Hello PEOPLE! Salam! Namasty and all the greeting for you my lovelies!

You must be wondering where was I? Okay guys! I had a very very very tough month! The whole month was so difficult for me that inspite of even trying my best I failed to update and I even didn't inform you guys!

I was having exams! Today was my last project submission and Alhamdulilah now am free till 11th of September! That means Ill be regular InshaAllah!

You guys are very gusa I know! I swear main bholi nahi hoon ap sabko! I missed you guys so much and I am so so so sorry for not updating and not informing and not replying to your pms! Sorry guys!

Anyways finally the next chapter is here and am very excited about the ending!

I want you guys to comment dil khool kar and tell me if you liked the chapter or not!

#Inlines are My FAV! :)

Happy Reading!

Chapter 13 B

Nandini's POV...

Manik love babies.

I can't give him one...

My worst reality dawn me and settled in my heart causing it to almost stop beating.

My grip on Melisa tightened and I held the baby more close to breathe in her baby scent.

Now Manik was nuzzling his nose with Melisa's and she was giggling throughout.

Tears pricked the back of my eyes and I stared at Manik's beautiful face with so much of longing.

This man deserved the best and I...

Nandini it's ok! There are so many couples who can't have a baby that doesn't mean they stop living! Queen spoke slowly rubbing my shoulder and I gulped tightly.

Manik was now wrapping his arm around my shoulder and I automatically moved into his body to seek his comfortable warmth.

"You okay, love?" His concerned whisper in my ear made me look up at him and he was looking worried.

I stared at him for a second then back at Melisa who was touching my brooch and was giggling more to herself, I smiled sadly.

"Yes!" I whimpered softly. "When you are here...with me! Then I am more than fine!" I told him truthfully and he visibly relaxed.

"Good! Very good!" He sighed in content and once again kissed my temple which left so many butterflies flutter helplessly in my stomach while I felt him breathing in the fabric scent of my scarf, with his lips lingering over the length.

He didn't know his each small gesture used to leave me struggling for breathe though there was nothing sexual in his acts but still my stomach twisted in knots.

"Oh my God! Why are you guys spoiling our baby?" An unfamiliar voice reached me and Manik groaned in my ear before pulling back. I turned to see a very adorable couple standing with hand in hand and Manik gave them a distasted look.

Abhimanyu Malhotra...

I recognized him very quickly because I had met him 6 months ago in Dubai on a formal dinner. The lady standing beside him was surely his wife as she gave Manik a teasing smile.

"Ahh! Look who is talking!" Manik chimed with a fake smile as the couple reached us and I unintentionally slid closer to him.

"Stop being so fake little brother!" Abhimanyu shooed his brother away with his hands. "Let me talk to this pretty lady beside you! Nandini Murthy is it?" His smile was sweet just like Manik as he turned his whole attention towards me and I felt myself smiling once again.

"Yes!" I nodded with enthusiasm and suddenly I was being turned towards the lady.

"Hi..! I am Mukti! Abhi's wife and Manik's Bhabi!" She was loud and noisy but so cute at the same time and I was now circled between the three Malhotra's with fourth one in my arms as they looked at me in awe.

"Well! I should be the one introducing my fiancé to you guys!" Manik cribbed like a baby and I felt my heart flutter more on his adjectives for me...

Fiancé...I LOVED it...

"Oh no need for the formalities! I know Nandini already! We met in Dubai is it?" Abhimanyu once again slapped Manik's hands away from me which made me giggle loudly and Manik made a sad face as he really wanted me to introduce to his family I guess.

"Yes! We met there only!" I added to his information and he clapped his hands formally.

"I knew it! Very well! Now tell us! Tum Manik kay sath kesy phas gai?" His straightforward question took me by surprise and I hide my smile when I noticed Manik shooting glares towards his brother.

While Mukti laughed loudly.

It was clear that Abhimanyu was just teasing Manik and I enjoyed it.

Family...fun...So good.

"Ap idhar ayen na me btata hoon myny kesy phasaya isy!" Manik remarked sarcastically and before Abhimanyu could say anything else Manik was dragging his brother away.

"Bye Nandini! It's so good to see you!" He shouted with a wave all the time being dragged with Manik and I laughed waving him back.

