Thankyou so much for your valuable response on the last update♥️😙

Thankyouuuu myra_1 di for this beautiful cover♥️😙
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"Ahhh," Manik winced in pain as he hit the floor. He was least expecting to be pushed by Nandini, so the impact was harder.

"Nandiniiii," he hissed and then stopped himself as he saw her welled up eyes and guilty face.

Damn!!! How could he lose control over himself like this!!! He cursed himself.

Manik and Nandini got married almost 2 years before. With the intention of finally starting their family after one and a half years, they decided to go on a Mini Vacation in the chilly weather of Kashmir- their favourite holiday spot, when their car met with an accident on the way. Though both came out alive, they suffered various injuries. However, Nandini was the one to suffer the most since the car was hit on the left side - where Nandini was seated. And as fate would have it, she lost her memory in that incident. Partial Amnesia, the doctors had termed it. Her memory might come back in a week, or a month or even a year or more, they had said.

After staying in the hospital for 3 months, Nandini finally got discharged 1 month back. Since then, despite the innumerable efforts of Dadima, Mukti, Cabir, Dhruv and Navya, she stayed aloof and distant from them all. Finally, she started opening herself quite a little bit to Manik- as she was told he is her husband, although she was reluctant to share the same bed with him. However, after much convincing from Manik, she finally agreed. Nonetheless, there was this distance and awkwardness which kept lingering between them.

To help both troubled souls, Dadima and company decided to send them on a two-weeks trip to Kashmir itself with the hope that they might finally return as one. She had two reasons for choosing that place. Firstly she thought that maybe doing that same journey again, Nandini might remember that unfateful incident and secondly, she was aware how both of them had first met each other there during a one month trip organized by their respective universities and it was then itself that the love between them blossomed 6 years ago. So, spending time together there might, maybe; help Nandini regain her memory, she had thought hopefully.

"Nandini, I'm sorry," Manik quickly apologized as he rose on his feet.

Having reached Kashmir few hours earlier, they settled in their room as Manik ordered their dinner. Continental food, her favourite. Manik found it weird how despite forgetting everything, she still longed for the same cuisine. If only... He wishfully thought.

With the weather suddenly deteriorating, the cold air took over the whole house and both of them settled beside the fireplace for some warmth. However, as usual, Nandini was still feeling cold. Therefore, as he normally did, he took Nandini in his arms without any forewarning, forgetting about her current state of mind. As he soothed her back, rubbing it with his hand, he realised he missed this, he missed her, their proximity. On the other hand, Nandini, unconsciously, hugged him back, feeling his warmth. That was it for Manik. No longer able to control himself he hugged her tighter, remembering their various moments of togetherness. After a while, he broke the hug, slowly to find a dazed Nandini. Still lost in her, he tilted her face for a kiss.

Just as their lips were about to meet, Nandini came out of her trance and realised their position and what was going to come next. Unprepared for it, she pushed him with all her force. It was so mighty, that Manik hit the floor.

"No Manik, I'm sorry," she immediately said.

"Nandini, no. I..." And he was cut by her.

"Please don't embarrass me by apologizing Manik," she almost pleaded as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Unable to see her tears, his hands, unconsciously, rose to wipe them off but this didn't happen as she took 2 steps back.

"Mujhse yeh sab nahi hoga Manik," she continued as she looked down, unable to face him. "I... I can't do this. Unless I remember a thing, I can't move on," she said in between sobs. "I realise that I'm being unfair to you, but try putting yourself in my shoes, maybe you will understand my position," she said as she finally looked up, hesitatingly, expecting a positive response from her.

"I know Nandini!!! I... I... I promised to give you time but Pata nahi kaise. Nandini, I'm not able to control myself around you," he replied guiltily. "But trust me Nandini, I'll behave myself and you can take all the time you want, I'll wait for you. I'll wait for the day when you yourself will bare your soul to me," he continued before turning towards the door, wanting some time to himself. But he couldn't continue as he felt a tug on his hand. It was Nandini who held him back.

"Manik!!! Please help me," she said in low voice. "Main iss tarah ghoot ghoot Kar nahi Jee sakti. Make me remember everything Manik. I want to move on with you," she added with a whimper.

Manik was taken aback by her words. He could see how she was suffering. Her heart wanted to be with him but her mind wasn't allowing her. And both were right in their own place, he realised.

