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Chapter - 53

Location - Peter Island; Villa
Kya banaon? Pasta toh nahi chalega. Umm.. Manik questioned himself scratching his head with his forefinger; as he stood in the Kitchen and roamed his eyes on the various ingredients arranged on the counter. Although his late sleeping had done no damage the previous day but he being him; had taken a lesson from some overestimated 'Whats' that 'could have happened' due to his apparently negligent oversleeping and hence had woken up earlier than usual - before her - and after freshening himself for the day - was ready to rustle up something delicious for his lady Love; who was still fast asleep. The Island's only Resort encompassed only one Restaurant which served two cuisines; both Nandini's favorites besides Italian; but now that her taste preferences were changing or probably, had already changed - he wasn't sure if the food would suit her and decided to cross - check with her about the same later and himself cook for her until then. After 10 long minutes of contemplation over What to actually cook; he finally settled on making the traditional South Indian Rava Idlis - using the MTR Magic Kitchen Instant Mix - that he had brought all the way from India along with some other basic Ready - to - Cook Foods; keeping in mind some urgent situations when she might want to munch on home - made food. He had already researched about the quality and wholesomeness of the Product and had also consulted the Doctor about usage - who assured the safety - and so, without any delay, he quickly read the instructions and began with the task.

The Batter was steaming in the Pressure Cooker and Manik was blending the Condiments in different bowls; White Chutney, Red Chutney and Sambhar; that were also provided with the Idli Mix when he saw Nandini trudging towards him; wearing his shirt and rubbing her half - opened eyes. He grinned widely at her babyness and awing him more; she quietly came near him, hugged him from behind like a baby and mumbled, reposing her head on his back Good Morning Papa! He kissed her hands endearingly and replied, looking down at her from over his shoulder Good Morning Baby! Itna jaldi kiun uthgaya? Sojana tha na baby thodi der aur. Nuzzling her face in his back, she held him tighter and said, yawning Kese Sota? You weren't there na. No Papa; No Sleep. He just smiled at her reply and also at how unlike him; nothing can deceive her senses and then cutely peeking from behind, she raised her brows and asked babyishly What are You doing Papa? Throwing his arm around her; he pulled her out, made her sit on the kitchen slab and replied gritting his teeth out of love, after pecking her lips Wese to main breakfast bana raha tha per agar tu itna cute behave karega na; tu main tujhe hi kha jaonga. Ese! Saying this, he bit her cheeks gently on which she giggled and smiling along, he gave her a quick morning hug and then said, pouring some Cuppa in the Cup Mere Babies ko bhook lagi hogi na. Bas thoda sa wait karlo - abhi ready hojaega. Jab tak drink this. He forwarded her the cup and like a sweetheart; she made him take the first sip, pecked on his smiling lips and then asked, whiffing the faint aroma But what are you making Papa? Resting his hands on the either sides; he bent close to her and replied, brushing a wisp of hair away from her face Papa is making Idlis. Obviously surprised on learning about the not - so - easy Idli being prepared by him; she asked, dilating her pupils Idli? Kese? Kitna sab kuch karna padta hai uske liye - soaking, fermenting, grinding! You did all this? When? He chuckled at her reaction and then answered, moving his head sideways I didn't do all that. Then easing the confusion creases formed on her forehead, he added, showing her the Empty packet of Instant Mix Iske saarey contents mix kiye aur cooker mein daldiya. Bas! All the more shocked; she took the packet from him and asked, goggling at him Manik tum yeh Idli Mix India se saath le lekar aye ho? Why? Taking back the packet, he threw it in the dustbin and then replied, moving a little aside to display the entire range of snacks Haan! Tumhe kabhi ghar ka khana khaney ka mann kiya toh? Mujhe zyada kuch toh banana aata nahi hain ! Isliye main yeh le aaya. For some good seconds; she just gaped at him and then shaking her head in disbelief, she teased; eyeing him roguishly Mr. Malhotra! Aap bohot unpredictable hotey jaarahe ho. Carrying Edibles - is so not Manik Malhotra. He smirked at her remark and replied dramatically, playing along Hum per hamara zor kahan raha ab Madam ji! Bas pyaar karte hain - cheezein apne aap hojati hai. Both tee - heed at his cheesy line and then muffling her arms around his neck, she said, raking her fingers through his hair I Love You So Much! And fused her lips with his for a slow; steady and prolonged morning kiss. Wanting to keep it short for some reason; she tried breaking the kiss but he pulled her back; and kissed her passionately till their breathing heavied. Puffing and panting; he again sucked her already swollen lips; to soothe them and muttered sternly Never ever try moving away when I am kissing you. You know I hate it. I Love You Too! Twinkling at his possessiveness and never ending fervor; she just hmmed and then asked like a 3 year old Main fresh hoker aaon? Cupping her face, he impressed a buss on her forehead and replied smilingly Haan! Per jaldi ana okay? She bobbed her head and scurried into the bedroom; after giving him a smacker on cheek.