"They are like this only!" Mukti's soft voice brought my attention back and I looked at her with a smile.

"I can see! They are adorable!" I commented now looking back at Manik who was palming his brother's mouth in order to stop him from saying anything.

"I missed them!" I could feel Mukti's eyes getting moist as she took Melisa from my arms now.

Ok! Once again curiosity took me over and I decided to ask.

"Bhabi! What are Manik's conflicts with his father?" I asked in a most calm tone possible and Bhabi sighed patting to Melisa's back.

"Around a year ago! Manik and Baba fought! Because of Manik's step mother! Manik left the house in anger and never came back!" She concluded the story in few words and I felt bad for Manik.

He had to live away from these beautiful people just because of some bad woman...

"Who is Manik's step mother?" I asked from nowhere and Mukti shrugged.

"The artificial b!tch! Neyonika!" She spoke nonchalantly and once again a bomb was dropped over me.

"Neyonika is Manik's stepmom?" I asked more to myself and she nodded with a bad face.

"She is here somewhere though Baba didn't invite her but still that b!tch has to ruin everything for Baba and Manik!" She was looking furious and I felt my throat going dry.

They have such a close relation?

I never knew.

I wish I would have a little idea I would have told Manik many days back.

Oh I so want to tell Manik...

"But Manik has come out very stronger from all the mess and am such a proud Bhabi right now!" She continued with a dreamy sigh and I noticed the way she looked at Manik with so much of tenderness.

"He is a gem!" I heard myself saying and didn't realize my voice was now throaty.

"He is the best man any girl could have and he has told me that he loves you so much!" Mukti was now holding my hand and I looked at her with grateful eyes.

"And he has got you a ring!" She suddenly exclaimed and my eyes widened.

"Oh sh!t! I wasn't supposed to tell you this, was I?" Her pupils dilated as she quickly palmed her mouth and I was happily shocked.

I let out a laugh and a tear strolled down my eye.

Ask him to get you a diamond ring girl! Queen snorted and I ignored her.

Manik has got me a ring?

A ring?

He is going to marry me!

Can I get more lucky?

Oh God...this is too much to handle.

"Aww! Am so sorry!" Mukti freaked out as she saw me crying and took me in a side hug while on her other side she was holding Melisa.

"Don't tell Manik! He will kill me! Gosh me and my big mouth!" She was cursing herself while hugging me and I nodded frantically gulping the tears back.

"Mommy! Watel!" Melisa's shout broke our little moment as she cribbed for water.

"Nandini! I gotta go! Stay happy honey!" Mukti immediately spoke already walking away to get Melisa water while I stood in the middle of the hall feeling immensely happy and blessed.

I looked around but Manik was nowhere to be found which filled me with disappointment...

Because all I wanted to do was to hug him tight and tell him that I have fallen for me him all over again.

I sighed and shook my head when suddenly some little kids run passed by me shouting and laughing like crazy.

They twirled around me once making me smile with them and shouted again before running away.

What's up with them?

I wondered to myself and chuckled on their craziness. With that I turned and couldn't help but shriek in horror on seeing the person infront of me.

A clown!!

"Nandini darling! You love clowns don't you?"

"No Daddy! I hate them! Please! NO! NO!"

My own shrieks from many years ago rang in my head and I tried to shrink away but the clown started coming towards me.

"Would you like to see the magic girl?" He was asking with the artificial mask smile and I was on verge of crying. My breath was going shallower and I felt I was all alone in the whole big hall with that man.

Nandini relax! He is not your Dad! Queen was shouting but my legs were giving out.

"I'll show you the best magic!" Clown again exclaimed and I shook my head frantically backing off.

"Stay away!" I whimpered trying to find my voice but my voice was stuck in my throat.

Tears pricked in my eyes badly as I felt the sting of those slaps from years back once again and memories rushed back.

"Come here dear!" The clown's face was looking horrible to me and I shouted my lungs out when he tried to touch me.

"Don't touch me!" I cried out in agony and fear without realizing how much people were now attentive towards me until...

"HEY YOU PRICK! GET AWAY!"

My savior's voice hit my ear drums and I felt whole life leaving my body, my legs finally gave out but before I could touch the floor I was gathered in his strong arms with my head falling in his chest.

