Chapter - 19

Location - Malhotra Mansion - 8 AM

Manik woke up with the continuous buzzing of his phone. At first he ignored but realising Nandini was sound asleep - and that she shouldn't be disturbed because she badly needed it - he picked up the call without seeing the Caller ID to hear his Manager's voice. He was a strict and austere boss at his workplace and A boss sounding sleepy wasn't a good impression - so he cleared his voice and asked in autarchic and officious toneWhat made you call me so early in the morning?The Manager - who was obviously pussillanimous when it came to dealing with his guv'nor; faltered Gu - Good Morning Sir! So - Sorry to disturb you. Ac - Actually the clients want you to be in the meeting. They are refusing to come if you are absent. So - If .. You are needed here sir. Manik replied the next moment What the hell? You know I am busy. And it was decided that Mr. Khanna was to deal with that right? Then why do they want me? The Poor soul got cold feet just at his voice - as he was aware of the unpleasant consequences that he could face by disturbing him - and stammeredS- Sorry Sir! But the clients are demanding at the last moment. And th - this me - meeting is also im - important. So - You have to c - come Sir. Manik pondered over his words - and hanged up the call - agreeing to join as the meeting was highly lucrative for their company. He slowly tried to move - careful not to break her slumber - but little did he knew - his baby was already awake and sensing his sluggish movement, she asked Where you going Manik? Manik smiled at underestimating her perception to his proximity and replied, taking her back in his arms Main thoda bhi move karta hoon toh tum uthjati ho. Kaise chalega esey? Main nahi honga toh kaise manage karogi. She shot open her eyes at the mere uninhibited mention of him not being there and replied; already choked out of fear Tum kiun nahi hongey? Kya bol rahe ho tum Manik? Kuch bhi boldete ho - Mujhe tumhare bina na sona hai aur na hi saans lena hai. Tum jaantey ho na mujhe nahi pasand aisi baatein - per tumhe toh samajh hi nahi aata. Aagey se kiya na to main ro dungi dekhna. Manik felt culpable at having uttered those words, albeit unintentionally and corrected himself to calm her, hugging her closeArey Mere Baby - mera woh matlab nahi tha. Woh abhi mujhe office jana hai na - toh isliye maine kaha ke mere office janey ke baad tum kaise so gi. Tum bhi na. Itna jaldi ghabra jati ho. Papa ko pata hai Baby nahi rehsakta unke bina - toh kahin kiun jayenge Papa. Hmm? She rounded her lips in a O - and he said, pecking it Why are you shoo shweet re? Aise chotey baby jesa behave karega tu - toh main kaishe jaunga? She climbed on his chest and asked making a pout, keeping her chin on his chest Jaana zaruri hai? Her cute face made him rethink over his decision - but finding no escape - he just blinked his eyes after which she continued Okay! But you should come very shoon. Saying this she pecked on his lips and fell beside - letting him get up. He smiled and replied, pecking her lips after every word I Will but for that you have to give me my million dollar smile She gave him his best-loved smile and then he stepped out of the bed - to get ready for office.

After 20 minutes - Manik came back to see his doll lying on her stomach - wearing his shirt and hiding her face with its collar. He smiled and moved to the mirror - and started buttoning his shirt - all the time grinning watching her doodle on the bedsheet and humm his name continuously as if it is a song - like a 6 month old. Then breaking the silence - she told in a sugary - baby voice Don't go na Papa. Baby wants to be with youAnd that was it. He was never going to disregard his baby's such a cute plea. Forget meeting, he would turn a blind eye to the world getting attacked by eidolons and ogres - if she expresses her wish of being with him. Nothing and no one in this entire universe - for him - worth even a penny when compared to her. She wasn't the one who seeked attention all time - when she said she wants to be with him - she would really want it. He left the shirt buttoning business and hopped on the bed beside her - enfolded her in his arms and

said My choco bar - My candy flosss - My chotu baby - My sweeetness. Papa is not going anywhere. Now shmile - badi wali. Her face lit up like a 1000 Watt bulb and she asked rounding her big doey eyes Sacchi Papa? Then work?He smiled seeing her antics and replied pecking on her lips Baby comes first. And work - that I will do from here. Mere baby ke paash rehker. She clapped her hands and then shinned up on him and said, resting her chin on his I Love You Shoo Much Papa. You are the best. He smiled at her - relishing her puerile form and replied stroking her hair Papa Loves you more and more and more. Ab chup chap - accha baby jesa behave karo aur yahan leti raho. I know you are exhausted. I have messaged Cabir - he will handle everything. Mehndi evening mein hai and sangeet shaam ko hai toh no getting off from bed and going out till evening. No one could know her better than him. He could effortlessly describe what was going on inside her - just by her face. She din't need to utter her worries to him - he would understand it before she herself does. She enshrouded herself in his arms and just replied in an Okay. He caressed her hair and crooned a melody to make her sleep. She fell asleep within minutes - as she was totally worn out - and had tired herself to a shadow yesterday by making the arrangements the sweat of her brow.