Facing her. He placed his hands on her shoulders to reassure her of his support. "Nandini, please d..." And he stood rooted to his place as she hugged him, this time, willingful, on her own.

"Please help me remember Manik," she pleaded as she cried clutching his shirt tightly.

Manik patted her head, wondering what to do to ease her pain and help her gain her memory back.

The knock on the door made them break the hug, each looking sideways, not wanting to face the other.

Finally, Manik went to the door and opened it. It was the room service who got them their dinner.

They ate in silent sitting by the fireplace. Since they were tired, they mutually decided to call it a day and went to bed, each lost in their respective thoughts.

********

"Manik!!! Why have you brought me here???" A consternated Nandini asked Manik wondering why he brought her by a lakeside when they were supposed to be going out for lunch.

"Woh Nandini, I know we should be heading to the restaurant I told you about but this place came on the way aur tumhi ne toh kaha tha that you want me to help you remember your past, toh issiliye..." Manik let out as they walked towards the lake.

"Matlab???" A confused Nandini asked him.

"Matlab yeh ke hamare pyaar Ki shuruwaat yehi huwi thi. We used to spend a lot of time secretly here," he replied with a smile thinking of those days but Nandini was rather laughing- wait at him???

"And what's so funny," he groaned. No one laughs at MANIK MALHOTRA ....except Nandini, he realised😅.

"Woh Manik, I can't believe ke Aap koyi kaam chup chup ke bhi karte hai," Nandini replied in between her laughs.

Manik shook his head at her. True, Manik Malhotra does everything openly. "Tumhari baat alag hai Nandini," he said lovingly. "Waise Nandini you look good while smiling but certainly not while laughing like a maniac, jaise ke abhi Kar rahe ho," he teased her.

"Ok I'm sorry. Mazaak Kar Raha tha," he apologized the moment she furrowed her eyebrows at him.

"Ab chalo, let's walk till that other side of pull," he said pointing to the place he was referring to.

"Manik!!!" Nandini called out to him as they were walking.

"Haan Nandini!!!"

"Woh... Tell me more."

"Huh???"

"I mean tell me what all we used to do here. Mujhe toh kuch bhi yaad nahi. Toh you tell me," Nandini told him.

The trip might be fruitful after all, Manik thought.

*******

"Manik!!! Yeh sab tumhe ajeeb nahi lagta?" a 20-year old Nandini asked a 21 year old Manik.

"Hmmm" Manik replied non-chalantly, playing with Nandini's open tresses with his head on her lap as they settled themselves on the grass by a lake side.

"Ahhh," Manik shrieked as Nandini pushed him off her lap. "Now what was that?" He asked as he stood up cleaning his pants which had bits of grasses.

"Main yahan itni serious hoke tumse baat Kar rahi aur tum ho ke pata nahi kahan khoye huwe ho," she replied irritatingly.

"I was lost in you," he said huskily as he bent in front of her, fully intending to make her blush.

"Hayeee Nandini!!! When you blush like this, toh Jee karta hai ke..."

"Ke..." Nandini curiously prompted him.

"Ke bas khaajaaoon😉," he added.

"Kya?"

"Tumhe aur kaun!!!" He said cheekily.

"Manikkk😳!!!" She dirtied his shirt with the bits of grasses around them in an attempt to hide her embarrassment.

"Ewww Nandini!!! Stop that warna!!!" He warned her.

"Warna kya?" Nandini dared him.

"Warna kya??? Abhi dikhaata hoon," he replied with a smirk.

Noticing the glint of mischief, Nandini realised she was in a trouble. So she quickly tried standing to make an escape but he was faster than her for in no seconds she found herself pinned under him, with his breath fanning over her face.

"Manikk!!!" His name came as a whisper from her mouth.

He didn't plan that, Manik thought as he felt himself losing his control over her. He was just teasing her and now his own senses were being teased. Being in such close proximity with her, it was taking Manik all of his might not to do something that they might regret later on.

He was lost in his thoughts when he felt her hugging him. Not wanting to back away, he reciprocated the hug. While hugging he kissed her neck,making nandini shut her eyes to absorb the pleasure. Manik lifted his head and placed his lips on her forehead!

Intervening their hands Manik looked into her eyes which were reflecting immense love and faith for him.

Without wasting a moment he placed his lips on her quivering ones and they finally shared their first kiss, a slow but passionate one! 2 weeks after they first met. Quick enough, Manik would often tease her.