"Nandini!" He freaked out holding me in strong grip and I palmed my face in his chest sobbing uncontrollably.

"Are you blind? Can't you just see she was scared of you?" He was now lashing out on that poor clown and I was crying and crying.

"Hey hey! Shhh!" He shushed me with his lips on my head and his hands constantly rubbing my back.

"Baby it's ok I got you!" He was whispering in my ear and this time he patted my head just like an affectionate guardian and I melted all over again in his embrace putting my whole weight on him.

"Am sorry for leaving you alone! I shouldn't have!" His apology went straight through my heart and I felt my crying going silent while my grip on his blazer tightened.

"Ask him to go away please!" I whimpered lowly looking at Manik with a pleading face and he nodded in understanding with that he gestured the clown to get away while his soft fingers wiped my tears.

I looked around and didn't realize I was being dragged to a silent corner.

"Are you okay, love?" He asked lovingly when he noticed me looking around and I looked back at him with lost puppy eyes before hugging him back.

"Please stay with me! Don't leave me!" I pleaded hugging him in my death grip and he hugged me back with same intensity.

"Hush baby hush! I am not leaving you! No one is gonna harm you! I'll kill that every single person who'll try to hurt you I promise!" His determined whisper reached my ears and I believed him...

I believed him from my heart.

"Promise me that you'll never go back on your words!" I spoke from nowhere once again looking at him and he smiled.

How much I love to see him smiling.

"Yes I promise!" He spoke lovingly and sealed the promise with a light peck on my lips.

I smiled and looked at him with all love.

"Manik! If you'll ever leave me na! I'll die that very moment!" I told him the truth and he cupped my cheeks with his assuring hands.

"It's not gonna happen ok? So just relax! Let's enjoy the time!" He spoke with his all time favorite smirk and it forced me to smile with him too.

I want Manik! Queen sniffed and I giggled looking down once again feeling shy.

"Why don't you join me for a drink?" He offered in a silly tone and I looked at him with a like seriously look.

"I don't drink!" I told him with a bad face and he pouted.

He was my mood lifter...he made me feel good in seconds.

"But I do! Let's go!" He chimed and I sighed when he started dragging me towards the bar counter.

"Tum drink karo gay apni girlfriend kay samny?" I hissed while being dragged with him and he let out a hearty laugh which made my heart flutter causing me to grip his hand tighter.

"Aray! Drink kya! Main aur bhi bohat kuch kar skta hoon!" He exclaimed boldly making my eyes widened and he made me sat on the bar stool. Then he bent near my face and my breath hitched in my throat on seeing the look in his eyes.

"Aur bhi bohat kuch kar skta hoon sab kay samny! Dekhaoan?" He asked huskily leaning dangerously close to my lips and I shook my head frantically.

Kahen bhi shuru ho jata hai ya larka!!

"NO!" I freaked out looking around and pushed him away with my hands over his chest to which he once again started laughing loudly.

"CHICKEN!!" He shouted holding his tummy which was aching due to constant laughing and gestured towards my face like a two year older while sat there like a fool. Then I started shooting daggers at him like an angry mother folding my arms across my chest and he was going crazy.

Gadha! Asshole! I screamed in my head.

"Bus karo!" I whined angrily and slapped his shoulder away to which he nodded trying to control his laughter.

"Okay okay fine! But you chickened out accept it!" He was persistent as he sat on his stool and poked my shoulder. I slapped his hand away once again and felt my cheeks burning with shyness.

"You are so bad!" I muttered gulping the glass of water which the bar tender placed in front of me and Manik again laughed.

"Tell me tell me something I don't know!" He sang loudly and ordered the tequila shots with his finger gesture. I didn't comment further and noticed his innate attitude as he gave the bar tender a small smile.

This man slays!

I thought with a hidden smile and looked away from him as he was now running a lazy hand through his a little messed hair.

We both were quiet for few minutes. I drank to my apple juice and Manik drank three shots altogether.

"Bus! You will get drunk!" I told him strictly when he reached for the fourth shot and he looked at me with a pout.

"But I really need it!" He tried to reason but I glared at him angrily.

