Sorry for the late guys... Wo now I have become a medical student na, to updates pehle jaise itne jyada regular nahin honge. But dont worry, I will try to write as regularly as possible.

Ok ok enough of my bak bak. Enjoy the update.

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Manan went out to the car. Manik held the car door for Nandini, a gesture that made her amused. She smiled and sat inside and Manik also sat inside on the driver's seat.

Nandini: Kya baat hai? Aaj itni khatirdari kyun ho rahi hai meri?

Manik: Kyunki aaj hamari pehli date hai. Aur tum mere liye bahut special ho. Isiliye special treatment to banta hai na.

Nandini smiled. Manik started the car and this was followed by a comfortable silence.

Nandini: Manik, ham kahan jaa rahe hai?

Manik: Surprise hai.

Nandini made an angry pout.

Manik: Ab aise pout mat karo. Warna I wont stop.

Nandini: (confused) Stop from what?

Manik:(smirking and looking straight at the road) Stopping myself from kissing those irresistible lips.

Nandini turned red. Are haan haan ab blush nahi karegi to kya karegi? Akhir Manik itna bold jo hogaya wo bhi pehli baar.

Manik: Ab itne mein hi blush karogi to baadmein kya hoga jab actually mein..

Nandini:(blushing harder) Shut up.

Manik burst out laughing seeing Nandini's state and finally even Nandu joined him. They sat in silence for some time when Nandu spoke

Nandu: Manik, tumhe nahin lagta hamare family mein ek love story bloom kar rahi hai?

Manik: Hamari na? Pata hai mujhe.

Nandu: Offo hamri nahin duffer.(Manik pouted) Ab dont pout ok. Tum ho hi duffer. Achha chhodo. Main wo MukBhi ke baare mein bol rahi thi.

Manik: Mukbhi? Ye Mukbhi koun hai?

Nandini: Dekha kaha tha na tum duffer ho. Are MukBhi matlab Mukti+Abhi.

Manik: Ohhh. Unka kya?

Nandini: Are mujhe na daal mein kuch kala lag raha hai. Jaroor un donon ke beech kuch na kuch to chal raha hai.

Manik became silent suddenly. Nandini noticed it but was confused at first about why he is upset. Then it striked her mind and she looked at Manik and said.

Nandu: Manik, kya hua?

Manik: Kuch nahin.

Nandu: Tum yahi soch rahe ho na ki Mukti ne iss baare mein tumhe kyun nahin bataya. Kya Abhi Mukti ke kiye sahi hai? Yahi soch rahe ho na tum?

Manik: (sighed) Hmm.

Nandu:(smiled)Pehli baat to ye ki I dont think they both are sure about it. And I am sure koi bhi decision lene se pehle Mukti Fab 4 ko zaroor batayegi.(Manik smiled ) Aur rahi baat Abhi ki, to uski to tum khud test le lena. Akhir bhai ho tum Mukti ke. Hak hai tumhe. (Manik smiled widely)

Manik: Achha? Aisa kya? Par tumhare bhaiyon ne to meri test nahin li thi.

Nandu:(smirking) Are you sure?

Manik:(confused) Huh?

Nandu: ( looking at the road and smirking) Mere bhaiyon ne tumhe mujhse milne dene se pehle tumhari saari kundli nikaal li thi. Tum kaise insaan ho, kya karte ho, mere liye achhe ho ya nahin, sab. Aur pata hai, Bhaiyu aur BB to iss rishte ke liye pehle raazi bhi nahin the.

Manik:(stunned) Kyun?

Nandu: Kyunki tum space mein apna Monster roop jo dikhate the sabko.

Manik: Par wo to bas..

Nandu: Pata hai mujhe. Tum real mein waise nahin ho. Aur ye baat Navu aur Veer bhai ne unhe samjhaya tab jaake wo ready hue tumse milne ke liye. Par phir bhi they had doubts. Par phir jab I gave the green signal, they left all their doubts and didnt even ask me to reconsider my decision although they were not fully convinced.

Manik: Kyun?

