I Need You To Be There.. For a little more than Always!!

Part 56:

As soon as the reception Party got over Nandini excused himself and walked upto Manik, Cabir and Aliya who were standing together.

Nandini: Guys.... The press is waiting!! I guess it's time for the press conference.

Aliya: Yeah... I also think we should go before its too late I m already too tired of all this dancing.

Manik: Ohk then... Lets go!! But where are Dhruv and Mukti?

Nandini: U guys go and freshen up if u want, till then I'll inform Dhruv and Mukti. I'll arrange the conference in the hall up on the second floor.

Manik: Ohk!!

Soon they all moved away and Nandini went to find Mukti standing and talking to Abhi. She found it odd for a second but then chucked it and went to them.

Nandini: Hey u guys here??

Abhi: Hi kiddo!!

Abhi said suddenly which definitely didn't seem normal to Nandini when Mukti said,

Mukti: Nandini... U seriously hv a weird friend!!

Saying so Mukti was about to walk away when Nandini stopped her and said,

Nandini: Mukti.. Freshen up a bit if u want, Press Conference in 10 minutes.

Mukti: Cool.. I'll see u...

As she went away Nandini turned back to Abhi and said,

Nandini: Stop flirting with her again and again Abhi!! She is very different than the other girls and I don't want either of u to get hurt!!

Abhi: Well... I would love to tell u that u r wrong.

Abhi said in a teasing way but Nandini knew that she had a lot of things to do than to listen to his crap and walked away giving him a U_can_never_change.

Soon she informed dhruv, who was with some of his cousins and then moved to arrange the confrence. A few minutes later, a number of news reporters were comfortably seated in a hall while there were 5 chairs placed on the stage. Just then Fab5 entered with Dhruliya ahead and the other three behind them in full attitude.

As they took their seats the reporters first started with a round of congratulations and wish u a happy lives. After which they started with the actual questions.

Reporter: Dhruv Sir, does this marriage mean any changes in the professional carrer of Fab5??

Dhruv laughed at it a bit and then replied straightly,

Dhruv: Nothing changes in Fab5. We all were together, are and will always be. Fab5 can neither leave Music nor each other!!

All the other four stayed confident at his words clearly showing their belief in each other while the reporters simply smiled and continued.

Reporter: In that case what is the next step on Fab5? Any new album coming up for the fans?

Manik: We can't state when exactly will the next Album be coming up as we hvn't signed any at present. But yes, Fab5 is planning an International Launch very soon...

Reporter: International Launch!! That definitely is huge... Any specific occasion?

Cabir: The International Music Concerts is gonna be our launch pad, which is going to be held in the next 10days or so.

Reporter: Congratulations for that to all of u. Coming back to something personal as this wedding tonight, Mr. Cabir Dhawan, u r dating Ms. Navya Naveli presently, so can ur fans expect the next member of Fab5 to ring the wedding bells any time sooner.

Cabir smiled at him and then said in his all time jolly mood,

Cabir: I guess I would hv to ask Navya first about her opinioun on this rather than just announcing to the press and then asking her!! U know, I ddefinitely don't want to be dumped on the day I propose her for marriage.

The entire area was filled with laugher at it when another reporter asked,

Reporter: Mr. Manik Malhotra... U had mentioned about one person who holds a very special place in ur heart, in one of ur previous business gatherings. Or so whom u called as ur Shining Star!! And since that time there has been many rumours about u hving a secret girlfriend!! What would u like to say about that??

As this question was asked Manik's eyes automatically darted to the farmost end behind the reporters where Nandini stood at a corner.

Manik: Shining Star.... Well yes I call her that, coz she is one to me. And as u said there are Rumours and I don't think me saying anything can stop those, nor that I care for any.

His answer made Nandini blush hard

Reporter: U hv been snapped before with some girl, whom the media can't recongnise. Is she the same special lady in ur life?

Manik: Well I guess if I hv been snapped with her then she must be!

Manik said in a very diplomatic way giving nothing off to them in his answers.

Reporter: So it would not be wrong for everyone to know that finally The Manik Malhotra is taken!

Manik: I don't really think that was a question. But still if r pointing it out then let me make it very clear yes The Manik Malhotra's heart is already "Taken", as u call it and it is taken up by my friends, my family and obviously Music.

Reporter: Any Honeymoon plan for u Mr. and Mrs. Vedant??

Aliya: Well we would definitely be planning something after the IMC's but I would rather like it to be just the two of us, and thus, I won't like anyone but my friends to know the whereabouts.

Dhruv: Ohk so I guess thats where we r going to end it for today. I thank everyone of u for ur blessings and also to coordinate with us all throughout the wedding festivities.

As soon as the conference got over they all called it a day and headed back home. Manan reached back to the Malhotra Mansion along with Dadi, when Nandini said,

Nandini: Dadi I think u should take rest now... It's been a long day!!

Dadi: Yeah dear... Good night.... Good night Manik!

Manik: Night Dadi....

With that Dadi went off to her room when manik saw nandini moving ahead behind her, he immediately grabed her wrist pulling her towards himself in a jerk.

