In the Restaurant

What's atmosphere..?
In simple English, it means the envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another planet..But, that's only generally..What's atmosphere when we relate it to a situation..

It's a feeling that a person will feel as per the situation' s level. The atmosphere could turn happy, sad, suffocating or AWKWARD..!!

Well, that's exactly the atmosphere or the feeling that some people were going through who were sitting around a big rectangle shaped table..

Chopra and Malhotra youngsters were seated around to discuss over Manik and Nandini's marriage proposal. But, it was getting too awkward for the two souls a.k.a Manik and Nandini, especially when they have already said a YES to go ahead with the blooming relationship..

But, someone was sweating in nervousness too. Of course, it was Manik Malhotra because he was literally getting eaten through, aahaa..not mouth but though eyes, the predator eyes of his would-be Lady Love's brothers..

Elisha ( annoyed ): Guys, stop staring at him like he's your prey..

The Chopra brothers just nodded but then their gazes were still at Manik..

Iksha ( sighed ): Manik..please don't mind, they are a bit over protective for giggles, I mean Nandini..

Manik smiled genuinely at her..

Manik: I can understand Mrs. Chopra. I too have a sister..

Nandini had a sweet smile after hearing him..

Jhanvi ( to Chopra boys ): Usse ghoorna bandh karo..

And the next moment, her devars gave a sheepish smile to her. Jhanvi was always their elder sister so they listen to whatever she says. While, Gaurish was still not affected..She pinched his arm without anyone's notice making him hiss..

Jhanvi ( sarcastically ): Manik aap logon se baath karne keliye hai yaha..janthe hai na aapko..?

Gaurish ( fake smiled ): Ji Beewi sahiba..

Nandini was giggling silently as she was watching their nok jhok since she was seated in between Gaurish and Neil..

Ishaan ( emotionless ): Tho Manik Malhotra, though we have become friends already, I have got some questions to ask, bas ai veyi mein apni behen ko nahi doonga tumhe..any issues with it..?

Manik ( smiled ): Go ahead..

Ishaan ( nodded ): Why did you agree for this proposal, when you were the one to reject our sister when your Dadu asked to meet her for the proposal..?

Manik ( rubbed his nape ): Um, honestly, I have to say that its because of my temper. I have a very bad temper. I get angry soon and I take at least an hour to get calm down and when I am on my angry mood, I speak only rubbish and so I lashed out at Miss Chopra and for the first time in my life, a girl fought with me which did hurt my Ego and so I decided to reject her proposal because I thought we would never get along, we would keep on fight, I could never find the real face of her's behind that Miss Professional..

At the end, he looked at Nandini to see her looking at him with raised eyebrows and then she shook her head with a smile making him smile too..

Neil: So, you decided to define her character even before knowing her..?

Manik: Everyone has got their own characters, their own beliefs. I too had my own thoughts. My first impression used to become the right but for Miss Chopra, it was different. I failed to notice that she has two faces, one for Professional world and one for her family and I agree completely that I like when she is with her family..

Nandini bit her lips and hid her smile because whatever he was saying was affecting her, in a good way..

Kashish: Whom would you prefer when a situation arises that you had to chose either your wife or your family..?

Manik looked at Kashish with crooked eyebrows as if he wants to get to know what exactly was his mission on asking such a question..?

Manik ( shrugged his shoulders ): I don't know..

The Chopras looked at him with a frown..Nandini was just a silent listener..

Kashish ( frowned ): What do you mean by that..?

Manik ( casually ): It means what I just said. I don't know, because as much as I know myself, I would go with the truth. If, by chance, there is going to be any issue in my future life, then I would just go with the truth. if truth lies with my wife, then I would stand with her and fight for her but if she was at fault then I would ask her to rectify it..

And this answer of Manik just forced the Chopra brothers to gain a place in their heart. This was something they follow. For them too, their wives and their family holds the same place in their heart. If there is a fight, then they would only listen to the truth. Now, they knew, Manik would support their sister if he's going to trust her enough..

Kairav ( smiled ): Bells..

Nandini ( looked at him ): Haan Bhai..

Kairav ( stared at Manik ): Its a YES from my side, kyu Hetal..?

Hetal too smiled and nodded..Manik smiled in relief while Nandini too smiled at him and moved her gaze at the rest of her brothers..

Ishaan ( smiled ): Eva, you better know it..

Eva ( grinned ): Its a YES..

Kashish: It was already a YES from Iksha and so mine..

Iksha smiled at him..

Neil ( smiled ): Its a YES, from mine and Elisha's side..