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Arey! Yeh kya? Nandini spoke in an amused tone watching Manik carving the big round Idli slab into atypical 'triangle' shaped pieces using a Pizza - cutter; on returning back after a hot morning shower. Before anything else; he seated her again on the kitchen slab, pecked on her lips and then replied with a smug, arranging the slices in a plate with chutney and Sambhar Yeh hai Manik Malhotra special idlis! Ab dekho yahan woh Idli maker toh nahi mila! Pressure cooker aur cake mould mila - toh maine dono ko use karke banadiya. How intelligent of me na! He boasted and being actually impressed by his yet another innovative trick; she gave an appreciating smile and then breaking out a small piece of Idli, he dabbed it in red chutney and said, feeding it to her Yeh khao aur mujhe batao ke kaisa hai! Savoring the mouthful; she mmed like always and praised, making him also eat Its Delicious! Not because the mix is good - but because my Papa made it. Letting out a hearty laugh at her affectionate comment; he kissed on her chewing pout and asked, dropping another morsel in her mouth Accha Baby; hum jis hotel me lunch ke liye jaenge na wahan Bistro aur Asian - Caribbean food serve hota hai. You okay with it? Listening about her favored cuisine; she smiled ear to ear and answered, nodding Of course I am Okay. Per hum aaj kya karenge? Umm .. Trekking per chalein? Her idea surely was brilliant and Manik instantly loved it but next moment; his subconscious mind intervened and criticized the suggestion citing the various risks involved and considering them, he stated his denial politely Sorry Baby! Per I can't approve of this. Dejected by the straightforward No; to which she wasn't used at all; she turned the corners of her mouth down and objected Per Kiun? You booked itna bada Island! Itni acchi greenery hai; hum explore karne chaltey hain na Mani! He held her face with gentle hands and explained, listing the possible threats Kiunke its unsafe. Yahan forest mein animals toh nahi hai per insects hongey na Baby. Tumhe kaatliya unhone toh?And moreover the Jungle is so filled with boulders and rocks. You might trip na! Aur wahan itne sarey trees or plants hain - tumhe kisise allergy hogayi toh? Isliye we shouldn't go. Had it been something else; she would've agreed with him without an err but here he was casting doubt on himself - which she couldn't tolerate and so; acting stubborn - she got down on her feet and declared, crossing her arms on his chest Fine! If you won't take me then I will go on my own. He gave her a helpless look and held her hand as she took a step forward to go and sighing; she pulled him to her and said lovingly, in her sugary voice Manik I am hell bent on this because I trust you. 6 years se hum saath hain aur in 6 years mein tumne ek mosquito ko bhi mujhe bite karne diya - yahan ke insects kaise mujhe harm karsakte hain? Haan rocks honge; and maybe main phisal jaon per ab toh its a universal fact that Manik can never let his Nandini fall. Mujhe kisi bhi cheez se darr nahi lagta Manik because you are with me. Agar in sab ke alawa koi aur baat hai toh I won't be ziddi. Nahi toh; I really want to do this. Her words were touching and faultlessly convincing but as much as he was obsessed with fulfilling her every wish; including this; protecting her was also an all - consuming habit of his and on that account; before giving in - he excused himself for a moment, speedily dialed Manager's number, made some enquiries and on getting reassured, through and through, of the Forest's safety - he came back to her and said, after giving her a kiss on lips Okay! Hum jaenge - per lunch ke baad! Abhi bohot dhoop hai. Already thrilled; she hopped in his arms and more than happily; he hugged her back.

