In Central Festival Phuket

Nandini's POV

I was in search of rose flowers as I love it a lot. They are beautiful and I prefer them if someone has asked me which is the most beautiful flower on earth. While, my chote saab was busy with his toys. He loves toys, oops not just him, even I love it..But only soft toys..Teddies are my favorite. But my baby loves cars. He can even get the whole damn world under his feet if it will take him to cars.

Nandini: Did you get it, baby..?

I asked when I saw him struggling to find his favorite Ferrari. He has a bunch of Ferrari at home but he can never get enough of them..

Naitik ( whined ): Bua..

Huff, he will never stop his whining. But, I don't want him too, he looks too adorable when he whines that sometimes I might eat him up..I took him in my arms and started searching for it when I spotted it in the topmost shelf. Damn, why can't they keep it somewhere down. I didn't even wear my heels. If Ishaan Bhai was here, he would have teased the hell out of my height..

Before I could struggle more, a long arm came to my rescue and took the toy from upstair and gave it to naitik. Must be a man, a lady can never have this long arm. I smiled seeing my baby's smile. I looked above to thank the person..

What the...!!!! Its him, he had such a long arm..? I should have noticed it..Shit..!! I am really not interested in having a fight with him again..Rab Ji, please save me from this Savage Giant Monkey a.k.a MANIK MALHOTRA..!!

End of Nandini's POV

Manik ( smirked ): Should have been a little more tall, Miss Chopra..

Nandini ( glared ): As much as I remember, we don't need to get married..right..?

Manik widened his eyes..

Manik: What do you mean..?

Nandini ( sarcastically ): Well, a tall man will always wish for a tall girl as his wife, so I being not so tall shouldn't bother you..

Manik ( glared): I would never wish it in future too..

Nandini ( grinned ): Really..Wow..I am so happy..Now, if you are done with the not so interesting conversation, then you can move aside..I am not at all interested in having a " fight " with you..

Manik: As If I am dying to be with you..

He moved aside..

Nandini: Feelings are mutual..

She too started to walk when Naitik caught hold of Manik's collar which surprised both Manik and Nandini..

Naitik( grinned ): Bua..chot..to thank un..hu elp..Thank you..( Bua taught to thank one who helps )

Manik stared at him in awe, one he didn't understand what Naitik said but he found him so cute too..He moved his gaze from Naitik to Nandini who was admiring her nephew..She looked at Mnaik when she felt his gaze on her..

Manik ( awkwardly ): Um..I..I din't get him..

Nandini ( nodded ): You won't..you should get used to him to understand his language..He is just thanking you for getting this toy for him..

Manik ( smiled at Naitik ): You don't need to, ( he turned to Nandini ) He said something else too..I heard Bua from him..

Nandini ( sarcastically ): Ab agar mein tumse kahoon tho tum phirse fight karoge and I am not interested..

Before they could continue, someone poked Manik's leg..He looked down to see Mihika who was already down in search for a better doll..Manik smiled at her and he picked her up in his arms while Nandini was going to walk again and this time she was stopped by a shout..

" Cheeky.."

Nandini turned to the voice and smiled widely..

Nandini: Baby boo..

Manik ( frowned ): Oh hello, ye meri Mihika hai..

Nandini ignored him and moved towards Mihika who was in Manik's arms, while Mihika was going to jump out of his arms when she caught hold of her..

"Baby aaram se" both Manik and Nandini said at the same time. They looked at each other and broke their gazes the next moment..

Cabir ( whispered to Gagan ): Aapko nahi lagtha kuch gadbad hai..

Gagan: Abey, hamara pariwar ke sabse bada gadbad tum khud ho tho phir aur koi gadbad kaise hoga..

Cabir ( sarcastically ): Aap tho bade philosopher nikla..

Gagan showed his teeth..

Cabir: Waise mein serious hoon. Manik aur Nandini Chopra mein kuch tho chemistry hai..

Gagan ( sadly ): Koi chemistry nahi hai..chemistry chod yaha hum tho inn dono ko physical rishtha , mathlab shadi karwane ke koshish kar rahe the par tumhara khothe Bhaai aur shayad hogi Bhabi ne mana kiya..

Cabir ( patted his back ): Koi nahi, mein apna Bhai ko biologically jantha hoon..wo bhi bohath hi jaldhi kisipe marega..