Manik: Where do u think u r going?? I believe we still hv unfinished business left which was interrupted back there in the party.

And before Nandini knew she lost the ground beneath her as Manik pulled her up in his arms. Nandini giggled at him as he walked her up towards his room. Manik entered the room and made her stand down to see Nandini blushing hard.

Manik: Don't blush like that nandini... I know u r tired and I don't want to be unable to resist u.

Nandini blushed harder looking down when manik left her hand,

Manik: Go freshen up!!

With this Nandini moved back and walked into the washroom taking up one of her night dresses from his walk in closet. Obviously, her stuff was now divided into two parts half to keep in her room and half in his.

Soon they both were lying on the bed with Nandini's head on his chest.

Nandini: Back to real life from tmrw!!

Manik: I hate that!! Plus, we hv to start practising for the concert as well!!

Nandini: U all will rock it I know!!

Manik kissed her forehead as she said so and then whispered,

Manik: Well... Its definitely gonna be true if my Shining Star is with me...

Nandini stiffened at his words making Manik confused,

Manik: What happened??

Nandini: Umn... Manik!! I don't think I should be coming along with u guys for the trip.

Manik: What?? Why?? U hv always been with me for business tours.

Nandini: Manik... Those were business tours this is different, u won't need me there.... And someone has to look after office as well na.. We had missed out a lot due to the wedding too!!

Manik: But u always come with me....

Nandini: Yes... I do!! Coz that time I m ur assistant.

Manik: But what will u do here alone!!

Nandini: Mani.... There is so much pending work in office, and Dadi has also come back after so long..... I will spend some time with her.

Manik looked up at the ceiling clearly not happy with the arrangements, Nandini noticed his face and cupped his face as she kissed his cheek. As she whispered softly,

Nandini: Its just a matter of a week!!

Mani didn't say anything at this and simply pulled her closer as he dug his face deep in the crook of her neck. Nandini let him do whatever he wanted and caressed his hair.

Nandini: Good night Mani...

Nandini said sweetly again and received a slow kiss on her neck as a reply. She smiled at this cute adult baby in front of her. She knew he wouldn't take this thing well but what made her smile was that even though he was angry, he couldn't move away from her. She felt his breath calm, indicating that he had fallen asleep and she too went to sleep with a pleasant smile on her face.

-------------------------

The next morning, Manik was the one to wake up first due to the disturbing sun rays but the moment he opened up his eyes, an amazing smile reached his face.

Nandini was sleeping on his side, using his left arm as her pillow. Her hair flowing over the bed while a few strands were on her face disturbing his view. Manik used his other hand and moved those strands behind her ear before caressing her face. Watching a smile form on her face,

Nandini: Manik...

Nandini murmured in a childlike voice. Manik thought of her to be awake but then he heard her continue, as if she was ordering him.

Nandini: Manik... I want chocochip!!

He controlled his laughter and hugged her closer, letting her sleep for sometime more. A few minutes later he felt her move and saw her rubbing her eyes like a baby.

Manik: Good morning princess...

Nandini opened up her eyes and smiled slightly as she replied cutely,

Nandini: Good morning Manik....

She continued rubbing her eyes even after this, making it irresistible for him as he suddenly placed his lips over hers, taking her in for a deep kiss. Nandini was stunned by his sudden move but soon kissed him back in equal fervour.

They broke the kiss gasping for air, holding onto each other firmly.

Nandini: What was that??

Manik: Just the way to confirm that this adorably cute girl lying in my arms is actually Mine.!!!

Nandini blushed at his words, making him laugh again.

Nandini: Ohk now enough... Get ready, or we'll get late for work.

Saying so she got off the bed tying up her hair in a bun as she picked up her phone from the side.

Nandini: Manik... Get up now!!! We r already late, I m going down to my room to get ready u come downstairs fast.

With this she was out of the room and another hectic day at work was kicked off.

The days passed on in a blink, Fab5 were busy in practise along with a number of other stuff. Manik was continuously attending meetings, though Nandini was there by his side to make sure he doesn't overdo things. Dhruliya were busy into their newly married life. Cabir was also busy in work, taking up reports of all his hotels while Mukti was busy in something which was still unknown to all of them. Everything went on and on until it was finally time for Fab5 to leave to Paris.....

Fab5 along with Nandini and Navya were at the airport as they were about to board their jet at around 8 in the night.

Nandini: Manik this is the contact number for ur organiser there. If in case u have any problem call me.

Manik: Nandini... For the hundredth time.. Just Relax!!!

All the others smiled at her while Nandini took a breath.

Nandini : Ohk so guys... All the best!! Bye...

She hugged everyone wishing them individually and at last came up to Manik. She knew he was still not willing to go without her so she said softly,

Nandini : Bye Manik....

Manik: Thats it??? Just bye!! U had something or the other to say to everyone and for me just bye.

Nandini: Umn... yeah!! Bye...

Manik gave her a u_r_impossible look and held her hand as he pulled her away from everyone else. He heard one of Cabir's famous comments but chose to ignore them. Both of them reached a corner when Manik held her by her arms and pulling her close.

Manik: Hmn... So now wish me properly!!

