In Aanchal's Paradise

The Beach

It was a place which gives only peace since it's beauty is something to ogle at. Especially when it's dark. It's dark sky with twinkling stars all over it along with the lightening moon is something which gives immense peace to one's heart.

Manik was sitting on the shore with his hands rested on his knees, dressed in simple T-shirt and shorts, with a constant smile playing on his lips..

( Ignore the cap )

On the other hand, Nandini got out of her house, but wasn't alone. She had her brothers with her and they were the ones who will walk her to the beach..Soon, the Chopras were in the beach and roamed their eyes to see an impatient Manik sitting on the shore.

Ishaan: Lagtha hai bechara bohath der se tere liye intezaar kar rahe hai..

Nandini started looking here and there but she had a smile on her face too..Gaurish and Kairav took her hands in their's and walked towards Manik and others followed them. Manik was brought out of his trance by Neil's fake cough..

Manik ( smiled ): Nandini...( but soon, his smile vanished )aap log...??

Neil ( raised his eyebrow ): Kyu..hum yaha nahi aa sakthe kya..?

Manik ( fake smiled ): Um..aisa kuch nahi hai..I didn't expect you guys, isiliye thoda surprised tha..

Kashish ( expressionless ): Oh..hame laga tum giggles ke saath thoda lone time spend karna chahtha tha..it's okay, if you want us to join..

Manik ( immediately ): Nahiiii...

The brothers looked at him with raised eyebrows while Nandini was a silent spectator..

Kairav ( scratched his chin ): So, you don't want us to join..??

Manik ( nervously ): Haa..mera mathlab nahi..aisa hai ki..mujhe koi aitraaz tho nahi agar aap log bhi join karna chahthe hai tho..

Ishaan ( shrugged his shoulders ): Mujhe nahi patha tha ki tum hamari behen ke saath saath humare saath bhi ek zindagi jeena chahtha hai..

Manik and Nandini looked at Ishaan with widened mouths in shock..po

MaNan: Whattt...!!!

The brothers smirked at Nandini and she nervously smiled at them and hid behind Gaurish making them laugh and soon they turned their heads to Manik who was smiling at Nandini till now..

Manik: Um wo..what did you mean by that, Ishaan..?

Ishaan ( smirked ): So what should we understand from it, then..Like you have no problem if we join you guys..

Gaurish pulled Nandini from his back and made her stand beside Manik..

Gaurish: Zindagi tum dono ko jeena hai, ek saath. Isiliye, shadi hone se pehle tum dono ko bhi ek dusre ko jaanna zaroori hai. So, here she is, ek ghanta diya hai Papa ne, make use of it. Kehne keliye modern hai hum log par Papa, wo morals mein yakeen karne walon mein se hai, so spending lone time with each other before marriage isn't acceptable to Papa..phir bhi chiko keliye maana hai..Aur chiko..we'll be out there waiting for you, we'll go together back to our villa..teek hai..?

Nandini nodded at him with a smile and they kissed her forehead and moved away while giving a privacy to the couple..

Manik ( sighed in relief ): Thank God..bach gaye..

Manik turned to his left after hearing her giggling..

Manik ( bad face ): What..?

Nandini ( giggled ): Seriously..? You're scared of my brothers..? What happened to the Great Manik Malhotra's attitude..? Kya kaha tha uss din aapne.." Did you just forget you were speaking to Manik Malhotra..? "..

Manik too smiled after remembering their cute fight but then made a poker face..

Manik: Haa tho teek hai na..wo log meri honewali beewi ke Bhaiyaan hai tho mujhe respect tho dena chahiye..

Nandini ( smiled ): Yeah yeah, i believe you..

She walked more to the sea and stared at it in awe while he walked and stood beside her and took her hands in his and entwined them making her smile..

Nandini: This is peaceful..

She spoke while looking at the rushing waves and he just stared at her with a smile..

Manik: Indeed, my beautiful peace..

She snapped her head at him only to meet his intent gaze on her..She looked away while biting her lips and he just grinned at it.

Manik: Let's sit over here..

She nodded at him and they both sat on the sand while making a safe distance between them..They sat in silence for a couple of minutes..

Manik: Tumhe mujhse kuch poochna nahi hai..?

Nandini ( frowned ): Kuch poochna tha..?