Breaking away; Nandini awarded him with a peck and then asked, walking out of the kitchen and into their room with Manik following her steps Per Mani! Hum tab tak kya karenge? In a trice; she found herself scooped in his arms and ensconcing her on the bed, he twined her hands with his and answered, nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck Don't know about you - but I am gonna cuddle my baby. She giggled feeling his lips brushing softly against the deepest hickey he had given her last night; expressing her harmony with his intentions; and smiling along, he lingered at her sensitive spots - biting her ear lobes and trailing feather like kisses from the back of her ear to her collarbone with utmost desire; desire of having some playful time with her and of hearing her sweet titters. Being in the same mood; she twitched her lips mischievously and began tickling him only to get tickled back the very next second and be doubled up. To save herself from his masterful fingers; she grabbed a pillow, pushed him away and started raining benign blows on him with it and he retorted but with zero force - leading to a pillow fight and making the ambiance all the more mirthful. With ragged breaths and smiles plastered on their faces; they fell flat on their spines - giving up the game after a while and nestling up against each other. A brief period of comfortable silence passed and then curling up to her; he asked, caressing her hair Cuddling ke saath baby ko kuch aur karne ka mann hai? She thought and thought about what could be done and out of all the other boring ideas; she chose her 'once-upon-a-time' most liked leisure pursuit and replied peartly Lets watch a Movie! Its been ages humne koi film ni dekhi. Complying willingly; he mouthed an Okay! and then asked, lifting her off the bed in his arms and moving towards the media room Kounsi movie dekhenge hum but? Desi ya Firangi? Having already singled out from the ginormous set of motion pictures; she promptly replied Jannat! I Love that Film. Kitne saal hogaye dekh ker. So Yeah; Jannat! Being a greater fan of Hollywood action flicks than Bollywood talkies; Manik basically had no clue about the movie she had mentioned and so questioned, seeking necessary details Jannat? What Jannat? Yeh kounsi movie hai? The particular movie she proposed; was released somewhere around 7 years before she had shifted to Mumbai and counts itself in Indian romance genre; something thats totally not Manik's type; and understanding that he might not have seen at all or might've forgotten for it was quite old; she answered, with a silly smile Great that you don't know about it. Aur maza aega dekhne mein. Its a crime romance film. Emraan Hashmi starrer. Catching only the name of the infamous Celeb; he ribbed, giving her a weird look What is this Nandu? I thought you were a good girl. Tum 'waise' waley; Emraan Hashmi ke movies dekhti thi. Haww!! Chee Chee Chee Nandu. I never expected it from you. Saying so; he distanced himself a bit from her and apprehending what he was trying to do; she rolled her eyes and clarified Mr. Manik Malhotra! Don't think aisa waisa okaye? Main good girl hi thi aur hoon bhi. This movie is clean - isliye maine dekha. But whatever it is! Jaise bhi hotey hain - digest karsakte hai! Unlike your that movie - what was that .. Haan! 50 Shades of Grey! That is Chee! Aiyappa! Nothing is hidden in that. He sniggered at her rant and then continued pulling her leg Accha? Per tum toh aise movies ni dekhti thi na; phir tumhe kese pata uss movie mein kya hai. Nandduu!!! Jhoot ni boltey. Scrunching up her tiny nose; she glared at him and snapped, standing up on the sofa and hooking her arms on her waist Main Jhoot ni bolti! I don't see such things. Main Mukti ke ghar gayi thi - tabhi meri nazar padgayi galti se. Giving up and smothering his laughter; he pulled her in his lap and replied, holding her close Accha Baba Calm Down! Itna Gussa? Main toh dargaya. Letting the anger slip; she smiled and pecking on her nose, he quickly fetched some snacks and without delaying more - settled themselves cozily on the sofa and set the movie in motion.