He was adoring her sleeping face and hearing her steady breathing and the mellow sound of her heartbeats when his phone again rang - flashing the Manager's call. He heedfully placed her on the bed and moved out - keeping his shirt next to him because he knew she would wake up if she din't feel him around and his shirt - with his scent was one way to deceive her senses. He then took the call and asked the Manager to make him talk to the delegates and he did so. As a matter of fact - the delegates had to agree with Manik attending the meeting through a video conference and the clients couldn't put further requests as irritating Manik meant cancellation of the deal - which was also equally important for them.

After about 3 hours, Nandini woke up fresh and full of vim and vigour with the beauty sleep having washed away her fatigue - and reached out her hand to touch him - as per her habit. But on not finding his Herculean build - she lifted her lashes and squinted around the room for him and there he was - in the small look - through glass study chamber that was attached to their room - sitting on the sofa, crossing his legs and comfortably relaxing himself - dressed in tuxedo carrying his solemn and sophisticated look - facing his laptop and conversing with someone in his high and mighty tone and understood that he was on a conference call. She instantly flung back to her position and covered herself in duvet knowing he would shun the call if he sees her awake. She had her eyes ajar and was watching and listening himdiscourse - with his all time masterful badass attitude and shrewdness - An image of himself that he had fashioned for his employees and clients. Though she hated his rudeness to everyone except her and their small family - she loved his cut - throat and haughty approach to deals and some avaricious clients. His legit imperiousness as a business man was something that added eminence to his excellence - she thought - every time she saw him work. His clientele and workmen would definitely die out of shock - if they ever happen to see Manik with her - a time when he would be himself - would be her Manik. She knew he wasnt a tyrant - its just that he has his ways of dealing with people - on the basis of their nature. With good people he was best and for bad ones he would become the worst. She saw him giving his all time famous smirk - which meant he had cracked the deal and closed her eyes - pretending to be asleep. He walked in to the room removing his blazer and slid himself into the quilt - hugging her from back and said nuzzling his nose in the crook of her neck You can open your pretty eyes. I know you are awake. Her jaw dropped on his words - wondering how he caught her even when she acted so well. She veered about and said, puffing her cheeks So Bad! I was praising myself for acting so well. But you. How do you know me so well? He smiled at her complaint and replied cupping her cheek Papa se baby can't hide anything. You should know this. I know you in and out so it was easy for me. How is my child feeling? She snuggled closer to him and said Fresh as a daisy. Bright eyed and bushy tailed - all thanks to your warmth. And congratulations for the deal. Saying this she softly kissed on his lips and he asked How do you know that I got the deal? She simpered and replied, imitating him Baby se Papa can't hide anything. You should know this. I know you in and out so it was easy for me. He chuckled at her adorbs and lovingly sucked her lips and said Main tumhare bina kya karta Nandini. You don't have any idea how much your these cute baby antics make me happy and lively. My Baby! I Love you shoo much. She rubbed her nose with his and replied And you don't have any idea - how your presence makes every second of my life a memorable one. I Love You More. He smiled and then asked, entwining their hands and kissing hers Tum Mehndi lagaogi na? She clutched his hand tighter and replied Of Course! Tumhare liye He joined his forehead with hers and asked smilinglyNandini! Tumhe irritation nahi hoti? I mean mujhe jaise pasand hai - wesa hi rehti ho - kehti ho. Khudki marzi se kuch karna dil nahi karta tumhara? She smiled and replied Main kiun irritate hongi Manik. Mujhe koi efforts dalne ki zarurat hi nahi padti - tum mujhe wese hi pasand karte ho jesa mujhe khud rehna pasand hai. Aur tumhari pasand ke hisaab se rehna mujhe accha lagta hai. Its not a formality but something I love He dint reply and just moulded his lips with hers for a deep and intense kiss.