Manik ( nodded ): I think so, aakhir shadi mujhse hi karna hai tumhe..

Nandini ( chuckled ): Shadi tho aapse hi karni hai par iska mathlab ye kaise hue ki mujhe aapse kuch poochna chahiye..

Manik: Arey mere bare mein kuch bhi nahi jaana hai kya tumhe..

Nandini ( nodded in No ): Nahi, mujhe aapse nahi sunna hai..

Manik ( disheartened ): Ohh..

Nandini ( continued ): Mujhe aapko jaanna hai..

He looked at her in a jiff with a confused face while she preferred to stare at the sea with a beautiful smile playing on her lips..

Nandini ( smiled ): I don't believe in knowing someone through words. I believe in learning about someone. I don't know what kind of character you have, even if you say to me that you're impulsive, understanding and can get angry easily, it won't make any sense to me until I too feel it. Mein ye nahi jaan sakthi ki aap understanding hai jab thak aap mere koi baath sunega nahi, mein ye nahi jaan sakthi ki aap impulsive hai ya nahi jab thak aapke saath rehna shuru nahi kiya, mein ye nahi jaan sakthi ki aapko jaldhi gussa aayega ya nahi jab thak aap mujhpe chillaega nahi..So, what's the use in giving an introduction about yourself to someone.

Manik stared at her with a sweet smile. He was just getting proved that only she could be the one for him. Feeling his gaze on her, she turned to face him..

Nandini ( confused ): What...?

Manik ( shook his head ): Bas soch raha tha ki tum kuzh zyada hi expressive ho. I can never speak this much about any emotion..

Nandini ( chuckled ): Aadath hojayega, mere saath rehkar. Ishaan Bhai tho mujhe kabhi kabhi Miss Explanation bhi bulatha hai..Aap bhi bhulana shuru karega phir..

Manik ( bit his lips ): Mein tho kuch aur hi bulaoonga..something sweet..

She blushed in deep red and tried to take her hand form his hold but he gripped it more tightly..

Manik: Ye tho already aadhat ho gaya..

He showed their entwined fingers and she could only smile at it..

Manik ( smiled ): Waise, on a serious note, I won't call any cheesy names..

Nandini ( interrupted ): Don't tell me you aren't from the new generation..

Manik ( frowned ): Kya mathlab..

Nandini ( bad face ): Arey aaj ke generation mein cheesy names important hai na..Especially baby, sweetheart..Don't take me wrong, but I really hate such names..Ye sab hum babies ko bulaenge na..koi apna boyfriend ko baby bulathe hai jab wo uss ladki se umar mein aur height mein bhi bade hai..

Manik ( widened his mouth ): Haww..mathlab ismein tho hamara same to same rishtha hai..

Nandini: Hain..?

Manik ( chuckled ): Well, I too find it weird. Sweetheart is something I can understand but baby, fine you can call your girl as baby because girls could be cute but then why on earth do you call a guy, baby.

Nandini ( nodded ): Wahi tho..ladke cute ban sakthe par phir bhi baby nahi ho saktha..

Manik: Wait..ladke cute ban sakthe..how can it happen..?

Nandini: Trust me..Boys act cute sometimes. I always find my Bhais cute..

Manik ( rolled his eyes ): Aap ladkiyon ko har ek cheez cute dikhthe hai ki ladkon ko bhi cute bulathe hai..

Nandini: Kya..har ek cheez nahi, sirf cute cheezein cute lagthe hai hume..

Manik: Yeah right..babies are cute, colored foods are cute, teddies are cute when they actually are just some animal dolls and at the end guys are cute. Madam, call us hot and handsome, it's acceptable..

Nandini ( shrugged her shoulders ): Well, I find guys cute..

Manik ( raised his eyebrow ): Every guys..?

Nandini ( thinking face ): Hmm..no..some guys are cute while some are just hot shots..

Manik: And you like cute guys not hot ones..?

Nandini ( grinned ): I find cute guys attractive..!!

Manik ( grumpily ): When did cute guys started to look attractive..??

She stared at him to see an annoying look on his face..

Nandini: Aap ithne grumpy kyu lag rahe ho..

Manik ( fake smiled ): Mein kaha grumpy lag raha hoon, Miss Chopra. I was just finding your thoughts different form others. Cute guys are hot and you find them attractive. great..