Nandini looked up at him, straight into his eyes as if finding something in them. Manik was about to ask the same when she suddenly banged his chest wrapping her arms around him, as she hid her face over his heart. Manik smiled at her and hugged her back as tightly as possible, trying to feel her close enough to himself. He was lost into the hug when he heard her sniff, he immediately broke the hug and looked at her face to find tears in her eyes.

Manik: Hey.... what happened???

Nandini simply shook her head in a No and hugged him again.

Manik: Nandini!!!

Manik called her lovingly as ge caressed her hair.

Nandini: I will miss u!!

Manik: I will miss u too!! But why r u crying??

Nandini: I m not crying... These tears are just not stopping only.

She replied in a whine wiping off her tears on his shirt.

Manik smiled at her and made her look at him. Both of them looked deep into each others eyes showing all their love and care towards each other when nandini finally said,

Nandini : This is the first time in these 3.5 years, since I had joined this Job that i m going to be away from u for so long. Otherwise it was always a 1 or 2 day trip with Fab5 or I used to come along.....

Manik smiled at her realising how much they had argued over the same thing where she kept on explaining him to go alone and here, she herself was falling weak. He cupped her face and said,

Manik: Its just the matter of a few days.... And then I would be back here with u!!

Manik kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there for a little more than required when Nandini said,

Nandini: Come lets go!! Its time for u to leave.

Manik: And here comes my strong Nandu back....

Nandini: I know I don't need to be the strong one coz u r there to be strong for me when I fall weak. Right?

Manik nodded at her and soon they joined the others.

Mukti: And here comes our love birds.... Manik r u done or should we cancel the flight??

Manik glared at her and with this they all left leaving Navni.

Nandini reached back home and moved to her room but sleep was far far away from her eyes. And she knew the reason quite well... She tried for some time but then got up giving up her struggle. The entire night she spend working in her cabin while she heard his voice through all the Fab5 songs. It was 5 in the morning when Dadi entered her room.

Dadi: Nandu... Itni subah kya kr rhi h beta??

Nandini: Oo Dadi... Good mrng!! I was just not able to sleep so started working.

Dadi: Good mrng...

Nandini: U up so early?? Going for a walk?

Dadi: Yes... Wanna join me?

Nandini: Sure.... Just gimme two minutes, I hv to change.

Dadi: Its ohk dear, we r just gonna stay in the garden... Come lets go like this!!

Both of them moved out of her room and went to the garden. They to a walk for about an hour continuously while Nandini kept on asking her about Dubai, about Raj and Nyonika.

It was quite late when Nandini said,

Nandini: Ohk now lets go... U hv to take ur medicines and I hv to get ready for work.

They moved in and Dadi smiled at her as she gave her the medicines. Nandini was about to move back to her room when Dadi said,

Dadi: Showing at u miss each other doesn't make u weak, it shows ur love for each other. Don't hide ur feelings Nandu!!!

Nandini nodded at her and moved to her room to see a msg waiting for her on her phone,

"Just landed.... I know u asked me to call, but I didn't know u r up yet or not!! Will give u a call after we check in. Miss u!!"

Nandini smiled at his msg and remembered Dadi's words.

Nandini: Showing my feelings towards him can never make me feel weak Dadi!! Never....

Soon Nandini was ready for work and was collecting her files when her phone rang displaying his picture.

Nandini: Hello...

Manik: So impatiently waiting for my call??

Nandini smiled at his teasing tone and said,

Nandini: No... Not at all!! Who told u so??

Manik: No one... Just ur voice...

Nandini: Voice.... Ohh no no i was just in a bit of hurry, so was taking my stuff for office.

Manik: Hurry.... Why??

Nandini: Wo I went for a walk with Dadi this morning so I got late....

Manik: Walk?? At 5??

Nandini: Yeah...

Manik: Someone is missing me a lot I guess!!

Nandini: Not at all Mr. Malhotra!! No one is missing u...

Manik: Really??

Nandini: I don't knw all that.. All i know is that u r sounding too tired so go to sleep now....

Nandini said hurriedly as she moved out of her room.

Manik: Wait?? Did u hv ur breakfast?

Nandini: No I'll get something in the office...

Manik: Nandini....

Nandini: Mani... I m getting late!! U know na i hv a meeting... U don't worry about me I'll be fine...

Manik sighed knowing that she's too stubborn to listen to him when it comes to work. He had always been the one listening to her.

Nandini: Ohk now bye. U take care of urself!! And yes, take proper rest, don't practice without it.

Manik: Yes mam... As u say!!

Nandini: Ohk bye...

She said in a childish tone.

Manik: Bye!!

Manik smiled at her and was about to disconnect the call when he heard her again.

Nandini: Mani... Mani.... I miss u a lot!!

Manik: I know... Same here!! I love u...

Nandini: Ditto....

Manik laughed at her and soon she disconnected the call and rushed to office.

Well yes, being away from each other wasn't much pleasing or easy for both of them. But its said na, sometimes distance also teaches u the value of that someone special in ur life.

-----------------------

So guys that's it for today!! I hope it wasn't too boring, but i wasn't hving much time to spare..... Do comment ur views!!

-Navya