Their beautiful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door and he said, breaking the kiss I swear - they will be murdered by me someday. Saying this he started to move from the bed but she pulled him back and again rammed her lips on his' for a smacker - kissing him vehemently and receiving the same response ignoring the continuous patting on the door. Breathless, they pulled apart and Nandini said, panting We won't get lone time once we are out. And I don't know why but I just don't want to stay away from you and cuddle with you. He cupped her cheeks and replied, smilingly You wouldn't have to. Your wish is my command your highness. I will be around you. Close. Okay? She smiled and began arranging the bed while he opened the door to find a vexed Mukti. Before she could say anything, Manik folded his arms across his chest and said So Manik meets Manik eh?She flushed in embarassment but shoving it away - she replied in her all time cool swagger Yeah! Finally. Nandini tumne bata diya issey haan? Manik corrected her and said Usne nahi bataya maine khud dekha. And you were quite good. Her eyes popped out and she asked or rather shouted Tune dekha? Matlab tu yahan tha? Tujhe sharam nahi aati ladkioun ki party me ghuske spy karne? Chee! Tu kabse Cabir jesi harkatein karne laga? Saying this she started hitting him and a sibling fight brewed up. Manik caught her hands and said Ruk ja! Main yahan spy karne nahi office ke kuch kaam se aya tha tab maine dekha tum dono ka performance. He walked near Nandini and added, pulling her closer holding her waist You were good. Per hum dono ki chemistry koi beat nahi karsakta. Mukti just smiled and shook her head in disbelief and then said Haan woh sab ko pata hai - per please ab tum dono shuru mat hojao phirse. Choti chal - Henna designers agayi hai. Aliya ko lagna shuru bhi hogaya hai. Ja aur jaldi change karle phir hum dono saath mein chalenge. Nandini nodded and got into the washroom while Manik just changed himself in casuals.

10 minutes later Nandini came back dressed in a simple kurti and jeans and the trio then moved downstairs to see the hall decorated in green. They walked to their gang - who were sitting encircled around Alia and Navya who were getting the henna applied. Seeing them come Cabir said Arey Nandini aagayi tu. Come and sit here. I have reserved a place for you. Saying this he pulled Nandini beside him and Manik sat next to her. Cabir then called a designer for her and said Meri behen itni nazuk hai toh please thoda delicate design daalna. Baki sab jesa bada bada mat daalna okay? MaNan smiled and seeing Cabir paying so much attention to Nandini's henna - Aliya said This is so bad Cabir. You din't say like this for me - even when I am the bride. Navya too seconded her and spoke Haan! Aur hamare liye bhi nahi kaha aisa. Tum bohot burey ho. Cabir wrapped his arm around Nandini's shoulder and replied Sorry ladies per meri behen sabse zyada important hai. Yeh khudse kuch bolti nahi - tumlog toh ladhker acche waley designs lagwalogey. Toh its my responsibility ke meri behen ko bhi accha design lagey and main wohi karraha hoon. And moreover, sabko pata hai main issey tum sab se zyada pyaar karta hoon. Saying this he kissed her temple and she smilingly touched her forehead with his while all others present adored them. Nandini then asked about Aarav and Navya answered Abhi tak sorahe hain tumhare laadley. Aur accha hai. Agar uthjaega toh Mehndi ko dekhker faces banayega.Manik frowned and said Abhi tak soraha hai woh? Subah se kuch khaya bhi nahi hoga iska matlab. How can you all be so careless? Main lekar aata hoon ussey. Manik got up to fetch him but Cabir held his hand and said, pushing him back to his seat Aarav ke partner, usne khana khaliya. Subah utha tha woh aur phir breakfast ke baad sogaya. Dont worry. Wese tum dono ne bhi kuch nahi khaya. Wait I will ask Ramesh kaka to get a plate. Saying this he opened his mouth to call Ramesh kaka but stopped seeing him coming with an ashet and asked Arey kaka aapko kese pata? Main abhi yahi lene aaraha tha Ramesh kaka just smiled and left giving the plate to Manik - and understanding how this happened Cabir said Oh! I should have known. I am again late. Everyone smiled and Manik started feeding her along with paying equal attention on her mehndi - and also eating on her constant nudging.