Nandu: Kyunki unhe pata hai ki main kisiko aise hi nahin apne paas ane ke liye allow karungi aur ek mauka dungi. When I said yes to BB aur Bhaiyu were relieved that you are right for me. Bhai is a kind of a bit liberal. Wo har decision se pehle ache se sochte hain. To he was ready to give you a chance as he knew you from CaVya's wedding and was convinced that you have changed. Aur rahi baat Abhi ki to tumhe pata nahin hai par tumhari har step pe Abhi ki nazar hai. Isiliye dhyan rakhna. My brothers can be dangerous also.

Manik was shocked to know this. He had never thought of it before and now when he knew it he could feel how much her brothers love her. He now knows that what Navya said that Nandini is their life, is true. He felt that he has priceless possession which he has to protect with love and care.

They were heading out of the city towards the countryside. Noticing this Nandini again asked,

Nandu: Manik ham kahan jaa rahe hain? Kuch to hint do.

Manik: Diya na hint ki yeh surprise hai. To bas. Jab khulna hoga to khulega.

Nandini: (irritated) Kya Manik. Batao na. Warna curiousity ke maare main mar jaungi.

Manik: Pehli baat to yeh ki marne ki baat phir kabhi mat karna. ( Nandini looked at him who was looking at her intensely)Aur doosri baat(he suddenly smiled extra sweetly) Enjoy the ride baby.

Nandini: (shocked and angry) Hmph! Dont baby me Malhotra.

She turned and sat looking out of the window with an angry pout. Manik looked at her and smiled. Oh how cute she looked! He just wanted to gobble her up.
They drove for more 5 mins and reached their destination. Manik looked at Nandini who was sitting grumpily. He smiled at her cuteness

Manik: Shona

Nandu: Mujhe nahi baat karni tumse.

Manik: Shona dekho to is taraf. Dekho ham pahunch gaye.

Nandu looked back through the corner of her eyes and through the window saw something that made her jump in happiness. She squealed and got off the car and ran towards it but stopped on the way and stood there looking at it.

Manik locked the car and came to her.

Manik: Kya hua Shona? Ruk kyun gayi?

Nandu: This is so beautiful! I so so sooooo love it! Kiska hai yeh?

Manik: Hamara.

Nandu: Hamara?

Manik: Haan yeh Malhotras ka beach house hai. Yeh jagah Dadu ne banwayi thi. Bachpan mein ham aksar yahan aya karte the. Par bade hone ke baad ham apne kaamon mein busy hogaye aur Dadu bhi nahi rahe. To yahan ana thoda kam hogaya. Aaj socha tumhe yeh jagah dikhadun. Beaches are your favourite na.

Nandu just jumped on him and hugged him shocking him.

Nandu: Thank thank thank you so so sooo much! This is the best date ever.

Manik: Are yeh to bas abhi to shuru hui hai. Andar nahin chalna?

Nandu nodded in excitement just like a child making Manik chuckle. They went in and Nandu was fascinated seeing the living room.

Nandu: Beautiful.

Manik: (smiling) Chalo tumhe kuch aur dikhata hun.

He took her upstairs and when Nandu entered the room she was mesmerized by the vieww.

Nandu:(in daze) Yeh tumhara kamra hai?

Manik: Nahin.(he went close to her and backhugging her wishpered in her ear making goosebumps rise in Nandu) Hamara kamra hai.

Saying this he rubbed his nose on her nape making her close her eyes feeling the proximity. He placed a soft kiss there making her moan softly. Hearing her moan he came out of his trance and realised their positions. He immediately backed away, turned Nandu and placed a kiss on her forehead making her smile.

Manik: Room pasand aya?

Nandu: Bahut zyada.

Manik smiled. They were looking out of the glass towards the sea when

Nandu: Manik

Manik: Hmm?

Nandu: (childishly) Bhook lagi hai.

Manik:(guiltily) I am so sorry Shona. Main bhul gaya. Chalo chalo lunch karte hain.

They went downstairs and Manik took Nandu to the lunch setup on the beach.
He pulled the chair for Nandu to sit who smiled at his gesture. He then sat and started serving them.

Nandini: Are Manik I will do that na.

Manik: Enjoy the service Shona. Feel special.

He served her all her favourites.

