found on the bed; after stepping back into the room exactly 20 minutes later; and smiling at her words - he speedily put on his khaki shorts, wore a white shirt over it - leaving it unbuttoned and trotted to the beach; to her.
. . . ....
Seating on an outspread rug - that she had laid along with some pillows and cushions under a sunshade on the beach; Nandini was organizing the lunch when she felt the heated touch of his hands on her waist and of lips on her bare shoulder. Sensitively; a shiver ran down her entire self on feeling his shredded torso against her naked back but composing herself; she said, turning her face to see him So? Panic storm shaant hogaya? Deepening the redness as well as the warmth of the blood that had coursed up into her cheeks; he took her lips for a searing but brief first kiss of the day and then replied, nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck Hmm! I wish I had been a bit patient and listened to you. Tension na hoti to tumhe theek se dekh pata aur hum abhi yahan nahi; bed per hotey. Mrs. Malhotra! You don't have any right to look this sinful. Khudko mushkil mein daalrahe ho aap itna khoobsurat lag ke. She just gave a demure smile whilst blushing scarlet and smiling at her shy form; he planted a kiss on her head and rejoined, entwining her hand with his Wese Yeh sab kya hai? Tumne banaya hai na? I can say with the aroma. Kya zaroorat thi Shona? Hum .. Shushing him from ranting further; she pecked on his lips and then said, making him sit beside her Zaroorat thi! Jis tarah tumhe zaroorat thi mere liye itna kuch karne ki. Aur maine itna bhi kuch hectic nahi kiya hai; bas ek choti si koshish ki - apna pyaar jataney ke liye. Practically; her attempt was nothing grand and larger than life but for Manik; it was everything that could make him feel a whole heap more gruntled and blessed. Touched by her thoughts and efforts; he leaned closer to her and kissed her again - letting his lips speak about his profound emotions and understanding it; she smiled against his lips and responded with equal Love. On running out of oxygen; they broke apart and after catching up with his breath; Manik said, joining his forehead with hers Yeh koshish choti tumhare liye hogi. For me its extraordinary. Nothing is more lovely than hand - made surprise. I Love You So Much! Your mission is accomplished! I am feeling really really special right now. Wese itne pyar se kya banaya hai mere liye? She grinned at his statement - gleeful to see his rapture and replied, after pecking his lips Nobody can know me better than you! I Love You Too. And menu mein hai - Corn soup, Choley and roti, Lemon rice with roasted chicken fillets and fried vegetables aur Fruit trifle - ice cream sundae ke saath. He gave a pressed lip smile of admiration and then without wasting another second; knowing he was pretty sharp - set; Nandini dished out some soup in a bowl and forwarded it to him but not taking it, he said Tumne banaya hai toh khila bhi do. And opened his mouth like a child and being more than ready to do so; she smiled and began feeding him and it goes without saying; he too made her eat along with him.

. . . . .