Abhimanyu ( annoyed ): Daadu, ye tho mathematically hi pagal hai par aap kabse iske tarah ho gaya..?

Devarsh( angry ): Chup paro yaar..tum log school mein ho kya jo science aur maths ke baare mein bath kar rahe hai..

Gagan ( bad face ): Tum aur tumhara chota Bhai ek jaise hai.." Good for nothing and Brainless creatures " isiliye chup kar aur drama enjoy karo..

Devarsh made a bad face at it while Sachan was silently giggling at them..

Naitik snaked his arms around Nandini and showed his eyes to Mihika who was playing with Nandini's hair as they were having cute conversation. This was noticed by Manik and he chuckled seeing the little possessive baby boy..

Nandini: Aap mere sath aaogi kya..

Mihika ( bobbed her head ): Haa..tachu..( chachu ) aao..

Manik ( smiled ): Baby, hum baad mein jayenge..aapko bhook lag rahi hai na..

Mihika ( puppy face ): Tachu..

Nandini ( poked Mihika's cheeks ): Koi nahi baby, aap pehle khana khao aur hum baad mein milenge..apne bhooki bhooki ko bye bye kaho..

Mihika giggled at her and nodded..She leaned to Nandini's cheeks and kissed her for which she smiled widely and kissed her back while there was one soul who was busy in gawking at Nandini, of course it was Manik..He felt so jealous of his niece for getting to kiss Nandini..

Nandini: Ba-Bye..

Mihika: Bye Cheeky..

Nandini ( giggled ): Its Chiko, baby boo..

Mihika: Cheeky..

Nandini: You aren't gonna learn it..chote saab..baby boo se bye bolo..

Naitik ( glared cutely ): Bye..

She sighed in disbelief and moved out of the store while Manik stared at her back..

Nyonika ( excited ): Bhabi, Pallavi..Mann uss bachi ko kuch zyada hi ghoor raha tha..hai na..

Pallavi ( grinned ): Haa Bhabi..sahi kaha aapne..

Indira ( smiled widely ): Kahi wo bachi tho nahi jo hamara Mann ke soulmate banegi..

The ladies grinned at each other..

Malhotras continued their tour..

While Chopras got back to their villa after their short span of shopping..

At night

Malhotras were sitting around the bonfire and talking when Gaura exchanged glances with Devashree who nodded at her with a sweet smile..

Devashree: Mujhe kuch bathana tha..

Everybody's attention turned towards Devashree..

Aadesh ( frowned ): Kya baath hai, Devashree..

Devashree ( smiled ): Mujhe Mann keliye ek ladki pasandh aayi hai..

Manik choked on his drink..

Manik: Not again, Badi Daadi..mujhe khud yaad nahi hai ki abi thak kithne ladkiyon se mila mene..

Gaura ( sighed ): Uske wajah tum khud ho..koi bhi ladki pasandh nahi aya tumhe..

Manik ( pouted ): Unme sein koi bhi achi nahi thi..

Nyonika ( sarcastically ): Haa haa..aakhir tum Brad Pitt ho aur tujhe Angelina Jolie hi chahiye..kyu..

Manik made a bad face at his Mom..

Aadesh: Acha wo sab chod..Devashree, tum bathao..kon hai wo ladki..kya humein se koi janthe hai usko..?

Devashree ( smiled ): Haa..hum sab janthe hai uss bachi ko..badi pyari hai..

Cabir ( stunned ): Wow..mathlab, aisi konsi ladki hai iss duniya mein jo Devashree Malhotra ko impress kar sakthi hai..

Manik ( thought ): Why do I always think about Nandini whenever someone mentions about my marriage..I have already rejected her then why am I feeling bad when Badi Daadi said she found some girl for me..Ughhh...this is so irritating..

Sachan ( nodded ): I agree with Cabir..Devashree Malhotra is a tough nut, after all..

Devashree ( glared ): Really..?

Both of kept finger on their lips..

Devarsh: Ab tho bathao na, kon hai wo ladki..

Gaura and Devashree smiled at each other while Manik gave least importance and started drinking again..( only soft drink )

Gaura/Devashree: NANDINI CHOPRA...

That was it, Manik spat the whole drink on Cabir..

Cabir: What the hell, Manik..tum mujhe garbage truck samajke rakha hai kya..?