"Manik! you are driving both of us home ok? I don't wanna die yet!" I again scolded him and he made a grumpy face. Before I could react he drank my juice and placed the glass back giving me a shrug.

Okay so this was his revenge for stopping him from drinking?

Like seriously?

Ya larka kab bara ho ga?

"You are impossible!" I muttered sadly staring at my now empty apple juice glass and he just rolled his eyes.

"I want to dance!" He suddenly announced looking at few of the couples who were dancing on the floor now.

"Haan tou jaoa! Mjy kiun bata rahy ho?" I was angry because he drank my favorite juice.

"I want to dance with you Nandini!" He told me like a baby and stared at me with puppy eyes but I wasn't giving in this time.

"Nahi karna mjhy dance! Don't talk to me! You drank my juice!" I scolded him with sorrowful eyes and he pouted before shrugging.

"Theek hai na karo! Alya is here! I'll dance with her!" He announced getting up from the stool and buttoned his blazer while my eyes widened.

"You won't dance with her!" I shrieked in disbelief following him and he gave me an innocent look.

This time I'll kill that b!tch! I told Queen and she showed me a thumbs up.

"Nandini what is your problem? Tmhy mery sath dance nahi karna ab main akela tou nahi dance kar skta na? Obviously I need a partner! So Alya will be willing na?" He said in a matter of fact tone and I was burnt with jealousy.

Oo! Tou ab he's gonna dance with her? Main bhi dekhti hoon kesy karty ho tm us k sath dance!

"Dance karna hai na tmhy!!" I spoke gritting my teeth and he nodded so innocently. "Okay!" I too nodded my head and grabbed his hand. "Let's dance!" I ordered him and dragged him towards the dance floor to which he quietly obeyed.

We reached the dance floor. Before I could show more of my anger he suddenly tugged my arm which was in his grip and I twirled automatically gliding in his arms. His one arm slid over my waist pulling me against his chest and I felt more angry.

"You seriously thought that I'll dance with Alya?" His little disappointed, little angry and more of dominating voice reached my ears which was more likely a growl and I looked at his eyes.

He was demanding answers...

"You were about to!" Okay I was really very much pissed off!!!

Calm down Nandini! Queen advised and I made a bad face.

"No! Nandini! I would have never do that!" He told me in a little strict tone and I never realized we were gliding slowly with music.

"If you would have done that I would have killed that Alya!" I couldn't hide the jealousy and I didn't want to.

"Ohh itna kya?" His tone suddenly became funny and I glared at him.

"I won't let anyone touch my man!" I told him in a very serious dead drop cold tone and his eyes too suddenly turned dark.

My one arm was around his waist and other was across his shoulder.

"Ahan? What else you would have done?" He seemed intrigued and I stared in his eyes for a second before looking at his chest.

"I will do...anything! To protect you from her evil eyes!" I spoke lowly and I could hear him smiling. Carefully I placed my head over his heart and my ear was directly hearing his soft rhythmic heartbeat. "I have no one! Tumhary ilawa koi nahi hai mera Manik! You are my one and only precious!" I was confessing once again and I felt his lips over my head.

"Ya jo zindagi main jee rahi hoon! Ya tumhri di hue hai!" I told him lowly and he pulled me closer to his body. "Tum ho tou meri saans chalay ge! Tum nahi tou kuch nahi!" I was drowning in his love and he was becoming my only anchor towards life.

"Itna pyar karti ho mj say?" The question he asked was silly but I knew we both liked it.

"Bohat ziada! Jitna tum karty ho na! Us say kahen ziada! Tum mery sab kuch ho!" I felt that now there was no tomorrow and I really really needed to tell him what I feel for him.

"Main bhi tum say bohat ziada pyar karta ho! Tumhry bina jeeny ka sawal he paida nahi hota! I love you so much!" He whispered in my ear and hugged me closer. I also replied with equal favor and a fear of losing him suddenly crept in my heart.

Was I living a dream?

What if I wake up and everything vanishes away?

No! I won't be able to bear that.

"You know! The night...our night!" He was whispering only for me to hear and I just hide my face in his shoulder so that he won't be able to see me fighting with myself. "We were so close! I could still feel your touches around me! I am yours Nandini! Ever and forever! But...just share with me! Share everything which is hurting you! Please!" He pleaded lovingly and I nodded against his shoulder.