Shona! Mujhe apne childhood ke baarey mein batao. Mom Dad ke saath; Ams ke saath. We never really talked about it. How were you as a child? Manik asked Nandini; while they were sauntering along the shores of the White Bay Beach - his feet bearing the flower - like weight of her dainty body and hands holding her securely from waist. Lifting her head off his shoulder; where it was resting; she smiled as unclouded images of frabjous memories of her nonage and salad days; flashed before her eyes and she replied, muffling her hands around his neck Mera childhood na Manik; short aur sweet tha. Sabse beautiful yaadein na Amma Appa ke saath hain meri! USA mein we had a big house; I still remember it - two rooms; bada sa hall - comfy sa kitchen aur ek bohot pyaara garden. Appa ko gardening karna bohot accha lagta tha! You kmow why? Because Amma ko flowers aur greenery bohot pasand thi. Every Weekend na Appa aur main jaldi uthjatey they! Pehle thodi si gardening kartey they aur uske baad saath milker breakfast banatey they. Phir usko smileys se decorate karke - Amma aur Rishu ke paas lejaker unko uthatey they. I was always Amma Appa's good daughter. Appa office chalejatey they aur School se aaney ke baad main aur Amma bohot masti karte they. She loved adorning me! New hairstyles banana - alag alag tarah ke kapde pehnana. Main kitchen counter per baith ti Amma ko cook karte dekhtey huay! Bohot Maza aata tha; lekin phir thodi der baad bore hojati aur bina mere boley; Amma zor se kissie deti thi aur Rishu ke saath khelne bhej deti thi. Manik giggled heartily; thoroughly enjoying her narration and tittering back; she reposed her head on his heart and continued, playing with his shirt Phir Rishu thodi der khelker sojata tha aur main apni padhai karne lagjati. Shaam ko jab Appa aatey toh directly he used to come to my room; with a candy and main unko purey din ka account deti thi! Aur woh chup chap sab suntey they. He he! He knew everything about me; main sneeze bhi karti thi na toh Appa sara ghar sar pe utha lete. Then every week Friday ko hum ghumne jaatey they! Everytime hum bahar jatey they - I used to get a new toy. Bohot maza aata tha. Tears brimmed in hers eyes as the subsequent harsh episodes of life made their way into her mind and letting them flow, she added, hugging him tight Sab kuch itna accha tha Manik aur achanak Amma Appa humein chodker chalegaye! Tumhe pata hai? Jab accident hua toh maine Appa ko dekha tha behosh honey se pehle. He was crying and meko arms mein lekar he told me ke he and Amma loves us very much and they will always be with me. Aur woh .. ! Phir main hospital mein uthi and there was no one around! No Amma! No Appa! Rishu was unconscious. Main bohot royi per no one came. No one wiped my tears. One Week tak I was alone in the hospital with Rishabh. Then Police ne details nikalker Chacha ko USA bulaya. Sab kuch change hogaya uske baad. Rishabh was so scared ke woh mujhse hat hi nahi raha tha. Woh dar na jaye isliye main roti bhi nahi thi. Amma Appa ke saath my childhood also died. Ams; Chachi - Chachi ne bohot Love diya par Amma - Appa ki kami humesha thi. Manik's eyes too moistened listening about her pain and the dreadful phase she had gone through - all alone and at such a young age and having no words to console her; he just kept mum and tightened his hold around her.

Although her sobs killed him but he let her cry; knowing that if not cure it would at least lighten her this one and only irremediable heartache. Being well aware of the hurt her tears were inflicting on his heart; she stopped weeping and then said smilingly, tilting her head upwards and after sucking his lips Per phir tum aye aur uss ek khalish ko bhi door kardiya. You gave me the Love I craved for. Pata hai Manik? Tum bilkul Appa ki tarah ho! Perfect! And after having you - I no more feel that I am an orphan. I am Sure - Amma Appa jahan bhi honge bohot content hongey kiunke Aiyappa have sent you for us! I Love You So Much Manik! So Much! Overwhelmed by her statement; Manik tenderly kissed on her lips and then replied, holding his ears I Love You Too Shona! Bohot Bohot zyada! I am Sorry - mujhe yeh topic nahi nikalna chahiye tha! Khamakha mere baby ko ruladiya na! Sorry! Moving her head sideways in a No; she freed his ears and said, taking his hand and keeping it on her tum Sorry mat kaho Manik! Hum dono ka bachpan sad tha aur yeh koi badal nahi sakta except our daughter. Uske childhood mein; we will live ours. This very paradisic truth and the mention of their bundle of joy brought a big smile on Manik's face and then getting a little impish, he said, to buoy up the emotional ambience But you know what Nandini? Maine toh tumhara bachpan already dekhliya hai. Woh be in a proper way. Raising her brows; she asked, tongue in cheek Accha? Aur woh kaise? Fondly, he gave her a smacker on her cheek and then answered, brushing her nose with his Jab tum college mein aayi thi na! Tab bilkul choti si thi! Golu Molu cheeks. Ekdam na Baby Doll ke jaise. Jab main tumhe like karne laga tha na tab tumhari cutness pe itna pyaar aata tha na pucho mat. Man karta tha tumhe kha jaon. 6 years se hum saath hain - aur tumhe Baby Doll se Barbie Doll bantey dekha hai maine. Kareeb se. Toh hua na proper way. Bas ek cheez na bohot ajeeb hai. Confused; she furrowed her brows in question and pinching her nose, he answered or rather razzed Ajeeb yeh hai ke tum badi hui hi nahi. Abhi bhi choti si hi ho aur tumhari babyness bilkul bhi kam nahi hui; in fact fourfold hogayi hai. Mouthing a Haww!; she punched him playfully on which he laughed and then embraced her endearingly. Just a minute later; Nandini abruptly broke the hug with excitement written all over her face and exclaimed; pointing at something on their right Manik! A Sand - Castle! Per kharab hogaya hai! Lets go and complete it na! I Love making them. Saying so; she ran to the half - built sand - castle and watching how such small things in life fascinate her; Manik smiled and went behind her to experience life's another little joyride with her.