Elisha too smiled at him..While Jhanvi looked at Gaurish who was just staring at Manik..

Jhanvi: Guarish..

He looked at her to see her asking through eyes about his decision..Gaurish got up from his place making others look at him in surprise..

Manik too got up seeing Gaurish approaching him..

Gaurish ( formally ): Hamare pariwar ke bade beta hoon mein, char chote bhai hai mera, par behen sirf ek hi hai, lekin mere liye behen nahi, meri bachi hai, she is 6 years younger to me. When I saw her for the first time, she was looking so fragile, she couldn't speak because she was so tiny but her eyes said that she needed someone to protect her, to take care of her and the most surprising thing is her eyes are still the same, no difference, isiliye jab Dad uski shadi ke baath karthe the tho I tried to escape, because I was afraid that what if the guy fails to protect her like how we protect her, what if he can't love her like how we love her, what if he doesn't know to pamper her because we don't forget to pamper her even for a minute, but now..after talking to you, I feel like I can get rid of that fear..I am trusting you, you better keep it..Warna, usse mein apne paas hi rakhoonga, kisi ko bhi nahi doonga..what say..?

At the end, Nandini had tears in her eyes which she held back not letting it to fall in front of others, but she just held Neil's hand who was gripping it so tightly. Kashish, Kairav and Ishaan's condition were no less, only difference was they hid it from others.

While Malhotras just got to know that they are going to make someone's precious gem as their brother's wife..Manik just knew how inexpressive Gaurish is but if it's about Nandini, then no backing off..

Manik ( smiled ): BHAI..aisa bulathe hai na sab aapko..?

Gaurish nodded with a puzzled face..

Manik ( sweetly ): Tho agar, aapki behen aapko Bhai bhula sakthe hai tho uske honewale pathi bhi bula sakthe na, as much as I know, I am not gonna let any other guy to protect your sister or to love your sister cause, its my right..

Gaurish smiled at him and hugged Manik which shocked everyone while Manik hugged him back with a sweet smile on his lips..

Gaurish ( broke the hug ): Tum bula sakthe ho..jo bhi meri chiko ke hai wo tumhara bhi ho chuka hai..

Manik ruffled his hair and nodded while Nandini was the most happiest soul seeing her brothers getting respected by her would-be husband..Gaurish went back to his place and soon Nandini gripped it in her's making him look at her, she smiled sweetly at him which was enough for him to understand. He bent to her level and she kissed his cheeks immediately, it was a way of thanking from Nandini Chopra's side..Chopras giggled at her childish antic which Manik admired..

Jhanvi: Malhotras, kya aap Nandini se kuch poochna chahthe hai..?

Malhotra boys looked at each other and shrugged, but then they looked at Sachan, as he was the most matured..

Sachan ( smiled): Mein kuch poochoonga bhi nahi, mein apni behen ko bohath achi se jantha hoon and I know, she is perfect for Mann..

Nandini smiled cutely at him..

Devarsh: Okay, tho mein hi poochoonga..Nandini..we have always asked only one question to all of the daughter-in-laws of Malhotras, it applies to you too.." What is Love for you and how to increase love in a family ? "..

Nandini ( smiled ): I don't know whether my answer will be apt for the question or not. But, according to me, Love means Trust..If there is no trust in a relationship then you can never find Love between them. If you trust someone blindly, then the depth of love they share is unlimited. And, to increase love in a family, I don't think you could increase or decrease Love because we would never know how can Love happen..Love just happens without a reason, without a prediction, it just happens because its time to fall in love or to feel love for a person, you can say that you could fall for a person again and when you fall for someone again, its doubled but surely, it doesn't mean increasing Love, as far as I believe, when you love someone, it will always be deep and intent..

The Malhotras sat amazed with her answer, it was firm yet truth, it was bold yet sweet. They were sure about Nandini being the youngest daughter-in-law of Malhotras and she being Manik's wife..

While Manik, he sat with amused face. Because whatever she said is something he believes. He believes without trust, Love can never happen. He believes, once you fall in love, it will always be deep and she just said the same..

Devarsh ( smiled ): Its a YES from Malhotras..

He said it after seeing the smiling faces of his wife, brothers and Bhabis..

Manik and Nandini smiled after seeing that their families too are ready to accept each other..

Kairav: All right, let's leave to Chopra's Villa..Elders will be waiting over there, for us..

In Chopra's Villa

Each and every member of both Chopra's and Malhotra's family were seated in the living room with the family Pandit of Malhotras who was actually having a video chat with them. Since, the Pandit lives in Mumbai, he was asked to have a video chat with the families so that they could finalize the dates..