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Baby Please Stop Crying! It was just a movie. Real mein aisa kuch ni hua. Fiction hai yeh. Manik pleaded - wiping her tears that were flowing incessantly and getting wasted on the sad ending of Arjun and Zoya's love story. The movie time was quite eventful for Manik; with a vivacious Nandini in his lap who kept giving her cute precious reviews time to time and many little romantic intervals in between and during the song sequences; until the Climax scene happened where the Film's protagonist is shot dead by the Cops owing to a misunderstanding and the Female lead is shown to be left alone for life with their Son. Nandini had never been the kind of Lady to cry over dramas; she was way too sensible to do that despite being an absolutely emotional person; but here; very unlike her usual self and probably because of the changes in everything going on within her; she was sobbing her heart out unnecessarily over a mere movie scene. She cried more and complained, sorrowfully How can they just kill him like this? He was just taking the ring which connected him to her. He died! She loved him so much. How will she live without him? Smiling at her adorable lament; he engulfed her in his arms and said, after kissing away her tears Baby you are worried about that heroine who don't even exist in real per not about me. How will I Live after seeing you cry so much? Please stop this. Like an obedient toddler; she stopped weeping but sat with a long face hung low and to cheer her up, he made her look in his eyes and added, sucking her sad pout Itni choti se baat ke liye koi ese pearls waste karta hai kya? Agar baby ko pasand ni aya; toh hum wapas se film banaker - climax happy kardete hain. What say? His humor worked as smile did touch her lips and then embracing her fondly; he bussed on her head and said My sentimental baby. I Love You So Much. She murmured an 'I Love You Too' and then to perk his glum sugar plum up; he got her some chocolate fudge and played a screamingly funny comedy film from his selection - hoping that it would divert her mind and revive her verve.

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Thanks to Manik and the 3 hour long light - hearted entertainment picture; Nandini's emotional state was back to her normal bubbly and vibrant mode and since the lunch time was just round the corner; soon after getting done with the movie - they directly dressed themselves up for the Island rove, zipped up their boots, packed a small backpack and exited the Villa for Lunch at Restaurant - from where they would head to the Forest.

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Manik mujhe na .. mujhe aj kuch different khaney ka mann karraha hai. Nandini told Manik while going through the menu card after they occupied a private lounge in the vacant signature restaurant of the Island. Putting his card down; Manik leaned his elbows on the table and asked Different? What kind of different? In mein se kuch accha ni laga? Also keeping aside her card; Nandini fidgeted and replied sheepishly, stumbling over her words No! Menu toh bohot accha hai but .. but .. I want to .. I mean! I feel like - I feel like eating non - veg. Obviously staggered by her out - of the box and totally unexpected whim; Manik stood with a start and exclaimed a big Fat What???? and then gesturing a Ssshh! with her finger kept on her lips; she made him sit and justified, making a moue What what? Haan mujhe non - veg khana hai. Isme itna shock honey wali kya baat hai? Giving her a 'Are-You-Serious' look; he replied instantly Arey Shock ni toh aur kya hoon main? Nandini! Agar tum bhool gayi toh let me remind you - You are a pure vegetarian. Like 100% shuddh shakahari! YOU DON'T EAT NON - VEG. YOU HAVE NEVER EATEN IT. As if it wasn't anything serious; which of course it was; Nandini shrugged her shoulders and said, sounding a bit irritated Mujhe maloom hai I have never eaten it but now I want to eat it. Mann karraha hai mera. As simple as that. Tum order karogey ab ya main kardun? After her reply; Manik sussed it that it wasn't Nandini but mini - Nandini; his daughter budding in her womb; who is a Punjabi blood speaking through her Mother and this very thought brought a wide beam on his face. But he couldn't let Nandini have non - vegetarian as he very well knew that she is a devout Vegan and would literally drown in remorse once this maternal urging gets sated. By hook or by crook; he had to prevent her dear Dharm from getting bhrasht and the only way he could derive from his intelligence was to hoodwink her with food that resembled meat as she was being adamant; under the effect of her cravings and surely won't back out. Being a foodie; he knew what can substitute for meat and bearing some of those names on his mind and tongue; he first answered Accha baba relax! Okay Fine! Tum yahan baitho - I will go and give the order. Brb! and then receiving a smiling bob from her; made his way out of the cabin and into the Kitchen to have some words with the Chef.