. . . . .

The sun had completed its tour for the day, and had now been replaced by myriad of stars, which dotted the inky indigo canopy. A low, waning gibbous moon hovered tenuously in the twilight firmament, bestowing a very dim light and cascading its radiance with a romantic glow upon the land. A cool, windy night had dusked; the oceans became the illusionary vault of heaven as the star and moon lit sky casted down its shimmering reflection from above; the swaying of trees and rustling of leaves could be heard but not seen, as the encompassing darkness blotted out all but the effulgence of two fireflies; who were basking in sheer Love oblivious to the fall of time and the shades of evening that were slowly drawing in. Two hours elapsed and the castle was still under construction mode; thanks to the adorable concentration pouts adorning Nandini's face that held Manik's all undivided attention and compelled him to just sit, adore and also to disturb her by giving her loud kisses time and again. Apart from her cuteness; the gentle flow of her hair along the breeze, her serene face outvying the pulchritude of moon, stars and all the cosmos put together, her ever so gorgeous smile and the blush that had crept sensing his intense gaze and never left her cheeks - had mesmerized him and were bit by bit unchaining the restrained desires. None of the two felt the need to talk and just wallowed in the withstanding serene hush; the hush before the approaching fervid storm which they knew would set them aflame and were anticipating. I will collect some shells for decorating the castle. Abhi ayi. Nandini muttered shyly; flushed by his piercing stare and wend her way towards the shoreside - taking baby steps and began gathering sea shells. His eyes trailed her, intently and without a blink as she budged and hand - picked the shells from silvery sand; refusing to let go of her sight for even a moment.

On moving a bit closer to the bank; she noticed some kind of shimmering things floating on the water and on keenly observing it - she identified them as a cluster of pearl oysters. Intrigued; she forwarded her hand but backed off - hesitant and also a bit scared to touch the unfamiliar whatsits. Neither was her curiosity letting her step back nor was she able to muster courage to step further and to deal with the latter problem; she thought of calling her strength himself and just then - she felt his warmth behind her and beamed widely at the way he reads her so easily. Causing her heart to flutter; he came closer to her - letting his torso brush against the skin of her back and as a pleasant surprise; started crooning a soulful song, adding to her gladness:

(Please Play the song while reading for better Understanding! I know most of you won't but Trust me - You will get the feel only then and You will be able to imagine better. Its Dil Ibaadat from film Tum Mile)

Dil Ibaadat Kar raha hai
Dhadkanein meri sun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

Zindagi ki shakh se lun
Kuch haseen pal main chun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

