I Need You To Be There... For a little more than Always!!
Part 57:
Distance.... Is it really that painful??
What exactly makes us feel this distance.... The difference in btw the hearts makes it visible. Manan were away from each other, but it really didn't matter much to them. They did miss each other a lot but they weren't far away from each other. They made sure to talk to each other all throughout the day. Though the time difference made it difficult but still they managed. They would spend their day with a few calls and a few texts along with starting and ending the day with video calls.

Nandini was taking care of work, while Fab5 spent their day either in the concert or in practise. Manik made sure to talk to Nandini before stepping on the stage, as he didn't wish to start without her best wishes. And for Nandini this was just another way found by him to show her the love that he feels, it didn't matter to her if he called her in the middle of the night or while any important meeting, she made sure to pick up his calls and talk to him properly.

The rest of her days were filled in either by Dadi's company or with Abhi. This trip definitely gave Nandini the time to bond back with her best friend and Manik was glad by the happiness it gave her. He himself suggested her to spend the evenings with Abhi, so that she wouldn't get bored much.

The days passed and as Nandini had expected,
Fab5 were loved thoroughly, they rocked their performances and it was the talk around the country. Their popularity grew through the grounds spreading exponentially.

And the person who was the most happiest was Nandini. About 8 days had passed since Fab5 had went away and there were still 2 days to go. While the days for Nandini went on missing Manik, her nights were tougher when she kept on trying to sleep and failed everytime. She gave up every time and started working on something or the other.

Her face clearly showed the lack of sleep which she kept on covering up by some light make up. But this day was different..... The concert was now over and her happiness knew no bounds.

It was almost 3 in the night when Manik entered the house through the extra key that he had. He had got back two days earlier just to surprise her He walked slowly to Nandini's room, dumping his bags in the living room itself. He was too excited to meet her and knew she would be in deep sleep, so he entered slowly trying not to disturb her, only to find the room empty.

He looked around the room, checking the washroom as well but didn't find her there as well. He frowned at it, thinking where would she be and moved out of the room moving all around the house, checking Dadi's room, Nandini's office, the study but she was no where to be seen. Manik got worried about her and took out his phone to call her to find it switched off due to low battery. He rushed up towards his room, and immediately moved to the table to get the charger when his eyes fell over the bed to see the most beautiful sight in front of him.

Nandini was sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed with a smile on her face. He smiled to his broadest letting out a sigh and moved to the washroom to freshen up.

He freshened up and changed into his tracks and vest as he came back and lied down next to her. He moved closer towards her, wrapping his arm around her. Nandini moved at his touch, making him still thinking that she might wake up. But to his surprise she cuddled closer to him and rested her head on his chest.
It was then that Manik noticed her wearing one of his shirt along with her shorts making her looking extremely cute. Manik smiled at her and held her close to himself, feeling blissful after a week as sleep took over her.

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Nandini's pov:

I woke up the next morning after an amazingly peaceful night. Yesterday I was very happy knowing about his success and thus, I decided to come to his room to sleep. I took up one of his shirts which still had the essence of his cologne and wore it as I slept on his side of the bed. And finally after almost a week, I felt peace and in no time sleep took over me.

The annoying sound of my phone's alarm woke me up the next morning. I grabbed my phone and switched it off without even opening my eyes. After a few minutes, I moved finally deciding to hurry up before I get late for work when I felt a grip on my waist. I felt a warm embrace around me, making me open my eyes as I saw something which made my lips stretch into a perfect smile.

His cute sleepy face was trying to hide into my hair as I rested my head in his chest. It took me few minutes to realise that I wasn't dreaming and he was actually here by my side.

Pov ends..

Nandini got up in a sudden move making him to wake up too.
Manik: Nandini yr... What are u doing???

Nandini: You are actually here???
Nandini asked still in daze while Manik replied still in his sleep.

Manik: No.... I m just in ur head!!

Nandini looked down actually believing that he was just her hallucination and was about to get up when a hand pulled her back down making her fell right over Manik.

Manik: What about my morning dose??

Nandini: Huh!!

Manik smiled at her knowing that she is still confused as he pulled her down towards himself and suddenly took he lips for a kiss. Nandini was stunned by his sudden but stayed still until she realised that this was actually the reality. Her hands moved up to his hair as Nandini kissed him back with all her might.

Manik smiled in between the kiss pulling her closer to himself, leaving no space between them. Both of them kept on kissing each other for about 10 minutes after which Manik broke the kiss.

Nandini: U r back.. U r back... U r back!!

Nandini said excitedly, catching her breath as she hugged him tight. Manik laughed at her excitement keeping her close to himself. As soon as she broke the hug, Nandini sat up over his stomach with her legs on either sides.