Kashmiri fried rice

Burhani raita

Schezwan paneer

Nandu: Oh my God Manik! Yeh sab to mere favourites hain. Tumhe kaise pata chala?

Manik:(smirking) I have my ways.(looking at the look on Nandu's face) Ok Ok Navya ne bataya. Waise your choices are nice.

Nandu: Always. Tabhi to tumhe chuna.

Manik:(smirking) Achha?

Nandu:(smiling cutely) Hmm. (Excited) Ab start kare? Bahut bhook lagi hai.

Manik nodded smilingly and Nandu took a spoon of rice and forwarded to Manik.

Manik: Are Shona tumhare liye hai. Tum khaona.

Nandu: Pehle main khilati hun phir khati hun. Meri aadat hai.

Manik smiled and ate it. He took a spoon and forwarded it to Nandu who smiled and had it and then closèd her eyes coz of the taste.

Nandu: Mmmm.. Delicious. Khane mein tumhe 10/10 deti hun.

Manik: (bowing his head) Thank you Madam.

They completed the food feeding each other and having some chit chat which mainly included Nandu telling Manik about some incidents happened with her at Uni and Manik listening to her amused. He was surprised to see this cute and carefree version of Nandu and was very happy that she was feeling comfortable and opening up to him.
After some time.

Nandu: Hmph! I am full.

Manik: Are yeh kya? Tumne to apna plate complete hi nahi kiya. Bas itna sa khaya hai. Ab jo plate mein bacha hai use koun khayega?

Nandu: Are wo mujhe kya pata? Maine to serve karte wakt hi kaha tha tumhe ki kam do. Par tumne meri baat nahi suni. Ab tum hi khao isse. Mera ho gaya.

Manik looked at her angrily to which she made a cute pout but Manik didnt budge. Helpless, she took the spoon and started eating grumpily making faces. Manik had a hard time controlling his smile. She completed the food and sat grumpily. Manik smiled and got up to get something. He came back to see his Shona still sitting there grumpy.

Manik: Shona

Nandu: Jao yahan se. Monster kahin ke. Mujhe nahin baat karni.

Manik: Achha? Thik hai phir. Main jaata hun aur yeh dessert rakh deta hun wapis.

Hearing dessert, Nandu looked at it through the corner of her eyes and smiled widely.

Nandu: Double chocolate sundae with strawberry! You are the best Manik!

She hugged Manik to which he chuckled.

Manik: Ab bhi gussa ho?

Nandu: No no. Bilkul nahin. Chalo chalo mujhe yeh khilao.

Manik chuckled at her cuteness and fed her one spoon. She then fed him one spoon. Then she kept the spoon down making Manik confused. But the next thing surprised him as Nandini took the bowl and started eating with her fingers, licking them and relishing the taste.
Manik was just staring at her open mouthed. She saw this and said in her all time attitude.

Nandu: Aise kya ghur rahe ho? Yeh mera style hai. The Nandini Murthy style.

Manik was highly amused but at the same time he was having a hard time controlling his desire to kiss her senselessly as she looked too cute to handle. He composed himself and started eating his dessert in the same manner. Finally they completed their lunch and saw the time. It was 3:00. They decide to watch some movie. Manik took her to his own private movie room and asked her select a movie.

They selected a romcom and started watching. Nandu was in her cuteness overloaded mood and Manik was just admiring her. He was sitting backhugging her and she was just snuggling into his warmth. At 5:00 when the movie ended they decided to go to the sea. Nandu was way too excited. She started running at the beach laughing and Manik was running behind her admiring her. Suddenly he started singing

Allah mujhe dard ke kaabil bana diya
Toofan ko hi kashti ka saahil bana diya
Bechainiyan samet ke saare jahaan ki
Jab kuchh na ban saka toh mera dil bana diya

Nandu stopped in her tracks listening to the soulful voice of Manik. The voice that she always wanted to hear. The voice with which she started her day and with which she ended it.

O saathi
Tere bina
Raahi ko raah
Dikhe na
O saathi
Tere bina
Saahil
Dhuaan dhuaan

Manik looked at Nandu intensely while singing these lines telling her through eyes that all this is true. He walked towards her and she was just standing there lost in his eyes which depicted more than what he said.