But Manik was least bothered about it..He was staring at his grandmothers in shock..Gagan understood his dilemma, while he himself was sighing sadly after hearing the name of the girl..

Nyonika ( excited ): Kya..sach mein..Ma..? Daadi, kya aapko wo bachi sach mein pasandh aayi..?

Devashree ( smiled ): Haa beta..mujhe wo sach mein bohath pasandh aayi..she is educated, courageous and a very sweet girl too..

Gaura: Par, tum ithni excited kyu ho rahi ho, Nyo..?

Pallavi ( smiled sweetly ): Arey Ma..kya bathaoon..hum theeno ko bhi wo bachi bohath pasandh aayi thi..

Indira ( smiled ): Haa Ma..hamara Mann keliye usse behthar ladki nahi mil sakthe..

Devashree and Gaura smiled at them..They turned to Aadesh and Gagan..

Aadesh ( smiled ): Ab tumne usse chose kiya tho obviously she has to be a perfect one. Waise bhi, mujhe wo bachi ne bohath impress kiya tha..

The ladies' happiness had no bounds. While, there was one soul who had a mixed kind of feelings. He was feeling a kind of excitement in him when he heard, his family wanted Nandini to be his wife but at the same time, he was confused why he is getting excited when he himself has rejected her once, yes it was Manik Malhotra who was having these kind of mixed thoughts..

Devashree: Gagan, tum kya bolthe ho..?

Gagan ( sighed ): I am sorry Ma, ye nahi ho saktha..

This was a bomb for them. Gagan was a person who could understand one's personality in just a single meeting and here the whole Malhotras had liked Nandini then why is he saying no to this proposal..Didn't he like her..?

Gaura: Aap kya bol rahe hai, Gagan..? Nandini kithni achi bachi hai phir aapko ye proposal se kya problem hai..?

Manik was looking at Gagan with a sad face but he knew why he is saying No to this proposal and so the youngsters. They were happy that Gagan said no as according to them, Manik doesn't like Nandini. So, they will accept only that girl whom Manik could approve of. But, there was one among them who was observing Manik's actions. Of course, it was his brother Cabir Malhotra..

Cabir is more like a friend for Manik, vice versa. They can read each other's minds even without looking at each other.

Gagan ( stared at Manik ): Bas, mujhe wo pasandh nahi aaya..

Manik knew Gagan was saving Manik from his family member's questions..

Aadesh: Gagan, you have liked each and every girl which we chose for Manik and here Nandini Chopra is one of the best kind, still you didn't like her..Why do I feel like you are hiding something from us..?

Gagan ( nerovusly ): Kuch nahi Dad..actually..she..she is Ahaan's daughter, so I didn't want to make any family relationship with them..What if in future, the kids will have problem in their married life, then it will affect my relationship with Ahaan..

Gaura ( disbelievingly ): Kuch bhi Gagan, like seriously..when did you start in believing such foolish thoughts..If a couple is having some problems in their lives then it will be sorted by themselves. Even though it didn't, then it would never affect the families. You have never believed in such philosophies..then why now..?

Gagan ( thought ): Beewi hai tho meri jaisi hona chahiye..dil se dimaag thak pehchan sakthe hai wo mujhe..ughh...ab kya kahoon, Gagan beta..

Before Gagan could cook up something more, someone interrupted..

" Its because of me, Badi Daadi "

Everybody's attention turned towards the voice..

Gagan ( whispered ): Mann..

Gaura: Kya mathlab, Mann..

Devashree: Mann, apne Daadu ko defend karna chahthe ho kya..agar aisa hai..

Manik ( interrupted ): Nahi Badi Daadi, I am saying the truth. Actually, Daadu has got her proposal for me..

" What " elders echoed..

Raj: What does it mean, Manik..?

Madan: Dad, kya Manik sach keh rahe hai..?

Haresh: Haa Dad, kya aapko Chopra se Mann keliye proposal aaya tha..?

Gagan stared at Manik and saw him sad, he couldn't understand the reason, but now he decided to spill the truth..

Gagan: Correction Haresh, Choprase ne koi proposal nahi laaya..I asked Nandini's hand for Manik to Ahaan..

Nyonika: Kya..?

Pallavi: Kab..?

Gagan: I have seen Nandini in a party, and I liked her in a second..I thought she was perfect was Manik..