Half an hour later, as they regained their composure, they went to the lake and sat there, their hands interlocked, with their feet in the water. It was a sunny day, so the water was not chilly.

"Waise Nandini," Manik began as they settled themselves there, "tum Kya pooch rahi thi," he asked as he remembered what happened before their little romantic session.

"Woh Manik, I was thinking... Errr I mean, ummm," she said not knowing how to proceed further.

"Nandini!!! You stammer???" Manik asked mockingly faking a shock.

"Huh???"

"Why did you hide this from me? Pehle bata diya hota, toh kissi aur ko phassa leta," he teased her.

"Manikkk!!!!" She hissed his name as she punched his left arm, knowing very well what he was trying to do.

"Acha I'm sorry!!!" He quickly apologized. "Now tell me."

"Woh, doesn't it look fictional to you, I mean yeh love at first sight wagera wagera, yeh sab toh kitaabon aur filmon Mein hoti thi. And now look at us, we've just met each other and lo we're already so much in love. Kabhi kabhi toh yeh sochti hoon, ke whether is it all a dream which might break anytime," she poured out her anxieties to him.

Cupping her face in his hand, he said: "Nandini, it takes less than a moment to fall in love, trust me and this is our case too and I promise I'll always love you as much as I do right now. My love for you will never lessen, I promise."

"Sach Manik," she asked for an assurance.

"Haan Nandini!!! And you're right. It does seem surreal. Two weeks back, had someone told me this, I would have laughed it off. But Nandini jabse tumse mila hoon, aisa lagta hai ke agar ek bhi din tumhara chehra Na dekhoon, toh kuch khaali khaali sa mehsoos hota hai. Yeh joh hum roz chup chup ke milte hai Nandini, isme mujhe bahut mazaa aata hai. You know Nandini, if my family knows that I escape from my class tours to meet you secretly, they will never believe me kyunki MANIK MALHOTRA kabhi bhi koyi kaam chup Kar nahi karta. Lekin tumhare saath sab kuch alag hai Nandini. Tumhare liye yeh sab karna mujhe acha lagta hai , Tumhare sath hota hun toh I am just Manik, Tumhara Manik" he confessed.

"Manik... Yeh t..."

"Shhh Nandini," he stopped her from speaking further as he placed his index finger in her lips.

"Nandini, please let me speak. You know I'm always hesitant in voicing out my feelings, something Dadima always gets angry about. But I want to be open with you Nandini. I want you to know me in an out. After the death of my parents, I changed without realizing it myself Nandini. Mujhe laga ke ghar ka bara bete hone Ki wajah se, I need to act maturely and in a responsible way to cater for the needs of my siblings and ageing Dadima. Un sab ke chakkar mein, I forgot about myself. But Nandini... You have brought out the old me. With you around, I feel ke main Woh pehle waala Manik hoon. I know we've known each other for just 2 weeks. But Nandini, mera yakeen karo, these 2 weeks have been more than enough for me to realise that I want to be with you... Forever. These 2 weeks, are in fact, the most memorable ones to me. I'll always treasure these moments we spent here. And yes Nandini, as cliche as it might sound, I feel you are my Shining star,who will always shine for me, no matter what!" he voiced his feelings first time ever in front of the girl to whom he lost his heart , the moment he laid his eyes on her.

"Manik!!!" Nandini said. To say she was overwhelmed with his confession would be an understatement. Having been an orphan all throughout her life, Nandini now felt as if she had someone to call her own- her Manik!!! "I... I love you Manik and I promise I'll always shine for you... I promise " she continued in a teary state.

"I love you too Nandini," came Manik's reply before he engulfed her in his embrace to seal the promises .

*******

"Nandini, where are you lost," Manik asked Nandini the following night as they sat in their room after their dinner.

"Woh Manik, when we passed by the reception area while coming into our room, I saw the same receptionist who handed you our room keys the day we checked it," she replied hazily.

"So???" Manik prompted not understanding her.

"Toh, usse dekh Kar I remembered that the day we came, while handling the keys to you, he had said, *Room 124 - like always*. Usne aisa kyun kaha? Do we stay in the same room every time we come here," she asked.

"Yes Nandini!!!" He replied in the most casual way.

"Aisa kyun Manik???" She again asked, wondering what could be the reason.

"Actually Nandini, during that University trip, this room was booked for you. And..."He stopped feeling embarrassed.

"And???"

"And, every night, after my friends would sleep, I used to come here through the back door, to spend time with you," he said quickly feeling the heat in his cheek already.