Nandini: But when did u come?? And how?? Weren't u coming after 2 days?? Why didn't u wake me up?? U didn't even call me last night!! I was so happy after watching ur press conference. I wanted to talk to u!! What was all those things about the final -

Manik: Sh shh shh.... Relax!! At least let me answer any of ur questions...

Nandini smiled at him as he held her hands and kissed them,
Manik: We left paris right after the conference thats why I couldn't call u. I came back home late in the middle of the night and u were looking too cute while sleeping so I didn't wish to disturb u!!! And along with cute, u were looking damn hot, wearing my shirt, so I didn't​ want to wake u up and give away my pleasure of watching u sleep!!

Nandini blushed at it and hugged him again, lying fully over him.

Nandini: I missed u!!

Manik: I toh didn't miss u at all... U knw there were quite a lot hot girls throwing themselves over me.
Manik said in a teasing way at which Nandini smiled even broader.

Nandini: Yeah the hot girls who saw u as The Great Monster Manik Malhotra..... They only see whats on this face... I know who My Manik is!!

Manik: "My Manik...." Wow, someone is being possessive.

Nandini: Possessive about everything thats mine. I don't think anything is wrong here...

Saying so Nandini got off him and left the bed.

Nandini: Now u sleep, u must be tired of all the travelling.... I m getting late for office.

Manik: No... U r not!! Coz today u r not going to office...

Nandini: And why is that?

Manik: That is bcoz ur lovely boyfriend is back after almost a week and thus, u r going to spend some quality time with him today!!

Nandini: Manik..... I hv arranged a meeting with the Arora's today!! We hv to discuss the clauses today before the final meeting that u hv next week.

Manik: Nandini, leave it na!! Do it some other day....

Nandini: Ohk let's do one thing... I'll finish off this meeting and get back home asap!!! Till then u also get some rest.

Manik made a grumpy face at it while Nandini smiled and left for the washroom.

Soon she got ready into her formals and came out of the room to find Manik lying on the bed wide awake busy in his phone.

Nandini: What r u doing??

Manik: Nothing... Thinking to deactivate my SNS account!!

Nandini: And why is that?? Just bcoz ur fans are showering u with all the love.

Manik: U know I was really confused about this whole thing, but I guess u were right.... We were actually ready for this International Launch!!

Nandini: Yeah... I saw the reviews!!

Manik: Nandini.... How come u hv so much idea about this field?? I mean u hv done ur studies in MBA, but still ur ideas in Marketing, Advertising, and Timing are always right. U really seem to know this field well!!!

Nandini stopped getting ready and walked closer to him as she sat next to him.

Nandini: Manik... Its all bcoz of proper observation and I did study a bit about all these online when u allotted me with the work.

Manik: Well then I guess u r really too good.

Nandini: Ohh.. So till now u were hving doubts!!
Nandini said dramatically. Manik made a serious face at her and then burst out laughing.

Manik: Nandini.... No matter how much u try, u hv to agree I know u well!! U r not like all those girls who would pick up on my random words and take it on their heart.

Nandini made a bad face on his works and got up to get ready again.
Nandini: I Hate You!!

Manik: I love u too....
Manik said with a smile as he picked up his phone again.
Soon both of them moved down together, as Manik wanted to surprise Dadi. They moved down to see her sitting in the living room with some magazine. She heard the sound of Nandini's heals and said without turning around.

Dadi: Nandu.... R u fine my dear, u seem to be late this morning. Vese to daily, u get ready before tym.

Nandini smiled at her concern and said,
Nandini: Dadi now what can I do when I see a Monster on my bed just as I wake up.

Dadi immediately turned around to her words while Manik picked her up in his arms and twirled her around.

Dadi: Manik.... Put me down!! Down...

Dadi shouted in a panicked tone while Manik laughed.

Manik made her stand properly and smiled broadly.
Dadi: U seriously r a Monster!!

Manik: I missed u Dadi....

Dadi: Yeah yeah.... I know how much u missed me. Nandu se din me 10 bar baat karta tha aur mujhse sirf ek baar.

Manik: Well... Here I m not at fault. Dadi u hv no idea how much demanding these girlfriends are!!

Nandini: Haww... Demanding!!

Manik: Yes...

Nandini: Ohk then u carry on coz ur demanding girlfriend is now getting late for a meeting. Bye!!
Nandini said with a glare and turned around to walk away.

Manik: Arey Nandu....

Nandini: I don't want to talk to u... Enjoy ur tym without ur demanding girlfriend!!

Nandini said without turning back and left the house. When they heard her shout,
Nandini: Dadi... Medicines!!!

And the next minute they heard the car getting into life and leave.

Dadi: Now how is the Monster going to carry on with the manofying.