Manik had directed the Chef to knock up two plates of Fish and Mutton dishes each; similar in every aspect but different only on the lines of Protein sources used i.e., one would be made with actual real Fish and Mutton which would be served to him and is meant for the required aroma and the other one to be plated out for Nandini will have Tofu and Seitan - two plant based products - in place of Fish and Meat. To Nandini; with the tang of real non - veg providing the special effects; it would seem like having Non - Veg as she ain't aware of how they taste in actuality. and so; this way - everything will remain sorted.

The waiter presented the respective plates and without any shilly-shallying or blowing hot and cold; Nandini began partaking and never paused; while Manik behaved normally - chatting with and pecking her like always alongside having his food. Everything was going smooth until the sudden moment when realization dawned upon her out of the blue and exactly to what Manik had envisioned; an expression of deep regret etched across her face and she said, spitting out the morsel she was chewing on a tissue paper and thumping her palm on her forehead Aiyyo! Aiyappa! Yeh maine kya kardiya! How can I do this? Aiyyoo! Manik tumne mujhe roka kiun nahi? His lips were trembling; threatening to smile but suppressing it - he made a poker face and joshed, quoting her words Happy Realization Mrs. Malhotra! Arey! Kya hogaya? Bas Non - Veg hi toh khaya hai aapne - FISH! MUTTON! As simple as that.

Saying so; he shifted his focus back on the plate - expecting her another cutest pout and convo with Aiyyapa but acting critically; she sniffed and zoomed out of the Cabin. Cursing himself for building up and pushing away the food; he ran after her with double speed and easily catching up with her after taking three four big strides; he held her from waist and asked, jerking her closer Where do you think you are going? Himself reclining on the wall of the restaurant's Veranda; where they'd ended up; he propped her up and she sagged against him - shedding the bitter tears of self-reproach with her face buried in her hands and then lovingly keeping his forehead on hers; he asked, in a slow soft tone Baby itna kiun roraha hai? Snuffling a little; she burrowed into his warmth and answered indistinctly, in a broken voice Because I scarred and destroyed my 25 - years of veganism. Why didn't you stop me Mani Smiling at her chotuness; he kissed on her hands and whispered in her ear Baby ko ek secret bataon? She stayed mum and taking it a yes; he cocooned her more in his arms and continued You know? My Baby is still a Vegan. Usney non-veg nahi khaya. At once; she waggled her head in non - acceptance; and demurred No! You are lying to calm me down. Maine khaya hai. Smoothly; he withdrew her hands and said, mopping away her tears Main jhoot nahi bolraha hoon. Swear on you. You din't eat it. Nonplussed; she just gazed at him with knitted brows - convinced that she hadn't eaten but clueless about how she didn't and putting the pieces of this puzzle together for her; he narrated everything he did to delude her and how he made her eat veg - food in the guise of non - veg. More than gruntled with the revelation; she smiled broadly and just captured his lips for an un - announced and regardful kiss. Her lips were brutally dominating and he let them with all his heart; knowing her feelings and just stood surrendered - supporting her from waist and responding lazily. On falling short of Oxygen; she broke the kiss and said, conveying her all emotions in succinct words You are the best! I Love You So So So So Much! He kissed her eyes one by one and then replied, in honey - laced voice with a tinge of strictness I Love You Tooo! Per Baby! You've cried enough today. You know they make me feel weak. Ab ek aur aansu gira; to theek nahi hoga. Okaye? She gave a promising blink and then planting a kiss on her forehead; he spoke Thats Like my Good Girl! Ab jaldi se chalker khana khatm karlo. Phir hum chalenge. Smilingly; she gave a nod and then they got back into the Restaurant to wrap up with the lunch.

To Be Continued ..