Ankhen moonde
Toh jaane kise dhoonde
Ki soya jaaye na
Ki soya jaaye na
Kisey dhoonde
Ye khwahishon ki boonde
Ki soya jaaye na
Ki soya jaaye na
Maano nindiyaa piroya jaaye na
Maano nindiyaa piroya jaaye na

He held her by her waist and sang looking into her eyes which once again showed her pain. But today there was something else in them. A content. A satisfaction. A peace. And Manik knew that this was only and only because of him.

Allah mujhe dard ke kaabil bana diya
Toofan ko hi kashti ka saahil bana diya
Bechainiyan samet ke saare jahaan ki
Jab kuchh na ban saka toh mera dil bana diya

Nandu was smiling widely knowing very well that whatever he sang was true only for her. She kept her head on Manik's chest feeling content. She knew that this man will never leave her.

O saathi
Tere bina
Raahi ko raah
Dikhe na
O saathi
Tere bina
Saahil
Dhuaan dhuaan

He ended the song and hugged her with a wide smile on his lips. He knew that this girl has become his life now. And without her truely he has no way and no destination. Woh hi uski Manzil hai aur woh hi uska rastaa.

She was feeling an unknown yet known peace in his arms and in all this she said something that shocked him to the core.

Nandu: I trust you Manik.

Manik was shocked. He could not believe what he heard. He broke the hug and looked at Nandu who was looking at him with a sweet smile.

Manik: Kya kaha tumne?

Nandu:(giggling) Tum pass ho gaye Mr Malhotra. Mera trust jeet gaye.

Manik: You sure?

Nandu: Never been surer.

Manik with teary eyes hugged her tightly. He was on the top of the world now.

Nandu: Tumpe mujhe apne aap se bhi jyada bharosa hai Manik. Yeh bharosa kabhi mat todna.

Manik:(breaking the hug and smiling) Kabhi nahin. Tumhara bharosa toda to khud jee nahin paunga. Mar ja....

Nandu put her hand on his lips cutting him off.

Nandu: Aaj tak apni zindagi mein bahut kuch khoya hai. Ab tumhe nahin kho sakti. Tumhe paake firse zinda hone ki aas mili hai. Wo chhin jaye to meri saansein ruk jayegi. Kabhi mujhse door mat jaana. Tum paas ho to har gham bhul jaungi. Par tum agar door chale gaye to usike gham se mar jaungi.

Manik was stunned by her intense words. He knew now that his path is fixed. That is beside Nandu always and his destination is eternity. He believed in forever and know he got his forever. His love. Yes. Love. He loved her. But he cant tell her like this. He will make it special for her.

After sometime they were sitting on the sand looking at the sea. Nandu was sitting between his legs and he was backhugging her. They were absorbing each other's warmth.

Nandu: Achha Manik, Navu keh rahi thi ki aaj kal tum Fab 5 bahut busy rehte ho. Koi nayi album hai?

Manik: Haan wo SN musics ke saath nayi album pe kaam kar rahe hain.

Nandu's smile vanished. She composed herself and asked.

Nandu:Mr Vivek Murthy ke saath?

Manik: Nahin. Woh unki beti hai na Soha, uske saath.

Ground slipped under Nandu's feet. All those memories flashed in her eyes.

"tumhari har khushi pe sirf mera hak hai. Aaj tak tunhari har khushi chhini hai tumse. Aaj bhi chhin lungi. "

"Manik sirf mera hai. Sirf mera."

A fear gripped her heart. She cant lose Manik.

Manik: Pata hai? Yeh jo album hai na hamara aaj tak ka sabse best hoga dekhna. Aur Soha, uska yeh first project hai. Isliye wo bhi bahut mehnat kar rahi hai. Pata hai itne hi dinon mein she has become a good friend of mine.

He sat smiling thinking of his new album which he is gonna make a surprise for Nandu. He was thinking about his plans about making it special for Nandu, unaware of what was happening with Nandu now. She was getting restless. Soha's words were ringing in her ears.

"Manik sirf mera hai. Sirf mera."

"Pata hai itne hi dinon mein she has become a good friend of mine."