Pandit: Aadesh Ji, Manik bete aur Nandini beti ke kundli ke anusaar, theen dates hai shadi ke muhurath keliye..

Aadesh: Ji, aap batha deejiye..

Pandit: Ek- 1 hafthe ke baad, dhoosra- ek mahine ke baadh aur theesra 1 saal baadh..

Others sat with tensed faces, Nandini was the only daughter, so they wanted to have a grand wedding for her and here the dates are very difficult to chose. If they go with the 1 month then its very near since the next 8-10 days will be gone with their vacation itself and one week, its totally impossible while 1 year is too far..

Nandini was feeling very nervous and tensed. She didn't want to leave her family this soon. But she knew, she is already 26 and its really high time to get married and have a marital life.

While Manik..he was literally gawking at the laptop screen or precisely at the Pandit, in shock. The dates were quiet crazy for him..

Raj ( frowned ): One week is too near, even one month is nearer. We will be spending nearly 10 days as our vacation over here then how are we supposed to keep this marriage within a month or a week..!!

Haresh( thoughtfully ): But then, we have only one more date left. Maanav Papa Ji..kya kehthe hai aap..Ek saal ke baadh rakh sakthe hai kya..?

Manik's eyes have popped out of it's sockets..

Manik ( whispered ): Whatttt..!!! Why don't we wait till we grow old..??

Cabir and Abhimanyu heard it and started laughing silently..

Manik ( glared ): Kya yar..yaha meri zindagi barbadh horahi hai aur tum log has rahe hai..

Cabir ( chuckled ): Tho tumhe ye shadi barbadhi lag raha hai..?

Manik ( scowled ): Cabirr..mujhe ye shadi nahi balki ye Pandit barbadhi lag raha hai..Here, I am waiting to get married to Nandini as soon as possible and that Pandit wants us to get married after a year..

Abhimanyu ( smirked ): Kya baath hai beta, ithna desperate..Not bad huh..

Manik bit his lips and looked here and there making them chuckle..

Cabir ( smirked ): Chal, hum Pandit ji se kahenge ki shadi ek saal ke hi baad rakhne keliye..

Manik ( shouted ): Noo...

Hearing his shouted, everyone got startled as they were discussing about marriage dates, they looked at Manik with a questioning look.

Gaura: Mann, kya hua beta..

Manik: Uh..kuch..kuch nahi Dadi..

Nyonika: Tumne chillaya kyu..?

Abhimanyu ( smirked ): Kuch nahi Nyo Maa..We just told Manik that his marriage will take place after a year, aur sunthe hi bechara ne chillaya, thoda desperate tha bhabi ko ghar laane keliye..

Nandini looked at Manik with widened mouth who was glaring at Abhimanyu. Eva nudged her and smirked at her for which she blushed but then managed to glare at her..

Devarsh ( raised his eyebrow ): Tujhmein ithna desperation tha..?

Manik grinned at him nervously making others chuckle..He looked at Nandini who wasn't looking at him at all..But, he could find the red hue on her face which made him smirk..

Cabir: Bechara Abhi, aaj Manik tujhe kacha chaba bana dega..

Manik ( smirked ): Nah, aaj tho Abhi ne dil hi khush kardiya..ek bear tho zaroor dena padega..

Cabir and Abhimanyu were confused while Manik's gaze was on Nandini. he was happy to see her blushing..

Ishaan: Kya mein kuch keh saktha hoon..

Madan: Zaroor beta..ithna formal hone ke zaroorath nahi hai..

Ishaan ( smiled ): Shadi Manik aur Nandu ki hai tho unse bhi poochna chaiye, hai na..

Elders smiled at his concern and they turned to Manik and Nandini..

Indira: Mann ka tho patha chala, he doesn't want the date to be after a year..Ab, Nandini beta..aap bathayiye..

Nandini ( smiled ): Aunty, I go with my family's wish..

They smiled at her..

Pallavi: Beta, aapki koi wish hai, I mean..do you want your wedding to be destination..?

Of course, she had a wish but she didn't know whether she could say it out or not. She can say whatever she wants if she is with her family but then here she is sitting with her would-be husband's family too. What if they didn't like her idea. She would even feel hurt..

Nandini ( smiled faintly ): Ji nahi, aisi koi wish nahi hai, Aunty..

Manik found something fishy in her behavior. His gaze unintentionally fell on Eva who was sighing in disbelief. He saw her nudging Nandini who was asking her to shush..