Aglow with his contagious passion; she looked at him from the corner of her eyes and beholding her; he slid his hand down her arm, unhanded the gathered shells from her fist and continued; spooning her tiny hand around his large one and bending down to sweep out an oyster from water:

Dil Ibaadat Kar raha hai
Dhadkanein meri sun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

He turned her about benignly; to clearly see her marveled orbs and increasing her amazement; he put the pearls on her palm after plucking them out from the oyster and added; smiling at her innocence:

Zindagi ki shakh se lun
Kuch haseen pal main chun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

More happy that He had catered to her whim than anything else; she twinkled and locking her eyes with his; he kept his forehead on hers and sang emotively:

Jo bhi jitne pal jeeyun
Unhe tere sang jeeyun;
Jo bhi kal ho ab mera
Usse tere sang jeeyun;

Jo bhi saansein main bharun
Unhe tere sang bharun;
Chahey jo ho raasta
Usse tere sang chalun;

Dil Ibadat kar raha hai
Dhadkanein meri sun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

Misty - eyed at his lyrics; she smiled and returning the favor; he leaned down to kiss her but getting into her coquettish clothes; she smirked and pushed herself away from him. Her actions were doing nothing but kindling him and to fuel it more; she moved a bit deeper till waist in water, eyeing him flirtatiously and began splashing it on him and almost instantly; he too responded to her game with more vigor. For some seconds; amusement filled the air around them but as the blurred vision sharpened and his eyes descried her drenched body with the skimpy dripping cloth clinged to her curves; the fervor revived - in a more amplified form; owing to which - he stopped and perceiving it - she too went motionless. She quivered; with both chilliness of the night as well as the hotness of his searing eyes and making her go all numb; he warbled whilst treading through the water and advancing towards her sedately:

Mujhko de tu mit janey
Ab khudse Dil mil janey;
Kiun hai yeh itna faasla?

Softly; he mopped the droplets of water off her face, framed his one hand around her waist and added; smoothly running the fingertips of other hand down her face while she just stood feeling his touch and drinking in his song:

Lamhe Yeh phir na aaney
Inko tu na de jaaney;
Tu mujhpe khudko de lutaa

Then with a fierce jerk, he yanked her closer; closer than physically possible; adhering her to himself - bracing her from waist and lifting her off the ground and continued perfervidly; taking in her involuntary shudders and rapid shallow breaths:

Tujhe tujhe todlun
Kahin khudse jodlun;
Mere Jism - o - Jaan mein aa
Teri khushboo odhlun;

Jo bhi saansein main bharun
Unhe tere sang bharun;
Chahey jo ho raasta
Usse tere sang chalun;

Dil Ibadat kar raha hai
Dhadkanein meri sun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

Utterly weakened at knees; Nandini clasped herself to Manik for dear life whilst shaking like a dry leaf but having something more in store for him; the other undisclosed part of her surprise; she again forced herself away - simpering at him and before he could pull her back or object - made her way out of water and scurried towards the backyard of their Villa - leaving him hissing and behind to chase.

After pursuing her for some five minutes or so; he landed up at a more or less jungle - like area behind their Falcon's Nest with a smoldering pile of woods and a comfy mattress with a quilt laid on the ground. Coincidentally; the place resembled or to be more precise; was exactly identical to the jungle - spot where both of them had halted at night six years back during the Harshad - trapping ploy and instantaneously; he became nostalgic about the associated million dollar moments of that fateful night. He was mystified by the serendipitous encounter and solving the mystery; she said I was just roaming around the house while you were asleep. Tabhi I happened to see this place. Kuch yaad aya? Not having forgotten anything of that cherished night from their past; he gave a slightest nod with a smile and blushing profusely; she added, fiddling with her fingers Although hamari saari yaadein; chahey woh khatti ho ya meethi; bohot pyaari hai per kuch aise beautiful moments hain jo complete nahi ho sakey. Now that our relation is in a state of pink; to maine socha kiun na hum un adhoorey palon ko pura karein. In compliance; he smiled and not willing to waste even another second to fulfill her this wish which was also mutual to him; he picked an aged leaf from ground, resumed singing and began walking towards her:

Baahon mein de bas jaaney
Seene mein de chup jaaney;
Tujh bin main jaaon toh kahan?