She bit her lips to control her smile after understanding that he didn't like when she talks about some other guys..

Nandini: Okay...

Manik just nodded still with the " cute guys thing " in his head. She was smiling secretly..He looked at her to see her rubbing her arms in due to the cold winds.

Manik: You feeling cold..?

Nandini ( smiled ): Its fine..Beach pe hai so obviously windy hoga na..

Manik nodded at her but he still could feel her shivering hands..He didn't have a blazer with him too.

Manik: Miss Chopra..we can go back, if you want..

She knew he wanted to spend some time with her and moreover, she too wanted to be with him. She was liking everything related to him and was looking forward to work hard for this blooming relationship.

Nandini ( smiled ): Its okay, Mr. Mlahotra. I am used to such atmosphere. Kaam ke wajah se bina sweater se winter bhi manaya hai mene..

He sighed, he knew she is right, after all private investigators even got for underground and it isn't necessary for them to have a perfect atmosphere when they are on mission but now, he knew he can't let her be in such a position..

Manik: Miss Chopra..I know, it's affecting you but you are just hiding it. Life partners share everything, even their discomfort..

Nandini ( smiled ): I know, it's just. We have only less time to be with each other tonight and I don't wanna lose it, neither you..right..?

He grinned in happiness after hearing her..

Manik: Um yeah..but...( he paused and looked at her ) Would you mind..

He forwarded his left arm hesitatingly and gestured her to it and she bit her cheeks after knowing what he wanted her to do. She gave a small smile and moved a bit forward to him while he himself moved to her and then wrapped his left arm around her shoulder.

On sticking their bodies to each other, they looked in the other's eyes to see only comfort and peace..She could see the happiness that he had just because he got her in his arms while he could see peace in her eyes...

Nandini ( looked down ): Thank You..

Manik ( smiled ): Pleasure is mine, not just for formality but you really made me happy..Thank You for trusting me, even if its a bit..

She looked at him and smiled and soon they engaged themselves in talks. Soon, Nandini's phone beeped making them halt in their conversation..She opened her inbox to see a message form " Gaurish Bhai "

" Chiko, its time to go back "..she read the message and Manik too read it since they were sitting close by..

Manik ( muttered): Ithni jaldhi cheen liya mujhse..

Nandini heard it and giggled and he glared at her..

Nandini: Ek ghanta diya tha Papa ne..

Manik ( huffed ): Ek ghanta tho kuch bhi nahi hai..

She laughed out and rose to her feet making him also to stand..

Nandini ( awkwardly ): Um..See you..

Manik ( nodded ): Yeah..I will walk you till your brothers..

She nodded in yes and they walked out hand in hand to see her brothers waiting for them..The Chopras' gaze moved to their entwined hands and they smiled inwardly at it. On reaching them, Manik left her hand unwillingly and she looked at him with a cute smile which brought a smile on his lips too.

Neil ( to Nandini ): Chalein giggle..

She gave a small smile to him and letting a little privacy to them, they walked ahead saying " jaldhi aa na "

Nandini: Um..mein jaa rahi hoon..

Manik ( scratched his head ): Um, I hope, you won't get mad on me..

Nandini ( frowned ): Huh...for what..?

Manik ( grinned ): You wouldn't get it..

Saying it, he leaned to her face and gave a long peck on her forehead and she smiled in bliss and closed her eyes for feeling his lips on her skin..He whispered on her forehead..

Manik: Good night, Miss Chopra..

He stepped back to see her opening her eyes..

Nandini ( softly ): Good Night, Mr. Malhotra..Waise, you are cute...

Saying it with a giggle, she walked ahead and held Kashish's hand who was still waiting for her while Manik watched her back with a shock and soon he grinned like a fool..He saw her looking back at him with a smile and he just grinned at her and he got a smile in return..

Manik ( ruffled his hair ): It's indeed a good night..

He walked back to his villa with a never ending smile on his lips ad crashed on the bed to welcome his future..

Next Day

Malhotra's Villa

The Dining Table

The youngsters were seated around lost in deep discussion or else lost in deep fight..While, Manik was the only one looking at them with a pity look on his face..

Myra T: Cabirrr bhai..mein bol rahi hoon na..wedding dress will be given from my side..

Cabir: Oh meri chipkali, mein tujhse bada hoon, isiliye jo mein boloonga wahi karegi thu..