Indira: Phir ab aap inkaar kyu kar rahe hai Dad..aur Mann, tumne kya decide kiya tha..

Gagan ( coolly ): Nothing much, they both rejected each other..

Manik ( shocked ): What..? I was the one who rejected her..

Gagan: Indeed, but the point to be noted is, she rejected you too..

Manik never knew she rejected him too..

Maahi ( shocked ): Wow, so there is some girl who isn't affected by Manik Malhotra's charms..impressive..

Manik ( whined ): Bhaabi..

His Bhabis chuckled at him..

Gaura: Par ye dono reject kyu kiya..

Gagan: Aur kya reason hai gaura..Mann had met her for some professional work right. They had a fight and that was the reason for both of them..

The elders face palmed and looked at Mnaik..

Manik ( nervously ): Sorry..but that was a genuine reason..

Cabir: yeah..very genuine..

Nyonika: Mujhe wo bachi bohath achi lagi thi..

Manik: Mom, I am sorry..but..

Gagan: Its okay Mann..lets drop the topic..hum sabko sonna chahiye..

Everyone nodded at them except Aadesh and all of them departed to their rooms..

Gagan: Dad, aap bhi so jaiye..

Aadesh: Tujhe wo bachi pasandh aaya tha..?

Gagan ( smiled ): Haa Dad, I could find our youngest daughter-in-law in her..

Aadesh ( smiled ): Hmm..I knew it..chalo..hume bhi sona chahiye..

They too got up and bade bye to each other and slept to welcome a new morning..

Next Morning

Malhotras walked to the beach which is inside the colony and decided to have some snacks. Since the beach was near to the restaurant, they could have the restaurant food from there..

They occupied their seats and was surfing through the menu card when they heard a guy's voice..

" Mam, ice cream is cold.."

They looked at each other and frowned..

" Really..? I thought ice cream was hot " they heard a girl's voice..

Cabir ( thoughtfully ): I would have asked the same question to that guy..

Other sighed in disbelief but they turned their attention to that voice..They looked at the person keenly..

Maahi ( narrowed her eyebrows ): Hey, isn't it Mrs. Hetal Chopra..!!

Navya: Exactly, wo Hetal Chopra hi hai..and those are her sister-in-laws right..

Esha ( nodded ): Yup, at the right of her, its Iksha Chopra and Elisha chopra, while at the left..aah..I can't see their faces..

Abha: Shayadh wo Jhanvi hogi..aur dho ladkiya bhi hai uske saath..

" We know ice cream is cold "

Manik's eyes snapped at the voice and the girl turned to her right as she was about to talk to the girl beside her..

Manik ( whispered ): Nandini..

Nandini and her Bhabis have decided to roam around the beach. Every day of a week used to be Bhabi-Nanandh day..On that day, they go for shopping, gaming and outside food and ice cram will be must for them..It was something Zaara used to do with her Bhabis and surprisingly Nandini inherited that too from her. Nandini always said to Zaara that once she gets her first Bhabi, she too will have a Bhabi-Nanandh day as she finds it so enjoyable. She being the only girl of the family was so irritating for her. Girls always need girls beside them to share their secrets and to have a shoulder to lean on..

They occupied their seats to dine in the beach as they were tired after enjoying in the beach. It was time for desserts and Hetal was the last one to order..

Hetal: What all ice creams do you have..?

Server ( frowned ): Mam, ice cream is cold..

The girls looked at each other in confusion while hetal was pissed. Pregnancy hormones, never deny their wish, it can erupt a volcano inside them..

Hetal: Really..? I thought ice cream was hot..!!

The girls suppressed their laughter..Nandini turned to the server..

Nandini: We know ice cream is cold..

She turned to Eva who was sitting to the right of her..

Nandini: Eva, check what all ice creams they have..hetal Bhabi, hum dhoondthe hai flavors..

Malhotras were hearing them..

Abha ( grinned ): Arey lagtha hai aaj Bhabi-Nanandh day hai..

Maahi ( confused ): Bhabi-Nanadh day..?

Abha ( smiled ): Haa..that's something Chopras do..Every day of a week is Bhabi-Nanadh day. The Chopra Bhabis and their nanandh go for shopping, gaming and what not..It's their day to enjoy..Pehle Zaara Bua follow kar rahi thi aur uske baad Chiko ne follow kiya..You know, they being the only girl child of Chopra was so annoying for them..a sister is always a happiness..