"I'll tell you everything I promise!" I choked lowly and he hummed against my ear. "But you have to promise me that you'll not leave me after knowing my truth!" I added with so much of fear in my heart and Manik shook his head.

"I promise! I promise thousand times baby! Mjy koi farak nahi parta! I swear! I don't care what your past is but I want you to share because that's how I'll be able to lessen your pain na!" His assuring words made me choke more and I nodded again.

"Tonight!" I whispered and he sighed.

"Yes tonight!" He added back and I kept resting my head over his shoulder for a long time while we danced until the song ended.

"See that was easy!" His small chuckle broke my trance and I parted away from him with a smile.

"Yeah! Dance! Ab khush?" I spoke in a funny tone and poked his nose.

"Oh yes bohat khush!" He spoke like a happy child clapping his hands and I giggled shaking my head to which he grinned.

"Stay happy! I need to go to the restroom!" I told him softly and he smiled nodding his head.

"Come soon!" He told me back and I saw him walking back to the bar.

He is gonna drink more! I thought to myself helplessly and walked towards the ladies restroom.

All that crying had made my face a little sticky so I needed to wash it. Soon I reached there and carefully pulled off my rings so that they don't get wet along with my phone on the shelf.

Then I opened the water tap and splashed some water on my face.

The coldness of the water felt good and I closed my eyes to take deep breaths.

Such an eventful day!

And there is more to come because am gonna tell Manik everything!

I know! I know he'll never leave me! BUT!

Possibility!

Nandini! Don't even think of possibilities of this kind ok! Queen scolded me and I nodded mentally.

Sighing on my eventful life I opened my eyes and stared at my reflection in the mirror only to gasp out loud on seeing the person on my back...

NEYONIKA!!

"Hello dear Nandini!! Long time no see!" Her cheeky disgusting voice made me cring and I turned towards her with a jerk while she stood with the wall leaning her heel with it.

Don't get scared Nandini! She can't do anything! Queen gave me courage and I gulped tightly before fisting my hands.

"What do you want?" I asked in a loud voice and appreciated myself immediately that I didn't stammer.

"Ohh, just a little family reunion!" She spoke casually and I shrugged.

"Sorry not interested!" I lashed back and tried to screw away but she grabbed my arm making me squeak in horror.

"Not so fast little Nandini!" She spoke coldly and pushed me towards the shelf. My back hit with it badly and I felt immense pain spreading through my body immediately.

"Let me go!" I cried in pain and my legs started shivering.

Stay Strong!

Stay Strong!

I repeated the mantra in my head and tried to control myself.

"Oh not so fast! Do you really think you could get away with this? What the hell do you think you are doing with Manik Malhotra?" She shouted over my face and grabbed my hair bun so tightly to which I shrieked more.

She was unbelievably strong or was I too much weak?

"None of yours bloody business! Haven't you ruined enough for me?" I was not gonna get scared! Not today not anymore and I finally got succeed in jerking her hand away from my hair.

"Have I ruined? You were the one who killed my brother!!!!" She shouted once again and I was going mad with anger.

"Oh yeah? Your brother was my rapist!!" I shouted back and loads of memories flooded back which made me nauseous.

"Shut up! Stop accusing my brother for nothing!!!" She screamed in anger and I just glared at her. "Anyways! Whatever you did! It's past now! But what the fu*k do you think you are doing around Manik?" She was back on Manik and I rolled my eyes at her.

"Manik loves me and I love him too! Now just let me go and I am not at all interested in talking to you! For me you are nothing more than a culprit! I won't let you ruin anymore!" I shouted on her face and pushed her away.

With that I collected my things and reached the bathroom door until her shout made my breath stuck in my throat and my whole world collapsed down...the shout was:

"I have told Manik everything about you and your beautiful interesting pass just a while ago! And he hates you now!"

____________________________________-

Whoop whoop! Hawww! Neyonika bloody----beep beep beep!

She told Manik everything?

And Manik hates Nandini?

NO! NO! NO!

Babies! My poor Nandu!

How much is left for her to suffer! :(

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Love, Cheers! Mawara!