Myra ( glared ): Chipkali kisko bola..

Cabir ( bored look ): Obviously tujhko..tujhe aur koi Myra dikhthi hai kya yaha..

Myra ( pouted ): Sachan Bhai..

Sachan. M( glared ): Cabir..kyu tang kar rahe ho usse..

Abhimanyu. M ( irritated ): Yar Bhai, ab aap iska side math lo..Manik ke wedding dress hum ladke decide karenge..

Maahi. M ( huffed ): No way Mr. Abhimanyu Malhotra. Manik ke wedding dress hum ladkiyan hi decide karenge.

Navya. M: Exactly. In fact, we have even found the best designer for Manik's wedding dress and he has even sent us such gorgeous suits that will even push your eyes out of it's sockets..

Cabir ( excitedly ): Really..? Wow, tho tum mujhe dikhao wo sab. Wo kya hai na, aakhen kharab hojayenge na aur uske baad mein tujhe bhi nahi dekh paoonga..kithni achi baath hai na..

Navya glared the shit out of Cabir while he was just annoyed with this fight..

Abhimanyu ( frowned ): Mujhe ek doubt hai, tu apne aakhone ke bina business kaise karenge..yar tu tho bankrupt hojayega..

Tarush ( hit his head ): Abhi Bhai...Cabir Bhai ka dimaag already damaged hai par aapke dimaag ke fuse kisne nikaal diya..

Abhimanyu ( sarcastically ): Teri beewi ne..jabse ye mujhe strawberry bulana shuru kiya, tabe mere dimaag bhi chalna bandh kiya..

Myra: Haw...ab saari galthi meri hai..arey aap dikhne mein strawberry jaise hai and you had to take it as a compliment par nahi, bhalaai ka koi zamana hi nahi..

Devarsh. M ( annoyed ): Baby Bedi Singh, usse compliment nahi kehthe hai..embarrassing kehthe hai..

Myra: Arey aapko tho har baath embarrassing hai. Esha Bhabi, ye bathayiye ki aapko inse pyar kaise hua, mathlab inko bas ek kaam aatha hai aur wo hai " office ka kaam " uske alawa agar kuch jaantha hai tho wo hai chup chaap bethke bina kuch karke doosron ke baath sunna..aise insaan se pyar karkar kuch milega kya..

Esha. M: Poochna bhi math Myru..meri kismath hi kharab thi..

Manik ( shouted ): Okay guys time up..mujhe zor se bhook lagi hai..

Abhimanyu: Tujhe tho uske alawa aur kuch aatha hi nahi..bechari Nandini Bhabi ka kya hoga..

Manik ( sarcastically ): Uska kya hoga ye tum mujhpe chod dho, shadi tho mein hi karne wala hoon, ab tum apna muh bandh kar kyunki tum bakwas ke alawa aur kuch boltha bhi nahi..

Cabir: Haa haa..ab tujhe sab kuch bakwaas dikhthe hai..waise uske kya hoga ye hum tujhpe chodne ka mathlab kya tha..haww..Manik, mera Bhai, kahi tum first night ke plan abse hi shuru nahi kiya..

Manik widened his eyes while others chuckled..

Manik ( growled ): Cabirrrr...

Tarush: Kya Bhai..ye sab aap hum sabke samne kaise discuss kar sakthe hai, kam se kam ye socho na ki hum aap se chota hai..

Manik ( looked at Abha ): Bhabi..dekho na..

Abha ( chuckled ): Acha teek hai, wo log tumhe chedega nahi, par pehle ye batha..kal raath hua kya tha..Tumne kuch bathaya hi nahi..

Manik ( blushed ): Kuch nahi..bas..bath kiya..

Myra ( raised her eyebrow ): Bas..ithna hi hua..aapke blushing face dekhkar mujhe laga bohath kuch hua hoga..

Manik: Myra ki bachi..

Manik ran behind Myra while she ran to save her life and hid behind her Bhabis..

Manik: Esha Bhabi..isse baahar nikal..

Esha: Arey Manik, shant hoja..tumhe bhook lagi na..chalo..

Manik pulled Myra's hair and winked at her..

Manik: Tit for tat..

Myra ( bad face ): Coconut tree Malhotra..

Manik: Myraaa..

And the next Tom and Jerry show has started again while others watched it without popcorn...

To be continued..