They were talking when suddenly something stuck in Manik's throat and he started coughing badly. Nandini jerked her hands away and made him drink water while Cabir rubbed his back but the coughing wasnt stopping and he was struggling for breath. Nandini instructed and Cabir thwacked his back because of which the tiny piece of Carrot that choked him; came out. Manik's eyes were full of tears and so were Nandini's - and seeing them he forgot his pain and wiped her tears. She hugged him tightly and patted his back lightly - and seeing her tensed, Manik said clearing his throatBaby I am fine. Dekho. She broke the hug and rebuked Manik tum dhyan se nahi khasakte? Kuch hujata toh? How can you be so careless? Itna bada piece atak gaya. Koi saath me nahi hota toh? Tumhe kitni baar samjhana padega Manik ke apna dhyan rakha karo - per nahi. Tum jaantey ho thodi der aur hoti toh .. She was shushed by a soft peck from Manik who said Baby calm down. Main bilkul theek hoon. Aur mujhe kuch nahi hua. See. She sighed and then realising it wasn't his mistake, she wiped away his tears and said holding her ears I am Sorry! Tumhari galti nahi thi. Mujhe aise chillana nahi chahiye tha. He smiled and replied, planting a kiss on her forehead I Love your scolding also Baby. Don't be sorry. Just give me my smile. She smiled fulfilling his wish along with others and then resumed the mehndi ritual. Seeing MaNan's all time heart - to - heart natter - the henna designer - who was a great fan and follower of Manik and Fab 5 said It feels like I am watching a fairy tale when I am seeing you all. I had till now just heard about it - but it feels so good to see it. MaNan smiled and Nandini just thanked her. The girl smiled back and asked where should she write Manik's name and she said, looking at him On both of my palms where his name is already written in my destiny. He smiled and softly kissed her shoulder taking her in a hug.

1 hour later - all of them were sitting in the lawn and chatting - as all the guests had gone for a quick nap before the Sangeet ceremony - when Dhruv came and said Guys! I want you all to meet my cousin from US and his wife. He moved and a couple came into the scene - seeing whom Nandini's eyes grew wider and lips curved from ear to ear - an expression that was similar to that of the couple and then the three of them exclaimed together Oh My God! And then - the couple sprung on Nandini taking her in a bone crushing group hug leaving all others specially Manik - perplexed. After what seemed forever - they pulled away and Nandini said exuberantly Unbelievable! Vivan and Sneha - ages after I am seeing you both. How are you? And where the hell did you guys disappear? Sneha lightly slapped her shoulder and snapped back Hum gayab hogaye? You weren't in contact. We were shifting to US for higher studies - before which we had called you but you weren't reachable. A confused one of the lot - Dhruv jumped in between and said Hold On you three. Whats going on? Tum teeno ek dusre ko jaantey ho? Kaise? Vivan stood beside Nandini and said, side - hugging her which obviously irked Manik but he held back - seeing Nandini comfortable with it Dhruv! She is our school mate. Tujhe yaad hai na humne schooling Mangalore me ki thi? Bas wahin we became friends. Phir 10th ke baad hum wapas Punjab chalegaye and we lost contact. Nandini walked to Manik and said Remember Manik! Maine ek baar tumhe apne school besties ke baarey me bataya tha - yeh dono wohi hain - Sneha and Vivan. Manik recollected and smiled - seeing her so happy. She then introduced Manik and others except Dhruv to Vivan and Sneha - something that Dhruv was expected to have done. Sneha came near Nandini and said I am a big fan of Manik - but I never saw the photo of his wife. Just heard Name. Kaash maine dekha hota - hum pehle miljatey. Nandini smiled and replied Koi baat nahi. Ab toh milgaye na hum. And I am really happy on that. Fab 5 and Navya were also smiling along with the threesome and then all of them sat down for a rendezvous.

Sneha and Vivan had gelled up well with everyone in just an hour of chat and were telling schooling stories of them when Vivan remembered something and asked Nandini Wese Nandu! Teri pop singing ka kya hua? Maine ab tak ek bhi album nahi suna tera? Cabir sniggered and replied Yaar Vivan! Accha mazak karlete ho. Nandini aur pop singing? Koi ghalat fehmi hui hogi tumhe. Hamari Nandu toh sirf soft Music bajati hai. Vivan and Sneha looked at eachother and then at Nandini - who was gesturing a No with her eyes but ignoring her Sneha said Don't tell me you guys don't know about it. Nandini tune bhi unhe kabhi nahi bataya? A curious Manik - who was seeing the eye convo between the trioka and also Nandini's nervousness, came in between and asked Kya nahi bataya Sneha Nandini ne? Clearly batao Before Sneha can answer, Nandini interrupted her and