She was finding it difficult to breath. No she cant lose Manik. No no no. She got more restless. She started sweating and desperately trying to breath. She was chocking. This alerted Manik and he panicked.

Manik: Nandu! Shona! Kya hua! Shona calm calm down.

He rubbed her back but nothing was happening. So he hugged her. He could feel her gripping his shirt tightly and trying to calm down. He started rubbing her back, caressing her hair and time to time pecking her head.

Manik: Shona Bacha calm down. Calm down baby. Dekho tumhara Manik is here na. Nothing will happen to you. Calm down Bacha.

Finally after sometime Nandini calmed down but still she was gripping him tightly.

Nandu: Tum mujhe kabhi chhodke to nahin jaoge na.

Manik was shocked to hear this. He composed himself and broke the hug. He could see tears still flowing from her eyes and this pained his heart. He wiped her tears and pecked her forehead to which she closed her eyes. He lingered his kiss for sometime on her forehead . Then he said ever so softly to her.

Manik: Shona. Ek baat kahun? (She nodded.) Tumhe pata hai tum mere liye kya ban chuki ho? Meri zindagi. Meri ruh. Mera sabkuch. Ab batao main apni zindagi ko chhod kar kabhi zinda reh sakta hun kya? (Nandu smiled slightly tears still flowing) (wiping her tears) Ek baat hamesha yaad rakhna, jab tak main iss duniya mein hun mera yeh dil sirf ek hi ladki ke kiye dhadakta hai. Aur tum achhe se jaanti ho wo ladki koun hai. (He placed her palm on his heart and she smiled widely) Nandini ke bina Manik nahin ho sakta. Samjhi?

Nandu smiled widely and nodded. They joined their foreheads and silently held each other's hand promising a bond for the lifetime. Suddenly Nandu broke the silence.

Nandu: Oh shit! Main to bhul gayi.

Manik: Kya?

Nandu: Ek minute.

She searched in her bag and took out a small box.

She forwarded it to Manik who took it.

Manik: Yeh kya hai Shona?

Nandu: Khol ke dekho?

Manik opened the box and found a key ring cum portable charger.

He read the words and looked at her. She shighed, looked at him and said

Nandu: Manik aisa bhi wakt ayega jab shayad main tut jaun aur tumse alag jaane ki koshish karun. Uss wakt please dont let me go. Hold on to me. Remember always ki aaj tak jab bhi main tuti hun isi awaz ne mujhe joda hai aur aage bhi yahi hoga. Karoge na itna mere liye.

Manik cupped her face and came close to her face. His breaths were fanning her face. She closed her eyes feeling the proximity. He lightly pecked her lips. He just placed his lips on hers and felt them. He immediately backed away and looked at her to see if she was uncomfortable. But he only saw a content smile on her face and he too smiled. He took out something from his pocket and gave it to Nandu. She looked confused and he geatured her to open it.

She opened it to find a beautiful bracelet. She smiled seeing it understanding it.

Manik: Tumhe is sign ka matlab pata hai?

Nandu: Forever.

Manik: Hmm. Yeh hamesha apne kalai par rakhna taki tumhe yaad rahe ki our bond is forever. Chahe kuchbhi hojaye I will never give up on you.

Nandu: (smiling and forwarding the bracelet to Manik) To phir tum khud hi pehnado.

Manik smiled and made her wear it. And thats when she realised that he too always wore a similar bracelet depicting that for him everything was forever.

They sat there for some more time and then decided to go back home. Manik drove Nandu to Murthy Mansion and went to Malhotra Mansion. Both were feeling content unaware of the storm that is gonna come in their life soon.

Phew! Kitna lamba hai nahin?

Ab I think that this is a compensation for being late.

Few words for Nandu's childishness.

Few words for Manan nok jhok.

Few words for Manan true confessions.

Manik's care?

And last but not the least Khana kaisa tha?

Ok guys I cant tell when will I be able to write next. But I promise it will be within a week. So please cooperate. And haan bahut saare votes aur comments dena.

Min 100 votes and 40 comments. Warna next update bhul jao. Yaa phir I will make my story private. Warning hai. Halka mat lena.

Ok see you
Bye