******

"Manik yeh sab karna tha, toh apne hi kamre mein reh lete," an annoyed Nandini said as she angrily massaged Manik's head while he was watching a football match.

"Nandini, kamre mein head massage dene waali nahi thi," he replied non-chalantly, engrossed in the match.

"Kya?????"
"Goooaaalll!!!!"

Both screamed in unison.

"Ahhh Nandini, tumhaari awaaz hai ke ambulance Ki siren," Manik said as he covered his ears.

"Acha!!! Even I can say the same thing Mr-I-Love-Football," she retorted.

"Nandini, gussa kyun karti ho yaar," he said looking at her.

"What else??? You came here toh I thought ke hum yeh karenge Woh karenge aur tum ho ke... And you know what, I hate football... In commentaries se irritate ho jaati hoon," she replied with a pout.

"Awww!!!! Baby Ke gusse ko bhagane ke liye, mujhe Kya karna hoga?" Manik asked sincerely wanting to make up to her as he switched off the TV. Yes the match was an important one, but she was more important. And he had already messed up. So time to make up.

"Theek hai, toh phir aaj poori raat mere saath bitaao," she quickly said not realizing her choice of words.

"Kyaaa???" Manik asked wondering whether she was ok. "Are you sure Nandini?" He asked her as he gulped hard, wanting a confirmation.

"Yea Manik, I am," she emphasized on every word to let him know she was indeed serious.

"Lekin Nandini, you only said ke shaadi se pehle no... u know... No hanky panky..." He said in a low voice not wanting to anger her again.

"Kyaaa???? Yuck Manik!!! You Dirty Mind!!!" She said glaringly.

"What??? Dirty mind and me??? Oh hello, this was your suggestion," he defended himself.

"Manik!!! When I said ke mere saath guzaaro, I meant stay in my room till early morning instead of going back at midnight like you have been doing for the past few days," she gritted the words to him.

"Waise Nandini, Joh maine pehle galat samjha Tha, woh better idea Tha," Manik teased her.

"Manikkk!!!!" Nandini leaned forward to playfully hit Manik but he was quick enough to grab her wrists and then pushing her on the sofa, he towered over her, pinning her under him.

"Manik chodo," Nandini said as she struggled to free herself.

"Kya Nandini!!! Iss position mein kitna mazaa aaraha hai. Chalo na let's get lost in each others' eyes," he suggested looking too serious for his words.

"Manik!!! Pehle toh I only thought about it but now am pakka sure your Dadi will reject me at first glance itself," Nandini said.

"Huh???" Manik was confused.

"Aur nahi toh kya... Mera saath kuch hi dinon reh reh ke tum kitne badal gaye Manik. Dadima toh yehi sochengi ke I have spoilt you," she added with a sad pout.

"Nandini don't do that!!! You know what it does to me," Manik warned her.

"Fine. Toh let's do it," Nandini said as she put her arms around Manik's neck.

"Do what???"

"Wohi... Getting lost in each others' eyes," Nandini said in a serious tone.

"What" and seeing her grinning, he gently tapped his forehead to hers as both laughed whole-heartedly.

*******

"Nandini I swear at times you become such a kid," Manik told her as he drived. "And who believes in these stupid things?" He asked for the nth time.

One of the housekeeping staff told Nandini about a well which supposedly fulfilled every wish. All you have to do is buy a coin which is sold there and throw it with all your might in the well after sincerely wishing for it with closed eyes. And Nandini, being desperate to get back her memory, fell for it and insisted Manik to take her there.

"I hate passing by this road," he continued as they neared the place where they had met with that accident.

"What's wrong with the place now?" Nandini sales rolling her eyes at him.

"Nandini it's the same road where we met with the accident in which you lost your memory," Manik said turning towards her while he continued driving. "And..."

"Manikkkk!!!! Aage dekho... Aaahhh!!!!" Nandini yelled as he saw a heavy truck coming towards them from the opposite side of the narrow road.

Flashbacks of that day played before him and Manik just applied his brakes and leaned over Nandini in an attempt to save her.

As if his stars were favouring him, they managed a narrow escape and that truck passed closely beside their halted car almost colliding with it.

When Manik realised they were safe, he quickly said his prayer and looked at Nandini.

"Nandini... Nandiniiii!!!!" He tapped his face lightly to make her regain her consciousness.

Seeing that scene, Nandini was taken back to that day. And out of fear, she lost her senses and fainted.