Manik: Dadi... I know ur Nandu too well!! She was getting late for the meeting and was looking for some way to skip breakfast. All this drama gave her that chance. By the time she'll get back na, she won't even remember this conversation.

Dadi laughed at him and twisted his ear.
Dadi: U really take my daughter for granted...

Manik just wriggled in fake pain and then hugged her. Soon the duo was in the balcony spending some lone tym to carry up with all these days.

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Two hours later Nandini entered Dadi's room to witness an amazing seen. Manik was sleeping with his head on Dadi's lap as her fingers were in his hair while Dadi had her head rested on the bed rest while she too slept. Nandini smiled at them and silently clicked their picture. She moved towards Dadi and patted on her shoulder slowly to wake her up.

Dadi: Arey Nandu...
Dadi said looking at her. When Nandini whispered.

Nandini: U will get some back pain like this. Let him sleep here, u use my room till then.

Dadi nodded at her while Nandini slowly picked up Manik's head while Dadi arranged a pillow for them after which the ladies left the room before which Nandini dropped a kiss over Manik's head.

Once they were out of the room Nandini said,
Nandini: Dadi... U go and take a nap for sometime. I will finish some work till he wakes up!!

Dadi: Ohk my child...

Later that evening Nandini was standing in the kitchen making coffee for herself and Manik when she felt two arms wrapped around her waist and a chin on her shoulder.

Nandini: Mani... The staff is here...
Nandini whispered trying to move away.

Manik: Excuse ppl.... Plz leave us alone for sometime!!
Manik said loudly and both the cooks moved out immediately.

Nandini gave him a stern glare when he asked,
Manik: I hope u r making it for me as well!!

Nandini: Yes I m... Did U have proper rest??

Manik: Hmn... By the way, where is Dadi?

Nandini: She is sleeping in my room...

Soon the two of them moved moved of the kitchen and went to Manik's room as they settled down in the balcony.

Manik pulled Nandini over his lap who readily gave in and they sipped their coffee together.
He told her all that happened in paris, all the incidents, how they teased dhruliya throughout the trip. It was almost 6 when Manik said.

Manik: Nandini... Get ready!!

Nandini: Why??

Manik: Coz we r going out...

Nandini: Out... As in??

Manik: Nothing in specific... Just a casual romantic dinner date.

Nandini: Dinner date... Impressive Mr. Malhotra!!

Manik: Get ready in an hour.... I'll wait for u!!
Nandini smiled at him and kissed his cheek as she got up.

Nandini moved back to her room to find a gift box kept on the bed. She smiled knowing the source and opened it up to find an amazing dress along with a beautiful bracelet and a pair of earrings. She picked up her phone and typed a msg for him,

Nandini: Ur way of showing ur love is different and no matter how much I want to return these to u, I knw these carry ur feelings.... I love them all!!

Soon she started getting ready and moved out of her room exactly an hour later to find Manik standing there in the living room looking like a greek god model out of a magazine, looking dapper in his grey t-shirt and black jacket.

Nandini: Someone's looking hot!!
Nandini said to get his attention.

Manik turned towards her and gasped at her milky white skin glowing through the dark dress. She looked like someone from his dreams. Nandini blushed looking at his face as he stared at her and walked towards him.

Manik: I can spend my entire life looking at u!!

Nandini: Maybe u can... But I really wanna see what kind of a date u hv organised for me.

Manik: Come...
Manik said forwarding his hand forward towards her. When Nandini stepped back,

Nandini: U go.... I'll just check if Dadi had her medicines or not and then join u in the car.

Manik smiled at her concern and nodded after which he went away. Nandini joined him exactly in five minutes and they both headed towards their day.

Manik was about to start the car when nandini's phone rang. She picked it up and greeted abhi.

Nandini: Hi abhi!!

Abhi: I m coming to pick u up in 30 mins.

Nandini: Umn... Ohh shit!! I m so sorry abhi... I forgot!!

Abhi: What do u mean??

Nandini: Actually Manik is back. We were just heading out for dinner.

Abhi: Ohh... So now that Mr. Malhotra is back, I again won't be able to see u.

Nandini: Shut up abhi!! Achcha listen, now we hv to leave. I'll call u back later okay.

Abhi: Sure... Enjoy ur day kiddo!!

Nandini: Thanks..
Nandini disconnected the call and said looking at Manik.

Nandini: I promised dinner to Abhi tonight!!

Manik: I m glad he gave u a good company all throughout. Since Navya too was out of station.

Nandini: Yeah...

Manik: So now shall we??

Nandini: Of course...
Nandini smiled as Manik entwined his fingers with hers and started the car.
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Hey guys.... So how was the part??
Hope u all liked it!! The big date coming up in next part and yes, there is a Twist coming up ur way....

Guess what it is??
Well keep on guessing!!
-Navya!!Navya_Mishra