Manik ( thought ): Kuch tho baath hai..

He took his mobile and messaged someone..

Nandini scrolled down her mobile screen when she heard the beep sound..She opened her inbox to see the message.." Nandini, baath kya hai.." She was confused, who was this message holder..She decided to deal with it later. Now, family was much important.

Manik ( frowned ): Ye mere message ke reply kyu nahi de rahi hai..

Thankfully, he still had her number, he couldn't delete it even after finishing his professional matter with her..

Nandini opened her inbox when she heard the beep sound again.." Nandini..why aren't you replying.."

She messaged him " Who are you "

Manik: God, its me, the one sitting right in front of you..

She frowned and looked in front to see Manik glaring at her..She bit her tongue after knowing it was him..

Nandini: Sorry, I hadn't save your number..

Manik: Its fine. Ab bolo, baath kya hai..

Nandini: Kuch bhi tho nahi..

Manik: Nandini, I want to build trust in our relationship which means we shouldn't hide anything from each other. Will you cooperate with me..?

She looked at him who was looking at her with sincerity in his eyes..

Nandini: I, actually have a wish regarding my wedding..

She looked at his face to see him reading her message with a frown and then glared at her..She thought he didn't like it..

Manik: Kisine kaha tha kya ki tum meri beewi nahi balki meri ghar ke kaamwali banne jaa rahi hai..

Nandini looked at him with a confused look..

Manik: Nandini, you are going to be my wife tho tumhara haq bantha hai, jo bhi tumhare dil mein hai wo bolne keliye. I would be happy to fulfill your wish..

She smiled reading his message..

Nandini: I wanted to have a beach wedding..

Manik stared at it with amusement and then looked at her to see her looking at him with curious eyes, as if she wanted to read his heart..She raised her eyebrows and he just winked at her making her stun in her place..

Manik kept his mobile in his pocket which made her frown..He won't sit simply after reading her message, she knows him this much..

Manik: Um, mujhe kuch bathana tha..

The elders looked at him, they were still busy in discussing..

Kailash ( smiled ): Kahiye beta..

Manik ( smiled ): Can we have a beach wedding..?

Nandini looked at him with widened mouth and eyes. She didn't expect him to ask on behalf of her..

Saaransh stared at him with a smile and then looked at his daughter who was looking at Mnaik with shock written faces..

Saaransh ( chuckled ): My baby is in safe hands..!!

Raj ( surprised ): Beach wedding..? But we are Punjabis Mann, phir kyu..

Manik: Dad, I always liked the idea of white wedding and Nandini too liked Beach wedding so I think we can mix it up..A WHITE BEACH WEDDING..

They looked at him surprise..Chopras looked at Nandini for affirmation while Malhotras too looked at her making her conscious..

Nandini: Um, yeah, I, kinda..

Eva ( interrupted ): She always wanted a Beach wedding, she was jsut scared to voice it out..

Nyonika ( sighed ): Nandini beta..aap hamari bahu nahi, balki beti hai aaj se ,isiliye jo bhi aapke dil mein hai wo aap batha sakthe hai, just like how you could share it with your family, you can share it with us too..

Nandini smiled lovingly at her and nodded..

Nandini: I am sorry Aunty, I thought you wouldn't like it..

Indira: its okay, par aaj se repeat math karna..teek hai..

She bobbed her head cutely..

Pallavi: Aur haa, ye Aunty wanty chod dho..Mann hum theenon ko Ma bulathe hai which means it applies to you too..

Nandini could only smile warmly at her..

Nandini: Ji Teek hai Aun..I mean, Ma..

The three ladies smiled widely at her and so Manik, he was happy to see the growing bonding between his favorite ladies..

Aadesh: Chalo, tho its decided..Manik and Nandini is going to have a beach wedding, what say Maanav..?

Maanav ( smiled ): Oh yes, we have got no problems as much as it pleases both my princess and Manik..

Cabir: Agar aisa hai, then why don't we go with the first date..Beach wedding is not so heavy to prepare aur hum yaha Beaches ke city mein hai, the marriage could take place in here, Thailand..

Ishaan ( excited ): Awesome idea..that's going to be perfect..Thailand is the best when it comes to beaches..

The elders too nodded at them..

Sachan: So, its decided..The wedding will take place after a week..Manik aur Nandini..?

Manik looked at Nandini and raised his eyebrow for which she smiled at him and this gesture of his was noticed by others..

Manik ( smiled ): Its a Yes..

Others hooted..

" Invited for Manik Malhotra and Nandini Chopra's Wedding "

To be continued..