said No Guys nothing! Yeh dono kuch bhi bolrahe hain. Its not so important. Manik gave her a I-Know-Something-Is-Fishy look and then Vivaan said Kya kuch bhi bolrahe hain? And how couldn't it be important? Guys! If you don't know this then you have definitely missed a best part of Nandini's life. Nandini glared at him and Cabir asked Please Explain. Agar itna accha hai toh we definitely have the right to know. Nandini again signaled a no but paying no heed to it Vivan narrated the story making Nandini face palm Actually we were in 10th jab ek inter school Music competition hua tha jisme hum teeno ne participate kiya tha as a band. Last round tak humein bhi lagta tha ke Nandu sirf soft vocals hi gaa sakti hai but we were proved wrong. Judges ne end moment per genre challenges dediye and we got rock music. Humne to haar manli thi per pata nahi kahan se she got courage and usi moment we composed a song jiske lyrics Madam ne khud likhey they. We performed and even won the competition. I can't tell you ke crowd aur judges ka kya haal hua tha. Everyone were puzzled at the new information and then Manik said, eyeing Nandini Tumne har baat batayi. Yeh kiun nahi bataya? Nandini looked down and sheepishly replied Sorry! The memory slipped from my mind and aj jab I am meeting them - to I got it back. Manik blinked his eyes - showing that he has accepted the apology and then Vivaan said You guys should have seen it. Wait! You can see it even now - I have the video. His words made everyone's spirits soar and Vivan took out his tablet to show them but Sneha stopped him and said enthusiastically How about showing them live? Guys come on! Hum teeno ek saath - after so long and kiunke yeh musician ka ghar hai toh music room bhi hoga. What say? Everyone liked the idea but Nandini dint comply and said No Guys! Video dikhado na. Main phirse wese perform nahi karungi and .. Vivan cut her off and said You are not arguing. Accha you haven't given us our wedding gift toh we want this as a compensation. Come on! You can do it. Nandini was half convinced when Manik also requested followed by Fab 5 and Navya - who were pleading so cutely that she couldn't deny and then she said Okay! But no one is going to laugh at me after the performance. Sneha held her hand and said, making her stand Oh Shut Up Nandu. Yeh log faint na ho yeh hope kar. Guys meet us in an hour in your music room. Sorry for keeping you people waiting but trust me its gonna be worth it. Saying this she dragged Nandini and Vivan along - leaving Fab 5 and Navya to anticipate what was coming.

An hour later, Fab 5 and Navya came to the music room - super - excited to see whatever they were going to show and seated on the chairs placed infront of the large podium. As soon as they settled, the room went dark and a video played on the projector - and Fab 5 were nonplussed to see the music video that had went viral when they were in their teens and had drove every listener crazy - including Fab 5 - who had became fans of the performers specially the lead singer who was hooded - and whose voice had became Manik's obsession the day he had heard it. They exchanged muddled glances among each other and to serve as an explanation to their confusion - the video stopped and three hooded people came into the dim spotlight - out of the dark - one with an electric guitar - other on a piano and the middle one on mike - as if the video had changed into reality. They were too addled to perceive what was going on and then the person on the mike - who was dressed in black skin tight jeans ending up in black boots - topped in black hooded jacket and gloves in hand - smirked and began singing :

Puttin' my defenses up

Cause I don't wanna fall in love

If I ever did that

I think I'd have a heart attack

( The voice created the same shrill in their bodies as it did when they had first heard - especially on Manik who had fallen for the voice - and all of them waited for the person to show the face as they werent sure who it was out of three )

Never put my love out on the line

Never said "Yes" to the right guy

Never had trouble getting what I want

But when it comes to you, I'm never good enough

When I don't care

I can play em like a Ken doll

Won't wash my hair

Then make 'em bounce like a basketball

( The lead tapped her foot on the floor as a rockstar does and moved her hands in sync with the lyrics )

But you make me wanna act like a girl

Paint my nails and wear high heels

Yes, you make me so nervous

That I just can't hold your hand

You make me glow,

( The lead dropped her hood and Fab 4 - Navya and Manik were flabbergasted to see Nandini and couldn't believe what they were seeing - their fragile Nandini who had a sugary voice - singing in bold and high tones and performing like a superstar )

But I cover up

Won't let it show,

So I'm...