She looked at him from under her lashes; reddening more with each breath; and he added - trailing the leaf on her skin; up from her hand to shoulders and then to chin - like he had done that night:

Tujhse hai mujhko paaney
Yaadein ke woh nazranein;
Ek jinpe haq ho bas mera

Turning her face with it; he dropped the leaf - and intoned lovingly; sliding his fingers gently in her hair and cupping her face:

Teri Yaadon mein rahun
Tere khwabon mein jagun;
Mujhe dhoonde jab koi
Teri aankhon mein milun

Jo bhi saansein main bharun
Unhe tere sang bharun;
Chahey jo ho raasta
Usse tere sang chalun;

Dil Ibadat kar raha hai
Dhadkanein meri sun;
Tujhko main karlun hasil
Lagi hai yahi dhun;

Smiling at his words and burning up; she tried to move away only to get tugged back and collide with his muscular chest. He tossed her hair back; kissed on her shoulder and said, veering her about Teasing time over Mrs. Malhotra! I have you now. Tracing his magnificent thews; she glided her hand up to his shoulder, let his wet shirt fall off his body and maffled seductively against his lips You had and will always have me Mr. Malhotra! He smiled, a small trickle of laughter leaving his lips as she moved forwards, wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyes zooming from his eyes to his lips and back. Taking hold of her hips; he pulled their bodies together and she bit her lip eagerly, as every sound faded except the synchronized beating of their hearts and he slowly bent towards, grazed her lips ever so softly and finally pressed them to hers.

As if it was a first kiss; their brains shut down as the pure ecstasy of their lips; molding and rhyming in a harmony of Love seeped into their bodies. Still in the kiss; he scooped her in his arms; carried her to the mattress and laying her down benignly; stripped clothes off their bodies in nimble movements and covered themselves cozily with the blanket. Her one hand met the side of his cheek; giving mild strokes to his mole and urging his lips harder against hers and the fingers of her other hand traced their way through the back of his hair while his explored the godly curves and contours of her body. Possessively; his hands cuffed hers and his lips indulged in the passionate intimate talk with her silky skin - nibbling it vehemently and then soothing with chaste kisses; earning delirious moans and groaning her name incoherently. He was wild; but never careless of her pregnant condition. He loved her; and more insanely as the seconds ticked on - until her lips chapped and until every point of her skin turned red with his bites. As the urgency grew and patience became intolerable; she arched herself against him whilst chafing his body with her nails and taking her lips for a sensual prolonged kiss; to drink in her loudest cry; he consumed her in and with all his Love.

I Love You So Much Manik! So Much! Nandini confessed after he kissed her dewy eyes and planted a promising kiss on her forehead. Gathering her in his protective arms; he bussed her temple and replied, interlacing his hand with hers I Love You Too! I know I was really hard this time. But I am nowhere at fault; its your magic that even today - after two years of marriage - that I can never get enough of you. And I Know this is gonna be the same Humesha! She dropped some featherly kisses on his neck and then said, stumbling with her words Manik agar us time main .. main tumhe punch ni karti aur hum saath hotey toh .. toh .. He smirked; knowing what she was trying to ask and answered, twirling her hair around his fingers Toh mai tumse tumhari permission maangta. Tum na kehti toh tumse door hojata aur agar tum allow karti toh uss raat woh sab kuch hota jo abhi abhi hua. He smiled; feeling her lips curve against his lips and then enveloping themselves with the blanket and cocooning her in his arms; made way into the house for some more cosy snuggling and cuddling with his baby: on the more comfortable bed and safer temperature of their room; before calling the night off and drifting in slumber.

To Be Continued ...