Abha said it looking at Esha who grinned at her..sisters are really a blessing. While, Manik was lost in deep thoughts..

Manik ( thought ): She is completely a family woman. Had she been my wife, will she consider my family as her own like how she does with her family..?

Hetal: Nahi Bells..I will have Mango ice cream..

Eva, who was eating her food choked on it while Nandini's eyes could pop out any moment..Malhotras got confused seeing them shocked..

Iksha ( shocked ): Konse flavor..?

Hetal ( grinned ): Mango..( she turned to server ) I want mango ice cream..

Server: Mam, you are pregnant. SO, I was jsut concerned for you and baby..

Hetal was pissed again..Nandini came out of her shock zone and looked at server..

Nandini: Um, its fine..we will take care of it..thank you, anyway..get a cup of mango ice cream..

Server ( apologetically ): Sorry Mam, but we don't serve plain flavors..

" what " the ladies shouted in fear..except Hetal who was in the verge if breaking down..

Server ( got scared ): We serve only special ice creams..Fruit salad, Chocolate Sundae, Mixed flavor..Tiramisu..such things..

The ladies looked at each other with puppy faces and looked at Hetal who has already started shedding tears..Nandini immediately got up from her seat and went to Hetal and cupped her cheeks..

Nandini: Bhabi, please don't cry..please..at least for us..

Hetal ( hiccuped ): Mujhe..mango..ice cram khaana hai..

Eva: Bhabi, Tiramisu hai, aapki favorite..hum wo khayenge..kyu

Hetal ( cried more ): No..mujhe mango ice cream hi chahiye..

Eva face palmed..

Nandini: Acha acha..rona math..hum kuch karenge..huh..give me 5 minutes..please..

Hetal: Koi mujhse pyar hi nahi karthe..mujhe abhi chahiye..

Nandini ( wiped her tears ): Nahi Bhabi, aisa nahi hai..hum aapse bohath pyar karthe hai..mein aapko ice cream zaroor khilayenge..just gimme a minute

Nandini moved towards Eva..

Cabir: Arey yar, ice cream keliye kyu ro rahi hai wo..

Abha: Kyunki wo pregnant hai..Aur isse pregnancy tantrum kehthe hai..

Cabir: Navya, hume bache sirf dho sala ke baad chahiye..

Navya glared at him for telling such things in front of family while others giggled..

Nandini: Eva, check online for nearby ice cream shop in Phuket..

Eva nodded and started surfing while Nnaidni phoned someone..

Nanidni: This is Nandini Chopra..Is it Aanchals' paradise reception..

Receptionist: Yes Mam..

Nandini: get me a cup of Mango ice cream..

Receptionist: What..

Nandini ( sighed ): Look, I know it sounds weird. But I need it, right away..do something, if you can bring it within a minute then do it..

Receptionist: but Mam, a minute..?

Nandini: God, I don't know..do something..I have got a pregnant sister-in-law..

Receptionist: yes Mam..

She hung the call and turned to Eva..

Nandini: kuch mila..

Eva ( sadly ): Nahi yar..it will at least take 10 minutes..

They both turned to Hetal who was still sniffing..They prayed in heart for a Genie to appear with ice cream..

Right after 3 minutes of the call, there came a person with mango ice cream in his hand..he was sweating badly since he was running along with the receptionist..

Man: Mam, ice cream..

Nandini grabbed it and kept in front of Hetal, who smiled in tears and started eating which was a relief for others..Nandini and Eva thumped on their seats..

Nandini ( to the receptionist ): Here is the money..thank you so much..

Man: Mam, this much isn't needed..

Eva: No, it is needed. You came like a marathon runner. So, keep it..

They thanked them and went away..

Eva: Yaar, I am telling you..this pregnancy is so sickening..

Nandini ( wiped her forehead ): After seeing Hetal bhabi's condition, I don't feel like getting pregnant if I get married..

Someone just spat his drink after hearing it..

Cabir: Manik, why the hell are you spitting your drink now-a-days instead of drinking it..that too on me..

Malhotras' suspicious gaze fell on Manik while his mind was roaming on what Nandini said..

Manik ( whispered ): How will I have a son, then..??

To be continued..