( She smiled and then taking mike stepped back to the other two - and shook her waist keeping her legs and body stiff - which was the signature step of the song and continued )

Puttin' my defenses up

'Cause I don't wanna fall in love

If I ever did that

I think I'd have a heart attack

( By now they somehow managed to recover from the shock and Manik watched her with a proud smile and tongue in cheek - while others began hooting for her and she sang eyeing Manik )

Never break a sweat for the other guys

When you come around, I get paralyzed

And every time I try to be myself

It comes out wrong like a cry for help

( Manik smirked at her and raised his eyebrows )

It's just not fair

Pain's more trouble than love is worth

I gasp for air

It feels so good, but you know it hurts

( She came near Manik and sang point her finger towards him )

But you make me wanna act like a girl

Paint my nails and wear perfume for you

Make me so nervous

That I just can't hold your hand

( She offered her hand which he instantaneously accepted and she sang making him stand on the podium and circling around him - while he smirked )

You make me glow,

But I cover up

Won't let it show,

So I'm..

( She again joined the other two and sang - doing the signature step while Manik just watched her - enjoying her new avatar )

Puttin' my defenses up

'Cause I don't wanna fall in love

If I ever did that

I think I'd have a heart attack [3x]

( Sneha moved towards Vivan who was on guitar and sang )

The feelings got lost in my lungs

They're burning, I'd rather be numb

And there's no one else to blame

So scared I take off and I run

I'm flying too close to the sun

And I burst into flames

( Nandini stood in front of Manik and sang poking his chest - with a glint of mischief in her eyes that engaged his sight with hers )

You make me glow, but I cover up

Won't let it show, so I'm

( Vivan brought Fab - 4 and Navya to the floor and Nandini with eyes - asked them to join them in the signature step - which they did - and sang )

Puttin' my defences up

Cause I don't wanna fall in love

If I ever did that

I think I'd have a heart attack (x2)

I think I'd have a heart attack

I think I'd have a heart attack (x2)

As soon as the song finished, Manik picked her up in his arms and said I can't believe this - The voice I fell in love with ages back was yours. This is incredible. He put her down and Nandini asked Fell in love with Matlab? Manik patted her forehead and replied My Rockstar! When this video was released and I heard it first time - I was bowled over with the lead's voice. I searched a lot for the singer - but there was no clue. And moreover you had your faces covered in the song. Why you guys did that? Sneha jumped in and answered Because your lovely wife was nervous and wasn't sure of facing the audience. So we did this - and Thank God for that. You saw na how she performed. Did you guys like it? Manik looked at Nandini and replied Like it? It was out of this world. Thank You so much Sneha - because of you I got to see this side of my Nandini. You were outstanding - I mean it never felt ke you aren't professionals. So perfect and rocking. Wow! Sneha and Vivan thanked him and Nandini smiled seeing his excitement and then Cabir added Yah Man! You killed it Nandini. Kahan thi tu ab tak? Saying this he gave her a hug and then she was bombarded with praises and hugs from everyone else - who were equally astonished. ManBir suggested to re - upload it under their Name - but the triad refused saying they din't want to come in music field as they were already settled with their careers and respecting their thoughts - ManBir didn't try to pressurize or force them to think over it.

After some more chitter - chatter, at 5 PM they decided to get back to their rooms and meet at the Function tonight. Once in room - Manik pinned her to the wall and said Kisi talent ko toh baksh do Nandini. Itna perfect hogi toh kese chalega? She tittered and replied, snaking her arms around his neck Perfect husband ho toh wife ko bhi perfect hona padhta hai. Wese! I came to know ke mujhse pehle you fell in love with my voice eh? Agar yeh voice meri nahi hoti toh tum ussey abhi bhi pyaar karte? He smiled at her possessiveness and said Kaise karta kisi aur cheez se pyaar? Jitna bhi tha - sab tumne leliya. Tumhari awaz suni toh main yeh bhul gaya tha but see your Aiyappa's planning - I fell in love with you without even knowing about your existence. Saying this he leaned down and softly kissed her to which she replied with equal intensity. Breaking the kiss, Nandini showed him her henna which had turned almost black and said Mr. Malhotra - see what you have done. Itna saara Pyaar? He kissed her palms and replied entwining their hands Issey bhi bohot bohot zyada. This is so beautiful - your delicate hands and this henna on your white skin - Huh! Torture it is! She tee - heed and said pecking his lips I Love You so much Manik! He took her in his embrace and replied, kissing her head I Love You more Nandini. He took her to the bed in the same hugging posture and they lay down on the bed for relaxing before starting with the dressing up work.

To Be Continued ..