Seeing she was not waking up, Manik made a U-turn and took her back to the hotel.

******

"Dr, how's my wife?" Manik quickly enquired as the Doctor finished examining Nandini.

"Mr Malhotra! There's no need to worry. From what you've told me, I guess she fainted out of shock. Don't worry she should be regaining consciousness anytime soon. She is fine," he reassured Manik as he placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Thanks Dr," Manik said as he accompanied him to the door.

Closing the door, he turned around to see the unconscious state. Manik was thankful they were alright - she was alright. However, a fear was still present. Ever since that day, he couldn't bear to see Nandini hurt in any way. And even now, till the time she doesn't wake up, he will not be at peace.

Sitting beside her on the bed, Manik held her hand in his to provide her with some warmth. He knew how her body usually stayed cold.

"Nandini, Please wake up," he said in a low voice. "I don't care about your memory. Whether you'll get it back a day or not, use mujhe koyi fark nahi parta. I just want you safe, beside me. Please wake up Nandini," he kept mumbling when he heard her whimpers.

"Nandini!!! Are you ok??? Open your eyes Nandini."

Nandini slowly opened her eyes feeling all hazy. She was having a terrible headache after all the happenings.

"Manik, I'm all good. Relax!!!" she reassured him placing her hand lightly on his cheek. And then as if she remembered something, she immediately asked.

"Manik tumhari gaal pe scar chali gayi kya?"

"Haan Nandini!!! Woh toh kab k... Nandini!!! What are you saying?" he asking as realisation dawned onto him.

*********

"Manik!!!! Kitni baar bolna padega that don't fool around when I'm cooking. There are so many dangerous tools in a kitchen. Ab lagi na gaal pe chot iss isss stupid knife se," she said as she threw the damn knife in the wash basin.

Nandini was cutting vegetables when Manik came behind her and blew lightly on her bare shoulder.

Least expecting Manik there at the moment, Nandini quickly turned around with her knife in her hand and the harm was done. Manik was left holding his cheek which bled. That swift movement from Nandini caused the knife to slightly cut his cheek. And there she was, applying antiseptic on the wound with teary eyes as she kept telling him off.

"Nandini!!! It's ok. See, I'm all fine. It's nothing." He told her.

"What nothing!!! It will now leave a scar on your face which will take weeks to heal," she said looking down.

"Nandini yaar please!!! Mood theek karlo and jaa ke hum donon ki packing karna," he said not wanting her to feel guilty. "We have to leave for Kashmir early tomorrow morning. So go and pack our stuffs... Jaaao!!!" he literally pushed her out of the kitchen.

********

Manik couldn't understand. How can she remember the scar which was gone in about 4 weeks time- the time when she was still lying unconscious in the hospital. Kahin usse... no Manik... don't get your hopes high, he warned himself not wanting to feel hurt.

"Nandini, how do you know about that scar? Kahin... Kya tumhe... I mean...Tumhe sab kuch yaad aagaya???" he asked, though reluctant, feeling a bit hopeful.

"Haan Manik, Mujhe yaad hain, I...I...re-remember every-everything," she said in between choked breaths as she sat on the bed leaning against the head rest.

"Really Nandini???" Manik asked fearing whether he could have misheard.

"Haan Manik," she confirmed, as she threw herself towards him, for a hug which was fervently reciprocated. He missed her...so much.

******

"Manik!!! Maine aap sab ko bahut sataaya na... you especially," Nandini said after sometime, still in his embrace.
Manik slowly broke the hug and placing his hand under her chin, he lifted her face up so that she could face him.

"Nandini!!! You realise it was something beyond your means. You did not do that deliberately. We, all, were completely aware of your state. You shouldn't feel guilty about that," Manik made her understand. "And Nandini, we took it as a test- a test of our patience. We all remained patient and see we have been rewarded, soon enough," he added with giving her a warm smile.

"Manik!!! I can never be thankful enough for having you in my life,"Nandini said as she looked deeply in his eyes which were filled with love for her- only for her. "I love you Manik,"she added as she inwardly said her prayer, being thankful for regaining her memory.

"I love you too Nandini. I love you too," he replied without breaking their eye contact.
And finally after 3 long months, they shared a kiss, a soul-searing one, which had been long due, in which they let out all the pain and sufferings they experienced following that one incident.

*******

So this was something I published back then when I was just 15 yr old and I just started writing🙈

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